Caitanya Bhagavata Madhya Khanda

Çré Caitanya-bhägavata, Madhya-khaëòa by Våndävana däsa Öhäkura

1. Çré Mahäprabhu Starts the Saìkértana Movement

All glories, all glories to Lord Viçvambhara the crest jewel amongst the brähmaëas! All glories to the beloved associates of Lord Viçvambhara!

All glories to Lord Gauracandra, the stalwart amongst all religious preachers, the safe bridge to the spiritual sky! He has fully subdued His physical and mental urges.

All glories to the Lord, He possesses incomparable beauty and is the embodiment of the congregational chanting of the Holy Name of Kåñëa!

All glories to Lord Gauracandra for He is the dearest friend and life of Nityänanda Prabhu, and the sublime object of love for Gadädhara Paëòita and Advaita Äcärya Prabhu!

He is very dear to Çré Jagadänanda Paëòita, and the tender loving hearts of Vakreçvara Paëòita and Käçéçvara. He is the Lord and master of Çréväsa and His other beloved associates. O Lord, kindly look upon the living entities with divine benevolence.

The descriptions recorded in the Madhya-khaëòa are like streams of nectar, which pours out into the ears. It melts the granite-like doubts and atheistic thoughts in the deep recesses of the heart.

Please listen attentively with unflinching faith to the narrations of the Madhya-khaëòa, describing the beginnings of the congregational chanting of the Holy Name.

The entire township of Navadvépa offered jubilant and loud welcome to the Lord who had just returned from Gayä-dhäma. Friends and relatives rushed to meet the Lord. The Lord spoke sweetly to everyone and they

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were overjoyed to see Lord Viçvambhara return. They all accompanied the Lord, many of them going in front of Him. They brought Him to His house, and He began narrating the experiences of his pilgrimage.

The Lord said, “By your blessings and good wishes, I could visit Gayä-dhäma and return without any difficulties.” The Lord spoke very humbly, pleasing everyone. They were all very impressed by His gentility.

The senior members of the society touched the Lord’s head and blessed Him with a long life. Further well wishers chanted mantras for His protection as they touched different parts of His body. Putting their heads upon His breast, others invoked the mercy of Govinda, saying, “May Govinda bestow blissful peace upon You.”

Nobody could describe the joy Çacémäöä experienced as she saw the return of her son. Upon seeing her Lord’s face, Viñëupriyä glowed with happiness and her cloud of loneliness dissipated. The joyous news spread to His in-laws house, touching them with jubilation.

The Vaiñëavas were especially happy and they ran to see the Lord. To everyone the Lord spoke very softly and humbly. Later, taking leave of them, He returned to His room. He took a handful of devotees inside to discuss the more confidential topics of His pilgrimage to Gayä.

The Lord said, “My dear friends, I want to describe to you the wonderful places that constantly reminded Me of Lord Kåñëa. As soon as I entered into Gayä, I heard the auspicious sounds of chanting, conch shells, and bells. Hundreds and hundreds of brähmaëa priests were chanting from the Vedas. They glorified Lord Kåñëa and the place of pilgrimage where He had left the impression of His lotus feet.”

They said, “Welcome to the holy spot where the Lord washed His lotus feet. In previous ages, when Lord Kåñëa visited Gayä, He washed His transcendental lotus feet at this place. Mother Gaìgä has become glorious and holy by the touch of the waters from the lotus feet of the Lord. Lord Çiva holds that water upon his head with the full realization that this is the water from the lotus feet of Lord Kåñëa. Therefore, this

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place of pilgrimage has become one of the holiest and is known as Pädodaka-tértha—the pilgrimage place where the Lord left the waters of His lotus feet.”

As soon as the Lord repeated the name of Gayä-dhäma and Pädapadma-tértha, His remembrance of the lotus feet of Lord Viñëu intensified and incessant streams of tears poured down from his eyes. He became extremely restless. Unable to control His spiritual emotions, He began crying out the name of Lord Kåñëa. So profuse were the tears of kåñëa-prema, love of Godhead, that they could have watered an entire flower garden.

He sighed deeply, repeating Kåñëa’s name. His whole body was covered with horripilation. He could not control Himself anymore and shivered like an autumnal leaf. Çrémän Paëòita and other devotees present could not remain unaffected; they were astounded at seeing this wonderful manifestation of love of Kåñëa. Tears swelled up in the eyes of the Lord and flowed freely as if Mother Gaìgä had found another source.

“What is this sight?” they all thought in their minds. “We have never seen the Lord acting like this; this must be the great mercy of Lord Kåñëa that He has allowed us to see such spiritual emotions.” After a while, the Lord became still and external consciousness returned to Him. He began to speak again, “My dear friends! Please return to your homes today, but I want to see all of you tomorrow again and discuss very confidentially in a solitary place. I want to disclose the deep sadness in my heart. Çrémän, you come early to Çuklämbara Brahmacäri’s house with Muräri and Çadäçiva.”

Everybody returned to their houses and the Lord became engrossed in His own world. The spirit of kåñëa-prema had manifested in the body of the Lord and He had now lost all taste for anything mundane. Çacémäöä could not understand the new transformation that had overcome her son, but she was happy just to have Him near. She saw her son crying out Kåñëa’s name and the tears of kåñëa-prema, which flowed profusely from His eyes. The Lord cried out, “Where is my beloved Kåñëa, where is

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my beloved Kåñëa?” This deepened His mood of separation in love of Kåñëa.

All such activities of the Lord were incomprehensible to Çacémäöä, so in great awe with folded hands she prayed for the shelter of Lord Govinda. The time was now dawning when Lord Caitanya was to reveal His real identity and the entire universe swayed with waves of joy. News quickly spread to all the Vaiñëava devotees that Lord Caitanya was constantly shedding tears of kåñëa-prema and they all swiftly gathered at His house to see Him. The Lord acted very humbly towards them and spoke with everyone.

He requested the Vaiñëavas, “Please come and meet Me in Çuklämbara’s house tomorrow, I want to open My grief laden heart to all of you.”

Çrémän Paëòita was extremely happy when he saw this wonderful transformation in the Lord—His extraordinary kåñëa-prema. Early the next morning, Çrémän went as usual to pick flowers at Çréväsa’s house, where was there was a jasmine tree, which was like a kalpa-våkña, desire tree. Many, many flowers were picked from this tree; however, the tree would be never be devoid of flowers. It had an inexhaustible bloom of fresh flowers. Usually, all the devotees met there during morning to pick flowers and exchange words about Kåñëa and His wonderful pastimes. In this way, Gadädhara, Gopénätha, Rämäi and Çréväsa would daily enjoy each other’s company in the morning.

As Çrémän Paëòita arrived, he was laughing with joy. Everyone greeted him saying, “Why are you so happy today?” Çrémän, happily smiling, said, “Certainly, there is be a reason.” The other flower picking devotees responded, “Then, why do you not say it?”

Çrémän Paëòita began, “Very well, you must hear the reason. Something most wonderful and most impossible has happened! Nimäi Paëòita has become a great Vaiñëava devotee. I heard that He had returned from Gayä, so I went in the evening to meet Him. He spoke with everyone with a humble and very detached air, not showing the slightest sign of arrogance or insolence.

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“Then, He took the Vaiñëavas aside and began describing His pilgrimage and feeling for Lord Kåñëa. As soon as He mentioned the lotus feet of Lord Kåñëa and Pädapadma-tértha, His eyes flooded over with tears of kåñëa-prema. His whole body was overwhelmed with ecstatic symptoms, shivering and horripilation. As He cried out Lord Kåñëa’s name, he fell to the ground unconscious. When He regained consciousness, He repeatedly called out Kåñëa’s name and again began crying in separation from the Lord—a river of tears like Gaìgä devé flowed from his eyes!

“After seeing such sublime love of Kåñëa, I am convinced that He is not an ordinary personality. After He became stilled and self-controlled, He told us that we should all come to meet Him in Çuklämbara Brahmacäri’s house today. I should bring Çadäçiva and Muräri along with me and He would reveal the torment within His heart to us. Thus, I have told you the reason for my joy and this most auspicious news.” Çrémän’s words gave great pleasure to all the devotees, and they loudly repeated Lord Hari’s name. Çréväsa Öhäkura commented, “May Lord Kåñëa increase our congregation.”

The assembled devotees appreciated the mood of Çréväsa Öhäkura and happily, they discussed topics of Kåñëa consciousness. The joyous sounds that surrounded them were pleasing to the heart. The devotees blessed everyone saying, “May everyone be blessed by worshiping the lotus feet of Lord Kåñëa.” Çrémän Paëòita then left this Vaiñëava assembly and proceeded to Çuklämbara Brahmacäri’s house.

Gadädhara Paëòita, who had heard the discussions silently while everyone was picking flowers, also went towards the house of Çuklämbara Brahmacäré while the others went to perform their daily worship of the Lord. Gadädhara Paëòita thought, “Let me go and hear what He says about Kåñëa.” Thus, he reached Çuklämbara’s house, entered, and hid himself inside. Çadäçiva, Muräri, Çrémän, Çuklämbara and other such highly advanced loving devotees had already assembled there.

Just then, Lord Viçvambhara, the crest jewel of the brähmaëas, appeared in the assembly. They greeted each other happily, but the Lord was all

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the time engrossed within Himself. As soon as He was in the assembly of Vaiñëava devotees, He began reciting different çlokas, which glorified the nature of bhakti, devotional service.

He said, “I had found my beloved Lord, but then He disappeared. In which direction did He go?” Saying these words, He fell down completely paralysed. The Lord embraced the pillars of the house and began crying out, “Where is Kåñëa?” and then again fell down. The devotees became affected by the Lord’s intense mood of separation from His beloved Lord Kåñëa. He constantly repeated, “O Kåñëa, where is My Kåñëa?” The atmosphere intoxicated the devotees, it made them sway and stagger about the room.

Inside the room unseen by anyone, Gadädhara Paëòita fell down unconscious. The devotees lost all sense of direction and identity—nobody knew where or who he was. They became overwhelmed with love of Kåñëa and all external consciousness disappeared from them. The whole spiritual scene amazed, Jähnavé devé, Mother Gaìgä. After a while, consciousness returned to the Lord and He again repeated Lord Kåñëa’s name and began crying bitterly.

It was a wonderful scene—everyone had lost themselves in an ocean of ecstatic bliss of love of Kåñëa. The Lord fell repeatedly and continuously lamented, “O my beloved Lord Kåñëa, where did You go?” In this ecstatic mood, the Lord fell many times to the ground unconscious, but no bruises or pain were visible on His transcendental body. Loud jubilant cries and weeping in love of Kåñëa reverberated through the entire house and Çuklämbara’s house became surcharged with the ecstasy of kåñëa-prema.

After some time, the Lord calmed Himself and sat down, but tears of ecstatic love flowed unrestrainedly from His eyes. He asked, “Who is inside the house?” Çuklämbara Brahmacäré replied, “Your beloved Gadädhara Paëòita.” Gadädhara Paëòita entered with his head down and his unchecked tears flowed profusely in torrents. This pleased the Lord beyond words. The Lord said, “Dear Gadädhara! You are most fortunate and pious because from your childhood, you have developed

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unflinching love for Kåñëa, but My life, so far, has been wasted in the useless pursuit of material knowledge. Then, finally, when I found the most precious object of love, He disappeared as a result of my previous impious and profane activities.”

Saying this, the Lord Viçvambhara again fell unconscious to the ground and the dust covered His entire body. Later, His external consciousness returned and then again, He fell unconscious, totally lost in ecstatic separation from His beloved Lord Kåñëa. It was certainly the invention of providence that the Lord was not hurt. It became impossible for the Lord to open His eyes because they were brimming with tears of love of Kåñëa. The only words He repeated were Kåñëa’s names.

He embraced everyone and, crying bitterly, asked, “Where is My beloved Kåñëa?”

“My dear brothers, please tell Me quickly.” The devotees were greatly moved to see His intense pain of separation from Kåñëa. They remained dumbfounded and lost for words.

The Lord said, “Please release Me from this grief, I only need the son of Nanda Mahäräja, the Lord of the gopés. I need Lord Kåñëa.”

Saying this He again fell down, His hair loose and mingling in the dust. The day passed unnoticed by anyone, and finally the Lord bade farewell to all the devotees.

After the Lord had departed, the devotees spoke openly, expressing their surprise. Each one had marvelled at the Lord, their external senses and body had become numb. The entire Vaiñëava community was overjoyed at the new turn of events.

The word spread quickly, and with great joy, all the devotees received it and spontaneously responded by chanting the Holy Name of Kåñëa. They could not restrain their amazement and made comments like, “He will reveal Kåñëa to everyone.” Someone else said, “When Nimäi Paëòita feels a little better, then He can easily break the heads of the atheists.”

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Another commented, “I have no doubt that He will reveal to the world the most confidential pastimes of Lord Kåñëa.” Another commented, “Perhaps, because of His association with a pure devotee like Éçvara Puré, He saw the Supreme Lord, Çré Kåñëa.” Endlessly, they tried to find a possible reason for the Lord’s transformation.

Yet, the devotees were very happy about Nimäi Paëòita’s condition and they all blessed Him saying, “May He be blessed with the mercy of Lord Kåñëa. The devotees were truly very happy; they danced, sang, and cried tears of love with new life.

While the devotees were happily engaged in dancing and singing, the Lord became increasingly immersed in His mood of ecstatic separation. He went to the house of Gaìgädäsa Paëòita and offered His respects to the feet of His teacher who got up and affectionately embraced his student.

Gaìgädäsa Paëòita said, “What a glorious life! You have liberated both the families of Your mother and father. All Your students have been awaiting You anxiously; they have not opened their books since You left. Even if Lord Balaräma had come in person and told them to read, they would have refused. You have returned to brighten everyone’s days, but go home now and tomorrow return to begin Your teaching. The Lord again offered His obeisances to His teacher before He left, and all the students surrounded the Lord like many stars surrounding the moon.

He went to the house of Mukunda Saïjaya and sat at His usual teaching place in the courtyard of the Durgä temple. The whole household of Mukunda Saïjaya was overwhelmed with joy. The Lord embraced Puruñottama Saïjaya and drenched him with tears of love. The ladies, elevated with joy, made auspicious sounds and the whole house was reverberating with jubilant sounds. The Lord glanced mercifully at everyone and returned to His house.

He arrived home, sat at the doorstep of His Viñëu temple, and affectionately dismissed his students. Now, whoever came and spoke with the Lord went away bewildered, unable to comprehend the change

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in the Lord’s mood. No trace of the previous arrogance and audacious display of learning remained in the Lord’s character. Everyone saw that He was completely detached and engrossed in deep meditation.

Çacémäöä was completely at a loss. She could not understand her son anymore. She prayed constantly to Mother Gaìgä and Lord Viñëu for her son’s well being. She prayed, “O my Lord Kåñëacandra, You have taken my husband. You have also taken my son. There is only Nimäi who remains with me. O Kåñëa, I am helpless and alone, just grant me this one favour: Let my child Viçvambhara remain in the house, healthy and whole.”

Çacémäöä would bring Viñëupriyä and make her sit in front of the Lord, and the Lord would stare without noticing her. The Lord continuously recited çlokas and kept lamenting and repeating, “Where is Kåñëa? Where is Kåñëa?” At times, when the Lord roared in ecstatic bliss, Viñëupriyä ran away in fear, while Çacémäöä stood helpless and anxious. The ecstasy of love for Kåñëa kept the Lord from sleep, and His unbearable separation from Kåñëa made Him sit up the whole night through. Yet, as soon as He saw a materialistic person, He immediately went inside Himself and did not exhibit any of the ecstatic symptoms.

Early every morning, the Lord went for His bath in the Gaìgä, and upon His return, He found the students awaiting Him. The Lord uttered only Kåñëa’s name and nothing else; the students could not understand their teacher’s mood. On the students’ request, the Lord sat down to teach. The students sat down and opened their books, taking the Lord’s name, ‘Hari’, as they were accustomed. The son of Çacémäöä, Nimäi Paëòita was greatly overjoyed at hearing His beloved Lord’s name. He again became absorbed, forgetting His external senses, and looked upon everyone with His merciful glance. Wholly absorbed in Kåñëa, the Lord began explaining to His students. He told His students that the essential lesson of everything was Lord Kåñëa, all aphorisms, commentaries, and dissertations, were actually describing the glories of the Holy Name.

The Lord said, “The only eternal truth is the Holy Name of Kåñëa, Kåñëa is the only worshipable Lord in all the scriptures. Kåñëa is the Supreme

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Controller, Maintainer, and the Lord of the entire creation. Lord Çiva, Lord Brahmä and every other deity are His servants. Whosoever tries to explain anything without describing the lotus feet of Lord Kåñëa is in illusion; his words are untrue and his birth is useless. The entire Vedänta, the ägamas, and all other philosophical treatises point out that devotion to the lotus feet of Kåñëa is the ultimate and only goal.

“All the mundane scholars are mesmerized by the illusory potency of the Lord, totally lost because they cannot find shelter at the lotus feet of Kåñëa. Lord Kåñëa is an ocean of mercy. He is the life and soul of every living entity. He is the most dear to His surrendered souls and is the dear son of Mother Yaçodä. A person may be well versed in all scriptures, but if he has no attraction and attachment for the Holy Name of Lord Kåñëa, then he follows the path of destruction and hell. On the other hand, if a wretched and abominable person chants Lord Kåñëa’s name, then even if he is most sinful, he reaches the supreme abode of Lord Kåñëa after leaving this material world. This is the verdict of all the scriptures and if anyone doubts this then he is the worst sufferer. If anyone tries to explain the scriptures without having taken shelter of the lotus feet of Lord Kåñëa, then such a degraded person can never know the true purport of the scriptures. He pretends to be a teacher of the scriptures, yet knows not the essence and message of the scriptures. He is like a washerman’s donkey carrying the load of all the scriptures. Such a soul is truly unfortunate because, in spite of his education, he has forfeited the joy of Kåñëa consciousness.

“People in general are so foolish; instead of meditating upon the Supreme Lord, Çré Kåñëa, they meditate on other personalities, not knowing that the one Supreme Lord Kåñëa mercifully offered liberation even to the demoness Pütanä, who had come to kill Him. What greater pleasure can they receive, other than that obtained by glorifying Lord Kåñëa—did He not redeem even the most sinful demon, Aghäsura? Just the Holy Name of Supreme Lord, Kåñëa, alone can purify the entire universe. Even the highest living being of the universe, Lord Brahmä, experiences misery in his life, yet he becomes overwhelmed with joy when he participates in the great saìkértana celebrations surrounding

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Lord Kåñëa. Nevertheless, these unfortunate fallen souls disregard this sublime nectar to sing, dance, and revel in inauspicious mundane festivities.

“Intoxicated by wealth, high birth, education and the like, they do not know the wonders of the Holy Name of Kåñëa, which liberated Ajämila just by being chanted once. My dear students and brothers, please hear me carefully for everything I say is very true, you should just worship the lotus feet of Lord Çré Kåñëa, the most precious treasure. Lakñmé Devé always desires to serve these lotus feet. Lord Çiva has become a pure devotee just by taking shelter of them. These Supreme lotus feet are the ultimate source of Mother Gaìgä. So all of you, My dear brothers, please simply take shelter of the Lord’s lotus feet. Now I send out a challenge: Refute the explanations that I have just rendered!”

Çré Viçvambhara is the Supreme Absolute Truth, the embodiment of transcendental sound vibration, so whatever He speaks is the Absolute Truth. The mesmerized students listened to the Lord’s words with undivided attention while the Lord spoke on as if in a trance, revealing the Absolute Truth. The Lord explained everything in the light of Kåñëa consciousness and established a clear connection of every word with the Supreme Lord, Kåñëa. This was an astonishing feat even for the Supreme Lord Himself. Lord Viçvambhara soon became aware of His external words and coming out of His trance, He became shy, wondering if His students would think of Him as being mad or unbalanced. So to cover up, He said a few words. He asked the students, “How were My commentaries today?”

The students replied, “We could not understand anything. You have described Kåñëa as a purport to every word, who is there who can understand Your explanations?” Lord Viçvambhara laughed and said, “Listen my dear brothers, pack your books and let’s go to the Gaìgä for a bath.” The students put their books away and accompanied Lord Viçvambhara down to the Gaìgä. They were all happy to be in the water playing and joking. Lord Viçvambhara, surrounded by all His students, looked like the glowing full moon rising out of the ocean. All those who saw the Lord frolicking in the waters were extremely pious and

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fortunate. Even Lord Brahmä aspires to see the Lord like this, playing in the water. Everyone who had come to bathe kept looking longingly at the beautiful face of Lord Gauracandra. They said to each other, “How beautiful He is. His father and mother are really blessed.”

Mother Gaìgä could not contain the joy she experienced by the Lord’s presence in her waters. Her waters swirled, sending out dancing waves of ecstasy. She was dancing with joy—she wanted to serve those lotus feet that are even desired by Ananta Çeña and all the demigods. Therefore, her many thousands of waves washed the Lord’s lotus feet. Only the Vedas know the truth about all such transcendental activities of the Lord and His devotees. In the future, someone will come and reveal these wonderful pastimes of the Lord.

Finishing His bath, the Lord returned home and the students went back to their respective homes. He changed His clothes, washed His feet, and then offered water to the tulasé plant. He performed His daily worship of Lord Govinda and came to take His meal. Çacémäöä brought His plate with tulasé maïjarés, rice and other preparations. The Lord offered the foodstuffs to Viçveçvara and then the Lord of the entire universe began taking His meal. Çacémäöä, the Mother of the Universe, sat in front of the Lord as He ate and the chaste Viñëupriyä remained in the next room unseen, looking at Her Lord.

Çacémäöä asked, “My son, what book have You been reading today? And with whom did You have a debate?” The Lord replied, “Today, we read about the Holy Name of Kåñëa and the glories of His lotus feet, the abode of all excellencies. His name and transcendental qualities are eternal—chanting and hearing the Lord’s names are also eternal. His surrendered servants and devotees are also eternal. That scripture is true and eternal, which explains the process of devotional service to the Supreme Lord, Kåñëa. Otherwise, such a book cannot be called a scripture—it is an atheistic and shallow book. The Vedic scriptures say, ‘That scripture which fails to establish the process of devotional service is to be rejected. Even if Lord Brahmä himself was to come and speak from it, one should never such a recitation.’

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“If the lowest of men in human society, the dog-eater, utters Kåñëa’s Holy Name, then, he is not the lowest of mankind. And, if a Brahmin born in a high family does not follow the principles of scripture and religion, then, he is not a Brahmin.” Lord Viçvambhara spoke to His mother just like Lord Kapila had spoken to His mother, Devahüti.

“Dear mother, try to understand the wonderful influence of the process of devotional service to Lord Kåñëa. Try to develop in every respect, attachment to the Supreme Lord. The devotees of Lord Kåñëa can never be destroyed. Fearful death himself is afraid of a servant of the Lord. The Lord’s devotees never experience the excruciating pains of life in the mother’s womb, birth, and subsequent death. All such sufferings are unknown to the devotee.

“Whoever refuses to worship the lotus feet of Kåñëa, who is the father of every living entity, is a great sinner, an enemy of his own father, and becomes a resident of hell, birth after birth. My dear mother, please listen attentively how frightfully a living entity suffers if he is not willing to serve the lotus feet of the Lord.

“Again and again, he is made to enter into the wombs of his mothers as a sinful creation. He is subjected to unbearable suffering in each womb. Everything the mother eats pains him. Whether it is spicy, salty or sour, he suffers, unable to do anything. He cannot protect himself against the many worms and bacteria that nibble his soft unprotected flesh. Unable to move, he must suffer all conditions inside the hot and sticky womb. If his fate allows, he lives through this nightmare. There are those who are extremely sinful and are condemned to die within the womb, repeatedly.

“After remaining seven months within the womb, the living entity begins to gradually understand his position. He remembers his previous promises and births, and begins to repent for his mistakes. He sighs and prays heedfully to Lord Kåñëa, ‘Oh Lord Kåñëa! Please save me! You are the life and soul of all the living entities.

“ ‘You are the only fit shelter for the living entities in distress. Due to my forgetfulness of You, Kåñëa, I have been captured by Your external

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energy. O Lord, You who are the Lord of all the energies, please relieve me by an easy death. I have wasted my life chasing after illusory and temporary happiness such as family, children, and wealth and neglected your priceless eternal lotus feet.

“ ‘The son whom I raised so lovingly with a life of sin, where is he now? Where is everything? What have all my activities brought me? Who will save me from this untold suffering? My Lord, You are my only friend in this distress. Now I realise that Your lotus feet are my only eternal shelter, O Lord Kåñëa! Please save me. I take the shelter of Your lotus feet. O foolish me, I have left such a merciful Lord as Yourself, who is like a touchstone supplying all desires, and have become mad after illusion in forgetfulness of You.

“ ‘For such a crime my present suffering condition is a proper punishment, but now, Oh Lord, please be merciful upon me. Grant me just this one favour, that I may never forget You and neglect Your lotus feet. Wherever I am, whether living or dying, may I always remember You. I do not want to remain in that place where there are no assemblies of Your devotees. I do not even want to enter Indraloka if they do not celebrate Your festivals.

“ ‘The Çrémad Bhägavatam states: “An intelligent person does not take interest in any place, even if it be the topmost planetary system, if the pure River Ganges of topics concerning the Supreme Lord’s activities does not flow there, or if there are no devotees engaged in service upon the banks of such a river of piety, or if there are no festivals and, especially in this age, if there is no saìkértana-yajïa to satisfy the Lord. Better, O Lord, to live cramped up perpetually in an airtight mother’s womb suffering constantly, if I can remember Your lotus feet. I never want to live in any place where I must forget Your lotus feet. O Lord, please be merciful and never put me in a place like that.

“ ‘So many millions of births, I have suffered in this abominable position, O Lord. These births were all due to my own sinful activity. Let me always remain in this precarious and suffering position if You will mercifully appear on the mirror of my memory, because You are the

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essence of all Vedic scriptures. O Lord, please offer me Your servitude and keep me eternally at Your lotus feet, just like a sold-out slave. If this time, You relieve me from this painful condition, then I want nothing other than Your lotus feet.’

“In this way the living entity suffers unbearable pain within the womb, yet he still loves this painful condition because he can still remember Lord Kåñëa. Praying to the Lord in this manner the devotee does not feel the pain anymore, and soon he comes out of the womb unwillingly.

“O mother, please listen carefully to the position of the conditioned living entity. As soon as he enters this world, he loses all his knowledge. Sometimes, he is sleeping as though unconscious, sometimes crying and breathing deeply. Unable to express himself, he is drowned in an ocean of suffering.

“The living entities are eternal servants of Lord Kåñëa. If they turn away from the Lord then they suffer the punishment meted out by the illusory potency of the Lord. After some years, knowledge and intelligence blossom within him, and then if he worships Lord Kåñëa he is truly fortunate and pious. However, if, by the influence of bad association, he does not worship the lotus feet of Lord Kåñëa, then he falls down into the dark well of sin and suffering.

“The Çrémad Bhägavatam says, ‘If therefore, the living entity again associates with the path of unrighteousness, influenced by sensually-minded people engaged in the pursuit of sexual enjoyment and the gratification of the palate, he again goes to hell as before.’

“It is also said in the scriptures, ‘How can a person who does not worship the lotus feet of Lord Kåñëa have an undisturbed life and an peaceful death?’

“To live an tranquil life and die peacefully one must worship and remember Lord Kåñëa. Therefore, O mother, please associate with devotees and worship Lord Kåñëa. Within your mind always think of Lord Kåñëa and with your mouth always chant ‘Hari!’ Non-devotional activities are devoid of any good fruit and bring only calamity and

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suffering.” In this way, assuming the mood of Lord Kapila, Lord Caitanya taught His mother and upon hearing these words, Çacédevé became very joyful.

Whether He was eating, sleeping, or awake, Lord Caitanya did not speak of anything but Lord Kåñëa. When the devotees heard the descriptions of these activities of the Lord, they discussed them amongst themselves, and contemplated them in their hearts. “Has Lord Kåñëa manifested in His body? Perhaps this is by the association of devotees, or perhaps by some previous process of purification?” Contemplating within their hearts in this way, the devotees experienced great happiness. By His manifestation in this world, Lord Viçvambhara vanquished the suffering of His devotees and destroyed the materialistic atheists and offenders.

Now fully assuming the role of a Vaiñëava, Mahäprabhu Viçvambhara always saw Lord Kåñëa present everywhere in the world. Without cessation, during both day and night, with His ears He heard only the name of Lord Kåñëa and with His mouth spoke only ‘Kåñëacandra’. The Lord who was once absorbed in the taste of scholarship could not now relish anything other than Kåñëa.

Early ever morning, all His students would assemble for their studies. However, when He, who is the master of the three worlds, sat and began to lecture nothing but Kåñëa would appear upon His tongue.

The students asked, “What is the correct and perfect understanding of the alphabet?” The Lord replied, “Lord Näräyaëa is situated in all the letters of the alphabet.”

The students asked, “How were the letters of the alphabet perfected?” The Lord replied, “The merciful glance of Lord Kåñëa created the alphabet.” The students responded, “O Paëòita, please give the correct understanding.” The Lord said, “At every moment, one should remember Lord Kåñëa. I am describing the worship of Lord Kåñëa, which is the purpose of all the scriptures. In their beginning, middle, and end, the scriptures only teach the worship of Lord Kåñëa.”

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Upon hearing the Lord’s explanation, the students began to laugh. One murmured, “The cause of this strange explanation is an imbalance of the life-airs. The students again asked, “From where did you get this idea?” The Lord replied, “This is the ultimate conclusion of scripture.”

The Lord said, “If you cannot now understand, then contemplate the matter and this afternoon I will explain in more detail. Each student should go to a secluded place and study his books. In the afternoon we will meet again.” Upon hearing the Lord’s words, the surprised students tied up their books and left.

All the students then went to Gaìgädäsa and related the words and explanations of the Lord. They said, “Nimäi Paëòita now declares that all words of the scriptures refer to Lord Kåñëa alone. After returning home from Gayä, he talks only of Kåñëa and gives nothing else as an explanation. He continually chants the name of Lord Kåñëa, feeling great ecstasy. Sometimes He laughs aloud, sometimes roars aloud, and sometimes His whole body breaks out into horripilation. In this way, different symptoms manifest within Him. When He sits down to teach, He connects the root of every single word to Kåñëa. All His purports and commentaries describe Kåñëa. This new transformation in Him seems to be so alien to us. Please, O Master, please tell us what should we do?”

Gaìgädäsa Paëòita, the jewel-like teacher of Navadvépa, smiled and after listening to the complaints of the students, told them, “Go home now and return this afternoon, I will instruct Nimäi. I will see that He tutors all of you properly from now on. You may also come with Nimäi; be here with your books this afternoon.

Later, that afternoon, the Lord visited Gaìgädäsa Paëòita and touched His master’s feet with respect. In turn, Gaìgädäsa Paëòita blessed Him saying, “May You become highly learned.” He then continued, “My dear Viçvambhara, I must tell You something. You know that it is no small matter for a Brahmin to be able to teach. It is a question of good fortune.

“Your grandfather is none other that Çré Nilämbara Cakravarté, and Your father is Çré Jagannätha Miçra; both are great scholars. Neither of

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Your parent’s families is illiterate, and You, Yourself, are a very able scholar with an exceptional faculty to give commentary. Would You say that one achieves the path of devotion to the Lord by giving up his education and learning? In that case, are not Your parents devotees of the Lord? You should learn and study properly, for only through proper education and learning can one become a Vaiñëava Brahmin.

“How can an illiterate Brahmin develop the faculty for discriminating between good and bad, proper and improper? Knowing this You should chant Kåñëa’s name and continue Your education. Go, teach the scriptures in the proper way with the proper explanations, and do not try to misconstrue the meanings. It brings me tremendous anxiety.”

The Lord replied, “By your grace and the mercy of your lotus feet, there is no one in Navadvépa who can defeat Me in any argument. Who can refute My arguments, and then establish a new and original concept? I will go into the centre of town and teach publicly. I would like to see who has the courage to find the faults and mistakes in My commentaries.”

The teacher, Gaìgädäsa Paëòita, was very pleased when Viçvambhara offered His obeisances to His master and left. Gaìgädäsa Paëòita is such a fortunate and an elevated personality that the disciple offering obeisances to his feet is none other than the Lord of Sarasvaté Devé, the Goddess of Learning. For what more can Gaìgädäsa Paëòita aspire? His disciple is the most worshipable Lord of the entire universe.

Lord Viçvambhara walked down the street surrounded by His students like the shining full moon surrounded by so many stars against a velvet dark firmament.

Lord Viçvambhara, whose lotus feet are eternally worshiped by Lakñmé Devé within her heart, sat upon the bank of the River Gaìgä. There, He began His explanations and commentaries, establishing, refuting, and then re-establishing different points.

The Lord said, “In Kali-yuga, the so-called scholar has no idea of conjugation, but receives the title of ‘Bhaööäcärya’. One who has no

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knowledge of philosophy, he has the audacity to debate, but none of these scholars can ever challenge Me. Whatever I establish and whatever I refute, let Me see if there is anyone who can dispute that!” Like this, the Lord of the Universe, Viçvambhara, boldly challenged everyone. Who is there that can take up that challenge?

The scholars who came to pay their respects to Mother Gaìgä heard Lord Viçvambhara’s bold words in fearful silence, their scholarly pride broken to pieces. Was there anyone in Navadvépa who could challenge Viçvambhara in debate? The Lord continued to speak for four hours as if in a trance, explaining and giving commentaries. It was late in the evening, yet the Lord did not stop.

Then the Lord visited another gentleman’s house. A very pious brähmaëa whose name was Ratnagarbha Äcärya, who was a close acquaintance of Lord Viçvambhara’s father—both had been born in the same village. He had three sons who were elevated devotees of the Lord, full of the spiritual mellows. They were like the bees, which gather nectarine pollen from the lotus feet of Lord Kåñëa. Their names were Kåñëänanda, Jéva and Yadunätha Kavicandra. Ratnagarbha Äcärya was a great devotee of the Lord and was very fond of the Çrémad Bhägavatam. He was at that time reading from the Bhägavatam with great respect and affection.

He read, “The wives of the yajïa brähmaëas saw a beautiful young boy. His complexion was darkish. He wore a golden yellow cloth. He was nicely decorated with flower garlands around His neck—a peacock feather slanted sideways out of His crown where precious stones and metals glistened brightly like stars. He was with His friends and with His left hand, He stood leaning against the shoulders of a dear friend. With his right hand, He twirled a beautiful lotus flower. His ears were decorated with earrings in the shape of lotus flowers. His cheeks carried decorative designs of sandalwood paste, and His sweet smile played on His lotus-like mouth.” Spoken with great devotion, these words of the Çrémad Bhägavatam entered the ears of Lord Viçvambhara. As soon as He heard these words, the devotion of the speaker affected the Lord and He fell down unconscious overcome with loving spiritual ecstasy.

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All the students were amazed at the sight. After remaining in a trance for a while, the Lord regained His external consciousness. When He was able to speak, the Lord said to Ratnagarbha Äcärya, “Go on, Go on.” He rolled on the ground in ecstasy. The Lord continued to urge him on, saying, “Go on! Go on!” The brähmaëa continued to read, and everyone floated on the nectarine ocean of love of Kåñëa. Unrestrained tears from the Lord’s eyes flooded the entire world. All the ecstatic symptoms like shivering, horripilation and crying manifested in the Lord’s person.

The brähmaëa was extremely happy and he continued to read the çlokas with great inspiration. The Lord was very satisfied with the brähmaëa’s devotion, and He embraced him warmly. Upon being touched, Ratnagarbha Äcärya experienced immense bliss. He fell down and in tears of love held the Lord’s lotus feet. From that moment on, he became entrapped by love of Lord Caitanya.

He continuously read the çlokas from Çrémad Bhägavatam, and the Lord responded roaring loudly, “Go on! Go on!” The people were completely amazed at this sight and they realized that something extraordinary was taking place. Then, Gadädhara Paëòita intervened and told the Äcärya, “Do not read any further.” Ratnagarbha stopped reading and they all sat down surrounding the Lord. When external consciousness returned to the Lord, He inquired, “Tell Me what happened? Did I act very restlessly?”

The students replied, “What ability do we have to be able to explain Your activities? All we know is that You are very fortunate.” The Lord’s friends and relatives discouraged them and said, “Do not praise Him like this.” The Lord now withdrew His emotions within Himself and accompanied all the students to the bank of the Gaìgä. The Lord sprinkled some water upon His head, offered His obeisances to the Gaìgä, and sat down upon her bank.

Nimäi Paëòita, the son of Çacémäöä, sat with all the students discussing topics about Kåñëa, just as Lord Kåñëa had sat with all the young damsels of Våndävana upon the banks of the Yamunä. He spent some time with the boys and then everyone returned to their respective homes. The

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Lord returned to His home and, after His meal, lay down to rest just as Mahä Viñëu lies down for yoga-nidrä, mystic slumber. After a good night’s sleep, the students returned early in the morning with their books to see the Lord.

The Lord went for His daily ablutions to the Gaìgä. Upon returning, He sat down with His students, and began explaining and commenting on the different aspects of grammar. However, all of His explanations and commentaries revolved around one subject only: Kåñëa, and the process of devotional service to the Lord.

The students inquired, “What is the definition of ‘dhätu’, verbal roots?”

The Lord replied, “They are the energy of Lord Kåñëa. My dear students, I will now explain the aphorisms on verbal roots. Let me see who can refute my explanations!

“There have been many kings with beautiful bodies, decorated with golden ornaments, flower garlands, and sandalwood paste. People say that they are representatives of Lakñmé, the Goddess of Fortune, and their words are the words of Yamaräja, the presiding demigod of religious principles. Let me explain to you what happens when ‘dhätu’, life, leaves their body.

“Where go the physical beauty, decorations, and power of these kings? Some of their kingly bodies are turned into ashes and others are buried beneath the earth. Lord Kåñëa is present within everybody in the form of His energy, ‘dhätu’. Living entities are attracted to and love this life energy. In this way, they offer their devotion to Him. All other so-called scholars and teachers are very confused. They do not understand the real meaning of ‘dhätu’, verbal roots. So all of you now listen attentively.

“The kingly person, who was for so long worshiped and respected, becomes contaminated as soon as life leaves him; and if his body is touched, one must take a bath. The son who spent happy hours upon the lap of his father must touch fire to the dead father’s mouth and burn his body to ashes. Therefore, the definition of ‘dhätu’, essential substance, is the energy of Lord Kåñëa that is loved by everyone.

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“Now I want to see if there is anyone capable of refuting this explanation. The essential energy of Kåñëa is pure, transcendental and worshipable; thus, one should develop unflinching faith and devotion to Lord Kåñëa. Just chant Kåñëa’s names, worship His lotus feet and hear only the names of Lord Kåñëa.

“Spend all of Your time meditating upon the lotus feet of the Lord. Just take shelter of the lotus feet of the son of Nanda Mahäräja, for if one simply worships the lotus feet with a little water, grass or leaf, then the Lord of Death can never approach. Just worship He who has by killing Aghäsura, Bakäsura, and Pütanä given them liberation. Ajämila at the point of death cried out his son’s name Näräyaëa. Even after a sinful life, by worshiping the Lord’s lotus feet and remembering the Lord, he gave up attachment for his son and went to the spiritual sky, the Vaikuëöha planets.

“Simply take shelter of the supreme lotus feet of Lord Çré Kåñëa. Lord Çiva and Lakñmé Devé are always desirous of worshiping those lotus feet. In humility, Lord Ananta Çeña eternally glorifies the wonderful mercy of the lotus feet of Lord Kåñëa. As long as there is life within the body, and strength in the limbs and mind, take shelter of devotional service to the lotus feet of Lord Kåñëa. Kåñëa is your mother, Kåñëa is your father, and Kåñëa is your very life and soul. Simply embrace His lotus feet and offer your mind, words, and body completely unto Him.”

Lord Viçvambhara, who is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Çré Kåñëa, explained the devotional mood of servitorship to Himself. He continued for hours, unaware that it was already past noon. With undivided attention, as if hypnotized, the students listened. No one wished to disturb or make contradictory remarks. One must understand that these students were not ordinary mortals. They were all servants of Lord Kåñëa. Otherwise, how could they be personally taught by the Supreme, Lord Kåñëa? After a while, Lord Viçvambhara came out from this trance and looked at everyone’s face feeling a little ashamed and shy, He asked, “How were My explanations upon verbal roots?”

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The students replied, “You have revealed the truth to us, Your explanations upon the word meanings are impossible to be refuted or contradicted by anyone. All of your explanations are eternal truths. The references we use for our ordinary understanding may comply with the present day grammatical concepts of the so-called scholars, but we can now understand that these are not the proper meanings.”

The Lord said, “Can any of you explain how My disorder of the life-airs is influencing My mind? Instead of explaining the nature of verb roots, I do not know who or what I am talking about!”

The students replied, “You have always described the glories of the Holy Name of Kåñëa. All of Your commentaries, definitions and purports describe Lord Kåñëa and His transcendental potencies. Who can understand such esoteric subject matters? The transformations that we see come over You as soon as You hear the transcendental subject matters of kåñëa-lélä and Kåñëa’s Holy Name are so wonderful that we cannot think of You as an ordinary personality.”

The Lord inquired, “What sort of transformations have you seen in Me?”

The students replied, “They were marvellous, different emotions played upon You creating shivering and a great flow of tears. Your entire body was covered with horripilation. We have never seen anything like this before. Yesterday, we accompanied You to the bank of the Gaìgä where You explained to us from our books. In one of the nearby houses, a brähmaëa was reciting a çloka, and suddenly You fell down unconscious as if the life air had left Your body. We were bewildered and amazed. When You came out of Your trance, unrestricted tears poured from Your eyes in streams, like the flowing of the Gaìgä. Finally, You began shivering so uncontrollably that even a thousand men could not have held You still. Horripilation covered You from head to toe, and You perspired profusely. You lay upon the ground as if a golden statue was in the dust. Everyone present marvelled at You. Some said that You were the Supreme Lord, Näräyaëa. Others suggested that You were Çréla Vyäsadeva, Çukadeva Gosvämé, Närada Muni or even Prahläda Mahäräja and that You were certainly equal to them in receiving the

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Supreme Lord’s mercy. All of us got together and tightly held You down, and gradually Your external consciousness returned. You were unaware of what we have just described. We wish to tell You something more, please listen to us attentively.

“For the last ten days, all of Your explanations upon word meanings and aphorisms have described the process of devotional service to Lord Kåñëa and the glories of the Holy Name of Kåñëa. Therefore, for the last ten days, we have not been able to follow the lessons in the books. We were a little fearful to tell You this. Your profound erudition can explain unlimited meanings for words. It is truly amazing—no one can equal that feat.”

The Lord replied, “Ten days without studies! Was it not your duty to tell Me about this sooner?”

The students replied, “Your explanations were very correct—Lord Kåñëa is certainly the Eternal Truth. This is the verdict of all the scriptures. Your explanations on the Supreme Absolute Truth is absolute education, and is the essence of all scriptures, but we were unable to understand them due to our own faults and limited intelligence.”

These words greatly pleased the Lord. He gently blessed them and said, “My dear students, you have truly spoken the truth. My words are not meant for others. I always speak in this way because I am constantly seeing a little boy with a blackish-blue glowing complexion playing the flute. All I hear is the name of Kåñëa, and everywhere I behold the spiritual world of Goloka Våndävana. Therefore, I humbly apologise to all of you, for I shall not teach anymore. I give you complete freedom to go to anyone that you wish, and study under him. To tell you the truth, I cannot speak about anything other than Lord Kåñëa, His name and His pastimes; therefore, it will not be possible for Me to teach you anymore in this condition.”

Lord Viçvambhara then tied His books together and handed them to the students with tears in His eyes. The students then spoke up, “We have also decided, following Your desire, to give up our studies. Once we have

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studied under You, how can we find another teacher with the ability to explain and teach the way You do?” The thought of separation from their teacher was too heavy a burden for the students to bear and they began to lament. They said, “Those explanations that we have heard from You, we want to treasure in our hearts, birth after birth, for our meditation. What is the use of studying further, and to whom would we go? All that we have learned from You is more than sufficient for us.”

Overcome with emotion, with folded hands, they prayed to the Lord and tied up their books. The students were now extremely happy and they jubilantly shouted Lord Hari’s name. Lord Viçvambhara embraced His students and began to weep.

Everyone was drowned in waves of joy. Their voices choked with ecstatic bliss. The son of mother Çacé, Çré Caitanya, then blessed them saying, “If I ever become a true servant of Çré Kåñëa, then may all your desires be fulfilled. All of you please take shelter of Lord Kåñëa and always chant Lord Kåñëa’s Holy Name. Try to hear Kåñëa’s name always and may Kåñëa become your most precious object, your very life and soul. Whatever you have studied so far, that is enough. There is no need to study any further. Now all of you get together and chant Lord Kåñëa’s name in one place. By Kåñëa’s mercy, may the purport of all the scriptures manifest within you. All of you are my dearmost friends, birth after birth.”

The words of the Lord were like nectar in the students’ ears and they became extremely happy. I offer my obeisances unto the feet of all such students who are so elevated and fortunate to become the direct disciples of the Supreme Lord, Çré Viçvambhara. All of them are eternal servants of the Supreme Lord Kåñëa. How could it be any other way—Kåñëa Himself personally taught them.

One is freed from material bondage just by seeing that person who has seen these wonderful scholarly pastimes of the Supreme Lord. What a miserable birth I have taken, that I was excluded from seeing such transcendental pastimes and sights of the Lord.

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Oh Lord, I pray for Your mercy—that these pastimes of You in the mood of a scholar may remain eternally within my heart. The Lord of Vaikuëöha appeared in Nadia to teach in the mood of a scholar. The signs of His appearance are still visible now.

The transcendental pastimes of the Lord are eternal and unlimited, without beginning or end. The scriptures describe His eternal pastimes as unmanifest and manifest. The Lord was now beginning His pastime of the congregational chanting of the Holy Name, which is the ultimate of all learning and education.

Fearing separation, the Lord’s students became emotional and wept. The Lord was much moved and He spoke comforting words to them, “Now you can fulfil the purpose of your studies by chanting and singing the Holy Name of Kåñëa.”

The students inquired, “Oh Lord, we do not know how to perform this saìkértana. Kindly teach us?”

The Lord began singing, “haraye namaù, kåñëa yädaväya namaù, gopäla govinda räma çré-madhusüdana.” Lord Viçvambhara then demonstrated to His students as He clapped His hands and led the students in a beautiful kértana. Çré Viçvambhara is the Lord and propagator of the kértana of the Holy Name of Kåñëa, and He now sang the Lord’s Holy Name surrounded by His students. He was in an ecstatic trance tasting the intoxicating nectar of His own name, rolling upon the ground oblivious to everything around Him. He repeated, “Sing on! Sing on!” and kept falling to the ground. The earth seemed to split open each time He crashed to the ground.

The residents of Navadvépa, hearing the great commotion coming from the Lord’s house, rushed to that spot. Also, when the neighbouring Vaiñëavas heard the loud kértana, they quickly came to Lord Caitanya’s house. The Vaiñëavas saw the Lord’s ecstatic trance, and they marvelled deep within themselves. Feeling great happiness, they thought, “At long last, kértana has made an appearance in Navadvépa. In the entire

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universe, where is there the practice and propagation of such a rare devotional service? Such devotional ecstasy is the perfection of sight.

“This very same Viçvambhara has been the epitome of arrogance, but now even Närada Muni and other great devotees can hardly achieve the devotional ecstasy that He spontaneously manifests. If such a degree of devotion is exhibited by such a once arrogant personality, we do not understand the will of Lord Kåñëa and what the future will bring.”

Sometime later, Lord Viçvambhara came out of His ecstatic trance, and simply repeated, “Kåñëa! Kåñëa! Kåñëa!” Although external consciousness had returned, the Lord spoke nothing about this mundane world. He just embraced all the Vaiñëavas and cried. Finding the Lord agitated by ecstatic emotions, the Vaiñëavas pacified the Lord. Feeling great joy, they then left the Lord’s house.

Affected by the Lord’s kåñëa-prema, many of the Lord’s students took to the path of renunciation, cultivating detachment from material existence and attachment to the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord, Çré Kåñëa.

Gloriously, Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu had initiated the congregational chanting of the Holy Name of Çré Kåñëa as the essence of perfection. Manifesting Himself, the Supreme Lord had commenced to freely and profusely distribute the nectar of His own Holy Name, thus washing away all of the sufferings of all the Vaiñëava devotees.

Lord Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Lord Nityänanda Prabhu are my life and soul. I, Våndävana däsa, humbly offer this song at Their lotus feet.

2. Mahäprabhu Starts Saìkértana at the House of Çréväsa Paëòita

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All glories to the moon-like Çré Gauracandra, whose cooling rays benedict the entire universe! Kindly offer me Your lotus feet as the eternal treasure of my heart.

All glories to Lord Gauräìga and His devotees! If one hears the transcendental pastimes of Lord Çré Caitanya, one surely attains the highest stage of love of Kåñëa.

Advaita Äcärya Prabhu heard the different comments from the Vaiñëavas about the Lord’s ecstatic trance, and he was extremely pleased. Overcome with joy, he spoke to the Vaiñëavas, “My dear devotee brothers, I had a dream last night, which I wish to reveal to all of you. I took rest feeling very sad and dejected; I was fasting because I could not understand a text of the Bhagavad-gétä. Sometime during the night, in my dream, a person came to me and said, ‘Wake up Äcärya! Take your food immediately. I will reveal to you the real meaning of the Bhagavad-gétä text. However, first, you must rise and eat, and then worship Me. Discard the melancholy in your heart, for your austerities and vows have finally reaped a full harvest. All your fasting, your worship, and your endless entreaties to the Lord crying, “Kåñëa! Kåñëa!” and the vow you made, with lifted hands, for the advent of the Lord, will all come to fruition. The chanting of Lord Kåñëa’s Holy Name will constantly reverberate in every country, in every town, and in every village. By your mercy, everyone will be able to experience, here in Navadvépa, in Çréväsa’s house, devotional ecstasy that is rarely achieved even by Lord Brahmä. Now, I will take your leave, but first you must eat. I will appear to you again in the future.’

“When I opened my eyes, I saw our Lord Viçvambhara, but within moments He vanished from my sight. I do not understand the mysterious ways of Lord Kåñëa, how He acts and to whom He reveals what secrets. Viçvambhara’s elder brother, Viçvarüpa, use to come to my house and discuss Bhagavad-gétä. At that time, Viçvambhara was a most exquisite child who was most charming to behold. He would come to my house to call His brother. The little child, Viçvambhara, captivated my entire being with His extraordinary beauty. I would spontaneously bless Him saying, ‘May You develop pure devotion to the Lord.’

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“The child hailed from an illustrious family of great scholars; His maternal grandfather was Çré Nilambara Cakravarté. Lord Viçvambhara is a great scholar, so it is natural that He would become attached to Lord Kåñëa. It is extremely pleasing to hear all the wonderful activities of Viçvambhara. All of you kindly bless Him that He may develop the purest and highest devotional mood. May the Supreme Lord, Kåñëa, be merciful upon all, benedicting everyone to become thoroughly mad with the chanting of the Lord’s Holy Name. If there is any truth to my words, then in the future everyone will come to the house of this great brähmaëa, Çré Viçvambhara.”

Advaita Äcärya Prabhu roared jubilantly and all of the devotees joined in with Him. The Supreme Personality of Godhead descended in the form of His name, and everyone chanted, “Hari! Hari!”

Someone said, “Nimäi Paëòita has now become a great devotee, so He will propagate the congregational chanting of the Holy Name of the Lord and increase our joy.” The devotees offered their obeisances to Advaita Äcärya Prabhu and left in great ecstasy, chanting the Holy Name of Lord Hari.

Whenever Viçvambhara met anyone on the street, He would always speak with great affection. When He went for His early morning bath to the Ganges, He would meet all of the Vaiñëava devotees on the way. When He saw Çréväsa Öhäkura, He would offer His obeisances.

Being very pleased with His behaviour, the devotees would bless Him saying, “May You develop unflinching devotion to the lotus feet of Lord Kåñëa. Always chant Lord Kåñëa’s name and only hear Kåñëa’s glories. Everything becomes auspicious and successful when one worships the Supreme Lord Kåñëa. Without devotional service to His lotus feet, physical beauty, learning, etc., are useless. Kåñëa is the supreme father and the life and soul of everyone. Simply try to develop undeviating love for the lotus feet of Lord Kåñëa.”

Heart-warming words such as these would fill Viçvambhara with joy. Lifting His face, He would glance at everyone, showering His mercy. He

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would said, “Your blessings carry the weight of real truth. Who, other than you devotees, can bless Me with the mercy to receive devotional attachment to the Lord’s lotus feet? Elevated devotees like yourselves are capable of granting devotional service to the Supreme Lord. Lord Kåñëa is very pleased and showers His mercy upon those who serve His devotees. I consider that it is due to My great fortune that you are teaching Me the process of devotional service to the Supreme Lord. I know that I can become attached to the lotus feet of Lord Kåñëa, if I can serve pure devotees like yourselves.”

In great humility, the Lord would fall down and catch the feet of the Vaiñëavas. He would render menial service to them by wringing the wet cloth of one, folding the dhoté of another. Sometimes, He brought the clay from the Gaìgä for one and sometimes He brought a heavy basket of flowers home for another. All the Vaiñëavas would mildly protest, saying, “O Viçvambhara, why are You doing this?” However, the Lord continued to serve the Vaiñëavas. In this way, the Lord would serve His own devotees and servants everyday, performing all varieties of errands for them. He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Kåñëa Himself, yet He gave up His own position to serve His devotees.

All the scriptures proclaim that Lord Kåñëa is everyone’s dearest friend; Lord Kåñëa never hates or dislikes anyone. He is equally disposed to all living entities. Yet, He is even willing to break this injunction for His pure and dedicated devotees. The proof of this statement is that Lord Kåñëa eliminated Duryodhana’s entire family. It is the natural tendency of a pure devotee to serve the Supreme Lord Kåñëa, and it is Kåñëa’s nature to serve His devotees. Lord Kåñëa becomes purchased by the love of His surrendered devotees, who are thus able to control Him. Satyabhämä in Dvärakä can bear witness to this statement.

The Supreme Personality, Lord Kåñëa was now living secretly in Navadvépa as Lord Gaurasundara, Çré Viçvambhara. Yet, no one could recognize the Lord and the purpose for which He had accepted this incarnation.

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Whosoever desires to take shelter of the lotus feet of Kåñëa must serve His pure devotees. Lord Gauracandra personally taught all the living entities that service to the Vaiñëavas is the highest form of worship. Lord Viçvambhara did not feel ashamed to serve His devotees. He did all sorts of menial services for them—carrying things for them, washing their cloth. The Vaiñëavas, however, respectfully held His hands and tried to dissuade Him.

The devotees were very impressed with the Lord’s humility. With all good intentions, they blessed Him saying, “Worship the lotus feet of Kåñëa, remember only Kåñëa, and always chant His Holy Name. May Çré Kåñëa be as dear to You as Your very life. Always repeat Lord Kåñëa’s name, and become His dedicated menial servant. May only Lord Kåñëa be manifest within Your heart, and may Your association free us from all suffering.

“By Your grace, may all of those wretched fools who ridicule the chanting of the Lord’s Holy Name, drown in the nectarine flood of kåñëa-prema. You have defeated the entire world with Your knowledge of the scriptures. Now, in the same way, You must annihilate the fallen atheists with the purity of Your devotion. May we, by Your mercy, be overwhelmed with happiness through chanting Kåñëa’s name and dancing in ecstasy.”

All the Vaiñëava devotees touched the Lord and blessed Him. Then, they revealed to Him the sorrows in their hearts, “Alas! In Navadvépa, all the scholars and teachers speak endlessly on various subjects, but when it comes to explaining the process of devotional service to Kåñëa, they remain silent. There are many great scholars, stalwarts of the renounced order, and ascetics living in Navadvépa, yet not one of them is heard glorifying Lord Kåñëa. Instead of praising the Lord’s pastimes and explaining the process of devotional service, they are always criticizing. A sinful audience hears their words and believes in them. Thus, they treat us worse than dirt or grass in the street. My Lord, chanting of Kåñëa’s name cannot be heard anywhere, so we are burning in the fire of distress. However, we now see that Lord Kåñëa is now pleased with us; therefore, He has inspired You from within to take to

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the path of devotion. Now we know that You will surely be the cause of annihilating the atheists. May You live forever chanting the Holy Name of Kåñëa, and may all the transcendental qualities of Kåñëa be revealed by You to the entire world.”

The Lord accepted the blessings of His devotees with deep gratitude, for a Vaiñëava’s blessings will surely increase one’s attachment to the lotus feet of Kåñëa. However, the distressing plight and words of the devotees affected Çré Viçvambhara, and He considered revealing Himself very soon. The Lord replied, “You are all beloved devotees of the Lord, whatever you say must certainly happen. My life is truly blessed by your encouraging words. I know that when you glorify the Supreme Lord Kåñëa and chant His Holy Name then there is no one who can stop you, not even Death! What can a sinful atheist do to you? Just continue chanting the glories of Kåñëacandra. The Supreme Lord cannot bear to see His devotees suffer; therefore, Lord Kåñëa appears in different incarnations to protect His devotees. I see now that you will be the cause of Çré Kåñëacandra’s appearance in His next incarnation in Navadvépa to convert this whole place into the spiritual planet of Vaikuëöha. You will redeem this world from illusion. Please allow me the favour that I may always be your humble servant.”

Lord Viçvambhara then touched the feet of all the Vaiñëavas, and the devotees in return spontaneously blessed Him profusely. Finishing their bath in the Gaìgä, they dispersed and returned to their respective houses.

The Lord was feeling extremely joyful, but as He began to contemplate the words of the devotees and the suffering they were experiencing, He felt anger rising within Him and a desire to punish the atheistic society. He roared angrily, repeating, “I shall destroy them! I shall destroy them! I am Him, I am Him!” Conflicting emotions took hold of the Lord, sometimes He laughed, sometimes He cried, sometimes He fell unconscious, and sometimes He felt like beating and destroying. The Lord thus manifested His terrible mood of destroying the miscreants.

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Çacémäöä could not understand her son; everything seemed very perplexing. She thought that some disease had attacked the Lord. Çacémäöä felt nothing but affection for her son, so she was deeply affected by this peculiar transformation in Him. She discussed it with everyone she met, “The Lord has already taken away my husband and my son, and all that I have left is this young boy. Now His actions perplex me, I do not know how to think of Him. Sometimes, He laughs, sometimes, He cries, and at other times, He falls down unconscious. Often He speaks to Himself, and sometimes He yells aloud saying, ‘Break the heads of those atheists!’ Sometimes, He runs to a tree and climbs into its branches, then suddenly with closed eyes He falls down to the ground. Sometimes, His grinding teeth make a grating noise. Sometimes He claps His hands upon His body, then falling down, He rolls on the ground, not saying a word.”

The ordinary, ignorant people could not see the symptoms of kåñëa-prema in the Lord and thought it to be some disease, a sort of disorder of the life-airs. They suggested that He should remain bound up. Çacémäöä’s description of the Lord’s condition attracted many people to come and see Him. When the Lord saw the people, He charged at them. These ignorant fools simply laughed and ran away, thinking that the Lord was suffering from some life-air or wind disorder.

Çacémäöä became flustered and ran after the people to pacify them.

Some of the people told her, “He is definitely suffering from some disorder.”

While others said, “You are just a simple brähmaëa’s wife, what is there to ask about this? It is apparent that He is suffering from some inner disorder. Give Him coconut water to drink and tie His feet in case He gets violent when the madness overcomes Him.”

Some others suggested, “He is not to be cured with some simple medicine, you must give Him nothing less than çiva-ghee to relieve Him from this attack. Apply the ghee upon His head and then give Him a bath.”

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Çacédevé, the affectionate, kind, and noble-minded mother of the entire universe, became fraught with apprehension. Feeling at a loss, she simply prayed to Lord Govinda, taking complete shelter in Him. She sent people to the house of Çréväsa and various other devotees, requesting them to come to her house.

One day, Çréväsa Paëòita came to visit the Lord, and Viçvambhara immediately got up and greeted Him with respect. Upon seeing a pure devotee of the Lord, Viçvambhara’s ecstatic emotions increased. As Çréväsa Paëòita was circumambulating Tulasé devé, the Lord manifested ecstatic symptoms; crying, shaking, shivering, horripilation, and fell down unconscious on the ground. After a while, when external consciousness returned to the Lord, He began to cry profusely and shook uncontrollably. To Çréväsa Paëòita, all these manifestations of the Lord were most wonderful. He thought to himself, “These are the symptoms of the highest spiritual ecstasy in kåñëa-prema. Foolish persons misunderstand and think that this is due to a wind or life-air disorder.”

When the Lord could speak, He said to Çréväsa Paëòita, “Oh, it is you Paëòita! What do you make of My condition? Some people are suggesting that I should be kept bound up because I suffer from some terrible wind disease. What is your opinion?” Smiling, Çréväsa Paëòita replied, “What a wonderful wind! I also want to be attacked by the same wind that is causing this disorder in You. Actually, I see signs of great spiritual ecstasy of kåñëa-prema in You. You have been favoured by Kåñëa’s mercy.”

The Lord was very happy to hear this from Çréväsa Paëòita, and He embraced him affectionately. He said, “Everyone is saying that this is a wind disorder, but now you have given Me great hope. For this I am grateful and forever indebted to you. If you, also, had said that I was suffering from some wind disorder, then certainly, I would have jumped into the Gaìgä.”

Çréväsa replied, “Your love for the Supreme Lord Kåñëa has reached such ecstatic heights that it is desirable even by Lord Brahmä, Lord Çiva, and

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sages such as Çaunaka. Let us all come together and glorify Kåñëa’s Holy Name without caring for the criticisms of the atheists and sinners.”

Çréväsa Paëòita said to Çacémäöä, “Cast your sorrows away, your son does not suffer from any wind disorder. I tell you positively that these symptoms are due to the highest love of Kåñëa. Even though you are witnessing these wonderful and ecstatic pastimes of Lord Kåñëa, these activities and topics are far beyond the intellectual capacity of ignorant, materialistic non-devotees, so such subjects should not be discussed in their presence.”

Çréväsa left the house of Lord Caitanya and returned home, leaving behind a pacified and relieved Çacémäöä. However, she could not completely remove the despondency she felt within, for she was always afraid that her son would leave home at any moment.

Such are the wonderful activities of Lord Viçvambhara. How can anyone understand these transcendental pastimes, unless the Lord Himself reveals them?

One day, the Lord and Gadädhara Paëòita visited the house of Advaita Äcärya Prabhu. Entering his house, they saw that the Äcärya was busy offering water and tulasé to the Lord. With raised hands, he was calling out, “Hari! Hari!” Sometimes he was laughing and sometimes he was crying, completely oblivious to himself. He emitted loud, roaring sounds like a mad lion full of raging fury, as if He were the incarnation of the Lord of destruction, Rudra. When Lord Viçvambhara saw Advaita Äcärya Prabhu overcome with spiritual emotions, He fell down unconscious.

Due to his pure devotional insight, Advaita Äcärya Prabhu could see that, Lord Viçvambhara, was his most worshipable Lord. He thought to himself, “Today I have captured You, You are a cheater, but today You won’t escape from me? All this time, You have been hiding Your real identity from me and everyone else, but now, somehow or other, You have come here. You won’t always cheat me; I know who You are, and now I will cheat the cheater.”

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Advaita Äcärya Prabhu made all arrangements to worship the Lord, desiring to reveal to the world the sublime absolute position of Çré Viçvambhara, who, so far, had very cunningly hidden His true supreme spiritual identity. He assembled all the different paraphernalia and offered incense, flowers and a ghee lamp to the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya. He repeated one verse over and over again, “My Lord, You are the well-wisher of the cows and the brähmaëas, and You are the well-wisher of the entire human society and the world.”

Çré Advaita was in the greatest bliss to recognize the Lord of his heart, and he cried tears of joy, which washed the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya. Chanting the çloka continuously, He stood before Him with folded hands and worshiped His lotus feet.

A little amused, but nevertheless respectful, Gadädhara Paëòita told Advaita Äcärya Prabhu, “Oh Gosvämé, it does not befit you to behave like this with someone so much younger than yourself, a mere lad.”

Advaita Äcärya Prabhu slightly laughed at Gadädhara Paëòita’s words and replied, “Oh Gadädhara Paëòita! How long are you going to see Him as a mere lad?” A profound thought dawned on Gadädhara Paëòita’s heart and he said, “Is He the incarnation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead?”

After some time, Viçvambhara regained His external consciousness, and saw that Advaita Äcärya was worshiping Him, absorbed in an ecstatic trance. Lord Viçvambhara quickly withdrew within Himself, hiding His real identity. With folded hands, He began offering praises in glorification of Advaita Äcärya Prabhu. He offered His obeisances to Advaita Äcärya and touched his feet, taking the dust and placing it upon His head, surrendering His life to Advaita Äcärya Prabhu.

“You are a magnanimous person,” He said. “Please be gracious to Me. I am always your humble servant. Seeing you today is a blessing for me, and if you are merciful, I will be able to chant the Holy Name of Lord Kåñëa. You can destroy the darkness of nescience because your heart is the permanent residence of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord

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Kåñëa.” The Supreme Lord is most expert in glorifying His devotees, and this wonderful exchange of love and affection between the devotee and the Lord is spontaneous.

Çré Advaita said to himself, “All this is bravado! Today, I have out-cheated the biggest cheat.” The smiling Advaita Äcärya replied, “My Supreme Lord, to me You are superior to everyone. Please remain here, I want to be with You and hear of the wonderful transcendental pastimes of Lord Kåñëa. I wish to see You all the time, it is everyone’s desire to be with You and in Your company chant the glories of Lord Kåñëa.”

The Lord accepted, and appreciating Advaita Äcärya’s sentiment, He went back to His house. Advaita Äcärya Prabhu was now convinced that his dear Lord had appeared. Secretly, he left Navadvépa and went to Çäntipur to test his bond of affection with the Lord. He thought, “If He is truly the Supreme Personality of Godhead, then, I am simply His humble servant. Certainly, then He will be capable of tying this servant with the bond of love, and bringing him to His side.”

Who is capable of understanding the mind of Çré Advaita Äcärya? By his spiritual potency, he was able to invoke the appearance of the Supreme Lord in this world. One who has no faith in these words will soon fall away from the righteous path and be destroyed.

The Supreme Lord Viçvambhara continued to perform the congregational chanting of the Holy Name of the Lord along with all the Vaiñëavas. All of them were very happy to have the Lord amongst them, but none of them could actually recognize Him as the Supreme Person. Everyday, they saw the Lord go into a wonderful ecstatic trance. This was an extraordinary sight for them, and it caused them to wonder whether this personality were actually the Supreme Lord Himself. When the Lord went into one of His ecstatic trances, only Ananta Çeña could attempt the description.

When the Lord was in ecstasy, He trembled like a falling autumn leaf. This trembling was so uncontrollable that thousands of devotees could not keep Him still. Streams of tears flowed unchecked like hundreds of

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rivers. His entire body broke out in horripilation like a ripe, golden jackfruit. From time to time, He would break into loud laughter, being very amused with Himself. At other times, He would fall unconscious to the ground, unable to contain the bubbling ecstasy within. When external consciousness returned to Him, He kept repeating Lord Kåñëa’s name.

The loud roaring sound that He sometimes made seemed to burst the eardrums of the non-devotees. However, by hearing the same, the devotees of the Lord, by His grace, gradually became closer to crossing the ocean of material existence. At times, His body would become stiff like a marble statue, and at other times soft and pliable like butter. The devotees saw the wonderful transformations in the Lord, and every one of them was convinced that to manifest such ecstatic symptoms was not humanly possible.

They each offered comments according to their own level of understanding. Someone said, “He is definitely a partial incarnation of the Supreme Lord.” Someone else said, “He is a great devotee. Maybe He is Çukadeva Gosvämé, or Prahläda, or even Närada Muni.” Another said, “He is here to remove all calamities.” The wives of the Vaiñëava devotees, who observed all this, also remarked, “Lord Kåñëa has taken His birth again.” Another lady said, “I think that He is an incarnation of Kåñëa.” In this way, different people offered different opinions about the Lord. When the Lord finally regained His external consciousness, He would embrace everyone.

To fully describe His ecstasy is impossible for me. He would pitifully cry out for Kåñëa saying, “Oh tempter, who steals the hearts of the damsels of Våndävana! Oh, divine friend of the weak and frail! Oh ocean of mercy! Oh My Lord Çyäma! Alas, Alas! Tell me, How will I spend these awful and fretful days when I am unable to see You?”

At other times, He called out, heavily sighing, “Where can I find the sweet face of My Lord, which is the most beautiful of flowers.” Then, gradually becoming still, the Lord would softly reveal the pain in His heart, saying, “Please be merciful and hear My pitiful condition. There is

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no end to My sorrow. Although I had found My life, My dear Kåñëa, now I have lost Him.”

The devotees were greatly enchanted to hear these words that explained the mystery of His behaviour and increased their faith and reverence. Sitting around the Lord, they all listened as the Lord continued, “While returning from Gayä, I came to a village named Känäi Näöaçälä. There I saw a young boy of exquisite beauty. He had a glowing, dark complexion, the colour of the bark of the tamäla tree. His curly hair was decorated with wild flowers. He wore a beautiful crown with a peacock feather stuck in it. All His jewellery and gems shone brightly like the sun. It is impossible for Me to describe the beauty of the delicately ornamented flute as He held it in His hand, capturing everyone’s heart. His fine lotus feet looked so attractive with ankle bells softly touching His skin. His graceful, strong arms were more formidable than blue pillars, and were covered with sparkling jewels and gems. From His neck hung the famous Kaustubha jewel, and His chest was marked with the Çrévatsa. How will I describe to you the beauty of His golden yellow silken dhoté, His dangling fish earrings, and His lazy lotus petal eyes? Smiling sweetly, He approached Me and embraced Me. Then, suddenly, He ran away, fearing what, I do not know.”

No one can enter into these intimate loving moods of Lord Caitanya unless and until he is especially blessed by the Lord to understand them.

The Lord could proceed only so far with His narration and would fall down unconscious to the ground, crying out, “Oh! My Lord Kåñëa!” Greatly concerned, all the devotees would carefully remove the dust from the Lord’s body while loudly chanting, “Kåñëa, Kåñëa!” The Lord might become a little calm, and then again He might become extremely restless, crying out, “Where is My beloved Kåñëa? Where is My beloved Lord?” He would weep bitterly. Finally, the Lord would control Himself and could hold Himself still. His body then gradually returned to its butter-soft condition, and the devotees would be relieved.

The Lord’s words, steeped with devotional emotions, filled the devotee’s hearts to the brim. They said, “We are all feeling very fortunate and

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blessed to have Your association. Who is attracted by the opulence of Vaikuëöha-dhäma when You are here? A moment’s association with You will enable anyone to taste the highest nectar of devotion. We are all Your followers, under Your protection, so kindly lead us in chanting the glories of the Supreme Lord, Kåñëa. We have been burned by the caustic words of the atheists, let your tears of kåñëa-prema cool us forever.”

The Lord was very happy to hear these words from the Vaiñëavas, and He returned to His house filled with love of Kåñëa, walking like a maddened lion.

Although He returned home, He never behaved like an ordinary, mundane family man in His house. He was always immersed in love of Kåñëa. Loving tears of separation from Kåñëa flowed profusely from His eyes like streams. How did the waters, which had washed His lotus feet in the form of the Gaìgä, now appear in His eyes? He had only one response to anyone’s inquiry. Whenever He saw a Vaiñëava devotee, He would rush to him asking, “Where is My beloved Kåñëa? Where is my beloved Kåñëa?” Crying out like this, He would break down weeping, and the devotees would try to calm Him down.

