Bhajana Kutir,generalmente es un lugar en donde los devotos practican su adoracion, como una cabaña, pero el corazon, es el mejor Kutir(cabaña) para nuestro Bhajana(adoracion)a nuestra ishta deva(deidad adorable)
martes, 15 de febrero de 2011
Nitai Pada Kamala ! Purport Author: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Song Name: Nitai Pada Kamala
Official Name: Nityananda Nistha Song 1; Mana Siksa
Author: Narottama Dasa Thakura
Book Name: Prarthana
Language: Bengali
LYRICS:
(1)
nitāi-pada-kamala, koṭi-candra-suśītala
je chāyāy jagata jurāy
heno nitāi bine bhāi, rādhā-kṛṣṇa pāite nāi
dṛḍha kori' dharo nitāir pāy
(2)
se sambandha nāhi jā'r, bṛthā janma gelo tā'r
sei paśu boro durācār
nitāi nā bolilo mukhe, majilo saḿsāra-sukhe
vidyā-kule ki koribe tār
(3)
ahańkāre matta hoiyā, nitāi-pada pāsariyā
asatyere satya kori māni
nitāiyer koruṇā habe, braje rādhā-kṛṣṇa pābe
dharo nitāi-caraṇa du'khāni
(4)
nitāiyer caraṇa satya, tāhāra sevaka nitya
nitāi-pada sadā koro āśa
narottama boro dukhī, nitāi more koro sukhī
rākho rāńgā-caraṇera pāśa
TRANSLATION
1) The lotus feet of Lord Nityananda are a shelter where one will get the soothing moonlight not only of one, but of millions of moons. If the world wants to have real peace, it should take shelter of Lord Nityananda. Unless one takes shelter under the shade of the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda, it will be very difficult for him to approach Radha-Krsna. If one actually wants to enter into the dancing party of Radha-Krsna, he must firmly catch hold of the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda.
2) Anyone who has not established his relationship with Nityananda Prabhu is understood to have spoiled his valuable human birth. Such a human being is actually an uncontrollable animal. Because he never uttered the holy name of Nityananda, he has become merged into so-called material happiness. What can his useless education and family tradition do to help him?
3) Being maddened after false prestige and identification with the body, one is thinking, oh, what is Nityananda? What can He do for me? I don't care. The result is that he is accepting something false to be truth. If you actually want to approach the association of Radha-Krsna, you must first achieve the mercy of Lord Nityananda. When He is merciful toward you, then you will be able to approach Radha-Krsna. Therefore you should firmly grasp the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda.
4) The lotus feet of Nityananda are not illusion; they are a fact. One who engages in the transcendental loving service of Nityananda is also transcendental. Always try to catch the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda. This Narottama dasa is very unhappy, therefore I am praying to Lord Nityananda to make me happy. My dear Lord, please keep me close to Your lotus feet.
Song Lyrics: Nitai Pada Kamala
Purport Author: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
December 21, 1968 Los Angeles, CA, USA
This is a very nice song sung by Narottama Dasa Thakura. He advises that nitai-pada, the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda (kamala means "lotus," and pada means "feet"), are a shelter where one will get the soothing moonlight not only of one, but of millions of moons. We can just imagine the aggregate total value of the soothing shine of millions of moons. In this material world (jagat), which is progressing toward hell, there is always a blazing fire, and everyone is struggling hard without finding peace; therefore, if the world wants to have real peace, it should take shelter under the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda, which are cooling like the shining of a million moons. Juraya means "relief." If one actually wants relief from the struggle of existence and actually wants to extinguish the blazing fire of material pangs, Narottama Dasa Thakura advises, "Please take shelter of Lord Nityananda."
What will be the result of accepting the shelter of the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda? He says, heno nitai bine bhai: unless one takes shelter under the shade of the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda radha-krsna paite nai--it will be very difficult for him to approach Radha-Krsna. The aim of this Krsna consciousness movement is to enable us to approach Radha-Krsna and associate with the Supreme Lord in His sublime pleasure dance. Narottama Dasa Thakura advises that if one actually wants to enter into the dancing party of Radha-Krsna, he must accept the shelter of the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda.
Then he says, se sambandha nahi. Sambandha means "connection" or "contact." Anyone who has not contacted a relationship with Nityananda is understood to have spoiled his human birth. In another song also, Narottama Dasa says, hari hari bifale janama gonainu: anyone who does not approach Radha-Krsna through a relationship with Nityananda has uselessly spoiled his life. Brtha means "useless," janma means "life," ta'r means "his" and sambandha means "relationship." Anyone who does not make a relationship with Nityananda is simply spoiling the boon of his human form of life. Why is he spoiling it? Sei pasu boro duracar. Sei means “that," pasu means "animal," and duracar means "misbehaved" or "the most misbehaved." Without elevation to Krsna consciousness through the mercy of Lord Caitanya and Nityananda, life is simply spoiled in the animal propensities of sense gratification. Narottama Dasa says that ordinary animals can be tamed, but when a human being is animalistic, having only animal propensities, he is most horrible, for he cannot be tamed. Ordinary cats and dogs or even a tiger can be tamed, but when a human being goes out of his way and neglects to take to the human activity of Krsna consciousness, his higher intelligence will simply be misused for animal propensities, and it is very difficult to tame him. The enactment of state laws cannot make a thief an honest man--because his heart is polluted, he cannot be tamed. Every man sees that a person who commits criminal offenses is punished by the government, and also in scriptural injunctions punishment in hell is mentioned. But despite hearing from scripture and seeing the action of the state laws, the demoniac cannot be tamed.
What are they doing? Nitai na bolilo mukhe. Since they do not know who Nityananda is, they never say the names of Lord Nityananda and Lord Caitanya. Majilo samsara-sukhe. Majilo means "becomes absorbed." They become absorbed in so-called material enjoyment. They don't care who Lord Caitanya and Nityananda are, and therefore they go deep down into material existence. Vidya-kule ki koribe tar: if one has no connection with Nityananda, and if he does not come to Krsna consciousness, his vidya, or his so-called academic education, and kula, birth in a high family or great nation, will not protect him. Regardless of whether one is born in a very big family or nation or has a very advanced academic education, at the time of death nature's law will act, his work will be finished and he will get another body according to that work.
Why are these human animals acting in this way? Ahankare matta hoiya, nitai-pada pasariya. They have become maddened by a false concept of bodily life, and thus they have forgotten their eternal relationship with Nityananda. Asatyere satya kori mani: such forgetful persons accept the illusory energy as factual. Asatyere refers to that which is not a fact, or, in other words, Maya. Maya means that which has no existence but is a temporary illusion only. Persons who have no contact with Nityananda accept this illusory body as factual.
Narottama Dasa Thakura then says, nitaiyer koruna habe, braje radha-krsna pabe: "If you actually want to approach the association of Radha-Krsna, you must achieve the mercy of Lord Nityananda first. When He is merciful toward you, then you will be able to approach Radha-Krsna." Dharo nitai-carana du'khani. Narottama Dasa advises that one firmly catch the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda.
Then again he says, nitai-carana satya. One should not misunderstand and think that as he has caught hold of Maya, similarly the lotus feet of Nityananda may also be something like that Maya, or illusion. Therefore Narottama Dasa confirms, nitai-carana satya: the lotus feet of Nityananda are not illusion; they are a fact. Tahara sevaka nitya: and one who engages in the transcendental loving service of Nityananda is also transcendental. If one engages in the transcendental loving service of Nityananda in Krsna consciousness, he immediately achieves his transcendental position on the spiritual platform, which is eternal and blissful. Therefore he advises, nitai-pada sada koro asa: always try to catch the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda.
Narottama boro dukhi. Narottama Dasa Thakura, the acarya, is taking the position that he is very unhappy. Actually, he is representing ourselves. He says, "My dear Lord, I am very unhappy." Nitai more koro sukhi: "Therefore I am praying to Lord Nityananda to make me happy." Rakho ranga-caranera pasa: "Please keep me in a corner of Your lotus feet."
The birth of Viracandra Prabhu and disappearance of Lord Nityananda
Nityananda Charitamrita, Antya Khanda Chapter 13
The birth of Viracandra Prabhu and disappearance of Lord Nityananda
Lord Nityananda constantly enjoyed unlimited inconceivable pastimes at Ambika-kalna. In spite of manifesting so many pastimes, no one could recognize Him, as fish are unable to see the moon reflected on the ocean.
Lord Nityananda thought, "I'll build an asrama at Khadadaha to follow the orders of the Lord. I'll open up a market place for distributing holy names." After contemplating this, Nityananda went to Khadadaha to manifest His pastimes. The Lord followed the principles of household life and manifested the service of the Deity, Shri Syamasundara. Shri Jahnava and Shri Vasudha constantly worshiped the lotus feet of Nityananda. The Lord endowed them with His energies. He enjoyed various pastimes with both His consorts fulfilling their hearts' desires. The happiness of Jahnava and Vasudha knew no bounds for they had Nityananda Prabhu as their husband. Both had prayed to the lotus feet of Lord Gauranga that Lord Nityananda would be their husband birth after birth.
On an auspicious day, at an auspicious time, and during a most auspicious conjunction of the stars, the fortunate Vasudha bore a son as bright as the moon. The people of the three worlds floated in the ocean of bliss chanting the names of Hari. The multitudes in heaven and on earth glorified Vasudha for having such a beautiful child. He was born on the fourth day of the full moon in the month of January. Vasudha gave birth after keeping this male child in her womb for fifteen months. It was Lord Gaurachandra reincarnated as Shri Viracandra Prabhu. Those who never saw Gaurachandra now saw Him in the form of Viracandra. This most enchanting child enjoyed various childhood pastimes and grew up day after day.
One day while Lord Nityananda was sitting in the courtyard, Abhirama* arrived. He called out loudly, "O dear brother Balarama," and entering the courtyard, began to laugh. Lord Nityananda rushed to embrace him. Abhirama sweetly said to Nityananda, "I heard You had a son. Let me see him. I want to offer him obeisances." Nityananda said, "You know everything. I don't know who's come as My son." They both spoke by gestures and postures. Out of love and affection they embraced each other and cried. When Vasudha heard that Abhirama had come, she thought, "I don't know what plan Krishna has. I've heard lately that any Deity he offers obeisances to immediately cracks."
The child Viracandra was lying on a wooden cot holding a colorful piece of cloth on his chest. The eyelids half closed over his eyes. It appeared as if lotus petals were trapping bumblebees in the evening. The vivid mark of black ointment on his eyes stretched up to his ears. His forehead was marked with a dot of cow dung. His curly hair was tied in a topknot. Whoever saw him wanted to keep him in his heart. Abhirama came and looked at the child without blinking his eyes. He felt his eyes were smeared with the ointment of nectar. The sight of the child relaxed his whole body. The child was lying on his own cot appearing as if the morning sun had risen within the room. He had a raised nose and a beautiful forehead. His hands were long and his chest was wide. His two lotus feet marked with the signs of an exalted personality defeated the beauty of cinnabar.
Seeing the child, Abhirama became very happy. He went near his feet and offered obeisances. In this way, he offered obeisances three times. The Lord in the form of the child then woke from His yoga-nidra and began to smile. He started licking His feet just like an ordinary child. Abhirama repeatedly offered his obeisances and circumambulated Him. With great joy, he began to chant the names of Hari. He played his flute and horn before the child and then came out. Nityananda Prabhu respectfully offered him a place to sit.
Abhirama was decorated with a peacock feather and gunja bead garland. He wore earrings shaped like fish and thin bangles on his hands. He had a waistband with bells and anklets on his feet with bells. His complexion was that of a ketaki flower and he was strongly built. He was non-different from the eternally perfect cowherd boy called Shridama, the son of King Vrishabhanu. Now he was known as Abhirama. He stayed at the house of Lord Nityananda for one night. Then he joyfully went to other places.
