The Nectarean Pastimes of the Supreme Lord Nityananda Prabhu
Composed By Shrila Vrindavana dasa Thakura
Published and Copyrighted by Isvara dasa
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Nityananda Charitamrita Introduction
by Isvara dasa
Shrila Narottama dasa Thakura says,
"hena nitai bine bhai radha-krishna paite nai"
That without the mercy of Lord Nityananda, no one can attain Shri Shri Radha and Krishna. The ultimate goal of life is the attainment of krishna-prema. This is possible only by the mercy of sadhu-guru. Shri Nityananda Prabhu is the sum total of all gurus (samashti-guru). He is guru-tattva. All individual gurus (vyashti) are representations of Shri Nityananda. Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura writes in the Harmonist magazine about the manifestation of guru in the form of Shri Nityananda:
The guru is the embodiment of the manifestation of the Divinity to the pure receptive spiritual essence of the disciple. Nityananda is the primary manifestive constituent of the Divinity. Nityananda alone possesses the distinctive function of the guru. In Nityananda the function is embodied. Nityananda is the servant-God. He serves Shri Gaurasundara by the distinctive method of reverential servitude. He is identical with Shri Balarama of krishna-lila. Shri Balarama is not the chum of Krishna, but His respected elder brother. It is an intimate relationship characterized by becoming reserved on one side, and of respectful deference on the other. Individual souls are under the direction of Nityananda. They receive their service of Shri Gaurasundara, i.e., of Krishna, at His hands. Nityananda is not a jiva. He is Divinity. He is the ultimate source of the jiva. The jiva is a potency of Nityananda. No jiva can be the medium of the service of the Absolute to another jiva. The Absolute alone may communicate His service to the separable constituents of Himself. This is the real nature of the function of the guru.”
“But Nityananda does not directly instruct in the confidential service of Krishna. Shrimati Radhika is the guru of the inner circle of the servants of Krishna. Shrimati Radhika, however, accepts the offer of service of only those souls who are specially favored by Nityananda and are deemed by Him to be fit for Her service. There is, therefore, a most intimate relationship between the function of Nityananda and that of Shrimati Radhika, which is at once supplementary to and inclusive of the former.”
“But all jivas are not liable to be eclipsed by the deluding potency.
Those who are so liable are again distinct from the eternally free jivas.
The eternally free jivas are inseparable associates of Nityananda. They
are integrated part and parcel of Himself. They never fall into the clutches
of maya. When Nityananda manifests His appearance on the mundane plane,
His inseparable constituents also appear in His company. They sometimes
manifest their function on this lower place in a visible form on the errands
of Nityananda. They are Vaishnavas whose subordination to Nityananda is
natural and ingrained in their nature. It is not necessary for such souls
to undergo the process of enlightenment for being restored to the spiritual
plane. Unless this fact is borne in mind, the conditioned soul may be tempted
to undervalue the constant guidance of the guru on the hypocritical plea
of following in the footsteps of the eternally free pure devotees.
Those, therefore, who suppose that deliverance from the bondage of
this world should be practicable without the constant guidance of the spiritual
preceptor, confound the conditioned state with the free.”
There is no difference between Lord Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda. As Lord Krishna and Lord Balarama are essentially the same and the original forms of Godhead, so Lord Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda, who are Krishna and Balarama directly, are one and the same. Lord Krishna manifested Himself as a separate form of Lord Balarama for the performance of His own lilas and to benefit the jivas by showing them the path of developing loving service unto Himself. In the Chaitanya-caritamrita, Shrila Krishnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami explains that Lord Krishna is eternally enjoying Himself in Goloka Vrindavana along with His unlimited associates. Lord Balarama, however, is the source of all spiritual and material manifestations. All the Narayana and Vishnu expansions come from Lord Balarama. As such, Lord Balarama is directly the source of all incarnations in this material world.
As Lord Chaitanya’s pastimes are much more pleasing than Krishna’s pastimes, so Lord Nityananda’s pastimes are much more pleasing than those of Lord Balarama. Lord Balarama was famous for His pastimes of chastising the miscreants, such as killing so many demons, being ready to throw the whole city of Hastinapura into the ocean, and the killing of Romaharshana Suta. His form as Lord Nityananda, however, is known as akrodha paramananda nityananda-raya, He never gets angry. The form of Lord Nityananda is the most merciful form and the giver of krishna-prema-bhakti. Lord Chaitanya Himself declared in shri nityananda-caritamrita antya-khanda, chapter three, “Those who develop love, affection, and respect for Shri Nityananda, develop love and affection for Me. All the demigods headed by Lord Siva and Lord Brahma offer worship to Nityananda Svarupa. If somebody thinks ill of Shri Nityananda or blasphemes Him, whoever he may be, still he must fall down. Even if such a person profess to be a devotee of Mine, he is not My devotee”
Shri Nityananda-caritamrita is an authentic Vaishnava literature compiled by Shrila Vrindavana dasa Thakura. This book describes the transcendental glories of Lord Nityananda. The birth of Nityananda, His childhood pastimes, His leaving home, His traveling to the holy places, His arrival at Navadvipa and meeting Lord Chaitanya, His preaching the holy names of the Lord by the order of Lord Gauranga, His pastimes with Mahaprabhu at Nadia, His presence at the Lord’s pastime of accepting sannyasa, His accompanying the Lord to Nilacala, His return to Navadvipa by the order of the Lord, His marriage, His distribution of love of God, and His disappearance from this world. All these subjects are elaborately and properly described in this book. The author of this book, Shrila Vrindavana dasa Thakura, is forever remembered in the Vaishnava communities for his wonderful literary work, Shri Chaitanya-bhagavata. The glories of Shri Chaitanya-bhagavata were proudly described by the author of Shri Chaitanya-caritamrita, Shrila Krishnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami, in his book as follows:
manushye racite nare aiche grantha dhanya
vrindavana-dasa-mukhe vakta shri-chaitanya
“No human being can compose such a book. Actually, Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu speaks through the mouth of Shrila Vrindavana dasa Thakura.” (Chaitanya-caritamrita Adi-lila 8.39)
Shri Chaitanya-bhagavata is the original book in Bengali language about the pastimes of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Following the codes of Chaitanya-bhagavata, other books such as Shri Chaitanya-caritamrita were compiled. This present book contains what is presently in Chaitanya-bhagavata about Lord Nityananda, but Shrila Vrindavana dasa Thakura has given additional information. This includes: the affection of Hadai Pandita for Lord Nityananda, the marriage of Vasudha and Jahnava with Lord Nityananda, and the disappearance of Lord Nityananda. Therefore this book, Shri Nityananda-caritamrita, is very similar to Shri Chaitanya-bhagavata. This book giving an exclusive narration of the pastimes of Lord Nityananda will serve as a great inspiration for communities of Vaishnavas, especially from the English speaking world.
Isvara dasa
Completed January 31st, 2000
Vrindavana dhama, India.
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Nityananda Charitamrita Mangalacharana
ajanu-lambita-bhujau kanakavadatau
sankirtanaika-pitarau kamalayataksau
visvambharau dvija-varau yuga-dharma-palau
vande jagat priya-karau karunavatarau
I offer my respectful obeisances unto Shri Gauranga Mahaprabhu and Shri Nityananda Prabhu, whose long arms extend to Their knees. They have splendid golden complexions, and They inaugurated the congregational chanting of the holy names of the Lord. Their eyes resemble the petals of lotus flowers. They are the maintainers of all the worlds, the best of the brahmanas, the protectors of the religious principles for this age. They bring happiness to the people of the world and are the most merciful of all incarnations.
namas trikala satyaya jagannatha sutaya ca
sa-bhrityaya sa-putraya sa-kalatraya te namah
O my Lord! You eternally exist in the past, present, future, yet You are the son of Jagannatha Misra. I offer my repeated obeisances unto You along with Your servants, Your sons , and Your consorts. Note: In this verse servants refers to His associates. Sons refers to His gosvami disciples, or the different forms of bhakti such as chanting of the holy name. Consorts can refer to Vishnupriya as Bhu-sakti, Lakshmipriya as Shri-sakti, and Navadvipa as Nila, Lila or Durga. It can also refer to His very dear associates Narahari, Ramananda, Jagadananda and others and the two Gadadharas, Gadadhara Pandita and Gadadhara Bhatta.
Murari Gupta writes in his kadaca:
avatirnau sa-karunyau paricchinnau sad isvara
shri krishna chaitanya-nityanandau dvau bhratau bhaje
I worship the two brothers, Shri Krishna Chaitanya and Shri Nityananda, who have descended into this world as the Supreme controllers. Concealing Their true forms, They have mercifully descended to this world.
sa jayati visuddha-vikramah kanakabhah kamalayatekshnah
vara-janu-vilambi-sad-bhujo bahudha bhakti-rasabhinartakah.
All glories to Shri Gaurasundara, whose powerful activities are supremely pure, whose bodily complexion is like molten gold, whose eyes are like lotus petals, whose six beautiful arms extend to His knees, and whose heart is flooded with loving devotional bliss as He enjoys dancing in various ways in kirtana.
jayati jayati devah krishna-chaitanya-candro
jayati jayati kirtis tasya nitya pavitra
jayati jayati bhrityas tasya visvesa-murter
jayati jayati nrityam tasya sarva-priyanam
All glories to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Shri Krishna Chaitanyacandra! All glories to His eternally pure fame! All glories to the servants of the great master of the worlds! All glories to the dancing of His beloved associates! First I offer my unlimited obeisances to the feet of the loving confidential devotees of Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu. I then offer my obeisances to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Shri Krishna Chaitanya. He incarnated in Navadvipa and is known as Visvambhara.
That same Supreme Personality of Godhead has declared in the Vedas and in the Shrimad-Bhagavatam:
adarah paricaryayam sarvangair abhivandanam
mad-bhakta-pujabhyadhika sarva-bhuteshu man-matih
Great respect for My devotional service, offering obeisances with the entire body, worshipping My devotees more than Me, consciousness of Me in all living entities.
I therefore offered my prayers first to the devotees, as this is the secret for attaining perfection. I offer my respectful obeisances unto my worshipable Lord Shri Nityananda Raya. By His mercy, the glories of Lord Gauranga became manifest. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the thousand-headed Lord Balarama. His thousands of mouths are the abode of Lord Krishnaís transcendental glories. As valuable jewels are kept in a favorite place, so the jewel-like glories of Lord Krishna are kept in the jewelry case of Lord Ananta's mouths. I thus offer my prayers to Lord Balarama so that the glories of Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu will manifest from my mouth. Lord Balarama is thousand-headed Lord Ananta, and all of His activities are extraordinary.
The Supreme Lord Balarama carries a plow and possesses a gigantic body. Although exceptionally grave, He is intoxicated by the glories of Lord Gauranga. There is no one dearer to Lord Gauranga than Lord Nityananda. Therefore, Lord Gauranga eternally enjoys pastimes with Him. Shri Krishna Chaitanya becomes most satisfied with one who hears or chants the glories of Lord Nityananda. I have thus described a portion of Lord Anantaís glories. Please, therefore, develop attachment for Lord Nityananda.
Those who wish to cross the ocean of material existence and drown in the ocean of devotional service should worship Lord Nityananda. My only desire at the feet of the Vaishnavas is that I may worship the feet of Lord Balarama birth after birth. Just as dvija, vipra, and brahmana are different names of the same person, so Nityananda, Ananta, and Baladeva are different names of the same Lord. Therefore, Shri Ananta is the embodiment of Lord Gaurangaís glories. Thus I have described a fragment of the glories of Lord Ananta. Hearing the pastimes of Shri Nityananda brings all auspiciousness. Know for certain that they are revealed only by the mercy of the devotees. Who can understand the pastimes of Lord Nityananda? They are confidential even to the Vedas. I thus write only what I have heard from the devotees.
I find no beginning or end to the pastimes of Lord Nityananda. I write whatever He inspires me to write. Just as a puppet dances only by the control of the puppeteer, whatever I describe is only by the direction of Lord Nityananda. Let me offer my respectful obeisances at the feet of the Vaishnavas, so that I may not commit any offenses to them. My dear brothers, please hear with rapt attention about the various pastimes that Lord Nityananda performs with His devotees.
The pastimes of Lord Nityananda are the abode of all happiness. These pastimes are divided into Adi-khanda, Madhya-khanda and Antya-khanda. O Lord Gaurachandra, please give me shelter at the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda Prabhu, who sustains the universes as Ananta Sesha. O dear brothers, please hear attentively the topics of Adi-khanda that describe the appearance of Lord Nityananda.
Accepting Shri Gauranga and Shri Nityananda as my life and soul, I,
Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.
Shrila Vrindavana Dasa Thakura
A Short Biographical Sketch Of The Author of Nityananda Charitamrita:
Shrila Vrindavana Dasa Thakura
Shrivasa Pandita, an intimate associate of Lord Shri Gauranga Mahaprabhu, had an elder brother named Nalina Pandita. His daughter, Shri Narayani Devi, was the mother of Shrila Vrindavana dasa Thakura. Mahaprabhu advented in this world to distribute love of God. He inaugurated His pastimes of distribution by first giving this prema to the four year-old Narayani Devi, who later became the mother of Shrila Vrindavana dasa Thakura. The Lord gave her remnants of His chewed betel nuts and thus empowered her. Later, because of being transcendentally empowered, Shrila Vrindavana dasa Thakura was born to her. Shri Narayani Devi personally saw the pastimes of Lord Gauranga. Whatever Shrila Vrindavana dasa Thakura heard from his mother and later found in Murari Guptaís diary about the transcendental pastimes of Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu, he wrote down in Shri Chaitanya-bhagavata. Shrila Vrindavana dasa Thakura was a direct disciple of Lord Nityananda and was His companion in various pastimes. This book, Nityananda-caritamrita, was written by him. There is no direct evidence that Shrila Vrindavana dasa Thakura ever met Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu, but he was born during the time of Lord Chaitanya. A book called Shri Prema-vilasa describes his birth and family identification as follows:
There was a brahmana named Vaikuntha dasa, who lived in the village of Kumarahatta. Shri Narayani Devi was married to him. From the womb of Narayani Devi, Shrila Vrindavana dasa Thakura was born. He was the incarnation of Shrila Vyasadeva. When Shrila Vrindavana dasa Thakura was within the womb of his mother, his father Vaikuntha dasa left this world and went to the spiritual world. When Shrivasa Pandita saw that his niece was pregnant and a widow, he brought her to his home. When Shrila Vrindavana dasa Thakura was five years old, he lived with his mother at Mamagachi. Vasudeva Datta, a famed recipient of Lord Gaurangaís mercy, took responsibility for the maintenance of Shrila Vrindavana dasa Thakura and his mother. At the house of Vasudeva Datta, Shrila Vrindavana dasa Thakura grew and studied various scriptures. Shrila Vrindavana dasa Thakura came and lived in a village called Denuda after the disappearance of Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu, Shri Nityananda Prabhu, and Shri Advaita Prabhu.
Regarding the previous identification of Shrila Vrindavana dasa Thakura, Shrila Kavi Karnapura mentions in Shri Gaura-ganoddesa-dipika, verse 109:
vedavyaso ya evasiddaso vrindavanodhuna, sakha yah kusumapida karyatstam
samavisat
The combined form of Vedavyasa, the son of Satyavati, and Kusumapida, a cowherd boy in Vraja, is Shrila Vrindavana dasa Thakura.
Shrila Vrindavana dasa Thakura spent some time at Mamagachi and then went to Denuda where he compiled Chaitanya-bhagavata. Shri Prema vilasa describes Shrila Vrindavana dasa Thakura's residing in Denuda:
After traveling and preaching all over Radha-desa, I arrived at Denuda. This is the place where Kesava Bharati enjoyed his childhood pastimes before going to Shringeri-matha to take sannyasa. His nephew Gopala Brahmacari had a well-behaved son named Gopinatha. He lived in this village with Lord Nityananda when I came here. I met Lord Nityananda along with many devotees such as Gopinatha and Bhakta Rama Haridasa. I offered my respectful obeisances to the Lord and began to sing and dance. After taking lunch, Lord Nityananda asked me for some mouth freshener. I had saved a haritaki for a long time. I immediately broke it into pieces and gave it to the Lord. The Lord accepted it and said with a smile, Stay at this place and glorify the transcendental qualities of Shri Gauranga. Do not worry for you will see the Lord here. Stay here and work for the benefit of all living entities. Install the Deities of the Lord here. Whenever you will feel separation from the Lord, you will be able to see Him here.
By the causeless mercy of Lord Nityananda, the storekeeper of Lord Gaurangaís love, we hope we will be successful in our attempt to glorify Him. May Lord Nityananda destroy all our obstacles and help us spread the transcendental qualities and glories of Him and His associates. This is our heartfelt desire. We conclude this life sketch of Shrila Vrindavana dasa Thakura by singing the following songs composed by the Thakura himself.
antare nitai bahire nitai nitai jagatamaya
nagara nitai nagari nitai katha ye kaya
sadhana nitai bhajana nitai nitai nayana tara
dasadika maya nitai sundara nitai bhuvana bhara
radhara madhuri ananga manjari nitai nitu se seve
koti sasadhara vadana sundara sakha sakhi baladeve
radhara bhagini syamasohagini sava sakhigana prana
janhara labari mandapa sajani shri mani mandira nama
nitai sundara yogapitha dhare ratna simhasana seje
basana nitai bhushana nitai vilase sakhira majhe
ki kahiba ara nitai sabara ankhi mukha sava anga
nitai nitai nitai nitai nitai nutara ranga
nitai baliya dubahu tuliya caliba vrajera pure
dasa vrindavana ei nivedana nitai na chado more
"Nitai is within and without. He is everywhere within this world. He
is the lover and He is the sweetheart. Everyone says it. Nitai is my regulative
principles, my object of worship, and the light of my eyes. Nitai is in
all ten directions. In fact, He fills all the three worlds. Nitai as Ananga
Manjari eternally serves sweet Shrimati Radhika. He is non-different from
Baladeva, whose beautiful face resembles millions of moons and is surrounded
by sakhas and sakhis. The sister of Radharani, Ananga Manjari, is very
dear to Shri Syama, and she is the life and soul of all the sakhis. She
decorates the arena of the temple named Mani Mandira. Nitai sustains the
yogapitha and becomes a throne for the Lord to rest on. Nitai is also the
dress and ornaments. He enjoys pastimes with the sakhis. What more can
I say? Nitai is the eyes, mouth, and limbs of everyone. Nitai, Nitai, Nitai,
Nitai, I see only Nitai dancing. Raising my hands and chanting Nitai, I
will go to Vraja. I, Vrindavana dasa, only request Nitai to kindly never
leave me."
The glories of Lord Nityananda as the incarnation of Lord Balarama, the origin of both the spiritual and material world, are given in the revealed Vedic scriptures as follows:
Vayu Purana
(1) balaramo mamaivamsah, so 'pi mat-prstham esyati;
nityananda iti khyato nyasi-cudamanih ksitau
In the Vayu Purana, the Lord tells Brahma: "Lord Balarama, who is My first expansion and non-different from Me will also appear by My side as Lord Shri Nityananda. He will become the crest jewel of all renunciants on the earth."
(2) krtvavadhuta-vesam sa, dharman bhagavatan bahun;
grahayitva janan ittham grhinam asramam tatah.
"Assuming the dress of an avadhuta, He will freely distribute bhagavata dharma i.e. love of God. He will distribute this pure love through various means and deliver all the living entities. He will do so first as a brahmacari and later as a householder."
(3) jahnavy-adibhir atmanam, darsayisyati manavan.
"Accompanied by His eternal consort Shrimati Jahnavi-devi and many other intimate associates, He (Nityananda) will reveal His transcendental pastimes to the people."
Ananta-Samhita of Atharva Veda
nityanando maha-kayo, bhutva mat-kirtane ratah;
vimudhan bhakti-rahitan, mama bhaktan karisyasi.
In the Ananta-Samhita, the Lord states to Anantadeva: "When I appear in Navadvipa in Kali-yuga, You will become Nityananda. You will have a very tall, beautiful and large body, and You will be constantly absorbed in chanting My name and glories. In this way, by Your causeless mercy You will convert many bewildered fools who are devoid of devotion into My pure unalloyed devotees."
Shri Chaitanya-Charitamrita, Adi 1.7-11
sankarshanah karana-toya-sayi
garbhoda-sayi ca payobdhi-sayi
seshas ca yasyamsa-kalah sa nitya-
nandakhya-ramah saranam mamastu
May Shri Nityananda Prabhu be the object of my constant remembrance. Sankarshana, Mahavishnu, Garbhodakshayi Vishnu, and Kshirodakshayi Vishnu, as well as Sesha are His expansions and the expansions of His expansions. That same Nityananda Prabhu, is none other than Balarama. (Cc. Adi 1.7)
mayatite vyapi-vaikuntha-loke
purnaisvarye shri-catur-vyuha-madhye
rupam yasyodbhati sankarshanakhyam
tam shri-nityananda-ramam prapadye
I surrender unto the lotus feet of Shri Nityananda Rama, who is known as Saokarshana in the midst of the catur-vyuha. He has full opulences and resides in Vaikunthaloka far beyond the material creation. (Cc. Adi 1.8)
maya-bhartajanda-sanghasrayangah
sete sakshat karanambhodhi-madhye
yasyaikamsah shri-puman adi-devas
tam shri-nityananda-ramam prapadye
I offer my full obeisances unto the feet of Shri Nityananda Rama, whose partial representation called Karanodakasayi Vishnu, lying on the Karana ocean, is the original Purusha, the master of the illusory energy and the shelter of all the universes. (Cc. Adi 1.9)
yasyamsamsah shrila-garbhoda-sayi
yan-nabhy-abjam loka-sanghata-nalam
loka-srashtuh sutika-dhama dhatus
tam shri-nityananda-ramam prapadye
I offer my full obeisances unto the feet of Shri Nityananda Rama, a partial part of whom is Garbhodakshayi Vishnu. From the navel of Garbhodakshayi Vishnu sprouts the lotus stem that is the birthplace of Brahma, the engineer of the Universe. The stem of that lotus is the resting place of the multitude of planets. (Cc. Adi 1.10)
yasyamsamsamsah paratmakhilanam
poshta vishnur bhati dugdhabdhi-sayi
kshauni-bharta yat-kala so 'py anantas
tam shri-nityananda-ramam prapadye
I offer my full obeisances unto the feet of Shri Nityananda Rama, whose secondary part is the Vishnu lying in the ocean of milk. That Kshirodakashayi Vishnu is the Supersoul of all living entities and the maintainer of all the universe. Sesha Naga is His further sub-part. (Cc. Adi 1.11)
Lord Nityananda Baladeva is the Original Sankarshana
5.7
shri-balarama gosani mula-sankarshana
panca-rupa dhari' karena krishnera sevana
apane karena krishna-lilara sahaya
shrishti-lila-karya kare dhari' cari kaya
Lord Balarama is the original Sankarshana. He assumes five other forms to serve Lord Krishna. He helps in the pastimes of Lord Krishna, and He does the work of creation in four other forms. (Cc. Adi 5.8,9)
Balarama and Nityananda are non Different
5.8
prema-pracarana ara pashanda-dalana
dui-karye avadhuta karena bhramana
For two purposes to spread the cult of bhakti and to defeat and subdue the atheists Lord Nityananda, the most dedicated devotee of the Lord, moved throughout the country. (Cc. Antya 3.149)
The Glories of Nityananda Prabhu
5.9
jagat mataya nitai premera malasate
palaya durdanta kali padiya vibhrate
ki sukhe bhasila jiva gauracandera nate
dekhiya suniya pashandira buk phate
[All glories to Nityananda Prabhu!] Maddened by ecstatic love of Godhead, he overwhelmed the universe with ecstasy. He slapped his hands together like a warrior who is about to attack, and upon seeing this, the wicked Kali fled in terror, fearing for his life. All souls were drowned in happiness because of the dancing of Shri Gauranga [and Nityananda]. Seeing such dancing, or even hearing of it, melts the hearts even of great atheists. (Gitavali, Nagara-kirtana, 8)
5.10
jaya jaya nityananda, nityananda-rama
yaohara kripate painu vrindavana-dhama
jaya jaya nityananda, jaya kripa-maya
yaoha haite painu rupa-sanatanasraya
yaoha haite painu raghunatha-mahasaya
yaoha haite painu shri-svarupa-asraya
sanatana-kripaya painu bhaktira siddhanta
shri-rupa-kripaya painu bhakti-rasa-pranta
jaya jaya nityananda-caranaravinda
yaoha haite painu shri-radha-govinda
All glory, all glory to Lord Nityananda Balarama, by whose mercy I have attained shelter in the transcendental abode of Vrindavana. All glory, all glory to the merciful Lord Nityananda, by whose mercy I have attained shelter of Shri Rupa and Sanatana. By His mercy, I have attained the shelter of the great Shri Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, and by His mercy I have found the refuge of Shri Svarupa Damodara. By the mercy of Sanatana Gosvami I have learned the final conclusions of devotional service, and by the grace of Shri Rupa Gosvami I have tasted the highest nectar of devotional service. All glory, all glory to the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda, by whose mercy I have attained Shri Radha-Govinda. (Cc. Adi. 5.200-204)
Nityananda is the Savior of the Most Fallen
5.11
jagai madhai haite muni se papishtha
purishera kita haite muni se laghishtha
mora nama sune yei tara punya kshaya
mora nama laya yei tara papa haya
emana nirghrina more keba kripa kare
eka nityananda vinu jagat bhitare
preme matta nityananda kripa-avatara
uttama, adhama, kichu na kare vicara
ye age padaye, tare karaye nistara
ataeva nistarila mo-hena duracara
I am more sinful than Jagai and Madhai and even lower than the worms in stool. Anyone who hears my name loses the results of his pious activities. Whoever utters my name becomes sinful. Who in this world but Nityananda could show His mercy to such an abominable person as me? Because He is intoxicated by ecstatic love and is an incarnation of mercy, He does not distinguish between the good and the bad. He delivers all those who fall down before Him. Therefore He has delivered such a sinful and fallen person as me. (Cc. Adi 5.205-209)
Freedom from Anarthas and the Desire for Bhakti
is Strengthened by the Mercy of Nitai
5.12
samsarera para hai' bhaktira sagare
ye dubibe se bhajuk nitai-candere
One who would cross over the ocean of material existence and swim in the bhakti ocean should worship the lotus feet of Nityananda. (Cb. Adi 1.77)
Nityananda is the Foremost Preacher
5.13
caitanyera adi-bhakta nityananda-raya
caitanyera yaso vaise yanhara jihvaya
aharnisa caitanyera katha prabhu kaya
tan're bhajile se caitanye bhakti haya
Lord Chaitanya's first and foremost devotee is Nityananda Raya. The glories of Lord Chaitanya are always on his tongue. Day and night Lord Nityananda speaks only of Lord Chaitanya. Whoever worships Him is a real devotee of Shri Chaitanya. (Cb. Adi 9.217-218)
Nityananda mad About Serving Shri Chaitanya
5.14
nityananda avadhuta sabate agala
caitanyera dasya-preme ha-ila pagala
Nityananda, the wandering mendicant, is the foremost of all the servants of Lord Chaitanya. He is like the gateway through which all service to Lord Chaitanya must pass. He became mad in the ecstasy of service to Lord Chaitanya. (Cc. Adi 6.48)
Those who Have no Faith that Gaura and Nitai
are Inseparable are Offenders and Atheists
5.15
dui bhai eka-tanu samana-prakasa
nityananda na mana, tomara habe sarva-nasa
ekete visvasa, anye na kara sammana
"ardha-kukkuti-nyaya" tomara pramana
These two brothers (Gaura and Nitai) are like one body; they are identical manifestations. If you do not believe in Lord Nityananda, you will fall down. If you have faith in one, but disrespect the other, your logic is like the logic of accepting half a hen. (Cc. Adi 5.175,176)
Faith in Gaura Without Nitai, or Nitai Without Gaura,
is Flickering Faith and in Opposition to Pure Devotional Service
5.16
kimva, dooha na manina hao ta' pashanda
eke mani' are na mani, ei-mata bhanda
It would be better to be an atheist by slighting both brothers than a hypocrite by believing in one and slighting the other. (Cc. Adi 5.177)
Thus ends the Fifth Jewel of Gaudiya Kanthahara, entitled Nityananda-tattva
compiled by Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura Prabhupada.
16 Reasons
to chant Nityananda
Compiled and Translated by Swami Gaurangapada
(1) BECAUSE GREAT ACHARYAS HAVE DONE IT IN THE PAST:
Cc Adi 11.33:
navadvipe purusottama pandita mahasaya, nityananda-name yanra mahonmada
haya
Purusottama Pandita, a resident of Navadvipa, was the Krishna's eighth gopala, Stoka-Krishna for Vrindavan. He would become almost mad as soon as he chanted or heard the holy name 'Nityananda'.
Cc Adi 11.34
balarama dasa--krishna-prema-rasasvadi, nityananda-name haya parama
unmadi
Balarama dasa always fully tasted the nectar of love of Krishna. Upon chanting or hearing the name of 'Nityananda', he would become extremely maddened.
(2) BECAUSE THE NAME 'NITYANANDA' IMMEDIATELY EVOKES PURE LOVE OF KRISHNA EVEN IN A SINFUL PERSON
Chaitanya-charitamrita Adi-lila 8.23:
'nityananda' balite haya krishna-premodaya;aulaya sakala anga,asru-ganga
vaya.
"Simply by chanting the name 'Nityananda' one awakens his love for Krishna.
Thus all his bodily limbs are agitated by ecstasy of love of God, and tears flow from his eyes like the waters of the Ganges."
(3) BECAUSE ANYONE WHO EVEN HEARS 'NITYANANDA' ONCE CERTAINLY ACHIEVES KRISHNA
Chaitanya-bhagavata, Adi-khanda 9.385:
nityananda-hena bhakta sunile sravane; avasya paibe krishnacandra sei
jane.
Shripada Madhavendera Puri states:
"If one simply hears the name 'Nityananda', he will most certainly attain the lotus feet of Lord Krishnacandra irrespective of any other consideration."
(4) BECAUSE WITHOUT NITYANANDA ONE CAN NEVER ACHIEVE THE MERCY OF GAURANGA EVEN AFTER WORSHIPING GAURANGA FOR A MINIMUM 100 LIVES
From Shri Navadvipa-dhama-mahatmya, Chp 4:
tumi yabe kara daya sei anayase; shri chaitanya-pada paya prema-jale
bhase.
Shrila Jiva tells Lord Nityananda, "If You are merciful on someone, that person will effortlessly achieve the lotus feet of Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu and thus drown in the ocean of pure ecstatic love for Lord Krishna.
tomara karuna vina gaura nahi paya, sata janma bhaje yadi gauranga hiyaya.
"But if someone does not get Your mercy, then such a person will never achieve Lord Gaura even if he or she worships Lord Gauranga for a minimum of 100 lifetimes."
Chaitanya-charitamrita Antya 6.131:
tomara krpa vina keha'chaitanya' na paya;tumi krpa kaile tanre adhameha
paya.
"No one can attain the shelter of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu without Your (Lord Nityananda's) mercy, but if You are merciful, even the lowest of men can attain shelter at His lotus feet."
(5) BECAUSE IF GAURANGA'S PUNISHES, NITYANANDA PROTECTS US BUT IF NITYANANDA PUNISHES THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO HOPE
From Shri Navadvipa-dhama-mahatmya, Chp 4: Jiva Goswami to Lord Nityananda:
gaura danta kara yadi tumi raksa kara, tumi yare danta kara gaura tara
para.
"If Lord Gauranga punishes a devotee, You (Nityananda) protect him and somehow engage him in Gauranga's service (like in the example of Kala Krishnadasa), but if You punish a devotee, he eternally becomes estranged from Lord Gauranga."
(6) BECAUSE NITYANANDA'S NAME ARE FORM ARE FULL OF SUPREME ETERNAL LISS
Chaitanya-bhagavata, Madhya-khanda 12.18:
name nityananda tumi, rupe nityananda; ei tumi nityananda rama murttimanta.
Lord Gauranga tells Lord Nityananda:
"Your name is Nityananda (eternally full of eternal bliss). Your form is also Nityananda (eternally full of eternal bliss). Your are Nityananda (unlimited bliss) in personified form because You are Lord Balarama Himself."
(7) BECAUSE WITHOUT NITYANANDA ONE CAN NEVER ACHIEVE RADHA-KRSNA AND VRINDAVNA-DHAMA
Chaitanya-charitamrita Adi 5.204:
jaya jaya nityananda-caranaravinda, yanha haite painu shri-radha-govinda
"All glory, all glory to the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda, by whose mercy I have attained Shri Radha-Govinda!"
Shrila Narottama das Thakura sings:
heno nitai vine bhai, radha-krishna paite nai
"Unless one worships Nityananda, one can never achieve Radha-Krishna."
nitae karuna habe vraje radha-krishna pabe
"If Nityananda is merciful,only then one will achieve the direct service of Radha-Krishna in Vraja."
(8) BECAUSE NO ONE IN THIS CREATION BUT ONLY NITYANANDA CAN BESTOW MERCY ON THE MOST FALLEN SOULS LIKE US
Chaitanya-charitamrita Adi 5.207:
emana nirghrna more keba krpa kare, eka nityananda vinu jagat bhitare
"Who in this creation but Lord Nityananda could show His mercy to such an abominable, comtemptible and the lowest person as me?
(9) BECAUSE LORD NITYANANDA BESTOWS MERCY WITHOUT EVEN CONSIDERING OUR QUALIFICATION
Chaitanya-charitamrita Adi 5.208-9:
preme matta nityananda krpa-avatara, uttama, adhama, kichu na kare
vicara
"Because He is always fully intoxicated by ecstatic love for Lord Gauranga, He is an incarnation of causeless mercy. Thus He does not distinguish between the good and the bad people because He Himself is always intoxicated in pure love.
ye age padaye, tare karaye nistara, ataeva nistarila mo-hena duracara
"He indiscriminately delivers all those who simply fall down before Him.
Therefore He has delivered such a sinful and fallen person as me."
(10) BECAUSE LORD NITYANANDA IMMEDIATELY BESTOWS HIS TOPMOST MERCY PLEASED AT A SLIGHTEST SERVICE RENDERED BY US
Cc Adi 5.181:
bhaike bhartsinu muni, lana ei guna, sei ratre prabhu more dila darasana
"That night Lord Nityananda personally appeared to me in a dream in His most enchanting form and placed His lotus feet on my head and gave me eternal residence in Shri Vrindavana-dhama simply because I defended His glories and that of His intimate associate Minaketana Ramadasa while quarelling with my brother who had faith in Lord Gauranga but only a shadow of faith in Lord Nityananda." (WHAT A MERCIFUL LORD!)
(11) BECAUSE THE NAME 'NITYANANDA' IN A MANTRA ALSO
According to Jaiva Dharma all the names of Gauranga are actually mantras, and the Lord should be worshiped through these namatmaka-mantras. Thus the name 'Nityananda' is also actually a mantra and He should be worshiped by chanting this namatmaka-mantra.
(12) BECAUSE ANYONE WHO HAS NO RELATION WITH NITYANANDA BY THE REGULAR CHANTING OF HIS NAME HAS WASTED HIS LIFE AND IS JUST LIKE AN ANIMAL
se sambandha nahi ja'r, brtha janma gelo ta'r
sei pasu boro duracar
nitai na bolilo mukhe, majilo samsara-sukhe
vidya-kule ki koribe tar (Narottama das Thakura)
"Anyone who has not established his relationship with Nityananda Prabhu by chanting His name 'Nityananda' 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 'Nityananda', he has become merged into so-called material happiness. What can his useless education and family tradition do to save him from the cycle of birth and death?"
(13) BECAUSE BY CHANTING NITYANANDA'S NAME SINFUL REACTIONS OF UNLIMITED NO. OF LIVES ARE IMMEDIATELY DESTROYED
Shri Navadvipa-dhama-mahatmya, Chp 1, states:
gauranga-nitai yei bale eka bara; ananta karama-dosa anta haya tara.
"The most fortunate person who chants the names Nityananda and Gauranga just once immediately destroys the unlimited sinful reactions accumulated for unlimited number of lives in the past."
(14) BECAUSE BY CHANTING NITYANANDA'S NAME, KRISHNA-PREM COMES SEARCHING AFTER THAT PERSON. ONE ACHIEVES KRISHNA-PREM EVEN WITH OFFENSES IN HIS HEART AND THEN OFFENSES FLEE. WHAT A SUBLIME AND EASY WAY TO GET KRISHNA-PREM.
nitai-chaitanya bali yei jiva dake; suvimala krishna-prema anvesaye thake.
"If one feelingly and loudly calls out the names of Nityananda and Gauranga, the purest Krishna-prema (pure love of Krishna) comes searching after such a person."
aparadha badha tara kichu nahi kare; nirmala krishna-preme tara ankhi jhare.
