Nityananda caritamrta

sri Nityananda Caritamrta

“All glories to Nityänanda Prabhu! Maddened by ecstatic love of Godhead, He overwhelmed the universe with ecstasy. He slapped His hands together like a warrior who is about to attack, and upon seeing this, the wicked Kali fled in terror, fearing for his life. All souls were drowned in happiness because of the dancing of Çré Nityänanda and Çré Gauräìga. Seeing such dancing or even hearing about it melts the hearts of great atheists.” (Çréla Bhaktivinoda Öhäkura, Gétävalé)

Other Publications by Touchstone Media Gétä Mahätmya and Çrémad Bhägavatam Mahätmya Prärthanä Çré Bhaktivinoda Väëé Vaibhava Volume 1, Sambandha Çré Bhaktivinoda Väëé Vaibhava Volume 1I, Abhideya and Prayojana Çré Prema Bhakti-candika Särvabhauma Çataka Hari Bhakti Kalpa Latika Çré Nityänanda-caritämåta Pada Sevana Sweet Pastimes of Damodara Dog and the Wolf Epic Characters of Mahabharat Series Krishna Pocket Guide Sri Prema Vilasa Uddhava Gita If you are interested in the purchasing or the distribution of this book or any of the above publications, you may contact the publisher at: Touchstone Media Block FE 2/3, Sector 3 Salt Lake, Kolkata 700106, India Tel: 91(33)64513825 e-mail : isvara99@gmail.com

www.touchstonemedia.com

ÇRÉ GURU-GAURÄÌGAU JAYATAÙ

sri Nityananda Caritamrta

The Nectarean Life and Pastimes of Lord Nityänanda (SECOND EDITION) compiled from the writings of

Çréla Våndävana däsa Öhäkura Adapted and Published by Éçvara däsa Translated by Bhümipati däsa Second Edition Edited by Pürëaprajïa däsa

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Çré Nityänanda-caritämåta (2nd Edition) Adapted and Published by Éçvara däsa Translated by Bhümipati däsa First edition edited by Deena Bandhu däsa Second edition edited by Pürëaprajïa däsa Proofread by Kåñëa-kåpä däsa Cover painting by Saccidänanda däsa Line Arts by Çatadhäma däsé Title Page Painting by Çyämapriyä däsé Layout and design by Éçvara däsa ISBN 81-87897-20-1 © 2008 Éçvara däsa and Touchstone Media. No parts of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, photocopied or transmitted, except brief extracts for the purpose of review, without the written permission of the publisher.

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Dedication

T

his book is dedicated to Çréla Gour Govinda Svämé Mahäräja, who was a stalwart preacher of the glories of Lord Nityänanda. His contribution to the spread of love of Gaura and Govinda will forever be remembered by the devotees of Lord Caitanya.

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CONTENTS

Introduction Biographical Sketch of Çréla Våndävana däsa Öhäkura Maìgaläcaraëa

1 4 9

ADI-LÉLÄ CHAPTER ONE

The Birth and Childhood Activities of Lord Nityänanda

CHAPTER TWO

Lord Nityänanda’s Traveling to the Holy Places

15 21

CHAPTER THREE

Lord Nityänanda’s Meeting with Çrépad Mädhavendra Puré

27

MADHYA-LÉLÄ CHAPTER ONE

Lord Nityänanda’s Meeting with Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu

35

Lord Nityänanda’s Stay With Çréväsa and His Vyäsa-püjä Ceremony

47

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

Lord Nityänanda Offers Prayers to the Six-armed Form of Lord Caitanya

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

55

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER FOUR

Çréväsa’s Love for Lord Nityänanda and the Dream of Mother Çacé

61

CHAPTER FIVE

Eating Pastimes of Çrémän Mahäprabhu and Lord Nityänanda

CHAPTER SIX

Nityänanda’s Pastimes at the House of Çréväsa

CHAPTER SEVEN

Çrémän Mahäprabhu Glorifies Lord Nityänanda

CHAPTER EIGHT

The Deliverance of Jagäi and Mädhäi

65 69 75 81

CHAPTER NINE

Prayers of Jagäi and Mädhäi to Lord Nityänanda and Gauräìga Mahäprabhu

99

CHAPTER TEN

Mädhäi’s Prayers to Nityänanda Prabhu and His Devotional Service

103

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Lord Gauräìga Discusses His Sannyäsa with Lord Nityänanda

109

ANTYA-LÉLÄ CHAPTER ONE

Lord Nityänanda and Mahäprabhu Meet the Residents of Navadvépa

115

CHAPTER TWO

Lord Nityänanda Breaks Mahäprabhu’s Sannyäsa-daëòa

CHAPTER THREE

Lord Nityänanda’s Darçana of Lord Jagannätha

121 127

CHAPTER FOUR

Lord Nityänanda’s Grand Bathing Ceremony at the House of Räghava Paëòita

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

131

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER FIVE

Lord Nityänanda’s Meeting with Gadädhara Däsa

139

CHAPTER SIX

Lord Nityänanda’s Deliverance of the Merchants of Saptagräma and His Meeting with Advaita Äcärya

145

CHAPTER SEVEN

Lord Nityänanda Delivers the Thieves at the House of Hiranya Paëòita

149

CHAPTER EIGHT

A Brähmaëa’s Doubt About the Character of Lord Nityänanda and its Removal by Lord Caitanya

159

CHAPTER NINE

Lord Nityänanda’s Departure for Néläcala and His Glorification by Lord Caitanya

169

CHAPTER TEN

Lord Nityänanda’s Pastimes of Accepting Lunch at the House of Gadädhara Paëòita

175

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Lord Caitanya Instructs Nityänanda Prabhu to Marry 179

CHAPTER TWELVE

The Marriage of Lord Nityänanda

185

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

The Birth of Véracandra Prabhu and Disappearance of Lord Nityänanda

APPENDICES

195

Descriptions of the Associates of Lord Nityänanda A Song by Vrindavana dasa Thakura Prayers to Lord Nityananda Lord Nityänanda Prabhu’s Appearance Day Lecture

205 210 213 229

Glossary

237

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Introduction

réla Narottama däsa Öhäkura has sung, hena nitäi bine bhäi rädhä kåñëa päite nai; without the mercy of Lord Nityänanda, no one can attain Çré Çré Rädhä and Kåñëa.

The ultimate goal of life is the attainment of kåñëa-prema, or love for Kåñëa. This is possible only by the mercy of a sädhu-guru. Çré Nityänanda Prabhu is the sum total of all gurus (samañöi-guru). Indeed, He is guru-tattva. All individual gurus (vyañöi) are representations of Çré Nityänanda. Çréla Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Öhäkura wrote in his Harmonist magazine about the manifestation of guru as the representative of Çré Nityänanda: “The guru is the embodiment of the manifestation of the Divinity to the pure receptive spiritual essence of the disciple.

