Advaita Prakasha
Isana Nagara
Chapter One
Mangalacarana
shriladvaita gurum vande harinadvaitam eva tam
prakashitam param brahma yo 'vatirnah kshitau harih
“I offer my respectful obeisances to my spiritual master, Shri Advaita Prabhu, who is nondifferent from Lord Hari. He induced the Supreme Lord Hari to manifest in this world.”
antah krishnam bahir goram krishna-chaitanya samjnakam
premabdhim sac-cid-anandam sarva-shaktashrayam bhaje
“I worship Lord Shri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who is outwardly of a fair complexion but is inwardly Krishna Himself. He is an ocean of love, eternally full of knowledge and bliss, and the origin of all energies.”
shri nityananda-ramam hi dayalum prema-dipakam
gadadharam ca shrivasam vande radhesha sevinam
“I offer my obeisances unto Shri Nityananda Rama, who is most merciful and who illuminates love of God. I offer my obeisances to Gadadhara and Shrivasa, who are engaged in the service of the Lord of Radharani.”
All glories to Shri Chaitanya! All glories to Sitanatha! All glories to Nityananda, along with all the devotees!
When the five-headed Lord Shiva saw Kali-yuga was filled with terrible sins, he thought, “How can I deliver the living entities?” After a long discussion with Yogamaya, he concluded that no one other than Lord Hari could deliver the fallen souls. Sadashiva, who is always joyful at heart, then went to the shore of the Causal Ocean. That great yogi then sat in yogic meditation for seven hundred years, until Maha-Vishnu, the Lord of the universe, was pleased by his severe austerities and appeared before him. When the five-headed Shiva saw Lord Narayana there, he offered many indescribable prayers. Maha-Vishnu then said, “You and I are nondifferent except for our separate bodies.”
Saying this, He embraced Lord Shiva and their two bodies became one. Who could understand His mind? It was most wonderful how they became one form with pure golden effulgent limbs, chanting, “Krishna! Krishna!” Suddenly there was a miraculous voice from the sky saying, “Listen, Maha-Vishnu! You first descend in this form in the womb of Labha, later I will descend in the district of Nadia in the house of Shaci and Jagannatha. Balarama and other devotees will also take birth in order to deliver the living entities.”
On hearing this, Maha-Vishnu, who is nondifferent from Lord Shiva, entered the womb of Labha in Shantipura. Labha was the austere, chaste, religious-minded wife of Kuvera Pandita. Previously, the well-to-do Kuvera Pandita had devotedly performed austerities and chanted mantras to get Lord Shiva as his son. Lord Shiva was pleased by his austerities and agreed by saying, “So be it. Your desire will be fulfilled.” That is why Kuvera took birth in this world. He was given the name Shriman Kuvera Acarya, and by dint of his knowledge and religiousness he was worshipable by all. I am unable to describe all his good qualities. People glorify him as the son of Nrisimha.
Nrisimha was a descendant of Aru Ojha and was also known as Nadiyala. He could remember anything he heard and was famous throughout the three worlds for being well-versed in the scriptures and expert in their explanations. By the strength of Nrisimha's counsel, Shri Ganesha captured the throne of Gauda-desha by killing the Badasaha. The class of Kapa brahmanas who resided in Lauda were formed by his daughter's marriage.
Kuvera Acarya was an inspiration to his family line by his role as the King's Pandita. After marriage he gradually had many sons, but when they all died he had some realization. He went to beautiful Shantipura on the bank of the Ganges and stayed there with Labha for some days. One day he noted symptoms of pregnancy in Labha's form. He therefore worshiped Lord Narayana with various articles and satisfied the brahmanas, the poor, and the blind by feeding them.
At that time Kuvera got a letter from the King, so he returned home with his wife. His residence was in Nava-grama, in the district of Lauda, where Divyasimha was reigning. When he returned to Nava-grama, the residents offered him a warm reception. Delighted on seeing the Acarya after many days, the King greeted him and inquired about his well-being. The King said, “Tell me some good news. Why have you been delayed? Your good association is a source of joy for me. I consider my kingdom void without you.”
The Acarya replied, “You are an ocean of mercy. You are always kind to the poor brahmanas. The bank of the Ganges is an enchanting holy place. Living there is equal to living in Svarga. I returned because of your order, otherwise I had no desire to leave that place. By the will of the Lord, my wife has again became pregnant, for whatever is destined becomes manifest.”
The King said, “As she became pregnant in a holy place, I'm sure the result will be auspicious. Forget your past lamentation. Pray to the Lord, and He will bless you with a wonderful son.”
In this way they had many discussions. At that time a brahmana astrologer came there. The astrologer said, “Listen, Pandita Mahashaya. There is no doubt that you will get a divine son. He will live a long life and be fully conversant with the religious codes of the scriptures. I can see that He will widely preach devotional service.”