Lord Virabhadra often revealed Himself during His childhood pastimes and gave immense pleasure to Lord Nityananda. Advaita Acarya came from Santipura and, after seeing the child, He carefully concluded, "A child born in the house of a thief will naturally be a thief. But how to catch this thief?" Advaita Acarya was naturally expert in speaking riddles. Only one He favors can understand them. After circling the child, Advaita returned to Santipura. All the Vaishnavas visited the child and returned home. Viracandra Prabhu continually enjoyed His attractive childhood pastimes. How can I describe the sweetness of Viracandra's beauty? Whoever saw Him kept on staring at Him. He wore anklets on His feet and a tiger's claw tied on a chain hung on His neck. What a wonderful combination of beauty and transcendental mellows the creator had made.
There is no difference between the pastimes of Viracandra and Gaurachandra. The Vedas described them as appearance. Lord Gauranga is the fountainhead of all incarnations. His brother Nityananda is but another body of Shri Gauranga. Lord Nityananda constantly lamented in separation from Shri Gauranga. Very seldom did He regain His external awareness, and that too, He used only for discussing topics of Gauranga. He constantly meditated on Lord Gauranga with His body, mind, and speech. He always sang loudly the glories of Gauranga. He remained in Khadadaha and sometimes He saw the Deity of Lord Syamasundara as Gauranga. Who can understand the glories of Lord Nityananda?
One day, He entered His temple room and disappeared. Again He solaced Himself and came out of the Deity room. He then took Vasudha and Jahnava and left Khadadaha. From there He went to Ekacakra and saw Lord Banka Raya there. After staying there for a few days, Lord Nityananda entered the temple of Banka Raya and disappeared.
All the Vaishnavas were overwhelmed by separation from the Lord. Somehow or other they survived by the presence of Viracandra. Viracandra became restless in separation from the Lord. He would sit alone contemplating, "Now, what will I do? Where will I go? I'm totally confused. The Lord disappeared leaving Me alone. The Lord, the master of the fallen souls, has left us drowning in the ocean of separation."
All the devotees cried in lamentation and often became unconscious. They constantly chanted the names of Hari. They lamented, "What's the use of our wealth, followers, and very life? Lord Nityananda's left us." They sometimes held their heads and sometimes forcefully slapped their chests crying, "O Hari! O Lord Nityananda! You've left us." The devotees thus cried and rolled on the dust.
Hearing the news, all the people of Nadia came to Ekacakra. They were sorely distressed being unable to see Lord Nityananda anymore. They also began to hold their heads and cry. All the local devotees cried continuously. Everyone, including children, old people, women, and men cried in separation. However, the atheists laughed thinking, "We'll no longer see Nityananda."
Lord Nityananda is the deliverer of the fallen souls. Never serve anyone else except Him. Only a most foolish person unaware of the glories of Nityananda takes shelter of others. I consider such a person to be the most sinful in this world.
jaya nityananda caitanyera priyatama
tri jagate ara keha nahi toma sama
ananda kanda mahaprabhu premabhakti data
ye sebaye sei bhakti paye ta sarvatha
sarva jivera prabhu ! karila prasada
kshemila sakala maha maha aparadha
shri krishna chaitanya deva nityananda nama
prithivira bhagya avatari anupama
All glories to Lord Nityananda, the dear most associate of Shri Gauranga! No one is equal to You in the three worlds. You are the reservoir of transcendental bliss who bestows prema-bhakti for Mahaprabhu. Those who serve You achieve pure devotional service. O Lord, You delivered all the fallen souls forgiving their grave offenses. Shri Krishna Chaitanya and Shri Nityananda are the two matchless Lords who appeared for the good fortune of this world.
ara ki kahiba katha bhagye avadhi
shri chaitanya nityananda mahagunanidhi
abhimana duranta tathi na pai krishna rati
iha jani nityananda karaha bhakati
yahara prasade pamara paila nistara
hena prabhu nama haya hauka galara
Who can describe the good fortune of the people of this world? Shri Gauranga and Shri Nityananda, the oceans of transcendental qualities, have descended to this world. False ego makes people devoid of attachment to Shri Krishna. Knowing this, worship Lord Nityananda. May the holy names of these Lords, whose mercy delivered all the fallen souls, be the garland on your neck.
jaya jaya nityananda premamaya dhama
svabhave parama suddha nityananda nama
jagata tarana hetu yanra avatara
ye jana na bhaje sei papera akara
shri krishna chaitanya nityananda eka deha
ihate niscaya kari kara eka leha
parananda maya duhun murati rasala
nitai chaitanya prabhu shrirama gopala
ihate karaye bhinna ati buddhi hina
ara na dekhiye tara vishnubhakti china
All glories to Lord Nityananda, the abode of love of God. The holy name of Nityananda is naturally supremely pure. To save the entire universe, He descended to this world. Those not worshipping Him are surely piles of sin. Shri Krishna Chaitanya and Nityananda are one. Firmly believe this and take shelter of Them. Both Lords are full of transcendental bliss and devotional mellows. Lord Nityananda and Lord Gauranga are Lord Balarama and Lord Krishna. Those who reject this are certainly wretched fools. There is no hope for such fools to achieve devotional service to Krishna.
jaya jaya saci-suta ananda bihara
patita pavana nama vidita yanhara
nija nama diya jiva nistara karila
dena dayamaya prabhu bhajite narila
kaya vakyamane mora prabhura sharana
mora sama patita nahika tribhuvana
All glories to Saci-suta, the enjoyer of transcendental pastimes! His name is well known as patita-pavana, savior of the fallen. The Lord delivered all beings giving His own holy names. Unfortunate as I am, I did not worship such a merciful Lord. Now I take shelter of my Lord with body, mind, and speech. No one is more fallen than I in all the three worlds.
jaya jaya gauracandra bhuvana sundara
prakasaha pada mora hridaya bhitara
yata yata bihara karila gaudadese
sakala prakasa mora hauka bisheshe
All glories to Gaurachandra, the most enchanting personality in the world! O Lord, please reveal Your lotus feet within my heart. Let all Your pastimes in Bengal manifest within my heart.
jaya jaya lakshmikanta tribhuvana natha
carane sarana mora hauka ekanta
ara avatare kahi nana-vidha dharma
kevala kahila ebe premabhakti marma
ihate yahara mati nahila ananda
aharei janiha papishtha maha andha
All glories to the husband of the goddess of fortune, Lord of the three worlds! Let me take shelter of Your lotus feet without deviation. In other incarnations, You gave various religious principles. But now You only prescribe loving devotional service. Anyone who is unhappy about this must be blinded by sinful reactions.
I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of all the Vaishnavas that they may overlook my offenses. Anyone who wants to cross beyond the ocean of material existence and merge into the ocean of devotional service must worship the lotus feet of Nitaicandra. Shri Gaurasundara is the Lord of my Lord Nitai. I always keep this firm conviction in my heart.
Someone says Lord Nityananda is Lord Balarama and someone says He is the dear most associate of Lord Gauranga. Some say He is the most influential personality, yet others are unable to know who He is. Whether Nityananda is a renunciate or a learned devotee, let them say whatever they want. Let Lord Nityananda be anyone to Lord Gauranga; still I keep His lotus feet within my heart.
All glories to Lord Nityananda, the life and soul of Shri Gauranga! Please allow me to take shelter of Your lotus feet. O Lord, let me sing the glories of Shri Gauranga following in Your footsteps. Let me also remain Your eternal servant birth after birth.
My only wish is to have His darsana. Anyone who reads or hears Lord Nityananda's pastimes will receive the treasure of krishna-prema. They say that Your devotees are fully dependent on You, yet You are the supreme independent Lord. There is no end to the Lord's pastimes. The Vedas describe them simply as manifest and unmanifest.
Accepting Shri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityananda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.
End of Antya-khanda
Thus ends the book Shri Nityananda Charitamrita composed by Shrila Vrindavana dasa Thakura.
The marriage of Lord Nityananda
Nityananda Charitamrita, Antya Khanda Chapter 12
The marriage of Lord Nityananda
One day, Lord Nityananda woke up early in the morning and, taking a servant with Him, went towards Ambika-nagara. He took along Uddharana Datta who was a merchant by profession and His intimate associate. He arrived at the doorstep of Suryadasa Pandita* and sent Uddharana Datta inside the house.
Uddharana Datta went inside and informed Suryadasa of the Lord's arrival. He rushed out to greet the Lord. Falling at the feet of Nityananda Prabhu, he offered his obeisances and with folded hands said, "What good fortune!î
The Lord said, "I've come to you with a purpose. I want to marry. Please give Me your daughter's hand.î
Pandita knew the glories of Nityananda Prabhu, but he forgot everything bewildered by the Lord's illusory energy. The brahmana humbly said, "How is it possible? We first have to consider many points like caste, stars, and family. Although You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead Narayana, You're an outcaste and I'm a brahmana.î
Hearing this reply, Nityananda Prabhu left that place as everyone watched in wonder. Suryadasa Pandita felt disappointed and went inside the house. He contemplated, "Will my dream come true? O Lord Krishna, will it ever happen by the arrangement of providence that Nityananda will become my son-in-law?î Pondering over this, he went inside the house. Gathering his relatives, he informed them of the proposal. He said, "Last night, I had a wonderful dream. I saw a wonderful person come to my house sitting on a chariot with a flag. He was huge like a mighty wrestler. His complexion was golden and His eyes were reddish. His chariot stopped in front of my house. He got down from the chariot and smilingly asked, "Is this Panditaji's house?
"He carried a plough on His shoulder and held a stick in His hand. He gestured for me to come. Flowers decorated His hair and He wore golden earrings. He dressed with blue garments with anklets on His feet. He said to me, "I'm going to marry your daughter. You haven't recognized Me till today.'î Saying this, He disappeared. Then I got up from the bed and found it was morning.î As Jahnava heard the narration from within the room, her natural love for the Lord arose. Tears of love began to flow from her eyes. She covered her face with a cloth, but the cloth became soaked with her tears.
Pandita continued, "O friends, now I've told you my wonderful dream.î Someone said, "We see so many things in dream. Nityananda Prabhu is the Supreme Brahman and we are but householders. How can we offer our daughter?î Suryadasa Pandita was naturally soft hearted. He became distressed and cried, "Save me! Save me!î
All of a sudden, everyone heard crying inside the house. Something had happened to Jahnava. They rushed inside and picked up Jahnava. They put her on the front veranda. She was unconscious and her eyes rolled in their sockets. Her whole body was cold and her face perspired.
A doctor came and diagnosed that she had epilepsy and there was no cure for it. Seldom does a person in such a case survive. He thus treated her according to the scripture. The doctor said, "Even after applying proper medication, there's no improvement. Now try to arrange for her spiritual rites. Take her to the bank of the Ganges for she is your eldest daughter.î
Hearing the words of the doctor, Suryadasa began to cry. Gauridasa, however, consoled him saying, "I think we committed an offense at the feet of Avadhuta Nityananda. We must beg His pardon and bring Him back as soon as possible. As long as we live in this world, we should try to maintain relationships. After death, relationships no longer remain. If He can protect our daughter, then we should arrange her marriage with Him. This is my advice to all of you. This is our opinion. So let's all go to Nityananda Prabhu and fall at His feet.î
Lord Nityananda was sitting under a banyan tree on the bank of the Ganges. Tears trickled from His eyes as He chanted the name of Krishna. Gauridasa along with his relatives went to Nityananda Prabhu and fell at His lotus feet. The Lord quickly picked him up while patting his back.
Nityananda said, "You've all forgotten Me, O cowherd men?" Then He put His hands on his shoulders. Suryadasa Pandita fell at the feet of Nityananda Prabhu and lamented, "You bewildered me completely. You're able to do anything, yet You never inspired me to give up my attachment for varnasrama-dharma. Please give us the shelter of Your lotus feet and do good to all of us." Saying this, the Pandita took Lord Nityananda home.
His daughter, Jahnava, was lying at the doorstep. Jahnava was covered with a cloth and the sunshine fell on her. It appeared as if lightning were striking a cloud. Her eyes bulged in their sockets as tears fell incessantly. Her curly hair enhanced the beauty of her forehead. The signs of the final moments of life appeared on her body. At that moment, the aroma of the Lord's body entered her nostrils. As she smelled this aroma, she regained her consciousness touched by the art of revival. She hurriedly covered her face with cloth and said, "Where am I? What's happening?" Then she got up and entered the house.