Nityänanda is the primary manifestive constituent of the Divinity. Nityänanda alone possesses the distinctive function of the guru. In Nityänanda the function is embodied. Nityänanda is the servant-God. He serves Çré Gaurasundara by the distinctive method of reverential servitude. He is identical with Çré Balaräma of kåñëa-lélä. Çré Balaräma is not the chum of Kåñëa, but His respected elder brother. It is an intimate relationship characterized by becoming reserved on one side, and of respectful deference on the other. Individual souls are under the direction of Nityänanda. They receive their service of Çré Gaurasundara, i.e., of Kåñëa, at His hands. Nityänanda is not a jéva. He is Divinity. He is the ultimate source of the jéva. The jéva is a potency of Nityänanda. No jéva can be the medium of the service of the Absolute to another jéva. The Absolute alone may communicate

S

1 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

His service to the separable constituents of Himself. This is the real nature of the function of the guru.

“But Nityänanda does not directly instruct in the confidential service of Kåñëa. Çrématé Rädhikä is the guru of the inner circle of the servants of Kåñëa. Çrématé Rädhikä, however, accepts the offer of service of only those souls who are specially favored by Nityänanda and are deemed by Him to be fit for Her service. There is, therefore, a most intimate relationship between the function of Nityänanda and that of Çrématé Rädhikä, which is at once supplementary to and inclusive of the former.

“But all jévas are not liable to be eclipsed by the deluding potency. Those who are so liable are again distinct from the eternally free jévas. The eternally free jévas are inseparable associates of Nityänanda. They are integrated parts and parcels of Himself. They never fall into the clutches of mäyä. When Nityänanda manifests His appearance on the mundane plane, His inseparable constituents also appear in His company. They sometimes manifest their function on this lower place in a visible form on the errands of Nityänanda. They are Vaiñëavas whose subordination to Nityänanda is natural and ingrained in their nature. It is not necessary for such souls to undergo the process of enlightenment for being restored to the spiritual plane. Unless this fact is borne in mind, the conditioned soul may be tempted to undervalue the constant guidance of the guru on the hypocritical plea of following in the footsteps of the eternally free pure devotees. Those, therefore, who suppose that deliverance from the bondage of this world should be practicable without the constant guidance of the spiritual preceptor, confound the conditioned state with the free.”

There is no difference between Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityänanda. Just as Lord Kåñëa and Lord Balaräma are essentially the same and original forms of Godhead, Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityänanda, who are directly Kåñëa and Balaräma, are the same personality. Lord Kåñëa manifested Himself as the separate form of Lord Balaräma for the performance of His léläs and to benefit the jévas by showing them the path of cultivating loving service unto Himself.

2 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Introduction

In Çré Caitanya-caritämåta, Çréla Kåñëadäsa Kaviräja Gosvämé explains that Lord Kåñëa eternally enjoys Himself in Goloka Våndävana, along with His unlimited associates. It is Lord Balaräma who is the source of all spiritual and material manifestations. All the Näräyaëa and Viñëu expansions come from Lord Balaräma. As such, Lord Balaräma is the source of all incarnations in this material world.

Just as Lord Caitanya’s pastimes are even more pleasing than Kåñëa’s pastimes, Lord Nityänanda’s pastimes are even more pleasing than those of Lord Balaräma. Lord Balaräma is famous for His pastimes of chastising the miscreants, such as His killing of many demons, His determination to drag the city of Hastinäpura into the River Ganges, and His killing of Romaharñaëa Sutä. Lord Balaräma’s form as Lord Nityänanda, however, is described as akrodha paramänanda nityänanda-räya—He never becomes angry.

Lord Nityänanda is the most merciful form of Lord Kåñëa, for He is the giver of kåñëa-prema-bhakti. Lord Caitanya Himself declared (Çré Nityänanda-caritämåta, Antya-khaëòa, Chapter three): “Those who develop love, affection, and respect for Çré Nityänanda, develop love and affection for Me (Lord Caitanya). All the demigods, headed by Lord Çiva and Lord Brahmä, worship Nityänanda Svärüpa. If somebody thinks ill of Çré Nityänanda, or blasphemes Him; whoever he may be, he will fall down. Even if such a person professes to be My devotee, he is not really My devotee.” Çré Nityänanda-caritämåta is an authentic Vaiñëava literature compiled from the writings of Vedavyäsa Çréla Våndävana däsa Öhäkura. This book describes the transcendental glories of Lord Nityänanda. The birth of Nityänanda, His childhood pastimes, His leaving home, His travelling to holy places, His arrival at Navadvépa and meeting with Lord Caitanya, His preaching of the chanting of the holy names of the Lord by the order of Lord Gauräìga, His pastimes with Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu at Nadia, His presence at the Lord’s pastime of accepting sannyäsa, His accompanying the Lord to Néläcala, His return to Navadvépa by the order of the Lord, His marriage,

3 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

His distribution of love of God, and His disappearance from this world are elaborately and properly described in this book. Çréla Våndävana däsa Öhäkura is forever remembered in the communities of Vaiñëavas for his wonderful literary work, Çré Caitanya-bhägavata. The glories of Çré Caitanya-bhägavata were nicely described by Çréla Kåñëadäsa Kaviräja Gosvämé in his book Çré Caitanya-caritämåta as follows: manuñye racite näre aiche grantha dhanya våndävana-däsa-mukhe vaktä çré-caitanya “No human being can compose such a book. Actually, Lord Caitanya Mahäprabhu speaks through the mouth of Çréla Våndävana däsa Öhäkura.” (Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Ädi-léla 8:39) Çré Caitanya-bhägavata is a biography of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu written in the Bengali language that was compiled before Çré Caitanya-caritämåta. Following in the footsteps of the statements of Çré Caitanya-bhägavata, other books, such as Çré Caitanya-caritämåta, were compiled. Çré Nityänanda-caritämåta has been compiled from the statements of Çré Caitanya-bhägavata about Lord Nityänanda and additional pastimes have been added. These include the affection of Häòäi Paëòita for Lord Nityänanda, the marriage of Vasudhä and Jahnavä with Lord Nityänanda, and the disappearance of Lord Nityänanda.

For this reason, Çré Nityänanda-caritämåta is very similar to Çré Caitanya-bhägavata. It is hoped that this book narrating the pastimes of Lord Nityänanda will serve as a great inspiration for Vaiñëavas worldwide.

A Short Biographical Sketch of Çréla Våndävana Däsa Öhäkura Çréväsa Paëòita, an intimate associate of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu, had an elder brother named Nalina Paëòita. His daughter, Çré Näräyaëé-devé, was the mother of Çréla Våndävana

4 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Introduction

däsa Öhäkura. Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu advented in this world to distribute love of God. He inaugurated His pastimes of distribution of love of God by first giving prema to four-year-old Näräyaëé-devé. The Lord gave Näräyaëé-devé remnants of His chewed betel nuts and thus empowered her. Later on, because of Lord Caitanya’s favor, Çréla Våndävana däsa Öhäkura was born as her son. Çré Näräyaëé-devé personally witnessed the pastimes of Lord Gauräìga. Whatever Çréla Våndävana däsa Öhäkura heard from his mother, and whatever he later found in Muräri Gupta’s diary, which recorded the transcendental pastimes of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu, he wrote in Çré Caitanya-bhägavata. Çréla Våndävana däsa Öhäkura was a direct disciple of Lord Nityänanda and His associate in various pastimes. This book, Nityänanda-caritämåta, was compiled from his writings.

