Gaurachandra Is Born

Illustration 1. The kind brahmanas Jagannatha Misra and Sachi Devi lived in Navadvipa. They served the Lord with love. Illustration 2. A great full moon rose over the Ganges one evening. Then a lunar eclipse began. Illustration 3. Following tradition, people entered the sacred river. Everyone loudly called the names of Hari and Krishna. Illustration 4. The holy name filled the banks, streets, and courtyards. Even people who rarely prayed sang together. Illustration 5. A beautiful golden Baby appeared in Sachi Devi's home. He was Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Himself. Illustration 6. His face shone like a golden full moon. The devotees lovingly called Him Gaurachandra, the Golden Moon. Illustration 7. Heavenly beings came unseen to behold the Lord. The house became bright and joyful. Illustration 8. Women brought rice, turmeric, bananas, and gifts. They blessed the Baby with a long, happy life. Illustration 9. Advaita Acharya heard the news and understood that his prayer was answered. He danced in gratitude. Illustration 10. Haridasa Thakura joyfully chanted the holy name. He knew the Lord's mercy had come for everyone. Illustration 11. Jagannatha Misra gazed tenderly at his son. Sachi Devi held the Baby close. Illustration 12. Outside, people still called, “Hari! Hari!” The Lord had arranged the first great kirtan of His life. Illustration 13. The eclipse ended, and the moon shone clearly again. Yet another moon, a golden one, had risen in Navadvipa. Illustration 14. This Moon would never hide behind clouds. Its light would touch hearts around the world. Illustration 15. Everyone rejoiced without knowing the great secret. The One who would teach the world to chant Krishna's names had been born.

Authoritative sources

The story and its short spiritual teaching were checked against these editions of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books:

• Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 13.92–93
• Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 13.94–98