Lord Caitanya - Arguments for God
The proof of Lord Caitanya's meeting with Narada in Goloka Svetadvipa
1. Once Narada came to an attractive private grove in the inner portion of Goloka. There he saw the golden form of
2. Upon seeing Gauranga, the great sage became overwhelmed with divine love. He fell upon the Lord's feet and bathed them with his tears. Smiling, the Lord picked up Narada and put him on His lap.
3. At that time, Narada said: “O my Lord, you are very dear to me. You have destroyed all my pains and miseries. My dear Mahaprabhu, I've never seen such amazing things. Now my life is perfect. Never before have I seen such nectarean beauty compressed in one form. Even my father, Brahma, can't understand you. You are completely indescribable. 'Some say You are the supreme effulgence. Others say Your existence defies definition. There's no example to describe Your effulgent aspect. Some say that You're the topmost supreme personality. No amount of speculation can measure You. One can't get liberation even if he knows all about Your all-pervading energy. In this way, Your transcendental pastimes defy comprehension. Ananta, with thousands of mouths, can't reach the end of Your transcendental qualities. Although he's trying, he can't properly glorify you. By Your mercy I saw Your form as Lord Gauranga which was impossible for me to perceive otherwise. Yogis and Sankhyaites believe the path of bhakti is the gross way to approach the Supreme. They say only through mysticism and meditation can one realize transcendence. Nevertheless, the devotees are resolute in their consciousness. They simply fix their minds on the lotus feet of the Lord and worship Him with undivided attention. According to the Vedas, some follow the path of Varnasrama~ dharma. Some munis, without understanding the Vedas, try to present the conclusion of Vedanta. Why do different philosophers present conflicting views? Some stubbornly insist that the Absolute Truth is non-differentiated oneness. I fully understand that You are beyond the reach of knowledge, guess work or speculation. Please give me the mercy of Your lotus feet. I feel great anguish. My Lord, just let me die and be reborn so that I can attain prema-bhakti and lead a life of
4. After hearing Narada Muni's appeal, Lord Gauranga smiled and said: “Narada, king of the sages, just come with Me. Let us go to Navadvipa and we'll deliver the people of Kali-yuga by preaching My pure devotional service. I reside in Svetadvipa along with My elder brother Balarama whose expansion is Ananta. He is served by Lord Siva and the eleven Rudras. Balarama, in His expanded form as Ksirodakasayi Vishnu, and His wife Revati, are now sporting in the ocean of milk. He arranges for the incarnations to first enter the material world. Narada, go quickly to Svetadvipa and ask the Lord to take the name of Nityananda and appear on earth with His eternal associates.”
5. After Narada's departure, the Lord thought to Himself and then announced to His beloved associates: “Listen carefully as I explain why I incarnate on earth. In every age I appear in the material world to deliver the saints and to reestablish religion. Without understanding the purpose of My advent, the ignorant people continue to commit sinful activities. It hurts Me that after Satya-yuga sinful activities gradually increase with the progress of the ages. Seeing the appalling condition of Kali-yuga, I feel compassionate and personally incarnate in order to manifest My love.
6. I will personally teach the people the difference between religion and irreligion. I'l1 give them the most difficult-to-attain jewel of prema-bhakti. In Navadvipa on the bank of the
7. In My other incarnations I took fierce forms and powerful weapons to obliterate many huge and invincible demons.
8. In Kali-yuga, however, I will use the weapons of My transcendental holy names, qualities, pastimes etc. and the potency of My prema-bhaktas [pure devotees].
9. With these I'll conquer the people's demoniac mentalities and award them pure devotional service to Radha and
10. Chanting of the name and qualities of Krsna is the life and energy of the Vaisnavas. I will reveal these activities and rejuvenate pure devotional service unto Myself.
11. In this way I will destroy all the sins in Kali–Yuga. So all of you, My associates, go ahead and take birth on the earthly planet before My advent and don't remain behind.
12. Taking the sharp sword of the congregational chanting of the Hare Krsna mantra, (nama- sankirtana) I will root out and destroy the demoniac mentality in the hearts of all the conditioned souls.
13. If some sinful people escape and giving up religious principles go to far off countries, then my Senapati (military field commander) Bhakta, a devotee empowered by Me, will come at that time to give them Krsna consciousness.”
14. The Descent from Goloka, Savior of the whole world, is named Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu. He is the Godhead. God exists.
The argument of the words of Lord Rama and the revelation to Lord Rama's devotee
1. Modadrumadvipa is Ayodhya and in a previous kalpa, when Rama was banished to the forest, He came to this place with Laksmana and Janaki. He built a hut under a huge banyan tree and lived happily for some time. Seeing the effulgence of Navadvipa, the son of Raghu began to slightly smile. How attractive was that form, green as new grass, with lotus eyes and a graceful bow in hand! Wearing the dress of a brahmacari and His head piled with matted locks, He stole the minds of all living entities. Seeing Rama smiling, Sita, the daughter of Janaka, asked Him the reason. `Listen, Sita, here is one very secret story. When the glorious age of Kali advents, I will display a yellow complexioned form here in Nadia. I will take birth in the womb of Saci in Jagannatha Misra's house. I will give all the fortunate souls who see My childhood pastimes the supreme gift of prema.
Then, I will enjoy My beloved educational pastimes and reveal the glories of the holy name. After that, I will then take sannyasa and go to Puri, and My own mother will weep with My wife in her arms.'
Hearing this, Sita asked, `O lotus-eyed one, why will You make Your mother cry? Why will You give up Your wife and take sannyasa? What happiness is there in giving sorrow to Your wife?'
Sri Rama replied, `O dear one, you know everything. But you are acting ignorant just to teach the living entities. Listen Sita, My devotees relish prema-bhakti in two ways. In union with Me they enjoy sambhoga, and in separation from Me they enjoy vipralambha. My eternal associates desire sambhoga, but I mercifully give them vipralambha. The devotees know that distress due to separation from Me is actually the topmost bliss. After separation, when union occurs, they feel happiness so much greater than before – a million times multiplied. That is the explanation of how there can be happiness in separation. You should accept this mood which is described in the four Vedas.
`She who is known as Aditi in the Vedas is now mother Kausalya and will become mother Saci in Gauranga's pastimes. And you, Sita, will serve Me as Visnupriya.’
By the desire of the Lord, Rama's friend Guhaka took birth here in a brahmana's family. His name was Sadananda Vipra Bhattacarya. He knew nothing in the three worlds except Rama. He was present in Jagannatha Misra's house when Gauranga was born. At that time all the demigods came to see the child. The exalted Sadananda realized by the demigods' presence that his Lord had taken birth. In great delight he returned home, and, while meditating on his worshipable Lord Ramacandra, he saw Gaurasundara.
Lord Gauranga was seated on a throne and surrounded by the demigods, headed by Lord Brahma, who were waving camaras. Then Sadananda saw Ramacandra on the throne, green as grass. On Rama's right was Laksmana, the abode of Ananta. On His left was Sita, and in front was Hanuman. Seeing this, the vipra understood the truth about the Lord.
`Blessed am I, blessed indeed! Ramacandra is present before me as Gauracandra!' Later, when the sankirtana movement started, Sadananda took part by dancing and chanting the name of Gaura.
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the revelation to Lord Ananta
1. Siva: "O Parvati, one day the Lord known as Ananta, the king of snakes, went to Svetadvipa where Lord Visnu, the protector of the three worlds, resides.
Nagaraja said, `O Narayana, O ocean of mercy! I wish to see the pastimes of Radha and
Hearing Nagaraja speak, the Lord of Svetadvipa, Madhusudana, slightly smiled and spoke the following sweet words.
`O greatly intelligent Nagaraja, after ten million kalpas of performing pious deeds, the living entity becomes a Vaisnava. Thereafter he develops a taste for the pastimes of Radha and
One cannot attain Radha and
If You desire the goal of devotion-servitorship to Radha and
In order to bestow the mood of the gopis,
Sometimes He will hold a danda and waterpot, and sometimes He will be overcome with the sentiments of mahabhava for bestowing realization to the souls of this world.
Ananta went to Navadvipa, performed penances, and worshiped Gauranga for ten thousands years. Being pleased with Ananta, Lord Gauranga appeared before Him. On seeing that form, Ananta fell to the ground offering His respects.
Then, raising Himself, Ananta folded His hands and began to sing the glories of Gauranga, who appeared with a complexion of molten gold. Gauranga's lotus feet were very beautiful, His toenails glowed like ten million moons, His form glowed like a thousand suns, and He was decorated with a forest flower garland and the mark of Srivatsa on His chest. Wearing silk cloth, He was as attractive as ten million Cupids. His arms extending to His knees and a sacred thread draped across His chest. He was smeared with sandalwood pulp and decorated with arm bands and tulasi beads around His neck. He had graceful eyes and beautiful eyebrows and nose. He was slightly smiling, and His ears were decorated with shark earrings. He was peaceful, and His feet are eternally worshiped by the devotees. He is the deliverer of the suffering living entities and the cause of the universes.
His form is full of eternity, knowledge, and bliss. With a choked voice, Ananta offered His prayers.
Ananta said, `O Lord, You are the origin of everything, the only cause of the universe. You are the independent, merciful, eternal person. As fire gives birth to sparks, You give birth to all living entities who take bodies of demigods and humans.
`O omniscient Lord, since Your eternal energy cannot give rise to Me without Your wish, I surrender unto You in Your eternal form. O destroyer of the miseries of material life, O Paramatma!
`O best of the godly, today I am more fortunate than the mental speculators, because I have seen Your form, which is transcendental to the material world. O Lord, I offer My respects to You, whose form is full of eternity, knowledge, and bliss, whose complexion is like molten gold, and whose lotus feet are easily attained by the devotees.
‘O merciful Gauranga, I wish to see You once again in the future, in the form which enjoys pastimes in Vrndavana.'
The Lord said, O Ananta, as I always reside in Vrndavana with Radhika, so I always reside in Navadvipa combined with Radhika in one form as Gauranga. Just as I never leave Vrndavana, I never leave Navadvipa. I appear in Vrndavana during every kalpa, and I perform pastimes for the pleasure of the devotees and to purify the world. O Ananta, please describe those same pastimes as they occur in Navadvipa.
`O fortunate one, when I appear in person for the benefit of the populace, You will also appear. I do not tolerate separation from You even for a moment. Therefore, in another age I take You as My elder brother in Vrndavana.
I will appear in Navadvipa, the great holy place, in the house of a brahmana. Being prayed for by the devas, I will kill the fear generated by the advent of Kali-yuga. At that time, appearing as the large-bodied Nityananda, You will be absorbed in kirtana pastimes and transform the bewildered faithless into My devotees. "
At that time the tumultuous vibration of `Jaya Gaurahari!' filled the four directions. From that time the devotees call this form of
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the statement of the Srimad Bhagavatam
1. "In the age of Kali, intelligent persons perform congregational chanting to worship the incarnation of Godhead who constantly sings the name of
"We offer our respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of Him, the Lord, upon whom one should always meditate. He destroys insults to His devotees. He removes the distresses of His devotees and satisfies their desires. He, the abode of all holy places and the shelter of all sages, is worshipable by Lord Siva and Lord Brahma. He is the boat of the demigods for crossing the ocean of birth and death." (Bhag. 11.5.33)
"We offer our respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of the Lord, upon whom one should always meditate. He left His householder life, leaving aside His eternal consort, whom even the denizens of heaven adore. He went into the forest to deliver the fallen souls, who are put into illusion by material energy." (Bhag. 11.5.34)
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the statement of the Vayu purana
1. In the Vayu Purana the Lord Himself speaks of His appearance, "In Kali-yuga I will appear in populated
Navadvipa on the bank of the
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the statement of the Agni Purana
1. In the Agni Purana, the following is said: "
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the statement of the Garuda purana
1. In the Garuda Purana it is said: "In Kali-yuga, the devotees will give up all other holy places and reside in either Vrndavana or Navadvipa." Therefore Sri Krishna and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu are the highest of all the Gods.
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Krishna are God. God exists.
The argument of the statement of the Skanda purana
1. The Skanda Purana says: "In Kali-yuga, anyone who takes shelter of Mayapur and worships Me will be freed of all sins and attain the highest goal. The glories of whatever tirthas are present throughout Navadvipa increase a million times in Kali-yuga. The glories of all tirthas increase by association with Gauranga just as the value of metal increases by association with a touchstone. Mayapur is none other than the spiritual energy of the Lord, yogamaya, which increases everyone's bliss."
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The proof of the Saura Purana
1. In the Saura Purana it is stated:
svarna gaurah sudirghangas
tri-srota-tira-sambhavah
dayaluh kirtana-grahi
bhavishyami kalau yuge
“In the beginning of Kali-yuga I will appear in Navadvipa on the bank of the
2. Gauranga Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the statement of the Urddhvamnaya-samhita
1. In the Urddhvamnaya-samhita, the Lord says, "O Brahma, during the reign of Vaivasvata Manu, I will take a golden form on the bank of the
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the words of the upanisads
1. In this
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the statements of the tantra scriptures
1. In the Visvasara-tantra, Siva says to Parvati, "In the southern part of the
In the Brhad-brahma-yamala-tantra it is stated: "All glories to blissful Gauracandra, Narahari, the conqueror of the three worlds. He appears in Kali-yuga at Navadvipa on the bank of the
In the Kapila-tantra it is said: "In Kali-yuga, the Lord will take birth in a brahmana's house at Mayapur in
Jambudvipa. He will perform kirtana along with His associates."
In the Brahma-yamala it is said: "Sometimes I personally appear on the surface of the world in the garb of a devotee. Specifically, I appear as the son of Saci in Kali-yuga to start the sankirtana movement."
In the Krishna-yamala it is said: "I shall appear in the holy land of Navadvipa as the son of Sacidevi."
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the statement of the Sri Navadvipa Bhava Taranga
1. The Vedas sing of a transcendental place called Brahmapura or Sri Mayapur, which is revealed to one whose eyes are free from illusion. This topmost abode, where the son of Saci performs His eternal pastimes, is the same as Gokula Mahavana of Vraja. Sri Gokula, the abode of gopis and gopas in Vraja, appears in Navadvipa-dhama as the abode of brahmana families. In the center of Mayapur exists the supremely pure, eternal residence of the brahmana, Jagannatha Misra.
Though eyes affected by material illusion will see only a small house, some earth, water, and a few articles, if Maya becomes merciful and lifts her covering, one will see a vast spiritual dwelling.
Sri Gauranga is served here by His eternal mother, father, and countless servants, all incessantly mad with love. Laksmipriya and Visnupriya eternally serve the Lord's lotus feet. The Supreme Lord is seen here in His wonderful form as the Panca-tattva.
Sri Nityananda, Sri Advaita, Gadadhara, Srivasa, and innumerable devotees all have their places in Mayapur. Everywhere are the houses of the Vaisnavas. O Mayapur, please be merciful to me!
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists
The argument of the words of Lord Siva and Parvati
1. One time during Satya-yuga, Lord Siva began madly dancing, while chanting the name of Gauranga. Parvati asked him, `Please tell me who is Gauranga. By seeing your astonishing dance and hearing the name of Gauranga, my heart is melting. All that I have heard in the way of mantra and tantra till now only leads to more entanglement for the living entities. Dear husband, please tell me something of this Gauranga. By worshiping Him will I receive actual life?'
Hearing Parvati's words, Siva meditated on Gauranga and said, `Unto you, who are the primordial energy, one portion of Sri Radha, I will tell the crest-jewel of all truths. Accepting the spiritual emotions of Sri Radha,
Hearing Siva's words, beautiful Parvati quickly went to Simantadvipa. As she constantly meditated on the form of Gauranga and chanted His name, she became immersed in prema. After some time, Gauracandra appeared with His associates to bestow mercy on Parvati. His complexion was like molten gold. He had long arms, wavy hair, and beautiful limbs. He was wearing a long dhoti folded thrice, and from His neck swung a garland of flowers, which was very attractive to behold. In a voice choked with love, Gaura Raya said, `O Parvati, why have you come here?'
Parvati fell at the lotus feet of the master of the universe and with an agitated mind explained her sorrow: `O Prabhu Jagannatha, life of the universe, though You are merciful to all, You have deceived me. O deliverer of the fallen, You have appointed me to bind up all the living entities in the material world who are averse to You. I have come into the material world to do this work, and have thus been cheated of Your unlimited prema. People say that wherever
Saying this, Parvati put Gauranga's foot dust on her simanta (part in the hair) in great distress. From that, the name of Simantadvipa came. Ignorant people call the place Simuliya.
Gauracandra was pleased, and He said to Parvati, `O supreme goddess, listen carefully to My words. You are My energy, you are not separate or different from Me. My one energy has two forms. Within the spiritual kingdom, My original energy has one form as Sri Radha, but for carrying out activities in the material world She has expanded Herself as you. Without you, My lila could not be accomplished, for in the form of Yogamaya and Mahamaya, you are necessary in My pastimes. In Vraja, you are eternally present as Paurnamasi, and in Navadvipa you are present as Praudha Maya along with Ksetrapala Siva, guardian of the dhama.'
Saying this, Gauranga disappeared, and Parvati became overwhelmed with love. Parvati stays in one form as the goddess of Simantadvipa, and in another form as Praudha Maya in Mayapur."
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the revelation to Lord Brahma
1. At the end of Dvapara-yuga, Brahma undertook austerities at Antardvipa with a desire to achieve Gauranga's mercy. Brahma had tried to deceive Govinda by stealing the cowherd boys and calves, but when he saw he was defeated by his own tricks, he became miserable and regretted his offense. He entreated
Thinking like this, Brahma began meditating and performing austerities in Antardvipa. After many days, Gauracandra mercifully came and said, `O Brahma, I am satisfied with your austerities. I have come to fulfill your desire.' When Brahma opened his eyes, he saw Gauranga and fell to the earth unconscious. The Lord put His foot on Brahma's head, and Brahma was enlightened with transcendental knowledge and began to pray: `I am a low and worthless wretch, controlled by pride. Forgetting Your lotus feet, I have turned to material sense gratification. I myself, Lord Siva, and the demigods headed by Indra are Your subjugated servants. This is written in scripture. But we are not so fortunate as Your pure servants, and thus maya covers us with the net of illusion. The first one hundred trillion years of my life have passed and I have been forced to realize this at last. How will I spend the second one hundred trillion years of my life? If I remain in illusion, I will simply suffer. My only prayer is that I may become Your associate when You manifest Your pastimes. Having given up the illusion that I am the creator, I want to take birth in Your association and sing Your glories.'
Hearing Brahma's prayers, Lord Gauranga benedicted him saying, `So be it. When My pastimes become visible on earth, you will take birth in a yavana's house. Your name will be Haridasa Thakura, and you will be famous for your humility and be completely free from all pride. You will chant three hundred thousand names a day, and when you pass from this world you will be seeing Me. And at the end of the second one hundred trillion years of your life, you will attain Navadvipa-dhama and be absorbed in eternal rasa. Brahma, hear these secret (antara) words, but do not reveal this openly in the scriptures. Taking the role of a devotee, I will taste the nectar of bhakti-rasa and propagate the most rare process of sankirtana. I will make the devotees of all the previous avataras drunk with the nectar of Vrndavana. The love that Sri Radhika possesses is beyond My experience, so I will appear with Her sentiments and complexion. Taking the position of Radha, I will taste that happiness that only Radha obtains in serving Me. From today, act as My disciple and, in the form of Haridasa, always serve
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the revelation to lord Indra
1. When Indra was overcome by
however, carefully protected Gokula by lifting Govardhana mountain. Thus Indra's pride was crushed, and he understood
Still, Indra remained fearful, so he approached Surabhi with whose milk he had pacified
Surabhi answered, `Let us go to Navadvipa-dhama and worship Nimai.' They went there and worshiped Lord Gauranga. Since the worship of Gauranga is easy, the results are easy to attain. By chanting Gauranga's name, tears of love filled their eyes and they quickly attained Gauranga's darsana. How extraordinary was His charming form! Gauranga was gently smiling and His voice was choked with love, for He was a reservoir of nectar. The Lord said, `I know your wish. I will soon appear in Nadia town. At that time you will serve Me, and the net of maya will no longer catch you.'
The Lord vanished, and Surabhi remained here beside a banyan tree, constantly serving Gauranga's lotus feet. Therefore this place is called Godruma [go-cow; druma-tree]. At this place the devotees' desires are fulfilled. One who builds a cottage and worships there will easily become absorbed in Sri Caitanya's lotus feet.
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the revelation to Narada Muni
1. Vaikunthapura on Navadvipa is Vaikuntha, the abode of Narayana, situated in the spiritual sky beyond the
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The proof of the spiritual vision of King Suvarna Sena in Satya yuga
1. In a dream Suvarna Sena Maharaja, a king in Navadvipa saw Gauranga and Gadadhara with their associates dancing in the courtyard of his palace. Surrounding the golden form of Gaura, they were all chanting - Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare - while dancing and embracing one another. Before that Narada Muni happened to come there, and had predicted: "Fortunate will be the coming of kali-yuga, for
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists
The argument of the revelation to Markandeya Muni
1. Markandeya, the son of Mrkanda, once lived on the Godruma island during the flood of devastation. The muni was awarded a lifetime of seven kalpas. Seeing the great danger during the devastation as everything became inundated with water, he began looking for a place to stay. Tossed in the waves, he went here and there. `Oh why did I take such a benediction?' he lamented.
The dhama of Navadvipa remains however, giving shelter to the devotees. Submerged in a wave, the muni became unconscious and sank. But merciful Surabhi happened to see him and carefully lifted him out. When the son of Mrkanda regained consciousness, he saw the
He saw a banyan tree extending over an area of eight miles, and under the tree he saw Surabhi.
The muni was extremely distressed due to hunger, so he begged Surabhi, `O goddess, please protect my life! Kindly rescue me by giving me your milk.'
Surabhi then mercifully gave her milk to the muni. The muni thus regained his strength and said to Surabhi, `O goddess, my mother, you pervade the universe by your mystic potency. Without understanding the consequences I took a boon to live for seven kalpas. But at the time of devastation, I suffered greatly from various miseries. There was no happiness at all. What am I to do, mother? Please tell me how to get free from this misery.'
Surabhi then instructed the muni: `Worship the two lotus feet of Gauranga. This Navadvipa is beyond material nature and therefore never destroyed. By material vision this place is sixteen krosas, but it is the supreme Vaikuntha and therefore without fault or illusion. Place and time here have nothing to do with material existence, nor is anyone here affected by material illusion. Just see the unprecedented wonders of Navadvipa, which is surrounded on all sides by the enclosing
`By taking shelter in the worship of Gauranga, you will attain the sweet fruit of love of God. When that prema sits in your heart, it will drown you in the nectar of the artful pastimes of the Lord. You will get the shelter of Radha's lotus feet in Vraja, and your mind will be fixed in the service of the divine couple. The happiness of this service is unmatched, while in the non-differentiated Brahman there is only illusory knowledge.'
The muni, hearing the words of Surabhi, folded his hands and said, `If I worship Gauranga, what will be my destiny?'
Surabhi answered with the essence of siddhanta, `In worshiping Gauranga, everything is clean. When you call out the name of Gaura, your sinful reactions are destroyed and you are freed from all distress as your material life is vanquished. Besides sinful reactions, even mental speculation and its fruits, which are only trouble, will be cut out at the root. Therefore, you should stay on this island and submerge yourself in gauranga-rasa while worshiping the Lord.'
Hearing this, Markandeya became filled with bliss. As he chanted the name of Gaura, he sometimes laughed and sometimes cried. Look at this remarkable place where Markandeya received life.
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the revelation to the sapta rsis
1. The seven rsis stayed in Madhyadvipa a long time and engaged in worshiping Gauranga. In Satya-yuga, the rsis began singing the glories of Gaura in the presence of their father Brahma. Completely absorbed, they begged for the eternal treasure of gaura-prema. Lord Brahma was pleased with his seven sons and told them, `Go to Navadvipa and sing the glories of Gaura, then you will easily attain prema. Whoever gets the mercy of the dhama, gets the association of devotees. Then, by worshiping in the association of devotees, you will become absorbed in Krishna-prema. That is the supreme activity. Whoever gets attraction for Navadvipa will receive the benediction of living in Vraja. To live in the spiritual dhama and recite the name of Gaura is the only aspiration of the devotees.'
The seven rsis took their father's instructions to heart and came to this place. When they arrived, they engaged in dancing and chanting the name of Hari. They begged for gaura-prema while singing the Lord's glories in a loud voice, `O Gaurahari, be merciful and reveal Yourself to us just once! Being offenders, we have followed many paths, but now we are taking to the path of devotional service.'
The rsis underwent austerities and became firmly situated in devotional service by worshiping Gauranga. They completely gave up eating and sleeping and simply recited the name of Gaura. Around
The Lord was as brilliant as a hundred suns, and He attracted the minds of the yogis. He appeared with the Panca-tattva. How extraordinary was that form! His form had a beautiful golden hue. Around His neck was a garland of flowers, and His glittering ornaments illuminated all directions. His glance was beautiful, His hair was long and curled, and a dot of sandalwood decorated His forehead. He wore threefolded cloth, a shining thread, and His neck was decorated with a beautiful jasmine garland. Seeing this form, the rsis were enchanted and they humbly petitioned, `We surrender to Your lotus feet. Please give us devotion.'
Hearing the rsis' prayer, Gaurahari replied, `Listen rsis. Give up all desires, the chains of jnana and karma, and just discuss topics of
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the revelation to the Pandavas
1. When the five Pandavas and Draupadi were living incognito during exile, they came to Gauda-desa,
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the words of the sages of Naimisaranya
1. At the beginning of Kali-yuga, the rsis headed by Saunaka heard about Gauranga from the mouth of Suta Goswami. Whoever reads the Puranas there during the month of Kartika becomes free from all distress, becomes absorbed in the pastimes of Gauranga, and easily attains Vrndavana. Giving up his bull carrier, Siva once mounted Sri Hansa-vahana, Brahma's swan, and came here to hear the recitation of the Puranas. Along with his followers, he sang the glories of Gaura. While singing and dancing, the followers surrounded Siva, and shouting the name of Gaurahari, threw heaps of flowers all around.
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the revelation to Samudra sena
1. Samudra Sena, a king and great devotee, held
Seeing that form, the king fainted in ecstasy. After controlling himself, he revealed his desire to the Lord, `O Krishna, You are the Lord of the universe, the deliverer of the fallen. Seeing me so fallen, You have appeared here.
Everyone sings the glories of Your pastimes, and hearing that, I desired to see them. But my vow was that You should appear in Navadvipa. Now that I see Your enchanting form here, I will never leave Navadvipa. You have mercifully upheld my vow by appearing in the form of
Then he saw, as he looked on, the king beheld the sweet pastimes of Radha and
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the revelation to Ramanujacarya
1. Ramanujacarya once came to Puri and pleased the Lord with many prayers. Jagannatha appeared before him and said, `Go and see Navadvipa-dhama, for I will soon appear there in the house of Jagannatha Misra. The entire spiritual sky is situated within one corner of Navadvipa, My very dear abode. As My eternal servant and leading devotee, you should see Navadvipa. Let your students, who are absorbed in dasya-rasa, stay here while you go. Any living being who does not see Navadvipa has been born uselessly. Just one portion of Navadvipa contains Ranga-ksetra, Sri Venkata (Tirupati), and Yadava Acala. O son of Kesava, go to Navadvipa and see the form of Gauranga. You have come to the earth to preach bhakti, so let your birth be successful with the mercy of Gaura. From Navadvipa, go to Kurma-sthana and join again with your disciples.'
With folded hands, Ramanuja submitted to Jagannatha, `In Your narration You have mentioned Gauracandra, but exactly who He is, I do not know.' The Lord mercifully replied to Ramanuja, `Everyone knows
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the revelation to Madhavacarya
1. Madhva and his disciples also stayed in Navadvipa for some time. Gaurasundara mercifully appeared to him in a dream and while smiling said, `Everyone knows that you are My eternal servant. When I appear in Navadvipa, I will accept your sampradaya. Now, go everywhere and carefully uproot all the false scriptures of the mayavadis. Reveal the glories of worshiping the Deity of the Lord. Later, I will broadcast your pure teachings.'
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the revelation to sankaracarya
1. When Sankaracarya went out to defeat all opponents, on his way to Navadvipa, he first arrived in Nadia. Within his heart, he was the topmost Vaisnava, but externally he played the role of a mayavadi, a servant of Maya. Actually, he was an incarnation of Siva, and by the Lord's order he expertly preached a covered form of Buddhism.
When Sankaracarya came to this place, Gauracandra appeared to him in a dream and mercifully spoke to him in sweet words, `You are My servant. Following My orders, you are preaching effectively the Mayavada doctrine. But as Navadvipa-dhama is very dear to Me, the Mayavada philosophy has no place here. On My behalf, Vrddha Siva and Praudha Maya spread the imaginary impersonal interpretations of scriptures, but only to those people who envy the devotees of the Lord. In this way I cheat them. Since this Navadvipa-dhama is generally a place for My devotees, not for the envious, you should go somewhere else. Do not contaminate the inhabitants of Navadvipa.'
Realizing the truth about Navadvipa in his dream and with devotion instilled in his heart, he went elsewhere.
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the revelation to Nimbarkacarya
1. Nimbaditya had been very attentive in the worship of Siva. Siva spoke to him, `At the edge of this village is a sacred bilva forest. Within that forest, the four Kumaras are sitting in meditation. By their mercy, you will receive transcendental knowledge. They are your gurus. By serving them, you will receive all that is of value.' Saying this, Lord Siva disappeared. Nimbaditya searched and found that place. On an attractive platform in the forest near Siva, he saw the four brothers-Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, and Sanat-kumara-sitting unseen by others. They were young, naked, and noble in character. Nimbarka cried out in excitement, `Hare Krishna! Hare Krishna!'
On hearing the holy name, the Kumaras' meditation broke. They opened their eyes and saw before them an ideal Vaisnava. Satisfied by this sight, one after another they embraced Nimbaditya. `Who are you?' they asked. `Why have you come here? We will certainly fulfill your prayers.'Nimbarka offered his obeisances and humbly introduced himself. Sanat-kumara smiled and said, `Knowing that Kali-yuga would be very troublesome, the all-merciful Supreme Lord decided to propagate devotional service. He empowered four men with devotional service and sent them into the world to preach. Ramanuja, Madhva, and Visnusvami are three of these men. You are the fourth of these great devotees. Sri, Laksmi, accepted Ramanuja, Brahma accepted Madhvacarya, Rudra accepted Visnusvami, and we, meeting you today, have the good fortune to teach you. This is our intention. Previously we were engaged in meditating on the Brahman, but by the Lord's mercy that sinful act has gone away. Now that I know the sweet taste of pure devotional service, I have written one book named Sanat-kumara Samhita. You should receive initiation into its teachings.'
Seeing his guru's mercy, the wise Nimbarka quickly took his bath in the
The four brothers gave him the Radha-Krishna mantra and instructed him how to worship Radha and
Radha and
While saying this, They combined in one form as Gauranga. Nimbarka was astounded on seeing that form and exclaimed, `Never have I seen or heard of such a remarkable form anywhere!'
Mahaprabhu said, `Please keep this form secret now. Just preach Krishna-bhakti and the pastimes of Radha and
`Later, when I begin the sankirtana movement, I Myself will preach the essence of the four Vaisnava philosophies.’
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists
The argument of the revelation to Jayadeva
1. Jayadeva worshiped
The Lord lifted the couple up with His two lotus hands and spoke nectarean words, `Both of you are My exalted devotees, therefore I desired to give you My darsana. Very soon I will take birth in Nadia in the womb of Saci. With all the devotees of all the avataras, I will distribute the gift of prema and Krishna-kirtana. After twenty-four years, I will take sannyasa and live in Nilacala. There, in the association of the devotees and overcome with prema, I will continuously taste the poems of your Gita-govinda, for it is very dear to Me. You will return to this Navadvipa-dhama after death.
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the statement of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
1. When will I stand on the bank of the
Seeing the golden effulgence of that sannyasi, I will fall to the earth in great eagerness, just as when the gopis saw
I long to take the Lord back to Mayapur where, shining in the dress of a young boy with long curly hair and dhoti folded thrice, He performs pastimes with His young friends in Isodyana.
Of course this sannyasi is also my Lord, and I am His servant. These different appearances that the Lord assumes are just part of His unlimited pastimes. But still my heart desires to take the Lord back to Srivasa
Pandita's temple on the bank of Prthu-kunda!
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the statements of the demigods
1. Before Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's birth there was an announcement, "The time of the Lord's appearance in the womb of Sacidevi has come". The demigods came down and stood before Sacidevi praying: "All glories to the infallible Lord who is eternal, unlimited and one without a second. All glories to the Lord who is eternal bliss personified. The Supreme Lord is transcendental to the 3 modes of material nature. He is the paramour lover of Radha. All glories to the Lord of the innumerable Vaikuntha planets. All glories to the darling son of Nanda Maharaja. In the kali-age He manifests from the womb of Sacidevi in order to enjoy His transcendental pastimes in this world. The Lord descends to give Himself to everyone without discrimination".
2. God exists.
The argument of the prayers offered by Sri Anantadeva
1. Whenever there is a decline in the practice of religious principles, the Lord incarnates. Knowing that the devotees were in distress, Lord Gauracandra Mahaprabhu appeared in the bodies of Jagannatha Misra and Sacidevi.
2. Sri Anantadeva, the servant of the Supreme Lord, began to glorify the Lord with His innumerable mouths. Sri Jagannatha and Saci heard His chanting as if it were a dream.
3. Both husband and wife manifested brilliant spiritual effulgence, which common people could not perceive.
4. “All glories to Sriman Mahaprabhu, the father of all living entities. All glories to the Supreme Lord, who has incarnated to inaugurate the sankirtana movement.
5. All glories to the protector of Vedic principles, saintly persons, and brahmanas. All glories to the personification of time, which destroys the nondevotees.”
6. After
7. “All glories to the Supreme Lord, who possesses a pure spiritual body. All glories to the fully independent Supreme Personality of Godhead.
8. You are the shelter of innumerable universes, yet You have entered the womb of mother Sacidevi.
9. Who can understand Your supreme will? Creation, maintenance, and annihilation are simply part of Your pastimes.
10. For one who destroys the entire creation simply by His desire, can He not kill Ravana or Kamsa simply by giving an order? Still, He appeared in the house of Dasaratha and Vasudeva in order to kill them.”
11. The Lord is fully independent and able to destroy the entire universe, so simply by His will demons like Kamsa and Ravana who are averse to Lord Vishnu can be killed by a gesture. Nevertheless, as part of His pastimes, He appeared in the home of Dasaratha and sportingly killed Ravana, and He appeared in the home of Vasudeva and sportingly killed Kamsa.
12. “Therefore, my Lord, who can understand the cause of Your appearance other than You Yourself?”
13. The Lord incarnates according to His own sweet will. In order to bewilder mental speculators by His energy, He remains fully independent and beyond their purview.
14. “By Your order, each one of Your servants can deliver innumerable universes. Still You incarnate Yourself to teach religious principles to all and thus make the earth glorious.
15. O my Lord, in Satya-yuga You have appeared with a white complexion to preach the principles of austerity by Your personal example.”
16. The word subhra indicates the white color accepted by the incarnations for Satya-yuga.
17. “You wear a deerskin and carry a danda prayer beads and water-pot, and You wear matted locks of hair. In this way You incarnate as a brahmacari to reestablish the principles of religion.”
18. The word jata refers to a bunch of hair that has matted due to not shaving.
The brahmacaris do not always get an opportunity to shave like the pleasure-seeking grihasthas. Therefore they often keep their hair and nails uncut. For those who live at home in comfort, keeping hair and nails uncut is the symptom of an uncultured person, but brahmacaris have some concession in this regard. Those not in the brahmacari asrama have no right in this matter.
19. The word danda indicates either ekadanda or tridanda, which are made from the sticks of the palasa, khadira, or bamboo trees. In other words, vajra-danda, indra-danda, brahma-danda, and jiva-danda are combined together and known as tridanda.
20. “You appear in Treta-yuga with a beautiful red complexion. Although You are the Lord of sacrifice, You set the example by engaging in the performance of sacrifice. You carry a sacrificial ladle and spoon in Your hands and encourage everyone to perform sacrifice.
21. In Dvapara-yuga You appear with a transcendental blackish complexion that resembles a monsoon cloud. You preach the process of Deity worship from house to house. You wear yellow cloth, and You are decorated with the mark of Srivatsa. As a great king, You personally demonstrate the process of Deity worship.”
22. The term maharaja-rupe indicates one who is adorned with items like an umbrella and camara.
23. “You appear in Kali-yuga as a brahmana with a golden complexion to inaugurate the congregational chanting of the holy names, which is unknown through the Vedas.”
24. Kali-yuga-avatara refers to Sri Caitanya, whose complexion is golden, who is the spiritual master for the world, and who is the brahmana inaugurator of the sankirtana movement. The prescribed service of the holy names and forms of the Lord is temple worship in Dvapara-yuga, sacrificial performance in Treta-yuga, and meditation in Satya-yuga. As a teacher, the Lord propagated the religious principles of all four yugas and thus acted as a spiritual master, or acarya. The Lord also revealed that in Satya-yuga one should remain a brahmacari, in Treta-yuga one should remain a grihastha, in Dvapara-yuga one should remain a vanaprastha, and in Kali-yuga one should remain a sannyasi.
25. “Therefore You are the source of innumerable incarnations. Who has the ability to enumerate all of them?
26. In the form of Matsya, You enjoy in the waters of annihilation. In the form of Kurma, You are the shelter of all living entities.”
27. When there was a complete inundation after the period of the Cakshusha Manu and the whole world was deep within water, the Lord accepted the form of a fish and protected Vaivasvata Manu, keeping him up on a boat. The eleventh incarnation of the Lord took the form of a tortoise whose shell served as a pivot for the Mandaracala Hill, which was being used as a churning rod by the theists and atheists of the universe.
28. “In the form of Hayagriva, You saved the Vedas by killing the original demons, Madhu and Kaitabha.
29. “In the form of Varaha, You delivered the earth, and in the form of Nrisimha, You tore apart the demon Hiranyakasipu.”
30. The supreme enjoyer of all sacrifices accepted the incarnation of a boar [the second incarnation], and for the welfare of the earth He lifted the earth from the nether regions of the universe. The description of Nrisimha-deva’s incarnation is as follows: “In the fourteenth incarnation, the Lord appeared as Nrisimha and bifurcated the strong body of the atheist Hiranyakasipu with His nails, just as a carpenter pierces cane.”
31. “In the wonderful form of Vamana, You deceived Bali Maharaja, and in the form of Parasurama, You rid the earth of kshatriyas.”
32. In the fifteenth incarnation, the Lord assumed the form of a dwarf brahmana [Vamana] and visited the arena of sacrifice arranged by Maharaja Bali. Although at heart He was willing to regain the kingdom of the three planetary systems, He simply asked for a donation of three steps of land. In the sixteenth incarnation of the Godhead, the Lord [as Bhrigupati] annihilated the administrative class [kshatriyas] twenty-one times, being angry with them because of their rebellion against the brahmanas [the intelligent class].
33. “In the form of Ramacandra, You killed Ravana, and in the form of Balarama, You performed innumerable pastimes.”
34. In the eighteenth incarnation, the Lord appeared as King Rama. In order to perform some pleasing work for the demigods, He exhibited superhuman powers by controlling the
35. “In the form of Buddha, You exhibited compassion, and in the form of Kalki, You destroyed the mlecchas.”
36. Then, in the beginning of Kali-yuga, the Lord will appear as Lord Buddha, the son of Anjana, in the
37. “In the form of Dhanvantari, You delivered nectar to the demigods, and in the form of Hamsa, You spoke on the Absolute Truth to Brahma and others.”
38. As stated in the Srimad Bhagavatam (2.7.19): “O Narada, you were taught about the science of God and His transcendental loving service by the Personality of Godhead in His incarnation of Hamsavatara. He was very much pleased with you, due to your intense proportion of devotional service. He also explained unto you, lucidly, the full science of devotional service, which is especially understandable by persons who are souls surrendered unto Lord Vasudeva, the Personality of Godhead.” Elsewhere, in the Srimad Bhagavatam (1.3.17) it is stated: “In the twelfth incarnation, the Lord appeared as Dhanvantari, and in the thirteenth He allured the atheists by the charming beauty of a woman and gave nectar to the demigods to drink.”
39. “In the form of Narada, You carry a vina and sing Your glories, and in the form of Vyasa, You explain the truth about Yourself.”
40. It is stated in the Srimad Bhagavatam (1.3.8): “In the millennium of the rishis, the Personality of Godhead accepted the third empowered incarnation in the form of Devarshi Narada, who is a great sage among the demigods. He collected expositions of the Vedas which deal with devotional service and which inspire nonfruitive action.” Again from the Srimad Bhagavatam (1.3.21) it is stated: “Thereafter, in the seventeenth incarnation of Godhead, Sri Vyasadeva appeared in the womb of Satyavati through Parasara Muni, and he divided the one Veda into several branches and subbranches, seeing that the people in general were less intelligent.”
41. “In the form of
42. In the Srimad Bhagavatam (10.44.14) it is stated: “What austerities must the gopis have performed! With their eyes they always drink the nectar of Lord Krishna’s form, which is the essence of loveliness and is not to be equaled or surpassed. That loveliness is the only abode of beauty, fame, and opulence. It is self-perfect, ever fresh and extremely rare.”
43. The words krishna-rupe vihara’ gokule are described in the following verses from Laghu-bhagavatamrita (334, 520, 538): “The various wonderfully enchanting sweet pastimes exhibited by the Lord in this world are superior to the opulent pastimes exhibited by Narayana among the demigods. Although Lord Krishna performs His pastimes in Gokula,
44. santi bhurini rupani mama purnani shad gunaih
45. bhaveyustani tulyani na maya gopa-rupina
46. “All My various forms are full with six opulences, but there is no comparison to My form as a cowherd boy.” The Padma Purana says:
47. caritam krishna-devasya sarvam evadbhutam bhavet
48. gopala-lila tatrapi sarvato ‘ti-manohara
49. “The characteristics of
50. kandarpa-koty-arbuda-rupa-sobha-
51. nirajyapadabja-nakham calasya
52. kutrapy adrishta-sruta-ramya-kanter
53. dhyanam param nanda-sutasya vakshye
54. “I meditate on Nanda-suta, whose beauty surpasses that of millions of Cupids, who thus adore His lotus feet and toenails. His transcendental effulgence is beyond the description or vision of material senses.”
55. The Gokula pastimes of Sri Krishna are most perfect because they include all of
56. “In this incarnation as a devotee, You will invest all Your transcendental energies in the performance of kirtana. The whole world will be filled with the sound of sankirtana, and pure devotional service will be preached from house to house.”
57. The whole world will achieve complete happiness by proper glorification of Lord Krishna.
58. “How can we describe the happiness that this earth planet will enjoy when You dance along with Your servants?
59. The mere presence of those who constantly meditate on Your lotus feet vanquishes all inauspiciousness.”
60. Each of the Supreme Lord’s incarnations preach and benefit some particular persons, but in Your incarnation as Gauranga You will benefit the entire world by inaugurating the process of kirtana. You will dance with innumerable servants and make the entire world jubilant.
61. For a devotee who has received Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s merciful glance, kaivalya, merging into the existence of Brahman, appears hellish, the heavenly planets appear like phantasmagoria, the senses appear like serpents with broken teeth, the entire world becomes a replica of Vaikuntha, and the position of demigods headed by Lord Brahma and Lord Indra is considered equal to that of a tiny insect.
62. “As such persons dance, the touch of their lotus feet destroys all the inauspiciousness of the world. By their glance, the ten directions are purified.
63. Such are Your glories, such is the dancing, and such are Your servants that when they dance with their arms raised, the disturbances in the heavenly planets are destroyed.”
64. This temporary material world is full of threefold miseries. Uninterrupted happiness is not found even in the heavenly planets. In the course of enjoying heavenly pleasure there are two impediments—aversion to the Supreme Lord due to sense gratification and being deprived of heavenly pleasures achieved through pious activities by the demons. When the demigods who reside on the heavenly planets raise their arms and happily dance with a desire to serve Lord Vishnu, the fallible heavenly planets no longer remain hated. The characteristics of
65. “When
66. O Lord, You will personally appear and perform kirtana with Your pure devotees. O Lord, who has the power to describe Your glories? You will distribute devotional service to Lord Vishnu that is unknown through the Vedas.”
67. “O Lord Gaurasundara! You are the nondifferent golden form of the son of the king of Vraja-Krishna. You will appear in this world along with Your associates and enjoy the pastimes of distributing love of God through the process of kirtana. Neither the demigods nor the human beings are able to properly describe Your glories. The knowledge of demigods and human beings is mundane; the most beneficial work of distributing pure service to
68. anarpita-carim cirat karunayavatirnah kalau
69. samarpayitum unnatojjvala-rasam sva-bhakti-sriyam
70. harih purata-sundara-dyuti-kadamba-sandipitah
71. sada hridaya-kandare sphuratu vah saci-nandanah
72. “May the Supreme Lord, who is known as the son of Srimati Sacidevi, be transcendentally situated in the innermost core of your heart. Resplendent with the radiance of molten gold, He has descended in the Age of Kali by His causeless mercy to bestow what no incarnation has ever offered before: the most elevated mellow of devotional service, the mellow of conjugal love.”
73. “You easily award liberation, but You keep devotional service hidden. We have a desire to attain that devotional service. O Lord, You will freely distribute the treasure of devotional service throughout the world, simply due to Your causeless mercy.”
74. “We are demigods, decorated with all good qualities. We are beyond the jurisdiction of poverty. We therefore have no ulterior motive. Our only desire is to serve Lord Vishnu. Since we are bereft of the Lord’s devotional service, we pray that we may regain that service. You will bestow on all sinful persons of the world the qualification to serve the Supreme Lord, which is the topmost treasure. Although no one is qualified to achieve this benediction, You have the power to bestow causeless mercy on such worthless persons. Therefore Your causeless mercy is the only means of obtaining Your favor.”
75. “By the chanting of whose holy names all sacrifices are performed, that Lord has now appeared in Navadvipa.”
76. “The four types of sacrifice and processes of worship prescribed for the different ages—meditation, fire sacrifice, Deity worship, and kirtana—are done and perfected by chanting the holy names of Hari. All sacrifices are complete only by chanting Your names that You have given. You have appeared in Navadvipa to preach these holy names.”
77. “O Lord, please be merciful to us so that we may have the fortune to see Your pastimes.”
78. Let us be fortunate enough that we may see Your eternal Gaura pastimes in this material world.
79. “The long-cherished desire of the
80. From time immemorial the
81. “You who are seen through the yogis’ meditation as Yogesvara will now be seen in the
82. The great mystic yogis meditate on Your form in their hearts. You will manifest that eternal transcendental form for the benefit of the residents of Navadvipa.
83. “We therefore offer our respectful obeisances to Sri Navadvipa, where the Lord appeared in the house of Sacidevi and Jagannatha.”
84. “We offer our obeisances to the abode that is qualified for receiving Your lotus feet.” That abode is nondifferent from Durga, or Nila, who is a manifestation of Narayana’s energy and worshipable by all devotees. That Yogapitha, which is situated in Sri Mayapur, is the site of Saci and Jagannatha’s house, wherein the Lord took birth. In other words, Sri Navadvipa-dhama is composed of pure goodness and is nondifferent from Vrindavana. It is the basis of the nine types of devotional service for devotees who have taken shelter of a spiritual master.
85. In this way the demigods headed by Lord Brahma would daily offer prayers in seclusion.
86. The Lord, who is the shelter of all universes, remained in the womb of Sacidevi until the Phalguni Purnima gradually approached. The Supreme Lord, who is the resting place of innumerable Vaikuntha planets and material universes composed of fourteen planetary systems, has appeared in the womb of Saci. The Lord remained in the womb of Saci until the full moon night of the month of Phalguna, in the year 1486. The words saci-garbha-sindhu refer to the form of pure goodness.
87. All the auspicious symptoms present throughout unlimited universes appeared together on that full moon night.
88. Thus the Lord simultaneously appeared along with the congregational chanting of the holy names, which He inaugurated on the pretext of a lunar eclipse– an auspicious time.
89. The tradition of chanting the names of Hari for fruitive results during solar and lunar eclipses has been current since time immemorial. Although such chanting of the holy names yields insignificant fruits, Sri Caitanyadeva coincidentally appeared while everyone was thus engaged.
90. Who has the power to understand the activities of the Lord? By His desire Rahu covered the moon.
91. When the inhabitants of Navadvipa saw the eclipse, they began to chant the auspicious names of Hari.
92. Millions of people went to take bath in the
93. As a lunar eclipse took place that evening, everyone engaged in chanting the holy names of Hari and bathing in the
94. The whole of Nadia was filled with the sound vibration of the name of Hari. Indeed, the sound vibration filled the entire universe and beyond.
95. Hearing this wonderful vibration, all the devotees remarked, “Let there be a perpetual eclipse!”
96. All the devotees said, “From the great happiness that we are feeling today it can be understood that
97. Whether one was young, old, woman, pious, or impious—everyone was engaged in chanting the name of Hari while observing the eclipse.
98. The demigods showered flowers on all directions, and they played kettledrums as they chanted, “Jaya! Jaya!”
99. At that very moment the life of all living entities, Sri Sacinandana, made His appearance.
100. When the moon was covered by Rahu, when the ocean of the holy names was manifest, when Kali was subdued, and when the flag of victory was raised—at that time the Supreme Lord appeared and the fourteen worlds filled with the sound of “Jaya! Jaya!”
101. Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu is
The argument of the Lord’s birth
1. All six seasons manifested simultaneously at the time of the Lord's appearance.
2. Gauranga's golden baby body was a condensed form of
luscious nectar. Gaura's face shone with the soothing glow of hundreds of
moons. His smile resembled a blossoming lotus flower. His shoulders were as
powerful as an elephant's.
3. The soles of his feet and hands were marked with:
Right Lotus Foot:
16 Most Auspicious Marks
16 Most Auspicious Marks
01. Lotus
02. Stick
03. Upcurving line
04. Barleycorn
05. Umbrella
06. Mountain
07. Elephant Goad
08. Thunderbolt
09. Chariot
10. Spear
11. Sacrificial Altar
12. Club
13. Kunda Earrings
14. Swastikas
15. Blackberry Fruits, jambu fruit
16. Octagon
02. Stick
03. Upcurving line
04. Barleycorn
05. Umbrella
06. Mountain
07. Elephant Goad
08. Thunderbolt
09. Chariot
10. Spear
11. Sacrificial Altar
12. Club
13. Kunda Earrings
14. Swastikas
15. Blackberry Fruits, jambu fruit
16. Octagon
Left Lotus Foot:
16 Most Auspicious Marks
16 Most Auspicious Marks
01. Conch
02. Sky
03. Jewelled Bangle
04. Pitchers
05. Unstrung Bow
06. Disc
07. Cow's Hoofprint
08. Triangle
09. Half Moon
10. Waterpots
11. Victory Flag
12. Flower
13. Flowery Twig
14. Flower Garland
15. Tortoise
02. Sky
03. Jewelled Bangle
04. Pitchers
05. Unstrung Bow
06. Disc
07. Cow's Hoofprint
08. Triangle
09. Half Moon
10. Waterpots
11. Victory Flag
12. Flower
13. Flowery Twig
14. Flower Garland
15. Tortoise
Left Lotus Hand:
21 Auspicious Marks
21 Auspicious Marks
01. Conch on tip
of thumb
02. Conch on tip of index finger
03. Conch on tip of middle finger
04. Conch on tip of Ring finger
05. Conch on tip of Little finger
06. Umbrella
07. Plow
08. Elephant
09. Javelin
10. Horse
11. Pillar of Glory
12. Fan
13. Cow
14. Fan
15. Swastika
16. Half Moon
17. Garland
18. Fish
19. Life Line
20. Fate Line
21. Good Fortune/Enjoyment Line
02. Conch on tip of index finger
03. Conch on tip of middle finger
04. Conch on tip of Ring finger
05. Conch on tip of Little finger
06. Umbrella
07. Plow
08. Elephant
09. Javelin
10. Horse
11. Pillar of Glory
12. Fan
13. Cow
14. Fan
15. Swastika
16. Half Moon
17. Garland
18. Fish
19. Life Line
20. Fate Line
21. Good Fortune/Enjoyment Line
Right Lotus Hand:
23 Auspicious Marks
23 Auspicious Marks
01. Lotus on tip
of thumb
02. Lotus on tip of index finger
03. Lotus on tip of middle finger
04. Lotus on tip of Ring finger
05. Lotus on tip of Little finger
06. Elephant Goad
07. Iron Club
08. Sword
09. Flag
10. Whisk fan
11. Tree
12. Palace
13. Trumpet
14. Sharp Arrow
15. Unstrung Bow
16. Disc
17. Barley Corn
18. Thunderbolt
19. Pitcher
20. Two carts
21. Life Line
22. Fate Line
23. Good Fortune/Enjoyment Line
02. Lotus on tip of index finger
03. Lotus on tip of middle finger
04. Lotus on tip of Ring finger
05. Lotus on tip of Little finger
06. Elephant Goad
07. Iron Club
08. Sword
09. Flag
10. Whisk fan
11. Tree
12. Palace
13. Trumpet
14. Sharp Arrow
15. Unstrung Bow
16. Disc
17. Barley Corn
18. Thunderbolt
19. Pitcher
20. Two carts
21. Life Line
22. Fate Line
23. Good Fortune/Enjoyment Line
4. Millions of Cupids fled in shame upon
beholding the beauty of His lotus face. His reddish-eyes flooded with joy and
love. His bodily effulgence was so intense that one couldn't look at Him.5. God exists
The argument of the demigods visiting Nimai
1. One day the demigods entered Saci's bedroom. They took Nimai from Saci's lap and placed Him on a jeweled throne. After bathing and worshiping Nimai they circumambulated Him and offered obeisances. The sound of gongs, conch-shells and other musical instruments and the singing of the holy names filled the room. The demigods all chanted "All glories to the Lord of the universe. All glories to the Supreme maintainer O Visvambhara we fall at Your lotus feet and beg You "please bestow upon us the rare treasure of Vraja-rasa". Sacidevi picked up Nimai and told Him to go to His father's room in order to sleep peacefully. The demigods walked behind Nimai with folded hands. The Lord addressed them "O demigods, hanker for the glorious, love-filled pastimes of Radha-Gopinatha". Then Nimai cried and chanted "Radha! Radha! Govinda! Kalindi! Yamuna! Vrindavana! and danced. Hearing this, the demigods also began wailing and singing along joyfully.
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of Nimai's mother's realization
1. One time Sacimata became enraptured by Nimai's beautiful face which looked more brilliant then millions of suns. His nails glittered like a million moons. Nimai's indescribably beautiful body derided the beauty of millions of Cupids.
At this time Sacidevi recalled when many demigods had appeared in her home. Reflecting on Nimai's pastimes, Saci became convinced. Her son was the Supreme eternal and effulgent Lord Narayana, who is transcendental to material existence, the Lord of all the planets. She said, "He is free from all material contamination. He has no material form. He is omniscient, all-pervading and self satisfied. The greatest yogi's meditate to attain His matchless transcendental form. The demigods can't calculate the extent of My fortune. My son is worshipable by everyone.”
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of astrology proving Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu as God
1. At Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu's birth the astrologer Nilambara Cakravarti was able to detect that the boy would be the maintainer of the universe, that he would be wiser then Brhaspati the spiritual teacher of the demigods, that He was Narayana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead and that He would establish faith in God all over the world.
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the prayers of the demigods when Nimai liberated a puppy dog
1. Nimai and His friends played with a puppy dog. They fondled the dog, rolled in the dirt with it, and laughed and joked. Fuming with anger His mother rebuked her son: "This behavior doesn't befit a brahmana's son. Go bathe in the Ganges". Dogs and cats are lowly and kept outside the house. That puppy dog attained the greatest fortune by the transcendental touch of Lord Gauranga. The dog gave up his bad habits and became Krishna conscious. One day the dog just started dancing ecstatically while chanting the holy names "Radha-Krishna! Govinda!" exhibiting the bodily symptoms of ecstatic love of God. The dog was crying, his hair stood on end and his entire body was covered with goose bumps. Suddenly, that most fortunate dog gave up his body. At that moment a golden celestial chariot came down from the sky, and carried the dog to Goloka Vrindavana. Topped with many domes, the chariot was lavishly decorated with pearls and dazzling jewels. The sound of bells, gongs, conch-shells and karatalas (cymbals) accompanied the divine singing of Gandharva's and Kinnara's, who were singing the glories of Radha and Krishna. Flags flapped atop the chariot, whose brilliance outshone the light of the sun. In his spiritual body, the dog was sitting upon a jeweled throne inside the chariot. His body adorned with divine ornaments looked more beautiful then millions of moons. The spiritual dog was singing the glories of Radha, Krishna and Gauranga. The siddha's fanned him with camaras as he soared back to Goloka.
Lord Brahma, Siva, Sanaka and other demigods surrounded the chariot and sang Gauranga's praises "Never before has He bestowed such mercy. All glories to Gaurahari, the resort of the helpless. You are the best of all incarnations. We have never seen such mercy even in the pastimes of Lord Hrsikesa, Krishna. You always overlook one's faults and offenses. In this way, any fortunate living entity who takes shelter of You, Lord Gaura Raya, will attain Goloka".
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of Jagannatha Misra's dream
1. One day, Nimai's father, Jagannatha Misra reprimanded Nimai, "Even though You are the son of a brahmana, You don't know how to behave and study. Now I'll teach You a lesson" and threatened to beat Him with a stick. That night Jagannatha Misra had a dream. "He saw a well-built brahmana with an effulgence as bright as the sun. Plus the dazzling jewels and ornaments decorating His body made it impossible to look at Him. In a voice thundering like a cloud that brahmana said "why do you think that Nimai is your son. An animal can't understand the potency of a touchstone. I am the Supreme Personality of Godhead. I know all scriptures and I am the guru of the demigods. Why did you take a stick in your hand to beat Me". After this Jagannatha Misra realized for some time "The greatness of my son is beyond the reach of the Veda's. He is beyond the power of Siva, Sanaka and other rsi's. My son Gauranga is such a glorious personality.”
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of Nimai's statement
1. One day Nimai's mother went to perform worship of Sasthi, a female deity who protects children. She told Nimai, "I will ask for the boon that You'll be free from all suffering and inauspiciousness. After the offering I will give You some sandesh (milk sweets) and bananas". Nimai said: "Mother, I am experiencing great suffering right this minute. My belly is burning with hunger". Suddenly, as quick as lightning, Nimai snatched the sweets, Sacimata wanted to offer to the goddess Sasthi, and popped them in His mouth and said sternly: "Mother, I know everything and I am all in all the three worlds. I am one without a second for no one is equal to Me. Just as water poured on the root satisfies the whole tree similarly, simply by worshiping Me alone, one has dome all other worship and one's whole life becomes complete and perfect".
2. Nimai is God. God exists.
The argument of the statement of Advaita Acarya (who is Lord Mahavisnu and Lord Sadasiva combined)
1. Advaita acarya's mother once had a dream in which Lord Siva foresaw the age of kali. He became filled with compassion and went to the shore of the ocean of causes, the origin of the material universe. Mahavisnu lies there. Lord Siva beseeched Lord Mahavisnu for His merciful descent by performing austerities for 700 years. Lord Mahavisnu appeared and spoke "My dear Lord why you try to please Me with difficult austerities? You and I are one!" Lord Sadasiva replied "my dear Lord, unless You empower Me to save mankind how can I do it". Lord Mahavisnu embraced Lord Sadasiva and by Their shared compassion they took one form - Sri Advaita acarya. Once the king of that area sent his son with Advaita (he was about 8. years old) to the temple of Durga. Advaita refused to bow down to Durga and the prince became disturbed and called for Advaita's father Kuvera. Advaita told His father politely: "As the Cakora bird can only live on moonlight, I can only worship Lord Krishna, the Supreme of all the gods". Just then, the Durga deity on the temple altar burst into pieces and the goddess came out of it illuminating all directions. A voice filled the room proclaiming "The husband will never bow down to the wife". In this way Durga indicated that the boy Advaita was none other then Her husband, Lord Siva. Advaita acarya glorified Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna and acted as His servant. Lord Siva's only master is Sri Krishna. One night Advaita took His mother to a high mountain. All of India's holy river in personified form appeared before Advaita, who was effulgent in His divine four-armed form of Maha- Visnu. They offered their prayers to Advaita with the reverberation of conchshells. The rivers showered His mother with their divine waters. Once, a voice in the sky sounded: "This is God Himself. Nobody is more learned then Him". At the marriage of Advaita acarya one brahmana spoke "This woman is Yogamaya incarnate and Advaita acarya is God Himself. How could anyone ever conceive of a better match?
Advaita showed to Gauridasa pandita His four-armed form and later also a six-armed form.
2. God exists
The argument of divine voice from the sky
1. One day while sitting in His home, Visvambhara said "What shall I do, where shall I go, How will I fix My mind on Krishna?"
Suddenly a divine voice announced from the sky "Listen Visvambhara, You Yourself are God. You have come to this world to give Your mercy by teaching love of Godhead. By doing Hari-nama-sankirtana You will establish religion in this world. Do not lament. The people of Kali will be delivered by receiving Your mercy. Your love will remove the sufferings of everyone. Now stop lamenting and start Your sankirtana movement.
2. Visvambhara, Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the divine body of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu
1. The moon of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's face shames the nectar Moon of this world. His splendor robs gold of its beauty and chastises lightning. One wonders “Is this a flood of nectar flowing from the Moon of His face”. His pearl necklace is splendid as a line of stars. The wealth of His eyes leaves the devotee always unsatiated. His curved eyebrows defeat Kamadeva's unstrung bow, or is this a line of bumble bees motionless from having drunk the nectar they desired from these lotus eyes. If a stationary flash of lightning were decorated with stars, two bubbles of nectar placed beneath it, and the whole thing placed within a lotus flower it would be defeated by Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu's splendid nose. The rain of sweetness from His smile makes the devotee's heart thirst. The Lord's thighs uproot the pride of golden banana trees.
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the revelation to Murari Gupta
1. Gaurahari, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu said to Murari "Listen to what the Veda's say about Me. The Svetasvatara Upanishads (3.19) states: "The omnipotent Supreme Personality of Godhead has no material hands or legs. Yet He runs swiftly to receive offerings. He has no material eyes but still He sees everything. He knows everything, but no one knows Him. Realized brahmanas say that He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead".
Then Murari requested "My Lord, I want to see Your Lordship's form as Lord Rama". Within a second Murari saw Lord Ramachandra. Sitadevi, Laksmana, Bharata and Shatrughana stood around the Lord. Gaurasundara pacified Murari, "Actually Murari, You are none other then Hanuman and I am the same Lord Rama".
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu showing his Narayana form to the goddess of fortune
1. Mahaprabhu preached to His wife, Visnu-priya before taking the renounced order of life "Listen, O most dear one. Everything you see in this creation is temporary, illusory and always changing. God and His servants are the only everlasting truths. Sons, husbands, mother, gather, man and woman are all false temporary designations. Except Krishna, no one can be called our dear and near one. Krishna is the Supreme Enjoyer, Krishna is the actual husband of everyone. Everything else is Krishna's enjoyable energy". Suddenly, Gauranga showed His four-armed Narayana form to His wife.
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God, God exists
The argument that Sri Nityananda is God
1. At a festival of honoring Lord Sri Nityananda, He was placed on a celestial throne and bathed with scented Ganges water. Some sang sweet songs. Someone brought new clothes, smeared His body with sandalwood paste and placed a flower garland around His neck.
One devotee held an umbrella over His head. The Lord then told one of His servants “I would like to wear a garland of kadamba flowers”. “But it is not the season for kadamba” the servant replied. The Lord pointed to a tree and said “go to that tree and surely you will find kadamba flowers”. The servant went to the Jamusia tree indicated and, to his surprise, found that kadamba flowers were blooming there.
2. Sri Nityananda is another form of Balarama, Krishna’s expansion and brother, in Vrndavana.
3. God’s expansion and God exist.
The argument of Nityananda
1. On the order of Lord Caitanya, Sri Anantadeva had already appeared in Radha-desa and was engaged in various pastimes.
2. His father’s name was Hadai Ojha, and His mother was Padmavati. Sri Nityananda Prabhu appeared in thevillage
of Ekacakra
3. The day that Lord Gauracandra appeared in Navadvipa, in Radha-desa Lord Nityananda roared loudly. His roar spread throughout innumerable universes (ananta-brahmanda), and people of the entire world (sakala-samsare) were practically rendered unconscious. Some people said it was a thunderbolt, while others thought it was a great calamity. Other people said, “We know the cause. It was the loud roaring of Nityananda Gosvami, the Lord of the Gaudiyas.” In this way people had different opinions about what had happened, but no one could recognize Lord Nityananda due to the influence of His illusory energy. This was Sri Nityananda-Baladeva’s mysterious pastime of deceiving the demons. Nityananda remained hidden as He enjoyed childhood pastimes with the other children.
4. The pastimes that the Lord enjoyed with His childhood friends were all related to the activities of Lord Krishna. He and His friends formed an assembly of demigods, and one of them acting as mother earth offered prayers to them. They then led mother earth to the riverbank, and the children all began to offer prayers. Then one of the boys hidden from view loudly declared, “I will soon take birth inMathura ,
Gokula.” One evening the Lord and His friends enacted the marriage of Vasudeva
and Devaki. Then, late one night, while everyone slept, they made a prison and
enacted the birth of Lord Krishna. They created a Gokula, and Krishna
was taken there and exchanged with Mahamaya, thereby tricking King Kamsa.
Another time they dressed someone as Putana, and someone climbed on her chest
to suck her breast. One day Nityananda and His boyfriends made a sakata, or
handcart, out of reeds and then broke it. Another day the Lord and His friends
stole from the houses of the neighboring cowherd men. The boys never left
Nityananda’s association to go home, but continued sporting with Him day and
night. The children’s parents did not complain, rather they would
affectionately embrace Nityananda. They said, “We have never seen such
transcendental sports. How does this child know so many of Krishna ’s
pastimes?” One day the Lord made snakes, the replicas of Kaliya and the other
serpents, out of leaves and then took His friends to the water of the lake
within the Yamuna. One of them jumped into the water and remained there inert.
Later, the Lord brought him back to consciousness. Another day the Lord and His
friends went to Talavana, where they killed Dhenukasura and then ate tala
fruits. Nityananda and His childhood friends went into the fields and enjoyed
various pastimes such as the killing of Bakasura, Aghasura, and Vatsasura. In
the afternoon the Lord and His associates returned home blowing buffalo horns.
5. The musical instrument sringa is made from a horn.
6. One day they enjoyed the pastimes of lifting Govardhana Hill, and another day they created a Vrindavana, wherein they enjoyed various sports. One day they enactedKrishna ’s pastime of stealing
the gopis’ clothes, and another day they enacted His meeting the wives of the
brahmanas. On one occasion a boy dressed as Narada with a beard and gave Kamsa
some confidential information. Another day one boy dressed as Akrura and took Krishna and Balarama to Kamsa’s capital. As Nityananda
cried in the mood of the gopis, it appeared to His friends that a river was
flowing from His eyes. Due to the influence of Vishnu’s mystical (yoga-maya)
energy, no one could recognize Nityananda as He enjoyed pastimes with His
friends. The children arranged a city of Mathura
and then wandered through its streets. Someone played the role of a gardener,
and someone accepted a flower garland from him. Someone dressed as Kubja and
sandalwood pulp was accepted from her. A large bow was made and they all
shouted in joy when it was broken.
7. Madhupuri (Mathura )
was previously the residence of the demon Madhu. His son, Lavanasura, was
killed by Satrughna in Treta-yuga.
8. They enacted the pastimes of killing the Kuvalaya elephant and the wrestlers, Canura and Mushtika. Thereafter Kamsa was grabbed by the hair and thrown to the ground. In detail: As Kamsa thus raved so audaciously, the infallible Lord Krishna, intensely angry, quickly and easily jumped up onto the high royal dais. Lord Krishna, whose fearsome strength is irresistible, powerfully seized the demon just as the son of Tarkshya might capture a snake. Grabbing Kamsa by the hair and knocking off his crown, the lotus-naveled Lord threw him off the elevated dais onto the wrestling mat. Then the independent Lord, the support of the entire universe, jumped onto the King. As a result Kamsa lost his life. After killing Kamsa, the Lord danced with His friends in such a way that everyone watching began to laugh. In this way Nityananda and His friends imitated the pastimes of the various incarnations. One day Nityananda dressed like Vamana and went to cheat Bali Maharaja out of his kingdom, which covered the three worlds. Someone played the role of the aged Sukracarya, who forbidBali from giving the three steps. After
accepting the gift, the Lord placed His last step on the head of Bali . One day Nityananda enacted the pastime of building
a bridge across the ocean, with the boys playing the role of monkeys. They cut
castor oil plants and made a bridge across the water. Then all the boys
exclaimed, “Jaya Raghunatha!”
9. Castor oil plants were uprooted and thrown into the water in imitation of the monkeys’ activities of uprooting and throwing many mountain peaks, stones, and trees on the surface of the ocean in order to build a bridge.
10. Nityananda accepted the role of Lakshmana, who angrily went with a bow in His hand to chastise Sugriva.” O king of the monkeys, My Lord is in distress. Come quickly, or I’ll kill you! How can you sit here enjoying with women while He is lamenting onMalyavan
Mountain
11. Lord Nityananda was absorbed in the mood of Lakshmana. The boys, however, could not understand this and thought it was just a game.
12. Another day Lord Nityananda, in the mood of Sri Ramacandra’s, spoke in anger to Parasurama, “O brahmana, I am not at fault. Leave here at once.” In detail: While returning from Sita’s home after gaining her at the assembly of competitors by breaking Siva’s bow, Lord Ramacandra met Parasurama who was agitated from hearing the tumultuous sound of the breaking of the bow. Although Parasurama was very proud, having rid the earth of the royal order twenty-one times, his pride was vanquished by the Lord, who appeared to be a kshatriya of the royal order. Being angered by the heroic words of Parasurama, Lord Ramacandra took the Vaishnava bow and arrows from his hands and spoke to him as follows: “I wish to vanquish your free movement earned on the strength of austerities and your unrivaled dominion over the earth. You cannot blame Me for this.”
13. On another occasion, five boys took the role of monkeys, the king, Sugriva, and his four ministers and the Lord took the role of Lakshmana. “Who are you monkeys, wandering in the forest? I am the servant of Ramacandra. Tell Me who you are.” They replied, “We are wandering out of fear of Vali. Please take us to Ramacandra. We wish to take the dust of His lotus feet.” The Lord embraced them and led them to Ramacandra, whereupon they all fell at His feet.
14. One day the Lord enacted the pastime of killing Indrajit, the son of Ravana, and one day, in the mood of Lakshmana, He accepted defeat.
15. Someone in the role of Vibhishana was brought before Ramacandra, and Rama performed his abhisheka, or coronation, installing him as the King of Lanka.
16. One boy said, “I am the mighty Ravana. Now I’m releasing the sakti-sela weapon. Stop it if You can, Lakshmana!” Saying this, the boy threw a lotus flower at Nityananda, and in the mood of Lakshmana, He fell to the ground. After the Lord, in the mood of Lakshmana, fell unconscious, all the boys tried in vain to revive Him. When they found no symptom of life (paramartha dhatu) or the consciousness, remained in the body of Nityananda, they all held their heads and began to cry. The Lord’s father and mother came running there and also observed that there was no sign of life in their son. They then also fell to the ground unconscious. Everyone who saw this tragedy was struck with wonder.
17. As the boys described the entire incident, someone said, “I understand why He’s unconscious. “Previously one great actor played the role of Dasaratha, and when He heard that Rama had left for the forest, he left his body.”
18. Someone else said, “There is a boy dressed as Hanuman. If he gives Him medicine, He’ll be cured.”
19. Before the incident, the Lord had instructed His friends, “When I fall unconscious, you should all gather around Me and cry. After a while, send Hanuman for some medicine. I will recover when he puts the medicine to My nose.” When the Lord fell unconscious in His own mood (the mood of His plenary portion, Lakshmana, the incarnation of Maha-Sankarshana ), the boys were all bewildered. Because they were so confused they could not remember the Lord’s instructions (“Send Hanuman to bring medicine and hold it before My nose”). They simply cried loudly, “O brother, please get up!”
20. But when the boys heard the people’s comments, they remembered Nityananda’s instruction and the boy dressed as Hanuman immediately went for the medicine. Another boy dressed as a renunciate, Ravana’s demon uncle Kalanemi, who was dressed as an ascetic, welcomed Hanuman with fruits and roots. He said to Hanuman, “My dear sir, please stay and grace my asrama. It is a great fortune to meet such a person as you.” Hanuman replied, “I must go and complete my important mission. I would like to come, but I cannot delay. You must have heard that Lakshmana, the younger brother of Ramacandra, has been rendered unconscious by the sakti-sela weapon of Ravana. Therefore I’m going to Gandhamadana Hill to bring medicine. Only then will He survive. The renunciate then said, “If you must go, first take a bath and eat something. Then you may go.”
21. The two boys repeated whatever Nityananda had instructed them. Therefore everyone gazed at them in astonishment as they listened to their conversation. Hanuman’s conversation with Ravana’s demon uncle Kalanemi, who was dressed as an ascetic, and Hanuman’s fight with the crocodile, demons, and Gandharvas are not found in the original Ramayana written by Valmiki
22. Then, on the request of the renunciate, Hanuman went to take bath in the lake, whereupon another boy in the lake grabbed hold of his feet. The boy playing the role of a crocodile tried to pull Hanuman into the water, but Hanuman pulled the boy to the shore. After a short fight, Hanuman defeated the crocodile. When Hanuman returned to the renunciate’s asrama, he saw a mighty warrior. A boy dressed as a Rakshasa then attempted to swallow Hanuman. He challenged, “You have defeated the crocodile, but how will you defeat me? I will eat you, then who will revive Lakshmana?” Hanuman replied, “Your Ravana is a dog. I consider him most insignificant, nothing, extremely impotent, or useless. Get out of my way.” In this way the two first exchanged some harsh words, foul language against each other, then they began pulling each other’s hair, and finally they began striking each other with their fists. After promptly defeating the demon, Hanuman approached the Gandhamadana Hill. There Hanuman fought with some boys who were dressed as Gandharvas. After defeating the Gandharvas, Hanuman took the Gandhamadana Hill on his head to Lanka. Another boy playing the role of a doctor remembered Lord Rama as he held the medicine to Lakshmana’s nose.
23. The boy playing the role of Sushena, the doctor of the monkeys, imitated him by holding the four medicines grown on Gandhamadana Hill—visalya-karani, savarna-karani, sanjiva-karani, and sandhana-karani—before the nose of Nityananda, who was absorbed in the mood of Lakshmana.
24. At that very moment Lord Nityananda regained His consciousness, upon which His parents and others there all smiled in relief. Hadai Pandita embraced his son, and all the boys became overjoyed. Everyone asked, “Dear son, where have You learned all this?” The Lord smiled and said, “These are all My pastimes.”
25. In His early childhood the Lord was most attractive. No one wanted to let Him go from their laps. Everyone had more affection for Nityananda than they had for their own sons. But no one could recognize Him due the influence of Lord Vishnu’s mystical ( yogamaya) energy. In this way, from the beginning of His childhood, Nityananda had no happiness other than enjoying the pastimes of Lord Krishna. All of His friends left their parents to constantly sport in the company of Nityananda.
26. Lord Nityananda remained at home like this for twelve years. Thereafter He left for visiting the holy places. He traveled to the holy places for the next twenty years and then finally joined the association of Lord Caitanya.
27. Lord Nityananda delivered the entire universe and is nothing but an ocean of mercy. Only by His mercy can we know the truth about Lord Caitanya. In fact, the glories of Lord Caitanya are manifested through Him. Sri Nityananda Prabhu exhibited compassion towards the fallen, averse living entities and thus delivered the entire world. Being bereft of receiving His mercy, only wicked, sinful atheists criticized Him. Only Sri Nityananda has made the truth regarding Sri Caitanya known to the world. Without His mercy, no one is able to enter into the glories of Sri Caitanya by independent endeavor.
28. Some lilas: He went toMathura ,
His former birthplace. The phrase purva-janma-sthana refers to the appearance
place in the Dvapara-yuga pastimes. The Lord sported in the waters of the
Yamuna at Visrama-ghata and thereafter went with great interest to see
Govardhana. When He saw the house and courtyard of Nanda Maharaja at Gokula, He
sat down and cried profusely. Seeing the home of the Pandavas in Hastinapura,
Nityananda began to cry. As Nityananda remembered Balarama’s glorious
activities in Hastinapura, He exclaimed, “O Haladhara, please save Me!” and
then offered obeisances. He visited the city of Ayodhya , where He cried upon seeing the
birthplace of Lord Rama. Nityananda then visited the candala Guhaka’s kingdom,
where He fell unconscious. Simply by remembering the activities of the candala
Guhaka, Nityananda lost consciousness in ecstasy for three days. On seeing the
forests where Lord Ramacandra had resided, Nityananda rolled on the ground in
separation. He went to the asrama of Srila Vyasadeva, who recognized that
Nityananda was Balarama Himself. Srila Vyasadeva personally received Nityananda
as a guest, and the Lord offered His obeisances to Srila Vyasadeva. Lord
Nityananda visited the residence of the Buddhists. When He arrived there, He
saw they were all sitting together. The Lord asked a question, but no one
replied. Becoming angry at them, the Lord kicked them in the head, but they all
simply smiled and ran away. Nityananda thus fearlessly continued His travels
through the forest. The Lord had no control of His body due to His ecstatic
love for Krishna . Sometimes He cried, and
sometimes He laughed—who can understand His ecstatic moods? When Nityananda saw
Madhavendra Puri, He was immediately stunned in ecstatic love and fell to the
ground unconscious. Seeing Nityananda, Madhavendra Puri forgot himself and fell
unconscious. Sri Gauracandra has repeatedly stated that Sri Madhavendra Puri is
the original root of worship in ecstatic love. After some time, when they
regained external consciousness, they held each other’s neck and began to cry.
Overwhelmed in ecstatic love for Krishna , they
then rolled in the sand and cried out loudly. Tears of love flowed like rivers
from their eyes and soaked mother earth, thereby making her feel gratified.
Shivering, shedding tears, hairs standing on end, and other ecstatic symptoms
appeared without end, for Lord Caitanya personally resides in their bodies.
Lord Nityananda said, “Whatever pilgrimage I have performed till now has today
born fruit. Today I have seen the lotus feet of Madhavendra Puri. By seeing his
ecstatic love of God, My life has become successful. Sri Madhavendra Puri was
so pleased that he was unable to release Nityananda from his embrace. For some
days Nityananda Prabhu traveled with Madhavendra Puri and relished discussing
topics of Lord Krishna. The characteristics of Madhavendra Puri are most
wonderful; he fell unconscious just by seeing a dark cloud. Out of love for Krishna , he would day and night laugh, cry, and exclaim
“Haya! Haya!” almost like a drunkard. Lord Nityananda was intoxicated with
loving sentiments for Govinda. He would laugh loudly and sway to and fro with
love of God. The two forgot whether it was day or night in their absorption of
ecstatic love. Although they remained together for a number of days, they
considered that time hardly a moment. Madhavendra Puri was unable to give up
the association of Nityananda, so he constantly remained with Him. Madhavendra
said, “I have never seen such ecstatic love. Wherever such love of God is
found, that is my favorite holy place. I know Krishna
has bestowed His mercy on me because He has given me the association of
Nityananda. If one hears the name of Nityananda, he will certainly attain the
lotus feet of Lord Krishnacandra.”
29. Then the Lord traveled on.
30. As He approached Sri Nilacala, He fell unconscious upon seeing the temple flag.
31. The words nilacalacandrera nagare refer to the abode of Jagadisa, or Puri-dhama, Jagganatha-puri. He saw Lord Jagannatha as the source of the Vaikuntha-Deities, the catur-vyuha—Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna, and Aniruddha—and surrounded by His dear devotees. Thus the word catur-vyuha refers to Sri Jagannatha, who is the combined form of Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna, and Aniruddha, in other words, Sri Dvarakadhisa.
32. Immediately upon seeing the Lord, Nityananda’s hairs stood on end and He fell unconscious. When He regained consciousness, He again fell to the ground. Shivering, perspiring, crying, falling to the ground, and loud roaring—who can describe these ecstatic transformations that were exhibited by Lord Nityananda?
33. After remaining in Nilacala for some time, Nityananda went in jubilation to Ganga-sagara.
34. After visiting various holy places in this way, Lord Nityananda returned again toMathura .
He continually stayed in Vrindavana and became so absorbed in Krishna
that He did not know whether it was day or night. He did not eat, but He occasionally
drank some milk whenever someone offered it to Him. Lord Nityananda knew well
that Lord Gauracandra was living incognito in Navadvipa. He thought to Himself.
“I will go serve Lord Gauranga when He manifests His opulences.”
