Parā Vidyāpīṭha (The Institute of Spiritual Knowledge) :

This material world is the fort of Māyā, the extrinsic or aparā potency of Bhagavān. To propagate the glory of Parā Vidyā (spiritual knowledge) in this world, the Supreme Lord Sri Gaurasundara, the husband of Sarasvati, manifested His ‘vidya vilasa’ pastime. Through this pastime, He explained all the sūtras (aphorisms), vṛttis (interpretations), and ṭīkās (commentaries) in relationship with Kṛṣṇa and in this way He propounded the glories of parā vidyā.

 “avista haiya prabhu karena vyakhyana

sutra vrtti tikaya sakala harinama

(Chaitanya Bhagavata, madhya: 1.174)

Gaudiya Vaisnava theologian Srila Jiva Gosvami realized this spirit of Mahaprabhu regarding the interpretations of sastras. Therefore he composed Hari Nāmāmṛta Vyākaraṇam and other Gaudiya texts elucidating the essence of Srila Rupa Gosvami and Srila Sanatana Gosvami. Later in the year of 1927, with the aim of propagating the glory of spiritual knowledge in this material world, Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Prabhupada established the Parā Vidyāpīṭha (an institution for the study of Vedic scriptures) within the premises of Sri Chaitanya Math at Sridham Mayapur in Navadvipa of West Bengal.

Features of Parā Vidyāpīṭha –

1) In this institution, only those individuals who are sincerely devoted to spiritual knowledge and have faith in Hari, Guru & Vaishnavas, could enter based solely on their own qualifications and capabilities regardless of their caste, religion, age or social status.

2) In this educational institution, each subject (in grammar Hari Nāmāmṛta Vyākaraṇam; in literature Vaishnava poetry, drama, figures of speech, and in Pañcarātra Sri Haribhakti Vilasa, Sat Kriya Sara Deepika, etc.) was taught specifically by skilled teachers in both Sanskrit and Bengali.

3) In this institution, there were special facilities like living an ideal, devout, and profoundly sanctified life, maintaining distance from gossip and sense enjoyment; cultivating the ‘yukta vairagya’ and engaging in thoughtful discussions all in reverence to the service of God, the spiritual teacher, and the Vaishnava community.

4) In this institution, there was a major focus on studying comparative philosophies. For this reason, the proficient teachers and acaryas (who practised what they taught to their students) in a particular subject bore the responsibility of teaching. Overall, the venerable acarya, Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Prabhupada, who was well versed in scriptural conclusions (śabda-brahmaṇ) and had realised the Absolute Truth (para-brahmaṇ), controlled the Parā Vidyāpīṭha.

5) Under this institution, there was a library where all the rare and ancient texts were kept. Eligible students followed specific rules to collect those texts for their scholarly pursuits.

6) To inspire the students, special assemblies or celebrations were organised in the Parā Vidyā parisada. They were allowed to write various articles on spiritual topics in the spiritual journals published by the Parā Vidyā parisada.

7) Every year, on the anniversary of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s appearance, annual examinations were conducted. The successful students were awarded with the ‘gaura asirvada patram’, a certificate signed by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Prabhupada as a blessing from Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Additionally appropriate titles were conferred upon them.

8) In this institution, students were initially adorned with the title of ‘Bhakti Shastri‘. Later they could enrol in the ‘sampradaya vaibhava acharya’ Course. This level was recognised as the graduate standard. Upon surpassing this level, they could then register for the post graduate degree namely, ‘Sarvabhauma’ course.

9) At that time in the Parā Vidyāpīṭha, there was also provision for a Sanskrit course recognized by the government for obtaining an accredited degree. 

The purpose of establishing the Parā Vidyāpīṭha:

1) Before being appointed to preach the teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and the pure Vaishnava religion, the sannyasis and teachers of the Gaudiya Math were to be educated and trained extensively in Gaudiya Vaishnava scriptures, principles, and etiquette, ensuring they were well-versed and proficient in both knowledge and Sanskrit.

2) To educate the Vaisnava community on vaisnava literature, vedic traditions, bhakti texts, theology and rasa sastra and other texts written by the Gaudiya Vaishnavite acaryas.

