A list of Bhaktivinoda Thakur’s written works

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura

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Below please find a list of books, poems and essays written by Srila Saccidananda Bhaktivinoda Thakura:

The first list:

(You can read these books in free online libraries)
(1) Balid-e-registry (Urdu), 1856.
(2) Speech on Gautam (English), 1856.
(3) Speech on the Bhagavatam (English), 1869.
(4) Garbha-stotra-vyakhya (Bengali), 1870.
(5) Reflections (English), 1871.
(6) Slokas of Haridas Thakur’s Samadhi (English), 1871.
(7) Jagannatha Mandir of Puri (English), 1871.
(8) Akhras of Puri (English), 1871.
(9) Vedantadhikarana-mala (Sanskrit), 1872.
(10) Datta-kaustubham (Sanskrit), 1874.
(11) Datta-vamsha-mala (Sanskrit), 1876.
(12) Bauddha-vijaya-kavyam (Sanskrit), 1878.
(13) Shri-Krishna-samhita (Sanskrit and Bengali), 1880.
(14) Kalyana-kalpa-taru (Bengali songs), 1881.
(15) Shri-sajjana-toshani (Bengali monthly magazine) from 1881-1898.
(16) Review of Nitya-Svarupa-samsthapana (English), 1883.
(17) Srimad-Bhagavad-gita, with Vishvanath Chakravarti’s commentary, and Rasika-raпjana translation (Bengali), 1886.
(18) Shri-Caitanya-shikshamrita (Bengali), 1886.
(19) Sammodana commentary to Shikshashtaka (Sanskrit), 1886.
(20) Manah-shiksha padyanuvada (Bengali), 1886.
(21) Dashopanishac-curnika (Sanskrit), 1886.
(22) Bhavavali, verses and commentary (Sanskrit), 1886.
(23) Prema-pradipa (Bengali novel), 1886.
(24) Vishnu-sahasra-nama with Baladeva’s commentary (Sanskrit), 1886.
(25) Published Satyaraja Khan’s Shri-Krishna-vijaya, 1886.
(26) Caitanyopanishat with Chaitanya-caranamrita commentary (Sanskrit), 1887.
(27) Vaishnava-siddhanta-mala (Bengali), 1888.
(28) Shri-Amnaya-sutra (Sanskrit sutras, Bengali explanation), 1890.
(29) Shridhama-Nabadwip-mahatmya (Bengali), 1890.
(30) Siddhanta-darpana translation (Bengali), 1890.
(31) Srimad-Bhagavad-gita, Bengali translation (Vidvad-raпjana-bhashya) and Baladeva’s Sanskrit commentary (Bengali), 1891.
(32) Shri-Harinama (Bengali), 1892.
(33) Shri-Nama (Bengali), 1892.
(34) Shri-Nama-tattva (Bengali), 1892.
(35) Shri-Nama-mahima (Bengali), 1892.
(36) Shri-Nama-pracara (Bengali), 1892.
(37) Shriman-Mahaprabhura Shiksha (Bengali), 1892.
(38) Tatta-viveka (Sanskrit verses and Bengali comment), 1893.
(39) Sharanagati (Bengali songs), 1893.
(40) Shoka-shatana (Bengali song), 1893.
(41) Jaiva-dharma (Bengali), 1893.
(42) Tattva-sutra (Sanskrit and Bengali), 1894.
(43) Ishopanishat Vedarka-didhiti-vyakhya (Bengali), 1894.
(44) Tattva-muktavali or Mayavada-shata-dushani (Sanskrit and Bengali), 1894.
(45) Amrita-pravaha-bhashya on Chaitanya-caritamrita (Bengali), 1895.
(46) Shri-Gauranga-smarana-mangala-stotra (Sanskrit), 1896.
(47) Life and Precepts of Sree Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (English), 1896.
(48) Shri-Ramanuja-Upedesha (Bengali), 1896.
(49) Artha-paicaka (Bengali), 1896.
(50) Bengali translation of Brahma-samhita, 1897.
(51) Kalyana-kalpa-taru (Revised), 1897.
(52) Translation and comment on Krishnakarnamrita (Bengali), 1898.
(53) Translation and commentary on Upadeshamritam (Bengali), 1898.
(54) Bhagavad-gita with Madhva’s commentary (Bengali), 1898.
(55-56) Sanatan Goswami’s Brihad-Bhagavatamrita in two volumes (Bengali translation), 1898.
(57) Narahari Thakur’s Bhajanamrita (Bengali translation), 1899.
(58) Nabadwip-bhava-tarangini (Bengali verse), 1899.
(59) Shri-Harinama-chintamani (Bengali verse), 1900.
(60) Tattva-vamsha-mala (Bengali)
(61) Bhagavatarka-marici-mala (compilation and Bengali translation), 1900.
(62) Shri-sankalpa-kalpadruma (Bengali translation), 1900.
(63) Padma-purana (edited), 1901.
(64) Bhajana-rahasya (collection of verses and Bengali verse translation), 1902.
(65) Vijana-grama o sannyasai (Bengali verse, revised edition), 1902.
(66) Shri-Krishna-samhita (Sanskrit and Bengali, revised), 1903.
(67) Sat-kriya-sara-dipika (edited), 1903.
(68) Shri-Caitanya-shikshamrita (revised and expanded), 1905.
(69) Prema-vivarta (Bengali), 1905.
(70) Sva-niyama-dvadashakam (Sanskrit verse), 1906.
(71) Shri-Nimbarka-Dasha-shloki (Bengali trans. and comment), 1907.
(72) Shri-Gitimala (Bengali songs), 1907.
(73) Shri-Gitavali (Bengail songs), 1907.
(74) Harikatha (Bengali verse), 1850.
(75) Bhakti-Tattva-Viveka.

