SRILA VISVANATHA CAKRAVARTI THAKURA

1) from GPC:

Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura took birth approximately in the year 1586
Sakabda, within the district of Nadia in the village of Deva-gram. His parents
were Radhi Sreni brahmanas. He also had two brothers named Rambhadra and
Raghunatha.

His initiating guru was Sriyuta Krsnacarana Cakravarti of Saiyadabad,
Murshidabad, who was fourth in the line from Srila Narottama dasa Thakura. Sri
Cakravarti Thakura resided with his guru for many years and composed many
books during that time. In the last verse of Alankara-kaustubha he has
written:

saidabadnivasi sri visvanatha sarmmana
cakravatiti namneyam krta tika subodhini

His studies of grammar, poetry and rhetoric were completed while he still
lived at Nadia. There is a story that he defeated one conquering pandit while
he himself was still only a student. From his childhood he was completely
indifferent to household life. In order to keep him at home, his father had
him married at a very young age. However, he finally renounced family life and
came to live at Sri Vrindavana. His family members tried to bring him back but
were unsuccessful.

Sri Cakravarti Thakura took up residence with Sri Mukunda das, who lived in
Krsna dasa Kaviraja Gosvami's bhajana kutir at Radha-kunda. There he very
intently studied the books and letters of the Gosvamis and composed many
commentaries on their writings.

He used to worship a Deity named Golokananda. Another name of Visvanatha
Cakravarti Thakura was Sri Harivallabha dasa.

He composed the following books: Srimad-bhagavata-sararthadarsini-tika,
Srimad-Bhagavad-gita-savartha-varsini-tika, Alankara-kaustubha-subodhini-tika,
Ananda-Vrindavana-sukhvarthini-tika, Vidagdha-madhava-nataker-tika,
Sri-Krsna-bhavanamrta-maha-kavya, Svapna-vilasamrta-kavya, Madhurya-kadambini,
Aisvarya-kadambini, Stavamrta-lahiri, Camatkara-candrika, Gauranga-lilamrta,
Ujjvala-nilamani-tika, Gopala-tapani-tika, Sri Caitanya-candramrta-tika,
Ksanda-gita-cintamani. (There's more, too: Ragavartma-candamrta-lahari,
Smarana-mangala, etc).

His disappearance is on the Vasanta-pancami in the month of Magha.

2)

The biography of Visvanatha has been translated from the following Bengali
publications: Mihir Caudhuri Kamilya, Narahari Cakravarti: Jivani O
Racanavali (Life and works of Narahari Cakravarti) Vol. 1: Biography and
collected works. Burdwan, University of Burdwan, 1981, PP. 1-15

Narahari Cakravarti writes as follows in Bhaktiratnakara (Pathavadi ms. no.
2341-24, P. 154 ka, "My father, Vipra Jagannatha, was a disciple of the famous
Visvanatha Cakravarti." Visvanatha stands as a remarkable example of Bengali
intellect. His place in the Vaisnava world remains unsurpassed as far as
erudition, theological knowledge, poetic talent and appreciation of rasa. He
was worshiped by his contemporaries as an example of unblemished ascetic life
and an ideal follower of Ragamarga.

Scholars differ in their views regarding Visvanatha's period. According to
Syamalala Gosvami it was 1626 -1708 A.D. (quoted in the book Caitanyottara
Yugera Gaudiya Vaisnava P. 98). Murarilal Adhikari writes in Vaisnava
Digdarsani that the period was 1646-1754. Madhusudana Tattvavacaspati guesses
that Visvanatha was born around 1633-1638 A.D. (1555-60 Saka) and died around
Saka 1625-30 (Sri Krsnabhavanamrta, introduction p. 4, published in
Bhaktiprabha 1335.

Both Nikhilnath Roy and Bimanbihari Majumdar hold that Visvanatha was born
toward the early part of the 17th century Saka (See Mursidavadera Itihasa P.
308). In Gaurapadatarangini 1st ed. 1310, P. 183, Jagadbandhu Bhadra argues
that in 1664 A.D. (Saka 1586) Visvanatha was born. However proper evidence in
support of the above arguments is lacking.

