Caitanya and Sandalwood Pulp - The Fragrance of Devotion
Sandalwood pulp, or candana, is a cooling and fragrant substance used in Vedic culture to honor Deities and guests. In the pastimes of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, it serves as a prominent element of decoration and exchange. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes how the Lord, possessing a golden complexion, would smear His body with sandalwood pulp, making Him appear even more beautiful. Whether engaged in the wild dancing of saṅkīrtana or the quiet intimacy of honoring His associates, the presence of sandalwood pulp signifies the cooling relief of spiritual bliss.
The Golden Ornament
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is often described in scripture as tapta-kāñcana-gaura, having the color of molten gold. To enhance this beauty, He would decorate Himself with the pulp of sandalwood. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that the Lord did not just smear it on His chest; He would sometimes fashion ornaments, such as bangles and armlets, out of the pulp. This decoration was specifically worn during the congregational chanting, where the Lord’s dancing figure, adorned with sandalwood and flowers, captivated the minds of the people.
- He (Lord Caitanya) is decorated with sandalwood bangles and armlets and anointed with the pulp of sandalwood. He especially wears these decorations to dance in sri-krsna-sankirtana.
- The Lord (in the incarnation of Gaurasundara) has a golden complexion. Indeed, His entire body, which is very nicely constituted, is like molten gold. Sandalwood pulp is smeared all over His body.
Honoring the Devotees
A defining characteristic of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was His humility and desire to serve His devotees. After festivals or meals, it was customary to offer guests flowers and sandalwood pulp. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the Lord would often take this menial task upon Himself. With His own hands, He would smear the cooling pulp on the bodies of His associates and place garlands around their necks, demonstrating that the Supreme Lord takes pleasure in serving His servants.
- After all the devotees finished accepting prasadam and had washed their hands and mouths, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu decorated each of them with a flower garland and sandalwood pulp.
- Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu made all the devotees sit at His side, and with His own hand He offered them garlands and sandalwood pulp.
The Miracle of Fragrance
One of the most touching interactions involving sandalwood pulp occurred with Sanātana Gosvāmī. Sanātana was suffering from itching sores that oozed moisture, yet Lord Caitanya would forcibly embrace him. When Sanātana tried to pull away to prevent the Lord from touching the infectious sores, the Lord declared that He felt no disgust. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes that instead of a foul odor, the Lord smelled the fragrance of catuḥsama—a mixture of sandalwood pulp, camphor, musk, and aguru—emanating from Sanātana's body. This proved that the body of a pure devotee is transcendental.
- Caitanya said: Sanatana Gosvami is one of the associates of Krsna. There could not be any bad odor from his body. On the first day I embraced him, I smelled the aroma of catuhsama (a mixture of sandalwood pulp, camphor, aguru and musk).
- In fact, however, when Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu embraced the body of Sanatana Gosvami, by the Lord's touch alone there was manifested a fragrance exactly like that of sandalwood pulp.
Childhood Pastimes
In His childhood as Nimāi, the Lord exhibited His supremacy in playful ways. Young girls would go to the bank of the Ganges to worship the demigods for a good husband, bringing offerings of sandalwood pulp, flowers, and rice. Śrīla Prabhupāda narrates how the Lord would interrupt their worship, snatch the sandalwood pulp, smear it on His own body, and eat the food offerings. He would tell them, "I am the Supreme. Worship Me, and you will get good husbands." Though the girls scolded Him, they internally felt great affection for the beautiful boy.
Conclusion
Sandalwood pulp in the pastimes of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is a symbol of the cooling and fragrant nature of devotional service. Whether adorning the Lord's body during the saṅkīrtana dance or being used by the Lord to honor His devotees, it represents the exchange of love. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches us that just as sandalwood pulp cools the burning body, the association of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu cools the burning fire of material existence.
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 and Sandalwood Pulp. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.