"The offenses (which may be present) don't create any obstacles in path of achieving this love and tears start flowing from his eyes in pure ecstatic love."
svalpa kale aparadha apani palaya; hrdaya sodhita haya prema bade taya.
"In a very short, the offenses themselves flee and the heart becomes completely purified and thus the love furthur increases.
(15) BECAUSE IN THE NAME OF NITYANANDA THERE ARE NO OFFENSES
Cc Adi 8.31
chaitanya-nityanande nahi esaba vicara, nama laite prema dena, vahe
asrudhara
"But if one only chants, with some slight faith, the holy names of Lord Gauranga and Nityananda, very quickly he is cleansed of all offenses. Since in the chanting of the names of Nityananda-Gauranga there is no consideration of offenses, one will very quickly come to the stage of love of God, simply by chanting Their names and tears of pure love for Krishna will flow from the eyes."
PURPORT BY SRILA PRABHUPADA:
[...] There are offenses to be considered in chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, but there are no such considerations in chanting the names of Gaura-Nityananda. Therefore, if one chants the Hare Krishna maha-mantra but his life is still full of sinful activities, it will be very difficult for him to achieve the platform of loving service to the Lord. But if in spite of being an offender one chants the holy names of Gaura-Nityananda, he is very quickly freed from the reactions to his offenses. Therefore, one should first approach Lord Chaitanya and Nityananda, or worship Guru-Gauranga, and then come to the stage of worshiping Radha-Krishna. [...] One should first take shelter of Gaura-Nityananda in order to reach, ultimately, Radha-Krishna."
[...]"For an ordinary man, worship of Shri Chaitanya and Nityananda Prabhu or the Panca-tattva is easier than worship of Radha and Krishna. Unless one is very fortunate, he should not be induced to worship Radha-Krishna directly. A neophyte student who is not sufficiently educated or enlightened should not indulge in the worship of Shri Radha and Krishna or the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra. Even if he does so, he cannot get the desired result. One should therefore chant the names of Nitai-Gaura and worship Them without false prestige."
PURPORT BY SHRILA BHAKTISIDDHANTA SARASVATI THAKURA PRABHUPADA:
[...] "The Hare Krishna maha-mantra considers the offenses whereas the names of Gaura-Nityananda don't consider offenses. An offensive chanter will never achieve the fruit of chanting (pure love for Krishna) by chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. Therefore till the time he is commiting offenses, he should chant the names of Gaura-Nityananda. Due the repeated chanting of the names of Gaura-Nityananda, the offenses will destroyed and he will achieve the fruit of chanting."
[...]"The name of Krishna and Gaura-Both are non-different than the named Lord. Those who think that Krishna is any way inferior or limited than Gaura are in gross ignorance. But in practical considerations with respect to benefit awarded to the conditioned souls, the chanting of Shri Gaura-Nityananda's Name is more useful and helpful for everyone. Krishna's mercy is generally only upon liberated or perfected souls who are surrendered to Him. But the magnanimity of Lord Gaura-Nityananda is especially for the souls who are offenders and full of anarthas and desires for material sense-gratification. The chanting of Lord Gaura-Nityananda's name and Their worship quickly delivers the soul from all the offenses and thus the soul achieves shelter at the lotus feet of Lord Gaura-Krishna."
(16) BECAUSE ONE CAN NEVER EVEN VISIT VRINDAVANA WITHOUT ACHIEVING THE MERCY OF NITYANANDA AND GAURANGA
Cc Adi 8.3 purport:
"In the beginning one should very regularly chant Shri Gaurasundara's holy name and then chant the holy name of Lord Nityananda. Thus one's heart will be cleansed of impure desires for material enjoyment. Then one can approach Vrndavana-dhama to worship Lord Krishna. Unless one is favored by Lord Chaitanya and Nityananda, there is no need to go to Vrndavana, for unless one's mind is purified, he cannot see Vrndavana, even if he goes there."
CONCLUSION:
One can worship Lord Nityananda in the topmost manner by chanting His
Holy Name (atleast 1008 times or 10 rounds) daily along with atleast 10
rounds of Lord Gauranga’s Name and 16 rounds of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra
and by daily reading (1 chapter of) Chaitanya-Bhagavata daily which is
the topmost scripture on the glories of Lord Nityananda composed by His
most confidential associate Shrila Vrindavana dasa Thakura. Nitai-Gaura
Premanande!
Descriptions Of The Associates Of Lord Nityananda
O brothers, please worship Lord Nityananda. By His mercy, one can achieve the lotus feet of Lord Gaurachandra. The associates of Nityananda Svarupa constantly swam in the ocean of transcendental bliss. They had no other activity except nama-sankirtana. Always absorbed in the mood of cowherd boys, they were decorated with bangles, ankle-bells, and garlands of gunja beads. They carried sticks, flutes, horns, and ropes in their hands.
Symptoms of krishna-prema such as tears, shivering and standing of the hair on ends were constantly visible on their bodies. Their beauty defeated the beauty of the Cupid. They always did nama-sankirtana. Having received their fearless Lord Nityananda, all the devotees remained happy forever. I am unable to describe the glories of the servants of Nityananda Svarupa even in a hundred years. Still I will try to mention their names. I know that remembering their names will deliver me from this material world. All the associates of Lord Nityananda with whom He enjoyed His pastimes were incarnations of gopas and gopis of Vraja. Being forbidden by Nityananda Svarupa, I am not mentioning their previous names and activities in detail.
The foremost among Lord Nityananda's associates was Ramadasa who always spoke in the mood of the Supreme Lord. Nobody could understand his words easily. Lord Nityananda always resided in his heart. Ramadasa* was fully absorbed in love of God. Lord Krishna lived in his body for three months.
Chaitanya dasa* was a famous associate of Nityananda. Murari Pandita* was an associate of Nityananda who sported with a serpent and tiger.
The most magnanimous Raghunatha Vaidya was an associate of Nityananda by whose plan one's mind becomes attached to Krishna.
Gadadhara dasa* was full of devotional mellows. His very sight destroyed all one's sins.
Shri Sundarananda* was an ocean of devotional mellows and one of the principle associates of Nityananda.
The most enthusiastic associate of Nityananda was Pandita Kamalakanta*. Nityananda gave him the village Saptagrama to rule.
Gauridasa Pandita* was the most fortunate devotee of the Lord. He assisted in the pastimes of Nityananda with his body, mind, and speech.
The pious Krishnadasa of Badagachi* was one of the associates of Nityananda who enjoyed various pastimes at his house.
Purandara Pandita* was the most peaceful, humble, and intimate associate of Nityananda Svarupa.
Another associate of Nityananda was Paramesvara dasa* whose life and soul was Nityananda. Through his body, Lord Nityananda enjoyed His pastimes.
Dhananjaya Pandita* in whose heart the Lord constantly resided, was a great devotee of Lord Nityananda .
Balarama dasa, who was intoxicated with bhakti-rasa, was a follower of Nityananda Prabhu. If the breeze that touches Balarama dasa touches one, it will eradicate all sins. Balarama dasa lived in the village Dogachiya. His contribution to Vaishnava song is unlimited.
Yadunatha Kavicandra* was full of love of God. Lord Nityananda was always merciful to him.
The most effulgent Jagadisa Pandita* was a devotee of Nityananda. Lord Nityananda was his, and his family's, very life and wealth.
Pandita Purusottama was born in Navadvipa. He was a great devotee of Nityananda Svarupa. Lord Nityananda had lived at his house previously. By his mercy, one's mind becomes fixed at the lotus feet of Nityananda. Dvija Krishnadasa who was born at Radha-desa was counted among the associates of Nityananda.
Kaliya Krishnadasa* was a famous devotee in the three worlds by whose remembrance one attains the lotus feet of Gaurachandra.
The most fortunate Sadasiva Kaviraja* was an associate of Nityananda. The name of his son was Purusottama dasa*. Due to love of God, Purusottama dasa was fully absorbed in ecstasy. Lord Nityananda constantly remains within his heart.
Uddharana Datta was a magnanimous Vaishnava. He had full authority in the service of Lord Nityananda.
Mahesa Pandita* was a great devotee of Nityananda and Paramananda Upadhyaya was an unalloyed Vaishnava.
Caturbhuja Pandita* and Nandana Gangadasa were both devotees of Lord
Nityananda. The Lord had previously enjoyed His pastimes in their houses.
Acarya Vaishnavananda* was a magnanimous devotee. He was previously
known as Raghunatha Puri.
Krishna dasa and Devananda were both staunch followers of Lord Nityananda. Mahanta Acarya Candra's only goal was the lotus feet of Nityananda.
The singer Madhavananda Ghosha* and Vasudeva Ghosha were full of love of God.
Jiva Pandita* was the most fortunate devotee. Lord Nityananda enjoyed various pastimes at his house. Shri Manohara, Shri Narayana, Shri Krishnadasa, and Shri Devananda were also associates of Lord Nityananda.
I am unable to disclose the names of the innumerable servants of Lord Nityananda even in one hundred years. Each of Lord Nityananda's servants had innumerable followers and, by the mercy of Lord Nityananda, they were equal to their spiritual master. All of them were fully intoxicated by the transcendental mellows of Shri Gauranga. Shri Gauranga and Nityananda were their life and only treasure. I have only described the few associates I knew. More will be disclosed later by Vedavyasa.
The last servant of Lord Nityananda was Vrindavana dasa Thakura who was the son of Narayani, the final recipient of Lord Gauranga's mercy. Even today, Narayani is accepted as the final recipient of Gauranga's mercy among the Vaishnavas. Take shelter of those devotees of the Lord, O brothers, and worship the most merciful Nityananda and Shri Gauranga.
Accepting the lotus feet of Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.
A song by Shrila Vrindavana dasa Thakura
mana nityananda bali daka
emana dayala prabhu ara na paibe kabhu
hridaya kamale kari rakha
kiba se madura lila natana kirtana kala
atiba ganbhira avatara
apanara gupudhane ani martte kari dane
trana kaila e tina samsara
parasa manira gune tuccha lage mora mane
lei parasile hema kare
nitai chaitanya gune gana kare katajane
ratana haila ghare ghare
amode baliya hari nama sankirtana kari
premabese pade lotaiya
kahe vrindavana dasa emata karila asa
banchita rahinu abhagiya
O my mind, please chant the Name of Nityananda.
You'll never get such a merciful Lord again.
Keep Him within the lotus of your heart.
His sweet pastimes of chanting and dancing are wonderful.
He's the most merciful avatara.
He distributed His hidden treasure to everyone.
He thus delivered the three worlds.
The touchstone's quality of turning iron into gold seems insignificant
to me.
But many persons glorify the qualities of Nitai-Gauranga.
They made jewels in every house.
I happily do hari-nama-sankirtana
I roll on the ground in ecstatic prema.
Vrindavana dasa says I desire Their lotus feet since I'm the most unfortunate.
Shri Chaitanya Charitamrita Adi Lila Chapter 5:
The Glories Of Lord Nityananda Balarama
By His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
Copyright (c) The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc.
http://chaitanyacharitamrita.com/adi/5/en1
CC Adi 5.1: Let me offer my obeisances to Lord Shri Nityananda, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, whose opulence is wonderful and unlimited. By His will, even a fool can understand His identity.
CC Adi 5.2: All glories to Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu! All glories to Lord Nityananda! All glories to Advaita Acarya! And all glories to all the devotees of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu!
CC Adi 5.3: I have described the glory of Shri Krishna Chaitanya in six verses. Now, in five verses I shall describe the glory of Lord Nityananda.
CC Adi 5.4: The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, is the fountainhead of all incarnations. Lord Balarama is His second body.
CC Adi 5.5: These two are one and the same identity. They differ only in form. Lord Balarama is the first bodily expansion of Krishna, and He assists in Lord Krishna's transcendental pastimes.
CC Adi 5.6: That original Lord Krishna appeared in Navadvipa as Lord Chaitanya, and Balarama appeared with Him as Lord Nityananda.
CC Adi 5.7: May Shri Nityananda Rama be the object of my constant remembrance. Sankarshana, Sesha Naga and the Vishnus who lie on the Karana Ocean, Garbha Ocean and ocean of milk are His plenary portions and the portions of His plenary portions.
CC Adi 5.8: Lord Balarama is the original Sankarshana. He assumes five other forms to serve Lord Krishna.
CC Adi 5.9: He Himself helps in the pastimes of Lord Krishna, and He does the work of creation in four other forms.
CC Adi 5.10: He executes the orders of Lord Krishna in the work of creation, and in the form of Lord Sesha He serves Krishna in various ways.
CC Adi 5.11: In all the forms He tastes the transcendental bliss of serving Krishna. That same Balarama is Lord Nityananda, the companion of Lord Gaurasundara.
CC Adi 5.12: I have explained the seventh verse in four subsequent verses. By these verses all the world can know the truth about Lord Nityananda.
CC Adi 5.13: I surrender unto the lotus feet of Shri Nityananda Rama, who is known as Sankarshana in the midst of the catur-vyuha [consisting of Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna and Aniruddha]. He possesses full opulences and resides in Vaikunthaloka, far beyond the material creation.
CC Adi 5.14: Beyond the material nature lies the realm known as paravyoma, the spiritual sky. Like Lord Krishna Himself, it possesses all transcendental attributes, such as the six opulences.
CC Adi 5.15: That Vaikuntha region is all-pervading, infinite and supreme. It is the residence of Lord Krishna and His incarnations.
CC Adi 5.16: In the highest region of that spiritual sky is the spiritual planet called Krishnaloka. It has three divisions -- Dvaraka, Mathura and Gokula.
CC Adi 5.17: Shri Gokula, the highest of all, is also called Vraja, Goloka, Svetadvipa and Vrindavana.
CC Adi 5.18: Like the transcendental body of Lord Krishna, Gokula is all-pervading, infinite and supreme. It expands both above and below, without any restriction.
CC Adi 5.19: That abode is manifested within the material world by the will of Lord Krishna. It is identical to that original Gokula; they are not two different bodies.
CC Adi 5.20: The land there is touchstone [cintamani], and the forests abound with desire trees. Material eyes see it as an ordinary place.
CC Adi 5.21: But with the eyes of love of Godhead one can see its real identity as the place where Lord Krishna performs His pastimes with the cowherd boys and cowherd girls.
CC Adi 5.22: "I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, the first progenitor, who is tending cows yielding all desires in abodes built with spiritual gems and surrounded by millions of purpose trees. He is always served with great reverence and affection by hundreds and thousands of goddesses of fortune."
CC Adi 5.23: Lord Krishna manifests His own form in Mathura and Dvaraka. He enjoys pastimes in various ways by expanding into the quadruple forms.
CC Adi 5.24: Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna and Aniruddha are the primary quadruple forms, from whom all other quadruple forms are manifested. They are all purely transcendental.
CC Adi 5.25: Only in these three places [Dvaraka, Mathura and Gokula] does the all-sporting Lord Krishna perform His endless pastimes with His personal associates.
CC Adi 5.26: In the Vaikuntha planets of the spiritual sky the Lord manifests His identity as Narayana and performs pastimes in various ways.
CC Adi 5.27-28: Krishna's own form has only two hands, but in the form of Lord Narayana He has four hands. Lord Narayana holds a conchshell, disc, club and lotus flower, and He is full of great opulence. The shri, bhu and nila energies serve at His lotus feet.
CC Adi 5.29: Although His pastimes are His only characteristic functions, by His causeless mercy He performs one activity for the fallen souls.
CC Adi 5.30: He delivers the fallen living entities by offering them the four kinds of liberation -- salokya, samipya, sarshti and sarupya.
CC Adi 5.31: Those who attain brahma-sayujya liberation cannot gain entrance into Vaikuntha; their residence is outside the Vaikuntha planets.
CC Adi 5.32: Outside the Vaikuntha planets is the atmosphere of the glowing effulgence, which consists of the supremely bright rays of the body of Lord Krishna.
CC Adi 5.33: That region is called Siddhaloka, and it is beyond the material nature. Its essence is spiritual, but it does not have spiritual varieties.
CC Adi 5.34: It is like the homogeneous effulgence around the sun. But inside the sun are the chariots, horses and other opulences of the sun-god.
CC Adi 5.35: "As through devotion to the Lord one can attain His abode, many have attained that goal by abandoning their sinful activities and absorbing their minds in the Lord through lust, envy, fear or affection."
CC Adi 5.36: "Where it has been stated that the Lord's enemies and devotees attain the same destination, this refers to the ultimate oneness of Brahman and Lord Krishna. This may be understood by the analogy of the sun and the sunshine, in which Brahman is like the sunshine and Krishna Himself is like the sun."
CC Adi 5.37: Thus in the spiritual sky there are varieties of pastimes within the spiritual energy. Outside the Vaikuntha planets appears the impersonal reflection of light.
CC Adi 5.38: That impersonal Brahman effulgence consists only of the effulgent rays of the Lord. Those fit for sayujya liberation merge into that effulgence.
CC Adi 5.39: "Beyond the region of ignorance [the material cosmic manifestation] lies the realm of Siddhaloka. The Siddhas reside there, absorbed in the bliss of Brahman. Demons killed by the Lord also attain that realm."
CC Adi 5.40: In that spiritual sky, on the four sides of Narayana, are the second expansions of the quadruple expansions of Dvaraka.
CC Adi 5.41: Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna and Aniruddha constitute this second quadruple. They are purely transcendental.
CC Adi 5.42: There [in the spiritual sky] the personal feature of Balarama called Maha-sankarshana is the shelter of the spiritual energy. He is the primary cause, the cause of all causes.
CC Adi 5.43: One variety of the pastimes of the spiritual energy is described as pure goodness [visuddha-sattva]. It comprises all the abodes of Vaikuntha.
CC Adi 5.44: The six attributes are all spiritual. Know for certain that they are all manifestations of the opulence of Sankarshana.
CC Adi 5.45: There is one marginal potency, known as the jiva. Maha-sankarshana is the shelter of all jivas.
CC Adi 5.46: Sankarshana is the original shelter of the purusha, from whom this world is created and in whom it is dissolved.
CC Adi 5.47: He [Sankarshana] is the shelter of everything. He is wonderful in every respect, and His opulences are infinite. Even Ananta cannot describe His glory.
CC Adi 5.48: That Sankarshana, who is transcendental pure goodness, is a partial expansion of Nityananda Balarama.
CC Adi 5.49: I have briefly explained the eighth verse. Now please listen with attention as I explain the ninth verse.
CC Adi 5.50: I offer my full obeisances unto the feet of Shri Nityananda Rama, whose partial representation called Karanodakasayi Vishnu, lying on the Karana Ocean, is the original purusha, the master of the illusory energy, and the shelter of all the universes.
CC Adi 5.51: Outside the Vaikuntha planets is the impersonal Brahman effulgence, and beyond that effulgence is the Karana Ocean, or Causal Ocean.
CC Adi 5.52: Surrounding Vaikuntha is a mass of water that is endless, unfathomed and unlimited.
CC Adi 5.53: The earth, water, fire, air and ether of Vaikuntha are all spiritual. Material elements are not found there.
CC Adi 5.54: The water of the Karana Ocean, which is the original cause, is therefore spiritual. The sacred Ganges, which is but a drop of it, purifies the fallen souls.
CC Adi 5.55: In that ocean lies a plenary portion of Lord Sankarshana.
CC Adi 5.56: He is known as the first purusha, the creator of the total material energy. He, the cause of the universes, the first incarnation, casts His glance over maya.
CC Adi 5.57: Maya-sakti resides outside the Karana Ocean. Maya cannot touch its waters.
CC Adi 5.58: Maya has two varieties of existence. One is called pradhana or prakriti. It supplies the ingredients of the material world.
CC Adi 5.59: Because prakriti is dull and inert, it cannot actually be the cause of the material world. But Lord Krishna shows His mercy by infusing His energy into the dull, inert material nature.
CC Adi 5.60: Thus prakriti, by the energy of Lord Krishna, becomes the secondary cause, just as iron becomes red-hot by the energy of fire.
CC Adi 5.61: Therefore Lord Krishna is the original cause of the cosmic manifestation. Prakriti is like the nipples on the neck of a goat, for they cannot give any milk.
CC Adi 5.62: The maya aspect of material nature is the immediate cause of the cosmic manifestation. But it cannot be the real cause, for the original cause is Lord Narayana.
CC Adi 5.63: Just as the original cause of an earthen pot is the potter, so the creator of the material world is the first purusha incarnation [Karanarnavasayi Vishnu].
CC Adi 5.64: Lord Krishna is the creator, and maya only helps Him as an instrument, just like the potter's wheel and other instruments, which are the instrumental causes of a pot.
CC Adi 5.65: The first purusha casts His glance at maya from a distance, and thus He impregnates her with the seed of life in the form of the living entities.
CC Adi 5.66: The reflected rays of His body mix with maya, and thus maya gives birth to myriad universes.
CC Adi 5.67: The purusha enters each and every one of the countless universes. He manifests Himself in as many separate forms as there are universes.
CC Adi 5.68: When the purusha exhales, the universes are manifested with each outward breath.
CC Adi 5.69: Thereafter, when He inhales, all the universes again enter His body.
CC Adi 5.70: Just as atomic particles of dust pass through the openings of a window, so the networks of universes pass through the pores of the skin of the purusha.
CC Adi 5.71: "The Brahmas and other lords of the mundane worlds appear from the pores of Maha-Vishnu and remain alive for the duration of His one exhalation. I adore the primeval Lord, Govinda, of whom Maha-Vishnu is a portion of a plenary portion."
CC Adi 5.72: "Where am I, a small creature of seven spans the measure of my own hand? I am enclosed in the universe composed of material nature, the total material energy, false ego, ether, air, water and earth. And what is Your glory? Unlimited universes pass through the pores of Your body just like particles of dust passing through the opening of a window."
CC Adi 5.73: A part of a part of a whole is called a kala. Shri Balarama is the counterform of Lord Govinda.
CC Adi 5.74: Balarama's own expansion is called Maha-sankarshana, and His fragment, the purusha, is counted as a kala, or a part of a plenary portion.
CC Adi 5.75: I say that this kala is Maha-Vishnu. He is the Maha-purusha, who is the source of the other purushas and who is all-pervading.
CC Adi 5.76: Garbhodasayi and Kshirodasayi are both called purushas. They are plenary portions of Karanodasayi Vishnu, the first purusha, who is the abode of all the universes.
CC Adi 5.77: "Vishnu has three forms called purushas. The first, Maha-Vishnu, is the creator of the total material energy [mahat], the second is Garbhodasayi, who is situated within each universe, and the third is Kshirodasayi, who lives in the heart of every living being. He who knows these three becomes liberated from the clutches of maya."
CC Adi 5.78: Although Karanodasayi Vishnu is called a kala of Lord Krishna, He is the source of Matsya, Kurma and the other incarnations.
CC Adi 5.79: "All these incarnations of Godhead are either plenary portions or parts of the plenary portions of the purusha-avataras. But Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself. In every age He protects the world through His different features when the world is disturbed by the enemies of Indra."
CC Adi 5.80: That purusha [Karanodakasayi Vishnu] is the performer of creation, maintenance and destruction. He manifests Himself in many incarnations, for He is the maintainer of the world.
CC Adi 5.81: That fragment of the Supreme Lord, known as the Maha-purusha, appears for the purpose of creation, maintenance and annihilation and is called an incarnation.
CC Adi 5.82: That Maha-purusha is identical with the Personality of Godhead. He is the original incarnation, the seed of all others, and the shelter of everything.
CC Adi 5.83: "The purusha [Maha-Vishnu] is the primary incarnation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Time, nature, prakriti (as cause and effect), the mind, the material elements, false ego, the modes of nature, the senses, the universal form, complete independence and the moving and nonmoving beings appear subsequently as His opulences."
CC Adi 5.84: "In the beginning of the creation, the Lord expanded Himself in the form of the purusha incarnation, accompanied by all the ingredients of material creation. First He created the sixteen principal energies suitable for creation. This was for the purpose of manifesting the material universes."
CC Adi 5.85: Although the Lord is the shelter of everything and although all the universes rest in Him, He, as the Supersoul, is also the support of everything.
CC Adi 5.86: Although He is thus connected with the material energy in two ways, He does not have the slightest contact with it.
CC Adi 5.87: "This is the opulence of the Lord. Although situated within the material nature, He is never affected by the modes of nature. Similarly, those who have surrendered to Him and have fixed their intelligence upon Him are not influenced by the modes of nature."
CC Adi 5.88: Thus the Bhagavad-gita also states again and again that the Absolute Truth always possesses inconceivable power.
CC Adi 5.89: [Lord Krishna said:] "I am situated in the material world, and the world rests in Me. But at the same time I am not situated in the material world, nor does it rest in Me in truth."
CC Adi 5.90: "O Arjuna, you should know this as My inconceivable opulence." This is the meaning propagated by Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad-gita.
CC Adi 5.91: That Maha-purusha [Karanodakasayi Vishnu] is known as a plenary part of Him who is Lord Nityananda Balarama, the favorite associate of Lord Chaitanya.
CC Adi 5.92: I have thus explained the ninth verse, and now I shall explain the tenth. Please listen with rapt attention.
CC Adi 5.93: I offer my full obeisances unto the feet of Shri Nityananda Rama, a partial part of whom is Garbhodakasayi Vishnu. From the navel of Garbhodakasayi Vishnu sprouts the lotus that is the birthplace of Brahma, the engineer of the universe. The stem of that lotus is the resting place of the multitude of planets.
CC Adi 5.94: After creating millions of universes, the first purusha entered into each of them in a separate form, as Shri Garbhodakasayi.
CC Adi 5.95: Entering the universe, He found only darkness, with no place in which to reside. Thus He began to consider.
CC Adi 5.96: Then He created water from the perspiration of His own body and with that water filled half the universe.
CC Adi 5.97: The universe measures five hundred million yojanas. Its length and breadth are one and the same.
CC Adi 5.98: After filling half the universe with water, He made His own residence therein and manifested the fourteen worlds in the other half.
CC Adi 5.99: There He manifested Vaikuntha as His own abode and rested in the waters on the bed of Lord Sesha.
CC Adi 5.100-101: He lay there with Ananta as His bed. Lord Ananta is a divine serpent having thousands of heads, thousands of faces, thousands of eyes and thousands of hands and feet. He is the seed of all incarnations and is the cause of the material world.
CC Adi 5.102: From His navel grew a lotus flower, which became the birthplace of Lord Brahma.
CC Adi 5.103: Within the stem of that lotus were the fourteen worlds. Thus the Supreme Lord, as Brahma, created the entire creation.
CC Adi 5.104: And as Lord Vishnu He maintains the entire world. Lord Vishnu, being beyond all material attributes, has no touch with the material qualities.
CC Adi 5.105: Assuming the form of Rudra, He destroys the creation. Thus creation, maintenance and dissolution are created by His will.
CC Adi 5.106: He is the Supersoul, Hiranyagarbha, the cause of the material world. The universal form is conceived as His expansion.
CC Adi 5.107: That Lord Narayana is a part of a plenary part of Lord Nityananda Balarama, who is the source of all incarnations.
CC Adi 5.108: I have thus explained the tenth verse. Now please listen to the meaning of the eleventh verse with all your mind.
CC Adi 5.109: I offer my respectful obeisances unto the feet of Shri Nityananda Rama, whose secondary part is the Vishnu lying in the ocean of milk. That Kshirodakasayi Vishnu is the Supersoul of all living entities and the maintainer of all the universes. Sesha Naga is His further subpart.
CC Adi 5.110: The material planets rest within the stem that grows from the lotus navel of Lord Narayana. Among these planets are seven oceans.
CC Adi 5.111: There, in part of the ocean of milk, lies Svetadvipa, the abode of the sustainer, Lord Vishnu.
CC Adi 5.112: He is the Supersoul of all living entities. He maintains this material world, and He is its Lord.
CC Adi 5.113: In the ages and millenniums of Manu, He appears as different incarnations to establish the principles of real religion and vanquish the principles of irreligion.
CC Adi 5.114: Unable to see Him, the demigods go to the shore of the ocean of milk and offer prayers to Him.
CC Adi 5.115: He then descends to maintain the material world. His unlimited opulences cannot be counted.
CC Adi 5.116: That Lord Vishnu is but a part of a part of a plenary portion of Lord Nityananda, who is the source of all incarnations.
CC Adi 5.117: That same Lord Vishnu, in the form of Lord Sesha, holds the planets upon His heads, although He does not know where they are, for He cannot feel their existence upon His heads.
CC Adi 5.118: His thousands of extended hoods are adorned with dazzling jewels surpassing the sun.
CC Adi 5.119: The universe, which measures five hundred million yojanas
in diameter, rests on one of His hoods like a
ustard seed.
CC Adi 5.120: That Ananta Sesha is the devotee incarnation of Godhead. He knows nothing but service to Lord Krishna.
CC Adi 5.121: With His thousands of mouths He sings the glories of Lord Krishna, but although He always sings in that way, He does not find an end to the qualities of the Lord.
CC Adi 5.122: The four Kumaras hear Shrimad-Bhagavatam from His lips, and they in turn repeat it in the transcendental bliss of love of Godhead.
CC Adi 5.123: He serves Lord Krishna, assuming all the following forms: umbrella, slippers, bedding, pillow, garments, resting chair, residence, sacred thread and throne.
CC Adi 5.124: He is thus called Lord Sesha, for He has attained the ultimate end of servitude to Krishna. He takes many forms for the service of Krishna, and thus He serves the Lord.
CC Adi 5.125: That person of whom Lord Ananta is a kala, or part of a plenary part, is Lord Nityananda Prabhu. Who, therefore, can know the pastimes of Lord Nityananda?
CC Adi 5.126: From these conclusions we can know the limit of the truth of Lord Nityananda. But what glory is there in calling Him Ananta?
CC Adi 5.127: But I accept it as the truth because it has been said by devotees. Since He is the source of all incarnations, everything is possible in Him.
CC Adi 5.128: They know that there is no difference between the incarnation and the source of all incarnations. Previously Lord Krishna was regarded in the light of different principles by different people.
CC Adi 5.129: Some said that Krishna was directly Lord Nara-Narayana, and some called Him Lord Vamanadeva incarnate.
CC Adi 5.130: Some called Lord Krishna an incarnation of Lord Kshirodakasayi. All these names are true; nothing is impossible.
CC Adi 5.131: When the Supreme Personality of Godhead Krishna appears, He is the shelter of all plenary parts. Thus at that time all His plenary portions join in Him.
CC Adi 5.132: In whatever form one knows the Lord, one speaks of Him in that way. In this there is no falsity, since everything is possible in Krishna.
CC Adi 5.133: Therefore Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has exhibited to everyone all the pastimes of all the various incarnations.
CC Adi 5.134: Thus Lord Nityananda has unlimited incarnations. In transcendental emotion He calls Himself a servant of Lord Chaitanya.
CC Adi 5.135: Sometimes He serves Lord Chaitanya as His guru, sometimes as His friend and sometimes as His servant, just as Lord Balarama played with Lord Krishna in these three different moods in Vraja.
CC Adi 5.136: Playing like a bull, Lord Balarama fights with Krishna head to head. And sometimes Lord Krishna massages the feet of Lord Balarama.
CC Adi 5.137: He considers Himself a servant and knows Krishna to be His master. Thus He regards Himself as a fragment of His plenary portion.
CC Adi 5.138: "Acting just like ordinary boys, They played like roaring bulls as They fought each other, and They imitated the calls of various animals."
CC Adi 5.139: "Sometimes when Lord Krishna's elder brother, Lord Balarama, felt tired after playing and lay His head on the lap of a cowherd boy, Lord Krishna Himself served Him by massaging His feet."
CC Adi 5.140: "Who is this mystic power, and where has she come from? Is she a demigod or a demoness? She must be the illusory energy of My master, Lord Krishna, for who else can bewilder Me?"
CC Adi 5.141: "What is the value of a throne to Lord Krishna? The masters of the various planetary systems accept the dust of His lotus feet on their crowned heads. That dust makes the holy places sacred, and even Lord Brahma, Lord Siva, Lakshmi and I Myself, who are all portions of His plenary portion, eternally carry that dust on our heads."
CC Adi 5.142: Lord Krishna alone is the supreme controller, and all others are His servants. They dance as He makes them do so.
CC Adi 5.143: Thus Lord Chaitanya is also the only controller. All others are His associates or servants.
CC Adi 5.144-145: His elders such as Lord Nityananda, Advaita Acarya and Shrivasa Thakura, as well as His other devotees -- whether His juniors, equals or superiors -- are all His associates who help Him in His pastimes. Lord Gauranga fulfills His aims with their help.
CC Adi 5.146: Shri Advaita Acarya and Shrila Nityananda Prabhu, who are plenary parts of the Lord, are His principal associates. With these two the Lord performs His pastimes in various ways.
CC Adi 5.147: Lord Advaita Acarya is directly the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Although Lord Chaitanya accepts Him as His preceptor, Advaita Acarya is a servant of the Lord.
CC Adi 5.148: I cannot describe the truth of Advaita Acarya. He has delivered the entire world by making Lord Krishna descend.
CC Adi 5.149: Lord Nityananda Svarupa formerly appeared as Lakshmana and served Lord Ramacandra as His younger brother.
CC Adi 5.150: The activities of Lord Rama were full of suffering, but Lakshmana, of His own accord, tolerated that suffering.
CC Adi 5.151: As a younger brother He could not stop Lord Rama from His resolution, and so He remained silent, although unhappy in His mind.
CC Adi 5.152: When Lord Krishna appeared, He [Balarama] became His elder brother to serve Him to His heart's content and make Him enjoy all sorts of happiness.
CC Adi 5.153: Shri Rama and Shri Lakshmana, who are plenary portions of Lord Krishna and Lord Balarama respectively, entered into Them at the time of Krishna's and Balarama's appearance.
CC Adi 5.154: Krishna and Balarama present Themselves as younger brother and elder brother, but in the scriptures They are described as the original Supreme Personality of Godhead and His expansion.
CC Adi 5.155: "I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, who by His various plenary portions appears in the world in different forms and incarnations such as Lord Rama, but who personally appears in His supreme original form as Lord Krishna."
CC Adi 5.156: Lord Chaitanya is the same Lord Krishna, and Lord Nityananda is Lord Balarama. Lord Nityananda fulfills all of Lord Chaitanya's desires.
CC Adi 5.157: The ocean of Lord Nityananda's glories is infinite and unfathomable. Only by His mercy can I touch even a drop of it.
CC Adi 5.158: Please listen to another glory of His mercy. He made a fallen living entity climb to the highest limit.
CC Adi 5.159: To disclose it is not proper, for it should be kept as confidential as the Vedas, yet I shall speak of it to make His mercy known to all.
CC Adi 5.160: O Lord Nityananda, I write of Your mercy out of great exultation. Please forgive me for my offenses.
CC Adi 5.161: Lord Nityananda Prabhu had a servant named Shri Minaketana Ramadasa, who was a reservoir of love.
CC Adi 5.162: At my house there was sankirtana day and night, and therefore he visited there, having been invited.
CC Adi 5.163: Absorbed in emotional love, he sat in my courtyard, and all the Vaishnavas bowed down at his feet.
CC Adi 5.164: In a joyful mood of love of God he sometimes climbed upon the shoulder of someone offering obeisances, and sometimes he struck others with his flute or mildly slapped them.
CC Adi 5.165: When someone saw the eyes of Minaketana Ramadasa, tears would automatically flow from his own eyes, for a constant shower of tears flowed from the eyes of Minaketana Ramadasa.
CC Adi 5.166: Sometimes there were eruptions of ecstasy like kadamba flowers on some parts of his body, and sometimes one limb would be stunned while another would be trembling.
CC Adi 5.167: Whenever he shouted aloud the name Nityananda, the people around him were filled with great wonder and astonishment.
CC Adi 5.168: One respectable brahmana named Shri Gunarnava Misra was serving the Deity.
CC Adi 5.169: When Minaketana was seated in the yard, this brahmana did not offer him respect. Seeing this, Shri Ramadasa became angry and spoke.
CC Adi 5.170: "Here I find the second Romaharshana-suta, who did not stand to show honor when he saw Lord Balarama."
CC Adi 5.171: After saying this, he danced and sang to his heart's content, but the brahmana did not become angry, for he was then serving Lord Krishna.
CC Adi 5.172: At the end of the festival Minaketana Ramadasa went away, offering his blessings to everyone. At that time he had some controversy with my brother.
CC Adi 5.173: My brother had firm faith in Lord Chaitanya but only a dim glimmer of faith in Lord Nityananda.
CC Adi 5.174: Knowing this, Shri Ramadasa felt unhappy in his mind. I then rebuked my brother.
CC Adi 5.175: "These two brothers," I told him, "are like one body; They are identical manifestations. If you do not believe in Lord Nityananda, you will fall down.
CC Adi 5.176: "If you have faith in one but disrespect the other, your logic is like the logic of accepting half a hen.
CC Adi 5.177: "It would be better to be an atheist by slighting both brothers than a hypocrite by believing in one and slighting the other."
