bala booksTHE PASTIMES OF

SHRI CHAITANYA MAHAPRABHU SERIES

TheKING

whoSWEPT the ROAD

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“The King Who Swept The Road” is based on the “Sff Caitanya-caritamrta” by

Krsnadas Kaviraj GoswamT (© 1973 by The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust),

translated from the original Bengali by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna

Consciousness, retold by Joshua Greene (Yogesvara Das), illustrated by

Rudolph Benno (Visnu Das).

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FIRST PUBLISHED IN THE UNITED STATES IN 1978 BY BALA BOOKS, 340 West 55th Street, New York, N.Y. 10019

© 1978 BY BALA BOOKS

Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data

Greene, JoshuaThe king who swept the road.

Adapted from the £rl £ri Caitanya-caritSmrta, Madhya-lila, chapters 12-14, by

K^SUMMARY: Retells the story from a Bengali classic of how the king of Orissa, despite his worldly position, eventually fulfills his desire to meet the holy Chaitanya.

1. Chaitanya, 1486-1534 — Juvenile literature. 2. Pratapanjdra Deva, Raja of Orissa — Juvenile literature. 3- Rathar-yatra (Hindu festival) — Juvenile literature. 1. Chaitanya, 1486-1534. 2. Prataparudra Deva, Raja of Orissa. 3- Ratha-yatra (Hindu festival) 4. Hinduism i . Benno, Rudolph, i i . Kr?hnadSsa Kaviraja, b.1518 or 1519- Sri Sri Caitanya- carit§jnrta. Madhya-lila. Chapters 12-14. i i i . Title.

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INTRODUCTION

In the histoiy of India there has never been such a time as when Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appeared in Bengal 5 0 0 years ago. Thousands would assem ble to see Him dance in ecstasy. Kings, noblemen, beggars and thieves—all were converted to His movement by the chanting of the Holy Names: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is described in Vedic scriptures as an incarnation of Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. His mission as a Vaishnava devotee, constantly chanting the holy nam es of Krishna, was to teach eveiyone in the present age of quarrel, Kali-yuga, how to live a holy life. Shri Chaitanya’s activities were recorded by His disciples in diaries, which were later compiled into a book by Krishna das Kaviraj Goswami.

In this chapter, the King of Orissa, Maharaj Prataparudra, tries to meet Mahaprabhu personally. However, it is against the code of a sannyasi (renunciate) like Shri Chaitanya to meet with worldly persons. Nonetheless, by the clever arrangement of Mahaprabhu’s servants, the king succeeds. The Jagannath chariot festival reunites all the devotees of Shri Chaitanya, and Maharaj Prataparudra supplies foodstuffs for the biggest feast anyone has ever seen!

I. The King’s Petition

Maharaj Prataparudra, King of Orissa, was not only a great politician but also a sincere devotee of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Despite his royal position, the King would render humble service to the Lord and His devotees. When he learned that Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the great devotee and scholar, had come to visit his district, the King was naturally very anxious to meet Him. He sent a letter to Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya, an intimate associate of Shri Chaitanya, begging him to arrange a meeting. Soon he received an answer: Mahaprabhu had refused. The King, however, was determined and wrote again. “Please appeal on my behalf to all the devotees of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. They can ask Him for me. Only by their mercy will I ever be able to offer myself at His lotus feet. If Chaitanya Mahaprabhu refuses again to see me, I shall give up my kingdom, become a mendicant, and beg from door to door.”

When Bhattacharya read the King’s second letter, he became very anxious. Who would rule over Orissa if the King became a mendicant? Who would manage the affairs of Lord Jagannath’s temple at Puri? Bhattacharya took the letter to the devotees of the Lord and told them of the King’s wishes. Everyone was astounded by Maharaj Prataparudra’s great devotion to Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. “The Lord will never agree to meet with a King,” they said, “and to request such a meeting might make Him very unhappy.”

“I have an idea!” said Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya. “Let us go to Mahaprabhu, but rather than requesting Him to m eet the King, we shall simply describe the King’s good behavior.” Everyone agreed that this was a good idea and set off at once for the residence of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Once there, however, no one dared utter a word. Seeing their distressed condition, Shri Chaitanya asked, “I see that you want to say something, but no one speaks. What is the reason?”

