Sri Chaitanya Bhagavat
Madhya Lila Chapter Six

All glories to the moonlike Sri Krishna Chaitanya, the fully independent Supreme Person, who is
always engaged in eternal transcendental pastimes. He is the master the universe, the supreme
controller of all controllers, the life and soul of every livng entity, and the direct manifestation of
transcendence. Please mercifully place Your lotus feet in my heart
All glories to all the intimate servants and dear devotees of Lord GauraChandra. All glories to their
ecstatic dancing
All glories to Lord Visvambhara, the supreme benefactor of the universe, the life of Sri Paramananda
Puri, and the dear most object of Svarupa Damodara
All glories to Sri Krishna Chaitanya, the beloved master of Sri Rupa, Sri Sanatana, Jagadisa, and
Gopinatha. Oh Lord of Darpan Govinda, please bless the entire universe by Your merciful glance
Lord GauraChandra performed His pastimes of congregational chanting with Lord Nityananda, in this
chapter I will describe Advaita Acarya Prabhu's pastimes with Sri Gauranga. One day Lord Chaitanya,
exhibiting the mood of the Supreme Lord, ordered the younger brother of Srivasa Pandita; "Ramai go
to Advaita Acarya's house and inform him of My appearance. Tell him that the person he has
worshipped for so long, the person he wept for, the person he fasted for, that same Lord has now
appeared. He has come to distribute knowledge of loving devotional service to the Supreme Lord, thus
he must come immediately to meet Him. Also tell him about Lord Nityananda Prabhu's arrival, but do
it secretly and explain to him everything you have seen. Tell him to come immediately, along with his
wife, and bring all the paraphernalia for My worship."
Happy to be entrusted with these orders, Ramai started for Advaita Acarya's house, absorbed in
rememberance of the Supreme Lord. Although he did not know the way he felt very joyful, his only
treasure was Lord Chaitanya's instructions. Somehow, by divine guidance, he arrived at Advaita
Acarya's house. Offering his obeisance to Advaita Acarya Prabhu he was overcome with great joy he
could not speak
Advaita Acarya Prabhu already knew everything that was happening in Nabadwip. He could perceive
this because he was on the pure devotional platform. He spoke to Ramai Pandita sweetly saying, "I
know you have instructions to take me to Nabadwip." Ramai Pandita folded his hands in respect and
said, "You already know everything, so please come quickly with me."
Advaita Acarya Prabhu was in a completely blissful state of mind, transcendental to all his bodily
sensations. Who is able to fathom the transcendental nature of Advaita Acarya Prabhu? He is all
important yet he speaks as if ignorant
Advaita Acarya Prabhu then questioned Ramai Pandita, "In which scripture is it mentioned that the
Supreme Lord Hari will descend to Nabadwip in a human form for the redemption of the fallen
conditioned souls? O Ramai, your elder brother, Srivasa Pandita, knows about my standard of
devotion, renunciation and self realization."
Ramai Pandita was well aware of Advaita Acarya Prabhu's spiritual powers thus he remained quiet,
smiling within. Advaita Acarya Prabhu's transcendental pastimes are unlimited, they are a source of
great joy to the pious, while they remain incomprehensible to sinful persons
Again Advaita Acarya Prabhu inquired, "O Ramai, please tell me why you have come so suddenly?"
When Ramai Pandita felt that Advaita Acarya had calmed down, he began to cry while delivering Lord
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's message: "That Supreme Personality for whom you have wept so profusely,
for whom you have performed continuous worship, and for whom you have accepted vows of fasting
and austerity, that Supreme Personality has now appeared to distribute love of Godhead, and He has
instructed you to come to Him immediately. Please bring your wife with you, as well as all the proper
paraphernalia for His worship. Lord Nityananda Prabhu has also appeared, He is non different from
Lord Chaitanya and He is your life and soul. You already know everything, what more do I need to
say. If I am fortunate enough then I will be able to see all of you together."
When Ramai Pandita delivered this message Advaita Acarya Prabhu swooned in ecstasy, lifting his
hands he began to cry. Suddenly, to everyone's amazement, he fell unconscious. Shortly after he
regained his external consciousness, roaring loudly he repeated, "I have brought, I have brought my
Lord. The Lord has left His supreme abode in the Vaikuntha planets and appeared here in answer to
my prayers." Saying this he fell to the ground weeping
Hearing the news of the Lord's advent the chaste wife of Advaita Acarya Prabhu, Sri Sita devi, who is
respected as the mother of the entire universe, began to weep joyfully. Although Advaita Acarya's son,
Acyutananda, was only a young boy he also cried incessantly. Advaita Acarya's house was transformed
into an abode of love of Krishna as mother and son, surrounded by their friends and relatives, wept
together joyfully
Engrossed in thoughts of the Supreme Lord Advaita Acarya Prabhu tried to control himself but he was
unable to remain still, his body swayed in slow motion, and he inquired from Ramai, "What did the
Lord say to me?" Ramai replied, "To come immediately." Advaita Acarya said, "Listen Ramai Pandita,
if He is actually my worshipable Supreme Lord then let Him appear before me to speak the truth. If He
can exhibit His supreme opulence and place His lotus feet on my head then I will know that He is the
Lord of my heart."
Ramai Pandita replied, "O Lord, what power do I posses to speak, if I am blessed then I can see with
these eyes the Supreme Lord's pastimes, the Lord's desire is your desire and He has incarnated because
of you."
Satisfied with Ramai's reply Advaita Acarya began preparing for the journey. "Get ready
immediately", he told his wife, "Collect the different paraphernalia for worship and let us proceed."
Sitadevi was a chaste and dedicated woman, she had full knowledge of the truth about Lord
Chaitanya's pastimes and appearance. She collected incense, garlands, scented oils, cloves, sweet
condensed milk, yogurt, cream, butter, camphor, betel leaf and nut for worship
Advaita Acarya then left with his wife and Ramai Pandita. He reminded Ramai Pandita, "Do not tell
the Lord that I have come, I want to find out what the Lord replies. I will hide in Nanda Acarya
Prabhu's house."
Lord Visvambhara is the Supersoul residing in everyone's heart, thus He immediately knew Advaita
Acarya's plans. Understanding that Advaita Acarya Prabhu had arrived in Nabadwip, He proceeded to
Srivasa Pandita's house. By the arrangement of the Lord all of the devotees met there
Seeing that the Lord was in a contemplative mood the devotees remained quiet and apprehensive. The
Lord suddenly rose up roaring like a lion he went to sit on the seat of Lord Visnu which was placed on
the altar. He began shouting, "Nara has come, Nara has come. I know Nara wants to test whether I am
the actual Supreme Lord, the Supersoul within everyone's heart."
Nityananda Prabhu understood all of Lord Chaitanya's moods,therefore He picked up the umbrella and
held it over the Lord's head. Gadadhara Pandita, who was also perceptive to the Lord's moods, offered
Him camphor and pan leaf. All of the devotees followed and worshipped the Lord with various
ingredients. Some offered prayers to the Lord, while others rendered different services
Amidst all these activities Ramai Pandita returned. Before Ramai could speak the Lord said, "Nara has
sent you to test Me." The Lord shook His head gently and said, "Nara has come, although Nara knows
Me well he always tries to test Me. He is here in Nabadwip at Nanda Acarya's house and he has sent
you here to test Me. Go quickly and bring him here immediately."
Ramai happily went back to Advaita Acarya Prabhu and narrated everything in detail to him. Advaita
Acarya felt extremely blissful hearing the incidents that took place and he came to Srivasa Pandita's
house considering his plans to be successful. Advaita Acarya wanted the whole earth to know that Lord
Chaitanya was the Supersoul and the all potent Supreme Personality of Godhead, now the Lord
Himself had propagated this Supremacy
Advaita Acarya and his wife approached the Lord offering repeated obeisances from a great distance
while chanting hymns in praise of the Lord. Advaita Acarya Prabhu was now fully
content?(convinced) that he was seeing the fearless lotus feet of his beloved Lord, the most beautiful
Personality in the entire creation. The beauty of millions upon millions of cupids seemed pale and
ordinary next to the beauty of the Lord. His golden complextion was effulgent and His blissful face
was beaming like millions of glowing full moons. The Lord looked down upon Advaita Acarya with
great affection. Golden pillars were no match against the graceful and powerful arms of the Lord and
the ornaments that decorated His arms paled any gems. His breast was marked with the Srivatsa mark
and the great kosa?(kustubha) jewel hung loosely from His neck. From His ears dangled fish shaped
earrings and around His neck swung the vijanti garland. His unlimited mighty power and brilliance
outshone a million suns. Rama, the goddess of fortune, always serves His lotus feet, and Ananta Sesha
holds the umbrella over His head. One is put to quandary to discern which are the Lord's nails and
which are brilliant gems. He played the flute in a most exquisite position, bent in three places and a
charming smile played on His lips
Advaita Acarya Prabhu saw everything shining all around the Lord, the Lord, His devotees and the
beautiful ornaments that decorated the Lord's transcendental form shone brilliantly. He also saw the
four headed Lord Brahma, the five headed Lord Siva and the six headed Lord Kartikaya offering Him
obeisances, while Narada Muni and Sukdeva Gosvami recited prayers reveretly. An extremely
beautiful lady, who looked like mother Ganga, was offering the Lord obeisances seated on a chariot.
All around the demigods were offering eulogies and prayers to the Lord. Turning around he saw that
hundreds and hundreds of demigods were flat on the ground offering their obeisances and repeating
Lord Krishna's name
Seeing these wonderful sights Advaita Acarya Prabhu lifted himself up from his prostrated position,
overcome with awe and reverence. Huge many hooded serpents stood with their hoods raised high
offering hymns and prayers to the Lord. In another direction he saw many chariots, horses, elephants
and swans, the carriers of the demigods. Innumerable wives of the demigods stood around with tears in
their eyes offering praise to the Lord and chanting Lord Krishna's name. There was not an empty space
left either in the sky or on land. In another direction all the great sages offered chaste prayers to the
Lord. Totally overwhelmed Advaita Acarya and his wife stood there speechless
Lord Visvambhara, the all merciful Supreme Godhead, looked at Advaita Acarya Prabhu and said, "I
have descended to this earth because of your vow and your repeated devotional service and worship. I
was resting on the ocean of milk and your roaring woke Me up. You are so merciful that you could
bear the sufferings of humanity, and so you have brought Me here to alleviate their sufferings. All
these demigods, sages, devotees and associates that surround Me have appeared in answer to your
prayers. You have arranged for all living entities to see those great devotees whom even Lord Brahma
is constantly thinking about."
Hearing these wonderful words from the Lord's mouth Advaita Acarya lifted his hands and wept along
with his wife. "Today my life has become successful," he said, "All my dreams and desires have been
fulfilled. Seeing Your lotus feet my birth and all my activities have gained meaning. It is by unlimited
good fortune that I am able to see, in person, that Personality whom even the Vedic literature has never
seen, yet describes Him with mere words. O Lord I am incapable of anything, everything is made up of
Your mercy, who else but You can liberate the living entities.?" Tears rolled down Advaita Acaray's
face as he spoke
"Now perform My worship," the Lord said. Having received the this instruction Advaita Acarya
Prabhu began to worship the Lord's lotus feet with great ecstasy. First he washed His feet with scented
waters and then covered Them with highly scented oil. He dipped the tulsi manjari into the sandalwood
paste and placed it on the Lord's lotus feet. Then he began to offer worship with flowers, scents,
incense, frankinscense and lamps, as tears of love flowed unrestricted from his eyes. He then offered
the lamp with five flames while chanting prayers, afterwhich everyone jubilantly glorified the Lord. He
continued to worship the Lord strictly according to the injunctions of the scriptures, offering sixteen
types of paraphernalia, as well as flower garlands, clothes and ornaments. He then glorified the Lord
with the verse: "O my Lord, You are the well wisher of the cows and the brahmanas and You are the
well wisher of the entire human society and world."
Advaita Acarya Prabhu offered his worship with this verse and then began to recite verses from the
scriptures in praise of the Supreme Lord: "All glories, all glories to the Lord of everyone's heart Lord
Visvambhara, all glories to Lord GauraChandra, the ocean of mercy. All glories to Lord Chaitanya
Mahaprabhu, the source of all incarnations. He comes to prove that His devotees are always right. All
glories to Him who feels great joy beholding the exquisite beauty of Laksmi devi. All glories to the
Lord who is decorated with the mark of Srivatsa and is decorated with the kosta?(kaustuba) gem. All
glories to Lord Visvambhara who has propagated the chanting of the maha mantra, Hare Krishna. All
glories to Him, for He manifests the pastimes of a pure devotee just to teach the living entities the
process of devotional service and surrender unto Him. All glories to Lord Mahaprabhu who lies on the
bed of Ananta Sesha. All glories, all glories to the only Supreme shelter of all living entities. O my
Lord, You are Lord Visnu, You are Krishna and You are Narayana. You are eternal. and You appeared
as Matsya, Kurma, Varaha and Vamana. In every millennium You protect and maintain the Vedic
principles. You are Lord RamaChandra, the life of Mother Janaki, and the destroyer of all the demons.
You gave a boon to the Chandala Guhuk, and You liberated mother . You appeared as Lord
Nrsimhadev just to protect Your beloved devotee Prahlad Maharaja, and in that incarnation You slew
his father Hiranyakasipu. You are the most precious jewel of the Vedas, and the best of the brahmanas.
You appeared in Nilacala in Your deity form to receive the worship of the living entities. The four
Vedas search after You, but You have mercifully appeared here and hidend Yourself from the Vedas.
O Lord, You are most expert in hiding Yourself, but Your pure devotees are as expert in finding You
out and exposing You. You have advented to propagate the congregational chanting of the holy name
of God, this is unprecedented in the entire creation, there is no parallel to You. The nectar from Your
two lotus feet satiates and intoxicates Lord Siva and Paravati. Roma, the goddess of Fortune,
constantly serves Your lotus feet with great attention, and great sages sing incessantly in praise of Your
lotus feet. Lord Brahma worships You with great awe and reverence, and all the Sruti, Smrti and
Puranic shastras glorify Your lotus feet. As Lord Vamana You covered the entire universe up to
Satyaloka with Your lotus feet, and Bali Maharaja surrendered His life and soul, laying his head at
Your feet. The holy Ganga eminates from Your lotus feet, and Lord Siva feels greatly fortunate to hold
her waters on His head."
Advaita Acarya's intelligence was a million times greater than Brhaspati's, thus he was fully aware of
the absolute and transcendental position of Lord Chaitanya. Drenched in his own tears, Advaita Acarya
Prabhu glorified the Lord and fell prostrate before Him seeking shelter under His lotus feet
Lord Gauranga is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the Supersoul residing in every living entities
heart. He lifted His lotus feet and placed Them on Advaita Acarya Prabhu's head, seeing this all the
devotees began to glorify the Lord with jubilant sounds of victory, they swooned with joy and filled
the air with sounds of the Lord's holy name,"Hari, Hari". The devotees lost control of themselves,
some of them rolled on the ground, many of them slapped each other boisterously, while others
embraced, and some just cried out loudly. Advaita Acarya and his wife felt that all their desires were
fulfilled because Lord Chaitanya had placed his lotus feet on his head
Lord Chaitanya instructed to Advaita Acarya Prabhu, "O Nara! See My glories and dance." Advaita
Acarya Prabhu happily began dancing with great devotion. Someone started a sweet, melodious kirtana
and Advaita Acarya Prabhu continued dancing ecstatically in front of Lord Chaitanya. At times his
dancing became sprite(?) and at other times he danced gracefully with delicate movements. At times he
felt very humble and moved about holding a straw in his teeth. Sometimes he spun around jumping in
the air and then falling to the ground he rolled back and forth. At other times he would breath deeply
and quickly and fall unconscious with ecstasy. A variety of devotional moods overtook him as he
danced ecstatically, spontaneously reciprocating with the mood of the kirtana. Finally he came and sat
down quietly like a servile(?) servitor of the Lord. It is impossible to communicate this inconceivable
and transcendental pastime
Advaita Acarya Prabhu ran to Lord Chaitanya's side, seeing Lord Nityananda he buckled his eyebrows,
and Nityananda Prabhu began to laugh. Advaita Acarya Prabhu replied laughing, "It is wonderful that
You are here Nitai for a long time I have had no trace of You, now if You want to go anywhere then I
will tie You up."
Lord Nityananda laughed at Advaita Acarya Prabhu's demeanor. Though now They appeared in two
different forms, in the pastimes of Lord Krishna They are the same Personality. I have already
discussed previously how Nityananda Prabhu served Lord Chaitanya in various ways, with great
pleasure. For this purpose He expanded Himself in many forms. In some forms He described the
glories of the Lord, in other forms He meditatedg within his heart on the Lord, sometimes He
manifested Himself as the Lord's umbrella and bed, while in in another form He would sweetly sing
the holy name of the Lord. Only the most fortunate can understand that in this incarnation Lord
Nityananda Prabhu and Lord Advaita Acarya Prabhu are non different. In the course of their pastimes
whatever arguments or differences they had between them are all the inconceivable and transcendental
behavior of the Supreme Lord. The manner in which they served Lord Chaitanya with great ecstasy is
similar to the mood of service of Lord Ananta Sesha and Lord Siva. Those ignorant persons who do
not understand the purport of their quarrels and take sides, criticizing one and praising the other, are
destined to perish
The dancing of Advaita Acarya Prabhu mesmerized all the devotees and filled their hearts with ecstatic
joy. when Lord Chaitanya instructed Advaita Acarya Prabhu to stop dancing he immediately sat down
accepting the Lord's instructions with utmost respect. Lord Chaitanya then garlanded Advaita Acarya
Prabhu with a garland from His own neck, smiling He said, "Ask for a boon Advaita Acarya."
Advaita Acarya Prabhu remained quiet, yet Lord Visvambhara insisted on his asking for a boon.
Advaita Acarya replied, What more of a boon can I ask for? What I wanted I already have received.
Because You personally watched my dancing my hearts desire has been fulfilled. What more could I
ask for my Lord? I have seen You in person, that is all that matters. You know everything, You have
seen everything with Your transcendental treasures.(?) You know what I want and what I do not want."
Inclining his head to one side Lord Visvambhara said, "I have appeared because of you, I will
propagate the chanting of the holy name in every home so that the entire universe may dance, singing
My glories. I promise that I will distribute love of Godhead to everyone. That devotional service which
is worshipped and meditated upon by Lord Brahma, Lord Siva and by Me will now be given freely."
Advaita Acarya Prabhu said, "If You distribute love of Godhead, then give it also to the women, the
sudras, the fallen and the ignorant people. And those sinful persons who have become intoxicated with
material learning, wealth, family, etc., and subsequently do not respect Your devotees, or the process
of devotional service to You, let them burn in the fire of hell. Let everyone else, including the
chandalas, dance in ecstasy, chanting Your holy name."
Appreciating the words of Advaita Acarya the Lord roared loudly, "Everything you have said is true,
let the entire world bear witness your mercy upon the ignorant and fallen conditioned souls."
While the low class chandalas danced in ecstasy, chanting the Lord's name, the brahmana scholars like
Bhatta Misra Cakravarti and others could only criticize Lord Chaitanya. These atheistic scholars
vigilantly studied the scriptures and felt very proud, thinking that they had mastered them, which
actually destroyed their proper intelligence and understanding of the Vedas. These people criticized
Lord NItyananda without understanding His transcendental pastimes, thus inviting their own doom
I have described in this chapter how the entire universe received love of Godhead by the mercy of Sri
Advaita Acarya Prabhu. The esoteric discussions between Lord Chaitanya, Lord Nityananda and
Advaita Acarya Prabhu are all known to Sarasvati, the Goddess of learning. She appears in the mouth
of all the pure devotees of the Lord and sings the unlimited glories and pastimes of the Lord
I offer my obeisances at the lotus feet of all the Vaishnavas so that I may be cleansed of all sins and
offenses. Sri Krishna Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda are my life and soul, I Vrndavana Dasa humbly
offer this song at their lotus feet
Sri Chaitanya Bhagavat
Madhya Lila Chapter Seven
Lord Chaitanya, the ocean of all transcendental qualities, is the most gracefully dancer. He is like the
Cintamani gem which fulfills everyone's desire by the arrangement of Providence. The rare gem of
devotional service unto His lotus feet has been given to me. All glories to Lord Gaurasundara, the life
and soul of every living entity, and the most beloved object of Sri Advaita Acarya Prabhu and Lord
Nityananda. He sustains life in Sri Jagannatha Pandita and Sri Damodara. May that Supreme Lord
GauraChandra, who is the Lord and master of Jagadisa and Gopinatha, be glorified, along with all His
dear devotees
Lord GauraChandra continued to perform His ecstatic pastimes with Lord Nityananda Prabhu in
Nabadwip. All the Vaishnavas accompanied Srila Advaita Acarya Prabhu who led them in a grand,
ecstatic dancing and chanting of the holy name of Lord Krishna
Lord Nityananda Prabhu remained in Srivasa Pandita's house and constantly exhibited the mood of a
young boy. When He sat down to eat He would not feed Himself, but acted like a young boy, thus
Malini, Srivasa Pandita's wife, would have to feed Him
Now hear the story of Vidyanidhi Prabhu's arrival in Nabadwip. Pundarika was a very dear associate of
Sri Krishna. By the Lord's arrangement he appeared in the village of Cattagrama in East Bengal, and
purified that land. The Lord Himself appeared in Nabadwip and when He could not find Pundarika
Vidyanidhi there He sighed heavily, feeling separation from him
One day after ecstatic dancing the Lord sat down and exclaimed,"O My father Pundarika," and began
to cry. "O Pundarika, O My father when will I be able to see You again." Such was the extent of the
Lord's affection for Pundarika Vidyanidhi. In this way Lord GauraChandra revealed His intimate
associates by performing such wonderful pastimes
All the devotees surrounding the Lord were unable to comprehend the import of the name He
continued to repeat and reason for the tears which flowed from His eyes. They conjectured that
Pundarika naturally implied Krishna, and Vidyanidhi could have many different explanations, but no
one could understand that this person was a very confidential associate of the Lord. When the Lord
finally came out of trance the devotees asked Him, "For which associate of Yours are You weeping my
Lord? Please reveal to us who he is, when he was born and what he does, tell us Lord so that we may
have the good fortune to know him."
The Lord replied, "You are certainly fortunate because you desire to hear about him. His activities and
character are most wonderful, the whole world can be purified simply by hearing his name. His ecstatic
appearance is almost like an ordinary man therefore no one can recognize Him as a pure devotee of the
Lord. This highly learned scholar brahmana was born in Cakragrama, He strictly executed the
prescribed religious principles and was respected by everyone, He always floats in the ocean of nectar
of love of Krishna, and his body constantly displays various ecstatic symptoms such as crying,
horipilation, etc. He never went for ablutions to the Ganga to cleanse himself of his sins like everyone
else, nor did he enter her waters, he also avoided touching her with his feet. However he came to see
and pay his respects to her everyday in the evening when the teeming crowds had all gone. He could
not bear to see Mother Ganga disrespected and utilized by people who spat into her, cleaned their
mouth with her waters, and washed their hair and dirty clothes in her, thus he preferred to come to her
in the evenings when there was no one around
"Another wonderful characteristic of Pundarika Vidyanidhi is that he always drank Ganga water before
worshipping the Lord, then he performed all his daily prescribed religious duties. This was meant to
give a lesson to all the puffed up scholars about the greatness of Mother Ganga
"He is presently in Cakragrma, but he is soon coming to Nabadwip where he also has a house. None of
you will be able to recognize him, as on first sight one would be inclined to think he was an ordinary
materialistic person. I am very anxcious to see him, so all of you must endeavor and pray to bring him
here very quickly."
Talking about Pundarika Vidyanidhi threw the Lord into an ecstatic trance and He began to weep
saying, "O My father Pundarika." The Lord lamented loudly, for only He could understand the extent
of the greatness of such a pure Vaishnava, and through His mercy only can that wonderful and unique
posiition of a pure devotee be revealed
When the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself attracts a living entity there is no way that one
cannot respond, thus Pundarika Vidyanidhi suddenly desired to go to Nabadwip. He made
arrangements and came to Nabadwip with many disciples. In Nabadwip he remained incognito and all
the ordinary men considered him to be a lavish materialist, attached to a life of comfort and self
enjoyment
With the acception of Mukunda, no one amongst the Vaishnava's knew about Pundarika Vidyanidhi's
arrival in Nabadwip. Sri Mukunda was a ayurvedic, brahmana doctor who was born in Caktagrama,
thus he knew about the wonderful Vaishnava qualities of Pundarika Vidyanidhi. When Mukunda found
out that he was in Nabadwip, he was so overwhelmed that it was difficult for him to control himself.
However, Mukunda did not reveal Pundarika Vidyanidhi's identity to anyone thus Pundarika remained
a materialistic self enjoyer, in the eyes of the ordinary folks. Only Mukunda and his brother Vasudeva
Dutta knew about the intensity of Pundarika's love for God
Gadadhara Pandita and Mukunda were very dear friends and always kept in each other's company.
Mukunda thus told Gadadhara Pandita, "Listen carefully Gadadhara, a very great devotee has come to
Nabadwip. You have been hankering for the association of pure Vaishnava's and today your desire will
be fulfilled. I will take you to see a wonderful Vaishnava devotee, in return for this I simply want you
to think of me as your dear servant."
The excited and happy Gadadhara Pandita called out the name of Krishna as they proceeded towards
the great Vaishnava's residence. Ariving there they found Pundarika Vidyanidhi sitting comfortably.
Gadadhara offered his obeisances and was respectfully seated
Vidyanidhi inquired from Mukunda, "What is his name and which village does he come from? I can
see that his body is effulgent due to rendering devotional service to the Supreme Lord Visnu, both his
form and demeanor are extremely wonderful."
"His name is Sri Gadadhara", Mukunda replied, "He is very fortunate because from early childhood he
has been totally detached from family life. His external, material identity is that he is the son of the
brahmana Sri Madhva Misra. Because he is totally absorbed in devotional service he only associates
with Vaishnava's, and he is extremely dear to all the devotees. When he heard about you he was
anxcious to meet you."
After hearing the wonderful qualities of Gadadhara Pandita, Vidyanidhi was very pleased to meet him.
That great personality, Sri Pundarika Vidyanidhi, sat like a prince. His beautiful bed was made of
wood, covered with intricate brass and a reddish stone inlay work. Above were three tiers of
ornamental overhangings, made of glittering brocade strips. He was seated on a soft mattress covered
with clean expensive sheets and silk pillows were placed under his back. On either side of him many
small and large water pots sat within his reach, as well as a nice shining brass plate with betel pan
neatly prepared on it. Two large ornate mirrors hung on either side of him which he continuely glanced
into while smiling with lips reddened from chewing pan. He wore a sandalwood paste tilaka mark on
his forehead and his face was decorated with dots made from a mixture of sandalwood and perfume.
As for his hair, it was well groomed and shining with delicately perfumed hair oil. Two persons stood
behind him fanning him gently with long peacock feathers and in front of him was a nicely prepared
hammock. Because he followed a life of pure devotional service, he looked as charming as Cupid
himself. Those who did not know him would consider him to be a prince as everything about him and
around him gave the impression that he was a man of easy and comfortable life given to pleasure
When Gadadhara Pandita saw these luxurious items and a general atmosphere of materialistic life he
became suspicious. Since Gadadhara was a fully renounced soul from his early childhood, naturally
some doubts regarding the character of Pundarika Vidyanidhi entered his heart. He thought, "What sort
of a Vaishnava is he, surrounded by so much finery and lavish living? Hearing about his devotional
mood I developed great respect for this person, but now on seeing him it is slowly giving way to doubt
and suspicion."
Mukunda understood the mind and heart of Gadadhara Pandita, thus he took upon himself to reveal the
true nature of Pundarika Vidyanidhi. By the special mercy of Lord Krishna, Gadadhara Pandita was
allowed to perceive everything, nothing remained unknown to him
In a very sweet voice Mukunda began to sing a verse from the Srimad Bhagavatm describing the
glories of devotional service: "Alas how shall I take shelter of one more merciful than He who granted
the position of a mother to the she-demon Putana? Putana was unfaithful and always hankering for the
blood of human children. With that desire in mind she prepared deadly poison to be sucked from her
breats and came to kill Krishna, but because she offered her breasts to the Lord she attained the
greatest achievement."
As soon as these words concerning devotional service entered his ears, Pundarika Vidyanidhi began to
weep, tears of ecstatic love welled up in his eyes, rolling down his face profusely like streams of the
Ganga. Simultaneously all the symptoms of ecstasy manifested on his person. He wept, trembled,
rolled, horipilated, roared and finally fell into an unconscious state of ecstasy. Then suddenly regaining
consciousness he said in a loud voice, "Speak, speak," and again fell down to the ground. Agitated with
spiritual emotions he kicked everything that was near him and all the luxurious paraphernalia went
crashing to the ground. The shining brass pots of water, the container of betel pan, pillows, bed sheets,
everything became a confused mass. He began tearing his fine clothes, and his well groomed hair went
haywire as he wept and rolled in the dust. He cried out, "O Krishna, My Lord, My soul, My very life,
You have made me hard hearted like a stone." He lamented loudly, piteously crying out, "I have been
deprived of the Lord's association in His most merciful incarnation." He rolled around and crashed
down to the ground. Everyone was afraid he might break his bones. He to trembled so violently that
three persons could not hold him down. He kicked everything that was in his way, as his disciples
stood by helplessly, unable to control him. In this way the storm of ecstatic love continued until it
finally abated and he fell into an unconscious state of bliss. He lay down without breathing, totally
submerged in an ocean of spiritual ecstasy
Amazed at what he witnessed Gadadhara Pandita began to worry thinking, "What inauspiciousness has
overcome me to make me think in such an offensive manner about this great personality." He
embraced Mukunda, being extremely pleased with him. Drenching him with tears of love he said,
"Mukunda you have acted like a true friend, you have shown me a pure and unalloyed devotee of the
Lord. It would be difficult to find another pure Vaishnava like him anywhere in this entire creation.
One can become totally purified simply by observing his devotional attitude. Today, because you are
right next to me I have been able to avoid a great catastrophe. When I saw all the luxurious
paraphernalia surrounding Pundarika Vidyanidhi I was convinced that he was a materialistic
Vaishnava given to the pleasures of life. You could read my mind and being a great magnanimous soul
you revealed to me the unlimited extent of Pundarika Vidyanidhi's love of for God, yet today I have
been offensive and the extent of my offense can only be mitigated by your mercy. You must be
merciful to me and purify my heart. All these devotees who have taken to the process of surrender
through devotional service to the Lord have all accepted the shelter of a guide under whose instructions
they act. Yet I do not have such an instructor, so I have decided to take shelter of Pundarika Vidyanidhi
and follow devotional service under his quidence. I know that I can counteract all my offenses to him
by becoming his disciple." Thus Gadadhara Pandita revealed to Mukunda his desire to become a
disciple of Pundarika Vidyanidhi. Mukunda was extremely pleased with the decision and patted him on
the back saying, "very good, very good."
Sri Pundarika Vidyanidhi was in a state of ecstatic coma for six hours, gradually he returned to his
normal state and sat down quietly. It was impossible for Gadadhara Pandita to control the tears of joy
which rolled profusely down his face. wetting his entire body. When Sri Vidyanidhi saw this he
embraced Gadadhara Pandita, holding him to his heart. Overwhelmed by Pundarika Vidyanidhi's
ecstatic devotion, Gadadhara was unable to sleep.(?) Mukunda spoke up, revealing Gadadhara
Pandita's mind, "Doubt arose in Gadadhara's mind when he first saw your extravagant appearance and
surroundings, but now he is repentant and wants to accept initiation from you. He is a renounced
devotee of the Lord. Although he is young he is mature in spiritual realisation, and comes from the
very good family of Madhva Misra. From early childhood he has always been very attached to the
Supreme Lord. I think it is a very good match--a very elevated spiritual master like Pundarika
Vidyanidhi having an equally able disciple like Gadadhara Pandita. Please consider these points and
choose an auspicious day tp initiate him with your diksa mantra."
Pundarika Vidyanidhi smiled and said, "Be assured that I will do as you say, for by the Lord's mercy I
have had the great fortune to meet a person who is like a precious gem. The result of many lifetimes of
pious activities is that one may find a disciple such as him. The forthcoming twelfth day of the waxing
moon is very auspicious, come here to meet me and your plan will become successful." Overjoyed,
Gadadhara Pandita offered his obeisances and took leave of Pundarika Vidyanidhi
Mukunda and Gadadhara went straight to meet Lord GauraChandra, who happinly received the news
of Pundarika Vidyanidhi's arrival
During the night, without being seen by anyone, Pundarika left all his associates behind and came to
the place of Lord GauraChandra. As soon as he saw the Lord he fell down like a rod, offering his
obeisances to the Lord, Overwhelmed with ecstatic trance he lay on the ground experiencing waves of
joy. Shortly afterwards he regained external consciousness and roared loudly, then despising(?) himself
he began to weep saying, "O my dear Krishna, You are my Lord and father. I am a great offender,
please punish this wretch. O Lord You have liberated everyone in the world, only I have been deprived
of such goof fortune."
Hearing his lamentation all the assembled Vaishnavas, who knew Pundarika Vidyanidhi to be a great
and elevated Vaishnava, felt pained and began to cry
The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Chaitanya, is especially inclined to His pure devotees,
therefore upon seeing His beloved devotee, He got up and embraced him. Crying the Lord said, "O My
father Pundarika, finally I am able to see you today." The Vaishnavas were overjoyed to have the
association of such an elevated devotee as Pundarika Vidyanidhi and their eyes filled with tears. So
wonderful was this scene that no pen could possibly describe it
Lord Gaurasundara held Pundarika Vidyanidhi in a loving embrace, wetting him with His tears.
Understanding how dear Pundarika was to the Lord, the devotees immediately felt affection, respect
and a sense of closeness with him. The Lord continued to hold Pundarika Vidyanidhi closely as if He
wanted to merge His body into his. For sometime the Lord was unable to move. Remaining like a
statue He held Vidyanidhi in His close embrace. When the Lord came out of trance He began to chant
the name of Hari, and said, "Today Lord Krishna has been very merciful to me, He has fulfilled all My
desires. I have met a person of My heart's desire."
Pundarika Vidyanidhi greeted all the Vaishnavas fondly and they began to chant the holy name
together. The Lord then introduced Pundarika saying, "His name is Pundarika Vidyanidhi, the Lord has
specially created him to distribute love of Godhead."
Hearing this the devotees happily responded by lifting their their arms and chanting "Hari, Hari." The
Lord said, "Today is a special day, a wonderful thing has happened, I woke up from sleep and my eyes
beheld the ocean of love of Godhead directly in Person."
All this went on while Pundarika Vidyanidhi was absorbed within himself in an ecstatic trance, totally
unaware of his immediate external surroundings. Suddenly he became aware of the devotees around
him and he immedietly offered obeisances to the Lord, properly recognizing Him for the first time
since their meeting. Then he offered his obeisances to Advaita Acarya Prabhu and exchanged
obeisances with all the other Vaishnavas. It was a glorious scene, as all the devotees floated on waves
of ecstasy, thrilled to have met Pundarika Vidyanidhi who himself is an ocean of love of Godhead.
Only an extremely pious and fortunate person is able to describe this marvelous scene
Gadadhara Pandita took Lord Visvambhara's permission to accept initiation from Pundarika
Vidyanidhi. Gadadhara said, "I could not understand the uncommon behavior of this great personality
and so I became disrespectful. Therefore in order to cleanse myself of this sin I want to become his
disciple, for certainly as my spiritual master he will exonerate me."
Appreciating Gadadhara Pandita's mood, the Lord said, "Yes, perform it quickly." Thus Gadadhara
Pandita formerly accepted initiation from Pundarika Vidyanidhi,the ocean of ecstatic loving devotion
What ability do I have to speak about the wonderful qualities of Pundarika Vidyanidhi, for he was such
an elevated Vaishnava that even Gadadhara Pandita was his disciple. I have just narrated in short this
wonderful pastime of Pundarika Vidyanidhi, as I was hankering for this opportunity with the hope that
I will be able to have his initiation.(?) Both the spiritual master and the disciple are competent and are
dearly beloved of the Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna Chaitanya.?) Whoever hears of this meeting between
Gadadhara Pandita and Pundarika Vidyanidhi will gradually experience the highest ecstasies of love of
Godhead. Lord Sri Krishna Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda Prabhu are my life and soul, I Vrndavana
Dasa offer my humble song at their lotus feet
Sri Chaitanya Bhagavat
Madhya Lila Chapter Eight
All glories to the beloved Lord Gaurasundara, who is most dear to everyone, especially Lord
Nityananda and Advaita Acarya Prabhu. He is the life and soul of Sri Jagannatha Pandita and Sri
Gadadhara, and the most precious treasure of Pundarika Vidyanidhi. All glories to Lord Chaitanya for
He is the Lord and master of Jagadisa and Gopinatha. All glories to the associates of Lord Chaitanya
Lord Chaitanya continued to perform wonderful pastimes in Nabadwip along with Lord Nityananda
Prabhu. Assisting in Their pastimes Advaita Acarya Prabhu, as well as all the other Vaishnavas,
performed grand kirtana, dancing ecstatically while constantly chanting of the holy name of Lord
Krishna
While Nityananda Prabhu remained in Srivasa Pandita's house He manifested the mood of a young
boy. He would not even eat by Himself and had to be fed by Mother Malini, who felt like a mother to
Him. One day Lord Chaitanya began to discuss topics regarding Krishna Consciousness with Srivasa
Pandita. Wanting to test Srivasa He asked, "Why do keep and maintain this Avadhuta in your house?
You don't even know anything about Him, who He is, where He comes from or what is His family
background is. I warn you that you are being too lenient and kind to Him. If you want to maintain the
good reputation of your family in society then you should immediately turn this Avadhuta out of Your
house."
Srivasa Pandita smiled and said, "O Lord, it is not proper for You to test me in this way. I know that
Lord Nityananda is Your expansion. You are the Supreme Lord and there is no difference between
Yourself and Lord Nityananda. I am Your servant and anyone who serves You becomes my master.
Even if Lord Nityananda were a meat-eating drunkard and due to my association with Him I lost my
reputation, wealth and everything, still, I tell You truly that I would never think of anything else other
than serving His and Your lotus feet
Hearing Srivasa Pandita speaking in this manner the Lord stood up and roared loudly with great joy,
"What have I just heard from you Srivasa Pandita? You have so much faith and love for Nityananda
Prabhu? You have understood the truth about My dearmost confidential associate. This has pleased Me
so much that I grant you this boon: Even if there comes a time when Laksmi devi, the Goddess of
fortune, is forced to wander about with a begging bowl, still your house will never know the chills of
penury. Everyone in Your house, including your pet dogs and cats, will find complete shelter in My
devotional service. Therefore I leave Lord Nityananda Prabhu in your care so that you may look after
Him and serve Him properly." Saying this the Lord returned home
Lord Nityananda spent His time roaming about Nabadwip. Sometimes He went to the Ganga to take a
swim and happily allowed the currents to carry Him away. At other times He played with the young
boys acting like a little child Himself. He would visit the houses of Gangadasa Pandita and Murari
Gupta, and then run to Lord Chaitanya's house where Mother Saci showered Him with affection.
Absorbed in the mood of a young boy Lord Nityananda would try to catch mother Saci's feet and she
always tried to escape from Him. One night mother Saci had a dream which she later related to Lord
Visvambhara in confidence. "Late in the night I dreamed I saw You and Nityananda. You were two
five year old boys, running about playing and fighting. I saw both of You enter the Deity room and
then come out with the deity of Lord Balarama in Your hand, and the deity of Krishna in Nityananda's
hand. The four of You then began to fight with each other
Lord Balarama and Lord Krishna were angry and said to You, 'Hey, You cheaters, You impostors, get
out of here. This house and this room belongs to Us, and everything else here like the sweets, curds
and milk are all Ours.' Nityananda replied, 'Those days of stealing butter and curd for You to eat are
now gone. You are no longer cowherd boys. Now You have become young brahmanas so give up Your
possessiveness about all these sweets, yogurt and milk now. If You do not listen to Our sweet
persuasion then We will convince you with a beating. Who is going to tolerate Your plundering and
mischief.' Lord Balarama and Lord Krishna replied, 'We will catch hold of both of You impostors and
tie You up and leave you here. If by chance You go against the wishes of Krishna, no one will blame
Us for this.'(?) Lord Nityananda Prabhu then replied, 'Who is afraid of Your Krishna? My Lord and
Master is Lord Visvambhara.' The four of them fought with each other in this way, snatching the
sweets and food from each others hands and mouths and eating it. Nityananda called out to me saying,
'Mother, bring My food I am very hungry'. Thereafter I woke up, but I cannot understand anything of
this dream, therefore I am telling You."
Hearing the description of Mother Saci's dream Lord Visvambhara smiled and spoke to her tenderly.
"That was a nice dream you had mother, but do not tell this to everyone. Our Deities are actually living
and are very potent. Your dream has increased and strengthened My devotion and faith in Them. It is
interesting that you dreamt about this, as I have been observing something strange which I did not
reveal before because I was feeling ashamed. I noticed that the foodstuff which your daughter-in-law
cooked and offered to Their Lordships, Lord Balarama and Lord Krishna, would remain half eaten
after the offering was over. I was suspicious of my wife, but now everything has become clear
Visnupriya, Sri Laksmi devi the mother of the universe, heard the details of Mother Saci's dream from
the inner quarters and smiled at her husband's words
Lord Visvambhara said, "Mother let me go and bring Nityananda here right away and you can feed
him." Happy to hear this, Saci Mata quickly began to prepare for cooking
Lord Visvambhara went to Nityananda Prabhu and extended and invitation to Him, along with a
warning; "Today, we are making a special offering to the Deities so please do not misbehave."
Nityananda Prabhu caught hold of His ears and cried, "Visnu, Visnu, only made people misbehave.
You think that I will misbehave because You think everyone is like Yourself." Joking in this way they
proceeded towards Viswambara's house, absorbed in talks of Krishna
Entering the house They were given water to wash Their feet and then sat down to eat next to each
other,surrounded by Gadadhara Pandita and other friends. Sitting together in this way Nityananda and
Visvambhara looked exactly like Lord RamaChandra and Laksmana sitting in Their Mother's house.
The mood was the same and Their affection for each other was the same, as They were the same
Persons
Mother Saci was very happy and excitedly hurried to serve out three full plates of prasadam for the two
of Them. When she returned she found two young boys of five in the place where Visvambhara and
Nityananda had been sitting. One of the boys had a blackish complexion and the other was very fair.
Both of Them were exquisitely beautiful, and were without any clothing. One of Them had four arms
which held the conch shell, disc, mace and lotus. His breast was marked with the Srivatsa, the
glistening kosa(kaustubha?) jewel hung from His neck and beautiful fish shaped earrings dangled from
His ears. The other boy held the plough and the pestle. She also saw her daughter-in-law, Visnupriya,
situated on the breast of one of the young children. No sooner had she seen this wonderful sight then it
vanished
Mother Saci stood still mummified with ecstasy and tears rolled down her face drenching her clothes.
All the foodstuff scattered as mother Saci fell to the ground and lay unconscious
Lord Visvambhara rushed to wash His hands and mouth then quickly ran to rescue His mother. Lifting
her up He said, "Mother, Mother, please get up, calm down, get control of yourself. Why did you
suddenly fall to the ground?" Mother Saci slowly regained consciousness and quickly tied her loosened
hair. Without uttering a word she went inside her room and began weeping. She was overwhelmed
with ecstatic love for God and nothing else mattered to her. Her breath came in great sighs and her
body trembled from head to toe
Meanwhile the servant, Isana, cleaned the eating room. He collected the remnants of food that had
scattered on the floor and ate it all. Isana is truly extremely fortunate, for everyday he performed such
wonderful activities yet he remained like a servant, thus no one knew that he was actually perceiving
the highest transcendental truth
Lord GauraChandra, along with His devotees, continued to perform congregational chanting of the
holy name in Nabadwip. Although the Lord's eternal associates had appeared in different parts of
Bengal, gradually, in small numbers, they began to come to Nabadwip. There they soon found out that
the Supreme Lord had appeared. Allaying the fears of the devotees and filling their hearts with bliss,
Lord Visvambhara manifested Himself before them as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The
Lord's devotees are as dear to Him as His own heart, thus that Supreme Personality who is intensely
sought after through the Vedic literature, mixed freely with His devotees, embracing all of them so
lovingly that each one of them felt as if he were the most prominent of the Lord's associates
The Lord regularly visited His disciples in their homes, where he would exhibit to them His four
handed form. Sometimes He went to Gangadasa Pandita's house or to Murari Gupta's house, and at
other times He visited Srivasa Pandita's. But all the while The Lord's constant companion was
Nityananda Prabhu, whom He could not bear to be separated from. Lord Nityananda was always
engrossed in the playful mood of a young boy, and Visvambhara wholeheartedly reciprocated with him
in the same spirit
According to their particular faith, various devotees saw Lord Chaitanya appear before them in
different incarnations: Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Vamana, Nrsimha, etc
Some days the Lord was absorbed in the mood of the gopi's and wept continuously, oblivious to the
passage of time. Other days He felt like Uddhava, or Akrura, while at other times felt like Lord
Balarama and demanded that wine be brought to Him. Sometimes he was filled with the emotions of
Lord Brahma and began chanting hymns, falling on the ground. Another time, feeling like Prahlad
Maharaja, He offered prayers to the Supreme Lord. In this way Lord Chaitanya floated on various
waves of devotional ecstasy
Observing the happiness of her son, Mother Saci was extremely happy, yet one dreadful thought
continuously interrupted her cheerful mood: "What if my son leaves home?" Brushing such unpleasant
thoughts aside she said, "Dear son, go and take Your bath in the Ganga," "Mother, please chant the
holy name, Krishna, Rama." In every conversation with His Mother the Lord simply replied with one
word: 'Krishna'
These super excellent transcendental pastimes of the Lord's are all incon- ceivable, they cannot be
understood by any amount of material calculation
One day a wandering devotee of Lord Siva passed by singing the glories of his Lord, while dancing
blissfully round and round. Hearing the singing of the Sivaite, Sri Chaitanya suddenly appeared in the
form of Lord Siva, with great matted locks of hair piled on His head. Jumping up on the singers
shoulders He shouted loudly, "I am Sankara, I am Sankara." The people watched in amazement as the
Lord sat perched on the devotees shoulder. Playing on a horn and a small hand tabor, the Lord
encouraged the Sivaite to continue singing
That day that fortunate devotee received the full benefit of purely glorifying his Lord Siva. purely
without offenses. Supreme Lord Gaurasundara sat on his shoulders. The Lord regained normalcy and
climbing down He personally offered alms to the singer. The singer devotee left feeling extremely
grateful and satisfied. The devotee servants of Lord Gauranga, shouted Lord Hari's name in illusion
feeling a surge of devotional ecstasy in the Lord's company
The Lord said, "you My brothers, please hear the essential teachings of all scriptures. Why should we
waste our nights in useless activities. Let us make a firm resolution from today to spend the nights
engaged in the most auspicious activities, chanting the Lord's name. By performing congregational
chanting of the holy name all of us will drown in divine deluge as if the flood of devotional ecstasy is
gushing like Ganga devi. Let the whole world be delivered by hearing the holy name; in that way You
will become everyone's spiritual life giver and beloved treasure."
The Lord's words breathed great joy to all the Vaishnava hearts, Lord Chaitanya had begun His kirtana
pastimes. Every night the Lord met the devotees in Srivasa Pandita's house and performed kirtana;
some days He would also meet in Chandra Sekhara's house. These kirtana meetings would be attended
by so many devotees, the Lord's dear servants, that all their names cannot possibly be remembered
Lord Nityananda was there with Gadadhara Pandita, Advaita Acarya, Srivasa Pandita, Vidyanidhi,
Murari, Hiranya, Haridasa Thakura, Gangadasa, Banamali, Bijoy, Nandana, Jagadananda Pandita,
Buddhimanta Khan, Narayana, Kasisvara, Vasudeva, Rama, Garudai, Govinda, Govindarama,
Gopinatha, Jagadisa, Sriman, Sridhara, Sadasiva, Vakresvara, Srigarbha, Suklambara, Brahmananda,
Purusottama, Sanjaya and others. The Lord was always surrounded only by such devotees who
accompanied Him in kirtana and dancing. The Lord's ecstatic thunderous roars and loud kirtana rented
the very limits of the material world
These kirtana agitated the envious atheists. They clapped their thighs and jumped up pouring out
streams of profanity, "all this loud howling and wild dancing after a good wine bout as soon as it gets
to be night time, is robbing us of our entire night's precious sleep. These impostors entice women to
them with their hypnotic enchantments and enjoy them the whole night. These atheists are consumed
in their own fire of hate, and the Lord, Sacinandana, dances in graceful ebullience.
As soon as the kirtana begins the Lord comes in trance, becomes oblivious of the phenomenal world.
Dancing He falls to the ground with such force that the earth quakes and cracks in places. The devotees
look at Him mummified in fear. As the Lord's tender body contacts the hard surface, Sacimata closes
her eyes silently praying to Lord Govinda, Krishna for is protection. Sacimata knows that Nimai is in
spiritual trance, yet due to her intense love for the Lord she experienced great agony. She did not know
what action to take so she earnestly prayed to the Lord. "O Lord Krishna, please grant me this wish,
that I may not know when Nimai hurls HImself to the ground, please grant me this mercy Krishna.
Although for Nimai there is no pain but actual blissfulness, I will be happy to remain unaware of all
this." Lord Chaitanya, the Supreme Lord knew Sacimata's wishes, so accordingly He infused in her
divine ecstasy. As long as Lord Chaitanya performed kirtana and dancing Mother Saci entered a state
of spiritual exhilaration and became heedless of this material world.
All the time now the Lord spent in kirtana and ecstatic dancing surrounded by His followers. Some
days the devotees would collect in the Lord's house and begin loud sankirtana while the Lord
immersed Himself in dancing
At times the Lord exhibited His mood as the Omnipotent Supreme Controller, then at other times he
wept in humility saying, "I am Your servant." Dear reader's hear these narrations about the Lord's
transcendental ecstasies very attentively for there is no one who can dance so gracefully as Lord
Chaitanya in the entire creation. And likewise the beautiful and exuberant singing of His associates
that accompany His dancing is also incomparable.
On special (religious) days (like ekadasi, dvadasa or Visnu tattva appearances) Lord Chaitanya
assembled all the devotees in Srivasa Pandita's house from early dawn and began mesmerizing
everyone with jubilant dancing. In the house of that most fortunate soul, Srivasa Pandita a melodious
tumult of the holy names of Govinda Gopala went up in the atmosphere. Different kirtana groups
emerged from out of the assembled devotees
Srivasa Pandita headed one group, Mukunda another and Govinda yet another. They all sang and the
Lord danced. Nityananda Prabhu, that great spiritual stalwart circumambulated the dancing Lord while
Advaita Acarya Prabhu stealthily lifted the dust from the ground where the Lord danced and put in on
his head. Gadadhara Pandita and others experienced divine exhilaration and looked at the Lord with
tearful eyes.
Hear some of the descriptions of how they performed kirtanas to accompany the Lord's magnificent
dancing. They sang often in "Bhatigari Raga." The directions resounded with the singing of the holy
name, "Govinda", and Mahaprabhu accompanied it lost in His scintillating body movements. They
sang, "Hari O Rama, Hari O Rama."
Lord Chaitanya would begin to weep during kirtanas, it continued minimum for an hour; His long
tresses tossed about on the ground and He made no attempt to tie them. Only hearts of stone can
remain unmoved by the sight; the devotees fell swooning to the ground trying to reach out to the Lord.
And when He began laughing, He broke out in carefree effervescent mirth infecting everyone with
ecstatic joy for hours. Lord Chaitanya being surcharged with the mood of servitorship became unaware
of His own divinity. Jubilantly He repeated,"I am victorious, I am victorious," and all the devotees
chorused the same.
At intervals the Lord sang out so loudly it sounded as if the entire universe would split open.
Sometimes He became heavier than our earth, impossible for anyone to hold Him; and again He lost so
much weight, in a moment He was lighter than cotton wool and being carried around the house
jubilantly by devotees on their shoulders. The Lord frequently went into ecstatic trances on the least of
provocation putting the devotees in anxiety and they chanted, "Hari" loudly into His ears to awaken
Him
Then sometimes His entire body shivered uncontrolled, His teeth chattering like a little boy out on a
winter morning. Next moment He was drenched in cold sweat like Mother Ganga was flowing out of
His pores. His body would suddenly become burning hot, drying up all the cooling sandal paste
applied to His person. He released gigantic sighs throwing asunder the devotees from His front and
then He rushed at the devotees to catch their feet and all the Vaishnavas tried to escape the Lord.
The Lord liked to sit and rest back against Lord Nityananda lifting His lotus feet He looked smiling at
the devotees. The devotees immediately comprehended the impact of this pastime and they ran to loot
the priceless treasure of the dust of the Lord's lotus feet. Advaita Acarya said, "O You thief, now we
have crushed Your pride." Lord Chaitanya blissfully rolled on the ground and allowed the devotees to
glorify Krishna.
When Lord Chaitanya danced vigorously the earth quaked and the devotees looked around in
apprehension, but when He danced with graceful postures He looked like the divine Krishna, the son of
Nanda Maharaja. He roared sometimes with the roar of ten million lions but He carefully protected the
devotees ear drums. Often He would be seen by some moving on air little above the ground, yet not
everyone could see. He stared at devotees with eyes turned bright red due to feelings of extreme
ecstasy, they were shocked at first but fled away laughing
Visvambhara became restless with ecstasy and danced, lost in Himself. He caught some one's feet and
sometimes even clambered on His head. He would drape around someone's neck and weep and next
moment climbed on to his shoulders. Again overcome by the youthful mood He became restless and
made sounds of musical instruments with His mouth like a playful lad. He would shake His foot and
laugh continuously and then get down and crawl on all fours feeling like a baby.
At times Visvambhara entered into the mood of Syamananda Sundara, Krishna and stood for hours in
the trilinga position (the body bent in three places). He meditated for sometime and then played the
flute, melodiously and He looked just like Krishna, the moon of Vrndavana. When He came out of this
mood He again felt like the Lord's servitor and wept, with utmost humility He begged everyone
wanting to serve their feet.
The Lord sometimes bent His body like a wheel, His feet touching the head, and remained like this for
long hours. He expressed all His ecstatic moods in wondrous ways, dancing exquisitely immersed in
the bliss of chanting His own names. Now His body trembled as He frequently made roaring sounds
and now became unquiet fell crashing to the ground. A dancing resplendent golden figure suddenly
they see Him multi colored; they see double images of Him. Supreme Lord Chaitanya exhibited such
extraordinary displays of ecstatic emotion under the total influence of His mood of a Vaishnava
devotee. He often repeated unspeakable words, shouting before the Vaishnava He respected as a
"Prabhu" is now caught by his hair by the Lord and the Lord calls out, "This fellow is My servant."
The Vaishnava whose feet He tried to catch previously in humility, He now stands on His breath. The
devotees all around were so capti- vated and moved by the Lord's ecstatic symptoms that they put their
hands around each other's necks and cried.
The entire group of assembled Vaishnavas look so radiant, their bodies decorated with sandal wood
tilaka and tulasi mala; and blissfully tasted the nectar of chanting Lord Krishna's name. The sounds of
their voices, mrdangas conch shells and kartals mingled to a melodious uproar. As this auspicious
sound of the holy name spread and filled the azure vaults evil and misfortune disappeared in every
direction. How extraordinary is that Supreme master that the entire universe becomes cleansed of sin
simply by the dancing of His disciples.And the Master Krishna Himself dances to the accompaniment
of His own holy name, how can the Puranas ever explain this supernatural phenomena?
Lord Chaitanya danced surrounded by His devotees loudly chanting the auspicious name of Lord Hari.
Lord Siva becomes spiritually surcharged with bliss at the sound of the Lord's name, that once He
begins to dance and taste the nectar he loses track of his person and clothes. That very name of Lord
transformed Valmiki to an embodiment of knowledge and renunciation. The same holy name offered
Ajamila Supreme liberation. Hearing His name the shackles of material existence are broken, that self
same Supreme Lord has now appeared in Kali yuga and is dancing to His own name. Narada Muni and
Sukdeva Gosvami roams the universe singing His name and Ananta Sesha Prabhu with a thousand
mouths glorifies His name. Whose name is the best means for atonement from my sin, that same
Supreme Personality dances only to be seen by the most fortunate souls. I am so fallen and wretched
that I was not born then to see this marvelous festival of sankirtana and dance.
Srila Vyasadeva's son Sukadeva Gosvami praised Kali yuga in Srimad Bhagavat because he knew the
future advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. That same Lord now danced immersed within His joyful
self enchanting all with the rhythmic patting of His feet. The Vaijayanti garland around His neck
swung wildly echoing the Lord's ecstatic dancing mood. He tore the garland and threw the shreds at
His devotees' feet; gave up His joy rides on Garuda's shoulder, forgot His conch shell, disc, mace, lotus
holding form, forsake His bed of Ananta Sesha; in His pastimes as Gaurasundara He rolled on the dust
and wept overcome with the ecstatic mood of servitorship to the Supreme Lord. Gone was His mood of
Lord and Master and the pleasures of the Vaikuntha planets, the ecstasy of being the Lord's servant
overshadowed all other pleasures.
The Lord is Supreme subject of all pleasures, yet disregarding the pleasure of Laksmi devi's company
and exquisite face He prefers to heave His hands and face in the ecstasy of the kirtana and drown in an
ocean of acute separation from His beloved Krishna. THe Supreme Lord who is diligently served by
elevated personalities like Lord Siva and Narada Muni they have given up their wealth, position for
this, that same Lord Gauranga has neglected His Supreme Absolute Lordship and with utmost
humility, taking straw in his mouth is begging and praying for devotional service. And if any wretched
soul, in spite of the Lord's unprecedented novel example disregards devotional service to the Supreme
Lord, he is unfortunate enough to throw away the nectar and drink poison
These are again those who read and propagate the teachings of Srimad Bhagavatm and establish
themselves as Lord and Master, without appreciating the extraordinary beauty of devotional service, all
their activities are lowly and futile. They do not know the essential truth in the Vedas yet they deliver
dissertations on the scriptures, to equally agnostic audience. They are truly like the mules carrying the
burden some load of useless learning. The Vedas and Bhagavatm have unequivocally elucidated the
elevated position of devotional servitorship to the Supreme; Laksmi devi, Lord Brahma, Lord Siva and
others carefully cultivate this priceless process.
Those who do not have complete faith in Lord Chaitanya's words are most unfortunate and are forever
disassociated from His mercy.
It was so divinely enchanting to see Lord Gaurasundara dance surrounded by all His associates singing
sweet melodious kirtanas. Advaita Acarya unable to control His ecstasy often went into a trance and
covered His entire body with straw, and holding one in His mouth in humility with some on His head
He danced vigorously, His eyebrows drawn close together. The assembled devotees were astounded by
Advaita Acarya's ecstatic symptoms, while Nityananda Prabhu and Gadadhara Pandita were shaking
with laughter.Lord Gaurasundara the dear life of every soul, continued His sublimedance, frequently
overcome by endless ecstatic emotions.
Lord Gaura Sundara exhibited such extraordinary symptoms of ecstasy that are not even mentioned in
the Srimad Bhagavatm, nor has anyone heard about them from anywhere else. Sometimes His body
became stiff like a statue, and no one could possibly move or bend Him. Then again His body became
soft as cream, as if He had no bones in the body. Other times He looked at least twice His normal size
and again sometimes He looked at least twice His normal size and again sometimes He became thinner
and smaller than usual. Sometimes He moved drowsily about like a drunkard, suddenly breaking out
into a joyous boisterous laughter shaking His entire frame.
Seeing the assembled Vaishnavas surrounding Him, Lord Gaurasundara enraptured in spiritual
emotions started calling each with their previous names. He looked around and shouted out to the
individual names like, "Haladhara, Siva, Suka, Narada, Prahlada, Rama (laksmi) Aja (Brahma),
Uddhava. In this way the Lord skillfully revealed different devotees previous identities in Krishna lila.
All the devotees marveled, filling their eyes with the enchanting dance of Lord Gaurasundara in the
mood of Lord Krishna.
The crowd at Srivasa Pandita's residence drawn by the delightful kirtana was overflowing and over
anxious to see Sri Gaurasundara. Those who arrived early were in the house and could see everything,
others remained outside. The Lord instructed for the doors to be closed. The people of Nadia were
impatient, creating a loud commotion to get inside. They cried out, "we want to see the kirtana open
the doors immediately." The Vaishnavas inside were unaware of any happenings, their complete
attention captivated by the kirtana.
Amongst those who were not allowed inside were some atheistic and envious persons making various
comments. They said, "they are a bunch of beggars, afraid and feeling ashamed they might be
recognized by others, so they closed the doors." "You are right, it is only due to the pangs of hunger
that they scream non stop for hours." "Actually they closed the doors because they do not want us to
catch them drinking wine all night," "Nimai Pandita was good and normal, we do not know why God
changed His mentality." "I think this is a consequence of His past life." "In fact, this is happening
because of bad association, ever since Nimai lost His father He has no one to discipline Him, Nimai
has since long given up HIs studies, grammar is such a subject if you lose touch of it for even a month
you forget it, His mind is now idle, we know all their excuses
We know the real reason for their closed door activities. In the night they chant mystical incantations
casting spells on women and bring them here. Together they eat and drink all sorts of things and
decorate themselves with fragrant flowers and perfumes and engage in various illicit recreation, so they
lock their doors to avoid public censure. Tomorrow I shall definitely have them arrested and taken
away bound up like common criminals. All this howling and shouting, `Hari, Hari' was never heard in
these parts, now this kirtana has stolen the sleep and peace of common people. All material prosperity
is now forever gone and instead we will have famine. The rains will stop due to their reprobate
activities and no grains will grow and we will all starve. But let us wait outside a few days, because
this madness cannot go on for too long, we shall see that Srivasa or Advaita or that Avadhuta
Nityananda does." In this manner the godless persons raved and threatened, but the Vaishnavas were
immersed in joyous ocean of kirtana and they did not pay attention to their words.
Outside the tirade continued, "It is not a brahmanas duty to sing and dance, that is for the low class
man. Sad that a educated brahmana should set such a bad example." Just looking at them even a
upright brahmana looses all his good qualities. No one should as much as see their dancing and kirtana
even out of curiosity. Look what happened to Nimai, He was intelligent, now He is mad, dancing and
singing with them and they are steadily increasing in number. What is their use of calling out to God,
without any self realization. God resided within you, why reject the wealth in your own house and
search for it elsewhere in the forest."
Then someone quite unexpectedly said, "no use criticizing others, better to just go home and mind our
own business." Another voice supported him saying, "We cannot get inside to see the kirtana due to
our own misfortune from our previous life. How can we criticize those who are fortunate to be inside,
participating in the kirtana? They are very pious."
"He must also belong to their group," the atheists cried out, and pressed aggressively towards him.