CC Adi 5.178: Thus Shri Ramadasa broke his flute in anger and went away, and at that time my brother fell down.
CC Adi 5.179: I have thus described the power of the servants of Lord Nityananda. Now I shall describe another characteristic of His mercy.
CC Adi 5.180: That night Lord Nityananda appeared to me in a dream because of my good quality in chastising my brother.
CC Adi 5.181: In the village of Jhamatapura, which is near Naihati, Lord Nityananda appeared to me in a dream.
CC Adi 5.182: I fell at His feet, offering my obeisances, and He then placed His own lotus feet upon my head.
CC Adi 5.183: "Arise! Get up!" He told me again and again. Upon rising, I was greatly astonished to see His beauty.
CC Adi 5.184: He had a glossy blackish complexion, and His tall, strong, heroic stature made Him seem like Cupid himself.
CC Adi 5.185: He had beautifully formed hands, arms and legs, and eyes like lotus flowers. He wore a silk cloth, with a silk turban on His head.
CC Adi 5.186: He wore golden earrings on His ears, and golden armlets and bangles. He wore tinkling anklets on His feet and a garland of flowers around His neck.
CC Adi 5.187: His body was anointed with sandalwood pulp, and He was nicely decorated with tilaka. His movements surpassed those of a maddened elephant.
CC Adi 5.188: His face was more beautiful than millions upon millions of moons, and His teeth were like pomegranate seeds because of His chewing betel.
CC Adi 5.189: His body moved to and fro, right and left, for He was absorbed in ecstasy. He chanted "Krishna, Krishna" in a deep voice.
CC Adi 5.190: His red stick moving in His hand, He seemed like a maddened lion. All around the four sides of His feet were bumblebees.
CC Adi 5.191: His devotees, dressed like cowherd boys, surrounded His feet like so many bees and also chanted "Krishna, Krishna," absorbed in ecstatic love.
CC Adi 5.192: Some of them played horns and flutes, and others danced and sang. Some of them offered betel nuts, and others waved camara fans about Him.
CC Adi 5.193: Thus I saw such opulence in Lord Nityananda Svarupa. His wonderful form, qualities and pastimes are all transcendental.
CC Adi 5.194: I was overwhelmed with transcendental ecstasy, not knowing anything else. Then Lord Nityananda smiled and spoke to me as follows.
CC Adi 5.195: "O my dear Krishnadasa, do not be afraid. Go to Vrindavana, for there you will attain all things."
CC Adi 5.196: After saying this, He directed me toward Vrindavana by waving His hand. Then He disappeared with His associates.
CC Adi 5.197: I fainted and fell to the ground, my dream broke, and when I regained consciousness I saw that morning had come.
CC Adi 5.198: I thought about what I had seen and heard and concluded that the Lord had ordered me to proceed to Vrindavana at once.
CC Adi 5.199: That very second I started for Vrindavana, and by His mercy I reached there in great happiness.
CC Adi 5.200: All glory, all glory to Lord Nityananda Balarama, by whose mercy I have attained shelter in the transcendental abode of Vrindavana!
CC Adi 5.201: All glory, all glory to the merciful Lord Nityananda, by whose mercy I have attained shelter at the lotus feet of Shri Rupa and Shri Sanatana!
CC Adi 5.202: By His mercy I have attained the shelter of the great personality Shri Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, and by His mercy I have found the refuge of Shri Svarupa Damodara.
CC Adi 5.203: By the mercy of Sanatana Gosvami I have learned the final conclusions of devotional service, and by the grace of Shri Rupa Gosvami I have tasted the highest nectar of devotional service.
CC Adi 5.204: All glory, all glory to the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda, by whose mercy I have attained Shri Radha-Govinda!
CC Adi 5.205: I am more sinful than Jagai and Madhai and even lower than the worms in the stool.
CC Adi 5.206: Anyone who hears my name loses the results of his pious activities. Anyone who utters my name becomes sinful.
CC Adi 5.207: Who in this world but Nityananda could show His mercy to such an abominable person as me?
CC Adi 5.208: Because He is intoxicated by ecstatic love and is an incarnation of mercy, He does not distinguish between the good and the bad.
CC Adi 5.209: He delivers all those who fall down before Him. Therefore He has delivered such a sinful and fallen person as me.
CC Adi 5.210: Although I am sinful and I am the most fallen, He has conferred upon me the lotus feet of Shri Rupa Gosvami.
CC Adi 5.211: I am not fit to speak all these confidential words about my visiting Lord Madana Gopala and Lord Govinda.
CC Adi 5.212: Lord Madana Gopala, the chief Deity of Vrindavana, is the enjoyer of the rasa dance and is directly the son of the King of Vraja.
CC Adi 5.213: He enjoys the rasa dance with Shrimati Radharani, Shri Lalita and others. He manifests Himself as the Cupid of Cupids.
CC Adi 5.214: "Wearing yellow garments and decorated with a flower garland, Lord Krishna, appearing among the gopis with His smiling lotus face, looked directly like the charmer of the heart of Cupid."
CC Adi 5.215: With Radha and Lalita serving Him on His two sides, He attracts the hearts of all by His own sweetness.
CC Adi 5.216: The mercy of Lord Nityananda showed me Shri Madana-mohana and gave me Shri Madana-mohana as my Lord and master.
CC Adi 5.217: He granted to one as low as me the sight of Lord Govinda. Words cannot describe this, nor is it fit to be disclosed.
CC Adi 5.218-219: On an altar made of gems in the principal temple of Vrindavana, amidst a forest of desire trees, Lord Govinda, the son of the King of Vraja, sits upon a throne of gems and manifests His full glory and sweetness, thus enchanting the entire world.
CC Adi 5.220: By His left side is Shrimati Radharani and Her personal friends. With them Lord Govinda enjoys the rasa-lila and many other pastimes.
CC Adi 5.221: Lord Brahma, sitting on his lotus seat in his own abode, always meditates on Him and worships Him with the mantra consisting of eighteen syllables.
CC Adi 5.222: Everyone in the fourteen worlds meditates upon Him, and all the denizens of Vaikuntha sing of His qualities and pastimes.
CC Adi 5.223: The goddess of fortune is attracted by His sweetness, which Shrila Rupa Gosvami has described in this way:
CC Adi 5.224: "My dear friend, if you are indeed attached to your worldly friends, do not look at the smiling face of Lord Govinda as He stands on the bank of the Yamuna at Kesighata. Casting sidelong glances, He places His flute to His lips, which seem like newly blossomed twigs. His transcendental body, bending in three places, appears very bright in the moonlight."
CC Adi 5.225: Without a doubt He is directly the son of the King of Vraja. Only a fool considers Him a statue.
CC Adi 5.226: For that offense, he cannot be liberated. Rather, he will fall into a terrible hellish condition. What more should I say?
CC Adi 5.227: Therefore who can describe the mercy of the lotus feet of Him [Lord Nityananda] by whom I have attained the shelter of this Lord Govinda?
CC Adi 5.228: All the groups of Vaishnavas who live in Vrindavana are absorbed in chanting the all-auspicious name of Krishna.
CC Adi 5.229: Lord Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda are the life and soul of those Vaishnavas, who do not know anything but devotional service to Shri Shri Radha-Krishna.
CC Adi 5.230: The dust and shade of the lotus feet of the Vaishnavas have been granted to this fallen soul by the mercy of Lord Nityananda.
CC Adi 5.231: Lord Nityananda said, "In Vrindavana all things are possible." Here I have explained His brief statement in detail.
CC Adi 5.232: I have attained all this by coming to Vrindavana, and this was made possible by the mercy of Lord Nityananda.
CC Adi 5.233: I have described my own story without reservations. The attributes of Lord Nityananda, making me like a madman, force me to write these things.
CC Adi 5.234: The glories of Lord Nityananda's transcendental attributes are unfathomable. Even Lord Sesha, with His thousands of mouths, cannot find their limit.
CC Adi 5.235: Praying at the lotus feet of Shri Rupa and Shri Raghunatha,
always desiring their mercy, I, Krishnadasa, narrate Shri Chaitanya-caritamrita,
following in their footsteps.
Shri Chaitanya Charitamrita Adi Lila Chapter 11:
The Expansions of Lord Nityananda
By His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
Copyright (c) The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc.
http://chaitanyacharitamrita.com/adi/5/en1
CC Adi 11.1: After offering my obeisances unto all the devotees of Shri Nityananda Prabhu, who are like bumblebees collecting honey from His lotus feet, I shall try to describe those who are the most prominent.
CC Adi 11.2: All glories to Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu! Anyone who has taken shelter at His lotus feet is glorious.
CC Adi 11.3: All glories to Shri Advaita Prabhu, Nityananda Prabhu and all the devotees of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu!
CC Adi 11.4: Shri Nityananda Prabhu is the topmost branch of the indestructible tree of eternal love of Godhead, Shri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. I offer my respectful obeisances to all the subbranches of that topmost branch.
CC Adi 11.5: Shri Nityananda Prabhu is an extremely heavy branch of the Shri Chaitanya tree. From that branch grow many branches and subbranches.
CC Adi 11.6: Watered by the desire of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, these branches and subbranches have grown unlimitedly and covered the entire world with fruits and flowers.
CC Adi 11.7: These branches and subbranches of devotees are innumerable and unlimited. Who could count them? For my personal purification I shall try to enumerate only the most prominent among them.
CC Adi 11.8: After Nityananda Prabhu, the greatest branch is Virabhadra Gosani, who also has innumerable branches and subbranches. It is not possible to describe them all.
CC Adi 11.9: Although Virabhadra Gosani was the Supreme Personality of Godhead, He presented Himself as a great devotee. And although the Supreme Godhead is transcendental to all Vedic injunctions, He strictly followed the Vedic rituals.
CC Adi 11.10: He is the main pillar in the hall of devotional service erected by Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He knew within Himself that He acted as the Supreme Lord Vishnu, but externally He was prideless.
CC Adi 11.11: It is by the glorious mercy of Shri Virabhadra Gosani that people all over the world now have the chance to chant the names of Chaitanya and Nityananda.
CC Adi 11.12: I therefore take shelter of the lotus feet of Virabhadra Gosani, so that by His mercy my great desire to write Shri Chaitanya-caritamrita will be properly guided.
CC Adi 11.13: Two devotees of Lord Chaitanya named Shri Ramadasa and Gadadhara dasa always lived with Shri Virabhadra Gosani.
CC Adi 11.14-15: When Nityananda Prabhu was ordered to go to Bengal to preach, these two devotees [Shri Ramadasa and Gadadhara dasa] were ordered to go with Him. Thus they are sometimes counted among the devotees of Lord Chaitanya and sometimes among the devotees of Lord Nityananda. Similarly, Madhava Ghosha and Vasudeva Ghosha belonged to both groups of devotees simultaneously.
CC Adi 11.16: Ramadasa, one of the chief branches, was full of fraternal love of Godhead. He made a flute from a stick with sixteen knots.
CC Adi 11.17: Shrila Gadadhara dasa was always fully absorbed in ecstasy as a gopi. In his house Lord Nityananda enacted the drama Dana-keli.
CC Adi 11.18: Shri Madhava Ghosha was a principal performer of kirtana. While he sang, Nityananda Prabhu danced.
CC Adi 11.19: When Vasudeva Ghosha described Lord Chaitanya and Nityananda while performing kirtana, even wood and stone would melt upon hearing it.
CC Adi 11.20: There were many extraordinary activities performed by Murari, a great devotee of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Sometimes in his ecstasy he would slap the cheek of a tiger, and sometimes he would play with a venomous snake.
CC Adi 11.21: All the associates of Lord Nityananda were formerly cowherd boys in Vrajabhumi. Their symbolic representations were the horns and sticks they carried, their cowherd dress and the peacock plumes on their heads.
CC Adi 11.22: The physician Raghunatha, also known as Upadhyaya, was so great a devotee that simply by seeing him one would awaken his dormant love of Godhead.
CC Adi 11.23: Sundarananda, another branch of Shri Nityananda Prabhu, was Lord Nityananda's most intimate servant. Lord Nityananda Prabhu perceived the life of Vrajabhumi in his company.
CC Adi 11.24: Kamalakara Pippalai is said to have been the third gopala. His behavior and love of Godhead were uncommon, and thus he is celebrated all over the world.
CC Adi 11.25: Suryadasa Sarakhela and his younger brother Krishnadasa Sarakhela both possessed firm faith in Nityananda Prabhu. They were a reservoir of love of Godhead.
CC Adi 11.26: Gauridasa Pandita, the emblem of the most elevated devotional service in love of Godhead, had the greatest potency to receive and deliver such love.
CC Adi 11.27: Making Lord Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda the Lords of his life, Gauridasa Pandita sacrificed everything for the service of Lord Nityananda, even the fellowship of his own family.
CC Adi 11.28: The thirteenth important devotee of Shri Nityananda Prabhu was Pandita Purandara, who moved in the ocean of love of Godhead just like the Mandara Hill.
CC Adi 11.29: Paramesvara dasa, said to be the fifth gopala of krishna-lila, completely surrendered to the lotus feet of Nityananda. Anyone who remembers his name, Paramesvara dasa, will get love of Krishna very easily.
CC Adi 11.30: Jagadisa Pandita, the fifteenth branch of Lord Nityananda's followers, was the deliverer of the entire world. Devotional love of Krishna showered from him like torrents of rain.
CC Adi 11.31: The sixteenth dear servant of Nityananda Prabhu was Dhananjaya Pandita. He was very much renounced and always merged in love of Krishna.
CC Adi 11.32: Mahesa Pandita, the seventh of the twelve gopalas, was very liberal. In great love of Krishna he danced to the beating of a kettledrum like a madman.
CC Adi 11.33: Purushottama Pandita, a resident of Navadvipa, was the eighth gopala. He would become almost mad as soon as he heard the holy name of Nityananda Prabhu.
CC Adi 11.34: Balarama dasa always fully tasted the nectar of love of Krishna. Upon hearing the name of Nityananda Prabhu, he would become greatly maddened.
CC Adi 11.35: Yadunatha Kavicandra was a great devotee. Lord Nityananda Prabhu always danced in his heart.
CC Adi 11.36: The twenty-first devotee of Shri Nityananda in Bengal was Krishnadasa Brahmana, who was a first-class servant of the Lord.
CC Adi 11.37: The twenty-second devotee of Lord Nityananda Prabhu was Kala Krishnadasa, who was the ninth cowherd boy. He was a first-class Vaishnava and did not know anything beyond Nityananda Prabhu.
CC Adi 11.38: The twenty-third and twenty-fourth prominent devotees of Nityananda Prabhu were Sadasiva Kaviraja and his son Purushottama dasa, who was the tenth gopala.
CC Adi 11.39: From birth, Purushottama dasa was merged in the service of the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda Prabhu, and he always engaged in childish play with Lord Krishna.
CC Adi 11.40: Shri Kanu Thakura, a very respectable gentleman, was the son of Purushottama dasa Thakura. He was such a great devotee that Lord Krishna always lived in his body.
CC Adi 11.41: Uddharana Datta Thakura, the eleventh among the twelve cowherd boys, was an exalted devotee of Lord Nityananda Prabhu. He worshiped the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda in all respects.
CC Adi 11.42: The twenty-seventh prominent devotee of Nityananda Prabhu was Acarya Vaishnavananda, a great personality in devotional service. He was formerly known as Raghunatha Puri.
CC Adi 11.43: Another important devotee of Lord Nityananda Prabhu was Vishnudasa, who had two brothers, Nandana and Gangadasa. Lord Nityananda Prabhu sometimes stayed at their house.
CC Adi 11.44: Paramananda Upadhyaya was Nityananda Prabhu's great servitor. Shri Jiva Pandita glorified the qualities of Shri Nityananda Prabhu.
CC Adi 11.45: The thirty-first devotee of Lord Nityananda Prabhu was Paramananda Gupta, who was greatly devoted to Lord Krishna and highly advanced in spiritual consciousness. Formerly Nityananda Prabhu also resided at his house for some time.
CC Adi 11.46: The thirty-second, thirty-third, thirty-fourth and thirty-fifth prominent devotees were Narayana, Krishnadasa, Manohara and Devananda, who always engaged in the service of Lord Nityananda.
CC Adi 11.47: The thirty-sixth devotee of Lord Nityananda was Hoda Krishnadasa, whose life and soul was Nityananda Prabhu. He was always dedicated to the lotus feet of Nityananda, and he knew no one else but Him.
CC Adi 11.48: Among Lord Nityananda's devotees, Nakadi was the thirty-seventh, Mukunda the thirty-eighth, Surya the thirty-ninth, Madhava the fortieth, Shridhara the forty-first, Ramananda the forty-second, Jagannatha the forty-third and Mahidhara the forty-fourth.
CC Adi 11.49: Shrimanta was the forty-fifth, Gokula dasa the forty-sixth, Hariharananda the forty-seventh, Sivai the forty-eighth, Nandai the forty-ninth and Paramananda the fiftieth.
CC Adi 11.50: Vasanta was the fifty-first, Navani Hoda the fifty-second, Gopala the fifty-third, Sanatana the fifty-fourth, Vishnai the fifty-fifth, Krishnananda the fifty-sixth and Sulocana the fifty-seventh.
CC Adi 11.51: The fifty-eighth great devotee of Lord Nityananda Prabhu was Kamsari Sena, the fifty-ninth was Ramasena, the sixtieth was Ramacandra Kaviraja, and the sixty-first, sixty-second and sixty-third were Govinda, Shriranga and Mukunda, who were all physicians.
CC Adi 11.52: Among the devotees of Lord Nityananda Prabhu, Pitambara was the sixty-fourth, Madhavacarya the sixty-fifth, Damodara dasa the sixty-sixth, Sankara the sixty-seventh, Mukunda the sixty-eighth, Jnana dasa the sixty-ninth and Manohara the seventieth.
CC Adi 11.53: The dancer Gopala was the seventy-first, Ramabhadra the seventy-second, Gauranga dasa the seventy-third, Nrisimha-chaitanya the seventy-fourth and Minaketana Ramadasa the seventy-fifth.
CC Adi 11.54: Vrindavana dasa Thakura, the son of Shrimati Narayani, composed Shri Chaitanya-mangala [later known as Shri Chaitanya-bhagavata].
CC Adi 11.55: Shrila Vyasadeva described the pastimes of Krishna in Shrimad-Bhagavatam. The Vyasa of the pastimes of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was Vrindavana dasa.
CC Adi 11.56: Among all the branches of Shri Nityananda Prabhu, Virabhadra Gosani was the topmost. His subbranches were unlimited.
CC Adi 11.57: No one can count the unlimited followers of Nityananda Prabhu. I have mentioned some of them just for my self-purification.
CC Adi 11.58: All these branches, the devotees of Lord Nityananda Prabhu, being full of ripened fruits of love of Krishna, distributed these fruits to all they met, flooding them with love of Krishna.
CC Adi 11.59: All these devotees had unlimited strength to deliver unobstructed, unceasing love of Krishna. By their own strength they could offer anyone Krishna and love of Krishna.
CC Adi 11.60: I have briefly described only some of the followers and devotees of Lord Nityananda Prabhu. Even the thousand-mouthed Sesha Naga cannot describe all of these unlimited devotees.
CC Adi 11.61: With an ardent desire to serve the purpose of Shri Rupa
and Shri Raghunatha, I, Krishnadasa, narrate Shri Chaitanya-caritamrita,
following in their footsteps.
Other Pastimes of Lord Nityananda
From Bhakti Ratnakara by Shrila Narahari Chakravarti
Shri Nityananda Prabhu's pastimes in Panihati.
Nityananda Prabhu and His close associates first traveled to the village of Panihati. Upon their arrival, Raghava Pandita, Makaradwaja Kar and others greeted them happily. Who could describe the wonderful atmosphere created in the house of Raghava Pandita as Nityananda and His followers danced and performed sankirtana. Narahari has written some songs describing the beauty of Nitai in the house of Raghava: Oh how gorgeous was Nitaichand as He danced elegantly, crying joyfully He lifted His hands high and continuously uttered the name of Gaura. Nityananda Prabhu freely distributed His mercy to the distressed conditioned souls, bestowing upon them the valuable jewel of devotional love. At that time the festival of Shri Nityananda's abhiseka was held.
Some of the followers of Nityananda placed Him on a celestial throne and bathed Him with scented Ganges water, as others sang sweet songs. Narahari brought new clothes for Nitaicanda, smeared His body with sandalwood paste and placed a flower garland around His neck, while Shri Raghavananda held an umbrella over His head. Nityananda then told Shri Raghava, "I would like to wear a garland of kadamba flowers." "But it is not the season for kadamba," Raghava replied. Nityananda pointed to a tree and said, "Go to that tree and surely you will find kadamba flowers. Raghava went to the Jamvsia tree indicated and, to his surprise, found that kadamba flowers were blooming there. Raghava gladly plucked the kadamba flowers, prepared a beautiful garland and placed it around Nityananda Prabhu's neck. Prabhu then advised everyone to always worship Lord Krishna. This is described in Shri Chaitanya Bhagavata, Antya Khanda 5/303: "According to the Bhagavatas, Shri Nityananda Prabhu bestowed upon the world the same devotionhich the gopikas possessed."
One day, Nityananda expressed His desire to wear ornaments and His followers happily brought beautiful jewelry and decorated Him exquisitely. The specific purpose behind this desire was that once, when Nityananda Prabhu was traveling as an avadhuta throughout Vraja, He bestowed His mercy upon a devotee in Govardhana. That devotee had wanted to decorate Nityananda with some ornaments and Prabhu had told him, "Not now." Thus, in order to fulfill the desire of His devotee, He now ordered His followers to prepare a gold plated Govardhana sila for Him, which He wore around His neck. Who can understand the pastimes of Nityananda Prabhu, who loved His devotees dearly? This is described in Shri Chaitanya Bhagavata, Antya Khanda (5/418-19): "The mood of devotion to Krishna which is desired even by Brahma and other exalted beings, and the love for Krishna which even the gopikas desired to possess, was given freely by Nityananda to all of the brahmanas."
Shri Nityananda Prabhu in the house of Dasa Gadadhara.
After spending some days happily in Panihati, Nityananda Prabhu started for Navadvipa to visit Sacimata. He, along with His followers, went to the house of Dasa Gadadhara. Narahari has described this event in a song. Nityananda Prabhu showered His mercy upon Dasa Gadadhara and an extremely pleasant atmosphere was created in Gadadhara's house due to the Lord's presence there. He also showed His mercy to the wicked Kazi of that village by destroying his pride. In this way Prabhu Nityananda revealed His pastimes in many places.
Nityananda Prabhu's pastimes in Khardaha.
Prabhu Nityananda, looking more beautiful than Cupid in His ornamental dress, reached Khardaha along with his followers. Narahari has explained in his songs that Prabhu Nityananda maddened the entire universe with His magnificent features. His face was just like the moon, the glow of His body resembled the brilliant rays of the sun, and His hands hung gracefully down to His knees. He constantly uttered the names, "Gaura, Gaura", as tears of ecstatic love flowed from His eyes. In Khardaha, Nityananda stayed in the temple of Purandara Pandita and distributed the priceless jewel of devotion to everyone by dancing and chanting in sankirtana. Purandara, Shri Chaitanyadasa, and Murari became mad with ecstacy, seeing Nityananda Prabhu dance. Narahari has described this in his songs.
Shri Nityananda's pastimes in Saptagrama.
After spending a few days in Khardaha, Prabhu Nityananda went to the house of Uddharana Datta in Saptagrama. Uddharana Datta became the most fortunate man, having attained the association of Prabhu Nityananda and His followers. When the residents of Saptagrama heard of Prabhu's arrival in their village, they rushed to meet him. Nityananda Prabhu became ecstatically absorbed in sankirtana and divine happiness filled the house of Uddharana. Everyone loudly chanted, "Haribol, Haribol." The people of Saptagrama received such mercy from Nityananda that their faith in His lotus feet became firmly fixed. The blessings which Nitaicanda bestowed upon Vanika went beyond saying. Nityananda Prabhu informed Uddharana that He would soon go to Santipura to meet Shri Advaita.
Nityananda Prabhu's pastimes with Shri Advaita Acarya prabhu.
Advaita Acarya, who lived in Santipura, knew nothing else but Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. It was he who brought Shri Krishna Chaitanya to this world. His glories have been acknowledged by all. As Narahari has explained in his songs, it was Advaita who, by practice of severe austerity and religious practices, brought Gaurachandra to this world. Although he himself was a partial expansion of the Lord, he always considered himself to be a servant of God. He was a man who was so full of love and mercy that he was capable of attracting Prabhu Gaurachandra to take birth in this world. Advaita Gosvami, the husband of Shri Sita devi, was always absorbed in sankirtana, sometimes in his own house or in the houses of his followers, sometimes on the bank of the Ganges or sometimes elsewhere. He knew nothing other than sankirtana and was always absorbed in the pastimes of Gaurachandra. Narahari has described this in his songs. Advaita Acarya spent his days with his devotees in his own house absorbed in ecstatic love. He freently danced, lifting his hands high and uttering, "Nitai, Nitai." When Nityananda Haladhara arrived from Saptagrama and they saw each other face to face, they were both unable to control their emotions and wept with love.
Nityananda's visit to Navadvipa.
After spending four days in the house of Advaita, Nityananda took Advaita's permission and started for Navadvipa. It seemed that Advaita said something to Nityananda before He left which made Him smiling meaningfully. Upon reaching Nadia, Nityananda first visited the house of Prabhu Gaurachandra.
Sacimata had been spending her days lost in memories of her son. One night she had a dream about Visvambhara which she happily confided to Malini: "Nimai came home and stood here calling for His mother. I had been sleeping inside my room but hearing the voice of Nimai, I came out. Nimai bowed to my feet and cried out, "Because of you mother, I was unable to stay in Nilacala and thus I have come here." I at once took Him in my lap, but at that moment my dream began to fade away. After that I was unable to sleep and wept the rest of the night." Saying this she fell on the ground unconscious. Sacimata called Vishnupriya to her side and taking her in her lap she cried loudly, thinking, "Why doesn't Nitai come home. If he comes back I will never allow Him to leave again. Oh, if only I could get some relief by seeing Him again."
In the meantime Nityananda arrived at the house and bowed at her feet. Sacimata happily took Him in her lap. Being ordered by her, Nitai decided to stay in Navadvipa. He then went to the house of Shrivasa and met him and his wife Malini devi. He and His followers then started sankirtana with great pleasure.
Some dacoits decided to steal the ornaments of Nityananda but, by a sudden turn of events, they took refuge at the Lord's lotus feet instead. This is described in Shri Chaitanya Charitamrita, Antya Khanda.
Nityananda and His followers visited Khanchanda, Badagachi, Dogachia, and Kulia on the other bank of the Ganges and Advaita came from Santipura to join Nityananda's sankirtana party. One day in the house of Shrivasa they began Shri Krishna Chaitanya sankirtana; some of the devotees played musical instruments while others began to sing. Nityananda, Shrivasa, Murari, Gangadasa, Gadadhara, Abhirama, Saranga, Sundara, Manahara, Vidya Vachaspati all began to dance. Suddenly, those who were extremely fortunate, saw that Prabhu Gaurachandra was dancing in between Nityananda and Advaita. Seeing this the demigods cheered, "Jai, Jai."
Nityananda Prabhu's marriage.
Advaita and others began to discuss the possibility of Nityananda Prabhu's marriage. Krishnadasa, the fortunate son of Harihoda from Badgachigrama, had great respect for Nityananda and wanted to make arrangements for Nityananda's marriage.
At that time a brahmana named Suryadasa, who had earned the title of Sarkhela by serving in the court of the Yavana king, lived at Saligrama near Navadvipa. He had four extremely virtuous brothers, and two daughters named Vasudha and Jahnavi who were known for their beauty and good disposition. Suryadasa had requested the wise brahmanas to search for good bridegrooms for his daughters, but they were unable to find suitable candidates. However, they suggested that he go to the village of Ekacakra in Radhadesa and meet Hadai Pandita. He was a very good man and the father of Shri Nityananda Prabhu, a high spirited young boy. Traveling as an avadhuta, Nityananda had visited many holy places and was renowned as a great scholar. After visiting various places of pilgrimage He reached Nadia where He met Shri Gaurachandra and decided to give up His stick of an avadhuta. The brahmana explained that Nityananda was the favorite associate of Shri Krishna Chaitanya and thus would be the most suitable husband for his daughte. He also told Suryadasa that if he was able to have such a son-in-law as Nityananda Prabhu, then he should certainly thank Providence for his good fortune. Suryadasa listened attentively then returned home without uttering a word.
With his minded filled with anticipation, Suryadasa lay down and fell asleep. In his dream he saw himself giving his two daughters to Nityananda in marriage. While the wise brahmanas recited the marriage hymns, Suryadasa dedicated his daughter to Nityananda, as the demigods in heaven showered flowers on their heads. While looking at his son-in-law, he suddenly saw the extremely enchanting Lord Balarama in place of Nityananda, His complexion was like that of a silver mountain, His face was effulgent like the moon, and His body was adorned with brilliant ornaments. He looked at Vasu and Jahnava and saw instead Varuni and Revati with complexions as bright as gold. They wore beautiful dresses and ornaments and sat on either side of Balarama. Suryadasa was overwhelmed by this vision and began to weep. Suddenly his dream faded away.
In the morning he went to the house of the brahmana and bowed to his feet saying, "I agree to your proposal. Please don't delay." The happy brahmana took four persons with him and started for Nadia chanting the auspicious names of Durga and Ganesa. When they arrived at the house of Shrivasa they found Nityananda, looking like Cupid himself, sitting amongst Shrivasa and other associates. Feeling extremely fortunate, the brahmana's eyes filled with tears. With great respect, Shrivasa inquired about the brahmana's well being and the brahmana replied, "I have come from my house to speak privately with you. Shrivasa took him to a secluded place and the brahmana gladly revealed his mind saying, "I've heard that you are searching for a bride for Nityananda so I brought with me the details of two girls who are the daughters of Suryadasa Pandita. I have searched everywhere but have found none to compare to them. They are as beautiful as goddess Laksmi and of good disposition. I think they will be suitable bride's f Nityananda. Please come to my place and see the girls. Suryadasa Sarkhela, who belongs to a good family, has agreed to this marriage and doesn't want to delay any longer. Now tell me what your opinion is?" Shrivasa Pandita replied, "Well, I shall see to it. Today I must send Krishnadasa to Badagachi, but tomorrow they will go to your place and you can take Krishnadasa to the house of Suryadasa." Hearing this the brahmana happily hurried back to Suryadasa's house in Saligrama.
Meanwhile, Shrivasa Pandita informed Advaita about the marriage proposal. Nityananda overheard their discussion and smiled softly and meaningfully. Krishnadasa, who was a very intelligent son of Raja Harihoda, hastily went to Badagachi and immediately began preparing for the marriage. News of the wedding spread quickly and everyone said, "It will be a good one."
Nityananda and His associates happily left Navadvipa and started for Badagachi. As they approached the village, the residents of Badagachi rushed forward to welcome them. The brahmanas and wise people of the village were filled with happiness to see the graceful features of Nityananda Prabhu.
Meanwhile, in Saligrama, which was not far from Badagachi, Suryadasa
told his younger brother Krishnadasa, "I shall go to Badagachi first. You
and the brahmanas come behind me with these gifts." Suryadasa hastily came
to Badagachi and went to meet Nityananda. Overwhelmed with emotion, Suryadasa
burst into tears and fell on the ground at Nityananda Prabhu's feet. He
held the feet of Nityananda in his two hands but could not speak a word.
Smiling brightly Nityananda embraced the fortunate Suryadasa.
The ceremony of Nityananda's adhivasa on the eve of His marriage in the house of Krishnadasa.
After meeting with all the Vaishnava's there, Suryadasa fixed the date for Nityananda's adhivasa. Krishnadasa pandita came from his house along with the brahmanas and many items for the ceremony. In the evening all the residents of Badagachi came and, at the auspicious time, Nityananda sat in the middle of the respected brahmanas and wise persons. The people watched happily as the adhivasa took place and auspicious music filled the air. Narahari has described this scene in one of his songs. After the completion of adhivasa, the guests returned to their homes. Suryadasa also happily returned to his house.
The auspicious adhivasa ceremony of Vasudha and Jahnava.
Suryadasa, with the help of wise brahmanas, joyfully performed the adhivasa ceremony of his daughters. Suryadasa had previously seen the real identities of his daughters, yet as a father he became very emotional about his daughters' marriage. Carrying many items for the adhivasa, the brahmanas came from Badagachi to the house of Suryadasa. At the time of adhivasa, Vasudha and Jahnavi looked very sweet and elegant in beautiful dresses and ornaments. The brahmanas began to cite hymns from the Vedas and blessed the brides with dhanya and durva, and the girls made sounds with their tongues (uludhkani). After completing the adhivasa, the satisfied brahmanas went to their homes. In the evening the bridegroom, Nityananda Prabhu, left Badagachi and started for Saligrama. Everyone who saw the extraordinary bridegroom became enchanted by His beauty.
The auspicious marriage ceremony of Shri Nityananda.
Nityananda Prabhu happily entered into the village of Saligrama and came to the house of Suryadasa. The people who rushed forward to touch the Lord's feet were suddenly filled with devotion. From a hidden place, Shri Vasu and Jahnava observed the beauty of their husband with extreme pleasure. As a great crowd began to congregate in the house of Suryadasa, young girls decorated Vasu and Jahnava in beautiful dresses and ornaments. According to the customary procedures. Suryadasa then offered his daughters to Nityananda. All the brahmanas, and even the demigods, were enchanted by the beauty of the brides and the bridegroom.
The next day the house of Suryadasa was filled with joyous festivities as Suryadasa humbly performed the various social customs, and Nityananda satisfied the desires of all the devotees. Afterward, Nityananda Prabhu and His two wives returned to Badagachi. Shrivasa's wife and all the ladies there, admired the beauty of the newlyweds. In Shri Gauraganoddesha Dipika it is stated that Shri Suryadasa, who was a great man and brilliant as the sun, was the incarnation of Kokudmi. His daughters, the wives of Shri Nityananda Prabhu, where previously Shri Varuni and Shri Revati. According to some, Shri Vasudha devi was formerly Kalavani, and Shri Jahnava devi was Anangamanjari. The wise saints also support this opinion.
Thereafter, Nityananda happily stayed in the village of Badagachi. The extraordinary qualities of the deliverer of mankind, Nityananda Prabhu, who was mad after Shri Gauranga, have been sung by many poets.
This is one of Narahari's songs in Raga Kamoda:
The elder brother of Krishna and the son of Rohini,
Rama was the husband of Revati and Varuni.
He blessed the Kaliyuga by appearing as Nitaisundara,
the elder brother of Gaurachandra and son of Padmavati.
By His supernatural qualities, Nityananda Prabhu, the husband of Vasudha
and Jahnavi, bestowed His mercy upon mankind.
Being mad with affection for Gaurachandra, He purified the world
with His divine love. He satisfied everyone by revealing the ecstacy of
of pure love for Gaurachandra. His bright golden complexion shone like
the glowing red sun. Ornaments bedecked His beautiful ears and His long
arms touched His knees. His beautiful mouth always chanted, "Gaura,
Gaura"
as streams of tears flowed from His eyes. He was always floating
in the endless ocean of sankirtana, dancing elegantly along with His followers.
He was extremely kind to the helpless and distressed fallen souls.
After a few days Nityananda Prabhu and His followers returned to Nadia. Sacimata, and all the great devotees of Gaurahari and their wives, were very happy to see Vasudha and Jahnavi. Following the order of Sacimata, Nityananda visited Santipura and then Saptagrama. According to the desire of the devotees, Nityananda Prabhu then went to Khardaha where He stayed with his wives in a beautiful house. He spent some wonderful days there, causing great joy to His followers by the performance of sankirtana. Then again he returned to Nadia to see Sacimata.
Nityananda's pastimes are described in Narahari's song in Raga Kamoda:
The beautiful and genius Prabhu Nityanandarama is the son of Padmavati.For twelve years He lived with his followers in he village of Ekacakra.When Gaura was born, He left home as an avadhuta.He visited all holy places and after twenty years gladly came to Nadia.Reviving His life in Gaura's association, He fell into His love- trap and threw away His danda and kamandalu.Absorbed in sankirtana, He went with Prabhu to Ksetra and broke Prabhu's danda into pieces. By the order of Prabhu, He came to Gauda from Ksetra and performed His duties as desired by Prabhu. The husband of Vasu-Jahnavi and the resort of dasa Narahari,distributed His love to all.
Shrila Narottama in Ekachakra Dhama
Narottama stayed there for the day and the following morning, thinking of the lotus feet of Shri Nityananda Balarama, he started for Ekacakra village in Radha. At the entrance of the village Nityananda, in the guise of an old brahmana, asked Narottama, "What is your name and from where are you coming? Where will you go and for what purpose?" Narottama replied, "I am Narottama, coming from Ksetra. I have come to the birth place of Nityananda, whose parents were Padmavati and Hadai Pandita, because I want to see the sacred places where Shri Nityananda Prabhu performed his pastimes. I live on the other side of the Padmavati in Shri Kheturi, from here I shall return there." Hearing Narottama's sweet words, the old brahmana smiled and without disclosing anything said, "I know everything. Come along with me, I shall show you all."