One day, when Gadädhara came to see the Lord, he noticed that the Lord was hiding a betel leaf in his hand. As soon as the Lord saw Gadädhara, He asked, “Where is that blackish boy who is dressed in golden yellow, and radiant with blossoming, youthful beauty?”

Such earnest yearnings of the Lord for Kåñëa were truly heart breaking, and it left everyone at a loss for words. Gadädhara Paëòita replied bravely, “Lord Kåñëa resides within Your heart eternally.”

When the Lord heard that Kåñëa was within His heart, He began to pierce His chest with His nails. With immense endeavour, Gadädhara Paëòita was able to restrain the Lord by holding tightly His hands and trying to calm Him down, “There, Kåñëa will come just now, try to compose Yourself.”

Çacémäöä saw how Gadädhara Paëòita was able to pacify the Lord, and she was very satisfied with him. She thought, “I have never seen

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anybody so intelligent as this young boy. I feel afraid to even comfort Him, and this young lad has so intelligently and nicely pacified Nimäi.” She spoke to Gadädhara Paëòita, “Dear boy, stay here always, do not leave Nimäi’s company to go anywhere else.”

Çacémäöä was awestruck by the Lord’s ecstatic devotional trances. She no longer saw Nimäi as merely her young son. “He is not an ordinary mortal,” she thought. “How is it possible for an ordinary human being to shed tears like gushing cascades? I do not know which extraordinary personality has come here.” Çacémäöä was therefore afraid to come in front of the Lord.

Towards the evening, all of the Vaiñëavas gradually assembled in Lord Caitanya’s house. Çré Mukunda Mahäçaya began reciting verses in a sweet melodious voice. Mukunda was blessed with such a beautiful voice that as soon as the Lord heard him recite, He went into an ecstatic trance. He loudly resounded the Lord’s name, roaring like a lion. Losing His balance, He fell in all directions. This made it difficult for the devotees to hold Him. All the ecstatic symptoms manifested within Him simultaneously. He expressed apprehension, laughter, trembling, pallor, horripilation, roaring, oblivion, dizziness and all. The devotees were filled with amazement at such a wonderful sight. The Lord’s ecstatic absorption in love of Kåñëa gradually increased in intensity. The whole night passed as if in a moment, and in the early morning hours the Lord came out of His trance.

Day and night, the Lord was absorbed in the nectar of kértana, chanting the Holy Name. The Lord had already begun propagating the Holy Name and seeing Him, all of the distress of the devotees was destroyed. The beloved son of Çacémäöä, Gaurasundara, continuously chanted the Lord’s name loudly, like the roaring of a lion. Waking the atheists out of their stupor, their kértana disturbed the non-devotees.

Thus, the atheistic population became enraged, and aimed abusive language at the devotees. Someone said, “I cannot even sleep at night.” Another commented, “All their screaming and shouting will enrage the Lord, and that will cause their complete destruction.” Another said,

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“They avoid philosophy and speculative knowledge, and so they behave arrogantly.” Another said, “Who knows what they sing about? Behind all this mischief is that brähmaëa, Çréväsa. He and his three brothers get together and scream, ‘Kåñëa! Kåñëa!’ like madmen, just to fill their bellies. Does not one earn piety by chanting within his mind? Is this not sheer madness? The whole country will be ruined because of this Çréväsa. Today I have heard from the king’s court that they will send two boats with government men to capture anyone who sings kértana in Nadia. This is the king’s order.

“Çréväsa Paëòita and his men will run away and escape, but we will have to suffer the entire brunt of this. I warned all of you earlier to throw Çréväsa’s house into the river. However, you did not act because you thought I was joking, and now it is too late, the danger has come upon us.”

Another said, “What do we care? If the government men come here we will just capture Çréväsa and hand him over to them.” The atheistic population of Navadvépa discussed about the Vaiñëavas in this manner while the two boats with the government men came to Navadvépa.

The Vaiñëavas heard this news and simply took shelter of the Supreme Lord by remembering Him. In this way, all of their fears were dissolved. They said, “Whatever the Supreme Lord Kåñëacandra wants will happen, and is for the best. As long as He is here, then what fear do we have from these wretched people?” Çréväsa Paëòita was a soft-hearted and magnanimous soul; this news disturbed him, and he became anxious for the well being of the Vaiñëavas. He was apprehensive because he knew that anything could happen under the Muslim rule.

The Supreme Lord, Gaurasundara, the Supersoul, knew everything in everyone’s heart. The devotees were still not aware that the Supreme Lord had come and was amongst them. Now the Lord decided to manifest Himself. Çré Viçvambhara roamed everywhere, unperturbed and unconcerned, his transcendental beauty unmatched within the entire creation. His body was decorated with sandalwood paste, His reddish lips were like the early morning sun, and His eyes were like a

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blooming lotus flower. Cascading curly tresses shone like a halo around His glowing moonlike face. He wore a brähmaëa thread around His shoulders, and dressed in fine clothes. His exquisite personal beauty completely captivated the mind. Casually chewing on pan, He went for a walk upon the riverbank.

When the devotees saw the Lord, they became very joyful, but the atheistic people felt intimidated. “He must have heard everything of the threat,” they said, “Yet, He shows no sign of fear. He strolls about as though He is a prince.” Another person said, “Listen friends, I understand all this, wait and see. What you are observing now is just another trick to escape.”

Fearlessly, Lord Viçvambhara looked in every direction, observing the scenic beauty of the swiftly flowing Gaìgä and her banks. He saw a herd of cows grazing on the banks. Some of them went to the river to drink water, and a few young ones jumped about with raised tails. Some of them were butting each other, while others just lay around chewing their cud. This sight immediately agitated the Lord. He forgot Himself, and began emitting loud roaring sounds. He kept saying, “I am Him, I am Him.” In this condition, absorbed within Himself as the Supreme Lord, Viçvambhara swiftly ran to Çréväsa’s house shouting, “What are you doing now Çréväsa?”

Çréväsa was engaged in worshiping Lord Nåsiàhadeva behind closed doors. The Lord came and repeatedly kicked the door. The Lord screamed out, “Whom are you worshiping? Whom are you meditating upon? The person whom you are worshiping is here!” Opening the door, Çréväsa trembled, and sat down awestruck. The Lord spoke to Çréväsa calling out, “Oh Çréväsa, all this time you have not known who I am. I have left My spiritual abode of Vaikuëöha and come down to this material world at your beckoning—because of your loud chanting of the Holy Name, and Advaita Äcärya Prabhu’s loud calling.

“Not recognizing Me, you are living completely complacent and unconcerned. Avoiding Me, Advaita Äcärya Prabhu has gone back to

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Çäntipur. I have come to protect the pious and punish the miscreants. There is no need for you to worry, just go on worshiping Me.”

Tears filled Çréväsa’s eyes and his heart swelled with love for the Lord. All his fears were destroyed by the Lord’s reassuring words. Currents of joy passed through Çréväsa’s body, and he stood up with folded hands, offering prayers to the Lord. Çréväsa Paëòita is a great and pure devotee, and a sublime scholar. Having received the Lord’s order, he began to offer prayers.

He recited from the Çrémad Bhägavatam the prayers of Lord Brahmä to Lord Kåñëa, “‘Oh Lord, You are the eternally worshipable Supreme Personality of Godhead. Your complexion is dark blue like the monsoon cloud, and the colour of Your cloth is brilliant yellow like a flash of lightning. Wild flowers and guïjä earrings decorate Your ears, and a peacock feather adorns Your crown. Your face looks so exquisite enhanced by the gently swaying flower garland hanging around Your neck. You stand beautifully with a morsel of food in Your hand; Your mouth is smeared with the curd that You have just eaten.

“‘Your transcendental possessions—a herding stick, a buffalo horn and a flute are special features of Your beauty. Your feet are soft like the petals of the lotus. I worship You, the son of Mahäräja Nanda.

“I worship the lotus feet of Lord Viçvambhara, whose complexion is like the dark blue monsoon cloud, and who wears a yellow dress. I offer my obeisances at the lotus feet of the son of Çacémäöä, whose ornaments are a bunch of wild flowers and a peacock feather.

“My obeisances at the lotus feet of the disciple of Gaìgädäsa Paëòita, Nimäi, who is decorated with a flower garland and holds a preparation of sweet rice in His hands. I offer obeisances at the lotus feet of the son of Çré Jagannätha Miçra, Nimäi; a million full moons fade before the exquisite beauty of His face. I offer my obeisances at Your lotus feet, my Lord, You, who holds the cane and the flute. I offer obeisances unto You, who has been declared by the Vedas as the son of Mahäräja Nanda.”

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Çréväsa Paëòita prayed like Brahmä to the Lord’s lotus feet. The words of transcendental praise flowed out with ease from his mouth, and he spoke on, “You are the Supreme Lord Viñëu. You are Lord Kåñëa. You are the Lord of all sacrifices. The holiest of rivers, the Gaìgä, has sprung out from Your lotus feet. You are the life and beloved son of Janaka Mahäräja, Çré Rämacandra, and You are Lord Nåsiàhadeva. Lord Brahmä and Lord Çiva are like bumblebees searching for honey at Your lotus feet. You are the knower and compiler of the Vedas, and You are the Supreme Lord Näräyaëa.

“You appeared as Lord Vämana to trick Bali Mahäräja. You are Lord Hayagriva. You are the soul of the universe. You are Lord Jagannätha, the moon of Néläcala, and You are the ultimate cause of all causes. Is there anyone who is not subordinate to Your energies, whether it be Your insurmountable material energy or Your internal spiritual energy? Even Lakñmé Devé is not fully aware of Your glories, even though she is Your constant companion. Lord Çeña, who acts as a friend, companion, and brother, and who serves You in every respect, is even subjected to Your illusory potency, what to speak of others.

“You have placed me into this condition of family life, which is a dark well of forgetfulness. My rarely attained human birth has been wasted because I could not recognize You. In various ways, You have deluded me, My Lord, going to the extent of putting on fine clothes and performing pastimes of scholarship so that I was unable to recognize You.

“Oh Lord of my heart, please listen to me. Now that I have met you, I disregard all of my fears. All my sorrows and sufferings have vanished. My life has begun again, my day has come. My whole life and all of my endeavours have now become successful. The sun of good fortune has risen in my heart. My forefathers have been liberated, and my house has been sanctified. My eyes have never been blessed with such a wonderful sight as I am seeing today. I see Him whose lotus feet are most worshipable by the Goddess of Fortune, Çré Ramä Devé.”

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Observing the wonderful form of the Lord, Çréväsa Paëòita was unable to control himself, and he fell into an ecstatic trance. Currents of joy ran through his body, and he merged into an ocean of happiness. With raised arms, he wept and breathed heavily, then rolled on the ground.

The Lord smiled and accepted Çréväsa’s prayers with great satisfaction. “Bring all the family members of the house and let them see My transcendental form,” the Lord said. “Along with your wife, worship My feet and ask for any boon that your heart desires.”

Following the instructions of the Lord, Çréväsa went into his house and gathered all his relatives, friends and wife, and returned quickly to the presence of the Lord. Weeping with joy, Çréväsa offered all the flowers collected for the worship of Lord Viñëu to the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya. With fragrant flowers, incense, and lamp, Çréväsa, along with his wife, brothers, other relatives, servants, and maidservants, offered worship at the lotus feet of the Lord. They all fell down and earnestly prayed, pleading for the Lord’s mercy.

Çréväsa is most dear to the Lord; therefore, the Lord blessed him and everyone present, by placing His lotus feet upon their heads. Smiling, Viçvambhara said, “May your attachment and attraction for Me increase.” The Lord spoke loudly like a roaring lion, and addressing Çréväsa said, “Oh Çréväsa, are you afraid of something? News has reached Me that the government men want to capture you, and they have come with two boats. I am the Supersoul within everyone’s heart. Thus, I control and direct everyone’s activities according to My sweet will. The king can only capture you if I, being situated in his heart, prompt him to do so.

“Yet, if for some reason, he acts independently and gives the order to capture you, then I will do the following. I will be the first to step into the boat and present Myself before the king. Upon seeing Me, do you think that he can remain seated upon the throne? I will delude him, take control of him, and drag Him down.

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“Should not this happen, then I will tell the king, ‘Listen to the truth, O king. Call all of your religious heads and judges to the court. Collect all of your elephants, horses, animals, and birds. Whatever creatures you have, bring them to your palace. Then order all of your Kazi priests to read from your scriptures and inspire the creatures to such a state of spiritual emotion that they begin to cry.’ When his priests fail to do so, then I will reveal my potency to the king.

“I will say, ‘Oh king, on the instructions of these same Kazi priests, whose lack of spiritual power we have already witnessed, you want to forbid the congregational chanting of the Holy Name of Kåñëa. Now you shall see My power to the full satisfaction of your eyes.’ Then, I shall capture a mad elephant and bring him before the king, along with other elephants, horses, deer, and other animals, and instantly make them all cry in ecstasy and chant Kåñëa’s name.’ I will make the king and all his men cry and chant Kåñëa’s name. I know that you don’t believe that it is possible, but I will show you right now and you can see for yourself.”

The Lord noticed a small girl, who was the daughter of Çréväsa Paëòita’s brother, named Näräyaëé. Lord Gauracandra, the Supreme Godhead, the Supersoul within everyone’s heart, ordered the little girl, “Näräyaëé! Chant Kåñëa’s name and cry in ecstasy.” The four-year-old girl became extremely agitated with ecstatic spiritual emotions and cried out, “Oh Kåñëa!” She began to weep, losing all perception of the external world. Tears streamed down her body, and she fell to the ground. Smiling, Lord Viçvambhara asked Çréväsa, “Are your fears pacified now?” Vaiñëavas will remember for many years to come how Näräyaëé was a recipient of the Lord’s mercy.

Çréväsa, a very learned Paëòita who is well versed in all the scriptural conclusions, threw up both of his hands and said, “My Lord, when you exhibit Your terrible form as all devouring time, and annihilate this entire material creation, I will fearlessly chant Your Holy Name. Now that You are here, present before me in my house, what fear do I have?”

The Lord manifested His opulent Vaikuëöha form, and upon seeing this sublime revelation, Çréväsa, along with all the assembled relatives,

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brothers, wife, and servants went into ecstatic trance. Even the servants and maidservants of Çréväsa Öhäkura were now seeing the transcendental form of the Lord that even the Personified Vedas are eager to see. How can I possibly describe the glorious and magnanimous nature of Çréväsa Paëòita? A little dust from his lotus feet can purify the entire creation.

Lord Kåñëa appeared in the prison house of Vasudeva, yet His pastimes were performed in the house of Nanda Mahäräja. Similarly, Lord Caitanya appeared in the house of Çré Jagannätha Miçra, yet He enjoyed so many pastimes in Çréväsa Paëòita’s house. All the Vaiñëavas loved Çréväsa Paëòita and anyone who came to Çréväsa’s house experienced great joy. Even the servants and maidservants in the house of such a devotee as Çréväsa can see the very rarest of sights, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, in person. From this we can understand that serving a pure devotee is the best process of attaining the supreme goal, because by the mercy of a Vaiñëava, one can certainly receive the shelter of Kåñëa’s lotus feet. Lord Viçvambhara ordered Çréväsa Paëòita, “Do not speak about this incident to anyone.”

When the Lord regained His external consciousness, He felt somewhat abashed and reluctant, and after comforting Çréväsa Paëòita, He returned to His own house. Çréväsa Paëòita’s whole house was immersed in jubilation.

Whoever reads Çréväsa Paëòita’s prayers to the Lord will immediately be elevated to the position of eternal servant of Lord Kåñëa.

Lord Balaräma, my beloved Lord and Master, has spoken to me from within my heart as the Supersoul, and so, on His order, I am writing these wonderful activities of Lord Caitanya.

I pray to the lotus feet of all the Vaiñëavas so they may bless me to attain the service of Lord Balaräma, my Lord and Master, birth after birth.

Just as there is no difference between the name Nåsiàha and Yadusiàha, in the same way, I know Lord Balaräma and Nityänanda Prabhu to be the same person.

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Lord Balaräma is very dear to Lord Caitanyacandra, and in his present incarnation, I glorify Him by the name Avadhütacandra.


3. Çré Mahäprabhu and Çré Nityänanda Meet in Navadvépa

All glories to Lord Viçvambhara, the omnipotent Supreme Lord of all living entities! He is the beloved Lord of Nityänanda Prabhu and Gadädhara Paëòita. All glories to Lord Caitanya, Advaita Äcärya Prabhu, and all the pure devotees of the Lord who have captured Him by their unalloyed devotion!

My dear Lord Caitanya, I am a very wretched and miserable person, please awaken within me the mood of devotion, and redeem me from this ocean of material nescience.

The devotees repeatedly floated on waves of transcendental bliss, seeing the manifestations of Lord Caitanya’s ecstatic mood. Lord Caitanya’s devotees are as dear to Him as His very life. Chanting Kåñëa’s name, Lord Caitanya wept bitterly in separation from the Lord. He embraced His beloved devotees who gathered around Him, crying in ecstatic love of Kåñëa.

The devotees, undeviatingly engaged in devotional service, experienced kåñëa-prema in the association of Lord Caitanya. Even stone-like hearts would melt at the sight of the Lord’s ecstatic manifestations. The devotees found no more interest in wealth, family, and children. Day and night, they remained by the side of the Lord, chanting Kåñëa’s name.

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Çré Gauracandra became absolutely absorbed in love of Kåñëa. He exhibited different devotional moods, finding inspiration from the topics the devotees discussed. In the devotional mellow of servitude, He would cry for hours as if Mother Gaìgä had descended through His eyes. Then, in a jolly mood, He would laugh for hours. When He fell unconscious, He remained without breath for several hours.

At times, when He became aware of His position as the Supreme Personality, He would, with real arrogance say, “I am Him, I am Him, the Supreme Lord,” and laugh. “Where is that old man, Advaita Äcärya, the one who brought Me here from My spiritual abode? I will fulfil his desire and distribute kåñëa-prema to every home.”

The next moment the Lord would cry out, “Oh Kåñëa, Oh my beloved Lord!” and weeping, He would tie His feet with His long curly tresses.

Once, He repeated a çloka from the Çrémad Bhägavatam spoken by Akrüra as he came to take Kåñëa and Balaräma away to Mathurä. He fell to the ground like a stick offering His obeisances, as if He were Akrüra. Absorbed in ecstatic trance, He said, “Oh Nanda, let us take Kåñëa and Balaräma to Mathurä and see the great festivals at the palace where they are performing the dhäma-yajïa sacrifice.” In this way, Lord Caitanya exhibited so many ecstatic moods. This gave unlimited bliss to all the devotees present there.

One day, the Lord heard the pastimes of Kåñëa in His incarnation as a boar, Lord Varäha. Roaring, He rushed to Muräri Gupta’s house. Lord Caitanya had a special love for Muräri Gupta, just like Lord Rämacandra had a special love for Hanumän. When Lord Gauracandra arrived at Muräri Gupta’s house, Muräri Gupta received the Lord with great respect, offering obeisances to the Lord’s lotus feet. The Lord hurried past him shouting, “ Varäha, Varäha!”

Muräri Gupta was left dumbfounded, looking all around him. The Lord entered the temple room of Lord Viñëu and saw a beautiful water pot standing in the corner. Just at that moment, the Lord took the form of Lord Varäha. Absorbed in this mood, He lifted the water pot with His

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tusks, and roaring loudly like a boar, He stood there with His four hooves.

The Lord ordered Muräri Gupta, “Offer prayers to Me, Muräri!” Muräri remained dumbfounded. Amazed by this extraordinary sight, no words came to his mouth. The Lord then said, “Speak up Muräri, speak up, you do not have to fear. Don’t you know My supreme identity?”

Trembling with fear, Muräri pleaded with the Lord saying, “Oh Lord! Only You Yourself know how to glorify Yourself and offer prayers. Lord Ananta Çeña, who holds the entire creation upon just one of His hoods, has manifested a thousand mouths to glorify You, yet He laments that He cannot find the limits of Your glories. Who is more capable than Ananta Çeña to glorify You? The entire material universe follows the instructions of the Vedas, yet these very Vedas are unable to fully reveal Your transcendental, absolute nature. We have heard that there are an unlimited number of universes in this material creation and that they all emanate from the pores of Your transcendental body.

“You are the fully independent Supreme Autocrat, and You are always blissful. How is it possible for the limited Vedic literature to describe the pastimes, which You perform according to Your own sweet will? Therefore, Oh Lord, only You know Yourself fully, and others can know You only if You reveal Yourself to them through Your causeless mercy. What ability do I possess to offer You prayers and glorify You?” Saying this, Muräri Gupta fell flat upon the floor offering obeisances to the Lord.

Lord Varäha was pleased with Muräri Gupta’s words. Then expressing anger at the Vedic literatures, He spoke aloud, “The Vedas have the audacity to say that I have no hands, no legs, no mouth, and no eyes! There is a mischievous sannyäsé living in Käçé who teaches this to his students. That rascal tries to mutilate My transcendental form. He studies the Vedas and teaches others, but he does not accept My transcendental form. As a result, of such blasphemy, he has been attacked by the dreaded disease leprosy, but he cannot understand the reason for this affliction.

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“I am the Lord of all sacrifices, the Supreme Lord Viñëu. There are no imperfections in My transcendental form. Lord Brahmä and Lord Çiva are always engaged in glorifying My supreme transcendental position and nature. A mere touch of My body can spiritualise and purify everything. Yet, that rascal is so insolent that he proclaims that My transcendental form is non-existent. Carefully hear My opinion, Muräri Gupta. I will reveal to you that which is unmanifest even by the Vedas.

“I accepted the incarnation of Varäha to lift the material world out of the waters of nescience. Know Me to be the ultimate goal of the Vedas. The purpose of My present incarnation is to propagate the congregational chanting of the Holy Names of Kåñëa. In this incarnation, as in other incarnations, I will annihilate the miscreants for the protection and pleasure of My devotees. I cannot tolerate My devotees being threatened and tortured. I will even kill My own son to protect My beloved devotees. This is not a lie Muräri!

“Listen attentively. In My boar incarnation, when I lifted the earth, Mother Earth became impregnated by My touch. She gave birth to My son, named Naraka, who was very strong and powerful. I gave My son all religious instructions. He became a very powerful king and dutifully protected the demigods, brähmaëas, spiritual masters, and the devotees. However, the hand of destiny changed everything. Due to the influence and bad association of King Bäna, he became a criminal and was cruel to the devotees. Any aggression or violence towards My devotees is totally intolerable to Me, so I killed My son to protect My devotees. I am revealing all these confidential matters to you because you have been serving Me for many births.”

Muräri Gupta was overwhelmed by the Lord’s presence and narration, and he wept with joy. All glories to Çré Gauracandra and Çré Muräri Gupta! All glories to Lord Varähadeva, the protector of His devotees!

In this way, Lord Caitanya went to the homes of all His devotees, and by His causeless mercy revealed His real supreme identity to them. The devotees and servants recognized their Supreme Lord and their hearts were filled with ecstatic bliss. They now became fearless and did not care

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for the atheists. They went everywhere, in all public places, and chanted Kåñëa’s name loudly. Day and night, the devotees spent their time with the Lord chanting and singing Lord Kåñëa’s Holy Name.

Only Lord Nityänanda Prabhu was missing, and this saddened Lord Gauracandra. Lord Viçvambhara was constantly thinking about Lord Nityänanda. His separation became unbearable to the Lord. Lord Viçvambhara knew Lord Nityänanda to be the Supreme Lord, Ananta Vasudeva. I shall take this time to describe some transcendental facts about Lord Nityänanda’s birth, activities and so on.

The Supreme Lord, Nityänanda Prabhu, was born in the village of Ekacakra in Räòhadeça. Çré Nityänanda, who is Lord Haladhara, Balaräma, worshiped Lord Mauòeçvara, Lord Çiva, in the form of His liìga. This temple is situated close to the Lord’s birthplace.

Lord Nityänanda’s parents were extremely pious. His father, Häòäi Paëòita, was a very learned brähmaëa, very compassionate and detached from material life. His mother, Çrémati Padmävaté, was a very pious and chaste lady. She was a great devotee, and the Universal Mother. Lord Nityänanda Räya was the eldest son of the family. Everyone was captivated by His good looks. I have already described in detail His childhood pastimes in the earlier portion of this book, so for now, I will give only indications, otherwise the book will become voluminous.

Lord Nityänanda spent some years performing His childhood pastimes in the house of Häòäi Paëòita. The Lord decided to leave home, but He could not sever the bonds of affection of His mother and did not want to see her suffer. The parents could not live for a moment without seeing Lord Nityänanda. If Nitäi were even a moment out of the sight of His mother and father, that instant would seem like a yuga.

Häòäi Paëòita never went anywhere without his son. When Häòäi Paëòita went about doing his work, like going to the fields, attending to the pilgrims, or going marketing, Lord Nityänanda would always accompany him. If per chance, the Lord fell behind Häòäi Paëòita, His

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anxious father would look repeatedly behind himself to check whether the Lord was continuing to follow or not.

The parents often embraced and fondled Him, and the Lord’s soft body, which was like butter, would melt with the bodies of His parents. Lord Nityänanda became dearer to Häòäi Paëòita than his own life. The Supreme Lord is the Supersoul, therefore he knew all the desires of His father, and thus He remained in the house to make His father happy.

One day, by divine arrangement, a sannyäsé with a divine appearance visited Lord Nityänanda’s house. Häòäi Paëòita welcomed him and looked after him very nicely with great pleasure. Lord Nityänanda’s father spent the whole night with the sannyäsé talking about Kåñëa and His pastimes. As he was preparing to leave, early the next morning, the sannyäsé asked Nityänanda’s father, “I have one request.” Häòäi Paëòita replied, “Whatever you desire you may have.” The sannyäsé said, “I am on a pilgrimage tour, but I do not have a good brähmaëa as a companion. Give me your eldest son for a few days to be my companion. I will protect and look after him with my life, and your son will also be able to learn about the many places of pilgrimage we visit.”

The sannyäsé’s words greatly perturbed Häòäi Paëòita, who was a pure and pious brähmaëa. Fraught with worries, he became weak and thought, “The sannyäsé has begged for my very life, and I feel that if I refuse then I will be ruined. Great personalities previously have offered even their lives to fulfil the desire of a sage or a renunciate. In the Puräëas, we read that Lord Rämacandra was dearer to His father, Daçaratha, than His own self. Once, the sage Viçvämitra begged Daçaratha to allow his son to come with him. It was very painful for Daçaratha to be apart from his son, Lord Rämacandra, yet he did not refuse. I feel myself to be in the same predicament. Oh Lord Kåñëa, please guide me and protect me in this dilemma! By divine arrangement, I have to take the position of Daçaratha and my son is taking the position of Lord Rämacandra, otherwise why is this all happening around my son? Moreover, Nitäi has such an air of material detachment about him.”

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Häòäi Paëòita went inside to consult his wife. The chaste Padmävaté, the Universal Mother, heard everything from Häòäi Paëòita and said, “Whatever you decide, my lord, is my decision too.” Häòäi Paëòita returned to the sannyäsé, and put his son in his custody. He stood there crest-fallen with his head hanging down, and Lord Nityänanda left with the sannyäsé. In this way, Lord Nityänanda was able to leave His house.

As soon as Lord Nityänanda left, Häòäi Paëòita crumbled to the ground unconscious. He wept bitterly in separation from his beloved son and Lord. His piteous cries could even melt a heart of stone. Overwhelmed with intense love in separation from the Lord, Häòäi Paëòita appeared to be in a state of total shock. He went about like a statue. The people said, “Häòo Ojhä has become mad.” For three months, Häòäi Paëòita stopped eating. However, unlike ordinary human beings, he did not die or become emaciated. He remained alive by his attachment for the Supreme Lord.

In this context, a person may question why the Lord left His house where He was so beloved. The correct answer to that question is that Lord Viñëu and His devotees, the Vaiñëavas, possess unlimited potencies, hence their activities are inconceivable.

Lord Kapila, saturated in transcendental knowledge, left His home and widowed mother for the sake of saving the entire creation. Çréla Çukadeva Gosvämé walked out of His home and left His father who was none other than the great Vaiñëava, Vyäsadeva, without once looking back.

Even a wonderful and affectionate mother like Çacé had to lose her son, who became the crest jewel of the sannyäsés, and left her alone. Renunciation on the spiritual platform is not like ordinary renunciation. Who can understand the meaning of this? The Lord performs such pastimes for the liberation of all living entities. Such is the unparalleled mercy of the Lord. The moving story of how King Daçaratha was separated from His dearest son, Lord Rämacandra, when He went to the forest, would bring tears to the eyes of even a meat-eater.

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After leaving His home, Lord Nityänanda traveled, carefree and happy, to many places of pilgrimage. He visited Gayä, Käçé, Prayäga, Mathurä, Dvärakä, Badarikäçrama, and many more places. He visited the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and from there, He went to the cave of Vyäsadeva. In the South, He visited the temple of Lord Raìganätha at the tip of India, where Lord Rämacandra had built the bridge to cross to Çré Laìkä. Then, He went to the Malaya Hills. He travelled through lonely forests fearlessly. He also visited Gomaté, Gaëòaké, Saryü and Käveré, Ayodhya, Daëòakäraëya, Trimalla, Vyeëkaöanätha, Sapta-Godävaré, the abode of Lord Çiva. In Kanyä-kumäré, He visited the temple. Then He visited the Revä River, Mähiñmaté, Malla-tértha and Haridvära, where the Gaìgä had descended in ancient times.

His travels finally brought Him to Mathurä. He visited Gokula, the place where He had appeared in His previous incarnation as Lord Balaräma. He roared with ecstatic emotion, but no one could recognize Him as the original Lord, Ananta Çeña. In Våndävana, He felt like a young boy, playing with the sand of Våndävana and rolling upon the ground. This feeling was constantly with Him. He did not even feel like eating, he just wanted to roll and play in the dust of Våndävana. No one could understand the inner mood of Lord Nityänanda. He simply maintained Himself on the nectar of loving exchanges with Kåñëa. On some rare occasions, He drank a little milk, and even then, only if someone offered the milk to Him unsolicited.

Whilst Lord Nityänanda was living in this manner in Våndävana, Lord Gauracandra revealed His supreme identity to the devotees in Navadvépa and became constantly engaged in the congregational chanting of the Holy Name in great ecstasy, but He felt a great lack in the absence of Lord Nityänanda Prabhu. Lord Nityänanda had been waiting in Våndävana for Lord Caitanya to reveal His saìkértana pastimes; therefore, as soon as He realized that Lord Caitanya had begun H i s saìkértana movement, He immediately came to Navadvépa and stayed in the house of Çré Nandana Äcärya.

Nandana Äcärya was a very elevated devotee, and he was most happy to have Lord Nityänanda Prabhu staying in his house. The Lord had a large

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body that was very effulgent like the brilliant sun and was dressed in the clothes of a travelling renunciate. Day and night, He chanted Lord Kåñëa’s Holy Name and was always grave and equipoised. Lord Nityänanda is the Supreme Unequalled Personality, non-different from Lord Caitanya. Absorbed within Himself, He often roared loudly like a lion, for He is the direct manifestation of Lord Balaräma. His beautiful, glowing face would easily defeat the radiance of a thousand shining full moons. His captivating smile played sweetly on His exquisite lips; so, white and radiant were His teeth that a pearl against them would look like a faded and discarded piece of glass. His long, languid eyes stole the pinkish tinge of the early rising sun. His arms were long and reached down to His knees, and He possessed a robust chest and broad shoulders. His lotus feet were soft, and His gait was graceful. He spoke to everyone with kind words, which severed the bonds of material attachment within their heart.

All the devotees with shouts of joy welcomed the coming of Lord Nityänanda to Navadvépa. Who can describe the unlimited qualities of Lord Nityänanda Prabhu, the one who had the potency to break the sannyäsa stick of Lord Caitanya? Lord Nityänanda is so merciful that anyone who chants His name becomes purified. Even a gross materialist, an ignorant or fallen person, can cross over this ocean of material nescience, if he simply chants Lord Nityänanda’s name. His Holy Name is capable of purifying the entire material creation. Nandana Äcärya Prabhu was more than happy to have Lord Nityänanda Prabhu stay in his house, and he looked after Him with great care.

Whoever hears Lord Nityänanda’s pastimes of coming to Navadvépa will be blessed with kåñëa-prema. Lord Viçvambhara heard of Lord Nityänanda’s arrival in Navadvépa, and He felt great joy within. Earlier, Lord Caitanya had given indications of Lord Nityänanda’s arrival to the Vaiñëavas, but they could not understand the import. The Lord had told them, “A great personality will come to Navadvépa within a few days.”

Lord Gauracandra worshiped Lord Viñëu in His temple, and then quickly went to meet all the devotees. He told them, “Last night I had a wonderful dream. A chariot came and stood in front of my door. The

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chariot’s flag had a palm leaf drawn on it. This chariot was meant to carry one from this temporary material existence to the absolute reality. Within the chariot was a colossal figure, He carried a plough on His large shoulders, He was moving about as if He were restless. In His left hand, He carried a renunciate’s water pot, which was wrapped over by cane reeds. Both His upper cloth, and lower dress were blue. A beautiful earring pierced His left earlobe. His whole appearance and demeanour indicated that He was Lord Balaräma. Upon speaking, He repeated a question at least ten or twenty times saying, ‘Does this house not belong to Nimäi Paëòita?’

“Never before have I seen such a formidable looking mendicant. I felt great respect for this person and I asked, ‘I see that You are a great personality. Who are You?’ Smiling, He replied, ‘I am Your brother. Tomorrow we shall get to know each other.’ His words increased My delight and I began to feel that He and I were the same person.”

In the middle of the narration, the Lord went into an ecstatic trance, and entering into the mood of Lord Balaräma, He began to roar and shout loudly, “Bring Me wine, bring Me wine.” His thundering voice seemed to burst the eardrums. Çréväsa Paëòita said, “Listen dear Lord, the wine that You desire is to be received from only You; therefore, mercifully distribute your wine so that You and all may partake of its ecstasy!” The devotees, a little afraid and trembling at seemingly uncontrolled mood of the Lord, stayed at a distance from the Lord, thinking to themselves, “Certainly, there must be a great reason for this manifestation.”

With reddened eyes, the Lord recited small lyrical poems and ballads. Smiling, He softly and rhythmically swayed His body like Lord Saìkarñaëa, Balaräma. After a while, the Lord returned to His normal self. Then, Muräri Gupta, the beloved devotee and friend of Lord Rämacandra, began to explain the inner meaning of the Lord’s dream, “My feeling is that Your dream indicates that a great personality has come to Navadvépa. A few days earlier, You have already said that soon we would all meet a great personality.” The Lord then said to Çréla

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Haridäsa Öhäkura and to Çréväsa Paëòita, “Go and discover this great personality.”

On the order of Lord Caitanya, the two great spiritual stalwarts left and roamed about Navadvépa, searching. On the way, they discussed, “Maybe Saìkarñaëa, Balaräma, has come Himself.” They went about looking everywhere with great happiness, but could not find a single trace of the person they were looking for. After nine hours of intensive searching, they returned. They humbly submitted their report to the Lord, “We could not find Him anywhere. We looked everywhere. We went to the Vaiñëavas, spoke to sannyäsés, and visited all the householders—we even went to the houses of atheists and mäyävädés. Nevertheless, we were unsuccessful. We looked in every house in Navadvépa. The only houses we did not see were the ones on the outskirts of Navadvépa.” Lord Gauracandra smiled, indicating that Lord Nityänanda was a very mysterious personality.

In the Lord’s present incarnation as Çré Kåñëa Caitanya some people want to glorify Lord Caitanya, but refuse to glorify Lord Nityänanda Prabhu. Such a grievous sin is similar to worshiping Lord Kåñëa, Govinda, but not respecting Lord Çiva, Çaìkara. Such an abominable person will surely be condemned to eternal hellish sufferings. Lord Nityänanda’s incarnation is very mysterious and confidential. It is impossible for anyone to see Him, unless and until Lord Caitanya Himself reveals this secret. The spiritual progress of anyone who disrespects Lord Nityänanda in ignorance of His sublime transcendental position inevitably ruined, even if such a blasphemer has superficially attained devotional service to Lord Çré Viñëu.

Unalloyed devotees such as Çréväsa Paëòita and Haridäsa Öhäkura are fully realized in such esoteric understandings, yet for some mysterious reason, they could not find Nityänanda Prabhu. Then Lord Caitanya, laughing mildly said, “Come with Me, and let us go find Him.” All the devotees became very jubilant and chanted, “Jaya Çré Kåñëa!” as they accompanied the Lord.

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The Lord took all the Vaiñëavas directly to the house of Nandana Äcärya. Inside the house, they saw a great personality—effulgent like a million suns. Without proper spiritual vision, one cannot see Lord Nityänanda. A sweet smile played upon His lips; He was blissfully absorbed in meditation upon Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu. Seeing the towering spiritual stalwart, Lord Viçvambhara, along with all the devotees, offered their prostrated obeisances. They arose respectfully and looked upon Çré Nityänanda with great awe and reverence, without speaking a word. Lord Viçvambhara stood at the head of all the Vaiñëavas, directly in front of Lord Nityänanda, who immediately recognized Lord Viçvambhara as the beloved Lord of His heart.

Lord Viçvambhara was looking so beautiful, even more beautiful than Cupid Himself. A fragrant flower garland hung around His neck. His face was decorated with sandalwood paste, and He had nice fine clothes. What is glittering gold next to the Lord’s aura? The full moon has lost interest in her own beauty and she yearns to see the glowing face of the Lord.

How enchanting they look, Nityänanda and Lord Gauräìga, as they roam about Navadvépa with the devotees chanting the Holy Name of Hari! What is the lustre and value of pearls next to the teeth of the Lord? One is sure to lose his mind at the sight of the Lord’s beautiful cascading black hair, which is tied in a topknot. Next to the pinkish, graceful lotus eyes of the Lord, the beauty of all other lotuses looks faded and seems to disappear. His long hands extend down to His knees, and the thin line of His brähmaëa thread hangs loosely across His broad and expansive chest. A thin and perfect tilaka decorates His broad forehead. Without any jewellery or ornaments, every limb of His beautiful body looks exquisite and captivating. Whence goes the brilliance of millions of precious gems compared to His dazzling nails?

What use do I have for ambrosia, when I see the sweet smile playing upon my Lord’s lips?


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4. The Unlimited Glories of Çré Nityänanda

All glories to Lord Gauracandra, the life and soul of all the living entities! May my memory constantly embrace His lotus feet.

Within His heart, Lord Nityänanda was certain that Çré Viçvambhara, who now stood before Him, was none other than His beloved Supreme Lord. Overwhelmed with bliss, Lord Nityänanda Prabhu was stunned in ecstasy; He stared unblinkingly at the beautiful face of the Lord.

Upon seeing the bewilderingly beautiful form of the Lord, Nityänanda wanted to taste the beauty with His tongue, drink the beauty with His eyes, embrace the beauty with His arms, and absorb the beauty with His nose. To everyone’s astonishment, Lord Nityänanda stood speechless, completely enchanted by the wondrous splendour of the Lord.

Lord Gauracandra is the Supersoul within everyone’s heart; therefore, He knew Lord Nityänanda’s heart. Thus, Gauracandra acted to reveal His hidden identity to Lord Nityänanda and the depth of Nityänanda’s devotion to the Lord.

Wearing a peacock-feather ornament upon His head, flowers blue karëikära on His ears, a yellow garment as brilliant as gold, and the Vaijayanté garland, Lord Kåñëa exhibited His transcendental form as the greatest of dancers as He entered the forest of Våndävana, beautifying it with the marks of His footprints. He filled the holes of His flute with the nectar of His lips, and the cowherd boys sang His glories.

The Lord indicated to Çréväsa Paëòita to recite a verse from the Çrémad Bhägavatam 10.21.5. Çréväsa understood, and immediately recited the çloka, which describes the beauty of Kåñëa: “At that time, Kåñëa entered the forest of Våndävana, dressed as the greatest of dancers. A peacock feather was threaded into His crown and His ears were decorated with hanging blue karëikära flowers. His golden yellow dress glistened as He wore the effulgent Vaijayanté jewel around His neck. The land that

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carries the impressions of His lotus feet—the conch shell, disc, lotus, and club—is Våndävana, His place of transcendental pastimes. To His lips, He touched the flute, which filled with nectar as He played an enchanting melody. At the same time, His cowherd boyfriends sang of His beauty and glories.”

As soon as Nityänanda Prabhu heard this verse, He fell down unconscious. While Lord Nityänanda lay in ecstatic bliss, Lord Caitanya exhorted Çréväsa Paëòita, “Recite more! Recite more!”

After sometime, Nityänanda Prabhu regained His external consciousness and began crying tears of joy. The more He heard the verses, the more they increased His mad love for Kåñëa. His ecstatic roaring filled the universe and pierced through the covering of this material world. Lord Nityänanda leapt up, and as He crashed down to the ground, everyone thought that the bones of His body were smashed. Seeing this, the Vaiñëavas became very afraid and loudly uttered, “Kåñëa, please save Him! Kåñëa, please save Him!”

Lord Nityänanda rolled on the ground, His body covered with tears of love. Long and recurrent sighs escaped His mouth as He looked deep into Lord Viçvambhara’s face. Lord Nityänanda felt great ecstasy, and often He laughed aloud. Sometimes, He jumped and danced, sometimes, He wrestled, and at other times, He hung His head quietly.

Lord Gauracandra and all the devotees began to cry in joy, seeing such total absorption and madness in love of Kåñëa. It became impossible for the Vaiñëavas to hold Nityänanda Prabhu still. When the devotees failed, Lord Viçvambhara held Nityänanda Prabhu in an embrace. As soon as Caitanya embraced Nityänanda, Nityänanda immediately became still. The Lord, to whom He was absolutely surrendered, now embraced Him! Nityänanda Prabhu allowed Himself to be held without endeavour.

Lord Caitanya flooded Lord Nityänanda with ecstatic tears of love. The arrow of ecstatic love of Kåñëa had afflicted Nityänanda and Caitanya held Him just as Rämacandra had held Lakñmaëa when He lay

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unconscious, drained of all strength. Both Nityänanda and Caitanya wept, overwhelmed with joy. The intensity of love between Caitanya and Nityänanda can be properly described only by the example of the loving relationship between Rämacandra and Lakñmaëa.

When Nityänanda came out of His ecstatic trance, all the devotees began loudly chanting Lord Hari’s name. Viçvambhara was embracing Nityänanda, and Gadädhara Paëòita smiled, thinking how Their Lordship’s roles had been reversed. He thought, “Nityänanda Prabhu, as Ananta Çeña, renders service to Lord Viçvambhara by becoming the bed upon which Lord Näräyaëa always rests. However, today His pride as a servitor has been broken, and He lies in Viçvambhara’s embrace.”

Gadädhara Paëòita was well aware of Nityänanda’s potencies, and the Supreme Lord, Nityänanda Prabhu, knew the innermost thoughts of Gadädhara Paëòita. All the devotees were jubilant upon meeting Lord Nityänanda, and their minds were steeped in thoughts of Him.

The ecstasy that Viçvambhara and Nityänanda experienced in their meeting is impossible to portray through words, but it found expression in the continuous tears of joy from Their eyes that drenched the earth. Lord Viçvambhara said, “This is the most glorious day in My life. Today, I have seen the embodiment of loving devotion to the Supreme Lord, the essence of the four Vedas. Only the Supreme Lord Himself can manifest such intense ecstasy.

“The fortunate souls who were able to see His loving devotion will never be rejected by Lord Kåñëa. Now, I understand that You, Lord Nityänanda, are the full-fledged manifestation of the Lord’s energy. You are non-different from Him. The living entities can obtain loving devotional service at the lotus feet of Kåñëa simply by worshiping You.

“You purify the entire cosmic manifestation and Your transcendental nature is inconceivable, incomprehensible, and esoteric. You are the personification of the highest ecstatic love of Kåñëa. Even a moment’s association with You can dissolve millions and millions of sins. I can now understand that Lord Kåñëa intends to purify and redeem Me as He is

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giving Me Your association. It is my great fortune that I am able to see Your lotus feet. I know that if I worship Your lotus feet, then I will surely receive love of Kåñëa.”

Unaware of the passing of time, Gaurasundara was absorbed in glorifying Nityänanda Prabhu. Nityänanda and Caitanya had infinite exchanges, but they were very confidential, so They conversed in gestures and signals that were known only to Themselves. The Lord then asked Nityänanda Prabhu, “I am hesitant to ask You from which direction You have come.” Lord Nityänanda was always absorbed, and He spoke like an innocent, restless child.

He understood that Lord Caitanya had descended to this material world. Thus, when He replied, He did so with folded hands and great humility. He had felt very ashamed and shy when Lord Viçvambhara was glorifying Him, and so through gestures, words and indications, He explained everything in detail.

Lord Nityänanda Prabhu said, “I extensively toured all places of pilgrimage, but I could see only the place and not Kåñëa, the Supreme Lord. I asked some good people why their altars were standing empty. ‘I do not see Him in His own place,’ I said. ‘Where is Kåñëa? Where did He go?’ They all replied, ‘Kåñëa has gone to Gauòa-deça, Bengal. He was in Gayä recently, and not so long ago He returned to Bengal.’ When I came to Nadia I was greeted by jubilant chanting of the Lord’s Holy Name, and someone told me that Lord Näräyaëa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, has appeared here. I have heard that in Nadia even the most wretched fallen souls could get liberation. Thus, being such an abominable wretch, I have come here.”

Lord Viçvambhara replied, “We are most fortunate that a devotee such as Yourself is amongst us now. Moreover, we are very grateful to the Lord that today we have seen Your ecstatic tears of love of Kåñëa.”

Muräri Gupta smiled and said, “We cannot enter the confidential discussions between Nityänanda and Viçvambhara.”

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Çréväsa Paëòita said, “How can we understand? Their intimate exchanges are just like Lord Hari’s with Lord Çiva.”

Gadädhara Paëòita said, “You are quite right, O Paëòita. They seem to be exactly like Rämacandra and Lakñmaëa.”

Another Vaiñëava said, “They look as if They are two Cupids.”

Someone else said, “They are Balaräma and Kåñëa.”

Another said, “I don’t have much knowledge, but from what I have seen it appears that Kåñëa has taken Ananta Çeña in His arms.”

Someone else commented, “They are like two friends. Their loving affectionate exchange is just like the relationship between Kåñëa and Arjuna.”

Others were saying, “They seem to know each other very intimately and thus can converse with words and gestures that they alone can understand!”

Thus, the devotees expressed their joy at having Lord Nityänanda amongst them, giving their different opinions.

Anyone who hears about the meeting of Nityänanda and Gauracandra is surely freed from material bondage.

Lord Nityänanda Prabhu serves Lord Caitanya in every way—as a friend, as His umbrella, His bed, or as His carrier. Lord Nityänanda alone can render all these services. He serves Lord Caitanya in multifarious ways according to His own sweet will. Others can also become eligible to serve the Lord, but only by the mercy of Nityänanda Prabhu.

Lord Nityänanda Prabhu’s glories are unlimited. No one can fully know Him. Even Çré Mahädeva, who is the greatest yogi, a pure devotee, and Himself a controller in this material energy, cannot fully fathom the limits of Lord Nityänanda’s transcendental nature.

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If one criticizes or offends Nityänanda Prabhu, not knowing His sublime transcendental attributes, then, although one is constitutionally an eternal servant of Kåñëa, one becomes forever rejected from the path of devotional service to Çré Viñëu.

Lord Nityänanda is the object of Lord Caitanya’s complete love, and my heart’s desire is that Lord Nityänanda will reside in my heart as my most beloved Lord and Master. By His grace, I have developed attachment and attraction for Lord Caitanya. It is by His order, that I write these wonderful pastimes of Lord Caitanya.

Just as Raghunätha and Yadunätha are different names for the same person; similarly, the names Nityänanda and Baladeva indicate the same person.

One, who desires to cross over this ocean of nescience and drown in the nectarine ambrosia of kåñëa-prema, must take shelter of the lotus feet of Nitäicandra.

Whosoever attentively glorifies these wonderful pastimes will be blessed by Çré Viçvambhara, along with all his associates.

The name of Çré Viçvambhara is extremely rare and precious in this world and indicates the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the life and soul of everyone’s transcendental love.

Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda Prabhu are my life and soul. I, Våndävana däsa, humbly offer this song at Their lotus feet.

5. The Vyäsa-püjä of Çré Nityänanda

All glories to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Çré Caitanyacandra, who is praised by the name of Muräri! He is the constantly glowing lamp of Navadvépa. He is the fearless lion who has come to slay the atheistic

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elephants. He has taken the knotted thread in order to demonstrate the necessity of regularly chanting a specific number of times the Lord’s Holy Names, Hare Kåñëa, which are His own names.

All glories to Çré Viçvambhara, the Supreme Lord of all living entities; He is the Lord and master of Çré Nityänanda and Gadädhara Paëòita!

All glories to the Lord, for He is subjugated by the love of His pure devotees headed by Çré Advaita Äcärya Prabhu! O Lord, please engage the conditioned living entities in the eternal loving service of Lord Kåñëa, and release them from the bondage of material existence.

In the association of Nityänanda, all the devotees passed their time in great joy, discussing the topics of Kåñëa’s pastimes. All the assembled Vaiñëavas were very elevated souls and unalloyed devotees of the Lord. They became immersed in the nectar of Kåñëa consciousness. Nityänanda Prabhu was extremely joyful, and He smiled as He looked around at the Vaiñëavas. The meetings were always a scene of extreme ecstasy, and tears of transcendental love and happiness cascaded down from everyone’s eyes.

Seeing this ecstasy, Lord Viçvambhara spoke to Lord Nityänanda Prabhu, “Listen, My dear Nityänanda Gosvämé, where shall we hold Your Vyäsa-püjä ceremony? Tomorrow is a full moon, and on this day, Çréla Vyäsadeva is worshiped. Therefore, You may choose anyone’s home, and make arrangements with him.”

Nityänanda Prabhu could understand Lord Viçvambhara’s mind, so He took Çréväsa Paëòita by his hand and smiling, said, “Listen Viçvambhara, I will have My Vyäsa-püjä in this brähmaëa’s house.”

Lord Viçvambhara then spoke to Çréväsa Paëòita, “Now you have a heavy responsibility over your head.” Çréväsa replied, “No my Lord, this is no botheration, by Your grace everything is in this house.” The paraphernalia required like clothes, grains, Brahmin thread, ghee, etc., are all available here. I have only to borrow the book, which gives the procedure for performing a Vyäsa-püjä ceremony. Then tomorrow, by

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my great fortune, I shall witness the Vyäsa-püjä.” Lord Viçvambhara was very pleased with Çréväsa’s reply, and all the devotees were jubilant.

Lord Viçvambhara said, “Listen Nityänanda Gosäïi, let us all make preparations to go to Çréväsa Paëòita’s house.” Nityänanda very much appreciated Viçvambhara’s words, and immediately proceeded to Çréväsa Paëòita’s house. The Lord and Nityänanda Prabhu, accompanied by Their associates, looked exactly like Kåñëa and Balaräma in Gokula as They went about accompanied by Their friends.

As they entered Çréväsa Paëòita’s house, the devotees felt a current of joy run through their bodies. The Lord ordered the doors to be closed, allowing only friends and relatives inside. Then, upon the signal from Lord Viçvambhara, they began singing bhajans a n d kértanas, and gradually the external world faded away into oblivion.

The chanting was ecstatic and befitting the occasion of Vyäsa-püjä. The two Lords began to dance ecstatically, surrounded by the devotees who were singing. The bond of love and affection exists eternally between Lord Nityänanda and Lord Viçvambhara, and now, as they danced together, each one was immersed in thought of the other.

The devotees were experiencing extraordinary joy. Some began to roar loudly, some fell unconscious, and others could not restrain the flow of joyful tears.

The two Supreme Lords were experiencing all the symptoms of ecstasy like shivering, pallor, horripilation, crying, and falling unconscious. Who can describe all the ecstatic symptoms that They manifested?

The two Lords danced, lost in Their ecstasy. Often They would embrace each other, crying. In the mood of brotherly love, They tried to catch each other’s feet. However, because both were wary and cunning, They could not succeed. They were overwhelmed in happiness and They rolled on the ground forgetting Their absolute supreme position. Such are Their wonderful pastimes.

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The world of external phenomena was forgotten and Their clothes fell from Their bodies. They could not sit still, and even though the Vaiñëavas tried to hold Them down, they were unsuccessful. How would it be possible for the Vaiñëavas to restrain the personalities who support the entire universe?

The two Supreme Lords were lost in the nectar of chanting and dancing. Lord Gaurasundara kept repeating, “Chant! Chant!” drenching His whole body with tears of happiness. The Lord, having found the personality whose association He had always desired, His eternal brother, Lord Nityänanda, was floating on an ocean of eternal ever-increasing ecstasy. Lord Viçvambhara’s dancing was completely enchanting and sometimes He would touch His head with His feet. When Lord Nityänanda Prabhu danced, there seemed to be an earthquake. Thus, the two Supreme Lords danced in ecstasy. Who can describe that scene of great jubilation?

Lord Viçvambhara then sat upon the seat of Lord Viñëu, becoming absorbed in the mood of Lord Balaräma. Like Lord Balaräma, He expressed madness, and repeatedly cried out, “Bring Me wine! Bring Me wine!”

To Nityänanda Prabhu the Lord said, “Immediately bring Me a plough.” At the Lord’s request, Lord Nityänanda stretched out His hands and Lord Gauracandra received the plough with His hands. Some saw the two Lords go through these motions empty-handed, while others actually saw Lord Nityänanda give a plough to Lord Caitanya.

Only by the Lord’s mercy can one understand His supreme position. Such confidential pastimes and topics of the Lord as displayed by Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityänanda are known to only a very limited few.

Receiving the plough from Nityänanda Prabhu, Lord Caitanya now began to ask for wine, acting agitated and mad. Most of the devotees could not understand this mood of Lord Caitanya. They looked into each other’s faces in bewilderment, wondering why the Lord was asking for wine. After careful consideration, they brought a pot of Gaìgä water

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to the Lord. The Lord distributed the Gaìgä water to everyone and drank much of it Himself, taking it to be real wine.

All around, the devotees began to chant hymns about Balaräma, and Viçvambhara kept repeating, “Näòä! Näòä!” the name by which He would call Advaita Äcärya Prabhu. The Lord continued to call out, “Näòä!” and His head began dropping as if intoxicated, but nobody could understand the inner meaning of the word ‘Näòä’.

They asked, “Lord, who is Näòä?”

The Lord replied, “On whose loud beckoning I am here, the personality you call ‘Advaita Äcärya Prabhu’ is ‘Näòä’ to Me in My present incarnation. ‘Näòä’ has brought Me down from the Vaikuëöha planets, but now He is enjoying peacefully with Haridäsa Öhäkura. In this incarnation, I shall propagate congregational chanting of the Holy Name in every house in answer to His calling. However, I will not bestow the gift of loving devotional service to the Supreme Lord to those wretched and fallen people who being intoxicated with material knowledge, wealth, family, and austerity, are naturally offensive to My pure devotees. Otherwise, I shall bestow that supreme gift of kåñëa-prema, which is most desirable even by Lord Brahmä, to everyone without discrimination.”

The devotees were overjoyed upon hearing the Lord, and the Lord gradually became tranquil and at rest, coming to external consciousness.

The Lord asked the devotees, “Were My speech and actions uncontrolled?”

The devotees replied, “No, nothing was inconsistent.”

The Lord embraced everyone with great love and affection, and said, “Please always forgive My offensive nature.”

All the devotees began to smile. “Surely,” they thought, “the Lord is joking.”

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Unable to control His ecstasy, Nityänanda Prabhu began to roll on the ground. Nityänanda was completely immersed in the nectar of kåñëa-prema. Sometimes He laughed, sometimes He cried. Sometimes, He cloth fell away and He stood naked, in the mood of a young boy, which His body manifested. His sannyäsa daëòa fell in one direction, and His water pot and clothes in another.

The great, sober, and tranquil personality, Lord Nityänanda, was now restless and uncontrollable, but Viçvambhara personally pacified Him. Caitanya’s words acted upon the maddened lion Nityänanda just as a goad acts upon a maddened elephant and Nityänanda became steady. The Lord said, “Be calm, for tomorrow, You shall perform Vyäsa-püjä.” Having spoken thus, the Lord left for His home.

All the devotees returned to their respective homes, and Lord Nityänanda remained in Çréväsa Paëòita’s house. Late in the night, overcome with ecstasy, Lord Nityänanda began roaring like a lion. He broke His daëòa and kamaëòalu, water pot. Who can fathom the activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead? Who knows why Lord Nityänanda broke His daëòa and kamaëòalu?

Early next morning, Rämäi Paëòita saw the broken daëòa and kamaëòalu. He was amazed and perplexed. He went quickly to Çréväsa Paëòita and reported the matter to him. Çréväsa Paëòita said, “Go inform Çré Viçvambhara.”

When Caitanya Mahäprabhu heard of the activities of Nityänanda from Rämäi Paëòita, He immediately came to the house of Çréväsa Paëòita. There, He found Nityänanda laughing constantly in a trance. Viçvambhara took the daëòa and led Nityänanda to the Gaìgä.

Çréväsa Paëòita and the other Vaiñëavas accompanied Their Lordships to the Gaìgä for a bath, and there, Viçvambhara personally threw the daëòa into the river. Nityänanda, still in trance, was restless and did not heed anyone’s advice. Therefore, Mahäprabhu would sometimes chastise Him, which would pacify Him a little.

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However, a crocodile was swimming down the river, and upon seeing it, Nityänanda jumped in to catch it. Immediately, Çréväsa Paëòita and Gadädhara Paëòita raised an alarm, calling, “Haya! Haya!” Fearlessly, Nityänanda continued swimming towards the crocodile in the midstream. Only Caitanya’s words could placate Nityänanda and bring Him back. Viçvambhara loudly cried out to Lord Nityänanda, “Come immediately and let us proceed with the worship of Vyäsadeva.” Obeying Viçvambhara, Nityänanda came out of the water and accompanied the Lord back to the house of Çréväsa.

Soon after, all the devotees assembled and began chanting the Holy Name of Lord Kåñëa. Çréväsa Paëòita was appointed the head preceptor for the Vyäsa-püjä, and upon receiving instructions from Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu, he executed them carefully. A continuous, sweet kértana converted Çréväsa Paëòita’s house into the spiritual world of Vaikuëöha. Well versed in all scriptures, Çréväsa Paëòita performed the ceremony according to the strict injunctions of the scripture. He gave Nityänanda a garland of fragrant flowers and said, “Oh Nityänanda Prabhu, please take this garland and after reciting the appropriate mantras offer Your prayers and obeisances to Çréla Vyäsadeva. The scriptures enjoin that one should personally garland Çréla Vyäsadeva in his worship, and if Çréla Vyäsadeva is satisfied then all one’s spiritual desires will be fulfilled.”

The more Çréväsa Paëòita spoke, the more Nityänanda repeated, “Yes, yes, yes.” Apparently, He paid no heed to Çréväsa’s words and seemed to not know which mantras to recite. He held the garland and muttered something softly underneath his breath, which nobody could hear, and He just looked all around.

Çréväsa Paëòita reported the matter to Lord Caitanya, “Your Çrépäda does not want to worship Çréla Vyäsadeva.” The Lord immediately came to the presence of Nityänanda and said, “Nityänanda, please listen to Me. Offer the garland to Çréla Vyäsadeva and worship Him.” Nityänanda saw that Caitanya was there and He immediately placed the garland upon the Lord’s head. The fragrant flower garland on the Lord’s curly hair made a beautiful sight.

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At that very moment, Lord Caitanya revealed His six-armed form to Nityänanda Prabhu. The Lord held in His six hands the conch, disc, mace, and lotus of Viñëu; and the plough and club of Balaräma. Seeing this, Lord Nityänanda Prabhu immediately went into an ecstatic trance and fell unconscious with no symptom of life. All the devotees became very afraid and started praying, “Protect Him, Kåñëa! Protect Him, Kåñëa!” while the son the Jagannätha Miçra roared loudly and repeatedly slapped His sides.

Caitanya then bent down to lift Nityänanda up from the ground saying, “Nityänanda, please get up and steady Your mind. Listen to the chanting of the Holy Name that you have begun. The reason You descended to this material world is to propagate the chanting of the Holy Name, and now You have perfectly succeeded in this mission. What more do You want?

“You are the absolute proprietor of the treasure house of kåñëa-prema, the embodiment of sublime devotional love. No one can receive kåñëa-prema unless and until You distribute such nectar. Therefore, please get up and look around You—glance mercifully upon Your own beloved associates who surround You. You may distribute this greatest wealth to whomever You desire. If anyone nurtures even the slightest dislike for You, then although He may worship Me, I will never accept him as dear to Me.”

Lord Caitanya’s words brought Nityänanda out of His trance, and upon seeing again the Lord’s six-handed form, He went into a state of great ecstasy. Nityänanda Prabhu is non-different from Ananta Çeña, in whose heart Gauracandra is an eternal resident. Without a doubt, Nityänanda is non-different from Balaräma. Lord Gauracandra is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the source of all incarnations and pastimes; therefore, that He should manifest His six-armed form is not astonishing.

In His incarnation as Rämacandra, He offered oblations to His departed father. At that time His father, King Daçaratha, appeared in person to receive the oblations. If this can be considered wonderful, then the

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Lord’s six-armed form is also wonderful. However, all of this is natural for the Supreme Lord, Çré Kåñëa because His pastimes are extraordinary and supra-mundane.

Nityänanda Prabhu’s natural propensity is to serve Gauracandra, and He is never distracted from this service even for a moment. Just as Lakñmaëa served Rämacandra constantly with His mind, body, and heart; similarly, Nityänanda Prabhu constantly engages in Gauracandra’s loving devotional service. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is the Lord of every living entity; He is unlimited and the source of everything. Yet, He enters the material realm and causes the creation, maintenance and annihilation of the material world. According to the verdict of the Vedas, He is the Absolute Truth and the Supreme Controller; yet, He remains unaffected by the phenomena of material nature.

In spite of His supreme lordship over everything, Ananta Deva, Çré Nityänanda Prabhu, is eternally engaged in rendering loving devotional service to Çré Gauracandra. In every yuga, and in every incarnation, His natural mood is to serve His Supreme Lord, Çré Kåñëa. As Lakñmaëa, He became the younger brother of Lord Rämacandra and served Him constantly. He neglected eating, drinking, sleeping, and other such activities to constantly serve the lotus feet of Çré Rämacandra. Yet, He still felt unable to satisfy His intense desire to serve.

As Çré Balaräma, He was the elder brother of Çré Kåñëa. Yet, He could not forsake His attitude of service to the Lord, which springs from the deepest core of His very Self. He always referred to Kåñëa as His Master, and He was always in the mood of rendering loving devotional service to Kåñëa. Such is the wonderful nature of Çré Nityänanda, Ananta Çeña. Only the most foolish rascals will see a difference between Çré Nityänanda Prabhu and Çré Balaräma. One who disrespects a devotee who is fully surrendered to the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord, Çré Viñëu, commits a great offence at the very lotus feet of Lord Viñëu Himself.

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Çré Lakñmé Devé, the Goddess of Fortune, is so elevated that Lord Brahmä and Lord Çiva offer praise and worship to her. Yet, she is naturally inclined to serve the lotus feet of Çré Viñëu, Kåñëa.

Lord Balaräma, Ananta Çeña, is the omnipotent Supreme Personality of Godhead. Yet, His natural inclination is to serve the Supreme Lord. Therefore, Çré Gauracandra feels most satisfied when He can describe the glories and wonderful devotional attitude of Çré Nityänanda Prabhu. It is the nature of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Gauracandra, to be subservient to the devotional love of His devotees. Therefore, the Lord especially likes to glorify His own dearmost surrendered devotees.

There is a special significance in hearing the Supreme Lord glorify His own devotees. The Lord and His devotees like to glorify each other, and in this way increase their attachment for one another. I have faithfully presented that which has been propounded in the Vedas and Puräëas about the relationship between the Supreme Lord, Çré Viñëu, and His unalloyed devotees.

Lord Nityänanda has only one thought in His mind, “Lord Caitanya is My Lord in every respect, and I am His devoted servant. Whoever considers Me to be the servant of My Lord and master, Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu, becomes very dear to Me and receives My shelter.”

For the pleasure of Çré Nityänanda, I have described this pastime of His seeing the six-armed form of Çré Caitanya. Nityänanda always sees the transcendental pastimes of Caitanya within His heart, and Caitanya always exhibits His transcendental pastimes in Nityänanda’s heart. Certainly, the two brothers always see one another. Yet still, the specific services Çré Nityänanda performs are always in accordance with the pastimes of the Lord’s particular incarnation. Although Çré Nityänanda is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, He always serves Çré Gauracandra. The Supreme Lord thus accepts service from Himself. Who can understand such ecstatic pastimes?

The Vedas and Puräëas have revealed these philosophical matters. The Vedic literature is actually a compilation of all the wonderful pastimes of

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the Supreme Lord. Moreover, it is the foremost objective of the Vedas to propagate the pastimes of the Lord. However, it is not possible to comprehend these spiritual pastimes without engaging in the pure devotional service of the Lord. In this material world, there are only a few who, by the mercy of Çré Gauracandra, have realized the truth of the nectarine, unlimited, transcendental pastimes of Çré Kåñëa.

The Vaiñëava devotees of the Lord are eternally pure and realized souls. Sometimes there are differences of opinion amongst them, which might appear like arguments. However, in fact, there is an amazing relationship between devotees. Foolish rascals, who do not understand this exchange, praise one Vaiñëava and denounce the other. Such a mentality will lead to destruction of faith and knowledge.

The scriptures state that when a foolish wretch worships the lotus feet of a brähmaëa and then strikes him on the head, he will be sure to go to hell. Similarly, when someone worships the Deity of Çré Viñëu, but disrespects or disregards Çré Viñëu residing within everyone’s heart, he also goes to hell. What to speak of committing offence and violence to a Vaiñëava devotee! If someone offends or tortures even an ordinary living entity, yet worships Çré Viñëu, the Lord of every living entity, then all his worship is worthless, and he suffers great pain. To worship Çré Viñëu on one hand, and be ignorant about Çré Viñëu being the Supersoul in everyone’s heart on the other, is like touching a brähmaëa’s feet for a blessings with one hand, and then beating him on the head with the other.

Such foolish persons do not know what is most beneficial for them. To criticize a Vaiñëava devotee is a thousand times more sinful than offending an ordinary living entity. The person who faithfully worships the Deities, but has no love and respect for the devotees, also does not possess any compassion for the ignorant and fallen conditioned souls. He accepts one incarnation of the Supreme Lord and worships Him, while he rejects another. He treats Çré Kåñëa differently from Çré Rämacandra, seeing a difference between Them. He does not show any respect or devotion for Balaräma or Çiva. Such persons are described in the scriptures as the lowest and weakest of devotees.

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T h e Çrémad Bhägavatam 11.2.47. states: “A devotee who faithfully engages in the worship of the Deity in the temple, but does not behave properly toward other devotees or people in general is called a präkåta-bhakta, an impure materialistic devotee, and is considered to be a kaniñöha-adhikäré in the lowest position. In the course of discussion, I have just briefly mentioned the symptoms of a neophyte devotee incidentally.

Upon seeing the six-handed form of Caitanya Mahäprabhu, Nityänanda was overwhelmed. Whoever hears this wonderful pastime of Çré Nityänanda is immediately released from material bondage.

When Nityänanda came out of His ecstatic trance, He began to cry profusely, tears flowing from His eyes like rivers. Lord Caitanya then said to everyone, “The Vyäsa-püjä worship has been completed. Now let the kértana begin!”

The devotees were jubilant when they received Lord Caitanya’s orders and immediately began to loudly chant Çré Kåñëa’s transcendental names. The brothers, Nityänanda and Caitanya, danced like two mad men, having severed all contact with this phenomenal world. The Vyäsa-püjä was celebrated with great joy and singing and the Vaiñëavas became even more inspired and jubilant. Some danced, some sang, while others rolled on the ground catching each other’s feet.

Lord Caitanya’s mother, Çacémätä, everyone’s worshipable mother, sat alone and watched the transcendental merrymaking. Each time, she saw Nityänanda and Viçvambhara she thought to herself, “Both of Them are my sons.”

The celebration of the Vyäsa-püjä was very ecstatic. Only Çré Çeña Himself could attempt to fully describe such ecstasy. I am able to give only indications about the wonderful activities of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu. However, I know that one advances spiritually if one glorifies the Supreme Lord, Çré Kåñëa in any humble manner.

The day passed into night and the devotees went on celebrating the Vyäsa-püjä, dancing with Viçvambhara. The Vaiñëavas were mad with

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ecstatic joy and they wept, crying out, “Oh Kåñëa! Oh Kåñëa!” In this way, the Lord propagated the process of loving devotional service to Himself.

After the kértana, the Lord sat down with all His devotees. He spoke to Çréväsa Paëòita saying, “Quickly bring the Vyäsa-püjä offerings.” Çréväsa Paëòita arranged for all the prasädam to be brought in and Viçvambhara Himself distributed the prasädam to all the devotees. The devotees were in bliss to be personally served by the Supreme Lord, Çré Gauracandra.

The Lord called everyone from inside the house and gave them prasädam with His own hands. Receiving prasädam directly from the Lord is extremely rare and fortunate even for greatest of personalities like Lord Brahmä, but now, even the servants and maidservants of the house were receiving that greatest spiritual treasure. Who can describe the glories of Çréväsa Paëòita, in whose house such spiritual activities occurred?

Thus, the Supreme Lord performed wonderful pastimes in Navadvépa, but not everyone was aware of them.

Lord Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Lord Nityänanda are my life and soul. I, Våndävana däsa, humbly offer this song at Their lotus feet.

6. Mahäprabhu Summons Advaita Äcärya

All glories to the moonlike Çré Kåñëa Caitanyacandra, the fully independent Supreme Person, who is always engaged in eternal transcendental pastimes! All glories to His eternally pure activities! He is the Master of the Universe, the Supreme Controller of all controllers, and the direct manifestation of transcendence. All glories to all His intimate servants and dear devotees! All glories to their ecstatic dancing!

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All glories to Çré Gauracandra, the life and soul of the universe! Please give Your lotus feet in charity to my heart.

All glories to the all-auspicious Viçvambhara, the supreme benefactor of the universe! All glories to the servants of Çré Gauracandra!

All glories to the life and soul of Çré Paramänanda Puré, and the dearmost object of Svarüpa Dämodara.

All glories to Çré Kåñëa Caitanya, the beloved master of Çré Rüpa, Çré Sanätana, Jagadéça, and Gopénätha!

All glories to the Lord of Govinda, the doorkeeper, please bless the entire universe by Your merciful glance.

In this way, with Lord Nityänanda, Çré Gauracandra performed His pastimes of congregational chanting with the devotees.

Now in the Madhya-khaëòa, I will describe Advaita Äcärya Prabhu’s meeting with Gauracandra in the house of Çréväsa Paëòita.

One day, Lord Caitanya, exhibiting the mood of the Supreme Lord, ordered the younger brother of Çréväsa Paëòita, “Rämäi go to Advaita Äcärya’s house and inform him of My appearance. Tell him that the person he has worshiped 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 join Him. Also, tell him about Nityänanda 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, Rämäi started for Advaita Äcärya’s house, absorbed in remembrance of the Supreme Lord. Although he did not know the way, he felt very joyful; his only treasure was Lord Caitanya’s instructions. Somehow, by divine guidance, he arrived at Advaita Äcärya’s house. Offering his obeisances to Advaita Äcärya Prabhu, he was overcome with great joy and could not speak.

