Caitanya Bhagavataadi Khanda

r Caitanya-bhgavata, di-khaa by Vndvana dsa hkura
1. Summary of the Pastimes of r Caitanya
I worship their Lordships r Caitanya Mahprabhu and r Nitynanda Prabhu, whose long arms extend down to their knees, whose beautiful complexions have the colour and radiance of molten gold. They have initiated the congregational chanting of the names of Lord Ka and their elongated eyes are like red lotuses. They are the maintainers of the universe, the topmost of the brhmaas, the guardians of religious principles for this age, the munificent benefactors of all living entities, and the most merciful and compassionate incarnations of Godhead. O Lord! You are the eternal truthunconditioned by past, present, and futureand yet You have now appeared as the son of r Jaganntha Mira. I offer repeated obeisances unto You along with Your intimate servitors, Your unalloyed devotees, Your sons (Your renounced Gosvm disciples, and the devotional process of chanting the Holy Names of Lord Ka), and Your consorts (r Bh Dev, who appeared as r Viupriy; r Dev, who appeared as r Lakm Priy; and r Ll Dev, also known as Nl or Durg, who manifested Navadvpa-dhma), and the two Gaddharas (one is r Gaddhara Paita, the expansion of rimat Rdhrni, and the other is r Gaddhara Bhaa from South India, who is r Ranga-dev), and Dmodara, Narahari, Rmnanda, Jagadnanda, and all of your unlimited associates. I worship the two Nitynanda Prabhu, Their inconceivable Supreme Controllers world. brothers, r Caitanya Mahprabhu and r who are the embodiments of magnanimity. By potency, They are the transcendental, eternal of all. They have now descended to the material

All glories to r Gaurasundara, the supremely powerful Lord of pure transcendence. He has an aura of molten gold, with lotus-petal eyes, and His long graceful arms extend to His knees. While He sings the glories of the Lord, He dances in various pleasing postures, as His heart is inundated by the ecstatic emotions of the devotional mellows. All glories, all glories to the moonlike r Ka Caitanya. He is the fully independent Supreme Person, always engaged in transcendental pastimes. He is the Lord of the Universe, the Supreme Controller of all controllers, and the Personification of Transcendence. All glories, all glories to the devotees of r Gauracandra. All glories, all glories to the ecstatic dancing of the Lords intimate associates. In the beginning, I offer my humble obeisances to the feet of the loving, confidential devotees of Lord r Caitanya. I then offer my obeisances to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, r Ka Caitanya. He has incarnated in Navadvpa, and He is known as Vivambhara. That same Supreme Personality of Godhead has declared in the Vedas and rmad Bhgavatam 11.19.21: Worship of My devotees is superior to worship of Me. Lord Ka said to Uddhava, O Uddhava, serving My devotees is many times better than worshiping Me. Therefore, I offer my worshipful prayers unto the devotees of the Lord before I begin to write this book. By this act may my present endeavour be successful. I offer my respectful obeisances to my worshipable Lord and spiritual master, r Nitynanda Rya, by whose mercy the transcendental pastimes of Lord r Caitanya become spontaneously manifest. With a thousand tongues, we should incessantly glorify the Supreme Lord Balarma, because His thousand mouths as Ananta ea constantly glorify Lord Ka. Just as priceless gems are kept in secure custody, so also the invaluable jewel of knowledge about Kas pastimes is kept safely in the mouth of Ananta Deva. Therefore, the tongue, which initially glorifies Balarma, will automatically be qualified to vibrate the transcendental pastime of r Caitanya.

The Supreme Lord Haladhara holds His thousand hoods like snakes. He is a gigantic figure and the source of all inspiration. As Nitynanda, He is fully transcendental and eternally existent, intoxicated by the nectar of r Caitanya. Whoever sings or hears about Nitynandas supramundane character is offered the supreme shelter of Lord Caitanya. Mahea and his consort Prvat Dev take great pleasure in eulogizing the object of their loveSakaraa, Nitynanda Prabhu. In the midst of a million fresh young maidens, the pure devotee, r iva, and his consort pour out nectarine devotional hymns to Lord Sakaraa. All this is revealed in the Fifth Canto of the rmad Bhgavatam. Balarma is worshiped by the entire Vaiava world with songs of praise. Balarma dances with His gops in Vndvana, and their rsa dance is the pinnacle of sublimity. The Puras describe that Balarma performs His rsa dance during the two months of spring, Madhu and Mdhava. In the rmad Bhgavatam 10.65.17-18/21-22. verses narrating this subject are spoken by ukadeva Gosvm to Mahrja Parkit: Balarma spent the moonlit nights of the months of Madhu and Mdhava with the cowherd damsels in the supra-mundane abode of Vndvana. The place was set aglow with the rays of the moon. The lotus and kadamba flowers bloomed freely under the influence of the moons rays, and a soft breeze circulated their scent. In the groves on the bank of the Yamun, Balarma danced with the gops, increasing their conjugal mood. The Supreme Lord Balarma, like an exquisite gem decorated by the cluster of gops, performed His pleasurable pastimes. He behaved like Indras elephant Airvatathe controller of many she-elephants. The Gandharvas observed the rsa dance and offered their prayers. The sound of kettledrums rose from the heavens, the demigods joyously showered flowers upon Them, and the Gandharvas and sages worshiped the Supreme Lord Balarma with verses praising His activities. The sages unequivocally denounce association with women, yet they sing hymns in praise of Balarmas rsa dance with His cowherd damsels. 3

The demigods attended Balarmas rsa dance to shower flower petals. They know that there is no difference between Lord Ka and Lord Balarma, Haladhara. The transcendental qualities of Balarma are obscure in the four Vedas, but the Puras describe them boldly. What power do I have to describe them? However, out of ignorance, some people disregard the Puras and reject Balarmas rsa dance as inauthentic. The two brothers, Lord Ka and Balarma, performed the rsa-krda pastimes with the gops in the same place of Vndvana. Once, on the radiant full moon night at the end of the iva-rtr-vrata, Lord Ka and Lord Balarma were playing hol in the midst of the beautiful maidens of Vndvana. Ka and Balarma were both pleasingly decorated with the finest jewellery, sandalwood pulp, wildflower garlands and exquisite clothes. The fortunate gops sang sweetly, their hearts and songs enraptured by love for Ka and Balarma. As Ka and Balarma praised the beauty of the nightfall, the moon and the stars appeared. The fragrance of Arabian jasmine intoxicated the bumblebees, and a light breeze carried the aromas of white lilies and lotus flowers. Considering that very moment to be appropriate, Ka and Balarma began Their pleasurable dalliances. They sang together for the pleasure of all living entities, Their voices rising and falling melodiously. If a person, after reading rmad Bhgavatam, is not affectionately inclined towards Lord Balarma, then he is rejected by the Supreme Lord Viu and His devotees. In the words of rmad Bhgavatam, a non-believer is a yavana (a barbarian). He is destined to suffer in hell, birth after birth.

Faithless persons, who are like eunuchs, make emotional gesticulations, foolishly challenging, Which scripture describes the rsa dance of Balarma? Who is so sinful that even after reading the scriptures, he cannot accept the truth, but misinterprets the real meaning and gives his own distorted understanding? Lord Balarma is the abode of Lord Caitanyas deep affection; thus, offence at Balarmas lotus feet destroys all possibility of salvation. r Balarma appears in various forms along with all the incarnations of Lord Ka, thus manifesting different characteristics in His loving service to the Lord. In His incarnation as Lakmaa, the younger brother of Lord Rmacandra, Balarma enacted the role of the Lords servitor. Yet, in His manifestation with Lord Ka, Balarma serves Him in every respectas a friend and as a brother, by fanning Him, putting Him to sleep, glorifying Him with Vedic invocations and expanding Himself as His house, umbrella, attire, jewellery and seat. In the Stotra-ratna 37: O Lord! Your direct, partial expansion, Ananta ea, is the source of all the various ingredients for Your service in the transcendental realm of Vaikuha. Ananta ea is famous because He is manifest as Your residence, bed, throne, shoes, clothes, jewellery, etc. When shall I see you with Lakm Dev seated upon the throne of Ananta ea? Ananta eas partial expansion is the mighty r Garua whose satisfaction is derived from acting as the Lords carrier in every pastime. Anantas devotees include Brahm, iva, the four Kumras, rila Vysadeva, ukadeva Gosvm, and Nrada Muni. His glorious qualities are unlimited and are not fully understood by anyone. He is the original personality, the greatest mystic, the Supreme Lord, and the greatest devotee of the Vaiavas.

Thus far, you have heard about the wonderful services performed by Ananta ea; now hear about His great opulence. Ananta ea is enthroned in the lower planetary system of Ptla as his own source and repose. All worship Him, as His thousand mouths continually taste the unlimited nectar of ka-prema. In the court of Brahm, Nrada Muni plays on his v, and with wellcomposed verses, he sings the wonderful glories of Ananta. Is it humanly possible to know the supra-mundane nature of Anantadeva? Just by His glance, He sets in motion the three modes of material nature that are the cause of this worlds creation, maintenance, and annihilation. Although He is one, He supports the entire variegated material cosmic manifestation Himself (within the pores of His person). He is beginningless and eternal. Other than Lord Sakaraa, Ananta ea, who can offer shelter to persons devoid of all material aspirations? He is the support upon which the material world manifests and acts. That Supreme Lord, the cause of all causes, has appeared in His sublime spiritual form. He is the most powerful; in comparison, the power of a lion is insignificant. He performs pure transcendental pastimes to capture the hearts of His dear devotees, and He destroys countless sins by manifesting His transcendental form. What more is there to say than this? Hearing or calling out the name of Lord Anantadeva, either respectfully or accidentally, purifies one. Even a most degraded person is purified, if he just tauntingly utters the name of r Ananta. Anantadevas mighty potency is beyond measure. That Supreme Lord carries upon just one of His thousand heads the entire universe with all its living entities, mountains, and rivers, and that universe appears to be only a minute, atomic speck. Even if a person acquires a thousand tongues, how can he describe the power of the omnipotent Supreme Lord? Anantadeva is His own shelter and source, filled with unlimited power and strength. While residing in the lower planetary system of Rastala, with complete ease born from 6

His detachment, He holds this gigantic cosmic manifestation. This material worlds creation, maintenance, and annihilation, as well as the three modes of material nature, are activated by His glance. Who can fathom Anantadevas non-dual, transcendental, eternal and unborn existence? Out of mercy towards the living entities, the Lord manifests His supramundane spiritual form while He performs His variegated pastimes. All living entities reside within that transcendental form. The mighty Lord Nsihadeva represents but a wave in the ocean of the Lords unlimited pastimes, which satisfy the hearts of His devotees. Anantadevas unlimited names, when heard or chanted by anyone in any manner, immediately sever the noose of innumerable births and deaths. Thus, the Vaiava devotees of the Lord always appreciate those who glorify Him. Ananta ea is the supreme destination of the entire universe; His Holy Name is the only means for the redemption of the living entities. The Lord holds upon His head the unlimited material naturealong with its mountains and oceanssimply for its protection and maintenance. The entire universe is but a speck upon one of His thousand hoods, and because of His unlimited strength, He does not feel the burden in the slightest. Lord Anantadeva, the original Supreme Personality and Maintainer of the entire cosmic manifestation, incessantly sings in glorification of Lord Ka. He continuously describes every aspect of the Lords divine attributes. Lord Ka is eternal and His ever-expanding attributes are unlimited; therefore, He can never be fully described or glorified. However, the ability of Ananta to glorify the Lord is also unlimited and eternally He is engaged in description of the Lords qualities. In Their divine relationship, neither is ever victorious. Even today, Ananta eas thousand mouths continuously sing the glories of the Supreme Lord, r Ka Caitanya. How wonderfully Lord Ka and Lord Balarma compete with each other! Brahm, iva, other demigods and the perfected sages look on, feeling great exhilaration. The eternal eulogies of Anantadeva pursue the ever-expanding, elusive shores of Lord Kas ocean of qualities. 7

In the rmad Bhgavatam 2.7.41: O Nrada, I, Brahm, and your elders, anaka and other sages cannot even fathom the extent of this material nature, what to speak of knowing the Supreme Lords spiritual potencies. Anantadeva, the origin of all demigods, is unable to exhaustively glorify the Supreme Lords transcendental opulence and potencies with His thousand mouths. Therefore, how is it possible for ordinary mortals to understand these divine potencies? Anantadeva is Himself the master of unlimited attributes, and He resides in Rastala simply to support the vast material creation. In the court of Brahm, Nrada Muni plays upon His v and glorifies the transcendental qualities of the Supreme Lord. Brahm and his associates are stunned in ecstasy upon hearing the supra-mundane qualities of the Supreme Lord. All worship Nrada Muni since he sings in description of these qualities. I have also been moved to write a few phrases in praise of the unlimited potencies of Lord Nitynanda, Anantadeva, and I humbly request all of you to develop a loving devotional mood towards the Lord. Those who desire to cross over the dangerous ocean of material existence and drown in the ocean of devotional ecstasy may take shelter of Lord Nitynanda. I pray to the merciful Vaiava devotees of the Lord to fulfil the yearning of my heart: May I serve my Lord Balarma, birth after birth. Just as dvija, vipra, and brhmaa are different names for the same person, similarly Nitynanda, Ananta and Balarma are different names for the same Supreme Personality. My Lord Nitynanda Prabhu appeared within my heart and instructed me to narrate the transcendental qualities of r Caitanya Mahprabhu in this book. The pastimes of r Caitanya Mahprabhu are revealed by Nitynandas mercy only, because His personal expansion, Ananta ea, is the storehouse of information about Lord Caitanya and Lord Kas pastimes. Although r Ananta ea is the embodiment of ka-krtana, I have been able to offer only a humble prayer in His honour. 8

Hearing Lord Caitanyas qualities and pastimes can clean away all material contaminations. Such pastimes are revealed only through a pure devotees grace, for who else can know the nature and pastimes of Lord Caitanya? Even in the Vedas, the pastimes of Lord Caitanya are a hidden mystery. Therefore, I have compiled only first-hand accounts taken directly from the lips of the associates of the Lord. I see no beginning or end to Lord Caitanyas pastimes. They are eternal and unlimited, and only the Lords grace gives me the potency to compose them. I am simply Lord Caitanyas mouthpiece, repeating, as He desires, just like a doll moved by some unseen hand. I throw myself at the feet of all pure Vaiava devotees so they may cleanse me of all offences. O my brothers! Please listen very attentively to the transcendental pastimes Lord Caitanya performs with His devotee associates. The ecstatic pastimes of Lord Caitanya have been divided into three periods di, Madhya, and Antya or ea (early, intermediate, and later). The early period includes a description of the Lords education, and the intermediate portion reveals Mahprabhus pastimes of congregational chanting. The concluding portion describes the Lords pastimes as a sannys in Nilcala, Orissa. From there, He allocated to Nitynanda the mission of preaching in Bengal. The pious r Jaganntha Mira, Caitanyas father, lived in Navadvpa. Like Vasudeva, he conscientiously performed his spiritual duties. His devout and faithful wife Srmat acdev was a second Devakthe beloved mother of everyone. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Nryaa, appeared in the womb of rimat acdev, and as r Ka Caitanya, He became the most precious possession of everyones heart. The di-khaa begins by describing the appearance of Lord Caitanya on an auspicious full moon evening in the month of Phlguna just as the moon went into eclipse. The tumultuous chanting of Lord Haris Holy Name filled all directions, inspiring everyone to sing together. The Supreme Lord Caitanya was born amidst the chanting.

The di-khaa also describes the Lords numerous childhood pastimes. Lord Caitanya reveals to His parents His otherwise unmanifest place of residence, the holy dhma. Moreover, as they stare in wonder, He displays the signs of divinity upon His lotus feet. In this portion of the book, one day thieves kidnap baby Nimi from his house, but He tricks them into bringing Him back home. Another story narrates how the Lord ate all the foodstuffs offered to Viu in the house of Jagada and Hiraya on Ekdai day. Yet, another story describes the Lord sitting upon a pile of contaminated cooking pots, using the situation to instruct His mother in philosophy. In the dikhaa, the Lord also acts like a crying baby, using His tears as a ploy to make everyone chant the Holy Names of Ka. The di-khaa discusses the Lord as a child playing with His friends as if He were Ka in Gokula. The Lord begins His education and with little effort masters all the scriptures. The di-khaa narrates the disappearance of r Jaganntha Mira and Vivarpas acceptance of sannysa and how these two disasters afflicted acmt. Then, the dikhaa describes the Lords wonderful pastimes as a student; He was pride personified before the other student scholars. Caitanyas travels through Eastern Bengal are also described here; the land becomes a place of pilgrimage by the touch of His lotus feet. Caitanya becomes the master of all different scriptures; there is no one in the three worlds to challenge His erudition. The di-khaa describes the Lord sporting with His fellow students in their water pastimes in the waves of the Gag. Then come the Lords first marriage and the glorious disappearance of His first wife. He duly accepts a second wife, the daughter of a regal scholar. Once, He appears to be sick from a disorder of the life-airs and takes the opportunity to reveal the symptoms of ka-prema. While the Lord roams about as a great scholar, He empowers all the devotees who surrender to Him. This narration of the early life of r Caitanya includes a description of the immense joy upon acms face when she looks upon the moonlike, blissful face and the graceful manner and clothes of the Lord. Then, 10

Nimi Paita piques the pride of a scholar who was renowned as Digvijya, the world conqueror. Ultimately, the Lord slashes away the scholars material bonds. The Lord puts everyoneeven His devotees into illusion about His real identity, and He roams the streets of Navadvpa unknown to all. There is also a description of the Lords pilgrimage to Gay-dhma and how He showers causeless mercy upon vara Pur by accepting him as His spiritual master. T h e di-khaa is a reservoir of the Lords never-ending pleasurable pastimes. In the future, rla Vysadeva, the greatest of sages, will describe other pastimes. However, herein I reveal the early pastimes of the Lord up to the time He returns from His visit to Gay-dhma. In the Madhya-khaa, the Lords omnipotence becomes known, and gradually His devotees are identified as they collect around His lotus feet like bees around honey. Caitanya reveals His absolute identity as Lord Nryaa by sitting upon the altar of Viu in the houses of r Advaita and rvsa Paita. r Caitanya meets Nitynanda Prabhu and to gether the b r o ther s make wonderful ka-krtana. T h e n , Nitynandas vision of the transcendental six-handed form of Caitanya Mahprabhu is described. Later, the Lord exhibits His Universal Form to Advaita crya Prabhu. Nitynandas Vysa-pj has been described in Madhya-khaa along with a story of how He was slandered by some faithless atheists. Thereafter, comes the description of Lord Caitanyas manifestation as Balarma when Nitynanda gives Him His plough and club. The wonderful redemption of the two reprobates, Jagi and Mdhaiwho were later to become quite famousis told in detail. acms vision of r Caitanya in a blackish complexion and r Nitynanda in a whitish complexion is also discussed. In the Madhya-khaa, Lord Caitanya shows His unlimitedly opulent mah-praka form for twenty-one hours. On this occasion, He reveals the transcendental truth about Himself and the internal identities of all His devotees. Thereafter, Lord Caitanya, who is Nryaa, the Lord of
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Vaikuha, and the Supreme Absolute Reality, dances and chants as He narrates the truth about Himself. Further, in Madhya-khaa, the Lord breaks the Chand Kazis pride, and manifesting His own spiritual potency, He engages in continuous congregational chanting. By the Lords grace, the Chand Kazi accepts devotional service. Immersed in ecstatic bliss, r Caitanya thereafter moves from village to village performing krtana. The Lord declares the truth about Himself as He exhibits His Varharpaa four-armed formwhile riding around the courtyard upon the back of His devotee, Murri Gupta. The Lord also eats some rice that uklmbara had collected by begging, and performs many wonderful pastimes in His manifestation of Lord Nryaa. In the Madhya-khaa, r Caitanya Mahprabhu appears before the devotees in the guise of Mahlakm and Rukmii dev, the Universal Mother, and breast-feeds all the devotees who are Her dependent sons. The Lord chastises Mukunda for keeping bad company and later, when He is satisfied with Mukundas obedience, He favours him with divine grace. Then, there is a narration describing the ecstatic all-night krtanas in Navadvpa, which are held regularly for a complete year. Madhya-khaa describes the mock verbal fights between Nitynanda Prabhu and r Advaita crya. Only a foolish person thinks that these are actual disagreements. Then, the Lord instructs His mother and simultaneously warns the whole world about the grievous consequences of offending the Vaiava devotees. Satisfied by the prayers of His devotees, the Lord gives individual benedictions to each of them. rila Haridsa hkura receives Mahprabhus mercy and the Lord shows compassion towards Srdhara by drinking water from his pot. In the Madhya-khaa, r Caitanya blissfully performs daily pastimes in the waters of the Gag with all his devotees. Once, He and Nitynanda Prabhu visit the house of Advaita crya for a particular reason. Here in the Madhya-khaa, there is a description of the Lords severe
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chastisement of Advaita crya, but finally, the Lord shows immeasurable grace on Advaita. Then the Madhya-khaa describes how the extremely fortunate r Murri Gupta becomes enlightened about the identities of Lord Caitanya as Ka and Nitynanda as Balarma. The two Supreme Personalities dance in ecstasy in the house of rvsa. In the Madhya-khaa, the Lord explains the entire philosophical truth about human life, using rvsas expired son as the speaker. In this way, He alleviates everyones suffering. News of this incident spreads far and wide, and by the Lords grace, rvsa overcomes the shock of his sons death. In another story narrated in Madhya-khaa, the Lord throws Himself into the Gag, and Nitynanda Prabhu and rla Haridsa hkura lift Him out. Then, rimat Nrya receives a treasure desired even by Brahm and the demigodsshe receives the remnants of the Lords foodstuffs. The final story in the Madhya-khaa is the pastime of the Lord leaving home and accepting the renounced order of life for the salvation of every living entity. There are uncountable pastimes of the Lord in the Madhya-khaa; rila Vysadeva will describe later whatever remains untouched. As the ea-khaa opens, Vivambhara is in the sannysa order of life, and He has accepted the name r Ka Caitanya. He has shaven his head clean, thereby plunging Advaita crya Prabhu into deep despondency. acms suffering is unbearable; yet, she is sustained by the Lords mercy. Nitynanda, the manifestation of Balarma, smashes Caitanyas sannysa daa, and thereafter the Lord conceals His real identity and goes to Nlcala Pur. Caitanya playfully dupes Srvabhauma Bhacrya when they first meet, but later He exhibits His six-handed form to him. The Lord mercifully graces King Pratparudra with devotional service and lives thereafter in the house of Ki Mira. During Caitanyas stay in Pur, 13

both Svarpa Dmodara and Paramnanda Pur become eligible to serve the Lord in the most confidential relationships. ea-khaa also describes Caitanyas trip through Bengal, upon His way to Mathur and Vndvana. He stays in Vidy Vcaspatis residence before moving on to the village of Kuliy in Bengal. Millions of people gather to see the Lord upon His return to Bengal, and all who see Him are liberated. Caitanya attempts to continue upon His trip to Mathur, but after a short distance, He turns back to Bengal. Soon, the Lord returns to Nlcala and engages there in continuous krtana with His associates. He sends Nitynanda to preach in Bengal, while He remains in Nlcala with a handful of devotees. In the eakhaa, the Lord and all His devotees dance ecstatically before Lord Jagannthas chariot. Lord Caitanyas travels to Rmevaram in South India and His journey to Mathur through the Jhrakhaa Forest are also described in the ea-khaa. Later, the Lord showers His grace upon Rya Rmnanda and reveals other divine pastimes, which He had performed in His previous appearance in Mathur. In the ea-khaa, the magnanimous Caitanya Mahprabhu also graces the two brothers, Dabir Khsa and Skara Mallika, by revealing His supreme identity to them. He liberates and renames them boththey become the famous Rpa Gosvm and Santana Gosvm. I n ea-khaa, the Lords travels to Vras are described. The sannyss of Vras could not recognize the Supreme Lord because they were too critical of the Vaiavas. Caitanya Mahprabhu thereafter returns to Nlcala and becomes engrossed in congregational harikrtana throughout the day and night. r Nitynanda travels throughout India as a wandering mendicant. His pilgrimages are described in ea-khaa. Who can understand Nitynandas unfathomable transcendental character? He roams about Mathur with ankle bells upon His feet. On r Caitanyas request, He goes to Pnihi and distributes devotional servicelove of Kato 14

everyone. Through His causeless mercy, He saves Nahamalla Rya and other merchants of that locality. In the ea-khaa, Caitanya Mahprabhus remaining eighteen years in Nlcala is described. In this book, although numerous pastimes are related about r Caitanya Mahprabhu, rila Vedavysa will later tell them all in detail. Nitynanda finds endless joy in glorifying Lord Caitanya, and He is an unmatched expert in that art. O Lord Caitanya, please bless me, so I may receive the transcendental service of Nitynandas lotus feet. He is the Lord of the entire universe. At the very outset, I have narrated in brief the contents of this book. All of you please hear with undivided attention the pastimes of r Ka Caitanya that follow in the later chapters. Lord Caitanya and Lord Nitynanda are my life and soul. I, Vndvana dsa, offer my humble song at Their lotus feet.
2. The Appearance of r Ka Caitanya Mahprabhu
All glories, all glories to the beatific Caitanya Mahprabhu who is r Jaganntha Miras son and the Supreme Lord of all! All glories to Lord Caitanya, the life and soul of r Nitynanda Prabhu and r Gaddhara Paita! All glories, all glories to the shelter of r Advaita crya and the unlimited devotees! All glories to Lord r Gaurga and His associates! One receives loving devotion to the Supreme Lord simply by hearing transcendental topics about Lord Caitanya. Repeatedly, I offer my obeisances at the Lords lotus feet and at the lotus feet of all His associates praying that the pastimes of the Lord may appear upon my tongue. All glories, all glories
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to Lord Caitanya, the ocean of compassion; and all glories, all glories to Lord Nitynanda, the embodiment of loving devotional service! The spiritual truth of the brothers, Lord Caitanya and Lord Nitynanda as both the Supreme and as servitors of the Supremeis incomprehensible; yet, by Their causeless mercy, Their absolute identities are revealed. Lord Brahm was enlightened about the Absolute Truth by Lord Kas mercy. rmad Bhgavatam and all Vedic scriptures describe this. The rmad Bhgavatam states: May the Lord, Who in the beginning of creation amplified the potent knowledge of Brahm from within his heart and thus inspired him with the full knowledge of creation and of his own Supreme Self, and who appeared to be generated from the mouth of Brahm, be pleased with me. In the beginning, Lord Brahm did not have the power to see anything although he had been born upon a lotus from the Lords navel. However, when he completely surrendered himself to the Supreme Lord, the Lord, by His causeless mercy, appeared before him. This mercy enlightened Lord Brahm with absolute knowledge of the Supreme Lord, the origin of all incarnations. Thereafter, spontaneous pure glorification of the Lord sprang from Brahms mouth. Without Lord Kas causeless mercy, it is impossible to know the truth about His incarnations. His supra-mundane pastimes are inconceivable and inaccessible. Lord Brahm has described in the Bhgavata Pura 10.14.21: O Lord of the Universe, O Supreme Person, O Supreme soul, O Lord of the mystics, how marvellous you are! Who within the three worlds can know when, where, why, and how you expand your internal spiritual potency, Yogamy, and perform your transcendental pastimes? Who can fathom the reason for the descent of r Ka to this world? Therefore, I can only submit the conclusions of Bhagavad-gt and Bhgavata Pura as reasons for His appearance. In the Bhagavad-gt 4.7-8: Whenever and wherever there is a decline in religious practice, O descendent of Bharata, and a predominant rise of 16

irreligion, at that time I descend myself. In order to deliver the pious and annihilate the miscreants, as well as to re-establish the principles of religion, I advent Myself yuga after yuga. Whenever religious practice becomes weak, irreligion gradually increases. Therefore, Lord Brahm and the demigods humbly request the Lord to appear, protect the pious, and destroy the demons. In order to reestablish the religious process of the particular age, the Supreme Lord descends upon the earth with His eternal associates. The religion for the present Kali-yuga is the congregational chanting of the Lords Holy Name and in order to propagate this religious process, Lord Caitanya has appeared as the son of acm. It is confirmed in the rmad Bhgavatam that the Supreme Absolute Truth, r Caitanya Mahprabhu, incarnates solely to propagate the congregational chanting of Kas Holy Name. In the rmad Bhgavatam 11.5.31-32: O King Nimi, devotees always offer prayers to the Supreme Lord Hari, but now I will explain how the devotees in the Kali-yuga offer the choicest prayers accompanied by various rituals and regulations for the satisfaction of the Supreme Lord. In this age of Kali, people who are endowed with sufficient intelligence will worship the Lord, Who is accompanied by His associates, servants, weapons and confidential associates, by the performance of sakrtanayaja. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Caitanya, is propagating the essence of all religion for the Age of Kalithe congregational chanting of Lord Haris Holy Name. Accompanied by His associates, the Lord has appeared in Kali-yuga simply to establish the religious practice of congregational chanting. According to the Lords desire, His eternal associates appeared before Him, taking birth in human society. Ananta ea, iva, Brahm, the sages and other associates of the Lord, all took birth as highly elevated, pure Vaiave devotees, known as Bhgavatas. Lord Caitanya, Ka,
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knew everyones position and identity. Most of them took birth in Navadvpa, yet some were born in Caagrma, Rhadea or rhaa, and still others in Orissa. All these associates appeared in different places, but everyone met in Navadvpa by the arrangement of the Lord. rvsa Paita, rrma Paita and r Candraekhara are personalities worshiped in all three worlds. r Murri Gupta can cure the disease of material entanglement. Vaiavas of this calibre appeared in rhaa. Puarka Vidynidhi (the foremost Vaiava devotee), Caitanya Vallabha, (who was very dear to Lord Caitanya) and Vsudeva Datta all appeared in Caagrma. Haridsa hkura appeared in Buhana. The village Ekacakra is in the Rhadea district of Bengal. The Supreme Lord Nitynanda made His appearance there. Lord Nitynanda is factually the Supreme Father of all living entities, but to show mercy upon Hi Paita, a Brahmin and pure devotee, He took birth as His son. Lord Nitynanda is an ocean of mercy, the shelter of all Vaiava devotees and the giver of devotion. He appeared in the district of Rhadea. Expressing their happiness at the appearance of Lord Nitynanda, the demigods made joyous sounds and showered flowers. All this was performed unseen by ordinary mundane eyes. From the time of Nitynandas appearance, the Rhadea district grew increasingly prosperous, day by day. r Paramnanda Pur, who was Lord Caitanyas close associate in Nlcala, appeared in Trihut, in Mithil, Bihar. When the lands on the banks of Mother Gag are all places of pilgrimage, why did the Vaiava devotees appear in impious lands? Caitanya Himself descended on the banks of Mother Gag, so why did His eternal associates appear in far away places? In their travels, the Pavas avoided countries devoid of the sound of the Holy Name of the Lord and the waters of Mother Gag. Lord Ka Caitanya, being compassionate on the unfortunate souls born in those lands, arranged for the pure Vaiava devotees to appear
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there. His own appearance was required to redeem the material world. In order to accomplish this, He arranged for His pure devotees to take birth in impious lands and in impious families. Wherever and in whichever family the pure Vaiava devotee appears, he is able to purify everyone there by his pure spiritual potency. The birthplace of a pure Vaiava becomes a place of pilgrimage. Therefore, the Supreme Lord Caitanya arranged that His associates take birth in many different places. Although they were all born in different places, they met, as if by accident, in Navadvpa. Lord Caitanyas birthplace was Navadvpa; hence, Navadvpa was the meeting place of all the devotees. The glories of Navadvpa cannot be compared to any other place in the world. Knowing of Lord Caitanyas descent in Navadvpa, Providence made it a prosperous and flourishing town to receive the Lord. Who is capable of describing Navadvpas opulence? Hundreds of thousands crowded to bathe on the banks of the Gag. By Goddess Sarasvats grace, the residents of Navadvpa of all different ages were learned exponents of the scriptures. The people were proud of their material knowledge; even young boys argued logic with senior scholars. Students came from different parts of the country to study in Navadvpa, because in Navadvpa, they could get a high training and taste in scholastics. The number of students in Navadvpa was incalculable, and the exact count of teachers was undetermined. The residents were content, blessed by the favourable glances of Ram, Lakm, the Goddess of Fortune, but they wasted their time spending money for sense pleasures and other worldly affairs. As they had grown prouder and more materialistic, the peoples taste for devotional service to the Supreme Lord had decreased alarmingly, and the beginning of Kali-yuga had ushered in immoral activities. The only religious or devotional activities they knew were invocations to the demigods and demigoddessesespecially Durg devand prayers for temporary material benedictions.
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Some arrogantly worshiped Manas, the Goddess of snakes; others wasted huge amounts of wealth worshiping dolls. They squandered large sums on the marriages of their sons and daughters, and in this way, they wasted their human life. Even the supposedly knowledgeable high prieststhe Bhacryas, Cakravarts and Mirasdid not know the purpose of the scriptures. Though they taught the scriptures, their activities were contrary to scriptural injunction, so along with their students they drowned in the deluge of iniquity. Nobody was engaged in explaining the imports of congregational chanting of Lord Kas Holy Namethe religion of Kali-yuga. They spent their time simply finding faults in others. As for the superstitious so-called renunciates and hermits, not a single name of Ka ever escaped their mouths. Those considered most pious in society were heard repeating the Lords name Govinda or Puarkka only once at the time of daily ablution. Devotional perspectives were invariably absent in the explanation of transcendental literatures like Bhagavat-gt and rmad Bhgavatam. The Vaiava devotees of the Lord became distressed upon seeing the general population engrossed in material existence under the external energy of the Lord. They compassionately thought: How can all these living entities be liberated? They are completely mesmerized by the myth of sense pleasures. Although the people were requested to chant Kas Holy Name by the devotees, they refused and instead they foolishly busied themselves acquiring fruitless material knowledge. The elevated Vaiava devotees continued their devotional activities by worshiping Ka, taking bath in the Gag and discussing Ka conscious topics. The Vaiavas became moved to benedict humanity, and prayed that Lord Ka would quickly shower His mercy upon them. Foremost of the great Vaiavas in Navadvpa was Advaita crya who is glorified throughout the world. This pre-eminent spiritual preceptor was the glorious exponent of the absolute science of devotion and renunciation; His delineation of Ka conscious topics equalled that of
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Lord iva. His explanations on all existing scriptures arrived at the same conclusionthe essence of everything is devotion to Lord Kas lotus feet. Advaita constantly worshiped Lord Ka with great devotion, offering Him tulas majars, blossoms, and Gag water. His intense attachment for Lord Ka made him call out and resound loudly in exaltation. This ecstatic sound penetrated the coverings of the material world, passed by the abode of Lord Brahm and entered into Vaikuha. Captured by the booming, ecstatic sound of Advaita cryas love, Lord Ka personally appeared, for He is controlled by the love of His devotee. Advaita crya Prabhu was the leader of Vaiavas. His devotional service was the most glorious in Lord Brahms planetary system. In this way, Advaita crya spent His days absorbed in devotional service in Navadvpa. However, he suffered acute pain at the sight of persons bereft of devotional service. The people were all mad after mundane sense pleasures; no one was keen to worship or serve Lord Ka. Some worshiped Vasti, a female deity identified with Cai, with many gifts, while others worshiped the Yakas with flesh and wine. They drowned in the endless tumult of singing, dancing and music, their ears deaf to the nectarine call of the auspicious names of Lord Ka. The demigods are not satisfied with worship from humankind that is ultimately not meant for the pleasure of Lord Ka. Advaita crya in particular was extremely unhappy about such worship. Advaita crya Prabhu had a very compassionate nature; he was always thinking of how to liberate the conditioned souls. He would say, If my Lord descends then He can liberate everyone. I am known as Advaita Siha, Advaita the Lion. However, this name will only be justified if I can convince the beloved Lord of Vaikuha to appear in this world! I will cause the Lord of Vaikuha to descend in person, and thus all shall sing and dance in transcendental joy. In this way, all the conditioned souls shall be liberated! Considering matters in this way, Advaita constantly worshiped the lotus feet of r Ka with undeviating resolve. Lord Caitanya made his 21

appearance because of Advaita crya Prabhus sincere pleathe Lord Himself often repeated this fact. rvsa Paita and his three brothers were residents of Navadvpa. They always chanted Lord Kas name, bathed in the Gag and worshiped Ka thrice a day. Later, Lord Caitanya performed many pastimes in rvsas house. On the instruction of Lord Caitanya, many of His eternal associates like r Candraekhara, r Jagada, r Gopntha, rmn, r Murri, r Garua and r Gagdsa appeared before Himself. In connection with these various incidents, I mention only those personalities known personally to me. Otherwise, to mention every individual would make this book bulky. Each one of these magnanimous devotees executed his spiritual duties and was concerned only with devotional service to Ka. They were unaware of one anothers inner spiritual identity, yet they mixed intimately as confidential friends. Wherever they looked, they saw a world devoid of devotion and their hearts were seared with sorrow. They found no one with any taste for the nectar of Lord Kas pastimes, so they simply glorified the Lord amongst themselves. Often, they spent many hours together in r Advaita cryas residence discussing topics of Lord Ka, and in this manner, they dispelled all discontent. The devotees saw the world burning in the flames of material existence, and yet, they found no opportunity to inspire the people to an awareness of Ka. This caused them great sorrow. r Advaita crya had gathered together the community of Vaiavas and had attempted to make the people conscious of Ka, but not a soul could understand. Stricken with grief at the suffering of the people, r Advaita crya began fastingall the Vaiavas sighed deeply at the situation. Why sing and dance for Ka? What is a Vaiava? What is the benefit of congregational chanting of the Lords Holy Name? Gross materialistic
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people running after wealth and family do not comprehend any of these things. Indeed, such atheists only taunt and laugh at the Vaiavas. As every evening descended, rvsa hkura and His three brothers would vociferously sing the Lords name in their house. The atheistic neighbours vilified rvsa hkura, pronouncing him mad. They declared that the entire village would be destroyed because of him. They said that the tyrannical Muslim rulers would tear the village apart, if they heard people loudly chanting Kas name. Some envious neighbours said they would break down rvsa hkuras house and float it down the Gag in order to get rid of him. When rvsa hkura leaves, only then will the village be peaceful again. Otherwise, the Muslim rulers will torture us. When the saintly Vaiavas heard such threats from the atheists they simply wept, telling their sorrows to Lord Ka. r Advaita crya burned with rage upon hearing this news, and unconcerned with his state of dress, he addressed the Vaiavas, Listen rvsa hkura, r Gagdsa and uklmbara, I shall make Lord Ka appear before everyones eyes. Lord Ka will come personally and liberate everyone. In the company of you, the Vaiavas, the Lord will teach the atheists ka-prema. If I fail to keep my promise, I shall manifest my four-handed form and take up my disc. I shall sever the heads of all the atheists. Only then will it be confirmed that Lord Ka is my Lord and master and that I am His servitor. r Advaita crya spoke extensively, and then resolving within Himself, He constantly worshiped the lotus feet of Lord Ka, determined to evoke the Lords appearance. The collective devotees also worshiped Lord Kas lotus feet with great attention and continuous tears. As the devotees went about their duties in Navadvpa town, nowhere did they find any discussion about Ka or His devotional service. Thus shocked, the devotees became griefstricken; some contemplated leaving their bodies, while others sobbed Kas name, letting out deep long sighs. So severe was the devotees
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pain at the sight of the futile endeavours of a godless society, that they lost all appetite. Finally, they renounced any material comfort, whereupon the Supreme Lord made His preparations to descend to the material world. By the Supreme Lords desire, Lord Nitynanda, the origin of Lord Ananta ea, descended before Him in the land called Rhadea. Lord Nitynanda made his appearance in the womb of rmati Padmvat dev on the auspicious thirteenth day of the waxing moon in a village called Ekacakra. Although He is the original Supreme Father of everyone, Nitynanda allowed r Hi Paita, a pure and elevated brhmaa, to play the role of his father. The Supreme Lord r Balarma is an ocean of mercy and is the giver of pure devotional service to Ka; He has again appeared, this time with the name Nitynanda. The denizens of heavenly planets secretly celebrated this occasion, showering flower confetti with tumultuous sounds of joy and praise. Lord Nitynandas appearance in the land of Rhadea gradually increased that districts good fortune in every respect. The Supreme Personality, who appeared to liberate the fallen souls, soon took the dress of a mendicant and travelled everywhere. In this manner, Lord Ananta made his advent. Now hear descriptions of Lord Kas advent. r Jaganntha Mira, the great transcendental personality, resided in Navadvpa. He was like Vasudeva, Lord Kas father, always engaged in spiritual activities. He was magnanimous and possessed the zenith of all the brahminical qualities; his qualities had no comparison in this world. r Jaganntha Mira was of the same spiritual category as Kayapa, Daaratha, Vasudeva, or Nanda. His dedicated wife rmati acdev was the embodiment of devotion to the Supreme Lord. She was the Universal Mother. All her eight daughters soon passed away and she was left with one greatly fortunate son, Vivarpa. r Vivarpa was as beautiful and charming as Cupid 24

and the source of unlimited joy for his parents. From birth, r Vivarpa was materially renounced, and as a child, he swiftly mastered all the different scriptures. However, the general society was becoming bereft of devotional service to the Lord and the godlessness then visible in Navadvpa at the beginning of Kali-yuga was indicative of what the future had in store. Yet, the Supreme Lord descends when religious principles decline and He feels that His devotees are suffering. Thus, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, r Caitanya Mahprabhu, entered into the bodies of rmati acdev and r Jaganntha Mira. Lord Ananta sang hymns praising the Lord; r Jaganntha Mira and acdev heard the glorification as if in a dream. Both husband and wife shone brightly with a spiritual radiance, which ordinary eyes could not perceive. Lord iva, Lord Brahm and the other demigods, understanding that the Supreme Lord was now appearing upon the earth, came and offered prayers. These mystical pastimes of the Lord are all recorded in the great Vedic scriptures. The following eulogies of Lord Brahm and the other demigods are most confidential knowledge, and hearing them will result in deep attachment for Ka. All glories! All glories to the Supreme Lord Caitanya, the maintainer of all! You are appearing to inaugurate the congregational chanting of the Holy Name. All glories! All glories to Lord Caitanya, the protector of Vedic religion, saintly devotees and pious brhmaas! You are the destroyer of the non-devotees and Death Personified for the atheists. All glories! All glories to Lord Caitanya! Your transcendental form is absolute, eternal and full of bliss; You are the Supreme Lord of lords, whose desires cannot be obstructed.
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You are unmanifest in millions and millions of universes, yet you now manifest Yourself in the womb of rmati acdev. Who can understand the activities of Your sweet independent will? Creation, maintenance and annihilation of the universes are just aspects of Your wonderful pastimes. Your mightignited only by Your desirecan destroy the entire cosmic manifestation. With mere words, You may kill demons like Rvaa and Kasa. Yet, in spite of this potency, You appeared in the houses of King Daaratha and r Vasudeva to kill personally those demons. Who can unravel the mystery behind Your activities? Only you know Your own sweet will. Simply by Your desire, any one of Your servitors can liberate all the innumerable universes. Yet, You personally descend to teach religious principles to the people of the world and thus benedict them. In Satya-yuga, You appeared with a whitish complexion to teach the path of austerity and meditation by performing such austerity Yourself. To establish religious principles, You took the role of a celibate Brahmin with matted hair, carrying an antelope skin, mendicants staff and water pot. In Tret-yuga, You appeared in a beautiful reddish complexion to teach the religious practice of fire-sacrifice. With sruk and sruva in hand for the pouring of sacrificial ghee, You personally demonstrated and conducted the sacrificial rituals. In Dvpara-yuga, You came with the transcendentally beautiful dark complexion of a monsoon cloud and established Deity worship in every house.
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Wearing a yellow cloth and decorated with the rvatsa sign, which is exclusively Yours, You taught opulent Deity worship. In Kali-yuga, You now appear as a learned brhmaa with a golden yellow complexion to disseminate the most confidential religious practice of congregational chanting of the Lords Holy Name. You accept unlimited incarnations. Who has the power to count them? In Your incarnation as the transcendental fish, Matsya, You appeared in the waters of annihilation. As Krma, the tortoise, You were the support of all living beings by supporting the Mandara Mountain. As Hayagrva, You preserved the Vedas and killed the two demons, Madhu and Kaiabha. As Varha, the boar incarnation, You rescued the earth; and as Lord Nsihadeva You pierced and killed the demon Hirayakaipu. As the dwarf incarnation, Lord Vmana, You outwitted the demon King Bali. As Paraurma, you rid the world of katriyasthe fighting class. As Lord Rmacandra, You destroyed the demon, Rvaa. As Lord Balarma, who holds the plough, you have expanded unlimitedly. As Lord Buddha, you preached the religion of compassion and nonviolence. As Lord Kalki, You will destroy the degraded mlecchasthose who do not follow the Vedic injunctions. As Lord Dhanvantari, You distributed the nectar of immortality, amta; and as Lord Hasa, the swan incarnation, You spoke the knowledge of the Absolute to Lord Brahm and others. As Nrada Muni, You held the v and sang sweetly; and as rla Vysadeva, You explained the Truth about Yourself. Lord Ka is above all these incarnations and their beautiful eternal pastimes; He eternally resides in Gokula with many variegated pleasurepastimes. 27

