SRI ADVAITA ACARYA

The foremost of all the Vaisnavas who reside at Navadwip is Sri Advaita Acarya,
whose virtuous presence has made all the worlds blessed. He is the most
prominent preceptor in all fields including knowledge, renunciation and
devotion. In explaining Krsna-bhakti he is like unto Lord Sankara himself, and
whatever scriptures that exist within the three worlds he explains in the light
of Krsna-bhakti.

With the intense eagerness he continually worships Sri Krsna with Tulasi
manjaris and Ganges water. By the momentum of his spiritual force, his loud
shouts pierce the coverings of this universe and, resounding throughout
Vaikuntha, reach the ears of Sri Krsna. Hearing this loving summons saturated
with devotion, Sri Krsna advents Himself.

jaya jaya advaita isvara avatara
krsna avatari kaila jagat-nistara

"All glories to Advaita Prabhu, the incarnation of the Supreme Personality of
Godhead. He induced Krsna to descend and thus delivered the entire world."
[Cc Antya 8.4]

"On the seventh day of the bright fortnight of the month of Magh, the great
ocean of ecstasy swelled to its limits, being forcibly attracted by the moon of
Advaita, Who appeared from the womb of Sri Nabhadevi as the moon appears in the
autumn sky. His father, Sri Kuvera Pandit floated in that ocean of joy. In
great happiness gave many gifts in charity to the brahmanas (who voluntarily
accept vows of poverty). Very quietly he approached the maternity room to get a
glimpse of his newborn son. Then his own face began to shine by the reflected
light of that moon-like personage. The residents of Navagram came running to
see the child. Everyone remarked that they had never seen such a beautiful
baby. What a pious activities his father must have been performed to get such a
jewel of a son, and that in his old age? Thus Ghanasyama sings about this
occasion." [B.R.12.1759] The child was named Mongal and his other name was
Kamalaksa.

Advaita Acarya is the combined incarnation of Maha Visnu and Sadasiva (who
resides in Goloka). His two consorts, Sita and Sri are manifestations of Yoga
Maya. Once when Advaita performed worship, whatever gods and demigods He used
to meditate upon He saw all gathered at Lord Caitanya's lotus feet, offering
prayers. Raising up his two hands, Advaita exclaimed in great ecstasy, "Today
all the days of my life have produced a succesful result, as all my desires
have been fulfilled. My birth and activities have finally born fruit. I have
directly perceived Your two lotus feet, which are proclaimed throughout the
four Vedas but are unattainable thereby. Now, by Your causeless mercy, You have
revealed Yourself to Me."

Mahaprabhu replied, "Acarya, now you should perform My worship." First Advaita
Acarya washed the Lord's two lotus feet with water scented by flower petals and
then with water scented with sandalwood. Then He placed on His lotus feet
Tulasi manjari dipped in sandalwood paste along with arghya - an auspicious
offering of rice, durva grass, yogurt etc. His eyes brimming with tears, he
offered incense, ghee lamps, flowers, sandalwood paste, and some foodstuffs.
After offering various prayers he loudly proclaimed the Lord's glories with
auspicious shouts. "All glories to the Lord and maintainer of the universe, the
Lord of all that lives. All glories to Gauracandra, the ocean of mercy. All
glories to the most munificent incarnation of Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu,
whose form is all-enchanting. All glories to He who is decorated with the
ornaments of Sri Vatsa and Kaustubha. All glories to He who has revealed the
Hare Krsna Maha-mantra. All glories to He who enjoys the pastimes of accepting
devotion unto Himself. All glories to Mahaprabhu who reclines on the bed of
Ananta Sesa. All glories to the refuge of all living entities. [C.B.Mad. 6.116]

Hearing Advaita's prayer's Mahaprabhu replied, "My dear Acarya, I am very
pleased by your prayers. Now you can ask from me any benediction you like."

Then Advaita requested that, "My only request is that you distribute love of
Krsna even to women, laborers and the ignorant fools as well. [C.B. Mad. 6.167]

A Nrsimha-sila and Deities, fashioned after a picture of Sri Sri Madan-Gopal
that were worshiped by Advaita Acarya are still residing at Santipur in
Madan-Gopal Para. Santipur is a short distance from Krsnanagar by bus.

The place on the banks of the Ganga where Advaita Acarya worshipped salagram
and called out to the Lord to please descend to the world is known today as
Babla. A temple has been built in memory of Advaita Acarya's pastimes there.
This place can be reached by rickshaw from Santipur.

Appearance: The seventh day of the bright fortnight of the month of Magha, the
moon of Advaita appeared from the womb of Sri Nabhadevi.

