Pundarika Vidyanidhi has other namesSri Vidyanidhi, Acaryanidhi, Bhaktyanidhi, and Premanidhi (given by Lord Caitanya). Simply by hearing his name, said Sri Gaura, the whole world becomes purified. Premanidhi's pure devotion caused Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu to sometimes cry profusely and call out loudly, Bop, (father) Pundarika! Pundarika is My father, My dearmost friend. When will I see him again? Pundarika Vidyanidhi is King Vrsabhanu, Sri Radha's father, in Vrndavana lila. He was disciple of Sri Madhavendra Puri.
Today, I will introduce you to a most exceptional Vaisnava, said Mukunda, as he took Gadadhara Pandit to meet Pundarika Vidyanidhi.
They found Pundarika reclining on an opulent brass bed covered with red satin sheets, silk pillows, and topped with a threetiered canopy. A gem-studded pan box stuffed with fragrant spices and betel nuts waited within arm's reach. Two shiny brass spitoons stood as silent sentries beside the bed. Seeing the mirror stained red from his chewing pan, Pundarika laughed heartily. Two servants cooled him with peacock fans.
Hearing this verse totally transformed Pundarika Vidyanidhi. A Ganges river of tears flooded his eyes. Perspiration rained from his body, his hairs stood erect. He ripped off his embroidered silk shirt and wildly thrashed his legs about. Rolling on the ground, he wailed, The Lord is infinitely merciful. Yet He deprives me of His mercy. His clothes, brass bed, fine bedsheets, mirror, spitoons, all his opulent trappings were ripped to shredssmashed to bits. Ten men tried but couldn't restrain the force of Pundarika's ecstasy. The manifestations of Pundarika Vidyanidhi's pure love for Krishna competed with one another for some time. Finally, his spiritual emotions reached their peak and he lost external unconscious.
Whoever recites or hears the following narration of the meeting of Pundarika Vidyanidhi and Sri Gadadhara Pandit will receive the treasure of love of God. (Sri Caitanya Bhagavata)
For various reasons, common people do not easily develop faith in exalted personalities who are still living, whereas they tend to develop great faith in the activities of mahajanas who have passed away.
-Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur Mahasay Jaiva Dharma, Ch.12