Sri Ramchandra Kaviraja was sixtieth devotee of Sri Nityananda Prabhu. He was an exalted Vaishnava known for his deep devotion to Lord Krishna and his close association with the leading acharyas of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. By the mercy of Sri Jiva Goswami and through his dedicated service to the mission of Srinivasa Acharya and Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura, he became recognised as one of the prominent Vaishnava personalities of that period.
Family Background and Early Life
Sri Ramchandra Kaviraja Goswami was the son of Khandavasi Chiranjiva and Sunanda Devi. He belonged to a respected Vaishnava family from Shrikhanda, a place well known for producing many great devotees.
Disciple of Srinivasa Acharya
Sri Ramchandra Kaviraja Goswami accepted Srinivasa Acharya as his spiritual master and rendered dedicated service under his guidance. He actively assisted Srinivasa Acharya and Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura in their preaching activities and was known for his humility, faith, and steady devotional service.
Intimate Friendship with Narottama Dasa Thakura
Sri Ramchandra Kaviraja Goswami shared a deep and affectionate friendship with Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura. Their association was so intimate that Narottama Dasa Thakura often prayed for Ramchandra Kaviraja’s company. Together they contributed significantly to the expansion of the teachings of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Title of “Kaviraja” by Sri Jiva Goswami
Since Govinda Kaviraja, the author of two books, Sangita-Madhava and Gitamrita, was a great Vaishnava Kavi, or poet, Srila Jiva Gosvami gave him the title Kaviraja.
Residence and Preaching Activities
Sri Ramchandra Kaviraja Goswami initially lived in Srikhanda but later resided in the village of Kumaranagara on the bank of the River Ganga. From there, he continued to assist in preaching work while remaining fully detached from household life and worldly responsibilities.
Govinda Kaviraja – His Younger Brother
Govinda Kaviraja, the younger brother of Sri Ramchandra Kaviraja Goswami, was initially a shakta and worshiper of Goddess Durga. Later, by the mercy of Sri Srinivasa Acharya Prabhu, he accepted Vaishnavism and became a dedicated servant of Lord Krishna.
