These citations should be of great interest to those who may have doubts about the divinity of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu or those who know someone that has such doubts.
May the Supreme Lord who is known as the son of Śrīmatī Śacī-devī be transcendentally situated in the innermost chambers of your heart. Resplendent with the radiance of molten gold, He has appeared in the Age of Kali by His causeless mercy to bestow what no incarnation has ever offered before: the most sublime and radiant mellow of devotional service, the mellow of conjugal love. [CC, Ādi 1.4]
Prediction of Lord Gaurāṅga's advent in the form of a brāhmaṇa.
In the Adi-Purana and in the Nārada Purana, the Supreme Person says:
ahaṁ eva dvija-śreṣṭho
nityaṁ pracchanna-vigrahah
bhagavad-bhakta-rupena
lokam raksami sarvadā
I shall advent in the form of a Brāhmaṇa devotee [ahaṁ eva dvija-śreṣṭho] and I shall hide my factual identity [prachanna vigrahaḥ]. I shall deliver all the worlds [lokam raksami sarvadā].
Prediction of His advent as a sannyāsī.
** In the Upa-Puranas, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa speaks to Śrīla Vyāsadeva:
ahaṁ eva kvacid brahman
sannyāsa āśramam āśritāḥ
hari bhaktim grāhayāmi
kalau pāpa-hatān narān
O Brāhmaṇa, I occasionally take the Sannyās Asram [sannyāsa āśrama āśritāḥ] in an attempt to bring the fallen people of Kali Yuga to take up the path of Bhakti or devotional service to Lord Kṛṣṇa [hari bhaktim grāhayāmi].
Prediction of His actual time of incarnation.
** In the Kūrma-Purāṇa, it is stated:
kalinā dahyamanam
uddhararaya tanu-bhṛtām
janma prathama sandhyāyām
bhaviṣyati dvijalaye
The Supreme Person will appear in the first part of the age of Kali [janma prathama sandhyāyām]. He will appear in the home of a Brāhmaṇa [bhaviṣyati dvijalaye], to save the embodied conditioned souls [uddharaya tanu-bhṛtām] burning in the troubles of Kali-Yuga.
Description of the purpose of Śrī Caitanya's incarnation.
** In the Garuda-Purana, the Supreme Person says:
kalinā dakyamananam
paritrāṇāya tanu-bhṛtām
janma prathama sandhyāyām
kariṣyāmi dvijatisu
In the first part [prathama sandhyā] of the age of Kali, I will come among the brāhmaṇas [kariṣyāmi dvijatisu] to save the fallen souls, [paritrāṇāya tanu-bhṛtām] who are being burned by the troubles of the age of Kali [kalinā dahyamānānām].
Prediction of the name of His mother and the actual name of His future birthplace.
** In the Garuda-Purana, the Supreme Lord says:
ahaṁ pūrṇo bhaviṣyāmi
yuga-sandhyau viśeṣataḥ
māyāpure navadvīpe
bhaviṣyāmi Śacī sutaḥ
I will take birth as the son of Śacī [bhaviṣyāmi Śacī sutaḥ], in Navadvip-Mayapur [māyāpure navadvīpe]. 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 sannyāsa order.
** In the same Garuda-Purana, it is Also stated:
kaleḥ prathama sandhyāyām
Laksmi- kanto bhaviṣyati
daru-brahma-samipa-sthah
sannyāsī 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 Lakṣmī [Śrīmatī Lakṣmī Devī, Lord Caitanya's first wife]. Then He will become a sannyāsī, near Lord Jagannātha who will appear in a divine wooden form.
Prediction of the bodily color of Śrī Caitanya and the nature of His future activities.
** In the Nṛsiṁha-Purāṇa, it is said:
satye daitya-kuladhi-nasa-samaye
simhordhva-martyakrtis
tretāyāṁ das-kandharam
paribhavan rāmeti namakrtih
gopalan paripālayan vraja-pure
bharam haran dvāpare
gaurāṅgaḥ priya-kirtanah
kali-yuge Caitanya-nāma prabhuḥ
"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 Tretā-Yuga appeared as a person named Rāma [Lord Rāmacandra], the person who defeated the ten-headed Demon Rāvaṇa, and who in the Dvāpara-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 Caitanya."
Prediction of the future advent of Śrī Caitanya by His direct name.
