
       NAME                                             SOURCE

A. 1.  ABHAYACARAN DE, BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI PRABHUPADA
A. 2.  ABHAYA DEVI                                      GVA
A. 3.  ABHIMANYU SAMANTA SINGARA MAHAPATRA              GVA
A. 4.  ABHIRAMA DASA                                    GVA
A. 5.  ABHIRAMA DASA                                    GVA
A. 6.  ABHIRAMA GOSVAMI, ABHIRAMA GOPAL THAKURA         GPC,CCU,GVA
A. 7.  ABDUR RAHIM KHAN                                 GVA
A. 8.  ACARYA CANDRA                                    CCU,GVA
A. 9.  ACARYA RATNA                                     CCU,GVA
A.10.  ACYUTA                                           GVA
A.11.  ACYUTA                                           GVA
A.12.  ACYUTA PANDITA                                   GVA
A.13.  ACYUTANANDA PATTANAYAKA                          GVA
A.14.  ACYUTANANDA                                      GPC,CCU,GVA
A.15.  ACYUTANANDA                                      CCU,BMO
A.16.  ACYUTANANDA RAJA                                 GVA
A.17.  ADVAITA (ACARYA PRABHU)                          GPC,CCU,GVA
A.18.  ADVAITADASA BABAJI                               GVJ
A.19.  AFJAL ALI                                        GVA
A.20.  AGALA PAGALA                                     GVA
A.21.  AGARWALI                                         GVA
A.22.  AGATA                                            GVA
A.23.  AGRADASA                                         GVA
A.24.  AHAMMAD BEG                                      GVA
A.25.  AKINCANA DASA                                    GVA
A.26.  AKINCANA DASA                                    GVA
A.27.  AKINCANA KRSNADASA                               GVA
A.28.  AKRURA                                           CCU,GVA
A.29.  AKRURA                                           GVA
A.30.  AKRURA                                           GVA
A.31.  AKRURA                                           GVA
A.32.  AKRURA                                           GVA
A.33.  AKRURA                                           GVA
A.34.  AKRURA                                           GVA
A.35.  AKBAR SHAH                                       GVA
A.36.  ALAM                                             GVA
A.37.  ALAOL SAHEB, SAIYAD                              GVA
A.38.  ALI MAHAMMAD                                     GVA
A.39.  ALI RAJA                                         GVA
A.40.  AMOGHA PANDITA                                   BMO,CCU,GVA
A.41.  AMAN                                             GVA
A.42.  AMULYADHANA RAYA BHATTA                          GVA
A.43.  ANANDA                                           GVA
A.44.  ANANDACAND                                       GVA
A.45.  ANANDACANDRA VIDYAVAGISA                         GVA
A.46.  ANANDA DASA                                      GVA
A.47.  ANANDA DASA                                      GVA
A.48.  ANANDA PURI                                      GVA
A.49.  ANANDANANDA                                      GVA
A.50.  ANANDARAMA LALA                                  GVA
A.51.  ANANDI                                           GVA
A.52.  ANANGABHIMADEVA (Second)                         GVA
A.53.  ANANTA                                           GVA
A.54.  ANANTA                                           BMO,CCU,GVA
A.55.  ANANTA (Sisu Ananta)                             BMO
A.56.  ANANTA ACARYA                                    CCU
A.57.  ANANTA ACARYA                                    CCU,GVA
A.58.  ANANTA ACARYA                                    GVA
A.59.  ANANTA CATTARAJA (CATTOPADHYAYA) KANTHAVARANA    CCU,GVA
A.60.  ANANTA DASA                                      CCU
A.61.  ANANTA DASA                                      GVA
A.62.  ANANTA PANDITA                                   CCU,GVA
A.63.  ANANTA PURI                                      GVA
A.64.  ANANTA RAYA                                      GVA
A.65.  ANANTAVARMAN CODAGANGADEVA                       GVA
A.66.  ANIRUDDHA                                        GVA
A.67.  ANUBHAYANANDA                                    CCU,GVA
A.68.  ANUKULA CAKRAVARTI                               GVA
A.69.  ANUPAMA (VALLABHA)                               CCU,GVA
A.70.  ANUPANARAYANA                                    GVA
A.71.  ARJUNA VISVASA                                   GVA
A.72.  ARJUNI                                           GVA
A.73.  ASARA PURI                                       CCU
A.74.  ASRAMI UPENDRA                                   GVA
A.75.  ASTA GOSWAMI                                     GVA
A.76.  ASTA KAVIRAJA                                    GVA
A.77.  ASTA PRADHANA MAHANTA                            GVA
A.78.  ATMARAMA DASA                                    GVA
A.79.  ATMARAMA DASA                                    GVA
A.80.  ATMARAMA DASA                                    GVA
A.81.  ATULACANDRA CAMPATI                              GVA
A.82.  ATULAKRSNA GOSWAMI                               GVA
A.83.  AULA MANOHARA DASA                               GVA
A.84.  AULIYA THAKURA                                   GVA