In this incarnation, you appear as a pure unalloyed devotee; You disseminate the knowledge devotional service and chant the Holy Name. The nectar of congregational chanting of the Holy Name will drown the entire universe in waves of bliss and every house will know the process of love of Ka. Are we able to describe the universal ecstasy that will be aroused when you will dance with all your devotees and servitors? Just by their constant remembrance of Your lotus feet, Your pure devotees free this world of all ills and inauspiciousness. The touch of their feet dispels the dark omens of the world, and a mere glance from them purifies all directions. O Lord Caitanya, so glorious are Your servitors that when they dance wonderfully with their arms upraised, they remove all disturbances in the heavenly planets. O King, when Lord Kas devotees dance, accompanying the chanting of the Lords name, the touch of their feet upon the earth purifies the whole world, their glance purifies all directions, and their upraised arms purify the higher planetary systems. Hari-bhaktisudhodaya 20.68. O Lord Caitanya, You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead, now appearing to perform congregational chanting and distribute kaprema in the association Your devotees. O Lord, who possesses the words to describe your wonderful potency to freely bestow the most confidential and hidden knowledge of the Vedas? O Lord, we ardently desire and pray for that sublime ka-prema that you keep as a great mystery, offering liberation instead to spiritual aspirants.
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You are the spiritual master of the entire creation and You distribute priceless spiritual wealth because of Your magnanimity. The chanting of your Holy Name is the fulfilment of all religious rituals and sacrifices and now You are personally appearing in Navadvpa to teach this practice. O Lord, be kind upon us, so that we may be fortunate enough to see your wonderful activities in Navadvpa. O Lord, You will fulfil the innermost, long-cherished desire of r Gag dev by sporting in her waters. Your exquisite transcendental form, which mystics and yogis envision in their meditations, is now becoming manifest before all in Navadvpa. I offer obeisances to the holy Navadvpa-dhma and the house of r Jaganntha Mira and rmati acdev where You are making Your divine appearance. In this manner, Lord Brahm and other demigods remained unseen while daily offering the choicest prayers to the Supreme Lord. The Supreme Proprietor of the entire creation remained in the womb of rmati acdev, and on the full moon night in the month of Phlguna He appeared. That full moon night was the summum bonum of all the auspicious holy occasions of the entire cosmic manifestation combined. The Supreme Personality descended, accompanied by the process of congregational chanting of the Holy Name. He would propagate this sublime process by practicing it Himself. Who is able to know the wonderful pastimes of the Supreme Lord? He arranged a lunar eclipse at the time of His birth. Upon seeing the lunar eclipse, the residents of Navadvpa began to loudly chant the Lords Holy Name and make other auspicious sounds.
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Endless teeming millions congregated on the banks of the Ganges for holy ablutions and rent the air with loud chanting of the Lords name. The tumultuous sound of their chanting penetrated the coverings of this material universe and travelled beyond Brahmloka. All the saintly persons marvelled at this wonderful chanting and prayed for a perennial eclipse. All the devotees experienced deep exhilaration and exclaimed, Such great joy! Maybe the Supreme Lord, Ka, is making His appearance. The devotees went to the Ganges for their ablutions surrounded by the roar of chanting from all directions. Women, children, aged, pious, and impiouseveryone loudly chanted Lord Haris Holy Name during the lunar eclipse. The only sound within the universe was the all-prevailing chanting of, Hari! Hari! Hari! Hari! The demigods showered flower confetti everywhere and proclaimed victory as they beat clamorously upon their dundubhi drums. Amidst the resounding adulations, the Lord and the very soul of the universe appeared as the son of rmati acdev. Rhu eclipsed the moon; the ocean of the Holy Name inundated Navadvpa, drowning and subduing the darkness of Kali-yuga. The Supreme Lord was manifest! All the fourteen worlds resounded with the profound news. The moonlike Lord Caitanya, Gaurga, had arisen. The residents of Nadia would be freed from all sorrows just by seeing the Lord and their happiness and prosperity would increase day by day. The roll of the dundubhi drums, the trumpeting of thousands of conch shells, the shrill of flutes and horns, accompanied Vndvana dsas
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songs of praise to their Lordships, r Caitanya and r Nitynanda Prabhu: His beautifully brilliant lustre overshadowed the suns shining rays and dazzled my eyes. His drawn out, blossoming, softly drooping, lotus eyes defied description. The air was surcharged with joy; Lord Caitanya had descended to the material world! One roaring sound of Lord Haris name reverberated throughout the universe, beyond Brahmloka carrying the tidings of Lord Caitanyas birth. His exquisite complexion was the colour of sandalwood paste. His expansive breast was decorated with a gently swaying wildflower garland and His radiant, moon-like face was pleasing, cooling and comforting. His elongated arms reached down to His knees. Sounds of victory and praise permeated all directions and the earth felt especially blessed at the advent of Lord Caitanya. Some sang in great joy while others danced in ecstasy. However, for Kali it was a calamity in the midst of spiritual revelry. The crown jewels of all Vedic conclusions are the Supreme Lords, Caitanya and Nitynanda Prabhus. Their causeless mercy discriminates not upon the ignorant and derelict. I, Vndvana dsa, offer this song to them.
The Golden Moon, Lord Caitanya, had arisen as sounds of great joy filled the air. His beauty humbled a million cupids, and at His own dancing and singing, He smiled. His lovely face and charming eyes added to the marks of divinity upon His transcendental person; His feet were marked with the auspicious signs of the flag and lightning. His entire exquisite form was decorated to enchant the minds of everyone.
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Fear and despondency were dissipated and the world was showered with immense good fortune. I, Vndvana dsa, offer this song to my very life and soul, Lord Caitanya and Lord Nitynanda.
The demigods became overjoyed and sang in praise of Lord Caitanyas appearance. A mere glance at the Lords beatific, moon-like face was enough to extirpate all miseries. This was a glorious and happy occasion. Lord Ananta ea, Lord Brahm, Lord iva and other demigods all took up their new forms and, using the lunar eclipse as an excuse, continuously sang Lord Haris name. I cannot fully describe their exultation. Milling crowds poured into Nadia with shouts of Hari! Hari! Navadvpa was in the grips of unbounded bliss. The Supreme Lord, demigods and human beings had all come together to frolic with one another. The demigods came to rmati acdevs house in the darkness of the eclipse and, unseen by humankind, fell to the ground and offered obeisances to Lord Caitanya. Who can describe these abstruse pastimes of the Lord? Some demigods broke out in glorification, some held an umbrella above the Lord, some fanned Him with cmaras, while others showered flowers in ecstasy, and still others sang and danced exuberantly. The Supreme Lord, r Caitanya, has appeared with all His pure devotees and the atheists can never understand. I, Vndvana dsa sing the nectarine glories of Lord Caitanya and Lord Nitynanda.
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The rumble of dundubhi drums, hymns, prayers and sweet music mingled and resounded in the air. Today, immediately, we can meet that Supreme Personality who is a mystery even in the Vedas. The demigods in Indra-pur were tumultuously happy; busily decorating themselves, they felt extremely fortunate that they could receive Lord Caitanyas blessed association in Navadvpa. They embraced and kissed each other without shame in exultation that the Lord of Navadvpa, Lord Caitanya, had taken his birth. There was no distinction of friend or foe. In great curiosity, the demigods came to Navadvpa amidst loud chanting of Kas name. Infected by the transcendental mellows of Lord Caitanya, they became almost unconscious in ecstasy and joined in singing the glories of Lord Caitanya. They saw the beautiful form of Lord Caitanya. He was more exquisite than a thousand rising full moons. He had accepted the human form and was making everyone loudly chant the Lords Holy Name, taking the eclipse as an excuse. The Supreme Lord had descended with all his energies and expansions; this is incomprehensible to the atheists. Let me, Vndvana dsa, sing in adulation about my life and soul, Lord r Caitanya and r Nitynanda Prabhu.
3. The Horoscope of r Ka Caitanya Mahprabhu
Even before He took his birth, the Lord propagated the chanting of his Holy Name. Streams of people went for their bath in the Gag at the time of the eclipse and all along the way, they chanted the Lords name. 33

Some, who from their birth never once uttered the Lords name, now chanted that name on their way to the Gag. The sound of chanting emanated from every direction and the Supreme Lord, the best of the Brahmins, smiled to Himself as He made His appearance. r Jaganntha Mira and rimat acdev glanced at their childs beautiful face and were overcome with unbounded joy. Overwhelmed, the ladies stood around the child not knowing what to do. Excitedly, they ululated in jubilation. Relatives and friends hurried to see the newborn child; r Jaganntha Miras house was a scene of great exultation. rmati acdevs father, r Nilambara Cakravart, found esoteric and wonderful signs in every house of the childs astrological chart. r Cakravart was astounded by the babys beauty and saw all divine symbols upon His person. He said, A much accepted prophesy in Bengal is that someday a king will be born in Bengal as a Brahmins son. Only the future will prove whether this is the actual child. In the presence of all, r Nilambara Cakravart, an expert astrologer, began explaining the ramifications of the different astrological signs in the Lords chart. The further he delved into the childs exalted chart, the more difficulty he found in describing the Lords glorious position. Actually, the qualities of this child displayed in His horoscope are beyond those of a kingin fact, they appear to be beyond description. The child will conquer the learning of Bhaspati, the guru of the demigods, and be the greatest scholar; He will be a natural repository of all divine qualities. Present in that gathering was a great saint in the guise of a brhmaa who made predictions on the Lords future. 34

The brhmaa said, This child is the Supreme Lord Nryaa Himself. He will establish the essence of all religion. He will initiate a wonderful preaching movement and deliver the whole world. He will bestow upon everyone that gift which is forever desirable even by Lord Brahm, Lord iva and rila ukadeva Gosvm. Upon seeing Him people will feel compassion for all living entities and become callous towards material joys and pains. This will be the greatest benediction for the whole world. Not to mention ordinary men, even hard-core atheists will worship the lotus feet of this the child. He will be glorified throughout the entire creation and people from all orders of life will come to worship Him. He is the personification of pure Bhgavata religion, santana-dharma, the eternal occupation of all souls in relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, r r Rdh-Ka; the benefactor of the brhmaas, cows and devotees; and the affectionate, devoted son of His parents. This child has come to accomplish great works, just as the Supreme Lord Nryaa incarnated to re-establish religious principles Who can explain the imports of this childs exalted astrological and esoteric symptoms? How fortunate you are, r Jaganntha Mira, a leader amongst men. I offer my obeisances to you, the illustrious father of this child. I feel greatly fortunate that I could calculate his astrological chart. His name accordingly will be r Vivambhara. He will be known to all as Navadvpa-candra, the moon of Navadvpa. He is spiritual bliss personified.
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The Brahmin did not speak further about Lord Caitanyas pastime of accepting the renounced order, sannysa, since that would have disturbed the loving emotion of His parents. r Jaganntha Mira was enthralled with ecstasy over the descriptions of his son. He immediately wanted to offer gifts to the Brahmin. He was a poor man with few possessions, yet feeling great jubilation r Mira fell at the Brahmins feet and cried. T h e brhmaa also caught r Miras feet, and everyone present shouted Hari, Hari in great joy. The relatives and friends were all praise for the child, and they blessed Him as they heard the supernatural predictions about His future. Soon the musicians arrived playing their respective instrumentsclay drums, flutes and shenaiand filled the air with wonderful music. Ladies from the higher planets mingled freely yet unnoticed with the ladies from earth in this wonderful gathering. The mother of the demigods, Aditi, smiled and placed her right hand, which held auspicious grass and paddy, upon the childs head to bless him saying, Live long! Please remain eternally in this material world and always manifest Your pastimes. r Aditi thus explained the expression, Live long. rmati acdev and the other members of the joyous assembly noticed the extraordinary beauty of these ladies, but they hesitated to inquire about their identities. The demigods respectfully took the dust from acdevs feet; she could not speak through extreme exultation. Neither the Vedas, nor Lord Ananta ea, could describe the waves of jubilation that drowned r Jaganntha Miras house. The entire population of Nadia seemed to be present at acdevs house to experience that indescribable joy. 36

Wherever the people werein their houses, on the banks of the Gag, on the streetsthey all loudly chanted the Lords name. Everyone jubilantly celebrated the Lords birth; unknowingly thinking that the festivity was actually for the lunar eclipse. Lord Caitanya appeared on the full moon night of the month of Phlguna; this day is the most worshipable by Lord Brahm and all other great personalities. This day of the Lords appearance is the holiest of holy occasions; this day is devotion personified. Lord Caitanya appeared on the full moon night of Phlguna and Lord Nitynanda appeared on the 13th night of the waxing moon. Both these days are all auspicious and transcendental occasions. If one properly follows these two holy occasions, he develops pure kaprema and cuts asunder the knots of material illusion. Similarly, the appearance days of pure Vaiava devotees, like the appearance days of the Supreme Lord, are also all auspicious and transcendental. Whosoever hears the narrations of Lord Caitanyas birth is freed from all miseries in life and in death. Anyone who hears Lord Caitanyas pastimes immediately gets love of Ka and becomes his eternal servitor; he comes with the Lord each time He advents in this material world. The di-khaa text is wonderful to hear because it contains descriptions of Lord Caitanyas appearance. The Vedic literature describes these pastimes of the Lord as eternal, although apparently He sometimes appears and sometimes disappears. Lord Caitanyas pastimes have no beginning and no end; I write them down only by the mercy of the Lord.
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I offer my humble obeisances at the Lords feet and at the feet of all His devotees. I pray that I may be excused from all offences. I, Vndvana dsa, offer this song to the lotus feet of my life and soul, Lord r Ka Caitanya and Lord r Nitynanda Prabhu.
4. The Name-Giving Ceremony, Childhood Pastimes, and the Kidnapping
All glories, all glories to the lotus eyed, moon-like Lord Caitanya! All glories, all glories to all Your loving devotees! O Lord, look upon me mercifully so that my delusion may be dispelled and that I may be able to serve and worship You, day and night. The wonderful appearance of the Lord increased the happiness of everyone in rimat acdevs house. Both r Jaganntha Miras and rimat acdevs hearts heaved joyous waves, looking at the Lords beautiful face. r Vivarpa would pick up his brother in his arms, smiling gleefully at the Supreme Lord, the abode of all transcendental joys. Friends and relatives lingered, affectionately surrounding the Lord at all times. Some chanted mantras of enchantment in the Lords room for His protection. The viu-rak-mantra, invoking Lord Vius protection, and the dev-mantra, invoking Durg Devs protection, were chanted while some people circumambulated the Lords house. When the Lord would cry, shedding tears from His lotus eyes, only the sound of the Holy Name of Ka would pacify Him.
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Finally, everyone understood the secret message and whenever the Lord cried, they immediately chanted Lord Haris name. The demigods were in a jovial mood and decided to play some practical jokes on the people who always surrounded Nimi. A demigod in a subtle body stole quietly about the house, unseen by human eyes. When the people saw the shadowy figure glide past they exclaimed, There goes a thief! Terror-stricken, some of them loudly chanted, Nsiha! Nsiha! while others murmured the Aparjita-stotra (prayers to Prvat Dev, the wife of Lord iva) for protection. While many persons were going around the house chanting all different mantras and prayers, a great commotion was heard from inside rimat acdevs house. The demigods had assembled to see the Lord, but the people outside thought that thieves were entering. Some shouted, Catch the thief! Thief! while others continuously chanted, Nsiha! Nsiha! A Brahmin priest endowed with powers of exorcising ghosts threatened the invisible demigods, Youre lucky you got away today, but you had better know the tremendous power of Lord Nsihadeva. Unseen by anyone, the demigods laughed to themselves. In this way, a month passed. Completing her one-month of confinement, the period of contamination after childbirth, rimat acdev went for a bath in the Gag with the other ladies. Amongst singing and joyous clamour, acdev bathed in the Gag. She worshiped Gag dev and thereafter a village goddess called h. After worshiping different demigods in accordance with the proper rites, acdev returned with the satisfied ladies. 39

According to the social custom, acdev respectfully offered all the ladies roasted paddy, bananas, oil, vermilion powder, betel nuts and betel leaf. The ladies in turn blessed the child and offered respects to acdev before they returned to their respective homes. In this way, the Supreme Lord Caitanya performed His childhood pastimes. Witho ut the Lords mercy, these pastimes are incomprehensible. The Lord as a child cried frequently. However, His real intention in crying was to induce everyone to chant the Lords Holy Name. The ladies would try one way or another to pacify Him, but the Lord would cry all the more. Nevertheless, as soon as the ladies chanted, Hari! Hari! a beaming smile would spread across the Lords exquisite moon-like face. Thus discovering that the chanting pleased and placated the Lord, everyone would gather in His room and always repeat Lord Haris name whilst clapping their hands. Happily, therefore, everyone performed congregational chanting and ac devs house constantly resounded with the Lords transcendental name. Unknown to all, Lord Caitanyas childhood pastimes in r Jaganntha Miras house were a facsimile to Gopla Kas childhood pastimes. When no one was present in a room, He would intentionally scatter things around after pouring milk, butter or oil on the floor. Forewarned that mother acdev was approaching, He would quickly lie down and start crying. acm would pacify Him by repeating Lord Haris name until she noticed the different substances spread all over the floor.
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Who has scattered the rice, wheat and dhal? Why are these broken pots of curd and milk on the floor? No one could understand who had done this. There was only the fourmonth-old baby in the house. Curiosity drew everyone to that room, but they could not find any trace of the culprit. Some conjectured, A demon or ghost must have come, but due to the effect of the mantras it could not harm the baby. Angry that it could do nothing to the child, it threw everything around and escaped. This incident left r Jaganntha Mira quite perplexed, but thinking it a providential interference, he did not comment. In spite of the extensive damage, both r Jaganntha Mira and acdev felt their sorrows soothed by just looking at the childs face. Days passed wrapped in mystery until the day of the name-giving ceremony arrived. r Nilambara Cakravart and other learned scholars and friends assembled there. Respectable, chaste ladies who looked as fresh and glowing as Lakm Dev, the Goddess of Fortune, attended the ceremony in beautiful saris. Everyone discussed which name the child should have. Some ladies made one suggestion, while other ladies made another. This child will have no younger brother or sisters; therefore, being the last child of the family, he should be named Nimi, said some ladies. After considering all points, the scholars said there was one name most appropriate for the child. As soon as He was born, famine ended in the land and the farmers were blessed with long-awaited rains.
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Happy and healthy conditions returned to the land at His birth. It was similar to the ancient story of Lord Nryaa protecting and upholding the universe during devastation. Hence, His name should be r Vivambhara, the sustainer of the world. This is confirmed in His horoscope, for He is the brightest torchbearer of His family. The name Nimi that the respected ladies have suggested will be His second name. The name was given at an auspicious moment, when all the planetary indications were right, and amidst readings of the Bhagavad-gt, rmad Bhgavatam, and Vedas by the Brahmins. The demigods and humans assembled upon this occasion and offered benedictions. They chanted Lord Haris all-auspicious Holy Names while blowing conch shells and ringing bells. Rice, paddy, books, roasted paddy, coins, gold and silver were placed for the child to hold, thus testing the childs tendency. r Jaganntha encouraged his son, My dear Vivambhara, take whatever your heart desires. acdevs son, the Supreme Lord, ignored all items, picked up the rmad Bhgavatam and embraced it tightly. The ladies loudly glorified the Lord. Everyone was very impressed and said, Undoubtedly, He will be a great scholar. Some commented that the child would turn out to be an elevated Vaiava devotee with the extraordinary capacity to easily grasp the deepest imports of the scriptures. Whoever saw Lord Vivambharas enchanting smile became drenched in showers of bliss.
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Once the ladies had the child upon their laps, they would not put Him downthis child, the Supreme Lord, who is unapproachable even by the greatest of demigods. Whenever the Lord would start crying, the ladies would clap their hands and chant Lord Haris name. Hearing the chanting, the Lord would sway blissfully as though He were dancing on their laps. This further enchanted the ladies, who in turn increased their chanting. The Supreme Lord, by His desire, had everyone constantly chanting the Lords name, on any available pretext. The Vedas, rmad Bhgavatam and other scriptures conclude that no undertaking reaches success without the Supreme Lords desire. acdevs son, the Supreme Lord, r Caitanya, grew day by day, motivating everyone to chant His own Holy Name. When the Lord began to crawl upon His knees, He looked most charming. The small ankle bells on His feet were most pleasing to hear. The Lord fearlessly moved around everywhere, catching anything he sawfire, snakes, anything. One day, a snake slithered through the courtyard and the Lord caught hold of him simply to enact another pastime. The Lord lay down on and amongst the coils of the snake. When the residents of house saw Him they screamed in alarm, but the Lord calmly smiled and remained upon the snake looking very relaxed. The people shouted, Garua! Garua! while Nimis parents waited in anxiety. The snake, who was really Lord Ananta ea, started to slither away when he heard all the crying and commotion, but little Nimi tried to stop Him. 43

The ladies rushed over and gathered up Nimi into their arms, each one blessing Him that he might have a long life. Some relatives tied a talisman upon Nimi for his protection, while some chanted benefic mantras and others poured Gag water on different parts of His body. Some of them thought that the child had received a new life, while others realized that the snake was actually Ananta ea. The Supreme Lord Caitanya who was radiant like the moon, tried repeatedly to go back to the snake, but everyone stopped Him. These pastimes are not revealed even in the Vedas, and anyone who hears them is free from the bite of the serpent of material illusion. Lord Caitanya, the pleasure of acdev soon toddled about the house. Lord Caitanyas extraordinary beauty eclipsed the beauty of millions of cupids; even the radiant moon longed to behold the Lords beauty. Curly locks decorated His exquisitely formed head and with lotus-shaped eyes, He looked like Gopla Ka. His long arms stretched to His knees. He had an expansive chest and reddish pink lips. All His limbs were beautifully formed. His brilliant sun-red complexion was always attractive and His fingers, hands and feet were like blooming lotuses. However, the Lords reddish complexion on His palms and the soles of His feet sometimes caused acmt anxietyas the child ran about, she sometimes mistakenly thought that she could see red, gaping wounds. acdev and r Jaganntha Mira were always struck with great wonder at the Lords beauty. Although they were needy, their son was a source of unending joy for them. Together in seclusion they whispered to each other, I wonder what great personality has come as our son. 44

An elevated and distinguished personality has taken birth in our house, perhaps this will terminate all our material miseries. I have never heard of any other child with such wonderful behaviour as ours. He smiles and enthusiastically dances without stopping when he hears the chanting of Lord Haris name. When He cries no amount of consoling will calm Him, but when He hears loud chanting of Lord Haris name, He immediately stops crying and listens. From early morning, the ladies would surround the Lord and loudly sing Lord Haris name. They clapped their hands in rhythm and the Lord would dance gleefully. The Lord would playfully roll in the dust, and then, laughing, he would jump into his mothers lap. Sometimes, the Lord would dance, moving His body in such a manner that no one could contain their laughter. However, no one could grasp how the Lord through his escapades was motivating everyone to chant the Holy Name. The Lord was so vivacious and restless, fleeting in and out of the house, that no one could catch Him. Venturing out on His own, Nimi wanted to taste whatever he saw roasted rice, banana, or sandea. The Lord was so extremely attractive that strangers gave him whatever he requested. Strangers would give Him sandea and bananas, and pleased with His gifts the Lord would dash home. He would then distribute the items to the ladies who used to sing Lord Haris name for Him.
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Everyone would merrily applaud the childs ingenuity and start further singing of Lord Haris name. Unrestrained, the Lord wandered freely in and out of the house, whether morning, noon, evening or night. Daily, He went to the houses of friendly neighbours and playfully stole from them. In some houses, He drank all the milk and in others, He ate all the rice. Whenever He found nothing to eat, He was satisfied to break all the earthen pots. If He found a small child in any house, He would tease him to tears, and when He was observed, He would flee. However, if by chance some one caught Him, Nimi would catch the persons feet and plead. Please let me go this one last time! I shall never come back again. I will never steal anymore. Please be merciful. Astounded by the boys sharp intelligence, no one could remain angry with Him. Ultimately, everyone was affectionate towards Him. Just seeing Him naturally captivated people, and all the parents loved Him more than they loved their own children. The Lord of Vaikuha, Lord Caitanya, passed His childhood in this manner, moving about and being mischievous. One day, two thieves saw the Lord roaming about the streets alone. Seeing His fine ornaments, they conspired to steal them. One of the thieves picked up Nimi saying Oh dear! Oh dear! while the other joined him saying, Where have you been for so long? Come quickly home, dear, the thieves said. The lord smiled and replied, Yes, let us go home.
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Busily the two thieves sped away with the Lord in their arms while the onlookers in the street ignorantly thought that the rightful guardians had taken their own child. Teeming thousands of people were on the streets, therefore who could know everyone. Meanwhile, the thieves were happy to see the valuable ornaments upon the child. Overtaken by greed, the thieves were imagining their great riches, thinking they would now surely steal the golden bangles. They carried Him upon their shoulders towards their hideout while the Lord rode along chuckling to Himself. One thief passed a sandea into the Lords hand, while the other said comfortingly, We have almost reached home. The thieves had kidnapped the Lord and run far away when the Lords relatives realized Nimi was missing and began to search for Him. Vivambhara! Come home! Nimi! Where are you? they shouted. Everyone grew frantic and restless like fish out of water. In distress, they remembered Lord Govinda, while far away the thieves carried Nimi towards their hideout. Deluded by the Supreme Lords illusory potency, my, the thieves mistook their way to their den and arrived instead at the residence of r Jaganntha Mira. The bewildered thieves thought they were in their own house, so they busied themselves in trying to remove the Lords ornaments. Get down now, we are home, said the thieves, and the Lord replied, Yes, yes, put me down. Inside r Jaganntha Miras house, everyone was sitting around with their heads in their hands in utter despair.
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The beguiled thieves took the Lord down from their shoulders, thinking the house to be their own. As soon as Nimi was on the ground, He ran straight in to his father. A joyous uproar shook the house as the relatives loudly chanted, Hari! Hari! An understandable transformation overwhelmed the people as if life had returned to their bodies. The thieves realized that the house was not their own, but they could not recognize where they were. Taking advantage of the commotion, the fearful thieves stealthily left the place without being noticed by anyone. Reflecting on the strange and wonderful incident, the thieves thought, Who is playing tricks with us? Cai Dev, Goddess Durg, certainly saved us today, they said after regaining their composure. They then embraced each other. The thieves actually gained immeasurable piety and good fortune because they carried the Supreme Personality of Godhead upon their shoulders. In r Jaganntha Miras house, the happy relatives asked, Who brought the child back? We should offer him nice gifts and tie a silk turban upon his head. Another said, I saw two persons come with the child, put him down and leave, but I do not know in which direction they left. Everyone was surprised that whoever had brought the child back did not stay to be acknowledged. They turned to Nimi and asked, Our dear child, tell us who brought you back. We are puzzled.
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The Lord replied, I went to the banks of the Gag, but I lost my way home and was roaming about in the town. Two persons took me in their arms and brought me home. Hearing the story everyone said, The words of the scriptures are never wrong, the unseen hand of Ka always protects children, old persons and the helpless. Being bewildered by the Lords illusory energy, my, the relatives thus conjectured in many different ways. The Supreme Lord performed His wonderful pastimes in this manner; no one can understand them without the Lords direct mercy. Whosoever hears these narrationswhich are a mystery even in the Vedascan easily get undeviating devotion at Lord Caitanyas lotus feet. I, Vndvana dsa, offer my humble song at the lotus feet of r Ka Caitanya and r Nitynanda Prabhu, who are my life and soul.
5. The Brahmin Feeds Nimi
All glories, all glories to the Supreme Personality r Vivambhara, Lord Caitanya! He is the Supreme Lord of all Lords and His feet are decorated by the marks of a flag, lightning, and elephant goad. The Supreme Lord performed various transcendental pastimes while residing in the house of Jaganntha Mira. One day, r Jaganntha Mira called his dear son Vivambhara and told Him, Bring my book. Nimi hastened to the house when He heard His fathers call, and as He moved His feet jingled loudly with sound of the ankle bells. 49

r Jaganntha Mira enquired, Where is the tinkling of ankle-bells coming from? Both he and his wife rmat acdev searched all around. My son does not wear ankle-bells on His feet; so, from where does this sweet sound of ankle-bells come? How extraordinary is this! The father and mother considered the incident, but remained speechless with surprise. After bringing the book, the Lord ran off to play. The parents saw another wonder when they entered their house. All over the house, they saw wonderful footprints with different symbols such as the flag, lightning bolt, goad, and festoons. Both were thrilled with great delight and their eyes brimmed with tears as they examined the footprints. They offered obeisances to the lotus footprints and said, We shall surely be liberated, no more births. r Jaganntha Mira requested his wife, Please listen, Oh mother of Vivarpa, cook a nice sweet rice preparation with ghee. In the morning, I shall bathe our house Deity, r Dmodara lagrmail, with paca-gavya (the five substances from the cowmilk, yoghurt, ghee, cow urine and cow-dung). I believe that the sound of ankle-bells actually came from the feet of our lagrma-il Deity as He secretly moved around the house. Jaganntha Mira and acmt felt great happiness as they worshiped the lagrma-il, and Lord Caitanya smiled within. Now please hear another wonderful pastime of Lord Caitanya, the son of r Jaganntha Mira. A very pious Brahmin was visiting different places of pilgrimage to satisfy the Supreme Lord Ka. 50

He worshiped Lord Ka by chanting the gopla-mantra consisting of six syllables, and he would not eat anything other than the remnants of food he had offered to r Gopla. After visiting many pilgrimage sites, the fortunate Brahmin eventually came to the house of Lord Caitanya. As a person of incomparable purity, he was enveloped in great spiritual effulgence. He carried a Deity of Bla-gopla and a lagrma-il around his neck as his most wonderful possessions. With half-closed eyes, the Brahmin would constantly chant the name of Ka and deep in his heart, he tasted the nectar of love of Govinda. Seeing this radiant personality, Jaganntha Mira stood up out of respect and then offered his obeisances. The most respectable r Jaganntha Mira did everything to properly look after his esteemed guest. He personally washed his guests feet and offered him a fine elevated seat. Once the Brahmin was seated comfortably, r Jaganntha Mira enquired, Where is your place of residence? The Brahmin replied, I am disinterested in worldly affairs, so I travel throughout the different landsI roam because of my restless mind. r Jaganntha Mira said respectfully, It is the good fortune of the world that you travel everywhere. I especially feel most fortunate today, so please permit me to prepare for your cooking. The Brahmin replied, Dear Mira, do as you please. Happily, r Mira made extraordinary and wonderful arrangements. r Mira had the kitchen thoroughly cleansed and then arranged for all the cooking ingredients to be brought. 51

The Brahmin cooked to his full satisfaction and sat down to offer all the preparations to r Ka. r acnandana Caitanya is the Supersoul within everyones heart; He had decided to show Himself to the Brahmin. The Brahmin had just begun his meditation when the Supreme Lord, r Gaurasundara, appeared in his presence. He stood there naked, His entire form covered with dust. He was the colour of the sun with beautiful hands and feet. Smiling, He took a handful of food from the Brahmins offering and ate it while the Brahmin looked on. Although favoured by good fortune, the Brahmin called out, Alas! Alas! This restless boy has stolen the food meant for offering! When r Jaganntha Mira came, he saw that the Supreme Personality of Godhead, r Gaurasundara, was happily smiling and eating the rice offering. Intending to beat the Lord, an angry Mira chased after Him, but the Brahmin stood up fearfully and caught hold of Miras hand. The Brahmin said, My dear Mira, you are a respectable and knowledgeable person, but what knowledge does this little boy have? What will beating him accomplish? It is one thing to beat a person who can reason right from wrong, but I forbid you to beat this boy. Feeling miserable, r Mira sat down holding his head. He did not speak a word, nor did he lift his head. Do not feel sad, dear Mira, said the Brahmin. The Supreme Lord certainly knows everything that happens at all times. Please bring whatever fruits or vegetables you have in the house. I shall simply eat that today.
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r Mira said, If you kindly consider me your servant, then let me arrange for you to cook again. I shall only be satisfied when you cook once again. I have all the necessary ingredients for cooking in the house. The other friends and relatives in the house also implored the Brahmin to cook again. Since you all desire it, agreed the Brahmin, I shall cook every preparation again. Everyone was satisfied that he had agreed and they again cleansed the cooking place for him. They quickly gathered the cooking ingredients and the Brahmin began to cook. However, some people warned the Brahmin that the restless child might spoil the offering again. Take the child to another house and keep Him there until the Brahmin has completed his cooking and eating, they told acmt. Therefore, acm carried her child to a neighbours house. The young ladies all teased, Hey Nimi! Is this the way you should act, stealing the Brahmins food? With a smile on his exquisite moon-like face Lord Caitanya replied, What is my fault? The Brahmin called Me. Then, they objected, Oh Nimi, will you do more mischief now that you have lost your caste? Who knows this Brahmin? From where does he come? And who are his family? How can you maintain your caste after having eaten food cooked by him? Smiling, Lord Caitanya replied, I belong to the cow-tenders caste! I accept food prepared by Brahmins all the time. How does a cow-tender
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loose his caste by eating a Brahmins food? Saying this the Lord looked at everyone with a smile. The Supreme Lord, r Caitanya, used this trick to explain to them the truth about Himself, but His illusory potency is so perfect that no one could understand Him. As they carried Him about, the various residents of the neighbouring houses enjoyed the childs arguments. The Lord went joyfully from arm to arm, and whoever held him floated in an ocean of bliss. In the meantime, the Brahmin cooked once again and sat down to make an offering to Lord Bala-gopla. While offering, the Brahmin thought of Lord Bala-gopla, but Lord Gauracandra, the Supersoul, knew everything. Lord Caitanya charmed everyone and then left their presence completely unnoticed. Smiling all the while, He went to the spot where the Brahmin was offering the food. Stealthily, Lord Caitanya put a handful of rice into His mouth and left. The Brahmin, caught by surprise, looked on in disbelief. The Brahmin raised a loud alarm, Alas! Alas! The child ate his rice and sprinted off. r Mira angrily grabbed a stick and chased after young Nimi. Lord Nimi fled in dread and hid Himself in a room, but r Mira came after him, roaring in fury. r Mira said, You shall see today! Act in this mischievous manner, will you? Although I am cultured and knowledgeable, you think I am a great fool. r Mira continued, In whose house can you find as big a thief as this? With rising indignation, he chased after Nimi. 54

The people in the house caught hold of r Mira to dissuade him, but the angry father insisted. Leave me! Today I shall beat him. They tried to reason with him, Dear Mira, you are known to be liberal. What superior intelligence will you display by beating Him? His sense of discrimination between good and bad is still undeveloped due to His tender age, and only a very foolish person would beat such a small child. By nature children are restless; it is untrue that one can teach them by beating them. The pilgrim hurriedly rushed to the scene and caught hold of r Miras hand. Respected Sir, please hear me. The young boy is not at fault; whatever is destined to occur on a certain day must happen. I am not destined to have Lord Kas rice offerings today. This is the confidential truth of this matter. r Jaganntha Mira hung his head in dejection, and because of his perturbed mind, he could not look at anyone. At that moment, Vivarpa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the abode of spiritual effulgence, arrived upon the scene. His entire form was so charming that no beauty in all the fourteen worlds could match it. He stood there, an embodiment of all spiritual potencies, a Brahmins thread across His shoulders. He appeared as the identical expansion of Lord Nitynanda Himself. Vivarpa was always engaged in explaining the prime essence of all scriptures, devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Ka. Enchanted by His exquisite form, the pilgrim Brahmin stared at Him with a gaping mouth. Who is the father of this extraordinary personality? asked the Brahmin. He is the son of r Mira, came the reply. 55

The Brahmin embraced Vivarpa in extreme joy saying, Virtuous are the parents of such a son. r Vivarpa sat down after offering obeisances to the Brahmin, and began speaking nectarine words, which flowed like a stream. The day turned auspicious and our house was blessed with great fortune when you came as a guest, said Vivarpa. You are constant and happy within yourself; you travel everywhere simply to sanctify the earth. It is our immense fortune that we have a guest like your good self, but at the same time I feel very unfortunate that you have had to go without eating. If a guest in a house must fast, then that house will inevitably fall victim to aspersions and inauspiciousness. I feel immense pleasure upon seeing you, but it pains me greatly to hear about all that has occurred here. The Brahmin said, Please do not feel sorry. I shall eat some fruits and vegetables. I am a forest dweller. I cannot get rice or cooked food in the forest, so I live mostly on fruits, roots and vegetables. I seldom eat riceonly if it comes my way without endeavour. I feel I have eaten a million times over simply from the pleasure of seeing you. Please go and bring whatever you have in the housefruits, vegetables, offeringsand I will eat them now. An extremely depressed r Jaganntha Mira simply sat holding his head between his hands, not replying to anyone.
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r Vivarpa said, Sir you are a magnanimous ocean of mercy, yet I feel hesitant to ask you something. Saintly persons by nature feel distressed at others suffering and are always ready to expand others feelings of joy. With a little endeavour, you can cook a nice offering for Lord Ka. This will dispel all the miseries of my family today, and I will feel maximum pleasure and happiness. The Brahmin said, I already cooked twice, yet Lord Ka did not allow me to eat. So I can understand I am destined not to eat today. This is Lord Kas desire, so why should I make such an endeavour? One may have unlimited food stuff in the house, but one may eat only if Lord Ka allows. One may endlessly try for something, but if Lord Ka does not desire it, one will be unsuccessful. It is now past one-thirty in the night, going on two oclock. Is it appropriate to start cooking this late? Therefore, please do not make any further arrangements for cooking. I will simply eat some fruits and vegetables. r Vivarpa replied, There is nothing wrong with the time. Everyone will be pleased if you cook. r Vivarpa then caught hold of the Brahmins feet and everyone in the house entreated him to cook again. The Brahmin was charmed by r Vivarpa, and he agreed to cook. Everyone uttered r Haris name in joy and yet again cleansed the place for cooking.
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They cleansed quickly and meanwhile the necessary ingredients for cooking were brought. The respected Brahmin then proceeded to cook, and everyone kept the child at a secure distance. r Mira posted himself at the doorway of Nimis room. Tie the doors to the room from the outside so that He cannot escape, suggested someone. Good, good, agreed r Mira, That is a good plan. Tie the doors from the outside and we will remain out here. The ladies inside Nimis room said, Dont worry, Nimi is fast asleep, there is nothing more He can do. The child was kept away in this manner and in a short while, the Brahmin finished cooking. That pious Brahmin then prepared an offering plate filled with the things he had cooked and he sat down to offer everything to Lord Ka through his meditation. Nimi, the son of acm, knew everything because he is the Supersoul within everyones heart. He desired to appear before the Brahmin and reveal Himself. By the Supreme Lords will, Nimi enchanted everyone and they slept deeply. r acnandana appeared in the place where the Brahmin was offering his rice to the Lord. When the Brahmin saw the young boy, Nimi, he raised an alarm, but no one heard himthey were all in deep sleep. Nimi, the Supreme Lord said, O Brahmin, you are known to be a magnanimous soul. You called for Me so I came. Why should I be blamed for this? 58