Nityananda Prabhu, the reservoir of transcendental pastimes, displayed His six-armed form in the courtyard of Suryadasa Pandita. His two upper hands held a bow and an arrow, His two middle hands held a plough and a stick, and His lower two hands carried a sannyasa-danda and water pot. His head was decorated with a crown and His ears were decorated with earrings. His entire body was radiant with valuable jewels and ornaments. Seeing this form of the Lord, everyone fell at His feet. Pandita prayed to the Lord with folded hands. All the brahmanas gathered there were struck with wonder seeing this form of the Lord. Soon this form disappeared from everyone's vision and only Lord Nityananda remained. Smiling at everyone, Lord Nityananda sat on the doorstep of a Vishnu temple as all the brahmanas and Vaishnavas chanted, "Long life! Long life!"
They all served Nityananda Prabhu with great care and affection and made Him comfortable. All the learned brahmanas and the family priest planned to award Him the sacred thread according to the Vedic injunctions. They disclosed their plan to the Lord. The Lord accepted their proposal with laughter saying, "Do whatever you like; I have nothing to say. Only Chaitanya Gosai is independent."
When everyone heard the Lord's approval, they became very happy. Then Pandita began to arrange for the marriage. He collected articles for a marriage that would be as opulent as that of a prince. He gathered things by begging and by his profession. He invited all his neighbors for the marriage ceremony. He brought a large quantity of betel nuts and pan. The brahmana then called his family priest and carefully chose an auspicious day for marriage.
From that day, there was a constant celebration at the Pandita's house. His friends and relatives began to arrive day by day. The musicians played various instruments and hundreds of brahmanas were fed daily. The women distributed vermilion, betel nuts, pan, oil, and sweets to all the ladies.
On the day of the marriage, the brahmanas came to Suryadasa Pandita's house after finishing their regular duties. They brought suitable items for performing sacrifices such as flowers, kusa grass, sitting mats made of kusa grass, wooden mortars, and spoons. They brought a stick, water pot, umbrella, pair of shoes, belt, kaupina, deerskin, brahmana thread, and ghee.
After all the brahmanas prepared the sacrifice, the head priest asked Nityananda Prabhu to come to the sacrificial arena. As Nityananda Prabhu sat in the midst of the brahmanas, they offered ghee in the sacrificial fire chanting Vedic mantras. After completing the formalities required by the scriptures, the brahmanas put a stick and water pot in Nityananda's hands. He wore saffron colored kaupina and cadara with a saffron bag on His shoulder. The Lord then begged, "Mother, please give Me alms."
The wife of Suryadasa Pandita respectfully put gold, silver, and money in the Lord's bag. When the priest told Suryadasa Pandita to bring the bride, Nityananda Prabhu said, "Do that later." Then Lord Nityananda whispered something in the ear of the priest who quickly said, "That's alright." Holding a stick and water pot, Lord Nityananda laughed loudly again and again. He wore wooden shoes and held an umbrella in His hands. He appeared just like a young brahmana lad to everyone. Seeing His enchanting form, the ladies smilingly said, "He must be the younger brother of Shri Ramacandra. This is what we feel."
The Lord entered a secluded inner room and remained there for three days continuously. Rising early in the morning of the forth day, the Lord looked at the sun and the brahmanas before coming out of the house. The most attractive Nityananda Prabhu then offered His obeisances to Lord Vishnu and sat on a wooden throne. Hundreds of women from Navadvipa came to the house of Suryadasa Pandita holding each other's hands and shoulders. They decorated their eyes with black ointment and chewed betel nuts. They arrived at the house of the Pandita while swinging their hands and bodies. The priest came to perform the duties to be done the day before the marriage while the ladies made auspicious sounds on all sides. The priest tied yellow threads on the hands of Lord Nityananda and Jahnava. She then went inside the house with her head down. The musicians played auspicious sounds on various instruments. People dove and surfaced in the ocean of joy.
As the ladies fetched water for the ceremony, some of them said, "Jahnava's indeed the most fortunate. Who else could have such a beautiful groom except Revati who previously got such a wonderful husband?" Someone said, "They look exactly like Sankara and Parvati." Others said, "They look like Lakshmi and Narayana." Another said, "It's like the meeting of Kamadeva and Rati." Yet others said, "They're like Rama and Sita." In this way, they spoke their minds each to the other. They laughed and fell on each other as if drunk. They were all simple young girls at the marriage of their friend and were unable to check their jubilation.
The whole day passed in such blissful events. Finally, the auspicious time for marriage arrived. Then Suryadasa Pandita told his relatives to decorate both the bride and groom. Hearing this, everyone became very happy.
Nityananda Prabhu came and sat in the courtyard of the Vishnu temple and Gauridasa Pandita began to decorate Him. Nityananda was naturally most enchanting. The Pandita put tilaka and sandalwood paste on His forehead. Naturally intoxicated with prema, Lord Nityananda's eyes always moved in circles. The Pandita put black ointment on those eyes.
The Lord's beautiful raised nose was marked with tilaka and sandalwood paste. The beauty of His face defeated the beauty of the moon. His broad chest was decorated with sandalwood paste and flower garlands. He wore white garments and a white brahmana thread. It appeared like Lord Ananta Sesha covering Lord Balarama. A crown adorned His head and He wore beautiful earrings. The golden ornaments adorning Him shone brightly.
The artistic ladies sat in a private place and began to decorate Jahnava with undivided attention. They combed and braided her hair in various attractive ways. Two colorful clusters of jute hung from her head to her back covering both her ears. They made many beautiful braids with her hair beginning from her forehead. Wiping her face with the corner of their saris, they decorated it with kunkuma. They adorned her forehead with the marks of tilaka and applied black ointments to her eyes. They embellished her forehead and cheeks with many beautiful dots of sandalwood paste. They put tilaka on her nose and became captivated by her beauty. Then they began to dress her up. They put a golden ring with a pearl hanging from it in the tip of her nose. It swung on the top of her upper lip as she moved. It appeared as if honeybees were falling over a sesame flower.
Jahnava was wearing a golden kanti-mala with a locket that hung to her chest. She was decorated in the most attractive manner and her beauty was matchless. Golden earrings resembling campaka flowers decorated Her ears appearing like lightening. The earrings were fixed at one place, yet they desired to touch her other limbs. Golden bracelets and bangles bedecked Her hands. She wore golden ankle bells on her beautiful reddish feet. After decorating her properly, they put betel nut in her mouth and hung garlands of fragrant flowers on her neck. They sprinkled scented oil all over her body.
Then all the relatives and friends of Suryadasa Pandita told him to take his daughter and circle the groom. Pandita at once accepted the proposal saying, "Whatever you all say, I must follow." Everyone rushed in all directions to gather the necessary items for the marriage. They brought various articles before Suryadasa Pandita and set them before Lord Nityananda. They then made Him sit on a palanquin. The musicians began to play their instruments, filling the entire sky with sound. The singers and dancers sang and danced perfectly in tune with the music. Lord Nityananda beheld all this dressed in divine garments.
Sitting on a palanquin, Nityananda Prabhu was taken on procession through the streets as auspicious sounds of joy filled the four directions. The women of the city lined their doorsteps with their babies on their laps to have a glimpse of the groom. Young boys rushed to the spot and became overwhelmed with happiness as they joined the singing. After roaming all over the city, Nityananda Prabhu, resembling a full moon, arrived at the doorstep of Suryadasa Pandita.
Suryadasa Pandita offered incense, ghee lamp, sandalwood paste, and flower garlands to Nityananda Prabhu. He then led Him by the hand to the marriage arena. Someone sprinkled scented water before Nityananda as He walked. The ladies began to make auspicious sounds of ulu-dhvani. Then He stood on a low wooden platform. His radiance filled all directions.
Holding ghee lamps and flower garlands, all the brahmanas circled Nityananda seven times. The ladies smiled covering their mouths with their saris and falling on each other. They then brought the bride on a beautiful throne and made her circle Nityananda seven times. Jahnava and Nityananda glanced at each other as everyone threw flowers and pan. Their spontaneous love for each other awakened. After a long time when Jahnava saw her beloved Lord, she held her head down in shyness. They took Jahnava inside the room and all the brahmanas began to complete all the formalities according to the injunctions. Suryadasa Pandita offered jewelry, clothes, and other items to Nityananda Prabhu and formally accepted Him as a son-in-law. Then he brought his daughter and offered her to Nityananda Prabhu in charity as per the Vedic injunctions. Taking his daughter and son-in-law inside, he made them sit on a divine bed decorated with flowers. Many young girls also entered the room teasing and joking with the new groom.
The whole night passed in joyful happiness. In the morning, Nityananda Prabhu took bath and sat down for the Vedic ceremony of putting sindura (vermilion) on the bride's head. The brahmanas then performed the fire sacrifice according to the Vedic rules. Finally, hundreds of brahmanas were served a feast. Nityananda Prabhu lived happily at the house of Suryadasa Pandita for a few days.
One day, Shri Jahnava was serving Nityananda His lunch of Krishna prasada with utmost care. The younger daughter of Suryadasa Pandita, Vasudha, whose mind was firmly attached to Nityananda since her childhood, came to assist. As she was serving prasada to Nityananda Prabhu, all of a sudden the part of her sari covering her head fell off. Since both her hands were engaged in serving, she manifested two more hands and replaced her sari on her head.
Seeing this, Nityananda Prabhu caught hold of her hand and made her sit on His right side. Nityananda then said to Suryadasa Pandita, "I'll take your younger daughter with Me as a dowry." Suryadasa Pandita replied, "I have no objection. There's nothing I can refuse You. I've surrendered my own caste, life, wealth, house, associates, and everything else at Your lotus feet." Saying this, Pandita raised his hands and danced in ecstasy while chanting "Hari! Hari!" He prayed, "O Krishna, O Yadava, please be merciful to me so that I may fix my mind, body, and speech at the lotus feet of Nityananda Prabhu." He explained all the details to his relatives. They all smilingly approved everything. They said, "We've also become lucky by your association. In fact, who has the power to disobey the Lord?" With folded hands, everyone said to Suryadasa Pandita, "You've actually purchased Krishna in Kali-yuga." Nityananda Prabhu inspired everyone of Ambika-kalna to float in the ocean of bliss.
Accepting the lotus feet of Gauranga and Nityananda as my life and soul, I, Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.
Lord Nityananda's grand bathing at the house of Raghava Pandita
Nityananda Charitamrita, Antya Khanda Chapter 4
Lord Nityananda's grand bathing at the house of Raghava Pandita
O brothers, listen attentively to the topics of Antya-khanda that describe the pastimes of Nitaicandra. One day Shri Gaurasundara, the Supreme Personality of Godhead appearing in human form, sat alone with Nityananda.
prabhu bale suna nityananda mahamati
satvare calaha tumi navadvipa prati
pratigya kariya achi apanara mukhe
murkha nica daridra bhasaba prema sukhe
tumio thakila yadi muni dharma kari
apana uddama bhava saba parihari
tabe murkha nica yata patita samsara
bala dekhi ara keba kariba uddhara
bhakti rasa data tumi tumi sasvarile
tabe avatara ba ki nimitte karile
eteke amara vakya yadi satya cao
tabe avilambe tumi gaudadesa yao
murkha nica patita duhkhiya yata jana
bhakti diya kara giya sabare mocana
Lord Gauranga said, "Listen, magnanimous Nityananda. Go immediately to Navadvipa. I promised that I would drown everyone, including fools, fallen, and sinners, in the ocean of krishna-prema. If You remain here with me as an ascetic, keeping a vow of silence and concealing Your enthusiasm, who will deliver the fallen souls of this world? You are the bestower of love and devotion. Please tell me, if You must always check Yourself, what's the use of Your incarnation? If You want to make My words true, go to Bengal at once. Deliver everyone by giving prema-bhakti to all the foolish, fallen, low class and the distressed."
