One day during a religious discussion one puffed brahmana approached Haridasa Thakura and remarked, "O Haridasa! Why do you chant the holy name loudly? In the scriptures it is recommended to chant within the mind." In reply Haridasa Thakura told him, "The birds, beasts and insects cannot chant themselves, but if they get to hear Hari Nama then they also become delivered. If one chants only to himself then he delivers only himself, but if one chants loudly, the benefit is a hundred times greater. This is the conclusion of the scriptures." [C. B. Adi 16.180]
Tuesday 18 March 2014
Monday 17 March 2014
What is the significance of lighting a bonfire on the festival of Holi ?
In traditional Vedic culture, festivals served a purpose that has been almost forgotten nowadays. They were primarily meant to bring humanity closer to divinity; they served as occasions for people to put aside their worldly preoccupations and focus on the Lord and His glorious deeds, as connected with the specific days of the festivals. Without knowing this spiritual purpose, people nowadays seek only material fun through festivals and miss the internal enrichment.
The festival of Holi, celebrated on the last day of the bright fortnight of the month of Phalgun, offers an excellent opportunity to regain what we have missed for long.
Let’s now come to the bonfire.
The history of the bonfire dates back to millennia, when the demon king Hiranyakashipu ruled and terrorized the universe and considered God, Vishnu, and His devotees to be his arch enemy. When the demon saw that his own son, Prahlada, had become a devotee of Vishnu, he became enraged and decided to kill Prahlada. But Lord Vishnu protected Prahlada during all the assassination attempts. In despair,
Hiranyakashipu ordered his sister, Holika, who had been blessed with immunity from fire, to take Prahlada into fire and burn him to death. She complied, but to the dismay of the demon, Prahlada came out of the fire, unscathed, being protected by Lord Vishnu, whereas Holika was reduced to ashes. Why? Because she had been given that blessing by Brahma with the condition that it shouldn’t be used to cause harm to others. This burning of Holika is commemorated by the bonfire and by the name ‘Holi’.
The significance of this historical narrative is immense. Prahlada signifies our godly, serving, selfless nature; Holika, the ungodly, exploitative, selfish tendency that covers our original nature. When gold is placed in fire, the impurities melt away and the purified gold emerges, shining brighter. Similarly, the purifying Holi bonfire signifies the burning away of our superficial, lower tendency and the re-emergence of our essential, higher nature. When our pure nature re-emerges, we realize our identity as spiritual beings, as souls, who are sac-cid-ananda, eternal, enlightened and ecstatic. Realizing our identity as the beloved children of the infallible Lord, we become free from fear and full of joy.
Prahlada emerged triumphant from the fire by dint of his unflinching devotion to the Lord. Similarly, we will emerge successful through all the fire-like trials and tribulations of life by developing unflinching devotion. Just as Prahlada developed devotion from his devotee-guru Narada Muni, we too can develop devotion by learning chanting of God’s holy names from a contemporary devotee-guru.
With this devotional training, when we light the Holi bonfire, then the sacred fire will illuminate us not just externally, but also internally.
Friday 14 March 2014
When was Bhagavatam written by Vyasadeva?
From Bhagavata Mahatmya, Padma Purana, Uttara Khanda:
Saunaka asked, "O Suta Gosvami, when did Sukadeva recite the Bhagavatam to Pariksita, Gokarna to Dhundhukari, and the Kumaras to Narada Muni?"
Suta Gosvami replied, "About thirty years after Lord Krsna's departure to His abode, on the ninth day of the bright fortnight in the month of Bhadra, Sukadeva recited Bhagavatam to Pariksit. Two hundred years later in the month of Asadha, on the ninth day of the bright fortnight Gokarna recited Bhagavatam to Dhundhukari. Thirty years later, in the month of Karttika on the ninth day of the bright fortnight, the Kumaras recited it to Narada Muni."
SUMMARY
February 18, 3102 BCE (around): Krsna's disappearance, beginning of Kali Yuga (Thus Krsna was present for around 125+48 = 173 years)
30 years after i.e 3072 BC: Sukadeva Goswami speaks Bhadra Navami Bhagavatam to Maharaj Pariksit
200 years later i.e. 2872 BCE: Gokarna recited Bhagavatam to Dhundhukari on Asadha Navami
30 years later i.e. 2842 BCE: Kumaras recited to Narada Muni on Karttika Navami
Around 2000 BC: Suta Goswami recited to the sages at Naimisaranya (long after the battle of Kuruksetra)
[Jan: Suta Gosvami retold SB to sages in Naimisaranya at the end of yajna lasting for 1 000 years (SB 1.1.4) which started after the end of Kali yuga (SB 1.1.21, exact date not found in SB but as per SB 1.17.43-44p. after the death of Maharaja Pariksit, exact date again not in SB). Puranic Encyclopedia, entries Bharata II., Janamejaya I. and Pariksit I., say that Janamejaya became king in 3042 BCE (i.e. after the death of his father, Maharaja Pariksit). Thus the date of SB's retelling in Naimisaranya would be 2042 BCE.]
[Jan: Suta Gosvami retold SB to sages in Naimisaranya at the end of yajna lasting for 1 000 years (SB 1.1.4) which started after the end of Kali yuga (SB 1.1.21, exact date not found in SB but as per SB 1.17.43-44p. after the death of Maharaja Pariksit, exact date again not in SB). Puranic Encyclopedia, entries Bharata II., Janamejaya I. and Pariksit I., say that Janamejaya became king in 3042 BCE (i.e. after the death of his father, Maharaja Pariksit). Thus the date of SB's retelling in Naimisaranya would be 2042 BCE.]
after 1000 BCE: Compiling of Mahabharata
500 BCE: Compiling of Ramayana
before 900 CE: Vyasadeva completed writing the 12 Canto of the Bhagavatam
The last three dates have been picked up from the Introduction of Sri Krsna-samhita by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. He gives the date of the writing of the Srimad Bhagavatam as being around 900 AD in the opinion of modern scholars and goes on to give very foolproof evidences regarding this which the modern scholars give. Though Bhaktivinoda Thakura himself put a lot of effort into writing this Intro., he leaves it upto the reader to accept it or not.
And he writes while trying to figure out a date of compiling of the Bhagavatam as per the modern scholars:
"Now we will consider the modern scholars view on the date of the appearance of Srimad Bhagavatam, the jewel of all scriptures. Not understanding our statements, third-grade people may lose all faith and consider it a recent work. Therefore they should read this section..."
Instead of blaming ...............
It is now the order of the day that there is no job satisfaction
anywhere. A person employed in office always feels that he deserves a
better position, better remuneration, better employer relationship,
more satisfactory job, so on and so forth. That is why change of jobs
is so rampant and we can hardly find anybody working in the same place
for a long time. A house wife has her own complaints and she feels
that she deserves a better deal and there is no satisfaction within
her. Every one of us feel that we are in situations and we are with
people who hardly understand us. And we all mentally concoct that we
are devotees and we feel that if the situation had been better, we
will be pure devotees and there are so many constraints in the present
situation. All my ideas were completely shattered when I went through
Srimad Bhagavatam Sixth Canto, Chapter 3. In this chapter regarding
the episode of the deliverance of Ajamila, the Yamadutas, after having
been baffled and disappointed in their attempt to take away a man they
considered sinful, went back to their master Yamaraja and explained
their encounter with the Vishnudutas and said that as soon as the
sinful Ajamila uttered the name Narayana, these four beautiful men
immediately arrived and asked him not to fear and they said that they
wished to know about them. In Srimad Bhagavatham 6.3.11
sri baadaraayanir uvaaca
iti devah sa aaprshtah / prajaa-samyamano yamah
preetah sva-dutaan pratyaaha / smaran paadaambujam hareh
Sri Sukadeva Gosvami said, "Thus having been questioned, Lord
Yamaraja, the supreme controller of the living entities, was very
pleased with his order carriers because of hearing from them the holy
name of Narayana. He remembered the lotus feet of the Lord and began
to reply."
Srila Prabhuada writes in his brilliant purport, "Srila Yamaraja, the
supreme controller of the living entities in terms of their pious and
impious activities, was very pleased with his servants because they
had chanted the holy name of Narayana in his dominion. Yamaraja has to
deal with men who are all sinful and who can hardly understand
Narayana. Consequently when his order carriers uttered the name of
Narayana, he was extremely pleased, for he also is a Vaishnava."
Here we see the job description of the greatest Vaishnava Yamaraja and
we never see him complaining about his job. And we see that his
internal consciousness inspite of his external service of always
dealing with vicious living entities is so pure and so sincere.
Srila Prabhupada glorifies him in his purport to SB 1.13.15, "Being a
Mahajana, it is the duty of Yamaraja to preach the cult of devotion to
the people of the world, as Narada, Brahma, and other Mahajanas do.
But Yamaraja is always busy in his plutonic kingdom punishing the
doers of sinful acts. Yamaraja is deputed by the Lord to a particular
planet, some hundreds of thousands of miles away from the planet of
earth, to take away the corrupt souls after death and convict them in
accordance with their respective sinful activities. Thus Yamaraja has
very little time to take leave from his responsible office of
punishing the wrongdoers. There are more wrongdoers than righteous
men. Therefore Yamaraja has to do more work than other demigods who
are also authorized agents of the Supreme Lord. But he wanted to
preach the glories of the Lord, and therefore by the will of the Lord
he was cursed by Manduka Muni to come into the world in the
incarnation of Vidura and work very hard as a great devotee."
Here we see that his purity and sincerity was rewarded amply by having
been given the opportunity of being born as Vidura and no wonder that
he had the greatest good fortune of being the only person to be
remembered by Lord Krishna when Lord Krishna was quitting this world
because whether anyone understands us or not, the Lord understands.
What an amazing Vaishnava and what an amazing reciprocation by our
Lord !!!
Hence I pray at the lotus feet of the Lord to give me the mercy to
develop the attitude to accept the people and the situations wherein I
am placed by His mercy and be grateful to the Lord for all He has
given.
anywhere. A person employed in office always feels that he deserves a
better position, better remuneration, better employer relationship,
more satisfactory job, so on and so forth. That is why change of jobs
is so rampant and we can hardly find anybody working in the same place
for a long time. A house wife has her own complaints and she feels
that she deserves a better deal and there is no satisfaction within
her. Every one of us feel that we are in situations and we are with
people who hardly understand us. And we all mentally concoct that we
are devotees and we feel that if the situation had been better, we
will be pure devotees and there are so many constraints in the present
situation. All my ideas were completely shattered when I went through
Srimad Bhagavatam Sixth Canto, Chapter 3. In this chapter regarding
the episode of the deliverance of Ajamila, the Yamadutas, after having
been baffled and disappointed in their attempt to take away a man they
considered sinful, went back to their master Yamaraja and explained
their encounter with the Vishnudutas and said that as soon as the
sinful Ajamila uttered the name Narayana, these four beautiful men
immediately arrived and asked him not to fear and they said that they
wished to know about them. In Srimad Bhagavatham 6.3.11
sri baadaraayanir uvaaca
iti devah sa aaprshtah / prajaa-samyamano yamah
preetah sva-dutaan pratyaaha / smaran paadaambujam hareh
Sri Sukadeva Gosvami said, "Thus having been questioned, Lord
Yamaraja, the supreme controller of the living entities, was very
pleased with his order carriers because of hearing from them the holy
name of Narayana. He remembered the lotus feet of the Lord and began
to reply."