Saying this, the astrologer disappeared. Later, the King searched for him, but he could not be found. Considering this very astounding, people considered that the astrologer must have been some demigod.
The Acarya was pleased by the astrologer's prediction. He returned home and explained everything to Labha, who replied, “The Lord's glories are unlimited. By His grace our miseries may disappear. Saintly persons say that whoever worships Lord Vishnu with devotion will meet good fortune everywhere.”
On hearing this, Acarya, who is situated in pure knowledge, said, “Yes, dear, this is the Vedic conclusion. By worshiping Vishnu, all demigods are worshiped, all perfection is attained, and one is freed from all illusion.”
Kuvera then devotedly worshiped Lord Narayana in great opulence with many articles. He offered vishnu-prasada to the brahmanas and gave clothes to the poor, the blind, and the distressed.
Now listen to a wonderful story. Once at the end of night Labha Thakurani had a dream in which she saw Lord Harihara appear in her lotus heart. The beauty of the Lord's limbs illumined all directions. He sweetly chanted the holy name of Hari and danced with raised arms. Tears of love flowed from His eyes, and He lost all external consciousness. He chanted Hare Krishna and roared loudly. Hearing His chanting, Yamaraja, the son of Surya, came there.
Yamaraja saw that the sweetness of Harihara's combined form resembled that of Hara-Gauri. The enchanting effulgence of His body defeated the shining of millions of suns. Who has the capacity to describe that beauty? As He chanted Hare Krishna, His hairs stood on end and tears incessantly flowed from His eyes like the Ganges. His body was inundated with ecstatic love, and the waves of that love expanded as He danced. Seeing His transcendental mood, the beloved son of Surya offered full obeisances and various prayers.
With folded hands, Yamaraja sweetly said, “O Lord, please listen. This Kali-yuga is covered with the darkness of ignorance. It is certainly wonderful that You incarnate in such an age. By seeing You, the sinful will be delivered and my authority will be finished. Therefore, dear Lord, kindly remain unmanifest and deliver this servant of Yours from danger.”
Hearing Yamaraja's appeal, the Lord slightly smiled and said, “O Dharmaraja, you are in illusion. Be peaceful. Don't you realize how much the sinful living entities are suffering? Learned persons and saints feel sorry for the sufferings of others. If someone is suffering the reactions of his karma, then who has the power to free him? Being covered by illusion, the living entity does not know his own self-interest. He foolishly considers insignificant sense enjoyment as his self-interest. One who is attached to material life is bound by his fruitive work just as a diseased person suffers when he takes the wrong food. Particularly in Kali-yuga the living entity becomes whimsical and suffers in the blazing fire of material life. Seeing their unbearable distress, My mind became impatient and I made a vow. The maha-mantra counteracts the bondage of karma and enables one to attain pure krishna-prema. By teaching sinful persons the transcendental holy name, I will empower and deliver them. That is why I will take birth now. Later, saints will sing the glories of Kali-yuga.
“I have one more staunch vow. I will without doubt make the Lord Himself descend. Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu will descend along with His followers, and the whole country will be overflooded with pure krishna-prema. Your authority will not be lost by this, however, for blasphemers and atheists will never be delivered.”
On hearing this, Yamaraja returned to his abode. Labhadevi then woke from her dream and described the wonderful vision to her husband, Kuvera Pandita, who was amazed to hear the story.
The chaste Labhadevi passed ten months in pregnancy, and then Advaita Prabhu took birth on the auspicious seventh day of the waxing moon in the month of Magha [January-February]. On that auspicious day all the ladies took bath, gave charity, chanted the holy names, and made auspicious sounds of hulu. Although the devotees did not understand the cause of their happiness, their bliss knew no bounds.
In due course of time Kuvera called an astrologer, who after calculation named the child Kamalaksha. At the age of five the child looked strikingly wonderful. He didn't eat anything other than krishna-prasada. Thereafter, on an auspicious day, Kuvera gave his son His first lesson, and within a month Advaita Prabhu mastered the entire alphabet.
Praying at the the lotus feet of Lord Chaitanya and Shri Advaita, always desiring Their mercy, I, Ishana Nagara, narrate Shri Advaita Prakasha.
Chapter Two
All glories to Shri Chaitanya! All glories to Sitanatha! All glories to Nityananda, along with all the devotees!
Shri Lauda-dhama is the Causal Ocean wherein Shri Advaita Prabhu performed His childhood pastimes. Listen now to a wonderful story. One day Labhadevi fell asleep with her son on her lap. At the end of the night she had a dream. She perceived that the son on her lap was the source of Lord Shiva. That white colored form of Maha-Vishnu had four hands, decorated with the conchshell, club, disc, and lotus. He was beyond the vision of the demigods. The luster of His body resembled that of the autumn moon, which removes the threefold miseries and gives peace.
Seeing the transcendental form of the Lord, the chaste Labhadevi offered her full obeisances. She folded her hands and offered various prayers with love and devotion. The Lord then inquired, “Why are you praying to Me?”