Instructed by Lord Gauranga, Nityananda Prabhu promptly left for Bengal with His own associates. Ramadasa, Gadadharadasa, and Raghunatha Vaidya, who were filled with love and devotion, Krishnadasa Pandita, Paramesvara dasa, and the most blissful Purandara Pandita all went with Nityananda Svarupa to Bengal. As He began His journey, He first induced His associates to become ecstatic. They all forgot themselves. There was no end to the ecstatic symptoms that arose in their bodies. For example, the mood of Shri Gopala manifested in the body of Ramadasa the foremost among the Vaishnavas. On the way, Ramadasa transfigured into a threefold bending form and remained unconscious for nine hours.
Gadadhara dasa absorbed in the mood of Radhika suddenly began to laugh loudly saying, "Who will buy yogurt?" The broad-minded Raghunatha Vaidya Upadhyaya displayed the mood of Revati. Both Krishnadasa and Paramesvara dasa constantly created mischief in the mood of cowherd boys. Purandara Pandita climbed on a tree and jumped down saying, "I am the great Angada." Nityananda Prabhu, the origin of Shri Ananta, inspired everyone to revive his original mood.
They walked very fast, sometimes forgetting themselves and walking in the wrong direction. They often asked the local people, "Brothers, please tell us how to reach the bank of the Ganges." People would reply, "Alas, alas! You're on the wrong path. You just wasted six hours of your journey." Getting proper directions, they would return to their original path. When they again asked for the right way, the people told them to take a twenty-mile detour to reach the original path. All of them smilingly walked along the road. They did not know their own selves, what to speak of the roads. None of them felt the urges of the body such as hunger, thirst, fear, or distress. They were totally merged in bliss. No one can describe the unlimited pastimes Nityananda Prabhu did on the way to Bengal. Nityananda, the source of Shri Ananta, finally reached the village of Panihati* on the bank of the Ganges.
Nityananda Prabhu along with His devotees arrived at the house of Raghava Pandita* at Panihati. Raghava Pandita was overjoyed to see Nityananda Prabhu. Shri Makaradhvaja Kara* who was a disciple of Raghava Pandita also became very happy.
Nityananda Prabhu along with His associates lived happily in the village of Panihati. He would roar loudly in of ecstasy. Always overwhelmed with prema, he would go into rapturous trance. When Nityananda desired to dance, three famous singers quickly assembled there. The most pious Madhava Ghosha was expert in doing kirtana. There was no better singer in the world. He was known as the singer of Vrindavana and was very dear to Nityananda Svarupa. As the three brothers Madhava, Govinda, and Vasudeva began to sing, the Supreme Lord Nityananda Prabhu began to dance. When the most powerful Avadhuta Nityananda danced, it seemed like the earth shook with every step.
Nityananda continually chanted the name of Hari and shouted loudly. Seeing His tottering dancing, people were struck with wonder. Sometimes He glanced on someone while dancing. That person would fall on the ground filled with love of God and transcendental mellows. This marked the auspicious beginning of Lord Nityananda's deliverance of the fallen souls. He danced for a long time showing all the signs of ecstatic love.
After some time, He sat down on a throne and ordered His servants to do abhisheka to Him. All His devotees headed by Raghava Pandita quickly arranged the abhisheka bringing thousands of pitchers of Ganges water mixed with various perfumes. With great satisfaction, they poured this scented water on the head of Lord Nityananda. Everyone chanted "Hari, Hari!" on all sides. They all recited suitable mantras while doing abhisheka and sang His glorification. All His associates submerged in the ocean of bliss. After abhisheka, they put new cloth on Him and applied sandalwood paste to His body. They decorated His broad chest with beautiful flower garlands mixed with Tulasi. They set a throne decorated with gold before the Lord. Lord Nityananda sat on the throne while Shri Raghavananda held an umbrella above His head. The devotees began to glorify Him and there arose a crying sound on all sides. Everyone raised their hands and exclaimed, "Save us!" They all went into a rapture of krishna-prema.
Lord Nityananda, absorbed in His own blissful mood, glanced at everyone showering prema, love of God, on them. Nityananda Prabhu ordered, "Raghava Pandita, please make a garland of kadamba flowers and bring it to me quickly. I am very fond of kadamba flowers. In fact I always reside in the forest of kadamba."
Raghavananda folded his hands and said, "Lord, it's not the season for kadamba trees to flower."
Lord Nityananda said, "Go home and look carefully. There may be a flower or two some place." Raghava Pandita straight away went to his house. To his complete surprise, he saw something most wonderful! Beautiful kadamba flowers blossomed on the lemon tree in his courtyard. How wonderful were the colors and fragrance of those flowers! Just seeing them frees one from material bondage. Seeing those beautiful kadamba flowers, Raghava Pandita began to swoon in ecstasy. Controlling himself, he quickly made a garland of kadamba flowers and brought it before Lord Nityananda. Nityananda Prabhu was very pleased and put the garland on at once.
The sweet fragrance of kadamba flowers overwhelmed the Vaishnavas and they all felt very happy. Suddenly the most wonderful thing happened. Everyone could smell the scent of some wonderful flowers. The enchanting aroma of damanaka flowers filled all the ten directions.
Nityananda Prabhu smilingly said, "Listen, brothers. Can you tell Me what you smell?" Everyone folded their hands and replied, "We smell the fragrance of wonderful flowers; the smell comes from all directions." Nityananda, out of His causeless mercy, began to explain most confidential topics. "Listen to the mystery, for you must know the truth in detail. Today, Chaitanya Gosai came here from Nilacala to hear our kirtana. He wore a garland of damanaka flowers and sat in a tree unseen. All the four directions filled with the aroma of that wonderful garland. To see your chanting and dancing, the Lord came from Nilacala. Give up all other affairs and always sing the glories of Krishna. May all of you forever glorify Shri Krishna Chaitanyacandra and be fully merged in the ocean of krishna-prema."
Saying this, Nityananda Prabhu shouted loudly and showered love of God on all directions. Being drenched in the rain of prema, everyone swooned in ecstasy.
O dear brothers, please hear the potency of Nityananda Prabhu how He awarded prema-bhakti to everyone in this world. By His mercy, everyone easily received the prema-bhakti of the gopis of Vrindavana described in Shrimad-Bhagavatam.
As Nityananda sat on the gold throne, all His associates continued to dance in front of Him. Someone climbed a tree, walked on the leaves, and yet did not fall down. Out of ecstasy, someone shouted loudly and jumped down from a tree. Someone roared like a lion and caught the root of the tree, pulling it out of the ground while chanting "Hari! Hari!" Someone went to the forest of betel nuts and gathered five or six trees together. With immense strength due to love of God, he uprooted them all.
All the symptoms of love mentioned in Shrimad-Bhagavatam, such as shedding tears, being stunned, heavy breathing, perspiring, hair standing on end, roaring loudly, faltering of voice, paleness, and falling unconscious were fully manifest in the bodies of everyone by the causeless mercy of Lord Nityananda. In any direction Nityananda Mahasaya mercifully glanced, he showered love and devotion. Anyone Nityananda looked upon would fall unconscious due to ecstatic krishna-prema. They would try to catch hold of Nityananda Svarupa who smiled sitting on His golden throne. Lord Nityananda invested His energies in all His chief associates. They became omniscient; their words became perfect. They looked as beautiful as Cupid. Whomever they touched with their hands was overwhelmed with love of God and forgot everything. Nityananda Prabhu lived like this in the village of Panihati for three months and continued His pastimes of distributing love and devotion.
For three months, all the devotees were lost in ecstatic trance. They stopped all bodily activities. They did not eat for three months. All they did was continuously dance in ecstatic bliss. The blissful pastimes Nityananda Prabhu enjoyed in the village of Panihati will be described in the four Vedas. Who can describe the extent of the pastimes Lord Nityananda performed within one and a half hours? From time to time, He would personally dance with His devotees on all sides. Sometimes, He would sit down in a hero's posture and encourage all the devotees to dance. The dancing of only one of His servants flooded all the surroundings with krishna-prema.
The Deliverance of Jagai and Madhai
Nityananda Charitamrita, Madhya Khanda Chapter 8
The Deliverance of Jagai and Madhai
One day Lord Gauranga suddenly ordered Nityananda Prabhu and Haridasa Thakura as follows:
suna suna nityananda! suna haridasa!
sarvatra amara ajna karaha prakasa
prati ghare ghare giya kara ei bhiksha
“bala krishna bhaja krishna krishna kara siksha”
iha nahi ara na balabe na baliba
dina avasane asi amare kahiba
“Listen, listen, Nityananda! Listen, Haridasa. Go and preach my order everywhere. Beg everyone, nChant Krishna, worship Krishna, and learn the science of Krishna.’ Do not preach anything other than this. At the end of the day, come and report to Me.”
“In spite of Your begging, if anyone refuses to accept Your offer, then I’ll come with a cakra to kill him.”
Hearing this command of Lord Gauranga, all Vaishnavas began to smile. In fact, no one has the power to disobey the Lord’s order.
Ordered by the Lord, Lord Nityananda and Haridasa left to fulfill the Lord’s mission. Nityananda Prabhu eternally carries the Lord’s order on His head. Anyone who doubts this is certainly a fool. Whoever serves Advaita Acarya without accepting Lord Gauranga will certainly be destroyed by Advaita Acarya Himself. Following the order of Lord Gauranga, Nityananda Prabhu and Haridasa went to each and every house in Nadia. They requested everyone to chant, sing, and worship Krishna. They further told that Krishna is the life and soul and wealth of everyone. They said, “Dear brothers, chant the names of Krishna with full attention.”
Both Lord Nityananda and Haridasa Thakura wandered all over Nadia preaching Mahaprabhu’s message to everyone. They both dressed as sannyasis. So whoever met Them would immediately offer respects and invite Them for lunch. But Lord Nityananda and Haridasa Thakura would beg only one thing, “Chant Krishna, worship Krishna, and learn the topics of Krishna.” After pleading in this way, the two would leave that place. Only saintly people, however, were pleased by Their request. Hearing the wonderful topic from the mouths of these two Lords, people would happily describe them in their own way. Someone would say, “I will certainly follow Their order.” Another would say, “These two have become mad by the fault of chanting mantras.”
There were those who were forbidden to enter the house of Shrivasa Pandita when Lord Gauranga was dancing with His followers. As soon as Nityananda Prabhu and Haridasa Thakura approached their houses, they immediately shouted, “Beat Them! Beat Them!” Those people said, “You have become crazy by bad association, and now You have come here to make us crazy. Respected and civilized people have all become crazy because of Nimai Pandita. In fact, Nimai has spoiled everyone.”
Some other people would say, “It seems these two are the spies of a thief. In the guise of preaching, They’re checking out each house. If they’re really saintly persons, then why are they acting like this? If they come again, we’ll take them to the police.” Hearing this, Nityananda Prabhu and Haridasa Thakura would simply laugh. They were not the least afraid due to the strength of Lord Gauranga’s order. Both of them would thus regularly visit every house and preach. In the evening, they would return to Visvambhara and report everything.
One day Nityananda and Haridasa met two drunkards on the way. These two were plunderers, murderers, and addicted to wine and women. There was no end to their misdeeds. There was no sin they had not committed. Though born in a brahmana family, they ate beef and drank wine. They plundered people’s wealth and set fires to people’s houses. They absconded from the court and could not spend a day without eating meat and drinking wine. Both these drunkards roamed the streets and very severely beat whomever they caught.
People watched them from a distance not daring to come close. On one such occasion, Nityananda Prabhu and Haridasa arrived on the spot. These two drunkards were sometimes very friendly towards each other and other times pulled each other’s hair in anger. They constantly abused each other with filthy words. “We’ll degrade the caste of the brahmanas of Nadia,” They exclaimed, fully intoxicated from drinking wine. Their bodies were filled with all kinds of sins. Only the sin of blaspheming the Vaishnavas was not yet committed.