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The 2nd version of this list:

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1868 Sac-cid-ananda-premalankara (Decorations of pure ecstatic love comprising eternity, knowledge and bliss)-a poem in Bengali on the glories of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Thakura composed this after reading Caitanya-caritamrita for the first time, which greatly enhanced his enthusiasm for spreading Lord Caitanya’s mission.

1869 The Bhagavat: Its Philosophy, Its Ethics, and Its Theology-a lecture in English on the Srimad-Bhagavatam, delivered at Dinajpur in West Bengal. Some topics covered are: what the Bhagavatam really is, how Lord Caitanya preached the Bhagavatam, the three great truths of absolute religion (sambandha, abhideya and prayojana), maya as a sakti of the omnipotent Lord, the duty of man to God, the superiority of the Bhagavatam in synthesizing all sorts of theistic worship and in the cultivation of bhakti.

1870 Garbha-stotra-vyakhya or Sambandha-tattva-candrika-commentary in Bengali prose on the Garbha-stotra from the second chapter of the Tenth Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam (Prayers by the Demigods for Sri Krishna in the Womb).

1871 Reflections-a poem in English.

1871 Thakura Haridasa-Ten English verses about the disppearance of Namacarya Haridasa Thakura, which are engraved on the samadhi tomb of Haridasa by the seashore at Jagannatha Puri.

1871 The Akharas in Puri-English critical expose on certain monasteries in Jagannatha Puri. Apparently these places were kept by temple priests for meetings where intoxication and other questionable activities were indulged in.

1871 The Personality of Godhead-English prose.

1871 Saragrahi (The Who Grasps the Essence)-a 22 verse English poem describing the mood of a devotee who knows how to extract the essence of Krishna consciousness from anywhere and anything.

1871 A Beacon Light-English prose.

1871 To Love God-a short English article describing bhakti as the religion of the soul. The article is based on Christ Jesus’ teaching, “Love God with all thy heart, with all thy mind, and with all thy strength, and love man as thy brother.”

1871 The Attibaris of Orissa-a letter to the editors of the Progress, exposing a questionable sect of pseudo Vaishnavas popular in Orissa.

1871 The Marriage System of Bengal-an English pamphlet detailing Hindu marriage customs and their deplorable forms. He gives historical outlines of various types of traditional marriages and expresses sympathy for the women subjected to the inhumane marital practices of certain groups in Bengal.

1872 Vedantadhikarana-mala-a compilation of Sanskrit verses on Vedanta philosophy, with Thakura’s own Bengali translations and explanations.

1874 Datta-kaustubham-104 Sanskrit verses on philosophy composed by Thakura Bhaktivinoda with his own Sanskrit commentary.

1876 Datta-vamsa-mala (A Garland for the Datta Family)-Sanskrit verses giving a genealogical description of the Datta family of Bali Samaj. Since he was born Kedarnath Datta, this is a description of Thakura’s own family tree.

1878 Bauddha-vijaya-kavyam (Poems on the Defeat of Buddhism)-Sanskrit verses defeating the atheistic philosophy of Buddhism.

1880 Sri Krishna-samhita (A Compendium on Sri Krishna)-an amazing and revolutionary treatise on the science of Lord Krishna, His pastimes and His devotees. This book contains an 83-page introduction in which Thakura Bhaktivinoda discusses the philosophy and development of Indian religion from an historical and geographical viewpoint. Then, in the actual Samhita portion of the book, he has composed 281 Sanskrit verses and divided them into ten chapters which deal with descriptions of the spiritual world, the multifarious energies of the Lord, His incarnations, astonishing aspects of His pastimes, descriptions of Lord Krishna’s removing specific demonic obstacles in order for His devotees to attain the mood of Vraja, and a detailed analysis of the character of one who has attained Krishna’s association, etc. Accompanying the Sanskrit verses are Thakura Bhaktivinoda’s Bengali prose translations and explanations. The book closes with a 50-page conclusion in which religious philosophy is discussed in terms of the principles of sambandha, abhideya and prayojana. Thakura explains that all of his unique conclusions were revealed to him while in a deep spiritual trance.