** In the Padma-Purāṇa, it is said:
yatrayogesvarah sākṣād
yogi-cintyo janārdanaḥ
Caitanya vapur āste vai
sandranandatmakah
The Supreme Personality, Janārdana, who is the object of the yogis' meditation [yogi-chintyo- janārdanaḥ], who saves the devotees from various sufferings, and who is the master of all yogic practices [yogeśvaraḥ], who is always full of divine transcendental ecstasy and bliss [sandra-ananda-atmakah], will advent in His own divine form of Śrī Caitanya [Caitanya-vapah].
Description of the time and place Śrī Caitanya's future advent.
** In the Padma-Purāṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself states:
kaleḥ prathama-sandhyayam
gaurangotham mahī-tale
bhagirathi-tate ramye
bhaviṣyāmi Śacī-sutaḥ
I shall appear on this earth [mahī-tale] in the first part of Kali-Yuga [kaleḥ prathama sandhyāyām] in a beautiful place on the bank of the Bhāgīrathī [bhagirathi-tate ramye]. I shall have a golden form [gaurāṅgaḥ], and I shall take birth as the son of Śacī [bhaviṣyāmi Śacī-sutaḥ].
Prediction of the purpose of Śrī Caitanya's advents.
** In the Narada-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead says:
ahaṁ eva kalau vipra
nityaṁ prachanna-vigrahah
bhavavad-bhakta-rupena
lokan raksami sarvadā
O Vipra, in the age of Kali, I will come disguised [nityaṁ prachanna vigraha] as a devotee [bhagavad-bhakta-rupena] and I will save all the worlds [lokan raksami sarvadā].
Prediction of His mother's name and the nature of His specific preaching method [saṅkīrtana].
** The Supreme Personality of Godhead states in the Narada-Purana:
divija bhuvi jayadhvam
jayadhvam bhakta rūpiṇaḥ
kalau saṅkīrtana ārambhe
bhaviṣyāmi Śacī-sutaḥ
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 Śacī [bhaviṣyāmi Śacī-sutaḥ] to inaugurate the congregational chanting of the name of Kṛṣṇa [kalau saṅkīrtana ārambhe].
Prediction of the revelation of Śrī Caitanya's form.
** In the Brahma-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead says:
kaleḥ prathama sandhyāyām
gaurangotham mahī-tale
bhagirathi-tate bhūmni
bhaviṣyāmi Śacī-sutaḥ
I will reveal my eternal golden form [gaurangotham mahī-tale] in the first part of Kali- Yuga [kaleḥ prathama sandhyāyām]. I will advent on the earth on the bank of the Bhāgīrathī [bhagirathi-tate bhūmni] as son of Mother Śacī [bhaviṣyāmi Śacī-sutaḥ].
Prediction of the future sannyāsī role and ecstasy of Śrī Caitanya.
** In the Bhavisya-Purana, the Supreme Lord says:
anandasru-kala-roma
harsa-purnam tapo-dhana
sarve mama eva drakṣyanti
kalau sannyasa-rupinam
O austere sage, you should know that in the age of Kali, everyone will see my transcendental form as a sannyāsī [kalau sannyāsa rūpiṇam]. I will be exhibiting symptoms of ecstasy like shedding tears of bliss and hairs standing in ecstasy [anandasru-kala-roma-harsa
May the Supreme Lord who is known as the son of Śrīmatī Śacī-devī be transcendentally situated in the innermost chambers of your heart. Resplendent with the radiance of molten gold, He has appeared in the Age of Kali by His causeless mercy to bestow what no incarnation has ever offered before: the most sublime and radiant mellow of devotional service, the mellow of conjugal love. [CC, Ādi 1.4]
Prediction of Lord Gaurāṅga's advent in the form of a brāhmaṇa.
In the Adi-Purana and in the Nārada Purana, the Supreme Person says:
ahaṁ eva dvija-śreṣṭho
nityaṁ pracchanna-vigrahah
bhagavad-bhakta-rupena
lokam raksami sarvadā
I shall advent in the form of a Brāhmaṇa devotee [ahaṁ eva dvija-śreṣṭho] and I shall hide my factual identity [prachanna vigrahaḥ]. I shall deliver all the worlds [lokam raksami sarvadā].
Prediction of His advent as a sannyāsī.
** In the Upa-Puranas, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa speaks to Śrīla Vyāsadeva:
ahaṁ eva kvacid brahman
sannyāsa āśramam āśritāḥ
hari bhaktim grāhayāmi
kalau pāpa-hatān narān
O Brāhmaṇa, I occasionally take the Sannyās Asram [sannyāsa āśrama āśritāḥ] in an attempt to bring the fallen people of Kali Yuga to take up the path of Bhakti or devotional service to Lord Kṛṣṇa [hari bhaktim grāhayāmi].