Since they spent their days and nights in the company of drunkards, there were no possibilities for them to commit any offense against the Vaishnavas.
ye sabhaya vaishnava ninda matra haya
sarva dharma thakileo tara haya kshaya
sannyasi sabhaya yadi haya nindya karsma
madyapera sabha ite se sabha adharsma
madyapera nishkriti achaye kona kale
paracacrccakara pati kabhu nahi bhale
sastra padiyao karo karo buddhinasa
nityananda nindya kare habe sarvanasa
“Wherever blasphemy of Vaishnavas is done, even in religious places, nevertheless, the place and the blasphemers will be destroyed. If blasphemy is done in the assembly of the sannyasis, then such a gathering is worse than den of drunkards. A drunkard may be delivered in the course of time; but there is no salvation for those who criticize a Vaishnava. Even after studying the scriptures, such a blasphemer’s intelligence will be ruined. Such persons as dared to criticize Lord Nityananda were thus destroyed.”
Nityananda Prabhu and Haridasa watched from a distance how the two drunkards punched and abused each other with filthy words. Nityananda then asked some people of that area, “What is the caste of these two? Why are they doing like this?” The people replied, “O Gosai, these two drunkards are brahmanas. They were born to well-respected parents of a high family. Many of their forefathers lived in Nadia. In fact, there is not even a tinge of fault in their dynasty. Only these two forgot their social duties and commit all kinds of sins since birth. Considering them most sinful, their own family members rejected them since they freely mix with drunkards. The people of Nadia are always afraid of them because at any time these two may set their houses on fire. There are no sins these two have not committed. They rob, steal, kill, rape, eat meat and drink wine.” Hearing about these two drunkards, the most compassionate Nityananda Prabhu began to ponder about their deliverance:
pataki tarite prabhu kaile avatara
emata pataki paibena ara
lukaiya kare prabhu apana prakasa
prabhava na dekhi loke kare upahasa
e duiyere prabhu yadi anugraha kare
tabe se prabhava dekhe sakala samsare
tare hao nityananda caitanyera dasa
e duiyera karo yadi chaitanya prakasa
edhana yemana matta apana na jane
eimata haya yadi shri krishnera name
nmore prabhu’ bali yadi kande duijana
tabe se sarthaka more yata paryyatana
ye se jana e duiyera chaya parasiya
bastrera sahita ganga snana kare giya
sei sava jana yadi e donhare dekhi
ganga snana hena mane tabe more likhi
“Lord Gauranga has descended to deliver the fallen people of this age. Where will He find anyone more fallen than these two? The Lord has not yet revealed Himself to the ordinary people. Not seeing His uncommon influence, they are ridiculing Him. If the Lord bestows mercy on these two sinful drunkards, then the people of the entire world will see His transcendental glories.
“Being known as Nityananda the servant of Lord Gauranga will only have meaning if I can purify their hearts and deliver them. How wonderful it will be, if they become intoxicated chanting Krishna’s names the same way they are intoxicated at present. If I can make these two take the Lord’s name and cry, I will then consider all My travels to holy places a success. At present, whoever even touches the shadow of these two drunkards at once bathes in the Ganges with his clothes on. I will be extremely fortunate if I am able to get people to accept that simply seeing these drunkards is the same as bathing in the Ganges.”
The glories of Lord Nityananda are unlimited. He descended to save the fallen souls. Thinking thus, Nityananda said to Haridasa, “Haridasa, look how miserable these two drunkards are. They are born in a brahmana family, but their behavior is most sinful. They will be unable to escape the most severe punishment of Yamaraja. O Haridasa, the Muslims beat you so severely that you almost died. Still you desired welfare for such people in your mind. If you really desire their welfare in your heart, then surely these two drunkards will be delivered. The Lord never ignores your will. He has often confirmed this fact. Let the people of the entire world see the uncommon influence of our Lord by which He will deliver these drunkards. Just as the deliverance of Ajamila is described in the Puranas, similarly let the people of the three worlds see directly how the Lord will deliver these drunkards.”
Haridasa knew perfectly well the glories of Lord Nityananda. He thought, “He will certainly deliver these two drunkards.” Haridasa said, “Listen, O Lord. Whatever You desire is indeed the desire of Shri Gauranga Mahaprabhu. You are deceiving me just as a person deceives an animal. You are always kindly teaching me.” Smiling, Nityananda embraced Haridasa and said in an extremely soft tone, “Let’s go and repeat the Lord’s order to these two drunkards. The Lord commands everyone to worship Krishna. This is particularly fitting for the most sinful. Our duty is simply to repeat the Lord’s orders. Even after repeating, if it doesn’t work, then it’s the Lord’s will.”
To impart the message of Lord Gauranga, both Nityananda and Haridasa went before the two drunkards. Some pious people, however, forbid Them to go. They warned, “If You go near them, You may lose Your lives. We’re very much afraid of these two drunkards. That’s why we always remain inside our house. How dare You go near them? These two don’t care for sannyasis. In fact, they are accustomed to kill brahmanas and cows without any discrimination.”
In spite of the warnings given by many pious people, both Nityananda and Haridasa approached the drunkards while chanting “Krishna, Krishna.” From a little distance, Nityananda and Haridasa loudly repeated the Lord’s message to the two debauches. Nityananda and Haridasa said,
bala krishna bhaja krishna laha krishna nama
krishna mata krishna pita krishna dhana prana
“Chant Krishna, worship Krishna, and sing the glories of Krishna. Krishna is your mother, father, wealth, and life.”
“ Lord Krishna has mercifully delivered you. Please give up your sinful life and worship Him.” Hearing the loud voice of Nityananda and Haridasa, the two drunkards raised their hands and looked around. Their eyes became red with anger. Seeing the sannyasa features of Nityananda and Haridasa, they chased Them screaming nnCatch Them, catch Them!”
Nityananda and Haridasa quickly ran away. The two plunderers chased Them yelling, “Wait! Wait!” They ran behind Nityananda and Haridasa like a raging storm. The two Lords ran away as if in great fear. All the pious people thought, “We tried to stop these two sannyasis from going near the drunkards. Now they’re in great danger.” However, all the atheists began to smile secretly. They said, “Today Lord Narayana has awarded fit punishment to these pseudo sannyasis.”
The pious brahmanas prayed to the Lord, “O Krishna, please save Them. O Krishna, please save Them.” Soon everyone ran away out of fear. The two drunkards chased and the two Lords ran. Though the drunkards shouted, “We’ve almost caught them,” they were unable to catch hold of Nityananda and Haridasa. While running, Nityananda said to Haridasa, “O Vaishnava Haridasa, what do you think? If We survive today, it will be our good fortune.” Haridasa replied, “O Lord, what can I say? It’s all my fault that we’ll soon untimely lose our lives. This is the result of teaching drunkards about Krishna. We’ll soon get our just reward in the form of death.” Speaking like this, both Nityananda and Haridasa ran while smiling. The two drunkards chased the two Lords in a fit like a raging storm. They were both fat and unable to run as swiftly as Nityananda and Haridasa. They still tried to run as fast as possible.
The drunkards yelled at the Lords as follows, “O brothers, where are You going? Now how will You escape the grip of Jagai and Madhai? You don’t know who’s chasing You. Turn around and see. We are Jagai and Madhai here.” Feigning great fear, the two Lords ran very swiftly hearing the threats of the two drunkards. They prayed, “O Krishna! O Govinda! Please save us.”
Haridasa said, “I cannot run anymore. Alas! Why did I come with this naughty boy even knowing His restless nature? Krishna saved me before from the wrath of the Muslims; but now I’m going to surely lose my life because of this naughty boy.”
Nityananda replied, “I’m not a restless person. Think carefully and you’ll find it’s your Lord Gauranga who’s restless. Your Lord is but a simple brahmana, yet He orders like a king. By His order only, we’re going door to door to preach His message. Though we carry out His orders preaching door to door, so far we’ve not found anyone heeding our request. In fact, people simply call us thieves and cheaters and nothing else. If we don’t follow His order, we’ll be ruined. And if we do follow, then this is the result. I know you’ll not find fault with your Lord, so ultimately it’s me who is to blame.” Both Nityananda and Haridasa quarreled humorously while the two drunkards continued the chase.
Finally, Nityananda and Haridasa reached Lord Gauranga’s house. Dulled by drinking wine, the two drunkards were quite confused. They were unable to see the two Lords anymore. Being baffled, they began to push and pull each other. They were too drunk to understand where they were before or how they reached this place. After sometime Nityananda Prabhu and Haridasa Thakura looked back. They did not see the two drunkards following Them. Both Nityananda and Haridasa heaved a sigh of relief and embraced each other. Then they went to meet Lord Visvambhara.
The lotus eyed Mahaprabhu was sitting inside the house. He looked charming, His beauty conquering the beauty of the cupid. The Lord was sitting surrounded by the Vaishnavas. Everyone was discussing the topics of Krishna. The Lord was explaining His own truth to the assembled Vaishnavas just as Lord Narayana, the Lord of Svetadvipa, instructs the sages headed by Sanaka. Just then, Nityananda and Haridasa arrived before the Lord to report the day’s activities. They said, “Today we’ve seen two strange persons. They’re heavy drunkards, yet they call themselves brahmanas. We politely asked them to chant the holy names of Krishna, but they chased us in anger. We’re fortunate to be alive.”
The Lord asked, “Who were those two strangers? What are their names? Being brahmanas, why are they acting like that?” By the way, Gangadasa and Shrivasa Pandita were also sitting there. Both of them revealed all the sinful activities committed by these drunkards. They said, “O Lord, their names are Jagai and Madhai*. They’re the sons of a pious brahmana.”
“By bad association these two have become so degraded. They cannot live without wine for even a single day. The people of Nadia are most afraid of them. There is no house in Nadia where these two have not committed theft. There is no end to their sins. O Gosai, You must have seen them and known everything.”
Lord Gauranga said, “Yes, yes, I know them very well. If they come here, I’ll cut them both to pieces.”
Nityananda said, “You can do whatever You want, but as long as these two drunkards are around, I’m not going to preach. Why do You needlessly brag about Yourself? First, You make them chant the names of Govinda. By nature a pious person chants the holy names of Krishna. But these two drunkards don’t know anything except committing sin. If You can deliver these two persons by awarding them devotional service, then Your name as The deliverer of the fallen souls will have meaning. The way Your glories increased by delivering Me will be much more if You deliver these two fallen souls.”
Lord Visvambhara smilingly replied, “These drunkards were already delivered the moment they had Your darsana. Since You desire their ultimate benefit, Krishna will soon deliver them.” Hearing this from the lotus mouth of the Lord, all the Vaishnavas immediately began to chant “Hari, Hari.” This convinced everyone that now these two drunkards will be saved.
Then Haridasa Thakura said to Advaita Acarya, “The Lord sent me with this restless boy. I remain somewhere while he goes somewhere else. The Ganges is filled with crocodiles in the rainy season. But Nityananda sometimes tries to catch them while swimming. I loudly call and warn Him from the bank. But alas! He floats fearlessly in the water with the crocodiles. When He comes out of the water, then seeing some of His friends, He chases them to beat them. When the parents of those boys come with sticks in their hands, I fall at their feet and beg pardon on His behalf. Sometimes, He steals ghee and yogurt from cowherd men and runs away. Those cowherd men then catch me and try to beat me instead. He does things He is not supposed to do. Whenever He sees an unmarried girl, He tells her, nI will marry you’.
“Sometimes He rides on the back of an ox and calls Himself Mahadeva. At other times, He milks others’ cows and drinks the milk. If I try to teach Him something, He scolds me. He boldly says, nWhat can your Advaita Acarya do to Me?’ He also says, nWhat can your Gauranga, who you think as Lord, do to Me? I’m not afraid of Him.’ I never disclose these things to the Lord. Today providence saved us from imminent danger. We saw two drunks lying in a stupor on the street. Nityananda went before them repeating the message of the Lord. With cruel anger the two drunkards rushed after us to beat us up. I think it’s by Your mercy alone we were saved today.”
Then Advaita Acarya smilingly replied, “This doesn’t surprise Me at all. A drunk will naturally keep company with another drunk. Three drunkards can remain together. Being a strict celibate, why do you mingle with Him? You’ll see. This Nityananda will turn everyone into a drunkard. I know Him very well. Just you wait and see. Within a few days He will bring those two drunkards to the assembly of devotees.” While speaking this way, Advaita Acarya became very angry. In a grave voice, he said, “We’ll soon see Lord Gauranga’s wonderful love and devotion towards Lord Krishna, as well as His power to induce everyone to dance and chant for Krishna. You will see tomorrow Nimai and Nitai will bring those two drunkards here and dance with them. Nimai and Nitai will not discriminate about the drunkards’ position. But I think you and I will have to leave this place to safeguard our social prestige.”