"What is the great loss if we do not see their kirtana? they are simply a few hundred, prancing around
screaming as if in war. Without practicing chanting, penances or cultivating knowledge they follow a
concocted method of discipline and meditation. They collect food- stuffs like rice, bananas, milk and
curd and mixing everything they sit together and eat, this way they corrupt the caste system."
People came to see the kirtana only to abuse, "Just look at how madly they are acting, they indulged in
such comments and left, again a fresh group of people gathered to continue the vilification. When two
agnostics met they engaged in ridiculing the Vaishnavas and rolling in laughter. When they met
anyone who had never see the kirtana they forced him to go to Srivasa's house, and only on repeated
pleadings would they allow someone to get away.
Someone said, "what a wonder, in spite of seeing all this, the people crazily follow Nimai Pandita.
With all the hustle and bustle Srivasa Pandita's house sounds like he is celebrating Durga puja. The
only sound one hears is a great din, this certainly gives rise to all the ill rumors. Nabadwip is crowded
with thousands of erudite scholars, yet there charlatans have gained prominence here. We must free
Nabadwip from this Srivasa, tomorrow I will demolish his house and float his belongings down the
Ganga. It is for the better of this town to be rid of this so called brahmana, otherwise when the
brahmanical culture wanes by his bad example the Muslims will take over."
Such were the unending string of invectives against the Vaishnavas, yet some atheists were somehow
very fortunate. They were born in the same place as the Lord, and so they automatically saw and heard
the Lord's dancing, kirtana and other pastimes.
The devotees of Lord Chaitanya were deaf to all such criticism intoxicated by the sweet nectar of
Krishna's name. Day and night they sang the different transcendental names of Krishna, "Jaya Krishna,
Murari, Mukunda, Banamali." And day and night a tireless Lord Visvambhara sang and danced with
His associates whose transcendental bodies were naturally indefatigable.
Immersed in the ecstasy of name kirtana with Lord Chaitanya millenniums passed by but by human
considerations they were but a few years for the devotees. Like in the Rasa dance pastimes of Lord
Krishna, the young damsels, the Vraja gopis spent millenniums with Krishna dancing with Him, but to
Him it seemed a mere flitting moment came to an end only to early. Krishna's pastimes are all
inconceivable and the associates of Lord Chaitanya knowing this had similar experiences of time like
the Vraja gopis.
One night, an hour before dawn, Lord Chaitanya suddenly stopped dancing and climbed up on the altar
and lifting up on His lap the shaligrama silas that were in Lord Visnu's seat He sat down in it. The seat
crackled and protested loudly under His weight. Lord NItyananda quickly rushed to hold up the altar
seat, now with Lord Ananta Sesha supporting the seat, it did not crumble and Lord Gaurasundara sat
comfortably in it and swayed gently. Lord ordered for the kirtana to discontinue and as quietness
settled He began to reveal the transcendental truth about Himself with a booming loud voice
"In Kaliyuga I have appeared as Krishna, I am the Supreme Lord Narayana and the fortunate son of
Devaki, I am the Lord and master of the entire cosmic creation; it is I who glorified in all your songs
for you are My servitors. I have appeared for the sake of all of you, I have accepted whatever
foodstuffs you have offered they were gifts meant for Me."
Srivasa said, "O Lord, everything is Yours." Lord Chaitanya replied, "I will eat everything." Advaita
Acarya said, "Lord, it is a great fortune for us."
The devotees became busy bringing edibles for the Lord, and the Lord enjoyed it with relish. He ate
milk, curd and fresh butter and kept repeating, "What else do you have, bring it." They brought Him
milk, sweets like sandesh which He mixed with sugar; they brought rock candy with coconut milk and
grains, bananas with flat rice and fried rice. He consumed large amounts and still said, "bring more."
He ate in a matter of minutes more than what two hundred men could eat
Still the Lord said, "What else is there, bring it, bring it, Oh there is nothing here." The devotees were
alarmed because their supplies were exhausted, they became amazed at the Lord in this mood and
began to remember the Lord Almighty in fear.
They prayed to the Lord with folded hands, "O Lord what do we know about Your mystic potencies?
How can we satisfy with our small gifts. Someone who can hold the entire creation in His stomach?"
The Lord replied, "My devotees gifts are never small or insignificant to Me, quickly bring, bring! what
other things you have."
They said, "please listen dear Lord, the only thing left is some camphor rice," the Lord replied, "do not
worry, bring Me that."
THe devotees became jubilant and forgot their fears, each one hurried to bring as much rice as they
could and the Lord received it with open outstretched palms. The Lord then made large eyes and
rolling them He began calling out loud, "Narra, Narra, Narra."
The dumb struck devotees sat around with terror in their hearts. They saw the Lord as a terrible master
come to give out punishments, no one could approach Him. Lord Nityananda stood behind
Mahaprabhu holding an umbrella over Him, and Advaita Acarya stood before the Lord with folded
hands offering Him prayers. All the devotees hung their heads in consternation and remembered the
shelter of Lord Chaitanya's feet.
Whosoever relishes these narrations of the LOrd's mystic opulencewill certainly be able to see the
beatific face of the Lord. And in whatever stage of spiritual realization one is situated he will perceive
to that extent only such esoteric revealment anything more is impossible without the Lord's sanction.
Looking at Advaita's face the Lord said, "As for a boon, I have incarnated here only because of you."
The Lord looked at all the devotees one by one and laughing said, "Ask for what you want." The Lord
manifested His divine awesome potency in this way, sweeping away the devotees in waves of ecstasy.
The Lord's inconceivable pastimes are impossible to comprehend; in a matter of moments the Lord
changes from an exacting Autocrat to a devotee swooning in devotional ecstasy. On regaining
consciousness the Lord wept continuously manifesting the mood of servitorship. He sent around
putting His arms around the Vaishnavas neck and wept calling them, "brother, friend."
An ordinary person could never see such activities, only by the arrangement of the Lord's maya
potency the Lord's servitors were eligible to perceive the truth about the Lord's super mundane
situation. The devotees were joyous and laughing at the Lord's wonderful character and they said,
"Supreme Lord Narayana has advented."
He again fell down unconscious with overwhelming bliss, and lay on the ground as if dead. The
devotees began to lament bitterly. They thought, "my beloved Lord has left me behind and left this
world, why is He so cruel to me, I will also leave my body immediately."
The all knowing Lord again woke up feeling he thoughts of His devotees, and started a loud kirtana.
The devotees were suddenly stirred up and in extreme exhilaration lost balance. Nabadwip devotees
thus relished such wonderful loving pastimes with the Lord of Vaikuntha
Whoever hears these transcendental pastimes of the Lord, his mind will always dwell in the
associations of devotees and in the Supreme Lord Gaurasundara Himself
Sri Krishna Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda are my life and soul, I Vrndavana dasa, humbly offer this
song at their lotus feet
Sri Chaitanya Bhagavat
Madhya Lila Chapter Nine
Lord Sri GauraChandra is the Controller of the Universe and He accepted the garb of a sannyasi not for
His own sake but for everyone's benefit
All glory to the son of Jagannatha Misra and Mother Saci, and all glory to His sankirtana movement
All glory to Lord Chaitanya, the very Life of Lord Nityananda and Gadadhara Pandita, and He is the
most beloved by Advaita and Srivasa Pandita, Jagadananda Pandita and Haridasa Thakura, Vakreswara
Pandita and Pundarika Vidyamidhi, Yasudeva and Srigarbha
Be merciful O Lord! and look upon every living entity graciously. May the Lord and all His associates
be glorified, for hearing about the pastimes of Lord Chaitanya one immediately attains the supreme
goal of Bhakti, love of God
Please listen intently to the narration in Madhya Khanda because they depict pastimes of Lord
Chaitanya. Now hear the descriptions of Lord Chaitanya's "Mahaprakasa" lila or great revelation, for
this fulfills the desire of all Vaishnavas.
The Lord manifested the glorious "Sat Praharia bhava" or Twenty one hour long devotional emotions.
In this pastime He wonderfully revealed His different incarnations, extraordinary feat at feasting and
freely giving away to the devotees pure love of Godhead. And all the Vaishnavas honored the Lord in a
grand bathing ceremony known as "Raja Rajeswar" fit only for the most powerful Kings of the
Universe.
One day Lord Gaurasundar came to Srinivasa Pandita's house accompanied by Lord Nityananda, who
was beside Himself with joy. Gradually all the Vaishnavas assembled there. Lord Gaurasundara, who
was then fully engrossed within Himself, looked about Him - as a regal Personality surveys His
surroundings with intensely powerful glances. The devotees could perceive the Lord's mood and
immediately they started loud kirtana.
On other days the Lord would dance in the ecstasy of a devotee servant of the Supreme Lord, Then
changing that mood momentarily He revealed His identity as the Omnipotent Supreme Lord, that mood
also would quickly change and he would again revert back to the mood of a devotee. But today, to the
good luck of the assembled devotees, the Lord stood up as if to dance as usual, and instead sat on the
throne of Lord Visnu
On previous occasions the Lord would sit on Lord Visnu's throne immersed in devotional ecstasy, as if
unaware of His own conduct. No so today; today He did not obfuscate His real identity with the cloak
of His internal energy. But sat on the throne continuously for twenty one hours. The devotees stood in
front of Him with folded hands and hearts effervescent with joy. It was a wonderful sight the devotees
were fully content, they spontaneously expressed that it felt like they were in Vaikuntha
And so it was, The Lord also sat amidst all like the Lord of Vaikuntha and everyone present there
became totally free from the influence of the illusory material potency.
Lord Chaitanya instructed, "Sing that bathing song". THe devotees were very pleased and they began
to sing. The Lord gently swayed His head sideways in time with the song and showered the devotees
with His merciful glances. The devotees now could service the Lord's mood and they desired to
perform His `abhiset' or bathing ceremony.
The devotees brought water from the Ganga. First they strained the Ganga water. Then they added
musk, sandal pasted, saffron and camphor into it proportionately, preparing everything with increasing
love of the Lord
They began the ceremony with jubilant shouts and started chanting appropriate mantras.
Lord Nityananda was the first to pour water on the Lord's head, He kept repeating "Jaya, jaya" as He
did so with great pleasure. Other leading devotees like Adviata Acarya and Srivasa Pandita bathed the
Lord, chanting the famous "Purasa Sukta" prayers. The devotees of Lord Gauranga are very well
versed in the science of the scriptures and of chanting Vedic hymns, so they poured water
accompanying it with mantras.
Mukunda and others were singing sweetly the bathing ceremony song and other devotees wept or
danced with overwhelming happiness. The upright and chaste wives were uluating with joy. The entire
assembly was immersed in an ocean of bliss. The Lord of Vaikuntha Lord Gauranga remained seated
and the devotees one by one poured water on His head bathing the Lord. Usually on such religious
occasions
pots of water were supposed to be required but today it far exceeded that number.
Even the demigods came there not wanting to miss the opportunity to make more spiritual progress,
but were disguised so as not to be recognized.
Where even a drop of water offered to the Lord's lotus feet, that also in meditation, is sufficient to ward
off punishment given out by the God of death, What to speak about the good fortune of the people who
were able to bathe the Lord directly, who were present there in person.
All the servants and maid servants in Srivasa Pandita's house were also engaged in bringing water for
the Lord. The wonderful result that one enjoys from serving the Lord was amply proved by one
incident. One of the maid servants, a pious woman named "Dukkhi" (sad), was one of the water
carriers. The Lord saw her actively engaged and told her, "Bring, bring more," the Lord was so
impressed with her devotional service attitude that He changed her name to `Sukhi' or happy,
indicating He had taken away her distress.
Having bathed the Lord. Accompanied with the chanting of the Vedic mantras, the devotees dried the
Lord's body. They dressed Him in fresh new clothes and smeared His transcendental and exquisite
body with fragrant sandal wood paste. They cleaned Lord Visnu's throne and arranged everything
properly and the Lord sat on the throne which was truly His. Lord Nityananda held the umbrella over
the Lord's head, while one of the more fortunate devotees began to whisk the Lord with the `camara'.
The devotees collected the paraphernalia for offering worship to the Lord and began to worship Him.
Their offering tray was packed with ckaranamrita, fruits, acamani, inscence, fragrant oil, lamp, new
clothes, brahmanas thread etc. As customary they worshiped Him with sixteen ingredients. Applying
sandal wood paste on Tulasi manjaris they offered it at His lotus feet. The Gopala mantra consisting of
ten syllables was chanted while they offered worship, following strictly the rules of this particular
worship. All the devotees were offering their prayers to Him.
All the stalwart associates of the Lord, like Advaita Acarya Prabhu fell before the Lord's feet like rods
and offered full obeisances to Him. All the devotees were experiencing spiritual love for the Supreme
Lord and tears cascading down their cheeks mingled and flowed like a river. They constantly chanted
verses eulogizing the Lord, and the Lord heard everything with great satisfaction.
They prayed "All glory to the Lord of the Universe, kindly direct Your merciful glance on this world
now ablaze with the three fold suffering. All glory to the Original cause of everything, the Maintainer
of everyone, You have advented to inaugurate the congregational chanting to the holy name. You
establish the Savatam Dharma of the Vedas and You are the Protector of the pious, the Original Soul of
all the fourteen worlds
All glory to Lord Chaitanya for He is the redeemer of the most fallen souls, an ocean of transcendental
qualities, the Supreme Shelter of the meek and poor. All glory to Lord Chaitanya who is Vrajendra
nandana Krishna and who expands to Lard Visnu and lies on the ocean of milk like Ksirodakasaji
Visnu, He appears as an incarnation for the pleasure of His devotees
All glory to Lord Gauranga who is the Original and Absolute inconceivable, unprecievabl. He is
always transcendentally situated, the compassionate Supreme Person. All glory to Lord Chaitanya. He
was born in a family of Brahmanas as the crest jewel of this class as well as to liberate the entire
brahmana population; He is the origin of the Vedic religion the life and soul of every living entity. All
glory to Lord Chaitanya who saved Arjuna from an inglorious death and He gave liberation to the
demoness Putana. All glory to Lord Chaitanya who never sees the faults of living entities, He is the
husband of the Goddess of fortune." With such chosen words the devotees praised the Lord.
The Lord's servitors were drowning in an ocean of bliss seeing Lord Chaitanya manifest this
extraordinary mood. The Lord mercifully removed the veil of maya from everyone's heart and offered
His lotus feet to be worshiped by His devoted servitors. Some devotees brought sweetly perfumed oil
and smeared it on the Lord's lotus feet, other's worshiped Him with an offering of tender tulasi leaves.
Again more came offering precious gems, gold and silver ornaments and paid obeisances at His feet.
Many valuable gifts were offered to the Lord, white, blue and bright yellow silken clothes, a variety of
precious metal containers were placed in offering at the lotus feet of the Lord, the gifts were countless.
All the household servants in Srivas Pandita's house by dint of serving a pure Vaishnava now could
directly serve Lord GauraChandra's lotus feet, Whose lotus feet are desired by all, even Lord Brahma,
Lord Siva and Laksmi devi aspire for that mere opportunity.
They offered many items of worship to the Lord without fear or hesitation, the Lord having removed
His reverential mood. They brought unhusked rice, tulasi, durba grass, musk, saffron, camphor and
varieties of fruits, fragrant blossoms, sandal wood and placed them at His lotus feet. Each one
worshiped according to his heart's inclination following different rules of worship.
Then Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the Supreme Lord of Vaikuntha, exhibited another of His extra ordinary
pastimes. He said to the devotees, "Get Me something I want to eat" and held out His hand. Whatever
the devotees offered He ate it.
The different Vaishnavas brought a variety of foodstuff to eat, banana, mung dhal, yogurt, sweet
condensed milk, butter, milk. They gave it in the Lord's hands and He undisturbed ate everything.
Some of the devotees hurried to the market and rushed back with the choicest articles. They offered the
Lord coconuts, a variety of milk sweets, in huge quantities, black berries, green melons, sugar cane.
Some even brought water from the Ganga; The Lord ate everything. Seeing the Lord was happily
eating everything they offered, they generous helpings of more delicacies many times over. Hundreds
of devotees gave gallons of Ganges water and the Lord, Who is the Greatest of the Mystics drank all.
Hundreds of barrels of yogurt, sweet condensed milk, milk, hundreds of bunches of bananas; huge
amounts of `mung dhal'; mountains of milk sweet preparations, camphor, betel, fruits and nuts were
instantly consumed by the Lord in front of the amazed and gaping devotees.
The Lord contentedly ate everything offered to Him and in turn He revealed all the details of the
devotees past life. When the devotees heard their individual stories they remembered their earlier days
and fell to the ground in ecstasy.
The Lord addressed Srivasa Panidta, "Do you remember, you use to hear lectures on the Srimad
Bhagavat at Devananda Pandita's house. Every line of the Bhagavatm is saturated with the nectar of
divine love of Godhead, and so your heart melted on hearing those recitations of Bhagavatm. You had
cried loudly and had fallen unconscious to the ground. The neophyte and ignorant students there, not
knowledgeable in the matters of "Bhakti yoga", could not understand the reason for your extraordinary
behavior
You were engrossed within Yourself in the ecstasy of love of Krishna oblivious of the external world
and so did not know as they had carried you out of their door outside. Devananda Pandita, their
teacher, witnessed the entire happening without dissuading his students. Since he himself was
inexperienced in the science of Krishna consciousness, it is expected that his students will also be like
him. On waking and finding yourself outside on the street you picked yourself up and returned home
feeling sad
Your sadness persisted and so you preferred to be alone; you desired to read the Bhagavatm again.
Seeing your sorrowful state I descended from Vaikuntha into your heart and made you weep with the
ecstatic emotions of your love for Me. You experienced happiness again reading the Bhagavatm and
submerged with your tears the place you were siting in".
When Srivasa Pandita heard this he was overcome with emotions and he fell to the ground crying and
drooling breathing fast and heavily. In this way the Lord spoke to Advaita Acarya Prabhu and different
devotees and brought back to them recollection of their earlier days. He submerged the devotees in an
ocean of bliss while He sat on His throne chewing betel leaf. The devotees danced and performed
kirtana singing, "Jaya Sacinananda" all glory to the son of Mother Saci.
If perchance a devotee is absent immediately the Lord had him brought before Him. He put His hand
out and would say to him, "Give Me something to eat", And whatever was offered to Him by them He
ate it all. Then the Lord would say, "Do you remember that night I came to you as a doctor sat next to
your bed, I had cured your fever". On hearing this from the Lord the devotees would fall down
overwhelmed by uncontrolled spiritual emotions.
Seeing Gangadas the Lord said, "Can your mind recall. That night you were escaping from the Muslim
king fearing capture? Your whole family was accompanying you and what you arrived at the ferry
stand there were no boats, you were in a great dilemma. The night was turning to dawn and still no
boats were in sight you began weeping in anxiety. You shuddered at the thought that the Muslims
might molest your family in your presence and so it was better to drown in the Ganges, you thought
At that moment I appeared as a boat man rowing a boat towards you. Your spirits lifted seeing the
approaching boat. You spoke to Me, the boatman with affection saying, "My dear brother, please take
me across, I surrender my body, wealth, life, everything to you I solely depend upon you, here is a
couple of rupees for your endeavor, take me and my family to safety
Then I ferried you and your family across and returned to My eternal Vaikuntha abode.
Gangadas was carried on the waves of blissful ecstasy from hearing the Lord, such are the wonderful
pastimes of Lord Gaurasundara. The Lord continued, "Do you recall that incident, you were so worried
you were so worried, and I came to your rescue and brought you across". Gangadasa unable to contain
himself further fell to the ground rolling in ecstasy.
Lord Chaitanya, the Lord of Vaikuntha is sitting on His throne, His body covered with sandal wood
paste and nicely decorated with fragrant flower garlands. One of His dear servants is fanning Him,
another is arranging His hair, some other is preparing betel and offering it to Him, many of them were
dancing in ecstasy around Him.
How the entire day passed and how the darkness of night stole in went unnoticed. Realizing that it was
night the devotees got busy lighting up the lamps and they offered the lamps in worship at the Lord's
lotus feet. They began to perform kirtana playing kartal, gongo, conch shell, mrdanga drum and string
instruments. The Lord continued sitting in a benevolent mood but remained silent, in spite of the
devotees various activities.
Devotees offered different kinds of flowers at His lotus feet and prostrated themselves before Him
saying, `O Lord protect me'. Some devotees prayed to the Lord with great humility others were singing
loudly in praise of the Lord; the sound of jubilant crying was the only thing one could hear
Everyone present experienced such an indescribable and wonderful elated feeling right at this moment
that everyone joining the assembly felt like immediately being transformed tot he Vaikunthas. In this
way the Lord exhibited a mood of Supreme opulence while all the devotees stood circling the Lord
with folded hands in reverence.
Lord Gaurasundara behaved in a casual manner with His disciple placing His lotus feet on them and in
this manner He performed His transcendental pastimes. Lord Gaurasundara was in His munificent
mood ready to disburse boons to His devotees, and the devotees remained surrounding Him with
folded hands. The Lord showered His causeless mercy on everyone as He performed the pastime of
twenty one hour ecstasy.
The Lord then ordered, "Go and bring Sridhara, immediately, let him see My opulence. He is
constantly thinking about Me in separation. I want him to come right away. Go to the outskirts of the
town and sit there waiting for anyone that calls for Me and bring them here to Me." The Vaishnavas
rushed to fulfill the Lord's order and went in the direction of Sridhar's residence.
Now hear some stories about Sridhar, how he made a living from selling "khola" (the trunk of the
banana tree). He buys the khola joint and then cutting it into short pieces he sells them. Whatever in a
day half of it he spend in buying offering for mother Ganga. With the other half he uses to maintain
himself. This is the test of a true devotee of the Supreme Lord.
Sridhar is a very honest and truthful person, like Yudhisthira Maharaj, he always quotes the correct
price of his wear and never once vacillates from it. Those who know this fact buys from him at the
price he quotes. In this humble way this great soul lives in Nabadwip, known to people only as the
`khola seller'; his real self was unknown to all. He would spend the entire night engrossed in chanting
the holy name of Krishna, forgetting everything including sleep.
The atheistic neighbors protested saying, "we cannot sleep in the night, Sridhar's screaming shatters the
eardrums. That poor vagabond cannot fill his body and so now in the night he is kept awake by the
pangs of hunger."
The atheistic neighbors invited sure doom for themselves in speaking in this manner, but Sridhara
continued his spiritual activities unperturbed and remained always joyful. He loudly chanted the holy
name all night long with overflowing love for Krishna.
The devotees who had gone to find Sridhara had covered only half of the way to his house, and could
already hear his loud chanting. Following the voice they came to Sridhara's house. They said to him,
"Please come with us O holy one and meet Lord Chaitanya, we are greatly blessed being in your august
presence."
When Sridhara heard the mention of Lord Chaitanya he became overwhelmed with ecstatic feelings
and feel unconscious to the ground. Quickly the devotees picked him up, and they very slowly and
gently led him to the Lord.
Lord Chaitanya was extremely happy to see Sridhara and called out loud and warm invitations to him
saying, "Come, come, You have amply worshiped Me, many lifetimes you spent in My devotional
service. In this life you have rendered abundant devotional service, I have tasted your `khola' countless
times. Many times I took different things from your hands, you have forgotten the verbal exchanges we
had."
When Lord Chaitanya was manifesting His pastimes as a scholar, He acted bold and insolent. During
this time hiding His real identity the Lord would daily enjoy Sridar's company under the pretext of
bargaining with him. He would go to his shop and purchase banana, spathe etc. Daily they argue about
the price for several hours and finally the Lord returned with His purchases bought at half the actual
price. The truthful Sridhar always quoted the correct price but Lord picked the goods Himself and paid
only half price. Then this would excite Sridhar, he would jump up and try to take the goods back from
the Lord.
The Lord would then say, "Why my dear brother Sridhar! You are a renounced person, I think you are
very rich. Then why do you try to snatch away these things from My hand. I am also surprised that in
all this time you do not know who I am."
The Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Chaitanya saw there was no trace of anger on Sridhar's face
and so He snatched away the articles.
Lord Gaurasundara was looking so beautiful that He could captivate even Cupid's mind. His fine
forehead was decorated with radiant urdhapurdra tilaka marks. He wore the dhoti in a most attractive
manner tucking it in three different places, His earrings were nicely designed and slightly slanting. The
Lord's temperamental and eyes were both extremely agile and restless. The shining white brahmin
thread goes elegantly around His shoulder; Lord Ananta Sesha has accepted this very thin form of a
brahmin thread to decorate the Lord. He smiled at Sridhara with cherry lips reddened from chewing
betel and again picked up the articles.
Sridhara said to the Lord, "Listen O Brahmana, please forgive me this time. I am just Your dog". The
Lord replied, "I know you, you are very cunning. You have saved much money selling these banana
spathes". Then Sridhara spoke, "Are there not any other shops besides mine, please purchase from
there at a cheaper rate."
Lord Chaitanya said, "I do not want to so easily abandon a steady supplier like you, give me these
spathes and take the money for it." Sridhara was helpless against Visvambhara's charm and so he
smiled at Him captivated by His extraordinary beauty, while Visvambhara continued His harangue
being very pleased with His eternal associate and devotee Sridhara.
Lord Chaitanya said, "Every day you buy offerings for Mother Ganga, then why can you not sell me
your things at a discount? I am the father of Mother Ganga you worship daily, this truth I am revealing
to you."
Sridhara shocked at hearing this covered his ears with his palms and repeated Lord, Visnu's name, and
seeing that Visvambhara was in an insolent mood gave Him the banana spathes. In this way the Lord
bargained and fought with Sridhara everyday; Sridhara thought of the boy as a very restless young
brahmana boy.
Sridhara finally agreed, "I give in to you, I will give you something free of cost, but then please leave
me alone. What will I lose if I give away a piece of banana spathe, a banana flower and a slice of
banana root?
Lord Chaitanya replied, "Good, good that is enough, do not give anymore," the Lord daily ate dishes
prepared with Sridhara's gifts. The Lord loves to receive gifts from His devotees. He would never ask
for anything from a nondevotee.
The Lord desired to perform this pastime and so by His arrangement he had Sridhara sell `khola' who
can understand these transcendental exchanges between the Supreme Lord and His devotee. No one
can perceive these super mundane activities without the blessings of the Lord, this fact is being
reminded by the Lord.
The Lord Chaitanya said, "O Sridhara, behold My beauty, today I will bestow you with eight mystic
perfections".
The great devotee Sridhara lifted up his head and saw that Lord Visvambhara had changed His
complexion and become as dark as the bark of the Tamal tree, He was holding a flute in His hands and
on His right stood Lord Balarama and the entire scene was engulfed in a glowing radiance.
He saw Lord Brahma and Lord Siva approach their Lordships and offering lotus and betel they began
reciting verses in praise of the Supreme Lord. Lord Ananta Sesha standing behind the Lord His hood
above the Lord's head like am umbrella, and saintly personalities like Sameka, Narada and Sukla deva
Gosvami offered prayers to the Lord. All around the beautiful heavenly damsels sang glorifying the
Lord with folded hands.
Sridhara seeing this wonder of wonders was so astounded that in the next moment he slumped to the
ground. The Lord called out Sridhara's name asking him to rise, Sridhara on hearing the Lord's
command awoke from his swoon and stood up.
Lord Chaitanya instructed Sridhara, "Sridhara, say something glorifying Me". Sridhara replied, "Dear
Lord I am an illiterate and foolish, what intelligence do I possess to glorify Your Lordship". But the
Lord said, "Anything you speak is always glorifying Me."
By the Lord's order Mother Saraswati the Goddess of learning, now presided over Sridghara's power of
speech, and Sridhara began to glorify the Lord.
"All glory, all glory to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, all glory to Lord Visvambhara, the Lord of
Nabadwip
All glory to the Lord of the entire cosmic manifestation, all glory to the son of Mother Saci,
Visvambhara
All glory to Lord Chaitanya whose incarnation and activities are a mystery even in the Vedas, he has
appeared as the best of the brahmanas, He appears in every millennium to uphold religious principles
taking different forms
Secretly you went about the town managing and maintaining everything, Your real identity unknown
to all, and it is impossible for anyone to know Your real self without Your mercy."
"O Lord You are the religious Principles, the prescribed duties, the devotion- al service, knowledge,
scriptures, the Vedas and the object of all meditation. You are the mystic perfections, the ever
increasing opulence, the enjoying spirit, the path of mystic yoga. You are the faith in man,
benevolence, illusion, and greed. You are Indra, the king of heaven, the moon, fire, water. You are the
sun, the air, wealth and strength, devotion, liberation; You are Lord Brahma and Lord Siva. O Lord,
You are not in need of anything because everything belongs to You."
You had told me earlier that mother Ganga I worship has emanated from Your lotus feet and yet due to
my sinful heart I would not recognize You, I had no realization of Your Supreme position. You are the
same Supreme Personality who had preciously blessed Gokula with Your appearance and now have
again incarnated as the sweet Lord of Nabadwip.
You are the embodiment of the highest esoteric process, that same devotional science You have
propagated all over Nabadwip.
Bhisma defeated You (making You break Your promise) in battle because of his devotional service,
and for the same reason Mother Yasoda bound You.
Satyabhama devi could once sell You her, husband Lord Krishna, because of her desire and love for
You; captivated by the love of Your devotees You carried the young cowherd boys on Your shoulders.
The entire living creation carries and cherishes Your thoughts in their hearts, yet You carried Sridham
on Your shoulders. It is a great secret and mystery how You are defeated by Your devotees.
Sri Chaitanya Bhagavat
Madhya Lila Chapter Ten
My dearest friend, Lord Gauranga, Your are an ocean of transcendental qualities. All glory to You and
all glory to Lord Nityananda Prabhu, the Supreme Personality without beginning or end.
After bestowing boons to Sridhara, Lord Chaitanya began to gently sway His head, and repeated the
name "Nada, Nada, Nada" and spoke to Advaita Acarya, ÒAcarya! ask what you need". The Acarya
replied, "My prayers have already been answered my Lord". Lord Chaitanya appreciated this answer
with a thunderous roar that drowned all other sound.
While Lord Chaitanya was still manifesting His "Mahaprakasha"lila in the mood of the Omnipotent,
Supremely Opulent Lord, Gadadhara Pandita prepared betel and offered them to the Lord, and the Lord
took it and ate it. Lord Nityananda, whose partial expansion Lord Ananta Sesha is the support of the
Universe, now held the umbrella over Lord Chaitanya. Advaita Acarya and other great personages
stood before Him.
The Lord ordered Murari, "Look at Me", and Murari saw Lord RamaChandra in person. He saw that
Visvambhara, Lord Chaitanya was sitting on the kingly throne with the bow and His complexion was
green like the fresh tended grass shoots. He saw Janaki devi or Sita devi and Laksmana on His left and
all round the brave monkey leaders were offering prayers. Murari perceiving his identity as Hanuman
and now seeing his beloved Lord RamaChandra fell down in an ecstatic swoon by Lord Chaitanya's
transcendental pastimes.
Lord Visvambhara called out aloud, "Hey, monkey, you seem to forget how the demon Ravana, who
stole Sita devi, burnt your face. Enraged you set ablaze his capital, Sri Lanka and destroyed his entire
race. I am that same Lord, Your worshipful Lord, now You are again in My presence. Rise, rise
Murari, You are as dear to Me as My own life. I am that Lord RamaChandra, You are Hanuman."
See your Laksmana, Your beloved life and soul, You saved His life by bringing the Gandharvamadana
mountain. Offer obeisances to the lotus feet of Janaki, Sitadevi, whose distress moved You to profuse
tears."
Lord Chaitanya's words brought back Murari's consciousness, and on awakening he saw hat wonderful
scene and began to cry in love of Godhead. Murari's ecstatic crying moved even the lifeless dry wood,
what to speak about the assembled Vaishnavas.
Again Lord Chaitanya began to speak to Murari, "You may ask Me for any boon."
Sri Murari replied, "My Lord, I do not want anything. Just grant me one wish, that I may sing only
Your glories. I may put into any situation but birth after birth I simply want to remember You, and that
I may serve You in the association of Your servitors. O my Lord! please do not place me in a position
where I may deviate from the Absolute Truth and forget You are the Supreme Lord and I Your eternal
servant. Wherever You descend accompanied by Your eternal associates I desire to be there as Your
insignificant servitor."
The Lord replied, "So be it! so be it! I grant you this boon." Hearing this, a jubilant up roar from the
devotees filled the air.
All the Vaishnava devotees were naturally affectionately disposed to Murari who was always
compassionate to all living beings. Such was the purity of Murari's devotion that his mere presence
transformed into a holy place of pilgrimage transcendental like Vaikuntha. It is impossible to describe
the greatness of Murari for even the Supreme Lord advents for the pleasure of Murari.
Lord Chaitanya then declared, "All of you listen carefully, if anybody criticizes Murari he cannot be
saved even by a million dips in the Ganga, in fact his baths in the Ganga or even chanting of Lord
Hari's name will certainly destroy such a sinful wretch. "Murari", the Supreme Lord is secretly (gupta)
seated in Murari Gupta's heart, this is the spiritual import of Murari's name."
The Vaishnava devotees began to weep in ecstasy chanting Krishna's name seeing how Lord Chaitanya
showered His mercy upon Murari. Anyone who hears the pastimes of Lord Chaitanya's extraordinary
magnanimity will receive love of Godhead.
While Murari and Sridhara cry in love of Godhead being in front of the Lord, Lord Chaitanya chews
on the betel pan with cracking loudness.
Lord Chaitanya then turned His benign glance on Haridasa and called out, "Look at Me Haridasa your
body ad birth is superior to Mine and your class and caste is more elevated than Mine. Although that
sinful Muslim tormentor has inflicted great pain on you yet I hesitate in My heart to punish him for it
will disturb you, knowing your compassionate nature."
Listen Haridasa, when you were lashed with the whip in the different market places. I took up My
Sudarsan disc and descended to the earth from Vaikuntha intending to sever the tormentor's heads.
When your tormentors were trying to beat you death all along you were thinking for their well being.
You were unconcerned about your own pains, you had only compassion for them, and because of your
merciful heart I could not use force, My Sudarsan disc weapon was rendered impotent. I could not
strike those men because you were determined to forgive them and so unable to see your misery I
protected you from their lashes by placing My back on your back.
. I accepted all those lashes meant for you on My back, see the marks on my back, I am not lying.
Whatever other secondary reasons there were for My descent: unable to bear you sufferings I hastened
My advent to this world. My beloved "nada", Advaita Acarya fully recognized who you are, I am
totally bound by his loving devotion."
Our beloved Lord Chaitanya is very proficient in expanding the glories of His devotees, He will say or
do anything to glorify and protect His devotees, He will even swallow fire for his devotees and
willingly become His devotees slave.
Lord Krishna recognizes only His devotees and knows nothing else, to Krishna there is no one equal in
position to His pure devotees. All those mean offenders who are antagonistic towards such pure
devotees of the Lord are devoid of all good fortune. You can see from these pastimes the highly
elevated position of the devotees, and the things Lord Chaitanya said to Haridasa Thakura.
When Haridasa heard about he Lord's magnanimous deed he fell swooning to the ground. He lost all
external consciousness and was immersed in an ocean of ecstasy.
Lord Chaitanya said, "Wake up, wake up! and see My opulent manifestation to your heart's content."
Haridasa awoke becoming externally conscious, crying he looked about searching for the Lord's
extraordinary manifestation. He rolled about all over the courtyard sometimes breathing heavily, other
times swooning. All the ecstatic symptoms swept over Haridasa's body like a hurricane, and although
the Lord tried to steady him Haridasa could not remain still.
Thakura Haridasa said, "O Lord Visvambhara! You are the Lord and Protector of the Universe, now
the responsibility of delivering a lowly fallen wretch like me rests on You, My Lord. How can I
describe Your transcendental glories as I do not possess any good qualifications, I am sinful, and I am
not even within the Vedic society.
Just seeing me makes a person vulnerable to sin, and touching me makes one so contaminated that he
must bath immediately; how can I say anything about Your divine pastimes?
There is one fact that You yourself have stated, anyone remembering your lotus feet, be he an
insignificant and fallen as an insect, is never forsaken by You. Whereas even a mighty king falls from
grace if he disregards Your lotus feet. I am incapable of remembering You although I know you shelter
the most impoverished soul if he simply remembers You.
The evil Duryodhana and Suhsasana dragged the righteous Draupadi into the palace court wanting to
disrobe her. Confronted with the danger of disgrace she remembered You, Krishna. And because of
this You made her sari endlessly long by Your mystic potency. Yet the evil doers could not perceive
Your hand in this.
Once the witches surrounded Parvati devi desirous of eating her, and when she remembered You, You
immediately appeared and punished the witches and saved Your devotee.
I am so sinful that I cannot remember such a magnanimous Personality as You; O Lord! please
therefore give me shelter at Your lotus feet.
The demon Hiranyakasipu inflicted all varieties of treachery and brutal methods trying to kill Prahlad
like poisoning, hurling down from the mountain, throwing in boiling cauldron of oil etc. Yet
throughout his tribulations Prahlad meditated upon Your lotus feet and was saved from each and every
calmity. In this way You humbled many of his enemies and took away all their vitality and strength:
finally You appeared in Person due to Prahlad's meditation.
Once the five Pandavas were in grave dilemma fearing the wrath of Durvasa Muni, but by
remembering You, You appeared personally and saved them. You calmed Yudhisthira Maharaja with
your assuring words, see I am already here, you just sit down and relax and I will take care of Durvasa
Muni and his army of disciples."
Only the shred of vegetable left stuck to the side of the pot after the Pandavas had eaten was taken by;
Lord Krishna relishing the thought of coming to His devotees aid. The sage with his disciples
meanwhile bathing in the river suddenly felt full in the belly like having eaten a sumptuous meal"
ashamed and tearful they fled.
The miraculous benefits of remembering Your lotus feet was amply demonstrated by the Pandavas in
this incident. The path of true devotion for everyone is to remember You; You perform Your super
excellent activities to rescue Your devotees.
The story of Ajamaila is wonderful of how from the most degraded state he remembered the Supreme
Lord at the moment of death. He saw the Yama dutas (angels of death) coming to drag his soul away to
the nether regions of hell and in fear looking for shelter he saw his son's innocent face and called out
his name "Narayana", the holy name of the Supreme Lord, and this immediately reminded him of the
Lord. As soon as his mind rested on the Lord all his danger and distress disappeared. Only the elevated
devotees of the Lord have easy access to the greatest spiritual treasure, which is the constant
remembrance of the Supreme Lord, this is not surprising.
"O Lord! I am such a destitute that I do not even possess the sweetness of Your memory and yet You
have not forsaken me. Although I am unfit to see You, You are present before me in person. I am
praying to You now for only one benediction."
Lord Chaitanya replied, "Say all that you want to say, there is nothing that I do not want to give you."
Haridasa spoke to the Lord with folded hands, "O Lord, I have known only misfortune yet You give
me so much hope. Just allow me to partake of the remnant of foodstuffs of Your devotees totally
surrendered to Your lotus feet. Let this activity be my permanent and most prominent service life after
life. My sinful birth and existence is miserable, without remembering You, but now please make my
life successful by granting me the remnant of Your servitors.
I feel within my heart that I have committed a grave offense by asking of You to situate a elevated
status of that of a Vaishnava, although I am grossly unfit. O Lord! my master, Protector and the
maintainer of the entire creation, I am spiritually lifeless, therefore kindly forgive my ignorance. O
Lord Visvambhara, the beautiful son of Mother Saci, You are my master, so be merciful to me and
keep me as a dog in the house of a Vaishnava."
Haridasa Thakura was overwhelmed by feeling of ecstatic devotional emotions and he repeatedly
petitioned the Lord, his desire for humility and devotional service unfulfilled.
Lord Chaitanya replied, "Listen My dear Haridasa, you are a highly elevated Vaishnava, if anyone
spends a day in your services and association or you kindly speak to someone for a short time, that
person certainly achieves Me, there is no doubt about this. Whoever respects and serves you does so to
Me also, for I perpetually reside within you.
As my servitor Your position is unique, you have therefore imprisoned Me within your heart eternally.
I bless you that since you are crowned already with a faultless character that you will always continue
to worship and serve Me and My devotees without a single deviation or offense."
A tumultuous sound of joy from the Vaishnavas greeted Lord Chaitanya's boon to Haridasa Thakura.
High birth, caste, fruitive activities or wealth are worthless commodities to achieve love of Godhead
only the intense loving desire for Krishna can bring one to the lotus feet of Krishna.
A Vaishnava may take birth in any family, but he always is the most exalted Personality this is the
spiritual verdict. The living proof is Haridasa Thakura who was born into a Muslim family, yet what he
saw and spiritually perceived is rarely experienced by even eminent personalities like Lord Brahma
etc.
Only the most wretched sinner will discriminate a Vaishnavas caste, race or nationality, and for doing
so he suffers the pangs of repeated birth in the lower species of life.
One who hears this pastime of the Lord and Haridasa Thakura with proper faith will certainly enjoy the
fruit of Lord Krishna prema. These words are not my concoction but the bold declarations of all
scriptures. One is sure to experience the bliss of devotional service to Lord Krishna if one hears the
transcendental activities of the pure devotees of the Supreme Lord. All glories to Haridasa Thakura, a
giant amongst the Vaishnavas, remembering him one is freed from all sinful reactions.
Devotees started talking about Haridasa: someone said, "He is like Lord Brahma", another observed
"Prahlad has come again as Haridasa." Haridasa Thakura was in every respect a great and unalloyed
devotee, he is an eternal associate of Lord Chaitanya.
Lord Brahma, Lord Siva are always desiring in their hearts the transcendental company of Haridasa
Thakura. All the demigods feel this same urge to associate with Haridasa, and Ganga devi wishes to
bathe Haridasa in her waters. Such is Haridasa Thakura's exalted position - that just seeing him relieves
one from the bondage of material existence; what to speak of associating with him. Great stalwart
devotees like Prahlad who was the son of a demon, and Hanuman who was a monkey are considered
exalted Vaishnavas, similarly Haridasa Thakura was born in a low caste non Hindu family but is
counted amongst the foremost Vaishnava devotees.
Haridasa along with Murari and Sridhara began to weep joyful tears. While Lord Visvambhara smiled
pleasantly on them chewing betel. Sitting on the throne the Lord was engulfed in dazzling effulgence
and an equally brilliantly shining Lord Nityananda stood holding the umbrella over Lord Chaitanya.
Lord Chaitanya looked towards Advaita Acarya smiling and began to reveal his inner thoughts, "Listen
Acarya, do you remember when I once fed you one night? At the time I had not yet advanced and you
were endeavoring excessively to bring Me down from My spiritual abode.
You would hold discourses on the Bhagavat Gita and explain everything in terms of devotional
service, there was hardly a soul who could grasp these topics. And once when you did not find the
meaning of a certain text pertain- ing to devotional service you did not look for discrepancies and
faults in the text but gave up enjoyment for acquiring accurate esoteric knowledge. You were very
depressed and lay back refusing to eat and I appeared before you.
When you fast, it is the same for me too, whatever you offer me I accept, I cannot stand to see your
slightest pain, so I appeared in your dream that night and spoke to you.
"Awake, awake, Acarya and hear the real purport of the Gita text, this is truly its unequivocal meaning.
Please get up and eat, give up your fast, for you I will reveal the esoteric meanings, eat to your
satisfaction and everything will happen in a dream."
In this way the doubts that had arisen in Acarya's mind while discoursing on the Gita, the Lord
reminded Acarya distinctly of the dreams in which He had appeared to him clearing his doubts. He
reminded the Acarya distinctly of the dreams in which He had appeared to him clearing his doubts. He
reminded the Acarya of the correct number and the precise dates of the dreams and the exact texts He
had explained to clear his doubts. Truly Advaita Acarya's devotion is glorious, how can I describe his
unlimited potency and his devotion?
Lord Chaitanya replied, "I had explained to you all the texts that were difficult with the exception of
one, and that I will explain to you now. The Gita text that reads "Sarvatah panipadauta" meaning The
Supreme Beings hands and feet are everywhere is wrongly interpreted due to the rigidness of partisan
thinking of certain schools philosophical thoughts. The real purport of this verse is read as "sarvatra
panipadauta" meaning - the Supreme Being pervades everything with His Omnipotent presence.
The complete Gita text reads - "Sarvabah pani padamtat sarvata ksi-siro-mukham sarvatah srutimal
loke sarvam avritya tisthati" (Everywhere are His hands and legs, His eyes and face, and He hears
everything. In this way the Supersoul exists). I have just revealed to you the very confidential meaning
of this text, who else is there other than you who can rightly comprehend this subject matter."
Advaita Acarya is a secret disciple of Lord Chaitanya, and Lord Chaitanya"s explanations are His only
shelter.
So when Advaita Acarya heard this explanation which was so dear to him he was overcome with
happiness and he began to weep. He addressed the Lord saying, "I am unable to say anything, it is only
my great fortune and glory that You are my Lord and master." Advaita Acarya was merged in ecstatic
bliss seeing the wonderful potency of the Lord.
One who has no faith in these spiritual explanations and such spiritual exchanges are certainly doomed
to perish. Only the rare souls, the pure devotees of the Lord can understand the spiritual dissertations of
Advaita Acarya, who was personally taught by Lord Chaitanya.
The instructions of the Vedas are invariably interpreted in various ways, so also Advaita Acarya"s
highly esoteric explanations often found different interpretations. Who can grasp the meaning of the
Acarya's dissertations that deal with such subtle spiritual matters, undoubtedly His words are as good
as the Supreme Lord's own.
The Acarya's words are like the autumn clouds, it rains in certain areas only leaving other places dry;
His words are understood by a few fortunate ones, not everyone. Advaita Acarya cannot be blamed for
this, for everything depends on the persons ability to understand His words due to his piety and good
fortune.
Advaita Acarya's main devotional duty was to serve the lotus feet of Lord Chaitanya, this can be
testified by all the Vaishnavas. And those who disregard the instructions of other Vaishnava associates
of Lord Chaitanya with the excuse that they are followers of Advaita Acarya only cannot gain the
Lord's favor. Those who accept Lord Chaitanya as the Lord of all the Lords - the Supreme Lord are
true followers of Acarya and the Acarya also recognizes their service.
Devotional service to the Acarya is imperishable, yet it is rendered impotent if one does not accept
Lord Chaitanya as the Lord and master of everyone - including Advaita Acarya.
Ravana was a great devotee of Lord Siva but he did not accept the Supremacy of Lord RamaChandra,
who is the Lord of even Siva. Lord Siva was displeased with his devotee and did not receive his
worship or service, so Ravana's worship was useless, hence he and his entire race was destroyed. Lord
Siva does not convey to his devotees his personal feeling about their actions - whether good or bad;
whoever is sufficiently intelligent with understanding the desire of Lord Siva in his heart.
In the same way the followers of Advaita Acarya not understanding the desire of their master claim to
be His disciples and criticize Lord Chaitanya. Advaita Acarya does not tell them anything due to His
specific nature, so because of neglecting the advice of other Vaishnavas and the inner desire of Advaita
Acarya, they perish. These condemned persons do not understand that Advaita Acarya's exalted
position and His mystic perfection are all due to the mercy of Lord Chaitanya. And if anyone
volunteers to instruct them on these matters they become enraged and go to strike their well wisher.
Little do they know that. Lord Chaitanya's external potency Mayadevi is exceedingly powerful and She
takes efficient care of such wayward and demoniac souls.
Those who do not understand that Lord Chaitanya is the most beautiful Supreme Personally and
Advaita Acarya is His servitor and is like the Lord's different jewelry and ornaments that decorate
Him. Their positions have clearly defined is the previous verses and in spite of it if people fail to
comprehend them they are doomed. A person's elevation and progress in devotional life depends on
how much he is serving Lord Chaitanya, there is nothing superior to the Lord's devotional service.
The devotees can advance in his devotional service in proportion to the mercy he receives from Lord
Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda by rendering devotional service. In this way devotional mellows
constantly increase. Lord Nityananda inspires everyone to chant all the time. He says - "My dear
brothers say - `O my Lord GauraChandra'."
Advaita Acarya is totally engrossed in remembering Lord Chaitanya and His pastimes often moved to
tears by devotional emotions. After hearing these transcendental narrations if one is unable to develop
devotional fervor and love for Lord Chaitanya then contact with such a person should be avoided for it
will wither away ones faith and piety.
One who understands that Advaita Acarya is a foremost Vaishnava devotee of Lord Chaitanya and
serves Him in that capacity is himself an exalted Vaishnava devotee and he is assured of the shelter of
Lord Krishna eternally. Such a Vaishnava is also very dear to Advaita Acarya; others who do not
understand this relationship are despicable rejects of human society.
Advaita Acarya is always extremely pleased to hear about His Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu glorified
as the Supreme Lord of all. Advaita Acarya Himself glorifies Lord Chaitanya in this manner, there
should be no doubt about this. Lord Chaitanya revealed the real purport of the Gita to the Acarya and
then hid the portals of devotional life to the non devotees.
Lord Chaitanya suddenly spoke out lifting His arms, "Everyone look at Me, ask any boon you desire".
All the assembled devotees bubbled over with happiness hearing the Lord's words and they each asked
a boon from the Lord.
Advaita Acarya spoke first saying, "My Lord I only pray that You shower Your grace on this ignorant
and fallen soul." Someone else said, "My father opposes my devotional involvement, so grant me this
O Lord that his heart may be transformed and he becomes a devotee." In this way they asked for the
good blessings of their dear ones, disciples, sons, wives, servants and so on. One of them prayed,
"Lord please increase my faith in my guru."
Lord Visvambhara is the benefactor of all His devotees and fulfills all their wishes, smiling sweetly He
granted everyone's boon.
Mukunda all this while was behind the curtains outside the room unable to muster sufficient courage to
appear before the Lord. Mukunda is loved by all and he also knows everyone intimately. No one could
understand why he was being ignored because when he sang the Lord seemed to hear all the time. The
Lord did not call him inside, nor did he come; the devotees felt sad about Mukunda.
Srivasa Pandita said to the Lord, "O Lord what offense has Mukunda committed at Your lotus feet?
Mukunda is favored by You, and he is dear to all of us, who can prevent his heart from melting hearing
Mukunda"s singing? He is devotionally inclined and always careful in all respects, yet without seeing
any apparent fault in him You have insulted him my Lord. And if he has committed some mistake then
punish him, but why do You disown him and push away Your own servant. O Lord let him see Your
Lordship, but he will never come in unless You call him."
The Lord said, "Never speak like that to Me. Do not plead to Me on that wretched persons behalf. The
descriptions you heard about pretenders who make a show of humility and next moment they are
aggressive is in fact a correct assessment of Mukunda, none of you really know him in truth. Mukunda
sometimes is a perfect figure of humility approaching Me holding straw in his teeth, but the next
moment he comes to strike Me with an iron rod, I cannot bear to see that pretentious wretch."
Speaking eloquently in Mukunda's favor, Srinivasa said, "Who can understand the inconceivable
workings of Your energies? We never noticed anything offensive in Mukunda's character, and the
shelter of Your lotus feet is witness to his innocence."
Lord Chaitanya commented, "That spineless wretch will vociferously agree to all philosophical views
to suit the company he is in when he reads the "Yoga Vasishtha" with Advaita Acarya he favors the
impersonal mayavadi philosophy; in the company of Vaishnavas he pretends to be a Vaishnava singing
and dancing with perfect humility. Again when he goes and joins another sampradaya there he rejects
devotional service and flays the process of `bhakti' with aggressive criticism."
One who claims that there is some process which is higher than devotional service factually strikes me
with an iron rod. He commits a serious offense to the path of devotional service, and so I cannot see his
face."
Mukunda heard everything standing outside and heard that he will not be allowed to see Lord
Chaitanya. Previously on his guru's request Mukunda did not accept the process of devotional service,
and Lord Chaitanya with His incon- ceivable mystic potency could know all this. So Mukunda a pure
devotee of the Lord contemplated, "There is no reason to remain alive any longer, I shall finish off this
sinful body of mine. I do not know for how long I can go on."
Mukunda spoke up aloud, "Please hear me Srivasa Thakura, tell me, will I ever see my Lord Chaitanya
again?" He broke down and wept bitterly; Mukunda's condition touched the compassionate hearts of
the Vaishnavas.
The Lord replied, "Let him go through another ten million births and he then can certainly see Me."
When Mukunda heard this promise from the Lord's own mouth he was overtaken by tremendous joy
and stood drenched in tears. Repeating, "I will get, I will get", Mukunda Lord Chaitanya's servitor,
danced like a mad man in ecstatic love of God. The Lord's assurance that he will see him made him
dance in ecstasy.
When Lord Chaitanya saw Mukunda dancing He laughed and ordered, "Bring him here immediately."
The Vaishnava devotees eagerly informed Mukunda to come quickly to the LOrd's presence, but
Mukunda did not hear anything, he was completely submerged in ecstasy.
Lord Chaitanya said, "O Mukunda, your offenses are condoned, come, see Me, and receive My
blessings." The devotees went and quickly brought Mukunda in front of the Lord. Mukunda fell to the
ground seeing the opulent appearance of the Lord.
The Lord spoke, "Get up, get up My dear Mukunda, all your offenses have been exonerated. You lost
your wealth of devotion by wrong association, but now again by your loving devotion you have
conquered and indebted Me. I said to you that after ten million births you will have your desire to see
Me fulfilled, You immediately pushed away all previous doubts and offenses. You had full faith in the
infallibility of My words, thus You have bound me eternally in your heart with the bonds of loving
devotion."
You are My singer and you shall remain with Me, all this time I was cutting jokes with you because of
our intimacy. And if perchance you really commit millions of offenses then I do not consider them to
be offenses because you are eternally My dearly beloved associate. Your body is cent percent imbued
with loving devotion to Me, I perpetually reside in your tongue as the holy trance."
Mukunda heard Lord Chaitanya's reassuring words, they moved him to tears and he felt apathy towards
himself, condemning himself he said, "I am so degraded. I know nothing about devotional service, how
can a faithless fool like me experience the bliss of devotion just by seeing You?"
Duryodhana could see easily your Universal form, whereas scholars study through all the scriptures in
order to just perceive that same form. Yet, Duryodhana and his entire family was stamped out, under
going extemating pains, because he lacked the slightest devotion. Therefore without possessing the
proper devotional attitude now can I experience bliss even if I see You my Lord?
When You went to rescue Rukumini devi on her request, from the protection of many powerful kings
who saw You approach mounted on Your bird carrier Garuda, they saw Your noble kingly bearing and
an effulgent form. Your devotees like Lord Brahma desire in meditation to see this effulgent form as
You appeared in the Vidarbha kingdom. As You were kidnaping Rukumini devi the kings saw You,
put up a fight with You and were all slain, all because they had no devotion for You.
When you appeared from the waters of the casual ocean in the form of a bear and picked up the earth
from the waters between Your tusks, the demon Hiranyaksa saw this extraordinary brilliant form. The
Demigods are praying to You to see this wonderful form. But Hiranyaksa was killed by You because
he was a demon and no love and devotion to You.
His brother saw Your terrible and mighty form of half man and half lion that is rarely seen by anyone,
whose breast is the resting place of mother Laksmi, Your eternal consort. This wonderful form of
Naransiuha unparalleled in the entire creation was seen by Hiranyakasipu, but his life was squashed
with ease by You because he was a gross materialist, a non devotee.
O Lord I have no devotional feelings, yet strangely I am still alive, my head does not roll down due to
grievous sins.
Kubja, the hunch back maid servant, of Mathura, wives of the sacrificial brahmin priests of Vrndavana.
The noble ladies of the palace in Mathura, the garland maker Sudama, when did they see You before
they saw You for the first time? Yet all of them were elevated to the blissful state of loving devotional
service to You. And Kamsa the king of Mathura, at the same time saw You but was killed. I do not
posses any devotion to You my Lord, but yet You keep me.
Lord Ananta Sesha, that extremely powerful personality holds this immense cosmic creation with great
pleasure only because of his devotion to You. The Universe sits on just one of His many hundreds of
hoods like an insignificant drop of water, while he is submerged in the ecstatic pastime of glorifying
You. Although He Himself is without support or foundation He is the support and sustainer of
everyone. He can perform such extraordinary feats simply due to the potency of devotional service to
You. Yet I am so fallen and impious that I cannot appreciate even such wonderful devotional fervor, I
am destined for eternal degradation.
Lord Siva, Sankara became the husband of Gauri, Durga (mahamaya) by dint of his devotional service,
Narada Muni rose to the platform of an eternal associate of the Lord also through loving devotion.
Vyasdeva complied the entire Vedic literature yet he was feeling dissatisfied deep in his heart. You had
revealed to him in precise form the essence of the highest spiritual knowledge which is the science of
devotion but he was unable to grasp the full import slight impunities of the mind. Then You spoke to
him again through Narada Muni the same science of devotional service and in this way he felt
resuscitated, with happiness and went on to make perfect this human birth.
I am worse than an insect yet I am not moved by such devotion, O Lord, how can I ask to see You?"
Mukunda began to weep raising his arms up in the air, his body trembled and he released heavy sighs
in ecstatic devotional emotions. Mukunda is a pure devotee, with a simple and spontaneous love of the
Lord, how can I describe sufficiently the extent of his glories. He is counted amongst the most intimate
eternal associates of the Lord.
Lord Visvambhara was moved by His devotees suffering and feelings. He said, "Mukunda's devotional
service is very dear to Me, wherever and whenever you sing I will be present there. And all you have
said is absolutely true, one cannot perceive Me as I am even if one see Me, one can see My true self
only through the eyes of loving devotion."
"Truly I say to you for you are very dear to Me that the instructions I have given in the Vedic literature
about the different rites and duties of everyone and their concomitant results cannot be changed by
anyone. I alone can do as I please and supersede these rites and results, because I have the full
authority to do so.
I have made you speak the truth about devotional service, nothing is of any value if it is not My
devotional service. It pains Me grievously if someone is against My devotional service, and due to My
suffering such an atheist is deprived of all happiness even if he sees Me.
Demon King Kamsa's washer man also saw Me, I asked him for help but he refused, this was very
unfortunate for him because he was deprived of the opportunity to render devotional service. He had
no attraction for Me. He had performed very severe austerity and penances for many many life times
just to see Me; this piety gave him the fortune to see Me. Yet he could not experience the exhilaration
of seeing Me due to lack of devotion.
I do not show any mercy to non devotees and even if they see Me they are deprived of the
transcendental result, eternal happiness. One's devotion is drained if one is offensive to the authorized
process of devotional service. Due to the absence of devotion seeing Me is fruitless. Whatever you
have said are actually just the things I wanted to say: in fact why should any other topic grace your
mouth?
I shall propagate the process of devotional service everywhere this I have said to you; I will do this
through your voice, through your songs. All the Vaishnavas' hearts will melt with ecstatic joy hearing
your songs. Just as you are very dear to Me so will you also be amongst all My devotees, the
Vaishnavas. And wherever I descend in any incarnation you will be also present as My singer."
As the Lord showered blessings and boons on Mukunda the Vaishnava assembly resounded with great
jubilation. Devotees clasped their hands and sang out, "glory to Lord Jagannatha, glorify the Lord" and
so on. Whoever hears these narrations about Mukunda receiving the Lord's special mercy is favored by
the Lord to become an associate of Mukunda as a singer.
All the topics on the pastimes of Lord Chaitanya are highly confidential subjects undisclosed in the
Vedas, only the intelligent class of men can appreciate these topics and not the foolish. Those who
relish these pastimes will certainly be able to see Lord Chaitanya face to face.
So it continued, each Vaishnava as he desired had his wish fulfilled by the Lord. Srivasa Pandita is a
very great and exalted personality and so all these pastimes took place in his own house.
The Lord appeared to each devotee individually as different incarnations according to the devotees
attachment to a particular incarnation of the Lord. All these manifestations were extraordinary and
super excellent, Lord Chaitanya performed His pastimes in this manner. Everyday the Lord revealed
His super mundane pastimes and all the assembled Vaishnavas along with their wives saw these extra
ordinary happenings.
One who surrenders his body and mind and becomes the Lord's servitor can perceive these
transcendental activities. In Nabadwip there is no dearth of men in the renounced order of sannyasa
mental spectators, men who are either performing severe penances studying the scriptures or
performing yogic practices. Most of them are studying the Gita and Bhagavat since long, and some of
them are even giving lessons to others on these scriptures, yet not one of them are willing to give up
their own ways and practices and religious views. Some undertake strict vows to remain celebrate
throughout life, never to accept service from others and in this way lead a life of extreme hardship.
The intelligence of this was covered over by false ego to such an extent that none of them could
perceive the descent of Vaikuntha to Srivasa Pandita's residence and the spiritual bliss emanating from
these. That which was seen and experienced by the servants and maid servants in Srivasa Pandita's
house is unknown to even scholars well versed in all the scriptures. The wonderful boon Murari
Gupta's servant received went unnoticed by those who shaved their heads to exhibit renunciation.
Lord Chaitanya can be captivated by devotion alone, and not with wealth, high birth, erudition or any
such mundane means. One may be crowned with wonderful accomplishments yet he is unable to
attract mercy of Lord Chaitanya, for the Lord submits to unalloyed devotion, as is clearly declared in
the Vedas. So in Nabadwip, all the great scholars and pundits were unaware of these extraordinary
happenings.
Those who are sinful are like a lake without water where beauty is absent, how can the living beings
otherwise be deprived of the spiritual bliss of experiencing these pastimes? These supramundane
pastimes of the Lord are continuously existing, never ever ending; the Vedas describe them as
sometimes manifest and at other times unmanifest.
Lord Chaitanya's pastimes are being performed even now. Whoever is blessed by the Lord to see can
see, others cannot see.
The Lord appeared to His different devotees in the particular incarnation the devotees worshiped Him.
He personally taught them about His Supreme Absolute position and that He is the source of
everything and everyone. This knowledge was then later transmitted to posterity.
The Lord said, "In every birth you have received my association, your servants and disciples will thus
also see My pastimes through you." The Lord then distributed the garlands that graced His breast, and
all were blessed to received the chewed remnant of the Lord's betel. The devotees were caught up in
the wave of ecstatic joy as they munched on the radiant moon like Lord's remnant.
The remnant of the Lord's food went to the pious and fortunate Narayani. The gave this innocent little
niece of Srivasa Pandita (his brother's daughter) His remnant. She ate the Lord's remnant with joy and
relish and the Vaishnavas blessed her saying that she was most fortunate since she could serve the
Supreme Lord Narayani directly at such a young age.
After Narayani had eaten, Lord Chaitanya said, "Narayani, let Me hear you cry for Krishna in great
ecstasy." Such is the influence of Lord Chaitanya's words that she immediately called out "Krishna,
Krishna" and began to weep. Thus the pastime came to be known to all the Vaishnavas for all times
and she became famous as "Narayani, who ate Lord Chaitanya"s remnant."
As the devotees were beckoned by the Lord they hastened to His presence. All these pastimes of Lord
Chaitanya that are being narrated ate transcendental if one does not have faith in them then his future is
dark.
Lord Chaitanya is very close and dear to Advaita Acarya this relationship makes Advaita Acarya
glorious. And Lord Nityananda is very close and dear to Lord Chaitanya, these glories of Lord
Nityananda are sung in all the Vedic literatures.
