Question: Why is Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu not mentioned in the Srimad Bhagavatam First canto, where all other incarnations are included?
Answer by Romapada Swami : Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is a hidden incarnation. Krishna appears in the age of Kali in the disguised form of His own devotee in order to teach everyone devotional service unto Himself by example, and moreover because He Himself wanted to experience and relish the mood of a devotee. So in this incarnation, He does not show Himself to be God in front of the general people. References to His incarnation are also therefore highly confidential within the Vedas.
Although not openly declared, Lord Chaitanya is indirectly referred to in many places, even in the Bhagavatam. For example, Prahalad Maharaja in his famous prayers to Lord Narasimhadev says, “You appear in every age in different forms, but because You do not assert Yourself as the Supreme Lord in the age of Kali, and advent as a channa-avatara (covered incarnation), therefore You are known as Triyuga, or the Lord who appears in three yugas.” (Cf. SB 7.9.38) In the Tenth Canto, while Garga Muni is describing to Nanda Maharaja the other appearances of his son Krishna, he indicates that the Lord appears in a yellow complexion, (Cf. Krsna Book, pg 94) and great devotees have ascertained that this refers to Lord Chaitanya.
The Vishnu Sahasranama also indicates a golden-complexioned incarnation in the form of a sannyasi (suvarna-varno hemango & sannyasa krc-chama santah) Again the Bhagavatam states that in the age of Kali, intelligent persons would worship the incarnation of Godhead who is Krishna Himself although His complexion is not blackish, by performing congregational chanting.” (SB 11.5.32) In the Vayu purana and various other scriptures, His appearance as the son of Mother Saci in the land of Navadvipa and other such details are mentioned.
By the potency of yogamaya, however, His identity was kept concealed so as to not disturb the purpose and the mood or bhava of His incarnation. Even while manifesting His pastimes, only among close associates would He reveal His real identity as the Supreme Lord, but would strongly deny it whenever so addressed in public.
