Chaitanyacaritamrita

Chaitanyacaritamrita is a seminal biographical work detailing the life and teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the 15th-century Hindu mystic and saint who founded Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Written in Bengali by Krishnadasa Kaviraja Goswami, it is considered the most authoritative account of Chaitanya's life. The text is divided into three parts: Adi-lila (the introductory pastimes), Madhya-lila (the pastimes in the middle), and Antya-lila (the concluding pastimes).

Adi-lila describes Chaitanya's birth, childhood, education, and early spiritual awakening. It highlights his renunciation of worldly life and his initial missionary activities. Madhya-lila focuses on his extensive travels throughout India, spreading the sankirtana movement (congregational chanting of the holy names of God) and engaging in philosophical debates. This section also elaborates on his interactions with various spiritual leaders and disciples. Antya-lila recounts Chaitanya's later years spent in Puri, Odisha, where he experienced intense spiritual ecstasies and imparted final instructions to his closest followers.

The Chaitanyacaritamrita is not merely a historical record but also a theological treatise, expounding the philosophy of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. It emphasizes the supremacy of Krishna bhakti (devotion to Krishna) and presents Chaitanya Mahaprabhu as the embodiment of both Radha and Krishna. The work is renowned for its lyrical beauty, poetic language, and profound spiritual insights, making it a central scripture for millions of devotees worldwide.