If one does not recognize his identity as a devotee of Lord Chaitanya, and he may be respected by the
whole world, he is worth no more than a straw to the learned Vaishnava assembly.
Lord Nityananda introduce Himself saying, "I am Lord Chaitanya's servant", He is always in this mood
of a servitor. And only by His mercy one develops love for Lord Chaitanya. All detriments in spiritual
life are overcome by worshiping Lord Nityananda.
The greatest hope I always cherish in my heart is that Lord Chaitanya is the Lord of my Lord. O Lord
Chaitanya kindly offer me the shelter of the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda, who as Lord Ananta Sesha
is holding this universe. I am able to sing the glorious life and pastimes of Lord Chaitanya out of my
love and attachment for Lord Balarama. My Lord Balarama is always desiring the best for the world.
Lord Nityananda knows no other designation other than being Lord Chaitanya's servant and only
through serving Lord Nityananda is one eligible to become a devotee of Lord Chaitanya. As by Lord
Nityananda's grace I can know Lord Chaitanya in truth, similarly to fully comprehend the truth about
devotional service one must receive the blessing of Lord Nityananda.
Lord Nityananda is very dear to all the Vaishnava devotees, everyone can receive from Lord
Nityananda entry into the path of devotional service. Somehow, if by chance someone disregards Lord
Nityananda then Lord Chaitanya Himself condemns him to eternal suffering. The full glory of Lord
Nityananda is very rarely known, even the great yogi and exalted Vaishnava Lord Siva does not know
His unlimited potencies.
One who is not offensive and critical of others, who chants Krishna's holy name always will soon be
able to captivate with his love the uncontrollable and invisible Lord Chaitanya. The scriptures instruct
that spiritual goals are unattractive through criticism of others, the religion expounded by Bhagavat is
to respect everyone.
These narrations of the Madhya Khanda are like nectar, but to an atheist they taste bitter. If one has a
bitter taste eating sweets then his is truly unfortunate and sick and that does not really change the taste
of sweets to one of bitterness. Similarly if one cannot relish the nectarine pastimes of Lord Chaitanya
then that is his great misfortune.
A person, even though in the renounced order of sannyasa, will enter into countless cycle of births of
total ignorance if he is offensive to Lord Chaitanya. Whereas a bird, if even without proper spiritual
knowledge, sings the name of Lord Chaitanya, will enter the Lord's eternal abode.
All glory to Lord Gaura Chandra, life of Lord Nityananda, kindly make Your beloved Lord Nityananda
my life and soul. I offer my obeisances at the lotus feet of all Your associates with whom You
performed so many pleasurable pastimes.
Lord Sri Krishna Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda are my life and soul. I Vrndavana dasa offer this
song to their lotus feet.
Sri Chaitanya Bhagavat
Madhya Lila Chapter Eleven
O Lord Gauranga, O most precious treasure, O unlimited ocean of love of Godhead, where do you
come from? You are the Lord and maintainer of the helpless, the true friends of the down trodden. All
glory to You Lord Visvambhara, the most powerful and regal of the brahmanas, victory to all Your
associates who are like honey bees attracted to t he nectar of Your lotus feet.You are as dear to
Paramananda Puri as his own life, and You are the greatest wealth Svarupa Damodara possesses. You
are very dear to Srila Rupa Gosvami and Srila Sanatana Gosvami, and the heart of Jagadisha and
Gopinath.
Lord Visvambhara continues performing His pastimes in Nabadwip, not visible to every eye. The
blessed Srivasa Pandita sits in his house situated in the central island of Nabadwip and sees the endless
and marvelous pastimes of the Lord. He serves the Lord with pure love and sees the Maha prakasa' lila
pastime with the other Vaishnavas.
Lord Nityananda was residing in Srivasa Pandita's house and loved and respected him as His father.
Lord NItyananda was always manifesting the mood of a little child who drank Malini's (Srivasa's wife)
breast milk.
Malini's breast had long dried up but on Lord Nityananda's touch milk flowed again in her breast. She
was amazed at such miraculous happenings. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu ordered her no to reveal this to
anyone, everyday she saw Lord Nityananda's child like behavior.
"Lord Visvambhara said to Lord Nityananda, "Listen Nityananda, so that You avoid arguments and
fights with anyone, do not behave recklessly in Srivasa's house." Lord Nityananda objected saying,
"Krishna! You can never see Me acting reckless. You cannot find another person as well behaved as I
am." Lord Visvambhara replied, "I know You too well", Nityananda said, "Let Me hear You point out
my mistakes and ill behavior."
Smiling, Lord Chaitanya said, "You want to know Your mistakes? You throw showers of rice in every
room. Lord NItyananda said, "but this is the work of a madman and such mischief must be stopped;
You want to falsely blame Me and not give Me any food to eat. If You want to eat all by Yourself that
is alright with Me, but why do you defame Me to everyone?"
Lord Chaitanya replied, "I feel ashamed to rectify misconduct and so I am trying to rectify You". Lord
Nityananda smiled and said, "That is very good! You must always teach Me whenever You see Me
misbehaving. You are correct in assuming that I an the culprit". He then broke into peals of laughter.
Lord Nityananda became immersed in an ocean of happiness. His ambient receded to oblivion and
taking His cloth He tied it around the head, standing naked before all. He pranced about in great leaps
bubbling with laughter, staggering sometimes like a drunk man.
Gadadhara Pandita, Srivasa Pandita and Haridasa beheld this sight of the Lord's special mercy for it
was meant to teach a lesson to the whole world.
Lord Visvambhara held Nityananda and said, "What are you doing? Such behavior is inappropriate in a
householders house. You just told Me that You were not mad, and the next moment You contradict
Your own words."
For One who is oblivious of the external world what reactions can words have on Him? Lord
Nityananda was floating on the waves of ecstasy. Lord Visvambhara had to Himself dress Nityananda
Prabhu. Such are His inconceivable activities. Lord Chaitanya's words fell on deaf ears for Lord
Nityananda was totally unaware of everything like a mad lion .
He would not even eat with His own hands, Malini had to feed Him. Malini, the chaste and righteous
wife of Srivasa Pandita could sense Lord Nityananda's inner feelings and so she served Him like a
mother to a son.
One day a crow stole a small bell metal container and flew away out of sight, upsetting Malini devi.
The crow suddenly returned again but without the container. Malini devi was well aware of her
husband's reaction once he saw that the ghee vessel of Krishna's was missing, his temper was nothing
more short than a thunderstorm, she felt helpless a nd began to weep.
Just then Lord Nityananda came there and saw tears streaking down Malini devi's eyes. Smiling he
asked, "Why are you crying? Tell me the cause of your distress? I will take care of everything."
Malini devi tearfully replied, "O listen Gosain, a crow flew away with the ghee vessel, who knows
where. He assured her, "Mother stop weeping and worrying I will get Your vessel back."
The Lord spoke to the crow smiling pleasantly, "O crow, go and bring back the vessel quickly." Lord
Nityananda resides in everyone's heart. Who has the power to disobey His orders. The crow
immediately flew off followed by the distraught eyes of Malini devi. The crow returned soon with the
vessel in its beak and kept it near Malini devi. Malin i devi could very well understand the
extraordinary potency of Lord Nityananda from this incident.
Swooning with ecstasy she began offering prayers to the Lord, "For one who can bring to life the dead
son of His guru from the custody of Yamaraja and for one who maintains this cosmic manifestation,
what is so wonderful in bringing back a small vessel from a crow? On His head rests the unlimited
creation and He does not even feel its weight while performing His pastimes; the endless ocean of
resilience is destroyed just by chanting His name to influence a crow to bring back a small vessel it had
stolen is not an extraordinary deed for Him.
In the past as Laksmana You were guarding Sita devi while living in the forest, yet you only looked at
her feet and no other part of her body. Your powerful arrows had later defeated and exterminated the
entire demon family of Ravana, and so winning back this small vessel is indeed an insignificant deed.
At whose lotus feet river Jamuna devi begged forgiveness and offered chosen prayers to glorification,
who has the potency to maintain all the fourteen worlds, what marvel is it to Him to get back a small
vessel from a crow? Yet none of Your activities can be diminished, since all of Your activities ,
however easy and small it may seem are tran scendental and the Absolute Truth, such is the clear
verdict of the Vedas."
Lord Nityananda smiled as He listened to her prayers and remarked in His child like manner, "I want to
eat". Whenever Malini devi saw Lord Nityananda milk oozed out of her breasts out of spiritual parental
love and Lord Nityananda in order to fulfill her spiritual desires sucked on her breast like a child.
There are some of the inconceivable pastimes of Lord Nityananda, my capacity to describe all this
limited, the pastimes of the Lord are already widely known all over the world.
His activities are extraordinary and difficult to understand, those who know Him in truth can easily
believe in all His pastimes. Lord Nityananda is always totally engrossed in ecstasy and He moves
about Nadia as does the brilliant sun across the azure vault.
A mystic yogi or a learned scholar or anybody may think and say anything about Lord Nityananda,
people may comment that Lord Nityananda is not a close associate of Lord Chaitanya, I do not care to
hear about any such remarks, I only pray that His lotus feet remain imprinted in the depths of my heart.
There are many atheists who criticize Lord Nityananda, in spite of hearing His glory, I kick them in the
head hoping for the Lord's mercy on them. Lord Nityananda is so lost in His transcendental pastimes in
Srivasa Pandita's house that Lord Gauranga has to look after Him.
One day Lord Chaitanya was sitting in His house together with his wife Visnupriya devi, whose
exquisite beauty matched only Laksmi devi's. She prepared betel pan for the Lord and He received
them smiling with pleasure. This way He spent nights and days with her lost in the pleasure of each
other's company. Mother Saci's heart exulted to heigh ts of unknown joy as she saw the happy couple.
Lord Chaitanya knew the reason for His mother's exhilaration and so He spent much time with His
wife.
Around this time Lord Nityananda, who was always immersed in bliss came to Lord Chaitanya's house
in a restless mood. He stood before everyone, naked like a innocent child, not feeling any shame.
Lord Chaitanya enquired, "Nityananda why are You without clothes?" Nityananda replied with a
smile, "It is so, it is so." Lord Chaitanya said, Nityananda wear your clothes." He replied, "Today I
leave." Lord Chaitanya insisted, "Why?" Nitai said, "I cannot eat anymore." Lord Chaitanya said,
"When I say something why do you answer with a completel y different suspect?' Nitai replied, "I want
all around attention."
Angrily Lord Chaitanya said, "It is not my fault." Nitai replied, "My Lord Saci devi is not here." Lord
Chaitanya said, "be merciful and wear your clothes." Lord Nityananda said, "I will eat." Like this Lord
Nityananda is always in the serving mood of Lord Chaitanya; while one hears the other speaks, and
Lord Nityananda wanders all over Nadia laughing joyfully.
Lord Chaitanya got up and personally dressed Nitai and Nitai continued chuckling. Sacidevi smiled
seeing Nityananda's activities and felt a motherly affection towards him thinking of Visvambhara. His
words strongly reminded her of her older son and sometimes he even looked like him. Unknown to
anyone mother Saci felt equal love for both Lord Ni tyananda and Lord Visvambhara
When Lord Nityananda came out of his trance he dressed himself up. Sacidevi gave him five milk
cakes to eat. Nitai put one of the sweets in his mouth and threw the other four sweets far away. Saci
devi raised an alarm saying, "Alas, alas, why are you throwing it away?" Lord Nityananda replied,
"Why did you put all the sweets in one place?" Sa ci devi said, "I do not have anything more, what will
you eat now?" Lord Nityananda answered, "ask for it and it will be certainly there."
Saci devi went inside the room only to be greeted by a wonderful surprise. She saw the four sweets
thrown away by Nitai were there. She thought out aloud, "Where were the sweet cakes thrown and how
could they be here now?" Saci devi was amazed and amused she removed the dust particles from the
sweet cakes and came to Nityananda. She found hi m eating laddus, and enquired, "From where did
you get those laddus?" Lord Nityananda replied, "I saw you were disappointed when I threw the sweet
cakes away so I brought them back."
Seeing these miracles Sacidevi considered in her mind that who can know the extraordinary qualities
of Nityananda Prabhu. To Nityananda Prabhu she said, "Nityananda why do you bewilder me in this
manner? I know very well that You are the Supreme Lord, please therefore remove your illusory
potency for me."
Lord NItyananda exhibiting the mood of a young boy went running after Sacidevi to touch her feet as
she tried desperately to escape him. Such are the super excellent activities of Lord Nityananda. They
bring pleasure to the pious devotees but to the envious it brings pain.
Those envious and sinful wretches who criticize Lord Nityananda become so contaminated that even
Ganga devi who purifies everything runs away from him. Lord Nityananda is the Supreme Lord of the
Vaishnavas, as Ananta Sesha, He holds the universe on his hood. Although I have no attachment for
Lord Nityananda and Lord Chaitanya I pray that the tre asure of the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda be
firmly situated in the inner recesses of my heart. This is my earnest desire for which I beg at the feet of
all Vaishnavas, let Nityananda Prabhu, Lord Balarama be my supreme Lord and master.
Lord Sri Krishna Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda are my life and soul. I, Vrndavana Dasa, offer this
song at their lotus feet.
Sri Chaitanya Bhagavat
Madhya Lila Chapter Twelve
All glory to Lord Visvambhara the Lord and master of all the Vaishnavas, please give us devotional
service to You and make us Your surrendered devotees.
Lord Nityananda performed many wonderful pastimes with Lord Chaitanya in Nabadwip. Lord
Nityananda did innumerable extraordinary deeds engrossed in the ecstasy of love of Krishna, like a
little boy He went about His work with simple enthusiasm.
He spoke always very sweetly to all the devotees He met, and danced laughed and sang to Himself in
bliss. Sometimes moved to outburst of ecstasy he roared loudly astonishing one and all.
He sometimes jumped and swam in the crocodile infested swelling hissing monsoon waters of the
Ganga, fearless and carefree. Everyone grasped with consternation but Lord Nityananda swam about in
the waters laughing and splashing. He swam about the mood of Lord Ananta Sesha feeling completely
at home in the waters of the Ganga, while the spectator devotees held their breath in anxiety.
At times Lord Nityananda became so surcharged with ecstasy in love of Krishna that He went into
unconscious trance lasting three to four days. These are some of the inconceivable pastimes of the
Lord, they are endless and eternal and I am incapable of describing them all.
One day Lord Chaitanya was sitting alone when Lord Nityananda came to Him completely naked
chuckling like a child; His eyes and pure face were twinkling and tears of limitless joy cascaded down
His cheeks. He went about repeating like loud peals of thunder this sentence, "My Lord and master is
Nimai Pandita of Nadia."
Lord Chaitanya smiled, amused at the sight of Lord Nityananda's large, brilliant, beautiful formed and
completely bare frame. Hastily Lord Chaitanya removed the cloth from His own head and wrapped it
around but Nimai continued to chuckle as if nothing happened.
Lord Chaitanya then smeared perfume on His body, decorating Him with a flower garland and began
to glorify Lord Nityananda, "Your name is Nityananda and so is Your form and demeanor, always and
eternally blissful. You are Nityananda now as You were Balarama before. No one can interrupt the
ecstatic and unlimited joy, You experience as Your name suggests, in everything You do whether,
walking, eating or otherwise. Ordinary men cannot appreciate Your transcendental potencies. You are
always to be found where Lord Krishna is present, Krishna is eternal and is the Absolute Truth and so
are You since You are His eternal associate.
Lord Nityananda is perpetually relishing the nectar of loving devotion to Lord Chaitanya, all His words
and deeds are fulfilling Lord Chaitanya's inner most desire. Lord Chaitanya said to Him, "Since long I
have one unfulfilled desire, I would like to have Your karpin loin cloth dress". Saying this He went and
brought His karpin, then tore it to many long strips.
The Lord then distributed one by one these strips to the assembled Vaishnavas, telling them, "Place it
on your heads, these are most precious worshipable objects even to Lord Siva, the king of the Yogis;
what to speak about others. One attains the exalted position of becoming a pure devotee of the
Supreme Lord only by Nityananda's grace; all of you should know that He is the embodiment of Lord
Krishna's full transcendental potencies.
Lord Nityananda is identical to and is the immediate expansion of Lord Krishna. He is an eternal
associate, friend and brother to Krishna, He expands Himself as Krishna's bed. Ornaments and other
such paraphernalia. His character and pastimes are a mystery even in the Vedic literatures although He
is every ones maintainer, Protector and friend. All His activities are full of devotional nectar to Lord
Krishna; it is easy to attain the highest perfection of love of Krishna by serving Him. So all of you
place these strips from His karpina on Your heads and go home and worship it with care and regard."
The Vaishnavas wrapped the Karpina strips lovingly around their heads following Lord Chaitanya's
instruction. Again Lord Chaitanya spoke, "listen, all you devotees! now drink the water that has
washed the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda, this will immediately imbibe in your unfaltering faith in
Lord Krishna's devotional service, of this there is no doubt."
Having received Lord Chaitanya's instructions the devotees washed Lord Nityananda's lotus feet and
drank the water, they drank as much as possible, five times, ten times and more, Lord Nityananda who
was throughout the entire episode engrossed within Himself, remained smiling benignly.
Lord Chaitanya sat down and began to distribute this water (padodaka) with utmost pleasure. The
devotees drank and became intoxicated chanting, "Hari, Hari." The devotees each expressed their joy,
someone said, "Today was the fulfillment of my life", another said, "All the bonds of my material
entanglement were served today", another commented, "today I feel I have become a servant of Lord
Krishna," still another voice said, "this water is so relishable, its sweet taste still lingers in my mouth".
This water was so unique that immediately upon drinking everyone became spiritually excited, some
danced, some began to sing, others started rolling on the ground, and still others could not stop roaring
out aloud in joy.
Just then a jubilant kirtana started up, some devotees sang Krishna songs and others began to dance. In
a moment Lord Chaitanya rose up and letting out a thunderous cry joined in the dance. Meanwhile,
Nityananda Prabhu also stood up and started dancing, unable to contain their joy the devotees encircled
both their Lordships and continued their ecstatic dancing and jostling.
They were intoxicated with joy falling on each other, played little games touching each others feet and
smearing their heads with the dust; some hung on to the others neck sobbing happily. They all mingled
happily forgetting the mood of reverence, the Lord and His servants all danced together. Lord
Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda embraced each other ever so often and danced with blissful gestures.
Mother trembled under the rhythmic dancing of Lord Nityananda and the whole world resounded with,
"Hari Hari".
Drowned in the nectarine ocean of love of Godhead Gaura and Nitai the Lords of Vaikuntha danced in
ecstasy with their servitors. All these pastimes are endless they simply became manifest at a certain
time and place and again became non manifest, this is clearly explained in the Vedas.
After dancing the whole day, Lord Chaitanya finally sat down with all His devotees. He clapped thrice
loudly and then spoke benignly, "Whoever worships Lord Nityananda in loving devotion loves Me
also. His lotus feet are worshiped by Lord Siva and Lord Balarama hence always offer your love and
devotion to Him.
If anyone is critical of Him or dislikes Him then even if anyone is a devotee he is rejected by Me.
Whoever has even so much as received a slight touch of Lord Nityananda, Lord Krishna will never
forsake him. Lord Chaitanya's words brought resounding applause from all the devotees.
Whosoever hears these transcendental narrations with faith and devotion becomes protected and
maintained by Lord Chaitanya. Such activities of Lord Nityananda Prabhu are fully understood by only
those who are His confidential associates and the eternal associates of Lord Chaitanya.
Lord Sri Krishna Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda Prabhu are my life and soul. I, Vrndavana Dasa,
offer this song at Their lotus feet.
Sri Chaitanya Bhagavat
Madhya Lila Chapter Thirteen
All glory to Lord Chaitanya who is an ocean of all transcendental excellences. All glory to Him who is
also known as Visvambhar, who is the law giver of the entire material creation. You are very dear to
Lord Nityananda and the crest jewel of the brahminical race. All glory to Your dearmost devotees
Lord Visvambhar continued His transcendental activities in Nabadwip but not all could see them. As
Lord Visvambhar the Supreme hero descended from Vaikuntha, went about revealing His pastimes, the
sublime joy of the devotees also increased. His dearmost associate and brother Lord Nityananda
accompanied Him everywhere and relished the transcendental mellows with Him and His devotees.
The Lord was always intoxicated drinking the nectar of His own transcendental name. Every night He
was submerged in the congregational chanting of the Lord's name with only His devotees; the
nondevotees were disallowed in these kirtans. No one could fathom the Lord's potencies or activities.
The envious persons, not being allowed to these kirtans, went around spreading bad rumours. Someone
said, "who can be a real Vaishnava in Kaliyuga? All those people are doing this simply for their food."
Someone else said, "if we could tie their hands and feet and throw them into the pond then we might
enjoy quiet and peace." Yet another said, "know one thing for certain friends! this Nimai Pandit will
ruin this village."
These miscreants tried various means to enter the kirtan hall while the kirtan was in progress. They
even reverted to threatening the devotees, but because their hearts were dried up of any piety they
could not influence the devotees and so could not participate in the kirtans. Lord Chaitanya performed
these nocturnal kirtans, and purified the entire material existence. Many towns folk desired very much
to see these kirtans but lamented bitterly: ascribing the reason for not being able to see the kirtans to
their great misfortune. Some of them would approach one of the devotees and pray to them to first
deliver them from their sins and then secretly smuggle them inside the kirtan hall. But the devotees
know that the Lord is the Omniscient Supersoul, He would immediately detect an unauthorised persons
presence, so out of fear of inviting the Lord's wrath, the devotees refused to take anyone inside
Once a brahmacari, a celibate student who was very peaceful, honest and faultless, practicing penances
and living only on milk and fruits, not eating anything else, wanted to see the kirtans of the Lord. But
the Lord personally shut the doors so that nondevotees may not enter. So this brahmacari would visit
Srivas Pandit everyday and repeatedly request him to allow him inside the kirtan. He would say, "if
you kindly take me inside your house during the kirtan then I can feast my eyes to the Pandits chanting
and dancing, I will be ever grateful to you for this." Finally one day Srivas Pandit replied, "I know you
to be a good person, who spent a sinless life eating only fruits and milk, maintaining strict celibacy; I
think you are eligible to see the Lord's kirtan and dancing. But you have to remain hidden inside the
house since the Lord's orders are that no one is allowed inside." He brought the brahmacari inside, who
then carefully concealed himself
The kirtan started and the Lord of the fourteen worlds, Visvambhar began to dance. Lord Nityananda
and Gadadhara Pandit danced around the Lord. While Advaita went dancing hither and thither floating
on waves of joy. Everyone was drowned in an ocean of ecstacy becoming oblivious of the external
world as the Lord of Vaikuntha was lost in Himself, dancing to His devotees singing. The only sound
that was heard were the Lord's names. And the Lord exhibited all the ecstatic symptoms in unlimited
waves
The omniscient Supreme Lord Visvambhar was fully aware of the brahmacari's presence. Though he
was in concealment. After a short while the Lord commented, "Today I do not feel the usual ecstacy
while dancing can any of you explain this; maybe someone is hiding inside the house, please tell me
the truth." Srivas Pandit became very afraid, he said, "My Lord, I assure you there is no atheists or
nonbeliever in this house, only a brahmacari, a fully qualified brahman who is sinless and drinks only
milk and eats only fruits. He had a strong desire to see You dancing. You were very right my Lord, he
is here now in hiding?" This information enraged the Lord, and said, "right now, this very moment take
him out of this house. What spiritual sadhana does he posess to enable him to see My dancing. How
can he develop devotion to Me by drinking milk." The Lord dramatically raised His arms and pointing
His finger to make a point, He continued, "Just by drinking milk no one can attain Me. Even a low
caste dog-eater can claim Me if he takes full shelter of Me, then I also accept him. A person maybe a
renunciate, a sannyasi without worldly attachments, but if he does not surrender to Me then I do not
favor him. Tell me, how did Gajendra the elephant, or Hanuman the monkey or the gopis, the simple
milkmaids of Vraja attain Me; what great austerities did they perform. Even the demons perform
severe penances and austerities, but they are slain because they do not surrender to Me. I will not have
any milk drinker here polluting everything, I will destroy everything."
The brahmacari was by now trembling with fear. He came out of his concealment thinking, "it has been
my great fortune to be able to see what I have seen, and I have also received the commensarate
punishment for my misdeed. But what a wonderful dancing and singing I saw!" A devotee thinks and
feels this way, he being the Lord's servitor is always willing to accept all chastisement from the Lord.
The brahmacari started to walk out of the house with these thoughts in his mind, which of course were
already known to the Lord. The most merciful Lord then had the brahmacari brought back to the house.
He placed His lotus feet on his head and blessed him, the blessed Lord said, "do not try to gain strength
by performing austerities and penances. Render loving devotional service to the Supreme Lord Visnu,
Krishna for it is the highest of all other activities."
The brahmacari began to weep in joy thinking constantly about the Lord's causeless mercy upon him.
The devotees became jubilant and offered their obesiances to the Lord. The Lord then continued to
dance ecstatically. One who hears this wonderful narration will certainly unite with Lord Chaitanya in
devotional service. I offer my prostrated obesiances at the feet of the brahmacari who displayed such
wonderful devotional understanding in accepting the Lord's chastisement
Time passed and the Lord continued His nocturnal kirtan sessions with His intimate devotees, barring
everyone else to enter the premises. The pious population of Nabadwip felt pained at being disallowed
during these kirtan pastimes of the Lord and they blamed the atheists and miscreants for this. They
complained, "we cannot see this wonderful kirtan which is like a grand celebration each evening
because of these fault finding nondevotees. They only know one activity and that is to criticize others
and so they are being deprived of seeing such an extraordinary kirtan pastime of the Lord. And Nimai
Pandit has thus shut the doors to keep out these mischief mongers but unfortunately even the good
people are kept from coming
Everyone knows that Nimai Pandita is a very exalted devotee of Krishna, His heart is pure and
faultless. And if we have full faith and devotion in Him then we will indeed see His kirtan and dancing.
One of the pious souls commented, "let us just go sit there and then we can feast our eyes with Nimai's
dancing. Nimai Pandit has appeared in Nabadwip to deliver the entire universe. I tell you that He will
propagate the congregational chanting of the holy name of God in every house and in every town. In
this way all the pious folks increased their good fortune and the impious ones multiplied their
sufferings by criticising the Lord
With the approach of dawn all these devotees went to meet Nimai Pandit. Everyone brought some gifts
for the Lord like, new articles, bananas, fruits, yogurt, clarified butter, flower garlands etc. As soon as
they saw the Lord they fell to the ground and prostrated obeisances. The Lord blessed them saying,
"may you be blessed by developing love for Krishna, do not waste time with gossip just chant
Krishna's holy name."
The Lord then instructed them on the Holy name, "now listen from Me the maha-mantra, 'Hare
Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare'.
Go and repeatedly chant this mantra a prescribed number of times. One can achieve all perfections
from this chanting so go on repeating these names, for this chanting is not restricted by any rules. You
can sit around together five or ten of You in your house and chant or sing this mantra accompanied by
the clapping of hands or cymbals. When you are singing together then sing this, "Haraye namah
Krishna. Yadavaya namah. Gopal Govinda Ram Sri Madhusudana. This congregational chanting
should be joined by one and all, father, brother, wife, son all together
Now that the devotees had directly received the mantra and the instructions to chant from the Lord they
went back to their homes happily after offering their obesiances to the Lord. They followed strictly the
Lord's instructions and all the time chanted Krishna's name, meditating on the Lord's lotus feet. And at
the end of the day they assembled in their houses and loudly sang the holy names, gaily clapping their
hands and cymbals in rhythm. In this manner Lord Chaitanya began inspiring everyone to take up the
congregational chanting of the holy name; He went about embracing the devotees encouraging their
devotional zeal, placing His own garlands around them. In a most humble manner He went about
requesting all, "My dear brothers please serve Krishna."
Seeing the Lord in this mood, and emblem of humility the devotees become surcharged with spiritual
sentiments and they began to weep and intensify their chanting. The whole town now became involved
in congregational chanting. the devotees brought out their drums, conchshells and cymbals that they
generally used to celebrate the worship of goddess Durga during a big festival, and began to play
accompanying the kirtan with joyous sounds. The whole town was enveloped by the transcendental
sound of the Lord's name
Sridhar, the leaf-plate seller, happened to be walking down that way loudly singing Krishna's name.
When he heard that loud kirtan he began to dance in ecstacy. When the other devotees saw this dear
devotee of Lord Chaitanya dancing they came and surrounded him and began to sing. Sridhara was
overwhelmed with spiritual emotions and he fell to the ground rolling on the floor and kept chanting
Krishna's name. When the nondevotees saw this they started ridiculing him and laughing at him. they
said, "Just see him! that fellow also has become a Vaishnava. he can't afford clothes nor does he have
money to eat suddenly he is exhibiting all these ecstatic symptoms, this is all for show. they all live by
begging but now they have started an untimely festival. The atheists continued to hurl such insulting
remarks at the devotees but the pious devotees went on chanting Krishna's name undeterred
One day the Muslim magistrate, the Kazi was passing that way. He heard the tumult of singing, of the
Lord's name accompanied by drums, cymbals and conchshell. He tried to remember the instruction in
his own scripture about practice of other religions. The Kazi cried out, "catch all of them, let us see
what your teacher Nimai Pandit does to stop me." All the devotees fled in fear of Muslim fanatics. The
Kazi's men went about breaking the drums and beating up the devotees, spreading terror. He said, "it
seems that there is sudden out burst of Hindu religious activities nowadays in Nadia, I will punish the
culprits severely. Since it is already late and getting dark I am letting you off but if I see this again I
will convert all of you to Islam." The evil Kazi would send his men everyday patrolling the town
looking for any kirtan. The devotees became despondent and they went into hiding fearing violent
retaliation from the Kazi and his men
The envious atheists were siding with the Kazi. They commented, "God's name should be chanted in
the mind. Which scripture enjoins one to make a hue and cry in chanting God's name. This is a correct
punishment they have received for transgressing the Vedic injunctions. They have no fear of flouting
the social norms. That NImai Pandit who acts so proud will now be cowered by the Kazi. And that
Nityananda who roams about everywhere will soon see the end of all the fun. They call us atheists for
speaking out the truth, at long last Nadia will be rid of these charlatans."
The devotees did not protest against the Kazi ban out of fear. They went to the Lord and reported to
Him, "we have stopped our kirtan out of fear for the Kazi, whose men in hundreds search the streets
and houses. We will have to leave Nabadwip and settle elsewhere, we have come to tell You this."
When Lord Chaitanya heard that someone was trying to stop the sankirtan movement He became
infuriated, He looked awesome, almost like Lord Siva at the time of the cosmic annihilation. He roared
loudly like the rumbling of thunder and the devotees afraid of this sudden change in the Lord held their
ears as if begging forgiveness from the Lord for a mistake they had not committed. The Lord said,
"Nityananda, be prepared, go immediately to all the Vaishnavas, and assemble then on the streets. I
shall bring out a kirtan party and take it all over Nabadwip. I will see what anyone can do to Me. You
will see how I burn the Kazi's house down. Today I shall shower incessant rains of love of Godhead on
everyone. Today the atheist's will face the final hour. So do not waste a moment My brothers go and
deliver this message to everyone. Tell them that if they are desirous of seeing Krishna's mystic potency
in action then let them bring a flaming torch with them. I will smash the Kazi's palace and I will do
kirtan all along. The entire creation is full of My devotees and when I am present there then what is
there to fear! Go and put a stop to your anguish come and assemble in the afternoon after lunch."
The devotees dispersed right away, each going his way in great anticipation not caring about eating or
anything. Excited talks filled every home that, "Nimai Pandit will take out a sankirtan and dance in the
streets of Nabadwip." For the many thousands who were lamenting for so long that they could not see
Nimai Pandit's dancing this news was cause of great rejoicing. So everyone prepared their own torch.
Even if the father had made a torch the son made his own. They competed with each other to make the
biggest torch. Huge barrels of oil were kept in readiness. Nabadwip in those days was very thickly
populated. The constant flow of people with torches poured out of the houses onto the streets. Who
could count the millions of torches. The women, children, and old men were excited with great
anticipation. Slowly the clusters of devotees moved towards Nimai Pandit's house
When Lord Chaitanya heard that all the Vaishnavas had assembled at His behest and were at His door
steps. He went to meet them and began to organise them in groups. Advaita Acarya was to head up a
group and was the chief dancer and he would be supported by a kirtan group. In another group Haridas
was the dancer and he also was backed by a kirtan group. Yet another group was to be led by the main
dancer Srivas Pandit. The Lord's eyes fell on Nityananda and immediately He said, "I will not leave
Your side My Lord. My only duty is to always be near You. I can never leave Your lotus feet inbedded
in My heart. What power do I possess to dance independantly away from You. My devotional service
to You is I am always with You." When Lord Chaitanya saw the streams of ecstacy flowing from
Nityananda's eyes He embraced Him and kept Him near Him. In this each had his desire fulfilled.
Some went off with his group others stayed close to the Lord dancing and singing
Now please listen attentively to the description of this "nagar- kirtan" for this will cut asunder the
bonds of karmic reactions. Here is the list of some of the main devotees who came. Gadadhara Pandit,
Vakresvara, Murari, Srivas Pandit, Gopinath, Jagadisa, Vipra Gangadas, Ramai, Govindanandana,
Chandrasekhara, Vasudeva, Srigarbha, Mukunda, Sridhara, Govinda, Jagadananda, Nandan Acarya,
Suklambara. the devotees of Lord Chaitanya are innumerable and I do not know all their names;
Vedavyas will reveal all their names in the future in the Puranas. It is not humanly possible to describe
how the Lord danced along with all His associates of different categories
The sankirtan pastimes of the Lord is unique, never was such pastimes ever revealed before in any
other incarnation. As the kirtan picked up gusto the Lord's joy also increased. The devotees were
carried in waves of sublime joy. The Lord and husband of the goddess of fortune was dancing on
Nabadwip streets and anyone who saw Him bacame free from all sorrows. Soon it was dusk but the
devotees were totally engrossed in the kirtan oblivious of the material realm. Millions of men, women,
and children lined the streets standing in doorways seeing the moving mass of men and their tumultous
singing of the Lord's holy name echoed and filled the cosmos. And above this tumult rang out loud and
clear the Lords own thunderous voice. The devotees replied with equal gusto chanting Lord Hari's
name. Then as if by previous arrangement all the torches were lit at the same time like magic. Millions
of flaming torches lit up the darkened sky mathced by the millions of hearts kindled by the magic of
sublime bliss. Words fail to describe the marvellous sight. One could be easily confused whether it was
a full moon night or broad daylight or had Krishna Himself descended in the form of His Brahmajyoti
The Lord again called out loud the name of Lord Hari and the devotees became attentive. They
surrounded the Lord with the kirtan. All the devotees were decorated with flower garlands around their
neck and their bodies were smeared with sandalwood paste and scented vermillion powder. Each one
had some musical instrument or the other in their hands, looking more powerful than thousands of
lions. The Lord loooked around Him to see HIs devoted, servitors eagerly waiting to render Him any
service. He began to dance lifting the devotees in soaring heights of ecstacy. Everyone began chanting
loudly and whoever saw the Lord's moonlike beautiful face were released from searing pain of material
existence
The Lord's charming looks overshadowed the attractiveness of millions of cupids put together. I am at
a loss to find the appropriate similies to describe the Lord's beauty yet I venture to do so only by His
mercy alone otherwise who can dare to attempt such an impossible task. He glowed like a mountain of
gold, His body being smeared with sandal paste sometimes looked like the rising full moon. His curly
dark tresses were decorated with the fragrant Malati garlands; a sweet smile clung intimately to His
lips that can win the hearts of all the muses. the clear markings of sandalwood tilak with a red dot of
Vermillion adorned His beautiful broad forehead. He raised His arms up in the sky chanting the name
of Hari and danced; the knee long flower garland around His neck swayed with each movement. His
upraised arms glistened like fine tapering pillars of gold, His body became drenched with the incessant
flow of ecstatic tears from His lotus petal eyes. As the ecstatic feelings increased the hairs of His body
stood on end like the ever fresh Kadamba flower. The moist reddish lips so exquisite and when parted
revealed a symetrical set of pearl like white teeth; the long arched eyebrows lanquished almost all the
way up to the beginning of His ears. His strong shoulders shamed the king of elephants and His chest
was broad anad full. The brahman thread hung loosely across His chest. Laksmi devi and Tulasi devi
are constantly praying for the shelter of His lotus feet. That Supreme Lord wears His fine and clean
clothes very artistically. the uptilled nose is aristocratic and the sinewy tendons of His neck gives the
impression of being the neck of the king of the forest, stong and powerful, He towers over the others,
His long body well formed and proportionate whining like a mountain of Mother gold. Everyone
looking at Him commented on His divine and beautiful presence. The millions who milled around for
this momentous occasion were very fortunate inspite of their large number they all received the Lord's
benedictions by being able to see the Lord's exquisite transcendetnal face. They simply stared at Him
irresistably drawn to His beauty and exclaimed out loud the Lord's name each time uncontrollable
emotions welled within their hearts
The citizens had nicely decorated their doorways with banana trees, water pots, mango leaves, and
green cocunuts. The ghee lamp flickered in every house and an offering plate sat on the altars with
yogurt, grains, and Dhruva grass. All this happened as if at the command of some unseen voice. Out on
the street men, women children joined the congregation all intoxicated with sublime joy: oblivious to
every other care. Seeing the carefree citizens leaving their house unguarded a thief thought to himself,
"this is good opportunity for me to clean out the people's belongings." But as time passed and the
chanting entering his ears took affect, the thief got rid of his stealing tendencies and also joined in with
the others joyously chanting Lord Hari's sweet transcendental name
The streets were strewn with puffed rice and coins thrown by the citizens as they watched the chanting
procession passing by and then later they themselves joined up with the procession and so the marchers
swelled in numbers. One should not consider these descriptions as exaggerations. Such happenings are
common place when the Supreme Lord is present. When Lord Krishna was in Dvaraka, it is described
in the Srimad Bhagavatm, that He made appear in a twinkling of an eye nine hundred thousand palaces
all bedecked with jewels and marble. Again in the Harivamsa it is described that when Lord Krishna
was having water sports with the Yadus in the salt water ocean that surrounds Dvaraka the entire ocean
in a moment turned nectarean sweet. And now that very same Supreme Lord is almost unconscious
with sublime bliss dancing and chanting so naturally all auspicious happenings are occuring
The ocean of people now surged forward in slow fluid motion like the Ganga's current that flowed
besides them. They all danced and chanted surroundin the dancing golden form of the Lord. Advaita
Acarya, Haridas Thakura, Srivas Pandita and other senior associates of the Lord led huge groups of
dancing and chanting devotees, everyone exulting in the bliss of the Lord's presence. Those who could
not sing were now singing with sweet melodious voices. The Lord was surrounded by the best singers
like Murari, Mukanda Datta, Ramai, Govinda, Vakreswar, Vasudeva and others. Lord Nityananda and
Gadadhara Pandit danced on either side to the Lord submergedin divine bliss. And always the dancing
and prancing form of the Lord brought wonderment and exhilaration in the hearts of all those who
beheld His golden form
This was a magnificent sight; the dancers moved forward in rhythmic motions and the millions of
burning torches were also in motion, their licking flames animated in a passionate dance. It was night,
but the dancing figure of the Lord was clearly visible as if bathed in autumn full moonlight. Sometimes
His body was covered with shining dust particles and at other times He bathed His transcendental form
in the cascading tears of ecstacy. The different ecstatic symptoms appeared in His body, sometimes
shivering, sometimes profuse perspiration, again at times horripilation, changing like the seasons. The
sound of the Lord's name reververated throughtout the universe, "Hari Haraya nama Krishna Yadavaya
namah, Gopal Govinda Ram Sri Madhusudana", "Hari Rama, Rama Hari". Some devotees danced on
their own but there were many large groups of devotees dancing together keeping time with clapping
hands. Another wonderful sight was that those devotees carrying torches and oil containers together.
Nabadwip was ringing with sounds of sublime jubilation, as if the Lord's spiritual abode Vaikuntha,
had descended, and residents of Nabadwip acquired the same characteristics as the residents of
Vaikuntha. They All manifested four-arms but because they were so engrossed in the ecstacy of
chanting and dancing that they did not even notice this divine transformation on their person, the ever
increasing bliss of Vaikuntha was now here. as they passed by the bank of The Ganga, Lord Chaitanya
dancing in the midst looked like Krishna, the son of Nanda Maharaj; a flute in His hand and the
garland of wild flowers around His neck swayed
The devotees had never experienced the ecstacy of such a massive congregaional chanting. They forgot
their bodily identity, their tribulation; they sang and danced and rolled on the ground. Many persons
became emboldened and made their views heard to the public. One said, "where did the rascal Kazi go
now,if I just find him I will sever his head." Others shouted out aloud the names of certain atheistic
persons and beat the ground, as if sealing their fate with a stroke, some of them even ran helter skelter
trying to locate them. there was no accounting the number of people singing, or how many were
playing on the Mrdanga drums. Nabadwip was flooded with the nectarean showers of love of Godhead,
so much so that even the eternal residents of Vaikuntha were hankering for this bliss. Even Lord
Ananta, Lord Siva and Lord Brahma experience this kind of joy. Sublime bliss had descended over the
entire planet as the Lord danced with His associates and devotees, and there was no place for anything
inauspicious or impure. This was the Lord's first major nagar sankirtan
The procession moved on but no one knew where they were going. There was just one resounding
thunder of the Lord's name piercing the coverings of the material world that was all pervading. The
demigods accompanied by their associates came to see the Lord. When they saw Him they alike the
humans also became overwhelmed with transcendental joy. They mingled in with the crowd dressed as
humans to avoid detection and joined in with gusto singing and dancing. All the demigods were
present, Brahma, Siva, Varuna, Kuvera, Indra, Yamaraj, Soma the moongod, etc. They became aware
that everyone present there was experiencing transcendental ecstacy so they went along with the
devotees wanting more of the Lord's association. Thus the humans and the demigods were chanting the
Lord's holy name together
As the procession passed the uncountable houses all nicely decorated, the market places, the large
squares one could understand that Nabadwip was a very well populated and an oppulent town. It was
impossible to count the people that lived there. It seemed that because the Supreme Lord was to advent
here that He had arranged for many people to live here and participate in His sankirtan movement. Just
the number of ladies who were chanting were so numerous that counting them would be futile
Everyone who saw the Lord dancing and chanting like a golden flash could not contain their hearts and
emotions. Even those with hearts of stone were moved to tears falling to the ground seeing how the
Lord showered His causeless mercy and hearing the sighs and sobs of sublime ecstacy of the devotees.
As the Lord danced repeating over and over again Lord Hari's name the garland of flower swayed
wildly. His beauty was breath taking, the way the brahman thread hung carelessly over His shoulders,
the dhoti nicely pleated and tucked in place neatly, His golden frame covered with fine glimmering
dust. Tears flowed unrestrained from His lotus eyes like the languid flow of the Mandakini Ganga of
his heavenly planets. Who would have liked to see the moon after having seen the blooming lotus face
of the Lord. As some of the tear drops clung to the cleft of His fine nose they shone like a string of
white pearls. His glossy black locks entined with the garlands around His head made a fine sight. The
devotees prayed, "O Lord please grant us this one desire that we may hold within our hearts this
pastime birth after birth." The devotees were asking in this manner for benedictions from the Lord as
the Lord continued His extraordinary dancing pastime, surrounded by His intimate associates. The
Lord knew how to inspire devotees to come and join and He danced always reciprocating the mood
and movement of the devotees. the Lord of Vaikuntha danced as the devotees sang, "come and sing
'Hari, Hari' all of you, fear not for the Holy name even though not chanted purely will deliver you from
death."
The author humbly describes in poetry the description of Lord Chaitanya as He danced. Lord
Visvambhar the Lord of the Universe danced along the bank of the Ganga. The devotees eagerly
covered themselves with the earth having the impressions of HIs lotus feet. Wonderful ecstatic
symptoms manifested on HIs person and tears like nectarcascaded from His eyes; with a voice like the
rumble of thunder He chanted Lord Hari's name. Smiling sweetly He raised His arms and sang. His
golden form was much more enchanting then Cupid. Charmingly dressed His black curly hair was
decorated with fresh and fragrant flower garlands; such beauty sent the mind reeling as if when a
person is afflicted by the five amorous arrows of Cupid. In complete bliss Visvambhar moved about in
a restless dance, He was intoxicated with the holy name. His body and limbs were perfectly shaped adn
beautiful being nicely smeared with sandal paste. The garland around HIs neck matched His love
agitated movements. The arch of His eyebrows were like Cupid's bow shooting arrows of enchantment.
HIs teeth were whit and glistening like pearls, His benign face was an ocean of mercy. How can I
describe the many hundreds of ecstatic emotions that manifested in Him, sometimes tears, or shivering,
or perspiration etc. At times He bent His body inthree places just like Krishna and played flute on His
finger. He moved about like a maddened elephant, He was the cynosure of every eye. His brahman
thread decorated His broad chest as if Ananta Sesha had taken that thin form to serve HIs Lord. Lord
Nityananda adnd Gadadhara and all the other intimate devotees danced by His side and each time they
looked at the Lord they saw the Lord smiling back at them. Lord Siva by chanting the name of this
Lord becomes mad and goes about naked, that same Lord is now going on the streets of Nabadwip
performing congregational chanting, Laksmidevi,the goddessof fortune, is hankering always to touch
and dress this Supreme Lord's black curly locks and is so attracted by His dress, that self same
Supreme Lord is so engrossed in singing and dancing that He rolls in the dust inecstacy. Following
Him are HIs devotees carrying millions of flaming torches lighting up the world like the full moon and
not a soul could refrain form chanting teh Lord's holy name. this was such a marvel that Nabadwip had
never witnessed, the residents looked at each other adn chanted "Hari,Hari"
Lord NItyananda was always by the Lord's side knowing Visvambhar's every mood, so whenever the
Lord swooned inecstacy He held out His hands to hold Him. As He Held HIm this time visvambhar
slowly sat down in a meditative pose and clapping HIs hand gleefully began to loudly chant
"hari,Hari". Then HE began to speak with childlike innocence, "I am the Supreme Lord Narayana, I
killed that demon Kamsa and I deceived Bali Maharaj. I constructed taht bridge over the ocean to
Srilanka and killed the demon Ravana, I am Lord Ramachandra." In this manner He revealed HIs real
Supreme identity. NOt everyone could understand this esoteric truth for it is inconceivable by human
mind. And in the next moment to increase their confusion the LORd changed HIs mood completely
and said with utmost humility and meekness, "o Lord please grant ME devotion at Your lotus feet."
Whichever way the LOrd acted were all so mind robbing, even when He put HIs toe to HIs mouth. The
Lord of Vaikuntha, Lord Visvambhar was dancing all over the Nabadwip town. this town is actually
the Svetadvipa of the spiritual world which will be later explained in the VEdas. Amidst the mrdanga
drum,conchshell, cymbals whose number is countless and the chanting of the holy name danced the
Lord like the crest jewel in hte crown
All glory to the congregational chanting,a ll glory to LOrd Visvambhar , all glory to the devotees of the
Lord, whichever way I look I see LOrd Visvambhar drowning everyone in the nectar ocean of love of
Godhead
The procession sometimes moved fast sometimes much slower depending on how long the Lord
danced in one place. The chanting was jubilant and echoed in the spiritual abode of Vaikuntha. THe
LOrd, the cynosure of everyone, moved about like a mad lion intoxicated with the Holy name. The
procession passed many bathing places and proceeded towards Simulia. No one was tired, millions
were singing and dancing and a million flaming torches made it difficult discern whether it was
midday or night. The people welcomed the procession with flowers and doorway decorati
on as they passed each house; the demigods rained a confetti of fragrant flowers. MOther Earth was
thrilled with ecstacy as the LOrd walked and danced. She wanted the Lord to wald on a soft surface so
she had as if collected the strewn flowers and the pathway looked like her delicate tongue
Srivas, ADvaita, Haridas were dancing in groups of their own going ahead of Lord Visvambhar. As in
groups of their own going ahead of Lord Visvambhar. As the procession entered each new locality
people left their homes and ran to see the Lord. They forgot all other duties and relatives they were all
eager to see that beautific moonlike face of the Supreme soul of the entire creation. Without
consciously realizing they were all being drawn into this congregational chanting. Without being aware
they were all becoming intoxicated with holy name of Krishna. They began manifesting symptoms of
supramundane joy. Some rolled on the ground, some made sounds with their mouth asif playing a
musical instrument. Others were embracing anyone they met. Hey hadbecomeso inebriated by the
chanting and dancing taht many were seen just offering prostrated obesiances falling to the ground like
a rod, and there were others who were cathcing the devotees feet and simply crynig in ecstacy
One could hear many comments form different people. Someone said, "I am this NImai Pandit. I have
been assigned to deliver the world." Another commented, "I am a Vaishnava from Svetqadvipa." Yet
another remarked , "I am an eternal resident of Vaikuntha." Again someone said, "where is that rascal
Kazi. I will crush his head if I could lay my hands on him." Incited by such comments some ran to try
to capture an atheist and climbed up a tree and then jumped down angrily shouting, "I am death to
twelve atheists." Another said, "can you hear me O God of Death! tell me where is your son, the
Sungod?" The lOrd of Vaikuntha appearing as Saci's son was now and here chanting and dancing. the
floodgates of the HOly name was flung open by HIm. The HOly names which gave the God of Death
Yamaraj teh name Dharmaraj or the upholder of religious principles, and the Holy name that saved the
worst of sinners Ajamila from the jaws of doom, was now being freely distributed by the LOrd
Himself, and those who could not chant the name could at least hear it chanted and reap the
transcendental benefits. Chitragupta, the compiler of man's good and evil deeds in life has to be
immediately informed that his records of evil deeds have to be thrown away. I cannot be blamed if I
take stern action against him if he disobeys since now every living entity is delivered
That Holy name has converted Varanasi into one of the most important places of pilgrimage because
Lord Siva is constantly chanting that HOly name of Krishna. This Holy name is always chanted by the
purest of devotees who are the eternal residents of the spiritual abode. Lord Siva has become
worshippable by all the demigods and humans because he is relishing every moment the sweet nectar
of the HOly name. This very name is now bing heard by every living entity. So the devotees warned all
the atheists that if they do not discard their evil ways and take up the chanting of the Holy name and
the worship of Lord Visvambhar than they will destroy them, the devotees loudly challenged the
atheists to now come forward and desist their chanting ofKrishna's name. They fisted the earth with
great froce as if beating to pulp a recalcitrant atheist. the effects of chanting the HOly name had so
divinely enmaddened them taht they were not aware of what they did or said
When the atheist saw that citizens of Nabadwip had all become mad with ecstacy they were bathing
inside with hate and envy. Thwy got together and began conspiring. They said, "if the Kazi was to
come right now then I would like to see wehre that NImai Pandit will run to. What will happen to all
their fanfare dancing and singing. Where iwll they hide their banana trees, mango leaves and rest of the
decorations. As soon as Kazi hears their great commotion and sees their lit torches he will immediately
come and they will have to Jump into the Ganges to escape his wrath." One of them said, "then I will
place myself near to a group and in the stampede I will tie their necks together." Another said, "then let
us go and inform the Kazi." Someone objected to this saying, "I see no logic in doing that." Another
made his point strongly, "I cna see only one logical thing to do, that is let us go all together to those
sentimentalists and loudly shout that "the Kazi and his men are here", then they will quickly disperse."
This way the atheists were eating their jealous heart out while the devotees floated on clouds of ecstatic
chanting and dancing
The devotgees were looking so effulgent. They were decorated with sandalwood paste and flower
garlands. They were so fully engrossed in the Holy name that they became oblivious to everything.
The sankirtan proceeded towards Srimulia. As the devotees chanted and danced the Lord also chanted
and danced right in their midst. the activities of devotees increased the Lord's ecstacy. no one could
imagine how much water was contained in the Lord's lotus eyes. Incessant tears cascaded in rivulets of
pure nectarean water. Sometimes shivering overcame HIm that He lay on the ground, even Nityananda
prabhu was lamenting because He could not hold Him still. And when at the pinnacle of ecstacy He
fell unconsious then no force of life was foundin Him for a long time. this was the wonder of wonders
Excited talks went around amongst the citizens. They said, "this person must be the Supreme Lord
Narayan HImself." Anothersaid, "He is so much like Narada or Prahlad or even Sukadeva Goswami."
"Whoever He maybe, He is certainly not an ordinary human being." the more critical and calculating
ones said, "He is indeed a great devotee." Each one commented according tothe level of one's
understanding. Lord Nimai was oblivious of anything. He was engrossed in the ecstacy of the Holy
name, and as He lifted His arms chanting "Hari, Hari!" everyone around by hearing the Lord felt
irresistably drawn to HIm and they all echoed loudly after Him the Lord's name. Whichever direction
the Lord chose the entire congregation moved that way. The Lord was now heading towards the Kazi's
house. the sound of chanting and revelry became clearly audible to the inmates of Kazi's palace
WhEn Kazi heard the loud clamour of chanting he enquired, "cna you hear that sound of music and
singing? is that a marriage party or is it some weird incarnations of strange beings. Have they
disobeyed my orders and again started their Hindu practices out in the streets? Go quickly and find out
all the details, after you return with information I shall persoanlly go." Kazi's spy left immediately and
arrived at the scene of the massive congregational kirtan. they were overawed at the sight of the huge
mass of people shouting, "kill the Kazi" and murmuring verses from the Koran for protection they fled
in terror
they came running to the Kazi and spoke rapidly in gulps, "what are we doing here, let us quickly
escape. That Nimai Acarya is coming with thousands and thousands of men. They are carrying
thousands and thousands of flaming torches all singing their Hindu God's name. The citizens have
decorated their houses and doorways welcoming this immense and incredible procession. The roads
are covered with flower petals and puffed rice. The sound of their singing is so loud that I felt that my
eardrums will burst. i have never seen such a sight. even the coming of our royal monarch never draws
such incredulous crowds. Nimai is their leader dancing inthe middle and everyone is simply following
HIm. The singers we had attacked the other day are also there. They are all shouting, "kill the Kazi".
And Nimai is the gangleader who is stirring them up. I wonder why this brahmana fellow nImai weeps
so much. the tears spout out like two rivers." The other spy replied, "I think He may have some relative
somewhere. So He is crying because He is missing him." The other replied, "I am afraid to even look at
Him, He looks like He is coming to gobble you up." Kazi said, "is that really NImai Pandit maybe He
is going to get married. I cannot imagine that anyone will try to disregard my orders. If they do, tdhen I
will convert them to Muslim." As they were discussing the sound of the kirtan came closer and closer
Teh huge mass of congregation arrived in the locality of Kazi's palace. the crest jewel amongst them
all, Lord Visvambhar led them up dancing. the sound of their chanting boomed through out the entire
universe echoing in the vaults of heaven, earth and hell. The chanting became unbearably loud for the
Kazi and his men, and they made haste to escape fearing the worst for them. Like a mouse running for
his life from the snake's mouth. But in the commotion and bustle they were confused, and lost the way.
So many of the Kazi's men spread open their rolled up head cloth and hung it over their heads, so as
not to be recognized, and joined in with the dancing, but with a thumping heart. The bearded
compatriots of Kazi hung their heads down so that their give away beard remained unexposed. There
were so many people that it would be impossible for one to know everyone by face adn besides the
people were so excited that they were not aware fo even their own persons. Everyone was lost in
dancing and singing
Lord Visvambhar stood before Kazi's palace doors, His rising anger visible, with a voice like thunder
He said, "where is that mischief monger, Kazi, bring him right this minute to Me and cut his head off. I
will obliterate the entire yavana race from the face of this earth, like I have previously done. Break
open and smash everything. Break it! Break it!" Theser were the orders of the Supreme Lord, who
could disobey. The congregation was already exuberant and inebriated withthe association of Lord
Chaitanya and the Holy name, so such a command from the Lord was immediately put into action with
great enthusiasm. They ransacked the entire property. they went through the house and
indiscriminantly broke anything that came their way. The garden lay limp and ravaged as if after a
hurricane. Banana trees lay uprooted; broken branches hung from mango trees; the flower garden was
stamped to the ground. Lakhs and lakhs of people overran the palace rooms and the grounds. Through
out the entire operation the congregation was chanting, "Hari! Hari!" The Holy name was their
constant companion. They punctuated every move with Lord Hari's name
Lord Visvambhar then said, "now burn down everything. Put fire in the house, let the Kazi and all his
men burn to death. I want to see what his king will do to Me. I also want to see who has theaudacity to
check Me. The God of death, time and death all are servants of my devoted servitors; they are created
by my glance over material nature. I have advented mainly to propagate the congregational chanting of
the Holy name, if any one so much as tries to cause obstruction then I will annihilate him. And even if
the most lowly sinner participates in the chanting of the Lord's name then he shall be remembered by
Me and saved. On the other hand even if, persons are performing austerity, renunciation, Vedic studies,
yoga yet do not join the sankirtan movement they will certainly perish. Sonow do not fear, put fire to
the house, I will bring about the total devastation of the entire race of Yavanas."
When they saw the Lord's wrath the devotees fell on their knees and raising their arms prayed to Him,
"one of Your principle expansions is Lord Sankarsan, He never manifests His anger untimely; when
the time is ready for the destruction of the material world then Rudra appears as Lord Sankarsana's
incarnation and expansion. And after Rudra completes the work of annihilation or "pralaya" he again
returns into Your transcendental body. The work of annihilation is carried out by the expansion of
YOur expansion, so if you are angry then who can check Your wrath. The Vedas glorify You as
"angerless and eternally blissful", our hearts cannot see You as minimise the Bedic injuction. Even
Lord Brahma never attracts Your ire; creation, maintenance adn annihilation of the material world are
simply Your transcedental pastimes. Today You have sufficiently chastised that Kazi and if next time
he does anything again then You can destroy him. All glory to Lord Visvambhar, the Supreme Lord of
all Lords; all glory to Lord Gaurasundar the Lord of the Universe, the Lord of Lakshmidevi, and who
rests on Lord Ananta Sesha
Lord Chaitanya smiled after listening to their choice prayers and then began to dance and chant with
everyone. The Kazi was justly dealt with; the Lord was pacified that congregational chanting in public
will continue. He now led the procession back towards the town. Chanting and dancing began again
with previous jubilance and exuberance. Joy once more filled the atmosphere. the devotees were now
free from any fear or inhibition. they could chant their beloved Lord Krishna's name at anytime. The
atheists were subdued, tdheir spirit broken and the devotees were victorious and jubilant. They again
became submerged in the ecstacy of chanting and dancing. now all the devotees went ahead dancing
and chanting and the Lord came up from behind. Lord Brahma, Lord Siva, Lord Ananta adn all the
other demigods enjoying themselves participating in the congregational chanting
The procession entered the locality of traders who deal with conchshells and other connected items. All
the residents came out in hte best and welcomed the congregation with the necessary Vedic rituals
known as "purnakumbha". The roads were strewn with flowers and lamps were lit up in the house.
Then they went through the weaver's locality. A great sound of jubilationand chanting of the Lord's
name greeted the approaching congregation. Everywhere they went people were mad with joy. they
were relishing their well earned victory over despotism. Lord Chaitanya was very happy to see that all
were chanting the Lord's Holy name
Lord Chaitanya dancing in mad ecstacy went to Sridhara's house. Sridhara lived in a small broken hut.
he had practically no posession. A metal pot sttod outside his door. The pot was dented and old. It was
repaired so many times that even a thief would not think of stealing it. the Lord was dancing in front of
Sridhara's house when He saw that the only visible metal pot was filled with water. The Supreme Lord
Visvambhar wanting to teach the human society that how much He loved and cared for His devotees
picked up Sridhara's worn out waterpot and proceeded to drink water fromit kwith great pleasure, even
if someone wanted to stop Him, who could do that. When Sridhara saw what Visvambhar was doing he
came running, shouting, "O death, I am finished!" i know You have come to my house to destroy me!"
So saying, Sridhara the most saintly personality, fainted on the ground out of great spiritual
perturbation. Lord Visvambhar with utmost satisfaction said, " My whole being has now become
purified. Today finally I have attained devotion to the lotus feet of Lord Krishna simply by drinking
water from Sridhara's pot." Saying this the Lord shed tears of divine ecstacy. The lesson the Lord
taught everyone through this pastime wa that by drinking water from a pure devotees water pot
develops immediately attachment to the lotus feet of Lord Krishna
IN the Padma Purana Adikhanda
/
it is stated, "the wise devotee who is desirous of purifying himself completely of all sinful reactions
should specifically approach a pure Vaishnava and beg from him his food remnants. If all this is not
available then atleast he should beg some of his water remnants, or drink the water that has washed his
feet."
the devotees began to cry in great joy to see the Supreme Lord manifest such mercy and special
affection towards His devotee. Nityananda, Gadadhara, Advaita, Srivas fell down to the ground and
began to roll and cry. haridas, Vakreswar, Chandrasekhara, Jagadananda and the numerous others close
associates of the Lord, were unable to contain their spiritual emotions, they burst out in tears of
exultation. they cried out Krishna's sweet name. Sridhara's house became the blessed exhibition site for
the hightest form of spiritual ecstacy in love of Godhead. The whole universe exulted with the chanting
of Krishna's holy name; Lord jGauraChandra smiled beningly HIs mission was accomplished
Just behold teh glory of this devotee's devotion, the Supreme Lord reciprocated his devotion with His
full mercy. The Lord drank water with infinite pleasure from Sridhar's waterpot made of a base metal.
The pot was full of repairs and dents, a pot that was used for many purposes. The Lord enjoyed
drinking from this pot because He was drinking Sridhar's transcendental devotion to Him and so the
common liquid water was immediately transformed into divine ambrosia. Thus the Lord taught that
everything in relation to a pure devotee is transcendental
The Supreme Lord, on the other hand, ignores the valuable gem- studded waterpot of nisolent
materialists. he accepts any offering from His surrendered devotees, irrespective of any rules and
regulations for offering. If His devotee has little and ordinary food then He forcibly takes if from him,
as He has displayed this quality in Dvaraka with Sudamz Vipra. it has been seen that the Lord sells
Himself to HIs devotees. When the Pandavas were banished to the forest, Lord Krishna relished a
simple offering of leafy vegetables form Yudhisthira Maharaj. The pure devotees are Krishna's father,
mother, wife, brother; Lord Krishna sees His surrendered devotees asHis own kith and kin, but not
otherwise. Lord Krishna manifests Himself to His devotees according to the desire and mellow of the
devotees; Lord Krishna allows HImself to be sold or purchased by His unalloyed devotees. All the
scriptures have described this wonderful quality of Lord Krishna that He specially favors His pure
devotees and is always protecting them personally from all calamities
One should see the magnanimous position of a pure devotee and thus be inspired to develop spiritual
attachment for Krishna. the position of Lord Krishna's servant is never to be viewed deprecatingly;
Lord Krishna, the Supreme Godhead never accepts as His servant a person of little spiritual calibre.