The brahmana guided Narottama to a particular spot and said, "See, this is the place where Nityananda and His friends enjoyed grazing cattle like the Gopas. Nityananda roamed about in this area holding His club and plow. And this is the place where He performed Ramalila. As Balarama performed His pastimes in Svetadvipa, similarly Nityananda performed His pastimes here. Now let me show you the house of Hadai Pandita where Nityananda Raya took birth. Here is the spot where He held a snake. See, over here, this is where His Gurukarana ceremony was performed. Now look at this temple of Vishnu where He used to worship the Lord. This is where that sannyasi came and ate and afterwards begged Nityananda from his father. This is the road by which the sannyasi and Nityananda left, followed by all the inhabitants of this village. In this spot Nityananda's mother loudly lamented for her son, and over here Hadai Pandita rolled on the ground in anguish at losing his son. Here Padmavati devi laid unconscious and Hadai Panditconsoled her. O Narottama, mind these places which I am showing you are beyond the grasp of even the demigods. In this Ekacakra village, Nityananda Raya still performs His pastimes and only the fortunate can see."
Saying this much, the brahmana vanished. The sudden disappearance of the old brahmana bewildered Narottama. "What is this," he thought, "one moment he was here and then he vanished like a bolt from the blue." Narottama became extremely restless and thought, "If I cannot see him anymore, I shall commit suicide by entering into fire." Saying this Narottama began to lament pitifully. Nityananda, Haladhara who is an ocean of mercy, again appeared before Narottama in the guise of the old brahmana. This time, the brahmana suddenly turned into Balarama, carrying his club and plow, wearing a topknot on his head and dressed in beautiful garments. Then suddenly Balarama turned into Nityananda. Smilingly he said to Narottama, "You are my favorite, I have no intention to deceive you. Very soon all your desires will be fulfilled. But don't disclose to anyone that you have seen Me here." Saying this He disappeared. Narottama stood transfixed like a statue, unable to move or speak. He stayed that day at Ekacakra and the following morning, while glorifying Nityanan Prabhu, King of Ekacakra, the son of Rohini and the life of the most fallen souls, Narottama began his journey.
Shri Isvari visits Ekchakra
After the wedding Shri Isvari, Narottama, Ramacandra and Govinda left Budhari and headed for Ekchakra in Radhadesha. When Shri Isvari saw Ekchakra in the far distance she felt the surge of emotion. Even Krishnadasa Sarkhela, Gauranga Sundara, Madhava Acarya, Balarama, Mahidahara, Murari, Chaitanya, Krishnadasa, Nrsimha, Shri Kanai, Damodara, Raghupati Vaidya, Upaddhaya Manohara, Shri Paramesvari Dasa, Shri Nakari Dasa, Shri Mukunda and others began to cry with emotion. The road on which the pilgrims travelled was shaded by peepel trees and the deep cool shadows and the breeze through the trees mitigated the fatigue of the travellers. As they passed along that pleasant road Shri Isvari and the others suddenly felt very happy but they could not understand why. In their joyful state of mind they met a brahmin on the way to Ekchakra. He was very old and he walked with the aid of a stick. He approached them slowly and then waited under a tree looking here and there wondering where all the Vaishnavas had come from, althoh he did not ask them anything the Vaishnavas bowed to him and asked him to take his seat beneath the tree. They polietly inquired from him why Ekchakra seemed to be only ruins although they had heard it was a large town. What was the cause of the decay? The brahmin relpied that it was certainly true that Ekchakra had been famous place for a long time. It had originally been the home of the Pandavas where they had killed many wicked raksas and asuryas. It had also become a famous place of pilgrimage because of its many deities and temples. The temple of Ekchakra Siva with Paravati had been here and many other deities such as Ganesh had been worshipped here but due to the influence of Kali the deities had all gone to the bottom of the river. Previously the river had been very wide and was lined on both sides by trees, plants and flowering creepers. There had also beeb bees, butterflies and various kinds of singing birds as well as non violent animals in the forest. No one knew who originally establise the village of Ekchakra but within its precients the four castes of Hindu society and lived peacefully.
Previously the village was inhabitated by wealthy people who had devotional and religious leanings. They were also scholars of different sastras who studied and taught here. Amongst these scholars was a great astrologer who had prophecied that Ekchakra village would be the residence of God himself for Lord Balarama would appear there. They astrologer lamented that his own life would be too short and he would not be able to see the appearance of the Lord. Many other astrologers examined his evidence and agreed with hs conclusion.
Shri Nityananda's family
In Ekchakra lived a pious brahmin who was famous because of his title `Ojha'. He was a wealthy man but had affection for his Yajamanas on whose behalf he performed his worship. His wife was a lady of sweet disposition but she was unhappy because she had no child although she was able to bear children. Each of her children died at the time of birth.
At last she got a son who was born at a very auspicious moment. The Ojha felt both happy and sad simultaneously and dedicated his only son to the mercy of Paravati Sankara. He and his wife analysed the fate of their son and out of dissatisfaction they named him Haro. But others in the village kept different sweet names for the child and would often visit the Ojha's house to see the nice child. Day by day the child grew into a beautiful boy.
Ojha performed the ceremony which celebrates the time that a Hindu child can take rice for the first time and other social ceremonies as the child grew and grew. When it was time for the boy to get married his father selected a girl for him from a nearby village. Padmavati was the name of the bride and she was equal to the bridegroom in every way. A few dasy after the marriage Ojha and his wife disappeared from the world. Haro was overwhelmed by the absence of his parents and he spent a deal of money performing the funeral rites for his parents. Haro Ojha gradually became a respected scholar in all Sastras and eventually got the title Harai Pandita. He was a devout Vaishnava and a scholar in Vishnu Bhakti tattva. His wife was also a devoted Vaisnavi and the villagers came to respect the couple for their sincere worship of Lord Vishnu.
The Birth of Nityananda Prabhu
Harai Pandita was very happy when he heard that his wife Parvati was pregnant. She gave birth to a beautiful child on a auspicious day and the religious minded ladies of the village came to see the child and bless him. Each gave a different opinion of the child. One woman questioned whether the child was actually a boy or a doll made of golden butter. Another woman commented that she had never seen a child who could cool both the eyes and the heart. Everyday a crowd gathered at the house of Harai Ojha and for the well being of his son Harai Ojha would distribute money to needy people and perform other types of charitable activities. Harai Ojha's son grew like the waxing moon and remained the center of pleasure for his parents. His mother loved him so much that she never put him down from her lap. At the time of his name giving ceremony someone suggested the name Rama and someone else suggested the name Nityananda for the child. When he was old enough to crawl on the ground people spontaneously callehim Nitai and wanted to hold him on their laps. People were enchanted by his sweet smile and histiny teeth which looked like drops of milk. Nityananda became the centre of life for the people of Ekchakra.
The old man continued to tell his story to Jahnava Isvari and her associates. He said that one day he felt disturbed for some reason so he went to the house of Harai simply to see Nitai. When he took the child in his lap, all his miseries seemed to vanish. Harai Pandita's affection for his son was boundless and he would never go anywhere far from the child. Once he went to the house of a Yajamana but returned immediately to his home to check on Nityananda. His mother used to smear the dust of haridya on his body to brighten his complexion but the haridya seemed dull next to Nityananda's own golden color. She smeared scented oil on his head to cool it but his body was cooler and sweeter than the oil itself. After giving him a bath his mother would dry him with a soft piece of cloth. Then she would dress him in silk and advise him to play in the house. But Nityananda could smilingly ask her who he should play with, for he had no friends.
Nityananda Prabhu's Vraja lila and other Avatara lilas
From that time on many boys would come to Nityananda's house to play with him. Nityananda was a very gentle child. Gradually he grew to the age of ten and with his friends he would play only those sports which Lord Krishna had played with his friends. He would choose a particular type of sport and then teach his friends. Sometimes, for example, he would want to re-enact a pastime from the birth of Krishna. They would create the prision where Krishna was born and act out each of the events related to Krishna going to Gokula to live with Nanda. He also enacted other pastimes like birthday of Krishna in Nanda's house, various incidents which proved the love of mother Yosoda for Krishna, the killing of Putina, the breaking of the cradle, the killing of Trinavata etc. Sometimes he chose to act out the pastime where mother Yasoda tied Krishna to a mortar and later Krishna uprooted the Yamalarjuna trees. During each pastime Nityananda would dress in different types of clothes and play just like Krishna had played in Gokula. would assign the roars of Baka and Aga to his different boyfriends and then as Krishna he would mockingly kill them. He would build a snake-shaped structure and put it in the water so that they could re-enact the pastime of Kaliya danana. Just like Krishna, Nityananda would sometimes kill Dhanuka or Pralambra while playing in the grazing grounds.
Just like Krishna he would play in the pasturing grounds, ocassionally killing a demon like risasura or rescuing Braja by lifting Govardhana. Sometimes they enacted the pastime of stealing the dresses of the Gopis and other times they pretended to kill kamsa. But when they staged the drama of Krishna leaving Vraja where the Gopis lamented pitifully, Nityananda also cried in hopless despair. He also enacted the various pastimes that Krishna had performed in Mathura.
Sometimes Nityananda taught his boyfriends the pastimes of Shri Ramacandra. For his drama he arranged everything as an exact replica of the places and incidents which had been desrcibed by Valmika in his book the Ramayana.
In th mood of Krishna Nityananda also played the role of Vamana, the incarnation of Vishnu who tricked King Vali. He also played the role of Nrsimha and mockingly killed Hiranyakasipur. Whatever pastimes Lord Krishna had performed to please his devotees were also performed by the son of Padmavati as he played with his village friends.
The boys of Ekchakra liked to be with Nityananda and could not leave him for a second. The parents of Ekchakra never forbid their children to associate with Nityananda; rather, they would decorate them with ornaments and encourage to take part in Nityananda's transcendenatl play.
At the time for taking the sacred thread, Nityananda was just stepping into his adolescent period and the village people were enchanted by his beauty. In his boyhood he became a scholar in all Sastras and Vyakanas and when he was twelve yers old he looked like a boy of fifteen. Because of this Harai Pandita anxiously sought out a wife for Nitai. The brahmin gentelmen of Ekchakra agreed to the idea and someone took the initiative to select a bride from a good brahmin family. Unfortunately, none of them could know the future.
Nityananda Prabhu leaves home
One day a travelling Gosvami came as a guest to the house of Harai Pandita. Harai Pandita offered him alms and they passed the night together discussing Lord Krishna. At the time of parting, the sannyasi requested Harai Pandtia to give him Nityananda and Harai Pandita was obliged to give him, thinking that there must be some divine plan behind the request.
When the sannyasi left with Nityananda Harari Pandita fell on the ground unconscious and his wife dropped just like a dead body. Even the villagers of Ekchakra became half-dead when they heard the news. The friends of Nityananda fell on the ground and the entire village was lifeless in grief. People assembled at the house of Harai Ojha and tried to revive the Pandita and his wife. But regaining their consciousness, the parents of Nityananda simply cried and called out the name of Nityananda. Their profuse tears could have melter the hard stones.
The younger brother of Nitai also lamented, wanting to know why the sannyasi had not also taken him. One brahmin anxiously asked the crowd which direction the sannyasi had taken. He would catch up with them and fall at the feet of the sannyasi, begging him to release Nimai. After all, the boy the did not know how to cook or other household duties. The brahmin would offer the sannyasi his own son who knew how to perform all types of service, and then he would bring Nityananda back. People searched in all directions for the sannyasi but he was not to be found. The astrolgers of Ekchakra met in a solitary place and discussd the prophecy of the astrologer who had predicted that Balarama would take his birth in Ekchakra. They realized too late that the prophecy had been fulfilled when Nityananda took birth in the house of Harai Pandita.
"At the time of Nityandad'a birth all misfortunes vanished," said one man. "There have been no famines, the people are happy and there is adequate rainfall."
"Now I understand why flowers were showered from heaven at the time of Nitai's birth," said another man.
"Only a God could posess such divine beauty," said another.
"I have never seen the type of sports which Nitai used to enact with his friends," said one gnetleman. "Once I saw Nitai in the role of a sannyasi. He wore a saffron colored dhoti and held a dhanda in one hand with a kamdalu in the other. The children were all wearing Vaishnava clothes and danced joyfully with Nitai in the center. Now Nityananda has made the play in reality."
"Oh, I am an ignorant perosn, lamented another villager. "How could I know that Rumini Kumara and Nityananda were the same person."
"We have no ability to understand the wish of the Lord," consoled another man. "The arrival of the sannyasi was only a pretext under which the Lord would leave home. Just as Balarama had visited all the holy places on foot, so also Nityananda would go on pilgrimage."
"But this is not proper behavior," criticised another person. "Nityananda should not have gone while his parents were still living." Then the poor man broke down and cried loudly while calling out the name of Nityananda.
The lamentation of Harai Pandita
The residents of Ekchakra regularly visited the house of Harai Pandita to console him and his wife. Three months had passed but Harai and Parvati had not taken a bit of food. They had grown mad by contiunous crying and calling out th name of Nityananda. Villagers would offer them food but the thought of sustaining their lives simply increased their misery.
In hs madness Harai would call out to Nitai requesting him to come and sit on his lap for he had not seen him in such a long time. Other times he would call Nitai to accompany him to the tank for a bath. Then he would call his son to walk in front as they walked in the field inspecting the ripeness of the rice plants. Then he would call Nitai to accompany him to the market to but new clothes and other play things. He would callhis son to come and eat the prasad of Vishnu, telling him that his mother was waiting. Or he would ask Nitai to take part in a debate on Sastra with other students of the Pandita. Ocassionally he would call his wife ingreat excitment to come and see that Nityananda was coming down the road. The sannyasi Thakura had kindly returned their son.
In this way the parents of Nityananda passed their day until the time of their death. After their disappearance the friends of Nityananda left Ekchakra and the villagers also moved to other places without telling anyone where they were going. Across the river a Yavana had built a village in his own name and a small population had deveolped there. In the passing of time, Ekchakra had become simply ruins.
The old brahmana continued to tell Jahnava Isvari and the Vaishnavas that only he a few other men remained in Ekchakra because of the memory of Nityananda. Although he was old and he could not walk properly, he would nevertheless leave his home each day and wander the streets and fields of Ekchakra to visit the places where Nityananda used to play. Just in the shadow of his peepal tree Nityananda and his friends would eat and play.
"Providence is cruel for I have lived this long life with only my memories of Nityandanda. I simply hoped that one day I would see him again but, alas, he has never returned to Ekchakra. I simply pray to be reborn in Ekchakra life after life on the hope of seeing my Nityananda. And at the end of each life let me simply call the name of Nitai Cand."
The old brahmin broke down in bitter sobbing and called out hte name of Nitai. Shri Jahnava and the other devotees left their emotions unchecked and tears rolled like rivers from their eyes. Krishnadasa Pandita bowed again and again at the feet of the brahmana.
The brahmana guides them through Ekchakra
The Vaishnava assembly to guide them through Ekchakra. He took them first to the house of Harai Pandita but he could not describe the house for he was choked with emotion. Without saying anything he left the assembly and returned to his own home crying bitterly. Shri Isvari did not stop him, but with heavy hearts the Vaishnavas entered the house of Harai Pandita although the house was simply ruins the devotees felt a strong attraction for it. They decided to pass the night in that house performing sankirtana.
The lamentation of Shri Jahnava devi
Jahnava devi could not sleep that night. Sitting in a lonely place she contemplated her misfortune that she could not see her father-in-law and mother-in-law. She could not enjoy the happiness of her husband's house. By the wish of the Lord she fell asleep and in her dream she envisioned the big town of Ekchakra. The beauty of the village was enchanting and the golden houses seemed to have been built by Visvakarma himself. The house of Harai Pandita was full of attendants, and in the midst of their riches and grandeur Harai Pandita and Padmavati showered their affection on Nityananda. They also showed great affection for Vasudeva, the two wives of Nityananda. Shri Jahnava the daughter of Surya dasa, was respected by the entire world, yet she was very happy to receive the affection of her father-in-law. Shri Jahnava was truly enjoying herself but then the dream faded away and she awoke.
Again she slept that night and in her dream she saw a garden on the bank of the river in Ekchakra. The trees in the garden were full of flowers, bees hummed, birds sang and the wind blew sweetly. Under one tree was a beautiful throne made of jewels. Many ladies dressed in gorgeous clothes and covered in jewels stood as attendants around the throne. They held Talabrinta and camara, thalis of sandal, chua, scented water and flower garlands. Looking like kandapa, Shri Nityananda was seated on that ornamental throne and with a sweet smile on his face he was more beautiful than the moon. Shri Vasudeva and Jahnava were sitting on his left and right sides and were each as beautiful as Rati the Goddess of beauty. They were happily chewing betel leaves and putting betel leaves in Nityananda's mouth. He would return his chewed betel leaves to his wives while the lady attendants continuously offered chua, sandal and flower garlands. From his own body Nityananda would give the sandal paste and chua to his wives anwould embrace them lovingly. He gave them his garlands and held them close beside him.
Shri Isvari was dreaming so happily that when she awoke from her sleep
she felt quite disappointed. She spoke briefly about the dream to some
of her associates but she could not settle her mind in order to leave Ekachakra.
Nityananda Charitamrita, Adi-Khanda Chapter 1
The Birth and Childhood Activities of Lord Nityananda
All glories to Shri Krishna Chaitanya, the ocean of mercy! All glories to Lord Nityananda, the friend of the fallen souls! All glories to Shri Advaita Acarya, whose life and soul are Shri Gauranga and Shri Nityananda! All glories to Shrivasa and Gadadhara Prabhus! All glories to Shri Visvambhara, the beloved son of Jagannatha and Saci! All glories to all the devotees and associates of the Lord! There is a village called Ekacakra* in Radha-desa in West Bengal, where the Supreme Lord Nityananda appeared.
From the day of His appearance, the whole of Radha-desa became all-auspicious. Famine, poverty, and other distresses at once disappeared. A short distance from Ekacakra, the Deity of Mauresvara is present. Lord Nityananda, who is non-different from Lord Balarama, had worshipped this Deity. In the village of Ekacakra lived Hadai Pandita. He was a qualified brahmana, very detached, and full of compassion. His wifeís name was Padmavati, who was very chaste and an exalted devotee. She was the mother of the universe. Both Hadai Pandita and Padmavati Devi were very magnanimous. Lord Nityananda appeared in their family out of His own sweet will. On the auspicious thirteenth day of the waxing moon in the month of Magha (January-February), Lord Nityananda made His appearance. He was the eldest among the sons of Hadai Pandita. Seeing His all-auspicious symptoms, everyoneís eyes filled with joy.
In time, Lord Nityananda began to grow. Due to the influence of His illusory energy, however, no one could recognize Him. Lord Nityananda concealed His real identity and happily played with His boyhood friends.
Whatever pastimes He enjoyed with His childhood friends were all related with the pastimes of Lord Krishna. He and His friends formed an assembly of demigods, and one of them acted as mother earth praying to the rest of them. Then they led mother earth to the riverbank where all the children began to offer prayers. One boy, hiding from the rest, loudly declared, "I will soon take birth in Mathura, Gokula."
One night, the Lord and His friends enacted the marriage of Vasudeva and Devaki. Another night, while everyone was asleep, they made a jail cell enacting the birth of Lord Krishna. They made one place into Gokula. Taking baby Krishna there, he was exchanged with Mahamaya, tricking Kamsa. Another time, they dressed someone as Putana. Someone climbed on her chest to suck her breast. One day Lord Nityananda and His friends made a sakata, or handcart, out of reeds and then broke it. Another day, the Lord and His friends stole from the houses of the neighboring cowherd men. The boys never left Nityananda to go home, but sported with Him day and night. The children's parents never complained, rather they affectionately embraced Nityananda. They said, "We've never seen such transcendental sports. How does this child know so many of Krishnaís pastimes?"
One day, the Lord made snakes out of leaves and took His friends to the water. One of them jumped into the water and did not move. Later, the Lord brought him back to consciousness. Another day, the Lord and His friends went to Talavana where they killed Dhenukasura and then ate tala fruits. Lord Nityananda and his childhood friends went to the fields and enjoyed various pastimes such as the killing of Bakasura, Aghasura, and Vatsasura. In the afternoon, the Lord and His friends returned home blowing buffalo horns.
One day they enjoyed the pastime of lifting the Govardhana Hill, and another day they created a Vrindavana where they enjoyed various sports. Once they enacted Krishnaís pastimes of stealing the gopiís clothes and another day enacted His meeting the wives of the brahmanas. On one occasion, a boy dressed up with a false beard as Narada gave Kamsa some secret news. Another day, a boy dressed as Akrura took Krishna and Balarama to Kamsaís capital. As Lord Nityananda cried in the mood of the gopis, it seemed to His friends that a river was flowing from His eyes.
By the influence of Lord Vishnuís illusory energy, no one could recognize Lord Nityananda as He enjoyed pastimes with His friends. The children arranged a city of Mathura and then wandered through its streets. Someone played the role of a gardener, while another accepted a flower garland from him. Someone dressed as Kubja and sandalwood paste was accepted from her. They made a large bow and all shouted in joy when it was broken. They also enacted the pastimes of killing Kuvalaya elephant and the wrestlers, Canura and Mushtika. Thereafter the Lord chastised Kamsa by grabbing him by the hair and throwing him on the ground. After killing Kamsa, the Lord danced with His friends in such a way that everyone watching Him began to laugh. In this way, Lord Nityananda and His friends imitated the pastimes of various incarnations.
One day, Lord Nityananda dressed as Vamana and went to cheat Bali Maharaja out of his kingdom, which covered the three worlds. Someone playing an aged Sukracarya forbid Bali from giving the three steps requested by Lord Vamana. Accepting the gift, the Lord placed His last step on Baliís head.
One day, Lord Nityananda enacted the pastime of building a bridge across the ocean with the boys playing the role of monkeys. They cut castor plants and made a bridge across the water. Then all the boys shouted "Jaya Raghunatha!" Lord Nityananda, taking the role of Lakshmana with a bow in His hand, went in anger to rebuke Sugriva. "O king of the monkeys, My Lord is in distress. Come quickly or I'll kill you! How can you sit here enjoying with women while Lord Ramacandra is lamenting on Malyavan Mountain?"
Another day Lord Nityananda spoke in anger to Parasurama, "O brahmana, I'm not at fault. Leave here at once." Lord Nityananda was thus absorbed in the mood of Lakshmana. The boys, unable to understand this, thought it was just a game. Another time the boys took the role of five monkeys and the Lord took the role of Lakshmana. "Who are you monkeys, wandering in the forest? I am the servant of Lord Ramacandra. Please tell me who you are!" They replied, "We are wandering in fear of Bali. Please take us to Lord Ramacandra. We wish to take the dust of His lotus feet." The Lord embraced them and led them to Lord Ramacandra, where they all fell at His feet.
Once the Lord enacted the pastime of killing Indrajit, the son of Ravana. Another day, in the mood of Lakshmana, He accepted defeat. They brought someone in the role of Vibhishana before Lord Ramacandra, and Lord Rama crowned him as the King of Lanka. One boy said, "I am the mighty Ravana. Now I'll release the sakti-shela weapon. Stop it if You can, Lakshmana!" Saying this, the boy threw a lotus flower at Lord Nityananda, who in the mood of Lakshmana, fell to the ground. After he fell unconscious, all the boys tried in vain to revive Him. When they found no symptom of life in the body of Lord Nityananda, they all held their heads and cried. The Lord's father and mother came running there and saw their son without a sign of life. They too fell senseless to the ground. Everyone who saw this tragedy was struck with wonder. As the boys described the entire incident, someone said, "I know why He is unconscious."
Once a great actor played the role of Dasaratha. Hearing that Rama had left for the forest, he left his body. Someone else said, "There's a boy dressed as Hanuman. If he gives Him medicine, then He'll be cured." Before the play the Lord had instructed His friends, "When I fall unconscious, you all surround Me and cry. After a while send Hanuman for some medicine. I will revive when he puts the medicine to My nose." The Lord fell unconscious by His own sweet will, but this bewildered all the boys. Since everyone there was so confused, they forgot the Lord's instructions. They simply cried loudly, "O brother, please get up!" Hearing people's comments, the boys remembered Lord Nityananda's order and the boy dressed as Hanuman immediately went for the medicine.
Another boy dressed as a renunciate welcomed Hanuman with fruits and roots. He said to Hanuman, "My dear sir, please stay and grace my asrama. It's a wonderful fortune to meet such a person as you." Hanuman replied, "I must go and complete my important mission. I'd like to stay but I cannot delay. You must have heard that Lakshmana, younger brother of Lord Ramacandra, is unconscious from the sakti-sela weapon of Ravana. I'm on my way to Gandhamadana Hill to bring medicine. Only then He'll survive."
The renunciate then said, "If you must go, first take a bath and have something to eat. Then you may go." The two boys repeated whatever Lord Nityananda had instructed them. Everyone gazed at them in astonishment as they listened to their dialogue. On the request of the renunciate, Hanuman went to take a bath in the lake where another boy in the lake grabbed hold of his feet. The boy playing a crocodile tried to pull Hanuman into the water, but Hanuman pulled the boy to the shore. After a short fight, Hanuman defeated the crocodile. On returning to the renunciateís asrama, Hanuman saw a mighty warrior. A boy dressed as a rakshasa tried to swallow Hanuman. He challenged, "You defeated the crocodile, but how will you defeat me? I will eat you. Then how will you revive Lakshmana?"
Hanuman replied, "Your Ravana's a dog! I think him most insignificant. Get out of my way." After first exchanging some harsh words, they began pulling each other's hair. Finally, they began striking each other with their fists. Swiftly defeating the demon, Hanuman went to the Gandhamadana Hill. There he fought with some boys dressed as Gandharvas. Defeating the Gandharvas, Hanuman took the Gandhamadana Hill on his head to Lanka. Another boy playing a doctor meditated on Lord Rama as he held the medicine to Lakshmanaís nose. At that very moment, Lord Nityananda came to His senses. His parents and others all smiled in relief. Hadai Pandita embraced his son and all the boys were overjoyed. Everyone asked, "Dear son, where have You learned all these plays?" Smiling the Lord said, "These are all My pastimes."
In his early childhood, the Lord was most attractive. No one wanted Him to leave his lap. Everyone had more affection for Lord Nityananda than for his own son. But none could recognize Him by the influence of Lord Vishnu's illusory energy.
In His childhood, Lord Nityananda had no other happiness than enjoying the pastimes of Lord Krishna. All His friends left their parents to constantly sport in the company of the Lord. I offer repeated obeisances at the feet of those boys who enjoyed the association of Lord Nityananda. From His childhood, Lord Nityananda had no interest other than enacting the various pastimes of Lord Krishna. Who can describe the pastimes of Lord Ananta? They are only manifest to one who has received His mercy.
Accepting Shri Gauranga and Shri Nityananda Prabhu as my life and soul,
I, Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.
Nityananda Charitamrita, Adi-Khanda Chapter 2
Lord Nityananda's Traveling To the Holy Places
Lord Nityananda enjoyed His pastimes at the house of Hadai Pandita for sometime. Later, He decided to leave home. But, from fear of separation, His mother and father were unable to allow Him to leave. If His mother Padmavati did not see Him for a moment, she felt this as more than a yuga. His father felt the same. Fearful of His leaving, Hadai Pandita never goes anywhere. Whether he goes to the field for farming, or to the temple, or the market, or anywhere else, Hadai Pandita repeatedly looks back at Lord Nityananda, so that Lord Nityananda may not leave home. Hadai Pandita embraced Lord Nityananda again and again, and the Lord's butter-soft body merged in His father’s. Hadai went everywhere along with Lord Nityananda. Hadai Pandita’s life and soul was Lord Nityananda, and Lord Nityananda's body was Hadai Pandita.
Lord Nityananda is the indwelling Supersoul of everyone. Knowing all this, He tried to give pleasure to His father. By providence, a beautiful looking sannyasi came one day to Hadai Pandita’s house. Knowing the etiquette for receiving guests, he welcomed the sannyasi and happily fed him. Lord Nityananda and His father spent the whole night discussing topics of Lord Krishna with the sannyasi.
In the early morning, the sannyasi was about to leave. He then spoke to Hadai Pandita, "I have one request from you." Hadai Pandita replied, "Please tell me whatever you desire." The sannyasi said, "I wish to travel to the holy places; but I don't have a good brahmana companion. Why don't you give me your eldest son for a few days? I'll take care of Him more than my own life and, at the same time, he’ll be able to visit all the holy places."
Hearing the words of the sannyasi, the pure hearted brahmana Hadai Pandita felt intense distress. He thought, “This sannyasi has begged for my very life. At the same time, if I refuse I’ll be ruined. It is well known that in the past many pious men became glorious by offering their lives to satisfy mendicant sannyasis. Lord Ramacandra was the life of King Dasaratha. The holy sage Visvamitra asked Dasaratha to give his son. The Puranas say that although King Dasaratha was unable to live without Lord Ramacandra still he offered Him to the sage. Today, the same thing has now happened to me. O Krishna, please protect me from this dilemma. The same situation is here, so why shouldn’t I have the same mind like Dasaratha. Besides, Lakshmana has appeared in my family as Nityananda.” Thinking like this, the brahmana Hadai Pandita went before his wife and explained the situation to her in detail.
Hearing the dilemma from her husband, the chaste Padmavati, the mother of the universe said, “My Lord, do what you think is best. This is my opinion.” Hadai Pandita then came before the sannyasi and, with his head bent down, offered him his son. Taking Nityananda with him, the sannyasi departed. In this way, Lord Nityananda left home. As soon as Lord Nityananda left home, Hadai Pandita fell senseless to the ground. Who can describe the lamentation and crying of Hadai Pandita? Even wood and stone melted hearing such lamentation. Hadai became stunned due to devotional mellows and people began to say that he had become a madman. He did not eat any grain for three months. He survived, however, only by the mercy of Lord Krishna.
It is natural that, due to attachment, both Lord and His servants are unable to leave each other. This is the inconceivable nature of the Lord and the Vaishnavas. Lord Kapila became indifferent and left His widowed mother Devahuti. Sukadeva Gosvami left his Vaishnava father, who was none other than Vyasadeva, without even looking back. Lord Gauranga, the crest-jewel among the sannyasis, was so detached that he left home, leaving his mother Sacidevi alone. From the spiritual point of view, such leaving is never actual leaving. Some intelligent persons will understand this. All these pastimes are meant to deliver the fallen souls. Hearing such pastimes melts even stones. if even a Muslim hears such pastimes as the lamentation of Lord Ramacandra when He lost Sita he will certainly cry.
Lord Nityananda Prabhu left home wandering in the holy places by His own sweet will and ecstasy. The Lord first went to Vakresvara and then He went alone to Vaidyanatha. From Vaidyanatha, he went to Gaya and then Kasi, the abode of Lord Siva where the Ganges flows towards the North.
Lord Nityananda was extremely pleased by seeing the Ganges. He took bath and drank some water, yet this could not relieve His grief. In the month of Magha (January), the Lord took early morning baths at Prayaga. Then He went to Mathura, His former birthplace. Lord Nityananda sported in the waters of the River Yamuna at Visrama-ghata. Then he went with great curiosity to see Govardhana. He visited each of the twelve forests beginning with Vrindavana. When He saw the house and courtyard of Nanda Maharaja at Gokula, He sat down and cried profusely. Offering His obeisances to Madana-Gopala, he left for Hastinapura, the abode of the Pandavas.
Seeing the Pandavas home, Lord Nityananda began to cry. The local people, due to lack of devotion, were unable to understand the Lord’s sentiments. Remembering Lord Balarama’s glorious activities in Hastinapura, Lord Nityananda called out, “O Haladhara, please save Me!” and then offered obeisances.
Lord Nityananda then went to Dvaraka where He joyfully took bath in the ocean. He next went to Siddhapura, the place of Lord Kapila. Then He went to Matsya-tirtha where He served prasada at a festival. The Lord then visited Siva-kanci and neighboring Vishnu-kanci. He smiled when He saw the followers of Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva quarreling there. The Lord also visited Kurukshetra, Prithudaka, Bindu-sarovara, Prabhasa, and Sudarsana-tirtha. He then visited the exalted holy place called Trita-kupa. He also went to Visala, Brahma-tirtha, and Cakra-tirtha. The Lord visited Pratisrota where the Sarasvati River flows in the opposite direction. The most magnanimous Lord Nityananda then went to Naimisharanya.
He next visited the city of Ayodhya where He cried on seeing the birthplace of Lord Rama. Lord Nityananda visited Candala-Guhaka's kingdom where He fell unconscious. Simply remembering the activities of Candala-Guhaka, Lord Nityananda was in a trance of ecstasy for three days. Seeing the forest where Lord Ramacandra had resided, Lord Nityananda rolled on the ground in separation. The Lord went to both Sarayu and Kausiki Rivers. After taking bath, he went to the asrama of Pulastya Rishi.
Lord Nityananda next took bath in the Gomati, Gandaki, and Sona Rivers. He also climbed the top of Mahendra Mountain. There He offered obeisances to Lord Parasurama. He also visited Haridvara, the source of the Ganges. The Lord took bath in Pampa, Bhimarathi, Venva, and Vipasa Rivers. After seeing Kartikeya at Madurai, the most intelligent Lord Nityananda went to Shri Saila, the abode of Siva and Parvati. Siva and Parvati live on this mountain in the form of a brahmana couple. When Lord Nityananda arrived there, they understood their most worshipable Lord was wandering on pilgrimage as a mendicant. Most satisfied to receive such a guest, Parvati happily cooked for the Lord. They fed the Lord with loving affection, and Lord Nityananda smiled and offered them His respects. Only Lord Krishna knows about their confidential discussions. Then Lord Nityananda continued His journey to Dravida-desa.
The Lord visited Venkatanatha, Kamakoshthi Puri, Kanci, and the River Kaveri. There the Lord visited the sacred place of Shri Ranganatha. Then He went to Hari-kshetra. Lord Nityananda visited Rishabha Mountain, Madurai, and the Kritamala, Tamraparni, and Uttara Yamuna Rivers. He visited the asrama of Agastya Rishi in the Malaya hills. The residents there were all jubilant to see the Lord. Lord Nityananda stayed as a guest in their asrama and then departed in deep ecstasy for Badarikasrama. Lord Nityananda stayed in seclusion for some days in the asrama of Nara-Narayana Rishis. Lord Nityananda then went to the asrama of Shrila Vyasadeva, who recognized that He was Lord Balarama. Shrila Vyasadeva personally received Lord Nityananda as a guest, and the Lord offered His obeisances to Shrila Vyasadeva.
Lord Nityananda then visited a monastery where He found them all sitting together. The Lord asked a question, but no one replied. Becoming angry with them, the Lord kicked them in the head. They all simply smiled and ran away. Lord Nityananda thus fearlessly continued His travels through the forest.
Lord Nityananda eventually arrived in Kanya-kumari. After seeing Durga there, He went to see the Southern Ocean. He then went to Anantapura and, after that, He went to Pancapsara-kunda. He next visited the temple of Lord Siva known as Gokarna. He visited Kerala and the various places in Trigarta. He also visited goddess Parvati, who dwells on an island near Gokarna. The Lord then visited the Nirvindhya, Payoshni, and Tapi Rivers. He went to the city of Mahishmati on the banks of the Reva River and saw Malla-tirtha. The Lord then passed through the holy district of Surparaka on His way to the West.
The fearless ecstatic Lord Nityananda Prabhu traveled in this way without fear of anyone. Lord Nityananda had no control of His body due to ecstatic love for Krishna. Sometimes He cried and sometimes He laughed. Who could understand His ecstatic moods?
Accepting Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu as my life and soul, I,
Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.
Nityananda Charitamrita Adi Khanda Chapter 3
Lord Nityananda's Meeting With Shripada Madhavendra Puri
As Lord Nityananda traveled, by the will of providence He met Shri Madhavendra Puri. The body of Shri Madhavendra Puri was imbued with ecstatic love of God and his followers shared the same sentiments. He did not relish anything other than loving sentiments for Lord Krishna, who enjoyed His pastimes in the body of Madhavendra Puri. What can I say about the devotion of he who was the spiritual master of Shri Advaita Acarya?
Seeing Madhavendra Puri, Lord Nityananda at once fell unconscious to the ground, stunned in ecstatic prema. Seeing Lord Nityananda, Madhavendra Puri forgot himself as well and fell unconscious. Shri Gaurachandra had repeatedly said that Shri Madhavendra Puri is the original root of worship in ecstatic love. After both Lord Nityananda and Madhavendra Puri swooned, the disciples headed by Isvara Puri all began to cry. Recovering after some time, Lord Nityananda and Madhavendra Puri embraced each other and cried. Overwhelmed by ecstatic love for Krishna, they rolled on the sand and cried out loudly. The tears of love flowing from their eyes like rains soaked mother Earth making her feel gratified. Shivering, shedding tears, hair standing on end, and other ecstatic symptoms appeared endlessly on their bodies. This was because Lord Krishna personally resides in their bodies.