Srila Prabhuada writes in his brilliant purport, "Srila Yamaraja, the
supreme controller of the living entities in terms of their pious and
impious activities, was very pleased with his servants because they
had chanted the holy name of Narayana in his dominion. Yamaraja has to
deal with men who are all sinful and who can hardly understand
Narayana. Consequently when his order carriers uttered the name of
Narayana, he was extremely pleased, for he also is a Vaishnava."
Here we see the job description of the greatest Vaishnava Yamaraja and
we never see him complaining about his job. And we see that his
internal consciousness inspite of his external service of always
dealing with vicious living entities is so pure and so sincere.
Srila Prabhupada glorifies him in his purport to SB 1.13.15, "Being a
Mahajana, it is the duty of Yamaraja to preach the cult of devotion to
the people of the world, as Narada, Brahma, and other Mahajanas do.
But Yamaraja is always busy in his plutonic kingdom punishing the
doers of sinful acts. Yamaraja is deputed by the Lord to a particular
planet, some hundreds of thousands of miles away from the planet of
earth, to take away the corrupt souls after death and convict them in
accordance with their respective sinful activities. Thus Yamaraja has
very little time to take leave from his responsible office of
punishing the wrongdoers. There are more wrongdoers than righteous
men. Therefore Yamaraja has to do more work than other demigods who
are also authorized agents of the Supreme Lord. But he wanted to
preach the glories of the Lord, and therefore by the will of the Lord
he was cursed by Manduka Muni to come into the world in the
incarnation of Vidura and work very hard as a great devotee."
Here we see that his purity and sincerity was rewarded amply by having
been given the opportunity of being born as Vidura and no wonder that
he had the greatest good fortune of being the only person to be
remembered by Lord Krishna when Lord Krishna was quitting this world
because whether anyone understands us or not, the Lord understands.
What an amazing Vaishnava and what an amazing reciprocation by our
Lord !!!
Hence I pray at the lotus feet of the Lord to give me the mercy to
develop the attitude to accept the people and the situations wherein I
am placed by His mercy and be grateful to the Lord for all He has
given.
Why Plant Killing?
It's a fact that plants and animals both have life. So whether I can
kill and eat a plant or an animal I am a murderer. So what is the
difference then between being a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian? There
is actually is no difference.
In this material world certain acts are being performed naturally and
many living beings are killed about which we can not even think of.
We have so many organisms in our intestines and they get killed up
naturally. Even by breathing we are killing so many microbes. So many
microbes are killed while cooking. And eating vegetables is also
killing. In this world there is the law that one living being is food
for another living being.
jivo jivasya jivanam
"One living being is food for another."
We simply have to take what is allotted to us by the Lord as our quota
and offer it to Him first before eating. This will free us from the
sin of killing.
yajna-sishtasinah santo / mucyante sarva-kilbishaih
bhunjate te tv agham papa / ye pacanty atma-karana
The devotees of the Lord are released from all kinds of sins because
they eat food, which is offered first for sacrifice. Others, who
prepare food for personal sense enjoyment, verily eat only sin.
In other words all kinds of eating is sinful unless the food is first
offered to Krishna before eating. So if we want to be pure in our
eating, we must first offer our food to the Lord before we consume it.
So what kind of foods should we offer Him? If we truly love Him, we
should obviously offer Him what He asks for. He requests that we
offer Him foods from the category of fruits, vegetables, dairy
products, and grains.
If He had wanted meat, fish, and eggs, He would have asked for them.
But He did not. We cannot take meat, fish, and eggs because these
have not been allotted to us as our quota. Therefore we can understand
how to please Him by offering Him what He has requested. And since we
only eat what He eats first, devotees of the Lord are naturally
vegetarians, or more accurately stated...devotees of the Lord are
naturally Krishnatarians.
Saturday 1 March 2014
Prediction of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (Lord Krishna in the form of a devotee)
*Prediction** of Lord Gauranga's advent in the form of a brahmana in
the Vedas: *
*** In the Adi-Puran and in the Narada Puran, the Supreme Person says: *
*aham eva dvija-srestho nityam pracchanna-vigrahah bhagavad-bhakta-rupena
lokam raksami sarvada*
I shall advent in the form of a Brahmana devotee [*aham eva dvija-srestho*]
and I shall hide my factual identity [*prachanna vigrahah*]. I shall
deliver all the worlds [*lokam raksami sarvada*].
Prediction of His advent as a sannyasi.
*** In the Upa-Puranas, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri
Krishna speaks to Srila Vyasadeva:*
*aham eva kvacid brahman sannyasa asramam asritah hari bhaktim grahayami
kalau papa-hatan naran*
O Brahmana, I occasionally take the Sannyas Asram [*sannyasa asrama asritah*]
in an attempt to bring the fallen people of Kali Yuga to take up the path
of Bhakti or devotional service to Lord Krishna [*hari bhaktim grahayami*].
Prediction of His actual time of incarnation.
*** In the Kurma-Purana, it is stated:*
*kalina dahyamanam uddhararaya tanu-bhrtam janma prathama sandhyayam
bhavisyati dvijalaye*
The Supreme Person will appear in the first part of the age of Kali [*janma
prathama sandhyayam*]. He will appear in the home of a Brahmana [*bhavisyati
dvijalaye*], to save the embodied conditioned souls [*uddharaya tanu-bhrtam*]
burning in the troubles of Kali-Yuga.
Description of the purpose of Sri Chaitanya's incarnation.
*** In the Garuda-Purana, the Supreme Person says:*
*kalina dakyamananam paritranaya tanu-bhrtam janma prathama sandhyayam
karisyami dvijatisu*
In the first part [*prathama sandhya*] of the age of Kali, I will come
among the brahmanas [*karisyami dvijatisu*] to save the fallen souls,
[*paritranaya
tanu-bhrtam*] who are being burned by the troubles of the age of Kali [*kalina
dahyamananam*].
Prediction of the name of His mother and the actual name of His future
birthplace.
*** In the Garuda-Purana, the Supreme Lord says:*
*aham purno bhavisyami yuga-sandhyau visesatah mayapure navadvipe
bhavisyami sachi sutah*
I will take birth as the son of Sachi [bhavisyami sachi sutah], in
Navadvip-Mayapur [*mayapure navadvipe*]. I will come in my complete
spiritual form in the first part of Kali-Yuga.
Prediction of the name of His future first wife and His future assumption
of the sannyasa order.
*** In the same Garuda-Purana, it is Also stated:*
*kaleh prathama sandhyayam lakshmi- kanto bhavisyati
daru-brahma-samipa-sthah sannyasi gaura-vigrahah*
In the first part of Kali-Yuga, the Supreme Personality of Godhead will
come in a gold-like form. First He will become the husband of Lakshmi
[Srimati Lakshmi Devi, Lord Chaitanya's first wife]. Then He will become a
sannyasi, near Lord Jagannatha who will appear in a divine wooden form.
Prediction of the bodily color of Sri Chaitanya and the nature of His
future activities.
*** In the Nrsimha-Purana, it is said:*
*satye daitya-kuladhi-nasa-samaye simhordhva-martyakrtis tretayam
das-kandharam paribhavan rameti namakrtih gopalan paripalayan vraja-pure
bharam haran dvapare gaurangah priya-kirtanah kali-yuge chaitanya-nama
prabhuh*
"The Supreme Personality of Godhead who in the Satya-Yuga appeared as a
half-man, half-lion to cure a terrible disease that had ravaged the
daityas, and who in the Treta-Yuga appeared as a person named Rama [Lord
Ramachandra], the person who defeated the ten-headed Demon Ravana, and who
in the Dvapara-Yuga removed the earth's burden, and protected the Gopa
[cowherd men] people of Vraja-pura, will appear again in the Kali-Yuga. His
form will be golden, He will delight in chanting the Lord's holy names, and
His name will be Chaitanya."
Prediction of the future advent of Sri Chaitanya by His direct name.
*** In the Padma-Purana, it is said:*
*yatrayogesvarah saksad yogi-cintyo janardanah chaitanya vapur aste vai
sandranandatmakah*
The Supreme Personality, Janardana, who is the object of the yogis'
meditation [*yogi-chintyo- janardanah*], who saves the devotees from
various sufferings, and who is the master of all yogic practices [
*yogesvarah*], who is always full of divine transcendental ecstasy and
bliss [*sandra-ananda-atmakah*], will advent in His own divine form of Sri
Chaitanya [*Chaitanya-vapah*].
Description of the time and place Sri Chaitanya's future advent.
*** In the Padma-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself
states: *
*kaleh prathama-sandhyayam gaurangotham mahi-tale bhagirathi-tate ramye
bhavisyami sachi-sutah*
I shall appear on this earth [*mahi-tale*] in the first part of
Kali-Yuga [*kaleh
prathama sandhyayam*] in a beautiful place on the bank of the
Bhagirathi [*bhagirathi-tate
ramye*]. I shall have a golden form [*gaurangah*], and I shall take birth
as the son of Sachi [*bhavisyami sachi-sutah*].
Prediction of the purpose of Sri Chaitanya's advents.
*** In the Narada-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead says:*
*aham eva kalau vipra nityam prachanna-vigrahah bhavavad-bhakta-rupena
lokan raksami sarvada*
O Vipra, in the age of Kali, I will come disguised [*nityam prachanna
vigraha*] as a devotee [*bhagavad-bhakta-rupena*] and I will save all the
worlds [*lokan raksami sarvada*].
Prediction of His mother's name and the nature of His specific preaching
method [sankirtana].
*** The Supreme Personality of Godhead states in the Narada-Purana:*
*divija bhuvi jayadhvam jayadhvam bhakta rupinah kalau sankirtana arambhe
bhavisyami sachi-sutah*
O Divija (demigods), please come and advent as devotees on this earth [*bhuvi
jayadhvam jayadhvam*] in the age of Kali-Yuga. I will incarnate as the son
of Sachi [*bhavisyami sachi-sutah*] to inaugurate the congregational
chanting of the name of Krishna [*kalau sankirtana arambhe*].
Prediction of the revelation of Sri Chaitanya's form.
*** In the Brahma-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead says:*
*kaleh prathama sandhyayam gaurangotham mahi-tale bhagirathi-tate bhumni
bhavisyami sachi-sutah*
I will reveal my eternal golden form [*gaurangotham mahi-tale*] in the
first part of Kali- Yuga [*kaleh prathama sandhyayam*]. I will advent on
the earth on the bank of the Bhagirathi [*bhagirathi-tate bhumni*] as son
of Mother Sachi [*bhavisyami sachi-sutah*].
