Ramananda Ray

Ramananda Ray was the Viceroy of the Rajamahendri (present day Rajahmundry of Andhra Pradesh at the bank of river Godavari), 'Godavari Province' of 'Kalinga-Utkala Empire' (MedievalOrissa) under the Emperor 'Gajapati Sri Prataparudra Dev'. He was born in early 14th century at Cuttack in a noted Odia Kayastha/Karana family. When Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was setting out on his tour of South India, Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya especially requested him to meet Ramananda Ray. Ramananda Ray was one of the most intimate associates of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu would discuss with him the most confidential topics of Krsna consciousness, and in his company Lord Caitanya would relish the deepest feelings of devotional service.

'Srila Ramananda Ray was an incarnation of the gopi Visakha. Since Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was Lord Krsna Himself, there was naturally an awakening of love between Visakha and Krsna. Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is the combination of Srimati Radharani and Krsna, and the gopi Visakha is a principal gopi assisting Srimati Radharani. Thus the natural love between Ramananda Raya and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu awakened and they embraced.'