The Devotee’s Background
During His travels through South India, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu visited the holy town of Kūrma-kṣetra, where He delivered many fallen souls through His mercy. In that town lived a devotee named Vāsudeva, who suffered from severe leprosy. His body was covered with sores, and worms crawled from his wounds. Yet he remained completely peaceful, constantly chanting the holy name of the Lord and absorbed in remembrance of Śrī Caitanya.
Despite his affliction, he had no trace of self-pity. He saw Kṛṣṇa’s mercy even in his suffering and served others with compassion. Whenever a worm fell from his body, he would gently pick it up and place it back, saying, “This too is the Lord’s creation; let it stay where He has kept it.”
His heart burned with one desire alone—to have darśana of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.
The Desire for Darśana
When he heard that Mahāprabhu had arrived in Kūrma-kṣetra, he was overwhelmed with joy. But by the time he reached the place, the Lord had already departed. The news struck him like lightning. Falling to the ground, he cried bitterly, “O Lord! I have missed You! Why did You leave before I could see You once?”
Overcome with grief, he lost all consciousness. Hearing of his lamentation, Mahāprabhu, who had already walked several miles, turned back immediately. He arrived at Vāsudeva’s hut and called softly, “Vāsudeva!”
When the leper opened his eyes, he saw before him the golden figure of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu—His eyes full of compassion, His body effulgent like molten gold.
The Lord’s Touch
Mahāprabhu said with great affection, “O Vāsudeva, your love has drawn Me back. You have no need to lament. I am always with you.”
He then embraced Vāsudeva with His own divine arms. Instantly, Vāsudeva’s diseased body became whole and beautiful. His skin shone like molten copper, and his wounds disappeared.
But Vāsudeva, seeing his restored body, felt distressed. “O Lord,” he said with tears, “I did not desire bodily comfort. I only wanted love for Your lotus feet. You have made me beautiful—but what if pride now enters my heart and I forget You?”
Śrī Caitanya smiled and said, “My dear Vāsudeva, you will never forget Me. I give you this blessing: you will constantly chant the holy name and inspire others to do the same. Your body has become pure only because it will now be an instrument for My service.”
The Transformation
From that day, Vāsudeva became a great preacher of the holy name. His life inspired countless people to chant and surrender. His presence radiated humility and sweetness; wherever he went, people felt divine peace.
He would often say, “The Lord’s embrace cures not only disease of the body, but the deeper disease of the heart—the forgetfulness of our eternal relationship with Him.”
Reflection
The story of Vāsudeva reveals the essence of Mahāprabhu’s compassion. The Lord did not see a diseased body; He saw the jewel of faith shining within.
When love becomes unconditional, the Lord Himself breaks all distance and embraces His devotee. The leprosy that terrified the world became the very reason for the Lord’s appearance.
This story teaches that divine love is not meant for the pure in body, but for the pure in heart. Śrī Caitanya’s touch transformed a leper into a saint, proving that the Lord’s mercy is stronger than karma, disease, or destiny.
Source
Source: “Experiences in Bhakti: The Science Celestial,” by O. B. L. Kapoor — Chapter Six: Verification of the Law of Reciprocation (place: Kūrma-kṣetra, South India).
