Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Verses Appearing in Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta
The Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta is often described as the post-graduate study of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
While the Bhāgavatam establishes Kṛṣṇa as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta reveals the internal mood of that same Lord. This relationship is not merely sentimental; it is structurally evidenced by the 393 verses from the Bhāgavatam that Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī embeds directly into his text.
Statistical Breakdown by Canto
The distribution of verses reveals the specific theological focus of Lord Caitanya's teachings. The citations are not random; they cluster around specific themes found in key Cantos.
| Source | Verses Cited | Primary Focus in CC |
|---|---|---|
| Canto 10 | 156 | The pastimes of Kṛṣṇa in Vṛndāvana; the Gopī-gītā; the nature of Rāsa-līlā. |
| Canto 11 | 66 | The philosophy of Bhakti-yoga; the Uddhava-gītā; analysis of the modes of nature. |
| Canto 1 | 44 | Introduction to the Absolute Truth; the glories of hearing and chanting. |
| Canto 2 | 34 | The cosmic manifestation; the Catuḥ-ślokī (original four verses). |
| Canto 3 | 33 | Kapila-deva's Sāṅkhya philosophy; the nature of the soul and matter. |
| Cantos 4-9, 12 | 60 (combined) | Examples of pure devotees (Prahlāda, Dhruva, Ambarīṣa); the changing ages (Yuga-dharma). |
The Summit: Canto Ten
The overwhelming reliance on Canto Ten (156 verses) serves a crucial purpose. Since Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is Kṛṣṇa Himself adopting the mood of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, the Caitanya-caritāmṛta naturally dwells on the topics of Vṛndāvana. These verses are often cited during the Antya-līlā, where the Lord experiences intense separation, reciting verses from the Gopī-gītā and Bhramara-gīta to express His internal emotions.
The Philosophical Pillar: Canto Eleven
The Eleventh Canto provides the "muscle" of the philosophy. With 66 verses, Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja uses this section to defeat impersonalism (Māyāvāda) and establish the definitive superiority of bhakti over jñāna and karma. These verses are frequently used in the Madhya-līlā during debates with scholars.
The Foundation: Cantos One through Three
Over 100 verses are drawn from the first three Cantos. These are employed primarily in the Ādi-līlā to establish the Lord's ontology (sambandha-jñāna). They define who God is, how He creates, and why He descends, providing the necessary foundation before the reader can approach the confidential pastimes of the Tenth Canto.
Conclusion
By weaving nearly 400 verses of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam into his biography, Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī ensures that Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta is viewed not just as a historical account, but as the natural commentary and fulfillment of the Bhāgavata Purāṇa.
Dive Deeper into Srila Prabhupada's Vani
Srila Prabhupada lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Srimad-Bhagavatam Verses Appearing in CC. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.