Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu as Gaurasundara
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is famously known as Gaurasundara, "the beautiful golden one." Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that this golden complexion is the defining feature of the Supreme Lord's appearance in the Kali-yuga. More than just a physical attribute, the golden luster of Gaurasundara reveals the most confidential secret of Godhead: the union of Kṛṣṇa with the mood and complexion of His eternal consort, Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī.
The Secret of the Golden Complexion
Why does the Supreme Lord, who is known as Kṛṣṇa (the blackish one), appear in a golden form? Śrīla Prabhupāda cites the Lord's confidential revelation to Rāmānanda Rāya. Lord Caitanya explains that to taste the transcendental pleasure of conjugal love that Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī feels for Him, He has accepted Her complexion.
- Gaurasundara here (in CC Madhya 8.288) informed Sri Ramananda Raya - My dear Ramananda Raya, you were actually seeing a separate person with a fair-complexioned body. Actually I am not fair. Being Sri Krsna, the son of Nanda Maharaja, I am blackish.
- Gaurasundara here (in CC Madhya 8.288) informed Sri Ramananda Raya - when I come in touch with Srimati Radharani I become fair-complexioned externally. Srimati Radharani does not touch the body of anyone but Krsna.
- In this connection (CC Adi 17.276) Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura writes in his Anubhasya - Sri Gaurasundara is Krsna Himself with the attitude of Srimati Radharani. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu never gave up the attitude of the gopis.
The Six-Armed Form (Ṣaḍ-bhuja)
One of the unique manifestations of Lord Gaurasundara is the Ṣaḍ-bhuja, or six-armed form. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that this form demonstrates the continuity of the Supreme Lord across three ages. It displays the symbols of Lord Rāmacandra, Lord Kṛṣṇa, and Lord Caitanya simultaneously, proving that they are the same person appearing in different roles.
- The form of Sad-bhuja, the six-armed Lord Gaurasundara, is a representation of three incarnations. The form of Sri Ramacandra is symbolized by a bow in one hand and an arrow in another.
- The form of Sad-bhuja, the six-armed Lord Gaurasundara, is a representation of three incarnations. The form of Lord Sri Krsna is symbolized by a stick and a flute like those generally held by a cowherd boy.
- The form of Sad-bhuja, the six-armed Lord Gaurasundara, is a representation of three incarnations. The form of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu is symbolized by a sannyasa-danda and a kamandalu, or waterpot.
Beauty and Scholarship
Before accepting the renounced order, Lord Gaurasundara displayed supreme physical beauty and intellectual prowess. Born in a high brāhmaṇa family, He was a "wealthy capitalist" possessing the touchstone of love of God. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes how He shone in His youth, exhibiting fine dress and defeating proud scholars, all while distributing the holy name to awaken dormant love of Kṛṣṇa.
- Exhibiting His scholarship, beauty and fine dress, Lord Caitanya danced and chanted as He distributed the holy name of the Lord to awaken dormant love of Krsna. Thus Lord Sri Gaurasundara shone in His youthful pastimes.
- Caitanya Mahaprabhu was born in a very highly respectable brahmana family. He was personally very, very beautiful. His name is Gaurasundara. And very learned scholar. At the age of sixteen years He defeated a very learned scholar from Kashmir.
Purifying Power of the Name
The name "Gaurasundara" itself carries immense spiritual potency. Śrīla Prabhupāda advises that one should regularly chant the holy name of Gaurasundara along with Nityānanda Prabhu to cleanse the heart of material desires. Recognizing Him as the Supreme Personality of Godhead is essential for making spiritual progress.
- In the beginning one should very regularly chant Sri Gaurasundara’s holy name and then chant the holy name of Lord Nityananda. Thus one’s heart will be cleansed of impure desires for material enjoyment.
- As a result of speculation, he (one who neglects the instructions of the six Gosvamis) considers Gaurasundara to be an ordinary devotee and therefore cannot make progress in serving the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Radha-Krsna.
- All glories to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, known as Gauracandra! All glories to Lord Nityananda Prabhu! All glories to Advaita Acarya, who is so exalted.
Conclusion
Lord Gaurasundara is the beautiful, merciful manifestation of the Supreme Lord for this age. Whether appearing as the six-armed Lord or the dancing sannyāsī, He is identical with Kṛṣṇa. By understanding the mystery of His golden form—that He is Kṛṣṇa enveloped in the love of Rādhārāṇī—devotees can appreciate the depth of His compassion and the potency of His saṅkīrtana movement.
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 Gaurasundara. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience his teachings in their direct, verbatim form.