Gopala Bhatta Goswami (1503–1578) was a prominent disciple of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and a key figure in the Gaudiya Vaishnava school of Hinduism. He was one of the Six Goswamis of Vrindavan, who played a significant role in establishing the philosophical foundation of the Gaudiya tradition through their writings.
Gopala Bhatta was born into a Sri Vaishnava family in Sri Rangam and was deeply devoted to Laxmi-Narayana. He first met Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in 1510 during Mahaprabhu's visit to South India and had the privilege to serve him for several months. Upon Chaitanya's planned departure, Gopala Bhatta's love for him led Chaitanya to stay a few more days.
During this time, Gopala Bhatta had a spiritual vision where Chaitanya revealed himself as an incarnation of Krishna, the supreme God. In the vision, Krishna instructed him to go to Vrindavan and seek guidance from two devotees, Rupa Goswami and Sanatana Goswami, who would teach him the intricacies of devotional service.
After the vision, Gopala Bhatta desired to leave for Vrindavan immediately, but Chaitanya advised him to stay and serve his parents. Following the passing of his parents, Gopala Bhatta traveled to Vrindavan, where he met Rupa and Sanatana Goswamis and became their brother. He assisted Sanatana in compiling the book Hari Bhakti Vilasa.
In Vrindavan, Gopala Bhatta studied various subjects from his uncle Prabodhananda Sarasvati. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, upon learning of Gopala Bhatta's presence in Vrindavan, sent his personal belongings to him, which Gopala Bhatta worshiped. Chaitanya also instructed him to help Rupa and Sanatana in compiling Vaishnava literature. Gopala Bhatta considered this instruction his life and soul and later engaged his disciple Srinivasa Acarya in transporting the writings to Bengal.
Gopala Bhatta established the Radha Raman Temple in Vrindavan in ati Radhar1542 and served Shrimani as one of her asta manjaris (eight confidential maidservants). His samadhi (memorial) is located within the Radha Raman Temple complex. Gopala Bhatta initiated Gopinatha (Pujari Goswami), a lifelong brahmachari who dedicated his life to serving Radha Ramanaji.