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The Biography of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura

Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura

 

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, born as Bimala Prasad Dutt, was born on February of 1874 in Jagannatha Puri. His father was Kedarnath Dutt, later as Bhaktivinoda Thakura, and mother was Bhagavati Devi. In his childhood, early signs of discipline were very evident. Once, his father purchased fresh mangos for the pleasure of their Deities. In a childish play, Bimala Prasad ate those mangos. Being a strict devotee of the Lord, his father scolded him on this matter and told him to never do anything that serious again. From that day forward, Bimala Prasad never ate a single mango. With this type of discipline, he was able to learn everything. He was an expert in all the sciences, astrology, mathematics, Vedic scriptures, and many more fields of knowledge. He was able to multiply massive numbers in an instant, and had an unbelievably strong memory. He was often known as the living encyclopedia. Bimala Prasada also knew the science of logic and debate and would easily defeat his opponents in debate very easily. To explain principles, he would develop intelligently-designed fables to prove the concept. Due to his great knowledge of astrological sciences, Jagannatha Dasa Babaji had asked him to make an accurate Vaishnava calendar. The calendar was known as the "Sri Navadvipa Panjica."

 

Due to his profound knowledge and his thesis on the solar system, he was awarded the title as "Siddhanta Sarasvati." With great recognition in the material knowledge, his conquest for spiritual knowledge began. He began his search for a spiritual master. Through his father's recommendation, Siddhanta Sarasvati approached his father's disciple, Gaurakisora Dasa Babaji. However, he rejected Siddhanta Sarasvati three times, until finally he accepted him as his only disciple. Gaurakisora Dasa Babaji initiated as "Varsabhanavi-devi-dayita Dasa." Later, he accepted sannyasa and named "Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati." He kept a high order of standards in living his spiritual life. He used to chant hundreds of rounds daily, and observe very strict rules in sadhana. Using his vast knowledge, he wrote many articles and books. The most notable works is the translation of "Sri Brahma Samhita" and the magazine called "The Harmonist." He also used technology all over India to preach the teachings of Lord Caitanya. From this he began sixty-four Vedic institutes called the Gaudiya Matha.

 

Since the formation of the Gaudiya Matha, he had initiated many disciples. The most famous disciples are Srila Prabhupada, Sridhara Maharaja, and Kesava Maharaja. To the 1930s, despite having spread Krsna Consciousness throughout India, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura was displeased at the disintegration and quarrel of the Gaudiya Matha. He gave his final desire and dream to spread Krsna Consciousness in the Western nations to his disciple, Abhayacaranaravinda dasa, and left the earth in 1937. Ever since his disappearance, his glories have increased more than ever. Abhayacaranaravinda dasa, later known as His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, was very devoted to his guru and would worship him constantly.

 

UPDATED: July 26, 2010