Lord Nityananda said, All the pilgrimage I’ve done still now has now born fruit. Today, I’ve seen the lotus feet of Madhavendra Puri. Seeing his ecstatic love of God, My life has become successful. Shri Madhavendra Puri embraced Lord Nityananda and was unable to reply as his throat choked with love. Madhavendra Puri was so pleased that he was unable to release Lord Nityananda from his embrace. Isvara Puri, Brahmananda Puri, and all the other disciples of Madhavendra Puri felt intense attachment for Lord Nityananda.
They had met many sadhus, but never before seen such symptons of prema. feeling distress mixing with materialistic people, they wandered in the forests. Now, meeting Lord Nityananda relieved their distress and aroused their krishna-prema. Lord Nityananda Prabhu traveled for a while with Madhavendra Puri relishing krishna-katha. The qualities of Madhavendra Puri were most wonderful. He would swoon just by seeing a dark cloud. Out of love for Krishna, he laughed and cried day and night, shouting, “Haya! Haya!” like a drunkard.
Lord Nityananda was intensely absorbed in the loving sentiments for Govinda. He laughed loudly, swaying to and fro. Madhavendra Puri’s disciples constantly chanted the name of Hari seeing their extraordinary symptoms of love. The two forgot whether it was day or night in their absorption of ecstatic love. Although remaining together for a number of days, Lord Nityananda and Madhavendra Puri felt that period as hardly a moment. Who knows all that took place between Lord Nityananda and Madhavendra Puri? Only Krishna knows. unable to give up the company of Lord Nityananda, Madhavendra Puri constantly remained with Him.
madhavendra bale e prema na dekhilu katha
sei mora sarvatirtha hena prema yatha
janilu krishnera kripa ache mora prati
nityananda hena vandhu painu samhiti
ye se stane yadi nityananda sanga haya
sei stana sarvatirtha vaikunthadi maya
nityananda hena bhakta sunile sravane
avasya paiba krishnacandra sei jane
nityananda yachara tilaka dvesha rahe
bhakta hai leu se krishnera priya nahe
Madhavendra Puri said, “I’ve never seen such ecstatic love. Wherever there’s such prema is my favorite holy place. I know Krishna’s given me His mercy since He’s given me such a friend as Nityananda. Wherever one finds Nityananda’s company is the most sacred and transcendental place. That devotee who hears the name of Nityananda will certainly attain the lotus feet of Krishnacandra. If one has the slightest envy for Nityananda, Krishna never favours him even if he’s a devotee.”
Madhavendra Puri showed affection for Lord Nityananda day and night with his speech and deeds. Lord Nityananda considered Madhavendra Puri nothing else than His guru. These two vastly learned personalities did not know whether it was day or night due to their ecstatic love for Krishna. After staying together for some days, Lord Nityananda left for Setubandha (Ramesvaram), and Madhavendra Puri went to see the Sarayu River. In their absorption for love of Krishna, both Lord Nityananda and Madhavendra Puri forgot their bodies. Feelings of separation for the Lord maintain a devotee’s life. Otherwise, how could one tolerate such intense feelings while lost in trance? Whoever hears about the meeting between Lord Nityananda and Madhavendra Puri will certainly achieve the wealth of love for Krishna.
After traveling in ecstatic mood for some days, Lord Nityananda arrived at Setubandha. Taking bath at Dhanushatirtha, He then went to see Lord Ramesvara. The Lord next went to Vijayanagara. He visited Mayapuri, Avanti, and the Godavari Rivers, and then He went to the abode of Jiyada Nrisimha. He visited Trumalla and Kurma-kshetra, and eventually went to see Jagannatha, the Lord of Nilacala. When He came near Shri Nilacala, He fell unconscious seeing the temple flag. surrounded by His dear devotees, He saw Lord Jagannatha as the source of the catur-vyuha: Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna and Aniruddha. Immediately on seeing Lord Jagannatha, Lord Nityananda fell in rapture with His hair standing on end. When He recovered, He fell to the ground again. Shivering, perspiring, crying, swooning, and loud roaringówho can describe these ecstatic symptoms seen in Lord Nityananda? After remaining in Nilacala for sometime, Lord Nityananda went in great jubilation to Ganga-sagara.
Who can describe the Lord’s pilgrimage? I have only written briefly by His mercy. After visiting various holy places, Lord Nityananda returned again to Mathura. He remained in Vrindavana being so absorbed in Krishna that He was unable to tell if it was day or night. He did not eat, but occasionally drank some milk if someone offered it to Him.
Lord Nityananda knew well that Lord Gaurachandra was living incognito in Navadvipa. He thought to Himself, “I will go and serve Lord Gauranga when He manifests His opulence.” He therefore did not go to Navadvipa directly, but remained in Mathura. He regularly enjoyed sporting in the water of the Yamuna and playing with the children in Vrindavana. Although Lord Nityananda is omnipotent, He did not distribute devotional service to the Lord at that time.
yabe gauracandra prabhu kariba prakasa, tanra se ajnara bhaktidanera vilasa
"When Lord Gaurachandra manifests His opulence, then He’ll begin to distribute bhakti on His order."
The devotees of Lord Gauranga did not like to do anything without His order, but this did not diminish their glories in the least. Brahma, Ananta, Siva, and other demigods create, maintain, and destroy by the order of Lord Gauranga. Sinners who do not like to hear such things are not fit to be seen by the Vaishnavas. Just see for yourself how Lord Nityananda Prabhu blessed the people of this universe with the treasure of prema. Nityananda Raya is the foremost devotee of Lord Gauranga since the glories of Lord Gauranga always dance on His tongue. Day and night Lord Nityananda chants the glories of Lord Gauranga. When one worships Lord Nityananda, he surely attains devotion for Lord Gauranga.
All glories to Nityananda Raya, the first manifestation of Lord Gauranga! The glories of Lord Gauranga become manifest only by the mercy of Lord Nityananda. One becomes attached to Lord Nityananda by the mercy of Lord Gauranga. One who knows Lord Nityananda never faces any adversities. Those who wish to cross the ocean of material existence and drown in the ocean of devotional service must worship Nitaicanda. Someone said, “Nityananda is just like Balarama.” Another person said, “He’s most dear to Lord Gauranga.” Someone may consider Lord Nityananda a sannyasi, someone may consider Him a devotee, or someone may consider Him a jnani. They may all say whatever they like. Even if Lord Nityananda were the most insignificant servant of Lord Gauranga, still I would keep His lotus feet in my heart. Therefore, I kick the head of any sinner who disregards the glories of Lord Nityananda and dares to criticize Him.
If you find any follower of Lord Gauranga who seems to say something bad about Lord Nityananda, know what they said was actually glorification. Vaishnavas are always pure and full of knowledge. So, if there is ever any quarrel between them, know it simply to be part of their pastimes. If a person takes the side of one Vaishnava and criticizes another, then certainly he is vanquished. anyone who follows Lord Nityananda without finding fault in Him will surely attain the shelter of Shri Gaurachandra. When will that day come when I will see Lord Gauranga and Lord Nityananda surrounded by Their devotees? Let me serve Lord Gaurachandra under the instructions of Lord Nityananda, who is my worshipable Lord in all respects.
I desire to study Shrimad-Bhagavatam under Shri Nityananda Svarupa birth after birth. All glories to the Supreme Lord Shri Gauranga! You have given me, and then taken from me, the association of Lord Nityananda. Still I beg for Your mercy so that my mind may remain absorbed on the lotus feet of You both. Nityananda Raya is Your greatest devotee. No one can attain Him without Your sanction.
Lord Nityananda wandered the forests of Vrindavana until Lord Gaurachandra displayed His opulences. Whoever hears these descriptions of Lord Nityananda’s visit to the holy places will certainly attain the treasure of divine prema.
Accepting Shri Gauranga and Shri Nityananda as my life and soul, I, Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet
End of Adi-khanda.
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.
Nityananda Charitamrita, Madhya Khanda Chapter 2
Lord Nityananda's Stay with Shrivasa And His Vyasapuja Ceremony
Discussing topics of Krishna in the association of Lord Nityananda overwhelmed all the devotees. All of them were pure devotees and most magnanimous. They remained intoxicated by drinking the nectar of Krishna’s topic and shouted loudly in ecstasy.
Nityananda Prabhu smiled and looked all around as the devotees shed tears of joy. Seeing Nityananda, Mahaprabhu Visvambhara was extremely pleased. He said to Lord Nityananda, “Listen, O Shripada Nityananda Gosai! Where will You do Vyasa-puja? Tomorrow is the auspicious full moon-day when one offers special worship to Shri Vyasadeva. Consider this matter and let us know.”
Nityananda followed the intention of the Lord. He caught hold of Shrivasa Pandita’s hand and brought him before the Lord. Nityananda smilingly said, “Listen, Visvambhara. I’ll do Vyasa-puja at this brahmana’s house.” Lord Visvambhara then said to Shrivasa, “You have got a heavy responsibility on you.” Shrivasa Pandita replied to the Lord, “This is not at all difficult for me. By Your mercy, everything is available at my house. All the necessary items such as cloth, fragrant flowers, brahmana thread, ghee, betel nuts, and pan leaves are there in my house. I will only have to borrow a book that describes how to do Vyasa-puja. With great fortune, I will celebrate Vyasa-puja tomorrow.”
Hearing the words of Shrivasa Pandita, Mahaprabhu became very pleased, and all the Vaishnavas happily chanted the names of Lord Hari. Lord Visvambhara said, “Listen, Shripada Gosai. Please give Me permission so we can all go to Shrivasa Pandita’s house.” Nityananda Prabhu was very happy to hear the words of the Lord. Then they all started for the house of Shrivasa Pandita. Nityananda and Visvambhara along with all the devotees exactly resembled Balarama and Krishna with the cowherd boys of Gokula.
As soon as they entered the house of Shrivasa Pandita, everyone felt boundless happiness within his heart. The Lord ordered them to lock the main entrance of Shrivasa Pandita’s house. He allowed no one except the relatives of Shrivasa Pandita to come inside the house. The Lord then said to begin kirtana. Everyone began an ecstatic kirtana and thus lost his external consciousness. Both Lords danced jubilantly while the devotees sang around Them.
Shri Gauranga and Shri Nityananda who are eternally absorbed in love of each other danced together while meditating on each other. Someone shouted loudly, someone roared, while someone fell senseless to the ground and others simply cried. Signs of ecstasy such as shivering, perspiration, standing of the hair on end, being unconscious due to love of God, were visible on the bodies of the two Lords.
The two Lords danced in Their own happiness. Sometimes They embraced, and sometimes They cried. Both of Them tried to catch the other’s feet, but neither got success. They both rolled on the ground in infinite happiness. They forgot Themselves, absorbed in Their internal moods. They went into such a trance They forgot to keep Their clothing intact. The Vaishnavas tried to quiet Them, but failed in their attempt. Who can hold Them who hold the three worlds? Both the Lords were intoxicated by enjoying the kirtana.
Shri Gaurasundara loudly exclaimed, “Chant more! Chant more!” His whole body became wet due to tears of ecstasy. Fulfilling His desire to be with Nityananda, Lord Gauranga lost awareness and floated in the ocean of bliss. The dancing of Visvambhara was so amazing that while dancing His lotus feet would often touch His head.
As Lord Nityananda danced, the whole earth shook. All the Vaishnavas thought there were earthquakes. The two Lords thus danced in ecstasy. Who can describe Their happiness? To reveal the glories of Lord Nityananda, Lord Visvambhara suddenly climbed on the throne of Lord Vishnu in the mood of Lord Balarama. The Lord, overwhelmed in the mood of Balarama, repeatedly demanded “Bring wine, bring wine!”
Shri Gaurasundara then said to Shri Nityananda, “Give me a plow and club right away!” Instructed by the Lord, Lord Nityananda placed something in the hands of Gaurachandra, who accepted it. Some of the devotees saw only the exchanges of hands and nothing else. Someone directly saw the plow and the club. Only one who is favored by the Lord can understand Him. Others, even if they see the Lord, cannot recognize Him. This is a very confidential topic. Only a few persons knew about it. And then only if they were favored by Lord Nityananda.
Receiving a plow and a club from Lord Nityananda, the Lord went mad and asked for varuni (honeyed wine). Everyone was confused, unable to decide what to do. They simply looked at each other’s face. After due consideration, all the devotees brought a pitcher of Ganges water and gave it to the Lord. Everyone offered water and the Lord drank it. It appeared as if the clouds drank the water.
On all sides, the devotees recited prayers glorifying Lord Balarama. The Lord repeatedly called out, “Nada! Nada!” The Lord moved His head back and forth asking for Nada again and again. None of the devotees could grasp the meaning of this word. All the devotees inquired, “O Lord, who are You calling by the name of Nada?” The Lord replied, “It is Him by whose loud call I have appeared. The one you all know as Advaita Acarya* is known as Nada. I have appeared because of Him.”
mohare anila nada vaikuntha thakiya
niscinte rohila giya haridasa laiya
sankirtana arasbhe mohara avatara
ghare ghare karimu kirtana paracara
bidya dhana kule jnana tapasyara made
mora bhakta stane shara ache aparadhe
se adhama sabare na dimu premasoga
nagariya prati dimu brakshadira bhoga
“Nada brought Me here from Vaikuntha. But He is living peacefully with Haridasa. I descended to inaugurate nama-sankirtana. I will preach this chanting in each and every house. I will not give love of God to those fallen souls who offend My devotees being proud of their learning, wealth, high birth, knowledge, and austerity. I will freely give to everyone this love of God, which even Lord Brahma rarely attains.”
Hearing the Lord, all the devotees floated in the ocean of bliss. After a time, the son of Saci calmed down. “What mischief have I done?” the Lord inquired. The devotees replied “Nothing serious.” The Lord then embraced everyone saying, “Please excuse My offenses.” Hearing the Lord’s words, the devotees began to smile as Lord Nityananda rolled on the ground. Lord Nityananda was unable to check His emotion. Love of God overwhelmed Lord Nityananda who is non-different from Lord Sesha. Sometimes He laughed, sometimes He cried, and sometimes He loosened His clothes. He appeared to be very childish. What remained of His sannyasa stick, what remained of His water pot, and what remained of His clothes? He scattered everything all over the ground.
The most grave Lord Nityananda became very agitated. Then Lord Gauranga personally caught and pacified Him. Appearing like one who is drunk, Lord Nityananda was easily controlled by the words of the Lord. The Lord said, “Please be quiet now. We will celebrate Vyasa-puja tomorrow.” After pacifying Lord Nityananda, the Lord returned home. All the devotees also returned to their respective homes. Lord Nityananda however remained at the house of Shrivasa Pandita.
On that same night, Lord Nityananda shouted loudly and broke His sannyasa danda and water pot into pieces. Early next morning when Ramai Pandita got up from bed, he was astonished to see the broken danda and the water pot. Ramai Pandita at once told Shrivasa Pandita about this. Shrivasa said, “Go tell this to Lord Gauranga.”
Hearing this incident from Ramai Pandita, Lord Gauranga came there without delay. He saw Lord Nityananda laughing being devoid of sense perception. The Lord picked up the broken sannyasa danda with His own hands and went to take bath in the Ganges with Lord Nityananda. All the devotees headed by Shrivasa Pandita also went to bathe in the Ganges. The Lord personally threw the danda into the Ganges.
Unable to pacify the most agitated Lord Nityananda by words, the Lord had to chastise Him. Seeing a crocodile, Lord Nityananda tried to catch him. Gadadhara and Shrivasa Pandita exclaimed, “Alas! Alas!” Lord Nityananda fearlessly swam in the middle of the Ganges. Only the words of the Lord made Him become somewhat peaceful. Visvambhara called Nityananda, “Hurry up. Today we will celebrate Vyasa-puja.” Hearing the call of the Lord, Nityananda came back to the bank. After completing His bath, He returned home with Lord Gauranga.
Soon all the devotees gathered at the house of Shrivasa Pandita and did nama-sankirtana. Shri Gauranga appointed Shrivasa Pandita as the head priest for the Vyasa-puja ceremony and by His order he performed everything. Everyone chanted the holy names in a sweet melodious tune. The house of Shrivasa Pandita turned into Vaikuntha. Shrivasa Pandita knew all the scriptural conclusions. He therefore executed all the proper rituals with utmost care and expertise. Placing sandalwood paste and nice flower garlands in the hands of Nityananda, he said, “Listen, Nityananda. Offer this garland and recite these prayers while offering obeisances to Shri Vyasadeva. It is the injunction of the scriptures that one should personally worship Shri Vyasadeva. By satisfying Shri Vyasadeva, one achieves all success.”
Lord Nityananda kept saying, “Yes, yes,” but He did not quite know what prayer He should recite. Nobody could understand the whispers of Lord Nityananda. Holding the garland in His hands, He repeatedly looked around. The most magnanimous Shrivasa Pandita told Nityananda, “My dear sir, You are not worshipping Shri Vyasadeva.” Hearing the words of Shrivasa Pandita, Shri Gaurasundara quickly rushed in front of Nityananda. The Lord told Nityananda, “Listen to me. Please put this garland on Shri Vyasadeva at once and complete the Vyasa-puja ceremony.”
All the Vaishnavas became overwhelmed in ecstasy. They all observed the Vyasa-puja ceremony with great pomp. Some of them danced, some sang, and some rolled on the ground. Everyone tried to catch hold of each other’s feet. Saci*, the mother of Shri Gauranga and the entire universe saw the whole fun from a distance. Seeing both Visvambhara and Nityananda, she treated Them equally as her sons.
The Vyasa-puja was the most magnanimous event. Only Lord Ananta can describe it properly. I am simply trying to glorify the qualities of Lord Nityananda in codes. If one somehow or other glorifies Krishna, he will be benefited. They completed the Vyasa-puja ceremony at the end of the day. Then all the devotees began to dance with Visvambhara. They were all maddened with jubilant ecstasy. They cried while chanting, “O Krishna!” After exhibiting His own devotional service, Visvambhara along with all the devotees became peaceful.
Then Visvambhara advised Shrivasa Pandita, “Bring all the prasada of Vyasadeva right away.” When he brought all the items, the Lord personally served everyone with His own hands. Being served personally by Lord Gauranga, all the devotees joyfully honored the prasada. The Lord personally invited and served all who lived in Shrivasa Pandita’s house. The servants and maidservants of the Vaishnavas easily received what the demigods headed by Lord Brahma rarely attain.
All these wonderful pastimes happened at the house of Shrivasa Pandita. Who can describe his good fortune? In this way, various wonderful pastimes were performed at Navadvipa that were unknown to the ordinary people. Then Mahaprabhu told everyone, “Now that the Vyasa-puja is complete, chant the holy names of Krishna.”
Accepting Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their pastimes.
Nityananda Charitamita, Madhya-Khanda Chapter 3
Lord Nityananda offers prayers to the six-handed form of Lord Gauranga
One day Shrivasa Pandita invited Lord Nityananda Avadhuta for lunch at his house, and the Lord accepted the invitation. Nityananda Prabhu was very satisfied by the service of Shrivasa Pandita. After taking lunch, He stayed at the house of Shrivasa Pandita that day. At that time, Mahaprabhu Lord Gauranga happily arrived there. The Lord entered the temple room of Shrivasa Pandita and sat on the throne of Lord Vishnu. He told Lord Nityananda to look at Him.
Hearing these words, Lord Nityananda, the topmost sannyasi, respectfully looked at the body of Visvambhara. Nityananda could understand neither the hint of the Lord nor the cause of the hint. Considering Nityananda His most intimate associate, Mahaprabhu Visvambhara made a special request, “All of you go outside.” All the sober devotees were astonished to hear this. Following His order, all the devotees left Shrivasa Pandita’s house. Who can understand the intention of the Lord? The Lord then spoke something confidential to Lord Nityananda. No one could understand the meaning of Their conversation. Nityananda then saw Lord Visvambhara assume a six-handed form. The Lord held a conch, a club, a disc, a lotus, a plow, and stick in His hands. Seeing this form of the Lord, Nityananda fell unconscious on the ground.
There were no symptoms of life visible in His body. All the Vaishnavas became very afraid. They remembered Krishna and prayed to Him to protect Him. When Lord Nityananda fainted on seeing the six-handed form of the Lord, Shri Gauranga personally picked Him up and said, “Please get up, Nityananda. Calm Your heart. Hear the Lord’s holy names being chanted in front of You. You appeared to preach the chanting of the holy names. Now This is fulfilled. What more do You want? You are full of love of God and loving devotional service is Your property. Unless You bestow this love of God, no one can possess it. Please pacify Yourself and get up. Glance mercifully towards Your own associates. Distribute this love of God to whom so ever You desire. If one maintains even a tinge of envy towards You, he is never dear to me in spite of worshipping me.”
Hearing these sweet words of the Lord, Nityananda revived. He became ecstatic by seeing the six-handed form. Shri Gaurachandra who eternally sits on the bed of Ananta Sesha certainly knows Lord Nityananda as non-different from this Ananta. Seeing the six-handed form of the Lord is not very astonishing for Nityananda. These are all different pastimes of the Lord’s various incarnations. Seeing that wonderful and extraordinary form of the Lord, Nityananda Avadhuta remembered His previous incarnations and prayed:
“All glories to Lord Visvambhara, the father of everyone! He incarnated to initiate the sankirtana of the holy names of the Lord. All glories to the Lord, the protector of the Vedic religious principles and the maintainer of the brahmanas! All glories to the time factor, a representation of the Lord and the destroyer of all non-devotees! All glories to the Absolute Truth! All glories to eternal bliss personified! All glories to the most independent Lord of Lords! You are the source of innumerable universes, yet You manifested Yourself in the womb of mother Saci. Who can understand Your Supreme will? Creation, maintenance, and destruction are simply part of Your pastimes. You can easily destroy the entire universe simply by Your will. Are You unable to kill Kamsa and Ravana simply by words? Still You appear in the house of Dasaratha and Vasudeva and sportingly kill all those demons. Who can understand the cause of Your appearance? Only You Yourself know Your mind. Even one of Your servants can deliver countless universes by Your order. Yet to glorify the earth and to restore the principles of religion, You personally advent Yourself.
“O Lord, You appeared in Satya-yuga in white complexion. You taught meditation and austerity by personally undergoing them yourself. Wearing a dear skin and holding a stick and water pot in Your hands, You appeared as a brahmacari to establish the principles of religion. O Lord, You appeared in Treta-yuga in a beautiful reddish form. Being the only enjoyer of all sacrifices, You preached performance of sacrifices. Holding the articles for doing sacrifices in Your hand as a sacrificial priest, You personally performed sacrifices and thus induced others to do so. O Lord, You appeared in Dvapara-yuga as a divine personality with the blackish color of a fresh cloud. You personally established the principle of temple worship. Dressed in yellow garments and marked with such signs as Shrivatsa, You engaged in gorgeous worship as a king. In Kali-yuga, You appear in a yellow complexion as a brahmana to preach nama-sankirtana, which is unknown to the Vedas. You have innumerable incarnations. Who has the power to count them all?
“O Lord, in the form of Matsya, You enjoyed Your pastime in the waters of devastation. As Kurma, You were the shelter of all living entities. You protected the Vedas as Hayagriva. In that form, You killed the two original demons, Madhu and Kaitabha. O Lord, as Varaha, You delivered the planet earth. You took the form of Nrisimha, to tear apart the body of Hiranyakasipu. Assuming the wonderful form of Vamanadeva, You deceived Bali Maharaja. As Parasurama, You killed the kshatriyas and made the earth devoid of the martial class. Appearing as Ramacandra, You killed Ravana and in the form of Haladhara, You enjoyed unlimited pastimes. As Buddha, You manifested the principles of compassion, and in the form of Kalki, You will kill the mlecchas.
“As Dhanvantari, You delivered the nectar. As the Hamsa incarnation, You imparted transcendental knowledge to the demigods headed by Lord Brahma. As Narada, You hold a vina singing the glories of the Lord. As Vyasadeva, You explain Your own truths. As Krishna, You appeared in Gokula to enjoy various transcendental pastimes. You had wonderful qualities and enjoyed sweet joyful pastimes. The Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu states:
akhila-rasamrita-murtih, prashrimara-ruci-ruddha-taraka-palih
kalita-syama-lalito, radha-preyan vidhur jayati
"Let Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, be glorified! By virtue of His expanding attractive features, He subjugated the gopis named Taraka and Pali and absorbed the minds of Syama and Lalita. He is the most attractive lover of Shrimati Radharani and is the reservoir of pleasure for devotees in all devotional mellows."
“It is further described in the Tenth Canto of Shrimad-Bhagavatam:
valayanam nupuranam, kinkininam ca yoshitam
sa-priyanam abhuc chabdas, tumulo rasa-mandale
"A tumultuous sound arose from the armlets, ankle bells and waist bells of the gopis as they sported with their beloved Krishna in the circle of the rasa dance."
“You will fill the entire universe with krishna-nama-sankirtana. Loving devotional service to the Lord will be preached in each and every house. You will fill the entire world with ecstasy, when You dance along with Your devotees. Inauspiciousness disappears simply by the influence of those who eternally meditate on Your lotus feet. Your steps will nullify the misfortune of the entire world when You dance in kirtana. You will purify all the four directions by your glance. When You raise Your hands while dancing, all that is inauspicious on the heavenly planets will be destroyed. Such is Your glory, such is Your dancing, and such are Your servants.
“O Lord, You personally appear in this world to distribute love of God by bestowing krishna-nama. Who has the power to describe Your wonderful glories? You Yourself will distribute devotional services to Vishnu that are unknown to the Vedas. We all intensely desire that devotional service. You keep it hidden while awarding liberation. O Lord, now You will distribute such wealth of bhakti to everyone in the world. This is the proof of Your causeless mercy. Simply chanting the holy names of the Lord completes all sacrifices.
“Out of compassion, You appeared at Navadvipa. Yogis meditate on You as the Supersoul in their hearts. This same Supersoul has now appeared in the village of Navadvipa. I also offer my respectful obeisances to Navadvipa-dhama where You have incarnated at the house of Saci and Jagannatha Misra.
“All glories to Visvambhara, the life and soul of everyone! All glories to Gaurachandra, who is the ocean of mercy! All glories to the Lord who appears to fulfill the words of His devotees! All glories to Mahaprabhu, the most magnanimous incarnation! All glories to the beloved Lord of the Goddess of fortune! All glories to the enchanting Personality of Godhead, decorated with Shrivatsa and Kaustubha gem! All glories to the Lord who distributes the Hare Krishna maha-mantra! All glories to the Lord’s pastimes of accepting love and devotion from His devotees!
“All glories to Mahaprabhu who lies on the bed of Ananta! All glories to the Lord who is the only shelter of all living entities! You are Lord Vishnu. You are Lord Krishna. You are Lord Narayana. You are Matsya. You are Kurma, and You are the original Personality of Godhead. You are Varaha and You are Vamana. O Lord, You appear in every yuga to protect the Vedas. You are the killer of Ravana and his entire family. You are the life and soul of Janaki. As Lord Rama, You blessed Guhaka-candala and delivered Ahilya. To protect Your devotee Prahlada, You incarnated as Nrisimha and killed Hiranyakasipu. You are the crest jewel among the demigods. You are the best of the brahmanas. You are the same Jagannatha who accepts opulent offerings at Nilacala. The four Vedas try to search for You, as You have appeared in a hidden form. You are very expert in concealing Yourself, but Your devotees always recognize You. You are the most peaceful personality.
“To inaugurate nama-sankirtana, You have now appeared in this world. There is no truth other than You within the unlimited universes. Lord Siva and goddess Parvati are overwhelmed by the transcendental glories of Your lotus feet. Lakshmi, the Goddess of fortune, serves your lotus feet. Shri Ananta Sesha with His thousands of mouths glorifies these lotus feet. Lord Brahma constantly worships these lotus feet. The Vedas, the smritis and the Puranas sing their glories. These lotus feet touched the topmost planet, Satyaloka. The head of Maharaja Bali became glorious by the touch of these lotus feet. Mother Ganges emanated from these lotus feet. Lord Siva became jubilant by holding the Ganges water on his head.
“You are celebrated as the son of Vasudeva and the son of Nanda Maharaja. Now You have appeared here to deliver the most sinful Kali. By the touch of Your lotus feet, a piece of wood turns into gold and a piece of stone turns into a living force.”
Lord Nityananda thus offered prayers with folded hands. He concluded, “O Lord, the three worlds worship You.” Then, Lord Nityananda began to dance in ecstasy. He floated in the ocean of love of God and became fully absorbed in it.
Visvambhara awards love of God not only to one who carefully sings these topics, but to the friends of that person as well. The holy names of Visvambhara are very rarely found in this world. Lord Chaitanya is the life and soul of everyone. Hearing about Lord Nityananda’s seeing the six-handed form of the Lord will certainly free one from material bondage.
Accepting Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.
Nityananda Charitamrita, Madhya Khanda Chapter 4
Shrivasa's Love for Lord Nityananda and the Dream of Mother Shaci
Lord Nityananda thus stayed at the house of Shrivasa Pandita. He was constantly absorbed in childish mood and nothing else. He did not eat food with His own hand, but Malini devi fed Him just like her own son. Malini devi,* the chaste wife of Shrivasa Pandita, knew well the glories of Lord Nityananda. She thus served Him as an affectionate mother.
One day Lord Gauranga was discussing Krishna with Shrivasa Pandita. To test Shrivasa Pandita, Lord Visvambhara asked him, “Why do you always keep this mendicant in Your house? We don’t know anything about His family and dynasty. But one thing I must say is that you are overly magnanimous. If you want to protect your family name, get rid of this beggar at once.”
ishat hasiya bale shrivasa pandita
amare pariksha prabhu! e nahe ucita
dineka ye toma bhaje se amara prana
nityananda toma deha-mohate pramana
manira yabani yadi nityananda dhare
jati prana dhana yadi mora nasa kare
tathapi amara citte nahiba anyatha
satya satya tomare kahinu ei katha
Shrivasa Pandita smilingly replied, “O Lord! You are testing me. This is unfair. Anyone who worships You even for a day is very dear to me. Nityananda is non-different from You. There is no doubt about this. Even if Nityananda holds a pot of wine or marries a Muslim girl, still my heart will not deviate even an inch from His glorious lotus feet though He destroys my caste, life, and wealth. I indeed tell You the truth.”
When the Lord heard this from Shrivasa Pandita, He roared loudly and climbed on his chest. The Lord said, “What did you say, Shrivasa Pandita? You have so much faith in Nityananda? You have actually understood the most confidential glories of Nityananda. I am so very pleased with you that I will give you a boon. Even if Lakshmi, the Goddess of fortune, begs in the street, there will never be any poverty in your house. Everyone in your house, including cats and dogs, will achieve undivided devotional service unto Me. I offer Nityananda at your disposal. Therefore, please take care of Him in all respects.”
After blessing Shrivasa Pandita, the Lord returned home. Lord Nityananda would regularly wander throughout Nadia. Sometimes He swam in the middle of the Ganges, and sometimes the current of the water took him away. Sometimes He happily enjoyed sporting with the boys, and sometimes He would visit the house of Gangadasa* and Murari.
Lord Nityananda would sometimes visit the house of Lord Gauranga. Then mother Saci would show great affection to Him. In a childish mood, Nityananda would try to catch hold of Mother Saci’s feet, but she would immediately run away.
One day, Mother Saci saw something in a dream. She secretly related the whole story to her son, Visvambhara. She said, “At the end of night, I saw both You and Nityananda in a dream. Both of You were five-year-old boys, fighting and running all around the house. Then I saw both of You enter the Deity room and come out with the Deities of Krishna and Balarama. Nityananda held Krishna in His hands, and You had Balarama in yours. I clearly saw all four of You fighting amongst Yourselves. Then the Deities Krishna and Balarama said in an angry mood, "Who are You two pretenders? Get out of here. This house, these rooms, milk, sandesa, yogurt, and everything else in this house belong to us." Then Nityananda said, “Those days are gone when You used to steal and eat butter and yogurt. The power of the cowherd boys is finished. Now the rule of the brahmanas is in force. Now recognize us and give up accepting all the offerings. If You don’t give up out of love, then we’ll beat You up. Now, if You steal the offerings who’s going to leave You alone.’ Both Krishna and Balarama replied, “Don’t blame Us. We’re going to bind up both of You pretenders right now.’
“Then Balarama challenged Nityananda in an angry mood, "If You play mischief with Us, then I swear on Krishna that You’ll have to face the consequences.’ Nityananda replied, nI’m not afraid of Your Krishna. My Lord is Gaurachandra Visvambhara.’ Like this, all four of You quarreled amongst Yourselves and ate foodstuffs by snatching from each other. I also saw someone snatch a morsel from the other’s hand and eat it. Someone else took food right from the other’s mouth. Then Nityananda called me, "Mother, please give Me some rice to eat. I’m feeling very hungry.’ Just then I woke up from my sleep. In fact, I couldn’t understand anything. So I told You about my dream”
Hearing His mother, Lord Visvambhara smiled and spoke to her in a sweet voice, “O mother, You indeed had an auspicious dream. But please don’t tell this to anyone else. Now I’m firmly convinced the Deities at Your house are directly the Supreme Personality of Godhead. My heart has become more strengthened by hearing your dream. While offering food to the Lord, I repeatedly found half of the food missing. But out of shyness, I didn’t tell this to anyone. Actually I had a doubt on your daughter-law, but today that doubt is removed from My mind.”
On hearing her husband’s words, Lakshmipriya, who is directly the Goddess of fortune, simply smiled. She heard all about the dream from inside the room. Visvambhara said, “Mother, please listen. I will at once invite Nityananda and feed Him.” Hearing the words of her son, Saci became very pleased and began to arrange for lunch.
Accepting Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu as my life and soul, I,
Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.
Nityananda Charitamrita, Madhya Khanda Chapter 5
Eating pastimes of Lord Gauranga and Lord Nityananda
Lord Visvambhara went to the place of Lord Nityananda to invite Him for lunch. Lord Gauranga said, “O Gosai, today kindly accept lunch at my house. But one thing You must remember, do not play any mischief.” Nityananda caught hold of His own ears and murmured, “Vishnu, Vishnu”. He continued like a mad man playing mischief. Then He said, “You consider me a naughty boy. Actually, You see everyone as being the same as Yourself.”
Saying this, both of Them began to laugh and They left for Visvambhara’s home discussing about Krishna on the way. When They reached the house, the relatives headed by Gadadhara welcomed them. They sat together inside the house. Isana* gave water to both Visvambhara and Nityananda for washing Their feet. Then both sat down for lunch.
Both the Lords sat down to eat. The scene resembled Shri Rama and Lakshmana eating together at the house of Kausalya. They both began to eat just like in Their former pastimes with loving exchanges. Mother Saci happily served Them food. Suddenly, the two plates of food turned into three plates right in front of her. The two Lords began to smile. Then Mother Saci returned with more food. Instead of the two Lords, she found two small boys no more than five years of age sitting there. She saw two most attractive boys with black and white colors. Both were four handed and naked. They were decorated with a conch, a disc, a club, a lotus, a plow, and a stick. They were also decorated with Shrivatsa and Kaustubha gems and wore fish-shaped earrings. She saw her daughter-in-law within the heart of her son. Then, all of a sudden, she could not see anything more. Mother Saci fell senseless to the ground. Her whole body and clothes became wet due to tears of love. The rice she was carrying in her hand scattered all over the room. Seeing this extraordinary scene made mother Saci swoon.
Mahaprabhu quickly got up and washed His hands. He picked up His mother saying, “O mother, please get up. Please calm down. Why have you suddenly fallen on the ground?” After a while, mother Saci revived and quickly tied her hair. She spoke not a word, but simply cried inside her room. Breathing heavily, her whole body shivered. She became filled with love of God and forgot everything else.
Then Isana cleaned the room, leftovers, and kitchen paraphernalia. Isana served mother Saci constantly. He was thus the most fortunate person within the fourteen worlds. Like this, various pastimes were enacted everyday. No one except the confidential servants knows the purport of these pastimes. After They finished lunch mother Saci anointed the bodies of both Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu with sandalwood paste. She then offered various items for worship such as flower garlands.
Seeing Nityananda satiated the eyes of mother Saci. She kept staring
at Nityananda’s face being maddened by her affection for Him. Shri Gauranga
told His mother, “You must treat Nityananda as Your own son. Take care
of Him more affectionately than Me.” Mother Saci then looked on the face
of Nityananda thinking Him as own son. She said, “From now on, You are
my son. Please be kind to my Visvambhara. From today on, both of You are
my sons.” Speaking like this, tears flowed constantly down from mother
Saci’s eyes. Out of motherly feelings, she took Nityananda on her lap.
