Chaitanya
Mahaprabhu (18 February
1486 – 14 June 1534) was a Hindu monk and social reformer from 16th century
India. Born in a Brahmin family of Nabadwip in Bengal, he founded the Achintya
Bheda Abheda sub-school of Vedanta philosophy, and promoted the community-style
devotional worship of Krishna with kirtans (singing and rhythmic dancing). He
is venerated by followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.
Chaitanya was a notable proponent for
the Vaishnava school of Bhakti yoga (meaning loving devotion to God), based on Bhagavata
Purana and Bhagavad
Gita. Of various avatars of Vishnu, he revered Krishna, popularised the
chanting of the Hare
Krishna mantra
and composed the Siksastakam (eight
devotional prayers) in Sanskrit. His followers, Gaudiya Vaishnavas, revere him
as a spiritual reformer, Hindu revivalist and an avatar of Krishna.
Chaitanya is sometimes referred to by
the names Gaura due
to his fair complexion, and Nimai due
to his being born underneath a Neem tree. His teachings helped flourish Bhakti
movement in east India, particularly Bengal and Odisha from 16th century
onwards.
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