Shrila Haridasa Thakura (Disappearance)

Haridasa Thakur (IAST Haridāsa) (born 1451 or 1450) was a prominent Vaishnava saint known for being instrumental in the initial propagation of the Hare Krishna movement. He is considered to be the most famous convert of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, apart from Rupa Goswami and Sanatana Goswami. His story of integrity and unflinching faith in the face of extreme adversity is told in Chaitanya Charitamrita, Antya lila. Besides being an ex-Muslim, he is famous because of his dedication to the religious practice of constantly chanting the names of God.

As Prahlada Maharaja appeared in a family of demons and Hanuman appeared as a monkey, Sri Haridasa Thakura appeared amongst the lower caste. Haridasa had a handsome form with all aristocratic features. Highly intellectual, he won all debates in Sanskrit and philosophy. Yet, he never lost his temper. In his youth, he became famous for his extreme devotion and ascetism. Though born in a Muslim family, when he became a Vaisnava, even brahmanas would eagerly smear their bodies with the dust of his feet.

The Supreme Lord Anantadeva Himself praises Haridasa Thakura, "Even Lord Brahma and Lord Siva always desire to associate with such devotees as Haridasa. And the demigods desire to touch the transcendental body of Haridasa. Simply by saying his name, Haridasa, one will be promoted to Krishna's abode." (Caitanya Bhagavata)

Navadvipa was full of gross materialists and Kali worshipers guided by smarta brahmanas before Mahaprabhu began His sankirtana movement. The smartas forbid loud chanting by the Vaisnavas on the plea that "it might awaken Lord Vishnu, who would become angry and curse Navadvipa with a famine." But it was Haridasa's habit to loudly chant Hare Krishna while wander­ing along the Ganges bank. Every day before taking his one and only meal he would finish 192 rounds (300,000 holy names of Krishna).

Some people mistakenly think, "Since Haridasa Thakura al­ways chanted Hare Krishna he wasn't relishing the mellows of Radha-Madhava's pastimes." Krishna's name is a wish-fulfilling gem (nama cintamani) and the very embodiment of rasa (rasa vigrahd). So, by purely chanting the holy names Haridasa Thakura definitely tasted the transcendental mellows of loving devotion to Radha-Madhava. Haridasa Thakura, the connoiseur of the holy name, taught everyone how to enter the rasa sastras through the door of Mahaprabhu's mercy, received by purely and constantly chanting the holy names of Krishna.

Feeling threatened by Haridasa Thakura's conversion to Vais-navism, the Muslim ruler arrested him. To enlighten the Kazi Haridasa said, "All living entities in creation are inspired by the Lord in the heart to act in different ways. People of different religions praise the Lord's holy names and qualities according to the view of their scriptures. The Supreme Lord accepts everyone's mood. If anyone shows malice towards another's religion he ac­tually shows malice to the Lord Himself, who is worshiped by that religion. Since God is one, that person becomes envious of the same Supreme Lord that he himself is worshiping."

The governor grasped these words, but the Kazi (the local ruler) insisted that Haridasa make a choice: "Either give up your belief or die."

Haridasa replied firmly, "If my body is hacked to pieces and even if I am killed — still I will keep chanting Hare Krishna."

The infuriated Kazi ordered Haridasa Thakura publicly whipped to death. He was brutally beaten, dragged through twen­ty-two markets, and thrown in the Ganges. Absorbed in remembering Lord Hari, he miraculously survived by God's grace. The Kazi, the brahmanas, and his rivals ran to Haridasa. They gave Haridasa Thakura an enthusiastic welcome and begged for­giveness for their offenses. He forgave them and blessed them with devotion. Haridasa thought the ordeal was fit punishment for his having heard Vaisnava blasphemy from the mouth of the Kazi.

Prema-vilasa says Haridasa took diksa from Sri Advaita Acarya. Haridasa Thakura exerted immense influence from the start of Sri Caitanya's sankirtana movement. Teaming up with Lord Nityananda, he spread Krishna consciousness in Bengal. When Haridasa Thakura came to Jagannatha Puri Lord Caitanya gave him a room in the garden next to His. Every day the Lord sent prasadam to Haridasa. They also met regularly to discuss Ktishna-katha.

While seeing Lord Caitanya's lotus face, holding His feet upon his chest, and chanting Sri Krishna Caitanya, Haridasa left the world. Lord Caitanya personally carried the body of Haridasa to the sea. And with His own hands buried him in the sand. Then Mahaprabhu begged alms for a festival to honor Haridasa Thakura's departure.

The samadhi of Haridasa Thakura is located by the sea in Jagannatha Puri.