Prediction of the future sannyasi role and ecstasy of Sri Chaitanya.
*** In the Bhavisya-Purana, the Supreme Lord says:*
*anandasru-kala-roma harsa-purnam tapo-dhana sarve mama eva draksyanti
kalau sannyasa-rupinam*
O austere sage, you should know that in the age of Kali, everyone will see
my transcendental form as a sannyasi [*kalau sannyasa rupinam*]. I will be
exhibiting symptoms of ecstasy like shedding tears of bliss and hairs
standing in ecstasy [*anandasru-kala-roma-harsa-
Prediction of the color of Sri Chaitanya and the nature of His future
associates.
*** In the Agni-Purana, it is said:*
*prasantatma lamba-kanthas gaurangas ca suravrtah*
The Supreme Personality of Godhead will come in a golden form [*gaura-anga*],
full of peace [*prasantatma*], and a beautiful long neck [*lamba-kanthah*].
He will be surrounded by many saintly devotees [*sura-avrtah*].
Note: This is an indirect prediction of the future advent of the members of
the *Pancha-Tattva*.
Prediction of the characteristics of Sri Chaitanya.
*** In the Matsya-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead says: *
*mundo gaurah su-dirghangas tri-srotas-tira-sambhavah dayaluh kirtana-grahi
bhavisyami kalau-yuge*
In the age of Kali, I shall advent [*bhavisyami kalau yuge*] where the
three rivers meet [*tri-srotas-tira-sambhavah*]. I shall have a shaven head
[*mundah*]. I shall have a golden complexion [*gaurah*]. I will be very
kind and always chant the holy name of Krishna [*dayaloh kirtana-grahi*].
Prediction of the name of the river where Sri Chaitanya will take his birth
and other characteristics.
*** In the Vayu-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead states: *
*suddho gaurah-su-dirghango ganga-tira-samudbhavah dayaluh-kirtana-grahi
bhavisyami kalau yuge*
In the age of Kali-Yuga, I shall come [*bhavisyami kalau yuge*] in a place
on the bank of the Ganges [*ganga-tira-samudbhavah*]. I will be very pure [
*suddhah*], have a golden complexion [*gaurah*], and be very tall [
*su-dirghangah*] and chant the holy names of Krishna. [Vyau Puran next
quote]<http://nitaaiveda.com/
Prediction that the Supreme Lord will leave Goloka and corne in a golden
form.
*** In the Markandeya-Purana, the Supreme of Godhead declares:*
*golokam ca parityajya lokanam trana-karanat kalau gauranga-rupena
lila-lavanya-vigrahah*
"In the Kali-Yuga, I will leave Goloka and, to save the people of the
world, I will become the handsome and playful Lord Gauranga."
Prediction of one of the purpose of Sri Chaitanya's appearance.
*** In the Varaha-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead declares:*
*aham eva dvija-srestho lila-pracurya-vigrahah bhagavad-bhakta-rupena lokan
raksami sarvada*
I shall come as the best of the brahmanas [*aham eva dvija-srestha*]. I
will exhibit many pastimes [*lila-pracurya-vigrahah*] in the form of a
devotee [*bhagavad-bhakta-rupena*]. I shall deliver the people of the world
[*lokan raksami sarvada*].
Prediction of the name of the mother of Sri Chaitanya and His future role
as the deliverer of the darkness of Kali-Yuga.
*** In the Vamana-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead declares:*
*kali-ghora-tamas-channat sarvan acara varjitan sachigarbhe ca sambhuya
tarayisyami narada*
O Narada Muni, I will take birth in the womb of Sachi [*sachi-garbhe ca
sambhuya*]. I shall save the people, who will give up all proper good
conduct [*sarvan acara varyitan*], from the terrible darkness of the age of
Kali-Yuga [*kali-ghora-tamas-channan*].
Prediction of the future advent of Sri Chaitanya, His birth time, His
mother, His birth city, His name and His mission.
*** In the Vayu-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead says: *
*paurnamasyam phalgunasya phalguni-rksa-yogatah bhavisye gaura-rupena
sachi-garbhe purandarat*
*->*
*svarnadi-tiram asthaya navadvipe janasraye tatra dvija-kulam prapto
bhavisyami janalaye *
*bhakti-yoga-pradanaya lokasyanugrahaya ca sannyas-rupam asthaya
krishna-chaitanya-nama-dhrk *
*->*
*tena lokasya nistaras tat kurudhvam mamajnaya dharitri bhavita cabhir
mayaiva dvija-dehina*
I shall advent in the month of Phalguna, when the star Phalguni is
conjoined with the full moon. I shall incarnate in a golden complexion in
the womb of Sachi and Purandara Misra. I will be born in the city of
Navadvipa,on the Ganges's shore, in a Brahmana's family. I shall take the
renounced order of life [sannyasa] and show kindness to the people in
general and engage them in Bhakti. I will be known as Sri Krishna
Chaitanya. All of you should follow My order and deliver the people of the
world. I shall appear as a Brahmana. I shall make this earth fearless. [Vayu
Puran previous quote]<http://nitaaiveda.com/
Prediction of Sri Chaitanya's birth city, the name of the river close to
His birth site, the name of His mother, His close associates and their
divine roles in His lila, His divine reason for incarnating as well as
different names by which Sri Chaitanya will be known.
*** In the Ananta-Samhita, it is said: *
*svarnadi-tiram asritya navadvipe dvijalaye sampradatum bhakti-yogam
lokasyanugrahaya ca *
*->*
*sa eva bhagavan krmo radhika-prana-vallabhah srsty-adau sa jagannatho
gaura asin mahesvari *
*avatirno bhavisyami kalau-nija-ganaih saha sachi-garbhe navadvipe
svardhuni-parivarite *
*->*
*aprakasyam idam guhyam na prakasyam bahir mukhe bhaktavataram bhaktakhyam
bhaktam bhakti-pradam svayam *
*man-maya-mohitah kecin na jnasyanto bahir-mokhah jnasyanti
mad-bhakti-yuktah sadhavo-nyasinotmalah *
*->*
*krmavatara-kale-yah striyo ye purusah priyah kalau te'vatarisyanti
sridama-subaladayah *
*catuh-sasti-mahantas te gopa dvadas balakah Caitanyera Simhera... *
*->*
*dharma-samsthapanarthay a viharisyami tair aham *
*kale nastam bhakti-patham sthapayisyamy aham punah gacchantu bhuvi te
putrah jayantam bhakta-rupinah*
*->*
*dharma-samsthapanam kale kurvantu te mamajnaya *
*krishnas chaitanya-gaurango gaurachandrah sachi-sutah prabhur gauro
gaura-harir namani-bhakti-dani me*
"To show mercy to the people and give them devotional service, the Supreme
Personality of Godhead will appear in a Brahmana's home in Navadvip by the
Ganges' shore. The Supreme Person, Sri Krishna Himself, who is the life of
Srimati Radharani, and is the Lord of the universe in creation,
rnaintenance, and annihilation, appears as Gaura, O Mahesvari.
In Kali-Yuga, I will descend to the earth with My associates. In Navadvip,
which is surrounded by the Ganges, I will take birth in Sachi-devi's womb.
They who are bewildered by My illusory potency will not understand the
great secret of the appearance in this world of Me in My personal form,
1. in My form as the incarnation of devotion,
2. in My form as the incarnation of a devotee,
3. in My form bearing the name of a devotee,
4. in My form as a devotee, and
5. in My form as the giver of devotional service.
This secret is not to be revealed to them. Only the saintly, pure,
renounced devotees, diligently engaged in My devotional service, will be
able to understand Me in these five forms.
My dear male and female associates, headed by Sridama and Subala, who came
to this world at the time of My advent as Lord Krishna, will come again
during the Kali-Yuga.
The Gopas will become the sixtyfour *mahantas* and the twelve *gopalas*. To
establish the truth of religion, I will enjoy many pastimes with them.
In this way I will again reveal the path of devotional service, which has
been destroyed in the course of time. My sons should also descend to the
earth, assume the forms of devotees, and, by My order, also work to
re-establish the principles of true religion.
At this time My names will be: *Krishna Chaitanya*, *Gauranga*,
*Gaurachandra*, *Sachisuta*, *Mahaprabhu*, *Gaura* and *Gaurahari*.
Chanting these names will bring devotion to Me."
What other major vedic literatures also describe characteristics of the
advent of Sri Chaitanya?
*** The Great Epic Mahabharata (Dana-Dharma, Visnu-Sahasra-Nama Stotra)
points out the divine characteristics of Sriman Mahaprabhu's appearance.*
*suvarna varna hemango varangas candanangadi sannyasa krt-chamah santo
nistha shanti parayanah*
In His early activities Lord Chaitanya comes as a householder. He has a
golden complexion [*suvarna varnah*]. His limbs are very beautiful [
*vara-anga*] and are smeared with sandalwood pulp [*candana-angadi*]. He
has the appearance of molten gold [*hema-anga*].
The Supreme Lord Chaitanya accepts the renounced order of life [
*sannyasa-krt*]. He is fully sense-controlled or equipoised [*sama*], and
is completely peaceful [*santa*]. He is completely fixed in the chanting of
the holy name of Lord Krishna, [*nistha*]. He is the highest abode of
devotion and transcendental peace. He silences the *mayavadi* impersonalists
[*nistha santi parayanah*].
The sanskrit words *suvarna-varna* indicate one who has gold-like
complexion. The Vedic text to support this point is:
*yada pasya pasyate rukma-varnam kartaram isam purusam brahma-yonim*
The words *rukma-varnam kartaram isam* refer to the Supreme Person [Sri
Chaitanya] who has a complexion like molten gold.
*** Quotations of Lord Chaitanya's bodily features according to some of the
great devotees present at the time: *
Srila Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya, one of the foremost disciples of Sri
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in Jagannath Puri, composed an entire series of
prayers describing in detail the various features of Sri Chaitanya
Mahaprabhu, called *Sri Gauranga-Prati-Anga-
the King of Prayers, proclaiming the glory of each limb of Sri Gauranga.
Let us carefully present a few of these divine gems.
*** Lord Chaitanya's bodily luster. *
Srila Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya has described the complexion of Sri
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's body.
*tapta hema dyutim vande kali-krishnam jagad-gurum caru-dirgha-tanum srimac
chaci-hrdaya-nandanam*
I worship Lord Krishna, the spiritual master of the universe, who appears
in the age of Kali with a luster like molten gold. His body is beautiful
and tall. He is like molten gold, and He is the delight and the son of
Sachidevi.
Srila Prabodhananda Sarasvati Thakura also describes Sri Chaitanya
Mahaprabhu's golden complexion.
*ananda lilamaya vigrahaya hemabha-divya-cchavi-
"O Lord Chaitanyachandra, O Lord whose form is full of blissful pastimes, O
Lord whose complexion is as splendid as gold..."