Labhadevi said, “Please give me the water that has washed Your lotus feet.”
The Lord said, “How can I do that? One's mother and father are as respectable as the Guru.”
Labhadevi said, “You are Sadashiva, the spiritual master of the entire creation. You remain everywhere in innumerable living entities. You are the origin of all creations, so who can be Your mother? You are Maha-Vishnu, the father of all living entities. Your holy reddish feet are the seat of millions of places of pilgrimage. Simply by drinking the water that has washed Your lotus feet, the living entity attains liberation. Therefore, O Lord, please give me the water that has washed Your feet.”
Advaita Prabhu said, “Do not ask for this again. If you like, I will call all the holy places of pilgrimage here. Then you may bathe, drink, and execute religious duties.”
When Labhadevi awoke after that wonderful dream, she remembered Lord Narayana and sat down. She exclaimed, “What a wonderful dream I had! According to astrology, whatever one dreams at the end of night comes true.”
Advaita woke up and asked, “Mother, what are you saying?”
Labha said, “I had a dream.”
Advaita inquired, “Please tell Me what you have seen.”
Labhadevi said, “There is no need for You to hear about it.”
Advaita said, “Please tell Me about the dream, otherwise I will stop chanting and dancing.”
Labhadevi said, “Listen, darling, You are just a child and will not understand. And if I tell You, what benefit will You get?”
She then narrated the whole amazing dream, from beginning to end, and shed tears in ecstasy. Advaita Prabhu then promised her, “I will bring all the places of pilgrimage and establish them here.”
On hearing this, Labha Thakurani's hairs stood on end and she said, “If you do that, then I will consider the dream was true.”
Advaita said, “Tonight all the places of pilgrimage will come, and tomorrow you can take bath and become successful in all respects.”
Labhadevi said, “Who will believe this?”
Advaita Prabhu said, “My words will certainly come true.”
That night in meditation Advaita Prabhu called all the personified holy places by His mystic power. As the Lord remembered them, each holy place came there just like iron is attracted by the force of a magnet. All the sacred tirthas like the beautiful Ganges and Yamuna came and worshiped the Lord. As Advaita cordially received them, the Yamuna offered obeisances at His feet.
The personified tirthas asked, “O Lord, why did You call us here?”
Advaita told them, “I want you to stay on the top of that mountain.”
The personified tirthas then said, “If we stay there, the glories of many holy places will be ruined.”
Advaita Prabhu said, “My words should not prove false. You must come here for one day every year.”
The personified tirthas then asked, “O Lord, please decide which day we should come on top of this mountain.”
Advaita Prabhu said, “You should promise to appear on the auspicious thirteenth day of the waning moon in the month of Madhu [March-April].”
The personified tirthas replied, “We certainly promise to come. We cannot disobey Your order.”
From that time the place became known as Pana-tirtha, the holy place where the personified tirthas made a promise to the Lord. If someone drinks or bathes in that water his desires are fulfilled.
Advaita Prabhu ordered the tirthas to remain on top of the mountain as waterfalls. The tirthas accepted the Lord's order and performed pastimes on top of the mountain.
In the morning Advaitacandra informed His mother that all the holy places have appeared on the top of the mountain. When mother Labhadevi inquired as to how she could believe this, Advaita replied, “You will soon see something wonderful.”
Advaita Prabhu took His mother and went near the mountain. He then blew a conchshell, played a gong, and loudly chanted the name of Hari. All of a sudden streams of water began falling from the top of the mountain.
“Dear mother, see how your body is bathed by the nectarean blackish water of the Yamuna. See the other side, where the pious nectarean water of the Ganges, which derides the transparency of quartz, is coming to bath you. Again, see the other pious rivers—some red and some yellow—all showering on your head with a sweet melodious sound.”
Labhadevi was amazed, and she offered obeisances. Then with love and devotion she took bath and gave charity. Since then, that place has become a renowned holy place of pilgrimage. If one takes bath there during the Varuni-yoga, he gets many auspicious results.
Shri Kuvera then joyfully let his son, Kamalaksha, study with the son of the king. Advaita Prabhu was a shruti-dhara who could memorize anything by hearing once. When He studied Kalapa grammar, He understood the meaning of each aphorism by reading it only once. In three years He completed the entire book. People remarked, “Kamalaksha has attained transcendental knowledge.”
Now listen to this amazing incident. One day Kamalaksha and the son of King Divyasimha went to the temple of goddess Kali. The prince devotedly offered obeisances to the stone deity. As Kamalaksha was standing there enjoying the beauty of the deity, the prince told Him to offer obeisances. Kamalaksha didn't hear him and remained standing there, so the prince got angry and rebuked him.
Then Advaita Prabhu became angry and roared out, and the prince fell unconscious to the ground. The servants cried out, “Alas!” and rushed to inform King Divyasimha.
