Sunday, August 10th, 2008

Time	Event
12:43p	Predictions about the advent of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu Predictions of the appearance of Lord Caitanya can be found in many Vedic texts. One of the oldest prophecies concerning Sri Caitanya’s appearance in this world is found in the Atharva-veda verse, starting as: ito ‘ham krita-sannyaso ‘vatarisyami. In this verse the Supreme states: “I will descend as a sannyasi, a tall, fair, and saintly brahmana devotee, after four to five thousand years of Kali-yuga have passed. I will appear on earth near the Ganges shore and with all the signs of an exalted person, free from material desires. I will always chant the holy names of the Lord, and, thus, taste the sweetness of My own devotional service. Only other advanced devotees will understand Me.” Also, in a verse from the Sama-veda, starting as: tathaham krita-sannyaso bhu-girbanah avatarisye, the Supreme Being says that He will descend to earth as a brahmana-sannyasi at a place on the shore of the Ganges. Again and again He will chant the names of the Lord in the company of His associates to rescue the people who are devoured by sins in the age of Kali. The Mundaka Upanishad (3.3) also relates the prophecy of Sri Caitanya in a different way. It states, “When one realizes the golden form of Lord Gauranga, who is the ultimate actor and the source of the Supreme Brahman, he attains the highest knowledge. He transcends both pious and impious activities, becomes free from worldly bondage, and enters the divine abode of the Lord.” Another prophecy of the appearance of Sri Caitanya is found in two verses in the Bhavishya Purana. It states: ajayadhvamaja yadhvam na sansayah kalau sankirtana rambhe bhavisyami saci sutah “The Supreme Lord said: ‘In Kali-yuga, I will appear as the son of Saci, and inaugurate the sankirtana movement. There is no doubt about this.’” anandasru-kala-roma-harsa-purnam tapo-dhana sarve mam eva draksyanti kalau sannyasa-rupinam “O sage whose wealth is austerity, in the Kali-yuga everyone will see My form as a sannyasi, a form filled with tears of bliss and bodily hairs standing erect in ecstasy.” Another is from the Svetasvatara Upanishad (3.12): “Mahaprabhu [the great master], the Supreme Being, is brilliantly effulgent and imperishable like molten gold, and [through sankirtana] bestows spiritual intelligence on the living beings. In the guise of a sannyasi, He is the source of spiritual purity and liberation.” Another is from the Vayu Purana: “In the age of Kali I shall descend as the son of Sachidevi to inaugurate the sankirtana movement.” This is also confirmed in the Srimad-Bhagavatam (11.5.32) where it states: “In the age of Kali, intelligent persons perform congregational chanting to worship the incarnation of Godhead who constantly sings the names of Krishna. Although His complexion is not blackish [like that of Lord Krishna], He is Krishna Himself. He is accompanied by His associates, servants, weapons and confidential companions.” The great classic Mahabharata (Vishnu-sahasra-nama-stotra, 127.92.75) confirms that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is not different from Lord Sri Krishna: “The Supreme Lord has a golden complexion [when He appears as Lord Caitanya]. Indeed, His entire body, which is very nicely constituted, is like molten gold. Sandalwood pulp is smeared all over His body. He will take the fourth order of life [sannyasa] and will be very self-controlled. He will be distinguished from Mayavadi sannyasis in that He will be fixed in devotional service and will propagate the sankirtana movement.” The Caitanya-caritamrita (Adi-lila, 3.19-20) also explains how the Supreme Lord Himself describes how He will appear as His own devotee to perform and teach devotional service by inaugurating the sankirtana movement, which is the religion for this age. How He is the “great master” or will “bestow spiritual intelligence” is described in another Upanishad. This is one of the lesser Upanishads known as the Chaitanyopanishad, or Sri Caitanya Upanishad. This comes from the ancient Atharva Veda. In this description there is not only the prediction of His appearance but a description of His life and purpose, and the reasons why His process of spiritual enlightenment is so powerful and effective in this age of Kali. The Chaitanyopanishad is a short text with only nineteen verses. All of them are very significant. The Sri Caitanya Upanishad (texts 5-11) explains that one day when Pippalada asked his father, Lord Brahma, how the sinful living entities will be delivered in Kali-yuga and who should be the object of their worship and what mantra should they chant to be delivered, Brahma told him to listen carefully and he would describe what will take place in the age of Kali. Brahma said that the Supreme Lord Govinda, Krishna, will appear again in Kali-yuga as His own devotee in a two-armed form with a golden complexion in the area of Navadvipa along the Ganges. He will spread