A. 1.   ABHAYACARAN DE (Prabhupada):

A. 2.   ABHAYA DEVI;

     She was the maternal grandmother of Locanadasa, the author of Sri
Caitanyamangala. (See also Locanadasa)

A. 3.   ABHIMANYU SAMANTA SINGARA MAHAPATRA;

     He was born in Baliagrama in Cuttack (Orissa), in the year 1679 Saka (1757
A.D.).  He composed a poetic masterpiece in the Oriya language entitled
Vidagdhacintamani. This literary work describes various pastimes of Lord Krsna
in ninety-six prosodical styles.

A. 4.   ABHIRAMA DASA;

     He wrote two booklets entitled Pataparyatana and Abhirama Thakurera Sakha
Nirnaya.  No autobiographical information about the author is available from
the above two books other than the following excerpt: "Remembering the lotus
feet of Sri Ratne svara, Abhirama Dasa wrote this in brief."  He summarized
the book entitled Pata nirnaya and used it as the base for his own book
Pataparyatana. In that work Abhirama states as follows:  "I have written this
summary taking information from the book P ata nirnaya which covers the same
subject matter in great detail.  Thus ends the book Pata paryatana compiled by
Abhirama Dasa."  The book Pata nirnaya is still unpublished, although it was
printed by Amvikacarana Brahmacari in the Sahitya Parisat Pa trika.  A study
of this work would reveal many details regarding Vaisnava temples and
devotees.

A  5.   ABHIRAMA DASA;

     He wrote Govindavijaya and Krsnamangala. (See Bangiya Sahitya Sevaka)

A  6.   ABHIRAMA GOSWAMI, ABHIRAMA GOPALA THAKURA;

     He belonged to the lineage of Lord Caitanya.  In Ramalila he was Bharata,
in Krsnalila he was Sridama sakha, and in Gauralila one of the twelve Gopalas.
A close associate of Nityananda Prabhu, Abhirama Goswami was also known as
"Ramadasa", "Rama ", "Abhirama Thakura", etc.  His Sripata is located at
Khanakula Krsnanagar in the Hugli district.  Malini Devi was his wife.

     In a state of loving ecstacy Abhirama lifted a huge log, which would
ordinarily have taken sixteen people to lift, and held it as a flute.
(According to Bhaktiratnakara 4.123, It would have taken 100 people to lift
it)

     It has been said that Abhirama was so spiritually powerful that whenever
he offered his humble obeisances to the Deity or Salagrama, the latter would
crack.  By offering his obeisances to the seven sons of Nityananda Prabhu,
Abhirama killed them all. Later when Virabhadra Goswami was born, he was able
to survive Abhirama's pranama.  In great joy Abhirama acknowledged Virabhadra
as the second embodiment of Lord Gauranga, which he also mentioned in his own
writing entitled Sri Virabhadrastaka:  "Soyan prasidatu Harih kila
Virabhadra."

     Mother Ganga was also glorified in the same way by Abhirama in his
Gangastotra (6):  "I, Sridama sakha, am moving all over the earth to find that
object which can withstand my obeisances.  But my dear Mother Ganga! After I
offered you obeisances twelve times and you still remained unharmed and
smiling, only then did I become aware of your extraordinary spiritual wealth."

     Abhirama always carried a cane named "Jayamangala". Anyone who was
fortunate enough to be touched by it was blessed with the wealth of divine
love.  Srinivasa Acarya received such a benediction.  Abhirama liberated great
numbers of pasandis.  In the Pata Paryatana it is stated that even the most
notorious pasandi trembled in fear at the sight of Abhirama.

        It has been said that since the time of Krsna's appearance Sridama
sakha never took birth again, but wandered about in that same form. Later he
met Nityananda Prabhu in Vrndavana.  In the unpublished work of Vrndavana dasa
Thakura entitled Ai saryamrta Kavya (109 111) it is explained that during the
Dvapara Yuga, at the time of Vrajalila, Nityananda Prabhu brought Sridama, in
his subtle body, out of a mountain cave and took him to Navadvipa, where
Nityananda revealed to Sridama the truths regarding Gauralila.  But the
following extract from Bhaktiratnakara (4.105 108) says:  Abhirama incarnated
in the house of a brahmana in order to liberate the fallen jivas.  He was
erudite in all scriptures, extremely charming, and expert in the ar t of
dancing, vocal and instrumental music.  Submitting to the desire of Nityananda
Prabhu, he married an extremely qualified girl named Malini, the daughter of a
scholarly brahmana.