Visvanatha completed Sararthadarsini in 1704 A.D. (1626 Saka), which he
himself states at the conclusion of the book. Thus he must have been alive
around 1704 A.D. According to Sukumar Sen, Visvanatha died shortly after 1704
A.D. (See Bangala Sahityera Itihasa Vol. 1, Part 2, 2nd ed., 1965, P. 393)

Visvanatha was born at Devagrama (See ms. of Narottamavilasa at Pathavadi no.
2336 (21), P. 31 kha). Some believe that this village belongs to Kasiganj
police station of the Nadia district (Gaurapadatarangini, introduction P. 183;
Vaisnava Digdarsani P. 120; Jivanikosa by Sasibhusana Vidyalankar, Vol. 5, P.
1773; Nadia: Svadhinata Rajatajayanti Smarakagrantha, Krsnagore 1973, P. 25).
Others argue that Devagrama falls under Sagaradihi police station of the
Mursidabad district (See `Padakarta Harivallabha' by Harekrsna Mukhopadhyay in
Ananda Bajara Patrika special Puja no. 1369, P. 276.

None of the old mss. record the names of Visvanatha's parents. Pathavadi mss.
of `Narottamavilasa" state that Visvanatha's father's name was Ramanarayana
Cakravarti. Visvanatha was the youngest child in the family. His eldest
brother was Ramabhadra and the next oldest was Raghunatha. Ramabhadra was an
accomplished theologian and a disciple of Gopikanta. This Gopikanta was the
son of Hariramacarya, the disciple of Ramacandra Kaviraja who belonged to the
spiritual lineage of Srinivasa. The second brother, Raghunatha, was also a
great scholar (Mss. of `Narottamavilasa' of Pathavadi no. 2336.21, P. 31 kha).

Visvanatha's family was brahmana by caste from the Radha clan, Sandilya gotra,
and lineage drawn from Bhattanarayana (See Vaisnavacarya Visvanatha by
Nanigopala Gosvami in Bharatavarsa 1351).

In the said mss. of `Narottamavilasa' P. 31 kha, an account is given relating
to Visvanatha's birth. It is said that as soon as Visvanatha was delivered a
strange halo of light appeared around his body. That light illumined the
entire delivery-room and then disappeared. This account seems to be an
interpolation at a later date. Devotees and admirers of Visvanatha could well
have fabricated this event to glorify the talent and spiritual accomplishment
of Visvanatha. This mss. contains one more incident regarding Visvanatha: Once
a highly renowned scholar visited Devagrama and the local pandita's became
unnerved upon meeting him. But Visvanatha, a mere adolescent, defeated this
scholar in argument.

As a child Visvanatha completed his studies at Devagrama and thereafter went
to Saidavad. Some say that Visvanatha was educated under Ganganarayana
Cakravarti of Saidavad (Premavilasa J.N. Talukdar ed. pp. 206-7), while others
argue that Ganganarayana's adopted son Krsnacarana actually taught Visvanatha
(H.K. Mukhopadhyaya `Padakarta Harivallabha'). No evidence in support of these
views has yet been found.

Radharamana was the name of Visvanatha's diksa guru. Visvanatha himself writes
about his spiritual lineage in one sloka of Sararthadarini. In chapters 2-7 of
Stavamrtalahari Narahari also gives details on the spiritual lineage or
guru-pranali of Visvanatha as follows:

 Lord Gauranga
 |
 Lokanatha
 |
 Narottama
 |
 Ganganarayana
 |
 Krsnacarana
 |
 Radharamana (alias Sri Rama)
 (son & disciple)
 |
 Visvanatha

Visvanatha's guru and parama-guru belonged to the spiritual lineage of
Narottama Thakura.

From his childhood Visvanatha was of a detached temperament. At the command of
his father, Visvanatha's brother Ramabhadra arranged for Visvanatha's marriage
at an early age. However, through studying Srimad Bhagavatam Visvanatha
developed a deep spirit of renunciation. After completing his studies he took
spiritual initiation and gradually developed an intense love for Krsna.
Finally, one day, he renounced home, took the vow of a renunciate and went to
Vrndavana. After visiting several holy places Visvanatha finally sought the
shelter of Mukundadasa, a disciple of Krsnadasa Kaviraja on the bank of the
Radhakunda. The devotees present there urged this young renunciate to return
home, which Visvanatha had to abide by (Mss. Narottamavil asa PP. 31-32 ka).