the system of devotional service and the chanting of the names of Krishna, especially in the form of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra; Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Another interesting story about the prediction of the appearance of Lord Caitanya in Kali-yuga is related in a lengthy conversation between Murari Gupta and Damodara Pandita, two contemporaries of Sri Caitanya. It is found in the Sri Caitanya Mangala, a biography of Sri Caitanya by Srila Locana Dasa Thakura. Among the many things they discuss are the symptoms and difficulties found in the age of Kali, how Lord Krishna appears on earth in this age, His confidential reasons for doing so, and how He revealed to Narada Muni His form as Lord Gauranga that He would accept while appearing on earth in this age. In this form He would distribute love of God to everyone He met by chanting the holy names. This conversation is very enlightening. Within this conversation they further relate an incident recorded as the Vishnu-Katyayani Samvada of the Padma Purana. This is a conversation between Lord Vishnu and Katyayani (Parvati), Lord Shiva=s wife. The story is that one time the great sage Narada Muni acquired the maha-prasada, personal food remnants, of Lord Narayana, Vishnu, and gave a morsel to his friend Lord Shiva. Shiva tasted it and he began to dance in ecstasy, to the point of disturbing the earth. When he was approached by Parvati about why he was dancing so, he explained what happened. However, she was unhappy and angry that he did not share any with her. Being devoted to Lord Vishnu and concerned for the spiritual well-being of all conditioned souls, she then vowed that if she should get the blessings of Lord Vishnu, she would see to it that the Lord=s maha-prasada was distributed to everyone. Just then Lord Vishnu Himself appeared and conversed with her. He assured her that He would appear in the world as Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in the age of Kali and would keep her promise and spread His mercy in the form of maha-prasada, food that has been offered to Him, and the chanting of His holy names to everyone, distributing His mercy everywhere. Another book is the Sri Hari-bhakti-vilasa by Sanatana Gosvami. Sanatana lived about 500 years ago in Vrindavana, India and was a great scholar of the Vedic scripture. A portion of the book contains an anthology of an amazing assortment of verses from the Vedic texts which predict the appearance of Lord Caitanya. Besides some of the quotes we have already cited, he includes verses from such texts as the Chandogya Upanishad, Krishna Upanishad, Narada Purana, Kurma Purana, Garuda Purana, Devi Purana, Nrisimha Purana, Padma Purana, Brahma Purana, Agni Purana, Saura Purana, Matsya Purana, Vayu Purana, Markandeya Purana, Varaha Purana, Vamana Purana, Vishnu Purana, Skanda Purana, Upapuranas, Narayana-Samhita, Krishna-yamala, Brahma-yamala, Vishnu-yamala, Yoga-vasistha, and the Tantras, such as Urdhvamnaya-tantra, Kapila Tantra, Visvasara Tantra, Kularnava Tantra, and others. These and other predictions confirm the fact that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu would appear to specifically propagate the chanting of the holy names. Furthermore, in the Fourth Chapter of the Antya-lila of the Caitanya Bhagavata, which is a biography of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu written by Sri Vrindavan dasa Thakura who is said to be an incarnation of Srila Vyasadeva, Lord Caitanya explains: “I have appeared on earth to propagate the congregational chanting of the holy names of God. In this way I will deliver the sinful material world. Those demons who never before accepted My authority and lordship will weep in joy by chanting My names. I will vigorously distribute devotional service, bhakti, which is sought after even by demigods, sages, and perfected beings, so that even the most abominable sinners will receive it. But those who, intoxicated with education, wealth, family background, and knowledge, criticize and offend My devotees, will be deprived of everything and will never know My true identity.” Then Sri Caitanya specifically states (Antya-lila 4.126): “I declare that My name will be preached in every town and village on this earth.” This verifies the fact that the chanting of the maha-mantra is the rare and special opportunity given by God for all to be relieved from the problems of the age of Kali and of material life in general. As confirmed in the Caitanya-caritamrita (Adi-lila, 3.77-78), it is Sri Krishna Caitanya who inaugurates the congregational chanting of the holy names, which is the most sublime of all spiritual sacrifices. Intelligent people will worship Him through this means, while other foolish people will continue in the cycle of repeated birth and death in this material world. In another place of the Caitanya-caritamrita (Antya-lila, 20.8-9), Sri Caitanya specifically tells Svarupa Damodara and Ramananda Raya that