Srila Krishna das Kaviraj Goswami similarly describes Lord Chaitanya:
*tapta hema sama kanti prakanda sarira*
"...the luster of His expansive body resembles molten gold..."
Prabodhananda Sarasvati also further describes Sri Chaitanya's golden
complexion.
*svayam devo yatra-kanaka-gaurah karunaya*
"His complexion is as fair as molten gold."
*** Sri Chaitanya's beautiful hair. *
*lasan-mukha-lata-naddha charu-kuncita-kuntalam*
"His lovely curling locks are interwoven with creepers of glistening
pearls..."
*** Sri Chaitanya's shoulders and chest. *
Prabhodananda Sarasvati Thakura describes the shoulders of Mahaprabhu.
*simha skandham... *
"May Lord Chaitanya, whose shoulders are like a lion..."
Srila Krishna das Kaviraj Goswami also points out the nature of Sri
Chaitanya's shoulders and voice.
*simha griva simha-virya simhera hunkar*
"He has the shoulders of a lion, the powers of a lion, and the loud voice
of a lion."
*** Sri Chaitanya's arms. *
*ajanulambita-bhuja*
His arms reach all the way to his knees.
*ajanulambita bhumau kanaka vadatau*
Their arms (of Lord Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda) reach all the way to
their knees.
*kankanangada-vidyoti-janu-
"....His two arms, glittering with bracelets and bangles, extend down to
His knees."
*** Sri Chaitanya's face*
*prema-pravaha-madhura raktotpala-vilocanam h la-prasuna-susnigdha
nutanayata-nasikam*
His beautiful eyes are just like reddish lotus flowers. They are most
beautiful, just like lakes of Krishna *Prema*. His nose is arched and is
resplendent just like the sesame flower.
*sri-ganda-mandollasi ratna-kundala-manditam savya-karna-suvinyasta
sphurac-caru-sikhandakam*
His cheeks are round and they shine brilliantly. He wears jeweled earrings.
He has a peacock feather placed near His left ear.
*madhura-sneha-susnigdha praraktadhara-pallavam isad-danturita-snigdha
sphuran-mukta-radoijvalam*
His lips are tender and very lustrous. They resemble reddish blossoming
flowers. He reveals his pearl-like teeth out His kindness.
*** Chaitanya-charitamrita, Adi-Lila 3.77*
*sankirtana-pravartaka sri krma-chaitanya sankirtana-yajne tanre bhaje sei
dhanya*
"Lord Sri Krishna Chaitanya is the initiator of *sankirtana* [congregational
chanting of the holy name of Lord Krishna]. One who worships Him through
*sankirtana* is fortunate indeed"
*** Susloka-Satakam -59- Sri Gauranga Mahima*
*vintala-kamala-vaktrah pakva-bi nbadharosthas tila-kusu na-su-nasah
katnbu-kanthah su-dirghah suvaliuta-bhuja-dando nabhi-gambhira-rupah
sphuratu hrdaya-madhye gaura-candro-natendrah*
"His face is flawless like a blooming lotus and His lips are red as ripe as
*bimba* fruits. His nose is as beautiful as the sesame flower and his neck
is like a three-ringed conch. He is very tall and His rod-like arms make
artistic movements while He dances. His navel is very deep. May my Lord
Gaura Chandra, the king of dancers, reveal Himself in the core of My
heart."
------------------------------
According to the authoritative statements of the great purva-acharyas
[previous authorized bona fide spiritual masters] such as Srila Rupa
Goswami, Srila Sanatana Goswami, Srila Jiva Goswami, Srila Krishna das
Kaviraj Goswami, Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati
Thakur, and His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the
foremost representative of all the Acharyas in the Gaudiya Sampradaya, and
many other great Acharyas and pure devotees, Sri Krishna Chaitanya
Mahaprabhu is the Yuga-Avatar, and the incarnation of Sri Sri Radha and
Krishna combined who has appeared to taste the transcendental mellow bliss
experienced by Srimati Radharani. He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
This transcendental conclusion is supported by the statements of the Vedas,
the Srimad-Bhagavatam, various puranas, upa-puranas, the Mahabharata,
various Samhitas, Tantras and Pancaratric texts.
*Scriptures quoted:*
*Bhagavat Puran
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| Adi
Puran
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| Kurma
Puran
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| Garuda
Puran
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| Narasimha
Puran
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| Padma
Puran
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| Narada
Puran
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| Brahma
Puran
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| Bhavisya
Puran
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| Agni
Puran
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| Matsya
Puran
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|Vayu
Puran
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| Markandeya
Puran
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| Varah
Puran
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| Vaman
Puran
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| Upa
Puran
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| Ananta
Samhita
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| Mahabharat
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| Atharva
Ved
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| Sama
Ved
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| Chaitanya
Upanishad
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| Chandogya
Upanishad
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| Svetasvatar
Upanishad
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| Purusa-Bodini-Upanisad
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Is there any specific reference in the Vedas as to when in this yuga, the
Supreme Lord's Avatar- Sri Krishna Chaitanya was scheduled to appear?
*** In the Atharva-Veda; Purusa-Bodini-Upanisad, it is said: *
*saptame gaura-varna-visnor ity aena sva-saktya caikyam etya pratar
avatirya saha svaih sva-manum siksayati*
"In the seventh manvantara, in the beginning of the Kali-Yuga, the Supreme
Personality of Godhead will, accompanied by His own associates, descend in
a golden form to the earth. He will teach the chanting of His own names."
When exactly does He come in the kali-yuga, and where does He specifically
appear and what will He do?
*** In the Atharva Veda, the Supreme Person says:*
*itotham krta sannyaso'vatarisyami sa-guno nirvedo niskamo bhu-girvanas
tira-atho' lakanandayah kalau catuh-sahasrabdhopari panca-sahasrabhyantare
gaura-varno dirghangah sarva-laksana-yukta isvara prarthito nija-rasasvado
bhakta-rupo misrakhyo vidita-yogah syam*
I will descend on the earth after the passage of four thousand years in the
Kali-Age, [*kalau chatuh sahasrabdhopari*] and before the passage of five
thousand years [*pancha sahasra abhyantare*].
I will come on the earth on the bank of the Ganges, [*tira-sthah
alakanandayah*]. I will be a tall and saintly Brahmana devotee. I will have
all the auspicious symptoms of an exalted person [*dirghangah
sarva-laksana-yuktah*].
I will exhibit renunciation. I will have all auspicious signs. I will be a
devotee, practicing *bhakti yoga*. I will taste the *rasa* of My own
devotional service.
*** In the Sama Veda, the Supreme Lord says: *
*tathaham krta sannyaso bhu-girvano 'vatarisye tire'lakanandayah punah
punah isvara-prarthitah sa- parivaro niralambo nirdhuteh
kali-kalmasa-kavalita- janavalambanaya*
I shall come to the earth, accompanied by My associates, in a place by the
bank of the Ganges. I will advent to save the people who are afflicted and
devoured by the sins of the age of Kali. I will manifest as an Avadhut
Brahman Sannyasi.
What is the name of the place where the Supreme Lord appears?
*** The Chandogya Upanisad describes the place of advent of the Supreme
Lord Sri Krishna Chaitanya.*
This is explained by Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur, in the Sabadvipa Dham
Mahatmya (text 5):
*tan-madhye daharam saksan mayapuram itiryate tatra vesma bhagavatas
chaitanyasya paratmanah tasmin yas tv antarakaso hy antardvipah sa ucyate*
The spiritual city in the shape of a lotus has the abode of Sri Mayapur as
its heart. Sridham Mayapur is the divine abode of Lord Chaitanya, the
Supreme Personality of Godhead. In the middle of Mayapur is the place
called Antardvip.
(ACBSPN Note: One needs to catch a local train to "Krishna Nagar" from
"Sealdah Station" in Calcutta. After the 3 hour train journey, you got to
catch a bus for Mayapur, which will take another hour or so. Alternatively,
you could catch a local train from Howrah for Navadvip. These trains are
very rare - about 4 or 5 a day, so its better to go thru Sealdah. From
Navadvip station you got to take a cycle-rickshaw to the "Ghat" [Bank of
Ganges]. Then you cross the Ganges and reach Mayapur. The half an hour
motorized boat ride may cost you about 1 to 2 Rupees!)
Are there any other relevant scriptural references in the vedas describing
the appearance or qualities of Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu?
*** The Svetasvatara Upanisad (Ch. 6, text 7) describes the qualities of
the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Chaitanya: *
*tam isvaranam paramam mahesvaram tam devatanam paramam ca daivatam patim
patinam paramam parastad vidama devam bhuvanesam idyam*
"O Supreme Lord, you are the Supreme Mahesvara, the worshipable Deity of
all the demigods and the Supreme Lord of all Lords. You are the controller
of all controllers, the Personality of Godhead, the Lord of everything
worshipable."
*** Svetasvatara Upanisad Ch 3 text 12, 14*
*mahan prabhur vai purusah sattvasyaisa pravartakah sunirmalam imam praptim
isano jyotir avyayah*
"The Supreme Personality of Godhead is Mahaprabhu, who disseminates
transcendental enlightenment. Just to be in touch with Him is to be in
contact with the indestructible brahmajyoti. "
*** Sri Chaitanya Upanisad (Chaitanyopanisad), text 5: *
*jahnavi-tire navadvipe golokakhye dhamni govindo dvi-bhujo gaurah sarvatma
maha-puruso mahatma maha-yogi tri-gunatitah sattva-rupo bhaktim loke
kasyatiti. tad ete sloka bhavanti*
"The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Govinda, the supreme enjoyer, whose
form is transcendental, who is beyond the touch of the three modes of
material nature, and who is all pervading Supersoul residing in the-hearts
of all living entities, will appear again in the Kali-age. Appearing as the
greatest devotee, the Supreme Personality of Godhead will assume a
two-armed form of golden complexion in His abode of Goloka Vrindavan
manifested on the bank of the Ganga at Navadvip. He will disseminate pure
devotional service in the world. This incarnation of the Lord is described
in the following verses."
In what color will the Lord appear in the Kali-yuga, and what will He do?
*** Sri Chaitanya Upanisad text 6:*
*eko devah sarva-rupi mahatma gauro rakta syamala-sveta-rupah chaitanyatma
sa vai chaitanya-saktir bhaktakaro bhakti-do bhakh-vedyah*
"The Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is the master of all
transcendental potencies, and who may be known only by devotional
service, [*bhakti
vedyah*] appears in innumerable transcendental forms. He has appeared in
red, white and black complexions, [*gauro rakta syamala sveta rupah*] and
He will also appear in the golden form of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He will
assume the role of a perfect devotee [*bhakta akarah*] and He will teach
the conditioned souls the path of pure devotional service [*bhakti dah*].
What is the nature of the form of Lord Chaitanya and how is He understood?
