The Disappearance Day of Sri Bhugarbha Goswami on November 15th is a deeply revered occasion for followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. This day serves as a time for reflecting on the life and contributions of a great Vaishnava figure. Shri Bhugarbha Goswami, a disciple of Shri Gadadhar Pandit, dedicated his life to devotional service in Vrindavan, where he cultivated a community of disciples including Shri Chaitanya Das (the pujari of Shri Govinda deva), Shri Mukundananda Cakravarti, and Premi Krishna Das. His disappearance falls on the 14th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Kartik, marking a day of solemn remembrance and respect.
His samadhi is situated near that of Shri Rupa Goswami, in the courtyard of the sacred Shri Radha-Damodar temple. Bhugarbha Goswami was especially close to Lokanatha Goswami, his spiritual companion, to the point that the two are often considered one soul in two bodies. This inseparable bond of devotion and friendship exemplifies their mutual dedication to the teachings of Mahaprabhu and the service of Govinda Deva.
Life of Sri Bhugarbha Goswami
Sri Bhugarbha Goswami holds a unique position among the early followers of Mahaprabhu (Chaitanya Mahaprabhu), although his life remains relatively uncelebrated in many Gaudiya Vaishnava texts. He was a close companion and spiritual friend of Sri Lokanatha Goswami, sharing an inseparable bond that underscored their mutual devotion and commitment. Identified as Prema Manjari in Vraja (Vrindavan), Sri Bhugarbha Goswami embodied pure love and service toward Lord Krishna.
According to historical texts, Bhugarbha Goswami was Lokanatha’s paternal uncle, strengthening their shared familial and spiritual connection. Together, they followed Mahaprabhu’s command to reside in the sacred land of Vraja, where they pursued their sadhana in the serene and spiritually charged atmosphere of Vrindavan. His dedication and simple, joyful spirit made him an integral part of the Vrindavan community, and he is revered for his humility and profound love for Krishna. His teachings, while not extensive in text, resonate deeply through his life of devotion.
Honoring the Disappearance Day of Sri Bhugarbha Goswami
Observing Sri Bhugarbha Goswami’s Disappearance Day is an opportunity to pay homage to his memory and life’s work. This day is significant as it marks his soul’s ascension, a return to his eternal service in the spiritual realm. The day is commemorated with a focus on remembering his teachings and his influence among fellow Vaishnavas.
On this day, devotees sing bhajans, especially songs of Gaudiya Vaishnava Viraha Bhajan—songs sung in separation of a Vaishnava—to express the heartfelt sense of loss felt at his departure. His teachings are kept alive as devotees meditate on his simplicity, compassion, and unwavering devotion to Krishna. For the followers of Sri Bhugarbha Goswami, the day is a reminder to strive toward the same spirit of purity and humility that he embodied.
How to Observe Sri Bhugarbha Goswami’s Disappearance Day with Devotion
Observing Sri Bhugarbha Goswami’s Disappearance Day is a process rooted in devotion. Devotees often begin by remembering his life, his friendship with Lokanatha Goswami, and their journey to Vrindavan. The occasion can be marked by reading from texts or narratives recounting the lives of Mahaprabhu’s devotees, particularly focusing on Sri Bhugarbha Goswami’s role as a branch of Gadadhara Pandit.
One way to honour his legacy is by performing seva (service) at temples or to the deity of Govinda Deva, a central deity in Vrindavan he served with great devotion. This symbolic act of service connects devotees to Sri Bhugarbha Goswami’s path of worship and love for Krishna. Meditating on his teachings also encourages followers to uphold a simple faith and devotion without needing outward recognition or fame.
The Impact of Sri Bhugarbha Goswami’s Legacy
Though relatively unknown, Sri Bhugarbha Goswami’s impact on the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition is deep and enduring. His friendship with Sri Lokanatha Goswami and his mentorship under Gadadhara Pandit highlight his close connections with prominent figures in Mahaprabhu’s inner circle. Under Mahaprabhu’s instructions, the two friends’ journey to Vrindavan laid the foundation for the thriving community of devotees that flourished there.
His legacy is one of quiet dedication, and his life serves as a reminder that spiritual greatness is not determined by fame or recognition but by the purity of one’s devotion. The Disappearance Day of Sri Bhugarbha Goswami is an ideal time for followers to reflect on these values and seek to embody them within their own lives.
Practices and Offerings for Disappearance Day of Sri Bhugarbha Goswami
Devotees can observe specific practices on this sacred day to honour Sri Bhugarbha Goswami’s memory. Fruits, flowers, and sweets are customary offerings to the deity of Govinda Deva, whom he served with dedication. Devotees may also offer prayers, reciting verses praising Sri Bhugarbha Goswami’s simplicity and love for Krishna, as these form the essence of his teachings.
Fasting is another observance that devotees may undertake to deepen their meditation on his life. Fasting, chanting, and prayer can help purify the mind and heart, allowing one to connect more intimately with the spiritual realm. This is a fitting tribute to Sri Bhugarbha Goswami’s ascetic lifestyle, emphasising the internal over the external.
Conclusion
The Disappearance Day of Sri Bhugarbha Goswami reminds us of a life devoted to the highest principles of bhakti, or devotion to God. His friendship with Lokanatha Goswami, under the guidance of Mahaprabhu, led him to Vrindavan, where he spent his days in worship and service. Honouring his disappearance day through ritual observances, reading about Sri Bhugarbha Goswami’s teachings, and meditating on his legacy enables devotees to draw closer to his spirit of humility and unwavering faith in Krishna. Through such observance, we pay tribute to his memory and the ideals of a life steeped in divine love and selfless service.
