Gopala Bhatta Goswami (1503–1578) was one of the Six Goswamis of Vrindavan, a group of influential teachers and saints in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism. He is renowned for establishing the standards of Vaishnava etiquette and temple worship (arcana).
Here is an overview of his life and significance:
1. Early Life and Lineage
- Origin: He was born in Srirangam, South India. He was the son of Venkata Bhatta, a priest of the famous Ranganathaswamy Temple.
- Meeting Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: When Chaitanya Mahaprabhu visited Srirangam in 1511 during the four months of the rainy season (Chaturmasya), he stayed at the house of Venkata Bhatta.
- Conversion: The young Gopala served Mahaprabhu during this stay and was deeply influenced by his teachings. Instructed by Mahaprabhu, he later moved to Vrindavan to join Rupa and Sanatana Goswami.
2. The Manifestation of Radha Ramana
The most famous event associated with Gopala Bhatta Goswami is the miraculous appearance of the deity Radha Ramana.
- The Shaligram Shilas: During a pilgrimage to Nepal, Gopala Bhatta collected twelve Shaligram Shilas (sacred stones worshipped as Lord Vishnu) from the Gandaki River.
- The Desire for a Form: In Vrindavan, he felt a strong desire to worship the Lord in a deity form where he could offer decorations and clothes, which is difficult with round stones.
- The Miracle: It is said that on the full moon day of Vaisakha (Narasimha Chaturdashi) in 1542, one of his Shaligram Shilas (the Damodara Shila) self-manifested into the beautiful three-fold bending form of Krishna, known as Radha Ramana.
- Uniqueness: This deity is still worshipped today in Vrindavan and is unique because he manifested from a stone without being carved by human hands.
3. Literary Contributions and Rituals
Gopala Bhatta Goswami’s primary contribution to the theology was in the area of smriti (ritual law) and etiquette.
- Hari-bhakti-vilasa: He is credited with compiling this massive volume, which serves as the authoritative guidebook on Vaishnava behavior, rituals, and temple worship. (It is believed to be based on notes from Sanatana Goswami).
- Sat-kriya-sara-dipika: A treatise on the ten samskaras (rituals of life like marriage, funeral rites, etc.) specifically for Vaishnavas.
4. Legacy
- The Radha Ramana Temple: He established the Radha Ramana temple in Vrindavan, which remains one of the most prominent and historically significant temples in the holy town.
- Disciplic Succession: He initiated Srinivasa Acharya, who was instrumental in spreading Gaudiya Vaishnavism to Bengal.
- Gaudiya Identity: Through his writings, he helped establish a distinct social and ritual identity for Gaudiya Vaishnavas, separate from other traditions.