35. Thinking in this way, Lord Nityananda did not go to Navadvipa but remained atMathura .
He regularly enjoyed sporting in the waters of the Yamuna and playing with the
children in Vrindavana. Although Lord Nityananda is omnipotent, He did not
distribute devotional service to the Lord at that time. When Lord Gauracandra
manifests His opulence, then on His order He would begin to distribute
devotional service. Being a personal expansion of and nondifferent from Sri
Gaura-Krishna, Sri Nityananda Prabhu, who is Baladeva, the personification of
pure goodness, and who is the only bestower of love for Gaura-Krishna, neither
displayed mercy on anyone nor distributed or preached chanting the holy names
in love of God while visiting the holy places, thereby surpassing His eternally
worshipable Lord Sriman Mahaprabhu’s desire, direct order, or time for the
pastimes of preaching the chanting of the holy names in love of God. When the
supreme independent Lord Mahaprabhu, out of His own free will and causeless
mercy, will manifest His own glories to the fallen souls, at that time Sri
Nityananda Prabhu will also manifest the pastime of door to door distribution
of the holy names and love of God to the sinful living entities. Until Sri
Gaurasundara completed His covered scholastic pastimes and began manifesting
His most magnanimous pastimes to His intimate devotees, Sri Nityananda Prabhu,
being afflicted by separation from His Lord, visited holy places throughout
India and thus exhibited the pastime of searching for Krishna.
36. On the strength of nonduplicitous surrender to the lotus feet of Sri Nityananda Rama, a living entity achieves freedom from the conditioned state and becomes qualified to assist Sri Nityananda in His ten forms of service to Gaura-Krishna and Radha-Krishna. Liberated souls are eligible to drown in theocean of Sri Gaura
37. Someone said, “Nityananda is just like Balarama.” Another person said, “He is most dear to Sri Caitanya.”
38. Nityananda is God, God exists.
The proof of the miracles of Nitai and the knowledge of Malini
1. One day a crow took a brass bowl and flew away into the forest. Soon the crow flew out of sight and a great anxiety filled the heart of Malini. Leaving the bowl somewhere, the crow returned. Malini saw that the bowl was not in its beak. Srivasa Pandita would become extremely angry because the bowl that was used for offering ghee toKrishna had been
stolen. Thinking that he would create havoc as soon as he heard about it,
Malini did not say anything but simply kept crying.
Srivasa was a great devotee ofKrishna .
Thinking that Srivasa Pandita would become extremely angry on learning that a crow
has taken away an ingredient of the Lord's service due to his wife's
carelessness, Malinidevi became afflicted with a burden of distress.
At that time Nityananda came there and found Malini crying profusely.
Nityananda smiled and said, “Why are you crying? Tell Me the reason for your distress and I will take care of everything.” Malini replied, “Listen, Gosani! A crow stole a ghee bowl and left it somewhere.” Nityananda said, “Dear mother, do not worry. I will give you the bowl. Please stop crying.” The Lord smiled and said to the crow, “O crow, return the bowl at once.” Lord Nityananda resides in the heart of everyone, therefore who has the power to transgress His order? Being ordered by the Lord, the crow immediately flew away as Malini, who was overwhelmed with lamentation, looked on. Within a short time the crow flew out of sight and then returned there with the bowl in its beak.
The crow set the bowl down in front of Malini, who knew perfectly well the influence of Nityananda. Seeing this wonder, Malini lost consciousness out of ecstasy. Then she stood up and prayed to Nityananda. “For He who brought back the dead son of His spiritual master, who maintains all the universes, and who can bring a soul back from the abode of Yamaraja, it is not at all glorious to bring a bowl back from a crow. For He who holds innumerable universes on His head and yet does not feel their weight and for He whose holy name destroys one's nescience that has no beginning, what is the wonder that He brings a bowl back from a crow? After realizing Your power and glories, Yamuna-devi previously offered prayers at Your lotus feet. For He who possesses the power to maintain the fourteen worlds, what is the glory in bringing a bowl back from a crow?
2. Nitai is God. God exists.
The proof of the vision of Saci Mata
1. On seeing the characteristics of Nityananda, mother Saci smiled. Within her mind she treated Nityananda as her son Visvarupa. Often mother Saci heard Nityananda speak exactly like Visvarupa and saw Him in the form of Visvarupa.
2. Mother Saci gave Him some milk sweets to eat. When mother Saci gave five pieces of sandesa to Nityananda, He ate one and threw away the rest.
3. “Alas! Alas!” said mother Saci, “Why did You throw them away?” Nityananda replied “Why did you give them to Me all at once?” Mother Saci said, “I have no more sweets. What will You eat now?” Nityananda replied “If you desire, you will certainly find them.”
4. To her amazement, mother Saci found those four pieces of sandesa intact within the room. Mother Saci asked, “Where did the sandesa fall? How did they come within the room?” Being struck with wonder, mother Saci removed the dust from the sandesa and happily came outside.
5. On returning, mother Saci saw that Nityananda was eating those same sweets. She said, “Dear son, where did You get those?” Nityananda replied, “These are the same sweets I threw away. Seeing your distress, I brought them back.”
6. Mother Saci said “O Nityananda, why do You deceive me? I know You are the Supreme Lord. Therefore please remove Your illusion.”
7. In order to deceive the living entities, the Supreme Lord provides various kinds of illusion in their thinking. The conditioned souls then accept temporary objects as eternal. This is the influence of the Supreme Lord.
8. Nitai is God. God exists.
The proof of Saci Mata’s dream
1. One day mother Saci had a dream, which she narrated to her son Visvambhara in a solitary place. “Early this morning I had a dream in which I saw You and Nityananda. Both of You appeared like five-year-old boys. You were quarreling together and chasing each other. In this way You both entered the Deity room and came out holdingKrishna and
Balarama in Your hands. He had Krishna in His
hands, and You had Balarama. Then I clearly saw the four of You quarreling
together. The Deities of Krishna and Balarama angrily said, “Who are You
imposters? Get out of here.”
2. Besides the Narayana salagrama-sila, there were also Deities of Krishna and Balarama in Saci's house in Sridhama Mayapur. While describing whatever she saw in her dream to Mahaprabhu, Sacidevi said, “As five-year-old boys, You (Visvambhara) and Nityananda entered our Deity room, brought out the Deities of Krishna and Balarama, and began to quarrel with each other. I saw a loving quarrel of verbal and physical exchanges between You and Balarama and between Nityananda andKrishna . The Deities of
Balarama and Krishna were saying, `Both of You
are imposters. You have forcibly entered into Our house and then taken and
eaten Our food.' In this way They displayed Their anger.
3. “This house, these rooms, this sandesa, this yogurt, and this milk all belong to Us.”
4. Then Nityananda said, “Those days when You stole yogurt and butter to eat are gone. The days of the cowherd boys are over. Now the brahmanas have taken charge. Recognize Us and allow Us to enjoy all the offerings. In Vraja-lila You were the cowherd boys known as Rama andKrishna .
You alone ate all the milk products like yogurt and curd. Now those days are
gone, and You have appeared as young brahmana boys. Therefore try to understand
Your present situation and give up the desire to enjoy these offerings. If You
do not affectionately allow Us to eat, then You will be beaten. Moreover, if We
forcibly eat, who can stop Us?”
5. Then Rama andKrishna said, “It will
not be Our fault if We bind You imposters here today. Then We will leave this
place. When We do so, no one can find fault with Us.”
6. Although Balarama andKrishna were
present there in the form of the Deities, when the positions of Gaura and
Nityananda were established, They [Balarama and Krishna ]
wanted to install Them [Gaura and Nityananda] in the position of Krishna and Balarama and leave that place.
7. Then Balarama threatened Nityananda, 'In the name ofKrishna ,
You better not misbehave today.’
8. Nityananda replied, `I am not afraid of Your Krishna, for My Lord is Gauracandra Visvambhara.’
9. “In this way the four of You quarreled and forcibly ate each others' food. Someone grabbed another's food and ate, and someone ate the food from another's mouth with His own mouth. Then Nityananda called me and said, `O mother, please give Me some rice. I am hungry.' When Nityananda said this to me, I woke up. But I could not understand anything, so I am relating this to You.”
10. After hearing the topics of her dream, Lord Visvambhara laughed and spoke to His mother in sweet words. “O mother, you have certainly seen a most auspicious dream. Please do not disclose this to anyone. The Deities of our house are full of life and directly the Supreme Lord, and your dream has firmly established this fact in My heart. I often see that half of the foods that I offer vanish. Feeling shy, I don't tell anyone about this. I had some doubt about your daughter-in-law, but today that doubt has been removed. I am firmly convinced that most of the offered foods were eaten by the Deities Themselves and the rest was left for us.”
11. Within another room inside the house, Vishnupriya-devi, the mother of the universe, smiled on hearing these words of Sriman Mahaprabhu.
12. Visvambhara said, “O mother, please hear My words. Let us immediately call Nityananda here to feed Him.” Mother Saci was pleased to hear these words of her son and began gathering the ingredients for lunch.
13. Lord Visvambhara quickly went to Nityananda's residence and invited Him for lunch. “O Gosani, today You should take lunch at our house. But I tell You beforehand, do not create any mischief.” Nityananda held His ears and said, “Vishnu, Vishnu. Only madmen create mischief. I think You consider Me a mischief monger because You think everyone is like Yourself. You Yourself are restless—intoxicated with the mellows ofKrishna
consciousness—therefore You think that everyone in the world is like that. That
is why You also consider Me restless.” Speaking in this way, They both began to
laugh. They then proceeded to the Lord's house while discussing topics of Krishna on the way.
14. They both smiled as They sat down together, accompanied by Their intimate associates like Gadadhara. Isana gave them water to wash their feet. Then the Lord and Nityananda went to eat lunch. As mother Saci happily served Them, she set out three plates by mistake and They both began to laugh. When she returned to serve Them more, she directly saw Them as five-year-old boys. She saw two enchanting boys, one with a whitish complexion and the other was blackish. Both had four arms, and both were naked. She saw They had the conch, disc, club, lotus, plow, mushala, the mark of Srivatsa, the Kaustubha gem, and Their ears were decorated with shark-shaped earrings. She saw her daughter-in-law on the chest of her son. Then suddenly the whole scene disappeared.
15. She fell to the ground unconscious and all her clothes became wet with tears. Rice was scattered throughout the entire room. Mahaprabhu hurriedly washed His hands and picked up His mother. “O mother, please get up. Calm yourself. Why did you suddenly fall to the ground?” On regaining her consciousness, mother Saci quickly tied her hair. She did not say anything as she wept inside one of the rooms. She breathed heavily and her entire body trembled. She was filled with ecstasy and nothing else came to her mind.
16. Nimai and Nitai areKrishna and
Balarama– God and His first expansion. God exists.
The proof of the qualities of Visvambhara
1. A.One day Nimai, along with five or seven students, was walking down the main road. Nimai was dressed like a king. The yellow cloth that covered His body made Him look just likeKrishna . As He
chewed betel nut, His face resembled millions of moons. People who saw Him
inquired, “Is He Cupid?” His forehead was decorated with tilaka, and in His
hands He carried some books. A glance from His lotus eyes destroyed all sins.
As the restless-natured Lord walked along with His students, His arms swung
back and forth. By providence, Srivasa Pandita was coming from the opposite
direction at that time. Upon seeing the Lord, Srivasa began to laugh loudly.
Nimai offered obeisances to Srivasa, who blessed Nimai by saying, “Live
forever.”
1. B. Sandipani Muni as the teacher of Krishna, Garga Muni as the priest, Bhrigu Muni as the examiner, and, in gaura-lila, Brahmananda Puri as a Godbrother of Isvara Puri and Srivasa Pandita as a senior brahmana, all considered the Lord as an subordinate object of affection and care and thus acted as guardians of the Lord.
2. Srivasa smiled and inquired, “O best of the arrogant, where are You going? Why do You uselessly waste Your time by not worshipingKrishna ?
Why do You spend day and night simply teaching mundane knowledge? Why do people
study? Education is only for understanding devotional service of Lord Krishna.
Therefore don’t uselessly waste Your time any longer. You’ve studied enough.
Now You should worship Krishna .” Nimai smiled
and said, “Listen, Pandita! That will certainly be done by your mercy.” After
speaking in this way, Mahaprabhu smiled and departed for the bank of the Ganges , where He met His students. Sri Sacinandana then
sat on the bank of the Ganges with His
students surrounding Him on all sides. I could not describe the beauty of that
scene even if I had millions of mouths. There is no comparison in the three
worlds. I cannot compare that scene with the moon surrounded by stars, because
the moon has spots and it also waxes and wanes. This Lord, however, is
eternally complete and spotless, therefore a comparison with the moon is
unjustified. I cannot compare Nimai with even Brihaspati, because Brihaspati is
partial to the demigods. This Lord, however, is partial to everyone, and
therefore a comparison with Brihaspati is also unjustified. Nor can I compare
Nimai with Cupid, because if Cupid appears in one’s heart, that heart becomes
agitated. When this Lord appears in one’s heart, however, all one’s material
bondage is destroyed and his heart becomes pure and happy. Therefore all these
comparisons are improper. But there is one comparison that I can think of. Just
as the son of Nanda enjoyed His pastimes sitting amongst the cowherd boys on
the bank of the Yamuna, that same Krishna in
the form of a brahmana now enjoyed pastimes sitting with those same cowherd
boys on the bank of the Ganges .
3. The Lord sat on the bank of theGanges
surrounded by His students. Three comparisons are given in this regard: (1) the
moon surrounded by the stars, (2) Brihaspati surrounded by the demigods, and
(3) Cupid. But these three comparisons are unable to properly describe the
Lord’s unparalleled beauty and sitting posture, because (a) the moon has black
marks resembling a rabbit, it waxes and wanes, and it cannot be seen in
daylight, while Gauracandra is devoid of black spots and diminishment; (b)
Brihaspati is the spiritual master of just one party (only the demigods) and
has no sympathy for the opposing party, the demons, while Gaurasundara is the
spiritual master of everyone; and (c) Cupid appears in the mind of a person and
causes mundane agitation, while the appearance of Gaurasundara vanquishes all
bondage and enlivens the living entities. Though these comparisons give an
incomplete and partial indication of the Lord’s beauty, they are unable to give
a complete description. Therefore Govinda in His unparalleled pastimes of
sitting on the bank of the Yamuna with the cowherd boys is the best and ideal
comparison to Gaura, who is nondifferent from Him.
4. Whoever saw the Lord’s face as He sat on the bank of theGanges attained indescribable happiness. Seeing the
Lord’s extraordinary effulgence, everyone on the bank of the Ganges
began to whisper to one another. Someone said, “An ordinary human does not have
such effulgence.” Someone else said, “This brahmana is a portion of Lord
Visnu.” Another said, “I think He will fulfill the prediction that a brahmana
will become the king of Gauda, for He has all the symptoms of a king.” In this
way everyone spoke according to their understanding.
5. Seeing the Lord’s effulgence, no one considered Him equal to an ordinary human being. Some people thought He was a portion of Visnu, and some thought that the time had come for fulfillment of the prediction that a brahmana would become the king ofBengal . In
other words, on seeing Him it appeared to people that He would in the future
become king of Bengal , or in other words, the
Lord of the Gaudiyas. This prediction could not prove otherwise.
6. Meanwhile, the Lord pointed out faults in the other teachers as He engaged in explaining the scriptures on the bank of theGanges .
Nimai established correct statements as incorrect and incorrect statements as
correct. Then, after refuting all other explanations, He again established the
proper meaning with new explanations. The Lord said, “I consider a person
learned if he is able to discuss with Me. Who has the power to refute Me by
establishing a different explanation?” As the Supreme Lord exhibited His pride
in this way, He smashed the pride of all others. The Lord had innumerable
students, who studied in groups under His direction. Every day ten or twenty
brahmana boys came to offer obeisances to the Lord. They would say, “O Pandita,
we wish to study with You. Please be merciful, so that we may learn something.”
The Lord smiled and said, “Good. Good.” Thus the number of His students
increased day by day. The Lord of Vaikuntha would sit amidst the circle of His
students on the bank of the Ganges . Fortunate
people watched from all sides, and by the influence of the Lord the entire city
of Navadvipa
became free from lamentation. Who can calculate the good fortune of the pious
souls who saw those pastimes? Just by seeing a pious soul who has seen those
pastimes one is freed from material bondage.
7. Visvambhara is the Godhead.
The argument of Lord Gaurasundara in ecstasy, revelation to astrologer, to kholaveca sridhara, saci mata
1. Sri Gaurasundara, with book in hand, always enjoyed pastimes in Navadvipa. Sri Gaurasundara defeated in scriptural debate all the teachers of Navadvipa, which was the center of education. None of the teachers could compete with Him or satisfy Him with answers to His challenges. Learned scholars who are expert in philosophical literatures are known as Bhattacaryas. Although the Lord was studying and teaching only grammar, He nevertheless did not consider such great scholars as equal to even grass. No one was able to contradict the Lord’s realized knowledge. The Lord wandered the streets of Navadvipa by His own sweet will. At that time the most fortunate subordinate students kept company with the Lord. One day by providence the Lord met Mukunda on the road. The Lord held Mukunda’s hand and spoke to him: “Why do you run away as soon as you see Me? Let me see how you run away today without answering Me.” Mukunda thought, “How will I defeat Him today? He is well versed only in grammar. “I’ll defeat Him with questions on alankara. Then He may not again display His pride before me.” Thereafter Mukunda began to ask the Lord questions. Whatever Mukunda established, the Lord would refute. Here is the lila : Mukunda said, “Grammar is studied only by children. Today we should discuss alankara.” The Lord replied, “As you desire.” Mukunda then read some of the most difficult yet well-known verses and asked the Lord to point out any faults. The omnipotent Lord Gauracandra then pointed out various faults in the verses.
2. Since Sri Gaurasundara is the omnipotent Supreme Personality of Godhead and the source of all incarnations, His knowledge in all scriptures is matchless. Therefore the Lord pointed out various ornamental faults in Mukunda’s questions.
3. Mukunda was unable to reestablish what the Lord had refuted. The Lord then smiled and said to him. “Go home for today and study your books carefully. Come early tomorrow and we’ll discuss further. I will test you by analysis.” After Mukunda took the dust from Nimai’s feet and departed, he thought. “An ordinary human being cannot possess such knowledge! There is no literature that He is not conversant with!
4. The Lord was learned in all scriptures; there was no scripture that the Lord had not already mastered. In fact, unlimited expertise in all scriptures was present in Him.
5. “If such an intelligent person was a devotee ofKrishna ,
then I would not leave His association for even a moment.”
6. In this way the Lord of Vaikuntha enjoyed the life of a scholar. One day, while wandering about Navadvipa, Nimai met Gadadhara. The Lord smiled as He caught Gadadhara’s hands and said, “Aren’t you studying logic? Come, let us debate.” Gadadhara said, “So, question me,” and Nimai asked, “What are the symptoms of liberation?” Gadadhara then explained the symptoms of liberation according to the scriptures, but Nimai countered, “You don’t know how to explain properly.” Gadadhara then explained the symptoms of liberation according to the scriptures, but Nimai countered, “You don’t know how to explain properly.”
7. Sri Gadadhara said, “It is stated in various scriptures such as the Sankhya-sastras that mitigation of excessive distress is the symptom of liberation.” In the Sankhya-pravacana-sutras (1.1) it is stated: atha trividha-duhkhatyanta nivritir atyanta purusartham—“Mitigation of the threefold miseries is the goal of life.” Then the Lord, who is the husband of goddess Sarasvati, pointed out various faults in his statement. There was no one who could defeat His argument and silence Him.
8. The Lord is the direct manifestation of the Vaisnava literatures and the master of the goddess of learning, therefore no one can equal Him in argument. Sri Gaurasundara properly pointed out how the symptoms of liberation mentioned in the nyaya-sastras are most useless and full of faults. Inaugurating the philosophy of Sri Madhvacaryapada, that moksam visnvavghri-labham—“the symptom of liberation is attainment of the lotus feet of Visnu,” He established that the existence of the gross and subtle bodies, which enjoy happiness and distress, is temporary, and the living entity’s eternal propensity, or constitutional duty, of devotional service to Lord Krishna is the symptom of liberation.
9. No one even dared to speak with the Lord, and thus Gadadhara thought, “I’ll be relieved to get out of here!”
10. No one in the entire universe was qualified to face the Lord’s challenge or converse with Him. Gadadhara Pandita thought, “I’ll be saved if I can run away from Him.”
11. The Lord said, “Gadadhara, you can go home today, but come early tomorrow so we can discuss more.” Gadadhara offered his respects to Nimai and went home, and Nimai continued to wander through the streets of Navadvipa Everyone considered Nimai a most learned scholar, so they treated Him with awe and reverence.
12. The Lord defeated all the teachers of Navadvipa by His unparalleled knowledge and was established as the most learned scholar. Everyone respected Him as the foremost scholar.
13. Every afternoon Nimai would sit on the bank of theGanges
with His students.
14. The Lord’s body is served by Laksmi, the daughter of the ocean. His beauty surpasses that of Cupid and is therefore incomparable throughout the three worlds.
15. Surrounded by His students, Sri Sacinandana would give explanations on the scriptures. In the evening all the Vaisnavas also gathered on the bank of theGanges .
16. As they listened to Nimai’s explanations from a distance, they felt both happiness and lamentation. One of them said, “If anyone who possesses such beauty and knowledge does not worshipKrishna ,
there is no benefit.” They all replied, “Dear brother, anyone who sees Him runs
away in fear of facing His challenge.” Someone else said, “When He sees
someone, He doesn’t allow him to leave. He captures him just like a tax
collector captures a debtor.” Another said, “This brahmana has uncommon
potency. I think He must be some great personality. Although He constantly asks
shrewd questions, we still get great satisfaction just by seeing Him. We’ve
never seen such knowledge in an ordinary person. Our only regret is that He
doesn’t worship Krishna .” The Vaisnavas all
requested each other, “Bless Nimai so that His mind will be fixed on Krishna .” Then they all offered their obeisances on the
bank of the Ganges and blessed Nimai with a
prayer.” O Krishna, please let the son of Jagannatha Mi?ra become absorbed in
You without deviation.
17. The Vaisnavas of Navadvipa began to pray to Lord Krishna, “May Nimai Pandita, the son of Jagannatha Misra, give up all other endeavors and fully engage in worshipingKrishna . May Nimai
Pandita also manifest uncommon endeavors in the devotional service of Krishna like those that have earned Him the highest
elevated position of learning in the world.”
18. Let Him constantly worship You in love. O Lord, please let us have such association.”
19. As the Supersoul, the Lord knows the heart of all living entities. Whenever He saw devotees like Srivasa, He would offer them His respects. The Lord accepted the devotees’ blessings on His head, for devotional service to Lord Krishna is attained only by the blessings of devotees. Someone also directly told Nimai, “Why are You wasting Your time with mundane education?” Another person said, “Look, Nimai, what do You gain from studying? Just worshipKrishna . Why do people study? Education is
only for understanding devotional service of Lord Krishna. If that purpose is not
served, then what is the use of Your education?” The Lord smiled and said, “I
am most fortunate, for you are all teaching Me that devotional service to Krishna is the essence of all education. I sincerely feel
that one who is blessed by all of you is most fortunate. I’ve already decided
that after teaching a while longer, I will go serve a pure devotee.”
20. The Lord said, “After studying in this way for a while longer, I will approach a maha-bhagavata Vaisnava and, after understanding topics of the spiritual world, I will follow him. In other words, I have a desire to first become expert in studies and then cultivate pure Vaisnava principles.”
21. After saying this, the Lord smiled at His servants. By His influence, however, no one could recognize Him. In this way Nimai attracted the heart of everyone. There was no one who escaped His power of attraction. Sometimes the Lord sat on the bank of theGanges , and
sometimes He wandered the streets of Navadvipa. Whenever the residents saw the
Lord, they would welcome Him with great respect. When the ladies saw Gaura,
they said, “Here is Cupid Himself. Let women receive such a treasure birth
after birth.” All the scholars saw Him as equal to Brihaspati, and even elderly
men offered obeisances at His lotus feet. The yogis saw the Lord as the
personification of mystic perfection, and the miscreants saw Him as the
personification of death.
22. Sri Gaurasundara was so extraordinarily beautiful that ladies were overwhelmed on seeing His unmatched form. He was so brilliantly learned that scholars saw Him as the intelligent spiritual master Brihaspati, the yogis who survive on air and the munis who raise their semen saw Him as a siddha-mahapurusa, a perfected being, and the sinful ill-natured people saw Him as the formidable chastiser Yamaraja.
23. If the Lord spoke with someone just once, that person was bound by ropes of love. Although everyone heard about how the Lord was proud of His scholarship, they still loved Him dearly.
24. Generally those who are maddened with pride due to education become envious of other learned persons. Envious persons do not desire to hear glorification of other’s knowledge. But by seeing the Lord’s pride of learning, everyone became pleased.
25. Even the Yavanas felt love for the Lord, for the Lord’s characteristic is to show mercy to all living entities.
26. The natural envious propensity of the Yavanas, who are envious of the Hindus, was not directed towards the Lord, rather it transformed into pure affection. Gaurahari exhibited special magnanimity towards everyone.
27. The Lord of Vaikuntha taught His students in the courtyard of the fortunate Mukunda Sanjaya. Arguments, counter-arguments, establishing and refuting the meaning of a sutra—these were all explained in various ways by the son of mother Saci.
28. Nimai Pandita explained the scriptures by various methods like debating and counter-debating, properly ascertaining an object, removing faulty conclusions, and establishing faultless conclusions.
29. Although they could not understand the Lord’s explanations, the fortunate Mukunda Sanjaya and his family all floated in waves of ecstasy. After completing His teaching at school, the Lord of Vaikuntha returned home still absorbed in His scholastic pastimes.
30. In order to vanquish the conceit of those who were proud of their knowledge, Visvambhara, the Lord of Vaikuntha and master of Sarasvati, drove away all materialism and anxieties by the waves of His scholastic pastimes and captured their hearts.
31. One day, on the pretext of sickness due to excessive gas (vayu-deha-mandya), the Lord manifested transformations of ecstatic love. The Lord suddenly uttered some unworldly sounds, then He laughed as He rolled on the ground and nearly damaged the house. He roared loudly and challenged everyone like a wrestler, then He beat whoever He could catch. Again and again His entire body became stunned, and He fell unconscious in such a way that people were frightened. When Nimai’s friends and relatives heard about His gastric disorder, they came running to treat Him. Buddhimanta Khan, Mukunda Sanjaya, and their associates all came to the Lord’s house. They applied some medicinal oils on the Lord’s head and tried to cure Him any way they could. The Lord performs various pastimes by His own sweet will. How can He be cured by some external remedies?
32. The transformations of love that Sri Gaurasundara displayed in order to manifest His transcendental pastimes can not be cured by administering external medicine.
33. All the limbs of the Lord shivered. He shouted loudly in such a way that everyone was frightened. He then declared, “I am the Lord of all. I maintain the universe, therefore I am named Visvambhara. “I am the Supreme Lord, but no one recognizes Me.” Saying this, the Lord tottered and everyone tried to catch Him. In this way the Lord manifested Himself on the pretext of gastric disorder, yet by the influence of His illusory energy no one could understand Him. Someone said, “He’s been possessed by a demon (danava).” Someone else said, “This is the work of a witch (dakinira).” Another said, “Since He’s always speaking, it is certainly a gastric disorder.” In this way everyone gave different opinions, but by the influence of the Lord’s mystic potency (Visnu-maya-mohe )no one understood the truth. They applied various medicated oils on the Lord’s head and then they put Him in a wooden tub filled with oil and rubbed His body. Immersed in that oil, the Lord began to laugh as if a terrible gastric disorder had actually infected Him. While thus enjoying His pastimes according to His own will, the Lord became normal as if relieved of His gastric disorder. Everyone then chanted the names of Hari in ecstasy, and in jubilation they distributed cloth to one another without discrimination. Everyone was pleased to hear about the Lord’s recovery, and they blessed Him, “Such a scholar should live a long life.” When all the Vaisnavas saw the Lord, they told Him, “Dear Nimai, please worship the lotus feet ofKrishna .
This body is temporary. It may be vanquished the next moment. But You are a
sober person; what can we teach You? The Lord smiled at the Vaisnavas and
offered them obeisances, then He left for school with His students. As the Lord
began to teach, His head was smeared with fragrant medicated oil that was given
by some pious person. Nimai, the life of the universe, sat and taught in the
midst of His many fortunate students.
34. The word jagat-jivana indicates that Gaurasundara is the life and soul of the animate and inanimate beings. Persons who are averse to Gaura are included among the lifeless beings. Only the devotees of Gaura perceive the Lord’s mercy throughout the entire world. Persons who are bereft of Gaura’s mercy are like dead bodies, though living or breathing; though they are conscious living entities, they adore matter.
35. It appeared that Lord Narayana was sitting in Badarikasrama surrounded by His disciples headed by Sanaka. Lord Gauracandra now enjoyed the same pastimes as when Lord Narayana personally taught His disciples. Sri Sacinandana is certainly that same Lord Narayana, who resides in Badarikasrama. Therefore the Lord of Vaikuntha enjoyed those same pastimes while relishing scholastic pleasures with His students. After teaching, atmidday the Lord would take His students for
bath in the Ganges . The Lord sported in the
waters of the Ganges for some time and then
returned home to worship Lord Visnu.
36. There was atemple
of Visnu
37. Then, after watering and circumambulating tulasi, the Lord recited the name of Hari as He sat down to eat. Laksmi served rice and the Lord of Vaikuntha ate. The pious mother Saci watched to her full satisfaction. After finishing His meal, the Lord chewed betel nuts and then laid down while Laksmi massaged His lotus feet. After taking some rest, the Lord again went out with His books.
38. The science of self-realization is called yoga. As through self-realization (for the devotees) external feelings are vanquished (or, for the Lord, His manifested pastimes in this world remain unmanifested), this has been compared with sleep. Yogamaya is yoga-nidra, because she steals the symptoms of consciousness from everyone just as sleep does. Yoga-nidra is the predominating deity of the Lord’s energy.
39. Nimai enjoyed various pastimes in the city and smiled as He talked with the residents. Although no one knew His real identity, the residents still offered Him respects whenever they saw Him. Although Sri Sacinandana is rarely seen by even the demigods, He now wandered through the streets of Navadvipa within the sight of all.
40. Sri Gaurasundara is not perceivable by even the demigods. The demigods who reside in heaven are the best of the living entities under the three modes of material nature. Their advanced position is within the jurisdiction of temporary time and temporary existence—that is, it is not eternal. Since the Absolute Truth, Gaura-Krishna, is not visible even to the demigods, He is rarely attained; by His unlimited causeless mercy He manifests Himself only before the most fortunate souls. Such persons do not defy Him by considering Him a material object. But unfortunate persons do not see Him in this way. Their perception of the Lord is hindered by simply mundane conceptions. Therefore they achieve only some piety while seeing the Lord.
41. One day the Lord went to the house of a weaver, and the weaver respectfully offered Him obeisances. The Lord said, “Bring one nice piece of cloth,” and the weaver immediately brought some cloth. The Lord then asked, “What is the price of this cloth?” The weaver replied, “Give me whatever You like.” After settling the price, the Lord said, “I don’t have any money right now.” The weaver then said, “O Gosani, You can give me in ten or fifteen days. You take the cloth and happily wear it. You can pay me whenever You please.” After mercifully glancing at the weaver, the Lord continued on to the house of a cowherd. Mahaprabhu sat down on his veranda and began to make fun of the activities of the brahmanas. The Lord said, “O son, bring Me some milk and yogurt. Today I’m going to accept charity from your house.” The cowherd men thought Nimai looked just like Cupid. They respectfully offered Him a nice asana. They began to joke with the Lord and address Him as uncle. One of them said, “Come, uncle, let us go eat some rice.” Then one of them took Nimai on his shoulder and carried Him to his house.
42. The cowherd men addressed Nimai as their maternal uncle. In the Hindu community ofBengal , all inferior castes
accept the superiority of the brahmanas. That is why the lower castes address
male members of the upper caste brahmana families as dada thakura even today.
Since the cowherd ladies were accustomed to address Nimai as dada thakura, or elder
brother, their cowherd sons sweetly addressed Nimai as mama, or maternal uncle,
according to familial relationship. Since Nimai addressed the cowherd boys as
beta, or sons, they were on the level of His son. As the Lord impulsively
requests food from His servants, when Mahaprabhu also requested or desired a
great donation or large present from the cowherd boys, then due to their
intimate relationship with the Lord they humorously offered Him the
insignificant gift of their cooked rice. The occupation or business of the
cowherd community was to prepare various foodstuffs from milk. The mothers of
the cowherd boys breast fed them in their infancy and later fed them solid
foods like cooked rice. Therefore they also humorously proposed to feed the
Lord solid foods like cooked rice rather than soft children’s foods like
yogurt, milk, cheese, ghee, and butter.
43. Another said, “Don’t You remember how You previously ate all the rice in my house?” Although the cowherd boys didn’t realize it, by the grace of the transcendental goddess of learning, Sarasvati, whatever they spoke was true. Meanwhile, Nimai simply smiled at their words.
44. The cowherd boys conjectured that in His previous pastimes asKrishna , Nimai had accepted cooked rice from the houses
of the cowherds. Their conjecture regarding Nimai was actually the truth.
Hearing their humorous proposal, the Lord was unable to conceal His internal
feelings and slightly smiled. In spite of the simple-minded cowherd boys’
ignorance, Suddha Sarasvati-devi made the truth appear on their tongues through
their words.
45. All the gopas then happily offered the Lord milk, ghee, yogurt, cream, and butter. After being satisfied by the gopas, the Lord went to the house of a perfume merchant. The merchant offered his respectful obeisances to the Lord, who said, “O brother, bring Me some of your best perfume.” The perfume merchant immediately brought some of his best perfume, and Sri Sacinandana inquired, “What is the price?” The merchant replied, “You know, my dear sir! Is it befitting for me to take money from You? “Today You apply this oil and go home. If after taking bath tomorrow the fragrance still remains, then You may pay me whatever You like.” After saying this, the merchant happily applied the perfume on the body of the Lord. The Lord is the Supersoul of all living entities, therefore He attracts the mind of all. Who is not attracted by seeing His beautiful form? Visvambhara bestowed His mercy on the merchant and then continued on to the house of a florist. When the florist saw Nimai’s most wonderful form, he offered Him obeisances and a place to sit. The Lord said, “O florist, I would like a nice garland, but I have no money with Me.” Appreciating that Nimai had the symptoms of a spiritually perfect soul, the florist said, “You don’t need to pay.” After saying this, the florist garlanded the Lord, who smiled in the company of His students. After casting His merciful glance on the florist, Gauranga went to the house of betel nut merchant. The merchant saw Nimai’s form as more enchanting than that of Cupid. He took dust from Nimai’s feet and offered Him a place to sit. The merchant said, “It is my great fortune that You have come to my house, insignificant as I am.” In full satisfaction and without being asked, the merchant then offered betel nut to the Lord, who smiled. The Lord then said, “Why did you give Me betel without payment?” The merchant replied, “I was inspired to.” The Lord smiled on hearing the merchant’s reply, and He chewed the betel nut with great satisfaction. The merchant then devotedly offered Nimai some pan, camphor, and other spices free of cost. After blessing the merchant, Gaura smiled as He continued wandering the streets of Navadvipa. The city ofNavadvipa
was just like Mathura .
Millions of people belonging to different castes lived there. For the pleasure
of the Lord, the creator (vidhata) had previously supplied Navadvipa with all
opulences. The son of Saci now enjoyed the same pastimes that Krishna
had previously enjoyed while wandering the streets of Mathura . Thereafter Gaura visited the house
of a conch merchant, who offered the Lord due respect. The Lord said, “Dear
brother, let Me see some beautiful conches. But, alas, how will I take? I have
no money.” Just then the merchant placed a beautiful conch in Nimai’s hand and
offered Him obeisances. “O Gosani, take this conch home with You. You may pay
me later or not, it doesn’t matter.” Pleased by the words of the conch
merchant, the Lord glanced mercifully on him and departed. In this way the Lord
visited every house in Navadvipa. For this reason even today the residents of
Navadvipa attain the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda. The
supremely independent Lord Gauracandra then went to the house of an astrologer.
As the astrologer saw the effulgence of the Lord, he humbly offered obeisances.
The Lord asked him, “I’ve heard that you are a good astrologer. Could you
please tell Me who I was in My previous birth?” The pious astrologer agreed to
the Lord’s request and began to chant the Gopala mantra within his mind. At
that moment the astrologer saw a beautiful blackish personality with four hands
holding the conch, disc, club, and lotus flower. His chest was decorated with
Srivatsa and the brilliantly effulgent Kaustubha gem.
46. The word sankha refers to the Pancajanya conch, the word cakra refers to the Sudarsana cakra, gada refers to the Kaumodaki club, and padma refers to the Srivasa lotus. It is stated in the Brahma-vaivarta Purana (Prakriti-khanda, Chapter 14): “Behold Lord Hari, who is holding the conch, disc, club, and lotus in His four hands. His enchanting form is blackish like the new rain cloud.” Srivatsa is an upanga, or secondary limb, of Lord Visnu, situated as a white tuft of hair curling clockwise on His chest. Another opinion is given by Bharata Muni in his commentary on the Amara-kosa as follows: “The devotees ofKrishna accept Srivatsa as a special jewel like
Kaustubha, which adorns the chest of the Lord.” Kaustubha, the upanga, or
secondary limb, of Lord Visnu is the best of all jewels and is situated on the
chest of Visnu. In the Laghu-bhagavatamrita it is stated: “The most effulgent
Kaustubha gem is as bright as millions of suns. How can the source of all
illumination be compared to a lamp?” Hemacandra the dictionary compiler has
said:“The name of Lord Visnu’s conch is Pancajanya, the white hairs on His
chest that curl clockwise are called Srivatsa, His sword is called Nandaka, His
club is called Kaumodaki, His bow is called Saranga, His disc is called Sudarsana,
the jewel in His hand is called Syamantaka, and the jewel on His chest is
called Kaustubha.”
47. He saw the Lord in the prison cell being offered prayers by His parents at the dead of night. He then saw Vasudeva carry the Lord that night to Gokula. The astrologer again saw the Lord as an enchanting two-armed naked child with a string of small bells around His waist and butter in His two hands. The astrologer saw His worshipable Lord decorated with all the symptoms that he had meditated on. He then again saw the threefold bending form of the Lord playing on His flute and surrounded on all sides by the gopis, who were singing and playing various musical instruments. After seeing this wonderful vision, the astrologer opened his eyes and saw Gauranga standing before him. Then he again entered into meditation. The astrologer said, “O Bala-gopala, please listen! Quickly show me who this brahmana was.” The astrologer then saw the Lord with a greenish durva grass complexion holding a bow in His hand and sitting on a royal throne. Thereafter he saw the Lord in the middle of the waters of devastation. He had the wonderful form of a boar, and He held the earth on His tusks. He then saw the Lord as Nrisimha. Although He appeared most ferocious, He was the ultimate well-wisher of His devotees. Next he saw the form of Vamana, waiting to deceiveBali at his
sacrifice. He then saw the form of Matsya happily sporting in the waters of
devastation. The pious astrologer then saw the intoxicated form of Lord
Balarama, holding a plow and club in His hands. He next saw the form of
Jagannatha, with Balarama on His right and Subhadra in-between. In this way the
astrologer saw the Lord’s various incarnations, but due to the Lord’s illusory
energy he was unable to ascertain the meaning of what he had seen. The
astrologer was struck with wonder and thought, “I think that this brahmana is
expert in the chanting of mantras. “Otherwise He may be a demigod who has come
disguised as a brahmana to test me. “I see a supernatural effulgence emanating
from the body of this brahmana. Has He come to discredit me?” The Lord smiled
and asked the thoughtful astrologer, “Who am I? What did you see? Tell Me
everything in detail.” The astrologer said, “You please go home for now. I will
tell You everything in the afternoon after I peacefully chant my mantra.”
Smiling, the Lord agreed to the astrologer’s request and went to the house of
His dear devotee Sridhara. Sridhara was very dear to the Lord’s heart, and the
Lord would therefore visit him on various pretexts. The Lord would tease
Sridhara in the course of their regular conversations, which would last for an
hour or two. When Sridhara saw that Nimai had arrived, he offered Him
obeisances and a place to sit. Sridhara was always peaceful in his behavior,
while the Lord enjoyed playing the role of an agitated young man. The Lord
said, “Sridhara, you always chant the name of Hari, so why are you always
afflicted by poverty? “Can you please tell Me why, after serving the beloved
Lord of Laksmi, you do not get sufficient food and clothes?”
48. Lord Narayana is the omnipotent sole proprietor of unlimited opulences. In order to test His own servant, Sridhara, the Lord asked him why the servants of Narayana remain afflicted with poverty in this world even though they are eligible for the wealth of their Lord. Although the followers of sakta philosophy who wish to mitigate their poverty or gratify their senses and fulfill their self-interest offer water and tulasi leaves at the feet of Lord Narayana and thus receive mundane opulences or temporary benefits, they do not achieve eternal good fortune. But the fully surrendered servants of Narayana who are engaged in unalloyed service do not accept any exchange for their service. In order to exhibit the ideal example of such Vaisnava qualities, the Lord’s associates from Vaikuntha display various poverty stricken pastimes. By such pastimes, however, they do not feel any misery. They have the following strong conviction at heart: tomara sevaya du?kha haya yata, se o ta’ parama sukha—“Whatever misery comes in the course of Your service is my greatest happiness.” They do not desire anything from the Lord for their own sense gratification.
49. Sridhara replied, “At least I’m not starving, and whether small or large I’m still wearing some cloth.”
50. In reply to Nimai’s question, Sridhara said, “I have no difficulties due to a lack of food and clothing. I do not completely fast, I eat something or another. Though I do not have the opportunity to wear fine clothing, I cover myself somehow with torn cloth.”
51. The Lord said, “But I see your cloth is mended in ten places, and the roof of your cottage has no straw.
52. The Lord then said, “I can see that there are many knots all over your old torn cloth, and there are many holes in the thatched roof of your old cottage.”
53. “Look at other people. They worship Candi or Visahari, so they have no scarcity for food or cloth.”
54. The Lord further said, “Just see how the followers of sakta philosophy live happily and comfortably, not by worshiping the eternally revered Supreme Lord but by worshiping Candika-devi, who awards benedictions for sense gratification like wealth, followers, and conquest of enemies, and by worshiping Visahari, who destroys the fear of snakes! And you have brought on yourself this pathetic condition by engaging in the service of the Lord without expressing any desire for material happiness and comfort!” Actually they do not understand that the Vaisnavas alone are the rightful heirs of Lord Narayana’s entire sixfold opulences.
55. Sridhara then replied, “O brahmana, what You say is indeed correct, yet the time passes equally for everyone. The king has jewels in his house, and he eats opulent food. Meanwhile, the birds live in trees. Yet time passes equally for everyone, as they all enjoy the fruits of their previous activities by the will of the Lord.”
56. In reply to the Lord’s question, Sridhara Vipra said, “Although according to mundane calculation the worshipers of the demigods who do not worship Visnu appear superior, the Vaisnavas and non-Vaisnavas both pass their lives in the same way. Actually non-Vaisnavas are busy making arrangements for their comfortable material happiness through material advancement while remaining indifferent to the service of Lord Hari, and the Vaisnavas are always busy serving the Lord while remaining indifferent to material advancement and thus have no opportunity to act as sense enjoyers. As a king lives in his palace, which is full of unlimited jewels, pearls, wealth, and opulences, receiving unlimited care, affection, and respect from his many order-carriers, servants, and associates and thus passes his time accumulating many valuable foodstuffs and clothes that he desires, in a similar way birds who are nourished without endeavor by mother nature also build their nests with straw and grasses at the tops of high trees and pass their time accumulating their respective foods from here and there by their own hard labor, without the help of anyone else. Everyone passes their life in the same way, and everyone lives within this world, enjoying the happiness and distress of their own karma. As a result of my karma I am also passing my time in the service of the Lord according to my own intelligence and taste without desiring external material advancement. Therefore according to material calculation I have no necessities at all. Those with equal vision do not discriminate between objects of sense enjoyment; rather, discriminating between inferior and superior objects of sense enjoyment simply indicates one’s likes and dislikes. In ancient times, due to the scarcity of varieties of enjoyment like good food and clothing, people were extremely poor and narrow-minded. In the course of time people gradually became more busy in activities of material sense enjoyment and continued such endeavors with the support of mundane physics and science. If we minutely study, however, we will see that there is not much difference between the people’s happiness and distress in the two time periods. Although there is certainly an increase and decrease in the necessities of life, since conditioned souls welcome enjoyment of the fruits of their activities according to their respective desires, all living entities pass their time in the same way. But those who are devotees of the Lord achieve happiness from His service and thus pass their time in unalloyed happiness, considering even so-called external misery as happiness. And those who are engaged in material enjoyment, which is not related with the Lord, pass their time in temporary adulterated happiness and distress.”
57. The Lord then said, “You have great wealth that you are secretly enjoying. I will soon disclose this to everyone. Then how will you cheat us?”
58. The Lord replied, “You are already very rich, so there is no need for you to accumulate external mundane wealth. Therefore you do not consider external worldly scarcity as poverty. One who is engaged in the service of the fully omnipotent Lord cannot have any weakness or scarcity at all. After a few days I will reveal to the human society that is ignorant of the position and glories of the Vaisnavas that the Vaisnavas are the sole proprietors of all wealth. It will no longer remain secret that the Vaisnavas are situated on the topmost platform and are the proprietors of everything, including all opulences. I will soon disclose this to all the foolish ignorant people of the world.”
59. Sridhara said, “O Pandita, please go home now. It is not proper for us to argue.”
60. The Lord externally accepted the doctrine of the sakta philosophy and opposed the path of devotional service followed by Sridhara. The Lord, acting as one of the ordinary persons amongst whom there are differences of opinion, is actually disclosing the real form and process of Vaisnava philosophy on the pretext of questions and answers.
61. The Lord said, “I’m not going to leave you so easily. First tell Me what you’ll give Me.”
62. After Sridhara and the Lord personally exhibited pastimes of giving and taking, the Lord is trying to accept a portion of Sridhara’s confidential internal and ordinary external wealth.
63. Sridhara said, “I maintain myself by selling leaf cups. So tell me, what can I give You, Gosani?”
64. The Lord personally displayed pastimes of poverty and want and accepted ingredients earned through the physical and mental labor of poverty-stricken poor people in order to benefit them. Sridhara said, “According to Your own calculation, whatever wealth I have, is not even sufficient for me. Therefore I cannot give charity like a wealthy person. What can I give You? The fruitive workers who are maddened within this material world are busy enjoying the fruits of their respective activities. They donate a portion of their wealth and become famous as charitable persons. But there is no possibility of achieving such fame for a poor penniless person like me.”
65. The Lord said, “Let your hidden treasure remain for now. I’ll take that later. For now, give Me some bananas, banana flowers, and banana stalks free of charge. Then I won’t argue with you.”
66. In answer to this, the Lord said, “At present I do not want the spiritual wealth that you possess. I am only trying to take a portion of your external wealth. I will accept spiritual service from you after some time. For now, relieve My needs with your service as a sadhaka. As a spiritual master, I am the worshipable object of sadhana-bhakti. So for now I will accept a portion of your ordinary wealth as an offering.”
67. Sridhara thought, “This brahmana is very aggressive. I’m afraid that one day He will beat me. But even if He beats me, what can I do to a brahmana? At the same time, I can’t supply Him free of charge every day. Anyway, whatever this brahmana takes by force or deceit, that is my good fortune. So I’ll continue to give Him every day.”
68. Sridhara Vipra thought, “Prabhu has a very arrogant nature. If I do not act according to His will, then He may even beat me. Moreover, I am personally poor and unable to meet the expenses of my own food and clothing. Therefore it is impossible for me to give anything free of cost. Nevertheless a brahmana is the representative of the Supreme Lord; if I can help Him without duplicity in any way, then there is a possibility of awakening my good fortune. For this reason whatever He will take from me either by force or trickery, I have no objection. I will be prepared to give Him every day. If by His exhibition of force or trickery this brahmana is benefited by me in any way, then I will consider it the result of my good fortune.”
69. Thinking in this way, Sridhara said, “Listen, Gosani, don’t worry about money. I’ll happily give You some bananas, banana flowers, leaf cups, and banana stalks, but please don’t fight with me.” The Lord said, “Good, then I won’t fight anymore. But see that I get good quality bananas and banana stalks.” The Lord daily used Sridhara’s leaf cups, and He ate subjis made from Sridhara’s plantains, banana flowers, and banana stalks. Whenever a squash grew on the roof of Sridhara’s cottage, the Lord would eat it, cooked with milk and black pepper. The Lord then said, “Tell Me, what do you think of Me? After you answer this, I’ll go home.” Sridhara replied, “You are a brahmana, a portion of Lord Visnu.” The Lord said, “You don’t know. Actually I’m from a gopa family.
70. In answer to the Lord’s question, Sridhara replied, “O Pandita, You are a portion of Lord Visnu.” The Lord immediately protested, “Even though I am not a portion of Visnu, in other words, even though I am the svaya?-rupa and source of all incarnations, I appear in the family of cowherd men, in other words, I amKrishna , the son of Nanda.”
71. “Although you see Me as the son of a brahmana, I consider Myself a cowherd boy.” Sridhara smiled at the Lord’s words, but due to the illusory energy he could not recognize his Lord.
72. Since Sri Gaurasundara presently desires to conceal His covered or confidential scholastic pastimes, by the supreme will of the Lord, Sridhara, the best of devotees and eternal associate of the Lord, could not properly understand the hidden pastimes of his eternally worshipable Lord, Sri Gaura-Krishna..
73. The Lord then said, “Sridhara, let Me tell you the truth. The glories of yourGanges are due to Me.”
74. While describing the truth about Himself, the Lord said to Sridhara, “All that you have heard about the special glories ofGanga ,
who springs from the lotus feet of Visnu—that Ganga
and her glories have emanated from Me. In other words, I am the original cause
of the Ganga .”
75. Sridhara replied, “Nimai Pandita! Aren’t You afraid of insultingGanga in this way?
76. In reply to this, Sridhara said, “You are so arrogant that You don’t believe thatGanga , who purifies all living
entities, is the destroyer of sins! Besides that, You not only consider
Yourself superior to Ganga , You even claim to
be the source of the Ganga . One is supposed to
become sober as he grows up, but I see that Your restlessness has doubled.”
After joking with Sridhara in this way, Lord Gauranga returned to His home. Sri
Gaurasundara sat down at the door of His Visnu temple, and His students all
returned to their homes. As Nimai saw the full moon one night, His heart became
absorbed in the mood of Sri Vrindavanacandra. Nimai then began to play a flute
in a most enchanting tune, which only mother Saci could hear. When mother Saci
heard the sound of that flute, which attracts the three worlds, she fell
unconscious in ecstasy. After a while she regained consciousness and steadied
her mind, as she continued listening to the wonderful sound of the flute. Saci
then noticed that the enchanting sound of the flute was coming from the
direction where Nimai was sitting. Mother Saci came outside in astonishment and
saw that her son was sitting at the door of the Visnu temple. She could no
longer hear the sound of the flute, but she saw the full moon on the chest of
her son. Seeing the moon on the chest of her son, Saci was struck with wonder
and began looking around. Mother Saci then went back inside and began to think
about the reason for such a vision. In this way the most fortunate mother Saci
saw unlimited manifestations of opulence. One night Saci heard hundreds of
people singing and playing musical instruments. By the sound of dancing and
various wind instruments, she considered that a grand rasa-lila festival was
taking place. One day all she could see was a brilliant spiritual effulgence
permeating her house. On another day she saw many divine women, who all held
lotus flowers in their hands and resembled the goddess fortune. One day she saw
the effulgent demigods, but when she looked again she couldn’t see them. It is
not astonishing that Saci had such visions, for the Vedas describe her as the
personification of devotional service to Lord Visnu.
77. Devaki, the mother of Prisnigarbha, is the personification of devotional service to Lord Visnu. Mothers of the Lord like Yasoda, Devaki, and Saci serve the Lord in pure vatsalya-rasa. Therefore, even though such mothers are worshipable to the Lord, they are not bereft of pure spiritual service.
78. The pastimes enjoyed by the Lord are supreme in all respects. Whenever the Lord desires to fight, He becomes the topmost hero and no one can surpass His prowess with weapons. Whenever the Lord desires to enjoy conjugal pastimes, He manifests millions of beautiful women. Whenever the Lord desires to enjoy opulence, He fills His servant’s homes with millions of oceans of wealth. In this way the arrogant nature now manifest by the Lord immediately vanished when He accepted the path of renunciation. At that time not even a fragment of the renunciation and devotion that He manifest could be found throughout the three worlds. Is this possible for anyone else?
79. Sri Gaurasundara, who is the source of all incarnations, who performs pastimes out of His own sweet will, and who is the reservoir of transcendental pastimes, personally fought with the demons Madhu and Kaitabha in His incarnation as Hayasirsa, the demon Hiranyaksa as Varaha, the demon Hiranyakasipu as Nrisimha-deva, and demons headed by Ravana in His incarnation as Ramacandra. In His conjugal pastimes asKrishna ,
the source of all incarnations, He engages in the rasa dance with innumerable
cowherd damsels, yet in the houses of His subjects He displays affluent
pastimes as the Supreme Lord, full in six opulences. Sri Gaurasundara, who
enacts such wonderfully variegated pastimes, is also most expert in displaying
various arrogant and mischievous pastimes. Gaurasundara, the source of all
incarnations, did not exhibit any pastime of learning how to fight with
weapons, accepting millions of girlfriends, or enjoying affluence in His
pastimes as Gaura, rather such pastimes were displayed in His various other
incarnations. Although He is the source of all incarnations, in this
incarnation He displays only pastimes of magnanimity; He did not exhibit any
conjugal pastimes in the course of His magnanimous Gaura pastimes.
80. Visvambhara isKrishna , God. God
exists.
The argument of Nimai’s qualities and the words of Advaita Acarya
1. In His childhood He was the reservoir of scholastic pastimes. In this way, as Gaura, the best of the brahmanas, confidentially lived in Navadvipa, He had no engagement other than studying. His form was as enchanting as millions of Cupids. Each of His limbs was incomparably charming. His arms extended to His knees, and His eyes were like the petals of a lotus. He chewed betel nut and dressed divinely.
2. On seeing Sri Gaurasundara’s wonderfully sweet beauty, which defeats that of millions of Cupids, His matchless effulgence emanating from His bodily limbs, His long arms that stretch to His knees, His lotus eyes, His fine dress, and betel nuts between His lips, the conditioned souls, who have been awarded ugly material bodies, short arms, and harsh eyes and who desire sense gratification, consider Sri Gaurasundara as attached to material enjoyment and intoxication and possessing a material body like themselves. But if they understand the extraordinary glories of Sri Gaurasundara, it will help the envious living entities realize that their material bodies, which are fit to be eaten by dogs and jackals, and their minds, which are attached to misconceptions, are abominable. Although Sri Gaurasundara accepted innumerable items of enjoyment such as betel nuts, He instructed everyone for their eternal benefit to engage each and every item in the service of Sri Krishna, who is the only object of all enjoyment.
3. As the Lord walked with thousands of students, by the strength of His knowledge He entertained everyone with His sharp wit. Visvambhara, the Lord of the three worlds, traveled all over Navadvipa holding in His hand His beloved Sarasvati, in the form of a book.
4. In the form of books, Maha-Laksmi Narayani, the goddess of speech, always remained in the lotus hands of her Lord, Gaura-Narayana, and thus fulfilled the meaning of the Lord’s name, Vacaspati, “the husband of the goddess of speech.”
5. There was no scholar throughout Navadvipa who could understand Nimai’s explanations. The Lord discussed His explanations only with the most fortunate Gangadasa Pandita. All the materialistic people said, “The parents of this boy are certainly glorious. What can they be lacking?” All the ladies considered the Lord to be as attractive as Cupid, and the atheists considered Him as death personified. All the learned scholars considered Him equal to Brihaspati. In this way everyone appreciated the Lord according to their own mentality. Seeing Visvambhara’s attractive form, the Vaisnavas felt both jubilation and lamentation. They thought, “Although He has such a divine body, He has no attraction forKrishna . What good is His
education if He simply wastes His time?” All the Vaisnavas were bewildered by
the internal potency of the Lord, so even though they saw the Lord they didn’t
understand Him. Although they directly saw the Lord, some of them said, “Why do
You waste Your time in the fruitless pursuit of knowledge?”
6. In order to assist in the covered pastimes of the Lord, the Vaisnavas, by the will of the Lord, acted as ignorant people induced by material knowledge as they continually endeavored to convert Gaura into a servant of the Supreme Lord. Besides giving indirect hints, they also directly told Nimai not to remain absorbed in the cultivation of useless knowledge but to worship Hari, for that was beneficial.
7. The Lord smiled on hearing His servants speak like this, and He replied, “I am fortunate to have You instruct Me.”
8. As the Lord thus passed His time in scholastic pastimes, His servants could not recognize Him, so what to speak of others? People came from all overIndia to study
in Navadvipa, for if one studied in Navadvipa he got a taste for education.
Many Vaisnavas came from Cattagrama to live on the bank of the Ganges and study in Navadvipa. They were all renounced
devotees of Krishna and had taken birth by the
order of the Lord. After school hours, they regularly met together in a
solitary place to discuss topics of Lord Krishna. Sri Mukunda was most dear to
all the Vaisnavas. Their hearts all melted when He sang. In the afternoon all
the devotees regularly met in the house of Advaita Prabhu. As soon as Mukunda
would begin singing about Krishna , everyone
there fell to the ground in ecstatic love. Some of them cried, some laughed,
and others danced. The clothes of some persons scattered as they rolled on the
ground; they were unable to keep their clothes in order. Someone roared as he
challenged the agents of Maya, and someone else caught hold of Mukunda’s feet.
In this way the Vaisnavas enjoyed great ecstasy and forgot all forms of
distress. The Lord was most satisfied with Mukunda. Whenever the Lord saw him,
He would stop him. The Lord would then ask Mukunda for some clarification on a
point, and when Mukunda answered Him, the Lord would say, “Wrong!” and
immediately an argument would begin. By the mercy of the Lord, Mukunda was very
learned. Thus he was able to present arguments and counter-arguments to Nimai’s
challenge.
9. Mukunda engaged in a war of words with the Lord through his debate and counter-debate.
10. In this way the Lord recognized His devotees by challenging them for clarification on some point, but they were all defeated in the ensuing argument. Srivasa and other devotees were all challenged in this way by the Lord, but they would all run away in fear of wasting time in useless arguments.
11. Although the devotees were qualified to engage in philosophical debate, they were not eager to indulge in arguments on inconceivable subjects since dry arguments are inconclusive.
12. The devotees were naturally detached due to their advancement inKrishna consciousness. They did not care to hear anything
other than topics related with Lord Krishna. As soon as the Lord saw any
devotee, He would challenge him; and when he failed to give the correct
response, the Lord would tease him. If any of them saw the Lord coming in the
distance, they would run away out of fear of being challenged. The devotees all
loved to hear topics concerning Lord Krishna, but Nimai did not mention
anything about Krishna when He challenged
them.
13. The devotees loved to hear topics ofKrishna ,
but the Lord bewildered them with subjects not related to Krishna
for the purpose of keeping Himself unknown or hidden from the devotees, thus
maintaining His covered status.
14. One day, as Nimai walked on the main street with His students, He displayed symptoms of great pride.
15. While engaged in a battle of words with the students, Nimai often exhibited impudence or arrogance. At that time Mukunda was on his way to take bath in theGanges , but when he saw Nimai
coming, he ran away. Seeing this, the Lord inquired from Govinda, “Why did this
boy run away upon seeing Me?” Govinda replied, “O Pandita, I don’t know.
Perhaps he went somewhere for some work.” The Lord said, “I know the reason why
he’s avoiding Me. He does not want to speak with a nondevotee. This boy studies
only Vaisnava literatures, while I explain only pa?ji, vritti, and tika. I do
not speak anything about Krishna , therefore He
ran away when he saw Me The Lord called Mukunda some ill names, yet He was
actually satisfied with him. At the same time He indirectly disclosed His
identity. The Lord said, “My dear boy, how long will you avoid My clutches? Do
you think you will escape My association by running away?” Smiling, the Lord
said, “When I finish My studies, then you will all see My Vaisnava qualities. I
will be such a Vaisnava that Brahma and Siva will come to My door.”
16. The authoritative demigods like Lord Brahma and Lord Siva are the dear friends of the Vaisnavas. Brahma, Siva, Narada, and others make an auspicious appearance wherever there are Vaisnavas who are attached to the service of the Lord. By worldly considerations, the demigods are very exalted. But the arrival of demigods at the doors of Vaisnavas, with whom they are affectionately bound, is a display of their humility.
17. “My dear brothers, listen to Me. I will certainly become an extraordinary Vaisnava. Those who run away from Me today will chant My glories and qualities tomorrow.” After speaking in this way, Nimai smiled and returned home with His students.
18. Once, the Vaisnavas all told Advaita Prabhu about the abusive words of atheists in Navadvipa.
19. Those who are averse to the service and pastimes of the Supreme Lord are called pasandis.
20. Hearing their account, Advaita Acarya became as angry as Lord Rudra and loudly exclaimed, “I will kill them all! My Lord, who carries a cakra, is coming. Then you will see what happens in Nadia.
21. Sri Advaita Prabhu began to tell the Vaisnavas who had approached Him for remedies that His worshipable Lord Visnu, who holds the Sudarsana cakra, is coming to Navadvipa soon. By Him, the ignorance of the fools would be destroyed. I will makeKrishna appear before
the eyes of all, then this person named “Advaita” will be known as the servant.
Please wait a few more days, My dear brothers, and you will see Krishna right here. After hearing the words of Advaita,
all the devotees forgot their distress and began kirtana. As the auspicious
sound of Krishna’s names arose, Advaita and the other devotees became
overwhelmed. The pains caused by the atheists’ abusive words were mitigated, as
the city of Navadvipa
became filled with ecstasy. Lord Visvambhara happily passed His days in study
and always increased the joy of mother Saci. In the meantime, Sri Isvara Puri
came in disguise to Navadvipa.
22. Alaksita-vesa, or “in disguise,” means that he was dressed in such way that people would not know that he was a devotee. In other words, he came dressed as an ekadandi-sannyasi.
23. He was overwhelmed with love forKrishna .
He was most merciful and dear to Lord Krishna. Wearing that dress, no one could
recognize him as he arrived by providence at the house of Advaita. He humbly
sat down close to where Advaita Prabhu was performing His puja. The effulgence
of a Vaisnava cannot be hidden from another Vaisnava, and therefore Advaita
Prabhu looked at him again and again. Advaita then said, “Dear Prabhu, who are
you? I think you are a Vaisnava sannyasi.” Isvara Puri replied, “I am lower
than a sudra. I have come here simply to see Your lotus feet.” Understanding
the situation, Mukunda began to sing a song about Krishna
with great devotion. As the sound of Mukunda’s singing entered his ears, Sri
Isvara Puri fell to the ground. Incessant tears flowed from his eyes, and the
waves of his love increased again and again. Advaita Prabhu hastily took him in
His arms, and His entire body became wet with tears. The symptoms of ecstatic
love continued to increase rather than diminish as Mukunda began to loudly
recite appropriate verses. The Vaisnavas’ hearts were filled with incomparable
happiness as they saw their transformations of ecstatic love. Later, when they
learned that he was Isvara Puri, the devotees all remembered Lord Hari. In this
way, as Isvara Puri wandered about Navadvipa in disguise, no one was able to
recognize him. One day, as Sri Gaurasundara was returning home from school, by
providence He met Sri Isvara Puri. Seeing His eternal servant, the Lord offered
him obeisances. Visvambhara’s personal beauty was indescribable. He was the
reservoir of all extraordinary qualities. Although people did not know His real
identity, they nevertheless had great respect for Him. When Isvara Puri saw
Nimai’s features, he could understand that Nimai was a most grave and exalted
personality. Isvara Puri inquired, “O best of the brahmanas, what is Your name?
What are You studying and teaching, and where do You live?” When the others
replied, “He is Nimai Pandita,” Isvara Puri joyfully said, “So, You are Nimai!”
The Lord invited Isvara Puri for lunch and then respectfully brought him home.
Mother Saci prepared an offering for Krishna ,
and after honoring the prasada, Isvara Puri sat in the temple room. Thereafter,
Isvara Puri became fully absorbed while describing topics of Lord Krishna.
24. While discussing topics ofKrishna ,
Isvara Puri’s spiritual senses became almost inert. He became intoxicated in
the service of the Lord as if he were directly situated in the spiritual world.
The subtle and gross designations of conditioned souls who are averse to the
Lord are obstacles on the path of realizing the kingdom of Vaikuntha
25. The Lord was satisfied to see his unprecedented symptoms of love, which he did not disclose due to people’s misfortunate position. Isvara Puri stayed for a few months in Navadvipa at the home of Sri Gopinatha Acarya.
26. Gopinatha Acarya was a resident of Navadvipa, the son-in-law of Mahesvara Visarada, who lived in Vidyanagara, and the brother-in-law of Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya and Madhusudana Vacaspati. In the opinion of some, he was the incarnation of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. He was one of the Nava Vyuhas and a knower of the Tantras. In the opinion of others, he was Ratnavali-sakhi of Vraja. Since Puripada came in the disciplic succession of the senior Vaisnava Sri Madhva Muni, he is included in the Brahma-sampradaya, which is one of the four authorized sampradayas. As a subordinate Vaisnava lives in the home of his guru, Puripada lived a few months in Navadvipa in the house of Gopinatha Bhattacarya, the incarnation of Lord Brahma.
27. Everyone was overjoyed to see Isvara Puri, and the Lord would also regularly go to visit him. Seeing Gadadhara Pandita’s tears of love, all the Vaisnavas felt great affection for him. As he was detached from worldly life since childhood, Isvara Puri also felt similar affection for him. He had Gadadhara Pandita study a book that he had written named Krishna-lilamrita. After studying and teaching, the Lord went in the evening to offer His obeisances to Isvara Puri. Isvara Puri was happy to see Nimai, and though he did not know Him as the Supreme Lord, he still had love for Him. Isvara Puri smiled and said, “You are a big scholar. I’ve written a book about the characteristics of Lord Krishna. I would be most satisfied if You would tell me if there is any fault in it The Lord replied, “Whoever finds fault in a devotee’s description of Lord Krishna is a sinful person.Krishna
is certainly pleased with His devotee’s poetry, even though it is imperfectly
composed. An uneducated person may chant visnaya, while a sober person will
chant the proper form, visnave, but the Supreme Lord Krishna will accept both
forms when they are chanted with devotion. At the time of offering obeisances
to Lord Visnu, a foolish person chants visnaya namah (this is improper due to
faulty grammar) and a learned person chants visnave namah (this is the correct
form). But both achieve equal piety by their offering of obeisances, because
Lord Sri Janardana sees the sentiment of the living being, in other words, He
sees the degree of devotion, or in other words, He awards the result
accordingly (He does not see one’s foolishness or intelligence) One who finds
fault with a devotee is himself at fault, for a devotee’s descriptions are
meant only for the pleasure of Krishna. Therefore who will dare find fault with
your devotional descriptions of Krishna ’s
pastimes?” Hearing Nimai’s reply was like a shower of nectar on the body of
Isvara Puri. He then smiled and said, “You will not be at fault, but You must
tell me if there is any error in the book.” Thereafter Nimai would daily sit
with Isvara Puri for one or two hours to discuss his book. After hearing his
poetry one day, the Lord smiled and said, “The verb root of this sentence is
incorrect. The atmanepadi form should not be used here.” After saying this, the
Lord returned home. Isvara Puri was a learned scholar in the scriptures, and he
enjoyed analyzing scholastic topics. After Nimai left, Isvara Puri considered
the verb root that he had used and came to a conclusion from many different
angles. He left the verb in its atmanepadi form, and when Nimai came the next
day, he explained, “I have concluded that the verb that You said yesterday
should be parasmaipadi should remain atmanepadi.”
28. Dhatus are verb roots that indicate actions. When mixed with the ten inflective classes beginning with lat they produce the various tenses and moods. Considering each verb in the three persons and three numbers results in nine forms for each tense and mood. Some of these roots are atmanepadi, and some are parasmaipadi; and apart from these, some are ubhayapadi. The parasmaipadi roots have 90 forms, and there are the same number of atmanepadi forms. Thus altogether there are 180 forms of these two kinds of roots. Since Nimai Pandita said that the form of the root in the verse spoken by Isvara Puri was not atmanepadi, Isvara Puripada concluded that according to grammar the form of the root was ubhayapadi. Therefore there was no fault in using the atmanepadi form of the root.
29. When the Lord heard his explanation, He was most satisfied with His servant’s victory and He did not find any further fault. The Vedas declare that the Lord by nature always expands His devotees’ glories by making them victorious. In this way Isvara Puri passed a few months enjoying scholastic pastimes with Sri Gauracandra. Isvara Puri, however, would not remain in one place due to the restless nature of his ecstatic love. He thus went out on pilgrimage to purify the earth. Sri Madhavendra Puri happily gave the complete treasure of his ecstatic love to Sri Isvara Puri. By the mercy ofKrishna , Sri Isvara Puri obtained love of God from his
spiritual master, so he traveled free from all anxieties.
30. Nimai is God, God exists.
The proof of the Lord of Vaikuntha enjoying His scholastic pastimes by vanquishing the scholars’ pride.
1. Navadvipa was full of millions of learned scholars, each of whom had mastered various scriptures. Bhattacaryas, Cakravartis, Misras, and Acaryas had no occupation other than teaching. These scholars were all independent and so victorious in debating scriptures that they disregarded persons as learned as Lord Brahma. The Lord constantly rebuked these scholars, who had to directly or indirectly hear those taunts. Nevertheless, not one of them was able to counter the Lord’s challenges. They were so frightened on seeing the Lord that they would humbly try to avoid Him. Whoever the Lord spoke with would become His staunch follower.
2. Whenever the Lord addressed someone, that person felt particularly honored and he would thus desire to serve the Lord.
3. Everyone on the banks of theGanges
knew well that the Lord was most intelligent from His very childhood. Within
their hearts they knew that the Lord could not be defeated in argument.
Therefore they naturally became frightened when they saw the Lord, and they
were obliged to accept subordination to Him. Nevertheless, the influence of the
mystic energy of Yoga-maya is such that no one was able to recognize Him. No
one can possibly recognize the Lord unless and until He reveals Himself. Once,
a proud champion of learning arrived in Navadvipa. He was a staunch devotee of
goddess Sarasvati; by chanting her mantra he had won her favor.
4. Sarasvati is the personification of devotional service to Lord Visnu. Being nondifferent from Laksmi, she eternally resides on the chest of Lord Visnu. She is the mother of the universe. Due to the brahmana’s great fortune, she appeared before him and blessed him to conquer the three worlds. Spiritual knowledge, or Sarasvati, hides her real identity from those who are proud, foolish, attached to material enjoyment, and absorbed in the false ego of thinking themselves the doers; and in her shadow form of Dusta Sarasvati, she deceives them by awarding them benedictions. Though such puffed-up people who receive her benedictions are able to conquer the three worlds, they are eligible for being totally defeated by the Supreme Lord, who is the ultimate giver of all benedictions. Sarasvati-devi never desires that her worshipable Lord may be defeated, so she deceives the conditioned souls who are bewildered by maya from chanting the glories of the Lord’s holy names. When Suddha Sarasvati-devi sees that her worshiper is not inclined towards the service of the Supreme Lord, she bewilders him with material knowledge, which is her shadow form.
5. What is the difficulty for her to bless one to become a champion of learning when simply by her merciful glance one achieves devotional service to Lord Visnu?
6. When by the nonduplicitous merciful glance of Suddha Sarasvati-devi one achieves the highest benediction of devotion to Lord Visnu, then it is easy and extremely insignificant for her to award the people of this world benedictions like becoming a Digvijayi, a champion of learning.
7. After directly receiving the benediction of goddess Sarasvati, the brahmana traveled from province to province, defeating the local scholars wherever he went. All the scriptures resided on the tip of his tongue. There was no one in the world who could answer his challenge. Many scholars were not even able to understand his questions, so he easily conquered the scholars wherever he went. He then heard about the glories of Navadvipa, wherein endless learned scholars resided. Thus after conquering all other provinces, the champion scholar came to Navadvipa along with his opulent entourage, which included horses and elephants. As a result, a loud commotion arose in every house and every assembly of learned scholars in Nadia. People everywhere were heard saying, “A champion scholar has come to Navadvipa with a certificate of victory from scholars all over the country.
8. The word jaya-patra refers to a certificate of conquest that a party who has lost in a battle of arguments or test of scholarship awards to the victorious party. This is proof of the winning party’s superior scholarship.
9. When all the learned scholars of Navadvipa heard that he was favored by Sarasvati, they began to worry. “Of all places of learning throughout Jambudvipa, Navadvipa surpasses all.
10. Jambudvipa, in whichIndia
is situated, is one of the seven islands. By her own glories, Navadvipa was the
most famous and celebrated of all places adorned with intelligent people in India .
11. “If this Digvijayi is victorious in such a place as this, then scholars all over the world will condemn us. Yet who has the ability to debate with one who has received the blessings of Sarasvati? Since Sarasvati resides on his tongue, how can a human being debate with him?” Thousands of great Bhattacaryas left their duties out of anxiety. All over Navadvipa people were heard saying, “Now we’ll understand the power of our knowledge.” The students went and informed their teacher, Gauranga, of all these incidents. “A Digvijayi who has been blessed by Sarasvati and who has conquered scholars throughout the world has come with his certificate of victory. He has arrived in Navadvipa surrounded by elephants, horses, palanquins, and many followers. He has come to Navadvipa seeking an opponent. Otherwise he demands a certificate of victory from the scholars of Navadvipa.”
12. After arriving in Navadvipa, Digvijayi Pandita searched for a suitable opponent from the rival camp. If there was no suitable scholar in Navadvipa able to debate with him, then the Digvijayi demanded that the scholars issue him a certificate stating that all the scholars of Navadvipa had been defeated by him.
13. Hearing the words of His students, the jewel-like Gauranga smiled and began to describe the nature of the Supreme Lord. “Listen, dear brothers. The Supreme Lord never tolerates false pride.”
14. Hearing about Digvijayi’s bragging from the Navadvipa students, who were afraid of their imminent defeat, Sri Gaurasundara solaced them by describing the nature, or truth, of the Supreme Lord as follows: “The Supreme Lord, who is the controller of maya, completely destroys the false ego of proud persons who are controlled by maya—that is, He destroys the pride of proud persons—and does not assist them in maintaining their pride in any way. As stated in the Srimad Bhagavatam (10.14.20): “O supreme creator and master, You defeat the false pride of the faithless demons and show mercy to Your saintly devotees.”
15. “Whenever the Lord sees someone proud of some personal quality, He certainly removes the cause of that pride. The nature of both the tree laden with fruit and the man decorated with good qualities is that they bow down with humility. You must have heard of the great Digvijayis of the past like Haihaya, Nahusa, Vena, Bana, Naraka, and Ravana.”
16. The word maha-digvijayi refers to brahmanas who conquer the eight directions on the strength of their knowledge, ksatriyas who conquer the eight directions in battle on the strength of their arms, and vaisyas who conquer the eight directions on the strength of their wealth, earned through farming and trade.
17. “Try to think, whose pride was not smashed? The Supreme Lord never tolerates anyone’s false ego. Therefore you will see this Digvijayi’s scholastic pride vanquished here in Navadvipa.” After saying this, Nimai smiled. Then in the evening He took His students to the bank of theGanges .
After sprinkling some Ganges water on His head
and offering obeisances, Lord Gauranga sat down on the bank with His students.
As the students sat around the Lord in various groups, it created an
unprecedented scene. The Lord jubilantly engaged in discussing
varnasrama-dharma and scriptural topics on the bank of the Ganges .
18. The word dharma-katha refers to ordinary varnasrama topics, which are accessible to the senses. There is a dearth of spiritual knowledge in this world, therefore instructions for removing the living entities’ darkness of ignorance by administering topics of transcendental knowledge are called sastra-katha.
19. Though He did not say anything, the Lord thought, “How shall I defeat this Digvijayi? This brahmana has become most proud, because he thinks there is no one in the world to oppose him. If I defeat him in an assembly, it would be equal to death for him. Everyone would belittle him, they would plunder his belongings, and he would die in lamentation.
20. The Lord is the perfect example of proper conduct and is always respectful to the people of this world, therefore He began to contemplate how miserable the world-renowned scholar Digvijayi would become when defeated. He thought, “If I defeated the conceited Digvijayi in public, he would feel great misery at heart. Moreover, if he were defeated, he would be finished. He would certainly be harassed, all his wealth, elephants, horses and other possessions would be forcibly taken away by others, and the brahmana would merge in lamentation. Keeping all these considerations in mind, I will have to defeat the Digvijayi in a secluded place.”
21. “Therefore I will defeat him in a private place, so that his pride will be destroyed but he won’t be hurt.” While the Lord was thinking in this way, night fell and the Digvijayi arrived at that spot. It was a clear full moon night, and theGanges looked most
enchanting. As the Lord sat with His students, His attractive form was
unmatched throughout innumerable universes. A smile decorated the Lord’s
moonlike face, and His beautiful eyes showered merciful glances. His teeth
defeated the luster of a string of pearls, and His reddish lips resembled the
color of the rising sun. He was full of compassion, and all the limbs of His
body were delicate. His head was adorned with beautiful curly black hair. His
dress was divine, His neck resembled that of a lion, and His shoulders were
like those of an elephant. His body was very large, and His attractive chest
was adorned by Lord Ananta in the form of a brahmana thread. An enchanting mark
of tilaka decorated His forehead, and His beautiful arms reached to His knees.
The Lord wore His cloth like a sannyasi, and He sat with His right foot on His
left thigh. As the Lord explained the scriptures, He established correct
statements as incorrect and incorrect statements as correct. All of His
students sitting around Him in groups created an enchanting scene. Seeing that
wonderful scene, Digvijayi was astonished and thought, “Is this Nimai Pandita?”
Digvijayi remained incognito as he gazed steadily on the Lord’s beautiful form.
He then asked a student, “What is His name?” and the student replied, “He is
the famous Nimai Pandita.” The best of the brahmanas then offered his
obeisances to the Ganges and entered the
Lord’s assembly. Seeing him, the Lord slightly smiled as He offered him a seat
with great respect. Although the Digvijayi was very brave by nature and a
champion of learning besides, he was nevertheless frightened on seeing the
Lord. The power of the Supreme Lord’s natural characteristic is such that the
very sight of Him produces fear.
22. Another reading of this verse is danda dekhite ki bahu kakhana uthaya?—“Will one raise his hand when he sees a stick?” In other words, if one sees a stick in the hands of his opponent he will never attack him simply on the strength of his arms. Similarly, Gaura-Narayana, who is the Lord of lords and the chastiser of everyone, has such potency, or such opulence, that none of His controlled subjects are able to transgress or surpass Him. The purport is that the Digvijayi, who is like a well of limited knowledge, did not dare to challenge Gaurasundara, who is the ocean of unlimited knowledge, but rather became completely frightened.
23. After exchanging a few words of introduction, the Lord began to sportingly inquire from him. The Lord said, “There is no limit to your poetic ability. There is nothing that you are unable to describe. Please recite some of the glories of theGanges , for by hearing
such glories everyone’s sins are destroyed.” Hearing the Lord’s request, the
Digvijayi immediately began to describe the glories of the Ganges .
Who can fathom the countless verses that the brahmana so quickly recited? The
Digvijayi’s recitation was like the deep rumbling of clouds. Since Sarasvati
personally resided on the tongue of Digvijayi, whatever he spoke was
authorized. No human being had the ability to refute his speech, for no scholar
could even understand him. The Lord’s thousands of students all became
speechless on hearing those descriptions. “Rama! Rama! How wonderful!” they
marveled. “Can an ordinary human being speak like this?” The most wonderful
words and literary ornaments in the world were all used in the Digvijayi’s
recitation. Even those who were fully conversant in the scriptures had great
difficulty understanding his words. The Digvijayi continually recited in this
amazing way for three hours without coming to an end.
24. In the prayers composed and recited by Digvijayi, there were many astonishing and choice arrangements of words and beautiful metaphors. Therefore even the most learned scholars who were expert in the scriptures felt extreme difficulty in considering and relishing those verses.
25. When Digvijayi finally finished his recitation, Sri Gaurasundara smiled and spoke. “The purport of your words are so exalted that unless you explain them no one can understand. Therefore please explain a portion of your recitation, for whatever meaning is explained by you must be accepted.” Hearing the Lord’s enchanting words, the best of the brahmanas began to explain. But as soon as he began to explain a verse, the Lord immediately pointed out faults in the beginning, middle, and end of the verse.
26. Digvijayi began to enthusiastically explain the following verse that he composed:
27. mahattvam gangayam satatam idam abhati nitaram
28. yad esa Sri-visnoh carana-kamalotpatti-subhaga
29. dvitiya-Sri-laksmir iva sura-narair arcya-carana
30. bhavani-bhartur ya sirasi vibhavaty adbhuta-guna
31. “The greatness of motherGanges
always brilliantly exists. She is the most fortunate because she emanated from
the lotus feet of Sri Visnu, the Personality of Godhead. She is the second
goddess of fortune, and therefore she is always worshiped both by demigods and
by humanity. Endowed with all wonderful qualities, she flourishes on the head
of Lord Siva.”
