Hari Gopinath Das

Vakresvara Pandit was a prominent and highly esteemed associate of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, renowned for his exceptional abilities in singing and dancing, and his profound, unwavering devotion. He is celebrated as one of the closest and dearest servants of the Lord, playing a crucial role in the development and propagation of the sankirtana movement.

Early Life and Association with Mahaprabhu in Navadvipa:Born in the village of Guptipara, near Triveni, Vakresvara Pandit displayed extraordinary spiritual inclinations from a young age. He was a natural dancer and singer, whose performances were not merely artistic displays but outpourings of deep spiritual ecstasy.His life truly blossomed with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in Navadvipa. From the very beginning of Mahaprabhu’s public sankirtana pastimes, Vakresvara Pandit became an indispensable member of the chanting parties. His powerful singing and ecstatic dancing would electrify the atmosphere, drawing everyone into the divine rapture of the Holy Name. He was a central figure in the dramatic performances organized at the house of Srivasa Pandit, where he would often dance for extended periods, sometimes for an astounding seventy-two continuous hours, completely absorbed in the mood of divine love. It is said that Mahaprabhu Himself would sometimes sing while Vakresvara Pandit danced, a testament to their deep spiritual connection. Lord Chaitanya once remarked to him, “You are one of my wings. If I had another (like you) I could fly in the sky,” highlighting Vakresvara’s pivotal role in enabling Mahaprabhu’s ecstatic expressions.

Accompanying Mahaprabhu to Jagannath Puri:When Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu accepted sannyasa and moved to Jagannath Puri, Vakresvara Pandit was among the intimate associates who accompanied Him. He continued to reside with the Lord in Puri, serving Him with unwavering dedication. During the annual Ratha-yatra festival, Vakresvara Pandit was a chief dancer in one of the kirtan parties, his movements imbued with spiritual bliss, leading the devotees in ecstatic chanting and dancing before the chariots of Lord Jagannath.

Special Mercy and Deliverance of Devananda Pandit:A notable incident highlighting Vakresvara Pandit’s profound spiritual power and mercy is the deliverance of Devananda Pandit. Devananda, a renowned scholar of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, had unfortunately committed an offense (Vaishnava-aparadha) against Srivasa Pandit, one of Mahaprabhu’s most senior and beloved devotees. Devananda’s disciples had disrespected Srivasa Pandit, and Devananda, despite his scholarship, did not intervene. Consequently, Mahaprabhu was displeased with Devananda.However, by the mercy and influence of Vakresvara Pandit, Devananda was able to atone for his offense. Devananda served Vakresvara Pandit, and through this service, Vakresvara became pleased with him and blessed him with the words, “Krishna-bhaktir hauk” – “May you attain devotion to Sri Lord Krishna.” From that day, devotion awakened in Devananda’s heart, and he eventually became a follower of Mahaprabhu. Mahaprabhu Himself confirmed this, stating, “You have served Vakresvara, therefore I have come to know you. Vakresvara Pandit is the Lord’s complete energy, and whoever pays homage to him attains Krishna. Krishna has made His home in Vakresvara’s heart. Krishna dances in order to make Vakresvara dance.”This incident underscores the immense power of a pure devotee like Vakresvara Pandit.

Spiritual Identity and Legacy:In Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, Vakresvara Pandit is considered an incarnation of Aniruddha, one of the quadruple expansions of Vishnu (Catur-vyuha). Some also identify him with Tungavidya-sakhi, an expert singer and dancer among Srimati Radharani’s principal sakhis. This dual understanding emphasizes his profound connection to both Krishna and His internal pleasure potency.

Vakresvara Pandit established the worship of Sri Sri Radha-Kanta Deities in Kashi Misra’s house in Jagannath Puri, which was also the residence of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (Gambhira). These Deities are still worshipped there to this day. He initiated many disciples, most notably Gopala Guru Goswami, who continued his lineage and teachings in Orissa.Vakresvara Pandit’s life in Chaitanya Lila serves as an inspiring example of pure, unalloyed devotion, expressed through the ecstasy of sankirtana. His ecstatic dancing, profound connection with Mahaprabhu, and the transformative power of his mercy continue to be glorified in Gaudiya Vaishnava literature and tradition.