     In most Vaisnava books Abhirama and Ramadasa are mentioned as one and the
same person. But the late Jagadvandu Bhadra states, "The late Jagadisvara
Gupta mentions Ramadasa as another name of Abhirama; the fact is not so.
*****It is explained in the book Abhiramalilamrta that Lord Gauranga requested
Abhirama Gupta should be brought from Vrndavana to Navadvipa when Abhirama
instead of accompanying Lord Gauranga, revealed the image of Ramadasa
generating his force.***** Then Abhirama accompanied Lord Gauranga to
Navadvipa where he captivated the world with his dancing, kirtana, and taming
of the pasandis.  *****Ramadasa, the svarupa of Abhirama, belonged to Sri
Nityananda sakha, and Abhirama himself belonged to Sri Caitanya sakha (Gaurap
adatarangini P. 21). Abhirama wrote Sri Virabhadrastaka and Sri Gangastotra.

     Bhaktiratnakara informs that Abhirama, *****while in a dreaming state,
lifted the Deity Sri Sri Gopinatha from beneath the earth at Khanakula
Krsnanagar and installed it there.  The site from which the deity was lifted
is known as "Ramakunda" (B haktiratnakara 4.118).  He is said to have
established the Balimatha at Puri.  Abhirama died on the seventh day of the
dark fortnight of Vaisaka.  BMO p.121 mentions two other unpublished works
which give biographical information on Abhirama entitled Abhiramapatala and
Abhiramabandana.

A 7.    ABDUR RAHIM KHAN:

     A Muslim Vaisnava poet. (See Bangiya Sahitya Sevaka)


A 8.    ACARYA CANDRA:

     He was a close associate of Nityananda Prabhu. (See CBh 3.5.749).  Also
refer to Vaisnava Vandana of Jiva Goswami, Devakinandana, and Vrndavanadasa
for details.

A 9.    ACARYA RATNA:

     GVA explains that Acarya Ratna (also known as Candrasekhar Acarya)
married the sister of Lord Caitanya's mother. However in the Vaisnava Vandana
of Jiva Goswami, Devakinandana, and Vrndavanadasa it is said that Acarya Ratna
is not Candrasekhar A carya and gives biographical details on the former.
(See also "Candrasekhar Acarya").

A.10.   ACYUTA:

     A disciple of Rasikananda Prabhu. (See Rasikamangala Pascima 14.108)

A.11.   ACYUTA:

     A disciple of Rasikananda Prabhu. (See Rasikamangala Pascima 14.123)

A.12.   ACYUTA PANDITA:

     According to the Pata Paryatana of Sri Abhirama dasa, he was the disciple
of Sri Abhirama Goswami.  His Sripata was in Kotara.

A.13.   ACYUTA PATTANAYAKA:

     Father of Rasikananda Prabhu. (Rasikamangala Purva 3.54)

A.14.   ACYUTANANDA:

        According to GVA he belonged to Lord Caitanya's lineage and was the
eldest son of Sri Advaita Prabhu.  His Sripata is in Santipura.  He was born
of Sitadevi in 1426 Saka (1504 A.D.).  From his childhood Acyutananda believed
in the divinity of Lord Caitanya and spent many days in Puri relishing the
company of the Lord Caitanya.  ****The opinion held by Acyuta is unanimously
accepted by the Vaisnava community. (CC 1.12.20), (Sakhanirnayamrta 14).
According to Gauraganoddesadipika (87 88) Acyuta was the disciple of Gadadhara
Pandita Goswami.  In earlier incarnations Acyuta was born as Kartikeya and
Acyuta Gopi.  Acyutananda participated in the festival of Khetari.  Following
are some references which record Acyuta's close association with Lord
Caitanya: CC 1.10.150, 1.12.13, 1.12.20, 1.12.36 and CBh 2.6.40, 2.19.166,
3.1.213 220, 3.4.138 205, 3.10.60.

        GPC states that Acyutananda never married.  His brother, Krsna Misra,
had two sons named Raghunatha and Dolgovinda. The descendants from the family
line of Raghunatha still live at Madanagopala Pada in Santipura. Dolgovinda
had three sons who migrated to Maldaha and settled there.  After several
generations this family line produced a highly devout sadhaka named Viracandra
Goswami.  Viracandra took sannyasa and installed a deity of Lord Caitanya at
Katoa.  For additional information see: a) Vaisnava Vandana by Jiva Goswami,
Devakinandana, and Vrndavanadasa, b) Sri Krsna Caitanya Caritamrtam of Murari
Gupta, edited by Mrnalakanti Ghosh, c) Caitanya mangala by Jayananda.

