Ohe! Vaishnava Thakura is written by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and performed by Kindred Spirits.

 

Although a qualified student of bhakti knows that the Vaishnava is not God Himself, the disciple experiences Krishna's direct presence in the form of His dedicated servant. And the disciple is fully satisfied in serving the Supreme Lord by serving His pure devotee, who is the transparent medium to Krishna.

 

When Sanatana Gosvami met Lord Caitanya, the Lord told him, "Lord Krishna has saved you from life's deepest hell." Sanatana replied, "I do not know who Krishna is. As far as I am concerned, I have been released from prison only by Your mercy" (Cc. Madhya 20.64).

 

The disciple's gratitude toward the Vaishnava is also expressed in Bhaktivinoda Thakura's song 'Ohe! Vaishnava Thakura': "Krishna is yours. You're able to give Him to me, for such is your power. I am indeed wretched and simply run after you, crying, 'Krishna! Krishna!'"

 

This is why the place where great devotees reside is a tirtha and why Narada says that they purify established holy places and give authority to the scriptures — because they are tan-mayah, "filled with Him." (Narada Bhakti Sutra 4.70)