32. The Lord said, “According to the scriptures, all the words and literary ornaments that you have used are far from correct. But please tell us, what was your intended meaning of these ornaments?” asked Lord Gauranga. Digvijayi, the great son of Sarasvati, was unable to properly explain, for his intelligence had left him. Whatever little attempt he made to defend himself was refuted by Lord Gaurasundara. It appeared that the Digvijayi’s intelligence had taken leave of him, for he didn’t even know what he was saying. The Lord said, “Leave this verse and recite another,” but the Digvijayi was unable to recite like before. It is not unusual that Digvijayi was bewildered in front of the Lord, because even the Vedas are bewildered in the presence of the Lord. Lord Brahma, Lord Ananta, and Lord Siva create, maintain, and annihilate innumerable universes. When even they are bewildered before the Lord, then what is surprising if this brahmana was bewildered? Unlimited universes are bewildered by maya, the shadow of Laksmi, Sarasvati, and other internal potencies of the Lord. Yet she is also bewildered in the presence of the Lord, and therefore she always stands behind Him. When the compiler of the Vedas and even Ananta sesa are bewildered in the presence of the Lord, then what is surprising if the Digvijayi is bewildered? It is impossible for ordinary living entities to understand the activities of the Supreme Lord, therefore His activities are transcendentally glorious. In fact, the activities performed by the Supreme Lord are all meant for the deliverance of the conditioned souls. As the Digvijayi faced defeat, the Lord’s students were on the verge of laughing. The Lord, however, forbade them from laughing and sweetly spoke to the brahmana. “You please go home for today, and tomorrow we will discuss some more. You must be tired after your long recitation and it’s getting late. Please go take rest.” The Lord’s behavior was so gentle that whoever was defeated by Him felt no distress. After defeating each of the teachers in Navadvipa, the Lord satisfied them with His sweet behavior. The Lord continued, “Let us go home today. Then after looking at your books, come tomorrow and answer My questions.” Even after defeating someone, the Lord did not insult them, and thus everyone was pleased with Him. Such were the pastimes of the Lord. That is why all the learned scholars of Navadvipa were so affectionate to the Lord. As the Lord returned home with His students, the Digvijayi felt great shame. In distress, the brahmana thought, “I’ve been personally blessed by Sarasvati. Till now I’ve not met a single person—whether a scholar of Nyaya, Sankhya, Patanjala, Mimamsa, Vaisesika, or Vedanta—who could even compete with me, and what to speak of defeating me! This brahmana merely teaches children’s grammar, and He defeated me? This is certainly an act of providence!
33. “This brahmana boy is a teacher of ordinary grammar in primary education. But alas, due to misdeeds I had to face defeat by Him. Among the six limbs of the Vedas, grammar is like the face of the personified Vedas and is the preliminary scripture for students engaged in studying the scriptures, but it is an undisputed fact that one cannot become expert in literature, alankara, smritis, or philosophical works simply by possessing expertise in learning and teaching grammar. Nevertheless this young boy, who is expert in grammar, has defeated even an experienced champion of the scriptures like me.”
34. “It appears that Sarasvati’s benediction has proven false, which awakens doubts in my mind. Otherwise, have I committed some offense at her feet? Is that why my intelligence was diminished?
35. “Since I have been defeated by this young brahmana grammarian I can now understand that the benediction I received from my worshipable goddess Sarasvati-devi has proved a complete failure! Therefore various doubts are arising within my mind. The goddess whom I had pleased and from whom I had thus received the benediction for becoming a Digvijayi must be displeased as a result of my offenses. Otherwise why would my great ingenuity in learning be defeated by an ordinary young grammarian?”
36. “I must find out the cause of my defeat.” Thinking in this way, the brahmana began chanting his mantra. After chanting for some time the distressed brahmana fell asleep, and in a short time Sarasvati appeared before him in a dream. Goddess Sarasvati glanced mercifully on the fortunate brahmana and confidentially spoke as follows. “O best of the brahmanas, listen as I disclose to you the secrets of the Vedas. If you disclose these topics to anyone, you will meet a quick death. Know for certain that He by whom you were defeated is the Lord of innumerable universes.”
37. Sarasvati-devi appeared in a dream before Digvijayi Pandita, who had chanted her mantras, and said, “If you disclose to anyone the most confidential topics that I am telling you regarding the covered incarnation of the Lord, then your death is certain.”
38. It is said that since Kesava Bhatta, the spiritual master of Gangalya Bhatta, revealed the information about Sriman Mahaprabhu that was given to him in a dream by Sarasvati, he met with a premature death. Therefore Gangalya Bhatta again initiated a brahmana fromKashmir
and gave him the name Kesava. From this popular hearsay, it is clearly
understood that the Digvijayi Pandita referred to herein is not Kesava Kasmiri,
rather he is a Pandita named Kesava Bhatta.
39. “I am an eternal maidservant at His lotus feet, and I’m embarrassed to appear before Him. O brahmana, although I speak through your tongue, in front of Him I have no power. What to speak of me, even Lord Ananta sesa, who explains the Vedas with thousands of mouths and who is worshiped by Brahma and Siva, He is also bewildered in His presence. He is the Supreme Brahman, the eternal, pure, complete, and inexhaustible Lord, who is situated in everyone’s heart.”
40. The one Absolute Truth, original Personality of Godhead, Gaura-Krsna, is Baladeva, the first catur-vyuha, the second catur-vyuha, and the three Visnus who lie on the Karana, Garbhodaka, andKsira Oceans
41. “Fruitive activities, mental speculation, material knowledge, pious and impious activities, direct and indirect perception, and more than I am able to say—all these are (created and) destroyed by that Lord you just met in the form of a brahmana. Know for certain that everyone including Lord Brahma enjoys happiness and distress according to His will alone. Listen, dear brahmana, all incarnations such as Matsya and Kurma are nondifferent from Him. In the form of Lord Varaha, He rescued the earth, and in the form of Nrisi?ha, He protected Prahlada. In the form of Vamana, He is the life and soul ofBali .
The Ganges appears from His lotus feet. This
Lord appeared at Ayodhya and then killed Rava?a as one of His innumerable
pastimes. He is known as the son of both Vasudeva and Nanda, and now He has
appeared as the son of a brahmana to enjoy scholastic pastimes. Do the Vedas
know this incarnation of the Lord? Who has the power to know unless the Lord
reveals Himself? The title of Digvijayi is not the real fruit of your chanting
mantras to worship me. The real fruit of your chanting is that you have now
directly seen the Lord of innumerable universes. Therefore, O brahmana, go
immediately and surrender yourself at His lotus feet. Don’t ignore my words by
considering this only a dream. I am controlled by your chanting and have
therefore informed you of that which is unknown to the Vedas.”
42. Speaking these words, Sarasvati disappeared and the most fortunate brahmana woke up. Immediately after getting up, the brahmana went in the early morning to the Lord’s residence. The brahmana came and offered his obeisances to the Lord, who picked up the brahmana and embraced him. The Lord said, “O brahmana, why have you come so early? What is the reason for this behavior?” The brahmana replied, “It is all due to Your merciful glance.” The Lord said, “You are the champion of learning. Why are you treating Me like this?” The Digvijayi replied, “Please listen, O king of the brahmanas. Just by worshiping You, all one’s activities become successful. You are the Supreme Lord Narayana, but You have appeared in Kali-yuga in the form of a brahmana. Who has the power to recognize You? Doubts arose in my mind when You asked me questions that I was unable to answer. O Lord, all the Vedas confirm that You are devoid of pride. Now I have seen this with my own eyes. There is no doubt about it. Although You have defeated me three times, You have maintained my prestige. Is this possible for anyone other than the Supreme Lord? Therefore You are certainly Lord Narayana. I met with innumerable scholars wherever I have gone—Gauda, Trihuta,Delhi ,
Kasi, Gujarat , Vijayanagara, Kancipura, Anga, Bengal , Andhra, Orissa. What to speak of refuting my
statements, none of those scholars had even the power to understand them.
Though I am such a scholar, I was still unable to establish my conclusions
before You. Where did all my intelligence go? This is not an astonishing
achievement for You, for You are the Lord of Sarasvati. She personally told me
this. I came to Navadvipa at a most auspicious time. Although I was drowning in
the dark well of material life, I somehow saw You.
43. “I entered Navadvipa at an auspicious moment and attained darsana of You. When persons are drowning in the well of material life, they have no opportunity to see You. So far I have remained intoxicated with material knowledge, but now I was able to see You by the accumulated strength of my past pious deeds.”
44. “I was bewildered by nescience and material desires, and I cheated myself as I wandered throughout the world forgetful of my constitutional position. I’ve met You by some great fortune, now please deliver me by Your merciful glance. It is Your nature to engage in the welfare of others; indeed, there is no shelter or source of compassion other than You. O Lord, please instruct me in such a way that I may have no material desires in my heart.” After speaking many plaintive words in this way, the Digvijayi humbly offered prayers to the Lord. Hearing the brahmana’s submissive words, Sri Gaurasundara smiled and replied. “Listen, O best of the brahmanas. You are most fortunate, for Sarasvati resides on your tongue. Conquering the world is not the proper use for knowledge, the proper use of knowledge is to worship the Supreme Lord. Try to understand, when one gives up his body, he cannot take wealth and reputation with him. That is why devotees renounce material endeavors and serve the Supreme Lord with firm determination. Therefore, O brahmana, give up all materialistic association and immediately begin to worship the lotus feet of Lord Krsna.
45. Now that Sri Kesava Bhatta has given up the inappropriate purport of the six branches of philosophy that he was initiated into before receiving these instructions of Sri Gaurasundara, the ten verses composed by Srila Nimbakacaryapada appeared in his memory by the mercy of Mahaprabhu. Gaurasundara’s instruction to serve Radha-Govinda inspired him with his predecessor gurus’ unexpressed emotions, which manifested in his heart in the form of verses. Since before receiving the Lord’s mercy Kesava Bhatta was indifferent to these verses composed by his predecessor gurus, he displayed negligence for the service of the lotus feet of Radha-Govinda and eagerness to accumulate material fame in the form of becoming a Digvijayi.
46. Up to the time of your death, serve Krsna with confidence.
47. Being initiated into all these instructions, the compiler of Krama-dipika instructed his disciples headed by Gangalya Bhatta about the process of worshiping Radha-Govinda. Later on, Kesava and other scholars of Kasmira left the subordination of Sriman Mahaprabhu and took to another path. Turning away from the mercy of Sriman Mahaprabhu, Kesava Kasmiri and other so-called followers of the Sri Nimbarka-sampradaya, as well as so-called scholars of the Sri Vallabha-sampradaya, rejected the most beneficial and pure lotus feet of Sriman Mahaprabhu, the worshipable Lord of the compiler of Krama-dipika, and took to another path. Both Sri Sanatana Gosvami and Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami understood Kesavacarya, the compiler of Krama-dipika, as a recipient of Sriman Mahaprabhu’s mercy, and therefore they collected ingredients from his book in their compilation of Gaudiya Vaisnava smriti. Later on the followers of Kesava Kasmiri gave up the lotus feet of Mahaprabhu and attempted to establish their own independent sampradaya.
48. “Know without doubt that the goal of knowledge is to fix one’s mind on Krsna’s lotus feet. The best advice I can give you is that devotional service to the Supreme Lord Visnu is the only substantial truth throughout all the worlds.” After saying this, the Lord embraced the brahmana in satisfaction. Being embraced by the Lord of Vaikuntha, the brahmana was freed from all material bondage. Then the Lord said, “O brahmana, give up your pride, worship Krsna, and be merciful to all living entities. What Sarasvati told you in confidence should not be told to anyone. If one discloses topics that are more confidential than those of the Vedas, then know for certain that his duration of life is diminished and his advancement in the next life will be checked.”
49. If one reveals the confidential meaning of a mantra, he is not actually benefited in this world; rather, the speaker only gains a shortened lifespan for endeavoring to reveal the mystery. If one reveals the purport of the most confidential Vedic mantras to faithless persons, then those unfortunate persons will misuse the purport of the mantras by preaching mundane baula, sahajiya, and smarta philosophies as the path of devotional service. Therefore even the mistake of accepting an unqualified disciple yields adverse results.
50. After receiving the Lord’s instructions, that best of brahmanas offered repeated obeisances to the Lord. Then, after offering repeated obeisances to the Lord, the brahmana departed in great satisfaction. On receiving the Lord’s instructions, renunciation, knowledge, and devotional service immediately manifested in the body of the brahmana.
51. Receiving the mercy of Sri Gaurasundara, Digvijayi Sri Kesava Bhatta became completely successful. He offered his obeisances to Sriman Mahaprabhu’s lotus feet, knowing them to be the source of all auspiciousness. Being empowered by the Lord, Kesava Bhatta simultaneously achieved great qualities such as service to the Lord, realization of the Absolute Truth, and detachment for activities not related to the Lord. Though he was initiated in the Vaisnava line, his descendants later on became bereft of Sri Gaura’s mercy. This pastime of converting the nondevotee Kesava Bhatta into a devotee is most confidential, because up to that point Gaurasundara had not yet bestowed mercy on anyone in the world to advance in devotional service. The process of devotional service that Kesava Bhatta achieved by receiving mercy from the lotus feet of Sri Gaura is being respected by his followers even today.
52. The Digvijayi’s pride was immediately destroyed, and he became more humble than a blade of grass. He then gave all his elephants, horses, palanquins, wealth, and whatever other assets he had in charity to suitable persons. In this way the Digvijayi continued his travels as a detached person. Such are the pastimes of Sri Gaurasundara. The natural characteristics of His mercy is that a person renounces even the position of a king to take the position of a mendicant. The prime example of this in Kali-yuga is Sri Dabira Khasa, who left a kingdom to live in the forest, and accepted the name “Srila Rupa Gosvami” given by Sri Gaurasundara.
53. Soon everyone in Navadvipa heard that Sri Gaurasundara defeated the Digvijayi. People were all astonished, and they said, “Nimai Pandita is a great scholar. He has even defeated the Digvijayi. We have never heard of such a learned scholar as Nimai. The pride of Nimai Pandita is justified, and now His reputation has spread.” Someone said, “If this Nimai studies logic, He will certainly become a Bhattacarya.” Someone else said, “O brother, let us all together award Him the title of ‘Badisimha.’”
54. Badisimha is the name of one Vaisnava from the line of Ramanuja. He was like a lion in destroying the philosophy of monism. It is to be understood that previously whenever a scholar defeated another scholar, he was awarded the title Badisimha.
55. Yet even after seeing all this, the influence of the Lord’s illusory energy is such that people still did not understand Him.
56. Gauranga Mahaprabhu is the Godhead.
The proof of the demigods coming to eat, the brahmana’s calling Him The Supreme Lord, demigod explaining to Tapana Misra
1. The Lord enjoyed scholastic pastimes with His students throughout all the villages of Navadvipa. Everyone throughout Navadvipa heard that Nimai Pandita was the crest jewel among teachers. Even the wealthy materialists would get down from their palanquins to offer respects to Nimai. Everyone was filled with awe and reverence on seeing the Lord. There was no one in Navadvipa who was not under His control. Whenever any resident of Navadvipa would perform any pious act, he would without fail first send some foodstuffs and cloth to the Lord’s house. The Lord displayed the pastimes of a munificent person, for this is the nature of the Supreme Lord. He constantly gave gifts to the poor. Whenever Gaurahari met a poor person, He would immediately give him rice, cloth, and money out of compassion. Guests would daily visit the Lord’s house, and He would always properly satisfy every one of them. Sometimes ten or twenty sannyasis would come, and the Lord would happily invite them for lunch. He would immediately send someone to inform His mother to quickly arrange lunch for the twenty sannyasis. As there was nothing at home, mother Saci thought, “How will I prepare meals for twenty sannyasis?” As soon as she thought like this, someone came and delivered the necessary ingredients without her notice.
2. Due to the lack of sufficient ingredients for meals and accumulated wealth in the Lord’s house, Sacidevi felt a need for ingredients to feed the sannyasis. By the will of the Lord, all the necessary ingredients immediately appeared there.
3. Laksmidevi cooked the offering with full satisfaction, and then the Lord arrived home. The Lord personally watched as the sannyasis were served their meal. After they were fully satisfied, He bid them farewell.
4. Since sannyasis do not normally use fire, their cooking activities were done by brahmanas, who use fire. The sannyasis who do not use fire can accept foodstuffs cooked at the houses of brahmanas, who use fire. Generally there was atemple of Visnu
5. In this way the merciful Lord inquired about the needs of every one of His guests, whether they needed any drink or food.
6. Mahaprabhu taught the householders, “The foremost duty of a householder is to serve his guests. If a householder does not serve his guests, he is considered lower than the birds and beasts.”
7. Inferior animals like birds and beasts fly in the sky or wander the earth in order to gather their food and have little opportunity to collect. But since human beings are the highest social entities, they are obliged to follow the principles of varnasrama. If they are averse to even these principles, then they will counted among the unsheltered naked birds and beasts, who are busy simply filling their own bellies. Apart from filling their own bellies, human beings have the higher responsibility of collecting and protecting items for the service of Visnu.
8. “If due to his previous impious activities he does not have anything, then he should satisfy his guests with a straw mat, some water, and place to lie down. In the houses of pious people there may be a scarcity of rice or other staples due to poverty, but a straw mat, water, resting place, and sweet words should always be available for serving guests. If one has nothing more to offer, he should apologize without duplicity; then he is not guilty of neglecting his guest. If a householder happily serves his guests without duplicity and according to his ability, he is considered hospitable.” Therefore the Lord personally invited His guests with great respect. All those guest were most fortunate, for they received foodstuffs directly from Laksmi-Narayana.
9. Those guests who received rice prasada from the house of Sri Laksmi-Narayana at Yogapitha in Sri Navadvipa-dhama are millions of times more fortunate than those mundane guests who receive rice from mundane householders.
10. Foodstuffs so wonderful that are desired by even the demigods headed by Brahma were now eaten by one and all. In reply to this, someone said, “It is not possible for ordinary persons to receive such foodstuffs. Brahma, Siva, Sukadeva, Vyasadeva, Narada, as well as the demigods and Siddhas, who travel according to their desire, all knew that Laksmi-Narayana had appeared in Navadvipa. They therefore all visited the Lord’s house to beg alms in the form of mendicants. Otherwise who else has the power to visit His house, and who other than personalities like Brahma can receive such foodstuffs?” Someone else said, “The Lord has incarnated to deliver the distressed, and He therefore employs various means for their deliverance.”
11. Some people say that since the demigods headed by Brahma and the sages headed by Narada possess mystic perfections, it was they who took the form and dress of guests and became fortunate by receiving rice prasada from the house of Lord Gaura-Narayana. Because other than them, no ordinary mortal being is qualified to receive the Lord’s direct mercy as a guest in His house. Yet others say that Laksmi-Narayana have appeared in this age as Laksmi-Gaura in order to deliver all distressed persons from their miserable conditions. Since He is most merciful, He distributed His mercy to everyone by providing food and shelter without considering whether one was qualified or not.
12. “The demigods headed by Brahma are born from the limbs of the Supreme Lord, and they are always associated with the Lord. Still, in this incarnation He has promised to give that which is rarely attained by even Brahma. Therefore the Lord personally fed the distressed in His house in order to deliver them.” Laksmidevi cooked alone, without the help of her mother-in-law, yet she felt supremely blissful. As the fortunate mother Saci observed the character of Laksmi, her joy increased every hour of the day. She constantly served tulasi, yet she served Saci even more. Seeing Laksmi’s behavior, Sri Gaurasundara did not comment, yet He was satisfied within.
13. Seeing Laksmipriya’s greater faith in and eagerness for the service of His mother than the service of tulasi, the Lord approved within His mind and was quite satisfied. Due to social injunctions and embarrassment the Lord did not externally or publicly approve the actions of His wife.
14. Some days Laksmi would sit and hold the Lord’s feet for hours.
15. In order to reveal within this world the glories and opulences of serving the lotus feet of Gaura-Narayana, Laksmipriya-devi, who is attached to service in the mood of awe and reverence, often exhibited pastimes as the maidservant of Gaura, by holding the Lord’s lotus feet on her lap.
16. Mother Saci sometimes saw brilliant effulgent flames emanating from the feet of her son.
17. Due to the influence of Gaura-Narayana’s opulences, Sacidevi saw five effulgent flames of fire. Just as impersonalists, being unable to see the original form of the Lord, accept the effulgence emanating from the body of the Lord as His form and thus become astonished; seeing the most effulgent five flames of fire emanating from the lotus feet of the Lord, Sacidevi understood her son to be directly Lord Visnu.
18. Another day mother Saci smelled the fragrance of lotus flowers throughout the house. As Laksmi-Narayana secretly lived in Navadvipa in this way, no one was able to recognize them. After a few days the independent Lord desired to visitEast Bengal [Bangladesh ]. The Lord told His
mother, “Dear mother, I will go on a journey for a few days.” Sri Gaurasundara
then said to Laksmi, “You should constantly serve mother.” Then the Lord took
some of His students and happily departed for East Bengal .
Whoever saw the Lord in His travels could not take his eyes off Him.
19. People who saw the most attractive form of the Lord in the course of His travels did not care to look anywhere else. The unparalleled beauty and qualities of the Lord bewildered all observers.
20. The women said, “Glorious is she who has such a son. We offer our obeisances to her.”
21. The aged mothers ofEast Bengal could not
find appropriate words to praise the good fortune of Sacidevi, the mother of
Gaura. They would say, “By holding the Lord in her womb, Sacidevi’s life has
become successful.” Following in the footsteps of Sacidevi, many ladies who
worshiped the Lord in the mood of vatsalya-rasa were enthused to serve the Lord
in that mood as they looked at Him with parental feelings.
22. “Fortunate is she who has such a husband. The life of that chaste lady has become successful.”
23. The married ladies ofEast Bengal realized
the good fortune and perfection of accepting a woman’s birth attained by
Laksmidevi, the wife of Gaura, and they engaged with her in the Lord’s service
in the mood of awe and reverence. They did not forget their own constitutional
position as eternally separated expansions and attempt to establish abominable
mundane debauchery as worship of Gaura in order to become gaura-bhogis, or
enjoyers of Gaura, like the fictitious gaura-nagaris.
24. In this way all the ladies and men who saw the Lord as He passed by repeatedly glorified Him in full satisfaction and offered prayers to the matchless form of the Lord. That Lord whom even the demigods desire to see now mercifully appeared before the vision of everyone.
25. Out of compassion, the Lord manifested His form, which is rarely seen by the demigods, to the people ofBangladesh .
By giving up duplicity born from the service of maya, those who were fortunate
enough to see the transcendental form of the Lord did not accrue any
inauspiciousness like followers of the path of preyas, temporary material
gratification, who are attached to material conceptions. The causeless mercy of
the Lord alone protected men and women who flourished with sensual knowledge
inspired by material perceptions from their enjoying spirit.
26. In this way Gaurasundara arrived in a few days at the bank of thePadmavati River
27. Though personally full in six opulences, after His marriage pastime Lord Gaurasundara crossed many villages and eventually arrived on the bank of the Padmavati in order to perform pastimes of accumulating wealth while imitating the activities of ordinary householders.
28. The current of thePadmavati
River Padmavati River
29. When Gaurasundara took bath in the Padmavati, she at once became most fortunate and the deliverer of all. Though the emanation of the Ganges from the lotus feet of Visnu indicates her quality of delivering people and destroying sin, the moment the Lord personally and directly immersed and bathed in the Padma, whose ability for delivering fallen souls was not as great as the Ganges, by the touch of the Lord’s feet she became equal to Ganga in her ability to purify people and destroy the sinful reactions of Kali.
30. The Padmavati River appeared most beautiful, being decorated with enchanting waves, banks, and flowing current. The Lord was so pleased to see the Padmavati that He remained there a few days to increase her good fortune. Just as the Lord had joyfully sported in the waters of theGanges
with His students, now the Padmavati achieved the same good fortune as the Lord
daily sported in her waters. Because Sri Gauracandra entered East
Bengal , it is considered glorious even today. People were
overjoyed to hear that Gauracandra was staying on the banks of the Padmavati River
31. News soon spread in all directions: “The crest jewel of teachers, Nimai Pandita, has arrived on the banks of the Padmavati.” The fortunate brahmanas all came to welcome the Lord with various gifts. Coming before the Lord, they offered their obeisances and humbly spoke as follows. “We consider ourselves most fortunate because of Your arrival here. That rare touchstone to whom we were to go with friends and money to study under in Navadvipa has now been brought to our doorstep by providence. There is no other teacher like You, for You are like the incarnation of Brihaspati. Rather, to compare You with Brihaspati is insufficient. We consider You a portion of the Supreme Lord.(isvarera amsa) Otherwise, such knowledge is not possible in anyone other than the Supreme Lord. This is our firm conviction. Now, we have one request of You: Please give us all some knowledge. O best of the brahmanas, please hear us. We study, teach, and accept only Your explanations. Now please accept us as Your students, and let the entire world sing Your glories.” The Lord smiled and agreed to their request. Thus He enjoyed pastimes inEast
Bengal for some days. The Lord attracted a large number of students
in East Bengal , and He would often wander on
the banks of the Padmavati
River East Bengal came
rushing to study under Nimai Pandita. The Lord taught them in such a merciful
way that within two months everyone became learned. Hundreds of students
received titles and returned home, and, hearing about this, many new students
joined.
32. After staying inEast Bengal for some
time, the Lord desired to return home. When the people of East
Bengal heard that the Lord was returning home, they brought
various gifts and wealth according to their capacity. They happily gave the
Lord gold, silver, waterpots, asanas, colorful blankets, various clothing, and
whatever other fine items they had in their homes. Lord Gauranga glanced
mercifully at everyone as He accepted their gifts. Many students came to
Navadvipa with the Lord to continue studying under Him.
33. Meanwhile, a pious swanlike brahmana named Tapana Misra arrived there. He was confused about the goal of life and the means for attaining it. Moreover, he could not find anyone to clear his confusion. He silently chanted his Krsna mantra day and night, but since he was not practicing other important limbs of devotional service he could not achieve peace.
34. The topmost limb of sadhana, congregational chanting of the holy names of the Lord, is the path demonstrated by Sri Caitanyacandra. None of the limbs of devotional service can be performed properly until and unless one accepts the support of chanting the holy names. This Tapana Misra got to learn.
35. While disturbed in this way, late one night the fortunate brahmana had an auspicious dream. A demigod (deva) appeared before the brahmana Tapana Misra and began to tell him some confidential topics.
36. “O sober brahmana, please listen. Steady your mind and do not worry. Go to Nimai Pandita. He will explain to you the goal of life and the means for attaining it. He’s not an ordinary human being; He’s Nara-Narayana Himself. He’s performing His pastimes as a human being to deliver the people of the world. Don’t disclose these facts to anyone, for this information is confidential even to the Vedas. If you do, you’ll be unhappy birth after birth.”
37. As the demigod disappeared, the brahmana woke from his sleep. After seeing that auspicious dream, he began to cry. Recovering from his trance, he exclaimed, “What good luck!” Then he immediately left to see the Lord. As the enchanting Sri Gaurasundara was sitting with His students on the bank of thePadmavati River
38. The Lord replied, “O brahmana, what can be said about your good fortune? Since you wish to worship Krsna, that is quite sufficient. Worship of the Supreme Lord, however, is difficult to achieve. The Lord Himself personally teaches the principles of religion for the age. He incarnates to establish four different religious principles in the four different ages, and thereafter He returns to His own abode. paritranaya sadhunam / vinasaya ca duskritam / dharma-samsthapanarthaya / sambhavami yuge yuge ‘To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I Myself appear, millennium after millennium.’ ‘Your son Krsna appears as an incarnation in every millennium. In the past, He assumed three different colors—white, red and yellow—and now He has appeared in a blackish color. [In another Dvapara-yuga, He appeared (as Lord Ramacandra) in the color of suka, a parrot.] All such incarnations have now assembled in Krsna.’ The yuga-dharma for the age of Kali is the congregational chanting of the holy names of the Lord. The four religious principles for the four ages are all meant for the deliverance of the conditioned souls. krite yad dhyayato visnum / tretayam yajato makhai / dvapare paricaryayam / kalau tad dhari-kirtanat ‘Whatever result was obtained in Satya-yuga by meditating on Visnu, in Treta-yuga by performing sacrifices, and in Dvapara-yuga by serving the Lord’s lotus feet can be obtained in Kali-yuga simply by chanting the Hare Krsna maha-mantra.’ Therefore the essence of all religious principles in the age of Kali is the sacrifice of chanting the holy names of the Lord. One cannot be delivered by following any other religious principles. Therefore the living entities cannot obtain their goal of life by either temple worship, sacrificial performance, or meditation. The Vedas are unable to fully describe the glories of one who chants the Lord’s names day and night, while even eating and sleeping. What to speak of mundane methods for achieving the goal of life, such as jnana and karma, performing the meditation of Satya-yuga, performing the sacrifices of Treta-yuga, or performing the temple worship of Dvapara-yuga cannot bear any fruit in Kali-yuga. Therefore there is no one more fortunate than one who always worships Lord Hari under the shelter of the holy names, which are nondifferent from Krsna. By congregationally chanting the holy names you achieve everything, including the goal of life and the means for attaining it. Love of Krsna is the sadhya, and congregational chanting the names of Krsna is the sadhana. Any questions that may arise in this regard can be resolved only by chanting the names of Krsna. harer nama harer nama / harer namaiva kevalam / kalau nasty eva nasty eva / nasty eva gatir anyatha. In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy the only means of deliverance is chanting the holy name of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way.
39. Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.
40. After hearing these instructions from the mouth of the Lord, Tapana Misra, the best of the brahmanas, repeatedly offered obeisances to the Lord. The Lord then embraced him, and out of ecstatic love the hairs of Tapana Misra stood on end. Tapana Misra felt spiritual ecstasy (parananda-sukha) after receiving the Lord of Vaikuntha’s embrace.
41. Nimai Pandita is the Godhead. God exists.
The argument of scholastic pastimes and marriage to the Goddess of Fortune
1. Sri Gaurasundara engaged day and night in His studies while residing in Navadvipa. After performing His morning rites, the Lord of Tridasa went to school along with His classmates.
2. The word tri, or “three,” in the word tridasera-natha, in consideration of places, refers to the Bhur, Bhuvar and Svar planetary systems; in consideration of time, refers to past, present, and future; in consideration of persons, refers to Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra; and the word dasa, in consideration of directions, refers to east, west, north, south, northeast, southeast, northwest, southwest, up, and down. The word tridasa refers to each of the ten directions—above, center, and below. Otherwise the word tridasa, in consideration of persons, refers to thirty-three demigods. From the less-intelligent point of view the word tridasa-puri refers to the heavenly kingdom, and the word tridasa-natha refers to Indra, the husband of Saci. And from the intellectual point of view it refers to Lord Upendra. Some people say that tridasa refers to the twelve Adityas, the eleven Rudras, the eight Vasus, and the two Asvini-kumaras. Yet others say that each of these thirty-three demigods represent ten million others. According to the learned viewpoint, all these word meanings are included within Vishnu. The phrase sishya-gana-satha indicates that since the disciples of the teacher Gangadasa Pandita were more or less subordinate to Nimai, they respected Him as the principle student and as good as their teacher.
3. The Lord would sit in Gangadasa’s class and continually engage in debate. The Lord would always defeat the arguments of anyone who disagreed with His explanations. After class, the Lord sat in the midst of His friends to discuss the subjects further. Murari Gupta did not care to sit in the Lord’s discussions, therefore the Lord desired to confront him. Nimai wore His cloth like a sannyasi, and He sat in the virasana posture.
4. yoga-patta refers to the way Vedic sannyasis wear their cloth. The piece of cloth circling tightly around the back and thigh like a belt that a sannyasi wears is called yoga-patta. The piece of cloth that a sannyasi wears wrapped around his side like a bangle that covers his back and hangs down to his knees is called yoga-patta. The word virasana refers to sitting (like a hero) with one’s left foot on the right thigh and right foot on left thigh. Placing the right foot on the left thigh and the left foot on the right thigh while placing the left hand on the left thigh and raising the right hand in an argumentative pose is called virasana.
5. He was smeared with sandalwood pulp and decorated with tilaka. The effulgence of His beautiful teeth condemned that of a string of pearls. In His fresh youth, at the age of sixteen, Sri Gauranga’s beauty captivated even Cupid. In knowledge, He surpassed Brihaspati, the spiritual master of the demigods. He would tease those who studied on their own. The Lord challenged, “Let us see who is intelligent enough to refute My conclusions. Some students don’t even know the rules of conjunctions, yet they are satisfied to study on their own. Thus they eventually become fools because they do not take help from someone in knowledge.” Nimai proudly challenged as follows: “There is no one more intelligent, more learned, and more knowledgeable in Navadvipa who can refute My conclusions. How surprising it is that although many people do not know the first lesson of grammar, how to join words, by the influence of their false ego they think they will become learned by independently studying their books! But in spite of their false ego, I can see that due to foreseen faults they achieve only foolishness while presenting their answers, because they do not come and study from Me, the Lord of Sarasvati and object of service for the crest jewels amongst learned scholars.” Hearing Nimai’s provocative statement, Murari Gupta did not say anything, but went on with his work. Although the Lord was pleased that His servant remained silent, He nevertheless continued to challenge him. He said, “O doctor, why are you studying here? You should go gather some leaves and herbs to cure the sick. The literatures on grammar are most difficult to understand, and they do not mention anything about mucus, bile, or indigestion. What will you learn by studying on your own? Better you go home and treat the sick. Murari Gupta is by nature most harsh, for he is an expansion of Lord Rudra. Still he did not become angry at Visvambhara. Have You asked me about a sutra, vritti, panji, or tika and not received a reply? You have not asked me, yet You claim that I don’t know anything. You are a respected brahmana, so what can I say? The Lord said, “So tell Me what you learned today.” Then as Murari began to explain, the Lord began to refute him. Murari would give one explanation, and the Lord would give another, yet neither the master or the servant could defeat the other. By the mercy of the Lord, Murari Gupta was a great scholar. The Lord was pleased, therefore, to hear his explanations. In satisfaction, the Lord touched Murari’s body with His lotus hand and Murari became filled with ecstasy. Murari Gupta thought, “He is certainly not an ordinary person.(prakrita-manushya kabhu e purusha nahe) Can an ordinary human being possess such knowledge? Just by His touch, my body was filled with ecstasy Why should I be embarrassed to study under Him? In all of Navadvipa there is no one more intelligent than Him.” Feeling satisfied in this way, the great doctor said, “Listen, Visvambhara, from now on I will study, practice my lessons, under You.”
6. The Lord opened His school at the house of the most fortunate Mukunda Sanjaya.
7. Mukunda Sanjaya was a resident of Sri Navadvipa and the father of Purushottama Sanjaya. In the vast Candi-mandapa of his house, Nimai Pandita taught grammar and similar subjects to him, his son, and various other students.
8. Candi-mandapa refers to a hall within the courtyard of a Hindu householder wherein worship and recitation of prayers to Candi, or Durga, is performed. It is also called devi-griha, “house of the goddess,” or thakura-dalana, “hall of the gods.” This place is generally offered to guests for their sitting.
9. The Lord said, “In the age of Kali, one who doesn’t even know the rules of conjunctions is still given the title of Bhattacarya. Let them refute My explanations, then I will accept them as actual Bhattacaryas and Misras.” In this way the Lord of Vaikuntha sportingly enjoyed His life as a scholar, yet none of His servants could recognize Him.
10. When mother Saci saw her son’s first symptoms of maturity, she began to make plans for His marriage. There was one qualified brahmana in Navadvipa named Vallabhacarya, who was equal to Janaka Maharaja.
11. In the Gaura-ganoddesa-dipika (44) it is stated: “Janaka, the great King of Mithila, has now appeared as Vallabhacarya. He is also accepted as Bhishmaka, the father of Rukmini. Sri Janaki, Rukmini, and Lakshmi were all his daughters.”
12. He had a daughter who appeared to be the personification of Lakshmi. That brahmana was constantly searching for a qualified husband for her. By providence (daive), one day when Lakshmi went to take bath in theGanges , Gauracandra was there at the same time.
Gauracandra smiled when He recognized His beloved Lakshmi (nija-lakshmi), and
Lakshmi mentally offered her obeisances to the Lord’s lotus feet. After recognizing
each other in this way, they both returned to their homes. Who can understand
the pastimes of Lord Gaurasundara? By the Lord’s will, that very day a brahmana
named Vanamali went to the house of mother Saci. That respected brahmana
offered mother Saci his obeisances, and she respectfully offered him a seat.
Vanamali Acarya then asked Saci, “Why aren’t you thinking about arranging your
son’s marriage?
13. The matchmaker Sri Visvamitra, who arranged the marriage of Sri Ramacandra and who was the brahmana messenger that Rukmini sent to Kesava, has now appeared as Vanamali Acarya.
14. “In Navadvipa resides one Vallabhacarya, who is born in an exalted family. He is pure, well behaved, and decorated with many good qualities. He has a daughter whose beauty, qualities, and temperament (rupe sile mane) are as good as Lakshmi. If you wish I will arrange their marriage.” Mother Saci replied, “My son is fatherless. Leave Him alone to study for some time. Later I will consider.
15. Mother Saci neglected or ignored the proposal for Nimai’s marriage suggested by the best of the matchmakers, Vanamali Acarya, and changed the topic of conversation. Therefore Vanamali did not get any rasa from Saci’s words, rather he perceived an absence of rasa or dry santa-rasa, that is, he perceived an indifferent unchangeable mood. That is why in ordinary alankara literature dry santa-rasa is not actually accepted as rasa, because it is devoid of the reciprocation of feelings, as stated: samasya nirvikaratvan natya-jnair naisha manyate—“Due to the unchanging nature of sama-bhava (santa-rasa), learned persons do not accept it as a rasa.”
16. As he left, by providence he met Gauracandra, who happily embraced him. The Lord inquired, “Tell me, where have you been?” The brahmana replied, “I was speaking with Your mother. I offered her a proposal for Your marriage, but for some reason I don’t understand, she refused. Hearing his words, Nimai remained silent for a moment. He then smiled and spoke a little more with the brahmana before returning to His house. When the Lord got home, He asked His mother, “Why didn’t you respect the brahmana’s proposal?” Mother Saci was pleased to receive an indication from her son. The next day she called the brahmana to her home. Saci said, “O brahmana, I’ve decided that you may immediately arrange what you proposed yesterday.” The brahmana took the dust from mother Saci’s feet and immediately left for the house of Vallabhacarya. On seeing the brahmana, Vallabha offered him a seat with great respect. Vanamali Acarya said, “Please hear me. Choose an auspicious day for the marriage of your daughter. The son of Jagannatha Misra, Sri Visvambhara, is highly learned and an ocean of good qualities. This great personality is the proper match for your daughter. Now you decide what you would like to do.” Vallabhacarya joyfully replied, “Such a husband for my daughter is achieved by great fortune. IfKrishna is pleased with me and Lakshmi and Parvati are
pleased with my daughter, then I will blessed with such a husband for my
daughter. You may arrange everything without delay. But I have one request that
I am embarrassed to disclose. I am poor and have no means to offer a dowry. I
can offer only five haritaki [myrobalan] fruits along with my daughter. Please
beg their consent.” Hearing the words of Vallabha Misra, Vanamali Acarya
happily completed all the formalities. He then returned to mother Saci’s house
and informed mother Saci, “The formalities have been completed. Now you may
choose an auspicious time for the ceremony.” When the Lord’s relatives heard
the news, they joyfully began to make arrangements. On an auspicious day they
held the Adhivasa ceremony, during which people danced and sang while musicians
played various instruments.
17. The rituals in which sandalwood pulp and flower garlands are offered the day before an auspicious ceremony is called Adhivasa.
18. All around the brahmanas recited Vedic hymns as Nimai, the jewel of the twice-born, appeared like the moon in their midst. At an auspicious moment the relatives and brahmanas offered sandalwood pulp and flower garlands to the Lord, thereby completing the Adhivasa ceremony. The relatives also satisfied the brahmanas by offering them sandalwood pulp, betel nuts, and flower garlands. Following tradition, Vallabhacarya also came and joyfully took part in the Adhivasa ceremony. After Nimai woke the next morning, He took bath, gave charity, and respectfully worshiped His forefathers. Auspicious sounds of singing, dancing, and musical instruments filled the atmosphere. Everywhere excited people were calling out, “Take this! Give that!” Many chaste women, well-wishers, friends, and respected brahmanas graced the function. Mother Saci happily satisfied the ladies with puffed rice, bananas, vermilion, betel, and oil. Demigods and their wives took the form of humans and unseen also happily attended the Lord’s marriage. Vallabhacarya joyfully worshiped the gods and forefathers according to Vedic injunctions. At an auspicious time, at dusk, the Lord arrived at the house of Vallabhacarya.
19. Go-dhuli-samaya refers to the time of sunset when the herds of cows return to the gosala and the dust from their hooves covers the sky. Generally this is a suitable time for auspicious activities like marriage. This time has three symptoms: (1) in autumn and winter season when the sun rays are mild and the sun appears to be red ball, (2) in summer and spring season when the sun is setting and only half of it is visible, and (3) in rainy and fall season when the sun becomes invisible after setting.
20. As soon as the Lord arrived, Vallabhacarya and his associates drown in an ocean of bliss. He then respectfully offered a seat to his son-in-law and welcomed Him according to Vedic injunctions. Vallabhacarya then had his beautifully decorated daughter brought before the Lord. Everyone began to chant the names of Hari as they lifted Lakshmi off the ground. Then Lakshmi was carried around Nimai seven times. As they placed her before Him, she offered Him obeisances with folded hands. As they finally exchanged flower garlands, Lakshmi and the original Narayana were both greatly pleased. After Lakshmi offered flower garlands at the feet of the Lord, she offered Him obeisances with full surrender. All that could be heard was the ecstatic chanting of “All glories to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Hari!” (jaya-jaya-hari) In this way, after they performed the ceremony of seeing each other’s face for the first time, the Lord sat down with Lakshmi on His left. The Lord’s fresh youthful beauty defeated that of Cupid, as Lakshmi then sat at His left side. Who has the ability to describe that wonderful scene and the happiness that was experienced at the house of Vallabha Misra? At last, Vallabhacarya, who is nondifferent from Bhishmaka, sat down to give away his daughter. The same lotus feet that are worshiped by Sankara and Brahma to obtain the power of creation were now worshiped by the respected brahmana, Vallabhacarya. He then also decorated the body of the Lord with cloth, flower garlands, and sandalwood pulp. After duly offering his daughter to the Lord, the brahmana became absorbed in an ocean of bliss. Thereafter the chaste women performed the various traditional family rituals. That night the Lord stayed at the house of Vallabhacarya, and the next day He returned home with Lakshmi. As the Lord and Lakshmi were carried home in a palanquin, people came running out of their house to see them. Both Lakshmi and the original Narayana were wonderfully decorated with sandalwood paste, flower garlands, ornaments, crowns, and bright kajjala. Everyone who saw them exclaimed, “How wonderful!” The ladies were all particularly amazed. Someone said, “They exactly resemble Siva and Parvati. They must have worshiped the Lord without duplicity for a long time. Someone else said, “They resemble Indra and Saci or Madana and Rati.” One girl said, “They are Lakshmi and Narayana.” Can a less fortunate girl possibly get such a nice husband? I conclude that they are Siva and Parvati.” Another girl said, “By their unparalleled beauty, it appears Sita and Rama are seated on that palanquin.” In this way the girls spoke in various ways as they joyfully watched Lakshmi and the original Narayana. When the couple arrived at Nimai’s house in the evening, they were festively greeted by dancing, singing, and the playing of musical instruments. Sacidevi with some other brahmana ladies then jubilantly welcomed her daughter-in-law home. Thereafter mother Saci satisfied the brahmanas, musicians, and dancers with money, cloth, and sweet words. Whoever hears these auspicious topics of the Lord’s marriage is never entangled in worldly life. With Lakshmi at the side of the Lord, the house of Saci appeared like Vaikuntha, the most effulgent abode.
21. By the arrival of Srimati Lakshmipriya-devi, who is the direct personification of one of the Supreme Lord’s internal potencies, known as Sri-sakti, the house of Sri Saci actually became the effulgent Vaikuntha abode of the Supreme Lord.
22. Sometimes Saci saw flames of fire at the side of her son, but when she looked again they were gone. When she sometimes smelled the fragrance of a lotus flower, she was utterly astonished. Saci thought, “I can understand the reason for this. This girl is a plenary portion of Lakshmidevi. That is why I see this effulgence and smell the fragrance of lotus flowers. Now we may not face any poverty like before. Otherwise where has everything come from since this daughter-in-law, Lakshmi, entered my house? In this way mother Saci had various thoughts, as the Lord almost but not quite manifest Himself. Although the Supreme Lord appeared in this world, out of His sweet will He did not manifest His covered pastimes to everyone. Who can understand the supreme will of the Lord? How and when does He perform His pastimes? Until the Lord Himself allows one to know Him, even Lakshmi has no power to understand Him.
23. By the supreme will of the Lord, His covered pastimes are beyond the perception of even His internal potencies.
24. The Vedas, Puranas, and other scriptures confirm that only one who is favored by the Lord can understand Him.
25. Nimai is God. God exists.
The proof of the marriage pastimes of Sri Gaura-Narayana, the Lord of Vaikuntha, with goddess Srimati Vishnupriya-Lakshmi
1. A. Mother Saci continually meditated on getting her son remarried. In Navadvipa there resided one most fortunate and compassionate devotee named Sri Sanatana Misra. He was simple-hearted, magnanimous, expert in entertaining guests, and always engaged in welfare activities. Moreover, he was truthful, he controlled his senses, he had a good birth, and he was famous as the Raja Pandita. Sanatana Misra hailed from a well-to-do family, so he easily maintained many other people. Sanatana Misra’s daughter had all auspicious characteristics. She was like the personification of Lakshmi, the mother of the universe. As soon as mother Saci saw her, she immediately thought that she was a suitable bride for her son. From her childhood, that girl took bath in theGanges two or three times a day. She had no engagement
other than serving her father, mother, and Lord Vishnu. She regularly met and
offered her humble obeisances to mother Saci at the Ganges
bathing ghata. Mother Saci happily blessed her, “May Krishna bless you with a
suitable husband.” Then, as mother Saci took her bath, she thought, “May this
girl be married with my son.” Sanatana Misra and his relatives also desired
that she be married to the Lord. One day Saci was inspired to call Kasinatha
Pandita to her home. Thereupon, she said to him, “Dear sir, please listen to my
request.”
1B. Kasinatha Pandita, the matchmaker resident of Navadvipa, was a crest-jewel amongst brahmanas. InKrishna ’s pastimes he
was the brahmana sent to Krishna with a
proposal for His marriage with Satyabhama. In the Gaura-ganoddesa-dipika (50)
it is stated: “The brahmana named Kulaka, whom Maharaja Satrajit sent to Lord
Madhava to arrange the Lord’s marriage with Satyabhama, appeared in Lord
Caitanya’s pastimes as Sri Kasinatha.”
1C. “Go tell Sanatana Misra that if he desires he may give his daughter to my son.”Kasinatha Pandita immediately left for the house of Sanatana Misra while chanting the names of Durga andKrishna .
Seeing Kasinatha, Sanatana Misra respectfully offered him an asana. Feeling
greatly honored, Sanatana Misra completed all formalities; proper respect with
great care and reverence was shown, and inquired, “Dear brother, what brings
you here?”Kasinatha replied, “I have a proposal for you. If you find it proper,
then please accept it. “Please give your daughter’s hand in marriage to
Visvambhara Pandita. I feel it is a perfect match. He is a qualified husband
for your daughter, and your chaste daughter is a qualified wife for Him.
Vishnupriya and Nimai Pandita are as suitable a match as Krishna
and Rukmini were.”After hearing the proposal, Sanatana Misra discussed it with
his wife and relatives to find out their opinion. They replied, “What is the
need for further discussion? You should immediately arrange the marriage. ”The
Raja Pandita then happily spoke to Kasinatha Pandita. “O brahmana, I will
certainly give my daughter in marriage to Visvambhara Pandita. If my family is
fortunate, then my daughter will be married to Him. So please go there and
inform them of my decision. I again confirm that I have accepted the proposal.”
Feeling satisfied, Kasinatha Misra returned to mother Saci and told her
everything. Mother Saci was pleased to hear that her proposal was accepted, and
she began to make the necessary arrangements. When the Lord’s students heard
news of His marriage arrangement, they were all filled with joy. Buddhimanta
Khan was the first to speak. “I will bear the entire expenditure of this
marriage.”Mukunda Sanjaya then said, “Listen, my dear friend. If you bear all
expenses, then what will I do?” Buddhimanta Khan replied, “Listen, my dear
brother. This marriage will not be like a brahmana’s marriage, which is
generally very simple. I will make such arrangements for the marriage of Nimai
Pandita that He will appear like a prince in the eyes of the people.
”Thereafter everyone agreed on an auspicious day and time to observe the
Adhivasa ceremony. A huge pandal was erected with banana trees placed in the
four directions. They decorated the marriage arena with waterpots, ghee lamps,
rice paddy, yogurt, mango leaves, and other auspicious items. They further
decorated the arena with designs drawn with colored powders. All the
Vaishnavas, brahmanas, and respectable people of Navadvipa were invited, “Come
in the afternoon and chew the pan of the Adhivasa ceremony.”In the afternoon on
the day of Adhivasa, the musicians all began to play their instruments. The
playing of various instruments like mridanga, sanani, jayadhaka, and karatalas
created a tumultuous sound. The professional blessers began to recite prayers,
and the chaste women made auspicious sounds. As the brahmanas chanted Vedic
mantras, Visvambhara, the crest jewel of the brahmanas, came and sat in their
midst. The brahmanas sat in groups around the Lord, and in this way everyone
was overjoyed at heart. Aguru, sandalwood paste, pan, and flower garlands were
brought out and offered to the brahmanas. Garlands
were placed on their heads, their bodies were smeared with sandalwood paste,
and each brahmana was given a box of pan. Nadia was full of brahmana families,
so innumerable brahmanas were present there. No one could count how many came
and went. Among them, some greedy brahmanas received their gifts and then
returned a second time in a different dress to again receive gifts. In the
ensuing commotion, they thus received sandalwood paste, pan, and flower
garlands a second time. Everyone was intoxicated with ecstasy and thus unable
to recognize one another. The Lord also smiled and gave instruction. “Give
sandalwood paste and garlands three times to everyone. Don’t worry about the
expenditure, give freely to everyone. ”By this instruction the Lord indirectly
forbade everyone from taking again and again. The Lord continued, “If a
brahmana is caught cheating, he’ll be criticized and thus disgraced.”
2. The most magnanimous Sri Gaurasundara gave instructions to give the brahmanas pan, betel nuts, garlands, and sandalwood three times so that those brahmanas who had once received pan, betel nuts, garlands, and sandalwood and came back again in different dress to receive these items again would be satisfied and all their desires would be fulfilled and so that unscrupulous people would be checked from condemning them as illegitimate greedy cheaters.
3. Being affectionate to the brahmanas, the Lord considered, “If they are given three times, then they will be fully satisfied.”All the brahmanas were happy to receive those gifts three times, so none of them further tried to cheat. In this way no one could understand how the Lord was served by Ananta Sesha in the form of garlands, sandalwood paste, and pan. What to speak of the gifts that people received, if the gifts that fell on the ground during distribution were collected it would have been sufficient for five marriages. Everyone’s heart was filled with ecstasy, and they exclaimed, “The Adhivasa ceremony was glorious! We have not seen such an Adhivasa ceremony performed even in the houses of the wealthiest men of Navadvipa. We have never seen anyone distribute sandalwood paste, garlands, and pan so indiscriminately.” Carrying ingredients for the Adhivasa ceremony, Sanatana Misra joyfully arrived. He came accompanied by brahmanas, family members, musicians, dancers, and singers. Following the Vedic injunctions, he then happily applied sandalwood pulp to the Lord’s forehead at an auspicious moment. At that time there arose tumultuous chanting in glorification of Lord Hari, and everyone began reciting mantras. The chaste women made auspicious sounds of ulu-dhvani. The singing and playing of musical instruments filled the entire house with ecstasy. After completing the Adhivasa ceremony, Sanatana Misra, the king of the brahmanas, returned home. Meanwhile, the Lord’s family members went to the bride’s house to perform the Adhivasa ceremony there. Family members of both the bride and groom also performed the rituals that were in current practice.
4. The word lokacara refers to worldly or traditional family customs or ceremonies that are not based on Vedic injunctions.
5. Early the next morning the Lord took bath in theGanges
and then worshiped Lord Vishnu. Thereafter He sat with His family members to
perform the Nandimukha ceremony.
6. The word nandimukha-karma is a combination of nandi— “glorification or good fortune” and mukha—“principle,” or nandi—“auspicious” and mukha—“beginning.” This ceremony is an elaboration of sraddha, or offerings to the forefathers. Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami, the author of Vaishnava smritis, has written in his Sat-kriya-sara-dipika: “Vaishnavas should not perform this ceremony out of fear of committing offenses against the holy names. In order to satisfy one’s forefathers one should remember Lord Vishnu, worship the spiritual master, and give cloth and foodstuffs in charity to the Vaishnavas and brahmanas according to one’s ability. In this way one’s forefathers will be satisfied.”
7. Musical instruments, dancing, and singing created a tumult, and on all sides the sweet sounds of triumphal rejoicing arose. Waterpots, rice paddy, yogurt, ghee lamps, and mango leaves were placed inside and outside of the house. On all sides, various colored flags waved and strings of mango leaves were tied to banana trees. Mother Saci and other chaste women then began to perform the various rituals that were in current practice. Saci first happily worshiped theGanges , and then she went along with a group
of musicians to worship goddess Shashthi. After worshiping Shashthi, she went
to the houses of her relatives, where she performed the rituals in current
practice before returning home. After worshiping Shashthi, she went to the
houses of her relatives, where she performed the rituals in current practice
before returning home. Thereafter Saci satisfied the women with puffed rice,
bananas, oil, pan, and vermilion. By the influence of the Supreme Lord, all the
items multiplied unlimitedly. Thus Saci also repeatedly gave the gifts to each
woman. The ladies all appeared to have taken bath in oil. There was not a
single woman who did not feel complete satisfaction. Meanwhile, in great
happiness at the house of Vishnupriya, her mother performed the various rituals
in current practice. After completing all the prescribed rituals, Sri
Gaurasundara sat down and relaxed for a while. Thereafter the Lord humbly
satisfied all the brahmanas with foodstuffs and cloth. The Lord respectfully
gave everyone charity according to their qualification. All the brahmanas
affectionately blessed Visvambhara and went inside His house to eat. As the
afternoon approached, everyone began to dress the Lord. The Lord’s beautiful
limbs were smeared with sandalwood pulp in which aguru had been mixed. His
forehead was smeared with sandalwood paste in the shape of a half-moon, and an
enchanting tilaka mark was drawn through it with aguru. He wore a wonderful
crown on His head, and fragrant flower garlands covered His body. He wore fine
yellow cloth with three corners tucked in, and His beautiful eyes were
decorated with kajjala. Durva grass was tied with a thread around His right
wrist, and He held a mirror and a fresh banana leaf in His hands. His ears were
adorned with gold earrings, and His arms were decorated with various jeweled
armlets. In this way everyone joyfully decorated the Lord’s limbs with
appropriate items. On seeing the beautifully decorated form of the Lord, all
the assembled men and women were overwhelmed and forgot themselves. At mid
afternoon, everyone said, “Now let us begin our auspicious journey. We will
pass through the streets of Navadvipa for a few hours and arrive at the bride’s
house right at dusk.” At that time Buddhimanta Khan happily brought an
exquisite palanquin for the Lord. Musical instruments and singing created a
tumult, while the brahmanas chanted auspicious Vedic mantras. Professional
blessers began to recite various prayers. The whole scene appeared as if bliss
personified had advented.(ananda-avatara) Lord Gauranga circumambulated His
mother and offered obeisances to the brahmanas. Then, as He got into the
palanquin, auspicious sounds of “Jaya! Jaya!”were heard in all directions. As
the women joined in with sounds of ulu-dhvani, nothing other than auspicious
vibrations could be heard. The Lord’s procession first proceeded to the bank of
the Ganges , where the half-moon was seen
overhead. Thousands of lamps were lit, and various fireworks were set off. The
procession was led by Buddhimanta Khan’s infantry, followed by the city tax
collectors. They in turn were followed by people carrying various colored
flags. Next came a group of jesters, who dressed in various costumes. They were
followed by diverse groups of dancers, who all danced jubilantly. Various
musical instruments were played like jayadhakas, viradhakas, mridangas,
kahalas, kettledrums, snare drums, conchshells, flutes, karatalas, varangas,
horns, and panca-sabdis. Who can name all the instruments that were played?
Millions of children danced along with the music, while the Lord watched and
smiled. What to speak of the children, even the learned scholars gave up their
inhibitions and danced. As they arrived at the bank of the Ganges ,
they sang, danced, and played musical instruments for some time. They showered
flowers on the Ganges and offered her
obeisances, then they proceeded to happily move through the streets of
Navadvipa. Everyone was astonished to see the extraordinary marriage
procession. They remarked, “We’ve seen large marriages in the past, but we’ve
never seen anything as opulent as this.”The pious men and women of Nadia who
saw the Lord’s marriage procession all floated in an ocean of bliss. Those
brahmanas who had beautiful daughters at home simply lamented. “We are most
unfortunate, so how could we marry our daughters to such a boy?”In this way the
Lord joyfully moved throughout every quarter of Navadvipa. Then at dusk the
procession arrived at the house of Sanatana Misra. At that time there was a
tumultuous sound of ulu-dhvani, and the musicians of both parties competed with
each other. Sanatana Misra came out and greeted the Lord with great respect. He
escorted the groom off the palanquin, embraced Him, and offered Him a suitable
seat. As Sanatana Misra showered the groom with flowers, he forgot himself in
happiness. Then Sanatana Misra brought the appropriate ingredients and sat down
to offer welcome to his son-in-law. He duly performed the welcome ceremony by
offering padya, arghya, acamaniya, cloth, and ornaments.
8. The word padya refers to water for washing the feet. The word arghya refers to ingredients that are offered in the hands for worship. These ingredients are listed in the Kasi-khanda as follows: “The following eight ingredients are offered as arghya: water, milk, kusa grass, yogurt, ghee, rice, barley, and white mustard.”The word acamaniya refers to water meant for washing the mouth. It is stated: “Water that is pure and devoid of foam that is offered for washing the mouth is known as acamaniya.”
9. Then Sanatana Misra’s wife and other ladies also welcomed the groom according to prescribed regulations. She first placed durva grass and rice paddy on the head of the Lord, then she offered Him arati with a ghee lamp of seven wicks. They showered the Lord with puffed rice paddy and coins while uttering sounds of triumph, and this way all the rituals in current practice were performed. Vishnupriya, who was nicely decorated, was then carried on a seat to the marriage arena. Thereafter, the Lord’s relatives joyfully lifted Him by raising His seat. Following current practice, the Lord was blindfolded with a cloth and the bride was made to circumambulate Him seven times. After circumambulation, Vishnupriya came before the Lord and offered Him obeisances. All the ladies then showered flowers on the couple, and the two groups of musicians began to play. As the men and women all offered loud praise from all sides, it appeared as though the personification of happiness had incarnated there. The universal mother, Vishnupriya, then offered a flower garland to the Lord and surrendered herself at His lotus feet. Then Lord Gauracandra sweetly smiled as He offered a flower garland to Vishnupriya. Thereafter Lakshmi and Narayana happily showered flowers on each other. Unseen by common people, the demigods headed by Brahma joyfully showered flowers on the couple.
10. While watching the transcendental pastimes of receiving and offering service through the exchange of garlands between Gaura-Narayana and Srimati Vishnupriya-devi, who is nondifferent from Maha-Lakshmi, Brahma and the demigods, who are devotees of Lord Vishnu, joyfully showered flowers while remaining unseen by people.
11. Then the associates of the bride lifted her and the associates of the groom lifted Him in a joyous competition over who could lift higher. One moment the associates of the Lord would win, and the next moment the associates of Vishnupriya would win. The people would smile as they informed the Lord [who was still blindfolded] of the results. The Lord smiled sweetly in reciprocation. In this way everyone there floated in an ocean of ecstasy. Thousands of torches illuminated the arena, and nothing could be heard other than singing and the playing of musical instruments. At the time when the bride and groom exchanged glances, the tumultuous sound of music filled the entire universe. After exchanging glances, Sri Gaurasundara sat down with Vishnupriya. At that time the ecstatic Sri Sanatana Misra sat down to offer his daughter in marriage. Following the Vedic injunctions, Sanatana Misra offered the Lord padya, arghya, and acamaniya. Then he chanted the prescribed mantras for giving his daughter in marriage. With a desire to please Lord Vishnu, Sanatana Misra then offered his daughter into the sacred hands of the Lord. He thereafter joyfully gave cows, land, bedding, servants, and maidservants to the couple. Sanatana Misra invited Vishnupriya to sit on the Lord’s left side and then began to perform the fire sacrifice. After performing the rituals prescribed by the Vedas and local custom, Sanatana Misra took the couple inside the house. Vaikuntha manifested in the house of Sanatana Misra. Finally they all sat to take their meal. After taking their meal, the Supreme Lord and His wife joyfully spent the auspicious night together. Kings of the past like Nagnajit, Janaka, Bhishmaka, and Jambavan all experience good fortune. That same good fortune was now experienced by Sanatana Misra and his family due to the previous service of Lord Vishnu. The next morning the most fortunate Sanatana Misra executed all the necessary traditional rituals. In the afternoon when it was time for the Lord to return home, the musicians, singers, and dancers began their performances. The sound of joy filled all directions, and the ladies joined in by making auspicious sounds of ulu-dhvani. The brahmanas offered their blessings by reciting verses appropriate for an auspicious journey. The musicians competitively played their dhakas, kettledrums, sanani, vadangas, and karatalas. The Lord offered His obeisances to the respectable persons there and sat on the palanquin with Vishnupriya. Then the best of the brahmanas departed along with His associates, while everyone chanted “Hari! Hari!”. Everyone who saw the Lord on the way glorified Him with appropriate words. The ladies said, “She is very fortunate. She must have served Lakshmi and Parvati for many lifetimes.”Someone said, “They look just like Siva and Parvati,”while someone else said, “They look like Lakshmi and Lord Hari.”Another person said, “This couple look just like Kamadeva and Rati,”and someone said, “They look like Indra and Saci.”Someone else said, “They look like Rama and Sita.”In this way all the pious ladies talked amongst themselves. The men and women of Nadia were so fortunate that they were able to see the opulences of the Supreme Lord and His consort. By the auspicious glance of Lakshmi-Narayana, all the people of Nadia became happy in all respects. As the Lord’s marriage party passed through the streets, they danced, sang, played musical instruments, and showered flowers in great ecstasy. At an auspicious moment the Lord and Vishnupriya arrived home in a merry mood. Thereupon mother Saci and other chaste women joyfully welcomed their daughter-in-law home. As Lakshmi-Narayana sat inside the house, the whole house was filled with sounds of joy. The ecstasy that was experienced there is beyond words, therefore who can describe its glories? Anyone who sees the marriage ceremony of the Supreme Lord is freed from all sinful reactions and returns to Vaikuntha.
12. The marriages based on sense gratification between ordinary men and women are known as bandhana, or bondage. But if a materialist sees the marriage pastimes of Sri Gaura-Narayana, the Lord of Vaikuntha, with goddess Srimati Vishnupriya-Lakshmi, then his desire for material enjoyment is vanquished, and as a result of the awakening of transcendental knowledge he will be freed from material existence and attain Vaikuntha. In order to destroy the desire for material enjoyment by imparting transcendental knowledge to miserly and materially attached fallen persons, to bring them to their original constitutional position in Vaikuntha, and to award them the eligibility for service that is rarely attained by the demigods, the most merciful Lord exhibited His transcendental marriage pastimes before the eyes of the general people.
13. Thereafter the Lord satisfied everyone—the dancers, the professional blessers, and the beggars—with cloth, money, and sweet words. The Lord also happily gave cloth to each of the brahmanas, relatives, and friends. Then the Lord mercifully embraced Buddhimanta Khan, who felt such ecstasy that it is beyond all description.
14. Sri Gaura-Narayana with goddess Srimati Vishnupriya-Lakshmi are Lord Hari, the Lord of Vaikuntha, and Lakshmi, the Goddess of Fortune, God and His Goddess. God exists.
The proof of the words of Isvara Puri, and the demigods speaking from the sky
1. As the number of atheists increased in Navadvipa, it became difficult to even hear the mention of devotional service. The devotees were all distressed to see that people were simply attached to illusory pleasures.
2. Although the Lord was absorbed in studying and teaching, He noted the devotees’ distress. He heard how the miscreants were constantly blaspheming the Vaishnavas.
3. Sri Gaurasundara is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the cause of all causes. All living entities are His devotees and controlled subordinate servants. Therefore, on seeing the pathetic sinful propensities, the lack of friendship, and the miserable condition of His servants, resulting from one servant being envious of another servant, His compassion was aroused. The devotees are never envious of other living entities, rather the nondevotees are envious of the devotees. That is why Lord Sri Gaurasundara, who is affectionate to His devotees, continued to hear about the criticism and torture of the pure devotees by the godless nondevotees, who had forgotten their constitutional position. In spite of hearing the blasphemy of His devotees, He had not yet manifest Himself before the eyes of the public as the only protector and maintainer of the devotees.
4. The Lord thus desired to manifest Himself, but He thought He should first visitGaya . The
supremely independent Lord Gaurasundara desired to see the holy place of Gaya .
5. The purport of the Lord’s visit toGaya
is as follows: Sri Gaurasundara desired to visit Gaya in order to personally enact the pastime
of accepting the dress of a devotee prior to exhibiting His opulence of being
the only shelter of His devotees.
6. After performing the sraddha ceremony for His father according to scriptural injunctions, the Lord departed forGaya
with many of His students. The Lord first took permission from mother Saci and
then happily left to see Gaya .
As the Lord passed through the various towns and villages on the way to Gaya , they were all
turned into holy places by the touch of His lotus feet.
7. Lord Sri Gaurasundara, whose sanctified feet are the source of all holy places, came here in order to purify the holy place ofGaya . In the Lord’s journey to Gaya , all those villages
and places that were marked by His lotus feet, which purify the entire
universe, became famous as most sanctified holy places.
8. The Lord and His students conversed, joked, and discussed various religious topics, and after a few days they arrived at Mandara Hill. The Lord first saw the Deity of Madhusudana at the top of the hill, and then He wandered about the hill according to His desire. While traveling like this, one day the Lord manifested a fever.
9. Although the original Supreme Personality of Godhead Sri Gaurasundara is eternally perfect and possesses a sac-cid-ananda body, in order to deceive and bewilder the conception and intelligence of the materialists, who are illusioned by maya, He performed the drama of becoming afflicted with fever just as the ordinary mundane body of a living entity who is forced to accept the fruits of his karma becomes afflicted with fever.
10. In order to instruct people, the Lord of Vaikuntha displayed a fever like an ordinary person.
11. In order that ignorant persons bewildered by maya would become more illusioned by seeing these pastimes of Sri Gaurasundara, and to exhibit the insignificance of their bewildered intelligence, Gaurasundara voluntarily accepted the affliction of fever.
12. When the Lord manifested His fever halfway toGaya , the hearts of His students were filled
with anxiety. They tried to cure Him with various remedies, but by the desire
of the Lord His fever did not subside. Then the Lord prescribed His own
medicine, “If I drink the water that has washed the feet of a brahmana, My
suffering will be relieved.”
13. When in spite of using various medicines the Lord’s fever did not subside, then in order to teach people the topmost position of brahmanas who are conversant with the science of Vishnu, the jagad-guru Lord, of His own will, exhibited the pastime of accepting the remedy of water that had washed the feet of a brahmana. By this act, the Lord on one hand exhibited the pastime of creating illusion for mortal beings who are entangled in the fruits of karma and who are eligible for the punishment of Yamaraja and on the other hand He protected the prestige of those topmost brahmanas who know the science of Vishnu. Just as in the pastimes of Narayana, the Lord increased the glories of His devotees by accepting the mark of Bhrigu’s foot on His own chest, in the pastimes of Gaura, He established the prestige of bodies that are related to Him.
14. The Lord then drank the water that had washed the feet of brahmanas in order to reveal its glories. As soon as the Lord drank that water, His fever subsided and He felt relief. According to the Vedas and Puranas, it is the nature of the Supreme Lord to drink the water that has washed the feet of a brahmana.
15. After being cured of His fever in this way, the Lord and His students came to the bank of the holyPunpuna
River Gaya . As the Lord entered
Gaya , the king
of holy places, He offered obeisances with folded hands. Thereafter the Lord
came to Brahma-kunda, wherein He took bath and offered oblations to His
forefathers. The Lord then entered Cakraveda and quickly went to see the lotus
feet of Lord Vishnu.
16. The word cakraveda refers to Gaya-tirtha. This is where the lotus feet of Vishnu are situated.
17. Countless flower garlands were stacked like a temple dome on Lord Vishnu’s footprints, which were surrounded on all sides by brahmanas. Unlimited sandalwood paste, flowers, incense, and cloth had been offered at the lotus feet of the Lord. The brahmanas appeared like divine beings as they described the glories of the Lord’s lotus feet. “Lord Siva accepted these same lotus feet in his heart, and these same lotus feet are constantly served by Lakshmi. These lotus feet were placed on the head of Bali Maharaja. O fortunate souls, now see those same lotus feet here. One who meditates on these lotus feet for even a moment never comes under the jurisdiction of Yamaraja. These lotus feet are rarely attained by even the best of yogis. O fortunate souls, now see those same lotus feet here. TheGanges emanated from
these lotus feet, and the servants of the Lord constantly keep these lotus feet
in their hearts. These lotus feet are most enchanting on the bed of Ananta. O
fortunate souls, now see those same lotus feet here.”Hearing the glories of the
Lord’s lotus feet from the brahmanas, the Lord became absorbed in ecstatic
love. As the Lord looked at those lotus feet, tears flowed from His lotus eyes,
His hairs stood on end, and He began shivering. Lord Gauracandra then began to
manifest ecstatic devotional service for the benefit of the entire world. The
brahmanas were all startled to see tears flow from the Lord’s eyes like the
unbroken flow of the Ganges . By the divine
will of the Supreme Lord, at that moment Sri Isvara Puri arrived at that place.
18. When Lord Sri Gaurasundara’s hair stood on end due to love of God while seeing His own lotus feet, by the will of the Lord and by providence, Sri Isvara Puripada arrived there as a mahanta-guru in order to serve his own Lord by assisting Him in His pastimes. In order to disclose that He is a descendent of Srimad Purnaprajna Madhvacarya Anandatirtha in the Vedic disciplic succession, Sri Gaurasundara, who is the Supreme Lord of all acaryas, inspired Isvara Puripada to come there.
19. On seeing Sri Isvara Puri, Sri Gaurasundara respectfully offered him obeisances. Isvara Puri was also delighted to see Gauracandra, and he happily embraced Him. In the ecstasy of meeting each other, they both became soaked with tears of love. The Lord said, “My journey toGaya has become successful the moment I was
able to see your lotus feet. If one offers oblations to the forefathers in a
holy place, then the forefathers are delivered. But one delivers only he to
whom the oblation was offered. By seeing you, however, millions of forefathers
are immediately freed from material bondage. Therefore holy places are not
equal to you, for you purify even the holy places. Please deliver Me from the
ocean of material existence. I surrender Myself unto you. I beg that you make
Me drink the nectar of Krishna ’s lotus
feet.”Isvara Puri then said, “Listen, dear Pandita. I know without doubt that
You are an expansion of the Supreme Lord(isvara-amsa).”
20. “You are the knower of all living entities’ bondage and liberation. You are an expansion of the Supreme Lord; in other words, You are directly the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and all other controllers are Your expansions. Can anyone other than an expansion of the Supreme Lord possess the extraordinary learning and characteristics that You have? I had an auspicious dream last night, and today I’ve obtained the fruits of that dream. O Pandita, I’m telling You the truth! I’m feeling great ecstasy every moment since I’ve seen You. From the time I saw You in Nadia, my heart has had no other attraction. I’m speaking the truth, nothing else. When I see You, I feel the happiness of seeingKrishna .”
21. “Since I saw You in Navadvipa, no other subject matter has occupied my heart. This is indeed the truth. There is no doubt about it. As soon as I see You with my eyes smeared with the ointment of love, I experience the same indescribable happiness as when I seeKrishna .”
22. Hearing His beloved Isvara Puri’s truthful words, the Lord smiled and said, “It is My great fortune.”The Lord then took leave of Isvara Puri and went to offer oblations to His forefathers. The Lord went to thePhalgu River
23. After enacting the pastime of offering oblations at Preta-gaya, the Lord satisfied the local brahmanas with dakshina in the form of various sweet words. It is seen that pilgrims offer excessive respect and donations to the priests atGaya . What
to speak of this, the foolish, most greedy pandas of Gaya have pilgrims worship their feet with
flowers and tulasi leaves and thus accumulate grave offenses. That is why the
Lord, rather than encouraging such offensive activities, satisfied the pandas
simply with sweet words.
24. After duly delivering the forefathers, the Lord happily went to Dakshina-manasa. He next went to Srirama-gaya, where He had previously performed sraddha in His incarnation as Ramacandra. In this incarnation He again performed sraddha at that place. Thereafter Lord Gaurahari went to Yudhishthira-gaya. Yudhishthira Maharaja had previously performed sraddha there. Out of affection for Yudhishthira, Gaura also performed sraddha there. All the brahmanas there sat around the Lord and directed Him in the procedures of the sraddha ceremony. As the Lord performed sraddha and offered oblations in the water, all the resident brahmanas grabbed the offerings and ate them.
25. Here, the extremely greedy nature of the brahmana priests ofGaya is seen.
26. Sri Sacinandana smiled on seeing this, and thus the brahmanas were freed from all material bondage. The Lord next offered sraddha at Uttara-manasa. He then went to Bhima-gaya. Thereafter the Lord performed the prescribed rites at Siva-gaya, Brahma-gaya, and finally at Shodasa-gaya. While at Shodasa-gaya, the Lord faithfully offered sraddha with sixteen ingredients on behalf of all His forefathers. Thereafter the Lord took bath at Brahma-kunda and offered oblations at Gaya-sira. The Lord then personally worshiped Lord Vishnu’s footprints with flower garlands and sandalwood paste. After completing His offerings of sraddha and satisfying the brahmanas at all the recommended places, the Lord returned to His room. After He took some rest, the Lord then sat down to cook. As soon as the Lord finished cooking, Sri Isvara Puri arrived there. Isvara Puri’s head was rolling back and forth in ecstatic love as he arrived there chanting the names ofKrishna .
The Lord immediately left the kitchen and, after respectfully offered
obeisances, He seated Isvara Puri comfortably. Isvara Puri smiled and said,
“Listen, O Pandita. I see I’ve come at the right time.”The Lord replied, “It
will be My good fortune if you accept your meal here today.”Isvara Puri smiled
and said, “Then what will You eat?”The Lord replied, “I will cook again.”Isvara
Puri then said, “What is the need for cooking again? Divide whatever You have
in two portions.”The Lord smiled and said, “If you really want to please Me,
then eat whatever I’ve cooked. I’ll cook again within a moment. You take your
meal without hesitation.”The Lord then gave His meal to Isvara Puri and happily
went to cook for Himself. Isvara Puri’s mind never deviated from the lotus feet
of Krishna , therefore the Lord bestowed such
mercy on him. The Lord served Isvara Puri with His own hands, and Isvara Puri thus
ate in great ecstasy. At that time Ramadevi, the goddess of fortune, quickly
cooked for the Lord while remaining unseen by all.
27. Remaining out of the sight of materially conditioned living entities, Sri Maha-Lakshmidevi, who is the dearmost maidservant of Gaura-Narayana, immediately cooked nectarean foodstuffs for her beloved husband.
28. Then, after the Lord first fed Isvara Puri, He happily ate Himself. The Lord with His own hands then smeared sandalwood paste on the body of Isvara Puri. The Lord said, “I came toGaya
to offer oblations to My forefathers. Now that I have seen Isvara Puri, My
journey has become successful.”On another day the Lord went privately to Isvara
Puri and in sweet words requested him for initiation. Isvara Puri replied, “What
to speak of mantra, I can give my life to You.”Then in order to instruct
everyone, the Lord accepted the ten syllable mantra from Isvara Puri. The Lord
then circumambulated Isvara Puri and said, “I fully surrender Myself unto you.
Please glance mercifully on Me, so that I may float in the ocean of love of Krishna .”Hearing the Lord’s words, Sri Isvara Puri
embraced Him. The bodies of both became soaked with their tears and agitated
due to ecstatic love. In this way, while bestowing mercy on Isvara Puri, Sri
Gaurahari remained in Gaya
for a few days. As the time became ripe for the Lord to reveal Himself, His
loving devotional sentiments increased day by day. One day the Lord sat down in
a solitary place and began to meditate on His ten syllable mantra. After some
time, when the Lord regained His external consciousness, He began to shed tears
and call for Krishna . “O My dear Krishna ! O father! O Hari, My life and soul! Where did
You go after stealing My heart? I saw My Lord, but now where has He gone?” The
Lord then began to cry and recite various verses. The Lord was absorbed in
sentiments of ecstatic love, and His entire body was covered with dust. He
loudly cried out in distress, “Where did You go, leaving Me behind, My dear
child Krishna ?” That Lord who was previously
most grave now became greatly agitated in ecstatic love. He rolled on the
ground, cried loudly, and floated in the ocean of devotional feelings of
separation. Then, after some time, Nimai’s students came and pacified Him with
great care. The Lord said to them, “You all go back to Navadvipa, I will not
return to material life.(samsara) I must go see Mathura, where I’ll see the
Lord of My life, Sri Krishnacandra.”The students tried in various ways to
solace the Lord and keep Him peaceful. The Lord of Vaikuntha, however, was
absorbed in devotional sentiments and His heart was agitated, so how could He
remain peaceful? Early one morning, without informing anyone, the Lord departed
for Mathura in
ecstatic love. As Lord Gaura walked, He called out, “O Krishna! O My dear
child! Where can I find You?” After traveling a while, the Lord heard a voice
from the sky (divya-vani) say, “O crest-jewel of the brahmanas, don’t go to Mathura now. You will go
when the appropriate time comes. Now You should return to Your house in
Navadvipa. You are the Lord of Vaikuntha, and You have appeared along with Your
associates to deliver the people of the world. When You distribute the wealth
of ecstatic love, Your kirtana will inundate innumerable universes. You have
advented to distribute that love which Lord Ananta always glorifies and which
Brahma, Siva, and the four Kumaras are overwhelmed with. This fact is known to
You. We are Your servants, therefore we offer this reminder at Your lotus feet.
O Lord, You are supremely independent; whatever You desire cannot checked by
anyone. Therefore, O Lord, please return home. You will see the city of Mathura later.”
29. The demigods spoke from the sky, “O Supreme Lord Gaurasundara! As Your eternal servants we are reminding You that You have appeared in this world to distribute love of God through the chanting of the holy names. At present there is no need for You to go toMathura .
You are the supreme controller of everyone; no one can transgress Your supreme
will. Therefore don’t go to Mathura
now, rather return to Sri Mayapur-Navadvipa.”
30. After hearing the voice from the sky, Sri Gaurasundara was satisfied and stopped His journey. The Lord returned to His room inGaya and then took His students back to
Navadvipa, where He revealed the devotional service of Krishna .
After Lord Gauracandra arrived in Navadvipa, His loving sentiments began to
increase day by day.
31. Nimai is God. God exists.
The proof of the words of Advaita Acarya
1. Nimai’s students spoke to Him:”When You were teaching us yesterday in the town, a pious brahmana recited one verse. On hearing that verse from the Srimad Bhagavatam, You fell unconscious. We were amazed to see that there were no symptoms of life visible in Your body. The way You cried after regaining consciousness, it appeared that the goddessGanga had
manifested there. When You eventually started shivering, even a hundred persons
were unable to hold You still. The hairs of Your entire body stood on end, and
Your golden form was smeared with sweat, saliva, and dust. Everyone who saw You
was struck with wonder and said, ‘This person is Narayana Himself.’ Someone
said, ‘The mercy He has received is comparable to that received by Vyasadeva,
Sukadeva, Narada, and Prahlada.’ Then with all their strength they all held You
still, and shortly after You regained external consciousness. Since the past
ten days You have explained that devotional service to Krishna
and the holy name of Krishna is the meaning of
every word of every sastra. For the last ten days our studies have been held
up, and we were afraid to inform You of this. You know the unlimited meanings
of every word. Who has the power to contradict even Your light-hearted
comments?”
2. The Lord said, “Your studies have been held up for ten days! Shouldn’t you have informed Me of this?” The students replied, “Your explanations were correct. The purport of all scriptures is thatKrishna
is the Absolute Truth. This is real study and the essence of all scriptures,
and it is our fault if we do not accept it. Whatever You have explained is
fundamental truth and the only knowledge worthy of the name. It is due to our
own misdeeds that we do not accept it.”
3. “Although the only aim, intention, and purport of all scriptures is to understandKrishna , due to our own offenses we
do not accept Your scriptural explanations based on Krishna .
Actually our only goal is to realize the meaning of words in the way You
explain and have explained, but due to the fault of misfortune our minds are
incapable of grasping the true purport of the essence of all scriptures as
explained by You.”
4. The Lord was pleased on hearing the students’ words. Out of compassion, He began to speak as follows. The Lord said, “My dear brothers, whatever you have said is true. But do not tell anyone what I have said. O brothers, I speak in this way because all I see is a blackish complexioned child playing on His flute. I hear only the name ofKrishna , and I
behold the entire world as the abode of Govinda.”
5. Sri Gaurasundara is saying, “I am always seeing a blackish complexioned young boy attracting everyone with the sound of His flute. Since I constantly see Him only, I always chant His name and sing His glories. The sound vibration that enters your ears is simply the names ofKrishna ;
and the material world, the field of enjoyment, that you are presently seeing
around you is not actually a place for your enjoyment, rather it is
Vaikuntha-Goloka, the place of Krishna ’s
enjoyment.”
6. “I humbly apologize to all of you. From today on I will not continue with studies. am giving you permission to study with whomever you like without fear. No word other thanKrishna manifests to Me.