“We want to ask You something,” Nityananda Prabhu replied, “but jt may not be proper. The fact is that unless the King of Orissa is allowed to meet You, he will becom e a mendicant. He does not want to enjoy his kingdom without seeing Your moon-like face to his full satisfaction.”

Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was very happy inside Himself to hear of the King’s great devotion to Him, but externally He pretended to be displeased. “I can understand that you all want Me to meet this King.” He said, “but I am a sannyasi. People would make fun of a renunciate meeting with worldly men.”

Nityananda Prabhu had an idea. “It might not be necessary for You to meet the King right away. If You kindly send him one of Your garments, it would be a sign that he could live in hope of seeing You sometime in the future.” Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu thought for a m om ent and then said, “Whatever You, My devotees decide, I shall accept.” Nityananda immediately took an outer cloth used by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and gave it to Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya, who sent it to the King.

When Maharaj Prataparudra received the cloth, he felt great excitement and worshipped it as if it were Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Himself. Nonetheless, within his mind the King continued to think of a way to meet the Lord personally.

The King had a minister named Ramananda Roy who was filled with wonderful qualities and deep love, both for Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and the King. When he learned that Mahaprabhu had com e to Orissa, Ramananda also desired to m eet with Him and requested permission to leave his job in government service. Maharaj Prataparudra was not at all sad to lose such a good minister; rather, he gave immediate permission with great satisfaction and bid Ramananda Roy farewell.

“Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu will surely be merciful to you,” said the King. “Therefore, I beg you to ask Him to meet with me.” Ramananda promised and then departed.

Soon he arrived at the place of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and was accepted as one of theLord’s personal attendants. Whenever the opportunity presented itself, Ramananda Roy informed Shri Chaitanya of the King’s great love for Him. Ramananda was very diplomatic, and simply by describing the King’s love he gradually softened the mind of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Then at last he directly requested, “Please show Your lotus feet to the King, at least once.”

“My dear Ramananda,” Mahaprabhu replied, “first you should consider whether it is proper for a sannyasi to m eet a king. If a mendicant is seen with materialistic people, his reputation is ruined, for as soon as others find fault in the behavior of a sannyasi, theyjoke and gossip about him at every chance. Ju s t as a black spot of ink on a white cloth cannot be hidden, a small fault in the behavior of a sannyasi is seen by everyone.”

“Dear Lord,” Ramananda replied, “You have saved so many sinful people and allowed them to meet You personally. This king is actually Your devotee and a servant of the Lord.” devotee.”

“The King certainly possesses all good qualities,” answered Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, “but simply by taking up the title of ‘King’ he has becom e dangerous to Me. There may be much milk in a pot, but if it is contaminated by one drop of liquor, it becom es untouchable. However, if you are still so eager for Me to meet the King, then bring Me his son first. The son represents the father, and his meeting with Me would be just as good as the King’s meeting with Me.”

Ramananda Roy ran quickly to the King’s palace and told him about his talks with Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The King then hastily called for his son. The prince was just entering the full bloom of his youth. His complexion was dark and his eyes tapered in the shape of lotus petals. He was dressed in yellow cloth, and jeweled ornam ents decorated his body. That same day Ramananda returned with the prince to see Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. As soon as He saw the beautiful youth, Mahaprabhu was reminded of His beloved Lord Krishna. “Here is a great devotee,” He said. “Seeing him, everyone can remember the Supreme Personality of Godhead. I am much obliged to the King for sending this boy.” Then Mahaprabhu embraced the prince with great feeling.

As soon as the prince was touched by the spiritual body of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, he was overwhelmed by sym ptom s of ecstasy. He trembled, shed tears of joy, danced, and chanted “Krishna! Krishna!” The devotees present there praised his great spiritual fortune. Mahaprabhu calmed the youth and ordered him to come there daily. Ramananda Roy took the boy back to his father and described all that had happened. The King’s happiness knew no bounds, and he embraced his son with as much happiness as if the boy were Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Himself. From that day on, the prince was counted as one of the Lord’s m ost intimate devotees.

