Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Lord Siva

One can appreciate Lord Siva’s exalted position from these quotations, but one may still not understand how to relate with Lord Siva’s Deity form. Hearing about Sri Caitanya’s behavior toward Lord Siva will clarify the relationship. Wherever Sri Caitanya Maha­prabhu traveled, He would visit the prominent Siva temples. While residing in Varanasi, Sri Caitanya regularly visited the temple of Visvesvara (Lord Siva).

Srila Vrndavana dasa Thakura describes Sri Caitanya’s visit to a Siva temple in Orissa. “Enlivened by His dear devotee’s (Siva) opulence and influence in the temple, Sri Caitanya began to dance happily. Sri Caitanya knows Lord Siva’s glorious character, for he is favorite amongst His devotees. If anyone disrespects Lord Siva, not following the example of Sri Caitanya, then he cannot be considered a Vaisnava, and all of his spiritual advancement is nullified.

“Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu taught that no one should at any time criticize or diminish the position of His energies manifested in the many demigods and demigoddesses. By showing proper love and reverence to them one strengthens his devotion and love for Krsna. Sri Krsna is unhappy if His devotees—the demigods and goddesses are offended. Krsna becomes very content when He is worshiped along with His energies and associates. (CB)