Seeing Advaita Acarya’s angry mood, Haridasa Thakura began to laugh. He thought that the two drunkards would definitely be delivered soon. Who can understand the words of Advaita Acarya? Only Haridasa Prabhu understood their meaning. Nowadays so many sinful persons take shelter of Advaita Acarya and criticize Gadadhara Pandita. Thus, they soon are vanquished. A sinful person who takes the side of a Vaishnava and criticizes another will be positively destroyed.
The two drunkards Jagai and Madhai wandered all over Navadvipa. One day they came to the bathing ghat of the Ganges where Lord Gauranga usually took bath. By providence, the drunkards also made their camp at that ghat. During the day, they would wander around Navadvipa searching for their prey. All the people including the highly respectable, rich, and famous artisans became very much afraid of them. After dusk, no one dared go to the Ganges to take bath. If someone went at all, he would go with a group of ten or twenty. At night the two drunkards stayed nearby the Lord’s house and thus remained awake all night hearing the sounds of kirtana.
When the mridangas and karatalas sounded during kirtana, the two drunkards would happily dance. They could hear the kirtana from afar. As soon as they heard the sacred sounds of kirtana, they would dance and drink more wine. Whenever kirtana begins, they quickly get up and dance. Wine so much bewildered them that they did not know a thing. Where they were before or where they would be after.
Whenever Jagai and Madhai met the Lord, they would say, “Nimai Pandita, did You finish singing Your prayers to goddess Durga? Actually you all sing very well and we want to see and hear You sing. We’ll give You everything that we gather during the day.” The Lord, however, always stayed aloof from them, knowing them to be most sinful. Everyone avoided them in the same way.
One day after traveling around Nadia, Nityananda Prabhu was returning home in the evening. Suddenly the two brothers caught Him. Jagai and Madhai screamed, “Who is this? Who are You?” Nityananda Prabhu replied, “I’m going to Lord Gauranga’s house.” Drunk as usual, they asked Lord Nityananda, “What’s Your name?” Nityananda replied, “My name is Avadhuta.” Absorbed in childhood mood, Lord Nityananda thus started to talk with the two drunkards out of His sweet pastimes. He had already decided to deliver these two fallen souls. He thus purposely came to their place that night. Hearing the name Avadhuta, Madhai became extremely angry. He picked up his pitcher and hit Lord Nityananda on the head. As the pitcher hit Lord Nityananda’s head it cut Him and He started bleeding. Nityananda Prabhu simply remembered Govinda. Seeing Lord Nityananda’s bleeding head, Jagai became compassionate. He forbade Madhai from hitting the Lord again. Jagai said, “Why did you do such a cruel thing? What will you gain by killing a beggar? Leave Him, leave Him. It’s no good to kill a sannyasi.”
People quickly went and told Lord Gauranga about this incident. The Lord instantly rushed to the spot along with His associates. Blood flew from Lord Nityananda’s head. He still simply smiled standing between the two sinners.
Seeing blood on Nityananda Prabhu’s head, Lord Gauranga went into a trance and began to invoke His Sudarsana cakra. The Sudarsana cakra instantly appeared there and Jagai and Madhai personally saw it. All the devotees became totally perplexed. In the meantime, Lord Nityananda quickly began to persuade the Lord.
Lord Nityananda said, “O Lord, when Madhai tried to hit Me again, this Jagai actually saved Me. Just by chance blood came out. I’m not at all disturbed. O Lord, I beg You. Please give Me these two bodies in alms. Please be calm for I have no distress.”
As soon as Lord Gauranga heard that Jagai actually saved Nityananda Prabhu, He became pleased and embraced Jagai. The Lord said to Jagai, “May Krishna be merciful to you. You have purchased Me by saving Nityananda. Ask for any boon you so desire. From today you will achieve loving devotional service.” When the Vaishnavas heard the Lord’s benediction to Jagai, they jubilantly chanted, “All glories to Lord Hari!”
As soon as the Lord gave pure devotional service to Jagai, he at once fell senseless to the ground. The Lord said, “Jagai, please get up and look at Me. I have indeed awarded you love and devotion.” Then, Jagai saw the beautiful four-handed form of Lord Visvambhara, holding a conch, a disc, a club, and a lotus in His hands. Seeing this form of Lord Gauranga, Jagai again fell senseless to the ground. Shri Gauranga then placed His lotus feet on his chest. He obtained the wealth of the Lord’s lotus feet, which are the life and soul of Lakshmi. Jagai caught hold of those invaluable jewels on his chest. Holding the Lord’s lotus feet, Jagai began to cry. Such is the wonderful pastime of Shri Gauranga. Jagai and Madhai were one, but they had appeared in two different bodies. Their piety and sins were also one. As the Lord bestowed mercy on Jagai, Madhai’s heart became purified and changed. In a moment, he took hold of the Lord’s cloth and with folded hands he fell at Lord Gauranga’s lotus feet.
He appealed to the Lord, “O Lord, both Jagai and I committed sins together. Why then do You discriminate in giving Your mercy? Please be merciful to me and I’ll surely chant Your holy names. There’s no one else in the world who can save me.”
The Lord said, “I see no hope for your salvation. You dared to cut Nityananda’s body and make it bleed.”
Madhai replied, “O Lord, don’t say that. Why do You give up Your own merciful nature? When the demons shot arrows at You, why did You still give them Your lotus feet?”
The Lord said, “Your offense is much more grave, since you made Nityananda bleed. Actually, Nityananda is far greater than I am. I make this firm truth known to you.”
Madhai asked, “O Lord, if You’ve indeed told me the truth, then please tell me how I’ll be saved? You’re the crest jewel among doctors expert in curing all diseases. Therefore only if You cure me will my disease be cured. O Lord of the universe, please don’t cheat me. Now I know who You are. How can You hide Yourself now?” The Lord said, “You committed a grave offense at the feet of Nityananda. Now fall at His lotus feet and beg for pardon.”
Ordered by the Lord, Madhai at once caught hold of the invaluable wealth of Lord Nityananda’s lotus feet, which are well known to Revati. Visvambhara said to Nityananda Prabhu, “Listen, Nityananda. It is proper that, if someone falls at Your lotus feet, You should be merciful to him. Since he made You bleed, only You can forgive him. Now he has surrendered unto You.”
Nityananda replied, “O Lord, what can I say? You can bestow mercy to anyone, even to a tree. If I have any piety amassed from previous births, I am giving it all to Madhai. I’m telling You the truth. I don’t care for the offenses he’s done to Me. O Lord, please remove Your illusory energy and be merciful. This Madhai belongs to You.”
Visvambhara said, “If You’ve indeed forgiven all his offenses, then please embrace him so his life will be successful.” Instructed by the Lord, Nityananda Prabhu tightly embraced Madhai. All his material bondage and mass of sins were destroyed. Nityananda Prabhu entered the body of Madhai and thus Madhai became fully equipped with the all the energies of the Lord. Thus, both Jagai and Madhai were delivered. They then offered prayers at the lotus feet of Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu.
Shri Gauranga Mahaprabhu then commanded them, “Sin no more.” Jagai and Madhai replied, “Dear father, no more, not again.” The Lord continued, “Listen, both of you. I have indeed saved you from all your sinful reactions. If you do not sin again, then I’ll destroy all your sinful reactions from millions of births. This is My responsibility. I’ll eat offerings through your mouths, and incarnate through your bodies.” Hearing these words from the Lord, both Jagai and Madhai fell unconscious on the ground in ecstasy. Their illusions thus removed, they floated in the ocean of happiness. The all-knowing Lord instructed, “Take both of them to my house. Tonight we’ll perform kirtana with them. I’ll reward these two with what even Lord Brahma rarely attains. Thus, I’ll turn them into the best of persons in this world. The same people who took bath in the Ganges after touching these brothers will now say that these two brothers are as good as the Ganges. Nityananda’s promise never goes in vain. Know that this is indeed the desire of Nityananda Prabhu.”
Then all the Vaishnavas carefully escorted Jagai and Madhai into the house of the Lord. When all the associates and relatives of the Lord came inside, they closed the main door and allowed no outsiders in. Mahaprabhu Visvambhara sat in the middle of the house. Nityananda Prabhu sat on the right of the Lord, while Gadadhara Pandita sat on His left. Advaita Acarya, the greatest recipient of the Lord’s mercy, sat in front of Them. All the Vaishnavas sat on all the four sides of Their Lordships. There the devotees headed by Pundarika Vidyanidhi*, Garuda*, Ramai*, Shrivasa, and Gangadasa.
Also present were Vakresvara Pandita*, and Candrasekhara Acarya*. Both of them know the mission of Lord Gauranga. Many other devotees sat around Shri Gauranga Mahaprabhu floating in the ocean of bliss along with Jagai and Madhai. The pure loving symptoms such as standing of the hair on end, shedding of tears, and shivering were visible on all their bodies. Both Jagai and Madhai simply rolled on the ground. Who could understand the intention of Lord Gauranga? He transformed the two great plunderers into great devotees.
The Lord said, “These two are no longer drunkards. From now on, they are My servants. All of you please bestow mercy on these two so that they may never forget Me life after life. In whatever way you may have been offended by them, forgive them and bestow your mercy on them.” Hearing the words of the Lord, Jagai and Madhai fell at the feet of all the assembled Vaishnavas and begged pardon. All the great devotees then blessed Jagai and Madhai, who were instantly freed from all offenses. The Lord said, “Please get up, O Jagai and Madhai. Do not worry. From now, you are my servants. Personally, I will not take their offenses. No one should think them sinful anymore. Such an act is never possible in this very lifetime. Know it for certain that it was by the mercy of Nityananda Prabhu alone. Actually, I have taken all their sinful reactions on Me. O brothers, you all can see the proof of this directly.” To convince everyone of this, the golden body of the Lord immediately turned black.
Converting the two plunderers and drunkards into pure devotees, Lord Shri Gauranga who is non-different from Hari, began to dance with His associates. In this way, Shri Gaurachandra, the life and soul of the universe delivered Jagai and Madhai. Shri Gaurachandra will certainly deliver whoever hears of the salvation of Jagai and Madhai.
Accepting Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.
Lord Gauranga glorifies Lord Nityananda
Nityananda Charitamrita, Madhya Khanda Chapter 7
Lord Gauranga glorifies Lord Nityananda
Both Lord Visvambhara and Nityananda Prabhu thus lived in Navadvipa enjoying various pastimes. Nityananda Prabhu was always merged in ocean of transcendental love of Krishna. He constantly behaved like an ordinary child. He loved everyone and spoke with them in a sweet voice. He often danced, sang, played musical instruments, and laughed to Himself. Sometimes out of His own sentiment, He roared loudly, striking everyone with wonder. In the rainy season when the Ganges filled with fierce waves and crocodiles, Lord Nityananda fearlessly swam and floated in her waters. Though everyone who saw Him floating in the Ganges would lament shouting, “Alas! Alas!”, Nityananda continued to float in ecstasy among the crocodiles. He floated in the Ganges absorbed in the mood of Ananta. Not understanding this, people became filled with lamentation.
Sometimes, Nityananda would fall down unconscious in ecstasy. He would sometimes remain so for three or four days. In this way, Nityananda enjoyed countless inconceivable pastimes. I am unable to describe them all, even with millions of mouths.
