Gitacharyas (Gita Acaryas)

(From "Acharya. Guru. Spiritual Master" - click to read more from it.
You can also read the previous page: Sri Syamananda Prabhu)

– Why were Srinivasacharya, Sri Narottama, and Sri Syamananda Prabhu called "Gitacharyas"?

– These great souls, Srinivasacharya, Sri Narottama, and Sri Syamananda lived in Vrndavana for some time as the students of Sri Jiva Goswami.

With the approval of Sri Jiva Goswami, they arranged the method of performing kirtana. All three of them were expert in the art of music and proficient in Indian classical music.

Their lives were one, their goal was one, and they were the most intimate friends.

Being encouraged by Sri Jiva Goswami, these expert and melodious singers went to their respective provinces.

These three great souls were the ornaments of the land of Gauda, Bengal.

It does not appear that they were as learned in Sanskrit as the Goswamis, because we do not find any Sanskrit books written by them. They were fully mature in knowledge of the mellows of Vraja, expert in Vaishnava conclusions, and proficient in the art of music and singing.

After the disappearance of Sriman Mahaprabhu, there was some commotion within the Vaishnava society. Since there was no qualified candidate in the line of Mahaprabhu at that time and since various ideologies entered the philosophy of Vaishnava-Dharma, the land of Gaudadesa became bereft of the administration of an Acharya.

Due to His independent nature, Sri Viracandra Prabhu could not bring all of Gauda-mandala-bhumi under His control. At the same time, there was great confusion among the sons of Sri Advaita Prabhu. Gradually the associates and devotees of Mahaprabhu began to disappear.

Taking this opportunity, many preachers of unauthorized sects, such as baula, sahajiya, daravesa, and sani, began to spread their ideologies at different places. Taking advantage of the faith that the people had in the names of Sri Caitanya and Nityananda, these preachers of unauthorized cults began to spread their evil teachings to the unfortunate living entities.

Sri Jiva Goswami was the only undisputed Vaishnava Acharya at that time.

Although he was a resident of Vraja, on hearing the pathetic condition of Gauda-mandala, he became extremely distressed and immediately sent Srinivasacharya Prabhu, Sri Narottama dasa Thakura, and Sri Syamananda Prabhu to Bengal as Acharyas to teach religious principles.

He also arranged to send many conclusive writings of the Lord’s associates. By the will of Mahaprabhu, all these books were stolen on the way. Having no books with them, they began to preach the pure principles of Vaishnava religion on the strength of their own bhajana. (Sajjana-toshani 6/2)

Another revelation, Sri Baladeva Vidyabhusana Mahasaya. Check out the previous page too: Sri Syamananda Prabhu. You will benefit from reading the whole work: Acharya. Guru. Spiritual Master.

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Harih Om Tat Sat.