1881 Kalyana Kalpa-taru (The Desire-Tree of Auspiciousness)-a songbook of 63 Bengali songs describing a desire-tree that Thakura brought directly from the spiritual world. Its trunk is divided into three branches called 1) Upadesa (spiritual advice), 2) Upalabdhi (attainment of realization of the advice), and 3) Ucchvasa (resultant overflowing spiritual emotions). In these enthralling devotional songs, Thakura gives a first-hand account of the transcendental emotions that come into play as the natural result of committing one’s life and soul to Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai. Then he describes the final result of receiving the mercy of Lord Caitanya-entrance into the confidential daily pastimes of Sri Sri Radha-Madhava. This songbook became popular immediately upon its publication, and its songs were sung by devotees with great enthusiasm.

1883 Review of the Sanskrit book Nitya-rupa-samsthapanam (Proof of the Lord’s Eternal Form)-this book was composed in Sanskrit by Pandit Upendra Mohan Gosvami Nyaya-ratna, and it gives many sound arguments culled from many scriptures to prove the eternal nature of the Lord’s Deity form. Thakura presents an English summary in a contemporary format outlining some of the main points, urging his readers to read the book in the original Sanskrit.

1885 Visva-vaishnava-kalpa-tavi (The Desire-Tree of the International Vaishnavas)-a small booklet published in order to acquaint the public with the functions and aims of a spiritual society Thakura organized in Calcutta, called the Sri Visva Vaishnava Sabha (The International Association of Vaishnavas).

1886 Sanmodana-bhashyam (The Commentary That Gives Great Pleasure)-a very exhaustive Sanskrit commentary on Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s eight verses of instruction named Sikshashtakam. Thakura also includes a Bengali song for each verse that expands on Lord Caitanya’s devotional moods.

1886 Dasopanishad-curnika (A Particle of Dust From Ten Upanishads)-a book of Bengali prose containing essential information gleaned from ten principal Upanishads (out of 108).

1886 Bhavavali (A Series of Ecstasies)-Sanskrit verses on the subject of rasa written by different acaryas of the highest order, compiled by Thakura Bhaktivinoda and published along with his own Bengali song translations of the verses.

1886 Sri Vishnu-sahasra-nama-stotram (The Hymn of OneThousand Names of Lord Vishnu)-originally part of the Mahabharata, this prayer was published by Thakura along with the Sanskrit commentary of Srila Baladeva Vidyabhushana entitled Namartha-sudha (The Nectar of the Meaning of the Holy Names).

1887 Sri Krishna-vijaya (Lord Krishna’s Victory)-a famous Bengali verse epic, written in a simple style, on the pastimes of Sri Krishna. Composed in the early 1470’s by Maladhara Vasu (Gunaraja Khan). This book was one of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s favorite books. Edited and published by Thakura Bhaktivinoda with his own introduction in Bengali.

1887 Sri Caitanyopanishad (of the Atharva Veda)-an Upanishadic treatise in Sanskrit dealing with Sri Krishna’s appearance as the great preacher of love of Godhead, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. These nineteen verses were edited and published by Thakura Bhaktivinoda with his own concise Sanskrit commentary, Sri Caitanya-caranamrita (The Nectar of the Lotus Feet of Lord Caitanya), and Madhusudana Dasa’s Bengali translation of the original Sanskrit verses called Amrita-bindu (A Drop of Nectar).

1888 Vaishnava-siddhanta-mala (A Garland of Vaishnavite Conclusions)-a Bengali prose work that summarizes all the basic tenets of Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy. Thakura intended this book to be read by the general public, therefore it is composed in simple, straightforward language. Some topics covered are, acceptance of a bona fide spiritual master, chanting of the holy names without offenses, regular practice of kirtana, etc.; the first chapter is in the form of questions and answers.

1890 Amnaya-sutram (The Codes of Vedic Knowledge)-a classical Sanskrit composition based largely on the Upanisads, presented as 130 aphorisms, with a short commentary on each aphorism in Sanskrit comprising quotes from various ancient scriptures. He also gives his own Bengali translation called the Laghu-bhashya (Brief Explanation). This work elucidates the principle truths of Vaishnava philosophy as enshrined in the Vedas by means of pithy statements of transcendental facts, the 130 aphorisms being divided into sixteen extremely concise and irrefutable chapters, covering-the Lord as Energetic, His spiritual energies, His abode, His external energy, the individual souls, the phases of existence of the jivas, the means of attaining the ultimate goal of life, devotion in practice, ridding oneself of evils, performing transcendental bhajana, attaining the goal of life, devotional ecstacy, etc. etc.

1890 Siddhanta-darpanam (The Mirror of Truth)-a philosophical Sanskrit work by Srila Baladeva Vidyabhushana, edited and published by Thakura Bhaktivinoda with his own Bengali prose translations. Thakura liked this book because it establishes, by quoting from many scriptures, that the Srimad-Bhagavatam is the crown jewel of all the Puranas.

1891 Sri Godruma Kalpatavi (The Desire-tree of the Island of Godruma)-collected Bengali essays describing Thakura’s program of Nama-hatta, or the Market Place of the Holy Name. He describes the personnel of the marketplace, how the holy names are purchased, various officers of the market, qualifications of the participants, and descriptions of his actual preaching activities.