II. The Cleansing of Gundicha Temple

Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu passed many joyful days in the company of His devotees. Together they took tasty prasad, foods offered to Lord Krishna, at the homes of friends and followers. Eventually the time cam e for cleansing Gundicha Temple. The temple is situated two miles northeast of the large Jagannath Temple in Puri. At the time of the Ratha-yatra festival, Lord Jagannath, the Supreme Lord in His Deity form, rides to Gundicha Temple on a huge chariot. After som e time He returns home on the sam e chariot. As the day for the Jagannath festival approached, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu asked the superintendent for permission to wash Gundicha Temple in preparation for the Lord’s arrival.

“Dear Sir,” replied the superintendent, “we are all Your servants. King Prataparudra gave me special orders to do without delay whatever You wish. Washing the temple is not service befitting You, but if You wish to do so, it is to be accepted as one of Your pastim es.” Then the superintendnat delivered one hundred new waterpots and one hundred new brooms for cleansing the temple.

Early the following morning, Mahaprabhu called together His associates and with His own hand smeared sandalwood pulp on their bodies as a sign of His affection. Then He gave each one a broom, and together they set out for Gundicha Temple. On their arrival, they first swept everything very carefully, including the ceiling. Next, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu took up Lord Jagannath’s throne, cleaned it, and put it back again in its original place. Mahaprabhu and His devotees swept each of the temple buildings, big and small, and all the places in-between.

There were hundreds of devotees busy cleaning that day. Ju s t to set a good example, Mahaprabhu chanted the holy names of Krishna without stopping as He worked. “Hare Krishna, Hare

Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.” The devotees also chanted as they executed their duties. Hearing the Holy Names, Mahaprabhu remembered Lord Krishna and shed tears of love so profusely that in som e places He even cleaned the temple with those tears. His body was covered with dust and dirt, giving Him a uniquely beautiful appearance.

Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu collected straws, dust and grains of sand in one place, swept it all into His cloth, and threw it outside. Following His example, the devotees joyfully gathered straws and dust in their own cloths and threw them outside.

“I will know how much you have labored and how well you have cleansed the temple simply by seeing the straw and dust you have collected outside,” said Mahaprabhu. Everyone began eagerly gathering all the dirt together, but to their am azem ent Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s pile was far greater than all of theirs combined! Mahaprabhu then ordered everyone to cleanse the temple a second time by sweeping out even finer dust, straws, and grains of sand. He was very pleased to see the work progressing well. While devotees inside swept furiously, one hundred men stood ready outside the temple with waterpots, ready to throw them at Mahaprabhu’s command. Then Mahaprabhu gave the signal, and immediately water was thrown on the walls and ceiling of the main temple. Pot after pot was emptied onto the temple building. Water fell everywhere, drenching the walls and floor. Again, Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu personally attended to the sitting place of Lord Jagannath, while devotees brought Him water. Mahaprabhu mopped the room and polished the throne with His own clothing. All the rooms were thus cleansed with one hundred waterpots, and the minds of the devotees were as clean as the rooms. The temple was pure, cool and pleasing, as if it were the very heart of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Hundreds of men formed a line for bringing water from the nearby lake, and since there was no place to stand on the banks, som e began drawing more water from a well. Devotees brought water in pots from all sides, and hundreds more took the empty pots away to fill them up again. Many pots were broken when people collided with one another, and new pots were brought to be filled. Som e filled the waterpots and others washed rooms, but everyone chanted the holy names of Krishna. One person asked for a w aterpo t by chan ting “ Krishna!Krishna!” and another delivered a pot while chanting “Krishna! Krishna!”Whenever anyone had to speak, he did so by calling out the Holy Names.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu vibrated the holy names of Krishna with intense love and performed the work of hundreds of men. It appeared as though He were washing with dozens of hands! Ju s t to teach the devotees how to work, He praised those who cleaned well and scolded those who did not. But His praising and His scolding were really the same, for He did both with great affection for His devotees. He would say, “You have done well. Now teach the others.” When those who were not praised by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu heard Him say this, they became asham ed and began to work harder. They washed the place where food was to be stored, the meeting hall, the yard, the raised sitting places, the kitchen — everywhere. The temple was thoroughly cleansed inside and out.

When the water from the different rooms was finally let out through the halls, it looked like rivers rushing out to meet the ^ggan! All the roads outside the temple were thps washed clean. Devotees chanted in a large circle, cfnd Mahaprabhu danced .in the middle, roaring like a maddened lion. His body

mbled and perspired. Tears frqjm His eyes, pouring in the rr^nsoon, wet Hf t j ^ lyand the bodies

around Him. The sky filled with the s sound of the Holy Namd$, afcd the earth

tfte dancing of Chaitanya Ntarraprabhu.

