What is the Appearance Day of Sri Advaita Acarya?
Sri Advaita Acarya is the great Vaishnava whose call brought Lord Krishna down as Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. According to the Vaishnava tradition, he appeared at Nabagram on the seventh day of the bright fortnight of Magha. In 2027 his appearance day falls on Saturday, 13 February.
Significance
In the Caitanya-caritamrta, Krishnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami explains that Sri Advaita is an incarnation of Maha-Visnu, who creates the material universes. He is called Advaita because he is nondifferent from Lord Hari, and Acarya because he teaches devotional service by his own example. Seeing that the people of Kali-yuga had forgotten Krishna, he worshipped the Lord with tulasi leaves and Ganges water and called out to Him with such longing that Krishna came.
In Srila Prabhupada's translation, the Caitanya-caritamrta draws the conclusion:
Therefore the principal reason for Śrī Caitanya’s descent is this appeal by Advaita Ācārya. The Lord, the protector of religion, appears by the desire of His devotee.
Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila 3.110
How to observe it
Read of his appeal in Adi-lila, chapter 3, and of his glories in chapter 6. If you worship a Deity or a picture of the Lord at home, offer fresh tulasi leaves, as he did. Chant the Hare Krishna mahamantra with special care too, since the holy name is the gift he prayed the Lord would bring.
Questions
When is Advaita Acarya's appearance day in 2027?
Sri Advaita Acarya's appearance day falls on Saturday, 13 February 2027. Devotees fast until noon and spend the day hearing and reading about him.
Who was Sri Advaita Acarya?
Sri Advaita Acarya was a leading associate of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and an incarnation of Maha-Visnu. According to Srila Prabhupada's translation of the Caitanya-caritamrta, his loud calling was the reason Krishna appeared.
Why is he called Advaita Acarya?
He is called Advaita because he is nondifferent from Lord Hari, and Acarya because he spreads the path of devotion. The Caitanya-caritamrta gives both reasons in Adi-lila 6.5.
How did Advaita Acarya call Lord Krishna to appear?
He worshipped Krishna with tulasi buds and Ganges water and called out to Him in a loud voice. According to the Caitanya-caritamrta, it was this appeal that made Krishna's appearance as Sri Caitanya possible.
Reviewed by ISKCON Kurukshetra · Updated
Key facts
- Date
- Saturday, 13 February 2027
- Fasting
- Until noon
- Parents
- Kuvera Pandita and Nabhadevi
- Childhood names
- Mangal and Kamalaksa
Seva for this day
Feed devotees and visitors on this holy day, or begin the Bhagavad-gita course with us.