1892 Sri Hari-nama (The Holy Name of Lord Hari)-the second chapter of Vaishnava-siddhanta-mala, excerpted and published in pamphlet form. This was used for public distribution by Thakura in connection with his program of Nama-hatta (the Marketplace of the Holy Name). This pamphlet describes the transcendental glories of the holy names, as quoted from various scriptures, as well as explanations of these quotes as given by various acaryas. It also lists and expounds on the ten offenses against the chanting of the holy names.

1892 Sri Nama (The Holy Name)-the third chapter of Vaishnava-siddhanta-mala, excerpted and published in pamphlet form, also used by Thakura for distribution during his public Nama-hatta programs. This work begins with a short introduction, then it has 100 names of Lord Caitanya arranged in eight songs meant to be sung in kirtana, followed by three more songs on Lord Caitanya’s glories. Finally, there is a Bengali prose essay entitled “Sri Sri Godruma-candra’s Order”, which expounds on the order that Lord Caitanya gave to all His devotees (as described in the Caitanya-bhagavata, Madhya-lila, Chapter 13)-bolo krishna, bhaja krishna, koro krishna-siksha-“Going to each and every house, just beg like this-chant ‘Krishna’, worship Krishna and follow Krishna’s instructions!” Thereafter, Thakura Bhaktivinoda quotes from the seventh chapter of the Eleventh Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam in which Narada Muni tells Maharaja Yudhishthira the thirty good qualities that are properly manifest in religious persons.

1892 Sri Nama-tattva-sikshashtaka (Eight Verses of Instruction Regarding the Truth of the Holy Name of the Lord)-the fourth chapter of Vaishnava-siddhanta-mala, similarly excerpted by Thakura and published as a pamphlet. This chapter systematically presents each of the eight verses of instruction written by Lord Caitanya, called Sikshashtakam. First is the original Sanskrit verse, then Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s Bengali prose translation, then his expanded Bengali song. After presenting all eight verses in this manner, Thakura then concludes with several more songs of instructions to the people, begging them to instill within their hearts these nectarean teachings of Lord Caitanya.

1892 Sri Nama-mahima (The Glories of the Holy Name)-the fifth chapter of Vaishnava- siddhanta-mala, printed as above in pamphlet form. After a brief introduction, Thakura presents an eight-verse Sanskrit prayer composed by Srila Rupa Gosvami called Sri Namashtakam, which concisely describes the glories of the holy name of the Lord. Accompanying each verse is Thakura’s Bengali prose translation as well as an expanded Bengali song. Then he concludes with three more songs which glorify many names of Lord Krishna, including two Nama-hatta songs describing how Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda distributed these names (yasomati-nandana, boro sukher khabor gai; doyal nitai-caitanya bole nach re amar man).

1892 Sri Nama-pracara (The Preaching of the Holy Name)-the sixth chapter of Vaishnava- siddhanta-mala, printed as above in pamphlet form. First, Thakura presents his Bengali song: nadiya godrume nityananda mahajana, giving an elaborate prose purport for each of the four verses. Then, he presents eleven more songs he composed for the general public to sing in kirtana and bhajana, containing the gist of Lord Caitanya’s teachings.

1892 Sriman Mahaprabhur Siksha-a book written by Bhaktivinoda Thakura in eleven chapters. In the first chapter, he summarizes Sri Caitanya’s philosophy in ten categories (dasa-mula). Then the following ten chapters fully explain each category individually. All philosophical conclusions are supported with profuse scriptural quotations in Sanskrit, which are accompanied by Bengali prose translations and explanations.

1893 Soka-satana (The Dispelling of Grief)-a small booklet of 13 Bengali songs, which Thakura composed between 1888 and 1890. These songs were meant to be sung by the general public, as they describe an incident in Lord Caitanya’s life punctuated by important teachings of basic transcendental truths. This pastime was mentioned briefly by Vrindavana dasa Thakura in his Sri Caitanya-bhagavata, and Thakura expands the description. The basic story runs as follows: Once, during an all-night kirtana performed by the Lord in Srivasa Pandita’s courtyard, one of the five sons of Srivasa suddenly died within the house due to some disease. All of the household ladies began to cry very loudly in lamentation, which was heard by Srivasa as he was chanting and dancing with Lord Caitanya in the courtyard. Entering the house, Srivasa pacified the distressed ladies with sweet spiritual instructions and then returned to the kirtana as if nothing had happened. In the morning the kirtana finally stopped, and Lord Caitanya inquired if anything was wrong in the house, for He sensed that something was amiss. Being informed of the fate of the boy, the Lord became afflicted with loving separation and asked that the body be brought out into the courtyard. The Lord called the departed jiva soul back into the body, and when questioned by the Lord the boy spoke many transcendental truths. Afterwards, Lord Caitanya, accompanied by all the devotees, celebrated the funeral ceremony of the boy in great ecstasy, being joined by the personified Ganges River, Sri Jahnavi Devi herself.