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Mahaprabhu always liked Svarup Damodar’s enthusiastic singing, and when Svarup Damodar’s turn came to lead the chant, Mahaprabhu jumped high in jubilation. He then ordered Gopal, son of Advaita Acharya, to dance. While dancing in estatic love, Gopal fainted and fell to the ground, unconscious. Advaita Acharya hastily took him upon his lap. Gopal was not breathing. Advaita Achaiya grew fearful and began praying for his son’s life. Others took up the prayer for Gopal’s life, but still the boy did not move. Some devotees cried. Then Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu placed His hand upon Gopal’s chest and commanded, “Gopal, stand up!” As soon as Gopal heard the voice of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, he immediately came to his senses. “Haribol! Haribol!” shouted the devotees. The dancing and chanting resumed with even greater enthusiasm than before.

After som e time, the Lord rested. Upon rising, He and His devotees bathed and dressed. Then everyone entered a garden and sat down as devotees came with all kinds of prasad: cakes, rice, vegetables, sw eets—enough prasad for 500 men to eat! Everyone sat on raised wooden seats in a line, one beside the other. Mahaprabhu called for Haridas Thakur, His dear devotee, but Haridas stood at a distance and would not come near. “Let Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu take His lunch with the devotees,” he called out. “I was born in a low family and am not fit to sit among you. Govinda will give me prasad later, outside the door.” Haridas’ humility was so great that Mahaprabhu preferred not to disturb him by asking a second time.

“You can give Me the ordinary vegetable,” Chaitanya Mahaprabhu said. “Give the more opulent preparations like cakes and sweet rice to the others.” Mahaprabhu knew exactly which preparation each person liked, and He therefore had S varup D am o d ar se rv e everyone th o s e p re p a ra tio n s w hich gave th e m g re a te s t satisfaction.

Jagadananda was one of the devotees helping serve. One by one, he began putting the best preparations on Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s plate. Each time another course was placed on His plate, Mahaprabhu pretended to be angry, for a sannyasi is supposed to be the best example of sense control. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu looked at the prasad for som e time. Finally, afraid that Jagadananda would fast if He did not eat, Mahaprabhu tasted the offering. Svarup Damodar next brought som e excellent sweets and offered them to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. “Ju s t take a little,” he suggested, “and see why Lord Jagannath Himself has accepted it.” Out of affection for His devotees, Mahaprabhu ate som e of the sweets. When they had finished their lunch, the devotees stood up and chanted the Holy Names so loudly that the sound seem ed to fill the entire universe.

No one was allowed to see the Deity of Lord Jagannath during the two weeks prior to the Ratha-yatra festival. Devotees everywhere were plunged into an ocean of lamentation, for the separation was more than they could bear. Finally, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu called His devotees together for a visit to the Jagannath temple.

Impatient to see the Deity of Lord Jagannath, they entered the room where food was offered, even though this was not a proper place for them to be. Mahaprabhu’s eagerness to see Jagannath was beyond measure. His eyes became like bumblebees relishing honey from the face of the Deity whose beauty was far greater than that of blossoming lotus-flowers. Jagannath’s neck shone brighter than a mirror studded with sapphires, and the pale tan of His chin made His sweet smile even more appealing.

Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu gazed longingly at Lord Jagannath. His body perspired, trembled, and a constant flow of tears fell from His eyes. He controlled those tears, however, so they would not disturb His seeing the face of the Deity. The vision of Jagannath brought Mahaprabhu great pleasure, and He would have stayed there indefinitely, forgetting everything else. The devotees, however, took Him to His lunch at noontime.

IV. The Ecstatic Dancing of Shri Chaitanyaat Ratha-yatra

On the morning of the Ratha-yatra festival, Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and His personal associates rose early, took their morning bath, and set out for the Jagannath temple. Lord Jagannath’s servants were very strongly built and as powerful as elephants. They lifted the Deity off His throne and carried Him to the chariot. Som e took hold of the Deity’s shoulders, and som e caught His lotus feet. Lord Jagannath was bound at the waist by a strong, thick rope made of silk. From two sides. His servants caught hold of this rope and raised Him off the ground.