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Advaita Äcärya Prabhu already knew everything that was happening in Navadvépa. He could perceive this because of His pure devotional platform. He spoke to Rämäi Paëòita sweetly, saying, “I know you have instructions to take Me to Navadvépa.” Rämäi Paëòita folded his hands in respect, and said, “You already know everything, so please come quickly with me.”

Advaita Äcärya Prabhu was, at that time, in a completely blissful state of mind, transcendental to all His bodily sensations. Who is able to fathom the transcendental nature of Advaita Äcärya Prabhu? He is all-cognisant, yet He speaks as if He is unaware.

Advaita Äcärya Prabhu then strongly questioned Rämäi Paëòita, “In which scripture is it mentioned that the Supreme Lord, Çré Hari, will descend to Navadvépa in a human form for the redemption of the fallen conditioned souls? O Rämäi, your elder brother, Çréväsa Paëòita, knows My standard of devotion, renunciation and self realization.”

Rämäi Paëòita was well aware of Advaita Äcärya Prabhu’s spiritual powers, thus he remained quiet, smiling within. Advaita Äcärya Prabhu’s transcendental pastimes are unlimited. To the pious, they are a source of great joy; while to sinful persons, they remain incomprehensible.

Again, Advaita Äcärya Prabhu keenly inquired, “O Rämäi, please tell me why you have come so suddenly?”

When Rämäi Paëòita felt that Advaita Äcärya had calmed down, he began to cry while delivering Lord Caitanya Mahäprabhu’s message. “The 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 kåñëa-prema, 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 Nityänanda Prabhu has also appeared, He is non-different from Lord Caitanya and He is your

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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 Rämäi Paëòita delivered this message, Advaita Äcärya Prabhu swooned in ecstasy and 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 Vaikuëöha 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 Äcärya Prabhu, Çré Sétädevé, who is respected as the mother of the entire universe, began to weep joyfully. Although Advaita Äcärya’s son, Acyutänanda, was only a young boy, he also cried incessantly. Advaita Äcärya’s house was transformed into an abode of love of Kåñëa as mother and son, surrounded by their friends and relatives, wept together joyfully.

Engrossed in thoughts of the Supreme Lord, Advaita Äcärya Prabhu tried to control Himself, but He was unable to remain patient, His body swayed in slow motion, and He again inquired from Rämäi, “What did the Lord say to me?” Rämäi replied, “To come immediately.” Advaita Äcärya said, “Listen Rämäi Paëòita, 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 upon My head then I will know that He is the Lord of my heart.”

Rämäi Paëòita replied, “O Lord, what power do I possess to speak. If I am blessed, then with these eyes I can see the Supreme Lord’s pastimes. The Lord’s desire is your desire and He has incarnated because of you.”

Satisfied with Rämäi’s reply, Advaita Äcärya began preparing for the journey. “Get ready immediately He told his wife, “Collect the different paraphernalia for worship and let us proceed.”

Sétädevé was a chaste and dedicated woman; she had full knowledge of the truth about Lord Caitanya’s pastimes and appearance. She collected

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incense, garlands, scented oils, cloves, sweet condensed milk, yoghurt, cream, butter, camphor, and betel leaf and nut for worship.

Advaita Äcärya then left with His wife and Rämäi Paëòita. He reminded Rämäi Paëòita, “Do not tell the Lord that I have come, I want to find out the response of the Lord for I will hide in Nandana Äcärya’s house.”

Lord Viçvambhara is the Supersoul residing in everyone’s heart, thus He immediately knew of Advaita Äcärya’s plans. Understanding that Advaita Äcärya Prabhu had arrived in Navadvépa, He proceeded to Çréväsa Paëòita’s house. By the arrangement of the Lord, all of the devotees met there.

Upon seeing the Lord 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 Çré Viñëu, which was on the altar. He began shouting, “Näòä has come! Näòä has come! I know Näòä wants to test whether I am the actual Supreme Lord, the Supersoul within everyone’s heart.”

Nityänanda Prabhu understood all of Lord Caitanya’s moods; therefore, He picked up the umbrella and held it over the Lord’s head. Gadädhara Paëòita, who was also perceptive of the Lord’s moods, offered Him camphor and pan leaf. All of the devotees followed and worshiped the Lord with various ingredients. Some offered prayers to the Lord, while others rendered different services.

Amidst all these activities, Rämäi Paëòita returned. Before Rämäi could speak the Lord said, “Näòä has sent you to test Me.” The Lord shook His head gently and said, “Näòä has come. Although Näòä knows Me well, he always tries to test Me. He is here in Navadvépa at Nandana Äcärya’s house and He has sent you here to test Me. Go quickly and bring Him here immediately.”

Rämäi happily went back to Advaita Äcärya Prabhu and narrated everything in detail to Him. Advaita Äcärya felt extremely blissful hearing of the incidents that had taken place and He came to Çréväsa

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Paëòita’s house considering His plan to have been completed successfully. Advaita Äcärya wanted the whole earth to know that Lord Caitanya was the Supersoul and the all-potent Supreme Personality of Godhead. Now the Lord Himself had displayed His pre-eminence.

Advaita Äcärya and his wife approached the Lord, offering repeated obeisances from a great distance while chanting hymns in praise of the Lord. Advaita Äcärya Prabhu was now fully satisfied that He was seeing the fearless lotus feet of His beloved Lord, the most beautiful Personality of the entire creation.

The beauty of millions upon millions of cupids seemed pale and ordinary next to the beauty of the Lord. His golden complexion was effulgent and His blissful face was beaming like millions of glowing full moons. The Lord looked down upon Advaita Äcärya 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 Çrévatsa mark and the great Kaustubha jewel hung loosely from His neck. From His ears dangled fish-shaped earrings and around His neck swung the Vaijayanté garland. His unlimited mighty power and brilliance outshone a million suns. Ramä, the Goddess of Fortune, always serves His lotus feet, and Ananta Çeña holds the umbrella over His head. One is put in quandary to discern which are the Lord’s nails and which are brilliant gems of decoration. He played the flute in a most exquisite pose, bending in three places and a charming smile played on His lips.

Advaita Äcärya Prabhu saw everything glowing 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 Brahmä, the five-headed Lord Çiva, and the six-headed Lord Kärtikeya offering Him obeisances, while Närada Muni and Çukadeva Gosvämé recited prayers reverently.

An extremely beautiful lady, Gaìgä devé, was offering the Lord obeisances seated upon a chariot. All around, the demigods were offering

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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 Kåñëa’s name.

Seeing these wonderful sights, Advaita Äcärya 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 Kåñëa’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. Overwhelmed, Advaita Äcärya and His wife stood there speechless.

Lord Viçvambhara, the all-merciful Supreme Godhead, looked at Advaita Äcärya Prabhu and said, “I have descended to this earth because of your vow and your constant 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 not 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 these great devotees of whom even Lord Brahmä is constantly thinking.”

Hearing these wonderful words from the Lord’s mouth, Advaita Äcärya 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 Vedas have never seen and yet describe with choice 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 Äcärya’s face as he spoke.

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“Now perform My worship,” the Lord said. Having received this instruction Advaita Äcärya Prabhu began to worship the Lord’s lotus feet in great ecstasy. First, He washed His feet with scented waters and then covered Them with highly scented oil. He dipped tulasé maìjarés into sandalwood paste and placed them upon the Lord’s lotus feet. Then, as tears of love flowed unrestrictedly from his eyes, he began to offer worship with flowers, scents, incense, frankincense and lamps.

He then offered a lamp of five flames while chanting prayers, after which everyone jubilantly glorified the Lord. He continued to worship the Lord strictly according to the injunctions of the scriptures, offering the 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 brähmaëas, and You are the well wisher of the entire human society and the world.”

Advaita Äcärya 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 Viçvambhara. All glories to Lord Gauracandra, the ocean of mercy! All glories to Lord Caitanya Mahäprabhu, the source of all incarnations! He comes to confirm that His devotees are always right. All glories to Him who feels great joy beholding the exquisite beauty of Lakñmé Devé! All glories to the Lord who is decorated with the mark of Çrévatsa and is decorated with the Kaustubha gem!

“All glories to Lord Viçvambhara who is propagating the chanting of the Mahä-mantra: Hare Kåñëa Hare Kåñëa Kåñëa Kåñëa Hare Hare Hare Räma Hare Räma Räma Räma Hare Hare. All glories to Him, for He manifests the pastimes of a pure devotee just to teach the living entities the process of surrendered devotional service unto Him.

“All glories to Çré Mahäprabhu who lies on the bed of Ananta Çeña. All glories, all glories to the only Supreme Shelter of all living entities. O my Lord, You are Lord Viñëu. You are Kåñëa and You are Näräyaëa. You are eternal and You have appeared as Matsya, Kürma, Varäha and Vämana. In every yuga, You protect and maintain the Vedic principles. You are

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Lord Rämacandra, the life of Mother Jänaké, and the destroyer of all the demons. You gave a boon to the Caëòäla Guhaka, and You liberated mother Devahüti.

“You appeared as Lord Nåsiàhadeva just to protect Your beloved devotee Prahläda Mahäräja, and in that incarnation You slew his father, Hiraëyakaçipu. You are the most precious jewel of the Vedas, and the best of the brähmaëas. You have appeared in Néläcala in Your Deity form to receive the worship of the living entities.

“The four Vedas search for You and even though You secrete Yourself from the Vedas, You have mercifully appeared here in Navadvépa. O Lord, You are most expert in hiding Yourself, but Your pure devotees are just as expert at finding You out and revealing You. You have advented to propagate the congregational chanting of the Holy Name of Kåñëa. This is unprecedented and in the entire creation, there is no parallel to You.

“The nectar from Your two lotus feet satiates and intoxicates Lord Çiva and Pärvaté. Ramä, the Goddess of Fortune, constantly serves Your lotus feet with great attention, and great sages sing incessantly in praise of Your lotus feet.

“Lord Brahmä worships You with great awe and reverence, and all the Çruti, Småti and Puräëic çästras glorify Your lotus feet. As Lord Vämana, You covered the entire universe up to Satyaloka with Your lotus feet, and Bali Mahäräja surrendered His life and soul, laying his head at Your feet.

“The holy Gaìgä emanates from Your lotus feet, and Lord Çiva feels greatly fortunate to hold her waters upon His head.”

Advaita Äcärya’s intelligence is a million times greater than of Båhaspati. Thus, He was fully aware of the absolute and transcendental position of Lord Caitanya. Drenched H own tears, Advaita Äcärya Prabhu glorified the Lord and fell prostrate before Him, seeking shelter under His lotus feet.

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Lord Gauräìga is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the Supersoul residing in every living entities heart. He lifted His lotus feet and placed them upon Advaita Äcärya 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 Äcärya and His wife felt that all their desires were now fulfilled because Lord Caitanya had placed His lotus feet upon Advaita’s head.

Lord Caitanya instructed Advaita Äcärya Prabhu, “O Näòä! Sing My glories and dance in kértana.” Advaita Äcärya Prabhu happily began dancing with great devotion. Someone started a sweet, melodious kértana and Advaita Äcärya Prabhu continued dancing ecstatically in front of Lord Caitanya. At times, His dancing became sprite-like 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 and jumped 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 kértana. Finally, He settled down quietly as a meek servitor of the Lord. It is impossible to communicate this inconceivable and transcendental pastime.

Advaita Äcärya Prabhu then ran to Lord Caitanya’s side. Seeing Lord Nityänanda, He buckled His eyebrows, and Nityänanda Prabhu began to laugh. Advaita Äcärya Prabhu said, “It is wonderful that You are here Nitäi. For a long time, I have seen no trace of You. Now, if You try to go anywhere, I will tie You up.” Sometimes, Advaita addressed Nityänanda as ‘Prabhu’ and sometimes as ‘drunkard’.

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Lord Nityänanda laughed at Advaita Äcärya Prabhu’s demeanour. Though now, in caitanya-lélä, they have appeared in two different forms, in the pastimes of Çré Kåñëa, they are the same Personality. I have already discussed previously how Nityänanda served Caitanya in various ways, with great pleasure.

For this purpose, He expanded Himself into many forms. In some forms, He described the glories of the Lord. In other forms, He meditated within His heart upon the Lord. Sometimes, He manifested Himself as the Lord’s umbrella and bed, while, in another form, He would sweetly sing the Holy Name of the Lord.

Only the most fortunate can understand that in this incarnation Nityänanda Prabhu and Advaita Äcärya Prabhu are non-different. In the course of Their pastimes, whatever arguments or differences They had between Themselves are all the inconceivable and transcendental behaviour of the Supreme Lord. The manner in which they served Lord Caitanya with great ecstasy is similar, in mood, to service of Lord Ananta Çeña and Lord Çiva. 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 Äcärya Prabhu mesmerized all the devotees and filled their hearts with ecstatic joy. When Lord Caitanya instructed Advaita Äcärya Prabhu to stop dancing, he immediately sat down accepting the Lord’s instructions with utmost respect. Lord Caitanya then garlanded Advaita Äcärya with a garland from His own neck, smiling He said, “Ask for a boon, Advaita Äcärya.”

Advaita Äcärya Prabhu remained quiet, yet Lord Viçvambhara insisted that He ask for a boon. Advaita Äcärya replied, “What more of a boon can I ask for?

“What I wanted, I already have received. Since, You have personally watched my dancing, my heart’s desire has been fulfilled. What more could I ask from my Lord? I have seen You in person—that is all that matters. You know everything; You have seen everything with Your

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transcendental opulence. You know what I want and what I do not want.”

Inclining His head to one side, Lord Viçvambhara 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 kåñëa-prema to everyone. That devotional service which is desired, worshiped, and meditated upon by Lord Brahmä, Lord Çiva and Närada Muni will now be given freely.”

Advaita Äcärya Prabhu said, “If You distribute kåñëa-prema, then give it also to the women, the çüdras, the fallen and the ignorant people. Yet, 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 unto You, let them burn in the fire of hell. Let everyone else, including the caëòälas, dance in ecstasy, chanting Your Holy Name.”

Appreciating the words of Advaita Äcärya, the Lord roared loudly, “Everything You have said is Truth. Let the entire world bear witness to Your mercy upon the ignorant and fallen conditioned souls.”

While the low class caëòälas are dancing in ecstasy, chanting the Lord’s name, the brähmaëa scholars like the Bhaööas, Miçras, Cakravartés and others are only criticizing Lord Caitanya. These atheistic scholars have vigilantly studied the scriptures and feel very proud, thinking that they have mastered them, but their pride has actually destroyed their proper intelligence and understanding of the Vedas. These people criticize Lord Nityänanda without understanding His transcendental pastimes, thus inviting their own doom.

I have described in this chapter how the entire universe received kåñëa-prema by the mercy of Çré Advaita Äcärya Prabhu. The esoteric discussions between Lord Caitanya, Lord Nityänanda, and Advaita Äcärya Prabhu are all known to Çré Sarasvaté, 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.

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I offer my obeisances at the lotus feet of all the Vaiñëavas so that I may be cleansed of all sins and offences.

Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Lord Nityänanda are my life and soul. I, Våndävana däsa, humbly offer this song at Their lotus feet.

7. Gadädhara Paëòita meets Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi

The ocean of all transcendental qualities, Lord Caitanya, is the most graceful dancer. He is the cintämaëi gem, fulfilling everyone’s desire through His divine intervention. Even though I am without qualification, that rarest gem, devotional service unto His lotus feet, has been given to me.

All glories to Lord Gaurasundara, the most beloved object of Advaita Äcärya and Lord Nityänanda and the life and soul of every living entity! He sustains life in Çré Jagadänanda Paëòita and Çrégarbha! All glories to the crown jewel of the heart of Çré Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi!

May the Supreme Lord, Gauracandra, who is the Lord and Master of Jagadéça and Gopénätha, be glorified, along with all His dear devotees!

Gauracandra continued to perform His ecstatic pastimes with Nityänanda in Navadvépa. All the Vaiñëavas accompanied Advaita Äcärya, who led them in grand ecstatic dancing and chanting of the Holy Name of Lord Kåñëa.

Lord Nityänanda Prabhu resided in Çréväsa Paëòita’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 Mäliné, Çréväsa Paëòita’s wife, would have to feed Him.

Now hear of Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi’s arrival in Navadvépa. Puëòaréka Prabhu was a very dear associate of Çré Kåñëa. By the Lord’s

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arrangement, he appeared in the village of Caööagräma in East Bengal, purifying that land. However, the Lord Himself appeared in Navadvépa. In the absence of Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi, He sighed heavily, feeling deep separation.

One day after ecstatic dancing, the Lord sat down exclaiming, “O My father Puëòaréka!” and began to cry. “O Puëòaréka, O My father, when will I be able to see You again.” Such was the extent of the Lord’s affection for Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi. In this way, Lord Gauracandra revealed His intimate associates by performing His wonderful pastimes.

All the devotees surrounding the Lord were unable to properly appreciate the name Gauracandra continued to repeat, and why tears continually flowed from His eyes. They conjectured that Puëòaréka naturally implied Kåñëa, and Vidyänidhi could have many different explanations. However, no one understood that this person was a very confidential associate of the Lord. Finally, when the Lord came out of trance, the devotees asked, “Dear Lord, for whom are You weeping? Kindly reveal, who he is, his birth and his activities? Tell us, Lord, so we may have the good fortune of knowing him,”

The Lord replied, “ Since you desire to hear about him, You are certainly fortunate. 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 scholarly brähmaëa was born in Caööagräma. He has strictly executed the prescribed religious principles and is respected by everyone. He always floats in the nectarine ocean of love of Kåñëa, and his body always displays various ecstatic symptoms such as crying and horripilation. He never goes for ablutions in the Gaìgä, to cleanse himself of sin like everyone else, for he will not enter her waters since he avoids touching her with his feet.

“However, he comes to see and pay his respects to her everyday in the evening when the teeming crowds have all gone. He cannot bear to see

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Mother Gaìgä disrespected and utilized by people who spit upon her, clean their mouth with her holy waters, and wash their hair and dirty clothes in her. Thus, he prefers to come to her in the evenings when there is no one around.

“Another wonderful characteristic of Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi is that he always drinks Gaìgä water before worshiping the Lord and performing all his daily prescribed religious duties. Thereby, he demonstrates the greatness of Mother Gaìgä to all the puffed-up scholars.

“He is presently in Caööagräma, but he is soon coming to Navadvépa 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 is an ordinary materialistic person. I am very anxious to see him, so all of you must pray and endeavour to bring him here very quickly.”

Talking about Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi threw the Lord into an ecstatic trance and He began to weep saying, “O My father, Puëòaréka.” The Lord lamented loudly, for only He could understand the greatness of such a pure Vaiñëava. Through the Lord’s mercy only, can the wonderful and unique position of a pure devotee be revealed.

When the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Himself, wishes to attract a living entity, the living entity must respond. Thus, Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi suddenly desired to go to Navadvépa. After making suitable arrangements, he came to Navadvépa with many disciples. In Navadvépa, he remained in disguise and all the ordinary men considered him a lavish materialist, attached to a life of comfort and self-enjoyment.

With the exception of Mukunda, no one amongst the Vaiñëava’s knew about Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi’s arrival in Navadvépa. Çré Mukunda was an äyurvedic brähmaëa doctor who was also born in Caööagräma, thus he knew about the wonderful Vaiñëava qualities of Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi. When Mukunda found out that he was in Navadvépa, he was so overwhelmed that it was difficult for him to control himself.

However, Mukunda did not reveal Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi’s identity to anyone. Thus, Puëòaréka remained a materialistic self-enjoyer in the

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eyes of the ordinary folks. Only Mukunda and his brother Väsudeva Datta knew about the intensity of Puëòaréka’s love for Kåñëa.

Gadädhara Paëòita and Mukunda were very dear friends and always kept each other’s company. Mukunda thus told Gadädhara Paëòita, “Listen carefully Gadädhara, a very great devotee has come to Navadvépa. You have been hankering for the association of pure Vaiñëavas and today your desire will be fulfilled. I will take you to see a wonderful Vaiñëava devotee. In return for this, I simply want you to think of me as your dear servant.”

The excited and happy Gadädhara Paëòita called out the name of Kåñëa as they proceeded towards the great Vaiñëava’s residence with Mukunda. Arriving there, they found Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi sitting comfortably. Gadädhara offered his obeisances and was respectfully seated.

Vidyänidhi inquired from Mukunda, “What is his name and from which village does he come? I can see that his body is effulgent due to rendering devotional service to the Supreme Lord Viñëu, both his form and demeanour are extremely wonderful.”

“His name is Çré Gadädhara,” Mukunda replied. “He is very fortunate because from early childhood, he has been totally detached from family life. In his external material identity, he is the son of the brähmaëa Çré Madhva Miçra. Since he is absorbed in devotional service, he only associates with Vaiñëavas, and he is extremely dear to all the devotees. When he heard about you, he was anxious to meet you.”

After hearing the wonderful qualities of Gadädhara Paëòita, Vidyänidhi was very pleased to meet him. The great personality, Çré Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi, sat like a prince. His beautiful bed was made of wood, covered with intricate brass and reddish stone inlay work. Above it were three tiers of ornamental drapes made of glittering brocade cloth. 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 neatly prepared betel pan

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upon it. Two large ornate mirrors hung on either side of him into which he continually glanced while smiling with lips reddened from chewing pan. He wore a sandalwood paste tilaka mark upon 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. As he followed a life of pure devotional service, he looked as charming as Cupid himself. Those who did not know him would consider him a prince, as everything about him and around him gave the impression that he was a man of the easy and comfortable life, given to pleasure.

When Gadädhara Paëòita saw these luxurious items and a general atmosphere of materialistic life, he became suspicious. Since Gadädhara was a fully renounced soul from his early childhood, naturally some doubts regarding the character of Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi entered his heart. He thought, “What sort of a Vaiñëava is he, surrounded by so much finery and lavish living? Hearing about his devotional mood, I developed great respect for this person, but now upon seeing him, it is slowly giving way to doubt and suspicion.”

Mukunda understood the mind and heart of Gadädhara Paëòita, thus he took it upon himself to reveal the true nature of Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi. By the special mercy of Lord Kåñëa, Gadädhara Paëòita would be allowed to perceive everything; nothing would remain unknown to him.

In a very sweet voice, Mukunda began to sing a verse from the Çrémad Bhägavatam describing the glories of devotional service, “Alas, how shall I take shelter of one more merciful than He who granted the position of mother to the she-demon, Pütanä? Pütanä 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 breast and came to kill Kåñëa, but because she offered her breasts to the Lord, she attained the greatest achievement.”

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As soon as these words concerning devotional service entered his ears, Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi began to weep, tears of ecstatic love welled up in his eyes, rolling down his face profusely like streams of the Gaìgä. Simultaneously, all the symptoms of ecstasy manifested on his person. He wept, trembled, rolled, horripilated, 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 jumble. 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 Kåñëa, 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 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 had witnessed, Gadädhara Paëòita 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 Vaiñëava like him anywhere in this entire creation.

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“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 Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi, I was convinced that he was a materialistic Vaiñëava given to the pleasures of life.

“You could read my mind and being a greatly magnanimous soul you have revealed to me the unlimited extent of Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi’s love of Kåñëa. Yet, today, I have been offensive and the extent of my offence can only be mitigated by your mercy. You must be merciful to me and purify my heart.

“All the devotees who have surrendered to the Lord by the process of devotional service have accepted the shelter and instructions of a guide. Yet, I do not have such an instructor, so I have decided to take shelter of Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi and follow devotional service under his guidance. I shall counteract all my offences to him by becoming his disciple.”

Thus, Gadädhara Paëòita revealed to Mukunda his desire to become a disciple of Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi. Mukunda was extremely pleased with the decision and patted him on the back saying, “Very good, very good.”

Çré Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi was in a state of ecstatic oblivion for six hours. Gradually, he returned to his normal state, and sat down quietly. It was impossible for Gadädhara Paëòita to control the tears of joy, which rolled profusely down his face, wetting his entire body. When Çré Vidyänidhi saw this, he embraced Gadädhara Paëòita, holding him to his heart. Overwhelmed by Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi’s ecstatic devotion, Gadädhara was unable to speak.

Mukunda spoke up, revealing Gadädhara Paëòita’s mind, “Doubt arose in Gadädhara’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 realization, and comes from the very good family of Çré Madhva Miçra. From early childhood, he has been attached to the Supreme Lord. I think this is a very good match; a most elevated

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spiritual master such as Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi having an equally able disciple like Gadädhara Paëòita. Please consider these points and choose an auspicious day to initiate him with your dékçä mantra.”

Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi smiled and said, “Be assured that I will do as you request, for, by the Lord’s mercy, it is my great fortune to meet a person who is like a precious gem. Such a disciple may be found only as the result of many lifetimes of pious activities. The forthcoming twelfth day of the waxing moon is very auspicious, meet me here then, and your plan will become successful.” Overjoyed, Gadädhara Paëòita offered his obeisances and took leave of Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi. Mukunda and Gadädhara went straight to meet Lord Gauracandra, who happily received the news of Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi’s arrival.

During the night, without being seen by anyone, Puëòaréka left all his associates behind and came to the place of Lord Gauracandra. 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, pouring scorn upon himself, he began to weep saying, “O my dear Kåñëa, 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 good fortune.”

Hearing his lamentation, all the assembled Vaiñëavas, who immediately perceived Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi to be a great and elevated Vaiñëava, felt greatly pained and began to cry.

The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Caitanya, 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, Puëòaréka, finally I am able to see you today.”

The Vaiñëavas were overjoyed to have the association of such an elevated devotee as Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi and their eyes filled with

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tears. So wonderful was the scene that no pen could possibly offer a description.

Lord Gaurasundara held Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi in a loving embrace, wetting him with His tears. Understanding how dear Puëòaréka was to the Lord, the devotees immediately felt affection, respect and a tie of kinship with him. The Lord continued to hold Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi tightly, as if He wanted to merge His body into his. For three hours, the Lord was unable to move and remaining like a statue, He held Vidyänidhi in His close embrace. When the Lord came out of trance, He began to chant the name of Hari, and said, “Today Lord Kåñëa has been very merciful to Me. He has fulfilled all My desires for I have met the person of My heart’s desire.”

Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi greeted all the Vaiñëavas fondly and they began to chant the Holy Name together. The Lord then introduced Puëòaréka saying, “His name is Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi, the Lord has specially created him to distribute kåñëa-prema.”

Hearing this, the devotees happily responded by lifting 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 kåñëa-prema directly in Person.”

All this went on while Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi was absorbed within himself in an ecstatic trance, unaware of his immediate external surroundings.

Thereafter, he came out of His trance and became aware of the devotees around him. Immediately, he again offered obeisances to the Lord and then to Advaita Äcärya Prabhu and exchanged love and devotion with all the Vaiñëavas.

It was a glorious scene, as all the devotees floated on waves of ecstasy, thrilled to have met Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi, who himself is an ocean of kåñëa-prema. Only an extremely pious and fortunate person is able to describe this marvellous scene.

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Gadädhara Paëòita took Çré Viçvambhara’s permission to accept initiation from Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi. Gadädhara said, “I could not understand the uncommon behaviour 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 pardon me.”

Appreciating Gadädhara Paëòita’s mood, the Lord said, “Yes, perform the initiation quickly.” Thus, Gadädhara Paëòita formally accepted initiation from Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi, the ocean of ecstatic loving devotion, with great satisfaction.

What ability do I have to speak about the wonderful qualities of Çré Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi, for he was such an elevated Vaiñëava that even Gadädhara Paëòita was his disciple.

I have narrated, only in short, this wonderful pastime of Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi. I hanker and hope that one day I will be able to have his sight and association. Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi and Gadädhara were the ideal spiritual master and disciple and are both dearly beloved of the Supreme Lord, Çré Kåñëa Caitanya.

Whosoever hears or reads of this meeting between Gadädhara Paëòita and Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi will gradually experience the highest ecstasies of kåñëa-prema.

Lord Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Lord Nityänanda Prabhu are my life and soul. I, Våndävana däsa, offer my humble song at Their lotus feet.

8. Mahäprabhu Displays His Opulence

All glories to the beloved Lord Gaurasundara, who is most dear to everyone, especially Lord Nityänanda and Advaita Äcärya Prabhu!

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He is the life and soul of Çré Jagadänanda and Çrégarbha, and the most precious treasure of Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi.

All glories to Lord Caitanya for He is the Lord and master of Jagadéça and Gopénätha! All glories to all the associates of Lord Caitanya!

Along with Nityänanda Prabhu, Lord Caitanya continued to perform wonderful pastimes in Navadvépa. Advaita Äcärya, as well as all the other Vaiñëavas, assisted Their pastimes. Together they performed grand kértana, dancing ecstatically whilst constantly chanting of the Holy Name of Lord Kåñëa.

While Nityänanda Prabhu remained in Çréväsa Paëòita’s house, He manifested the mood of a young boy. He would not even eat by Himself and had to be fed by Mother Mäliné, who felt like a mother to Him.

One day, Lord Caitanya began to discuss topics regarding Kåñëa consciousness with Çréväsa Paëòita. Wanting to test Çréväsa, He asked, “Why do you keep and maintain this avadhüta in your house? You do not know anything about Him. Who He is? From where does He come? What is His family background? 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 avadhüta out of your house.”

Çréväsa Paëòita smiled and said, “O Lord, it is not proper for You to test me in this way. I know that Lord Nityänanda is Your expansion. You are the Supreme Lord and there is no difference between Yourself and Lord Nityänanda. I am Your servant and anyone who serves You becomes my master. Even if Lord Nityänanda were a meat-eating drunkard and due to association with Him I lost my reputation, wealth and everything, still, I tell You truly that I would never think of anything other than serving His and Your lotus feet.”

Hearing Çréväsa Paëòita speaking in this manner, the Lord stood up and roared loudly with great joy, “What have I just heard from you, Çréväsa Paëòita? You have so much faith and love for Nityänanda Prabhu? You have understood the truth about My dearmost confidential associate.

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This has pleased Me so much that I grant you this boon. Even if there comes a time when Lakñmé Devé, 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 Nityänanda Prabhu in your care so that you may look after Him and serve Him properly.” Saying this, the Lord returned home.

Lord Nityänanda spent His time roaming about Navadvépa. Sometimes, He went to the Gaìgä 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 Gaìgädäsa Paëòita and Muräri Gupta, and then run to Lord Caitanya’s house where Mother Çacé showered Him with affection. Absorbed in the mood of a young boy, Lord Nityänanda would try to catch mother Çacé’s feet and she always tried to escape from Him.

One night, Mother Çacé had a dream, which she later related to Lord Viçvambhara in confidence. “Late in the night, I dreamed I saw You and Nityänanda. 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 Balaräma in Your hand, and the Deity of Kåñëa in Nityänanda’s hand. The four of You then began to fight with each other.

“Balaräma and Kåñëa 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.’

“Nityänanda replied, ‘Those days of stealing butter and curd for Yourselves to eat are now gone. You are no longer cowherd boys. Now You have become young brähmaëas, so give up, now, Your possessiveness about all these sweets, yoghurt and milk. 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.’

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“Balaräma and Kåñëa replied, ‘We will catch hold of both of You impostors and leave you here tied up. Who will blame Us for this if You go against the wishes of Kåñëa?’

“Lord Nityänanda Prabhu then replied, ‘Who is afraid of Your Kåñëa? My Lord and Master is Lord Viçvambhara.’

“The four of them fought in this way, snatching and eating the sweets and food from each other’s hands and mouths. Nityänanda 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 Çacé’s dream, Viçvambhara 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 like 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, Balaräma and Kåñëa, would remain half-eaten after the offering was over. I was suspicious of my wife, but now everything has become clear.

Viñëupriyä, Çré Lakñmé Devé, the mother of the Universe, heard the details of Mother Çacé’s dream from the inner quarters and smiled at her husband’s words.

Viçvambhara said, “Mother let me go and bring Nityänanda here right away and you can feed him.” Happy to hear this, Çacémätä quickly began preparation for cooking.

Viçvambhara went to Nityänanda and extended an invitation to Him, along with a warning, “Today, we are making a special offering to the Deities, so please do not misbehave.”

Nityänanda caught hold of His ears and cried, “Viñëu! Viñëu! Who makes people misbehave? You think I will misbehave because You think

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everyone is like Yourself.” Joking in this way, They proceeded towards Viçvambhara’s house, absorbed in talks of Kåñëa.

Entering the house, They were given water to wash Their feet and then sat down to eat next to each other, surrounded by Gadädhara Paëòita and other friends. Sitting together in this way, Nityänanda and Viçvambhara looked exactly like Rämacandra and Lakñmaëa sitting in Their mother’s house. Their mood and affection for each other were identical, for They were the same Persons.

Mother Çacé was very happy and excitedly hurried to serve out full plates o f prasädam for the two of Them. When she returned, she found two young boys of five in the place where Viçvambhara and Nityänanda had been sitting. One of the boys had a blackish complexion and the other was very fair. Both of Them were exquisitely beautiful, and both 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 Çrévatsa, the glistening 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, Viñëupriyä, situated on the breast of one of the young children. No sooner had she seen this wonderful sight, than it vanished.

Mother Çacé stood still, stunned in ecstasy as tears rolled down her face drenching her clothes. All the foodstuff scattered here and there as Çacémätä fell to the ground and lay unconscious.

Viçvambhara rushed up to wash His hands and mouth, then quickly ran to revive His mother. Lifting her up He said, “Mother! Mother! Please get up, be calm, and take control of yourself. Why did you suddenly fall to the ground?”

Mother Çacé 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 Kåñëa and nothing else mattered to her. Her breath came in great sighs and her body trembled from head to toe.

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Meanwhile the servant, Éçäna, cleaned the eating room. He collected the remnants of food that had scattered over the floor and ate them all. Truly, Éçäna is extremely fortunate, for everyday, he performed such wonderful activities. Yet, he remained like a simple servant, and thus no one knew that he daily perceived the highest transcendental truth.

Lord Gauracandra, along with His devotees, continued to perform congregational chanting of the Holy Name in Navadvépa. Although the Lord’s eternal associates had appeared in different parts of Bengal, gradually, in small numbers, they began to come to Navadvépa. There, they soon found out that the Supreme Lord had appeared. Allaying the fears of the devotees and filling their hearts with bliss, Lord Viçvambhara 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 throughout the Vedic literature, mixed unreservedly with His devotees. He embraced them all so lovingly that each one felt as if he alone was the most prominent of the Lord’s associates.

The Lord regularly visited His disciples in their homes, where he would exhibit to them His fourhanded form. Sometimes, He went to Gaìgädäsa Paëòita’s house or to Muräri Gupta’s house, and, at other times, He visited Çréväsa Paëòita. However, all the while, the Lord’s constant companion was Nityänanda Prabhu, from whom He could not bear to be separated. Lord Nityänanda was always engrossed in the playful mood of a young boy, and Viçvambhara wholeheartedly reciprocated with him in the same spirit.

According to their particular faith, various devotees saw Lord Caitanya appear before them in different incarnations: Matsya, Kürma, Varäha, Vämana, Nåsiàha, etc.

Some days, the Lord was absorbed in the mood of the gopés and wept continuously, oblivious to the passage of time. Other days, He felt like Uddhava, or Akrüra, while at other times He felt like Lord Balaräma

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and demanded that wine be brought to Him. Sometimes, he was filled with the emotions of Lord Brahmä and began chanting hymns, falling on the ground. Another time, feeling like Prahläda Mahäräja, He offered prayers to the Supreme Lord. In this way, Lord Caitanya tasted and floated on various waves of devotional ecstasy.

Observing the happiness of her son, Mother Çacé 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 Gaìgä.”

“Mother, please chant the Holy Names, Kåñëa, Räma.” In every conversation with His Mother, the Lord simply replied with one word: Kåñëa.

These super excellent transcendental pastimes of the Lord’s are all inconceivable. They cannot be understood by any amount of material calculation.

One day, a wandering devotee of Lord Çiva passed by singing the glories of his Lord, while dancing blissfully round and round. Hearing the singing of the Çaivite, Çré Caitanya suddenly appeared in the form of Lord Çiva, with great matted locks of hair piled upon His head. Jumping up on the singer’s shoulders, He shouted loudly, “I am Çaìkara! I am Çaìkara!” The people watched in amazement as the Lord sat perched on the devotee’s shoulder. As the Çaivite continued playing upon a horn and a small hand drum, the Lord encouraged him to continue singing.

That day, the fortunate devotee of Lord Çiva received the full benefit of purely glorifying Lord Çiva without offences. The Supreme Lord, Gaurasundara, had sat upon his shoulders.

Regaining normalcy, The Lord then climbed down and personally offered alms. The singer devotee left, feeling extremely grateful and satisfied. The devotee servants of Lord Gauräìga shouted Lord Hari’s name in exultation, feeling a surge of devotional ecstasy in the Lord’s company.

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The Lord said, “You My brothers, please hear the essential conclusion of all the scriptures. Why should we waste our nights in useless activities? Let us make a firm resolution from today to spend our nights engaged in the most auspicious of activities, chanting the Lord’s name. By performing the congregational chanting of the Holy Name, all of us will drown in a divine deluge of devotional ecstasy like the gushing flood of Gaìgä devé. Let the whole world be delivered by hearing the Holy Name! In that way, you will all become everyone’s spiritual life-giver and beloved treasure!”

The Lord’s words breathed great joy into all the Vaiñëava hearts—Lord Caitanya had begun His kértana pastimes. Every night, the Lord met the devotees in Çréväsa Paëòita’s house and performed kértana. Some days, He would also meet in Candraçekhara’s house. So many devotees, the Lord’s dear servants, would attend the kértana meetings that all their names cannot possibly be remembered.

Lord Nityänanda was there with Gadädhara Paëòita, Advaita Äcärya, Çréväsa Paëòita, Vidyänidhi, Muräri, Hiraëya, Haridäsa Öhäkura, Gaìgädäsa, Vanamälé, Vijaya, Nandana, Jagadänanda Paëòita, Buddhimanta Khän, Näräyaëa, Käçéçvara, Väsudeva, Räma, Garuòai, Govinda, Govinda-räma, Gopénätha, Jagadéça, Çréman, Çrédhara, Sadäçiva, Vakreçvara, Çrégarbha, Çuklämbara, Brahmänanda, Puruñottama, Saïjaya and others. The Lord was always surrounded by these devotees, who always accompanied Him in kértana and dancing.

The Lord’s ecstatic thunderous roars and loud kértana rent the very limits of the material world.

These kértanas agitated the envious atheists. They clapped their thighs and jumped up, pouring out streams of profanity, “Starting at night time after a good bout of wine drinking, all this loud howling and wild dancing, is robbing us of our precious sleep throughout the entire night. These impostors entice women to themselves with their hypnotic enchantments and enjoy them the whole night.”

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These atheists were consumed in their own fire of hate, however, the Lord, Çacénandana, danced in graceful ebullience.

As soon as the kértana began, the Lord would enter trance and become oblivious to the phenomenal world. Dancing, He would fall to the ground with such great force that the earth quaked and cracked in many places. The devotees would look at Him stunned in fear. As the Lord’s tender body contacted the hard surface, Çacémätä would close her eyes silently praying to Lord Govinda, Kåñëa, for the protection of Her son. Çacémätä knew that Nimäi was in spiritual trance, however, 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 Kåñëa, please grant me this wish, that I may not know when Nimäi hurls Himself to the ground. Please grant me this mercy, Kåñëa.

“Although for Nimäi there is no pain but only actual blissfulness, I will be happy to remain unaware of all this.” Lord Caitanya, the Supreme Lord, knew Çacémätä’s wishes; so accordingly, He infused divine ecstasy in her. As long as Lord Caitanya performed kértana and dancing, Mother Çacé entered a state of deep spiritual exhilaration and became heedless of this material world.

Unceasingly, the Lord spent these days in kértana and ecstatic dancing surrounded by His followers. Many days, the devotees would collect in the Lord’s house and begin loud saìkértana, 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 readers! Hear these narrations about the Lord’s transcendental ecstasies very attentively, for, in the entire creation, there is no one who can dance so gracefully as Lord Caitanya. Similarly, the beautiful and exuberant singing of His associates, which accompanies His dancing, is also incomparable.

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From early dawn on special days, such as Ekädaçi, Dvädaçé and Viñëu-tattva appearances, Lord Caitanya assembled all the devotees in Çréväsa Paëòita’s house and began enchanting everyone with His jubilant dancing. In the house of that most fortunate soul, Çréväsa Paëòita, a melodious tumult of the Holy Names of Govinda and Gopäla, went up into the atmosphere. Different kértana groups came forward from the assembled devotees.

Çréväsa Paëòita headed one group, Mukunda another and Govinda yet another. They all sang and the Lord danced. Nityänanda Prabhu, that great spiritual stalwart, circumambulated the dancing Lord while Advaita Äcärya stealthily lifted the dust from the ground where the Lord danced and put it on his head. Gadädhara Paëòita and others experienced divine exhilaration and looked at the Lord with tearful eyes.

Hear now of how kértana was performed to accompany the Lord’s magnificent dancing. Often the Holy Name was sung in bhäöiyäri-räga.

The directions resounded with the singing of the Holy Name, Govinda. Mahäprabhu danced in accompaniment, lost in His scintillating body movements. The devotees sang, “Hari, O Räma! Hari, O Räma!”

Lord Caitanya would begin to weep during the kértana. His tears would continue for a minimum of an hour.

His long tresses tossed about upon the ground and He would not attempt to tie them.

Only hearts of stone could remain unmoved by the sight. The devotees fell swooning to the ground, trying to reach out to the Lord.

When the Lord began laughing, He would break out into carefree effervescent mirth, which would infect everyone with ecstatic joy for hours.

Lord Caitanya being surcharged with the mood of servitorship would be unaware of His own divinity.

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Jubilantly, He would repeat, “I am victorious. I am victorious.” All the devotees would respond the same in chorus.

At intervals, the Lord sang out so loudly that it sounded as if the entire universe would split open.

Sometimes, He became heavier than the Earth and it was impossible for anyone to hold Him. Then, in a moment, He would lose all His weight.

Suddenly, He was lighter than cotton wool and would be carried all around the house jubilantly on the shoulders of the devotees.

The Lord frequently went into ecstatic trances on the smallest of provocations. This would put the devotees into anxiety and they would chant, “Hari! Hari!” loudly into His ears to awaken Him.

Then sometimes, His entire body would shiver uncontrollably, His teeth would chatter like a little boy out on a winter morning.

The next moment, He was drenched in cold sweat as if Mother Gaìgä was flowing out of His pores.

Then His body would suddenly become burning hot, drying up all the cooling sandal paste applied to His person.

He would release gigantic sighs, and then throwing asunder the devotees, He would attempt to catch hold of their feet. At this, all the Vaiñëavas would try to escape the Lord.

The Lord liked to sit and rest against Nityänanda, and, sometimes lifting up His lotus feet, He would look smilingly at the devotees.

The devotees would immediately see the chance offered by this pastime and would dash to loot the priceless treasure of the dust of the Lord’s lotus feet.

Sometimes, when Lord Caitanya blissfully rolled on the ground as the devotees glorified Kåñëa, Advaita Äcärya might say, “O You thief, we have now crushed Your pride!”

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When Lord Caitanya danced vigorously, the earth quaked and the devotees looked around in apprehension, but when He danced with graceful postures, He looked like the divine Kåñëa, the son of Nanda Mahäräja.

Sometimes, He roared with the roar of ten million lions, but He would carefully protect the devotees’ eardrums.

Often, some devotees—but not all—could be see the Lord moving in the air, a little above the ground.

He would stare at devotees with eyes turned bright red by feelings of extreme ecstasy. They might be shocked at first, but would flee away laughing.

Viçvambhara would become restless with ecstasy and dance, lost in Himself.

He might catch someone’s feet and sometimes even clamber upon His head. He would drape Himself around someone’s neck weeping, and the next moment might climb onto his shoulders.

Again, overcome by a youthful mood, like a playful lad, He might become restless and make sounds of musical instruments with His mouth. He would shake His foot and laugh continuously, and then get down and crawl on all fours feeling like a baby.

At times, Viçvambhara entered into the mood of Çyämasundara Kåñëa and stood for hours in the tribhaìga position, His body bent in three places.

He would meditate for sometime and then play the flute melodiously. He would look just like Kåñëa, the moon of Våndävana.

When He came out of this mood, He again felt like the Lord’s servitor and wept. With utmost humility, He would beg everyone, wanting to serve their feet.

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The Lord sometimes bent His body like a wheel, His feet touching His head, remaining like this for long hours.

He expressed all His ecstatic moods in wondrous ways, exquisitely dancing immersed in the bliss of chanting His own names.

His body trembled as He made frequent roaring sounds and then, becoming unsteady, He would fall to the ground with a crash.

A dancing resplendent golden figure, suddenly He would be seen multi-coloured. Then, devotees would see double images of Him.

The Supreme Lord Caitanya exhibited these extraordinary displays of ecstatic emotion totally under the influence of His mood as a Vaiñëava devotee.

Often repeating unspeakable words, He would shout before a Vaiñëava whom He previously respected as “prabhu” and then suddenly catch him by his hair.

The Lord would call out, “This fellow is My servant!” and stand upon His chest—the same Vaiñëava whose feet He previously tried to catch in humility.

The devotees all around were so captivated 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 Vaiñëavas looked so radiant, their bodies decorated with sandalwood tilaka and tulasé-mälä.

They blissfully tasted the nectar of chanting Lord Kåñëa’s name. The sounds of their voices, mådaìgas, conch shells and karatälas 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.

That Supreme Master is so extraordinary that the entire universe becomes cleansed of sin simply by the dancing of His disciples.

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The Supreme Master, Kåñëa Himself, now dances to the accompaniment of His own Holy Name. How can the Puräëas ever explain this supernatural phenomenon?

Lord Caitanya danced, surrounded by His devotees loudly chanting the auspicious name of Lord Hari.

Lord Çiva becomes spiritually surcharged with bliss at the sound of the Lord’s name. Once He begins to dance and taste the nectar, he loses track of his person and clothes.

That very name of the Lord transformed Välméki into an embodiment of knowledge and renunciation. The same Holy Name offered Ajämila supreme liberation.

Hearing His name, the shackles of material existence are broken. That selfsame Supreme Lord has now appeared in Kali-yuga and is dancing to His own name.

Närada Muni and Çukadeva Gosvämé roam the universe singing His praises. Ananta Çeña with a thousand mouths glorifies His name.

He, whose name is the best means of atonement for all my sins, that same Supreme Personality, dances only to be seen by the most fortunate souls. So fallen and wretched am I that I was not born to see that marvellous festival of saìkértana and dance.

Çréla Vyasädeva’s son, Çukadeva Gosvämé, praises Kali-yuga in the Çrémad Bhägavatam, considering the future advent of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu.

The Lord has now appeared and dances immersed within His joyful self, enchanting all with the rhythmic patting of His feet.

The Vaijayanté garland around His neck swings wildly echoing the Lord’s ecstatic dancing mood. He tears up the garland and throws the shreds at His devotees’ feet.

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He has given up His joy rides upon Garuòa’s shoulders, and has forgotten His fourhanded form that holds the conch shell, disc, mace, and lotus.

He has forsaken His bed of Ananta Çeña, and in His pastimes as Çré Gaurasundara He now rolls in the dust weeping, overcome with the ecstatic mood of servitorship to the Supreme Lord.

Gone is His mood as the Lord and Master of all the pleasures of the Vaikuëöha planets. The ecstasy of being the Lord’s servant overshadows all other pleasures.

The Lord is the Supreme Enjoyer of all pleasure. Yet, disregarding the pleasure of Lakñmé Devé’s company and Her exquisitely beautiful face, He now prefers to wave His face and hands in the ecstasy of saìkértana as He drowns in an ocean of acute separation from His beloved Kåñëa.

The Supreme Lord is diligently served by elevated personalities like Lord Çiva and Närada Muni who have given up all wealth and position for Him.

Now, however, Gauräìga neglects His Supreme Absolute Lordship and with the utmost humility, taking a straw in his mouth, begs prayerfully for devotional service unto Himself.

In spite of the Lord’s unprecedented personal example, if any wretched soul disregards devotional service to the Supreme Lord, he is so unfortunate that he throws away nectar and drinks poison.

Again, there are those who read and propagate the teachings of the Çrémad Bhägavatam, but 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 of the Vedas, yet they deliver dissertations on the scriptures, to an equally agnostic audience.

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They are truly like mules carrying the burdensome load of useless learning. The Vedas and Bhägavatam have unequivocally elucidated the elevated position of devotional servitorship to the Supreme.

Lakñmé Devé, Lord Brahmä, Lord Çiva and many other great personalities carefully cultivate this priceless process.

Those who do not have complete faith in Lord Caitanya’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 kértana.

Advaita Äcärya, unable to control His ecstasy, often went into trance and covered His entire body with straw. In humility, He held a straw in His mouth and with some upon His head, He danced vigorously, His eyebrows drawn close together.

The assembled devotees were astounded by Advaita Äcärya’s ecstatic symptoms, while Nityänanda Prabhu and Gadädhara Paëòita were shaking with laughter.

Gaurasundara, the dear life of every soul, continued His sublime dance, frequently overcome by endless ecstatic emotions.

Gaurasundara exhibited such extraordinary symptoms of ecstasy that they are not mentioned even in the Çrémad Bhägavatam, nor has anyone ever heard of them from any other scripture or person.

Sometimes, His body became stiff like a statue, and no one could possibly move or bend Him. Then again, His body would become as 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 became thinner and smaller than usual.

Sometimes, He moved drowsily about like a drunkard, suddenly breaking out into joyous boisterous laughter that shook His entire frame.

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Lord Gaurasundara, enraptured by spiritual emotion and seeing the assembled Vaiñëavas surrounding Himself, started calling His devotees by the names of their previous appearances.

He looked around and shouted out the individual names like, “Haladhara, Çiva, Çuka, Närada, Prahläda, Ramä (Lakñmé), Aja (Brahmä), and Uddhava. In this way, the Lord skilfully revealed the devotees’ previous identities in kåñëa-lélä. All the devotees marvelled, filling their eyes with the enchanting dance of Lord Gaurasundara in the mood of Lord Kåñëa.

The crowd at Çréväsa Paëòita’s residence drawn by the delightful kértana was overflowing and over-anxious to see Çré Gaurasundara.

The devotees, who would arrive early, could see everything, other persons had to remain outside. The Lord instructed 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 kértana. Open the doors immediately.”

The Vaiñëavas inside were unaware of any happenings, their complete attention captivated by the kértana.

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 that they might be recognized by others, they close the doors.”

“You are right, it is only due to the pangs of hunger that they scream non-stop for hours.”

“Actually they have closed the doors because they do not want us to catch them drinking wine all night!”

“Nimäi Paëòita was good and normal, we do not know why the Supreme Lord has changed His mentality.”

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“I think this is a consequence of His past life.”

“In fact, this is happening because of bad association. Ever since Nimäi lost His father, He has no one to discipline Him. Nimäi has long since given up His studies. Grammar is such a subject that 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 to 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 recreations. 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!’ has never been heard in these parts.”

“Now this kértana 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, no grains will grow and we will all starve. Nevertheless, let us wait outside a few days more, because this madness cannot go on for too long. We shall see what Çréväsa, Advaita or that avadhüta Nityänanda does.”

In this manner, the godless persons raved and threatened, but the Vaiñëavas were immersed in the joyous ocean of kértana, not paying attention to their words.

Outside the tirade continued, “It is not a brähmaëa’s duty to sing and dance. That is for the low class man. It is sad that a educated brähmaëa should set such a bad example.”

“Just looking at them, even a upright brähmaëa looses all his good qualities. No one should as much as see their dancing and kértana even out of curiosity. Look what happened to Nimäi. He was intelligent, now He is mad—dancing and singing with them, and they are steadily increasing in number.”

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“What is their use of calling out to Kåñëa, without any self-realization. Kåñëa resides within you, why reject the wealth in your own house and search for it elsewhere in the forest.”

Then someone quite unexpectedly said, “To criticise others is of no use, better for us to just go home and mind our own business.”

Another voice supported him saying, “We cannot get inside to see the kértana due to our own misfortune caused by our previous bad lives. How can we criticize those who are fortunate to be inside participating in the kértana? 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 kértana? 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 foodstuffs like rice, bananas, milk and curd, and mixing everything they all sit together and eat. In this way, they corrupt the caste system.”

Thus, some people came to see the kértana 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 Vaiñëavas and rolling in laughter. When they met anyone, who had never see or heard the kértana, they forced them to go to Çréväsa’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 Nimäi Paëòita. With all the hustle and bustle, Çréväsa Paëòita’s house sounds like he is celebrating Durgä-püjä. The only sound one hears is a great din. This certainly gives rise to all the ill rumours. Navadvépa is crowded with thousands of erudite scholars, yet these charlatans have gained prominence here. We must free Navadvépa from this Çréväsa. Tomorrow, I will demolish his house and float his

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belongings down the Gaìgä. It is for the better of this town to be rid of this so called brähmaëa, otherwise when the brahminical culture wanes by his bad example, the Muslims will take over.”

Such were the unending string of invectives against the Vaiñëavas, 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, kértana and other pastimes.

The devotees of Lord Caitanya were deaf to all such criticism, intoxicated by the sweet nectar of Kåñëa’s name. Day and night, they sang the different transcendental names of Kåñëa, “Jaya Kåñëa, Muräri, Mukunda, Vanamälé.” Day and night, a tireless Viçvambhara sang and danced with His associates whose transcendental bodies were naturally indefatigable.

Immersed in the ecstasy of näma-kértana with Lord Caitanya, millenniums passed by, but by human considerations they were but a few years for the devotees. As in the räsa-lélä dance pastimes of Kåñëa, the young damsels, the Vraja gopés, spent millenniums dancing with Kåñëa, but to all it seemed a mere flitting moment that came to an end only too early. Kåñëa’s pastimes are all inconceivable and the associates of Lord Caitanya, knowing this, similarly experienced the passage of time just like the Vraja gopés.

One night, an hour before dawn, Lord Caitanya suddenly stopped dancing and climbed up onto the altar. Lifting all the çälagrama-çéläs that were normally on Viñëu’s throne onto His lap, He sat down upon Viñëu’s throne. The seat crackled and protested loudly under His weight. Nityänanda quickly rushed to hold up the altar seat. Now with Ananta Çeña supporting the seat, it did not crumble, and Gaurasundara sat comfortably upon it and swayed gently. The Lord ordered the kértana to discontinue and as quietness settled, He began to reveal the transcendental truth about Himself with a booming loud voice.

“In Kali-yuga, I have appeared as Kåñëa. I am the Supreme Lord Näräyaëa and the fortunate son of Devaké. I am the Lord and Master of

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the entire cosmic creation. I am glorified in all your songs, for you are My eternal servitors. I have appeared for the sake of all of you. I will accept whatever foodstuffs you have to offer. They are gifts meant for Me.”

Çréväsa said, “O Lord, everything is Yours.” Lord Caitanya replied, “I will eat everything.” Advaita Äcärya said, “Lord, that is a great fortune for us.”

The devotees became busy bringing edibles for the Lord, and the Lord enjoyed them 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 sandeça, 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 to see 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 mystique? How can we satisfy You 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 have you?”

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 fear. Each one hurried to bring as much rice as they could, and the Lord received it all with open outstretched palms. The Lord then made large eyes and rolling them, He began calling aloud, “Näòä! Näòä! Näòä!”

The dumbstruck devotees sat around with terror in their hearts. They saw the Lord as a terrible master come to give out punishments. No one

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could approach Him. Lord Nityänanda stood behind Mahäprabhu holding an umbrella over Him, and Advaita Äcärya stood before the Lord with folded hands offering Him prayers. All the devotees hung their heads in consternation and remembered the shelter of Lord Caitanya’s feet.

Whosoever relishes these narrations of the Lord’s mystic opulence will certainly be able to see the beatific face of the Lord. In whatever stage of spiritual realization one is situated, to that extent one will perceive such esoteric truths. Anything more is impossible without the Lord’s sanction.

Looking at Advaita’s face the Lord said, “Ask 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. Upon regaining consciousness, the Lord wept continuously manifesting the mood of servitorship. He went around putting His arms around the Vaiñëavas’ necks and wept calling them, “Brother! Friend!”

An ordinary person could never see such activities. Only by the arrangement of the Lord’s yoga-mäyä potency, the Lord’s servitors were eligible to perceive the truth about the Lord’s supra-mundane situation. The devotees were joyous and laughed at the Lord’s wonderful character and they said, “The Supreme Lord Näräyaëa 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 the thoughts of His devotees, and started a loud kértana. The devotees were suddenly stirred

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up and in extreme exhilaration lost all balance. The Navadvépa devotees thus relished such wonderful loving pastimes with the Lord of Vaikuëöha.

Whosoever hears these transcendental pastimes of the Lord, his mind will always dwell in the association of devotees and the Supreme Lord, Gaurasundara, Himself.

Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Lord Nityänanda are my life and soul. I, Våndävana däsa, humbly offer this song at Their lotus feet.

9. The Story of Çrédhara

Çré Gauracandra is the Controller of the Universe. However, not His own sake, but for the benefit of everyone, He has accepted the garb of a sannyäsé.

All glory to the son of Jagannätha Miçra and Mother Çacé, and all glory to His saìkértana movement!

All glory to Lord Caitanya, the very life of Lord Nityänanda and Gadädhara Paëòita!

He is the most beloved of Advaita Äcärya, Çréväsa Paëòita, Jagadänanda Paëòita, Haridäsa Öhäkura, Vakreçvara Paëòita, Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi, Vasudeva and Çrégarbha.

Be merciful, O Lord, and look upon every living entity graciously. May the Lord and all His associates be glorified, for by hearing about the pastimes of Lord Caitanya, one immediately attains the supreme goal of devotion, love of Kåñëa.

Please listen attentively to this narration of the Madhya-khaëòa because it depicts the pastimes of Lord Caitanya. Hear now the description of

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Lord Caitanya’s ‘Mahä-prakäça Lélä’, His great revelation, for this fulfils the desires of all Vaiñëavas.

The Lord manifested the glorious ‘säta-prahariyä-bhäva’, the twenty-one hours of devotional ecstasies. In this pastime, He wonderfully revealed His different incarnations, His astonishing feasting and freely gave away pure kåñëa-prema to the devotees. All the Vaiñëavas honoured the Lord in a grand bathing ceremony known as ‘Räjä-räjeçvara’, which is fit only for the most powerful kings of the universe.

One day, Gaurasundara came to Çréväsa Paëòita’s house accompanied by Nityänanda, who was beside Himself with joy. Gradually, all the Vaiñëavas assembled there. Gaurasundara, who was engrossed internally, looked about Himself—just as a regal Personality surveys His surroundings with intensely powerful glances. The devotees could perceive the Lord’s mood and immediately they started a loud kértana.

On previous days, the Lord would dance in the ecstasy of a devotee servant of the Supreme Lord. Then, changing that mood momentarily, He would reveal His identity as the Omnipotent Supreme Lord. That mood would also quickly change—he would again revert to the mood of a devotee. However today, to the good fortune of the assembled devotees, the Lord stood up as if to dance as usual, but then instead sat on the throne of Çré Viñëu.

On previous occasions, the Lord would sit on Çré Viñëu’s throne immersed in devotional ecstasy, as if unaware of His own conduct. Not so today! Today, He did not conceal His real identity with the cloak of His internal energy, but instead, 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. Spontaneously, they expressed, “We have entered Vaikuëöha!”

The Lord sat amidst all, as the Lord of Vaikuëöha and everyone present became free from the influence of the material illusory potency.

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Lord Caitanya instructed, “Sing the bathing song!” The devotees were very pleased and began to sing. In time with the song, the Lord gently swayed His head from side to side, and showered the devotees with merciful glances. Responding to the Lord’s mood, the devotees performed the abhiñeka, bathing ceremony.

First, the devotees brought water from the Gaìgä and strained it. Then, in the correct proportions, they added musk, sandalwood paste, saffron and camphor. Feeling increasing love for the Lord, they carefully prepared all the items. When ready, with jubilant shouts, they began the ceremony and chanted the appropriate mantras.

Lord Nityänanda was the first to pour water upon the Lord’s head. In great pleasure, He kept repeating “Jaya! Jaya!” Other leading devotees like Advaita Äcärya and Çréväsa Paëòita bathed the Lord, chanting the famous ‘Puruña-sükta’ prayers. The devotees of Lord Gauräìga are very well versed in the scriptural sciences, and they poured the water to the accompaniment of suitable Vedic hymns and mantras.

Mukunda and others were sweetly singing the bathing ceremony song, while other devotees wept and danced, overwhelmed with happiness. The respectable and chaste wives were ululating with joy. The entire assembly was immersed in an ocean of bliss. The Lord of Vaikuëöha, Çré Gauräìga, remained seated and the devotees, one by one, poured water upon His head, bathing the Lord. Usually, on such religious occasions, one hundred and eight pots of water are required, but today that number was far exceeded.

Even the demigods arrived, not wanting to miss the opportunity to make spiritual progress, but they maintained a disguise, preferring not to be recognized.

A drop of water offered to the Lord’s lotus feet, even just in meditation, is sufficient to ward off the punishment given out by the God of Death, Yamaräja. What then can be said about the good fortune of the devotees who, by being present, were able to bathe the Lord directly.

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All the servants and maidservants of Çréväsa Paëòita’s house also engaged in bringing water for the Lord. The wonderful result, one enjoys from serving the Lord, was amply proved by one incident. One of the maidservants, a pious woman named ‘Dukhé’, 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 attitude that He changed her name to ‘Sukhé’, happy, indicating He had taken away her distress.

Having bathed the Lord, accompanied by the chanting of the Vedic mantras, the devotees dried the His body. They dressed Him in fresh new clothes, and smeared His exquisite transcendental body with fragrant sandalwood paste. They cleaned Lord Viñëu’s throne and after everything was arranged properly, the Lord sat there, upon that throne, which was truly His.

Lord Nityänanda held the umbrella over the Lord’s head while one of the more fortunate devotees began to whisk the Lord with the cämara. The devotees assembled the paraphernalia for worship of the Lord and began to offer ärati, worship, to Him.

Their tray of offering was packed with caraëämåta, fruits, äcamanéya, incense, fragrant oil, lamp, new clothes, and a brähmaëa thread etc. As customary, they worshiped Him with the sixteen ingredients specified in the çastra. Applying sandalwood paste to tulasé maìjarés, they offered them at His lotus feet. The gopäla-mantra, consisting of ten syllables, was chanted whilst worship was offered. All the rules of this particular worship were strictly followed as all the devotees offered their prayers to Him.

Advaita Äcärya and all the stalwart associates of the Lord fell before the Lord’s feet like rods, offering full obeisances to Him. All the devotees were experiencing deep spiritual love for the Supreme Lord and tears cascaded down their cheeks, mingling and flowing like a river. They constantly chanted verses eulogizing the Lord. The Lord heard everything with great satisfaction.

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They prayed, “All glory to the Lord of the Universe. Kindly direct Your merciful glance upon this world now ablaze with the three-fold sufferings. All glory to the original cause of everything, the maintainer of everyone. You have advented to inaugurate the congregational chanting of the Holy Name and re-establish the sanätana-dharma of the Vedas. You are the protector of the pious and the original Supreme Soul of all the fourteen worlds.

“All glory to Lord Caitanya, 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 Caitanya who is Vrajendra Nandana Kåñëa, who expands as Lord Viñëu and lies on the ocean of milk as Kñérodakaçäyé Viñëu. He appears as an incarnation for the pleasure of His devotees.

“All glory to Lord Gauräìga, who is the original, inconceivable, imperceptible Absolute. He is ever transcendentally situated, the all-compassionate, Supreme Person. All glory to Çré Caitanya, He was born in a family of brähmaëas as the crest jewel of that caste and liberates the entire brähmaëa population. He is the origin of the Vedic religion, the life and soul of every living entity. All glory to Lord Caitanya who saved Arjuna from an inglorious death and gave liberation to the demoness, Pütanä. All glory to Lord Caitanya who never sees the faults of the living entities. He is the husband of the Goddess of Fortune.” With such choice words, the devotees praised the Lord.

The Lord’s servitors were drowning in an ocean of bliss, seeing Lord Caitanya manifest this extraordinary mood. The Lord mercifully removed the veil of mäyä 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. Others worshiped Him with offerings of tender tulasé leaves. More again came to offer precious gems, gold and silver ornaments, and respectfully 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 as offerings at the lotus feet of the Lord. The gifts were countless.

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All the household servants in Çréväsa Paëòita’s house, by dint of serving that pure Vaiñëava, could now directly serve Lord Gauracandra’s lotus feet, which are desired by all. Even Lord Brahmä, Lord Çiva and Lakñmé Devé aspire for such an opportunity. They offered many items of worship to the Lord without fear or hesitation, the Lord having removed their reverential mood. They brought unhusked rice, tulasé, dürvä grass, musk, saffron, camphor and varieties of fruits, fragrant blossoms, and sandalwood, placing them all at His lotus feet. Each one worshiped according to the inclination of his heart, following the different rules of worship.

Then Caitanya Mahäprabhu, the Supreme Lord of Vaikuëöha, exhibited another of His extraordinary pastimes. He said to the devotees, “Bring something, I want to eat,” and held out His hand. Whatever the devotees offered, He consumed.

The different Vaiñëavas brought a variety of foodstuffs to eat: banana, mung dhal, yoghurt, sweet condensed milk, butter, and milk. They placed it all in the hands of the Lord, who, undisturbed, ate everything. Some of the devotees hurried to the market and rushed back with the choicest of articles. They offered the Lord coconuts, a variety of milk sweets in huge quantities, black berries, green melons, and sugar cane. Some even brought water from the Gaìgä. The Lord ate everything. Seeing the Lord was happily eating everything they offered, they presented 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 it all.

Hundreds of barrels of yoghurt, 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, one by one, revealed the details of the past times of the various devotees. When the devotees heard their individual stories, they remembered their earlier days and fell to the ground in ecstasy.

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The Lord addressed Çréväsa Paëòita, “Do you remember, you used to hear lectures on the Çrémad Bhägavatam at Devänanda Paëòita’s house? Every line of the Bhägavatam is saturated with the divine nectar of kåñëa-prema, so your heart melted upon hearing those recitations of the Bhägavatam. You cried loudly and fell unconscious to the ground. The neophyte and ignorant students, not knowledgeable in the matters of bhakti-yoga, could not understand the reason for your extraordinary behaviour.

“You were so engrossed within yourself in the ecstasy of love of Kåñëa, oblivious to the external world, that you did not even know that they had carried you outside. Devänanda Paëòita, their teacher, witnessed the entire happening without dissuading his students. Since, he himself was inexperienced in the science of Kåñëa consciousness, it is to be expected that his students were the same. Upon 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. Nevertheless, you constantly desired to read the Bhägavatam again and again. Seeing your sorrowful state, I descended from Vaikuëöha into your heart, and made you weep with the ecstatic emotions of your love for Me. You experienced happiness again by reading the Bhägavatam, and your tears submerged the place where you sat.”

When Çréväsa Paëòita heard this, he was overcome with emotions and fell to the ground crying and drooling, breathing fast and heavily. In this way, the Lord spoke to Advaita Äcärya Prabhu and different devotees, and brought back to them a 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 kértana singing, “Jaya Çacénandana!” All glory to the son of Mother Çacé.

If perchance a devotee were absent, immediately the Lord would have him brought before Him. He would put His hand out and say, “Give Me something to eat.” Whatever was offered to Him, He would eat it completely. Then the Lord would say, “Do you remember that night I

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came to you as a doctor and sat next to your bed? I cured your fever.” Upon hearing this from the Lord, the devotees would fall down overwhelmed by uncontrollable spiritual emotions.

Seeing Gaìgädäsa, the Lord said, “Does your mind not recall that night when you were escaping from the Muslim king fearing capture? Your whole family was accompanying you and when you arrived at the ferry jetty, 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 boatman 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 are a couple of rupees for your endeavour. Take me and my family to safety.’ Then, I ferried you and your family across and returned to My eternal Vaikuëöha abode.”

Gaìgädäsa was carried on the waves of blissful ecstasy by hearing the Lord. Such are the wonderful pastimes of Gaurasundara. The Lord continued, “Do you recall that incident? You were so worried, and I came to your rescue and brought you across.” Gaìgädäsa, unable to contain himself further, fell to the ground and rolled about in ecstasy.

Lord Caitanya, the Lord of Vaikuëöha was sitting on His throne, His body covered with sandalwood paste and nicely decorated with fragrant flower garlands. One of His dear servants was fanning Him. Another arranged His hair. Some others were preparing betel and offering it to Him. Many more were dancing in ecstasy around Him.

The passing of the entire day and how the darkness of the night stole in went unnoticed. Then suddenly realizing that it was night, the devotees got busy lighting up the lamps, and offered them in worship at the lotus feet of the Lord. They began to perform kértana playing karatälas, gongs,

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conch shells, mådaìga drums and stringed instruments. The Lord continued sitting in a benevolent mood but remained silent, in spite of the various activities of the devotees.

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. Jubilant calls, shouts and cries were the only sounds one could hear.

During these moments, everyone in the assembly experienced such indescribable and wonderfully elated feelings that they felt immediately transported to Vaikuëöha. In this way, the Lord exhibited the mood of Supreme opulence whilst all the devotees stood encircling Him with their hands folded in reverence.

However, Gaurasundara behaved in a casual manner with His disciples, placing His lotus feet upon them. In this manner, He performed His transcendental pastimes. Being in His munificent mood, Gaurasundara was ready to disburse boons to His devotees, as they surrounded Him with folded hands. As He performed His pastime of twenty-one hours of ecstasy, The Lord showered His causeless mercy upon all.

The Lord then ordered, “Go and bring Çrédhara immediately! Let him see My opulence. He constantly thinks about Me in separation. I want him to come right away. Go to the outskirts of town, sit there and listen for someone who is calling for Me. Bring him here to Me.” The Vaiñëavas rushed to fulfil the Lord’s order and went in the direction of the residence of Çrédhara.

“Now hear some stories about Çrédhara, how he makes a living by selling khola, the trunk of the banana tree. He buys the whole khola trunk and sells it on after cutting it into short pieces. In a day, half of whatever is profit, he spends in buying offerings for Mother Gaìgä. The other half, he uses to maintain himself. This is the test of a true devotee of the Supreme Lord.

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“Just like Yudhiñöhira Mahäräja, Çrédhara is a most honest and truthful person. He always quotes the correct price of his wares and never once wavers from it. Those costumers, who know this, buy from him at whatever price he quotes. In this humble way, this great soul lives in Navadvépa, known to people only as the ‘Khola-seller’. However, his real self is unknown to all. He spends the entire night engrossed in chanting the Holy Name of Kåñëa, forgetting everything including sleep.

“His atheistic neighbours protest saying, ‘We cannot sleep in the night, Çrédhara’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.’

“Speaking in this manner, the atheistic neighbours are inviting sure doom for themselves, but, unperturbed, Çrédhara continues his spiritual activities and remains ever joyful. With overflowing love for Kåñëa, He loudly chants the Holy Name all night long.”

Looking for Çrédhara, the devotees had covered only half the way to his house, but could already hear his loud chanting. Following the voice, they came to Çrédhara’s house. They said to him, “Please come with us, O holy one, and meet Lord Caitanya, we are greatly blessed being in your august presence.”

Hearing mention of Lord Caitanya, Çrédhara became overwhelmed with ecstatic feelings and fell unconscious to the ground. Quickly, the devotees picked him up and very slowly and gently led him to the Lord.

Çré Caitanya was extremely happy to see Çrédhara and called aloud warm invitations to him saying, “Come, come, You have amply worshiped Me. Many lifetimes you have 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 many verbal exchanges we have had.”