Prediction of His actual time of incarnation.
** In the Kūrma-Purāṇa, it is stated:
kalinā dahyamanam
uddhararaya tanu-bhṛtām
janma prathama sandhyāyām
bhaviṣyati dvijalaye
The Supreme Person will appear in the first part of the age of Kali [janma prathama sandhyāyām]. He will appear in the home of a Brāhmaṇa [bhaviṣyati dvijalaye], to save the embodied conditioned souls [uddharaya tanu-bhṛtām] burning in the troubles of Kali-Yuga.
Description of the purpose of Śrī Caitanya's incarnation.
** In the Garuda-Purana, the Supreme Person says:
kalinā dakyamananam
paritrāṇāya tanu-bhṛtām
janma prathama sandhyāyām
kariṣyāmi dvijatisu
In the first part [prathama sandhyā] of the age of Kali, I will come among the brāhmaṇas [kariṣyāmi dvijatisu] to save the fallen souls, [paritrāṇāya tanu-bhṛtām] who are being burned by the troubles of the age of Kali [kalinā dahyamānānām].
Prediction of the name of His mother and the actual name of His future birthplace.
** In the Garuda-Purana, the Supreme Lord says:
ahaṁ pūrṇo bhaviṣyāmi
yuga-sandhyau viśeṣataḥ
māyāpure navadvīpe
bhaviṣyāmi Śacī sutaḥ
I will take birth as the son of Śacī [bhaviṣyāmi Śacī sutaḥ], in Navadvip-Mayapur [māyāpure navadvīpe]. 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 sannyāsa order.
** In the same Garuda-Purana, it is Also stated:
kaleḥ prathama sandhyāyām
Laksmi- kanto bhaviṣyati
daru-brahma-samipa-sthah
sannyāsī 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 Lakṣmī [Śrīmatī Lakṣmī Devī, Lord Caitanya's first wife]. Then He will become a sannyāsī, near Lord Jagannātha who will appear in a divine wooden form.
Prediction of the bodily color of Śrī Caitanya and the nature of His future activities.
** In the Nṛsiṁha-Purāṇa, it is said:
satye daitya-kuladhi-nasa-samaye
simhordhva-martyakrtis
tretāyāṁ das-kandharam
paribhavan rāmeti namakrtih
gopalan paripālayan vraja-pure
bharam haran dvāpare
gaurāṅgaḥ priya-kirtanah
kali-yuge Caitanya-nāma prabhuḥ
"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 Tretā-Yuga appeared as a person named Rāma [Lord Rāmacandra], the person who defeated the ten-headed Demon Rāvaṇa, and who in the Dvāpara-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 Caitanya."
Prediction of the future advent of Śrī Caitanya by His direct name.
** In the Padma-Purāṇa, it is said:
yatrayogesvarah sākṣād
yogi-cintyo janārdanaḥ
Caitanya vapur āste vai
sandranandatmakah
The Supreme Personality, Janārdana, who is the object of the yogis' meditation [yogi-chintyo- janārdanaḥ], who saves the devotees from various sufferings, and who is the master of all yogic practices [yogeśvaraḥ], who is always full of divine transcendental ecstasy and bliss [sandra-ananda-atmakah], will advent in His own divine form of Śrī Caitanya [Caitanya-vapah].
Description of the time and place Śrī Caitanya's future advent.
** In the Padma-Purāṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself states:
kaleḥ prathama-sandhyayam
gaurangotham mahī-tale
bhagirathi-tate ramye
bhaviṣyāmi Śacī-sutaḥ
I shall appear on this earth [mahī-tale] in the first part of Kali-Yuga [kaleḥ prathama sandhyāyām] in a beautiful place on the bank of the Bhāgīrathī [bhagirathi-tate ramye]. I shall have a golden form [gaurāṅgaḥ], and I shall take birth as the son of Śacī [bhaviṣyāmi Śacī-sutaḥ].
Prediction of the purpose of Śrī Caitanya's advents.
** In the Narada-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead says:
ahaṁ eva kalau vipra
nityaṁ prachanna-vigrahah
bhavavad-bhakta-rupena
lokan raksami sarvadā
O Vipra, in the age of Kali, I will come disguised [nityaṁ prachanna vigraha] as a devotee [bhagavad-bhakta-rupena] and I will save all the worlds [lokan raksami sarvadā].
