# Nityānanda Trayodaśī > Appearance of Lord Nityānanda Prabhu **Observed:** Trayodaśī (13th day) of the waxing moon in Māgha (January-February) --- ## Significance Lord Nityānanda Prabhu appeared in Ekacakra, West Bengal, as the son of Hāḍāi Paṇḍita and Padmāvatī. He is the original spiritual master and the first expansion of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Nityānanda Prabhu is non-different from Lord Balarāma, the first expansion of the Supreme Lord. He distributed the holy name of Kṛṣṇa throughout Bengal without discrimination, approaching even the most fallen souls. --- ## The Most Merciful > If one is a sincere student of Lord Caitanya's teachings, then Lord Nityānanda will bestow His mercy upon that person, and by His mercy one will become fixed in devotional service. > > — [[cc/adi/5/203|Cc. Ādi 5.203]] Purport Nityānanda Prabhu is especially renowned for delivering the brothers Jagāi and Mādhāi, who were notorious drunkards and criminals. Despite being struck by Mādhāi, Lord Nityānanda showed compassion and delivered them both. --- ## Observance - **Fasting:** Until noon (some fast until evening) - **Feast:** Sumptuous prasādam after breaking fast - **Readings:** Pastimes from Caitanya-caritāmṛta and Caitanya-bhāgavata - **Kīrtana:** Special worship of Lord Nityānanda --- ## From the Scriptures > The mercy of Lord Nityānanda is the cause of all good fortune. It is by His mercy alone that one can approach Lord Caitanya. > > — Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura --- ## Related - [[cc/adi/5|Cc. Ādi Chapter 5]] — The Glories of Lord Nityānanda Balarāma - [[wiki/events/gaura-purnima|Gaura-pūrṇimā]] - [[wiki/articles/nityananda|Lord Nityānanda]] --- *See [[wiki/events/events|Vaiṣṇava Calendar]] for this year's date.*