Prema Vivarta of Jagadananda Pandit

Jagadananda Pandit was a prominent associate of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, actively participating in the sankirtan movement that inspired many Vaishnavas. He was among the select devotees residing in Puri, alongside notable figures like Gadadhara and Hari Das. Known for his close relationship with Mahaprabhu, he was remembered for his playful influence, demanding Mahaprabhu’s compliance to his wishes. Jagadananda Pandit’s contributions to Vaishnavism are further highlighted through his literary works, such as the Prema Vivarta, likely composed after Mahaprabhu's passing. His legacy reflects his integral role in the devotion and practices of the Gauriya Vaishnava tradition.

advtanmoy 20/01/2020 2 minutes read

Who was Jagadananda Pandit

All the Vaishnavas felt great enthusiasm when they heard that Mahaprabhu had begun His sankirtan movement. Every night, these kirtans took place in the house of Shrivasa Pandit, and on certain occasions, in the house of Chandrashekhara Acharya. Nityananda, Gadadhara, Advaita, Shrivasa, Vidyanidhi, Murari, Hiranya, Hari Das, Ganga Das, Vanamali, Vijaya, Nandana, Jagadananda, Buddhimanta Khan, Narayan. These were some of the personalities who stayed with the Lord as He danced. Other than such intimate associates, no one was allowed entrance into the sankirtan.
(Chaitanya Bhagavat 2.8.110-113, 117)

Jagadananda Pandit was a permanent associate of the Lord at Puri: Gadadhara Pandit, Vakreshvara, Damodar, Shankara, Hari Das, Jagadananda, Bhavananda, Govinda, Kashishvara, Paramananda Puri and Svarupa Damodar, all came and made their residence in Puri. They, along with Ramananda Raya and other long-time residents of Shri Kshetra, were Mahaprabhu’s permanent companions.
(Chaitanya Charitamrita 2.1.252-4)

“Jagadananda wants me to enjoy sense gratification. I try to do whatever he tells me because I am afraid of him. Whenever I act contrary to his wishes, he gets angry and stops talking to Me for three days at a time.”
(Chaitanya Charitamrita 2.7.21-2)

Therefore we have seen that Jagadananda Pandit was a great companion of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

The date of Lord Chaitanya was 1486–1534 CE. The Book Prema Vivarta may be written after the disappearance of Lord Chaitanya and possibly it was written in Puri District and particularly in Gambhita Temple. No doubt that he was a Bengali Sankara Panth Sannyasin. Mahaprabhu also belonged to Sankara. But his Saririka Siddhanta was not accepted by Gouriya Vaishnava School headed by Advaita Acharya of Navadwipa.