After having performed his prescribed duties for many millions of lifetimes, leading a pious life of non
violence and humility, and praying constantly and sincerely to the Supreme Lord a person is awarded
the opportuntiy at his time of death. Ganga water to him and the chanting of Lord Narayana's Holy
name. This will certainly afford him liberation from all material bondage, only then can he be blessed
to become a servant of Lord Krishna. All the commentators of Bhagavatm have clearly indicated that
the liberated souls can render full devotional service tothe Supreme Lord, performer of transcendental
pastimes. Therefore the devotees position is almost equal to the Lord Himself, and the Lord always
sees His devotees in a more exalted position that Himself even. The innumerable elogies that have
been compiled since time immemorial about the divine excellences of a pure devotees is inadequate to
describe him perfectly. Lord Siva, and Lord Brahma are very happy to be called Lord Krishna's
servants, and Ananta Sesha is always hankering to serve Him. Although the pure devotees are almost
equal to the Lord Himself, yet they are constantly wanting to serve Him in loving attachment
Advaita Acarya is such an elevated devotee, many persons do not know his real mood and postion and
so they are disconted, when Advaita Acarya is glorified as a devotee of Lord Chaitanya. Lord Krishna
is greatly pleased when anyone calls Him a 'devotee' because who besides Lord Krishna knows
perfectly well who is apure devotee. The most abominable sinners proclaim themselves as 'God' only
to ensure a full belly regularly. Gathering around him a crowd of assinine disciples the imposter poses
himself as the Lord of the Universe. Although the body ofsuch a cheater, is only fit for the dogs meals
he still becomes deluded by teh external energy of Lord Visnu to think that he is the Supreme
controller. And now just behold the oppulence of the Lord of all Lords. Lord GauraChandra, simply by
His desire millions of people converged with millions of burning torches dto begin a historic march
against oppression; all the way they were greeted with decorated doorways and showers of floral
confetti from the heavenly denizens
It was difficult ot understand the transformation that took place in the Lord after He drank water form
Sridhar's waterpot. All the devotees began to shed tears of joy seeing the special mercy that the
Supreme Lord showere upon His pure devotee. Sridhar was thunderstruck and with tears brimming
over in his eyes holding straw in the teeth in utter humility he knelt before the Lord chanting HIsholy
name and said, "what have you done my Lord, what watger have You drunk?" But Lrod Visvambhar's
bliss was uncheckable afgter haveing drunk water from His devotees water vessel, He danced in
ecstacy surrounded by all His associates who sang and danced along with Him. Nityananda Prabhu and
Gadadhara Pandit were always like two jewels decorating the Lord's either side
Kholareca Sridhar's fortune is indeed so great that even Lord Siva and Lord Brahma are moved to tears
of joy and appreciation; the Supreme Lord Chaitanya is unattainable by wealth, fame or erudition, but
is captivated by unalloyed devotion. After the water drinking incident the Lord moved on from
Sridhar's place towards the town. Nabadwip became the most hallowed place in the entire creation as
Lord Chaitanya and His associates danced adn sang in ecstacy the Lord's Holy name. Only tdhe sound
of the Lord's mane echoed in concave extremities of the universe. The divine exultation that is
experienced by Sukadeva Goswami, Narada Muni, Lord Siva, and others on hearing the Holy name
was now being experienced by the residents of Nabadwip as they passed through the different localities
in Nabadwip. Althouth the kirtan was going on for a whole night one should not think that this was just
one night, rather several yugas passed in that time unknown to anyone. Nothing is impossible for Lord
Chaitanya, the Supreme Lord to accomplish, a mere raising of His eyebrow annihilates the entire
universe. Only the most fortunate and pious souls cam comprehen such esoteric truths about the
Absolut: a dry mental speculator is not eligible for such revelations
The townspeople were euraptured beyond comprehension by Lord Chaitanya's beautiful dancing, loud
thunderous shouts of joy and the profuse flowing of divine nectar in the form of the chanting of the
HOly name. People thanked Mother Saci for carrying inher womb such a child as Lord Visvambhar;
tdhey blessed Jagannatha Misra for being a good father to the Lord. they were grateful for the good
fortune that descended upon the residents of Nabadwip. They all wished that this night never ends as
the Lord performed His pastimes for many yugas. These pastimes of the Lord has no beginning or end.
They 'appear' and then of a certain time they 'disappear', the Lord manifests Himself to the devotee
according to the desire and mood of the devotee. In the Srimad Bhagavatam it says, "O Supreme Lord
who is glorified in choice verses! Out of compassion and love for Your dear devotees in whatever
forms they meditate upon You in their spiritual bodies."
Lord Chaitanya is even to this day performing His eternal pastimes, those who are pure in heart can see
them. the Lord descends only to please His devotees. One may perform austerities and sacrifices for
millions of lifetimes but without devotional service all his performances will be futile. And devotional
service means to serve the pure devotee of the Lord, this if the verdict of all the scriptures
I offer my obesiances to Lord Nityananda. All glory to Him, for only with HIs mercy one can glorify
Lord Chaitanya. Many persons see Lord Nityananda differently, some say He is Balaram, or He is very
dear to Lord Chaitanya, or He is the expansion of the omnipotent Lord; many say they do not know
who He really is. Each one see HIm accordingto his realization. Whoever He maybe He is very special
to Lord Chaitanya and may His lotus feet bve the only treasure of my heart. Let all the atheist who
criticise Lord Nityananda be very careful lest they be kicked in the head. I offermy obesiances at the
dfeet of this dearmost devotee of Lord Caitany may He be my Lord andmaster. I can know Lord
Nityananda only by Lord Chaitanya's mercy and I can know Lord Chaitanya only if Lord Nityananda
shows me. Lord Chaitanya is Lord Rama and Nityananda is Laksmana, Lord Chaitanya is Krishna and
Nityananda is Sankarsansa. Lord Nityananda possesses the power to fully satisfy Lord Chaitanya with
His transcendental service. the intimate associates of Lord Chaitanya are in full knowledge of Lord
Nityananda's extra-ordinary position. But at times one may see a certain elevated devotee quarreling
with other devotees; this is all transcendental and is happening by the desire of Lord Krishna. No one
should side with any party, because they are all most elevated Vaishnavas adn in doing so one will
certainly make offenses againgst teh Vaishnava. One can become a true Vaishnava by serving Lord
Krishna and by not finding faults in others
Now I offer my obesiances at the lotus feet of Advaita Acarya, may I remain attached to his dear
servitors. All glory to Lord Chaitanya along with all His associates. These narrations aboutHIs
pastimes rewards one with the highest devotional mood. If one sides with Advaita against Gadadhara
Pandita then due to this imbecile act that personis never allowed shelterby Advaita Acarya as his
devotee
the transcendental pastimes of Lord Chaitanya are the purest from of divine ambrosia, I praythat these
unlimited pastimes increasingly appear in the minds of all livingbeings. One who desires joy from
hearing these narrations will surely see the beautiful face of Lord Chaitanya directly. Lord Sri Krishna
Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda are my life and soul.
Sri Chaitanya Bhagavat
Madhya Lila Chapter Fourteen
All glory to Lord Chaitanya. He is epitome of divine peace. Hee protects the pious and annihilates the
miscreants. All glory to the son of Jagannath Misra and Saci Mata, He is glorified with choice verses.
All glory to the life of Jagadananda Pandit and Haridas and Kashiswara's heart's purest treasure. you
are an ocean of mercy, friend of the poor and the maintainer of all living entities. Whoever surrenders
unto You. You accept him and become his master
Lord Chaitanya could not stay without 'kirtan' as He passed time in Nabadwip. The kirtan started
having such an effect on Him that as soon as He heard the Holy name He fell down in ecstacy in
whatever place He was. Tears flowed profusely from His eyes. He became saturated with love of
Godhead. If anyone for any reason said aloud the Lord's name Lord Chaitanya swooned to the ground
and the symptoms of ecstacy started to manifest on His person as He rolled on the ground. Such
displays of spiritual ecstacy was indeed very rare, even Lord Brahma would consider himself blessed if
he could see this; yet the residents of Nabadwip saw all these transcendental activities enacted often
right on the streets. And when sometimes the Lord experienced intense ecstacy He would become
unconcious. His body numbed into stillness; on these occassions the devotees would carry Him away,
themselves feeling sublime joy. Then bringing Him in an unconcious state behind closed doors they
again started up the kirtan which submerged the entire universe in waves of spiritual bliss. The
different devotional ecstacies that manifested on the Lord's person are all inexplicable and often
unrecognizable by anyone of its esoteric significance. Sometimes the Lord spoke out saying, "I am
Madan Gopal" and then with a sudden change of mood He will say, "I am an eternal servant of Lord
Krishna." On certain days He would nicessantly repeat, "gopi, gopi, gopi" thinking of the damsels of
Vrndavana and if He as much as heard Krishna's name, He burned inside with increasing anger and
said, "where is this Krishna of yours coming from, this big rogue; He is a cheat, cunning and a
hypocrite, who can think of worshipping Him. He wins the heart of the ladies and then once they trust
Him He drops off their ears and nose. He is so greedy He almost snatches their lives from them. I do
not care to hear about this thief." In this manner He would speak out angrily to anyone who repeated
Krishna's name in His presence
Again on other days He would call out "Vrndavana" or "Gokula" or "Mathura" in great joy, and then
on other occasions He would draw on the earth with His nails. Sometimes drawing a standing form of a
person bent in three places and looking at it He would weep so bitterly as if the entire world would
drown in His tears. He would at times say, "I see a huge dense forest full of lions, tigers and bears."
Like this the Lord was totally absorbed in the mood of sublime devotion where night became day and
day became night for Him. The devotees who watched these were overcome with great spiritual
emotions and they embraced each other. What these devotees saw so easily of the Lord's ecstatic
manifestation even Lord Brahma would constantly pray for such a favor
The Lord was now spending almost all His time outside HIs own house, in the residences of the
differnet devotees. He gave up all His familial and external responsibilities; only sometimes He would
do something to please His mother. The devotees were now always feeling intense joy having the Lord
always with them, their bliss in kirtan increased. Nityananda, Advaita, Gadadhara never left the Lord's
association, always participating in His never-ending transcendental activities
One day Advaita Acarya overcome by the mood of the gopis began to dance, while all the devotees
sang with intense feelings. He danced in joy and at the same moment in great humility and distress he
fell to the ground holding a straw in his teeth and began to roll as if intoxicated by the divine nectar of
love of Godhead. Advaita continued to dance for several hours, but the other devotees were exhausted
unable to keep up with Him. Then finally the devotees quietened him, making him sit down, and they
sat around him. Finding Advaita somewhat tranquil Srivas Pandit, Ramai and a few others went for
their baths. But soon again Advaita was overcome with feeling distress and as it gradually increased in
intensity he began to roll in Srivas' courtyard. Lord Chaitanya after some work was resting in His
house. Advaita's feelings of humility and distress became known to the Lord
The Lord always soothes away His devotees distress and worries. So Lord Chaitanya came to see
Advaita. Seeing Advaita supine in Srivas' courtyard He took him by the hand leading him into the
temple and shut the doors. Giving Advaita a consoling smile the Lord said, "listen Acarya! Tell Me
what is your desire right now, what is to be done?" Advaita said, "O Lord, You are essence of all the
Vedas. I want only You. What else is there to want?" The Lord laughed slightly and replied, "here I am
in person, what more do you want?" Advaita insisted, "what you say is true, here you are before me the
Absolute truth, yet I would like to see some of Your mystic opulences." The Lord softly asked, "tell
Me what You desire?" Advaita said, "my Lord, I intensely desire to see what Arjuna had seen long
ago."
As soon as Advaita had spoken these words Advaita saw a chariot in the midst of a raging battlefield,
millions of soldiers were engaged in combat all around the chariot. Sitting inside this chariot was the
beautiful blackish four handed form of Lord Krishna holding conch, mace, lotus and disc in each of
His hands. Advaita was bright then beholding the Universal form of Lord Krishna. All the planets and
stars like sun, moon,and mountains, rivers, oceans, forests well visible within this wonderous
manifestation of Krishna. He saw Arjuna standing before this Universal form with folded hands
offering words of prayer and praise
He saw millions of pairs of eyes, and millions of open mouths with huge licking flames exuding out
ofthem. All the atheists and sinful demons were being sucked into this mighty conflageration to be
consumed. The fault finders, and the heartless ones who perpetrate violence on others all burned in the
flames from the mouth of Lord Chaitanya. Advaita was blessed with the Lord's special mercy and
therefore he could see this marveloius Universal form of Lord Chaitanya. As Advaita saw this
Universal form he began to cry in great ecstacy due to his intense love for the Lord and falling to his
knees in great humility he begged the Lord for His eternal association as his Lord and master
While Advaita was seeing Lord Chaitanya manifest His universal form Lord Nityananda was roaming
the streets of Nabadwip absorbed in divine bliss, as was His usual vocation, Lord Nityananda, because
of His supra mundane position could immediately know that Lord Chaitanya was showing His special
Universal Form to Advaita. He quickly went to Srivas' house and headed straight to the temple room.
Lord Chaitanya also knew that Nityananda was coming. Shutting the doors behind Him. Lord
NItyananda saw this Unlimited Form of the Lord before Him and falling down like a stick He offered
His obesiances and closed His eyes
The Lord spoke, "arise O Nityananda! You are as dear to Me as My own life. You know everything
about Me. Anyone who is attached to You in loving devotion I make him My own. No one is more
dear to Me than You. And anyone who tries to see differences in You and Advaita will never gain the
proper knowledge to understand the Supreme God or Me in this incarnation." Nityananda and Advaita
began to dance jubilantly. Lord Chaitanya responded with a thunderous voice saying, "just look at
Yourself!" Nityananda and Advaita overwhelmed with joy started glorifying the Lord with beautiful
prayers. Lord Visvambhar smiled upon them with great appreciation. Although all these transcendental
incidences were being enacted in Srivas' residence none of the others could see
These narrations are from the lotus mouth of Advaita Acarya, those who do not have faith in them are
the most abominable of sinners And those who do not glorify Lord Chaitanya as the Supreme Absolute
Lord are evil hearted men who are avoided by saintly personalities. My greatest hope and assurance is
that Lord Chaitanya is the master of my dear master, Nityananda. The Lord chose Nabadwip to reveal
His pastimes openly before the public eye yet only the devotees could comprehend its esoteric content.
The most valuable wealth anyone can posess is the wealth of devotional service to the Supreme and the
zenith of devotion is when one weeps in ecstatic bliss remembering the Holy Name of Krishna. One
cannot develop love of Godhead by material means, only be sincerely calling out to Krishna can one at
the end chant Krishna's name purely. One can also easily attain this state of perfect joy if one hears
with implicit faith the narrations of Lord Chaitanya exhibiting His Universal Form to Advaita Acarya
and Nityananda Prabhu
Finally Lord Chaitanya left for His residence with all the other devotees. Lord Nityananda and Advaita
did not inform another soul about seeing the Lord manifest His Universal Form; they were still mad
with joy and they rolled about on the ground sometimes singing, dancing and clapping hands. As they
were thus engrossed in merriment soon they began to argue and abuse each other. Advaita said, "You
simpleton, drunkard, who asked You to come to this place? Why did You force Your way in here? And
whosoever calls You a sannyasi. No one knows Your family background, or caste, and as for known
You eat in anyone's house from any caste. How does a mad intoxicated person like Yourself find
Himself in the company of Vaishnavas? If you do not leave right away then You will find Yourself in
real trouble."
Lord NItyananda replied, "you baldy fellow! You would be wise to sit quietly! I will first show you
My power and strength with a few blows. You fogey old brahmana, you have no fear? I am an
'avadhuta' renunciate, and the Lord's brother. You are a householder totally engrossed in family life,
whereas I am a fully renounced and realized soul. If I strike you cannot say or do anything, yet without
reason you are trying to show off in front of Me." These words incensed Advaita with burning rage, he
flung his clothes in all directions and began to severely chastise Nityananda. He said, "You fish eater,
You meat eater, how do You call Yourself a sannyasi. I have undressed myself before You in sheer
disgust. Who knows you, what about Your parents, Your house, nothing is known to anyone, let
anyone come forward and identify You and recognise You. You are just a thief wanting to eat
everything, gobble up anything and destroy all! You claim to be a sannyas, a sannyasi does not demand
anything, but You fill Your belly three times a day. This Srivas Pandit cannot discriminate between the
people of different castes, that is why he has allowed this 'avadhuta' to join this company of
Vaishnavas. He does not understand that this so called avadhuta will ruin everyones caste and
reputation, what a menace this drunkard is." It is difficult for ordinary folks to understand this
exchange of spiritual love between the two which sounds like a pernicious verbal fight. No one whould
commit the spiritual blunder of supporting one against the other. The deep spiritual significance of
such abusive exchanges between devotees are unfathomable to most. And due to ignorance of this fact
if someone glorifies Advaita and denounces say Gadadhara Pandit then he will be doomed and
certainly he will not be considered a devotee of Advaita either. The activities of the Supreme Lord and
the Vaishnavas are all transcendental, incomprehensible to the materialist. An atheist can never
understand that both the Lord and His pure devotees are on the same transcendental plane
One who worships Krishna's lotus feet seeing all Vaishnavas to be dear to the Lord will indeed cross
over this ocean of material nescience. Lord Sri Krishna Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda are my life and
soul. I Vrndavan Das humbly offer this song at Their lotus feet
Madhya Lila Chapter
Sri Chaitanya Bhagavat
Madhya Lila Chapter Fifteen
All glory to Lord GauraChandra, the Lord of the entire universe. He is the crown jewel of the
brahmanas, the Supreme amongst all the Vedic personalities, the perfect renunciate. He is an ocean of
compassion appeared like a brilliant gem out of the womb of the blessed Mother Saci. All glory to
Lord Visvambhar and Lord Niytananda; all glory to His devotees and associates. One attains the
highest perfection of life by constantly hearing the narrations of Lord Chaitanya's transcendental
pastimes. These topics of the Nabadwip lila as recorded in the Madhya khanda is like an ocean of
nectar. The Lord was always engrossed in Sankirtan relishing the taste of His own transcendental
name, and thus intoxicated He exhibited the symptoms of ecstacy and also revealed His
supra-mundane opulences
The sweet ambrosia of love of Godhead led the Lord to act like a mad man. the Lord whose body was
the object of even Lord Brahma's worship was besmeared with dust from rolling on the ground. The
devotees satiated Their vision seeing the Lord submerged in an ocean of divine bliss. And in those
times when He emerged out of the blissful state of unconsciousness, He would sometimes sit
surrounded by His associates; other times go to the Ganga to take a bath. On some occasions after
dancing for a long time the Lord would come and sit with His devotees, who would then give Him a
shower in the house with Ganga water
One of the maid servants of Srivas Pandita named Dukhi would carry all the Ganga water for the
Lord's bath while the Lord was still engaged in dancing. She would watch the beautiful form of the
Lord dancing in spiritual exultation and tears would well out in drops, and then she went out again to
bring more pots of Ganga water for His bath. When the Lord saw the water pots full of Ganga water
neatly arranged in rows He was very pleased. He enquired about this from Srivas Pandit, "who brings
the Ganga water daily?" Srivas Pandit replied, "Dukhi, the maid servant brings them daily." The Lord
said, "then you all should name her 'Sukhi' or happy instead of 'Dukhi' which means 'sad'. The name
"Dukhi' is not fitting to her. I think 'Sukhi' is the most appropriate name for her."
The devotees were moved to tears seeing the unlimited mercy of the Lord upon this poor maid servant.
they began to call her now as 'Sukhi' and Srivas Pandit now stopped seeing her and treating her as a
maidservant. This shows that one can easily attain Krishna's lotus feet by loving devotional service to
Him; one cannot avoid the jaws of death merely by shaving ones head as a mark of renunciation.
Material knowledge, high birth, beauty or wealth are useless if not used for Krishna's satisfaction with
attachment. Lord Chaitanya, the Supreme Lord incarnated to play the part of an ideal personality. All
his actions conform exactly to the Vedic injunctions. The blessings this maid servant Dukhi received
from the Lord is never seen by those who are blinded by false pride. One can imagine the Divinity
grace on Srivas Pandit whose servants and maidservants are so fortunate
One day, as was usual, the Lord was dancing in Srivas Pandit's house. The devotees, including Srivas
surrounded the Lord and sang and danced. Just then in the inner quarters of the house Srivas'son passed
away due to some illness: the ladies helplessly looked on. Outside the kirtan was in full progress and
the Lord danced in ecstacy. Suddenly sounds of loud wailing filled the air. Srivas Pandit hurried inside
the house and saw his son lying dead on the bed. Srivas Pnadit was a very elevated devotee, grave and
knowledgeable; he took charge of the situation and forbade the ladies to lament so bitterly. He said,
"you are all aware of Lord Krishna's transcendental potencies, hence restrain your tears and contain the
sorrow in your heart. The Lord, whose holy name is capable of purifying even the most dreadful sinner
just on a simple utterance and elevates him to the spiritual world, is now present here in person and
dancing in ecstacy with His servitors who are each one of them like Lord Brahma himself. And in this
auspicious moment if someone leaves his body why should anyone lament. I would consider myself
very fortunate if I had the same fate as this boy. Although you are unable to gain distance from the
attachments of family life, you should at least stop your crying. Nobody else should learn about this
incident lest this raises an alarm and disturbs the Lord's bliss in dancing and if this happens then I shall
certainly throw myself into the Ganges." These words had a sobering effect on the women and they
stopped crying; Srivas Pandit went back to join the kirtan. He was soon heaved high in the waves of
divine bliss generated by the kirtan and the Lord's presence. Srivas Pandit was very exalted and rare,
and such are indeed the characteristics of a servant of Lord Chaitanya
The Lord danced for a while relishing the bliss of dancing. Soon the news of Srivas Pandit's son's
passing away reached the devotees. Still no one openly expressed anything, but were profoundly
moved within. Lord Chaitanya, the omniscent Supreme Personality knew everyone's heart; He
enquired, "today something perturbs My thoughts, what distress has cast its dark shadow in your house
Pandit?" Srivas replied, "my Lord, what distress can effect me, since Your benign smiling face is
illuminates my house." Finally the leading devotees informed the Lord about Srivas' sons demise.
Gravely the Lord asked, "when did this happen" and was told that it occured in the early past of the
evening at about four." The Lord was told, "you were not informed of this matter because Srivas was
concerned about disturbing Your dancing. His son passed away about two and a half hours earlier and
with Your permission we can begin the necessary last rites now. When Lord Chaitanya heard this
wonderful story about Srivas Pandit, He was amazed
He said, "how can I ever live without such an extrodinary companion?" and began to weep. He said,
"how am I going to leave such a saintly person's association who is unaffected by the demise of his son
due to his love for Me?" Speaking in this manner the Lord broke down and wept bitterly. The devotees
were perplexed to hear the Lord's words which indicated He was going away. it did not make much
sense to them for none of them knew that in the future the Lord would leave home to embrace the
mendicants life of a sannyasa
When the Lord calmed Himself He took all the devotees to attend to the dead boy. In the presence of
all the devotees Lord addressed the deceased son of Srivas Pandit, "what reasons made you leave
Srivas Pandit's house?" The devotees were indeed surprised that the Lord was speaking to a dead body;
their surprise turned to sheer wonderment when the deceased young boy spoke up saying, "my Lord
everything happens according to Your will alone, who can influence Your will?" The devotees listened
attentively to each word. The boy continued, "I have enjoyed in this body for the time prescribed my
presence in it now the time period is over I am leaving to take up another body. And my Lord although
I must leave my present body please be merciful to me so that I may never forget You. Who is one's
father, and who is one's son, everyone is here to act on the result of ones individual karma. As long as
my destiny allowed me to remain in Srivas Pandit's house I have stayed, but now I must leave for yet
another residence. My Lord I offer my humble obesiances unto You and Your dear associates, please
forgive all my offenses and permit me to take Your leave." With these parting words the child lay still
This wonderful miracle of the dead boy speaking such words of wisdom was a crowning experience
for the devotees, they were reaching heights of exultation: the entire family of Srivas was now carried
on the waves of ecstacy: their lamentation was a past dream. Experiencing the bliss of love of Godhead
they threw themselves at the Lord's lotus feet and said, "O Lord birth after birth You are the father,
mother, and son; may we never forget the shade of Your lotus feet. Let us take birth in any condition
and place but please let our devotion at Your lotus feet be unflinching." Srivas Pandit and his three
brothers prayed earnestly to the Lord and all the devotees cried out in appreciation and joy
The Lord said, "listen to Me Srivas! You are well conversant with the knowledge of family and
material life. You are unaffected by the distressful conditions of family life. Not only that, you are so
elevated that anyone who sees you will also become free from this entanglement.. Nityananda and
Myself are Your two sons, so remove the pain of seperation in your heart." The devotees jubilantly
greeted these words of divine compassion and love from the Lord
The Lord accompanied all the devotees as they carried Srivas' son to the Ganga; performing kirtan all
the way. The required rites completed they all bathed in the Ganga and each went his way home,
chanting tthe holy name of Krishna. Srivas' family went back satisfied with the last rites. All these
confidential pastimes of the Lord are extraordinary and faithful hearing of thase narrations gives love
of Godhead. And I offer my obesiances at the lotus feet of Srivas, whose sons are none other then my
Lord Nityananda and GauraChandra."
These were the wonderful pastimes being enacted in Nabadwip and they are known and seen only by
devotees. Madhya Khanda has tried to describe the pastime of the dead boy speaking words of wisdom
to the best of the author's ability
The Lord was so deeply immersed in the ocean of love of Godhead that He had no attraction for family
life. He could not even properly perform worship of the deities what to speak of doing other activities.
As the Lord would sit down to worship the deities afer bathing His clothes would become drenched
with tears of love of Godhead. Unrestrained they flowed from His eyes, such were the surging within
His spiritual emotions. He immediately came out of the deity room and changed into fresh clothes.
Again in a matter of moments His clothes becames soaked with tears of spiritual love. In this way He
was unable to perform any worship of the deity. Ultimately He requested Gadadhara Pandit to offer
worship to the deity saying to him that He was not fortunate enough to worship the deity. Such were
the supra mundane activities of the Lord of Vaikuntha as He relished the nectar of love of Godhead
Lord Sri Krishna Chaitanya and Nityananda Prabhu are my life and soul, I Vrndavan das humbly offer
this song at Their lotus feet
Sri Chaitanya Bhagavat
Madhya Lila Chapter Sixteen
All glory to Lord GauraChandra, the Supreme Purifier of the entire world, please offer me Your lotus
feet on the seat of my heart
One day the Lord went to Suklambara Brahmanhari's and begged food from him to show His mercy
upon him. The Lord said, "I feel an uncontrollable desire to eat your food, and believe Me there is no
reason for you to be afraid." The lord persistently requested Suklambara and so Suklambara pleaded
with the Lord saying, "O Lord, I am a most sinful person, despicable and worse, and You are the
symbol of religious principles; O Lord, whereas You are to shelter me who is comparable to an
insignificant insect caught up in this material illusion."
The Lord replied saying, "but do not consider My request to be an illusion. I very much want to eat
food cooked by you. Go quickly and arrange for everything at midday I will come to your house."
Suklambara was still quite in anxiety and so he approached other devotees for comfort. They spoke
reassuringly, "why should you be afraid. He is none other than the Supreme Lord. It is His nature to
search out devotees who worship Him with single mindedness and from Them He likes to beg food.
Remember He ate at Vidura's house, who was a sudra's son. Therefore, you quickly go to your house
and prepare to cook for the Lord with care and devotion. Even after this if you are still afraid, then try
to cook without directly touching the food. You are very fortunate, to have received this wonderful
opportunity from the Lord." The brahman Suklambara hurried home feeling exceedingly elated
Feeling clean after bathing Suklambara put scented water on the fire for cooking rice. He also began to
cook a delicacy prepared from the pith of banana tree trunk. While this cooking was in progress
Suklambara folded his hands and began to sing the names of the Lord, praising Him and invoking His
grace. Attracted by Suklambara's devotion, Lakshmi devi, the Universal mother and the goddess of
fortune blessed the brahman's endeavor with her favorable glance; the delectable taste of ambrosia
immediately mixed in with the food
Meanwhile Lord Visvambhar had completed His bath and came to Suklambara's house in dripping
clothes. Suklambara's humble dwelling was situated on the banks of the Ganga. He was accompanied
by Nityananda Prabhu and some of His associates. He changed to dry clothes and sat down to eat. The
Lord served Himself according to His wish, as Suklambara watched Him with intense pleasure. As the
Lord relished the food all the devotees looked on with delight. Supreme Lord Gauranga is the receiver
and enjoyer of all pure oblations offered in sacrifices by no less than Lord Brahma and others of his
stature, but now the Lord was thoroughly relishing Suklambara's cooking prepared from rice that he
had begged, this is certainly very rare
The blessed Lord said, "I have never tasted anything so delicious in My life. The rice and thor are so
palatable that I find no words to describe. How did you cook this to get such a taste. Actually you are
My eternal associate as a friend. I have advented only for Your sake and for the sake of others like
you."
All the devotees present began to shed tears of joy as their Lord showered mercy upon Suklambara. In
this way the Lord relished His food and enjoyed the company of His devotees. Let the atheistic people
blinded with sinful activities open their eyes and see how Suklambara was blessed by the Supreme
Lord. Lord Chaitanya is unapproachable to those who are puffed up with wealth, following, learning,
etc.; the scriptures declare that the Supreme Lord is easily won over by surrender in loving devotion."
Finishing His meal the Lord sat down in a relaxed manner chewing on a betel pan, and smiled gently.
The devotees rushed to have remnants from the Lord's eating plate He just left behind. The Lord's
remnants are so rare that Lord Siva and Lord Brahma would feel extremely blessed to receive some
and would carry the plate on their heads, but now it was so easily available to all the devotees of the
Lord. Such a wonderful pastime was taking place in a beggar's house, this is the transcendental
arrangement of the Lord
The Lord engaged everyone in discussing the transcendental topics of Lord Krishna's pastimes for a
while and then lay down to rest. The devotees following their Lord also lay down. One amongst the
devotees of the Lord, Sri Vijay das, an exalted soul, had a wonderful vision. There were very few in
Nabadwip whose handwriting could compare with Vijay's , and he had copied many of Lord
Chaitanya's books. People simply knew him as 'Vijay the artist' but were unable to gain his spiritual
depth due to their lack of devotion. As they all lay next to the Lord, the Lord placed His hand gently on
Vijay's body, and Vijay began to see marvelous sights. He saw the Lord's hand glistening like a golden
pillar, long and graceful; the entire arm was covered in brilliant gems and jewelry. the fingers of the
hand were bedecked with rings full of priceless gems which shone with the dazzle of a thousand suns
and moons. The marvellous radiance spread to the abode of Lord Brahma, the highest planet of the
universe. Vijay was overcome with joyous amazement. He opened his mouth and was about to exclaim
when suddenly he felt the Lord's hand covering his mouth. The Lord smilingly said, "as long as I am
present in Nabadwip you should not speak about this to anyone."
Hearing these words Vijay jumped up from his position with a roaring sound, waking up all the
devotees. The devotees saw Vijay in an excited state and tried to calm him down unsuccessfully. after
a spell of excitement and temporary madness that great soul fell down in a swoon of ecstacy. Seeing
these symptoms the devotees realised that Vijay had seen transcendental visions and feeling great joy
for him began to cry and share his ecstacy
The Lord enquired from everyone, "what has happened to Vijay? Quite suddently he started making
these thunderous sounds. I know, he has a special sentiment for Mother Ganga and being so near
Mother Ganga must have affected him. Otherwise it must be the presence of the deities in
Suklambara's house, or maybe he has seen Lord Krishna here." Saying this Lord Chaitanya placed His
hand on Vijay and brought him back to consciousness: the devotees were relieved and happy
Although Vijay regained consciousness and was up and moving he was still silent, without responding
like a stone. For seven days he roamed all over Nadia without food, sleep or any bodily care. People
would not understand Vijay's spiritual trauma. After somedays Vijay returned to his normal self. These
were extraordinary activities the Lord performed in Suklambara's house. Who can enumerate the extent
of Suklambara's fortune. The Lord chose to sanctify Suklambara's house with His presence and the
presenceof His intimate associates. He even ate food cooked by Suklambara. One who hears with faith
these supramundane narrations of how the Lord graced Vijay and Suklambara will develop unalloyed
devotion to the Supreme Lord, this is the dear verdict of the scriptures
Everyday Lord Chaitanya accompanied by Lord Nityananda visited different Vaishnava's houses and
manifest His transcendental pastimes. Lord Chaitanya was constantly steeped in ecstatic prema rasa,
manifesting the mood and behaviour of different incarnations. Matsya, Kurma, Nrsimha, Varaha,
Vamana, Raghunnath, Buddha, Kalki, Krishna all these moods were displayed by Him as and when He
desired; they came and He quickly hid Them
But somehow Lord Balaram's mood returned repeatedly to Him and He kept manifesting it
As Haladhara, Balarama, Lord Chaitanya would become very excited and agitated, shouting loudly,
"bring Me wine, bring wine!" Lord Nityananda always knew the Lord's different moods, He would
immediately fetch a potful of Ganga water. Such was the volume of His voice that the entire creation
shook and when He danced in that mood it was as if the earth would shatter to pieces and all the three
worlds swayed precariously. The devotees were frightened to see such violent dancing and they sang
songs glorifying the pastimes of Lord Balaram; these songs greatly pleased the Lord bringing Him to a
state of supreme ecstacy. In this state He moved about like a madman, walking and swaying like a
drunk. Yet the beauty of His face was indescribable, one's eyes never satiated from drinking into the
exquisiteness of HIs face, the more one looked the desire to see His moonlike face increased. He
constantly called out 'Nityananda! Nityananda!' and at short spells when He came out of His trance, He
would say things like, "oh! life ebbs out of Me."
Then changing His mood Lord Chaitanya said, "O Krishna! You are my father, You protect Me, and
Balaram My uncle educated Me with a stick." The Lord was so overwhelmed with spiritual ecstacy
that it unnerved the devotees to see Their Lord in such a trance; They cried out in fear. All the
activities of the Lord are so extraordinary. Sometimes He felt the mood of intense seperation from
Krishna that tears flowed in streams. his wailing pierced everyone's heart. Esoterically, He was feeling
seperation from Himself. As the gopis or the cowherd damsels of Vrndavana felt intense seperation
from Krishna, loosing their minds in His absence, then seeing the rising moon and mistaking it for
Krishna's glowing face they almost died due to mixed emotions, similarly all these ecstatic devotions
possessed Lord Chaitanya and He rushed to His devotees clinging to their necks weeping continously.
Mother Saci filled with consternation to see her son in that state. How can mere humans describe the
wonderful ecstatic 'prema'the Lord exhibited. Such displays of the highest order of devotional love was
a daily occurence with the Lord
One day the Supreme Lord Chaitanya was immersed in the pastimes of the gopis of Vrndavan. He was
nicessantly chanting, "gopi, gopi,". Along came a student scholar from somewhere and without
understanding His mood said to Him, "O Nimai Pandit why are You chanting gopi! gopi!. You should
better chant Krishna's name. What pious gain is there in chanting 'gopi! gopi!' But according to the
Vedas one's piety increases manyfolds by chanting Krishna's name!" An ignorant man can never
comprehend the Lord's spiritual state. The Lord said, "Krishna! He is a plunderer! Who woships Him?
That ungrateful Krishna killed the innocent Bali and although His winsome looks and strength has won
many women He deliberately cuts off a woman's nose. Again, He begs everything from Bali Maharaj
leaving him with nothing and then sends him down to help. What will I gain chanting His name?"
Saying this Lord Chaitanya picked up a stick and still immersed in 'prema bhava' He rushed towards
the student menacingly. The student jumped up and ran out with the Lord close behind in hot pursuit,
raving and ranting. The student ran in fear of his life not understanding the Lord's real mood
The devotees ran after Their Lord, and catching up with Him brought Him back and pacified Him. The
student in the meanwhile made good his escape. Panting heavily and drenched with perspiration he
came to his freinds. They were all curious to see his plight and enquired the reason for his fright. He
replied, "do not enquire further! i am lucky to be here alive and breathing. Everyone says, "Nimai
Pandit is very saintly, but today when I visited Him I found Him chanting 'gopi, gopi'. He is only
chanting these names day and night. So I told Him, "what are You doing o learned man, You should
chant 'Krishna, Krishna' as is recommended in the scriptures. These words enraged Him to such an
extent that He came charging at me with a stick. Not only that, He was even cursing and abusing
Krishna, which I am afraid to repeat. Only destiny could have intervened to save my life today."
The students began to laugh foolishly and air their vacuous views. One said, "the people say He is a
good 'Vaishnava' then why does He come chasing a brahmana wih violent intentions." Another offered,
"how can you call Him a Vaishnava if He refuses to utter Krishna's name?" Yet another remarked, "it
sounds very strange that a Vaishnava is chanting only 'gopi, gopi'!" Another said forcefully, "why
should we feel cowered and shrivel in this hovel. Don't we also possess that power so characteristic of
brahmanas. He maybe a brahman, so are we learned in the scriptures. Why should we tolerate His
threatenings. He is not a king or officer that He can punish us, let us group together and next time He
tries to intimidate us we will thwart Him. He maybe the son of the learned Jagannatha Misra but our
parents are no less worthy. Just see, yesterday we were studying together as mates and today how does
He become suddenly the big 'master'
The offenders and atheists spoke so caustically against Him but Lord Chaitanya, the Supersoul residing
in everyone's heart knew everything. One day He was sitting with all His devotees when suddenly He
made a mysterious remark, whose meaning was too shrouded for anyone to understand. He said, "the
medicine 'pippalikhanda' was prepared to cure the excess phlegm but instead it increased the phlegm in
the body." Saying this the Lord began laughing loudly musing over something incomprehensible to
all,the devotees became very concerned
Lord Nityananda knew the inner meaning of the Lord's statement and the Lord's confidential mood. He
thought, "soon the Lord will leave home and take sannyasa." Lord Nityananda fell into deep despair.
The life air seemed to leave His body at the thought of seeing His beloved Lord Chaitanya, beautiful as
He is to be shorn of those lovely locks of hair
Lord Chaitanya suddenly clasped Lord Nityananda's hand taking Him away to a quiet and lonely spot.
Lord Chaitanya said, "listen, dear Nityananda, I am revealing My heart to You. The purpose of My
advent was to deliver the entire world, but instead of delivering the living entities it seems I have to
ultimately destroy them. The people are supposed to attain salvation just by seeing Me, whereas now
their material bonds become stronger. As soon as they contemplated on beating Me they became
tightly chained to eternal bondage. I incarnated with the intention of liberating the good and innocent
mass but now I have spoiled everything and am leading the people to their doom. Therefore, I have
decided to shave off My head and take to the renounced life of a sannyasi, and go begging door to
door. I will stand at the doors of those who wanted to attack Me with a begging bowl. then these same
aggressors will fall at My feet and in this way I will deliver the whole universe. Everyone respects a
sannyasi, no one will ever think of harming a sannyasi. Tomorrow when I take up begging as a
sannyasi I can go safe anywhere. I have fully decided to take up the sannyas order and leave My home
and family. Please do not feel sad due to this, rather please give Me permission to take up the
renounced life. Whatever is Your desire I will certainly act in accordance, but You should consider that
I have taken this incarnation for a specific reason and so require Your permission in this matter. If you
really want to see that everyone in the world becomes liberated then you must not stop Me from My
decision. And You are the last person to lament over this because You know the confidential reason for
My advent."
When Nityananda heard from His dear Lord that He was shaving His beautiful locks and entering the
renounced order, Nityananda's heart shattered to pieces in grief. He did not know what to say to Lord
Chaitanya, but He was sure that the Lord will go ahead with His decision
Lord Nityananda replied, "My dear Lord, You are absolutely independant, whatever You wish must be
executed. Who can desist You or go against Your wishes, whatever You have decided is surely to
happen. You are the maintainer and protector of this cosmic manifestation, Your wishes are always for
the good of the people. Who but You can conceive the best method for liberating the conditioned souls.
You are perfectly free to act in any way You think best. And yet I think You may present these facts to
all the Vaishnavas and ask their opinion. After hearing them You may do whatever You think is
necessary."
Lord Nityananda's words satisfied Lord Chaitanya and He embraced Nityananda again and again. Thus
advised Lord Chaitanya went to meet the assembly of Vaishnavas. The paralysing thought that Lord
Chaitanya will take sannyasa echoed in grey emptiness in Lord Nityananda's mind. He walked about
normally but within Him raged a fitful storm. "How will Sacimata contain her grief stricken life once
her Nimai abandons home." He thought, "How will she live through the long lonely days and nights
without Him?" Each time these thoughts raised thtough His mind He felt devastated with despair and
finding a secluded corner wept bitterly because He could not bear to think what will happen to
Sacimata
Lord Chaitanya came to Mukunda's house. Mukunda was overjoyed to see his beloved Lord coming
personally to his house. the Lord said, "sing something about Krishna." Mukunda began to sing nd the
Lord listened to the transcendental sweetness of Mukunda's singing. Withdrawing the ecstacy within
Himself the Lord calmed Himself and spoke to Mukunda. The Lord said, "Mukunda, please listen to
Me, I have decided to leave My family and home to join the sannyas order. Shaving My hair I shall
travel all over." The Lord's words crushed Nukunda's joy he had felt earlier on seeing the Lord.
Piteously he begged the Lord, "my Lord since You are firm in Your resolve to become a mendicant, it
must happen, but wait a little longer and stay with us and pass time in 'Krishna kirtan' then do what
You have to."
Lord Chaitanya left Mukunda's home and went to see Gadadhara Pandita. Gadadhara offered
obesiances to his Lord,praying at His lotus feet. The Lord addressed Gadadhara, "I want you to hear
Me carefully please. Gadadhara, I have to leave My family and home for the sake of My Lord Krishna.
I shall shave My head and as a mendicant go wherever the road leads." Gadadhar remained motionless,
thunderstruck. Feeling a burning grief swallowing him within, he replied, "Your words are very
strange My Lord. You mean to say that one can attain Krishna simply by shaving the head and leaving
home, and not by staying in the householder life? What spiritual gain is there in shaving one';s head, all
this maybe Your opinion, but certainly not found anywhere in the Vedic scriptures. How do You
propose to leave a widowed mother all alone, at the very outset You will be burdened with the sin of
bringing about Your mother's death. You are her life a dream, if You are gone what reason will she
have to remain alive. Is one not dear to the Supreme Lord if one remains in the house, in fact a
householder is liked by everyone. And if inspite of everything I told You, You still want to cling on to
Your decision, then do what You like."
Like this the Lord visited all His dear and near ones and told everyone of His plan to take sannyas.
Whoever heard this was shocked with grief. They wept bitterly at the thought of seeing their beloved
Lord, beautiful as the springtime full moon, shorn off all His black cascading curls. They lamented,
"what will be the use then to string a garland for His curly locks." Yet another said, "how will I live
without seeing His delightful locks." Yet another said beating his head, "I will never be able to smell
the transcendental aroma from His hair anymore." The devotees were wailing in grief, tossed about in
an ocean of despair, loudly they wailed, for they were going to lose their beloved Lord
Lord Sri Krishna Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda are my life and soul, I Vrndavan das offer this song
at Their lotus feet.
Sri Chaitanya Bhagavat
Madhya Lila Chapter Seventeen
All glory to Lord Visvambhar, the son of Mother Saci, bold as a lion our Lord is the deliverer of the
fallen souls
All the devotees very much perturbed and grief stricken, they were already feeling the pangs of
seperation from their beloved Lord Chaitanya, they cried piteously. They said amongst themselves,
"where will He go after taking sannyasa? Where will we see Him again? Surely, He is not going to
return to this village after accepting a mendicant's robe, there is no way of finding out where He will be
and which direction He will travel in." The devotees were constantly worrying in this manner, Their
hearts filled with consternation that they may never see their most precious Lord again, no one took
interest in food and sleep any longer
The Lord could not bear the pain His devotees were suffering. Smiling pleasantly to alleviate their
distress the Lord assured them, "why do you unnecessarily vex yourselves? I am always present with
you. It is wrong of you to think that once I have taken sannyasa I will leave all of you and go far away.
Not for a moment can I leave you. All of you are My eternal associates. Not just for this birth, but birth
after birth. Those of you who are associated with Me in this incarnation will eternally remain with Me
in the mellow of congregational chanting of the Holy name. In every millenium I advent and in every
one of My immumerable incarnations you have participated in My pastimes. With this advent I have
come with two incarnations, one is the congregational chanting and the other is My transcendental
deity form full of bliss. In both these incarnations you must participate in My pastimes with full vigour
and joy, chanting with Me in ecstacy. I am taking sannyasa only to educate humanity, therefore please
allay your fears and worries."
Placating the distressed devotees with His sweet words He embraced each one of them again and
again. Lord's words had a pacifying effect on the devotees, and feeling more assured they allowed their
beloved master to leave. Word spread swiftly everywhere that Nimai was going to embrace the
mendicants life. When Saci devi heard this news her heart almost stopped. Her grief was so intense that
the pain of the entire universe seemed like nothing. She fell to the ground unconcious, tears flowing in
torrents and remained lying on the floor, a heart rending sight, the lotus eyed Lord saw all this sitting
very still and grave
Sacimata cried out to Nimai saying, "My darling son, please do not leave Your mother and go, all of us
are simply depending on seeing Your divine lotus face. Your lotus eyes and moonlike glowing face,
ruby lips and pearly jasmine white teeth, words like showers of ambrosia, graceful gentle elephants
gerit are imposibble to live without. Your constant followers Advaita and Srivas and Your bosom
friend Nityananda and Gadadhara are always there, just stay home and perform Your congregational
chanting. You have incarnated to teach everyone the principles of religion, then what religion teaches
one to leave one's mother. You embody the religious principles and if You forsake Your mother then
how will You teach the world about religion?" Laden with immense love for her son Sacidevi waited
out these words, and the Lord heard all this quietly, unable to speak, His voice choked with intense
love for His mother
She continued, "Your elder brother left sometime ago and then Your father left for the Lord's eternal
abode, only You remained, and looking at You I could forget my pains of seperation; now If You leave
I will certainly give up my life. My dearest son, just see the pitiful sight of Your lonely widowed
mother, how can You leave me. Stay home, Nityananda is always here, You can perform kirtan in
Your own house with all the devotees. You are everything to me. Your eyes are full of love and
compassion and Your long hands are exquisite, Your words are cascades of nectar. My darkened house
without a lamp is illuminated by Your presence, and Your lotus feet is the source of life giving elixir."
Silently Visvambhar sat and listened, bearing the deep pain within as His mother out of intense love
spoke painful words of seperation; like Kausalya trying to reason with Lord Ramachandra
Sacidevi spoke on unable to calm herself the Lord still remained silently listening. She felt drained out,
rampaged by the storm of grief, food and sleep were to her now a curse. The Lord seeing His mother's
condition, revealed to her some secrets that might pacify her. He said, "Mother, please calm yourself
and listen, I have been your son since many births. You were once Prishin and I was your son. Again
you became Aditi in another life and you were residing then in the heavenly planets and I became your
son Vamana. Then once again I became your son Kapila when you were Devahuti. When you were
Kaushalya I was your son Rama. Another time you were Devaki in Mathura imprisoned in the
dungeons of the cruel King Kamsa, and I became your son Krishna. In this present incarnation I will be
your son twice. You will be the mother of My incarnation as the "deity form", and also the mother of
My incarnation as the "Holy name". Mother, like this you have had Me as your son eternally, I can
never leave you mother. I revealed this to you very confidentilally, now mother please allay your fears
and grief. Sacidevi on hearing this esoteric narration was somewhat calmed
Sri Krishna Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda are my life and soul, I Vrndavana das humbly offer this
song at Their lotus feet
Sri Chaitanya Bhagavat
Antya-lila Chapter One
I worship the two brothers Lord Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda. They are the most
magnanimous Supreme Lords, transcendentally situated and embodying inconceivable spiritual
potency. These two Supreme controllers have now appeared on this earth in Their eternal forms
O Lord, I offer my repeated obeisances at Your lotus feet. You are the Supreme Absolute Truth,
omniscient of the past, present and future. You have now appeared as the son of Sri Jagannatha
Misra. I also offer my fallen obeisances at the feet of all Your devotee servitors, who are Your sons
(goswamis in the renounced order of life or the congregational chanting of the holy name which
You fathered and propagate), Your consorts (according to apparent analysis, Visnupriya, who is
the Bhudevi potency, Laksmipriya who is the Sridevi potency and Nabadwip Dham, which is lila
or nila or durga potency - according to the consideration of mellow - these spiritual potencies are
represented by Gadadhara, Narahari, Ramananda, Jagadananda and so on
All glories to Sri Krishna Chaitanya, the beloved Lord of Laksmidevi, the goddess of fortune.
Lord Nityananda is very dear to Him. All glory to the Lord of Vaikuntha and the best amongst all
the sannyasis. All glory to His illustrious devotees. Lord GauraChandra is the friend of the fallen
souls. Please place Your lotus feet on the throne of my heart. Please hear attentively the topics
described in the Antya-lila dealing with the Lord's activities after taking sannyasa and His
traveling to Jagannatha Puri
The night if His sannyasa initiation, Lord Chaitanya remained in Katwa. Immediately after the
completion of the sannyasa ceremonies, the Lord instructed Mukunda to sing. He stood up and
began to dance vigorously. The devotees encircled Him and joined in the chorus. The Lord was
immediately overcome with ecstacy. As He danced the Lord experienced heavy breathing,
laughter, perspiration, shivering, horripilation and roaring. Then with a voice like thunder or the
roaring of a thousand lions He crashed to the ground. The impact of His fall sent shock waves
amongst the spectators. The kamandalu flew out of His hand to one side and the sannyasa staff
went in another direction. The Lord became enraptured and maddened with love for Himself.
Dancing and swirling, He went to His guru and embraced Him with glowing pleasure
In the Lord's merciful embrace Kesava Bharati was enlightened with love of God. He began to
dance singing and pirouetting ecstaticly. His kamandalu and danda flew from his grip. He became
oblivious to the external world and intoxicated with divine love he rolled on the ground, unaware
that his clothes no longer covered his body. The Lord was pleased to see Kesava Bharati in such
ecstacy. They danced together, putting the devotees into fits of ecstacy. The devotees appreciated
this rare sight with vociferous chanting of the holy name
I offer my obeisances at the feet of Kesava Bharati, the most stalwart sannyasi, for he danced with
the Supreme Lord who is difficult to meet even for the personefied Vedas. He is the guru of the
Lord of the entire endless creation. The night flitted by as the guru and his disciple danced
together. At dawn the Lord begged leave of His guru saying "I will enter the forest, and there I
will find the Lord of My heart Krishna Chandra
His guru replied, "I will accompany You and relish with You the ecstacy of sankirtan."
The Lord benedicted His guru and allowed him to come with Him, requesting him to walk in
front while He followed behind
As the Lord was preparing to leave, He embraced Chandrasekhara Acarya and began to cry
loudly. Lord Chaitanya said, "Please return home to all the Vaishnavas and tell them that I have
left for the forest. Please go back without the slightest remorse, I am always imprisoned in your
heart. You are My father and I your son. You are My eternal associate." The Lord then left.
Chandrasekhara Acarya was overpowered by strong emotions and fell unconscious. No one can
understand the Lord's inconceivable potency, and therefore even the unbearable pain of
separation can keep a person alive
After some time when he regained consciousness, Chandrasekhara Acarya left for Nabadwip. He
informed everyone in Nabadwip that the Lord had entered the forest wearing His sannyasa robe.
This news deeply pained all the devotees and they cried out in the excruciation of separation.
The devastating effect of the news was widespread and intense. Advaita Acarya, numbed with
grief cried, "I cannot live" and fell unconscious. The heart-rending cries of the devotees could
have melted the most cruel heart. Sacidevi stood motionless like a wooden doll in stony silence,
shocked by the news. The other ladies fell to the ground wailing piteously. Advaita Acarya,
regaining consciousness exclained, "What further use do I have for this life now that my Lord has
gone away. I will throw myself into the Ganga, and if you restrain me I shall do it in the darkness
of night." The throbbing pain of separation rendered everyone restless and gloomy. They felt sick,
uneasy and ready to finish their lives. Although most of them were grave and learned persons,
now they were anxious, their minds in turmoil
As the devotees were preparing to end their lives and their unbearable misery, suddenly a
heavenly voice caught their attention - "O Advaita Acarya and all devotees, do not be sad, go
worship Krishna happily. Your Lord and master will return in a few days and be amongst you
again. Give up your resolve to take your own lives, because you can be with the Lord just as
before." Hearing this heavenly message, the devotees forgot about giving up their lives and sat
around Sacidevi singing the Lord's glories
Lord GauraChandra, the best of sannyasis, now traveled with Nityananda, Gadadhara and
Mukunda in a westerlly direction, all the time chanting the holy name. In front of the Lord went
Kesava Bharati and behind Him was Govinda. Walking like the king of the forest, the Lord was
followed by thousands of wailing people. They were all around stamping the forest, but still they
followed undeterred. Filled with compassion, the Lord turned to them and said, "All of you go
home and chant Krishna's holy name. May you soon be blessed to have Krishna as your life's
priceless gift. May that devotional mellow which is desired by Siva, Brahma, Sukadeva Gosvami
and others appear in your hearts." The devotees loudly voiced their appreciation and joy and
returned home as if in trance
The Lord walked into the district of Radha and blessed the entire tract of land. This district is
pleasant, with asvathama trees everywhere. Cows were grazing peacefully in the beautiful natural
setting, and the Lord upon seeing this scene began to dance blissfully. Devotees quickly gathered
around Him singing and clapping. The Lord chanted "Hari, Hari" in a roaring voice that boomed
across the universe, and whoever heard Him was purified of his material contamination. In this
way He graced the residents if the Radha district dancing all the way
The Lord said, "I want to stay in the forest where the Vakresvara Deity is. It is quiet and lonely
there." The Lord then continued on His way accompanied by His followers, dancing and singing
ecstaticly. The local residents ran out to see the Lord and His wonderful dancing. Although
sankirtana had never been performed in that area before, and no one had even seen the effects of
Krishna prema manifest in a devotee, now they were offering obeisances to the Lord as He
danced and wept in ecstacy. This was a rare experience for them. Amongst them were a few
fallen sinners who asked, "Why is He crying so much?" But even those fallen souls were affected
by the scene, and by the Lord's mercy they began to roll on the ground crying. The entire
universe was now echoing the Lord's name. Yet there remained a few who refused to chant.
Anyone who is against the chanting of the Lord's name is indeed the worst kind of sinner. Finally
at the day's end the Lord with all His followers came to a village and spent the night in a pious
brahmana,s house
The Lord took His meal and went to sleep. The devotees slept all around the Lord. Just a few
hours before dawn, Lord Chaitanya stole away quietly from the rest of the devotees and left for
an unknown destination. When the devotees awoke early next morning, they found the Lord
missing. Again they were swept with waves of despair and melancholia and began to weep
bitterly. They searched for Him everywhere inquiring from everyone in the village, but to no
avail. They left the roads and paths and went into the fields
The Lord was absorbed in the transcendental ecstacy of love of Godhead. He walked in the
middle of the expansive meadows and wept and wailed loudly. He loudly called out, "O Krishna!
My Lord! My father!" The Lord of Vaikuntha, the Supreme Lord of all living entities and the best
of the sannyasis wept openly. He cried so loudly that He could be heard several miles away. The
devotees searching for the Lord quite a distance from where He was heard this strange crying.
They began to follow the sound and soon saw the Lord crying loudly. Seeing their beloved Lord
weeping, the devotees also began to cry. Finally Mukunda started to sing. When the Lord heard
kirtan He began to dance, and all the devotees surrounded their Lord and happily joined the
kirtan. The Lord then continued His journey westward, dancing on the way, with the devotees
following singing kirtan
When they were only eight miles from Vakreswara, the Lord decided to change direction. He
turned around and went east, still absorbed in the ecstacy of dancing. He was blissful and
laughing to Himself. Finally He revealed the mystery behind His laughter and change of
direction. He said, "I am going to Nilacala, Puri, because Lord Jagannatha has instructed Me, `You
should come to Puri immediately'." The devotees were relieved to learn of the Lord's plan. No one
can know the workings of the Lord's mind save His intimate devotees, and then only by His
mercy can they know His inner desires. Who can fathom why the Lord was first going to
Vakresvara and then why finally He did not go? It seems that the Lord in a deceptive way was
purifying the residents of the district fo Radha by His presence. There was no other reason for
Him going to Radha
The Lord now journeyed towards the Ganga which lay at a distance. He was always engrossed in
the ecstacy of love of Godhead, yet He saw that the residents of the tract of land through which
He was passing were disinterested in devotional life. No one chanted Krishna's name; Krishna
kirtana was alien to them. Pained, the Lord said, "Why did I come to such a country where they
never chant Krishna's holy name? It was a grievous mistake for which I must relinquish my life."
Just then a group of little cowherd lads who were grazing their cows passed by. One of them was a
very pious boy, and he suddenly began chanting Krishna's name. The Lord was extremely happy
to hear the holy name from the mouth of this little boy. Joyfully He relished the moment and
said, "The last few days I passed through many villages and nowhere was Krishna's name being
chanted. Suddenly now out of the blue a young lad is chanting the holy name. Tell me what could
be the reason?" The Lord spoke again, "How far is the Ganga from here?" The devotees replied,
"About an hour's walk." The Lord continued, "This is the greatness of Mother Ganga. Due to her
influence one hears the chanting of Krishna's name here. The breezes from the Ganga have
purified this place." Glorifying Gangadevi in this manner, the Lord increased everyone's
reverence towards her. The Lord spoke again, "I will cleanse Myself completely in the Ganga
today." and again He started on His journey
The Lord walked with the pace and grace of a maddened lion. The devotees ran to catch up with
Him. The Lord's eagerness to see Gangadevi quickened His steps and the devotees found it
impossible to keep up with Him. Only Lord Nityananda, also walking like a lion, accompanied
Him . They reached the banks of Gangadevi early in the evening. Lord Chaitanya and Lord
Nityananda entered her waters with relish and thoroughly washed Themselves, profusely praising
the Ganga with selected verses. They drank her cooling waters and offered obeisances to her
The Lord prayed, "O Gangadevi, your waters are the ambrosia of love of Godhead. Lord Siva is
conversant with the truth about you. Such is your potency that the mere utterance of your name
invokes devotional service to the Supreme Lord, and the result of drinking your water is
miraculous. By your mercy the living entities acquire a taste for chanting Krishna's holy name.
Because of your influence, even the wild beasts and birds that live close to your waters become
more fortunate than wealthy men who live far away from you. No one is more potent than
yourself in purifying sins. In fact, you have descended to this material plane only to allieviate the
sins of the living entities."
As the Lord glorified Gangadevi in this manner, she became bashful. That Supreme Lord whose
feet are the source of Gangadevi was now eulogizing her - how wonderful was the incarnation of
the Supreme Godhead in the form of Lord Chaitanya. One who hears these verses in praise of
Gangadevi with faith will certainly develop attachment for Lord Chaitanya
That night, the Lord and Nityananda Prabhu stayed in a righteous brahmana's house. The next
day, the rest of the devotees arrived and found Lord Chaitanya. Together they again proceeded
tpwards Nilacala, Puri. Lord Chaitanya said to Nityananda Prabhu, "My dear magnanimous
Prabhu Nityananda, You must immediately leave for Nabadwip. Srivasa Pandita and the other
devotees are grievously afflicted due to My departure. You must allieviate their pain. Take this
message from Me to them that on My way to Nilacala I will be waiting for them in Santipura in
the house of Advaita Acarya. You bring them there right away. I am going to Phulia to see
Haridasa." Sending off Nityananda, Lord Chaitanya headed for the village of Phulia
Having received His orders from Lord Chaitanya, Nityananda Prabhu journeyed toward Phulia
in exultation. Lord Nityananda is always absorbed in the bliss of love of Godhead, His voice
booming like thunder in ecstacy. Now He traveled almost like a maddened elephant, oblivious of
everything around Him, no rules or taboos restricting His actions
He stopped under a kadamba tree for a while standing like Krishna. His body bending in three
places, He began to play the flute rapturously. When He saw cows grazing, He rolled on the earth,
and moving like a calf, He sucked milk from cows. He would break out into a dance while
walking, unaware of His surroundings, always submerged in bliss. At other times, He just sat down
on the road and wept so bitterly that it would pain one to see Him in that condition. Sometimes
He would suddenly stop and start shaking with peals of laughter. Then again He would take the
clothing covering His body and wrap it around His head leaving Him naked. At times He would
feel in the mood of Ananta Sesha. Making serpent-like movements He would enter the waters of
the Ganga and float and swim gracefully in the currents. Lord Nityananda'a potencies are
inconceivable, transcendental and mysterious. His limitless compassion is unmatched in all the
three worlds
Lord Nityananda swam in the Ganga all the way to Nabadwip. He got out onto the banks,
withdrawing within Himself His inner mood, and went straight to the Lord's house. What He saw
pained Him greatly. Sacidevi had been totally fasting for twelve days. Life remained in her only
on the strength of her devotional service. But she was completely imbued with Mother Yasoda's
mood of pining for her son, and tears rained down from her eyes. Whoever she met she would
eagerly ask, "Are you from Mathura? What is the news of Krishna and Balarama?", and swoon in
ecstatic spiritual bliss. Then gradually she would again start speaking, "There! I can hear Their
flutes and horns. Is Akrura coming to get Them?" Submerged in this manner in the mood of
intense separaton, she forgot her physical cares
Lord Nityananda fell at Sacidevi's feet, offering His obeisances. The devotees greeted Him
enthusiasticly, but His presence merely intensified their pining , and they began to weep. Mother
Saci cried out,, "My son! My darling boy!", and swooned. The devotees felt a surge of new
emotions ripping through their hearts. They embraced Nityananda, and were bathed with His
tears of ecstacy. He calmed them down and told them the good news. He said, "You must come
immediately, the Lord is awaiting us in Advaita Acarya's house in Santipura. I have come here to
take you there." The devotees, who had become lean and weak due to intensely missing their
Lord, now received new life. They were jubilant and loudly chanted Krishna's name
Sacidevi had not touched food or water from the day Nimai left her house to take sannyasa
twelve days earlier. Only thoughts of Nimai could sustain her life. For Nityananda her condition
was unbearable. He spoke soft reassuring words to her, "Nothing is unknown to you about the
mysterious activities of Krishna. What knowledge can I give you about Krishna? Do not burden
your heart with despair. Even the Vedas personified cannot receive the grace and good fortune
already in your possession. that supreme object sought by the Vedas is your son. He is the life and
soul of every living entity. That same Supreme Personality has accepted all spiritual and material
responsibilities concerning you. He made this promise with His hand on His chest. The Lord
always knows what is best for everyone. You should simply surrender everything at His feet and
live happily and peacefully. Now, mother, please go and cook for the satisfaction of all the
devotees; this is devotional service to Krishna. Everyone is eager to taste your cooking. If you
remain fasting then Krishna has to fast also. I am extremely desirous of relishing the offerings
prepared for Krishna by you
Nityananda's sweet words were like soothing balm to her afflicted heart. She got up and went to
make necessary arrangements for the cooking. First she fed Nityananda Prabhu and then she fed
all the Vaishnavas. She saw to it that everyone was fully satisfied and then she sat down to eat
herself. The devotees were pleased that Sacidevi had broken her twelve day fast. Enlivened by the
prasada, the Vaishnavas prepared to go to meet their beloved Lord with Nityananda Prabhu. The
residents of Nabadwip were by now familiar with the details of Nimai's sannyasa ceremony. The
Lord's wonderful sannyasa name, Krishna Chaitanya, had a miraculous effect on them. They
chanted out loud the Lord's name, and glorified Him
When the people of Nabadwip came to know that the Lord was presently in Phulia village, they
became elated and decided to go and see Him there. Old, young, men, women and children all
hastened to Phulia chanting jubilantly, "Hari! Hari!" Those atheists and faultfinders who had
previously been vituperative against the Lord were now eager to reach Phulia with their friends.