1893 Gita-mala (A Garland of Songs)-a Bengali songbook of 80 nectarean songs arranged in five chapters: 1) Yamuna-bhavavali describes in 27 songs the mellow ecstasies of santa and dasya-rasa as it is revealed in the famous prayer Stotra-ratna by Sri Yamunacarya; 2) Karpanya-panjika is a diary of humble longings for eternal service to Sri Sri Radha-Krishna, as revealed in a prayer from Srila Rupa Gosvami’s book Stava-mala; 3)Soka-satana gives a detailed description in thirteen songs of a particular pastime of Lord Caitanya in which He revives the dead son of Srivasa Thakura; 4) Rupanuga-bhajana-darpana is a scientific devotional treatise which analyzes the spiritual functioning of Lord Krishna’s pastimes. The moods presented herein concisely express Thakura’s realizations of the truths explained by Srila Rupa Gosvami in his Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu and Ujjvala-nilamani. This chapter also describes practices required to allow one entrance into the Lord’s eternal pastimes; 5) Siddha-lalasa is a ten song description of the longing for achieving an eternal spiritual name, dress, body and specific service in the eternal realm of Goloka Vrindavana.

1893 Baula-sangita (Songs of the Mad Wandering Saint)-a collection of twelve songs in Bengali verse. Thakura saw that Indian society of the day had been overrun by many different groups of pretentious so-called devotees; indeed, they used to wander around the countryside singing bogus songs and begging. They were known as “Baula”, or transcendental madmen. However, Thakura saw them as false devotees and wrote these twelve songs in order that the common people learn the difference between the false Baulas and the real Baulas. The language and dialect of these songs is just like the common street talk of the period, and Thakura even signed the songs “Canda Baula”-he assumed a Baula name just so people would accept them! These songs each describe the various forms of cheating Baulas, exposing their hypocrisy, and finally propose the correct way for following Lord Caitanya according to authorized devotional principles.

1893 Dalaler Gita (The Song of the Broker)-a song in Bengali verse that describes how Lord Nityananda has opened up The Marketplace of the Holy Name at Surabhi-kunja, which was Thakura’s headquarters on the island of Godruma in Navadvipa. He says that Nityananda is selling the Name for the price of faith, and he urges his fellow countrymen to purchase these transcendental goods.

1893 Nama-bhajana (The Worship of the Holy Name-a small booklet in English prose on the divine name of Sri Krishna. He thoroughly discusses the goal of Krishna-prema as reached by pure chanting; quoting from various scriptures, he establishes the inconceivable glories of the name; analyzing the process of worshiping the holy name, he proves that the name is an incarnation of Krishna on earth; then finally, he presents the various stages of devotion that are manifest to a soul who is on his way back home to Godhead.

1893 Tattva-sutram (Aphorisms of the Truth)-composed in fifty Sanskrit aphorisms divided into five chapters, Thakura gives a Sanskrit commentary on each verse, plus an elaborate Bengali commentary. The five divisions are 1) The Supreme Lord as the Absolute Truth; 2) The meaning of cit-the cognitive principle; 3) The meaning of acit-the temporary material manifestation; 4) The Relationship Between the Lord and His parts and parcels; and 5) The Concusive Truth Regarding Devotional Principles. All the conclusions presented in this book are backed up by profuse quotations from the Upanishads, the Puranas, Bhagavad-gita, Narada-pancaratra, and many other scriptures.

1894 Vedarka-didhiti (A Ray of the Sun of the Vedas)-a Sanskrit commentary on the Isopanishad found in the Vajasaneya Samhita portion of the Sukla Yajur Veda. This commentary by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura was published along with the Sanskrit explanation of Srila Baladeva Vidyabhushana called Isopanishad-bhashyam (An Explanation of Isopanishad). Also included were the Sanskrit notes of Thakura’s friend, Sriyukta Syamalal Gosvami Siddhanta Vacaspati, entitled Isopanishad Bhashya-rahasya-vivriti (The Purport of the Inner Secrets of the Explanation of Isopanishad), plus Syamalal Gosvami’s Bengali clarification of the Isopanishad called Siddhantanuvada (Translation of the Truth).

1894 Tattva-muktavali (A Pearl Necklace of Truths) subtitled Mayavada Sata-dushani (A Hundred Refutations of the Impersonalists)-119 Sanskrit verses composed by Sripada Madhvacarya which refute the impersonal Advaita Vedanta philosophy as spread all over India by Sankaracarya. These verses are at times amusing, as they pierce the shroud of Mayavadi misconceptions with amazing, common-sense logic. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura had it published with his own Bengali prose translations of each verse. Sri Madhvacarya has composed this book in such a way that anyone who reads it will never fall victim to the fallacy of the Lord’s so-called impersonal nature. By citing various scriptures, by offering sensible conclusions and by employing an incredulous form of common sense, Sri Madhvacarya positively establishes the Lord’s eternal personal identity.

1895 Hari-bhakti-kalpa-latika (The Desire Creeper of Devotion to Lord Hari)-a Sanskrit work on pure devotion by an unknown author. Edited and published by Thakura Bhaktivinoda with the Sanskrit text only. He found a manuscript of this book when he was living in Jagannatha Puri. Although the author was unknown, Thakura appreciated the pure devotional mood of the text. The book is like a creeper of devotion, and this creeper is subsequently divided into thirteen sections called “clusters”. Describing the nine processes of devotional service, headed by hearing, chanting, remembering, etc., the book concludes with a detailed description of the character of a devotee who has attained transcendence by these means.

