Haridasa Thakur

Haridasa 1

Jagannatha Puri temple chakra

Japa mala (prayer beads) of Tulasi wood with 108 beads - 20040101-01

Mahamantra

Haridassamadhipilgrims

Jagannatha Puri Mahaprabhu laid Haridasa to samadhi

Haridasa Thakur was a prominent Vaishnava saint known for his devotion to the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra. He is considered one of the most important figures in the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition and is often referred to as the Namacharya, or the teacher of the holy name.

Early Life

Haridasa Thakur was born in the village of Buron, which is located in the present-day Bangladesh. He was born into a Muslim family, but he later embraced the Vaishnava faith. His early life is not well-documented, but it is known that he was deeply influenced by the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Devotional Practices

Haridasa Thakur is best known for his dedication to the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra. He is said to have chanted the holy names of the Lord 300,000 times daily. His devotion was so intense that he would often go into a trance while chanting.

Persecution and Miracles

Despite his devotion, Haridasa Thakur faced persecution due to his background. He was once arrested and beaten in 22 marketplaces, but he miraculously survived without any injuries. This event is often cited as a testament to his unwavering faith and divine protection.

Association with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Haridasa Thakur was a close associate of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the founder of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism movement. He played a significant role in spreading the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and was deeply respected by his contemporaries.

Legacy

Haridasa Thakur's life and teachings continue to inspire millions of devotees around the world. He is commemorated annually on the day of his disappearance, which is observed as a major festival by followers of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition.

Related Pages

• Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
• Gaudiya Vaishnavism
• Hare Krishna
• Vaishnavism
• Namacharya