Śri Caitanya-bhāgavata
Śrīla Vṛndāvana dāsa Ṭhākura
The vyāsa-avatara of Caitanya-līlā
FOREWORD by Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati
The earliest Bengali book touching the life of our Supreme Lord and coming out of the masterly pen of Thakur Brindabandas, the last disciple of Lord Nityananda, is Sree Chaitanya Bhagabat. The literary activity of Bengal was targetting this book as the pioneer production of the makers of the Bengali language. Although modern researches have found out that there existed several songs and other metrical scribblings in Bengali before this book was written, such as the lyrical poems of Vidyapatiand Chandidas/ panchali of Gunarajkhan and Lochandas etc. Yet some are of opinion that this book can safely be called the earliest product in Bengali metrical literature of real importance. The diction is an exemplary production of the able writer and this fact can not but be admitted even by the too fastidious critics who deal with literary merits in linguistic attainments.
The book was followed by another famous Bengali metrical work, Sree Chaitanya Charitamrita, by the renowned master writer Kaviraj Krishnadasji who has identified Thakur Brindabandas with Maharsi Vyasadeva himself who has left the most authentic accounts of the different ‘Avataras’ of Vishnu in his series of Pauranic productions. We can hardly give a better introduction than the said one from our revered Kaviraj Goswami.
The style of the book is so simple that it is accessible to all having only primary education in Bengali language. Throughout the book the style is pithy, flowing and spontaneous. The work can easily be accepted as the very compendium of aphorisms of the true tenets preached by the Supreme Lord Sree Krishna Chaitanya’and His associated comrades. The descriptions are all authentic and most pleasing to all true and staunch devotees.
While going through the book malicious critics may find scope for their observations <criticisms> which simply bespeak their utter ignorance in higher Transcendental subjects. They might have, however, been excused in this act to some extent had the book been meant for the literary men only who are apparently apathetic to Godly associations and evince their earnestness towards unethical and atheistic activities. Such improper attitude can be softened and wrong judgment modified if those critics ever happen to come in contact with ardent devotees and receive their unstinted grace which can easily remove the common ideas prevailing among people indifferent to higher aspects of religion. However, this part is left to the consideration and choice of individual readers in order to get at the actual touch of the spirit of this spiritual writer. The author is not merely a poet but also an out and out theist, and not only that, he as a kind saint prepared to do the highest good to his reader goes to the length of inculcating on him the necessity and indispensability of severing all connections with men who are captured by ambition and busy in mundane activities, in order to turn him into a true devotee of the Supreme Lord.
The book is a bulky one consisting of three divisions; each division again of several chapters. This is the first volume, in which the author has dealt with prefatory considera« tions^and the early life of the Supreme Lord. Every line will help the reader to chalk out the real track for making advance in his eternal transcendental life by following the true spirit of the Sree Chaitanya Lila.
In order to retain the true spirit of the book^ the able translator has left no stone unturned to present to the readers the genuine understanding and the innermost exposition of the heart of a devotee. The reader will no doubt find that Prof, N. K. Sannyal has done much to put the bonafide interpretation before his English knowing friends. So all people interested in the Gaudiya Vaishnava literature will, I am sure, thank him for his arduous and steady exertions. This book may help the English knowing public to get into the true essence of Vaishnavism, as well as a genuine painting of an original hand.
It will not be out of place to give here a short account of the author so far as it is known. Thakur Brindabandas was the Son of the niece of Shreebas Pandit who is regarded as the inalienable component in the propagatory activity of Shree Krishna Chaitanya in Nadia,
The line of the author’s paternal ancestors is not delineated by the later writers as his forefathers did not belong to the Vaishnava community. His mother was then merely a girl of four when the Supreme Lord Sree Chaitanya blessed her by kindly giving her the refuse betel as she was then an infant child in the house of Sreebas at Sree mayapur. The author is said to have been born at Mamgachi within the district of Burdwan not very far from Sree Mayapur, on the other side of the river Ganges. Here his house still claims to maintain the memory of the author and his infancy. The author is considered as one of the strongest pillars of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism. He is better known to all Gaudiya Vaishnavas by his simple but impressive writings, and he will be adored with all veneration by one and all in all climes and times as one of the best teachers the Vaishnava Community can fortunately claim. He lived sometimes in the village Denurh, and we find, he had some important disciples who also took initiative after him to save the people from wrong understanding and misconceptions. More than this we know little of his later life.
(THE HARMONIST AS IT IS · ‘VOL.4 (VOL. XXVIII, June 1930 – May 1931), Page 283)
Diploma in Sri Chaitanya Bhagawat by ISKCON Bhagavata Mahavidyalaya
Information – This self-study course delves into the enthralling pastimes of Lord Chaitanya as depicted in the Chaitanya Bhagavata. Just as Vyasadeva compiled the pastimes of Lord Krishna in the Srimad-Bhagavatam, Thakura Vrndavana Dasa has beautifully narrated the life of Lord Caitanya. Immersing oneself in this sacred text has the power to dispel misfortune and enlighten the heart. Through the study of Sri Caitanya-Bhagavata, one can gain profound insights into the glories and truths of Lord Caitanya and Nityananda, ultimately leading to the conclusion of devotional service to Lord Krishna. The subject matter of this book is so sublime that it feels as if Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu himself speaks through the writings of Sri Vrndavana Dasa Thakura. Course Teacher: HG Pran Govind Das
Adi-khanda:
- It covers the socio-religious landscape of Bengal before Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s advent.
- Describes his birth, education, and marriage to Lakshmi-priya.
- Chronicles his victories over opposing scholars and his visit to East Bengal.
- Narrates the passing of Lakshmi-priya, his marriage to Vishnupriya, and his journey to Gaya, where he received initiation from Ishvara Puri.
Madhya-khanda:
- Focuses on Chaitanya’s growing external displays of devotion.
- Details the disciples who join his devotional creed.
- Highlights the conversion of the notorious Jagai and Madhai.
- Depicts Sri Chaitanya’s civil disobedience movement against the Muslim Chand Kazi, who attempted to obstruct the congregational chanting of the names of Krishna.
Antya-khanda:
- Explores Chaitanya’s acceptance of sannyasa (the renounced order).
- Shares the heart-wrenching lamentation of his mother, Saci-Mata.
- Describes his travels to Puri, meetings with Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya, and interactions with various devoted souls.