1895 Shodasa Grantha (Sixteen Books)-a collection of sixteen small Sanskrit works written by Sri Vallabhacarya, a prominent acarya who lived during Lord Caitanya’s time. Edited and published by Thakura with the original Sanskrit text only.

1895 Sri Gauranga-stava-kalpataru (A Desire-tree Prayer to Lord Gauranga)-a twelve verse poem in Sanskrit from Srila Raghunatha dasa Gosvami’s book Stavavali. Edited and published by Thakura with the Sanskrit text only. This prayer describes Lord Caitanya’s inconceivable ecstatic bodily transformations that were manifested in His later years at Jagannatha Puri. The author begs that the vision of these ecstatic transformations perpetually awakens in his heart.

1895 Manah-santoshani (That Which Pleases The Mind)-a Bengali verse translation of a Sanskrit work called Sri Krishna Caitanyodayavali by Pradyumna Misra, a relative of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. The author of this translation, Sri Jagajjivan Misra, is the eighth descendant of Paramananda Misra, the older brother of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s father, Jagannatha Misra. This work was edited and published by Thakura Bhaktivinoda with the original text only.

1895 Mukunda-mala-stotram (A Garland of Prayers to Lord Mukunda)-a devotional Sanskrit work from South India by one of the twelve Alvars, King Kulasekhara. Edited and published by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura with the Sanskrit text only. Composed in 62 verses, the prayer glorifies the Lord’s transcendental position, begging for eternal menial service at His lotus feet.

1895 Sri Lakshmi-carita (The Life and Character of the Goddess of Fortune)-a short work in Bengali verse by Sri Maladhara Vasu (Gunaraja Khan), the renowned author of Sri Krishna-vijaya (the first Bengali book). Edited and published by Thakura Bhaktivinoda with the original text only.

1895 Bala-Krishna-sahasra-nama (A Thousand Names of Baby Krishna), Gopala-sahasra-nama (A Thousand Names of Cowherd Boy Krishna), Krishnashtottara-sata-nama (108 Names of Krishna), Radhika-sahasra-nama (A Thousand Names of Srimati Radharani)-four different nama-stotras excerpted from the Narada Pancaratra. Edited and published by Thakura Bhaktivinoda with the Sanskrit text only. He printed this nectarean little book for devotees who liked to chant these verses as a regular daily practice.

1895 Sriman Mahaprabhor Ashta-kaliya-lila-smarana-mangala-stotram (The Auspicious Prayer for Remembrance of Lord Caitanya’s Pastimes During Eight-portions-of-the-day)-an eleven verse Sanskrit poem on the pastimes of Sri Caitanya by an unknown author. Edited and published by Thakura Bhaktivinoda with the Sanskrit text only. This prayer is intended to facilitate the daily worship of devotees who follow Lord Caitanya’s pastimes as He relishes Sri Sri Radha-Krishna’s pastimes during eight periods of the day.

1896 Sri Gauranga-lila-smarana-mangala-stotram (The Auspicious Prayer for Remembrance of Lord Caitanya’s Pastimes)-104 Sanskrit verses giving a condensed description of all the pastimes and teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu that are found in Sri Caitanya-Bhagavata and Sri Caitanya-caritamrita. Thakura composed this book to fulfill the requests of devotees who asked for something they could chant every day for Lord Caitanya’s glorification. At the beginning of the book he included a 47 page introduction in English prose entitled Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu: His Life and Precepts. This introduction summarizes the contents of the book’s Sanskrit verses. Accompanying the Sanskrit verses is a Sanskrit commentary entitled Vikasini Tika by the renowned pandita of Navadvipa, Maha-mahopadhyaya Sitikantha Vacaspati. It was this book which introduced the glories of Lord Caitanya to the Western world for the first time in the auspicious year of the birth of Srila Prabhupada.

1896 Sri Ramanuja-upadesa (The Teachings of Ramanuja)-Sanskrit verses explaining the philosophy of Ramanujacarya, with Thakura Bhaktivinoda’s own Bengali translation.

1896 Artha-pancaka (Five Meanings)-Thakura Bhaktivinoda’s explanatory notes in Bengali on Sri Pillai Lokacarya’s famous book of the same name in which five principle points of Ramanuja’s philosophy are explained at length.