*** Chaitanya Upanisad. text 7:*
*namo vedanta vedyaya krmaya paramatmane sarva chaitanya rupaya chaitanyaya
namo namah*
I offer my respectful obeisances unto Him, who is understood by Vedanta [*namo
vedanta vedyaya*], who is Lord Krishna [*Krishnaya*], the Supersoul [
*paramatmane*], whose form is fully transcendental and conscious of
everything [*sarva-chaitanya-rupaya*]. We offer our humble obeisances again
and again. [*chaitanyaya namo namah*]
What is the result of understanding the divine position of Sri Chaitanya
Mahaprabhu?
*** Sri Chaitanya-Upanisad. text 8:*
*vedanta vedyam purusam puranam chaitanyatmanam visva-yonim mahantam tam
eva viditva' mrtyum eti nanyah pantha vidyatetyanaya*
"Knowing Him who is the object of knowledge in the Upanisads, the oldest
person, the embodiment of consciousness, the source of the universe and the
greatest of all, one crosses over death. There is no other path for going
there."
What will Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu do in this incarnation ?
*** Sri Chaitanya-Upanisad. text 9:*
*sva-nama mula-mantrena sarvam hladayati vibhuh*
The Supreme powerful [*vibhuh*] Lord Sri Krishna Chaitanya appears in His
golden form, and He will fill the universe with bliss [*hladayati*] by the
chanting of His own holy names [*sva-nama-mula-mantrena*].
Which mantra will this yuga avatar chant?
*** Sri Cartanya Upanisad text 10. *
*sa eva mula-mantra japati harir iti krishna iti rama iti*
Sri Krishna Chaitanya will chant the maha-mantra comprised of the divine
names of Hari, Krishna and Rama. i.e.,
*Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare*
(ACBSPN Note: the pronunciation of "Rama" is "rAma" or "rAm" and *not*
"rAmA" as commonly misunderstood.)
Does Lord Chaitanya appear in every day of lord brahma? Just like the
original Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna does appear once in every
day of Lord Brahma.
*** Answer: Srila Prabhupada once explained in Melbourne, Australia, in
answer to the question of how long it would be before Lord Krishna would
come to this planet again in His personal form: after 8 billion, 600 milion
years. *
*Devotee:* How long do you say it is before Krishna comes to this planet
again in His physical form?
*Srila Prabhupada: *Now, calculate, I have already given the duration of
one day, twelve hours, of Brahma means 4,300,000 years multiplied by one
thousand....the eight billion.
*Devotee (2):* 600,000,000.
*Srila Prabhupada:* So Krishna comes after this period in one day, after
one day of Brahma, He appears.
*Devotee:* Srila Prabhupada, does Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu also appear
every day of Brahma?
*Srila Prabhupada: *Yes, following Krishna. Krishna comes in the
Dvapar-Yuga. There are four sets of yugas: Satva, Treta, Dvapar, Kali. So
Krishna comes at the end of Dvapar-Yuga, and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu comes in
the Kali-Yuga so almost the same year, same circulation... Similarly,
Krishna appears in rotation in this universe after so many years, eight
billion years. So next He goes to another universe....
[Melbourne Australia. 22nd May 1975.]
Did the Srimad-Bhagavatam (Bhagavat-Puran), the foremost of all Vedic
literatures predict the appearance of Lord Chaitanya Maraprabhu?
*** In the seventh canto of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, *Prahlad Maharaj
directly hints at the hidden nature of the Supreme Lord's appearance.
Because the Supreme Lord is also called Tri-Yuga, or one who appears in
only three yugas (satya, dvapara, treta), He is sometimes said to appear in
a concealed form, in the age of Kali.
*channah kalau yad abhavas tri-yugo'tha sa tvam *
(Srimad Bhagavatam 7.9.38)
Are there any more direct references in the Simad Bhagavatam, than the
above reference?
*** In the Tenth Canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam*, chapter eight, Gargamuni
the family priest of Nanda Maharaja, explains that the young boy Sri
Krishna has three colors - white, red and yellow - when He appears in His
transcendental form in different ages. In the current incarnation of
Krishna, He has appeared ...as black.
*asan varnas trayo hy asya grhnatotnvyugam tanuh suklo raktas tatha pita
idanim krmatam gatah *
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.8.13)
Srila Krishna das Kaviraj Goswami, the celebrated author of the Sri
Chaitanya-charitamrta, explains that the three colors of white, red and
yellow are the three bodily colors which the Supreme Lord assumes in the
ages of Satya, Treta and Kali respectively.
*sukla rakta pita-varna ei tina dyuti satya-treta-kali-kale dharena
sri-pati*
The Bhagavatam explains in the conversation between Karabhajan Muni and
King Nimi, that in the Dvapara-Yuga, the Supreme Lord, the Personality of
Godhead appears in a blackish form [d*vapare bhagavan syamah*]. He has a
yellow dress and carries His own weapons [*pita-vasa-nija-ayudhah*]. He is
beautified with the mark of *Srivatsa* and the *Kaustubha* jewel [*sri
vatsa-adibhih ankais ca laksanaih*]. This is the actual description of His
characteristics [*upalaksitah*].
The great sage continues his instruction to King Nimi by saying that people
in general in the age of Dvapar-Yuga worshiped the Lord of the Universe [*iti
dvapara urvisam stuvanti jagad isvaram*]. In the age of Kali, they
worshipped the Supreme Person by the regulation of the scriptures [*tantra
vidhana*].
*krishna varnam tvisakrmam*
* sangopangastra parsadam yajnaih sankirtana prayair yajanti hi sumedhasah*
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.5.32)
"In the age of Kali, intelligent persons perform congregational chanting to
worship the incarnation of Godhead who constantly sings the holy name of
Krishna. Although His complexion is not blackish, He is Krishna Himself. He
is accompanied by His associates, servants, weapons and confidential
companions."
How does this verse refer to the advent of Lord Chaitanya, since his name
is not directly mentioned there?
*** Just as the symptoms and characteristics of the various previous
incarnations are mentioned in the scriptures, similarly the symptoms of the
appearance of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu are described. *
Krishna-varnam indicates that He belongs to the category of Krishna.
Krishna varnam also means one who constantly repeats and sings the name of
Krishna. The main business of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was the chanting of
the holy name of Krishna. Thus the words Krishna varnam and Krishna
Chaitanya are equivalent.
Srila Krishna das Kaviraj Goswami has elucidated the two meanings of the
words Krishna varnam by stating:
*krishna ei dui varna sadayanra mukhe athava krmake h'nho varne nija sukhe*
Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu always sings the two syllables *Krish* & *na
*[*Krishna
ei dui varna sada yanra mukhe*], or He always relishes great transcendental
pleasure while describing Lord Krishna [*athava krmake tinho varne
nija-sukhe*].
Is there any hint or explanation of His bodily characteristics?
His bodily complexion is not black [*tvisa akrishnam*]. Lord Chaitanya
appeared in a very light, golden like complexion. His complexion was yellow
[*akrma-varane kahe pita-varana*]. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is very
beautiful.
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is often described as Gaurasundara. Gaura means
fair and Sundar means beautiful. Sometimes He is also called Gauranga or
one who has a very fair complexion.
------------------------------
Thus it is clearly established from the various Vedic Literatures and also
by the various writings of the great Acaryas, that *Sri Krishna Chaitanya
Mahaprabhu is the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself*, whose appearance
and birthplace were predicted and whose activities were also foretold.
the Vedas: *
*** In the Adi-Puran and in the Narada Puran, the Supreme Person says: *
*aham eva dvija-srestho nityam pracchanna-vigrahah bhagavad-bhakta-rupena
lokam raksami sarvada*
I shall advent in the form of a Brahmana devotee [*aham eva dvija-srestho*]
and I shall hide my factual identity [*prachanna vigrahah*]. I shall
deliver all the worlds [*lokam raksami sarvada*].
Prediction of His advent as a sannyasi.
*** In the Upa-Puranas, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri
Krishna speaks to Srila Vyasadeva:*
*aham eva kvacid brahman sannyasa asramam asritah hari bhaktim grahayami
kalau papa-hatan naran*
O Brahmana, I occasionally take the Sannyas Asram [*sannyasa asrama asritah*]
in an attempt to bring the fallen people of Kali Yuga to take up the path
of Bhakti or devotional service to Lord Krishna [*hari bhaktim grahayami*].
Prediction of His actual time of incarnation.
*** In the Kurma-Purana, it is stated:*
*kalina dahyamanam uddhararaya tanu-bhrtam janma prathama sandhyayam
bhavisyati dvijalaye*
The Supreme Person will appear in the first part of the age of Kali [*janma
prathama sandhyayam*]. He will appear in the home of a Brahmana [*bhavisyati
dvijalaye*], to save the embodied conditioned souls [*uddharaya tanu-bhrtam*]
burning in the troubles of Kali-Yuga.
Description of the purpose of Sri Chaitanya's incarnation.
*** In the Garuda-Purana, the Supreme Person says:*
*kalina dakyamananam paritranaya tanu-bhrtam janma prathama sandhyayam
karisyami dvijatisu*
In the first part [*prathama sandhya*] of the age of Kali, I will come
among the brahmanas [*karisyami dvijatisu*] to save the fallen souls,
[*paritranaya
tanu-bhrtam*] who are being burned by the troubles of the age of Kali [*kalina
dahyamananam*].
Prediction of the name of His mother and the actual name of His future
birthplace.
*** In the Garuda-Purana, the Supreme Lord says:*
*aham purno bhavisyami yuga-sandhyau visesatah mayapure navadvipe
bhavisyami sachi sutah*
I will take birth as the son of Sachi [bhavisyami sachi sutah], in
Navadvip-Mayapur [*mayapure navadvipe*]. I will come in my complete
spiritual form in the first part of Kali-Yuga.
Prediction of the name of His future first wife and His future assumption
of the sannyasa order.
*** In the same Garuda-Purana, it is Also stated:*
*kaleh prathama sandhyayam lakshmi- kanto bhavisyati
daru-brahma-samipa-sthah sannyasi gaura-vigrahah*
In the first part of Kali-Yuga, the Supreme Personality of Godhead will
come in a gold-like form. First He will become the husband of Lakshmi
[Srimati Lakshmi Devi, Lord Chaitanya's first wife]. Then He will become a
sannyasi, near Lord Jagannatha who will appear in a divine wooden form.
Prediction of the bodily color of Sri Chaitanya and the nature of His
future activities.
*** In the Nrsimha-Purana, it is said:*
*satye daitya-kuladhi-nasa-samaye simhordhva-martyakrtis tretayam
das-kandharam paribhavan rameti namakrtih gopalan paripalayan vraja-pure
bharam haran dvapare gaurangah priya-kirtanah kali-yuge chaitanya-nama
prabhuh*
"The Supreme Personality of Godhead who in the Satya-Yuga appeared as a
half-man, half-lion to cure a terrible disease that had ravaged the
daityas, and who in the Treta-Yuga appeared as a person named Rama [Lord
Ramachandra], the person who defeated the ten-headed Demon Ravana, and who
in the Dvapara-Yuga removed the earth's burden, and protected the Gopa
[cowherd men] people of Vraja-pura, will appear again in the Kali-Yuga. His
form will be golden, He will delight in chanting the Lord's holy names, and
His name will be Chaitanya."
