Caitanya movement

Caitanya movement

Emotional form of Hinduism that developed in the 16th century, inspired by the mode of worship originated by Caitanya. Centred in Bengal, the movement was organized by Caitanya's followers Nityananda and Advaita. Bhakti (devotion) is central and takes the form of singing for hours, with accompaniment, hymns that repeat God's name. Caitanya himself came to be worshiped as an incarnation of both Krishna and his beloved, Radha. Caitanya, Nityananda, and Advaita are regarded as the movement's three masters. A group of six of Caitanya's disciples developed its theology and devotional literature. Its present leaders are mostly lineal descendants of the early disciples. See also Hare Krishna movement.