Possibly this was the time when Visvanatha went to Patadanja where he is said
to have realized his spiritual goal. Visvanatha installed the deity of Gopala
(Harekrsna Mukhopadhyaya P. 276)

At the command of his guru, Visvanatha went home for one night to meet his
wife. His wife, however, heard nothing other than Krsna katha from her husband
throughout the night. (See Mss. Narottamavilasa P. 32 ka). Early the next
morning Visvanatha left home and took shelter of his guru. As directed by his
guru, Visvanatha began copying Srimad Bhagavatam.

Visvanatha settled on the bank of the Radhakunda in Vrndavana. Regarding his
spiritual practices Narahari writes as follows, "Being deeply immersed in
singing kirtana of the Lord, Visvanatha narrated the pastimes of the Lord in a
most fascinating manner. No one is competent enough to speak of his spiritual
practices. Anyone who had the good fortune to set his eyes upon Visvanatha
felt immediately soothed from the pangs of material existence. Visvanatha
served the deity of Sri Gokulananda with great pleasure and devotion."

When Visvanatha arrived in Vrndavana he noticed that with the disappearance of
the six Gosvamis the beauty of that holy place was no longer visible. A large
number of Mathas had been destroyed by the Muslims. Priests migrated from
Vrndavana taking away the deities which were in their charge. A number of
deities were left standing alone and received no service. And the devotees
were in a state of constant fear. People in general were in no mood to devote
attention to the study of the scriptures (See Madhuryakadamvini introduction,
P. 4, by Satyendranatha Vasu).

During his stay in Vrndavana many loyal workers and scholars such as Baladeva
Vidyabhusana were deeply impressed upon seeing Visvanatha's devotion, strength
of mind and hard working nature. Visvanatha became determined to bring back
the lost glory of Vrndavana. The following are some of his achievements.

1. Visvanatha himself installed the Deity of Gokulananda and took charge of
serving Govardhana sila. He reinstated different priests to begin the service
of the Deities in various places.

2. It was through his initiative that the Sri Vardhana Matha of Kongala and
some new Mathas at several other places were set up (Visvakos V. 19, P. 42).
Visvanatha also arranged to renovate a large number of temples.

3. At that time there was little access by the common people to the works of
the Gosvamis. This was due to the fact that there were no proper analysis and
interpretation of these theological treatises. What Visvanatha did was to
prepare simple and lucid commentaries for these works, as well as presenting
abridged forms of the original works. This enabled devotees of all types to
understand and appreciate the essence of the Gosvamis' works. Visvanatha also
arranged for the wide distribution of books which Vaisnavas needed for daily
study and spiritual practices. He also organized classes to be held on them to
impart instructions.

Visvanatha was one of the most accomplished preachers of madhurya-bhava in
ragamarga. Regarding sadhana (spiritual achievements), Visvanatha's name is
placed after Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, Krsnadasa Kaviraja and Narottama Thakura
(CC. Sukumar Sen ed. 1.4. P.13).

Visvanatha was an out and out parakiya-vadi. Both in prakata and aprakata lila
Visvanatha considered Sri Radha and the gopis as the parakiya heroines of Lord
Krsna. Visvanatha had deep faith in the astakaliya nitya-lila described by
Kavikarnapura and Krsnadasa Kaviraja (Padavaliparicaya 2nd ed. PP. 86-87).
Apart from practicing smarana (remembrance), manana (contemplation) and
sankirtana, Visvanatha remained deeply absorbed in the service of Radha Krsna
with loyalty to the Vrajavasis. Due to his own success in practice and
realization, Visvanatha was able to write beautifully describing the proper
method for astakaliya nitya-lila, a unique analysis of ragamarga sadhana,
detailed descriptions of Radha Krsna lila, details on the sadhana practiced by
Sakhi-manjari or Kinkari, the mystic significance of bhajan and the method of
bhajan.