chanting the holy names is the most practical way to attain salvation from material existence in this age, and anyone who is intelligent and takes up this process of worshiping Krishna will attain the direct shelter of Krishna. He also strongly opposed the impersonalist philosophy of Shankaracharya and established the principle of acintya-bhedabheda-tattva. This specified that the Supreme and the individual soul are inconceivably and simultaneously one and different. This means that the Supreme and the jiva souls are the same in quality, being eternally spiritual, but always separate individually. The jivas are small and subject to being influenced by the material energy, while the Supreme is infinite and always above and beyond the material manifestation. Sri Caitanya taught that the direct meaning of the Vedic shastras is that the living entities are to engage in devotional service, bhakti, to the Supreme, Bhagavan Sri Krishna. Through this practice there can develop a level of communication between God and the individual by which God will lovingly reveal Himself to those who become qualified. In this understanding the theistic philosophy of Vaishnavism reached its climax. As previously explained, there is a system of self-realization especially recommended for each age. In the age of Kali, people are not attracted to spiritual pursuits and are often rebellious against anything that seems to restrict or stifle their freedom to do anything they want. Since in this age we are so easily distracted by so many things and our mind is always in a whirl, we need an easy path. Therefore, the Vedic shastra explains that God has given us an easy way to return to Him in this age. It is almost as if He has said, “Since you are My worst son, I give you the easiest process.” The Caitanya-caritamrita (Adi-lila, 3.40) confirms this and says that the Supreme Being descends as Sri Caitanya, with a golden complexion, to simply spread the glories of chanting the holy names, which is the only religious principle in this age of Kali. In this way, God Himself has given the method of chanting His holy names as the most effective means to reach His spiritual abode. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu did not become much involved in writing. In fact, He only wrote eight verses, but His followers compiled extensive Sanskrit literature that documented His life and fully explained His teachings. For more complete descriptions and elaborations on His life, activities, and philosophy, as written by His close associates, these books that you can order are presently available through various outlets. (Comment on this)
1:30p	Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu predicted in scriptures Sruti: (alphabetic order) Atharva Veda, third khanda, Brahma-vibhaga ito 'ham krta-sannyaso 'vatarisyami sa-guno nirvedo niskamo bhu-girbanas tira-stho 'lakanandayah kalau catuh-sahasrabdhopari panca-sahasrabhyantare gaura-varno dirghangah sarva-laksana-yukta isvara-prarthito nija-rasasvado bhakta-rupo misrakhyo vidita-yogah syam Translation "Towards the end of the period between four-thousand to five thousand years in Kali-yuga, I will descend on the earth as Gauranga, a golden-complexioned saintly brahmana in a place by the Ganges' shore and later become the crest-jewel of all sannyasis, exhibiting all My transcendental qualities including supreme renunciation and complete detachment from material desires. In the form of Lord Gauranga, I will display all the thirty-two bodily symptoms of a great personality with my arms extending to my knees. I will become my own devotee, very advanced in bhakti-yoga and teach the worship of Lord Krsna (Myself) by the chanting of My own holy names and relishing the mellows of My own devotional service. At that time only My most confidential devotees will be able to understand Me." Caitanya Upanisad of Atharva Veda (the whole text of 19 verses) Chandogya Upanisad 8.1.1 of Sama Veda atra brahma-puram nama pundarikam yad ucyate tad evasta-dalam padma sannibham puram adbhutam Translation In that place [where Sri Caitanya appears] is a wonderful city like an eight-petal lotus flower. {commentary of Bhaktivinoda Thakura} Chandogya Upanisad 8.1.2 tan-madhye daharam saksat mayapuramitiryate tatra vesma bhagavatas caitanyasya paratmanah tasmin yas tv 'antarakaso hy antar-dvipah sa ucyate Translation In the middle of that lotus-city is a place called Mayapura, and in the middle of Mayapura is a place called Antardvipa. That place is the home of Lord Caitanya, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. (commentary of Bhaktivinoda Thakura) Krsna Upanisad 2.6 sa eva bhagavan yuge turiye 'pi brahma-kule jayamanah sarva upanisadah uddidirsuh sarvani dharma-astrani vistarayisnuh sarvan api janan santarayisnuh sarvan api vaisnavan dharman vijrimbhayan sarvan api pasandan nicakhana Translation In the Kali-yuga, Supreme Lord will appear in a brahmana's family. He will teach the message of the Upanisads and the