Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
15th-century Indian Vaishnavite Hindu saint / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (Sanskrit: श्री चैतन्य महाप्रभु, romanized: Caitanya Mahāprabhu), born Vishvambhara Mishra (IAST: Viśvambhara Miśra),[1] was a 15th-century Indian Hindu saint from Bengal who was the founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, which considers him to be an incarnation of Krishna.[2]
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu | |
---|---|
Personal | |
Born | Vishvambhar Mishra (1486-02-18)18 February 1486 |
Died | 14 June 1534(1534-06-14) (aged 48) |
Religion | Hinduism |
Spouse | Lakshmi Priya (first wife) and Vishnupriya |
Known for | Expounded Gaudiya Vaishnavism, kirtan |
Organization | |
Founder of | Gaudiya Vaishnavism Achintya Bheda Abheda |
Philosophy | Bhakti yoga, Achintya Bheda Abheda |
Religious career | |
Guru | Swami Isvara Puri (mantra guru); Swami Kesava Bharati (sannyas guru) |
Disciples | |
Literary works | Shikshashtakam |
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's mode of worshipping Krishna with bhajan-kirtan and dance had a profound effect on Vaishnavism in Bengal. He was also the chief proponent of the Vedantic philosophy of Achintya Bheda Abheda Tattva. Mahaprabhu founded Gaudiya Vaishnavism (a.k.a. the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Sampradaya). He expounded Bhakti yoga and popularised the chanting of the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra.[3] He composed the Shikshashtakam (eight devotional prayers).
Chaitanya is sometimes called Gauranga (IAST: Gaurāṅga) or Gaura due to his molten gold–like complexion.[4] His birthday is celebrated as Gaura-purnima.[5][6] He is also called Nimai because he was born underneath a Neem tree.[7]