Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura had resuscitated Gaudiya Vaisnavism from a three-century gloom, during which it had come to be practiced largely in a superficial manner, much removed from the veridical process grounded in sumptuary regulations, and had been so severely misrepresented by rogues and charlatans that most educated and discerning persons wanted nothing to do with it. Nearly all who deemed themselves Vaisnavas were followers of diverse apa-sampradayas, whose butchering of Lord Caitanya’s teachings functioned on exploitation of misplaced sentiments. The severely corrupted forms of Vaisnavism gave a cloak of religious piety to various forms of sexual perversity that otherwise could not have prospered in the social clime of that era. Thus in popular parlance the designation “Vaisnava” had come to denote ignorance and dissoluteness. The remaining few genuine devotees were either reclusive babajis or householders, who shunned bad association and did not attempt to reform others.
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura was different. He not only recognized the superlative value of real Gaudiya Vaisnavism, but uncovered, rejuvenated, propagated, and defended the authentic teachings and practices of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Several other educated and religiously committed Hindus of his generation were inspired by the new intercourse with the West to counter-proselytize, and some Gaudiyas opined that the fulfilment of Lord Caitanya’s prophecy of global sankirtana was nigh, but Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura took up the practical task of scrutinizing the theories of occidental thinkers in the light of Gaudiya theology, thereby presenting Mahaprabhu’s message in a radically new and apposite context. He longed for and foresaw events that others might have considered fanciful dreams:
"The dharma preached by Caitanya Mahaprabhu is universal and not exclusive.… The principle of kirtana as the future church of the world invites all classes of men, without distinction of caste or clan, to the highest cultivation of the spirit. This church, it appears, will spread worldwide and replace all sectarian churches, which exclude outsiders from the precincts of the mosque, church, or temple.
Lord Caitanya did not advent Himself to liberate only a few men in India. Rather, His main objective was to emancipate all living entities of all countries throughout the entire universe and to propagate the eternal dharma. Lord Caitanya states in Sri Caitanya-bhagavata, “In every town, country, and village my name will be sung.” There is no doubt that this unquestionable order will come to pass.… Although there is still no pure society of Vaisnavas, Lord Caitanya’s prophetic words will in a few days come true, I am sure. Why not? Nothing is absolutely pure in the beginning. From imperfection, purity will come about.
Very soon the unparalleled path of harinama-sankirtana will be propagated all over the planet.… O for that day when the fortunate English, French, Russian, Prussian, and American people will take up banners, mrdangas, and karatalas and perform kirtana through their streets and towns! When will that day come? O for the day when the Western fair-skinned men, from one side, while chanting “Jaya Sacinandana ki jaya!”, will extend their arms and, embracing the devotees of our country coming from another side, treat us with brotherly feelings. When will that day be? On such a day they will say, “Our dear Aryan brothers, we have taken shelter at the lotus
feet of Lord Caitanya, who is the ocean of transcendental love. Kindly embrace us.”
When will that day come? That day will witness the holy transcendental Vaisnava-prema to be the only dharma, and like rivers meeting the ocean, all narrow creeds will mix with the unlimited Vaisnava-dharma. When will that day come?"
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s promotion of the pure, original teachings of Lord Caitanya had made some headway in bringing his predictions closer to fruition. Still, his longing for East and West to unite in Krsna-bhakti might have seemed merely quixotic. Then one night in a dream Lord Jagannatha told Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, “I didn’t bring you to Puri to execute legal matters, but to establish Vaisnava-siddhanta.” Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura responded, “Your teachings have been significantly depreciated, and I lack the power to restore them. Much of my life has passed and I am otherwise engaged, so please send somebody from Your personal staff so that I can start this movement.” Lord Jagannatha directed him to pray to the deity of Bimala-devi. In this way, just as Caitanya Mahaprabhu had appeared in response to the call of Sri Advaita Prabhu, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati was sent by Lord Caitanya to fulfil the prayers of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. Even before Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati’s advent, his great-grandfather had predicted from his deathbed that an extraordinary sadhu would take birth in Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s house.
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