You chanted mantras to invoke Me, you beckoned Me. Therefore, I came to you. How could I resist? You incessantly meditate on Me, so I decided to appear before you. At that moment, the Brahmin saw a wonderful sight. The Supreme Lord stood before him in His eight-handed form holding in four of His hands the four symbolsconch shell, disc, mace and lotus. With two other hands, He held and ate butter and with the last two hands, he played the flute. The Brahmin saw the Lords entire form decorated with gem-studded ornaments, His breast was marked with Lakm Devs sign of rvatsa, and the priceless Kaustubha jewel hung brilliantly from a gem-studded necklace. His head was decorated with fresh forest flowers that circled His peacock feather. His rosy-red lips, like the rising sun, set off His softly glowing moon-like face. His pink lotus petal eyes smiled sweetly as His knee-length Vaijayant flower garland and His exquisite shark-shaped earrings swayed delicately. His feet were like blossoming lotus flowers, decorated with gently tinkling gem-studded ankle-bells. The lustre from His delicate pearl-like nails dissipated the darkness. The Brahmin saw the surroundings transformed into Vndvana-dhma. The wonderful kadamba trees became clamorous with the chirping of birds. Cowherd boys and girls roamed about on their own and everything was exactly as he had seen it in his meditation. Overcome with ecstasy at seeing such extraordinary display of opulence, the pious Brahmin fell unconscious. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, r Gaurasundara, who is an ocean of mercy, placed His transcendental hand on the Brahmins body. He regained consciousness by the Lords touch, but the Brahmin was still speechless and inert with overwhelming joy. Repeatedly, he fell swooning to the ground. Sometimes getting up and sometimes falling, he 59

was moved by great upsurges of spiritual emotion. Overcome by shivering, perspiration and horripilation, he was unable to remain patient. Tears flowed as freely as the Mother Gag. The Brahmin caught hold of the Lords lotus feet and cried loudly for some time. Acknowledging the Brahmins devotion, the Supreme Lord, r Gaurasundara, spoke a few words with His enchanting smile. The Supreme Lord said, O learned Brahmin, please listen. In many past lives, you were my servitor. You have always meditated upon Me, therefore I have come to show Myself to you. In My previous incarnation, I appeared to you in the house of Mahrja Nanda in this very form, but you have forgotten. In My previous incarnation, Ka, I appeared in Gokula-dhma, and in that lifetime you were making pilgrimages to holy sites with sincere spiritual fervour. By divine arrangement, you came as a guest to Nanda Mahrjas house and offered Me your foodstuffs. In that encounter, we also exchanged affections just as we are doing now. I ate your offerings then as I have done again tonight. You are My servant, birth after birth, therefore I have appeared before you. No one other than My servants can see Me as I am. I am entrusting these confidential topics to you, do not reveal them to anybody. As long as My present incarnation remains upon this earth, if you reveal My identity, I shall immediately finish your body. I have made my appearance where the congregational chanting of Lord Kas Holy Name has already begun, and I will initiate the propagation of that chanting throughout the world.
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I will freely distribute to every house the process of loving devotional service to the Supreme Lord, which is so fervently desired even by Lord Brahm and other elevated personalities. Remain with us for some time to come and you will see many pastimes, but you are strictly forbidden to describe these esoteric matters to anyone. After pacifying and showering His mercy upon the Brahmin, the Supreme Lord Gaurasundara returned to His room. He lay down like a child in His previous sleeping posture. No one had been aware of anything because of the deep slumber caused by the Lords mystic potency. The pious Brahmin was filled with great exhilaration after seeing the extraordinary manifestation of the Lord. He smeared the transcendental rice over his entire body and then ate it while crying incessantly in ecstasy. He danced, sang, laughed, and made loud roaring sounds, while continuously shouting, All glories to Lord Bala-gopla! The Brahmins loud roars awakened the residents of the house, so he quickly restrained himself from further outbursts of spiritual emotions and cleansed his body. The Brahmin ate without worry and this immensely pleased everyone. The Brahmin considered telling everyone what he knew, Let them know that the Supreme Lord is amongst them; that way they can all be liberated, he thought. The Supreme Personality of Godheadwho is desired by and offered prayers by Lord iva and Lord Brahmhas now appeared in the family of a Brahmin.
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However, the Brahmin remembered the Lords instruction not to reveal anything to anybody. Afraid to disobey the Lord, he did not speak to anyone. The Brahmin now knew the Lords real identity, but the household residents were unaware that the Brahmin had this extraordinary knowledge. Happily, the Brahmin took up residence near the Lord. He begged alms from many different places, but each day he returned to see the Supreme Lord. Such wonderful pastimes of the Lord are revealed in the Vedic literatures. If one hears these topics, one receives the complete shelter of Lord r Ka. The di-khaa is full of nectarine topics. It describes how the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Nryaa, performed playful pastimes acting as though He were a mere child. The Supreme Lord, r Gaurasundara, is the crest jewel of the fourteen worlds and the Supreme Lord of the Vaikuha planets that lie beyond this material world. He is Lord Nryaa, the husband of Lakm Dev; He is Lord Rmacandra, the husband of St dev. In Tret-yuga, Gaurasundara appeared as Lord Rma with His younger brother r Lakmaa (Lord Nitynanda). He performed various extraordinary pastimes and killed the great demon, King Rvaa. In Dvpara-yuga, He appeared as Lord Ka with Sakaraa, Balarma. Performing many wonderful pastimes, the two Lords alleviated the weight of sin in the world. Throughout the Vedas, the two Supreme Personalities, Lord Mukunda (Ka) and Lord Ananta ea (Balarma) are glorified. Be without doubt that these two Supreme Personalities have now appeared as Lord Caitanya and Lord Nitynanda.
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I, Vndvana dsa, offer this humble song at the lotus feet of r Ka Caitanya and r Nitynanda Candra Prabhu, who are my very life and soul.
6. Nimi Begins Study and Performs Mischief
Lord Gaurga, like the child Gopla Ka, performed His playful pastimes in various ways. Soon, the time for His formal education approached. Fixing an auspicious day and moment, r Mira, the most elevated Brahmin, formally placed the writing chalk in the hand of his son. After a few days, the r ckaraa ceremonywhen young Brahmin boys shave their heads leaving only a ikhwas performed amidst all of Nimis friends. Then after a few days family and friends observed the kara-vedha ceremonywhen the ear lobes are pierced, marking the beginning of hearing the Vedas by Nimiwas also observed. Everyone was amazed that Nimi could write down all the alphabet letters immediately upon seeing them. Within two or three day, Nimi had learnt all the conjunct letters and He spent His time writing the many different names of Supreme Lord Ka, such as Ram, Ka, Murri, and Vanaml. He studied eagerly and wrote day and night. Nryaa, the Lord of the Vaikuha planets, took the guise of the child Nimi and studied with the other children in Nadia. Only the most fortunate souls could see His wonderful pastimes. Everyone fortunate enough to hear Nimi became enraptured just hearing His sweet recitation of the Bengali alphabet.
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Lord Gaurasundara performed His extraordinary pastimes; He would demand things that were impossible to obtain. If Nimi could not catch the bird that He saw flying in the sky, He would weep bitterly and roll in the dust. Sometimes, He cried for the moon and stars in the heaven and would thrash His arms and legs violently upon being told that could not have them. At such times, everyone tried to pacify the child. Jaganntha Mira would take Him in his arms, but the child would refuse to be pacified. Give! Give! He would cry. The only remedy for Nimis crying was krtana of the names of Lord Hari. Everyone would clap their hands and chant, Hari, Hari! Only then would Nimi forget His distress and become calm. The frequent chanting of Lord Haris names for the pleasure of Nimi turned r Jaganntha Miras house into the transcendental abode of Vaikuha. One day, the Lord continued to cry in spite of the loud chanting of Haris name. Someone said, My dear Nimi, come and dance nicely. We are singing Lord Haris name. However, Nimi continued to cry, not listening to anyone. Speak, dear child. Why are you crying so much? they asked him. Dear child, tell us what you want. We will bring you whatever you like, simply stop your crying. The Lord replied, If you want to save my life, then quickly go to the houses of the two Brahmins, Jagada Paita and Hiraya Paita.
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I am very attracted to the homes of these two pure devotees. If I could eat their offerings I would become healthy and calm and then I could behave normally. Nimis request was impossible. What He wanted was neither practiced amongst men, nor sanctioned in the scriptures. Mother ac felt distressed. Everyone smiled at His childish words and promised, We will give you whatever you want child, but just stop crying. Jagada Paita and Hiraya Paita were topmost Vaiava devotees and inseparable friends of r Jaganntha Mira. When they heard of Nimis request, they were filled with joy. The two Brahmin Vaiavas said, This is a very extraordinary story. We have never seen such an intelligent child. How could He know that today was Ekda and that a large variety of food has been offered to the Lord? Now we understand the childs exquisite beauty, Lord Gopla Ka must be residing within Him. The Supreme Lord Nryaa acts through this boy; sitting in His heart, the Lord prompts Nimi to speak in amazing ways. The two Vaiava Brahmins decided to give all the offerings to Nimi and they took everything to His house with great delight. Eat these offerings we made to the Lord, they told Nimi. Our desire to satisfy Lord Ka will thus be fulfilled. Only by Kas mercy can one develop the spiritual intelligence to perform devotional service; other than the Lords servants, no one possesses such intelligence. Only through devotional service can the Supreme Lord, r Caitanya Mahprabhu, be known as He is. The entire cosmic manifestation has emanated from the pores of the hair of His body. 65

The Lords eternal servants, Jagada and Hiraya Paita, saw to their full satisfaction how the Supreme Lord as a Brahmin child performed His transcendentally playful pastimes. The Lord happily received all the offerings from His devotees and He tasted a little of something from every preparation. Smiling with pleasure, Nimi ate Kas offering and all of His unusual whims were appeased. Everyone in the house sang, Hari! Hari! and the Lord ate and danced to the chanting of His own name. Nimi dropped some of the food on the ground and some was smeared on the other family members. In this way, the Lord of the universe, the controller of the threefold miseries, performed His transcendental pastimes. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is described in all the Vedas and Puras, played like a child in acms courtyard. As He grew, Nimi became completely absorbed in the restless mood of a young boy with the other restless young sons of the Navadvpa Brahmins. No one could restrain Him and He wandered freely with His friends. Upon meeting another young boy, Nimi would poke fun at him and the boy would return the taunts until a quarrel broke out. Nimi and His friends always won such quarrels because Nimi was more powerful; the opponents inevitably went away defeated. How enchanting Nimi looked with His body covered in greyish dust and speckled with drops of black writing ink. After finishing their studies each day at noon, Nimi and His friends went to bathe in the Gag, amusing themselves all the while.
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Diving into the waters of the Gag, Nimi and His friends challenged one another by splashing. Who can describe Nadias opulence in those days? Hundreds of people gathered at the bathing places on the river. It was impossible to keep track of the number of different people who came to the bathing places. Renunciates in saffron robes, householders, peaceful gentlemen, children, all came there to bathe. The Lord performed wonderful water sports with His friends, sometimes floating about with the currents of the Gag. Using the excuse of water sports, Nimi often splashed water from His divine lotus feet upon whoever was near Him, thus showering His grace upon them. People would warn Nimi not to be so mischievous but He would pay no heed, nor could anyone catch Him, as He was the swiftest swimmer. Nimi would force everyone to bathe several times by contaminating them by touching them after their bath, or sometimes by spitting upon them. Unable to catch Nimi to rebuke Him, the enraged Brahmins stormed off to His father. Dear Mira, my good friend, one gentleman said. Please listen well. I have come to complain about your sons misconduct. He does not allow us to perform our daily ablutions in the Gag properly. Another man complained, He splashes water on us and disturbs our meditation. Furthermore, Nimi says, Who are you meditating on? Just look at Me. In this Kali-yuga, I am directly Lord Nryaa Himself. They all came with different complaints. One man said, He stole my iva-liga Deity. Another said, He ran away with my outer clothes. Still another reported, I prepared for Lord Vius worship and collected in one place all the different ingredients like flowers, drv 67

grass, sandalwood and a seat for Lord Viu. When I went for my bath, Nimi sat on Lord Vius seat, ate the offering, and threw the other ingredients away. Then Nimi said, Why do you feel so sad? The Lord of your worship has Himself eaten your offering. The people continued to complain. One Brahmin said, I stepped into the water to recite my gyatr-mantra and from nowhere Nimi came from under the water and pulled me away by my feet. Another said, My clothes and flowers are invariably taken away. Yet another said, He steals my Bhagavad-gt scripture. Another exasperated voice added, My son is very young. Nimi puts water in his ears and makes him weep miserably. Someone else complained, He sneaks around to my back and climbs onto my shoulders shouting, I am Mahea! and then jumps down. Another complained, He sits on my seat of worship and eats all my offerings; then He performs worship of Lord Viu. He throws sand at anyone who has finished bathing and all the other restless, mischievous boys join Him. One of His worst tricks is that while the women and men are bathing He mixes up their clothes and when they want to dress, they become quite disturbed. Dear Jaganntha Mira, you are a generous and friendly gentleman, but I tell you your son Nimi does this sort of mischief every single day. He remains in the water well past two in the afternoon teasing everyone that comes for their bath. How do you expect Him to maintain His health? In the meantime, many angry young girls from the neighbourhood approached acdev. They arrested acdev with serious complaints, Please hear from us, respected mother, about your sons misdeeds. He steals our clothes and uses awful abusive language with us. When we try to correct His speech, He starts quarrelling and splashes water upon us. We bring fruits and flowers to the Gag to follow our religious observances, but He scatters and spoils everything. He waits for us to finish our ablutions and then
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throws sand upon us. Your son Nimi stealthily comes from behind us and suddenly shouts loudly into our ears, mortifying us. Another said, Nimi spat a mouthful of water right into my face, and threw these okaa seeds in my hair. They come off only with difficulty. Yet another voice complained, Nimi says He wants to marry me. Everyday He behaves in this manner; do you think your son is a prince? they inquired. Everything your son Nimi does is exactly what Nanda Mahrjas son Gopla Ka did a long time ago. We have heard stories of Ka. If we report all these complaints to our parents, they will surely quarrel with you. You should immediately correct your young son; His conduct is certainly not well received in a town like Nadia. With a smiling face, r Caitanya Mahprabhus mother embraced the girls and spoke comforting words to them all. When Nimi returns home today I will beat Him and bind Him up so that He can never again go out and tyrannize anyone. All the girls respectfully took the dust from acdevs feet upon their heads and proceeded to the Gag to take their baths again. Regardless of how everyone suffered due to Nimis mischief, each person felt great satisfaction in His presence. The Supreme Controller of everyone and everything, r Gaurga, knew that r Mira was looking for Him in a state of rage. Lord r Gaurasundara continued His wonderful water sports. Amongst all the boys, He was the most charming. The young maidens took pity on Nimi and said, Listen Vivambhara, your angry father is coming in this direction. Escape right now!
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r Mira searched for Nimi playing amongst His friends, while all the Brahmin maidens ran away in fear. Nimi had already instructed His friends that when His father enquired about His whereabouts they should say, Your son did not come for His bath with us. He went back home after class. In fact, we ourselves are waiting for him. Nimi returned to His house by another road, and r Mira arrived at the bathing place on the Gag. r Mira looked about everywhere, but could not find Nimi amongst the groups of boys. Where did Vivambhara go? enquired Jaganntha Mira angrily. The young boys replied, Today He never came for His bath. He returned home in His usual direction after class. We are all waiting for Him. r Mira continued to search for Nimi, but unable to find Him, he stood fuming with rage. Those Brahmins who had earlier made complaints against Nimi just for some fun, now came to r Mira and said, Vivambhara ran home out of fear. We will accompany you home, lest you do anything to Him that will later be regretted. If Nimi does this sort of mischief again then we ourselves will catch Him and bring Him to you. All those complaints we made about Nimi at your residence were simply out of fun. Actually, your good fortune is unmatched in all the three worlds. Nimi is such a pleasing son that the members of His family could never be touched by hunger, thirst, sorrow or other material sufferings. Your son is the supreme eternal Lord; you are truly very fortunate to be able to serve His lotus feet.
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We will always keep Vivambharas memory in our hearts, even if He commits countless offences. The personalities of Nadia were eternal devotees and associates of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, r Ka. For this reason, they were endowed with the superior intelligence that is required to render transcendental devotional service to the Lord. Thus, the Supreme Lord performed various transcendental pastimes with His intimate servitors in Nadia; a mundane person cannot understand such activities of the Lord. r Mira said, Nimi is a son to all of you. If you should be disturbed by His offences, then I am bound to you by oath. I beg your forgiveness. r Mira warmly embraced everyone and returned home feeling greatly satisfied. The Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Vivambhara had gone home by another road. Shining brightly like the moon, He carried beautiful books in His hands. Blotches of writing ink on different parts of Nimis body appeared like decorations on His golden complexion. It looked as though a sweet smelling golden campaka flower had attracted a swarm of black bumblebees. Lord Nimi called out Mother, give me oil, I want to go for my bath. Mother acs heart gladdened. She could not detect any sign that Nimi had taken a bath. Giving Nimi the oil, acdev thought, What did the Brahmins and the young maidens say about Nimi? His whole body is spotted with ink blotches. He has the same clothes on that He wore to school. Jaganntha Mira arrived home at that moment and Vivambhara climbed up on his lap. 71

r Mira lost all external, mundane perception in the Lords loving embrace; he bubbled over with happiness at the sight of his son. r Mira saw that Nimi was covered with dust and there were no signs of His having taken a bathr Mira was truly amazed. r Mira said, Vivambhara, what sort of intelligent boy are youyou do not allow people to take their baths in peace? Why do you steal and disturb the arrangements people make for worshiping Lord Viu? You know who Lord Viu is, so why do you act like this without any fear? Today, I have not yet gone for my bath. All my friends have gone ahead of Me, replied Nimi. All these people are behaving improperly towards Me. Although I have not been near them, they falsely accuse Me of being at fault. If they continue to find fault and falsely accuse me, then I will actually misbehave and create trouble for them. The Lord smiled and left for the Gag where He met again with all His friends. Nimis friends embraced Him and laughed merrily when they heard His witty story. They all praised Him saying, You were very clever, Nimi. You nicely saved yourself from a good beating today. Nimi was once again engrossed in water sports with His friends, while back in the house acm and r Mira seriously considered certain points. All the complaints brought against Nimi were certainly not lies, yet there was no indication that Nimi had taken a bath. Everything was just as it should be. His body was covered with dust, He was dressed in the same clothes and they were dry. His hair was also dry and he had His books.
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I think our Vivambhara is not an ordinary person, said r Mira. Perhaps the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Ka, by His internal potency, has appeared in our house as our son. Or perhaps Nimi is some great saintly personality. I am at a loss to know. r Mira, the jewel-like Brahmin, pondered the matter seriously. r Jaganntha Mira and acm felt so happy to see their son that all their cogitations vanished. Their hearts filled with tender affection for Nimi and nothing else mattered to them. Both of them felt their sons absence intensely; Nimis two hours study at school seemed like two yugas to His parents. If the Vedas were to describe the great fortune of acm and r Mira in a countless variety of ways and with innumerable mouths, that fortune would remain inconceivable. I offer countless obeisances at the lotus feet of acm and r Mira who received the Supreme Lord and controller of the limitless cosmic manifestation as their son. The Lord of Vaikuha, Lord Vivambhara, performed wonderful pastimes in a pleasing manner. No one could fully grasp the truth of these transcendental activities by the influence of the Supreme Lords spiritual energy. I, Vndvana dsa, offer this humble song at the lotus feet of r Ka Caitanya and r Nitynanda Candra Prabhu, who are my life and soul.
7. The Sannysa of r Vivarpa
All glories, all glories to Lord Gauracandra who is the Supreme Lord of Lords! All glories, all glories to r Vivambhara and His dear-most devotees! 73

All glories to the illustrious son of r Jaganntha Mira and acm, He is the life and soul of all surrendered devotees! O Lord Vivambhara, please glance upon us mercifully and deliver us all. Using the pretext of mirthful childish pastimes, Lord Gaurasundara expanded His unlimited spiritual forms and His transcendental devotional service in Navadvpa-dhma. The restless Nimi tirelessly created mischief with everyone. Though His mother tried to correct Him with sweet advice, He paid not the slightest attention. In the presence of good instruction, He created twice as much mischief. Whatever He could reach in the house, He would gleefully smash. Out of apprehension, the parents at last refrained from giving any further instructions. The unrestrained Nimi played at will, displaying His wonderful pastimes. The descriptions of Nimi in di-khaa are like nectar to the ears. The wonderful childhood pastimes of the Supreme Lord, r Nryaa, are described there. The Lord feared no oneneither His father nor His mother. However, in the presence of His elder brother Vivarpa, He became soft and humble. r Vivarpa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, was the treasure house of all divine qualities and a renunciate from His very birth. Vivarpa explained that the essence of all scriptures was the path of devotional service to the Supreme Lord. No one has ever had the power to refute His explanations. He was absorbed in Lord Ka and, by engaging His hearing, speech, mind and all other senses in the service of the Lord, He grew increasingly disinterested in anything else.
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While contemplating Nimis unusual behavior, Vivarpa was filled with wonder. This young boy is not an ordinary mundane personality. His beautiful form and extraordinary behaviour makes me think He is Lord Balagopla. I have seen Him perform continuous superhuman activities, but I believe that it is actually the Supreme Lord, r Ka, who enacts these pastimes in the body of this child. The magnanimous Vivarpa pondered this matter for some time, but did not reveal His realization to anyone, preferring to remain engrossed in His own service. Vivarpa was always found in the association of pure Vaiava devotees discussing topics about Ka, engaging in Kas service and worshiping the Lord in devotion. People of the world have always been mad after mundane life, wealth, children, education, etc. When the materialistic people of Nadia would see the Vaiava devoteeswho are naturally disgusted with material lifethey would taunt them. The materialists composed verses and recited them whenever they saw a Vaiava. The renounced sannyss, the chaste ladies and the yogis performing austerity will all have to die. Then, why their futile endeavour? By our standard, a fortunate person has the means to ride on a horse or be carried upon a palanquin with ten to twenty persons running in front and behind. You drench yourselves with tears of spiritual emotions while singing to your Lord, yet we do not see any sign of your poverty and misery being alleviated. Your Lord will surely become angry if you continue to call out, Hari! Hari! so loudly and so often! 75

The Lords pure devotees felt sorry for the atheistic people, who, being devoid of devotion, spoke in such an offensive manner. In every direction, the devotees saw people burning in the fire of material existence. Nowhere could they hear the krtana of Lord Haris names. r Vivarpa, in particular, felt great anguish over the absence of krtana of the name of His beloved Kacandra. If ever discourses on the Bhagavat-gt and rmad Bhgavatam were held, the speaker could never explain the privileges of devotional service to Lord Ka, which was the real essence of those scriptures. The teachers destroyed themselves by perverting the meaning of the scriptures and speculating on the conclusion. Devotional service is unknown to such a materialistic society. r Advaita crya Prabhu and the other Vaiava devotees were overcome with pity and sorrow for the unfortunate living entities who were afflicted by distorted conceptions of life. r Vivarpa was depressed by the environment and said to Himself, I do not like to see the sinful faces of the people of this materialistic society. I will go live in the forest. Each day at dawn, after a bath in the Gag, r Vivarpa would visit the house of r Advaita crya Prabhu. r crya Prabhu used to roar in delight when He heard r Vivarpa explain that the essence of all scriptures was the process of devotional service to Lord Ka. He would leave aside His regular worship just to hear r Vivarpas discourses. The assembled Vaiavas would exclaim, Hari! Hari! in appreciation of the discussion. The devotees roared like lions in the ecstasy of Ka consciousness and felt the heavy burden of gloom lift from their hearts. 76

On such days, no one wanted to leave Vivarpas association, nor could He separate Himself from the devotees. One day, when acm had completed her cooking, she told r Vivambhara to bring His elder brother home to eat. Bearing that instruction, Lord Vivambhara ran to r Advaita cryas residence to retrieve His brother. At the cryas house, He saw the assembly of Vaiavas discussing the most auspicious topics of ka-ll. r Gaurasundara, who is Lord Ka Himself, felt satisfied to hear the devotees glorify Him, and He captivated them with His glances. Every line of the Lords transcendental form seemed to defy the extremities of delicate beauty; the radiance of millions upon millions of moons lost their lustre when compared to the effulgence of even one of the Lords fingernails. Bare-chested and covered with dust, Vivambhara smiled and addressed His elder brother. Brother, come to eat. Mother is calling you. He caught hold of Vivarpas dhot and together They walked home. r Vivambharas enchanting beauty had held the devotees in a trance. They stared at Him in wonder, unable to move. The devotees entered into meditation, experiencing the ecstasy of ka-prema. Even the discussions upon ka-ll could not be continued. The materialistic person is unable to comprehend the Lords transcendental activities of attracting and alluring the hearts of His devotees. This mystery is revealed in the rmad Bhgavatam where the matchless message of ukadeva Gosvm is given to Mahrja Parkit.
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In a previous millennium, r Gaurasundara appeared in Gokula as Ka. He roamed about in different houses in the company of His friends enacting His childhood pastimes. The cowherd ladies of Gokula were fonder of baby Ka than of their own sons. Although the gops did not understand that Lord Ka was the Supreme Lord, they naturally felt more affection for Him than for their own sons. King Parkit was amazed by ukadeva Gosvms unequivocal answers to his questions and he listened in rapt ecstasy. O ukadeva Gosvm, what you have revealed to me has never before been heard in the entire universe. It is certainly the most extraordinary topic. Just see how they loved Ka, the child of another woman, more than their own sons. rla ukadeva Gosvm replied, O King Parkit, the Supreme Personality is perceived as the Supersoul abiding in the heart together with every living entity. He is the most beloved Lord of the heart. When the soul leaves the body of the son, wife, friend or relative, the family members have the body taken away from the house in a matter of moments. Therefore, it is the Supersoul which is the life of every living entity. That Supersoul is none other than r Nanda-nandana, Ka. By the inherent characteristics of the Supersoul, Lord Ka is able to attract the affection of the gops. This fact is applicable only to the devotees for a non-devotee can never feel affection for the Lord. Yet, Lord Ka also resided within the heart of Kasa and other demons, so why were they envious and inimical towards Him? The
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reason was that these demons had committed grievous offences in their previous lives. Everyone agrees that the sweetness of sugar is easily discernible; only a diseased person will find its taste bitter. The tongue is diseased, it is not the fault of the sugar. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Caitanya is the sweetest of all. Everyone saw the Lord in Navadvpa, yet no one besides the devotees recognized Him. Wherever He wandered in Navadvpa, Nimi captivated the hearts of the devotees while performing His wonderful pastimes. On the day that Vivambhara came to call His brother home, He enchanted the hearts of the Vaiavas. The magnanimous Advaita Mahaya thought, This young boy is certainly not an ordinary mundane personality. I cannot fully determine the inner nature of this boy, said Advaita to the assembled devotees. Simultaneously, the devotees glorified His extraordinary beauty. r Vivarpa returned home briefly and then went straight back to r Advaita cryas house. Enjoyments of material life had no attraction for r Vivarpa. He experienced joy only in singing the glories of Lord Ka. In His own house, r Vivarpa spent all His time in the viu-gha, a room set aside for lagrama-la. He was unfamiliar with the ways of familial dealing. His parents were eager to have Him married, but when He heard of their plans, He grew morose.
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He was consumed by only one thought, I will leave My family and go to the forest. The Supreme Lord alone is able to know His own inner inclinations, thus r Vivarpa, the Supreme Lord, took the renounced order of sannysa within a few days of that time. With the name, r akarraya, which would become famous throughout the universe, this foremost of Vaiavas set out upon the eternal path. r Vivarpas departure left the hearts of acm and r Mira in intense grief. With family members and friends, the parents wailed in lamentation. r Vivambhara was unable to bear the separation from His brother and fell unconscious. I am unable to depict the scene of intense grief and lamentation that struck the house of r Mira. r Advaita crya Prabhu and all the other devotees shed profuse tears in the unbearable separation from r Vivarpa. People from all classes of Nadia society were moved with grief when they heard the news of the boys sannysa. Their hearts broken with sorrow, acm and r Mira continuously called out, Vivarpa! Vivarpa! Vivarpa! r Jaganntha was overwhelmed with the throbbing pains of separation from his son, and his friends and relatives tried to console him. Dear Mira, please compose yourself. Do not feel sad, this magnanimous personality has delivered your entire family. If any member of the family takes to the sannysa order of life, then innumerable generations become eligible to live in the transcendental abode of Vaikuha.
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The course of action your son has adopted is certainly the perfection of all education. We should express our great happiness for you, they said as they held the feet and hands of the afflicted parents. Now, think about Vivambhara. He is the glory of your family. This son of yours will be the scion of the entire family line. He will eliminate all your sufferings. What is the need to have countless millions of sons when you have a son like this one? Friends and relatives tried to make r Mira understand his fortunate position. They offered good counsel, but failed to mitigate his misery. Mira Mahaya tried to control his emotion, but as soon as he remembered the wonderful qualities of r Vivarpa, he again lost himself in bereavement. I could never know for certain whether this son would stay with me or not, said r Mira. The Supreme Lord Ka gave me the child and He Himself took Him back. Whatever Lord Ka desires must certainly occur. The infinitesimal living entities possess but insignificant power over lifes phenomena. I therefore surrender my body, senses and everything to You, Lord Ka, the Supreme Omnipotent Lord. You are my only shelter. Exerting true wisdom and being established in knowledge of the absolute, Mira Mahaya gradually composed his disturbed mind. In this way, r Vivarpa enacted the pastime of leaving His house and accepting sannysa. He is the non-different, direct expansion of Lord Nitynanda, the original Sakaraa. Whoever hears the pastime of r Vivarpa accepting the sannysa order of life is freed from the noose of karma and attains devotional service to Lord Ka. 81

The devotees experienced mixed feelings over r Vivarpas sannysa. They were caught between elation and depression. Lord Ka has taken from us the only saintly Vaiava association we had. With r Vivarpa we discussed topics of Ka consciousness, but now He is gone. We should also leave everything and go to the forest where we no longer have to see the faces of this sinful society. The entire population is engrossed in reprobate activities. How long is one supposed to tolerate insults inflicted by the vile words of atheists? Nowhere is the Holy Name of Lord Ka uttered. The entire world is inviting its doom, drowning itself in illusory, sense gratifying activities. If the unequivocal process of devotional service to Lord Ka is explained to these atheists, they reject it and ridicule us. What happiness have you gained by worshiping Ka? they demand. You live in an impoverished condition, you beg even for your food, and your misery simply increases continually. The devotees uttered long sighs and agreed that they were no longer capable of living in such a degraded society. They wanted to go off to the forest. Advaita Mahaya consoled each devotee saying, You will certainly meet with the highest of bliss. I feel a great exhilaration in My heart as though Lord Kacandra has made His divine appearance. Go and happily sing Lord Kas Holy Name. In a few days, you will see our beloved Lord Ka right here. Lord Ka will perform many pleasurable pastimes assisted by all of you. 82

Only then will I, Advaita, be known as an unalloyed servitor of Lord Ka. That rare mercy which is seldom experienced even by rla ukadeva Gosvm or Prahlda Mahrja will be received by all of you. Inspired by the nectarine words of rla Advaita crya Prabhu, the devotees sang the name of Hari jubilantly. As the devotees roared with the repetition of Lord Haris name, their hearts became filled with happiness. Lord Gaurasundara was busy playing with His friends, when the sound of Lord Haris name reached His house. He immediately left for Advaitas house When he arrived in the midst of the devotees, they enquired, What brings you here, dear child? Nimi replied, Why did you call for Me? With His troupe of young friends, Nimi then took off at a run. No one could grasp Lord Vivambharas real identity due to the influence of His transcendental illusory potency. From the day r Vivarpa left the house to become a sannys, Vivambhara minimized His restless and mischievous behaviour. Nimi stayed by the side of His mother and father to mitigate their grief in separation from Vivarpa. He restrained Himself from playing and, while studying, He would not leave His books for a moment. After studying any aphorism once, Nimi mastered it so well that when questioned upon it, He bettered everyone else. Seeing Nimis extraordinary intelligence, people praised His parents saying, r Mira and acmt are truly blessed. To Jaganntha Mira, they said, Dear Mira, you are truly successful to have such an illustrious son. 83

There is not another child in all the three worlds to match Nimis superior wisdom. He will excel even r Bhaspati in erudition. He can present His own spontaneous explanations on any point and no one is able to defeat His deceptive arguments. acm was happy to hear about her sons wonderful attributes, but r Mira felt morose once again. This son of ours will never remain involved in household life, r Mira told acmt. Vivarpa studied the scriptures just as Nimi is doing now. He understood that there is not a shred of reality in material existence. Knowing the essence of all scriptures, our wise Vivarpa rejected transient material life and went away to the forest. If Nimi also learns the scriptures, He will certainly follow the same path. Nimi is all that is left to us, He is our very life. If we lose Him, we will certainly leave our bodies. Therefore, He should no longer study. He can be an illiterate child and remain in the house. acm argued, How will He maintain His life, if He remains illiterate? Moreover, no one will give their daughter in marriage to an illiterate person. Nevertheless, r Mira replied, Surely you are the naive daughter of a Brahmin, you should know that Lord Ka, who is everyones protector, has created everything. He will give and take whatever is required. The entire material creation is maintained by the Lord of the universe, Ka. Who has misinformed you that mere materialistic knowledge can help maintain anything?
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Lord Ka is in complete control of everything; He even designs the matching of brides and grooms. Both the learned groom as well as the illiterate groom are given brides. Lord Ka is omnipotent and He maintains everyone. Whatever you see as lineage, formal education, etc., are simply semblances of reality. Why dont you take me as an example standing right here in front of you? I possess sufficient learning, yet there is insufficient food in my house? There are persons who cannot even pronounce the alphabets properly, yet see for yourself the thousands of scholars who crowd their doorsteps. Hence, it is not formal education or other material qualifications that maintain us, rather it is Lord Ka who keeps and maintains everyone. When one has never worshiped the lotus feet of Lord Govinda, how is it possible for Him to live in comfortable opulence and meet death in a blissful state? By rendering devotional service to Lord Ka, we suffer the pangs of poverty, but we embrace death in a happy state. This is not the case for one who depends on his material knowledge and wealth. A person may possess sufficient learning, high birth and enormous wealth but without the mercy of Lord Ka, he can never be delivered from the misery of material life. A person may live amidst fine sense enjoyment and opulence, but Lord Ka may also allot him some incurable disease, causing him much misery. Such a person cannot really revel in sense pleasure. He burns with frustration, and I would say he is more miserable than a penniless derelict. Take note from this: All opulence is but naught. Even if one has great material wealth, ones future is determined entirely by Lord Kas desire.
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Do not bother yourself thinking about your sons maintenance. I can assure you that Lord Ka will look after Him. As long as there remains life in my body, Nimi will not feel even the slightest tinge of suffering. We all have Lord Ka as our only shelter. In addition, why should you worry when you are a good mother and a chaste and dedicated wife? I impress upon you that there is no need for Nimis studies. Let my son remain in the house as an illiterate. Having made his decision, r Mira called his son and announced, Nimi, I promise You that from today You are relieved of all studies. You may do, as you like. Whatever you desire, my son, I am ready to provide. Just stay in the house and be fully satisfied. r Mira left to attend to other business, and the Supreme Lord Vivambhara could understand that His studies had been discontinued. As the wellspring of eternal religious principles, r Gaurga was obedient to His fathers instruction and did not attend school. However, the Lord was disappointed and once again took to His restless, impetuous ways with other young boys His age. Both in His own house and in the neighbours, Nimi smashed or squandered away whatever he found within reach. Even after dark, Nimi remained away from home. The whole evening, He performed various pastimes with the other young boys. Covering themselves with a blanket so that they looked like a bull, Nimi and another friend moved around in a most amusing manner. During the day, they had seen a small backyard banana plantation, and at night dressed in their bull costume, they plundered the banana trees.
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The owner of the house raised a loud alarm when he saw the bull in his garden, but by the time a crowd was awake to remedy the situation, Nimi and His friends had already escaped. Sometimes, they tied the neighbours doors from the outside, preventing them from leaving the house to use the outdoor lavatory. When the people inside the house made a commotion, Nimi and all would run off. Day and night, the Lord of Vaikuha and His friends performed endless pranks. There was no limit to Lord Vivambharas mischievous deeds, yet r Mira never corrected Him. One day, r Mira was called away on some duty and Nimi started to feel angry because He was not being allowed to study. At His home, the pots used for cooking Lord Vius offerings were kept outside in a pile for cleaning. Nimi decided to sit atop of these contaminated pots. Kindly listen with undivided attention to this confidential incident. Devotional service to Lord Ka is perfected by sincerely hearing this story. Sitting atop the pile of contaminated pots as if it was a royal throne, r Gaurasundara glanced around with a smile playing upon His lips. The black soot from the contaminated pots spotted his golden complexion. He looked like a golden doll smeared by dark sweet-smelling sandalwood and aguru paste. Several friends went to acm and informed her, Nimi is sitting atop the contaminated pots. acm was shocked when she saw Him. My dear child, this is not a proper place to sit, she scolded.
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Can you not judge between clean and unclean things after all these years? Dont you know that one must bathe after touching unclean pots? Lord Nimi retorted, You do not allow me to study, how do you expect me to know the differences between clean and unclean? I am just an illiterate Brahmin. I am an uneducated fool with no idea of what is clean or unclean. I see oneness in everything; my vision is non-dual. After His speech, Nimi smiled from atop His seat of unclean pots. At that moment, He manifested the mood of Lord Datttreya, Kas incarnation as the son of Atri. His mother replied, Now that You have sat in a dirty place, how are You going to clean yourself? However, Lord Vivambhara replied, Mother, you have an extremely childlike mentality, I am never situated in a contaminated place. Wherever I am, that place becomes most sanctified. Gag dev and all other places of pilgrimage naturally reside there. Clean and unclean are imaginary. It is a conditioned way of thinking. What can be the fault of the Creator or His creation? Let us assume something is contaminated according to social etiquette and Vedic ritualistic opinions. Then, if I, the Supreme Absolute Purity, touch it, then what contamination can remain? In reality, these pots are not in the least contaminated because you have cooked for Lord Viu in them. Lord Vius cooking utensils can never be contaminated. On the contrary, they can purify everything and every place simply by their touch.
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Similarly, I reside neither in a degraded place, nor upon a materialistic plane; everyone is purified by My contact. After speaking the absolute non-dual truth just as a child would speak on ordinary topics, Nimi smiled. By the influence of His illusory potency, no one could fathom his words. However, they all smiled condescendingly at small Nimis speech while acmt insisted that He come for a bath. Nonetheless, Nimi would not leave the pots so acmt coaxed, Come quickly before your father comes home and learns about all of this. Nonetheless, Nimi was adamant, If you do not permit Me to study, then I will not move from this spot. I am telling you clearly. The neighbours turned to Nimis mother and enquired, Why do you forbid Nimi to continue His education? Many persons tutor their sons with painstaking care. How fortunate you are that this young boy desires to study of His own accord. Which of your enemies has advised you to keep your son in the house as an illiterate fool? Nimi is not to be blamed in the least for this situation. Turning to Nimi they said, Yes child, if from today You are not allowed to study, then you should certainly continue Your work of destruction. Sitting atop the pots, Nimi smiled sweetly and the fortunate souls who saw Him floated in an ocean of absolute bliss. Eventually, acm herself had to bring the child down. All the while, Lord Gauracandra, looking like a beautiful blue sapphire, continued to smile sweetly. Nimi spoke the non-dual absolute truth in the mood of His previous incarnation, Lord Datttreya, but none could grasp the import due to the influence of Lord Vius illusory potency.
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The pious acm took Nimi for a bath, meanwhile r Mira returned. acm told the entire story to r Mira and lamented, Our son is sorry that He is not allowed to study. Some neighbours petitioned Nimis father, Dear Mira, we know you are a high-minded soul. On whose advice did you forbid your son to continue His education? Whatever Lord Ka desires will always come true, therefore discard all your worries and allow your son to study without anxiety. You are truly fortunate that your son wants to learn of His own volition. Therefore, choose an auspicious day, initiate your son with the sacred Brahmin thread and begin His studies again, properly. r Mira replied, You are all my dearest friends, whatever you decide I must consent to. Young Nimis activities were all superhuman and although everyone saw them with utter amazement, they could never understand their deep mystery. Occasionally, pious and fortunate people came to visit r Mira and informed him of the superhuman qualities of his child. This child must never be considered an ordinary boy, they would advise. Keep Him close to your heart with utmost care. The Supreme Actor of Vaikuha, Nimi, frolicked mischievously in His own courtyard. Then, with His fathers permission, r Caitanya joyfully resumed His studies. r Ka Caitanya and r Nitynanda Candra are my life and soul. I, Vndvana dsa, humbly offer this song at their lotus feet.
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8. r Mira Returns to the Spiritual World
All glories to r Gauracandra, who is an ocean of mercy! All glories to the radiant moon, which has arisen in the house of r Mira and acdev! All glories to the life and soul of Lord Nitynanda! All glories to the congregational chanting of the Holy Names of r Ka, the treasure house and religion of this age! All glories to Lord Gaurga, His devotees and His associates! Just by hearing the pastimes of Lord Caitanya, devotional service to the Supreme Lord is immediately achieved. While Lord Caitanya lived in r Jaganntha Miras house, His absolute identity was wrapped in complete secrecy and no one could recognize Him. As many games as there are for boys in this world, young Nimi played them all. Who knows the names of all these games? The wonderful pastimes of Lord Caitanya have been revealed in all the Vedas and Puras; within a short time all fortunate and pious souls will hear about them. Perfectly absorbed in the mood of a child, Lord Gaurga passed many years. At last, the time arrived for Him to accept the sacred Brahmin thread. When r Mira decided to initiate his son with the sacred Brahmin thread, he called his friends to his house for the occasion. They arrived in great delight and took up different duties to assist with the ceremony. The ladies ululated in glorification and sang about the extraordinary qualities of Lord Ka while the musicians played on different instrumentsmdagas, shenai and flutes. 91

The brhmaas chanted Vedic hymns and the orators offered verses in glorification. acdevs house was flooded with great joyas if joy personified had made her appearance there. At the time Lord Gaurasundara was to accept the sacred thread, all the planets were favourably positioned. The month, day, and moment, were all auspicious when Lord Gaurga, who is r Hari, accepted the sacred thread. The sacred thread adorning the beautiful form of the Lord was an enchanting sight; certainly, Ananta ea must have assumed the form of a thread to circle the body of His beloved Lord. The Supreme Lord, Gauracandra, then manifest His Vmana form. Whoever saw that wonderful pastime felt unbounded joy. People saw a wonderful spiritual aura emanating from the Lord and they immediately discarded the idea He was an ordinary child. With a stick in hand and a cloth bag hanging from His shoulder, r Gaurasundara went begging daki to the houses of His devotees. Each man according to his ability placed alms in Nimis bag and felt great satisfaction. The ladies also smiled with pleasure as they dropped their alms in His bag. r Sarasvat dev, r Prvat dev, and the chaste and dedicated wives of other great sages appeared on the scene. Taking the position of brhmaa wives, they gave alms to the beautiful brhmaa boy, Nimi. Seeing Nimis radiant Vmana form, everyone smiled with satisfaction and gave Him alms. He enacted the transcendental pastimes of Lord Vmana simply for the redemption of all conditioned souls. All glories to Lord Gauracandras beautiful form! Please place those lotus feet upon the throne of my heart.
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Anyone who hears the narration of Lord Vivambhara accepting the sacred thread attains the supreme shelter of r Caitanya-candras lotus feet. Nimi, the Supreme Lord of Vaikuha, performed various other pastimes while residing in the house of acmt. These pastimes are hidden in the Vedas. Nimi had already understood the essence of all the scriptures even while studying at home, but still He desired to study in the company of others. r Gagdsa Paita, a resident of Navadvpa, was a crown jewel amongst teachers. He was none other than Sndpani Muni (the teacher of Ka and Balarma). He was extremely knowledgeable in grammar and Nimi expressed a strong desire to study under him. r Mira correctly interpreted his sons indications and went with him to the house of the learned brhmaa, r Gagdsa. r Gagdsa Paita stood up respectfully upon seeing r Mira and went forward to meet him. After embracing him warmly, r Gagdsa offered him a seat. I give my son to you, said r Mira. Please let Him read and hear from you and personally teach Him everything. r Gagdsa Paita replied, I feel immensely fortunate by this offer. I will teach Him to the best of my ability. r Gagdsa was extremely pleased to have Nimi as a student and kept Him always by his side like a son. By simply hearing r Gagdsas explanations just once, Nimi was able to grasp their meaning. He could refute His teachers explanations and then re-establish those same arguments. 93