3) Spreading spiritual knowledge throughout the world, removing barriers of mundane understanding, training teachers of bhakti sastras; Liberating the society from the bondage of brahminical smriti texts and introducing pujas following the vaisnava smritis; Training the students in pancaratra worship and approve and appoint them to conduct marriage, funeral rites, and other ceremonies in the houses of household devotees of Gaudiya Matha.

Differences between parā vidyā & aparā vidyā

parā vidyā

1) The knowledge whose subject matter is the Supreme Lord, Visnu, or service to Visnu and which does not have an iota of sense enjoyment is called parā vidyā.

 2) parā vidyā Ruḍhīmanifests through the ‘vidvada rudhi’ manner. ‘Vidvada rudhi’ is influenced by the vidya sakti or the yogamaya sakti  (internal potency) of Bhagavan. 

 3) Sarasvati Devi, who resides in the heart of Bhagavan, as the embodiment of suddha bhakti, is indeed the presiding deity of parā vidyā.

4) parā vidyā can be attained through the mercy of the Lord or the disciplic succession i.e. descendent method.

5) The spiritual world is the realm of parā vidyā.

6) The purpose of parā vidyā is to please Krsna and His devotees.

 aparā vidyā or material knowledge

1)The knowledge that focuses on sense enjoyment rather than being directed towards the pleasure of Lord Vishnu is termed as aparā vidyā.

2) aparā vidyā manifests through the ‘avidvada rudhi’ manner. ‘Avidvada rudhi’ is influenced by the avidya sakti or the mahamaya sakti  (external potency) of Bhagavan.

3) Shadow Sarasvati, who is an expansion of the Lord’s external energy, Maya is the presiding deity of aparā vidyā.

4) aparā vidyā can be attained through the ascending method or self-endeavour.

5) The material world or devi dhama is the realm of aparā vidyā

6) aparā vidyā aims to sense enjoyment of the conditioned souls.

What is parā vidyā?

The Mundaka Upanishada of Atharva Veda, tells us that once sage Saunaka asked acharya Angira, “kasminnu bhagavo vijñāte sarvamidaṃ vijñātaṃ bhavatīti” (Mundaka 1.1.3) – “O Lord, what is that by knowing which everything else in the world becomes known?” In response, Acharya Angiras told him, “tasmai sa hovāca | dvevidye veditavye iti ha sma yadbrahmavido vadanti parā caivāparā ca” (Mundaka 1.1.4)- If one realises God ie if one gains knowledge about the svarupa and energy of God, then knowledge of everything within the universe is obtained effortlessly. This knowledge is attained through the descending method or lineage of realised gurus wherein the transcendental knowledge flows from the Lord Himself or His devotees or intimate associates.

Therefore the sruti says, ‘yenāśrutaṃ śrutaṃ bhavatyamataṃ matamavijñātaṃ vijñātamiti kathaṃ nu bhagavaḥ sa ādeśo bhavatīti’ : Chandogya Upanishad 6.1.3. It means that teaching by which what is never heard becomes heard, what is never thought of becomes thought of, what is never known becomes known, is the only cognizible object through vidya (knowledge).

No matter how powerful the living entity is, its versatile abilities and efforts cannot make it capable of gaining knowledge of all the intricacies of the world. Because at every step deception (bhrama), illusion (pramāda), cheating purposes (vipralipsā), and sensory imperfections (karaṇāpāṭava) are present in the perception of the jiva. Therefore there is no doubt that attaining perfect transcendental knowledge (bhagavad vijñāna) through one’s own efforts is impossible. Moreover, without bhagavad vijñāna, understanding everything we see is also impossible.

Therefore, the srutis conclude that adhokṣaja (beyond sensual perception) Sri Puruṣottama Bhagavan is the knowable only through parā vidyā. “Parā vidyā” refers to the knowledge that is eternally established in relation to the Supreme Lord. This parā vidyā is sabda-brahman i.e Bhagavan’s direct intrinsic energy, embodying the prema-bhakti and is considered the very life of vidya-vadhu.