They said, "He was born in Nabadwip, but His real identity remained a secret. Out of ignorance
we maligned His work and spiritual mission. Now we must fall at His feet and beg forgiveness.
Only then will all our offenses be exonerated."
Thousands of people flocked to the pier. The boatmen were in a dillema. Everyone wanted to be
the first and they could not risk crossing the river overloaded with people. Many found their own
means to cross the river. Some went in small dinghies, others tied themselves to upturned earthen
water vessels which made them float easily. Someone used a raft made out of banana tree trunks
which was also very handy. Even pregnant women dared the crowd and jostling. Breathing
heavily from exertion, they simply chanted Lord Chaitanya's name and made the journey. For the
blind ones and lame ones the way became suddenly broad and facile just by remembering
Chaitanya's name. A boat carrying hundreds found it impossible to make the other bank and
capsized in midstream. This of course did not deter the people. They jubilantly chanted the Lord's
name and floated upstream. The people's hearts were so infected with joy that it seemed they
actually floated in an ocean of divine mirth
Those who did not know how to swim seemed to have miraculously become bouyant. By the grace
of the Lord, they also were able to cross the river without difficulty. The sky reverberated with
ecstatic sounds of the holy name. The people had only one thought in their minds - to reach
Phulia. Disregarding all comfort and bodily needs, they joined the mass chanting with careless
happy abandon. Their loud cries of "Hari!" echoed in the vaults of the cosmic creation as they
reached Phulia
This wonderful sound of many people chanting reached the Lord. He came out to greet them.
The people saw Him and held their breath. His exquisite appearance as a sannyasi and His
extraordinarily beautiful face which eclipsed the beauty of millions of moons were a memorable
vision for all. The Lord was continuously chanting the holy name as tears of ecstacy cascaded
down His cheeks. Everyone was now falling to the ground to offer their obeisances. People fell on
top of each other in their fervor to show respect to their Lord. They did not care if there were
thorns on the ground. They were all boundlessly happy. They lifted their hands and prayed to the
Lord for His protection and shelter, crying out, "Save us! Save us!" The village of Phulia was now
teeming with millions of people who were captivated by the infinitely charming face of the Lord.
The fields and roads were overflowing with people who had no intention of returning to their
houses, for they had even for a moment beheld the lustrous benign face of the Lord
The Lord blessed them all with His merciful glance and proceeded towards Santipura. When He
arrived in Advaita Acarya's house, Advaita Prabhu fell at His beloved Lord's lotus feet. He began
to weep, relieved of the miserable pain of separation. He remained supine, His arms curled around
the Lord's lotus feet. He bathed them with His tears of love. At last Lord Chaitanya bent down
and lifted Advaita Acarya into His warm embrace. Advaita, now soaked by the ecstatic tears of
the Lord, again fell to His lotus feet in spiritual perturbation. Calming Himself and Advaita, the
Lord sat down. Advaita's house was vibrating with loud exultation
Acyutananda was Advaita's son. He was a charming and effulgent little child endowed with
extraordinary intelligence and supreme influence. Naked as usual for that age and covered in
dust, Acyutananda came running to greet the Lord. His great fortune was that he was Advaita's
son. He was blissful and smiling for he knew the identity of Lord Chaitanya. He fell at the Lord's
feet full of respect. The Lord lovingly took him into His arms inspite of the dust smeared on his
small frame. The Lord said, "Acyuta, you know that Advaita Acarya is also my father, hence this
makes us brothers. Little Acyuta replied, "You are the well-wishing friend of all living entities.
The Vedas describe that You are the original father of everyone." This greatly pleased and
amused the Lord, and He smiled knowingly. The Vaishnavas were amazed at his words. They said,
"These words are not the babblings of a mere child, but actually carry deep import. Acyuta must
be a great personality."
At this moment, Nityananda Prabhu arrived with all the devotees and intimate servitors of the
Lord from Nabadwip. When the devotees saw their dear Lord, Srivasa Pandita and the others
began loudly chanting and fell flat on the ground offering prayers and tears at the Lord's lotus
feet. These devotees were as precious to the Lord as His very life. He lovingly embraced each one
of them. The devotees cried out in the pain of ecstacy and separation. Their cries purified the
entire earth. To hear pure devotees weeping in love of Godhead can cut assunder the bondage of
birth and death of all living entities. This wonderful opportunity was now made available to
everyone by the mercy of Lord Chaitanya. Even Lord Brahma rarely receives such favors
Seeing His beloved associates from Nabadwip again after an absence, He began to dance
rapturously saturated in ecsatic love of Himself, for He is the Supreme Lord. The devotees began
to sing and the Lord encouraged them with loud exclamations of "Sing! Sing!" The Lord caught
Nityananda Prabhu by the hand and spun around in ecstatic joy. Stealthily, Advaita Acarya
came up from behind and touched the Lord's feet placing the dust on His head. The Lord's
dancing postures were enchanting. Simultaneously He manifested the different symptoms of
devotional perturbations of weeping, shivering, horripilation, mirth and so on. The movements
and nuances of the limbs and different parts of His transcendental body were an expressive
composition of some divine love poetry. His arms raised in exultation, and chanting "Hari! Hari!"
He enchanted the devotees and submerged them in an ocean of ineffable bliss
The devotees were just recently deprived of their Lord's presence and now to be again in His
company by His mercy was certainly cause for extreme exhilaration and celebration. They
surrounded their Lord and danced and pranced oblivious of everything else. They fell on each
other, bumped against each other, and rolled on the ground smearing their bodies with the dust
of everyone's feet. Someone pressed another devotee's feet against his chest and remained
saturated in bliss, tears of joy flowing unrestrained from his eyes. The devotees could not contain
their happiness having regained their beloved Lord and master. The Lord of Vaikuntha dancing
free from all care with His associates is indeed an extraordinary sight
Above the sounds of dancing, the singing of the Lord's name rang out loud and clear. Advaita
Acarya's house resounded with sounds of mirth, of which only Nityananda Prabhu was fully
aware. Lord Chaitanya went around embracing His loving associates and infusing them with love
of Godhead. Receiving the Lord's divine touch, the devotees became mad with joy. In a loud voice
that resembled the rumbling of thunder they expressed their boundless bliss. This further
increased the pleasure of others. As the Lord danced with His associates, Mother Earth seemed to
sway and tilt. Nityananda, Advaita and the others all were caught in a maelstrom of infinite
ecstacy, and they freely allowed their limbs and body to express their ceaseless happiness. After
awhile the Lord stopped dancing and entering a mood of divine Lordship He sat down upon the
throne of Lord Visnu
The devotees stood around Him in great awe and reverence with folded palms as the Lord began
to reveal His real identity as the Supreme Lord. He said, "I am Krishna, Rama, Narayana, and
Matsya. I have assumed these incarnations and more. I am Kurma, Varaha, Vamana, Buddha, and
will be Kalki. I am Prsnigarbha, Hayagriva, the Supreme Lord of lords. I am the moon of Nilacala,
Lord Jagannatha; I am Kapila and Nrsima. All living entities visible and invisible are My
servitors. The Vedas sing of My supramundane excellences, and I am served by the endless
planetary systems. I am time, the destroter of everything except My devotees. All dangers are
easily eradicated simply by remembering Me. I rescued Draupadi from great public shame and
insult. I also saved the Pandavas from the fire trap in the house of lac. I protected Siva by slaying
the terrible demon Vrkasura. I liberated My servant, Gajendra the elephant, from excruciating
death pains. I stood by Prahlada in all his tortures. I protected the cowherd boys from all kinds of
harm and attacks. I churned the milk ocean to extract the nectar of immortality. I deprived the
demons of that nectar and gave it to the demigods, thus aiding them to victory. I slew the
obnoxious demon Kamsa, who was threatening My devotees. I finished the demon King Ravana,
destroying his entire race. I lifted Govardhana Hill with My left hand, and I tamed the vicious
snake- demon, Kaliya. I appeared in Satya-yuga to propagate the practice of austerity and
meditation, and in Tretya-yuga to introduce the performance of sacrifices. In Dvapara-yuga My
purpose was to establish proper procedures of temple worship. Presently in Kali-yuga I have come
to promulgate the congregational chanting of the holy names of God. Even the Vedas fail to
ennumerate all My incarnations. In Kali-yuga by participating in this sankirtana movement every
sincere soul will taste the nectar of love of Godhead. This is the reason for My appearance in this
yuga. The entire Vedic literature instructs the searching soul to seek My shelter, but I am always
to be found in the company of My surrendered devotees. They are everything to Me - father,
mother, friend, son, brother. Although I am absolutely independent, My nature is to be
captivated by My devotees' pure love for Me. All of you are My eternal associates. All My
incarnations are only for your pleasure and protection. Know for certain that I cannot remain
even for a moment bereft of your association."
Out of His causeless mercy for His devotees and all the living entities, the Lord revealed the
confidential knowledge of Himself. The devotees were jubilant. They fell flat on the ground
offering obeisances. They were so devotionally perturbed that they were unable to do anything.
They prayed and rolled on the ground, relishing the highest ambrosia of love of Godhead. The
Lord's associates were now saturated, their previous heartaches due to separation from the Lord
were now cured. The compassionate Lord is expert in alleviating everyone's grief, so why should
suffering humanity not take shelter of the Lord. Lord GauraChandra is an ocean of mercy. He
always discounts the wayward soul's faults and sees his goodness
Thereafter, withdrawing His mood of supreme opulence and absolute autocracy, the Lord was
back to His normal self, calm and composed. He led everyone down to the Ganga to bathe. He
played and frolicked in the waters with the devotees. On returning, He watered the tulasi plant,
indicating the others should follow, and circumambulated her. Then they all went to the temple
room, offered obeisances to Lord Visnu, and circumambulated the Lord. Lord Gaurahari called
everyone, and they sat down together to eat. The Lord sat down beside Lord Nityananda amidst
happy and cheerful devotees. The Lord was the cynosure of everyone, with His smiling face and
golden body covered with sandalwood paste. The scene of the devotees sitting around the Lord
with Nityananda Prabhu sitting beside Him was an exact replica of Krishna and Balarama sitting
in the forest of Vrndavana surrounded by Their cowherd boyfriends having a picnic with Their
packed lunches. Who can fully describe this wonderful happening? As soon as the Lord had
finished and left, the devotees jumped up and grabbed His remnants from His plate. Even the old
men acted like little boys; such is the transformation that takes place due to contact with the
Lord's divine potency. One who hears these pastimes of the Lord and His associates, of their
reunions, sankirtana and eating together, will certainly attain Lord Chaitanya's mercy and relish
love of Godhead
Sri Krishna Chaitanya and Nityananda Prabhu are my life and soul. I, Vrndavana dasa, humbly
offer this song at Their lotus feet
Sri Chaitanya Bhagavat
Antya-lila Chapter Two
All glories to Lord GauraChandra, the life and soul of every living being. He is terror personified
for the miscreants and the protector of the devotees. He is the Lord and master of Ananta Sesha,
Laksmidevi, Brahma and Siva; and the friend of the poor. He is an ocean of benevolence and the
best of all sannyasis. All glory to the Lord and all His associates. May He shower benedictions
upon me so my mind may remain in eternal meditation on His lotus feet
The Lord passed that night in Advaita's house relishing unlimited spiritual bliss. He and His
loving associates relished confidential talks about His transcendental activities. In the morning,
after completing His daily morning duties, the Lord sat down with all the Vaishnavas. He said, "I
am going to Nilacala, but you should not become despondent because of this. After offering My
obeisances to Lord Jagannatha, I will return to be amongst you again. Return to your houses and
blissfully engage in performing kirtana, for you are My eternal associates and are more dear to Me
than My own life."
The devotees replied, "As You wish, O Lord. No one can divert You from Your decision. Yet it
must be mentioned that at the present time it is unsafe for travel to Orrisa. The kingdoms of
Bengal and Orrisa are on the verge of war. The way is infested with dacoits. Please consider
waiting until the situation improves." The Lord said, "Obstacles may be there, but I must go."
Advaita Acarya could understand the Lord's heart, He was bent on going to Nilacala. Advaita
approached the Lord with folded hands and said truthfully to Him, "Who can obstruct Your path?
All hindrances are Your slaves, so who has the power to stop You? Once You have made up Your
mind to go to Nilacala then You can leave at Your own sweet will." The Lord was pleased to hear
the truth spoken so plainly from Advaita, and He acknowledged it by loudly chanting "Hari!
Hari!" The Lord set out towards Nilacala. His gait was that of a stalking maddened lion. The
devotees ran after Him unable to control their emotions and tears. After a distance, the Lord
turned to them and spoke sweet loving words, "Please do not be sad, I will never leave you. Go
home now and take shelter of the holy name and I will return in a few days." He embraced
everyone one by one and soaked them with His tears of love. It was a moving scene as the Lord
and the devotees cried in each others' arms. Finally pacifying and reassuring everyone, the Lord
traveled south. But the devotees were not to be consoled so easily. As the Lord disappeared from
their sight they fell to the ground crying piteously
Just as the gopis of Vrndavana had wept bitterly as if thrown into an ocean of endless woe when
Krishna was journeying to Mathura leaving Vrndavana. The same mood of separation was now
being experienced by the devotees of Lord Chaitanya. The situation and mood then in Krishna's
ppastime is the same now in Lord Chaitanya's pastime. Life and death are entirely controlled by
Krishna. It is of no consequence if one consumes poison or the elixir of immortality, only what
Krishna wants will happen. If He wants someone will die, if He wants someone will go on living
The Lord was journeying happily towards Nilacala with Nityananda, Gadadhara, Mukunda,
Govinda, Jagadananda, and Brahmananda. The Lord wanted to test His devotees. He inquired,
"Please tell He frankly if anyone of you have brought any necessary things for the journey." They
replied, "No one has the power to act independently, my Lord. Without Your permission we did
not bring anything." The Lord was greatly pleased at their reply. The Lord now spoke, delineating
the import of this seemingly simple question. He said, "You have made He very happy by not
bringing anything with you. Everyone is liable to enjoy only what is destined to him. Even if he is
in the forest, that which is due to him through destiny will find him. If Providence wills that
someone goes without food, then even if he is a prince he will have to fast. the prince's larder may
be filled with food, but if the Lord so wills it, he cannot eat. He might suddenly get into a quarrel
with someine and out of anger refuse toeat and remain sulking. He may also, without warning, be
attacked by high fever, in which case there is no question of eating anything. This is all
happening in truth by the Lord's sweet will. The entire universe is Lord Krishna's storehouse
filled with grains and foodstuff. If the Lord desires, we can get food anywhere and everywhere."
The Lord was teaching everyone the proper attitude towards God. One who accepts to heart
these instructions becomes perfectly happy in life. One may try very carefully to do something,
but the result of that endeavour depends entirely on the Lord's will. Discussing in this manner,
they arrived at the village of Atisara
A very saintly personality named Ananta Pandita was living in Atisara. The Lord decided to
sojourn to his residence. This shows how fortunate Ananta Pandita was. Ananta Pandita was
overwhelmed with divine bliss to have the Lord of Vaikuntha personally come to his house as his
guest. He joyfully busied himself to feed the Lord and all the devotees. The Lord sat down
together with all the devotees and relished and honored prasada. He was instructing everyone
how to lead the ideal mendicant life of a sannyasi by begging everything. That whole night He
spent in discussing topics of Krishna's pastimes. Next morning after blessing Ananta Pandita with
His merciful glance, the Lord proceeded in His journey, Krishna's name constantly vibrating on
His lips. When the villagers saw the Lord's compassionate moon- like face, which was a soothing
balm to all tribulations, they spontaneously began to repeat the Lord's holy name. Yogis steeped
in meditation find it practically impossible to attain His lotus feet in their hearts, yet now even
ordinary persons could see Him as He went on His journey
The Lord traveled along the banks of the Ganga and arrived at a place known as Catrabhoga.
Here the Ganga was flowing in one hundred separate streams for the benediction and joy of the
people. Also situated here is a bathing place known as Ambulinga-ghat. Lord Siva is present here
in his linga form known as Ambulinga in water. I shall now relate the history behind this form of
Lord Siva. In the long past, Bhagirath had worshipped Gangadevi praying to her to descend to
the earth. The waters of Ganga were the only means to bring back to life his ancestors. When
Gangadevi complied and started flowing on the earth, Lord Siva was pining for her association.
Finally Lord Siva came to earth. Seeing her flow in Catrabhoga, he became overwhelmed with
emotion and entered her waters, himself taking the form of water. Gangadevi on seeing Lord Siva
began to worship him with great devotion. Lord Siva knows the depth of Gangadevi's devotion
and attachment for the Lord, and Gangadevi is also aware or Lord Siva's highly elevated position.
By the touch of Ganga water Lord Siva became water, and Gangadevi offered him prayers with
deep reverence
From that time, the place became famous as Ambulinga ghat. Catrabhoga also became an
important place of pilgrimage with both Gangadevi and Lord Siva present there. And now the
transcendental significance of thes pilgrimage site was further enhanced by the foot marks of
Lord Chaitanya. The Lord approached the pilgrimage spot with increasing ecstacy. He roared
loudly the holy names and fell swooning only to be caught timely into Nityananda Prabhu's safe
embrace. The devotees responded loudly taking the Lord's name, The Lord took everyone into
the waters of the Ganga at the Ambulinga ghat and bathed. The Lord and the devotees enjoyed
an exhilerating bath. All these descriptions will be compiled later in detail by Vedavyasa
The Lord came out of the water feeling uncontrolable spiritual emotions storming in His heart.
As He changed into fresh dry clothes, His clothes became soaked with tears of ecstacy. On the
land Ganga was flowing in one hundred streams and the tears from the Lord's eyes also cascaded
down in a hundred streams. The devotees were so amazed that they could only laugh at this
extraordinary phenomenon
The landlord of the village was RamaChandra Khan. Although he was a materialist, he was also a
pious man. Otherwise how could he meet Lord Chaitanya. The Lord by some divine arrangement
came to his house. As son as he saw the powerful and effulgent appearance of the Lord,
RamaChandra Khan hurriedly got down from his swing in great awe. He prostrated himself
before the Lord. The Lord was still absorbed in love of God, and oblivioun to everything around
Him. He was crying profusely and heaving deep sighs and falling to the ground. He kept chanting
"O Jagannatha! O Jagannatha!" RamaChandra Khan was extremely moved to see such an intense
devotional mood. He thought, "There is no way to stop this piteous crying." and himself broke out
in tears. Who in the three worlds could remain impassive to see these tearful entreaties? Even a
stone-hearted person would melt. The Lord calmed Himself and inquired from RamaChandra,
"Who are you?" Offering prostrated obeisances at tha Lord's feet, he spoke wiyh folded hands, "O
Lord, I am the servant of Your servant." Then the local people spoke up, informing the Lord, "He
is the landlord of this entire southern part of the state." The Lord said, "It is nice that you are the
chieftan here. Please tell Me how I can proceed to Nialcala tomorrow." As the Lord was speaking
about Nilacala, He was once again overcome by divine ecsatcy. Crying out Lord Jagannatha's
name, He began to weep profusely and fell to the ground swooning. RamaChandra spoke in a
concerned voice, "O Lord, whatever You order I consider my prime duty to fulfill. The roads are
very dangerous. Traveling between the two countries has become practically impossible. The
inimical kings have placed camouflaged spears along the border. And if the soldiers find even an
innocent traveler, they capture him and torture him thinking him an enemy spy. The only way I
can arrange is to send you in secret. I place myself in great danger, bot I do not care for this
danger, I will certainly carry out your bidding. And my Lord if You kindly accept me as Your
servitor then I pray that You and Your associates take food in my house. I will use everything I
posses - money, influence, men - to bring You across the border tonight." The Lord was pleased
with RamaChandra and blessed him with His merciful glance
By that one glance, RamaChandra was purified of all material attachments. The Lord went to his
residence. RamaChandra's house became sanctified and everyone inthe house exulted, practically
experiencing the results of their previous piety. The brahmana RamaChandra himself prepared
the food with devotion and deference. The Lord nowadays ate very frugally. He had no spare
moments away from His deep absorption within Himself. He sat down to eat only for the
satisfaction of His devotees. His real food is always the spiritual mellows. His eating habits had
changed ever since He embarked on this journey to Jagannatha Puri
All the way here the Lord had exhibited the mood of separation, imploring Lord Jagannatha. Day
or night, land or water were just fading images of no consequence to Him. He was steeped in
meditation within Himself tasting the bliss of love of God. The devotees were always by His side
keeping watch over Him, and protecting Him from any external harm. Th different ecstatic
moods exhibited by the Lord are impossible for an ordinary mortal to describe. This is possible by
Vedavyasa only. Who can understand the character of the Supreme Lord? Who can predict how
Krishna will act next? Lord Nityananda knows fully well the object of Lord Chaitanya's love, for
whom He pines so imploringly. The Lord of Vaikuntha, Sri Krishna Chaitanya, is always
engrossed in transcendental exchange of mellows where He Himself is the object of love. Yet He
forgets Himself as the main actor of these pastimes. On one hand He thinks of Himself as Lord
Jagannatha, and on the other He yearns for union with Lord Jagannatha, in this way bringing the
devotees to His side with concern for Him. How can the living entities realize the Supreme if He
Himself does not shower them with His causeless mercy? The Lord sat with Nityananda Prabhu
and the other devotees who were so dear to Him. He barely took a morsel of food and got up with
a thunderous roar. With the after-lunch ablutions done with, He kept on asking, "How far is
Jagannatha Puri? How far is Jagannatha Swami?" Mukunda quickly started to sing. The Lord
began to dance. The residents of Catrabhoga being pious had a rare treat. They saw the Supreme
Lord, the hero of Vaikuntha, dance before their very eyes. As He danced, one after another of
the ecstatic symptoms began manifesting on His person. Crying, shivering, roaring, horripilation,
perspiring profusely, becoming statue-like and so on. Who knows the many subtle spiritual
transformations that reflected on Him as He spun round and round. Tears gushed out of His eyes
like the rushing currents of the Ganga in a monsoon state drenching everyone. The incarnation
of love of Godhead in the form of Lord Chaitanya had descended, for who else but Lord
Chaitanya has the potency to exhibit such pastimes? Time passed; the night was almost ending.
The Lord calmed Himself and sat down. Although it was late night, the long hours seemed to
have swiftly gone by like a few moments only. Everyone was delivered by the Lord's causeless
mercy. RamaChandra Khan, waiting for this opportune moment, said, "My Lord, the boats are
ready waiting for You." The Lord immediately got up and went to the river bank. He alighted the
boat and cast His benedicting glance on everyone. The boat headed toward Jagannatha Puri, His
own abode
The Lord asked Mukunda to sing. He began to sing while the boat moved silently in the still
night. The boatman was a simple and illiterate person. He said, "This singing is very fearful. I will
surely lose my life tonight. On land the tigers will maul us, and the water is infested with
crocodiles. This part of the river is terrorized by bands of dacoits who if they catch us will forcibly
take both our wealth and our lives. So please remain quiet until we reach Orissa."
The devotees were put into consternation, but the Lord's absorption in spiritual mellows
continued uninterrupted. In a short while, the Lord sounded like thunder and said, "What do you
fear? Who are you afraid of? The sudarsana cakra, the lethal spinning disk of the Supreme Lord
that protects the Vaishnavas at all times from every danger is here. Just look around you. Assail
your trepidations and continue the Krsan kirtana. The reassuring words from the Lord had a
miraculous effect on the devotees and they began to sing with renewed gusto
Utilizing this exigent situation the Lord gave instructions to the devotees, "The sudarsana cakra
is always present to protect the devotees of the Lord. The sudarsana destroys any inimical and
atheistic forces who try to harrass the devotees. The devotees are having such an invincible
protector as Lord Visnu's own weapon, so who can posibly harm the Vaishnavas?" Only those who
have received the Lord's mercy can fathom the meaning of these confidential instructions. Soon
the boat reached Orissa. The devotees had performed kirtan the entire way. The boat stopped at
the river port called Prayaga ghat and Lord Chaitanya got off the boat. The hearing of this
narration of the Lord entering Orissa accelerates the process of reaching spiritual perfection. The
Lord was extremely joyful having set His lotus feet on the soil of Orissa. He offered obeisances,
and the devotees did the same
In that area is a well-known bathing place called Ganga ghat. The Lord took His bath there. He
then went to offer obeisances to a Siva linga deity known as Mahesa. This deith was established
right next to the bathing place by King Yudhistira of the Pandavas. The Lord brought the
devotees to a temple and requesting them to wait there He went away to beg alms. The Lord went
door-to-door with His cloth spread out to receive alms. As He stood before each house, the people
were captivated by His magannimous appearance and immediately offered Him something.
Whatever was available in the household they gave it with great pleasure. Laksmidevi, the
goddess of fortune, and thre giver of all foodstuff and opulence is always praying to receive shelter
at tha Lord's lotus feet. That same Supreme Personality is now knocking on every door in the
guise of a sannyasi begging alms only to benedict the conditioned souls
The Lord returned to the devotes after collecting alms feeling content. The devotees began to
laugh seeing what the Lord had begged and said, "The Lord can certainly maintain us."
Jagadananda Pandita eagerly prepared the food. The Lord sat down with all the devotees and ate.
They passed the night in that village performing Krishna kiratna. At dawn they were again on
the road walking towards Puri
After a few miles they were suddenly stopped by persons demanding tax, refusing right of way to
the devotees unless they paid. But when the tax collectors saw the grave and imposing figure of
the Lord, they were impressed. They inquired, "How many men are with You?" The Lord replied,
"I do not have anyone in this world, and I do not belong to anyone. I am all alone. The entire
world is mine." Saying this, the Lord began shedding incessant tears flowing out in streams. The
tax man said, "O master, You may kindly leave, but I will not release the others until I have
received full payment." The Lord left the group of devotees remembering Lord Krishna and
chanting His names. The devotees were plunged into an abyss of despondency, thinking the Lord
had left them
The devotees, after some consideration, began to laugh at how the Lord had displayed wonderful
impartiality, but in the next moment they were again despairing worried that the Lord would
leave them altogether. Nityananda Prabhu pacified them saying, "Do not worry. The Lord will
not leave us behind." The taxman said, "you are not accompanying that sannyasi, so you must pay
the proper charges." The Lord had gone just a short distance and sat down with His head hanging
down, tears welling out of His eyes. Even a heart of stone would melt seeing the Lord weeping in
such an entreating way. The taxman was filled with wonderment. He said, "He is certainly not an
ordinary soul. It is impossible for a human being to shed such an excessive amount of tears."
Looking again carefully at everyone, he enquired from several devotees, "tell me clearly who you
are. Whose associates are you?" They replied, "that sannyasi is our master. You must have heard of
Him. His name is Sri Krishna Chaitanya. We are His servitors." Saying this, the devotees broke
down in tears of divine love for their Lord. The taxman was now dumbfounded. Being infused by
their mood and purified by their association, he also began to cry, tears coursing down his cheeks
The taxman now hastened toward the sitting figure of the Lord and threw himself down on the
ground like a rod before the Lord's lotus feet. Very humbly he said, "the great fortune of seeing
You has actually resulted from pious activities of many millions of lifetimes. Kindly forgive me for
my offences at Your feet, and I pray that You may arrive safely in Nilacala." Lord Chaitanya
blessed the taxman and continued His journey. The Supreme Lord has advented as Lord
Chaitanya to deliver all living entities. Only the atheistic sinners who are inimical towards the
Vaishnavas and addicted to performing the most abominable activities will be deprived of the
Lord's mercy. Lord Caiatnya's name is so potent that even the demons have a change of heart by
chanting His name and glories. Yet the devilish reprobates do not accept this mercy nor have
faith in its powers
The Lord of Vaikuntha showered His merciful glance on everyone as He went on His way to
Nilacala. He was always absorbed in drinking deep into the endless nectarean ocean of loving
mellows of Lord Krishna. One day He arrived on the banks of the river Subarnarekha. The Lord
and the devotees found the water crystal clear and so took their baths in the river thus
sanctifying it. Then they continued on towards their destination
Somehow, Nityananda Prabhu and Jagadananda Pandita had fallen back a distance from the rest
of the group. Lord Chaitanya decided to sit down and wait for the two to catch up with them.
Nityananda Prabhu was always engrossed in deep meditation on Lodr Chaitanya. This loving
mellow made Him act intoxicated and mad. Sometimes He cried loudly almost wailing, then
suddenly began roaring loudly in an ear-splitting voice, then again abruptly starting to laugh.
When He saw a river or stream He plunged into the water and swam for a long time. At times He
covered His body with dust. He would sometimes fall swooning in ecstacy to the ground so hard
that people were made to believe that all His bones were shattered. When He started dancing just
on His own, it was difficult, or soit seemed, to keep the earth steady from tilting off balance. This
sort of behavior and power are not unnatural for Lord Nityananda. Lord Ananta Sesha is His
partial expansion and Lord Chaitanya resides eternally in His heart
Jagadananda Pandita wanted to go and beg food from the village, so he wanted to leave the Lord's
danda behind. He was assigned by the Lord to carry His sannaysa danda, or staff, on the journey.
He left Nityananda Saying, "Here, look after the Lord's danda very carefully while I am gone."
and gave Him the danda. Nityananda Prabhu, who was always meditating on Lord Caiatnya, took
the danda and sat down. He started laughing, holding the danda in one hand and began to speak
to the danda. He said, "O danda, where is the logic that you should be carried by that personality
who I bear in my heart." Nityananda Prabhu, who is Lord Balarama, got up, and then smashed the
dandato the ground with immense force breaking it in three places
The Supreme Lord alone knows His own desires. How can I Know why Nityananda Balarama
broke the danda? Nityananda Prabhu knows intimately Lord Chaitanya's mind. Lord Chaitanya
also fully understanda Lord Nityananda's mind. They are brothers eternelly, and They appear
together in every millineum. Rama and Laksmana knew each other's hearts deeply. They are the
one and same Supreme Lord. They have separated only to teach and enhance the loving mellows
of devotional service. I am able to know Lord Chaitanya and His pastimes only by the mercy of
Nityananda Prabhu. Who other than Lord Balarama Himself would have the power to smash the
Lord's danda? Actually it is Lord Chaitanya, the supreme teacher, who teaches through many
subtle ways. One who understands this essential truth enjoys blissful devotional life
When Jagaadannda Pandita returned, he found Nityananda sitting with the three broken pieces
of the danda lying next to Him. He was startled at first, but soon he began to worry. He inquired
from Nityananda, "Who broke the danda?" Nityananda replied, "The one who took the danda in
the first place. The Lord Himself has broken His own danda. Who else could do such a thing?"
Jagadananda picked up the broken pieces of the danda an without replying silently walked away
Jagadananda went directly to where Lord Chaitanya was seated. He threw the broken pieces of
the danda in front of the Lord. The Lord looked up and asked, "How was the danda smashed like
this? Did you get in a fight? Tell Me what happened." Jagadananda narrated everything as he had
seen it. He said, "Nityananda, who is always rapt in meditation , has done this." Lord Chaitanya
turned to Nityananda and inquired, "What was Your reason for smashing My danda?" Nityananda
Prabhu retorted, "They were just some bamboo sticks that I broke, and if You cannot forgive Me
for this, then punish Me as You wish." The Lord replied, "A danda is the residence of all the
demigods and You reduce its importance to some bamboo poles!" Who can comprehend the
esoteric pastimes of Lord Chaitanya? What He considers in His mind He never speaks, but says
something quite different. So if anyone falsely claims to know the Lord's mind, he is certainly
ignorant and a cheat. If the Lord decides to destroy someone, on meeting him the Lord treats him
affably. And to devotees who are as dear to Him as His very soul He shows Himself to be
unbiaswsly disposed. These are the various moods and pastimes the Lord reveals. They are
inconceivable, hence only those who are graced by the Lord's mercy can perceive their true
nature
The danda was broken by the Lord's own desire, yet now He was showing His anger. The Lord
said, "I had only My danda as a companion, but that also was broken by Krishna's will. Now I am
alone, so all of you go ahead and I will follow behind." No one dared to refute Lord Chaitanya's
decision. The devotees became concerned over this matter. Mukunda intervened and said, "You
go ahead of us my Lord, for we must stay back for some work." With polite agreement the Lord
left, walking away like a lithe, mad lion with a supple gait that is hard to describe
The Lord soon arrived in Jalesvara village. He went directly to the temple of Lord Siva, the main
deity in that village. The Siva linga deity was well looked after by the local brahmana priest. The
floral decorations in the temple and on the deity were attractive, and the smell of incense
permeated the air giving the place an exhilarating devotional mood. Devotees in the temple were
singing, playing musical instruments and dancing. The Lord's anger subsided in that joyful
atmosphere. He let the loving devotional feelings in His heart gradually flow and merge in with
the music. Enlivened by His dear devotee's (Lord Siva's) opulence and influence in the temple,
Lord Chaitanya began to dance hapily. Lord Chaitanya kows Lord Siva's glorious character, for
he is favorite amongst His devotees. If anyone disrespects Lord Siva, not following the example of
Lord Chaitanya, then he cannot be considered a Vaishnava, and all his spiritual advancement is
annulled
As the Lord danced, He made joyful sounds so loud that the very mountains seemed to tremble.
Lord Siva's devotees were struck with amazement, and thought that Lord Siva must have
appeared in person. The musicians and singers again reached a cresendo, and the Lord became
fully absorbed in dancing, losing all contact with the outside world. Meanwhile, His devotees
arrived. Mukunda began to sing, joined by others. Seeing His beloved associates, the Lord
experienced great joy, and danced more vigorously while the devotees danced circling Him. The
whole scene was dynamicly transformed. Tears flowed out effusively in a hundred streams from
the Lord's eyes. Who can describe al the happenings properly? This temple of Lord Siva was now
sanctified by the Lord's presence and dancing. The real purpose for which the temple was built
was now fulfilled
After awhile the Lord became peaceful and embraced all His devotees with great love, giving
them divine pleasure. Upon seeing Nityananda Prabhu, the Lord rushed to embrace Him.
Holding Him firmly He said, "Your real business is to calm Me down and restrain Me and help Me
maintain My sannyasa vows, but instead You are increasing My madness. If You continue in this
way, soon You can have My head too. I am openly declaring that whatever You want of Me I will
always do accordingly. This is the real truth." The Lord thus instructed everyone, "Always take
great care about Nityananda Prabhu. His position is much more elevated than Mine. This is not
spoken in an exaggerated manner, it is the simple truth. If anyone commits an offense at His lotus
feet, but has not offended Me directly, still he is refused entry into the more confidential
devotional service of the Lord. An offender against Nityananda may be situated in devotional
service, hence is considered by some as a devotee, but I reject him." When Nityananda Prabhu
heard His own praise, He bashfully hung His head. All of the Lord's pastimes are so wonderful,
and they bring much pleasure to the devotees
Passing that night in Jalesvara the Lord started on His journey again at early dawn accompanied
by all the devotees. He went towards Bansdaha, and on the way was stopped by a sakta sannyasi
(one who worships the energy of the Lord in the position of the Lord Himself). The Lord knew
that the stranger was a sakta, but spoke to him with sweet words. The Lord said, "Please tellme My
friend where you have been for so long that I am meeting you only now. Where are your other
friends?" The sakta became captivated by the Lord and slowly he began revealing all information
about himself and all the other saktas. Lord Chaitanya smiled as He listened to him. The sakta
invited the Lord to his so-called monastery, saying, "Please come now to my matha and we can all
enjoy the bliss drink together," The sakta was refering to an alcholic drink as "bliss" and this
amused Lord Chaitanya and Nityananda Prabhu. The Lord replied, "I will definitely come to
enjoy your bliss drink. You should go ahead first to be sure everything is prepared for when we
come." The sakta was very pleased to hear that his invitation wa accepted and he left quickly,
feeling elated. How fathomless is the Lord's character
The Vedas declare that Lord Krishna is the friend and deliverer of the poor and wretched. Hence
the Lord spoke so amiably to the sakta sannyasi. People began to say, "This sakta has now been
delivered, and by his contact other saktas will also become purified just like him." The Lord uses
various means to liberate the conditioned souls
The Lord arrived at Remuna village. In Remuna is the Deity of Lord Gopinatha. Upon seeing
Himself in the Deity form, the Lord began to dance ecstatically with all His devotees. Lost in love
of Himself, He became oblivious to everything. He wept pitiously in loving separation. Even the
cruelest hearts melted hearing Him cry. After a few days, Lord Gaurasundara came to Jaipura
village and stayed in a locality called Brahman nagara. There He visited the temple of Lord Adi
Varaha. This Deity is unique and was self-manifested. By seeing this Deity, all material
entanglements are severed. The temple was situated on the bank of the river Vaitarini. Just by
seeing this river one is cleansed of all sins. This entire area is a very holy pilgrimage site
Even if an animal crosses the river at this spot, the demigods have the vision to see him take a
four-handed Vaikuntha form. Nilacala Puri is exactly eighty miles away from this spot known as
Nabhigaya or Virajaksetra. This entire area is dotted with many temples. It is impossible to
tabulate all of them with details
At first the Lord went with the devotees to take bath in the river by the bathing place named
dasasvamedha ghat. Then they went to offer worship to Lord Varaha. The Lord danced
ecstatically in front of Adi Varaha deva, and the devotees sang, creating a wonderful devotionally
saturated atmosphere
The Lord was very happy to be in Jaipura. His happiness increased with time, and He danced
more vigorously. Suddenly, without warning, Lord Chaitanya left the devotees and disappeared.
It is difficult to know the Lord's desire and the reason for His actions. When the devotees found
Lord Caitanta missing from their company, they began to look around in the temple in
desperation. Their search proved futile. They became very worried. Nityananda Prabhu, realizing
the plight of the devotees, said, "Please calm yourselves. I am certain I know where the Lord has
gone. He wants to visit all the temples and holy places in Jaipura alone. So we should also go out
begging and return to this same spot. We will spend the night here, for the Lord is sure to return
here tomorrow morning."
The devotees went out and collected food and returned. They cooked the food received as alms
and ate together. Lord Chaitanya in the meantime had visited the different temples and returned
to the devotees. The devotees were jubilant, and greeted Him with loud chanting of "Hari! Hari!"
In this way the Lord with His associates blessed Jaipura with His presence and then continued on
the journey
After a few days, the Lord arrived in Kataka city. From there He went to take a dip in the river
Mahanadi. He then went to the temple of Saksi Gopala to offer worship. The charming,
unsurpassable beauty of the Deity of Saksi Gopala greatly impressed Lord Chaitanya, and feeling
surging ecstacy, He began to roar with a thunderous voice. He offered many prayers, and
exhibited wonderful devotional symptoms crying in ecstacy for the Lord. The authorized and
recommended procedure to invoke life into the Deity is by chanting the mahamantra. This
mahamantra was propagated by Lord Chaitanya. And although He is the incarnation of the
Supreme Personality of Godhead, yet He is always exhibiting the mood of servitorship to the
Supreme Lord
Lord Chaitanya then came to Bhuvanesvara. This city is actually the hidden Kasi, the residence
of Lord Siva. Lord Siva had collected waters from all the different holy places and brought them
to Bhuvanesvara and formed the lake known as Bindusarovara. Lord Chaitanya knew the
significance of the lake and that it was Lord Siva's favorite. He took His bath in the lake and
further increased its auspiciousness. The linga form of Lord Siva that was being worshipped there
was self-manifest. He went to see the linga and mingled with the crowd of Siva devotees who
were chanting loud praises of Lord Siva. The linga was surrounded by small lit ghee lamps set in
rows offered by the visiting devotees. Lord Chaitanya was pleased to see the opulence of His
beloved devotee Lord Siva. The Lord's associates were also very happy in that devotional
atmosphere. Lord Siva is always immersed in the meditation of the Supreme Lord, which makes
him relish the nectar of devotion and cannot keep from dancing. That same Supreme Lord
GauraChandra, his master, was dancing ecstaticly in front of him. The Lord and His devotees
spent the night there
I will now describe from the Skanda Purana how Lord Siva found this place. Lord Siva and his
consort, Parvatidevi, were living contentedly in Kasi for a very long time. Then they went to
Kailasa and left Kasi to be ruled by kings. Soon a king named Kasiraja ascended the throne. He
was an ardent worshiper of Lord Siva. Suddenly by the will of destiny he lost everything in a war.
He was determined to destroy his victor in battle, Sri Krishna. With vengence in his heart he sat
down to perform the most terrible of austerities, meditating on Lord Siva. Lord Siva, attracted to
appear before him by the potency of his austerity, offered him to choose any boon. Kasiraja
eagerly asked, "I pray only for this boon from you, my lord, that I may avenge my defeat and
destroy Krishna in battle." Lord Siva is a magnanimous personality. No one can say how he will
grace someone with his favor. He said to Kasiraja, "O King prepare for battle. My army of
followers will be right behind you in the field. Let me see who is strong enough to defeat you as
long as I am behind you with my weapon Pasupati."
Reassured by Siva's words, the foolish King Kasiraja went to battle against Krishna, smiling
confidently. Lord Siva, accompanied by his associates and followers, followed the army of
Kasiraja. His intention was to fight for the king. Krishna, the Supersoul situated within
everyone's heart, could know immdiately what was happening. He swiftly sent His disc weapon,
Sudarsana, to destroy the enemy. The Lord's Sudarsana disc is invincible, so unchallenged it went
straight to Kasiraja and severed his head from his body. Then Sudarsana started destroying the
city of Varanasi, the capitol of Kasiraja. This enreged Lord Siva. Seeing that his abode was being
plundered, he released his terrible Pasupati weapon. What can any other weapon, however
powerful, do against Sudarsana? The Pasupati weapon quickly retreated in fear. Sudarsana then
went after Lord Siva himself. Lord Siva fled from the awesome weapon. The power and heat from
the Sudarsana covered the whole world, and Siva had no place to hide. Lord Siva found himself
in the same predicament as the sage Durvasa when he was being chased by the fearsome weapon
Lord Siva finally understood that he was being preyed upon by the Sudarsana disc, and that only
Lord Krishna could hep him out of his dilema. Then , making his decision, he remembered Lord
Krishna, taking shelter at His lotus feet. He began to offer prayers to the Lord, "All glory to the
Supreme Godhead, Krishna, the son of Mother Devaki. You are omnipresent and the shelter of
all living entities. You give men both good intelligence and ill motivations. You are the creator,
maintainer and protector. You never see the faults of others and You are an ocean of compassion.
You are the only well-wishing friend of all those who are sufering. You are the forgiver of all
offences, so kindly forgive my offences since I have taken shelter of You."
Lord Krishna, being appeased by Lord Siva's prayers, recalled His Sudarsana and appeared before
him. Lord Siva saw Him faintly smiling, although His eyes were still stern. He was surrounded by
His cowherd boyfriends and Vrndavana damsels. Krishna said, "O Siva, you are well-aware of My
position and power, so what suddenly prompted you to act in this fashion? That degraded king,
Kasiraja, is no better than a little insect, and siding with him you are fighting with Me. Now you
have seen the fearsome might of My Sudarsana disc which not even you could counter. All the
most powerful weapons like Brahma astra and Pasupati astra put together are no match for
Sudarsana. The unique feature of the Sudarsana disc is to prey after the one who sends counter
weapons. Now I am feeling that there is no one in the entire creation who dislikes Me more than
you." Hearing these somewhat angry words of chastisement, Lord Siva felt trepidition within
Lord Siva threw himself down to the ground and caught hold of Lord Krishna's lotus feet.
Surremdering himself to the Lord, Siva said, "O Lord, the entire creation is subservient to Your
will. Who can claim to act independently? Just as dry straws are strewn by the wind, so does the
entire material nature bend to Your commands. Everyone executes Your wishes. There is no one
who can disobey Your biddings. Somehow You have given this feeling of false pride, and blinded
by this I was unable to see anything else but myself as big and powerful. I am helpless, my Lord,
since it is You only who made me think in this manner. Your lotus feet were always my life and
soul, and I stayed in the forest and meditate d solely on Your lotus feet. Yet You churned this
mood of arrogance within me. What can I do? I acted as You desired. In spite of everything, I
have committed serious offenses at Your feet, so now kindly forgive me and bless me with Your
mercy. And I pray for this boon that I may never again develop such evil intelligence. I have been
rightly punished for my arrogance. Now kindly tell me where I can stay, for who else but You can
I turn to with such problems."
Lord Krishna smiled slightly and spoke kindly, "Listen, My dear Siva, I am giving you a very
beautiful place. Live here with all your associates and followers. This place is known as
Ekamraka-vana. In this idyllic surrounding you will appear and be worshipped as Kotitigesvara.
This place is inevery way as captivating as Varanasi. Besides, this place is also spiritually
extremely elevated, but is not known to all. Today I will reveal to you the esoteric significance of
this place which is so dear to Me
On the shores of the ocean, covering a very large area is the place known as Nilacala. This is also
known as Purusottama ksetra or the abode of the Supreme Person. It has a most pleasing and
peaceful atmosphere. Even at the time of the cosmic annhilation, this place remains intact,
unscathed. I reside eternelly here, and daily receive opulent offerings of foodstuffs. Its area is
spread over eighty square miles. All living entities living within this area are, by the influence of
this place, possessing four-handed forms, though visible only to the demigods and their equals.
The demigods glorify this place as the most auspicious of all places of pilgrimage. The act of
sleeping here is equivalent to deep meditation or samadhi. Similarly, lying postures accru the
pious result of offering obeisances to the Deity. Simply walking around here is the same as
circumambulation, pradiksina, and all speeches are glorification.These are all enumerated in the
Vedas. Such is the potency of this ksetra that even if one eats fish here it is the same as eating
sacred vegetarian food or havisya. This place is very dear to Me, hence it is known by My name.
All the residents here are My equals. It is outside the jurisdiction of Yamaraja, the guardian of
death. I am the judge here who decides on the evil and pious deeds and their results
The place I have designated as your residence lies north of My abode, Puri. Your place is, as I
have described before, very beautiful and charming. Here one can very easily attain liberation
and bliss. This place will be famous as Bhuvanesvara
The glories of Jagannatha Puri greatly impressed Lord Siva He again embraced the Lord's lotus
feet and began to speak, "O Lord of my life, I have one prayer. I am always so falsely proud,
therefore if I remain far away from Your association, it is most detrimental for me. I am yearning
in my heart to stay close to You, because I can never benefit from bad association. If You consider
me Your servant, then kindly allow me a place in Your own abode. After hearing the wonderful
glories of Your dham from Your lotus lips, I am feeling an uncontrollable urge to simply live there.
Living very humbly, I want to render menial service to You. All I praynfor is just a little space in
Your Dham. His voice choked with emotion, and tears coursed down his cheekc
The Lord was very pleased with Siva's words and He embraced him firmly saying, " Hear Me, O
Siva. You are as precious to Me as My own body. One who is dear to you is even more dear to Me.
I reside always within you, there is no doubt about this. I allow you to stay in all My abodes. In
fact, you are the protector and maintainer of all the Dhams. And this place known as ekamra
vana I am giving to you. Stay here and make it your home. This place is also My favorite. I will be
pleased if you stay here always. One who claims to be My devotee but disregards you is only trying
to pretend devotion to Me." This is how Lord Siva came to reside in this fsmous place,
Bhuvanesavra. It is still existing
In order to teach everyone that Lord Siva is very dear to Lord Krishna, Lord Chaitanya danced in
front of Lord Siva. He was now practically demonstrating all the instructions of Lord Krishna as
they are found in the Puranas and other Vedic scriptures. Clapping His hands, Lord Chaitanya
danced and sang "Siva Rama Govinda." The Lord then offered worship to Lord Siva with all His
devotees. The Supreme Lord is the supreme instructing spiritual master. One who does not folow
His instructions suffers due to this grievous mistake
The Lord took His disciples and went around Bhuvanesvara visiting different temples of Lord
Siva. The Lord was particularly happy to see one Siva linga that was off the beaten track. When
He left Bhuvanesvara, He was feeling very elated all the way to Kamalapura village. From
Kamalapura the Lord looked in the direction of Puri and saw the fluttering flags in the distance
atop the Jagannatha temple. His heart flooded with spiritual emotions, drowning Him in an
ocean of ecstatic bliss. The Lord began to cry out rumbling like thunder. The transformation in
mood was amazing. He began to shiver and went sluggish, unable to move. His eyes were fixed on
the temple spires, and He stumbled on, reciting Sanskrit verses. Take careful note of the verse -
"Just see, the cowherd boy, Krishna, is shyly smiling from the top of the temple seeing Me, thus
increasing the extraordinary beauty of His face." Such is the transcendental nature of the
Supreme Lord's pastime that He kept repeating this verse, and at the same time stumbled and fell
swooning with each step. And such was the force of His fall simultaneously exhibiting intense
separation that even the expressive inner voice felt inadequate to describe everything
The Lord moved forward offering full obeisances on the ground. Thus instead of walking He fell
like a stick to the ground, and stood up each time at distances measuring the lengh of His body.
He stood up, looked up at the temple spires, chanted the verse , and fell crashing to the ground.
People all around stared agape in complete awe and amazement. No one else could have done
this. It was possible for the Lord because He was the divine incarnation of supreme spiritual love.
The whole way, He exhibited the apex of divine love for the Supreme Godhead. How fortunate
were the souls that lined up the roads to se the Supreme Lord lost in ecstacy. They said about the
Lord, "He certainly is the Supreme Lord, Narayana, Himself."
The devotees moved along with their Lord surrounding Him on all sides, their freely flowing tears
of ecstacy soaking the earth. The distance from Kamalapura to Athara-nalla is a good hour and a
half's walk. The Lord required six times more that time. When He cane to Artha-nalla He
withdrew within Himself all the ecstatic moods and feelings. He equipoised Himself and sat down
with all the devotees. He spoke entreatingly to the devotees saying, " You have been real
well-wishing friends to Me, having brought Me to Lord Jagannatha. Now kindly tell Me whether I
go after you, or I am allowed to go ahead of you alone." Mukunda replied, "You go ahead of us."
The Lord left their company and walked towards the temple of Lord Jagannatha. His gate was
regal like the maddened king of the forest. With quickening steps He entered Jagannatha Puri
temple. Whoever hears this narration of the Lord entering Nilacala Puri will be carried on waves
of ecstatic bliss. By the will of the Supreme Lord, Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya also came at the same
time to see and worship Lord Jagannatha in the temple
As Lord Chaitanya stood in front of the Deities Of Lord Jagannatha, Subhadra, and Sankarsana,
Balarama, He began to roar loudly like the booming of the ocean waves. He was yearning to hold
Lord Jagannatha in His embrace. He jumped and pranced as His spiritual emotions became
ebullient His spouting tears being sprinkled all around. Suddenly He fell crashing to the ground
swooning with uncontrollable bliss. How can one fathom such moods of the Supreme Lord. The
ignorant and foolish interior guards of the temple thinking the Lord was misbehaving
immediately prepared to punish Him and beat Him. Just then, Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya rushed
to the supine form of the Lord and stopped the guards from striking Him. He saw the unconscious
body and thought to himself, "Studying all the symptoms, I think this person is not a human
being. It is impossible for anyone to call out so loud, shedding such incessant tears. This is all very
extraordinary. Maybe He is Krishna Chaitanya." Such were the thoughts which flitted through
the mind of the blessed Saravbhauma
The temple guards were warded off by Sarvabhauma, and they stood now at a distance watching
on with fear and reverence. Lord Chaitanya still lay almost unconscious being moved to such a
state of ecstacy upon seeing His very own self on the altar. The Vedas are inadequate to describe
such esoteric transformations of the Supreme Lord. Lord Gaurasundara, the Supreme Lord, is
sitting on the altar in His caturvyuha expansions feeling content. The selfsame Lord has now
become the devotee rendering service to Himself. The Lord knows these transcendental mysteries
about Himself. This is delineated in the Vedas and Bhagavat. The Vedas always describe the
Lord,s pastimes only with the good intentions of delivering the conditioned souls
Sarvabhauma remained patiently waiting, protecting the Lord from any harm. The Lord still
remained deeply immersed in love of Godhead in the mood of a devotee, oblivious of the external
world. Finally Sarvabhauma decided to take the Lord to his own house. He spoke to the sentries,
"Please carry this jewel amongst saints and follow me." The sentries lifted the still unconscious
form of the Lord on their shoulders and carried Him out. Sarvabhauma's arrival in the temple at
the same time as the Lord's transcendental ecstacy was not a mere coincidence. The Lord's
character is incomprehensible to humans. They don't know how events take place
Once outside the temple, they carried the Lord amidst thunderous chanting. The large crowd
which had gathered was very jubilant. Just then, the rest of the devotees from the Lord's party
arrived..., and met their Lord being carried out in front of the simhadvara. They became very
joyful seeing their beloved Lord. Everyone in the crowd wanted a chance to carry the Lord, so the
Lord was passed down from hand to hand like being transported by a swarm of ants, as the ants
pass foodstuff down a long lone. The devotees paid their obeisances to the Lord, and joined the
flowing mass of jubilant people. So many people had come carrying the Lord that when they
arrived at Sarvabhauma's house the dors had to be closed keeping the huge crowd outside
Sarvabhauma was extremely pleased to see the associates of the Lord. He received them with
proper respect and etiquette, seating them comfortably. By now his doubts about the Lord's
identity were calmed. Sarvabhauma was feeling elated beyond words. How very fortunate he was.
That Personality whom the Vedic literature so eloquently and repeatedly glorifies, in fact there
are entire volumes fully devoted to glorifying Him, was now here in his house in person. When he
saw Nityananda, a radiant Personality, he fell to the ground, smearing his head with the dust
from His lotus feet. Then he gathered some of his men and asked them to accompany the Lord's
associates to the temple of Lord Jagannatha
Their guides were at first hesitant, then thinking frankness a better proposition, began to
earnestly request the devotees in the following manner. With folded hands they sais, "Please be
calm and composed when in front of the Deities of Lord Jagannatha. Do not act like your guru
did some time ago. We do not know who you are, but only if you give your word to remain
equipoised in the temple are we willing to accompany you. The way your guru acted, we are sure
that it was only by God's will that Lord Jagannatha remained on His altar. I think there is no
need to elaborate further on the subject, because all of you saw how your gurg crashed to the
ground. If it were anyone else, he would have died on the spot. This is all very inconceivable to
us. Therefore we request you to please remain composed. The devotees began to laugh, but they
assured their guides that they had nothing to wory about due to them, that they would behave
normally
The devotees went inside the temple and beheld Lord Jagannatha, who is the source of the
quadruple expansions of caturvyuha. He was the Lord of the universe, and He manifested Himself
as the source of all bliss and is always with His devotees. The devotees exulted in His presence,
shed tears of ecstacy, and circumambulated the Lord, all the time glorifying Him with Vedic
prayers. The priests brought them the Lord's flower garlands, prasadimala, and placed them
around their necks. The devotees were very happy, and begging permission from the priests to
leave, they returned to Sarvabhauma's house
Lord Chaitanya was still in the same condition, deeply absorbed within Himself in the ecstacy of
love of Godhead. Sarvabhauma sat at His feet, and the rest of the people were loudly chanting
"Rama, Krishna." The Lord's activities are all inconceivable. He was in a state of unconsciousness
for more than nine hours continuously. Then gradually the Lord began to stir. He was awake
again, and the devotees greeted Him jubilantly chanting the Lord's name. Collecting Himself, the
Lord inquired, "Please describe to Me exactly what transpired." The devotees were quiet. Lord
Nityananda at last spoke, "You had gone to see Lord Jagannatha in the temple, and as soon as You
saw the Deity, You fell swooning in ecstacy. By the will of Providence, Sarvabhauma was there at
that moment and he took care of You and brought You to his house. You have ben totally
absorbed in ecstacy for the past nine hours. Here is Sarvabhauma offering obeisances to You."
Lord Chaitanya quickly got up and embraced Sarvabhauma
The Lord spoke to Sarvabhauma, "Lord Jagannatha is very merciful; He has brought Me to
Sarvabhauma's house. I was wondering how to contact you and have your association. Lord
Krishna has easily fulfilled My desire." The Lord looked benignly at Sarvabhauma and smiled.
The Lord continued to speak, "Kindly hear Me. I came to the temple and saw Lord Jagannatha.
Upon seeing Him I felt the immense urge in My heart to go and embrace Him and hold Him to
My chest. Luckily, Sarvabhauma was about, and I was saved from a serious danger. Therefore, I
firmly declare that from today I will see Lord Jagannatha from a distance, not entering into the
inner sanctum. I will stand next to the pllar of Garuda and see the Lord. I am fortunate today
that I did not embrace the Lord, thus avoiding a dangerous situation."
Nityananda Prabhu said, "You certainly averted a possible mishap. It is late. You should quickly
bathe." Lord Chaitanya replied, "Nityananda, You should always correct Me and steady Me. I
have given this body of Mine in Your total care." After completing His bath and other rituals, and
feeling refreshed, the Lord came and sat with the devotees, a sweet smile faintly playing on His
lips. Sarvabhauma had arranged for a lot of mahaprasada, so he had it brought in and placed it
before the Lord. The Lord offered His prayer of thanks to the Lord for the opulent mahaprasada,
and sat down to partake of it with all the devotees
The Lord said, "Give Me as much as you can of the latra preparation, and you can take all the
pitha, cheese dumplings and other sweets. The Lord was very much relishing the transcendental
taste of mahaprasada. He ate His latra with the greatest relish, and the devotees this simple,
spiritually saturated pastime. They laughed with boyish joy. Sarvabhauma, who had arranged this
feast, was certainy an eternel associate of the Lord, otherwise, no person could have this sort of
rare gift and fortune. He brought rice for the Lord on a golden plate and gave it to him. The Lord
immediately began eating it. The scene was so transcendentally exhillerating that the details fail
me and are therefore reserved to be later delineated by Vedavyasa
After the meal, the devotees sat around their Lord. The meal was a treat for all in every respect.
Anyone who hears these transcendental pastimes with devotion will indeed be blessed with Lord
Caitanay's direct association. And anyone who hears the narratin in Antya-lila of how Lord
Chaitanya came to Nialcala will swim in an ocean of devotional love
Lord Sri Krishna Chaitanya and Nityananda Prabhu are my life and soul. I, Vrndavana dasa,
humbly offer this song at Their lotus feet
Sri Chaitanya Bhagavat
Antya-lila Chapter Three
All glory to Sri Krishna Chaitanya, the repository of all transcendental qualities. He is the life
and soul of Nityananda Prabhu and Swarupa Damodara Prabhu. He is the supreme actor of
Vaikuntha and an ocean of compassion. He is the crest jewel of all the sannyasis and the true
friend of the destitues
Please hear attentively these narrations of Lord Chaitanya's pastimes as recorded in the
Antya-lila or final part. His pastimes are concentrated nectar derived from nectar, and Lord Siva
and Lord Brahma are always hankering to relish it. Therefore these pastimes when heard with
proper faith become the source of great spiritual pleasure for everyone except the sinful
miscreants. Hearing these esoteric subjects will certainly bestow on one the lotus feet of Lord
Krishna. In this chapter, we find the Lord wishing to remain incognito, not revealing His real
identity. And once the Supreme Lord decides not to assert Himself or to be recognized, then who
can know Him? One day the Lord sat with Sarvabhauma in a secluded place. The Lord said, "O
respected sir, I want to open My heart to you. Although I have come to Puri to see Lord
Jagannatha, My main concern was to meet you. Lord Jagannatha is not going to speak with Me,
but you can sever the bonds of My material attachments. Lord Krishna has fully empowered you
to distribute love of Godhead. If you want, you can give it to Me also. Therefore, I am taking
shelter of you, and you kindly do what is most beneficial for Me. What must I perform and how
must I act in order to keep from falling into the deep dark well of material existence? Please
advise and guide Me in every way, because I have surrendered Myself unto you." In this way the
Lord spoke to Sarvabhauma, deluding him fully
Sarvabhauma could not fathom the Lord's words and intentions. He began to explain to the Lord
the religious duties of man. He said I appriciated everything you spoke. The lofty heights of
devotional realizations you have revealed are to say the least wonderful. You have indeed been
blessed by Krishna's grace. Being such an intelligent person, what prompted You to take to the
renounced order of life? Please try to analyze and understand what is to be gained by taking
sannyasa. Th first thing that happens on taking sannyasa is that the person is immediately
attacked by pride. By holding the sannyasa danda, he thinks that he is empowered with special
knowledge, and never folds his hands or bows his head to anyone. And when he meets a very
saintly soul, who is according to the Vedas to be worshiped by smearing the dust from his lotus
feet on one's head, the sannyasi simply offers respect to him, noy feeling any reason to be
cautious. This sort of arrogance is not at all healthy. Try to understand this point from thr verse
of the Bhagavatm "The Supreme Lord has entered every living entity as the soul, His part and
parcel. Therefore, knowing this, he should offer his dandavat obeisances even to a dog-eater, dog,
cow, ass and all other beings." This is the proper standard for a Vaishnava. Only a charlatan
devotee will act otherwise
The only thing he gains by taking sannyasa is that he shaves off his sikha and receives respect
and honor from many prsons. This certainly is one big waste, and thus the next disaster is that he
loses all good sense. The living entity is meant to worship and serve the Supreme Lord, but
instead of that, the sannyasi calls himself Narayana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. When
the human soul in the form of a fetus is cramped up i the mother's womb, the Supreme Lord
comes to his rescue, and by His grace gains the proper knowledge and intelligence. Lord Siva,
Lord Brahma, Ananta Sesha , and Laksmidevi are all trying to serve that same Supreme
Personality. In fact, even after being engaged in His service, they hanker for more. The whole
cosmic process of creation, maintenance and annihilation is undertaken by that same Supreme
Person's servants, yet the sannyasi has no shame to call himself prabhu or lord. When lost in deep
sleep, he does not even know who he is, still he shamelessly thinks he is \narayana, the Supreme
Godhead
The Vedic literature declares that Lord Krishna is the supreme father of the entire creation. One
who serves and obeys the father is a good son. In the Bhagavad-gita it states
I am the father of this universe, the mother, the support and the grandsire." Now listen to what
the Supreme Lord, Narayana, Himself tells Arjuna about sannyasa in the Gita One who is
unattached to the fruits of his work and acta strictly according to scriptural injunctions is called a
yogi or sannyasi, not he who lights no sanctified fire and performs no work." Further in the
Srimad-Bhagavatam it says
One should act only for the sole purpose of pleasing Lord Hari. One's education should be meant
only to elevate him to Krishna consciousness. Because the upreme Lord, Hari, is the Supersoul
and guide of all living entities who have accepted material bodies, He is the supreme controller
and cause of this material world." After these scriptural evidences if you still insist on saying that
Sankaracarya is not of the same opinion, then I will quote something that he himself has said
which indicates his desire to serve the Lord. He said, "O Lord, although jiva and Brahman are
non-different qualititatively, I, a jiva soul, am always under Your control, and my existence
depends entirely upon You and not vice-verse. There is no qualitative difference between the
ocean and its waves, but still the waves exist because of the ocean and not the other way around."