When Lord Caitanya was manifesting His pastimes as a scholar, He often acted in a bold and insolent manner. During this time, hiding His real identity, the Lord would daily enjoy Çrédhara’s company under the

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pretext of bargaining with him. He would go to his shop to purchase banana and plates, etc. Daily, the two would argue about the price for several hours and finally the Lord would return with His purchases bought at half the actual price. The truthful Çrédhara always quoted the correct price, but the Lord would pick out the goods Himself and pay only half the actual price. This would excite Çrédhara, who would jump up and try to take the goods back from the Lord.

The Lord would then say, “Why! My dear brother Çrédhara! You are a renounced person, but I think you are also very rich! If so, then why do you try to snatch away these things from My hand! Also, I am surprised that, in all this time, you do not know who I am.”

The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Caitanya, would see no trace of anger on Çrédhara’s face and so He would again snatch away the articles.

Gaurasundara always looked so beautiful that He could captivate even the mind of Cupid. His fine forehead was decorated with radiant tilaka marks. He wore His dhoté in a most attractive manner, tucking it in three different places. His earrings were nicely designed and slightly slanting. The Lord’s temperamental eyes were both extremely agile and restless. The shining white Brahmin thread went elegantly around His shoulder. Ananta Çeña had accepted this very thin form of a Brahmin thread to decorate the Lord. He would smile at Çrédhara with cherry lips reddened from chewing betel and again pick up the articles that were to be bought.

Once Çrédhara said to the Lord, “Listen O brähmaëa, please forgive me this time. I am just Your dog.” The Lord replied, “I know you, you are very cunning. You have amassed much money by selling these banana plates.” Then Çrédhara spoke, “Are there not any other shops besides mine? Please purchase from them at a cheaper rate.”

Lord Caitanya said, “I do not want to so easily abandon a steady supplier like you, give me these plates and take the money for them.” Çrédhara was helpless against Viçvambhara’s charm and so smiled at Him,

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captivated by His extraordinary beauty. Viçvambhara continued His harangue being very pleased with His eternal associate and devotee Çrédhara.

Lord Caitanya said, “Every day you buy offerings for Mother Gaìgä, then why can you not sell me your things at a discount? I am the father of the Mother Gaìgä you worship daily, this truth I am revealing to you.”

Çrédhara was shocked and upon hearing this, and covered his ears with his palms. He repeated Lord Viñëu’s name, and, seeing Viçvambhara in an insolent mood, gave Him the banana plates. In this way, the Lord bargained and fought with Çrédhara everyday. Çrédhara thought of the boy as a very restless young brähmaëa boy.

Çrédhara 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 leaf, a banana flower and a slice of banana root?

Lord Caitanya replied, “Good, good that is enough, do not give anymore!” Daily the Lord enjoyed dishes prepared with Çrédhara’s gifts. The Lord loves to receive gifts from His devotees. He never asks for anything from a non-devotee.

The Lord had desired to perform this pastime, so by His arrangement, he had Çrédhara sell khola. Who can understand these transcendental exchanges between the Supreme Lord and His devotee? No one can realize these supra-mundane activities without the blessings of the Lord. Here in this pastime the Lord is reminding us of this fact.

The Lord Caitanya said, “O Çrédhara, behold My beauty, today I will bestow upon you the eight mystic perfections.”

The great devotee Çrédhara lifted up his head and saw that Viçvambhara had changed His complexion and had become as dark as the bark of the tamäla tree. He was holding a flute in His hands and on His right stood Lord Balaräma. The entire scene was engulfed in a glowing radiance.

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He saw Lord Brahmä and Lord Çiva approach their Lordships and whilst offering lotus and betel, they began to recite verses in praise of the Supreme Lord. Ananta Çeña stood behind the Lord, His hood above the Lord’s head like an umbrella. Saintly personalities like Sanat Kumära, Närada and Çukadeva Gosvämé offered prayers to the Lord. All around beautiful heavenly damsels with folded hands sang glorifying the Lord.

Çrédhara seeing this wonder of wonders was so astounded that, in the next moment, he slumped to the ground. The Lord called out Çrédhara’s name asking him to rise. Çrédhara upon hearing the Lord’s command awoke from his swoon and stood up.

Lord Caitanya instructed Çrédhara, “Çrédhara, say something in glorification of Me.” Çrédhara then replied, “Dear Lord, I am illiterate and foolish, what intelligence do I possess to glorify Your Lordship.” However, the Lord said, “Always, whatever you speak is glorification of Me.”

By the Lord’s order, Mother Sarasvaté, the Goddess of Learning, now presided over Çrédhara’s power of speech, and Çrédhara began to glorify the Lord.

“All glory, all glory to Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu, all glory to Lord Viçvambhara, the Lord of Navadvépa.

“All glory to the Lord of the entire cosmic manifestation, all glory to the son of Mother Çacé, Viçvambhara.

“All glory to Lord Caitanya whose incarnation and activities are a mystery even in the Vedas. He has appeared as the best of the brähmaëas. Taking different forms, He appears in every millennium to uphold the religious principles.

“Secretly you went about in Navadvépa town, managing and maintaining everything, Your real identity unknown to all. It is impossible for anyone to know Your real self without Your mercy.

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“O Lord, You are the religious principles, the prescribed duties, devotional service, knowledge, the scriptures, the Vedas and the object of all meditation.

“You are the mystic perfections, ever increasing opulence, the enjoying spirit, the path of mystic yoga. You are faith in man, benevolence, illusion, and greed. You are Indra, the king of heaven, the moon, the fire, and water.

“You are the sun, the air, wealth, strength, devotion, and liberation. You are Lord Brahmä and Lord Çiva. O Lord, You are without need of anything as everything belongs to You.

“You told me earlier that the Mother Gaìgä that I worship has emanated from Your lotus feet. Yet, due to my sinful heart I could not recognize You, I had no realization of Your Supreme position. You are the same Supreme Personality who previously blessed Gokula with Your appearance. Now, You have again incarnated as the sweet Lord of Navadvépa.

“You are the embodiment of the highest esoteric process, that same devotional science You have propagated all over Navadvépa.

“By his devotional service, Bhéñma defeated You in battle, making You break Your promise. In the same way, Mother Yaçodä bound You.

“By her desire and love for You, Satyabhämä Devé could purchase You as Lord Kåñëa for her husband. Captivated by the love of Your devotees, You carried the young cowherd boys upon Your shoulders.

“All living beings of the entire creation carry and cherish the thought of You in their hearts, and yet You carried Çrédämä on Your shoulders. It is a great secret and mystery how You are defeated by Your devotees.

“Limitless millions of universes are manifested simply from Your thoughts. Still, You personally carry the gopa, Çrédämä, upon your shoulders.

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“Though unconquerable by even the most powerful of personalities, you are conquered by pure devotional service. This is the greatest secret, a secret the unfortunate, fallen people of this world do not understand.

“The unmotivated devotional service of your loving servitors always defeats You. Then having conquered You, such devotional service enters within You and secretly hides as the greatest of treasures.

“Material illusion cannot touch those engaged in your loving devotional service. Your devotees by their service easily crush material illusion into dust, which becomes blown away by the wind as they dance in ecstatic kértana. See! All the three worlds beg for your loving devotional service.

“Hearing their sincere cries for your devotional service, the devotees conquer your unlimitedly merciful heart, two and four times over. You become their captive as You hear their entreaties for pure devotion unto your lotus feet.

“Upon hearing Çré Sarasvaté Devé, the Goddess of Speech, speak these nectarine words through the mouth of Çrédhara, all the Vaiñëavas became filled with wonder.

Then Lord Caitanya said, “Çrédhara, ask for a boon. Today, I shall give you the eight mystic powers. They are now tightly in your grip.”

Çrédhara answered, “Lord, what will I trade from You? Please do not insist and be peaceful at heart. There is nothing I require.”

The Lord replied, “Look, do you see I am unhappy? However, surely I wish to give you a boon. Speak out whatever is in your heart.”

“Ask! Ask!” repeatedly, Lord Caitanya entreated His pure devotee. Eventually, to please his Lord, Çrédhara spoke, “Then, Lord, give me just this one boon.

“May the enchanting brähmaëa boy who argued and gave coins for My banana leaves be my Lord and Master, birth after birth.

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“May the young restless brähmaëa who quarrelled fiercely with me about the price of my supplies be my Master. May He give me His lotus feet as my only treasure.”

Repeatedly, offering words of glorification, Çrédhara became absorbed in transcendental love. Ecstatically, raising his arms, his eyes flooded with tears and he loudly wept.

As Çrédhara’s depth of devotion manifested, the assembled Vaiñëavas were similarly overcome with spiritual emotion and wept tears of transcendental ecstasy.

Feeling great love for His eternal servitor, Lord Caitanya smiled and said, “Listen, O Çrédhara. I shall make you the ruler of a great kingdom. I shall make you a king amongst men.”

Çrédhara responded, “I have not the slightest interest. I only wish that You be my eternal master, and I that may always sing Your name in unwavering devotion.”

Lord Caitanya spoke with a voice made of nectar, “Dear Çrédhara, by your unalloyed devotion you have made me your servant. Just see, how I have now appeared before you, in my Mahä-prakäça, anxious to fulfil your any request.

“Therefore, I shall no longer dispute with you. I bestow upon you eternal pure devotional service, which is a secret even within the Vedas.”

From the circle of joyous Vaiñëavas, tumultuous sounds arose. Everyone called out in bliss, “Jaya! Jaya! Jaya!” as they heard Çrédhara receive the only boon desired of his pure heart.

How may one recognize the true servant of Lord Caitanya? Is it by his possessing wealth? Is it by many followers? Is it by material education?

Temporary material education, wealth, beauty, fame, and noble family have no actual value. Moreover, they only tend to increase false pride and material illusion without limit.

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Yet, Çrédhara, who lived most simply by selling bananas and banana roots, by his pure devotion, was able to see the Supreme Lord before him willing to fulfil his any request. The unlimited Supreme Lord whom even millions of kings cannot see after millions of universal ages.

False pride in material assets and an aversion to the pure devotional service of the transcendent Lord only lead one to a life of material sense enjoyment. Thus, one is quickly degraded to the terrible depths of material consciousness. May one, then, know one’s fearful future?

A proud ignoramus who mocks the devotees of the merciful Lord, considering them fools or people suffering in paucity, surely goes to the hellish region known as Kumbhépäka. That is the inevitable punishment for his transgressions.

Who has the ability to comprehend the unlimited glories of the Vaiñëavas at whose lotus feet all mystic perfections await to perform service? By their devotional service, the fruit of every austerity is easily available to them, and yet they are disinterested.

Çrédhara, the banana-leaf seller, elegantly bears witness to this eternal truth. Avoiding the eight mystic perfections, he asked for only pure uninterrupted devotion to his dearmost Lord

If one should see a Vaiñëava suffering by worldly estimation, one should know that his suffering is not material, for the Vaiñëava sees everything in the service of his Lord. Thus, such austerities actually become the source of spiritual bliss.

Yet, the fallen souls blinded by the desire for material sense pleasure can never comprehend this truth. In fact, the unfortunate souls, who are mad with the desire for material education and material wealth, cannot even recognize a Vaiñëava.

Similarly, persons, who study and even pose as teachers of the Çrémad Bhägavatam, but do not accept the loving devotional service of the magnanimous Lord, find their intelligence destroyed. In the same way,

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those envious rascals who blaspheme Lord Nityänanda certainly walk the path of certain destruction.

Glorifying his beloved Lord, Çrédhara received his treasured boon. Anyone who hears the description of this pastime will attain the greatest treasure, pure love for the Supreme Lord.

Those intelligent souls who avoid blasphemy of the saintly Vaiñëavas attain Lord Kåñëa, receiving pure love and devotion for the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord.

Blasphemy of the Vaiñëavas only brings the greatest sin. Those pious souls who do not blaspheme the Vaiñëavas and engage in the pure devotional service of Lord certainly become very, very fortunate. Therefore, the true devotees of the Lord never offend anyone.

If, just once, one calls out, “Kåñëa!” without offense then certainly Kåñëa’s sacred name easily delivers one. This it is the Absolute Truth. This it is the Absolute Truth. This it is the Absolute Truth.

My hearts desire at the sheltering, merciful lotus feet of the Vaiñëavas is that Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda eternally remain my masters, life after life.

The two moons, Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda are my life and soul. I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

10. The Great Revelation of Mahäprabhu

My dearest friend, Lord Gauräìga, You are the ocean of transcendental qualities. All glory to You and all glory to Lord Nityänanda Prabhu, the Supreme Personality, who is without beginning or end.

After bestowing boons upon Çrédhara, Lord Caitanya began to gently sway His head, and repeated the name, “Näòä, Näòä, Näòä!” He spoke to

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Advaita Äcärya, “Äcärya! Ask what you need!” The Äcärya replied, “My prayers have already been answered my Lord.” Lord Caitanya appreciated this answer with a thunderous roar that drowned all other sound.

While Lord Caitanya was still manifesting His ‘Mahä-prakäça Lélä’ in the mood of the Omnipotent, Supremely Opulent Lord, Gadädhara Paëòita prepared betel and offered it to the Lord who happily accepted. Lord Nityänanda, whose partial expansion Ananta Çeña is the support of the Universe, now held the umbrella over Lord Caitanya as Advaita Äcärya and other great personages stood before Him.

The Lord ordered Muräri, “Look at Me!” Muräri saw Çré Rämacandra in person. He saw that Viçvambhara, Lord Caitanya, was sitting on a kingly throne with His bow, His complexion as green as fresh tender shoots of grass. He saw Jänaké devé (Sétä Devé) on His left and Lakñmaëa on His right. All round the brave monkey leaders were offering prayers. By the influence of Lord Caitanya’s transcendental pastimes, Muräri, now perceiving his identity as Hanumän and seeing his beloved Rämacandra, fell down in an ecstatic swoon.

Lord Viçvambhara called out aloud, “Hey, monkey, you seem to forget how the demon Rävaëa, who stole Sétä Devé, burnt your face. Enraged, you set ablaze his capital, Çré Laìkä, and destroyed his entire race. I am that same Lord, Your worshipful Lord, now You are again in My presence. Rise! Rise! Muräri! You are as dear to Me as My own life. I am that Lord Rämacandra, and You are Hanumän!”

“Look now upon Lakñmaëa, your beloved life and soul! You saved His life by bringing from afar the Gandhamädana Mountain. Offer obeisances to the lotus feet of Jänaké, Sétä Devé, whose distress moved You to profuse tears.”

Lord Caitanya’s words brought back Muräri’s consciousness, and upon awakening, he saw that wonderful scene and began to cry in kåñëa-prema. Muräri’s ecstatic crying moved even the lifeless dry wood, what to speak of the assembled Vaiñëavas.

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Again, Lord Caitanya spoke to Muräri, “You may ask Me for any boon.”

Çré Muräri replied, “My Lord, I do not yearn for anything. However, grant me just one wish. May I sing only of Your glories. May I be born in any situation, but, birth after birth, I simply pray that I may remember and serve You in the association of Your servitors.

“O my Lord! Please do not place me in any situation where I may deviate from the Absolute Truth, forgetting that You are the Supreme Lord and I am 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 Vaiñëava devotees were naturally very affectionately disposed to Muräri, who was always compassionate to all living beings. Such was the purity of Muräri’s devotion that merely his presence would transform anywhere into a holy place of pilgrimage, as transcendental as Vaikuëöha. It is impossible to describe the greatness of Muräri, even the Supreme Lord advents for the pleasure of Muräri.

Lord Caitanya then declared, “All of you listen carefully, if anyone criticizes Muräri, he cannot be saved by even a million dips in the Gaìgä. In fact, the baths in the Gaìgä or even the chanting of Lord Hari’s name will certainly destroy such a sinful wretch. Muräri Gupta! The Supreme Lord is ‘gupta’, secretly seated in Muräri’s heart, this is the spiritual import of Muräri Gupta’s name.”

Chanting Kåñëa’s name, the Vaiñëava devotees began to weep in ecstasy, seeing how Lord Caitanya had showered His mercy upon Muräri. Anyone who hears these pastimes of Lord Caitanya’s extraordinary magnanimity will receive kåñëa-prema.

While Muräri and Çrédhara wept in kåñëa-prema, being in front of the Lord, Lord Caitanya chewed on the betel pan making loud cracking sounds.

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Lord Caitanya then turned His benign glance on Haridäsa and called out, “Haridäsa! Look at Me! Your body and birth is superior to Mine. Your class and caste is more elevated than Mine! Although that sinful Muslim tormentor inflicted great pain on you, yet, in My heart, I hesitate to punish him for that would surely disturb you, such is your compassionate nature.

“Listen Haridäsa, when you were lashed with the whip in the different market places. I took up My Sudarçana disc and descended to earth from Vaikuëöha intending to sever the tormentor’s heads.

“While your tormentors were trying to beat you to death, at the same time, you were thinking of their well-being. You were unconcerned about your own pains; you had only compassion for them. On account of your merciful heart, I could not use force. My Sudarçana disc weapon was rendered impotent.

“I could not strike those men because you were determined to forgive them. Being unable to see your misery, I protected you from their lashes by placing My back upon 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 your sufferings, I hastened My advent to this world. My beloved Näòä, Advaita Äcärya, fully recognized who you are, I am totally bound by his loving devotion.”

Our beloved Lord Caitanya is very expert 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 becomes His devotees slave.

Çré Kåñëa recognizes only His devotees and knows nothing else, to Kåñëa there is no one equal in position to His pure devotees. All those miserly offenders who are antagonistic towards such pure devotees of the Lord are devoid of all good fortune. From these pastimes and the things Lord Caitanya said to Haridäsa Öhäkura, one can see the highly elevated position of the devotees.

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When Haridäsa heard about the Lord’s magnanimous deed, he fell swooning to the ground. He lost all external consciousness and was immersed in an ocean of ecstasy.

Lord Caitanya said, “Wake up, wake up! See My opulent manifestation to your heart’s content.” Haridäsa awoke and becoming externally conscious, in tears of transcendental love, he looked about perceiving the Lord’s extraordinary manifestation. He rolled about all over the courtyard, sometimes breathing heavily, other times swooning. All the ecstatic symptoms swept over Haridäsa’s body like a hurricane, and although the Lord tried to steady him, Haridäsa could not remain still.

Öhäkura Haridäsa said, “O Lord Viçvambhara! 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 then can I say anything about Your divine pastimes?

“There is one fact that You yourself have stated: ‘Anyone remembering your lotus feet, be he as insignificant and as 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 Duùçäsana dragged the righteous Draupadé, into the palace court wanting to disrobe her. Confronted with the danger of disgrace, she remembered You, Kåñëa. Thus, You made her sari endlessly long by Your mystic potency. Yet, the evildoers could not perceive Your hand in this.

“Once, witches surrounded Çré Pärvaté Devé, desirous of eating her. When Pärvaté remembered You, You immediately appeared, punished the witches, and saved Your devotee.

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“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 Hiraëyakaçipu inflicted all varieties of treachery and brutal methods trying to kill Prahläda by poisoning, hurling down from the mountain, throwing in a boiling cauldron of oil, etc. Yet, throughout his tribulations, Prahläda meditated upon Your lotus feet and was saved from each and every calamity. In this way, You humbled many of his enemies and took away all their vitality and strength. Finally, You personally appeared due to Prahläda’s meditation.

“Once, the five Päëòavas were in grave dilemma fearing the wrath of Durväsä Muni, but by remembering You, You appeared personally and saved them. You calmed Yudhiñöhira Mahäräja with your assuring words, see I am already here, you just sit down and relax and I will take care of Durväsä Muni and his army of disciples.

“Only the shred of vegetable left stuck to the side of the pot after the Päëòavas had eaten was taken by Lord Kåñëa relishing the thought of coming to His devotees aid. Meanwhile, the sage and his disciples, bathing in the river, suddenly felt full in the belly as if having just eaten a sumptuous meal. Ashamed and tearful, they fled.

“The miraculous benefit of remembering Your lotus feet was amply demonstrated by the Päëòavas in this incident. For everyone, the path of true devotion is remembrance of You. You perform Your super excellent activities to rescue Your devotees.

“The story of Ajämila is a wonderful illustration that even in the most degraded state, one should remember the Supreme Lord at the moment of death. Ajämila saw the Yamadütas (messengers of death) coming to drag his soul away to the nether regions of hell. In fear, looking for shelter, he saw his son’s innocent face and called out his name ‘Näräyaëa’, 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 most elevated devotees of

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the Lord have easy access to this greatest spiritual treasure, the constant remembrance of the Supreme Lord. This is not surprising.

“O Lord! I am such a destitute that I do not 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.”

Çré Caitanya replied, “Say all that you want to say, there is nothing that I do not want to give you.”

Haridäsa 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 remnants of the foodstuffs of Your devotees who are 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 remembrance of You, but now, please make my life successful by granting me the remnants of Your servitors.

“I feel within my heart that I have committed a grave offence by asking of You to be situated in the elevated status of a Vaiñëava, for I am grossly unfit. O Lord! My master, protector and maintainer of the entire creation, I am spiritually lifeless, therefore kindly forgive my ignorance. O Lord Viçvambhara, the beautiful son of Mother Çacé, You are my master, so be merciful to me and keep me as a dog in the house of a Vaiñëava.”

Haridäsa Öhäkura was overwhelmed by feelings of ecstatic devotion and he repeatedly petitioned the Lord, feeling his desire for humility and devotional service unfulfilled.

Lord Caitanya replied, “Listen My dear Haridäsa, you are a highly elevated Vaiñëava. If anyone spends a day in your service 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.

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“As my servitor, Your position is unique, you have therefore imprisoned Me within your heart eternally. Since you are crowned already with a faultless character, I bless you that you will always continue to worship and serve Me and My devotees without a single deviation or offence.”

A tumultuous sound of joy from the Vaiñëavas greeted Lord Caitanya’s boon to Haridäsa Öhäkura. High birth, caste, fruitive activities or wealth are worthless commodities to achieve kåñëa-prema, only the intense loving desire for Kåñëa can bring one to His lotus feet.

A Vaiñëava may take birth in any family, but he is always the most exalted Personality, this is the spiritual verdict. The living proof is Haridäsa Öhäkura who was born into a Muslim family, yet what he saw and spiritually perceived is rarely experienced by even the most eminent personalities like Lord Brahmä.

Only the most wretched sinner will judge a Vaiñëava by caste, race or nationality, and for so doing, he suffers the pangs of repeated birth in the lower species of life.

One who hears of this pastime of the Lord and Haridäsa Öhäkura with proper faith will certainly enjoy the fruit of kåñëa-prema. These words are not my concoction but the bold declaration of all scripture. One is sure to experience the bliss of devotional service to Lord Kåñëa, if one lends aural reception to the transcendental activities of the pure devotees of the Supreme Lord. All glories to Haridäsa Öhäkura, a giant amongst the Vaiñëavas, by remembrance of him one is freed from all sinful reactions.

The devotees started talking about Haridäsa. Someone said, “He is like Lord Brahmä!” Another observed, “Prahläda has come again as Haridäsa.” Haridäsa Öhäkura was in every respect a great and unalloyed devotee; he is an eternal associate of Lord Caitanya.

In their hearts, Lord Brahmä and Lord Çiva always desire the transcendental company of Çréla Haridäsa Öhäkura. All the demigods feel this same urge to associate with Haridäsa, and Gaìgä devé wishes to bathe Haridäsa in her waters.

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Such is Haridäsa Öhäkura’s exalted position, just seeing him relieves one from the bondage of material existence, what to speak of associating with him. Great stalwart devotees like Prahläda, who was the son of a demon, and Hanumän, who was a monkey, are considered exalted Vaiñëavas. Similarly, Haridäsa Öhäkura was born in a low caste non-Hindu family, but is counted amongst the foremost Vaiñëava devotees.

Haridäsa along with Muräri and Çrédhara began to weep joyful tears. While Viçvambhara smiled pleasantly on them, chewing betel. Seated upon the throne, the Lord was engulfed in dazzling effulgence; an equally brilliantly shining Nityänanda stood nearby, holding the umbrella over Lord Caitanya.

Smiling, Lord Caitanya looked towards Advaita Äcärya and began to reveal his inner thoughts, “Listen Äcärya, do you not remember the night I once fed you?

“At the time, I had not yet advented and you were endeavouring excessively to bring Me down from My spiritual abode.

“You would hold discourses on the Bhagavad-gétä and explain everything in terms of devotional service, there was hardly a soul who could grasp these topics. Once, when you could not understand the meaning of a certain text, which pertained to devotional service, you did not look for discrepancies and faults in the text, but gave up comfort and enjoyment wishing to acquire accurate esoteric knowledge. You were very depressed and lay back refusing to eat. 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 that night I appeared in your dreams and spoke to you.

“Awake, awake, Äcärya and hear the real purport of the Gétä text, this is truly its unequivocal meaning. Please get up and eat, give up your fast, as to you I will reveal the esoteric meaning. Now eat to your satisfaction and in some time everything will be clarified in dreams.”

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In this way, the doubts that had arisen in Advaita Äcärya’s mind while discoursing on the Gétä were cleared. Distinctly, the Lord reminded the Äcärya of the dreams in which He had appeared to clear the doubts. He gave the Äcärya the exact number and the precise dates of the dreams and the correct texts that had been explained in clearing the doubts. Truly, Advaita Äcärya’s devotion is glorious, how can I describe his unlimited potency and devotion?

Lord Caitanya continued, “I explained to you all the difficult texts with the exception of one, and that I will explain to you now. The Gétä text that reads, ‘sarvataù päëi-pädaà’, which means that the Supreme Being’s hands and feet are everywhere, is wrongly interpreted due to rigid partisan thinking in certain schools of philosophical thought. The real purport of this verse is that the Supreme Being pervades everything with His Omnipotent presence.

“The complete Gétä text reads: …sarvataù päëi-pädaà tat sarvato ’kñi-çiro-mukham sarvataù çrutimal loke sarvam ävåtya tiñöhati… ‘Everywhere are His hands and legs, His eyes, heads and faces, and He has ears everywhere. In this way the Supersoul exists, pervading everything.’ 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 Äcärya is secretly a disciple of Lord Caitanya, and Lord Caitanya’s explanations are His only shelter.

When Advaita Äcärya heard this explanation, which was so dear to him, he was overcome with happiness and 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 Äcärya was merged in ecstatic bliss seeing the wonderful potency of the Lord.

One who has no faith in these spiritual explanations and exchanges is certainly doomed to perish. Only those rare souls, the pure devotees of the Lord can understand the spiritual dissertations of Advaita Äcärya, who was personally taught by Lord Caitanya.

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The instructions of the Vedas are invariably interpreted in various ways, and so Advaita Äcärya’s highly esoteric explanations were often subject to different interpretations. Who can properly grasp the deep meanings of the Äcärya’s expositions that deal with such greatly subtle spiritual matters? Undoubtedly, His words are as good as the Supreme Lord’s own.

The Äcärya’s words are like the autumn clouds, they rain in certain areas only to leave other places dry. His words are understood by only a few fortunate souls, not everyone. Advaita Äcärya should not be blamed for this, for everything depends on a person’s piety and good fortune, which bestows the ability to understand His words.

Advaita Äcärya’s main devotional duty was to serve the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya, to this all the Vaiñëavas could testify. Those who disregard the instructions of the other Vaiñëava associates of Lord Caitanya with the excuse that they only follow Advaita Äcärya cannot gain the Lord’s favour. Those who accept Lord Caitanya as the Supreme Lord of all Lords are the true followers of Advaita Äcärya and thereby the Äcärya recognizes their service.

Devotional service to the Äcärya is imperishable, yet it is rendered impotent if one does not accept Lord Caitanya as the Lord and Master of everyone—including Advaita Äcärya.

Rävaëa was a great devotee of Lord Çiva, but he did not accept the Supremacy of Lord Rämacandra, who is the Lord of even Çiva. Lord Çiva was thus displeased with Rävaëa, despite his devotion, and would not accept his worship or service, which was therefore useless. Hence, Rävaëa and his entire race were destroyed. Lord Çiva does not convey to his devotees his personal feeling about their actions—whether they are good or bad. However, whoever is sufficiently intelligent will understand the desire of Lord Çiva within his heart.

In the same way, the followers of Advaita Äcärya, not understanding the desire of their master, claim to be His disciples but criticize Lord Caitanya. Advaita Äcärya does not tell them anything because of His particular nature; therefore, neglecting the advice of other Vaiñëavas

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and the inner desire of Advaita Äcärya, they perish. These condemned persons do not understand that Advaita Äcärya’s exalted position and His mystic perfection are all due to the mercy of Lord Caitanya. 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 Caitanya’s external potency, Mäyä-devé, is exceedingly powerful and She takes efficient care of such wayward and demoniac souls.

Lord Caitanya is the most beautiful Supreme Personality and Advaita Äcärya is His eternal servitor, He is like the different jewellery and ornaments that decorate the Lord. The position of persons who do not accept this has been clearly defined in the previous verses. If, in spite of these verses, people refuse to recognize the position and inner life of Advaita Äcärya, they are doomed. A person’s elevation and progress in devotional life depends on how well he is serving Lord Caitanya, there is nothing superior to the Lord’s devotional service.

In proportion to the mercy, he receives from Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityänanda, the devotee advances in devotional service. In this way, devotional mellows constantly increase. Lord Nityänanda inspires everyone to chant continually. Encouraging all, He implores, “My dear brothers, call out, ‘O my Gauracandra!’ ”

Advaita Äcärya is often moved to tears by devotional emotions, being engrossed in remembering Lord Caitanya and His pastimes. If, after hearing these transcendental narrations, a person is unable to develop devotional fervour and love for Lord Caitanya then contact with such a person should be avoided, for it will wither away one’s faith and piety.

One who understands that Advaita Äcärya is a foremost Vaiñëava devotee of Lord Caitanya, and serves Him in that capacity is himself an exalted Vaiñëava devotee. He is thus assured of the shelter of Lord Kåñëa eternally. Such a Vaiñëava is also very dear to Advaita Äcärya; others who do not understand this relationship are despicable rejects of human society.

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Advaita Äcärya is always extremely pleased to hear His Lord Caitanya Mahäprabhu glorified as the Supreme Lord of all. Advaita Äcärya Himself glorifies Lord Caitanya in this manner. There should be no doubt about this. Lord Caitanya revealed the real purport of the Gétä text to the Äcärya and then hid the portals of devotional life to the non-devotees.

Lord Caitanya suddenly spoke out, lifting His arms, “Everyone look at Me, and 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 Äcärya 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. May his heart be transformed and may he become a devotee.”

One of them prayed, “Lord, please increase my faith in my guru.” In this way, they asked for blessings for their dear ones, disciples, sons, wives, servants and so on.

Lord Viçvambhara is the benefactor of all His devotees and fulfils all their wishes. Smiling sweetly, He granted everyone’s boon.

All the while, Mukunda was behind the curtains outside the room, unable to muster sufficient courage to appear before the Lord. Mukunda knew all the devotees intimately and was loved by all. However, no one could understand why the Lord was apparently neglecting him because whenever he sang the Lord was always eager to hear. The Lord did not call him inside, nor did he come. The devotees felt concerned for Mukunda.

Çréväsa Paëòita said to the Lord, “O Lord, what offence has Mukunda committed at Your lotus feet? Mukunda is favoured by You, and he is dear to all of us. Who can stop his heart from melting upon hearing Mukunda’s singing? He is devotionally inclined and always careful in all respects, yet without seeing any apparent fault in him, You have rejected him my Lord. If he has committed some mistake then punish him, but

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why do You disown and push him away. Is he not Your very own servant? O Lord, invite him to see You, for 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 person’s behalf! The descriptions you have heard about pretenders, who make a show of humility but the next moment are aggressive, are 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 a straw in his teeth. However, the next moment, he comes to strike Me with a rod of iron. I cannot bear to see that pretentious wretch!”

Speaking eloquently in Mukunda’s favour, Çréväsa said, “Who can understand the inconceivable workings of Your energies? We never noticed anything offensive in Mukunda’s character, and surely the shelter of Your lotus feet is witness to his innocence.”

Lord Caitanya commented, “That spineless wretch will vociferously agree to all philosophical views to suit whatever company he is in. When he reads the ‘Yoga Vasiñöha’ with Advaita Äcärya, he favours the impersonal mäyävädé philosophy. In the company of Vaiñëavas, he pretends to be a Vaiñëava, singing and dancing with perfect humility. Again, when he goes and joins with members of another sampradäya, he rejects devotional service and flays the process of bhakti with aggressive criticism!”

“One who claims that there is some process higher than devotional service, factually strikes me with an iron rod. He commits a serious offence to the path of devotional service, and so I cannot see his face.”

Standing outside, Mukunda heard everything and realized that he would not be allowed to see Lord Caitanya. Previously, on his guru’s request, Mukunda did not accept the process of devotional service, and Lord Caitanya, through His inconceivable mystic potency, knew of this. So Mukunda, a pure devotee of the Lord, contemplated, “There is no reason

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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 Çréväsa Öhäkura. Tell me, will I ever see my Lord Caitanya again?” He immediately broke down and wept bitterly. Mukunda’s condition touched the compassionate hearts of the Vaiñëavas.

The Lord responded, “Let him go through another ten million births and then he can see Me.”

When Mukunda heard this promise from the Lord’s own mouth, he was overtaken by tremendous joy and stood there drenched in tears. Repeating, “I will get! I will get!” Mukunda, Lord Caitanya’s servitor, danced like a mad man in ecstatic love of Kåñëa. The Lord’s assurance that he would see him again made him dance in ecstasy.

When Lord Caitanya saw Mukunda dancing, He laughed and ordered, “Bring him here immediately.” The Vaiñëava 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 Caitanya said, “O Mukunda, your offences 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 offences 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. When I said to you that after ten million births you would have your desire to see Me fulfilled, you had full faith in the infallibility of My words. Thus, immediately you pushed away all previous doubts and offences. 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 have been cutting jokes with you because of our intimacy. If perchance you

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really commit millions of offences, then I do not consider them offences because you are eternally My dearly beloved associate. Your body is cent per cent imbued with loving devotion to Me, I perpetually reside upon your tongue as spiritual sound.”

As Mukunda heard Lord Caitanya’s reassuring words, he was moved to tears. 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 easily see your Universal Form, whereas scholars study throughout all the scriptures to have just a glimpse of that same form. Yet, eventually, Duryodhana and his entire family were stamped out, undergoing extreme pain, because he lacked the slightest devotion to You. Therefore, without possessing the proper devotional attitude, how can I experience bliss even if I see You, my Lord?

“On the request of Rukmiëé Devé, You went to rescue Her from the over protection of many powerful kings who saw You approach mounted on Your bird carrier Garuòa. They saw Your noble kingly bearing and effulgent form. Your devotees like Lord Brahmä meditate with great desire to see this effulgent form just as You appeared in that Vidarbha kingdom. As You were kidnapping Rukmiëé Devé, the kings saw You and put up a fight. However, they were all slain, simply because they had no devotion for You.

“When you appeared in the form of Varäha, the boar, You picked up the earth between Your tusks from the waters of the Garbhodaka Ocean, and the demon Hiraëyäkña saw this extraordinarily brilliant form. The Demigods constantly pray to see this wonderful form. Nevertheless, You killed Hiraëyäkña because he was a demon who had no love or devotion to You.

“His brother, Hiraëyakaçipu, saw Your terrible and mighty form of half man half lion, which is rarely seen by anyone and whose breast is the resting place of Mother Lakñmé, Your eternal consort. Hiraëyakaçipu saw this wonderful form of Narasiàha, unparalleled in the entire creation,

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but with ease, his life was squashed 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.

“Kubjä, the hunchback maidservant of Mathurä, the wives of the sacrificial Brahmin priests of Våndävana, the noble ladies of the Mathurä palace, the garland maker Sudämä; what was their practice before they saw You for the first time? Yet, all of them were elevated to the blissful state of loving devotional service to You. However, at the same time, Kaàsa, the King of Mathurä, saw You, but was killed. I do not possess any devotion to you my Lord, but still You keep me.

Çré Ananta Çeña, that extremely powerful personality, supports this immense cosmic creation with great pleasure only because of his devotion to You. The entire universe sits upon just one of His many hundreds of hoods just like an insignificant drop of water, while he is absorbed 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 even such wonderful devotional fervour I cannot appreciate, I am destined for eternal degradation.

Lord Çiva, Çaìkara, became the husband of Gauré, Durgä (Mahä-mäyä), by dint of his devotional service. Närada Muni rose to the platform of an eternal associate of the Lord through loving devotion. Vyäsadeva complied the entire Vedic literature, yet he was feeling dissatisfied deep in his heart. Previously, You had revealed to him, in precise form, the essence of the highest spiritual knowledge, the science of devotion, but he was unable to grasp the full import because of slight impurities of the mind. Then, again, through Närada Muni, You spoke to him that same science of devotional service. In this way, he felt revived and with happiness went on to perfect his human birth.

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“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 and raising his arms up in the air, his body trembled as he released heavy sighs in ecstatic devotional emotion. 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 Viçvambhara was moved by His devotee’s anguish and feelings. He said, “Mukunda! Your devotional service is very dear to Me. Wherever and whenever you sing, I will be present there. All that you have said is true. One cannot understand Me, as I am, just by seeing Me; one can only realize My true self 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 devoid of My devotional service. It pains Me grievously if someone is against My devotional service, and due to My sufferings such an atheist is deprived of all happiness, even if he sees Me.

“Demon King Kaàsa’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 austerities and penances for many, many lifetimes just to see Me. This piety gave him the good 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. In the absence of devotion, seeing Me is fruitless.

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Whatever you have said is actually what 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 Vaiñëavas’ hearts will melt with ecstatic joy hearing your songs. Just as you are very dear to Me, you will also be so amongst all My devotees, the Vaiñëavas. Wherever I descend in any incarnation, you will also be present as My singer.”

As the Lord showered blessings and boons on Mukunda, the Vaiñëava assembly resounded with great jubilation. Devotees clasped their hands and exuberantly sang out, “Glory to Lord Jagannätha! Glorify the Lord!” Whoever hears these narrations about Mukunda receiving the Lord’s special mercy is favoured by the Lord to become an associate of Mukunda as a singer.

All the topics on the pastimes of Lord Caitanya 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 Caitanya face to face.

So it continued, each Vaiñëava, as he so desired, had his wish fulfilled by the Lord. Çréväsa Paëòita is a very great and exalted personality so all these pastimes took place in his own house.

The Lord appeared to each devotee individually as a different incarnation according to that devotee’s attachment to a particular incarnation of the Lord. All these manifestations were extraordinary and super excellent, Lord Caitanya performed His pastimes in this manner. Everyday, the Lord revealed His supra-mundane pastimes and all the assembled Vaiñëavas along with their wives saw these extraordinary happenings.

One who surrenders his body and mind and becomes the Lord’s servitor can perceive these transcendental activities. In Navadvépa, there was no dearth of men who were in the renounced order of sannyäsa, who were mental spectators, who were studying the scriptures, who were

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performing severe penances, and who were pursuing yogic practices. Most of them had been studying the Gétä and Bhägavatam for many years and some of them were even giving lessons to others upon these scriptures, yet not one of them was willing to give up their own ways, practices, and religious views. Some undertook strict vows to remain celibate throughout life and to never accept any service from others. In this way, they lead lives of extreme hardship and difficulty.

However, the intelligence of these practitioners was covered over by false ego to such an extent that none of them could perceive the descent of Vaikuëöha to Çréväsa Paëòita’s residence and the resultant spiritual bliss emanating from there. That which was seen and experienced by even the servants and maidservants in Çréväsa Paëòita’s house was unknown even to the scholars well versed in all the scriptures. The wonderful boon Muräri Gupta’s servants received went unnoticed by those who had shaved their heads to exhibit renunciation.

Lord Caitanya 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 Caitanya, for the Lord submits only to unalloyed devotion, as is clearly declared in the Vedas. Therefore, in Navadvépa, all the great scholars and pundits were unaware of these extraordinary happenings.

Those who are sinful are like lakes without water, where beauty is absent. How otherwise can the living beings be deprived of the spiritual bliss that comes from experiencing these pastimes? These supra-mundane eternal pastimes of the Lord are continuously existing and without cessation. The Vedas describe them as sometimes manifest and at other times unmanifest.

Lord Caitanya’s pastimes are being performed even now. Whomever the Lord blesses can see, others cannot.

The Lord appeared to His different devotees in the particular incarnation the devotees worshiped Him. He personally taught them

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about His Supreme Absolute position, that He is the source of everyone and everything. Later, this knowledge was then transmitted to posterity.

The Lord said, “In every birth, you will receive 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 receive the chewed remnants of the Lord’s betel. The devotees were caught up in the waves of ecstatic joy as they munched on remnants of the radiant moon-like Lord.

The remnants of the Lord’s foodstuffs went to the pious and fortunate Näräyaëé. The Lord personally gave this innocent little niece of Çréväsa Paëòita (his brother’s daughter) His own remnants. She ate the Lord’s remnants with great joy and relish. The Vaiñëavas blessed her saying that she was most fortunate since she could directly serve the Supreme Lord, Näräyaëa, at such a young age.

After Näräyaëé had eaten, Lord Caitanya said, “Näräyaëé, let Me hear you cry for Kåñëa in great ecstasy!” Such is the influence of Lord Caitanya’s words that she immediately called out “Kåñëa! Kåñëa!” and began to weep. Thus, for all time, this pastime became famous amongst the Vaiñëavas and the little girl became renown as, ‘Näräyaëé, who ate Lord Caitanya’s remnants’.

As the devotees were beckoned forward by the Lord, they hastened to His presence. All these narrated pastimes of Çré Caitanya are perfectly transcendental. If one does not have faith in them, then his future is bleak and dark.

Lord Caitanya is very close and dear to Advaita Äcärya; this relationship makes Advaita Äcärya glorious. Lord Nityänanda is very close and dear to Lord Caitanya, these glories of Lord Caitanya are sung in all the Vedic literatures.

If one does not recognize Lord Nityänanda’s identity as a devotee of Lord Caitanya, one may be respected by the whole world, but he is worth no more than a straw to the learned Vaiñëava assembly.

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Lord Nityänanda introduces Himself saying, “I am Lord Caitanya’s servant!” He is always in this mood of a servitor. Only by His mercy, one develops love for Lord Caitanya. All detriments in spiritual life are overcome by worshiping Lord Nityänanda.

The greatest feeling I always cherish in my heart is that Lord Caitanya is the Lord of my Lord. O Lord Caitanya! Kindly offer me the shelter of the lotus feet of Lord Nityänanda, who as Ananta Çeña is holding this universe. I am only able to sing the glorious life and pastimes of Lord Caitanya out of my love and attachment for Lord Balaräma. My Lord Balaräma always desires the best for the world.

Nityänanda knows no other designation other than being Caitanya’s servant and only through serving Nityänanda is one eligible to become a devotee of Çré Caitanya. As only by Lord Nityänanda’s grace I can know Lord Caitanya in truth, similarly to fully comprehend the truth about devotional service one must receive the blessing of Lord Nityänanda.

Lord Nityänanda is very dear to all the Vaiñëava devotees and everyone can receive from Lord Nityänanda entry into the path of devotional service. Somehow, if by chance someone disregards Lord Nityänanda then Lord Caitanya Himself condemns him to eternal suffering. The full glory of Lord Nityänanda is very rarely known, even the great yogi and exalted Vaiñëava Lord Çiva does not fully know His unlimited potencies.

One who is not offensive and critical of others and who always chants Kåñëa’s Holy Name will soon be able to captivate with his love the uncontrollable and invisible Lord Caitanya. The scriptures instruct that spiritual goals are unattainable through criticism of others; the religion expounded by the Bhägavatam is to respect everyone.

These narrations of the Madhya-khaëòa are like nectar, but to an atheist they taste bitter. If one has a bitter taste eating sweets, then he is truly unfortunate and sick and that really does not change the taste of sweets to one of bitterness. Similarly, if one cannot relish the nectarine pastimes of Lord Caitanya then that is his great misfortune.

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A person, even though in the renounced order of sannyäsa, will enter into a countless cycle of births in total ignorance, if he is offensive to Lord Caitanya; whereas, if even a bird sings the name of Lord Caitanya, even without proper spiritual knowledge, it will surely enter the Lord’s eternal abode.

All glory to Lord Gauracandra, the life of Lord Nityänanda, kindly make Your beloved Lord Nityänanda 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 Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Lord Nityänanda are my life and soul. I, Våndävana däsa, offer this song to their lotus feet.

11. The Pastimes of Çré Nityänanda

O Lord Gauräìga, O most precious treasure, O unlimited ocean of kåñëa-prema, where do you come from? You are the Lord and maintainer of the helpless, the true friend of the downtrodden.

All glory to You Lord Viçvambhara, the most powerful and regal of the brähmaëas! Victory to all Your associates who are like honeybees attracted to the nectar of Your lotus feet.

You are as dear to Paramänanda Puré as his own life, and You are the greatest wealth in the possession of Svarüpa Dämodara.

You are very dear to Çréla Rüpa Gosvämé and Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé, and the hearts of Jagadéça and Gopénätha.

Lord Viçvambhara continued to perform His pastimes in Navadvépa, unknown to every eye. The blessed Çréväsa Paëòita sat in his own house situated in the central island of Navadvépa and saw the endless and

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marvellous pastimes of the Lord. He served the Lord with pure love and saw the ‘Mahä-prakäça Lélä’ pastime along with the other Vaiñëavas.

Lord Nityänanda was residing in the house of Çréväsa Paëòita, whom he loved and respected as His father. Lord Nityänanda was continually manifesting the mood of a little child and often drank the breast milk of Mäliné, the wife of Çréväsa.

Mäliné’s breasts had long dried up, but upon Nityänanda’s touch, milk again flowed from her breast. She was amazed at such miraculous happenings. Caitanya Mahäprabhu ordered her no to reveal this to anyone and everyday she saw Nityänanda’s child-like behaviour.

Viçvambhara said to Nityänanda, “Listen Nityänanda, to avoid arguments and fights with anyone, do not behave recklessly in Çréväsa’s house.”

Nityänanda objected saying, “Kåñëa! You can never see Me acting recklessly. You cannot find another person as well behaved as I am.”

Viçvambhara replied, “I know You only too well.” Nityänanda said, “Let Me hear You point out my mistakes and ill behaviour.”

Smiling, Caitanya said, “Oh! You want to know Your mistakes? You throw showers of rice in every room.”

Nityänanda countered, “This is only 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 everything by Yourself that is alright with Me, but why do you defame Me to everyone?”

Caitanya replied, “I feel embarrassed and must rectify such misconduct. So I am now trying to correct You.”

Nityänanda smiled and said, “That is very good! You must always teach Me whenever You see Me misbehaving. You are correct in assuming that I am the culprit.” He then broke into peals of laughter.

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Nityänanda became immersed in a great ocean of happiness and became oblivious to all. Taking off His cloth, He tied it around his head, standing naked before all. He pranced about in great leaps bubbling with laughter, sometimes staggering like a drunken man.

Gadädhara Paëòita, Çréväsa Paëòita and Haridäsa beheld this sight of the Lord’s special mercy for it was meant to teach a lesson to the whole world.

Viçvambhara held Nityänanda and said, “What are you doing? Such behaviour is inappropriate in a householder’s house. You just told Me that You are not mad, however the next moment You have contradicted Your own words.”

What reaction can words have upon one who is oblivious of the external world? Nityänanda was floating on the waves of ecstasy. Viçvambhara Himself had to dress Nityänanda Prabhu. Such are His inconceivable activities.

Nityänanda, like a maddened lion, was unaware of everything and Caitanya’s words fell on deaf ears.

Nityänanda would not even eat with His own hands, so Mäliné had to feed Him. Mäliné, the chaste and righteous wife of Çréväsa Paëòita could sense Nityänanda’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 Mäliné devé. The crow suddenly returned, but without the container. Mäliné devé could well guess her husband’s reaction if he were to see that the ghee vessel of Kåñëa was missing; his temper was nothing short of a thunderstorm. She felt helpless and began to weep.

Just then, Nityänanda came by and saw the tears streaking down Mäliné devé’s eyes. Smiling, he asked, “Why are you crying? Tell me the cause of your distress? I will take care of everything.”

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Mäliné devé tearfully replied, “O listen Gosäïi, a crow flew away with the ghee vessel, who knows where. Nityänanda assured her, “Mother, kindly stop weeping and worrying. I will surely get Your vessel back.”

The Lord spoke to the crow smiling pleasantly, “O crow, go and bring back the vessel quickly.” Nityänanda resides in everyone’s heart. Who has the power to disobey His orders? The crow immediately flew off, followed by the distraught eyes of Mäliné devé. Returning soon with the vessel in its beak, the crow put it near Mäliné devé. From this incident, Mäliné devé could very well understand the extraordinary potency of Nityänanda.

Swooning with ecstasy, she began offering prayers to the Lord, “For He who can bring back to life, from the custody of Yamaräja, the dead son of His guru and for He who maintains this cosmic manifestation, what is so wonderful in bringing back a small vessel from a crow? Upon His head rests the unlimited creation and He does not even feel its weight whilst performing His pastimes. Just chanting His name destroys the endless ocean of nescience. To influence a crow to return a small vessel it had stolen is not an extraordinary deed for Him.

“In the past, as Lakñmaëa, You were guarding Sétä Devé while living in the forest, yet you only looked at her feet and no other part of her body. Your powerful arrows later defeated and exterminated the entire demon family of Rävaëa, and so winning back this small vessel is indeed an insignificant deed.

“At whose lotus feet the River Yamunä devé, begged forgiveness and offered chosen prayers in glorification, and for He, who has the potency to maintain the fourteen worlds, what marvel is it for 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 they may seem, are transcendental and the Absolute Truth. This is the clear verdict of the Vedas.”

Nityänanda smiled as He listened to her prayers and remarked in His child-like manner, “I want to eat.” Whenever Mäliné devé saw

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Nityänanda, milk would ooze from her breasts out of spiritual parental love and Nityänanda would fulfil her spiritual desires by suckling upon her breast like a small child. These are some of the inconceivable pastimes of Nityänanda. My capacity to describe them is limited; fortunately, 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 accept all His pastimes, for Nityänanda is always immersed in ecstasy. He moves freely 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 Nityänanda, people may comment that Nityänanda is not a close associate of Caitanya, 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.

In spite of hearing of His glory, many atheists criticize Nityänanda. I kick them on the head, hoping for the Lord’s mercy upon them. Nityänanda is so lost in His transcendental pastimes in Çréväsa Paëòita’s house that Lord Gauräìga has to look after Him.

One day, Çré Caitanya was sitting in His house together with his wife, Viñëupriyä devé, whose exquisite beauty is matched only by Lakñmé Devé. She prepared betel pan for the Lord and He accepted them, smiling with pleasure. In this way, They spent days and nights together lost in the pleasure of each other’s company. Mother Çacé’s heart exulted to heights of unknown joy as she saw the happy couple. Lord Caitanya knew the reason for His mother’s exhilaration and so He spent much time with His wife.

Around this time Nityänanda, who was always immersed in bliss, came to Caitanya’s house in a restless mood. He stood before everyone, naked like an innocent child, not feeling any shame.

Caitanya enquired, “Nityänanda, why are You without clothes?”

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Nityänanda replied with a smile, “It is so, it is so!”

Caitanya requested, “Nityänanda wear your clothes.”

He replied, “Today I shall leave.”

Caitanya insisted, “Why?”

Nitäi responded, “I cannot eat anymore.”

Caitanya then said, “When I say something to you, why do you answer with a completely different subject?”

Nitäi replied, “I want all round attention.”

Angrily Lord Caitanya said, “This is not my fault!”

Nitäi replied, “My Lord, Çacédevé is not here.”

Caitanya pleaded, “Be merciful and wear your clothes!”

Nityänanda replied, “I will eat.”

Like this, Nityänanda is always in the mood of serving Çré Caitanya. While one hears the other speaks, and Nityänanda wanders all over Nadia laughing joyfully.

Lord Caitanya got up and personally dressed Nitäi whilst Nitäi continued chuckling. Çacédevé smiled seeing Nityänanda’s activities and felt motherly affection towards him, thinking of Viçvarüpa. Nityänanda’s words strongly reminded her of her older son and sometimes Nityänanda even looked like him. Unknown to anyone Mother Çacé felt equal love for both Nityänanda and Viçvambhara.

When Nityänanda came out of his trance, He dressed Himself up. Çacédevé gave him five milk cakes to eat. Nitäi put one of the sweets in His mouth and threw the other four sweets far away.

Çacédevé raised alarm saying, “Alas, alas, why are you throwing them away?”

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Nityänanda replied, “Why did you put all the sweets in one place?”

Çacédevé said, “I do not have anything more, what will you eat now?”

Nityänanda answered, “Ask for it, and it will be certainly there.”

Çacédevé went inside the storeroom only to be greeted by a wonderful surprise. She saw that the four sweets thrown away by Nitäi were there. She thought out aloud, “Where were the sweet cakes thrown and how could they be here now?” Çacédevé was amazed and amused. She removed the dust particles from the sweet cakes and came to Nityänanda. She found Him eating läòòhus, and enquired, “From where did you get those läòòhus?” Lord Nityänanda replied, “I saw you were disappointed when I threw the sweet cakes away so I brought them back.”

Seeing these miracles, Çacédevé considered in her mind, “Who can know the extraordinary qualities of Nityänanda Prabhu?” To Nityänanda Prabhu, she said, “Nityänanda why do you bewilder me in this manner? I know very well that You are the Supreme Lord, please therefore remove your illusory potency from me.”

Lord Nityänanda exhibiting the mood of a young boy went running after Çacédevé, trying to touch her feet as she tried desperately to escape Him. Such are the super excellent activities of Lord Nityänanda. They bring pleasure to the pious devotees, but to the envious, they bring pain.

Those envious and sinful wretches who criticize Nityänanda become so contaminated that even Gaìgä devé, who purifies everything, runs away from them. Nityänanda is the Supreme Lord of all the Vaiñëavas and as Ananta Çeña; He holds the universe upon His hood.

Although I have no attachment for Nityänanda and Caitanya, I pray that the treasure of the lotus feet of Nityänanda be eternally firmly situated in the innermost recesses of my heart.

This is my earnest desire for which I beg at the feet of all Vaiñëavas: Let Nityänanda Prabhu, Lord Balaräma be my Supreme Lord and Master!

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Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda are my life and soul. I, Våndävana däsa, offer this song at their lotus feet.

12. The Wonders of Çré Nityänanda

All glory to Viçvambhara the Lord and master of all the Vaiñëavas, please give us devotional service unto You and make us Your surrendered devotees!

Nityänanda performed many wonderful pastimes with Çré Caitanya in Navadvépa. Nityänanda did innumerable extraordinary deeds engrossed in the ecstasy of love of Kåñëa, 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 an 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 Gaìgä, fearless and carefree. Everyone gasped with consternation, but Nityänanda swam about in the waters laughing and splashing. He swam about in the mood of Ananta Çeña feeling completely at home in the waters of the Gaìgä, while the spectator devotees held their breath in anxiety.

At times, Nityänanda became so surcharged with ecstasy in love of Kåñëa that He went into an 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, Çré Caitanya was sitting alone when Nityänanda 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

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about repeating this sentence like loud peals of thunder, “My Lord and master is Nimäi Paëòita of Nadia.”

Çré Caitanya smiled, amused at the sight of Nityänanda’s large, brilliant, beautifully formed and completely bare frame. Hastily, Çré Caitanya removed the cloth from His own head and wrapped it around Nitäi, but Nitäi continued to chuckle as if nothing had happened.

Caitanya then smeared perfume on His body, decorating Him with a flower garland and began to glorify Nityänanda, “Your name is Nityänanda and so also Your form and demeanour are always and eternally blissful. You are Nityänanda now as You were Balaräma before.

“No one can interrupt the ecstatic and unlimited joy You experience, as Your name suggests, in everything You do whether it be walking, eating, or otherwise. Ordinary men cannot appreciate Your transcendental potencies. You are always to be found where Lord Kåñëa is present. Kåñëa is eternal and is the Absolute Truth and so are You since You are His eternal associate.”

Nityänanda is perpetually relishing the nectar of loving devotion to Çré Caitanya, all His words and deeds are fulfilling Caitanya’s innermost desire. Çré Caitanya said to Him, “For a long time, I have had one unfulfilled desire, I would like to have Your kaupéna, loin cloth dress.” Saying this, Caitanya went and brought a kaupéna of Nityänanda Prabhu, and then tore it to many long strips.

The Lord then distributed, one by one, these strips to the assembled Vaiñëavas, telling them, “Place them upon your heads, these are most precious worshipable objects, even to Lord Çiva, the king of the yogis. What to speak of others? One attains the exalted position of becoming a pure devotee of the Supreme Lord only by Nityänanda’s grace. All of you should know that He is the embodiment of Lord Kåñëa’s full transcendental potencies.

“Çré Nityänanda is identical to and is the immediate expansion of Çré Kåñëa. He is an eternal associate, friend and brother to Kåñëa; He expands Himself as Kåñëa’s bed, ornaments and other such

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paraphernalia. His character and pastimes are a mystery even in the Vedic literatures, although He is everyone’s maintainer, protector and friend.

“All His activities are full of devotional nectar to Çré Kåñëa and it is easy to attain the highest perfection of love of Kåñëa by serving Him. Therefore, all of you respectfully place these strips from His kaupéna upon Your heads. Take them home and worship them with great care and regard.”

Following Çré Caitanya’s instruction, the Vaiñëavas wrapped the kaupéna strips lovingly around their heads. Again Çré Caitanya spoke, “Listen, all devotees! Now drink the water that has washed the lotus feet of Nityänanda, you will immediately imbibe unfaltering faith in Çré Kåñëa’s devotional service, of this there is no doubt.”

Having received Çré Caitanya’s instructions, the devotees washed Çré Nityänanda’s lotus feet and drank the water, they drank as much as possible, five times, ten times and more. Nityänanda, who throughout the entire episode was engrossed within Himself, remained smiling benignly.

Çré Caitanya sat down and began to distribute this water, päda-udaka, with the utmost pleasure. The devotees drank and became intoxicated, chanting, “Hari! Hari!” Each devotees expressed his joy, one said, “Today was the fulfilment of my life!” Another said, “All the bonds of my material entanglement were severed today!” Another commented, “Today I feel I have become a servant of Çré Kåñëa!” Still another voice said, “This water is so relishable, its sweet taste still lingers in my mouth!”

The water was so unique that immediately upon drinking it 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 kértana started up, some devotees sang songs of Kåñëa and others began to dance. In a moment, Çré Caitanya rose up and

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letting out a thunderous cry joined in the dance. Meanwhile, Nityänanda Prabhu also stood up and started dancing. Unable to contain their joy, the devotees encircled both of their Lordships and continued their ecstatic dancing and jostling.

They were intoxicated with joy falling on each other. They played little games, touching one another’s feet and smearing their heads with the dust. Some hung on to the neck of another, sobbing happily. They all mingled happily, forgetting any mood of reverence, the Lord and His servants all danced together.

Çré Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda embraced each other every so often and danced with blissful gestures. Mother Earth trembled under the rhythmic dancing of Nityänanda and the whole world resounded with, “Hari! Hari!”

Drowned in the nectarine ocean of kåñëa-prema, Gaura and Nitäi, the Lords of Vaikuëöha, danced in ecstasy with their servitors. All these pastimes are eternal, they simply became manifest at a certain time and place and again became unmanifest. This is clearly explained in the Vedas.

After dancing the whole day, Lord Caitanya finally sat down with all His devotees. He clapped thrice loudly and then spoke benignly, “Whoever worships Nityänanda in loving devotion loves Me also. His lotus feet are worshiped by Lord Çiva and Lord Balaräma, hence always offer your love and devotion to Him.

“If anyone is critical of Him or dislikes Him, then even if that person is a devotee he is rejected by Me. Whosoever has even so much as received a slight touch of Çré Nityänanda, Lord Kåñëa will never forsake him.” Çré Caitanya’s words brought resounding applause from all the devotees.

Whosoever hears these transcendental narrations with faith and devotion becomes protected and maintained by Lord Caitanya. Such activities of Çré Nityänanda Prabhu are fully understood by only those who are His confidential associates and the eternal associates of Lord Caitanya.

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Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda Prabhu are my life and soul. I, Våndävana däsa, offer this song at Their lotus feet.

13. The Deliverance of Jagäi and Mädhäi

I offer my humble obeisances at the lotus feet of Çré Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda, whose elongated arms reach down to their knees. Their complexions are as brilliant as molten gold. They have initiated the congregational chanting of the Holy Names of Kåñëa. They have exquisite elongated lotus petal eyes. They are the maintainers of the entire Universe, the topmost brähmaëas, protectors of the religious principles of the age, the well wishers of every living entity, and the embodiments of mercy and magnanimity.

All glories to Çré Gaurasundara! All glory to Çré Nityänanda who is served by everyone!

Çré Caitanya is always performing His pastimes in Navadvépa, but they are not visible to every eye. At this time, the ordinary people of Navadvépa continued to see the Lord as Nimäi Paëòita; any change in the Lord’s activities or character was imperceptible to them. However, the merciful Lord reveals Himself to the fortunate devotees according to their realizations in devotional service. He hides Himself to the outside world of materialists.

One day, the Lord suddenly expressed a certain feeling to Nityänanda and Haridäsa Öhäkura, “Listen Nityänanda and Haridäsa, travel everywhere and tell people about My teachings. Go to every house and beg everyone of this: Chant Kåñëa’s name, worship Him and cultivate the science of Kåñëa consciousness. Just repeat this only and make them chant only Kåñëa’s name. At the end of the day, come and give Me your reports. Those who do not comply to your requests, I will come personally and cut them to pieces with My Sudarçana chakra.”

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The Vaiñëavas were very amused to hear the Lord’s orders and there was no question of anyone trying to change any of it. Considering that Nityänanda has accepted these orders with utmost respect, anyone who disregards them is demented. If someone only serves Advaita Äcärya, but does not worship Çré Caitanya, Advaita Äcärya Himself will destroy him.

Nityänanda and Haridäsa Öhäkura, the two Lords, were on their way in a blissful mood with Çré Caitanya’s order as their prime inspiration. They visited every house, going all over Nadia and requested all, “Chant the Holy Names of Kåñëa and worship Him, He is everyone’s shelter, friend and most treasured wealth, practice Kåñëa consciousness with undivided intent.”

Wearing the robes of renunciates, they approached the householders, many of whom invited them in for food, but they only replied, “I only beg of you to chant Kåñëa, worship Him, and cultivate devotional service.”

This is all they repeated and went on their way. The pious received their instructions well with faith and being impressed by their effulgent figures, they replied happily to them expressing their pleasure, “I will do, I will do.”

Someone else said, “You two have mental aberrations due to the wrong advice of others. You have become mad because of bad company. Why have you come to infect us with your madness? Good and healthy persons have gone mad because of Nimäi Paëòita’s bad influence.”

Those who were disallowed entry into Çréväsa Paëòita’s house to see Lord Caitanya dance during the kértanas would react insolently to this saintly pair. They shouted, “Beat them! Beat them!” Still others said, “Maybe these two are the informers of dacoits and under their present pretext and garb they are collecting information. Why should saintly men act in this manner? If they come this way again I will hand them over to the law.”

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These comments only amused Nityänanda and Haridäsa Öhäkura, they did not feel hurt or daunted. They simply continued to preach Çré Caitanya’s message everyday and upon returning described everything to Çré Caitanya.

One day, they came across two thoroughly intoxicated drunkards, giant in size and looking like the worst kind of pirates. Their tales of wicked acts were unending and there is not a sin that they had not committed. Although born in brähmaëa families, they consumed liquor and beef, robbed, stole and burnt other person’s houses. They disobeyed the court injunctions against them and always avoided appearing before the officers of law. All day, they engaged in their wicked activities.

The two drunks rolled about on the public streets and when one caught the other unawares, he pounded him with his fists. People watched this fun always keeping a distance. Just then, Nityänanda and Haridäsa arrived there.

The two drunks sometimes embraced each other affectionately, and the next moment they would pull each other’s hair. They used the most filthy and abusive language upon each other. They ran the good name of the brähmaëa class in Navadvépa to the ground. Intoxication can ruin the life and character of anyone.

Although they had committed every conceivable sin, they were still free from offence against Vaiñëavas. They were just always intoxicated and had had no opportunity to criticize Vaiñëavas.

Such company, where Vaiñëavas are offended, may consist of highly pious persons, however, still all their good fortune will be diminished by vaiñëava-aparädha. If even an assembly of renunciates and sannyäsés offends Vaiñëavas, such an assembly is more irreligious than a group of drunkards. For the drunkards there is still a chance for salvation, but for those who are critical of Vaiñëavas there is no hope of liberation.

In spite of studying the scriptures, such persons may not become purified and, further, if such persons criticize Nityänanda then they are doomed.

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The two drunks were still very much intoxicated when Nityänanda and Haridäsa saw them from a distance. Nityänanda turned to one of the crowd in the street and asked, “Who are these two men, why do they act like this?”

They replied, “Gosäïi, they are brähmaëas with very good and noble parents from a very good and aristocratic family. Their family dates back many generations in Navadvépa and has a spotless reputation. Nevertheless, these two are the black sheep of their family and from their beginnings, they have engaged in all sorts of sinful activities.

“Seeing their character, their family and society have ostracized them and from that time on they have lived independently as outcasts in the company of other drunkards. They terrorize all the residents of Navadvépa. All fear that they may be the next target of their arson and looting. Everyone knows that they are capable of everything and anything.”

When Nityänanda heard these facts about the two scoundrels, His heart melted. He immediately felt great compassion for them and began to consider how He could save them. He thought, “Çré Caitanya incarnated only to liberate and save the most fallen souls, who is more degraded than these two?”

“The Lord has appeared hiding His real identity, the ordinary folks are unaware of this and they foolishly deride Him. If My Lord is merciful to these two and saves them then the entire world will acknowledge His Supreme potency. I, Nityänanda, can prove to be a real servant of Çré Caitanya only when I persuade My Lord to awaken in these two their original Kåñëa consciousness.”

They are so drunk now that they are oblivious of everything even themselves. If they could become similarly engrossed in chanting the names of Kåñëa and could cry My Lord’s name, then My preaching and travelling would be successful.”

If the shadow of these two sinners as much as falls on them, out of fear, people now bathe in the Gaìgä with their clothes on. If, by the mercy of

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Çré Caitanya, I could purify and reverse their present condition, then, when people saw them again they would feel as clean as if having taken a bath in the Gaìgä. Then only, will I become truly worthy of My name.”

Çré Nityänanda’s glory and mercy is unfathomable, He has advented only to save the most fallen souls. After thinking so to Himself, He expressed His ideas to Haridäsa Öhäkura, “How rotten they are! Although born in a brähmaëa family they are so debauched. There is no way they can escape the worst kind of hellish punishment.

“The Muslim guards, who whipped You almost to death, were forgiven by You. So now, in the case of these two, if you are compassionate to them, then certainly they can be saved. The Lord will certainly agree if you plead to Him on their behalf. The Lord Himself has said that He cannot refuse you, Haridäsa. Let the whole world see the magnanimity of our Lord, that He is the saviour of even these two. Just as the Bhägavatam sings about the liberation of Ajämila, let all the three worlds witness something just as unique!”

Haridäsa Öhäkura is all too familiar with Nityänanda’s nature, so he now considered that these two sinners were as good as saved. Haridäsa said, “Listen My Lord. Your desire is certainly also the Lord’s desire. You deceive me by saying I can speak to the Lord because I am an animal and I need to be deceived. You are doing this repeatedly only to teach me of my lowly position.”

Smiling benevolently, Nityänanda embraced Haridäsa and spoke softly to him, “Let us repeat to these drunks the Lord’s message for which purpose we are roaming the streets. The Lord has instructed us to tell everyone, and especially the most degraded persons, to chant Kåñëa’s name. Our duty is simply to repeat His message, whether they follow or not is dependent upon the Lord.”

Having decided, Nityänanda and Haridäsa walked together towards the two drunks. The pious and saintly persons nearby tried to dissuade them, “Do not venture near them, if they catch you then you might even lose

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your life! We live in fear of these two, how do you muster up the courage to approach them? You cannot expect them to understand the holy position of a sannyäsé. These two murder brähmaëas and slaughter cows.”

Undeterred and joyously, both continued walking towards the sinners chanting Kåñëa’s name. When they were close enough for them to hear Çré Caitanya’s message, they called out, “Chant Kåñëa’s name, worship Him, for the Lord is as dear to you as a mother and father. He is the most wonderful treasure of the heart. He has appeared in His incarnation only for your sake, so give up all your sinful activities and surrender to such a merciful Lord!”

Hearing voices, the two drunks lifted their heads, their eyes bloodshot with rage. Understanding that the voices belonged to the sannyäsés, they cried out in anger, “Catch them! Catch them!” and prepared to grab them. Haridäsa and Nityänanda hastily retreated upon being chased by the two yelling drunks, whose cries were nasty and fearsome to the two sannyäsés.

The crowd started speaking, “We warned them before, but they would not heed us and so now they find themselves in a fearful situation.” However, inside themselves, the atheistic persons derived pleasure out of this and maliciously thought, “These charlatans are being properly punished by Lord Näräyaëa.” The pious brähmaëa people cried out, “O Lord Kåñëa! Save them! Save them!” All fled the place in fear.

The two rogues were now chasing the two saints and although they cried out, “Catch them! Catch them!” they were still not near them. Nityänanda said, “My dear Vaiñëava, Haridäsa, we have got ourselves into a fine mess, we can call ourselves lucky if we come out of this alive!” Öhäkura Haridäsa replied, “O Lord, what is the use of talking, acting on Your advice we now face unnatural or violent death. On account of You, we have given instructions on the Holy Name of Kåñëa to these two faithless drunkards and now we are earning our due reaction and punishment: death!”

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Speaking in this manner, Lord Nityänanda and Haridäsa continued to run laughing gleefully, while the two rogues chased after them, hurling loud abuse. The drunks’ bodies were ugly and fat, so movement was difficult; yet, they continued to run after Haridäsa and Nityänanda shouting, “O brothers, where do you think you can go? How will you escape Jagäi and Mädhäi today? You seem to not know that Jagäi and Mädhäi move about in this area, so stay a while and get acquainted with this place nicely.” These words further spurred on Haridäsa and Nityänanda and they kept chanting, “Save us Kåñëa! Save us Kåñëa! O Govinda!”

Haridäsa said to Nityänanda, “Lord Kåñëa saved me sometime back from the cruel hands of my Muslim tormentors, but today due to my companion’s restless nature and lack of mature intelligence I am about to face my final end.”

Lord Nityänanda replied, “You are incorrect, this restlessness is not My real nature, it is manifesting in this manner due to the spiritual ecstasies of your master, Çré Caitanya. Although He is a brähmaëa, He is relaying orders like some king! By His orders, we go from door to door, although I have never heard of anyone else giving such kind of orders. In the process of executing His order, our only remuneration is harsh abusive words and false accusations by the people. If we do not carry out His orders then we are finished and if we do then this present dilemma is our answer. As for blaming someone for all this, you single Me out, but in fact your master has also a share in this!”

The two carried on their verbal mock fight with each other with great pleasure whilst still being chased by the two drunken rogues. Running, they went in the direction of Çréväsa Paëòita’s house and the two rogues were left behind to run around in circles confused by intoxication. The two rogues were confounded looking in all directions. They had no idea where the two saints had gone; they just gave up the chase and went about shuffling.

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Nityänanda and Haridäsa after a little rest turned back to check if the rogues were still chasing them. They got up, embraced each other in laughter, and went to see Çré Caitanya.

They found Lord Caitanya sitting amidst all the Vaiñëavas. His exquisite beauty flowed from every part of His transcendental form. His eyes were like two fully bloomed lotuses; His beauty caused Madana, the God of Love, to swoon.

In the assembly, they were discussing Kåñëa conscious topics and sometimes the Lord would reveal the transcendental truth about Himself. It was as if the Lord of Vaikuëöha, Näräyaëa, was sitting to discourse with Çanaka and other sages.