‘tat karma hari-toṣaṁ yat sā vidyā tan-matir yayā’ (ŚB 4.29.49)

Translation: Our only activities should be those that can please the Personality of Godhead. Our education should be such that we can become elevated to Kṛṣṇa consciousness

tāhāre se bali vidyā, mantra, adhyayana

kṛṣṇa-pāda-padme ye karaye sthira mana

Translation: Real education, chanting of mantras, and study of the scriptures are those by which one fixes his mind at the lotus feet of Krsna.

sei se vidyāra phala jāniha niścaya

‘kṛṣṇa-pāda-padme yadi citta-vitta raya

Translation: Know without doubt that the goal of knowledge is to fix one’s mind on Krsna’s lotus feet.

‘digvijaya kariba’,—vidyāra kārya nahe īśvare bhajile, sei vidyā ‘satya’ kahe –“Conquering the world is not the proper use for knowledge, the proper use of knowledge is to worship the Supreme Lord. (Chaitanya Bhagavat: Verse 1.13.173-174)

‘paḍe kene loka?—kṛṣṇa-bhakti jānibāre se yadi nahila, tabe vidyāya ki kare?’-Why do people study? Education is only for understanding devotional service of Lord Kṛṣṇa.

‘tahare se bali karma dharma sadacar

isvare se priti janme sammata savara’

translation : That is called true karma, dharma, and good conduct, from which love for God arises. (Chaitanya Bhagavata, aunty, chapter )

prabhu kahe, — “kon vidyā vidyā-madhye sāra?

rāya kahe, — “kṛṣṇa-bhakti vinā vidyā nāhi āra”

the Lord inquired, “Of all types of education, which is the most important?” Raya Ramananda replied  that there is no other knowledge without kṛṣṇa-bhakti. i(Chaitanya Charitamrita, madhya 8.245)

Srila Prabhupada’s statement regarding Parā Vidyāpīṭha:

The “Parā Vidyāpīṭha” and its associate ‘avidya-harana vedic school’ have been established by the will of Shri Gaurasundara, the beloved husband of Vāgīśvarī. This initiative aims to provide universal access to the spiritual knowledge extolled in the Vedic literature and to revive the lost worship of  , the consort of Lord Visnu in the preeminent centre of learning, Shri Navadwip, the abode of Sarasvati. This revival intends to inspire the foremost intellectuals throughout the world towards self-realization and devotional service.

Explanation: The Vedas are the source of all knowledge. Lord Gaurasundara aka sri krishna Caitanya mahaprabhu is the master of the Vedas. The scriptures that incorporate the teachings of Gaurasundara reveal the spiritual knowledge i.e. parā vidyā. Srila Prabhupada established Parā Vidyāpīṭha to ensure that everyone has access to the spiritual knowledge revealed by Gaursundara and to restore the lost heritage of Sridham Navadvipa, the appearance place of Lord Gaurasundara, the beloved husband of Sarasvati.

During that time Navadvipa was one of  the foremost centres of education. Sri Caitanya Bhahgavata says

‘trividha-vayase eka-jāti lakṣa-lakṣa

sarasvatī-prasāde sabei mahā-dakṣa’

–By the merciful glance of Sarasvatī, the goddess of learning, hundreds of thousands of children, youths, and old people were experts in the scriptures.

‘sabe mahā-adhyāpaka kari’ garva dhare

bālakeo bhaṭṭācārya-sane kakṣa kare’

-They were all proud of being great scholars. Even a young boy would challenge his teacher.

‘nānā-deśa haite loka navadvīpe yāya

navadvīpe paḍile se ‘vidyā-rasa’ pāya’

-Many people came from various provinces to study in Navadvīpa, because by studying there one achieved a taste for education.

‘ataeva paḍuyāra nāhi samuccaya

lakṣa-koṭi adhyāpaka,—nāhika niścaya’

-Therefore no one could count the innumerable students and millions of teachers gathered there.

This was the lost heritage of Sridham Navadvipa. To revive this heritage, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Prabhupada, by the will of Sri Vāgīśvarī-pati (i.e. Vāg-Devī aka Śuddhā Sarasvati Devi) Sri Gaurasundara, established this the Parā Vidyāpīṭha. This Parā Vidyāpīṭha is also known as ‘Avidya-harana Veda Vidyalaya’ (The Vedic School that dispels ignorance).