Gagdsa Paita had hundreds of students, but none could engage in debate with Nimi. The teacher was extremely pleased with Nimis extraordinary intelligence and declared him the best student. In the presence of Nimis arguments, the other students in the school danced like puppets. Amongst Nimis associates, r Murri Gupta, r Kamala Knta, and r Kananda were prominent. Nimi defeated everyone by posing the tricky arguments of sophism. The older students, considering Him too young, simply smiled without offering any rebuttals. Each day after completing His studies, Nimi went with the boys of His own age to bathe in the Gag. There were countless other students in Navadvpa who also went to bathe in the Gag each day at noon after their classes. There were many teachers in Navadvpa and each had many students. The students of one teacher would continuously challenge students of other teachers. Although Nimi was only in His early boyhood, He had a mischievous nature and continually started quarrels with other students. One student might say, What intelligence does your teacher have? Another would say, Look whose student I am. In this way, they would begin by being a little abusive towards each other. Then they would splash water at each other and end up throwing sand. Fights would break out and boys would beat whomever they could catch. One might throw mud on the other, jump on him, and beat him as well.
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After falsely swearing authority in the name of the King, some boys would catch other boys and after beating them soundly, swim to safety on the other side of the Gag. The water of the Gag became muddy by the wild wrestling and scuffling of the students. Neither could the women fill their water containers, nor the brhmaas and other respectable people take a bath. Displaying His extremely restless nature, Vivambhara Rya went from one bathing gha to another, finding in each place an audience of studentsan arena in which to debate and dispute. At one gha, He played the stick game with friends. The advanced students banned together and challenged, Why do you always quarrel with everyone? Let us see how intelligent you are. Lets us hear you give the purport to the explanation of the astrological treatise in the almanac. Nimi said, That is very good indeed. I accept your challenge. Whoever wants, may question Me? One irritated student said, Why are you so conceited? However, Nimi replied, You may question me as you like. The student said, Explain the laws of verbal roots. Nimi replied, I shall explain them, but you must listen attentively. Nimi, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, was the source of all potencies. Naturally, His explanations of the grammatical rules were completely authorized. The challenging student praised Nimi for His explanation. Then Nimi said, However, hear Me now refute My own arguments.
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Nimi picked out the discrepancies in His own explanations, and said, Who amongst you has the power to establish any point over and above My arguments? The students were all amazed by Nimis original arguments as well as the arguments he used to defeat himself, so no one dared say anything. Alright, he said, I shall have to establish now the new argument which defeats the other two. r Gauracandra gave His new explanation that was as beautiful and poetic as the first two. The students were all truly impressed and embraced Nimi sincerely. The students said, Go home today, but come back tomorrow and we will have fresh questions for you. Playing the part of a student enrapt in learning, Nimi, the Lord of Vaikuha, frolicked in the water of the Jhnav (Gag). Nimis erudition was so profound that in the presence of the other students of Navadvpa, He looked like Bhaspati himself surrounded by his disciples. While performing their daily water sports, Nimi and His friends occasionally swam across the river to the far bank. Since the time that Lord Ka had sported in the Yamun River, Gag dev had nursed an intense desire to have that same good fortune. Although great personalities such as Lord Brahm and Lord iva worshiped the Gag by poetic prayers, she nevertheless aspired to achieve the elevated position of the Yamun. The Supreme Lord Gaurasundara was the desire tree that mercifully fulfilled the longing of the Jhnav (Gag). After a day of sports and fun, r Gaurasundara returned home, worshiped Lord Viu in the prescribed manner, offered water to the tulas tree and sat down to eat. 96

Immediately after His meal, Nimi would take his books and search for a quiet place to study. In that lonely place, the gem of all Lords absorbed Himself in study, making annotations on different aphorisms. Seeing his sons studious mood, r Mira floated on the waves of happiness, but never revealed his pleasure to anyone. In intense parental devotion, he revelled in the unparalleled beauty of his son, and in that mood, he gained liberation. However, r Mira considered the happiness of liberation to be quite insignificant. For the pure devotee there is no joy from either liberation, or gross and subtle sense gratification. I offer my countless obeisances at the feet of r Jaganntha Mira whose son is the Supreme Lord of the unlimited material creation. r Mira continually floated in an ocean of bliss simply by seeing his charming son, Nimi. Cupids beauty bows in defeat before the Lords blossoming freshness. His every exquisite limb exudes incomparable charm. In parental anxiety, r Mira once thought, I hope no witch or evil spirit ever casts a spell upon Nimi. Imagining the worst, he immediately prayed that Lord Ka would always give his son shelter. Nimi overhead his fathers prayers and smiled to Himself. r Mira prayed, O Lord Ka, You are the protector of all. Please look upon my son graciously. Impediments of any sort never appear in the life of any person who remembers your lotus feet, my Lord. Those sinful places where you are not remembered become infested with witches, ghosts and evil spirits. 97

O Lord, I am Your servant, so whoever is mine is automatically Yours. Kindly receive them within Your shelter. Therefore, I pray that no obstacles or difficulties will befall my son at anytime. r Mira continued to pray with unflinching faith. Lifting both his hands, he begged for the Lords mercy. One day, by divine arrangement, r Mira had a dream, which caused him both intense delight and extreme grief. He bowed down to the ground and prayed, O Lord Govinda, allow Nimi to remain in my house. O Lord Ka, this is the only benediction I beg of you: Let Nimi be a householder and live at home. In surprise, acm enquired, Why have you all of the sudden prayed for benedictions from the Lord? Today I had a dream, answered r Mira. In the dream, I saw that Nimi had shaved off his ikh. Dressed in indescribably beautiful sannys robes, He simultaneously laughed, danced, wept and chanted Kas name. Advaita crya Prabhu and all the other devotees encircled Nimi and joined in the chanting. I saw Nimi sit upon Ananta ea (Lord Vius couch), and place His feet upon everyones head. Lord Brahm, Lord iva and r Ananta ea chanted, Jai acnandana! Jai acnandana! Although everyone around was jubilantly chanting praises, I alone stood silent in fear. In a flash I saw Nimi, followed by millions and millions of people, roaming from town to town, dancing.
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Countless millions followed Him chanting Lord Haris name in unison. That sound touched the very coverings of the material universe. While I listened to the glorification of Nimi flowing from every direction, I saw devotees who followed Him to Nlcala, Pur. This dream caused me such anxiety! I am afraid our son will become disgusted with household affairs and leave home as a sannys. What you saw was just a dream, pacified acm. O learned husband, do not worry. Nimi will not leave us. Nimi knows nothing but His books and He thinks that learning is all in all. Out of parental affection, those two extremely noble souls continued to discuss topics related to their sons future. However, after a few days r Jaganntha Mira disappeared from this mortal world in his pure spiritual form. Nimi wept bitterly over His fathers disappearance, as had Lord Rmacandra when His father King Daaratha left his body. acm survived only because of Nimis irresistible attractiveness. As it deepens my grief to discuss this subject, I have described the incidents only very briefly. Nimi stayed close to his bereaved mother and concealed His own grief well. acm cared for her fatherless son without a thought of any other work. If acm lost sight of Nimi for a just moment, she swooned and both eyes lost their vision.
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Nimi also reciprocated. Allowing His love and affection to flow continuously to His mother, he consoled her with calming, hopeful words. Mother, please do not despair. As long as I am with you, nothing shall harm you, He assured her. Soon, I shall bring you that gift which is unobtainable even by demigods like Lord Brahm and Lord iva. acm simply beheld the kind and beautiful face of Nimi and forgot her own misery. How could she feel discouraged in his presence? The Supreme Personality of Godhead was living as the son of acm. Simply by remembering Him, ones every desire could be fulfilled. How could despair touch mother ac? Nimi uplifted her spirits and she soon re-attained her blissful nature. The Lord of Vaikuha was present in Navadvpa as a young brhmaa boy, enjoying the bliss derived from His own supremely opulent self. Poverty in their house was only an external feature. Nimis commands were expressions from an autocratic all-opulent Lord of Lords. Whatever Nimi demanded, he had to get without considering its availability. If His demands were not supplied, there was no escaping His wrath. He would break and smash everything in sight, not thinking that the loss was His own. In spite of this, acm gave her son whatever He wanted only because of her deep affection for Him. One day, when Nimi was going to bathe in the Gag, He asked His mother for oil, malak and other ingredients.
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I want to bathe in the Gag and also offer her worship, He said. So, please give me a nice garland and aromatic sandalwood for this purpose. Please wait a few minutes my dear son, said mother ac. I will have to go and get a garland. Nimi went into a fit of rage like Lord Rudra when He heard the words, I am going to get it. You want to go now to bring a garland? He raged as He stormed into the house. In the fury, He smashed all the pots of Gag water. Then with a stick, He smashed every pot or container He could find. As the Supreme, independent Lord, He did whatever He pleased. Husked rice, cotton, grains, and salt from the broken vessels ran in rivulets created by the spilled oil, ghee and milk. acm saved dried foodstuffs in cloth bags that hung from the ceiling, but Nimi pulled down every bag. He scattered their contents, and in His rage, He even tore up the cloth bags. When nothing in the house remained whole, Nimi directed His wrath upon the residence itself. Taking up His stick again, Nimi began to beat the walls. Not a soul dared to reproach Him. After the walls, He smashed the windows and doors, and next He attacked a tree in the courtyard with the stick grasped in both hands. Finally, He repeatedly struck the ground with His stick and seemed to loose His sense entirely. In fear for her life, acm had hidden at one end of the building. Lord Gaurasundara, the propagator of religious principles, had come to establish eternal religion, santana-dharma. He would never raise His hand against His mother. Although his anger boiled visibly and He was without remorse, He refrained from beating His mother. 101

Having demolished everything in sight, Nimi still fumed as He rolled in the dust of the courtyard. His beautiful golden form was covered with dust. His glory is truly indescribable for even in that condition He was utterly charming. At last, He became calm and lay quite still in the dust of the courtyard. With simply a glance, the Lord of Vaikuha called for His internal yoga-my potency and entered into a yoga-nidr mystic sleep as He lay upon the hard earth. The transcendental form of Lord Ananta ea is Nimis resting place, and r Lakm Dev eternally serves His lotus feet. The Supreme Personality, who is sought after by the four Vedas, lay asleep in acms courtyard. The endless cosmic manifestation emanates from the pores of His body. His servants perform the act of creation, maintenance and annihilation. Lord Brahm, Lord iva and other elevated personages become overwhelmed while meditating upon His transcendental attributes. However, that Supreme Lord, Nimi, was now resting peacefully in the courtyard of acdev. Lord Caitanya Mahprabhu tasted the mellow of self-perception and then fell asleep as the demigods looked on with joyous tears. acm brought a garland for the worship of Gag dev and placed it directly in front of Nimi. She wiped the sand and dust from His transcendental body and lifted Him up. Wake up, dear child, she said softly. Take your garland and go worship Gag dev as you desired. What has happened is good, my son. I hope that all dangers and difficulties were driven out with the broken pieces. r Gaurasundara was ashamed, but He arose and went to take His bath.
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acm cleaned the house and prepared to cook. Although so much had been wasted by Nimis tirade, acdev did not feel unhappy. Mother Yaod in Gokula also endured the restless moods and activities of Lord Ka. As the Universal Mother, acdev similarly endured the restless behaviour of r Gaurasundara. Just as Nimi angrily smashed everything in acms house, He performed many other restless pastimes. I could narrate many of them. acm endured everything with body, mind and words as though she were Mother Earth in person. After some time, r Caitanya Mahprabhu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is full of wonderful pastimes, returned home from His bath in the Gag. He worshiped Lord Viu, offered water to Tulas dev, and sat down to eat. Satisfied with His meal, Nimi washed Himself and chewed on betel leaf. After sometime, acm broke the silence. My son what was the purpose of so much destruction and waste? This house, the furniture, all the food grainseverything belongs to You, and the loss is Yours. I am not responsible. You wish to leave for study at this moment, but I have run out of resources in the house. What will you eat tomorrow? Nimi smiled at His mothers words. Lord Ka is the maintainer, He will take care of us, replied Nimi. With that, the Lord of Sarasvat took His books in hand and went to study. 103

For sometime, He remained in the mellow of study, and, in the evening, He walked to the banks of the Gag. From there, he returned home. Calling His mother aside in secrecy, Nimi gave her two tols of shining gold. You see Mother, Lord Ka has given Me a treasure. Exchange it for money and spend it as you need. Nimi went off to bed, leaving poor dazed acdev trying to resolve the mystery of her sons behaviour. From where does He bring gold, she pondered. Im afraid some danger will befall us because of this. As soon as there is a shortage of our necessary supplies. He brings gold, not just once, but repeatedly. Does He borrow the gold, or create it by mystic powers? From where or from whom does He get it? Noble acm was an innocent and honest woman. She was apprehensive even while exchanging the gold for money. acm instructed the people, First show the gold in several different places, and then exchange it. Thus Nimi, the clandestine Supreme Controller of all mystic powers, lived in Navadvpa. Always seen clutching His books in His graceful hands, Nimi looked like Cupid Personified as He studied in the midst of His classmates. An rdhva-tilaka mark adorned His forehead, and the beauty of His shining curly hair could rob anyone of His mind. He was the embodiment of transcendental effulgence and round His shoulder hung the sacred Brahmin thread. His ever-smiling enchanting face was delightful, showing off a set of twinkling teeth. How wonderful were his lotus eyes, and how wonderful was the charming manner in which He tucked his bright dhot thrice into His waistband. 104

Whoever beheld Nimis beauty gazed at Him with unblinking eyes. No one could pass by Him without an adulatory comment like, What extraordinary beauty! Nimi hkura could give such a marvellous explanation of anything that even His teacher felt immeasurable pleasure upon hearing the same. r Gagdsa Paita personally honoured Nimi by appointing Him the foremost of all his students. The teacher said, My boy, please continue to study attentively and I am very sure that you will soon be a great scholar and teacher Yourself. Nimi said, Master, once one has your blessings, one will surely attain the Bhacrya title? In Nadia, there was not one student who could answer Nimis questions. He would establish a law of principle, but in the end, He would refute His own conclusions. Moreover, if someone could not explain a principle, Nimi would explain it perfectly. While bathing, while eating, while walking, while performing any other activity, Nimi thought only of scriptural conclusions and debate. In this way, Nimi remained absorbed in the mellows of learning and education without revealing Himself to the world, a world spiritually blind and full of offences. The entire society had become devoid of devotional service to the Supreme Lord, Hari, and the people were preoccupied simply with material matters. Grand festivals were held in honour of sons and relatives. Nothing in society found expression except the pursuit of bodily maintenance, household welfare and other mundane activities.
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The people in general sought happiness through false aspirations, and the society of Vaiavas lamented over the condition. The Vaiavas chanted Kas names and lamented in their prayers, Oh Supreme Lord, Nryaa, please be merciful to these unfortunate living entities. To the whole society, they said, You have not developed any attraction for the all-attractive Lord Ka, in spite of receiving this rare human birth. How much longer do you want to enjoy such adversity? This rare human birth that even demigods desire is being wasted by you in false pleasures. Nobody follows the festivals that glorify and honour Lord Ka, rather they perform ritualistic ceremonies like marriages to enjoy themselves as they march towards the jaws of Death. Then, to the Lord, they prayed, These living entities belong to You, O Lord. You are their Protector. What power do we have to speak? You are the Supreme Father of everyone. In this way, the devotees considered the benefit of all living entities and then sang the glories of Lord Kacandra. r Ka Caitanya and r Nitynanda Candra are my life and soul. I, Vndvana dsa, humbly offer this song at their lotus feet.
9. The Childhood and Pilgrimages of r Nitynanda
All glories to r Ka Caitanya, the unlimited ocean of mercy! All glories to Lord Nitynanda, the dearest friend of the distressed! All glories to Lord Caitanya, the life's treasure and soul of r Advaita crya, and the priceless treasure house of r Gaddhara Paita! All 106

glories to Lord Vivambhara, the son of r Jaganntha Mira and acm! All glories to all the devotees who are such dear associates of the Lord! Lord Ananta ea appeared in the Rhadea district on an order given previously by r Caitanya. He remained in the material world according to Mahprabhus transcendental desire. r Nitynanda Prabhu, the Lord of the Gaudiya Vaiavas, appeared in the village of Ekacakra. His father was a brhmaa named Hi Paita and his mother was rmat Padmvat dev. From His early childhood, r Nitynanda Prabhu had a serene disposition and was highly intelligent. He was a reservoir of excellences. His charming beauty overshadowed the attractiveness of millions upon millions of Cupids. From the time of Nitynanda's birth, everything became auspicious in Rhadea. Famine, poverty and all kinds of disturbances were dispelled. On the day of Lord Caitanya's appearance in Navadvpa, r Nitynanda, who was still in Rhadea, roared with jubilation. The sound of that roar filled the universe and robbed every one of their senses. Some people speculated, It must be a thunderclap. Others thought it was the sound of some impending disaster. Still others said, We know the reason for this sound. Lord Nitynanda, the Lord of the Gaudiya Vaiavas, is roaring in ecstasy. People offered different opinions on the subject, but no one actually knew Lord Nitynanda in truth due to his illusory potency. Lord Nitynanda concealed his identity and played gleefully with the other young children of His age. The various games Lord Nitynanda played with His young friends were actually manifestations of different pastimes of Lord Ka. 107

One time, the children got together and formed a divine council where some of them took the role of Mother Earth and submitted a petition. Many others accompanied those children as they went to the bank of the Milk Ocean and offered their choicest prayers to Lord Ka. A certain young boy unseen by anyone called out in a loud voice, I shall appear in Gokula, Mathur. On some evenings, Lord Nitynanda gathered His young friends and enacted the marriage of r Vasudeva with Devak dev. Closing all the doors and windows to the room to create a dungeon, Lord Nitynanda enacted the birth of Lord Ka, which took place deep in the night while the rest of the world slept. Then they carried baby Lord Ka to their imaginary Gokula-dhma and exchanged Him for the baby girl, Mahmy, the external potency of the Lord. Thus, they tricked the wicked King Kasa. Then Nitynanda dressed a young boy as Ptan and had someone climb on her lap to suck her breast. One day, helped by some friends He built a kata, handcart, with some tough reeds and then smashed it with a kick. Sometimes, unseen by anyone, He entered the milkmens houses in the near vicinity and stole butter with His young friends. The young boys never wanted to leave the company of r Nitynanda and return home. Day and night, they relished pastimes in His transcendental association. The parents of these young boys never remonstrated with young Nitynanda, but all affectionately held Him upon their laps. Everyone was amazed, We never saw such wonderful activities. How does a mere child know so many of transcendental pastimes of r Ka?
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On another day, He made a snake just like Kliya out of leaves. He took all the young boys and went down to the water. When the young boys jumped in the water and playfully fell unconscious, Nitynanda revived them. One day, He went to the Tlavana Forest with His young friends. After killing the demoniac donkey, Dhenuksura, He then enjoyed the tla fruits with all companions. Niti would take His young friends with Him when He went out to graze the cows and they would enact many different pastimes. Once, He dressed them as Baksura, Aghsura, and Vatssura and then enacted Lord Kas pastimes of killing those demons. Playing His buffalo horn all the way, Niti would return home joyfully at sunset with the cows and His many young friends. One day, they all enacted the pastime of lifting Govardhana Hill. Another day, they recreated Vndvana-dhma and sported there whilst absorbed in remembering the many places and pastimes of r Ka. Another day, they performed the pastime of stealing the clothes of the Vraja gops, and one more day they met the yaja-patns, the wives of the brhmaas, who were engaged in performing sacrifices. On one day, a boy dressed up as Nrada Municomplete with dress and beardand gave secret council to Kasa whilst they together sat in a secluded place. Once a young boy, dressed as Akrra, enacted the ll of taking r Ka and r Balarma from Vndvana to Mathur on the order of the cruel King Kasa. Taking the role of a Vraja gop, Nitynanda wept bitterly in a mood of intense separation. His tears flowed like a gushing river and all the boys looked on in amazement.
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By the influence of the viu-my potency, no one could understand the truth about r Nitynanda. Oblivious to His supreme identity, the young boys played joyfully with Him. After recreating Mathur in their play, r Nitynanda roamed about the city with his young friends. Someone dressed up as a gardener and adorned the boys with flower garlands. Niti dressed someone as Kubj, the hunch-backed woman from Mathur, and then enacted the pastime of going to her place to be smeared with fragrant sandalwood paste. Next, He made a bow, strung it and then easily broke itjust as r Ka had done to the great fear of Kasain the midst of great joyous tumult from His dear friends. Acting like r Ka, r Nitynanda then pretended to kill the mad elephant, Kuvalaypa, and the two wrestlers, Canura and Mustika, in the arena of Kasa. Then he sought out the young friend who was dressed as Kasa, pulled him down by his hair and straddled his chest. After the mock killing of cruel King Kasa, Niti danced jubilantly with his young friends and everyone who was watching the drama began to laugh most joyfully in appreciation. In this delightful way, Lord Nitynanda and His young friends imitated the many different transcendental pastimes of the various incarnations of the Supreme Godhead, r Ka and r Balarma. One day, Lord Nitynanda became Lord Vmana, making someone else take the part of Bali Mahrja. He enacted the pastime of Lord Vmana tricking King Bali out of his vast kingdom, which extended throughout the three worlds. Someone acting as ukrcrya appeared in the attire of an old man and forbade Bali Mahrja to entertain the request of Lord Vmana for three paces of land. However, King Bali granted Lord Vmanas request and thus King Bali was blessed by receiving the lotus feet of the Lord upon His head.
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One day, Lord Nitynanda became Lord Rmacandra and built a bridge across the ocean to Lak. All the young boys dressed as monkeys to form a monkey-army for the Lord. Shouting, Jai Raghuntha! they felled some castor oil trees and threw them onto the water, thereby building a bridge. Another time, Lord Nitynanda played r Lakmaa. Taking His bow in hand, He stalked off angrily to meet Sugrva. O you wretched monkey, My Lord is in anguish. If you care for your life then come right now. r Rmacandra awaits us anxiously in Mlyavn Mountain, and here you are enjoying in the midst of women. On another day, He chastised r Paraurma with mounting fury, I am not to be blamed for this, O brhmaa. Now run away, immediately! r Nitynanda was extremely adept and would become completely absorbed when accepting the role of r Lakmaa, but the young boys thought it was all in fun. They were unable to grasp its recondite significance. On another occasion, the young boys dressed up as the famous five monkeysSugrva, Hanumn, Nala, Nl, and Taraand the Lord as Lakmaa enquired from them, Who are you? I see all of you belong to the monkey race, why are you roaming in the forest? I am the servant of Raghuntha, Lord Rmacandra, please introduce yourselves. They replied, We are roaming in the forest in fear of Vli. Please take us to r Rmacandra so that we may accept the dust from His lotus feet. After embracing everyone, Lakmaa brought them to Lord Rmacandra, and all of them fell at the lotus feet of the Lord, offering Him their prostrated obeisances. One day, Lord Nitynanda enacted the pastime of killing Indrajit, and another day he lost Himself in the emotions of r Lakmaa.
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After dressing one boy as Vibhaa, Niti brought him to Lord Rmacandra and the Lord appointed him the King of Lak. One boy approached Niti, and said, I am Rvaa, the demon King. I shall discharge my most powerful akti-il weapon at you. Avert it if you can, Lakmaa. Challenging Lakmaa with these words, the boy threw a lotus flower at Niti. Engrossed in the battle mood of Lakmaa, Niti fell backwards, dropping to the ground unconscious. Despite the efforts of the boys to rouse him, Niti lay there without the slightest movement. The Lord lay without a trace of consciousness in His entire body, while fearing the worseHis friends sat around holding their heads in anxious lamentation. Nitis mother and father rushed to the spot, but when they saw the lifeless body of their son they both fainted and dropped to the ground. Whoever observed the situation was certainly astonished. The young boys described the details to the stunned crowd that had gathered and someone spoke up, saying, I think I understand the reason for Nitis loss of consciousness. Previously, one great actor expertly enacted the role of King Daaratha who suffered so tremendously and eventually died when his son, r Rma, was banished. In the play, when the actor heard of the banishment of r Rma to the forest, he also left his body on the spot. Hearing this another man suggested, Here is a boy dressed as Hanumn, if he gives Niti medicine, Niti may become well again. Before the drama, Lord Nitynanda had instructed all His young friends, If I should fall unconscious then surround me and weep.
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After waiting for a few moments send r Hanumn for medicine. When he returns and holds the medicine to My nose, My life will be revived. The Lord had fallen unconscious simply by experiencing His inner mood as Lakmaa. Naturally, this had confounded His unknowing young friends. The boys were shocked by Nimis death-like state and had now forgotten His previous instructions. They simply repeated, Wake up dear brother! Wake up dear brother! and wept in loud voices. When the boys heard the mans suggestion, they suddenly remembered the instructions of the Lord. The boy dressed as Hanumn swiftly ran off to gather the medicinal herbs. Another young boy, dressed as an ascetic, but actually the demonic maternal uncle of Rvaa, met r Hanumn on his way and invited him to share some fruits and food. Please remain here, dear Hanumn, and grace my humble hermitage. I feel greatly fortunate to be able to meet a personality such as your good self. My mission is urgent and grave, replied Hanumn. I must hasten, I cannot remain. You must have heard that Lakmaa, Lord Rmas younger brother, is lying in a coma hit by the powerful akti-il weapon of Rvaa. So I must rush to the Gandhamdana Hill to get the medicine that will save His life. The ascetic persisted, If you must leave then at least take your bath, and after eating something you can continue upon your victorious journey. By the potency of Lord Nitynanda, His young friends played their individual parts so eloquently that the entire crowd watched spellbound in amazement. On the prompting of the ascetic, Hanumn went to the big lake for his bath. A young boy dressed as a huge crocodile caught hold of Hanumns 113

feet and dragged him into the deep water. Nonetheless, the mighty Hanumn pulled the crocodile onto the bank of the lake. Hanumn fought a short battle with the crocodile and after vanquishing him, the great Hanumn, who is known as Mahvra, moved on towards his destination. However, another young boy, dressed as a rkasa demon, then chased Hanumn with the intent of eating him. You have killed the crocodile, but how do you propose to kill someone as powerful as me? I shall devour you. Who then will save the life of Lakmaa? roared the rkasa. r Hanumn retorted, Your Rvaa is a dog. I despise him. You had better run far away. They hurled abuses at each other in this manner for sometime and then tearing at each others hair, they broke out into a fierce fistfight. Soon r Hanumn destroyed the rkasa demon and continued towards the Gandhamdana Hill where he entered deep into the forest. In the forest, some young boys dressed as Gandharvas put up a determined fight and r Hanumn was obliged to battle with them. After they were defeated, Hanumnfailing to find the particular herb picked up and carried the entire Gandhamdana Hill upon his head to r Lakmaa. Another young boy dressed as a physician, searched the hill, found the herb, prepared and placed the medicine under the nose of r Lakmaa, whilst meditating upon r Rmacandra. Lord Nitynanda, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, then regained consciousness and stood up, to the great relief of His parents and all others present.
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r Hi Paita hurried to Niti and took Him fondly upon his lap. The young friends felt their hearts lighten and they became most jubilant. Everyone was very impressed with the drama and enquired, Dear boy, where did you learn to play all these pastimes? Niti smiled and replied, These are all My transcendental pastimes. In His early years, r Nitynanda was an extremely beautiful and attractive child. Full of delight from His touch, no one could let Him go from a caress upon their laps. The people of Rhadea loved Him more than they loved their own sons. Yet, no one could recognize Him as the Supreme Lord by the influence of the viu-my potency. In this manner, r Nitynanda played throughout His childhood. His only source of happiness was to enact the wonderful pastimes of r Ka. In the morning, all the young friends of r Nitynanda would rush out of their homes to take pleasure throughout the day in His nectarine company. I offer my countless obeisances at the feet of all those young associates of Lord Nitynanda who would enjoy numberless delightful pastimes with Him. Thus, from His very childhood, the only inclination of r Nitynanda was to relive the transcendental activities of r Ka. Who can describe the unlimited superhuman pastimes of r Ananta ea, r Nitynanda? Only by His mercy can the proper percipience of these pastimes manifest within ones heart. Lord Nitynanda lived at home for twelve years, continuously enacting such pastimes. Thereafter He left on pilgrimage.
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He travelled to the many different places of pilgrimage for twenty years. Then, at last, He met and joined the association of r Caitanya in Navadvpa. Please hear this narration of r Nitynandas travels to the different places of pilgrimage in this di-khaa portion of the book. Whoever criticizes the Lord and His activities in anyway is certainly a mischievous sinful atheist. This Supreme Personality, r Nitynanda, Who liberated the entire universe, is surely the unlimited ocean of mercy. Only by His grace, are we able to realise the transcendental nature of r Caitanya. In truth, only through the grace of r Nitynanda are the divine glories of r Caitanya manifest. Hear most attentively this description of the pilgrimages of the most beloved associate of r Caitanya, r Nitynanda. Upon His journey, the first holy place Lord Nitynanda visited was the temple of Vakrevara. Thereafter, He roamed the forests of Vaidyantha all alone. After visiting Gay-dhma, Nitynanda went to K, the principal pilgrimage place for the aivites, which is situated upon the banks of the Gag as she flows swiftly northward. Drinking and bathing in the waters exhilarated Lord Nitynanda, yet for some reason a transcendental anxiety clung to Him. In Prayga, the Lord bathed at the confluence of the three sacred rivers in the early hours of a chilly Mgha morning. Then He proceeded to Mathur where He had appeared in the previous Yuga. In Mathur, He visited the birthplace of Lord Ka. Attracted by the river Yamun, the Lord sported in her gentle waters at the bathing place named Virma-gha. He then circumambulated Govardhana Hill and experienced great spiritual ecstasy.
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One by one, beginning with r Vndvana, the Lord visited all the twelve forests of Vraja and joyfully roamed at will in their shady woods. In Gokula, the Lord saw the residence of Nanda Mahrja. Overcome in ecstasy, he sat down and wept profusely. The Lord then offered worship to the Deity of Lord Madana-gopla and from there went to Hastinpura, the famous fortress city of the valiant Pavas. There, Lord Nitynanda wept tears of happiness, being intensely moved by the sanctified place of those elevated devotees of the Supreme Lord. However, the residents of that place could not comprehend such emotions due to their lack of devotional sentiments. The visit to Hastinpura brought back memories of Lord Balarmas activities, and Lord Nitynanda called out, Save Me, O Lord Haladhara! In this way, he worshipped the holy place. Thereafter, r Nitynanda travelled to the holy city of Dvrak and bathed in the ocean, feeling great spiritual bliss. Next, He went to Siddhapura. That place has been rendered sacred by the presence of Lord Kapila. After that, Nitynanda went to Matsyatrtha where He gave away grains in charity during a big festival. The Lord visited iva-kc and the nearby Viu-kc. Being the original Supreme Person, r Mla-sakaraa Viu, r Nitynanda was amused at the fanatical conflict that existed between the followers of Lord iva and Lord Viu. He travelled to Kuruketra, Pthdaka, Bindu-sarovara, Prabhsa and Sudarana-trtha. Then r Nitynanda went to Tritakpa, Vila, Brahm-trtha, and Cakra-trtha.
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With exhilarated spirits, Nitynanda then travelled to the sacred place, Pratisrot, where the Prc-Sarasvat flows westwards before turning to the ocean. From there, He visited the forest of Naimiraya. Lord Nitynanda then travelled to the city of Ayodhy. Upon seeing the birthplace of Lord Rmacandra, r Nitynanda was moved to shed profuse tears of divine love in spiritual ecstasy. He then travelled to the tribal kingdom of King Guhaka-cala, ga Verapur. King Guhaka-cala had reigned during the time of Lord Rmacandra and in that holy place r Nitynanda fell into the deepest ecstatic trance. By remembering the activities of His dear devotee, the tribal King Guhaka-cala, r Nitynanda lost external consciousness for three days. Thereafter, r Nitynanda visited the different forests throughout which the Supreme Lord, r Rmacandra, had once roamed. Feelings great separation from His beloved Lord, r Nitynanda rolled upon the ground in anguish. Then, the Lord bathed in the holy Saray and Kauik Rivers where they quietly flow in Ayodhy. Thereafter, He continued to the rama of Pulastya i, a most sanctified place. Next, r Nitynanda bathed in the waters of the Gomat, Gaak, and oa Rivers. He climbed the Mahendra Mountain where He offered obeisances to Lord Paraurma. From there, He travelled to Haridvra, the source of Mother Gag. He then visited and bathed in the Pamp, Bhmarath, Godvar, and Vev Rivers. Next, in the Vip River, which is also known as the Vysa River, He remained submerged in the water for some time. In Madurai, He visited the temple of Lord Krtikeya and then went on to the mountain known as r-saila Parvata. There, in a massive and impressive temple, His devotees, Lord iva and Prvat, are being opulently worshipped as a brhmaa couple. 118

Lord iva and Prvat recognized r Nitynanda as their worshipable Supreme Lord. They understood that the original Sakaraa had now appeared before them as a pilgrim in the dress of a mendicant. Thus, iva and Prvat joyfully received their exalted guest and attended to Him with the greatest affection. Prvat cooked palatable dishes for r Nitynandas satisfaction and in reciprocation, r Nitynanda offered iva and Prvat His obeisances. Only Lord Ka knows the confidential topics that transpired in the subsequent discussion between these greatest of personalities. Thereafter, Lord Nitynanda went to the Dravia province in South India. He travelled through the different pilgrimage spots touching upon the places of Vyekaantha, Kmakoh Pur, and Kanchi, arriving at last at the sacred river Kver. Then, He proceeded to the famous holy place of r Ragam where the merciful Lord r Ragantha receives opulent worship from His devotees. Thereafter, Lord Nitynanda visited Hari-ketra. He then visited the Rabha Mountain, Madurai, and the Ktaml, Tmrapar and Uttara Yamun Rivers. In the Malaya Hills, He went to the rama of Agastya i. Having such a divine personality as their guest spiritually enthralled all the residents. Arriving in Badarikrama with unbounded spiritual joy, He absorbed its divine atmosphere and spent some days in quiet solitude in the rama of Nara-Nryaa is. From there, He trekked to the hermitage of rla Vysadeva who immediately recognized r Nitynanda as His worshipable Lord Balarma. rla Vysadeva cared for his guest attentively and r Nitynanda reciprocated by offering His obeisances to rla Vysadeva.
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Continuing His travels, Lord Nitynanda came across a place where a number of Buddhist monks were sitting around. He made a few inquiries there, but none of the monks would reply. This sparked the anger of r Nitynanda and He chastised the monks for their misbehaviour by kicking each one upon the head. Helplessly smiling, the Buddhists dispersed, running here and there, and the Lord continued his journey, strolling fearlessly through the forest. r Nitynanda travelled south to Kany-kumr and saw the beautiful Deity of Durg Dev installed near the shore of the Indian Ocean at the southernmost tip of India. He also went to r Anantapura and the Pacpsar-kuda. In Gokara, He visited the temples of Lord iva. In Kerala and Trigarta, He went house to house showering His causeless mercy upon everyone. He then visited goddess Prvat, who remains near Gokara upon a river island. Then, r Nitynanda visited the Nirvindhy, Payo, and Tpt Rivers, which flow down southward from the Vindhya Hills, and wandered in that tract of land. Next, r Nitynanda visited the city of Mhimat Pur on the banks of the Rev River and saw Malla-trtha. Then, r Nitynanda headed westward, visiting the sacred district of rpraka upon His way. Lord Nitynanda travelled all over the country in a joyful mood, fearless and carefree. He was constantly submerged in ecstatic love of r Ka. Overcome with ecstasy, sometimes He cried and sometimes He laughed. Who can understand the blissful turmoil that stirred in His heart? During the period of His journey as He travelled in the western provinces, by divine arrangement, He met r Mdhavendra Pur. r Mdhavendra Pur is the embodiment of ecstatic transcendental love for Lord Ka and all His swan-like disciples are full of the same spiritual love. His only means of subsistence is the nectar that flows from his loving exchanges with r Ka. Lord Ka personally resides in the form of such unalloyed devotees as r Mdhavendra Pur. 120

r Advaita crya Prabhu is foremost amongst the disciples of r Mdhavendra Pur. Provided as I am with inadequate words, how can I begin to describe the intense love of r Mdhavendra Pur for r Ka. Upon meeting r Mdhavendra Pur, Lord Nitynanda became stunned and lost consciousness, falling to the ground overpowered by ecstatic transcendental love. Mdhavendra Pur also went into an ecstatic trance, losing all external consciousness upon seeing r Nitynanda. r Gauracandra often remarked that r Mdhavendra Pur was the main trunk of the tree of nectarine devotional mellows. vara Pur and other fortunate disciples of Mdhavendra Pur witnessed the unique meeting. Tears flowed freely from their eyes as they saw the two forms lying upon the ground in devotional trance. When their consciousness returned and they again became aware of each others presence, Mdhavendra Pur and r Nitynanda embraced whilst crying tears of joy. They rolled in the sand and roared loudly, unabashed in expressing their sublime emotions, totally absorbed in the ecstasy of ka-prema. Their profuse, unrestrained tears purified Mother Earth, who felt she was receiving her greatest benediction. Within their bodies, the different ecstatic symptoms of shivering, weeping and horripilation appeared in endless waves. The presence of such devotional emotions confirms that r Caitanya personally resides within them both. Lord Nitynanda spoke first saying, Today, in one instant, I have received the utmost benefit from all My pilgrimages. My eyes have rested on the lotus feet of r Mdhavendra Pur and by seeing his transcendental love of Ka, My life has become blessed and meaningful.
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r Mdhavendra Pur sat speechless holding Lord Nitynanda to his breast, his voice choked with ecstatic emotions. Such was his feeling of love for Nitynanda that he could not release Him from his embrace. vara Pur, Brahmannda Pur and all the other disciples of Mdhavendra Pur could perceive spiritually what had just transpired, so their natural attraction and attachment to Lord Nitynanda increased. In the past, they had seen many pilgrims in saintly garb, but now they realized that none of those pilgrims had actually possessed the transcendental gift of love of Ka. In association and conversation with non-devotional persons, they had often been overcome with remorse. Thus, they had taken to wandering in the forest looking intently for Ka and His pure loving devotees. Now they had found the purest of transcendentalists and in this company, they felt the burden of their despondency lift and the manifestation of ka-prema within themselves. Nitynanda and Mdhavendra Pur passed blissful days together, which were filled with confidential Ka conscious discussions. In both the Lord and Mdhavendra Pur, this created an insatiable thirst for continued association. The deep, spontaneous love of r Mdhavendra would drive him into ecstatic trance even if he just saw a dark rain cloud that reminded him of the complexion of r Ka. Day and night, he was intoxicated by his love for Ka, sometimes laughing, the next moment crying, and sometimes making a great deal of noise, shouting, Hai! Hai! Lord Nitynanda was also drunk with the divine nectar of love of Lord Govinda. He stumbled, swayed, and fell repeatedly, often roaring with laughter.
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The disciples of Mdhavendra Pur were in awe of the extraordinarily deep love of their spiritual master and Lord Nitynanda for the Supreme Lord and they responded by continuously singing the name of r Hari. Steeped in the ambrosia of transcendental love, r Nitynanda and Mdhavendra Pur lost count of time. Neither knew when the day had turned into the night, or the night to day, and their surroundings simply passed into oblivion. Who can grasp the highly confidential topics that r Mdhavendra Pur and Lord Nitynanda discussed? Only Lord Ka, the omniscient Supersoul, who knows everything. r Pur quickly grew so attached to Lord Nitynanda that he could not imagine leaving His companyhe spent every moment of his time with Him. r Mdhavendra Pur said, Nowhere have I found the presence of such unlimited transcendental love as in Lord Nitynanda. Wherever that love is to be found becomes my favourite place of holy pilgrimage. I am now convinced that the blessed Lord, r Ka, is graciously disposed towards me because I have found an intimate associate like Lord Nitynanda. Wherever one meets Lord Nitynandathat place becomes the most holy place. The transcendental planets of Vaikuha descend and are present there. Whoever associates with Lord Nitynanda and hears from Him will surely attain the purest devotional love at the lotus feet of r Ka. And whoever harbours even a tinge of apathy for Lord Nitynanda is forever cast aside by Lord Ka, even though he may be in the guise of a devotee. Unhesitatingly, r Mdhavendra Pur expressed his deep affection for Lord Nitynanda by his words and actions.
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Simultaneously, Lord Nitynanda developed deep affection and a reverential mood towards r Pur, regarding him as His guru. A wonderful relationship blossomed where each continually exhilarated the other by his ecstatic love for r Ka, both being forgetful of the days and nights. Thus, they joyfully relished one anothers transcendental association for several days. Lord Nitynanda then left towards the South for Setubandha, Rmevaram, where Lord Rmacandra had built a bridge to Lak with the help of His army of monkeys. r Mdhavendra Pur set out towards the Saray River. Merged in a state of complete bliss of love of r Ka, they parted ways, unmindful of even their own bodies. The lives of such unalloyed devotees of Ka are sustained only by their intense love for the Lord. Otherwise, how could they continue living and tolerate the excruciating pangs of separation from their beloved Lord? Those faithful souls who hear this narration of the wonderful meeting between r Mdhavendra and Lord Nitynanda will surely attain the highest perfection, love of Ka. Lord Nitynanda travelled for a few days submerged in the ambrosia of love of Ka and finally arrived in Setubhandha. He bathed at Dhanus-trtha and proceeded to see r Rmevara. Thereafter, He travelled to Vijayanagara. He then visited Mypur, Avanti and the River Godvar and from there, went on to the temple of Lord Jiyaa-Nsihadeva. At this time, the Lord decided to go to Jaganntha Pur and on the way, He visited Tirumala and Krma-ketra.
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The Lord saw the high fluttering temple flag of Lord Jaganntha just as He entered Puruotama-ketra, Pur, and immediately He fell to the ground in an ecstatic trance. In that holy dhma, r Nitynanda saw Lord Jaganntha, the Lord of Dvrak, the source of the catur-vyhaSakaraa, Vasudeva, Aniruddha, Pradyumnapresent along with all His divine associates and devotees. Such visions reawakened the ecstatic mood of r Nitynanda and He fell unconscious to the ground. When He regained consciousness, the different ecstatic symptoms of shivering, paling, weeping, horripilation, and loud roaring became manifest and again He fell to the ground. Who can perceive the depth of the extraordinary ka-prema in the heart of r Nitynanda? r Nitynanda stayed a few days more in Nlcala and then immersed in total spiritual joy, He travelled north to Gag-sagara. How is it possible to describe the pilgrimages of r Nitynanda? My feeble attempt is made possible only by His grace. Caught up in the fervour of His pilgrimage, the Lord again travelled to Mathur and Vndvana. Completely absorbed in thoughts of r Ka, r Nitynanda was unaware of the passage of the many days and nights in He spent Vndvana. He forgot about eating and only occasionally drank a little milk if it came to Him unsolicited. r Nitynanda could visualize His Lord, r Caitanya, living as an ordinary boy in Navadvpa and He thought to Himself. When Lord Gauracandra reveals his magnanimous pastimes of the congregational chanting of the Lords Holy Name, at that time I shall go to Navadvpa and devote Myself to His service. 125