dharma-sastras. He will defeat the atheists and offenders and He will establish the truth of Vaisnava-dharma. Mundaka Upanisad 3.1.3 of Atharva Veda yada pasyah pasyate rukma-varnam kartaram isam purusam brahma-yonim Translation One who sees that golden-colored Personality of Godhead, the Supreme Lord, the supreme actor, who is the source of the Supreme Brahman, is liberated. Purusa-bodhini Upanisad of Atharva Veda saptame gaura-varna-visnor ity anena sva-saktya caikyam etya prantepratar avatirya saha svaih sva-manum siksayati Translation In the seventh manvantara, in the beginning of the Kali-yuga, the Supreme Personality of Godhead accompanied by His own associates, will descend in a golden form to the earth. He will teach the chanting of His own holy names. Svetasvatara Upanisad 3.12 of Yajur Veda mahan prabhur vai purusah sattvasyaisa pravartakah sunirmalam imam praptim isano jyotir avyayah Translation The Supreme Personality of Godhead is Mahaprabhu [Lord Caitanya], who disseminates transcendental enlightenment. Just to be in touch with Him is to be in contact with the indestructible brahmajyoti. Smrti: Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.9.38 ittham nr-tiryag-rsi-deva jhasavatarair lokan vibhavayasi hamsi jagat pratipan dharmam maha-purusa pasi yuganuvrttam channah kalau yad abhavas tri-yugo 'tha sa tvam Translation In this way, my Lord, You appear in various incarnations as a human being, an animal, a great saint, a demigod, a fish or a tortoise, thus maintaining the entire creation in different planetary systems and killing the demoniac principles. According to the age, O my Lord, You protect the principles of religion. In the age of Kali, however, You do not assert Yourself as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and therefore You are known as Triyuga, or the Lord who appears in three yugas., {Prahlada Maharaja speaks to Lord Nrsimhadeva} Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.8.13 asan varnas trayo hy asya grhnato 'nuyugam tanuh suklo raktas tatha pita idanim krsnatam gatah Translation This boy [Krsna] has three other colors - white, red and yellow - as He appears in different ages. Now He has appeared in a transcendental blackish color. {Gargamuni speaks to Nanda Maharaja} Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.5.32 krsna-varnam tvisakrsnam sangopangastra-parsadam yajnaih sankirtana-prayair yajanti hi su-medhasah Translation In the age of Kali, intelligent persons perform congregational chanting to worship the incarnation of Godhead who constantly sings the name of Krsna. Although His complexion is not blackish, He is Krsna Himself. He is accompanied by His associates, servants, weapons and confidential companions. {Karabhajana Muni speaks to King Nimi} Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.5.33 dhyeyam sada paribhava-ghnam abhista-doham tirthaspadam siva-virinci-nutam saranyam bhrtyarti-ham pranata-pala bhavabdhi-potam vande maha-purusa te caranaravindam Translation My dear Lord, You are the Maha-purusa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and I worship Your lotus feet, which are the only eternal object of meditation. Those feet destroy the embarrassing conditions of material life and freely award the greatest desire of the soul, the attainment of pure love of Godhead. My dear Lord, Your lotus feet are the shelter of all holy places and of all saintly authorities in the line of devotional service and are honored by powerful demigods like Lord Siva and Lord Brahma. My Lord, You are so kind that You willingly protect all those who simply bow down to You with respect, and thus You mercifully relieve all the distress of Your servants. In conclusion, my Lord, Your lotus feet are actually the suitable boat for crossing over the ocean of birth and death, and therefore even Lord Brahma and Lord Siva seek shelter at Your lotus feet. Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.5.34 tyaktva su-dustyaja-surepsita-rajya-laksmim dharmistha arya-vacasa yad agad aranyam maya-mrgam dayitayepsitam anvadhavad vande maha-purusa te caranaravindam Translation O Mahapurusa, I worship Your lotus feet. You gave up the association of the goddess of fortune and all her opulence, which is most difficult to renounce and is hankered after by even the great demigods. Being the most faithful follower of the path of religion, You thus left for the forest in obedience to a brahmana's curse. Out of sheer mercifulness You chased after the fallen conditioned souls, who are always in pursuit of the false enjoyment of illusion, and at the same time engaged in searching out Your own desired object, Lord Syamasundara. Agni Purana prasantatma lamba-kanthas gaurangas ca suravrtah Translation The Supreme Personality of Godhead will come in a golden form, full of peace, and a beautiful long neck. He will be surrounded by many saintly devotees. Bhavisya Purana anadasru-kala-roma harsa-purnam tapo-dhana sarve mam eva draksyanti kalau sannyasa-rupinam Translation O