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s statement on ‘Parā Vidyā’:

‘sarasvati krsna-priya, krsna-bhakti ta’r hiya binoder sei se baibhava’ – Mother Sarasvati, the Goddess of learning, is very dear to Lord Krsna, and devotion to Him is her very heart. This very devotion is indeed the sanctifying grace of Bhaktivinoda.

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s statement on ‘Aparā Vidyā’:

‘bhakti badha jaha ho’te, se bidyar mastakete, padaghata koro’ akaitaba’- If the material knowledge creates obstacles in the path of bhakti, you should sincerely kick on the head of it.

Different Departments (asanas) in the Parā Vidyāpīṭha :

To ensure the thorough study of different subjects in Parā Vidyāpīṭha, seven distinct departments were established. Highly skilled professors, who were initiated in Vaishnavism and who practised what they preached, were appointed to teach in these departments. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Prabhupada was the overseer of all of them.

1. Sahitya-Asana (Department of studying Vaisnava Literature)

In this department, various types of Vaishnava literature were taught.

Main:

Kavya: Govinda Lilamrta, Caitanya Caritamrta, Krsna Bhavanamrta, Caitanya Candramrta.

Campu: Gopala Campu, Ananda Vrindavana Campu.

Alankara: Alankara Kaustubha, Nataka Candrika, Candraloka.

Nataka: Caitanya Candrodaya, Lalita Madhava, Vidagdha Madhava.

Vyakarana: Hari Namamrta Vyakarana by Srila Jiva Gosvami.

Chanda Manjari: Chhando-Manjari.

Giti: Jayadeva, Jagannatha Vallabha, Pada-Kalpataru.

Vadya: Bhakti-Ratnakara. Skill in Mridanga.

Secondary:

 Stava-Mala, Nrsimha-Campu, Bhagavata 10th Canto, Sahitya Darpana, Stavavali, Madhva Vijaya.

1. Aitihya-Asana (Department of Studying Vaisnava History)

In this department, various types of Vaishnava history were taught.

Main:

1. Mahabharata, 2. Ramayana, 3. Hari-Vamsa, 4. Eighteen Puranas.

Secondary:

1. History of World Religions, 2. Bhu-gola, Kha-gola & Kala-tattva, 3. Lalita-Vistara & Sankara-Vijaya.

1. Sampradaya-Vaibhava-Asana (Study of texts of own lineage):

Main:

1.Caitanya Caritamrta (with Amrita-Pravaha & Anu-Bhasya Commentaries); 2. Caitanya-Bhagavata, 3. Bhakti-Ratnakara, 4. Sajjana-Toshani and Gaudiya Magazines (History of Four Vaisnava Lineages) & 5. Hari Bhakti Vilasa.

Secondary:

1. Prapanna-Amrita, 2. Madhva-Vijaya, 3. Bhaktamala, 4. Biographies of other Devotees, 5. Vaisnava Manjusa Samahrti, 6. Gaudiya Kanthahara, 7. Distinction between Brahmins & Vaisnavas, 8. Acara & Acarya.

1. Bhakti Sastra-Asana (study of Bhakti Texts of the Gosvamis and earlier preceptors)

Main:

1. Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu, 2. Caitanya Caritamrta, 3. Stava Mala, 4. Stavamrta Lahari, 5. Brahma Samhita Chapter V, 6. Krsna Karnamrta, 7. Padyavali, 8. Bhajanamrta, 9. Jaiva-Dharma.