Strong, puffed-up cotton pads were spread out from the throne to the chariot, and the heavy Deity was carried from one pad to the next. Som e of the pads broke, making a heavy, cracking sound, and sending the cotton contents floating high into the air. King Prataparudra personally swept the road before the Deity with a broom that had a golden handle. Even though he was the owner of the royal throne, the King humbly sprinkled the road with sandalwood-scented water for the pleasure of Lord Jagannath. Seeing the King’s menial service, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu became very happy.

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Everyone was amazed by the decorations on Jagannath’s chariot, for it glittered as if made of gold and was as high as Mount Sumeru. There were bright mirrors and hundreds of chamara fans. The top of the chariot was covered by a neat, clean canopy and crowned with a beautiful flag. There were silk cloths, a variety of pictures, and many brass bells and gongs.

Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu decorated His devotees with garlands and sandalwood pulp, and the touch of Mahaprabhu’s hand gave them great pleasure. He also decorated all those who were to take part in the chanting parties. There were seven parties, four from among Mahaprabhu’s own devotees and three from nearby villages. Since two men in each party beat drums, fourteen drums were playing at once. The sound was tumultuous, and as the sound of the Holy Names filled the three worlds, nothing else could be heard.

Shri Chaitanya went from group to group chanting the Holy Names, “Hari! Hari!” He raised His long arm s and shouted, “All glories to Lord Jagannath!” Then He displayed His mystic power by dancing in all seven groups at the sam e time, although each group thought that He was dancing only with them. King Prataparudra and Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya were the only ones able to see the miracle of Mahaprabhu’s dancing. In return for his humble service to Lord Jagannath, the King received Mahaprabhu’s special favor and could therefore observe Him dancing in all seven chanting parties. The dancing astonished Maharaj Prataparudra. He could not move and was filled with ecstatic love of Krishna.

Jumping high, roaring like thunder and spinning in circles, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appeared like a wheeling firebrand. Wherever He stepped, the earth seem ed to tilt. The hairs of His body stood on end, and Mahaprabhu perspired, cried, trembled and changed color. At one mom ent He would appear helpless, at the next exuberant. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu fell down in ecstatic trance and rolled on the ground. Again He stood up and ran here and there. Nityananda Prabhu tried to catch Him, while Advaita Acharya walked behind loudly chanting “Haribol! Haribol!”

Three circles were formed to check the crowds from coming too near Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The first circle was headed by Nityananda. O ther devotees linked hands and formed a second circle around the first. Maharaj Prataparudra and his personal assistants formed a third circle around the two inner circles.

Everyone was amazed by Mahaprabhu’s dancing. Even Lord Jagannath became so happy that He stopped His car and watched with unblinking eyes. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s skin broke out in goose pimples, and His teeth chattered so hard that devotees close enough to hear were afraid they would fall out. With folded hands, Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu raised His face toward Jagannath. “Jaja gaga, Jaja gaga,” He uttered, in a voice choked with emotion. Tears spurted from His eyes and wet all the people near Him. His complexion changed from white to a lustrous pink that resembled the mallika flower.

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Then all at once Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s mind calmed, and everything stopped. At Mahaprabhu’s request, Svarup Damodar began to sing songs of Radha and Krishna, and Mahaprabhu again began to dance. Very slowly, Jagannath’s chariot lumbered forward as Shri Chaitanya danced in front. Mahaprabhu gazed up at the beautiful face and eyes of Lord Jagannath and acted out the song with His arms.

Lord Jagannath wore a bright garland of flowers and beautiful ornaments. Rays of sunshine reflected off His face. The air smelled fragrant. Mahaprabhu again became mad from His ecstatic love for Jagannath and danced to and fro, now in front of the chariot and then behind. Over and over Lord Jagannath stopped His chariot in wonder, just to relish Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s dancing.

Suddenly Mahaprabhu fell down in front of Maharaj Prataparudra. The King bent down and put His arm around Mahaprabhu with great respect. Seeing the King, Mahaprabhu called out, “Oh, how terrible to be touched by a materialistic person!” At this unexpected chastisem ent, Maharaj Prataparudra was frightened, but Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya reassured him. “The Lord is very satisfied with you. Do not worry. He was only teaching His associates how to behave with materialistic people. Very soon 1 know you will be able to m eet the Lord. I have a plan.”