Nityananda offered obeisances at mother Saci’s feet, thinking her His affectionate
mother. He sweetly said to her, “Mother, what you say is true. I can declare
with confidence that I am actually your son. O mother, please do not consider
my offenses. Know for certain that I am without a doubt Your son*”
Filled with the emotion of being Nityananda’s mother, tears flowed
from the eyes of mother Saci and her voice choked. Both Shri Gauranga and
Nityananda Prabhu merged in the ocean of motherly affection. By seeing
the two sons, mother Saci became pleased and pacified.
Accepting Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu as my life and soul, I,
Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.
Nityananda Charitamrita, Madhya Khanda Chapter 6
Lord Nityananda's Pastimes at the home of Shrivasa
Shri Nityananda stayed at the house of Shrivasa Pandita. With great affection, He would address Shrivasa Pandita as father. He was always in trance absorbed in the mood of a child. He regularly drank Malini devi’s breast milk. There was no milk in Malini’s breasts, but by the touch of Nityananda’s hand, they would become filled with abundance of milk. This was possible only by Nityananda’s inconceivable potency. Mother Malini experienced such wonderful things, but, on the order of Lord Gauranga, she never revealed it to anyone. Malini devi constantly beheld the childhood pastimes of Nityananda.
Lord Visvambhara once said, “Please listen, Nityananda. I’m afraid that You’ll pick quarrels with others. Please be calm and don’t play mischief at Shrivasa Pandita’s house.” Hearing this, Lord Nityananda at once remembered Krishna saying, “I assure You, You’ll never find Me naughty. Don’t think of Me like Yourself.” Visvambhara said, “I know You very well.” Nityananda replied, “Then tell Me My faults.” Gaurachandra smilingly said, “You want to know Your faults? It seems You have incarnated to shower rice all over the room.”
Nityananda replied, “O Lord, only a mad man does such a thing. I think You’re trying to find an excuse not to feed Me. You’re enjoying Your rice, but not giving Me My share. How long will You do such shameful things?”
Lord Visvambhara said, “Actually I’m ashamed of Your conduct. That’s why I always try to teach You.” Lord Nityananda replied with a smile, “This is indeed very good. Please do teach Me whenever You find me misbehaving, O Lord. You clearly understand that I’m a very naughty boy.” Saying this, Nityananda Prabhu looked at the Lord and laughed heartily. In ecstatic love, Nityananda went into rapture. He knew not what He was doing. Suddenly, He took off His cloth and tied it on His head. He jumped and laughed repeatedly while wandering about the courtyard like a drunk.
Gadadhara, Shrivasa, and Haridasa all began to laugh. For the sake of teaching, they were allowed to see such a form of Lord Nityananda. Then Visvambhara called Nityananda and said, “What are You doing? This is most improper at the home of a householder. Just now, You told Me You’re not a mad man. But just see, You’ve given up Your own words.” How can words make a person ashamed if he is totally devoid of external consciousness? This was the case with Nityananda Prabhu. He simply floated in the ocean of bliss. The Lord then personally put clothes on the body of Nityananda. Such were the inconceivable activities of Lord Nityananda. Nityananda Prabhu is just like a maddened lion. He is only controlled by the words of Shri Gauranga and nobody else.
Nityananda never eats food with His own hands. Malini devi fed Him like a loving son. This chaste mother knew the transcendental glories of Nityananda. Therefore, she served Him exactly as a mother serves her son.
One day a crow came and took a bell metal bowl and flew away to the forest. As soon as the crow went out of sight, mother Malini became worried. The crow left the bowl in its nest and then returned. Malini devi saw the crow’s mouth was empty. The behavior of Shrivasa Pandita was very strict. Moreover, the bowl stolen by the crow was used to keep ghee for Krishna. She was afraid Her husband would be very upset when he heard what happened. Unable to know what to do, she began to cry.
Then Nityananda came there and saw Malini devi crying for some reason. Nityananda smilingly said, “Why are you crying? Tell me what’s your distress and I will surely relieve it.” Malini devi replied, “Please listen, Shripada Gosai. A crow has taken away the bowl which we use for keeping Krishna’s ghee.” Nityananda replied, “Mother, do not worry. I will bring back the bowl.” Turning to the crow, He said, “O crow, go at once and bring back the bowl.” Lord Nityananda is within everyone’s heart. Who can disobey His order? Ordered by Nityananda, the crow instantly flew away. Malini devi looked on overwhelmed with lamentation. Soon the crow went out of sight and in a short while returned with the bowl in his mouth. The crow placed the bowl in front of Malini devi and left. Malini devi knew well the glories of Lord Nityananda. Seeing this wonderful incident, she swooned in ecstatic love. After recovering, she stood up with folded hands and began to offer prayers.
“He brought back the dead son of His guru. He maintains the entire universe. He can bring anyone back from the house of Yamaraja. For Him to bring the bowl from a crow is not at all wonderful. On His head rest innumerable universes and He maintains them out of His own sweet pastimes. His holy names destroy all ignorance. For Him to bring the bowl from a crow is not at all wonderful.
“In an earlier incarnation, You constantly protected Sita during the exile as Lakshmana. You never saw any of Sita’s body except her lotus feet. Your formidable arrows killed the family of Ravana. For You to bring the bowl from a crow is not a wonderful thing. Seeing Your great power, Kalindi fell at Your lotus feet and offered prayers. You possess the strength to maintain the fourteen worlds. For You to bring the bowl from a crow is not a wonderful thing. Still, Your activities are not ordinary. Whatever You do is a truth. This is confirmed by all the four Vedas.”
Hearing Malini devi’s prayers, Lord Nityananda began to smile. In His childhood mood He said, “O mother, I want to eat something.” Whenever Malini devi saw Nityananda, milk would flow from her breasts. Nityananda in the mood of a child would drink that milk. Nityananda Prabhu’s activities are inconceivable. What more can I describe? All the world knows them. His activities are mysterious and extraordinary. One who knows them in truth accepts them all as facts.
Lord Nityananda, the abode of effulgence and fully absorbed in the ecstatic love, wandered all over Nadia day and night. Someone may call Nityananda a yogi, or someone may call Him a knower of truth. Let them say whatever they want. Let Nityananda be anybody to Shri Gauranga. Still I keep the treasure of His lotus feet within my heart. Thus, Nityananda resided at the house of Shrivasa Pandita. Shri Gauranga constantly protected Him.
One day Lord Visvambhara was sitting peacefully at His house with Lakshmipriya. Lakshmipriya was supplying betel nuts to the Lord with great happiness. Absorbed in the service of the Lord, she was unable to tell if it was day or night. Whenever mother Saci saw Lakshmipriya and Visvambhara together, she became extremely happy. Knowing that seeing Them together pleases His mother, the Lord would spend time with Lakshmipriya. At one such time, Nityananda came to the house of Lord Gauranga overwhelmed and agitated with ecstasy. In a childish mood, Nityananda stood naked before them. Fully absorbed in love of God, He did not feel shy before anyone.
Shri Gauranga asked, “Nityananda, where are Your clothes?” Nityananda replied, “Yes yes.” Shri Gauranga said, “O Gosai, why are You doing this?” Nityananda replied, “I can’t eat today.” Shri Gauranga then said, “I’m asking something and why are You answering something else?” Nityananda replied, “I went there ten times.” Shri Gauranga being angry said, “It’s not My fault.” Nityananda replied, “Your mother is not here.” Shri Gauranga then said, “Please get dressed.” Nityananda replied, “Yes, now I’ll eat.” Nityananda Prabhu was fully maddened in the love of Shri Gauranga. He heard something and answered something else. He kept on laughing. Shri Gauranga then got up and personally put clothes on Lord Nityananda. Nityananda, the son of Padmavati, kept on laughing completely lost in trance.
Seeing the wonderful nature of Nityananda, mother Saci simply smiled. She considered Nityananda as her own son, Visvarupa. She heard from everyone that Nityananda was non-different from Visvarupa. She alone often saw this with her own eyes. She, however, did not reveal these secrets to anyone. She showed spontaneous affection for Nityananda. She treated both Nityananda and Visvarupa equally.
After coming to his senses, Nityananda dressed Himself properly. Mother Saci then gave Him five pieces of sandesa. Nityananda, however, ate one of them and threw the other four pieces away. Mother Saci then said, “What will You eat now? Nityananda replied, “If you want more, you’ll surely receive more.” On entering her kitchen, Mother Saci found to her surprise that those same four pieces were there inside the kitchen. Mother Saci then murmured, “These sweets were thrown far away. So how is it they’re here inside the kitchen?” In jubilant wonder, Saci brought these sweets and offered them to Nityananda. To her astonishment, she saw that Nityananda was eating those very sweets. Mother Saci said, “My son, where did You get these sweets?” Nityananda replied, “At first I threw them away. But seeing your distress, I brought them back.” Seeing this wonderful act, mother Saci thought, “Who is there who is unaware of the glories of Nityananda?” She then said to Nityananda, “Nityananda, why are You deceiving me? I know You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead. So please remove the influence of Your illusory energy from me.”
The qualities of Nityananda are unfathomable. They are a source of pleasure for the devotees and the cause of distress for miscreants. Even mother Ganges runs away from that sinful person who dares to blaspheme Lord Nityananda. Lord Nityananda, who as Lord Ananta Sesha who holds the universes on His hoods, is the king of the devotees. This is my heart’s desire and prayer to the feet of the Vaishnavas. May Lord Nityananda, who is Lord Balarama, become my life and soul.
Accepting Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.
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.
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.
Nityananda Charitamrita, Madhya Khanda Chapter 9
Prayers of Jagai and Madhai to Lord Nityananda and Lord Gauranga
Shri Gauranga with His associates listened as Jagai and Madhai began to offer prayers. By the order of Shri Gauranga, the goddess of learning appeared on the tongues of Jagai and Madhai as they began to pray:
“All glories to Shri Mahaprabhu! All glories to Shri Visvambhara! All glories to Nityananda Prabhu, the most dear of Visvambhara!
“All glories to the Lord, the original Acarya for preaching His holy names! All glories to Nityananda Prabhu who fulfills the mission of Shri Gauranga Mahaprabhu!
“All glories to the son of Jagannatha Misra! All glories to Nityananda Prabhu who is fully surrendered to Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu!
“All glories to the most merciful son of mother Saci! All glories to Nityananda Prabhu, the dearest friend of Shri Gauranga!
“All glories to the beloved Lord of the daughter of the royal priest! All glories to Nityananda Prabhu, the embodiment of compassion!
“All glories to Your transcendental activities, O Lord! All glories to Nityananda Prabhu, the King of the Vaishnavas!
“All glories to He who holds a conch, a disc, a club, and a lotus in His hands! All glories to Avadhuta Nityananda, who is non-different from the Lord!
“All glories to Gaurachandra, the life and soul of Advaita Acarya! All glories to the thousand-headed Nityananda Prabhu!
“All glories to the life and soul of Gadadhara, and controller of Murari! All glories to the benefactor of Haridasa and Vasudeva*!
“In Your previous incarnation, You delivered so many sinful persons. Those wonderful pastimes are glorified throughout the universes. Saving most sinful persons such as us will certainly diminish Your previous glories. Our deliverance now overshadows Your glories of delivering Ajamila. We’re not exaggerating anything. We surely speak the truth. Ajamila was naturally a candidate for getting liberation. A person who has killed a million brahmanas is at once liberated if he simply utters Your holy names. This is the conclusion of the Vedas. Ajamila chanted Your holy name. So his deliverance was not at all astonishing. You incarnate to confirm the statements of the Vedas. If You do not deliver the most fallen souls, then the Vedas will be false. We have harmed Your dearest person. Yet, You delivered both of us. Now please consider us, O Lord. What a big difference is there between Ajamila and us. Hearing the holy name Narayana being uttered by Ajamila, four exalted personalities arrived instantly on the spot. Ajamila clearly saw this. By injuring Nityananda Prabhu, we saw You, Your weapons, Your associates, and Your entourage.
“O Lord, so far You have concealed all these glories. Now the extent of Your glories has been revealed. Now the Vedic literature will become more firm and powerful. Lord Ananta will sing Your glories with more pride and enthusiasm. Now Your hidden transcendental qualities are exposed. Your quality of delivering the most unworthy sinners is now confirmed. O Lord, You may say that the demons such as Kamsa were also liberated despite being envious of You. But please consider carefully how many qualifications they had for getting liberation from constantly seeing You and Your associates.
“Kamsa wanted to kill You by any means. Hence, he constantly remembered You out of great fear. Still he could not escape the sin of being envious. Thus, he with his entire family was destroyed. O Lord, the same devotees who used to bathe in the Ganges to purify themselves if they even touched our shadows are now touching us without hesitation. This is indeed due to Your unlimited glories. How will You deceive anyone now? They have all understood Your real identity.
“The great devotee Gajendra, the king of the elephants, offered beautiful prayers to You. Seeing his unalloyed surrender, You delivered him. There were many demons like Putana, Agha, Baka, and others, who were envious of You and were ultimately killed by You. After being killed, they left their material bodies and attained the transcendental goal. However, only the Vedas saw their destinations. But everyone in this world directly saw the miracle You just did to our most sinful bodies. Whatever sinners You saved until now had some kind of piety or other. Now You have delivered the fiercest of demons. This is certainly Your causeless mercy, O Lord.”
Praying in this way, both Jagai and Madhai cried piteously. Such were the wonderful pastimes of Lord Gauranga. Seeing this wonderful incident, all the Vaishnavas stood up with folded hands offering prayers to the Lord. Jagai and Madhai concluded their prayers saying, “O Lord, who can understand Your inconceivable potency of how and on whom You bestow Your causeless mercy?”
Accepting Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu as my life and soul, I
Vrindavana dasa sing the glories of Their lotus feet.
Nityananda Charitamrita, Madhya Khanda Chapter 10
Madhai's prayers to Nityananda Prabhu and his devotional service
By the mercy of Lord Gauranga, both Jagai and Madhai lived at Nadia as the most pious persons. They woke up early in the morning and bathed in the Ganges at a solitary place. They regularly chanted the holy names of Krishna two hundred thousand times. Thus they constantly condemned themselves and cried while chanting the holy names.
Receiving the mercy of Krishna, they became the most magnanimous. They saw everyone as dear to Krishna. Remembering their former envy, they would constantly cry and fall on the ground. “Gaurachandra, O dear father, You are the deliverer of the fallen souls.” Remembering this constantly, they cried again and again.
In ecstatic love for Krishna, they forgot to eat. Remembering the causeless mercy of Lord Gauranga, they would cry repeatedly. Lord Visvambhara and His followers would constantly solace them with sweet and assuring words. Although the Lord personally made them take prasada, this did not pacify their hearts. Particularly Madhai often cried remembering his violence to Nityananda Prabhu. Though Nityananda Prabhu forgave all his offenses, still his mind did not become peaceful.
“I made Nityananda bleed.” Lamenting constantly like this, he would beat his chest with his hands. “The body in which Shri Gauranga enjoys His pastimes, I, the most sinful, have beaten that very same body.” Remembering this, Madhai would swoon anew. He had no other activity except crying.
Nityananda Prabhu happily wandered all over Nadia in the mood of a young boy. Nityananda Prabhu was naturally most ecstatic. He wandered all over Nadia without any pride. One day seeing Nityananda Prabhu alone, Madhai fell down and caught hold of His feet. He washed Lord Nityananda’s feet with the tears of love streaming from his eyes, and taking straw in his mouth, began to offer prayers,
“O Lord, as Vishnu, You maintain the entire universe. As Ananta, You hold untold universes on Your hoods. You are the epitome of devotional service. Lord Siva and Parvati always remember You. You bestow Your own devotional service to all. There’s no one more dear to Lord Gauranga than You. By Your mercy alone, the most powerful Gaura happily carries Krishna as a matter of pastimes. You chant the glories of Krishna with Your unlimited mouths. You teach people that devotional service is the highest duty. The great sage Narada forever sings Your glories. Lord Gauranga is Your only wealth. Your other name is Divider of River Kalindi. King Janaka received transcendental knowledge by worshipping You.
"You are the embodiment of all religious principles and You are the original Personality of Godhead. The Vedas describe You as Adideva, or the Primeval Lord. You are the father of the universe and master of all mystic perfections. You are the great archer Lakshmanacandra. You are the destroyer of atheists and the master of all who savor devotional mellows. You know the internal mood and mission of Lord Gauranga. By seeing You, Mahamaya herself became worshipable. The innumerable universes desire the shadow of Your lotus feet. You are the devotee of Lord Gauranga and the source of pure devotional service. You are everything to Shri Gauranga. You are the omnipotent Personality of Godhead.
“You are the companion, the friend, the resting place, the umbrella, and the life and soul of Shri Gauranga. No one is more dear to Krishna than You. You are the origin of all the incarnations of Shri Gaurachandra. O Lord, You save the fallen souls and You destroy the lives of the atheists. You always protect the Vaishnavas and You teach everyone the principles of Vaishnavism. By Your mercy, Lord Brahma creates the cosmic manifestation. Your consorts Revati and Varuni eternally serve you. You are the cause of everything, yet You are aloof from all things. You hold the Lord of countless universes on Your chest. Your transcendental body, the reservoir of all happiness, is as soft as the petals of lotuses. Lord Krishna enjoys His pastimes with your body. I have harmed such a transcendental body. There is none more sinful than I am. Shame on me! Shame on me!
“Lord Siva and Parvati along with millions of chaste women worship Your transcendental form as their very life. Worshipping Your form destroys one’s material bondage. It is I who injured such a body. By adoring Your divine form, King Citraketu became the foremost Vaishnava and spent a happy and prosperous life. People in innumerable universes meditate upon Your transcendental body. I am so sinful: I tried to harm this body. Service to Your divine form freed the sages at Naimisharanya headed by Saunaka from material bondage. Being envious of this body, Indrajit was destroyed. Being envious of this body, Dvivida was killed. Jarasandha was destroyed by offenses to this body. Since I cut such a body, I have no hope of good fortune.
“What to speak of wounding, just for insulting Your transcendental personality, You crushed Rukmi, the brother-in-law of Lord Krishna. Romaharshana Suta, who had a life span equal to Lord Brahma, disregarded You by not welcoming You and was burnt to ashes. By insulting You, King Duryodhana was unable to survive; rather he died along with his entire family.
“By providence renowned devotees could easily know You as the cause of all causes. Queen Kunti, Yudhishthira, Bhishma, Vidura and Arjuna confirm your supremacy and greatness. By neglecting You, one’s life is doomed. Then where will I, the most sinful, go?” While praying, Madhai floated in love of God. Falling to the ground, he placed the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda on his chest and continued, “O Lord Nityananda, You are the protector of the surrendered souls. You are the wealth, life and soul of Madhai. All glories to the son of Padmavati! All glories to Nityananda, the treasure of the Vaishnavas! All glories to the most blissful Nityananda who never gets angry. It is befitting to forgive a person who has surrendered unto You. I am the most abominable dog-eater and ungrateful ass. O Lord, please forgive all my offenses.”
Hearing the humble prayers of Madhai, Nityananda Prabhu smiled and said, “Get up, get up, Madhai. You’re My servant. I’ve manifested myself in your body. Can an affectionate father feel sad if his child hurts him? I took your striking Me like this. Anyone who hears your prayers to me will definitely become devoted to My lotus feet. You’re the recipient of My Lord’s mercy. As far as I’m concerned, I don’ take even a hint of your offenses. Whoever worships Shri Gauranga is my life and soul. I deliver such a person millennium after millennium. If someone worships Me alone without worshipping Shri Gauranga, I will feel unbearable distress.”
After saying this, Nityananda Prabhu embraced Madhai. All Madhai’s miseries vanished at once. Madhai again caught hold of Lord Nityananda’s feet and begged, “My Lord, I have one more request. You reside in the heart of every living entity, and I have become envious and violent to many such living entities. I do not even remember those whom I have hurt. If I could recognize them, I would definitely apologize to them. I wish that those whom I have offended should somehow forgive my offenses. O my Lord, if You kindly tell me how to do this, I will forever remain grateful to You.”
The Lord replied, “Listen as I tell you the ways. Clean and decorate the bathing ghats of the Ganges regularly. When people will take bath happily and comfortably, then they will certainly bless you. This will nullify all your offenses and serve the Ganges as well. What more good fortune do you need than this? Humbly offer obeisances to everyone. Then all your offenses will be forgiven.” Being advised by Lord Nityananda, Madhai circumambulated the Lord and departed.
When Madhai chanted the holy names Krishna, Krishna, tears would flow from his eyes. People were astonished to see how Madhai cleaned and decorated the bathing ghats of the Ganges. They considered him a wonderful person. He offered them humble obeisances in return. He appealed to everyone, “Please forgive all the offenses I’ve done knowingly or unknowingly and bestow your mercy on me.” Seeing the crying of Madhai, everyone cried. Out of sheer bliss, they remembered Govinda.
When the people of Nadia heard this, they concluded that Nimai Pandita had turned Jagai and Madhai into glorious Vaishnavas. Hearing this, people were struck with wonder. They all concluded that Nimai Pandita was not an ordinary human being. They said, “Many sinful people criticize Nimai Pandita without grasping His real identity. He truly does kirtana. Nimai Pandita is truly Krishna’s servant. Anyone who ridicules Him will be lost. Anyone who can rectify the most degraded Jagai and Madhai must be God Himself or empowered by God. Anyway, Nimai Pandita is not an ordinary mortal being. Now His real glories have been revealed.” People of Nadia discussed like this. They did not indulge in any needless criticism.
Madhai did severe austerities. Soon he became celebrated in Nadia as a brahmacari, or celibate. Living on the bank of the Ganges, he always saw her flowing waves. He personally used a shovel to build the bathing ghat.
By the mercy of Lord Gauranga, one can see the ruins of his ghat, which was popularly known as Madhaira-ghat, even today. The causeless mercy of Lord Gauranga and Prabhu Nityananda turned both plunderers into pure devotees. The topics of Madhya-khanda are like drops of nectar describing the salvation of formidable atheists. The principle cause of all this is Mahaprabhu Gaurangacandra. Anyone who feels distress by hearing this is certainly a cheater. The topics of Shri Gauranga are unknown even to the four Vedas. Therefore, please continue hearing them attentively.
Accepting Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.
Nityananda Charitamrita, Madhya Khanda Chapter 11
Lord Gauranga discuss His sannyasa with Lord Nityananda
One day Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu was sitting surrounded by all His followers. All of a sudden, the Lord uttered a wonderful word. No one understood its meaning. They were struck with wonder. Nityananda, however, knew the Lord’s intention, that Mahaprabhu would soon leave home and take sannyasa. Nityananda Prabhu became overwhelmed with lamentation. He thought the Lord would surely accept sannyasa. Realizing that the beautiful hair of the Lord will soon be shaved, Nityananda became almost inert. After a short while, Shri Gauranga caught hold of Nityananda’s hands and sat alone with Him. The Lord said, “Listen, Nityananda. I will tell You My heart’s desires. I descended to deliver the whole world. Instead of delivering, I am simply destroying them. Instead of becoming free from bondage by seeing Me, people are entangled more and more. When they thought of beating* Me, they were at once entangled by unlimited bondage simply by this thought.
“I appeared to deliver the people, but instead I have personally ruined them all. You will see, tomorrow I will shave My head and accept sannyasa. I will beg arms door to door. Those who wanted to kill Me today, tomorrow I will go to their doors as a beggar. Seeing Me in that form, people will fall at My feet. I will thus deliver the whole world. People generally respect a sannyasi and would not dare to beat him. I will take sannyasa and wander door to door for alms. Let us see who will beat Me. So I have disclosed My heart to You. I am determined to give up My household life. Please do not feel sad about this. Rather You should encourage and help Me take sannyasa. I will do whatever You make Me do. Suggest to Me the way to take sannyasa. If You really want to deliver the whole world, then do not forbid Me. Do not even feel distress in Your mind, for You know the cause of My incarnation.
“Please hear one more thing, dear Shripada Nityananda Gosai. You should disclose this fact to only five persons. In the coming summer solstice when the sun will move from one sign of the zodiac to the next, I will certainly leave home to take sannyasa. There is a village called Katwa near the village of Indrani where the renowned Kesava Bharati lives. I am destined to accept sannyasa from him. So You should tell this to only the five following persons: my mother, Gadadhara, Brahmananda, Shri Candrasekara Acarya, and Mukunda.”
Hearing that the Lord’s attractive hair will be shaved, Nityananda’s heart, mind, body and life scattered. He was so confused He could not think what to suggest. One thing He was sure of, that the Lord would definitely take sannyasa.
Nityananda Prabhu said, “My Lord, You are supremely independent. Whatever You desire will certainly happen. Who can instruct You about the rules and regulations of accepting sannyasa? What ever You desire is the confirmed truth. You are the maintainer and the Lord of all the universes. Therefore, You know the best what is most appropriate. Who else but You knows the ways and means to deliver the fallen souls of this world? Your quality is to be supremely blissful and independent. So whatever You desire will be done. Still You inquire from Your servants out of formality just to know what they have to say. You will do whatever You desire to do. Who can oppose Your own sweet will.”
Hearing the words of Nityananda, Shri Gauranga Mahaprabhu was pleased and He began to embrace Nityananda repeatedly. After discussing with Nityananda, Gaurahari returned to the assembly of Vaishnavas. Realizing the Lord would leave home and take sannyasa, Nityananda was stunned and could not utter a word. When he was peaceful, Nityananda Prabhu began to contemplate, “How will mother Saci survive after the Lord’s departure? How will she spend her cruel days and nights?” This very thought made the broad-minded Nityananda Prabhu unconscious. Thinking about the imminent miseries of Mother Saci, Nityananda Prabhu cried constantly in a solitary place.
Accepting Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.
Nityananda Charitamrita, Antya Khanda Chapter 1
Lord Nityananda and Lord Gauranga meet with the residents of Navadvipa
avatirnau sa-karunyau paricchinau sad isvarau
shri krishna chaitanya nityanandau dvau bhratarau bhaje
I worship the two brothers, Shri Krishna Chaitanya and Shri Nityananda, who descended in this world as the Supreme Controllers. They appeared in covered forms as incarnations of mercy.
All glories to Shri Krishna Chaitanya and all glories to the beloved Lord of Goddess Lakshmi! All glories to Nityananda, the most intimate associate of Shri Gauranga! All Glories to the Lord of Vaikuntha, the king of sannyasi! All glories to all the devotees of Shri Gauranga! All glories to Gaurachandra, the deliverer of fallen souls! O Lord, please place your lotus feet within my heart.
Dear brothers, listen with utmost attention to the topics of sesha-khanda that describe Nityananda’s meeting with His devotees.
On an auspicious day, Lord Gauranga along with all His devotees happily departed for Nilacala. The Lord said, “Listen, magnanimous Nityananda. Go at once to Navadvipa. Try to relieve the distress of all the devotees headed by Shrivasa Pandita. Tell everyone in Navadvipa that I’m going to Nilacala to see Lord Jagannatha. On the way to Nilacala, I will visit the house of Advaita Acarya in Santipura and I’ll wait there for all of you. Immediately gather the devotees and bring them to Santipura. In the meantime, I will visit Phuliya* the place of Haridasa Thakura.
On the order of the Lord, the most powerful Nityananda happily started for Navadvipa. He was fully drunk with transcendental mellows of love of God. Overwhelmed with ecstasy, Nityananda Prabhu constantly roared like a drunken lion. His pastimes are beyond all rules and regulations.
Sometimes He climbed on a kadamba tree and sometimes He played a flute standing in threefold bending form. Sometimes He rolled in the pastures and drank milk from a cow just like a calf. He danced the entire path out of His own sweet will. He merged so deep in the ocean of bliss that He totally forgot Himself.
Sometimes He would sit down on the road and cry. Hearing His cry melted the hearts of the people. He would often laugh loudly and sometimes take off His cloth and tie it on His head. Sometimes in His mood of Ananta, He floated enchantingly on the waves of the Ganges like a snake. The glories of Nityananda Prabhu are inconceivable and unfathomable. His causeless mercy is matchless within the three worlds. Floating like this, Nityananda finally reached the bathing ghats of Navadvipa.
Controlling His rapture, Nityananda went to the home of Lord Gauranga. He found that mother Saci had been fasting for twelve days. She survived simply by the mercy of Krishna. Mother Saci was overwhelmed in the mood of Yasoda. Tears of love continuously flowed from her eyes. She asked everyone she saw, “Are you from Mathura? Tell me how are Krishna and Balarama?” Saying this, she would fall senseless to the ground. Sometimes mother Saci said, “I can hear a horn. Maybe Akrura has come again in the pastures.” Mother Saci, completely in a trance, forever merged in the ocean of separation from Krishna. Nityananda Prabhu offered his obeisances to her.
Seeing Lord Nityananda, all the devotees began to loudly cry. Mother Saci swooned on the ground saying, “O dear father, O dear father.” No one knew who fell, or on which side he fell. Nityananda picked everyone up and embraced them. Bathing everyone in His tears of love, He told everyone the auspicious news of Lord Gauranga’s journey to Santipura. He cried, “All of you quickly go and see Lord Gauranga. The Lord has gone to Advaita Acarya’s house in Santipura. I came here to take you all there.” In separation from Shri Gauranga, all the devotees had become morose and skinny. But the words of Nityananda Prabhu fully enlivened them. Overwhelmed with ecstasy, they began to happily glorify Krishna.
From the day Lord Gauranga left home to take sannyasa, mother Saci had been completely fasting. It had been twelve days since she ate. Only by the influence of Shri Gauranga was she surviving. Seeing the condition of mother Saci, Nityananda Prabhu felt very unhappy. To solace her, He spoke sweet words.
“There’s no mystery of Krishna that you don’t know. What can I tell you? Please don’t lament. Be happy. Even the Vedas will never receive the mercy that you’ve gotten. The Lord, for whom the Vedas forever seek, is your own son. He’s the life and soul of everyone. That same Lord has placed His hand on your heart and promised to take full responsibility for you. The Lord repeatedly told that all your spiritual and worldly responsibilities are on Him. He knows what’s best for you. So please surrender yourself to the Lord and live happily. O mother, go and quickly cook for Krishna. Let all the devotees honor the Lord’s remnants and be happy. Everyone hankers to relish the food cooked by you. If you fast, then Lord Krishna will fast. Quickly cook various palatable offerings for Krishna. I, too, have a great desire to eat food cooked by you.”
Hearing the words of Nityananda, mother Saci forgot her separation and quickly went off to cook. The most pious mother Saci cooked various offerings for Krishna. After offering them, she gave the remnants to Nityananda Svarupa. Then Saci served the remnants to all the Vaishnavas. Finally, after pleasing everyone, She personally honored the prasada. When mother Saci ate after fasting for twelve days, the devotees became happy and satisfied. All the devotees along with Nityananda Prabhu jubilantly got ready to go and see Lord Gauranga.
Soon all the residents of Navadvipa heard about the sannyasa of Gaurachandra. Hearing the Lord’s wonderful sannyasa name, Shri Krishna Chaitanya, everyone chanted “Hari, Hari!” and said, “May You be glorious!” Even the atheists who previously criticized the Lord went to see Him along with their families. They all repented, “We took birth as fools in Navadvipa and, unaware of the position of the Lord, we criticized Him. Now let us go and take shelter of His lotus feet. Thus we’ll counteract all our offenses.”
People ran towards Santipura in a lofty joyous mood. No one could estimate how many people went. They soon reached Phuliya and loudly chanted the names of Hari. The sound pierced the universe. Hearing the wonderful loud chanting of Hari, the Lord, the crest jewel among sannyasis, came out from His room. He incessantly chanted the maha-mantra, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare, as tears of love continuously streamed from His eyes.
All the people raised their hands and cried, “Save us! Save us!” Such were the wonderful pastimes of Gaurachandra. Beholding His enchanting face overwhelmed everyone with ecstasy. Then Nityananda Prabhu, who is the same Lord Ananta, arrived from Nadia along with many devotees. When the devotees headed by Shrivasa Pandita saw the Lord, they began to chant the names of Hari in ecstasy. All the devotees offered obeisances at the Lord’s lotus feet and began to cry profusely. Lord Gauranga embraced all the devotees, as they were all as dear to Him as His own life. The pathetic cries of the devotees purified the entire universe. Soon all the devotees began to sing the glories of the Lord. The Lord repeatedly shouted loudly, “Chant! Chant!”
What can I describe about the sweetness of that loving exchange? The Lord raised His hands and jubilantly chanted, “Hari! Hari!” The Lord’s dancing was full of sweet wonder. Seeing His dancing, all the devotees merged in great happiness. They all filled with rapture as they danced blissfully around the Lord. Somebody fell on someone and someone caught hold of another. Someone held another’s feet on his chest. Nityananda Prabhu, the abode of great effulgence, danced exuberantly around the Lord. Advaita Acarya danced and shouted loudly in ecstasy. Everyone tried to grab each other’s feet. Any fortunate person who hears this will certainly receive the service of Gaurachandra’s lotus feet.
Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu was again united with His devotees and jubilantly performed nama-sankirtana. Anyone who hears the story of this meeting will attain the treasure of krishna-prema.
Accepting Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.
Nityananda Charitamrita, Antya Khanda Chapter 2
Lord Nityananda breaks Lord Gauranga's sannyasa-staff
After meeting the devotees, Shriman Gauranga Mahaprabhu departed for Nilacala, He soon arrived on the bank of the river Suvarnarekha. The Lord and all the Vaishnavas took their bath in the crystal clear water of the Suvarnarekha. The Lord thus made the river glorious. Shri Gaurasundara, the Supreme Personality of Godhead in human form, then proceeded towards Nilacala. Nityananda Prabhu accompanied by Shri Jagadananda* was far behind Gaurasundara.
At a short distance, Gaurachandra sat down waiting for Nityananda Svarupa to join Him. Nityananda Prabhu was fully absorbed in ecstatic love for Shri Gauranga. All His dealings were like those of a mad man. Sometimes He roared loudly and sometimes He cried. Sometimes He laughed and shouted loudly. He swam in the river Suvarnarekha and smeared dust all over His body. At times out of love for the Lord, He fell to the ground so hard that people thought that His bodily limbs would break into pieces. Other times, He danced according to His own sweet will. When He danced, the whole world seemed to shake. This is not at all astonishing for Him since He is non-different from Lord Anantadeva. He has now incarnated in this world as Lord Nityananda. Everything is possible by the mercy of Nityananda Prabhu in whose heart Lord Gaurachandra constantly resides.
Leaving Nityananda at one place, Jagadananda went out for begging alms. Shri Jagadananda had been entrusted to carry Lord Gauranga’s tridanda. He gave this sannyasa-danda to Nityananda Svarupa saying, “Please keep the Lord’s danda very carefully. I’m going to beg alms and will return here soon.” Nityananda quickly took hold of the danda and sat down in an agitated mood. Holding the danda in His hand, Nityananda began to laugh. He spoke directly to the danda, “O danda, it’s wrong that He that I carry in my heart is carrying you.” Saying this, the most powerful Nityananda Balarama broke the danda into three pieces and threw them away.
Only the Supreme Lord knows His own desires. How am I to know why Nityananda Prabhu broke the danda? Nityananda Prabhu knows the internal mood of Gaurachandra, and Shri Gaurachandra knows the heart of Nityananda. They are just like the two brothers, Shri Rama and Lakshmana. Both of them know each other’s heart. To teach devotional service, the one Absolute Truth has appeared in two forms. We can understand Gaurachandra simply by the mercy of Nityananda Prabhu. Who else is more powerful than Nityananda Prabhu who can break the danda of Shri Gauranga? Shri Gaurasundara explains all these things in some way or the other. Anyone who understands this pastime in truth is easily delivered.
After breaking the danda, Nityananda sat down peacefully. A short time later, Jagadananda returned. Seeing the Lord’s danda broken into pieces, Jagadananda was struck with wonder. He became very worried within his heart. Jagadananda asked, “Who broke the danda?” Nityananda replied, “He who accepted the danda. The Lord Himself broke His danda. Who else can break His danda?”
Hearing this reply, Jagadananda said nothing more. He picked up the broken pieces of danda and left at once. He went ahead where Shri Gaurasundara was sitting and placed the broken pieces in front of Him. The Lord asked, “How did the danda break? You must have quarreled with someone on the way.” Jagadananda Pandita narrated the whole incident to the Lord. He said, “The most sadly overwhelmed Nityananda broke this danda.”
Later, Lord Gauranga asked Lord Nityananda, “Tell me, why did you break My danda.”
Nityananda replied, “I broke this bamboo stick. If You can’t forgive me, then punish Me as you like.”
The Lord said, “All the demigods are present within this danda, and you call it a bamboo stick?” Who can understand the pastimes of Gaurasundara? If one understands them in a particular way, still they come out different. Anyone who claims he knows the heart of the Lord is certainly a fool. If the Lord wants to kill someone, He apparently shows warm affection for him. He displays indifference even to those who are equal to or dearer to Him than His own life. Such are the inconceivable and incomprehensible pastimes of the Lord. Only a person favored by the Lord can understand them. In fact, the Lord out of His own sweet will broke the danda and became angry.
