The Role of the Bhāgavata in Caitanya-caritāmṛta

Abstract

H. J. Resnick’s article explores the central theological role of the Srimad Bhagavatam (Bhagavata Purana) in the Caitanya-caritāmṛta, highlighting its unique status in Gaudiya Vaisnavism as the “amalam Purāṇam”—the spotless and most authoritative scripture for the age of Kali Yuga. The article emphasizes that Gaudiyas consider the Bhagavatam not only the culmination of Vedic revelation but also non-different from Krishna Himself, serving as His sound incarnation. Since Caitanya Mahaprabhu is seen as Krishna, His interpretation and preaching of the Bhagavatam in the Caitanya-caritāmṛta is framed as Krishna explaining His own work. The article discusses the Bhagavatam’s systematic theological structure through the triad of Sambandha (divine relationship), Abhidheya (devotional practice), and Prayojana (ultimate goal: pure love of Krishna). Citing examples, the article demonstrates how the Caitanya-caritāmṛta draws on the Bhagavatam to establish Krishna as the supreme origin of all incarnations, justify Mahaprabhu’s divinity, and define devotional service as both a science and a spiritual path. The Bhagavatam, in this framework, becomes the essential scripture for spiritual transformation, capable of purifying even non-human life.