Caitanya As Viśvambhara - The Maintainer of the Universe
Before He accepted the renounced order of life and became known as Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya, the Lord was known as Viśvambhara. This name, selected by His grandfather Nīlāmbara Cakravartī, is rich with theological import. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that "Viśvambhara" consists of two parts: viśva (the universe) and ambhara (one who maintains or nourishes). Thus, the name identifies Him as the Supreme Person who sustains all creation.
The Prophecy of Nīlāmbara Cakravartī
The naming of the Lord was not an arbitrary event. Nīlāmbara Cakravartī, a renowned astrologer and the Lord's grandfather, cast the horoscope for the newborn child. Upon seeing the auspicious signs, he understood the boy's future greatness. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that Nīlāmbara Cakravartī predicted, "In the future, this child will protect and maintain all the world." Based on this specific astrological calculation, he gave the child the name Viśvambhara, indicating His capacity to lead and sustain all living entities.
- In the future this child will protect and maintain all the world. For this reason He is to be called Visvambhara.
- Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu is the son of that Jagannatha Misra, and His former name was Visvambhara Misra. He also happens to be the grandson of Nilambara Cakravarti.
Vedic Evidence for the Name
The divinity of Lord Caitanya is established by scriptural evidence. Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that the name Viśvambhara is not merely a historical appellation but is explicitly mentioned in the Vedas. The Atharva-veda-saṁhitā contains the specific mantra: viśvambhara viśvena mā bharasā pāhi svāhā. This confirms that the Lord's appearance as Viśvambhara was foretold in the ancient śrutis, further validating His identity as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Fulfilling the Meaning of Maintenance
The Sanskrit verbal root dubhṛñ means to nourish or maintain. While God maintains the material needs of all living beings, Lord Caitanya’s maintenance is of a higher nature. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the Lord considered the meaning of His name to be truly fulfilled only when He could flood the entire universe with love of Godhead. By distributing the holy name, He "feeds" the starving souls of Kali-yuga with the nectar of devotion, saving them from the cycle of birth and death.
- The verbal root "dubhrn" (which is the root of the word "visvambhara") indicates nourishing and maintaining. He (Lord Caitanya) nourishes and maintains the three worlds by distributing love of God.
- Lord Caitanya thought, "My name is Visvambhara, 'one who maintains the entire universe.' Its meaning will be actualized if I can fill the whole universe with love of Godhead."
Pastimes in the Gṛhastha-āśrama
The name Viśvambhara is primarily associated with the Lord’s gṛhastha-līlā (householder pastimes). It was as Viśvambhara that He married, first Lakṣmīpriyā and then Viṣṇupriyā, and accepted initiation from the sannyāsī Īśvara Purī. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that even in His domestic life, His power was evident. For example, during the civil disobedience movement against the Chand Kazi, hundreds of heretics were converted and took shelter under the banner of Viśvambhara.
- These are the sastric injunctions (if one is candalas but well versed in Krsna consciousness, he can become a guru), and strictly following these injunctions, Sri Caitanya, as a grhastha named Visvambhara, was initiated by a sannyasi-guru named Isvara Puri.
- The Kazi then joined the sankirtana party. The world was astonished at the spiritual power of the Great Lord, and hundreds and hundreds of heretics converted and joined the banner of Visvambhara after this affair.
Conclusion
The name Viśvambhara stands as a testament to Lord Caitanya's mission. He is the maintainer not just of the cosmic order, but of the spiritual well-being of every living entity. As Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes, by taking shelter of Viśvambhara, one is assured of being protected and nourished by the Supreme Lord Himself.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Caitanya As Visvambhara. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.