Prediction of the future advent of Sri Chaitanya by His direct name.
*** In the Padma-Purana, it is said:*
*yatrayogesvarah saksad yogi-cintyo janardanah chaitanya vapur aste vai
sandranandatmakah*
The Supreme Personality, Janardana, who is the object of the yogis'
meditation [*yogi-chintyo- janardanah*], who saves the devotees from
various sufferings, and who is the master of all yogic practices [
*yogesvarah*], who is always full of divine transcendental ecstasy and
bliss [*sandra-ananda-atmakah*], will advent in His own divine form of Sri
Chaitanya [*Chaitanya-vapah*].
Description of the time and place Sri Chaitanya's future advent.
*** In the Padma-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself
states: *
*kaleh prathama-sandhyayam gaurangotham mahi-tale bhagirathi-tate ramye
bhavisyami sachi-sutah*
I shall appear on this earth [*mahi-tale*] in the first part of
Kali-Yuga [*kaleh
prathama sandhyayam*] in a beautiful place on the bank of the
Bhagirathi [*bhagirathi-tate
ramye*]. I shall have a golden form [*gaurangah*], and I shall take birth
as the son of Sachi [*bhavisyami sachi-sutah*].
Prediction of the purpose of Sri Chaitanya's advents.
*** In the Narada-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead says:*
*aham eva kalau vipra nityam prachanna-vigrahah bhavavad-bhakta-rupena
lokan raksami sarvada*
O Vipra, in the age of Kali, I will come disguised [*nityam prachanna
vigraha*] as a devotee [*bhagavad-bhakta-rupena*] and I will save all the
worlds [*lokan raksami sarvada*].
Prediction of His mother's name and the nature of His specific preaching
method [sankirtana].
*** The Supreme Personality of Godhead states in the Narada-Purana:*
*divija bhuvi jayadhvam jayadhvam bhakta rupinah kalau sankirtana arambhe
bhavisyami sachi-sutah*
O Divija (demigods), please come and advent as devotees on this earth [*bhuvi
jayadhvam jayadhvam*] in the age of Kali-Yuga. I will incarnate as the son
of Sachi [*bhavisyami sachi-sutah*] to inaugurate the congregational
chanting of the name of Krishna [*kalau sankirtana arambhe*].
Prediction of the revelation of Sri Chaitanya's form.
*** In the Brahma-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead says:*
*kaleh prathama sandhyayam gaurangotham mahi-tale bhagirathi-tate bhumni
bhavisyami sachi-sutah*
I will reveal my eternal golden form [*gaurangotham mahi-tale*] in the
first part of Kali- Yuga [*kaleh prathama sandhyayam*]. I will advent on
the earth on the bank of the Bhagirathi [*bhagirathi-tate bhumni*] as son
of Mother Sachi [*bhavisyami sachi-sutah*].
Prediction of the future sannyasi role and ecstasy of Sri Chaitanya.
*** In the Bhavisya-Purana, the Supreme Lord says:*
*anandasru-kala-roma harsa-purnam tapo-dhana sarve mama eva draksyanti
kalau sannyasa-rupinam*
O austere sage, you should know that in the age of Kali, everyone will see
my transcendental form as a sannyasi [*kalau sannyasa rupinam*]. I will be
exhibiting symptoms of ecstasy like shedding tears of bliss and hairs
standing in ecstasy [*anandasru-kala-roma-harsa-
Prediction of the color of Sri Chaitanya and the nature of His future
associates.
*** In the Agni-Purana, it is said:*
*prasantatma lamba-kanthas gaurangas ca suravrtah*
The Supreme Personality of Godhead will come in a golden form [*gaura-anga*],
full of peace [*prasantatma*], and a beautiful long neck [*lamba-kanthah*].
He will be surrounded by many saintly devotees [*sura-avrtah*].
Note: This is an indirect prediction of the future advent of the members of
the *Pancha-Tattva*.
Prediction of the characteristics of Sri Chaitanya.
*** In the Matsya-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead says: *
*mundo gaurah su-dirghangas tri-srotas-tira-sambhavah dayaluh kirtana-grahi
bhavisyami kalau-yuge*
In the age of Kali, I shall advent [*bhavisyami kalau yuge*] where the
three rivers meet [*tri-srotas-tira-sambhavah*]. I shall have a shaven head
[*mundah*]. I shall have a golden complexion [*gaurah*]. I will be very
kind and always chant the holy name of Krishna [*dayaloh kirtana-grahi*].
Prediction of the name of the river where Sri Chaitanya will take his birth
and other characteristics.
*** In the Vayu-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead states: *
*suddho gaurah-su-dirghango ganga-tira-samudbhavah dayaluh-kirtana-grahi
bhavisyami kalau yuge*
In the age of Kali-Yuga, I shall come [*bhavisyami kalau yuge*] in a place
on the bank of the Ganges [*ganga-tira-samudbhavah*]. I will be very pure [
*suddhah*], have a golden complexion [*gaurah*], and be very tall [
*su-dirghangah*] and chant the holy names of Krishna. [Vyau Puran next
quote]<http://nitaaiveda.com/
Prediction that the Supreme Lord will leave Goloka and corne in a golden
form.
*** In the Markandeya-Purana, the Supreme of Godhead declares:*
*golokam ca parityajya lokanam trana-karanat kalau gauranga-rupena
lila-lavanya-vigrahah*
"In the Kali-Yuga, I will leave Goloka and, to save the people of the
world, I will become the handsome and playful Lord Gauranga."
Prediction of one of the purpose of Sri Chaitanya's appearance.
*** In the Varaha-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead declares:*
*aham eva dvija-srestho lila-pracurya-vigrahah bhagavad-bhakta-rupena lokan
raksami sarvada*
I shall come as the best of the brahmanas [*aham eva dvija-srestha*]. I
will exhibit many pastimes [*lila-pracurya-vigrahah*] in the form of a
devotee [*bhagavad-bhakta-rupena*]. I shall deliver the people of the world
[*lokan raksami sarvada*].
Prediction of the name of the mother of Sri Chaitanya and His future role
as the deliverer of the darkness of Kali-Yuga.
*** In the Vamana-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead declares:*
*kali-ghora-tamas-channat sarvan acara varjitan sachigarbhe ca sambhuya
tarayisyami narada*
O Narada Muni, I will take birth in the womb of Sachi [*sachi-garbhe ca
sambhuya*]. I shall save the people, who will give up all proper good
conduct [*sarvan acara varyitan*], from the terrible darkness of the age of
Kali-Yuga [*kali-ghora-tamas-channan*].
Prediction of the future advent of Sri Chaitanya, His birth time, His
mother, His birth city, His name and His mission.
*** In the Vayu-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead says: *
*paurnamasyam phalgunasya phalguni-rksa-yogatah bhavisye gaura-rupena
sachi-garbhe purandarat*
*->*
*svarnadi-tiram asthaya navadvipe janasraye tatra dvija-kulam prapto
bhavisyami janalaye *
*bhakti-yoga-pradanaya lokasyanugrahaya ca sannyas-rupam asthaya
krishna-chaitanya-nama-dhrk *
*->*
*tena lokasya nistaras tat kurudhvam mamajnaya dharitri bhavita cabhir
mayaiva dvija-dehina*
I shall advent in the month of Phalguna, when the star Phalguni is
conjoined with the full moon. I shall incarnate in a golden complexion in
the womb of Sachi and Purandara Misra. I will be born in the city of
Navadvipa,on the Ganges's shore, in a Brahmana's family. I shall take the
renounced order of life [sannyasa] and show kindness to the people in
general and engage them in Bhakti. I will be known as Sri Krishna
Chaitanya. All of you should follow My order and deliver the people of the
world. I shall appear as a Brahmana. I shall make this earth fearless. [Vayu
Puran previous quote]<http://nitaaiveda.com/
Prediction of Sri Chaitanya's birth city, the name of the river close to
His birth site, the name of His mother, His close associates and their
divine roles in His lila, His divine reason for incarnating as well as
different names by which Sri Chaitanya will be known.
*** In the Ananta-Samhita, it is said: *
*svarnadi-tiram asritya navadvipe dvijalaye sampradatum bhakti-yogam
lokasyanugrahaya ca *
*->*
*sa eva bhagavan krmo radhika-prana-vallabhah srsty-adau sa jagannatho
gaura asin mahesvari *
*avatirno bhavisyami kalau-nija-ganaih saha sachi-garbhe navadvipe
svardhuni-parivarite *
*->*
*aprakasyam idam guhyam na prakasyam bahir mukhe bhaktavataram bhaktakhyam
bhaktam bhakti-pradam svayam *
*man-maya-mohitah kecin na jnasyanto bahir-mokhah jnasyanti
mad-bhakti-yuktah sadhavo-nyasinotmalah *
*->*
*krmavatara-kale-yah striyo ye purusah priyah kalau te'vatarisyanti
sridama-subaladayah *
*catuh-sasti-mahantas te gopa dvadas balakah Caitanyera Simhera... *
*->*
*dharma-samsthapanarthay a viharisyami tair aham *
*kale nastam bhakti-patham sthapayisyamy aham punah gacchantu bhuvi te
putrah jayantam bhakta-rupinah*
*->*
*dharma-samsthapanam kale kurvantu te mamajnaya *
*krishnas chaitanya-gaurango gaurachandrah sachi-sutah prabhur gauro
gaura-harir namani-bhakti-dani me*
"To show mercy to the people and give them devotional service, the Supreme
Personality of Godhead will appear in a Brahmana's home in Navadvip by the
Ganges' shore. The Supreme Person, Sri Krishna Himself, who is the life of
Srimati Radharani, and is the Lord of the universe in creation,
rnaintenance, and annihilation, appears as Gaura, O Mahesvari.
In Kali-Yuga, I will descend to the earth with My associates. In Navadvip,
which is surrounded by the Ganges, I will take birth in Sachi-devi's womb.
They who are bewildered by My illusory potency will not understand the
great secret of the appearance in this world of Me in My personal form,
1. in My form as the incarnation of devotion,
2. in My form as the incarnation of a devotee,
3. in My form bearing the name of a devotee,
4. in My form as a devotee, and
5. in My form as the giver of devotional service.
This secret is not to be revealed to them. Only the saintly, pure,
renounced devotees, diligently engaged in My devotional service, will be
able to understand Me in these five forms.
My dear male and female associates, headed by Sridama and Subala, who came
to this world at the time of My advent as Lord Krishna, will come again
during the Kali-Yuga.
The Gopas will become the sixtyfour *mahantas* and the twelve *gopalas*. To
establish the truth of religion, I will enjoy many pastimes with them.
