Mixed five-fold worship &
Pure devotional service

“Those, who worship five types of demigods as well as God,
cannot be considered ‘Vaishnava’ ”

All glories to Sri Sri Krishna Chaitanya Chandra!

Sri Dham Mayapur,
28th Jaistha 1323,
10th June 1916

Dear,

I have received your Bengali new year’s card and the letter dated 19th Baisakh in due time. But I have not been able to reply in a timely, due to several disturbances. Please read and understand ‘Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita’ and chant Harinama without any offenses. ‘Sadashiva’ refers to the incarnation of Mahavishnu. There is a difference between Rudra and Sadashiva. There is no need to read the text ‘Bhakti Chaitanya Chandrika.’ Those who worship five types of demigods, as well as God, cannot be considered ‘Vaishnava.’ The non-devotees consider the demigods to be equal to the Supreme Lord, therefore, they are not Vaishnavas, they are Mayavadis. The Supreme Lord is one without a second, but demigods are many. Demigods like Kali, Durga, and Ganesh are worshiped by the non-devotees as independent Supreme Controllers. That’s why they are non-Vaishnavas.

Sri Gita provides evidence for this. It is offensive to call the non-Vaishnavas as Vaishnavas. Thinking that anyone and everyone is a Vaishnava is an offense as well. The other demigods are not to be offered obeisances or worshiped as independent Supreme Lords. However, there is no flaw in honoring the eternal form of the demigods as the servants of the Supreme Lord. Those who call the non-Vaishnavas as Vaishnavas and worship demigods considering them as independent entities, do not have sincerity and one-pointedness in devotion, and hence cannot be termed as devotees. Giving up such bad associations within your mind, please concentrate on reading ‘Upadeshamrita.’ Then Krishna will certainly bestow auspiciousness unto you. Those who cultivate five-fold or mixed religious principles, cannot serve Sri Bhagavan.

Please inform us about your spiritual well-being.

Your ever well-wisher,

Sri Siddhanta Saraswati