sage whose wealth is austerity, in the Kali-yuga everyone will see My form as a sannyasi, a form filled with tears of bliss and bodily hairs standing erect. Brahma Purana kaleh prathama-sandhyayam gaurango 'ham mahi-tale bhagirathi-tate bhumni bhavisyami sanatanah Translation In the first sandhya of the Kali-yuga I will reveal My eternal golden form by the Ganges' shore on the earth. Devi Purana nama-siddhanta-sampati prakasana-parayanah kvacit sri-krsna-caitanya nama loke bhavisyati Translation The Supreme Personality of Godhead will again appear in this world. His name will be Sri Krsna Caitanya and He will spread the chanting of the Lord's holy names. Garuda Purana yad gopi-kuca-kumbha-sambhrama-bhara- rambhena samvardhitah yad va gopa-kumara- sara-kalaya range subhandi-krtam yad vrndavana-kanane pravilasac chridama- damadibhis tat prema-pradatam cakara bhagavan caitanya-rupah prabhuh Translation The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Who enjoyed glorious pastimes with Sridama, Dama, and other gopa boys in Vrndavana forest, and Whose eyes glanced at the gopis' breasts, will again come to this world to reveal the nature of pure spiritual love. At that time His name will be Caitanya. yo reme saha-ballavi ramayate vrndavane 'har-nisam yah kamsam nijaghana kaurava- rane yah pandavanam sakha so 'yam vainava- danda-mandita-bhutah sannyasa-vesah sva- yam nihsandedham upagatah ksiti-tale caitanya-rupah prabhuh Translation The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Who enjoyed pastimes with the gopis, Who day and night filled the people of Vrndavana with happiness, Who killed Kamsa, and Who in the war between the Kauravas made friendship with the Pandavas, will come again to the earth. Of this there is no doubt. His arm decorated with a bamboo danda, He will be a sannyasi and his name will be Caitanya. kalina dahyamananam paritranaya tanu-bhrtam janma prathama-sandhyayam karisyami dvijatisu Translation To deliver the conditioned souls burning in the trouble of Kali-yuga, in the first sandhya of that age I will take birth among the Brahmanas. aham purno bhavisyami yuga-sandhau visesatah mayapure navadvipe bhavisyami saci-sutah Translation In My original spiritual form, perfect and complete, I will become the son of Sacidevi in Navadvipa-Mayapura at the beginning of Kali-yuga. kaleh prathama-sandhyayam laksmi-kanto bhavisyati daru-brahma-samipa-sthah sannyasi gaura-vigrahah Translation In the first sandhya of Kali-yuga, the Supreme Personality of Godhead will assume a golden form. First He will be the husband of Laksmi, and then He will be a sannyasi who stays near Lord Jagannatha at Puri. Kurma Purana kalina dahyamanam uddhararaya tanu-bhrtam janma prathama sandhyayam bhavisyati dvijalaye Translation The Supreme Person will appear in the first part of the age of Kali. He will appear in the home of a brahmana, to save the embodied conditioned souls burning in the troubles of Kali-yuga. Mahabharata, Dana-dharma-parva ch. 189 suvarna-varno hemango varangas candanangadi sannyasa-krc chamah santo nistha-santi-parayanah Translation In His early pastimes He appears as a householder with a golden complexion. His limbs are beautiful, and His body, smeared with the pulp of sandalwood, seems like molten gold. In His later pastimes He accepts the sannyasa order, and He is equipoised and peaceful. He is the highest abode of peace and devotion, for He silences the impersonalist nondevotees. {Vaisampayana Muni speaks} Markandeya Purana golokam ca parityajya lokanam trana-karanat kalau gauranga-rupena lila-lavanya-vigrahah Translation 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. Matsya Purana mundo gaurah su-dirghangas tri-srotas-tira-sambhavah dayaluh kirtana-grahi bhavisyami kalau-yuge Translation In the age of Kali, I shall advent where the three rivers meet. I shall have a shaven head. I shall have a golden complexion. I will be very kind and always chant the holy name of Krsna. Narada-pancaratra, Bala-Krsna- sahasra-nama-stotra bhakti-priyo bhakti-data, damodara ibhas-patih indra-darpa-haro 'nanto, nityananda-cid-atmakah Translation The Supreme Personality of Godhead is known by the names Bhakti-priya, Bhakti-data, Damodara, Ibhas-pati, Indra-darpa-hara, Ananta, Nityananda-cid-atmaka. Narada Purana divija bhuvi jayadhvam jayadhvam bhakta-rupinah kalau sankirtanarambhe bhavisyami saci-sutah Translation O divija (demigods), please come and advent as devotees on this earth in the age of Kali. I will incarnate as the son of Saci to inaugurate the congregational chanting of the name of Krsna. aham eva kalau vipra (or dvijasresthah) nityam pracchanna-vigrahah bhagavad-bhakta-rupena lokam raksami sarvada Translation O brahmana, in the age of Kali I will appear disguised as a devotee of the Lord and I will deliver all the worlds. O demigods, in the Kali-yuga please take birth as devotees on the earth. I will appear as the son of Saci in the Kali-yuga to start the sankirtana movement. Nrsimha Purana satye