When the king heard this painful news, he immediately went along with his ministers to see his son. Meanwhile, Kamalaksha ran away like an ordinary person and hid Himself inside an ant hill.
On seeing his lifeless son, the king lamented, “Alas! Alas!” Meanwhile Kuvera rushed off to find his son. After searching for a long time, Advaita Prabhu was found and taken to His residence. The king said to Advaita, “You are the greatest amongst the brahmanas. Why did You do such a heinous thing?”
Advaita Prabhu felt embarrassed and said, “He is not dead yet. He is just unconscious. I will bring him back to his senses.” Advaita then made the king's son drink caranamrita, water that has washed the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu, and the prince regained his consciousness.
Water that has washed the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu has transcendental power that even Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva cannot fathom. By simply remembering the water that has washed the feet of Lord Vishnu, one gets the same auspicious results as obtained by visiting holy places and bathing in sacred rivers.
Seeing his son come back to life, the King became joyful and satisfied the poor and the brahmanas by distributing wealth in charity. When people said that everything was auspicious now, Shri Kuvera thought that the disturbance was over.
Thereafter, on an auspicious day, the wise Kuvera gave his son the sacred brahmana thread. In this way Advaita Prabhu was sanctified by entering the Brahminical order in His pauganda age [six to ten years]. He looked pure and sublime. Advaita then studied various literatures as well as the art of literary embellishments and the science of Astrology.
Now listen to this wonderful incident that occurred during the festival of Kali-puja. As all classes of people gathered at the temple of goddess Kali, there was customary dancing and singing. At that time Kamalaksha came and took His seat in the assembly. The King said, “Kamalaksha, what kind of behavior is this? Why didn't You offer obeisances to Kali?”
Advaita replied, “The Supreme Brahman is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He alone is My worshipable Lord. Those who follow various philosophies get bewildered, whereas those who are wise fix their minds on one worshipable Lord.”
Hearing his son's scholarly statement, Tarka Pancanana gave arguments supporting the King. He explained to Kamalaksha, “You don't understand the final conclusion. The Supreme Brahman has many forms—this is the conclusion of the Vedas. All the demigods and demigoddesses are worshipable, and those who are envious of them are most sinful. In Treta-yuga even the Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Ramacandra worshiped Devi to deliver Sita. Because Devi is the mother of the universe, she is most merciful. Those who engage in cultivating knowledge get liberation by worshiping her. Therefore You should offer obeisances to mother Kali to be free from all calamities and attain fulfillment of Your desires.”
Kamalaksha said, “Listen, father. Please don't get angry, but unless there is only one worshipable Lord there will be many discrepancies. If one pours water on the root of a tree, then its branches and leaves are satisfied. Similarly, if one worships Narayana, the origin of all demigods and demigoddesses, then worship of all gods is complete. Bhagavati Devi is the external energy of Lord Vishnu, and by her potency the living entities are bewildered about the Absolute Truth. One who delights in the sacrifice of living entities is not worthy of worship. If she is the mother of the universe and all living entities are her offspring, then how will she be pleased by the sacrifice of her children?”
Kuvera said, “What benefit will You get from inappropriate arguments? You simply invite misfortune by blaspheming Devi. A king punishes the offenders and rewards the pious according to the laws of religion. Similarly, Devi gives liberation to saintly persons and leaves ordinary living entities in the ocean of ignorance. Killing animals for the purpose of sacrifice is not violence, because the animals are delivered and promoted to the heavenly planets.”
Advaita Prabhu said, “When there is an easier method for achieving perfection, why should one separately endeavor to deliver his parents?”
In this way the father and son argued in various ways, and all the people in the assembly were amazed. As one's father is considered his worshipable Guru, Advaita Prabhu then stopped speaking out of respect. He said, “Dear father, please forgive My offense. I will now offer obeisances to Devi.”
Saying this, He offered obeisances before the deity of Devi. At that time something amazing happened. Everyone present there was astonished to see the deity of Devi break to pieces. Because the deity was conscious, she was embarrassed when her master bowed down before her. The king along with his ministers and Kuvera Acarya were all struck with wonder on seeing that amazing event.
Kamalaksha, who is nondifferent from Hara and Hari, then disappeared from that place while chanting Gauranga's name. At the age of twelve He went to Shantipura, where He gradually studied the six branches of philosophy.
Praying at the the lotus feet of Lord Chaitanya and Shri Advaita, always desiring Their mercy, I, Ishana Nagara, narrate Shri Advaita Prakasha.
Chapter Ten
All glories to Shri Chaitanya! All glories to Sitanatha! All glories to Nityananda, along with all the devotees!