There is no direct evidence that Çréla Våndävana däsa Öhäkura ever met Lord Gauräìga Mahäprabhu, but he was born as the Lord’s manifested pastimes were in progress. The book Çré Prema-viläsa describes his birth and family as follows: “There was a brähmaëa named Vaikuëöha däsa who lived in the village of Kumärahaööa. Çré Näräyaëé-devé was married to him. From the womb of Näräyaëé-devé, Çréla Våndävana däsa Öhäkura, the incarnation of Çréla Vyäsadeva, was born. When Çréla Våndävana däsa Öhäkura was within the womb of his mother, his father, Vaikuëöha däsa, left this world and went to the spiritual world. When Çréväsa Paëòita saw that his niece was pregnant and a widow, he brought her to his home.

Thereafter, when Çréla Våndävana däsa Öhäkura was five years old, he lived with his mother at Mämagäcchi. Väsudeva Datta, a celebrated recipient of Lord Caitanya’s mercy, took responsibility for the maintenance of Çréla Våndävana däsa Öhäkura and his mother. At the house of Väsudeva Datta, Çréla Våndävana däsa Öhäkura grew up and studied various scriptures. After the disappearance of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu, Çré Nityänanda Prabhu, and Çré Advaita Prabhu, Çréla Våndävana däsa Öhäkura resided at a village called Denuòa.”

Regarding the eternal identity of Çréla Våndävana däsa Öhäkura, Çréla Kavi Karëapüra wrote (Çré Gaura-gaëoddeçadépikä. verse 109):

5 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

vedavyäso ya eväsiddäso våndävanodhunä sakha yaù kusumäpiòa karyatstaà samävisat “The combined form of Vedavyäsa, the son of Satyavaté, and Kusumäpiòa, a cowherd boy in Vraja, is Çréla Våndävana däsa Öhäkura.” Çréla Våndävana däsa Öhäkura spent some time at Mämagächi and then went to Denuòa, where he compiled Çré Caitanya-bhägavata. By the causeless mercy of Lord Nityänanda, the storekeeper of Lord Gauräìga’s love, we hope we will be successful in our attempt to glorify Him. May Lord Nityänanda destroy all our obstacles and help us spread the understanding of His transcendental qualities and glories, and those of His associates. This is our heartfelt desire.

We conclude this life sketch of Çréla Våndävana däsa Öhäkura by singing the following songs composed by the Öhäkura himself. antare nitäi bähire nitäi nitäi jagatamaya nägara nitäi nägari nitäi kathä ye kaya sädhana nitäi bhajana nitäi nitäi nayana tärä daçadika maya nitäi sundara nitäi bhuvana bharä rädhära mädhuri anaìga maïjaré nitäi nitu se seve koöi çaçadhara vadana sundara sakhä sakhé baladeve rädhära bhagini çyämasohäginé sava sakhégaëa präëa jäìhära läbari mandapa säjani çré maëi mandira näma nitäi sundara yogapéöha dhare ratna siàhäsana seje basana nitäi bhuñana nitäi vilase sakhéra mäjhe ki kahiba ära nitäi sabära aìkhi mukha sava aìga nitäi nitäi nitäi nitäi nitäi nutara raìga nitäi baliyä dubahu tuliyä caliba vrajera pure däsa våndävana ei nivedana nitäi nä chäòo more “Nitäi is within and without. He is everywhere within this world. He is the lover and He is the sweetheart. Everyone says this. Nitäi is my regulative principles, my object of worship, and the light of my eyes.

6 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Introduction

Nitäi is in all ten directions. In fact, He fills all the three worlds. Nitäi as Anaìga-maïjaré eternally serves Çrématé Rädhikä. He is non-different from Baladeva, whose beautiful face resembles millions of moons, and who is surrounded by sakhäs and sakhés. The sister of Rädhäräëé, Anaìga-maïjaré, is very dear to Çré Çyäma, and she is the life and soul of all the sakhés. She decorates the arena of the temple named Maëi-mandira. Nitäi sustains the yogapéöha and becomes a throne for the Lord to rest on. Nitäi also becomes the Lord’s garments and ornaments. He enjoys pastimes with the sakhés. What more can I say? Nitäi is the eyes, mouth, and limbs of everyone. Nitäi, Nitäi, Nitäi, Nitäi; I see only Nitäi dancing. Raising my hands and chanting Nitäi, I will go to Vraja. I, Våndävana däsa, only request Nitäi that He kindly never leaves me.” Éçvara däsa This revised edition completed in January 2008, Çrédhäma Mäyäpura, India.

7 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Maìgaläcaraëa

äjänu-lambita-bhujau kanakävadätau sankértanaika-pitarau kamaläyatäksau viçvambharau dvija-varau yuga-dharma-pälau vande jagat priya-karau karuëävatärau offer my respectful obeisances unto Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu and Çré Nityänanda Prabhu, whose long arms extend to Their knees. They have splendid golden complexions, and They inaugurated the congregational chanting of the holy names of the Lord. Their eyes resemble the petals of lotus flowers. They are the maintainers of all the worlds, the best of the brähmaëas, and the protectors of the religious principles for this age. They bring happiness to the people of the world and are the most merciful of all incarnations.

I

namas trikala satyäya jagannätha sutäya ca sa-bhåtyäya sa-puträya sa-kalaträya te namaù O my Lord! You eternally exist in the past, present, future, yet You are the son of Jagannätha Miçra. I offer my repeated obeisances unto You, along with Your servants, Your sons, and Your consorts.

Note: In this verse, servants refers to His associates. Sons refers to His gosvämé disciples, or the different forms of bhakti, such as the chanting of the holy name. Consorts can refer to Viñëupriyä as

9 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA Bhü-çakti, Lakñmépriyä as Çré-çakté, and Navadvépa as Nélä, Lélä, or Durga. It can also refer to His very dear associates; Narahari, Rämänanda, Jagadänanda and others, and the two Gadädharas; Gadädhara Paëòita and Gadädhara Bhaööa.

Muräri Gupta1 writes in his kaòacä: avatirnau sa-karunyau paricchinnau sad éçvara çré kåñëa caitanya-nityänandau dvau bhratau bhaje I worship the two brothers, Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda, who have descended into this world as the supreme controllers. Concealing Their true forms, They have mercifully descended to this world. sa jayati visuddha-vikramaù kanakäbhaù kamaläyatekñnaù vara-jänu-vilambi-sad-bhujo bahudhä bhakti-rasäbhinartakaù All glories to Çré Gaurasundara, whose powerful activities are supremely pure, whose bodily complexion is like molten gold, whose eyes are like lotus petals, whose six beautiful arms extend to His knees, and whose heart is flooded with loving devotional bliss as He enjoys dancing in various ways in kértana.

1 Muräri Gupta appeared in a vaidya (physician) family at the village of Çré Haööa. Later he came to live in Navadvépa. He was a great devotee of Lord Rämacandra and is considered to be an incarnation of Hanumän, the foremost devotee of Lord Rämacandra. He was greatly learned in the medical science. Çré Gauräìgadeva disclosed the glories of Muräri Gupta on the pretext of enjoying His pastimes.

After hearing the glorification of Çré Räma from his mouth, the Lord wrote the name “Rämadäsa” on his forehead. Muräri Gupta composed the pastimes of Çré Gauräìga in Sanskrit, in the form of verses known as the kaòacä of Muräri Gupta. This is the original Sanskrit literature describing the pastimes of Lord Caitanya. He composed this kaòacä in the month of July in the year 1435 Çaka era.