daitya-kuladhi-nasa-samaye simhor- dhva-martyakrtis trtayam dasa-kandharam paribhavan rameti namakrtih gopalan paripalayan vraja-pure bharam haran dvapare gaurangah priya-kirtanah kali-yuge caitanya-nama prabhuh Translation The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Who in the Satya-yuga appeared as a half- man half-lion to cure a terrible disease that has ravaged the daityas, and Who in Treta- yuga appeared as a person named Rama, a person who defeated the ten-headed demon Ravana, and Who in the Dvapara-yuga removed the earth's burden and protected the gopa 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 Caitanya. Padma Purana kaleh prathama-sandhyayam gaurango 'ham mahi-tale bhagirathi-tate ramye bhavisyami saci-sutah Translation In the first sandhya of Kali-yuga I will appear on the earth in a beautiful place by the Ganges' shore. I will be the son of Sacidevi and My complexion will be golden. yatra yogesvarah saksad yogi-cintyo janardanah caitanya-vapur aste vai sandranandatmakah prabhuh Translation The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Who is filled with bliss, Who rescues the devotees from a host of calamities, and Who is the master of yoga and the object of the yogis' meditation, will appear in His transcendental form and will be known by the name Caitanya. Skanda Purana antah-krsno bahir-gaurah sangopangastra-parsadah sacigarbhe samapna yat maya-manusa-karma-krt Translation Inside black and outside golden and accompanied by His associates and weapons, I shall appear in the womb of Saci. I will seemingly act as a human being because of the cover of My maya potency. Vamana Purana kali-ghora-tamascchannan sarvan acara-varjitan saci garbhe ca sambhuya tarayisyami narada Translation O Narada, appearing from the womb of Sacidevi [an incarnation of Krsna's mother Yasoda], I shall deliver the people of Kali-yuga, who will be covered by deep ignorance and thus devoid of good behavior. Varaha Purana aham eva dvija-srestho lila-pracurya-vigrahah bhagavad-bhakta-rupena lokan raksami sarvada Translation I shall come as the best of the brahmanas. I will exhibit many pastimes in the form of a devotee. I shall deliver the people of the world. Vayu Purana mundo gaurah sudirghangas trisrotastira-sambhavah dayaluh kirtanagrahi bhavisyami kalau yuge kalau sankirtanarambhe bhavisyami saci-sutah Translation In Kali-yuga I shall appear in a golden form with shaved head and a tall body. I shall be merciful to people engaged in sankirtana on the bank of the River Ganges. When the sankirtana movement is inaugurated, I shall descend as the son of Sacidevi. suddho gaurah-su-dirghango ganga-tira-samudbhavah dayaluh-kirtana-grahi bhavisyami kalau yuge Translation In the age of Kali-yuga, I shall come in a place on the bank of the Ganges. I will be very pure, have a fair complexion, and be very tall and chant the holy names of Krsna. paurnamasyam phalgunasya phalguni-rksa-yogatah bhavisye gaura-rupena saci-garbhe purandarat svarnadi-tiram asthaya navadvipe janasraye tatra dvija-kulam prapto bhavisyami janalaye bhakti-yoga-pradanaya lokasyanugrahaya ca sannyasa-rupam asthaya krsna-caitanya-nama-dhrk tena lokasya nistaras tat kurudhvam mamajnaya dharitri bhavita cabhir mayaiva dvija-dehina Translation 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 Saci and Purandara Misra. I will be born in the city of Navadvipa, on the Ganges' 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 Krsna Caitanya. 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. an Upapurana aham eva kvacid-brahman sannyasa-asrama-asritah haribhaktim grahayami kalau papa-hatan-naran Translation I, the Supreme Brahman, sometimes appear as a sannyasi. I am preaching the Hari-bhakti which destroys the sins of people in Kali-yuga. Ananta-samhita: svarnadi-tiram asritya navadvipe dvijalaye sampradatum bhakti-yogam lokasyanugrahaya ca sa eva bhagavan krsno radhika-prana-vallabhah srsty-adau sa jagannatho gaura asin mahesvari avatirno bhavisyami kalau-nija-ganaih saha saci-garbhe navadvipe svardhuni-parivarite aprakasyam idam guhyam na prakasyam bahir-mukhe bhaktavataram bhaktakhyam bhaktam bhakti-pradam svayam man-maya-mohitah kecin na jnasyanto bahir-mukhah jnasyanti mad-bhakti-yuktah sadhavo-nyasinotmalah krsnavatara-kale-yah striyo ye purusah priyah kalau te 'vatarisyanti sridama-subaladayah catuh-sasti-mahantas te gopa dvadasa balakah dharma-samsthapanarthaya viharisyami tair aham kale nastam bhakti-patham sthapayisyamy aham punah gacchantu bhuvi te putrah jayantam bhakta-rupinah dharma-samsthapanam kale kurvantu te mamajnaya krsnas caitanya-gaurango gauracandrah saci-sutah prabhur gauro gaura-harir namani-bhakti-dani me Translation To show mercy to the people and give them devotional service, the Supreme Personality of Godhead will appear in a brahmana's home in Navadvipa by the Ganges' shore. The Supreme Person, Sri Krsna Himself, who is the life of Srimati Radharani, and is the Lord of the universe in creation, maintenance, and