Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu Is Lord Nārāyaṇa
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Nārāyaṇa. While He generally hid His identity to play the role of a humble devotee, His divinity was often unmistakable. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that learned scholars, upon analyzing His bodily features and profound wisdom, could not help but conclude that He was the same Lord Nārāyaṇa described in the Vedic scriptures.
Recognition by the Māyāvādī Sannyāsīs
In Vārāṇasī, the Māyāvādī sannyāsīs were accustomed to addressing one another as "Nārāyaṇa," based on their monistic philosophy. However, upon meeting Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, they realized the vast difference between their theoretical claim and His actual power. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes how Prakāśānanda Sarasvatī, the leader of the assembly, admitted that while they were "false, puffed-up Nārāyaṇas," Lord Caitanya possessed the genuine potency and effulgence of the Supreme Lord.
- Caitanya is certainly the Supreme Personality of Godhead Narayana appearing as a devotee of Narayana, and thus the Mayavadi sannyasis, understanding that He was directly Narayana Himself whereas they were false, puffed-up Narayanas, spoke to Him.
- Prakasananda Sarasvati appreciated that Caitanya Mahaprabhu had already directly become Narayana and did not need to wait until His next life.
- Although all these Mayavadi sannyasis who called themselves Narayana were actually unaware of the position of Narayana, due to their austerities Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu enabled them to understand Him to be Narayana Himself.
Symptoms of Divinity
The identification of Lord Caitanya as Nārāyaṇa was not merely sentimental; it was based on observable symptoms. Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that from His childhood, the marks of Nārāyaṇa were visible on His hands and feet. Furthermore, His physical beauty and shining effulgence were so extraordinary that they commanded instant respect even from those who were philosophically opposed to Him.
- This baby has all the symptoms of Lord Narayana on His palms and soles. He will be able to deliver all the three worlds.
- One of these opulences is His (Caitanya's) beauty. By His extraordinarily beautiful bodily features, the Mayavadi sannyasis recognized Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu as Narayana Himself.
- When one sees all these features, one takes Him to be Narayana Himself. Whoever sees Him immediately begins to chant the holy name of Krsna.
Parental Duty vs. Divine Identity
Despite these overwhelming signs of divinity, the Lord's intimate associates often prioritized their loving relationship over awe and reverence. Śrīla Prabhupāda highlights the mood of Jagannātha Miśra, the Lord's father. Even when confronted with the possibility that his son was Nārāyaṇa, Jagannātha Miśra maintained that a father's duty to instruct and correct his son remained paramount.
The Moving Nārāyaṇa
The common people, seeing the Lord's renunciation and power, often referred to Him as jaṅgama-nārāyaṇa ("moving Nārāyaṇa"). While this term can be used loosely, Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that in Lord Caitanya's case, it was literally true. He was not a daridra-nārāyaṇa (poor Nārāyaṇa) invented by misconceptions, but the actual Lord walking among humanity to deliver Vedic knowledge.
- Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu then asked them, "Where have you seen Krsna directly?" The people replied, "You are a sannyasi, a renunciant; therefore You are a moving Narayana (jangama-narayana)."
- He (Caitanya) was not a farcical Narayana like the daridra-narayanas invented by so-called sannyasis.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that realizing Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu as Lord Nārāyaṇa is essential for understanding the weight of His teachings. He is not just a saint or a social reformer; He is the Supreme Authority explaining His own scriptures. When the Māyāvādīs of Vārāṇasī surrendered to Him, they accepted this truth, showing the path for all logic-choppers to find the ultimate conclusion of the Vedas.
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 Is Lord Narayana. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience his teachings in their direct, verbatim form.