Prediction of His mother's name and the nature of His specific preaching method [saṅkīrtana].
** The Supreme Personality of Godhead states in the Narada-Purana:
divija bhuvi jayadhvam
jayadhvam bhakta rūpiṇaḥ
kalau saṅkīrtana ārambhe
bhaviṣyāmi Śacī-sutaḥ
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 Śacī [bhaviṣyāmi Śacī-sutaḥ] to inaugurate the congregational chanting of the name of Kṛṣṇa [kalau saṅkīrtana ārambhe].
Prediction of the revelation of Śrī Caitanya's form.
** In the Brahma-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead says:
kaleḥ prathama sandhyāyām
gaurangotham mahī-tale
bhagirathi-tate bhūmni
bhaviṣyāmi Śacī-sutaḥ
I will reveal my eternal golden form [gaurangotham mahī-tale] in the first part of Kali- Yuga [kaleḥ prathama sandhyāyām]. I will advent on the earth on the bank of the Bhāgīrathī [bhagirathi-tate bhūmni] as son of Mother Śacī [bhaviṣyāmi Śacī-sutaḥ].
Prediction of the future sannyāsī role and ecstasy of Śrī Caitanya.
** In the Bhavisya-Purana, the Supreme Lord says:
anandasru-kala-roma
harsa-purnam tapo-dhana
sarve mama eva drakṣyanti
kalau sannyasa-rupinam
O austere sage, you should know that in the age of Kali, everyone will see my transcendental form as a sannyāsī [kalau sannyāsa rūpiṇam]. 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 Śrī Caitanya and the nature of His future associates.
** In the Agni-Purāṇa, it is said:
praśāntātmā lamba-kanthas gaurāṅgas ca
suravrtah
The Supreme Personality of Godhead will come in a golden form [gaura-anga], full of peace [praśāntātmā], 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 Śrī Caitanya.
** In the Matsya-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead says:
mundo gauraḥ su-dirghangas
tri-srotas-tira-sambhavah
dayāluḥ kirtana-grahi
bhaviṣyāmi kalau-yuge
In the age of Kali, I shall advent [bhaviṣyāmi kalau yuge] where the three rivers meet [tri-srotas-tira-sambhavah]. I shall have a shaven head [mundah]. I shall have a golden complexion [gauraḥ]. I will be very kind and always chant the holy name of Kṛṣṇa [dayaloh kirtana-grahi].
Prediction of the name of the river where Śrī Caitanya will take his birth and other characteristics.
** In the Vayu-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead states:
śuddho gaurah-su-dirghango
ganga-tira-samudbhavah
dayaluh-kirtana-grahi
bhaviṣyāmi kalau yuge
In the age of Kali-Yuga, I shall come [bhaviṣyāmi kalau yuge] in a place on the bank of the Ganges [ganga-tira-samudbhavah]. I will be very pure [śuddhaḥ], have a golden complexion [gauraḥ], and be very tall [su-dirghangah] and chant the holy names of Kṛṣṇa. [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
lokānāṁ 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 Gaurāṅga."
Prediction of one of the purpose of Śrī Caitanya's appearance.
** In the Varāha-Purāṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead declares:
ahaṁ eva dvija-śreṣṭho
lila-pracurya-vigrahah
bhagavad-bhakta-rupena
lokan raksami sarvadā
I shall come as the best of the brāhmaṇas [ahaṁ eva dvija-śreṣṭhā]. 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 sarvadā].
Prediction of the name of the mother of Śrī Caitanya 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
sarvān ācāra varjitan
Sacigarbhe ca sambhuya
tarayisyami nārada
O Nārada Muni, I will take birth in the womb of Śacī [Saci-garbhe ca sambhuya]. I shall save the people, who will give up all proper good conduct [sarvān ācāra varyitan], from the terrible darkness of the age of Kali-Yuga [kali-ghora-tamas-channan].
Prediction of the future advent of Śrī Caitanya, His birth time, His mother, His birth city, His name and His mission.
