Early History of the Vaishnava Faith and Movement in Bengal, from Sanskrit and Bengali Sources c9.s5.65

c9.s5.65

¹ A curious metrical work in eight Paṭalas, called *Bhakti-candrikā* (ed. Rakhalananda Sastri of Śrikhaṇḍa, Satyaratna Press 1920), ascribed to Lokānanda Ācārya and purporting to embody the direct instruction of Narahari Sarkāra of Śrikhaṇḍa, has for its general theme the worship of Caitanya and the mode of initiation into the Caitanya Mantra. It contains a great deal of ritualistic matter e.g. on Mantra-śuddhi and Mantroddhāra generally (i-iii), Dīkṣā (iv, mostly Tāntric!), Stotra to Caitanya (ascribed to Advaita by the modern author of the accompanying commentary!), Puraścaraṇa (vi-vii) and various kinds of Bīja. The profusion of Tāntric rites and formulas is a noteworthy feature. We are told (iv. 21, 24) that in the six corners of the Tāntric lotus-circle (Maṇḍala), the various followers and associates of Caitanya are to be worshipped—Gadādhara Paṇḍita in front, Svarūpa and Narahari (!) on the right and left respectively, and so forth. Narahari is given the foremost place of honour in the inner region of the Maṇḍala, but men like Nityānanda, Advaita and Mādhavendra Puri are allowed place on the outer circle! The work is not mentioned or quoted anywhere, and comment is needless regarding its genuineness. See above p. 139, footnote.