Sri Purushottama Dasa Thakura was among the prominent devotees of Sri Nityananda Prabhu and is identified as the tenth gopala in Krishna’s eternal pastimes. Born to the illustrious Sadashiva Kaviraja—who was also a prominent associate of Nityananda Prabhu—Purushottama Dasa embodied the perfection of spontaneous devotional service from the moment of his birth.

A Fortunate Lineage: The Kaviraja Family:

The Vaidya Heritage:

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, in his authoritative Anubhashya commentary, describes both Sadashiva Kaviraja and his son Nagara Purushottama as maha-bhagyavan—greatly fortunate souls. The family belonged to the vaidya caste, traditionally associated with the medical profession.

Previous Lives in Vraja:

The spiritual identity of this family is revealed in the Gaura-gaṇoddeśa-dīpikā, a classical text that identifies the previous roles of Lord Chaitanya’s associates in Krishna’s Vrindavana pastimes:

• Sadashiva Kaviraja (Father of Purushottama Dasa, Text 156): Previously the beloved gopi Chandravali, one of Krishna’s most cherished companions in Vraja
• Kamsari Sena (Sadashiva’s father, Texts 194 and 200): The gopi Ratnavali in Krishna’s eternal pastimes

This divine lineage demonstrates that the entire family was composed of eternally liberated souls who descended to assist in Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s mission.

Purushottama Dasa: A Life of Spontaneous Devotion

Merged in Service From Birth:

The scriptures declare that from the very moment of his birth, Purushottama Dasa was completely absorbed in the service of Sri Nityananda Prabhu’s lotus feet.

Eternal Childhood in Krishna Consciousness:

Purushottama Dasa possessed a remarkable spiritual quality: he always engaged in childish play with Lord Krishna.

The Complete Devotional Family:

Universal Dedication to Lord Chaitanya:

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura emphasizes that all family members of Sadashiva Kaviraja were great devotees of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Kanu Thakura: Continuing the Legacy:

Purushottama Dasa’s son, Kanu Thakura, continued the family’s devotional lineage with distinction. Both father and son accepted numerous disciples, particularly from Brahmana families.

The Journey of the Deities: A Historical Record:

Original Establishment at Beledanga-grama:

Purushottama Dasa Thakura established several Deities during his lifetime. These sacred forms were originally installed and worshiped in Beledanga-grama, where they received devotional service for many years.

First Migration:

When the original temple in Beledanga-grama was destroyed, the Deities were carefully relocated to Sukhasagara, near the Cakadaha and Simurali railway stations. Purushottama Dasa Thakura sometimes resided at this location.

Second Migration:

When natural erosion caused the Sukhasagara temple to merge into the bed of the sacred Ganges River, the Deities were moved again—this time to Sahabedanga Bedigrāma. Significantly, they were brought together with Jahnava Mata’s Deity.

Current Location:

Due to the destruction of the Sahabedanga location, all these historic Deities are now situated in Candude-grama village, located approximately one mile from Palapada. Despite multiple relocations over centuries, the sacred service established by Purushottama Dasa Thakura continues uninterrupted.

Theological Significance: The Eternal Gopala:

The Tenth Gopala Identity:

Purushottama Dasa’s identification as “the tenth gopala” places him within Krishna’s cowherd boy friends in Vrindavana. The gopalas represent the perfection of sakhya-rasa (friendship mood), where devotees serve the Lord as equals, without formal reverence.