Nityänanda and Haridäsa narrated their days experience to the assembly, “A strange incident occurred today. We came across two drunks totally intoxicated and we were told they were from brähmaëa families. We thought of doing them a good turn and requested them to chant Kåñëa’s Holy Name, but they reacted violently and chased us, we could barely escape with our lives.”

Çré Caitanya said, “What persons are these, what are their names? Being brähmaëas, why do they act in this coarse manner?”

Çréväsa and Gaìgädäsa were sitting close to the Lord and they spoke, “My Lord, these two persons are Jagäi and Mädhäi. Their father is a pious brähmaëa, but bad company has spoiled these two. Now they know only intoxication. Their names instil fear in the hearts of the people and they live by stealing, looting and violence. It is impossible to describe how fallen they are, but You see everything and know everything My Lord.”

Çré Caitanya answered, “I will show these two rogues, I will cut them to pieces if they come in front of Me.”

Sweetly, Nityänanda said, “You may cut them to pieces, but I will not move from there. If they are not alive, how will I be able to carry out Your mission? Why are You getting so angry with them? Allow Me to

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first make them chant Çré Kåñëa’s name. The pious will naturally chant Kåñëa’s name, but these two know only irreligious activities. If You deliver them and bring them into devotional service, then Your fame as ‘patita-pävana’ (deliverer of the fallen) will remain intact. Your fame as ‘patita-pävana’ has increased after saving Me, but that fame will reach to unlimited bounds if You deliver these two.”

Laughing, Viçvambhara said, “They are already liberated, as soon as those two rogues saw you they were delivered. As You are so concerned about their welfare, Kåñëa will very soon take full care of them.”

The devotees broke out into jubilant shouts of “Hari! Hari!” when they heard Çré Caitanya’s words and they were convinced that the sinners were already saved.

Haridäsa spoke to Advaita Äcärya, “The Lord has sent me out with an extremely restless person. If I go in one direction, He will find another. He will jump into the crocodile infested swelling monsoon waters of the Gaìgä and try to catch the crocodiles. I stand on the banks shouting for Him to return, but He ignores everything and floats downstream like a dead man. If He sees a young boy on the banks, He suddenly gets up and goes shouting angrily after the boy. Soon the boy’s irate parents arrive with sticks and then I have to plead and beg with them before sending them away.

“He steals butter and cream from the milkman and then runs away and when I get caught they want to beat me up. He is always doing the sort of activities that are incorrigible and beyond all logic. If He comes across a young maiden, He asks her to marry Him. He sits on a bull shouting, “Mahesh!” (Lord Çiva) and if He sees a cow He milks her and drinks the milk.”

When I try to advise Him on His activities, He mocks you saying, “What can that Advaita of yours do to Me? And that person whom You call ‘Caitanya’, what can He do to Me?”

“I repeat nothing of all this to Çré Caitanya. Today, I was saved only by the Lord’s grace. These two drunks were lying in the street in a stupor

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and He went up to them and tried to preach to them about Kåñëa. They were enraged and charged at us; we were saved from death today only by Your mercy.”

Very much amused, Advaita said, “This is nothing special for Him. An intoxicated person should join other drunks. He is drunk with kåñëa-prema so He should join the other two. As a renunciate devotee, you have no business in such company. I know Nityänanda’s character and ability; He will make everyone intoxicated with divine love. Wait another few days, He will also bring those two into the Vaiñëava fold.”

Then, Advaita Äcärya was suddenly overcome with anger and He threw His clothes away from His body and started strongly chastising. He said, “I want to hear everything about Caitanya’s devotion to Lord Kåñëa. How He sings and dances, what is the extent of His potency. Just wait and see tomorrow, Nimäi and Nitäi will bring those two drunks with them and dance with them here, and have them mingle with all the other Vaiñëavas. Let us not run away from here to save our caste.”

Haridäsa laughed at Advaita Äcärya’s angry mood and was relieved and reassured that the two drunks would be saved. Who is able to really fathom the inner meaning of Advaita’s words? Only personalities like Haridäsa Öhäkura can understand since he is of that same spiritual calibre. Many may misunderstand the real position of Advaita Äcärya in relation to the other associates of the Lord. The Lord Himself criticized Gadädhara Paëòita. If ignorant observers see these as mundane material disagreements, then they invite their own doom. Any person who sides with one Vaiñëava against another Vaiñëava and thus criticizes is destined to be destroyed.

The two drunks were as usual going about to different places of the town. By some divine arrangement, they came and set up their evil den on the banks of the Gaìgä near a bathing place frequented by Çré Caitanya. From there, they went about their business of terrorizing the people.

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The entire neighbourhood was in the grips of terror whether they were rich, poor or misers. After dusk, no one ventured to the Gaìgä for their evening ablutions and if at all, then only in large groups.

There, on the banks of the Gaìgä, Jagäi and Mädhäi spent their nights close to the Lord’s house. Every night, they heard the Lord’s kértana and staying up whole nights, they heard the sweet kértana accompanied by mådaìga and cymbals. They danced a drunken jig to the sound of the kértana, greatly amused at themselves. The kértana and their dancing increased their appetite for more wine. At times, listening to the kértana and at other times getting up to dance, all this went on in a state of drunken stupor. They were totally drowned in intoxication, oblivious of time and place.

Once, when they accidentally met the Lord, they remarked to Him, “O Nimäi Paëòita, it is nice that you sing. I want to see how You sing the ‘maìgala-caëòé’ (verses in glorification of Durgä devé) every night. I will bring all the paraphernalia for the caëòi-kértana.”

Çré Caitanya kept a distance from them seeing their drunken state, but other people went a different way altogether to escape these rogues.

One day, Nityänanda was returning to Çré Caitanya’s house in the evening after moving about town the whole day. The two rogues intercepted and halted Him. Jagäi and Mädhäi shouted out, “What and who is this?” Nityänanda replied, “I am going to Nimäi Paëòita’s house.” In a drunken state, they demanded, “What is Your name?” Nityänanda replied, “My name is Avadhüta.”

Performing His lélä, Lord Nityänanda, lost in the mood of a young boy, began to converse with the two drunks. He had already made up His mind to deliver them and so He had purposely chosen this time to come this way. When Mädhäi heard the name ‘Avadhüta’ he picked up a piece of broken earthen wine pot and seething with rage, he threw it at Nityänanda. The stone struck Nityänanda on the forehead, which started bleeding. Nityänanda quietly meditated on Govinda, Kåñëa.

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Jagäi was deeply shocked to see the blood dripping from Nityänanda’s forehead and when Mädhäi once again raised his arms to strike Nityänanda, Jagäi caught his hands. He said, “Why did you do such a heartless brutish thing, what can you gain by striking this foreigner? This Avadhüta is innocent! Do not hit Him again! He is a renunciate hitting Him will not benefit you.”

People went running to Çré Caitanya and informed Him of the incident. The Lord immediately collected a large army of His disciples and arrived at the spot. Nityänanda was still amidst the two, blood dripping all over His body, but He was smiling.

When Çré Caitanya saw blood on His beloved Nityänanda, He went into a fit of wrath and cried out, “Chakra! Chakra!” calling for His most devastating weapon, the Sudarçana disc. The chakra immediately appeared, looming ominously before the very eyes of Jagäi and Mädhäi.

The devotees became very fearful and Nityänanda quickly went to Çré Caitanya begging Him, “When Mädhäi was about to hit Me, Jagäi tried to check him, but accidentally I was hit and although You see blood on Me, I do not feel any pain. Please be calm My Lord I have no pain see, I beg of You to spare them and give them to Me.”

When the words about Jagäi checking Mädhäi entered Çré Caitanya’s hearing, He became very pleased and He went up to Jagäi and embraced him. He said to Jagäi, “May Çré Kåñëa bless you, you have won Me over by protecting my Nityänanda. You can ask for anything you very much desire, I shall grant you the boon, and from today may you be firmly situated in a pure devotional life, experiencing kåñëa-prema.”

The Vaiñëavas became joyous, appreciating Çré Caitanya’s blessings on Jagäi with loud cries. When Jagäi heard Caitanya’s blessing him with kåñëa-prema, he fell unconscious with ecstasy.

Lord Caitanya said, “Jagäi, rise up and see, I have really blessed you with kåñëa-prema.” Jagäi then saw Lord Caitanya in His fourhanded manifestation, holding the club, conch, disc and lotus. Jagäi then placed Çré Caitanya’s lotus feet upon his chest. Jagäi knew that the lotus feet now upon his

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chest sustained Lakñmé Devé’s life and so he caught them very tightly as his most treasured object. Being purified of his sins, he wept like a child. Çré Caitanya is always performing such wondrous pastimes.

The same quality of soul resides in both Jagäi and Mädhäi, but one was purified of all his sins, and the other still a sinner. While Jagäi was praying to Çré Caitanya, Mädhäi was already being transformed within. Overlooking the presence of Nityänanda, Mädhäi quickly got up and threw himself like a stick before Lord Caitanya. Catching hold of His lotus feet, he prayed, “Both of us were sinners, sinning together, in the same place at the same time. Why has Your mercy been shown to one and not the other, My Lord? Be merciful to me, I shall chant Your Holy Name, for there is no one else who can deliver a wretch like me.”

Çré Viçvambhara replied, “I cannot deliver you, for you were responsible for shedding Nityänanda’s blood.” Mädhäi replied, “You cannot say this My Lord. How can You act against Your own religion? In Your previous incarnation, did You not give liberation to those demons who were piercing Your body with arrows?”

The Lord replied, “Your offence is far greater than that of those demons, because you have hurt My most beloved associate, Nityänanda. I reveal to you this truth: Nityänanda’s body is more dear to Me than My very own.”

Mädhäi said, “Since You are already revealing this truth to me then tell me, how may I be saved? You are the Supreme healer of all diseases. I can be healed of my disease only by Your treatment. Please do not deny me anymore, O Lord of the Universe, Your real identity is already known. From whom can You hide it?”

Viçvambhara said, “You have committed a grievous offence. Go and fall at Nityänanda’s feet.” Mädhäi threw himself at Nityänanda’s feet following Çré Caitanya’s instructions. Nityänanda’s lotus feet are eternal treasures and once anyone holds on to them, they will never be forsaken. This fact is well understood by Revaté Devé.”

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Viçvambhara said, “Listen dear Nityänanda, he is at Your feet. You must show him mercy. As he was responsible for shedding Your blood, so only You can forgive him.”

Nityänanda said, “What can I say or do My lord? Everything is a transformation of Your mercy. If I have acquired any piety due to devotional service to You, then let all My pious results be given to Mädhäi. As for My offences, please do not regard them. However Lord, leave aside Your deception and unconditionally shower Your mercy on Mädhäi.”

Viçvambhara said, “Now that You have forgiven everything, why not also give Mädhäi Your transcendental embrace.” Receiving Viçvambhara’s order, Nityänanda firmly embraced Mädhäi. Mädhäi was immediately relieved of all sinful reactions and his body became surcharged with Nityänanda’s spiritual powers.

Both Jagäi and Mädhäi were now completely purified of all sins and they began to glorify their Lordships, Gaura Nitäi.

Çré Caitanya said, “From now on do not commit anymore sinful activities.” Jagäi and Mädhäi replied, “Never again, My Lord!” Çré Caitanya said again, “Both of you listen carefully, it is an absolute fact that I have delivered you from all your sinful reactions accumulated over many, many births. Now, if you do not engage further in any sinful activities, I take full responsibility for your sinful lives. I will take the remnants of your sins and my energy will manifest within your bodies.”

The Lord’s promise to the two was like sweet nectar in their ears and they fell down in a state of blissful trance upon hearing His words. All misconceptions and nescience dissipated from their minds and they felt exhilarated in these moments of great spiritual happiness. The Lord perceived this mood and instructed His men accordingly.

“Take these two men to My house and I will perform kértana with them. I will give them today what is rarely accessible to even Lord Brahmä. I will covert these two men to top class devotees who will become famous all over the world.

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“Previously, many would cleanse themselves in the holy waters of the Gaìgä whenever they contacted Jagäi and Mädhäi. However, I will change their opinion. From now on they will consider the association of Jagäi and Mädhäi as good as the association of Gaìgä Devé herself. This was Nityänanda’s desire and Nityänanda’s desires and promises shall never go in vain.”

All the Vaiñëavas escorted Jagäi and Mädhäi into the inner recess of Çré Caitanya’s house. Allowing only the Vaiñëavas inside, the Lord closed the doors.

Viçvambhara sat down and Nityänanda and Gadädhara sat on either side of Him. In front, facing Him, sat the exalted Advaita Äcärya around whom sat the rest of the devotees. They were, Puëòaréka Vidyänidhi, Haridäsa Öhäkura, Garuòai, Rämäi, Çréväsa, Gaìgädäsa, Vakreçvara Paëòita, Candraçekhara and the many other associates of the Lord who all knew the real nature of His activities. They all sat in that assembly with Jagäi and Mädhäi.

Jagäi and Mädhäi were so swayed by the spiritual ecstasy generated in the kértana and Vaiñëava assembly that they began rolling on the ground manifesting the symptoms of ecstasy like horripilation, profusion of tears, shivering, etc. Who is able to fathom the unlimited and nectarine pastimes of the Lord? He can convert two rogues into exalted devotees. They were previously atheists and sinners, but now they were like two renounced spiritualists. Whosoever has faith in these activities of the Lord will attain the lotus feet of Kåñëa. The worst degradation is certainly reserved for the non-believers.

Jagäi and Mädhäi offered prayers in praise of the Lord. The Lord and the devotees heard them in great happiness. By the will of the Lord, Sarasvaté Devé, the Goddess of Learning, appeared upon their tongues. Jagäi and Mädhäi saw both Çré Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda sitting in one place and they perceived Their actual individual spiritual identities. The prayers they offered were so potent that if one hears them one immediately develops loving attachment to Kåñëa.

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They prayed, “All glory to Çré Viçvambhara, the Lord of Lords. All glory to Çré Nityänanda who is serving Çré Viçvambhara in so many ways. All glory to Çré Caitanya who is the preceptor for the congregational chanting of the name of Lord Kåñëa. All glory to Çré Nityänanda who carries out all of Çré Caitanya’s desires. All glory to the son of Jagannätha Miçra. All glory to Çré Nityänanda who has taken complete shelter of Çré Caitanya.

“All glory to Çacédevé’s son who is an ocean of mercy and all glory to Nityänanda, the Lord’s constant companion. All glory to You, the Lord of my heart, who is born as the son of a regal scholar, and all glory to Nityänanda who is the embodiment of compassion. All glories to the activities of Lord Caitanya and all glories to Lord Nityänanda, the most exalted Vaiñëava.

“All glory to the Supreme Lord, Çré Caitanya, who holds the conch, disc, mace, and lotus. All glory to Lord Nityänanda, who is non-different from Lord Caitanya and is glorious as the, ‘Avadhüta.’

“All glory to Lord Gauracandra, the life and soul of Advaita Äcärya. All glory to Lord Nityänanda, who in His expansion as Ananta Çeña is glorifying the Lord with His thousands of mouths.

“All glory to Lord Caitanya, Gadädhara Paëòita’s life force and the master of Muräri, He is the source of all joy to Haridäsa Öhäkura and Väsudeva.

“O Lord! You have in all Your previous incarnations delivered innumerable sinful persons. These acts are supremely wonderful and the whole world sings hymns praising these pastimes. In fact, by delivering two sinful wretches like us, the glories of Your previous activities are somewhat reduced, after all we are insignificant.

“The story of Ajämila’s deliverance is glorious, we seem puny and small next to that. This we say not in useless praise, but with full conviction. Ajämila was the right candidate for Your mercy. The Vedas declare that even a killer of millions of brähmaëas can attain liberation immediately upon chanting Your Holy Name. It is not at all surprising that Ajämila

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attained liberation by chanting Your name because such is the transcendental potency of Your Holy Name.

“You have incarnated especially to expound the highest truth of the Vedas. The authority of the Vedas would be undermined if sinners like us were not delivered. We were inimical towards You and we even struck Your beloved Nityänanda, yet You delivered us. One can easily judge the unimaginable difference between Your magnanimous act and our heinous low performance.

“As soon as Ajämila uttered, ‘Näräyaëa’ four messengers of the Lord appeared before him. As for us, when we saw You we immediately drew blood from Your forehead for which we were able to see Your expansion, the expansion of your expansion, Your weapon for this incarnation (the Holy Name) and Your eternal associates. You had all along kept these wonderful truths a secret, but now these unlimited Supreme Excellencies have been exposed.

“Now, by Your grace, the essence of the Vedas has been clarified and so Ananta Çeña may openly and freely sing Your truth. Now the hidden storehouse of Your transcendental qualities has been opened. The best example of this is Your causeless mercy in saving us.

“Demons like Kaàsa, were cruel to You, yet You gave them liberation after killing them. You have so many aspects, which are most confidential and none of the kings and warriors could discover even the smallest amount of them when they fought with You at the Svayaàvara of Rukmiëé Devé. Although they could see You face to face, they all met with doom.

“Previously, devotees would clean themselves in the holy waters of the Gaìgä if perchance they even stepped on our shadows. However, now they are touching and mingling with us. O Lord, in every respect, Your activities are supra-mundane, and there is no way to deceive anyone anymore about Your transcendental nature, everyone is now well aware of this.

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“When Gajendra, the king of the elephants, prayed to You, You appreciated his faith and surrender. Therefore, You relieved him of his distressful condition and gave liberation to him.

“Similarly, it was not by accident that You delivered Pütanä, the witch, and all the other demons like Aghäsura, Bakäsura, etc. Upon leaving their bodies, they were immediately transported to transcendence. Who can understand Your activities unless they approach the subject through the knowledge of the Vedas?

“The way You have delivered these two most wretched, fallen souls was witnessed by the entire creation. All the wretched sinners You have delivered so far had some kind of qualification, but we both had not a single qualification. Yet, You have causelessly delivered us because of Your unlimitedly merciful nature.”

“Jagäi and Mädhäi finished their prayers with tears of joy streaking down their glowing faces, such is the transcendental potency of the Lord. The assembled Vaiñëavas were astounded having seen everything that had just happened in their very presence, and they clasped their hands in great reverence before the Lord, offering Him their prayers.

“The choice words that were just spoken by these two drunkards in praising You were possible only by Your causeless mercy. Who can understand the nature of Your inconceivable potencies? You give Your mercy by Your own sweet will.”

The Lord replied, “These two are not to be considered as drunks or rogues any more, from now on they are My servitors. All of you kindly pray for them that they may never leave My devotional service. Whatever offences they may have committed against any of you, please forgive them and bless them.”

Hearing Lord Caitanya’s words, Jagäi and Mädhäi threw themselves down at the feet of all the Vaiñëava devotees and catching their feet begged for mercy. The devotees were moved by their humility and blessed them, thus Jagäi and Mädhäi became free from all desires to commit further sinful activities.

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Lord Caitanya said, “Rise, rise, O Jagäi and Mädhäi. You have nothing to worry about anymore now that you are My servitors. Your prayers were all true and are well appreciated. Such mercy and miracles that you have now witnessed and experienced is impossible in your present bodies, but is now made possible only by the mercy of Lord Nityänanda. This is an absolute fact. All you Vaiñëavas present here please witness that I am taking upon Myself all the sinful actions of these two souls.”

To make everyone understand that He was accepting the sinful actions of Jagäi and Mädhäi, Lord Caitanya’s body became blackish in complexion. The Lord inquired, “Why do you all look at Me in this manner? How do I look?” Advaita Äcärya replied, “You look like Lord Kåñëa.”

Lord Caitanya began to laugh at Advaita Äcärya’s words and all the Vaiñëavas became ecstatic and expressed their joy with jubilant sounds.

Lord Caitanya said, “Begin kértana, then this black shroud of sin will lift from My body and enter the bodies of those who criticize the devotees of the Lord.” The devotees were happy to hear these words and they began a loud kértana.

Viçvambhara and Nityänanda began to dance and the Vaiñëavas encircled them in joyful abandonment, singing their praise. Advaita Äcärya also began to dance, Lord Caitanya had advented on his request and the world was saved because of Him alone.

Everyone joined in the ecstatic singing and dancing keeping time with their clapping of hands. In their joy, they forgot their awe and reverence for the Lord and nobody knows the countless times they bumped into the Lord while dancing.

Mother Çacé sat in the inner chambers with her daughter-in-law, Viñëupriyä, and seeing everything, felt herself carried away by waves of ecstasy. Everyone was drowned in the flood of happiness of kåñëa-prema, Çré Kåñëa. Even Lakñmé Devé is very careful about touching the Lord’s body, but now even the two former drunkards were freely mingling, dancing and touching the Lord.

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Lord Caitanya delivered these two, while He pushed the faultfinders and offenders of the Vaiñëavas down to the worst well. One never advances in spiritual life by finding faults in other Vaiñëavas. In fact, only sinful reactions are increased so certainly give up all your faultfinding.

After dancing, the Lord sat down and all the Vaiñëavas sat around Him. The Vaiñëavas were covered in thick layers of dust, yet they were clean and glowing.

The Lord again looked like His original beautiful golden self and smiling He said, “Do not consider these two persons as being sinners any longer since I, Myself, have burnt up their sins. My energy has entered them and I make them act, speak, walk, eat and when I withdraw My energy, they will leave their bodies behind. The conditioned living entity, being unable to bear much pain, calls out for help upon experiencing a little suffering, but even after the body has been burnt to ashes the soul wants to continue his association with the body.

“The conditioned living entity, under the influence of his false ego, begins to accredit himself for all his activities and becomes proud. This is very dangerous. All the activities so far carried out by these two were under the spell of false ego, but now I have stopped all that. From now on, they should be counted amongst you as Vaiñëavas without discrimination.

“All of you please listen attentively. Anyone who gives these two brothers anything to eat with respect and devotion is, in fact, offering to Lord Kåñëa the most relishable honey. Even a leaf offered with love to them is nectar to Kåñëa.

“If anyone ridicules these two in any way, they will be destroyed because of their offensive attitude.” The Vaiñëavas were pleased to have Jagäi and Mädhäi join their fold and offered them obeisances.

The Lord said, “Let us all go to the waters of the Bhägérathé Gaìgä!” As they came to the river, they all jumped inside. Constant chanting of Kåñëa’s Holy Name had made the devotees young in spirit and now they played in the Jähnavé, Gaìgä’s waters, like little children. Even the sober

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older devotees were acting like the restless youths. This is truth by the influence of devotional service to Lord Kåñëa.

Just before this was the festivity of kértana, and now they were all submerged in the festival of water sports with the Lord. All the barriers of awe and reverence were lowered between the Lord and His devotees and they played with each other as equals. The Lord splashed water on the devotees, but no one could counter the Lord’s attacks. In all the water fights between the Lord and the devotees, the Lord was always the winner and the devotees fled His ferocious attacks after only a few minutes of feeble resistance.

At times, Advaita Äcärya, Gauräìga and Nityänanda were engaged in water sports together and another time, Çréväsa, Haridäsa Öhäkura and Mukunda played together. In this way, all the devotees took part including, Çré Garbha, Sadäçiva, Muräri, Çréman, Puruñottama, Mukunda Saïjaya, Buddhimanta Khän, Vidyänidhi, Gaìgädäsa, Jagadéça, Gopénätha, Garuòa, Çréräma, Govinda, Çrédhara, Kåñëananda, Käçéçvara, Jagadänanda, Govindänanda, Çré Çuklämbara and more. It is impossible to write down all the names of the unlimited lists of Çré Caitanya’s devotees. Later, Vedavyäsa will compile all the names in the Puräëas.

All the devotees were wholly engrossed in water sports, experiencing the highest spiritual pleasures. Sometimes, someone was victorious and at another time, he lost. They all enjoyed playing together with Çré Caitanya, Gadädhara, Nityänanda and Advaita Äcärya.

Once, Nityänanda, catching Advaita Äcärya unawares, splashed water into His eyes. For a while, Advaita could not open His eyes and so infuriated, He started hurling abuses at Nityänanda. He said, “Where did this drunkard come from, He has blinded me. Çréväsa Paëòita has brought this travelling mendicant from somewhere and He is now moving about as if He is one of us. And that Viçvambhara is also associating with Him too closely, doing so many things secretly with this suspect travelling mendicant.”

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Nityänanda replied, “Do you not feel any shame? What is the use of all this argument—after all, you have lost.” Caitanya intervened saying, “Once is not sufficient, I will accept a win or loss only if it is repeated three times.”

So once again, Advaita Äcärya began to fight with Nityänanda Prabhu. It was difficult to discern either of them, due to their physical similarities. In the water, they seemed like one person in two different places. Both played vigorously, sometimes one won, but then again lost in the next fight. Like this, they were both equally matched. However, once Nityänanda again caught Advaita off guard and forcefully splashed water into His eyes. Advaita Äcärya was hurt and startled and said, “You drunkard, You cannot become a sannyäsé just by murdering a brähmaëa. You have spent most of Your time in the West eating in different people’s houses whilst travelling about. In addition, nobody knows anything about Your family, Your caste, and other such background information. We know nothing of Your parentage or Your guru. You are simply here eating, sleeping and moving about and everyone just calls You, ‘Avadhüta’.”

Actually, Advaita was eulogizing Lord Nityänanda under the pretext of using abusive language. All of Nityänanda’s followers, along with Nityänanda, laughed at the words, understanding the real meaning. However, Advaita Äcärya continued His acting and was livid with rage, He said, “I will destroy everyone, but do not blame Me.”

The devotees laughed at the show of anger. He was revealing the truth under the guise of being angry, His words only superficially sounded like abuses. If someone does not understand the esoteric meaning of such vociferous fights and takes sides glorifying one and condemning the other, he will certainly be annihilated.

Only those fortunate souls who have received the mercy of Lord Nityänanda and Lord Caitanya can understand the esoteric meanings of the words of Vaiñëava devotees.

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Then after a while, the two stalwarts Nityänanda and Advaita embraced each other. These two Lords are always drunk with the nectar of kåñëa-prema, Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu.

In this way, every night after kértana, Lord Caitanya went with all His associates to perform water sports in the Gaìgä. The ordinary people cannot see such pastimes, but the demigods take great pleasure in witnessing all these sports of the Lord by remaining in their hidden places.

They got up from the waters and came up upon the land chanting Lord Hari’s name. The Lord garlanded everyone with prasädam flower garlands and applied sandalwood paste upon them, bidding them farewell before they went for their meals. He then again offered Jagäi and Mädhäi to all the Vaiñëavas and gave Jagäi and Mädhäi His personal garland. These pastimes of the Lord are eternal and continuous; they become manifest and unmanifest as described in the Veda.

The Lord returned home and after washing His feet, He offered prayers to Tulasé Devé. He sat down to eat and Mother Çacé brought all the prasädam foodstuffs to His presence. He prayed to all the previous Äcäryas, offering them prasädam, and then the Lord of the entire cosmic manifestation ate His meal with relish. He cleansed His mouth and went to sit by the door. Mother Çacé looked to her heart’s content at the young couple, Viñëupriyä and Viçvambhara, sitting together. She felt a great ecstasy drowning her body and soul.

Who can fully gauge the extent of Mother Çacédevé’s good fortune? Only if Ananta Çeña will elucidate with His thousands of hoods can one understand. If one utters just the name, ‘Ai’ (the short form of Çacédevé’s name) even in material consciousness, that word will free one from all sufferings. Çacédevé forgot herself as she gazed into her son’s beautiful face.

Eventually, Viçvambhara went to take rest and simultaneously all the demigods who were secretly present left. Daily, Brahmä, Çiva and other demigods came to serve their Supreme Lord, Çré Caitanya. Without the

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Lord’s grace, one cannot see these personalities. However, the Lord sometimes allows various devotees to perceive their presence. Some days, when Viçvambhara would be sitting, one of these unseen servants would approach Him. The Lord would say, “Remain where you are.” and the unseen attendant would immediately go back again into seclusion.

The unseen demigod visitors were so numerous that there is no need to write the exact figure. The Lord asked His devotees, “Can you not see these heavenly visitors?” The devotees replied with folded hands, “All the three worlds are serving You my Lord. What power do we possess to see any of them unless You empower us with the vision to see them.”

These are the super excellent pastimes of Lord Caitanya, which are esoteric in nature and anyone who faithfully hears them attains the highest perfection. One should not doubt the veracity of the statement that all the prominent demigods like Brahmä and Çiva were daily visitors to Çré Caitanya’s house.

Thus, Lord Caitanya delivered Jagäi and Mädhäi very easily because He is the life and soul of the Universe, the most munificent of all incarnations. He will deliver everyone with the exception of those who are critical of the Vaiñëavas and who act against the teachings of the Vedas.

If a personality, even of the stature of Lord Çiva, commits an offence against a devotee of the Lord then, according to the Çrémad Bhägavatam 5.10.25. he soon meets his end:

“Although I have committed an offence by insulting You, I know that there is no loss or gain for you due to my insult. You are fixed in your determination, but I have committed an offence. On account of this, even though I may be as strong as Lord Çiva, I shall be vanquished without delay due to my offence at the lotus feet of a Vaiñëava.”

The scriptures are strong in condemning offences against the Vaiñëavas. Even an erudite scholar is not saved by his spiritual readings. Even a person engaged in chanting Lord Kåñëa’s Holy Name is also not spared punishment, if he offends a Vaiñëava.

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The instructions of the Padma Puräëa are cited here, when followed strictly, they will help one develop kåñëa-prema:

“To criticize and find faults in pure devotees of the Lord is the most grievous offence against the Holy Name. O Holy Name! How can You bear criticism against Your pure devotees through whom Your glories have been propagated—You can never tolerate criticism against those who have dedicated their lives in propagating the Holy Name of the Lord. Such offenders are annihilated.”

Lord Gauracandra will certainly deliver anyone who hears with faith the deliverance of these two big sinners. All glory to Çré Gauracandra who is the deliverer of the most fallen and demoniac souls. He is the most magnanimous Lord, an ocean of mercy. He sees only one’s devotional qualities and rejects one’s faults. If anyone can remain alive without rendering devotional service to His lotus feet, he is a great sinner. Only by the previous pious activities is such a life somehow maintained, but what is the value of such a life?

In spite of my discrepancies, Lord Caitanya please be merciful to me so that I may be allowed to always chant Your glories. Lord Caitanya is my spiritual master and my Lord Nityänanda’s Lord and master and in every birth. I pray that I may become their eternal servitor.

The pastimes of Lord Caitanya are without beginning and without end; and I am compiling these pastimes to glorify Him in any manner I can. I offer Him and His associates my respectful obeisances and I pray at their lotus feet that all my offences may be excused.

Lord Çré Caitanya and Lord Nityänanda Prabhu are my life and soul. I, Våndävana däsa, offer this song at their lotus feet.

14. Yamaräja Performs Saìkértana

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O Lord Gauräìga, Your exquisite form is bubbling over with the nectar of kåñëa-prema as You dance within Yourself.

Lord Çiva, Lord Brahmä, and the other demigods came regularly to serve Lord Caitanya, but without the Lord’s sanction, no one could see them.

Everyday, they witnessed the different pastimes of the Lord and when the Lord went to sleep for the night, they would disappear only to return the next day, ready to render any service to the Lord. They had witnessed how Jagäi and Mädhäi were delivered and now they were returning in a jubilant mood.

They were discussing with each other, “The Lord has such unlimited compassion for the fallen souls that He has liberated even those two most abominable characters. This has imbued in me great hope that one day I shall certainly cross over this ocean of nescience.”

Yamaräja, the God of Death, was also a daily visitor and he witnessed Lord Caitanya’s pastimes. He inquired from his assistant, Citragupta, who tabulates and calculates the virtuous and sinful activities of human beings, “What is the extent of the sin that these two persons have committed, and what does it mean to exonerate them?” Citragupta replied, “O Yamaräja, why should we pursue this matter? Believe me, it is futile.”

If my assistant writers sit down and calculate the sins of these two, they will never conclude even after a month. However, if you want to hear their many millions sins then that is your prerogative. All my messengers have constantly accounted their sins to the writers to such an extent that the writers feel harassed and unable to cope with the voluminous scores of sins.”

Citragupta continued, “The amount of sins they committed forced us to the brink of complete exhaustion from writing an account of them. The bottomless pits where these records are kept will bear witness to our plight. These two had made us writers weep. However, now most easily, Lord Caitanya has absorbed their uncountable mountain of sins. Now permit me to cast the lists onto the ocean bed.”

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Yamaräja had never before witnessed such a compassionate display of one for another. Yamaräja was an elevated Vaiñëava; he was the embodiment of religious principles, well conversant with the injunctions of the Çrémad Bhägavatam. When he heard Citragupta, he went into a trance of love of Kåñëa. He fell down unconscious inside his chariot. Citragupta and his assistants became concerned and tried to pick him up unable to control the flow of tears.

The returning demigods, who were jubilantly performing kértana, saw that Yamaräja’s chariot had come to a halt with Yamaräja lying unconscious inside. Lord Çiva, Lord Brahmä, Ananta Çeña, Närada Muni and the other demigods were experiencing a new order of happiness glorifying Lord Caitanya, discussing and considering how His boundless magnanimity could deliver these two who were considered the worst of sinners.

When they noticed that Yamaräja’s chariot had halted they came up to it and saw Yamaräja lying unconscious inside. They were astonished to see him in this condition, not knowing the cause of his loss of consciousness. Citragupta explained the reason for his present condition and then Lord Çiva and Lord Brahmä could immediately perceive the symptoms of ecstasy in love of Kåñëa. Thus, they began loud kértana, singing into Yamaräja’s ears.

The kértana revived Yamaräja’s consciousness and when he came back to himself, he quickly got up and began dancing like a madman. The kértana reached a crescendo and Yamaräja, son of the Sun God, matched it with his wild dancing. Yamaräja’s dancing was infectious and soon the demigods joined in with him. Lord Çiva, Närada Muni and everyone else were drawn in by the mood of kåñëa-prema. These are very confidential matters and one day the Vedas will reveal these activities of the demigods.

Dharmaräja, now freed from any feelings of embarrassment and intoxicated with love of Kåñëa, lost himself in the movements of dance. As he brought back to mind the pastimes of Lord Caitanya, he cried out,

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“Hallowed be the Lord, the most munificent Lord, the friend of the fallen souls!”

His body movements were accompanied by the ecstatic symptoms of uproarious calls, horripilation all over the body and a continuous flow of ecstatic emotions as he wept thinking of the Lord. Seeing Dharmaräja in ecstasy, His assistants and companions were overflowing with joy. Citragupta was a devotee who was deeply attached to the lotus feet of Kåñëa, he joined in with unrestrained loud and charming appreciation and soon all were rolling on the ground.

Lord Çiva was also dancing in intense rapture unaware that his clothes had become strewn everywhere. Naked, He gambolled about in love of Kåñëa. He, a most exalted Vaiñëava devotee, was blessing the world by His ecstatic chanting to Lord Kåñëa’s Holy Name. His matted locks had cascaded down and flared up with each upward movement of his body. Seeing their master in such raptures, Gaëeça and Kärtikeya also joined Lord Çaìkara as they all remembered the unlimited mercy just exhibited by Çré Caitanya.

Four-headed Lord Brahmä, whose life and soul is devotional service to the Supreme Lord, also began to dance in the company of his family members. Kaçyapa Muni, Kardama Muni, Prajäpati Dakña, Manu, and Bhågu Muni all joined in with Lord Brahmä. They were all stalwarts in the realm of devotional service and were expert in relishing the spiritual mellows of Lord Kåñëa. They wept and danced, circling around Lord Brahmä, releasing sighs of devotional feelings.

Devarñi Närada was also dancing next to Lord Brahmä, tears of love flowed down in streams. He forgot his véëä as he was relishing the glories of the Lord and His Holy Name. Çukadeva Gosvämé, who perfectly knows the science of devotion, is a beloved devotee of Lord Caitanya; he also joined the dancing. Repeating the names of Jagäi and Mädhäi, he rolled in the dust offering his obeisances to the Lord.

Indra, the king of the demigods, almost invincible due to his weapon ‘thunder’ was feeling repentant. Tears, like rivulets, flowed constantly

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from his thousand eyes. Now his thousand eyes, which he had received due to the curse of Gautama Muni, were able to see for the first time the glorious pastimes of Lord Caitanya. Indra now considered that the curse was a blessing in disguise, he was experiencing such great happiness that he was rolling on the ground with no concern for his kingly position. His weapons had become impotent and his priceless and opulently studded Kiréöé necklace lay limp and neglected. These are the symptoms fully indicating the influence of love of Kåñëa.

Having just drunk through their eyes the nectar of love of Kåñëa in the form of Lord Caitanya’s pastimes, Candra, Sürya, Kuvera, Varuëa, and all the demigod servants of Lord Kåñëa were dancing thoroughly intoxicated. They were jostling freely with each other, oblivious of high or low positions. They were totally inebriated and blissful.

Lord Ananta Çeña was dancing accompanied by Garuòa. Lord Çeña holds the entire creation upon one of his hoods, but now he was fully absorbed in love of Kåñëa. Lord Çiva, Lord Brahmä and others surrounded Him as He danced. With His thousand hoods, He sang of the unparalleled pastimes of Lord Gauracandra in delivering the worst of sinners.

All were in the grips of spiritual ecstasy, some wept, others laughed and some lay unconscious on the floor. Someone called out, “How wonderful to see Lord Caitanya’s pastimes! O how blessed are Jagäi and Mädhäi!” The unlimited azure vault reverberated with their joyous pandemonium, purifying the entire cosmic creation with the eulogy of Kåñëa. They dispelled the gloom of inauspiciousness.

The all-auspicious sound of Gaura-lélä permeated the vast coverings of the material world from highest planet, Satyaloka, down to the lowest planet, Pätäla-loka. Everywhere echoed the pastime of Lord Gauräìga’s deliverance of the two sinners, Jagäi and Mädhäi. Now for once, having relished the nectar of Gauräìga’s pastimes, the demigods continued to glorify Lord Caitanya as they returned to their own abodes.

All glory to Lord Gauracandra who has appeared in this material world to benedict the conditioned souls for He is the Lord of all the living

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entities, the Lord of the Universe. Lord Gauracandra, just as You have so munificently delivered these two most fallen sinners so also kindly shower Your mercy on every single one of us. O Lord! You are the most gracious as You have come to save the fallen souls.

Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda Prabhu are my life and soul. I, Våndävana däsa, string a garland of songs in their praise and offer it at their lotus feet.

15. Mädhäi Attains Transcendental Bliss

All of you just behold the super excellent potency of Çré Gauracandra. Even great and exalted personalities like Lord Çiva, Devarñi Närada and Çukadeva Gosvämé find Him most difficult to attain in meditation. Yet, he was to be seen mingling freely with people who do not possess any devotional qualities.

Out of His causeless mercy, Viçvambhara performed His supra-mundane pastimes in Navadvépa, but the common people could not perceive them. The inmates of the ocean, the fish, can never perceive the moon, but only the reflection of its rays. Similarly, although Gauracandra manifested His pastimes openly the general people could not perceive the super excellent nature of them.

By Lord Caitanya’s mercy, Jagäi and Mädhäi were now completely transformed personalities. They were very devoted and pillars of piety. Before sunrise, they would complete their bathing in the Gaìgä and sit down to chant name of Kåñëa two hundred thousand times (two-lakh).

Out of humility, they always condemned themselves for their lowly position and with tears in their eyes, they incessantly chanted Kåñëa’s Holy Name. By tasting the marvellous nectar of the Holy Name and devotional service, they could now see that everything and everyone was inherently part and parcel of Kåñëa.

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When memories of their older sinful ways plagued them, they fell almost unconscious to the ground, repentant and weeping. They cried out, “O most merciful Lord Caitanya! O Saviour of the fallen souls!” Remembering the Lord’s mercy again and again, they shed tears of joy.

The happiness they experienced in Kåñëa’s service would make them forget even about eating. Each time they considered the mercy showered upon them by Lord Caitanya, they wept uncontrollably. Lord Caitanya and the other devotees were always being very kind to them, this gave them hope and inspiration. The Lord Himself came to feed them, but still they could not feel any peace deep inside.

Mädhäi, especially, felt greatly afflicted each time he remembered how heinously he had struck Nityänanda. Although Nityänanda had forgiven him, Mädhäi was far from feeling exhilarated.

He would said, “I have hurt Nityänanda Prabhu, drawing blood from Him. In His body resides Lord Caitanya and yet I am so sinful that I struck such a personality.” Speaking like this, Mädhäi punished himself.

At such memories, Mädhäi was unable to contain his feelings and day and night, he cried, nothing else came to his mind.

Always in the mood of a child, Nityänanda roamed about in Nadia, laughing and carefree. Always happy, He was very easy to please and completely free of any sense of false prestige.

One day, Mädhäi found Nityänanda all alone and threw himself down, embracing His lotus feet. With tears of love, he washed his Nityänanda’s feet and in complete humility, he offered prayers.

“O Lord, as Viñëu, You maintain this universe, and as Ananta Çeña You hold the entire cosmic manifestation upon Your hoods. You are the embodiment of devotional service and Lord Çaìkara and His consort, Pärvaté Devé, constantly meditate upon You. Devotional service to the Lord is exclusively Your property and thus it is Your prerogative to grant anyone the eligibility for devotional service. No one is dearer to Lord Caitanya than You.

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“By Your grace, the mighty Garuòa participates in Lord Kåñëa’s pastimes as the Lord’s carrier. With Your unlimited mouths, You constantly chant the glories of Lord Kåñëa, explaining and propounding the process of devotional service as the highest human attainment.

“Devarñi Närada experiences inestimable bliss chanting Your glories. Your only and most treasured possession is Lord Caitanya.

“You are famous as the one who forced the Yamunä to change her course and flow according to Your desire. King Janaka received transcendental knowledge by serving You.

“Being the Original Person, the primeval Supreme Personality as proclaimed in the Vedas, You embody the essence of all scripture. You are the greatest mystic, You are Lakñmaëa, the valorous prince, and the divine father of every living entity.

“You are the vanquisher of the demoniac and atheistic forces, the supreme enjoyer of all mellows and the foremost spiritual guide. You are well conversant with all of Lord Caitanya’s pastimes. Mahä-mäyä, Your external potency, has become worshipable by the entire universe just because she has served You. The entire cosmic manifestation seeks the shelter given by the shade of Your lotus feet.

“You are fully devoted to Lord Caitanya and so You are the most proficient propagator of the path of devotional service. You are the sum total of all the potencies of Lord Caitanya. You expand Yourself as Lord Caitanya’s bed, throne, resting place, and umbrella; You are His very life and soul.

“As Balaräma You are matchless in Your service to Kåñëa. As Nityänanda You are the foremost of Lord Caitanya’s associates and the origin of all the expansions of Lord Caitanya. You are always delivering the fallen and annihilating the atheists.

“You are the protector of the Vaiñëava devotees of the Lord and the propounder of the true religion, the process of pure devotional service to the Lord. By Your grace, Lord Brahmä creates this universe. You are

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always worshiped by Your energies: Revaté Devé, Väruëé devé and Känti devé.

“The Mahä-rudra incarnation was produced out of Your anger and through him You bring about the annihilation of this cosmic creation.

“Rudra was born from the face of Lord Saìkarñaëa and He dissolves the universe with the great fire called, ‘Kälänala’.

“Although You seem to be doing everything, yet You are not engaged in any work. O Lord, the entire cosmic manifestation rests upon Your bosom. Your body is very soft and gives Kåñëa great pleasure when You expand Yourself as His bed for Him to lie upon. However, I am so monstrous and sinful that I hurt the very same transcendental body of Yours, who is more wretched than I?

“Your transcendental form is constantly worshiped by Lord Çiva accompanied by his beautiful consort Pärvaté and Her young maiden attendants. Simply by remembering Your form, one is freed from all bondage. This very same spiritual body was bleeding due to my misdeeds.

“Citraketu, the famous emperor, was living most happily by worshiping You and was counted amongst the foremost Vaiñëava devotees. That same form, which is worshiped by the entire universe, was brutally hit by me, the lowest of sinners.

“The sages of Naimiñäraëya forest headed by sage Çaunaka became freed from all material entanglement by meditating upon Your form. As Your expansion Lakñmaëa, You were wounded in battle by Indrajit, son of Rävaëa, and for this You slew him. Similarly, the gorilla demon, Dvivida, met with a premature death at Your hands because he was foolishly harassing You.

“The mighty Jaräsandha was also vanquished by You for being inimical to You. Yet, being so foolish, I could not understand my own benefit and so I inflicted pain upon Your transcendental form. I did not know the consequences of such an act for when Rukmé, Kåñëa’s brother-in-law, insulted You, You took his life.

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“Romaharñaëa Süta was blessed with a long life by the sages of Naimiñäraëya, but when he failed to accord to You due respect, You slew him with a blade of grass.

“For disregarding Your words, King Duryodhana and his entire dynasty were almost exterminated. It was their good fortune that elevated devotees like Kunté devé, Bhéñma, Yudhiñöhira, Vidura and Arjuna intervened and supplicated You with appropriate words on their behalf.

“When one’s very life is at stake for just by a little disrespect shown towards You, then to what depths of depravity and hell must I enter for my heinous act?” Speaking like this, kåñëa-prema swelled up in Mädhäi and he fell to the ground clutching the Lord’s lotus feet to his bosom.

Mädhäi continued to pray, “The shelter of Your lotus feet can save anyone from the endless cycle of rebirth. You have appeared simply to deliver the most fallen, so, my dear Lord, kindly protect this fallen soul surrendered to You, for You are my life soul and most treasured goal.

“All glory to Lord Nityänanda, the darling son of Padmävaté Devé. You are the most precious jewel of all the Vaiñëava devotees. You are completely free from any ill will, always submerged in the highest state of blissfulness and are always inclined to forgive those who are surrendered unto You. I am the most atrocious beast and offender, so kindly forgive me Lord for all my offences.”

Nityänanda smiled hearing the loving supplications offered to Him and said, “Get up, arise O Mädhäi, you are My servitor, I now reside within your body. Is the father disturbed if his little child hits him? I have accepted your beating in this parental mood. What is more important is that anyone who hears your wonderful and devotional prayers to Me will certainly develop loving attachment to My lotus feet.

“You are the recipient of my Lord’s mercy, therefore you are free from all blame. Whoever worships My Lord Caitanya becomes most dear to Me, and I offer him My protection eternally.

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“If anyone disregards Lord Caitanya, but offers Me worship and sings My glories he suffers pain, birth after birth.” He then embraced Mädhäi and took away all his misery.

Mädhäi again fell at Lord Nityänanda’s feet and said, “ I have one other prayer my Lord, You are situated in everyone’s heart and I have inflicted severe violence on many such living entities. I do not even know to whom and to how many souls I have inflicted pain, if I could recognize them then I would beg forgiveness for them. However, in this situation I am deprived of their blessings and forgiveness. O Lord, if You are pleased with me, then advise me how I can get out of this dilemma.”

Lord Nityänanda replied, “Listen to My advice, Mädhäi. Construct a bathing ghäöa on the Gaìgä so the residents of Nadia can take a bath without difficulty. They will fondly think of You for this convenience. This will also be a service to Gaìgä devé, who dissolves everyone’s sins with her pure waters. What better blessings can you ask for? Stand at the bathing place and beg for forgiveness from every bather, praying to them for their blessings. In this way, you can exonerate yourself of all offences.”

Mädhäi took to heart Lord Nityänanda ’s advice . After circumambulating Him several times with utmost love and respect, he left. Chanting Kåñëa’s Holy Name, while tears of kåñëa-prema streamed down his face, he began to construct alone a proper bathing place on the bank of the Gaìgä. The people saw this sight with great wonder. Mädhäi offered prostrated obeisances to everyone who came to the site and begged them saying, “Please forgive me for all the offences I have committed knowingly or unknowingly against you and think of me graciously.”

Seeing Mädhäi’s humility and devotional mood, the people were happy beyond words and remembered Lord Govinda. Mädhäi shed tears of love for the Lord while he worked. The word went around, “Nimäi Paëòita has marvellously converted Jagäi and Mädhäi into good and pious men.”

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The people greeted the news with sheer astonishment and commented, “Nimäi Paëòita is not an ordinary mortal, evil men have ridiculed and criticized Nimäi Paëòita without knowing Him. Nimäi Paëòita was always actually engaged in performing kértana. Nimäi Paëòita is truly a real devotee of Kåñëa. Whosoever ridicules or denigrates Him will certainly meet his doom.

“Anyone who could transform the character and mentality of these two is surely the Supreme Lord Himself, or at least especially empowered by Him. Nimäi Paëòita is certainly an extraordinary personality and now the extent of His power has become widely known.” The people of Nadia discussed amongst themselves in this manner and they avoided the company of men who continued their criticism.

Mädhäi was leading a very austere life and became known as a brahmacäri following strictly the vow of celibacy and restraint. He was always in sight of Gaìgä devé living on her bank and worked very hard with the spade constructing the bathing place.

This wonderful pastime of Jagäi and Mädhäi’s deliverance was monumentalised for posterity by this bathing place. This narration of the Madhya-khaëòa is nectarine because it describes Lord Caitanya’s munificence in delivering these two fallen souls.

Whoever is envious of the fact that Lord Caitanya is the origin of everyone will be destroyed. The extraordinary activities of Lord Caitanya are the hidden treasures of the Vedas, so hear these narrations attentively and with proper faith.

Lord Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Lord Nityänanda are my life and soul. I, Våndävana däsa, humbly offer this song at their lotus feet.

16. Çré Caitanya Enjoys the Rice of Çuklämbara

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All Glory to Çré Gauracandra, the Supreme Lord of Lords! All glory to the beloved devotees of Çré Viçvambhara!

Çré Viçvambhara is now in the midst of fully manifesting His saìkértana movement with His associates in Navadvépa. Whole nights are passed in dancing and kértana behind closed doors, for such pastimes are not meant for the common materialistic men.

One day, the Lord was engrossed in dancing in Çréväsa Paëòita’s house. Unknown to anyone, Çréväsa’s mother-in-law had hidden herself behind baskets in a corner of the room. Nevertheless, what is the use of such hide and seek games? When there is a lack of devotional feeling inside, one will not be fortunate enough to see the Lord’s ecstatic dancing.

While dancing the Lord repeatedly pointed out, “Why do I not feel the usual exhilaration today?” The Lord is the Supersoul, residing within everyone’s heart, yet knowing everything He did not reveal anything, pretending ignorance.

He said in between His dancing, “I am not deriving any pleasure today. Is someone hiding somewhere inside this room?”

Çréväsa Paëòita went through the whole house looking for strangers, but could not find anyone and informed the same to the Lord. The devotees continued the kértana, but the Lord felt the same as before. He again stopped and said, “I am still not feeling the usual ecstasy. Maybe this is Kåñëa’s wish.”

The devotees were thrown into a whirlpool of mental agony. They said to one another, “There is no one other than ourselves here, so probably due to some offence on our part the Lord is not relishing His dancing today.”

Çréväsa Paëòita went searching again and eventually discovered his mother-in-law hiding behind the baskets. Çréväsa Paëòita is a sober person always submerged in loving devotion, he is never proud or cantankerous, but now he began to shake remembering Viçvambhara’s displeasure. He ordered his mother-in-law to be taken away pulled by her

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hair. This was done without the knowledge of anyone and almost immediately, Viçvambhara began to feel the usual ecstasy in dancing. He said, “Now I can feel the ecstasy.” Çréväsa Paëòita was very happy to hear this and laughing, he joined in the kértana.

T h e kértana picked up momentum indicating the devotee’s jubilant response; everyone was laughing and dancing. Lord Caitanya danced in divine pleasure and Nityänanda danced around Him.

Çré Caitanya’s pastimes are not visible to everyone, only to those fortunate souls who receive the Lord’s special mercy.

On another occasion, Lord Caitanya while dancing suddenly stopped and looked about Himself discontentedly. He said, “I am not feeling any joy from dancing today. I do not know what offences I have committed against a Vaiñëava.” Everyone stopped and wondered what had gone wrong.

This incidence is actually a sequel to something that had happened earlier. Advaita Äcärya is naturally a devotee of Lord Caitanya in the mood of servitorship. When Lord Caitanya sits on the throne of Lord Viñëu, he places the Lord’s lotus feet upon his head. In addition, when the Lord begins exhibiting His power and grandeur, Advaita Äcärya is carried upon the waves of bliss. When the Lord says, “O Näòä! You are My servant.” Advaita Äcärya becomes submerged in oceanic bliss.

Lord Caitanya’s nature and position is inconceivable and cannot be understood. One moment, He is the Supreme Autocrat and in the next moment, He reaches out to embrace the feet of the Vaiñëavas.

Crying out in great humility, the Lord said, “O Kåñëa, My dearest Lord, You are My very life!” The Lord wept in such a pathetic manner that even stone-like hearts melted in pity. The Lord continuously manifested these devotional moods of servitorship. In front of everyone, He discarded the omnipotent demeanour of the Supreme Lord and acting contrary to the nature of His omniscient self, He enquired, “Have I done something due to lack of self restraint and restlessness of mind? If so, then why was I not immediately put to death? Kåñëa is My life and soul,

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Kåñëa is My goal, and you are My brothers and friends birth after birth. Devotional service to Kåñëa is the ultimate destination, all of you kindly instil this faith in Me otherwise, I will become wayward.”

All the devotees became perplexed with anxiety and no one could defy the words of the Lord. At other times, when the Lord Himself was in His omnipotent mood, He Himself ordered the devotees to touch His lotus feet. However now, feeling the mood of a devotee of Kåñëa, the Lord, upon seeing the Vaiñëavas, took the dust from their feet, offering them respect. This intensely hurt the devotees within and so to mitigate their misery the Lord embraced them.

The Lord, in such moods, respected Advaita Äcärya as ‘guru’. However, this caused Advaita much pain. Though service was Advaita’s only wish, the Äcärya always found it so difficult to serve the Lord, as the Lord would not allow it. Now, in addition, the Lord was considering him ‘guru’ and begging for the dust of his feet.

Consequently, Advaita Äcärya was always contemplating how to serve the Lord and be specially blessed by having the dust from the Lord’s lotus feet upon his head. Since this was impossible while the Lord was aware and conscious, Advaita would wait for the Lord to go into an ecstatic trance and then prostrating himself, he would smear the dust from the Lord’s lotus feet upon his head. Embracing His lotus feet, he wept, bathing them with his tears of love. Sometimes he wiped and cleaned His lotus feet upon his head and on other occasions, he would offer the Lord full worship. All this was possible for Advaita to do only by the Lord’s grace.

Accordingly, one must understand that Advaita Äcärya is foremost amongst the Lord’s associates for he has fully received the Lord’s blessings. The envious and jealous cannot appreciate such wonderful qualities in Advaita Äcärya.

This day, when Lord Viçvambhara was dancing, Advaita Äcärya was happily dancing circumambulating Him. Suddenly, Lord Caitanya fell down unconscious in the highest state of spiritual ecstasy. Advaita

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Äcärya, seeing this as an opportunity, took the dust from the Lord’s lotus feet and stealthily smeared the dust all over his body.

Lord Caitanya got up and again started dancing. Nevertheless, He did not feel the usual exultation. The Lord then said, “Why is My heart not revealing to Me the reason for My dissatisfaction? Whom have I offended that I must be without joy? Which thief has stolen from Me and by this offence, I cannot dance in carefree ecstasy? Has anyone taken the dust from My feet? Kindly speak out the truth, do not worry, you have My assurance that nothing will happen.”

When the devotees heard Lord Caitanya, who is the Omniscient Supersoul, within everyone’s heart, they remained silent in fear. On one hand, they were afraid of Advaita Äcärya and on the other if they did not speak the truth, it was doomsday for them. Understanding their dilemma, Advaita Äcärya spoke up.

With folded hands Advaita Äcärya said, “My dear Lord Caitanya, if a thief cannot have the treasure he is looking for while the master is awake and unwilling, then, the thief must steal it while the master is unable to see or know. I have stolen the dust from Your lotus feet; kindly forgive me for this offence. If this dissatisfies You my Lord, I will not do it again.”

Lord Caitanya became infuriated by Advaita’s words and, under the pretext of angry words, He revealed the transcendental qualities of Advaita Äcärya. He said, “Even after You have annihilated the entire cosmic creation, You do not feel a touch of remorse. After this total devastation, only I remain yet it seems that You will be content only after You have devastated Me. You do not destroy the sages, hermits, yogis and philosophers with Your trident. Yet, those who come to You, humbly seeking Your grace, You catch their feet and finish them off.

“I am just a Vaiñëava from Våndävana, Mathurä (referring to Himself as Kåñëa) and I have come to pay My respects at Your lotus feet. While such a person should develop more attachment to Lord Viñëu by seeing Your lotus feet, instead You devastate whatever devotion He possesses.

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You have reduced My devotional wealth by taking from Me the dust of My feet.

“Lord Kåñëa has bestowed upon You all the devotion available in this unlimited creation. Yet, You steal from one with a meagre holding. You have no compassion. When it comes to destroying someone’s devotion, You are heartless.”

The Lord spoke the real facts about Advaita Äcärya’s transcendental character under the pretext of being angry and all the devotees were enjoying the fun. The Lord continued, “You have been stealing and You think I am not able to do the same, just wait and see how to steal from a thief.”

The Lord embraced Advaita Äcärya and catching his feet smeared the dust from his feet upon His body, laughing as He did so. Advaita Äcärya’s strength was no match for the lion-like Lord Gaurasundara as the Lord took his feet and rubbed them upon His head. He then placed Advaita’s feet upon His chest and said, “Now see how I have bound the thief on My lap, You tried to steal from Me, many, many times, a little at a time, but I have relieved you of everything at one time.

Advaita Äcärya said, “ My Lord, whatever You say is true. You are the real proprietor of everything and I am an ignorant person. Everything belongs to You, my life, intelligence, mind and body. Who could protect me if you decide to destroy or punish me?

“You are the giver of happiness and You also mete out punishment. When Närada Muni travelled to Dvärakä to pray at Your lotus feet, You in turn took the dust of His feet. If You wish to finish off Your own devotee then what may that devotee do? You should allow the devotees to take the dust from Your lotus feet, but that never occurs.

“Who can defy Your instructions on this matter? You are acting in this way and Your Omnipotence is not in question. However, You may desire pleasure out of Your actions, but they will surely destroy me. Yet, ultimately, this body is Yours, so You may do as You desire, You can maintain this body or devastate it.”

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Lord Viçvambhara replied, “I serve Your feet since You are the keeper of the storehouse of devotional service. By smearing the dust of Your feet all over one’s body, one attains kåñëa-prema as You always distribute such in valuable treasure. Know that I am Your property in every respect. You can sell me anywhere, this is the truth.”

The devotees marvelled to see Lord Caitanya’s extraordinary munificence towards Advaita Äcärya. They were saying, “Truly the Lord has blessed him, he is a most exalted personality. The mercy Advaita Äcärya has received from Lord Caitanya is scarcely attainable by even Lord Çiva and far better than a million liberations. We are so fortunate to associate with such an elevated devotee. Let us smear the dust from his lotus feet all over our bodies.”

Only those who are suffering the reactions of their most degraded sinful activities cannot appreciate Advaita Äcärya’s position. All the activities of such personalities are absolute. The cynics and doubters of this fall away from the path of righteousness.

Lord Viçvambhara stood up chanting, “Haribol! Haribol!’ and all the devotees gathered around Him and started singing. Advaita Äcärya was overwhelmed with a surge of ecstasy and he began to dance. He ran his fingers through his flowing beard, his eyebrows were drawn together in a frown and he raised his voice as loud as thunder.

The devotees sang joyfully, “Jaya Kåñëa, Gopäla, Govinda, Vanamälé.” Lord Nityänanda and Lord Caitanya danced in rapture, yet Lord Nityänanda was always watchful of Lord Caitanya’s movements. Anytime Lord Caitanya lost consciousness and started falling, Lord Nityänanda would stretch out His hands and prevent the Lord from falling.

Lord Caitanya’s limitless dancing is beyond description and when He sang both Sarasvaté devé and Lord Balaräma united and manifested in the melodies of His singing, thus fully satisfying Him. The different ecstatic symptoms manifested one after another in His body, shivering,

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weeping, laughing, long and heavy breathing, feelings of total humility, feeling of immense arrogance, loss of consciousness, etc.

After awhile, He sat upon the throne and laughed out aloud with a booming sound. The Lord showered His grace upon the different devotees according to the degree of their spiritual realization, thereby carrying them up in waves of great bliss.

Now hear how Lord Gauräìga showed His special mercy upon Çuklämbara Brahmacäré, a native of Navadvépa who was then standing in front of the Lord. Çuklämbara was righteous and peaceful, always performing his duties, yet no one recognised what an exalted devotee he was. He went around Navadvépa town with a cloth bag over his shoulder, begging from house to house. Tears would stream from his eyes as he constantly chanted the name of Kåñëa.

People treated him with the usual disdain reserved for beggars, but the brähmaëa begged from everyone, even from the most impoverished dwellings. At the end of the day, he prepared everything and, after first offering it to Kåñëa, he would take the remnants. By the grace of the Holy Name of Kåñëa, He never felt the desolate chill of poverty. Love of Kåñëa made him ever blissful as he went to each door, chanting the name of Kåñëa. Who can recognize a devotee of Lord Caitanya other than the person who has received the mercy of Lord Caitanya?

Çuklämbara, the poor and devoted brähmaëa, was just like Sudämä, Kåñëa’s friend. He was always inside the house of Çréväsa seeing Lord Caitanya dance. This was certainly the Lord’s special mercy.

One day, the Lord was seated upon the throne in the mood of the Supreme Controller Godhead. He saw Çuklämbara Brahmacäré join the dancing with a cloth bag hanging down from his shoulder. He was dancing with carefree glee; the Lord and the devotees enjoyed the sight and laughed. The munificent Lord addressed Çuklämbara endearingly, asking him to come nearer.

The Lord said, “Birth after birth, you have been My impoverished devotee, offering Me everything and remaining a beggar yourself. All

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that time, I also have desired your offerings and if you will not give them to Me, then I must have them by force. In Dvärakä, I snatched away the sack of chipped rice that you kept concealed. When I started eating from it, Rukmiëé Devé took hold of My hand to stop Me.”

The Lord then plunged His hand inside Çuklämbara’s bag and picked up handfuls of husked rice putting it inside His mouth and chewing it. Çuklämbara hastily said, “O Lord, what have You done, this rice is full of broken chips.” The Lord replied, “I eat with delight your chipped rice pieces, but I will never accept or ask for nectar from a non-devotee.”

The Lord, who is the life and soul of the devotees, is fully independent and always submerged in the highest state of transcendental bliss. Who could forbid Him from eating the chipped rice? The devotees marvelled at the Lord’s unlimited compassion and holding their heads in their hands, they wept profusely in joy. Feeling they had never seen such kindness before, they rolled about, ecstatically oblivious of everything.

Chanting Kåñëa’s Holy Name, the devotees started up a jubilant kértana and everyone, either young or old, joined in with tears in their eyes. The devotees wanted to express their humility and joy. Some offered obeisances to the Lord; others spoke out saying, “O Lord! Kindly never leave me!”

Çuklämbara was feeling the highest ecstasy seeing the Lord of Vaikuëöha merrily chewing upon his chipped rice.

The Lord said, “O Çuklämbara Brahmacäré, I reside eternally in your heart. I eat when you are eating and when you go out begging it is as though I am going out for a walk. I have descended to distribute kåñëa-prema and you are My eternal servitor, birth after birth. I gift you now with loving devotional service, which is most dear to Me.”

The Vaiñëava assembly greeted these benedictory words with clamorous and joyous appreciation. Only the most righteous souls know the real essence of the begging activities of the servants of the Supreme Lord, Çré Näräyaëa. It is a real wonder that the Lord of the Goddess of Fortune is

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snatching and eating the chipped rice that has been begged for from many different houses by a poor brähmaëa.

In the Vedas, the Lord Himself has instructed how to offer Him foodstuffs with different ‘mudräs’ and ‘mantras’ and without these, the Lord refuses to accept anything. Nevertheless, the Lord Himself has transgressed these rules and regulations for the sake of His pure devotees. The eating of Çuklämbara’s chipped rice is the living proof.

Therefore, the conclusion is that transcendental love is the foremost of all rules, regulations and rituals. Rules and regulations are meant to be subservient and secondary to spontaneous devotional service; those who are dissatisfied with this arrangement fall down from the path of self-realization.

Çréla Vedavyäsa has expounded in the Vedic literatures that devotional service to the Transcendental Lord is the basis and source of all rules and regulations. However, these rules and regulations are subservient to the movements and moods of spontaneous loving devotion and now this superior position of spontaneous loving devotion has been directly substantiated by Lord Gauräìga. The brähmaëa Çuklämbara did not voluntarily offer the rice with the required regulations and ‘mudräs’, yet the Lord ate it with joyful painstaking care.

Those materialists who have been blinded by the glitter of gold, position and family cannot recognize a Vaiñëava devotee. Lord Kåñëa never accepts the offerings of those who ridicule a Vaiñëava seeing him only as a poor simpleton.

In the Çrémad Bhägavatam SB 4.31.21:

“The Supreme Personality of Godhead becomes very dear to those devotees who have no material possessions, but are fully happy in possessing the devotional service of the Lord. Indeed, the Lord relishes the devotional activities of such devotees. Those who are puffed up with material education, wealth, aristocracy and fruitive activity are very proud of possessing material things, and they often deride the devotees. Even if such people offer the Lord worship, the Lord never accepts them.”

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The Vedas glorify Kåñëa as being the life of the materially impoverished and surrendered souls, and Lord Gauräìga is personally showing this by His example. One who hears this narration of how Lord Caitanya ate Çuklämbara’s rice will indeed attain loving devotion to Lord Caitanya’s lotus feet.

Lord Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Lord Nityänanda Prabhu are my life and soul. I, Våndävana däsa, humbly offer this song at their lotus feet.

17. The Glories of the Devotees

All Glory to Lord Gaurasundara, the Supreme Personality of Godhead! All Glory to Lord Nityänanda, the embodiment of the highest mood of devotional service!

In the Madhya-khaëòa, the narrations of the pastimes of the Supreme Lord are a cascade of nectar that can wash away the contaminations of one’s faithlessness.

Lord Caitanya continued His non-stop kértanas and even then, His abstruse identity remained undisclosed to the common man. When He went about the town, the people were stunned by His exquisite looks—they thought that He might be Cupid. However, some people also thought that His demeanour was arrogant. The atheists and logicians felt that He paid little attention and respect to the scholars holding titles. He walked about in a carefree manner and when out He associated mostly with His devotees.

The atheists would say to Lord Caitanya, “O Nimäi Paëòita, as Your friends we advise You to be careful, because the king might summon You to his court any day now. The people do not see You, but hear Your nightlong kértanas and this disturbs their sleep. They curse You and send reports against You and naturally the king believes the people.”

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Lord Caitanya replied, “Let it be so, let your words become true, it has been My wish to see the king. I have studied all the scriptures since childhood, yet no one inquires from Me on any subject considering Me too young and immature. I do not usually meet anyone who actually wants to meet Me; therefore, if someone wants to have audience with Me, I am indeed pleased.”

The atheists sarcastically continued, “The king is a Muslim, he will not engage himself in a scriptural debate, he will want to just hear Your kértana.” The Lord just ignored them and went home.

The Lord said to His devotees, “Let us perform kértana, I feel discontent because I have spoken to atheists today.” The Lord of Vaikuëöha, Nimäi Paëòita, began to dance and all His associates danced around Him.

Suddenly stopping everything, Lord Caitanya spoke hesitantly, “O My dear brothers, today everything I do lacks loving ecstasy. Perhaps because I have spoken to atheists, or maybe I have offended You, in which case kindly forgive me and resuscitate My withering soul.”

The greatly blessed Advaita Äcärya who was plainly grimacing as he danced said, “How will You feel ecstasy, Näòä has drained it all from You. Neither Çréväsa Paëòita, nor I can achieve this kåñëa-prema, however low class millers and gardeners are relishing the exchange of devotional love with You. Moreover, even ‘Avadhüta’ Nityänanda is a recipient of Your love, but not Çréväsa Paëòita or me. We have been downgraded and made non-eligible for Your love, but this ‘Avadhüta’ has come from nowhere and become the in-charge of the storehouse of kåñëa-prema. Listen to me, My Lord; if You do not give me this kåñëa-prema, then I shall draw out from You all the love You possess. Who will blame me for this?”

Advaita Äcärya is always intoxicated with love for Lord Caitanya, therefore he is unmindful of what he says or does. He is most expert at increasing the fame and glory of Kåñëa’s devotees and he is the property of the Vaiñëavas. They can sell and distribute Him wherever they wish; such is the degree of His surrender to the Vaiñëava devotees. Similarly,

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Advaita’s words to Lord Caitanya are not surprising to hear, for he is a devotee of such stature that he can control, distribute and sell even Kåñëa by his loving devotion.

Lord Caitanya arranges so many ways for His devotees to advance in spiritual life, who can understand His mercy and ways of chastising. The Lord felt empty within, devoid of kåñëa-prema and Advaita Äcärya clapped his hands and danced.

Lord Viçvambhara heard the words of Advaita Äcärya, but did not reply. Right then, He left the house closing the door behind Him. Nityänanda and Haridäsa Öhäkura hurried after Him. The Lord was brooding, considering Himself devoid of kåñëa-prema and thereby the maintenance of His body, He thought useless. Accordingly, He plunged into the waters of the Gaìgä. Nityänanda and Haridäsa Öhäkura almost simultaneously jumped into the water. Swimming swiftly, Nityänanda caught the Lord by His hair and Haridäsa firmly gripped His feet.

They brought Viçvambhara to the safety of the riverbank. The Lord inquired of them, “Why did you capture Me, what is the necessity of prolonging this lifeless soul who has no love of Kåñëa. You have committed a mistake.” Both Nityänanda and Haridäsa were shaking in fearful anticipation of what might occur next. Gauracandra looking at Nityänanda said, “Why did You catch Me by My hair?” Nityänanda replied, “Why were You trying to finish Yourself?”

Lord Caitanya said, “I know You are always engrossed in love of Kåñëa.” Nityänanda replied, “O Lord, please forgive everything. The person who nearly perished is the person for whom You are trying to sacrifice Your life. Your devotees have spoken to You harshly out of loving insolence and on these grounds must You leave us? You who art the most precious life of Your servitors?”

Always relishing Lord Caitanya’s love, Nityänanda spoke with an endearing voice full of affection and love. Tears filled his eyes, for Caitanya means everything to Nityänanda.

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The Lord said, “Listen carefully Nityänanda and Haridäsa. Do not disclose to anyone that you have seen Me. If anyone enquires, tell them You know nothing of My whereabouts. I will remain here in hiding, if You do not follow what I say, then I am not responsible for the consequences.”

The Lord then went to Nandana Äcärya’s house. Being bound by the Lord’s order, Nityänanda and Haridäsa did not reveal any of these facts to anyone.

The devotees entered a state of painful shock and took shelter in Lord Kåñëa when they did not receive any news of the Lord. They were torn apart by separation from their Lord, their hearts and minds were burning up.

The devotees felt thunderstruck, especially Advaita Äcärya, who was ravaged by a tremendous sense of guilt. Feeling intense separation from the Lord, he went home and began to fast not hearing his own name.

The other devotees also went back to their homes, their hours darkened by deep sorrow, but ensconced within their hearts was their only treasure, the Lord’s lotus feet.

The Lord entered Nandana Äcärya’s house and sat on the throne of Çré Viñëu. Nandana Äcärya felt that his house was now most blessed by the Lord’s presence; he fell flat on the ground to offer obeisances to the Lord. He immediately brought fresh new clothes to the Lord and Lord Caitanya changed out of His wet clothes into the new ones.