** In the Vayu-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead says:
paurṇamāsyāṁ phālgunasya
phalguni-rksa-yogatah
bhavisye gaura-rupena
Saci-garbhe purandarāt
svarnadi-tiram āsthāya
navadvīpe janasraye
tatra dvija-kulam prāpto
bhaviṣyāmi janalaye
bhakti-yoga-pradanaya
lokasyanugrahaya ca
sannyas-rupam āsthāya
Krsna-Caitanya-nama-dhrk
tena lokasya nistāras
tat kurudhvam mamajnaya
dharitrī bhavitā cabhir
mayaiva dvija-dehina
I shall advent in the month of Phālguna, when the star Phalgūni is conjoined with the full moon. I shall incarnate in a golden complexion in the womb of Śacī and Purandara Miśra. I will be born in the city of Navadvīpa,on the Ganges's shore, in a Brāhmaṇa's family. I shall take the renounced order of life [sannyāsa] and show kindness to the people in general and engage them in Bhakti. I will be known as Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya. All of you should follow My order and deliver the people of the world. I shall appear as a Brāhmaṇa. I shall make this earth fearless. [Vāyu Puran previous quote]
Prediction of Śrī Caitanya'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 līlā, His divine reason for incarnating as well as different names by which Śrī Caitanya will be known.
** In the Ananta-Saṁhitā, it is said:
svarnadi-tiram āśritya
navadvīpe dvijalaye
sampradatum bhakti-yogam
lokasyanugrahaya ca
sa eva bhagavān krmo
rādhikā-prāṇa-vallabhaḥ
srsty-adau sa jagannātho
gaura āsīn mahesvari
avatīrṇo bhaviṣyāmi
kalau-nija-ganaih saha
Saci-garbhe navadvīpe
svardhuni-parivarite
aprakasyam idaṁ guhyam
na prakasyam bahir mukhe
bhaktāvatāraṁ bhaktākhyaṁ
bhaktam bhakti-pradam svayam
man-maya-mohitah kecin
na jnasyanto bahir-mokhah
jnasyanti mad-bhakti-yuktah
sadhavo-nyasinotmalah
krmavatara-kale-yah
striyo ye puruṣaḥ priyaḥ
kalau te'vatarisyanti
sridama-subaladayah
catuh-sasti-mahantas te
gopa dvadas bālakaḥ
Caitanyera Siṁhera...
dharma-samsthapanarthay
a viharisyami tair ahaṁ
kāle naṣṭaṁ bhakti-patham
sthapayisyamy ahaṁ punaḥ
gacchantu bhuvi te putraḥ
jayantam bhakta-rupinah
dharma-samsthapanam kāle
kurvantu te mamajnaya
Kṛṣṇas Caitanya-gaurango
gauracandraḥ Śacī-sutaḥ
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 Brāhmaṇa's home in Navadvip by the Ganges' shore. The Supreme Person, Śrī Kṛṣṇa Himself, who is the life of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, 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 Śacī-devī'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,
1.in My form as the incarnation of devotion,
2.in My form as the incarnation of a devotee,
3.in My form bearing the name of a devotee,
4.in My form as a devotee, and
5.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 Śrīdāmā and Subala, who came to this world at the time of My advent as Lord Kṛṣṇa, will come again during the Kali-Yuga.
The Gopas will become the sixtyfour mahāntas and the twelve gopālas. 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: Kṛṣṇa Caitanya, Gaurāṅga, Gauracandra, Sacisuta, Mahāprabhu, Gaura and Gaurahari.
Chanting these names will bring devotion to Me."
What other major vedic literatures also describe characteristics of the advent of Śrī Caitanya?
** The Great Epic Mahābhārata (Dāna-Dharma, Viṣṇu-Sahasra-Nāma Stotra) points out the divine characteristics of Śrīmān Mahāprabhu's appearance.
suvarṇa varṇa hemāṅgo
varāṅgaś candanāṅgadī
sannyāsa krt-chamah santo
niṣṭhā shanti parāyaṇāḥ
In His early activities Lord Caitanya comes as a householder. He has a golden complexion [suvarṇa varṇāḥ]. His limbs are very beautiful [vara-anga] and are smeared with sandalwood pulp [candana-aṅgadī]. He has the appearance of molten gold [hema-anga].
The Supreme Lord Caitanya accepts the renounced order of life [sannyāsa-kṛt]. 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 Kṛṣṇa, [niṣṭhā]. He is the highest abode of devotion and transcendental peace. He silences the māyāvādī impersonalists [niṣṭhā santi parāyaṇāḥ].
The sanskrit words suvarna-varna indicate one who has gold-like complexion. The Vedic text to support this point is:
yadā paśya paśyate rukma-varṇaṁ
kartāram īśam puruṣaṁ brahma-yonim
The words rukma-varṇaṁ kartāram īśam refer to the Supreme Person [Śrī Caitanya] who has a complexion like molten gold.
