Reference to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the Srimad Bhagvatam

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The Bhagavatam explains in the conversation between Karabhajan Muni

and King Nimi, that in the Dvapara-Yuga, the Supreme Lord, the

Personality of Godhead appears in a blackish form [dvapare bhagavan

syamah]. He has a yellow dress and carries His own weapons [pita-vasa-

nija-ayudhah]. He is beautified with the mark of Srivatsa and the

Kaustubha jewel [sri vatsa-adibhih ankais ca laksanaih]. This is the

actual description of His characteristics [upalaksitah].

The great sage continues his instruction to King Nimi by saying that

people in general in the age of Dvapar-Yuga worshiped the Lord of the

Universe [iti dvapara urvisam stuvanti jagad isvaram]. In the age of

Kali, they worshipped the Supreme Person by the regulation of the

scriptures [tantra vidhana].

krishna varnam tvisakrmam sangopangastra parsadam

yajnaih sankirtana prayair yajanti hi sumedhasah

(Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.5.32)

 

" In the age of Kali, intelligent persons perform congregational

chanting to worship the incarnation of Godhead who constantly sings

the holy name of Krishna. Although His complexion is not blackish, He

is Krishna Himself. He is accompanied by His associates, servants,

weapons and confidential companions. "

How does this verse refer to the advent of Lord Chaitanya, since his

name is not directly mentioned there?

** Just as the symptoms and characteristics of the various previous

incarnations are mentioned in the scriptures, similarly the symptoms

of the appearance of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu are described.

Krishna-varnam indicates that He belongs to the category of Krishna.

Krishna varnam also means one who constantly repeats and sings the

name of Krishna. The main business of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was

the chanting of the holy name of Krishna. Thus the words Krishna

varnam and Krishna Chaitanya are equivalent.

 

Srila Krishna das Kaviraj Goswami has elucidated the two meanings of

the words Krishna varnam by stating:

 

krishna ei dui varna sadayanra mukhe

athava krmake h'nho varne nija sukhe

 

Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu always sings the two syllables Krish & na

[Krishna ei dui varna sada yanra mukhe], or He always relishes great

transcendental pleasure while describing Lord Krishna [athava krmake

tinho varne nija-sukhe].

 

Is there any hint or explanation of His bodily characteristics?

His bodily complexion is not black [tvisa akrishnam]. Lord Chaitanya

appeared in a very light, golden like complexion. His complexion was

yellow [akrma-varane kahe pita-varana]. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is

very beautiful.

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is often described as Gaurasundara. Gaura

means fair and Sundar means beautiful. Sometimes

He is also called Gauranga or one who has a very fair complexion.

 

All Glories to Srila Prabhupada. Bolo Premanande Gaura Nitai Bolo!

Haribol! Haribol! Haribol!