This is the true state of My mind. ”After speaking in this way, Mahaprabhu,
with tears in His eyes, tied up His books. The Lord’s students offered
obeisances and said, “We also make the same resolution as You, following Your
footsteps, we are also retiring from studies. Now that we have studied under
You, what can we learn from anyone else?” Being afflicted with separation from
their teacher, all the students wept and began to speak as follows. “May the
explanations that we have heard from You remain in our hearts, birth after
birth. Whom can we approach, and what can we study? We are quite satisfied with
whatever we have learned from You.” After speaking in this way, all the
students offered respects to the Lord with folded hands and then tied up their
books with cords. The students loudly chanted ‘Hari, Hari.’ Then the crest
jewel of the twice-born began to cry as He embraced everyone. The students
cried with their heads down, and they all merged in the ocean of transcendental
bliss. The voices of all the students became choked. Then the Lord, Sri Sacinandana,
blessed them all. “If I have been the servant of Krishna
for even one day, then may all of your desires be fulfilled. All of you take
shelter at the lotus feet of Krishna , and may
your mouths be filled with the names of Krishna .
Constantly hear the names of Krishna . May Lord
Krishna be your life and wealth. Whatever you have learned is enough. There is
no need for further studies. Now let us chant the names of Krishna
together. By the mercy of Krishna , let the
purport of the scriptures be revealed to you. You are all My friends, birth
after birth.” On hearing the Lord’s nectarean words, the students became filled
with ecstasy. In this way the Lord’s scholastic pastimes came to an end and the
congregational chanting of the holy names was begun. The students surrounding
the Lord were choked with tears as He mercifully spoke to them. You have
studied and listened for many days; now let us chant the names of Krishna together to make everything complete.”
7. The Lord said, “As a result of studying and hearing linguistic literatures for so long, I have understood that chanting the names ofKrishna
is the only essence and fruit of such studying and teaching. It is the only
purport of the Vedas.
8. The students asked, “How shall we perform sankirtana?” The son of Saci then personally taught them to chant as follows.
9. “(hare) haraye namah krishna yadavaya
10. namahgopala govinda rama sri-madhusudana”
11. “O Lord Hari, O Lord Krishna, I offer my obeisances to You, who are known as Hari, Yadava, Gopala, Govinda, Rama, Sri Madhusudana.”
12. The Lord then demonstrated for His students the process of kirtana by clapping His hands while chanting. The Lord of kirtana personally chanted His glories as His students surrounded Him and all chanted together. Absorbed in the sweet taste of His own name, the Lord rolled in the dust under its overpowering influence.
13. He who is engaged in kirtana is the object of the kirtana. The holy names of the Lord and the Lord Himself are nondifferent, and Gaura andKrishna are nondifferent. Therefore when Mahaprabhu sings
His own glories, the madhurya-rasa of Krishna ,
the Lord of Goloka, and the aisvarya-rasa of Narayana, the Lord of Vaikuntha,
are manifested.
14. The Lord repeatedly fell down here and there while crying out, “Chant! Chant!” The earth cracked under His repeated falls. On hearing the sound of the uproar, all the inhabitants of Nadia came running to the Lord’s residence. All the Vaishnavas who lived nearby immediately came there when they heard the sound of the kirtana.
15. When the devotees saw the Lord overwhelmed with ecstasy, they thought they had never experienced anything so wonderful. They became fully satisfied at heart, thinking, “Now kirtana has been inaugurated in the town ofNadia . Is there such rare
devotion in the world? The purpose of the eyes is fulfilled by the sight of
such devotion. This Visvambhara was the ultimate limit of all arrogance, yet
now we have seen in Him love of God that is rare for even persons like Narada.
If such an arrogant person can attain such devotion, then we cannot understand
the will of Krishna or what this person will
become. After a while Lord Visvambhara regained His external consciousness, but
He continually chanted the name of Krishna .
Although the Lord regained His external consciousness, He did not talk of
external subjects. Rather, He cried while holding the necks of all the
Vaishnavas. Thereafter, all the Vaishnavas pacified the Lord and departed in
great delight. Some of the students happily took the path of renunciation by
following in the footsteps of the Lord. In this way Mahaprabhu began to manifest
Himself, and the miseries of all the devotees were vanquished.
16. In great satisfaction they went to Advaita and informed Him of what they had seen. The most powerful Advaita immediately understood through the influence of His devotional service, “The Lord has incarnated.(avatariyache prabhu)”
17. When Advaita Acarya heard this news, He became fully absorbed and began to speak as follows. O brothers! Please hear Me. Last night I saw something in a dream. I was not understanding well the meaning of a passage I had read in Bhagavad-gita, so I was unhappy and took rest without eating. In the dead of night someone came to Me in a dream and said, ‘Rise, Acarya! Go and take Your meal. I am telling You the meaning of the text that You read. Now get up, eat, and worship Me. Why are You feeling sad? You have obtained everything. Your resolution has been fulfilled. Your fasting, Your worship, Your tears while crying out the nameKrishna , and Your vow with
raised arms—all to induce the Lord’s advent—have now become successful. The
chanting of Krishna ’s names will be spread to
all countries (sarva-dese), all towns (nagare-nagare), and all houses
(ghare-ghare). Devotional service that is rare for even Lord Brahma will now be
available to everyone by Your mercy. All the Vaishnavas will experience
realizations at the house of Srivasa Pandita that are rare for even Lord
Brahma. Therefore, eat Your meal. I am departing now, but I will come again
while You are eating.’
18. “When I opened My eyes, I saw this Visvambhara, but He soon disappeared from My sight. I cannot understandKrishna ’s
mysteries, such as which form He manifests or in whom He manifests. His elder
brother, Visvarupa, used to come and study Bhagavad-gita with Me. This child,
Visvambhara, was most enchantingly attractive. He used to come to My house to
call His brother. On seeing the beauty of this child, My heart was captivated.
I blessed Him with the words, ‘May You attain devotional service to the Lord.’
He is from an aristocratic family, for He is the son of Nilambara Cakravartis
daughter. He is also most erudite and possesses all good qualities, so it is
befitting that He has devotion to Krishna . I
have become very pleased on hearing this news. All of you kindly bless Him,
saying, ‘May it be so.’ May the mercy of Krishna
be manifest to all, and may the entire world become intoxicated by the name of Krishna . If all this is true, then everyone will come to
the house of this brahmana.” Advaita Acarya roared loudly in ecstasy, and all
the Vaishnavas chanted in jubilation. As they all chanted the names of Hari,
Lord Krishna manifested there in the form of kirtana.
19. Visvambhara is Mahaprabhu, God. God exists.
The proof of the pastimes of Advaita Prabhu’s spiritual realization and the Lord revealing Himself.
1. One day the Lord happily went with Gadadhara to see Advaita. When They arrived, the two Prabhus saw Advaita Acarya sitting and worshiping the Lord withGanges water and tulasi leaves. Advaita
raised His two arms and loudly chanted, “Hari, Hari.” He completely forgot
Himself as He laughed one moment and cried the next. He roared like an
intoxicated lion. His wrath was so intense it appeared that the great Rudra had
advented. As soon as Lord Visvambhara saw Advaita, He fell unconscious to the
ground. By dint of His devotion, the mighty Advaita could recognize, “Here is
the Lord of My life (prana-natha).” He thought, “O My thief, where will You go
today? You have been wandering about all these days hiding just like a thief!”
2. The word cora (an ordinary local word, used in this case as a noun) means “thief,” “cheater,” or “ one who conceals his identity.” The phrase curi kari’ means “deceiving by hiding one’s identity.”
3. “Your thievery will not work with Advaita, rather I will steal from this thief right now!”
4. The word corai means “the act of stealing.” The second line of this verse is explained as follows: (Advaita Prabhu thinks :) “ Just as My Lord Visvambhara, the covered incarnation, is deceiving Me by concealing His identity, I will similarly take advantage of His present condition by stealing and plundering from this thief (in this case, I will openly worship Him and disclose His superior position) without Him knowing.”
5. Understanding that it was the proper opportunity for stealing, Advaita came down from His seat with articles for worship.
6. The word curira means “ for stealing,” “ for plundering,” or “ for snatching,” but in this case it means “ for disclosing the complete supremacy of Sri Mahaprabhu, who as the covered fountainhead of all incarnations has concealed His actual identity, by openly worshiping Him to His [Advaita’s] full satisfaction.”
7. Thereafter Advaita Acarya began to worship the lotus feet of Sri Caitanya by offering padya, arghya, acamaniya, sandalwood paste, flowers, incense, and lamp. He then offered His obeisances while reciting the following verse.
8. namo brahmanya-devaya go-brahmana-hitaya ca
9. jagad-dhitaya krishnaya govindaya namo namah
10. (In the Vishnu Purana, Prahlada Maharaja prayed :) “Let me offer my respectful obeisances unto Lord Krishna, who is the worshipable Deity for all brahminical men, who is the well-wisher of cows and brahmanas, and who is always benefiting the whole world. I offer my repeated obeisances to the Personality of Godhead, known asKrishna and
Govinda.”
11. Advaita fell at the Lord’s feet as He repeatedly recited this verse. Recognizing His Lord, He cried profusely. He washed the Lord’s two lotus feet with His tears and stood by the Lord’s feet with folded hands.
12. Gadadhara smiled, bit his tongue in surprise, and said, “O Gosani! It is not proper to behave like this towards a boy.” The phrase jihva kamadai’ refers to biting or pressing the tongue with one’s teeth (while making a face indicating disapproval, extreme embarrassment, forbiddance, or prohibition).
13. On hearing Gadadhara’s words, Advaita smiled and said, “Gadadhara, you will recognize who this boy is some day.” Gadadhara was struck with wonder and thought, “ Perhaps the Supreme Lord has appeared.” (avatirna hailaisvara)
14. Lord Visvambhara then tried to hide Himself by offering prayers to Advaita with folded hands. The Lord offered His obeisances to Advaita and took the dust from Advaita’s lotus feet. Then He surrendered His body to Advaita. “My life has become successful by seeing You. Only by Your mercy will I be able to chant the name ofKrishna . O Mahasaya, please be
merciful to Me! Know for certain that I belong to You. You alone are capable of
destroying My material bondage, for Krishna is
always manifest in Your heart.” Advaita thought, “You think You are very
clever, but I have stolen from the thief.”
15. bhari-bhuri means “cleverness,” “cunning,” “expertise,” “bravery,” “braggery,” “shrewdness,” or “maturity.”
16. Sri Advaita Prabhu thought, “In spite of concealing Your identity as the Lord of the fourteen worlds and endeavoring to expand My glories, I have successfully recognized Your most confidential supremacy by serving You while You were unconscious. Your actual identity has manifest to Me; in other words, realizing that You are Vrajendra-nandana, I have disclosed to everyone that You are the covered fountainhead of all incarnations.”
17. Thereafter Advaita Prabhu smiled and said, “O Visvambhara, to Me You are greater than all! I wish to live here and discuss topics ofKrishna
with You, so that I can constantly see You. It is the desire of all Vaishnavas
to see You and chant the holy names of Krishna
with You.” The Lord happily accepted Advaita’s words and then returned home.
Advaita knew that the Lord had revealed Himself, yet to test Him, He went to
Santipura. “If He is actually the Lord and I am actually His servant, then He
will bind Me and bring Me to His side, by tying with the ropes of mercy or
servitorship.”
18. Srila Advaita Prabhu is a plenary portion of Maha-Vishnu, who lies on theCausal Ocean
19. In this way, Mahaprabhu Visvambhara daily engaged in congregational chanting of the holy names in the company of the Vaishnavas. Everyone was greatly pleased to see Visvambhara, but they could not recognize Him as their worshipable Lord.(apana-isvara). His state of supreme spiritual absorption distinguished Him from others, and on seeing this, everyone became suspicious. Who can describe the Lord’s blissful absorption other than Lord Sesha, the thousands-headed Lord Ananta? When His body began to shiver, even one hundred people were not able to hold Him steady; and when tears flowed from His eyes, it appeared as if hundreds of rivers were flowing. When the hairs of His body stood on end, His body looked like a golden jackfruit. Again and again He would laugh loudly with great jubilation. Sometimes in ecstasy He lost consciousness for three hours, and on regaining consciousness He would not speak about anything other thanKrishna . The ears of
people were pierced by His loud roar, but by His grace the devotees were
delivered. Sometimes His entire body assumed the stationary form of a pillar,
and sometimes the same body became as soft as butter. When the devotees saw
these wonderful sights, they no longer considered Him an ordinary human being.
Someone said, “This person is a partial incarnation of the Supreme Lord.”
Someone else said, “Lord Krishna sports in His body.” Someone said, “He may be
Sukadeva Gosvami, Prahlada, or Narada.” Another said, “It appears that all our
troubles will be vanquished.” All the wives of the devotees said, “It appears
that Krishna has personally appeared.”
(krishna asi’ janmila apani) Someone said, “Perhaps He is an incarnation of the
Supreme Lord (prabhu-avatara).” In this way they all considered the Lord in
their own way. I am unable to describe how the Lord held the devotees by the
neck and began to cry when He regained external consciousness.
20. He said: “O My Lord, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, O friend of the helpless! You are the only ocean of mercy! Because I have not met You, My inauspicious days and nights have become unbearable. I do not know how I shall pass the time. Where will I findKrishna , who
plays on His flute?” Speaking in this way, He sighed deeply and wept.” When He
became calm, the Lord said to His intimate devotees, “Now I will relate topics
of My distress to you.” The Lord said, “There is no end to My distress, because
after achieving Kanai, the Lord of My life, I then lost Him. While returning
from Gaya I
came to the village named Kanai Natasala. I saw a beautiful boy, blackish like
a tamala tree. His enchanting curly hair was decorated with fresh gunja. His
head was decorated with a colorful peacock feather, and the jewels on His body
were so bright that I could not see Him properly. He held an enchanting flute
in His hand, and His lotus feet were adorned with attractive ankle bells. His
arms were decorated with jeweled ornaments and defeated the beauty of blue
columns. His chest was adorned with the mark of Srivatsa, the Kaustubha gem,
and jeweled necklaces. How can I describe the manner in which He wore His
yellow garments? His shark-shaped earrings increased the beauty of His lotus
eyes. He smiled as He approached Me, and after embracing Me, He ran away.”
While speaking in this way, Visvambhara lost consciousness and fell to the
ground exclaiming, “O Krishna!” The devotees quickly picked Him up as they all
chanted, “Krishna , Krishna .”
They pacified Him and brushed the dust from His body. Although the Lord was
pacified, He could not remain quiet. He continuously cried, saying, “Where is Krishna ? Where is Krishna ?”
After a while, Sri Gaurasundara became calm and exhibited extreme, natural
humility. Everyone present became greatly satisfied on hearing the Lord’s
explanation of His devotional sentiments. They said, “We are indeed blessed,
because You have made us most fortunate with Your association. “ For one who
associates with You, what is the value of Vaikuntha? A single moment with You
yields the fruit of devotion. We are all dependent on You. May You lead us in
kirtana. Our bodies are burning from the fiery words of the atheists. Please
relieve us with the cool waters of Your love.” Thereafter the Lord happily
solaced everyone and returned to His house like a maddened lion. Although He
returned home, He did not enjoy household pleasures. Rather, He constantly
enjoyed transcendental bliss. The tears of love that flowed from His eyes were
such that it appeared that the Ganges , which
flows from His feet, was now flowing from His eyes. The only words the Lord
spoke were, “Where is Krishna ? Where is Krishna ?” Even on inquiry about anything other than Krishna , there was no other reply. When the Lord saw any
devotee, He asked, “Where is Krishna ?” One day
Gadadhara happily came before the Lord with some betel nuts in his hand. On
seeing Gadadhara, the Lord asked, “Where is that blackish Krishna ,
who is dressed in yellow cloth?” All the devotees there felt as if their hearts
were pierced on seeing the Lord’s intense longing. Everyone was perplexed about
how to reply. Gadadhara anxiously replied, “Krishna
always resides within Your heart.” As soon as the Lord heard the words, “Krishna is in Your heart,” He began to scratch at His
chest with His fingernails. Gadadhara quickly caught the Lord’s hands and
pacified Him with various words of solace. Gadadhara said, “Be patient, Krishna will come now,” as mother Saci looked on. Mother
Saci became very pleased with Gadadhara and thought, “I haven’t seen such an
intelligent boy before. Out of fear, I cannot stand before Him. Yet how nicely
this boy has consoled Him.” Mother Saci said, “My dear boy, always remain with
Him. Do not leave Him and go anywhere else.” On seeing the Lord’s wonderful
ecstatic love, mother Saci no longer considered Him her son. She thought, “This
personality is not an ordinary human being. Can tears flow like that from the
eyes of an ordinary human being? I do not know what great personality has
appeared in my family.” Frightened in this way, mother Saci did not come before
the Lord. In the evening, all the devotees gradually assembled at the Lord’s
house. At that time Sri Mukunda began to recite various verses glorifying
devotional service. The most fortunate Mukunda had such a divine voice that as
soon as the crest jewel of brahmanas heard him, He became absorbed in trance.
The Lord began to loudly cry out, “Hari bol!” He then fell on the ground in
various directions, and no one could hold Him.
21. All transformations of ecstatic love like fear, laughter, shivering, perspiring, hairs standing on end, and thundering voice simultaneously manifested in His body.
22. Since the gravity and most exalted position of Srimati Radhika, who bewildersKrishna and who is the ultimate
shelter of those who have taken refuge of the conjugal rasa, are superior to
all, the anubhavas, sattvika-bhavas, and vyabhicari or sancari-bhavas
simultaneously and fully manifest in Her heart for the pleasure of Krishna ’s senses. Therefore it is not at all astonishing
that these bhavas will simultaneously manifest in the heart of the Lord, who is
absorbed in the mood of Srimati Radhika.
23. On seeing this unique manifestation, the devotees sang in great joy. The loving sentiments of the Lord could not be checked. The entire night passed like a moment. In the morning the Lord seemed to regain some external consciousness. In this way the son of Saci regularly performed kirtana in His house throughout the day and night. Thus the Supreme Lord inaugurated the performance of kirtana. As a result, all the devotees’ distress was mitigated. As Sri Sacinandana loudly cried out, “Hari bol!” the sleep of the atheists was repeatedly broken. When the happiness of their sleep was broken, the atheists became angry and blasphemed according to their desires for their own ruination. Someone said, “What madness has come upon them?” Someone else said, “We are unable to sleep at night.” Someone said, “The Lord will become angry because of this loud noise, and that will result in their destruction.” Another said, “Rather than cultivating knowledge, they are acting most arrogantly.” Someone said, “Who knows what kind of kirtana they are doing? That foolish brahmana Srivasa is behind all this. In order to fill their bellies by begging, these four brothers loudly call out the name ofKrishna as if they
were afflicted by insanity. Can they not achieve piety by chanting in their
minds? Does chanting loudly bestow greater piety?” Someone else said, “O
brothers, we are doomed! Because of Srivasa, the entire country will be ruined.
This morning I heard that on the King’s order two boats are on their way here.
The King has heard about the loud kirtana in Nadia, therefore he has ordered
that they be arrested and brought before him. When the Vaishnavas heard this
news, they all subdued their fears by remembering Govinda. “Whatever
Krishnacandra ordains must take place. Why should one fear wicked persons when
the Lord is there?” Srivasa Pandita was most liberal. He had firm faith in
whatever he heard.
24. Since Srivasa Pandita was a very simple and liberal devotee; he believed whatever anyone told him. He particularly had fear that in the jurisdiction of a king who was opposed to the Hindu religion anything was possible. Considering that the Yavanas were ruling the kingdom, he became fearful. And Gauracandra knew the heart of His devotee. The devotees did not know that the Lord had personally appeared, therefore the son of Saci began to reveal Himself. Mahaprabhu Visvambhara, who was incomparable throughout the three worlds and more attractive than Cupid, fearlessly wandered about Navadvipa. Fragrant sandalwood pulp was smeared all over His body. His lotus eyes and crimson lips were enchanting. His curling hair adorned His face, which resembled the full moon. A brahmana thread enhanced the beauty of His shoulders and His exquisite form. He was dressed in fine cloth, and His lips were tinged with the color of betel. He happily proceeded towards the bank of theGanges .
“In spite of hearing the rumors, He is not at all frightened. He wanders about
town like a prince.” Visvambhara fearlessly looked around and saw before Him
the beautiful flowing Ganges and its charming
banks. He saw nearby a herd of grazing cows, who were lowing as they came to
the bank of the river to drink water. Some of the cows raised their tails and
ran about, some of them fought each other, some laid down, and some drank
water.
25. On seeing this, the Lord repeatedly thundered, “I am He, I am He.”
26. The phrase muni sei means “I am that son of Nanda, the King of the cowherd men.”
27. In that mood, the Lord rushed to Srivasa’s house, where He loudly exclaimed, “O Srivasa, what are you doing?” The Lord kicked again and again on the door of the room in which Srivasa was worshiping Nrisimhadeva.
28. “Who are you worshiping? Who are you meditating on? Look, He whom you are worshiping is standing before you.”
29. Srivasa Pandita saw a blazing fire, and his meditation was broken. He opened his eyes and looked around him. He saw Visvambhara sitting like a hero and holding conch, disc, club, and lotus in His four hands. The Lord repeatedly roared like an intoxicated lion as He slapped the left side of His stomach. On seeing Him, Srivasa Pandita began to tremble and became completely speechless. The Lord said, “O Srinivasa! All these days you did not know about My appearance? “ By your loud chanting and Nadas (= Narayana, the word nara refers to the aggregate of living entities, and the word ayana refers to the shelter,or Maha-Visnu, who is Advaita Acarya) roaring I left Vaikuntha and came here with My associates. You are living unconcerned without I will deliver the saintly persons and destroy the miscreants. Do not worry. Offer prayers toMe. ” recognizing Me, and
Nada has avoided Me by going to Santipura.”
30. Srivasa cried out of love on seeing the Lord, and the fear in his heart was dispelled by the Lord’s assurance. Srivasa’s entire body became filled with ecstasy, and he stood up with folded hands and began offering prayers to the Lord.
31. (Lord Brahma had prayed toKrishna ) “My
dear Lord, You are the only worshipable Lord, the Supreme Personality of
Godhead, and therefore I offer my humble obeisances and prayers just to please
You. O son of the King of the cowherds, Your transcendental body is dark blue
like a new cloud, Your garment is brilliant like lightning, and the beauty of
Your face is enhanced by Your gunja earrings and the peacock feather on Your
head. Wearing garlands of various forest flowers and leaves, and equipped with
a herding stick, a buffalo horn and a flute, You stand beautifully with a morsel
of food in Your hand.”
32. “I offer my respectful obeisances at the lotus feet of Visvambhara, whose bodily complexion is the color of a newly formed cloud and who is dressed in yellow garments. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of Sacis son, whose head is decorated with strands of fresh gunja and a peacock feather. I offer my respectful obeisances at the feet of Gangadasa Pandita’s student, who wears a forest flower garland and holds yogurt rice in His hand. I offer my respectful obeisances at the feet of Jagannatha Misra’s son, whose attractive form defeats the beauty of millions of moons. I offer my obeisances unto You, who are adorned with horn, stick, and flute. You are that person who is addressed by the four Vedas as the son of Maharaja Nanda. I offer my obeisances unto You. You are Vishnu, You areKrishna , You
are the Lord of sacrifice. The holy waters of the Ganges
emanate from Your lotus feet. You are the life and soul of Janaki, and You are
Nrisimhadeva. Lord Brahma, Lord Siva, and others are all servants of Your lotus
feet. You are the knower of Vedanta, and You are Narayana. It was You who
deceived Bali as Vamana. You are Hayagriva,
and You are the life and soul of the entire universe. You are the moonlike Lord
of Nilacala and the cause of all causes. Who is not bewildered by Your mystical
energy? Even though goddess Lakshmi lives with You, she does not know Your
glories. You bewilder even that Lord who serves as Your companion, friend, and
brother, so what to speak of others? You have thrown me into the illusion of
household life. I have simply wasted my life without understanding You. You
have deceived me through various illusions. You have even carried my flower
basket and dhoti. O Lord of my life, please listen. That does not make me fearful,
for You have now appeared before my eyes. Today all my miseries are vanquished.
Today is the most auspicious day for me. Today my life and activities have
become successful. Today all good fortune has awakened for me. Today my
forefathers have been delivered. Today my home is truly blessed. Today there is
no limit to the good fortune of my eyes, for I am seeing He whose lotus feet
are served by Rama, the goddess of fortune.” While speaking in this way,
Srivasa Pandita became overwhelmed in ecstasy. He raised his arms, cried, and
sighed deeply. The most fortunate Srinivasa rolled on the ground after seeing
that most wonderful manifestation of Sri Gauracandra. The Lord smiled after
hearing the prayers of Srivasa. Being compassionate to Srivasa, the Lord spoke
to him.
33. “Bring your wife, children, and other members of your household and let them see My form. In the company of your wife, worship My lotus feet and ask for any benediction you desire.” He offered at the feet of the Lord whatever flowers were there for the worship of Vishnu. In the company of his wife, the brahmana cried as he worshiped the lotus feet of the Lord with sandalwood paste, flowers, incense, and lamps. Srivasa Pandita led his brothers, wife, servants, and maidservants in humbly falling at the lotus feet of the Lord. Lord Visvambhara is the well-wisher of Srinivasa, so He placed His lotus feet on the heads of everyone there. Unseen by all, the Lord touched everyone’s heads with His lotus feet. He smiled and said, “May your minds be fixed on Me.” Lord Visvambhara roared loudly and spoke to Srinivasa as follows.
34. “O Srinivasa! Are you afraid of something? Is there some rumor that the King’s boat is coming to arrest you? By My own supreme will, I am the director of all living entities in the innumerable universes. Although I am unattached, I, in My form as the Supersoul, reside in the hearts of all living entities in the universe and make them wander by My own will. Without My inspiration, no one is able to act in any way. The King will have you arrested only if I make him do so. If I, as the Supersoul, inspire the King to arrest you, then only will the King order your arrest. If this were not the case—if he independently ordered your arrest—then this is what I will do. If that does not happen—in other words, if against My inspiration and independent will as the Supersoul, or without being directed by the Supersoul, if the King independently orders your arrest—then I will desire as follows. I will be the first to board the boat and present Myself before the King. Will the King remain sitting on his throne after seeing Me? I will bewilder him and drag him down. I am the Lord of innumerable universes and the supreme controller of all controllers, therefore the King will not be able to remain seated on his throne. I will certainly overwhelm and control him. If this does not happen and he holds Me for questioning, then this is what I will tell him. Listen, O King, bring all your Mullahs and Kazis to ascertain the truth.
35. Molla (mullainTurkey )
refers to a great Mohammedan scholar, religious priest, or judge. The word kaji
refers to a judge or guide for giving instructions on Muslim religious principles
and morality.
36. “O King, bring all the elephants, horses, animals, and birds that you have. Instruct your Kazis to recite your scriptures (their Koran scripture) and make those creatures cry.” If they are unable to do this, then I will manifest Myself to the King. “You dared to stop sankirtana on the advice of these fellows! Everyone has now seen what power they actually have. Now behold My power with your own eyes.” After saying this, I will bring an intoxicated elephant before him; I will gather the elephants, horses, deer, and birds and induce them to chant the name ofKrishna and
cry. I will induce everyone to chant the name of Krishna
and cry, including the King and his subjects. Do not maintain the slightest
doubt. I will show you now before your own eyes.”
37. The Lord then looked at Srivasa’s niece, a small girl named Narayani, standing before Him. Even today Narayani is known among Vaishnavas as the recipient of Lord Caitanya’s remnants. Sri Gauranga, the Supersoul of all living entities, ordered her, “Narayani, chant the name ofKrishna
and cry.” That four-year-old child immediately acted like she was mad. She
cried, chanted, “O Krishna,” and forgot herself. Tears flowed from her eyes to
the ground, making the area around her wet. Lord Visvambhara smiled and said, “Now
have your fears been dispelled?” The expert speaker Srinivasa knew all truths.
He raised his arms and spoke to the Lord.
38. “O Lord, when You, in the form of time, annihilate the entire creation, I am not afraid due to the power of Your holy names. So what is there to fear now that You are personally present in my house?”
39. After speaking in this way, Srivasa Pandita became overwhelmed as he and his associates saw the Lord’s opulences. He whom the four Vedas desire to see was seen by Srivasa’s servants and maidservants.
40. Gauranga Mahaprabhu is God, God exists.
The proof of the glorification of the demigods
1. One day the Lord was joyfully wandering about the city looking at His creation with Nityananda.
2. When Brahma, the creator of the universe, saw that Sri Gaurasundara had incarnated in this world, he considered himself fortunate. Lord Brahma, the engineer of the universe, considered himself fortunate when he realized that he had attained the merciful glance and attention of the Lord.
3. It appeared that two moons were wandering about, and everyone appreciated Their presence according to their surrender.
4. All the demigods watched from outer space. On seeing the two moons, various thoughts went through their minds.
5. The demigods considered their respective abodes to be earth and the earth to be heaven.
6. The demigods began to consider themselves as less powerful human beings, and they considered the human beings, who were refreshed by the rays of the two moons, Gaura and Nitai, to be superior to themselves.
7. On seeing the two moons, they thought, “We have never seen two moons together in heaven.”
8. One of the demigods said, “Listen to my words. One is the original moon, and the other is a reflection.”
9. Lord Krishnacandra is the original moon, and Baladeva is His manifestation. In Laghu-bhagavatamrita (1.21) it is stated: “If numerous forms, all equal in their features, are displayed simultaneously, such forms are called prakasa-vigrahas of the Lord.”
10. One of the demigods said, “Perhaps because of our good fortune the creator has made these two moons appear simultaneously.”
11. Someone said: `A man is born as his own son,' there is a similarity between the father and the son. Mercury is the son of the moon and therefore as good as his father. Perhaps of these two moons, one is the son of the other.”
12. It was not at all wonderful that the demigods were bewildered by the Lord's form, which even the Vedas cannot ascertain.
13. “It is He only who first imparted the Vedic knowledge unto the heart of Brahmaji, the original living being. By Him even the great sages and demigods are placed into illusion, as one is bewildered by the illusory representations of water seen in fire, or land seen on water. Only because of Him do the material universes, temporarily manifested by the reactions of the three modes of nature, appear factual, although they are unreal.”
14. Lord Caitanya isKrishna , the Supreme
Personality of Godhead and Lord Nityananda is the Servant God, the first
expansion of Krishna , called Balarama.
15. God exists.
The proof with Advaita acarya’s chastisement
1. Visvambhara in His external consciousness, He would offer respect to all the Vaishnavas, and particularly to Advaita.
2. Mahaprabhu always displayed intense eagerness to pleaseKrishna
and acted like He did not even glance at the world of material enjoyment. The
moment His glance fell on the external world, He immediately engaged in the
service of Vishnu's devotees. He thus displayed the pastime of serving Sri
Advaita Acarya with awe and reverence, but Advaita Prabhu was not pleased by
this. His only purpose in life was to serve Sri Caitanya. Therefore He
considered the Lord's exhibition of respect to Him as a frustration of His own
good fortune.
3. “This thief constantly harasses Me by giving up His superior position and grabbing hold of My feet. The Lord is most powerful, so by force I cannot check Him from taking dust from My feet. The only alternative I have is the power of devotional service, for no one can recognize Visvambhara without devotional service. When I smash His illusion into pieces, then only will My name Advaita-simha be glorified.
4. This thief has become proud after defeating Bhrigu, but He doesn't know that I have hundreds of disciples like Bhrigu.
5. Lord Narayana accepted Bhrigu's footprint on His chest to exhibit His affection for His devotees and demonstrate that he [Bhrigu] was a fool. Since ignorant people are more prone to be deceived, they consider Bhrigu more respectable than the Supreme Lord. But, as Sri Advaita Prabhu is “Maha-Vishnu” and a Vaishnava acarya, He recognized the foolishness of Bhrigu. Therefore, while displaying His external anger and pride, He declared that He has hundreds of disciples like Bhrigu.
6. Sri Gaurasundara, who is nondifferent from Vrajendra-nandana, could not hide the stealing propensities of His Syamasundara pastimes from Advaita Prabhu.
7. He endeavored with a desire to obtain punishment from Sri Caitanyadeva to reverse the concept that He was worshipable. Thinking in this way, He desired to place artificial obstacles in the gaura-avatara's preaching of devotional service to belittle the Lord's pastimes as a servant.
8. “I will make the Lord so angry that He will punish Me by His own hand. Although the Lord has incarnated to preach devotional service, I will not show any respect to such devotional service—this is My resolution. If I do not accept devotional service, then the Lord will forget Himself out of anger and punish Me by pulling My hair.”
9. After contemplating in this way, Advaita Prabhu happily departed with Haridasa.
10. He came home on the pretext of some work and contemplated His resolution.
11. Intoxicated with ecstasy, He constantly swayed back and forth as He glorified jnana while commenting on the book named Yoga-vasishtha.
12. “Devotional service to Vishnu is like a mirror. But if one is not endowed with eyes in the form of jnana, then this mirror has no use. If there are no eyes, then what is the use of a mirror? After studying all scriptures from beginning to end, I have understood that jnana is supreme.”
13. Haridasa knew well the characteristics of Advaita, therefore on hearing this explanation he laughed loudly.
14. Those who were fortunate understood the characteristics of the devotee Advaita and thus realized the supremacy of devotional service to the Lord. Those who were unfortunate and sinful could not understand the purpose of Advaita Prabhu and attained inauspiciousness by accepting impersonal jnana as superior to devotional service. They obtained only impediments on their path of progress.
15. Mahaprabhu is the original source of fulfilment for everyone's desires. Therefore He could certainly understand the internal mood of Advaita. When Sri Advaita Prabhu saw the Lord offer Him great respect despite His endeavor to serve Mahaprabhu with His body, mind, and speech, then to counteract this situation He made a show of establishing bhakti as less enlightening by giving more importance to jnana.
16. Addressing Nityananda, Visvambhara said, “Let us go to Advaita Acarya's house in Santipura, He disturbed My sleep by preaching jnana. He is covering the glories of devotional service. See Yourself how I will punish Him today! Today We will see how He defends the process of jnana.”
17. By the influence of His devotional service, Advaita Prabhu was most powerful. He understood that His desire to be punished by the Lord would soon be fulfilled.
18. Advaita Prabhu realized that the Lord was coming in an angry mood, and He began to explain jnana more enthusiastically.
19. Sri Advaita Prabhu desired to achieve abundant mercy in the form of chastisement from Sri Gaurasundara, so He rocked back and forth out of respect for Mayavada, which is averse to devotional service. Therefore, on arriving there with Nityananda, Mahaprabhu displayed anger towards those envious of devotional service.
20. When the Lord arrived at the house of Advaita, at that time Haridasa Thakura was living also there so he and Acyuta, the son of Advaita offered their obeisances seeing Lord Gauranga.
21. The wives of Advaita offered their obeisances to the Lord within their minds. They were filled with anxiety on seeing the Lord's mood.
22. Visvambhara's bodily effulgence was like that of millions of suns. Everyone became frightened on seeing this.
23. In an angry mood the Lord said, “O Nada! Tell Me, which is superior—jnana or bhakti?”
24. Advaita replied, “Jnana is always superior. What is the use of devotional service for one who does not have jnana?” For a person on the path of jnana there is no need to remain on the path of devotional service.
25. On hearing Advaita say that jnana was superior, the son of Saci lost His external consciousness out of anger.
26. Since Advaita said that jnana was more glorious than bhakti, Mahaprabhu dragged Him into the courtyard and began to profusely beat Him in order to teach people.
27. Although she knew everything, Advaita's chaste wife and mother of the universe tried to restrain the Lord.
28. She said: “Spare His life, He is an old brahmana! For whose benefit do You chastise Him?
29. The wife of Advaita said, “Advaita has become very old. Killing a brahmana is prohibited in the scriptures. If a brahmana is killed by excessive beating, then it is impossible for the person responsible to become free from the offense.”
30. In His anger, the Lord did not hear those words befitting a chaste wife. He roared and threatened Advaita with proud words.
31. “I was sleeping in the ocean of milk when You, Nada, woke Me to fulfill Your mission. You brought Me to reveal the science of devotional service, but now You are covering devotional service with Your explanations on jnana. If Your intention was to cover devotional service, then why did You have Me incarnate? I never frustrate Your resolve, but You always deceive Me.”
32. After He stopped beating Advaita Prabhu, the Lord sat down at the doorway and began to loudly reveal the topics of His wonderful pastimes.
33. “O Nada, it was I who killed Kamsa. You know everything, don't You?
Brahma, Siva, Sesha, and Lakshmi all engage in My service. The cunning imposter Vasudeva was killed by My cakra.
Varanasi
was completely burned by My cakra, and the mighty Ravana was killed by My
arrow.
My cakra cut off the arms of Banasura, and My cakra destroyed Narakasura.
It was I who held up Govardhana Hill with My left hand, and it was I who brought the parijata flower from heaven.
I deceivedBali and
then bestowed mercy on him. It was I who killed Hiranyakasipu to save
Prahlada.”
34. In this way the Lord revealed His opulences, and Advaita floated in an ocean of ecstatic love while listening.
35. Advaita was filled with ecstasy after receiving His punishment. He clapped His hands and danced in humility.
36. He said: “I have received proper punishment for My offense. O Lord, You are very kind and have actually given Me only a token punishment. Now I have realized Your supremacy. You have suitably punished Me for My fault. Now the relationship between the Lord and His servant has been strengthened.”
37. Advaita danced in ecstasy throughout the courtyard. He frowned and spoke to the Lord as follows.
38. “I am Your eternal servant. I am not an oppressor of the Lord and the devotees as is Durvasa. If I had actually become envious of the devotional service of Hari like Durvasa, then You could have condemned Me. But I am Your devotee. My name is Advaita, and I am Your unalloyed servant. My only wish is to honor Your remnants birth after birth. By the influence of Your remnants I am unaffected by Your illusory energy. You have punished Me, now give Me the shelter of Your lotus feet.”
39. After saying this, the Lord of Santipura devotedly fell down and placed His head at the Lord's feet.
40. Visvambhara respectfully picked Advaita up and cried profusely as He embraced Him.
41. Visvambhara felt embarrassed for having beaten Advaita, so He happily awarded Advaita a benediction.
42. “I will bestow mercy on any living entity—even an ant, insect, animal, or bird—who takes shelter of You for even a moment, even if that living entity commits hundreds of offenses against Me.”
43. On hearing the benediction, Advaita Mahasaya began to cry. He caught hold of the Lord's feet and humbly spoke as follows: “O Lord, whatever You spoke can never prove false, but please listen to My declaration.
44. “May the devotion of My descendants and so-called disciples who give up Your service and eagerly engage in My service destroy them. This is My declaration. I will not accept anyone as My own if they have no love for the service of Your lotus feet. I am prepared to totally forsake all such descendants and disciples. Anyone who worships You is My life and soul. I cannot tolerate a person who disregards You.
45. “I cannot look at the face of a vaishnava-aparadhi, even if he happens to be My son or servant.
46. “If one transgresses You and worships millions of demigods, those demigods will kill him on some pretext. These are not simply My words, they are the words of the Vedas.
47. “One who transgresses You and offers Me obeisances is cutting off the head of his worshipable Lord and then trying to remedy the situation.
48. Although Duryodhana was a disciple of Baladeva, he and his family members were killed because he disregarded You.
49. Hiranyakasipu received benedictions from Brahma, yet he and his family members were killed when he disregarded You.
50. The ten-headed Ravana, who took pleasure in cutting off other's heads, worshiped Siva, yet he was nevertheless killed along with his family members when he disregarded You.
51. Worshiping the demigods headed by Siva while disregarding You is like watering the leaves of a tree after cutting its root.
52. “You are the root of the Vedas, brahmanas, sacrifice, and religious principles. I do not accept the worship of one who does not worship You.”
53. When Sri Sacinandana heard Advaita's explanation of the Absolute Truth, He roared loudly and spoke: “Everyone listen to My words. Any fallen soul who disrespects My servant and worships Me cuts Me into pieces. His worship feels like fire to My body. My wish-fulfilling holy names destroy one who blasphemes My servant.”
54. “All living entities in the innumerable universes are My servants, so anyone who blasphemes any living entity is ruined.”
55. “You are more important than My own body, so if anyone transgresses You, he will be unable to tolerate his fate.
56. “If even a sannyasi blasphemes an innocent person, he goes to hell and all his religious principles are destroyed.
57. Raising His arms, Lord Gauranga declared to the world, “Avoid offenses and chant the names ofKrishna ! If one who is free
from blasphemy chants the name of Krishna even
once, I will certainly deliver him.”
58. When Mahaprabhu spoke these words, all the devotees chanted, “Jaya! Jaya!”
59. Advaita cried and grabbed the Lord's two lotus feet. The Lord also began to cry as He embraced Advaita.
60. Lor Gauranga, the deliverer of all conditioned souls, is the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
61. God exists.
The argument of the revelation to a brahmana and his son
1. One day the brahmana Vanamali and his son arrived at the home of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. In ecstasy, Vanamali said to himself: "Visvambhara is none other then God Himself. By seeing Him, I have attained perfection. My sufferings have vanished simply by seeing Lord Gauranga". The next day Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Gaura-nataraja (the king of dancers) danced exuberantly in the midst of the sankirtana party, chanting and dancing on the Hare Krishna maha mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare....Vanamali and his son became enchanted by a most extraordinary sight. Gauranga appeared as a beautiful young boy with a body the color of a monsoon cloud. The Lord was wearing bright yellow cloth, held a flute and had a peacock feather in his hair. All Gauranga's followers took forms as cowherd boys of Vraja. Vanamali and his son also saw Radharani along with Syamasundara,Krishna and the
pleasure groves of Vrindavana. They saw the Giriraja-Govardhana mountain, the
Yamuna river, the different forests of Vrindavana. They saw the cows, gopa's,
gopi's, and the desire trees.
2. Mahaprabhu and His associates areKrishna
and His associates.
3. Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the Navadvipa priests
1. Seeing Nimai at one occasion, the brahmana priests of Navadvipa spoke that:
"Gaura Hari, Nimai is not a mortal being. Perhaps He is a demigod.” Then they concluded: ”However His astoundingly brilliant effulgence indicates that He is none other then the Supreme Lord Govinda Himself".
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists
The argument of Mahaprabhu revealing His majestic Narayana form, the God of all gods
1. Gauranata Raja (the king of dancers) danced and chanted. Then suddenly He remembered Laksmidevi, the goddess of fortune. Gauranga transformed Himself in a 4-handed Visnu form.
2. Mahaprabhu is God, God exists
The proof of the revelations
1. The Lord regularly visited the houses of His devotees and exhibited to them His various forms such as His four-armed, six-armed forms, Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Vamana, Narasimha, Rama etc.
2. Mahaprabhu displayed His four-armed Narayana form, holding conch, disc, club, and lotus, to many fortunate persons.
3. He displayed His six-armed form to some others. The combination of the two arms of Nrisimhadeva, two arms of Rama, and two arms ofKrishna
comprise the shad-bhuja, or six arms. The right hand of Nrisimhadeva displays
bhakta-vatsalya, or affection for the devotees, the nails of His left hand tear
apart the hearts of those who are envious of the devotees; the bow and arrows
in the two hands of Ramacandra destroy the name and fame of the materialists;
and the flute in the two hands of Krishna attracts the devotees imbued with
love of God. Sri Gaurasundara exhibited His six-armed form in order to display
these three pastimes.
4. Another six-armed form of the Lord is to destroy one's desires for wealth, fame, and material enjoyment. We see a bow and arrows in the hands of Rama, a flute in the hands ofKrishna , and a
danda and waterpot in the hands of Sri Caitanyadeva. The two arms of Rama
destroy the Lanka of gold [or wealth], the two arms of Vrajendra-nandana
holding the flute destroy the Cupid of attachment [or material enjoyment], and
the two arms [of Caitanyadeva] destroy 1. The various philosophies that create
false arguments and disturbances in this world. These have made those who do
not traverse the path of the Absolute Truth averse to devotional service. The
Lord has punished those persons who are overwhelmed by such disturbances by
holding a danda in one hand, and 2. The deceitfulness of persons who desire the
material fame (e.g. of enjoying the association of women) by holding a waterpot
in His other hand.
5. The Lord exhibited His various naimittika, or occasional, forms like Matsya, Kurma, Vamana, Narasimha, and Rama, who are worshiped with awe and reverence and who eternally reside in Vaikuntha.
6. In order to ensure that people would not discriminate after seeing various forms of Vishnu and imagine Them to be different Gods, the Lord displayed His eternal forms according to the favorable taste of His devotees.
7. In order to deliver people from the clutches of those who give up the worship of the Lord, who desire wealth, fame, and women, who concoct temporary forms of the Lord, and who boast of having fulfilled their material desires, the Lord displayed the pastimes of manifesting His eternal forms within this material world.
8. Sri Caitanyadeva is Sri Matsya, Sri Kurma, Sri Vamana, Sri Narasimha, Sri Rama, Sri Krishna, God.
The proof of assuming the forms of various incarnations
1. The body of Lord Caitanya was agitated in various mellows of ecstatic love as He manifested the sentiments of Matsya, Kurma, Narasimha, Varaha, Vamana, Ramacandra, Buddha, Kalki, and Krishna, the son of Nanda Maharaja.
3. Who prays “I offer my obeisances unto You, who appear in the forms of these ten incarnations. In the form of Matsya You rescue the Vedas, and as Kurma You bear the Mandara Mountain on Your back. As Varaha You lift the earth with Your tusk, and in the form of Narasimha You tear open the chest of the daitya Hiranyakasipu. In the form of Vamana You trick the daitya king Bali by asking him for only three steps of land, and then You take away the whole universe from him by expanding Your steps. As Parasurama You slay all of the wicked kshatriyas, and as Ramacandra You conquer the rakshasa king Ravana. In the form of Balarama You carry a plow with which You subdue the wicked and draw toward You the River Yamuna. As Lord Buddha You show compassion toward all the living beings suffering in this world, and at the end of the Kali-yuga You appear as Kalki to bewilder the mlecchas [degraded low-class men].”
4. After displaying the ten varieties of sentiments of the incarnations Mahaprabhu concealed them. Of these, He often displayed the sentiment of Haladhara.
5. The Lord would become intoxicated in the mood of Haladhara and loudly call out, “Bring wine! Bring wine!”
6. Realizing Sri Gaurasundara's actual intention in calling loudly, “Bring wine!” Nityananda Prabhu would bring a pot filled with Ganges water. Ganges water is just like nectar, and it stimulates devotional feelings.
7. The Lord would roar and shout in such a way that the three worlds beginning from Navadvipa shook. He would dance so wildly that if He fell to the ground the earth would crack. The earth would sway along with the entire universe, and the devotees would become frightened on seeing that dancing of the Lord.
8. When the devotees would sing the glories of Balarama, the Lord would lose consciousness in ecstasy.
9. Sometimes Mahaprabhu would become absorbed in the mood of Pradyumna. He would then accept Balarama as His “guardian” and address Him as “uncle,” and He would accept Krishna as His “protector” and consider Him His father.
10. After speaking like this, the Lord would lose consciousness in such a way that the devotees would become frightened and cry loudly.
11. Every day, according to the mood manifested by the Lord, He would perform pastimes of the various incarnations.
12. God exists, His name is Lord Caitanya.
The proof of the Divine Ecstasies and Pastimes at the festival where Lord Krishna is personally dancing while chanting His own names
1. On the day of Sri Hari-vasara, which is observed by chanting the names of Hari, the Lord, who is the life of the entire world, began to dance.
2. Sri hari-vasara means “the day of Lord Hari;” in other words, Ekadasi, Dvadasi, or the appearance day of the Lord. If on the day of Sri Hari-vasara one fasts, remembers Lord Hari with devotion, chants the names of Hari, performs activities for the pleasure of Hari, fixes one's mind on Hari, and gives up all desires for material enjoyment, then he can without doubt attain the abode of Hari like Prahlada. It is the duty of Lord Hari's devotees to worship Lord Hari with great faith by offering sandalwood paste, flowers, incense, lamps, the finest foodstuffs, various gifts, and engage in chanting japa, performing fire sacrifices, circumambulation, offering various prayers, pleasing dancing and chanting, playing musical instruments, offering obeisances, glorifying the Lord by chanting “Jaya!” and staying awake at night while chanting the glories of Lord Hari.
3. Visvambhara began dancing from the time of sunrise, and the devotees sang sweetly in various groups. The name of Govinda vibrated in all directions as the son of Saci became overwhelmed while dancing in ecstasy with His associates. Whenever the Lord cried, He cried for three hours. His hair became untied and scattered on the floor. While crying for three hours, He found no opportunity to tie His loosened hair. Only a person whose heart is made of wood would not become overwhelmed and fall to the ground upon seeing the Lord's crying. When the Lord laughed loudly in ecstasy, He would continue laughing for three hours. The Lord forgot His own glories as He became absorbed in the mood of a servant. He repeatedly exclaimed, “I have conquered! I have conquered!” When Mahaprabhu chanted in great ecstasy “I have conquered! I have conquered!” the devotees also imitated Him by chanting, “I have conquered! I have conquered!” Sometimes the Lord sang so loudly that the sound vibration pierced the covering of the universe. Sometimes His body became as heavy as the universe, then none of His followers could hold Him still. Sometimes He would become as light as cotton, and His followers would happily carry Him on their shoulders. Whenever the Lord fell unconscious to the ground out of ecstasy, the devotees became frightened and chanted the name of Hari in His ear. Sometimes His entire body shook vigorously like a boy's teeth chattering due to excessive cold. Sometimes His body perspired in such a way that it appeared that theGanges was flowing from His body. Sometimes His body
became as hot as a blazing fire, and when sandalwood pulp was smeared on His
body, it dried immediately. Sometimes the Lord would sigh heavily, and everyone
would move out of the way of His breath. Sometimes He tried to catch everyone's
feet, and the Vaishnavas ran away out of fear. Sometimes He would sit, leaning
against Nityananda, and sometimes He lifted His feet, looked at everyone, and
smiled. Understanding the intention of the Lord, all the devotees stole the
wonderful jewel-like dust from the Lord's lotus feet. Acarya Gosani said, “My
dear thief, we have broken into Your hidden treasury. Visvambhara rolled on the
ground in ecstasy as all the devotees sang the glories of Krishna
on all sides. When Lord Visvambhara danced madly, the earth shook and everyone
became frightened. Sometimes Visvambhara danced so sweetly it resembled the
enchanting dance of Nanda's son. Sometimes His roaring resembled that of
millions of lions, yet by His mercy, everyone's ears were saved from harm. The
loud roaring of the Lord sometimes cracked the earth. Sometimes when He walked,
He walked above the ground. Some persons saw this, while others could not. In
His ecstasy, whoever the Lord looked at with His red eyes would first become
frightened and then run away laughing. Visvambhara became agitated in ecstasy
and danced forgetful of His self and others. In ecstasy, He would catch the
feet of someone and then climb on his head. Sometimes He would cry while
embracing someone around their neck, and then the next moment He would climb on
his shoulders. Sometimes He would become extremely restless in the mood of a
child and make various childish noises in His mouth. Sometimes He shook His feet
and laughed exuberantly. Sometimes He crawled on His knees like a small child.
Sometimes Visvambhara became absorbed in the mood of Krishna ,
in His beautiful threefold bending form. He remained in that state for three
hours. Sometimes He would become absorbed in meditation and play a flute. Then
He appeared exactly like Krishna , the moonlike
Lord of Vrindavana. On regaining His external consciousness, He would cry in
the mood of a servant. He would hold straw between His teeth and beg for the
service of the Lord's lotus feet. Sometimes He whirled in a circle for three
hours, and sometimes He danced in such way that His feet touched His head.
Sometimes He roared so loudly that His entire body trembled. Unable to remain
steady, He then fell to the ground. Although the Lord's complexion was golden,
He sometimes appeared in various colors. Sometimes His two eyes doubled in
size. Previously, whenever the Lord saw a Vaishnava He addressed him as
“Prabhu,” but now He would grab them by the hair and announce, “This fellow
(beta) is My servant.” Previously, whenever the Lord saw a Vaishnava He would
catch hold of his feet, but now He would climb on their chest and offer His
feet to them. On seeing the Lord's ecstasy, the devotees wept as they embraced
each others' necks. The sound of sankirtana filled the sky and pierced the
covering of the universe. All inauspiciousness in the four directions was
vanquished. When the Lord Himself dances to the chanting of His own names, who
can say what benefit is there? Can even the Puranas describe this?
4. Prabhu refers to Lord Krishna Himself, who is personally dancing while chanting His own names.
5. He whose ecstatic holy names and glories induce Lord Siva to forget his clothes and dance was now personally dancing. Being absorbed in the ecstasy of chanting the Lord's names, Mahadeva, the Lord's devotee, forgets to wear his clothes.
6. That Lord, whose holy names induced Valmiki to become enriched by austerities, whose holy names awarded Ajamila with liberation, and whose holy names when heard destroy one's material bondage—that Lord, who has incarnated in Kali-yuga, now engaged in dancing.
7. That Lord, whose holy names Sukadeva and Narada sing as they wander about, whose transcendental qualities are sung by the thousand-headed Lord Ananta, and whose holy names are the best of all forms of atonement now personally danced before the eyes of the fortunate.
8. As Mahaprabhu Visvambhara danced in His own ecstasy, the movement of His feet sounded most enchanting. Due to the Lord's absorption in ecstasy, His garland did not remain on His neck but scattered at the feet of the devotees. Where did the happiness of riding on Garuda go? He gave up the happiness of riding on the back of Garuda. Where did the form holding conch, disc, club, and lotus go? Where did the happiness of lying on the bed of Ananta go? The Lord now cried and rolled on the ground in the mood of a servant. Where did the happiness of Vaikuntha go? The Lord forgot all other happiness while tasting the happiness of a servant. The Lord of Vaikuntha tore apart the Vaijayanti garland around His neck and threw it at the feet of the devotees, He gave up holding weapons like the conch and disc. He gave up the happiness derived from being the Lord and became absorbed in the happiness derived from being the servant. Instead of looking at the face of Lakshmi in His capacity as the enjoyer of conjugal mellows, the Lord raised His face and arms and began to cry, being merged in the ocean of separation. That worshipable Lord in whose service great personalities like Siva and Narada are engaged, after giving up their respective opulence, now took straw between His teeth out of humility and, after giving up all happiness as the object of worship, begged for devotional service. One who in spite of seeing the recent example of Gaurasundara gives up the path of devotional service and proudly becomes inclined to attain one of the four types of liberation beginning with salokya, or residing on the same planet as the Lord, is like one who gives up nectar to drink poison.
9. Sometimes His entire body was stunned in such a way that no one could even slightly bend His body. Sometimes that same body became slackened in such a way that it became as soft as butter, without any bones. Sometimes His body appeared to double or triple in size, and sometimes it appeared to shrink. Sometimes He was intoxicated in such a way that He tottered like a drunkard, and sometimes He swayed back and forth while laughing. Seeing all the Vaishnavas, the Lord called each of them by the name they bore in their previous birth. He loudly addressed them, “Haladhara! Siva! Sukadeva! Narada! Prahlada! Rama! Aja! Uddhava!” Visvambhara danced day and night with the devotees. No one became tired, for they all had spiritual bodies (sattva-kalevara). In this way Visvambhara Mahaprabhu danced until only three hours of the night remained. Sri Caitanyacandra then took all the salagrama-silas on His lap and sat on the simhasana. As the simhasana made a cracking sound due to the weight of Visvambhara, Nityananda quickly touched it. Lord Ananta manifested within the throne, so it did not break as Lord Gauranga comfortably sat on it. On the order of Lord Caitanya, the kirtana was stopped. Then the Lord loudly revealed His glories.
10. “In Kali-yuga, I amKrishna and I am
Narayana. I am the Supreme Lord and son of Devaki. I am the Lord of innumerable
universes. I am the object of all glorification, and all of you are My
servants. I have incarnated for your sake. Whatever you offer Me, that is My food.
The Lord said, “I will eat it all.” Advaita then said, “O Lord, that would be
most auspicious.” All the servants of the Lord then offered Him various items
with their own hands, and the Lord in His own ecstasy happily ate. As He ate
yogurt, milk, and butter, He repeatedly asked, “Bring whatever else you have.”
He ate various types of milk sweets mixed with sugar, as well as sugar candy
and green coconut water with its pulp. He ate bananas, flat rice, and puffed
rice and then repeatedly said, “Bring more.” By ordinary calculation the Lord
ate in one moment enough food to feed two hundred people. He then said, “What
else do you have?” The Lord said, “Bring more, bring more. There is nothing
left here.” The devotees then became frightened and remembered the Supreme
Lord. All the devotees folded their hands and fearfully said, “What do we know
of Your glories? With these insignificant offerings how can we satisfy He in
whose stomach innumerable universes rest?” The Lord said, “The offerings of a
devotee are not insignificant, therefore quickly bring whatever you have. I
regard as great even the smallest gift offered by My devotees in pure love.” “O
Lord, we have camphor and betel nuts.” The Lord replied, “Don't worry, give
them to Me.”.
11. All the devotees became ecstatic and their fears were dispelled as those who were qualified offered the Lord betel nuts. All the servants joyfully offered betel nuts, and the Lord smiled as He accepted them with His own hand. The Lord rolled His eyes and roared loudly as He repeatedly called out, “Nada! Nada! Nada! ( Narayana)” The devotees did not say anything but sat down in silence as their hearts were struck with wonder. All the devotees saw Him as the supreme chastiser. They had no strength to stand before Him. Nityananda held an umbrella over Mahaprabhu's head, and Advaita offered prayers with folded hands before the Lord. In great fear, the devotees all folded their hands and remembered the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya as they bent their heads down. The Lord smiled as He looked at each devotee and said, “Ask for some benediction.” The devotees smiled on seeing the Lord's characteristics. They said, “Lord Narayana has appeared.” After remaining on the simhasana for some time, Lord Gaurasundara fell unconscious in ecstasy. He fell to the ground with no symptom of life visible in His body. Seeing this, all His associates began to cry. Then all the devotees concluded that the Lord had left them. “If the Lord displays such a cruel mood, then we will also give up our bodies at once.” While the devotees were thinking in this way, the crest jewel of all omniscient persons manifested His external consciousness and loudly chanted the name of Hari. They all raised a tumultuous sound of ecstasy. Being overwhelmed, they did not know where they were. In this way, various ecstatic pastimes took place in Navadvipa as the Lord of Vaikuntha enjoyed His pastimes of ecstatic love.
The argument of Nityananda
1. On the order of Lord Caitanya, Sri Anantadeva had already appeared in Radha-desa and was engaged in various pastimes.
2. His father’s name was Hadai Ojha, and His mother was Padmavati. Sri Nityananda Prabhu appeared in the
3. The day that Lord Gauracandra appeared in Navadvipa, in Radha-desa Lord Nityananda roared loudly. His roar spread throughout innumerable universes (ananta-brahmanda), and people of the entire world (sakala-samsare) were practically rendered unconscious. Some people said it was a thunderbolt, while others thought it was a great calamity. Other people said, “We know the cause. It was the loud roaring of Nityananda Gosvami, the Lord of the Gaudiyas.” In this way people had different opinions about what had happened, but no one could recognize Lord Nityananda due to the influence of His illusory energy. This was Sri Nityananda-Baladeva’s mysterious pastime of deceiving the demons. Nityananda remained hidden as He enjoyed childhood pastimes with the other children.
4. The pastimes that the Lord enjoyed with His childhood friends were all related to the activities of Lord Krishna. He and His friends formed an assembly of demigods, and one of them acting as mother earth offered prayers to them. They then led mother earth to the riverbank, and the children all began to offer prayers. Then one of the boys hidden from view loudly declared, “I will soon take birth in
5. The musical instrument sringa is made from a horn.
6. One day they enjoyed the pastimes of lifting Govardhana Hill, and another day they created a Vrindavana, wherein they enjoyed various sports. One day they enacted
7. Madhupuri (
8. They enacted the pastimes of killing the Kuvalaya elephant and the wrestlers, Canura and Mushtika. Thereafter Kamsa was grabbed by the hair and thrown to the ground. In detail: As Kamsa thus raved so audaciously, the infallible Lord Krishna, intensely angry, quickly and easily jumped up onto the high royal dais. Lord Krishna, whose fearsome strength is irresistible, powerfully seized the demon just as the son of Tarkshya might capture a snake. Grabbing Kamsa by the hair and knocking off his crown, the lotus-naveled Lord threw him off the elevated dais onto the wrestling mat. Then the independent Lord, the support of the entire universe, jumped onto the King. As a result Kamsa lost his life. After killing Kamsa, the Lord danced with His friends in such a way that everyone watching began to laugh. In this way Nityananda and His friends imitated the pastimes of the various incarnations. One day Nityananda dressed like Vamana and went to cheat Bali Maharaja out of his kingdom, which covered the three worlds. Someone played the role of the aged Sukracarya, who forbid
9. Castor oil plants were uprooted and thrown into the water in imitation of the monkeys’ activities of uprooting and throwing many mountain peaks, stones, and trees on the surface of the ocean in order to build a bridge.
10. Nityananda accepted the role of Lakshmana, who angrily went with a bow in His hand to chastise Sugriva.” O king of the monkeys, My Lord is in distress. Come quickly, or I’ll kill you! How can you sit here enjoying with women while He is lamenting on
11. Lord Nityananda was absorbed in the mood of Lakshmana. The boys, however, could not understand this and thought it was just a game.
12. Another day Lord Nityananda, in the mood of Sri Ramacandra’s, spoke in anger to Parasurama, “O brahmana, I am not at fault. Leave here at once.” In detail: While returning from Sita’s home after gaining her at the assembly of competitors by breaking Siva’s bow, Lord Ramacandra met Parasurama who was agitated from hearing the tumultuous sound of the breaking of the bow. Although Parasurama was very proud, having rid the earth of the royal order twenty-one times, his pride was vanquished by the Lord, who appeared to be a kshatriya of the royal order. Being angered by the heroic words of Parasurama, Lord Ramacandra took the Vaishnava bow and arrows from his hands and spoke to him as follows: “I wish to vanquish your free movement earned on the strength of austerities and your unrivaled dominion over the earth. You cannot blame Me for this.”
13. On another occasion, five boys took the role of monkeys, the king, Sugriva, and his four ministers and the Lord took the role of Lakshmana. “Who are you monkeys, wandering in the forest? I am the servant of Ramacandra. Tell Me who you are.” They replied, “We are wandering out of fear of Vali. Please take us to Ramacandra. We wish to take the dust of His lotus feet.” The Lord embraced them and led them to Ramacandra, whereupon they all fell at His feet.
14. One day the Lord enacted the pastime of killing Indrajit, the son of Ravana, and one day, in the mood of Lakshmana, He accepted defeat.
15. Someone in the role of Vibhishana was brought before Ramacandra, and Rama performed his abhisheka, or coronation, installing him as the King of Lanka.
16. One boy said, “I am the mighty Ravana. Now I’m releasing the sakti-sela weapon. Stop it if You can, Lakshmana!” Saying this, the boy threw a lotus flower at Nityananda, and in the mood of Lakshmana, He fell to the ground. After the Lord, in the mood of Lakshmana, fell unconscious, all the boys tried in vain to revive Him. When they found no symptom of life (paramartha dhatu) or the consciousness, remained in the body of Nityananda, they all held their heads and began to cry. The Lord’s father and mother came running there and also observed that there was no sign of life in their son. They then also fell to the ground unconscious. Everyone who saw this tragedy was struck with wonder.
17. As the boys described the entire incident, someone said, “I understand why He’s unconscious. “Previously one great actor played the role of Dasaratha, and when He heard that Rama had left for the forest, he left his body.”
18. Someone else said, “There is a boy dressed as Hanuman. If he gives Him medicine, He’ll be cured.”
19. Before the incident, the Lord had instructed His friends, “When I fall unconscious, you should all gather around Me and cry. After a while, send Hanuman for some medicine. I will recover when he puts the medicine to My nose.” When the Lord fell unconscious in His own mood (the mood of His plenary portion, Lakshmana, the incarnation of Maha-Sankarshana ), the boys were all bewildered. Because they were so confused they could not remember the Lord’s instructions (“Send Hanuman to bring medicine and hold it before My nose”). They simply cried loudly, “O brother, please get up!”
20. But when the boys heard the people’s comments, they remembered Nityananda’s instruction and the boy dressed as Hanuman immediately went for the medicine. Another boy dressed as a renunciate, Ravana’s demon uncle Kalanemi, who was dressed as an ascetic, welcomed Hanuman with fruits and roots. He said to Hanuman, “My dear sir, please stay and grace my asrama. It is a great fortune to meet such a person as you.” Hanuman replied, “I must go and complete my important mission. I would like to come, but I cannot delay. You must have heard that Lakshmana, the younger brother of Ramacandra, has been rendered unconscious by the sakti-sela weapon of Ravana. Therefore I’m going to Gandhamadana Hill to bring medicine. Only then will He survive. The renunciate then said, “If you must go, first take a bath and eat something. Then you may go.”
21. The two boys repeated whatever Nityananda had instructed them. Therefore everyone gazed at them in astonishment as they listened to their conversation. Hanuman’s conversation with Ravana’s demon uncle Kalanemi, who was dressed as an ascetic, and Hanuman’s fight with the crocodile, demons, and Gandharvas are not found in the original Ramayana written by Valmiki
22. Then, on the request of the renunciate, Hanuman went to take bath in the lake, whereupon another boy in the lake grabbed hold of his feet. The boy playing the role of a crocodile tried to pull Hanuman into the water, but Hanuman pulled the boy to the shore. After a short fight, Hanuman defeated the crocodile. When Hanuman returned to the renunciate’s asrama, he saw a mighty warrior. A boy dressed as a Rakshasa then attempted to swallow Hanuman. He challenged, “You have defeated the crocodile, but how will you defeat me? I will eat you, then who will revive Lakshmana?” Hanuman replied, “Your Ravana is a dog. I consider him most insignificant, nothing, extremely impotent, or useless. Get out of my way.” In this way the two first exchanged some harsh words, foul language against each other, then they began pulling each other’s hair, and finally they began striking each other with their fists. After promptly defeating the demon, Hanuman approached the Gandhamadana Hill. There Hanuman fought with some boys who were dressed as Gandharvas. After defeating the Gandharvas, Hanuman took the Gandhamadana Hill on his head to Lanka. Another boy playing the role of a doctor remembered Lord Rama as he held the medicine to Lakshmana’s nose.
23. The boy playing the role of Sushena, the doctor of the monkeys, imitated him by holding the four medicines grown on Gandhamadana Hill—visalya-karani, savarna-karani, sanjiva-karani, and sandhana-karani—before the nose of Nityananda, who was absorbed in the mood of Lakshmana.
24. At that very moment Lord Nityananda regained His consciousness, upon which His parents and others there all smiled in relief. Hadai Pandita embraced his son, and all the boys became overjoyed. Everyone asked, “Dear son, where have You learned all this?” The Lord smiled and said, “These are all My pastimes.”
25. In His early childhood the Lord was most attractive. No one wanted to let Him go from their laps. Everyone had more affection for Nityananda than they had for their own sons. But no one could recognize Him due the influence of Lord Vishnu’s mystical ( yogamaya) energy. In this way, from the beginning of His childhood, Nityananda had no happiness other than enjoying the pastimes of Lord Krishna. All of His friends left their parents to constantly sport in the company of Nityananda.
26. Lord Nityananda remained at home like this for twelve years. Thereafter He left for visiting the holy places. He traveled to the holy places for the next twenty years and then finally joined the association of Lord Caitanya.
27. Lord Nityananda delivered the entire universe and is nothing but an ocean of mercy. Only by His mercy can we know the truth about Lord Caitanya. In fact, the glories of Lord Caitanya are manifested through Him. Sri Nityananda Prabhu exhibited compassion towards the fallen, averse living entities and thus delivered the entire world. Being bereft of receiving His mercy, only wicked, sinful atheists criticized Him. Only Sri Nityananda has made the truth regarding Sri Caitanya known to the world. Without His mercy, no one is able to enter into the glories of Sri Caitanya by independent endeavor.
28. Some lilas: He went to
29. Then the Lord traveled on.
30. As He approached Sri Nilacala, He fell unconscious upon seeing the temple flag.
31. The words nilacalacandrera nagare refer to the abode of Jagadisa, or Puri-dhama, Jagganatha-puri. He saw Lord Jagannatha as the source of the Vaikuntha-Deities, the catur-vyuha—Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna, and Aniruddha—and surrounded by His dear devotees. Thus the word catur-vyuha refers to Sri Jagannatha, who is the combined form of Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna, and Aniruddha, in other words, Sri Dvarakadhisa.
32. Immediately upon seeing the Lord, Nityananda’s hairs stood on end and He fell unconscious. When He regained consciousness, He again fell to the ground. Shivering, perspiring, crying, falling to the ground, and loud roaring—who can describe these ecstatic transformations that were exhibited by Lord Nityananda?
33. After remaining in Nilacala for some time, Nityananda went in jubilation to Ganga-sagara.
34. After visiting various holy places in this way, Lord Nityananda returned again to
35. Thinking in this way, Lord Nityananda did not go to Navadvipa but remained at
36. On the strength of nonduplicitous surrender to the lotus feet of Sri Nityananda Rama, a living entity achieves freedom from the conditioned state and becomes qualified to assist Sri Nityananda in His ten forms of service to Gaura-Krishna and Radha-Krishna. Liberated souls are eligible to drown in the
37. Someone said, “Nityananda is just like Balarama.” Another person said, “He is most dear to Sri Caitanya.”
38. Nityananda is God, God exists.
The proof of the miracles of Nitai and the knowledge of Malini
1. One day a crow took a brass bowl and flew away into the forest. Soon the crow flew out of sight and a great anxiety filled the heart of Malini. Leaving the bowl somewhere, the crow returned. Malini saw that the bowl was not in its beak. Srivasa Pandita would become extremely angry because the bowl that was used for offering ghee to
Srivasa was a great devotee of
At that time Nityananda came there and found Malini crying profusely.
Nityananda smiled and said, “Why are you crying? Tell Me the reason for your distress and I will take care of everything.” Malini replied, “Listen, Gosani! A crow stole a ghee bowl and left it somewhere.” Nityananda said, “Dear mother, do not worry. I will give you the bowl. Please stop crying.” The Lord smiled and said to the crow, “O crow, return the bowl at once.” Lord Nityananda resides in the heart of everyone, therefore who has the power to transgress His order? Being ordered by the Lord, the crow immediately flew away as Malini, who was overwhelmed with lamentation, looked on. Within a short time the crow flew out of sight and then returned there with the bowl in its beak.
The crow set the bowl down in front of Malini, who knew perfectly well the influence of Nityananda. Seeing this wonder, Malini lost consciousness out of ecstasy. Then she stood up and prayed to Nityananda. “For He who brought back the dead son of His spiritual master, who maintains all the universes, and who can bring a soul back from the abode of Yamaraja, it is not at all glorious to bring a bowl back from a crow. For He who holds innumerable universes on His head and yet does not feel their weight and for He whose holy name destroys one's nescience that has no beginning, what is the wonder that He brings a bowl back from a crow? After realizing Your power and glories, Yamuna-devi previously offered prayers at Your lotus feet. For He who possesses the power to maintain the fourteen worlds, what is the glory in bringing a bowl back from a crow?
2. Nitai is God. God exists.
The proof of the vision of Saci Mata
1. On seeing the characteristics of Nityananda, mother Saci smiled. Within her mind she treated Nityananda as her son Visvarupa. Often mother Saci heard Nityananda speak exactly like Visvarupa and saw Him in the form of Visvarupa.
2. Mother Saci gave Him some milk sweets to eat. When mother Saci gave five pieces of sandesa to Nityananda, He ate one and threw away the rest.
3. “Alas! Alas!” said mother Saci, “Why did You throw them away?” Nityananda replied “Why did you give them to Me all at once?” Mother Saci said, “I have no more sweets. What will You eat now?” Nityananda replied “If you desire, you will certainly find them.”
4. To her amazement, mother Saci found those four pieces of sandesa intact within the room. Mother Saci asked, “Where did the sandesa fall? How did they come within the room?” Being struck with wonder, mother Saci removed the dust from the sandesa and happily came outside.
5. On returning, mother Saci saw that Nityananda was eating those same sweets. She said, “Dear son, where did You get those?” Nityananda replied, “These are the same sweets I threw away. Seeing your distress, I brought them back.”
6. Mother Saci said “O Nityananda, why do You deceive me? I know You are the Supreme Lord. Therefore please remove Your illusion.”
7. In order to deceive the living entities, the Supreme Lord provides various kinds of illusion in their thinking. The conditioned souls then accept temporary objects as eternal. This is the influence of the Supreme Lord.
8. Nitai is God. God exists.
The proof of Saci Mata’s dream
1. One day mother Saci had a dream, which she narrated to her son Visvambhara in a solitary place. “Early this morning I had a dream in which I saw You and Nityananda. Both of You appeared like five-year-old boys. You were quarreling together and chasing each other. In this way You both entered the Deity room and came out holding
2. Besides the Narayana salagrama-sila, there were also Deities of Krishna and Balarama in Saci's house in Sridhama Mayapur. While describing whatever she saw in her dream to Mahaprabhu, Sacidevi said, “As five-year-old boys, You (Visvambhara) and Nityananda entered our Deity room, brought out the Deities of Krishna and Balarama, and began to quarrel with each other. I saw a loving quarrel of verbal and physical exchanges between You and Balarama and between Nityananda and
3. “This house, these rooms, this sandesa, this yogurt, and this milk all belong to Us.”
4. Then Nityananda said, “Those days when You stole yogurt and butter to eat are gone. The days of the cowherd boys are over. Now the brahmanas have taken charge. Recognize Us and allow Us to enjoy all the offerings. In Vraja-lila You were the cowherd boys known as Rama and
5. Then Rama and
6. Although Balarama and
7. Then Balarama threatened Nityananda, 'In the name of
8. Nityananda replied, `I am not afraid of Your Krishna, for My Lord is Gauracandra Visvambhara.’
9. “In this way the four of You quarreled and forcibly ate each others' food. Someone grabbed another's food and ate, and someone ate the food from another's mouth with His own mouth. Then Nityananda called me and said, `O mother, please give Me some rice. I am hungry.' When Nityananda said this to me, I woke up. But I could not understand anything, so I am relating this to You.”
10. After hearing the topics of her dream, Lord Visvambhara laughed and spoke to His mother in sweet words. “O mother, you have certainly seen a most auspicious dream. Please do not disclose this to anyone. The Deities of our house are full of life and directly the Supreme Lord, and your dream has firmly established this fact in My heart. I often see that half of the foods that I offer vanish. Feeling shy, I don't tell anyone about this. I had some doubt about your daughter-in-law, but today that doubt has been removed. I am firmly convinced that most of the offered foods were eaten by the Deities Themselves and the rest was left for us.”
11. Within another room inside the house, Vishnupriya-devi, the mother of the universe, smiled on hearing these words of Sriman Mahaprabhu.
12. Visvambhara said, “O mother, please hear My words. Let us immediately call Nityananda here to feed Him.” Mother Saci was pleased to hear these words of her son and began gathering the ingredients for lunch.
13. Lord Visvambhara quickly went to Nityananda's residence and invited Him for lunch. “O Gosani, today You should take lunch at our house. But I tell You beforehand, do not create any mischief.” Nityananda held His ears and said, “Vishnu, Vishnu. Only madmen create mischief. I think You consider Me a mischief monger because You think everyone is like Yourself. You Yourself are restless—intoxicated with the mellows of
14. They both smiled as They sat down together, accompanied by Their intimate associates like Gadadhara. Isana gave them water to wash their feet. Then the Lord and Nityananda went to eat lunch. As mother Saci happily served Them, she set out three plates by mistake and They both began to laugh. When she returned to serve Them more, she directly saw Them as five-year-old boys. She saw two enchanting boys, one with a whitish complexion and the other was blackish. Both had four arms, and both were naked. She saw They had the conch, disc, club, lotus, plow, mushala, the mark of Srivatsa, the Kaustubha gem, and Their ears were decorated with shark-shaped earrings. She saw her daughter-in-law on the chest of her son. Then suddenly the whole scene disappeared.
15. She fell to the ground unconscious and all her clothes became wet with tears. Rice was scattered throughout the entire room. Mahaprabhu hurriedly washed His hands and picked up His mother. “O mother, please get up. Calm yourself. Why did you suddenly fall to the ground?” On regaining her consciousness, mother Saci quickly tied her hair. She did not say anything as she wept inside one of the rooms. She breathed heavily and her entire body trembled. She was filled with ecstasy and nothing else came to her mind.
16. Nimai and Nitai are
The proof of the qualities of Visvambhara
1. A.One day Nimai, along with five or seven students, was walking down the main road. Nimai was dressed like a king. The yellow cloth that covered His body made Him look just like
1. B. Sandipani Muni as the teacher of Krishna, Garga Muni as the priest, Bhrigu Muni as the examiner, and, in gaura-lila, Brahmananda Puri as a Godbrother of Isvara Puri and Srivasa Pandita as a senior brahmana, all considered the Lord as an subordinate object of affection and care and thus acted as guardians of the Lord.
2. Srivasa smiled and inquired, “O best of the arrogant, where are You going? Why do You uselessly waste Your time by not worshiping
3. The Lord sat on the bank of the
4. Whoever saw the Lord’s face as He sat on the bank of the
5. Seeing the Lord’s effulgence, no one considered Him equal to an ordinary human being. Some people thought He was a portion of Visnu, and some thought that the time had come for fulfillment of the prediction that a brahmana would become the king of
6. Meanwhile, the Lord pointed out faults in the other teachers as He engaged in explaining the scriptures on the bank of the
7. Visvambhara is the Godhead.
The argument of Lord Gaurasundara in ecstasy, revelation to astrologer, to kholaveca sridhara, saci mata
1. Sri Gaurasundara, with book in hand, always enjoyed pastimes in Navadvipa. Sri Gaurasundara defeated in scriptural debate all the teachers of Navadvipa, which was the center of education. None of the teachers could compete with Him or satisfy Him with answers to His challenges. Learned scholars who are expert in philosophical literatures are known as Bhattacaryas. Although the Lord was studying and teaching only grammar, He nevertheless did not consider such great scholars as equal to even grass. No one was able to contradict the Lord’s realized knowledge. The Lord wandered the streets of Navadvipa by His own sweet will. At that time the most fortunate subordinate students kept company with the Lord. One day by providence the Lord met Mukunda on the road. The Lord held Mukunda’s hand and spoke to him: “Why do you run away as soon as you see Me? Let me see how you run away today without answering Me.” Mukunda thought, “How will I defeat Him today? He is well versed only in grammar. “I’ll defeat Him with questions on alankara. Then He may not again display His pride before me.” Thereafter Mukunda began to ask the Lord questions. Whatever Mukunda established, the Lord would refute. Here is the lila : Mukunda said, “Grammar is studied only by children. Today we should discuss alankara.” The Lord replied, “As you desire.” Mukunda then read some of the most difficult yet well-known verses and asked the Lord to point out any faults. The omnipotent Lord Gauracandra then pointed out various faults in the verses.
2. Since Sri Gaurasundara is the omnipotent Supreme Personality of Godhead and the source of all incarnations, His knowledge in all scriptures is matchless. Therefore the Lord pointed out various ornamental faults in Mukunda’s questions.
3. Mukunda was unable to reestablish what the Lord had refuted. The Lord then smiled and said to him. “Go home for today and study your books carefully. Come early tomorrow and we’ll discuss further. I will test you by analysis.” After Mukunda took the dust from Nimai’s feet and departed, he thought. “An ordinary human being cannot possess such knowledge! There is no literature that He is not conversant with!
4. The Lord was learned in all scriptures; there was no scripture that the Lord had not already mastered. In fact, unlimited expertise in all scriptures was present in Him.
5. “If such an intelligent person was a devotee of
6. In this way the Lord of Vaikuntha enjoyed the life of a scholar. One day, while wandering about Navadvipa, Nimai met Gadadhara. The Lord smiled as He caught Gadadhara’s hands and said, “Aren’t you studying logic? Come, let us debate.” Gadadhara said, “So, question me,” and Nimai asked, “What are the symptoms of liberation?” Gadadhara then explained the symptoms of liberation according to the scriptures, but Nimai countered, “You don’t know how to explain properly.” Gadadhara then explained the symptoms of liberation according to the scriptures, but Nimai countered, “You don’t know how to explain properly.”
7. Sri Gadadhara said, “It is stated in various scriptures such as the Sankhya-sastras that mitigation of excessive distress is the symptom of liberation.” In the Sankhya-pravacana-sutras (1.1) it is stated: atha trividha-duhkhatyanta nivritir atyanta purusartham—“Mitigation of the threefold miseries is the goal of life.” Then the Lord, who is the husband of goddess Sarasvati, pointed out various faults in his statement. There was no one who could defeat His argument and silence Him.
8. The Lord is the direct manifestation of the Vaisnava literatures and the master of the goddess of learning, therefore no one can equal Him in argument. Sri Gaurasundara properly pointed out how the symptoms of liberation mentioned in the nyaya-sastras are most useless and full of faults. Inaugurating the philosophy of Sri Madhvacaryapada, that moksam visnvavghri-labham—“the symptom of liberation is attainment of the lotus feet of Visnu,” He established that the existence of the gross and subtle bodies, which enjoy happiness and distress, is temporary, and the living entity’s eternal propensity, or constitutional duty, of devotional service to Lord Krishna is the symptom of liberation.
9. No one even dared to speak with the Lord, and thus Gadadhara thought, “I’ll be relieved to get out of here!”
10. No one in the entire universe was qualified to face the Lord’s challenge or converse with Him. Gadadhara Pandita thought, “I’ll be saved if I can run away from Him.”