One day, while taking bath in the Ganges and loudly chanting the name of Hari, Advaita Acarya thought, “When will Lord Gauranga appear so that My mind and body will find satisfaction?” He then offered flowers, tulasi, and Ganges water at the feet of Lord Krishna with loving devotion. By Advaita's loud calling and flower offering, Lord Krishna became anxious to appear. When Advaita saw that the flower offering was floating upstream, He understood that it was Krishna's mercy and rushed to follow it. Remembering the holy names, Haridasa also followed until the flowers entered Nadia. Advaita Prabhu then said, “Listen, dear Haridasa, Krishnacandra will appear in this village. Today we have seen evidence that the prediction given in Shri Ananta-samhita will come true.”
At that time the pregnant wife of Jagannatha Mishra, Shaci Thakurani, who is nondifferent from Shri Yashoda, was taking bath in the Ganges. While bathing, the flowers came and remained touching her body. Shaci thought to herself, “What inauspicious thing is happening today? I am pushing these flowers away, but they return and stick to my body!”
Quickly finishing her bath, she returned to the riverbank. In an ecstatic trance, Advaita Prabhu could understand that she was the mother of Lord Krishna. Seeing that she was pregnant, Advaita thought that Krishnacandra would appear from her womb. In order to find out, He offered His obeisances to the unborn child, but because the child was ordinary, there was a miscarriage.
Shaci was most unhappy because of the miscarriage, so she quickly took bath and returned home. When Jagannatha Mishra saw his wife's morose condition, he asked her, “Why do you look so unhappy today?”
Shaci said, “One old brahmana came from somewhere, and when He offered obeisances, I had a miscarriage.”
Jagannatha replied, “He was simply an instrument. Actually the Lord is the cause of all events. Give up your lamentation and remember Lord Narayana, who vanquishes all inauspiciousness.”
Meanwhile, after consideration, Advaita Acarya opened a school in Navadvipa in anticipation of Gauranga's appearance. All the respectable scholars of Nadia visited Advaita and accepted Him as their leader.
Shrivasa Thakura, the incarnation of Narada Muni, enjoyed unlimited happiness in the association of Advaita Prabhu. During the day Advaita would teach Bhagavad-gita and Shrimad Bhagavatam to His students, or, according to the desire of the students, He would sometimes teach the Vedas and smritis. At night He would meet Haridasa, and they would loudly chant the holy names together.
Seeing Advaita Prabhu's wonderful activities, Vishnudasa Acarya took initiation in the holy names from Him. He studied Shrimad Bhagavatam under Advaita Prabhu with many other Vaishnavas. Others, like Nandini and Vasudeva Datta, also felt fortunate to receive initiation from the Lord. When Advaita Prabhu discussed topics regarding Lord Krishna with His many disciples, He sometimes spoke incoherently in transcendental madness.
Advaita Prabhu offered obeisances to one after another of Shaci's embryos, yet each one died. When the eighth pregnancy also ended in miscarriage, Shaci was most unhappy. She cried and said to her husband, “All my children have died because of Advaita offering His obeisances. What will you do to maintain our family line?”
On hearing Shaci's lamentation, Jagannatha Mishra, the best of the brahmanas, went anxiously to see Advaita Prabhu. He offered obeisances and glorified Advaita in various ways. Advaita Prabhu blessed him, offered him a seat, and said, “What brings you here?”
Jagannatha Mishra, with folded hands, replied, “I am taking shelter at Your feet. If I have committed any offense to You, please forgive me. This is my only request. Please be merciful so that my family line may continue.”
Advaita Prabhu said, “Go back to your house for now. I will do whatever is required.”
Receiving Advaita Prabhu's instruction, Mishra returned home and told Shaci about His assurance. The next day, after finishing His morning duties, Advaita quickly went to Jagannatha Mishra's house. When Advaita arrived at his house, Mishra, the best of the brahmanas, took grass between his teeth and went out to greet Him. He offered Advaita Prabhu his obeisances, a seat, and various articles of worship. Then Shacidevi came and offered her obeisances, and Advaita blessed her saying, “Dear child, may you have a son.”
Hearing His benediction, Jagannatha Mishra said, “Kindly do something to make Your words come true.”
Advaita Prabhu replied, “I received a mantra in a dream. You should both chant this mantra with loving devotion. By doing so, all inauspiciousness will disappear and you will get a divine learned son.”
Hearing Advaita's instruction, they went to take bath. On their return, Advaitacandra worshiped Narayana according to regulation and then gave them the four-syllable Gaura-gopala mantra. They felt jubilant on receiving the mantra and humbly offered prayers and obeisances to Advaita.
Advaita Prabhu blessed them, saying, “Krishne matir astu” [“Let your attention be on Krishna”], and after taking His meal He returned home.
After some days, Shaci again became pregnant, and as a result, Vishvarupa, the abode of all good qualities, was born. Advaita Prabhu addressed Him as Maha-Sankarshana, and even Lord Brahma does not know His glories. People were amazed at how renounced He was from His birth. He used to preach devotional service with Advaita Acarya.