1898 Sri Krishna-karnamrita (Nectar for the Ears of Sri Krishna)-a famous Sanskrit book of nectarean prayers and revelations on Krishna’s conjugal pastimes written by Sri Bilvamangala Thakura (Lilasuka). Published and edited by Thakura with the original Sanskrit verses, the Sanskrit commentary by Caitanya dasa Gosvami (the older brother of Kavi Karnapura) called Bala-bodhini Tika and Thakura’s own introduction, final summary and Bengali prose translations of the verses. In the ninth chapter of Caitanya-caritamrita’s Madhya-lila, Srila Prabhupada comments: “This book was composed by Bilvamangala Thakura in 112 verses. There are two or three other books bearing the same name, and there are also two commentaries on Bilvamangala’s book. One commentary was written by Krishnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami and the other by Caitanya dasa Gosvami.” In the verses of the section quoted, Srila Kaviraja Gosvami has written in verses 305-309: “The brahmana community there was composed of pure devotees, who regularly studied a book entitled Krishna-karnamrita, which was composed by Bilvamangala Thakura. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was very pleased to hear the book Krishna-karnamrita, and with great eagerness He had it copied and took it with Him. There is no comparison to Krishna-karnamrita in the three worlds. By studying this book, one is elevated to the knowledge of pure devotional service to Krishna. One who constantly reads Krishna-karnamrita can fully understand the beauty and melodious taste of the pastimes of Lord Krishna. The Brahma-samhita and Krishna-karnamrita were two books that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu considered to be most valuable jewels. Therefore He took them with Him on His return trip.”

1898 Piyusha-varshini-vritti (The Explanation That Showers Ambrosia)-Bengali commentary on Srila Rupa Gosvami’s Upadesamrita (The Nectar of Instruction). Thakura published this book with Rupa Gosvami’s original eleven Sanskrit verses accompanied by his own Bengali prose explanations.

1898 Srimad Bhagavad-gita (The Song of God)-edited and published by Thakura Bhaktivinoda with the Sanskrit commentary Dvaita-bhashyam (Explanation According to Dvaitavada) by Sripada Madhvacarya.

1899 The Hindu Idols-a thirty-two page English letter written to the Tract Society of Calcutta. Apparently they had published an article in their periodical entitled “Professor Max Muller on Durga”, in which Kali, Durga and Siva were slandered from the Christian viewpoint. Thus, Thakura wrote this exhaustive response, quoting from the Vedas and Puranas on the true identity of the personalities in question. He concludes by assuming the proper Christian attitude of universal love, which is devoid of sectarian dogmatism and humbly begs the gentlemen of the Tract Society to give up their philosophical inconsistencies.

1899 Sri Bhajanamrita (The Nectar of Worship)-a treatise on pure devotion to the Supreme Lord in Sanskrit prose by Srila Narahari Sarakara Thakura, a contemporary and intimate associate of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Edited and published by Thakura Bhaktivinoda with his own Bengali translation.

1900 Sri Harinama-cintamani (The Touchstone of the Name of Hari)-divided into fifteen chapters and composed in Bengali verse form, this book is an account of Srila Haridasa Thakura’s teachings on the holy name. It is actually a conversation between Lord Caitanya and Haridasa Thakura-the Lord asks questions about the glories of the holy name, and Haridasa Thakura gives extensive answers. The first three chapters describe the inconceivable glories of the holy name, acceptance of the holy name, and chanting the holy name free of impersonalist misconceptions. The fourth through thirteenth chapters elaborate on the ten offenses against pure chanting, and the last two chapters describe 32 offenses to be avoided in the execution of pure devotional service, as well as a nectarean discussion on the process of practicing such devotion culminating in self-realization in pure ecstatic love of Godhead.

1901 Srimad Bhagavatarka-marici-mala (A Garland of Rays of the Bhagavata Sun)-in this book Thakura Bhaktivinoda has taken all of the principal verses of Srimad-Bhagavatam and an arranged them in twenty chapters, called “rays”. The Sanskrit verses are accompanied by Bengali prose translations and explanations by Thakura. The Bhagavatam is compared to the brilliant sun, and therefore each particular chapter, or ray of Bhagavata sunlight, expounds upon an aspect of Bhagavata philosophy in three major divisions: sambandha, abhideya and prayojana.

1901 Padma Purana-edited and published by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura with the 55,000 verse Sanskrit text only. At the time, there were many conflicting manuscripts of the Padma Purana available in the libraries, and many were incomplete. Thakura then did extensive research to compile one truly complete manuscript of this huge, ancient scripture. This became the definitive edition for scholars and devotees alike.

1901 Sankalpa-kalpadruma (The Desire-tree of Solemn Vows)-a book of Sanskrit verses on the divine pastimes of Sri Sri Radha-Krishna by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura. Edited and published by Thakura Bhaktivinoda with his own Bengali prose translations. These 104 verses are the prayer of Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura to Srimati Radharani Herself, begging for eternal service as Her humble maidservant. In the course of this prayer, the author describes the ecstatic daily pastimes of the Divine Couple, and in this description he appeals to Srimati Radharani for the benediction of specific personal services. Expressing determined resolutions for attaining this service, he finally appeals to other personal maidservants, inhabitants and features of Vrindavana, and even his own mind, asking all for the fulfillment of his desires.

1902 Bhajana-rahasya (Secrets of Divine Worship) compiled by Thakura as a supplement to his Hari-nama-cintamani, this Bhajana-rahasya is arranged in eight chapters and the chanting of each chapter is to be observed in correspondence with each three hour period of the twenty-four hour day. Each chapter corresponds to one verse of Sri Caitanya’s Sikshashtakam and deals with one of the eight steps in the gradual development of Krishna-bhajana, as it was enunciated by Srila Rupa Gosvami in his Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu. All the chapters are filled with scriptural citations in Sanskrit, uniquely explaining the philosophy of Krishna-bhajana and its practice. Each Sanskrit verse is accompanied by Thakura Bhaktivinoda’s own Bengali translation in both prose and verse.