11. The Lord said, “Gadadhara, you can go home today, but come early tomorrow so we can discuss more.” Gadadhara offered his respects to Nimai and went home, and Nimai continued to wander through the streets of Navadvipa Everyone considered Nimai a most learned scholar, so they treated Him with awe and reverence.
12. The Lord defeated all the teachers of Navadvipa by His unparalleled knowledge and was established as the most learned scholar. Everyone respected Him as the foremost scholar.
13. Every afternoon Nimai would sit on the bank of the
14. The Lord’s body is served by Laksmi, the daughter of the ocean. His beauty surpasses that of Cupid and is therefore incomparable throughout the three worlds.
15. Surrounded by His students, Sri Sacinandana would give explanations on the scriptures. In the evening all the Vaisnavas also gathered on the bank of the
16. As they listened to Nimai’s explanations from a distance, they felt both happiness and lamentation. One of them said, “If anyone who possesses such beauty and knowledge does not worship
17. The Vaisnavas of Navadvipa began to pray to Lord Krishna, “May Nimai Pandita, the son of Jagannatha Misra, give up all other endeavors and fully engage in worshiping
18. Let Him constantly worship You in love. O Lord, please let us have such association.”
19. As the Supersoul, the Lord knows the heart of all living entities. Whenever He saw devotees like Srivasa, He would offer them His respects. The Lord accepted the devotees’ blessings on His head, for devotional service to Lord Krishna is attained only by the blessings of devotees. Someone also directly told Nimai, “Why are You wasting Your time with mundane education?” Another person said, “Look, Nimai, what do You gain from studying? Just worship
20. The Lord said, “After studying in this way for a while longer, I will approach a maha-bhagavata Vaisnava and, after understanding topics of the spiritual world, I will follow him. In other words, I have a desire to first become expert in studies and then cultivate pure Vaisnava principles.”
21. After saying this, the Lord smiled at His servants. By His influence, however, no one could recognize Him. In this way Nimai attracted the heart of everyone. There was no one who escaped His power of attraction. Sometimes the Lord sat on the bank of the
22. Sri Gaurasundara was so extraordinarily beautiful that ladies were overwhelmed on seeing His unmatched form. He was so brilliantly learned that scholars saw Him as the intelligent spiritual master Brihaspati, the yogis who survive on air and the munis who raise their semen saw Him as a siddha-mahapurusa, a perfected being, and the sinful ill-natured people saw Him as the formidable chastiser Yamaraja.
23. If the Lord spoke with someone just once, that person was bound by ropes of love. Although everyone heard about how the Lord was proud of His scholarship, they still loved Him dearly.
24. Generally those who are maddened with pride due to education become envious of other learned persons. Envious persons do not desire to hear glorification of other’s knowledge. But by seeing the Lord’s pride of learning, everyone became pleased.
25. Even the Yavanas felt love for the Lord, for the Lord’s characteristic is to show mercy to all living entities.
26. The natural envious propensity of the Yavanas, who are envious of the Hindus, was not directed towards the Lord, rather it transformed into pure affection. Gaurahari exhibited special magnanimity towards everyone.
27. The Lord of Vaikuntha taught His students in the courtyard of the fortunate Mukunda Sanjaya. Arguments, counter-arguments, establishing and refuting the meaning of a sutra—these were all explained in various ways by the son of mother Saci.
28. Nimai Pandita explained the scriptures by various methods like debating and counter-debating, properly ascertaining an object, removing faulty conclusions, and establishing faultless conclusions.
29. Although they could not understand the Lord’s explanations, the fortunate Mukunda Sanjaya and his family all floated in waves of ecstasy. After completing His teaching at school, the Lord of Vaikuntha returned home still absorbed in His scholastic pastimes.
30. In order to vanquish the conceit of those who were proud of their knowledge, Visvambhara, the Lord of Vaikuntha and master of Sarasvati, drove away all materialism and anxieties by the waves of His scholastic pastimes and captured their hearts.
31. One day, on the pretext of sickness due to excessive gas (vayu-deha-mandya), the Lord manifested transformations of ecstatic love. The Lord suddenly uttered some unworldly sounds, then He laughed as He rolled on the ground and nearly damaged the house. He roared loudly and challenged everyone like a wrestler, then He beat whoever He could catch. Again and again His entire body became stunned, and He fell unconscious in such a way that people were frightened. When Nimai’s friends and relatives heard about His gastric disorder, they came running to treat Him. Buddhimanta Khan, Mukunda Sanjaya, and their associates all came to the Lord’s house. They applied some medicinal oils on the Lord’s head and tried to cure Him any way they could. The Lord performs various pastimes by His own sweet will. How can He be cured by some external remedies?
32. The transformations of love that Sri Gaurasundara displayed in order to manifest His transcendental pastimes can not be cured by administering external medicine.
33. All the limbs of the Lord shivered. He shouted loudly in such a way that everyone was frightened. He then declared, “I am the Lord of all. I maintain the universe, therefore I am named Visvambhara. “I am the Supreme Lord, but no one recognizes Me.” Saying this, the Lord tottered and everyone tried to catch Him. In this way the Lord manifested Himself on the pretext of gastric disorder, yet by the influence of His illusory energy no one could understand Him. Someone said, “He’s been possessed by a demon (danava).” Someone else said, “This is the work of a witch (dakinira).” Another said, “Since He’s always speaking, it is certainly a gastric disorder.” In this way everyone gave different opinions, but by the influence of the Lord’s mystic potency (Visnu-maya-mohe )no one understood the truth. They applied various medicated oils on the Lord’s head and then they put Him in a wooden tub filled with oil and rubbed His body. Immersed in that oil, the Lord began to laugh as if a terrible gastric disorder had actually infected Him. While thus enjoying His pastimes according to His own will, the Lord became normal as if relieved of His gastric disorder. Everyone then chanted the names of Hari in ecstasy, and in jubilation they distributed cloth to one another without discrimination. Everyone was pleased to hear about the Lord’s recovery, and they blessed Him, “Such a scholar should live a long life.” When all the Vaisnavas saw the Lord, they told Him, “Dear Nimai, please worship the lotus feet of
34. The word jagat-jivana indicates that Gaurasundara is the life and soul of the animate and inanimate beings. Persons who are averse to Gaura are included among the lifeless beings. Only the devotees of Gaura perceive the Lord’s mercy throughout the entire world. Persons who are bereft of Gaura’s mercy are like dead bodies, though living or breathing; though they are conscious living entities, they adore matter.
35. It appeared that Lord Narayana was sitting in Badarikasrama surrounded by His disciples headed by Sanaka. Lord Gauracandra now enjoyed the same pastimes as when Lord Narayana personally taught His disciples. Sri Sacinandana is certainly that same Lord Narayana, who resides in Badarikasrama. Therefore the Lord of Vaikuntha enjoyed those same pastimes while relishing scholastic pleasures with His students. After teaching, at
36. There was a
37. Then, after watering and circumambulating tulasi, the Lord recited the name of Hari as He sat down to eat. Laksmi served rice and the Lord of Vaikuntha ate. The pious mother Saci watched to her full satisfaction. After finishing His meal, the Lord chewed betel nuts and then laid down while Laksmi massaged His lotus feet. After taking some rest, the Lord again went out with His books.
38. The science of self-realization is called yoga. As through self-realization (for the devotees) external feelings are vanquished (or, for the Lord, His manifested pastimes in this world remain unmanifested), this has been compared with sleep. Yogamaya is yoga-nidra, because she steals the symptoms of consciousness from everyone just as sleep does. Yoga-nidra is the predominating deity of the Lord’s energy.
39. Nimai enjoyed various pastimes in the city and smiled as He talked with the residents. Although no one knew His real identity, the residents still offered Him respects whenever they saw Him. Although Sri Sacinandana is rarely seen by even the demigods, He now wandered through the streets of Navadvipa within the sight of all.
40. Sri Gaurasundara is not perceivable by even the demigods. The demigods who reside in heaven are the best of the living entities under the three modes of material nature. Their advanced position is within the jurisdiction of temporary time and temporary existence—that is, it is not eternal. Since the Absolute Truth, Gaura-Krishna, is not visible even to the demigods, He is rarely attained; by His unlimited causeless mercy He manifests Himself only before the most fortunate souls. Such persons do not defy Him by considering Him a material object. But unfortunate persons do not see Him in this way. Their perception of the Lord is hindered by simply mundane conceptions. Therefore they achieve only some piety while seeing the Lord.
41. One day the Lord went to the house of a weaver, and the weaver respectfully offered Him obeisances. The Lord said, “Bring one nice piece of cloth,” and the weaver immediately brought some cloth. The Lord then asked, “What is the price of this cloth?” The weaver replied, “Give me whatever You like.” After settling the price, the Lord said, “I don’t have any money right now.” The weaver then said, “O Gosani, You can give me in ten or fifteen days. You take the cloth and happily wear it. You can pay me whenever You please.” After mercifully glancing at the weaver, the Lord continued on to the house of a cowherd. Mahaprabhu sat down on his veranda and began to make fun of the activities of the brahmanas. The Lord said, “O son, bring Me some milk and yogurt. Today I’m going to accept charity from your house.” The cowherd men thought Nimai looked just like Cupid. They respectfully offered Him a nice asana. They began to joke with the Lord and address Him as uncle. One of them said, “Come, uncle, let us go eat some rice.” Then one of them took Nimai on his shoulder and carried Him to his house.
42. The cowherd men addressed Nimai as their maternal uncle. In the Hindu community of
43. Another said, “Don’t You remember how You previously ate all the rice in my house?” Although the cowherd boys didn’t realize it, by the grace of the transcendental goddess of learning, Sarasvati, whatever they spoke was true. Meanwhile, Nimai simply smiled at their words.
44. The cowherd boys conjectured that in His previous pastimes as
45. All the gopas then happily offered the Lord milk, ghee, yogurt, cream, and butter. After being satisfied by the gopas, the Lord went to the house of a perfume merchant. The merchant offered his respectful obeisances to the Lord, who said, “O brother, bring Me some of your best perfume.” The perfume merchant immediately brought some of his best perfume, and Sri Sacinandana inquired, “What is the price?” The merchant replied, “You know, my dear sir! Is it befitting for me to take money from You? “Today You apply this oil and go home. If after taking bath tomorrow the fragrance still remains, then You may pay me whatever You like.” After saying this, the merchant happily applied the perfume on the body of the Lord. The Lord is the Supersoul of all living entities, therefore He attracts the mind of all. Who is not attracted by seeing His beautiful form? Visvambhara bestowed His mercy on the merchant and then continued on to the house of a florist. When the florist saw Nimai’s most wonderful form, he offered Him obeisances and a place to sit. The Lord said, “O florist, I would like a nice garland, but I have no money with Me.” Appreciating that Nimai had the symptoms of a spiritually perfect soul, the florist said, “You don’t need to pay.” After saying this, the florist garlanded the Lord, who smiled in the company of His students. After casting His merciful glance on the florist, Gauranga went to the house of betel nut merchant. The merchant saw Nimai’s form as more enchanting than that of Cupid. He took dust from Nimai’s feet and offered Him a place to sit. The merchant said, “It is my great fortune that You have come to my house, insignificant as I am.” In full satisfaction and without being asked, the merchant then offered betel nut to the Lord, who smiled. The Lord then said, “Why did you give Me betel without payment?” The merchant replied, “I was inspired to.” The Lord smiled on hearing the merchant’s reply, and He chewed the betel nut with great satisfaction. The merchant then devotedly offered Nimai some pan, camphor, and other spices free of cost. After blessing the merchant, Gaura smiled as He continued wandering the streets of Navadvipa. The city of
46. The word sankha refers to the Pancajanya conch, the word cakra refers to the Sudarsana cakra, gada refers to the Kaumodaki club, and padma refers to the Srivasa lotus. It is stated in the Brahma-vaivarta Purana (Prakriti-khanda, Chapter 14): “Behold Lord Hari, who is holding the conch, disc, club, and lotus in His four hands. His enchanting form is blackish like the new rain cloud.” Srivatsa is an upanga, or secondary limb, of Lord Visnu, situated as a white tuft of hair curling clockwise on His chest. Another opinion is given by Bharata Muni in his commentary on the Amara-kosa as follows: “The devotees of
47. He saw the Lord in the prison cell being offered prayers by His parents at the dead of night. He then saw Vasudeva carry the Lord that night to Gokula. The astrologer again saw the Lord as an enchanting two-armed naked child with a string of small bells around His waist and butter in His two hands. The astrologer saw His worshipable Lord decorated with all the symptoms that he had meditated on. He then again saw the threefold bending form of the Lord playing on His flute and surrounded on all sides by the gopis, who were singing and playing various musical instruments. After seeing this wonderful vision, the astrologer opened his eyes and saw Gauranga standing before him. Then he again entered into meditation. The astrologer said, “O Bala-gopala, please listen! Quickly show me who this brahmana was.” The astrologer then saw the Lord with a greenish durva grass complexion holding a bow in His hand and sitting on a royal throne. Thereafter he saw the Lord in the middle of the waters of devastation. He had the wonderful form of a boar, and He held the earth on His tusks. He then saw the Lord as Nrisimha. Although He appeared most ferocious, He was the ultimate well-wisher of His devotees. Next he saw the form of Vamana, waiting to deceive
48. Lord Narayana is the omnipotent sole proprietor of unlimited opulences. In order to test His own servant, Sridhara, the Lord asked him why the servants of Narayana remain afflicted with poverty in this world even though they are eligible for the wealth of their Lord. Although the followers of sakta philosophy who wish to mitigate their poverty or gratify their senses and fulfill their self-interest offer water and tulasi leaves at the feet of Lord Narayana and thus receive mundane opulences or temporary benefits, they do not achieve eternal good fortune. But the fully surrendered servants of Narayana who are engaged in unalloyed service do not accept any exchange for their service. In order to exhibit the ideal example of such Vaisnava qualities, the Lord’s associates from Vaikuntha display various poverty stricken pastimes. By such pastimes, however, they do not feel any misery. They have the following strong conviction at heart: tomara sevaya du?kha haya yata, se o ta’ parama sukha—“Whatever misery comes in the course of Your service is my greatest happiness.” They do not desire anything from the Lord for their own sense gratification.
49. Sridhara replied, “At least I’m not starving, and whether small or large I’m still wearing some cloth.”
50. In reply to Nimai’s question, Sridhara said, “I have no difficulties due to a lack of food and clothing. I do not completely fast, I eat something or another. Though I do not have the opportunity to wear fine clothing, I cover myself somehow with torn cloth.”
51. The Lord said, “But I see your cloth is mended in ten places, and the roof of your cottage has no straw.
52. The Lord then said, “I can see that there are many knots all over your old torn cloth, and there are many holes in the thatched roof of your old cottage.”
53. “Look at other people. They worship Candi or Visahari, so they have no scarcity for food or cloth.”
54. The Lord further said, “Just see how the followers of sakta philosophy live happily and comfortably, not by worshiping the eternally revered Supreme Lord but by worshiping Candika-devi, who awards benedictions for sense gratification like wealth, followers, and conquest of enemies, and by worshiping Visahari, who destroys the fear of snakes! And you have brought on yourself this pathetic condition by engaging in the service of the Lord without expressing any desire for material happiness and comfort!” Actually they do not understand that the Vaisnavas alone are the rightful heirs of Lord Narayana’s entire sixfold opulences.
55. Sridhara then replied, “O brahmana, what You say is indeed correct, yet the time passes equally for everyone. The king has jewels in his house, and he eats opulent food. Meanwhile, the birds live in trees. Yet time passes equally for everyone, as they all enjoy the fruits of their previous activities by the will of the Lord.”
56. In reply to the Lord’s question, Sridhara Vipra said, “Although according to mundane calculation the worshipers of the demigods who do not worship Visnu appear superior, the Vaisnavas and non-Vaisnavas both pass their lives in the same way. Actually non-Vaisnavas are busy making arrangements for their comfortable material happiness through material advancement while remaining indifferent to the service of Lord Hari, and the Vaisnavas are always busy serving the Lord while remaining indifferent to material advancement and thus have no opportunity to act as sense enjoyers. As a king lives in his palace, which is full of unlimited jewels, pearls, wealth, and opulences, receiving unlimited care, affection, and respect from his many order-carriers, servants, and associates and thus passes his time accumulating many valuable foodstuffs and clothes that he desires, in a similar way birds who are nourished without endeavor by mother nature also build their nests with straw and grasses at the tops of high trees and pass their time accumulating their respective foods from here and there by their own hard labor, without the help of anyone else. Everyone passes their life in the same way, and everyone lives within this world, enjoying the happiness and distress of their own karma. As a result of my karma I am also passing my time in the service of the Lord according to my own intelligence and taste without desiring external material advancement. Therefore according to material calculation I have no necessities at all. Those with equal vision do not discriminate between objects of sense enjoyment; rather, discriminating between inferior and superior objects of sense enjoyment simply indicates one’s likes and dislikes. In ancient times, due to the scarcity of varieties of enjoyment like good food and clothing, people were extremely poor and narrow-minded. In the course of time people gradually became more busy in activities of material sense enjoyment and continued such endeavors with the support of mundane physics and science. If we minutely study, however, we will see that there is not much difference between the people’s happiness and distress in the two time periods. Although there is certainly an increase and decrease in the necessities of life, since conditioned souls welcome enjoyment of the fruits of their activities according to their respective desires, all living entities pass their time in the same way. But those who are devotees of the Lord achieve happiness from His service and thus pass their time in unalloyed happiness, considering even so-called external misery as happiness. And those who are engaged in material enjoyment, which is not related with the Lord, pass their time in temporary adulterated happiness and distress.”
57. The Lord then said, “You have great wealth that you are secretly enjoying. I will soon disclose this to everyone. Then how will you cheat us?”
58. The Lord replied, “You are already very rich, so there is no need for you to accumulate external mundane wealth. Therefore you do not consider external worldly scarcity as poverty. One who is engaged in the service of the fully omnipotent Lord cannot have any weakness or scarcity at all. After a few days I will reveal to the human society that is ignorant of the position and glories of the Vaisnavas that the Vaisnavas are the sole proprietors of all wealth. It will no longer remain secret that the Vaisnavas are situated on the topmost platform and are the proprietors of everything, including all opulences. I will soon disclose this to all the foolish ignorant people of the world.”
59. Sridhara said, “O Pandita, please go home now. It is not proper for us to argue.”
60. The Lord externally accepted the doctrine of the sakta philosophy and opposed the path of devotional service followed by Sridhara. The Lord, acting as one of the ordinary persons amongst whom there are differences of opinion, is actually disclosing the real form and process of Vaisnava philosophy on the pretext of questions and answers.
61. The Lord said, “I’m not going to leave you so easily. First tell Me what you’ll give Me.”
62. After Sridhara and the Lord personally exhibited pastimes of giving and taking, the Lord is trying to accept a portion of Sridhara’s confidential internal and ordinary external wealth.
63. Sridhara said, “I maintain myself by selling leaf cups. So tell me, what can I give You, Gosani?”
64. The Lord personally displayed pastimes of poverty and want and accepted ingredients earned through the physical and mental labor of poverty-stricken poor people in order to benefit them. Sridhara said, “According to Your own calculation, whatever wealth I have, is not even sufficient for me. Therefore I cannot give charity like a wealthy person. What can I give You? The fruitive workers who are maddened within this material world are busy enjoying the fruits of their respective activities. They donate a portion of their wealth and become famous as charitable persons. But there is no possibility of achieving such fame for a poor penniless person like me.”
65. The Lord said, “Let your hidden treasure remain for now. I’ll take that later. For now, give Me some bananas, banana flowers, and banana stalks free of charge. Then I won’t argue with you.”
66. In answer to this, the Lord said, “At present I do not want the spiritual wealth that you possess. I am only trying to take a portion of your external wealth. I will accept spiritual service from you after some time. For now, relieve My needs with your service as a sadhaka. As a spiritual master, I am the worshipable object of sadhana-bhakti. So for now I will accept a portion of your ordinary wealth as an offering.”
67. Sridhara thought, “This brahmana is very aggressive. I’m afraid that one day He will beat me. But even if He beats me, what can I do to a brahmana? At the same time, I can’t supply Him free of charge every day. Anyway, whatever this brahmana takes by force or deceit, that is my good fortune. So I’ll continue to give Him every day.”
68. Sridhara Vipra thought, “Prabhu has a very arrogant nature. If I do not act according to His will, then He may even beat me. Moreover, I am personally poor and unable to meet the expenses of my own food and clothing. Therefore it is impossible for me to give anything free of cost. Nevertheless a brahmana is the representative of the Supreme Lord; if I can help Him without duplicity in any way, then there is a possibility of awakening my good fortune. For this reason whatever He will take from me either by force or trickery, I have no objection. I will be prepared to give Him every day. If by His exhibition of force or trickery this brahmana is benefited by me in any way, then I will consider it the result of my good fortune.”
69. Thinking in this way, Sridhara said, “Listen, Gosani, don’t worry about money. I’ll happily give You some bananas, banana flowers, leaf cups, and banana stalks, but please don’t fight with me.” The Lord said, “Good, then I won’t fight anymore. But see that I get good quality bananas and banana stalks.” The Lord daily used Sridhara’s leaf cups, and He ate subjis made from Sridhara’s plantains, banana flowers, and banana stalks. Whenever a squash grew on the roof of Sridhara’s cottage, the Lord would eat it, cooked with milk and black pepper. The Lord then said, “Tell Me, what do you think of Me? After you answer this, I’ll go home.” Sridhara replied, “You are a brahmana, a portion of Lord Visnu.” The Lord said, “You don’t know. Actually I’m from a gopa family.
70. In answer to the Lord’s question, Sridhara replied, “O Pandita, You are a portion of Lord Visnu.” The Lord immediately protested, “Even though I am not a portion of Visnu, in other words, even though I am the svaya?-rupa and source of all incarnations, I appear in the family of cowherd men, in other words, I am
71. “Although you see Me as the son of a brahmana, I consider Myself a cowherd boy.” Sridhara smiled at the Lord’s words, but due to the illusory energy he could not recognize his Lord.
72. Since Sri Gaurasundara presently desires to conceal His covered or confidential scholastic pastimes, by the supreme will of the Lord, Sridhara, the best of devotees and eternal associate of the Lord, could not properly understand the hidden pastimes of his eternally worshipable Lord, Sri Gaura-Krishna..
73. The Lord then said, “Sridhara, let Me tell you the truth. The glories of your
74. While describing the truth about Himself, the Lord said to Sridhara, “All that you have heard about the special glories of
75. Sridhara replied, “Nimai Pandita! Aren’t You afraid of insulting
76. In reply to this, Sridhara said, “You are so arrogant that You don’t believe that
77. Devaki, the mother of Prisnigarbha, is the personification of devotional service to Lord Visnu. Mothers of the Lord like Yasoda, Devaki, and Saci serve the Lord in pure vatsalya-rasa. Therefore, even though such mothers are worshipable to the Lord, they are not bereft of pure spiritual service.
78. The pastimes enjoyed by the Lord are supreme in all respects. Whenever the Lord desires to fight, He becomes the topmost hero and no one can surpass His prowess with weapons. Whenever the Lord desires to enjoy conjugal pastimes, He manifests millions of beautiful women. Whenever the Lord desires to enjoy opulence, He fills His servant’s homes with millions of oceans of wealth. In this way the arrogant nature now manifest by the Lord immediately vanished when He accepted the path of renunciation. At that time not even a fragment of the renunciation and devotion that He manifest could be found throughout the three worlds. Is this possible for anyone else?
79. Sri Gaurasundara, who is the source of all incarnations, who performs pastimes out of His own sweet will, and who is the reservoir of transcendental pastimes, personally fought with the demons Madhu and Kaitabha in His incarnation as Hayasirsa, the demon Hiranyaksa as Varaha, the demon Hiranyakasipu as Nrisimha-deva, and demons headed by Ravana in His incarnation as Ramacandra. In His conjugal pastimes as
80. Visvambhara is
The argument of Nimai’s qualities and the words of Advaita Acarya
1. In His childhood He was the reservoir of scholastic pastimes. In this way, as Gaura, the best of the brahmanas, confidentially lived in Navadvipa, He had no engagement other than studying. His form was as enchanting as millions of Cupids. Each of His limbs was incomparably charming. His arms extended to His knees, and His eyes were like the petals of a lotus. He chewed betel nut and dressed divinely.
2. On seeing Sri Gaurasundara’s wonderfully sweet beauty, which defeats that of millions of Cupids, His matchless effulgence emanating from His bodily limbs, His long arms that stretch to His knees, His lotus eyes, His fine dress, and betel nuts between His lips, the conditioned souls, who have been awarded ugly material bodies, short arms, and harsh eyes and who desire sense gratification, consider Sri Gaurasundara as attached to material enjoyment and intoxication and possessing a material body like themselves. But if they understand the extraordinary glories of Sri Gaurasundara, it will help the envious living entities realize that their material bodies, which are fit to be eaten by dogs and jackals, and their minds, which are attached to misconceptions, are abominable. Although Sri Gaurasundara accepted innumerable items of enjoyment such as betel nuts, He instructed everyone for their eternal benefit to engage each and every item in the service of Sri Krishna, who is the only object of all enjoyment.
3. As the Lord walked with thousands of students, by the strength of His knowledge He entertained everyone with His sharp wit. Visvambhara, the Lord of the three worlds, traveled all over Navadvipa holding in His hand His beloved Sarasvati, in the form of a book.
4. In the form of books, Maha-Laksmi Narayani, the goddess of speech, always remained in the lotus hands of her Lord, Gaura-Narayana, and thus fulfilled the meaning of the Lord’s name, Vacaspati, “the husband of the goddess of speech.”
5. There was no scholar throughout Navadvipa who could understand Nimai’s explanations. The Lord discussed His explanations only with the most fortunate Gangadasa Pandita. All the materialistic people said, “The parents of this boy are certainly glorious. What can they be lacking?” All the ladies considered the Lord to be as attractive as Cupid, and the atheists considered Him as death personified. All the learned scholars considered Him equal to Brihaspati. In this way everyone appreciated the Lord according to their own mentality. Seeing Visvambhara’s attractive form, the Vaisnavas felt both jubilation and lamentation. They thought, “Although He has such a divine body, He has no attraction for
6. In order to assist in the covered pastimes of the Lord, the Vaisnavas, by the will of the Lord, acted as ignorant people induced by material knowledge as they continually endeavored to convert Gaura into a servant of the Supreme Lord. Besides giving indirect hints, they also directly told Nimai not to remain absorbed in the cultivation of useless knowledge but to worship Hari, for that was beneficial.
7. The Lord smiled on hearing His servants speak like this, and He replied, “I am fortunate to have You instruct Me.”
8. As the Lord thus passed His time in scholastic pastimes, His servants could not recognize Him, so what to speak of others? People came from all over
9. Mukunda engaged in a war of words with the Lord through his debate and counter-debate.
10. In this way the Lord recognized His devotees by challenging them for clarification on some point, but they were all defeated in the ensuing argument. Srivasa and other devotees were all challenged in this way by the Lord, but they would all run away in fear of wasting time in useless arguments.
11. Although the devotees were qualified to engage in philosophical debate, they were not eager to indulge in arguments on inconceivable subjects since dry arguments are inconclusive.
12. The devotees were naturally detached due to their advancement in
13. The devotees loved to hear topics of
14. One day, as Nimai walked on the main street with His students, He displayed symptoms of great pride.
15. While engaged in a battle of words with the students, Nimai often exhibited impudence or arrogance. At that time Mukunda was on his way to take bath in the
16. The authoritative demigods like Lord Brahma and Lord Siva are the dear friends of the Vaisnavas. Brahma, Siva, Narada, and others make an auspicious appearance wherever there are Vaisnavas who are attached to the service of the Lord. By worldly considerations, the demigods are very exalted. But the arrival of demigods at the doors of Vaisnavas, with whom they are affectionately bound, is a display of their humility.
17. “My dear brothers, listen to Me. I will certainly become an extraordinary Vaisnava. Those who run away from Me today will chant My glories and qualities tomorrow.” After speaking in this way, Nimai smiled and returned home with His students.
18. Once, the Vaisnavas all told Advaita Prabhu about the abusive words of atheists in Navadvipa.
19. Those who are averse to the service and pastimes of the Supreme Lord are called pasandis.
20. Hearing their account, Advaita Acarya became as angry as Lord Rudra and loudly exclaimed, “I will kill them all! My Lord, who carries a cakra, is coming. Then you will see what happens in Nadia.
21. Sri Advaita Prabhu began to tell the Vaisnavas who had approached Him for remedies that His worshipable Lord Visnu, who holds the Sudarsana cakra, is coming to Navadvipa soon. By Him, the ignorance of the fools would be destroyed. I will make
22. Alaksita-vesa, or “in disguise,” means that he was dressed in such way that people would not know that he was a devotee. In other words, he came dressed as an ekadandi-sannyasi.
23. He was overwhelmed with love for
24. While discussing topics of
25. The Lord was satisfied to see his unprecedented symptoms of love, which he did not disclose due to people’s misfortunate position. Isvara Puri stayed for a few months in Navadvipa at the home of Sri Gopinatha Acarya.
26. Gopinatha Acarya was a resident of Navadvipa, the son-in-law of Mahesvara Visarada, who lived in Vidyanagara, and the brother-in-law of Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya and Madhusudana Vacaspati. In the opinion of some, he was the incarnation of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. He was one of the Nava Vyuhas and a knower of the Tantras. In the opinion of others, he was Ratnavali-sakhi of Vraja. Since Puripada came in the disciplic succession of the senior Vaisnava Sri Madhva Muni, he is included in the Brahma-sampradaya, which is one of the four authorized sampradayas. As a subordinate Vaisnava lives in the home of his guru, Puripada lived a few months in Navadvipa in the house of Gopinatha Bhattacarya, the incarnation of Lord Brahma.
27. Everyone was overjoyed to see Isvara Puri, and the Lord would also regularly go to visit him. Seeing Gadadhara Pandita’s tears of love, all the Vaisnavas felt great affection for him. As he was detached from worldly life since childhood, Isvara Puri also felt similar affection for him. He had Gadadhara Pandita study a book that he had written named Krishna-lilamrita. After studying and teaching, the Lord went in the evening to offer His obeisances to Isvara Puri. Isvara Puri was happy to see Nimai, and though he did not know Him as the Supreme Lord, he still had love for Him. Isvara Puri smiled and said, “You are a big scholar. I’ve written a book about the characteristics of Lord Krishna. I would be most satisfied if You would tell me if there is any fault in it The Lord replied, “Whoever finds fault in a devotee’s description of Lord Krishna is a sinful person.
28. Dhatus are verb roots that indicate actions. When mixed with the ten inflective classes beginning with lat they produce the various tenses and moods. Considering each verb in the three persons and three numbers results in nine forms for each tense and mood. Some of these roots are atmanepadi, and some are parasmaipadi; and apart from these, some are ubhayapadi. The parasmaipadi roots have 90 forms, and there are the same number of atmanepadi forms. Thus altogether there are 180 forms of these two kinds of roots. Since Nimai Pandita said that the form of the root in the verse spoken by Isvara Puri was not atmanepadi, Isvara Puripada concluded that according to grammar the form of the root was ubhayapadi. Therefore there was no fault in using the atmanepadi form of the root.
29. When the Lord heard his explanation, He was most satisfied with His servant’s victory and He did not find any further fault. The Vedas declare that the Lord by nature always expands His devotees’ glories by making them victorious. In this way Isvara Puri passed a few months enjoying scholastic pastimes with Sri Gauracandra. Isvara Puri, however, would not remain in one place due to the restless nature of his ecstatic love. He thus went out on pilgrimage to purify the earth. Sri Madhavendra Puri happily gave the complete treasure of his ecstatic love to Sri Isvara Puri. By the mercy of
30. Nimai is God, God exists.
The proof of the Lord of Vaikuntha enjoying His scholastic pastimes by vanquishing the scholars’ pride.
1. Navadvipa was full of millions of learned scholars, each of whom had mastered various scriptures. Bhattacaryas, Cakravartis, Misras, and Acaryas had no occupation other than teaching. These scholars were all independent and so victorious in debating scriptures that they disregarded persons as learned as Lord Brahma. The Lord constantly rebuked these scholars, who had to directly or indirectly hear those taunts. Nevertheless, not one of them was able to counter the Lord’s challenges. They were so frightened on seeing the Lord that they would humbly try to avoid Him. Whoever the Lord spoke with would become His staunch follower.
2. Whenever the Lord addressed someone, that person felt particularly honored and he would thus desire to serve the Lord.
3. Everyone on the banks of the
4. Sarasvati is the personification of devotional service to Lord Visnu. Being nondifferent from Laksmi, she eternally resides on the chest of Lord Visnu. She is the mother of the universe. Due to the brahmana’s great fortune, she appeared before him and blessed him to conquer the three worlds. Spiritual knowledge, or Sarasvati, hides her real identity from those who are proud, foolish, attached to material enjoyment, and absorbed in the false ego of thinking themselves the doers; and in her shadow form of Dusta Sarasvati, she deceives them by awarding them benedictions. Though such puffed-up people who receive her benedictions are able to conquer the three worlds, they are eligible for being totally defeated by the Supreme Lord, who is the ultimate giver of all benedictions. Sarasvati-devi never desires that her worshipable Lord may be defeated, so she deceives the conditioned souls who are bewildered by maya from chanting the glories of the Lord’s holy names. When Suddha Sarasvati-devi sees that her worshiper is not inclined towards the service of the Supreme Lord, she bewilders him with material knowledge, which is her shadow form.
5. What is the difficulty for her to bless one to become a champion of learning when simply by her merciful glance one achieves devotional service to Lord Visnu?
6. When by the nonduplicitous merciful glance of Suddha Sarasvati-devi one achieves the highest benediction of devotion to Lord Visnu, then it is easy and extremely insignificant for her to award the people of this world benedictions like becoming a Digvijayi, a champion of learning.
7. After directly receiving the benediction of goddess Sarasvati, the brahmana traveled from province to province, defeating the local scholars wherever he went. All the scriptures resided on the tip of his tongue. There was no one in the world who could answer his challenge. Many scholars were not even able to understand his questions, so he easily conquered the scholars wherever he went. He then heard about the glories of Navadvipa, wherein endless learned scholars resided. Thus after conquering all other provinces, the champion scholar came to Navadvipa along with his opulent entourage, which included horses and elephants. As a result, a loud commotion arose in every house and every assembly of learned scholars in Nadia. People everywhere were heard saying, “A champion scholar has come to Navadvipa with a certificate of victory from scholars all over the country.
8. The word jaya-patra refers to a certificate of conquest that a party who has lost in a battle of arguments or test of scholarship awards to the victorious party. This is proof of the winning party’s superior scholarship.
9. When all the learned scholars of Navadvipa heard that he was favored by Sarasvati, they began to worry. “Of all places of learning throughout Jambudvipa, Navadvipa surpasses all.
10. Jambudvipa, in which
11. “If this Digvijayi is victorious in such a place as this, then scholars all over the world will condemn us. Yet who has the ability to debate with one who has received the blessings of Sarasvati? Since Sarasvati resides on his tongue, how can a human being debate with him?” Thousands of great Bhattacaryas left their duties out of anxiety. All over Navadvipa people were heard saying, “Now we’ll understand the power of our knowledge.” The students went and informed their teacher, Gauranga, of all these incidents. “A Digvijayi who has been blessed by Sarasvati and who has conquered scholars throughout the world has come with his certificate of victory. He has arrived in Navadvipa surrounded by elephants, horses, palanquins, and many followers. He has come to Navadvipa seeking an opponent. Otherwise he demands a certificate of victory from the scholars of Navadvipa.”
12. After arriving in Navadvipa, Digvijayi Pandita searched for a suitable opponent from the rival camp. If there was no suitable scholar in Navadvipa able to debate with him, then the Digvijayi demanded that the scholars issue him a certificate stating that all the scholars of Navadvipa had been defeated by him.
13. Hearing the words of His students, the jewel-like Gauranga smiled and began to describe the nature of the Supreme Lord. “Listen, dear brothers. The Supreme Lord never tolerates false pride.”
14. Hearing about Digvijayi’s bragging from the Navadvipa students, who were afraid of their imminent defeat, Sri Gaurasundara solaced them by describing the nature, or truth, of the Supreme Lord as follows: “The Supreme Lord, who is the controller of maya, completely destroys the false ego of proud persons who are controlled by maya—that is, He destroys the pride of proud persons—and does not assist them in maintaining their pride in any way. As stated in the Srimad Bhagavatam (10.14.20): “O supreme creator and master, You defeat the false pride of the faithless demons and show mercy to Your saintly devotees.”
15. “Whenever the Lord sees someone proud of some personal quality, He certainly removes the cause of that pride. The nature of both the tree laden with fruit and the man decorated with good qualities is that they bow down with humility. You must have heard of the great Digvijayis of the past like Haihaya, Nahusa, Vena, Bana, Naraka, and Ravana.”
16. The word maha-digvijayi refers to brahmanas who conquer the eight directions on the strength of their knowledge, ksatriyas who conquer the eight directions in battle on the strength of their arms, and vaisyas who conquer the eight directions on the strength of their wealth, earned through farming and trade.
17. “Try to think, whose pride was not smashed? The Supreme Lord never tolerates anyone’s false ego. Therefore you will see this Digvijayi’s scholastic pride vanquished here in Navadvipa.” After saying this, Nimai smiled. Then in the evening He took His students to the bank of the
18. The word dharma-katha refers to ordinary varnasrama topics, which are accessible to the senses. There is a dearth of spiritual knowledge in this world, therefore instructions for removing the living entities’ darkness of ignorance by administering topics of transcendental knowledge are called sastra-katha.
19. Though He did not say anything, the Lord thought, “How shall I defeat this Digvijayi? This brahmana has become most proud, because he thinks there is no one in the world to oppose him. If I defeat him in an assembly, it would be equal to death for him. Everyone would belittle him, they would plunder his belongings, and he would die in lamentation.
20. The Lord is the perfect example of proper conduct and is always respectful to the people of this world, therefore He began to contemplate how miserable the world-renowned scholar Digvijayi would become when defeated. He thought, “If I defeated the conceited Digvijayi in public, he would feel great misery at heart. Moreover, if he were defeated, he would be finished. He would certainly be harassed, all his wealth, elephants, horses and other possessions would be forcibly taken away by others, and the brahmana would merge in lamentation. Keeping all these considerations in mind, I will have to defeat the Digvijayi in a secluded place.”
21. “Therefore I will defeat him in a private place, so that his pride will be destroyed but he won’t be hurt.” While the Lord was thinking in this way, night fell and the Digvijayi arrived at that spot. It was a clear full moon night, and the
22. Another reading of this verse is danda dekhite ki bahu kakhana uthaya?—“Will one raise his hand when he sees a stick?” In other words, if one sees a stick in the hands of his opponent he will never attack him simply on the strength of his arms. Similarly, Gaura-Narayana, who is the Lord of lords and the chastiser of everyone, has such potency, or such opulence, that none of His controlled subjects are able to transgress or surpass Him. The purport is that the Digvijayi, who is like a well of limited knowledge, did not dare to challenge Gaurasundara, who is the ocean of unlimited knowledge, but rather became completely frightened.
23. After exchanging a few words of introduction, the Lord began to sportingly inquire from him. The Lord said, “There is no limit to your poetic ability. There is nothing that you are unable to describe. Please recite some of the glories of the
24. In the prayers composed and recited by Digvijayi, there were many astonishing and choice arrangements of words and beautiful metaphors. Therefore even the most learned scholars who were expert in the scriptures felt extreme difficulty in considering and relishing those verses.
25. When Digvijayi finally finished his recitation, Sri Gaurasundara smiled and spoke. “The purport of your words are so exalted that unless you explain them no one can understand. Therefore please explain a portion of your recitation, for whatever meaning is explained by you must be accepted.” Hearing the Lord’s enchanting words, the best of the brahmanas began to explain. But as soon as he began to explain a verse, the Lord immediately pointed out faults in the beginning, middle, and end of the verse.
26. Digvijayi began to enthusiastically explain the following verse that he composed:
27. mahattvam gangayam satatam idam abhati nitaram
28. yad esa Sri-visnoh carana-kamalotpatti-subhaga
29. dvitiya-Sri-laksmir iva sura-narair arcya-carana
30. bhavani-bhartur ya sirasi vibhavaty adbhuta-guna
31. “The greatness of mother
32. The Lord said, “According to the scriptures, all the words and literary ornaments that you have used are far from correct. But please tell us, what was your intended meaning of these ornaments?” asked Lord Gauranga. Digvijayi, the great son of Sarasvati, was unable to properly explain, for his intelligence had left him. Whatever little attempt he made to defend himself was refuted by Lord Gaurasundara. It appeared that the Digvijayi’s intelligence had taken leave of him, for he didn’t even know what he was saying. The Lord said, “Leave this verse and recite another,” but the Digvijayi was unable to recite like before. It is not unusual that Digvijayi was bewildered in front of the Lord, because even the Vedas are bewildered in the presence of the Lord. Lord Brahma, Lord Ananta, and Lord Siva create, maintain, and annihilate innumerable universes. When even they are bewildered before the Lord, then what is surprising if this brahmana was bewildered? Unlimited universes are bewildered by maya, the shadow of Laksmi, Sarasvati, and other internal potencies of the Lord. Yet she is also bewildered in the presence of the Lord, and therefore she always stands behind Him. When the compiler of the Vedas and even Ananta sesa are bewildered in the presence of the Lord, then what is surprising if the Digvijayi is bewildered? It is impossible for ordinary living entities to understand the activities of the Supreme Lord, therefore His activities are transcendentally glorious. In fact, the activities performed by the Supreme Lord are all meant for the deliverance of the conditioned souls. As the Digvijayi faced defeat, the Lord’s students were on the verge of laughing. The Lord, however, forbade them from laughing and sweetly spoke to the brahmana. “You please go home for today, and tomorrow we will discuss some more. You must be tired after your long recitation and it’s getting late. Please go take rest.” The Lord’s behavior was so gentle that whoever was defeated by Him felt no distress. After defeating each of the teachers in Navadvipa, the Lord satisfied them with His sweet behavior. The Lord continued, “Let us go home today. Then after looking at your books, come tomorrow and answer My questions.” Even after defeating someone, the Lord did not insult them, and thus everyone was pleased with Him. Such were the pastimes of the Lord. That is why all the learned scholars of Navadvipa were so affectionate to the Lord. As the Lord returned home with His students, the Digvijayi felt great shame. In distress, the brahmana thought, “I’ve been personally blessed by Sarasvati. Till now I’ve not met a single person—whether a scholar of Nyaya, Sankhya, Patanjala, Mimamsa, Vaisesika, or Vedanta—who could even compete with me, and what to speak of defeating me! This brahmana merely teaches children’s grammar, and He defeated me? This is certainly an act of providence!
33. “This brahmana boy is a teacher of ordinary grammar in primary education. But alas, due to misdeeds I had to face defeat by Him. Among the six limbs of the Vedas, grammar is like the face of the personified Vedas and is the preliminary scripture for students engaged in studying the scriptures, but it is an undisputed fact that one cannot become expert in literature, alankara, smritis, or philosophical works simply by possessing expertise in learning and teaching grammar. Nevertheless this young boy, who is expert in grammar, has defeated even an experienced champion of the scriptures like me.”
34. “It appears that Sarasvati’s benediction has proven false, which awakens doubts in my mind. Otherwise, have I committed some offense at her feet? Is that why my intelligence was diminished?
35. “Since I have been defeated by this young brahmana grammarian I can now understand that the benediction I received from my worshipable goddess Sarasvati-devi has proved a complete failure! Therefore various doubts are arising within my mind. The goddess whom I had pleased and from whom I had thus received the benediction for becoming a Digvijayi must be displeased as a result of my offenses. Otherwise why would my great ingenuity in learning be defeated by an ordinary young grammarian?”
36. “I must find out the cause of my defeat.” Thinking in this way, the brahmana began chanting his mantra. After chanting for some time the distressed brahmana fell asleep, and in a short time Sarasvati appeared before him in a dream. Goddess Sarasvati glanced mercifully on the fortunate brahmana and confidentially spoke as follows. “O best of the brahmanas, listen as I disclose to you the secrets of the Vedas. If you disclose these topics to anyone, you will meet a quick death. Know for certain that He by whom you were defeated is the Lord of innumerable universes.”
37. Sarasvati-devi appeared in a dream before Digvijayi Pandita, who had chanted her mantras, and said, “If you disclose to anyone the most confidential topics that I am telling you regarding the covered incarnation of the Lord, then your death is certain.”
38. It is said that since Kesava Bhatta, the spiritual master of Gangalya Bhatta, revealed the information about Sriman Mahaprabhu that was given to him in a dream by Sarasvati, he met with a premature death. Therefore Gangalya Bhatta again initiated a brahmana from
39. “I am an eternal maidservant at His lotus feet, and I’m embarrassed to appear before Him. O brahmana, although I speak through your tongue, in front of Him I have no power. What to speak of me, even Lord Ananta sesa, who explains the Vedas with thousands of mouths and who is worshiped by Brahma and Siva, He is also bewildered in His presence. He is the Supreme Brahman, the eternal, pure, complete, and inexhaustible Lord, who is situated in everyone’s heart.”
40. The one Absolute Truth, original Personality of Godhead, Gaura-Krsna, is Baladeva, the first catur-vyuha, the second catur-vyuha, and the three Visnus who lie on the Karana, Garbhodaka, and
41. “Fruitive activities, mental speculation, material knowledge, pious and impious activities, direct and indirect perception, and more than I am able to say—all these are (created and) destroyed by that Lord you just met in the form of a brahmana. Know for certain that everyone including Lord Brahma enjoys happiness and distress according to His will alone. Listen, dear brahmana, all incarnations such as Matsya and Kurma are nondifferent from Him. In the form of Lord Varaha, He rescued the earth, and in the form of Nrisi?ha, He protected Prahlada. In the form of Vamana, He is the life and soul of
42. Speaking these words, Sarasvati disappeared and the most fortunate brahmana woke up. Immediately after getting up, the brahmana went in the early morning to the Lord’s residence. The brahmana came and offered his obeisances to the Lord, who picked up the brahmana and embraced him. The Lord said, “O brahmana, why have you come so early? What is the reason for this behavior?” The brahmana replied, “It is all due to Your merciful glance.” The Lord said, “You are the champion of learning. Why are you treating Me like this?” The Digvijayi replied, “Please listen, O king of the brahmanas. Just by worshiping You, all one’s activities become successful. You are the Supreme Lord Narayana, but You have appeared in Kali-yuga in the form of a brahmana. Who has the power to recognize You? Doubts arose in my mind when You asked me questions that I was unable to answer. O Lord, all the Vedas confirm that You are devoid of pride. Now I have seen this with my own eyes. There is no doubt about it. Although You have defeated me three times, You have maintained my prestige. Is this possible for anyone other than the Supreme Lord? Therefore You are certainly Lord Narayana. I met with innumerable scholars wherever I have gone—Gauda, Trihuta,
43. “I entered Navadvipa at an auspicious moment and attained darsana of You. When persons are drowning in the well of material life, they have no opportunity to see You. So far I have remained intoxicated with material knowledge, but now I was able to see You by the accumulated strength of my past pious deeds.”
44. “I was bewildered by nescience and material desires, and I cheated myself as I wandered throughout the world forgetful of my constitutional position. I’ve met You by some great fortune, now please deliver me by Your merciful glance. It is Your nature to engage in the welfare of others; indeed, there is no shelter or source of compassion other than You. O Lord, please instruct me in such a way that I may have no material desires in my heart.” After speaking many plaintive words in this way, the Digvijayi humbly offered prayers to the Lord. Hearing the brahmana’s submissive words, Sri Gaurasundara smiled and replied. “Listen, O best of the brahmanas. You are most fortunate, for Sarasvati resides on your tongue. Conquering the world is not the proper use for knowledge, the proper use of knowledge is to worship the Supreme Lord. Try to understand, when one gives up his body, he cannot take wealth and reputation with him. That is why devotees renounce material endeavors and serve the Supreme Lord with firm determination. Therefore, O brahmana, give up all materialistic association and immediately begin to worship the lotus feet of Lord Krsna.
45. Now that Sri Kesava Bhatta has given up the inappropriate purport of the six branches of philosophy that he was initiated into before receiving these instructions of Sri Gaurasundara, the ten verses composed by Srila Nimbakacaryapada appeared in his memory by the mercy of Mahaprabhu. Gaurasundara’s instruction to serve Radha-Govinda inspired him with his predecessor gurus’ unexpressed emotions, which manifested in his heart in the form of verses. Since before receiving the Lord’s mercy Kesava Bhatta was indifferent to these verses composed by his predecessor gurus, he displayed negligence for the service of the lotus feet of Radha-Govinda and eagerness to accumulate material fame in the form of becoming a Digvijayi.
46. Up to the time of your death, serve Krsna with confidence.
47. Being initiated into all these instructions, the compiler of Krama-dipika instructed his disciples headed by Gangalya Bhatta about the process of worshiping Radha-Govinda. Later on, Kesava and other scholars of Kasmira left the subordination of Sriman Mahaprabhu and took to another path. Turning away from the mercy of Sriman Mahaprabhu, Kesava Kasmiri and other so-called followers of the Sri Nimbarka-sampradaya, as well as so-called scholars of the Sri Vallabha-sampradaya, rejected the most beneficial and pure lotus feet of Sriman Mahaprabhu, the worshipable Lord of the compiler of Krama-dipika, and took to another path. Both Sri Sanatana Gosvami and Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami understood Kesavacarya, the compiler of Krama-dipika, as a recipient of Sriman Mahaprabhu’s mercy, and therefore they collected ingredients from his book in their compilation of Gaudiya Vaisnava smriti. Later on the followers of Kesava Kasmiri gave up the lotus feet of Mahaprabhu and attempted to establish their own independent sampradaya.
48. “Know without doubt that the goal of knowledge is to fix one’s mind on Krsna’s lotus feet. The best advice I can give you is that devotional service to the Supreme Lord Visnu is the only substantial truth throughout all the worlds.” After saying this, the Lord embraced the brahmana in satisfaction. Being embraced by the Lord of Vaikuntha, the brahmana was freed from all material bondage. Then the Lord said, “O brahmana, give up your pride, worship Krsna, and be merciful to all living entities. What Sarasvati told you in confidence should not be told to anyone. If one discloses topics that are more confidential than those of the Vedas, then know for certain that his duration of life is diminished and his advancement in the next life will be checked.”
49. If one reveals the confidential meaning of a mantra, he is not actually benefited in this world; rather, the speaker only gains a shortened lifespan for endeavoring to reveal the mystery. If one reveals the purport of the most confidential Vedic mantras to faithless persons, then those unfortunate persons will misuse the purport of the mantras by preaching mundane baula, sahajiya, and smarta philosophies as the path of devotional service. Therefore even the mistake of accepting an unqualified disciple yields adverse results.
50. After receiving the Lord’s instructions, that best of brahmanas offered repeated obeisances to the Lord. Then, after offering repeated obeisances to the Lord, the brahmana departed in great satisfaction. On receiving the Lord’s instructions, renunciation, knowledge, and devotional service immediately manifested in the body of the brahmana.
51. Receiving the mercy of Sri Gaurasundara, Digvijayi Sri Kesava Bhatta became completely successful. He offered his obeisances to Sriman Mahaprabhu’s lotus feet, knowing them to be the source of all auspiciousness. Being empowered by the Lord, Kesava Bhatta simultaneously achieved great qualities such as service to the Lord, realization of the Absolute Truth, and detachment for activities not related to the Lord. Though he was initiated in the Vaisnava line, his descendants later on became bereft of Sri Gaura’s mercy. This pastime of converting the nondevotee Kesava Bhatta into a devotee is most confidential, because up to that point Gaurasundara had not yet bestowed mercy on anyone in the world to advance in devotional service. The process of devotional service that Kesava Bhatta achieved by receiving mercy from the lotus feet of Sri Gaura is being respected by his followers even today.
52. The Digvijayi’s pride was immediately destroyed, and he became more humble than a blade of grass. He then gave all his elephants, horses, palanquins, wealth, and whatever other assets he had in charity to suitable persons. In this way the Digvijayi continued his travels as a detached person. Such are the pastimes of Sri Gaurasundara. The natural characteristics of His mercy is that a person renounces even the position of a king to take the position of a mendicant. The prime example of this in Kali-yuga is Sri Dabira Khasa, who left a kingdom to live in the forest, and accepted the name “Srila Rupa Gosvami” given by Sri Gaurasundara.
53. Soon everyone in Navadvipa heard that Sri Gaurasundara defeated the Digvijayi. People were all astonished, and they said, “Nimai Pandita is a great scholar. He has even defeated the Digvijayi. We have never heard of such a learned scholar as Nimai. The pride of Nimai Pandita is justified, and now His reputation has spread.” Someone said, “If this Nimai studies logic, He will certainly become a Bhattacarya.” Someone else said, “O brother, let us all together award Him the title of ‘Badisimha.’”
54. Badisimha is the name of one Vaisnava from the line of Ramanuja. He was like a lion in destroying the philosophy of monism. It is to be understood that previously whenever a scholar defeated another scholar, he was awarded the title Badisimha.
55. Yet even after seeing all this, the influence of the Lord’s illusory energy is such that people still did not understand Him.
56. Gauranga Mahaprabhu is the Godhead.
The proof of the demigods coming to eat, the brahmana’s calling Him The Supreme Lord, demigod explaining to Tapana Misra
1. The Lord enjoyed scholastic pastimes with His students throughout all the villages of Navadvipa. Everyone throughout Navadvipa heard that Nimai Pandita was the crest jewel among teachers. Even the wealthy materialists would get down from their palanquins to offer respects to Nimai. Everyone was filled with awe and reverence on seeing the Lord. There was no one in Navadvipa who was not under His control. Whenever any resident of Navadvipa would perform any pious act, he would without fail first send some foodstuffs and cloth to the Lord’s house. The Lord displayed the pastimes of a munificent person, for this is the nature of the Supreme Lord. He constantly gave gifts to the poor. Whenever Gaurahari met a poor person, He would immediately give him rice, cloth, and money out of compassion. Guests would daily visit the Lord’s house, and He would always properly satisfy every one of them. Sometimes ten or twenty sannyasis would come, and the Lord would happily invite them for lunch. He would immediately send someone to inform His mother to quickly arrange lunch for the twenty sannyasis. As there was nothing at home, mother Saci thought, “How will I prepare meals for twenty sannyasis?” As soon as she thought like this, someone came and delivered the necessary ingredients without her notice.
2. Due to the lack of sufficient ingredients for meals and accumulated wealth in the Lord’s house, Sacidevi felt a need for ingredients to feed the sannyasis. By the will of the Lord, all the necessary ingredients immediately appeared there.
3. Laksmidevi cooked the offering with full satisfaction, and then the Lord arrived home. The Lord personally watched as the sannyasis were served their meal. After they were fully satisfied, He bid them farewell.
4. Since sannyasis do not normally use fire, their cooking activities were done by brahmanas, who use fire. The sannyasis who do not use fire can accept foodstuffs cooked at the houses of brahmanas, who use fire. Generally there was a
5. In this way the merciful Lord inquired about the needs of every one of His guests, whether they needed any drink or food.
6. Mahaprabhu taught the householders, “The foremost duty of a householder is to serve his guests. If a householder does not serve his guests, he is considered lower than the birds and beasts.”
7. Inferior animals like birds and beasts fly in the sky or wander the earth in order to gather their food and have little opportunity to collect. But since human beings are the highest social entities, they are obliged to follow the principles of varnasrama. If they are averse to even these principles, then they will counted among the unsheltered naked birds and beasts, who are busy simply filling their own bellies. Apart from filling their own bellies, human beings have the higher responsibility of collecting and protecting items for the service of Visnu.
8. “If due to his previous impious activities he does not have anything, then he should satisfy his guests with a straw mat, some water, and place to lie down. In the houses of pious people there may be a scarcity of rice or other staples due to poverty, but a straw mat, water, resting place, and sweet words should always be available for serving guests. If one has nothing more to offer, he should apologize without duplicity; then he is not guilty of neglecting his guest. If a householder happily serves his guests without duplicity and according to his ability, he is considered hospitable.” Therefore the Lord personally invited His guests with great respect. All those guest were most fortunate, for they received foodstuffs directly from Laksmi-Narayana.
9. Those guests who received rice prasada from the house of Sri Laksmi-Narayana at Yogapitha in Sri Navadvipa-dhama are millions of times more fortunate than those mundane guests who receive rice from mundane householders.
10. Foodstuffs so wonderful that are desired by even the demigods headed by Brahma were now eaten by one and all. In reply to this, someone said, “It is not possible for ordinary persons to receive such foodstuffs. Brahma, Siva, Sukadeva, Vyasadeva, Narada, as well as the demigods and Siddhas, who travel according to their desire, all knew that Laksmi-Narayana had appeared in Navadvipa. They therefore all visited the Lord’s house to beg alms in the form of mendicants. Otherwise who else has the power to visit His house, and who other than personalities like Brahma can receive such foodstuffs?” Someone else said, “The Lord has incarnated to deliver the distressed, and He therefore employs various means for their deliverance.”
11. Some people say that since the demigods headed by Brahma and the sages headed by Narada possess mystic perfections, it was they who took the form and dress of guests and became fortunate by receiving rice prasada from the house of Lord Gaura-Narayana. Because other than them, no ordinary mortal being is qualified to receive the Lord’s direct mercy as a guest in His house. Yet others say that Laksmi-Narayana have appeared in this age as Laksmi-Gaura in order to deliver all distressed persons from their miserable conditions. Since He is most merciful, He distributed His mercy to everyone by providing food and shelter without considering whether one was qualified or not.
12. “The demigods headed by Brahma are born from the limbs of the Supreme Lord, and they are always associated with the Lord. Still, in this incarnation He has promised to give that which is rarely attained by even Brahma. Therefore the Lord personally fed the distressed in His house in order to deliver them.” Laksmidevi cooked alone, without the help of her mother-in-law, yet she felt supremely blissful. As the fortunate mother Saci observed the character of Laksmi, her joy increased every hour of the day. She constantly served tulasi, yet she served Saci even more. Seeing Laksmi’s behavior, Sri Gaurasundara did not comment, yet He was satisfied within.
13. Seeing Laksmipriya’s greater faith in and eagerness for the service of His mother than the service of tulasi, the Lord approved within His mind and was quite satisfied. Due to social injunctions and embarrassment the Lord did not externally or publicly approve the actions of His wife.
14. Some days Laksmi would sit and hold the Lord’s feet for hours.
15. In order to reveal within this world the glories and opulences of serving the lotus feet of Gaura-Narayana, Laksmipriya-devi, who is attached to service in the mood of awe and reverence, often exhibited pastimes as the maidservant of Gaura, by holding the Lord’s lotus feet on her lap.
16. Mother Saci sometimes saw brilliant effulgent flames emanating from the feet of her son.
17. Due to the influence of Gaura-Narayana’s opulences, Sacidevi saw five effulgent flames of fire. Just as impersonalists, being unable to see the original form of the Lord, accept the effulgence emanating from the body of the Lord as His form and thus become astonished; seeing the most effulgent five flames of fire emanating from the lotus feet of the Lord, Sacidevi understood her son to be directly Lord Visnu.
18. Another day mother Saci smelled the fragrance of lotus flowers throughout the house. As Laksmi-Narayana secretly lived in Navadvipa in this way, no one was able to recognize them. After a few days the independent Lord desired to visit
19. People who saw the most attractive form of the Lord in the course of His travels did not care to look anywhere else. The unparalleled beauty and qualities of the Lord bewildered all observers.
20. The women said, “Glorious is she who has such a son. We offer our obeisances to her.”
21. The aged mothers of
22. “Fortunate is she who has such a husband. The life of that chaste lady has become successful.”
23. The married ladies of
24. In this way all the ladies and men who saw the Lord as He passed by repeatedly glorified Him in full satisfaction and offered prayers to the matchless form of the Lord. That Lord whom even the demigods desire to see now mercifully appeared before the vision of everyone.
25. Out of compassion, the Lord manifested His form, which is rarely seen by the demigods, to the people of
26. In this way Gaurasundara arrived in a few days at the bank of the
27. Though personally full in six opulences, after His marriage pastime Lord Gaurasundara crossed many villages and eventually arrived on the bank of the Padmavati in order to perform pastimes of accumulating wealth while imitating the activities of ordinary householders.
28. The current of the
29. When Gaurasundara took bath in the Padmavati, she at once became most fortunate and the deliverer of all. Though the emanation of the Ganges from the lotus feet of Visnu indicates her quality of delivering people and destroying sin, the moment the Lord personally and directly immersed and bathed in the Padma, whose ability for delivering fallen souls was not as great as the Ganges, by the touch of the Lord’s feet she became equal to Ganga in her ability to purify people and destroy the sinful reactions of Kali.
30. The Padmavati River appeared most beautiful, being decorated with enchanting waves, banks, and flowing current. The Lord was so pleased to see the Padmavati that He remained there a few days to increase her good fortune. Just as the Lord had joyfully sported in the waters of the
31. News soon spread in all directions: “The crest jewel of teachers, Nimai Pandita, has arrived on the banks of the Padmavati.” The fortunate brahmanas all came to welcome the Lord with various gifts. Coming before the Lord, they offered their obeisances and humbly spoke as follows. “We consider ourselves most fortunate because of Your arrival here. That rare touchstone to whom we were to go with friends and money to study under in Navadvipa has now been brought to our doorstep by providence. There is no other teacher like You, for You are like the incarnation of Brihaspati. Rather, to compare You with Brihaspati is insufficient. We consider You a portion of the Supreme Lord.(isvarera amsa) Otherwise, such knowledge is not possible in anyone other than the Supreme Lord. This is our firm conviction. Now, we have one request of You: Please give us all some knowledge. O best of the brahmanas, please hear us. We study, teach, and accept only Your explanations. Now please accept us as Your students, and let the entire world sing Your glories.” The Lord smiled and agreed to their request. Thus He enjoyed pastimes in
32. After staying in
33. Meanwhile, a pious swanlike brahmana named Tapana Misra arrived there. He was confused about the goal of life and the means for attaining it. Moreover, he could not find anyone to clear his confusion. He silently chanted his Krsna mantra day and night, but since he was not practicing other important limbs of devotional service he could not achieve peace.
34. The topmost limb of sadhana, congregational chanting of the holy names of the Lord, is the path demonstrated by Sri Caitanyacandra. None of the limbs of devotional service can be performed properly until and unless one accepts the support of chanting the holy names. This Tapana Misra got to learn.
35. While disturbed in this way, late one night the fortunate brahmana had an auspicious dream. A demigod (deva) appeared before the brahmana Tapana Misra and began to tell him some confidential topics.
36. “O sober brahmana, please listen. Steady your mind and do not worry. Go to Nimai Pandita. He will explain to you the goal of life and the means for attaining it. He’s not an ordinary human being; He’s Nara-Narayana Himself. He’s performing His pastimes as a human being to deliver the people of the world. Don’t disclose these facts to anyone, for this information is confidential even to the Vedas. If you do, you’ll be unhappy birth after birth.”
37. As the demigod disappeared, the brahmana woke from his sleep. After seeing that auspicious dream, he began to cry. Recovering from his trance, he exclaimed, “What good luck!” Then he immediately left to see the Lord. As the enchanting Sri Gaurasundara was sitting with His students on the bank of the
38. The Lord replied, “O brahmana, what can be said about your good fortune? Since you wish to worship Krsna, that is quite sufficient. Worship of the Supreme Lord, however, is difficult to achieve. The Lord Himself personally teaches the principles of religion for the age. He incarnates to establish four different religious principles in the four different ages, and thereafter He returns to His own abode. paritranaya sadhunam / vinasaya ca duskritam / dharma-samsthapanarthaya / sambhavami yuge yuge ‘To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I Myself appear, millennium after millennium.’ ‘Your son Krsna appears as an incarnation in every millennium. In the past, He assumed three different colors—white, red and yellow—and now He has appeared in a blackish color. [In another Dvapara-yuga, He appeared (as Lord Ramacandra) in the color of suka, a parrot.] All such incarnations have now assembled in Krsna.’ The yuga-dharma for the age of Kali is the congregational chanting of the holy names of the Lord. The four religious principles for the four ages are all meant for the deliverance of the conditioned souls. krite yad dhyayato visnum / tretayam yajato makhai / dvapare paricaryayam / kalau tad dhari-kirtanat ‘Whatever result was obtained in Satya-yuga by meditating on Visnu, in Treta-yuga by performing sacrifices, and in Dvapara-yuga by serving the Lord’s lotus feet can be obtained in Kali-yuga simply by chanting the Hare Krsna maha-mantra.’ Therefore the essence of all religious principles in the age of Kali is the sacrifice of chanting the holy names of the Lord. One cannot be delivered by following any other religious principles. Therefore the living entities cannot obtain their goal of life by either temple worship, sacrificial performance, or meditation. The Vedas are unable to fully describe the glories of one who chants the Lord’s names day and night, while even eating and sleeping. What to speak of mundane methods for achieving the goal of life, such as jnana and karma, performing the meditation of Satya-yuga, performing the sacrifices of Treta-yuga, or performing the temple worship of Dvapara-yuga cannot bear any fruit in Kali-yuga. Therefore there is no one more fortunate than one who always worships Lord Hari under the shelter of the holy names, which are nondifferent from Krsna. By congregationally chanting the holy names you achieve everything, including the goal of life and the means for attaining it. Love of Krsna is the sadhya, and congregational chanting the names of Krsna is the sadhana. Any questions that may arise in this regard can be resolved only by chanting the names of Krsna. harer nama harer nama / harer namaiva kevalam / kalau nasty eva nasty eva / nasty eva gatir anyatha. In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy the only means of deliverance is chanting the holy name of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way.
39. Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.
40. After hearing these instructions from the mouth of the Lord, Tapana Misra, the best of the brahmanas, repeatedly offered obeisances to the Lord. The Lord then embraced him, and out of ecstatic love the hairs of Tapana Misra stood on end. Tapana Misra felt spiritual ecstasy (parananda-sukha) after receiving the Lord of Vaikuntha’s embrace.
41. Nimai Pandita is the Godhead. God exists.
The argument of scholastic pastimes and marriage to the Goddess of Fortune
1. Sri Gaurasundara engaged day and night in His studies while residing in Navadvipa. After performing His morning rites, the Lord of Tridasa went to school along with His classmates.
2. The word tri, or “three,” in the word tridasera-natha, in consideration of places, refers to the Bhur, Bhuvar and Svar planetary systems; in consideration of time, refers to past, present, and future; in consideration of persons, refers to Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra; and the word dasa, in consideration of directions, refers to east, west, north, south, northeast, southeast, northwest, southwest, up, and down. The word tridasa refers to each of the ten directions—above, center, and below. Otherwise the word tridasa, in consideration of persons, refers to thirty-three demigods. From the less-intelligent point of view the word tridasa-puri refers to the heavenly kingdom, and the word tridasa-natha refers to Indra, the husband of Saci. And from the intellectual point of view it refers to Lord Upendra. Some people say that tridasa refers to the twelve Adityas, the eleven Rudras, the eight Vasus, and the two Asvini-kumaras. Yet others say that each of these thirty-three demigods represent ten million others. According to the learned viewpoint, all these word meanings are included within Vishnu. The phrase sishya-gana-satha indicates that since the disciples of the teacher Gangadasa Pandita were more or less subordinate to Nimai, they respected Him as the principle student and as good as their teacher.
3. The Lord would sit in Gangadasa’s class and continually engage in debate. The Lord would always defeat the arguments of anyone who disagreed with His explanations. After class, the Lord sat in the midst of His friends to discuss the subjects further. Murari Gupta did not care to sit in the Lord’s discussions, therefore the Lord desired to confront him. Nimai wore His cloth like a sannyasi, and He sat in the virasana posture.
4. yoga-patta refers to the way Vedic sannyasis wear their cloth. The piece of cloth circling tightly around the back and thigh like a belt that a sannyasi wears is called yoga-patta. The piece of cloth that a sannyasi wears wrapped around his side like a bangle that covers his back and hangs down to his knees is called yoga-patta. The word virasana refers to sitting (like a hero) with one’s left foot on the right thigh and right foot on left thigh. Placing the right foot on the left thigh and the left foot on the right thigh while placing the left hand on the left thigh and raising the right hand in an argumentative pose is called virasana.
5. He was smeared with sandalwood pulp and decorated with tilaka. The effulgence of His beautiful teeth condemned that of a string of pearls. In His fresh youth, at the age of sixteen, Sri Gauranga’s beauty captivated even Cupid. In knowledge, He surpassed Brihaspati, the spiritual master of the demigods. He would tease those who studied on their own. The Lord challenged, “Let us see who is intelligent enough to refute My conclusions. Some students don’t even know the rules of conjunctions, yet they are satisfied to study on their own. Thus they eventually become fools because they do not take help from someone in knowledge.” Nimai proudly challenged as follows: “There is no one more intelligent, more learned, and more knowledgeable in Navadvipa who can refute My conclusions. How surprising it is that although many people do not know the first lesson of grammar, how to join words, by the influence of their false ego they think they will become learned by independently studying their books! But in spite of their false ego, I can see that due to foreseen faults they achieve only foolishness while presenting their answers, because they do not come and study from Me, the Lord of Sarasvati and object of service for the crest jewels amongst learned scholars.” Hearing Nimai’s provocative statement, Murari Gupta did not say anything, but went on with his work. Although the Lord was pleased that His servant remained silent, He nevertheless continued to challenge him. He said, “O doctor, why are you studying here? You should go gather some leaves and herbs to cure the sick. The literatures on grammar are most difficult to understand, and they do not mention anything about mucus, bile, or indigestion. What will you learn by studying on your own? Better you go home and treat the sick. Murari Gupta is by nature most harsh, for he is an expansion of Lord Rudra. Still he did not become angry at Visvambhara. Have You asked me about a sutra, vritti, panji, or tika and not received a reply? You have not asked me, yet You claim that I don’t know anything. You are a respected brahmana, so what can I say? The Lord said, “So tell Me what you learned today.” Then as Murari began to explain, the Lord began to refute him. Murari would give one explanation, and the Lord would give another, yet neither the master or the servant could defeat the other. By the mercy of the Lord, Murari Gupta was a great scholar. The Lord was pleased, therefore, to hear his explanations. In satisfaction, the Lord touched Murari’s body with His lotus hand and Murari became filled with ecstasy. Murari Gupta thought, “He is certainly not an ordinary person.(prakrita-manushya kabhu e purusha nahe) Can an ordinary human being possess such knowledge? Just by His touch, my body was filled with ecstasy Why should I be embarrassed to study under Him? In all of Navadvipa there is no one more intelligent than Him.” Feeling satisfied in this way, the great doctor said, “Listen, Visvambhara, from now on I will study, practice my lessons, under You.”
6. The Lord opened His school at the house of the most fortunate Mukunda Sanjaya.
7. Mukunda Sanjaya was a resident of Sri Navadvipa and the father of Purushottama Sanjaya. In the vast Candi-mandapa of his house, Nimai Pandita taught grammar and similar subjects to him, his son, and various other students.
8. Candi-mandapa refers to a hall within the courtyard of a Hindu householder wherein worship and recitation of prayers to Candi, or Durga, is performed. It is also called devi-griha, “house of the goddess,” or thakura-dalana, “hall of the gods.” This place is generally offered to guests for their sitting.
9. The Lord said, “In the age of Kali, one who doesn’t even know the rules of conjunctions is still given the title of Bhattacarya. Let them refute My explanations, then I will accept them as actual Bhattacaryas and Misras.” In this way the Lord of Vaikuntha sportingly enjoyed His life as a scholar, yet none of His servants could recognize Him.
10. When mother Saci saw her son’s first symptoms of maturity, she began to make plans for His marriage. There was one qualified brahmana in Navadvipa named Vallabhacarya, who was equal to Janaka Maharaja.
11. In the Gaura-ganoddesa-dipika (44) it is stated: “Janaka, the great King of Mithila, has now appeared as Vallabhacarya. He is also accepted as Bhishmaka, the father of Rukmini. Sri Janaki, Rukmini, and Lakshmi were all his daughters.”
12. He had a daughter who appeared to be the personification of Lakshmi. That brahmana was constantly searching for a qualified husband for her. By providence (daive), one day when Lakshmi went to take bath in the
13. The matchmaker Sri Visvamitra, who arranged the marriage of Sri Ramacandra and who was the brahmana messenger that Rukmini sent to Kesava, has now appeared as Vanamali Acarya.
14. “In Navadvipa resides one Vallabhacarya, who is born in an exalted family. He is pure, well behaved, and decorated with many good qualities. He has a daughter whose beauty, qualities, and temperament (rupe sile mane) are as good as Lakshmi. If you wish I will arrange their marriage.” Mother Saci replied, “My son is fatherless. Leave Him alone to study for some time. Later I will consider.
15. Mother Saci neglected or ignored the proposal for Nimai’s marriage suggested by the best of the matchmakers, Vanamali Acarya, and changed the topic of conversation. Therefore Vanamali did not get any rasa from Saci’s words, rather he perceived an absence of rasa or dry santa-rasa, that is, he perceived an indifferent unchangeable mood. That is why in ordinary alankara literature dry santa-rasa is not actually accepted as rasa, because it is devoid of the reciprocation of feelings, as stated: samasya nirvikaratvan natya-jnair naisha manyate—“Due to the unchanging nature of sama-bhava (santa-rasa), learned persons do not accept it as a rasa.”
16. As he left, by providence he met Gauracandra, who happily embraced him. The Lord inquired, “Tell me, where have you been?” The brahmana replied, “I was speaking with Your mother. I offered her a proposal for Your marriage, but for some reason I don’t understand, she refused. Hearing his words, Nimai remained silent for a moment. He then smiled and spoke a little more with the brahmana before returning to His house. When the Lord got home, He asked His mother, “Why didn’t you respect the brahmana’s proposal?” Mother Saci was pleased to receive an indication from her son. The next day she called the brahmana to her home. Saci said, “O brahmana, I’ve decided that you may immediately arrange what you proposed yesterday.” The brahmana took the dust from mother Saci’s feet and immediately left for the house of Vallabhacarya. On seeing the brahmana, Vallabha offered him a seat with great respect. Vanamali Acarya said, “Please hear me. Choose an auspicious day for the marriage of your daughter. The son of Jagannatha Misra, Sri Visvambhara, is highly learned and an ocean of good qualities. This great personality is the proper match for your daughter. Now you decide what you would like to do.” Vallabhacarya joyfully replied, “Such a husband for my daughter is achieved by great fortune. If
17. The rituals in which sandalwood pulp and flower garlands are offered the day before an auspicious ceremony is called Adhivasa.
18. All around the brahmanas recited Vedic hymns as Nimai, the jewel of the twice-born, appeared like the moon in their midst. At an auspicious moment the relatives and brahmanas offered sandalwood pulp and flower garlands to the Lord, thereby completing the Adhivasa ceremony. The relatives also satisfied the brahmanas by offering them sandalwood pulp, betel nuts, and flower garlands. Following tradition, Vallabhacarya also came and joyfully took part in the Adhivasa ceremony. After Nimai woke the next morning, He took bath, gave charity, and respectfully worshiped His forefathers. Auspicious sounds of singing, dancing, and musical instruments filled the atmosphere. Everywhere excited people were calling out, “Take this! Give that!” Many chaste women, well-wishers, friends, and respected brahmanas graced the function. Mother Saci happily satisfied the ladies with puffed rice, bananas, vermilion, betel, and oil. Demigods and their wives took the form of humans and unseen also happily attended the Lord’s marriage. Vallabhacarya joyfully worshiped the gods and forefathers according to Vedic injunctions. At an auspicious time, at dusk, the Lord arrived at the house of Vallabhacarya.
19. Go-dhuli-samaya refers to the time of sunset when the herds of cows return to the gosala and the dust from their hooves covers the sky. Generally this is a suitable time for auspicious activities like marriage. This time has three symptoms: (1) in autumn and winter season when the sun rays are mild and the sun appears to be red ball, (2) in summer and spring season when the sun is setting and only half of it is visible, and (3) in rainy and fall season when the sun becomes invisible after setting.
20. As soon as the Lord arrived, Vallabhacarya and his associates drown in an ocean of bliss. He then respectfully offered a seat to his son-in-law and welcomed Him according to Vedic injunctions. Vallabhacarya then had his beautifully decorated daughter brought before the Lord. Everyone began to chant the names of Hari as they lifted Lakshmi off the ground. Then Lakshmi was carried around Nimai seven times. As they placed her before Him, she offered Him obeisances with folded hands. As they finally exchanged flower garlands, Lakshmi and the original Narayana were both greatly pleased. After Lakshmi offered flower garlands at the feet of the Lord, she offered Him obeisances with full surrender. All that could be heard was the ecstatic chanting of “All glories to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Hari!” (jaya-jaya-hari) In this way, after they performed the ceremony of seeing each other’s face for the first time, the Lord sat down with Lakshmi on His left. The Lord’s fresh youthful beauty defeated that of Cupid, as Lakshmi then sat at His left side. Who has the ability to describe that wonderful scene and the happiness that was experienced at the house of Vallabha Misra? At last, Vallabhacarya, who is nondifferent from Bhishmaka, sat down to give away his daughter. The same lotus feet that are worshiped by Sankara and Brahma to obtain the power of creation were now worshiped by the respected brahmana, Vallabhacarya. He then also decorated the body of the Lord with cloth, flower garlands, and sandalwood pulp. After duly offering his daughter to the Lord, the brahmana became absorbed in an ocean of bliss. Thereafter the chaste women performed the various traditional family rituals. That night the Lord stayed at the house of Vallabhacarya, and the next day He returned home with Lakshmi. As the Lord and Lakshmi were carried home in a palanquin, people came running out of their house to see them. Both Lakshmi and the original Narayana were wonderfully decorated with sandalwood paste, flower garlands, ornaments, crowns, and bright kajjala. Everyone who saw them exclaimed, “How wonderful!” The ladies were all particularly amazed. Someone said, “They exactly resemble Siva and Parvati. They must have worshiped the Lord without duplicity for a long time. Someone else said, “They resemble Indra and Saci or Madana and Rati.” One girl said, “They are Lakshmi and Narayana.” Can a less fortunate girl possibly get such a nice husband? I conclude that they are Siva and Parvati.” Another girl said, “By their unparalleled beauty, it appears Sita and Rama are seated on that palanquin.” In this way the girls spoke in various ways as they joyfully watched Lakshmi and the original Narayana. When the couple arrived at Nimai’s house in the evening, they were festively greeted by dancing, singing, and the playing of musical instruments. Sacidevi with some other brahmana ladies then jubilantly welcomed her daughter-in-law home. Thereafter mother Saci satisfied the brahmanas, musicians, and dancers with money, cloth, and sweet words. Whoever hears these auspicious topics of the Lord’s marriage is never entangled in worldly life. With Lakshmi at the side of the Lord, the house of Saci appeared like Vaikuntha, the most effulgent abode.
21. By the arrival of Srimati Lakshmipriya-devi, who is the direct personification of one of the Supreme Lord’s internal potencies, known as Sri-sakti, the house of Sri Saci actually became the effulgent Vaikuntha abode of the Supreme Lord.
22. Sometimes Saci saw flames of fire at the side of her son, but when she looked again they were gone. When she sometimes smelled the fragrance of a lotus flower, she was utterly astonished. Saci thought, “I can understand the reason for this. This girl is a plenary portion of Lakshmidevi. That is why I see this effulgence and smell the fragrance of lotus flowers. Now we may not face any poverty like before. Otherwise where has everything come from since this daughter-in-law, Lakshmi, entered my house? In this way mother Saci had various thoughts, as the Lord almost but not quite manifest Himself. Although the Supreme Lord appeared in this world, out of His sweet will He did not manifest His covered pastimes to everyone. Who can understand the supreme will of the Lord? How and when does He perform His pastimes? Until the Lord Himself allows one to know Him, even Lakshmi has no power to understand Him.
23. By the supreme will of the Lord, His covered pastimes are beyond the perception of even His internal potencies.
24. The Vedas, Puranas, and other scriptures confirm that only one who is favored by the Lord can understand Him.
25. Nimai is God. God exists.
The proof of the marriage pastimes of Sri Gaura-Narayana, the Lord of Vaikuntha, with goddess Srimati Vishnupriya-Lakshmi
1. A. Mother Saci continually meditated on getting her son remarried. In Navadvipa there resided one most fortunate and compassionate devotee named Sri Sanatana Misra. He was simple-hearted, magnanimous, expert in entertaining guests, and always engaged in welfare activities. Moreover, he was truthful, he controlled his senses, he had a good birth, and he was famous as the Raja Pandita. Sanatana Misra hailed from a well-to-do family, so he easily maintained many other people. Sanatana Misra’s daughter had all auspicious characteristics. She was like the personification of Lakshmi, the mother of the universe. As soon as mother Saci saw her, she immediately thought that she was a suitable bride for her son. From her childhood, that girl took bath in the
1B. Kasinatha Pandita, the matchmaker resident of Navadvipa, was a crest-jewel amongst brahmanas. In
1C. “Go tell Sanatana Misra that if he desires he may give his daughter to my son.”Kasinatha Pandita immediately left for the house of Sanatana Misra while chanting the names of Durga and
2. The most magnanimous Sri Gaurasundara gave instructions to give the brahmanas pan, betel nuts, garlands, and sandalwood three times so that those brahmanas who had once received pan, betel nuts, garlands, and sandalwood and came back again in different dress to receive these items again would be satisfied and all their desires would be fulfilled and so that unscrupulous people would be checked from condemning them as illegitimate greedy cheaters.