Secondary:

1. Mukunda-Mala-Stotra by King Kulasekhara, 2. Stotra Ratna by Alavaru, 3. Hari Bhakti Kalpa Latika, 4. Nimbarka Dasa-sloki, 5. Prarthana & Kalyana Kalpataru, 6. Sadhana Patha, 7. Kirana, Bindu, Kana, Madhurya Kadamvini, Raga Vartma Candrika,

1. Tattva Sastra Asana ( Study of Gaudiya Philosophy & Theology)

Various types of theological texts were studied here. As follows:

Main:

1. Bhagavata, 2. Bhagavataandarbha, 3. Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu, 4. Siddhanta-ratna, 5. Prameya-ratnavali, 6. Chaitanya-charitamrita, 7. Jaiva-dharma (Bhaktivinoda)

Secondary:

1. Sarva-darshana-sangraha, 2. Tattva-viveka (Bhaktivinoda), 3. Artha Pancaka, 4. Mayavada-shata-dusani,5. Vedartha Samgraha (Ramanuja), 6. Yukti Mallika, 7. Krishna Samhita, 8. Brahma Samhita, 9. Caitanya Siksamrita, 10. Caitanya Mahaprabhura Siksa, 11. Brihad Bhagavatamrta, 12. Laghu Bhagavatamrta.

1. Vedanta Asana (Prasthana Trayi and Vedanta philosophy including Govinda Bhasya and commentaries from the four sampradayas)

The subjects studied in this department are:

Main:

1. Govinda Bhasya, 2. Purna-prajna-darsana, 3. Sri Bhasya, 4. Parijata Bhasya (Nimbarka), 5. Anu Bhasya (Vallabha), 6. Vedanta Tattva Sara by Ramanuja, Vedanta Syamantaka, Siddhanta Ratna (Baladeva), 7. Gita (with commentaries by Ramanuja, Madhva & Baladeva)

Secondary

1. Amnaya-sutra (with commentary) and Tattva-viveka (with commentary), 2. Vedanta Sara, 3. Sarva Darsana Samgraha,
2. Shariraka Bhashya and Dashopanishada Bhashya,
3. Panca-dasi and Aparoksa-nubhuti, 6. Vedartha Samgraha (Ramanuja), 7. Tattva-viveka, 8. Tattva-sutra, 9. Yukti-mallika

1. Ekayana Asana (Study of Ekayana i.e. texts in the line of same asaraya-vigraha)

The topics studied in this department are:

Main:

1. Ekayana Pancaratra, Narada Pancaratra, 2. Hari Bhakti Vilasa, 3. Sat Kriya Sara Dipika, 4. Harita Samhita, 5. Chandogya Upanishada

Secondary:

1. Nrisingha Paricarya, 2. Vimshati Dharma Shastras, 3. Six Satvata Puranas, 4. Sattvika Tantras, 5. Ramarcana Candrika, 6. Jyotisa Shastra, Panchanga, and Kala, 7. Sadacara Smriti & Krisnamrita Maharnava, 8. Smrityartha Sagara, 9. Smriti Muktavali, 10. Agama Pramanya.

Bhakti-related titles accredited by Parā Vidyāpīṭha:

* Acarya-ratna  * Bhakti Giri  *Bhakti Mitra * Bhaktananda * Bhakti Bhusana *Bhakti Cakora * Bhakti Jyoti * Bhakti Ketana * Bhakti Kovida * Bhakti Kusuma * Bhakti Prakasa * Bhakti Ranjana * Bhakti Ratna * Bhakti Sagara * Bhakti Sudhakara  * Bhakti Tattva Bhusana  * Bhakti Tattva Vacaspati * Bhakti Tirtha * Bhakti Vigraha * Bhakti Vijaya * Bhakti Vikasa * Bhakti Visarada * Bhakti Viveka * Bhakti Vrata * Bhaktiloka * Bhaktasrama  *Gaura-karunya-kataksa-Vaibhava  * Gauramghri-Renu *Kavya-Vyakarana-Sankhya-Vedanta Tirtha-Sudarsana-Vacaspati  * Nyaya Kovida * Prajna Rajarsi  * Pratna Vidyalamkara * Seva Bandhava * Seva Bhusana  * Seva Kodanda  * Seva Tirtha  * Seva Vigraha * Vedanta Bhusana * Vedanta Vacaspati * Vidyalamkara * Vidyarnava *Vyakarana-tirtha * Upadesaka

Bhakti Shastri Entrance Examination Textbooks

Biography of Lord Chaitanya:

1. Sri Caitanya Caritamrita (with Amrita Pravaha Bhasya and Anubhasya), 2. Sri Chaitanya Bhagavata (with Gaudiya Bhasya), 3. Bhakti Ratnakara- Aitihya