annihilation, appears as Gaura, O Mahesvari. In Kali-yuga, I will descend to the earth with My associates. In Navadvipa, which is surrounded by the Ganges, I will take birth in Sacidevi'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 Krsna, will come again during the Kali- yuga. The gopas will become the sixty-four 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: Krsna Caitanya, Gauranga, Gauracandra, Sacisuta, Mahaprabhu, Gaura and Gaurahari. Chanting these names will bring devotion to Me. gauri sri-radhika devi harih krsna prakirtitah ekatvac ca tayoh saksad iti gaura-harim viduh Translation The golden Goddess Radha is known by the name Gauri and the dark Lord Krsna is known by the name Hari. Aware that both of them have combined, the wise call Him as Gaurahari." navadvipe tu tah sakhyo bhakta-rupa-dharah priye ekangam sri-gaura-harim sevante satatam muda Translation "O beloved, assuming the forms of devotees the gopis will also take birth in Navadvipa. With great happiness they will again and again serve Lord Gaurahari, who is Radha and Krsna combined in a single form." sri-mahadeva uvaca gaurangam sac-cid-anandam, sarva-karana-karanam vaca gadgadayanantam, tustava dharani-dharah Translation Lord Anantadeva, the upholder of the whole universe then with a chocked voice full of ecstasy tried to satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu, the Supreme Cause of all Causes who possesses a transcendental eternal form of truth, knowledge and bliss. vrndavane navadvipe, bheda-buddhis ca yo narah tam eva radhika-krsne, sri-gaurange paratmani mac-chala-pata-nirbhinna-dehah so 'pi naradhamah pacyate narake ghore, yavad ahuta-samplavam Translation Lord Shiva said: "With my trident I will cut into pieces anyone who thinks that Vrindavana and Navadvipa are different, or that Radha-Krsna and Gauranga are different, or that Lord Gauranga is not the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Such a person is most degraded among human beings. He or she will burn in a terrible hell until the time when the universe is flooded with water." vistaran me nigaditah, sruto yah krsna isvarah visvadau gaura-kantitvat, gaurangam vaisnavah viduh Translation Please hear attentively, I will describe in detail this most confidential secret. The Supreme Isvara or Controller Lord Krishna who is the origin of everything is known and worshiped by the learned Vaishnava devotees as Lord Gauranga, when He accepts the golden complexion of Srimati Radhika. paratmane namas tasmai, sarva-karana-hetave adi-devaya gauraya, sac-cid-ananda-rupine Translation I offer my prostrated obeisances to Adideva, the Supreme Lord Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu who is the ultimate and original cause of all causes, the Paratma or Supersoul of all living entities and who possesses a transcendental eternal form of truth, knowledge and bliss. gopi-sangam na capnoti, sri-gaura-caranad rte tasmat tvam sarva-bhavena, sri-gauram bhaja sarvada Translation And to achieve the service and association of the gopis of Vrindavana the only way is to worship the lotus feet of Lord Gauranga and chant His name. Therefore Parvati, you should worship Lord Gauranga and chant His name constantly and with sarva-bhava, full surrender, giving everything to Him. gauranga-caranambhoja-makaranda-madhuvratah sadhanena vina radham, krsnam prapsyanti niscitam Translation The person who is like a transcendental honeybee relishing the supreme ambrosial nectar (makaranda) emanating from the divine lotus feet of Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu will most certainly without a doubt attain Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Krishna even without performing any sadhana-bhakti practice of bhakti-yoga. radhika-vallabhah krsno, bhaktanam priya-kamyaya srimad-gauranga-rupena, navadvipe virajate Translation The Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Krishna who is most dear to His Supreme consort Srimati Radharani is situated in Navadvipa in His transcendental combined form of Srimad Gauranga to fulfil the innermost desires of His most intimate devotees. End of Ananta-samhita quotes Brahma-yamala tantra athavaham dhara-dhamni bhutva mad-bhakta-rupa-dhrk mayayam ca bhavisyami kalau sankirtanagame Translation Sometimes I personally appear on the surface of the world in the garb of a devotee. Specifically, I appear as the son of Saci in Kali-yuga to start the sankirtana movement. gaurangam gaura-diptangam pathet stotram krtanjalih nanda-gopa-sutam caiva namasyami gadagrajam Translation With great devotion and folded hands, one should recite the following prayer before Lord Gauranga, whose limbs are as effulgent as molten gold: 'I offer my respectful obeisances to Lord Gauranga-Krsna, the son of the Nanda Maharaja and the elder brother of Gada. kalau prathama-sandhyayam hari-nama-pradayakah bhavisyati navadvipe saci-garbhe janardanah Translation In the first sandhya of Kali-yuga, Lord Krsna will appear in Navadvipa, in Sacidevi's