3. Being affectionate to the brahmanas, the Lord considered, “If they are given three times, then they will be fully satisfied.”All the brahmanas were happy to receive those gifts three times, so none of them further tried to cheat. In this way no one could understand how the Lord was served by Ananta Sesha in the form of garlands, sandalwood paste, and pan. What to speak of the gifts that people received, if the gifts that fell on the ground during distribution were collected it would have been sufficient for five marriages. Everyone’s heart was filled with ecstasy, and they exclaimed, “The Adhivasa ceremony was glorious! We have not seen such an Adhivasa ceremony performed even in the houses of the wealthiest men of Navadvipa. We have never seen anyone distribute sandalwood paste, garlands, and pan so indiscriminately.” Carrying ingredients for the Adhivasa ceremony, Sanatana Misra joyfully arrived. He came accompanied by brahmanas, family members, musicians, dancers, and singers. Following the Vedic injunctions, he then happily applied sandalwood pulp to the Lord’s forehead at an auspicious moment. At that time there arose tumultuous chanting in glorification of Lord Hari, and everyone began reciting mantras. The chaste women made auspicious sounds of ulu-dhvani. The singing and playing of musical instruments filled the entire house with ecstasy. After completing the Adhivasa ceremony, Sanatana Misra, the king of the brahmanas, returned home. Meanwhile, the Lord’s family members went to the bride’s house to perform the Adhivasa ceremony there. Family members of both the bride and groom also performed the rituals that were in current practice.
4. The word lokacara refers to worldly or traditional family customs or ceremonies that are not based on Vedic injunctions.
5. Early the next morning the Lord took bath in the
6. The word nandimukha-karma is a combination of nandi— “glorification or good fortune” and mukha—“principle,” or nandi—“auspicious” and mukha—“beginning.” This ceremony is an elaboration of sraddha, or offerings to the forefathers. Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami, the author of Vaishnava smritis, has written in his Sat-kriya-sara-dipika: “Vaishnavas should not perform this ceremony out of fear of committing offenses against the holy names. In order to satisfy one’s forefathers one should remember Lord Vishnu, worship the spiritual master, and give cloth and foodstuffs in charity to the Vaishnavas and brahmanas according to one’s ability. In this way one’s forefathers will be satisfied.”
7. Musical instruments, dancing, and singing created a tumult, and on all sides the sweet sounds of triumphal rejoicing arose. Waterpots, rice paddy, yogurt, ghee lamps, and mango leaves were placed inside and outside of the house. On all sides, various colored flags waved and strings of mango leaves were tied to banana trees. Mother Saci and other chaste women then began to perform the various rituals that were in current practice. Saci first happily worshiped the
8. The word padya refers to water for washing the feet. The word arghya refers to ingredients that are offered in the hands for worship. These ingredients are listed in the Kasi-khanda as follows: “The following eight ingredients are offered as arghya: water, milk, kusa grass, yogurt, ghee, rice, barley, and white mustard.”The word acamaniya refers to water meant for washing the mouth. It is stated: “Water that is pure and devoid of foam that is offered for washing the mouth is known as acamaniya.”
9. Then Sanatana Misra’s wife and other ladies also welcomed the groom according to prescribed regulations. She first placed durva grass and rice paddy on the head of the Lord, then she offered Him arati with a ghee lamp of seven wicks. They showered the Lord with puffed rice paddy and coins while uttering sounds of triumph, and this way all the rituals in current practice were performed. Vishnupriya, who was nicely decorated, was then carried on a seat to the marriage arena. Thereafter, the Lord’s relatives joyfully lifted Him by raising His seat. Following current practice, the Lord was blindfolded with a cloth and the bride was made to circumambulate Him seven times. After circumambulation, Vishnupriya came before the Lord and offered Him obeisances. All the ladies then showered flowers on the couple, and the two groups of musicians began to play. As the men and women all offered loud praise from all sides, it appeared as though the personification of happiness had incarnated there. The universal mother, Vishnupriya, then offered a flower garland to the Lord and surrendered herself at His lotus feet. Then Lord Gauracandra sweetly smiled as He offered a flower garland to Vishnupriya. Thereafter Lakshmi and Narayana happily showered flowers on each other. Unseen by common people, the demigods headed by Brahma joyfully showered flowers on the couple.
10. While watching the transcendental pastimes of receiving and offering service through the exchange of garlands between Gaura-Narayana and Srimati Vishnupriya-devi, who is nondifferent from Maha-Lakshmi, Brahma and the demigods, who are devotees of Lord Vishnu, joyfully showered flowers while remaining unseen by people.
11. Then the associates of the bride lifted her and the associates of the groom lifted Him in a joyous competition over who could lift higher. One moment the associates of the Lord would win, and the next moment the associates of Vishnupriya would win. The people would smile as they informed the Lord [who was still blindfolded] of the results. The Lord smiled sweetly in reciprocation. In this way everyone there floated in an ocean of ecstasy. Thousands of torches illuminated the arena, and nothing could be heard other than singing and the playing of musical instruments. At the time when the bride and groom exchanged glances, the tumultuous sound of music filled the entire universe. After exchanging glances, Sri Gaurasundara sat down with Vishnupriya. At that time the ecstatic Sri Sanatana Misra sat down to offer his daughter in marriage. Following the Vedic injunctions, Sanatana Misra offered the Lord padya, arghya, and acamaniya. Then he chanted the prescribed mantras for giving his daughter in marriage. With a desire to please Lord Vishnu, Sanatana Misra then offered his daughter into the sacred hands of the Lord. He thereafter joyfully gave cows, land, bedding, servants, and maidservants to the couple. Sanatana Misra invited Vishnupriya to sit on the Lord’s left side and then began to perform the fire sacrifice. After performing the rituals prescribed by the Vedas and local custom, Sanatana Misra took the couple inside the house. Vaikuntha manifested in the house of Sanatana Misra. Finally they all sat to take their meal. After taking their meal, the Supreme Lord and His wife joyfully spent the auspicious night together. Kings of the past like Nagnajit, Janaka, Bhishmaka, and Jambavan all experience good fortune. That same good fortune was now experienced by Sanatana Misra and his family due to the previous service of Lord Vishnu. The next morning the most fortunate Sanatana Misra executed all the necessary traditional rituals. In the afternoon when it was time for the Lord to return home, the musicians, singers, and dancers began their performances. The sound of joy filled all directions, and the ladies joined in by making auspicious sounds of ulu-dhvani. The brahmanas offered their blessings by reciting verses appropriate for an auspicious journey. The musicians competitively played their dhakas, kettledrums, sanani, vadangas, and karatalas. The Lord offered His obeisances to the respectable persons there and sat on the palanquin with Vishnupriya. Then the best of the brahmanas departed along with His associates, while everyone chanted “Hari! Hari!”. Everyone who saw the Lord on the way glorified Him with appropriate words. The ladies said, “She is very fortunate. She must have served Lakshmi and Parvati for many lifetimes.”Someone said, “They look just like Siva and Parvati,”while someone else said, “They look like Lakshmi and Lord Hari.”Another person said, “This couple look just like Kamadeva and Rati,”and someone said, “They look like Indra and Saci.”Someone else said, “They look like Rama and Sita.”In this way all the pious ladies talked amongst themselves. The men and women of Nadia were so fortunate that they were able to see the opulences of the Supreme Lord and His consort. By the auspicious glance of Lakshmi-Narayana, all the people of Nadia became happy in all respects. As the Lord’s marriage party passed through the streets, they danced, sang, played musical instruments, and showered flowers in great ecstasy. At an auspicious moment the Lord and Vishnupriya arrived home in a merry mood. Thereupon mother Saci and other chaste women joyfully welcomed their daughter-in-law home. As Lakshmi-Narayana sat inside the house, the whole house was filled with sounds of joy. The ecstasy that was experienced there is beyond words, therefore who can describe its glories? Anyone who sees the marriage ceremony of the Supreme Lord is freed from all sinful reactions and returns to Vaikuntha.
12. The marriages based on sense gratification between ordinary men and women are known as bandhana, or bondage. But if a materialist sees the marriage pastimes of Sri Gaura-Narayana, the Lord of Vaikuntha, with goddess Srimati Vishnupriya-Lakshmi, then his desire for material enjoyment is vanquished, and as a result of the awakening of transcendental knowledge he will be freed from material existence and attain Vaikuntha. In order to destroy the desire for material enjoyment by imparting transcendental knowledge to miserly and materially attached fallen persons, to bring them to their original constitutional position in Vaikuntha, and to award them the eligibility for service that is rarely attained by the demigods, the most merciful Lord exhibited His transcendental marriage pastimes before the eyes of the general people.
13. Thereafter the Lord satisfied everyone—the dancers, the professional blessers, and the beggars—with cloth, money, and sweet words. The Lord also happily gave cloth to each of the brahmanas, relatives, and friends. Then the Lord mercifully embraced Buddhimanta Khan, who felt such ecstasy that it is beyond all description.
14. Sri Gaura-Narayana with goddess Srimati Vishnupriya-Lakshmi are Lord Hari, the Lord of Vaikuntha, and Lakshmi, the Goddess of Fortune, God and His Goddess. God exists.
The proof of the words of Isvara Puri, and the demigods speaking from the sky
1. As the number of atheists increased in Navadvipa, it became difficult to even hear the mention of devotional service. The devotees were all distressed to see that people were simply attached to illusory pleasures.
2. Although the Lord was absorbed in studying and teaching, He noted the devotees’ distress. He heard how the miscreants were constantly blaspheming the Vaishnavas.
3. Sri Gaurasundara is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the cause of all causes. All living entities are His devotees and controlled subordinate servants. Therefore, on seeing the pathetic sinful propensities, the lack of friendship, and the miserable condition of His servants, resulting from one servant being envious of another servant, His compassion was aroused. The devotees are never envious of other living entities, rather the nondevotees are envious of the devotees. That is why Lord Sri Gaurasundara, who is affectionate to His devotees, continued to hear about the criticism and torture of the pure devotees by the godless nondevotees, who had forgotten their constitutional position. In spite of hearing the blasphemy of His devotees, He had not yet manifest Himself before the eyes of the public as the only protector and maintainer of the devotees.
4. The Lord thus desired to manifest Himself, but He thought He should first visit
5. The purport of the Lord’s visit to
6. After performing the sraddha ceremony for His father according to scriptural injunctions, the Lord departed for
7. Lord Sri Gaurasundara, whose sanctified feet are the source of all holy places, came here in order to purify the holy place of
8. The Lord and His students conversed, joked, and discussed various religious topics, and after a few days they arrived at Mandara Hill. The Lord first saw the Deity of Madhusudana at the top of the hill, and then He wandered about the hill according to His desire. While traveling like this, one day the Lord manifested a fever.
9. Although the original Supreme Personality of Godhead Sri Gaurasundara is eternally perfect and possesses a sac-cid-ananda body, in order to deceive and bewilder the conception and intelligence of the materialists, who are illusioned by maya, He performed the drama of becoming afflicted with fever just as the ordinary mundane body of a living entity who is forced to accept the fruits of his karma becomes afflicted with fever.
10. In order to instruct people, the Lord of Vaikuntha displayed a fever like an ordinary person.
11. In order that ignorant persons bewildered by maya would become more illusioned by seeing these pastimes of Sri Gaurasundara, and to exhibit the insignificance of their bewildered intelligence, Gaurasundara voluntarily accepted the affliction of fever.
12. When the Lord manifested His fever halfway to
13. When in spite of using various medicines the Lord’s fever did not subside, then in order to teach people the topmost position of brahmanas who are conversant with the science of Vishnu, the jagad-guru Lord, of His own will, exhibited the pastime of accepting the remedy of water that had washed the feet of a brahmana. By this act, the Lord on one hand exhibited the pastime of creating illusion for mortal beings who are entangled in the fruits of karma and who are eligible for the punishment of Yamaraja and on the other hand He protected the prestige of those topmost brahmanas who know the science of Vishnu. Just as in the pastimes of Narayana, the Lord increased the glories of His devotees by accepting the mark of Bhrigu’s foot on His own chest, in the pastimes of Gaura, He established the prestige of bodies that are related to Him.
14. The Lord then drank the water that had washed the feet of brahmanas in order to reveal its glories. As soon as the Lord drank that water, His fever subsided and He felt relief. According to the Vedas and Puranas, it is the nature of the Supreme Lord to drink the water that has washed the feet of a brahmana.
15. After being cured of His fever in this way, the Lord and His students came to the bank of the holy
16. The word cakraveda refers to Gaya-tirtha. This is where the lotus feet of Vishnu are situated.
17. Countless flower garlands were stacked like a temple dome on Lord Vishnu’s footprints, which were surrounded on all sides by brahmanas. Unlimited sandalwood paste, flowers, incense, and cloth had been offered at the lotus feet of the Lord. The brahmanas appeared like divine beings as they described the glories of the Lord’s lotus feet. “Lord Siva accepted these same lotus feet in his heart, and these same lotus feet are constantly served by Lakshmi. These lotus feet were placed on the head of Bali Maharaja. O fortunate souls, now see those same lotus feet here. One who meditates on these lotus feet for even a moment never comes under the jurisdiction of Yamaraja. These lotus feet are rarely attained by even the best of yogis. O fortunate souls, now see those same lotus feet here. The
18. When Lord Sri Gaurasundara’s hair stood on end due to love of God while seeing His own lotus feet, by the will of the Lord and by providence, Sri Isvara Puripada arrived there as a mahanta-guru in order to serve his own Lord by assisting Him in His pastimes. In order to disclose that He is a descendent of Srimad Purnaprajna Madhvacarya Anandatirtha in the Vedic disciplic succession, Sri Gaurasundara, who is the Supreme Lord of all acaryas, inspired Isvara Puripada to come there.
19. On seeing Sri Isvara Puri, Sri Gaurasundara respectfully offered him obeisances. Isvara Puri was also delighted to see Gauracandra, and he happily embraced Him. In the ecstasy of meeting each other, they both became soaked with tears of love. The Lord said, “My journey to
20. “You are the knower of all living entities’ bondage and liberation. You are an expansion of the Supreme Lord; in other words, You are directly the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and all other controllers are Your expansions. Can anyone other than an expansion of the Supreme Lord possess the extraordinary learning and characteristics that You have? I had an auspicious dream last night, and today I’ve obtained the fruits of that dream. O Pandita, I’m telling You the truth! I’m feeling great ecstasy every moment since I’ve seen You. From the time I saw You in Nadia, my heart has had no other attraction. I’m speaking the truth, nothing else. When I see You, I feel the happiness of seeing
21. “Since I saw You in Navadvipa, no other subject matter has occupied my heart. This is indeed the truth. There is no doubt about it. As soon as I see You with my eyes smeared with the ointment of love, I experience the same indescribable happiness as when I see
22. Hearing His beloved Isvara Puri’s truthful words, the Lord smiled and said, “It is My great fortune.”The Lord then took leave of Isvara Puri and went to offer oblations to His forefathers. The Lord went to the
23. After enacting the pastime of offering oblations at Preta-gaya, the Lord satisfied the local brahmanas with dakshina in the form of various sweet words. It is seen that pilgrims offer excessive respect and donations to the priests at
24. After duly delivering the forefathers, the Lord happily went to Dakshina-manasa. He next went to Srirama-gaya, where He had previously performed sraddha in His incarnation as Ramacandra. In this incarnation He again performed sraddha at that place. Thereafter Lord Gaurahari went to Yudhishthira-gaya. Yudhishthira Maharaja had previously performed sraddha there. Out of affection for Yudhishthira, Gaura also performed sraddha there. All the brahmanas there sat around the Lord and directed Him in the procedures of the sraddha ceremony. As the Lord performed sraddha and offered oblations in the water, all the resident brahmanas grabbed the offerings and ate them.
25. Here, the extremely greedy nature of the brahmana priests of
26. Sri Sacinandana smiled on seeing this, and thus the brahmanas were freed from all material bondage. The Lord next offered sraddha at Uttara-manasa. He then went to Bhima-gaya. Thereafter the Lord performed the prescribed rites at Siva-gaya, Brahma-gaya, and finally at Shodasa-gaya. While at Shodasa-gaya, the Lord faithfully offered sraddha with sixteen ingredients on behalf of all His forefathers. Thereafter the Lord took bath at Brahma-kunda and offered oblations at Gaya-sira. The Lord then personally worshiped Lord Vishnu’s footprints with flower garlands and sandalwood paste. After completing His offerings of sraddha and satisfying the brahmanas at all the recommended places, the Lord returned to His room. After He took some rest, the Lord then sat down to cook. As soon as the Lord finished cooking, Sri Isvara Puri arrived there. Isvara Puri’s head was rolling back and forth in ecstatic love as he arrived there chanting the names of
27. Remaining out of the sight of materially conditioned living entities, Sri Maha-Lakshmidevi, who is the dearmost maidservant of Gaura-Narayana, immediately cooked nectarean foodstuffs for her beloved husband.
28. Then, after the Lord first fed Isvara Puri, He happily ate Himself. The Lord with His own hands then smeared sandalwood paste on the body of Isvara Puri. The Lord said, “I came to
29. The demigods spoke from the sky, “O Supreme Lord Gaurasundara! As Your eternal servants we are reminding You that You have appeared in this world to distribute love of God through the chanting of the holy names. At present there is no need for You to go to
30. After hearing the voice from the sky, Sri Gaurasundara was satisfied and stopped His journey. The Lord returned to His room in
31. Nimai is God. God exists.
The proof of the words of Advaita Acarya
1. Nimai’s students spoke to Him:”When You were teaching us yesterday in the town, a pious brahmana recited one verse. On hearing that verse from the Srimad Bhagavatam, You fell unconscious. We were amazed to see that there were no symptoms of life visible in Your body. The way You cried after regaining consciousness, it appeared that the goddess
2. The Lord said, “Your studies have been held up for ten days! Shouldn’t you have informed Me of this?” The students replied, “Your explanations were correct. The purport of all scriptures is that
3. “Although the only aim, intention, and purport of all scriptures is to understand
4. The Lord was pleased on hearing the students’ words. Out of compassion, He began to speak as follows. The Lord said, “My dear brothers, whatever you have said is true. But do not tell anyone what I have said. O brothers, I speak in this way because all I see is a blackish complexioned child playing on His flute. I hear only the name of
5. Sri Gaurasundara is saying, “I am always seeing a blackish complexioned young boy attracting everyone with the sound of His flute. Since I constantly see Him only, I always chant His name and sing His glories. The sound vibration that enters your ears is simply the names of
6. “I humbly apologize to all of you. From today on I will not continue with studies. am giving you permission to study with whomever you like without fear. No word other than
7. The Lord said, “As a result of studying and hearing linguistic literatures for so long, I have understood that chanting the names of
8. The students asked, “How shall we perform sankirtana?” The son of Saci then personally taught them to chant as follows.
9. “(hare) haraye namah krishna yadavaya
10. namahgopala govinda rama sri-madhusudana”
11. “O Lord Hari, O Lord Krishna, I offer my obeisances to You, who are known as Hari, Yadava, Gopala, Govinda, Rama, Sri Madhusudana.”
12. The Lord then demonstrated for His students the process of kirtana by clapping His hands while chanting. The Lord of kirtana personally chanted His glories as His students surrounded Him and all chanted together. Absorbed in the sweet taste of His own name, the Lord rolled in the dust under its overpowering influence.
13. He who is engaged in kirtana is the object of the kirtana. The holy names of the Lord and the Lord Himself are nondifferent, and Gaura and
14. The Lord repeatedly fell down here and there while crying out, “Chant! Chant!” The earth cracked under His repeated falls. On hearing the sound of the uproar, all the inhabitants of Nadia came running to the Lord’s residence. All the Vaishnavas who lived nearby immediately came there when they heard the sound of the kirtana.
15. When the devotees saw the Lord overwhelmed with ecstasy, they thought they had never experienced anything so wonderful. They became fully satisfied at heart, thinking, “Now kirtana has been inaugurated in the town of
16. In great satisfaction they went to Advaita and informed Him of what they had seen. The most powerful Advaita immediately understood through the influence of His devotional service, “The Lord has incarnated.(avatariyache prabhu)”
17. When Advaita Acarya heard this news, He became fully absorbed and began to speak as follows. O brothers! Please hear Me. Last night I saw something in a dream. I was not understanding well the meaning of a passage I had read in Bhagavad-gita, so I was unhappy and took rest without eating. In the dead of night someone came to Me in a dream and said, ‘Rise, Acarya! Go and take Your meal. I am telling You the meaning of the text that You read. Now get up, eat, and worship Me. Why are You feeling sad? You have obtained everything. Your resolution has been fulfilled. Your fasting, Your worship, Your tears while crying out the name
18. “When I opened My eyes, I saw this Visvambhara, but He soon disappeared from My sight. I cannot understand
19. Visvambhara is Mahaprabhu, God. God exists.
The proof of the pastimes of Advaita Prabhu’s spiritual realization and the Lord revealing Himself.
1. One day the Lord happily went with Gadadhara to see Advaita. When They arrived, the two Prabhus saw Advaita Acarya sitting and worshiping the Lord with
2. The word cora (an ordinary local word, used in this case as a noun) means “thief,” “cheater,” or “ one who conceals his identity.” The phrase curi kari’ means “deceiving by hiding one’s identity.”
3. “Your thievery will not work with Advaita, rather I will steal from this thief right now!”
4. The word corai means “the act of stealing.” The second line of this verse is explained as follows: (Advaita Prabhu thinks :) “ Just as My Lord Visvambhara, the covered incarnation, is deceiving Me by concealing His identity, I will similarly take advantage of His present condition by stealing and plundering from this thief (in this case, I will openly worship Him and disclose His superior position) without Him knowing.”
5. Understanding that it was the proper opportunity for stealing, Advaita came down from His seat with articles for worship.
6. The word curira means “ for stealing,” “ for plundering,” or “ for snatching,” but in this case it means “ for disclosing the complete supremacy of Sri Mahaprabhu, who as the covered fountainhead of all incarnations has concealed His actual identity, by openly worshiping Him to His [Advaita’s] full satisfaction.”
7. Thereafter Advaita Acarya began to worship the lotus feet of Sri Caitanya by offering padya, arghya, acamaniya, sandalwood paste, flowers, incense, and lamp. He then offered His obeisances while reciting the following verse.
8. namo brahmanya-devaya go-brahmana-hitaya ca
9. jagad-dhitaya krishnaya govindaya namo namah
10. (In the Vishnu Purana, Prahlada Maharaja prayed :) “Let me offer my respectful obeisances unto Lord Krishna, who is the worshipable Deity for all brahminical men, who is the well-wisher of cows and brahmanas, and who is always benefiting the whole world. I offer my repeated obeisances to the Personality of Godhead, known as
11. Advaita fell at the Lord’s feet as He repeatedly recited this verse. Recognizing His Lord, He cried profusely. He washed the Lord’s two lotus feet with His tears and stood by the Lord’s feet with folded hands.
12. Gadadhara smiled, bit his tongue in surprise, and said, “O Gosani! It is not proper to behave like this towards a boy.” The phrase jihva kamadai’ refers to biting or pressing the tongue with one’s teeth (while making a face indicating disapproval, extreme embarrassment, forbiddance, or prohibition).
13. On hearing Gadadhara’s words, Advaita smiled and said, “Gadadhara, you will recognize who this boy is some day.” Gadadhara was struck with wonder and thought, “ Perhaps the Supreme Lord has appeared.” (avatirna hailaisvara)
14. Lord Visvambhara then tried to hide Himself by offering prayers to Advaita with folded hands. The Lord offered His obeisances to Advaita and took the dust from Advaita’s lotus feet. Then He surrendered His body to Advaita. “My life has become successful by seeing You. Only by Your mercy will I be able to chant the name of
15. bhari-bhuri means “cleverness,” “cunning,” “expertise,” “bravery,” “braggery,” “shrewdness,” or “maturity.”
16. Sri Advaita Prabhu thought, “In spite of concealing Your identity as the Lord of the fourteen worlds and endeavoring to expand My glories, I have successfully recognized Your most confidential supremacy by serving You while You were unconscious. Your actual identity has manifest to Me; in other words, realizing that You are Vrajendra-nandana, I have disclosed to everyone that You are the covered fountainhead of all incarnations.”
17. Thereafter Advaita Prabhu smiled and said, “O Visvambhara, to Me You are greater than all! I wish to live here and discuss topics of
18. Srila Advaita Prabhu is a plenary portion of Maha-Vishnu, who lies on the
19. In this way, Mahaprabhu Visvambhara daily engaged in congregational chanting of the holy names in the company of the Vaishnavas. Everyone was greatly pleased to see Visvambhara, but they could not recognize Him as their worshipable Lord.(apana-isvara). His state of supreme spiritual absorption distinguished Him from others, and on seeing this, everyone became suspicious. Who can describe the Lord’s blissful absorption other than Lord Sesha, the thousands-headed Lord Ananta? When His body began to shiver, even one hundred people were not able to hold Him steady; and when tears flowed from His eyes, it appeared as if hundreds of rivers were flowing. When the hairs of His body stood on end, His body looked like a golden jackfruit. Again and again He would laugh loudly with great jubilation. Sometimes in ecstasy He lost consciousness for three hours, and on regaining consciousness He would not speak about anything other than
20. He said: “O My Lord, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, O friend of the helpless! You are the only ocean of mercy! Because I have not met You, My inauspicious days and nights have become unbearable. I do not know how I shall pass the time. Where will I find
21. All transformations of ecstatic love like fear, laughter, shivering, perspiring, hairs standing on end, and thundering voice simultaneously manifested in His body.
22. Since the gravity and most exalted position of Srimati Radhika, who bewilders
23. On seeing this unique manifestation, the devotees sang in great joy. The loving sentiments of the Lord could not be checked. The entire night passed like a moment. In the morning the Lord seemed to regain some external consciousness. In this way the son of Saci regularly performed kirtana in His house throughout the day and night. Thus the Supreme Lord inaugurated the performance of kirtana. As a result, all the devotees’ distress was mitigated. As Sri Sacinandana loudly cried out, “Hari bol!” the sleep of the atheists was repeatedly broken. When the happiness of their sleep was broken, the atheists became angry and blasphemed according to their desires for their own ruination. Someone said, “What madness has come upon them?” Someone else said, “We are unable to sleep at night.” Someone said, “The Lord will become angry because of this loud noise, and that will result in their destruction.” Another said, “Rather than cultivating knowledge, they are acting most arrogantly.” Someone said, “Who knows what kind of kirtana they are doing? That foolish brahmana Srivasa is behind all this. In order to fill their bellies by begging, these four brothers loudly call out the name of
24. Since Srivasa Pandita was a very simple and liberal devotee; he believed whatever anyone told him. He particularly had fear that in the jurisdiction of a king who was opposed to the Hindu religion anything was possible. Considering that the Yavanas were ruling the kingdom, he became fearful. And Gauracandra knew the heart of His devotee. The devotees did not know that the Lord had personally appeared, therefore the son of Saci began to reveal Himself. Mahaprabhu Visvambhara, who was incomparable throughout the three worlds and more attractive than Cupid, fearlessly wandered about Navadvipa. Fragrant sandalwood pulp was smeared all over His body. His lotus eyes and crimson lips were enchanting. His curling hair adorned His face, which resembled the full moon. A brahmana thread enhanced the beauty of His shoulders and His exquisite form. He was dressed in fine cloth, and His lips were tinged with the color of betel. He happily proceeded towards the bank of the
25. On seeing this, the Lord repeatedly thundered, “I am He, I am He.”
26. The phrase muni sei means “I am that son of Nanda, the King of the cowherd men.”
27. In that mood, the Lord rushed to Srivasa’s house, where He loudly exclaimed, “O Srivasa, what are you doing?” The Lord kicked again and again on the door of the room in which Srivasa was worshiping Nrisimhadeva.
28. “Who are you worshiping? Who are you meditating on? Look, He whom you are worshiping is standing before you.”
29. Srivasa Pandita saw a blazing fire, and his meditation was broken. He opened his eyes and looked around him. He saw Visvambhara sitting like a hero and holding conch, disc, club, and lotus in His four hands. The Lord repeatedly roared like an intoxicated lion as He slapped the left side of His stomach. On seeing Him, Srivasa Pandita began to tremble and became completely speechless. The Lord said, “O Srinivasa! All these days you did not know about My appearance? “ By your loud chanting and Nadas (= Narayana, the word nara refers to the aggregate of living entities, and the word ayana refers to the shelter,or Maha-Visnu, who is Advaita Acarya) roaring I left Vaikuntha and came here with My associates. You are living unconcerned without I will deliver the saintly persons and destroy the miscreants. Do not worry. Offer prayers to
30. Srivasa cried out of love on seeing the Lord, and the fear in his heart was dispelled by the Lord’s assurance. Srivasa’s entire body became filled with ecstasy, and he stood up with folded hands and began offering prayers to the Lord.
31. (Lord Brahma had prayed to
32. “I offer my respectful obeisances at the lotus feet of Visvambhara, whose bodily complexion is the color of a newly formed cloud and who is dressed in yellow garments. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of Sacis son, whose head is decorated with strands of fresh gunja and a peacock feather. I offer my respectful obeisances at the feet of Gangadasa Pandita’s student, who wears a forest flower garland and holds yogurt rice in His hand. I offer my respectful obeisances at the feet of Jagannatha Misra’s son, whose attractive form defeats the beauty of millions of moons. I offer my obeisances unto You, who are adorned with horn, stick, and flute. You are that person who is addressed by the four Vedas as the son of Maharaja Nanda. I offer my obeisances unto You. You are Vishnu, You are
33. “Bring your wife, children, and other members of your household and let them see My form. In the company of your wife, worship My lotus feet and ask for any benediction you desire.” He offered at the feet of the Lord whatever flowers were there for the worship of Vishnu. In the company of his wife, the brahmana cried as he worshiped the lotus feet of the Lord with sandalwood paste, flowers, incense, and lamps. Srivasa Pandita led his brothers, wife, servants, and maidservants in humbly falling at the lotus feet of the Lord. Lord Visvambhara is the well-wisher of Srinivasa, so He placed His lotus feet on the heads of everyone there. Unseen by all, the Lord touched everyone’s heads with His lotus feet. He smiled and said, “May your minds be fixed on Me.” Lord Visvambhara roared loudly and spoke to Srinivasa as follows.
34. “O Srinivasa! Are you afraid of something? Is there some rumor that the King’s boat is coming to arrest you? By My own supreme will, I am the director of all living entities in the innumerable universes. Although I am unattached, I, in My form as the Supersoul, reside in the hearts of all living entities in the universe and make them wander by My own will. Without My inspiration, no one is able to act in any way. The King will have you arrested only if I make him do so. If I, as the Supersoul, inspire the King to arrest you, then only will the King order your arrest. If this were not the case—if he independently ordered your arrest—then this is what I will do. If that does not happen—in other words, if against My inspiration and independent will as the Supersoul, or without being directed by the Supersoul, if the King independently orders your arrest—then I will desire as follows. I will be the first to board the boat and present Myself before the King. Will the King remain sitting on his throne after seeing Me? I will bewilder him and drag him down. I am the Lord of innumerable universes and the supreme controller of all controllers, therefore the King will not be able to remain seated on his throne. I will certainly overwhelm and control him. If this does not happen and he holds Me for questioning, then this is what I will tell him. Listen, O King, bring all your Mullahs and Kazis to ascertain the truth.
35. Molla (mullain
36. “O King, bring all the elephants, horses, animals, and birds that you have. Instruct your Kazis to recite your scriptures (their Koran scripture) and make those creatures cry.” If they are unable to do this, then I will manifest Myself to the King. “You dared to stop sankirtana on the advice of these fellows! Everyone has now seen what power they actually have. Now behold My power with your own eyes.” After saying this, I will bring an intoxicated elephant before him; I will gather the elephants, horses, deer, and birds and induce them to chant the name of
37. The Lord then looked at Srivasa’s niece, a small girl named Narayani, standing before Him. Even today Narayani is known among Vaishnavas as the recipient of Lord Caitanya’s remnants. Sri Gauranga, the Supersoul of all living entities, ordered her, “Narayani, chant the name of
38. “O Lord, when You, in the form of time, annihilate the entire creation, I am not afraid due to the power of Your holy names. So what is there to fear now that You are personally present in my house?”
39. After speaking in this way, Srivasa Pandita became overwhelmed as he and his associates saw the Lord’s opulences. He whom the four Vedas desire to see was seen by Srivasa’s servants and maidservants.
40. Gauranga Mahaprabhu is God, God exists.
The proof of the glorification of the demigods
1. One day the Lord was joyfully wandering about the city looking at His creation with Nityananda.
2. When Brahma, the creator of the universe, saw that Sri Gaurasundara had incarnated in this world, he considered himself fortunate. Lord Brahma, the engineer of the universe, considered himself fortunate when he realized that he had attained the merciful glance and attention of the Lord.
3. It appeared that two moons were wandering about, and everyone appreciated Their presence according to their surrender.
4. All the demigods watched from outer space. On seeing the two moons, various thoughts went through their minds.
5. The demigods considered their respective abodes to be earth and the earth to be heaven.
6. The demigods began to consider themselves as less powerful human beings, and they considered the human beings, who were refreshed by the rays of the two moons, Gaura and Nitai, to be superior to themselves.
7. On seeing the two moons, they thought, “We have never seen two moons together in heaven.”
8. One of the demigods said, “Listen to my words. One is the original moon, and the other is a reflection.”
9. Lord Krishnacandra is the original moon, and Baladeva is His manifestation. In Laghu-bhagavatamrita (1.21) it is stated: “If numerous forms, all equal in their features, are displayed simultaneously, such forms are called prakasa-vigrahas of the Lord.”
10. One of the demigods said, “Perhaps because of our good fortune the creator has made these two moons appear simultaneously.”
11. Someone said: `A man is born as his own son,' there is a similarity between the father and the son. Mercury is the son of the moon and therefore as good as his father. Perhaps of these two moons, one is the son of the other.”
12. It was not at all wonderful that the demigods were bewildered by the Lord's form, which even the Vedas cannot ascertain.
13. “It is He only who first imparted the Vedic knowledge unto the heart of Brahmaji, the original living being. By Him even the great sages and demigods are placed into illusion, as one is bewildered by the illusory representations of water seen in fire, or land seen on water. Only because of Him do the material universes, temporarily manifested by the reactions of the three modes of nature, appear factual, although they are unreal.”
14. Lord Caitanya is
15. God exists.
The proof with Advaita acarya’s chastisement
1. Visvambhara in His external consciousness, He would offer respect to all the Vaishnavas, and particularly to Advaita.
2. Mahaprabhu always displayed intense eagerness to please
3. “This thief constantly harasses Me by giving up His superior position and grabbing hold of My feet. The Lord is most powerful, so by force I cannot check Him from taking dust from My feet. The only alternative I have is the power of devotional service, for no one can recognize Visvambhara without devotional service. When I smash His illusion into pieces, then only will My name Advaita-simha be glorified.
4. This thief has become proud after defeating Bhrigu, but He doesn't know that I have hundreds of disciples like Bhrigu.
5. Lord Narayana accepted Bhrigu's footprint on His chest to exhibit His affection for His devotees and demonstrate that he [Bhrigu] was a fool. Since ignorant people are more prone to be deceived, they consider Bhrigu more respectable than the Supreme Lord. But, as Sri Advaita Prabhu is “Maha-Vishnu” and a Vaishnava acarya, He recognized the foolishness of Bhrigu. Therefore, while displaying His external anger and pride, He declared that He has hundreds of disciples like Bhrigu.
6. Sri Gaurasundara, who is nondifferent from Vrajendra-nandana, could not hide the stealing propensities of His Syamasundara pastimes from Advaita Prabhu.
7. He endeavored with a desire to obtain punishment from Sri Caitanyadeva to reverse the concept that He was worshipable. Thinking in this way, He desired to place artificial obstacles in the gaura-avatara's preaching of devotional service to belittle the Lord's pastimes as a servant.
8. “I will make the Lord so angry that He will punish Me by His own hand. Although the Lord has incarnated to preach devotional service, I will not show any respect to such devotional service—this is My resolution. If I do not accept devotional service, then the Lord will forget Himself out of anger and punish Me by pulling My hair.”
9. After contemplating in this way, Advaita Prabhu happily departed with Haridasa.
10. He came home on the pretext of some work and contemplated His resolution.
11. Intoxicated with ecstasy, He constantly swayed back and forth as He glorified jnana while commenting on the book named Yoga-vasishtha.
12. “Devotional service to Vishnu is like a mirror. But if one is not endowed with eyes in the form of jnana, then this mirror has no use. If there are no eyes, then what is the use of a mirror? After studying all scriptures from beginning to end, I have understood that jnana is supreme.”
13. Haridasa knew well the characteristics of Advaita, therefore on hearing this explanation he laughed loudly.
14. Those who were fortunate understood the characteristics of the devotee Advaita and thus realized the supremacy of devotional service to the Lord. Those who were unfortunate and sinful could not understand the purpose of Advaita Prabhu and attained inauspiciousness by accepting impersonal jnana as superior to devotional service. They obtained only impediments on their path of progress.
15. Mahaprabhu is the original source of fulfilment for everyone's desires. Therefore He could certainly understand the internal mood of Advaita. When Sri Advaita Prabhu saw the Lord offer Him great respect despite His endeavor to serve Mahaprabhu with His body, mind, and speech, then to counteract this situation He made a show of establishing bhakti as less enlightening by giving more importance to jnana.
16. Addressing Nityananda, Visvambhara said, “Let us go to Advaita Acarya's house in Santipura, He disturbed My sleep by preaching jnana. He is covering the glories of devotional service. See Yourself how I will punish Him today! Today We will see how He defends the process of jnana.”
17. By the influence of His devotional service, Advaita Prabhu was most powerful. He understood that His desire to be punished by the Lord would soon be fulfilled.
18. Advaita Prabhu realized that the Lord was coming in an angry mood, and He began to explain jnana more enthusiastically.
19. Sri Advaita Prabhu desired to achieve abundant mercy in the form of chastisement from Sri Gaurasundara, so He rocked back and forth out of respect for Mayavada, which is averse to devotional service. Therefore, on arriving there with Nityananda, Mahaprabhu displayed anger towards those envious of devotional service.
20. When the Lord arrived at the house of Advaita, at that time Haridasa Thakura was living also there so he and Acyuta, the son of Advaita offered their obeisances seeing Lord Gauranga.
21. The wives of Advaita offered their obeisances to the Lord within their minds. They were filled with anxiety on seeing the Lord's mood.
22. Visvambhara's bodily effulgence was like that of millions of suns. Everyone became frightened on seeing this.
23. In an angry mood the Lord said, “O Nada! Tell Me, which is superior—jnana or bhakti?”
24. Advaita replied, “Jnana is always superior. What is the use of devotional service for one who does not have jnana?” For a person on the path of jnana there is no need to remain on the path of devotional service.
25. On hearing Advaita say that jnana was superior, the son of Saci lost His external consciousness out of anger.
26. Since Advaita said that jnana was more glorious than bhakti, Mahaprabhu dragged Him into the courtyard and began to profusely beat Him in order to teach people.
27. Although she knew everything, Advaita's chaste wife and mother of the universe tried to restrain the Lord.
28. She said: “Spare His life, He is an old brahmana! For whose benefit do You chastise Him?
29. The wife of Advaita said, “Advaita has become very old. Killing a brahmana is prohibited in the scriptures. If a brahmana is killed by excessive beating, then it is impossible for the person responsible to become free from the offense.”
30. In His anger, the Lord did not hear those words befitting a chaste wife. He roared and threatened Advaita with proud words.
31. “I was sleeping in the ocean of milk when You, Nada, woke Me to fulfill Your mission. You brought Me to reveal the science of devotional service, but now You are covering devotional service with Your explanations on jnana. If Your intention was to cover devotional service, then why did You have Me incarnate? I never frustrate Your resolve, but You always deceive Me.”
32. After He stopped beating Advaita Prabhu, the Lord sat down at the doorway and began to loudly reveal the topics of His wonderful pastimes.
33. “O Nada, it was I who killed Kamsa. You know everything, don't You?
Brahma, Siva, Sesha, and Lakshmi all engage in My service. The cunning imposter Vasudeva was killed by My cakra.
My cakra cut off the arms of Banasura, and My cakra destroyed Narakasura.
It was I who held up Govardhana Hill with My left hand, and it was I who brought the parijata flower from heaven.
I deceived
34. In this way the Lord revealed His opulences, and Advaita floated in an ocean of ecstatic love while listening.
35. Advaita was filled with ecstasy after receiving His punishment. He clapped His hands and danced in humility.
36. He said: “I have received proper punishment for My offense. O Lord, You are very kind and have actually given Me only a token punishment. Now I have realized Your supremacy. You have suitably punished Me for My fault. Now the relationship between the Lord and His servant has been strengthened.”
37. Advaita danced in ecstasy throughout the courtyard. He frowned and spoke to the Lord as follows.
38. “I am Your eternal servant. I am not an oppressor of the Lord and the devotees as is Durvasa. If I had actually become envious of the devotional service of Hari like Durvasa, then You could have condemned Me. But I am Your devotee. My name is Advaita, and I am Your unalloyed servant. My only wish is to honor Your remnants birth after birth. By the influence of Your remnants I am unaffected by Your illusory energy. You have punished Me, now give Me the shelter of Your lotus feet.”
39. After saying this, the Lord of Santipura devotedly fell down and placed His head at the Lord's feet.
40. Visvambhara respectfully picked Advaita up and cried profusely as He embraced Him.
41. Visvambhara felt embarrassed for having beaten Advaita, so He happily awarded Advaita a benediction.
42. “I will bestow mercy on any living entity—even an ant, insect, animal, or bird—who takes shelter of You for even a moment, even if that living entity commits hundreds of offenses against Me.”
43. On hearing the benediction, Advaita Mahasaya began to cry. He caught hold of the Lord's feet and humbly spoke as follows: “O Lord, whatever You spoke can never prove false, but please listen to My declaration.
44. “May the devotion of My descendants and so-called disciples who give up Your service and eagerly engage in My service destroy them. This is My declaration. I will not accept anyone as My own if they have no love for the service of Your lotus feet. I am prepared to totally forsake all such descendants and disciples. Anyone who worships You is My life and soul. I cannot tolerate a person who disregards You.
45. “I cannot look at the face of a vaishnava-aparadhi, even if he happens to be My son or servant.
46. “If one transgresses You and worships millions of demigods, those demigods will kill him on some pretext. These are not simply My words, they are the words of the Vedas.
47. “One who transgresses You and offers Me obeisances is cutting off the head of his worshipable Lord and then trying to remedy the situation.
48. Although Duryodhana was a disciple of Baladeva, he and his family members were killed because he disregarded You.
49. Hiranyakasipu received benedictions from Brahma, yet he and his family members were killed when he disregarded You.
50. The ten-headed Ravana, who took pleasure in cutting off other's heads, worshiped Siva, yet he was nevertheless killed along with his family members when he disregarded You.
51. Worshiping the demigods headed by Siva while disregarding You is like watering the leaves of a tree after cutting its root.
52. “You are the root of the Vedas, brahmanas, sacrifice, and religious principles. I do not accept the worship of one who does not worship You.”
53. When Sri Sacinandana heard Advaita's explanation of the Absolute Truth, He roared loudly and spoke: “Everyone listen to My words. Any fallen soul who disrespects My servant and worships Me cuts Me into pieces. His worship feels like fire to My body. My wish-fulfilling holy names destroy one who blasphemes My servant.”
54. “All living entities in the innumerable universes are My servants, so anyone who blasphemes any living entity is ruined.”
55. “You are more important than My own body, so if anyone transgresses You, he will be unable to tolerate his fate.
56. “If even a sannyasi blasphemes an innocent person, he goes to hell and all his religious principles are destroyed.
57. Raising His arms, Lord Gauranga declared to the world, “Avoid offenses and chant the names of
58. When Mahaprabhu spoke these words, all the devotees chanted, “Jaya! Jaya!”
59. Advaita cried and grabbed the Lord's two lotus feet. The Lord also began to cry as He embraced Advaita.
60. Lor Gauranga, the deliverer of all conditioned souls, is the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
61. God exists.
The argument of the revelation to a brahmana and his son
1. One day the brahmana Vanamali and his son arrived at the home of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. In ecstasy, Vanamali said to himself: "Visvambhara is none other then God Himself. By seeing Him, I have attained perfection. My sufferings have vanished simply by seeing Lord Gauranga". The next day Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Gaura-nataraja (the king of dancers) danced exuberantly in the midst of the sankirtana party, chanting and dancing on the Hare Krishna maha mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare....Vanamali and his son became enchanted by a most extraordinary sight. Gauranga appeared as a beautiful young boy with a body the color of a monsoon cloud. The Lord was wearing bright yellow cloth, held a flute and had a peacock feather in his hair. All Gauranga's followers took forms as cowherd boys of Vraja. Vanamali and his son also saw Radharani along with Syamasundara,
2. Mahaprabhu and His associates are
3. Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the Navadvipa priests
1. Seeing Nimai at one occasion, the brahmana priests of Navadvipa spoke that:
"Gaura Hari, Nimai is not a mortal being. Perhaps He is a demigod.” Then they concluded: ”However His astoundingly brilliant effulgence indicates that He is none other then the Supreme Lord Govinda Himself".
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists
The argument of Mahaprabhu revealing His majestic Narayana form, the God of all gods
1. Gauranata Raja (the king of dancers) danced and chanted. Then suddenly He remembered Laksmidevi, the goddess of fortune. Gauranga transformed Himself in a 4-handed Visnu form.
2. Mahaprabhu is God, God exists
The proof of the revelations
1. The Lord regularly visited the houses of His devotees and exhibited to them His various forms such as His four-armed, six-armed forms, Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Vamana, Narasimha, Rama etc.
2. Mahaprabhu displayed His four-armed Narayana form, holding conch, disc, club, and lotus, to many fortunate persons.
3. He displayed His six-armed form to some others. The combination of the two arms of Nrisimhadeva, two arms of Rama, and two arms of
4. Another six-armed form of the Lord is to destroy one's desires for wealth, fame, and material enjoyment. We see a bow and arrows in the hands of Rama, a flute in the hands of
5. The Lord exhibited His various naimittika, or occasional, forms like Matsya, Kurma, Vamana, Narasimha, and Rama, who are worshiped with awe and reverence and who eternally reside in Vaikuntha.
6. In order to ensure that people would not discriminate after seeing various forms of Vishnu and imagine Them to be different Gods, the Lord displayed His eternal forms according to the favorable taste of His devotees.
7. In order to deliver people from the clutches of those who give up the worship of the Lord, who desire wealth, fame, and women, who concoct temporary forms of the Lord, and who boast of having fulfilled their material desires, the Lord displayed the pastimes of manifesting His eternal forms within this material world.
8. Sri Caitanyadeva is Sri Matsya, Sri Kurma, Sri Vamana, Sri Narasimha, Sri Rama, Sri Krishna, God.
The proof of assuming the forms of various incarnations
1. The body of Lord Caitanya was agitated in various mellows of ecstatic love as He manifested the sentiments of Matsya, Kurma, Narasimha, Varaha, Vamana, Ramacandra, Buddha, Kalki, and Krishna, the son of Nanda Maharaja.
3. Who prays “I offer my obeisances unto You, who appear in the forms of these ten incarnations. In the form of Matsya You rescue the Vedas, and as Kurma You bear the Mandara Mountain on Your back. As Varaha You lift the earth with Your tusk, and in the form of Narasimha You tear open the chest of the daitya Hiranyakasipu. In the form of Vamana You trick the daitya king Bali by asking him for only three steps of land, and then You take away the whole universe from him by expanding Your steps. As Parasurama You slay all of the wicked kshatriyas, and as Ramacandra You conquer the rakshasa king Ravana. In the form of Balarama You carry a plow with which You subdue the wicked and draw toward You the River Yamuna. As Lord Buddha You show compassion toward all the living beings suffering in this world, and at the end of the Kali-yuga You appear as Kalki to bewilder the mlecchas [degraded low-class men].”
4. After displaying the ten varieties of sentiments of the incarnations Mahaprabhu concealed them. Of these, He often displayed the sentiment of Haladhara.
5. The Lord would become intoxicated in the mood of Haladhara and loudly call out, “Bring wine! Bring wine!”
6. Realizing Sri Gaurasundara's actual intention in calling loudly, “Bring wine!” Nityananda Prabhu would bring a pot filled with Ganges water. Ganges water is just like nectar, and it stimulates devotional feelings.
7. The Lord would roar and shout in such a way that the three worlds beginning from Navadvipa shook. He would dance so wildly that if He fell to the ground the earth would crack. The earth would sway along with the entire universe, and the devotees would become frightened on seeing that dancing of the Lord.
8. When the devotees would sing the glories of Balarama, the Lord would lose consciousness in ecstasy.
9. Sometimes Mahaprabhu would become absorbed in the mood of Pradyumna. He would then accept Balarama as His “guardian” and address Him as “uncle,” and He would accept Krishna as His “protector” and consider Him His father.
10. After speaking like this, the Lord would lose consciousness in such a way that the devotees would become frightened and cry loudly.
11. Every day, according to the mood manifested by the Lord, He would perform pastimes of the various incarnations.
12. God exists, His name is Lord Caitanya.
The proof of the Divine Ecstasies and Pastimes at the festival where Lord Krishna is personally dancing while chanting His own names
1. On the day of Sri Hari-vasara, which is observed by chanting the names of Hari, the Lord, who is the life of the entire world, began to dance.
2. Sri hari-vasara means “the day of Lord Hari;” in other words, Ekadasi, Dvadasi, or the appearance day of the Lord. If on the day of Sri Hari-vasara one fasts, remembers Lord Hari with devotion, chants the names of Hari, performs activities for the pleasure of Hari, fixes one's mind on Hari, and gives up all desires for material enjoyment, then he can without doubt attain the abode of Hari like Prahlada. It is the duty of Lord Hari's devotees to worship Lord Hari with great faith by offering sandalwood paste, flowers, incense, lamps, the finest foodstuffs, various gifts, and engage in chanting japa, performing fire sacrifices, circumambulation, offering various prayers, pleasing dancing and chanting, playing musical instruments, offering obeisances, glorifying the Lord by chanting “Jaya!” and staying awake at night while chanting the glories of Lord Hari.
3. Visvambhara began dancing from the time of sunrise, and the devotees sang sweetly in various groups. The name of Govinda vibrated in all directions as the son of Saci became overwhelmed while dancing in ecstasy with His associates. Whenever the Lord cried, He cried for three hours. His hair became untied and scattered on the floor. While crying for three hours, He found no opportunity to tie His loosened hair. Only a person whose heart is made of wood would not become overwhelmed and fall to the ground upon seeing the Lord's crying. When the Lord laughed loudly in ecstasy, He would continue laughing for three hours. The Lord forgot His own glories as He became absorbed in the mood of a servant. He repeatedly exclaimed, “I have conquered! I have conquered!” When Mahaprabhu chanted in great ecstasy “I have conquered! I have conquered!” the devotees also imitated Him by chanting, “I have conquered! I have conquered!” Sometimes the Lord sang so loudly that the sound vibration pierced the covering of the universe. Sometimes His body became as heavy as the universe, then none of His followers could hold Him still. Sometimes He would become as light as cotton, and His followers would happily carry Him on their shoulders. Whenever the Lord fell unconscious to the ground out of ecstasy, the devotees became frightened and chanted the name of Hari in His ear. Sometimes His entire body shook vigorously like a boy's teeth chattering due to excessive cold. Sometimes His body perspired in such a way that it appeared that the
4. Prabhu refers to Lord Krishna Himself, who is personally dancing while chanting His own names.
5. He whose ecstatic holy names and glories induce Lord Siva to forget his clothes and dance was now personally dancing. Being absorbed in the ecstasy of chanting the Lord's names, Mahadeva, the Lord's devotee, forgets to wear his clothes.
6. That Lord, whose holy names induced Valmiki to become enriched by austerities, whose holy names awarded Ajamila with liberation, and whose holy names when heard destroy one's material bondage—that Lord, who has incarnated in Kali-yuga, now engaged in dancing.
7. That Lord, whose holy names Sukadeva and Narada sing as they wander about, whose transcendental qualities are sung by the thousand-headed Lord Ananta, and whose holy names are the best of all forms of atonement now personally danced before the eyes of the fortunate.
8. As Mahaprabhu Visvambhara danced in His own ecstasy, the movement of His feet sounded most enchanting. Due to the Lord's absorption in ecstasy, His garland did not remain on His neck but scattered at the feet of the devotees. Where did the happiness of riding on Garuda go? He gave up the happiness of riding on the back of Garuda. Where did the form holding conch, disc, club, and lotus go? Where did the happiness of lying on the bed of Ananta go? The Lord now cried and rolled on the ground in the mood of a servant. Where did the happiness of Vaikuntha go? The Lord forgot all other happiness while tasting the happiness of a servant. The Lord of Vaikuntha tore apart the Vaijayanti garland around His neck and threw it at the feet of the devotees, He gave up holding weapons like the conch and disc. He gave up the happiness derived from being the Lord and became absorbed in the happiness derived from being the servant. Instead of looking at the face of Lakshmi in His capacity as the enjoyer of conjugal mellows, the Lord raised His face and arms and began to cry, being merged in the ocean of separation. That worshipable Lord in whose service great personalities like Siva and Narada are engaged, after giving up their respective opulence, now took straw between His teeth out of humility and, after giving up all happiness as the object of worship, begged for devotional service. One who in spite of seeing the recent example of Gaurasundara gives up the path of devotional service and proudly becomes inclined to attain one of the four types of liberation beginning with salokya, or residing on the same planet as the Lord, is like one who gives up nectar to drink poison.
9. Sometimes His entire body was stunned in such a way that no one could even slightly bend His body. Sometimes that same body became slackened in such a way that it became as soft as butter, without any bones. Sometimes His body appeared to double or triple in size, and sometimes it appeared to shrink. Sometimes He was intoxicated in such a way that He tottered like a drunkard, and sometimes He swayed back and forth while laughing. Seeing all the Vaishnavas, the Lord called each of them by the name they bore in their previous birth. He loudly addressed them, “Haladhara! Siva! Sukadeva! Narada! Prahlada! Rama! Aja! Uddhava!” Visvambhara danced day and night with the devotees. No one became tired, for they all had spiritual bodies (sattva-kalevara). In this way Visvambhara Mahaprabhu danced until only three hours of the night remained. Sri Caitanyacandra then took all the salagrama-silas on His lap and sat on the simhasana. As the simhasana made a cracking sound due to the weight of Visvambhara, Nityananda quickly touched it. Lord Ananta manifested within the throne, so it did not break as Lord Gauranga comfortably sat on it. On the order of Lord Caitanya, the kirtana was stopped. Then the Lord loudly revealed His glories.
10. “In Kali-yuga, I am
11. All the devotees became ecstatic and their fears were dispelled as those who were qualified offered the Lord betel nuts. All the servants joyfully offered betel nuts, and the Lord smiled as He accepted them with His own hand. The Lord rolled His eyes and roared loudly as He repeatedly called out, “Nada! Nada! Nada! ( Narayana)” The devotees did not say anything but sat down in silence as their hearts were struck with wonder. All the devotees saw Him as the supreme chastiser. They had no strength to stand before Him. Nityananda held an umbrella over Mahaprabhu's head, and Advaita offered prayers with folded hands before the Lord. In great fear, the devotees all folded their hands and remembered the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya as they bent their heads down. The Lord smiled as He looked at each devotee and said, “Ask for some benediction.” The devotees smiled on seeing the Lord's characteristics. They said, “Lord Narayana has appeared.” After remaining on the simhasana for some time, Lord Gaurasundara fell unconscious in ecstasy. He fell to the ground with no symptom of life visible in His body. Seeing this, all His associates began to cry. Then all the devotees concluded that the Lord had left them. “If the Lord displays such a cruel mood, then we will also give up our bodies at once.” While the devotees were thinking in this way, the crest jewel of all omniscient persons manifested His external consciousness and loudly chanted the name of Hari. They all raised a tumultuous sound of ecstasy. Being overwhelmed, they did not know where they were. In this way, various ecstatic pastimes took place in Navadvipa as the Lord of Vaikuntha enjoyed His pastimes of ecstatic love.
12. Lord Gaurasundara is Lord Narayana. God exists.
The proof of Sri Gaurasundara's sata-prahariya-maha-prakasa, or twenty-one-hour divine manifestation, manifesting all the forms of Vishnu's incarnations, revealing that He is personally Lord Vishnu
1. Lord Caitanya's maha-prakasa (= great revelation), or sata-prahariya bhava (= the twenty-one-hour ecstasy). On that day, the devotees gave the Lord worship as the King of all kings. The Lord made all the devotees fortunate by going up and sitting on the throne of Lord Vishnu. On other days when the Lord had manifested His ecstasy and sat on the throne of Vishnu, He had acted like He was unaware of His actions. But during this sata-prahariya bhava, the Lord gave up all pretension and revealed His glories for twenty-one hours. On this day He concealed His mood and pastimes as a devotee and sat on the throne of Vishnu for twenty-one hours in the mood of the Supreme Lord. This day He did not hide Himself in any way but fully revealed Himself. Everyone felt like they were enjoying in Vaikuntha (vaikuntha-vilasa). The Lord also sat like the Lord of Vaikuntha.
2. The Lord ordered, “Recite the prayers for My worship.” On hearing this, the devotees happily recited.
3. When a king of kings is installed on a throne, his subjects glorify him with various offerings of prayers and homage.
4. Sri Nityananda chanted “Jaya! Jaya!” as He happily pouredGanges
water, mixed with musk, sandalwood, kunkuma and camphor on the head of the
Lord. Exalted devotees headed by Advaita and Srivasa bathed the Lord while
reciting mantras. Devotees headed by Mukunda sang auspicious abhisheka songs as
some devotees cried, some danced, and some became overwhelmed in ecstasy.
5. As a formality there was supposed to be one hundred eight pots of water, in ordinary auspicious rituals, the number one hundred eight is considered important, but in this case it was hundreds and thousands.
The procedure for bathing the Lord is described in the Hari-bhakti-vilasa (19.88) as follows: “According to one's capacity, one should bath the Lord with gold, silver, copper, bell metal, or clay pots of water numbering one thousand, five hundred, two hundred fifty, one hundred eight, sixty-four, thirty-two, sixteen, or four.” The fortunate demigods assumed the forms of human beings and secretly took part in the bathing ceremony.
6. If one offers even a drop of water at the lotus feet of the Lord in meditation, what to speak of directly, he is never subjected to the punishment of Yamaraja in hell. “A person will live in Vaikuntha for as many thousands of years as the number of drops of water that he offers to My body. Svarga-loke mahiyate; as one goes to Vaikunthaloka, he will be respectfully worshiped by the demigods headed by Indra.”
7. Then they dried His body. Thereafter they dressed Him in new cloth and applied fragrant sandalwood paste on His transcendental body. They cleaned Vishnu's throne, and the Lord then sat down on it. Lord Nityananda held an umbrella over the Lord's head, and some fortunate soul fanned Him with a camara. Then all the devotees began to offer various items of worship at the lotus feet of their Lord. They offered water for washing the feet, auspicious ingredients to the hand, water for washing the mouth, sandalwood paste, flowers, incense, lamps, foodstuffs, and cloth. According to their capacity they offered brahmana thread, clothes, and ornaments. The devotees dipped tulasi-manjaris in sandalwood paste and repeatedly offered them at the lotus feet of the Lord. Tears of love flowed from the eyes of the devotees. The Lord sincerely listened as they offered the following prayers.
8. “All glories to the Lord of all universes! Please glance mercifully on the living entities who are afflicted with the threefold material miseries. All glories to the original cause and father of everyone! All glories to the Lord who has incarnated to inaugurate the sankirtana movement!”
9. Although the process of sankirtana is mentioned in the scriptures, people were inclined to solitary services like chanting japa. But in order to award the highest benediction to the people of Kali-yuga, Sri Gaurasundara revealed the necessity of performing sankirtana.
10. “All glories to the protector of Vedic principles and saintly persons! All glories to the Lord who gives life to everyone, from Brahma to the nonmoving living entities! All glories to the reservoir of transcendental qualities and the deliverer of the fallen souls! All glories to the supreme shelter and the friend of the poor! All glories to the cowherd boy, who lives in the ocean of milk! All glories to the Lord who manifests His pastimes for the sake of His devotees! All glories to the Lord who is the inconceivable, unfathomable, and original truth! All glories to the Lord who is the most gentle form of pure goodness! All glories to the Lord who is the ornament and deliverer of the brahmana community! All glories to the Lord who is the life and soul of all, including the Vedic principles! All glories to the deliverer of the fallen Ajamila! All glories to He who liberated Putana of her sins! All glories to He who does not see the faults of others and who is the beloved Lord of Lakshmi!” In this way all the exalted devotees offered their prayers. Seeing the supreme manifestation of the Lord's form, all His servants merged in an ocean of bliss.
11. Lord Gauracandra spontaneously extended His lotus feet, which were worshiped by all the devotees. Someone brought fragrant sandalwood paste, which he smeared on those lotus feet. Someone else offered tulasi-manjaris in worship. Someone offered ornaments made of gold, silver, and gems at His lotus feet and then offered obeisances. Everyone offered obeisances while white, blue, and yellow silk cloth were offered at the Lord's lotus feet. They offered various types of metal containers. No one knew how many people fell at His lotus feet. The servants and maidservants of the Vaishnavas fearlessly offered fresh grass, paddy, and tulasi at the lotus feet of the Lord. Some of them brought various kinds of fruits, which they offered at His lotus feet, while some offered sandalwood paste and flowers at the Lord's lotus feet. Someone was inspired to worship with sixteen ingredients, while someone was inspired to worship with six ingredients. Everyone joyfully offered musk, kunkuma, camphor, and red powder at the Lord's lotus feet. Those lotus feet and toenails were decorated with various flowers such as campaka, mallika, kunda, kadamba, and malati. As the crest jewel of Vaikuntha manifested His opulences, He said, “Give Me something to eat.” All the devotees saw the Lord extend His palm. Whatever the devotees offered, the Lord ate. Someone offered bananas, someone offered soaked mung dahl, and others offered yogurt, condensed milk, butter, and milk. The devotees gave all these items directly into the hands of Mahaprabhu, who lovingly ate everything. Everyone ran from street to street and bought the finest items, which they quickly brought back to the Lord. Someone mixed coconut pulp with sugar and placed it directly into the Lord's hand. They brought an abundance of various sweets, which the Lord took in His hands and ate. Some offered sweets made of fused rice, rose apple, and cucumbers. Some offered sugar cane, and others offeredGanges
water. On seeing the Lord's ecstatic manifestation, some servants offered five
or ten times. Hundreds of people offered water, all of which was drunk by the
master of all mystic perfections (maha-yogesvara). They offered thousands of
pots of yogurt, condensed milk, and milk, thousands of bunches of bananas, and
a large quantity of soaked mung dahl. They offered large quantities of
sweetmeats, fruits, and roots, and thousands of containers filled with betel
nuts and camphor. Such was the unprecedented opulence manifested by
Gauracandra! The devotees could not understand how the Lord ate everything. The
Lord happily ate the foodstuffs offered by His devotees and then began to describe
their birth, good fortune and pious and activities by His quality of
omniscience. As a result, each devotee remembered his previous activities and
joyfully fell to the ground crying. The Lord said to Srivasa, “O Srivasa, do
you remember when you once heard Srimad Bhagavatam from Devananda Pandita?
Every line of Srimad Bhagavatam is full of loving devotional mellows, and your
heart melted on hearing that narration. You began to cry loudly and fell to the
ground, overwhelmed with ecstasy. Not understanding your devotional sentiments,
the foolish students could not understand why you were crying. You lost
external consciousness while exhibiting transformations of ecstatic love, and
the students carried you outside. Devananda did not stop them. As the guru was
ignorant, so were his disciples. When they left you outside the door, you
returned home greatly distressed. Feeling unhappy at heart, you sat down in a
solitary place and again began to read Srimad Bhagavatam. Seeing your distress,
I left Vaikuntha (sri-vaikuntha haite avirbhava) and appeared in your body.
Then I sat in your heart and made you cry by awarding you loving devotion. You
became ecstatic by hearing Srimad Bhagavatam, and the entire area became wet as
if by rain.” Realizing the words of the Lord, Srivasa became overwhelmed. He
rolled on the ground, cried, and sighed deeply. If by chance a devotee was
absent, the Lord personally ordered that he should be brought there. The Lord
extended His palm and said, “Give Me something to eat.” He then ate whatever
they gave. After eating, the Lord said, “Do you remember the night when I was
sitting by your side? In the form of a doctor, I cured your fever.” On hearing
this, the servant became overwhelmed and fell to the ground. The Lord turned to
Gangadasa and said, “Do you remember how one night you were running away in
fear of the king? You came to the boat ghata with your entire family, but you
feared calamity when no boat could be found. When you could not get a boat
throughout the entire night, you became distressed and began to cry. Fearing
that the Yavanas would mistreat your family, you resolved to enter the Ganges . At that time I crossed the Ganges
and came before you as a boatmen in a ferry. You were pleased to see the boat
and began to speak to Me with great affection. “O brother, please save me this
time. My caste, life, wealth, and body all belong to You. Protect me. Take me
and my family across the river. I will pay You the one coin and give You two
coins as a donation. Thereafter I took you and your family across the river and
then returned to Vaikuntha.” On hearing these words, Gangadasa floated in an
ocean of bliss. Such are the pastimes of Lord Gaurasundara. Another beloved
servant offered Him betel nuts, while some danced on His left and some danced
before Him. In this way the whole day passed. As evening arrived, everyone
became most jubilant. All the devotees worshiped the Lord's lotus feet with
incense and lamps. The sound of conches, bells, karatalas, whompers, and
mridangas produced an enchanting atmosphere. As Gauracandra sat in His full
glory, He did not say anything about the devotees' activities. They offered
various flowers at His lotus feet and then offered obeisances while saying, “O
Lord, please protect us.” Someone spoke with humility, and someone offered
praises. Only the sound of ecstatic crying was heard in the four directions.
What wonderful happiness arose as night fell! Whoever came there felt like they
were entering Vaikuntha. In this way the Lord manifested His supreme opulences
as all His servants stood before Him with folded hands. The lionlike Gaura
happily enjoyed His pastimes while extending His feet and touching the bodies
of the devotees.
12. While remaining absorbed in this amazing pastime that had never been seen before, the lionlike Gaura concealed His mood as a devotee. Since these activities of His are not like those of conditioned souls who are forced to enjoy the fruits of their karma, the word lila, or “pastimes,” has been used.
13. As Sri Gaurasundara was about to give benedictions, all His followers stood before Him with folded hands. During this sata-prahariya bhava, the Lord bestowed mercy on everyone without duplicity. He ordered, “Quickly, go and bring Sridhara. Let him come and behold My opulences. As he constantly thinks of Me, he feels great unhappiness. Bring him at once so that he may see My glories. Go to the edge of town and wait there. Bring that person who is calling out My name.” Following the Lord's instruction, some Vaishnavas hurried to the house of Sridhara. He earned his livelihood by selling banana leaves. He would buy one banana tree, cut it into pieces, and then sell those pieces. He offered half of whatever he earned in a day in worship of theGanges .
With the other half, he maintained his life. This is the test of a devotee of
Vishnu. No one recognized him, for everyone thought he was simply a banana leaf
seller. He passed the entire night without sleep while loudly chanting with
love the names of Krishna and Hari. As soon as
the devotees got halfway there, they heard the loud cries of Sridhara. “O
Mahasaya, come. Come and see the Lord. Let us become glorious by your touch.”
On hearing the Lord's name, Sridhara became overwhelmed with ecstasy and fell
unconscious to the ground. The devotees quickly picked him up and carefully
brought him before Visvambhara. On seeing Sridhara, the Lord was pleased and
called him, “Come, come. You have worshiped Me so long. You have passed many
lifetimes to obtain My love.”
14. When the Lord manifested His pastimes as a scholar, He acted like a most arrogant person. Keeping His identity concealed, He enjoyed various pastimes with Sridhara on the pretext of buying banana leaves, bananas, and banana stems. He would daily quarrel with Sridhara for two hours and then buy his goods for half price. Although truthful Sridhara quoted a reasonable price, the Lord would take the goods at half price. Then Sridhara would stand up, grab hold of the goods, and a tug-of-war would ensue. In this way Sridhara and the Lord would shove each other. The Lord would say, “O brother Sridhara, why do you live like an ascetic when you have so much wealth? Why are you taking the goods from My hands? Don't you know yet who I am?” The most brahminical Sridhara did not become angry. After looking at the Lord's face, he gave Him all the goods. Finding no symptoms of anger in the face of Sridhara, Gaurasundara, who is worshiped by the brahmanas, took all of Sridhara's goods; or, on seeing the enchanting form of Gaurasundara, who is worshiped by the brahmanas, Sridhara did not become angry even though Gaurasundara forcibly took away his goods. The form of Gaurasundara was more enchanting than that of Cupid. His forehead was beautifully decorated with tilaka. He was dressed in a dhoti tucked in at three places, His hair was curly, and both His nature and eyes were restless. The Lord chewed betel nuts as He looked at Sridhara. Then He again picked up the banana leaves with His own hands. Sridhara said, “Listen, O respected brahmana. Please forgive me, for I am Your dog.” The Lord said, “I know you are very clever. You have accumulated so much wealth by selling banana leaves.” When the Lord forcibly took Sridhara's goods, Sridhara asked : “Are there no other shops?” Sridhara asked. “Go there and buy leaves cheaper.” The Lord replied, “I will not give up My supplier. Take My money and give Me stems and bananas.” On seeing the Lord's beauty, Sridhara would become overwhelmed and smile. Then Visvambhara would jubilantly speak harsh words to him. “You buy ingredients that you regularly offer to theGanges ,
so what is wrong if you give Me a discount? “I am the father of the Ganges , whom you regularly worship. This is the truth I
am telling you.” Sridhara then covered his ears with his hands and exclaimed,
“Vishnu! Vishnu!” Seeing the Lord so arrogant, Sridhara then gave Him the
leaves and stems. Sridhara said, “I am defeated. Please leave me alone. I will
give You something free. “I will give You a piece of stem, a few bananas, and a
few leaves. Then am I still at fault?” The Lord said, “Good, good. I have no
more complaints.”
15. Lord Caitanya had a desire to perform these pastimes, that is why He had Sridhara sell banana leaves.
16. The Lord said, “O Sridhara, look at My form. Today I will award you the eight mystic perfections.” The exalted Sridhara raised his head and saw that Visvambhara was blackish like a tamala tree. He held an enchanting flute in His hands, and Balarama stood at His right side. Sridhara saw the entire place was filled with a bright effulgence. He saw goddess Lakshmi offer betel nuts into the hand of the Lord and the four-headed Brahma and five-headed Siva offer prayers to the Lord. He saw Ananta hold His thousand hoods as an umbrella over the head of the Lord and Sanaka, Narada, and Sukadeva chanting the glories of the Lord. In the four directions greatly beautiful women (prakriti-svarupa, consorts of the Lord) were glorifying the Lord with folded hands. On seeing this, Sridhara was struck with wonder. As such, he reeled and fell to the ground. The Lord ordered, “Get up. Get up, Sridhara.” Sridhara then regained consciousness by the words of the Lord. The Lord said, “Sridhara, offer prayers to Me.” Sridhara replied, “O Lord, I am most foolish. I have no ability to offer any prayers.” The Lord then said, “Your words alone are prayers to Me.” By the order of the Lord, Sarasvati, the mother of the universe, appeared on Sridhara's tongue and Sridhara began to offer prayers.
17. “All glories to Mahaprabhu! All glories to Visvambhara! All glories to the Lord of Navadvipa! All glories to the Lord of innumerable universes! All glories to He who was born from the womb of the pious mother Saci! All glories to the Lord, who is unknown to the Vedas! All glories to the best of the brahmanas! You assume various forms in every age to protect religious principles. You wandered throughout the city, unknown to all. Who can know You unless You reveal Yourself? You are dharma, You are karma, You are bhakti, and You are jnana. You are the scriptures, You are the Vedas, and You are the object of all meditation. You are the mystic perfections, You are prosperity, You are enjoyment, and You are yoga. You are faith, You are compassion, You are illusion and greed. You are Indra, You are Candra, You are Agni and Varuna. You are Surya, You are Vayu, You are wealth and strength. You are devotional service, You are liberation, You are Brahma and Siva. But why consider You to be only them or Your expansion? They are also different, and they are all subordinate to You. Previously You personally told Me, `The water of yourGanges has emanated from My feet.' Yet neither did my
sinful heart recognize You, nor did I understand the glories of Your invaluable
lotus feet. It was You who made the town of Gokula glorious, and now You have appeared as
the King of Navadvipa. You conceal devotional service within Your body, but You
have manifested that devotional service in Navadvipa. It was through devotional
service that Bhishma conquered You on the battlefield, and it was through devotional
service that Yasoda bound You. It was through devotional service that
Satyabhama sold You.”
18. DuringKrishna 's Dvaraka pastimes, the
great sage Narada one day came before Krishna
with a parijata flower in his hand that Indra had given him. At that time Krishna was residing in the house of Rukmini. When Narada
gifted that parijata flower to Sri Krishna, Lord Vasudeva gave it to Rukmini.
On seeing this, Narada praised the good fortune of Rukmini and concluded that
she was the most intimate and chaste wife of Krishna .
Thereafter the maidservants of Satyabhama who were present at the time informed
Satyabhama about the incident. As a result, when Satyabhama became filled with
conceit, Krishna went to her residence and
promised to bring an entire parijata tree to the house of Satyabhama in order
to please her. Thereafter, when Narada went there and specifically glorified
the Punyaka-vrata, Satyabhama expressed a desire to observe that vow. Then Krishna brought the parijata tree from Amaravati, the
abode of Indra, and according to the prescriptions of that vrata, Satyabhama
bound Krishna to that parijata tree and gave
Him in charity to Narada.
19. “Being controlled by devotional service, You carried a cowherd damsel of Vraja on Your shoulders. You who are carried in the minds of the inhabitants of innumerable universes personally carried the cowherd boy Sridama. You are conquered by devotional service, therefore it is most confidential. Ordinary people do not understand this. You are always conquered by devotional service. You therefore hid devotional service and wander around like a conqueror. This characteristic of Yours is now shattered and inactive. Just see, the entire world hankers for Your devotional service. At that time You were defeated by only two or four persons, but now You will be bound by one and all.”
20. The Lord said, “O Sridhara, choose and ask for a benediction. Today I will give you the eight mystic perfections.” Sridhara replied, “O Lord, will You again deceive Me? Stay peaceful, for this will not be possible again.” The Lord said, “Seeing Me cannot be fruitless. You must take some benediction according to your desire.” Visvambhara repeatedly said, “Ask, ask,” and Sridhara replied, “O Lord, then give me this benediction. Let that brahmana who forcibly took away my banana leaves be my Lord birth after birth.” While speaking in this way, Sridhara's love for the Lord increased and he began crying loudly with his arms raised. Visvambhara smiled and said, “Listen, Sridhara, I want to make you the king of a great kingdom.” Sridhara replied, “I do not want anything. Make such arrangement, O Lord, that I may chant Your names.” The Lord said, “O Sridhara, you are My servant. That is why you are able to see My opulences. That is why your mind does not deviate from Me. Thus I am giving you devotional service that is confidential to the Vedas.” Sridhara, the banana seller, had no wealth, no followers, and no education. Who can recognize such servants of Lord Caitanya? He accepted only devotional service and rejected the eight mystic perfections.
21. Then the Lord said, “O Acarya, ask for what You desire.” Advaita Acarya replied, “I already received what I asked for.”
22. The Lord ordered Murari, “Behold My form!” and Murari saw the Lord as Ramacandra. He saw Visvambhara was dark like fresh grass, and He sat in the virasana posture as a powerful archer. He saw Sita and Lakshmana on the Lord's left and right. The leaders of the monkeys were offering prayers in the four directions. Murari realized that he was also one of the monkeys. Seeing the Lord face to face, the best of the doctors lost consciousness. As he lost consciousness, he fell to the ground in Lord Caitanya's trap. Visvambhara exclaimed, “O monkey, you forgot how Ravana, who stole Sita, burned your face. You burnt Ravana’s entire city and subdued his dynasty. I tell you, I am that Lord. O Murari, get up, get up. You are My life. I am that Ramacandra, and you are Hanuman. See your life and soul, the son of Sumitra. You brought Gandamadana Hill to revive His life. Offer your obeisances at the feet of Sita, whose distress made you cry profusely.” Upon hearing Lord Caitanya's words, Murari regained his consciousness. Seeing that manifestation, he began to cry in love. Visvambhara again said to Murari, “Ask for any benediction you desire.” Murari replied, “O Lord, I do not want anything. Simply allow me to sing Your glories. O Lord, I may take birth anywhere, but wherever I take birth let me always remember You. Let me reside in the association of Your servants birth after birth. O Lord, do not put me in a condition in which You are not my master and I am not Your servant. May I remain Your servant wherever You and Your associates incarnate.” When the Lord said, “I certainly grant you this benediction,” a tumultuous vibration of “Jaya! Jaya!” immediately arose.
23. Thereafter the Lord mercifully called Haridasa and said, “O Haridasa, behold My form! You are more dear to Me than My own body. I certainly belong to the same caste as you. When I remember how much distress the Yavanas gave you, My heart breaks. When the Yavanas beat you in the various villages, I saw your distress and descended from Vaikuntha with the disc in My hand in order to cut everyone to pieces. Yet you desired the well-being of those who almost tortured you to death.”
24. Since Thakura Haridasa always endeavored to please the senses of the Lord, he did not notice his own distress. Moreover, in order to remove the sinful propensities of those who endeavored to give him trouble, he mentally prayed for their benefit.
25. “You ignored how severely you were beaten and desired their well-being. When you desired their benefit, I was unable to use My power against them. My disc became powerless because of you. Due to your resolve, I could not sever their heads. When I saw how severely they were beating you, I covered your back. I then took the beating on My own body. Here are the marks. I am not speaking a lie.” After hearing those most compassionate words from the mouth of the Lord, Haridasa immediately fell unconscious to the ground. As he lost external consciousness and merged in the ocean of ecstasy, his breathing completely stopped. The Lord then said, “Get up! Get up! My dear Haridasa. See My manifestation to the satisfaction of your heart.” Haridasa regained his external consciousness by the words of the Lord, yet he cried so profusely that he could not see the Lord's form. Haridasa rolled about the entire courtyard. One moment he breathed heavily, and the next moment he lost consciousness. Haridasa was overwhelmed with ecstasy. Although Lord Caitanya tried to pacify him, he could not remain calm.
26. “My dear Visvambhara, O Lord of the universe, please be merciful to this sinful person. I fall at Your feet. O Jagannatha, O maintainer of the universe, O father of the universe. You are entrusted with the responsibility of bestowing mercy on a sinful person like me. I have no good qualities. I am a fallen outcaste. How can I possibly describe Your glories? If one sees me, he becomes sinful. If one touches me, he should take bath. You have personally declared that You will never forsake anyone who remembers Your lotus feet, even if he is as insignificant as an insect. But you forsake the greatest kings if they do not remember Your lotus feet. These words do not apply to me, however, for I do not remember You. Once the sinful brothers Duryodhana and Duhsasana brought Draupadi to disrobe her in the royal assembly. Finding herself in that dangerous condition, she remembered You. By the influence of her remembrance, You entered into her cloth. As a result of her remembrance the cloth became unlimited, yet those miscreants did not understand why. One time, when Parvati was surrounded by witches, she remembered You as they were about to devour her. By the influence of her remembrance, You appeared to chastise those witches and deliver that great Vaishnavi. But I am so sinful that I cannot remember You, therefore, My dear Lord, please give me shelter at Your lotus feet. Although the sinful Hiranyakasipu tortured Prahlada by giving him poison, throwing him to the snakes, throwing him into the fire, and throwing him bound to a rock into the water, Prahlada simply remembered Your lotus feet and was delivered from all those calamities by the influence of that remembrance. Some lost their teeth and some lost their prowess when You manifested by the influence of his remembrance. In fear of Durvasa, the sons of Pandu remembered You in the forest, and You appeared before them out of compassion. You then said, `Do not worry, Yudhishthira, for I am here. I will give alms to the sages. You sit and watch.' In order to protect Your servants, You happily ate the last piece of vegatable from the pot. As a result, the sages' stomachs became filled as they took bath, so they immediately ran away out of fear. The sons of Pandu were thereby delivered by the influence of remembering You. All these wonderful incidents were the result of remembering You. The glories of Ajamila's remembrance are unlimited, even though he did not engage in any religious duties. In fear of the Yamadutas, he affectionately looked at the face of his son and remembered the form of Narayana while calling out the name of his son. By that remembrance, all of his sinful reactions were vanquished. Therefore remembrance of You is the wealth of Your devotees. Ajamila gave up conceptions of Your illusory world; that made Your actual form appear on the path of his remembrance, and his service attitude for the Supreme Lord was awakened. Seeing his son's inability and the prowess of the Yamadutas at that time, the topics and glories of the Supreme Lord appeared on the path of Ajamila's remembrance. Although he uttered the name `Narayana' for the purpose of calling his son, he was delivered from the attack of the Yamadutas due to the remembrance of the Supreme Lord that is invested in the name `Narayana.' Ajamila was far away from You, yet he remembered You—I have no such qualification. But even though I remained bereft of Your remembrance after coming in direct contact with You, You did not abandon me. This is the proof of Your causeless mercy. What qualification do I have to see You? O Lord, I will ask You for only one thing, not more. “May I reside in the society of Vaishnavas. I think this is an offense on my part, for I have no qualification to ask for such an exalted position. I am greatly proud, therefore I am praying to You to achieve the unique wealth of becoming humbler than a blade of grass, more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige, and ready to offer all respects to others. I have no qualification to achieve such a state. The position of being able to eat the remnants of the Vaishnavas is something that is cherished by personalities like Lord Brahma. O my Lord, O master, O my dear Visvambhara. I am like a dead person. Please forgive my offense. O son of Saci, O dear Lord, please be merciful to me. Kindly keep me in the house of a devotee as a dog. As a landlord accepts animals like dogs as part of his household, engages them to protect his house, and rewards them with remnants of his food, similarly please put me in the house of a Vaishnava as part ofKrishna 's
household.”
