Question: Why did Nimai Pandita seek sannyasa from a Sankharacarya sannyasi, even while Isvara Puri was still on the planet?
Answer by Romapada Swami:
3 Reasons below.
- At that time, all over India, Mayavadi Sannyasis had greater recognition than Vaisnava Sannyasis, and Kesava Bharati was already situated in that post. Mahaprabhu took the garb of a Sannyasi from him for His own purpose – namely, to assist His preaching activity.
-
yad ahar eva virajyet, tad ahar eva pravrajet
“Whenever he becomes detached, he may immediately take sannyäsa”
Jäbäla Upaniñad 4When the inspiration for Sannyasa awakened, Isvara Puri’s whereabouts were unknown due to his constant travel, and Kesava Bharati was based nearby, in Katwa. Thus… Nimai Pandit went there immediately!
çubhasya çéghram
“That which is auspicious should be done at once.” - SCM’s mission was to infuse bhakti-rasa into the hearts of everyone, even the Mayavadis, whenever possible. This was achieved during His sannyasa diksa with Kesava Bharati!
”Sri Kåñëa Caitanya means that You will arouse Kåñëa consciousness throughout the entire world. You have descended to make all people Kåñëa conscious. So the most suitable name for You cannot but be Sri Kåñëa Caitanya.”
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, newly dressed in saffron robes, embraced His guru, and both of them began to dance, chanting the name of Kåñëa. As Kesava Bharati joined in Sankirtan, he was immediately converted, along with all his followers.
