S'rî Caitanya - Introduction. - Blog - ISKCON Desire Tree

In S'rîmad Bhâgavatam, Canto 7, Chapter 9, verse 38:

'This way according the yuga in question appearing in different incarnations as a human being, a saint, a god or an aquatic, do You protect all the worlds, sometimes killing the world its troublemakers in defense of the dharma, o Supreme Personality; in Kali yuga You are covered and therefore are You, being one and the same person, called Triyuga' [from being visible in the tree other yugas, see also Canto 11:5.32].

This, because in the fourth age (Kali) He manifests as the 'channa' (hidden or secret) avatâr. His existence in Kali-yuga is considered hidden because, unlike other avatârs does the Channa Avatâr not reveal Himself as an incarnation. Rather, He displays His pastimes (lîlâ) in the guise of His own devotee, allowing only His most intimate followers to know of His divinity. Still, those who study the scriptures will know who He is.

The Purânas [SB, C11-5: 20-33] explain that in Satya-yuga the Lord comes in a white color; in Treta, He is reddish; in Dvapara, a blackish; and in Kali, He manifests with a golden hue. S'rî Caitanya is distinguished by His golden color, as has been noted by all His biographers. Vedic and post-Vedic writings describe avatârs in considerable detail: their 'parentage', the town where they appear, the mission they seek to accomplish, and various specifics. Direct, corroborative statements about the divinity of S'rî Caitanya are found in the Mahâbhârata and S'rîmad Bhâgavatam, compiled centuries before S'rî Caitanya's birth.

An entire text that is considered part of the Atharva Veda and is known as the Caitanya Upanishad [see links] foretells His glories. The Krishna-yamala and Brahma-yamala specifically mention His mother's name and the town of His birth, Navadvîpa (West-Bengal). These two scriptures also relate His mission: propagating the Sankîrtan movement, which focuses on the congregational chanting of the holy name of God.

The Vayu Purâna says: "In the age of Kali, when the Sankîrtan movement is inaugurated, Krishna will descend as the divine son of Sachidevi." The Bhâgavatam substantiates the statement about S'rî Caitanya Mahâprabhu being the "golden" avatâr of Kali-yuga, and adds further information about the Sankîrtan movement: "In the age of Kali the incarnation of the Lord always chants the holy name 'Krishna' in the company of His associates. His complexion is not blackish but golden. The wise worship Him by chanting His name in congregation." (SB 11:5.32). Indeed, S'rî Caitanya and His teachings of divine love through congregational chanting of the holy name are the hidden glory of India - India's actual glory.

Comments