27. The Lord said, “Listen, My dear Haridasa. Anyone who resides with you for even a day or speaks with you for even a moment will certainly achieve Me. There is no doubt about it. One who respects You, respects Me, for I constantly reside within your body. My glories are increased by a servant like you. You have eternally bound Me within your heart.”
28. The Lord smiled and looked at Advaita Acarya as He revealed Advaita's internal sentiments. “Listen, O Acarya, do You remember how I made You eat one night? Before I incarnated, You greatly endeavored to bring Me. As You taught Bhagavad-gita, You would explain everything in relation to devotional service. But who was the proper candidate to understand Your explanations? If You did not find the devotional meaning of a verse, You would give up all enjoyment rather than find fault with the verse. Being distressed, You went to sleep without eating. I then manifested Myself before You. I consider Your fasting as My fasting. When a devotee of the Lord fasts, the Supreme Lord does not eat. I cannot tolerate when You feel even the slightest distress. Therefore I appeared in Your dream and spoke to You. “Get up! Get up, Acarya! Hear the meaning of the verse. Know for certain that this is the real meaning. Get up and eat. Do not fast. Because of You, I will incarnate. You got up and ate in satisfaction. Although I spoke to You directly, You thought it was a dream.” In this way, whenever some doubt arose during His recitation, the Lord would directly speak to Him in His dream. The Lord said, “Although I explained all the verses, I did not explain one, which I will now explain to You. According to their respective sampradayas people give wrong interpretions. The actual reading of the verse is not sarvatah pani-padam tat. Today I tell You without any pretension the actual reading of the verse is sarvatra pani-padam tat : Everywhere are His hands and legs, His eyes, heads and faces, and He has ears everywhere. In this way the Supersoul exists, pervading everything.” This sarvatra pani-padam tat verse has appeared in order to reveal that the energetic Lord is present everywhere in His sac-cid-ananda form.
29. After hearing the Lord's explanation, Advaita Acarya began to cry in ecstatic love. Hearing the topics that He desired to hear, He forgot Himself in ecstasy. Advaita said, “What more can I say? I am glorious to have You as My master.”
30. Lord Visvambhara raised His arms and said, “Everyone look at Me and ask for any benediction you desire.” Hearing the Lord's words, everyone became jubilant and asked for a benediction according to their desire. The devotees each saw Visvambhara in whichever incarnation they most adored. By displaying the pastimes of Vishnu's various incarnations, Mahaprabhu taught His devotees that He was the fountainhead of all incarnations. Thereafter the Lord gave His garland and betel remnants to everyone. After receiving remnants from the mouth of the Lord, whose face resembled millions of autumn moons, all the devotees ate them in great ecstasy.
The proof of Sri Gaurasundara's sata-prahariya-maha-prakasa, or twenty-one-hour divine manifestation, manifesting all the forms of Vishnu's incarnations, revealing that He is personally Lord Vishnu
1. Lord Caitanya's maha-prakasa (= great revelation), or sata-prahariya bhava (= the twenty-one-hour ecstasy). On that day, the devotees gave the Lord worship as the King of all kings. The Lord made all the devotees fortunate by going up and sitting on the throne of Lord Vishnu. On other days when the Lord had manifested His ecstasy and sat on the throne of Vishnu, He had acted like He was unaware of His actions. But during this sata-prahariya bhava, the Lord gave up all pretension and revealed His glories for twenty-one hours. On this day He concealed His mood and pastimes as a devotee and sat on the throne of Vishnu for twenty-one hours in the mood of the Supreme Lord. This day He did not hide Himself in any way but fully revealed Himself. Everyone felt like they were enjoying in Vaikuntha (vaikuntha-vilasa). The Lord also sat like the Lord of Vaikuntha.
2. The Lord ordered, “Recite the prayers for My worship.” On hearing this, the devotees happily recited.
3. When a king of kings is installed on a throne, his subjects glorify him with various offerings of prayers and homage.
4. Sri Nityananda chanted “Jaya! Jaya!” as He happily poured
5. As a formality there was supposed to be one hundred eight pots of water, in ordinary auspicious rituals, the number one hundred eight is considered important, but in this case it was hundreds and thousands.
The procedure for bathing the Lord is described in the Hari-bhakti-vilasa (19.88) as follows: “According to one's capacity, one should bath the Lord with gold, silver, copper, bell metal, or clay pots of water numbering one thousand, five hundred, two hundred fifty, one hundred eight, sixty-four, thirty-two, sixteen, or four.” The fortunate demigods assumed the forms of human beings and secretly took part in the bathing ceremony.
6. If one offers even a drop of water at the lotus feet of the Lord in meditation, what to speak of directly, he is never subjected to the punishment of Yamaraja in hell. “A person will live in Vaikuntha for as many thousands of years as the number of drops of water that he offers to My body. Svarga-loke mahiyate; as one goes to Vaikunthaloka, he will be respectfully worshiped by the demigods headed by Indra.”
7. Then they dried His body. Thereafter they dressed Him in new cloth and applied fragrant sandalwood paste on His transcendental body. They cleaned Vishnu's throne, and the Lord then sat down on it. Lord Nityananda held an umbrella over the Lord's head, and some fortunate soul fanned Him with a camara. Then all the devotees began to offer various items of worship at the lotus feet of their Lord. They offered water for washing the feet, auspicious ingredients to the hand, water for washing the mouth, sandalwood paste, flowers, incense, lamps, foodstuffs, and cloth. According to their capacity they offered brahmana thread, clothes, and ornaments. The devotees dipped tulasi-manjaris in sandalwood paste and repeatedly offered them at the lotus feet of the Lord. Tears of love flowed from the eyes of the devotees. The Lord sincerely listened as they offered the following prayers.
8. “All glories to the Lord of all universes! Please glance mercifully on the living entities who are afflicted with the threefold material miseries. All glories to the original cause and father of everyone! All glories to the Lord who has incarnated to inaugurate the sankirtana movement!”
9. Although the process of sankirtana is mentioned in the scriptures, people were inclined to solitary services like chanting japa. But in order to award the highest benediction to the people of Kali-yuga, Sri Gaurasundara revealed the necessity of performing sankirtana.
10. “All glories to the protector of Vedic principles and saintly persons! All glories to the Lord who gives life to everyone, from Brahma to the nonmoving living entities! All glories to the reservoir of transcendental qualities and the deliverer of the fallen souls! All glories to the supreme shelter and the friend of the poor! All glories to the cowherd boy, who lives in the ocean of milk! All glories to the Lord who manifests His pastimes for the sake of His devotees! All glories to the Lord who is the inconceivable, unfathomable, and original truth! All glories to the Lord who is the most gentle form of pure goodness! All glories to the Lord who is the ornament and deliverer of the brahmana community! All glories to the Lord who is the life and soul of all, including the Vedic principles! All glories to the deliverer of the fallen Ajamila! All glories to He who liberated Putana of her sins! All glories to He who does not see the faults of others and who is the beloved Lord of Lakshmi!” In this way all the exalted devotees offered their prayers. Seeing the supreme manifestation of the Lord's form, all His servants merged in an ocean of bliss.
11. Lord Gauracandra spontaneously extended His lotus feet, which were worshiped by all the devotees. Someone brought fragrant sandalwood paste, which he smeared on those lotus feet. Someone else offered tulasi-manjaris in worship. Someone offered ornaments made of gold, silver, and gems at His lotus feet and then offered obeisances. Everyone offered obeisances while white, blue, and yellow silk cloth were offered at the Lord's lotus feet. They offered various types of metal containers. No one knew how many people fell at His lotus feet. The servants and maidservants of the Vaishnavas fearlessly offered fresh grass, paddy, and tulasi at the lotus feet of the Lord. Some of them brought various kinds of fruits, which they offered at His lotus feet, while some offered sandalwood paste and flowers at the Lord's lotus feet. Someone was inspired to worship with sixteen ingredients, while someone was inspired to worship with six ingredients. Everyone joyfully offered musk, kunkuma, camphor, and red powder at the Lord's lotus feet. Those lotus feet and toenails were decorated with various flowers such as campaka, mallika, kunda, kadamba, and malati. As the crest jewel of Vaikuntha manifested His opulences, He said, “Give Me something to eat.” All the devotees saw the Lord extend His palm. Whatever the devotees offered, the Lord ate. Someone offered bananas, someone offered soaked mung dahl, and others offered yogurt, condensed milk, butter, and milk. The devotees gave all these items directly into the hands of Mahaprabhu, who lovingly ate everything. Everyone ran from street to street and bought the finest items, which they quickly brought back to the Lord. Someone mixed coconut pulp with sugar and placed it directly into the Lord's hand. They brought an abundance of various sweets, which the Lord took in His hands and ate. Some offered sweets made of fused rice, rose apple, and cucumbers. Some offered sugar cane, and others offered
12. While remaining absorbed in this amazing pastime that had never been seen before, the lionlike Gaura concealed His mood as a devotee. Since these activities of His are not like those of conditioned souls who are forced to enjoy the fruits of their karma, the word lila, or “pastimes,” has been used.
13. As Sri Gaurasundara was about to give benedictions, all His followers stood before Him with folded hands. During this sata-prahariya bhava, the Lord bestowed mercy on everyone without duplicity. He ordered, “Quickly, go and bring Sridhara. Let him come and behold My opulences. As he constantly thinks of Me, he feels great unhappiness. Bring him at once so that he may see My glories. Go to the edge of town and wait there. Bring that person who is calling out My name.” Following the Lord's instruction, some Vaishnavas hurried to the house of Sridhara. He earned his livelihood by selling banana leaves. He would buy one banana tree, cut it into pieces, and then sell those pieces. He offered half of whatever he earned in a day in worship of the
14. When the Lord manifested His pastimes as a scholar, He acted like a most arrogant person. Keeping His identity concealed, He enjoyed various pastimes with Sridhara on the pretext of buying banana leaves, bananas, and banana stems. He would daily quarrel with Sridhara for two hours and then buy his goods for half price. Although truthful Sridhara quoted a reasonable price, the Lord would take the goods at half price. Then Sridhara would stand up, grab hold of the goods, and a tug-of-war would ensue. In this way Sridhara and the Lord would shove each other. The Lord would say, “O brother Sridhara, why do you live like an ascetic when you have so much wealth? Why are you taking the goods from My hands? Don't you know yet who I am?” The most brahminical Sridhara did not become angry. After looking at the Lord's face, he gave Him all the goods. Finding no symptoms of anger in the face of Sridhara, Gaurasundara, who is worshiped by the brahmanas, took all of Sridhara's goods; or, on seeing the enchanting form of Gaurasundara, who is worshiped by the brahmanas, Sridhara did not become angry even though Gaurasundara forcibly took away his goods. The form of Gaurasundara was more enchanting than that of Cupid. His forehead was beautifully decorated with tilaka. He was dressed in a dhoti tucked in at three places, His hair was curly, and both His nature and eyes were restless. The Lord chewed betel nuts as He looked at Sridhara. Then He again picked up the banana leaves with His own hands. Sridhara said, “Listen, O respected brahmana. Please forgive me, for I am Your dog.” The Lord said, “I know you are very clever. You have accumulated so much wealth by selling banana leaves.” When the Lord forcibly took Sridhara's goods, Sridhara asked : “Are there no other shops?” Sridhara asked. “Go there and buy leaves cheaper.” The Lord replied, “I will not give up My supplier. Take My money and give Me stems and bananas.” On seeing the Lord's beauty, Sridhara would become overwhelmed and smile. Then Visvambhara would jubilantly speak harsh words to him. “You buy ingredients that you regularly offer to the
15. Lord Caitanya had a desire to perform these pastimes, that is why He had Sridhara sell banana leaves.
16. The Lord said, “O Sridhara, look at My form. Today I will award you the eight mystic perfections.” The exalted Sridhara raised his head and saw that Visvambhara was blackish like a tamala tree. He held an enchanting flute in His hands, and Balarama stood at His right side. Sridhara saw the entire place was filled with a bright effulgence. He saw goddess Lakshmi offer betel nuts into the hand of the Lord and the four-headed Brahma and five-headed Siva offer prayers to the Lord. He saw Ananta hold His thousand hoods as an umbrella over the head of the Lord and Sanaka, Narada, and Sukadeva chanting the glories of the Lord. In the four directions greatly beautiful women (prakriti-svarupa, consorts of the Lord) were glorifying the Lord with folded hands. On seeing this, Sridhara was struck with wonder. As such, he reeled and fell to the ground. The Lord ordered, “Get up. Get up, Sridhara.” Sridhara then regained consciousness by the words of the Lord. The Lord said, “Sridhara, offer prayers to Me.” Sridhara replied, “O Lord, I am most foolish. I have no ability to offer any prayers.” The Lord then said, “Your words alone are prayers to Me.” By the order of the Lord, Sarasvati, the mother of the universe, appeared on Sridhara's tongue and Sridhara began to offer prayers.
17. “All glories to Mahaprabhu! All glories to Visvambhara! All glories to the Lord of Navadvipa! All glories to the Lord of innumerable universes! All glories to He who was born from the womb of the pious mother Saci! All glories to the Lord, who is unknown to the Vedas! All glories to the best of the brahmanas! You assume various forms in every age to protect religious principles. You wandered throughout the city, unknown to all. Who can know You unless You reveal Yourself? You are dharma, You are karma, You are bhakti, and You are jnana. You are the scriptures, You are the Vedas, and You are the object of all meditation. You are the mystic perfections, You are prosperity, You are enjoyment, and You are yoga. You are faith, You are compassion, You are illusion and greed. You are Indra, You are Candra, You are Agni and Varuna. You are Surya, You are Vayu, You are wealth and strength. You are devotional service, You are liberation, You are Brahma and Siva. But why consider You to be only them or Your expansion? They are also different, and they are all subordinate to You. Previously You personally told Me, `The water of your
18. During
19. “Being controlled by devotional service, You carried a cowherd damsel of Vraja on Your shoulders. You who are carried in the minds of the inhabitants of innumerable universes personally carried the cowherd boy Sridama. You are conquered by devotional service, therefore it is most confidential. Ordinary people do not understand this. You are always conquered by devotional service. You therefore hid devotional service and wander around like a conqueror. This characteristic of Yours is now shattered and inactive. Just see, the entire world hankers for Your devotional service. At that time You were defeated by only two or four persons, but now You will be bound by one and all.”
20. The Lord said, “O Sridhara, choose and ask for a benediction. Today I will give you the eight mystic perfections.” Sridhara replied, “O Lord, will You again deceive Me? Stay peaceful, for this will not be possible again.” The Lord said, “Seeing Me cannot be fruitless. You must take some benediction according to your desire.” Visvambhara repeatedly said, “Ask, ask,” and Sridhara replied, “O Lord, then give me this benediction. Let that brahmana who forcibly took away my banana leaves be my Lord birth after birth.” While speaking in this way, Sridhara's love for the Lord increased and he began crying loudly with his arms raised. Visvambhara smiled and said, “Listen, Sridhara, I want to make you the king of a great kingdom.” Sridhara replied, “I do not want anything. Make such arrangement, O Lord, that I may chant Your names.” The Lord said, “O Sridhara, you are My servant. That is why you are able to see My opulences. That is why your mind does not deviate from Me. Thus I am giving you devotional service that is confidential to the Vedas.” Sridhara, the banana seller, had no wealth, no followers, and no education. Who can recognize such servants of Lord Caitanya? He accepted only devotional service and rejected the eight mystic perfections.
21. Then the Lord said, “O Acarya, ask for what You desire.” Advaita Acarya replied, “I already received what I asked for.”
22. The Lord ordered Murari, “Behold My form!” and Murari saw the Lord as Ramacandra. He saw Visvambhara was dark like fresh grass, and He sat in the virasana posture as a powerful archer. He saw Sita and Lakshmana on the Lord's left and right. The leaders of the monkeys were offering prayers in the four directions. Murari realized that he was also one of the monkeys. Seeing the Lord face to face, the best of the doctors lost consciousness. As he lost consciousness, he fell to the ground in Lord Caitanya's trap. Visvambhara exclaimed, “O monkey, you forgot how Ravana, who stole Sita, burned your face. You burnt Ravana’s entire city and subdued his dynasty. I tell you, I am that Lord. O Murari, get up, get up. You are My life. I am that Ramacandra, and you are Hanuman. See your life and soul, the son of Sumitra. You brought Gandamadana Hill to revive His life. Offer your obeisances at the feet of Sita, whose distress made you cry profusely.” Upon hearing Lord Caitanya's words, Murari regained his consciousness. Seeing that manifestation, he began to cry in love. Visvambhara again said to Murari, “Ask for any benediction you desire.” Murari replied, “O Lord, I do not want anything. Simply allow me to sing Your glories. O Lord, I may take birth anywhere, but wherever I take birth let me always remember You. Let me reside in the association of Your servants birth after birth. O Lord, do not put me in a condition in which You are not my master and I am not Your servant. May I remain Your servant wherever You and Your associates incarnate.” When the Lord said, “I certainly grant you this benediction,” a tumultuous vibration of “Jaya! Jaya!” immediately arose.
23. Thereafter the Lord mercifully called Haridasa and said, “O Haridasa, behold My form! You are more dear to Me than My own body. I certainly belong to the same caste as you. When I remember how much distress the Yavanas gave you, My heart breaks. When the Yavanas beat you in the various villages, I saw your distress and descended from Vaikuntha with the disc in My hand in order to cut everyone to pieces. Yet you desired the well-being of those who almost tortured you to death.”
24. Since Thakura Haridasa always endeavored to please the senses of the Lord, he did not notice his own distress. Moreover, in order to remove the sinful propensities of those who endeavored to give him trouble, he mentally prayed for their benefit.
25. “You ignored how severely you were beaten and desired their well-being. When you desired their benefit, I was unable to use My power against them. My disc became powerless because of you. Due to your resolve, I could not sever their heads. When I saw how severely they were beating you, I covered your back. I then took the beating on My own body. Here are the marks. I am not speaking a lie.” After hearing those most compassionate words from the mouth of the Lord, Haridasa immediately fell unconscious to the ground. As he lost external consciousness and merged in the ocean of ecstasy, his breathing completely stopped. The Lord then said, “Get up! Get up! My dear Haridasa. See My manifestation to the satisfaction of your heart.” Haridasa regained his external consciousness by the words of the Lord, yet he cried so profusely that he could not see the Lord's form. Haridasa rolled about the entire courtyard. One moment he breathed heavily, and the next moment he lost consciousness. Haridasa was overwhelmed with ecstasy. Although Lord Caitanya tried to pacify him, he could not remain calm.
26. “My dear Visvambhara, O Lord of the universe, please be merciful to this sinful person. I fall at Your feet. O Jagannatha, O maintainer of the universe, O father of the universe. You are entrusted with the responsibility of bestowing mercy on a sinful person like me. I have no good qualities. I am a fallen outcaste. How can I possibly describe Your glories? If one sees me, he becomes sinful. If one touches me, he should take bath. You have personally declared that You will never forsake anyone who remembers Your lotus feet, even if he is as insignificant as an insect. But you forsake the greatest kings if they do not remember Your lotus feet. These words do not apply to me, however, for I do not remember You. Once the sinful brothers Duryodhana and Duhsasana brought Draupadi to disrobe her in the royal assembly. Finding herself in that dangerous condition, she remembered You. By the influence of her remembrance, You entered into her cloth. As a result of her remembrance the cloth became unlimited, yet those miscreants did not understand why. One time, when Parvati was surrounded by witches, she remembered You as they were about to devour her. By the influence of her remembrance, You appeared to chastise those witches and deliver that great Vaishnavi. But I am so sinful that I cannot remember You, therefore, My dear Lord, please give me shelter at Your lotus feet. Although the sinful Hiranyakasipu tortured Prahlada by giving him poison, throwing him to the snakes, throwing him into the fire, and throwing him bound to a rock into the water, Prahlada simply remembered Your lotus feet and was delivered from all those calamities by the influence of that remembrance. Some lost their teeth and some lost their prowess when You manifested by the influence of his remembrance. In fear of Durvasa, the sons of Pandu remembered You in the forest, and You appeared before them out of compassion. You then said, `Do not worry, Yudhishthira, for I am here. I will give alms to the sages. You sit and watch.' In order to protect Your servants, You happily ate the last piece of vegatable from the pot. As a result, the sages' stomachs became filled as they took bath, so they immediately ran away out of fear. The sons of Pandu were thereby delivered by the influence of remembering You. All these wonderful incidents were the result of remembering You. The glories of Ajamila's remembrance are unlimited, even though he did not engage in any religious duties. In fear of the Yamadutas, he affectionately looked at the face of his son and remembered the form of Narayana while calling out the name of his son. By that remembrance, all of his sinful reactions were vanquished. Therefore remembrance of You is the wealth of Your devotees. Ajamila gave up conceptions of Your illusory world; that made Your actual form appear on the path of his remembrance, and his service attitude for the Supreme Lord was awakened. Seeing his son's inability and the prowess of the Yamadutas at that time, the topics and glories of the Supreme Lord appeared on the path of Ajamila's remembrance. Although he uttered the name `Narayana' for the purpose of calling his son, he was delivered from the attack of the Yamadutas due to the remembrance of the Supreme Lord that is invested in the name `Narayana.' Ajamila was far away from You, yet he remembered You—I have no such qualification. But even though I remained bereft of Your remembrance after coming in direct contact with You, You did not abandon me. This is the proof of Your causeless mercy. What qualification do I have to see You? O Lord, I will ask You for only one thing, not more. “May I reside in the society of Vaishnavas. I think this is an offense on my part, for I have no qualification to ask for such an exalted position. I am greatly proud, therefore I am praying to You to achieve the unique wealth of becoming humbler than a blade of grass, more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige, and ready to offer all respects to others. I have no qualification to achieve such a state. The position of being able to eat the remnants of the Vaishnavas is something that is cherished by personalities like Lord Brahma. O my Lord, O master, O my dear Visvambhara. I am like a dead person. Please forgive my offense. O son of Saci, O dear Lord, please be merciful to me. Kindly keep me in the house of a devotee as a dog. As a landlord accepts animals like dogs as part of his household, engages them to protect his house, and rewards them with remnants of his food, similarly please put me in the house of a Vaishnava as part of
27. The Lord said, “Listen, My dear Haridasa. Anyone who resides with you for even a day or speaks with you for even a moment will certainly achieve Me. There is no doubt about it. One who respects You, respects Me, for I constantly reside within your body. My glories are increased by a servant like you. You have eternally bound Me within your heart.”
28. The Lord smiled and looked at Advaita Acarya as He revealed Advaita's internal sentiments. “Listen, O Acarya, do You remember how I made You eat one night? Before I incarnated, You greatly endeavored to bring Me. As You taught Bhagavad-gita, You would explain everything in relation to devotional service. But who was the proper candidate to understand Your explanations? If You did not find the devotional meaning of a verse, You would give up all enjoyment rather than find fault with the verse. Being distressed, You went to sleep without eating. I then manifested Myself before You. I consider Your fasting as My fasting. When a devotee of the Lord fasts, the Supreme Lord does not eat. I cannot tolerate when You feel even the slightest distress. Therefore I appeared in Your dream and spoke to You. “Get up! Get up, Acarya! Hear the meaning of the verse. Know for certain that this is the real meaning. Get up and eat. Do not fast. Because of You, I will incarnate. You got up and ate in satisfaction. Although I spoke to You directly, You thought it was a dream.” In this way, whenever some doubt arose during His recitation, the Lord would directly speak to Him in His dream. The Lord said, “Although I explained all the verses, I did not explain one, which I will now explain to You. According to their respective sampradayas people give wrong interpretions. The actual reading of the verse is not sarvatah pani-padam tat. Today I tell You without any pretension the actual reading of the verse is sarvatra pani-padam tat : Everywhere are His hands and legs, His eyes, heads and faces, and He has ears everywhere. In this way the Supersoul exists, pervading everything.” This sarvatra pani-padam tat verse has appeared in order to reveal that the energetic Lord is present everywhere in His sac-cid-ananda form.
29. After hearing the Lord's explanation, Advaita Acarya began to cry in ecstatic love. Hearing the topics that He desired to hear, He forgot Himself in ecstasy. Advaita said, “What more can I say? I am glorious to have You as My master.”
30. Lord Visvambhara raised His arms and said, “Everyone look at Me and ask for any benediction you desire.” Hearing the Lord's words, everyone became jubilant and asked for a benediction according to their desire. The devotees each saw Visvambhara in whichever incarnation they most adored. By displaying the pastimes of Vishnu's various incarnations, Mahaprabhu taught His devotees that He was the fountainhead of all incarnations. Thereafter the Lord gave His garland and betel remnants to everyone. After receiving remnants from the mouth of the Lord, whose face resembled millions of autumn moons, all the devotees ate them in great ecstasy.
31. Thus Mahaprabhu, in this Mahabhava-prakasa (revealing
all His forms), revealed His full divinity: His identity with the various incarnations
of Godhead. That He is Krishna and the
incarnations are His expansions. Also they were given the vision of
Mahaprabhu’s universal form (as in Bhagvad gita chapter 11. Krishna
showed how the universe was within Him or an extension of Him).
32. Lord Visvambhara is the Cause, the Original and the Supreme of the Personalities of Godhead.
The proof of the demigods dancing for the Lord
1. Yamaraja would regularly come to see the activities of Lord Caitanya. Lord Yamaraja asked Citragupta, “How many sins did those two commit, and what was the remedy for those sins?” Citragupta replied, “O Yamaraja, listen. What is the use of such a futile endeavor? If a hundred thousand scribes continually recited for one month, they would not easily complete such a task.
2. Yamaraja had never before seen such glorious deliverance of fallen souls; they were the ultimate. Among all fallen souls delivered so far by Sri Krishna Caitanya, these two were the ultimate. In other words, Sri Gaurasundara had never before displayed such compassion while delivering someone.
3. As soon as Yamaraja heard the words of Citragupta, he forgot himself due to love ofKrishna . He fell unconscious in his
chariot, and his body lost all sign of life. His associates headed by
Citragupta quickly grabbed hold of him and began to cry. All the demigods were
traveling in their chariots and singing the glories of the Lord. Yamaraja's
chariot was not moving, however, for its occupants were filled with
lamentation.
After seeing the deliverance of the two brahmana demons, everyone was glorifying the nature of that pastime. The demigods headed by Siva, Brahma, Sesha, and Narada were all glorifying the deliverance of the two. Some of them had never experienced such ecstatic kirtana, and some cried after seeing such compassion. The demigods saw Yamaraja lying in his chariot, which had stopped, so they all stopped their chariots nearby. Then Citragupta explained everything to them. Brahma and Siva realized that he was absorbed in love ofKrishna , so they all chanted in his ear. On hearing the
kirtana, Yamaraja got up. As he regained his consciousness, he danced like an
intoxicated person. As the ecstasy of the demigods' kirtana intensified, the
son of Surya – Yamaraja- danced in ecstatic love for Krishna .
On seeing Yamaraja dance, all the other demigods began to dance. Brahma and
Siva also danced with personalities like Narada. Remembering Sri Caitanya,
Yamaraja exclaimed, “All glories to the munificent deliverer of the fallen
souls!” He roared loudly and the hairs of his body stood on end in love of God.
There was no end to Yamaraja's ecstasy. He became overwhelmed and cried
profusely as He remembered Lord Gauranga. On seeing Yamaraja's exhibition of
ecstatic love, his associates rolled about in ecstasy. The most fortunate
Citragupta, who had great attachment for Krishna ,
expressed exultation as he wandered around. Lord Siva danced without clothing,
which he forgot in his ecstatic love for Krishna .
He is the foremost Vaishnava; he makes the entire universe glorious by chanting
the name of Rama, which delivers one from material bondage. Realizing the
glories of his worshipable Lord (nija-prabhura), Mahesa danced in ecstasy and
his matted locks scattered. Karttikeya and Ganesa remembered the Lord's
unlimited mercy as they danced on either side of Siva. The four-headed Brahma,
whose life and wealth is devotional service, danced with his associates such as
Kasyapa, Kardama, Daksha, Manu, and Bhrigu, who all danced behind Brahma. All
of those maha-bhagavatas taught the science of devotional service by becoming
intoxicated in the mellows of Krishna
consciousness. Surrounding Brahma, they cried and sighed deeply as they
remembered the Lord's compassion. As Devarshi Narada danced by the side of
Brahma, tears of love flowed from his eyes. After realizing the Lord's
unlimited glories, he became so overwhelmed in ecstasy that he forgot his vina.
Sukadeva Gosvami, the beloved servant of Lord Caitanya, knew the glories of
devotional service. He danced, rolled in the dust, and offered repeated
obeisances while chanting the names of Jagai and Madhai. The powerful Indra,
who carries the thunderbolt and rules the demigods, reproached himself as he
danced. Tears continually flowed from his one thousand eyes, making the
brahmana's curse fruitful.
4. The phrase saphala haila brahma-sapa is explained as follows: Indra, the King of heaven, received one thousand vaginas due to the curse of Gautama Muni. Later on, when he pleased Gautama Muni with prayers, those vaginas were transformed into eyes by his mercy. Today those thousand eyes that he received due to the curse of that brahmana became fruitful by seeing the pastimes of Gaurasundara.
5. Realizing the Lord's glories, Indra became most happy as he rolled about without restraint.
6. After seeing the display of Krishna's glories, predominating deities of the universe like Candra, Surya, Pavana, Kuvera, Vahni (Agni), and Varuna—all servants of Krishna—danced in the ecstasy of love for Krishna. All the demigods danced in ecstasy and forgot who was inferior and who was superior. Although they jostled each other, they were all jubilant as they danced in the ecstasy ofKrishna consciousness. Lord Ananta danced
in the company of Garuda, the son of Vinata. Thus Adideva, the best of the
Vaishnavas and maintainer of all, also danced in ecstasy. The demigods headed
by Brahma, Siva, Narada, and Sukadeva all danced around Ananta, as He sang with
His thousand mouths the glories of Gauracandra, who had just delivered the two
brahmana demons. The entire atmosphere was filled with the auspicious sounds of
dancing and chanting in glorification of Krishna .
The sound of “Jaya! Jaya!” was heard throughout innumerable universes, thus
vanquishing all inauspiciousness. The auspicious sounds were heard in the
planetary systems of Patala, Martya, and Svarga and surpassed even the topmost
planet of Satyaloka. As nothing other than the pastime of delivering the
brahmana demons could be heard, the glories of Gauranga were clearly revealed.
All the maha-bhagavata demigods were filled with love for Krishna
as they returned to their respective abodes. They did not speak about anything
other than the glories of Lord Gauranga.
7. Sri Caitanya, the glorious savior of the fallen souls, delivering the entire world, is God, according to the demigods. God exists.
The proof of the words of Haridasa, Narada Muni. Gauranga becoming the First Goddess
1. One day the Lord informed everyone, "Today we will perform a drama according to prescribed rules. The Lord called Sadasiva and Buddhimanta Khan and told them, “Arrange for some costumes. Collect conchshells, bodices, silk saris, and ornaments suitable for all the participants. Gadadhara will dress as Rukmini, and Brahmananda will be her elderly female companion named Suprabha. Nityananda will be My grandmother, and Haridasa will be a guard who will keep everyone alert.
2. The elderly ascetic grandmother lady of Vrindavana is Paurnamasi. She is none other than the goddess Yogamaya, the instrument for Radha andKrishna 's meetings.
3. Srivasa will dress as Narada, and Srirama will be someone who has just bathed. Sriman will volunteer to hold the torch. Advaita said, “Who will dress as the hero? The Lord replied, “The hero will be Gopinatha, who is sitting on the throne.”
4. The spoke to the Vaishnavas as follows: “I will dance as the Lord's potency, in the dress of Lakshmi. Only one who is self-controlled is qualified to watch. Only those who are in control of their senses will be allowed to remain within the house.”
5. Scratching a line on the ground, Advaita Acarya was the first to speak, “I am unable to see the dance today. I am not in control of My senses, so I will not attend.”Srivasa Pandita said, “I was going to say the same thing.”
6. On hearing their words, the Lord slightly smiled and said, “If you do not go, then who will attend the dance?” Lord Caitanya, the crest jewel of all enjoyers, again declared, “Do not worry. Today you will all become great mystic yogis. None of you will be bewildered while seeing Me dance.”
7. Mukunda began to lead kirtana as follows: “Rama Krishna Bala, Hari Gopala Govinda!”
8. Haridasa Prabhu appeared first on stage. His charming face was decorated with a long handlebar moustache. He was dressed in a loincloth, and His head was adorned with a large turban. With a stick in his hand, he cautioned everyone. “O brothers, get ready! The life and soul of the universe will now dance in the dress of Lakshmi.” As he ran about with a stick in his hand alerting everyone, the hairs of his body stood on end out of love forKrishna , for Gauracandra enjoyed His pastimes in his
body. Haridasa proudly invited everyone, “Worship Krishna, serve Krishna , chant Krishna 's
names!” Everyone laughed as they watched Haridasa. They inquired, “Who are you,
and why are you here?” Haridasa replied, “I am a watchman of Vaikuntha. I
always wander around awakening people to Krishna
consciousness. The Lord has left Vaikuntha and come here (vaikuntha chadiya
prabhu). He will distribute pure love of God everywhere. Today He will
personally dance in the dress of Lakshmi. Therefore carefully plunder that
ecstatic love today.”
9. Shortly thereafter Srivasa joyfully came on stage dressed as Narada. He had a long white beard, and His entire body was decorated with dots of sandalwood paste. He carried a vina on his shoulder and kusa grass in his hand as he looked all around. Ramai Pandita followed behind him with a waterpot in his hand and a straw mat under his arm. Ramai Pandita offered him the straw mat to sit on. It appeared as though Narada had personally appeared there. On seeing Srivasa's dress, everyone laughed. Advaita questioned him in a grave voice. “Who are you? Why have you come here?” Srivasa replied, “Please hear my words. “My name is Narada. I singKrishna 's glories
while wandering throughout innumerable universes. I went to Vaikuntha to see Krishna , but I heard there that Krishna
had gone to Nadia. I saw that the houses in Vaikuntha were vacant. I could not
find any men, women, or families there. I could not remain in a deserted
Vaikuntha, so remembering the Lord I came here. Today the Lord will the dance
in the dress of Lakshmi, therefore I have entered this assembly.”
10. As Lord Visvambhara put on His dress inside one of the rooms, He became fully absorbed in the mood of Rukmini. Being absorbed in the mood of Rukmini, the Lord forgot Himself and considered Himself the daughter of the Vidarbha King. He then began to write a letter, using His tears as ink, the ground as paper, and His finger as pen. He cried as He read Rukmini's letter, consisting of seven verses from the Srimad Bhagavatam.
11. O most beautifulKrishna , I have heard
about Your transcendental qualities from others, and therefore all my three
miseries are relieved. If someone sees Your transcendental beauty, his eyes
have attained everything profitable in life. O infallible one, I have become
shameless after hearing of Your qualities, and I have become attracted to You”
12. The three unavoidable miseries of adhyatmika, adhibhautika, and adhidaivika—miseries inflicted by the body and mind, by other living entities, and by natural disturbances.
13. “Seeing Your form is like attaining the greatest treasure. Such a form is seen only by one who has been awarded suitable eyes by the creator. O lionlike personality of the Yadu dynasty, by hearing the descriptions of Your glories, my heart has shamelessly been drawn to You. What chaste sober woman of this world would not worship Your lotus feet upon receiving the opportunity? O Mukunda, You are equal only to Yourself in lineage, character, beauty, knowledge, youthfulness, wealth and influence. O lion among men, You delight the minds of all mankind. What aristocratic, sober-minded, marriageable girl of a good family would not choose You as her husband when the proper time has come? Without You one's education, family, character, wealth, beauty, dress, and residence are all useless. O Tridasa-raya – Lord of the three worlds, please forgive my arrogance, for I am unable to control my heart, which wants to merge with You. That is why I have accepted Your lotus feet as my life and soul. I have offered my mind, life, and intelligence to You. Please make me Your maidservant by accepting me as Your wife. Do not let me become the object of Sisupala's enjoyment. O My dear lotus-eyed Lord, O almighty one, please accept me, because what is meant for the lion should not be taken by the jackal. If I have actually observed any vows, given in charity, worshiped the gurus, brahmanas, and demigods, or served the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord, then, O Gadagraja, I pray for the benediction that You become the Lord of my life and drive away Sisupala. My marriage is fixed for tomorrow, so come quickly today without delay. Stay secretly near Vidarbhapura, and later enter the city with Your army. After defeating Sisupala, Salva, and Jarasandha, display Your strength by kidnapping me. O Lord, now is the time to manifest Your pride. Your wife is never meant to be usurped by Sisupala, and forgive me for my offenses. O lotus-eyed one, great souls like Lord Siva hanker to bathe in the dust of Your lotus feet and thereby destroy their ignorance. If I cannot obtain Your mercy, I shall simply give up my vital force, which will have become weak from the severe penances I will perform. Then, after hundreds of lifetimes of endeavor and austerities, I may obtain Your mercy.”
14. Then Gadadhara came on stage. He happily wandered about with Brahmananda, who accompanied Gadadhara in the role of his female companion Suprabha. Haridasa called out, “Who are you?” Brahmananda replied, “We are going toMathura .” Srivasa asked,
“Who are your husbands?” Brahmananda then said, “Why are you asking?” Advaita
said, “There is no need for such questions. Other's wives are equal to one's
mother. Why embarrass them? My Lord is fond of dancing and singing, so dance
here and you will obtain great wealth.” Gadadhara was most satisfied on hearing
the words of Advaita. He then began to dance in ecstatic love.
15. Gadadhara appeared like the personification of theGanges .
In fact, he is the potency of Lord Krishna. Lord Caitanya has repeatedly
declared, “Gadadhara is My consort in Vaikuntha.”
16. At that time Visvambhara, the Lord of lords, came on stage dressed as the supreme goddess (adya-sakti) Lord Visvambhara was disguised in such an enchanting dress that no one could recognize Him.” Has Kamala directly appeared from the ocean? Has Janaki, the wife of the lion of the Raghu dynasty, come? Has Maha-Lakshmi or Parvati appeared? Has the treasure of Vrindavana– Varshabhanavi, the daughter of King Vrishabhanu, Radha-personally come? Is sheGanga , is she compassion personified, or is she Mahamaya,
the enchanter of Lord Siva? Has Lord Hari personally become the inconceivable
transcendental goddess of all mystic perfections and the personification of
devotional service? On seeing this form, even Lord Siva, the best of all
demigods, and Parvati became illusioned.”
17. The Lord became like an ocean of mercy to everyone. In their hearts they all accepted Him as if their mother had come from the spiritual world. As Visvambhara danced in the mood of the mother of the universe, His followers sang appropriate songs. No one was certain in which consort's mood Lord Narayana was dancing. When He inquired, “O brahmana, hasKrishna
come?” then it was understood that He was in the mood of a young lady of
Vidarbha. When the devotees saw tears of ecstasy flow from His eyes, they
considered Him to be the Ganges personified.
When He laughed loudly in ecstatic love, He appeared to everyone just like
Mahacandi. When the Lord staggered about while dancing, He appeared just like
Revati after she had drunk some intoxicating beverage. Another time when He
said, “Come, dear old lady, let us go to Vrindavana,” they understood that He
was in the mood of a beautiful cowherd-girl from Gokula. When He sat for
meditation in the virasana posture, everyone saw Him as the goddess of millions
of mystic perfections.
18. No one had ever seen such an enchanting dance. Then the Lord took the Deity of Gopinatha on His lap and sat on the throne in the mood of Maha-Lakshmi. As everyone stood with folded hands before the Lord, Sri Gaurahari told them, “Offer prayers to Me.”
19. “All glories to Mahamaya, the mother of the universe! Please bestow the shade of Your lotus feet on the suffering living entities. You incarnate in every yuga to maintain religious principles.”
20. The Lord felt the same affectionate attachment for the devotees that a mother feels for her child. He then gave everyone the same feelings that a child has for his mother. In the mood of a mother, Visvambhara affectionately breast-fed everyone.
21. The Lord personally manifest as the mother of the universe in the form of Kamala, Parvati, Daya, and Maha-Narayani. The Lord confirmed His statement in the Bhagavad-gita, “I am the father and grandfather. I am the support and the mother. I am the father of this universe, the mother, the support, and the grandsire.” All those Vaishnavas, who had been most fortunate for millions of lifetimes, now blissfully drank milk from the Lord's breast. By drinking the Lord's breast milk, their feelings of separation were mitigated and they became greatly maddened in the mellows of ecstatic love.
22. He is the Lord of lords and supremely independent. He appears in whatever form He desires.
23. God, who can appear in the form of any of His expansions or energies, descended as Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu.
The proof of Suklambara Brahmacari beingKrishna ’s
friend Sudama vipra
1. Now hear the topics regarding Suklambara Brahmacari, who lived in Navadvipa, where the Lord appeared. He was always engaged in his occupational duties, and he was most peaceful. Although no one knew it, he was a great devotee. He would take a bag on his shoulder and go beg alms from house to house in Navadvipa. He would cry while chanting the names ofKrishna
day and night. People thought he was a beggar and therefore could not recognize
him. He was so poor that he had to beg alms to maintain himself. After begging
during the day, the brahmana offered whatever he received to Krishna
and accepted His remnants. In the ecstasy of receiving Krishna 's
mercy, he did not know poverty. He would chant Krishna 's
names as he wandered from house to house.
2. Suklambara engaged in the devotional service of Vishnu just as the poor Damodara did previously, the brahmana named Sridama or Sridama (Sudama vipra). He wasKrishna 's gurukula friend and
companion.
3. Visvambhara bestowed such mercy on him that he could remain inside the house to watch the Lord dance. On seeing the brahmana dance in ecstasy with his bag on his shoulder, the Lord and all the Vaishnavas laughed. As Visvambhara sat down in the mood of the Supreme Lord, Suklambara danced, cried, and laughed with his bag on his shoulder. While watching Suklambara, the most merciful Gauranga repeatedly called out to him, “Come! Come! You are My poor servant birth after birth. You give Me everything and remain a beggar. I always desire your foodstuffs. Even if you don't give Me, I forcibly take and eat them. Did you forget that I forcibly ate your broken rice in Dvaraka? Kamala, the goddess of fortune, caught hold of My hand, I ate one palmful and was about to eat a second when the devoted goddess Rukmini took hold of My hand.”
4. After speaking in this way, Visvambhara took a handful of uncooked rice from Suklambara's begging bag and began eating it.
5. Suklambara exclaimed, “O Lord, You have ruined me! This rice is full of broken particles!” The Lord replied, “I eat your broken rice, and I turn My face away from the nectar offered by nondevotees.”
6. On seeing the Lord's compassion, all the devotees began to cry while holding their heads. No one knew who fell where as they cried. Everyone was overwhelmed on seeing such compassion. They then began to chant the glories ofKrishna in great ecstasy. Everyone cried—from the
children on up to the aged. Someone held straw between his teeth, someone
offered obeisances, and another said, “O Lord, never leave me.” The pious
Suklambara rolled on the ground as the Lord of Vaikuntha happily ate that rice.
7. The Lord said, “Listen, Suklambara Brahmacari! I constantly enjoy pastimes in your heart. When you eat, I eat. When you walk about for begging, that is My walking. I have incarnated to distribute prema-bhakti. You are My beloved servant birth after birth. I now give you prema-bhakti. Know for certain that prema-bhakti is My life and soul.”
8. Whatever rice Suklambara collected by begging at ten houses was forcibly eaten by Gauracandra, the husband of Lakshmi.
9. This proves reincarnation and God, the controller of rebirth.
10. Gauranga Mahaprabhu was previouslyKrishna .
God exists.
The proof of becoming Siva
1. One day a singer of Siva's glories arrived. He began to play his small drum and chant the glories of Lord Siva. He came to the Lord's doorstep for begging alms and began to dance in a circle while singing a song about Lord Siva, glorifying Siva.
2. As soon as Lord Visvambhara heard the qualities of Lord Sankara, He immediately took the form of Sankara with matted locks of hair. The Lord jumped on the shoulders of that singer and shouted loudly, “I am that Sankara!” Some people saw Mahaprabhu with matted locks of hair and playing a horn and damaru drum, as He continually exclaimed, “Sing! Sing!” Whatever glorification of Siva that great personality ever sang now bore its full fruits.
3. Since that singer sang without offense, Gauracandra climbed on his shoulders.
4. After regaining external consciousness, Lord Visvambhara got down and personally placed alms in the singer's bag.
5. Being fully satisfied, the singer left. All the devotees chanted the names of Hari.
6. Lord Visvambhara is Lord Siva. God exists.
The proof of the Vyasa-puja for Gauranga, the six-armed form
1. Nityananda Prabhu smiled as He looked around. Tears of love flowed from everyone’s eyes. When Mahaprabhu Visvambhara saw this ecstatic scene, He spoke something to Nityananda. O Sripada Nityananda Gosani, please hear. Where should we hold Your Vyasa-puja ceremony? Tomorrow is the full moon day when Vyasa is worshiped, so consider and inform us what is to be done.”
2. Nityananda smiled and said, “Please hear, O Visvambhara, I will observe Vyasa-puja in the house of this brahmana (Srivasa).”
3. As soon as they entered the house of Srivasa, everyone was filled with ecstatic love forKrishna . The Lord gave the
instruction to begin kirtana. As the sound of that kirtana arose, everyone lost
external consciousness. In the ecstatic Adhivasa kirtana prior to Vyasa-puja,
the two Lords danced as the devotees surrounding Them sang. Caitanya and Nitai
are bound by eternal love. They meditated on each other as They madly danced
together. Someone roared loudly, and someone cried out. Someone fell
unconscious, while someone else wept. I am unable to describe the Lord’s
transformations of love such as shivering, perspiring, hairs standing on end,
crying, and falling unconscious in ecstasy. As the two Lords danced in Their
own ecstasy, They sometimes embraced each other and cried. They both tried to
catch the other’s feet, but They both cleverly avoided being caught. They both rolled
on the ground in ecstasy and forgot Themselves while absorbed in Their own
pastimes. They lost all external consciousness, and Their cloth scattered.
Although the Vaishnavas tried to pacify Them, they were unable. Who can hold
that personality who holds the three worlds? The two Lords thus became
intoxicated in the happiness of kirtana. Sri Gaurasundara called out, “Chant!
Chant!(bola, bola)” and His entire body became soaked with tears of ecstasy.
After obtaining fulfillment of His long cherished desire for the association of
Nityananda, the Lord forgot Himself and floated in an ocean of bliss. The
threefold miseries are present within the material world.
4. In the kingdom of spiritual variegatedness, however, there is an ever-fresh outburst of happiness.
5. Visvambhara’s dancing was most enchanting as His feet would touch His own head. The earth trembled under the feet of Nityananda, and all the Vaishnavas thought there was an earthquake.
6. In order to reveal the glories of Nityananda, Lord Visvambhara became absorbed in the mood of Balarama and sat on the throne.
7. Although Visvambhara is not Baladeva-tattva, He accepted the mood of Baladeva, who is His expansion, and sat on the throne. Sri Nityananda is Baladeva-tattva; therefore, in order to exhibit the pastimes performed by Baladeva-tattva, the Lord, who is Vrajendra-nandana, the orginal Personality of Godhead, enacted the pastime of becoming absorbed in the mood of Baladeva. The Lord became intoxicated by the mood of Balarama and repeatedly demanded, “Bring wine. Bring wine. “Varuni, Varuni.” (mada ana, mada ana, varuni, varuni).” Sri Gaurasundara said to Nityananda, “Quickly give Me Your plow and club.” After careful consideration, they offered the Lord a pitcher ofGanges
water and the Lord drank. It appeared as though Lord Balarama Himself was
drinking. The devotees on all sides offered prayers in glorification of
Balarama as the Lord constantly called out, “Advaita Acarya, Advaita Acarya,
Advaita Acarya.” “He by whose loud cries I came. Advaita Acarya has brought Me
from Vaikuntha, but now He is living free from all cares with Haridasa. I have
descended to inaugurate the sankirtana movement, by which I will preach the
chanting of the holy names in each and every house (ghare ghare). I will not
award love of God to those fallen souls who have offended My devotees, because
they are proud of their education, wealth, high birth, knowledge, and
austerities. Otherwise I will give everyone that which persons like Lord Brahma
enjoy.”
8. Nityananda, who is nondifferent from Sesha, could not control His ecstatic mood and became overwhelmed in the mellows of loving devotion. One moment He laughed, one moment He cried, and the next moment He was naked. His entire body was filled with the nature of a child. Where was His (brahmacari) danda, where was His waterpot, and where were His clothes? Nothing remained with Him. The most grave Nityananda became restless, but the Lord personally pacified Him. The maddened lionlike Nityananda was controlled by the iron rodlike words of Lord Caitanya. He did not care for anything else. “Be calm, tomorrow You must worship Vyasadeva.” Speaking in this way, the Lord returned home.
9. All the devotees then returned to their own homes, while Nityananda remained in the house of Srivasa. In the dead of that night, Nityananda suddenly roared loudly and broke His danda and kamandalu (waterpot made from an ash gourd).
10. Sri Nityananda Prabhu manifested His waywardness by breaking His own danda and kamandalu prior to Vyasa-puja. One who experiences transformations of ecstatic love completely abandons the ingredients and external formalities of vaidhi-bhakti, or regulative devotional service. Since the acceptance of brahmacari symbols by an avadhuta paramahamsa like Sri Nityananda Prabhu on the regulative platform will create various speculations unfavorable to devotional service, Lord Nityananda Prabhu, who is beyond all rules and regulations of varnasrama, eliminated those insignificant formalities.
11. Being informed by Ramai an this, the Lord came there and found Nityananda profusely laughing. The Lord picked up the broken danda with His own hands and went with Nityananda to take bath in theGanges .
Accompanied by Srivasa and other devotees, the Lord went to the Ganges and put the broken danda in the water. When
Nityananda saw a crocodile, He attempted to catch it. Gadadhara and Srinivasa
exclaimed, “Alas, alas!” He fearlessly swam through the waters of the Ganges , but He was somewhat pacified by Caitanya’s words.
Visvambhara called to Nityananda, “Come quickly and celebrate Vyasa-puja.”
Srivasa Pandita was appointed the head priest. On Lord Caitanya’s instructions,
he completed all the formalities. “O Nityananda, please listen. After reciting
the appropriate mantras, offer this garland and Your obeisances to Vyasadeva.”
32. Lord Visvambhara is the Cause, the Original and the Supreme of the Personalities of Godhead.
The proof of the demigods dancing for the Lord
1. Yamaraja would regularly come to see the activities of Lord Caitanya. Lord Yamaraja asked Citragupta, “How many sins did those two commit, and what was the remedy for those sins?” Citragupta replied, “O Yamaraja, listen. What is the use of such a futile endeavor? If a hundred thousand scribes continually recited for one month, they would not easily complete such a task.
2. Yamaraja had never before seen such glorious deliverance of fallen souls; they were the ultimate. Among all fallen souls delivered so far by Sri Krishna Caitanya, these two were the ultimate. In other words, Sri Gaurasundara had never before displayed such compassion while delivering someone.
3. As soon as Yamaraja heard the words of Citragupta, he forgot himself due to love of
After seeing the deliverance of the two brahmana demons, everyone was glorifying the nature of that pastime. The demigods headed by Siva, Brahma, Sesha, and Narada were all glorifying the deliverance of the two. Some of them had never experienced such ecstatic kirtana, and some cried after seeing such compassion. The demigods saw Yamaraja lying in his chariot, which had stopped, so they all stopped their chariots nearby. Then Citragupta explained everything to them. Brahma and Siva realized that he was absorbed in love of
4. The phrase saphala haila brahma-sapa is explained as follows: Indra, the King of heaven, received one thousand vaginas due to the curse of Gautama Muni. Later on, when he pleased Gautama Muni with prayers, those vaginas were transformed into eyes by his mercy. Today those thousand eyes that he received due to the curse of that brahmana became fruitful by seeing the pastimes of Gaurasundara.
5. Realizing the Lord's glories, Indra became most happy as he rolled about without restraint.
6. After seeing the display of Krishna's glories, predominating deities of the universe like Candra, Surya, Pavana, Kuvera, Vahni (Agni), and Varuna—all servants of Krishna—danced in the ecstasy of love for Krishna. All the demigods danced in ecstasy and forgot who was inferior and who was superior. Although they jostled each other, they were all jubilant as they danced in the ecstasy of
7. Sri Caitanya, the glorious savior of the fallen souls, delivering the entire world, is God, according to the demigods. God exists.
The proof of the words of Haridasa, Narada Muni. Gauranga becoming the First Goddess
1. One day the Lord informed everyone, "Today we will perform a drama according to prescribed rules. The Lord called Sadasiva and Buddhimanta Khan and told them, “Arrange for some costumes. Collect conchshells, bodices, silk saris, and ornaments suitable for all the participants. Gadadhara will dress as Rukmini, and Brahmananda will be her elderly female companion named Suprabha. Nityananda will be My grandmother, and Haridasa will be a guard who will keep everyone alert.
2. The elderly ascetic grandmother lady of Vrindavana is Paurnamasi. She is none other than the goddess Yogamaya, the instrument for Radha and
3. Srivasa will dress as Narada, and Srirama will be someone who has just bathed. Sriman will volunteer to hold the torch. Advaita said, “Who will dress as the hero? The Lord replied, “The hero will be Gopinatha, who is sitting on the throne.”
4. The spoke to the Vaishnavas as follows: “I will dance as the Lord's potency, in the dress of Lakshmi. Only one who is self-controlled is qualified to watch. Only those who are in control of their senses will be allowed to remain within the house.”
5. Scratching a line on the ground, Advaita Acarya was the first to speak, “I am unable to see the dance today. I am not in control of My senses, so I will not attend.”Srivasa Pandita said, “I was going to say the same thing.”
6. On hearing their words, the Lord slightly smiled and said, “If you do not go, then who will attend the dance?” Lord Caitanya, the crest jewel of all enjoyers, again declared, “Do not worry. Today you will all become great mystic yogis. None of you will be bewildered while seeing Me dance.”
7. Mukunda began to lead kirtana as follows: “Rama Krishna Bala, Hari Gopala Govinda!”
8. Haridasa Prabhu appeared first on stage. His charming face was decorated with a long handlebar moustache. He was dressed in a loincloth, and His head was adorned with a large turban. With a stick in his hand, he cautioned everyone. “O brothers, get ready! The life and soul of the universe will now dance in the dress of Lakshmi.” As he ran about with a stick in his hand alerting everyone, the hairs of his body stood on end out of love for
9. Shortly thereafter Srivasa joyfully came on stage dressed as Narada. He had a long white beard, and His entire body was decorated with dots of sandalwood paste. He carried a vina on his shoulder and kusa grass in his hand as he looked all around. Ramai Pandita followed behind him with a waterpot in his hand and a straw mat under his arm. Ramai Pandita offered him the straw mat to sit on. It appeared as though Narada had personally appeared there. On seeing Srivasa's dress, everyone laughed. Advaita questioned him in a grave voice. “Who are you? Why have you come here?” Srivasa replied, “Please hear my words. “My name is Narada. I sing
10. As Lord Visvambhara put on His dress inside one of the rooms, He became fully absorbed in the mood of Rukmini. Being absorbed in the mood of Rukmini, the Lord forgot Himself and considered Himself the daughter of the Vidarbha King. He then began to write a letter, using His tears as ink, the ground as paper, and His finger as pen. He cried as He read Rukmini's letter, consisting of seven verses from the Srimad Bhagavatam.
11. O most beautiful
12. The three unavoidable miseries of adhyatmika, adhibhautika, and adhidaivika—miseries inflicted by the body and mind, by other living entities, and by natural disturbances.
13. “Seeing Your form is like attaining the greatest treasure. Such a form is seen only by one who has been awarded suitable eyes by the creator. O lionlike personality of the Yadu dynasty, by hearing the descriptions of Your glories, my heart has shamelessly been drawn to You. What chaste sober woman of this world would not worship Your lotus feet upon receiving the opportunity? O Mukunda, You are equal only to Yourself in lineage, character, beauty, knowledge, youthfulness, wealth and influence. O lion among men, You delight the minds of all mankind. What aristocratic, sober-minded, marriageable girl of a good family would not choose You as her husband when the proper time has come? Without You one's education, family, character, wealth, beauty, dress, and residence are all useless. O Tridasa-raya – Lord of the three worlds, please forgive my arrogance, for I am unable to control my heart, which wants to merge with You. That is why I have accepted Your lotus feet as my life and soul. I have offered my mind, life, and intelligence to You. Please make me Your maidservant by accepting me as Your wife. Do not let me become the object of Sisupala's enjoyment. O My dear lotus-eyed Lord, O almighty one, please accept me, because what is meant for the lion should not be taken by the jackal. If I have actually observed any vows, given in charity, worshiped the gurus, brahmanas, and demigods, or served the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord, then, O Gadagraja, I pray for the benediction that You become the Lord of my life and drive away Sisupala. My marriage is fixed for tomorrow, so come quickly today without delay. Stay secretly near Vidarbhapura, and later enter the city with Your army. After defeating Sisupala, Salva, and Jarasandha, display Your strength by kidnapping me. O Lord, now is the time to manifest Your pride. Your wife is never meant to be usurped by Sisupala, and forgive me for my offenses. O lotus-eyed one, great souls like Lord Siva hanker to bathe in the dust of Your lotus feet and thereby destroy their ignorance. If I cannot obtain Your mercy, I shall simply give up my vital force, which will have become weak from the severe penances I will perform. Then, after hundreds of lifetimes of endeavor and austerities, I may obtain Your mercy.”
14. Then Gadadhara came on stage. He happily wandered about with Brahmananda, who accompanied Gadadhara in the role of his female companion Suprabha. Haridasa called out, “Who are you?” Brahmananda replied, “We are going to
15. Gadadhara appeared like the personification of the
16. At that time Visvambhara, the Lord of lords, came on stage dressed as the supreme goddess (adya-sakti) Lord Visvambhara was disguised in such an enchanting dress that no one could recognize Him.” Has Kamala directly appeared from the ocean? Has Janaki, the wife of the lion of the Raghu dynasty, come? Has Maha-Lakshmi or Parvati appeared? Has the treasure of Vrindavana– Varshabhanavi, the daughter of King Vrishabhanu, Radha-personally come? Is she
17. The Lord became like an ocean of mercy to everyone. In their hearts they all accepted Him as if their mother had come from the spiritual world. As Visvambhara danced in the mood of the mother of the universe, His followers sang appropriate songs. No one was certain in which consort's mood Lord Narayana was dancing. When He inquired, “O brahmana, has
18. No one had ever seen such an enchanting dance. Then the Lord took the Deity of Gopinatha on His lap and sat on the throne in the mood of Maha-Lakshmi. As everyone stood with folded hands before the Lord, Sri Gaurahari told them, “Offer prayers to Me.”
19. “All glories to Mahamaya, the mother of the universe! Please bestow the shade of Your lotus feet on the suffering living entities. You incarnate in every yuga to maintain religious principles.”
20. The Lord felt the same affectionate attachment for the devotees that a mother feels for her child. He then gave everyone the same feelings that a child has for his mother. In the mood of a mother, Visvambhara affectionately breast-fed everyone.
21. The Lord personally manifest as the mother of the universe in the form of Kamala, Parvati, Daya, and Maha-Narayani. The Lord confirmed His statement in the Bhagavad-gita, “I am the father and grandfather. I am the support and the mother. I am the father of this universe, the mother, the support, and the grandsire.” All those Vaishnavas, who had been most fortunate for millions of lifetimes, now blissfully drank milk from the Lord's breast. By drinking the Lord's breast milk, their feelings of separation were mitigated and they became greatly maddened in the mellows of ecstatic love.
22. He is the Lord of lords and supremely independent. He appears in whatever form He desires.
23. God, who can appear in the form of any of His expansions or energies, descended as Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu.
The proof of Suklambara Brahmacari being
1. Now hear the topics regarding Suklambara Brahmacari, who lived in Navadvipa, where the Lord appeared. He was always engaged in his occupational duties, and he was most peaceful. Although no one knew it, he was a great devotee. He would take a bag on his shoulder and go beg alms from house to house in Navadvipa. He would cry while chanting the names of
2. Suklambara engaged in the devotional service of Vishnu just as the poor Damodara did previously, the brahmana named Sridama or Sridama (Sudama vipra). He was
3. Visvambhara bestowed such mercy on him that he could remain inside the house to watch the Lord dance. On seeing the brahmana dance in ecstasy with his bag on his shoulder, the Lord and all the Vaishnavas laughed. As Visvambhara sat down in the mood of the Supreme Lord, Suklambara danced, cried, and laughed with his bag on his shoulder. While watching Suklambara, the most merciful Gauranga repeatedly called out to him, “Come! Come! You are My poor servant birth after birth. You give Me everything and remain a beggar. I always desire your foodstuffs. Even if you don't give Me, I forcibly take and eat them. Did you forget that I forcibly ate your broken rice in Dvaraka? Kamala, the goddess of fortune, caught hold of My hand, I ate one palmful and was about to eat a second when the devoted goddess Rukmini took hold of My hand.”
4. After speaking in this way, Visvambhara took a handful of uncooked rice from Suklambara's begging bag and began eating it.
5. Suklambara exclaimed, “O Lord, You have ruined me! This rice is full of broken particles!” The Lord replied, “I eat your broken rice, and I turn My face away from the nectar offered by nondevotees.”
6. On seeing the Lord's compassion, all the devotees began to cry while holding their heads. No one knew who fell where as they cried. Everyone was overwhelmed on seeing such compassion. They then began to chant the glories of
7. The Lord said, “Listen, Suklambara Brahmacari! I constantly enjoy pastimes in your heart. When you eat, I eat. When you walk about for begging, that is My walking. I have incarnated to distribute prema-bhakti. You are My beloved servant birth after birth. I now give you prema-bhakti. Know for certain that prema-bhakti is My life and soul.”
8. Whatever rice Suklambara collected by begging at ten houses was forcibly eaten by Gauracandra, the husband of Lakshmi.
9. This proves reincarnation and God, the controller of rebirth.
10. Gauranga Mahaprabhu was previously
The proof of becoming Siva
1. One day a singer of Siva's glories arrived. He began to play his small drum and chant the glories of Lord Siva. He came to the Lord's doorstep for begging alms and began to dance in a circle while singing a song about Lord Siva, glorifying Siva.
2. As soon as Lord Visvambhara heard the qualities of Lord Sankara, He immediately took the form of Sankara with matted locks of hair. The Lord jumped on the shoulders of that singer and shouted loudly, “I am that Sankara!” Some people saw Mahaprabhu with matted locks of hair and playing a horn and damaru drum, as He continually exclaimed, “Sing! Sing!” Whatever glorification of Siva that great personality ever sang now bore its full fruits.
3. Since that singer sang without offense, Gauracandra climbed on his shoulders.
4. After regaining external consciousness, Lord Visvambhara got down and personally placed alms in the singer's bag.
5. Being fully satisfied, the singer left. All the devotees chanted the names of Hari.
6. Lord Visvambhara is Lord Siva. God exists.
The proof of the Vyasa-puja for Gauranga, the six-armed form
1. Nityananda Prabhu smiled as He looked around. Tears of love flowed from everyone’s eyes. When Mahaprabhu Visvambhara saw this ecstatic scene, He spoke something to Nityananda. O Sripada Nityananda Gosani, please hear. Where should we hold Your Vyasa-puja ceremony? Tomorrow is the full moon day when Vyasa is worshiped, so consider and inform us what is to be done.”
2. Nityananda smiled and said, “Please hear, O Visvambhara, I will observe Vyasa-puja in the house of this brahmana (Srivasa).”
3. As soon as they entered the house of Srivasa, everyone was filled with ecstatic love for
4. In the kingdom of spiritual variegatedness, however, there is an ever-fresh outburst of happiness.
5. Visvambhara’s dancing was most enchanting as His feet would touch His own head. The earth trembled under the feet of Nityananda, and all the Vaishnavas thought there was an earthquake.
6. In order to reveal the glories of Nityananda, Lord Visvambhara became absorbed in the mood of Balarama and sat on the throne.
7. Although Visvambhara is not Baladeva-tattva, He accepted the mood of Baladeva, who is His expansion, and sat on the throne. Sri Nityananda is Baladeva-tattva; therefore, in order to exhibit the pastimes performed by Baladeva-tattva, the Lord, who is Vrajendra-nandana, the orginal Personality of Godhead, enacted the pastime of becoming absorbed in the mood of Baladeva. The Lord became intoxicated by the mood of Balarama and repeatedly demanded, “Bring wine. Bring wine. “Varuni, Varuni.” (mada ana, mada ana, varuni, varuni).” Sri Gaurasundara said to Nityananda, “Quickly give Me Your plow and club.” After careful consideration, they offered the Lord a pitcher of
8. Nityananda, who is nondifferent from Sesha, could not control His ecstatic mood and became overwhelmed in the mellows of loving devotion. One moment He laughed, one moment He cried, and the next moment He was naked. His entire body was filled with the nature of a child. Where was His (brahmacari) danda, where was His waterpot, and where were His clothes? Nothing remained with Him. The most grave Nityananda became restless, but the Lord personally pacified Him. The maddened lionlike Nityananda was controlled by the iron rodlike words of Lord Caitanya. He did not care for anything else. “Be calm, tomorrow You must worship Vyasadeva.” Speaking in this way, the Lord returned home.
9. All the devotees then returned to their own homes, while Nityananda remained in the house of Srivasa. In the dead of that night, Nityananda suddenly roared loudly and broke His danda and kamandalu (waterpot made from an ash gourd).
10. Sri Nityananda Prabhu manifested His waywardness by breaking His own danda and kamandalu prior to Vyasa-puja. One who experiences transformations of ecstatic love completely abandons the ingredients and external formalities of vaidhi-bhakti, or regulative devotional service. Since the acceptance of brahmacari symbols by an avadhuta paramahamsa like Sri Nityananda Prabhu on the regulative platform will create various speculations unfavorable to devotional service, Lord Nityananda Prabhu, who is beyond all rules and regulations of varnasrama, eliminated those insignificant formalities.
11. Being informed by Ramai an this, the Lord came there and found Nityananda profusely laughing. The Lord picked up the broken danda with His own hands and went with Nityananda to take bath in the
12. As Nityananda saw Lord Visvambhara standing before
Him, He offered the garland to Him.
13. In this way Sri Nityananda completed Vyasa-puja by offering a garland to that personality from whom everything emanates and whose empowered incarnation is Sri Vyasa. All expansions, incarnations, energies, and devotees are included within Lord Sri Caitanyadeva. Therefore, according to the consideration of the two verses, yatha taror mula-nishecanena and sattvam visuddham vasudeva-sabditam, by worshiping Sri Caitanyadeva, who is the original source of everything, all spiritual masters are automatically worshiped. Also, in describing the chain of disciplic succession, the scriptures state: “Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe became the disciple of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna. Brahmas disciple was Narada. Narada’s disciple was Vyasa. The famous Madhvacarya personally received initiation from Vyasa.etc.
14. The garland looked most enchanting upon the curly hair of the Lord. At that time Visvambhara manifested His six-armed form (shad-bhuja). In His six hands He held the conch, disc, club, lotus, plow, and sri-hala-mushala (Another type of club).( the signs of Narayana and Sankarsana). Upon seeing this, Nityananda fell unconscious in ecstasy. When Nityananda fell unconscious on seeing the six-armed form, Lord Caitanya personally picked Him up with His own hands and said, “O Nityananda, get up and steady Your mind. Listen to the congregational chanting that You have begun. Since there is a famine of Hari’s glorification in this world, You have incarnated from Goloka to glorify Hari and induce others to glorify Hari. The kirtana for which You have incarnated to inaugurate is going on before You. What more do You want? Loving devotional service belongs to You, for You are the personification of ecstatic love. Unless You distribute this devotional service, no one can possess it. Please control Yourself and get up. Glance mercifully on Your intimate associates and distribute this wealth to whomever You desire.”
15. Know for certain that Ananta, in whose heart Gauracandra resides, is nondifferent from Nityananda. And that Sri Nityananda Prabhu is Balarama.
16. After regaining external consciousness, Nityananda began to cry. It appeared that a great river was flowing from His two lotus eyes.
17. Gauranga Mahaprabhu is Lord Narayana. God exists.
The argument of revelation
1. Mahaprabhu bestowed His mercy upon a yavana tailor who lived by the side of Srivasa’s house and used to stitch clothes for Srivasa. The Lord revealed His fourhanded Narayana form to the tailor, who began to dance uttering “I have seen, I have seen”.
2. God exists
The proof of the revelation to Advaita Acarya
1. One day, Mahaprabhu, in the mood of the Supreme Lord, lovingly instructed Ramai.
2. “Ramai, go to the house of Advaita and inform Him that I have manifested. Tell Him that the Lord He worshiped for so long, the Lord He cried for, the Lord He fasted for—that Lord has now manifest. He has appeared to distribute devotional service. He should come immediately to join Him. Also secretly inform Him about Nityananda’s (the Lord’s second body) arrival and whatever else you have seen. Tell Him to quickly come here with His wife and articles for My worship.”
3. As soon as Advaita heard this from the mouth of Ramai, He raised His hands and began to cry. As He cried, He fell unconscious to the ground in ecstasy. On seeing this, everyone there was astonished. After a while He regained His external consciousness and roared loudly. He repeatedly exclaimed, “I have brought My Lord! I have brought My Lord! Because of Me, the Lord has come from Vaikuntha.” Speaking in this way, He rolled on the ground and cried.
4. Advaita Prabhu said, “O Ramai Pandita, listen. If He acts like My Lord, then I will have faith in Him. If He displays His opulence to Me and places His lotus feet on My head, then I will recognize Him as the Lord of My life. I swear this is the truth.”
5. Advaita Prabhu, the incarnation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, then departed with His wife. He forbade Ramai Pandita from informing the Lord about His arrival.
6. “Tell Him, ‘Advaita Acarya has not come.’ Then I will see what My Lord has to say. I will secretly stay in the house of Nandana Acarya, but you tell Him, ‘He has not come.’” Lord Visvambhara, who resides in the heart of everyone, understood Advaita’s resolution. Then the Lord went to the house of Srivasa Pandita. Lord Tridasa Raya roared loudly and sat on the throne of Lord Vishnu.
7. Tridasera raya refers to (three more than three times ten, or thirty-three, which consist of the twelve Adityas, the eleven Rudras, the eight Vasus, and the two Asvini-kumaras—these thirty-three are principal demigods and are the thirty-three referred to here; raya, raya, or rao mean raja, or “king”) the supreme controller, the object of worship, and the Lord of three hundred thirty million demigods.
8. The Lord repeatedly declared, “Nada is coming. Nada is coming. Nada wants to see My opulences. Nada (Advaita Acarya) wants to test My supremacy. He doubts whether I can understand His intention, or perhaps He played this trick to manifest Me before the world.”
9. Nityananda knows the Lord’s desires. With this understanding, He held an umbrella over the Lord’s head. Understanding the situation, Gadadhara offered camphor and betel nuts. Everyone present served the Lord according their own favorable mood. Some offered prayers, and some offered various services. At that time Ramai arrived there. Before Ramai could speak anything, the Lord said to him, “Nada has sent you to test Me.” The Lord rolled His head and said, “Nada is coming. He knows Me well, yet He always tests Me. I know Nada is hiding at the house of Nandana Acarya and He has sent you to testMe. Quickly go and bring
Him here. I am gladly saying this with My own mouth.” Ramai Pandita again
happily went and explained to Advaita everything that the Lord had said. On
hearing him, Advaita Acarya floated in waves of ecstasy. Having fulfilling His
purpose, He immediately went to the Lord.
10. The purpose of Advaita was to reveal the supremacy and omniscience of Mahaprabhu to the people of the world. That is why He hid Himself at the house of Nandana Acarya and deceptively ordered Ramai not to disclose His intention to Mahaprabhu. Now that Sri Mahaprabhu has personally disclosed these facts about Advaita and thereby proved His supremacy, Advaita’s intention has been fulfilled. Advaita Acarya and His wife offered obeisances from a distance and recited prayers as they approached the Lord.
11. They came before the Lord, surrendered at His lotus feet, which award fearlessness, and saw His matchless beauty, which enchants the entire universe. The Lord’s enchanting beauty defeated that of millions of Cupids, and His effulgent body resembled molten gold. His pleasing face defeated the beauty of millions of moons. His two arms, decorated with various ornaments and jewels, resembled two golden pillars. His broad chest was decorated with the mark of Srivatsa and the Kaustubha gem. He wore earrings shaped like sharks and the Vaijayanti garland. His unlimited effulgence defeated that of millions of suns. Rama, the goddess of fortune, sat at His lotus feet, and Ananta held an umbrella over His head. No one could discern whether the shining objects at the Lord’s feet were toenails or jewels. Standing in a threefold bending pose, He smiled as He played a flute. Advaita saw the Lord, His associates, and His ornaments as full of effulgence. He could not see anything else. He also saw the four-headed Brahma, the five-headed Siva, and the six-headed Kartikeya fall flat to offer obeisances to the Lord. He saw personalities like Narada and Sukadeva respectfully glorifying the Lord. A wonderful woman who resembledGanga was offering obeisances from a chariot that was
drawn by a shark. Then He saw the thousand-headed Ananta Sesha offering prayers
to the Lord as the effulgent demigods watched on all sides. Advaita Acarya
turned His head and saw thousands of demigods chanting the name of Krishna at the feet of the Lord. On seeing those
opulences, Advaita was struck with wonder and got up from His prostrated
position. He saw great serpents with hundreds of hoods raise their arms while
offering prayers to the Lord. He saw the entire sky filled with divine
chariots. The airways were congested by elephant, swan, and horse carriers of
the demigods. Millions of serpents’ wives were offering prayers to the Lord
while chanting the name of Krishna with tears
in their eyes. There was no vacant place left on the earth or in the sky. He
saw many great rishis offering obeisances in one corner. Upon seeing those
opulences, both husband and wife were so awestruck that they became speechless.
12. The most merciful Lord Visvambhara looked at Advaita and spoke as follows. “I have descended to fulfill Your vow, for You have profusely worshiped Me. I was sleeping in the ocean of milk, but Your loud cries broke My sleep. You could not tolerate the suffering of the living entities, so You have brought Me to deliver them. All My associates that You saw surrounding Me have already taken birth because of You. By Your mercy, Vaishnavas that even personalities like Brahma desire to see will now be seen by everyone.” On hearing the Lord’s words, Advaita and His wife raised their arms and began to cry and pray.
13. Advaita Acarya floated in the ecstasy of love of God. The Lord then said, “Now arrange for My worship.”
14. He prayed :” You are Vishnu, You areKrishna ,
and You are Narayana. You are Matsya, You are Kurma, and You are eternal. O
Lord, You are Varaha and You are Vamana. You protect the Vedas in every
millenium. You are the destroyer of the demoniac dynasties. You are the life of
Sita, the bestower of boons to Guha, and the deliverer of Ahalya. As Nrisimhadeva,
You incarnated to deliver Prahlada and kill Hiranyakasipu. You are the crest
jewel of all demigods and the best of the brahmanas. You accept various
foodstuffs at Nilacala. The four Vedas wander from place to place in search of
You. You have hidden from them by coming here. Gauri and Sankara are
overwhelmed by the nectar of Your lotus feet.” While glorifying the Lord’s
lotus feet, Advaita floated in tears of ecstasy and then fell flat at the lotus
feet of the Lord. Sri Gauranga Raya, the Supersoul of all living entities,
placed His lotus feet on the head of Advaita. On seeing that wonderful sight,
everyone was overwhelmed and began chanting “Hari! Hari!” Some of them rolled
on the ground, and some of them clapped their hands. Others cried loudly while
embracing each other. Lord Visvambhara instructed Advaita, “O Nada, dance in My
kirtana!” One moment He danced madly, and another moment He danced sweetly. One
moment He held many straws between His teeth. One moment He whirled around, one
moment He stood up, and another moment He rolled on the ground. One moment He
sighed deeply, and another moment He fell unconscious. When the Lord ordered
Advaita to stop dancing, He immediately stopped, respecting the Lord’s order.
The Lord gave His own garland to Advaita and then smiled and said, “Ask for a
benediction. Ask for a benediction.” Advaita then said, “What more can I ask? I
have already received whatever I desired. What should I ask for? You know well
what I lack. What is there that You do not see with Your transcendental
vision?” Lord Visvambhara rolled His head and said, “I have manifested because
of You. I will preach the chanting of the holy names from house to house (ghare
ghare) so that the entire universe will dance as they sing My glories. I will
distribute that devotional service for which personalities headed by Brahma,
Siva, and Narada undergo austerities. Advaita said, “If You will distribute the
Lord’s devotional service, which is rare for even great personalities like
Brahma, to everyone in this world, then You will have to distribute that loving
devotional service to those who are considered unqualified. Till now, people in
general consider that women, sudras, and fools are unqualified for the service
of the Lord. May You change that concept by giving Lord Hari’s devotional
service to those unqualified people. Let all the sinful people who are proud of
their education, wealth, high birth, and austerities and those who place
obstacles in the path of Your devotees and Your devotional service burn to
death with envy, and let all others, including the dog-eaters, dance while
singing Your holy names and qualities.” Hearing Advaita’s statement, the Lord
roared loudly and said, “Whatever You say will be fulfilled.”
15. Lord Gauranga isKrishna . God
exists.
The proof of the words of Pundarika Vidyanidhi
1. One night, Vidyanidhi Mahasaya secretly came to see the Lord. He left everyone behind and came alone. As soon as he saw the Lord, he fell unconscious. Out of ecstasy, he fell unconscious to the ground even before he offered obeisances to the Lord. After a while, he regained external consciousness and roared loudly. Then he wept as he condemned himself.
2. “OKrishna , O my Lord! O Krishna, O
my life and soul! You have made my heart hard like wood or stone.” He lamented
and cried loudly, “In Your present incarnation I have been deceived. O Krishna,
O my life and soul. O Krishna, my child. How much suffering You are giving this
offender. My child, You have delivered the entire world. I alone have been
cheated.”
3. Knowing that His dearmost devotee had arrived, Visvambhara, who is most affectionate to His devotees, respectfully got up and embraced him. The Lord cried while exclaiming, “O father, Pundarika. Today I have seen My father with My own eyes.” Vidyanidhi did not release the Lord from his chest. It appeared that the Lord merged with his body. Gauracandra remained there motionless for three hours. Thereafter the Lord regained His external consciousness and chanted the names of Hari. “Today Lord Krishna has fulfilled My desires. Today I have attained that which is beyond my dreams.”
4. Gauracandra is God. God exists.
The argument of the revelation to Sri Nityananda
1. In Srivasa Thakura's courtyard, Lord Caitanya revealed to Nityananda prabhu His six-armed form which held a bow and arrow, a flute, a staff of renunciation and a waterpot.
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu isKrishna (flute),
and Rama (bow and arrow), in another form.
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists
The argument of awakening the dead
1. One day, when harinama-sankirtana was going in full swing in Srivasa Thakura's house, in another room one of Srivasa's son died. Srivasa consoled his family by saying: "Why you are sad.Krishna
has simply taken His own devotee to suit His own happiness. He gave up his body
while hearing the singing of the Lord's holy names.
Therefore he certainly died while absorbed in love for Lord Krishna".
13. In this way Sri Nityananda completed Vyasa-puja by offering a garland to that personality from whom everything emanates and whose empowered incarnation is Sri Vyasa. All expansions, incarnations, energies, and devotees are included within Lord Sri Caitanyadeva. Therefore, according to the consideration of the two verses, yatha taror mula-nishecanena and sattvam visuddham vasudeva-sabditam, by worshiping Sri Caitanyadeva, who is the original source of everything, all spiritual masters are automatically worshiped. Also, in describing the chain of disciplic succession, the scriptures state: “Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe became the disciple of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna. Brahmas disciple was Narada. Narada’s disciple was Vyasa. The famous Madhvacarya personally received initiation from Vyasa.etc.
14. The garland looked most enchanting upon the curly hair of the Lord. At that time Visvambhara manifested His six-armed form (shad-bhuja). In His six hands He held the conch, disc, club, lotus, plow, and sri-hala-mushala (Another type of club).( the signs of Narayana and Sankarsana). Upon seeing this, Nityananda fell unconscious in ecstasy. When Nityananda fell unconscious on seeing the six-armed form, Lord Caitanya personally picked Him up with His own hands and said, “O Nityananda, get up and steady Your mind. Listen to the congregational chanting that You have begun. Since there is a famine of Hari’s glorification in this world, You have incarnated from Goloka to glorify Hari and induce others to glorify Hari. The kirtana for which You have incarnated to inaugurate is going on before You. What more do You want? Loving devotional service belongs to You, for You are the personification of ecstatic love. Unless You distribute this devotional service, no one can possess it. Please control Yourself and get up. Glance mercifully on Your intimate associates and distribute this wealth to whomever You desire.”
15. Know for certain that Ananta, in whose heart Gauracandra resides, is nondifferent from Nityananda. And that Sri Nityananda Prabhu is Balarama.