Now I will describe how Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appeared, for people are blessed by hearing such narrations. As Shri Advaita Acarya performed His daily worship of Lord Krishna, He would loudly call out, “Gaurahari!” By this loud calling of Advaita Prabhu, Krishna's mind became restless. Thus Krishna mercifully descended in the town of Navadvipa to fulfill the predictions of the scriptures. Advaita Acarya could understand from Shacidevi's bodily effulgence that the moonlike Shri Gauranga would soon appear from the milk ocean womb of mother Shaci.
One morning Advaita Prabhu was worshiping Krishna on the bank of the Ganges with tulasi, sandalwood paste, and flowers. He offered flowers three times to the waters of the Ganges, which He considered a form of Lord Krishna. By the will of Lord Krishna, the flowers that He offered swiftly sailed to the side of mother Shaci as before.
Seeing this, the astonished Shacidevi unhappily thought, “Who has again deliberately sent flowers like this?” Quickly pushing aside the flowers and tulasi, she came out on the riverbank chanting the names of Rama, Narayana, and Hari.
On seeing this, Advaita Prabhu roared in ecstatic love and repeatedly chanted the name of Gaurahari. Then Advaita Prabhu, the husband of Sitadevi, circumambulated mother Shaci and offered obeisances to the child in her womb.
Shacidevi exclaimed, “Wait! Acarya Thakura, wait! I am becoming an offender by these actions of Yours. When You previously offered obeisances like this, You caused the death of my children. Now please tell me why You are again offering obeisances to me, Your disciple.”
Saying this, Shaci offered her obeisances to Advaita, who in return blessed her, saying, “O mother, I promise you there is no fear. From your womb you will get a son like Krishna Himself.” Hearing that, Shaci went home in great happiness, and Advaita Prabhu chanted the holy names in transcendental madness.
When Shaci's pregnancy passed ten months, Krishnacandra had still not manifested. And after twelve months had passed, Jagannatha Mishra and others became worried. Nilambara Cakravarti, the father of Shacidevi, was as expert as Gargamuni in astrology. He made astrological calculations and then disclosed to those assembled that within the womb of his daughter was a great saintly person, who would take birth at an auspicious time after thirteen months of pregnancy had passed. When he further predicted that the child's appearance would be the source of all auspiciousness for the people of the world, all those present were overwhelmed with joy.
Then, at the auspicious moment, Shri Chaitanya appeared from the womb of Shaci, as Nrisimhadeva appeared from the stone pillar. The Supreme Personality of Godhead has no connection with the illusory energy. He is the ocean of love and the embodiment of eternity, knowledge, and bliss. Wherever He resides is Vrindavana. He manifests His transcendental body to deliver the living entities. His father, mother, friends, and abode are all fully spiritual and eternally full of bliss.
Feeling the burden of responsibility for the living entities' suffering, the Supreme Lord appears along with His associates. The son of Nanda accepted the complexion and mood of Shrimati Radharani with three desires in mind. Thus He appeared with a golden complexion in the district of Nadia to distribute loving devotional service and bless the world.
On the full moon night of the Phalguna month (February-March) in the year 1486 there was a lunar eclipse as Rahu covered the moon. During the auspicious moment when the moon and ascendant were in the sign of Leo, mother earth was in a joyful mood of devotion to Krishna. That evening, as everyone chanted the transcendental name of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna advented in the form of Lord Gauranga.
Although everyone was already happy on the occasion of Krishna's Holi festival, their happiness expanded due to the lunar eclipse. Some pure-hearted persons gave in charity, some danced, and some chanted “Hari bol!” In Radha-desha, Nityananda Prabhu roared in ecstasy like a thundering cloud on the occasion of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's appearance.
Gauranga's bodily hue resembled the golden moon, so His maternity room was illumined as if by yellow moonshine. His hands extended to His knees, and His eyes resembled the lotus flower. I am unable to describe even a portion of His beauty.
Mother Shaci was bewildered on seeing her child's divine form. Jagannatha considered the child to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and began offering prayers. Seeing this, Gaurachandra expanded His yogamaya internal energy, so that the couple looked on Him as their son.
All living entities became joyful on the appearance of Lord Krishna, and the devotees drown in loving devotion. When Advaita understood that Krishna had appeared as Shri Chaitanya, He considered Himself fortunate and roared loudly. Haridasa and other devotees engaged in congregational chanting. Some of the devotees danced in ecstasy and some fell unconscious.
From the time of His birth, Shri Gauranga acted like a great sage by keeping His eyes closed and refusing to drink milk. Seeing this, Shacidevi began crying, and others headed by Jagannatha Mishra became distressed. At that time my Prabhu, Advaita Acarya, went there to see His Lord. On Advaita's arrival, Jagannatha Mishra offered his obeisances, and Advaita Prabhu inquired about the cause of their lamentation.
Jagannatha Mishra replied, “O Prabhu, You know everything. You have given us the wealth of a son, but now it appears He is indifferent to us.”
Advaita Prabhu said, “O Mishra, don't worry. There is no doubt that your son will be fine.”
