Shri Lochana Dasa Thakura Disappearance Day: His Divine Life, Teachings & Glories

What made Shri Lochana Dasa Thakura a great Vaishnava saint? Learn about his life and spiritual glories.

Shri Lochana Dasa Thakura is one of the brightest jewels of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, being an exalted devotee, saint and poet who totally devoted his life to glorifying Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu; his disappearance day is a time for all of his disciples to remember his great devotion to the Lord, the sacred writings he has left for us, and the strong faith he had in guru, sadhu and shastra, which continue to guide our eternal path of Sanatangyan.

The Sacred Appearance and Early Life of Shri Lochana Dasa Thakura

Shri Lochana Dasa Thakura appeared in this world in 1520 A.D, 34 years after the Divine Advent of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He took birth in a respected family of Rarhiya physicians residing in the village of Kogram, within the Mahakumar (Katna) district of Barddhaman. His father, Shri Kamalakara Dasa, and his mother, Shri Sadananda, were devoted souls, and he was their only son.

Raised in the home of his maternal grandfather, Lochana Dasa Thakura received both education and deep cultural values rooted in shashtra and devotion. From his very childhood, he had the association of many devotees of Shri Gauranga Mahaprabhu, which had a tremendous positive effect on his heart and so awoke in him a natural inclination toward Bhakti, as well as an understanding of Sanatangyan.

As quoted in the Bhagavad Gita, association with sadhu is essential for one's spiritual growth:

सत्सङ्गत्वे निस्सङ्गत्वं निस्सङ्गत्वे निर्मोहत्वम्।

निर्मोहत्वे निश्चलतत्त्वं निश्चलतत्त्वे जीवन्मुक्तिः॥ - (Vivekachudamani)

By association with saints, detachment arises; from detachment comes freedom from illusion; from freedom from illusion, realization of truth; and from truth, liberation while living.

Guru-Kripa: Shelter at the Lotus Feet of Shri Narahari Sarkar Thakura

The major turning point in the spiritual life of Shri Lochana Dasa Thakura occurred when he accepted initiation from Shri Narahari Sarkar Thakura, who was a close associate of Mahaprabhu as well as being an embodiment of the most pure devotion. Shri Lochana Dasa Thakura accepted Narahari as his eternal guru and because of this he completely surrendered to Narahari's guidance.

Shri Lochana Dasa Thakura declares humbly about this in Shri Chaitanya Mangala:

“अहं श्रीनरहरि ठाकुरस्य दासोऽस्मि,

स एव मम जीवनस्य स्वामी।”

“I am the servant of Shri Narahari Thakura, who is the master of my life.”

The depth of my faith as a Hindu/Indian lies in my agreement with the basic philosophy of the Gurus (Satguru) - which is to surrender oneself to the iconic figure of the Guru. For Shri Lochana Dasa Thakura, his Guru was not simply a Teacher, but his only support in life.

Shri Chaitanya Mangala: A Jewel of Gaudiya Literature

Shri Lochana Dasa Thakura's contributions to the followers of Lord Krishna are best shown by Shri Chaitanya Mangala. This book is an early form of Vaishnava literature about Lord Chaitanya's leela (Divine pastimes). He wrote this seriously and warmly, with an understanding that both scholarly and common readers should benefit from reading this book and experience the joy it gives.

Unlike dry historical narration, Shri Lochana Dasa Thakura’s writing flows with tears of love and humility. Each verse reflects the mood taught by Mahaprabhu Himself:

“तृणादपि सुनीचेन तरोरपि सहिष्णुना।” — Shikshashtakam

“One should be humbler than a blade of grass and more tolerant than a tree.”

This instruction was not just quoted by Shri Lochana Dasa Thakura—it was lived by him. His disappearance day serves as a reminder to devotees that humility is the ultimate 'glory'.

Devotional Songs and Inner Mood of a Sadhu

In addition to the above, he composed many bhajans/songs that expressed longing for mercy from Lord Gaurasundar. His bhajans express the philosophy of the Bhagavad-gita and the Puranas that 'God is conquered by love'.

The Bhagavata Purana states:

“स वै पुंसां परो धर्मो यतो भक्तिरधोक्षजे।” - (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.2.6)

“The supreme duty of humanity is loving devotional service unto the transcendental Lord.”

Shri Lochana Dasa Thakura led a very simple life, as he did not seek fame, but rather would rather spend his short life glorifying Lord Krishna and His Devotees.

In essence, Shri Lochana Dasa Thakura’s life exemplifies the highest ideals of sanatangyan—devotion, humility, and surrender to guru, sadhu, and shashtra. His writings, bhajans, and personal example continue to inspire devotees, reminding us that true spiritual glory lies in selfless love for the Lord and unwavering dedication to the path of bhakti.