Tattva Pravesha:

1. Jaiva Dharma, 2. Sri Caitanya Siksamrta, 3. Sat Kriya Sara Dipika (with Smriti Bhashya), 4. Gaudiya Kanthahara, 5. Sadhana Patha (Siksastaka and Upadesamrta)

Sampradaya Vaibhavacarya Examination Textbooks

Main:

1. Sri Caitanya Caritamrita (with Amrita Pravaha Bhasya and Anubhasya), 2. Sri Chaitanya Bhagavata (with Gaudiya Bhasya), 3. Bhakti Ratnakara, 4. Sri Hari Bhakti Vilasa, 5. Sri Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu, 6. Sri Laghu Bhagavatamrta, 7. Bhakti Sandarbha, 8. Sri Brahma Samhita (with Thakura Bhaktivinoda’s commentary and elaboration), 9. Sriman Mahaprabhura Siksha (by Thakura Bhaktivinoda), 10. Shri Sajjana Tosani, “Gaudiya,” and “Nadiya Prakasa” (historical narratives and information of four vaisnava schools)

Secondary:

1. Prapnnamrta (by Anacarya), 2. Madhva Vijaya (by Trivikramacarya), 3. Hindi Bhaktamal (by Nabha Das), 4. Vaisnava Manjusa Samahrti, 5. Gaudiya Kanthahara, 6. The Distinctive features of Brahmins & Vaisnavas,7. Acara and Acaryas, 8. Gauda Mandala Parikrama Darpana, 9. Citre Navadvipa, 10. Srila Prabhupada’s Lectures 5, 11. Srila Prabhupada’s Letters, 12. Gaudiya Literature

Vi-Paradya-pitha:

1. Sruti:

Main- 1. 10 Upanisadas alomg with Svetasvatara, Krsnopanisada, Caitanyopanisada, Kali-santarana Upanisada, 2. Gopala Tapani Upanisada.

Secondary: 1. Four Vedas, 2. Aranyakas, 3. Brahmanas, 4. Tapanis, 5. Upanisadas,

2. Vedanta: Main- 1. Govinda Bhasya, 2. Purna-prajna-darsana, 3. Sri Bhasya, 4. Parijata Bhasya (Nimbarka), 5. Anu Bhasya (Vallabha), 6. Vedanta Tattva Sara by Ramanuja, Vedanta Syamantaka, Siddhanta Ratna (Baladeva), 7. Gita (with commentaries by Ramanuja, Madhva & Baladeva)

Secondary

1. Amnaya-sutra (with commentary) and Tattva-viveka (with commentary), 2. Vedanta Sara, 3. Sarva Darsana Samgraha,
2. Shariraka Bhashya and Dashopanishada Bhashya,
3. Panca-dasi and Aparoksa-nubhuti, 6. Vedartha Samgraha (Ramanuja), 7. Tattva-viveka, 8. Tattva-sutra, 9. Yukti-mallika

3. Bhagavata: Main: 1. Srimad Bhagavatam, 2. Bhagavata Samgraha (Sri Jiva), 3. Brihad Bhagavatamrtya (Sanatana), 4. Laghu Bhagavatamrta (Sri Rupa), 5. Sarva Samvadini.

Secondary: 1. Bhagavata Tatparya (Madhva), 2. Mantra Bhagavata, 3. 10 Upanisadas & Brahma Sutras, 4. Siddhanta Darpana (Baladeva)

4. Ekayana Pancaratra:

Main: 1. Narada Pancaratra, 2. Hari Bhakti Vilasa, 3. Sat Kriya Sara Dipika, 4. Harita Samhita, 5. Chandogya Upanishada

Secondary: 1. Nrisingha Paricarya, 2. Vimshati Dharma Shastras, 3. Six Satvata Puranas, 4. Sattvika Tantras, 5. Ramarcana Candrika, 6. Jyotisa Shastra, Panchanga, and Kala, 7. Sadacara Smriti & Krisnamrita Maharnava, 8. Smrityartha Sagara, 9. Smriti Muktavali, 10. Agama Pramanya.