10 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Maìgaläcaraëa

jayati jayati devaù kåñëa-caitanya-candro jayati jayati kértis tasya nityä paviträ jayati jayati bhåtyäs tasya viçveça-mürter jayati jayati nåtyaà tasya sarva-priyäëäm All glories to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Çré Kåñëa Caitanyacandra! All glories to His eternally pure fame! All glories to the servants of the great master of the worlds! All glories to the dancing of His beloved associates!

First I offer my unlimited obeisances to the feet of the loving confidential devotees of Lord Caitanya Mahäprabhu. I then offer my obeisances to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Çré Kåñëa Caitanya. He incarnated in Navadvépa and is known as Viçvambhara. That same Supreme Personality of Godhead has declared in the Vedas and in the Çrémad-Bhägavatam: ädaraù paricaryäyäà sarväìgair abhivandanam mad-bhakta-püjäbhyadhikä sarva-bhüteñu man-matiù “Great respect for My devotional service, offering obeisances with the entire body, worshipping My devotees more than Me, consciousness of Me in all living entities.”

I therefore offered my prayers first to the devotees, as this is the secret for attaining perfection. I now offer my respectful obeisances unto my worshipable Lord, Çré Nityänanda Räya.

By His mercy, the glories of Lord Caitanya became manifest.

I offer my respectful obeisances unto the thousand-headed Lord Balaräma. His thousands of mouths are the abode of Lord Kåñëa’s transcendental glories. As valuable jewels are kept in a favorite place, so the jewel-like glories of Lord Kåñëa are kept in the jewellery case of Lord Ananta’s mouths.

I thus offer my prayers to Lord Balaräma so that the glories of Lord Caitanya Mahäprabhu will manifest from my mouth.

Lord Balaräma is thousand-headed Lord Ananta and all His activities are extraordinary. The Supreme Lord, Balaräma, carries

11 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

a plough and possesses a gigantic body. Although exceptionally grave, He is intoxicated by the glories of Lord Caitanya.

There is no one dearer to Lord Caitanya than Lord Nityänanda.

Therefore, Lord Caitanya eternally enjoys pastimes with Him. Çré Kåñëa Caitanya becomes most satisfied with one who hears or chants the glories of Lord Nityänanda. I have thus described a portion of Lord Ananta’s glories. Please, therefore, develop attachment for Lord Nityänanda.

Those who wish to cross the ocean of material existence and drown in the ocean of devotional service should worship Lord Nityänanda. My only desire at the feet of the Vaiñëavas is that I may worship the lotus feet of Lord Balaräma, birth after birth. Just as dvija, vipra, and brähmaëa are different names of the same person, so Nityänanda, Ananta, and Baladeva are different names of the same Lord. Therefore, Çré Ananta is the embodiment of Lord Caitanya’s glories. I have thus described a fragment of the glories of Lord Ananta. Hearing the pastimes of Çré Nityänanda brings all auspiciousness. Know for certain that they are revealed only by the mercy of the devotees.

Who can understand the pastimes of Lord Nityänanda?

They are confidential even to the Vedas. I write only what I have heard from the devotees. I find no beginning or end to the pastimes of Lord Nityänanda. I write whatever He inspires me to write. Just as a puppet dances only by the control of the puppeteer, whatever I describe is simply by the direction of Lord Nityänanda. Let me offer my respectful obeisances at the feet of the Vaiñëavas, so that I may not commit any offences to them.

My dear brothers, please hear with rapt attention the narrations of the pastimes that Lord Nityänanda performs with His devotees. The pastimes of Lord Nityänanda are the abode of all happiness. These pastimes are divided into three parts; Ädi-khaëòa, Madhya-khaëòa and Antya-khaëòa. O Lord Gauracandra, please give me shelter at the lotus feet of Lord Nityänanda Prabhu, who sustains the universes as Ananta Çeña. O dear brothers, please hear attentively the topics of Ädi-khaëòa that describe the appearance of Lord Nityänanda.

Accepting Çré Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

12 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÄDI-LÉLÄ

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER ONE The Birth and Childhood Activities of Lord Nityänanda

ll glories to Çré Kåñëa Caitanya, the ocean of mercy!

All glories to Lord Nityänanda, the friend of the fallen souls! All glories to Çré Advaita Äcärya, whose life and soul are Çré Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda! All glories to Çréväsa and Gadädhara Prabhus! All glories to Çré Viçvambhara, the beloved son of Jagannätha and Çacé! All glories to all the devotees and associates of the Lord!

There is a village called Ekacakra in Räòha-deça in West Bengal, where the Supreme Lord, Nityänanda, appeared. From the day of His appearance, the whole of Räòha-deça became all-auspicious. Famine, poverty, and other distresses at once disappeared. A short distance from Ekacakra, the Deity of Maureçvara is located. Lord Nityänanda, who is non-different from Lord Balaräma, had worshipped this Deity. In the village of Ekacakra lived Häòäi Paëòita. He was a qualified brähmaëa, very detached, and full of compassion. His wife’s name was Pad-

A

15 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

mavaté, who was a very chaste woman and exalted devotee. She was the mother of the universe. Both Häòäi Paëòita and Padmavaté-devé were very magnanimous. Lord Nityänanda appeared in their family out of His own sweet will.

On the auspicious thirteenth day of the waxing moon in the month of Mägha (January-February), Lord Nityänanda made His appearance. He was the eldest among the sons of Häòäi Paëòita. Seeing His all-auspicious characteristics, everyone’s eyes filled with joy. In due course of time, Lord Nityänanda grew. Due to the influence of His illusory energy, however, no one could recognize Him. He concealed His real identity and happily played with His boyhood friends. Whatever pastimes He enjoyed with His childhood friends were related to the pastimes of Lord Kåñëa.

Once, He and His friends formed an assembly of demigods, and one of them acted as mother earth praying for their mercy.

The demigods then led mother earth to the riverbank, where all the children began offering prayers. One boy, hiding from the rest, loudly declared, “I will soon take birth in Mathurä, Gokula.”

One night, the Lord and His friends enacted the marriage of Vasudeva and Devaké. Another night, while everyone else was asleep, they made a jail cell and enacted the birth of Lord Kåñëa.

They made a place represent Gokula. Taking baby Kåñëa there, He was exchanged with Mahämäyä, thus tricking Kaàsa. Another time, they dressed someone as Pütanä. Someone climbed on her chest to suck her breast. One day, Lord Nityänanda and His friends made a çakaöa, or handcart, out of reeds and then broke it. Another day, the Lord and His friends stole from the houses of the neighboring cowherd men.

The boys never left Nityänanda to go home, but sported with Him, day and night. The children’s parents never complained; rather they affectionately embraced Nityänanda. They said, “We’ve never seen such transcendental sports. How does this child know so many of Kåñëa’s pastimes?”

One day the Lord made snakes out of leaves and took His friends to the water. One of them jumped into the water and did not move. Later, the Lord brought him back to conscious-

16 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Birth and Childhood Activities of Lord Nityänanda

ness. Another day, the Lord and His friends went to Tälavana, where they killed Dhenukäsura and then ate täla fruit. Lord Nityänanda and his childhood friends went to the fields and enjoyed various pastimes, such as the killing of Bakäsura, Aghäsura, and Vatsäsura. In the afternoon, the Lord and His friends returned home, blowing their buffalo horns.