Another remarkable achievement of Visvanatha's was to establish Gaudiya
Vaisnavism and its theology through Baladeva Viyabhusana, Visvanatha's close
follower, at the meeting of Vaisnavas held at Galta, Jaipur in 1718 A.D. (Saka
1640) (See CC. introduction 4th ed. P. 396, also Baladeva Siddhantaratna,
Gopinatha Kaviraja ed., introduction).

As a youth in Saidavad Visvanatha set up a Sanskrit school and accepted a
teaching career. In order to help the students to learn easily Visvanatha
wrote a simplified commentary titled `Suvodhini' on Kavikarnapura's Alamkara
Kaustubha. This is said to be Visvanatha's first literary work. Upon his
arrival in Vrndavana, Visvanatha sought the refuge of Mukundadasa. This
Mukunda dasa was a poet and disciple of Krsnadasa Kaviraja. Mukunda dasa had
some books to be completed. Noting Visvanatha's devotion and erudition, he
thus requested Visvanatha to complete those books. Pathavadi mss.
Narottamavilasa P. 32 Ka, refers to this but does not give the names of the
works.

In Vrndavana Visvanatha's literary talent blossomed and beautiful compositions
began to flow like many streams of nectar. His complete works can be
classified under four groups:

1) Commentary works..........................13
2) Abridged works of original texts.......... 3
3) Original works........................... 15
4) Compilation of Padavali................... 1

--------

1)  Commentary works (Tika Grantha):

At that time most of the manuals and other books which Vaisnavas needed to
consult daily were full of difficult theological concepts mostly written in
Sanskrit. This made it difficult for the lay-devotee to study and understand
the proper conclusions. To remove these obstacles Visvanatha wrote simple
Sanskrit commentaries on many of the Gosvamis' works. Titles of such
commentaries are as follows:

1) Sararthadarsini 1704 A.D.--tika of Srimad Bhagavatam
2) Sararthavarsini tika on Bhagavad gita
3) Sri Caitanya-caritamrtera tika (the first commentary in Sanskrit on a
   Bengali book)
4) Brahmasamhitara tika
5) Anandacandrika - tika on Ujjvala-nilamani of Rupa Gosvami
6) Bhakti-sara-pradarsani - tika on Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu of Rupa Gosvami
7) Prema-bhakti-candrika-kirana - a Sanskrit tika on Narottama's
   Prema-bhakti-candrika
8) Sukhavartini - a tika on Kavikarnapura's Ananda-vrndavana-campu
9) Mahati - tika on Dana-keli-kaumudi of Rupa Gosvami
10) Bhakta-harsini - tika on Gopalatapani
11) Hamsaduta tika - tika on Rupa Gosvami's Hamsadutam
12) Tika on Rupa Gosvami's Vidagdha-madhava
13) Lalita-madhavera tika

Some scholars argue that the tika on Lalita-madhava and Vidagdha-madhava were
not works of Visvanatha. They say that Krsnadeva Sarvabhauma, a disciple of
Visvanatha, was the writer of the Vidagdha-madhava tika, while Radhakrsna
dasa, a disciple of Jiva Gosvami wrote the tika of Lalita-madhava (See
Haridasa dasa GVA P. 1751-52, 1745)

2) Abridged Works:

Visvanatha felt that many of the Vaisnava works were difficult for the
lay-devotee to grasp. He therefore extracted the most relevant information and
presented an abridged form of various selected books. Three of these are works
of Rupa Gosvami as shown below:

1) Kirana i.e Ujjvala-nilamani-kirana on Ujjvala-nilamani
2) Vindu i.e Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu-vindu on Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
3) Kana i.e. Bhagavatamrta-kana on Laghu-bhagavatamrta

3) Original Works:

Visvanatha's thoughts had originality and depth. He was gifted with the talent
of communicating deep philosophical concepts in a simply way, while keeping
the unique characteristics of Radha Krsna lila in tact. Most of his original
works relate to sadhana-bhajan as follows:

1) Sri Krsna-bhavanamrta (1679 A.D.): describes astakaliya nitya-lila of Radha
   Krsna

2) Ragavartmacandrika: a guide to and an account of raganugabhakti and its
   methods

