The Devotee’s Background
During His journey across South India, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu visited the home of a humble devotee named Kūrma Brāhmaṇa, who lived near the sacred shrine of Kūrma-kṣetra. Kūrma was a sincere householder whose only desire in life was to serve Vaiṣṇavas and chant the holy names of the Lord.
When Śrī Caitanya arrived at his home, the brāhmaṇa and his wife fell at His lotus feet, washed them with tears, and offered Him food, flowers, and heartfelt devotion. The Lord stayed with them for some time, blessing their house with His presence.
After receiving the Lord’s mercy, Kūrma became overwhelmed with love. He fell to the ground, clasping Mahāprabhu’s feet, and said, “O Lord! I can no longer live in this world of family duties and material work. Please allow me to follow You and serve You constantly.”
The Lord’s Instruction
Hearing his plea, Mahāprabhu smiled with compassion and lifted him up with His own hands. “Do not speak like this, Kūrma,” He said gently. “Remain in your home and serve Me there. Never abandon your family or your duty.”
Kūrma, surprised, asked, “How shall I serve You by staying here, my Lord?”
The Lord replied:
“Constantly chant the holy names of Kṛṣṇa, worship Him, and teach everyone you meet about devotion to Him. In this way, you will always be with Me.”
He then added the immortal words that became one of the cornerstones of the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava mission:
“Whomever you meet, instruct them in the teachings of Kṛṣṇa—speak of the Lord and His message. In this way, become a spiritual master and liberate the land.”
The Lord assured him, “Know for certain that I will always reside in your heart. Wherever My devotees speak about Me, I am personally present.”
The Transformation
Kūrma Brāhmaṇa’s heart overflowed with gratitude. He bowed and said, “My Lord, You have shown me the true path. Now I know that devotion does not depend on renunciation or wandering, but on remembrance and service wherever You have placed me.”
From that day, Kūrma lived as a true saint in the midst of family life. His home became a place of pilgrimage. Travelers, monks, and devotees would visit him, and he would feed them, serve them, and speak only about Kṛṣṇa.
His life proved that one does not have to leave the world to find God; one only has to invite Him into the heart and home.
Reflection
Śrī Caitanya’s instruction to Kūrma Brāhmaṇa establishes the universal principle of devotion through daily life. Spiritual perfection does not require escape from the world, but transformation of one’s duties into offerings of love.
True renunciation is not leaving home but leaving selfishness.
When one’s home becomes a place of service and remembrance, it turns into a temple.
The Lord’s words, “Whomever you meet, instruct them in Kṛṣṇa’s message,” remind us that every soul can become a messenger of divine compassion, spreading light in their own circle.
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).