He thus resolved to wait in Vndvana and not proceed to Navadvpa until later. He filled His days happily frolicking in the dark cool waters of the Klind, lost in the mood of a young cowherd boy. At other times, He found great pleasure playing in the sand with His young friends, the local children of Vndvana. Lord Nitynanda is the original Lord Viu and He possesses the full absolute potency to grace anyone with ka-prema. Yet, He restrained Himself and waited patiently so that He could receive and then execute the order of r Caitanya to distribute profusely that most precious treasure, love of r Ka, to everyone without discrimination. The associates of Lord Caitanya do not desire to act without the instructions of the Lord to guide them, nor do they feel slighted by taking such a humble position. Lord Ananta, Lord Brahm and Lord iva all carry out their respective duties under the orders of Lord Caitanya and thus maintain, create, and annihilate this world. Unfortunately, the sinful atheists feel unhappy because they cannot accept this point. Such persons are not fit to be seen by the Vaiavas. Yet, see for yourself how r Nitynanda is now most famous for inundating all the people of the three worlds with the treasure of love of Ka. r Nitynanda is the original devotee of Lord Caitanya. His tongue is the abode of Lord Caitanyas glories, vibrating incessantly the sublime pastimes of r Gauracandra. One can obtain full devotion at the lotus feet Lord Caitanya simply by worshipping Lord Nitynanda. All glories to r Nitynanda, the primeval Lord and first manifestation of r Caitanya, it is only by His causeless mercy that the glorious pastimes of r Caitanya manifest within ones heart. 126

By the grace of r Gauracandra, one can become lovingly attached to r Nitynanda. All obstacles and misfortunes in life are then extirpated as soon as the truth about r Nitynanda becomes revealed within ones heart. Those who desire to overcome the material whirlpool and drown in the nectarine ocean of devotional service should worship r Niticandra. Many praise My Lord saying, Lord Nitynanda is like Lord Balarma. While others say, He is most dear to Lord Caitanya. I hear various opinions about Himthat He is a sannys, or a humble devotee, or an erudite Vedic scholar. People may say whatever is their desire and conjecture without inhibition, stopping at nothing. Some may even go to the extent of saying that His connection with Lord Caitanya is not intimatethat He is just a menial servant. None of this affects me at all. I simply pray that His lotus feet remain impressed upon my heart eternally. After repeated attempts to invoke good judgment in all people, if some sinful lot continues to criticize My Lord, then I will kick them on their heads to save them from imminent disaster. Those persons, who misinterpret the playful remarks of Advaita crya Prabhu to r Nitynanda as criticism, should realize that those remarks were actually shaded glorifications of My Lord. All the Vaiava associates of Lord Caitanya are externally liberated and enlightened souls. What is sometimes wrongly understood to be disturbing arguments or abusive language used between them is actually one of the ways they express their deep love for each other and is part of their pastimes. An ordinary person is therefore discouraged from taking sides in such a mock fight, for if he criticizes any one of the parties, he then places himself in a most precarious position.
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One who follows r Nitynanda without being critical of Him becomes steadfast in his spiritual practices and will certainly attain the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya. I intensely yearn for the day when I will see my Lords, r Nitynanda Prabhu and r Caitanya, surrounded by all their devotees. Lord Nitynanda is my absolute master. By taking shelter of His lotus feet and His instructions, let me serve and worship Lord Caitanya. I greatly desire to study the rmad Bhgavatam in the presence of r Nitynanda-svarpa, birth after birth. This is my humble submission eternally. All glories to the Supreme Lord, r Caitanya! You are fully independent to act as You wish. You can give me the lotus feet of Lord Nitynanda, or You can separate me from them. Therefore, I pray that YouMy dear Lord, r Caitanyawill mercifully grant that my whole heart and soul will eternally remain fixed at Your lotus feet and at the lotus feet of r Nitynanda. O Lord Caitanya, r Niticandra is devoted exclusively to You, so no one can attain His shelter without Your blessings. Thus, r Nitynanda roamed throughout Vndvana waiting for r Gauracandra to manifest His pastimes openly. The pilgrimage of r Nitynanda-svarpa was one of His transcendental pastimes and whoever hears these narrations with devotion is crowned with the most precious gem of successkaprema. r Ka Caitanya and r Nitynanda are my heart and soul. This humble servant, Vndvana dsa, offers his song at their lotus feet.
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10. The Marriage of Nimi and Lakmpriy
All glories to Lord Caitanya, r Gauracandra! He is the Lord of Lords and the most cherished love of Lord Nitynanda. He possesses as eternal transcendental form. O Lord, mercifully look upon the conditioned living souls. All glories to You, for You are the best of the brhmaas, the son of r Jaganntha Mira! All glories to Your devotees, the most elevated souls! You are an ocean of compassion, and Your beautiful eyes are like lotus petals. Be so kind, O Lord, as to grant this prayer: May I remain eternally absorbed in Your magnanimous character. Please read in this chapter about Lord Caitanyas pleasurable pastimes as a young scholar. He totally absorbed Himself in scholarly pursuits not finding time for anything else. After completing His daily brahminical duties early each morning, the Lord of the Universe, r Nimi Paita, went to the house of r Gagdsa Paita. Students who respected Him as an authoritative scholar and considered themselves his disciples accompanied him. At Gagdsas place, He conducted debates. Many students, who were not in His group for the debate and who did not submit to his tutorship, were affronted or slighted by Nimi and His followers. After establishing His arguments in the debate, Nimi would discuss the different points He had made with His group, just as the other groups would do. Murri Gupta was not amongst Nimi Paitas group, so Nimi confronted him and refuted his arguments. Nimi wore His dhot neatly wrapped around His slim, elegant frame, and sat amidst the students in the mood of a valiant prince. The sandalwood paste tilaka decorating His forehead shone with a soft golden glow, and His exquisite and regular set of teeth were so effulgent that brilliant white pearls looked old and lack-lustre in comparison. At age sixteen, Nimis youth blossomed like spring. He was beauty personified and even Cupid fell captive to His charm.
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The erudition He exhibited in His pastimes as a scholar far superseded the knowledge and learning of Bhaspati. If any of the students tried to learn the scriptures on his own, Nimi was quick to taunt him. The Lord would challenge, Who is here? Where is a great scholar to refute my arguments? Without even knowing the rules of proper conjugation some persons try to understand grammar by themselves and fool themselves into complacency. Yet, in spite of their vanity, because of their ignorance, they cannot answer My arguments properly. They cannot even debate the arguments properly. Murri Gupta heard these provocative and boastful words of the Lord, but remained silent and continued to do his work. Still Nimi would not leave him alone. He taunted Murri Gupta at every opportunity, but seeing the calm reaction of His dear servant, the Lord was actually very satisfied. Once Nimi said to Murri Gupta, You are a Vedic doctor. Why do you study grammar here? Go to your leaves and herbs and make a compound so you can cure the sick. Grammar is extremely difficult to learn. Here there is no mention of mucus, bile or indigestion. How do you want to accomplish anything in learning grammar just by studying on your own? Rather, go home and try to cure the sick. r Murri Gupta was the partial expansion of Rudra, Lord iva, and had a volatile temper. Yet, Lord Vivambhara could not see a single trace of anger in him. In reply, Murri Gupta said, O learned Brahmin, please tell me one thing. I see that you taunt everyone. Why are You so arrogant? On what subjects have You not received a proper answer from me? Whether the discussion was on verb rules, astrology with its different purports, or other philological questions, I have answered them all. Now without asking and waiting for a reply, You taunt me, saying, What do You really know? You are a learned Brahmin, so why do You act like this? What more can I say?
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Alright, discuss and analyze what you have read today, said Nimi. Murri Gupta began his explanations and the Lord immediately refuted them. Murri Gupta explained in a certain way, but the Lord would explain the same subject in another way. Neither the master, nor His servant could defeat the other. By the Lords influence, Murri exhibited great erudition and Nimi was extremely pleased by Murris explanations. The Lord placed his soft lotus hands on Murri Gupta, and upon receiving that sublime touch, Murri experienced indescribable bliss. This Nimi cannot be an ordinary person, though Murri to himself. How would it be possible for an ordinary person to possess such vast learning? My body felt such spiritual excitement just by the touch of His hands. I think that I should not be ashamed to learn under his tutorship. There is no one as intelligent or as learned in all of Navadvpa. Then Murri Gupta, the yurvedic doctor, submitted to the Lord, O Vivambhara, I will learn under your tutorship. In this affectionate manner, the master and His servant interacted. The Lord then took all his friends to the Gag for a bath. The divine pastimes of r Caitanya as a scholar were enacted in this mood. r Mukunda Sajaya is truly a very fortunate soul for, in his house in Navadvpa, the Supreme Lord displayed many of these scholarly pastimes. Mukundas son was studying under Nimi Paita and he himself was deeply attached to the lotus feet of the Lord in devotional service. Annexed to Mukundas house was a temple of Goddess Durg and in that courtyard, students came to sit around the r Nimi, crowding the entire compound. There sat and taught Nimi Paita, the best of the brhmaas. It looked as though Lord Gaurga was holding a court of scholars. Nimi Paita would deliver many explanations and establish many arguments, and then He would refute those arguments with new arguments. He often spoke out against other teachers in Navadvpa. Once the Lord said, Sometimes people do not even possess fundamental knowledge about conjugation, but because it is Kali-yuga such a person accepts the 131

title of Bhacrya. Let me see if any one of these Bhacryas can find discrepancies in My arguments and explanations. Then, I will accept when they flout their big titles like Bhacrya and Mira. In this way, the Lord would act like a proud scholar; none of His servants could understand His mood, nor could they recognize Him as their worshipful Supreme Lord. acm one day realized that her son had grown into a handsome young man and she started thinking about His marriage. r Vallabha crya, a good and pious brhmaa, was then residing in Navadvpa. He was equal to King Janaka, the father of St dev, and in every respect, his daughter possessed unsurpassed beauty. She was Lakm dev, and the Goddess of Fortune in person. Her father was constantly thinking about finding a suitable match for her. By divine arrangement, r Lakm dev once met r Gaurasundara on the banks of the Gag when they each had gone for a bath. Lord Gauracandra immediately recognized his eternal consort and smiled sweetly at Her. Lakm dev also recognized her eternal master and offered Him prayers as she clasped His lotus feet. Both the transcendental personalities recognized each other, and they returned home in blissful expectation. Who can understand such sublime and supra-mundane pastimes of the Supreme Lord? Again, by arrangement of the Lord, a brhmaa named Vanaml came to visit acm. After they exchanged respectful greetings, acm affectionately offered the brhmaa a seat. Then r Vanaml crya asked, Why arent you seriously considering your sons marriage? In Navadvpa, resides a very pious and elevated brhmaa. He is pure, he always follows the path of religion, and he is a descendent of good line of brhmaas. His daughter is certainly not inferior to Lakm Dev in beauty, character or respectability. My son has lost his father, replied acm. Let Him study further and grow a little older; then I shall certainly consider His marriage. The apathetic reply made Vanaml feel dejected and he left acs house. Nevertheless, by divine arrangement, on his way home he met r 132

Gaurga. As soon as the Lord saw Vanaml, He affectionately embraced him. Please tell me who you were just visiting, enquired the Lord. I came to pay my respects to your mother, answered Vanaml. I brought up the subject of Your marriage to her, but I dont know why she didnt respond positively to it. The Lord fell silent, and having offered due respects to the brhmaa, He went home, smiling within Himself. At home, He immediately spoke to His mother, Why didnt you favour the brhmaas proposal? acm was more than pleased, for she could understand the Lords indication. The next day, she requested Vanaml to return and told him, The proposal you made yesterdayI request you to please act on it immediately. After touching her feet in respect, the brhmaa went straight to the house of Vallabha crya. r Vallabha received the brhmaa with all respect and offered him the seat of honour. I think it is time you arranged your daughters marriage, said Vanaml. I have found the fit candidate for her. His name is Vivambhara. He is the son of r Jaganntha Mira, a very elevated and respectable brhmaa. Vivambhara is most scholarly and He is certainly an ocean of all good qualities. Please consider these points and tell me how you feel. Vallabha crya was extremely pleased. He said, Only through accumulating immense piety could a girl get such a husband. If Ka were pleased with me or if the Goddess of Fortune were satisfied with my daughter, only then could I ever hope for such a son-in-law. Please do not delay; proceed with this proposal and complete all the necessary details. However, first, one thing I must mention though I feel hesitant to speak about it. I have no means to give anything as a dowry. I can simply give my daughter and five pieces of the auspicious haritak fruit. Kindly convey this to them.
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The brhmaa was extremely satisfied with Vallabha cryas attitude and he returned to mother acs house with the news of his success. They are agreeable, he reported. Now we have to choose the right day and right moment according to astrological calculations. The news spread. Close relatives and friends were jubilant and they all came forward with great enthusiasm to make themselves useful for the occasion. A special ceremony held before the day of the marriage was conducted at an auspicious time amidst festivities where professional dancers and musicians performed. Brhmaa priests sat in the four corners of the wedding area and chanted Vedic mantras. In the middle sat the crown jewel of the brhmaa class, Lord Gaurga, as brilliant as the rising full moon. At the end of the function, the brhmaas were gifted with incense, sandalwood, flower garlands and spices. According to custom, r Vallabha crya had also come and performed his ritualistic duties. On the day of His wedding, Nimi respectfully offered oblations to His forefathers at dawn. The sound of sweet music and the tinkle of dancers ankle bells filled the air. Sounds of joyful chatter came from all directions. The guests that came were numerous and large groups of chaste women thronged the place. Relatives and respectable brhmaas also came. acm satisfied all the chaste housewives with gifts of fruits, grains, vermilion, oils and other commodities. Different demigods, along with their wives, also came in human forms to see the marriage of the Lord. Vallabha crya performed his many rituals with increasing pleasure. In the evening just before sunset, Nimi went to the house of r Vallabha crya at the chosen auspicious time. He was accompanied by many people and when He arrived all the guests felt submerged in waves of ecstasy. Vallabha crya offered the Lord a seat with utmost respect strictly according to the rules of the scriptures. He felt an indescribable joy within. Finally, he brought his daughter Lakm dev, fully decorated with beautiful ornaments, and presented her to the Lord. According to the marriage customs, Lakm dev was lifted off the ground and carried
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seven times around the Lord. The chanting of Haris name resounded, but Lakm sat with folded hands and offered silent prayers to the Lord. During the auspicious ceremony of exchanging glances between bride and bridegroom, people showered flowers jubilantly from all directions on r Lakm and r Nryaa. That r Nryaa, Viu, had appeared as Lord Gaurga, and r Lakm offered Him a garland of flowers at His lotus feet. She worshipped Him, surrendering herself as though she were those very flowers. Joyous sounds accompanied by loud chanting of Lord Haris name rent the air. It was the only sound to be heard in any direction. The Lord drank in the moon-like beautiful face of r Lakm dev as He sat with her on His left. His blooming youthful beauty excelled the attractiveness of Cupid himself. Who can possibly describe in detail the joy in r Vallabhas house? Looking like Bhma deva, r Vallabha crya then sat down to give away the bride. The Lord was exquisitely decorated with flower garlands and sandalwood paste and wore beautiful, shining clothes. Vallabha crya poured water on His lotus feet, those same lotus feet, which are washed and worshipped by Lord Brahm and Lord iva in order to acquire the strength and potency to create this material world. The brhmaa then offered his daughter according to the regulations in the scriptures and all the while felt waves of ecstasy within his heart. The rest of the ceremonies were conducted properly and the Lord spent that night in their house. The next morning, Nimi returned to His own house with Lakm dev. They were carried on a palanquin, and people came from everywhere to see the Lord and His bride. Beautifully decorated with flowers, gold ornaments, studded crowns and sandalwood paste artistically dotted over their beautiful faces, r Lakm Dev and r Nryaa were effulgent with a transcendental glow. People all around acknowledged their own good fortune at seeing this divine couple. The ladies especially stood mesmerized at the sublimely beautiful sight. One lady commented, She must have worshipped Lord iva and Prvat for a long time with great devotion. Otherwise, it could not be possible 135

to get a husband like him. Perhaps, they themselves are Lord iva and Prvat. They are either Indra and ac or Madana and Rati, said another lady. Someone else suggested, No they must be Lakm and Nryaa. They look exactly like St and Lord Rmacandra, said another woman, and they are so charming as they ride upon their palanquin. Thus, the ladies each offered a variety of opinions as they watched the divine couple with mixed wonder and joy. The Lord brought His new bride home in the evening amidst joyful tumult, sweet music and laughter. acm went out to meet the newly wed couple and brought them into the house. She felt infinite joy, and bustled around distributing valuable gifts to everyone and pleasing the guests with sweet words. Whoever hears with devotion this narration of the Lords marriage will certainly be able to break the ties of material bondage. acdev felt her house glowing with a new iridescent light. Now that Lakm Dev was in her rightful position next to Nryaa, r Gaurga, ac dev saw an extraordinary light everywhere, inside as well as outside the house. She could not describe the wonderful phenomenon. Sometimes, she saw a very beautiful light right next to her son, but, when she would look again, it would no longer be there. At other times, she could smell the divine fragrance of flowers and lotuses and this surprised her beyond description. She often wondered about the actual truth of all this. I think I know the reason for all this, acm thought to herself. My daughter-in-law must be an incarnation, or expansion of Lakm Dev. That is why I sometimes see a brilliant light or smell a divine lotus fragrance. My previous sufferings and our poverty seem to have vanished. I dont know how I have received this girl as my daughter-inlaw, for she is certainly Lakm Dev. In this way, acm would speculate, but the Supreme Lord Gaurga, although manifest, did not yet reveal His original and absolute identity.
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Who can understand wonderful activities and the potencies of the Supreme Lord? However and whenever the Supreme Lord desires to act, He is free to do so. If the Supreme Lord Himself does not reveal these esoteric truths, then even Lakm Dev does not have the potency to fathom the transcendental phenomenon. All the scripturesVedas and Purasrepeat the same truth: No one can know the Absolute Truth, the Supreme Lord, without receiving mercy of the Lord. r Ka Caitanya and Nitynanda Prabhu are the life and soul of this insignificant servant, Vndvana dsa, and he offers his humble song at their lotus feet.
11. Nimi Paita Meets vara Pur
All glories to r Gauracandra, the Supreme Lord of all Lords! His youthful pastimes as a scholar revealed His attraction for learning. He stayed in Navadvpa, but He concealed His inner identity. The best of the brhmaas, Gauracandra, spent all His younger days pursuing His studies. His handsome youthfulness could defeat the beauty of millions upon millions of cupids. Every limb of His transcendental body was a perfection of beauty. His arms extended down to the knees and His exquisite eyes were like lotus petals. His attractive lips were red as if from chewing betel, and He was always dressed in fine, majestic clothes. Ever in a happy mood, He walked amidst His colleagues and disciples, entertaining them with His sparkling wit. He was their unquestioned leader on the strength of His superior intelligence and learning. He roamed all over Navadvpa carrying His books as if holding Sarasvat Dev, the Goddess of Learning, within His palm, for He is the Supreme Lord of the entire cosmic manifestation. No scholar in Navadvpa dared to find faults in His dissertations. Only the brhmaa Gagdsa Paita, a very pious and fortunate soul, was capable of discussing with the Lord. 137

The different categories of people in Navadvpa saw Mahprabhu in their own way. The materialistic fruitive workers who were attached to family and home saw Him as the Lord and experienced an inexplicable wonder. How remarkable that every house He graces should always have prosperity, they exclaimed. The ladies saw Him as the most attractive Cupid. However, in the hearts of the atheists He struck fear as the God of Death. The scholars were convinced that Bhaspati, the most learned priest of the demigods, had taken birth upon earth. Nevertheless, the Vaiavas were seriously concerned about Gaurga and His behaviour. He is endowed with such sublime physical beauty, they sadly commented, yet, He shows no attraction for Lord Ka. What will all His learning and erudition bring Him except years of wasted time. The Vaiavas spoke in this manner because they were bewildered by the internal potency of the Lord. Although they saw the Supreme Lord in person before them, they could not recognize Him. Once a Vaiava met the Lord and enquired, What is the use of wasting your time in the pursuit of material knowledge. The Lord smiled at the concern of His devotee and replied, Truly it is my great fortune that you are instructing me to accept the path of devotional service. These are some of the exchanges of mellows between the Supreme Lord and His devotees. Yet, even the devoteeswhat to speak of ordinary mencould not recognize the Lord as He unfolded His pastimes in the mood of a scholar. Navadvpa was the seat of learning in those days and students and scholars came there from all over. There were many pure Vaiava devotees amongst them, especially from Caagrma, who had come to live near the bank of the Gag. By the Lord's desire, all these Vaiava devotees had assembled in Navadvpa. Abandoning all physical and material pleasures, they were fully attached to the lotus feet of Lord Ka. They met daily, studied together and in solitudeaway from the 138

bustle of materialistic lifethey discussed the pastimes of Lord Govinda. r Mukunda was especially loved by all the Vaiavas because he could melt anyone's heart with his beautiful singing. Towards evening, the devotees would gather in r crya's house and when Mukunda would sing devotional songs to Lord Ka, the devotees would lose their composure. Some would cry, others would laugh loudly, and still others would dance. Some lost control of themselves and their clothing and would roll on the ground, feeling great ecstasy. Some chanted loudly as if roaring like lions, and others clapped their fellow devotees loudly upon their backs. Still others simply touched the feet of r Mukunda. The whole place became transformed into a most blissful scene, and all the Vaiavas forgot their previous sufferings. The Supreme Lord, Gaurasundara, was always pleased with Mukunda. Whenever he saw Mukunda, He would hurry forward to meet him. Nimi would present Mukunda with problems, and Mukunda would earnestly try to explain them. However, the Lord would immediately reply that Mukunda's arguments were all wrong, and, inevitably, an argument would ensure. Mukunda had become a respected scholar by such meetings with the Lord, and he would argue with the Lord, presenting pros and cons to establish his arguments. Of course, the Supreme Lord recognized His devotees and enjoyed such exchanges. r Caitanya also harassed rvsa in the same manner whenever He saw him, so most of the Vaiavas tried to avoid meeting the Lord, which simply wasted their time in useless sophistry and argument. The Vaiavas were fully detached from material pleasures, being immersed in love of Ka. Hence, they found no interest in any topics other than Ka consciousness. They were uninspired to argue with the Lord on logic or other such material topics. In any case, the interactions invariably ended with the Lord making fun of them. Therefore, when any of them spotted the Lord
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out and about, he would change his direction and keep his distance. They enjoyed only Ka conscious topics, yet whenever the Lord met them He would only ask questions on logic and other material subjects. One day, Caitanya was walking down the main street with some other students. Mukunda happened to be coming that way at the same time, going for his daily bath in the river. Seeing the Lord from a distance, Mukunda quickly turned away. The Lord saw Mukunda sneak away and He asked His servant Govinda, Why has this fellow run away upon seeing me? Dear learned brhmaa, I don't know why he has gone away, said Govinda. Maybe he has some other work. I know why he has run away, said Gaurga. He does not like to talk about mundane subject matters. This fellow only studies devotional scriptures while I juggle with astrology, theology, verb rules and grammar. Thus, because I do not talk about Ka, he has avoided me. Using harsh terms, He pretended to slander Mukunda, but He was actually very pleased with him. However, He simultaneously cryptically revealed His own supreme identity. The Lord said, Alright Mukunda, we will see how long you can avoid being caught by Me. Do you think you can escape Me by some trick like running away? The Lord smiled, Let me catch you another day when I have finished my studies and you will see the Vaiava that I am. I will become such a Vaiava devotee that Brahm and iva will come, stand, and wait patiently at My doorstep. So my dear brothers, now hear from Me carefully. I will become the most famous and extraordinary Vaiava. Today, those who now run away at the sight of Me, tomorrow, will sing of My qualities and glories.
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After His speech, the Lord smiled brightly and left for home with all His joyful disciples. Who can appreciate these most pleasurable pastimes of r Vivambhara, unless The Lord Himself reveals them within ones heart? However, whilst the devotees in Navadvpa displayed wonderful devotional qualities, the rest of the residents were mad after wealth, sons and other such temporary material opulences. If they heard the chanting of the Lords Holy Name they taunted and blasphemed the devotees saying, They are singing only with the hope of filling their bellies. Other atheistic persons remarked, These people are avoiding the cultivation of knowledge, preferring to dance in the road like crazy fellows. What sort of behaviour is this? Still another said, How much of the Bhgavata and other scriptures have they read that they dance and cry all the timeI have never found such things in the scriptures. Is this their devotional path? This rvsa Paita and his three brothers will not even allow us to sleep after a good meal. I have asked them, Is there no spiritual benefit from chanting the name of Ka softly, or is it only by howling and dancing that some special benefit is derived? In this manner, the atheists hurled offences at the Vaiavas whenever they saw them. By hearing these abusive words, the Vaiavas were distressed and would lament for the sorry state of the people in general. Tearfully, the devotees would take shelter of r Ka and ardently call out His Holy Name. O Lord, how long before all this suffering is eradicated from the world? they prayed. Dear Kacandra, please reveal Yourself in this sinful material world.
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At the house of Advaita crya, the Vaiavas described the insults they had received from atheists of the Navadvpa community. Advaita crya Prabhu could hardly tolerate insults to the devotees and grew enraged like an incarnation of Lord Rudra, the destroyer of the material world. He roared furiously, I shall destroy everyone! My Lord, the carrier of the Sudarana disc, will soon appear here in Nadia and then everyone will see what He can do! I shall make the Supreme Lord, r Ka, appear in person before the eyes of all and report all these offences directly to my Lord. Only then, will this person known as Advaita be worthy of being called the servant of r Ka. My dear brothers, please remain patient a little longer, then here in Nadia, itself, you shall personally see r Ka as He reveals His wonderful pastimes. Hearing the encouraging words of r Advaita crya instilled new life into the hearts of the Vaiavas. They forgot their distressed condition and all together began chanting the Holy Names of the Lord, r Ka. Jubilantly singing the all-auspicious names of r Ka with r Advaita, the devotees became overwhelmed, blissfully intoxicated by this most nectarine sweet sound. The caustic remarks of the atheists faded far away from their thoughts as, for them, Navadvpa became filled with the greatest and most sublime ecstasy. Meanwhile, r Nimi Paita continued His education happily and was an ever-increasing source of pleasure for acm. Around this time, r varacandra Pur came to Navadvpa unobtrusively disguised as an ekadai sannys of the impersonalist school.
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However, he was a magnanimous personality, always absorbed in tasting the nectar of love of r Ka. He was extremely dear to r Ka and compassionate towards all. Wearing such attire, no one could easily recognise him. However, one day, by the arrangement of providence, vara Pur went to the house of r Advaita crya. The crya was quite busy performing His pj at that time and varacandra sat humbly in the courtyard near r Advaita Prabhu. The purity of a Vaiava gives him an effulgence that cannot be hidden certainly not from another Vaiava, and so Advaita crya Prabhu looked repeatedly. Advaita could immediately understand that the person sitting before him was no ordinary sannys, but must be a pure Vaiava. At last, crya Prabhu addressed vara Pur respectfully, Dear saintly person, who are you? I have the feeling that you are actually a Vaiava sannys. I am lower than a dra, the fourth class person, replied varacandra Pur. I have come here simply to see your lotus feet. Mukunda, recognizing the symptoms of such a pure Vaiava devotee there in the courtyard, spontaneously broke into a song about r Ka with great ecstatic devotion. Hearing the beautiful singing of r Mukunda, vara Pur fell to the ground. Incessant tears poured from his eyes, while repeated and increasing bursts of devotional love and ecstasy overcame him. Advaita crya was startled and quickly drew varacandra into his arms. Soon, he also was bathed in the tears of the saint.
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Both were swept away by ecstatic waves of love for r Ka and were unable to control their ever-increasing spiritual emotions. Inspired by the scene, Mukunda sang appropriate lokas, verses, one after another. The assembled Vaiavas were astonished to see such a display of intense spiritual emotions and their hearts filled with divine happiness. Moments later, when the devotees learnt that the humble sannys was actually r varacandra Pur, they broke into a spontaneous krtana, overjoyed that such a great devotee was in their presence. In this humble way, r vara Pur wandered around Navadvpa in disguise, unrecognised by all. One day, r Gauracandra was returning home after teaching some students and by divine arrangement, He saw varacandra Pur along the way. Recognizing his servant and dear devotee, the Lord immediately offered him obeisances with the greatest respect. r Vivambharas unsurpassed beauty was impossible to describe and He was a perfect personality in all respects, a reservoir of all good qualities. No one could understand His innermost feelings, nor knew His real identity. Yet, everyone regarded Him with the greatest awe and respect. varacandra Pur glanced at the Lords features and knew immediately that Nimi was a grave and sublime transcendental personality. What is Your name, O most learned brhmaa? asked r Pur. Which books are You carrying? What do You teach and where is Your place of residence? Some of the students answered for their teacher, He is Nimi Paita. r varacandra Pur joyfully responded, Oh, so You are Nimi! The pleasure of r varacandra was quite apparent. The Lord humbly invited him to accept prasdam at His house and then respectfully brought r Pur to His home. 144

acm prepared a wonderful feast and offered it to Lord Ka. r Pur accepted the mah-prasda, and afterwards sat in the temple room. r vara Pur then began to narrate the wonderful qualities and pastimes of r Ka. At one stage, he fell silent, overcome by the ecstatic emotions of transcendental love and was thus unable to speak any further. Nimi and everyone else experienced wonderful joy as the nectar of ecstatic devotional mellows flowed profusely from r Pur in their company. r Pur would never manifest these spiritual emotions in the presence of the unfortunate materialists. r vara then stayed in the house of Gopntha crya in Navadvpa for several months. The hearts of the Vaiavas were light with joy because of his association and the Lord Himself visited r Pur daily. Seeing his tears of love for Lord Ka, r Gaddhara Paita was also well loved by all the Vaiava community. From his childhood, Gaddhara was completely detached from worldly life. Seeing his devotion, varacandra Pur also favoured and loved r Gaddhara. In his association, r Pur-pda would have Gaddhara read a book named, Ka-llmta, which he had composed himself. He would then affectionately explain the different esoteric truths contained therein to the young Gaddhara. Every evening after studying and teaching, Lord Caitanya visited vara Pur to offer His respectful obeisances. vara Pur was always glad to see Nimi, and although he did not know that Nimi was the Supreme Personality of Godhead, his love and affection for him flowed unrestrainedly.
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He spoke affectionately to the Lord, I know you are a great scholar. I have written a book about the nature of r Ka. I would like you to go through it and find the mistakes. That would please me very much. This is the description of Lord Ka by a pure devotee, replied Nimi. Whoever finds fault with a devotees description of r Ka is a sinful offender. r Ka is always pleased by the poetry of His pure devotee even if it might be imperfect grammatically. An ignorant person while offering obeisances in the temple might make a grammatical mistake by saying viya; whereas, an educated sober person would use the proper form of addressing Lord Ka, which is viave. However, the Supreme Lord, r Ka accepts both their obeisances, when offered with devotion. The Supreme Lord, r Janrdana, is not impressed with mere learning, but He is supplicated by the inner mood of surrender of the living entities. The uneducated may use the incorrect form viya nama and not the correct viave nama as used by the scholar, but the Lord sees the devotion and on that basis rewards the result. Whoever looks for faults in your writings is actually at fault himself because the writing are in fact meant only for the pleasure of r Ka, who is always fully satisfied by the writings of this pure devotees. Whatever you have written is an expression of your love for Ka; who has the audacity to find some discrepancy in it? varacandra Pur felt ecstasy surge through his entire body upon hearing the explanation of Nimi Paita, which was like a shower of nectar. Yet, r Pur affectionately persisted, I know you wish to be uncritical, but in my works there may be so many types of errors. Kindly point them out to meYou will not be at fault for doing so. 146

After this discussion, r Pur and Nimi Paita would sit together for a couple of hours daily and consider the book. One day, Nimi Paita apparently detected a fault in one of vara Purs poems, commenting that the use of a particular verb root was inaccurate. Here should be a different verb root, not the tmanepad form as you have used, said the Lord. After the discussion, Nimi went home and vara Pur, who was an erudite scholar in all the scriptures and certainly a paita in grammar, considered Nimis proposal. He enjoyed analysing intellectual topics and after Nimi left, he considered Nimis comment from various aspects and compared it with many sastric conclusions. When Nimi came to see him the next day, r Pur gave his conclusion, That verb root you considered to be wrong is actually correct, as I have used it. It should not be the parasmaipad form, as you suggested yesterday. Actually, the tmanepad form is correct. Hearing this analysis, the Lord had to agree and found no further fault. Within His heart, He felt most satisfied that his devotee servant had been victorious over Himself. All the Vedic scriptures confirm that the Lord, by His magnanimous nature, always desires to increase the name, fame, and victory of his devoteeeven at cost to Himself. For the next few months, the two great paitas, vara Pur and r Gauracandra, fully absorbed in their scholastic pastimes, enjoyed every moment of their discussion and debates. However, varacandra Pur could never remain long in one placethe restlessness of ecstatic devotional love always tugged at his heart. Thus, he left r Navadvpa and set out to travel widely on pilgrimage, purifying the earth. Whoever is fortunate enough to attentively hear these wonderful narrations about varacandra Pur is immediately transported to the
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place where the lotus feet of Lord Ka are ever offering shelter and mercy. r Mdhavendra Pur, being fully satisfied with his disciple, had bestowed ecstatic love of r Ka upon r vara Pur. By the unlimited mercy of r Ka, varacandra Pur had received the complete shelter of his spiritual master, r Mdhavendra Pur, and thus he roamed everywhere freely, unconcerned and fully blissful. r Ka Caitanya and r Nitynanda-candra are my life and soul. I, Vndvana dsa hkura, humbly offer my song at Their lotus feet.
12. Nimi Wanders Throughout Navadvpa
All glories to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, r Gaurasundara! All glories to the servants who eternally accompany the Supreme Lord! Nimi was fully engaged in performing His transcendental pastimes as a scholar in Navadvpa. Always with a book in hand, He went about Navadvpa challenging all the scholars and teachers to debate on practically any subject matter, but no one could meet His challenge. The Lord was supposed to have reached only the study of grammar. Yet, He regarded acclaimed and titled scholars with disdain. He was a selfsatisfied scholar and went about Navadvpa with His disciples and students, who were very fortunate by His association. One day, He quite unexpectedly met Mukunda on the road. Catching him by the hand, the Lord demanded, What is your reason for avoiding Me and turning away when you see Me? Today let Me see how you escape without answering My questions. How am I going to defeat Him today? thought Mukunda. I know that He is well versed in grammar, so I shall question Him on alakra (figures of speech) and defeat Him so thoroughly that He will never 148

boast to me again. The debate began and they plied each other with questions. The Lord defeated each of Mukundas explanations. Then Mukunda suggested, Grammar is for small children. Only young students discuss these subjects. Rather, we should discuss figures of speech. Whatever you wish, replied Nimi. Mukunda quoted difficult and lofty lokas one after the other, asking questions on different aspects of the figures of speech. The omnipotent Supreme Lord pointed out mistakes in every one of his compositions and smashed all his arguments. Mukunda was unable to establish any new points. Today, return to your house and please study your books properly, said the Lord smilingly. Tomorrow, if you wish, I will put you to the test again. Mukunda took the dust from the Lords lotus feet and left thinking about this wonderful incident. It is not possible for a human being to possess such knowledge, thought Mukunda. He is well versed in all the scriptures and subjects. He is such a genius that it seems there is not one thing that He does not know. If only He were a devotee of Lord Ka, then I would never leave His company for a moment. Thus, the Lord of Vaikuha enjoyed the mood of a scholar while roaming about Navadvpa. On another occasion, He met Gaddhara Paita. The Lord grasped both of Gaddharas hands and said, I have heard you study logic. You must answer My questions before you leave. Gaddhara Paita agreed and the Lord began, Tell me the nature of liberation. Gaddhara replied according to knowledge he had gained from the books, but the Lord said, Your explanations are not up to standard. Gaddhara insisted, According to the scriptures liberation comes only after the extirpation of extreme suffering. Nimi Paita, the Lord of Sarasvat Dev, the Goddess of Learning, pointed out discrepancies from various angles of Gaddhara Paitas explanation. There was no one who could defeat the Lord, no one who could win in a debate with Him. 149

Gaddhara, you should go home today, but tomorrow we shall meet again and you will have another chance, said Nimi. However, Gaddhara could only think of escaping Nimis association. He offered due respect to Nimi and left as quickly as possible. Nimi continued to roam about Navadvpa with His students. Everyone now recognized Nimi as an erudite scholar and people in general were very respectful towards Him. In the late afternoon, the Lord would sit in the midst of His students on the bank of the Gag. Nothing in the cosmic creation could compare with His charm for Lakm Dev, the Goddess of Wealth, continually worshipped him. r acnandana explained the scriptures and all His students sat around Him listening. Around evening time, the Vaiavas came and sat at a distance from the Lord listening to his explanations with mixed feelings of elation and depression. What is the benefit of possessing so much beauty and such vast learning, if one does not worship Ka? commented one devotee. I have to run away when I see Him, lest He catch me and defeat me with His tricky questions, said another. If He catches you, you cannot escape. He forces you to stay as though He had the authority of some government official, complained another. Nonetheless, His strength is so extraordinary, concluded one devotee, that I think He must be some great personality. Although He harasses us with tricky questions, somehow I feel very pleased each time I see Him. I have yet to meet anyone with His erudition. The only thing that disheartens me is that He does not worship Lord Ka. The devotees sincerely prayed that Nimi would develop some attachment for the lotus feet of Lord Ka. They prostrated themselves on the bank of the Gag and petitioned the Lord on Nimis behalf. O Lord Ka, please allow the son of r Jaganntha Mira to be always absorbed in You, leaving aside His other pursuits, they prayed. Allow Him to worship You always in loving devotion and then we can all 150

associate with Him. Nimi thus received the blessings of the pure Vaiava devotees. As the Supreme Personality of Godhead residing in everyones heart, He knew the mentality of the devotees. Whenever He saw rvsa and other elevated devotees, He would always offer them respect. He accepted the blessings of the Vaiavas, knowing that only through such blessings could love of Ka be achieved. Often devotees questioned Him, Why do You waste Your time pursuing material knowledge? What will You gain? Others would advise, You should begin to worship the Supreme Lord, Ka, immediately. What is the ultimate aim of education? It is only to know the Supreme Lord, and if You miss this point then what is the use of all Your erudition? The Lord affectionately replied, I am truly very fortunate that all of you are so intent about teaching Me the path of devotional service to Ka. Within My heart, I know that whoever receives your blessings is most fortunate. I have always thought that I would take shelter of a pure Vaiava devotee, but only after I have studied a little longer. The Lord conversed affectionately with His devotees in this manner, and yet remained undetected by anyone through the influence of His internal potency, my. The Lord charmed everyone and stole their hearts. There was no one who did not wait eagerly to meet the Lord again. The citizens of Navadvpa were equally happy to meet r Gauracandra and whenever they saw him, they offered great respect. Each of the townspeople saw the Lord according to his own mentality. The ladies thought, O, here is Cupid. The scholars offered Him great respect, thinking that He was Bhaspati, the priest of the demigods. The mystic yogis considered Him a perfected being, while the evilminded atheists and sinners beheld Him with fear. 151