3) Madhurya-kadamvini: reveals the subtle concepts on rupa and madhurya of
   Lord Krsna

4) Aisaryakadamvini: a scriptural account of Lord Krsna's aisarya (opulence)

5) Camatkara-candrak: mystic sports of Radha Krsna

6) Gopipremamrta: reveals the love of the gopis and concepts regarding svakiya
   and parakiya

7) Mantrartha-dipika: explanation of kamavija and kamagayatri

8) Vraja-riti-cintamani: describes the sites of Lord Krsna's Vraja-lila

9) Prema-samputa (1684 A.D.): describes madhurya of Radha

10) Sankalpa-kalpadrum (1678 A.D.): describes prayers to Sri Radha to grant
    sevavrtti

11) Nikunja-keli-virudavali (1678 A.D.) describes the sports of Radha Krsna in
    the kunja

12) Surata-kathamrta (1678 A.D.): description of the pastimes of Radha Krsna
    in the quiet of midnight.

Some other works by Visvanatha are written like hymns. These reveal
Visvanatha's genuine devotion and reverence for his superiors, cherished
Deities, and the holy places of Lord Krsna's pastimes. The following is a list
of these works:

1) Sriman Mahaprabhorastakaliya Smarnamangalastotram: A guide book describing
   Lord Gauranga's astakaliya lila.

2) Sri Gauranganoddesa-candrika: A brief account on the close associates of
   Lord Gauranga (a similar manuscript of Visvanatha's dealing with the
   associates of Lord Gauranga is available in the collection of
   Barahanagar--Sri Gauranga Granthamandir--the title of the said mss. is
   Gauraganasvarupa-tattvacandrika' no. 230 B 17)

3) Stavamrta-lahari: This is one of the best works of hymns. It consists of a
   total of 28 hymns which deal with the guru, the poet's own guru,
   paramaguru, paratparaguru, Narottama, Lokanatha, Sri Caitanya, Vaisnava
   acaryas, etc. Then invocation of the mercy of the famous Deities
   Gopaladeva, Madanagopala, Govindadeva, Gopinatha, Gokulananda and Lord
   Krsna; invocation of the grace of Radha and Vrnda devi; hymns in praise of
   various lila sites such as Vrndavana, Nandisvara, Krsnakunda, etc.

4) Padavali Samkalam (compilation of Vaisnava poems)

5) Ksanada-gita-cintamani (known briefly as `Ksanada' or `Gitacintamani').
   [Ksanada-gita-cintamani mss. Pathavadi no. 2615 (24 ga), 2613 24 ka),
   oldest edition 1282 (1875 A.D.). See Vangala Sahityera Itihasa V.1, Pt. 1,
   P. 393

2nd edition 1315 Vrndavana Kesighat (Krsnapada dasa Babaji)

3rd edition (?) Nitaipada Dasa

4th edition (1332) Nityasvarupa Brahmacari, Calcutta

5th edition (1369) Bimanabihari Majumdar, General Library

While compiling this Ksanada-gita-cintamani containing selected Vaisnava poems
Visvanatha had in mind that devotees of raganugamarga may every night perform
or listen to nama-guna etc. of their cherished Deities.

Earlier some attempts were made to prepare compilations of Vaisnava poems to
some extent by Ramagopala dasa of Srikhanda in his `Sri Sri
Radhakrsnarasa-kalpavalli', by his son Pitamvaradasa in `Rasamanjari' and
Mukundadasa, a disciple of Krsnadasa Kaviraja in `Siddhantacandrodaya'.
However it was Visvanatha who first prepared this first compilation. In fact
Ksanada is considered "the first perfect Padavali compilation" (Vangala
Sahityera Itihasa V.1, Pt. 2, 2nd ed., P. 102 b 393). The first part of
Ksanada is available, but it is thought that Visvanatha died before the later
part was completed. Dr. Sukumar Sen argues that this compilation was done
before 1704 A.D. (See Gaudiya Vaisnava Sadhana by Harekrsna Mukhopadhyay, 1st
ed. P. 136). In this book Visvanatha used the bhanita of `Harivallabha' or
`Vallabha' on those poems composed by him.