One day by providence, Nityananda arrived where Visvambhara was sitting. He was naked and smiling. Tears of love were constantly flowing from His eyes. He repeatedly shouted, “Nimai Pandita of Nadia is my life and soul.” Seeing Nityananda’s enchanting radiant naked form, Shri Gauranga began to smile. He quickly took off the cloth tied on His head and put it on Nityananda Prabhu. Nityananda simply laughed. The Lord personally smeared sandalwood paste on the body of Nityananda. He then put a flower garland on Nityananda. Shri Gauranga put Nityananda in front of Him and began to offer prayers as the devotees listened attentively. He prayed to Lord Nityananda thus:
name nityananda tumi rupe nityananda
ei tumi nityananda-rama murtimanta
nityananda paryyatana bhojana vyavahara
nityananda bine kichu nahika tomara
tomare bhujite sakti manusyera kotha?
parama susatya tumi yatha krishna tatha
“Your name is Nityananda and Your form is Nityananda. You are indeed the abode of eternal bliss, non-different from Balarama. You are wandering to the holy places. Your accepting food is simply filled with eternal bliss. Who has the power to understand You? You are the Supreme Absolute Truth and are as good as Krishna.”
The most magnanimous Nityananda was totally absorbed in the mellows of Shri Gauranga. Lord Gauranga wholly approved of whatever He said and did. Shri Gauranga asked Nityananda, “Please give Me one of Your kaupinas. I have a desire to keep it.” After saying this, the Lord took a kaupina from Lord Nityananda and tore it into small pieces. He distributed those pieces of Nityananda Prabhu’s kaupina to all the Vaishnavas.
prabhu bale e vastra bandhaha sabe sire
anyera ki daya iha vanche yogesvare
nityananda prasade se haya vishnu-bhakti
janiha krishnera nityananda purna shakti
krishnera dvitiya nityananda bai nahi
sangi sakha shayana bhushana bandhu bhai
vedera agamya nityanandera carita
sarva jiva janaka rakshaka sarva mitra
ihana vyavahara saba krishna rasamaya
ihana sevile krishna premabhakti haya
bhakti kari ihana kaupina bandha shire
mahayatne iha puja kara giya ghare
Lord Gauranga then said to all the Vaishnavas, “All of you tie this piece of cloth on your heads. What to speak of the Vaishnavas, even the masters of mystic perfection desire this piece of kaupina. One can surely get devotional service to Vishnu only by the mercy of Nityananda. Know that Nityananda is a complete potency of the Supreme Lord. There is no one more dear to Krishna that Nityananda. He eternally serves Krishna as a companion, a bed, an ornament, an associate, and a brother. The qualities of Nityananda are incomprehensible to the Vedas. He is the father, the protector, and the friend of all living entities. His dealings are full of transcendental mellows for Krishna. If one serves Nityananda, he will attain loving devotional service to Krishna without a doubt. All of you should tie this piece of Nityananda’s kaupina on your heads with devotion. You should worship this piece of cloth at your homes with great respect.”
Receiving the order of the Lord, all the devotees respectfully tied the piece of the kaupina on their heads.
prabhu bale sunaha sakala bhaktagana
nityananda padodaka karaha grahana
karilehi matra ei padodaka pana
krishna dridha bhakta haya ithe nahi ana
Shri Gauranga continued, “Listen, My devotees. All of you drink the water that has washed Nityananda’s lotus feet. Just by drinking that water, one will attain unflinching devotion to Krishna. There is no doubt about it.”
Instructed by the Lord, all the devotees then washed the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda and drank the water respectfully. In fact, every devotee drank the water five or seven times. Nityananda was, however, completely lost in rapture as He continued to laugh. Mahaprabhu Shri Gauranga personally distributed the caranamrita of Lord Nityananda with great jubilation. After drinking that water, all the devotees went insane and loudly chanted, “Hari, Hari.” Someone said, “Today my life has become successful.” Another person said, “Today I have become a servant of Krishna.” Someone else said, “Today has been an auspicious day for me.” Another said, “The water that has washed the lotus feet of Nityananda is very tasteful. In fact the sweetness in my mouth does not diminish at all.”
What a wonderful influence of the caranamrita of Lord Nityananda! As soon as all the devotees drank it, they all became agitated. Some of them danced, some of them sang, others rolled on the ground, while others shouted loudly. Then all the devotees happily started nama-sankirtana. Overwhelmed with ecstasy, they all began to dance. Soon Shri Gaurachandra rose and began to dance wonderfully while roaring like a lion. Instantly Nityananda also got up and then both the Lords began to dance all around the devotees. Someone fell on another person, while another caught him in his arms. Someone tried to take the dust of another to put on his head. Someone embraced another and began to cry. It is very difficult to describe the activities of the devotees at that time.
No one was afraid to dance with the Lords. Both the Lords and the Their servants danced together. Nityananda and Gauranga embraced each other joyfully dancing in ecstasy. Being mad with transcendental loving mellows, the Lord of Vaikuntha danced along with His associates. The pastimes of the Lord are endless. The Vedas described these pastimes as appearance and disappearance. After dancing throughout the day, Lord Gaurahari then sat down surrounded by His associates.
He clapped His hands three times and said in a grave and pretentious manner, “Whoever puts faith and devotion in this Nityananda Svarupa actually does it to Me. Even Lord Brahma and Lord Siva constantly worship His lotus feet. Therefore, all of you should keep love and devotion in Him. If anyone maintains even a tinge of enmity towards Nityananda, then, even if such a person is a devotee, he is not dear to me. If air that has touched Nityananda’s body touches anyone, then Lord Krishna will never leave such a person.”
Hearing these words from the Lord, all the devotees loudly exclaimed, “Jaya! Jaya!” If one hears these topics with devotion, Lord Gaurachandra becomes his life and soul. Those who have personally seen these pastimes of Nityananda Svarupa certainly know His glories. The dear fortunate associates of Lord Gauranga know many such wonderful glories of Nityananda.
Accepting Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.
Lord Nityananda's Meeting With Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu
Nityananda Charitamrita Madhya-Khanda Chapter 1
Lord Nityananda's Meeting With Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu
All glories to Shri Krishna Chaitanya and all glories to Shri Nityananda! All glories to Shri Advaita Acarya and all glories to all the devotees of Shri Gauranga! All glories to the Lord, who is the life and soul of Narahari and Gadadhara! O Lord, please glance mercifully towards me. All glories to Shri Gauranga along with His devotees! If one hears the topics of Lord Nityananda, he will certainly achieve pure devotional service.
The topics of Madhya-khanda are just like nectar. Hearing them destroys one’s atheistic mentality. Please behold the beautiful Lord Nityananda to your eyes full satisfaction. He is personified love and affection for Lord Gauranga. Lord Nityananda’s limbs are filled with transcendental mellows for Lord Gauranga.
Speaking in a faltering voice and unable to walk properly, Lord Nityananda resided in Vrindavana. Meanwhile, Shri Gaurachandra revealed Himself in Navadvipa. Lord Gauranga constantly did sankirtana in great ecstasy. He felt distressed, however, not seeing Lord Nityananda. Lord Nityananda could understand the manifestation of Lord Gaurachandra. He lived in Vrindavana waiting for this auspicious moment. Understanding that His Lord had revealed Himself, Lord Nityananda immediately went to Navadvipa and stayed at the house of Nandana Acarya.
Nandana Acarya was a maha-bhagavata, a pure devotee of the Lord. He saw Lord Nityananda as effulgent as the sun. Lord Nityananda was dressed as an avadhuta, or mendicant. He possessed an attractive body. He was always in deep sober mood. Lord Nityananda chanted the holy names of Krishna day and night. He was the abode of Lord Gauranga’s mercy within the three worlds. He often shouted loudly out of His own ecstasy, maddened with love of God. He was an incarnation of Lord Balarama.
The enchanting beauty of His face defeated millions of moons. His sweet smile enlivened all the people of the world. His beautiful brilliant teeth were just like pearls, and His two broad lotus eyes increased the beauty of His face. His hands stretched to His knees and His chest was very wide. His lotus feet were expert in walking. Lord Nityananda spoke with everyone with burning compassion. Hearing the words from His lotus mouth completely destroyed one’s bondage to fruitive activities.
As Lord Nityananda arrived in Nadia, all the residents began to chant “Jaya Jaya!” Who is so expert to describe His glories? It is Lord Nityananda who broke the sannyasa danda of Lord Gaurasundara. It is He who enlivened all the fallen foolish traders of Bengal. If anyone even chants His holy names, he will certainly be purified. Seeing Lord Nityananda, Nandana Acarya became very happy. He offered Him lunch and kept Him at his house. Whoever hears about Lord Nityananda’s arrival at Navadvipa will certainly obtain the treasure of love and devotion.
Aware of Lord Nityananda’s arrival in Navadvipa, Shri Visvambhara became extremely happy within His heart. The Lord had, on some pretext or other, already disclosed the arrival of Lord Nityananda to the Vaishnavas. But none of them could understand the meaning of His words. Lord Visvambhara had said, “Within a day or two, an exalted personality will come here.”
By providence, Lord Nityananda arrived in Navadvipa the same day. Lord Visvambhara, after completing His worship of Vishnu, came and sat with the Vaishnavas. The Lord said to everyone, “Today I had a wonderful dream. I saw a beautiful chariot, with a flag on top, that came and stopped near my door. Within that chariot there was a remarkable personality. He carried a large pillar on His shoulder and appeared restless. He had a stick tucked into His clothes and carried a pitcher in His left hand. He dressed in blue garments with a blue cadara on his chest. A wonderful earring hung on His left ear. By His features, I assume He is none other than Haladhara Balarama.” He repeatedly asked, “Is this the house of Nimai Pandita?”
Lord Chaitanya continued, “I have never seen such a noble and powerful personality. He was effulgent and dressed as an avadhuta, or mendicant. I was severely stunned by seeing Him. I asked Him, nWho are you?’ He smilingly replied, nI am Your brother. We will meet and know each other tomorrow.’ Hearing His words, My happiness increased. I consider Myself as similar to that personality.”
Speaking like this, Lord Gauranga fell into ecstatic trance and began to roar loudly in the mood of Haladhara Balarama. The Lord demanded, “Bring wine!” His loud voice almost shattered the ears of everyone present. Then Shrivasa Pandita* said, “Please listen, O Gosai! The wine that you are asking for is right here in front of You. Only those You give it to can relish it.”
All the devotees remained shivering at a distant place. They all thought there must be some reason behind this. The lotus eyed Lord loudly talked aimlessly. He smiled and moved His body to and fro in the mood of Sankarshana. After a short while, the Lord returned to His normal condition. Explaining the meaning of His dream, He became absorbed in the mood of Balarama.
The Lord said, “I have a feeling in my heart that some holy personality has arrived in Navadvipa. I already told all of you that we would meet Him soon. O Haridasa*, O Shrivasa Pandita, go and find out who has come and where has He come from?”
By the order of the Lord, both pure devotees (Haridasa Thakura and Shrivasa Pandita) happily wandered and searched all over Navadvipa for Lord Nityananda. While wandering, both of them talked to each other. They thought Lord Sankarshana might have come here. They happily wandered the streets of Navadvipa, but were unable to get any news. After searching the entire Navadvipa for nine hours, they returned to the Lord without success. They humbly reported to the Lord, “We did not find the stranger in Navadvipa. We looked in the houses of sannyasis, Vaishnavas, jnanis, and atheists. We saw the entire Navadvipa, but did not go to villages outside Navadvipa.”
Hearing them, Shri Gaurasundara began to smile. By the pretext of ordering the search, He showed that Lord Nityananda is most confidential. Some people glorify Lord Gaurachandra, but as soon as they hear the name of Nityananda, they get up and leave. Just like if one worships Govinda, but does not respect Lord Siva. For that offense, he will surely go to the abode of Yamaraja. Similarly, this incarnation of Lord Nityananda is most confidential. Without the inspiration of Lord Gauranga, no one can even see Him. If anyone criticizes Lord Nityananda’s unfathomable qualities, though he possesses devotion to Lord Krishna, such devotion will be checked.
Devotees headed by Shrivasa Pandita are fully conversant with the science of Lord Nityananda. But for some fun, they could not find Him. After a while, Lord Gauranga said with a smile, “Come with Me. Let us go see Him.” All the devotees then joyfully went with the Lord while chanting, “All glories to Lord Krishna!”
