Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, born in 1485 in Navadvipa, Bengal, India, and passing away in 1533 in Puri, Orissa, was a remarkable Hindu mystic. Growing up in a loving and pious environment as the son of a Brahman, he received a comprehensive education in the Sanskrit scriptures. After his father’s passing, he established his own school. At the age of 22, during a pilgrimage to Gaya for his father’s death anniversary ceremony, he underwent a profound religious transformation that changed his entire perspective and personality. Upon his return to Navadvipa, he was a man filled with divine ecstasy, completely detached from worldly concerns. His worship of the god Krishna through ecstatic song and dance left a lasting impact on Vaishnavism in Bengal.

Early Life

Chaitanya, originally named Vishvambhar, came into the world on February 18, 1486, amidst the backdrop of a full lunar eclipse, seen as a blessed event by Hindu scholars in India. His parents, Sachi Devi and Jagannath Mishra, welcomed him as their second child in Srihatta, now located in Sylhet, Bangladesh. Growing up with an elder brother named Visvarupa, Chaitanya stood out with his fair skin and an uncanny resemblance to the beloved Lord Krishna. Even in his youth, he displayed remarkable intelligence, engaging in the chanting of Lord Krishna’s praises and showcasing an early aptitude for reciting mantras and religious hymns.

Philosophy

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, while being part of the Madhvacharya tradition, is often seen as having a slightly unique perspective compared to other followers of this tradition. Interestingly, he didn’t personally document his teachings in written texts, but fortunately, one of his devoted followers captured his words, giving us the precious ‘Siksastaka’—a collection of eight verses considered the essence of Gaudiya Vaishnavism philosophy. Although he didn’t pen down his thoughts, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu entrusted the task of presenting his teachings to the Six Gosvamis of Vrindavan, highlighting the collaborative and communal nature of his spiritual legacy.

Teachings

The ‘Siksastakam,’ an ancient prayer with eight verses from the 16th century, stands as the sole written documentation of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s teachings. These teachings, which form the foundation of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, are encapsulated in ten key points and revolve around celebrating the greatness of Lord Krishna. It’s like a timeless guide that brings alive the essence of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s wisdom, emphasizing the beauty and significance of connecting with Lord Krishna.

Death & Legacy

The followers of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu assert that he didn’t pass away because he was considered an incarnation of Lord Krishna. However, there are differing theories, some suggesting he might have been a victim of foul play, though this is not universally accepted. Another intriguing notion proposes a magical disappearance, while a different account places his death at Tota Gopinath temple in Puri, Odisha. On the medical front, some scholars and historians argue that there is evidence pointing to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu suffering from epilepsy. Texts describe instances where he would lose consciousness regularly due to the condition. Historians go further to suggest that seizures, linked to epilepsy, might have played a role in his passing on June 14, 1534.