|
Sri
Chaitanya Mahaprabhus predicted appearance supported by the
statements of the Vedas, the Srimad-Bhagavatam, various puranas,
the Mahabharata, various Samhitas, Tantras and Pancaratric texts.
Thus it is clearly established that Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
is the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself, whose appearance
and birthplace were predicted and whose activities were also foretold.
Scriptures quoted:
Bhagavat Puran | Adi Puran | Kurma Puran | Garuda Puran | Narasimha Puran | Padma Puran | Narada Puran | Brahma Puran | Bhavisya Puran | Agni Puran | Matsya Puran | Vayu Puran | Markandeya Puran | Varah Puran | Vaman Puran | Upa Puran | Ananta Samhita | Mahabharat | Atharva Ved | Sama Ved | Chaitanya Upanishad | Chandogya Upanishad | Svetasvatar Upanishad | Purusa-Bodini-Upanisad
Prediction of Lord Gauranga's advent in the form of a brahmana.
** 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-purnam].
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]
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]
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,
-
in My form as the
incarnation of devotion,
-
in My form as the
incarnation of a devotee,
-
in My form bearing
the name of a devotee,
-
in My form as a devotee,
and
-
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-Varnanakhya-Stava-Rajah,
or 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-sundaraya
"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-lambi-bhaja-dvayam
"....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."
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
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 [dvapare 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.
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