The Lord said, “This danda was the only possession I had left with me. But today by the will of Krishna, that also has been broken. I think I’ll travel on alone. So either you all go first, or else I’ll go first.”
Mukunda* said “O Lord, You go first. We have some duties left to do, then we’ll follow You.”
“Good,” saying this Gaurasundara left like an invincible ferocious lion. In only a few moments, the Lord reached the village Jalesvara. He then visited the temple of Jalesvara in that village. The servants and worshippers of Lord Siva became astonished to see the Lord. They concluded that He was none other than Lord Siva himself. Out of great jubilation the Saivaites sang and played musical instruments with great enthusiasm and the Lord danced in ecstasy.
After a while, the Lord’s associates arrived headed by Mukunda. They also began to sing. Seeing His dear devotees, the Lord became more blissful and continued to dance surrounded by them. Who has the power to describe the symptoms of prema visible on the body of Lord Gauranga? Tears poured from His eyes like the flowing Ganges. This abode of Siva became glorious when the Lord of Vaikuntha personally danced there. After manifesting spiritual bliss for sometime, the Lord became calm and sat down with His dear associates. He then embraced everyone with love. They thus became happy and fearless.
Seeing Nityananda Prabhu, the Lord embraced Him and said, “You were supposed to look after me so that I could protect my renounced order of life, but on the contrary, You want to make Me mad. If You continue Your mischief, it will be like killing Me. Whatever You want Me to do, I do. That’s a fact and I always tell this to everyone.”
Lord Gaurachandra told everyone to be extremely careful with Nityananda. “Nityananda is more dear than My very life. I boldly declare this. The love and devotion of anyone who commits offenses at the lotus feet of Nityananda will certainly be checked. There’s no fault of Mine in this regard. Anyone who maintains the slightest envy towards Nityananda, even if he’s a devotee, he is not dear to me.” Hearing His own praise, Nityananda Mahasaya felt shy and did not raise His head. All the devotees thus became joyful. Such is the pastime of the son of Saci.
Accepting Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu as my life and soul, I,
Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.
Nityananda Charitamrita, Antya Khanda Chapter 3
Lord Nityananda's darsana of Lord Jagannatha
Shri Visvambhara said, "All of you helped Me as a real friends since you brought Me to see my beloved Lord Jagannatha. Now please tell Me if you should go first or I should go first to see Jagannatha."
Mukunda replied "O Lord, you please go first." "Very good," saying this Shri Gauranga departed.
The Lord walked as swiftly as an inebriated lion. He soon reached Jagannatha Puri and entered the temple of Lord Jagannatha. By the Lord's will, Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya was present in the temple taking darsana of Jagannatha, Baladeva, and Subhadra, when Gaurachandra, the life and soul of the universe, came to see Them. As soon as the Lord saw Jagannatha, He roared loudly and wanted to embrace Him. At that moment, the Lord fell unconscious on the ground out of ecstasy. Who can understand the unfathomable qualities of the Supreme Lord? Just by seeing Jagannatha, who is non-different from Him, Lord Gauranga fainted on the ground.
Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya personally attended to the Lord, but was unable to break His ecstatic trance. Finally, Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya decided to take Lord Gauranga home. Sarvabhauma said "Brothers, servants, please pick up this jewel-like personality and bring Him to my house." All the guards and servants assisting in the ceremony of Pandu Vijaya picked up Lord Gauranga and carried Him out of the temple to Sarvabhauma's house. They blissfully carried the Lord while continually chanting the names of Hari. At the very same time, all the devotees who accompanied the Lord from Navadvipa reached the main entrance to the temple complex, the Simha-dvara, (Lion Gate). They were struck with wonder seeing this scene unfold. It appeared as if ants were carrying a particle of grain. Many people happily carried Lord Gauranga to the home of Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya.
Offering obeisances to Jagannatha from the main entrance, all the devotees merrily followed the Lord. The temple servants brought the Lord to Sarvabhauma's house. As soon as the Lord was inside, they locked the door.
Seeing the devotees who had come with the Lord from Navadvipa, Sarvabhauma was especially pleased. Loudly exchanging greetings with everyone, Sarvabhauma's doubt about Lord Gauranga was removed. He became very satisfied in his heart. Who can estimate the good fortune of Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya? He whose glories all the Vedas describe had personally come to the house of Sarvabhauma.
Seeing Nityananda Prabhu, Sarvabhauma Mahasaya humbly took the dust from His lotus feet. Sarvabhauma arranged a guide for them and the devotees went to see Jagannatha. The guide requested the devotees with folded hands, "Please remain peaceful while seeing Jagannatha. Don't act like the previous Gosai. I don't understand what kind of people you are. If you promise to remain peaceful, then only will I take you to Jagannatha. What can I say? The way He fell on the ground no man could survive. I request all of you to please see Jagannatha with utmost care and restraint."
Hearing his words, all the devotees began to laugh. Saying, "Don't worry," they left to see Jagannatha. They entered the temple and saw Jagannatha, the origin of the first quadruple expansion, happily manifested in the midst of His devotees. Seeing Lord Jagannatha, all the devotees began to cry. They offered obeisances to Him, circumambulated Him, and prayed to Him.
The most sober Nityananda, enraptured in love for Gauranga, became terribly agitated on seeing Lord Jagannatha. He was unable to remain steady. As soon as He saw Jagannatha, He wanted to embrace Him. The guards could not check Him. Suddenly climbing onto the golden throne of Jagannatha, Nityananda embraced the Deity of Balarama. As He climbed on the throne, the guards tried to stop Him catching hold of His hand. Nityananda simply pushed them away. Nityananda took the garland off Lord Balarama and put it on Himself. The priests took garlands from Lord Jagannatha and happily offered them to the devotees. Receiving Lord Jagannatha's mercy in the form of the garlands, all the devotees were extremely pleased. They quickly returned to the house of Sarvabhauma.
Wearing the garland of Balarama, Nityananda walked like the king of elephants. All the temple guards began to think, "This mendicant is not an ordinary man. How can anyone survive after touching Balarama? We control even mad elephants, what to speak of ordinary men. We tried to firmly catch hold of Him, but instead, he scattered us like straws." Considering this, the temple guards always showed respect to Nityananda whenever they saw Him. In His childish way, Nityananda Svarupa often embraced the Lord with loving affection.
Meanwhile, Lord Gauranga remained unconscious at the house of Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya. Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya sat at the feet of the Lord while the devotees surrounding the Lord chanted the names of Rama and Krishna. The qualites of Gaurachandra are inconceivable and unfathomable. Even after nine hours, He had not regained consciousness. After a long time, Lord Gauranga, the life and soul of the universe, came to normal consciousness. All the devotees chanted the name of Hari. Becoming composed, the Lord asked everyone, "What happened to Me today?"
Lord Nityananda explained to the Lord, "When You saw Lord Jagannatha, You fell senseless to the ground. Luckily, Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya was present. He picked You up and brought You to his home. In ecstatic bliss, You remained in trance for nine hours. Here is Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya offering You his respectful obeisances." The Lord hurriedly embraced Sarvabhauma.
Lord Gauranga said, "Jagannatha is very merciful. He kindly brought Me to the house of Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya. I had grave doubts how I would even get your good association. Today, Lord Krishna has easily fulfilled My desire." Saying this and looking at Sarvabhauma, the Lord began to smile. He continued, "Listen. Today I saw Lord Jagannatha directly. Seeing Jagannatha, I intensely desired to embrace Him. But as soon as I tried to embrace Jagannatha, I lost My consciousness and was unaware of anything after that. Fortunately, Sarvabhauma was there and I was protected from all danger. I vow that, from today, I will see Jagannatha from a distance. I will never enter inside the temple room; rather I'll see Jagannatha while standing beside Garuda-stambha column. By good fortune, I did not embrace Jagannatha. Had I done this, it would've been a serious predicament"?
Nityananda Prabhu replied, "Today You've been saved. Now it's already quite late. Please go and take bath." Lord Gauranga said, "Nityananda, You'll control Me all the time. I surrender unto You." The Lord happily bathed and sat with the devotees with a smile on His face.
Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya quickly brought various kinds of maha-prasada and placed them before the Lord. Lord Gauranga offered His obeisances to the maha-prasada and began to honor it along with His devotees. Anyone who hears the ecstatic eating pastimes of Shri Gauranga at Nilacala obtains the association of Nityananda Prabhu without a doubt. By hearing Nityananda's visit to Nilacala described in Antya-khanda, one will float in the ocean of krishna-prema.
Accepting Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu as my life and soul, I,
Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.
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.
Just as banana trees fall flat by the force of a storm, so the devotees fell flat overwhelmed by the happiness of prema. As Lord Nityananda was personally overwhelmed by ecstatic love of God, He turned all the devotees into models of Himself. He constantly engaged in the congregational chanting of the holy names of Krishna introduced by Shri Gauranga (the maha-mantra) and encouraged all the devotees to do likewise.
Anyone who came to see Him was overwhelmed with krishna-prema. Such was the example of His distribution of love of Krishna. Whenever any servant of Lord Nityananda desired to have something, he would instantly get it. Everyone merged in the ocean of transcendental bliss and did not know how three months passed.
Accepting the lotus feet of Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu, I,
Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.
Nityananda Charitamrita, Antya Khanda Chapter 5
Lord Nityananda's meeting with Gadadhara dasa
One time, Lord Nityananda wanted to wear ornaments. As soon as He desired this, immediately various kinds of valuable and enchanting ornaments appeared before Him made of silver, gold, and diamonds. Fortunate people brought these ornaments bedecked with jewels and corals. They also brought fine cloth and necklaces of pearls, which they gave to the Lord and offered Him obeisances. Nityananda Prabhu decorated Himself with this jewelry according to His own sweet will. He decorated His two hands with golden bangles and put ten golden rings beset with jewels on His ten fingers. He decorated His neck with various divine necklaces made of jewels, pearls, and corals.
To please Lord Siva, He took a string of rudraksha and cat's eye with gold and silver respectively and tied it on His neck. He prepared two beautiful golden earrings bedecked with pearls and put them on His ears. He decorated His lotus feet with silver ankle-bells and put the most attractive rings on His toes. He dressed Himself with various fine cloths of different colors such as white, blue, and yellow. Dressed in this way, He appeared completely enchanting. He wore various garlands made of jasmine, Arabian jasmine, and campaka flowers, which continuously swung on His broad chest. He applied sandalwood paste on His beautiful limbs. He adorned His head with a turban made of various fine cloths and decorated it with different colored flowers. The beauty of His most attractive face defeated the beauty of millions of moons. He always smiled and chanted the name of Hari. In whichever direction Nityananda Prabhu glanced, His lotus eyes sprinkled showers of krishna-prema.
He took a stick of a high quality sculpted iron and plated both ends with gold. He always carried this stick in His hand in the mood of Lord Balarama who used to carry a similar stick. All the associates of Nityananda who were in the mood of cowherd boys of Vrindavana offered various ornaments such as bracelets, bangles, anklets, rings, garlands, horn, stick, flute, rope, and garland of gunja to their beloved Nityananda. Nityananda, by His own sweet will, enjoyed various pastimes with His associates.
Lord Nityananda with His associates visited the houses of the devotees. The most effulgent Nityananda traveled to all the villages on both sides of the Ganges. Lord Nityananda was full of transcendental mellows. His name and form are non-different. Simply seeing Him captivated all living entities. Even the atheists would immediately offer prayers to Nityananda as soon as they saw Him. They at once wanted to offer everything to Him. The body of Nityananda Svarupa is sweet and most attractive. He generously bestowed mercy on everyone. Whether eating, sleeping, or traveling, He did not waste a moment without doing nama-sankirtana. Wherever Nityananda did sankirtana and danced in ecstasy, He captivated hundreds of people.
Illiterate village children pulled big trees out of the ground without difficulty. They roared loudly as they uprooted the trees. They ran around shouting, "We are cowherd boys." The strength of one child was such that even seven persons together were unable to control him. The children happily roared like lions and chanted, "All glories to Shri Krishna Chaitanya! All glories to Shri Nityananda!" Nityananda Prabhu, the life and soul of everyone, captivated the hearts of even the children. Some children ate nothing for a whole month. People were struck with wonder by seeing this. All the devotees were overwhelmed with ecstatic love, as Nityananda Prabhu became their sole protector. Lord Nityananda would feed everyone with His own hands treating them like His sons. Sometimes, He tied someone with rope or even beat him, and laughed loudly out of joy.
One day, to show affection to Gadadhara dasa, Nityananda came to his house. Gadadhara dasa Mahasaya was fully absorbed in transcendental bliss in the mood of the gopis. Gadadhara dasa put a pot of Ganges water on His head and cried out, "Who will buy milk?" He had a beautiful Deity of Shri Bala-gopala at his house. The beauty and sweetness of this Deity were matchless. Seeing this enchanting Deity of Bala-gopala, Nityananda Prabhu held Him on His chest with great love and affection. When everyone saw that Shri Bala-gopala was clinging on the heart of Nityananda Prabhu, they loudly chanted the name of Hari. Absorbed in the mood of a cowherd boy, Lord Nityananda shouted loudly and began to dance. Madhavananda Ghosha sang of the pastime of Krishna demanding taxes from the gopis.
Hearing this song, Avadhuta Nityananda became very pleased. The sweet voice of fortunate Madhavananda completely captivated the heart of Nityananda. The Lord danced imitating the pastimes of Krishna in Vrindavana. The fortunate Gadadhara dasa forgot himself absorbed in the mood of the gopis. He always considered himself a gopi.
Hearing the pastimes of Krishna in Vrindavana, Nityananda Prabhu danced so emotionally that it was beyond description. He matchlessly danced exhibiting all the signs of ecstatic love and devotion. The movement of His dancing was equal to lightning. His legs and hands were most enchanting. How wonderfully He moved His eyes and smiled. The pastime of shaking His head was wonderful. He put His beautiful feet together and jumped up and down in a wonderful way.
All the men and women floated in the happiness of krishna-prema by the merciful glance of Nityananda. His merciful look was so intense that everyone forgot himself in spiritual bliss. By the mercy of Nityananda Prabhu, anyone and everyone easily achieved the love and devotion aspired for by sages and yogis.
If a person as big as an elephant does not eat for three days, he will become weak and unable to walk. But when a child eats nothing for one month and acts like a lion, it is indeed the manifestation of Lord Nityananda's mercy and energy. Still, by the illusory energy of Shri Gauranga, no one could understand this fact. Being thus absorbed in love of God, Lord Nityananda stayed at the house of Gadadhara dasa.
Gadadhara dasa was fully in trance as he induced everyone to chant the name of Hari. In the Gadadhara dasa's village lived a most sinful Kazi. He was vehemently opposed to the chanting of the holy name of the Lord. Fully absorbed in spiritual bliss, Gadadhara Mahasaya fearlessly went one night to the house of the Kazi of whom everyone was afraid. Chanting the names of Hari, he entered the Kazi's house. All the guards and the servants of the Kazi saw him there, but no one dared to come forward and speak to him. Gadadhara said, "Where is the Kazi? Chant the name of Krishna right now or I'll tear off all your heads."
The Kazi came out of his room as angry as fire. Seeing Gadadhara dasa, however, he became somewhat calm. The Kazi asked, "Gadadhara, why did you come here?" Gadadhara said, "I have something to tell you. Shri Gauranga and Shri Nityananda Prabhu have appeared in this world and have made everyone chant the name of Hari. You're the only one who's not chanted the name of Hari. This is why I come to you. Now chant the most auspicious holy names of Hari. They'll deliver you from all your sins." By nature, the Kazi was the most envious person; however, he did not utter a word. Rather he was stunned. The Kazi smiled and said, "Listen, Gadadhara, tomorrow I'll chant the holy names of Hari. But today, please go home."
As soon as Gadadhara dasa heard the name of Hari from the mouth of the Kazi, he was filled with ecstatic love. "Why tomorrow?" He said, "You've just now chanted the name of Hari. Now no misfortune will ever fall on you since you've chanted the name of Hari." Saying this, Gadadhara dasa became overwhelmed with ecstasy and began to dance and clap his hands. Later, Gadadhara dasa returned home. Lord Nityananda resided in the body of Gadadhara dasa. Such was the extraordinary glory of Gadadhara dasa who is counted among the associates of Lord Gauranga.
Gadadhara glanced mercifully towards the Kazi whom the devotees avoided from a distance. He had forcibly converted Hindus into Muslims and was the most sinful person. But even a person as sinful as the Kazi gives up violence by the merciful association of devotees of Krishna. It is indeed a fact that even snakes, fire, or tigers do not threaten one who is absorbed in Krishna consciousness.
By Nityananda Prabhu's mercy, His associates easily received the love and devotion desired by Lord Brahma and the attachment for Krishna aspired for by the gopis. O brothers, please worship the lotus feet of Nityananda Prabhu. It is by His mercy that one obtains the lotus feet of Shri Gauranga.
Accepting Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu as my life and soul, I,
Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.
Nityananda Charitamrita, Antya Khanda Chapter 6
Lord Nityananda's deliverance of the merchants of Saptagrama and His meeting with Lord Advaita Acahrya
Nityananda Prabhu stayed at Khadadaha for some time and then He came to Saptagrama accompanied by His associates. Saptagrama is famous because the seven sages lived there previously. It is also known as Triveni-ghat. The seven sages did austerities there on the bank of the Ganges and achieved the lotus feet of Shri Govinda. The three rivers, namely the Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati join at this place. This Triveni-ghat is well known throughout the universe. Simply seeing this holy place eradicates one's sinful reactions. With great happiness, Nityananda Prabhu bathed at the confluence with His devotees. The Lord stayed at the house of the most fortunate Uddharana Datta* on the bank of this Triveni-ghat.
Uddharana Datta faithfully served the lotus feet of Nityananda Prabhu with his body, mind, and words. Who can estimate the fortune of Uddharana Datta, for he received the chance to serve the lotus feet of Nityananda Prabhu? Nityananda Svarupa is the Lord of Uddharana Datta birth after birth and Uddharana Datta is the servant of Nityananda Prabhu birth after birth. Due to Uddharana Datta, the entire mercantile community was purified. There is no doubt about it. Lord Nityananda incarnated to deliver the merchant caste. He bestowed love and devotion to all of them. In Saptagrama, He personally performed kirtana at the house of each and every merchant. The merchants too worshipped His lotus feet with heart and soul. The people of the entire world were struck with wonder upon seeing the merchant's worship of Krishna. The glories of Nityananda are unlimited. He delivered fools, fallen souls, and the merchants.
Lord Nityananda happily enjoyed His pastimes of nama-sankirtana at Saptagrama. No one can describe these ecstatic chanting pastimes even in a hundred years. The residents of Saptagrama were now enjoying the happiness the people of Nadia had previously enjoyed. Everyone did nama-sankirtana without feeling thirst, sleep, or fear. Lord Nityananda performed kirtana in everyone's house on every street of Saptagrama. As soon as people saw the wonderful emotion of Nityananda Svarupa, they could not remain steady, but became overwhelmed.
What to speak of others, even Muslims naturally averse to Lord Vishnu took shelter of Nityananda's lotus feet. When the brahmanas of Saptagrama saw tears of love in the eyes of Muslims, they condemned themselves. All glories to Avadhuta Nityananda whose mercy makes these wonderful pastimes possible! Nityananda Prabhu happily enjoyed His pastimes throughout Saptagrama.
Some days later, He came to Santipura at the house of His dearmost Advaita Acarya. When Advaita Acarya saw the beautiful face of Nityananda Prabhu, His happiness knew no bounds. He shouted loudly and offered Him obeisances. He repeatedly circled and embraced Nityananda Prabhu, drenching His body with tears of ecstatic love. Seeing each other intoxicated both of Them. They had indescribable feelings. They rolled on the ground while holding each other, trying to touch the other's feet. Both of Them roared like lions and their madness could not be controlled. After a while, Lord Nityananda became calm and sat down in a grave mood. Then the magnanimous Advaita Acarya folded His hands and happily began to offer prayers to Nityananda,
tumi nityananda murti nityananda nama
murtimanta tumi caitanyera gunadhama
sarva jiva paritrana tumi mahahetu
mahapralayete tumi satya dharmasetu
tumi se bujhao caitanyera premabhakti
tumi se chaitanya vakshe dhara purna shakti
brahma siva naradadi bhakta nama yara
tumi se parama upadeshta sabakara
vishnu bhakti sabei payena toma haite
tathapio abhimana na sparse tomate
patita pavana tumi doya drishti sunya
tomare se jane yara ache bahupunya
sarva yajnamaya ei vigraha tomara
abidya bandhana khao smarena yahara
yadi tumi prakasa na kara apanare
tabe kara shakti ache janite tomare
akrodha paramananda tumi mahesvara
sahasra vadana adi deva mahidhara
raksha kula hanta tumi shri lakshmana candra
tumi gopa-putra haladhara murtimanta
murkha nica adhama patita uddharite
tumi avatirna haiyacha prithivite
ye bhakti vanchaye yogesvara muni gane
toma haite taha paibe jeta jane
"Your name is Nityananda and indeed You are nityananda, eternal bliss. You are the form of Shri Gauranga's transcendental qualities. You deliver all living beings and protect religious principles at the time of annihilation. You descended to give Gauranga-prema-bhakti. Indeed, You are the full potency of Lord Gauranga. You teach supreme knowledge to devotees headed by Lord Brahma, Lord Siva, and Narada. Everyone gets vishnu-bhakti from You, yet You're untouched by pride. You deliver the fallen souls without seeing their faults. Only the very pious can know You. You are the only enjoyer of sacrifices. Simply remembering You destroys the bondage of ignorance at once. If You do not manifest Yourself then who will understand You?
"You are the most blissful supreme Lord, completely free of anger. You are the thousand-headed Ananta who holds the universes on His hoods. You are Shri Lakshmanacandra, destroyer of the rakshasa dynasty. You are Haladhara, the son of a cowherd.
"You descended to save the fallen, wretched, foolish, and low class people. By Your mercy, everyone easily achieves devotional service that is aspired for by great sages and mystic yogis"
While describing the glories of Nityananda Prabhu, Advaita Acarya went into a trance of love of God. Advaita Acarya knew the glories of Nityananda Prabhu. Some rare great souls also know these facts. The quarreling that one sees between them is nothing but the expression of transcendental bliss. Who can understand these statements of Advaita Acarya, "Know for certain that He is non-different from the Supreme Lord."" Both Nityananda and Advaita Acarya spent their time happily discussing auspicious topics of Krishna.
After exchanging many jokes and increasing His love and affection, Nityananda Prabhu took permission from Advaita Acarya and left for Navadvipa.
Accepting Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Vrindavana dasa, sing of the glories of Their lotus feet.
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Nityananda
charitamrita Antya Khanda Chapter 7
Lord Nityananda delivers the gang of thieves at the house of Hiranya
Pandita
Nityananda Prabhu wanted to see Lord Gauranga's mother Saci. He left for Navadvipa on an auspicious day with His dear associates. Arriving in Navadvipa, He went to the house of mother Saci and offered His respectful obeisances to Her.
Seeing Nityananda Svarupa, mother Saci became unlimitedly happy. She said, "My dear son, You're indeed the Supersoul. Just now, I wanted to see You. Knowing my heart, You came here at once. Who in this world can recognize You? My dear Nityananda, please stay at Navadvipa for some time. Then I can see You once a month, once a fortnight, or once a week. I was distressed and wanted to see You. By providence, now You've come to relieve my distress."
Hearing the words of mother Saci, Nityananda Prabhu began to smile, for He knew perfectly well the glories of mother Saci. He said to her, "Listen, mother of the universe, actually I came here to see You. I want to live here so that I can see you more often. By your order, I'll remain in Navadvipa."
After conversing with mother Saci, Nityananda Prabhu began to happily wander all over Navadvipa." His associates went with Him, doing kirtana in every house of Navadvipa. He became the personification of the ecstatic chanting of the holy names of the Lord. He visited every house and always enjoyed sankirtana with His devotees.
The pious people of Navadvipa got unlimited happiness seeing the most enchanting sankirtana dress of Nityananda. He expertly decorated His head with various fine cloths adorned with beautiful flowers. He wore many necklaces of jewels and pearls and decorated His ears with beautiful gold and pearl earrings. He wore bangles and bracelets on His arms. I am unable to describe how many lovely flower garlands decorated His body. He smeared His entire body with sandalwood paste. He enjoyed His pastimes like Bala-Gopala. How wonderful was the stick He held in His hand. His ten fingers were decorated with ten golden rings. He dressed wonderfully with various fine cloths of different colors such as white, blue, and yellow. A stick and a flute adorned His waist. His enchanting beauty captivated the minds of everyone. He adorned His two lotus feet with silver ankle-bells that made beautiful sweet sounds as the Lord walked like an elephant. Wherever Lord Nityananda glances, krishna-prema appears.
He resided happily at Navadvipa the birthplace of Lord Gauranga. Navadvipa is not different from Mathura. I am unable to estimate how many types of people live there. There are many holy devotees of the Lord living in Navadvipa. Seeing them frees a sinner from all sinful reactions. Many miscreants also live in Navadvipa. Touching their shadows once destroys one's piety. Even those miscreants become attached to the lotus feet of Krishna by Nityananda Prabhu's causeless mercy. Lord Gauranga delivered many fallen souls, and through Nityananda, He liberated the three worlds. Lord Nityananda saved everyone including thieves, plunderers, wretched, and fallen souls. O brothers, listen to Nityananda Prabhu's salvation of thieves and plunderers.
A young brahmana lived in Navadvipa who was a formidable thief and plunderer. No one was equal to or greater than him in this illicit field. He was the commander-in-chief of all the thieves and plunderers. He was a brahmana in name only. Actually, he was the most evil-minded person. He had no mercy in his body. He did not hesitate to kill others and always kept company with similar murderous men. When this rogue saw the beautiful ornaments and valuable necklaces worn by Nityananda Svarupa, he decided to steal them. In the guise of a friend, he wandered with Nityananda Prabhu to steal His ornaments. Nityananda Prabhu, however, understood that the so-called brahmana was really a mischievous cunning dacoit.
There was a pious brahmana called Hiranya Pandita* who lived in Navadvipa. He was a most humble devotee of the Lord. Shri Nityananda Prabhu stayed at the house of this fortunate soul since his house was in a lonely place.
Meantime, the evil-minded brahmana made plans with his friends. "Brothers, why are we still suffering? Goddess Candi has blessed us with a treasure. All the jewelry this mendicant wears are made of gold, pearls, diamonds, and jewels. I can't estimate how many millions of rupees they're worth. Goddess Candi has kindly given us a wonderful chance. He lives in the lonely house of Hiranya Pandita. We can snatch all these ornaments in an hour. Prepare yourselves with swords and shields and get together at night. Tonight, we'll invade and plunder Hiranya Pandita's house."
Having made this plan, all the thieves left for their homes. At night, they gathered at the planned spot. They had swords, knives, and tridents. They surrounded the house where Nityananda Prabhu was staying. They sent one spy ahead to check out the situation in the house. Nityananda Prabhu was taking His meal and all the devotees were chanting the holy names all around Him. The servants of Nityananda were drunk with krishna-prema. Some roared like lions and others shouted loudly. Some wept in ecstasy while others clapped their hands laughing loudly. Some made various noises like hai, hai. They were awake feeling ecstatic love.
The spy returned and informed the others that Avadhuta was eating and others were staying up. The thieves decided, "Let Him eat and go to bed. Then we'll invade the house. For now we'll wait and watch." All the thieves sat beneath a tree waiting for the right time to plunder Nityananda's wealth. One of the thieves said, "I'll take the golden bangles." Another said, "I'll take the pearl necklace." Someone said, "The golden earrings are mine." Yet another said, "I'll take the golden necklace." Someone said, "I'll take the silver ankle bells." In this way, all the thieves were living in the abode of imagination.
That night by the will of Nityananda Prabhu, Nidra-devi, the deity of sleep, captured all the thieves. They fell asleep right where they waited. They were bewildered by the Lord's illusory energy. The night passed, yet they did not wake. At dawn when the crows began to caw, the thieves finally woke up. When they found that it was morning, they became very sad. They hurriedly hid their weapons in the forest and went to take bath in the Ganges. Finally, the thieves returned to their homes and began to abuse each other. One of them said to the other, "It was you who first fell asleep." Another one replied, "Oh, you're talking like you were awake all night and saw who was asleep and who was awake." Then one said, "Stop this fighting! Goddess Candi kindly saved us from disgrace."
Then that most sinful brahmana, the chief of the thieves, said, "There's no use to fight. By the mercy of goddess Candi, whatever's happened has happened. Does it mean that everyday we'll fail? I think goddess Candi baffled us today since we went without worshiping her. So let us go and worship goddess Candi properly. We should offer her meat and wine." Discussing like this, all the thieves worshiped goddess Candi with meat and wine.
The next day, the thieves armed themselves again with various weapons. All wore dark blue garments like a band of warriors. In the dead of night when all were fast asleep, the thieves surrounded the Lord's house. From a distance, the thieves saw that many giant guards surrounded the Lord's house. The guards were armed with fierce weapons and always chanted the names of Hari. They were strong and heavily built. They carried sharp weapons in their hands. The thieves saw that just one of those guards could kill hundreds of thieves like themselves in no time. The guards were decorated with flower garlands and sandalwood paste. They continuously chanted the name of Hari. Lord Nityananda slept peacefully in the house while these guards chanted the name of Krishna on all sides.
The thieves were struck with wonder. For the time being they gave up the idea of invading the house and met off on one side. They discussed among themselves, "Where did these guards come from?" One of them said, "I guess somehow or other Nityananda Avadhuta came to know our plan. Then He must have hired these guards from someone."
Another thief said, "Brothers, I've often heard many people say this Avadhuta is actually a learned scholar. This Avadhuta Mahasaya is certainly a wise fellow. Just see how he's protected himself. The guards that we just saw don't appear to be ordinary human beings. Because of his extraordinary powers, I think people call Him Gosai or Lord." Someone else said, "Oh, shut up! How can He be a Gosai when He eats and wear clothes like us?"
Then the sinful brahmana commander-in-chief of the thieves began to speak, "I know the reason for these guards. Many people often come from distant places to see this avadhuta. I'll bet some wealthy guest has come to meet the avadhuta. These are all his guards. They're all emotional, that's why they always chant the names of Hari. Even if He keeps these guards, how long can He avoid our wrath like this? Let's go home today. We'll wait quietly for ten days." The thieves then returned to their homes. Meanwhile, Avadhuta Nityananda peacefully enjoyed His sleep.
After sometime, the sinful thieves planned another raid to steal Nityananda Prabhu's ornaments. But the night they decided to break into the Lord's house was, by providence, the darkest night imaginable. It was so dark that people were unable to move about. At the dead of this black night, the thieves armed themselves with sharp weapons and got together. As soon as they got near the Lord's house, they suddenly became blind and could not see a thing. This sudden blindness so shocked the thieves that their minds, intelligence, and life airs almost ceased to function.
One fell in a trench and was covered by mosquitoes, leeches, and gadflies. Another fell into the pit where people wash hands after eating. Scorpions and bugs also bit him. Another thief fell on a heap of thorns. He suffered miserably from the pricking of thorns and could not move. Another one fell in a ditch and broke his hands and legs. Some of the thieves got a very high fever. They all were totally perplexed.
At that time, Indra the king of heaven happily sent forth showers of rain and storm. First the thieves were tortured by the bites of leeches and bugs, and now they all suffered in a hailstorm. They did not die but floated in the ocean of miseries. The force of the wild wind, heavy hail, and thundering rendered them unconscious. The intense rain completely soaked the thieves and feeling extreme cold, they shivered uncontrollably. They lay blindly suffering. Since the thieves came to plunder Nityananda Prabhu, Indra, the King of heaven, angrily tortured them very severely.
At last, the sinful brahmana chief of the thieves had a sudden change of heart. He began to think, "Nityananda is not an ordinary man. He must be God. What the people say is true. The first day, He bewildered us by making us sleep. Yet by His illusory energy, we couldn't understand a thing. The next time, He showed His prowess by manifesting many wonderful guards. Yet, I still didn't become aware of His greatness. The agony we just suffered is just proper for a sinner like me. I dared to steal from the Lord! Who can save me now? There's no alternative than to surrender to this Avadhuta Nityananda." Thinking like this, the brahmana took shelter of the lotus feet of Nityananda Prabhu with undivided attention.
Remembering the lotus feet of the Lord frees one of all danger. Taking shelter of these lotus feet instantly relieves even a most grave offender. When all the thieves began to think like this, they regained their eyesight. By remembrance of Nityananda Svarupa, the thieves got relief from the rain and storm. They soon found their way again and returned to their homes, having been on the verge of death. Then they all went to bathe in the Ganges.
The brahmana chief of the thieves quickly ran weeping to take shelter of Nityananda Prabhu's lotus feet. Nityananda, the Lord of the universe, was sitting in His room glancing mercifully on His devotees. All His devotees were chanting the names of Hari. The Lord, the crest jewel of avadhutas, shouted aloud in ecstasy. When the chief of the thieves arrived, he raised his hands and cried, "Please save me!" He then offered respectful obeisances. His hair stood on end. Tears of love began flowing and he started shivering. The brahmana cried loudly. He went into rapture, merged in the ocean of bliss. Seeing the power of Nityananda Svarupa, he was amazed and danced jubilantly. He raised his hands and repeatedly said, "O my dear Lord Nityananda, You're the savior of the fallen!"
When everyone saw the behavior of the brahmana, they were struck with wonder. They began to discuss why this thief is behaving like this. Someone said, " He must be just pretending with a plan to steal when he gets the chance." Another said, "Since Lord Nityananda is the savior of the fallen souls, his heart must have changed by the Lord's mercy." Seeing the wonderful change in the brahmana, Nityananda Prabhu smilingly asked him, "O brahmana, please tell Me what you want? I'm very surprised to see your wonderful qualities. Please tell Me all about the glories of Krishna that you've seen and heard. Speak freely, without worry."
Hearing the Lord's words, the pious brahmana was unable to utter a word. Rather, he began to cry. He rolled on the ground all over the courtyard. He laughed, cried, and danced in his own way and mood. Finally, the brahmana calmed down and narrated the whole story to the Lord. "O Lord, I live in Navadvipa. I'm a brahmana in name only. My behavior is worse than a hunter or dog-eater. O Lord, I always remain with thieves and rob, steal, and plunder. I do nothing but violence to others. Everyone in Navadvipa trembles on seeing me. There's no sin I've not committed. Seeing your valuable ornaments, I wanted to steal them. One day, I armed myself with weapons and came with other thieves to steal Your riches. That day, You bewildered me with sleep. But by Your illusory energy, I was unable to recognize You.
"Another day after worshiping goddess Candi, I came to Your house with swords, knives, and tridents. But, to my surprise, I saw a wonderful thing. Many giant guards surrounded Your house. Each appeared like a drunken elephant. They were adorned with flower garlands hanging down to their knees. They constantly chanted the names of Hari while You happily slept inside. O Lord, I was so sinful I could not understand Your glories. That night, we returned home thinking You had hired some guards for safety. After a gap of few days, we came again yesterday. But as soon as we got near Your house, we lost our eyesight and fell down. We suffered being pricked by thorns, bitten by leeches and bugs, and pounded by a hailstorm. We were too disturbed to move. After Yamaraja thus tortured us, we finally got pure devotion to Your lotus feet. By Your causeless mercy, since then we can remember Your lotus feet without deviation.
"It's Your mercy alone that we regained our sight. O Lord, You are indeed
the savior of the fallen. You've saved us from further misery by Your mercy.
This is the glory of remembering You. O Nityananda, O Shri Bala-gopala,
please protect me. You're the only maintainer of all beings. They say that
though a person falls heavily on the ground mother Earth is again kind
to him. In the same way, even if one commits offenses at Your lotus feet,
he is ultimately saved from all misery by Your remembrance. O Lord, You
forgive all offenses and show mercy on the fallen souls. I'm the most sinful
since I kill brahmanas and cows. You won't find anyone more offensive than
me. Even if the most sinful take shelter of Your lotus feet, You will liberate
them without a doubt. You protect the lives of all beings from their very
birth. You are the ultimate deliverer of them all. Anyone who remembers
You is freed from ignorance. Such a person easily goes back to Godhead."
The brahmana prayed to Nityananda Prabhu, crying aloud. Such is the
pastime of the Avadhuta. Hearing the brahmana's prayers, everyone was struck
with wonder. They all offered him respects. The brahmana said, "O Lord,
now I take Your leave forever. I don't want to keep this body anymore.
Since I was envious of You, I should end my life by jumping in the Ganges
as atonement. Hearing the brahmana's truthful words, the Lord and all the
devotees were very pleased.