Saying this, Advaita Prabhu went inside the maternity room. When Shaci saw Advaita Prabhu, she held His feet and began to cry. Advaita told Shaci, “O mother, don't cry. Stand aside, your son will be fine.”
Receiving the Acarya's instruction, mother Shaci went to the side as Advaita Prabhu approached the child. When Lord Govinda, in the form of Gaura, saw Advaita overflowing with loving ecstasy, He smiled brightly. Advaita Acarya was immersed in pure love on seeing that Krishna in His original form had appeared. When Advaita returned to His external senses, He offered obeisances to Gaura with folded hands and submitted, “O Lord, this servant of Yours has been waiting for You in this world for the last fifty-two years. This material world is a dark hole, full of contamination. Seeing this condition, we have become fearful. Therefore with great eagerness I have come here to see You, for by seeing You our fears are mitigated. I wandered to distant lands looking for You, but due to My misfortune I was unable to find You. Now My long-cherished desire is fulfilled, and the moon of Gokula has risen in Navadvipa.”
Gaura replied, “I am always controlled by My devotees. My appearance and disappearance is only by their desire.”
Shri Advaita Prabhu said, “Since You have come to this world, why are You not taking milk?”
Gaura said, “O Pancanana, You are intoxicated with loving devotion and have forgotten the regulations. You should give hari-nama before giving mantra, so that one's aural reception is purified by the influence of the holy names. If someone chants a mantra with impure senses, then his initiation is certainly incomplete. You have given mantra-diksha to mother Shaci before she received the holy names, therefore I have not drunk her milk.”
Advaita Prabhu then asked, “How does one chant the holy names?”
Lord Gauranga replied, “One should chant the sixteen eternally perfect names as follows: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.”
Although Advaita Acarya was familiar with these sixteen names, when He heard them from the lips of Gauranga, He became overwhelmed with love. Advaita Prabhu considered Himself fortunate as He took Gaura in His arms and slowly went under the nimba tree. He lay Gaura down and chanted the name of Hari. By the touch of Gaura's feet, that tree was delivered. Advaita Prabhu then called for Shacidevi. He gave her the holy names and reminded her of the mantra He had previously given. Advaita Prabhu then brought Gaura and placed Him on the lap of mother Shaci. Gaura then drank His mother's milk. Seeing this, mother Shaci was filled with joy, and Jagannatha Mishra and the others happily chanted the holy names.
The brahmanas and their wives blessed the child as Advaita Prabhu gave Him the name Nimai. The husband of Sita then loudly chanted “Hari! Hari!” and everyone assembled said that Advaita must be none other than Lord Vaidyanatha [Shiva].
Advaita Prabhu said, “Why do you flatter Me? The child was cured by the influence of the nimba tree. Who can count the qualities of the nimba tree? Its shade can cure all diseases of the living entity, its fragrance can drive away ghosts and witches, and its roots are the abode of Lord Cakrapani [Vishnu].”
Sitanatha then assembled the devotees together, and they passed that night engaged in sankirtana. Only the topmost fortunate devotee could see those pastimes, but those who desire to see them are also most fortunate. Those pastimes can be seen only by the mercy of Krishna. They cannot be seen by performing pious activities for millions of lifetimes.
The Lord's eternal associate, Paurnamasi, the personification of yoga-maya and devotional service, appeared as Sitadevi, the wife of Shri Advaita. On the day of the Holi festival, Sitadevi was deeply absorbed in love as she meditated on Krishna's pastimes. Within her mind she saw that Krishna had covered His form with the complexion of Radharani and appeared in Navadvipa.
Seeing this wonderful vision, Sitadevi was overwhelmed with loving devotion. She expanded her potencies and quickly went to Navadvipa. When she saw Gauranga, she considered her life successful. She offered the child her blessings along with fresh grass and paddy.
Hearing about Shri Chaitanya's appearance in Nadia, many people came to see Him. Those who came saw the symptoms of a great personality in the limbs of Gaura, and whoever accepted Him as the Supreme Lord was indeed blessed. Shri Shacinandana attracted the devotees around Him just like a magnet attracts iron. As the devotees all joyfully engaged in sankirtana, the child was given the name Gaura.
The brahmana Nilambara Cakravarti, who was equal to Garga Muni in astrology, named the child Vishvambhara. Seeing the golden complexion of his son's limbs, Jagannatha Mishra affectionately named Him Gauranga. And out of pure affection, Shacidevi sometimes called her child Gaurachandra and sometimes Gaura.
Now, everyone, please listen to a wonderful transcendental pastime that was performed by the son of Shaci. Whenever the Lord in His childhood would cry, He would immediately stop crying and smile upon hearing the holy names of Krishna and Hari. On seeing this, many men and women would induce Him to cry and then chant the holy names to pacify Him. Thus, on the pretext of crying, He induced everyone to chant the holy names. Only the devotees could understand the confidential truth about Lord Gauranga. Seeing Gaura's amazing habit, all the ladies joyfully named the child Gaurahari. All the pure devotees, who were intoxicated with loving devotion, named the Lord Shri Gaura-govinda.