Nimis charm was irresistible. Whoever conversed with Him became captivated as though bound by the ropes of love. Although He acted as a majestic scholar, flouncing His erudition, still people heard Him with affection. Even the Muslims and others felt affection for the Lord. That was only natural because the Lords nature was magnanimous. The Supreme Lord of all the spiritual planets taught many students in the courtyard of Mukunda Sajayas house. Never tiring from debate on any point, the Lord Vivambhara, r acnandana, exhibited His pastimes as a scholar. None of the fortunate souls who had contact with Gaurasundara, including Mukunda Sajaya, could understand the reason for their exhilaration in the Lords company. The Lord of Vaikuha had mastered all the branches of education, and He exhibited these transcendental pastimes in the mood of an erudite scholar for the pleasure of everyone. One day, the Lord appeared to be sick from a disorder of the life-airs, but used incident to reveal the ecstatic symptoms of devotional service. Suddenly, He uttered something mystical and indecipherable. Falling to the ground, He rolled around breaking everything within reach. He roared like thunderlike a challenging wrestlerand struck whoever came near Him. At one moment, His body would be paralysed and in the next moment, He would fall unconscious. Those who witnessed the malady were frightened. News spread that He was suffering from a disorder of the life-airs and all His friends rushed in to try to help. Buddhimanta Khn, Mukunda Sajaya came quickly to His house with the entire group. They applied different medicated herbal oils upon His head to bring Him back to a normal condition. In actuality, Nimi was pretending to be sick, so no one could cure Him from His condition. Nevertheless, His whole body quivered uncontrollably and He alternately sighed and roared, making everyone fearful. I am the Lord of the entire universe, said Nimi. I am the maintainer and upholder of the Universe, and My name is Vivambhara. I am that
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same Supreme Personality who is the Lord of all the spiritual planets, but none of you know Me. In His seeming madness, He rushed out to catch someone. Although Nimi revealed His real identity during His illness, still no one could recognize Him because of the Lords internal potency. Some demon must have possessed Him, commented one person. Another immediately questioned, Is this how a witch works? He is speaking constantly, therefore He must have some sort of disorder of the life-airs, suggested another person. In this way, each one offered his own opinion, but none could understand the Lord in truth because of the influence of His illusory potency, the internal potency of the Supreme Lord Viu. People tried to cure the Lord by applying a variety of oils over His head and body. He dripped with oil, yet kept on laughing as if to substantiate the existence of a disorder that was affecting His mind. After some time, the Lord became normal again of His own accord. Such are the wonderful pastimes of the Supreme Lord. Everyone was relieved and jubilantly chanted Lord Haris name. Their relief was so great that they began to give gifts and receive gifts from others, without knowing to whom they had given or from whom they had taken. They all blessed the Lord with a long life. Who can comprehend these transcendental activities of the Lord of Vaikuha, if He, Himself, does not mercifully reveal them? The Vaiavas, who were accustomed to give good advice to the Lord whenever they saw Him, now advised, Dear Sir, please worship the lotus feet of Lord Ka. Time is short and the body is temporary. However, what can we teach you, for after all are You not the most learned person? The Lord smiled in acquiescence, offered the Vaiavas respect, and left to teach His students in the house of the pious Mukunda Sajaya. His hair still smelling sweet from the medicated oils, Lord Gaurasundara sat 153

amongst His disciples and began to teach. In that gathering, the Lord looked like a gem surrounded by many precious jewels. It is impossible to give a proper analogy. It could have been Lord Nryaa in Badarikrama sitting amidst His devotees like anaka and other great souls. There is no doubt that acnandana is that same Lord Nryaa, the Supreme Personality. Thus, He enacted His scholarly pastimes with His students and devotees. After holding class for several hours, Gaurasundara and His students would break at midday for their bath in the Gag. After that, the Lord would return home for His daily worship of Lord Viu. He offered water to Tulas Dev, circumambulated her, and would then sit down to eat His meal whilst chanting the name of Lord Hari. Lakmpriy dev served the prasda to her Lord while acm looked on, drinking in the Lords beauty to her full satisfaction. After eating, the Lord chewed some tmbla, betel preparation, and lay down while Lakm massaged His lotus feet. For a while, He would rest in a transcendental sleep, and upon rising, He would again take His books in His hand and leave the house. Out in the street, Gaurasundara gave and received great pleasure in talking with anyone He met. No one knew He was in fact the Supreme Lord, yet everyone offered Him respect. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, r acnandana, walked casually throughout the town where everyone could see Him, although He is unapproachable by even the demigods. One day, Nimi came to a weavers house. The weaver received His guest with reverence. Bring Me a fine piece of cloth, said the Lord, and the weaver immediately produced a very good piece. How much will you take for this? asked Nimi. Whatever You want to give, replied the weaver. Nimi estimated the price and said, I have no coins today. My dear respected brhmaa, asserted the weaver, You can give in ten, or fifteen days. Now take this cloth and wear it. If you are satisfied, You can pay me later. The Supreme Lord cast His merciful glance upon the weaver and left his place.
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At the house of the milkman, Nimi playfully took advantage of His position as a brhmaa. Bring Me some milk and yogurt, said Gaurasundara. Today I shall accept some charity from you. To the milkmen, Nimi looked like Cupid Personified because of His brilliant beauty. Carefully and with great reverence, they seated Him comfortably and began joking with Him. Affectionately, they called Him Uncle. Come Uncle, come to my house and take some rice, said one milkman, grasping Nimis arm as though He would take Him physically. No, come to my house for rice. Dont You remember when You ate in my house previously? said another jokingly. Actually, Nimi had never visited their houses except in His previous incarnation as r Ka. The milkmen could not know the depth of the joke, nor did Nimi reveal it. He was satisfied with His secret. The milkmen brought milk, clarified butter, yoghurt, cream and curd, and offered it to the Lord. The Lord was pleased with the milkmen and after blessing them, He left for the house of a perfumer. The perfume maker received the Lord with great respect and offered prayers at His lotus feet. Dear brother, bring Me some good perfumes, said Nimi. The perfumer immediately went inside and came back with his best collection. What is the price? asked Nimi. You know everything, replied the perfumer. Would it be proper for me to ask payment from You? Take this perfume and use it for a few days. If the perfume suits You, You may pay me whatever You like. The perfumer smeared Nimis body with fragrant oil and received indescribable pleasure from the service. How could he have remained unaffected while serving the beautiful body of the Lord who can attract hearts of all living entities? Nimi blessed the perfumer and went on to the house of a florist.
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The florist was wonderstruck to see such an extremely charming person. He offered his obeisances to the Lord and with respect and affection, he gave Him a place to sit. I would like a very beautiful garland but I do not have any money with Me, said Nimi. Noticing the signs of divinity upon the Lords person, the florist said, You do not have to give anything. The florist then brought a beautiful garland and placed it round the Lords neck. This pleased the Lord who began to laugh along with the disciples and students who had accompanied Him. The Lord blessed the florist and went next to the house of the betel leaf dealer. The pan dealer saw that he had Cupid in person as a visitor. First touching the lotus feet of the Lord, the merchant then offered Him a seat, saying, It is my great fortune that you have visited this humble dwelling of mine. He then spontaneously prepared a betel pan leaf for the Lord and offered it to Him. Why did you give Me this pan without being paid? asked the Lord with a sweet smile. I simply acted on the prompting of my heart, said the pan merchant. The Lord was pleased with the merchants simple honesty and was satisfied to chew the betel pan He had received. The dealer made a packet containing betel leaves with other valuable tasty spices like camphor and offered it to the Lord with faith and respect. In return, he received the causeless mercy of the Lord. Nimi continued to visit the people of Navadvpa in this way. An exact replica of Mathur, Navadvpa was an opulent town even before the advent of the Lord. The lakhs of inhabitants busied themselves throughout the town. This was all prearranged by the desire of the Lord; Navadvpa had been prepared to receive the incarnation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
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Just as Lord Ka had gone through Mathur meeting the various residents, in this incarnation, Lord Caitanya had enacted the same wonderful pastime. The Lord then visited the house of a conch shell dealer. The merchant received the Lord with great respect and offered his obeisances at the Lords lotus feet. Dear brother, please bring Me a beautiful conch shell, said Nimi. The merchant delivered his most beautiful shell and offered his obeisances again, but the Lord asked, How will I take it with Me as I am not carrying any money? Respected brhmaa, please take this conch shell home with You. You can pay me later, or if You do not pay me at all it does not matter. The Lord was satisfied with the conch shell dealers affection and blessed him. In this manner, the Lord visited many houses in Navadvpa and showered each one with His mercy. Out of their great fortune, even today the residents of Navadvpa receive the shelter of the lotus feet of r Gauracandra and r Nitynanda. The fully independent Supreme Personality of Godhead, r Gauracandra, then went to the house of an astrologer. The astrologer saw a divine personality before him, glowing with spiritual radiance, and he humbly offered his respectful obeisances and a seat. I have heard that you are a good astrologer, said the Lord. Tell Me, who was I in My previous birth? The astrologer chanted his gopla-mantra and went into meditation. He saw the fourhanded form of Lord Ka with the complexion of a dark monsoon cloud. The Lord was holding a conch shell, the Sudarana cakra, a club, and a lotus in His hands. He saw the Lord bathed in divine effulgence with the Kaustubha jewel around His neck and His breast marked with rvatsa. He then saw the prison house of Kasa with
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Vasudeva and Mother Devak holding the newborn baby in the late night. Then, r Vasudeva carried the child to Gokula for safety. Again, the astrologer saw the Lord as a charming two-handed little boy without any clothes. The jewellery around His waist tinkled sweetly with each movement and both His hands were filled with creamy butter. The astrologer saw the same divine signs on r Caitanya that he had always seen on Gopla, the form of Ka on which he meditated daily. Once again, the astrologers vision changed and he saw the curved form of Lord Symnanda, Ka, playing His flute while the gops around Him played on different musical instruments. The wonder-struck astrologer opened his eyes to observe the beautiful form of r Nimi, on which he continued to meditate. Then, he prayed aloud to his worshipable Lord r Gopla, O Gopla, please reveal to me the real identity of this young brhmaa. The astrologer then saw in his meditation the Supreme Lord with the complexion of drv grass holding a bow in one hand, while sitting upon a kingly throne. Again, he saw the Lord as Varha, the boar, balancing the earth between His tusks as He rose magnificently out of the ocean depths. He saw Lord Nsiha deva, the terrifying half-man, half-lion incarnation that appeared to protect His pure devotees. Then, Vmana appeared in the sacrificial arena of Bali Mahrja followed by Matsya, the fish, saving the Vedic scriptures from destruction in the waters of annihilation. Within his meditation, the pious astrologer then saw Lord Balarma carrying His divine plough, and after that, he saw Jaganntha and Balarma, with Subhadr standing between them. All the incarnations of the Lord appeared to the astrologer, yet because of the Lords illusory energy, he could not understand the deeper meaning of his divine vision. The astrologer was mystified and thought to himself, Maybe this brhmaa is very expert in chanting mantras for incarnations, or maybe He is some demigod in the form of a brhmaa trying to amuse Himself 158

and test me. He certainly possesses extraordinary effulgence. Maybe He has come as an astrologer and clairvoyant to disgrace me. The Lord interrupted his thoughts and said, What do you see? Tell Me, who am I. Tell Me everything in detail. Please go now, said the confused astrologer. Later in the afternoon when I have chanted my mantras properly I shall tell You everything. The Lord wished him well and went to the house of His dear friend, rdhara. The Lord was always pleased with rdharas behaviour and He would use any excuse to visit him. They would converse confidentially and joke with each other. In this way, several hours a day could be passed very happily. rdhara offered the Lord obeisances and a seat as soon as He arrived. rdharas calm and mild personality stood in obvious contrast to Nimis stormy character. rdhara, you are always chanting Lord Haris name, so what is the reason for your suffering? You are serving the husband and master of r Lakm Dev, the Goddess of Fortune, so why are you always in want of food and clothes? I am not starving, replied rdhara, And as You can see, I have clothes on. They are neither fine clothes, nor the right size, but my body is covered. Yet, rdhara, argued the Lord, the clothes are torn in several places and I know you have neither straw, nor rice in the house. Look around you. All the citizens worship Goddess Cai, (Mother Durg) the destroyer of all enemies, and none of them suffer for want of food, shelter or clothing. You have made a good point, replied rdhara, but generally speaking, everyones life is practically the same. The King may live in a palace surrounded by opulence and eat sumptuously while the birds live in the open or in a simple nest in a treetop and gather their own humble food. However, basically, everyones approach to life is the same. By the Lords 159

design, each of us must meet the demands of duty and in doing so we behave more or less alike. Personally, I prefer to live the life I am leading now. I am sure you have immense wealth hidden somewhere, accused the Lord, and you are relishing opulent nectar in secret. Soon, I will make it known to everyone, and then we will see if you can continue to dupe the people. Look through my house, dear learned brhmaa, invited rdhara, and see for Yourself. We should not start an argument here. I am not going to let you off so easily, said Nimi, Tell Me, what you are going to feed Me? I make a simple living selling leaf cups, replied rdhara. What can I offer to give You from such an income, respected brhmaa? I am not going to touch Your hidden wealth now, that I will get later, assured Nimi. However, if you give Me banana root and some banana stalks right nowwithout taking moneythen I will not fight with you any more. rdhara thought to himself, He is a very aggressive brhmaa. Someday He might even beat me. Nevertheless, even if He does beat me, what can I do? I really cannot afford to give him whatever He wants, free each day. However, I see He has a godly form. Certainly, He is not an ordinary personality by any means. If He takes my things by force or by some other tricky means, then let Him be free to do so. Ultimately, that will be my good fortune. So, in spite of my poverty, I will continue to give Him whatever He wants. Having made his decision, rdhara answered the Lord, Dear brhmaa, You do not have to pay me anything at all. I will give You whatever You want with an open and happy heart. Take Your bananas and other vegetables, take the leaf cups that I have, and please do not fight with me anymore.
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Yes, this is a very satisfactory agreement, said Nimi. There should be no further fights, but please see to it that I get good quality bananas, banana stalk, and radish. Daily, the Lord ate from rdharas leaf cups, relishing his bananas, banana stalks, radishes and rdharas supplies for cooking in general. Occasionally, when a gourd grew on rdharas rooftop, the Lord would take it and have it cooked into a special preparation made with milk and hot spices. One day, the Lord asked, rdhara what do you think of Me? As soon as you tell me that, I shall return to My house. rdhara replied, You are a brhmaa, part and parcel of the Supreme Lord Viu. No, you do not know, said Nimi. I belong to the community of cowherds and milk men. You see Me as a young Brahmin boy, but I consider Myself to be simply a milkman. rdhara just smiled at the Lords comment. He could not recognize his own Lord and master, being deluded by the Lords internal potency. rdhara, I am going to reveal to you an esoteric truth. You see the river Ganges? I am the source of the Gag. O Nimi Paita! Have You no fear in disrespecting Gag dev like this? asked the disturbed rdhara. People usually become more grave and serious as they grow older, but Your frivolity seems to have doubled since Your childhood. After staying with rdhara for sometime, Nimi Paita returned home. He entered the temple room of Lord Viu and His students took that as an indication that they should also return to their homes. The rising full moon in the evening stirred wonderful spiritual emotions within Nimi. Memories of the moon-like Vndvana-candra arose within His heart. Nimi held a flute and played an extraordinarily beautiful melody that only acmt could hear. The flute that charms the entire creation stole acms consciousness, carrying it away upon the wings of ecstasy. Slowly, she regained her external awareness and 161

after steadying her mind, she listened to the beautiful melody. The captivating flute seemed to come from Gaurasundaras direction. The music drew acm from her room to the temple door, where she saw Nimi. The sound of the flute stopped completely and upon her sons chest, she saw the rising full moon and the fathomless firmament. She was overcome by amazement and glanced restively in all directions before returning to her room. She sat down trying to analyze what she had just heard and seen, but she could not find a proper explanation. acm was fortunate to see Nimis endless display of supernatural phenomena. Some nights, she heard many people singing, dancing and playing instruments as if some festival were in progress. She sometimes noticed the entire house, doors, walls and windows emanating a brilliant light. On some days, she saw divinely beautiful ladiesas attractive as Lakm, the Goddess of Fortuneroaming about with lotus flowers in their hands. Occasionally, she saw effulgent demigods who would appear and disappear within a moment. acms visions were certainly not imagination. She was the embodiment of devotional service to the Supreme Lord Ka and all the Vedas glorify her. Merely her glance upon any person could purify and bestow the qualification to see the same transcendental visions. r Gaurasundara, the Supreme Lord who is Ka Himself, lived incognito in Navadvpa, simply relishing His own divine self. Sometimes, He revealed His esoteric identity, but none of His eternal servants could recognize Him. In His Navadvpa pastimes, the Lord liked to be very arrogant, in fact, no one could match His arrogance. Whenever the Supreme Lord performs any pastime, His activities cannot be equalled by anyone. When the Lord feels like performing His chivalrous pastimes, then there is no one to challenge His mastery over weapons. When He wants to reveal His amorous pastimes, then He captivates the hearts of millions of beautiful damsels. When He wants to enjoy opulence, then His opulence and magnificence is unmatched. Now in His pastimes as an erudite scholar, there is no one to match His audacious pride of knowledge, and when this same Lord will later accept 162

the renounced order of life, then who will excel Him in devotion, humility and renunciation? Is there anyone in the three worlds to match Him? In all His incarnations and pastimes, the Lord is supreme in all respects; yet, most wonderfully, His very nature is to become subordinate to the transcendental love of His pure unalloyed devotees. One day, the Lord was walking down the thoroughfare in Navadvpa, surrounded by a number of His student disciples. His movement, dress and behaviour were that of a king and He wore a golden yellow dhot exactly like Ka. A face that appeared to reflect a million rising full moons had soft red lips. People would look and say, Is He Cupid in person? His exquisite forehead held the tilaka mark, His hands clutched His books and as soon as anyone beheld His lotus-petal eyes, they were freed of all sinful thoughts and reactions. The Lord had a restless nature. As He walked along with his students, He swung his arms in a carefree manner. rvsa Paita also happened to be walking along this road and as soon he saw the Lord, he immediately felt great happiness. The Lord offered His obeisances to rvsa Paita, as soon as He saw him. rvsa Paita, the magnanimous personality, blessed the Lord saying, May you live a long life. Then, with a laugh, he enquired, Where are you off to now, my dear epitome of vanity? What futile work are you wasting your time upon instead of worshiping the Supreme Lord, Ka. Why do you spend days and nights teaching people, non-stop? Why do you not allow people to educate themselves, so that they can get knowledge about Lord Ka and the process of devotional service? What is the use of education and knowledge if devotional service is not the ultimate goal? From now on, do not waste even a single moment in futile activities. You have become educated; now utilize your time in worshiping Lord Ka. O respected paita, replied Nimi, I am sure that by your grace devotional service to Ka is possible even for Me.
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Graciously, the Lord took leave of rvsa Paita, and went to the bank of the Gangs. The Lords beauty was indescribable as He sat in the midst of His students. One might say He looked like the moon surrounded by a starry firmament. However, that analogy is inaccurate for the moon is not without flaw. Its waxing and waning diminish its glory, whereas the exhilarating beauty of the Lord was continuous. Therefore, such a comparison is inaccurate in describing the Lords beauty. To compare Him with Bhaspati is also inadequate for Bhaspati is the spiritual master of only the demigods; whereas, the Supreme Lord, Gauracandra, is the supreme shelter and preceptor of all living entities. To compare him with Cupid is also incorrect, for remembrance of Cupid gives rise to material desire and ultimately to grief within the heart. Whereas, remembrance of the Lord brings purification and freedom from material bondage through which one enjoys blissful eternal life. It seems that all analogies are inappropriate except the one, which is readily accepted by my heart. On the banks of the Yamun, r Nandakumra Ka sat surrounded by his young cowherd boyfriends. That same Kacandra and the same cowherd boys were now sitting on the banks of River Gag. Whosoever beheld the charming face of Sri Gaurasundara seated by the Gag experienced inexplicable ecstasy. The Lords pure effulgent form inspired many opinions from the people who were present there. One person said, Such a brilliant effulgence is impossible for a human being. Another conjectured, This brhmaa must be a part or an expansion of Lord Viu. He has come to fulfil the prophecy that a brhmaa would be the King of Bengal. I can see all the marks of royalty upon His body, said another. People continued to give their opinions as far as their intelligence would allow. Thus, Nimi, the cynosure of the residents of Navadvpa, sat amongst His students, criticizing and minimizing the other teachers of 164

Nadia. He would thoroughly defeat any arguments on any subjects, and then, by His superior intelligence, He would again establish the same arguments that He had just defeated. I will accept that person as a scholar who has the courage to come and argue with me, challenged Nimi. Who has sufficient intelligence to defeat my arguments? In this way, the Supreme Lord challenged and thus destroyed the false ego of the scholars of Navadvpa. The Lord had a countless following of students. People would simply come and offer themselves to the Lord. Everyday, many young brhmaa boys would come and pray at the lotus feet of the Lord, O great scholar, I want to study under You so that I may learn something. Please be gracious and grant me this wish. The Lord would smile and accept them all, and, in this way, His students increased day by day. The most precious gem of the Vaikuha planets sat amongst His students on the bank of the River Gag, revealing His wonderful and pleasurable pastimes. The pious people could all see the Lord, and everyone in Navadvpa could feel His spiritual potency. There was no way to gauge the amount of good fortune that these people accumulated and the bliss they experienced just by seeing the Lord. One would become free from material bondage simply by seeing the fortunate souls whose hearts had been touched by the blissful existence of the Supreme Lord. However, alas for me, I have taken a sinful and wretched birth. I could not be born at that time. My life is bereft of the beautiful transcendental sight of Lord Gaurasundara. In spite of all this, O r Gauracandra, please grant me the mercy that I may remember these pastimes of yours in every birth. Wherever You and my Lord Nitynanda perform your transcendental pastimes with your eternal associates, may I also be present there as Your humble and insignificant servant. Lord r Ka Caitanya and Nitynanda Prabhu are my life and soul. Their insignificant servant, Vndvana dsa, offers this humble song at Their lotus feet.
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13. r Nimi Defeats the Digvijya
All glories to Lord Gauracandra, the brightest lamp of the brhmaa race! All glories to the Lord who inspires the deepest feelings of ecstasy in the hearts of all His devotees! All glories to the Lord and master of Govinda dsa, the doorkeeper! Please shower your merciful glance on the conditioned living entities. All glories to the Emperor of the brhmaas and the crest jewel amongst all teachers! All glories to the society of r Caitanya Mahprabhus devotees! The Lord of Vaikuha, Nimi, was immersed in the mellow of an audacious proud scholar. In those days, Navadvpa town itself was an institution, housing many scholars and teachers well versed in all branches of the scriptures. Titles like Bhacrya, Cakravart, Mira, and crya, were common and the only work of these scholars was teaching. Their sport was debate and in their intolerant and impatient ways, they did whatsoever was required to win an argument. Even if a well-respected superior scholar made valuable points, others would disagree with him. Lord Nimis habit was to constantly rebuke the other scholars and refute their arguments, right in front of them. There was no teacher in Navadvpa who could confront the Lords arguments and offer a second opinion. As soon as they saw the Lord, such fear gripped their hearts that they immediately became obsequious. Whosoever conversed with the Lordeven by chancebecame His dedicated follower. Everyone knew of the Lords erudition and intellect from His early childhood. Within their hearts, they also knew that Lord Nimi could never be defeated by anyone. The mere sight of the Lord created a feeling of awe and respect amongst the scholars, so they naturally became submissive in His presence. Yet, His illusory energy prevented 166

anyone from knowing Him, in truth. Only when the Lord reveals Himself of His own volition can one understand His real identity. Although the Supreme Lord is most munificent in every respect, it is entirely by His personal desire that one is able to perceive His confidential, transcendental pastimes. In Navadvpa, Lord Gauracandra performed His transcendental pastimes in the mood of a scholar, deluding everyone about His esoteric identity. Once a very learned but supercilious scholar holding the title Digvijyameaning, One who has conquered scholars in all directionscame to Navadvpa. He was a dedicated devotee of the Goddess of Learning, Sarasvat, and he had received her blessing by chanting her propitiatory mantra. Mother Sarasvat is actually the Universal MotherShe is non-different from Lakm Dev, the eternal consort of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, r Nryaa. Lakm Dev is the embodiment of transcendental loving devotional service to the Supreme Lord; She is the internal potency of the Lord and is always situated upon His chest. By his desire and good fortune, the brhmaa had received a benediction from Mother Sarasvat to become a Digvijya scholar. For her to give such a boon was effortless, for she is capable of bestowing even the rarest gift of transcendental devotional service to the Supreme Lord, r Nryaa. Having received this benediction directly from Goddess Sarasvat, the brhmaa proceeded to travel throughout the land, conquering scholars wherever he went. All the scriptures were on the tip of his tongue. No one in the world could challenge him. Many could not even follow the introduction to his main dissertations, so he went unchecked and unchallenged everywhere. When Navadvpas fame as a centre for great scholars reached his ears, he went there with great pomp and ceremony, leading a procession of elephants, horses and men. News spread like wildfire in every house of Navadvpa, creating waves of confusion. The word spread, After conquering the scholars of every land, the Digvijya has at last come to Navadvpa. The teachers of Navadvpa 167

were further alarmed when they heard that he was a direct recipient of a boon from Goddess Sarasvat. Worriedly, they spoke amongst them selves, Navadvpa is the most famous centre of learning in the entire world. If the Digvijya were to defeat our scholars, then Navadvpas glory will be minimized and the world will hear of our failure. Yet, no one has the courage to challenge him for he is the recipient of Mother Sarasvats special benediction. It is said that Mother Sarasvat herself appears upon his tongue whenever he speaks. How can a mere human defeat him? The hundreds of Bhacrya scholars residing in Navadvpa were distraught with anxiety, and abandoned all activities. Navadvpa bustled with excitement as the time for the trial of intellectual strength drew near. His students described all this in detail to r Gaurga. After conquering all other parts of the world, a Digvijya Paita has come to Navadvpa to challenge our scholars in debate. It is said that he has received the special favour of Goddess Sarasvat. He has entered Navadvpa in a great procession of horses, elephants, palanquins and men. He says that if there are no challengers amongst the Navadvpa scholars, he wants a letter of victory issued on his behalf. Lord Gauracandra heard his students and then with a smile reminded them about the nature of the Absolute. Listen brothers, and I will tell you the actual situation. The Supreme Lord does not tolerate anyone who indulges in continual insolence. Whenever He finds someone burdened by arrogance over some personal quality, He invariably removes the cause of his or her pride. A fruit-laden tree and a person endowed with good qualities will inevitably bend down in humility. You must have heard of other great conquerors like Haihaya, Nahua, Vea, Baa, Naraka, Rvaa, etc. Did the Supreme Lord neglect to prune their overbearing pride? He never tolerates such ignominious insolence. Here in Navadvpa, you will witness the end of this supercilious scholar.
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The Lord amused Himself with His students in this way. In the evening, He went to the bank of the River Gag, sprinkled some Gag water upon His head, offered His obeisances and then sat in the midst of His students. The Lord lectured on various subjects such as religion and its different scriptural explanations. No one, however, understood that the Lord was simultaneously thinking of the manner in which He could defeat the Digvijya Paita. This brhmaa has become extremely arrogant, and he thinks that there is no one in this world to defeat him, thought the Lord. If I humble him in front of everyone it will be like a shameful death for him. People will dishonour him, he will lose everything and eventually he will die from humiliation. Therefore, I must confront him secretly in a solitary place and yet insure his downfall. In that way, I can eclipse his vanity without destroying him. While the Supreme Lord was thinking in this manner, the Digvijya arrived at the Gag. As dusk faded into night, the River Gag looked radiant beneath the full moon in the soft, clear sky. The Supreme Lord was effulgent in the midst of His students and His exquisite beauty captivated the entire creation. A sweet smile decorated the glowing moon-like face of the Lord, and His two beautiful eyes showered transcendentally merciful glances. Pearls are lack-lustre in comparison with His teeth and His radiant lips are easily mistaken for the rising sun. With His soft and delicate body, He is the personification of compassion. His perfect head is covered with raven black curls, His graceful, lion-like neck rested perfectly on His beautiful broad shoulders. He was dressed in divinely exquisite clothes, His perfectly proportioned body was large and his heart was ruled by His munificent nature. The brhmaa thread hanging loosely across his shoulders was the bow of Ananta ea. His long arms extended gracefully to his knees and the rdhva-pura tilaka decorating His wide forehead enraptured the hearts of everyone. With His dhot tied elegantly at His waist, r Gaurga sat in the crosslegged posture of a yogi, establishing and refuting various arguments in 169

His usual manner of discourse. Many students had gathered around Mahprabhu that evening, and the Digvijya Paita was astonished to see the wonderful assembly. Is this Nimi Paita? he thought. Unseen by anyone, he stood spellbound by the Lords extraordinary beauty. Who is this person? he enquired from one of the students. This is the famous Nimi Paita, replied the student. After offering his obeisances to the Gag, the Digvijya moved a little closer to the Lord. Upon noticing him, Nimi smiled at him and affectionately offered him a seat. Having already conquered all the scholars in the land, the Digvijya Paita was naturally fearless, yet in the presence of the Lord, he was filled with awe. By the design of the omnipotent Supreme Lord, whosoever approaches Him in a challenging mood will feel both awe and fear. The Lord exchanged introductory words with the paita and then asked him a few questions. You are an extremely versatile poet, said the Lord. There is no subject which you cannot perfectly describe. Therefore, please elucidate the wonderful glories of the holy Gag, so that whoever hears your glorification will be freed from sin. At that very instant, the Digvijya Paita began to extemporarily compose and recite unparalleled verses in praise of the holy river. Who can imagine the countless ways in which he described Mother Gag! Verses swiftly passed his lips and his voice resounded like a continuous roll of thunder. It certainly seemed that Mother Sarasvat herself had appeared on the tip of his tongue. Whatever he uttered was apparently precisely appropriate. Was it humanly possible to find a mistake in his eloquent compositions? There seemed to be no one present who could even properly follow them. Nimis hundreds of students who had assembled there stared at the Pundit with mouths agape. O Lord Rma, they said. How wonderful! Is it possible for a human to compose such eloquent poetry?
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His composition was profusely ornamented with the most exceptional figures of speech, applied most appropriately. His word usage perplexed even the scholars who were present. For three hours, the Digvijya continually composed and recited his unparalleled verses. There seemed to be no end to his brilliant oration. When at last he finished, the Lord smiled sweetly and said, Your poetry was so exceptional that no one can understand the meaning unless you yourself explain it. The verses you have composed are certainly appropriate for glorification of the Gag, but we entreat you to analyse them for us. The Lords sweet words affected him like an intoxicating beverage, and he began to explain his verses. However, as soon as he started to speak, the Lord interrupted him to point out three mistakesone in the beginning, one in the middle, and one towards the end of the his composition. The Lord said, According to grammar, the figures of speech you have used show numerous imperfections. Please tell us in what context you have used them. The Digvijya Paita, foremost of the favourite sons of Mother Sarasvat, lost his intelligence. He tried, but failed to offer proper explanations for the mistakes that Nimi had pointed out. His feeble and confused attempts to defend his composition brought further criticism from the Lord who then elucidated the flaws in the explanations as well as the verses. The Pundits unparalleled talent seemed to have vanished and the situation grew incomprehensible to him. He seemed to have forgotten even his own identity. Lord Nimi then said, Leave this poem aside for now and compose another one. Nevertheless, alas, the great world-conquering Pundit was now unable to compose even a single verse. He sat before the Lord in a state of total bewilderment. Of course, even the Vedas Personified have become perplexed in the presence of the Lord. Powerful personalities like Ananta ea, Lord 171

Brahm and Lord ivawho can each create universes by their mere glancehave also been deluded by the Lords presence. The bewilderment of the Digvijya Paita in front of Nimi is not surprising because even Mother Lakm, Mother Sarasvat, and My the internal potencies of the Lord, which can delude the entire creation become themselves deluded before the Supreme Lord, and thus remain forever in an inferior position. The reciter of the Vedas, Lord ea, and the compiler of the Vedas, r Vedavysa, are even bewildered in the presence of the Lord, what to speak of a mere Digvijya Paita. The accomplishments of the Lord are impossible for any human to match, therefore, I say, all of his activities are extraordinary. Moreover, whatever the Supreme Lord does is always for the ultimate benefit of the suffering living entities, to release them from material bondage. While the Digvijya Paita was struggling to swallow his ignominious defeat, the students began to laugh and giggle excitedly. The Lord immediately stopped them and spoke soft, soothing words to the Paita, Today let us stop here. Please return to your home and tomorrow we can continue our discussion. You must be tired after composing such a lengthy recitation. Also, it is very late now, soon it will be time to sleep. The Lords behaviour was so gentle and compassionate that even a defeated person did not suffer in humiliation. Although the Lord was always victorious in His debates, nevertheless He always spoke words of concern for the scholars and teachers of Navadvpa. Again to the Digvijya Paita, he said, Please go home now and study your books. Tomorrow, I will ask you questions and you must try to answer them. The Lord was so merciful that despite His victory, He did not dishonour the great scholar. Hence, everyone felt pleased. The scholars and teachers of Navadvpa were very affectionate toward the Lord because of this sweet disposition. The Lord and His students left the assembly to go home, but the Digvijya sat alone in utter shame and dejection. He thought to himself, 172

Mother Sarasvat herself has given me this boon. I have not come across anyone in the whole world who would dare confront me in a debate. Neither the expert scholars in the six philosophical branches of nyya, vaieika skhya, ptajali, mims, or Vednta, nor the scholars of stra would dare contest my authority. How is it that the Lord has allowed this insignificant teacher of grammar to children to defeat me, in this manner? Seeing the power of Mother Sarasvat undermined in this way causes me equal consternation. How have I offended the Goddess that all my talent and knowledge were disparaged in this humiliating defeat? I must try to determine the cause of this situation. Thinking thus, he chanted his mantra for some time, and then lay down to sleep at his place. In his dream, Mother Sarasvat looked compassionately upon the brhmaa and spoke confidentially to him. O learned brhmaa, listen to me. I will now reveal to you that knowledge which is undisclosed even in the Vedas. If for any reason you reveal this secret to anyone, you will immediately forfeit your body. The person who defeated you today is actually the Supreme Lord of the entire cosmic manifestation. I am an eternal servant at His lotus feet, and out of shyness, I hesitate to stand before Him. In the rmad Bhgavatam it is mentioned: Being ashamed of her position, the illusory energy of the Lord cannot take precedence, but those who are bewildered by her continually talk nonsense, being absorbed in thoughts of It is I and It is mine. In the Lords presence, it was impossible for me to appear upon the tip of your tongue as I have in the past. I lost my potency, but that is not my fault. How could it be otherwise? Even Lord Ananta ea, who recites the Vedas with his thousands of mouths, Lord Brahm, Lord iva and all the other demigods, worship Him and are totally bewildered in His presence, what to speak of me? He is the Supreme Absolute Truth, eternal, pure, indivisible and infallible. He is the omnipotent Supreme Lord residing in everyones heart as the Supersoul.
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The person who appeared before you as a young brhmaa boy is none other than the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the ultimate cause of destruction of the entire cosmic manifestation. He is the cause of the dualities, fruitive action, knowledge, learning, good and bad, manifest and unmanifesteverything. It is by His desire that all living entities from Lord Brahm downwards experience happiness and distress. He is the Supreme Source of all incarnations like Matsya, Krma and others. It is He who appeared as Lord Varha to lift the world and again as Nsihadeva to protect His devotee Prahlda. He appeared again as Lord Vmana to trick Bali Mahrja and thus His lotus feet became the source of Mother Gag. He appeared in Ayodhy as Lord Rmacandra and performed many wonderful pastimes, ultimately killing the demon Rvaa. He, who is known as the son of r Vasudeva and r Nanda Mahrja, has now appeared as a young brhmaa boy immersed in the mellows of a scholar. Where in the Vedas is this incarnation of the Supreme Lord openly revealed? Who will perceive this truth, if the Lord Himself does not reveal His inner identity? To become the greatest of all the scholars of the world is not the real result of chanting the mantra I gave you. You have now received the factual resultyou were able to see in person the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the Lord of the entire cosmic creation. O brhmaa, go quickly to Him and take the shelter of His lotus feet. Surrender yourself completely to Him. Do not imagine my advice to be a dream or hallucination. The power behind the mantra you chant has brought me here and forced me to reveal the most esoteric knowledge of the Vedas. Mother Sarasvat disappeared after consoling the paita. He awoke from his sleep feeling purified and fortunate. Early dawn had just touched the eastern sky when he left for the Lords house. He threw himself at the feet of Nimi Paita to offer his obeisances and the Lord reciprocated by lifting him up and embracing him. Why, it is you! said the Lord. Why are you behaving in this manner? 174

So that I may attract your kind grace, replied the Paita. Yet, you are the famous and erudite Digvijya scholar. Why do you approach me like this? questioned the Lord. O Lord of the most learned brhmaas, please hear me. The highest perfection in all activities is achieved simply by worshiping You. You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Nryaa. You have appeared as a brhmaa in this age of Kali, but no one has the potency to perceive Your real identity? Confusion entered my heart the very moment You asked me questions and I found Myself silent. Now I have the personal realization that You are magnanimous and free from all pride, and my realization is in accordance with the verdict of all Vedic scriptures. You defeated me three times, yet You kept my honour intact. Is such behaviour possible for anyone other than the Supreme Lord? I am convinced that You are that Supreme Personality of Godhead. I have travelled far and wideGaua, Trihuta, K, Gujarta, Vijayanagara, Aga, Baga, Tailaga, Ohra and many other places. In each place, the most qualified scholars were easily defeated by me. They could not even understand my discourses, let alone find fault with them. However, in your presence all my education and intellect seemed to flee I know not where. I now realize that this was not an extraordinary feat for You, because You are the Lord and master of Mother Sarasvat. Sarasvat has personally revealed this to me. I was wallowing in material existence, but because of my immeasurably good fortune I came to Navadvpa and met you face to face. I was captivated and deluded by the desire for material knowledge, and in selfdeception, I roamed about neglecting real Absolute Knowledge. Destiny has favoured me and thus I have met You personally. O Lord, kindly purify me by Your benevolent glance and destroy my nescience. You have a magnanimous nature and you are inclined to favour others, so there is no one but You from whom I can seek shelter. O Lord, please
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instruct me so that I shall never again allow unholy desires to enter my heart. As a meek and insignificant man, the Digvijya Paita spoke with repentance before the Lord. r Gaurasundara replied, O learned brhmaa, you are very fortunate because Mother Sarasvat resides upon the tip of your tongue. Nevertheless, conquering the world with mundane knowledge is not a suitable objective for one with true wisdom. Knowledge becomes valuable only when it augments the worship the Supreme Lord. Try to carefully understand. When death strikes and the soul is forced from the body, no one can take with him his material knowledge or opulence. Therefore, the learned and self-realized souls completely reject this transient phenomenal existence and engage with unalloyed faith in the Lords devotional service. Now O brhmaa, leave aside all extraneous engagements and utilize your time worshiping the lotus feet of r Ka for the remainder of your life. Remember that the fruit of true knowledge is tasted when the heart and mind are unflinchingly attached to the lotus feet of Lord Ka. Of all activities, devotional service to the Supreme Lord, Viu, is the only manifestation of Absolute Truth. This is the advice I offer you. Lord Gaurasundara embraced the Paita and at once, the shackles of material existence fell away from the Digvijya. The Lord said, O brhmaa, curb your arrogance and insolence, worship Ka, and be kind to all living entities. Be very careful that you do not reveal anything Mother Sarasvat has told you. Revealing the confidential knowledge of the Vedas to unauthorized persons reduces the life-span and deviates one from the spiritual path. Having received the Lords instructions, the Digvijya Paita begged permission to leave. He repeatedly offered his prostrated obeisances at the feet of the Lord and uttered prayers, feeling most fortunate and purified. By the Lords mercy, the brhmaa was immediately blessed with detachment from material affairs, perception of the Absolute Truth and devotion to the Supreme Lord. Within moments, the brhmaas 176

arrogance and vanity dissipated and he grew as humble and meek as a blade of grass. He renounced everythinghis elephants, horses, palanquins, money and the undesirable associates he had previously kept. Lord Gauracandras mercy had such a miraculous effect that the brhmaa Digvijya abandoned everything and travelled alone. The mercy of the Lord can make a king leave his palace and happily take up a beggars bowl. The remarkable example of this is rila Rpa Gosvm who was also known as r Dabira Khsa. He left his kingly position as a minister to live in the forests of Vndvana. A servant of Ka can easily ignore the material wealth, position and prestige that are desired by the common people. Any person who has not realized the value of devotional service to the Supreme Lord will naturally consider the position of a king most comfortable and enviable. For the devotee of Ka, even the happiness derived from liberation is insignificant. Therefore, mere kingly comfort is of no consequence whatsoever. Reality and true happiness lie solely in the merciful glance of the Supreme Lord, and therefore the Vedas advise everyone to serve that most merciful Lord. Lord Gaurasundaras wonderful defeat of the Digvijya and the paitas subsequent conversion was soon known in all corners of Nadia. People were astounded by the news and they commented, Nimi Paita must be a truly great scholar for even the Digvijya, the greatest of all paitas, was humbled by him. Nimi Paita has now made Himself worthy of our praise and His fame will definitely spread, far and wide. Someone said, If this brhmaa boy studies logic, He can immediately claim the highest title, Bhacrya. However, another suggested, Lets jointly offer Him the title of Bdisiha right now, The Lords illusory potency was so strong that in spite of witnessing His miracles, no one could perceive His esoteric identity. From that time on, the people of Nadia could only discuss Nimis victory over the Digvijya. 177

I offer my obeisances to the feet of all the residents of Navadvpa for they were fortunate enough to see the Lords transcendental activities. Whoever faithfully and attentively hears this pastime of the Lord defeating the Digvijya Paita will always be victorious, and whosoever hears about His captivating pastimes, as a scholar will immediately become His eternal servant. r Ka Caitanya and Lord Nitynanda Prabhu are my life and soul. I, Vndvana dsa, an insignificant soul, humbly offer this song at Their lotus feet.
14. The Departure of r Lakmpriy
All glories to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Gaurasundara, who was very dear to Nitynanda Prabhu! His transcendental body is comprised of eternality, knowledge and bliss. All glories to the Lord who was the life and soul of Pradyumna Mira! All glories to the most treasured object of r Paramnanda Pur! All glories to You my Lord, for You are the life and soul and the most precious gem of all the Vaiava devotees! O Lord, please look mercifully upon us, the living entities, and liberate us all from the bonds of nescience. I humbly request everyone to please listen faithfully and attentively to the wonderful activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Ka, in His form as a young brhmaa boy. The Lord of Vaikuha absorbed Himself in the mood of a scholar and passed His time in academic pursuits with His disciples. In every neighbourhood of Navadvpa, He was seen performing His self-assured and playful pastimes. By then, every person had come to unquestioningly accept Nimi Paita as the topmost scholar and teacher in Navadvpa. 178