Nandana Äcärya then decorated the Lord with the flower garlands of the deities, sandalwood paste, scented oils and brought Him chewing betel leaf in camphor. The Lord enjoyed these offerings made by His pure devotee in loving surrender and forgot His aching heart.

The Lord said, “O Nandana Äcärya, kindly hear Me, I want you to hide Me here.” Nandana replied, “My dear Lord, that is almost an impossible task, where in this entire creation can You hide? You could not remain hiding within the hearts of the living entities, but were made to appear

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in Person by Your pure devotees. One who could not successfully hide, lying in the middle of the vast Milk Ocean, how can He hide in the middle of this congested human inhabitation?”

Lord Caitanya smiled appreciating Nandana Äcärya’s words, and passed the night in his house. Nandana was indeed very pious and fortunate. He conversed with the Lord the whole night long with the greatest of pleasure, divining topics of Lord Kåñëa and His pastimes. As if in a short moment, the night was gone and as the Lord looked out, He saw the first faint light peeping through.

At first, the Lord, in His mind, was chastising Advaita Äcärya, but later He felt very compassionate towards him. Lord Caitanya instructed Nandana Äcärya, “Bring Çréväsa Paëòita here alone.” Nandana left immediately for Çréväsa Paëòita’s house and brought him to the Lord’s presence.

Çréväsa Paëòita broke down into tears of love as soon as he saw Lord Caitanya. The Lord spoke to him ever so kindly, “Do not worry any more, now tell Me how are the devotees and in particular Advaita Äcärya?”

Çréväsa Paëòita described the critical condition of the devotees and said, “There is more news; Advaita Äcärya is fasting since yesterday and is somehow still alive—only his body remains. He is exceedingly afflicted, be merciful to him my Lord, and appear before him in person. If this concerned someone other than Advaita I would not feel responsible, but I know that you mean everything to him.

“Without You, my Lord, our lives are dark and gloomy, that is the reason why we are suffering such excruciating pain in separation. Your leaving us is more than enough of a harsh chastisement, so now kindly return and give us Your mercy.”

Hearing Çréväsa’s words, Caitanya felt supremely compassionate and left to see Advaita. Upon arriving, the Lord saw Advaita in a state of most abysmal gloom, thinking himself the worst offender. Advaita felt he had

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become overly proud by receiving the Lord’s special grace. Now he was shaking all over his body from this punishment by Lord Caitanya.

Advaita’s pitiable condition softened the Lord’s heart and He spoke benignly, “O Advaita Äcärya, get up and see Me. Viçvambhara has come to see You.” Feeling ashamed, Advaita remained silent and in intense love for the Lord, he just meditated upon His lotus feet.

Again Caitanya addressed him, “Rise up Advaita, discard your mood of discontentment and go about in your normal custom.”

Advaita Äcärya replied, “O Lord, You caused me to behave incorrectly. All that You speak about me is surely superfluous praise, this turns my head and boosts up my pride, leading me to the path of hell. You have allowed every other devotee to develop a healthy mood of servitorship to You, but to me You show Your reverence.

“I then act badly, mistaking my position, after which You mete out chastisement accordingly. You say that I am Your servant, but, in Your mind, You harbour other ideas.

“You are my life, treasure, body, mind, You are everything to me. Yet, You cause me pain, that is, of course, the prerogative of Your Supreme Position.

“My dear Lord, I just pray to You for one thing, kindly allow me to serve You as Your eternal servant and give me shelter at Your lotus feet as You would to a maidservant’s son.”

In front of the assembly of Vaiñëavas, Gaurasundara then spoke to Advaita Äcärya, “Listen Advaita, I will reveal to you an esoteric truth. Let Me cite you an example that will clarify My point. When a highly placed and trusted officer of the realm has access to audience with the king then all the guards and servants approach him with their problems, wishing them to be placed before the king.

“The officer carefully performs this duty and may also collect and disburse necessary remunerations from the king for such guards and

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servants. These monies are very important for the guards and servants for they help to sustain their many families.

“However, if such a trusted officer commits a grievous offence then the king’s order for his death will not put the guards and servants into anxiety for their own sustenance.

“On one hand, as a mark of appreciation of his loyalty the officer was entrusted with important duties, nevertheless, the same person may be executed for serious offences.

“Similarly, Lord Kåñëa is the Emperor of all kings and emperors. He is the master of both Brahmä, the creator of the universe, and Çiva, the annihilator of the creation. The Lord has bestowed upon all their individual potency, whether it be creation, annihilation, or anything else.

“No one dare raise objection if the Lord wants to punish any particular individual. Even Ramä, Lakñmé Devé, the Goddess of Fortune, who is the eternal consort of Lord Näräyaëa, is sometimes punished and even Lord Brahmä and the other demigods are not spared His punishment.

“However, the Lord is always prepared to forgive the offences of His devotees. When Lord Kåñëa sees anyone committing an offence and actually punishes him then, know for certain, that that person will become His eternal servant. So get up, bathe, and complete your daily worship, then eat and stop worrying.”

Advaita Äcärya became elated. The servant became jubilant hearing the punishment of his master. Advaita said, “Now I can say, You are my Lord and master!” He began to dance clapping his hands. He was overwhelmed with joy being reassured of the Lord’s shelter and forgot his previous sorrows.

The devotees became very happy. Nityänanda Prabhu and Haridäsa Öhäkura began laughing. Those who are unfortunate are deprived of relishing this nectarine pastime of the Lord.

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Advaita Äcärya is Lord Caitanya’s eternal servitor and anyone who considers Advaita’s spiritual wealth and position, as the Lord’s servant, to be meagre and low is in great illusion.

The significance and standing of a servant of the Supreme Lord should never be diminished because the Lord never elevates anyone to the position of His servitor until that person has sufficient spiritual realization to attain that transcendental platform.

A person must first attain liberation, thus breaking the bonds of the materialistic conception of life, only then does he become eligible to be a servitor of Lord Kåñëa.

The great äcäryas, who worship the Supreme Lord, Kåñëa, and describe His transcendental pastimes, have carefully delineated this topic in their commentaries of the Çrémad Bhägavatam and other Vedic works.

The pure devotees of Kåñëa are all invested with His spiritual potency, however, if one amongst them commits any offences Kåñëa may mercifully punish him to rectify him.

Devotees who are narrow minded and bigoted start fighting over petty matters. This is a serious deviation from the path of spiritual realization and so a properly knowledgeable devotee will refrain from taking sides in such disputes.

Pure devotion is possessed by someone who has no doubt that Gauracandra is the Supreme Personality of Godhead; others who doubt Gauracandra’s supreme position are faithless. Their devotion is impure and will ultimately lead them to degradation.

Such faithless persons sometimes play the part of a ‘goru’ collecting disciples who themselves have the intelligence of asses and foxes. These ‘gorus’ (cows and asses) instruct their disciples to think that their ‘goru’ is equivalent to the Supreme Lord Himself.

Those who possess the power to create, maintain, and annihilate this material cosmos are certainly not greater than the pure devotees of Lord Caitanya. One of the best examples is Lord Balaräma; although He is the

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support of the entire cosmic creation, still His greatest perfection lies in His pure devotion to Lord Caitanya.

All glory to Nityänanda, Haladhara, by whose mercy one is able to glorify Çré Caitanya. Only He can bless one to develop attachment for Çré Caitanya.

I am narrating all these pastimes only by His potency. One thought I always cherish in my mind is that my Lord and master, Nityänanda Prabhu, is the servant of Çré Caitanya.

Lord Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Lord Nityänanda Prabhu are my life and soul.

I, Våndävana däsa, humbly offer this song at their lotus feet.

18. Çré Caitanya Portrays the Gopés through Dance

All glory to Lord Gauracandra, the benefactor of the world, kindly place Your lotus feet upon a cushion deep within my heart! You are the life and soul of Lord Nityänanda and Svarüpa Dämodara Gosäïi. You are the abode of all excellencies and the Protector of Your devotees!

All glory to You and Your devotees! One attains the highest perfection, kåñëa-prema, by hearing the pastimes of Lord Caitanya as He gradually unfolds the transcendental mystery of the congregational chanting of Lord Kåñëa’s Holy Name!

Kindly hear these narrations of the Madhya-khaëòa attentively as they reveal the pastimes of Viçvambhara dancing dressed as Lakñmé Devé, the Goddess of Fortune and eternal consort of Çré Näräyaëa.

One day, Viçvambhara told His devotees that He wanted a dance drama arranged. He called for Buddhimanta Khän and instructed him, “Prepare

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a stage for a dance drama and get the costumes, conch shells, bangles, brassieres, silk saris, ornaments and other items for everyone.

“I will take the role of Lakñmé Devé, Gadädhara Paëòita will take the role of Rukmiëé Devé, and Brahmänanda will be her lady companion, Suprabhätä. Nityänanda will play My grandmother, and Haridäsa will play the guard responsible to keep everyone awake.

“Çréväsa will be Närada Muni, Çréräma will be his brähmaëa disciple and take messages, and Çrémän will insist on being the torchbearer. So Buddhimanta, quickly go and arrange everything, I want to dance.”

Sadäçiva and Buddhimanta became very enlivened and happily went off to make the necessary arrangements. He pulled out a canopy made in Käthéyä for just such occasions and built a nice enclosure and stage. He also brought the different required costumes and placed them before the Lord.

Viçvambhara was pleased with the costumes and He said, “Today I will dance as the potency and consort of the Supreme Lord. Only those who are in control of their senses may enter the house to see the performance, others should not to enter.”

At first, upon hearing that Viçvambhara would dance as Lakñmé Devé, the Vaiñëavas were happy and excited. Later, when the Lord explained the conditions He had set, they became depressed in spirit.

The first person to react was Advaita Äcärya, he drew a line upon the floor and said, “I cannot see the dance today. I come under the category of persons with uncontrolled senses so I have no business seeing the dance.”

Çréväsa Paëòita joined in saying, “Yes, I also feel the same way.” Caitanya gave a short laugh and said, “If you do not come then for whom am I to dance?” Lord Caitanya, the supremely scintillating actor, reviewed His instructions and said, “All of you do not worry, today, you will be the most perfected and self-controlled yogis. You will not be attacked by delusion upon seeing My dance.”

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Advaita Äcärya, Çréväsa Paëòita and all the other Vaiñëavas became merry again and followed the Lord to Candraçekhara Äcärya’s house. Mother Çacédevé, accompanied by Viñëupriyä devé, and the female relatives of all the Vaiñëavas went to attend Caitanya’s dance performance, which they had heard would be a unique opportunity to see Caitanya portraying Lakñmé Devé.

Candraçekhara Äcärya was indeed a very fortunate soul to have Caitanya reveal such an unprecedented pastime in his house.

Caitanya sat down with all the devotees and allocated the different roles to them. Advaita Äcärya, with folded hands, enquired repeatedly, “Which role would You like me to play?” The Lord replied, “All the roles are at your disposal, choose whichever you like.” Advaita Äcärya was at a loss as to which role to play. He made the usual expressions and danced about, floating on clouds of ecstasy.

The other Vaiñëavas began a jubilant melodious kåñëa-kértana lead by Mukunda who sang with a clear, charming voice, “Sing Räma, Kåñëa, Hari, Gopäla, Govinda.”

First to enter the drama arena was Haridäsa Öhäkura, dressed as a guard flourishing a fully grown flowing moustache, a turban tied around his head and a piece of cloth tied tightly around his waist. With an ominous looking stick, he warned everyone, “Hear now! Hear now! My brothers look sharp and sit up, the Lord and soul of the universe, Çré Caitanya, will now dance as Lakñmé Devé.” He wiggled his stick and paced about as his body horripilated due to loving sentiments for Kåñëa. In the audience, this stirred the same spiritual emotions. With a loud and arrogant voice, he declared, “Worship Lord Kåñëa, render service unto Him and chant His Holy Names!”

The devotees broke out into peals of laughter seeing this new appearance of Haridäsa and asked, “Who are You? What are You doing here?” Haridäsa Öhäkura replied, “I am a guard in Vaikuëöha. Continuously, I travel everywhere to awaken Kåñëa consciousness in all. The Supreme Lord has left His eternal abode, Vaikuëöha, to descend

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here and distribute kåñëa-prema, indiscriminately and profusely. Today, He will dance in the role of Lakñmé Devé, so you should diligently and greedily collect the available love of Kåñëa.” Saying this, he twirled his handlebar moustache and moved about the arena stomping and loudly exclaiming with his partner, Muräri Gupta. Both these devotees are pure loving servants of Kåñëa and indeed Gauracandra is always residing within their hearts.

Soon, Çréväsa Paëòita entered the arena. He was dressed as Närada Muni and looking very joyful. He had a long white beard, his body was decorated with little dots of sandalwood paste and he carried a véëä over his shoulders and held kuça grass in his hands. He looked about himself as he stood in the middle of the arena. Rämäi Paëòita followed him in with a folded sitting mat under his arm, holding a renunciate’s water pot. Rämäi spread the mat for Närada to sit upon; it was as if Närada Muni had appeared in person.

The devotees were impressed with Närada’s make-up and laughed in appreciation, but Advaita spoke up in a loud grave voice, “Who are you and what brings you here?”

Çréväsa replied, “Listen carefully to my narration. Närada is my name, I am a singer. I sing about Kåñëa and travel the length and breath of this unlimited cosmos. In search of Kåñëa, I have just been to Vaikuëöha and there I was informed that Kåñëa has come to Navadvépa. In Vaikuëöha, I noticed that the houses were empty and practically no one was in sight. I could not remain in such deserted place even if it were Vaikuëöha, so I remembered my Lord and came here.

“Today, my Lord is dancing here dressed as Lakñmé Devé, that is why you find me here.” When Çréväsa finished speaking the Vaiñëavas had no doubt that in speech, looks, action and character Çréväsa was the very same person as Närada. The devotees greeted him with loud applause.

Mother Çacé was sitting with the other pious and pure ladies, drinking the nectar of Kåñëa consciousness that flowed freely in the play. She asked Mäliné devé “Is that Paëòita, Your good husband?” Mäliné replied,

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“Indeed, it is so.” Çacédevé is the mother of the universe, she marvelled at Çréväsa Paëòita’s present appearance and feeling uncontrollable joy, she fell down unconscious. Everyone was amazed at this wonderful sight.

The ladies around Çacédevé chanted Kåñëa’s names into her ears and slowly she regained consciousness. Then remembering Kåñëa, Govinda, she again became spiritually restless making it difficult for the ladies to hold her still. Inside and outside the house, people were moved by wonderful spiritual emotions and they wept oblivious of everything.

Inside the dressing room, Viçvambhara had finished dressing and suddenly He was overcome and captured by the emotions and moods of Rukmiëé Devé. The Lord forgot Himself, thinking and feeling like the Princess of Vidarbha, Rukmiëé Devé. He wanted to write a letter to Kåñëa for help. Tears rolled down His cheeks and became His ink, Mother Earth, the paper, and His finger, the pen. He wrote down the seventh verse of Rukmiëé Devé’s letter to Kåñëa from the Çrémad Bhägavatam 10.52.37. The enraptured devotees watched the drama with moistened eyes.

Now hear these verses, which call the Supreme Lord to become the husband, the only beloved, and protector of Rukmiëé Devé. Before the devotees, Caitanya started speaking with the mood and emotion of Rukmiëé Devé sending her message to Çré Kåñëa.

He said, “O My matchless beauty, when I heard of Your wonderful qualities, all the material miseries that have set me on fire were quickly removed. The sight of Your charming face is the rarest treasure of the world. Only those who are given the eyes to see this wonderful sight, by the Lord’s mercy, are truly able to see.

“O Lion hearted Yadu king, Your fame has fanned my heart’s desire to reach out to You. In this universe, which chaste maiden can resist the attraction of Your lotus feet if she has had, but once, the opportunity to worship You? In Your absence, erudition, aristocracy, character, wealth, beauty, good behaviour and palaces all seem futile and empty.

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“O Supreme Lord, forgive my shamelessness for I cannot refrain my yearning heart from rushing out to meet You. Thus, I have earned Your lotus feet and offer my mind, intelligence, and my very life to You. Now kindly make me Your maidservant by accepting me as Your wife; let not terrible fate make me the object of Çiçupäla’s pleasure. O Lord, let me be Your property, so that which is meant for the lion may not be usurped by the jackal.

“If I have truly worshiped and served the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Acyuta, Viñëu, by austerity, pious works, sacrifices, charity, rituals and vows, and also by worshiping the demigods, brähmaëas and gurus, then may Gadägraja, the Lord who holds the mace, come and take my hand, and not Damaghoña’s son, Çiçupäla, or anyone else. May you become my eternal master and Çiçupäla be driven out of my life forever, this it the only favour I ask of You.

“Tomorrow, I am supposed to wed this Çiçupäla, so come immediately without delay. At first, remain secretly near the palace in hiding and then enter the palace assembly with your army. You must take me from the midst of such kings as Çaibyä, Çälva, and Jaräsandha with Your valour and might.

“This is the opportunity to show off Your kñatriya pride and strength, Your wife is not meant to be desecrated by Çiçupäla. However, You will have to kidnap me from amongst my friends and relatives, so You must be careful not to harm them. I have a plan how this can be accomplished and I place it for approval at Your lotus feet. It is customary in our family that the bride to be visits the temple of Durgä Devé on the day before her marriage. This is the best chance for You to kidnap me without hurting my friends.

“Forgive me my Lord, if I sound offensive, but the dust of Your lotus feet is coveted by all the goddesses and demigods and even Lord Çiva desires to cover his body with this dust. If You do not offer me the same as a token of Your mercy, then I will surely take an oath to quit this body. O

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my lotus eyed Lord, please listen, I am willing to go through as many lifetimes as is required, but I must receive the dust of Your lotus feet.

Caitanya the turned to the brähmaëa and said, “Have you heard carefully, O brähmaëa? Now run swiftly to Kåñëa with this message and beg Him on my behalf.”

Thus, the Lord manifested Rukmiëé’s mood and emotions making the devotees sometimes weep and at other times laugh, all this happening under the influence of love of Kåñëa. Candraçekhara’s house reverberated with the jubilant sounds of Lord Hari’s name. Haridäsa continued his duty as the guard, who wakes up everyone, and Çréväsa Paëòita, playing Närada Muni, contributed by dancing. The first scene ended upon this merry note.

The second scene commenced with Gadädhara Paëòita, as Ramä-devé, entering the arena with her old lady companion enacted by Brahmänanda. Brahmänanda was so well costumed with a net-like cloth draped over the shoulders that he was unrecognisable in his role as an old lady with a stick in one hand and a basket clamped under the other arm.

Haridäsa inquired, “To where are you ladies travelling?”

Brahmänanda replied, “Mathurä is our destination.”

Çréväsa Paëòita probed further, “Who are your husbands?”

Brahmänanda rallied, “Why must you know that?”

Çréväsa said, “Is it not proper to ask?”

Brahmänanda simply said, “Yes, yes!” and shook his head.

Gaìgädäsa said, “Where will you stay today?”

Brahmänanda replied, “Why do you ask? Oh! Will you give us a place?”

Gaìgädäsa said, “That is a big request, no need for further discussions. You should move away from here.”

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Advaita Äcärya then spoke up, “What is the necessity for such interrogations? Other’s wives are to be respected as one’s mother, so why talk in this manner? However, my Lord is extremely fond of singing and dancing, so dance now and you will receive some handsome rewards.”

Advaita Äcärya’s words were soothing to Gadädhara Paëòita and being encouraged and pleased, he began to dance. He was dressed as Ramä-devé, Lakñmé Devé, and his dancing was enrapturing.

The devotees sang appropriate songs in accompaniment. The devotees found themselves unable to remain patient; they were moved to tears by Gadädhara’s ecstatic dancing.

Gadädhara’s tears of love of Kåñëa cascaded down to be received most gratefully by the fortunate Mother Earth. It was as if Gaìgä devé had appeared in person. Indeed the transcendental internal potency of Lord Kåñëa was perfectly portrayed. As Lord Caitanya would so often say, “Gadädhara is My dearest companion from Vaikuëöha.”

Those present in the assembly, the performing artists and the audience, were enraptured in kåñëa-prema by the mercy of Lord Caitanya. All around, Lord Hari’s name was chanted loudly, accompanied by tears of loving ecstasy. Gadädhara Paëòita, steeped in the mood of a gopé, danced and danced.

Just then, Viçvambhara entered the arena dressed as the original pleasure potency of the Lord, Rädhäräëé. In His front, Nityänanda, as the old grandmother Pürëamäsé, walked slightly bent looking astutely about herself; her whole demeanour exuded ecstatic love for Kåñëa. The Vaiñëava assembly greeted them with loud jubilant applause.

It was impossible to recognize Caitanya as He had dressed Himself very well and looked most charming. The audience saw just two ladies, the elderly lady played by Nityänanda Prabhu and the young enchantress played by Caitanya, but nothing indicated their actual identities. The assembly tried to guess who was who, but nobody could definitely decide.

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They started to wonder had Ramä-devé, Lakñmé Devé, just now appeared out of the ocean, or were this Sétä Devé, the consort of Lord Rämacandra? Maybe she were Mahä-Lakñmé, the eternal consort of Lord Näräyaëa, or Pärvaté Devé, the wife of Lord Çiva? Is this the most precious gem of Våndävana, Çrématé Rädhäräëé, or perhaps Gaìgä devé, or even Mahä-mäyä?

Each devotee imagined and guessed without recognizing the Lord, even persons who had known the Lord since birth were also fully deceived. What to speak of other people being misled; even Mother Çacédevé failed to recognize her own son. She said, “This must be Lakñmé Devé herself, come here to dance.”

The consort and pleasure potency of the Lord, Çrématé Rädhäräëé, is inconceivable and Lord Hari, the Supreme Lord Himself, was now playing her part. The bewitching form of the Lord’s consort and potency had put Çiva and Pärvaté Devé into illusion, yet presently the assembled Vaiñëavas did not experience the same effect by the Lord’s special grace upon them.

The Lord showed His unlimited compassion on the Vaiñëavas like a mother tending Her young ones. All the devotees felt that the beautiful consort manifested by Caitanya was their mother on a visit from the spiritual realm. Their exultations were unreserved and they forgot themselves. Advaita and all the devotees were swept away on waves of spiritual bliss in love of Kåñëa seeing their beloved Lord dressed in the role of Lakñmé Devé.

Viçvambhara, as Lakñmé Devé, was the universal mother and as He danced, being overtaken by different emotions, the singers sang appropriate songs complimenting the Lord’s moods.

The devotees could not discern with certainty what or whose spiritual emotions were being manifest by the Lord’s dancing. When the Lord suddenly asked, “O brähmaëa, has Kåñëa arrived?” Then they understood that the Lord was Rukmiëé Devé, the Princess of Vaikuëöha. When cascading tears decorated the Lord’s emotions, then the

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Vaiñëavas seemed to think that the Lord was Gaìgä Devé in person. Moreover, when the Lord laughed with ear splitting peals, they assumed that He was the ferocious form of Mahä-mäyä, Durgä Devé.

At times, when He danced swaying and spinning like a drunken lady, they thought that He was Revaté, wife of Lord Balaräma. Another time, when the Lord said, “O grandmother! Come let us go to Våndävana.” The Vaiñëavas guessed that He was none other than a gopé from Våndävana. When the Lord sat upon the throne of the Deities, the Vaiñëavas recognized Him as the all-powerful Goddess Controller of the material nature, Durgä Devé. One by one, the Lord played the roles of His different çaktis, eternal potencies.

In addition to performing this transcendental pastime for everyone’s pleasure, the Lord was simultaneously giving an important spiritual instruction: No one should, at any time, diminish or criticize the expansions of His energy, the many demigods and goddesses. By showing proper love and reverence for them, one strengthens his devotion and love towards Çré Kåñëa.

Lord Kåñëa is unhappy if His devotees, the demigods and goddesses, are offended. Kåñëa becomes very content if He is offered worship along with His energies and associates. This instruction of the Supreme Lord is the Absolute Truth, only the impious are unable to receive and implement it.

The Lord’s dancing completely captivated everyone’s heart and mind. Whether someone was singing in accompaniment or just listening and seeing His dancing, they all experienced sublime joy. Spontaneous tears of kåñëa-prema rained from the eyes of all the assembled Vaiñëavas.

With great pleasure, the Lord saw that His devotees, who are like honeysuckle bees attracted by nectar of His lotus feet, were around Him in great happiness. The Lord displayed all the ecstatic devotional symptoms; shivering, perspiring profusely, horripilation, tears, etc. Simultaneously, He danced holding Nityänanda’s hand.

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Çrémän Paëòita stood in front holding a lamp and Haridäsa went around calling everyone’s attention. Just then, Nityänanda fell to the ground unconscious, unconcerned about His grandmother costume and role as Pürëamäsé. He was overwhelmed by love of Kåñëa.

At this wonder, the devotees looked on in amazement and themselves became restless with ecstatic feelings. They began to weep, feeling the overpowering influence of love of Kåñëa. All this was being done unseen by Gauräìga. Some devotees rolled upon the ground, others embraced each other, and still others wept loudly in great joy.

At this juncture, Lord Caitanya took hold of Gopénätha and sat down with him on Çré Viñëu’s throne once again manifesting His mood of Mahä Lakñmé. As the devotees stood around Him with folded hands, He said, “Chant prayers to glorify Me.” Discerning the Lord’s mood, the devotees offered their eulogies. Some recited prayers to Lakñmé Devé, others to Caëòi Durgä, each according to his realization.

“All glory to the Universal Mother, Mahä-mäyä Devé, kindly give the shelter of Your lotus feet to the miserable and suffering living entities. You are the controlling mistress of the entire material system and You appear in every yuga to uphold the principles of religion. Even, Lord Brahmä, the creator; Lord Viñëu, the maintainer; and Lord Çiva, the destroyer of this material cosmic structure, are unable to fully describe Your unlimited potencies, what to speak of others.

“You are the personification of this material nature and the possessor of all energies. You are faith, compassion, shame and the embodiment of pure devotion to Lord Viñëu, Kåñëa. All the various branches of learning are Your multifarious manifestations.

“The Vedas describe You as the original energy. You appear to be within this material nature consisting of the three modes because You are their cause. However, in truth, You are always situated in the transcendental position. Even Lord Brahmä is unable to fathom You.

“You are the eternal, unchanging, original supreme energy, the shelter and resting place of all living beings, the Universal Mother who sustains

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everyone, being matchless and unrivalled. You are the life-sustaining water and one can sever the bonds of material existence by remembering You.

“In the homes of the pious and righteous, You appear as the blessed Mother, Lakñmé Devé, the eternal consort of Lord Näräyaëa. However, to the sinful You manifest as all-devouring Death.

“You are the Creator and Maintainer of this gigantic cosmos. The living entities that ignore You, not offering You their worship, are punished by the three-fold miseries. You inspire pure faith in your devotees, therefore kindly shelter us in the shade of Your lotus feet.

“Your illusory potency keeps the entire creation entranced, if You do not protect us, then who will? Your appearance in the material world is to deliver the living entities. Therefore, kindly accept the millions of suffering souls as Your eternal servants. You are the object of Lord Brahmä’s prayers and by remembering You, one attains all perfection.”

With these choice prayers, the Vaiñëavas propitiated Lord Caitanya now in the guise of Mahä Lakñmé. Then prostrating themselves repeatedly before the Lord, they again began to pray to Him, “O Mother! We are all surrendered to You, kindly look upon us graciously so that we may remain with our minds fixed upon Your lotus feet!”

A wave of joy swept over the devotees, they raised their arms and began to weep in ecstasy. The ladies were also caught up in this joyous wave and they joined in with tears of bliss. Candraçekhara’s house was drowned in unlimited happiness.

Whilst the Vaiñëavas were thus immersed in spiritual merriment, night stealthily crept in and left unnoticed by everyone. Suddenly, a brilliant sunrise greeted the assembly and they realized that the complete night had passed in singing and dancing.

Now however, the dancing had come to an abrupt halt and the devotees looked around at a loss, beginning to inconsolably regret the passing of the wonderful night.

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The grief-laden eyes of the Vaiñëavas, looking at the intruding morning sun, would have turned it to ashes if not for the mercy of Lord Caitanya. In great anguish, the devotees and the ladies were weeping and throwing themselves on the ground.

Vaiñëava ladies are not to be considered in any way inferior, but are in fact partial expansions of Lord Näräyaëa’s potency. The ladies all fell at Çacédevé’s feet and would not be consoled as the night, which had just passed away in such sublime ecstasy, was now gone. Pure devotees by their long association with pure devotional service may be easily moved to tears.

The devotees lamented, “Oh, why did this night have to end? Why is Kåñëa depriving us of this sublime nectar?” When Lord Caitanya saw that the Vaiñëavas were grief stricken, He felt compassion for them.

Just as a mother feels affection for her son, Lord Caitanya felt that same motherly affection for His devotees. The Lord called everyone, one at a time, and as a mother breast feeds her infants, so He breast fed the devotees with milk by His mystic potency.

The Supreme Personality of Godhead now accepted the role of His devoted energies, Lakñmé Devé, Pärvaté Devé, and Näräyaëé Devé, the Universal Mothers. The Lord substantiated His own words as recorded in the Gétä 9.17: “I am the father of this universe, the mother, the support, and the grandsire.”

The devotees, who could happily suckle this extraordinary milk from the Lord, are eternally liberated souls and their good fortune is immeasurable. As they drank the milk, their acute feeling of separation dissipated and once again, they were intoxicated with sublime joy.

The Lord’s pastimes are eternal and everlastingly performed without interruption. As explained in the Vedas, at certain times they manifest and unmanifest in accordance with the Lord’s own sweet will. The Supreme Lord of Lords, Viçvambhara, mercifully manifested His wonderful pastimes in Navadvépa.

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The most precious knowledge of the Vedas was revealed by the dancing of Lord Caitanya as the gopikä of Våndävana. Lord Nityänanda accompanied the Lord as the elderly grandmother, Pürëamäsé. Sincerely hearing these narrations will result in immediate loving attachment for Lord Kåñëa.

Nityänanda supported in every respect the moods of Caitanya as He danced as a gopé. One who is devoid of devotional feelings can never relish such spiritual exchanges.

One must be graced by Lord Kåñëa, only then can one comprehend the real absolute identity of Nityänanda. According to one’s own spiritual realization, one may consider Lord Nityänanda as a yogi, an experienced philosopher, a devotee, or in any other way one likes. One may even doubt that Nityänanda is dearmost to Çré Caitanya.

However, I pray that the lotus feet of my Çré Nityänanda be ever situated upon the throne of everyone’s heart. Yet, despite my Çré Nityänanda being so merciful, if one dares to criticize Him then I kick that wretched sinner on the head.

Indeed, these topics of the Madhya-khaëòa are streams of nectar for they describe the extraordinary pastimes of the Supreme Lord Näräyaëa dancing with the sentiments and emotions of His eternal consort, Çré Lakñmé Devé. Dressed as the Universal Mother, He taught the process of pure devotional service and fulfilled everyone’s desires by suckling them with His breast milk.

The Lord remained for seven days in Candraçekhara’s house. The Lord was always enveloped in an extremely brilliant halo much more powerful than the combined energies of the sun, moon and lightning. The fortunate and righteous men, the pure devotees, could behold the Lord and His marvellous opulence.

People who came to visit Candraçekhara’s house were blinded by this brilliant illumination and could not keep their eyes open. People started commenting, “What can be the cause? One cannot open one’s eyes in

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Candraçekhara’s house!” The Vaiñëavas heard their comments and smiled within, not revealing anything.

Lord Caitanya’s supreme potency is such that ordinary persons cannot understand His transcendental activities with His devotees and associates.

Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu are my life and soul. I, Våndävana däsa, humbly offer this song at Their lotus feet.

19. Pastimes in the House of Advaita Äcärya

All glories to Çré Viçvambhara, the Lord of all the Vaiñëava devotees! You bring the living entities back to your fold by giving them devotional service.

The Lord performed His supra-mundane pastimes in Navadvépa hidden from the vision of the gross materialists. He went to different devotee’s homes and engaged in pleasurable pastimes with Nityänanda, Gadädhara and other associates.

The Lord is the source of all spiritual ecstasy for the devotees and in His association, they see everything in relationship to Lord Kåñëa. They are completely oblivious of the phenomenal world because they are engrossed in relishing the transcendental mellows of chanting the Holy Names of Kåñëa. They have no other business.

Foremost amongst these intimate associates of the Lord is Advaita Äcärya. His character is unfathomable and only a few devotees know his transcendental position and how close he is to the Lord. Whenever Caitanya came out of His ecstatic trances, He would immediately render service to the assembled Vaiñëavas, especially to Advaita Äcärya. These dealings of the Lord were the cause of Advaita’s constant discontent. His hurt feelings rumbled in his mind like an active volcano.

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He thought, “He is constantly deceiving me like a thief. He gives up His position and tries to stealthily catch my feet. I cannot match His strength for He is supremely powerful, so He forcibly takes the dust from my feet. The only support for me to fall back upon is devotional service because it bestows the spiritual realization and vision to recognize the Supreme Lord, Viçvambhara, as He is. People call me ‘Advaita the Lion-Hearted’ and I become further deluded by this. O Lord! Kindly destroy this delusion!

“In your pastimes with Bhågu, you are more glorious than Bhågu although some may think otherwise. Therefore, I shall gather about me hundreds of disciples like Bhågu. Lord Caitanya has appeared to explain the path of devotional service and I will firmly oppose His instructions in my teaching to my new disciples. This will enrage the Lord so much that He Himself will have to punish me, catching me by the hair.”

Preoccupied with these plans, Advaita left Navadvépa accompanied by Haridäsa Öhäkura and went to His home in Çäntipur. There, he began to act upon his scheme. The Äcärya began to read and explain a book called Yoga-väçiñöha, which subscribes to impersonalistic thought and is thus clearly contradictory to the path of devotional service.

Advaita began to teach the following, “According to Yoga-väçiñöha, the path of deductive knowledge also known as empiric speculation is the essence of self-realization. Without understanding the deductive path of knowledge, the path of devotion becomes impotent. Thus, empiric knowledge is the essence of everything. Many unfortunate persons leave home to live in the forest not understanding the wealth of knowledge that is in the deductive path.

“The path of devotion to Lord Viñëu is like a mirror and the path of deductive knowledge is compared to the eyes. What use does a blind man have for a mirror? I have thoroughly studied the different scriptures and I have readily arrived at the conclusion that empiric knowledge is the ultimate goal.”

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Haridäsa Öhäkura is more than familiar with the ways and nature of Advaita Äcärya and when he heard the Äcärya’s attempt to explain everything in the light of empiric knowledge, he merely laughed. Such is the transcendental characteristic of a pure devotee like Advaita Äcärya. Those who are righteous can easily understand his position, but the offensive lot are rejected.

Viçvambhara, who is the most munificent Supreme Personality and who fulfills all desires, perceived in his heart Advaita Äcärya’s desire. One day, He was promenading the streets of Navadvépa with Nityänanda Prabhu, observing His own creation.

Brahmä, the creator of this universe, was watching all these activities of the Lord and feeling very fortunate and elated, he happily thought to himself, “The Supreme Lord is appreciating my artistry in the engineering of this creation.”

As they moved about with charming gracefulness, the two of them looked like two full moons sailing across the sky. The residents of Navadvépa could see them, each according to his own devotion.

Remaining unseen to human eyes, the demigods also surveyed the movements of the two moonlike Lords and wondered in their minds. They observed the ‘two moons’ of Navadvépa and confused by such opulence they began to consider their own heavenly abode was now the Earth, and what was actually the Earth had become the heavenly abode, the Moon. Similarly, they mistakenly considered that the demigods were now the earthly beings and the earthlings now were the residents of heavenly planets. Thus, they began discussing the mystery of the two moons.

Someone said, “Two moons together were never permitted entry in the heavenly planets.” Someone else said, “Let me tell you that one of them is the original moon and the other is his reflection.” Yet another said, “The son takes after the father in all respects, perhaps one is the father, the Moon, and the other is his son, Mars?” It is not in the least bit surprising that the demigods were bewildered by the Lord’s beauty. Even

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t h e Vedas are unable to fully describe the Supreme Lord’s extraordinarily charming looks.

In this way, the two Lords strolled about in Navadvépa. At one point, Lord Viçvambhara said to Lord Nityänanda, “Let us go to Çäntipur and visit Advaita Äcärya’s house.” Both Lords were always ready engage in pleasurable pastimes, so they immediately headed for Advaita Äcärya’s house.

Almost halfway to Çäntipur, They came across a village called Lalitäpura situated upon the banks of the Gaìgä. There in a hut by the river lived a householder ‘sannyäsé’. Lord Viçvambhara enquired from Nityänanda Prabhu, “Please find out whose abode this is.” Nityänanda Prabhu replied, “Lord, this is a sannyäsé’s residence.” Lord Viçvambhara said, “If our fortune permits, we may see him. Let us visit.” Happily, they went in and offered obeisances to the sannyäsé.

T h e sannyäsé was taken in by Viçvambhara’s charming appearance, perfectly shaped limbs and radiant smile. Being extremely pleased, the sannyäsé blessed Him saying, “May you be blessed with wealth, fame, learning and a beautiful wife.” The Lord immediately replied, “Dear sir, Gosvämé, this is really not a blessing. Please say to me, ‘May you receive Kåñëa’s blessings’. Such a blessing brings one to the platform of devotional service to Çré Viñëu and is eternal, inexhaustible and infallible. It is not becoming of your position to bless me with these material advantages.”

With a false laugh, more out of displeasure than anything else, the sannyäsé replied, “Now I have direct proof of the axiom that I have so often heard: If you try to help people, they take it badly. This is exactly the manner in which this young Brahmin has reacted. I was very pleased and I wished Him all success, but He has turned my words around and even started to find me culpable.”

The sannyäsé enquired, “Tell me, O young brähmaëa, why do you fault my blessings? If a man is born into this world and has not enjoyed the company of an attractive woman, or has not collected sufficient wealth,

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then what is the use of his living? I was wishing you success in this kind of pleasurable life, but you are ashamed and reluctant to receive it well. You may be a devotee of Lord Viñëu, but how will you maintain Yourself without earnings?”

The Lord simply smiled at his words and placed His hand on His forehead in a gesture of sheer fatigue at the sannyäsé’s gross foolishness.

The Lord utilized this situation to teach everyone that one should not ask for any blessings other than devotional service to the Supreme Lord. He said to the sannyäsé, “Listen, O Gosvämé, whatever food we eat comes automatically due to our karma, a result of our previous activities—whatever will come is predestined.

“If people take birth for the sole purpose of a family life with wife, children and earnings, then why is one forced to leave everything at death? No one desires to be sick and ailing, so why do various diseases attack us and make us suffer? The reason for all this is our individual karma—everything is a result of our previous activities. Only the elevated and knowledgeable persons have full understanding of these facts.

“Some persons point out that the Vedas explain that the final goal of human life is elevation to the heavenly planets. The Vedas have so enunciated out of extreme leniency towards the ignorant people. This leniency is the real understanding of this Vedic injunction. Materialistic and ignorant people are naturally inclined to a life of luxury and physical pleasures, knowing this well, the Vedas have recommended accordingly. However, the Vedas are not to be blamed for this.

“The general mass of people think that by chanting Kåñëa’s name and taking ablutions in the Gaìgä they will acquire wealth and success in family life. With this idea, they take shelter of the Vedic injunctions, but the real result of dedication to the Vedic injunctions is that one quickly develops devotion to the Supreme Lord, Çré Hari. However, the ignorant people, who do not understand the purport of the Vedic injunctions, reject the fruit of devotional service to Kåñëa and mistakenly endeavour

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after material pleasures. Please consider well all these points, O Gosvämé, because there is no goal or activity superior to devotional service to Lord Kåñëa.”

In this way, the Lord, the supreme instructing spiritual master, gave instruction to the whole world by explaining to the sannyäsé that devotional service to Kåñëa is the ultimate purpose of the Vedas. The instructions of Viçvambhara are the absolute truth; those who hearts are too contaminated by sinful activities cannot develop the required faith to accept them.

The householder sannyäsé smiled and thought to himself, “This young brähmaëa must have become a lunatic due to the effect of some mantra. It may also be that the person dressed as a sannyäsé, accompanying him, has somehow mesmerized him.” The sannyäsé then spoke aloud, “Finally, it has happened. In front of a mere child, I suddenly know nothing. I have travelled around the world—Ayodhya, Mathurä, Badarikäçrama, Gujaräta, Käçé, Vijayanagara, Laìkä, and to many other cities—and now I do not know what is good or bad. I have learnt this from a suckling baby.”

Still smiling, Nityänanda replied, “Listen Gosäïi, You don’t have to unnecessarily agree with a mere child. I am well aware of your position and fame. Please just consider my proposal as I am the elder and forgive us for whatever has happened.” Upon hearing praise, the sannyäsé became once again amiable and requested his guests to take food.

Nevertheless, Lord Nityänanda said, “We must leave right away since urgent business must be attended to, but you can pack some eatables for us, which we can eat on the way after our bath. The sannyäsé insisted, “Take your bath here, take your meal, and after a cooling rest you can be on your way again.” The two Supreme Personalities had descended to this mortal world for the sole purpose of delivering the most fallen souls and so they decided to spend some more time with the householder sannyäsé.

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They washed away their weariness in the cooling waters of the Gaìgä and then returned to the sannyäsé’s dwelling. They offered some ripe mangoes, jackfruit and milk to Lord Kåñëa and then relished the prasädam in the presence of their pleased host.

T h e sannyäsé was following the left-handed school of çakti worship, which condones the consumption of liquor. The sannyäsé indirectly made this known to Lord Nityänanda. He said, “Listen Çrépäda, shall I bring us some ‘happiness’? How often will I get guests like You?” Nityänanda, who has Himself travelled widely and has seen much, understood that this sannyäsé was addicted to alcohol. The sannyäsé repeated several times whether he should bring ‘happiness’ or not and Nityänanda replied each time, “We must leave right now.”

The sannyäsé’s wife was sitting to one side looking at the two Lords, whom she felt were far more charming than Cupid. She gazed at them as if in meditation. Speaking up, she corrected her husband saying, “Why are you disturbing them during their eating?”

Viçvambhara enquired aside to Nityänanda, “Of what ‘happiness’ is he speaking?” Lord Nityänanda replied, “I think he means liquor.”

Calling out Hari’s name, Caitanya immediately remembered Çré Viñëu. Then, quickly rinsing Their mouths and hands, the two Lords left the house. They walked to the bank of the Gaìgä and jumped in with all their clothes on, and swam downstream all the way to Çäntipur, to Advaita Äcärya’s house.

The Lord shows His mercy to a licentious drunkard, but annihilates Vedäntists, if they are offensive to the devotees and the Lord Himself. Although this so-called ‘sannyäsé’ was a drunkard and intimately associated with women, still the Lord visited his dwelling. He conversed with the sannyäsé and gave him instructions, rested and ate in his house.

The sannyäsé may not become fully purified in this life and may have to wait for another birth. However, the agnostics who criticize the Lord and His devotees will never become eligible to receive the Lord’s mercy. Even if one be a sannyäsé, still that does not make one eligible to meet

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the Supreme Lord. This is evident from the incident with the sannyäsés, which occurred in Väräëasé.

The last section of this book narrates that when Lord Caitanya went to Käçé many residents and many sannyäsés heard the news of His arrival. The sannyäsés were joyful to receive the news and were eager to meet Him since they had heard much about His exceptional characteristics.

These sannyäsés were all Vedäntists, impersonalists, well versed in intellectual matters and in performing various austerities. As life-long residents of Käçé, they were well respected. All their impressive qualifications were undermined by a single fault—they taught and explained the Vedänta devoid of the science of devotion to Lord Viñëu.

Lord Caitanya is the Supersoul within each individual’s heart and thus He was aware of this. Hence, although He visited Käçé, He did not give these sannyäsés the opportunity to meet Him.

In Väräëasé, He stayed in Rämacandra Puré’s Maöha for two months without revealing His whereabouts and spent most of His time in Candraçekhara’s house.

He left Väräëasé two days before the Viçvarüpa-kñaura, the special shaving ceremony on the special full-moon day during cäturmäsya, which is followed by the mäyävädé sannyäsés. He left without public knowledge and only later did the sannyäsés come to know that they had missed seeing him.

The offence of criticizing the Lord or His devotee even just once steals a man’s proper intelligence. The sannyäsés did not feel any remorse at not meeting the Lord. Furthermore, they said, “We are all sannyäsés. Why did He leave without first speaking to us? What was the reason? Could He not wait two days and perform the special shaving ceremony, Viçvarüpa-kñaura? By avoiding this ceremony, He has neglected the duties of His order.”

In this manner, the intelligence of non-devotional people is spoilt and Lord Çiva never accepts worship from such offenders. In fact, Lord Çiva,

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the Lord of Käçé, metes out punishment to such offenders of the Vaiñëavas, taking away whatever little devotion they may have.

Çré Gaurasundara has advented specifically to deliver all the fallen souls with the exception of those who find fault with the Vaiñëava devotees of the Lord. Just to prove this point, Lord Caitanya ate and rested in a drunkard’s home, but avoided the company of the so-called learned Vedic sannyäsés. One must be always careful to avoid the Lord’s wrath and those who flout the Lord will suffer eternal punishment at the hands of Yamaräja, the God of Death.

Lord Brahmä, Lord Çiva, Ananta Çeña, and Kamala, the Universal Mother, are constantly engaged in glorifying the Supreme Lord, Çré Gaurasundara. If anyone is so unfortunate as to be not attracted by the sweet nectarine pastimes and qualities of Lord Caitanya, then all his Vedic learning and austerities as a sannyäsé are rendered useless.

Happily, Caitanya and Nityänanda proceeded towards Çäntipur along the bank of the Gaìgä. As they swam, Caitanya loudly and repeatedly roared, “I am that! I am that person! Näòä has awakened Me from sleep and brought Me here! He is, I believe, holding dissertations that camouflage the process of devotional service behind a facade of flowery words, which present the speculative path of knowledge! Today I will punish him for this! Let the whole world see! I want everyone to see how he defends his bastion of speculative knowledge!”

Whilst the Lord thunderously rumbled in this manner, Nityänanda kept His silence, smiling within His mind. As Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhus swam in the waves of the Gaìgä, the author recalls Mukunda, Näräyaëa, supine upon Ananta Çeña lying upon the Milk Ocean.

By his high devotional merits, Advaita Äcärya, a stalwart amongst the followers of Lord Caitanya, could appreciate that the Lord would react angrily to his presentation of speculative philosophy. Nevertheless, when he realized that Caitanya and Nityänanda had come to Çäntipur, he began to speak even more vociferously in favour of this impersonalist

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knowledge. Can one really fathom the devotional moods and activities of the pure devotees of the Lord?

Nityänanda accompanied the irate Caitanya into Advaita’s house. Advaita swayed in divine pleasure playing out his part perfectly as an impersonalist. Haridäsa Öhäkura offered obeisances to the Lord, falling on the ground like a rod. Acyuta, Advaita’s son, also offered his respectful obeisances. Advaita’s wife, Sétädevé, offered obeisances to the Lord within her mind and felt very upset upon seeing the Lord’s countenance. The Lord’s face and expression aroused fear in everyone’s heart.

Rumbling with anger, the Lord said, “Nädä! Nädä! Tell Me which is superior—speculative knowledge or devotional service?” Advaita replied, “Speculative knowledge is always superior, for what is the use of devotional service, if a person is devoid of impersonal knowledge?”

As soon as these words entered His ears, Lord Caitanya became inflamed and forgot His surroundings. He pulled Advaita down from his äsana and dragged him out onto the patio. There, he threw him down to the ground and struck him repeatedly.

Advaita’s wife, Sétädevé, is the Universal Mother and knows all these confidential topics, yet she could not restrain herself from trying to stop the Lord. “Stop! Stop!” she cried out. “He is just an old brähmaëa. For whose benefit do You chastise him so heavily? He is so old that he may not survive your harsh behaviour and You will find it difficult to avoid the consequences of your own actions.”

Nityänanda smiled at her words and Haridäsa Öhäkura repeated Kåñëa’s name in great fear.

Caitanya was so angry that He did not even hear Sétädevé words. Roaring like angry thunder, He spoke to Advaita, “I was gently relaxing on the Milk Ocean and you interrupted My sleep, calling Me to attend to your work. You engineered the propagation of devotional service, yet now you audaciously obscure the devotional process with your circumventory explanation of impersonalism. If you had already made

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up your mind to surreptitiously broadcast your speculative theories, then why did you take the trouble of revealing Me to the world? I did not disregard your desire and wishes, but you have deceived Me in all respects.”

Finally, Caitanya stopped chastising Advaita and went to sit next to the doorway. He spoke loudly, revealing His real identity to all. He said, “O Näòä, you know everything. Behold, I am the one who slew Kaàsa. Çiva, Brahmä, Ananta Çeña, and Lakñmé Devé are all constantly engaged in serving Me. The impostor Väsudeva met his end, vanquished by My Sudarçana disc. The same disc reduced the entire city of Väräëasé to ashes.

“My arrow found its mark and killed the great demon, King Rävaëa. My invincible Sudarçana severed the arms of Baëa and destroyed the powerful demon, Naraka. I lifted the Govardhana Mountain with my left hand and I brought the heavenly Pärijäta flower to earth. I tricked King Bali out of all his possessions and then benedicted him for his mood of surrender. I vanquished the terrible demon king, Hiraëyakaçipu, to favour my devotee Prahläda.”

As the Lord revealed His various pastimes, Advaita felt gradually submerged in an ocean of ecstatic bliss. Advaita was more than happy to receive his due punishment in this manner and he clapped his hands and pranced in joy, feeling peace and humility within.

“He said, “My Lord, You have rightfully remonstrated me, and I am lucky to get away with so little. Now I am clear about Your divine authority and am feeling renewed strength in my relationship with you as Your servant.”

Advaita danced around in ecstasy and then creasing his eyebrows together, he prayed to the Lord, “Now where are Your flattering words about me? What has happened to all that deceit? You can insult me, I am neither Durväsä Muni, whose remnants of rice You smeared upon Your body, nor am I Bhågu Muni whose foot impression decorated Your breast and is now known as the famous Çrévatsa. My name is simply Advaita,

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purely Your eternal and humble servant, and I am always hankering, birth after birth, to receive Your remnants. By the effect of Your remnants and mercy, I am unscathed by the ravages of Your illusory potency. The punishment is now over so please give me the shelter of Your lotus feet.” Saying this, Advaita, the master of Çäntipur, fell to the ground and placed his head on the Lord’s lotus feet.

Hastily and with due respect, Viçvambhara picked up Advaita upon His lap as tears flooded the His eyes, cascading down unrestrainedly. Nityänanda and Haridäsa Öhäkura were unable to contain their ecstatic emotions at the sight of such a display of divine devotional fervour and tears flowed from their eyes in rivers. Sétädevé, Acyutänanda and the servants of the house were crying in intense joy. Advaita’s whole house became immersed in kåñëa-prema.

Viçvambhara now felt ashamed after having chastised Advaita so severely and now wanted to compensate him by offering a boon. He said, “If anyone so much as takes the smallest shelter at your feet, be he an insect, worm, animal or bird and even if he commits a million offences against Me, I will still grant him my blessing.”

When Advaita heard this boon, he fell at the Lord’s feet and crying like a meek child said, “Whatever You have said My Lord is certainly true. Now please hear and grant me one favour. If anyone tries to follow and worship me, but does not serve Your lotus feet then let that so-called devotion to me vanquish him.

“I cannot accept anyone who does not serve You. He may be my son or servant, but I shall consider him a great offender and shall never see his face, because I cannot bear to see anyone who neglects Your lotus feet. Those who worship you automatically become my dearest friend.

“Sometimes, a fool may try to supersede Your worship and approach a million demigods, but those demigods will never entertain such an offender. Instead, they will surely squash him by some arrangement. All that I have said is not my own concoction, but is the verdict of the

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scriptures. In the Puräëas, the story of the death of Sudakñiëa is the proof.

“Sudakñiëa was the son of the King of Käçé. A great devotee of Lord Çiva, he was always immersed in meditation upon his Lord. Being satisfied with his worship, Lord Çiva appeared before him and said, ‘Ask for any boon and I shall fulfil your heart’s desire. Perform the special Abhicära sacrifice, in order to master extraordinary powers, but be most cautious to see that you do not belittle or offend any Vaiñëava devotee of the Lord. If you do you will be immolated.’

“Sudakñiëa had no way of detecting the intention behind Lord Çiva’s words, so he duly performed the Abhicära sacrifice according to his Lord’s instructions. Out of the sacrificial fire, appeared a terrifying form, which possessed three hands, three legs and three heads and stood towering over him.

“It said, ‘Ask for your boon.’ The prince replied, ‘Go and burn down the city of Dvärakä.’ The giant creature became visibly sad, understanding that the prince’s desire could never be fulfilled. Nonetheless, the creature went to Dvärakä as requested, but upon his arrival there, the omnipresent and every watchful guard of Dvärakä, the Sudarçana disc, immediately attacked him.

“No one can escape the wrath of Sudarçana and so the giant submitted himself at the lotus feet of Sudarçana saying, ‘The powerful sage Durväsä could not escape You and neither could You be contained by such great personalities as Lord Brahmä and Lord Çiva. What can an insignificant person such as myself do against such an exalted Vaiñëava as You?

“ ‘Lord, now I have no avenue of escape and You are free to do with me as you wish. All glories to You, my Lord, who is famous as Sudarçana. You are the abode of Kåñëa and are as powerful as my own Lord Çaìkara. All glory to You, who possesses the form of a disc and is the best amongst the Vaiñëava devotees. You instil fear in the hearts of the miscreants and protect the pious.’

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“Sudarçana was appeased by the giant’s prayers and told him to return to the prince and destroy him by fire. The terrifying giant swiftly returned to the Prince of Käçé and destroyed him.

“Sudakñiëa tried to override You, My Lord, and tried to worship Lord Çiva with the yajïa, but the result was that he met own death by this same sacrifice. Similarly, I say that those who approach me dismissing Your lotus feet, I destroy them. You are everything to me; You are the Lord of my life, my most precious treasure, my father and my mother, my dearest friend. I cannot tolerate such an offence at Your lotus feet.

“There are many examples of this point in the scriptures. King Saträjit once met the Sun God and becoming attracted by his brilliance and personality began worshiping him. However, but once, he disobeyed Your orders and due to this offence, he and his brother were killed. The Sun God saw all this with satisfaction, as he had been very upset that Saträjit had disobeyed Your instructions. Duryodhana was a disciple of Lord Balaräma, but because he disregarded You, he and his entire race were eliminated.

“Hiraëyakaçipu became practically invincible by the boon of Lord Brahmä and this made him insolent and inimical towards You and so he also died along with his race of demons.

“The ten-headed Rävaëa was the most powerful king of his time, having received a boon from Lord Çiva. He was offensive to You and challenged You, so he and his entire family were vanquished.

“O Lord, You are the root cause and the Supreme Lord of all the demigods. Everything and everyone seen and unseen to human vision is meant for Your service.

“If one tries to worship the servant, but disregards the Lord and Master Himself, then the servant cannot tolerate this offence. He may make a show of accepting the worshiper’s worship, but finally he personally destroys such an offender.

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“Directly worshiping demigods like Lord Çiva, without worshiping You, is like watering the branches instead of the root of the tree. You are the original cause of the Vedas, the brähmaëas, sacrifices, and religious practices. I despise that person who disregards Your lotus feet.”

Lord Caitanya greatly appreciated Advaita’s highly confidential and esoteric prayers and he spoke out in a voice that resembled a thunderclap. “Now listen to Me attentively, I say truly those who worship me directly, but neglect my servants and devotees are the most despicable wretches who, by so doing, cut my body into pieces.

“Their worship is like burning cinders on My body. He who criticizes and offends my devotee, My name, which fulfils all desires, will vanquish him. In this way, I show my compassion for him. Every living entity is My servant and so I cannot tolerate any violence to them. I destroy anyone who tries to hurt My servants.

“Advaita, You are dearer to Me than My own body and any disrespect shown to you is dealt by Me with severity. Even if a sannyäsé offends a pure devotee, he falls down from his vow and deviates from his religious practices.”

Raising both His arms, Gauracandra declared to the world, “Give up the offensive attitude of criticizing Vaiñëavas and chant Lord Kåñëa’s Holy Name. Anyone who practices this will surely be delivered by Me.”

Lord Caitanya’s words gripped the devotees in a wave of unrestrained joy and they broke out into chanting the Lord’s name loudly. Advaita Äcärya wept in ecstasy catching the Lord’s lotus feet and the Lord held Advaita in His endearing embrace and wept.

Advaita’s loving devotion flooded the entire universe—such is the wonderful character and activity of Advaita Äcärya. Advaita Äcärya is non-different from the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Who, then, can really understand his words?

“The seemingly abusive exchanges between Advaita and Nityänanda can only be properly perceived by those elevated souls, who have

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reached that state of bliss beyond material influence. The words and activities of the Supreme Lord and His pure devotees, the Vaiñëavas, can be understood and appreciated only by their mercy alone.

Ananta Çeña can realize these discussions of such a high spiritual nature between Advaita, Nityänanda, and the other devotees. He then sings of them with his innumerable mouths.

Coming out of his ecstatic engrossment, Viçvambhara glanced at Advaita and spoke with a smile, “I have chastised you in a moment of childish pique.” Advaita replied, “All your moods and pastimes are completely transcendental.” The Lord said, “Listen Nityänanda, You must kindly forgive Me for my reckless act of immaturity.”

Nityänanda, Haridäsa Öhäkura and Advaita Äcärya exchanged glances amongst each other and then burst out into uncontrolled laughter.

Viçvambhara always addressed Sétädevé, the wife of Advaita, as mother. She was a symbol of chastity, always serving husband to his full satisfaction. Now Viçvambhara went to her saying, “Go quickly and prepare a sumptuous feast for Kåñëa and after offering it to Him, we shall partake of His remnants.”

The Lord then left to take his bath in the Gaìgä along with Advaita, Haridäsa, Nityänanda and the other devotees. Everyone was in a gay mood. Later, in the Vedas, the unbounded joy and spiritual bliss displayed by the Lord’s nature will be described in detail.

Upon returning to the house from His bath, Lord Caitanya washed His feet and prostrated Himself before Lord Kåñëa. Seeing the Lord in a prostrated position, Advaita fell at the Lord’s lotus feet. Similarly, Haridäsa, in the ecstasy of devotee association, fell at the feet of Advaita.

Nityänanda witnessed this wonderful scene with feelings of unlimited spiritual bliss surging within Him. There, then, was a transcendental bridge linked directly to the highest spiritual abode, comprised of the three expansions of Godhead.

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Rising from offering obeisances to Lord Kåñëa, Viçvambhara noticed that Advaita Äcärya was at His feet and He became very embarrassed. He chanted, “Viñëu, Viñëu!” in humility.

The Lord then took Advaita’s hand and entered the eating room with Nityänanda in His familiar charming way. The three Supreme Personalities sat down to eat. Each one of them was always animated with spiritual ecstasy and Nityänanda acted, as was His nature, as a highly restless young boy.

Sitting away from them by the door was Haridäsa Öhäkura, who was, by his spiritual elevation, qualified to see these different wonderful transcendental pastimes.

Sétä Öhäkuräëé, Advaita’s wife, a most spiritually exalted and resourceful lady, was serving Them and remembering Lord Hari at all time. She served them delicacies like flavoured rice, ghee, milk, sweet rice and They ate with pleasure and vivacity.

Advaita Äcärya began to laugh at Nityänanda. They are in fact both the same Supreme Personality, but have become two Absolute Entities to participate and assist in Lord Kåñëa’s pastimes.

Just towards the end of Their meal, Nityänanda became overly restless like a child. He picked up the rice from His plate and threw it all around and then laughed out in childish glee. Viçvambhara cried out in great concern, whilst Haridäsa Öhäkura could not check his laughter.

Advaita pretended to be inflamed into rage and revealed the truths about the absolute nature of Nityänanda. He angrily said, “This Nityänanda is a drunkard and His company has corrupted my caste. He can neither say who His guru is, nor give the place of His birth. He simply introduces Himself as a sannyäsé.

“No one knows Him, or His caste, or His family. Furthermore, He always walks around swaying like a drunken mad elephant. Previously, He was eating in the houses of unknown strangers and now He has come here, trying to mix with the brähmaëas.

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“I say, thrice truly, to you Haridäsa that this drunkard will destroy everything.” Working himself into a fit of fake rage, Advaita threw off his clothes and clapping his hands, he pranced about in unrestrained glee.

Viçvambhara started laughing at Advaita, whose nature is such that both old and young find his character equally stimulating. Nityänanda also shook with laughter pointing His fingers at Advaita, who was exhibiting thoroughly amusing postures in his feigned rage.

After a while, when They were again well composed, the three Lords rinsed their mouths and hands and then embraced each other experiencing ecstatic bliss. Advaita and Nityänanda are like the two hands of Lord Caitanya. There is no enmity, but everlasting annuity between them. Their quarrels are simulated and meant to support the pastimes of Kåñëa; such are the child-like mannerisms of the Supreme Lord and His pure devotees.

In this manner, Lord Caitanya passed His time in Advaita’s house engrossed in ecstatic bliss and performed saìkértana. Lord Balaräma alone can understand these supra-mundane pastimes, others cannot fathom the absolute excellences in the Supreme Lord’s nature. By the blessings of Lord Balaräma, I am able to repeat these pastimes of Lord Caitanya because Sarasvaté Devé, the Goddess of Learning, seems to dance upon my tongue.

All these pastimes I have compiled having no idea of the chronological sequence. I have simply presented them as they have appeared to me. This is possible only by the mercy of Çré Kåñëa.

I, therefore, offer obeisances at the feet of all the beloved devotees of Lord Caitanya and beg their forgiveness for the offences I might have committed in this endeavour.

After a few days of sojourn in Advaita’s house, Caitanya returned to Navadvépa and His home accompanied by Nityänanda, Advaita and Haridäsa. When the news of the Lord’s return to Navadvépa spread

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around to all, the Vaiñëavas hurriedly flocked to meet the Lord, upon everyone’s face was written bubbling delight.

The full moon face of Çré Caitanya immediately dissipated their distress and they fell at His feet weeping. Çré Caitanya is the life of His devotees and He lovingly embraced everyone. His devotees are His own expansions—the compassionate and exalted Vaiñëavas.

All the devotees then offered obeisances to Advaita, who was the cause of the advent of Lord Caitanya. Jubilantly, they greeted one another, and began to playfully and loudly talk with the Lord about Kåñëa’s pastimes.

Çré Çacémätä was extremely happy to see her son again and together with Viñëupriyä devé offered grateful thanks to their Deity.

Çré Ananta Çeña alone can fully describe all these pastimes; He is my life and soul.

There is no difference between Balaräma and Nityänanda except Their names, just as the three different words; dvija, vipra and brähmaëa mean one and the same thing.

One, who hears with devotion these pastimes of the Lord in Advaita’s house, attains the highest bliss.

Lord Kåñëa Caitanya and Lord Nityänanda are my life and soul. I, Våndävana däsa, humbly offer this song at Their lotus feet.

20. The Glories of Muräri Gupta

All glories to Çré Gaurasiàha, the son of Mother Çacé! The shade of Your lotus feet drives away all distress. You are the life and soul of Gadädhara Paëòita, be merciful to me so that my mind may remain fixed at Your lotus feet.

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Caitanya was now fully engaged in performing his wonderful pastimes with all His associates. Sometimes He danced, sometimes He sung, and, yet again, He cried or laughed, but all these were symptoms of His ecstatic love of Kåñëa.

One day, Caitanya was visiting Çréväsa Paëòita’s house with Nityänanda. As they were sitting, Muräri Gupta came in and prostrated himself at the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya. Looking effulgent, he got up and again prostrated himself before Nityänanda.

Çré Caitanya was always pleased with Muräri Gupta, so now he spoke frankly to Muräri saying, “What you did just now by first offering obeisances to Me and then to Nityänanda was a violation of Vaiñëava etiquette. Why do you, of all people, do this? You are supposed to teach others who are ignorant about these esoteric rules.”

Muräri replied, “My Lord, what do I know? You are in full control of my heart. I have acted according to your desire.” The Lord then said, “Alright Muräri, go home now, tonight you will come to know everything and tomorrow we shall meet again.”

Muräri became grave and smiling hesitantly, he left for his home. That night, in a dream, he saw Çré Nityänanda dressed like a kingly wrestler walking ahead. Great hoods of snakes were above His head and in His hands; He held the pestle and plough. Çré Nityänanda looked exactly like Çré Balaräma.

Behind Him walked Viçvambhara, who smiled and spoke in his dream, “Now do you understand Muräri, I am junior. Consider this properly in your mind.” Then, both of the Supreme Brothers smiled at Muräri and after thus instructing him, They disappeared.

Muräri woke up immediately and began to shed tears, breathing heavily he kept repeating Nityänanda’s name. His chaste wife became worried and prayed to Çré Kåñëa, chanting His name loudly. Muräri was now convinced that Nityänanda was the elder brother and with this thought, he happily hurried to meet the Lord.

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He saw the lotus eyed Çré Viçvambhara sitting with Çré Nityänanda sitting on His right, a benign smile adorning His lips. Muräri went first to Nityänanda, offered obeisances at His lotus feet, and then fell at Viçvambhara’s lotus feet.

The Lord smiled and enquired, “Muräri, why did you act in this manner?” Muräri replied, “My Lord, I acted according to Your sweet will. Like a dry blade of grass is blown in the breeze, all living beings perform according to Your irresistible power.”

Again the Lord said, “Muräri, you are very dear to Me, hence I have disclosed the confidential truth about Myself to you.”

Gadädhara, the Lord’s beloved associate, was seated on His left; he prepared tämbüla, pan, for the Lord and gave it to Him. The Lord said, “Muräri, you are a stalwart amongst my devotees.” Saying this, Çré Caitanya gave him some of the chewed pan from His lotus mouth. Muräri received this with eager respect upon the open palms of his hands, and upon eating this prasäda felt great ecstasy racing through his body and soul.

Çré Viçvambhara addressed Muräri, “Muräri, go wash your hands now,” but Muräri wiped his palms upon his head. The Lord exclaimed, “Now you have lost your caste, you foolish fellow. You have become contaminated by wiping your hands, which had taken My chewed remnants, on your head.”

Suddenly, the Lord’s mood changed. He became angry, grinding His teeth loudly; He began to manifest His supreme identity. He said, “A sannyäsé named Prakäçänanda, living in Käçé has the audacity to try and inflict pain upon My person.

“He is a teacher of Vedänta philosophy, but does not accept the existence of My supreme form. I have punished him by making him contract leprosy and yet he fails to understand. The entire unlimited creation is a manifestation of My energy; still he impudently maintains that this manifestation is false.

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“Muräri, you are my trusted servitor so I am telling you the truth: Those who do not respect My form and personality, they inevitably perish. Lord Brahmä, Lord Çiva, Lord Ananta and all the demigods serve the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord as their very dearest object. The mere touch of the Lord’s body can cleanse one of all contamination and yet these shameless rascals deny the Lord’s form.

“Truly, I declare to you that I, the Supreme Lord, My dear servitors and their servants are all manifestations of the Absolute Truth. My transcendental abode and activities are the absolute reality. Anyone denying Their existence and veracity verily inflicts countless wounds upon My body.

“Just by hearing the glories of the Supreme Lord all nescience is nullified, yet that sinful teacher of Vedänta says such glories are unreal.

“Lord Çiva becomes so intoxicated by drinking the nectarine glories of the Lord with his ears that he is unaware of the loss of his clothing. That great Personality, Ananta Çeña, himself, is forever engaged in singing the glories of the Lord.

“Çukadeva Gosvämé, Närada and other exalted personalities become maddened by the sweetness of the Lord’s glories. The four Vedas are simply explaining the esoteric nature of the Lord’s transcendental glories. So, Muräri, anyone who disregards such super excellent glories and activities of the Lord can never appreciate the real purpose behind my advent.”

Addressing Muräri Gupta in this manner, the Lord taught the entire world the cardinal truths about His Absolute nature: The Lord’s form, devotees, pastimes and abode are all the absolute reality and the unfortunate non-believers will be annihilated.

After a while, Çré Viçvambhara came out of His trance and became His usual humble self. He lovingly embraced Muräri, calling him brother, and spoke sweetly to him, “Muräri, indeed you are My pure devotee and thus you have come to perceive the transcendental nature and position of Çré Nityänanda. A person may claim to be My devotee, but if he holds

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the slightest grudge against Çré Nityänanda, then I do not favour him. Now go home Muräri, you have outright purchased Me.”

Hanumän was the only other devotee of the Lord who had received such causeless mercy as Muräri. Muräri Gupta, now fully immersed in an ocean of bliss, went home treasuring Nityänanda and Viçvambhara in the inner recesses of his heart.

Muräri was drinking nectar within and his behaviour became inconsistent. He would say one thing, but do quite something else, loudly chuckling to himself. Exuberantly, he called out to his chaste wife to bring his food and she hurriedly brought his plate.

Muräri Gupta, fully intoxicated with love of Kåñëa, mixed the rice with the ghee and called out, “Kåñëa, come eat, eat!” He took the mixed rice in his hand and picked it up as if to give to someone, but began to strew the rice all over the floor.

His chaste wife stood there watching and laughed, but kept supplying fresh rice to her husband. She knew well that her husband was a very exalted devotee of the Lord and called out Kåñëa’s name, reminding him to be careful.

Çré Caitanya, always attentive to the wishes of His devotees, accepted all the food offered to Him by Muräri, keeping His word to Muräri. The Lord then personally came to Muräri’s house early next morning. Muräri was then constantly chanting Kåñëa’s Holy Name and as soon as the Lord came, he paid his obeisances and offered the Lord a seat with great love.

After the Lord had seated Himself comfortably, Muräri inquired, “What brings the Lord here?” Çré Caitanya replied, “I have come to be treated for indigestion.”

Muräri asked, “What has caused this indigestion? What have You eaten yesterday?” The Lord said, “My dear fellow! How will you know? I have taken all that you offered me yesterday, throwing the food on the ground and saying, ‘Eat! Eat!’

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“You have forgotten, but your wife knows everything. Since you offered it to Me, how could I refuse? Now you can treat Me for eating your rice and My inability to digest it, but the fact is that I am suffering from indigestion due to eating your rice.

“I know that drinking sufficient water is a very good remedy and as I have eaten your rice and have become sick, your water is my medicine. I am going to drink your water!”

Saying this the Lord picked up Muräri’s glass and drank the water from it. The Lord expressed full satisfaction upon drinking, as if the water was the nectar of His devotee’s pure devotion.

When Muräri saw the Lord’s infinite mercy, he was so overwhelmed that he fell down unconscious. All of Muräri’s servants and relatives began to weep in divine exhilaration. Everything was so wonderful, the Lord, the ecstatic devotional feelings, and the pure devotees of the Lord. Such devotional mellows could be manifest by Lord Caitanya’s causeless mercy alone.

The mercy and blessings that Muräri Gupta’s servants received from the Lord was never seen or awarded to any of the so-called Brahmin scholars in Nadia. Material knowledge, wealth, and distinction are futile, but by becoming a servant of the servant of the Lord, one is rewarded with the greatest boon, loving devotion to the Lord.

The servants of the Vaiñëava devotees are not just anybody. The Vedic scriptures describe them as, ‘the most elevated souls’ such were the extraordinary activities of Muräri Gupta. The Lord showered His blessings on Muräri constantly. Whosoever hears these transcendental activities of the pure devotee, Muräri, will indeed experience divine love.

On another occasion, Çré Caitanya was in Çréväsa Paëòita’s house. Suddenly, the Lord manifest His real form as the Supreme Godhead, Çré Viñëu, with four arms holding the conch shell, disc, mace and lotus. He began to loudly call out, “Garuòa! Garuòa!”