In this way I will again reveal the path of devotional service, which has
been destroyed in the course of time. My sons should also descend to the
earth, assume the forms of devotees, and, by My order, also work to
re-establish the principles of true religion.
At this time My names will be: *Krishna Chaitanya*, *Gauranga*,
*Gaurachandra*, *Sachisuta*, *Mahaprabhu*, *Gaura* and *Gaurahari*.
Chanting these names will bring devotion to Me."
What other major vedic literatures also describe characteristics of the
advent of Sri Chaitanya?
*** The Great Epic Mahabharata (Dana-Dharma, Visnu-Sahasra-Nama Stotra)
points out the divine characteristics of Sriman Mahaprabhu's appearance.*
*suvarna varna hemango varangas candanangadi sannyasa krt-chamah santo
nistha shanti parayanah*
In His early activities Lord Chaitanya comes as a householder. He has a
golden complexion [*suvarna varnah*]. His limbs are very beautiful [
*vara-anga*] and are smeared with sandalwood pulp [*candana-angadi*]. He
has the appearance of molten gold [*hema-anga*].
The Supreme Lord Chaitanya accepts the renounced order of life [
*sannyasa-krt*]. He is fully sense-controlled or equipoised [*sama*], and
is completely peaceful [*santa*]. He is completely fixed in the chanting of
the holy name of Lord Krishna, [*nistha*]. He is the highest abode of
devotion and transcendental peace. He silences the *mayavadi* impersonalists
[*nistha santi parayanah*].
The sanskrit words *suvarna-varna* indicate one who has gold-like
complexion. The Vedic text to support this point is:
*yada pasya pasyate rukma-varnam kartaram isam purusam brahma-yonim*
The words *rukma-varnam kartaram isam* refer to the Supreme Person [Sri
Chaitanya] who has a complexion like molten gold.
*** Quotations of Lord Chaitanya's bodily features according to some of the
great devotees present at the time: *
Srila Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya, one of the foremost disciples of Sri
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in Jagannath Puri, composed an entire series of
prayers describing in detail the various features of Sri Chaitanya
Mahaprabhu, called *Sri Gauranga-Prati-Anga-
the King of Prayers, proclaiming the glory of each limb of Sri Gauranga.
Let us carefully present a few of these divine gems.
*** Lord Chaitanya's bodily luster. *
Srila Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya has described the complexion of Sri
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's body.
*tapta hema dyutim vande kali-krishnam jagad-gurum caru-dirgha-tanum srimac
chaci-hrdaya-nandanam*
I worship Lord Krishna, the spiritual master of the universe, who appears
in the age of Kali with a luster like molten gold. His body is beautiful
and tall. He is like molten gold, and He is the delight and the son of
Sachidevi.
Srila Prabodhananda Sarasvati Thakura also describes Sri Chaitanya
Mahaprabhu's golden complexion.
*ananda lilamaya vigrahaya hemabha-divya-cchavi-
"O Lord Chaitanyachandra, O Lord whose form is full of blissful pastimes, O
Lord whose complexion is as splendid as gold..."
Srila Krishna das Kaviraj Goswami similarly describes Lord Chaitanya:
*tapta hema sama kanti prakanda sarira*
"...the luster of His expansive body resembles molten gold..."
Prabodhananda Sarasvati also further describes Sri Chaitanya's golden
complexion.
*svayam devo yatra-kanaka-gaurah karunaya*
"His complexion is as fair as molten gold."
*** Sri Chaitanya's beautiful hair. *
*lasan-mukha-lata-naddha charu-kuncita-kuntalam*
"His lovely curling locks are interwoven with creepers of glistening
pearls..."
*** Sri Chaitanya's shoulders and chest. *
Prabhodananda Sarasvati Thakura describes the shoulders of Mahaprabhu.
*simha skandham... *
"May Lord Chaitanya, whose shoulders are like a lion..."
Srila Krishna das Kaviraj Goswami also points out the nature of Sri
Chaitanya's shoulders and voice.
*simha griva simha-virya simhera hunkar*
"He has the shoulders of a lion, the powers of a lion, and the loud voice
of a lion."
*** Sri Chaitanya's arms. *
*ajanulambita-bhuja*
His arms reach all the way to his knees.
*ajanulambita bhumau kanaka vadatau*
Their arms (of Lord Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda) reach all the way to
their knees.
*kankanangada-vidyoti-janu-
"....His two arms, glittering with bracelets and bangles, extend down to
His knees."
*** Sri Chaitanya's face*
*prema-pravaha-madhura raktotpala-vilocanam h la-prasuna-susnigdha
nutanayata-nasikam*
His beautiful eyes are just like reddish lotus flowers. They are most
beautiful, just like lakes of Krishna *Prema*. His nose is arched and is
resplendent just like the sesame flower.
*sri-ganda-mandollasi ratna-kundala-manditam savya-karna-suvinyasta
sphurac-caru-sikhandakam*
His cheeks are round and they shine brilliantly. He wears jeweled earrings.
He has a peacock feather placed near His left ear.
*madhura-sneha-susnigdha praraktadhara-pallavam isad-danturita-snigdha
sphuran-mukta-radoijvalam*
His lips are tender and very lustrous. They resemble reddish blossoming
flowers. He reveals his pearl-like teeth out His kindness.
*** Chaitanya-charitamrita, Adi-Lila 3.77*
*sankirtana-pravartaka sri krma-chaitanya sankirtana-yajne tanre bhaje sei
dhanya*
"Lord Sri Krishna Chaitanya is the initiator of *sankirtana* [congregational
chanting of the holy name of Lord Krishna]. One who worships Him through
*sankirtana* is fortunate indeed"
*** Susloka-Satakam -59- Sri Gauranga Mahima*
*vintala-kamala-vaktrah pakva-bi nbadharosthas tila-kusu na-su-nasah
katnbu-kanthah su-dirghah suvaliuta-bhuja-dando nabhi-gambhira-rupah
sphuratu hrdaya-madhye gaura-candro-natendrah*
"His face is flawless like a blooming lotus and His lips are red as ripe as
*bimba* fruits. His nose is as beautiful as the sesame flower and his neck
is like a three-ringed conch. He is very tall and His rod-like arms make
artistic movements while He dances. His navel is very deep. May my Lord
Gaura Chandra, the king of dancers, reveal Himself in the core of My
heart."
------------------------------
According to the authoritative statements of the great purva-acharyas
[previous authorized bona fide spiritual masters] such as Srila Rupa
Goswami, Srila Sanatana Goswami, Srila Jiva Goswami, Srila Krishna das
Kaviraj Goswami, Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati
Thakur, and His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the
foremost representative of all the Acharyas in the Gaudiya Sampradaya, and
many other great Acharyas and pure devotees, Sri Krishna Chaitanya
Mahaprabhu is the Yuga-Avatar, and the incarnation of Sri Sri Radha and
Krishna combined who has appeared to taste the transcendental mellow bliss
experienced by Srimati Radharani. He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
This transcendental conclusion is supported by the statements of the Vedas,
the Srimad-Bhagavatam, various puranas, upa-puranas, the Mahabharata,
various Samhitas, Tantras and Pancaratric texts.
*Scriptures quoted:*
*Bhagavat Puran
<http://nitaaiveda.com/
| Adi
Puran
<http://nitaaiveda.com/
| Kurma
Puran
<http://nitaaiveda.com/
| Garuda
Puran
<http://nitaaiveda.com/
| Narasimha
Puran
<http://nitaaiveda.com/
| Padma
Puran
<http://nitaaiveda.com/
| Narada
Puran
<http://nitaaiveda.com/
| Brahma
Puran
<http://nitaaiveda.com/
| Bhavisya
Puran
<http://nitaaiveda.com/
| Agni
Puran
<http://nitaaiveda.com/
| Matsya
Puran
<http://nitaaiveda.com/
|Vayu
Puran
<http://nitaaiveda.com/
| Markandeya
Puran
<http://nitaaiveda.com/
| Varah
Puran
<http://nitaaiveda.com/
| Vaman
Puran
<http://nitaaiveda.com/
| Upa
Puran
<http://nitaaiveda.com/
| Ananta
Samhita
<http://nitaaiveda.com/
| Mahabharat
<http://nitaaiveda.com/
| Atharva
Ved
<http://nitaaiveda.com/
| Sama
Ved
<http://nitaaiveda.com/
| Chaitanya
Upanishad
<http://nitaaiveda.com/
| Chandogya
Upanishad
<http://nitaaiveda.com/
| Svetasvatar
Upanishad
<http://nitaaiveda.com/
| Purusa-Bodini-Upanisad
<http://nitaaiveda.com/
Is there any specific reference in the Vedas as to when in this yuga, the
Supreme Lord's Avatar- Sri Krishna Chaitanya was scheduled to appear?
*** In the Atharva-Veda; Purusa-Bodini-Upanisad, it is said: *
*saptame gaura-varna-visnor ity aena sva-saktya caikyam etya pratar
avatirya saha svaih sva-manum siksayati*
"In the seventh manvantara, in the beginning of the Kali-Yuga, the Supreme
Personality of Godhead will, accompanied by His own associates, descend in
a golden form to the earth. He will teach the chanting of His own names."
When exactly does He come in the kali-yuga, and where does He specifically
appear and what will He do?
*** In the Atharva Veda, the Supreme Person says:*
*itotham krta sannyaso'vatarisyami sa-guno nirvedo niskamo bhu-girvanas
tira-atho' lakanandayah kalau catuh-sahasrabdhopari panca-sahasrabhyantare
gaura-varno dirghangah sarva-laksana-yukta isvara prarthito nija-rasasvado
bhakta-rupo misrakhyo vidita-yogah syam*
I will descend on the earth after the passage of four thousand years in the
Kali-Age, [*kalau chatuh sahasrabdhopari*] and before the passage of five
thousand years [*pancha sahasra abhyantare*].
I will come on the earth on the bank of the Ganges, [*tira-sthah
alakanandayah*]. I will be a tall and saintly Brahmana devotee. I will have
all the auspicious symptoms of an exalted person [*dirghangah
sarva-laksana-yuktah*].
I will exhibit renunciation. I will have all auspicious signs. I will be a
devotee, practicing *bhakti yoga*. I will taste the *rasa* of My own
devotional service.
*** In the Sama Veda, the Supreme Lord says: *
*tathaham krta sannyaso bhu-girvano 'vatarisye tire'lakanandayah punah
punah isvara-prarthitah sa- parivaro niralambo nirdhuteh
kali-kalmasa-kavalita- janavalambanaya*
I shall come to the earth, accompanied by My associates, in a place by the
bank of the Ganges. I will advent to save the people who are afflicted and
devoured by the sins of the age of Kali. I will manifest as an Avadhut
Brahman Sannyasi.
What is the name of the place where the Supreme Lord appears?