Recently the second part of Ksanada, compiled by Manohara dasa, was found and
published (Ksanada-gita-cintamani: Manoharadasa, published by Radhakarsna
dasa, Kusumsarovar, P.O. Radhakunda, Mathura). This mss. contains the first to
the seventeenth section of Ksanada. It was available from Advaitacarana
Gosvami, the priest of Radharamana of Vrndavana. Haridasa dasa gives
information in GVA Vol. 3, P. 1484 that a similar manuscript is available in
the collection of Nimbarka sampradaya.

Bimanbihari Majumdar argues as follows: "Since Visvanatha compiled Vaisnava
poems for the Bengalis to enjoy he titled them `Purvavibhaga' (eastern
section) and his contemporary, Manohara dasa, the writer of Anuragavalli,
compiled for the readers of western India and hence titled it `Pascima
Vibhaga' (western section)."

In the second compilation there are twenty one poems of Manohara dasa, along
with those of Haridasa Swami etc. Several of Manoharadasa's poems deal with
Lord Gauranga. This compilation consists of Hindi poems. In the `Pascima
Vibhaga' there are six Hindi poems written by Visvanatha, who gave the
bhanitas of Harivallabha or Vallabha.

The Purva Vibhaga of Visvanatha consists of a total of thirty Ksanada or
themes. These themes are fitted each for thirty nights from the first night of
the dark fortnight of one lunar month till the day of the new moon and from
the first day of the bright fortnight till the night of the full moon. Varying
in size, eight have small and sixteen have big padas. A total of 308 pada are
found in Purva Vibhaga containing the bhanita of 48 known and unknown poets
(Of these the compiler has 53 padas in--40 with the bhanita of Harivallabha
and 13 with the bhanita of Vallabha. Some hold that Harivallabha was the name
of Visvanatha's guru. Some argue that Harivallabha was the sannyasa name of
Visvanatha. However neither of these ideas is supported by evidence. In
`Gitavali' part of the book Stavamrta-lahari of Visvanatha, out of eleven
Sanskrit pada two have bhanita of Harivallabha and four have the bhanita of
Vallabha.

In `Mantrartha-dipika' Sri Radha addresses Visvanatha in a state of dream as
Harivallabha. Narahari, the son of Visvanatha's disciple, clearly writes that
Harivallabha was the name of Visvanatha.

Each Ksanada or section is arranged in such a manner as it could be sung for
one night. First there is Gaura Vandana, then follows Nityananda Vandana and
concludes with poems of milana (comedy) or sambhaga. In between there are
poems/lyrics dealing with abhisara, or aksepanuraga and rasa. All these
compositions relate to madhurya rasa. None of these deal with sakhya, vatsalya
or even themes relating to Mathura.

This compilation was made with a view to serving aspirants with manjari-bhava
eager to enjoy Vrajrasa. Though Visvanatha was a highly imaginative poet he
was a perfect erudite too. He never liked to compose poems in a simply,
unadorned manner. Sanskrit expression, rhetorically rich language, chiming
words and waves of rhythm enriched his poems which were equally rich with
fascinating themes and deep rasa.

Visvanatha had an extraordinary command of Vrajvuli, Hindi and Sanskrit. In
all three languages Visvanatha composed a total of seventy padas of which the
ones in Sanskrit are the best.

It seems that Visvanatha's poems were not appreciated by his contemporaries.
Hence in later compilation not many of Visvanatha's poems are found. In
Padamrtasamudra of Radhamohana Thakura, almost a contemporary of Visvanatha,
there was not any pada of Visvanatha's. The reason for this was that
Radhamohana compiled the poems in Bengal while Visvanatha was in Vrndavana.
Neither can any pada of Visvanatha's be found in Sankirtanamrta, a compilation
by Dinavandhu dasa belonging to a bit later period.

Among other compilations of padas there are five padas of Visvanatha's in the
total 1169 pada in Gitacandrodaya compiled by Narahari Cakravarti, one pada of
Visvanatha's out of a total of 1119 pada compiled in Kirtanananda of
Gaurasundara dasa, and three pada of Visvanatha's out of 3101 total pada
compiled in Vaisnava dasa's Padakalpataru.