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Just then, Muräri Gupta, roaring loudly, came running to Çréväsa’s house in a devotional trance. His person became surcharged with the mood of Garuòa, he said, “I am Garuòa, that great devotee!”

As the Lord called for Garuòa again, Muräri Gupta replied, “I am here my Lord, your servant.” The Lord said, “Yes, you are my carrier,” and Muräri said, “Yes, yes my Lord.”

Muräri Gupta continued, “Have you forgotten my Lord, I carried You to the heavenly abodes and brought down the Pärijäta tree. Another time, I carried You to Vana-pura where I tore to pieces Skanda’s peacock. Here again are my shoulders; I am at Your service. Kindly climb upon and order me, to which planet shall I go?”

The Lord climbed onto Muräri’s back and everyone cried out in joy. As the Lord of the Goddess of Fortune sat astride Muräri’s shoulders, Çréväsa’s house resounded with the glorification of the Lord and His devotee.

A blissful Muräri went around Çréväsa’s compound with great speed. The ladies made auspicious sounds by moving their tongues and all the devotees were lifted up onto waves of ecstatic joy.

They chanted the names of Çré Hari and some remarked, “I pray that I may never forget this scene.” Some of them clapped their hands and thighs and others laughed heartily saying, “What a wonderful Supreme Lord we have!” They all glorified the Lord, saying, “All glory to Çré Viçvambhara and His carrier Muräri!”

So many of these extraordinary pastimes were being exhibited in Navadvépa, but persons too attached to sinful activities could not see these pastimes of Çré Caitanya. The Supreme Lord is out of reach for those intoxicated with wealth, luxury, power and position.

Çré Caitanya becomes purchased only by unalloyed devotional service. Those fortunate and pious souls who had been worshiping the Lord for many births now watched all these transcendental activities as His associates and servitors.

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Moreover, those who saw these pastimes, being compassionate, then narrated them to others, but the agnostics and sinful persons could not believe these transcendental activities.

In the Madhya-khaëòa of this book, we find the narration of the Supreme Çré Viçvambhara alighting on Muräri Gupta’s shoulders. However, Muräri is an eternal servitor of the Lord and is present as the Lord’s servitor with every incarnation of the Lord. These pastimes have no beginning or end. According to the Vedas, they are manifest and again they disappear.

Çré Gaurasundara came out of His trance and climbed down from Muräri’s shoulders. Muräri also withdrew within himself the mood of Garuòa. These confidential pastimes are too esoteric to be comprehended by all.

The Vaiñëavas who were present and saw the causeless mercy received by Muräri Gupta began to praise him. Truly blessed is Muräri to participate in the Lord’s supra-mundane activities as His carrier. His devotion to the Supreme Lord has thus been crowned with success. These narrations upon Muräri’s activities are fully spiritual and without end.

One day, Muräri Gupta was considering in his pure heart the activities of the different incarnations of the Supreme Lord. He thought, “I cannot understand the activities of the Lord, why He does certain things. Sometimes He is protecting and at the same time, He is annihilating.

“As long as the Lord is present with His associates and servitors, I had better think of a way for my own redress. For example, the Lord destroyed Rävaëa and his entire dynasty and brought back His wife Sétädevé, but then later, He rejected her. What logic can rule such an action?

“Then in another incarnation, He saw the Yadu dynasty, who were His very dear friends and relatives, being destroyed, but He just let it

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happen. Therefore, now, as the Lord is still present, I must prepare to leave my body. The time is ripe, the Lord is still here.”

Influenced by such whimsical thoughts, Muräri bought a very sharp coconut shell cutting-blade and hid it in his house, telling himself, “Tonight, I will get rid of this body with pleasure.”

In the meantime, Çré Viçvambhara, who is the Supersoul residing in everyone’s heart, came to know about Muräri Gupta’s desire. He came immediately to Muräri’s house. Muräri welcomed the Lord with great reverence, praying at His lotus feet and offered Him a seat. The Lord sat and spoke at length about the transcendental activities of Çré Kåñëa. Muräri Gupta was pleased beyond words.

The Lord said, “Muräri, will you fulfil a request of Mine?” Gupta replied, “Lord, this body and soul belongs to you.” The Lord asked, “Is that really true?” Muräri replied, “Indeed, my Lord.”

The Lord then whispered into his ears, “Give Me that saw which you have bought to end your life and have hidden inside your house, bring it to me.”

Muräri interjected in sheer dejection, “Alas! Alas! Who could have told you such a lie?” The Lord said, “Muräri, I see that you are very naive, you are saying that someone else has informed Me about this. I know everything, I know who has made this saw and even where it is hidden now.”

Nothing is unknown to the omniscient Supreme Lord; He went inside the house and brought out the blade. The Lord said, “Muräri, just note how you are behaving with Me! What is my fault that you want to leave Me and go away? If you should go, then who will be a partner in My pastimes? From where did you pick up the ideas that you have now? I therefore beg of you this: You must promise never to pursue such whims and ideas.”

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Lord Caitanya embraced Muräri and taking Muräri’s hand placed it upon His own head, and said, “It is better that you finish My head, than again desire to leave your body.”

Hastily Muräri threw himself to the ground and with tears of love, he washed the Lord’s lotus feet. Muräri held on tightly the Lord’s feet, but the Lord picked him up and taking him in His embrace, He wept in love for His pure devotee.

It is impossible to calculate the extent of the mercy that Muräri received from the Lord, even Lakñmé Devé, Lord Brahmä, Lord Ananta, Lord Çiva and others are craving for such.

These demigods are non-different from the Supreme Lord Caitanya, the Vedas are clear about this absolute oneness. Indeed, Lord Caitanya expands Himself and becomes Çré Ananta Çeña to support this entire material nature. He again expands Himself as Lord Brahmä to create this universe.

Another of His expansions, Lord Çiva, does the work of annihilating this cosmic manifestation. As Çré Çeña, He glorifies His own unlimited pastimes. All these demigods are the manifestations of the Lord’s potency and hence are non-different from Him. They are all serving Lord Caitanya’s lotus feet.

The potency of Çré Caitanya’s name is unlimited. If even a bird chants His Holy Name then that bird goes directly to the highest spiritual abode, that of Çré Caitanya. Whereas, if a sannyäsé, though having taken a vow of celibacy and renunciation, does not accept Çré Caitanya then he will be born in total ignorance, birth after birth. Such kind of sannyäsé is factually a dacoit in a renunciate’s garb, for his activities are of a degraded nature. The Vedas define him as ‘malicious’. The scriptures condemn such a malicious mentality.

In the Padma Puräëa it is stated: “An easily identifiable and shameless sinner is in many respects better, because only he alone slides down to depths of depravity, whereas a sinful man posing as a saint is far worse,

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because he drags himself as well as all his followers down to the darkest hell.”

Again, “Dacoits capture their victims in lonely spots and loot them by threatening them with weapons and other forms of trickery, but the hypocritical holy man uses sweet words, plucking at the sentiments of people. This confuses the people, who are then gradually usurped of their wealth.”

The Çrémad Bhägavatam 12.3.38. states: “In Kali-yuga, uncultured men will accept charity on behalf of the Lord and will earn their livelihood by making a show of austerity and by wearing a mendicant’s dress. Those who are ill-versed in the scriptures and spiritual knowledge will sit upon t h e vyäsäsana and presume to speak on religious principles to the people.”

The people eagerly hear spiritual instructions from a man judging him merely by his appearance. Unknowingly, they hear from the impostor offensive words directed against real saintly persons and due to this offence, they plunge into hell.

The Vedas clearly describe that if one hears criticism of a Vaiñëava devotee of the Lord, then he loses all his accumulated piety and is cast into abominable conditions of life, birth after birth.

The dacoit suffers but one lifetime of hell, whereas the Vaiñëava offender goes through endless miseries. Thus, the dacoit is far better than one who is offensive to Vaiñëavas and thereby to Çré Viñëu Himself.

Everyone, from the highest to the lowest of the living entities, is a manifestation of Çré Kåñëa’s energy. Hence, Kåñëa cannot tolerate violence or offence perpetrated against anyone. In addition, if anyone offenselessly chants Kåñëa’s name then Kåñëa will certainly very soon liberate him from material bondage.

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If a person is well versed in all the four Vedas, but still maintains an offensive attitude towards the Vaiñëavas, then he is eternally doomed to the worst kind of hell.

A person may study and teach the Çrémad Bhägavatam for the purpose of sense gratification. In this way, his intelligence is destroyed and becoming misguided, he commits offences at the holy feet of Çré Nityänanda. Thus, he brings about a great disaster for himself.

Çré Caitanya mercifully revealed His transcendental pastimes in Navadvépa, yet the offenders are insufficiently fortunate to understand or believe in them.

As for those who are attracted to the lotus feet of Çré Caitanya, their association is intensely desirable. Equally undesirable is the company of those yogis, masters of all the eight mystic perfections, if they are averse to surrender at Çré Caitanya’s lotus feet.

Lord Caitanya finally pacified and satisfied Muräri Gupta and being thus pleased went home.

In this way, Muräri Gupta was relishing the Lord’s association and pastimes. Muräri Gupta’s experiences and good fortune were so wonderful that I am still now unable to fully describe them. It is by Çré Nityänanda’s mercy alone that I have heard and realized a little about the glories of such a Vaiñëava as Muräri Gupta.

May Çré Nityänanda be my eternal master; it is by His grace that I am able to develop attachment for Çré Caitanya.

All glory to Çré Caitanya, the son of Jagannätha Miçra! May your beloved Nityänanda be enthroned as the crest jewel of my heart.

My greatest meditation is that Çré Viçvambhara is the most precious to my beloved Nityänanda Prabhu.

Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda Prabhu are my life and soul. I, Våndävana das, humbly offer this song at Their lotus feet.

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21. Mahäprabhu Chastises Devänanda Paëòita

All glory to Çré Viçvambhara, the life of Nityänanda, the master of Gadädhara Paëòita and the Lord of Advaita Äcärya! He is the most charming object of Çréväsa and Haridäsa Öhäkura’s love and the revered Lord of Gaìgädäsa Paëòita and Çré Väsudeva Datta.

May the Lord be glorified along with all His eternal servitors and associates! One can easily attain pure devotion by properly hearing the wonderful pastimes of Lord Caitanya.

The residents of Navadvépa saw their Viçvambhara performing His infinite pastimes with Gadädhara Paëòita, Nityänanda Prabhu and others.

One day, the Lord was out walking with His associates. He decided to visit Viçärada Maheçvara, who lived near the dam on the Gaìgä. Right next to this place was the residence of Devänanda Paëòita, an equipoised brähmaëa scholar, who was aspiring after liberation. He was learned, renounced, and from his birth unattached to material life. He was also a teacher of Çrémad Bhägavatam, but unfortunately devoid of any devotional fervour.

People praised him as being well versed in the Çrémad Bhägavatam, but factually, he was not acquainted with the real essence of the Bhägavatam. Within his heart, the latent devotional feelings for the Lord had not stirred. He still had not attained the eligibility to perceive the transcendental truth of the Bhägavatam. Despite his study of the Bhägavatam, he was not situated in devotional service. Only Kåñëa knows what offences had caused such a mishap.

By some unknown coincidence, the Lord with His associates was passing by Devänanda’s house while Devänanda was lecturing upon the Çrémad Bhägavatam. Çré Viçvambhara, the Supersoul in everyone’s heart and the Absolute omniscient Supreme Lord, overheard his explanations, which

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were devoid of reference to the process of devotional service. Enraged by this the Lord said, “What does this foolish man say? He is completely ignorant about the essential teachings of Çrémad Bhägavatam. What right does he have to speak upon the Bhägavatam?

“The Çrémad Bhägavatam is the literary incarnation of Çré Kåñëa and the ultimate goal of the Çrémad Bhägavatam is devotional service to the Supreme Lord. The Vedic scriptures have declared that the Bhägavatam unequivocally establishes the sublime importance of attaining a loving relationship with the Supreme.

“The four Vedas are likened to a pot of yoghurt, which, when churned, is converted to butter cream, which is the Çrémad Bhägavatam. This yoghurt was churned and served by Çréla Çukadeva Gosvämé and then relished by Parékñit Mahäräja.

“Çukadeva Gosvämé is most dear to Me and fully conversant with the esoteric truths revealed in the Çrémad Bhägavatam, which is replete with descriptions about My absolute position and nature as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

“Whosoever makes any distinction between Me, My pure devotees, and the Çrémad Bhägavatam is forever lost.”

Although the Lord spoke these words angrily, the assembled Vaiñëava devotees were greatly pleased to hear them. The Lord continued speaking, “This fool does not know anything about the Bhägavatam. He tirelessly toils explaining the Bhägavatam without mentioning devotional service. Today, I will tear his book to shreds.”

An irate Lord Viçvambhara was about to rush off and carry out His resolve when the Vaiñëavas collected around Him and dissuaded Him.

The entire range of Vedic scriptures eulogize the Çrémad Bhägavatam as the most elevated of theosophical literature; the esoteric truths contained in this great literature are unfathomable by mundane scholars and materialistic men.

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One who claims to ‘fully understand’ the Çrémad Bhägavatam completely misses the truth expounded within this book. However, one who understands that the Çrémad Bhägavatam speaks of the inconceivable Supreme Truth automatically perceives its essence, which is devotional service to the Supreme Lord.

Devänanda Paëòita was a learned scholar whose erudition was equalled by only a handful. However, the God of Death, Yamaräja, punishes all those who acknowledge such mundane scholars who have no actual understanding of the Çrémad Bhägavatam.

Even though one is a professor of the Çrémad Bhägavatam, teaching many others, one will be misled in spiritual understanding if one disrespects Çré Nityänanda, who is the ultimate shelter for the entire creation.

The Lord was fond of going about in Navadvépa accompanied by His associates. One day, He came to the outer precincts of the town and happened to pass by a drinking place. As he smelled the wine, He was reminded of väruëé, a similar intoxicating drink made from honey, which is a big favourite of Çré Balaräma.

Immediately, the Lord was overcome with the emotions of Balaräma. In a trance, He loudly boomed to Çréväsa Paëòita, “Let’s go inside!” When the Lord insisted, Çréväsa fell to His feet and begged Him not to go inside.

The Lord said, “Do I also have to be restricted by rules and regulations?” Nevertheless, Çréväsa Paëòita continued to dissuade the Lord from His decision. Çréväsa Paëòita explained, “You are the Universal Father and the perfect example, if you transgress the social laws then who will be left to uphold them?

“Those, who out of ignorance will criticize you, will certainly have to suffer lifetimes of misery. You are the emblem of eternal religious principles, who will be able to divine the pastimes You are about to display? Considering this, if You insist on going into the drinking house, then I shall drown myself in the Gaìgä.”

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The Lord never minimizes the vows of His devotees. Upon hearing Çréväsa’s words, He smiled benignly and said, “I do not want to act against your wish, I will not go inside.” Gradually, the Lord withdrew within Himself the mood of Balaram and continued upon His way.

However, when the drunkards from inside the drinking house saw Nimäi, they became excited and called out loudly after Him, “Hari! Hari!”

One of them said, “Yes! Nimäi Paëòita is a good and honourable person, I like His behaviour and especially the way He sings and dances!”

A few of them stood up swaying unsteadily and, clapping their hands, started to hop around making an attempt to dance. They tried to go out and meet Nimäi in the street. The drunks were now well worked up and at full volume sang, “Haribol! Haribol! Jai Näräyaëa!” and danced about in great joy.

The drinking place quickly became the scene of loud joyous chanting of Hari’s name; such reactions are understandable in anyone who sees the Supreme Lord Viñëu and His pure devotees, the Vaiñëavas.

The Lord was pleased by the intoxicated efforts of the drunkards in chanting the Holy Name and Çréväsa Paëòita’s heart melted with tears of happiness upon seeing the display of the Lord’s transcendental potency. The drunkards were very happy to see Çré Caitanya, but the envious people found fault and criticized the Lord.

Those offenders who become displeased when they hear the glories of the Supreme Lord will never know any joy in any birth. Therefore, I offer my obeisances to the soul who beholds the Supreme Lord with faith, even if he be a drunkard. The Lord blessed the drunks with His glance and went away.

After walking some distance, the Lord saw Devänanda Paëòita coming from the opposite direction. Upon seeing him, the Lord felt rage rising within Him. It came back to Gauracandra’s memory that sometime ago

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Devänanda Paëòita had committed a grievous offence against Çréväsa Paëòita.

At the time when this incident had taken place, Viçvambhara had not yet revealed His saìkértana pastimes. The world was then too engrossed in materialistic pursuits to cultivate the eternal loving relationship with the Supreme Lord and, seeing this, all the devotees of the Lord felt despondent.

Some scholars were lecturing on the Çrémad Bhägavatam and the Bhagavad-gétä, but neither the lecturers nor the audience accepted nor even perceived the devotional essence of these texts. Devänanda Paëòita was also lecturing on the Bhägavatam in those days. People respected him, as he was very erudite and gentle. He lectured continuously on the Bhägavatam and maintained strict celibacy vows like a sannyäsé.

One day, while Devänanda was lecturing on the Bhägavatam to a group of students, Çréväsa Paëòita, thirsting to hear the transcendental sound of the Bhägavatam, came and sat in the audience.

All the syllables of the Bhägavatam are steeped in the nectar of love of Kåñëa. When they entered Çréväsa Paëòita’s ears, his heart melted in loving ecstasy and he began to cry, sighing deeply.

The students around him were mundane, agnostic logicians, who felt disturbed by Çréväsa Paëòita, and they said, “This man is creating a nuisance, we cannot study in this atmosphere, this is a waste of time for us.”

Çréväsa Paëòita is very dear to Gauracandra and a highly elevated Vaiñëava who can deliver the entire world. He was unaware of the others’ comments and unchecked tears streamed out in ecstatic love.

The students then plotted amongst themselves and dragged Çréväsa Paëòita out of the house, but Devänanda Paëòita did not utter a word in protest. When the teacher is bereft of devotional understanding, his students are expected to be the same.

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When Çréväsa Paëòita came out of his ecstatic trance, he returned home, his feelings deeply hurt. The Supersoul, Çré Viçvambhara, in everyone’s heart, took note of every thought and deed of everyone.

Now as Lord Viçvambhara saw Devänanda Paëòita approaching the entire episode raced through His mind. The Lord accosted him with angry words, “You there! Devänanda! I hear you give discourses to many on the Çrémad Bhägavatam.

“One day, one devotee by the name of Çréväsa Paëòita went to listen to your lecture, but while he was engrossed in the pastimes of Kåñëa, your students dragged him outside the premises. What was his offence?

“Should one who is moved to spiritual emotions and cries upon hearing the Bhägavatam, appreciating the mellows of loving relationship with Kåñëa, be dragged out and treated with such contempt? In such an offensive manner, you and your agnostic students maltreated this great devotee, who is so eagerly sought after by Gaìgä devé herself.

“You may be a teacher of the Bhägavatam, but you do not possess even an iota of the piety required to understand the real purport of the Çrémad Bhägavatam. When a person has eaten to his full satisfaction only then does he feel amicably disposed to the world around him. As for you, although you teach others about the Bhägavatam you yourself cannot relish its divine nectar, which can give one unlimited pleasure.”

Devänanda Paëòita, who was indeed a learned brähmaëa, heard every word feeling very ashamed, but did not speak. Çré Viçvambhara finished His chastisement and left. Devänanda Paëòita also left for his home feeling broken and dejected.

Although the Lord chastised Devänanda, still he is a very fortunate soul because to be chastised by Çré Caitanya is a rare blessing. Even those demons that are killed by the Lord attain the spiritual world.

One who faithfully and sincerely accepts the Lord’s chastisement is soon blessed with pure devotional service unto Him, while others who do not care for the Lord’s wrath will perish to eternal damnation.

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Çré Kåñëa manifests Himself in four special forms, as the Çrémad Bhägavatam, Tulasé, Gaìgä, and the pure Bhägavata devotee. Kåñëa is directly perceived in them in His original form, thus they do not require any installation. However, the Deity form of the Lord in the temple has to be first installed with mantras requesting the Lord to accept that form, only then do the deities become worshipable by the recommended rituals. The Vedas are clear on this point.

The pastimes of Çré Caitanya are causeless, without beginning or end. Somehow or other, I am trying to put them in some orderly sequence. I offer my obeisances to the feet of all the devotees of Lord Caitanya so that my offences may be forgiven.

All these pastimes of the Lord, as they manifest in the pages of the Madhya-khaëòa, are showers of nectar that can sweeten the bitterness of agnosticism within the heart.

May Çré Nityänanda, who is so dear to Lord Caitanya, never take away the shelter of His lotus feet.

Lord Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Lord Nityänanda are my life and soul. I, Våndävana däsa, humbly offer this song at Their lotus feet.

22. The Wonderful Qualities of Çré Nityänanda

All glory to Çré Gauracandra who is an ocean of mercy; He is the beautiful son of Mother Çacé and Çré Jagannätha Miçra! He is known as Çré Kåñëa Caitanya, He has rained down showers of benediction upon the living entities by distributing the Holy Name of ‘Kåñëa’.

Navadvépa witnessed the infinite transcendental pastimes of the Lord as He manifested them along with His associates, Nityänanda Prabhu, Gadädhara Paëòita and others. The Lord returned home after chastising

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Devänanda Paëòita, who also returned home in a state of acute mental agony.

The cause of all his suffering was his close association with the mundane students and scholars. Although many considered Devänanda saintly, he had had to flee from Çré Caitanya’s presence, he was not pure enough to remain in the Lord’s presence.

The Supreme Lord, Çré Viçvambhara, is attained only through the grace of saintly Vaiñëavas. One may chant the Lord’s name and perform austerities, but if such activities lack devotion, they are useless.

In the eyes of the public, such a person may appear to be attracting the Lord’s mercy by apparently performing some devotional activities, but factually, he is deprived of any actual spiritual ecstasy. These are not my words, I simply repeat what the Vedas declare, and Çré Caitanya Himself has given this verdict.

Mother Çacé, in whose womb the Supreme Lord, Gauracandra, appeared, was guilty of some offence committed previously against a saintly Vaiñëava. The Lord personally exonerated His mother from this offence and instructed her in the science of loving devotional service to the Lord.

Dear readers listen attentively to this wonderful narration and this will alleviate you from the sin of vaiñëava-aparädha.

One day, Lord Caitanya sat on the throne of the deities. He picked up the çälagrama-çéla forms of the Lord, placed them upon His lap and manifested His supreme absolute form. He said, “I am the Supreme Lord Näräyaëa, Çré Kåñëa, who in Kali-yuga appears in the form of the Holy Name.

“I bridged the ocean in My incarnation as Çré Rämacandra. I was resting on the Milk Ocean, upon My bed of Ananta Çeña, when the roaring sounds of Advaita Äcärya, Näòä, calling Me down to earth, awakened Me. The reason for My advent in this incarnation is to freely distribute kåñëa-prema. O Näòä and Çréväsa, ask all you can, I am here to give.”

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When Nityänanda saw this manifestation of the Lord, He immediately held an opened umbrella above Çré Caitanya’s head. Gadädhara Paëòita was busy preparing betel for the Lord and the others began to whisk yak-tail cämaras around the Lord.

The Lord dispensed His causeless mercy to everyone and the devotees received it, each according to his heart’s desire. Each devotee had a different basis for begging favour from the Lord.

Someone said, “My father is mischievous, if he can be rectified it will be a great relief to me.” Some wanted blessings for their guru, or disciples, or son, or wife.

Çré Viçvambhara, who never disregards the sincere prayers of His devotees, fulfilled each of their desires with kåñëa-prema, smiling benignly upon them.

The exalted personality, Çréväsa Paëòita, then said, “My Lord, we greatly desire that you bless Çacémätä with kåñëa-prema.” The Lord replied, “Please do not make such a request, I cannot comply with it. She has committed an offence against a Vaiñëava devotee, therefore she is deprived of love of Kåñëa.”

Again, Çréväsa Paëòita said, “Such words steal away our very life air, my Lord. She has borne You in her womb—You, who are the Supreme Lord. I cannot fathom why she is refused Your favour. She is our very life and soul, the Universal Mother.

“O Lord, please discard Your deception and be merciful to her. You, my Lord, are her son and she is the mother of the entire existence. How can a son consider his mother’s action as offensive? If she committed a mistake against a Vaiñëava, then absolve it and favour her.”

The Lord replied, “I can instruct her properly, but I am unable to pardon her from vaiñëava-aparädha. She has to be forgiven by that person alone to whom she was offensive; no one else can do that. You know well how Durväsä Muni was only forgiven for his offences by King Ambaréña, to whom he had been offensive.

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“She has committed an offence against Näòä, Advaita, therefore he alone can forgive her, if he so desires, and thereby make her the recipient of the Lord’s sweet mercy. I can assure you that she will receive love of Kåñëa the very moment she takes the dust from Advaita Äcärya’s lotus feet and smears it upon her head.”

Immediately, the devotees accompanied Mother Çacé to meet Advaita Äcärya, and explained everything to Him. When Advaita Äcärya heard them, he remembered Çré Viñëu to avoid disaster and retorted to them, “Do you want to smash my head open! She is the mother of my Lord and master! Therefore, she is my mother as well! It is her feet dust, which must decorate my head. She is not an ordinary person; I cannot even fathom her position. She is the embodiment of devotional service, the Universal Mother.

“How could you bring yourselves to say these words? If anyone takes her name, even for some material reasons, then he is relieved of all suffering. Mother Çacé, Ai, is non-different from Gaìgä devé, she is the same personality as Mother Yaçodä and Mother Devaké.”

As Advaita was delineating the truth about Mother Çacé, he fell unconscious to the ground in great spiritual ecstasy. Realizing that the opportune moment had arrived, Mother Çacé quickly came from the inner quarters and taking the dust from Advaita Äcärya’s feet, she placed it upon her head.

Mother Çacé, a very exalted Vaiñëava devotee, endowed with perfect devotion, also fell down unconscious, feeling divine bliss as she placed Advaita’s feet dust upon her head. All the devotees exclaimed joyously at being able to see this sublime spiritual reciprocation between such exalted personalities.

The Lord watched the entire happening from His throne and was satisfied with His mother. He said, “Now that you are rid of your offences to Advaita Äcärya, you are blessed with kåñëa-prema.” The devotees responded jubilantly to the Lord’s words.

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Thus, the Supreme Lord acted as the supreme instructing spiritual master and warned everyone to avoid vaiñëava-aparädha. He used His own mother as a vehicle to teach others.

According to the scriptures, even the most powerful person is destroyed by vaiñëava-aparädha. Thereby, if one disregards the instructions of the scriptures and commits vaiñëava-aparädha, he has to suffer the hellish life of a sinner, life after life. What to speak of others, even the most powerful Çré Caitanya’s own mother was taken to task for committing vaiñëava-aparädha.

If one really analyses what was actually Çacédevé’s vaiñëava-aparädha, then she will be found innocent, yet the Lord found her guilty. Why do people call Him ‘Advaita’ which means non-dual? What prompted Mother Çacé to call Him ‘Dvaita’, dual? The proper understanding of this entire episode includes the transcendental pastimes of Çré Viçvarüpa.

Viçvarüpa was a very elevated personality—He was the Lord’s elder brother. He possessed unsurpassed handsome good looks and was radiant and powerful. Well versed in all branches of philosophy and scriptures, He was gentle and composed. He is non-different from Lord Nityänanda. No one could fathom His analysis and explanations of the scriptures, and yet He was playing the role of a child with other children.

One day, Çré Jagannätha Miçra was invited to an assembly of brähmaëa paëòétas and with him he took his son Viçvarüpa. All those attending were gray with erudition and tricky logic. They were stunned to see this young, beautiful and attractive child. His effulgent personality seemed to have stolen their gravity and cynicism.

One of the paëòitas approached Him, asking, “How far have you studied young lad?” Viçvarüpa replied, “A little of everything.” The others did not mind his slightly insolent reply, but His father was embarrassed by it.

As they were returning home from the assembly, Çré Jagannätha Miçra slapped his son. Reprimanding Him, he said, “Why did you not say clearly the names of the books you are studying, instead of talking in

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circles. You certainly made a fool of yourself in that learned assembly and also spoilt my reputation.” They returned home, but Jagannätha Miçra was still in a fit of rage.

Viçvarüpa decided to go back to that assembly. He went alone and said to the Brahmins, “None of you asked Me any questions when I replied to your question. My father was very angry at My reply and your subsequent silence. So now, kindly ask Me any question so that I may back up My response to your enquiry.”

The scholars laughed condescendingly at what they considered mere precocity. One of them said, “Okay young lad! What did you study today?” Viçvarüpa explained to them a few aphorisms from logic and they appreciated and understood His presentation.

They then said, “You have explained the aphorisms well.” Viçvarüpa replied, “My explanations are a ploy. You have not understood anything.”

Then, to the utter amazement of the scholars, he refuted all the logical conclusions just established. He did this twice, each time presenting new conclusions and then again refuting them.

In a dazed state, the scholars acquiesced, saying, “Yes, yes, You are most intelligent.” However, they were unable to know the truth about Him and His words by the influence of the Lord’s illusory potency.

Although Viçvarüpa was moving about in their midst, they were entirely ignorant about Him. The entire society was so drunk with material activities that they were incapable of glorifying and appreciating a Vaiñëava’s transcendental status.

They were ready to spend handsomely for mundane functions like their son’s birthday or marriage, but no one would raise a finger to worship Kåñëa or follow a Kåñëa-centred life.

All the scholars and teachers prided themselves in their ability to argue based on logic and sophistry, but not one of them endeavoured to cultivate Kåñëa consciousness or devotion to Kåñëa. If a few amongst

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them taught the Bhagavad-Gétä, then instead of explaining its true essence, devotion to Kåñëa, they spent time in dry speculations.

Viçvarüpa went from one assembly to another, one school to another, but nowhere was devotion to Kåñëa ever discussed. This threw Him into the depths of despondency.

Advaita Äcärya was then lecturing on the book, Yoga-väçiñöha. Though the book presents the impersonal philosophy, Advaita Äcärya explained everything in the light of devotional service to Kåñëa. Who could actually comprehend Advaita’s dissertation? Hence, he was accepted as the foremost amongst the Vaiñëavas. For Viçvarüpa, only Advaita Äcärya’s association gave Him the sublime satisfaction.

Therefore, Viçvarüpa spent as much time as He could with Advaita. Advaita enjoyed Viçvarüpa’s company and exchanged devotional mellows with Him.

Viçvambhara was then a beautiful young boy, sprightly and radiant. One day, Mother Çacé sent Him to call Viçvarüpa, saying, “Go run and call Your brother to come immediately.”

Viçvambhara ran swiftly to Advaita Äcärya’s house. There He found many exalted devotees, including Çréväsa Paëòita, sitting around Advaita Äcärya.

Smiling sweetly, Viçvambhara said, “O brother, please come quickly and take Your lunch.” The little boy Viçvambhara was so attractive that everyone was bewitched by His extraordinarily good looks. They forgot everything and drank in His beauty with their eyes. Everyday onwards, the little Viçvambhara would arrive at the house on the pretext of calling His elder brother.

Advaita Äcärya, seeing the boy, began to consider in his heart, “This beautiful lad steals my heart away. This must be the Lord of my heart who bewilders my mind with His exquisite beauty, no one else could do this to me.”

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Çré Viçvambhara is the Supersoul within everyone’s heart, so, having understood Advaita’s mind, He quickly left.

Viçvarüpa began to spend more and more time in company of Advaita Äcärya, relishing these transcendental moments with him completely free from all material encumbrances.

Detailed narrations of Viçvarüpa’s unlimited pastimes are mentioned earlier in the Ädi-khaëòa of this book. By the will of providence, Viçvarüpa soon left home and took up the sannyäsa mendicant order, His name becoming Çaìkaräraëya. When Viçvarüpa embraced the renounced order, this left an indelible mark of acute separation in Çacédevé’s tender and vulnerable heart.

When the throbbing pain of the first days of Viçvarüpa’s departure had waned to a dull despondent ache, Mother Çacé calmly considered the following thoughts, “Advaita Äcärya, due to my son’s close association with him, must have influenced Viçvarüpa to take up the renounced order.”

Mother Çacé never spoke these thoughts aloud, careful not to commit vaiñëava-aparädha, she silently suffered her fate. Then gradually, she started finding solace in little Viçvambhara. He seemed to understand His mother’s grief and did much to give her joy, slowly filling up the emptiness Viçvarüpa had left behind.

Then, after sometime had passed and Viçvambhara had grown up to a young man, He also started to spend more time in Advaita Äcärya’s company. Viçvambhara stayed little time at home with His young and patient Lakñmépriyä, but was for long hours in Advaita’s house.

The sad realization dawned on Mother Çacé that her son was hardly in the house and often to be seen in Advaita’s house. She began to think, “Advaita Äcärya will also take this son away from me.”

So out of desperation and anguish, Mother Çacé burst out, exclaiming, “To the world he may be known as ‘Advaita’, non-dual, but to me he is ‘Dvaita’, full of duplicity. He has already driven out my moonlike

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effulgent first son and now he will not leave this younger one in peace. I am a destitute mother, yet no one has any pity for me. This Advaita has deceived me.”

This is all that Mother Çacé had said. It is supposed to be so offensive that the Lord deemed her unfit to render devotional service to the Supreme Lord.

Some persons make the grave blunder, for which they will soon suffer, of trying to compare Vaiñëavas, calling one a bigger Vaiñëava than the other. Çré Caitanya made His own mother instrumental in teaching the whole world how to avoid and become free from vaiñëava-aparädha. If someone does not pay close heed to Çré Caitanya’s warnings and teachings on such vaiñëava-aparädha, then he will remain completely ignorant about this offence and thus suffer the terrible consequences.

In this context, a few words can be said of why Lord Caitanya revealed this pastime. Lord Caitanya, the Supreme Lord, is the knower of past, present and future. He foresaw that some evil-minded persons would try to exploit this situation to their own selfish advantage.

They will wrongly proclaim Advaita Äcärya to be the Supreme Lord Kåñëa, thus violating the instructions of the pure Vaiñëavas and thereby committing a grievous offence. These miscreants will protest against those who will rightly declare that Advaita is a ‘pure Vaiñëava devotee’. Although they may claim to be the followers of Advaita Äcärya, still no one will rescue them from the jaws of imminent destruction, not even Advaita Äcärya himself.

Çré Caitanya saw this happening soon in the future, so He punished His own mother in the presence of exalted Vaiñëavas like Advaita Äcärya. If the disciple commits vaiñëava-aparädha, even the spiritual master cannot protect his disciple against the wrath of the Lord.

Furthermore, even the guru is hard pressed to protect himself from the reactions of vaiñëava-aparädha committed by his disciples. If the guru is in a very elevated stage of devotion, then he can protect himself alone

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and not his disciple, but if he is not so elevated, then along with the disciple, he sinks down into hell.

Therefore, those who try to glorify Advaita Äcärya as the Supreme Lord instead of respecting him as an exalted Vaiñëava, in fact, end up criticizing him and dishonouring him. What greater glorification embellishes one than to be known as the associate of the Supreme Lord, Çré Caitanya?

Çré Caitanya has of course declared clearly that Çré Nityänanda is the Supreme Lord Himself. Moreover, one can only know the Supreme Absolute position of Çré Caitanya by the mercy Çré Nityänanda.

Only by Çré Nityänanda’s mercy, can one recognize a true Vaiñëava and understand his transcendental position. Without Nityänanda’s sweet grace, there is no way one may be delivered from the punishment of vaiñëava-aparädha. By His mercy alone, one may develop the mood of loving devotion to the Supreme Lord.

The true followers of Çré Nityänanda are free from faultfinding. They engage their full time in blissfully glorifying Çré Caitanya and they are always careful to avoid all the pitfalls in devotional life. Thus, Çré Caitanya is their very life and soul.

No ordinary person with little piety can become a devotee of Nityänanda, because to such a devotee of Nityänanda is revealed the supra-mundane activities of Çré Caitanya.

One who reads or hears this transcendental narration about Viçvarüpa becomes the servant of Çré Ananta Çeña and very dear to Çré Nityänanda.

Nityänanda and Viçvarüpa are one and the same personality. Mother Çacé is well aware of this esoteric truth. Others who are fixed in mature Kåñëa consciousness also know this truth.

All glory to Çré Nityänanda, who is always taking shelter of Çré Gauracandra! You are the stalwart preacher of congregational chanting

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from Gauòa. Who can take shelter of Lord Caitanya without first receiving Your grace?

If anyone falls from the favour and association of Lord Nityänanda then he can never ever experience actual bliss.

Will that day ever be mine when I shall see Çré Nityänanda and Çré Caitanya together with all Their associates?

My greatest source of strength and security is that Çré Caitanya is the Lord of my dear Çré Nityänanda.

I pray at the lotus feet of Advaita Äcärya Prabhu that may my natural attraction flow spontaneously to His lotus feet and to the feet of all His servitors.

Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda are my life and soul. I, Våndävana däsa, offer this humble song at Their lotus feet.

23. Çré Caitanya Visits the Kazi with His Saìkértana Party

All glory to Çré Caitanya who is an ocean of all transcendental excellences! All glory to Him who is known as Viçvambhara, who is the lawgiver of the entire material creation!

You are very dear to Çré Nityänanda and the crest jewel of the brahminical race. All glory to Your dearmost devotees.

Çré Viçvambhara continued His transcendental activities in Navadvépa, but not all could see them. As Çré Viçvambhara, the Supreme Hero, having descended from Vaikuëöha, went about revealing His pastimes, the sublime joy of the devotees also increased.

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Viçvambhara was accompanied everywhere by His dearmost associate and brother, Nityänanda, and they, together with all the devotees, ecstatically relished the transcendental mellows. 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, but with only His devotees—the non-devotees were disallowed in these kértanas. No one could fathom the Lord’s potencies or activities. The envious persons, not being welcome to these kértanas, went around spreading bad rumours.

Someone said, “Who can be a real Vaiñëava in Kali-yuga? 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 a pond, then we might enjoy peace and quiet.”

Yet another said, “Know one thing for certain, friends: This Nimäi Paëòita will ruin this village.”

These miscreants tried various means to enter the kértana hall while the kértana was in progress. They even reverted to threatening the devotees, but because their hearts were devoid of any piety, they could not influence the devotees and so could not participate in the kértanas.

Çré Caitanya performed these nocturnal kértanas, and thus purified the entire material existence. Many townsfolk desired very much to see these kértanas and lamented bitterly upon their exclusion, ascribing the reason 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 kértana hall. Nevertheless, the devotees knew that the Lord is the Omniscient Supersoul and that He would immediately detect an unauthorized person’s presence, so out of fear of inviting the Lord’s wrath, the devotees refused to take anyone inside.

Once a brahmacäri, a celibate student, who was very peaceful, honest and faultless, practicing penances and living only on milk and fruits,

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wanted to see the kértanas of the Lord. However, the Lord would personally shut the doors so that the non-devotees could not enter. This brahmacäri would visit Çréväsa Paëòita everyday and repeatedly request him to be allowed for the kértana. He would say, “If you kindly take me inside your house during the kértana then I can feast my eyes on the paëòétas chanting and dancing. I will be ever grateful to you for this.”

Finally, one day, Çréväsa Paëòita replied, “I know you to be a good person, who spends a sinless life eating only fruits and milk, maintaining strict celibacy. I think you are eligible to see the Lord’s kértana and dancing, but you will have to remain hidden inside the house since the Lord’s orders are that no one is to be allowed within.”

Çréväsa then secretly brought the brahmacäri inside, who soon carefully concealed himself.

The kértana started and the Lord of the fourteen worlds, Viçvambhara began to dance. Lord Nityänanda and Gadädhara Paëòita danced around the Lord, while Advaita went dancing hither and thither, floating on waves of joy.

Everyone was drowned in the ocean of ecstasy, becoming oblivious of the external world, as the Lord of Vaikuëöha, lost within Himself, danced to His devotees singing. The only sound to be heard was the names of the Lord and that same Lord now manifested all the ecstatic symptoms in unlimited waves of nectar.

The omniscient Supreme Lord Viçvambhara was fully aware of the presence of the brahmacäri even though he had concealed himself. After a short while, the Lord commented, “Today, I do not feel the usual ecstasy while dancing can any of you explain this? Maybe someone is hiding inside the house, please tell me the truth.”

Çréväsa Paëòita became very afraid, he said, “My Lord, I assure you there are no atheists or non-believers in the house, only a brahmacäri, a fully qualified brähmaëa who is sinless and drinks only milk and eats only fruits. He had a strong desire to see You dancing. You were completely right my Lord, he is here in hiding”

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This information enraged the Lord, who said, “Right now, this very moment, take him out of this house. What spiritual sädhana does he possess that enables him to see My dancing. How can he develop devotion to Me simply by drinking milk.” The Lord dramatically raised His arms and pointing His finger to make a point, 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, I then accept him.

“A person maybe a sannyäsé, a renunciate without any worldly attachments, but if he does not surrender to Me then I do not favour him. Tell me, how did Gajendra, the elephant; or Hanumän, the monkey; or the gopés, 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 brahmacäri was by now trembling with fear. He came out of hiding thinking, “It has been my great fortune to see what I have seen, but I have also received the commensurate punishment for my misdeed. However, what wonderful dancing and singing I have glimpsed!”

A devotee thinks and feels this way, being the Lord’s servitor he is always willing to accept all chastisement from the Lord. The brahmacäri started to walk out of the house with these thoughts in his mind, which were, of course, already known to the Lord.

The most merciful Lord then had the brahmacäri brought back to the house. He placed His lotus feet upon his head and blessed him, saying, “Do not try to gain power by performing austerities and penances. Render loving devotional service to the Supreme Lord Viñëu, Kåñëa, for this is the highest of all activities.”

Thinking constantly about the Lord’s causeless mercy upon him, the brahmacäri began to weep in joy. The devotees became jubilant and offered their obeisances to the Lord, who then resumed His ecstatic dancing.

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One who hears this wonderful narration will certainly unite with Lord Caitanya in devotional service. I offer my prostrated obeisances at the feet of the brahmacäri who displayed such wonderful devotional understanding in accepting the Lord’s chastisement.

Time passed and the Lord continued His nocturnal kértana sessions with His intimate devotees, barring everyone else to enter the premises. The pious population of Navadvépa felt pained at being disallowed during these kértana pastimes of the Lord and they blamed the atheists and miscreants.

They complained, “On account of these fault-finding non-devotees, we cannot see the wonderful kértanas, which are like grand celebrations every evening. The fault-finders only know one activity, and that is to criticize others. As a result, we are being deprived of seeing the extraordinary kértana pastimes of the Lord. Nimäi Paëòita has thus shut the doors to keep out these mischief mongers, but unfortunately, even the good people are now kept from coming.

“Everyone knows that Nimäi Paëòita is a very exalted devotee of Kåñëa, His heart is pure and faultless. If we have full faith and devotion in Him, then eventually we will indeed see His kértana and dancing.

One of the pious souls commented, “Let us just go, sit there, and pray that one day we may feast our eyes upon Nimäi’s dancing. Nimäi Paëòita has appeared in Navadvépa to deliver the entire universe. I tell you that He will propagate the congregational chanting of the holy name of Kåñëa in every house, in every town.”

In this way, all the pious folks increased their good fortune, whereas the impious ones simply multiplied their sufferings by their criticism of the Lord.

With the approach of dawn, all the devotees went to meet Nimäi Paëòita. Everyone brought some gifts for the Lord; new items, bananas, fruits, yoghurt, clarified butter, and flower garlands etc. As soon as they saw the Lord, they fell to the ground in prostrated obeisances. The Lord

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blessed them saying, “May you be blessed by developing love for Kåñëa. Do not waste time with gossip, just chant Kåñëa’s holy name.”

The Lord then instructed them on the holy name, “Now hear from Me the Mahä-mantra:

“ ‘Hare Kåñëa, Hare Kåñëa, Kåñëa Kåñëa, Hare Hare, Hare Räma, Hare Räma, Räma Räma, Hare Hare.’

“Go and repeatedly chant this mantra a prescribed number of times.

“One can achieve all perfection by this chanting so always repeat these names for this chanting is not restricted by any rules. Five or ten of you can sit together in your house and chant or sing this mantra accompanied by the clapping of hands or cymbals.

“When you are singing together, then also sing this: ‘haraye namaù, kåñëa yädaväya namaù/

gopäla govinda räma çré-madhusüdana.’ This congregational chanting should be joined by everyone—father, brother, wife, son, and daughter.”

Having directly received the mantra and the instructions to chant from the Lord, the devotees went happily back to their homes after once again offering their obeisances to the Lord.

They strictly followed the Lord’s instructions and all the time chanted Kåñëa’s name, meditating on the Lord’s lotus feet. At the end of the day, they all assembled in their houses and loudly sang the Holy Names, gaily clapping their hands and cymbals in rhythm.

In this manner, Çré Caitanya began inspiring everyone to take up the congregational chanting of the holy name. Encouraging their devotional zeal, He went about embracing the devotees and placing His own garlands around them. In a most humble manner, He went about requesting all, “My dear brothers! Please serve Kåñëa!”

Seeing the Lord in this mood, an emblem of humility, the devotees became surcharged with spiritual sentiments and began to weep and

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intensify their chanting. The whole town now became involved in congregational chanting. The devotees brought out their drums, conchshells, and cymbals that previously had been generally used to celebrate the worship of the Goddess Durgä, during Her big festivals.

However, now they began to play upon the same instruments in the kértana, making joyous sounds. The whole town was enveloped by the transcendental sound of the Holy Name of the Lord.

Çrédhara, the leaf-plate seller, happened to be walking by, whilst loudly singing Kåñëa’s name. When he heard the loud kértana, he began to dance in ecstasy. When the other devotees saw this dear devotee of Çré Caitanya dancing, they came, surrounded him, and began to sing.

Çrédhara was overwhelmed with spiritual emotions. He fell to the ground and rolled about, yet continued to chant Kåñëa’s Name. When the non-devotees saw him, they started ridiculing and laughing at him.

They said, “Just see him! That fellow has also become a Vaiñëava. He can neither afford clothes, nor does he have any money to eat, yet suddenly he is exhibiting all these ecstatic symptoms, this is all for show. They all live by begging and now they have started an untimely festival.”

The atheists continued to hurl insulting remarks at the devotees, but undeterred, the pious devotees went on chanting the Holy Name of Kåñëa.

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 remembered the instruction in his own scripture about the practice of other religions. The Kazi cried out, “Catch them all, let us see what your teacher, Nimäi Paëòita, does to stop me.”

All the devotees fled in fear of the Muslim fanatics. The Kazi’s men went about breaking the drums and beating up the devotees, spreading terror. The Kazi said, “It seems that nowadays in Nadia there is a sudden outburst of Hindu religious activities. I will punish the culprits severely.

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Since it is already late and getting dark I am letting you off, but if I see all this again I will convert you all to Islam.”

Everyday, the evil Kazi would send his men patrolling the town looking for any kértana. The devotees became despondent and went into hiding, fearing violent retaliation from the Kazi and his men.

The envious atheists were siding with the Kazi. They commented, “Hari’s name should be chanted in the mind. Which scripture enjoins one to make a clamour in chanting Kåñëa’s name? For transgressing the Vedic injunctions, they have received a suitable punishment.

“Apparently, they have no fear of flouting the social norms. That Nimäi Paëòita, who acts so proudly, will now be cowered by the Kazi. In addition, that Nityänanda, who roams about everywhere, will soon see the end of all His fun. They dare to call us atheists for speaking out the truth, but now at long last Nadia will be rid of these charlatans.”

Out of fear, the devotees did not protest against the ban of the Kazi. Nevertheless, they went to the Lord and gave a report to Him, “We have stopped our kértana out of dread of the Kazi—throughout Navadvépa hundreds his men search the streets and our houses. We have come to tell You that we will have to leave Navadvépa and settle elsewhere—away from all this.”

When Çré Caitanya heard that someone was trying to stop the saìkértana movement, He became infuriated. He looked awesome, almost like Lord Çiva at the time of the cosmic annihilation. Like the rumbling of thunder, He roared loudly and seeing this sudden change in the Lord, the devotees became afraid and held their ears as if begging forgiveness from the Lord for a mistake they had not committed.

The Lord said, “Nityänanda, be prepared! Go immediately to all the Vaiñëavas and assemble them all on the streets. I shall bring out a kértana party and take it all over Navadvépa. Today we will see if anyone can do anything to Me. You will see how I burn the Kazi’s house down. Today I shall shower the incessant rains of love of Kåñëa upon everyone.

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Today, the atheists will face their final hour. Therefore, My brothers, do not waste a moment, go deliver this message to everyone.

“Tell everyone that if they are desirous of seeing the mystic potency of Kåñëa in action, then let them bring a flaming torch with them. I will smash the Kazi’s palace and I will do kértana along every street of Navadvépa. The entire creation is full of My devotees and in My presence, 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 else. Excited talks filled every home, “Nimäi Paëòita will take out a saìkértana and dance in the streets of Navadvépa.”

For the many thousands who were lamenting for so long that they could not see Nimäi Paëòita’s dancing this news was the cause of great rejoicing. Therefore, everyone prepared his torch. Even if the father had made a torch, the son yet made his own.

They competed with each other to make the biggest torch. Huge barrels of oil were kept in readiness. In those days, Navadvépa was very densely 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 Nimäi Paëòita’s house.

When Lord Caitanya heard that all the Vaiñëavas had assembled at His behest and were on His doorsteps, He went to meet them and began to organize them into groups. Advaita Äcärya was to head up and be the chief dancer in one group, supported by a kértana group. In another group, Haridäsa was the leader and dancer; he also was backed by a kértana group. Yet, another group was to be led with the main dancer being Çréväsa Paëòita.

The Lord’s eyes fell on Nityänanda, who immediately said, “I will not leave Your side, My Lord. My only duty is to be near You, always. I can never leave Your lotus feet; they are embedded in My heart. What power

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do I possess to dance independently away from You? My devotional service to You is that I am always with You.”

When Çré Caitanya saw the streams of ecstasy flowing from the eyes of Nityänanda, He embraced Him and kept Him near Himself. In this way, everyone 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 ‘nagara-kértana’ for this will cut asunder the bonds of karmic reactions. Here is the list of some of the main devotees who came: Gadädhara Paëòita, Vakreçvara, Muräri, Çréväsa Paëòita, Gopénätha, Jagadéça, Vipra Gaìgädäsa, Rämäi, Govindänanda, Candraçekhara, Vasudeva, Çrégarbha, Mukunda, Çrédhara, Govinda, Jagadänanda, Nandana Äcärya, and Çuklämbara.

The devotees of Lord Caitanya are innumerable and I do not know all their names, Vedavyäsa will reveal all their names in the future in the Puräëas. What human being has the ability to describe the Lord’s dancing with His unlimited associates, servants, weapons and confidential companions?

The saìkértana pastimes of the Lord are unique, never before, in any other incarnation, were such pastimes ever revealed. As the kértana 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 the streets of Navadvépa and anyone who saw Him became free from all sorrows. Soon it was dusk, but the devotees were perfectly engrossed in the kértana, oblivious of the material realm.

Standing in doorways, millions of men, women and children lined the streets seeing the moving mass of men whose tumultuous singing of the Holy Name of the Lord echoed and filled the cosmos. Above this tumult rang loud and clear the Lord’s own thunderous voice. The devotees replied with equal gusto, chanting the name of Lord Hari. Then magically, as if by previous arrangement, all the torches were lit at the same time.

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Millions of flaming torches lit up the darkened sky, matched only by the millions of hearts kindled by the delight of sublime bliss. Words fail to describe the marvellous sight. One could be easily confused and wonder if it were a night of the full moon, perhaps broad daylight, or perhaps even Kåñëa Himself had manifested His brahmajyoti!

The Lord repeatedly called out the name of Çré Hari and the devotees became attentive. They surrounded the Lord with the kértana party. All the devotees were decorated with flower garlands around their neck and their bodies were smeared with sandalwood paste and scented vermilion powder. They all had various musical instruments in their hands and looked more powerful than thousands of lions.

The Lord looked around Himself to see His devoted, servitors eagerly waiting to render Him any service. He began to dance, lifting the devotees to soaring heights of ecstasy. Everyone began chanting loudly and whoever saw the Lord’s moonlike beautiful face was released from the searing pains of material existence.

The Lord’s charming looks easily overshadowed the attractiveness of millions of cupids. I am at a loss to find the appropriate similes to describe the beauty of the Lord, yet I venture to do so by His mercy alone. Otherwise, who would 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 fragrant mälaté garlands; a sweet smile clung intimately to His lips that could surely win the hearts of all the muses. Sandalwood tilaka with a red dot of vermilion clearly adorned His beautiful broad forehead.

Chanting the name of Hari, He raised His arms up in the sky and danced. The knee-length flower garland around His neck swayed with each movement. His upraised arms glistened like fine tapering pillars of gold and 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.

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His moist reddish lips were so exquisite. When they parted, they revealed a symmetrical set of pearl-like white teeth. The long arched eyebrows languished almost all the way to the beginning of His ears. His strong shoulders shamed the king of elephants and His chest was broad and full. The Brahmin thread hung loosely across His chest. Lakñmé Devé and Tulasé Devé constantly pray for the shelter of His lotus feet.

The Supreme Lord wears His fine and clean clothes very artistically. The high nose is aristocratic and the sinewy tendons of His neck give the impression of being the neck of the king of the forest, strong and powerful. He towers over others, His long body well formed and beautifully proportionate shining like a mountain of gold. Everyone looking at Him commented on His divine and beautiful presence.

The millions who milled around for this momentous occasion were very fortunate and in spite of their large numbers, they all received the Lord’s benediction by being able to see the Lord’s exquisite transcendental face. They simply stared at Him, irresistibly drawn to His beauty and spontaneously exclaimed aloud the Lord’s name as uncontrollable emotions welled up within their hearts.

The citizens had nicely decorated their doorways with banana trees, water pots, mango leaves and green coconuts. A ghee lamp flickered in every house and an offering plate sat upon all the altars holding yoghurt, grains, and dürvä grass.

All this happened as if at the command of an unseen voice. Out onto the streets men, women and children poured to join the congregation. All were intoxicated with sublime joy, oblivious to every other care. Seeing the carefree citizens leaving their houses unguarded, a thief thought to himself, “This is good opportunity for me to clean out the people’s belongings.”

However, as time passed and the chanting entering his ears took affect, the thief lost his thieving tendencies and joined in with the others, joyously chanting Lord Hari’s sweet transcendental name.

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The streets were strewn with puffed rice and coins thrown by the citizens as they watched the chanting procession passing by. Later, they themselves joined the procession and so the march swelled in numbers.

One should not consider these descriptions as exaggerations. Such happenings are commonplace when the Supreme Lord is present. When Lord Kåñëa was in Dvärakä, the Çrémad Bhägavatam describes that in a twinkling of an eye He made appear nine hundred thousand palaces all bedecked with jewels and marble.

Again, in the Harivaàça, it is described that when Lord Kåñëa was enjoying water sports with the Yadus in the salt-water ocean that surrounds Dvärakä, the entire ocean in a moment turned nectarine sweet. Now that very same Supreme Lord is present in Navadvépa, almost unconscious with sublime bliss, dancing and chanting, so naturally all-auspicious happenings are occurring.

The ocean of people now surged forward in slow fluid motion like the current of the Gaìgä, which flowed beside them. They all danced and chanted surrounding the dancing golden form of the Lord. Advaita Äcärya, Haridäsa Öhäkura, Çréväsa Paëòita 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 previously could not sing were now singing with the sweetest melodious voices.

The best singers surrounded the Lord; Muräri, Mukunda Datta, Rämäi, Govinda, Vakreçvara, and Vasudeva. Lord Nityänanda and Gadädhara Paëòita danced on either side of the Lord, completely submerged in divine bliss. The dancing and celebrating form of the Lord brought wonderment and exhilaration to the hearts of all who beheld His golden form.

This was a magnificent sight, the dancers moved forward with rhythmic motions, simultaneously millions of burning torches also moved, their licking flames animated in a passionate dance. It was night, but the dancing figure of the Lord was clearly visible as if bathed full-moon light of autumn. Sometimes, His body was covered with shining dust particles

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and at other times, He bathed His transcendental form in His cascading tears of ecstasy.

The different ecstatic symptoms appeared in His body: sometimes shivering; sometimes profuse perspiration; again at other times horripilation. They changed like the seasons. The sound of the Lord’s name reverberated throughout the universe, “….haraye namaù, kåñëa yädaväya namaù/ gopäla govinda räma çré-madhusüdana….” Some devotees danced on their own, but there were many large groups of devotees dancing together keeping time by clapping hands. Another wonderful sight was the innumerable devotees, all carrying torches and oil containers.

Navadvépa was ringing with the sounds of sublime jubilation, as if the Lord’s spiritual abode, Vaikuëöha, had descended. Now the residents of Navadvépa acquired the same characteristics as the residents of Vaikuëöha. They all manifested four-arms, but because they were so engrossed in the ecstasy of chanting and dancing, they did not even notice this divine transformation of their person. Engulfing all was the ever-increasing bliss of Vaikuëöha.

As they passed by the bank of The Gaìgä, Çré Caitanya dancing in the midst looked like Kåñëa, the son of Nanda Mahäräja, with a flute in His hand and a garland of wild flowers swaying around His neck.

The devotees had never experienced the ecstasy of such a massive congregational chanting. They forgot their bodily identity, their tribulations. They sang, danced, and rolled upon the ground. Many persons became emboldened and made their views publicly heard. One said, “Where did the rascal Kazi go? Now, if I just find him, I will sever his head.”

Others shouted out the names of certain atheistic persons and beat the ground, as if sealing their fate with a stroke. Some others even ran helter-skelter trying to locate them. There was no accounting the number of people singing, or the number playing mådaìga drums. Navadvépa was flooded with the nectarine shower of kåñëa-prema, so

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much so that even the eternal residents of Vaikuëöha hankered for this bliss. Even Lord Ananta, Lord Çiva and Lord Brahmä rarely experience this kind of joy.

Sublime bliss had descended over the entire planet, as the Lord danced with His associates and devotees. Anything inauspicious or impure found no place. This was the first major nagara-saìkértana of the Lord.

The procession moved on, but no one actually knew where they were going. There was just one resounding, all-pervading thunder of Lord Hari’s name piercing the coverings of the material world.

The demigods with their associates came to have darçana of the Lord. When they saw Gauräìga, they, like the humans, also became overwhelmed with transcendental joy. To avoid detection, dressed as humans, they mingled in with the crowd and with gusto joined in the singing and dancing.

All the demigods were present: Brahmä, Çiva, Varuëa, Kuvera, Indra, Yamaräja, Soma, etc. Aware that everyone present was experiencing transcendental ecstasy, they accompanied the devotees wanting more and more of the Lord’s association. The humans and the demigods were chanting the Lord’s Holy Name together.

As the procession passed the nicely decorated uncountable houses, the market places and large squares, one could understand that Navadvépa was a very well populated and an opulent town. It was impossible to count the people that lived there. It seemed that because the Supreme Lord was to advent here, He had arranged for many, many people to live there and participate in His saìkértana movement. Even the number of ladies, who were chanting, was so numerous that counting them would be futile.

Everyone who saw the Lord dancing and chanting like a golden flash of lightning could not contain his heart and emotions. Even those with hearts of stone were moved to tears and fell to the ground upon receiving the Lord’s shower of causeless mercy and hearing the sighs and sobs of sublime ecstasy from His devotees. As the Lord danced,

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constantly repeating Lord Hari’s name, the garland of flowers about His beautiful neck swayed wildly.

His beauty was breath-taking, the way the Brahmin thread hung carelessly over His shoulders, the dhoté nicely pleated and neatly tucked into place, His golden frame covered with fine glimmering dust. Tears flowed unrestrainedly from His lotus eyes like the languid flow of the Mandäkiné Gaìgä of His heavenly planets.

Who would have cared to see the moon after having seen the blooming lotus face of the Lord? Some of the teardrops clung to the cleft of His fine nose, and shone like a string of white pearls. His glossy black locks, entwined 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 this pastime within our hearts, birth after birth.” In this manner, the devotees were requesting benedictions from the Lord as the Lord continued His extraordinary pastime of dancing, surrounded by His intimate associates. The Lord knew how to inspire the devotees to join in and He danced in reciprocation with the mood and movement of the devotees. The Lord of Vaikuëöha danced as the devotees sang, “All of you come and sing, ‘Hari, Hari!’ Put fear aside, for the Holy Name, even though not chanted purely, will deliver you from birth and death.”

In humility, the author describes, poetically, Lord Caitanya as He danced.

Lord Viçvambhara, the Lord of the Universe, danced along the bank of the Gaìgä. The devotees eagerly covered themselves with the earth that carried the impressions of His lotus feet. Wonderful ecstatic symptoms manifested upon His person and tears of nectar cascaded from His eyes. With a voice like the rumble of thunder, He chanted the name of Lord Hari. Smiling sweetly, He raised His arms and sang.

His golden form was much more enchanting than that of Cupid. Charmingly dressed, His black curly hair was decorated with fresh and fragrant flower garlands. Upon seeing such beauty, the mind reeled as if afflicted by the five amorous arrows of Cupid. In complete bliss,

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Viçvambhara moved about in a restless dance, intoxicated by the Holy Name. His body and limbs were perfectly shaped, their beauty enhanced by the decoration of sandalwood paste.

The garland around His neck matched His love inspired movements. The arch of His eyebrows was like the bow of Cupid shooting arrows of enchantment. His teeth were pure white and glistened like pearls. His benign face was an ocean of mercy.

How can one describe the many hundreds of ecstatic emotions that manifested in the Lord? Sometimes He shivered, sometimes He perspired, and sometimes tears fell from His eyes like rain. At times, He bent His body in three places just like Kåñëa and appeared to play the flute with His fingers.

He moved about like a maddened elephant, the cynosure of every eye. His Brahmin thread decorated His broad chest, as if Ananta Çeña had taken that very thin form to serve His Lord. Lord Nityänanda, Gadädhara Paëòita and all the intimate devotees danced beside Him and each time they looked at the Lord, they saw the Lord smiling back at them.

By chanting the His name, Lord Çiva becomes mad and, forgetting Himself, staggers about naked. Lord Caitanya is dancing on the streets of Navadvépa, performing the congregational chanting of the Holy Name.

Lakñmé Devé, the Goddess of Fortune, enthralled by His beautiful dress and appearance, hankers constantly to touch and dress the black curly locks of this Supreme Lord, who now, absorbed in singing and dancing, rolls in the dust in ecstasy. Following Him are His devotees carrying millions of flaming torches lighting up the world like the full moon, not a soul present could refrain from chanting the Lord’s Holy Name. This marvel Navadvépa had never witnessed—the residents simply looked at one another and chanted, “Hari! Hari!”

Lord Nityänanda was always by the side of Viçvambhara and, knowing His every mood, would capture the Lord in His arms to steady Him whenever He swooned in ecstasy. One time, as Nityänanda held Him,

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Viçvambhara slowly sat down in a meditative pose and gleefully clapping His hands, began to loudly chant, “Hari! Hari!”

He then began to speak with a childlike innocence, “I am the Supreme Lord Näräyaëa, I killed that demon Kaàsa, and I deceived Bali Mahäräja. I constructed that bridge over the ocean to Çré Laìkä and killed the demon Rävaëa, I am Lord Rämacandra.”

In this manner, He revealed His actual Supreme identity. Everyone does not understand this inconceivable esoteric truth for it is inconceivable to the human mind. Yet, in the next moment, increasing the people’s confusion, the Lord changed His mood completely and said with the utmost humility and meekness, “O Lord, please grant Me devotion at Your lotus feet.”

Even if He were to put His toe to His mouth, whatever way the Lord acted stole one’s mind. The Lord of Vaikuëöha, Viçvambhara, was dancing throughout the town of Navadvépa. Actually, this town is the Svetadvépa of the spiritual world—in the Vedas, this will be explained. Amidst the countless mådaìga drums, conchshells, and cymbals and the chanting of the Holy Name, the Lord danced like the crest jewel of a crown.

All glory to the congregational chanting! All glory to Çré Viçvambhara! All glory to the devotees of the Lord! Wherever I look, I see Çré Viçvambhara drowning everyone in the nectar ocean of kåñëa-prema.

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 Vaikuëöha. The Lord, the cynosure of everyone, moved about like a maddened lion intoxicated with the holy name. The procession passed many bathing places and proceeded towards Simuliyä. No one was tired, millions were singing and dancing and a million flaming torches made it difficult to discern whether it was night or midday.

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The people welcomed the procession with flowers and doorway decorations. As they passed each house, the demigods rained confetti of fragrant flowers.

Mother Earth was thrilled with ecstasy as the Lord walked and danced upon Her. She wanted the Lord to walk upon the softest of surfaces so it appeared that she had collected and strewn flowers to cover the pathway, which thus resembled her most delicate skin.

Çréväsa, Advaita and Haridäsa were dancing in their own groups, ahead of Lord Viçvambhara. As the procession entered each new locality, people left their homes, running to see the Lord. They forgot family members and all other duties in their eagerness to see the beatific moonlike face of the Supreme Soul of the entire creation. Without consciously realizing it, they were all being automatically drawn into the congregational chanting.

Practically without noticing, they all became intoxicated with holy name of Kåñëa. They began manifesting symptoms of supra-mundane joy. Some rolled on the ground, some made sounds with their mouth as if playing a musical instrument and others were embracing anyone they met. They had become so inebriated by the chanting and dancing that many offered prostrated obeisances, falling to the ground like rods. Others caught the feet of the devotees, crying in ecstasy.

One could hear many comments from different people.

One said, “I am this Nimäi Paëòita. I have been assigned to deliver the entire world.”

Another commented, “I am a Vaiñëava from Svetadvépa.”

Yet another remarked, “I am an eternal resident of Vaikuëöha.”

Again someone else said, “Where is that rascal Kazi? I would crush his head, if I could lay my hands on him.”

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Incited by such comments, some ran as if trying to capture an atheist. They climbed trees and then jumping down, angrily shouted, “I am Death to a dozen atheists!”

Another said, “Can you hear me, O God of Death! Tell me where is your son, the Sun God? The Lord of Vaikuëöha, appearing as the son of Çacé, was just now here, chanting and dancing. He has flung open the floodgates of the Holy Name.”

The Holy Name that had bestowed upon the God of Death, Yamaräja, the name Dharmaräja, as the upholder of religious principles; the Holy Name that had saved the worst of sinners, Ajämila, from the jaws of doom, was now being freely distributed by the Lord Himself. Moreover, even those who would not chant the Holy Name could now, at least, hear it and so reap the unlimited transcendental benefit.

Citragupta, the compiler of the good and evil deeds of a man in life, should be immediately informed that his records are to be thrown away. If he disobeys, stern action must be taken against him for now every living entity is liberated and delivered.

Väräëasé has become one of the most important places of pilgrimage because there, Lord Çiva constantly chants the Holy Name of Kåñëa. The purest of devotees, the eternal residents of the spiritual abode, always chant the Holy Name. Lord Çiva has become worshipable by all the demigods and human beings because at every moment, he is engaged in relishing the sweet nectar of the Holy Name.

The Name was now being heard by every living entity. So inspired, the devotees now warned all the atheists to discard their evil ways and take up the worship of Lord Viçvambhara and the chanting of the Holy Name. If they refused, they would be destroyed. The devotees now loudly challenged the atheists to come forward and dare to halt their chanting of Kåñëa’s Holy Name. They fisted the earth with great force as if beating to pulp a recalcitrant atheist. The effects of chanting the Holy Name had so divinely enmaddened them, that they were unaware of their words and actions.

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When the atheists saw that citizens of Navadvépa had become mad with ecstasy, they began to bathe within with hate and envy. They got together and began conspiring. They said, “If the Kazi was to come right now, I would like to see where that Nimäi Paëòita would run to. What will happen to all their fanfare of dancing and singing? Where will they hide their banana trees, mango leaves and rest of their 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 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 can see only one logical thing to do. Let us go altogether to those sentimentalists and loudly shout, ‘The Kazi and his men are here!’ Then they will quickly disperse.” This way the jealous hearts of the atheists were burning, while the devotees floated on clouds of ecstatic chanting and dancing.

The devotees were looking so effulgent, decorated with sandalwood paste and flower garlands. They were so fully engrossed in the Holy Name that they became oblivious to everything as the saìkértana proceeded towards Simuliyä.

As the devotees chanted and danced, the Lord also chanted and danced right within in their midst. The activities of devotees increased the Lord’s ecstasy. No one could fathom how much water was contained within the lotus eyes of the Lord.

Incessant tears cascaded in rivulets of pure nectarine water. Sometimes, shivering so overcame the Lord that He laid uncontrollable upon the ground. Even Nityänanda Prabhu was lamenting because He could not hold Him still. When at the pinnacle of His ecstasy, the Lord fell unconscious, then, for a long time, no life force could be found within Him. This was the wonder of wonders.

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Excited talks went around amongst the citizens. They said, “This person must be the Supreme Lord, Näräyaëa, Himself.” Another said, “He is so much like Närada or Prahläda or even Çukadeva Gosvämé.” Another answered, “Whoever He may be, He is certainly not an ordinary human being.” The more critical and analytical said, “He is indeed a great devotee.” Each one commented according to his level of understanding.

Nimäi was oblivious to everything. He was engrossed in the ecstasy of the Holy Name, as He lifted His arms chanting, “Hari! Hari!” Everyone around, by hearing the Lord, felt irresistibly drawn to Him and they all echoed loudly 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 tumultuous sound of the chanting and revelry became clearly audible to the inmates of Kazi’s palace.

When the Kazi heard the loud clamour of chanting, he enquired, “Can you hear that sound of music and singing? Is that a marriage party, or is it some weird incarnation of strange beings. Have they disobeyed my orders and again started their Hindu practices out on the streets? Go quickly and find out all the details, after you return with information, I shall go personally.”

The Kazi’s spies left immediately and arrived at the scene of the massive congregational kértana. They were overawed at the sight of the huge mass of people shouting, “Kill the Kazi!” 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 Nimäi Äcärya 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 for 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 feared my eardrums would burst.

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“I have never seen such a sight. Even the coming of our royal monarch never draws such unbelievable crowds. Nimäi is their leader, dancing in the middle, and everyone is simply following Him. The singers we attacked the other day are also there. They are all shouting, ‘Kill the Kazi!’ Nimäi is the gang leader, stirring them all up. I wonder why this brähmaëa fellow Nimäi weeps so much. The tears spout out like two rivers.”

The other spy reported, “I think He may have some relative somewhere distant, so He is crying out of separation.” The other replied, “I am afraid to even look at Him, He looks like He is coming to gobble us up.” The Kazi said, “Is that really Nimäi Paëòita? Maybe He is going to get married. I cannot imagine that anyone would try to disregard my orders. If they do, then I will convert them to Islam.” As they were discussing, the sound of the kértana became closer and closer.

The huge mass of congregation arrived in the locality of Kazi’s palace. The crest jewel amongst them all, Lord Viçvambhara, led them up whilst dancing. The sound of their chanting boomed throughout 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 themselves. They were like mice running for their lives from the mouth of a snake. However, in the bustle and commotion, they became confused and lost their way.

Many of the Kazi’s men spread open their rolled up head cloth and hung it over their heads, so as to be not recognized and joined in with the dancing, but with fearful thumping hearts. The bearded compatriots of the Kazi hung their heads downward so that their give-away beards remained unexposed.

There were so many people that it would be impossible for anyone to know everyone by face and besides that, the people were so excited that they were unaware of even their own persons. Everyone was completely lost in singing and dancing.

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Lord Viçvambhara stood before Kazi’s palace doors, His rising anger visible, with a voice like thunder, He said, “Where is that mischief monger, Kazi! Right this minute, bring him to Me and cut his head off. I will obliterate the entire yavana race from the face of this earth, as I have done previously. Break open and smash everything. Break it! Break it!”