Therefore, the Supreme Lord, Krishna, is the father, and this cosmic manifestation belongs to
Him. He is the maintainer of both the material and spiritual realms. One who does not worship
and serve the father is to be ostracized. This is the essence of Sankaracarya's words. Without a
sincere probe into the actual meaning of his words, what is the use of shaving one's head, because
this will result in further distress. A sannyasi should utter the name of Narayana incessantly with
loving devotion, but without this devotional attitude, there is no use becoming a renunciate.
Hence I ask you why you embarked on this idea of becoming a sannyasi. If you wanted to deliver
the world by distributing the science of devotional service to Lord Krishna, then what
compunction drove you to shave off your sikha and discard your brahmana thread? And if you
argue that great spiritual stalwarts like Madhavandra Puri also became mendicants, shaving their
hair and so on, then I will reply that you are not yey of age to accept the renounced order. These
stalwarts toof sanyassa only after three quarters of their lives had passed and and after they had
relished enough of their social life. Whereas you have just entered the youth of life. how can you
justify taking sannyasa? How can the renounced order help you advance in spiritual realization,
considering the devotion you already possess, as I saw manifest in your person? All these ecstatic
symptoms of love of Godhead are rarely achieved even by the great yogis, then why did you opt to
be misled by illusion?" Lord Chaitanya was very pleased to hear the cience of dvotional service as
explained by Sarvabhauma. The Lord said, "O respected Sarvabhauma, please do not consider Me
to be a sannyasi. I have shaved My head and given up My brahmana's thread leaving home and
famly only because the pangs of separation from My beloved Krishna were becoming unbearable
for Me. Therefore do not look upon Me as a sannyasi, rather, I pray to you to be merciful so that I
can develop attachment for Krishna." The Supreme Lord had desired to put His own devotee into
such illusion; how can this poor servitor know the truth? If the Lord Himself does not reveal
Himself, then who is able to know Him as He is? Yet when His devotee speaks without proper
knowledge, still this greatly pleases the Lord. The Lord is always engaged in performing many
pastimes with His devotee servitors. In fact, He advents only for the pleasure of His devotees. The
Lord is always reciprocating the devotional mellows with His devotees. As the devotee surrenders
unto Krishna, the Lord is willing to give that much of Himself. He is always favoring His
devotees; He is bhakta vatsala. Who can influence the Lord to act otherwise? Lord Chaitanya
looked at Sarvabhauma and smiled, but Sarvabhauma was still very much under the spell of the
Lord's illusory energy, and so he failed to fully comprehend His words. Sarvabhauma said, "Your
status as a sannyasi is certainly more elevated than mine. According to scriptural injunctions,
Yoy are worshipable and I am the worshiper. It is not logical that You should praise me. This
might make me an offender." The Lord replied, "Please do not deceive Me further in this manner.
I have fully surrendered to you." In this way the Supreme Lord, Gaurasundara, played with His
servitors. Who can fathom the transcendental pastimes of the Lord? The Lord again spoke to
Sarvabhauma, "I have a great yearning to hear explanations of the Srimad-Bhagavatm from you.
All the doubts that assail Me can be allayed only by you." Sarvabhauma replied, "I am well aware
that You have deep and mature understanding of all the scriptures. What purport from the
Bhagavatm is unknown to You? Yet I realize that it is the nature of noble and cultured devotees
to discuss amongst themselves about the science of devotional service. Now tell me please which
portion of the Bhagavatm seems to create confusiion in You. I will try my best to explain it." The
Lord of Vaikuntha, Sri Krishna Chaitanya, smiled quietly and recited a verse from the
Bhaagvatam,
Those who are self-satisfied and unattracted by external material desides are on the other hand
attracted to the loving service of Sri Krishna, whose quqlities are transcendental and whose
activities are wonderful. Hari, the Personality of Godhead, is called Krishna because He has such
transcendentally attractive features."
By the Lord's grace, Sarvabhauma began his dissertation in the presence of Lord Gaurasundara
who is the Lord of the goddess of learning and speech, Mother Sarasvati. He explained, "The real
meaning of this verse is as follows, The essential truth is loving devotional service at Krishna's
lotus feet. Those persons who are fully realized souls and are free from all hankerings and
bindings surrender to the lotus feet of Krishna. Such is the extraordinary potency of Lord
Krishna's transcendental qualities. Such liberated souls are constantly glorifying Lord Krishna's
pastimes and qualities. And those who disregard the Lord's transcendental nature are doomed to
annihilation." Sarvabhauma was totally absorbed in the discourse he was giving. He offered
thirteen different expositions on the same verse, and finally fell silent saying, "I am unable to go
on further on this subject."
The Lord smiled again and said, "Each one of your delineations is correct. Now I will also give My
explanatons. Please judge if they are accurate or not." Sarvabhauma stared wonder struck at the
Lord. "Any further elucidation on this subject is beyond human power." Yet the Lord's
annotations were His original, and never before were they explained. Sarvabhauma, still in a
state of shock, thought, "These words must have emanated from the mouth of the Supreme Lord
Himself."
After His explanations the Lord roared like thunder, and becoming absorbed in Himself He
manifested His wonderful six- armed form. The Lord spoke, "Sarvabhauma, now what do you say.
Do you think I am not qualified to be a sannyasi? Do you not consider Me a sannyasi in your
heart? I have come here only to see you. Many lifetimes you have spent inMy service with great
devotion, so I have come personally to present Myself before you. I have incarnated specifically to
initiate the sankirtaan movement. Know for certain that I am that Supreme Lord who is the
cause of the entire cosmic manifestation. And you have always been My unalloyed devotee, so I
have specially come to see you. I have come to protect My devotees, the saintly souls, and to
destroy the demoniac forces. Allay your fears now and glorify Me."
Sarvabhauma saw this most wonderful six-armed form more dazzling than a mllion suns and he
fell swooning in uncontained ecstacy. The Supreme Lord, GauraChandra continued to roar
loudly still exhibiting His six-armed form. The Lord was very pleased within with Sarvabhauma,
and placing His hand on his head the Lord said, "Arise." The divine touch on his head awakened
Sarvabhauma yet the feeling of extreme bliss had mummified him, he could not speak. The Lord,
an ocean of munificence, placed His lotus feet on Sarvabhauma's heart. Sarvabhauma, finding the
most precious treasure within easy reach, wrapped his arms around the Lord's lotus feet in a tight
clasp. With pure joy gushing in his heart, Sarvabhauma said, "Today I have captured the thief
that steals my heart." He broke down in tears crying like a child. He had found a treasure sought
after even by the goddess of fortune, Ramadevi
Words now poured out of Sarvabhauma's mouth, "O Lord Krishna Chaitanya, You are the Lord of
my life. Please look upon this worthless wretch with compassion. I am so sinful that I dared to try
to teach You religious principles, not knowing that You are the transcendental cause of all causes.
O Lord, who is there, even the most powerful mystic, who is not mesmerized by Your illusory
potency? So what effort is required to put me into illusion? But now, my Lord, please grant me
undeviating devotion at Your lotus feet
All glories to Sri Krishna Chaitanya, the Lord of my heart. He has appeared from the womb of
the divine mother, Saci. He is the life and soul of everyone; and the protector of the Vedas, the
brahmanas, the pious and religious principles. He is the Supreme autocratic Lord of all the
planetary systems including the spiritual planets of Vaikuntha. You possess an eternal form full of
knowledge and bliss, and You are the invaluable crown which decorates the sannyasa order." The
saintly Sarvabhauma, endowed with transcendental intelligence, glorified the Lord with choicest
verses
He continued eulogizing, "May my heart, like the bumble bee, be deeply attracted to the lotus feet
of the Sopreme Lord, who has manifested Himself in this present incarnation as Sri Krishna
Chaitanya only to rejuvenate the path of devotional service unto Himself, which due to the
passage of time had become almost lost and neglected."
Again he sang, "I take complete shelter of the Supreme Absolute Lord who is unrivaled, is the
cause of all causes, and is the most munificent personality. He has advented as Sri Krishna
Chaitanya to teach humanity the science of renunciation, knowledge, and devotion to Himself."
A hundred verses, lke sublime incantatons, cascaded out of Saravbhauma's lips as he held onto
the Lord's lotus feet
He continued, "My Lord, You have appeared simply to liberate the fallen souls, so kindly deliver
this fallen wretch. I have been bound up by Your maya potency by the chains of material
educaton, wealth and high birth. How then can I know You as You really are? Thus I beg You for
one favor, O Lord of the universe, that my mind and heart become totally engrossed in You,
without deviating even for a minute. All Your activities are inconceivable and transcendental,
hence they are incomprehensible to all unles sYou personally reveal them to us. You have
accepted the transcendental wooden form of Lord Jagannatha and You are sitting in Nilacala
mercifully enjoying the foodstuffs offered by Your devotees. Now You personally offer and also
eat it Yourself, then distribute it to everyone as Your mercy. Then You cry in separation upon
seeing Your own self, and become maddened with love attracted by Your own form. How can
anyone then understand You at all. You alone know Your real self, and the others who are able to
know You are those fortunate souls who have been graced by Your causeles mercy. Then who am
I, an insignificant entity, to know You? Even Lord Siva, Lord Brahma and other demigods fall
victim to Your powerful deluding potency, maya." In this way, Sarvabhauma offered many
entreaties and praises, becoming suddenly eloquent by the Lord's blessing
The Supreme Lord GauraChandra, still manifesting His six- armed form, smled benignly upon
Sarvabhauma and said, "Dear Sarvabhauma, you are My eternal associate, therefore you were able
to see My mystic opulences. I have come to this place only to meet you, because you have
worshiped Me for a long time. All your explanations on devotional service have greatly pleased
Me. You have enunciated the absolute knowledge, and naturally so, for why should anythin
ginferior come from your lips? The one hundred verses which you just composed in My
glorification when heard or read by anyone will certainly help develop undeviating devotion unto
Me. These verses will be famous as the Sarvabhauma-sataka, or Sarvabhauma's one hundred
verses
Whatever you have seen of Me now should remain a secret, not to be discussed amongst others.
At least as long as I am present on this earth, I forbid you to reveal it to anyone. Nityananda is
very close to Me, in fact He is My second body. Serve His lotus feet with deep devotion. His
character and identity are also extremely esoteric subjects, only when I disclose the truth can
anyone know about them." After confiding in Sarvabhauma, the Lord withdrew within Himself
His mystic manifestation. Sarvabhauma became submerged in ecstacy with the truth about his
Lord dawning upon him
Anyone who hears these supramundane pastimes of the Lord and His qualities is immediately
liberated from the entanglement of the material mesh, and finally attains Lord Chaitanya's
personal abode. These are very confidential pastimes on Lors Krishna's pastimes, hence one is
assured the shelter of the Lord if one sincerely hears them. In this way Lord Chaitanya liberated
Sarvabhauma and continued His sankirtana in Nilacala. He performed nonstop kirtana and
dancing. Days and nights became submerged in a deluge of devotional nectar. The residents of
Nilacala were offered a rare transcendental treat of this sankirtama mood, and they responded
jubilantly singing, "Hari! Hari!" The people saw Lord GauraChandra and said, "Here is our
moving Lord Jagannatha." The Lord's looks mesmerized the people; they forgot whatever they
were doing. Wherever He went, He was always greeted with resounding chanting of "Hari! Hari!"
People threw themselves to the ground to bathe in the dust that bore the impression of His lotus
feet. And only the most pious and fortunate could avail themselves of this transcendental
opportunity. Their bliss is impossible to describe
Who could resist such perfect beauty? The Lord's exquisite form stole everyone's heart. His eyes
were always decorated with cacades of tears of loving separation and bliss, His lips forever
vibrating the Hare Krishna name. His golden body embellished with sandalwood paste and flower
garlands moved with a lissome gait that makes the movements of a mad elephant look awkward.
Lord Chaitanya, the Supreme Lord, although He walked about in the streets was always deeply
saturated in the sublime nectar of love of Godhead and was oblivious to this world
One day Sri Paramanda Puri returned after a long tour of all th holy places of pilgrimage. Lord
Chaitanya saw him approaching form a distance an got up hastily with great deference. The
Supeme Lord GauraChandra was extremely happy to see His devotee, and lifting His hands in
the air, He began to dance. Relishing this delectable moment of meeting His devoee after a long
period of separation, He exclaimed, "Hari! Hari! My eyes have seen Sri Paramanda Puri! How
fortunate is My birth; how blessed is My vision! In all respects My religious practices have now
become fruitful. Today My acceptance of the sannyasa order has become a success; Sripada
Madhavendre Puri has appeared before Me " He rushed to embrace His beloved devotee, and
holding Paramananda Puri to His bosom, the Lord bathed him with tears of divine ecstacy
Paramananda Puri, looking at his dear Lord's moon-like beatific face, came into a state of
indescribable bliss, benumbing him, making him forget himself. After awhile they offered
obeisances to each other. Indeed, Paramananda Puri is the object of Lord Chaitanya's love. The
Lord was pleased to find back His eternel servitor, and kept him beside Him as His associate.
Paramananda Puri, having again found his dear Lord, served His lotus feet with increasing
ecstacy. Sri Paramananda Puri is a very close and dear disciple of Sripada Madhavendra Puri, and
a devote who relishes the different loving devotional mellows
A few days later, Svarupa Damodara came and joined them. Svarupa Damodara was so intimate
with Lord Gaurasundara that they would spend many days and nights always in clos spiritual
intimacy. Damodara is also a very versatile musician. His singing invariably inspired Lord
Chaitanya to dance. In fact, this final portion of this book will deal a lot with the activities of
Paramananda Puri and Svarupa Damodara
Gradually all the associates and servitors of the Lord began to come to Nilacala. THose associates
who were born in Utkala or modern Orissa also came one by one to join the Lord. Elevated souls
like Pradyumna Misra, who was always absorbed in love of God, and Paramananda ans
Ramananda came and joined the others. Damodara Pandita and Sri Sankara Pandita came
shortly after. Pradyumna Brahmacari also came. He was a pure servant of Lord Nrsimhadeva. It is
described that Lord Nrsimha manifested Himself in his body and that while he performed kirtan
he looked like Lord Nrsimha as a sannyasi. Bhagavan Acarya, who, like a lotus, could remain
unpolluted even in the midst of mundane discussions and asociation , also came to meet the Lord
Once they saw their beloved Lord, the devotees became immediately free from all distress and
joined their Lord in singing and dancing. The Lord of Vaikuntha, now a sannyasi, danced with
His asociates in divine ecstacy. Lord Nityananda was always submerged in the loving mellows of
Lord Chaitanya, and this made Him restless and caused Him to act according to His own sweet
will. Once He rushed toward the Deity of Lord Jagannatha wanting to embrace Him. Even the
temple sentries could not keep Him in check. Then one day He jumped up on the golden altar
and entwined His arms around the Deity of Lord Balarama. The sentry o duty, seeing this, came
rushing at Him to bring Him down from the altar. But as soon as his hand tried to arrest
Nityananda, he went flying at least seven paces. Unperturbed, Nityananda Prabhu lifted the
flower garland from around Lord Balarama's neck and slipped it on His own neck. He got down
and walked away majestically like the king of the elephants
The sentry, stil bewildered, quickly got up. He thought, "This sannyasi is certainly endowed with
soperhuman powers, because no one can get away unpunished after touching Lord Balarama. I
have the strength to keep a mad elephant in check, and a huma being cannot escape my grip. I
definitely had Him in a strong grip, and yet the very next moment I found myself as if blown
away like dry grass." The next time he sa Lord Nityananda, he appraoched Him with utmost
humlity. Lord Nityananda's character is like that of a innocent child. He immediately forgave
him and embraced him
A few days later, Lord GauraChandra, the husband of Laksmidevi, the goddess of fortune, went
to live near the ocean. The beach and surrounding area were pleasant and idyllic. This was
pleasing to the Lord. The moon had set the night aglow with her soft aura, the southern breeze
caressed the Lord as He sat on the seashore. His body and beatific face were exquisitely decorated
with sandalwood paste. He was continuously chanting the Hare Krishna mahamantra. The flower
garland hanging loosely around His neck covered a large portion of His chest. He was a picture of
perfect beauty. The devotees stting around Him relished His every movement. The waves were
like swiftly approaching white lines foaming as they crested one after another. The Lord smiled,
looking at the endless swells of churning water. The benedictions Gangadevi and Yamunadevi
had already received from the Supreme Lord were now being showered upon the ocean
The Lord spent the whole night performing kirtan in divine bliss, He was immersed in the
nectarean ocean of His own loving mellows, and danced vigorously, drowning His devotees in the
flood of ecstacy. The different ecstatic symptoms like horripilation, crying, shivering, roaring and
perspiring sometimes came in waves one after the other, and at other times all at once. All the
different devotional ecstacies bloomed like the various seasonal flowers on the Lord's body. This
was only possible because of the Lord's inconceivable potency. The devotees gathered around the
Lodr as He danced, saturated in the mood of a Vaishnava. The Lord felt happy in the company of
His devotees, and forgot the pangs of loving separation
The Supreme Lord utilizes but a small fraction from His resources of unlimited potency to carry
out His pastimes, and even that is impossible for any other person to imitate. The Vedic
scriptures in describing the Lord unequivocally state that no task is too difficult for the Lord to
do. The ecstatic devotional symptoms of love of Godhead exhibited by Lord Chaitanya cannot be
repeated by anyone. There is no end in describing Lord Chaitanya's glories. Only those who are
graced with Lord Chaitanya's grace are able to comprehend Him with all His potencies.
Therefore all the knots of material entanglement can be easily severed by taking full shelter of
the Supreme Lord. That Supreme Personality who is constantly meditated on by the most
perfected beings like Lord Siva, Lord Brahma and so on is now dancing freely with His devotees
lost in the currents of His own devotional ecstacy. I fall at the feet of those devotees who
performed sankirtana with the Lord
All night kirtans on the seashore became more frequent, and the Lord participated with ecstatic
dancing. It was around this time that Gadadhara Pandita began to spend practically all his time
with the Lord. They ate together, slept together, went on walks together. Gadadhara Pandita
served Lord Chaitanya continuously. When he read aloud to the Lord from the SrimadBhagavatm,
the Lord entered a state of blissful trance. Gadadhara Pandita's voice always made
Him happy, and he would accompany the Lord to visit different Vaishnavas
One day the Lord went to Sri Paramananda Puri's matha and sat close to him. Sri Paramanda
Puri is very dear to the Lord, just as Arjuna was very dear to Krishna. They became totally
absorbed in discussing Lord Krishna's pastimes very confidentially. They spent a long time
together. There was a well in that matha, and the water was noy clean and drinkable. Lord
Chaitanya, as the Supersoul knew all the details regarding this well. So He inquired from Puri
Gosvami, "Please tell Me how you find the well water." Puri Gosvami replied, "This is a very
unfortunate well; its water is very muddy." The Lord showed immediate concern, lamenting over
this inconvenience to Puri Gosvami. He said, "It seems that Lord Jagannatha is being very
miserly. Actually, whoever touches the water of this well will be cleansed of all sins. Therefore, by
Lord Jagannatha's mystic potency, the waters turned muddy so no one can drink or touch it."
The Lord stood up, and lifting His hands in the air He began to speak, "O Lord Jagannatha, I beg
this benediction from You that Mother Ganga may enter this well. Please instruct Gangadevi,
now flowing in the nether regions, to appear in this well." The devotes became extremely jubilant
chanting "Hari! Hari!" The Lord returned home that night with all His devotees. While the
devotees slept, Gangadevi, feeloin honored to carry out the Lord's order, appeared in that well. In
the morning everyone saw the miracle. The well water had turned crystal clear. The devotees
marveled and chanted the Lord's holy name, and Sri Puri Gosvami became almost unconscious
with joy
The devotees understood that the Ganga had entered the well. When Mahaprabhu heard the
news, He came and upon seeing the fresh clean water became very content. He spoke to the
devotees saying, "Listen all devotees, whoever drinks this water or bathes in it I say truly that he
will experience unalloyed devotion to Lord Krishna." The devotees responded jubilantly to the
Lord's words. The Lord then bathed in and drank the water from the well with great exhileration.
He said, "I remain in this world only because I am bound by Sri Puri Gosvami's love. I am his
property. If he wants to sell Me , then he can do so. Anyone who simple sees Puri Gosvami
becomes the receptacle of Lord Krishna's love." Describing the extraordinary qualities of Sri Puri
Gosvami, and blessing the well, the Lord left for His residence
The Supreme Lord takes pleasure in lauding the transcendental qualities of His devotees. Who is
so mean and despicable that he wll not worship such a Supreme Lord? The Lord always advents to
protect His devotees and to perform wonderful pastimes in their association. He even does things
for His devotees which in general opinion are considered wrong, as He did when Lord Rama
killed Vali in support of Sugriva, His devotee. The Lord gladly serves His srevitors, thus Lord
Chaitanya won the hearts of His devotes
The Lord liked to perform sankirtana on the ocean shores. He built His residence near the beach,
and stayed swimming in the ocean of devotional bliss. The ocean experienced indescribable
ecstacy having the Lord's close association, hence Rama, Laksmidevi. was born out of the ocean.
Whatever sins the residents of Nilacala may commit become completely cleansed simply by
bathing in the ocean. Gangadevi, calculating the value of this golden opportunity, swiftly flowed
to merge into the ocean. Sri Krishna Chaitanya's presence blessed the ocean and purified its
waters
When Lord Chaitanya had come to Nilacala, King Prataparudra was away waging war against the
southern kingdom of Vijayanagara. Meanwhile, Lord Chaitanya, after a long sojurn in Nilacala
went back to Bengal. The Lord felt especially merciful towards Gangadevi, so He came to Bengal.
Sri Vidya Vacaspati was Sarvabhauma's brother. He was gentle, charitable, and very saintly. One
day Lord Chaitanya arrived at his residence with all His servitors without prior notification. Sri
Vidya Vacaspati, seeing that his gueat was none other than the Lord of Vaikuntha, Lord
Gaurasundara, fell like a rod at His lotus feet . The brahmana host was so confused with extreme
joy that he did not know what was the proper thing to do next, The Lord, also happy to se th
saintly brahmana, embraced him and said, "I have a request. My heart is bent on going to
Mathura, Vrndavana. I want to spend a few days here to bathe in the Ganga. But please find Me a
quiet bathing spot where I will not be disturbed by crowds. Thereafter, I want you to help Me
start My journey to Vraja. If you want Me to remani here, then you must make thse
arrangements."
Sri Vidya Vacaspati attentively heard everything the Lor said. He replied with great humility, "O
how fortunate now is my entire family and race simply by receiving the dust from Your lotus feet
by Your coming to my house. My house and everything belong to You my Lord. Kindly remain
here comfortably. I will see that no one knows You are here." The Lord was content yo hear his
humble and sincere words, so He stayed there for a few days. But how can one hide the sun? So
also the Lord's arrival was immediately known. Word spread like wildfire everywhere that Lord
Chaitanya, the shining jewel of the sannyasa order was residing in Sri Vidya Vacaspati,s house.
The people experienced great exhilaration ; they felt that thet were in Vaikuntha even though
they were in their earthly bodies. They became jubilant and chanted "Hari!" Hari!" forgetting
their sons, wife, wealth, home and everything else
People became very excited and began to talk animatedly amongst themselves saying, "Let us go
and be blessed by the sight of His lotus feet." They made preparations to go to see the Lord and so
almost forgot all ettiquette in their enthusiasm. A milling crowd moved toward Vidya Vacaspati's
house, all loudly chanting "Hari! Hari!" All the regular paths and roads were full. People went off
in all directions, stamping on plants and bushes. I shall continue to describe this wonderful
phenomenon of Lord Chaitanya's extraordinary influence by which He will liberate all living
entities. Please listen attentively
People came unchecked, undetered by thorny bushes they happily went to see the Lord. Areas
which were woody and wild were cleared up by the moving mass of people and made into
makeshift pathways. All of them had one word on their tongues - the holy names of God. People
were expectant, and some talked amongst themselves. One said, "I will fall at His feet begging
Him to give me just this benediction that all my material entanglements be severed." Another
said, "If I could just see Him once with these eyes, then I consider I have received everything
obtainable, then why should I ask anything more from Him?" Yet another said, "I was hopelessly
ignorant about His real position and potencies, therefore for so long I have only criticized Him in
a very offensive manner. Now I will clasp His lotus feet to my heart and beg Him to tell me how I
can get rid of all my offences." A fathrely man said, "My son is a compulsive gambler, and so I will
beg the Lord to make him stop." Someone else said, "The only boon I want is that I may always
remain fixed at His lotus feet with my body, mind and words and never leave that shelter."
Someone else sais, "What a wonderful opportunity, I only pray that I may never forget my dear
Lord Gaurasundara." Talking in this manner, they kept moving in a massive column, all of them
feeling indescribable bliss
The milling masses converged on the ferry port, all wanting to be the first to cross the river. The
boatmen were put into extreme anxiety as they saw the uncontrollable crown piling into the
larger boats. Hundreds tried to pack into one boat. Finally the boats began to cave in under the
enormous weight. The people then handed over their clothes to the boatmen as some
compensation for their loss, and with unconstrained joy continued their endeavors to cross over.
They became innovative in the absence of boats, and used any available means. Some tied
upturned earthen water pots around their chests to float across. Others made rafts out of banana
tree trunks and drifted across. The swimmers had great fun swimming in the currents. The whole
atmosphere reverberated with such tumultuous sounds of chanting "Hari! Hari!" that it replicated
and pierced the outer covering of the material cosmos
Vidya Vacaspati came running in search of large boats and collected many. But the impatient
crowd had not the time to wait; they just crossed over anyhow. Only the Supreme Personality can
attract the minds of people in the way Lord Chaitanya was now doing. The people, having passed
over the Ganga, came directly to Vidya Vacaspati and fell at his feet. They said, "You are very
saintly and fortunate because the Supreme Lord Chaitanya is a guest in your house. Your good
luck cannot be described, so now you kindly save us. We are the most sinful persons, fallen into
the dark well of material existence. Kindly lead us and show us His lotus feet so that our wretched
and bad lives may become successful."
Sri Vidya Vacaspati was extremely moved to see the sincerety of the people, and he began to
weep with joy. Thousands of people were gathered there and Sri Vacaspati led them all to his
residence. The only words vibrated in the atmosphere were the chanting of the Lord's name. Lord
Gaurasundara is an ocean of compassion, and He had incarnated specifically to liberate all living
entities. When He heard the tumultuous chanting of the holy names of God, He came out of the
house to bless the huge mass of fortunate souls and increase their pleasure
An enchanting figure apeared before them whose beauty was unparralled. His effulgent face was
always decorated with a gentle smile, and His eyes were effusive with transcendental joy. His
golden form was ornamented with sandalwoodpaste tilaka markings, and a flower garland hung
loosely on His chest. With a gait as graceful as an elephant He walked and raised His long
exquisite knee-length arms and chanted "Hari! Hari!" with a sound which resembled a
thunderbolt
When the people saw Lord Gaurasundara they jumped and danced in great exultation chanting
loudly and then fell to the ground like sticks offering obeisances. Getting up like the ocean waves,
they raised their arms to the sky and prayed, "O Lord, please save us sinners." The Lord smiled
benevolently and blessed them saying, "May you develop love for Lord Krishna. Chant Krishna's
name, worship Him and hear about His pastimes. Make Lord Krishna the greatest treasure of your
lives."
The people were happy beyond words to receive such benedictions. They repeatedly praised the
Lord and pleaded, "Your advent in this world is a secret. You appeared in the womb of Mother
Saci in Nabadwip only to liberate the whole universe. But we are so sinful that we could not
recognize You and remained in the deep dark well of ignorance spoiling our human lives. You are
an ocean of mercy. O Lord, the benefactor of all living entities, benedict us that we may never
forget You." All this was happening by the potency of Lord GauraChandra, that these ordinary
people were speaking eloquently
The whole village began to become excessively crowded. There was no empty space. People
climbed to treetops and roofs. Their eagerness to see Him increased with every passing moment .
The extraordinary phenomenon was that although the trees and roofs were overcrowded, no
houses collapsed or trees fell crashing down. This all happened by the transcendental potency of
the Lord. Endlessly their eyes remained fixed on His perfect and beautiful face. Once having seen
Him, they had not the desire to return home. They chanted jubilantly and drank in the
captivating beauty of the Lord with their immovable glances
The Supreme Lord Gaurasundara is the master of all mystic potencies, hence He could leave Sri
Vidya Vacaspati's residence without his knowledge and went to Kulia village. The people also did
not see Him leave. Only Nityananda and a few other associates accompanied Him. Meanwhile,
Sri Vacaspati began to frantically look everywhere for the Lord. Not finding Him anywhere, he
came to the conclusion that the Lord must have left. He was grief-stricken. Lifting his face to the
heavens, he began to weep bitterly. The people outside, noticing the Lord's absence, were
convinced, "The Lord must have gone inside to avoid this commotion." Thus the entire mass of
thousands began to chant loudly echoing in the vaults od all the thre worlds
Sri Vidya Vacaspati's mind was still paralysed with grief. He came out amongst the thronging
mass and broke the sad news of the Lord's departure to them. He said, "I could not even know at
what time in the night He left and where He went, The crest jewel of the sannyasa order, our
beloved Lord, has deluded us, a most sinful lot, and gone. My dear brothers, I say truthfully I do
not know His destination." Sri Vacaspati tried with many words to convince them of the truth,
but he could not invoke their trust in him. They continued to think that the Lord was hiding in
seclusion to avoid the madding crowd, and so they waited in expectation
People came up to Sri Vacaspati and requested him, "Please take me inside to se the Lord. I
promise you I am alone." They started catching his feet and entreating him, "We want to see Him
just once with these eyes, then we can return home happily. Please place this prayer before the
Lord. So that sinners like us may also see Him, He will not refuse you." Vacaspati patiently tried
to tell them the truth, but faled to convince them of his sincerety. As time went by, people
realised that the Lord was not coming, and they became impatient and frustrated. They spoke
cutting words to Vacaspati
Someone said, "Vacaspati has hidden that rarest gem amongst sannyasis, our Lord Chaitanya, and
then he is coming and telling us lies. Why should he feel sorry if we are liberated? What joy is
there in saving oneself alone?" Another person complained, "A good person's nature is that he is
satisfied when others are liberated. An ordinary soul simply thinks selfishly of his own
betterment, but a saintly soul sees first to the salvation of others even before he considers
himself." Yet another person said, "Even in ordinary social dealings, if one buys sweets and
instead of sharing them with others just eats them himself, it is considered an offence." Again
someone said, "This brahmana is somewhat crooked in his behavior, he is not inclined to help
others." On one hand Vacaspati was greatly afflicted by the Lord's departure, and now such blame
being hurled at him at random caused him extreme distress. He had no means of relief from this
dillema
At this very moment, a brahmana came and spoke softly into Vacaspati's ear, "Lord Chaitanya
has gone to Kulia village. Now do what you want to immediately with this information." The
clouds of gloom cleared away, and Vacaspati was happy again. He embraced the brahmana
warmly. Vacaspati rushed out to the crowd and told them the news. He said, "All of you have
been falsely blaming me not knowing the actual facts, thinking I have hidden the Lord in my
house. I just received the information from a brahmana that the Lord is in Kulia village. Let us go
and find out if this information is correct. If it is true then you must agree that I am an honest
upright brahmana."
The people responded with appreciation chanting "Hari! Hari!" and left together right then for
Kulia with bubbling joy in their hearts. The word spread speedily that the most exalted of
sannyasis, Lord Chaitanya, was in Kulia. Meanwhile, the crowd had multiplied itself several times
over. It seemed that Kulia had much more magnetism than Vacaspati's village. The crowd had
swelled to millions. Only Ananta Sesha could describe this extraordinary phenomenon. No one
could say from where this endless stream of people had magically appeared. It was difficult to
tabulate the number of boats that capsized yet there was no loss of life and everyone could cross
the Ganga. The miraculous happening was that each time a boat was on the verge of drowning,
land appeared below and prevented the calamity. All this was happening only by Lord
Chaitanya's desire. Whoever sings the glories of such a Supreme Personality can easily cross over
this material ocean as if it were as small as the hoofprint of a calf. And it is not surprising that
those who were eager to see the Lord could cross Gangadevi without untoward incidents
Countless thousands crossed the river on their own, drowning in an ocean of joy. Once on the
other side, they embraced each other chanting loudly the Lord's holy name. It was a big day for
making money; no one could calculate how much the boatmen earned. Makeshift markets selling
a variety of wares suddenly appeared everywhere and did bustling business. Gradually every space
was being filled up, and the whole town became an ocean of fluid mass of people. Far above the
humdrum of activities was the loud and clear sound of chanting God's name - it was the
all-pervasive word that was comprehensible. Yet in spite of this tumult, the Lord remained in
seclusion
When Sri Vidya Vacaspati arrived in Kulia, he began searching for the Lord. But the Lord had
refused to show himself in public, hence it became difficult to locate His whereabouts. After a
frantic search, Sri Vacaspati discovered the Lord. As soon as he saw the Lord, he fell to the
ground like a stick and offered Him obeisances. Vacaspati began reciting verses repeatedly
describing the Lord's present incarnation and pastimes. He prayed, "O Lord, You have appeared
as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu just to liberate the whole universe. You have already liberated those
who have fallen into this deep dark well of material existence. Your mercy is as vast as the
unlimited ocean, so kindly let this mercy touch my heart eternally. Seeing the entire creation
steeped in mundane activities, You have showered Your causeless mercy on them, giving them
love of Godhead. May You, the most magnanimous Supreme Personality, always reside in the core
of my heart."
Glorifying Lord Gaurasundara in this manner, he fell again at His feet. I offer my humble
respects at the feet of Visarada, the father of the illustrious Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya and Vidya
Vacaspati. Vacaspati looked up at his dear Lord, and exhillarated by the shower of His merciful
glances, he began to speak again. He stood up and with folded hands he prayed, "O merciful Lord,
I have one prayer. You are the supreme autocrat, acting according to Your own sweet will, fully
independent of anything. Others can know Your mind only as much as You reveal it to them.
You are not bound by rules and reglations imposed by anyone. All the people outside do ot
understand this simple truth about You, and so in their minds they are angry and blame me
saying I have hidden You inside my ouse. They are ot aware of the actual facts and so they are
angry at me. Therefore, my Lord, kindly step outside for a moment and show Yourself, then they
will once again accept me a a truthful person, a brahmana that I am."
The Lord smiled hearing his words, and was immediately ready to comply with the brahmana's
request. As soon as the Lord stepped outside, the people became drowned in an ocean of bliss.
People everywhere threw themselves to the ground offering their obeisances. Each according to
his knowledge and capacity began reciting verses eulogizing the Lord. Their joy gradually
increased, and hundreds of kirtan groups sprouted up from everywhere and began to sing sweetly.
The holy name of Krishna resounded with melodious clarity and filled and vibrated in the
concave vaults of the Earth. This could happen only by the extraordinary potency of Lord
Chaitanya
The Supreme Lord, now dressed as a sannyasi, initiated the congregational chanting of the holy
name of Krishna. That name is so sublime that it gives one the taste of divine nectar. The higher
planets like Brahmaloka and Sivaloka are free from all distress simply by experiencing a mere
fraction of that nectar. The great mystic yogis and sages are mad after a drop of that nectar.
Anyone who out of gross illusion refutes the existence of such a Supreme Personality, who is
endowed with all potencies and opulences, loses all good qualities and status in society and is
shunned by everyone. Therefore simply worship the lotus feet of Lord Chaitanya. Ignorance is
destroyed by hearing His pastimes. By remembering Him and His transcendental activities all sins
are extirpated
The Lord became ecstatic seing kirtan being held everywhere. Tears cascaded down His cheeks as
if Gangadevi had manifested in His eyes and began to flow freely everywhere. The Lord became
immediately absorbed in the congregational chanting; everything else fading out into
insignificance. Whichever kirtan group appeared in front, the Lord joined with them in dancing
with sublime joy. This multiplied the enthusiasm and bliss of that group, and they considered
themselves most fortunate to be graced by the Lord in this way. Lord Nityananda, who is the
formost amongst the devotees who are mad with love for God, sometimes caught Lord Chaitanya
and made Him dance. Sometimes He danced along with the Lord, lost in the ecstacy of spiritual
love
Lord Chaitanya now danced with full abandon, roaring loudly with ecstacy. Such is the potency
of this sound that all despondency is dissipated on hearing it. Lord Siva becomes so intoxicated
when he dances meditating on Lord Gauranga that he is not even aware of his nakedness. Now
this same Supreme Lord, Gauranga, is dancing in the view of mortals. The whole cosmic
manifestation is created by His potency, and all the demigods are always eager to have the direct
sight of the Lord. His advent has liberated the entire universe, and has now sent the whole mass
of people into waves of divine bliss. Yet the Lord was unaware of the crowd that swelled and
poured in from all directions to see Him. He was totally absorbed in love of Godhead and danced
ecstaticly
Everyone in the town of Kulia was liberated by the Lord's presence. From the most elevated soul
to the most fallen soul, all received the Lord's mercy. And whosoever hears this narration will
also become free from the shackles of karmic reactions. The compassionate Lord stayed outside
long enough for everyone to see Him and bring up their consciousness to a state of intense joy.
He then went inside accompanied by His associates and sat down feeling very much their
presence. Just then a brahmana came and clasped the Lord's feet tightly. He said, "O Lord, I have
one prayer. If Yoy can spare a little time, I may tell You. Without understanding the essence of
the devotional path, I have committed a grievous offence by criticizing a Vaishnava. I would
repeatedly shout and taunt, `Who is a Vaishnava in Kali-yuga, and what is kirtan?' In this way I
have condemned myself. Now when I remember these incidents, my mind begins to burn up. O
Lord, You have the potency to liberate anyone, so kindly tell me how I can mitigate my sins."
Lord Chaitanya smiled benignly on hearing the brahmana's straightforward and honest
confession. He said, "Please listen, O brahmana, if one who has taken poison is administered
nectar or the drink of immortality, then gradually the effects of poison weaken and the body
becomes immortal. So now I wll reply to your question and tell you how this nectar works. All the
criticisms you made although unwittingly are equivilant to having drunk poison. So now you
must drink the nectar of Krishna's name and pastimes with that same mouth. Use the tongue that
offended Vaishnavas from now on to glorify them. Above all other activities, constantly glorify
the Vaishnavas through songs, poems or any other way. The ambrosia of Krishnas pastimes is
transcendentally blissful, and can faciley dissolve all poisonous effects of Vaishnava criticism. I
am telling you truly that this is the method of purification for one who criticizes a Vaishnava
unknowingly. If one give up such malpractices and offensive behavior and constantly glorifies the
Supreme Lord and His unalloyed devotees, then one can totally destroy all sins. Otherwise,
millions of pious activities and penances cannot counteract the offences commited against a
Vaishnava. So go now and practice glorifying the devotees of the Lord, and you will become free
from all sins."
The devotees became very happy when they heard these wonderful instructions and they
responded by chanting, "Hari! "Hari!" The Lord nicely explained the method of exoneration from
the offence of Vaishnava criticism. One who disregards these instructions of Lord Chaitanya and
criticises a saintly person must drown in the ocean of grief. And those who accept the
instructions of Lord Chaitanya as the Vedic truth can smilingly cross the ocean of nescience
The next visitor was Devananda Pandita. When Lord Chaitanya was still in famly life in
Nabadwip, where He performed many transcendental pastimes, Devananda Pandita had not the
desire then to come and meet the Lord. He did not possess sufficient faith in the Lord so he
avoided coming in contact with Him. Yet although having the required piety to see Him again,
why did he not come accros tha Lord earlier? All such arrangements are actually in Krishna's
hands. So when Lord Chaitanya had accepted the sannyasa order and left home, Devananda
Pandita had the good fortune to closely associate with Vakresvara Pandita
Vakresvara Pandita was very dear to Lord Chaitanya. He was such an elevated soul that he could
purify the entire universe. He was always totally absorbed in relishing devotional mellows with
Lord Krishna. When he danced, both the demigods and the demons were captivated. In fact, as
soon as he would begin to dance, by Lord Chaitanya's mercy all the ecstatic symptoms like crying,
shivering, perspiring, laughing, horripilation, roaring, and swooning in divine bliss would all
appear on his person. It is impossible to describe all the devotional symptoms in Vakresvara
Pandita. By some provedential arrangement Vakresvara Pandita came to stay in Devananda
Pandita's house, attracted by his devotional qualities
Devananda Pandita was very pleased and impressed with Vakresvara Pandita's radiant
appearance and his unalloyed devotion to yhe Supreme Lod. He began to serve Vakresvara
Pandita with sincere devotion. When Vakresvara Pandita would dance, he would walk around
him with a cane keeping the crowd away from disturbing him. And when on ocassion Vakresvara
would fall swooning in ecstacy Devananda Pandita rushed to catch himin his arms. He would take
the dust from Vakresvara's body and feet and smear it all over his own body with much humility
and devotion. In this way, serving him and seeing his elevated devotional characteristics, there
developed a strong faith in devananda Pandita for Lord Chaitanya
From this incident one can understand the words from the Puranas where it states that devotion
to the Supreme Lord is developed only through serving the pure devotees of the Lord. Devananda
Pandita was a very pious and noble person. From his childhood he was studying the
Srimad-Bhaavatam. He was calm and peaceful, in control of his senses, unattached to material
things, and had so many other good qualities. Inspite of these qualities he could not develop
attraction to Lord Chaitanya's lotus feet. But by Vakresvara's grace, his perverted intelligence
became rectified. Therefore we find in Srimad- Bhagavatm that service to a pure devotee is even
higher than service to the Supreme Lord Himself. Thus in the Bhagaavtam it is stated, "There
may exist some doubt about the success in attaining perfection by serving the Supreme
personality of Godhead, but there is absolutely no doubt whwtever in achieving perfection by
serving the pure devoteed of the Supreme Lord."
Therefore it is clear that to gain the mecy of Lord Krishna one must serve His unalloyed and
surrendered devotee. Devananda Pandita developed the right devotional attachment for Lord
Gauranga due to his intimate association with Vakresvara Pandita. Now he lay supine, hugging
the Lord's lotus feet in great awe and humility. The Lord was very pleased to see Devananda
Pandita's mood of devotion and humility. He reached out to him and made him sit. In this way He
forgave all his previous offences and blessed him
The Lord said, "Because you have served Vakresvara Pandita so well, I am able to see you here
today. Vakresvara is a manifestation and embodiment of Krishna's transcendental potency, hence
whosoever serves him well immediately attains the lotus feet of Krishna. Lord Krishna's favorite
residence is the heart of Vakresvara Pandita. When Vakresvara dances, Krishna Himself is
induced to dance. Vakresvara Pandita's presence converts any place into a place of holy
pilgrimage - into the spiritual abode of Krishna, Vaikuntha."
The brahmana, Devananda Pandita, folded his hands and began to pray to the Lord, "O Lord, out
of Your infinite compassion You have appeared in Nabadwip solely for the purpose of delivering
the entire humanity. I am so sinful that at that time due to my bad karma I could not even see
You, nor could I experience the divine bliss of Your association. Your nature is to shower
benedictons on every living soul, hence I pray that I may develop attachment to Your lotus feet. I
have one special favor to ask of You; I need Your divine guidance. I am completely without
knowledge, yet I am trying to teach from a book full of knowledge. The Bhagavatm is meant to be
taught only by realized souls. O Lord, please instruct me what to teach and how to explain the
Bhagavat."
The Lord began to explain the essence of the Srimad- Bhagavatm, "Listen, O learned brahmana,
Interpret the Bhagavatm only in the light of bhakti or devotion. Do not enter any other process.
The beginning, middle and end - throughout the Bhagavatm establishes that devotional service to
the Supreme Lord is eternal, absolute and infallible. Devotional service is the only reality, the
absolute truth. Even at the time of total dissolution of this cosmic creation when everything else
is annihilated, only this reality remains unaffected, perfect. The Supreme Lord Krishna does not
give devotional service to everyone. He easily offers liberation to an aspirant while hiding the
science of unalloyed devotion. Only through His grace does He elevate someone to the path of
bhakti
The philosophical conclusions on the path of bhakti available in the Srimad-Bhagavatm have no
parallel in any other scripture. Just as all the incarnations of the Lord, like Matsya, Kurma and so
on are self-manifest and appear and disappear at will similarly, the Srimad-Bhagavatm is not a
text composed by ordinary mortals. It is transcendental, hence it also appears and disappears by
God's will. The Bhagavatm having disappeared has once again appeared on the tongue of Srila
Vedavyasa bt the causeledd mercy of Lord Krishna. The esoteric truth about the Supreme Lord is
inconceivable as is the Srimad Bhagavatm. This is the verdict of all the scriptures
If one claims to know and understand the Srimad-Bhagavatm, then he is certainly ignorant about
its real conclusions. On the other hand, if one is submissive and admits his lack of understanding,
then the essence of the Bhagavatm will indeed be revealed to him. The Bhagavatm is saturated
with divine love of Godhead. It is in fact the body of Lord Krishna. It contains the confidential
pastimes of Lord Krishna. Srila Vedavyasa, after having compiled the many different Puranas and
Vedas was still feeling a vacuum in himself, but when he finally spoke the Bhagavatm, he became
completely satisfies in his heart. But sometimes someone might even find himself in a dilema by
reading this great scripture, so be very careful
The only way you must explain the entire Bhaagvatam is through bhakti. In this way you can
clear aeay your offences and you will experience sublime bliss in your heart. All scriptures
conclude that devotion to Lord Krishna is the ultimate destination. Especially the Bhagavatm is
imbued with the supramundane exchanges of mellows with Krishna. Now return and study the
Bhagavatm well and explain to everyone that devotional service to Krishna is the highest
ambrosia."
Devananda Pandita fell flat on the ground at the Lord's lotus feet thinking himself the most
fortunate soul. Surrendering his body, mind and words to the Lord, and offering repeated
obeisances, he returned to his home. Lord Gaurasundara instructed everyone about the actual
position of the Srimad- Bhagavatm. The Bhagavatm teaches nothing but bhakti, so if one does
not explain the path of devotional service while teaching the Bhaagvatam, then he uselessly
wastes energy and words and he also earns the fruits of offences
One who understands that the Srimad-Bhagavatm is a treatise dedicated fully to the science of
devotional service becomes a recipient of Lord Krishna's special grace. The presence of the
Bhagavatm in any house makes the house sanctified and free from all inauspiciousness.
Worshiping the Bhagavatm is equivalent to worshiping Lord Krishna. Hearing and reading the
Bhagavatm is unalloyed devotional service. There are two meanings of the word Bhagavat - one is
the book Srimad-Bhagavatm and the other is the person Bhaagvat who is the personification of
Lord Krishna's mercy. By daily worshiping, studying and hearing the Srimad-Bhagavatm, one is
actually elevated to become a person Bhagavat
On the other hand, if Srimad-Bhagavatm is read by a sinful person without the proper attitude,
then due to lack of proper understanding he will criticize Lord Nityananda. Lord Nityananda is
the embodiment of the essence and divine mellows of the Srimad-Bhagavatm. One who
understands this is truly an intelligent and fortunate soul. Lord Nityananda is continously
explaining the purports of the Bhagavatm with His thousand mouths even now. Although Lord
Nityananda is unlimited, He is not able to fuly complete His disertation on the Bhagavatm. Such
an unlimited scripture is Srimad-Bhagavatm. It is transcendental and it contains the conclusion
of the path of bhakti
The Lord taught everyone the real essence of Srimad- Bhaagvatam using His discussion with
Devananda Pandita as a means. And those who came with spiritual questions, the Lord answered
them all to their full satisfaction. By coming to Kulia, Lord Sri Krishna Chaitanya blessed
everyone. Everyone there was full satiated by looking at the Lord. Their vision renmained glued
on the Lord. This way the Lord fulfilled everyone's desire and dissolved all their distress and
despondency. One who hears these pastimes with pleasure will certainly associate with the Lord
directly. A person may be born in family or caste - all is good if he hears about the transcendental
pastimes of Lord Krishna's pastimes
Sri Krishna Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda are my life and soul. I, Vrndavana dasa, humbly
offer this song at Their lotus feet
Sri Chaitanya Bhagavat
Antya-lila Chapter Four
All glory to Lord GauraChandra, who is an ocean of mercy, and whose lotus feet are all
auspicious. I offer my obeisances to Sri Krishna Chaitanya, hte pride of the sannyasa order, and
His devotees
After delivering everyone in Kulia, the Lord proceeded towards Mathura accompanied by His
associates. He traveled along the banks of Gangadevi, often drinking her waters or bathing in
them, thus fulfilling her long-standing wishes. On the banks of the Ganga and near to the city ogf
Gaura lay Ramakeli, a township with a large community of brahmanas. Here the Lord remained
incognito for a few days. But soon everyone came to know that Lord Chaitanya had arrived, just
as it is an exercise in futility to try to hide the sun. So men and women of all kinds and ages
poured in from every direction, feeling excited and flushed with pleasure
The Lord was as usual totally absorbed in divine ecstacy, nothing interfered with it. One after
another the different ecstatic symptoms manifested on His person, and He fell swooning again
and again. The devotees were also wrapped in the Lord's blissful mood, and they performed
continuous kirtan, leaving aside all other business. When sometimes the Lord cried out in a
spiritual mood, this sound would be carried far and heard by travelers a couple of miles away.
Although most of the people were simple rustic folk, ignorant about the intricacies of devotional
service and mellows, yet by seeing the Lord in all His variegated splendor they became very
happy. The people remained watching the Lord from a distance, and offered their prostrated
obeisances, resounding the holy name of "Hari! Hari!" When the Lord's name entered Lord
Chaitanya's ears, His bliss increased severalfold. He lifted His arms and encouraged them saying,
"Go on - chant, chant, chant!" The Lord blesed these people with such a feeling of overwhelming
joy that even the Muslims joined in chanting "Hari! Hari!" - what to say of others. The Lord was
emanating so much compassion that even the Muslims offered prostrated obeisances from a
distance to the Lord. And the Lord had no other thought in His mind than kirtana and dancing
The crowd began to swell and grow. They watched entranced. No one had any desire to leave.
The people were jubilant, and their chanting made a tumultuous sound that rose upwards and
rent the atmosphere for mles around. The only sound was "Hari! Hari!" Close by, within earshot,
was the ruling Muslim king's assembly house, yet this did not cower their spirits. They fearlessly
chanted loudly, forgetting all attachments to home and family. But in th meantime, the police
inspector had gone to the king's palace and reported the arrival of a sannyasi in Ramakeli. He also
reported that this sannyasi's continous chanting of some ghostly mantra of the faithless had
attracted a huge gathering. To this news the king replied, "Tell me, how is this sannyasi? What
does He eat? What is His name? Describe His appearance."
The inspector said, "Listen, your majesty, I have never seen anything so marvelous. His beauty far
excels the beauty of Cupid. His complexion overshadows the brilliance of gold. His tall, majestic
appearance, long arms extending to His knees, and slender concave abdomen are most charming.
His lion's neck, elephant's shoulders, lotus eyes, and exquisite face more effulgent than a million
moons are incomparable. With red coral lips, a perfect set of pearly teeth, and arched brows like
Cupid's bow, a full broad chest decorated with sandalwood pulp, generous hips covered by cloth
with the color of the rising sun, completely capture the mind. His feet are like two blooming pink
lotuses, His ten toenails are like ten shining mirrors. I think He must be a prince out traveling in
a sannyasi's dress
The most remerkable thing about Him is that His body, which is as soft as fresh-churned butter,
keeps falling to the ground with great force. He crashes down at least a hundred times in an hour,
yet His body remains unhurt, unscathed. The hairs of His body are always standing on end like a
jack-fruit. At times He shivers so violently that hundreds of people cannot keep Him calm. His
eyes emit tears like two effusive rivers flowing endlessly, and sometimes He laughs out so long and
loud that for a couple of hours He does not stop. Then suddenly He falls swooning to the ground,
overcome by the kirtana and remains lying unconscious, to the petrification of the onlookers.
When He danced, it was a treat for he eyes how He raised His hands and incessantly chanted,
"Hari! Hari!" He seemed to forget every other activity
People who converged on that spot from all directions had no desire to leave. I myself have come
across amny sannyasis, mystics and wisemen in my lifetime, but this sannyasi is certainly
extraordinary. I repeat, your majesty, this sannyasi's arrival in your land is indeed a great blesing.
He does not eat or sleep; He is all the time enrapt in dancing and kirtana." The king, although
grossly materialistic, heard everything, and he marveled at the descriotions of the sannyasi
The king called for Kesava Khan and inquired from him still in disbelief, "Kesava Khan, I want
your opinion on this matter. Tell me what you think about this person everyone calls Sri Krishna
Chaitanya. Let me know in detail about this powerful guru and sannyasi's character. People are
running from everywhere to see Him. What brings Him here?" Kesava Khan, a noble upright
gentleman became wary. He answered, "Who says He is a gosani, or famous guru? He is a
mendicant sannyasi, a poor foreigner. He just travels living under trees."
The king replied, "Do not refer to Him as poor. It is offensive even to hear such things. This
sannyasi is not an ordinary mortal. He is that Person whom the Hindus call rsna and the Muslims
call Khoda. This kingdom of mine runs under my direction, but His orders control the entire
universe. And even in my own kingdom there are so many who are inimical to me, whereas, if He
were not the Supreme Godhead, why should one and all everywhere worship Him with full
surrender? If I stop my staff's salary for six months, they will have so many complaints against me,
but in His case, I see that people are maintaining themselves at their own expense and then going
eagerly to serve Him. Therefore, please understand that this sannyasi is God. Do not say that He
is some poverty-stricken mendicant."
After a thoughtful pause the king continued to speak, "Now hear my orders concerning this
sannyasi. I do not want anyone to disturb Him. He is free to go anywhere and preach anything He
wants from His scriptures. Let Him perform kirtana with the people and be satisfied and stay
wherever He desires. If anyone tries to stop Him for anything, be he the Kazi, police inspector, or
anyone, I will punish him with death." With these words, the king inside his inner quarters. Such
are the wonderful ways of Lord Chaitanya that this was the same King Hussain Shah who was
responsible for desecrating and destroying hundreds of temples in Orissa
Although Hussain Shah was such a fanatic and despotic Muslim ruler, evem he accepted Lord
GauraChandra as the Supreme Lord, but the spiritually blind cannot see Him as the Supreme
Personality. They shave their heads and become sannyasis, but when they hear the Lord's
eulogies, they burn within with envy. The whole universe resounds with the Lord's panegyrics
and ignorance is dissipated by hearing His glories. Ananta Sesha, Laksmidevi, Lord Brahma and
Lord Siva are all intoxicated and mad after relishing th superexcellent pastimes of the Lord. The
Vedas sing laudatory hymns in His praise, describing His supreme lordship over everything. So if
anyone feels irked hearing the transcendental qualities of Lord Krishna Chaitanya, then even if
he is endowed with all good characteristics, they become malefic and cause him distress. On the
other hand, if a person bereft of all good qualities remembers the Lord's lotus feet, he is
immediately elevated to the spiritual abode of Vaikuntha. The concluding portion, or Antya-lila
of this book reveals the transcendental activities of the Lord performing sankirtana
The King's wise words created new confidence in him amongst the pious circles. They secretly
assembled in a house and began discussing this news. They said, "Our king's character is terribly
tyrannical. He is always influenced by the mode of ignorance. He has caused widespread
devastation, demolishing thousands of temples in Orissa. Suddenly by some divine arrangement
he is now being prompted by the mode of goodness. His words strongly indicate this change. But
now again if someone influential comes along and sways the King with ill advice against Lord
Chaitanya, then the King might have Him brought in his presence and then anything could
happen. So we must immediately send a message to the Lord suggesting that this place, being
always under the suvveillance of the Muslim king, is unsafe, and so He must proceed to the next
village. A secret message was dispatched to Lord Chaitanya through a reliable and honest
brahmana
The Lord was then totally submerged in divine ecstacy relishing the bliss within Himself, and was
continuously roaring like the rumbling of thunder. Millions of people chanted "Hari! Hari!" and
Lord Chaitanya danced in ecstacy. No unnecessary words or other activities distracted Him from
dancing, singing and encouraging the others to sing. The messenger brahmana stood there
amazed at the sight, failing to find the right opportunity to speak to Him. Whot to speak about
others trying to talk to Him, the Lord even refused to converse with His own associates. The Lord
was swimming in the tides of ecstatic bliss. He was tasting the nectar of His sweet devotion unto
Himself forgetting every other activity
The messenger did not find the occasion to spesk to the Lord, so he approached His devotees. The
brahmana said, "You are all followers of the Lord, so please approach Him timely and give Him a
message from the pious section of our village. It says, `What is the necessity of staying so close to
the King's palace?" The brahmana offered his repeated dandavats to the Lord from a distance and
left. The Lord's associates were worried by the implications of the message. Yet they could not
deliver the message to Him because the Lord was oblivious to everything else and simply
engrossed in dancing. Raising both His arms He sang, "Sing, sing the name of Hari!" And the
millions who now swayed to the music joined in with clapping hands and singing "Hari! Hari!"
Simply by remembering the Lord's devotees, all obstacles are removed, and the noose of material
entanglement falls away. The living entities are able to perform their slightest activity only by the
help of His energy. He is glorified in the Vedas as the Supreme Brahman, Absolute Truth, eternal
and pure. His illusory potency, Maya, puts the living entity into illusion whereby he forgets his
constitutional position and becomes shackled by the chains of material life. This very same
Supreme Lord has appeared only to liberate the conditioned soul by bringing down with Him and
distributing the nectar of love of Godhead amongst all
Which king can cause fear in the Lord? The Vedas declare that Yamaraja, the lord of death, and
death personified are the Lord's menial servants. Lord GauraChandra, the son of Mother Saci, is
the Lord of both the material and spiritual planets. Now He continued kirtana with unbounded
joy, unconcerned about anything else. The Lord had ignited the hearts of the teeming millions
who came to see Him with such transcendental happiness that even they were unafraid of the
King's close proximity, what to speak of the Lord Himself becoming intimidated by the King.
Although the spectators were mostly very ignorant, when they saw Lord Chaitanya they became
fearless of even death, then why should the thought of a mere king invoke trepedition in them?
The atmosphere resounded with jubilant chanting of "Hari! Hari!" as the crowd appreciated the
presence of the Lord of Vaikuntha mingling with them singing and dancing freely
Suddenly the devotees began to worry, and this was immediately felt by the Lord, who is the
Supreme Soul within everyone's heart. The Lord smiled and returned to His normal behavior. He
then spoke, cutting asunder the anxiety of His devotees. He said, "I know you are very concerned
and afraid, but why should the King call for Me? It is natural for Me to meet someone who wants
to see Me, but it is not possible that everyone would like to meet Me. So why be worried? If the
King wants to see Me, then I will see him. And how can the King order Me to come to him? What
power does he have to do so? Only on My prompting can the King say these words. What is his
ability to se Me when others more powerful search the Vedas to seek My grace and sight? Kings,
sages, demigods and perfected yogis fail to see Me even after a long arduous search
I have advented to propagate the congregatonal chanting of the holy names of God, and with this
I will deliver this sinful material world. Those demons and evil forces who never accepted My
authorith and lordship will weep in joy in this age by chanting My names. I will vigorously
distribute in this age such extraordinary devotional service, which is sought after even by
demigods, sages and perfected beings, that even the most abominable sinners, dogeaters,
untouchables and women will receive it. But those who, becoming intoxicated with education,
wealth, family background and knowledge, criticize and ofend My devotees I deprive of
everything, and they can never know My true identity
I declare truly that My name will be preached in every town and village of this earth. I have
appeared in this universe, so I want that people seek after Me, yet nobody is doing so. Therefore it
is highly improbable that the King would want to see Me." The Lord finished His talk giving the
devotees hope and joy. The Lord stayed in that village for another few days performing kirtana
and dancing, without the shadow of fear hanging over the people. Who can understand the Lord's
mind? The Lord went back to Bengal instead of proceeding to Mathura
Lord Chaitanya told the devotees, "I am going to see the Lord of Nilacala." The supremely
independent Lord, the source of the highest spiritual bliss, traveled southward, singing and
dancing on the way. He stayed close to the Ganga all the way, and in a few days He arrived at
Advaita Acarya's house. Advaita Acarya's days were fully taken up blissfully absorbed in watching
the wonderous activities of His son, neglecting all other work. Now I will describe these
wonderous activities of the son that had so captivated the whole attention fo the father, Advaita
Acarya
Advaita Acarya's son's name was Acyutananda. He was certainly the fit son of an able father.
One day an elevated sannyasi visited their house and met with Advaita Acarya. The sannyasi was
at first hesitant, then Advaita Acarya offered His respects and seated him. Advaita inquired,
"How can I serve you, master?" The sannyasi replied, "There is one thing I want to beg from You. I
have a few questions I want You to answer." Advaita Acarya replied, "Kindly eat first and we can
talk later." But the sannyasi insisted, "I want to first know the answers to my queries." Advaita
Acarya relented and said, "All right, please ask your questions."
The sannyasi said, "Please tell what is Kesava Bharati's relationship with Lord Chaitanya?"
Advaita Acarya considered the question in His mind and thought, "There are two concepts, social
norms and spirituality. Although the Supreme Lord does not have parents, still we say Krishna,
the son of Mother Devaki. In a spiritual sense the Supreme Lord does not need a guru, yet we find
that the Lord is having a guru and we glorify these activities of His. Therefore, why should I talk
about the spiritual aspect first? Better I speak about the social norms first."