** Quotations of Lord Caitanya's bodily features according to some of the great devotees present at the time:
Śrīla Sārvabhauma Bhattacharya, one of the foremost disciples of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu in Jagannath Purī, composed an entire series of prayers describing in detail the various features of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, called Śrī Gauranga-Prati-Anga-Varnanakhy
** Lord Caitanya's bodily luster.
Śrīla Sārvabhauma Bhattacharya has described the complexion of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu's body.
tapta hema dyutim vande
kali-Krsnam jagad-gurum
caru-dirgha-tanum srimac
chaci-hrdaya-nandanam
I worship Lord Kṛṣṇa, 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 Śacīdevī.
Śrīla Prabodhānanda Sarasvatī Ṭhākura also describes Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu's golden complexion.
ānanda lilamaya vigrahāya
hemabha-divya-cchavi-sundaraya
"O Lord Caitanyacandra, O Lord whose form is full of blissful pastimes, O Lord whose complexion is as splendid as gold..."
Śrīla Kṛṣṇa das Kavirāj Goswami similarly describes Lord Caitanya:
tapta hema sama kanti prakāṇḍa śarīra
"...the luster of His expansive body resembles molten gold..."
Prabodhānanda Sarasvatī also further describes Śrī Caitanya's golden complexion.
svayam devo yatra-kanaka-gaurah karuṇayā
"His complexion is as fair as molten gold."
** Śrī Caitanya's beautiful hair.
lasan-mukha-lata-naddha
charu-kuncita-kuntalam
"His lovely curling locks are interwoven with creepers of glistening pearls..."
** Śrī Caitanya's shoulders and chest.
Prabhodānanda Sarasvatī Ṭhākura describes the shoulders of Mahāprabhu.
siṁha skandham...
"May Lord Caitanya, whose shoulders are like a lion..."
Śrīla Kṛṣṇa das Kavirāj Goswami also points out the nature of Śrī Caitanya's shoulders and voice.
siṁha grīvā siṁha-vīrya siṁhera hunkar
"He has the shoulders of a lion, the powers of a lion, and the loud voice of a lion."
** Śrī Caitanya's arms.
ājānulambita-bhuja
His arms reach all the way to his knees.
ajanulambita bhūmau kanaka vadatau
Their arms (of Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityānanda) reach all the way to their knees.
kankanangada-vidyoti-janu-lamb
"....His two arms, glittering with bracelets and bangles, extend down to His knees."
** Śrī Caitanya'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 Kṛṣṇa 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.
** Caitanya-caritāmṛita, Ādi-Līlā 3.77
saṅkīrtana-pravartaka śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanya
saṅkīrtana-yajñe tāṅre bhaje, sei dhanya
"Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya is the initiator of saṅkīrtana [congregational chanting of the holy name of Lord Kṛṣṇa]. One who worships Him through saṅkīrtana is fortunate indeed"
** Susloka-Satakam -59- Śrī Gaurāṅga Mahimā
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 candra, the king of dancers, reveal Himself in the core of My heart."
Prediction of the color of Śrī Caitanya and the nature of His future associates.
** In the Agni-Purāṇa, it is said:
praśāntātmā lamba-kanthas gaurāṅgas ca
suravrtah
The Supreme Personality of Godhead will come in a golden form [gaura-anga], full of peace [praśāntātmā], 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 Śrī Caitanya.
** In the Matsya-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead says:
mundo gauraḥ su-dirghangas
tri-srotas-tira-sambhavah
dayāluḥ kirtana-grahi
bhaviṣyāmi kalau-yuge
In the age of Kali, I shall advent [bhaviṣyāmi kalau yuge] where the three rivers meet [tri-srotas-tira-sambhavah]. I shall have a shaven head [mundah]. I shall have a golden complexion [gauraḥ]. I will be very kind and always chant the holy name of Kṛṣṇa [dayaloh kirtana-grahi].
Prediction of the name of the river where Śrī Caitanya will take his birth and other characteristics.
** In the Vayu-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead states:
śuddho gaurah-su-dirghango
ganga-tira-samudbhavah
dayaluh-kirtana-grahi
bhaviṣyāmi kalau yuge
In the age of Kali-Yuga, I shall come [bhaviṣyāmi kalau yuge] in a place on the bank of the Ganges [ganga-tira-samudbhavah]. I will be very pure [śuddhaḥ], have a golden complexion [gauraḥ], and be very tall [su-dirghangah] and chant the holy names of Kṛṣṇa. [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
lokānāṁ 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 Gaurāṅga."