*** The Chandogya Upanisad describes the place of advent of the Supreme
Lord Sri Krishna Chaitanya.*
This is explained by Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur, in the Sabadvipa Dham
Mahatmya (text 5):
*tan-madhye daharam saksan mayapuram itiryate tatra vesma bhagavatas
chaitanyasya paratmanah tasmin yas tv antarakaso hy antardvipah sa ucyate*
The spiritual city in the shape of a lotus has the abode of Sri Mayapur as
its heart. Sridham Mayapur is the divine abode of Lord Chaitanya, the
Supreme Personality of Godhead. In the middle of Mayapur is the place
called Antardvip.
(ACBSPN Note: One needs to catch a local train to "Krishna Nagar" from
"Sealdah Station" in Calcutta. After the 3 hour train journey, you got to
catch a bus for Mayapur, which will take another hour or so. Alternatively,
you could catch a local train from Howrah for Navadvip. These trains are
very rare - about 4 or 5 a day, so its better to go thru Sealdah. From
Navadvip station you got to take a cycle-rickshaw to the "Ghat" [Bank of
Ganges]. Then you cross the Ganges and reach Mayapur. The half an hour
motorized boat ride may cost you about 1 to 2 Rupees!)
Are there any other relevant scriptural references in the vedas describing
the appearance or qualities of Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu?
*** The Svetasvatara Upanisad (Ch. 6, text 7) describes the qualities of
the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Chaitanya: *
*tam isvaranam paramam mahesvaram tam devatanam paramam ca daivatam patim
patinam paramam parastad vidama devam bhuvanesam idyam*
"O Supreme Lord, you are the Supreme Mahesvara, the worshipable Deity of
all the demigods and the Supreme Lord of all Lords. You are the controller
of all controllers, the Personality of Godhead, the Lord of everything
worshipable."
*** Svetasvatara Upanisad Ch 3 text 12, 14*
*mahan prabhur vai purusah sattvasyaisa pravartakah sunirmalam imam praptim
isano jyotir avyayah*
"The Supreme Personality of Godhead is Mahaprabhu, who disseminates
transcendental enlightenment. Just to be in touch with Him is to be in
contact with the indestructible brahmajyoti. "
*** Sri Chaitanya Upanisad (Chaitanyopanisad), text 5: *
*jahnavi-tire navadvipe golokakhye dhamni govindo dvi-bhujo gaurah sarvatma
maha-puruso mahatma maha-yogi tri-gunatitah sattva-rupo bhaktim loke
kasyatiti. tad ete sloka bhavanti*
"The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Govinda, the supreme enjoyer, whose
form is transcendental, who is beyond the touch of the three modes of
material nature, and who is all pervading Supersoul residing in the-hearts
of all living entities, will appear again in the Kali-age. Appearing as the
greatest devotee, the Supreme Personality of Godhead will assume a
two-armed form of golden complexion in His abode of Goloka Vrindavan
manifested on the bank of the Ganga at Navadvip. He will disseminate pure
devotional service in the world. This incarnation of the Lord is described
in the following verses."
In what color will the Lord appear in the Kali-yuga, and what will He do?
*** Sri Chaitanya Upanisad text 6:*
*eko devah sarva-rupi mahatma gauro rakta syamala-sveta-rupah chaitanyatma
sa vai chaitanya-saktir bhaktakaro bhakti-do bhakh-vedyah*
"The Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is the master of all
transcendental potencies, and who may be known only by devotional
service, [*bhakti
vedyah*] appears in innumerable transcendental forms. He has appeared in
red, white and black complexions, [*gauro rakta syamala sveta rupah*] and
He will also appear in the golden form of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He will
assume the role of a perfect devotee [*bhakta akarah*] and He will teach
the conditioned souls the path of pure devotional service [*bhakti dah*].
What is the nature of the form of Lord Chaitanya and how is He understood?
*** Chaitanya Upanisad. text 7:*
*namo vedanta vedyaya krmaya paramatmane sarva chaitanya rupaya chaitanyaya
namo namah*
I offer my respectful obeisances unto Him, who is understood by Vedanta [*namo
vedanta vedyaya*], who is Lord Krishna [*Krishnaya*], the Supersoul [
*paramatmane*], whose form is fully transcendental and conscious of
everything [*sarva-chaitanya-rupaya*]. We offer our humble obeisances again
and again. [*chaitanyaya namo namah*]
What is the result of understanding the divine position of Sri Chaitanya
Mahaprabhu?
*** Sri Chaitanya-Upanisad. text 8:*
*vedanta vedyam purusam puranam chaitanyatmanam visva-yonim mahantam tam
eva viditva' mrtyum eti nanyah pantha vidyatetyanaya*
"Knowing Him who is the object of knowledge in the Upanisads, the oldest
person, the embodiment of consciousness, the source of the universe and the
greatest of all, one crosses over death. There is no other path for going
there."
What will Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu do in this incarnation ?
*** Sri Chaitanya-Upanisad. text 9:*
*sva-nama mula-mantrena sarvam hladayati vibhuh*
The Supreme powerful [*vibhuh*] Lord Sri Krishna Chaitanya appears in His
golden form, and He will fill the universe with bliss [*hladayati*] by the
chanting of His own holy names [*sva-nama-mula-mantrena*].
Which mantra will this yuga avatar chant?
*** Sri Cartanya Upanisad text 10. *
*sa eva mula-mantra japati harir iti krishna iti rama iti*
Sri Krishna Chaitanya will chant the maha-mantra comprised of the divine
names of Hari, Krishna and Rama. i.e.,
*Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare*
(ACBSPN Note: the pronunciation of "Rama" is "rAma" or "rAm" and *not*
"rAmA" as commonly misunderstood.)
Does Lord Chaitanya appear in every day of lord brahma? Just like the
original Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna does appear once in every
day of Lord Brahma.
*** Answer: Srila Prabhupada once explained in Melbourne, Australia, in
answer to the question of how long it would be before Lord Krishna would
come to this planet again in His personal form: after 8 billion, 600 milion
years. *
*Devotee:* How long do you say it is before Krishna comes to this planet
again in His physical form?
*Srila Prabhupada: *Now, calculate, I have already given the duration of
one day, twelve hours, of Brahma means 4,300,000 years multiplied by one
thousand....the eight billion.
*Devotee (2):* 600,000,000.
*Srila Prabhupada:* So Krishna comes after this period in one day, after
one day of Brahma, He appears.
*Devotee:* Srila Prabhupada, does Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu also appear
every day of Brahma?
*Srila Prabhupada: *Yes, following Krishna. Krishna comes in the
Dvapar-Yuga. There are four sets of yugas: Satva, Treta, Dvapar, Kali. So
Krishna comes at the end of Dvapar-Yuga, and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu comes in
the Kali-Yuga so almost the same year, same circulation... Similarly,
Krishna appears in rotation in this universe after so many years, eight
billion years. So next He goes to another universe....
[Melbourne Australia. 22nd May 1975.]
Did the Srimad-Bhagavatam (Bhagavat-Puran), the foremost of all Vedic
literatures predict the appearance of Lord Chaitanya Maraprabhu?
*** In the seventh canto of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, *Prahlad Maharaj
directly hints at the hidden nature of the Supreme Lord's appearance.
Because the Supreme Lord is also called Tri-Yuga, or one who appears in
only three yugas (satya, dvapara, treta), He is sometimes said to appear in
a concealed form, in the age of Kali.
*channah kalau yad abhavas tri-yugo'tha sa tvam *
(Srimad Bhagavatam 7.9.38)
Are there any more direct references in the Simad Bhagavatam, than the
above reference?
*** In the Tenth Canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam*, chapter eight, Gargamuni
the family priest of Nanda Maharaja, explains that the young boy Sri
Krishna has three colors - white, red and yellow - when He appears in His
transcendental form in different ages. In the current incarnation of
Krishna, He has appeared ...as black.
*asan varnas trayo hy asya grhnatotnvyugam tanuh suklo raktas tatha pita
idanim krmatam gatah *
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.8.13)
Srila Krishna das Kaviraj Goswami, the celebrated author of the Sri
Chaitanya-charitamrta, explains that the three colors of white, red and
yellow are the three bodily colors which the Supreme Lord assumes in the
ages of Satya, Treta and Kali respectively.
*sukla rakta pita-varna ei tina dyuti satya-treta-kali-kale dharena
sri-pati*
The Bhagavatam explains in the conversation between Karabhajan Muni and
King Nimi, that in the Dvapara-Yuga, the Supreme Lord, the Personality of
Godhead appears in a blackish form [d*vapare bhagavan syamah*]. He has a
yellow dress and carries His own weapons [*pita-vasa-nija-ayudhah*]. He is
beautified with the mark of *Srivatsa* and the *Kaustubha* jewel [*sri
vatsa-adibhih ankais ca laksanaih*]. This is the actual description of His
characteristics [*upalaksitah*].
The great sage continues his instruction to King Nimi by saying that people
in general in the age of Dvapar-Yuga worshiped the Lord of the Universe [*iti
dvapara urvisam stuvanti jagad isvaram*]. In the age of Kali, they
worshipped the Supreme Person by the regulation of the scriptures [*tantra
vidhana*].
*krishna varnam tvisakrmam*
* sangopangastra parsadam yajnaih sankirtana prayair yajanti hi sumedhasah*
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.5.32)
"In the age of Kali, intelligent persons perform congregational chanting to
worship the incarnation of Godhead who constantly sings the holy name of
Krishna. Although His complexion is not blackish, He is Krishna Himself. He
is accompanied by His associates, servants, weapons and confidential
companions."
How does this verse refer to the advent of Lord Chaitanya, since his name
is not directly mentioned there?
*** Just as the symptoms and characteristics of the various previous
incarnations are mentioned in the scriptures, similarly the symptoms of the
appearance of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu are described. *
Krishna-varnam indicates that He belongs to the category of Krishna.
Krishna varnam also means one who constantly repeats and sings the name of
Krishna. The main business of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was the chanting of
the holy name of Krishna. Thus the words Krishna varnam and Krishna
Chaitanya are equivalent.
Srila Krishna das Kaviraj Goswami has elucidated the two meanings of the
words Krishna varnam by stating:
*krishna ei dui varna sadayanra mukhe athava krmake h'nho varne nija sukhe*
Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu always sings the two syllables *Krish* & *na
*[*Krishna
ei dui varna sada yanra mukhe*], or He always relishes great transcendental
pleasure while describing Lord Krishna [*athava krmake tinho varne
nija-sukhe*].
Is there any hint or explanation of His bodily characteristics?
His bodily complexion is not black [*tvisa akrishnam*]. Lord Chaitanya
appeared in a very light, golden like complexion. His complexion was yellow
[*akrma-varane kahe pita-varana*]. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is very
beautiful.
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is often described as Gaurasundara. Gaura means
fair and Sundar means beautiful. Sometimes He is also called Gauranga or
one who has a very fair complexion.
------------------------------
Thus it is clearly established from the various Vedic Literatures and also
by the various writings of the great Acaryas, that *Sri Krishna Chaitanya
Mahaprabhu is the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself*, whose appearance
and birthplace were predicted and whose activities were also foretold.
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