The chanting of the holy name is the highest form of spiritual practice: Srila Sanatana Gosvami has praised the chanting of the holy name as follows in his Brhad−bhagavatamrta (Chapter One, verse 9):
jayati jayati namananda−rupam murarer
viramita −nija−dharma−dhyana−pujadi−yatnam
katham api sakrd attam mukti−dam praninam yat
paramam amrtam ekam jivanam bhusanam me
"All glories, all glories to the all−blissful holy name of Sri Krsna, which causes the devotee to give up all conventional religious duties, meditation and worship. When somehow or other uttered even once by a living entity, the holy name awards him liberation. The holy name of Krsna is the highest nectar. It is my very life and my only treasure."Sri Caitanya−caritamrta Antya−lila 4.71 Congregational chanting of the holy name fulfills the highest religious purpose in this age: [Karabhajana Muni to King Nimi]:
"In the age of Kali, intelligent persons perform congregational chanting to worship the incarnation of Godhead who constantly sings the name of Krsna. Although His complexion is not blackish, He is Krsna Himself. He is accompanied by His associates, servants, weapons and confidential companions."
Srila Jiva Gosvami cites a verse from the Vedic literature which says that there is no necessity of performing sacrificial demonstrations or ceremonial functions. He comments that instead of engaging in such external, pompous exhibitions, all people, regardless of caste, color or creed, can assemble together and chant Hare Krsna to worship Lord Caitanya. Krsna−varnam tvisakrsnam [SB 11.5.32] indicates that prominence should be given to the name of Krsna. Lord Caitanya taught Krsna consciousness and chanted the name of Krsna. Therefore, to worship Lord Caitanya, everyone should together chant the maha−mantra−Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. To propagate worship in churches, temples or mosques is not possible, because people have lost interest in that. But anywhere and everywhere, people can chant Hare Krsna. Thus worshiping Lord Caitanya, they can perform the highest activity and fulfill the highest religious purpose of satisfying the Supreme Lord.
¯Sri Caitanya−caritamrta Adi 3.52