In the course of time, Jagannatha Mishra held the ceremony of offering first rice to the child. He then fed everyone present with vishnu-prasada. The childhood pastimes of Lord Gauranga are like an ocean of nectar, of which a fallen soul like me cannot touch even a drop.
On an auspicious day when Gaura was five years old, Jagannatha Mishra started the child's education by teaching Him to write. Gaura was a shruti-dhara, who could memorize anything immediately, so He learned the alphabet within a very short time. Jagannatha Mishra then put Gaura in Gangadasa Pandita's school, and within two years He learned Sanskrit grammar. Seeing this, Gangadasa Pandita was astounded.
In due course of time, Bharati gave Gaura the sacred thread, and Jagannatha Mishra gave Him a Vishnu mantra according to Vedic injunctions. What can an insignificant being like me know of the unfathomable pastimes of Lord Gauranga? I am simply writing in brief whatever I have heard from my Lord, Advaita Prabhu.
Praying at the the lotus feet of Lord Chaitanya and Shri Advaita, always desiring Their mercy, I, Ishana Nagara, narrate Shri Advaita Prakasha.
Shri Advaitastaka
Eight Prayers Glorifying Lord Advaita
Text 1
ganga-tire tat-payobhis tulasyah
patraih puspaih prema-hunkara-ghosaih
prakatyartham gauram aradhayad yah
shriladvaitacaryam etam prapadye
Let me surrender to Shrila Advaita Acarya, who with tulasi leaves, flowers, water from the Ganges' shore, and loud calls of love, worshiped Lord Gaura and begged Him to appear.
Text 2
yad-dhunkaraih prema-sindhor vikarair
akrstah san gaura-goloka-nathah
avirbhutah shri-navadvipa-madhye
shriladvaitacaryam etam prapadye
Let me surrender to Shrila Advaita Acarya. Attracted by His loud calls, the golden Lord of Goloka Vrndavana, who is an ocean of ecstatic love, appeared in Shri Navadvipa.
Text 3
brahmadimam durlabha-prema-purair
adinam yah plavayam asa lokam
avirbhavya shrila-chaitanyacandram
shriladvaitacaryam etam prapadye
Let me surrender to Shrila Advaita Acarya who, by making the moon of Lord Chaitanya rise, flooded the world with a love even Brahma and the great demigods cannot attain.
Text 4
shri-chaitanyah sarva-sakti-prapurno
yasyaivaja-matrato 'ntardarde 'pi
durvijeyam yasya karunya-krtyam
shriladvaitacaryam etam prapadye
Let me surrender to Shrila Advaita Acarya, whose mercy is beyond understanding, and by whose request alone all-powerful Lord Chaitanya disappeared from this world.
Text 5
srsti-sthity-antam vidhatum pravrtta
yasyamsamsah brahma-visnv-isvarakhyah
yenabhinnam tam maha-visnu-rupam
shriladvaitacaryam etam prapadye
Let me surrender to Shrila Advaita Acarya, who is not different from the form of Lord Maha-Vishnu, and whose parts and parcels are the Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva engaged in the creation, maintenance, and destruction of the worlds.
Text 6
kasmimscid yah sruyate casrayatvat
sambhor ittham sambhavan-nama dhama
sarvaradhyam bhakti-matraika-sadhyam
shriladvaitacaryam etam prapadye
Let me surrender to Shrila Advaita Acarya, who is worshiped by all, who is attained only by devotional service, and who, as is heard in a certain Vedic literature, because He is Lord Siva's shelter, has a name and glory like Lord Siva's.
Text 7
sita-namni preyasi prema-purna
putro yasyapy acyutananda-nama
shri-chaitanya-prema-pura-prapurnah
shriladvaitacaryam etam prapadye
Let me surrender to Shrila Advaita Acarya, who is flooded with love for Lord Chaitanya, and whose beloved Sita-devi and son Acyutananda are also filled with love.
Text 8
nityanandadvaitato 'dvaita-nama
bhaktyakhyanad yah sad-acarya-nama
sasvac-cetah-sacarad-gaura-dhama
shriladvaitacaryam etam prapadye
Let me surrender to Shrila Advaita Acarya, whose heart is Lord Gaura's eternal home, who is named Advaita because He is not (a) different (dvaita) from Lord Nityananda, and who is named Acarya because He teaches devotional service.
Text 9
pratah pritah pratyaham sampathed yah
sitanathasyastakam suddha-buddhih
so 'yam samyak tasya padaravinde
vindan bhaktim tat-priyatvam prayati
A person whose intelligence is pure and who every morning happily reads these eight verses glorifying Lord Advaita, the husband of Sita, attains devotion for His lotus feet and becomes dear to Him.
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