One day they enjoyed the pastime of lifting Govardhana Hill, and another day they created a Våndävana, where they enjoyed various sports. Once, they enacted Kåñëa’s pastime of stealing the gopés’ clothes, and another day they enacted His meeting the wives of the brähmaëas performing sacrifices. On one occasion, a boy dressed up with a false beard as Närada and gave Kaàsa some secret news. Another day, a boy dressed as Akrüra and took Kåñëa and Balaräma to Kaàsa’s capital. As Lord Nityänanda cried in the mood of the gopés, it seemed to His friends that a river flowed from His eyes. By the influence of Lord Viñëu’s illusory energy, no one could recognize Lord Nityänanda as He enjoyed pastimes with His friends.

The children arranged a city of Mathurä and then wandered through its streets. Someone played the role of a gardener, while another accepted a flower garland from him. Someone dressed as Kubjä and someone else accepted sandalwood paste from her. They made a large bow and shouted with joy when it was broken. They also enacted the pastimes of killing the elephant, Kuvalayäpéòa, and the wrestlers, Cäëüra and Muñöika.

Thereafter the Lord chastised Kaàsa by grabbing him by the hair and throwing him upon the ground. After killing Kaàsa, the Lord danced with His friends in such a way that everyone watching Him began to laugh. In this way, Lord Nityänanda and His friends imitated the pastimes of various incarnations.

One day, Lord Nityänanda dressed as Vämana and went to cheat Bali Mahäräja out of his kingdom, which covered the three worlds. Someone playing an aged Çukräcärya forbade Bali to give the three steps of land requested by Lord Vämana. Accepting the gift, the Lord placed His last step on Bali’s head.

One day, Lord Nityänanda enacted the pastime of building a bridge across the ocean with the boys playing the role of monkeys.

They cut castor plants and made a bridge across the water. Then

17 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

all the boys shouted, “Jaya Raghunätha!” Nityänanda Prabhu, taking the role of Lakñmaëa with a bow in His hand, went in anger to rebuke Sugréva. He said,“O king of the monkeys, My Lord is in distress. Come quickly or I will kill you! How can you sit here enjoying with women while Lord Rämacandra is lamenting on Mälyavän Mountain?”

Another day, Nityänanda spoke in anger to Paraçuräma, “O brähmaëa, I’m not at fault. Leave here at once.”

Lord Nityänanda was thus absorbed in the mood of Lakñmaëa. The boys, unable to understand this, thought it was just a game. Another time, the boys took the role of five monkeys and the Lord took the role of Lakñmaëa. He asked, “Who are you monkeys, wandering in the forest? I am the servant of Lord Rämacandra. Please tell me who you are!”

The boys replied: “We are wandering in fear of Bali. Please take us to Lord Rämacandra. We wish to take the dust of His lotus feet.”

Nityänanda, in the role of Laksmana, embraced them and led them to Lord Rämacandra, where they all fell at His lotus feet.

Once, the Lord enacted the pastime of killing Indrajit, the son of Rävaëa. Another day, in the mood of Lakñmaëa, He accepted defeat. They brought someone in the role of Vibhéñaëa before Lord Rämacandra, and Lord Räma crowned him as the King of Laìkä.

One boy said, “I am mighty Rävaëa. Now I’ll release the çakti-çela weapon. Stop it if You can, Lakñmaëa!”

Saying this, the boy threw a lotus flower at Lord Nityänanda, who in the mood of Lakñmaëa fell to the ground. After He fell unconscious, all the boys tried in vain to revive Him. When they found no symptom of life in the body of Lord Nityänanda, they all held their heads and cried. The Lord’s father and mother came running there and saw their son without a sign of life. They too fell senseless to the ground. Everyone who saw this tragedy was struck with wonder. As the boys described the entire incident, one person said, “I know why He’s unconscious. There’s a boy who is dressed as Hanumän. If he gives Nityänanda medicine, then He’ll be cured.”

18 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Birth and Childhood Activities of Lord Nityänanda

Before the play, the Lord had instructed His friends, “When I fall unconscious, you all surround Me and cry. After a while, send Hanumän for some medicine. I will be revived when he puts the medicine to My nose.”

The Lord fell unconscious by His own sweet will, but this bewildered all the boys. Since everyone there was confused, they forgot the Lord’s instructions. They simply cried loudly, “O brother, please get up!”

Hearing the people’s comments, the boys remembered Lord Nityänanda’s order and the boy dressed as Hanumän immediately went for the medicine. Another boy who was dressed as a renunciate welcomed Hanumän with fruits and roots. He said to Hanumän, “My dear sir, please stay and grace my äçrama. It’s a wonderful fortune to meet such a person as you.”

“I must go and complete my important mission.” Hanumän replied. “I’d like to stay, but I cannot delay. You must have heard that Lakñmaëa, the younger brother of Lord Rämacandra, is unconscious from the çakti-çela weapon of Rävaëa. I’m on my way to Gandhamädana Hill to bring medicine. Only then He’ll survive.”

The renunciate then said: “If you must go, first take a bath and have something to eat.”

The two boys repeated whatever Lord Nityänanda had instructed them. Everyone gazed at them in astonishment as they listened to their dialogue. On the request of the renunciate, Hanumän went to take a bath in the lake where another boy grabbed hold of his feet. The boy playing a crocodile tried to pull Hanumän into the water, but Hanumän pulled the boy onto the shore. After a short fight, Hanumän defeated the crocodile. On returning to the renunciate’s äçrama, Hanumän saw a mighty warrior. A boy dressed as a Räkñasa tried to swallow Hanumän.

He challenged, “You defeated the crocodile, but how will you defeat me? I will eat you. Then how will you revive Lakñmaëa?”

Hanumän replied: “Your Rävaëa’s a dog! I think him most insignificant. Get out of my way.”

After first exchanging some harsh words, Hanumän and the Räkñasa began pulling each other’s hair. Finally, they be-

19 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

gan striking each other with their fists. After swiftly defeating the demon, Hanumän went to Gandhamädana Hill. There he fought with some boys dressed as Gandharvas. After defeating the Gandharvas, Hanumän took Gandhamädana Hill on his head to Laìkä. Another boy playing a doctor meditated on Lord Räma as he held the medicine to Lakñmaëa’s nose. At that very moment, Lord Nityänanda came to His senses. His parents and others smiled in relief. Häòäi Paëòita embraced his son and all the boys were overjoyed.

Everyone asked, “Dear son, where have You learned all these plays?”

“These are all My pastimes,” The Lord smilingly said.

In His early childhood, the Lord was most attractive. No one wanted Him to leave his lap. Everyone had more affection for Lord Nityänanda than for his own son, but none could recognize Him due to the influence of Lord Viñëu’s illusory energy.

In His childhood, Lord Nityänanda had no other happiness than enjoying the pastimes of Lord Kåñëa. All His friends left their parents to constantly sport in the company of the Lord. I offer repeated obeisances at the feet of those boys who enjoyed the association of Lord Nityänanda. From His childhood, Lord Nityänanda had no interest other than enacting the pastimes of Lord Kåñëa. Who can describe the pastimes of Lord Ananta?