Rich, influential and aristocratic men would immediately take a humble position upon seeing Nimi and offer their respects to Him. The very sight of Him induced a sense of awe and reverence in the residents who were all captivated by His charm. Nimi Paita would frequently receive gifts from various classes of people in Navadvpa. He set the perfect example as a householder and was as charitable as the Supreme Lord Himself. Whenever Nimi saw a poor person, He would kindly offer him food, clothing or money. In this way, Nimi generously distributed gifts to the poor. An endless stream of guests visited the Lords house. The Lord offered each one respect according to his position and rendered him service to his full satisfaction. On some days, sannyss would visit His house and the Lord would serve them graciously. Once twenty sannyss came at one time, so the Lord sent word to His mother to cook for all of them. acm fell into immediate anxiety for she had nothing in the house to feed twenty sannyss. Lost in her problem she did not notice that someone had brought all the different ingredients she might require and left them in the kitchen. Lakm dev immediately went to the kitchen and, pleased with the array of ingredients, she cooked some special preparations. After the cooking, the Lord checked the arrangements and then invited the sannyss to sit down. He supervised the serving of their prasda and He satisfied each one of them personally. In this way, the Lord satisfied all His guests and taught the world how to behave as a perfect householder. The foremost duty of a householder is to serve his guests and responsible householders must live by that standard. The householder who does not serve and satisfy his guests properly is lower than an animal or a bird. Even those who because of their previous impious activities have insufficient means to be hospitable can at least offer a place to sit, some water and a place to rest. That simple hospitality is sufficient to satisfy any guest, if it is offered with love and affection. A householder who is pious may be poverty179

stricken and possess very little with which to serve a guest, but his disposition should be hospitable. He can offer drinking water and water with which the guest can wash his feet. He can offer a grass mat on which the guest can sit and rest to become refreshed and he can offer sweet words to please the weary ears of the traveller. The host must endeavour with all humility to keep the guest from leaving his house and beg forgiveness for any mistakes in his humble hospitality. A householder who sincerely tries to satisfy his guests even though his means are meagre is considered hospitable. The Supreme Personality of Godhead set the example of a perfect householder and repeatedly asked His guests if they had any further needs and if they were satisfied. Those guests of course were the most fortunate souls for Srmat Lakm Dev, the Goddess of Fortune, and Supreme Personality of Godhead, Nryaa, the proprietor of the entire cosmic manifestation, personally fed them. In the wonderful pastimes of the Supreme Lord, the divine prasdam, which is cherished by great souls like Lord Brahm and other demigods, was freely distributed to common people and ordinary citizens in Navadvpa. The twenty sannyss who were guests in the house of Lord Nimi had become a subject of conversation amongst the people. Someone said, Those guests could not have been ordinary persons. They must have been Lord Brahm, iva, ukadeva Gosvm, rila Vysadeva, Nrada Muni and other such elevated personalities. Who else could be eligible to take food in the house of r Gaurga who is non-different from Lord Nryaa with His wife Lakm Dev? The Supreme Lord has appeared in Navadvpa and these great personalities and demigods must have known of the advent and come in the guise of sannyss to take prasda in Their house. Other than Brahm, who has the great fortune to eat in the house of Mahprabhu? Some others expressed their opinion that, The Supreme Lord has appeared to alleviate the sufferings of humanity. Along with the Supreme Lord, other demigods like Lord Brahm have also appeared, for
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they are the eternal associates of the Supreme Lord. Yet, in this incarnation the Lord has promised that, I will give the living entities that which is rarely achieved even by Lord Brahm and the other greatest of personalities. Therefore, the Supreme Lord distributes prasda generously from His own house simply to release the wretched and needy living entities from material suffering. Lakm dev worked without any assistance to serve her Lord and master, yet she was always in a cheerful mood. Seeing the wonderful qualities and pious nature of Lakmpriy, acms joy increased by each hour and each day. From early morning, Lakmpriy would work alone at the household chores, setting the example of an ideal wife. In the temple room, she decorated the floor with auspicious designs made from coloured paste; she drew the different symbols of the Lord like the conch shell and chakra. She also arranged for the paraphernalia required for the Lords worship like incense, flowers, lamp, water, etc. She worshiped Tulas Dev and saw to the needs of acm, serving her with great affection. The wonderful attributes of Lakmpriy devs nature were noticed by Gauracandra and, although He never commented, He was extremely satisfied with her. Frequently Lakmpriy dev would sit for long hours massaging the Lords lotus feet on her lap. At times, when she served her Lord like that, acm could see brilliant effulgence emanating from the feet of Gauracandra. At other times, the fragrance of lotus flowers would fill the entire house, and although acm would search everywhere, she could not find the source of the fragrance. Srmat Lakm Dev, the Goddess of Fortune, and the Supreme Lord Nryaa remained incognito, unrecognised by the residents of Navadvpa. Without any prior indication, Lord Gaurga one day announced His desire to visit the eastern part of Bengal. Ill be gone for a few days. He told His mother. To Lakmpriy dev he instructed, Please always look after your mothers needs.
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The Lord gathered a few of His confidential disciples and prepared for his journey. People gathered to see Him off, but as the Lord departed, they stood transfixed in their places simply staring after Him. It was difficult for them to take their eyes away from the Lord. The ladies said, The mother of this young man must be very pious and fortunate, we offer our obeisances at her feet. Fortunate also is the wife of this young man; her birth as a woman has become worthy just by gaining such an excellent husband. In this way, the residents discussed the Lords glory as they watched Him leave. It was only by His mercy that the ordinary residents of Navadvpa could see Him directly. Even the demigods long to see the Lord in this way. Lord Gaurasundara continued His unhurried journey and eventually arrived upon the banks of the River Padmvat. The river view was enchanting, small waves constantly creased the wide expanse of water, and on either bank green forests lined the powerful current. The Lord was refreshed by the sight of the river and joined His friends for a swim in the clear water. Padmvat became fully spiritualised by the touch of the Lords lotus feet, and her water was thereafter capable of purifying the entire creation. Padmvat was truly a beautiful river, her lapping waves and swift current most pleasing to the mind. The enchanting forests on her banks were equally pleasing so the Lord stayed there for a few days. It was Padmvat good fortune that the Lord now blessed her, joyfully playing in her water just as He had played in the Gag at Navadvpa. From the moment, the Lord entered East Bengal the land became blessed and remains so, even today. The residents were happy to learn that the Lord would spend some days on the banks of the Padmvat. News of the Lords arrival swiftly spread far and wide. Nimi Paita, the crest jewel of all scholars and the foremost of teachers, has arrived, the residents announced. Pious brhmaas came forward to greet the Lord, each bearing a gift for Him. They offered their obeisances to Him and humbly submitted, Our
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great fortune must be immeasurable to have your presence in this country. People of East Bengal make a tremendous endeavour to collect funds and arrange to go to Navadvpa to study under the great scholar Nimi Paita, said one brhmaa. However, by the divine grace of the Supreme Lord that ocean of knowledge has personally come to our doorstep. You are certainly the incarnation of Bhaspati, for no other teacher can compare with You. Upon closer scrutiny, however, I consider that comparison is inaccurate. I am convinced that You are an empowered expansion of the Supreme Personality of Ka. My heart tells me it is impossible to find such erudition in anyone except the Supreme. We all submit this humble petition to You: It is our greatest wish that You impart knowledge to us. In Your absence, we have always thought about You, studied Your commentaries amongst ourselves, and have also taught our students the same. However, now You are here in person so please accept us as Your disciples, and let the whole world know of Your wonderful pastimes. The Lord smiled at all of them, happily giving them assurance and hope, and remained in East Bengal for sometime, enjoying the land and the people. It is because of this event that the residents of East Bengal are attracted to the Holy Name and engage in congregational chanting even today. However, at the time of the composition of this book, a group of evil persons were trying to mislead people in general from the spiritual path with wrong advice. These sinners claim to be pious, but cheat people just to fill their bellies. Another group of sinful offenders stopped performing devotional congregational chanting of the Holy Name of the Lord and began instead to chant Nryaa, foolishly thinking that the name of the Supreme Lord, Nryaa, refers to themselves. It is most obvious that these men are under the clutches of the modes of material nature, so how can they shamelessly profess themselves to be the Supreme Lord? In the district of Rhadea, there lived a man who externally appeared to be a brhmaa, but internally was a sinful demon. He declared himself 183

Gopla, the Supreme Lord, but the more intelligent men considered him a sly and evil fox. Anyone who claims to be the Supreme Godhead, separate from r Ka Caitanya, is certainly the most wicked soul, fit to live only in hell. I loudly declare with both my hands raised high that the only true Supreme Personality of Godhead, the Lord of the entire material creation, is r Gaura Hari. Just by remembering his name, one becomes free from material entanglement. Even by simply remembering His servant, one becomes victorious in every sphere of life. See around you that the whole world is chanting the glories of His name, so discard your misdirected conceptions and serve the lotus feet of the Lord. Lord Gauracandra, the Lord of Vaikuha enjoyed travelling in East Bengal immersed in the mood of a scholar. On the enchanting banks of the River Padmvat, the Lord roamed through the forests and imparted knowledge to large gatherings of eager students. Hundreds came from everywhere to crowd His lectures. They all had one thought in mind, I want to study from Nimi Paita. Such was the extent of the Lords mercy upon them that within two months all the listeners became very knowledgeable and scholarly. Although many came simply to hear the Lord, hundreds of students returned to their homes with degrees. In this way, the Lord passed His time as a scholar in East Bengal. Meanwhile in Navadvpa, Lakmpriy dev was feeling the pangs of separation from her Lord, but she never spoke of her loneliness to anyone. She served acm very lovingly, but reduced her own eating almost to nothing after the Lord left Navadvpa. Bereft of His company, she silently suffered, crying alone throughout each night, trying to suppress the restlessness, which welled in her heart. Unable to bear any further separation from the Supreme Lord, r Lakmpriy dev, the Lords eternal consort, left a replica of her transcendental body behind and went secretly to meet her Lord. Seated upon the bank of the Gag, Lakmpriy dev fixed the lotus feet of the Lord within her heart and went deep into meditation, never to return.
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acms shock and deep grief is indescribable; her pitiable lamentations could have melted stone. Since, I am incapable of describing the mellow of sadness experienced by acm, I shall not go into further details, but simply mention the incident in brief. The saintly Vaiavas were also grief stricken by the news and they all came forward to help complete the necessary rituals. The Supreme Lord remained for sometime in Eastern Bengal and then returned of His own desire to Navadvpa. When the residents of East Bengal learned that the Lord would leave they immediately collected gifts and precious treasures to give Him. They presented to Him gold, silver, drinking vessels, beautiful mats, soft and warm blankets and a variety of clothes. Each person took what was most precious in his house and joyfully offered it to the Lord. In reciprocation, the Lord blessed each person and accepted the gifts. The Supreme Lord, r Gaura Hari, visited the residents and after taking their leave, He started for Navadvpa. Many students decided to accompany the Lord to Navadvpa, where they could study under Him. As the Lord was about to leave, an intelligent brhmaa, named Tapana Mira, approached Him. Although Tapana Mira was a pure devotee and was well versed in the conclusions of the Vedas, he could find no one to answer his questions on the perfect spiritual path and the ultimate and absolute worshipable object. He constantly chanted the Holy Name of Ka, yet he felt dissatisfied in the absence of proper spiritual understanding. He had lived in this perturbed state of mind for sometime, but because of his piety, he was awarded a vision in an early morning dream. An effulgent person who looked like a demigod spoke some confidential instructions to him. Listen O brhmaa, you are a renounced soul, so do not worry so much. Pacify your mind. Go and meet Nimi Paita. He will explain all that you want to know about the spiritual path and highest spiritual goal. He is not an ordinary mortal, but the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Nryaa. He has appeared in this material world, accepting a human body to perform his wonderful transcendental pastimes. However, I warn you not repeat what I have just told you, for 185

this knowledge is most confidential. It is not available, even in the Vedas. If you reveal this, then you will suffer unbearable pain, life after life. The demigod disappeared from his dream and the brhmaa awoke. His wonderful vision thrilled him and he shed tears of joy. Convinced that his fortune had changed, the brhmaa received new life and left immediately to meet the Lord. When he reached the bank of Padmvat, he saw r Gaurasundara surrounded by many hundreds of disciples. In the midst of that enchanting scene, he threw himself down at the Lords lotus feet and then stood up with folded hands. T h e brhmaa said, I am a fallen and wretched person. Please look upon me mercifully and destroy my bewilderment. I have no knowledge about the perfect spiritual path and the ultimate goal of human life. Be gracious and impart this knowledge to me. My heart does not long for material enjoyment and luxuries, please tell me, O merciful Lord, what will be the ultimate shelter for my soul. The Lord said, O brhmaa, who can describe your good fortune? You have a desire to worship the Supreme Lord, r Ka, and that is the perfect and highest path. To be a devotee of the Lord is very difficult so the Lord comes in every yuga to establish the standard of religion for that age. He appears in each of the four yugas to establish the particular religious practice for that yuga himself, and then He returns to His spiritual abode. In the Bhagavad-gt 4.8: In order to deliver the pious and annihilate the miscreants as well as to re-establish the principles of religion I advent myself, yuga after yuga [age after age]. The Lord appears in every yuga, accepting different incarnations with different complexions such as white, red and yellow. Most recently, in the later portion of Dvpara Yuga, He appeared with a blackish complexion, so He was called Ka. In the four yugas, there are four different authorized processes of religion for the elevation of human society. The religious practice for 186

the present age of Kali is congregational chanting of the holy name of r Ka. The real purpose of religion is to satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead, r Hari; and in the different yugas, different religious practices were established by the Supreme Lord Himself to achieve this end. In Kali-yuga, the recommended authorized religious practice is congregational chanting of the names of Ka and this process includes all the other previous processes. Therefore, in Kali-yuga, congregational chanting the holy name is the essential religious principle and no other religious practice can help one cross over the material ocean of nescience. Constantly chant the Lords name in any situation. Even the Vedas fail to sufficiently describe the super excellent qualities of chanting of the Holy Name of the Lord. Listen my dear Mira, in Kali-yuga there is no need for severe penances or performance of opulent sacrifices, and whoever worships the Supreme Lord r Kaby this prescribed method of chantingwill be crowned with the greatest fortune and success. So, go back to your home and worship r Ka with undeviating faith and attention, giving up all duplicitous material desire. By chanting the Holy Name of r Hari, Ka, you will simultaneously obtain both the proper spiritual practice and the ultimate goal. In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy, the only means of deliverance is chanting the holy name, chanting the holy name, chanting the holy name of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way. I now am repeating this great chant for deliverance to you. This consists of sixteen names of the Supreme Lord with thirty-two syllables: Hare Ka Hare Ka Ka Ka Hare Hare Hare Rma Hare Rma Rma Rma Hare Hare. By constantly chanting and worshiping this mah-mantra, your heart will feel the first blossoming of ka-prema. Then, gradually, you will understand the truth about the proper spiritual path and the ultimate spiritual goal. 187

Having received such sublime instructions from the Lord, Tapana Mira offered repeated obeisances at His lotus feet and then said, O Lord, with your permission, I would like to accompany You. The Lord replied, You should go immediately to Vras, there we shall meet again and I shall reveal further detail in answer to your request. The Lord then embraced him, and the brhmaa felt his entire body surge with horripilation and spiritual ecstasy. The Lords embrace filled r Mira with immeasurable happiness. As the Lord prepared to leave, Mira held His feet tightly and confidentially narrated his entire dream. After hearing of the dream, the Lord said, You must be very careful not to reveal the truth of this dream to anyone. He then repeated the same instruction to the brhmaa, and then sensing that an auspicious moment had arrived for Him to leave, He laughed loudly and proceeded to Navadvpa. Thus, the Lord purified the entire tract of East Bengal and then returned home. After a few days, the Lord reached Navadvpa in the evening laden with the gifts He had received. He offered full obeisances at his mothers lotus feet and gave her all the gifts. Then, the Lord and His students left to bathe in the Ganges. Although her heart was breaking with pain, acm busied herself preparing a meal for her son. Nimi Paita acted as the instructing spiritual master to all his students, so He joined them in offering deep and repeated obeisances to the Gag, and then sported for some time in her water. When His bath was complete, He returned home, performed His daily religious rituals and then sat down to eat. The Lord of the Vaikuha planets, r Gaura Hari, ate with great satisfaction and then went to the temple room. One by one, His relatives came forward to greet Him after His long absence. They sat around Him as He joked and laughed while describing His stay in East Bengal. Nimi imitated the strange habits of the people of East Bengal and everyone had a good laugh. None of them mentioned the passing of Lakm dev, knowing that the shock would cause the Lord
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grief. After some time, the relatives all returned to their homes, and the Lord sat quietly chewing on betel pan and reflecting on the humorous conversation. acm avoided meeting the Lord. She stayed in her room, deeply affected by the pain of Lakmpriys death. When Nimi found His mother, He saw the marks of deep sorrow, which lined her face. In a sweet, comforting voice, He said, What is the reason for your sorrow mother? I have returned from My journey in good health, so, you should be happy, but I see only sadness upon your face. Tell me the truth Mother, what is the reason? Her sons words simply increased her pain and she wept silently, unable to speak. Mother, I know everything, said Nimi. Tell Me has your daughter-inlaw met with misfortune. Some relatives stepped forward to speak, Listen Nimi Paita, Your wife has left for the Gag, and reached the lotus feet of the Lord. The Supreme Lord r Gaura Hari remained silent, casting His head down as He contemplated the departure of his eternal consort and wife, r Lakm Dev. He allowed the pain of separation to engulf Him, and although He was the personification of all Vedic truths, He remained silent. Like any ordinary human being, He displayed the emotions of deep sorrow, but after controlling Himself, He spoke, By bodily attachment, one is regarded as a husband or son. These illusory relationships are caused by misunderstandings. O mother, why do you feel sad? How can you hope to change that which has been ordained by the Lords desire? No one can check the passage of time, and all relationships in this world are temporary. This is the verdict of the Vedas. The activities of the entire cosmic creation rest in the hands of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Who but our Lord can bring people together and then separate them? Why should these arrangements of the Supreme Lord, make you so unhappy? It is fortunate for the wife if she
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can leave before her husband. This is proof that she was a most pious woman. The Lord tried to console His mother by these philosophical truths, and everyone felt the veil of sadness dissipate by the soothing words of the Supreme Lord. In this way, the Lord of Vaikuha, r Gaura Hari, performed wonderful pastimes in the mood of a scholar. r Ka Caitanya and Lord Nitynanda Prabhu are my life and soul. I, Vndvana dsa, humbly offer this song at Their lotus feet.
15. r Nimi Marries r Viupriy
All glories to Lord Gauracandra and all glories to Lord Nitynanda! Lord, kindly offer Me your lotus feet so that I may hold them within the innermost recesses of my heart. All glories to Lord Gaurga and His associates! One achieves devotional service to the Supreme Lord just by hearing the wonderful pastimes of r Caitanya. The Lord continued to perform His pastimes as a scholar without anyone detecting His absolute identity. He rose early each morning, performed His daily religious duties, offered obeisances to His mother, and went to teach His students. Mukunda Sajaya was an eternal servant of the Lord and his son was Puruottama dsa. Mukunda Sajaya was so fortunate that the Lord went to his house everyday to teach. Nimi would sit alone in the courtyard in front of the temple of Durg and gradually His students would assemble. Occasionally, some student would forget to mark his forehead with rdhva-pura tilaka. As the propagator and maintainer o f santana-dharma, Nimi felt compelled to protect the conditioned souls from deviating from the path of religion. Therefore, He never neglected to rectify His students when necessary. He would chastise the
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forgetful boy to such a degree that the student would acquiesce in shame and certainly never again forget to apply his tilaka. My dear boy, I see that you have not put on tilaka. What is the reason for this? would demand Nimi. The Vedic literature says that the forehead that does not bear the mark of tilaka is as good as a crematorium. I can also understand from this oversight that your brahminical practices have been rendered useless. Go home and perform your brahminical duties again, and then with tilaka upon your forehead you may return to school. In this way, the Lord taught all His students to maintain the proper standards of brahminical and religious practice. The Lord did not modify His imperious spirit, nor did He spare anyone His criticism. Whoever was negligent was eligible for the Lords strict correction. Nimis character was always exemplaryHe never made jokes or laughed in the company of women. In fact, He kept His distance from women and avoided meeting them. Nimi especially liked to tease and find fault with the residents of rhaa, imitating their peculiar pronunciation. The infuriated residents of rhaa would retort, Oh Lord, and which land do You hail from? Tell us where Your father and mother and Their forefathers come from. Which one of them was not born in rhaa? You yourself are a descendant of rhaa. So why do You make such fun of us? The more they tried to chastise the Lord, the more fun He had imitating their pronunciation and making jokes at their expense. It required little provocation to infuriate them further and occasionally one of them would chase the Lord with pusillanimous intentions. The chase was usually futile, for the Lord could not be caught easily, and ultimately the angry fellow would simply stomp the ground in frustration and shout invectives. Occasionally, someone managed to capture Nimi and drag Him to the local Muslim Magistrate to register a complaint. His friends would arrive in time to pacify the angry parties and reach some mutual understanding.
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The Lord would also search out the house of a person from East Bengal. He would break in, destroy the foodstuffs, and run away laughing in mock fear. In this way, He created havoc in Navadvpa, but He never had any incident that involved women. He never even looked at a woman. In this incarnation, the Supreme Lord did not even hear the word woman. Therefore, those realized souls who are fixed in the scriptural conclusions never glorify Lord Caitanya as Gaurga Ngara, the Lord in the mood of a paramour. Although every kind of eulogy is applicable to the Lord, knowledgeable pure devotees offer glorification in accordance with the nature that the Lord manifests in a particular incarnation. In Navadvpa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead was Nimi Paita, the scholar. The Lord of the Vaikuha planets enjoyed His transcendental activities as a teacher in the house of r Mukunda Sajaya. All His students sat around Him and He taught them with great pleasure. Sometimes, He pretended to have a headache and ordered medicated oil massaged into His head. Then, He would continue His discussion, submerged again in His innate spirituality. From early morning, until afternoon, He taught His students and then went to the Gag for His bath. Then again, from early evening to late evening, He continued His discussions and teaching. If any student studied under Nimi for a year, he left His tutelage as a full-fledged scholar, well versed in the scriptural conclusions. While the Lord was absorbed in His activities, acm constantly thought of the Lords remarriage. She searched all of Navadvpa for a daughter-in-law suitable for her Nimi. r Santana Mira was a pious and charitable brhmaa, a benevolent and pure-hearted devotee of Lord Viu. He lived in Navadvpa and engaged himself in serving guests and assisting less fortunate people. Born of a noble family, he was truthful and self-controlled. As a scholar, he had earned the title Raja Paita and as a wealthy gentleman in Navadvpa, he personally maintained many needy people. 192

Santana Miras daughter was like r Lakm Dev in beauty and character. As soon as acm saw her, she was convinced that this girl was the best choice for her sons wife. From early childhood, the young girl bathed regularly in the Gag, two or three times a day. She was dedicated and obedient to her parents and she had no interest other than devotion to Lord Ka. Everyday, when she met acm at the bathing gha by the Gag, she humbly offered her respects. acm reciprocated and blessed her saying, May Ka bless you with a suitable husband. However, as acm bathed she thought, This girl should marry my son. r Santana Mira and all his near relatives were equally eager to have the Lord as a son-in-law. One day, acm sent for Kntha Paita and told him, My dear sir, I have a proposition. Go tell the Raja Paita that if he so desires, he may offer his daughters hand in marriage to my son. Kntha Paita proceeded immediately to r Santana Miras house, repeating the Lords name in silent joy. When the Raja Paita saw Kntha Paita at his door, he immediately offered him a seat with due respect. What brings you here, my dear sir? asked r Mira. I have come with a proposal, and if you so desire I will reveal it to you, replied Kntha Paita. You should offer your daughter Viupriy in marriage to Vivambhara Paita. I think it is a perfect match. He is a divine personality, suitable in all respects for your daughter. Your daughter, who is chastity personified, will be the best for Him. Viupriy and Nimi Paita remind me of the Divine Couple, Ka and Rukmin, so perfectly suited are They for each other. Raja Paita disclosed the news to his wife and near relatives and waited for their advice and comments. Unanimously they agreed, What is the need for further debate? This is a perfect proposition. Quickly make all the necessary arrangements. The Raja Paita happily replied to Kntha Paita, I have decided to marry my daughter to Vivambhara Paita so proceed with all the arrangements. If the Supreme Lord so desires, my family and ancestors will be greatly blessed 193

by this marriage of my daughter. Kindly go to their house and inform them of everything, I am fully in favour of this marriage. r Kntha Paita was extremely satisfied with the outcome of his mission and he promptly told acm everything that had transpired. acm was relieved that everything had gone smoothly. Without wasting further time, she began the preparations. Nimis students were jubilant when news of His marriage reached them. A rich gentleman named Buddhimanta Khn immediately offered, I shall bear the cost of the entire marriage. However, Mukunda Sajaya objected, My dear brother and friend, if you take all the responsibilities, then what am I supposed to do? Listen my dear friend, said Buddhimanta Khn, I will not allow this marriage to become another poor Brahmins wedding, I will make such arrangements for Nimi Paitas wedding that everyone will think a great prince is getting married. Adhivsa, an important ceremony before the day of the marriage, was held at an auspicious time, amidst great joy and festivity. The area set aside for the actual marriage ceremony was decorated with colourful hangings around the sides and across the tops. Water pots with intricate designs, ghee lamps, grains, yoghurt, and strings of young mango leaves were all around. Different auspicious ingredients required for such an occasion were placed on the floor, which had been beautifully designed with coloured rice paste. The Vaiava devotees of the Lord, the brhmaas and all the gentlemen of Navadvpa attended the auspicious occasion. Invitations had been sent to all of them requesting them to attend the feast in the evening of the day of the Adhivsa. By early afternoon, the musicians had already arrived and began to play. Loud and melodious sounds of mdaga and other drums, shenai, and cymbals were carried in all directions. The priests began to chant the Vedic mantras and the ladies ululated, adding to the festive mood.
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The crest jewel of the brhmaa race, Nimi Paita, seated Himself in the midst of the Vedic chanters. The priests and brhmaas around Him felt a surge of joy in His presence. Different objects required to formally receive the guests were brought to Nimi Paita. He garlanded the respectable gentlemen with flowers and applied sandalwood paste upon their foreheads, offering each of them a betel nut and leaf according to the custom of the time. The Brahmin population in Navadvpa was large in those days, so countless gentlemen came and went with no one keeping track. Some amongst them were very greedy and returned, repeatedly, mixing with the crowd and pretending they had just arrived in order to receive another gift. Having received invitations, people came from distant localities and were unknown to each other, but despite such anonymity, there was a strong festive spirit. The Lord was in a joyful mood and He played the perfect host. Give all the flower garlands, sandalwood paste and other gifts to the guests at least three times, ordered Nimi. Do not think about the cost, just give freely to everyone. The greedy Brahmins who were endeavouring to take the free gifts several times were suddenly checked and felt ashamed because of the Lords generosity. The brhmaas are dear to the Lord and He wanted to protect their religiosity. Some men were committing offences by deceitfully collecting extra gifts; therefore, He gave the instruction to give the gifts three times to any person. After receiving the gifts three times, no one wanted anymore. They were satisfied. No one amongst the milling guests knew that the flower garlands, sandalwood paste and betel leaf they had received were actually expansions of Lord Ananta ea, serving his master the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Nimi Paita. In the profuse distribution of gifts, many flowers, sandal paste and betel leaf, fell to the ground, and the quantity of those remnants would have sufficed for five opulent weddings, not counting those gifts which were taken home by the guests. Every visitor was impressed by the arrangements and left the wedding praising the opulence of the ceremonies. Even the wealthiest men of 195

Navadvpa were impressed for their fathers had not spent so lavishly upon their weddings. The profusion of flowers, sandal paste, betel leaf, betel nut and other gifts had never been seen before in Navadvpa. Raja Paita, r Santana Mira, was extremely happy. He and his close relatives attended the Adhivsa, laden with valuable gifts. At an auspicious moment, he joyfully applied tilaka to the Lords forehead, just as the Vedas recommend. The loud chanting of Lord Haris name accompanied by the musicians and the ululating ladies heightened the excitement of the moment. Having completed all of his ceremonial duties, Rja Paita returned home. The relatives of Nimi Paita then went to Raja Paitas house to perform the same Adhivsa ceremony for Viupriy. Whatever was customary for a marriage in those days was performed in the midst of great festivity. Early the next morning, the Lord went for his bath in the Gag, and upon returning he went directly to the temple to worship the Supreme Lord Viu. Thereafter, He sat with his close relations to offer obeisances to their forefathers for their satisfaction. The musicians, dancers and singers, performing loudly enough for everyone to hear, maintained the festive mood. Every corner of the house was decorated, there were beautiful designs on the floor, water pots, grains, and yoghurt, lamps and strings of auspicious mango leaves hung everywhere. Coloured festoons fluttered like flags in the wind, and the air was filled with festive excitement. The chaste ladies of Navadvpa accompanied acm while performing all the customary and traditional rituals. First, they went to the Gag for their bath and then, followed by musicians, they visited the village deity, ah, where they prayed for her blessings. From the temple, they visited the house of different relatives and then returned home. She distributed khoi, bananas, oil, betel nut, betel leaf, and vermilion to the ladies who had accompanied her and satisfied them in every respect. By the will of the omnipotent Supreme Lord, there was no dearth of anything, so acm generously distributed her gifts to the ladies 196

several times over. Not a single lady was dissatisfied. They happily rubbed oil upon their bodies and bathed. Lakm Devs house was also in a state of great excitement; her mother bustled with happiness. Caught in the waves of ecstasy, Raja Paita spent lavishly and offered his daughter wholeheartedly to Lord Gaurasundara. After completing all of His rituals, the Lord sat down to rest and from that place, He humbly distributed food and clothes to all the assembled brhmaas. He offered respects to each person according to his position and gave in charity to satisfy each persons need. The brhmaas blessed the Lord and returned to their houses fully satisfied. In the afternoon, the relatives came to dress Lord Gaurasundara for His marriage that evening. They decorated His entire body with sandalwood paste and applied aromatic perfumes on different parts of his body. On His forehead, they drew a half-moon shaped tilaka with sandalwood paste, placed a beautiful crown lightly upon His head and draped His neck with fragrant flower garlands. A fine, expensive silk dhot was tied expertly around His hips; it shone golden yellow like the setting sun. His pink lotus-shaped eyes were smeared with kajjala ointment, black as the bumblebee. He held the auspicious three-bladed grass and the pith of a banana tree, while exquisite and expensive golden earrings swayed from his ears and other valuable jewellery decorated His upper arms and His neck. Each of the relatives decorated the Lord according to his own taste, hanging different types of jewellery upon different parts of His body. Men and women both marvelled at the Lords exquisite beauty. They forgot themselves, transfixed as they were upon the beauty of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Almost an hour before the time of marriage, the relatives decided that the Lord should proceed to the house of the bride. Let us begin the journey, they announced. For an hour the bridegroom will parade through the town before arriving at the brides house. Buddhimanta Khn appeared suddenly with a beautiful palanquin. The musicians started up afresh and the priests began chanting Vedic mantras. Singers, 197

dancers and guests all joined in a jubilant clamour. The Lord first circumambulated acm and offered her respects, then offered respects to the brhmaas and sat upon the palanquin in the midst of the joyful confusion that included the ululating ladies. It was early evening and the marriage procession went first to the bank of the River Gag. The waxing moon hung nearly full above their heads and shimmered in the water of the Gag. Hundreds of lamps were lit and music played on with undying enthusiasm. In front of the Lords palanquin were two long rows of r Buddhimanta Khns estate employees followed by the festoon holders bearing coloured flags. In their midst were the jesters, joking and evoking laughter. There were a variety of dancers performing many different dance styles, while the countless musicians played at least five kinds of drums, cymbals, conch shells, flutes, bells, kettle drums and a variety of horns. Excited young children danced amongst the musicians and caught in the festive atmosphere, even older people abandoned their reserve and joined the children while the Lord smiled at the happy sight. The procession stopped for a while on the bank of the Gag, singing, dancing, and happily playing the instruments before proceeding to the brides house. After offering flowers to Mother Gag, the entire procession turned towards town. Whoever witnessed the parade was struck with wonder at its opulence. I have seen many extravagant marriages, but I have never witnessed anything like this one before, said one person. The residents of Navadvpa were fortunate to see the Supreme Personality of Godhead in person as He swayed past them upon His palanquin. The brhmaas who had beautiful, unmarried daughters in their homes all lamented, It is a great pity and certainly my misfortune that I could not give my daughter in marriage to this handsome young man. Now, what can I do? I offer my obeisances at the feet of all the residents of Navadvpa who witnessed this transcendentally joyful pastime of the Lord.
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After the procession had passed through all the different localities of Navadvpa, they arrived at the house of r Santana Mira, the Raja Paita. Everyone came out of the house, ululating and making other loud sounds of welcome for the procession. Raja Paita came forward to receive the Lord from the palanquin. He helped Him step down, and then took Him inside where a seat had been prepared. The joy Raja Paita felt was indescribable and the love and respect he felt for the Lord was visible on his face as he escorted Nimi Paita into his house. He showered flowers on the Lord as a blessing and welcome. The reception party from the brides side consisted of relatives and priests who came forward with fine clothes, jewellery and other precious gifts for the Lord. The brides mother placed the auspicious three-bladed grass upon the Lords head and then worshiped Him with a seven-wick ghee lamp. At that time, r Viupriy dev, who had been dressed exquisitely, took her seat. The relatives of Nimi Paita were both impressed and satisfied to see such a beautiful bride. They lifted the Lord onto His seat according to the marriage ritual. They hung a curtain around the Lord, and Viupriy circumambulated r Gaurasundara seven times. Then facing Him with folded hands, she offered her respectful obeisances. The relatives threw flowers over the couple, and the air was filled with loud music and the ululations of the ladies. Viupriy placed a flower garland at the lotus feet of her Lord, offering Him her life and soul. The Lord picked up the flower garland and smiling sweetly, placed it around her neck. Again, the Divine Couple was drowned in a shower of flower petals. Unseen by the common men, the demigods headed by Lord Brahm also showered flowers upon r Viupriy and r Gaurasundara. Gaurasundaras group competed with Viupriys group in showering flowers and making joyous sounds. Absorbed in the contest, everyone forgot their own cares and worries. Sometimes, the Lords side seemed to be victorious and at other times,
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Viupriys side seemed more enthusiastic. The Lord was pleased to see everyone enjoying themselves in such a wonderful way. Thousands of lamps shed bright light everywhere and the loud and joyous sounds of song and instruments filled the sky. By the time, the moment came for the bride and bridegroom to exchange glances, the universe seemed inundated by tumultuous and joyful sounds. Then the Divine Couple sat down and Raja Paita sat with Them to officially offer his daughter to Lord Gaurasundara. In the midst of all rituals and chanting of mantras, the marriage began with Raja Paita offering his daughter and praying for the Lords pleasure. Along with his daughter, Raja Paita also gave nice cows full of milk, a lot of land and property, beds and furniture, maids and servants, and other valuable gifts. Viupriy sat on the left of the Lord as the Brahmins lit the fire and began the Homa, fire sacrifice. After all the customs and traditional rituals were complete, the bride and the bridegroom went into a well-decorated reception room. Raja Paitas house was transformed into Vaikuha, and the guests came in to enjoy the marvellous feast. Countless people came and all left fully satisfied. The newlywed bride and groom spent the night in Viupriys house amidst great joy. The happiness Santana Paita felt cannot be described. He revelled in the same inconceivable good fortune, which befalls great sages such as Ngajit, Janaka, Bhma and Jmbavn, who also became fathers-in-law of Lord Ka, or Lord Rmacandra. The Divine Couple passed the night and the next morning until midday in Santana Miras house. Then the Raja Paita and his relatives bid farewell to Lord Gaurasundara and Viupriy. In the midst of music, krtana, the blessings of the brhmaas and the chanting of mantras appropriate for such a journey, Nimi offered His respects to the elderly members of His father-in-laws family and left with Viupriy upon a palanquin for acmatas house. 200

On the way, all the people They met blessed Them and congratulated Them, ladies spoke respectfully of the good fortune of the bride saying, She is very fortunate, she must have worshiped Lakm Dev for many, many births. Others commented, This couple is just like Gaur and Lord iva. Still others said, They must be r Lakm and r Hari. They are Cupid and Rati, or Indra and ac, or they must be Rmacandra and St Dev. Truly, the good fortune of the residents of Navadvpa is unfathomable, for they were able to see the Supreme Lord and His eternal consort; such was the extent of their piety. The whole of Nadia was blessed and the residents experienced unrestrained joy by being able to see Viupriy, Lakm Dev, and Lord Gaurasundara, Nryaa. Finally, the Divine Couple arrived at the house of acm. Accompanied by other ladies, acm went out to jubilantly welcome the Divine Couple into her house, where she seated Them amidst joyous sounds and music. How can one express the joy acm and everyone else felt at the presence of Viupriy and Gaurahari? So magnanimous is the Supreme Lord that one becomes completely free from all sinful activities and their reactions just by looking at the transcendental lustre of the Lord. Moreover, one becomes eligible to enter the Vaikuha planets of the spiritual sky. Everyone from all walks of life could see the Lord and His spiritual effulgence. Therefore, He has been called the most compassionate, the Lord and friend of the fallen souls. Nimi Paita freely distributed clothes and gifts to all the performers, dancers and the beggars who had come to the house of acm. To the brhmaa relatives and friends, He gave sufficient gifts to satisfy them all, and felt great satisfaction within Himself. To Buddhimanta Khn the Lord gave a tight and affectionate embrace, leaving Buddhimanta Khn in indescribable ecstasy. 201

According to the Vedic Literature, there is no end to the transcendental pastimes of the Lord. Hundreds and hundreds of years of discourse cannot describe the divine activities, which transpired in just the few hours of the marriage ceremony. As for myself, I am simply giving a brief description, and that only by the mercy of the Lord. I am unable to fully describe His wonderful pastimes. Whosoever hears or reads these transcendental activities of the Supreme Lord can certainly reside in Lord Gauracandras eternal association. Lord r Ka Caitanya and Lord Nitynanda Prabhu are my life and soul. I, Vndvana dsa, humbly offer this song at Their lotus feet.
16. The Glories of rla Haridsa hkura
All glories to Lord Gaurasundara, the friend of the meek and poor! All glories to the husband of Srmat Lakm Dev! He is the omnipotent Supreme Lord, the maintainer and controller of everyone and everything. All glories to You, r Gaura Hari, for You mercifully descend to protect Your devotees! All glories to Gauracandra! He is the personification of the Holy Name, the Supreme Friend and the Absolute Truth. All glories to Lord Gauracandra and His devotees! One is elevated to the platform of pure devotional service simply by sincerely hearing His transcendental pastimes. The transcendental topics narrated in the di-khaa of this book are like a stream of pure nectar, for they describe Lord Gauracandras enchanting pastimes. The Supreme Lord of the Vaikuha planets lived in Navadvpa as a householder teaching His students. He had appeared 202

specifically to reveal and propagate the process of pure devotional service to the Supreme Lord, but it was His wish that no one should know His recondite identity. The entire human society was totally devoid of any spiritual aspirations; they were only immersed in the base and perverted enjoyments of the body. Those who held discourses on the Bhagavad-gt and the rmad Bhgavatam were scarcely better for they did not instruct people on the essence of those scriptures, the congregational chanting of the Holy Name of the Lord. Seeing the hopeless plight of the living entities, the Vaiava devotees of the Lord often met together, away from the public view, to clap their hands and chant the Holy Name in ecstasy. The materialistic people of Nadia continually criticized the devotees saying, What is the purpose of howling so loudly! After all, I am Brahman and the absolute resides within me, so why discriminate between master and servant? Others angrily said, They beg food to fill their bellies and they call out, Hari! Hari! Let us break down their doors and smash their houses! The devotees were discouraged by these derogatory remarks and the fact that they had no one to complain to made their dismay even greater. Wherever they looked, the devotees found the people devoid of devotion to the Supreme Lord. They simply cried to Lord Ka and lamented for the plight of human society. About this time, rla Haridsa hkura came to Navadvpa. His body glowed with pure devotion for the Supreme Lord. Now I will narrate the wonderful activities of rla Haridsa hkura. Whosoever hears this narration will receive the full shelter of Lord Ka. rla Haridsa hkura was born in a village called Buhana, and because of his presence there, many people became purified and took up the chanting of the Holy Name. After some years, he left his village and travelled to a place near the River Gag. He finally settled in the village of Phuliy near ntipur.
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Advaita crya Prabhu was overjoyed to meet rla Haridsa hkura in Navadvpa and expressed his joy by roaring loudly. Haridsa hkura was similarly swept away by the waves of ecstatic ka-prema in the transcendental company of Advaita crya Prabhu. rla Haridsa hkura passed his time wandering upon the banks of the Gag, chanting the name of the Supreme Lord Ka. Haridsa had absolutely no attraction for material enjoyment. The Holy Name of Lord Ka continuously vibrated on his tongue, creating an extraordinary beauty. Never for a moment, did he feel any apathy towards his chanting of the Holy Name of Ka, He remained always absorbed, tasting the nectar of devotional service. He occasionally danced in ecstasy or cried in lamentation while at other times he lay still in a state of unconsciousness. Sometimes, he spoke in mysterious languages, and later explained the meaning of his words. All the ecstatic symptoms of love of Ka were manifest in himprofuse crying, horripilation, laughing, fainting, and perspiration, etc. It was common to see rla Dsa hkura dancing while he sang out the glories of Lord Kas name. People would gather around him just to see the unrestricted tears of ka-prema that flowed profusely from his eyes, drenching his entire body. Even the strictest atheists marvelled at his behaviour. Horripilation swelled across his body like thousands of blooming flowers and even Lord Brahm and Lord iva were amazed by his devotion. In the village of Phuliy, even the ritualistic Brahmins were sincerely impressed if not astonished by rla Dsa hkuras spiritual ecstasies. The people of the village held the saint in full respect, and having won their trust, he lived there quite peacefully. He bathed daily in the Gag and roamed freely, chanting the Lords Holy Name. The local Moslem magistrate authority known as the Kazi became envious of Haridsa hkuras popularity and reported to the Nawab, the ruling Moslem landholder, This man is acting like a Hindu. Arrest him and punish him appropriately! The envious words of the sinful
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Kazi sparked an immediate response from the equally sinful Nawab, and Haridsa hkura was arrested and brought forth. Having received the mercy of Lord Ka, Haridsa had neither fear of the Moslem authorities, nor even of death itself. With the name of the Lord on his lips, Haridsa appeared before the Nawab. When devotees and other pious persons in the locality of the Nawabs palace heard that the saint Haridsa was coming, they were extremely happy, but when they subsequently learned that he was coming as a captive of the Moslem ruler, they were horrified. Previously, many religious people had been terrorized and incarcerated by the Moslems. These prisoners were happy to learn that Haridsa might be joining them. His presence in their miserable situation would certainly eradicate their suffering. The prisoners even requested the prison wardens to allow them unrestricted association with rla Haridsa. When rla hkura was brought into the prison, he looked compassionately at all the prisoners who immediately prostrated themselves at his lotus feet. His long graceful arms, which extended to his knees, his lotus eyes, and his charming moon-like face, enchanted everyone. They offered their most sincere respects to the saint, and love for Ka stirred in their hearts. rla Haridsa hkura was pleased with the tremendous devotion that had grown in the hearts of the prisoners and he blessed them, Just remain as you are. However, the miserable prisoners could not grasp the depth of that blessing and they felt quite dejected. Haridsa could see their misunderstanding and compassionately explained himself, My blessing to you is that you will remain as you are, but please do not feel dejected. I could never wish you any misfortune. I simply desire that the love you now feel for Ka should always remain the same. From now on, chant Lord Kas name and constantly remember His pastimes, inspiring one another to retain your present devotion to Ka. Violence and tyranny are absent in the spiritual world, so sincerely cry out for Kas help and constantly think of Him. When you are released 205