On the way, Lord Gauranga called, “Murari, Murari! Have you not seen Avadhuta Nityananda?” Saying this, He began to smile. “He’s now staying at Nandana Acarya’s house. Come with Me, we’re going there. I’m telling you the truth.” While walking, the Lord repeatedly chanted, “Hari Hari!” His whole body shivered and His voice choked. Five or seven lines of tears flowed from His eyes. The lustrous golden Lord was unable to walk. Sometimes, He leaped up to five steps ahead like a powerful lion, and sometimes looked behind like a mad elephant. Out of ecstasy, the Lord would make a loud noise again and again, which was as grave as the noise of the cloud. In this way, Shri Gaurasundara, along with His associates, finally reached the house of Nandana Acarya.
Everyone saw a jewel-like personality sitting in the house of Nandana Acarya. His effulgence was equal to that of millions of suns. He was sitting in His own mood, deeply absorbed in ecstatic meditation. He was smiling all the time.
Aware that Lord Nityananda was in a deep trance of pure devotion, Lord Visvambhara and His associates offered obeisances. Everyone stood aside with awe and reverence. No one said a word; they simply stared at Him. Then Mahaprabhu Visvambhara came before Lord Nityananda, who at once understood His beloved and worshipable Lord was present. The form of Visvambhara was as beautiful as that of a cupid. He wore an attractive dress and a flower garland. Sandalwood paste was smeared on His forehead. The luster of gold appeared most insignificant before the body of the Lord. Even the moon-god hankers to see His enchanting face. The Lord’s teeth resembled a set of pearls and seeing His attractive hair, one becomes unconscious. Seeing His two broad pink eyes, one wonders, “Are there any more lotus flowers?” His two long hands stretched down to His knees. A fine thin brahmin thread beautified His broad chest. His forehead was wonderfully decorated with marks of tilaka and His body looked enchanting even without any ornaments. His fingernails defeat the beauty of millions of jewels. His attractive smile is nectar. Lord Visvambhara stood in front of Lord Nityananda, who at once recognized the Lord of His heart.
Lord Nityananda, out of joy, was stunned. He stared at Lord Visvambhara without blinking His eyes. He desired to lick Visvambhara with His tongue and drink His beauty through His eyes. Nityananda desired to embrace Visvambhara with His hands and smell Him with His nose. Lord Nityananda simply became stunned. Everyone was so astonished that he did not speak or move. Lord Gauranga, the life and soul of everyone, beheld the situation and began to invent ways to reveal Lord Nityananda.
With a gesture, the Lord instructed Shrivasa to recite a verse from Shrimad-Bhagavatam. Understanding the Lord’s intention, Shrivasa Pandita at once recited a verse from Shrimad Bhagavatam glorifying Krishna’s attractive form.
barhapidam nata-vara-vapuh karnayoh karnikaram
bibhrad vasah kanaka-kapisam vaijayantim ca malam
randhran venor adhara-sudhayapurayan gopa-vrindair
vrindaranyam sva-pada-ramanam pravisad gita-kirtih
“Wearing a peacock-feather ornament upon His head, blue karnikara flowers on His ears, a yellow garment as brilliant as gold, and the Vaijayanti garland, Lord Krishna exhibited His transcendental form as the greatest of dancers as He entered the forest of Vrindavana, beautifying it with the marks of His footprints. He filled the holes of His flute with the nectar of His lips, and the cowherd boys sang His glories” (Shrimad-Bhagavatam 10.21.5)
Hearing this verse, Lord Nityananda fell to the ground unconscious. Out of great ecstasy, Lord Nityananda remained inert as Lord Gauranga told Shrivasa to continue. Awaking after a short while, Lord Nityananda began to cry. Repeatedly hearing the verses from Shrimad-Bhagavatam, Lord Nityananda became maddened. He roared like a lion and the sound shook the universe. He jumped in the air so forcefully that everyone thought all His bones would break to pieces. What to speak of others, even the Vaishnavas became afraid. They all prayed, “O Krishna, please save Him! O Krishna, please save Him!” Lord Nityananda rolled on the ground and His whole body became wet with tears. Seeing the attractive form of Lord Visvambhara, Lord Nityananda breathed heavily. Sometimes He would laugh loudly and sometimes He felt great happiness within His heart. Sometimes He danced, sometimes He clapped His hands, and sometimes He jumped forcefully.
A golden effulgence shown from the beautiful body of Lord Nityananda. Brightly shining ornaments decorated His charming bodily limbs. Yellow cloth adorned His waist and He wore a turban decorated with campaka flowers on His head. Tinkling ankle-bells sounded as He walked. Tears filled His deer-like eyes. His enchanting smile appeared as if the lightening had fallen down on earth. His captivating smile disturbed the chastity of women. His grave voice resembled the sound of a cloud. His roaring sound subdued the mad elephant in the form of Kali. He walked like an intoxicated elephant. Tears of love constantly flowed from His smiling face.
Overflooded with love of God, Lord Nityananda’s body showed symptoms of ecstatic love such as shivering, standing of the hair on end, and perspiration. He held a golden stick in His hand as He defeated the pride of Kali. His lotus-like palms were simply wonderful. He was decorated with armlets, bangles, necklace, bracelets, and ankle-bells. His two earrings were as bright as the sun. He rolled on the ground. Sometimes He stood up saying, “Please hold Me.” Then He would ask everyone, “Where is that cowherd boy Kanai (Krishna).” Sometimes He uttered strange words and sometimes He cried or laughed. Sometimes He asked for honey and sometimes He praised His consort Revati. Sometimes He hopped. Sometimes He said one thing, the next moment something else. No one could understand what He said. The fragrance of His bodily limbs caused all the young girls and the married women to leave their houses without hesitation. Lord Nityananda fell on the ground to offer obeisances to Lord Visvambhara and humbly offered prayers with sweet words.
Lord Nityananda fell at the lotus feet of His Lord. Both of Them tried to catch hold of each other’s feet. Both the Lords embraced each other and cried. Lord Nityananda looked at Visvambhara’s face and smilingly said, “Where were You? I have searched the entire world but could not get any news of You. Finally, I heard that the son of Nanda Maharaja is living at Navadvipa in Gauda-desa hiding His real identity. I have come here to catch this thief. Today, I have caught You. How will You escape?”
Saying this, Lord Nityananda began to laugh, cry, and dance. Lord Gauranga also danced with Nityananda. Seeing Lord Nityananda’s ecstatic madness for Krishna, Gaurachandra cried along with all the Vaishnavas. The happiness of Nityananda increased without limit. Although everyone tried to pacify Him, they were unable. When all the devotees failed to calm Him, Visvambhara personally embraced Him. As soon as Visvambhara embraced Him, Lord Nityananda surrendered His life to Lord Visvambhara and became still. Lord Nityananda offered His life to Him to whom it belongs, and thus remained inert on the lap of Lord Gauranga.
Lord Nityananda floated in the water of Lord Gauranga’s love just as Lakshmana lay on the lap of Lord Ramacandra being hit by the sakti weapon of Ravana. Lord Nityananda swooned pierced by the arrows of love and devotion. Gaurachandra cried with Nityananda on His lap. Both Lords felt an indescribable happiness. Their love and affection for each other is like that of Shri Rama and Lakshmana. There is no other example of the affection seen between Gaurachandra and Nityananda except this.
After a while, Lord Nityananda revived. All the devotees began to chant “Hari! Hari!” Seeing Lord Nityananda on the lap of Visvambhara, Gadadhara smiled and thought, “This is contradictory! Lord Ananta always carries Visvambhara on His lap. Today His pride has been smashed in the lap of the Lord.” Gadadhara Pandita* knows the influence of Lord Nityananda and Nityananda knows the heart of Gadadhara. Seeing Lord Nityananda, the hearts of all the devotees filled with ecstasy.
Nityananda and Gaurachandra simply stared at one another without uttering a word. Tears incessantly flowed down from Their eyes. Seeing each other stunned both of Them. The tears from Their eyes flooded the earth. Lord Visvambhara said, “Today is a very auspicious day for me. I have seen with My own eyes pure devotional symptoms that are the essence of the four Vedas. This shivering, flowing of tears, and loud shouting are not possible for anyone except one who is empowered by the Lord. If one personally sees this pure devotional service, Krishna will never reject him. I am firmly convinced that You are the full manifestation of the Lord’s energy. By worshipping You, a living entity achieves devotion to Lord Krishna. You can purify the fourteen worlds. Your qualities are inconceivable, unfathomable, and confidential. There is no one existing who can defy you. You are the form of love of Krishna, the treasury of devotional service. If anyone meets You even for a moment, he will be delivered, even if he committed millions of sins. I think Krishna has a desire to deliver me. That is why He brought You to Me. By huge fortune, I have seen Your lotus feet. By worshipping You, I will most surely get the treasure of love of Krishna.”
Fully absorbed, the most enchanting Lord Gauranga relentlessly offered prayers to Lord Nityananda. There were so many talks between Lord Nityananda and Lord Gauranga, but most of them were done with gestures. Lord Gauranga said, “I am afraid to ask You. Where are You from?” The mentality of Nityananda was very childish and He was overwhelmed with intense ecstasy. He spoke like a restless boy. Lord Nityananda knew the cause for the appearance of His Lord. He thus folded His hands and spoke very humbly. Hearing the words of Lord Gauranga, Lord Nityananda felt shy. Therefore, He began to reveal His real identity. Lord Nityananda said, “I have traveled to many holy places. I have also seen all the holy places where Krishna did His pastimes. I saw only the holy places, but could not find Krishna there. I asked some exalted personality, nWhy do I see only thorns; the places of pastimes are all empty and covered? Can you tell Me where Krishna went?’ He told Me that Krishna has gone to Bengal. Recently, He was at Gaya, but now has returned to Navadvipa. I have heard that joyous sankirtana of the holy names is being done in Nadia. Some people say that Lord Narayana has appeared here. I have also heard that Nadia is famous for the deliverance of the fallen souls. So, being most sinful as I am, I have come here.”
Lord Gauranga said, “We are all immensely fortunate to see a pure devotee like Yourself. Today we are most satisfied having seen the flow of Your tears of ecstasy.”
Then Murari smilingly said, “O Lord, we are confused hearing words such as nYour’ and nOur’ spoken by You.” Shrivasa Pandita said, “How can we understand Their dealings? Just as it is hard to understand how Krishna and Siva worship each other.” Gadadhara Pandita said, “O Shrivasa Pandita, what you say is right. Their qualities resemble that of Rama and Lakshmana.” Someone else said, “Both of them are just like two cupids.” Others said, “Both of Them are just like Krishna and Balarama.” Someone said, “I don’t know much about Them, but I have a feeling that Ananta Sesha has taken shelter of the lap of Krishna.” Yet others said, “They are just like the two friends Krishna and Arjuna, as They exchanged such affection.” Another person said, “It appears that They are closely related to each other. Whatever They speak is through gestures only.” In this way, all the devotees happily described the glories of Lord Nityananda and Lord Gaurachandra.
Anyone who hears about the meeting of Nitaicanda with Gaurachandra will no doubt be released from material bondage.
No one except Lord Nityananda served the Lord as a companion, a friend, a brother, an umbrella, a bed, and a carrier. Lord Nityananda by His own will serves the Lord in various ways. If Lord Nityananda bestows mercy and qualification on anyone, then he can serve the Lord. Lord Nityananda is the expansion of the original Personality of Godhead. He is at once a great yogi, a supreme controller, and the topmost Vaishnava. Who can understand His unlimited glories? Without understanding His unfathomable glories, if anyone criticizes Him, then even after receiving devotional service to Lord Krishna, his advancement will be checked.
This is my only desire. May Lord Nityananda Rama, Who is a manifestation of and very dear to Lord Gauranga, become my life and soul. By His mercy, I am inclined towards Lord Gauranga and, by His mercy, I am writing about the glories of Lord Gauranga. As Raghunatha and Yadunatha refer to the same personality, similarly Nityananda and Baladeva are different names of one personality. Anyone who wants to cross the ocean of material existence and merge into the ocean of devotional service should worship Nitaicanda. All glories to the most enchanting Lord of lords, Shri Gauranga! All glories to the Supreme Controller, Shri Nityananda, who is non-different from Shri Ananta!
Accepting Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their pastimes.
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