Prediction of one of the purpose of Śrī Caitanya's appearance.
** In the Varāha-Purāṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead declares:
ahaṁ eva dvija-śreṣṭho
lila-pracurya-vigrahah
bhagavad-bhakta-rupena
lokan raksami sarvadā
I shall come as the best of the brāhmaṇas [ahaṁ eva dvija-śreṣṭhā]. 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 sarvadā].
Prediction of the name of the mother of Śrī Caitanya 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
sarvān ācāra varjitan
Sacigarbhe ca sambhuya
tarayisyami nārada
O Nārada Muni, I will take birth in the womb of Śacī [Saci-garbhe ca sambhuya]. I shall save the people, who will give up all proper good conduct [sarvān ācāra varyitan], from the terrible darkness of the age of Kali-Yuga [kali-ghora-tamas-channan].
Prediction of the future advent of Śrī Caitanya, His birth time, His mother, His birth city, His name and His mission.
** In the Vayu-Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead says:
paurṇamāsyāṁ phālgunasya
phalguni-rksa-yogatah
bhavisye gaura-rupena
Saci-garbhe purandarāt
svarnadi-tiram āsthāya
navadvīpe janasraye
tatra dvija-kulam prāpto
bhaviṣyāmi janalaye
bhakti-yoga-pradanaya
lokasyanugrahaya ca
sannyas-rupam āsthāya
Krsna-Caitanya-nama-dhrk
tena lokasya nistāras
tat kurudhvam mamajnaya
dharitrī bhavitā cabhir
mayaiva dvija-dehina
I shall advent in the month of Phālguna, when the star Phalgūni is conjoined with the full moon. I shall incarnate in a golden complexion in the womb of Śacī and Purandara Miśra. I will be born in the city of Navadvīpa,on the Ganges's shore, in a Brāhmaṇa's family. I shall take the renounced order of life [sannyāsa] and show kindness to the people in general and engage them in Bhakti. I will be known as Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya. All of you should follow My order and deliver the people of the world. I shall appear as a Brāhmaṇa. I shall make this earth fearless. [Vāyu Puran previous quote]
Prediction of Śrī Caitanya'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 līlā, His divine reason for incarnating as well as different names by which Śrī Caitanya will be known.
** In the Ananta-Saṁhitā, it is said:
svarnadi-tiram āśritya
navadvīpe dvijalaye
sampradatum bhakti-yogam
lokasyanugrahaya ca
sa eva bhagavān krmo
rādhikā-prāṇa-vallabhaḥ
srsty-adau sa jagannātho
gaura āsīn mahesvari
avatīrṇo bhaviṣyāmi
kalau-nija-ganaih saha
Saci-garbhe navadvīpe
svardhuni-parivarite
aprakasyam idaṁ guhyam
na prakasyam bahir mukhe
bhaktāvatāraṁ bhaktākhyaṁ
bhaktam bhakti-pradam svayam
man-maya-mohitah kecin
na jnasyanto bahir-mokhah
jnasyanti mad-bhakti-yuktah
sadhavo-nyasinotmalah
krmavatara-kale-yah
striyo ye puruṣaḥ priyaḥ
kalau te'vatarisyanti
sridama-subaladayah
catuh-sasti-mahantas te
gopa dvadas bālakaḥ
Caitanyera Siṁhera...
dharma-samsthapanarthay
a viharisyami tair ahaṁ
kāle naṣṭaṁ bhakti-patham
sthapayisyamy ahaṁ punaḥ
gacchantu bhuvi te putraḥ
jayantam bhakta-rupinah
dharma-samsthapanam kāle
kurvantu te mamajnaya
Kṛṣṇas Caitanya-gaurango
gauracandraḥ Śacī-sutaḥ
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 Brāhmaṇa's home in Navadvip by the Ganges' shore. The Supreme Person, Śrī Kṛṣṇa Himself, who is the life of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, 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 Śacī-devī'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,
1.in My form as the incarnation of devotion,
2.in My form as the incarnation of a devotee,
3.in My form bearing the name of a devotee,
4.in My form as a devotee, and
5.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 Śrīdāmā and Subala, who came to this world at the time of My advent as Lord Kṛṣṇa, will come again during the Kali-Yuga.
The Gopas will become the sixtyfour mahāntas and the twelve gopālas. 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: Kṛṣṇa Caitanya, Gaurāṅga, Gauracandra, Sacisuta, Mahāprabhu, Gaura and Gaurahari.
