Sri Chaitanya’s Fingerprints on the Garuda Pillar

As Sri Chaitanya was bowing to Sri Gopinath, the deity’s flower-crest fell onto his head, which sent him into a state of spiritual ecstasy. Overwhelmed with emotion, he and his disciples began to dance in joy. His eagerness to see Lord Jagannath grew intense. He was accompanied by his four disciples.

As they drew very near to Puri, Sri Chaitanya’s mind became desperate for a darshan (holy sight) of Sri Jagannath. Leaving his companions behind, he ran alone towards the Jagannath temple. Upon entering the temple, he became so overwhelmed with emotion that he rushed towards the Ratnasimhasana (the jeweled throne) to embrace the Mahaprabhu (the Great Lord). When the temple servitors (sevayats) intervened, Sri Chaitanya fainted and collapsed. Sri Sarvabhauma Pandit, a scholar residing in Puri, recognized him and, with the help of others, carried Chaitanya to his home.

After a while, Chaitanya regained consciousness. He sat together with his disciples and partook of the Mahaprasad (the temple’s holy food offering). While eating, Sarvabhauma said, “You fainted because you went too close to Lord Jagannath. Instead of going near him, have your darshan from beside the Garuda Stambha (Garuda Pillar).”

After this, Sri Chaitanya no longer went close to Lord Jagannath inside the temple but instead viewed the Mahaprabhu from the Garuda Pillar. While viewing the Mahaprabhu from there, he became so overwhelmed with spiritual ecstasy that as his fingers touched the stone pillar, they left an impression on it. Today, these fingerprints can still be seen on the Garuda Pillar.

Step into one of the most profound moments in the history of Puri. This exquisite artwork captures the divine ecstasy of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu at the sacred Garuda Stambha. Overwhelmed by the sight of his beloved Lord Jagannath, his love was so intense, so pure, that where his fingers touched the stone pillar, they left their impression forever.