Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Ādi 13.117
Why the Lord Was Named Nimāi
“She blessed the newborn child by placing fresh grass and paddy on His head and saying, “May You be blessed with a long duration of life.” But being afraid of ghosts and witches, she gave the child the name Nimāi.”
What the purport teaches
- Sītā Ṭhākurāṇī placed fresh grass and paddy on the child’s head and blessed Him with a long life.
- The purport describes the belief that inauspicious ghostly beings cannot approach a nima tree, along with the tree’s antiseptic uses. Because of these qualities and because Lord Caitanya was born beneath a nima tree, she named Him Nimāi.
- His real name was Viśvambhara. Later, in His youth, He became celebrated as Nimāi Paṇḍita.
Try this today
Write one sentence explaining why Sītā Ṭhākurāṇī gave the Lord the name Nimāi.
Ask yourself
How does knowing the reason for the name Nimāi help you remember this account?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport; the practice and question are plain words for trying the verse today.