Chanting these names will bring devotion to Me."
What other major vedic literatures also describe characteristics of the advent of Śrī Caitanya?
** The Great Epic Mahābhārata (Dāna-Dharma, Viṣṇu-Sahasra-Nāma Stotra) points out the divine characteristics of Śrīmān Mahāprabhu's appearance.
suvarṇa varṇa hemāṅgo
varāṅgaś candanāṅgadī
sannyāsa krt-chamah santo
niṣṭhā shanti parāyaṇāḥ
In His early activities Lord Caitanya comes as a householder. He has a golden complexion [suvarṇa varṇāḥ]. His limbs are very beautiful [vara-anga] and are smeared with sandalwood pulp [candana-aṅgadī]. He has the appearance of molten gold [hema-anga].
The Supreme Lord Caitanya accepts the renounced order of life [sannyāsa-kṛt]. 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 Kṛṣṇa, [niṣṭhā]. He is the highest abode of devotion and transcendental peace. He silences the māyāvādī impersonalists [niṣṭhā santi parāyaṇāḥ].
The sanskrit words suvarna-varna indicate one who has gold-like complexion. The Vedic text to support this point is:
yadā paśya paśyate rukma-varṇaṁ
kartāram īśam puruṣaṁ brahma-yonim
The words rukma-varṇaṁ kartāram īśam refer to the Supreme Person [Śrī Caitanya] who has a complexion like molten gold.
** Quotations of Lord Caitanya's bodily features according to some of the great devotees present at the time:
Śrīla Sārvabhauma Bhattacharya, one of the foremost disciples of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu in Jagannath Purī, composed an entire series of prayers describing in detail the various features of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, called Śrī Gauranga-Prati-Anga-Varnanakhy
** Lord Caitanya's bodily luster.
Śrīla Sārvabhauma Bhattacharya has described the complexion of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu's body.
tapta hema dyutim vande
kali-Krsnam jagad-gurum
caru-dirgha-tanum srimac
chaci-hrdaya-nandanam
I worship Lord Kṛṣṇa, 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 Śacīdevī.
Śrīla Prabodhānanda Sarasvatī Ṭhākura also describes Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu's golden complexion.
ānanda lilamaya vigrahāya
hemabha-divya-cchavi-sundaraya
"O Lord Caitanyacandra, O Lord whose form is full of blissful pastimes, O Lord whose complexion is as splendid as gold..."
Śrīla Kṛṣṇa das Kavirāj Goswami similarly describes Lord Caitanya:
tapta hema sama kanti prakāṇḍa śarīra
"...the luster of His expansive body resembles molten gold..."
Prabodhānanda Sarasvatī also further describes Śrī Caitanya's golden complexion.
svayam devo yatra-kanaka-gaurah karuṇayā
"His complexion is as fair as molten gold."
** Śrī Caitanya's beautiful hair.
lasan-mukha-lata-naddha
charu-kuncita-kuntalam
"His lovely curling locks are interwoven with creepers of glistening pearls..."
** Śrī Caitanya's shoulders and chest.
Prabhodānanda Sarasvatī Ṭhākura describes the shoulders of Mahāprabhu.
siṁha skandham...
"May Lord Caitanya, whose shoulders are like a lion..."
Śrīla Kṛṣṇa das Kavirāj Goswami also points out the nature of Śrī Caitanya's shoulders and voice.
siṁha grīvā siṁha-vīrya siṁhera hunkar
"He has the shoulders of a lion, the powers of a lion, and the loud voice of a lion."
** Śrī Caitanya's arms.
ājānulambita-bhuja
His arms reach all the way to his knees.
ajanulambita bhūmau kanaka vadatau
Their arms (of Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityānanda) reach all the way to their knees.
kankanangada-vidyoti-janu-lamb
"....His two arms, glittering with bracelets and bangles, extend down to His knees."
** Śrī Caitanya'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 Kṛṣṇa 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.
** Caitanya-caritāmṛita, Ādi-Līlā 3.77
saṅkīrtana-pravartaka śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanya
saṅkīrtana-yajñe tāṅre bhaje, sei dhanya
"Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya is the initiator of saṅkīrtana [congregational chanting of the holy name of Lord Kṛṣṇa]. One who worships Him through saṅkīrtana is fortunate indeed"
** Susloka-Satakam -59- Śrī Gaurāṅga Mahimā
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 candra, the king of dancers, reveal Himself in the core of My heart."