5. Sahitya

Main: Kavya: Govinda Lilamrta, Caitanya Caritamrta, Krsna Bhavanamrta, Caitanya Candramrta.

Campu: Gopala Campu, Ananda Vrindavana Campu.

Alankara: Alankara Kaustubha, Nataka Candrika, Candraloka.

Nataka: Caitanya Candrodaya, Lalita Madhava, Vidagdha Madhava.

Vyakarana: Hari Namamrta Vyakarana by Srila Jiva Gosvami.

Chanda Manjari: Chhando-Manjari.

Giti: Jayadeva, Jagannatha Vallabha, Pada-Kalpataru.

Vadya: Bhakti-Ratnakara. Skill in Mridanga.

Secondary:

 Stava-Mala, Nrsimha-Campu, Bhagavata 10th Canto, Sahitya Darpana, Stavavali, Madhva Vijaya.

6. Aitihya: Main- 1. Mahabharata, 2. Ramayana, 3. Harivamsa, 4. 18 Puranas

Secondary: 1. History of World Religion, 2. Bhugola, Kha-Gola & Kala-Tattva, 3. Lalita Vistara & Samkara Vijaya.

7. Sampradaya-Vaibhava

Main: 1.Caitanya Caritamrta (with Amrita-Pravaha & Anu-Bhasya Commentaries); 2. Caitanya-Bhagavata, 3. Bhakti-Ratnakara, 4. Sajjana-Toshani and Gaudiya Magazines (History of Four Vaisnava Lineages) & 5. Hari Bhakti Vilasa.

Secondary: 1. Prapanna-Amrita, 2. Madhva-Vijaya, 3. Bhaktamala, 4. Biographies of other Devotees, 5. Vaisnava Manjusa Samahrti, 6. Gaudiya Kanthahara, 7. Distinction between Brahmins & Vaisnavas, 8. Acara & Acarya.

8. Bhakti-Sastra: Main: 1. Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu, 2. Caitanya Caritamrta, 3. Stava Mala, 4. Stavamrta Lahari, 5. Brahma Samhita Chapter V, 6. Krsna Karnamrta, 7. Padyavali, 8. Bhajanamrta, 9. Jaiva-Dharma.

Secondary: 1. Mukunda-Mala-Stotra by King Kulasekhara, 2. Stotra Ratna by Alavaru, 3. Hari Bhakti Kalpa Latika, 4. Nimbarka Dasa-sloki, 5. Prarthana & Kalyana Kalpataru, 6. Sadhana Patha, 7. Kirana, Bindu, Kana, Madhurya Kadamvini, Raga Vartma Candrika,

9. Tattva: Main: 1. Bhagavata, 2. Bhagavataandarbha, 3. Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu, 4. Siddhanta-ratna, 5. Prameya-ratnavali, 6. Chaitanya-charitamrita, 7. Jaiva-dharma (Bhaktivinoda)

Secondary: 1. Sarva-darshana-sangraha, 2. Tattva-viveka (Bhaktivinoda), 3. Artha Pancaka, 4. Mayavada-shata-dusani,5. Vedartha Samgraha (Ramanuja), 6. Yukti Mallika, 7. Krishna Samhita, 8. Brahma Samhita, 9. Caitanya Siksamrita, 10. Caitanya Mahaprabhura Siksa, 11. Brihad Bhagavatamrta, 12. Laghu Bhagavatamrta.

10. Rasa: Main: 1. Bhakti- Rasamrta-Sindhu, 2. Ujjvala Nilamani, 3. Stavavali, 4. Stava-Mala (Sri Rupa), 5. Priti Sandarbha, Sankalpa Kalpa-Druma (Visvanatha), 6. Govinda Lilamrta, 7. Gopi Gita, Bhramara Gita, Maha-jana-padavali, 8. Sri Caitanya Caritamrta, 9. Jayadeva, Candi Dasa, Vidyapati, Jagannatha Vallabha, Krsna Karnamrta, 10. Radha Rasa Sudha Nidhi

Secondary: 1. Stotra Ratna, 2. Mukunda Mala, 3. Dvadasa Stotra, 4. Bhavanamrta