The contribution made by Nitai and Nimai is very significant in the development of the 'Bhakti movement' during the medieval history of India. They are famous not only in Bengal, their native state, but in the whole of India. He was so filled up with devotion and its results acted in such a way that people considered him as mad.

Nityananda was born in the village of Ekchaakaa which came under the janpad of Veerbhoomi in the province of Bengal in shaka 1395, in the month of Maagha. His father Harai Pandit and his mother Padmavati were extremely religious.

Once in her dreams, Padmavati saw a divine person, who said that she would give birth to a son who would liberate the sinners and show the path of devotion to countless number of men and women. Her dreams came true and Nityananda was born.

Right from his childhood, Nityananda showed the signs of divine personality. While imitating the divine acts of lord Krishna he became immersed in Lord Krishna's thoughts. He loved to be alone and free from the worries of the world.

One day, a sage came to his house. He was so impressed by his talents and his nature that he took away with him.; Nityananda never in his life returned back to his home. He started going on pilgrimages. After visiting Ayodhya and Hastinapur, he arrived at Brajdham. There, he met Madhvendrapuri. After arriving at Brajdham, Nityananda wandered like a mad person in search of Lord Krishna. He used to eat whatever people used to offer him.

One day, sage Ishwarpuri said to him : " Thakur! Why are you searching for Krishna here in Brajdham, your Krishna has already taken birth at Nawadweep(Bengal) in the house of 'Sachi'.

Nityananda arrived at Nawadweep and started living in the house of Nandanacharya. Nimai, who later on became famous as Chaitanya along with his disciples met Nityananda for the first time.

Chaitanya's emotions went out of control when he saw Nityananda who was wearing 'Kundal'(earrings) in his ears and a pitamber was gracefully put across his shoulders whose long hands were touching the knees. Chaitanya then offered salutations to Nityananda by touching his feet. Nityananda embraced him and both of them remained in this position for a long time and tears rolling out from their eyes. Then Chaitanya said : " The time has arrived for the flowing of the 'Bhagirath' of devotion."

Both Nityananda and Chaitanya mesmerized the people of Nawadweep by their exceptional devotion. Sachi considered Nityananda as her elder son.

Following Chaitanya's advice, Nityananda started propagating the name of Hari in and around Nawadweep. He liberated 'Jagai-Madhai', two dreadful sinners from their sins. Nityananda asked both Jagai and Madhai to chant the holy name of Lord Krishna. Both of them were under the influence of alcohol. Becoming furious with Nityananda, Madhai hit his head with a vessel filled with water, as a result of which blood started coming out of Nityananda's head. Jagai became very angry with his brother's conduct and he scolded him for his actions. Nityananda became very pleased with Jagai's gentlemanly behaviour and embraced him. Madhai too felt sorry for his conduct. He requested to be pardoned and both the brothers became the disciples of Nityananda and thus got liberated from their sins.

From Nawadweep, Nityananda arrived at Puri. Later on, following the order of Chaitanya, he went to 'Gaura' to propagate the name of 'Hari'. He entered into a householder's life following the advice of Chaitanya. He married the daughters of Suryadas of Ambika Nagar whose names were Vasudha and Jhanavi. He had a son named Veerchandra. During the last phase of his life, he started living at the bank of 'Bhagvati-Ganga' at 'Khardaha'. One day, while chanting the holy name of Lord Krishna, he left his mortal body and departed for heavenly abode.