After thinking in this manner, Advaita Acarya said to the sannyasi, "Sri Kesava Bharati is Lord
Chaitanya's guru. You already know that, yet why do you ask?" As Advaita Acarya was speaking
these words, Acyutananda came running into the room. Acyutananda was five, without any
clothes, his chubby and charming form was covered with dust. He was as beautiful and attractive
as Kartikeya. At this age he was already very knowledgeable, devoted, and an extremely potent
personality. When he heard his father's words saying that Lord Chaitanya has a guru, he became
very upset and angry. But when he spoke he smiled and said, "Father, what did You say? Can You
please repeat it. You really think that Lord Chaitanya has a guru? I cannot understand how You
can dare to say such a thing. If such words have emanated from Your mouth, then surely we find
ourselves in Kali- yuga now. Or maybe it is because the illusory potency of Lord Chaitanya is
insurmountable. Even Lord Brahma and Lord Siva are deluded by it. I can understand that You
have been affected by Lord Chaitanya's deluding potency. It must be under teh influence of the
Lord's illusory potency that You have uttered such a statement as, "Lord Chaitanya has a guru
"By Lord Chaitanya's desire the entire cosmic manifestation enters into the pores of His
transcendental body as He lies in the waters of the causal ocean. Many wise and powerful sages,
proud of their status, find themselves confused and lost. Just as when Lord Brahma came out of
the lotus that grew out of Lord Chaitanya's navel by Lord Chaitanya's desire to participate in this
pastime. Lord Brahma was lost and could not see or understand anything. Finally Lord Brahma
began meditating on the lotus feet of the Lord. The Lord being satisfied then gave him
transcendental knowledge. With this knowledge, Lord Brahma began to create this material
universe. This knowledge was then passed down to the great sage, Sanaka, and others. Very
mercifully they propagated this knowledge to others. Gradually, by disciplic succession the
knowledge has come down. Then how is it possible that You say that that very same Supreme
Personality, Lord Chaitanya, has a guru? You are my father and my instructing spiritual master,
so I am to learn from You. Why then are You giving wrong instructions?" Acyutananda became
silent. Advaita Acarya felt rising pride mixed with unbounded joy within Himself. He cried out,
"Dear son, dear son!" and picked Acyutananda up in His arms, drenching him with tears of
ecstacy. He said to His son, "as a matter of fact, you are My father and I am your son. You have
come to Me as My son to give Me spiritual instructions. I have certainly offended you, so please
forgive Me. I promise never to say such things any more." Acyutananda became immediately shy
hearing his own praises, and he kept his head down. The visiting sannyasi was overwhwlmed
hearing Acyutananda's words, and he fell down to the ground like a stick offering his obeisances.
He said, "He is truly a worthy son of Advaita Acarya. Like father, like son. All this is very
wonderful to me. Right here is proof of the Lord's inconceivable potency. Otherwise how could
such words emanate from a mere child's mouth? I have chosen an auspicious moment to come and
see Advaita Acarya and I saw the most amazing miracle." He offered repeated obeisances to
Advaita Acaryt and his son, and feeling content and blissful, the sannyasi left, chanting Lord
Hari's holy name
Acyutananda was indeed a worthy son of Advaita Acarya bcause he had taken complete shelter
of Lord Chaitanya's lotus feet. If someone worships Advaita Acarya but disregards Lord
Chaitanya, even if he is Advaita Acarya's son, he will be doomed. Advaita Acarya was so
impressed with His son that He forgot all other duties. He took him in His arms and wept in great
satisfaction. He smeared the dust from His son's body all over His own body. He began to dance
happily saying, "Lord Chaitanya's associate has appeared in My home." Who can know the extent
of Advaita Acarya's devotion as He danced with His son in His arms
Lord Chaitanya found Advaita Acarya engrossed in dancing when He arrived at His house with
all His associates. When Advaita Acarya saw that the dear Lord of His heart had arrived, He fell
to the ground and offered His obeisances chanting "Hari! Hari!" He immediately went into a state
of intense ecstacy oblivious to His body and home. The ladies of the house chanted loudly,
praising the Lord. Advaita Acarya's house echoed with jubilant sounds. Lord Chaitanya firmly
took Advaita Acarya in His embrace and showered Him with tears of immense joy. Advaita
Acarya fell to the ground and placed the Lord's lotus feet on His chest weeping profusely. The
devotees were amazed to see such wonderful loving exchanges between the Lord and His dear
associate, so they also were unable to contain their tears of happiness
Advaita Acarya Prabhu composed Himself, and with utmost humility He offered Lord Chaitanya
a seat. The Lord sat down on the eleveted seat, and His asociates sat surrounding Him.
Meanwhile, Advaita Prabhu and Nityananda Prabhu grasped each other in a warm embrace
reading each other's hearts effervescent with joy. All the devotees offered obeisances to Advaita
Acarya, who in turn clasped everyone in a loving embrace. Only Vedavyasa is able to fully
describe the transcendental joy that descended in Advaita Acarya's house that day
Suddenly, Advaita Acarya's son Acyutananda, appeared in that assembly and fell at Lord
Chaitanya's lotus feet. The Lord quickly picked him up in His lap and bathed him in tears of love.
The Lord kept him lovingly, not letting him go, and Acyutananda clung to the Lord not wanting
to get down. The devotees were moved to tears of joy seing the Lord's extraordinary mercy upon
this small boy. Acyutananda was dearly loved by everyone, and all the Lord's associates were very
much loved and respected by Acyutananda. Lord Nityananda and Swarupa Damodara loved him
dearly. He was amongst the foremost of Gadadhara Pandita's disciples. For these reasons,
Acyutananda was considered by everyone to be the worthy son of an equally worthy father. Thus
the Lord was experiencing divine bliss to be amongst His old and dear associates once again. He
remained for a few days in Advaia Prabhu's house immersed in the ecstacy of kirtana. Advaita
Acarya's joy at having His dear Lord in His house was ever- increasing
After the initial excitement, Advaita Acarya gave more thought to other matters. He sent a
messenger to Nabadwip to inform Mother Saci of the Lord's arrival in Santipura. The messenger
was transported in a palanquin for speed. He requested Mother Saci to immediately accompany
him back to Advaita Acarya's house. Since Lord Chaitanya had left home, Mother Saci had
gradually become more and more immersed in an ocean of spiritual bliss of love of Godhead. She
was unaware of external situations. She spoke things that had no immediate relevance, or seemed
to be listening to someone unseen
When Mother Saci met anyone, she would ask, "Please tell me the news from Mathura,
Vrndavana. How are Krishna and Balarama faring in Mathura? And how well is that sinful
demon, Kamsa, continuing his tyrannical activities? What about that thief, Akrura, who stole my
Rama and Krishna? In fact, I heard that that demon, Kamsa, died and Ugrasena was crowned the
new king." Sometimes Mother Saci cried out loud, "Rama! Krishna! Quickly go and milk the cows.
I will go and sell the milk in the market." Sometimes she was seen running absorbed in deep
thought with her hands stretched out in front saying, "Hold Him! Hold Him! There runs the
butter thief. Let me see how You escape today. I will catch You and bind You." At other times she
would say, "Come, let us go to the Yamuna for a bath." Many times she waited pitiously, her eyes
releasing endless gushing streams of tears in such a manner that even stone hearts melted
Lord Krishna would sometimes appear in her meditation then she laughed out in loud peals in the
same manner for hours, exuding inexplicable joy. Then suddenly she would fall into an ecstatic
swoon lasting several hours, where the external world stopped existing for her. Another amazing
symptom was when she began to tremble it was as if someone were repeatedly lifting her up in the
air and hurling her down to the ground. No one other than Mother Saci could exhibit such
eecstatic feelings of love of Godhead
Lord Chaitanya is certainly the unlimited reservoir of love of Godhead, Krishna. He has also
infused into Mother Saci that same spiritual loving potency. Therefore who can fully describe the
various ecstatic transformations of Mother Saci? Day and night she is immersed in an ocean of
devotional bliss. And from time to time, when her consciousness focuses on the immediste
present, then also it is only to perform worship to the Deities of the Supreme Lord. All her
activities are devotional service to Krishna. The messenger from Santipura arrived at a time
when Mother Saci was engaged in remembering Krishna
The messenger said, "Lord Gaurasundara has come to Santipura. Come, Mother Saci, let us go
right away to see Him." This news deeply moved mother Saci into a state of overwhelming placid
bliss. She was indescribably content. The other devotees of the Lord were jubilant. Gadadhara
Pandita, Murari Gupta and other beloved devotees of the Lord immediately accompanied Mother
Saci to Santipura. When Mother Saci and the devotees arrived in Santipura, the news was
quickly brought to Lord Chaitanya
The Lord rushed to meet His mother. When He but saw her from a distance, He fell to the
ground like a rod and offered obeisances. He circumambulated her on and on chanting many
verses and offering repeated dandavats. He prayed, "You are the universal mother, the
embodiment of pure devotion, transcendental to all material inebrieties. By your gentle glance
upon the living entities alone, the jivas can develop love and attachment for the Supreme Lord
Krishna. You are personified devotional service to the Supreme Lord. You have the potency to
fulfill everyone's desire. You are in fact Gangadevi, Mother Devaki, Yasoda, Devahuti, Prsni,
Anasuya, Kausalya and Aditi. They have all emanated from you and will finally merge in you.
Who can describe your transcendental gliries? You dwell in everyone's heart." The Lord chanted
eulogies in this manner, and He fell to the ground in joy, offering obeisances
Who other than Krishna Himself can exhibit such extraordinary heights of devotion to father,
mother, guru, or to any superiors. As He offered obeisances and chanted prayers, His whole body
was bathed in ecstatic tears. And when Mother Saci saw her son for the first time after such a
long interval, she became inert with ecstatic bliss. All the while the Lord sang verses of praise, she
remained stiff in spiritual shock like a wooden doll. The Lord continued exuberantly, "Whatever
devotion I have for Krishna is only due to your grace. And all the millions of servitors of the Lord
who have the slightest relationship with you are extremely near to My heart. Anyone who simply
remembers you will become free from all material bondage. Gangadevi and Tulasidevi are famous
for purifying everything by their mere touch, but even they are highly privileged to have your
association
You have put so much time, energy, and love to raise Me from birth. I have been always
cushioned by your affection at every step of My life. I will never be able to repay this incalculable
debt of love to you. Here again, only your wonderful qualities can counteract this burden of debt."
It gave the Lord a special satisfaction to glorify His mother. The devotees also experienced
transcendental joy hearing the Lord. Mother Saci, or Ai as she is more popularly known, knew
that her son was Narayana, the Supreme Lord, incarnated on Earth, and so could say anything at
any time
Mother Saci then spoke up saying, "Who can understand Your words? Logs in an ocean are tossed
about and drawn away by waves not having any control of direction. Similarly, the living entities
are in this material ocean being swept away without volition by the waves of Your lusory otency.
This is all I am able to say. The rest is You know whwt is best to be done. I see You are praising me
and offering obeisances to me, but my understanding of all this is that You are independent,
hence You can act as You wish." The devotees greeted Mother Saci's words with spontaneous
appreciation. Who can really glorify the extent of Mother Ai's devotion to the Supreme Lord? It
was in her glorious womb that the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Gaurasundara
appeared. Even if someone speaks the name Ai without understanding its spiritual significance,
stll by the transcendental potency of the word he is alleviated from all suffering
Mother Saci's heart was filled with immense satisfaction seeing her son. The devotees were swept
away by tides of trembling ecstacy. It is impossible for a puny mortal to fully describe the joy that
permeated there. Even Lord Nitytnanda was overehelmed with happiness seeing Mother Saci's
satisfaction. Advaita Acarya was reciting prayers to Devakidevi and offered repeated obeisances
to Mothes Saci. All the devotees like Haridasa, Murari, Srigarbha, Narayana, Jagadisa, Gopinatha
and others were very blissfully affected by her joys. Whosoever reads and hears these ecstatic
narrations is enriched with the jewel of love of Krishna
Advaita Acarya came to the Lord and gained permission for the fprtunate Mother Saci to cook
for Him. Mother Ai went to the kitchen with bubbling joy thinking, "I am cooking for my
GauraChandra, who is the Supreme Lord Narayana." Innumerable items of food appeared as if by
magic. Many of the preparatons she cooked were unknown to me and so I have no name to
describe them. Mother Saci knows that the Lord loves to eat sak or spinach, so sho turned out
twenty varieties of sak. In fact, each vegetable was prepared in ten to twenty different ways.
After cooking, she brought all the dishes and placed them neatly in the dining hall and put some
tulasi buds on each item. In the middle of the room she spread a very nice sitting mat for the Lord
The Lord came with all His associates to eat. When He saw the elaborate arrangements with the
countless dishes He fell down and offered dandavats. The Lord exclaimed, "Leave aside partaking
of these foodstuffs. Just by seeing this transcendental food one becomes free from all material
entanglement. And how can I sufficiensty glorify the quality of cooking? In fact, simply by
smelling the food one develops pure devotion to Lord Krishna. Now I can understand that Lord
Krishna Himself along with His associates must have already tasted this delectable food."
The Lord then circumambulated the bhoga and sat down to eat. Taking permission from the
Lord, the devotees also sat down to see Him eat. As the Lord of the Vaikuntha planets ate, the
fortunate Mother Ai feasted her eyes on Him. He tasted every single item that was there with
childish relish. But amongst all the dishes, the Lord preferred the different types of sak spinach.
He ate that again and again. Thus sak gained the special favor of the Lord. The devotees were
thoroughly enjoying this scene as the Lord always went back to eat the sak. The Lord then began
to explain the esoteric efficacy of eating sak
The Lord smiled and said, "This sak here is known as acyuta. By relishing this sak one quickly
develops a special attachment for Krishna. And the result of eating patal, bastuka and kal saks is
that one attains the association of pure Vaishnavas birth after birth. By eating salinca and
helanca sak, one is not only free from diseases, but achieves the platform of pure devotion to Lord
Krishna." The Lord ate, and inbetween spoke out the transcendental qualities of eating different
kinds of sak. Everyone experienced such spiritual ecstacy that day while the Lord took prasada
that only Lord Ananta Sesha knows these facts in detail and is constantly describing them with
His thousand tongues. In Kali- yuga that same Lord Ananta Sesha has appearedas Lord
Nityananda, the Avadhuta. Everything that I write are simply pointers and are only by His grace.
They are all explained by Srila Vyasadeva in detail. Anyone who reads and hears these
descriptions becomes free from the darkness of ignorance
After this pleasurable experience of eating, the Lord got up and washed Himself. As soon as He
left the seat to wash and again sat down to relax, the devotees pounced on the Lord's remnants
and began to eat. Someone said, "Why should a brahmana take these remnants? I am a sudra; only
I have the right to eat this." The other replied, "I am not a brahmana." Many just slipped in
through the crowd and taking a handful of prasada ran away. Someone said, "The sudras are not
eligible to eat remnants. Try to understand this by analysis. It is already stated in the scriptures."
Another said, "I do not want any remnant food. I just want the food vessels." Yet another devotee
said, "It has always been my duty to throw away the Lord's leaf plate, but now you are forcibly
taking the remnants, simply showing your bossy nature." In this way the devotee used all cunning
to steal some of the nectarean remnants touched by the lotus mouth of the Lord. And considering
that the food was cooked by Mother Ai and then taken by the Supreme Lord, it was natural that
everyone became so greedy for it. Happily licking their fingers after eating, they washed and came
and sat in front of the Lord
The Lord looked at the decotees sitting around Him and spotted Murari Gupta. The Lord smiled
and said to him, "Murari, I heard that you have composed something about Lord Raghava in eight
verses. Please read it." Murari began to read the verses in Sanskrit as if in a trance of ecstacy. The
meanings of which are, "I constantly serve the lotus feet of Lord RamaChandra, the spiritual
master of the three worlds, whose brother, Laksmana, is Lord Ananta. Laksmana is dressed in
opulent kingly attire, with a bright golden conplexion, always meditating on serving His older
brother, Lord Rama, and who is a most expert archer and is always walking in front of the Lord
"I constantly serve the lotus feet of Lord RamaChandra, the spiritual master of the three worlds,
who with His family slew Khara, Trisira and Kabandha, thus clearing the idyllic forest of
Dandaka of mischievous demons, who killed King Bali and made friends with Sugriva." Like this,
Murari Gupta recited all the eight verses. Then on the Lord's instructions he began to explain the
meanings of those verses
Murari explained, "With a complexion like that of fresh durba grass, He is seated on a
gem-studded majestic throne smiling benignly. Sri Janakidevi, Sita, is on His left. He is the
supreme archer, teaching everyone the art of archery. He is the desire tree who more than fulfills
all the yearning of His devotees. His younger brother, Laksmana is Lord Ananta Sesha. He is
constantly absorbed in serving His elder brother. Walking everywhere ahead of His elder brother,
Laksmana is an extraordinary archer. Lustrous with a golden complexion, He dons a stately
golden robe. Lord RamaChandra, the pride of the Raghu dynasty, is the supreme teacher of
everyone. I worship His lotus feet birth after birth. Bharata and Satrughna fan Him with whisks,
and Hanuman and his army of monkeys kneel with folded hands singing of their Lord's glorious
activities
Ipray that birth after birth I may sing of His transcendentel activities, for it is He who befriended
and graced Guha, who belonged to the lower caste of dog-eaters. The Lord willingly renounced
the kingdom and crown on the instructions of His guru to live in the forest and perform divine
deeds. He killed King Vali, and mercifully offering His friendship to Sugriva, He made him king.
Everyone should take shelter of His lotus feet for He is the Lord of all the three worlds and He
kindly liberated Ahaya. Worship the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord who built a bridge across the
ocean with the help of the monkey army and Laksmana and later killed the demon, King Ravana,
who was powerful enough to defeat even Indra, the king of the heavens
Worship the lotus feet of the best of the Raghu kings. By His mercy, the devout Bibhisana became
the king of Lanka although he was not in the least interested in the position. Such are the Lord's
wonderous activities that even the Yavanas or Muslims are eager to hear His pastimes. He is
always carrying His bow only to supress the miscreants. He cares for His subjects in the kingdom
just like His own children. By His mercy alone all the residents of Ayodhya were transported to
the spiritual sky in their selfsame form and became permanent residents of Vaikuntha. Just
worship the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord Raghavendra, who is eulogised in the Vedas as the
Supreme Brahman, the Lord of the universe. Mahesvara, Lord Siva, looses his clothes intoxicated
by the nectar of chanting His holy name, and Laksmidevi is eternally engaged in massaging His
lotus feet."
Thus Murari Gupta recited and explained all the eight nectarean verses in praise of Lord
RamaChandra composed by himself. Lord Chaitanya was very satisfied with Murari Gupta, and
He placed His lotus feet on Murari's head inblessing. The Lord said, "listen, dear Gupta, I am
blesing you that you can eternelly serve the lotus feet of Lord RamaChandra. Whoever takes your
shelter and association for a single moment will easily atain Lord Rama's lotus feet ." The devotees
resounded their loud approval hearing Lord shower His blesings upon Murari Gupta. In this way
the magnanimous Lord dispensed boons to the devotees, always surrounded by the bee-like
associates who are eternally attracted to the lotus feet of theLord
Suddenly a leper appeared in that assembly and came before the Lord. He threw himself down on
the ground like a stick groaning in pain. Then getting up he lifted his arms high and began to
wail loudly. He said, "O meciful Lord, You have risen like the sun on this Earth only to dissipate
the sufferings of this material life. Your compassionate nature is always moved by the distress of
others, and so I have come to You. I am burning in the pain of leprosy. Kindly tell me how I can
be relieved of this." When the leper had finished speaking, the Lord addressed him angrily with a
thundering voice. He said, "Go! Go away from here! Just seeing you incurs sin. Even if a very
pious man sees your face, the day will bring him only woed. You are a wretched sinner and a
Vaishnava offender. Much more suffering is in store for you. You cannot even tolerate this pain,
you contemptuous reprobate. How are you going to live through the sufferings in Kumbhapaka
hell
"A Vaishnava is so pure that just uttering his name can cleanse the entire universe. Lord Brahma
takes pleasure in singing panagyrics to the Vaishnava. One easily attains the inconceivable
association of the Supreme Lord Krishna simply by serving a Vaishnava. In fact nothing is
superior to the worship of a Vaishnava. The Srimad-Bhagavatm unequivocally explains that a
Vaishnava is more dear to Lord Krishna than even elevated personalities like Lord Ananta Sesha,
Laksmidevi, Lord Brahma or Lord Siva. In Srimad-Bhagavatm it says "O Uddhava, you, My
devotees are more dear to Me than anyone else. Although Brahma is My son, Siva My partial
expansion, Sankarsana My brother, and Laksmidevi My wife , they are not so dear as you are.
What to speak of others, even I in My Deity form am not so dear
"So anyone who offends a Vaishnava and criticizes him has to suffer terrible consquences life
after life. A person's piety, education and austerity are rendered useless by criticizing a
Vaishnava. Lord Krishna even refuses to accept worship from a Vaishnava offender. Mother
Earth feels blessed when the Vaishnava dances on her, whose very sight destroys nescience and
sin in every direction, who when dancing if he lifts his arms to the sky waives away all ill fortune
in the heavenly abodes. Such an elevated devotee is Srivasa Pandita, and you are so demoniac
that you have offended him. Your leprosy is just a mere reminder of your offenses. The actual
punishment is yet to come, to be meted out by Yamaraja, the god of death. Therefore I do not
even want to see you, and I am not he one to deliver you."
The leper quietly heard the Lord's chastisement, then with utmost humility and meekness,
holding straw in his teeth he began to speak. He prayed, "In my ignorance I have destroyed
myself. Delirious with the material disease, I have grievously criticized and offended a Vaishnava.
For this heinous act I have rightly deserved my painful due. Now my Lord, pray think of my
deliverance. It is the nature of saintly personalities to heal the suffering of the wretched and
forgive the blasphemers. Therefore I have taken shelter of You, but if You turn me away, who will
save me? You know the penances for the different sinful activities, so as a kind father to all please
tell me what penances will condone my offenses. As I have sown by Vaishnava aparadha, so I
have painfully harvested my grief."
The Lord replied, "Leprosy for an offender is just his first punishment. It is only the beginning;
the worst is yet to come. Yamaraja has eight lakhsforty thousand types of excruciating
punishments waiting for the offenders. You should go right away to Srivasa Pandita and throw
yourself at his feet. It was Srivasa Pandita you offended, and so you can be excused by his mercy
alone. If a thorn is stuck in the throat, then it has to be pulled out by another thorn, not that
when a thorn gets stuck in the feet the shoulders have to be treated. This is the only means for
your reprieve. Srivasa Pandita is very elevated and intelligent. If you beg him then he will surely
forgive you."
The devotees expressed their loud approval of the Lord's perfect and honest instructions. The
leper paid his obeisances to the Lord and the devotees and hurried off to see Srivasa Pandita.
Srivasa Pandita, out of his causeless mercy exonerated the leper from all offenses and saved him
from the worst fate. The Lord had clearly described the horrific results of offending a Vaishnava.
In spite of hearing this, if a person is still so foolish to indulge in criticism and blasphemy of
Vaishnavas, then Lord Chaitanya will personally mete out the due punishments
If one sees two Vaishnavas quarrelling, then one should never think that something is amiss, or
that there is enmity and malice between them. Such quarrelling is in fact pleasing to the Lord
and is transcendental. The arguments and abuses exchanged between Rukminidevi and
Satyabhamadevi although sounding like serious fights, are factually not so, because they are
forever united in their service to their common Lord and master. There is no enmity between
Vaishnavas. The Supreme Lord Himself induces these fights due to His frolicsome nature. But if
anyone foolishly sides with one Vaishnava against another, then he is doomed due to offending a
Vaishnava. The Vaishnavas are the extensions of the Lord's limbs, so how can one benefit by
serving Him with one hand and inflicting pain on Him with the other? One who has developed
such vision becomes steady in devotional service. One who understands that Lord Krishna and
His devotees, the Vaishnavas, are nondifferent, and with this knowledge serves the Lord, can
easily cross the ocean of nescience. One who glorifies, hears and understands these
transcendental subject matters can always avoid Vaishnava aparadha
The Lord remained a few days more in Santipura enjoying His stay in Advaita Acarya's house.
Soon it was time to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Srila Madhavendra Puri's appearance
day. Although thre is no difference between Madhavendra Puri and Advaita Acarya, yet Advaita
Acarya considered Himself to be Madhavendra Puri's disciple. It is certain that Lord
Gaurasundara is eternally present in Madhavendra Puri's body. His devotion to the Supreme Lord
is unparalleled. By Lord Krishna's grace, the Lord's transcendental potencies were fully manifest
in Madhavendra Puri. Kindly hear attentively how Advaita Acarya became a disciple of Sri
Madhavendre Puri
Before the advent of Lord Sri Chaitanya in this world, the entire planet was bereft of any
devotonal feelings towards the Supreme Lord. Even then, Srila Madhavendra Puri, by the special
mercy of Lord Chaitanya was constantly experiencing devotional ecstacy. All the ecstatic
symptoms would manifest on his person. He was so totally saturated in meditating on the
Supreme Lord Krishna that he was not aware of what he was doing. While walking on the streets
suddenly he would start to dance very gracefully and chant the holy name. Sometimes due to
intense devotional feelings, he would go into a spiritual coma lasting several hours. Again at times
experiencing acute love in separation, he would cry shedding torrential tears gushing out like the
River Ganga in spate. Then there were instances where he would break out in loud peals of
laughter and intoxicated by the nectar of love of Godhead, he became unaware that he had lost
the clothes he had on
Srila Madhavendra Puri spent his days happily relishing his sublime relationship with Lord
Krishna. Only the absence of devotion amongst the general populace disturbed him and made
him morose. He gave much thought to how to alleviate this suffering of the people. He arrived at
the conclusion that the Supreme Lord Krishna must appear. The society then had no interest in
nor understood the purpose of celebrating festivals of Lord Krishna's pastimes or holding
night-long kirtans glorifying Krishna. People's understanding of a perfect religious activity was to
stay up nights listening to songs about the demigoddess Mangal Candi. The only gods they knew
were demigods like Sasti and Visahari, and they worshiped these demigods with much fanfare and
ostentation
Many persons simply desired to increase their wealth and dynasty. To reach this end, they
worshiped emons and ghosts with offerings of animal flesh and wine. Their fondest enjoyment
was to listen to banal songs of equally mundane songsters. It was truly a sign of great piety if
someone uttered the names of God, "Govinda or Pundiraksa" once, at the time of the morning
bath. People were so steeped in the mode of ignarance and deluded by Lord Krishna's maya that
they had no concept of who a Vaishnava is, what is Krishna kirtana, why do devotees dance and
even weep in ecstacy during kirtana
Srila Madhavendra Puri was deeply pained by the godlessness of the people, yet he found no one
to speak to. Thinking that sannyasis would be sympathetic to his concern because of their
renounced order, he approached them, but to his dismay he found that they were polluted by the
desire to become one with God. So he gave up further attempts to talk to them. He felt forlorn,
he had no place to turn to where he could discuss topics of Lord Krishna's pastimes. Learned
scholars, yogis, hermits and even sannaysis were never eard speaking any instructions guiding the
people to serve the Supreme Lord. All of them were only interested in exhibiting their learning
by presenting logic and argument. In fact they had become agnostics refusing to accept and
revere the Deity forms of the Supreme Lord.Seeing these negative conditions and himself all
alone, Srila Madhavendra Puri decided to live away from society in a forest
Srila Madhavendra Puri observed, "Why am I roaming amongst people searching for a Vaishnava?
How can I meet one amongst them if they themselves have no appreciation for a Vaishnava?
Therefore let me just go to the forest and live there. There at least I will not have to associate
with a nondevotee." About the time he made up his mind to withdraw from society, by divine
arrangement he met Advaita Acarya. Sri Advaita was also greatly afflicted for the same reason.
He felt despondent seeing the lives of people were empty and meaningless without devotion to
the Supreme Lord
Sri Advaita Acarya in the meanwhile in spite of such reverse conditions had continued to preach
about devotional service to Lord Krishna by the Lord's mercy alone. His discourses on the Gita
and Bhagavatm always stressed devotional service to Lord Krishna, which is in fact the essential
truth in these books. So when Sri Madhavendra Puri came to Sri Advaita's house it was a
wonderful meeting of two highly elevated Vaishnavas. When Sri Advaita saw Srila Madhavendra
Puri, recognizing all the signs of saintliness in him, he immediately fell to the ground offering his
obeisances. Srila Madhavendra Puri picked up Sri Advaita and embraced him warmly, drenching
him with tears of spiritual ecstacy
They sat down and entered the unlimited ocean of nectar of Lord Krishna's pastimes. They forgot
about themselves and everything else talking to each otherabout Krishna. Srila Madhavendra
Puri was such an elevated devotee and lover of Lord Krishna that just by seeing a blackisk cloud
he would become unconscious due to uncontrollable spiritual agitation. Hearing Lord Krishna's
name brings him immediate ecstacy, and roaring loudly he would manifest various symptoms of
divine love. Sri Advaita could see all these Vaishnava qualities in Srila Madhavendra Puri. He
was extremely pleased to meet him and so he wanted to hear spiritual instructions from him. This
was how the two spiritual stalwarts met
Sri Advaita Acarya since their meting always celebrated Srila Madhavendra Puri's appearance
day with great festivity leaving all other work. So now he applied himself fully to commerate this
special occasion. Lord Chaitanya and His associates were also very happy to join in the festivity,
especially seeing how vigorously Sri Advaita went about decorating and making endless
preparations for the celebration. Necessary requirements began pouring in from different people,
just a clear indication to show how so many persons were attracted to the saintly qualities of Srila
Madhavendre Puri . The devotees distributed different duties amongst themselves according to
their capabilities to help in the preparations
Mother Saci accepted the responsibility for all the cooking. The housewives gathered around her
and began to get things ready. Lord Nityananda, who was always self-satisfied, wanted to serve
and worship the Vaishnava. One devotee expressed his desire, "I want to make all the sandalwood
paste." Another said, "I will make the flower garlands." "And I will fetch water." said another.
"Then give me the duty to wash and clean the floors." said yet another. Another devotee said, "All
right then let me wash the feet of all the Vaishnavas." Everywhere devotes were very busy. Some
were spreading the multicolored cloth awning overhead and tying the corners to the nails. Others
hurried to bring vegetables, oils and so on to the kitchen. Many devotes began kirtan and
dancing, and some joined in playing the gong and blowing conchshells. Devotees were jubilant,
loudly chanting "Hari! Hari!" while they enthusiastically performed their various services. The
festive mood had everyone in a grip. Happy tumult echoed everywhere. The loud chanting of the
holy name, the blowing of conches, and the sounds of cymbal, gong and drums transformrd Sri
Advaita's house into Vaikuntha
The Lord was very satisfied with all the elaborate arrangements. He went around the house
looking at everything. couple of rooms were packed with bags of rice. The fire wood was stacked
like high mountains. Several rooms were being used for cooking with innumerable pots strewn
everywhere. A few rooms were filled with lentil dahl; about seven rooms were packed with
clothes. Room after room had just flat rice, puffed rice and leaf plated. It was impossible to count
the number of bananas, coconuts, and big lumps of gur, molasses lying around. Then came the
many, many rooms filled with an array of all sorts of vegetables like patal, aubergine, banana tree
stem, potatoes, spinaches and so on. Another spectacle that met His eyes was the rows and rows
of large containers filled with milk, yogurt and cream. Piled high were the sugar canes, and next
to them were large vessels of oil, ghe and salt. This miraculous display which appeared as if from
nowhere is indescribable in its variety and volume
The Lord was filled with wonder for He knew that all this was not humanly possible to
accomplish at such short notice for one person. The Lord said, "Such manifestation of opulence
cannot be the work of an ordinary mortal. Sri Advaita must be Mahesa, Siva, this is what I
strongly feel. This miracle is possible only for Mahadeva, Lord Siva. Advaita Acarya must be the
incarnation of Lord Siva." The Lord smiled and kept repeating these words. And in this manner,
through insinuations the Lord revealed the actual spiritual identy of Advaita Acarya. One who is
pious will accept these statements of Lord Chaitanya with great spiritual joy. And those
nonbelievers who have no faith in the Lord's words, will be confronted by Advaita Acarya
Himself as a horrendous consuming conflagration. Although Sri Advaita is inherently very
compassionate, His shelter is as cooling as the embalming rays of millions of moons, He
transforms Himself into the terrible form of all-devouring death to those who have no faith in
Lord Chaitanya
Thr Srimad-Bhagavatm clearly declares that if anyone utters Lord Siva's name even without the
proper understanding of the esoteric truth about him, still he is absolved of all sins immediately.
And if there is such a wretched person who denounces Lord Siva's name, and who feels depressed
upon hearing his name, he is certainly thrown into an ocean of dark despondency. (SB
.
.
): :If anyone utters the name, Siva, consisting of two syllables, just once even without any faith
then all his sins are purified. Lord Siva's orders cannot be disobeyed. He is famous as being
completely pure-hearted and you are trying to be inimical to such an exalted personality. Fie on
you! You embody misfortune." Lord Krishna Himself says that how can any person worship Him
and not worship Siva? How can one develop love for Lord Krishna if he disregards Lord Siva who
is so dear to Lord Krishna. In the Srimad-Bhagavatm it says, "How can anyone render devotional
sefvice to Me (Lord Krishna) without worshiping My dear devotee Siva in the proper devotional
mood. A person who does not respect Siva is envious of the Vaishnavas and is a sinful reprobate."
Again, in the Skanda Purana it says, "First one should worship Lord Krishna, the cause of all
causes, and then worship the best of the demigods, Lord Siva. Then all the other demigods should
be worshiped with great faith and devotion." Sri Advaita Acarya is accepted by the saintly
personalities as Siva himself. This is so because Lord Chaitanya gave sufficient indications to
establish this truth. Naturally, less-intelligent persons raise clamorous objections against such
truths. This is because they cannot gauge Sri Advaita Acarya's transcendental potencies
Thus the Lord went around taking note of all the profuse arrangements, although it is impossible
for me as the author to note it down in detail, such was the elaborate array. The Lord was very
pleased and He began to glorify Sri Advaita to everyone. The Lord again came back to the place
of kirtana. His presence immediately accelerated the enthusiasm of the kirtana, and drowned the
devotees in a deluge of divine nectar. Devotees danced in every direction, singing and clapping,
their uncontained joy increasing with every passing moment. Far above all sound was the clearly
discernable singing of the holy names of God. The devotees were now shining with greater
effulgence, their bodies decorated with sandalwood paste and flower garlands. The Lord's
associates were all very near and dear to Him, and their joyous singing of the holy name spread
everywhere purifying the entire universe
Lord Nityananda, with His tall impressive stature like that of a wrestler, danced and pranced
about like a little boy chuckling with pure innocent glee. Sri Advaita Acarya was totally absorbed
in dancing unaware of the passage of time. Haridasa Thakura and all the other devotees danced
and sang jubilantly. And at last Lord Chaitanya joined the dancing after inspiring everyone else
to dance first. He danced together with all the devotees. The devotees circled Him and danced
keeping Him in the center. The whole day passed in the ecstacy of dancing and kirtan, and
finally the Lord sat down with all the devotees. Sri Advaita begged permission from the Lord to
prepare for eating, and busied Himself making the necessary arrangements for all the Vaisanvas'
pradasa
The Lord sat down to eat with His entire group of devotees. As usual the devotees sat around
Him everyone wanting Him to be in the center. Like the many shining luminaries in the dark
purple sky were the devotees, and the Lord arose on the horizon looking more iridescent than a
milion moons. Mother Saci had prepared a delicious feast in honor of Sri Madhavendra Puri with
with an incredible variety of rice preparations, vegetables and sweets. The Lord relished the
tanscendental delicacies and spoke about the glories of Sila Madhavendra Puri between
mouthfuls. It was difficult to say which mouthful He relished more. The Lord said, "If one is
fortunate enough to taste this wonderful prasada in honor of Srila Madhavendra Puri's
appearance day, then one is immediately showered with loving devotion to Lord Krishna."
The Lord then got p from prasada and after washing Himself He sat down. Sri Advaita brought
many flower garlands and sandalwood paste and placed them before the Lord. First the Lord
garlanded and smeared sandalwood paste on Lord Nityananda and Swarupa Damodara Prabhu
with great affection. Then one by one the Lord garlanded and smeared sandalwood paste on all
the Vaisnaavs with His own hands. The devotees were extremely happy to have received these
directly from the Lord. They all cried out loudly the Lord's holy name making a joyous clamor
that is impossible to describe. There was no way to gauge the pinnacles of ecstacy Sri Advaita
climbed, because above everything He had the Lord of Vaikuntha Himself as His guest
How is it humanly possible to fully describe all these transcendental pastimes of the Lord? The
different activities the Lord performs within the span of a day cannot be recorded by anyone
even if allowed a period of a million years to complete it in. Like a bird flying in the vast vault of
the sky is unable to find its limits, similarly the pastimes of the Lord are unlimited, and one is able
to know as much as He empowers one to see and understand. The woodwn doll is completely
controlled by the puppeteer, so also I can say as nuch as the Lord prompts me to say. I do not
know the chronological order of these pastimes. Somehow I am writing the glories of the Lord. I
beg humbly at the feet of all the Vaishnavas to forgive me for my offenses in this effort of writing.
One who listens to these transcendental topics will certainly attain loving devotion to Lord
Krishna
Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Lord Nityananda are my life and soul. I, Vrndavana dasa,
humbly offer this song at Their lotus feet
Sri Chaitanya Bhagavat
Antya-lila Chapter Five
All glory to Lord Gaurasundara, the spiritual preceptor of the entire universe. You are the desire
tree of all the surrendered devotees. All glory to You, who are the most brilliant gem of the
sannyasa order, the Lord of Vaikuntha. Please bless the living entities with Yoyr merciful glance.
All glory to the Supreme Lord Gauranga along with all His devotees and associates, for You are
the most munificent Lord, an ocean of divine compassion.
Please hear attentively the topics narrated about the Lord in this concluding portion of this book.
The Lord stayed another few days in Sri Advaita's house, and then went to Kumarahatta to
Srivasa Pandita's house. Srivasa Pandita at this time was immersed in meditation on Lord
Krishna, so when Lord Gaurasundara, the Lord of his life, appeared in person before him, it was
like the object of his meditation was suddenly there in his presence, and as if the result of deep
and sincere meditation was answered. Srivasa Pandita threw himself to the ground like a stick
and paid his respects to the Lord. He clasped the Lord's lotus feet to his chest, and heaving long
sighs of love he wept profusely. The Lord picked up Srivasa Pandita and embraced him,
drenching him with tears of divine love.
Srivasa's Pandita's entire family was truly blessed by the Lord's causeless mercy. They all crowded
to see the Lord, and raising their arms in a gesture of overwhelming joy, they began to weep.
Srivasa Pandita was bside himself with happiness. He could not fathom the exhilaration he
experienced in the presence of the Lord of Vaikuntha in person as his guest in his house. He
picked up the best seat on his head and brought it to the Lord. The lotus-eyed Gauranga sat
down. The devotees sat surrounding Him and began kirtana. The ladies of the house all made
auspicious sounds of welcome to the Lord. Srivasa Pandita's house resounded with joy.
The news spread quickly of the Loord's arrival in Srivasa Pandita's house. Acarya Purandara came
immediately to meet the Lord. The Lord embraced him with warm affection and reverence,
condidering him to be His father. Acarya Purandara was overwhelmed with spiritual emotion and
could not hold back his tears of extreme joy as he embraced the Lord. Sri Vasudeva Datta was
very dear to the Lord. He knew all the esoteric conclusions by the Lord's grace. Sri Vasudeva was
always meditating on how to properly benefit the living entities. Compassionate to everyone, he
was perpetually absorbed in thoughts of Lord Chaitanya. He never looked for faults in others, but
always praised their good qualities. He had great attraction and love for the Supreme Lord and
His service, and he was always respectful to the Vaishnavas and rendered humble service to them.
When the Lord saw Sri Vasudeva Datta He was very pleased and He embraced him and wept
profusely in ecstacy. Sri Vasudeva fell down to the ground and clasped the Lord's lotus feet and
began to cry out loudly. He cried so pitiously that what to speak of men, even the stones could be
moved to tears. Sri Vasudeva was endowed with such wonderful qualities that he alone could
exemplify himself.
The Lord loved Sri Vasudeva so dearly that He said, It is indeed true that I belong to Vasudeva."
Repeatedly the Lord said, "My body is Vasudeva's property; he can sell Me anywhere he wants.
This is true and not meaning anything else. A moment's association with Sri Vasudeva can bless
anyone with Lord Krishna's protection from all dangers. O Vaishnava devotees, please hear Me. I
say truly that Sri Vasudeva owns me completely." The devotees became jubilant hearing the Lord
shower such causeless mercy on Sri Vasudeva, and loudly chanted the holy name. Lord
Gaurasundara is expert in praising His devotees and increasing their glories. Just as the devotees
are always eulogising the Lord's transcendental qualities, the Lord also does so in the same
manner.
The Lord stayed for some time in Srivasa Pandita's house performing exilarating pastimes. Srivasa
Pandita and his brother Ramai Pandita were always engaged in singing the glories of the Lord,
and the Lord feeling spiritually animated by their singing danced in ecstacy. Both the brothers,
Srivasa Pandita and Ramai Pandita are very beloved of the Lord. They are like the two bodies of
the Lord. Srivasa Pandita pleased the Lord in many ways by performing kirtana, discussing from
the Srimad-Bhagavatam and maintaining proper standards of Vaishnava etiquette. It was in
Srivasa Pandita's house that the Lord performed some of His most wonderful pastimes.
One day the Lord called Srivasa Pandita aside and asked him confidentially about some family
matters. The Lord said, "I see you never go anywhere. How will you manage to make ends meet in
the family and how are you doing it presently?" Srivasa Pandita replied, "My Lord, I have not the
heart to go anywhere." The Lord gently prodded the subject further, "You have a large family to
maintain, how then will you look after them?" Srivasa Pandita said, "Whatever comes because of
my fate will certainly come as a provision." The Lord then said, "Then Srivasa, take sannyasa!"
Srivasa replied, "That is not possible for me."
The Lord said, "On one hand you refuse to accept sannyasa, and on the other hand you do not go
to beg alms. How do you plan to maintain your family? I am unable to understand you. Nowadays
if one does not make the effort of going hither and thither then nothing comes of its own. Under
the circumstances please tell Me what do you propose to do?" Srivasa Pandita said clapping his
hands thrice, "Here is my explanation - one, two, three." The Lord insisted, "Please explain
properly why you clapped thrice and what does `One, two, three' imply?" Srivasa Pandita replied
calmly, "I have taken a solemn vow that if after fasting for three meals I do not get any food then
I will surely tie a stone around my neck and drown myself in the Ganga."
As soon as the Lord heard these words He roared like thunder and said, "What did you say,
Srivasa Pandita? You will be fasting because of lack of food? Even if Laksmidevi by some rare
chance has to go begging, your family will never experience poverty. Srivasa Pandita, you have
already forgotten what I have said in the Bhagavad-gita (9.22) `Those who worship Me with
devotion meditating on My transcendental form, to them I carry what they lack and preserve
what they have.' One who is fixed in undeviating meditation on Me has never to beg at anyone's
steps. All the mystic potencies automatically manifest in him. My devotees are fully protected by
My Sudarsana disc at all times, and even at the time of total annihilation of this material
universe, they remain transcendental and unaffected."
The Lord continued, "One who simply remembers My devotee, I take responsibility of
maintaining him. The servitor of My servitor is dear to Me, and he certainly attains My shelter.
My servitors need not have any concern about their maintenance since I am taking their
responsibility on My shoulders. So Srivasa Pandita you just remain happily in your house and
every requirement will automaticaly come to you. I am blesing you and Sri Advaita with the boon
that none of you will ever be affected by old age, debility, or senility."
The Lord then called for Ramai Pandita and told him, "Listen, Ramai Pandita, I instruct you to
always serve your elder brother, as if he were the Supreme Lord. Know also that you are as dear to
Me as My very life, so I want that you never deviate from this service to Srivasa Pandita." Both
Srivasa Pandita and Ramai Pandita were overwhelmed with divine bliss. The blesed Lord had
filled their hearts with indescribable joy. By Lord Chaitanya's causeles mercy, even now, in some
pastime, all requirements are coming on their own to Srivasa Pandita's doorsteps.
The Lord remained a few days more in Srivasa Pandita's house enjoying His stay in the company
of His associates and the affectionate family members of Srivasa Pandita. From there He went to
Sri Raghava Pandita's house in Panihati. Sri Raghava Pandita was always busy in serving Lord
Krishna. So when the Lord arrived, Sri Raghava Pandita was overwhelmed to see his beloved
Lord face to face. He fell to the ground offering obeisances, and clasped His lotus feet, the very
same lotus feet that are the source of Laksmidevi's constant joy. He began to weep in jubilation.
The Lord was also extremely happy to see His dear devotee, and He picked him up and embraced
him, while unrestrained tears of joy bathed Raghava Pandita. Sri Raghava Pandita did not know
what to do or how to receive the Lord such was his effusive bliss. The Lord of Vaikuntha, Sri
Chaitanya, was very pleased with Srila Raghava Pandita's devotion, and He showered His mercy
upon him.
The Lord said, by coming to Raghava Pandita's house and seeing him, all My gloom has been
dispelled. Coming to his house has resulted in the same purification, and hence satisfaction, as
bathing in the holy Ganga." Then smiling benignly at Srila Raghava Pandita, the Lord said to
him, "Dear Raghava Pandita, please go immediately and prepare food for Lord Krishna's
satisfaction." Raghava Pandita immediately went off swimming in ecstacy to execute the Lord's
order. His heart innundated with divine love, he cooked as his heart dictated, a plentiful variety.
The Lord came to eat accopmanied by Nityananda Prabhu and all the associates. The Lord
relished Srila Raghava Pandita's cooking and praised each and every preparation. The Lord said
to Raghava Pandita, "Raghava Pandita has cooked everything so excellently well. Especially I
have never tasted such a delectable preparation of spinach, sak, ever before. Raghava Pandita
already knew that the Lord was very fond of sak, so He made it a point to prepare it in many
delicious ways. The Lord , finishing His food , washed and came and sat down.
Meanwhile, word had spread that the Lord was staying in Srila Raghava Pandita's house. Sri
Gadadhara dasa heard the news and came hastily to meet the Lord. Srila Gadadhara das was vwet
near and dear to the Lord. He epitomised pure devotion to the Lord. The Lord was extremely
pleased to see Gadadhara dasa and out of great love for him He placed His lotus feet on his head.
Sri Purandara Pandita and Srila Paramesvari dasa also came rushing to see the Lord. Paramesvari
dasa was so surrendered to the Lord that the Lord reciprocated and manifest Himself in person in
his Deity. Both these saintly devotees were in great ecstacy to see the Lord, and they cried tears
of divine love. Srila Raghunatha Vaidya, that very exalted Vaishnava, also came to meet the
Lord. In this way, an endless stream of devotees came to see the Lord. Panihati village
experienced an extraordinary spiritual event by the Lord's advent and stay there. The Lord
innundated the whole village with divine ecstacy by His personal presence.
Once, the Lord called Srila Raghava Pandita aside and spoke to him alone. He said, "Raghava, I
want to reveal to you confidentially that Nityananda Prabhu is nondifferent from myself. You
must understand that whatever Nityananda wants of Me I do it. Without sophistry I say that
everything I do is through Nityananda. We are one and the same. That which is rarely attained
by great mystics steeped in meditation is easily obtained from Lord Nityananda. Therefore,
engage yourself with sincerety and deference in Nityananda's service, knowing Him to be the
Supreme Lord." Before leaving the fortunate village of Panihati, the Lord instructed
Makardhavaja, "Serve Raghava Pandita nicely. Know that the loving attachment you have
developed for him is highly appreciated by Me."
The Lord then came to a place called Varaha-nagara. He visited the residence of an exalted and
saintly brahmana. The brahmana was well-versed in the Srimad-Bhagavatam, and upon having
the Lord's audience, he began to recite the verses. As the Lord heard the verses from
Srimad-Bhagavatam read by him with sublime devotion, He went into an ecstatic trance. With a
voice resembling the roll of thunder, He cried out "Read on! Read on!" The pious brahmana was
blissfully submerged in the text reading aloud and the Lord began to dance in divine exultation,
oblivious to everything around Him. Verse after verse described the transcendental glory of
loving devotional surrender, and the Lord swooned again and again falling like a rod on the
ground with tremendous force. Such was the Lord's spiritual ecstacy that the people were amazed
and afraid to see Him fall with such intensity. This pastime lasted late into the night. The
brahmana read and the Lord danced.
Gradually the Lord came out of His ecstatic trance and He calmly sat down. He was extremely
happy with the brahmana, and so He embraced him. The Lord said to him, "I have never heard
anyone reciting the Srimad-Bhagavatam so sweetly, therefore I name you Bhagavat acarya or the
spiritual precceptor of the Bhagavatam. You need not engage in any other activity; just go on
reciting the Bhagavatam." Everyone was jubilant with the brahmana's new and deserving title.
They appreciated it with loud chanting of the Lord's name. Blessing the residents of that place,
the Lord traveled along the banks of the Ganga visiting many houses of devotees. He satisfied all
the devotees, fulfilling their hearts' yearning to se Him. Finally He returnrd to Nilacala, Puri.
One who hears these descriptions of the Lord's return to Bengal becomes immediately free from
all distresses.
Great crowds of people greeted the Lord as He entered Jagannatha Puri with jubilant sounds
saying, "The moving Lord Jagannatha has come back to Nilacala." The news flashed with the
speed of lightening everywhere. Sri Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya and the other Oriyan associates of
the Lord came running to see Him. The devotees were morose because of feelings of separation
since the Lord was away, and now on His return they were exulting and welcomed Him with loud
kirtana. The Lord, the reservoir of divine love, embraced them, reciprocating their spiritual
affections, and bathed everyone with His effusive tears. Once in Nilacala, He began to reside in
Kasi Misra's house.
Here in Puri, the Lord spent all His time dancing in ecstacy and performing sweet, sublime
kirtanas everywhere. Often He danced before Lord Jagannatha losing Himself in the ecstatic
graceful movements, sometimes within the closed precincts of Kasi Misra's residence, and at other
times He simply ran out to the ocean shores and danced to the rythmic crashing of the waves on
the sand. Blissfuly oblivious of every other activity, the Lord now engaged in this wonderful
pastime. He was up early with the first blowing of the conchshell from the temple, and as the
doors to Lord Jagannatha opened He was there bowing before the Lord. So wonderful was His
love for Lord Jagannatha that tears cascaded from His eyes and flowed like the river Ganga. All
the people stared, transfixed in amazement, their worries and sorrows long forgotten. Crowds
followed Him wherever He went. They were moved and inspired. Loudly they chanted "Hari!
Hari!" as they went behind the Lord's dancing form.
The King of Orissa, Maharaja Prataparudra, also heard the news of the Lord's return to Nilacala.
He immediately left the capitol, Cuttaca, and hurried to Nilacala,Puri. The King was very keen to
see the Lord and meet Him, and had been trying since long without success. He had requested
many of the Lord's associates, including Sri Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya, to approach the Lord on
his behalf, but all of them were afraid to approach Him on this matter. So thinking, he said
exasperated to Sri Sarvabhauma, "If you are so afraid to speak to Him about me, then at least
point Him out to me without Him seeing me." Appreciating the King's intense desire to see the
Lord, the devotees decided to help him. They conferred and said, "The Lord becomes totally
absorbed while dancing, and the external world fades into oblivion from His consciousness. At
that time the King, who is so deeply religious, can see the Lord from his place of hiding."
The devotees explained their plan to the King, and the King eagerly responded saying, "I just
want to see Him once by any means." So one day the King was informed that the Lord was
dancing, and he hurried to the spot. He quickly found a vantage point that was well hiden. From
there he saw the most wonderful sight of his life. Thr Lord's eyes were like two river sources
spouting unlimited tears like waterfalls, and all the ecstatic symptoms manifested on His person
at different times. He sometimes fell to the ground with such terible force that people gasped in
horrified alarm. When the Lord began His roaring like thunderclaps, the King had to hold his
hands over his ears. Then suddenly the Lord would be overcome with the mood of intense
separation from Krishna and break down in heartbreaking tears. So many subtle spiritual moods
played on the Lord's person that it is impossible for anyone to describe.
Dancing constantly with His long arms up in the air, and chanting "Hari! Hari!", the Lord was
fully saturated in ecstacy. Finally, when He became aware of His immediate surroundings, He
came and sat down amongst the devotees. The King after seeing the Lord's dancing till the end,
stealthily slipped away, his heart full with effervescent joy, his inner eye still viewing the graceful
movements of the Lord. Though the King was fully satisfied, his mind was stuck with a gnawing
doubt, which later turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
When the Lord was submerged in dancing, tears cascaded down from His eyes, and saliva drooled
out of His mouth and nose in the acme of divine ecstcy. His body was smeared all over with drool
and dust, and the King could not comprehend that these were symptoms of spiritual love for the
Supreme Lord Krishna. Doubt crept into his mind, but without revealing this to anyone he went
away feling happy and content. On returning home, he went to rest for the night . The King had
failed to understand even after the day's experience that his worshippable Lord Jagannatha had
appeared dancing before him incarnated as Lord Chaitanya, the topmost sannyasi, so the Lord
Himself set about to communicate this truth to the King.
That night, the pious King Prataparudra saw Lord Jagannatha appear in his dreams. He saw that
Lord Jagannatha's body was covered with dust. His eyes like torrential springs gushed out
incessant tears. Drool was dropping out of His mouth and nose wetting His body and making it
gleam. In the dream, thr King thought to himself, "What kind of pastime is this? all these
activities of Lord Jagannatha are incomprehensible to me." The King approached his beloved
Lord to touch His lotus feet, and Lord Jagannatha said, "No, no, this is not proper. When I am
smeared with camphor, musk, sandalwood paste, vermillion and other purfumed oils, then I am
the most desirable and clean, but see now My body is covered with dust and drool and I am not fit
to be touched by you. Today you came to see Me dancing and when I was covered in dust and
drool you found Me repulsive. Now that I am in that same dirty condition, how can you think
that now I am clean enough to be touched by one who is a great monarch with an illustrious
ancestory?" Speaking in this manner, Lord Jagannatha, the most merciful Lord, smiled at His
servitor.
The next monent, thhe King saw, still in the dream, that Lord Jagannatha was no longer seated
on the throne. The new occupant of the throne was Lord Chaitanya. His body was covered with
dust, and smilingly He spoke to the KIng, "How can this be possible. Today you went away having
found Me repugnant, then why do you want to touch Me now?" After the Lord finished speaking,
He continued to smilebenignly upon the King, thus showering unlimited mercy on him. On
awakening after awhile, the King began to weep bitterly and condemned himself for his act.
He repented, "I am the most sinful wretch alive. I could not recognize that Lord Chaitanya was
the Supreme Lord. Of course, how much intelligence does a human posses to understand the
infinite truth on his own. Even Lord Brahma is deluded by His illusory, maya. Therefore my Lord,
be gracious on me, forgive me for my offensive behavior. Accept me, a lowly person, as Your
servant and bless me. Then the King realized that his worshipable Deity, Lord Jagannatha. was in
fact Lord Chaitanya. With this realization his yearning to meet the the Lord increased manifold.
Yet none of the Lord's associates could arrange a rendezvous with the Lord.
Soon after this incident one day the Lord was sitting in a garden surrounded by all His devotees.
Mustering up courage, alone he approached the group and fell flat at the Lord's lotus feet.
Immediately the King was heaved high on waves of ecstacy. Shivering, weeping, and horripilation
all manifested on his person. The Lord, seing that the King was indeed imbued with the spiritual
sentiments of a Vaishnava placed His hands on him and said, "Rise, O King." The touch of the
supreme master's hand on him brought him out of his ecstatis trance and he clasped his hands
around the Lord's feet and began to cry.
The King began to pray to the Lord, "Save me, O Lord! Save me!: You are an ocean of mercy and
the Lord of all living entities. Please look upon me favorably and forgive a fallen sinner like me.
You are the fully independent Supreme Lord, most munificent. O Lord Chaitanya, You are the
friend of the poor and meek. Please protect me, for You are eulogized with chosen verses by all
the most powerful demigods. You are the husband of the goddess of fortune, Laksmidevi. You are
the only shelter and Lord of all the surrendered souls. Your form is absolutely transcendental to
all material inebriety. You are the initiator of congregational chanting , fearlessly propagating it ,
for You are the conquerer of the terrible demon, Mura. Your transcendental qualities and names
are all unfathomable, and You are the repository of all supramundane excellences. Your lotus feet
are constantly worshiped and glorified by Lord Siva, Lord Brahma, Lord Sesha, Sridevi and
others. You are also the priceless gem amongst all the sannyasis. O Lord gaurasundara, I bow
humbly before You with this prayer that You may never reject me and deprive me of Your
sublime shelter."
Lord Chaitanya was very satisfied with King Prataparudra's prayers. He blessed him saying, "May
you develop an unalloyed taste for serving Lord Krishna. Do not engage in any other activity
except to render devotional service to Lord Krishna. Go and perform continuous chanting of the
holy name, and you will always be protected by the Lord's Sudarsana disc. My reason for coming
to Nilacala was to meet the three of you, you, Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya and Ramananda Raya.
There is just one request of Mine I want you to keep, that is not to broadcast about Me. If you do
so then I will leave right away." Saying this, He lifted the flower garland adorning His neck and
placed it around the King. The Lord bade him farewell, feeling very satisfied with him.
Offering repeated dandavts to the Lord, the King left, taking seriously to heart the Lord's
intructions to him. The King's mission was complete; he had seen and met the Lord. From then
on he was always engrossed in meditation on the Lord's lotus feet. One who hears this narration
of how King Prataparudra met Lord Gaurasundara is guaranteed to receive divine love of
Godhead. The Lord's pastimes in Nilacala are numerous, and He enjoyed His own activities.
The Lord's eternal associates who appeared in Nilacala all spontaneously recognized Lord
Chaitanya as the Lord of their heart. Sri Prasyumna Misra is an ocean of love for Krishna. Lord
Chaitanya personally gave him shelter at His lotus feet. Then there is Sri Paramananda
Mahapatra, who is an embodiment of nectarean love for Lord Chaitanya. Sri Kasi Misra was
always in a state of divine ecstacy relishing the sublime nectar of Krishna prema. The Lord stayed
in his house. The Lord spent most of His time in congregational chanting in the company of
these servitors.
Most of the Lord's followers who had developed dieinterest to continue in family life, all came to
stay in Nilacala. Lord Nityananda spent a long time in Nilacala. He was always enthusiastic,
jubilant, and roamed everywhere in Nilacala like the noon sun. He was perenially saturated and
intoxicated with divine love. I am incapable of writing fully about His unlimited ecstatic love. He
is always chanting just one neme, Sri Krishna Chaitanya; no other name escaped His lips even in
a dream. Just like Sri Laksmana was completely devoted to Lord RamaChandra,so is Nitai fully
surrendered to His love for Lord Chaitanya. The reason for the whole world glorifying Lord
Chaitanya even today is solely due to Lord Nityananda's mercy. In this way, the two brothers,
Lord Chaitanya and Nityananda Prabhu passed Their days in Nilacala.
One day Lord Gaurasundara, the Supreme Personality of Goshead now appeared in human form,
was sitting in a secluded place conversing with Lord Nityananda. The Lord said to Nityananda
Prabhu, "O exalted one, ear Nityananda, please listen. You must return to Nabadwip immediately.
In My own words I have promised, "I will drown every ignorant, wretched and fallen soul in the
deluge of Krishna prema. But now if You also take to the life of a hermit discarding Your
indominable enthusiasm, then who will deliver these fallen souls? You are the storehouse of
devotional mellows, distributing divine love to everyone. Now if You withdraw within Yourself
from these activities, then what was the necessity of Your appearance on this planet? If You want
My opinion, then I think You should go immediately to Bengal and relieve the sufferings of the
conditioned souls by showering them with a mood of devotional service."
On receiving these instructions from the Lord, Nityananda Prabhu started for Bengal with all His
devote associates. These elevated souls were, Ramadasa, Gadadhara dasa, Raghunatha Vaidya,
Krishnadasa Pandita, Paramesvari dasa, amd Purandara Pandita. On the ay, Lord Nityananda was
the first to be overcome with spiritual ecstacy. This spiritual mood infected all the other
associates. They were filled with wonderment seeing Lord Nityananda. Soon they were also
experiencing unlimited divine bliss. Ramadasa, a stalwart amongst the Vaishnavas, was imbued
with the spiritual mood of the Supreme Lord Krishna Himself. Right in the middle of the road he
stood like Gopala, bent in three places for almost an hour, oblivious of his surroundings.
Gadadhara dasa was overcome with the mood of Srimati Radharani. Laughing in sweet peals he
said, "Who wants to buy yogurt?" Raghunatha Vaidya was draped in the sublime personality of
Mother Revati. Paramisvara dasa and Krishnadasa were both experiencing the mood of Gopala
and the cowherd boys. They began to make sounds with their mouths when heding the cows.
Purandara Pandita had climbed up a tree. Shouting he said, "I am Angada," and jumped down in a
leap from the branch. Lord Nitynanda had infused in everyone's heart the ecstatic experiences of
exhillerating spiritual moods. They traveled like this for a few miles sometimes going to the left
and sometimes to the right without any direction.
After awhile they asked the local people, "Please tell us how we can reach the Ganga." They
replied, "O goodness, you have already come too far. You must go back a distance of two hours."
They changed direction according to the direction of the locals, and traveled for awhile in the
right direction, but again after some distance they got aimlessly lost in their mood of ecstacy.
They had to stop someone and ask again for proper direction. Again one of them pointed out,
"You have to travel another twenty miles to the left." Realizing their confusion, they laughed
looking at each other and embarked once more on their journey. They had forgotten the
existence of their own bodies, what to speak about remembering the right direction.
Unconcerned about the needs of the body like thirst, hunger, fear and suffering, they were always
experiencing great joy. Who can describe the transcendental activities of Lord Nityananda as He
traveled, because they are inexhaustible.
Finally they arrived at Panihati village on the banks of the River Ganga. Lord Nityananda went
first to Sri Raghava Pandita's house, and put up there with all His devotees. Both Raghava
Pandita and Sri Makardhavaja Kan and their families were very happy to receive their most
exalted guests. The guests remained there for a few days. In that wonderful atmosphere Lord
Nityananda and His devotees felt always spiritually exhilerated. Every once in awhile Lord
Nityananda would roar out His appreciation. Once He felt strongly within Himself the spiritual
urge to dance. Suddenly all the singers began appearing there. Sri Madhava Ghosa, the famous
kirtana singer came. His kirtana singing was the best in the whole world. He was known as the
singer from Vrndavana because he was especially expert because he was especially expert in
singing about the Lord's pastimes in Vrndavana, which were Lord Nityananda's favorite kirtanas.
Lord Nityananda danced with such ecstatic abandon that the earth reeled under His weight.
Roaring sounds like thunder incessantly issued from His mouth, and when He fell crashing to the
ground people stood back in amazement. When His merciful glance fell on any person, he was
instantaneously infused with divine love of Godhead, and by the power of that love the recipient
also fell to the ground swooning. Lord Nityananda is the embodiment of the highest spiritual
love, and He has advented simply to alleviate the suffering due to ignorance in this world. While
dancing, He manifested all the different ecstatic symptoms of divine love. Finally He sat down on
Lord Visnu's throne and aquiesed to a request to be bathed by the devotees.
Sri Raghava Pandita and His other eternal associates immediately made preparations for the
abhiseka or bathing ceremony. They carried in hundreds of pots filled with Ganga water and
perfumed it with delicate aromas. The devotees one by one poured water over His head with a
gladdened heart, and all the while chanted the Lord's holy name. The devotees chanted
appropriate mantras for the abhiseka and felt divine exhilaration surge through their person.