These were the orders of the Supreme Lord. Who could disobey? The congregation was already exuberant and inebriated by association with Lord Caitanya and the Holy Name, so such a command from the Lord was immediately put into action with great enthusiasm.

The congregation ransacked the entire property. They went through the house and indiscriminately broke anything that came in their way. The garden lay limp and ravaged as if after a hurricane. Banana trees lay uprooted, broken branches hung from the mango trees, the flower garden was stamped to the ground.

Lakhs and lakhs of people overran the palace rooms and grounds. Throughout 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 Viçvambhara then said, “Now burn down everything. Put fire to 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 the audacity to check Me. The God of Time and Death are all my devoted servitors. They are created by my glance over material nature. To propagate the congregational chanting of the Holy Name is the main purpose of my advent. If any one so much as tries to cause obstruction, then I will annihilate him.

“However, even if the lowest of sinners 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 and yoga, but do not join the saìkértana movement, then

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they will certainly perish. So now, 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 Sankarñaëa, His anger is never manifested untimely. When the time is ready for the destruction of the material world, then Rudra appears as the expansion and incarnation of Lord Saìkarñaëa. After Rudra completes the work of annihilation, pralaya, he then returns into Your transcendental body.

“The work of annihilation is carried out by the expansion of Your expansion, so if you are angry, who can check Your wrath? The Vedas glorify You as ‘without anger and eternally blissful’, our hearts cannot see You minimize the Vedic injunction. Even Lord Brahmä never attracts Your ire. Creation, maintenance and annihilation of the material world are simply Your transcendental pastimes.

“Today, You have sufficiently chastised the Kazi and if next time he does anything against You, then You can destroy him. All glory to Lord Viçvambhara, the Supreme Lord of all lords! All glory to Lord Gaurasundara, the Lord of the Universe and the Lord of Lakñmé Devé, who rests upon Lord Ananta Çeña!”

Lord Caitanya smiled after listening to their choice prayers and then saying, “Hari! Hari! Hari!” He again began to dance and chant with everyone. The Kazi had been justly dealt with and the Lord was pacified knowing that the public congregational chanting would continue. He now led the procession back towards the town.

With the previous jubilance and exuberance, the chanting and dancing began again. Joy once more filled the atmosphere. The devotees were now free from any fear or inhibition. They could chant their beloved Lord Kåñëa’s name anytime, anyplace.

The atheists were subdued, their spirit broken. On the other hand, the devotees were victorious and jubilant. They again became submerged in the ecstasy of chanting and dancing. Now all the devotees went ahead,

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dancing and chanting, and the Lord came up from behind. Lord Brahmä, Lord Çiva, Lord Ananta and all the other demigods enjoyed themselves participating in the congregational chanting.

The procession entered the locality of traders who deal with conchshells and other such items. All the residents came out in their best attire and welcomed the congregation with the necessary Vedic rituals known as ‘pürëa kumbha’. The roads were strewn with flowers and lamps were lit up in the house.

Then, the congregation went through the locality of the weavers. A great sound of jubilation and chanting of the Lord’s name greeted the approaching saìkértana party. Everywhere they went, people were mad with joy. They were relishing their well-earned victory over despotism. Lord Caitanya was very happy to see that all were chanting the Holy Name of the Lord.

Dancing in mad ecstasy, Lord Caitanya went to house of Çrédhara, who lived in a small broken hut with practically no possessions. A dented and old metal water pot belonging to Çrédhara stood outside his door. The pot had been repaired so many times that even a thief would not think of taking it. The Lord was dancing in front of Çrédhara’s house, when He saw that the old pot was filled with water. The Supreme Lord, Viçvambhara, wanting to teach the human society how much He loves and cares for His devotees, picked up Çrédhara’s worn out old water pot and proceeded, with great pleasure, to drink from it. Even if someone wanted to stop the Lord, who could they do so? When Çrédhara saw what Viçvambhara was doing, he came running, exclaiming, “O Death, I am finished! You have come to my house to destroy me!” So saying, Çrédhara, the most saintly personality, fainted on the ground out of great spiritual perturbation.

Viçvambhara, with utmost satisfaction, said, “My whole being has now become purified. Today, finally, I have attained devotion unto the lotus feet of Lord Kåñëa simply by drinking water from Çrédhara’s pot.” Saying this, the Lord shed tears of divine ecstasy.

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Through this pastime, the Lord taught the world that by drinking water from the water pot of a pure devotee, one immediately develops attachment to the lotus feet of Lord Kåñëa.

In the Padma Puräëa, Ädi-khaëòa 31.112. it is stated: “The wise devotee, who is desirous of purifying himself completely of all sinful reactions, should specifically approach a pure Vaiñëava and beg from him his food remnants. If this is not available, then at least 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, having seen the Supreme Lord manifest such mercy and special affection towards His devotee. Nityänanda, Gadädhara, Advaita and Çréväsa fell down to the ground and began to roll about in tears. Haridäsa, Vakreçvara, Candraçekhara, Jagadänanda and the numerous other close associates of the Lord were unable to contain their spiritual emotion. They burst into tears of exultation; they cried out Kåñëa’s sweet name.

The house of Çrédhara became the blessed exhibition site for the highest form of spiritual ecstasy in kåñëa-prema. The whole universe exulted with the chanting of Kåñëa’s Holy Name. Gauracandra smiled benignly—His mission was accomplished.

Just behold the glory of the Çrédhara’s devotion, the Supreme Lord reciprocated with His fullest mercy. The Lord drank water with infinite pleasure from Çrédhara’s water pot made of a base metal. The pot was full of repairs and dents, a pot that was used for many purposes.

However, the Lord enjoyed drinking from this pot because He was drinking Çrédhara’s transcendental devotion 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 water pot of an insolent materialist. He accepts any offering from His surrendered devotees, irrespective of any rules and regulations of offering. If His devotee has little and but ordinary food then He forcibly

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takes it from him, as He displayed in Dvärakä with Sudämä Vipra. Thus, we see that the Lord sells Himself to His devotees.

When the Päëòavas were banished to the forest, Lord Kåñëa relished a simple offering of leafy vegetables from Yudhiñöhira Mahäräja. The pure devotees are Kåñëa’s father, mother, wife, and brother. Lord Kåñëa sees His surrendered devotees as His own kith and kin, and non-different from Himself. Lord Kåñëa manifests Himself according to the desire and mellow of His unalloyed devotee. He becomes their property and thus allows Himself to be bought and sold by only them.

All the scriptures have described this wonderful quality of Lord Kåñëa: He especially favours His pure devotees and is always personally protecting them from all calamity.

One should see the magnanimous position of a pure devotee and be thus inspired to develop spiritual attachment to Kåñëa. The position of Lord Kåñëa’s servant is never to be viewed deprecatingly. Lord Kåñëa, 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 opportunity of sipping Gaìgä water and the chanting the Holy Name of Lord Näräyaëa at the time of death. This will certainly afford him liberation from all material bondage, only then can he be blessed to become a servant of Lord Kåñëa.

All the commentators of the Bhägavatam have clearly indicated that the liberated souls may render full devotional service to the Supreme Lord, the performer of transcendental pastimes. Therefore, the position of a devotee is almost equal to the Lord Himself, and the Lord always sees His devotees in a more exalted position than even Himself.

The innumerable eulogies that have been compiled since time immemorial about the divine excellences of a pure devotee are an inadequate description. Lord Çiva and Lord Brahmä are very happy to be

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called servants of Lord Kåñëa, and Ananta Çeña is always hankering to serve Him. Although the pure devotees are almost equal to the Lord Himself, they still constantly desire to serve Him in loving attachment.

Advaita Äcärya is one such elevated devotee. Many persons do not know his real mood and position and so they are discontented, when He is glorified as a devotee of Lord Caitanya. Yet, even Lord Kåñëa Himself is greatly pleased if anyone should call Him a ‘devotee’, for who but the Lord knows perfectly well the glory of a pure devotee.

The most abominable of all sinners proclaim themselves as ‘God’ hoping to ensure regularly a full belly. Gathering around him a crowd of asinine disciples, the impostor poses himself as the Lord of the Universe. Although the body of such a cheater is only fit for the meal of a dog, he still becomes deluded by the external energy of Lord Viñëu to think that he is the Supreme Controller.

Now just behold the opulence of the Lord of all lords, Lord Gauracandra, simply by His desire, millions of people converged with millions of burning torches to begin a historic march against oppression. All the way, they were greeted with decorated doorways and showers of floral confetti from the heavenly denizens.

To understand the transformation that took place in the Lord after He drank water from Çrédhara’s water pot is difficult to understand. All the devotees began to shed tears of joy upon seeing the special mercy that the Supreme Lord had showered upon His pure devotee.

Çrédhara was thunderstruck, with tears in his eyes brimming over and holding straw between his teeth in utter humility, he knelt before the Lord chanting His Holy Name and said, “What have you done my Lord, what water have You drunk?”

Nevertheless, Viçvambhara’s bliss was unrestrainable after having drunk water from His devotee’s water vessel, He danced in ecstasy surrounded by all His associates who sang and danced along with Him. Nityänanda Prabhu and Gadädhara Paëòita were always like two jewels decorating either side of the Lord.

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The fortune of Çrédhara is indeed so great that even Lord Çiva and Lord Brahmä are moved to tears of joy in appreciation. The Supreme Lord, Çré Caitanya, is unattainable by wealth, fame, or erudition, but is captivated by unalloyed devotion. After the water-drinking pastime, the Lord moved on from Çrédhara’s place towards the town.

Navadvépa became the most hallowed place in the entire creation as Lord Caitanya and His associates danced and sang in the ecstasy of the Lord’s Holy Name. The concave extremities of the universe echoed with only the sound of the Holy Name.

The divine exultation that is experienced by Çukadeva Gosvämé, Närada Muni, Lord Çiva, and others upon hearing the Holy Name was now being experienced by the residents of Navadvépa as they passed through the different localities of the town. Although the kértana was going on for a whole night, one should not presume that this was just one night. Rather, unknown to anyone, several yugas passed within that single night.

For Lord Caitanya, the Supreme Lord, nothing is impossible to accomplish. A mere raising of His eyebrows annihilates the entire universe. Only the most fortunate and pious souls can comprehend such esoteric truths about the Absolute. Certainly, a dry mental speculator is never eligible for such revelations.

Making loud thunderous shouts of joy, the townspeople were enraptured beyond comprehension by the beautiful dancing of Lord Caitanya and the profuse flow of divine nectar from the chanting of the Holy Name.

People thanked Mother Çacé for carrying in her womb such a child as Viçvambhara and blessed Jagannätha Miçra for being a good father to the Lord. For the good fortune that had descended upon themselves as the residents of Navadvépa, they were more than grateful. They all wished that this night would never end and that the Lord would continue His pastimes for many yugas.

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These pastimes of the Lord have neither beginning nor end. They appear and then after a certain time, they disappear. The Lord manifests Himself to His devotee according to the desire and mood of the devotee.

The Çrémad Bhägavatam 3.9.11. states: “O Supreme Lord who is glorified in choice verses! You are so merciful to Your devotees that You manifest Yourself in the particular eternal form of transcendence in which they always think of You.”

Even to this day, Çré Caitanya is performing His eternal pastimes and 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 are futile. Pure devotional service is to serve the pure devotee of the Lord, this is the verdict of all the scriptures.

I offer my obeisances to Çré Nityänanda. All glory to Him, for only by His mercy can one glorify Çré Caitanya. Many persons see Nityänanda in different ways. Some say that He is Balaräma, that He is very dear to Çré Caitanya, or that He is the expansion of the omnipotent Lord. Many say that they do not know or understand who He really is.

Each one sees Çré Nityänanda according to his own particular realization. Whoever Nityänanda maybe, He is very special to Çré Caitanya and may His lotus feet be the only treasure of my heart.

Let all the atheists who criticize Çré Nityänanda be very careful lest they be kicked in the head. I offer my obeisances at the feet of this dearmost devotee of Lord Caitanya, may He eternally be my Lord and master.

I can know Çré Nityänanda only by the mercy of Çré Caitanya and I can know Çré Caitanya only if Çré Nityänanda reveals Him to me.

Caitanya is Räma and Nityänanda is Lakñmaëa. Caitanya is Kåñëa and Nityänanda is Saìkarñaëa.

Nityänanda possesses the power to fully satisfy Çré Caitanya with His transcendental service and the intimate associates of Çré Caitanya are in full knowledge of the extraordinary position of Nityänanda, but at times

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one may see a certain elevated devotee disagreeing and quarrelling with other devotees. This is transcendental and is happening by the desire of Çré Kåñëa.

Since they are all the most elevated Vaiñëavas, no one should side with any party, because and in so doing, one will certainly make some offence against a Vaiñëava. One can only become a true Vaiñëava by serving Kåñëa and not finding faults in others.

I offer my obeisances at the lotus feet of Advaita Äcärya, may I remain attached to his dear servitors. All glory to Çré Caitanya along with all His associates. These narrations about His pastimes reward one with the highest devotional mood.

If one sides with Advaita against Gadädhara Paëòita, then, due to this imbecilic act, one is never allowed shelter by Advaita Äcärya as his devotee.

The transcendental pastimes of Çré Caitanya are the purest form of divine ambrosia. I pray that these unlimited pastimes increasingly appear in the minds of all living beings. One who desires joy from hearing these narrations will surely see the beautiful face of Lord Caitanya directly.

Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda are my life and soul. I, Våndävana Das, offer this song at Their lotus feet.

24. Çré Caitanya Reveals His Universal Form

All glory to Lord Caitanya; He is epitome of divine peace! He protects the pious and annihilates the miscreants. All glory to the son of Jagannätha Miçra and Çacémätä; He is glorified with choice verses!

All glory to Lord Caitanya, the life and purest treasure in the heart of Jagadänanda Paëòita, Haridäsa and Käçéçvara! You are an ocean of

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mercy, friend of the poor and the maintainer of all living entities. Whoever surrenders unto You, You accept him and become his master.

Çré Caitanya could not live without kértana as He passed His time in Navadvépa. The kértana started to have such an effect upon Him that, as soon as He heard the Holy Name, He would fall down in ecstasy wherever He was. Tears would flow profusely from His eyes as He became saturated with love of Kåñëa. If anyone for any reason said aloud the Lord’s name Caitanya would swoon to the ground and the symptoms of ecstasy would start to manifest on His person as He rolled on the ground.

Such displays of sublime spiritual ecstasy are indeed very rare and even Brahmä would consider himself blessed to witness such happenings. Yet, now the residents of Navadvépa saw the enactment of these transcendental activities—often right upon their streets.

Sometimes, when the Lord experienced the most intense ecstasy, He would become unconscious and His body would be numbed into stillness. On these occasions, the devotees would carry Him away, themselves feeling sublime joy. Bringing Him behind closed doors, in an unconscious state, they would again start up a kértana, which would submerge the entire universe in waves of spiritual bliss.

The different devotional ecstasies that would manifest on the Lord’s person were all inexplicable and their esoteric significance often unrecognisable.

Sometimes the Lord would speak out saying, “ I am Madana Gopäla,” and then with a sudden change of mood, He would say, “I am an eternal servant of Kåñëa.”

On certain days, thinking of the damsels of Våndävana, He would incessantly repeat, “Gopé! Gopé! Gopé!” and if He as much as heard Kåñëa’s name, He would burn inside with increasing anger and say, “Where is this Kåñëa of yours coming from, this big rogue? He is a cheat, full of cunning and a hypocrite, who can think of worshipping Him? He wins the heart of ladies and then once they trust Him, He cuts off their

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ears and noses like a hunter.” In this manner, He would speak out angrily to anyone who repeated Kåñëa’s name in His presence.

Again, on other days, He would call out, “Våndävana! Gokula! Mathurä!” in great joy and then on other occasions, He would draw upon the earth with His nails. Sometimes, He would draw the standing form of a person bent in three places and gazing upon at it, He would weep so bitterly that it seemed 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.”

In this way, the Lord was absorbed in the moods of the most sublime devotion, where night became day and day became night. The devotees who watched these transcendent pastimes would be overcome with great spiritual emotions and would embrace one another.

Even Brahmä constantly prays for the favour of witnessing these ecstatic manifestations of the Lord, yet for these devotees all was so easily seen.

The Lord was now spending almost all His time outside His own house, in the residences of the different devotees. He gave up all His familial and external responsibilities. However, sometimes He would do something to please His mother.

Constantly now, the devotees felt intense joy by having the Lord always with them and their bliss in kértana was ever increasing. Nityänanda, Advaita and Gadädhara never left the Lord’s association, always participating in His infinite transcendental activities.

One day, Advaita Äcärya, overcome in the mood of the gopés, began to dance, whilst all the devotees sang with intense feelings. He danced in great joy and elation, but also with great humility and distress. He fell to the ground holding a straw in his teeth and began to roll about intoxicated by the divine nectar of love of Kåñëa.

Advaita continued to dance for several hours, but the other devotees became exhausted and were unable to keep up with him. Finally, the devotees quietened him and making him sit down, sat around him.

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Finding Advaita somewhat tranquil, Çréväsa Paëòita, Rämäi and a few others went for their baths. However, soon again, Advaita was overcome with feelings of distress and as they gradually increased in intensity, he began to roll in the courtyard of Çréväsa. Çré Caitanya was resting in His house after some duties, and Advaita’s feelings of humility and distress became known to the Lord.

The Lord always soothes away the distress and worries of His devotees and so Caitanya came to see Advaita. Seeing him supine in the courtyard of Çréväsa, Caitanya took him by the hand, lead him into the temple and shut the doors.

Giving Advaita a consoling smile, the Lord said, “Listen Äcärya! 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, then 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 opulence.”

The Lord softly asked, “Tell Me, what do You desire?” Advaita said, “My Lord, I intensely desire to see what Arjuna saw long ago.”

As soon as he 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 the chariot was the beautiful blackish fourhanded form of Kåñëa holding in each of His hands the conch, mace, lotus and disc.

At that moment, Advaita beheld the Universal Form of Kåñëa. All the planets and stars, such as the Sun and Moon, the mountains, rivers, oceans and forests were visible within this wondrous manifestation of Kåñëa. Advaita saw Arjuna standing before this Universal Form offering words of praise and prayer with folded hands.

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Advaita saw millions of pairs of eyes and millions of open cavernous mouths, from the mouths huge licking flames were exuding. All the atheists and sinful demons were being sucked into this mighty conflagration to be consumed. The faultfinders and the heartless ones, who perpetrate violence upon others, all burned in the flames from the mouth of Çré Caitanya.

Advaita was blessed with the special mercy of the Lord and therefore he could see this marvellous Universal Form of Çré Caitanya. As Advaita saw this Universal Form, he began to cry in great ecstasy 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 Çré Caitanya manifest His Universal Form, Çré Nityänanda was roaming the streets of Navadvépa absorbed in divine bliss, as was His usual occupation. Nityänanda, because of His supra-mundane position, could immediately know that Caitanya was showing His special Universal Form to Advaita.

He quickly went to the house of Çréväsa and headed straight to the temple room where Caitanya awaited, expecting Him. Shutting the doors behind Him, Nityänanda saw the unlimited Universal Form of the Lord before Him and falling down like a stick, He offered His obeisances and closed His eyes.

The Lord spoke, “Arise! Oh, Nityänanda! 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 dearer to Me than You and anyone who tries to see differences between You and Advaita will never gain the proper knowledge for understanding either the Supreme Lord or Myself in this incarnation.”

Nityänanda and Advaita began to dance jubilantly and Caitanya responded with a thunderous voice, saying, “Just look at Yourselves!” Nityänanda and Advaita, overwhelmed with joy, started glorifying the Lord with beautiful prayers and Viçvambhara smiled upon them with great appreciation.

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Although all these transcendental incidences were being enacted in the residence of Çréväsa, none of the other devotees could see them. These narrations are from the lotus mouth of Advaita Äcärya and those who do not have faith in them are the most abominable of sinners. Those who do not glorify Caitanya, as the Supreme Absolute Lord, are evil hearted men who are to be avoided by saintly personalities. My greatest hope and assurance is that Caitanya is the master of my dear master, Nityänanda.

The Lord chose Navadvépa to reveal His pastimes openly before the public eye, yet only the devotees could comprehend their esoteric content. Devotional service to the Supreme is the most valuable wealth anyone can possess and the zenith of devotion is when one weeps in ecstatic bliss remembering the Holy Name of Kåñëa.

One cannot develop love of Kåñëa by material means. Only by sincerely calling out to Kåñëa can one eventually chant Kåñëa’s names purely. In addition, one may attain this state of perfect joy easily if one hears with implicit faith the narration of Çré Caitanya exhibiting His Universal Form to Advaita Äcärya and Nityänanda Prabhu.

Finally, Caitanya left for His residence with all the other devotees. Nityänanda 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, sometimes dancing, and sometimes 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? Who calls You a sannyäsé? No one knows Your family background, or caste and it is well known that You eat in the house of anyone from any caste. How does a mad, intoxicated person like You find Himself in the company of Vaiñëavas? If you do not leave right away then You will find Yourself in real trouble.”

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Nityänanda 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 brähmaëa, have you no fear? I am an avadhüta renunciate, and the brother of the Lord. You are a householder, totally engrossed in family life, whereas I am a fully renounced and realized soul. If I strike you, you cannot say or do anything, yet without reason you are trying to show off in front of Me.”

These words incensed Advaita with a burning rage. He flung off his clothes in all directions and began to severely chastise Nityänanda. He said, “You fish eater! You meat eater! How do You call Yourself a sannyäsé? I have undressed myself before You in sheer disgust. Who knows you? What about Your parents? Your house? Nothing about You is known to anyone. Let anyone come forward, identify You, and recognise You. You are just a thief simply wanting to eat everything, gobble up anything and destroy all! You claim to be in the sannyäsa order. Well a sannyäsé does not demand anything, but You fill up Your belly three times a day! This Çréväsa Paëòita cannot discriminate between the people of different castes—that is why he has allowed this ‘avadhüta’ to join the company of the Vaiñëavas. He does not understand that this so-called avadhüta will ruin everyone’s caste and reputation. What a menace this drunkard is!”

It is difficult for ordinary folks to understand this exchange of spiritual love between these two, which sounds so much like a pernicious verbal fight. No one should 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 if in ignorance of this fact someone glorifies Advaita and denounces for example, Gadädhara Paëòita, then certainly he will be doomed and neither be considered a devotee of Advaita either.

The activities of the Supreme Lord and the Vaiñëavas are all transcendental and incomprehensible to the materialist. An atheist can never understand that both the Lord and His pure devotees are on the same transcendental plane.

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One who worships the lotus feet of Kåñëa, seeing all Vaiñëavas to be dear to the Lord, will indeed cross over the ocean of material nescience.

Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda are my life and soul. I, Våndävana däsa, humbly offer this song at Their lotus feet.

25. The Dead Son of Çréväsa Paëòita Elucidates the Truth

All glory to Çré Gauracandra, the Lord of the entire universe! He is the crown jewel of the brähmaëas, the perfect renunciate and supreme amongst all the Vedic personalities. He is an ocean of compassion, who has appeared like a brilliant gem out of the womb of the blessed Mother Çacé.

All glory to Çré Viçvambhara and Çré Nityänanda! All glory to Their devotees and associates! One attains the highest perfection of life by constantly hearing the narrations of Çré Caitanya’s transcendental pastimes.

These topics of the Navadvépa-lélä, as recorded in the Madhya-khaëòa, are like an ocean of nectar. The Lord was always engrossed in saìkértana, relishing the taste of His own transcendental name. Being thus intoxicated, He exhibited all the symptoms of ecstasy and so revealed His supra-mundane opulences.

The sweet ambrosia of kåñëa-prema led the Lord to act like a mad man. The Lord, whose body is the object of even Lord Brahmä’s worship, was besmeared with dust from rolling upon the ground. The devotees satiated their vision by seeing the Lord submerged in an ocean of divine bliss.

In the times, when He emerged out of His blissful state of unconsciousness, He would sometimes sit surrounded by His associates

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and at other times go to the Gaìgä to take a bath. On some occasions, after dancing for a long time, the Lord would sit with His devotees, who would then give Him a shower with Gaìgä water.

One of the maid servants of Çréväsa Paëòita named ‘Dukhé’ would carry all the Gaìgä 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 the highest spiritual exultation and tears would well up in drops from her eyes, and then she would go out again to bring more pots of Gaìgä water for His bath.

When the Lord saw the water pots full of Gaìgä water neatly arranged in rows, He was very pleased. He enquired about this from Çréväsa Paëòita, “Who brings the Gaìgä water daily?” Çréväsa replied, “Dukhé, the maid servant, brings them daily.” The Lord said, “Then you all should rename her ‘Sukhé’, happy, instead of ‘Dukhé,’ which means ‘sad.’ The name ‘Dukhé’ is not befitting her, I think ‘Sukhé’ is the most appropriate name for her.”

The devotees were moved to tears upon seeing the unlimited mercy of the Lord upon this poor maidservant. From that time, they began to call her ‘Sukhé’ and Çréväsa Paëòita also stopped regarding and treating her as a maidservant. This illustrates that one can easily attain Kåñëa’s lotus feet by loving devotional service to Him. One cannot avoid the jaws of Death merely by shaving one’s head as a mark of renunciation. Material knowledge, high birth, beauty and wealth are useless if not used for the satisfaction of Kåñëa with pure devotional attachment.

Çré Caitanya, the Supreme Lord, incarnated to play the part of an ideal personality and thereby all his actions conform exactly to the Vedic injunctions. Such blessings, as bestowed by the Lord upon the maidservant, Dukhé, are never received by those who are blinded by false pride. One may only imagine the extent of the Lord’s divine grace upon Çréväsa Paëòita, when even his servants and maidservants were so fortunate.

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One day, as was usual, the Lord was dancing in Çréväsa Paëòita’s house. The devotees, including Çréväsa, encircled the Lord, sang, and danced. Just then, in the inner quarters of the house, the son of Çréväsa passed away due to some illness while the ladies looked on helplessly. Outside the inner rooms, the kértana was in full progress and the Lord danced in ecstasy. Suddenly, the sounds of loud wailing filled the air. Çréväsa Paëòita hurried inside the house and saw his son lying dead on the bed.

Çréväsa Paëòita was a most elevated devotee, grave and knowledgeable. He quickly took charge of the situation, forbidding the ladies to lament so bitterly. He said, “You are all aware of the transcendental potencies of Çré Kåñëa, therefore restrain your tears and contain the sorrow of your heart. The Lord, whose Holy Name is capable of purifying and elevating to the spiritual world even the most dreadful of sinners just by one simple utterance, is now personally present and dancing in ecstasy with His servitors each of whom is like Brahmä himself.

“During such an auspicious time, if someone leaves the body, why should anyone lament? I would consider myself very fortunate, if I were to have the same fate as this boy. Although you are unable to distance yourselves from the attachments of family life, you should at least stop your crying. Nobody else should learn about this incident lest it raises alarm and disturbs the bliss of the Lord in dancing. If that should happen, then I shall certainly throw myself into the Ganges.”

These words had a sobering effect on the women; they stopped crying and Çréväsa Paëòita went back to join the kértana. He was soon heaved high in the waves of divine bliss generated by the kértana and the presence of the Lord. The deep knowledge and devotion of Çréväsa Paëòita is very exalted and rare, such indeed are the characteristics of a servant of Çré Caitanya.

The Lord danced for a while, relishing the bliss of dancing. However, soon the news of the passing away of the son of Çréväsa Paëòita reached the devotees. Though no one openly expressed anything, they were profoundly moved within. Caitanya, the omniscient Supreme Personality, knows everyone’s heart. He enquired, “Today something

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perturbs My thoughts, what distress has cast its dark shadow in your house, Paëòita?” Çréväsa replied, “My Lord, what distress can effect me, when Your benign smiling face is illuminating my house.”

Finally, the leading devotees informed the Lord about the demise Çréväsa’s son. Gravely, the Lord asked, “When did this happen?” The Lord was told that it had occurred in the early part of the evening at about four o’clock. “You were not informed of this matter because Çréväsa was concerned about disturbing Your dancing. His son has passed away about two and half hours earlier and with Your permission we shall now begin the necessary last rites.” When Lord Caitanya heard this wonderful story about Çréväsa Paëòita, He was amazed.

The Lord said, “How can I ever live without such an extraordinary companion?” and began to weep. He said, “How am I going to leave the association of such a saintly person who is unaffected even 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 words of the Lord, which indicated that He might leave. They did not make much sense to the devotees, as nobody knew that, in the future, the Lord would leave home to embrace the mendicant life of sannyäsa.

When the Lord calmed Himself, He took all the devotees to attend upon the dead boy. In the presence of all the devotees, the Lord addressed the deceased son of Çréväsa Paëòita, “What reasons have made you leave Çréväsa Paëòita’s house?”

The devotees were indeed surprised that the Lord was speaking to a dead body. Yet, 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 this body during the time prescribed for my presence within it. That time period is now over so I am leaving to take up another body. My Lord, although I must leave my present

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body, please be merciful to me so that I may never forget You. Who is one’s father? Moreover, who is one’s son? Everyone acts according to the result of his individual karma. As long as my destiny allowed me to remain in Çréväsa Paëòita’s house I have stayed, but now I must leave for yet another residence. My Lord, I offer my humble obeisances unto You and Your dear associates, please forgive all my offences 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 reached the heights of exultation. The entire family of Çréväsa was now carried on waves of ecstasy. Their lamentation was a past dream. Experiencing the bliss of love of Kåñëa, 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 place or condition, but please let our devotion at Your lotus feet be unflinching.” Çréväsa Paëòita and his three brothers prayed earnestly to the Lord and all the devotees cried out in appreciation and joy.

The Lord said, “Listen, Çréväsa! You are well conversant with the knowledge of family and material life and you are unaffected by the distressful conditions of family life. Not only that, but you are so elevated that anyone who sees you will also become free from this entanglement. Nityänanda and Myself are Your two sons, so remove the pain of loss and separation 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 Çréväsa’s son to the Gaìgä, performing kértana all the way. The required rites completed, everyone bathed in the Gaìgä and each went his own way home, chanting the Holy Name of Kåñëa. Çréväsa’s family went back peaceful and satisfied by the last rites.

All these confidential pastimes of the Lord are extraordinary and faithful hearing of these narrations bestows pure love of Çré Hari. I offer my obeisances at the lotus feet of Çréväsa, whose sons are none other than my Nityänanda and Gauracandra.

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These were the wonderful pastimes enacted in Navadvépa and they are known and seen only by devotees. Madhya-khaëòa 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 Kåñëa 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 after bathing, His clothes would become drenched with tears of love kåñëa-prema.

Unrestrainedly, tears flowed from His eyes; such were the spiritual emotions surging within Him. He would immediately come out of the Deity room and changed into fresh clothes. Again, in a matter of moments, His clothes would become soaked with the tears of spiritual love.

In this way, He was unable to perform any worship of the Deity. Ultimately He would request Gadädhara Paëòita to offer worship to the Deity saying that He, Himself, was not fortunate enough to be able to worship the Deity. Such were the supra-mundane activities of the Lord of Vaikuëöha, as He relished the nectar of kåñëa-prema.

Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu are my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, humbly offer this song at Their lotus feet.

26. Çré Caitanya Bestows Mercy upon Çuklämbara and Decides to Take Sannyäsa

All glory to Çré Gauracandra, the Supreme Purifier of the entire world! Mercifully, offer to me, upon the seat of my heart, Your lotus feet.

One day, wishing to bestow His mercy, the Lord went to the house of Çuklämbara Brahmacäré and begged food from him. The Lord said, “I

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feel an uncontrollable desire to eat your food. Believe Me, there is no reason for you to be anxious.”

The Lord persistently requested Çuklämbara, but Çuklämbara pleaded with the Lord saying, “O Lord, I am a most sinful person, despicable and worse, and You are the symbol of religious principles. So, O Lord, rather You should give shelter to me who is comparable to an insignificant insect caught up in this material illusion.”

The Lord replied saying, “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.”

However, Çuklämbara was still quite in anxiety and so he approached the 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 that He ate at the house of Vidura, who was the son of a çüdra. Therefore, you quickly go to your house and prepare to cook for the Lord with care and devotion. If you are still nervous, then try to cook without directly touching the food. You are very fortunate, to have received this wonderful opportunity from the Lord.” The brähmaëa Çuklämbara hurried home feeling exceedingly elated.

Feeling clean after bathing, Çuklämbara 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, Çuklämbara folded his hands and began to sing the names of the Lord, praising Him and invoking His grace.

Attracted by Çuklämbara’s devotion, Lakñmé Devé, the Universal Mother and Goddess of Fortune, blessed the brähmaëa’s endeavour with her favourable glance. The delectable taste of ambrosia immediately mixed with the food.

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Meanwhile, Viçvambhara had completed His bath and came, accompanied by Nityänanda Prabhu and other devotees, to Çuklämbara’s house in dripping clothes. Çuklämbara’s humble dwelling was situated on the banks of the Gaìgä. Viçvambhara soon changed to dry clothes and sat down to eat. The Lord served Himself according to His wish, as Çuklämbara watched Him with intense pleasure. As the Lord relished the food, all the devotees looked on with great delight.

The Supreme Lord, Gauräìga, is the receiver and enjoyer of all manner of pure oblations offered in sacrifice by no lesser personalities than Brahmä and others of his stature, but now the Lord was thoroughly relishing Çuklämbara’s cooking prepared from rice that Çuklämbara had obtained by begging. This is certainly most rare.

The blessed Lord said, “My dear Çuklämbara, I have never tasted anything so delicious in My life. The rice and all are so palatable that I find no words to describe them. How did you cook like this to get such a taste?”

Çré Caitanya then cast a glance of mercy at Çuklämbara and said, “We are eternally associated in the mellow of friendship—friends such as you are the root from which I grow and are the purpose of my advent.”

All the devotees present began to shed tears of joy as they heard Lord shower His mercy upon Çuklämbara. 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 Çuklämbara was blessed by the Supreme Lord. Çré Caitanya is unapproachable to those who are puffed up with wealth, learning, and followers, etc. The scriptures declare that the Supreme Lord is easily won over only 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 the remnants from the plate, which the Lord had just left behind. The Lord’s remnants are so rare that Çiva and Brahmä would feel extremely blessed to receive them and would carry the plate on their heads. However, now

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such rare treasure was easily available to all the devotees of the Lord. Such a wonderful pastime was taking place in the house of a beggar—such are the transcendental arrangements of the Lord.

The Lord engaged everyone in discussing the transcendental topics of Kåñëa’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, Çré Vijaya däsa, an exalted soul, had a wonderful vision. There were very few in Navadvépa whose handwriting could compare in beauty with that of Vijaya, and he had copied many books for Çré Caitanya. People simply knew him as ‘Vijaya the Artist,’ but were unable to grasp his spiritual depth due to their lack of devotion.

As they all lay down next to the Lord, the Lord placed His hand gently on Vijaya’s body, and Vijaya began to see marvellous sights. He saw the Lord’s hand glistening like a golden pillar, long and graceful. The entire arm was covered in brilliant gems and jewellery. 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 Brahmä, the highest planet of the material universe. Vijaya 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 Navadvépa, you should not speak about this to anyone.”

Hearing these words, Vijaya jumped up from his position with a roaring sound, awakening all the devotees. The devotees saw Vijaya 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 ecstasy. Seeing these symptoms, the devotees realised that Vijaya had had a transcendental vision and feeling great joy for him began to weep tears of joy and share his ecstasy.

The Lord enquired from everyone, “What has happened to Vijaya? Quite suddenly, he has started making these thunderous sounds. I know he has a special sentiment for Mother Gaìgä and being so near Mother Gaìgä must have affected him. Otherwise, it must be the presence of the

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Deities in Çuklämbara’s house, or maybe he has seen Kåñëa here.” Saying this Çré Caitanya placed His hand on Vijaya and brought him back to consciousness. The devotees were relieved and happy.

Although Vijaya regained consciousness and was up and about, he remained silent, without response, like a stone. For seven days, he roamed all over Nadia without food, sleep, or any bodily care. The mystified general people observed him, but did not know of his spiritual vision. Then, after some days, Vijaya returned to his normal self. Such are a fraction of the extraordinary activities the Lord performed in Çuklämbara’s house.

Who can enumerate the extent of Çuklämbara’s fortune? The Lord choose to sanctify Çuklämbara’s house with the presence of Himself and His intimate associates. He even ate food cooked by Çuklämbara. One who hears with faith these supra-mundane narrations of how the Lord graced Vijaya and Çuklämbara will develop unalloyed devotion to the Supreme Lord. This is the dear verdict of the scriptures.

Everyday, Caitanya accompanied by Nityänanda visited the houses of different Vaiñëavas and manifested His transcendental pastimes. Caitanya was constantly steeped in ecstatic prema-rasa, and often manifested the mood and behaviour of different incarnations—Matsya, Kürma, Nåsiàha, Varäha, Vämana, Raghunätha, Buddha, Kalki, and Kåñëa. The Lord, as and when He desired, displayed all these moods. Sometimes, a particular mood would suddenly manifest, but then the Lord would swiftly withdraw it. However, repeatedly, the mood of Balaräma would appear in Him and remain manifest.

As Haladhara, Balaräma, Caitanya would become very excited and agitated, shouting loudly, “Bring Me wine! Bring wine!” Nityänanda always understood the Lord’s different moods and He would immediately fetch a potful of Gaìgä water. At these times, such was the volume of Çré Caitanya’s voice that the entire creation shook. When the Lord danced in this mood, it was as if the Mother Earth would shatter to pieces as all the three worlds swayed precariously. The devotees were frightened to see such violent dancing, but devotedly, they sang songs

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glorifying the pastimes of Balaräma. These songs greatly pleased the Lord, bringing Him to a state of supreme ecstasy.

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 were never satiated from drinking the exquisiteness of His face and the more one looked the more the desire to see His moon-like face increased. The Lord constantly called out ‘Nityänanda! Nityänanda!’ and during the short spells when He would come out of His trance, He would say things like, “Oh! Life ebbs out from Me.”

Then changing His mood, Caitanya would say, “O Kåñëa! You are my father, You protected Me. Balaräma, My uncle, you educated Me with a stick.” The Lord was so overwhelmed with spiritual ecstasy that it unnerved the devotees to see Their Lord in such a trance and they would cry out in fear.

All the activities of the Lord were extraordinary. Sometimes, He would feel such a mood of intense separation from Kåñëa that tears would flow in streams and His wailing would pierce the heart of everyone. The Lord as a devotee was feeling separation from Himself as the Supreme Lord.

The gopés, the cowherd damsels of Våndävana, feeling intense separation from Kåñëa would loose their minds in His absence. When they saw the rising moon, they would mistake it for Kåñëa’s glowing face and almost die out of mixed emotions. Similarly, the ecstatic devotional emotions of the gopés would possess Caitanya and He would rush to His devotees, clinging to their necks and weep continuously.

Çacémätä was filled with consternation to see her son in such a state. How may a mere human describe the wonderful ecstatic prema exhibited by the Lord? Yet, these displays of the highest order of devotional love were a daily occurrence with the Lord.

One day, Çré Caitanya was immersed in the pastimes of the gopés of Våndävana. He was incessantly chanting, “Gopé! Gopé! Gopé!” Along came a student scholar from somewhere and, without understanding Caitanya’s mood, said, “O Nimäi Paëòita why are You chanting ‘Gopé!

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Gopé!’ You had better chant Kåñëa’s name. What pious gain is there in chanting ‘Gopé! Gopé!’ According to the Vedas, one’s piety increases many-fold by chanting Kåñëa’s name!”

An ignorant man could never comprehend the Lord’s spiritual state. The Lord responded by saying, “Kåñëa! He is a plunderer! Who worships Him? That ungrateful Kåñëa killed the innocent Väli and although His winsome looks and strength has won so many women, He deliberately cut off a woman’s nose. Again, He begs everything from Bali Mahäräja leaving him with nothing and then sends him down to Hell. What will I gain chanting His name?”

Saying this, Çré Caitanya picked up a stick and, still immersed in ecstasy, He rushed towards the student menacingly. The startled student jumped up and ran off with the Lord close behind in hot pursuit. The student ran in fear of his life, not understanding the Lord’s mood. The devotees ran after Their Lord and catching up with Him brought Him back and pacified Him.

The student, in the meanwhile, had made good his escape. Panting heavily and drenched with perspiration, he found his friends, who were curious about 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, Nimäi Paëòita is very saintly, but today when I visited Him I found Him chanting ‘Gopé! Gopé!’ He is chanting only these names, night and day. So I told Him, ‘What are You doing O learned man? You should chant, ‘Kåñëa, Kåñëa’, 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 Kåñëa, 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, “If, as the people say, He is a good Vaiñëava, then why does He come chasing a brähmaëa with violent intentions?” Another offered, “How can you call Him a Vaiñëava, if He refuses to utter Kåñëa’s name?” Yet another remarked, “It sounds very strange that a Vaiñëava is

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chanting only, ‘Gopé! Gopé’!” Another said forcefully, “Why should we feel cowered and shrivel in this hovel? Have we not also the power so characteristic of brähmaëas? He maybe a brähmaëa, yet, we are also learned in the scriptures! Why should we tolerate His threats? He is not a king or officer that He can punish us, let us group together and the next time He tries to intimidate us, we will thwart Him. He maybe the son of the learned Jagannätha Miçra, but our parents are no less worthy. Just see, yesterday, we were studying together as equal friends and yet today He has suddenly become the Mahäprabhu, ‘great master’?”

In this manner, the offenders and atheists spoke so caustically against Him, but Çré Caitanya, the Supersoul residing within everyone’s heart knew everything. One day, He was sitting with all His devotees, when suddenly He made a mysterious remark, the meaning of which was too shrouded for anyone to understand. He said, “The medicine ‘pippali-khaëòa’ was prepared to cure the excess phlegm, but instead it has increased the phlegm in the body.” Saying this, the Lord began laughing loudly musing over something incomprehensible to all. The devotees became very concerned.

Nityänanda knew the inner meaning of the Lord’s statement and understood His confidential mood. He thought, “Soon the Lord will leave home and take sannyäsa.” Nityänanda fell into deep despair. The life air seemed to leave His body at the thought of seeing His beloved Çré Caitanya, as beautiful as He is, being shorn of those lovely locks of hair.

Caitanya suddenly clasped Nityänanda’s hand, taking Him away to a quiet and lonely spot. Caitanya said, “Listen, dear Nityänanda, I am revealing My heart to You. The purpose of My advent is to deliver the entire world, but instead of delivering the living entities, it seems I shall have to ultimately destroy them. The people are supposed to attain salvation just by seeing Me, whereas now their material bonds are becoming stronger.

“As soon as they contemplated 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

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leading the people to their doom. Therefore, I have decided to shave My head and take to the renounced life of a sannyäsé, begging from door to door. With a begging bowl, I will stand at the doors of those who wanted to attack Me. Then, those same aggressors will fall at My feet and in this way, I will deliver the whole universe.

Everyone respects a sannyäsé, no one will ever think of harming a sannyäsé. Tomorrow, when I take up begging as a sannyäsé, I can go anywhere safely. Therefore, I have fully decided to take up the sannyäsa order, leaving My home and family. Please do not feel sad due to this, rather give Me permission to take up the renounced life. I will certainly act in accordance with your desire, but You should consider that I have taken this incarnation for a specific purpose and request Your permission in this matter.

“If you really want to see that everyone in the world becomes liberated, then you must not prohibit Me from My decision. You should be the last person to lament over this, because You know the confidential reason for My advent.”

When Nityänanda heard from His dear Lord that He would shave His beautiful locks and enter the renounced order, his heart shattered to pieces in grief. He did not know what to say to Caitanya, but He was sure that the Lord would go ahead with His decision.

Nityänanda replied, “My dear Lord, You are absolutely independent, whatever You wish must certainly be executed. Who can resist You or go against Your wishes? Whatever You have decided is sure 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 could conceive of the best method for liberating the conditioned souls? You are perfectly free to act in any way that You think best. Yet, I think You may present these facts to all the Vaiñëavas and ask their opinion. After hearing them, You may do whatever You think is necessary.”

Nityänanda’s words satisfied Caitanya and He embraced Nityänanda, repeatedly. Thus advised, Caitanya went to meet the assembly of

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Vaiñëavas. The paralysing thought that Caitanya would take sannyäsa echoed in the grey emptiness of Nityänanda’s mind. He walked about normally, but within Himself raged a fitful storm. “How will Çacémätä maintain her grief-stricken life once her Nimäi abandons home?” He thought, “How will she live through the long lonely days and nights without her Nimäi?” Each time these thoughts raced through His mind, Nityänanda felt devastated with despair and would find a secluded corner in which to weep bitterly, unable to bear the thought of what would happen to Çacémätä.

Caitanya came to Mukunda’s house. Mukunda was overjoyed to see his beloved Lord coming personally to his house. The Lord said, “Sing something about Kåñëa.” Mukunda began to sing and the Lord listened to the transcendental sweetness of Mukunda’s singing.

Withdrawing His feelings of ecstasy within Himself, the Lord calmed Himself and spoke to Mukunda. The Lord said, “Mukunda, please listen to Me, I have decided to leave My home and family to join the sannyäsa order. Shaving My hair, I shall travel throughout the land.”

The Lord’s words crushed the joy that Mukunda had felt earlier upon 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, stay with us and pass more time in kåñëa-kértana, then do what You must do.”

Çré Caitanya left Mukunda’s home and went to see Gadädhara Paëòita. Gadädhara offered obeisances to his Lord, praying at His lotus feet. The Lord addressed Gadädhara, “I want you to hear Me, carefully, please. Gadädhara, I have to leave My home and family for the sake of My Kåñëa. I shall shave My head and as a mendicant go wherever the road leads.”

Gadädhara 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 Kåñëa simply by shaving the head, leaving home, and not staying in householder life? What spiritual

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gain is there in shaving one’s head? This maybe Your opinion, but it is certainly not found anywhere in the Vedic scriptures.

Moreover, 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 the death of Your mother. You are the dream of her life. If You are gone, then what reason will she have to remain alive? Is one not dear to the Supreme Lord, remaining at home? In fact, everyone likes a householder. If, in spite of everything I have told You, You still want to cling to Your decision, then do as You like.”

In this way, the Lord visited all His near and dear ones and told them all of His plan to take sannyäsa. 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 of all His black cascading curls. They lamented, “What then will be the use of stringing a garland for His curly locks.” Yet another cried out, “How will I ever be able to live without seeing His delightful locks?” Yet another exclaimed, beating his head, “Will I never be able to smell the transcendental aroma of His hair anymore?” The devotees were wailing in grief, tossed about in an ocean of despair, loudly they wept, for they were going to lose their beloved Lord.

Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda are my life and soul. I, Våndävana däsa, offer this song at Their lotus feet.

27. The Vaiñëavas Feelings of Separation Awaken

All glory to Çré Viçvambhara, the son of Çacémätä! Bold as a lion, our Lord is the deliverer of the fallen souls.

After hearing of the Lord’s desire to take sannyäsa, all the devotees were very much perturbed and grief stricken. Though the Lord was still in

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Navadvépa, they were already feeling the pangs of separation from their beloved Caitanya and they cried piteously.

They said amongst themselves, “Where will He go after taking sannyäsa?” “When will we see Him again?” “Surely, He won’t return to this village after accepting a mendicant’s robe.” “There will be no way of finding out where He is and in which direction He is travelling.”

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 sannyäsa I will leave all of you and go far away. Not for a moment can I leave you, for 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 yuga, I advent and in every one of My innumerable incarnations you have participated in My pastimes. With this advent, I have come in 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 ecstasy. I am taking sannyäsa only to educate humanity, therefore please allay your fears and worries.”

Placating the distressed devotees with His sweet words, Caitanya embraced each of them, repeatedly. The Lord’s words had a pacifying effect on the devotees, and, feeling assured, they allowed their beloved master to leave.

Swiftly the word spread everywhere that Nimäi was going to embrace the mendicant life. When Çacédevé 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 unconscious and remained

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lying on the floor, her tears flowing in torrents. The lotus eyed Lord saw this heart-rending sight, sitting very still and grave.

Çacémätä cried out to Nimäi saying, “My darling son, please do not leave Your mother and go. All of us are simply dependent upon seeing Your divine lotus face. Your lotus eyes and moonlike glowing face, ruby lips and pearly jasmine white teeth, words like showers of ambrosia, and graceful gentle elephant’s gait are impossible to live without. Your constant followers, Advaita and Çréväsa and Your bosom friends Nityänanda and Gadädhara are always there. Just stay home and perform Your congregational chanting. You have incarnated to teach everyone the principles of religion, then which 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, Çacédevé spoke 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. After that only You remained, but looking at You, I could forget my pains of separation. 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, Nityänanda is always here, You can perform kértana in Your own house with all the devotees. You are everything to me. Your eyes are full of love and compassion, Your long arms are exquisite, and Your words are cascades of nectar. My lampless, darkened house is illuminated by Your presence, and Your lotus feet are the source of life-giving elixir.” Silently, Viçvambhara sat and listened, bearing the deep pain within as His mother out of intense love spoke painful words of separation, like Kauçalyä trying to reason with Rämacandra.

Çacédevé spoke on unable to calm herself and the Lord remained patient, silently listening. Çacédevé felt completely drained out, rampaged by the storm of grief. Food and sleep were to her now a curse. The Lord seeing

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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 Påçni and I was your son. Then again, in another life, you became Aditi and were residing in the heavenly planets and I became your son Vämana. Then once again, I became your son Kapila when you were Devahüti. When you were Kauçalyä, I was your son Räma. Another time, you were Devaké in Mathurä imprisoned in the dungeons of the cruel King Kaàsa, and I became your son Kåñëa. In this present incarnation, I will be your son twice. You will be the mother of My incarnation in the ‘Deity form’ and also the mother of My incarnation as the ‘Holy Name’. Mother, in this way, you have had Me as your son eternally, I can never leave you mother. I reveal this to you very confidentially, now mother please allay your fears and grief.”

Upon hearing this esoteric narration, Çacédevé was somewhat calmed.

Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda are my life and soul. I, Våndävana däsa, humbly offer this song at Their lotus feet.

28. Çré Caitanya Takes Sannyäsa

All glory to Çré Gauräìga, Lord and husband of Çré Viñëupriyä devé! Kindly cast your merciful glance upon the living entities.

The Supreme Godhead Çré Viçvambhara engaged in incessant saìkértana, experiencing immense happiness. No one knows the real purpose of the activities of the Supreme Lord; He is the absolute autocrat and does as He pleases. He was always absorbed in the ecstasy of saìkértana in the company of the Vaiñëavas. The devotees were also so enraptured by the continuous kértana that they never considered, even for a moment, that their beloved Lord might leave them. These greatly

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fortunate devotees enjoyed pastimes with that Supreme Personality upon whom the Personified Vedas constantly meditate.

The day Lord Çré Caitanya decided to enter the sannyäsa order, He revealed His decision in confidence to Nityänanda prabhu. He said to Çré Nityänanda, “My dear Nityänanda Gosäïi, what I am about to divulge to you may be repeated to only five others. Tomorrow is the day o f Makara-saìkränti, when the sun begins to travel in a northerly direction, and I will certainly accept the renounced order of sannyäsa. In the village of Katwa near Indräëé lives the exalted personality Çré Keçava Bhäraté. It is from him that I will receive my sannyäsa; this is the decree of providence. The five persons who you must inform are My mother, Çré Gadädhara, Çré Brahmänanda, Çré Candraçekhara Äcärya and Çré Mukunda.” Çré Nityänanda then went to these five individuals separately and informed them in confidence about the Lord’s decision.

That entire day, Çré Caitanya spent in performing saìkértana with all His Vaiñëava devotees. The Lord relished His noon prasädam and later in the early evening, He went to take darçana of the holy Gaìgä. There He offered obeisances to Gaìgä devé, sat down on her banks for a while, and then returned home early. He sat in His house surrounded by His devotees, but none amongst them knew that the Lord was leaving the next day. For the moment, the devotees exulted in the association of the Supreme Lord. The Lord, with beautiful lotus-petal eyes sat decorated with flower garlands and sandalwood paste. As the Vaiñëavas arrived, one by one, they presented the Lord with flower garlands. Such was the magnetic potency of the Lord that it was simply inconceivable how a continuous stream of visitors from all directions kept pouring in. So much so, that even Brahmä would be in difficulty to count them all.

They came in, paid full obeisances, and fixed their eyes on the Lord’s enchanting face with rapt attention. To each of the visitors the Lord gave a garland from around His neck and instructed them all as follows: “Go and praise the Supreme Lord, Çré Kåñëa. Chant His Holy Name, worship Him and sing His glories. Do not think of anything other than Kåñëa. If you have any love for Me, then show it by chanting and singing

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no other name—only the names of Kåñëa at all times. Remember and chant His Holy Name, whether asleep, awake or eating.”

After instructing everyone in this manner, He ordered them to return to their homes. As one group of visitors left another fresh group arrived. Most of them were unknown to each other, but that did not deter them from their ecstatic feelings. All the while, the Supreme Lord, more resplendent than many moons, sat there wreathed in countless flower garlands and decorated with sandal pulp. While leaving, the visitors loudly chanted the Holy Names, “Hari! Hari!” feeling most jubilant. They had received the Lord’s grace.

Just then, green tender gourd in hand, Çré Çrédhara walked into the Lord’s house. Seeing this, Lord Çré Gaurasundara laughed and enquired, “Çrédhara, from where did you procure this gourd?” The Lord thought to Himself, “Tomorrow I’m leaving, but I cannot refuse or waste Çrédhara’s gift, I will eat it tonight.” The Supreme Lord is always prepared to satisfy His devotees. He is famous as ‘bhakta-vatsala’. The Lord requested His mother to cook the gourd. Right at that moment, someone walked in with some milk and offered it to the Lord. The Lord was very pleased, and said: “This is wonderful, now mother, you can prepare a delicacy with milk and gourd.” Mother Çacé was happy with this turn of events and she went to cook with great satisfaction. The Supreme Lord of Vaikuëöha is always willing to fulfil the desires of His devotees for He is their loving guardian.

The devotees remained late into the night and left when the Lord was about to take His meal. The Lord saw everyone off and sat down to eat. He relished His mother’s cooking, washed His mouth, hands and feet and retired for the night to His quarters. The Supreme Lord called upon His mystic sleep, yoga-nidrä, while Çréla Haridäsa and Çréla Gadädhara lay down to rest close by. Çacémäöä knew the Lord was to leave at early dawn, so she could not sleep, but wept incessantly.

A couple of hours before sunrise, the Lord woke up and determining the auspicious time by the flow of breath from His nostrils He prepared Himself for the journey. Çréla Haridäsa and Çréla Gadädhara also woke

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up. Çréla Gadädhara said, “I want to accompany you.” To which the Lord replied: “No one may accompany Me to where I’m going. I’m always alone and independent, such are My activities.”

Çacémätä understood that it was time for her son to leave home, so she waited sitting at the door. Seeing His mother at the door, the Lord sat down next to her and held her hands. He tried to console her, saying, “You brought me up and took care of Me in plentiful ways. I was educated and properly raised due to your endeavours. You never bothered for even a tiny bit of pleasure for yourself, but all through, since My birth, you always made sure that I had the best of everything. Moment to moment, you increasingly showered Me with your love and affection. Even in millions of life times, I will never be able to reciprocate your tender feelings. Life after life, I will be in your debt, which only you by your grace can waive.

“Dear mother, everyone in this creation is under the Supreme Lord’s control; no one has the power to become independent of His control. The Lord alone arranges unions and separations. Who can fathom the depth of His mind and will. Whether I leave now or ten days later, you should not lament. You do not have to worry about anything, I will take full care of you, that is My responsibility.” Crossing His hand over His breast He repeatedly assured His dear mother, “Your upkeep and well-being is My responsibility, and Mine alone.”

Çacémätä silently heard everything her son said to her. She did not reply, but wept and wept. Çacémätä, the Universal Mother, willed herself to become like Mother Earth, the symbol of patience. Who can understand the inconceivable eternal pastimes of the Supreme Lord. Çré Gaurasundara smeared His head with the dust of His mother’s feet, circumambulated her and left. The divine hero of Vaikuëöha left home to enter the renounced order to liberate all living entities. My dear brothers, respected readers, by hearing the narrations of the Supreme Lord taking sannyäsa, one is freed from all material bondage. As soon as the Lord left, Çacémätä became almost inert and was unable to speak, as still a statue.

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The rest of the devotees knew nothing of these developments. After completing their morning ablutions and rituals, as was usual, they came to offer obeisances to the Lord, but found Çacémätä sitting by the outside doorway of the house. The noble Çréla Çréväsa was the first to enquire, “Ai, why do you sit by the doorway?” Almost inert, she at first remained silent, while tears flowed freely from her eyes, Finally, after a short while she said, “My dear sons, listen, it is decreed in the scriptures that the possessions of the Supreme Lord Viñëu rightfully belong to His devotees, the Vaiñëavas. Therefore, whatever items belonged to my son are now yours, take them. The Lord has left me.”

Realizing that the Lord had left home, the devotees were shocked and fell swooning to the ground. Overcome with grief, they wailed loudly in despair and pain. They held each other for comfort and babbled as if in delirium, “O Gopénätha, why did this terrible night have to end?” “How will I live without seeing His moonlike face?” “What meaning is there to this sinful life?” “Why has the sky not come crashing down without prior warning?” They rolled on the ground weeping and lamenting, unable to bear the searing pain of separation. As the other devotees began to arrive, upon hearing of the Lord’s departure, they all drowned in an ocean of sorrow. The loud wailing of the Vaiñëavas enveloped the Lord’s house. They cried, “We are destitute orphans and our Lord and master has left us to take up sannyäsa, leaving us drowning in an ocean of sorrow.”

The devotees wept uncontrollably becoming almost unconscious with grief. They cried and loudly chanted, “Hari! Hari!” They felt that their life, possessions, family, etc, was worth nothing without the Lord’s presence. They beat their breasts and struck their foreheads in utter despondency. Their beloved Lord had left without informing them, thinking of this, they rolled on the ground oblivious of the dust that covered them. The Lord’s courtyard witnessed this heart rending scene of the Vaiñëavas writhing, both within and without, in the excruciating pain of separation. Çréla Mukunda, Çré Muräri, Çréla Çrédhara, Çréla Gadädhara, Çré Gaìgädäsa, Çréla Çréväsa and his family members, Çré Äcärya, Çréla Haridäsa, and many others were there sharing the grief

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that, unannounced, had suddenly struck them. The sound of their loud wailing echoed throughout Navadvépa and all the residents came running to see what had had happened. Young and old, men and women, rushed to Nimäi Paëòita’s house and loudly lamented that their beloved Lord had left them. However, the atheists were happy that the Lord had gone. Gradually, the devotees stopped crying, calmed themselves and sat down encircling Çacémätä.

As the news spread of the Lord’s departure from home to take up sannyäsa, people came from near and far. They were astonished to hear that Nimäi Paëòita had decided to enter the renounced order. In Nimäi’s house, they found everyone red-eyed, weeping and Nimäi absent. The entire weight and impact of the news of Nimäi’s leaving finally struck them and even the heavy critics and atheists felt sad and full of genuine remorse. They said, “We are so sinful that we failed to recognise such an elevated personality.” “No longer shall we see His moonlike beautiful face.” “Let us put fire to our homes and leave town to become yogis.” “Why should we remain at home when the Lord Himself has left Navadvépa and gone away?” “What is our life worth to us?” “How are we still breathing?” The town’s people cried, lamented, and fell swooning to the ground. Men, women, old and young were as if thrown into a well of acute grief.

The Supreme Independent Lord, Çré Gaurasundara, knows which method to apply for liberating every particular person. He embraced the renounced order, intending to alleviate the suffering of all living entities and save them. Now we see that even those who were envious and antagonistic towards the Lord were bitten by the poisonous snake of separation from the Lord. All glory and victory to the Supreme Lord of all living beings, Çré Gauracandra, for He has made a wonderful plan to liberate all jéva souls.

My dear readers, please listen attentively to the details of the Lord receiving sannyäsa. By hearing this, one is freed from the bondage of infinite karmic reactions.

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After leaving home, Çré Gauräìga-sundara crossed to the other side of the Gaìgä and came to Kaëöaka-nagara (Katwa). The five close associates to whom He had previously intimated His plans gradually arrived and met Him; Çré Avadhüta Nityänanda Prabhu, Çréla Gadädhara, Çré Mukunda, Çré Candraçekhara Äcärya and Çré Brahmänanda. Then the Supreme Lord, walking with the gait of a maddened lion, went with them to the place of Çré Keçava Bhäraté.

The great and pious Çré Keçava Bhäraté, observing the wonderful and effulgent form of the Lord, rushed to receive Him with awe and respect. However, the Lord prostrated Himself before Çré Bhäraté and with folded palms prayed, “My dear sir, please be kind to Me. You are the saviour of fallen souls, an infinitely magnanimous personality. You are empowered to give Kåñëa, the Lord of My heart, because the Supreme Lord, Çré Kåñëacandra, is always enthroned in your heart. I have no desire other than to become a servant of Kåñëa, so kindly instruct Me.”

By now, the Lord’s body was drenched in His own tears, which flowed freely due to His intense feelings of divine love. Roaring loudly like a lion, He began to dance. No sooner had the son of Mother Çacé started His dance than Çré Mukunda and the other devotees began to sing. Suddenly from nowhere, people, by the scores, started to pour in attracted by the kértana. When they saw the exquisite beauty of Çré Gaurasundara, they could not take their gaze away, but stared at His face drinking its divine beauty.

Then a most incredible incident took place, the Supreme Lord danced and pirouetted in mid-air spraying everyone with His incessant cascade of tears. The people were drenched, soaked to the skin. Men, women, and children were swathed in the tears of divine kåñëa-prema, and they spontaneously chanted, “Hari! Hari!” Different ecstatic symptoms such as shivering, perspiration, swooning etc. manifested upon the Lord’s person in waves. When He fell to the ground like a stick, the assembled public was petrified. Then the Supreme Lord, proprietor of unlimited universes, in utter humility, holding straw between His teeth, went around to all present, begging His own service, the service of Çré Kåñëa. Seeing the Lord’s humility and compassion, knowing He was about to

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enter the renounced order, those present began to weep, moved by intense grief.

The women were thinking aloud saying, “How will His mother live through this?” “Who could understand the pain of her last night with Nimäi at home?” “Who was that most fortunate maiden who had such an ocean of good qualities as a husband, but is now bereft?” “By what great misfortune did providence snatch Him away from her.” “We are not His kin, mere outsiders, yet even our hearts are pierced by the sharp arrows of grief—what to speak of His mother and wife!” “How will they survive this?” Çré Caitanya, by His divine potency, had trapped everyone. All had become very attached to Him and in His absence, they now wept along with the Vaiñëavas and His family.

After sometime Çré Viçvambhara stopped dancing, became composed and sat down with all His associates around Him. Çré Keçava Bhäraté was absorbed in an ocean of bliss after seeing the devotional sentiments displayed by the Lord and he began to glorify Caitanya saying, “The devotion that You displayed, which I saw with my own eyes, is a manifestation of the divine potency, which Çré Hari alone possesses. I am certain that You are the original spiritual master, the guru of the universe. Hence, no one is qualified to be your guru. However, for the sole purpose of instructing the world You have chosen me to become Your guru. This is my opinion.”

To this the Lord replied, “Kindly do not put Me into illusion and confuse Me, but initiate Me as your disciple so that I may be blessed with servitorship to Çré Kåñëa.” Speaking in this way, the Lord spent the whole night amongst His associates steeped in the nectar of kåñëa-kathä.

In the early hours of the next morning, the Lord of the Universe ordered Çré Candraçekhara Äcärya, “You are practiced in the performance of all the Vedic rituals, so I am selecting you as My representative, make all necessary arrangements.” Çré Candraçekhara immediately busied himself in organizing the upcoming event. However, many out of the ordinary and miraculous occurrences happened. Milk, yoghurt, ghee, grains, betel leaf, sandal wood, flowers, sacred thread,

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cloth, etc. were brought in large quantities by people from distant villages without being asked. Unknown persons brought all varieties of foodstuff in abundance. The activities and atmosphere were surcharged with fervour and echoed with the loud chanting of the Holy Name. In fact, the only sound, loud and clear, was, “Hari! Hari! Hari! Hari!” Everyone was chanting in divine bliss.

Then Caitanya Mahäprabhu, the life of all, sat down to have His head shaved, including His çikhä. As soon as the barber came and sat before the Lord, a huge cry and the sound of wailing rent the air. The poor barber instead of taking the razor sat with his head in his hands and wept. Nityänanda Prabhu and the other Vaiñëavas were inconsolable as they rolled in the dust weeping bitterly. Even ordinary householders and materialistic people were deeply grief-stricken with tear filled eyes.

Some of them spoke out their minds in this manner, “Why did providence create the renounced order?” The ladies wept and released long sighs. The demigods, who were present incognito, wept and wailed. The entire universe was grieving. Gauräìga was able to generate käruëya-rasa, the mellow of compassion, to such an extent that even the nearby brick, stone and wood were melting from within. The Lord manifested all these pastimes simply to liberate the living entities. That everyone wept is the proof.

Çré Gauracandra could not remain patient due to great upsurges of spiritual emotion accompanied by ecstatic symptoms such as weeping and shivering, caused by prema-rasa, divine love. Viçvambhara stood up loudly chanting, “Haribol! Haribol!” Mukunda took the cue and began to sing while the Lord broke out into an ecstatic dance. Ecstatic emotions washed over the Lord’s person coming in waves as different symptoms of prema manifested. The barber just sat there unable to shave the Lord’s çikhä.

Finally, at the end of the day, the shaving ceremony was conducted amidst jubilant prema-rasa. Thereafter, the Lord bathed in the holy Gaìgä, came back and took His seat at the designated place for the sannyäsa initiation rituals to begin.

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T h e Vedas declare the Supreme Lord, Çré Gauracandra, to be the instructing spiritual master of everyone and everything. He conveyed this truth to Çré Keçava Bhäraté indirectly. The Lord said, “A great personality appeared in My dream and uttered a sannyäsa-mantra to Me. Hear it now and discern if this is the proper mantra or not.” The Lord then whispered the mantra into the ears of Çré Bhäraté. Thus, with a simple stratagem, the Supreme Lord initiated Çré Bhäraté as His disciple.

Çré Bhäraté was very astonished, impressed, and said, “This is the most profound amongst all mantras By Çré Kåñëa’s grace may all its mysteries be revealed to you.” As instructed by the Lord, Çré Bhäraté then repeated the same mantra into the ear of Çré Caitanya. The air exploded with the sound of loud chanting of the Holy Name from the assembled devotees and public as the Lord of Vaikuëöha was initiated into the sannyäsa order.

The Lord then dressed in a saffron robe and over-shadowed the beauty of millions of cupids. The sandalwood tilaka markings upon His forehead and other parts of His divine body were luminescent and heaps of fragrant flower garlands were draped around His neck. In one hand, He held His sannyäsa daëòa and in the other the kamaëòalu, water pot. He was completely absorbed in the ecstasy of prema-rasa, divine love. The brightness of His beatific face waned the brilliance of millions upon millions of full moons, as exultant tears cascaded down His cheeks.

None other than Çréla Vyäsadeva will give an extensive and detailed description of His sannyäsa appearance. Actually, Çréla Vyäsa has already described in the Viñëu-sahasranäma-stotra one of the incarnations of the Supreme Lord, which embraces the sannyäsa order. The best of the twice-born brähmaëas, Çré Viçvambhara, has fulfilled that prophecy. The assembled Vaiñëavas, who witnessed this event of Çré Caitanya entering the renounced order, understood this truth.

The wise and grave Çré Keçava Bhäraté began to consider in his mind what sannyäsa name to choose for the Lord. He pondered, “In my experience, I have not come across in all the fourteen worlds, such an exalted Vaiñëava as Çré Viçvambhara. Therefore, my heart’s wish is to

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choose a unique name not heard of before. According to rule and etiquette, the disciple of a ‘Bhäraté’ title holder should also be named Bhäraté, but this does not appeal to me as befitting His status.”

As these thoughts were crossing his mind, Çré Sarasvaté Devé, in the form of unadulterated transcendental knowledge, came to his assistance. Thus, Çré Bhäraté found the name for which he was looking, for the topmost jewel amongst sannyäsés. Placing his hand on the Lord’s chest, Bhäraté said aloud, “As you have inspired everyone, like no other person, to chant the name of Kåñëa, thereby awakening their slumbering consciousness, Caitanya; and as you have propagated congregational chanting of the Holy Name, Your name is Çré Kåñëa Caitanya! You have benedicted the entire universe.”

No sooner, had the exalted sannyäsé, Çré Bhäraté, made this pronouncement than the enthusiastic crowd of devotees and bystanders broke out into loud jubilant shouts and chants of the Holy Name. Everyone was transported to a world of infinite bliss. All the devotees offered sincere respects and obeisances to Çré Keçava Bhäraté. Çré Caitanya Himself was also extremely happy with His sannyäsa name. The devotees prostrated themselves at the Lord’s lotus feet. The Supreme Lord basked in the glory of His newly acquired status and His original name was broadcast to the world. The Supreme Lord, Çré Kåñëa Caitanya, is always engaged in performing ever-fresh and unique pastimes. Only those who are recipients of His grace are able to see them.

The countless nuances and mellows in the pastimes that were manifest at that place are known completely only by Çré Nityänanda Prabhu. Under His orders and directions and by His mercy, I am able to pen down a few of them and compile them into this book.

I offer my humble obeisances at the feet of all the Vaiñëavas. I pray to them that they do not take offence for this shortcoming on my part. Çréla Vyäsadeva will describe these pastimes in lengthy detail over many millions verses in the Vedas.

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The Madhya-khaëòa section of this book ends with the Lord receiving sannyäsa. Whosoever hears this narration will immediately be rewarded with servitorship to His lotus feet. By hearing this most auspicious pastime of sannyäsa initiation, one certainly receives the ultimate treasure of kåñëa-prema.

My only desire is that I may never forget my two most worshipable Lordships, Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda Prabhu. Will I be blessed one day with the wonderful vision of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu and Çré Nityänanda Prabhu surrounded by all the Vaiñëava devotees?

Çré Gauräìga is the Lord of my Lord, Çré Nityänanda Prabhu and this gives me great spiritual strength and satisfaction. Anyone who simply utters: ‘I am Nityänanda’s servant!’ will certainly be able to see Çré Caitanya.

The most dear beloved friend and devotee of Çré Caitanya is Çré Nityänanda. Therefore, my heartfelt prayer is that I may never be deprived of the association of the Supreme Lord and His devotees. Çré Nityänanda is the distributor of kåñëa-prema. I pray that I, on His behalf can serve Çré Gauracandra.

All those who desire to cross over the ocean of material existence and drown in the nectar of prema-bhakti worship and serve the lotus-feet of Çré Nityänanda Prabhu. A wooden doll is made to dance by pulling strings, similarly, I write only that which Çré Nityänanda Prabhu is making me write.

Furthermore, just as a bird cannot find the limits of the sky, but flies only as much as its strength will allow, similarly, the pastimes of the Supreme Lord, Çré Caitanya, are limitless like the sky and I write only to the extent of my ability.

O Çré Caitanya-candra, I offer you my repeated humble obeisances. You are the embodiment of rasa, spiritual mellow, and the enactor of the ecstatic pastimes of Çré Kåñëa. Your beautiful exquisite form is transcendental and covered in golden brilliance beyond human sense

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perception. You have distributed to the world the priceless gift of the highest nectar of kåñëa-prema.

I, Våndävana däsa, offer this song at the lotus-feet of Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda Prabhu, who are my life and soul.

Thus ends the Madhya-khaëòa of the Çré Caitanya-bhägavata.

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Caitanya Bhagavata Madhya Khanda