Vishnupriya Thakurani

Srimati Vishnupriya Devi, a manifestation of Bhu Sakti, played a crucial role in Gaura lila, assisting Sri Chaitanya’s sankirtana movement. Born as the daughter of Sanatana Mishra, an incarnation of King Satrajit from Krishna Lila, Vishnupriya possessed unparalleled beauty and virtues, surpassing even the goddess of fortune.

Her divine marriage to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was a grand affair, sponsored by Buddhimanta Khan, a wealthy landowner. The opulent wedding was attended by the people of Navadvipa and neighboring villages. Vrindavana Dasa Thakura primarily focuses on this event, while Locana Dasa Thakura provides additional insights into a poignant conversation between Lord Gauranga and Vishnupriya on the eve of His sannyasa.

In this heart-touching dialogue, Vishnupriya expresses her concerns about the rumors of Lord Gauranga taking sannyasa. In response, Lord Gauranga reassures her, emphasizing the transient nature of worldly relationships and urging her to focus on Krishna’s consciousness. He briefly reveals His four-armed form, alleviating Vishnupriya’s grief.

Following Lord Chaitanya’s departure, Vishnupriya embraced a life of austerity and devotion. Engaging in strict sadhana, she would offer one grain of rice for every round of Hare Krishna japa she chanted, honoring the cooked remnants as an offering to her Deity, Dhamesvara Mahaprabhu. This beautiful Deity of Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu, residing in Navadvipa, receives regular worship and continues to bestow unlimited mercy.

Vishnupriya Devi’s unwavering dedication and austere lifestyle serve as an inspiration for practitioners of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition. Today, her legacy lives on through the worship of Dhamesvara Mahaprabhu in Navadvipa City, where devotees continue to receive the boundless blessings of Srimati Vishnupriya Devi.