After the abhiseka they clothed Him in fresh new clothes, decorated Him with sandalwood paste,
and covered His full broad chest with garlands of fragrant wild flowers and tulasi leaves. Then
they made Him sit on the ornate Visnu throne of shining gold draped with flower garlands and
leaves. When Lord Nityananda sat down, Sri Raghava Pandita went behind the throne and held
an open umbrella over His head.
The whole house now began to reverberate with jubilant sounds of human voices chanting the
holy name mingled with the melody of musical instruments. Lifting their arms and begging the
Lord to protect them, the devotees forgot all their cares and worries and even their own bodies.
Lord Nityananda, now totally steeped in the ecstacy of His own divine self, glanced all around,
emanating love of Godhead from His eyes, and also showered them with merciful drops of tears.
He called Raghava Pandita and ordered, "Dear Raghava Pandita, go and bring Me right this
moment a garland of kadamba flowers. I am very fond of kadamba flowers. In fact I am always
attracted to stay in the kadamba forest." With folded hands Sri Raghava Pandita replied, "But my
Lord, this is not the season for kadambas." The Lord gently pressed, "Go and look carefully in the
garden. Maybe a few can be seen blooming somewhere." Sri Raghava Pandita went inside the
hous eto the garden and was very astonihed to see what met his eyes. Fresh and lovely kadamba
flowers were blooming gleefully in his lemon tree. The flowers were a beautiful hue and gave out
sweet fragrance. In fact, these extraordinary flowers could destroy all the material attachments of
anyone looking at them. Sri Raghava Pandita was beside himself with joy as he beheld this
supramundane phenomenon.
He quickly gathered the kadamba flowers and began to deftly string them into a garland, and
then brought it before Lord Nityananda. Lord Nityananda was greatly pleased to see the kadamba
garland, and He placed it around His neck. The Vaishnavas were intoxicated with the heady
aroma of the flowers and were fascinated by the miracle. But soon another miracle took place.
Suddenly the whole room was fragrant with a new scent. The delectable fragrance of Dona flower
filled the air captivating everyone's mind. Laughing aloud, Lord Nityananda teased saying, Tell
Me which flower smells like that." The devotees replied with folded hands, "The air carries the
delightful scent of dona.
Letting everyone speak first, Lord Nityananda finally revealed to them a great secret. He said
with overflowing compassion, "Pay good attention to this very mysteriuos happening. Lord
Chaitanya has come from Nilacala and is present here and now to hear your kirtana. He is laden
with dona flower garlands He is wearing around His neck, and He has entered the form of a tree.
The scent from these divine garlands has now permeated everywhere. He has come personally
from Puri to hear your kirtana and witness your dancing. Therefore, all of you leave everything
else aside and just constantly chant the holy names of Krishna. Let the nectar of the wonderful
activities of Lord Sri Krishna Chaitanya infuse love of Godhead in you."
Revealing thus this transcendental happening, Lord Nityananda began to roar loudly, chanting,
"Hari! Hari!" He glanced at everyone, His vision emanating sublime love of Godhead. The
devotees, touched by the Lord's infinitely tender glance, were instantaneously transported to a
region transcending the mundane plane of physical awareness. Dear readers, please try to
comprehend the extraordinary potency of Lord Nityananda, how He innundated the entire
planet with the knowledge and taste of devotional service to the Supreme Lord. That
superexcellent mood of devotional surrender of the damsels of Vrndavana as is described in the
Srimad-Bhagavatam was faciley made available by the mercy of Lord Nityananda to the whole
world.
Lord Nityananda was sitting on the throne, and all the devotees sang and danced in front of Him.
Some of the devotees, unable to contain their surging glee, climbed up a tree and began to move
on tender branches and twigs, but miraculously did not fall. Others roared thunderously and
jumped down from the tree. There were others who circled their arms around a tree trunk and
uprooted the whole tree all the while loudly chanting "Hari! Hari!" Some became surcharged with
such immense spiritual strength that they ran to the nearby rows of betelnut trees and putting
their arms around a few of them uprooted them all at once like a bunch of grass. Lord
Nityananda's extraordinary potency to infuse the devotees with blissful love of Godhead was so
dynamic that their bodies began manifesting all the cstatic symptoms of love of Godhead as
described in the Srimad-Bhagavatam like crying, shivering, being paralyzed, perspiring profusely,
horipilation, roaring, hoarseness, turning pale, and so on.
Wherever Lord Nityananda glanced, He saw everyone being showered by the nectarean rain of
devotional ecstacy. As His transcendental glance rested on any devotee, he was instantaneously
injected with divine love, and swooning, that devotee fell to the ground unaware of theloss of his
clothing. Magnetically drawn to the Lord's divine person, the devotees stretched out in an
attempt to reach Him. The Lord, a perfect picture of complacency, remained seated on His
throne smiling benignly. All His mani associates became imbued with extraordinary spiritual
potency and mystic opulences. They became omniscient; their every word became true; their
features flowered into Cupid's beautiful attractiveness. Whoever they touched became electrified
with spiritual current thus making them lose any affiliations towards the mundane, even their
own bodies.
Lord Nityananda spent three months in Panihati performing transcendental pastimes with His
associates. The thre months passed quickly, carrying the devotees in the waves of divine ecstacy.
Unconcerned about their physical needs, they sang and danced. Only the Vedas will try to fully
describe in detail the activities that went on in Panihati. What Lord Nityananda did in the span
of an hour is practically impossible for anyone to narrate exhaustively. Sometimes He danced in a
stately manner surrounded by the devotees, and then suddenly He decided to sit on the throne
and ordered the devotees to dance before Him one by one.
During each of the devotees' dance performance, many incidents ocurred. The dancing inspired
transcendental loving emotions amongst the devotees, drowning them in a deluge of love of
Godhead. All the spectator devotees fel swoning in a moment when the ecstacy reached an apex.
It looked like a cluster of banana trees being uprooted in a storm. The devotees did as directed by
Lord Nityaanda. They constantly chanted Lord Chaitanya's glories led by Lord Nityananda. The
whole atmosphere was spiritually highly volatile. Whoever came even to simply watch the
hapening would be so infected with this spiritual mood that they would also become totally
involved, oblivious of everything else. Whatever the devotees desired was immediately fulfilled.
Thus the three months seemed to fly by without anyone noticing.
One day during these three months, Lord Nityaannda felt the desire to decorate Himself with
ornaments and fine dresses. No sooner He felt the urge and fineries were being brought by
different people without prior information. All these gifts were very precious and of the best
quality. The finist silks, exquisite gold jewelry studded with brilliant gems. The people came with
their gifts and offered them to the Lord with great reverence. The Lord tried on all the different
ornaments. There was such a wide variety of all shapes and designs of jewelry that one had never
seen before. Gold ornaments studded with pearls, emeralds, rubies, the gold intricately worked
upon to give exquisite designs.
He worw beautiful rings on all His ten fingers. Many brilliant necklaces of priceless gems
decorated His neck and chest. Then showing special favor to Lord Siva, He slipped two Rudraksa
necklaces around His neck. As H emoved, the light set afire the gems set into His golden earrings.
The silver anklets around His lotus feet tinkled pleasingly. White, cream, blue and yellow silks
draped Him in flowing grace. An enchanting sight it was indeed. Devotees had lovingly made
beautiful garlands of fragrant flowers like malati, malika, yuthi, and campaka and now put them
over His head to sit delicately on His chest with the rest of the shimmering gems. But with each
motion they swayed. The fragrance of these garlands mingled mingled with the aroma of fresh
sandalwood paste thta were applied on His body filled the air with a heavy sweet scent.
Soft shining silks of different hues were tied around His head to make a multicolored turban.
Bright flower garlands were also neatly placed on the turban to make a unique headgear. His
happy face exuded irresistable glowing charm enough to overshadow the brilliance of a million
moons. Smiling, He constantly chanted the Lord's name. His lotus-eyed glance roved the room
and released in every heart the floodgate of love of Godhead. Two iron rods that shone like silver
stood on either side of His throne. He held one in His hand as Lord Balarama holds His plough.
His associates, who were actually the expansions of the cowherd boys of Vraja, took up different
ornaments and instruments that decorate them as they go grazing the cows. They dresses
themselves with armlets, belts, anklets, necklaces; tied horns, flutes and reeds to their belts; and
looped the rope for tying cows around their shoulders.
Then Lord Nityananda went out with all His associates as if going to graze the cows. They visited
the houses of all the Vaishnavas residing on both banks of the Ganga. Himself immersed in an
ocean of ecstacy that was within Himself, the Lord blessed everyone with His association. The
people were helplessly drawn to Him on sight, captivated by His power and beauty. He is the
embodiment of all transcendental mellows, representing both the holy name and the Supreme
Godhead Himself. Even the atheists and agnostics upon seeing Him began to offer prayers to Him
feeling an urge in their melted hearts to offer everything to Him. The most munificent Lord
showeres causeless mercy upon all.
Wherever He went, whatever He did, Lord Nityananda was constantly absorbed in sankirtana.
And when He began dancing and singing kirtan, He sent everyone reeling in spirals of divine
exultaton. Even the young chldren exhibited wonderful powers in His presence. Children from
ordinary households manifested such strength that they uprooted big trees roaring loudly like
thunderbolts. They said, "I am a cowherd boy," and ran about. Hundreds tried to hold these
children but failed to do so. This was such an extraordinary feat for a mere child. The children
chanted jubilantly, "Sri Krishna Chaitanya, jaya Nityananda!" A more wonderful phenemenon
then came to light. The children had gone without food for an entire month. Everyone was
amazed, so before they lost their minds, they prayed to Lord Nityananda and took shelter of Him.
The Lord looked after the children like a father. He fed them, actually putting food in their
mouths. Sometimes He bound them, making them sit next to Him. He would even beat them as a
disciplinarian, and enjoying Himself, He would laugh out loudly.
One day Lord Nityananda came to the houde of Gadadhara dasa feeling great affection for him.
Sri Gadadhara dasa was always submerged in the ecstatic mood of the gopis of Vraja. Lifting a
water pot filled with Ganga water on his head, he would go around vending, "Who wants to buy
cowsmilk?" Such was his absorption in the mood of Vraja. In his house he worshiped a beautiful
Deity of Lord Bala Gopala, Krishna. When Lord Nityananda came inside the house and saw the
charming Bala Gopala Deity, He immediately picked Him up and held Him to His chest. All the
devotes began to chant Krishna's name loudly, and Lord Nityananda, roaring like a lion began to
dance.
Sri Madhava Ghosa started singing. He was specially gifted with a very sweet voice, and so when
his song described Krishna's pastimes of levying taxes on the gopis, Lord Nityananda was
overwhelmed with a surge of divine emotions. Thus the Lord was engaged in ecstatic pastimes
with the most fortunate Gadadhara dasa who never forgot for a moment that he was a gopi.
The Lord continued to dance so gracefully that it is impossible to describe His lissome
movements. He manifested all the ecstatic symptoms and the transformations of ecstatic emotion
of love of Godhead. His movements were like flashes of lightening, yet charming and delicate.
The expressions with His eyes and eyebrows were subtle, and He always kept a mild smile playing
on His lips. The movements of His head were expertly done like a seasoned classical dancer,
knowing the correct nuances to express the various transcendental moods. Then bringing His
exquisite feet together, He began to jump with ease and flowing movements. He was the
all-merciful Lord, so wherever He looked all the men and women felt drawn into an ocean of
indescribable bliss. Such was the impact of His benign glance that everyone lost all sense of time,
body and matter, and experienced only an overwhelming joy.
The divine devotional bliss that Lord Nityananda showered on everyone without discrimination
by His causeless mercy was the object of great value for very elevated yogis and sages. By His
mercy, other miracles also came to be manifest. When a grown-up man as strong as an elephant
has to fast for three days, he becomes weak. The children were fasting for a month, but now when
they danced they seemed to have more energy and stamina than a lion. And although Lord
Nityananda manifested such miraculous powers, no one could understand how everything was
happening due to the illusory potency of the Lord, Sri Krishna Chaitanya. Lord Nityananda
spent a few days in Gadadhara dasa's house drowning everyone in an ocean of transcendental
bliss. Gadadhara dasa felt divine exhilaration. Forgetting the mundane surrounding, he
constantly chanted and made everyone also chant encouraging them tirelessly.
In that same village lived a very tyrannical Muslim priest, or Kazi. He was strongly opposed to the
congregational chanting of the holy names. Intoxicated with spiritual ecstacy, Gadadhara dasa
one night made his way to the Kazi's house. Everyone was mortally fearful of the Kazi, but
Gadadhara dasa this night strode fearlessly to his residence. Never once did he stop chanting as
he entered the house. The Kazi's friends an dfamily members stared speechless in disbelief at
Gadadhara dasa. Gadadhara dasa said, "Where is that rascal Kazi? He had better chant Krishna's
name or I will sever his head." The Kazi came charging in, fuming with rage, but seeing
Gadadhara dasa he calmed himself.
The Kazi inquired, "Why have you come here, Gadadhara dasa?" Gadadhara dasa replied, "I have
some things to discuss with you. Lord Chaitanya ans Lord Niyaannda have incarnated in this age
and have inspired the entire world to chant Krishna's holy name. Only you remain to chant, so I
have come to urge you to chant Lord Hari's name. The Lord's holy name is all auspicious and
supremely beneficial, and I take responsibility for saving you from all sinful reactions if you
simply chant." Although the Kazi was known to be very cruel, now he was speechless and
stupified. Then smiling wanly, the Kazi said, "Listen, Gadadhara dasa, tomorrow I will certainly
comply with your request to chant "Hari! Hari!" but tonight please go home." As soon as
Gadadhara dasa heard Lord Hari's name from the Kazi's mouth, he became jubilant. He said,
"Why wait foe tomorrow? Just now you have taken the Lord's name, and now you are completely
free from all sins and inauspiciousness."
Saying this to the Kazi, Sri Gadadhara dasa began to dance like a madman clapping his hands.
Then suddenly he turned around and left, leaving a surprised Kazi still staring after him.
Gadadhara dasa returned to his residence. Gadadhara dasa was always absorbed in meditating on
Lord Nityananda. He is counted among the foremost of Lord Chaitanya's associates. This Kazi
was considered so evil that no saintly persons would come near him. In fact, they said his close
proximity would contaminate anyone. Yet Gadadhara dasa showed his mercy even to such a
demoniac person as he was. Gadadhara dasa was able to make him temporarily forget his
malicious ways and inspire him to take Krishna's holy name once.
The truth is that one who is imbued with love of Krishna can never be attacked by snakes, tigers
or any wild beasts , or be burned by fire. The devotional surrender to Krishna Lord Brahma
strives for, and the intimate loving exchanges of the gopis of Vrndavana with Krishna were all
manifest in the persons of Lord Nityananda's associates solely by the causeless mercy of Lord
Nityananda. Therefore, all of you, my brothers, please serve the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda. By
His infinite grace one can attain the eternal shelter of Lord Chaitanya.
A few days passed, and one day Lord Nityananda had the urge to see Mother Saci. So He left the
next day journeying towards Nabadwip with His associates. On the way He came to a village
called Khardaha. He went to the house of Purandara Pandita. The Lord felt such great ecstacy
that He began to dance jubilantly. It is impossible to pin down His graceful and lithe movements.
Purandara Pandita was also a great devotee who was already mad with love of Godhead. He
climbed up a tree and began to roar loudly like a lion. Another devotee named Chaitanya dasa
had become so surcharged with spiritual ecstacy that he was oblivious of everything around him.
He ran into the forest chasing away the wild beasts with his rumbling roars. Once he saw a tiger
and jumped on his back. The tiger was helpless, unable to do anything. Such is the potency of
Lord Krishna's mercy. He then picked up a huge python and placed it on his lap and began to play
with it fearlessly as he had earlier played with the tiger. ll these miracles were taking place by
Lord Nityananda's mercy.
Lord Nityananda is especially inclined and affectionate to His devotees. He makes them very
subtley taste the highest devotional mellows that even Lord Brahma is hankering after. Sri
Chaitanya dasa was deep in ecstacy, totally forgetting himself. He continuously spoke his
intimate thoughts. He remained in the water for several days without a trace of discomfiture. All
his movements in this moment were practically unnoticeble, almost like an inert being. His
devotional ecstacies were too numerous and subtle to be described. Sri Chaitanya dasa was truly a
very surrendered devotee, just like the great Murari Pandita. Even if the breeze that has touched
his body touches someone, he can immediately feel growing attachment for Lord Krishna.
There are some who call themselves Chaitanya das, or servant of Lord Chaitanya, but even in
there dreams they never glorify the Lord. Lord Chaitanya is the heart and soul of Advaita
Acarya, and by the Lord's mercy and Advaita Acarya's loving devotion to the Lord, that Advaita
Acarya is always situated in transcendence. All glory to Advaita Acarya whose devotion to the
Lord is exemplary and He is supremely powerful due to the Lord's grace. The real devotees
consider that this relationship between Lord Chaitanya and Advaita Acarya as His servitor has
made Advaita Acarya great, whereas the pretender devotees think that such descriptiond of
Advaita Acarya wanes His glory. How can such reprobates keep names like "servant of Lord
Chaitanya" and take shelter of Advaita Acarya. As for those who refer to these sinful reprobates
as Advaita Acarya's followers, they also do not actualy know the Acarya's heart. Their keeping
names like Chaitanya dasa is the same as when the demons keep names like punyajana or pious
person.
Lord Nityananda stayed on in Kardaha for a few days and then left with His followers to the
village of Saptagrama. In this village, the famous seven sages (sapta rsis) performed severe
austerities sitting on the bank of the Ganga, and finally attained the lotus feet of Krishna,
Govinda. This place is known throughout the universe as Triveni ghat. The three most holy
rivers - Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvati confluence as this spot. The mere act of seeing this place
purifies one of all sins. Lord Nityananda and His associates bathed there feeling sublime joy.
From there they went to Uddharana Datta's house, also situated on the banks of the Ganga and
sojurned for a few days.
Sri Uddharana datta received the Lord with great love and reverence and worshiped Him with all
his heart, body and words. In this way, Sri Uddharana datta inherited the transcendental fortune
to serve Lord Nityananda, who is the Supreme Lord eternally for His servitor Sri Uddharana
datta. And because of Sri Uddharana Datta, the entire community of traders became purified, of
this there is no doubt. It was as if Lord Nityananda had advented specifically to deliver this
community and elevate them to receive loving devotional service of the Supreme Lord.
Lord Nityananda spent all His time going from one trader's house to another performing
congregational chanting of the holy name. The traders' families surrendered fully at the Lord's
feet, taking His shelter. It was a rare and amazing sight to see how this inheently pound, shilling
and pence community responded so spontaneously to the process of pure devotional service to
Lord Krishna. This clearly indicates the unlimited potency of Lord Nityananda that He could
imbue in this materialistic and ignorant community the urge for self-realization. The Lord
tirelessly kept up an enthusiastic sankirtana with His associates as long as He stayed in
Saptagrama. His sankirtana pastimes here will take more than a thousand years to fully describe.
The blissful feelings that one experienced in sankirtana here in Saptagram reminded everyone of
their ecstacy in Nabadwip sankirtana. People and devotees were so surcharged with the holy
names that they ignored eating and sleeping. The whole village resounded with the holy name.
Lord Nityananda led the sankirtana to every home through all the streets and localities of
Saptagrama. And when the people beheld the Lord's dancing form, it was impossible for anyone
to check himself from swooning in joy. What to speak of others, even a meat-eating Muslim, who
generally do not believe in Lord Visnu, Krishna, was moved to tears of ecstacy, so much so that a
brahmana derided himself for not being able to match his devotion. All glory to Lord
Nityananda, whose mercy can make the impossible possible. The days in Saptagram passed amidst
such miracles and ecstacy, and Lord Nityananda was its main actor.
Lord Nityananda then traveled for a few days and came to Santipura and went directly to His
beloved compatriot, Advaita Acarya's, house. Sri Advaita Acarya felt an indescribable pleasure
spreading through His heart upon seeing Lord Nityananda. Roaring loudly "Hari! Hari!" Sri
Advaita offered repeated obeisances and circumambulated Him. He encircled His arms around
the Lord in a loving embrace and bathed Him in His cascading tears of joy. Both of Them were
almost unconscious with overwhelming spiritual emotions as loving exchanges welled up in their
hearts. They rolled in the courtyard, tight in each other's embrace, and then both tried to touch
the other's feet. Each of them roared continuously like a thousand lions, unable to contain Their
madness. Finally, after a long time, they sat down quieting themselves.
Advaita Acarya then folded His hands and began to pray to the Lord in sublime pleasure. He said,
"Your transcendental form is saturated with eternal joy, hence You are named Nityananda. You
are the embodiment of Lord Chaitanya's transcendental qualities. You are the embodiment of
Lord Chaitanya's transcendental qualities. You are the cause of liberation of the conditioned
souls. You are also the firm pillar of religion unswayed by the destructive forces of total
dissolution, the only shelter. You teach the science of love of Godhead, devotional service to Lord
Chaitanya. You are truly the solid main trunk of the tree of Lord Chaitanya's family, possessing
full spiritual potency. You are the supreme teacher of all devotees of the Lord like Lord Brahma,
Lord Siva, Narada Muni and so on. Although everyone can attain the platform of devotional
service to the Supreme Lord only through Your grace, yet You are not affected by pride in spite of
this most elevated position. You are the deliverer of the most fallen souls never scrutinizing
anyone's faults, thus only those who are endowed with volumnes of piety are able to know You.
You are personified supramundane knowledge; anyone can eztirpate nescience simply by
remembering You. No one can know You as You are unless You personally reveal Yourself.
Transcendental qualities like freedom from anger and ever-blissfulness decorate Your personality.
You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the support and mainstay of Ananta Sesha and the
other demigods.
You are Sri Laksmana. the slayer of demons, and in Vrndavana You are Lord Haladhara or
Baladeva, the son of a gopi. You have appeared in this material world simply to deliver the
wretched conditioned souls. The pure devotion that is so intensely desired by great mystic yogis
and philosophers is readily given by You to anyone." Speaking eloquently in the Lord's praise, Sri
Advaita felt an upsurge of great spiritual emotions, and He went into an ecstatic trance. Sri
Advaita is one of the few who are fully aware of Lord Nityananda's real personality, for this
knowledge is accessible to the meager few who posess sufficient spiritual insight.
The arguments and verbal fights that are sometimes seen between Lord Nityananda and Sri
Advaita Acarya are actually just mock, done in a spirit of deep comaradaric affection foer each
other and not fathomable by all. Very few can comprehend the essence of Sri Advaita's words. He
is nondifferent from the Supreme Lord. But now they spent intimate moments together
discussing topics of Lord Krishna's pastimes. This increased their attachment and respect for each
other. Lord Nityananda finally begged permission from Sri Advaita to leave, and proceeded to
Nabadwip.
On reaching Nabadwip, Lord Nityananda first went to meet Mother Saci. He offered obeisances
at her feet. Mother Saci was excessively happy to see Lord Nityananda. She said, "My dear, You
are truly the Supersoul who knows everything. I was yearning to see You, and immediately You
appear from nowhere. Who can know Your true self? Now please stay in Nabadwip for sometime
so I can see You once in every ten days or so. I am miserable and I wanted to see You. You have
come miraculousely to wipe away my tears." Lord Nityananda smiled gently as He listened to
Mother Saci's words.
Lord Nityananda was not confused about Sacimata's spiritual potency and position. He said,
"Listen, Ai, you are the universal mother. The purpose of My coming to Nabadwip is to see you. I
also have a strong desire for your transcendental association, and so now I will remani in
Nabadwip in accordance with your instructions." Thus presenting Himself to Mother Saci and
addressing her in a befitting manner, the Lord went about Nabadwip doing His business.
Lord Nityananda gathered His associates and went to every house in Nabadwip performing
congregational chanting. He was in constant ecstacy as He did incessant sankirtana. The Lord
dressed in a special and very attractive way that was a pleasurable sight. He wrapped many
colored silk clothes around His head like a maharaja, and on top of this turban were strand after
strand of flower garlands. His chest was covered with innumerable glittering necklaces of gold,
pearls and many studded gems. From His ears gently dangled golden earrings set with shiny white
pearls. Bejeweled armlets and bracelets graced His hands and arms. His whole body was covered
with countles jewelry of priceless value. Different parts of His body were exquisitely decorated
with designs of sandalwood paste. Often He acted like Bala Gopala, Krishna, as a small fat toddler
of Vrndavana.
Sometimes He picked up an iron rod overcome with ecstatic emotions and held it with both
hands, all His fingers decorated with golden rings. Multicolored silks draped all over Him. Cane,
flute and horn were stuck in His belt with leisurely carelessness. His very sight captured the
minds of the people. His gait was that of the royal elephant. With every step the silver ankle bells
jangled musically. The Lord's transcendental glances immediately invoked spiritual love of
Godhead wherever they rested. Lord Nityananda moved about in the town of Lord Chaitanya's
birth with great pleasure, dressed in this wonderful fashion to give joy in the hearts of everyone.
Nabadwip was like the capitol city of Mathura, teeming with people. Many pious people lived
there. They were so religious that wretched sinners could become free from their sins just by
seeing them. So also there were such abominable reprobates that if their shadow touched anyone
he would become bereft of all his piety. All these people, whoever they were, were inspired on the
path of pure Krishna consciousness by the mercy of Lord Nityananda. Lord Chaitanya had earlier
liberated so many of these people, and now Lord Nityananda was purifying many others. He
saved the thieves, rogues, derelicts and wretches.
Listen to the wonderful story of how Lord Nityananda saved the most fallen. In Nabadwip lived a
young brahmana who was the biggest rogue and dacoit. Although born in a brahmana family, he
was an arsenal of all depraved habits and was the leader of the dacoits. He was brutally malicous
and killed without feeling. He was always in the company of rogues. Once this dacoit leader saw
Lord Nityananda bedecked with all the fineries and priceless jewels and gloated after this treasure
wanting to steal it all. So pretending to be a member of the Lord's sankirtana party, the dacoit
went along with the chanting party wherever they went. He was biding time for the right
opportunity to steal everything. Lord Nityananda immediately knew his wicked intentions.
The Lord, learning of this, left His party and went quietly to live in Hiranya Pandita's house.
Hiranya Pandita was a very pious brahmana and lived frugally, becoming of a true brahmana. In
the meanwhile, the dacoit leader called his men and chalked out a plan. He said, "My brothers,
why should we worry any longer? Our protector, Goddess Candi has arranged for all the wealth to
be in one place. This avadhuta has on His person gold, gems and jewelry worth lakhs of rupees.
He is right now hiding in Hiranya Pandita's house which is in a secluded and lonely part of town.
Collect your swords and shields and we shall meet tonight and raid that house and loot
everything." They dispersed quickly and quietly eagerly waiting for night to descend when they
could carry out their nefarious crime.
That night the dacoits with their weapons collected near the house where the Lord was residing.
They sent a spy to get proper information. The Lord was then enjoying a sumptuous meal with all
His associates sitting around Him and chanting loudly. The devotees were all submerged in the
bliss of chanting Lord Krishna's holy name. Some roared jubilantly like thunderclaps, others
wailed loudly in insatiable joy, and still others clapped their hands and laughed in peals. All
around, the devotees were crying out loudly to express their child-like unrestrained glee. They
were all wide awake. The spy returned to his gang informing them, "The avadhuta is eating, and
everyone else is wide awake and jubilant." So the dacoits decided that, "Let them eat and go to
sleep, then we will attack the house."
They made themselves comfortable under a tree and settled doen to wait. They started talking
amongst themselves, dreaming of their future fortunes. Someone said, "I want the gold bracelets."
Another said, "I will take the pearl necklace." Another fancied, "The earrings are for me." Yet
another dreamed, "I'll have the gold chains and necklaces." Someone else said, "But leave the
silver ankle bells for me." And they went on daydreaming of enormous riches. Just then, by Lord
Nityananda's desire, slumber overcame the whole dacoit gang. Right there under the tree the
dacoits went into a deeo sleep. Such was the workings of the Lord's divine potency that they slept
through the night undisturbed and almost in a state of unconsciousness.
The crows' harsh cawing woke them up early next morning. They became disheartened and
frustrated to find that the night had passed. They collected their weapons, and keeping them in
safe hiding they went to the Ganga for their baths. After the bath they began to blame each
other. One of them accused the other, "You were the first to fall asleep," and he retorted, "So you
were the one who stayed awake the whole night." Someone tried to pacify them saying, "Why do
you have to fight like this? Be thankful that Goddess Candi has saved us from total shame." The
young brahmana dacoit leader said, "Of what use are these arguments? Whatever has happened is
due to Goddess Candi's desire. The passing of one day is not the end of everything. I can
understand that because we did not worship Mother Candi before, she has deluded us all. Today
let us perform a grand Candi worship with a lot of meat and wine."
They eagerly collected the required ingredients and meat and wine and worshiped Goddess Candi
that night. The next day the dacoits sharpened and cleaned their weapons. In the night they
came to Lord Nityananda's residence dressed in dark blue clothes. The residents of the house
were already in deep slumber. Hiding near the house, the dacoits saw that it was guarded by many
sentries. The sentries were all well armed and were all loudly and continuously chanting the holy
name as they walked about guarding the house. All of the sentries were giant-sized, able- bodied
men. They carried many different weapons. The dacoits could easily make out that any one of the
sentries could take on a hundred of them alone.
These sentries were not ordinary guards. They wore tilaka marks on their foreheads and bodies,
and wore tulasi beads around their necks. They constantly chanted Lord Krishna's holy name
while Lord Nityananda slept inside the house. The dacoits were taken by complete surprise. They
slowly slouched to a distance away from the house and sat down. They wondered dejectedly,
"From where did these sentries come suddenly?" One of them said, "The avadhuta mnst have
somehow known of our coming and He brought these sentries from somewhere." His friend
replied, "This avadhuta person is very knowledgeable and is a seer. I have heard this from many
people. He can certainly protect Himself. The sentries that are on guard are all more formidable
than normal sentries; they are almost superhuman. I suppose this is another display of His divine
potency. No wonder they call Him Goswami." Another interjected, "I think you are quite
ignorant, for one who eats and wears such fancy ornaments, how can He be called a goswami,
controller of the senses?"
Finally the dacoiy leader, the young brahmana, spoke up saying, "I have calmly considered all the
factors. I see that many powerful and influential people come to meet the avadhuta. These
sentries must be the best soldiers of some powerful king come here to guard Him. And these
sentries by His influence have become attracted to spiritual elevation, hence they also chant
"Hari! Hari!" So as long as these sentries are here, we should stay away. I think after about ten
days we can expect them gone, and then we can return, but now let us disperse quietly and go
back to our houses." The dacoits stealthily left that place and were gone. Lord Nityananda inside
the house continued to perform His pastimes unperturbed.
Anyone can easily overcome all reverses just by remembering those souls who have taken full
shelter of Lord Nityananda's lotus feet. Who can harm such an omnipotent Supreme Lord when
simply by remembering His servitors one can surmount the insurmountable ocean of nescience?
Lord Ganesh, the remover of all adverses, along with his associates, are Lord Nityananda's
servants. The Lord's partial expansion, Rudra, Lord Siva, is the destroyer of the entire material
world. Another of the Lord's partial expansions, Lord Ananta, holds the cosmic manifestation on
one of His hoods. If by chance He moves, there are terrible earthquakes. Who can make such a
supremely powerful Lord fearful of anything or anyone?
The Lord is moving about in Nabadwip freely performing ecstatic kirtanas wherever He goes.
Undisturbed, He eats, sleeps and enacts His pastimes, His entire body still decorated with
priceless gems and jewelry. He is Lord Baladeva, the son of Rohinidevi. Chewing pan mixed with
camphor, He smiles enchanting the whole world. Fearless and with endless exuberance, the Lord,
accompanied by His associates, roams everywhere. His devotees too were unassailed by any kind
of anxiety.
The dacoits made another attempt to lay siege to Lord Nityananda's residence. That night, by
divine arrangement, the sky was overcast with black, billowing clouds that plunged the earth in
pitch darkness. The streets were deserted. The dacoits held their weapons close to their bodies
feeling insecure in this sudden terrible gloom. As they came close to the house, they were
suddenly struck by blindness. They stumbled forward, groping as if in a dark abyss, their minds
paralyzed, their intelligence unable to function. Some of them plunged into the moat surrounding
the house and were immediately attacked by leeches, insects and giant mosquitos. Some of them
lost their way into the refuse garbage pit and fell in. The insects and scorpions were unsparing
and vicious. Some others walked straight into a bush of thorns and became completely entangled
and bruised by the big cruel thorns. Afraid to move in the dark and be further punctured, they
remained like prisoners, unmoving. Others had veered far from the house, and in the darkness
falling inside the canal near the house and lay moaning and groaning in pain with fractured legs
and hands. Many dacoits began to feel sudenly very feverish. They began to slowly consider their
plight.
Just at this moment, Lord Indra with great pleasure sent down sheets of rain accompanied by
raging storms and ominous lightening. Already the dacoits were being ravaged by leeches,
scorpions and insects, and now they were being further inflicted by the merciless downpour.
Then came the large pieces of hail pounding them endlessly. Although the dacoits did not die,
they were tossed about in an ocean of excruciating pain and misery. Blinded and drenched, they
began to shiver with the clammy coldness, standing helpless against the fury of nature. Lord Indra
knowing that the dacoits had come to harm Lord Nityananda, became angry and punished them
specialy hard.
After taking the punishment for awhile, the dacoit leader, the young brahmana, was suddenly
struck by a thought. He reasoned in his mind, "This Nityananda is not a mortal; He is certainly
the Supreme Lord. The first time, He put us in deep slumber, and I did not understand by His
illusory potency. The next time, it was these very strange and almost superhuman sentries, but
even then I could not realize the truth. Hence I deserve this misery because I am such a sinful
reprobate that I wanted to steal from the Lord His wealth. Yet now faced with this
insurmountable danger, who can save me except Lord Nityananda Himself." Thinking in this
manner he began to meditate on Lord Nityananda's lotus feet taking full shelter in Him. The
result of taking shelter and remembering the Lord's lotus feet is that such a person, even though
the lowest of sinners is immediately saved.
The young brahmana prayed, "You are the Supreme Lord, Bala Gopala, please save me, please
protect me. You are the maintainer of all living entities. O Lord, a person who falls to the earth,
his only shelter is Mother Earth herself. Similarly one who commits offences at Your lotus feet
can seek the only shelter, Your lotus feet, by which all miseries are mitigated. And You are so
merciful that You forgive all the offences of the most wretched living entities. I am the black
sheep and destroyer of the brahmana society, a slayer of cows. There is no one more degraded
than myself. Yet it is also true that even if the most sinful person prays for Your shelter, then he
can become free from this material imprisonment. O Lord, You sustain all the living entities
throughout their lives, and at the end only You are there to protect them. So Lord, please save me
today from this predicament, and if I remain alive, then I have certainly learned my lesson. I only
desire that I can have You birth after birth as my Lord and master, and I Your eternal slave."
Lord Nitytnanda is the most munificent Supreme Lord. When He heard the piteous prayers of
the dacoit leader, He immediately allieviated their misery. Suddenly, the dacoits found
themselves able to see again. By the Lord's divine powers, the storm and gail did not afflict them
further. Gradually they began to move and walk as if they had risen from their graves. They
returned to their individual houses, and right away bathed in the purifying waters of the Ganga.
The dacoit leader had different feelings; he began to weep incessantly. He did not go anywhere,
but went inside the house wanting to meet and throw himself at the Lord's feet.
Inside, the Lord of the universe, Lord Nityananda, was sitting and glancing benignly at all the
miserable conditioned souls. The devotees all around Him were chanting loudly, and the Lord
Himself roared like thunder with divine bliss. At this moment the dacoit leader entered in the
Lord's presence. He threw his arms in the sky, and crying out "Save me!" he threw himself down
before the Lord. His whole body quivered, and the hair on his body stood on end as tears flowed
out in streams. Totally absorbed in sublime ecstacy, he became oblivious of everything around
him, and he roared like a lion, unable to stop the surge of divine emotions.
Such was the spiritual influence of Lord Nityananda that the brahmana began to suddenly dance
with his arms raised high chuckling in irrepresible glee. He sang continuously, "O Lord
Nityananda, savior of the fallen souls, You are my only master." The devotees and the other
people assembled there were astounded at this sight. They exclaimed, "What a miraculous
transformation; from a deadly dacoit to this condition." The more cautious ones said, "Maybe this
is just a trick. Suddenly he wil statr his real business of looting." Others said, "Our Lord
Nityananda is the savior of the most abominable sinners. By His mercy this reprobate has been
transformed."
Lord Nityananda, seeing this display of extreme spiritual emotions, smiled and said, "O brahmana,
please explain the reason for your present behavior. I have noticed some wonderful expressions in
you. What have you seen or heard relating to Lord Krishna that has prompted you to act in this
manner. Tell us everything without being constrained." The fortunate brahmana remained
dumbfounded for some time hearing the Lord's words, only unrestricted tears flowed freely from
his eyes. He then rolled on the ground and sometimes cried loudly, sometimes laughed out loudly,
then suddenly springing up he began to dance and sing. All his actions were spontaneous and
natural.
The brahmana calmed himself after a while and began to speak in the Lord's presence. He said,
"O Lord, I am a resident of Nabadwip and a brahmana in name only. Actually my demeanor is
that of the lowest caste of candalas or dog-eaters. My nature is as vicious as a hunter's. From my
early days I have always been in the company of thieves and dacoits, hence I know only violence,
hate and murder. The residents of Nabadwip shake in fear at my sight and there is not a sin left
that I have not committed. When I saw Your beautiful ornaments I wanted to steal them. So one
night I gathered my dacoit gang and came to loot those jewelries from Your transcendental body.
But that night You put everyone of us into deep slumber, yet by Your illusory potency I could not
understand Your hand behind this extraordinary phenomenon.
A few days later we made another attempt. This time we had properly worshiped Goddess Candi
and then came with well-oiled and sharpened weapons. Yet another miraculous spectacle awaited
us. We saw Your house surrounded by tall and stout guards marching about, chanting the holy
name loudly. All of them were wearing long garlands reaching down to the knees. You were safe
and unpreturbed sleeping inside the house. We are so wretched that even then we could not
recognize Your divine status. Disgruntled we muttered, "Who knows where these sentries have
come from." and then shuffled away to our houses.
Before our third attempt we waited for quite a few days then yesterday we came, and instanyly
upon arrival we lost our vision. We stumbled into the compound of this house unable to properly
see and fell into ditches and thorny bushes. The storm, hail and rains mercilessly tortured us but
we were helpless against them. After we had gone through hellish punishment and pain, everyone
gradually became enlightened about the boundless mercy of the Lord. By Your grace we began to
remember Your lotus feet. Our sight returned, and we were able to see in the true sense. Such is
Your causeless mercy, hence You are the savior of the most fallen souls. YOu are so magnanimous
that simply by thinking of You I was let froo from the hellish distress. Anyone can facily enter
the spiritual world extirpating the nescience within just meditating on You." Speaking in this
manner, the brahmana began to cry and dance with raised flaying hands. Such are the
superexcellent pastimes of the Supreme Lord Nityananda.
The assembled devotees were astounded hearing the brahmana speak, and they felt great regard
for him and offered him respect. The brahmana began speaking once more, "O Lord, now I beg
permission to leave. I have no desire to maintain this body any further. As I have nurtured
malicious intent in my heart towards You, I must repent. I will cast this useless body into the
Ganga and finish my life." The Lord and the devotees were moved by the brahmana's sincerety.
The Lord then replied, "O brahmana, you are truly a very fortunate soul. You are an elevated
servitor of Lord Krishna. How is it otherwisw possible for you to witness this miracle? Because you
are the recipient of the Lord's mercy and His beloved servant. The Supreme Lord Chaitanya has
advented to save the most fallen souls, of this there is no doubt.
Now listen carefuly, O brahmana, From this moment if you give up your ghastly sinful activities
then I am willing to take responsibility for all your previous misdeeds. No more agression,
violence, looting or murder; forever get rid of them. Practice religious life and chant the holy
names of the Supreme Lord. Then later you can also save others. Go and meet other dacoits and
murderers and bring them to the path of pure religious living."
The Lord then took the garland from His neck and placed it over the brahmana's head being very
pleased with him. The air was resounding with the devotee's jubilant cheers of the holy name.
The shackles of material nescience broke away from the brahmana.
The brahmana threw himself at the Lord's feet and grasping tightly he began calling out His
name again and again, tears streaked down his cheeks. He cried out, "O Lord Nityananda, You are
the savior of lost souls. Please allow this wretch a little place at Your lotus feet. I was so
abominable that I was malicious to You, and so there is no place for me to go."
Lord Nityananda is an ocean of compassion. He placed His lotus feet on the brahmana's head.
The brahmana became instantly purified of all offences. Later this converted dacoit brought
many others to take shelter of Lord Chaitanya by chanting and leading a pure life. All of them
discarded their old bad ways of looting and murder and began to behave gently. They were
chanting lakhs of holy names, and soon became experienced and fixed in devotional service to
the Supreme Lord. They absorbed themselves all the time in singing the pastimes of Lord Krishna
with divine love. Such is the magnanimity of Lord Nityaannda. In none of the previous
incarnations was the Supreme Lord so compassionate as Lord Nityananda. Lord Nityananda gives
liberation and love of God instantly to the conditioned souls. Hence if anyone, even an elevated
brahmana, disregards Lord Nityaannda, then such a person is degraded to the level of dacoits and
murderers.
The ecstatic symptoms of love of Godhead which are so intensely desired by the master yogis who
want to experience crying, shivering, horripilation and other such spiritual emotions is now made
easily available to rogues and thieves by the wonderful divine potency of Lord Nityananda.
Therefore all of you please worship such a merciful Lord Nityananda. By His grace one can attain
the shelter of Lord GauraChandra. One who hears Lord Nityaannda's pastimes will indeed reach
Lord Chaitanya. And one who hears properly this story of the deliverence of the dacoits is
assured to see face to face both Lord Nityananda and Lord Caiatnya. In this way Lord
Nityananda performs His pastimes undisturbed and with great pleasure.
Lord Nityananda went daily on congregational chanting to different villages all over Nadia with
His associates. He visited Khancanda, Badagaci, Dogacia, and sometimes they crossed to the other
side of the Ganga to Kulia village. Badagaci village folk were especially fortunate because of their
piety. Lord Nityananda spent a lot of time there. One cannot gauge the amount of blessings the
residents of Badagaci received.
Lord Nityananda's associates were always in very blissful spirits. They had no other business than
chanting and dancing and accompanying the Lord as He went everywhere. Steadily the mood of
Vrndavana cowherd boys increased in them. They were now always dressed as cowherd boyswith
cowhorns, flutes, and strings for tying the calves, wearing garlands of Gunja flowers around the
neck, a metal bangal on the wrist, and small foot bells around the ankles. They constantly
exhibited sublime ecstacy, sometimes crying, sometimes shivering, and again at times
horripilating in love of Lord Krishna. Each one's beauty blossomed to match Cupid's good looks as
they joined in the congregational chanting.
With an inspiring and fearles master like Lord Nityananda always leading them, the devotees
were submerged in divine exhilaration. The transcendental excellences of the Lorrd's associates
are so limitless that even in a thousand years I will be unsuccessful in fully describing them. Yet I
must still mention the names of as many associates as I can remember and try to describe their
glories. Just by recollecting the names of Lord Nityananda's associates, a person can transcend
this material existence. All these associates are incarnations of the family members of Nanda
Maharaja of Vraja. They are cowherd boys and damsels from Lord Krishna's pastimes in
Vrndavana. Lord Nityananda has specifically instructed His associates not to mention their
previous names and identities.
Sri Ramadasa Mahasaya is a very great devotee of Lord Nityananda. He spoke from a
transcendental level as if the Supreme Lord were Himself speaking. Nobody could fathom his
words. He carried Lord Nityananda always in his heart. Sri Ramadasa was considered amongst the
associates as the most feeling devotee submerged in ecstatic thoughts. Lord Krishna on a
particular ocassion entered his body for three months.
Murari Gupta is famous as Lord Chaitanya's intimate servitor. He was so fearless that he actually
played with a tiger and a snake. Sri Raghunatha Upadhyaya, an Ayurvedic doctor, was a pure
devotee, and by his mere glance he invoked devotional attraction for Lord Krishna in others. Sri
Gadadhara dasa was always tasting the transcendental nectar of divine mellows. The very sight of
him cleansed others of all sinful reactions. Sri Sundarananda was like an ocean of devotional
ambrosia. He was one of the foremost of the Lord's associates. Sri Kamalakanta Pandita was at
every moment exuberant in devotional service. Lord Nityananda gave him the village of
Saptagrama.
Sri Gauridasa Pandita is a most fortunate soul. He served Lord Nityananda with his body, mind
and words. Indeed the Lord was his very life. Sri Purandara Pandita was extremely peaceful and
grave, always experiencing divine ecstacy in the Lord's association. Lord Nityaannda is also the
life and soul of Sri Paramesvari Thakura. The Lord being especially inclined towards him is
always present in his body. Sri Dhananjaya Pandita was a stalwart preacher of bhagavat dharma
and so Lord Nityananda made His permanent residence in his heart. Sri Balarama dasa was
always absorbed in loving devotional service. Anyone in his presence became free from all sinful
reactions.
Sri Yadunatha KaviChandra was incessantly swimming in a nectarean ocean of love of Godhead.
His constant guide and shelter was Lord Nityananda. Sri Jagadisa Pandita emanated spiritual
brilliance everywhere he went. Lord Nityananda was his prime source of divine inspiration. Sri
Purusottama Pandita appeared in Nabadwip. He was fully surrendered at the lotus fet of Lord
Nityananda. In His earliest pastimes, Lord Nityaannda stayed in his house. By his mercy one is
drawn to the divine lotus feet of Lord Nityananda. Sri Dvija Krishnadasa appeared in the Radha
district in Bengal, as did Lord Nityananda. He is amongst the foremost of the Lord's eternal
associates. Sri Kaliya Krishnadasa is famous in all the three worlds. Simply by remembering him
one attains the association of Lord Chaitanya.
Sri Sadasiva Kaviraja was also a very blessed personality. The glorious Purusottama dasa was his
son. Sri Purusottama dasa was always in deep meditation, oblivious to his own body and
surroundings. Lord Nityananda is forever situated within his heart. Sri Uddharana Datta was a
very magnanimous Vaishnava who was especially qualified to render direct service to Lord
Nityananda. Sri Mahesa Pandita and Paramananda Upadyaya are stalwart Vaishnava devotees of
the Lord, grave and compassionate. Sri Gangadasa, son of Caturbhuja Pandita, also received the
Lord's special mercy because the Lord stayed in his house. Acarya Vaishnavanda was a very
magnanimous soul. Previously he was famous by the name of Sri Raghunatha Puri.
Sri Paramanda Gupta was a very eminent person. Lord Nityananda also spent a long time staying
in his house. The pous Sri Krishnadasa, who lived in Badagaci was another very fortunate soul,
because Lord Nityananda also stayed with him. Sri Krishnadasa, Sri Devananda, and the spiritual
instructorAcarya Chandra, were all very elevated and pure Vaishnavas, whose only attracton was
the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda. The two brothers, Sri Madhavananda Ghosa and Sri Vasudeva
Ghosa, were famous for their nectarean singing. They constantly relished spiritual mellows. Sri
Jiva Pandita was the recipient of the Lord's special mercy. The Lord had stayed in his house.
Then there were the four who were very dear to Lord Nityananda. They were Sri Manohara, Sri
Narayana, Sri Krishnadasa and Sri Devananda.
In a thousand years I would not be able to enummerate the names of all the servitors and
associates of Lord Nityananda. The hundreds and thousands of devotees were all heart and soul
surrendered to Lord Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda. By receiving Lord Nityananda's mercy His
associates are all spiritual guides for the whole world. They constantly meditated on Lord
Chaitanya. I have but mentioned only a few who I know personally. Later Vedavyasa will reveal
more divine personalities.
The last of Lord Nityananda's servitors is Vrndavana dasa (the author). He was conceived in the
womb of Srimati Narayani, who had received the remnants of Lord Chaitanya's foodstuff. Even
today the Vaishnavas glorify her as the one who ate Lord Chaitanya's remnants, which was
recognized as a rare blessing.
Lord Sri Krishna Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda are my life and soul. I, Vrndavana dasa,
humbly offer this song at Their divine lotus feet.
Sri Chaitanya Bhagavat
Antya-lila Chapter Six
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All glory, all glory to Lord GauraChandra and Lord Nityananda. All glory to all the Lord's
associates. Lord Nityananda continued His congregational chanting pastimes and experienced
great joy in the association of all His eternal associates and servitors. Lord Nityananda performed
His pastimes here in Nabadwip just like He had done in His previous incarnation in Vrndavana.
He attracted every living entity with amazing simplicity to surrender atthe lotus feet of Lord
Chaitanya
Lord Nityananda was like the brilliant sun surrounded by His inspired and enthusiastic devotees
as they roamed all over Nabadwip performing kirtana. His divine body was covered with
ornaments and flower garlands. His lips were ruby red from chewing betel and camphor. Seeing
the activities of Lord Nityananda, some experienced divine exhilaration, but there were others
who became suspicious
A certain brahmana residing in Nabadwip and who had studied together with Lord Chaitanya
became suspicious of Lord Nityananda's behavior. The brahmana was very attached to his
devotion to Lord Chaitanya, but unfortunately he was unaware of Lord Nityananda's
transcendental potencies. One day the brahmana decided to go to Nilacala, Puri, and stayed there
immersed in sublime joy. Every day, he visited Lord Chaitanya and felt a gradual increase in
attraction for the Lord. On one of his daily visits he suddenly felt the urge to ask the Lord some
questions in confidence
The brahmana inquired, "O Lord, I have a request. If you allow me then I can present it before
You. If You consider me as one of Your servants, then I would like to hear Your views on certain
points. Lord Nityananda, the avadhuta, is now in Nabadwip. I cannot understand His behavior.
People say He is in the renounced order of life, namely sannyasa, yet I see Him chewing betel and
camphor all the time. A sannyasi is not supposed to even touch certain things like gold, silver,
precious gems and so on, but I see Him decorating His body all over with ornaments made from
these substances. Instead of a saffron loin cloth He is putting on flowing silk robes and using
sandalwood and flower garlands
Another of the Lord's quaintness is that He does not carry the sannyasa staff but an iron rod. He
is always seen in the company of sudras, persons coming from lower castes. I could not see Lord
Nityananda always acting strictly according to the instructions of the scriptures, hence I am
assailed with doubts about Him. Many persons hail Him as a great personality, yet why does He
not act in a way befitting His position as a sannyasi? O Lord, please remember that I am just Your
menial servant. Please tell me what all this actually means."
The pious brahmana thus inquired submissively at an opportune moment from Lord Chaitanya,
and the Lord revealed to him the esoteric meanings of everything without reservations. The Lord
smiled gently at the brahmana's words and spoke the following. He said, "Listen carefully, O
brahmana. One who is very elevat- ed and a realized soul is free from all faults
In the Srimad-Bhagavatm it is stated, `Those who are free from unwanted desires such as
attachment for things unconnected to Lord Krishna, Those who have transcended the mundane
vision of seeing only the material covering of the soul, namely this gross body, and have risen to
the platform of perceiving the spiritual spark in every living entity, thus having attained equal
vision, those who have become elevated to the spiritual platform of seeing face to face the
Supreme Lord who is beyond the three modes of material nature, these great souls, who are
dedicated to Me, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, do not have to enjoy or suffer the results
of either pious or impious activities nor do they have to act according to rules and regulations."
Lord Nityananda is absolutely pure. He is in this material world like the lotus which is untouched
by the water it stands in. O brahmana, know for certain that Lord Krishna is eternally within
Him. If any person tries to imitate Lord Nityananda, then he will suffer terrible consequences
and incur heavy sinful reactions. If anyone other than Lord Siva tries to drink deadly poison,
then he will surely die. The scriptures carry sufficient examples to substantiate this fact. In the
Srimad-Bhaagvatam "No one should try to act in this manner, not even in the mind. Just as if a
person other than Lord Siva tries to drink the deadly the deadly poison that came out of the
ocean will certainly die, similarly if due to foolishness someone tries to imitate the pastimes of the
Supreme Lord he will surely be destroyed.' `O King, the fire is all-consuming, yet it remains
unaffected and uncontami- nated by any sin or dirt, similarly a very powerful and potent
personality should not be condemned for transgressing religious laws or staring lustily at a
woman.' Therefore if anyone criticizes Lord Nityananda's activities, then he will have to suffer
for his own mistakes severe reactions life after life. Even if a very elevated soul acts in a
derogatory manner, if he is criticized, nay even ridiculed, then he is surely doomed. All these
conclusions one can learn from the Srimad-Bhagavatm, but only if it is explained by a pure
Vaishnava. Listen attentively what the Srimad Bhagavatm has to say about the person who
laughed and ridiculed a great personality
Lord Krishna and Lord Balarama were staying and studying in the house of Their guru. After
completing Their education They wanted to return home, so They inquired from the guru what
They could offer him as a daksina or donation. The guru consulted his wife and said to Them that
he and his wife would like to have their dead son brought back to life. Lord Krishna and Lord
Balarama immediately went to see Yamaraja, the lord of death. On request from Them all the
formalities were concluded and the son was brought back alive to Their guru
When Mother Devaki heard about this wonderful happening, she also wanted her dead sons back.
So one day she approached Lord Krishna and Lord Balarama and begged them saying, `O please
listen to me, Krishna, Balarama. You are the Lords of the mystics. You are both the original
Lords, eternal and absolutely pure. You are the father of this universe. I know You are the cause
of all causes. Creation, maintenance and annihilation of this universe are carried out by the
partial expansion of Your expansions. Yet in spite of these potencies, You both have appeared in
this world as my sons only to alleviate the suffering of this world
`Just as You have brought back Your guru's son from the abode of Yamaraja as a parting donation
to Your guru and his wife, similarly I also yearn to see all my six sons the mean Kamsa mercilessly
murdered. The guru's son had long been dead, and yet You brought him back to life by Your
mystical potencies. Then kindly satiate my thirst to see my sons and bring them back to life.' As
son as they heard their mother's wish, They immediately preceded to Bali Maharaja's palace.
When Bali Maharaja saw that the visitors were his most worshipable Lordships, Lord Krishna and
Lord Balarama, he felt a surge of spiritual bliss in his heart. He surrendered all he possessed, his
wealth, wife and children, and himself at their Lordship's lotus feet. The ecstasy of love of
Godhead was building up inside him. Horripilation appeared all over his body and he began to
shed tears of divine bliss. He fell at Their feet, and clutching them to his heart, he offered prayers
to Them
Bali Maharaja prayed, `All glories to Lord Ananta, who has appeared as Lord Sankarsana, and all
glory to Lord Krishna, the crest jewel of Gokula. O Lord Balarama, Haladhara, You are the best
friend and leader of all the young cowherd boys. And Lord Krishna is the most precious treasure
of His surrendered devotees. O Lord, both of You are rarely to be seen even by great purified
sages who are on the transcendental platform. Yet, my Lord, You are so magnanimous that You
have appeared before me, a demon steeped in dark ignorance. Therefore, as is described in the
Vedic literature, You have no friends or enemies, and this I am witnessing at this very moment.
The one who came to murder You by making You suck her poisoned breast got liberation to the
Vaikuntha planets after being killed by You. Hence it is difficult to understand Your heart. Even
the Vedas and the great mystic yogis have failed to do so
Your illusory potency is so unfathomable that masters of mysticism fail to grapple with it. Then
how can a sinful demon ever understand it? O Lord of the universe, my only prayer is that You do
not cast me down to the dark well of material existence. I fall at Your lotus feet. Please just let me
live under a tree and pass my days in peace. Kindly count me amongst Your servitors and give me
their association, that I may never desire for anything else.' Bali Maharaja prayed in this manner
at Lord Krishna's and Lord Balarama's lotus feet
Gangadevi or Bhagirathi springing from Lord Narayana's lotus feet purifies the abodes of Lord
Siva, Lord Brahma and so on as she flows through them. Now Bali Maharaja and his family
having washed Their Lordships lotus feet were drinking and sprinkling over their heads that
same sacred water of Ganga. Bali Maharaja then worshiped Their Lordships offering Them
incense, perfumed oils, flowers, camphor and ghee lamps, clothing and beautiful ornaments. He
then prayed to the Lords, `O Lord, kindly instruct me if You consider me Your servant. Whoever
follows Your instructions easily transcends all rules and regulations.' Bali Maharaja's words
pleased Their Lordships and now They attended to the business at hand
The Lord said, `Dear Sir Bali, please hear Our reason for coming here. My mother's six sons were
murdered by the wicked Kamsa. Later he was killed as a reaction to this grievous sin. Mother
Devaki is greatly afflicted by this calamity and whenever she remembers this she cries piteously.
You have these six boys with you, so I have come to take them to please my mother. All six of
them were Brahma's grandsons and they were perfected beings. I will relate to you how they
landed themselves in this distressful situation. Previously they were Lord Brahma's son, Marici's,
six sons
Once very surprisingly Brahma was struck by Cupid's arrow. Blinded with lust he chased his own
daughter. The six young boys began to smirk and laugh seeing this scene, and this caused them to
fall down instantly from their godly positions. Because they had ridiculed a great personality, they
had to take birth in the family of the vicious demon, Hiranyakasipu, who had avowed to live by
the sword and put everyone into subjugation. During the fight between the demigods and the
demons, Indra vanquished these six with his powerful thunderbolt weapon. They died after much
torment. Yogamaya then arranged for them one by one to be born as Mother Devaki's sons. In
this life they also suffered greatly from birth. Even while mere infants they were murdered by
their own maternal uncle, Kamsa. Mother Devaki, of course, is unaware of these hidden facts.
She considers them to be her sons. I want to return them to my mother, Devaki, hence My
presence here. When they drink Mother Devaki's breast milk, they will be instantaneously
acquitted of all their previous sins
`Take heed, O Bali Maharaja, The consequences of ridiculing a devotee of the Lord are very
severe. Even perfected yogis suffer heavily if they disrespect a Vaishnava, what to mention about
lesser humans. A Vaishnava offender has to pay a heavy price life after life. I am delving on this
subject for your benefit so you may learn from this and never insult a Vaishnava. If a person
worships Me and chants My name, but offends a Vaishnava, he has to suffer severe setbacks in his
devotional life. And as for those who love and respect My devotees, I make Myself easily available
to them.' In the scriptures it says, `There may exist some doubt about the success in attaining
perfection by serving the SUpreme Personality of Godhead, but there is no doubt whatsoever in
achieving perfection by serving the pure devotees of the Supreme Lord'(Varaha Purana). Further,
in another place it states, `Those who only worship Lord Govinda, Krishna, but do not worship
and serve the Lord's devotees, are highly insolent. They never receive the Lord's blessings.' Dear
Bali, you are dear to Me and you are My servitor, hence I have revealed these esoteric meanings
of the scriptures to you."
Bali Maharaja felt divine exhilaration from hearing the Lord's instructions. He acted on that
moment and brought the six sons and offered them as gifts to the Lord. Lord Balarama and Lord
Krishna escorted the six boys to Their mother, Devaki. Mother Devaki was overwhelmed with joy
and love seeing her six dead sons now before her. Her breast milk flowed out of affection and she
suckled the six sons. When these six boys sucked Mother Devaki's breast milk, they were in fact
taking the remnants of the Supreme Lord. This gave them instant realization of the truth. They
fell flat on the ground like sticks offering obeisances to the Supreme Lord and everyone else. The
Lord looked kindly upon them and started instructing them. He said, `Now you may return to the
heavenly abodes of the demigods, your actual residence. But remember never to ridicule or laugh
at a great spiritual personality. Lord Brahma is an expansion of the Supreme Lord, hence is to
receive equal respect as the Supreme Lord. He is not to be condemned even if found doing wrong.
You have already suffered severe consequences by deriding him, so in the future beware of such
mistakes. Now you must go and beg for- giveness from Lord Brahma, then only will you feel
cleansed and blissful.' So. my dear brahmana, I have related to you these topics from the Srimad
Bhagavatm so that you may give up your suspicions about Lord Nityananda. Lord Nityananda is
in the highest transcendence. Persons with little knowledge and piety cannot comprehend His
position. And if any person becomes attracted to Him because of the miracles He performs from
time to time, then also he will attain liberation. Lord Nityananda has advented only to liberate
the fallen conditioned souls. They will be actually liberated because of His causeless mercy
Lord Nityananda's behavior is beyond the jurisdiction of any rules and regula- tions. Who has the
capacity to understand His mind? Without properly gauging His extraordinary and
supramundane character, if anyone criticizes Him though he may be serving the Supreme Lord
still he will lose all his devotion. So you must immediately leave for Nabadwip and make everyone
there understand these esoteric facts about Lord Nityananda. If by any chance someone criticizes
Him, then no one can save him from his imminent doom. On the other hand, whosoever loves
and respects Him is true in his devotion to Me. This I confirm firmly. If Lord Nityananda marries
a Muslim girl or enters the drinking house, His lotus feet are still most worshipable, even for Lord
Brahma."
Lord Chaitanya's potent words acted effectively in the brahmana's heart. He became blissful and
his faith and love for Lord Nityananda increased tremend- ously. The brahmana came to
Nabadwip. The first thing on arrival he went to meet Lord Nityananda. The brahmana honestly
admitted his offenses to the Lord. The Lord in turn heard him patiently and then graced him
with His causeless mercy
Lord Nityananda's activities and character are the most confidential topics in the Vedas. They
are inscrutable by human norms. He is the supreme mystic who is also known as the original
Supreme Lord, Ananta, holding up the entire material creation on one of His thousand hoods.
His body is absolute and transcendental. Without Lord Chaitanya's mercy it is impossible to fully
understand Him
Different people know Lord Nityananda in different ways. Some say He is exact- ly like Lord
Balarama. Another says He if the foremost and dearest of Lord Chaitanya's devotees. Again
someone says He is supremely potent, an expansion of the omnipotent Lord. Many persons
honestly admit that they cannot fathom His character. In this manner people freely air their
opinions about the Lord. Whatever the people might say about Lord Chaitanya or Lord
Nityananda, may Their lotus feet be permanently imprinted in my heart. I pray at everyone's feet
to invoke their blessings that birth after birth I can remain the Lord's servant and He my eternal
master. This is my only desire
After hearing all this about Lord Nityananda,s boundless mercy, if anyone is so degraded and
sinful as to still criticize the lord, then I firmly kick him on his head. Lord Chaitanya is the Lord
of my Lord and master, Lord Nityananda. This fact gives me great hope and strength. Will I ever
be bless to see my Lord Nityananda and Lord Chaitanya sitting on a throne surrounded by all
Their servitor associates? All glory to Lord Chaitanya. O Lord Gauranga, kindly bless me so that I
may have Lord Nityananda's shelter
Along with this plea I further pray that even after gaining Lord Nityananda's association I may
never forget Your lotus feet
Wherever You and Lord Nityananda appear as incarnations,there I want to be eligible to be Your
eternal servitor
Lord Sri Krishna Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda Prabu are my life and soul. I, Vrndavana dasa,
humbly offer this song at Their lotus feet