The Lord said, "O brahmana, you're indeed fortunate. You're a staunch devotee of Krishna birth after birth. Otherwise, why did He bestow mercy on you like this? Who can experience such a wonderful influence except a devotee? Lord Shri Gauranga has incarnated to deliver all the fallen souls. There's no doubt about it. Listen, O brahmana, I'll take all your sinful reactions, but you must not sin again. From now on do not steal, plunder, or do violence to anyone. Lead a pious life always chanting the holy names of Hari. You'll then be able to deliver others. Gather all the thieves and plunderers together and preach to them to lead a pious life."
Lord Nityananda then took off His garland and happily put it on the brahmana. Everyone loudly chanted, "Jaya! Jaya!" The Lord thus liberated the brahmana.He caught hold of Nityananda Prabhu's feet and with faltering voice began to pray, "O my Lord Nityananda, savior of the fallen! Please give this sinner shelter at Your lotus feet. I dared to envy You. I'm so sinful; what is my destiny?" The ocean of mercy Lord Nityananda put His lotus feet on the head of the brahmana. Having Nityananda's merciful lotus feet on his head nullified all his offenses.
Later, this brahmana convinced many thieves and plunderers to take shelter of the Shri Gauranga's lotus feet. They gave up all sins like stealing, plundering, and violence. They began to behave like saintly persons. All of them chanted the names of Hari millions of times. They became expert in vishnu-bhakti and became mad in prema, always singing the glories of Krishna. Such was the causeless mercy of Lord Nityananda.
In other incarnations, the Lord did not give such prema. But Lord Nityananda convinced everyone to take up Krishna consciousness. He helped them reach the lotus feet of Lord Gauranga. The brahmana, who at one time rejected Nityananda Svarupa, now preached to his thief and plunderer friends to accept Nityananda. The symptoms of prema such as shedding of tears, shivering and, standing the hair on end which are eagerly desired by the great mystic yogis were easily achieved by none other than common thieves and plunderers. This is the exhibition of the wonderful prowess of Nityananda Svarupa. O brothers, please worship the lotus feet of Nityananda. Only by His mercy can one attain the lotus feet of Gauranga.
Anyone who hears the mercy of Lord Nityananda will no doubt achieve the association of Gaurachandra. One who hears with attention of the deliverance of these thieves will certainly meet Nityananda and Shri Gauranga. One who happily sings the glories of Nityananda Svarupa will float in the ocean of transcendental bliss.
Accepting Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu as my life and soul, I,
Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.
Nityananda Charitamrita, Antya Khanda Chapter 8
A brahmana's doubt in the character of Lord Nityananda and its removal by Lord Gauranga
All glories to Shri Gaurachandra! All glories to Nityananda Prabhu! All glories to all the devotees of the Lord! Lord Nityananda happily enjoyed the pastimes of nama-sankirtana with His servants. As He previously enjoyed His pastimes in Vrindavana, Nityananda enacted His pastimes in Navadvipa. He made everyone in this world fully attached to the lotus feet of Shri Krishna Chaitanya. Nityananda Prabhu, the abode of transcendental effulgence, wandered all over Navadvipa with His most enthusiastic associates. He decorated himself with beautiful ornaments and flower garlands. Betel nuts and camphor reddened His lips. Seeing the extraordinary pastimes of Lord Nityananda, many people became happy while others did not know what to make of Him.
A brahmana lived in Navadvipa who was a classmate of Shri Gauranga Mahaprabhu. Seeing the mysterious behavior of Nityananda, this brahmana got a doubt. He had firm faith and devotion to the lotus feet of Gaurangacandra, but he failed to understand the potency of Nityananda Svarupa. Once, this brahmana went to Nilacala for some days. He regularly visited Shri Gauranga Mahaprabhu for he had firm faith in His lotus feet. One day, he wanted to ask something of the Lord alone.
The brahmana said, "O Lord, I'd like to ask something, if You'll allow me. If You really think me Your servant, then please answer my question. I don't understand what this Nityananda Avadhuta is doing at Navadvipa. Everyone says that He's a sannyasi. But to everyone's surprise, He chews betel nut with camphor. A sannyasi is not supposed to touch gold and so on. But Nityananda decorates His whole body with gold, silver, and pearls. Abandoning kaupina and saffron robes, He dresses Himself with fine and gorgeous clothing. He also puts sandalwood paste on His body.
"Why does He carry an iron stick instead of a sannyasa-danda? He always mingles with sudras. I don't find His behavior in accordance with the scriptures. So I have a doubt in my heart. Everyone addresses Him as an exalted person, but He doesn't follow the rules and regulations of His asrama. O Lord, if You think me Your servant, then please explain the truth. Since the pious brahmana inquired from the Lord at an auspicious moment, Shri Gaurasundara explained everything to him.
suna bipra maha adhikari ye ba haya, tabe tanra doya guna kichu na janmaya
"Listen, my dear brahmana. Faults or defects do not affect an exalted person. Shrimad-Bhagavatam 11.20.36 states:
na mayy ekanta-bhaktanam, guna-doshodbhava gunah
sadhunam sama-cittanam, buddheh param upeyusham
Material piety and sin, which arise from the good and evil of this world, cannot exist within My unalloyed devotees, who, being free from material hankering, maintain steady spiritual consciousness in all circumstances. Indeed, such devotees have achieved Me, the Supreme Lord, who am beyond anything that can be conceived by material intelligence.'
padma patre yena kabhu nahi loge jala
eimata nityananda svarupa nirmala
paramartha krishnacandra tahana career
niscaya janiha bipra sarvada bihare
adhikari bai kare tahana amara
duhkha paya sei jana papa janma taya
rudra bine anye yadi kare bishagana
sarvathaya mare sarva purana pramana
"As water doesn't touch a lotus leaf, so too no faults touch Nityananda Svarupa. O brahmana, know that Krishnacandra eternally resides in Nityananda's body. Those disregarding an exalted person will suffer miseries and reap sinful reactions. The Puranas say if anyone other than Lord Siva drinks poison, he will surely die. Shrimad-Bhagavatam 10.33.29-30 also says,
shri-suka uvaca
dharma-vyatikramo drishta
isvaranam ca sahasam
tejiyasam na doshaya
vahneh sarva-bhujo yatha
nSukadeva Gosvami said: The status of powerful controllers is not harmed by any apparently audacious transgression of morality we may see in them, for they are just like fire, which devours everything fed into it and remains unpolluted.'
naitat samacarej jatu
manasapi hy anisvarah
vinasyaty acaran maudhyad
yatharudro 'bdhi-jam visham
nOne who is not a great controller should never imitate the behavior of ruling personalities, even mentally. If out of foolishness an ordinary person does imitate such behavior, he will simply destroy himself, just as a person who is not Rudra would destroy himself if he tried to drink an ocean of poison.'
eteke ye na janiya ninda tana karma
nija dose sei duhkha paya janma janma
garhito karaye yadi maha adhikari
nindaya ki daya tanre hasilei mari
bhagavata haite se e sava tattva jani
taho yadi vaishnava-gurura murkhe suni
"Those thus criticizing an exalted person without knowing his glories suffer miseries life after life from this fault. Even if an exalted person does something improper, what to speak of criticizing him, if one even laughs at him, such a person is doomed. Shrimad-Bhagavatam describes all these truths. One can also hear this from the mouth of a bona fide spiritual master. Listen attentively to the results of laughing at the behavior of an exalted person described in Shrimad-Bhagavatam:
"Once, Krishna and Balarama went to the asrama of Sandipani Muni to study. After completing Their studies, They wanted to go home. They asked Their teacher, nWhat dakshina should we give?' After consulting his wife, the teacher asked Krishna and Balarama to bring back his dead son. Krishna and Balarama started at once for the abode of Yamaraja. After destroying all the child's karma, They brought the boy back to Their teacher from the abode of Yamaraja. When Devaki heard of this most wonderful incident, she too asked Krishna to bring back her dead sons.
"One day Devaki addressed both Krishna and Balarama pathetically, nListen, Krishna and Balarama. You're the Lords of all mystic perfections. You're both the eternal Personalities of Godhead. Both of You are the fathers of the entire universe. I know that both of You are the cause of all the causes. Creation, maintenance, and annihilation are carried out by the portion of Your plenary portion. Yet, to diminish the burden of the earth, You've descended as my sons. You brought back the dead son of Your teacher from the abode of Yamaraja as dakshina. I, too, have a great desire to see my six sons who were killed by Kamsa. Though the son of Your teacher died long ago, You brought him back by Your extraordinary potency. So both of You please fulfill my desire by bringing my six sons back.'
"After hearing mother Devaki's request, Krishna and Balarama left at once for the abode of Bali Maharaja. When Bali Maharaja saw his own worshipable Lords, he merged in the ocean of transcendental bliss. He promptly surrendered everything including his house, children, body, wealth, and friends at the lotus feet of Krishna. In ecstasy his hair stood on end, tears of love flowed from his eyes, and he shivered in bliss. He caught hold of Krishna's lotus feet and began to offer prayers.
"All glories to Krishnacandra, the ornament of Gokula! All glories to Sankarshana, who is non-different from Ananta! All glories to Haladhara, the leader of the cowherd boys! All glories to the merciful devotees of Krishna who fulfill all one's desires! Although the demigods and sages are situated in pure goodness, still Your darsana is rare for them. O Lord, You are so merciful that You manifest Yourself even before the demons who are generally in ignorance. You do not discriminate between friends and enemies. The Vedas confirm it and I can directly see it. Putana came to kill You by smearing her breast with poison, still You sent her to Vaikuntha. Neither the Vedas, nor the scriptures, nor the great mystic yogis can understand Your heart. If the great mystic yogis are unable to know Your glories, then how can I, a sinful demon, know You? O Lord of the universe, please be merciful to me so that I may not fall down in the dark well of family life. I wish to hold Your lotus feet within my heart and live peacefully beneath a tree. O Lord, please make me a servant of Your servant. I have no other desire.'
"Holding the lotus feet of Krishna and Balarama within his heart, Bali Maharaja offered prayers. Bali Maharaja and his family members drank and touched their heads with the water that washed the lotus feet of the Lord and felt immensely fortunate. Such water purifies the abodes of Lord Brahma and Lord Siva just as the Ganges purifies the entire three worlds. He also offered worship with sandalwood paste, flowers, ghee lamp, incense, cloth, and ornaments. Finally, he offered his respectful obeisances and continued, nO Lord, please instruct me if You really think me to be your servant. Anyone who follows Your instructions reaches beyond the jurisdiction of rules and regulations.'
"Lord Krishna, exceedingly pleased with Bali, began to explain the reason for His visit. The Lord said, "Listen, Bali Maharaja. The sinful Kamsa killed my mother's six sons. Thus he also finally died. Remembering her sons, mother Devaki continually cries in lamentation. Those six sons are with you and I want to take them back for the pleasure of My mother. Those six sons are actually perfected demigods, grandsons of Lord Brahma. Let Me explain to you why they had to undergo such tribulations.
"These six sons were previously the sons of Prajapati Marici, a son of Brahma. Once, Lord Brahma was bewildered by lusty desires and shamelessly chased his own daughter. Seeing the behavior of Brahma, the six sons of Marici laughed at him. Because of this fault, they at once fell from their positions. Since they ridiculed the activities of an exalted person, they were forced to take birth among demons. Leaving their demigod bodies, they took birth in the family of Hiranyakasipu who terrorized the entire universe. They suffered various miseries and were ultimately killed by the thunderbolt of Indra. By the arrangement of Yogamaya, these six sons of Marici took birth from the womb of Devaki.
Simply by laughing at Brahma's misbehavior, they incurred so many sinful reactions. They thus had to undergo these punishments. From their birth, they suffered unlimited distress. Though they were nephews of Kamsa, he killed them. Devaki is unaware of these mysteries. She simply cries considering them as her own sons. I wish to return those six sons to my mother. That's why I've come here to you. Drinking milk from Devaki's breast will release these six from the Brahma's curse.' Lord Krishna continued, O Bali, consider the consequences of ridiculing a Vaishnava. If perfect personalities like these received so much misery, what will be the fate of ordinary men? A sinner who criticizes a Vaishnava suffers misery birth after birth. Take this lesson to your heart. Never blaspheme or laugh at a Vaishnava. If one worships Me and chants My holy names, but blasphemes devotees, he'll be vanquished. Those who show love and respect to My devotees will surely obtain My favor. There is no doubt about it.'
"The Varaha Purana states:
siddhir bhavati va neti samsayohucyata sevinam
nihsamsayastta tadbha-garicaryyaratatmanana
"Whether there is perfection or not for the servants of Acyuta, there could be doubt. But for His devotees who are engaged in His service, there is no doubt."
"In Shri Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya it says:
arcaittva tu govindam tadiyannaccayatmane
na te vishnu prasadasya bhajanam danbhika janah
"If one does not worship My devotees but only worships Me then he is simply a proud person and not a recipient of My mercy.'
"O Bali, I explained this confidential topic to you since you are My eternal and dear servant.'
"Bali Maharaja was very pleased to hear the teachings of Lord Krishna. Obeying the Lord's order, he at once brought the six sons and offered them to the Lord. Krishna and Balarama took them and returned them to mother Devaki. When Devaki saw her sons, out of affection she happily fed them breast milk. Drinking the remnants of Lord Krishna as Devaki's breast milk, they were filled with transcendental knowledge. They promptly offered obeisances to the Lord falling flat on the ground. Everyone witnessed this.
"Lord Krishna, glancing mercifully on them, began to compassionately instruct them, nO demigods, now you may go home. Never blaspheme an exalted person again. Lord Brahma is the energy of the Supreme Lord. Even if he acts wrongly, one should not blaspheme him. You have suffered so much by ridiculing him. Now give up such a mentality. Go to Lord Brahma and beg his pardon. You'll then regain your happiness.' The six demigods offered obeisances to their mother and father, Devaki and Vasudeva. Then, after offering their obeisances to Krishna and Balarama, they returned to their heavenly abode."
Lord Gauranga said, "O brahmana, I've explained the topics of Shrimad-Bhagavatam to you. Don't maintain the slightest doubt about Nityananda Svarupa. He is the most exalted personality. Unfortunate people are unable to understand Him. Accept His uncommon activities. Then you'll surely be delivered. He incarnated simply to deliver the fallen souls. He'll liberate all living beings. His dealings are above all rules and regulations. Who has the power to understand Him? Anyone who blasphemes Nityananda without knowing His unfathomable qualities, even if that person achieved vishnu-bhakti, is doomed. O brahmana, go to Navadvipa and explain this truth to everyone. If anyone blasphemes Nityananda Prabhu in any way, no one will be able to protect that person from Yamaraja's punishment.
"One who loves Him actually loves Me. I'm telling you the truth. Even if Nityananda marries a Muslim girl or enters a wine shop, He is still worshipable by Lord Brahma. This is My verdict."
Shri Gauranga Himself spoken the following verse,
grihniyad yavani panim vised ba sausnukalayam
tathapi brahmana bandyam nityananda padasvujam
"Even if Lord Nityananda marries a Muslim girl or enters a wine shop, He is still worshipable by Lord Brahma."
The Lord's words made the pious brahmana very happy. He gained immense faith in the lotus feet of Nityananda and returned to Navadvipa. Arriving in Navadvipa, the fortunate brahmana first went to Nityananda Prabhu's house. He begged forgiveness for his offenses from Nityananda who fully bestowed His mercy on him.
Such are the dealings of Nityananda Svarupa. They are unknown to the Vedas and incomprehensible to ordinary men. From the spiritual point of view, Nityananda Prabhu is the master of the mystic yoga. He is also known as Adideva Dharani-dhara, the original personality who holds the universes on His hoods. He has thousands of heads and His body is eternal and pure. Without the mercy of Shri Gauranga, no one can know Him.
Some said, "He's Balarama," while others said, "He's the dearmost associate of Shri Gauranga." Another said, "He's the most effulgent plenary portion of the Personality of Godhead." Still another declared, "We don't understand. If one calls Nityananda a living entity, a devotee, or a learned scholar, it doesn't matter. Nityananda Prabhu may be anyone to Shri Gauranga, still I keep His lotus feet within my heart. He's my Lord, and I'm His servant birth after birth. I pray to everyone to bless me to always remain this way."
Shri Gaurasundara is the Lord of my Lord. I always keep this faith within my heart. Will that day ever come when I'll see Gauranga and Nityananda surrounded by their devotees? All glories to Mahaprabhu Gaurachandra! You kindly gave me the association of Nityananda, and then took Him away from me. Still, O Gaurahari, favor me so I never forget You and Nityananda Prabhu. Wherever You both appear, let me also appear as Your eternal servant.
Accepting Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.
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Nityananda
Charitamrita, Antya Khanda Chapter 9
Lord Nityananda's departure for Nilacala and
His glorification by Lord Gauranga
Lord Nityananda lived in Navadvipa totally merged in the ocean of prema-bhakti. He inspired everyone to chant the holy names. Singing and dancing for Krishnaís pleasure was everyoneís only duty. Previously He sported with cowherd boys in every house of Gokula, now Nityananda manifested those Gokula pastimes by happily doing nama-sankirtana.
Once, supremely independent Lord Nityananda wanted to see Lord Gauranga. Taking leave from mother Saci, He happily left for Nilacala by the will of Shri Gauranga. Overwhelmed with prema, He traveled with His devotees through the countryside singing the glories of Shri Gauranga Mahaprabhu. The devotees danced, shouted, and cried with joy as He made His way to Nilacala merged in ecstasy.
In a few days, He reached Nilacala. Arriving at Kamalapura* and seeing the top of the Jagannatha temple, Nityananda fell senseless to the ground. Tears of love incessantly streamed from His eyes as He called out, "Shri Krishna Chaitanya." On arrival at Nilachala, He remained in a flower garden.
Who except Shri Gauranga can understand the mind of Nityananda? Aware that Nityananda had arrived, Shri Gaurachandra left all the devotees behind and went to greet Him. He soon reached the spot where Nityananda sat in deep meditation. When Shri Gauranga saw Nityananda absorbed in deep meditation, He was filled with ecstatic prema. He recited His own verses in glorification of Nityananda and circumambulated Him. O readers, please hear the glories of Nityananda spoken by Shri Gauranga. Hearing them makes one attached to Lord Nityananda.
grihniyad yavani panim vised ba sausnukalayam
tathapi brahmana bandyam nityananda padasvujam
"Even if Lord Nityananda marries a meat-eater girl or enters a wine shop, He is still worshipable by Lord Brahma."
Gaurahari repeatedly recited this verse with full devotion while circumambulating Nityananda Prabhu. Realizing the Lord had come, Nityananda Svarupa instantly arose with awe and reverence uttering, "Hari! Hari!" One is unable to describe the happiness felt by Nityananda on seeing Gaurachandra. He roared like a lion and fell forcefully on the ground in prema. They circled each other and offered obeisances to each other. Then both the Lords embraced with love and cried. Sometimes They rolled on the ground with joy and roared such that it defeated the sound of ferocious lions. The love and affection They exchanged was like that between Shri Ramacandra and Lakshmana.
They glorified each other reciting favorite verses and offered obeisances to each other with folded hands. Shedding of tears, shivering, laughing, being unconscious, hair standing on end, loosing color and many other symptoms of krishna-prema clearly showed in both Their bodies. Only the Lordís most intimate associates saw the wonderful love and devotion displayed by the two Lords. Lord Gaurahari folded His hands and began to offer prayers to Nityananda.
"O Nityananda, Youíre really nityananda, eternal bliss. Youíre the reservoir of the Vaishnavas and Youíre Lord Ananta. All the ornaments decorating You are surely incarnations of prema-bhakti. Youíve happily put on the ornaments of nine types of bhakti. Your causeless mercy will liberate all wretched sinners. Even demigods, great sages, and mystic yogis desire the devotion You awarded to the merchant class of Saptagrama. Lord Krishna whoís glorified by the Vedas is Your property. You can sell Him to anyone. Who has the power to understand Your glories? Nityananda, Youíre ecstatic krishna-prema personified. When You do nama-sankirtana, You lose Yourself in rapture. You glorify Krishnaís transcendental qualities day and night. Krishnacandra always resides in Your heart. In fact, Your body is the abode of Krishnaís pastimes. If anyone offers love and respect to You, Krishna never ever rejects that person."
After this eulogy from Lord Gauranga, Lord Nityananda folded His hands and began to speak in a humble way.
"Although Youíre My Lord, somehow Youíre praising Me. This shows Your affection for Your devotees. You can circumambulate, offer obeisances, kill, or save Me. You can do anything You wish. What more can I say, O Lord? What do You not see with Your divine vision? Youíre the supreme controller of everyoneís mind and life. Whatever You inspire Me to do, Iíll do. Before, You made Me accept the renounced order of life. Now Youíve turned Me into this. I left the life of an ascetic and now I carry a flute, stick, horns, and bracelets. You gave the treasure of austerity and devotion to all Your dear associates, headed by Shri Advaita Acarya. But just see what Youíve done to Me. You made Me leave the life of an ascetic; ordinary people now laugh at Me. Iím Your puppet; make Me dance for Your pleasure. Are You are punishing Me or rewarding Me? Only You know. By Your causeless mercy, You can even make a tree chant Your holy names."
Lord Gauranga replied, "The ornaments You wear stand for the nine kinds of devotional service and nothing else. Hearing, chanting, remembering, offering obeisances, and so on are eternally Your ornaments. Ordinary people never understand why Lord Siva holds the king of snakes on his head. From the spiritual point of view, Lord Ananta is the life and soul of Lord Siva. He always holds his worshipable Lord in the guise of holding a snake. Without knowing the depth of his character, if anyone blasphemes him, then his spiritual progress is checked. I donít find anything but bhakti-rasa in You. Iím telling You this from my heart.
"Youíre fully absorbed in the happiness of Vrindavana as one of the Nanda Maharajaís family members. Youíve put on various ornaments in Your own happiness. A fortunate person, one who feels pleasure by seeing Your mysterious qualities, will surely meet Krishna. Stick, flute, garland of gunja and flowers, and sandalwood paste represent Your transcendental body. All the boys who associate with You appear to Me as none other than Shridama, Sudama, and others. I have a feeling that all the cowherd boys of Vrindavana who used to play with You are now here with You. They all have the same mood, the same color, and the same potency exactly like relatives of Nanda Maharaja. Anyone who loves You and Your devotees certainly loves Me."
Who can describe the two Lordsí glorification of each other? While praising each other, They were filled with ecstatic bliss. After Gauranga and Nityananda regained Their composure, they sat down in a lonely flower garden. The talks between the Controller and the Supreme Controller exchanged there are known only to the Vedas. Whenever Lord Nityananda and Lord Gauranga met each other there would be no one else around. By the supreme will of Shri Gauranga, not one witness heard the blissful talks the two Lords enjoyed. Knowing the Lordís mind, Nityananda Svarupa purposely met Him alone. Lord Nityananda always tried to conceal Himself, as the Lord did not wish to manifest Himself to everyone.
The heart of the Supreme Lord is most soft and mysterious. This is the opinion of the Vedas and authorities like Lord Brahma. No one knows Him in truth yet; as they are able, they try to glorify Him, what to speak of others. This is the verdict of Goddess Lakshmi. The Lordís wonderful qualities are such that everyone thinks the Lord loves him the most.
Lord Nityananda often spoke confidential topics to Shri Gauranga. He said, "I would live the life of an ascetic and worship Krishna by all means. But I don't know why He had me give up that life to carry a stick, a flute, books, peacock feathers, gunja-mala, and ropes. It is stated that of all the devotees of the Lord, the cowherd boys are the highest of all. The devotional service done by the cowherd boys and girls of Vrindavana is the result of their severe austerities. Exalted personalities such as Lord Brahma and Lord Siva also desire this mood. Only a recipient of the Lord's mercy is qualified to receive vraja-bhakti. Shri Uddhava desires this devotional mood of Vraja in Shrimad-Bhagavatam 10.47.63:
vande nanda-vraja-strinam pada-renum abhikshnasah
yasam hari-kathodgitam punati bhuvana-trayam
"I repeatedly offer my respects to the dust from the feet of the women of Nanda Maharaja's cowherd village. When these gopis loudly chant the glories of Shri Krishna, the vibration purifies the three worlds."
Whatever the Vaishnavas offer to Shri Gaurachandra, He gladly accepts. By the mercy of Krishna, all the devotees remain merged in the ocean of transcendental bliss. But sometimes they would engage in mock fighting. Seeing this mock fighting, if a person takes the side of one and criticizes another, then he is to be understood as unfortunate. All the devotees of the Lord are non-different from the Lord; just as the hands, fingers, and legs are inseparable parts of the body. Still, it is the conviction of all the Vaishnavas that Shri Krishna Chaitanya is the worshipable Lord of everyone in all respects.
They always glorify the Lord as the supreme controller, sole maintainer, supreme witness, and unfathomable truth. One can achieve the wealth of bhakti by the mercy of those in whom the Supreme Lord mercifully manifests Himself. Even if the Lord invests all His energies and the quality of omniscience in a devotee, He still punishes them properly when they commit offenses.
It is the special feature of the Lord that He never fails to glorify Nityananda and Advaita. Even if these two personalities perform uncommon activities, still Gaurachandra does not say anything to them. After spending some blissful moments with Avadhuta Nityananda, Lord Gauranga took his leave and returned to His residence. Nityananda Svarupa happily left to see Lord Jagannatha. Anyone who hears the description of the meeting between Gauranga and Nityananda will be relieved from material bondage.
Accepting Lord Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu as my life and soul,
I, Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.
Nityananda Charitamrita, Antya Khanda Chapter 10
Lord Nityananda's pastimes of taking lunch at the house of Gadadhara Pandita
As soon as Lord Nityananda saw Jagannatha, He became overwhelmed with ecstasy and began to roll on the ground. Repeatedly He forcefully fell on the floor. Even a hundred people could not control Him. Seeing Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balarama, Subhadra, and Sudarsana cakra, Nityananda began to weep. Knowing the glories of Nityananda, the brahmana priest offered the flower garlands from Jagannatha, Baladeva, and Subhadra to Nityananda. When the servants of Lord Jagannatha saw Nityananda, they became extremely joyful. Those who did not know Him, asked others who He was. Everyone replied that He was the brother of Krishna Chaitanya. Nityananda Svarupa also embraced everyone, drenching them with His tears.
After seeing Jagannatha, Nityananda was very happy and went to see Gadadhara Pandita. Only the Supreme Lord possesses the love and affection that Nityananda and Gadadhara exchanged. The most enchanting Deity of Lord Gopinatha resided at the house of Gadadhara. He appeared to be exactly like the son of Nanda Maharaja. Lord Gauranga had personally embraced this Deity. Seeing this Deity bewilders even a staunch atheist. When Nityananda saw the beautiful flute and attractive face of Gopinatha, tears of love incessantly streamed from His eyes.
Knowing that Nityananda had arrived, Gadadhara left his recitation of Shrimad-Bhagavatam and in great haste came to greet Him. As soon as They saw each other, They embraced and began to cry. They offered their obeisances to each other and began to glorify one another. One of them said, "Today my eyes are purified." The other said, "Today my life is successful." Both the Lords rapturously floated in the ocean of prema. The love and devotion manifested from Their meeting was so intense that all the servants began to weep. The love and affection between Nityananda and Gadadhara is so wonderful that neither spoke to the other's enemies.* Gadadhara's vow was that he will never see the face of a person who blasphemes Nityananda. Gadadhara Pandita Gosai does not even manifest himself to those who have no love for Nityananda Gosai. When the two Lords became peaceful, They sat down to discuss the auspicious glories of Shri Gauranga. Then Gadadhara invited Nityananda to accept lunch at his home.
Nityananda brought forty kilos of very fine white rice from Bengal for Gadadhara to offer to Lord Gopinatha. He also brought a beautiful colored piece of cloth for the Lord, which He placed before Gadadhara. Nityananda said, "O Gadadhara, please take this rice and cook for Gopinatha. After offering it to the Lord, You may honor the remnants."
Seeing the fine rice, Gadadhara smilingly said, "I've never seen such a rice before. Did You bring this rice from Vaikuntha for Gopinatha? Mother Lakshmi cooks this rice and Krishna enjoys it. The devotees then honor the remnants." After happily praising the rice, Gadadhara took the piece of cloth and went before Gopinatha. He put the divine colored cloth on Gopinatha, and seeing His beauty, Gadadhara floated in the ocean of bliss.
Then he began to arrange for cooking. He plucked spinach from the compound of the Tota-gopinatha temple. Nobody sows this spinach. It grows by itself. Gadadhara collected a portion of the spinach to cook for Gopinatha. He picked the tender leaves of the tamarind tree and, after making a paste out of them, he mixed it with the boiled spinach and added salt. The most fortunate Gadadhara prepared a sour item and he brought it before Gopinatha to offer. At that moment, Gaurachandra arrived.
Smiling while chanting the maha-mantra, Lord Gaurachandra called, "Gadadhara! Gadadhara!" Gadadhara immediately appeared and offered his obeisances to the Lord with awe and reverence. The Lord smilingly said, "What is this, Gadadhara? Am I not fit to be invited? Actually, I'm not separate from both of You. Even if you don't offer Me prasada, I eat by force. The ingredients of Nityananda, the remnants of Gopinatha, and Your cooking: I certainly have a share in it." Hearing these kind words of the Lord, both Nityananda and Gadadhara floated in the ocean of happiness. With immense satisfaction, Gadadhara brought the prasada of Gopinatha and placed it before Gaurachandra.
The fragrance of the rice filled the entire compound of the Tota-gopinatha Temple. The Lord repeatedly praised the rice. The Lord said, "Divide the prasada in three parts. Today we'll sit together and eat." Attracted by Nityananda's rice, Mahaprabhu sat down to take His meal. Both Mahaprabhu and Nityananda Prabhu sat down to eat facing each other. They happily glorified the rice and the vegetables. The Lord said, "Just the fragrance of this rice guarantees one's devotion to Krishna. There is no doubt about it. O Gadadhara, what wonderful cooking! I've never eaten such a spinach preparation before. O Gadadhara, what an attractive way you have of cooking. How did you make such a preparation with tender tamarind leaves? I think you must be cooking for the Lord in Vaikuntha. And why are you hiding yourself?"
While smiling and joking in this way, the three personalities happily enjoyed their meals. Only these three know the loving sentiments of each other. Gaurachandra never discloses them to anyone. After the Lords completed their eating and left, all the devotees grabbed their remnants. Anyone favored by the merciful glance of Gadadhara can actually know the science of Nityananda Svarupa. In the same way, anyone inspired by Nityananda Svarupa can understand the glories of Gadadhara. Nityananda happily enjoyed the association of Gaurachandra. The three Lords, namely Shri Krishna Chaitanya, Nityananda, and Gadadhara, always live together. They saw Jagannatha together and became overwhelmed when they did nama-sankirtana. Anyone who reads or hears these pastimes of the Lord's taking prasada certainly achieves Krishna and devotional service to Krishna.
Accepting Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu as my life and soul, I,
Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.
Nityananda Charitamrita, Antya Khanda Chapter 11
Lord Gauranga instructs Nityananda Prabhu to marry
One day in Nilachala Puri Dhama, Gaurachandra Mahaprabhu discussed something
alone with Nityananda.
tumi yao gaudadese karaha samsara
tabe e saba lokera haibe nistara
punaha asiba ami tomara mandire
tomara grihe habe amara avatare
bhakti bilaiya punah asiba samsara
gupu avatara sastre naheta pracara
acintya amara shakti keha nahi jane
sei se janaye tumi janaha sei khane
"Dear Shripada, return to Bengal and get married, then all the people will be delivered. I'll again manifest in Your family and stay in Your home. I'll distribute krishna-bhakti and deliver the whole world. These incarnations of Mine are secret and hidden in the scriptures. No one knows My inconceivable energies. Only You know them perfectly and others know only by Your mercy."
Nityananda replied, "You're the cause of everything. You're the operator and I'm the machine. You can do with Me as You like. No one can direct his intelligence independently. You're My personal protector, benefactor, and maintainer. All I do is dependent on You. You made Me a mendicant and made Me travel all over the country. Yet You put a curtain on My eyes and remained hidden from me. After a time, You gave Me darsana and satisfied Me by keeping Me with You. You made Me dance happily in Your ecstatic love. You awarded Me bhakti and made Me a Vaishnava devotee. Again, You made Me a materialist by changing My duties. I'm unable to understand what's happening to Me. Now You are again telling Me to enter family life. But You Yourself abandoned such a life.
"You gave up attachment for women and became attached to the chanting of Lord Krishna's holy name. You've given up all kinds of enjoyment and taken up the profession of a beggar. O Gosai, why do You trouble Me like this? Actually, I have no one other than You. I'm Your eternal servant. I'm unable to deny Your order. I always follow Your order as My life and soul." Then Nityananda fell silent. The Lord caught hold of His hands and began to speak.
"O Nityananda, You're the form of eternal bliss and the abode of My happiness and prosperity. You're My energy and I'm the energetic. Without energy, the existence of the energetic is useless. You and I are not separate at any time. To fulfill our mission, We've descended in this age of Kali. Just as a grain of dal has two parts, so You and I are not separate. We're one. My happiness lies in You only. Sometimes, I experience this happiness directly by Your presence, and sometimes through inspiration. Whatever I speak and do and wherever I travel is all due to Your desire. All My servants are certainly Your servants."
Nityananda replied, "Your words are all deceitful since You always speak in many different ways. Before, You sent a message to the gopis through Uddhava where You taught them the importance of spiritual knowledge. They gave up everything, still they could not attain Your association. It's Your eternal habit to harass Your own people. You even disappointed Your mother, father, sons, and friends; then what can be said about us? We're only Your menial servants. I'm destined to follow Your orders without fail. Who can deny Your infallible orders?
"O Lord, please tell Me in truth when will I see You again? How will I tolerate the agony of Your separation?"
The Lord said, "You don't need to come here every year. Whenever You wish to see Me, You'll see Me. Whenever You dance in kirtana or My mother cooks for Me, I'll be there without a doubt. I'm going to spend days and nights absorbed in the mood of Radharani. After relishing the mood of separation from Krishna, I'm going to shortly wind up these pastimes and return home."
The Lord's intimate devotees have realized and disclosed the secret talks between Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu. "The present incarnation of Mine is not known to the Vedas. I'm revealing My mind only to You. I am telling You the truth that I will certainly appear in Your house in the near future*."
Hearing these words of Lord Gauranga, Nityananda Prabhu fell to the ground. Taking advantage of this, Gauranga Mahaprabhu took the dust from His feet. Both the Lords embraced and cried continuously. They stayed awake that night. Early the next morning, both the Lords finished Their morning duties and went to see the sweet form of Lord Jagannatha.
From that day onwards the condition of Lord Gauranga became pathetic. He constantly lamented afflicted with separation from Krishna. Nobody understood this most confidential mood of the Lord. Only the Lord realized His own mentality. Some intimate devotees, however, understood the Lord's mood by some hints. Others knew nothing. On the plea of pilgrimage, all the devotees took their leave of the Lord one by one. Nityananda Prabhu took His leave of the Lord and started for Bengal with some devotees. He traveled along the road absorbed in ecstatic krishna-prema. He appeared drunk from drinking honey. He soon arrived on the bank of the Ganges and entered Raghava Pandita's house in the village of Panihati.
Hearing about Nityananda Prabhu's arrival, everyone, including children and old men, happily rushed to see Him. People from Panihati to Triveni poured out non-stop to join the kirtana. Many people ate prasada there and many people carried it to their houses. Nobody could estimate how many people brought ingredients and how many people distributed prasada. During the day, they distributed prasada and at night, they arranged huge nama-sankirtana parties. Even Lord Ananta was unable to count the visitors. Many devotee singers sang and danced while others fanned them with peacock feather fans.
Nityananda Prabhu decorated His head with a turban of colorful cloths. He wore beautiful earrings and His brightly shining face defeated the beauty of the moon. He had bracelets on His hands and rings on His fingers. He wore a golden chain with a blue sapphire locket. His lotus feet were decorated with golden ankle bells whose tinkling banished one's miseries. Tears of love constantly flowed from His lotus eyes. Honeybees poured their honey on His lotus feet. His head resembled a lion's, His shoulders those of an elephant. He had a huge body with His two arms stretching down to His knees. His large hands resembled a wrestler's. His golden limbs were over flooded with prema. He was attached to chanting the holy names and to Shri Gaurangacandra. He swung left to right while chanting, "Krishna! Krishna!" like an elephant in rut when hit by a goad.
Sometimes He laughed, rolling his eyes and speaking very sweetly. Other times, He closed His eyes and remained silent. He cried loudly saying, "O My dear Krishna!" Sometimes folding His hands He chanted, "O My Lord!" and sometimes He covered His face with His cloth. He cried softly uttering "O Lord of My life!" and fell forcefully on the ground. He laughed loudly calling, "O My dear brother! O My dear brother!" Sometimes He asked Lord Brahma for wings to fly in the sky. Nityananda Prabhu's manifestation of prema was mysterious to the common people.
Accepting Shri Gauranga and Nityananda as my life and soul, I, Vrindavana
dasa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.
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.
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.