A.15.   ACYUTANANDA:

     According to Bhakti Movement in Orissa (BMO p. 73 75), Acyutananda Dasa
was a sixteenth century poet who showed versatile genius in writing books on
Vaisnava philosophy and religion.  He was born in the village Tilkana,
situated one mile away from the famous village Nembala (Lembalo), on the bank
of the Chitropala (a branch of Mahandi), in the district of Cuttack. According
to Udayakahani he was born in 1482 A.D. His father was Dinabandhu Khuntia, and
mother Padmavati.  From boyhood Acyutananda showed no interest in his studies,
and became increasingly indifferent to all worldly affairs as he grew.

     Once Dinabandhu, along with his wife and son, went to Puri to pay respect
to Lord Jagannatha.  At that time Lord Caitanya was present at Puri. One day
Dinabandhu and Acyuta went to see the Lord.  Upon touching the feet of Lord
Caitanya, Acyuta experienced a surge of spiritual energy.

     In the Sunya Samhita it is stated that while Acyuta was in Puri with his
father, Lord Caitanya advised Sanatana Goswami (not the Sanatana Goswami of
the six goswami's, but another from Doligram) to initiate Acyuta.  Thus he
took initiation in the name of Hari.

     However in the Gurubhaktigita another story is related. Once while Acyuta
was playing under a banyan tree Lord Caitanya came there in disguise to take
rest.  The Lord asked Acyuta about his parents and requested to see them.
Acyuta conveyed the news to his father, who later came there to met Lord
Caitanya.  At that time the Lord told Dinabandhu that his child should be
given Harinama initiation. Dinabandhu thus made preparations for his sons
initiation and on the eleventh day of the new mo on of Vaisaka Lord Caitanya
initiated Achyuta.  Afterwards, on the request of Dinabandhu, Lord Caitanya
manifested His four armed form.  The Lord also told Acyuta that they would
meet again at Puri.

     According to Sri Caitanya Bhagavata of Iswar Dasa, Achyuta was advised by
Sri Krsna to take the paramhansa mantra from Lord Caitanya: "Accept Him as
preceptor and propagate the name of Hari."  He then left for Puri where he
served Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

     Regardless of who Achyuta's guru actually was, Lord Caitanya's advent
definitely marked a turning point in Achyuta's life.  In the Sunya Samhita it
is said that Lord Caitanya gave Achyuta cymbals and drums (kola), and taught
him the art of tu ning, timing, and sense of rhythm.

     On the order of Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Achyuta set out on a pilgrimage and
returned after a long journey.  During that journey Achyuta, being profoundly
influenced by Lord Caitanya, formed a Sankirtana (Rahasa) party and preached
the name of Sri Krsna in different provinces of India.  The account of his
Sankirtana party is discussed in an unpublished manuscript called
Baranacharita grantha.

     Lord Caitanya and Achyuta had a very cordial relationship and are
certainly eternal associates.  The description in chapter ten of Sunya Samhita
reveals that Achyuta was not only associated with Lord Caitanya during the
period mentioned, but he was also a companion in previous births.  The story
indicates that Sri Krsna informed Sudama that He was going to descend to the
earth.  Krsna said: "Go thou Sudama, we shall meet again in Kaliyuga.  I shall
reveal myself in the form of Buddha, and you will bear the name Sundarananda.
Later I will manifest in Navadvipa as Sri Caitanya and preach the name of Hari
from door to door.  At that time you will stay with us, and will be known by
the name Achyuta.  You will save the cowherd class."

     In another passage of Sunya Samhita, Sudama, Subala and others asked
Krsna how and when they would meet again.  Krsna replied that they would be
born as Panchasakhas in the Kaliyuga at Nilacala, and King Prataparudradeva
would serve them.

     Once Lord Caitanya came to Cuttack and the king desired to perform a
religious festival.  Lord Caitanya advised the king to bring the Panchasakhas.
Thus the Panchasakhas came to Cuttack to join the party and the Lord embraced
all of them. In the Chourasi Ajna it is described that Lord Caitanya sat in
the Muktimandapa along with His five associates, the king, and Sarvabhauma.
The Lord declared that the five associates were the followers of Krsna in
every age.  The associates replied that they were but five branches (panca
sakha) of one tree. Lord Caitanya called them to his side and asked them to
give a demonstration of their occult powers.  He handed over the seed of a
jackfruit to Jagannatha Dasa, and Acyutananda ripened the fruit.

     In the Sri Caitanya Bhagavata it is further stated that Lord Caitanya
once asked Achyuta about his writings, and Achyuta told the Lord that he had
written many songs and bhajans.  In the Gurubhaktigita it is also mentioned
that Lord Caitanya advised Achyuta to compose books on rasa.  In
Anakarsamhita, Acyutananda states that he has written one lakh of padas and
padavalis.  The renowned scholars, Dr. A. B. Mahanty, claims that he has
personally seen 3,000 manuscripts. Achyuta also wrote Samhitas and Upanisads.
He was popular in Orissa and known as the Gopala guru.  He was the guru of the
milkman caste.  His Ogalas are very popular amongst his disciples.  His famous
works are: Sunyasamhita, Sabdabrahmandasamhita, Anakarsamhita, Mahan itya
rahasa, Nitya rahasa, Sunya rahasa, Brundarasa, Radha rasa.  He is still
remembered for his Bhabisyamalikas.