They are only manifest to one who has received His mercy.

Accepting Çré Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

20 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER TWO Lord Nityänanda’s Traveling to the Holy Places

ord Nityänanda enjoyed His pastimes at the house of Häòäi Paëòita for some time. Then, He decided to leave home. However, from fear of separation, His mother and father were unable to allow Him to leave. If His mother Padmavaté did not see Him for a moment, she felt this as more than a yuga. His father felt the same. Fearful of His leaving, Häòäi Paëòita never went anywhere. Whether he went to the field for farming, or to the temple, or the market, or anywhere else, Häòäi Paëòita repeatedly looked back at Lord Nityänanda, so that He might not leave home. Häòäi Paëòita embraced Lord Nityänanda again and again, and the Lord’s butter-soft body merged in His father’s. Häòäi went everywhere with Lord Nityänanda.

Häòäi Paëòita’s life and soul was Lord Nityänanda and Lord Nityänanda’s body was Häòäi Paëòita’s. Lord Nityänanda is the indwelling Supersoul of everyone. Knowing all this, He tried to give pleasure to His father.

L

21 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

One day, by providence, a very attractive sannyäsé came to Häòäi Paëòita’s house. Knowing the etiquette for receiving guests, Häòäi Paëòita welcomed the sannyäsé and happily fed him. Lord Nityänanda and His father spent the whole night discussing topics of Lord Kåñëa with the sannyäsé. In the early morning, the sannyäsé was about to leave. He then spoke to Häòäi Paëòita: “I would like to request something from you.”

“Please tell me whatever it is that you desire,” replied Häòäi Paëòita.

“I wish to travel to the holy places,” the sannyäsés said, “but I don’t have a good brähmaëa companion. Will you please give me your eldest son for a few days? I’ll take good care of Him, treating Him as being dearer than my own life, and at the same time, He’ll be able to visit all the holy places.”

Hearing the words of the sannyäsé, pure-hearted Häòäi Paëòita felt intense distress. He thought, “This sannyäsé has begged for my very life. At the same time, if I refuse his request, I’ll be ruined. It is a well known fact that in the past many pious men became glorious by offering their lives to satisfy mendicant sannyäsés. Lord Rämacandra was the life and soul of King Daçaratha. The holy sage Viçvämitra asked Daçaratha to give him his son. The Puräëas say that although King Daçaratha was unable to live without Lord Rämacandra, he still offered Him to the sage. Today, the same thing has happened to me. O Kåñëa, please protect me from this dilemma. The same situation is here, so why should I not have the same mind as Daçaratha?

Lakñmaëa has now appeared in my family as Nityänanda.”

Thinking like this, the brähmaëa, Häòäi Paëòita, went before his wife and explained the situation to her in detail. Hearing of the dilemma from her husband, the chaste Padmavaté, the mother of the universe, said, “My lord, do what you think is best. That is my opinion.”

Häòäi Paëòita then came before the sannyäsé and, with his head bent down, offered him his son. Taking Nityänanda with him, the sannyäsé departed. In this way, Lord Nityänanda left home. As soon as Lord Nityänanda left home, Häòäi Paëòita fell senseless to the ground. Who can describe the lamentation and crying of Haòai Paëòita? Even wood and

22 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda’s Traveling to the Holy Places

stone melted hearing his lamentation. Häòäi became stunned due to his absorption in devotional mellows and people began to say that he had become a madman. He did not eat any grain for three months. He survived only by the mercy of Lord Kåñëa.

It is natural that, due to attachment, both the Lord and His servants are unable to leave one another. This is the inconceivable nature of the Lord and the Vaiñëavas. Lord Kapila manifested indifference and left His widowed mother Devahüti. Çukadeva Gosvämé left his Vaiñëava father, Çréla Vyäsadeva, without even looking back. Lord Caitanya, the crest-jewel among sannyäsés, left home, leaving His mother Çacé-devé alone. From the spiritual point of view, such leaving is never actual leaving.

Some intelligent persons will understand this.

All these pastimes are performed for the deliverance of the fallen souls. Hearing of such pastimes melts even stones. If even a Muslim hears of such pastimes, as the lamentation of Lord Rämacandra when He lost Sétä, he will certainly cry. Lord Nityänanda Prabhu left home, wandering to the holy places by His own sweet will and ecstasy. The Lord first went to Vakreçvara, and then He went alone to Vaidyanätha. From Vaidyanätha, he went to Gayä and then to Käçé, the abode of Lord Çiva where the Ganges flows towards the north.

Lord Nityänanda was extremely pleased to see the Ganges.

He took bath and drank some water, yet this could not relieve His grief. In the month of Mägha (January), the Lord took early morning baths at Prayäga. Then He went to Mathurä, His former birthplace. Lord Nityänanda sported in the waters of the River Yamunä at Viçräma-ghäöa. Then He went with great curiosity to see Govardhana Hill. He visited each of the twelve forests, beginning with Våndävana. When He saw the house and courtyard of Nanda Mahäräja at Gokula, He sat down and cried profusely.

After offering His obeisances to Madana-Gopäla, Lord Nityänanda left for Hastinäpura, the abode of the Päëòavas.

Seeing the Päëòavas’ home, He began to cry. The local people, due to lack of devotion, were unable to understand the Lord’s sentiments. Remembering Lord Balaräma’s glorious activities in

23 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

Hastinäpura, He called out, “O Haladhara, please save Me!” and then offered obeisances.

Nityananda Prabhu then went to Dvärakä, where He joyfully took bath in the ocean. He next went to Siddhapura, the place of Lord Kapila. Then He went to Matsya-tértha, where He served prasäda at a festival. He then visited Çiva-käïci and neighboring Viñëukäïci. He smiled when He saw the followers of Lord Viñëu and Lord Çiva quarreling with each other.

He also visited Kurukñetra, Påthüdaka, Bindu-sarovara, Prabhäsa, and Sudarçana-tértha. He then visited the exalted holy place called Trita-küpa. He went to Viçäla, Brahma-tértha, and Cakra-tértha. The Lord visited Pratisrotä, where the Sarasvaté River flows in the opposite direction. The most magnanimous Lord Nityänanda then went to Naimiñäraëya. He next visited the city of Ayodhyä, where He cried upon seeing the birthplace of Lord Räma.

From Ayodhya, He proceeded to Caëòäla-Guhaka’s kingdom, where He fell unconscious. By remembering the activities of Caëòäla-Guhaka, Lord Nityänanda remained in an ecstatic trance for three days. Seeing the forest where Lord Rämacandra had resided, He rolled on the ground in separation. He then went to both the Sarayü and Kauçiké rivers and took bath. He saw the äçrama of Pulastya Åñi and next took bath in the Gomaté, Gaëòaké, and Çoëa rivers. He also climbed to the top of Mahendra Mountain. There He offered obeisances to Lord Paraçuräma. He then visited Haridvära, the source of the Ganges. The Lord took bath in the Pampä, Bhémarathi, Veëvä, and Vipäçä rivers.