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Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu stood up, circumambulated Jagannath’s car, and then led the devotees in more chanting and dancing. Soon they reached the village of Balagandi. In this neighborhood it was the custom every year to offer food to Lord Jagannath when His chariot passed by. Countless dishes were brought forward, and Lord Jagannath tasted each one of them. Devotees, villagers, residents of Jagannath Puri, visitors from faraway lands, King Prataparudra, his queen, his ministers and friends — everyone offered food to Jagannath from all sides, in front and behind the car, on the sides and in the flower garden.

Mahaprabhu went to a nearby garden. Fatigued from the labor of dancing, He fell flat on a raised platform. There

was perspiration all over His body, and He enjoyed the fragrant, cool breeze. One by one His devotees joined Him in peaceful rest under each and every tree.

While Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was resting, Maharaj Prataparudra entered the g a r d e n . F o l l o w i n g S a r v a b h a u m a Bhattachaiya’s suggestion, the King had given up his royal garments and now wore the simple dress of a Vaishnava. With great humility, he fell down and touched the lotus feet of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and then began carefully massaging His legs. Mahaprabhu did not stir. Then the King began reciting verses about the love between Radha and Krishna. Hearing the sweet poetry, Mahaprabhu awoke and said, “Go on reciting, go on reciting.” As the King continued to recite verses in g lo rifica tio n of Ra dha a n d Kr i shna, Mahaprabhu’s own feelings of love were aroused. He stood up and tenderly embraced the King.

“You have given Me great happiness, butl have nothing to give you in return. Therefore I can only embrace you.” Mahaprabhu began repeating som e of the verses, over and over again.

Shri Chaitanya again embraced King Prataparudra and said, “You have done so much for Me. You appeared unexpectedly and sang to Me about Shri Krishna’s nectarean pastimes. Who are you?”

The King replied, “My Lord, I am the m ost obedient servant of Your servants, and it is my hope that You will accept me as such.”

Although within His heart Chaitanya Mahaprabhu knew very well that He was talking with Maharaj Prataparudra, externally He did not disclose it. The King offered prayers to Mahaprabhu with folded hands and then left the aarden. havina achieved the aoal of his life.

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It was lunchtime, and the King arranged for prasad to be brought to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and His devotees. It was all of the finest quality, and there was no end to the variety. There was curd, fruit juices, coconuts, mangoes, papayas, pomegranates, jackfruit, various kinds of bananas, oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, almonds, dried fruits, raisins and dates. There were sweets made of senoti flowers, karpura flowers and malati flowers, sweets made with fused sugar, amriti-jilipi, manohara- ladu, and condensed milk. There was lotus-flower sugar, bread made from urad dahl, crispy sweetmeats, sugar candy, fried rice sweets, and cookies made from sesam e seeds. There was sugarcane candy in the form of oranges, lemons and m angoes with fruits, flowers and leaves. There was yogurt, milk, butter, buttermilk, a special dish made of fried yogurt and sugar candy, and salty mung dahl sprouts with shredded ginger topping, dozens of pickles like lemon and berri — enough prasad to fill half the garden! Thousands of plates made from ketaki tree leaves arrived. Each devotee was supplied ten of these leaves and prasad was served onto each and every leaf.

Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu sat down with His personal associates and fed every one of them sumptuously until they were filled to the neck. There was so much extra prasad that it was distributed to thousands of people who had come for Jagannath’s festival.

Ever since the time of Maharaj Prataparudra, it has become the custom for the King of Orissa to sweep the road for Lord Jagannath on the occasion of His Ratha-yatra festival — a custom that has been going on even to this very day.

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About Bala Books

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Bala Books publishes Indian classics for children. Most of these ancient stories are appearing for the first time in English. The artwork reflects traditional Indian colors and techniques, and each illustration is executed with attention to historical accuracy. The texts are authentic translations from the Sanskrit Vedas, Puranas, Upanisads, Ramayana and Mahabharata. Each Bala publication is thus a visual and literary experience in traditional Indian civilization.

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Foreign language editions of Bala books publications are in progress.

The Delaney Family LibrarySaranagati Village

Please return or contact: kardelaney@gmail.com

ISBN 0-89647-002-4