A.16.   ACYUTANANDA RAJA:

        Acyutananda was the father of the famous Rasikamurari and a disciple
of Syamananda Prabhu. (See Bhaktiratnakara 15.26 27)  His Sripata stands at
Rayani on the bank of the river Suvarnarekha.  He was born in the Sista Karana
class. Premavilasa 24, informs us that he was the king of Rayani.

A.17.   ADVAITA (ACARYA PRABHU):

        He is a disciple of Madhavendra Puri, and constitutes one of the
figures amongst the Pancatattva.  In an earlier incarnation he was Lord Siva.
He was born in a varendra brahmana family on the seventh day of the bright
fortnight in the month of Magha, 1355 Saka (1433 AD.), in the village named
Lauda in Srihatta.

        According to Bangabhasa O Sahitya, Advaita Prabhu was born in 1434 AD.
and met Vidyapati in 1458 AD.  Advaita's former name was Kamalaksha
(Kamalakanta) Vedapancanana.  His two wives were Sita Devi and Sri Devi.
Acyutananda was born of Sita Devi (1425 Saka 1503 AD.), followed by Krsnadasa,
Gopala, Balarama, Svarupa, and Jagadisa Misra.  While Sri Devi gave birth to
one son named Syamadasa (Premavilasa 24).

     From Lauda, Advaita Prabhu migrated to the village of Navahatta and later
to Santipura.  He also had a house at Navadvipa.  In 1480 Saka (1558 AD.), at
the age of 125 years (i.e. 25 years after the disappearance of Lord Caitanya)
Advaita Prabhu passed away. (Advaita Vilasa)

        However, according to Premavilasa 24, Advaita Prabhu was born in
Santipura.  He studied the Vedas and other scriptures under a scholar named
Santacarya in Phullavati village near Santipura, where he was awarded the
title Acarya.  The genealog y of Advaita Prabhu can be found in Premavilasa
24. Also books such as Valyalilasutra (in Sanskrit), and Advaitavilasa,
Advaitamangala, Sitacarita (in Bengali) present detailed information on
Advaita Prabhu.

        To verify the meeting of Advaita with Vidyapati, it is known that in
1330 Saka (1408 AD.) Vidyapati received the endowment of Bisaphi village from
Sivasimha.  Vidyapati was born around 1307 Saka (1385 AD.), and was a
contemporary of Candidasa .  Vidyapati mentions their meeting one another in
songs he composed in 1325 Saka (1403 AD.).

        One manuscript of the Bhagavata which was copied by Vidyapati is still
available and carries the date of copying as 1379 Saka (1457 AD.)  Evidence
shows that Vidyapati was alive until 1401 Saka (1479 AD.).  In 1485 AD.
Advaita Prabhu, at the age of fifty two, arrived at the room where Lord
Gauranga was born.  Much earlier he undertook a pilgrimage. Hence his meeting
with Vidyapati should be taken as a fact.

        See Advaita Prakasa for further information.

The following are extracts of references to Advaita Prabhu from some important
biographical sources:

CC 1.9.21 Advaita Prabhu likened to the trunk of the trunk of the imaginary
          tree of bhakti.

CBh 1.2.79 105 Advaita interprets all scriptures from the Krsnabhakti point of
               view.  While offering Ganga water and Tulasi, Advaita calls out
               loudly demanding that Krsna incarnate.

CBh 1.7.29 67  Visvarupa visits Advaita daily to discuss sastra; Nimai goes to
               Advaita's house to bring His brother home.

CBh 1.7.95 108 Advaita wails in separation, deeply grieved when Visvarupa
               takes sannyasa.

CBh 1.11.72 83 Arrival and introduction of Isvara Puri at he house of Advaita.

CBh 1.16.20 21 and 311, 2.1.5 Milana with Thakura Haridasa.

CBh 2.2.4 154  Milana with Lord Gauranga.

CBh 2.2.155, 2.6.8 175 Advaita goes to Santipura to test Lord Gauranga and is
                       brought back to Navadvipa by Ramai.

CBh 2.10.147, 151 155 Advaita's loyalty to Lord Caitanya.

CBh 2.10.166   Music lessons in the presence of Lord Caitanya.

CBh 2.10.169   Advaita's prayers to the Lord, begging that He shower His mercy
               upon the fallen souls.