After seeing Kärttikeya at Madurai, the most intelligent Lord Nityänanda went to Çré Çaila, the abode of Çiva and Pärvaté. Çiva and Pärvaté live on this mountain in the form of a brähmaëa couple. When Lord Nityänanda arrived there, Çiva and Pärvaté understood that their most worshipable Lord was wandering on pilgrimage as a mendicant. Most satisfied to receive such a guest, Pärvaté happily cooked for the Lord. They fed the Lord with loving affection and Lord Nityänanda smiled and offered them His respects. Only Lord Kåñëa knows about their confidential discussions.

24 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda’s Traveling to the Holy Places

Lord Nityänanda then continued His journey, going to Draviòa-deça. The Lord visited Veìkaöanätha, Kämakoñöhé Puri, Käïcé, and the River Käveré. There the Lord visited the sacred place of Çré Raìganätha. Then He went to Hari-kñetra, Åñabha Mountain, Madurai, and the Kåtamälä, Tämraparëé, and Uttara Yamunä rivers. He visited the äçrama of Agastya Åñi in the Malaya Hills. The residents there were all jubilant to see the Lord. The Lord stayed as a guest in their äçrama and then departed in deep ecstasy for Badarikäçrama.

Lord Nityänanda stayed in seclusion for some days at the äçrama of Nara-Näräyäëa Åñis. He went to the äçrama of Çréla Vyäsadeva, who recognized that He was Lord Balaräma. Çréla Vyäsadeva personally received Lord Nityänanda as a guest, and the Lord offered His obeisances to him. The Lord then visited a Buddhist monastery where He found the residents all sitting together. The Lord asked a question, but no one replied. Becoming angry with them, the Lord kicked them in the head. They all simply smiled and ran away.

Lord Nityänanda thus fearlessly continued His travels through the forest. He eventually arrived in Kanyä-kumäré. After seeing Goddess Durgä there, He went to see the Southern Ocean. He then went to Anantapura, and thereafter, He went to Païcäpsarä-kuëòa. He next visited the temple of Lord Çiva known as Gokarëa. He visited Kerala and the various places in Trigarta. He also visited Goddess Pärvaté, who dwells on an island near Gokarëa. The Lord then visited the Nirvindhyä, Payoñëé, and Täpi rivers. He went to the city of Mähiñmaté on the banks of the Revä River and saw Malla-tértha. The Lord then passed through the holy district of Sürpäraka on His way to the West.

In ecstasy, Nityänanda Prabhu traveled in this way without fear of anyone. He had no control over His body due to ecstatic love for Kåñëa. Sometimes He cried and sometimes He laughed.

Who could understand His ecstatic moods?

Accepting Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

25 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER THREE Lord Nityänanda’s Meeting with Çrépad Mädhavendra Puré

s Lord Nityänanda traveled, by the will of providence He met Çré Mädhavendra Puré. The body of Çré Mädhavendra Puré was imbued with ecstatic love of God and his followers shared the same sentiments. He did not relish anything other than loving sentiments for Lord Kåñëa, who enjoyed performing pastimes in the body of Mädhavendra Puré. What can I say about the devotion of he who was the spiritual master of Çré Advaita Äcärya?

Seeing Mädhavendra Puré, Nityananda Prabhu at once fell unconscious onto the ground, stunned in ecstatic prema. Seeing Lord Nityänanda, Mädhavendra Puré forgot himself and also fell unconscious. Çré Gauracandra repeatedly said that Çré Mädhavendra Puré is the original root of worship in ecstatic love. After both Lord Nityänanda and Mädhavendra Puré swooned, the disciples, headed by Éçvara Puri, began to cry.

A

27 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

Recovering after some time, Lord Nityänanda and Mädhavendra Puré embraced each other and cried. Overwhelmed by ecstatic love for Kåñëa, they rolled on the sand and cried out loudly. The tears of love flowing from their eyes like rain soaked mother Earth, making her feel gratified. Shivering, shedding of tears, and the hair of their bodies standing on end, as well as other ecstatic symptoms manifested themselves one after another endlessly. This ecstasy was caused by Lord Kåñëa personally residing in their bodies.

Lord Nityänanda said, “The results of visiting all the holy places of pilgrimage have now born fruit. Today I have seen the lotus feet of Mädhavendra Puré. Seeing his ecstatic love of God, My life has become successful.” Çré Mädhavendra Puré embraced Nityänanda Prabhu but was unable to reply because his throat was choked up due to ecstatic love. Mädhavendra Puré was so pleased that he was unable to release Nityänanda Prabhu from his embrace. Éçvara Puré, Brahmänanda Puré, and all the other disciples of Mädhavendra Puré felt intense attachment for Nityänanda Prabhu. They had met many sädhus, but never before had they seen such symptons of prema. Feeling distress at the thought of mixing with materialistic people, they had wandered in the forests. But now, after meeting Lord Nityänanda, their distress was relieved and their kåñëa-prema was aroused.

Nityänanda Prabhu traveled for some time with Mädhavendra Puré, relishing kåñëa-kathä. The qualities of Mädhavendra Puré were most wonderful. He would swoon just by seeing a dark cloud. Out of love for Kåñëa, he laughed and cried throughout the day and night, shouting, “Haya! Haya!” like a drunkard.

Lord Nityänanda was intensely absorbed in His loving sentiments for Govinda. He laughed loudly, swaying to and fro.

Mädhavendra Puré’s disciples constantly chanted the holy name of Lord Hari, seeing the extraordinary symptoms of love manifested by Nityänanda Prabhu and Mädhavendra Puré. The two forgot whether it was day or night in their absorption of ecstatic love of Kåñëa.

Although remaining together for a number of days, Nityänanda Prabhu and Mädhavendra Puré felt that period to be as hardly a mo-

28 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda’s Meeting with Çrépad Mädhavendra Puré

ment. Who knows all that took place between the Lord and Mädhavendra Puré? Only Kåñëa knows! Unable to give up the company of Nityänanda Prabhu, Mädhavendra Puré constantly remained with Him. mädhavendra bale ‘prema nä dekhilun kathä sei mora sarvatértha hena prema yathä jänilu kåñëera kåpä ache mora prati nityänanda hena bandhu päinu saàhati ye se stäne yadi nityänanda saìga haya sei stäna sarvatértha vaikuëöhädi maya nityänanda hena bhakta çunile çravane avaçya päiba kåñëacandra sei jane nityänanda yächära tilaka dveña rahe bhakta haile o se kåñëera priya nahe’ Mädhavendra Puré said, “I’ve never seen such ecstatic love. Wherever there is such prema is my favorite holy place. I know Kåñëa has given me His mercy because He has given me such a friend as Nityänanda.

Wherever one finds Nityänanda’s company is the most sacred and transcendental place. That devotee who hears the name of Nityänanda will certainly attain the lotus feet of Kåñëacandra. If one has the slightest envy for Nityänanda, Kåñëa never favors him even if he’s a devotee.”

Mädhavendra Puré exhibited great affection for Lord Nityänanda throughout the day and night with his speech and deeds. Nityänanda Prabhu considered Mädhavendra Puré to be nothing other than His guru. These two vastly learned personalities did not know whether it was day or night due to their ecstatic love for Kåñëa. After staying together for some days, Nityänanda Prabhu left for Setubandha (Rämeçvaram) and Mädhavendra Puré went to see the Sarayü River. In their absorption for love of Kåñëa, both Lord Nityänanda and Mädhavendra Puré forgot their bodies. Feelings of separation for the Lord maintain a devotee’s life. Otherwise, how could one tolerate such intense

29 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

feelings? Whoever hears about the meeting of Lord Nityänanda and Mädhavendra Puré will certainly achieve the wealth of love for Kåñëa.