womb. In that incarnation He will teach the chanting of Lord Hari's holy names. Jaimini-bharata anyavatara bahavah sarve sadharana matah kalau krsnavataras tu gudhah sannyasa-vesa-dhrk Translation Lord Krsna descends to the world in many different forms. However in Kali- yuga, His incarnation is hidden. At that time He appears disguised as a sannyasi. Kapila tantra kvacit sapi krsnam aha srnu mad-vacanam priya bhavata ca sahaikatmyam icchami bhavitum prabho mama bhavanvitam rupam hrdayahlada-karanam parasparanga-madhya-stham krida-kautuka-mangalam paraspara-svabhavadhyam rupam ekam pradarsaya srutva tu preyasi-vakyam parama-priti-sucakam svecchayasid yatha purvam utsahena jagad-guruh premalingana-yogena hy acintya-sakti-yogatah radha-bhava-kanti-yuktam murtim ekam prakasayan svapne tu darsayam asa radhikayai svayam prabhuh Translation Then Sri Radha said to Lord Krsna: 'O beloved, please hear My words. I yearn to become one with you. Please show a form where You and I embrace and Our two bodies become one, a form filled with the love I bear for You, a form filled with auspicious and blissful pastimes, a form that brings bliss to the heart, a form that unites Our two natures.' Hearing His beloved's words, which were filled with joy and love, Lord Krsna passionately embraced Her. Then by the touch of His inconceivable potency Their two forms joined and became one, a single form endowed with Sri Radha's divine love and glorious splendor. In a dream Lord Krsna showed all this to Sri Radha. Krsna-yamala tantra aham purno bhavisyami yuga-sandhau visesatah mayapure navadvipe varam ekam saci-sutah Translation During the first sandhya of Kali-yuga I will descend, with all My powers and glories, to Mayapura in Navadvipa and become the son of Sacidevi. punya-ksetre navadvipe bhavisyami saci-sutah Translation I shall appear in the holy land of Navadvipa as the son of Sacidevi. iti matva krpa-sindhur amsena krpaya harih prasanno bhakta-rupena kalav avatarisyati Translation Thinking in this way, Lord Krsna, who is an ocean of mercy, mercifully decided to appear as a devotee in Kali-yuga. gauranga nada gambhirah svanamamrta lalasah dayaluh kirtana grahi bhavisyati saci-sutah Translation Merciful Lord Gauranga, who has a deep voice, will appear as the son of Sacidevi. He is eager to taste the nectar of His own names and thus engages in chanting them. {Krsna-yamala tantra 64} matva tvanmayam atmanam pathan dvayaksaram ucyate gata trapo madonmatto gaja vad vicarisyati Translation He (Krsna) will consider Himself as You (Radha). In this mood He will loudly recite two syllables, krs-na, and being shamelessly intoxicated He will wander like an elephant. {Krsna-yamala tantra 65} bhuvani prapte tu govindas caitanyakhyo bhavisyati ansena bhuvi yasyanti tatra tat purvaparsada Translation When Lord Govinda appears on earth, He will be known as Caitanya. At that time His associates also appear on earth in their expansions. (Krsna-yamala tantra 66) Urdhvamnaya tantra kalau purandarat sacyam gaura-rupo vibhu smrtah Translation In Kali-yuga I will appear in a golden form as the son of Purandara and Sacidevi. navadvipa-samam sthanam sri-gauranga-samah prabhuh krsna-prema-sama praptir nasti durge kadacana Translation O Durga, no place in the creation is equal to Navadvipa, no master is as merciful as Lord Sri Gauranga, and no attainment in the whole world is equal to pure love for Krsna. Visnu-yamala tantra krsna-caitanya-namna ye kirttayanti sakrnnarah nanaparadha-muktas te punanti sakalam jagat Translation A person who even once chants the name of Krsna Caitanya becomes free from all offenses and purifies the whole universe. Yoga-vasistha kaleh prathama-sandhyayam gaurango 'sau mahi-tale bhagirathi-tate ramye bhavisyati sanatanah Translation In the first sandhya of Kali-yuga, on the earth, by the beautiful shore of the Ganges, the Lord will appear in His eternal golden form. **Other direct references are found in the Visvasara tantra, Kularnava tantra, Brahma-rahasya, and Visnu-yamala. Besides these there are complete chapters about Sri Caitanya's incarnation in the Vayu Purana and Bhavisya Purana, which are too long to quote here. Also there is a text by the name Caitanya Upanisad within the Atharva Veda, which explains the Lord's incarnation in Kali-yuga. I have not cited it here, as it was rediscovered in recent times, so some people will reject its authenticity, or at least its value as evidence. Sri Caitanya's incarnation was a hidden incarnation, thus He buried references to His appearance deep within the ocean of Vedic texts. His desire was that His disguise would not be betrayed, so He made sure these references would remain hidden until after His incarnation was complete. These texts were always present, but by the inconceivable yoga-maya of the Lord, He covered His true identity even from the Vedic scholars and panditas. Only the pure devotees understood His actual identity. (Comment on this)

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