CBh 2.13.238,257,300 305,335 Discussions in the house of Lord Gauranga
                             regarding the liberation of Jagai and Madhai.

CBh 2.13.341 360 Loving fights between Advaita and Nityananda.

CBh 2.16.45 51  Seva puja offered by Advaita to Lord Gauranga while the Lord
                was in a state of bhava avesa.

CBh 2.16.52 93  Lord Gauranga's annoyance with Advaita for trying to touch His
                feet while the Lord was in an unconscious state.

CBh 2.19.13 160 Advaita's grief at finding Lord Gauranga's interpretation of
                Bhakti oriented philosophy. Advaita departs for Santipura
                where he deliberates on "Yoga Vasistha."

CBh 2.22.35 125 Aparadha committed by mother Saci forgiven when she touches
                the feet of Advaita.

CBh 2.24.40 76  Advaita sees the Visvarupa.

CBh 3.1.36 46   Advaita's grief when Lord Caitanya takes sannyasa.

CBh 3.4.441 515 The subject of the occasion when Madhavendra is worshipped.

CBh 3.8.3 86    Advaita visits Nilacala, accompanied by the the devotees.

CBh 3.9.12 88   Advaita cooks and serves Lord Gauranga with his own hands.

CBh 3.9.164 184 Caitanya sankirtana performed by Advaita.

CBh 3.9.256 284 Prema delivered by Rupa and Sanatana through Advaita.

CBh 3.9.290 305 Anger of Lord Caitanya with Srivasa on the subject of Advaita
                tattva.

CC 1.12.23      Advaita chants the Nrsimha mantra when his son, Gopala, loses
                consciousness.

CC 2.12.38 43   Solace given by Advaita after Lord Caitanya's chastisement of
                Kamalakanta.

CC 2.14.88 92   Water sports, after the cleansing of Gundica.

CC 3.3.213      Advaita gives sraddha to Haridasa Thakura.

CC 3.19.16 21   Advaita sends a riddle through Jagadananda.

Premavilasa 1.  Lord Caitanya's grief at Advaita's preaching of Jnanavada for
                the second time.

Premavilasa 24. Advaita meets Vijayapuri and receives Madanamohana and His
                seva from the Kunja; Feuds amongst various groups at Santipura
                regarding Haridasa being offered the sraddha;  Advaita ex
                communicated from the brahmana community;
                Haridasa demonstrates his spiritual power.

Advaita Prakasa 22. Advaita's final instructions and his death at the age of
                    125.

A.18.   ADVAITADASA BABAJI MAHASAYA: (Sri Vrndavana)

        He was born in a poor kayastha family of the Varendra clan in the
village Cadia of Sirajganja in the district of Pavna.  He was known as
Bhimakishore Rakshita.  His parents died during his childhood, leaving only a
widow sister to look after him.  In his youth He received very little
education but managed to learn something about the work of an Amin (land
surveyor) and thus became connected with the Zemindary estates.  Padmalocana
Nag Mahasaya, the Dewan of the Sanyal group of Zamindars of Salap village, was
a great devotee.  By the grace of Lord Caitanya, Bhimakishore came in contact
with Nag Mahasaya and was employed by him to do estate work.

        The weaver caste Zamindar of Sonarangi, a village situated at the
center of the four districts (Murshidabad, Burdwan, Birbhum, and Bankura) was
also a great devotee. During the battle between the English and the Siraj ud
daula, the Chief of t he English Army was wounded.  At the insistence of the
Chief, his principal employee continued with the fight wearing the uniform of
the chief, and won the battle.  As a reward for his services, the Englishman
presented a few villages to the said emp loyee, thus the Zamindary estate of
Sonarangi became established.

        These people were very close to Lord Caitanya.  One Basu Mahasaya,
originally from Cak village of the Dhaka district, became the first Dewan of
the Sonarangi Estate.  Through the association of these holy persons Basu
Mahasaya became a highly devout person.  Padmalocana Nag Mahasaya originated
from the village of Mailani of the Dhaka district.  By the arrangement of Basu
Mahasaya, Padmalocana came in close contact with Lord Caitanya for a short
while.

        Padmalocana had no son of his own so he brought up Bhimakishore as his
own son and in due course of time implanted the seeds of devotion in the heart
of Bhimakishore. He also helped him to receive initiation from a progeny of
Sri Advaita.  Af terwards Bhimakishore was married.

        Once, while Nag Mahasaya was away visiting his native village at
Mailani, one of the descendants of Sri Nityananda arrived at Bhimakishore's
house.  During discourses with that saintly person regarding the supreme goal
of life (Paramartha), B himakishore became very attracted and went away with
the sadhu to Murshidabad.  Upon returning home Nag Mahasaya was at first
disappointed to find that Bhimakishore had left, but later he became happy,
appreciating the budding qualities of devotion w ithin Bhimakishore.