from this prison, neither return to your old materialistic ways, nor associate with degraded or sinful people, because one can never cultivate love for the Supreme Lord, Ka, by living a mundane life. You should know that Ka is unobtainable for the materialistic person. A materially engrossed mind is shaped by unwanted, mischievous desires. The attachment for wife, children, family and other such illusions brings about destruction. If by divine arrangement, any person reaches the platform of pure devotion toward Ka, certain realizations dawn upon him and he gradually becomes detached from material life, giving himself instead to the worship of the Supreme Lord. However, if that person returns to his materialistic life, his mind will certainly become contaminated by capricious, mischievous desires. I certainly do not want you to remain prisoners forever, but I do pray that you develop a distaste for material pleasures. Please chant the Holy Name of the Lord. My blessing was meant to free you from your present miserable condition and insure that you remain happy in love of Ka. I look upon everyone equally and wish the best for all living entities. I pray that you may develop unflinching devotion for Ka. Do not be sadyou will be freed within two or three days. You may believe me. Once you leave the prison, you may live in the forest or you may live in your home, but always think of Ka and try to cultivate spiritual life. Having showered his unrestricted mercy upon the prisoners, Haridsa went before the Nawab. By his purity, rla Haridsa hkura radiated great effulgence, which the Nawab could not fail to notice. Spontaneously, he rose respectfully when Haridsa entered and offered the saint a seat. Although he himself had become quite confused, the Nawab asked Haridsa, What sort of mentality has overcome you? Knowing you that have had the good fortune to become a Muslim, why do you behave like a Hindu? We do not even accept rice touched by a Hindu. Yet, you want to ignore your high birth and become a low-caste Hindu? To discard your own race, land and religion for another is perverted. How do you expect to attain the liberated platform, if you behave like this? I have decided to punish
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you according to the mandates of the Koran so that you will be freed from your sins. rla Haridsa hkura patiently listened to the threats and accusations of the Nawab, recognizing his words as the illusory potency of the Supreme Lord, Viu. Without any apprehension, Haridsa simply smiled at the Nawab and spoke in a sweet, soothing voice, My dear sir, there is only one God for all living entities. The difference between the Moslem God and the Hindu God is in name only. According to knowledgeable Hindus and Muslims, and according to every scripture, be it the Koran or the pura, God is one. He is the non-dual, eternal, transcendental Absolute Truth, infallible and perfectly complete, and in that capacity, He resides in everyones heart. The omnipotent Lord is the Supreme Controller of everything. The living entity is moved by the desire of the Supreme Lord, and the living entity acts and works only according to the Lords design. The Supreme Lords transcendental names, activities, qualities, associates, and abode, are glorified variously in the different religions. Nevertheless, irrespective of the manner in which He is worshiped, the Lord accepts everyones individual mood of surrender towards Him. However, if one living entity feels hatred or envy towards another, this is ultimately a reflection of his relationship with the Supreme Lord and the Lord never tolerates one living entitys transgressions against another. A wrongdoer is surely punished. Whatever you see of my activities and me are manifestations of the Lord who guides me from within. A person may be born in a family of brhmaas, but he may become a Muslim. What should the Hindus do with such a person? Should He be punished? Is he not only acting in accordance with the inner prompting of the Lord for the fulfilment of his personal desiresand will he not eventually receive his results accordingly? What is the use of killing someone who is already dead? My dear respected Sir, please consider these points seriously, and if you still find me guilty, then punish me.
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The Moslem courtiers were sincerely moved by the purity of Haridsa hkuras words and presence. However, his wisdom could not penetrate the envious and sinful heart of the Kazi who turned to the Nawab and instructed, You must punish this man. He is evil and mischievous. Others will fall under his influence and become equally sinful. He will disgrace our Muslim religion and community. Therefore, he must be appropriately punished. However, if he wants to be excused, then let him speak from his own scripture. The Nawab tried again, My friend, just speak the repentance from your own scripture and accept the true path. Then, you will have nothing to fear. Otherwise, the Kazi, who is present, will force me to punish you. They will revile and insult you. Why should you let that happen? Whatever the Supreme Lord desires is destined to happen, no one who can check it, replied Haridsa. Each one of us suffers according to the degree of his previous offences; all is done by the Lord. Even if my body is cut into pieces and I loose my life, I will never give up chanting the Lords Holy Name. The Nawab heard the fearless reply of rla Haridsa hkura and turned to the Kazi, Now what is your decision about him? Lash him in twenty-two market places until he dies, replied the envious Kazi. There is no other judgment I find appropriate. If he lives despite the punishment, then I will conclude that our big scholar has spoken the truth. The sentries were called in and the orders boomed out, Lash him until he breathes his last breath! The sin a Muslim incurs by becoming a Hindu can only be punished by death! The Kazis envious designs had fructified in the heart of the Nawab and rla Haridsa was dragged away by the sentries. From one market place to another, they beat him mercilessly, their black hearts consumed by hate for the pure devotee of the Lord. Nonetheless, Haridsa was a pure soul, completely surrendered to the Supreme Lord, so he faithfully
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chanted Lord Kas Holy Name. So absorbed was he in fervent chanting, that he did not feel any pain. The good-hearted and pious people could not bear to see the torture inflicted on such an innocent person. Some begged the sentries to stop while others predicted, If they continue to torture this good man, the entire kingdom will be ruined. Many of them cursed the king to die, while some tried to stop the sentries physically. One person threw himself at the feet of the sentries and pleaded, I will give you any reward you like if you stop this merciless beating. However, none of these protests evoked the slightest mercy from the sentries who continued to drag rla Haridsa hkura from one market place to another, lashing him relentlessly. By the grace of Lord Ka, Haridsa felt no pain in his body. Just like Prahlda in the rmad Bhgavatam who was tortured by demons, Haridsa never suffered at all. Not only was Haridsa freed from his pain, whosoever remembers this story of rla Haridsa will also be saved from the miseries of life. Throughout his ordeal, Haridsas one emotion was pity for the sentries. O Lord Ka, please be merciful upon these poor souls, so they may not be punished because of me. Nonetheless, nothing could stop the insensitive sentries who were determined to see their assignment through to its deathly end. Yet, for all their beating, Haridsa showed no signs of distress, as he was absorbed in remembering the Holy Name of Lord Ka. At last, the guards had to stop in amazement. How can a human being survive such a brutal beating? Any ordinary man would have died after the beating we gave in the first two or three market places. We have lashed him continuously through twenty-two market places and he still shows no sign of either pain or death. Occasionally, he looks up to smile at us. They concluded that he must surely be a saintly person. Oh Haridsa, they pleaded. On account of you, we shall certainly be punished. When the Kazi sees that despite our beating you are still alive, he shall certainly kill us instead.
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If my survival brings such terrible misfortune to you, replied Haridsa, then I shall definitely give up my body. Just see how I die. rla Dsa hkura immediately fell into trance. A pure devotee of the Supreme Lord possesses all mystic power so without any hesitation, rla Haridsa fell lifeless, without a trace of breath. The Muslim sentries were astonished, but gladly brought the body of rla Haridsa to the Nawab. When the Nawab ordered the sentries to bury him, the Kazi protested, No, if he is buried, he will be saved and ultimately gain entrance into heaven. Although he had achieved high birth as a Moslem, he has behaved like a low Hindu; therefore, it is proper for him to be thrown into the Gag to suffer eternally like the other lost Hindus. If he were buried, he would become elevated and freed from his sins. On the Kazis order, the sentries picked up the body of Haridsa hkura and carried him to the Gag. Haridsa remained in his deathly trance, meditating on the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The spirit of the Lord Ka then descended into the body of rla hkura and he became so heavy that it was impossible to move him. The strongest sentries came forward to push him into the waters, but he remained in deep trance and could not be moved. Haridsa had already drowned in the ocean of love of Lord Ka, and he had no perception of the world around him. He knew not if he were still embodied, or wandering somewhere in the universe, or deep in the water of the Gag. Just like Prahlda Mahrja, Haridsa hkura had the spiritual ability to constantly remember the Supreme Lord. Such an extraordinary capability was not surprising for Haridsas heart was the permanent residence of Lord Gauracandra. This entire episode with rla Haridsa hkura is a replication of the heroic activities of r Hanumn in r Lak. Indrajit, Rvaas son, had sent the brahmstra, a weapon given to him by Lord Brahm, to capture Hanumn. Hanumn could easily have escaped it, but to show respect to the potency of Lord Brahm, Hanumn allowed himself to be bound by the brahmstra. Similarly, rla Haridsa hkura could have escaped the punishment of the Moslems, but by allowing them to torture 210

him, he taught the world a lesson: Despite the extreme miseries of life, one must never stop chanting the name of Ka. The Supreme Lord Ka, Govinda, directly protected Haridsa hkura, therefore, who could harm him? If one simply remembers the name of Haridsanot to mention his terrible ordeal at the hands of the Moslemsone becomes freed from ones own pain and misery. Most certainly, rla Haridsa hkura was one of the closest and most important associates of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, r Caitanyacandra. Haridsa floated downstream on the currents of the Gag, and after some time he became conscious, by the Lords desire. Fully awakened and overwhelmed with ecstasy, he climbed the bank of the Gag and proceeded toward Phuliy, loudly chanting the name of Ka as he walked. When the Moslems saw rla Haridsa, they were convinced that he possessed extraordinary mystic powers. Pure, happy feelings replaced the envy and hate in their hearts. They offered him obeisances, worshiping him as a very saintly person. By this worship, the Moslems became free from material entanglement. Later, in the presence of the Nawab, Haridsa smiled compassionately at the Moslem ruler who stood remorsefully with folded hands, feeling great awe and reverence. In a humble and meek voice, the Nawab said, I can now understand that you are truly a saintly person. You have realized the Absolute Truth, and you have seen the one Supreme Lord everywhere and in everyone. You are a perfected soul and have actually attained absolute knowledge and liberationof which the mystic yogis and philosophers falsely and proudly boast. I have come just to see you, simply to beg forgiveness. Kindly forgive me for the offences, I have committed against you. Since you see everyone equally, you have neither friends nor enemies. There is no one in the entire world that can actually grasp your extraordinary position. You are a free man in every respect. You may stay in a lonely hut or a cave on the bank of the River Gag, or wherever you so wish. From now on, you may stay anywhere and do whatever you please. However, please be merciful upon those of us who have committed this great offence against you. 211

Everyonewhether elevated or wretchedautomatically forgets about mundane life when he sees the lotus feet of rla Haridsa hkura. The Muslims had been angry enough to kill him, yet they were transformed and they worshiped his feet, accepting him as a holy man. After forgiving and blessing them, Haridsa went to Phuliy. With the Holy Name resounding from his lips, he reached an assembly of brhmaas near Phuliy. The brhmaas were overjoyed by his arrival and they joined him in a roaring krtana. As he danced in their midst, he felt ecstatic joy sweeping through his body. Crying, shivering, laughing, swooning, horripilation, and roaring loudly, he fell to the ground totally immersed in love of Ka. The brhmaas could not contain their unbounded joy. After sometime, rla Haridsa calmed himself and spoke to the brhmaas who sat around him, My dear brhmaa friends, do not feel sad because of what happened to me. This punishment was certainly due me. I stood in the court and listened to the Moslems blaspheme my Lord for this the Lord has punished me suitably. I am actually very happy because my punishment should have been more severe. The Lord has let me off very lightly. One goes to hell if he hears blasphemy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. My sinful ears were filled with such blasphemy and the Lord has given me the proper punishment, so that I may never commit this offence again. rla Haridsa passed his time relishing the nectar of the Holy Name and giving his enlightening association to the brhmaas. Those Muslims, who had tortured Dsa hkura, and their families as well, were all eventually destroyed. Haridsa left the village and moved into a cave on the banks of the River Gag, where he maintained himself on the sweetness of the Holy Name and the memory of the pastimes of the Supreme Lord. Daily, he chanted a minimum of three hundred thousand names of Ka. By the influence of the transcendental sound of the Holy Name and the holy presence of rla Haridsa hkura, the cave was transformed into a Vaikuha planet of the spiritual sky. 212

In Haridsas cave lived a large and poisonous snake that emitted such strong vapours that not a soul could remain in the cave for more than a moment. People from the village came every day to visit Haridsa, but they could not stay long enough to speak with him. Although the visitors were all driven away by the poisonous air, Haridsa was completely oblivious to the presence of the snake. The brhmaas consulted one another about the foul air in the cave and then discussed the matter with some yurvedic physicians in Phuliy. After some research, they determined that a poisonous snake had indeed built its home within Haridsas cave. The physicians felt strongly that Haridsa should vacate his cave, for living with such a snake was improper. They joined the brhmaas and approached Haridsa to explain the situation. On account of the vapours from a poisonous snake living within your cave, no one can remain here, they explained. You should also vacate this place and find a more suitable cave to live in. I have been living in this cave for a long time, and I have never been inconvenienced by the vapours you speak of, replied Haridsa. However, if none of you can remain within the cave and it causes you such distress, then I shall leave here tomorrow. If it is true that a snake lives here, and if he does not leave by tomorrow, then I shall certainly go. I can assure you that one of us will leave this cave by tomorrow. Please do not worry about this problem any longer. I am concerned that all of you not waste your time in futile, mundane talks. Every moment should be utilized discussing topics of Ka consciousness. In the course of this discussion, a miracle occurred. Evening had gradually descended around the Haridsa and brhmaas, when the snake slithered out of its hole. Its huge, frightening body, crossed with effulgent red, yellow and blue stripes and crowned with a brilliant gem, slid quietly past the brhmaas and left the cave forever. Its appearance was both awesome and attractive, and as it slithered past, the brhmaas remembered Ka as their only shelter. After the snake
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left, the burning sensation from the poisonous air also vanished and all the brhmaas were satisfied. Their faith in the extraordinary spiritual potency of Haridsa hkura swelled for they understood that the snake had left because of Haridsas assurance to the visitors. Simply the sight of Haridsa dissipates ones innate nescience and material entanglements. Out of His love for Haridsa, the Supreme Lord never minimizes or neglects Haridsas words. Another similar incident is related to a snake charmer. One day, in the courtyard of a rich mans house, this snake charmer was performing a snake dance. He was chanting a special mantra accompanied by musicians playing the mdaga and mandira. Haridsa was passing by and stood to one side watching the snake dance. Although the snake charmer was an ordinary human being, by the influence of his mantra, he could dance as though the spirit of the king of the snakes, Ananta ea, possessed him. With an enchanting melody, he sang about the pastime of Lord Ka in the lake called Kliya-daha where the Lord had vanquished an evil serpent called Kliya. Haridsa listened intently to the pastime of his beloved Lord Ka, and suddenly moved by ecstasy, he fell unconscious to the ground. When he regained consciousness, he jumped to his feet and roared like a lion, dancing in ecstasy as he babbled with joy. The snake charmer was impressed by the manifestation of ecstatic symptoms in Haridsas body and stood respectfully to the side. As the various symptoms of horripilation, crying and shivering traversed Haridsas body, he rolled in the dust, crying in love for Ka. He remembered how his beloved Lord had mercifully saved the snake Kliya, and as he floated in ecstatic trance, the people around him obliged by singing songs about the wonderful pastimes of the Lord. The snake charmer simply stood to the side, overcome by awe and reverence for Haridsa. When his ecstasy subsided, Haridsa left and the snake charmer resumed his performance.
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Everyone who witnessed the ecstasy of Haridsa felt spiritually exhilarated and they smeared their bodies with dust from his feet. However, one cunning and deceitful brhmaa in the crowd decided to cheat the people. I will also dance here, he told himself. I can see that the people are not very intelligent. They are offering so much respect to this lowborn Haridsa just because he dances and cries. If I, a brhmaa, also dance and cry, then they will certainly worship me as well. T h e brhmaa threw himself on the ground and feigned unconsciousness, as though he had fallen into trance. However, as soon as he touched the ground, the dancing snake charmer became furious, picked up a stick and began beating the brhmaa relentlessly. He struck him repeatedly on every part of his body until the brhmaa, howling in agony, got up and ran away just to save his life. The snake charmer then resumed his dance while the entire crowd stood dumbfounded. At last, a man with folded hands humbly requested the snake charmer to explain why he had stood respectfully to the side while Haridsa danced, yet he had beaten the brhmaa for what seemed to be the same activity. The spirit of Ananta ea who dwelt within the snake charmer then spoke in glorification of rla Dsa hkura. The subject matter of your inquiry is very confidential. Although such a topic is rarely discussed because of its highly esoteric nature, I shall nevertheless answer your question. When rla Dsa hkura was dancing in ecstatic trance, each one of us felt our respect and affection for him spontaneously increase. However, the deceitful brhmaa was simply imitating Haridsa in order to get some cheap adoration from the crowd. Not out of love for Ka, but out of enviousness toward a pure devotee, t h e brhmaa threw himself on the ground and feigned ecstasy. Furthermore, he interrupted my dancing. Since, he disturbed me and tried to imitate the pure devotee, I punished him severely. This arrogant and deceitful brhmaa has no love for Ka. To receive the shelter of devotional service at the lotus feet of Lord Ka, one has to become pure, free from deceit. By seeing rla Haridsa hkura dance, one becomes liberated from material bondage. Even the Supreme 215

Lord Ka himself dances, when He sees rla Dsa hkura dance. The entire universe becomes cleansed of all sinful reactions just by seeing rla Haridsa dance. He is truly worthy of his nameHaridsa hkura, the servant of the Supreme Lord, Hari Ka, who shines eternally like a full moon in the heart of His devotee. Haridsa is affectionate and compassionate towards all living entities, and he descends as the eternal servant of the Supreme Lord in each of the Lords incarnations. He is free from any fault or offence towards the Supreme Lord or His devotees. Even in his dreams, he never commits an offence. A moments association with Haridsa can purify any living entity and assure him the eternal shelter of Lord Kas lotus feet. Even Lord Brahm and Lord iva constantly desire his association. Haridsa appeared in the family of a lowly Moslem on the order of the Supreme Lord, just to teach human society that material designations like caste, creed, birth status, and family position are all illusory and pursuing them is futile. If a pure devotee of the Lord is born in a lowclass family, he is no less worthy of worship. This is the injunction of the scriptures. On the other hand, if someone is born in a sophisticated family, but does not worship the lotus feet of r Ka, then his high birth is useless for he lives just like a resident of hell. Just to prove the truth of these scriptures, rla Haridsa took birth in a low-caste family. Prahlda Mahrja, one of the greatest devotees of the Lord, had previously appeared in a family of demons, and Hanumn, the greatest devotee of Lord Rmacandra, took birth in the monkey species. The demigods desire the touch of the pure and transcendental form of rla Haridsa hkura, and Gagmt also prays that her water will be sanctified by his presence. However, one need not touch rla Dsa hkura. Simply by seeing him, one is automatically freed from the eternal cycle of birth and death. Furthermore, one who sees a devotee who has taken shelter at the lotus feet of rla Haridsa hkura is also granted freedom from material bondage.
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Neither a thousand mouths, nor a thousand ears would be sufficient to describe and hear the wonderful qualities of rla Haridsa. You are a fortunate soul for your inquiry has given me an opportunity to glorify the pure devotee and has given you the opportunity to hear the transcendental topic. From the moment a person speaks the name of rla Haridsa hkura, his ascension to the supreme abode of Lord Ka is guaranteed. Nga-rja, the snake charmer, then fell silent. The assembled brhmaas and pious gentlemen felt thoroughly satisfied by his glorification of rla Haridsa. Of course, Ananta ea, is a pure Vaiava devotee of the Supreme Lord and is always engaged in glorifying the Lord and His devoteethis was not his first occasion to describe the outstanding qualities of Haridsa. The assembly accepted the Nga-rjas appraisal of Haridsa, and the love each person felt for Haridsa increased. rla Haridsa was a pure devotee of Lord Caitanya and although r Gauracandra was yet to reveal the process of devotional service to the Supreme Lord, Haridsa continued to demonstrate his love for r Ka. People in general were disinterested in the process of devotional service, and they could not understand the purpose behind chanting the Holy Name of Ka. On account of a general apathy towards the Holy Name, the mood of devotional service was absent in society. People taunted and jeered at the Vaiavas who engaged in krtana, so the saintly devotees assembled in a quiet spot away from everyone where they could sing and dance undisturbed. Even then, atheistic people angrily condemned them. These degraded brhmaas will completely destroy this entire country, they complained. All this loud, sentimental singing and dancing will probably cause a famine in the land. These emotionalists sing like this just to fill their bellies, not realizing that Lord Vinu is taking rest during these four months of the rainy season. They will just disturb Him, and in irritation, He will send some natural calamity. Cant these fools understand the disaster they could cause?
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Another man threatened, If there is an increase in the price of food grains, then I will catch them one by one and beat them soundly. It may be proper to chant loudly on the night of Ekdai, but what is the use of this daily recitation of Govindas names? questioned another irritated atheist. The devotees felt genuine compassion for the atheistic people, and despite their harassment, the devotees continued the krtanas. rla Haridsa was one of those sincere devotees who felt sorry to see that the majority of the people in society were not the least inclined toward devotional service. He continued his loud chanting of Kas Holy Name, which the extremely sinful people in society found unbearable. Once in a village named Harinad, an arrogant brhmaa offended rla Haridsa. He shouted angrily, Hey Haridsa, why do you behave like this? Why must you chant so loudly? The actual injunction is to chant softly in your mind. Which scripture instructs you to chant loudly? Who has taught you this type of religious practice? Here is an assembly of scholars, you can ask them about the correct method of worship. rla Haridsa humbly replied, I do not know the scriptural conclusions about the glories of the Holy Name of Ka. You must certainly know more than I. I can only repeat what I have heard from scholars like yourself. The principle effect of chanting the name of Ka loudly is that it purifies the soul one thousand times more than any other form of worship. Nowhere in the scriptures is loud chanting of the Holy Name condemned. On the contrary, there are excellent benefits, which have been described in many places. In one scripture it says: Loud chanting of Lord Kas name is a thousand times better than silent chanting. Why is the result of loud chanting magnified a thousand times over any other process? demanded the brhmaa. My dear Sir, please listen to the conclusions of the Vedas and rmad Bhgavatam. As rla Haridsa spoke, he floated in the ocean of love of Ka and his explanations encapsulated the essence of all scriptures. O brhmaa, please try to understand that when any living entitybe it 218

human, animal, insect or birdhears the Holy Name chanted by a pure devotee of the Lord, he goes directly to the spiritual world, Vaikuha, after leaving this body. The rmad Bhgavatam 10.34.18. states: O Lord when your name is chanted by the unalloyed devotee who has been purified by the touch of your lotus feet, and that Holy Name is heard even once by any living entity, it can immediately purify both the chanter and the listener. There is nothing disputable in the matter of the unalloyed devotee purifying other living entities. Lower species, which do not possess the ability to chant the Lords name, can be liberated simply by hearing the name chanted by a pure devotee. One who chants the Holy Name to himself liberates himself only, but one who chants the Lords name loudly liberates anyone who hears him. The sound of the Lords name is beneficial for everyone. Therefore, the scriptures all assert that loud chanting of the Lords name is a thousand times more effective than any other religious process. Again, in the Nradya Pura, there is a quote from Prahlda Mahrja saying: I see perfect logic in the fact that a person who chants the Lords name loudly is a thousand times more pious that the person who chants to himself. One who chants softly liberates only himself, but one who chants loudly liberates himself and any other living entity who hears him. O brhmaa, listen carefully. It is easy to understand that a person who acts for the benefit of the entire society including the lower animals is certainly on a higher religious platform than a person who is simply concerned with his own liberation. Only the human being has been endowed with the capacity to utter the Lords name; an animal cannot. If loud chanting can liberate these unfortunate animals who otherwise have no hope for liberation, then what is the harm in chanting loudly? A selfish person is interested in his own welfare, but a selfless devotee is concerned with everyones welfare. If you understand this, you can easily determine who is on the higher platform. I must emphasize that
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loud chanting of the Lords Holy Name is the most efficacious type of chanting. The foolish brhmaa became even more infuriated by the unequivocal instructions of rla Haridsa. He angrily retorted, O Haridsa, you have now become the master of the Vedas. It seems you have propounded the seventh philosophical thought, the other six having been destroyed with the passing of time. It has been prophesied in the Vedas that at the end of Kali-yuga, a lowborn dra will propagate the Vedas. However, I see it already happening right before me. What is the need to wait for the end of the Kali-yuga? You deceive everyone by acting like a holy man, but all you do is visit the homes of householders and fill your belly. If I find your explanations unauthorized and incorrect according to stra, then I will cut off your ears and nose. Completely equipoised, rla Haridsa simply smiled at the harsh, revengeful words of the fallen brhmaa. Without another word, he walked away, chanting loudly the Lords Holy Name. The scholars of the assembly were as sinful as that vicious brhmaa for they neither accepted the correct, bonafide explanations of rla hkura, nor did they condemn the offensive words of the wretched brhmaa. Those men were brhmaas in name only, while in actuality they were demons. Their residence was hell and they would suffer untold misery in the hands of Yamarja, the God of Death. In Kali-yuga, the demons will be born as brhmaas that harass and offend pious people. T h e Varha Pura says: In the Kali-yuga, demons find shelter in brhmaa families and torture the transcendentalists who are rare souls. All the scriptures have strictly forbidden us to touch, hear or worship persons who live in the guise of a brhmaa. One simply becomes contaminated by their contact. In the Padma Pura: it is mentioned, There is no need for a detailed explanation. Those brhmaas who are not devotees of the Lord should neither be respected, nor touched by anyone. Meeting a non-devotee brhmaa is as contaminating as meeting a lowborn dog eater. On the other hand, a pure devotee of the Lord, born in any family or any class, can purify the entire universe. 220

A few days after this incident with rla Haridsa, the fallen brhmaa contracted such a severe case of smallpox that his nose fell off. He was justly punished by Ka for his offences against the Vaiava saint. Aggrieved, Haridsa sighed in deep concern over the sad state of the human society, which was engrossed in mundane life. For a long time, he had desired the association of other pure devotees, so he went to Navadvpa where the Vaiavas were overjoyed to see him. r Advaita crya Prabhu grasped him to his chest in a loving embrace, and the other devotees showered their affection upon him; similarly, he reciprocated their emotions. The atheists continued their offensive criticism of the devotees, while the Vaiavas continued their transcendental discussion of the Bhagavad-gt and rmad Bhgavatam. Anyone who listens with faith and devotion to these narrations will find eternal shelter at the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord, r Gauracandra. r Ka Caitanya and Nitynanda Prabhu are my life and soul. I, Vndvana dsa, humbly offer this song at Their lotus feet.
17. r Vivambhara Travels to Gay
All glories to r Gaurasundara, the Supreme Lord of all Lords, he possesses an eternal transcendental form and is very dear to r Nitynanda Prabhu! All glories to the Lord for He is the life and soul and the most precious object of love of all the Vaiavas! Kindly bestow Your merciful glance upon all the living entities so that they may become liberated from material entanglement.
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Now listen carefully to the narrations of Lord Gaurasundara going to Gay-dhma. The Lord of the Vaikuha planets now resided in Navadvpa as the crest jewel teacher and scholar. The general condition of human society had deteriorated to such an extent that there was an increase of atheistic people, and the process of devotional service had become very rare. People in general were attracted by the temporary and illusory pleasures of the senses and this greatly saddened the devotees. In addition, the Vaiava devotees despaired seeing Lord Gaurasundara so engrossed in His scholastic pursuits. The mischievous and sinful population continued to hurl abuses at the Vaiava devotees, who simply bore the insults quietly. The Supreme Lord Gaurasundara felt within His heart that the time was now ripe to reveal His supreme identity and manifest His transcendental pastimes, but first He decided to visit Gay-dhma, such was the desire of the fully independent Supreme Personality, Gaurasundara. He performed the last rites, the raddh ceremony of His father, according to scriptural injunctions and then, accompanied by His disciples, proceeded to Gay-dhma. The Lord was very blissful at the thought of seeing Gay-dhma; therefore, taking leave of acm, He left for Gay. He passed through many towns and villages and by the touch of His transcendental lotus feet, they are now places of pilgrimage. On the way, He discussed many spiritual topics, explaining difficult conclusions to His disciples. Sometimes joking with them, sometimes in a serious mood, finally He arrived at Mandra Hill. Upon the Mandara hill, is a very famous place and the Lord visited the temples there, in particular, the temple of Lord Madhusdana. One day while travelling, the Lord assumed a fever. Half way to Gay-dhma, the Lord of Vaikuha, the Supreme Personality, in order to teach the living entities, manifested a fever just like an ordinary mortal. This brought great anxiety to His disciples. They tried various medicines and means to bring the fever down, but such was the desire of the Lord that His fever persisted. At last, the Lord Himself suggested a remedy. The remedy for all suffering is to drink the 222

water that has washed the feet of a pure brhmaa. To teach the world the unique position of a pure brhmaa, the Lord drank the water that had washed the feet of such a brhmaa. Immediately upon drinking the water, the Lord became healthy and His fever was gone. Such activities of the Lord display His real nature, as described in all the Vedic scriptures. In the Bhagavad-gt, it is stated: All of them, as they surrender unto Me, I reward accordingly. Everyone follows my path in all respects, O son of Pth. When the devotee sincerely desires to become the servant of the Lord, the merciful Lord grants him eternal servitude; and then the Lord Himself becomes the servant of His own devotee. Therefore, He is known as sevaka-vatsala, one who is very affectionate to His servitors. The Lord readily accepts defeat, if it increases the name and position of His surrendered devotee. How can devotees who have totally surrendered themselves to the lotus feet of the Lord even think of leaving the shelter of His lotus feet? Continuing His journey now cured of His fever, the Lord came to the pilgrimage place of the Punpun River. The Lord took His bath, offered worship to the departed soul of His father, and then entered Gaydhma. Upon entering Gay-dhma, the Lord offered His obeisances with folded hands to the holy place of pilgrimage. He came to Brahm-kua and, after taking His bath, offered worship to His father in the prescribed way. The Lord then went to Chakra-trtha. He entered the temple to see the impression of the lotus feet of Lord Viu, which were encircled by many Brahmin priests. Vast offerings of incense, flowers, perfumes, clothes, and ornaments, were piled up and lay all aroundone could never take account of the amount. The brhmaas looked like divine beings, sitting there describing the wonderful glories of the lotus feet of the Lord. They said, Lord Vivevara, iva, holds these lotus feet always close to his heart, and
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they are the life and soul of rimat Lakm Dev, the Goddess of Fortune. The Supreme Lord blessed Bali Mahrja by placing these feet upon his head, now all you fortunate pious souls, see the very same lotus feet. Just a moment of sincere meditation upon these lotus feet will immediately save one from hell. Even greatest mystic yogis so rarely attain these lotus feet. Now, you have the good fortune to see them. Mother Gag sprang forth from these lotus feet and the surrendered souls of the Lord always hold them deep within their hearts. All you fortunate souls please see these lotus feet that rest upon the head of r Ananta ea. Hearing the wonderful glories of the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord, Lord Gaurga merged into an ocean of ecstatic bliss. Tears flowed profusely from His lotus eyes, and the ecstatic symptoms of horripilation and shivering manifested on His transcendental body at the sight of the lotus feet. For the benefit of the entire human society, for the good fortune for all living entities, the Supreme Lord Gauracandra now began to manifest the process of devotional service, ka-prema. All the brhmaa priests marvelled at the sight, as an unrestricted stream like Mother Gag poured from the Lords lotus eyes. By divine arrangement, rla vara Pur was also present there at that time. When Lord Gauracandra saw rla vara-candra Pur, He offered His obeisances with great affection. vara-candra Pur was also overjoyed to see Lord Gauracandra and he embraced Him very lovingly. They could not control the intense joy of their meeting and drenched each other as tears flowed profusely from their eyes. Lord Gaurga said, Now that I have seen your lotus feet, My visit to Gay has become successful and worthy. Oblations offered in a place of pilgrimage for the liberation of the departed souls of ones forefathers, affect only those for whom they are intended, but just by your presence, you have liberated the souls of innumerable departed forefathers. Therefore, no place of pilgrimage can be compared to you. In fact, you
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are the purifier of even the places of pilgrimage. Kindly save me from drowning in the ocean of material existence, because I am surrendering my heart, soul and body to your feet. The only benediction I desire is that you make me drink the nectar from r Kas lotus feet. Then vara-candra Pur spoke, Listen to me, O Paita! I know very well that You are an expansion of the Supreme Lord. Otherwise, how is it possible for one to possess such vast learning and transcendental nature as You? I dreamt last night of meeting the Supreme Lord and by seeing You now that dream has been fulfilled. To speak the truth, O Paita, every moment I am feeling increasing ecstasy in Your presence. Ever since I saw You in Navadvpa, there has been nothing else on my mind save and except for You. Whatever I have spoken is certainly the truth. Without motivation I say this: The bliss one experiences in Lord Kas presenceI am experiencing that fully in Your presence. The Lord was very pleased to hear the sincere words from His beloved vara Pur. He said, It is My good fortune to have met you. They were very happy in each others companytalking confidential topics of Ka consciousness. In the future, rla Vedavysa will describe in detail these discussions between Lord Caitanya and vara-candra Pur. Then taking permission, the Lord left vara Pur. He took His bath and performed the sacrifice in honour of His father, the raddh ceremony. After completing His necessary rituals of offering oblations to His father, the Lord left for Preta-gay. There Lord Caitanya again performed a raddh ceremony and satisfied the attending priests with very humble and sweet wordsthis was His way of pleasing the priests. From there, He proceeded to Dakia-mnasa and then to rrma-gay. In rrma-gay, the Lord offered raddh to the incarnation of Lord Rmacandra. He then proceeded to Yudhihira-gay and offered oblations to Yudhihira Mahrja. Each time the Lord performed a raddh ceremony, the Brahmin priests would sit around Him and chant mantras. After the sacrifice when the
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oblations were offered into the water, the resident brhmaa priests were most enthusiastically swooping down upon Him for fees and other gifts. The Lord simply smiled at such behaviour and mercifully cut the knots of material entanglement in their hearts. Lord r Gaurga then went to Bhima-Gay, next to iva-Gay, then Brahm-Gay and various other holy places. When He arrived in oaa-Gay, He offered a special sacrifice with sixteen special ingredients after which He offered everyone the oblations very respectfully. Then in Brahm Kua, the Lord took His bath and offered the Gay-ira oblations. There, He offered beautiful flower garlands and sandalwood paste from His own hands in the worship of the impressions of Lord Vius lotus feet. Completing His pilgrimage to all the holy places and after satisfying all the brhmaa priests, He returned to His place of residence. There the Lord rested for a while and then feeling refreshed, He started to cook. As He completed the last preparation, rla vara-candra Pur came to visit Him. Intoxicated from chanting the Holy Name of Ka and feeling ecstatic love for the Lord, he walked into the room swaying as if drunk. The Lord immediately left His cooking in the kitchen, offered His respectful obeisances and sat him down comfortably. Smiling, rla vara-candra Pur said, O Paita, I have certainly come at the right time. The Lord replied, Good fortune has smiled upon Me today by sending you here, I pray that you will please accept some rice prasda. rla Purpda smiled and said, Except then, what will You have? The Lord replied, I will cook some rice for Myself now. rla Purpda asked, What is the use of cooking again? Whatever You have already cooked, let us share that between ourselves. Smiling the Lord replied, Whatever is already prepared is all for you, in no time at all, I can prepare something afresh, please do not feel hesitant, you eat first. Offering to vara Pur whatever He had already cooked for Himself, the Lord went back to the kitchen and began preparing foodstuffs once again. 226

Feeling great happiness, the Lord exhibited such great mercy to varacandra Pur. rpda Purs only thought was Ka. With His own hands, The Lord served rpda Pur who relished the Lords cooking in great delight. While this was going on, Ram Dev, Lakm Dev, the Goddess of Fortune, personally appeared and cooked for the Lord unseen by anyone in the kitchen. Having seen that rpda Pur was fully satisfied, the Lord sat down to eat. These transcendental activities of the Lord and His devotees are so wonderful that anyone who hears them with faith and sincerity is immediately granted unalloyed devotional service at the lotus feet of Lord Ka. After the meal, the Lord arranged for rpda Pur to rest. As a disciple would serve a spiritual master, the Lord began massaging rpda Pur with scented oil. Who can describe the elevated position of r varacandra Pur? r Caitanya, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, as an ideal disciple, went to see the appearance place of r vara-candra Pur. Devotedly, the Lord said upon His arrival, I offer my obeisances to the village of Kumrahatta where r vara Pur has appeared. The Lord was so spiritually moved by this place that He shed profuse tears of love for vara Pur and continuously repeated his name. He picked up a handful of earth and tied it into the corner of His cloth. The Lord said, This handful of earth from the place of r vara-candra Purs appearance is My most precious possession. Only the Supreme Personality of Godhead is capable of increasing the glories of His devotees, which was exemplified by Lord Caitanyas intense love for r vara-candra Pur. The Lord said, By associating with r vara-candra Pur I have fulfilled my pilgrimage to Gay. The next day, the Lord went to vara Pur and with sweet and humble words approached him for an initiation mantra. rla Purpda said, How is it that You, from me, ask an initiation mantra? I give You my very life and soul.
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Then, to instruct everyone, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, r Nryaa, the supreme instructing spiritual master of everyone, accepted initiation from rpda Pur, with an initiation mantra of ten syllables. The Lord circumambulated rpda Pur, and said, I have surrendered My life to You, please always look upon Me with a merciful glance, so I may always float in an ocean of love of Ka. r Purpda was moved by the Lords words and he embraced the Lord holding Him close to his breast. Profuse tears of love flowed like torrents from their eyes, drenching one another. For sometime, the omniscient Supreme Lord remained in Gay distributing His mercy to rla Purpda so profusely. The time was slowly approaching for the Lord to reveal to the world the reason for this incarnation. His love for Ka was manifesting increasingly day by day. One day, the Lord was sitting in a solitary place chanting in meditation upon His initiation mantra. The Lord became lost in the ecstatic world of remembrance of the Supreme Lord, and when His consciousness returned, He began to lament and called out to the Lord, the object of His contemplation. O my Ka, My dear Lord, O Lord Hari, You are My life and soul! You have stolen my heart, but now, to where have You run away? In which direction may I find My beloved Lord? The Lord cried out in intense separation from His dearmost Lord and wept bitterly. The Lord was absorbed in relishing the nectar of love of Ka and rolled upon the groundHis body became covered with dust. He called out, greatly afflicted, Where is My beloved Ka and to where has He gone leaving me? r Nimi Paita, for so long a grave serious scholar and teacher, now exhibited extreme restlessness, becoming stunned by the arrow of love of Ka. He rolled about upon the ground and cried out loudly, floating on the waves of ecstasy caused by intense separation from Himself. Soon His students returned and treating the Lord with great care, they brought Him back to external consciousness. The Lord said, All of you return to your homes, I do not want to go back to My family anymore. I 228

am going to Mathur to find the beloved Lord of My heart, r Kacandra. The students employed all their intelligence, and using various means, they kept the Lord calm and still. Constantly absorbed in love of Ka, the Lord of Vaikuha was now in the mood of an unalloyed devotee. His heart was restless in separation from the Lord; He could not remain patient. In the very early hours of one morning, the Lord slipped out of the house, without anyone noticing, wanting to go to Mathur. He was in a state of ecstatic trance and cried to Ka as He walked on, O Lord Ka, My dear Lord, where can I find You? After some distance, He heard a divine voice saying, Do not proceed to Mathur now. The time will come when You will go to Mathur, but for now return to Navadvpa, to Your house. You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the Lord of the Vaikuha planets. You have come into this material world with all Your eternal associates to liberate the entire world. You will propagate the congregational chanting of the Holy Name of Ka all over the universe and distribute freely to everyone the most treasured object, love of Ka. You are omniscient, and thus You already know everything. You have come to distribute the most desired object, of whose glories Ananta ea continuously sings, whose nectarine taste bewitches the mind of even Lord Brahm, Lord iva, Sanat-kumra and the other Kumras. We are Your eternal servantsit is our duty to remind You of the purpose of Your incarnation. We place this request at Your lotus feet. You are the maintainer of all living entities, the Supreme Independent Truth. No one can obstruct You from carrying out Your own pure desires; therefore, Our Lord, please return to Your home and very shortly You shall go to Mathur. Upon hearing the divine message, the Lord, r Gaurasundara, stopped His journey to Mathur and returned to His room in Gay feeling great happiness and satisfaction. His pilgrimage over in Gay, the Lord with all His disciples left for Navadvpa, where He was to begin the propagation of the Holy Name of Hari, and distribute love of Ka to 229

everyone. After His return from Gay, a wonderful definite change came over the Lord. He felt the ecstatic symptoms of transcendental loving devotion increasing within Himself, day by day. Here the topics of the di-khaa are completed, please hear now the topics of the Madhya-khaa. Whosoever hears this narration about the Lords pilgrimage to Gay with devotion and faith, Lord Gauracandra will surely appear in his heart. One can associate with Lord Ka simply by hearing of His transcendental activities. This association is eternal, and the Lord will never leave such a pure devotee. I am able to describe some of the transcendental pastimes of Lord Caitanya in this book only because my beloved Lord and Master, Nitynanda Prabhu, is dictating all this to me as He sits on the throne of my heart. It is only by His mercy that I may record these wonderful transcendental activities of Lord Caitanya. Independently, it would be impossible to write of these glorious pastimes. I am just a wooden doll made to dance by the magic spell of the Supreme Magician, the Supreme Lord Gauracandra, for He is making me speak about His transcendental pastimes. Lord Caitanyas transcendental activities are eternal, limitless, without beginning, without end. They are unfathomable for meI am simply writing somehow or other. On the other hand, my position is like that of a bird who flies in the limitless azure. It flies as high as it is capable of flying. Lord Caitanyas pastimes and glories are a shoreless ocean; one is capable of narrating only to the extent of the mercy one has received from the Lord.
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In the rmad Bhgavatam 1.18.23. it has been explained: Birds can fly as high as they are capable. Similarly, scholars according to their intelligence, describe the transcendental pastimes of the Lord to the degree they understand. I offer my fallen obeisances at the feet of all the Vaiava devotees of the Lord, praying that I may become purified from all my offences. If anyone is desirous of crossing this ocean of nescience and drowning in the ocean of nectarine ka-prema, then let him take complete shelter of the lotus feet of Lord Nitynanda Prabhu. The greatest jewel that eternally remains in my heart is the knowledge that Lord Caitanya Mahprabhu is the Lord of my most beloved Nitynanda Prabhu. Many people say different things about my Lord Nitynanda. Some say that Lord Nitynanda Prabhu is Lord Balarma. Others say that He is the most beloved of Lord Caitanya. Still others say that He is the master of Supreme Power. Still others say, Who He really is, I cannot understand. Let Lord Nitynanda be viewed as a sannys spiritual master, a highly knowledgeable devotee of the Lord, or thought to have any relationship with Lord Caitanya. Let anybody say anything about my Lord Nitynanda as they desire, but I will forever hold His lotus feet in my heart. Furthermore, as for those sinful wretched agnostics, who in spite of His glory criticize my Lord, then I will kick them on their heads. All glories to Nitynanda Prabhu who is the life and soul of Caitanya Mahprabhu! May I receive the eternal shelter of Your lotus feet. You are constantly singing the glories of Lord Caitanya. May I also be able to assist You in Lord Caitanyas glorification. My one and only desire is that I may have Your association, birth after birth.
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Whosoever hears these narrations of Lord Caitanya as described in the di-khaa of this book will certainly receive the full benediction of r Gauracandra. Before leaving Gay, Nimi Paita went to vara Pur and begging leave of him, returned to Navadvpa-dhma. All the residents of Navadvpa-dhma were mad with joy at the Lords return, like dead bodies becoming suddenly alive. Lord r Ka Caitanya and Lord Nitynanda Prabhu are my life and soul. I, Vndvana dsa, humbly offer this song to Their lotus feet. Thus ends the di-khaa of the r Caitanya-bhgavata.
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Caitanya Bhagavataadi Khanda

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Caitanya Bhagavataadi Khanda

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r Caitanya-bhgavata, di-khaa by Vndvana dsa hkura

1. Summary of the Pastimes of r Caitanya

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r Caitanya-bhgavata, di-khaa by Vndvana dsa hkura

r Caitanya-bhgavata, di-khaa by Vndvana dsa hkura

r Caitanya-bhgavata, di-khaa by Vndvana dsa hkura

r Caitanya-bhgavata, di-khaa by Vndvana dsa hkura

r Caitanya-bhgavata, di-khaa by Vndvana dsa hkura

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r Caitanya-bhgavata, di-khaa by Vndvana dsa hkura

2. The Appearance of r Ka Caitanya Mahprabhu

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3. The Horoscope of r Ka Caitanya Mahprabhu

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4. The Name-Giving Ceremony, Childhood Pastimes, and the Kidnapping

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r Caitanya-bhgavata, di-khaa by Vndvana dsa hkura

5. The Brahmin Feeds Nimi

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