16. After regaining external consciousness, Nityananda began to cry. It appeared that a great river was flowing from His two lotus eyes.
17. Gauranga Mahaprabhu is Lord Narayana. God exists.
The argument of revelation
1. Mahaprabhu bestowed His mercy upon a yavana tailor who lived by the side of Srivasa’s house and used to stitch clothes for Srivasa. The Lord revealed His fourhanded Narayana form to the tailor, who began to dance uttering “I have seen, I have seen”.
2. God exists
The proof of the revelation to Advaita Acarya
1. One day, Mahaprabhu, in the mood of the Supreme Lord, lovingly instructed Ramai.
2. “Ramai, go to the house of Advaita and inform Him that I have manifested. Tell Him that the Lord He worshiped for so long, the Lord He cried for, the Lord He fasted for—that Lord has now manifest. He has appeared to distribute devotional service. He should come immediately to join Him. Also secretly inform Him about Nityananda’s (the Lord’s second body) arrival and whatever else you have seen. Tell Him to quickly come here with His wife and articles for My worship.”
3. As soon as Advaita heard this from the mouth of Ramai, He raised His hands and began to cry. As He cried, He fell unconscious to the ground in ecstasy. On seeing this, everyone there was astonished. After a while He regained His external consciousness and roared loudly. He repeatedly exclaimed, “I have brought My Lord! I have brought My Lord! Because of Me, the Lord has come from Vaikuntha.” Speaking in this way, He rolled on the ground and cried.
4. Advaita Prabhu said, “O Ramai Pandita, listen. If He acts like My Lord, then I will have faith in Him. If He displays His opulence to Me and places His lotus feet on My head, then I will recognize Him as the Lord of My life. I swear this is the truth.”
5. Advaita Prabhu, the incarnation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, then departed with His wife. He forbade Ramai Pandita from informing the Lord about His arrival.
6. “Tell Him, ‘Advaita Acarya has not come.’ Then I will see what My Lord has to say. I will secretly stay in the house of Nandana Acarya, but you tell Him, ‘He has not come.’” Lord Visvambhara, who resides in the heart of everyone, understood Advaita’s resolution. Then the Lord went to the house of Srivasa Pandita. Lord Tridasa Raya roared loudly and sat on the throne of Lord Vishnu.
7. Tridasera raya refers to (three more than three times ten, or thirty-three, which consist of the twelve Adityas, the eleven Rudras, the eight Vasus, and the two Asvini-kumaras—these thirty-three are principal demigods and are the thirty-three referred to here; raya, raya, or rao mean raja, or “king”) the supreme controller, the object of worship, and the Lord of three hundred thirty million demigods.
8. The Lord repeatedly declared, “Nada is coming. Nada is coming. Nada wants to see My opulences. Nada (Advaita Acarya) wants to test My supremacy. He doubts whether I can understand His intention, or perhaps He played this trick to manifest Me before the world.”
9. Nityananda knows the Lord’s desires. With this understanding, He held an umbrella over the Lord’s head. Understanding the situation, Gadadhara offered camphor and betel nuts. Everyone present served the Lord according their own favorable mood. Some offered prayers, and some offered various services. At that time Ramai arrived there. Before Ramai could speak anything, the Lord said to him, “Nada has sent you to test Me.” The Lord rolled His head and said, “Nada is coming. He knows Me well, yet He always tests Me. I know Nada is hiding at the house of Nandana Acarya and He has sent you to test
10. The purpose of Advaita was to reveal the supremacy and omniscience of Mahaprabhu to the people of the world. That is why He hid Himself at the house of Nandana Acarya and deceptively ordered Ramai not to disclose His intention to Mahaprabhu. Now that Sri Mahaprabhu has personally disclosed these facts about Advaita and thereby proved His supremacy, Advaita’s intention has been fulfilled. Advaita Acarya and His wife offered obeisances from a distance and recited prayers as they approached the Lord.
11. They came before the Lord, surrendered at His lotus feet, which award fearlessness, and saw His matchless beauty, which enchants the entire universe. The Lord’s enchanting beauty defeated that of millions of Cupids, and His effulgent body resembled molten gold. His pleasing face defeated the beauty of millions of moons. His two arms, decorated with various ornaments and jewels, resembled two golden pillars. His broad chest was decorated with the mark of Srivatsa and the Kaustubha gem. He wore earrings shaped like sharks and the Vaijayanti garland. His unlimited effulgence defeated that of millions of suns. Rama, the goddess of fortune, sat at His lotus feet, and Ananta held an umbrella over His head. No one could discern whether the shining objects at the Lord’s feet were toenails or jewels. Standing in a threefold bending pose, He smiled as He played a flute. Advaita saw the Lord, His associates, and His ornaments as full of effulgence. He could not see anything else. He also saw the four-headed Brahma, the five-headed Siva, and the six-headed Kartikeya fall flat to offer obeisances to the Lord. He saw personalities like Narada and Sukadeva respectfully glorifying the Lord. A wonderful woman who resembled
12. The most merciful Lord Visvambhara looked at Advaita and spoke as follows. “I have descended to fulfill Your vow, for You have profusely worshiped Me. I was sleeping in the ocean of milk, but Your loud cries broke My sleep. You could not tolerate the suffering of the living entities, so You have brought Me to deliver them. All My associates that You saw surrounding Me have already taken birth because of You. By Your mercy, Vaishnavas that even personalities like Brahma desire to see will now be seen by everyone.” On hearing the Lord’s words, Advaita and His wife raised their arms and began to cry and pray.
13. Advaita Acarya floated in the ecstasy of love of God. The Lord then said, “Now arrange for My worship.”
14. He prayed :” You are Vishnu, You are
15. Lord Gauranga is
The proof of the words of Pundarika Vidyanidhi
1. One night, Vidyanidhi Mahasaya secretly came to see the Lord. He left everyone behind and came alone. As soon as he saw the Lord, he fell unconscious. Out of ecstasy, he fell unconscious to the ground even before he offered obeisances to the Lord. After a while, he regained external consciousness and roared loudly. Then he wept as he condemned himself.
2. “O
3. Knowing that His dearmost devotee had arrived, Visvambhara, who is most affectionate to His devotees, respectfully got up and embraced him. The Lord cried while exclaiming, “O father, Pundarika. Today I have seen My father with My own eyes.” Vidyanidhi did not release the Lord from his chest. It appeared that the Lord merged with his body. Gauracandra remained there motionless for three hours. Thereafter the Lord regained His external consciousness and chanted the names of Hari. “Today Lord Krishna has fulfilled My desires. Today I have attained that which is beyond my dreams.”
4. Gauracandra is God. God exists.
The argument of the revelation to Sri Nityananda
1. In Srivasa Thakura's courtyard, Lord Caitanya revealed to Nityananda prabhu His six-armed form which held a bow and arrow, a flute, a staff of renunciation and a waterpot.
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists
The argument of awakening the dead
1. One day, when harinama-sankirtana was going in full swing in Srivasa Thakura's house, in another room one of Srivasa's son died. Srivasa consoled his family by saying: "Why you are sad.
Therefore he certainly died while absorbed in love for Lord Krishna".
2. Then the kirtana finally stopped. Srivasa Thakura
explained the Lord "I didn't inform You dreading the calamity of
interrupting Your dancing".
3. The Lord ordered the household members to bring the boy's
body out into the courtyard. Mahaprabhu addressed the boy's dead body
"Please tell Me, dear boy, what prompted you to leave here so suddenly
thus giving up the association of your loving father".
4. The soul miraculously manifested again in the dead body
and the boy began to offer prayers to the Lord: "My dear Lord, You are the
Supreme Absolute Truth, unlimited and without competition. You control everything
by Your multifarious potencies. Neglecting Your lotus feet, I have now become
completely ruined. As soon as I chose to be independent of Your Lordship, my
mind became interested in Maya's allurements.
Thus I have given up my inherent spiritual nature, falling down due to the dazzling bewilderment of fruitive gain. I have been captured by illusion within this mundane world. Now as a result I am being forcibly tossed about on the revolving wheel of fruitive actions and reactions. According to this fate, I have been brought into Srivasa's home. But again, according to my predestined fate I must now leave this place and go wherever You send Me. However I know that all these material relationships do not possess even one speck of eternal truth, for only You are the eternal friend, relative, father, mother and guardian of all souls. Oh Lord, if it is Your desire that I take another birth I humbly request Your Lordship to kindly allow me to be always situated in the transcendental loving service of You".
Thus I have given up my inherent spiritual nature, falling down due to the dazzling bewilderment of fruitive gain. I have been captured by illusion within this mundane world. Now as a result I am being forcibly tossed about on the revolving wheel of fruitive actions and reactions. According to this fate, I have been brought into Srivasa's home. But again, according to my predestined fate I must now leave this place and go wherever You send Me. However I know that all these material relationships do not possess even one speck of eternal truth, for only You are the eternal friend, relative, father, mother and guardian of all souls. Oh Lord, if it is Your desire that I take another birth I humbly request Your Lordship to kindly allow me to be always situated in the transcendental loving service of You".
5. Then the Lord took the dead body in a parade of song and
dance to the bank of the Ganges . Mahaprabhu
personally put the boy's body into the river. The Ganges
personified picked up the body, brought it out of the water and touched
Mahaprabhu's lotus feet trembling in ecstatic love for the Lord.
6. God exists.
The argument of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu giving love of God
1. Once while sitting in His house, Lord Caitanya spoke in a deep resonant voice, "I am seeing figures having four, five and six faces respectively". Srivasa Pandita spoke "The demigods like Brahma with four faces, and others with five faces (Siva) ans six (Skandha) have come to see You, my Lord. They are begging You for the treasure of prema, since You are the ocean of love".
6. God exists.
The argument of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu giving love of God
1. Once while sitting in His house, Lord Caitanya spoke in a deep resonant voice, "I am seeing figures having four, five and six faces respectively". Srivasa Pandita spoke "The demigods like Brahma with four faces, and others with five faces (Siva) ans six (Skandha) have come to see You, my Lord. They are begging You for the treasure of prema, since You are the ocean of love".
2. Srivasa and the demigods swooned at the Lord's feet,
begging "You are the most compassionate. Please bestow upon us the sweet
nectar of Your Love". In a thundrous voice, Gauranga said "May you
all receive this gift of love of God". Instantly, the demigods developed Krishna prema, displaying bodily symptoms of
transcendental bliss, happily dancing and chanting "O Radha-Govinda, Hari
bol! Hari bol! Gaura-Govinda! Gaura-Govinda!”
3. Then the demigods rose in the sky, returning to their
celestial abodes.
4. After witnessing all this Suklambhara brahmacari said:
"Please, O Lord Gauranga, You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead I beg
You please give me the treasure of love of God". Mahaprabhu gave it.
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the transforming of Gaura-Gadadhara-Narahari into Their Krishna-Radha-Madhumati gopi forms
1. Lord Gauranga clutched with one hand one of Gadadhara's hand and with His other hand one of Narahari's hand and re-enacted the rasa dance within the courtyard of Srivasa Pandita's house. The assembled devotees saw the Syamasundara Krishna feature in Gauranga's body. Gadadhara manifested the form of Radharani and Narahari became Madhumati gopi. Everyone saw Vrindavana-dhama replete with Gopala Krishna, gopi's and cows appear before them, manifested by the son of Saci.
2. Lord Gauranga is God. God exists.
The argument of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu becoming Lord Balarama
1. One day a voice rumbling from the clouds commanded "give me honey!" At that moment, Gauranga took the form of Balarama. He wore shimmering blue clothes over His body, which appeared like a white mountain. He had wide beautiful lotus eyes. Everyone became amazed and thrilled to see the transcendental form of Lord Balarama.
2. Only God can become one of His other forms and transform to another form again.
3. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists
The argument of the revelation to Murari Gupta and other devotees
1. Once Mahaprabhu embraced Murari, pleased by him. Murari recited a verse from Srimad Bhagvatam (Sudama vipra speaking to Sri Krishna) "I am a poor brahmana andKrishna is the Supreme Personality
of Godhead, full in six opulences. Nonetheless, He has embraced me with His two
arms". After listening to this, Gauranga manifested Himself as the Supreme
Lord, shining like millions of suns. He sat on an asana and said in a sweet
voice "I am the all-blissful Lord - don't think otherwise"
2. Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of curing material and spiritual diseases
1. A demon, Gopala Capala, placed meat and wine outside Srivasa Thakura's door- to accuse being a demigod worshipper. As a result, Gopala Capala contracted a severe case of leprosy. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu told him that it could only be cured by the forgiveness of Srivasa Thakura himself. In due course he was not only cured but joined the sankirtana movement of Mahaprabhu, chanting and dancing with the holy name ofKrishna :
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the divine effulgence and seven days dancing of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu
1. Lord Gauranga danced in divine love in the house of Candrasekhara Acarya for seven days and nights non-stop. The brilliant dancing of the Lord and His associates appeared like the rising of millions of moons. Due to the brilliant effulgence no one could look at it. For seven days Gauranga spread His radiant effulgence in all directions. Day and night were conspicuous by their absence.
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists
The argument of the divine voice proclaiming Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu,Krishna
1. Just when Kesava Bharati was going to give the sannyasa name, a divine voice from the sky proclaimed "Name HimKrishna
Caitanya (Caitanya means consciousness); by the influence of Mahamaya the
consciousness of everyone becomes covered. Gauranga revives the consciousness
of all the devotees of God by making them understand that He Himself is Krishna . That is why Gauranga is (to be) named Sri Krishna
Caitanya."
2. God exists.
The argument of the spiritual vision of a road toll tax collector
1. A wicked toll collector imprisoned the Lord's traveling party. Since they had no money he snatched their blankets and released them. Lord Caitanya wasn't there at that time; He had gone from door to door to collect alms.
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the transforming of Gaura-Gadadhara-Narahari into Their Krishna-Radha-Madhumati gopi forms
1. Lord Gauranga clutched with one hand one of Gadadhara's hand and with His other hand one of Narahari's hand and re-enacted the rasa dance within the courtyard of Srivasa Pandita's house. The assembled devotees saw the Syamasundara Krishna feature in Gauranga's body. Gadadhara manifested the form of Radharani and Narahari became Madhumati gopi. Everyone saw Vrindavana-dhama replete with Gopala Krishna, gopi's and cows appear before them, manifested by the son of Saci.
2. Lord Gauranga is God. God exists.
The argument of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu becoming Lord Balarama
1. One day a voice rumbling from the clouds commanded "give me honey!" At that moment, Gauranga took the form of Balarama. He wore shimmering blue clothes over His body, which appeared like a white mountain. He had wide beautiful lotus eyes. Everyone became amazed and thrilled to see the transcendental form of Lord Balarama.
2. Only God can become one of His other forms and transform to another form again.
3. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists
The argument of the revelation to Murari Gupta and other devotees
1. Once Mahaprabhu embraced Murari, pleased by him. Murari recited a verse from Srimad Bhagvatam (Sudama vipra speaking to Sri Krishna) "I am a poor brahmana and
2. Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of curing material and spiritual diseases
1. A demon, Gopala Capala, placed meat and wine outside Srivasa Thakura's door- to accuse being a demigod worshipper. As a result, Gopala Capala contracted a severe case of leprosy. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu told him that it could only be cured by the forgiveness of Srivasa Thakura himself. In due course he was not only cured but joined the sankirtana movement of Mahaprabhu, chanting and dancing with the holy name of
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the divine effulgence and seven days dancing of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu
1. Lord Gauranga danced in divine love in the house of Candrasekhara Acarya for seven days and nights non-stop. The brilliant dancing of the Lord and His associates appeared like the rising of millions of moons. Due to the brilliant effulgence no one could look at it. For seven days Gauranga spread His radiant effulgence in all directions. Day and night were conspicuous by their absence.
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists
The argument of the divine voice proclaiming Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu,
1. Just when Kesava Bharati was going to give the sannyasa name, a divine voice from the sky proclaimed "Name Him
2. God exists.
The argument of the spiritual vision of a road toll tax collector
1. A wicked toll collector imprisoned the Lord's traveling party. Since they had no money he snatched their blankets and released them. Lord Caitanya wasn't there at that time; He had gone from door to door to collect alms.
2. At night, the Lord appeared in the dream of the chief
toll collector. The Lord in His form as Visnu, Narayana, was lying on the bed
of Ananta in the middle of the milk ocean. Laksmi and Sarasvati were massaging
His feet. The four Kumara's, Lord Brahma and the other demigods stood at a
distance, offering prayers.
3. Then Lord Visnu (Narayana), dressed as a sannyasi, spoke
to the chief tax collector "One of your men has put My devotees into
distress".
4. Seeing this majestic dream perplexed and frightened the
chief toll collector. He awoke abruptly and ran to meet Sri Gaura Narayana
(Lord Caitanya).
5. After offering dandavats he said "You are the Lord
who performs pastimes in the ocean of milk. In order to deliver the living
entities You have appeared in this world and taken sannyasa. You are the moon
illuminating the dense darkness of material existence. You are the ultimate
goal of all Vedic knowledge".
6. Then Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu put His feet on the head of the chief tax collector. Immediately, that man became infused with ecstatic love of God. He jumped up and danced exuberantly with his arms raised high in the sky.
6. Then Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu put His feet on the head of the chief tax collector. Immediately, that man became infused with ecstatic love of God. He jumped up and danced exuberantly with his arms raised high in the sky.
7. Later he gave the devotees new blankets. Then he paid
obeisances to everyone and went home.
8. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of Caitanya Mahaprabhu showing Himself asKrishna
to His mother
1. Mahaprabhu pacified His mother before His taking sannyasa, the renounced order of life: "Please mother, don't be disturbed over meaningless miseries. Don't pay attention to illusion. Everyone must separate and die someday. In due course of time Brahma, the vast ocean and theHimalaya 's
must meet with destruction. In reality, who are you? Who is your son? Why
lament over the false designations of yours and mine? Who is a woman? Who is
one's husband. Krishna is the only real
shelter, friend, father, Absolute Lord, Supreme treasure".
8. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The proof of the Lord’s various incarnations in His previous
lives and now
1. One day Lord Nityananda became absorbed in lamentation as He realized that the Lord Caitanya would take sannyasa.
2. After a while Lord Gauranga took Nityananda by the hand and sat down in a solitary place.
3. The Lord said, “Listen, Nityananda Prabhu! Let Me confidentially reveal My heart to You. I came to deliver the living entities of this world. I could not deliver them, and it appears that I came to destroy them. I began to glorify Lord Hari and His devotees to benefit the residents of Navadvipa. But the result was the opposite—they became more and more entangled in offense. They could not understand the practice of pure devotional service, and they ruined themselves by totally misunderstanding devotional service to Hari. In this way they tightened the knots of their bondage to material existence. Their such degradation resulted from envy of the Supreme Lord and the absence of a service attitude for the devotees of the Supreme Lord. I incarnated to deliver the people of the world, but it appears that I am destroying them. Soon You will see Me shave My head and give up My brahmana thread. I will wander about begging as a sannyasi. I will soon become a beggar at the door of those who have decided to beat Me. Then they will fall at My feet when they see Me, and in this way I will deliver the entire world.
4. Everyone offers obeisances to a sannyasi; no one dares to beat one. Nobody attacks a sannyasi. People consider sannyasis “beggars,” and therefore accept them as candidates for compassion. As a sannyasi, I will soon wander from door to door begging. Let Me see then who beats Me. I have thus revealed My heart to You. I will certainly give up household life. Do not feel distressed because of this. Give Me Your permission to take sannyasa. If You want the world delivered, I hope You will not forbid Me from taking sannyasa.
5. Nityananda said, “O Lord, You are supremely independent. Whatever You desire will certainly take place. Who can tell You what to do or what not to do? Whatever is in Your heart is inevitable. You are the maintainer and Lord of all planets. You know well what is proper for You. You alone know how You will deliver the people of the world. You are independent and full of transcendental bliss, therefore whatever You wish to do will certainly be done. Still You may ask Your servants to see what they have to say. Then do whatever You desire, O Lord, for who can change Your will?”
6. As Nityananda realized that the Lord would leave home, He lost external consciousness and His body was stunned.
7. Realizing how mother Saci would suffer, Lord Nityananda went to a solitary place and continuously cried.
8. After Lord Caitanya told Mukunda his desire to take sannyasa, in great humility, Mukunda Mahasaya said, “O Lord, if You must take sannyasa, then first please perform kirtana a few more days as You have been doing. Then do as You please.”
8. After hearing the appeal of Mukunda, Sri Gaurasundara went to the residence of Gadadhara.
9. Gadadhara respectfully offered his obeisances to the Lord, who said, “Listen to what I have to say. O Gadadhara, I will not remain at home. I will go out to search for Krishna. I will certainly give up My sikha and brahmana thread. After shaving My head, I will go wherever I please.”
10. In distress, Gadadhara said, “O Lord, Your statement is quite puzzling. Are You saying that a grihastha cannot be a Vaishnava and that one attains Krishna by giving up his sikha and brahmana thread? O Lord, is this the benefit of shaving one's head? This is just Your opinion, it is not the opinion of the Vedas. How will You leave Your widowed mother? You will from the outset become responsible for Your mother's death. Is the Supreme Lord not pleased if one stays at home? A householder is liked by everyone. Still, if You are pleased by shaving Your head, then leave if that is what You desire.
11. In this way the Lord personally informed His intimate devotees, “I will give up My sikha and brahmana thread.”
12. When the devotees thought about the Lord shaving off His sikha, they all cried.
13. Someone said, “How will I again make a flower garland to decorate His beautiful curly hair?”
14. Another said, “How will I maintain this sinful life without seeing His nicely bound hair?”
15. Someone slapped his head while saying, “I will no longer smell the divine fragrance of His hair!”
16. Others cried loudly while exclaiming, “Hari! Hari!” In this way the devotees drown in an ocean of distress.
17. The Lord could not tolerate His servants' distress, so He pleasingly solaced everyone. The Lord said, “Why are you all worried? Wherever you are, I am always there. You are all thinking that I will leave you after taking sannyasa. Do not ever think like this. I will never leave you. You are My constant associates, birth after birth. Do not think that we are together only in this birth. As you are always enjoying the happiness of sankirtana with Me in this birth, you were all My associates in My various incarnations in the different yugas. In this way I will incarnate in the two other forms I incarnate along with the kirtana of the Lord's holy names, and I incarnate in the ananda form of the Deity to display My sac-cid-ananda form to those who worship Me. With those two incarnations, you will also joyfully perform kirtana in My association. My sannyasa is meant to teach people, so you should all give up your anxiety.”
18. After speaking in this way, the Lord repeatedly embraced everyone with love.
19. One day as the lotus-eyed Lord was sitting at home, mother Saci began to speak to Him with tears in her eyes.
20. “My dear son, do not leave. Do not leave Your mother. This sinful person is surviving only by looking at Your face. How will I survive without seeing Your lotus eyes, Your moonlike face, Your reddish lips, Your pearly teeth resembling kunda flowers, or Your elephantlike gait? And how will I survive without hearing Your words that shower nectar? Stay at home and happily perform sankirtana in the company of Your followers headed by Advaita and Srivasa, Your intimate companion, Nityananda, and Your dear friends like Gadadhara. You incarnate to preach religious principles, but what kind of religious principle is it to leave Your mother?”
21. Saci was grief-stricken with love as she spoke. As Visvambhara listened, His throat became choked, and He was unable to answer.
22. “Your elder brother has left me, and Your father has gone to Vaikuntha. Yet I forgot all grief by looking at Your face. If You leave me, I will certainly die. My dear Gauranga, it is not proper for You to leave Your widowed mother.”
23. Realizing that His mother would not survive, the Lord took her to a solitary place and spoke some confidential words to her.
24. The Lord said, “O mother, pacify your mind and hear how many lifetimes I have been your son. Hear attentively about your own glories. Sometime in the past your name was Prisni. At that time you were My mother. Later you were in heaven as Aditi. At that time I incarnated as Vamana, and you were My mother. Later you became Devahuti, and I again became your son as Kapila. Then you became Kausalya, and I again became your son as Ramacandra. Then you became Devaki in Mathura, and you were locked up within the prison of the demon Kamsa. At that time you were also My mother. You are that same Devaki, and I am your son. While inaugurating this sankirtana movement, I will soon take two more births as your son. In My form as the Deity, you are My mother as the earth. In My form as the holy names, you are My mother as the tongue.
1. One day Lord Nityananda became absorbed in lamentation as He realized that the Lord Caitanya would take sannyasa.
2. After a while Lord Gauranga took Nityananda by the hand and sat down in a solitary place.
3. The Lord said, “Listen, Nityananda Prabhu! Let Me confidentially reveal My heart to You. I came to deliver the living entities of this world. I could not deliver them, and it appears that I came to destroy them. I began to glorify Lord Hari and His devotees to benefit the residents of Navadvipa. But the result was the opposite—they became more and more entangled in offense. They could not understand the practice of pure devotional service, and they ruined themselves by totally misunderstanding devotional service to Hari. In this way they tightened the knots of their bondage to material existence. Their such degradation resulted from envy of the Supreme Lord and the absence of a service attitude for the devotees of the Supreme Lord. I incarnated to deliver the people of the world, but it appears that I am destroying them. Soon You will see Me shave My head and give up My brahmana thread. I will wander about begging as a sannyasi. I will soon become a beggar at the door of those who have decided to beat Me. Then they will fall at My feet when they see Me, and in this way I will deliver the entire world.
4. Everyone offers obeisances to a sannyasi; no one dares to beat one. Nobody attacks a sannyasi. People consider sannyasis “beggars,” and therefore accept them as candidates for compassion. As a sannyasi, I will soon wander from door to door begging. Let Me see then who beats Me. I have thus revealed My heart to You. I will certainly give up household life. Do not feel distressed because of this. Give Me Your permission to take sannyasa. If You want the world delivered, I hope You will not forbid Me from taking sannyasa.
5. Nityananda said, “O Lord, You are supremely independent. Whatever You desire will certainly take place. Who can tell You what to do or what not to do? Whatever is in Your heart is inevitable. You are the maintainer and Lord of all planets. You know well what is proper for You. You alone know how You will deliver the people of the world. You are independent and full of transcendental bliss, therefore whatever You wish to do will certainly be done. Still You may ask Your servants to see what they have to say. Then do whatever You desire, O Lord, for who can change Your will?”
6. As Nityananda realized that the Lord would leave home, He lost external consciousness and His body was stunned.
7. Realizing how mother Saci would suffer, Lord Nityananda went to a solitary place and continuously cried.
8. After Lord Caitanya told Mukunda his desire to take sannyasa, in great humility, Mukunda Mahasaya said, “O Lord, if You must take sannyasa, then first please perform kirtana a few more days as You have been doing. Then do as You please.”
8. After hearing the appeal of Mukunda, Sri Gaurasundara went to the residence of Gadadhara.
9. Gadadhara respectfully offered his obeisances to the Lord, who said, “Listen to what I have to say. O Gadadhara, I will not remain at home. I will go out to search for Krishna. I will certainly give up My sikha and brahmana thread. After shaving My head, I will go wherever I please.”
10. In distress, Gadadhara said, “O Lord, Your statement is quite puzzling. Are You saying that a grihastha cannot be a Vaishnava and that one attains Krishna by giving up his sikha and brahmana thread? O Lord, is this the benefit of shaving one's head? This is just Your opinion, it is not the opinion of the Vedas. How will You leave Your widowed mother? You will from the outset become responsible for Your mother's death. Is the Supreme Lord not pleased if one stays at home? A householder is liked by everyone. Still, if You are pleased by shaving Your head, then leave if that is what You desire.
11. In this way the Lord personally informed His intimate devotees, “I will give up My sikha and brahmana thread.”
12. When the devotees thought about the Lord shaving off His sikha, they all cried.
13. Someone said, “How will I again make a flower garland to decorate His beautiful curly hair?”
14. Another said, “How will I maintain this sinful life without seeing His nicely bound hair?”
15. Someone slapped his head while saying, “I will no longer smell the divine fragrance of His hair!”
16. Others cried loudly while exclaiming, “Hari! Hari!” In this way the devotees drown in an ocean of distress.
17. The Lord could not tolerate His servants' distress, so He pleasingly solaced everyone. The Lord said, “Why are you all worried? Wherever you are, I am always there. You are all thinking that I will leave you after taking sannyasa. Do not ever think like this. I will never leave you. You are My constant associates, birth after birth. Do not think that we are together only in this birth. As you are always enjoying the happiness of sankirtana with Me in this birth, you were all My associates in My various incarnations in the different yugas. In this way I will incarnate in the two other forms I incarnate along with the kirtana of the Lord's holy names, and I incarnate in the ananda form of the Deity to display My sac-cid-ananda form to those who worship Me. With those two incarnations, you will also joyfully perform kirtana in My association. My sannyasa is meant to teach people, so you should all give up your anxiety.”
18. After speaking in this way, the Lord repeatedly embraced everyone with love.
19. One day as the lotus-eyed Lord was sitting at home, mother Saci began to speak to Him with tears in her eyes.
20. “My dear son, do not leave. Do not leave Your mother. This sinful person is surviving only by looking at Your face. How will I survive without seeing Your lotus eyes, Your moonlike face, Your reddish lips, Your pearly teeth resembling kunda flowers, or Your elephantlike gait? And how will I survive without hearing Your words that shower nectar? Stay at home and happily perform sankirtana in the company of Your followers headed by Advaita and Srivasa, Your intimate companion, Nityananda, and Your dear friends like Gadadhara. You incarnate to preach religious principles, but what kind of religious principle is it to leave Your mother?”
21. Saci was grief-stricken with love as she spoke. As Visvambhara listened, His throat became choked, and He was unable to answer.
22. “Your elder brother has left me, and Your father has gone to Vaikuntha. Yet I forgot all grief by looking at Your face. If You leave me, I will certainly die. My dear Gauranga, it is not proper for You to leave Your widowed mother.”
23. Realizing that His mother would not survive, the Lord took her to a solitary place and spoke some confidential words to her.
24. The Lord said, “O mother, pacify your mind and hear how many lifetimes I have been your son. Hear attentively about your own glories. Sometime in the past your name was Prisni. At that time you were My mother. Later you were in heaven as Aditi. At that time I incarnated as Vamana, and you were My mother. Later you became Devahuti, and I again became your son as Kapila. Then you became Kausalya, and I again became your son as Ramacandra. Then you became Devaki in Mathura, and you were locked up within the prison of the demon Kamsa. At that time you were also My mother. You are that same Devaki, and I am your son. While inaugurating this sankirtana movement, I will soon take two more births as your son. In My form as the Deity, you are My mother as the earth. In My form as the holy names, you are My mother as the tongue.
25. PURPORT: The Deity form of the Lord is made of
substances like clay, while the name of the Lord consists of sound vibration.
So there are two incarnations of Sacinandana—the Deity incarnation and the holy
name incarnation. In Caitanya-caritamrita (Adi 17.22) it is stated: kali-kale
nama-rupe krishna-avatara—“In this Age of Kali, the holy name of the Lord, the
Hare Krishna maha-mantra, is the incarnation of Lord Krishna.” This is the
statement of Gaurasundara.
26. The Deity form of the Lord is nondifferent from the Lord Himself and the holy names. In Caitanya-caritamrita (Madhya 17.131) it is stated: ‘nama', `vigraha', `svarupa'—tina eka-rupa / tine `bheda' nahi,—tina `cid-ananda-rupa'
“The Lord's holy name, His form, and His personality are all one and the same. There is no difference between them. Since all of them are absolute, they are all transcendentally blissful.”
27. Lord Caitanya continued: “In this way You are My mother birth after birth. There is never any separation between you and Me.”
28. After the Lord spoke these most confidential topics, Saci became somewhat pacified.
29. God exists, His name is Lord Caitanya.
26. The Deity form of the Lord is nondifferent from the Lord Himself and the holy names. In Caitanya-caritamrita (Madhya 17.131) it is stated: ‘nama', `vigraha', `svarupa'—tina eka-rupa / tine `bheda' nahi,—tina `cid-ananda-rupa'
“The Lord's holy name, His form, and His personality are all one and the same. There is no difference between them. Since all of them are absolute, they are all transcendentally blissful.”
27. Lord Caitanya continued: “In this way You are My mother birth after birth. There is never any separation between you and Me.”
28. After the Lord spoke these most confidential topics, Saci became somewhat pacified.
29. God exists, His name is Lord Caitanya.
The argument of Caitanya Mahaprabhu showing Himself as
1. Mahaprabhu pacified His mother before His taking sannyasa, the renounced order of life: "Please mother, don't be disturbed over meaningless miseries. Don't pay attention to illusion. Everyone must separate and die someday. In due course of time Brahma, the vast ocean and the
2. Suddenly, she saw He had a syama-complexion resembling a
fresh rain cloud. He wore bright yellow cloth and held a flute. In His
threefold bending form, He stood in Vrindavana surrounded by gopa's, gopi's and
cows.
3. Mahaprabhu is God, God exists
The argument of revelation in the sankirtana party
1. Lord Nityananda and His followers were on naga (town to town) sankirtan chanting dancing from village to village. Suddenly, those who were extremely fortunate saw that Mahaprabhu Gauracandra was dancing in between Lord Nityananda and Lord Advaita.
3. Mahaprabhu is God, God exists
The argument of revelation in the sankirtana party
1. Lord Nityananda and His followers were on naga (town to town) sankirtan chanting dancing from village to village. Suddenly, those who were extremely fortunate saw that Mahaprabhu Gauracandra was dancing in between Lord Nityananda and Lord Advaita.
2. At that time Mahaprabhu Gauracandra had gone to
Jagannatha Puri, hundreds of kilometers south. Seeing this, the demigods
cheered “jaya, jaya”.
3. God exists.
The argument by absence
1. When Lord Sri Gauracandra left Navadvipa theGanges ’
waves stopped dancing.
The Deities became very gloomy.
The trees did not bloom.
The flowers lost their scent.
The bumblebees stopped sucking honey by not sitting on the flowers.
The cuckoos stopped cooing.
The peacocks stopped dancing.
The parrots began crying and would not fly.
The cows stopped grazing.
The animals stopped preying.
2. All pleasure left from the minds of the inhabitants of Navadvipa. Not a word could be heard, only the pitiful sound of crying.
They cried so bitterly that the earth became muddy with their tears.
They practically lost their lives due to separation from Him.
2. God exists.
The argument of the revelation to Lord Nityananda
1. Nityananda became like a madman and exclaimed, "Quickly, bring My horn! The calves have gone far off, andKrishna is
fast asleep and won't come. He is acting like a baby. Where are Subala and
Dama? All alone I cannot go and herd the cows!" Shouting, "Kanai!
Kanai!" Nityananda jumped a few yards.
3. God exists.
The argument by absence
1. When Lord Sri Gauracandra left Navadvipa the
The Deities became very gloomy.
The trees did not bloom.
The flowers lost their scent.
The bumblebees stopped sucking honey by not sitting on the flowers.
The cuckoos stopped cooing.
The peacocks stopped dancing.
The parrots began crying and would not fly.
The cows stopped grazing.
The animals stopped preying.
2. All pleasure left from the minds of the inhabitants of Navadvipa. Not a word could be heard, only the pitiful sound of crying.
They cried so bitterly that the earth became muddy with their tears.
They practically lost their lives due to separation from Him.
2. God exists.
The argument of the revelation to Lord Nityananda
1. Nityananda became like a madman and exclaimed, "Quickly, bring My horn! The calves have gone far off, and
2. Seeing His state, the devotees immediately supplicated at
Nityananda's feet, "O Prabhu Nityananda, Your brother, Gauracandra is no
longer here. He has taken sannyasa and gone to Nilacala, leaving us poor
beggars."
3. Upon hearing those words, Nityananda became dejected and
fell to the ground crying, "You have put us in such sorrow, Kanai, My
brother! You have taken sannyasa, gone to Nilacala, and left us. I will not
continue My life. I will jump in the Yamuna
River
4. Saying this, Sri Nityananda lost consciousness. Sensing
Nityananda Prabhu's elevated state of spiritual emotion, they began to chant
the holy name. After two hours had passed, Nityananda still did not rise.
Finally, when the devotees began chanting the glories of Gauranga, Nitai awoke.
5. "This is the place of Radha-kunda!" He exclaimed. "Here in the afternoon, Gaurahari would perform kirtana with His associates. Look at the brilliance of Syama-kunda, which attracts the minds of everyone in the universe! And look, here and there are the sakhis' groves. In the afternoon, Gauranga would become immersed in singingKrishna 's
glories and satisfy all by distributing prema. Know that in the three worlds
there is no equal to this place, where the devotees worship the Lord. Whoever
lives here will get love of God, which will soothe the burning fire of material
life."
5. "This is the place of Radha-kunda!" He exclaimed. "Here in the afternoon, Gaurahari would perform kirtana with His associates. Look at the brilliance of Syama-kunda, which attracts the minds of everyone in the universe! And look, here and there are the sakhis' groves. In the afternoon, Gauranga would become immersed in singing
6. That day the devotees stayed there and drowned in love of
God as they called out Gauranga's name. Staying there in Rtudvipa, they passed
the whole day and night worshiping the moonlike Lord Caitanya.
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu seeing God, Krishna and another's of God's forms, Jaggannatha
1. Traveling to Jaggannatha Puri, Lord Caitanya saw in the distance the beautifultemple
of Lord Jaggannatha
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu seeing God, Krishna and another's of God's forms, Jaggannatha
1. Traveling to Jaggannatha Puri, Lord Caitanya saw in the distance the beautiful
2. Lord Gauranga saw an attractive boy standing on top of
the temple. Moving His fingers up and down, that boy was calling the Lord
forward. His complexion was brighter then a blue sapphire, enchanting the three
worlds. He had a smiling face and an incomparably gorgeous body made of nectar.
He was holding a flute in His left hand.
3. Coming closer to the Jaggannatha temple Lord Jaggannatha
(the Lord of the universe) extended His long arms and appeared before Lord
Caitanya. He called "Come, Come to Me". Lord Caitanya became stunned
to see the Lord and rolled on the ground saying "Oh Lord Jaggannatha, You
are so merciful to show Yourself to Me".
4. Lord Gauranga cried loudly when Lord Jaggannatha suddenly disappeared. Then Nilacala-Candra, Lord Jaggannatha reappeared and Lord Caitanya burst into joy.
5. God exists.
The argument of the vision of the greatest priest and scholar ofIndia ,
Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya.
1. Before entering thetemple
of Lord Jaggannatha
4. Lord Gauranga cried loudly when Lord Jaggannatha suddenly disappeared. Then Nilacala-Candra, Lord Jaggannatha reappeared and Lord Caitanya burst into joy.
5. God exists.
The argument of the vision of the greatest priest and scholar of
1. Before entering the
2. Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya was astounded to see the
splendid beauty of Gauranga.
The Lord's body was molten gold glowing like a million moons. The sandelwood pulp tilaka on His forehead was dazzling, His red cloth resembled the rising sun. He had all the auspicious signs of a great personality.
Sarvabhauma wondered "I have never seen such an indescribably, unusually beautiful person. There is no demigod to compare with Him. The Lord of the spiritual world (Vaikuntha) must be standing before me".
3. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the statement of Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya
1. Mahaprabhu debated with Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya the incarnation of Brhaspati, the spiritual teacher of the demigods. Awestruck, the Bhattacarya realized that no earthly creature could possibly articulate such explanations, and that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was indeed God incarnate. The Bhattacarya humbly surrendered Himself.
The Lord's body was molten gold glowing like a million moons. The sandelwood pulp tilaka on His forehead was dazzling, His red cloth resembled the rising sun. He had all the auspicious signs of a great personality.
Sarvabhauma wondered "I have never seen such an indescribably, unusually beautiful person. There is no demigod to compare with Him. The Lord of the spiritual world (Vaikuntha) must be standing before me".
3. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the statement of Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya
1. Mahaprabhu debated with Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya the incarnation of Brhaspati, the spiritual teacher of the demigods. Awestruck, the Bhattacarya realized that no earthly creature could possibly articulate such explanations, and that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was indeed God incarnate. The Bhattacarya humbly surrendered Himself.
2. First, Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu revealed His four-armed
form as Narayana the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the Lord of the spiritual
and material world.
3. He then displayed a very confidential six-armed form
revealing Krishna 's two arms playing on His
flute, Ramacandra's two arms with bow and arrow and His own two arms, carrying
the staff of renunciation and the waterpot.
4. Finally, He bestowed upon the Bhattacarya a vision of His
original two-armed form as Krishna .
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the spiritual vision in a dream of Gopala Bhatta Gosvami
1. Gopala Bhatta Gosvami saw Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in His pre-sannyasi days, in a spiritual dream. Gopala Bhatta visualized the entire Navadvipa (Mahaprabhu's town of birth) and actually entered into it as a participant.
Mahaprabhu revealed to Gopala Bhatta Gosvami that He was non different from Syamasundara, Vrajendra Nandana, the original two-armed form of Krishna, playing on His flute: He appeared in the two armed Krishna form and then transformed Himself back into His form of Sri Caitanya.
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the spiritual vision in a dream of Gopala Bhatta Gosvami
1. Gopala Bhatta Gosvami saw Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in His pre-sannyasi days, in a spiritual dream. Gopala Bhatta visualized the entire Navadvipa (Mahaprabhu's town of birth) and actually entered into it as a participant.
Mahaprabhu revealed to Gopala Bhatta Gosvami that He was non different from Syamasundara, Vrajendra Nandana, the original two-armed form of Krishna, playing on His flute: He appeared in the two armed Krishna form and then transformed Himself back into His form of Sri Caitanya.
2. Mahaprabhu instructed him: "You will meet two
jewel-like persons, Rupa Gosvami and Sanatana Gosvami. I have given them my
teachings. By your disciples, especially these teachings will spread to every
town and village.
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of theKrishna deity becoming Sri
Caitanya Mahaprabhu
1. Gopala Bhatta was worshiping a Krishna Deity named Radha Ramana. Remembering once that he had promised his father that he would worship Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's deity he began to feel a lack of chastity in worshiping his Radha Ramanna Deity. Then the deity manifested His feature as Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Gopala Bhatta once again realized Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's identity asKrishna .
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the revelation to the king Prataparudra
1. One day when the king Prataparudra was looking at the Lord Jaggannatha Deity, he saw the Lord had become Lord Caitanya, the greatest of the sannyasis. Lord Caitanya was sitting on the sitting place (asana) of Lord Jaggannatha. The pujari (the priest doing the worship) saw Lord Jaggannatha (and not the transformation).
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the
1. Gopala Bhatta was worshiping a Krishna Deity named Radha Ramana. Remembering once that he had promised his father that he would worship Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's deity he began to feel a lack of chastity in worshiping his Radha Ramanna Deity. Then the deity manifested His feature as Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Gopala Bhatta once again realized Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's identity as
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the revelation to the king Prataparudra
1. One day when the king Prataparudra was looking at the Lord Jaggannatha Deity, he saw the Lord had become Lord Caitanya, the greatest of the sannyasis. Lord Caitanya was sitting on the sitting place (asana) of Lord Jaggannatha. The pujari (the priest doing the worship) saw Lord Jaggannatha (and not the transformation).
2. The next time the king took darsana (view) of Lord
Jaggannatha, he again saw Lord Caitanya instead of Lord Jaggannatha. The Lord
looked effulgent like the golden mountain Sumeru. The king became convinced
that Lord Jaggannatha had now incarnated as a sannyasi.
3. The king went to meet Lord Caitanya. Paying obeisances to
the Lord, the king was overcome with emotions. Suddenly, Lord Caitanya
manifested a wonderful six-armed form to the king. This was one form in which
there were the qualities of Lord Rama, Lord Krishna and Lord Caitanya.
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the revelation to Ramananda Raya
1. Lord Caitanya paid a visit to Ramananda Raya, a governor-king. Ramananda Raya was worshiping His deity so the gatekeeper informed Lord Caitanya that he couldn't inform the king of the Lord's arrival.
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the revelation to Ramananda Raya
1. Lord Caitanya paid a visit to Ramananda Raya, a governor-king. Ramananda Raya was worshiping His deity so the gatekeeper informed Lord Caitanya that he couldn't inform the king of the Lord's arrival.
2. Smiling within, the Lord ignored the gatekeeper and
walked into the palace to personally meet the king. While the king meditated on
His Krishna Deity, within his mind he saw the form of Gaurancandra, Lord
Caitanya instead. So he chanted the maha-mantra and started meditating again.
Again he saw Gauracandra instead of Krishna .
With firm determination the king started meditating again. Yet again,
Gauracandra appeared within his heart.
2. Suddenly, opening his eyes, he saw Gaurancandra, the best
among the sannyasis, standing right before him. The king stood up and
respectfully worshiped Lord Caitanya.
3. Next, the Lord manifested His golden form instead of the
white Krishna Deity form of the Lord.
4. Giving up His golden form, Gauranga, Lord Caitanya
assumed the form of Krishna with a
bluish-black complexion, He held a flute and had a peacock feather on His head.
He was adorned with divine ornaments and a beautiful forest garland.
5. Then in an instant the Lord reappeared as the golden Lord
Gauranga.
6. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists
The argument of Mahaprabhu's revelation of Himself as
Radha-Krishna
1. After a spiritual discussion with His devotee Ramananda Raya, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu revealed His essential ontological form as a combination of Radha andKrishna . He is Krishna
with the bhava (emotion) and dhyuti (effulgence) of Sri Radha.
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
1. After a spiritual discussion with His devotee Ramananda Raya, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu revealed His essential ontological form as a combination of Radha and
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of inducing lions, tigers, elephants and
monkeys to sing Krishna's names in their respective tongues.
1. When Mahaprabhu travelled through the dense forest jungle of Jharikhanda He made all the animals- tigers, elephants, monkeys, deers- chant and dance together on the holy names ofKrishna
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the expansions during the Ratha yatra
1. At the annual Ratha-Yatra car festival of Lord Jagannatha, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu divided the thousands of devotees into seven parties. In each group their chanting was of Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/ Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare, accompanied with many musical instruments and dancing in ecstasy. Suddenly His devotees saw Lord Caitanya simultaneously appear in the seven different chanting parties, gracefully dancing and chanting through the seven crowds.
2. God exists.
The argument of Mahaprabhu’s revelation to Maharaja Prataparudra
1. After the annual Ratha-Yatra festival for Lord Jagannatha, the king of the area came to meet Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Mahaprabhu was so pleased with him that He displayed some of His divine opulences to the king revealing His identity as God.
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists
The argument of the statements of the teachers
1. The words of Prabodhananda Sarasvati: "I praise the Supreme Lord in the form of Lord Caitanya, who, crossing the limits of Godhead, appeared in the form of a devotee to generously help the living entity relishKrishna .
He appeared in the supreme abode Navadvipa-dhama for bestowing on the living
entities the sweet nectarean stream of His own pure prema."
Srila Vrndavana dasa Thakura says: "With the eternal devotees and eternal Bhaktidevi, in the eternal dhama, I eternally worship the one Absolute Truth, brahma sutram, the essence of Godhead, eternally appearing in the form of Nityananda Prabhu, Advaita Prabhu, and Caitanya Mahaprabhu."
Meditation on Navadvipa-dhama, Srila Rupa Gosvami:
”On the banks of theGanges are the most
excellent flowering trees and creepers, and in her waters are rows of waves.
Gentle refreshing breezes blow over her surface, and bees gather amongst
clusters of the pink and yellow lotuses. The stairs leading to her waters are
inlaid with rare jewels. She is overcome with ecstasy, having been touched by
the dust pollen from the Lord's lotus feet. On a beautiful stretch of golden
land on the banks of the Ganges , is situated
the all-auspicious Navadvipa-dhama, flooded with the Lord's bliss. This place
is most enchanting being always served by great devotees and filled with
various flowers, fruits, creepers, and trees.
Throughout Navadvipa, colorful birds enchant the mind and ear with their songs. Within Navadvipa are the pleasant courtyards of the brahmanas, large groves, and beautiful stages and parks. The great devotees, motivated by pure love, perform great festivals of worship, and effulgent forms of Sri Krishna reside in every house. In Navadvipa is situated Gaurasundara's blissful house. The golden gates and walls shine
more brilliant than the sun. Within is the Lord's room; in front of that is a kirtana area; and in their respective places are the kitchen, dining area, bedrooms, upper rooms, and room of the Lord's consort. In this house is a spotless canopy and a temple wonderfully adorned with moonstones. The temple has four doorways with eight doors effulgent with inlaid jewels. There are nine domes topped by jeweled kalasas, or pinnacles, on the golden roof. The temple is decorated throughout with diamonds, moonstones, strings of pearls, and various other jewels which are produced from pure devotion and shine with a golden effulgence. Within the temple are six corners with the syllables of the mantra engraved in gold and jewels. In the central of this yantra is the turtle-shaped Yogapitha standing like the stamen in the center of a lotus flower. On top of this, beneath an umbrella, shines a lotuslike sinhasana with petals as pure white as ether, sunshine, and camphor. The sides and bottom of the sinhasana are made of rubies, the legs are sapphire, and the back, which glitters with huge pearls and exquisite gems, is made of vaidurya gems. It is furnished with soft pillows covered with the finest cloth and a cloth-covered cushion filled with soft cotton. The sinhasana is on a golden platform decorated with eight corners on which the eight syllables of the gaura-mantra are inscribed for meditation on the Supreme Lord.”
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the revelation to Srila Jiva Govsvami
1. "O Lord Gauranga, will I ever be able to see Your golden jewel-like figure here?" Jiva repeatedly called out. At that time, Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu's kirtana party became visible before his eyes. Nectar was defeated by the beautiful form of Gauranga, who then began dancing. Then Sri Nityananda Prabhu, along with Sri Advaita Prabhu and all the other devotees, began to sing Gauranga's glories. The sound of mrdangas and karatalas joined in as that sweet display of sankirtana manifested.
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
1. When Mahaprabhu travelled through the dense forest jungle of Jharikhanda He made all the animals- tigers, elephants, monkeys, deers- chant and dance together on the holy names of
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the expansions during the Ratha yatra
1. At the annual Ratha-Yatra car festival of Lord Jagannatha, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu divided the thousands of devotees into seven parties. In each group their chanting was of Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/ Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare, accompanied with many musical instruments and dancing in ecstasy. Suddenly His devotees saw Lord Caitanya simultaneously appear in the seven different chanting parties, gracefully dancing and chanting through the seven crowds.
2. God exists.
The argument of Mahaprabhu’s revelation to Maharaja Prataparudra
1. After the annual Ratha-Yatra festival for Lord Jagannatha, the king of the area came to meet Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Mahaprabhu was so pleased with him that He displayed some of His divine opulences to the king revealing His identity as God.
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists
The argument of the statements of the teachers
1. The words of Prabodhananda Sarasvati: "I praise the Supreme Lord in the form of Lord Caitanya, who, crossing the limits of Godhead, appeared in the form of a devotee to generously help the living entity relish
Srila Vrndavana dasa Thakura says: "With the eternal devotees and eternal Bhaktidevi, in the eternal dhama, I eternally worship the one Absolute Truth, brahma sutram, the essence of Godhead, eternally appearing in the form of Nityananda Prabhu, Advaita Prabhu, and Caitanya Mahaprabhu."
Meditation on Navadvipa-dhama, Srila Rupa Gosvami:
”On the banks of the
Throughout Navadvipa, colorful birds enchant the mind and ear with their songs. Within Navadvipa are the pleasant courtyards of the brahmanas, large groves, and beautiful stages and parks. The great devotees, motivated by pure love, perform great festivals of worship, and effulgent forms of Sri Krishna reside in every house. In Navadvipa is situated Gaurasundara's blissful house. The golden gates and walls shine
more brilliant than the sun. Within is the Lord's room; in front of that is a kirtana area; and in their respective places are the kitchen, dining area, bedrooms, upper rooms, and room of the Lord's consort. In this house is a spotless canopy and a temple wonderfully adorned with moonstones. The temple has four doorways with eight doors effulgent with inlaid jewels. There are nine domes topped by jeweled kalasas, or pinnacles, on the golden roof. The temple is decorated throughout with diamonds, moonstones, strings of pearls, and various other jewels which are produced from pure devotion and shine with a golden effulgence. Within the temple are six corners with the syllables of the mantra engraved in gold and jewels. In the central of this yantra is the turtle-shaped Yogapitha standing like the stamen in the center of a lotus flower. On top of this, beneath an umbrella, shines a lotuslike sinhasana with petals as pure white as ether, sunshine, and camphor. The sides and bottom of the sinhasana are made of rubies, the legs are sapphire, and the back, which glitters with huge pearls and exquisite gems, is made of vaidurya gems. It is furnished with soft pillows covered with the finest cloth and a cloth-covered cushion filled with soft cotton. The sinhasana is on a golden platform decorated with eight corners on which the eight syllables of the gaura-mantra are inscribed for meditation on the Supreme Lord.”
2. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
The argument of the revelation to Srila Jiva Govsvami
1. "O Lord Gauranga, will I ever be able to see Your golden jewel-like figure here?" Jiva repeatedly called out. At that time, Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu's kirtana party became visible before his eyes. Nectar was defeated by the beautiful form of Gauranga, who then began dancing. Then Sri Nityananda Prabhu, along with Sri Advaita Prabhu and all the other devotees, began to sing Gauranga's glories. The sound of mrdangas and karatalas joined in as that sweet display of sankirtana manifested.
2. Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is God. God exists.
Lord Ramacandra
The proof of scheduled incarnations
1. Due to His causeless mercy upon all living entities within the universe, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, along with His plenary extensions, appeared in the family of Maharaja Ikshvaku as the Lord of His internal potency, Sita. Under the order of His father, Maharaja Dasaratha, He entered the forest and lived there for considerable years with His wife and younger brother. Ravana, who was very materially powerful, with ten heads on his shoulders, committed a great offense against Him and was thus ultimately vanquished.
2. Lord Rama is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and His brothers, namely Bharata, Lakshmana and Satrughna, are His plenary expansions. All four brothers are vishnu-tattva and were never ordinary human beings. There are many unscrupulous and ignorant commentators on Ramayana who present the younger brothers of Lord Ramacandra as ordinary living entities. But here in the Srimad-Bhagavatam, the most authentic scripture on the science of Godhead, it is clearly stated that His brothers were His plenary expansions. Originally Lord Ramacandra is the incarnation of Vasudeva, Lakshmana is the incarnation of Sankarshana, Bharata is the incarnation of Pradyumna, and Satrughna is the incarnation of Aniruddha, expansions of the Personality of Godhead. Lakshmiji Sita is the internal potency of the Lord and is neither an ordinary woman nor the external potency incarnation of Durga. Durga is the external potency of the Lord, and she is associated with Lord Siva.
As stated in the Bhagavad-gita (4.7), the Lord appears when there are discrepancies in the discharge of factual religion. Lord Ramacandra also appeared under the same circumstances, accompanied by His brothers, who are expansions of the Lord's internal potency, and by Lakshmiji Sitadevi.
Lord Ramacandra was ordered by His father, Maharaja Dasaratha, to leave home for the forest under awkward circumstances, and the Lord, as the ideal son of His father, carried out the order, even on the occasion of His being declared the King of Ayodhya. One of His younger brothers, Lakshmanaji, desired to go with Him, and so also His eternal wife, Sitaji, desired to go with Him. The Lord agreed to both of them, and all together they entered the Dandakaranya Forest, to live there for fourteen years. During their stay in the forest, there was some quarrel between Ramacandra and Ravana, and the latter kidnapped the Lord's wife, Sita. The quarrel ended in the vanquishing of the greatly powerful Ravana, along with all his kingdom and family.
Sita is Lakshmiji, or the goddess of fortune, but she is never to be enjoyed by any living being. She is meant for being worshiped by the living being along with her husband, Sri Ramacandra. A materialistic man like Ravana does not understand this great truth, but on the contrary he wants to snatch Sitadevi from the custody of Rama and thus incurs great miseries. The materialists, who are after opulence and material prosperity, may take lessons from the Ramayana that the policy of exploiting the nature of the Lord without acknowledging the supremacy of the Supreme Lord is the policy of Ravana. Ravana was very advanced materially, so much so that he turned his kingdom, Lanka, into pure gold, or full material wealth. But because he did not recognize the supremacy of Lord Ramacandra and defied Him by stealing His wife, Sita, Ravana was killed, and all his opulence and power were destroyed.
Lord Ramacandra is a full incarnation with six opulences in full, and He is therefore mentioned in this verse as kalesah, or master of all opulence.
3. God exists.
The proof of the tattva-darshis (seers of the truth)
1. The transcendental activities of Lord Ramacandra have been described by great saintly persons who have seen the truth. Because you have heard again and again about Lord Ramacandra, the husband of mother Sita, I shall describe these activities only in brief. Please listen.
2. Modern Rakshasas, posing as educationally advanced merely because they have doctorates, have tried to prove that Lord Ramacandra is not the Supreme Personality of Godhead but an ordinary person. But those who are learned and spiritually advanced will never accept such notions; they will accept the descriptions of Lord Ramacandra and His activities only as presented by tattva-darsis, those who know the Absolute Truth. In Bhagavad-gita (4.34) the Supreme Personality of Godhead advises:
tad viddhi pranipatena
pariprasnena sevaya
upadekshyanti te jnanam
jnaninas tattva-darsinah
"Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth." Unless one is tattva-darsi, in complete knowledge of the Absolute Truth, one cannot describe the activities of the Personality of Godhead. Therefore although there are many so-called Ramayanas, or histories of Lord Ramacandra's activities, some of them are not actually authoritative. Sometimes Lord Ramacandra's activities are described in terms of one's own imaginations, speculations or material sentiments. But the characteristics of Lord Ramacandra should not be handled as something imaginary. While describing the history of Lord Ramacandra, Sukadeva Gosvami told Maharaja Parikshit, "You have already heard about the activities of Lord Ramacandra." Apparently, therefore, five thousand years ago there were many Ramayanas, or histories of Lord Ramacandra's activities, and there are many still. But we must select only those books written by tattva-darsis (jnaninas tattva-darsinah [Bg. 4.34]), not the books of so-called scholars who claim knowledge only on the basis of a doctorate. This is a warning by Sukadeva Gosvami. Rishibhis tattva-darsibhih. Although the Ramayana composed by Valmiki is a huge literature, the same activities are summarized here by Sukadeva Gosvami in a few verses.
3. God whose name is Sri Rama exists.
The proof of Sita’s marriage ceremony and the defeat of Lord Parasurama
1. O King, the pastimes of Lord Ramacandra were wonderful, like those of a baby elephant. In the assembly where mother Sita was to choose her husband, in the midst of the heroes of this world, He broke the bow belonging to Lord Siva. This bow was so heavy that it was carried by three hundred men, but Lord Ramacandra bent and strung it and broke it in the middle, just as a baby elephant breaks a stick of sugarcane. Thus the Lord achieved the hand of mother Sita, who was equally as endowed with transcendental qualities of form, beauty, behavior, age and nature. Indeed, she was the goddess of fortune who constantly rests on the chest of the Lord.
2. God whose name is Sri Rama exists.
The proof of Lord Rama being worshiped and His uncommon activities
1. Lord Ramacandra, whose lotus feet are worshiped by Lord Brahma and Lord Siva, had assumed the form of a human being. Thus He performed the funeral ceremony of Jatayu, who was killed by Ravana. The Lord then killed the demon named Kabandha, and after making friends with the monkey chiefs, killing Vali and arranging for the deliverance of mother Sita, He went to the beach of the ocean.
2. After reaching the beach, Lord Ramacandra fasted for three days, awaiting the arrival of the ocean personified. When the ocean did not come, the Lord exhibited His pastimes of anger, and simply by His glancing over the ocean, all the living entities within it, including the crocodiles and sharks, were agitated by fear. Then the personified ocean fearfully approached Lord Ramacandra, taking all paraphernalia to worship Him. Falling at the Lord's lotus feet, the personified ocean spoke as follows.
3. O all-pervading Supreme Person, we are dull-minded and did not understand who You are, but now we understand that You are the Supreme Person, the master of the entire universe, the unchanging and original Personality of Godhead. The demigods are infatuated with the mode of goodness, the Prajapatis with the mode of passion, and the lord of ghosts with the mode of ignorance, but You are the master of all these qualities.
4. My Lord, You may use my water as You like. Indeed, You may cross it and go to the abode of Ravana, who is the great source of disturbance and crying for the three worlds. He is the son of Visrava, but is condemned like urine. Please go kill him and thus regain Your wife, Sitadevi. O great hero, although my water presents no impediment to Your going to Lanka, please construct a bridge over it to spread Your transcendental fame. Upon seeing this wonderfully uncommon deed of Your Lordship, all the great heroes and kings in the future will glorify You.
5. One feature of the Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Ramacandra is omnipotence. The Lord can act without regard to material impediments or inconveniences, but to prove that He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and was not merely advertised as Godhead or elected by popular vote, He constructed a wonderful bridge over the ocean. Nowadays it has become fashionable to create some artificial God who performs no uncommon activities; a little magic will bewilder a foolish person into selecting an artificial God because he does not understand how powerful God is. Lord Ramacandra, however, constructed a bridge over the water with stone by making the stone float. This is proof of God's uncommonly wonderful power. Why should someone be accepted as God without displaying extraordinary potency by doing something never to be done by any common man? We accept Lord Ramacandra as the Supreme Personality of Godhead because He constructed this bridge, and we accept Lord Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead because He lifted Govardhana Hill when He was only seven years old. We should not accept any rascal as God or an incarnation of God, for God displays special features in His various activities. Therefore, the Lord Himself says in Bhagavad-gita (4.9):
janma karma ca me divyam
evam yo vetti tattvatah
tyaktva deham punar janma
naiti mam eti so 'rjuna
"One who knows the transcendental nature of My appearance and activities does not, upon leaving the body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna." The activities of the Lord are not common; they are all transcendentally wonderful and not able to be performed by any other living being. The symptoms of the Lord's activities are all mentioned in the sastras, and after one understands them one can accept the Lord as He is.
6. After constructing a bridge over the ocean by throwing into the water the peaks of mountains whose trees and other vegetation had been shaken by the hands of great monkeys, Lord Ramacandra went to Lanka to release Sitadevi from the clutches of Ravana. With the direction and help of Vibhishana, Ravana's brother, the Lord, along with the monkey soldiers, headed by Sugriva, Nila and Hanuman, entered Ravana's kingdom, Lanka, which had previously been burnt by Hanuman.
7. Great mountain peaks covered with trees and plants were thrown into the sea by the monkey soldiers and began to float by the supreme will of the Lord. By the supreme will of the Lord, many great planets float weightlessly in space like swabs of cotton. If this is possible, why should great mountain peaks not be able to float on water? This is the omnipotence of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He can do anything and everything He likes, because He is not under the control of the material nature; indeed, material nature is controlled by Him. Mayadhyakshena prakritih suyate sacaracaram: [Bg. 9.10] only under His direction does prakriti, or material nature, work. Similar information is given in the Brahma-samhita (5.52):
yasyajnaya bhramati sambhrita-kala-cakro
govindam adi-purusham tam aham bhajami
Describing how material nature works, the Brahma-samhita says that the sun moves as desired by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Consequently, for Lord Ramacandra to construct a bridge over the Indian Ocean with the help of monkey soldiers who threw great mountain peaks into the water is not at all wonderful; it is wonderful only in the sense that it has kept the name and fame of Lord Ramacandra eternally celebrated.
8. God whose name is Sri Rama exists.
The proof of victory and defeat under Lord Rama
1. After entering Lanka, the monkey soldiers, led by chiefs like Sugriva, Nila and Hanuman, occupied all the sporting houses, granaries, treasuries, palace doorways, city gates, assembly houses, palace frontages and even the resting houses of the pigeons. When the city's crossroads, platforms, flags and golden waterpots on its domes were all destroyed, the entire city of Lanka appeared like a river disturbed by a herd of elephants.
2. When Ravana, the master of the Rakshasas, saw the disturbances created by the monkey soldiers, he called for Nikumbha, Kumbha, Dhumraksha, Durmukha, Surantaka, Narantaka and other Rakshasas and also his son Indrajit. Thereafter he called for Prahasta, Atikaya, Vikampana and finally Kumbhakarna. Then he induced all his followers to fight against the enemies.
3. Lord Ramacandra, surrounded by Lakshmana and monkey soldiers like Sugriva, Hanuman, Gandhamada, Nila, Angada, Jambavan and Panasa, attacked the soldiers of the Rakshasas, who were fully equipped with various invincible weapons like swords, lances, bows, prasas, rishtis, sakti arrows, khadgas and tomaras.
4. Angada and the other commanders of the soldiers of Ramacandra faced the elephants, infantry, horses and chariots of the enemy and hurled against them big trees, mountain peaks, clubs and arrows. Thus the soldiers of Lord Ramacandra killed Ravana's soldiers, who had lost all good fortune because Ravana had been condemned by the anger of mother Sita.
5. The soldiers Lord Ramacandra recruited in the jungle were all monkeys and did not have proper equipment with which to fight the soldiers of Ravana, for Ravana's soldiers were equipped with weapons of modern warfare whereas the monkeys could only throw stones, mountain peaks and trees. It was only Lord Ramacandra and Lakshmana who shot some arrows. But because the soldiers of Ravana were condemned by the curse of mother Sita, the monkeys were able to kill them simply by throwing stones and trees. There are two kinds of strength—daiva and purushakara. Daiva refers to the strength achieved from the Transcendence, and purushakara refers to the strength organized by one's own intelligence and power. Transcendental power is always superior to the power of the materialist. Depending on the mercy of the Supreme Lord, one must fight one's enemies even though one may not be equipped with modern weapons. Therefore Krishna instructed Arjuna, mam anusmara yudhya ca: [Bg. 8.7] "Think of Me and fight." We should fight our enemy to the best of our ability, but for victory we must depend on the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
6. God whose name is Sri Rama, who controls victory and defeat, exists.
The proof of The Divine Order; the irreligious are finally punished by God directly or His laws of nature
1. When Ravana, the king of the Rakshasas, observed that his soldiers had been lost, he was extremely angry. Thus he mounted his airplane, which was decorated with flowers, and proceeded toward Lord Ramacandra, who sat on the effulgent chariot brought by Matali, the chariot driver of Indra. Then Ravana struck Lord Ramacandra with sharp arrows.
2. Na ca daivat param balam: no one can surpass the strength of the Transcendence. Ravana was so sinful and shameless that he did not know what the result would be of kidnapping mother Sita, the pleasure potency of Ramacandra. This is the disqualification of the Rakshasas. Asatyam apratishtham te jagad ahur anisvaram [Bg. 16.8]. The Rakshasas are unaware that the Supreme Lord is the ruler of the creation. They think that everything has come about by chance or accident and that there is no ruler, king or controller. Therefore the Rakshasas act independently, as they like, going even so far as to kidnap the goddess of fortune. This policy of Ravana's is extremely dangerous for the materialist; indeed, it brings ruin to the materialistic civilization. Nonetheless, because atheists are Rakshasas, they dare to do things that are most abominable, and thus they are punished without fail. Religion consists of the orders of the Supreme Lord, and one who carries out these orders is religious. One who fails to carry out the Lord's orders is irreligious, and he is to be punished.
3. After thus rebuking Ravana, Lord Ramacandra fixed an arrow to His bow, aimed at Ravana, and released the arrow, which pierced Ravana's heart like a thunderbolt. Upon seeing this, Ravana's followers raised a tumultuous sound, crying, "Alas! Alas! What has happened? What has happened?" as Ravana, vomiting blood from his ten mouths, fell from his airplane, just as a pious man falls to earth from the heavenly planets when the results of his pious activities are exhausted.
4. In Bhagavad-gita (9.21) it is said, kshine punye martya-lokam visanti: "When the results of their pious activities are exhausted, those who have enjoyed in the heavenly planets fall again to earth." The fruitive activities of this material world are such that whether one acts piously or impiously one must remain within the material world according to different conditions, for neither pious nor impious actions can relieve one from maya's clutches of repeated birth and death. Somehow or other, Ravana was raised to an exalted position as the king of a great kingdom with all material opulences, but because of his sinful act of kidnapping mother Sita, all the results of his pious activities were destroyed. If one offends an exalted personality, especially the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one certainly becomes most abominable; bereft of the results of pious activities, one must fall down like Ravana and other demons. It is therefore advised that one transcend both pious and impious activities and remain in the pure state of freedom from all designations (sarvopadhi-vinirmuktam tat-paratvena nirmalam [Cc. Madhya 19.170]). When one is fixed in devotional service, he is above the material platform. On the material platform there are higher and lower positions, but when one is above the material platform he is always fixed in a spiritual position (sa gunan samatityaitan brahma-bhuyaya kalpate [Bg. 14.26]). Ravana or those like him may be very powerful and opulent in this material world, but theirs is not a secure position, because, after all, they are bound by the results of their karma (karmana daiva-netrena [SB 3.31.1]). We should not forget that we are completely dependent on the laws of nature.
prakriteh kriyamanani
gunaih karmani sarvasah
ahankara-vimudhatma
kartaham iti manyate
"The bewildered spirit soul, under the influence of the three modes of material nature, thinks himself the doer of activities that are in actuality carried out by nature." (Bg. 3.27) One should not be proud of one's exalted position and act like Ravana, thinking oneself independent of material nature's laws.
6. God whose name is Sri Rama, who is the controller of The Divine Order, exists.
The proof of the demigods glorifying Lord Rama as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
1. After giving Vibhishana the power to rule the Rakshasa population of Lanka for the duration of one kalpa, Lord Ramacandra, the Supreme Personality of Godhead [Bhagavan], placed Sitadevi on an airplane decorated with flowers and then got on the plane Himself. The period for His living in the forest having ended, the Lord returned to Ayodhya, accompanied by Hanuman, Sugriva and His brother Lakshmana.
2. When Lord Ramacandra returned to His capital, Ayodhya, He was greeted on the road by the princely order, who showered His body with beautiful, fragrant flowers, while great personalities like Lord Brahma and other demigods glorified the activities of the Lord in great jubilation.
3. Even the demigods glorify Lord Rama and considered Him to be higher than themselves, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
4. God to who everybody prays even the demigods and sages and whose name is Sri Rama exists.
The proof of the perfect Ruler
1. Being pleased by the full surrender and submission of Lord Bharata, Lord Ramacandra then accepted the throne of the state. He cared for the citizens exactly like a father, and the citizens, being fully engaged in their occupational duties of varna and asrama, accepted Him as their father.
2. Lord Ramacandra became King during Treta-yuga, but because of His good government, the age was like Satya-yuga. Everyone was religious and completely happy.
3. When Lord Ramacandra, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, was the King of this world, all bodily and mental suffering, disease, old age, bereavement, lamentation, distress, fear and fatigue were completely absent. There was even no death for those who did not want it.
4. During the reign of Lord Ramacandra the forests, the rivers, the hills and mountains, the states, the seven islands and the seven seas were all favorable in supplying the necessities of life for all living beings.
5. All these wonderful symptoms in the Kingdom of Lord Rama were possible because of His high qualification of mercy, compassion and care for everybody and everything. That the earth and life on it was like heaven was possible only because the presence of God.
6. God whose name is Sri Rama exists.
The proof of the perfect householder
1. Materialistic atheists due to their lust are always dreaming about seducing and enjoying more woman and say that they will be not punished for that because nor God nor heaven or hell do not exist anyway.
2. Lord Ramacandra took a vow to accept only one wife and have no connection with any other women. He was a saintly king, and everything in His character was good, untinged by qualities like anger. He taught good behavior for everyone, especially for householders, in terms of varnasrama-dharma. Thus He taught the general public by His personal activities.
3. Accepting only one wife, was the glorious example set by Lord Ramacandra. One should not accept more than one wife.
4. In those days sometimes people did marry more than one wife. Even Lord Ramacandra's father accepted more wives than one. This was because there is sometimes more females then males; how get all the women married. But that is forbidden now by Srila Prabhupada.
5. But Lord Ramacandra, as an ideal king, accepted only one wife, mother Sita. When mother Sita was kidnapped by Ravana and the Rakshasas, Lord Ramacandra, as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, could have married hundreds and thousands of Sitas, but to teach us how faithful He was to His wife, He fought with Ravana and finally killed him. The Lord punished Ravana and rescued His wife to instruct men to have only one wife. Lord Ramacandra accepted only one wife and manifested sublime character, thus setting an example for householders.
6. God whose name is Sri Rama exists.
Proof by the testimony of pure hearted brahmanas and Vaisnavas
1. Lord Ramacandra, accepted an acarya and performed sacrifices [yajnas] with opulent paraphernalia. Thus He Himself worshiped Himself, for He is the Supreme Lord of all demigods.
2. He gave the entire east to the hota priest, the entire south to the brahma priest, the west to the adhvaryu priest, and the north to the udgata priest, the reciter of the Sama Veda. In this way, He donated His kingdom.
3. Thereafter, thinking that because the brahmanas have no material desires they should possess the entire world, Lord Ramacandra delivered the land between the east, west, north and south to the acarya.
4. After thus giving everything in charity to the brahmanas, Lord Ramacandra retained only His personal garments and ornaments, and similarly the Queen, mother Sita, was left with only her nose ring, and nothing else.
5. All the brahmanas who were engaged in the various activities of the sacrifice were very pleased with Lord Ramacandra, who was greatly affectionate and favorable to the brahmanas. Thus with melted hearts they returned all the property received from Him and spoke as follows.
6. O Lord, You are the master of the entire universe. What have You not given to us? You have entered the core of our hearts and dissipated the darkness of our ignorance by Your effulgence. This is the supreme gift. We do not need a material donation.
7. O Lord, You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who have accepted the brahmanas as Your worshipable deity. Your knowledge and memory are never disturbed by anxiety. You are the chief of all famous persons within this world, and Your lotus feet are worshiped by sages who are beyond the jurisdiction of punishment. O Lord Ramacandra, let us offer our respectful obeisances unto You.
8. Only the pure Brahmanas and Vaisnavas who are not greedy and do not hanker for material profit, become always enlightened by the Supreme Personality of Godhead within their hearts.
9. They attained purity by the mercy of the Supremely Pure Lord who then entered their hearts to give them guidance by His presence.
10. Lord Rama, the Supreme Personality of Godhead exists.
Proof by the testimony of pure hearted brahmanas and Vaisnavas
1. Lord Ramacandra, accepted an acarya and performed sacrifices [yajnas] with opulent paraphernalia. Thus He Himself worshiped Himself, for He is the Supreme Lord of all demigods.
2. He gave the entire east to the hota priest, the entire south to the brahma priest, the west to the adhvaryu priest, and the north to the udgata priest, the reciter of the Sama Veda. In this way, He donated His kingdom.
3. Thereafter, thinking that because the brahmanas have no material desires they should possess the entire world, Lord Ramacandra delivered the land between the east, west, north and south to the acarya.
4. After thus giving everything in charity to the brahmanas, Lord Ramacandra retained only His personal garments and ornaments, and similarly the Queen, mother Sita, was left with only her nose ring, and nothing else.
5. All the brahmanas who were engaged in the various activities of the sacrifice were very pleased with Lord Ramacandra, who was greatly affectionate and favorable to the brahmanas. Thus with melted hearts they returned all the property received from Him and spoke as follows.
6. O Lord, You are the master of the entire universe. What have You not given to us? You have entered the core of our hearts and dissipated the darkness of our ignorance by Your effulgence. This is the supreme gift. We do not need a material donation.
7. O Lord, You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who have accepted the brahmanas as Your worshipable deity. Your knowledge and memory are never disturbed by anxiety. You are the chief of all famous persons within this world, and Your lotus feet are worshiped by sages who are beyond the jurisdiction of punishment. O Lord Ramacandra, let us offer our respectful obeisances unto You.
8. Only the Brahmanas and Vaisnavas who are not greedy and do not hanker for material profit but pure, become always enlightened by the Supreme Personality of Godhead within their hearts.
9. They attained purity by the mercy of the Supremely Pure Lord who then entered their harts to give them guidance by His presence.
10. Lord Rama the Supreme Personality of Godhead exists.
The argument by astrology
1. The astrology of the Vedas – jyotir Veda - can calculate one’s previous and future material lives.
2. Sometimes the positions of the stars are very special and the symptoms of the person having taken birth or appeared match the description of the divine being.
3. These calculations were done for Krishna, Balarama, Ramachandra, Caitanya Mahaprabhu and in this way, Their divine Nature as the Supreme Personality of Godhead was determined.
4. Therefore, God exists.
The proof of attaining position
1. He by whose worship others attained important positions, like Brahma by worshiping Him for 1000 yugas and Siva by performing the great sarvamedha yajna is no one else than the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
2. God exists.
The proof of superiority
1. Lord Visnu arranged that invincible Lord Siva would kill the demon Tripura. In the Mahabharata it is said:
“The Supreme Lord Visnu touched limitlessly powerful Siva’s bowstring. That is how Siva became able to kill the Tripura demon.”
2. In the Visnu-dharma Purana it is said:
“O best of the Kurus, as Lord Siva prepared to kill the Tripura demon, Lord Brahma spoke a mystic amulet to protect Lord Siva, an amulet that was a description of Lord Visnu’s transcendental form.”
3. In Banasura’s battle, Lord Krsna attacked Lord Siva with a yawning weapon. This is described in the Visnu Purana:
“Throwing His yawning weapon, Lord Krsna made Lord Siva yawn. Then all the demons were easily killed…..Defeated by the yawning weapon, Lord Siva stepped down from the chariot. He had no power to fight. He was defeated by Lord Krsna, whose will is never thwarted.”
4. In Sri Ramayana, Lord Parasurama says:
“Seeing Lord Siva stunned and yawning, the demigods and sages understood that Lord Krsna is more powerful than Lord Siva.”
5. When Lord Siva was hankering to fight and defeat Nara Rsi’s friend Lord Narayana Rsi, then Lord Brahma advised Siva to surrender instead to Lord Narayana Rsi. This is described in the Mahabharata:
“Then Lord Siva tried to please Lord Narayana. He surrendered to Lord Narayana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead who blesses His devotees.”
6. By chanting Lord Krishna’s holy names, Lord Siva was able to neutralize the kalakuta poison. This is described in the Smrti-sastra: “Chanting the mantra ‘Acyutananta govinda om namah’, Lord Siva cupped his hands and drank the poison.”
8. God exists, His name is Krishna.
The proof of everlastingness and eternal power.
1. At the time of final cosmic annihilation Brahma and everyone else perishes. Only Lord Narayana remains. This is described in the Sruti-sastra:
“In the beginning of the creation there was only the Supreme Personality Narayana. There was no Brahma, no Siva.”*
2. In the Mahabharata it is said:
“When Brahma, the demigods, the moving and unmoving beings, and all the worlds are merged in the unmanifest material nature, only the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Narayana, the master of all, remains.”
3. In the Visnu-dharma Purana it is said:
“Brahma, Siva, Surya, Candra, Indra and all the demigods have power given by Lord Visnu…..When the universe is destroyed their powers are removed. Powerless, they rush to destruction.
4. God exists; his name is Krishna. Visnu is His expansion.
The argument of the resting place of material creation
1. In the Visnu Purana it is said:
“The individual spirit souls and the manifest and unmanifest material nature, which is called maya, all merge into the Supreme Personality of Godhead at the time of cosmic devastation...At that time everything rests in the Supreme Personality of Godhead, whose name is Visnu, and who is glorified in the Vedas and Vedanta.”
2. In Srimad Bhagavatam (10.3.25) this prayer is offered to Lord Krsna:
“After millions of years, at the time of cosmic annihilation, when everything, manifested and unmanifested, is annihilated by the force of time, the five gross elements enter into the subtle conception, and the manifested categories enter into the unmanifested substance. At that time, You alone remain, and You are known as Ananta Sesa-naga.”
3. In this way, because Brahma and Siva are born from Lord Krsna and also enter into Him at the time of cosmic annihilation, it is proven that neither Brahma nor the demigod Siva can be considered the master of Lord Krishna.
4. God exists, His name is Krishna.
The argument of the incarnation (1)
1. There was an unprecedented fish form of matsya 13 million kilometres. He was gold-shining.
He appeared when the egg like universe was 2/3 under water. He spoke the wisdom of the matsya-purana of 13000 verses. He pulled a boat of 360 kilometers length and 130 kilometers breadth accommodating all living entities.
2. He displayed all the characteristics of God: all wealth, all strength, all beauty, all knowledge all renunciation and all the qualities of a perfect person: loving, compassionate pleasing, wonderful linguist, pleasing, truthful, artistic, expert, grateful, pure, self-controlled, forgiving, self-satisfied, heroic, gentle, liberal, humble, happy, humorous, simple, possessing all mystic perfection, performer of wonderful varieties of pastimes.
3. This was the incarnation of God; He took to this form because it was fitting for the circumstances and because he likes pastimes.
4. God exists
The argument of the incarnation (2)
1. There appeared an unusual tortoise form millions of years ago.
It’s back extended for 1300 miles like a large island. It activities and the wisdom he spoke are written in the Puranas the old books of history. His back served as a rest for the hill Mandara, a pivot used to churn a heavenly milk ocean to get the nectar of immortality.
2. He had all the qualities of God, all opulence of unlimited degree such as riches, power, beauty, wisdom, detachment and the character of a perfect person.
This was the Supreme Personality of Godhead dressed up in the way. Because he likes a wide variety of transcendental activities of amusement.
3. God exists.
The argument of incarnation (3)
1. The Narasimha half lion half man incarnation appeared to kill a demoniac king of the universe, Hiranyakasipu
His razor-sharp tongue moved like a dueling sword.
His gaping mouth appeared like a mountain cave.
His body touched the sky.
The hairs on his body were white and beautiful as the rays of the moon.
2. God exists.
The argument of incarnation (4)
1. The vamana-avatara, God’s incarnation as a dwarf – priest.
He begged 3 steps of land from the king of the universe. He expanded his body and with 2 steps he took all the planets and stars of the universe.
There is a book 10000 verses with the history and wisdom.
2. God exists
