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What are the main scriptures followed in Gaudiya Vaishnavism?
Gaudiya Vaishnavism is a popular branch of Hinduism that focuses on the worship of Lord Krishna as the supreme deity. It is based on the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a 16th-century saint and avatar of Lord Krishna. The main scriptures followed in Gaudiya Vaishnavism are the Bhagavad Gita, the Bhagavata Purana, and the Chaitanya Charitamrita.
The Bhagavad Gita, also known as the Song of God, is a sacred text that contains the teachings of Lord Krishna to his devotee Arjuna. It is a part of the epic Mahabharata and is considered one of the most important scriptures in Hinduism. In Gaudiya Vaishnavism, the Bhagavad Gita is seen as a guide for spiritual and moral living, and it emphasizes the importance of devotion to Lord Krishna.
The Bhagavata Purana, also known as the Srimad Bhagavatam, is another important scripture in Gaudiya Vaishnavism. It is a collection of stories and teachings about Lord Krishna and his incarnations, as well as the lives of his devotees. The Bhagavata Purana is considered the most important text in Gaudiya Vaishnavism, and it is believed to contain the essence of all Vedic scriptures.
The Chaitanya Charitamrita is a biographical text that chronicles the life and teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. It was written by his disciple Krishna Das Kaviraj Goswami and is considered the most authoritative text in Gaudiya Vaishnavism. The Chaitanya Charitamrita describes the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna and his devotees, and it also explains the philosophy of Gaudiya Vaishnavism in detail.
Apart from these three main scriptures, Gaudiya Vaishnavism also places great importance on the writings of the six Goswamis of Vrindavan, who were the direct disciples of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. These include works such as the Sri Radha Krishna Ganoddesa Dipika and the Sri Caitanya Caritamrita.
In addition to these texts, Gaudiya Vaishnavism also draws inspiration and guidance from other Hindu scriptures such as the Upanishads, the Vedas, and the Ramayana. However, the Bhagavad Gita, the Bhagavata Purana, and the Chaitanya Charitamrita are considered the primary scriptures in this branch of Hinduism.
In conclusion, the main scriptures followed in Gaudiya Vaishnavism are the Bhagavad Gita, the Bhagavata Purana, and the Chaitanya Charitamrita. These texts provide guidance and inspiration for devotees to deepen their devotion to Lord Krishna and follow the path of ecstatic bhakti