By the causeless mercy and inspiration of paramaradhya Guru-pada-padma nitya-lila pravista om visnupada astottarasata Sri Srimad Bhakti Prajnana Kesava Gosvami Maharaja, this book, entitled, "Rupanuga Vaisnava Acaryas" is being presented to the readers. This book contains the specialties of the teachings of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji Maharaja, and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Thakura Prabhupada. It also embodies their priceless contributions. The transcendental lives of our acaryas are extensively described in this book. Therefore, I consider myself greatly fortunate to be able to present this book to the blessed readers.
Although the lives and teachings of the four Svarupa-Rupanuga Acaryas have been detailed in many books that have been published in Bengali, Hindi, and English,
I have tried to fulfill the innermost heart's desire of my Guru Maharaja, by presenting this book, which is an unprecedented collection of the specialties of our acaryas' teachings, contri_butions, and pastimes, in a concise manner. The line of the Rupanugas will be preserved by careful study of this book.
This book has been compiled from the essays published in Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura's Sri Sajjana Tosani, Srila Prabhupada Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura's weekly journal-the Gaudiya, and the Dainik Nadiya Prakasa. The book has also been compiled from essays penned by my Guru Maharaja, and my esteemed godbrother, Srila Bhaktivedanta Vamana Maharaja. I pray to Sri Sri Guru-Gauranga-Gandharvika-Giridhari Sri Sri Radha Vinodabiharijiu that They bestow Their blessings upon all the devotees who have helped compile and manifest this book.
I have unflinching faith that this book will greatly please Srila Gurudeva and the Guru-varga. This book will be greatly respected in the assembly of faithful, sincere devotees.
By imbibing the teachings of this book, the reader will become qualified to transcend all the obstacles that present themselves on the path of devotion.
Praying for the mercy of Sri Hari, Guru, and Vaisnavas,
Tridandi-bhiksu Sri Bhaktivedanta Narayana