        Bhimakishore stayed in Murshidabad, enjoying the company of devotees.
There he began to study Sri Caitanya Caritamrta, but being unable to decipher
Sanskrit words such as `Kurvan' or `San', he sought the guidance of another
devotee, who advi sed him to learn Sanskrit grammar from a nearby `Tole'
(Sanskrit school) run by a brahmana pandita.  He immediately joined the Tole
and began lessons on Laghuharinamamrta. However, after a few lessons the
pandita explained to Bhimakishore that withou t vairagya one cannot gain
thorough knowledge of the subject.  At that time Bhimakishore was only twenty
seven years old and had no property except a few bighas of land at his native
village, yet he immediately embraced the life of a vairagi (veshasr aya)
without any consideration of how his childless wife and widowed sister would
earn a livelihood.

        At that time the Prabhu, with whom Babaji had come to Murshidabad, was
away.  When Babaji returned home the women folk of the family burst into loud
expressions of grief at the sight of Babaji's vairagi attire.

        As a vairagi, Babaji became engrossed in studying devotional books.
Dissatisfied with his previous teacher, Babaji, along with some Vaisnava
associates, traveled first to Navadvipa in search of a better teacher, and
later went to Puri.  Afte r four months in Puri he found out that Sri
Jagadananda Pandita Mahasaya of Sri Radhakunda was a very good tutor on Sri
Harinamamrta Vyakarana.  Babaji waited until the rainy season had abated and
then returned to Sri Vrndavana, via Sambalpura, on fo ot.  The long journey
was very strenuous, but Babaji endured the sufferings calmly, bearing in mind
that Lord Caitanya and other great gosvamis had also travelled this route to
Sri Vrndavana on foot.

        After a short rest Babaji went to Srikunda and began his studies on
Sri Harinamamrta under the guidance of Pandita Sri Jagadananda Dasaji.
Unfortunately, because Pandita Sri Jagadananda was constantly being visited by
various devotees, Babaj i Advaita dasa felt disturbed by the interruption to
his studies and returned to Santipura where he resumed his lessons on
vyakarana under the guidance of Sri Rama Siromani, of Sri Advaita's lineage.

        Babaji studied there for a few years, but again felt that he was not
properly utilizing his time due to frequent interruptions.  Thus at the age of
thirty six he returned to Sri Radhakunda in Vrndavana and completed his
studies of Sri Harinam amrta under Sri Jagadananda Dasaji.

        During this period a famous kirtania named Sri Gopidasa lived at
Srikunda.  He was also the closest associate of the great contemporary
musician who gave recital of Padakalpataru (compiled by Sri Vaisnava Carana
Dasa).  While Sri Advaitadasa stayed at Srikunda he took elementary lessons on
kirtana from Sri Gopinatha Dasa. Advaitadasa Babaji's voice was melodious,
thus whenever Gopidasa gave a kirtana recital Advaitadasa would accompany him.
But Babaji Mahasaya was more interested in stu dying than in kirtana.

        Every year on the occasion of Sri Jahnavi Mata's utsava, all the
Vaisnavas of Vraja congregated near Srikunda to participate in kirtana.  On
the fourth day of the festival the congregation did parikrama of Srikunda. On
one such occasion Gopid asaji, while in the midst of a kirtana recital
suddenly stopped singing.  His companion, Sri Advaitadasa, immediately picked
up and continued the song, repeating the kirtana recited by Sri Gopidasaji.
Hearing the excellent recital of kirtana by Sri Advaitadasaji, Siddha
Gauracarana Dasa Babaji of Kunjara was so impressed that he took Advaita dasa
in his arms and announced to the audience that from then on there would be one
more musician at Srikunda.  Babaji Mahasaya then touched his admirer's feet
and received his blessings.

        From that day Babaji Mahasaya's interest in music developed.  He first
took lessons on kirtana from Sri Gopidasa babaji and afterwards learned other
styles of music under Krsnadayala Candra Mahasaya of Pancthupi village in the
land of Radha. He visited many other places and studied from various famous
musicians to enhance his knowledge in music and kirtana.  Babaji Mahasaya also
took lessons from Sri Vaisnavacarana and his sister (descendants of Sri
Mahananda Basak, a well known kirtani a of Vrndavana in the earlier days.)
Sripada Nilamani Prabhu, a descendant of Sri Advaita, had also been a student
of Sri Vaisnavacarana.  At that time, Sripada Nilamani Prabhu became very fond
of Babaji Mahasaya. At his own expense he sent Babaji t o various places to
take lessons from different famous musicians, and afterwards Nilamani learned
everything from Babaji Mahasaya.  Famous kirtaniyas of later generations such
as Sri Navadipa Vrajavasi, Rai Bahadur Dhagendra Nath Mitra, Sri Gadadhara
dasa babaji and Sri Bhakticarana Dasa Babaji, received lessons on kirtana from
recitals of Sri Advaita Dasa Babaji Mahasaya.

