Who was Chaitanya Mahaprabhu?

 

                 Image Credit: https://www.iskconbangalore.org/blog/lord-chaitanya-in-the-scriptures/

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was a 15th-century Indian saint who is considered to be the combined avatar of Radha and Krishna by his disciples and various scriptures. Chaitanya means "one who is conscious" (derived from Chetana, which means "Consciousness"); Maha means "Great" and Prabhu means "Lord" or "Master". Chaitanya, to his followers – called ‘Vaishnavas’ – was recognized as the incarnation of ‘Krishna’. He is sometimes called Gauranga or Gaura due to his molten gold-like complexion. His birthday is celebrated as Gaura-Purnima.  

Glimpses of His Saintly Life

Chaitanya’s name before his initiation into the monastic order was Vishwambhar Mishra, the second son of Jagannath Mishra. He was also called Nimai because he was born under a Neem tree. He studied Sanskrit at Nadia which was the great seat of learning in those days. Nimai being a house-holder started a Sanskrit school for imparting scholastic education. After the completion of 20 years of his age, suddenly, a great change took place in his life, which completely changed the course of his life. 

Towards the end of 1508, Nimai went to Gaya to offer prayers to the departed soul of his father. It so happened that Iswarpuri, one of the greatest disciples of veteran Vaishnava saint MadhavPuri, whom he had met earlier at Nadia was also in Gaya at that time. Iswarpuri and Nimai had long religious discourses on ‘Krishna’ which made a lasting impression on Nimai’s mind. He realized that he had the urge to find the truth. Iswarpuri imparted to him a ‘mantra’ (esoteric knowledge) for worshipping Gopala (Krishna). He was a completely changed man when he came back to Nadia in January 1510.

Nimai became an ardent devotee of Krishna. Though he maintained his school for some months more, he lost all his interest in teaching. He experienced devotional ecstasy while constantly chanting the name of Krishna, Govind, Hari, etc.Very often Nimai would go into trance (Samadhi). When he regained consciousness he would say “Leave me, I am no longer fit for the world. Let me go to Vrindaban to find Krishna – my Lord and law of the Universe”.  

The Great Pilgrimage

The main objective of Chaitanya’s visit to Vrindaban was said to be ‘reinvention,’ as Chaitanya wanted to identify important places associated with Lord Krishna, in Vrindavan. For many years, Chaitanya traveled the length and breadth of India, advocating Bhakti yoga. Chanting the name of Krishna, Chaitanya would travel on foot to various places in a state of absolute bliss or ecstasy. 

After traveling for years, Chaitanya settled down in Puri, Odisha, where he stayed for the final 24 years of his life. He used to chant Krishna’s name in solitude on the sea coast at Puri. Chaitanya’s faith was building block of 'Vaishnavism', where there was no place for class distinction. Soon people from all castes joined him. The Hindu king of Orissa, Pratap Rudra himself a religious man became his disciple. He popularized his doctrine of “Krishna Prem” – Love for Krishna and his faith under the royal patronage of King Pratap Rudra was responsible for the conversion of millions of people in Bengal and Orissa, the main centers of his activities.

After his return from pilgrimage in 1516, he never left Puri till his death in 1533. Chaitanya’s death is still shrouded in mystery. While some believe that Chaitanya disappeared into the sea chanting the names of Krishna. Pure faith characterized him and he is said to have an impassioned religious consciousness and a vivid sense of personal presence of God in the form of Vishnu or Krishna.

Every morning Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu saw the Deity of Lord Jagannatha. He would stand near the Garuda Stambha, and offer obeisances, and prayers. He danced and sang before Lord Jagannatha and waited for the bhog.

Mode of Worshipping

Kirtan processions – repeated uttering of the Lord’s name as a song in the chorus – began to be organized under the leadership of Nimai. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's mode of worshipping Krishna with bhajan-kirtan and dance had a profound effect on Vaishnavism. A large number of people who had remained indifferent started to take part in the Kirtana processions to the accompaniment of musical instruments like a cymbal, Mridanga, etc.

His all-embracing ‘Bhakti’ liberated him from all distinctions of caste and class. He displayed in his life, the thoughts, and deeds of an almost super-human, who spoke of love, devotion, and humility. A combination of all the above qualities and his aura attracted and continues to attract devotees from far and near.

 

The message of the Universal Brotherhood

“Be humbler than a blade of Grass,

Be patient and forbearing like the tree,

Take no honor to thyself,

Chant unceasingly the name of the Lord.”

Thus, spoke Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, one of the great figures of the “Bhakti Movement” that flourished in medieval India. The "Bhakti Movement" believes in the forces of love, grace, and supreme devotion. By keeping complete faith in the Supreme God through Bhakti, mankind can be successful in its salvation.

It recognized no caste or class distinction and styles mooted among the people. Apart from Chaitanya in Bengal, other saints and preachers who enriched the religious life of the common people through their teachings included Acharya Ramaunuja and Ramanand in the south, Guru Nanak in Punjab, Kabir, Tulsidas, and Tukaram in the north and many others. 

Chaitanya’s message of universal brotherhood through love, dedication, and devotion is of much relevance in the present scenario when the world is torn with violence, hatred, and strife. That is his greatest contribution to the world's civilization and culture. He promoted the virtues of charity, gentleness, and compassion among his followers. He inspired many other saints, who are also contributing to the unity and integrity of the people by bringing out a cultural synthesis of the diverse religions and cultures of this vast country. 

Historians and scholars say that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu did not write any books. Whatever he said was recorded by one of his followers, which came to be known as 'Shikshastak' (Eight Verses). These eight verses are believed to contain the philosophy of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, although Chaitanya Mahaprabhu did not record his teachings and philosophy. He asked some of his followers (the six Goswamis of Vrindavan) to present his teachings systematically in their writings.

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