Lord Advaita Acarya’s Divine Appearance Day
“Lord Advaita Acarya is the incarnation of Maha-Viṣṇu , whose main function is to create the cosmic world through the actions of māyā. Because He is non-different from Hari, the Supreme Lord, He is called Advaita, and because He propagates the cult of devotion, He is called Ācārya. He is the Lord and the incarnation of the Lord’s devotee. Therefore I take shelter of Him.”
- Śrī Caitanya Caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 1.12-13
Śrī Advaita Ācārya is the disciple of Mādhavendra Purī and is combined incarnation of Mahā-Viṣṇu and Sadāśiva. He is one of the main personalities of the Pañca-tattva and stands on Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s far right, next to Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu. He was born on the seventh day of the bright fortnight in the month of Magha in the year 1433 AD, in a village named Lauda in Srihatta. From there, he left and moved to Navahatta and later to Śāntipura. He also has a house in Navadvīpa, near the Yoga-pīṭha birthplace of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.
Seeing the condition of the illusioned souls of the world, Advaita Ācārya worshipped and appealed for the Lord’s descent to deliver mankind. The only thing Advaita Ācārya was concerned about was the elevation of consciousness of the conditioned souls. He wanted to elevate their consciousness to the platform of devotional service to Śrī Kṛṣṇa. It was only by the request of Advaita Ācārya did the Lord descend upon the earth planet just a little over 500 years ago.
In Śrī Māyāpur dhām, Advaita Ācārya’s appearance day is wonderfully celebrated. Beginning preparations from the day before, the Mayapur community devotees prepare flower decorations for the pleasure of the Lord. They make beautiful flower mukut, or head pieces as well as a floral effulgence to be placed behind Advaita Ācārya. They also make a beautiful replica of His lotus feet with the various auspicious markings. Around 11am, they have kīrtan leading up to a wonderful abhiṣeka of Sri Advaita Ācārya.
In Śrīla Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura’s song Sāvaraṇa-Śrī-Gaura-Pāda-Padme from Prārthanā, he prays, “Be merciful, Advaita Prabhu, husband of Sītā. On the strength of your mercy, I will attain Caitanya and Nitāi.”
And so in this way, we should all pray to Sri Advaita Ācārya for his blessings so that we can access the mercy of Gaura-Nitāi.