1904 Sat-kriya-sara-dipika (Lamplight on the Essence of Rituals to be Performed by Devotees) with the appendix Samskara-dipika (Illuminations on Purificatory Ceremonies)-a Sanskrit work extracted from Hari-bhakti-vilasa, by Srila Gopala Bhatta Gosvami on the philosophy and ritualistic practice of Vedic samskara ceremonies (rites of purification) for all Gaudiya Vaishnava householders. It also contains the ritualistic codes and institutes for all Gaudiya Vaishnava mendicants. Edited and published by Thakura Bhaktivinoda with his own Bengali prose translation.

1906 Prema-vivarta (An Error of Love)-a book by Jagadananda Pandita in Bengali verse on Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s philosophy of divine love and the holy name. Edited and published by Thakura Bhaktivinoda, this book describes the unique flavor of apparently contrary love that was shared between Lord Caitanya and his devotee Jagadananda Pandita. Also treated are many other subjects such as the glories of the Lord’s devotees, different types of engagements of different types of devotees, and an exposition on the secret mysteries of the holy name.

1907 Sva-niyama-dvadasakam (Twelve Verses of Self-Imposed Vows)-this is the last literary work of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura before he shut himself up in his beach-front cottage at Jagannatha Puri. There he worshiped the Lord whole-heartedly, keeping in mind the regulative principles he outlined for himself in this Sva-niyama-dvadasakam. This prayer follows the mood of a prayer by Raghunatha dasa Gosvami entitled Sva-niyama-dasakam (Ten Verses of Self-imposed Vows), and is similarly meant to be chanted and meditated on as a regular daily function. Some topics treated by Thakura are his objects of devotion birth after birth, rejection of things unfavorable for Sri Sri Radha-Krishna’s eternal service, acceptance of favorable practices and devotional qualities, how to live simply and perform Vraja-bhajana, repulsion by things that are disconnected from Sri Radhika, the avoidance of so-called devotees who proudly neglect Sri Radhika, the worship of the lotus feet of Her pure devotee, and finally-firm determination to transcend maya by reading this prayer every day. The prayer ends with a thirteenth verse which assures the reader of attaining the eternal benediction of eternal service to the Divine Couple as a result of reading or reciting this offering. Although the Sanskrit verses and Bengali prose translations were completed by Thakura, he never finished a Bengali prose commentary on his last work, these Twelve Verses of Self-imposed Vows

Dasa-mula-niryasa (The Extract of the Ten Principles)-a Bengali prose essay which explains a single Sanskrit verse composed by Thakura. This verse summarizes Lord Caitanya’s philosophy as having ten root principles. Thakura elaborately explains each principle.
Sri Vishnu Priya O Ananda Bazar Patrika-a monthly Vaishnava journal in Bengali edited by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and published by his friend Sisir Kumar Ghosh. This periodical was very popular in the Vaishnava community because it contained many nectarean extracts from the scriptures, plus informative articles written by Thakura and his devotional associates.

Baladeva Vidyabhushana-carita-a biography of Srila Baladeva Vidyabhushana written by Thakura in Bengali prose.

Vedanta-sutra-this classic Vedic philosophy book written by Srila Vyasadeva was published by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s friend, Sri Syamalal Gosvami, along with the Govinda-bhashya of Baladeva Vidyabhushana and the explanatory notes of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura.

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Natural Brotherhood (Bhaktivinoda Thakura):

BhaktiVinoda Thakura

"Gradually, when the offensive portions of the established religions are destroyed, there will be no more differences in the bhajana performed by the various Sampradayas nor any quarrel between them.

Then as brothers, the people of all castes and countries will spontaneously chant the Holy Names of the Supreme Lord together.

At that time, no one will hate anyone or consider others dogeaters; nor will anyone be overwhelmed by the pride of high birth.

The living entities will not forget the principle of natural brotherhood."


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5 Responses to “A list of Bhaktivinoda Thakur’s written works”
  1. Nimai Pandit dasa says:

    Do you have Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura’s list of the upa puranas.

    Thanking you.

    ys
    Nimai Pandit dasa.

  2. Dasa says:

    Unfortunately, we have not.

  3. Anonymous says:

    I am looking in the book “Sriman Mahaprabhura Siksha” written by Bhaktivinoda exactly chapter where we can find such words: “those who reject this connection [with sampradaya of Madhva] are “the greatest enemies
    of Sri Krishna Chaitanya’s family of followers”. Can you help me to find out a chapter in this book?

  4. Bibhash Ch. Biswas says:

    Dandabatpranam, I desire to have ” Jaiva Dharma” in Bengali written by Bhakti Binod Thakur. My address is as follows. Bibhash Ch. Biswas, Kazidanga, Jora Aswathtala, PO- Devanandapur Via Bandel Junction , Hooghly 712123
    M 9874128518

  5. Dasa says:

    Prabhuji, please inquire from your local Goudiya Math or ISKCON center.
    We don’t sell the books here.