When critically evaluated as poetry Visvanatha's works do not rank in the
first category although critics have praised most of his padas (See
introduction by Bimanbihari Majumdar ed. Ksanadagitacintamani)

Judged from the standpoint of the preceding Vaisnava acaryas and the quality
of rasa, Visvanatha undoubtedly contributed immensely in leading Gaudiya
Vaisnavism and sadhana bhakti forward. Most of the difficult treatises of Rupa
Gosvami were presented by Visvanatha to devotees sometimes by adding simple
commentaries and sometimes by preparing abridged editions. Devotees hailed
Visvanatha as `the second svarupa of Rupa' or as `avatara of Rupa'.

Among the devotees of Visvanatha nothing much is known about others except
Krsnadasa (See mss. N. Vilasa P. 33 kha), Kanudasa, Nandakisora (See
Rasakalika ed. Haridasa dasa, P. 82, P. 154). Some think that Krsnadeva
Sarvabhauma was a disciple of Visvanatha. Baladeva Vidyabhusana, a disciple of
Radhadamodara, revered Visvanatha deeply as his guru.

Visvanatha stands as a remarkable outcome of Bengali intellect in 17th-18th
century as poet, musician, thinker, theologian, scholar and above all a
devotee and preacher.

The following is from GPC:

Visvanatha Cakravarti was born most probably in the Saka era 1586 in the
famous village of Devagrama in the district of Nadia. He belonged to the Radhi
brahmana sect. Sri Ramabhadra and Sri Raghunatha Cakravarti were his two
brothers.

Sri Visvanatha took his initiation from Sri Krsnacarana Cakravarti of
Saidavada in the Mursidabad district. He lived there for a considerable time
and wrote many books. Because he lived there for so long, Visvanatha
introduced himself as an inhabitant of Saiydavada. He studied grammar, poetry
and rhetoric when he lived in Nadia. It is said that when he was a student he
defeated a world famous scholar in argument.

From his early boyhood days he was completely indifferent to the materialistic
w orld. In order to get him involved in worldly life, his father arranged his
marriage at a very early age. Sri Cakravarti like for sometime in his house
and then left to become a resident of Vrndavana. His relatives tried to bring
him back, without success.

In Vrndavana, Sri Cakravarti Thakura stayed with Mukunda dasa, a disciple of
Srimad Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami, at his house near Radhakunda and studied
Gosvami grantha-patra. There he wrote many notes on these books.

Sri Cakravarti Thakura used to worship the Deity of Sri Gokulananda. Amongst
the Mahanta society, he was famous as Sri Harivallava dasa. The title
Cakravarti was given to him by his disciples.

The books written by him are listed as follows: Sararthadarsini Tika on Srimad
Bhagavatam; Sararthavarsini Tika on Srimad Bhagavad gita; Subhodhini Tika on
Alankara Kaustubha; Sukhavartini tika on Ananda Vrndavana; tika on the drama
Vidagdha-madhava; Sri Krsna-bhavanamrta Mahakavya; Svapna-vilasamrta Kavya;
Madhurya Kadamvini; Aisarya Kadamvini; Stavamrta-lahari; Camatkara-candrika;
Gauranga-lilamrta; tika on Ujjvala-nilamani and Gopala-tapani; half finished
tika on CC; the Bengali translation of Skhanada-gita Cintamani and many other
books.

Sri Lokanatha Gosvami was the disciple of Sri Gauranga, his disciple was Sri
Narottama Thakura, then his disciple was Sri Ganganaranayana Cakravarti. Sri
Ganganarayana Cakravarti's disciple was Sri Krsnacarana Cakravarti, whose
disciple was Sri Radharamana Cakravarti. Sri Visvanatha Cakravarti was the
disciple of Sri Radharamana Cakravarti. Sri Krsnacarana Cakravarti and Sri
Radharamana Cakravarti used to live in Saiyadavada. Sri Visvanatha Cakravarti
studied devotional sastras there for some time. In the month of Magha
(Jan.-Feb), on the fifth day of the bright fortnight, he departed from this
world.

