Advaita Acharya (circa 1434–circa 1559 CE) was a central figure in the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition and one of the earliest and most prominent associates of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Born in Shantipur, West Bengal, he was a learned scholar of the Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, and Srimad Bhagavatam, and a deeply devoted follower of Lord Krishna. He is regarded as an incarnation of Lord Mahavishnu and Lord Shiva, who descended to awaken devotion and bring about the appearance of Lord Chaitanya. Seeing the spiritual degradation of society and the dominance of dry ritualism, Advaita Acharya fervently prayed for the Lord to descend and reestablish the path of bhakti (devotional service). He offered sacred Tulasi leaves and Ganges water while calling out with intense devotion. It is said that his prayers and devotion led to the advent of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Advaita Acharya was significantly older than Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and played a paternal role in his early life, later becoming one of his closest associates. Despite his high status and scholarship, he humbly served the sankirtana movement by spreading the chanting of the holy names and preaching Krishna consciousness to people of all backgrounds. He was also instrumental in helping bridge the gap between traditional Hindu scholars and the emerging devotional movement led by Chaitanya. Through his deep knowledge, humility, and compassion, Advaita Acharya contributed greatly to the spiritual renaissance of Bengal and remains venerated as a key figure in the Chaitanya tradition and a divine personality.