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What are the main scriptures followed by Gaudiya Vaishnavas?

Gaudiya Vaishnavism, founded by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, is a branch of Vaishnavism that follows the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana. These two texts are considered the main scriptures followed by Gaudiya Vaishnavas, along with other important texts.

The Bhagavad Gita, also known as the "Song of the Lord", is a dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It is a central text in Hinduism and is revered by Gaudiya Vaishnavas as the essence of all Vedic knowledge. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu himself was a great devotee of Krishna and often recited verses from the Bhagavad Gita to his followers.

The Bhagavata Purana, also known as the "Srimad Bhagavatam", is a collection of stories and teachings about Krishna and his incarnations. It is considered the most important text in Gaudiya Vaishnavism and is often referred to as the "Fifth Veda". This text is divided into twelve cantos and contains the famous story of Krishna's childhood and his interactions with his devotees.

Apart from these two main scriptures, Gaudiya Vaishnavas also follow the teachings of other important texts such as the Chaitanya Charitamrita, the Brahma Samhita, and the Narada Bhakti Sutra. The Chaitanya Charitamrita, written by Krishnadasa Kaviraja Goswami, is a biography of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and contains his teachings and pastimes. The Brahma Samhita, believed to be written by Lord Brahma himself, describes the spiritual world and the relationship between Krishna and his devotees. The Narada Bhakti Sutra, written by the sage Narada, is a concise guide to the path of devotion.

In addition to these texts, Gaudiya Vaishnavas also follow the teachings of the Six Goswamis of Vrindavan, who were direct disciples of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. These six saints wrote many important texts and commentaries on the main scriptures, which are considered essential for understanding Gaudiya Vaishnavism.

In conclusion, the main scriptures followed by Gaudiya Vaishnavas are the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana, along with other important texts such as the Chaitanya Charitamrita, the Brahma Samhita, and the Narada Bhakti Sutra. These texts contain the teachings and pastimes of Krishna and are revered by Gaudiya Vaishnavas as the ultimate source of spiritual knowledge. By studying and following these scriptures, devotees of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu strive to deepen their love and devotion for Krishna and ultimately attain liberation from