Sri Caitanya-caritamrta
With translations and purports by His Divine
Grace
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
It would not be inaccurate to say that Sri Caitanya-caritamrta is one of the most important works of historical and philosophical literature ever written. It is the principal work on the life and teachings of Sri Krsna Caitanya, the Supreme Personality of Godhead appearing as His own devotee. Sri Krsna Caitanya was the pioneer of a great social and religious movement that began in India a little less than five hundred years ago and that has directly and indirectly influenced the course of religious and philosophical thinking not only in India but throughout the world.
Krsna dasa Kaviraja Gosvami wrote Sri Caitanya-caritamrta in classical Bengali and Sanskrit. He was a great saint and a confidential disciple and student of Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, a renowned ascetic saint who was one of the intimate followers of Sri Krsna Caitanya. Krsnadasa Kaviraja commenced work on the text at an advanced age and in failing health. That he completed the greatest literary gem of medieval India under such debilitating conditions is surely one of the wonders of literary history.
This English translation and commentary, by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, reveals his consummate Bengali and Sanskrit scholarship, his intimate familiarity with the precepts of Sri Krsna Caitanya, and his pure devotion to the Lord. Such a unique combination eminently qualifies Srila Prabhupada to present this important classic to the English-speaking world. The ease and clarity with which he expounds upon Sri Krsna Caitanya's precepts enable even a reader totally unfamiliar with the Indian religious tradition to understand and appreciate this profound and monumental work.