        Padmalocana Nag Mahasaya lived in Vrndavana during the last stage of
his life.  Sri Advaitadasa Babaji regarded him as his guru and his wife as
gurupatni.  Babaji also treated the two daughters of Nag Mahasaya as his own
sisters.  When Nag Ma hasaya's wife died at a very old age, Sri Advaita Dasa
Babaji performed her last funeral rites and organized the utsava in true
vaisnava tradition, including recitals of kirtana.

        In the course of his earlier visits to various places for learning
kirtana, Advaitadasa once stayed at Katoa for some time.  Receiving the news
of his presence there, Babaji Mahasaya's wife and widowed sister came to meet
him.  At the sight o f their poverty stricken condition, all the great
vaisnavas present there including both elder and younger Prabhu (descendants
of Sri Advaita), Venimadhava Thakura, a priest and beneficiary of Lord
Caitanya, felt extremely grieved.  They collectively counseled Sri Advaita
Dasa Babaji and persuaded him to return to his wife.  Submitting to the
desires of the devotees, Babaji Mahasaya went to live in Navadvipa along with
his family.

        Later on a daughter was born to his wife and at an appropriate time
 Babaji Mahasaya gave her in marriage to the son of a respected Varendra clan
 Kayastha family.  Sri Advaita Dasa Babaji Mahasaya's daughter gave birth to a
 son, who later came to be known as Bimana Bihari Majumdar, M.A.  Babaji
 Mahasaya then gave his property to his daughter and son-in-law and left for
 Sri Vrndavana taking his wife with him, there he took shelter of Rajarshi
 Bahadur.  Shortly thereafter Babaji Mahasaya's wife passed away and he
 shifted to a Vaisnava abode named `Kangaler Mahaprabhu' (Lord Caitanya of the
 poor).

        Babaji's eyesight became very weak, he had one operation on his eyes
in Mathura but without much improvement.  After his return to Vrndavana,
Babaji Mahasaya shared his hard earned knowledge by teaching  Sri Harinamamrta
Vyakarana and at the same time continued with his studies of Vedanta.  In his
spare time Babaji Mahasaya participated in discourses on devotional
literature.  At that time there was no expert teacher in Vrndavana to give
lessons in Nyaya, hence Babaji Mahasaya went back to Navadvipa with all his
valuable collections and documents to study Nyaya sastra.  However, due to his
advanced age of 85 years, Babaji Mahasaya was practically blind, thus he
sought the assistance of his daughter and grandson to arrange for an ope
ration on his right eye.  Unfortunately, his daughter died shortly thereafter
and Babaji Mahasaya was forced to return to his former abode Kangaler
Mahaprabhu in Sri Vrndavana.

     In his earlier days, during his stay under the shelter of Rajarshi
Bahadur in Vrndavana, Rai Bahadur Manindra Candra Nandi of Kashimbazar Raj
estates had engaged Sri Advaitadasa in giving kirtana lessons to students at
his estate capital. Babaji had acquired his knowledge of music from various
music teachers in an orthodox and proper sequence, based on sound and
technical skill.  In fact, the famous `Garanhati' style of kirtana recitals,
introduced by Sri Narottama Thakura, remained unimpai red so long as Sri
Advaita Babaji Mahasaya remained alive.  When the Maharaja of Kashimbazar
realized that the students could not properly grasp Sri Advaita's orthodox
style of kirtana, the Maharaja asked Sri Radhika Prosad Goswami, a renowned
classi cal musician of Vanavishnupura,  to take notations (Swaralipi) on
Babaji's kirtanas.  The Maharaja was greatly disappointed when Sri Radhika
Prosad explained that the music of Sri Advaitadasa Mahasaya's was based on
Vilamvita laya (slow tempo) and th us was in most places beyond the scope of
conventional notation rules.

        Babaji Mahasaya's love for traditional kirtana recital was very
intense, a quality rarely encountered during that period of time.  On one
occasion Babaji Mahasaya demonstrated his enduring capabilities by skillfully
performing kirtana recital s at Sri Radhika Prosad Goswami's house from nine
in the morning until eleven in the evening, without break and without the aid
of any companion.

A.19.   AFAL ALI:

        A Muslim composer of Vaisnava lyrics.  He is said to have lived at
Chittagong. (See Bangiya Sahitya Sevaka)

A.20.   AGALA PAGALA:

        He was a disciple of Sri Advaita Prabhu.  He was excommunicated from
the Vaisnava samaja for defying the command of his guru. (Premavilasa 24,
Kamdeva Nagara)