After traveling in an ecstatic mood for some days, Lord Nityänanda arrived at Setubandha. After taking bath at Dhanustértha, He went to see Lord Rämeçvara. Lord Nityänanda next went to Vijayanagara. He visited the Mäyäpuré, Avanti, and Godävaré rivers, and then went to the abode of Jiyaòa Nåsiàha.

He visited Tirimalla and Kürma-kñetra, and eventually arrived at Jagannätha Puri to see Lord Jagannätha, the Lord of Néläcala.

As He approached Çré Néläcala, Lord Nityänanda fell unconscious after seeing the flag atop the temple. He saw Lord Jagannätha as the source of the catur-vyüha: Väsudeva, Saìkarñaëa, Pradyumna and Aniruddha. Immediately upon seeing Lord Jagannätha, Lord Nityänanda fell into a trance of ecstatic love so that His hair stood on end. When He recovered his senses, He fell to the floor. Ecstatic symptoms of love of Krishna, such as shivering of the body, perspiring, crying, swooning, and loud roaring manifested in His body.

After remaining at Néläcala for some time, Nityänanda Prabhu departed in great jubilation for Gaìgä-sägara. Who can describe the Lord’s pilgrimage? I have only written briefly about it by His mercy. After visiting many more holy places, Nityänanda Prabhu returned to Mathurä. He remained in Våndävana, being so absorbed in thought of Kåñëa that He was unable to tell whether it was day or night. He did not eat, but occasionally drank some milk if someone offered it to Him. Nityänanda Prabhu knew very well that Lord Gauracandra was residing in Navadvépa. He thought to Himself, “I will go and serve Lord Gauräìga when He manifests His opulence.”

Nityänanda Prabhu therefore did not go to Navadvépa immediately, but remained at Mathurä. He regularly enjoyed sporting in the water of the Yamunä and playing with the children in Våndävana. Although Lord Nityänanda is omnipotent, He did not distribute devotional service to the Lord at that time. yabe gauracandra prabhu kariba prakäça ta’ra se äjïäya bhaktidänera viläsa

30 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda’s Meeting with Çrépad Mädhavendra Puré

“When Lord Gauracandra manifests His opulence, then I will begin to distribute bhakti on His order.”

The devotees of Lord Caitanya did not like to do anything without His order, but this did not diminish their glories in the least. Brahmä, Ananta, Çiva, and other demigods create, maintain, and destroy by the order of Lord Caitanya. Sinners who do not like to hear such things are not fit to be seen by Vaiñëavas.

Just see for yourself how Lord Nityänanda Prabhu blessed the people of this universe with the treasure of prema. Nityänanda Räya is the foremost devotee of Lord Caitanya because the glories of Lord Caitanya always dance on His tongue. Day and night Lord Nityänanda chants the glories of Lord Caitanya.

When one worships Lord Nityänanda, he surely attains devotion for Lord Caitanya.

All glories to Nityänanda Räya, the first manifestation of Lord Caitanya! The glories of Lord Caitanya became manifest only by the mercy of Lord Nityänanda. One becomes attached to Lord Nityänanda by the mercy of Lord Caitanya. One who knows Lord Nityänanda never faces any adversities. Those who wish to cross the ocean of material existence and drown in the ocean of devotional service must worship Nitäicända.

Someone said, “Nityänanda is just like Balaräma.”

Another person said: “He is most dear to Lord Caitanya.”

Someone may consider Lord Nityänanda to be a sannyäsé, someone may consider Him a devotee, or someone may consider Him a jïäné. They may all say whatever they like. Even if Lord Nityänanda were the most insignificant servant of Lord Caitanya, I would still keep His lotus feet in my heart. Therefore, I kick the head of any sinner who disregards the glories of Lord Nityänanda and dares to criticize Him. If you find any follower of Lord Caitanya apparently saying something bad about Lord Nityänanda, you should know that what he said is actually glorification.

Vaiñëavas are always pure and full of knowledge. So, if there is ever any quarrel between them, know it simply to be part of their pastimes. If a person takes the side of one Vaiñëava and criticizes another, he will certainly be vanquished. Anyone who

31 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

follows Lord Nityänanda without finding fault in Him will surely attain the shelter of Çré Gauracandra.

When will that day come when I will see Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityänanda surrounded by Their devotees? Let me serve Lord Gauracandra under the instructions of Lord Nityänanda, who is my worshipable Lord in all respects. All glories to the Supreme Lord, Çré Gauräìga! I beg for Your mercy so that my mind may remain absorbed in the lotus feet of You both. Nityänanda Räya is Your greatest devotee. No one can attain Him without Your sanction.

Lord Nityänanda wandered about in the forests of Våndävana until Lord Gauracandra displayed His opulences. Whoever hears these descriptions of Lord Nityänanda’s visit to the holy places will certainly attain the treasure of divine prema.

Accepting Çré Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

END OF ÄDI LÉLÄ

32 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

MADHYA-LÉLÄ

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER ONE Lord Nityänanda’s Meeting with Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu

ll glories to Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and all glories to Çré Nityänanda! All glories to Çré Advaita Äcärya and all glories to all the devotees of Çré Gaura! All glories to the Lord, who is the life and soul of Narahari and Gadädhara! O Lord, please glance mercifully upon me. All glories to Çré Gauräìga, along with His devotees! If one hears the topics of Lord Nityänanda, he will certainly achieve pure devotional service.

The topics of Madhya-khaëòa are pure nectar. Hearing them destroys one’s atheistic mentality. Please behold beautiful Lord Nityänanda to your eyes’ full satisfaction. He is personified love and affection for Lord Gauräìga. Lord Nityänanda’s limbs are filled with transcendental mellows for Lord Gauräìga.

Speaking in a faltering voice and unable to walk properly, Lord Nityänanda resided in Våndävana. Meanwhile, Çré Gauracandra revealed Himself in Navadvépa. Lord Gauräìga constantly performed saìkértana in great ecstasy. He felt distressed,

A

35 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

however, not seeing Lord Nityänanda. Lord Nityänanda could understand the manifestation of Lord Gauracandra. He resided in Våndävana, waiting for this auspicious moment. Understanding that His Lord had revealed Himself, Lord Nityänanda immediately went to Navadvépa and stayed at the house of Nandana Äcärya2.

Nandana Äcärya was a mahä-bhägavata, a pure devotee of the Lord. He saw Lord Nityänanda, who is non-different from Lord Balaräma, as being as effulgent as the sun. Lord Nityänanda was dressed as an avadhüta, or mendicant. He possessed a very attractive body. He was always in a deep and sober mood. Lord Nityänanda chanted the holy names of Kåñëa throughout the day and night. He was the abode of Lord Caitanya’s mercy within the three worlds. He often shouted loudly because of His ecstasy, being maddened with love of God. The enchanting beauty of His face defeated millions of moons. His sweet smile enlivened all the people of the world.

His beautiful brilliant teeth were just like rows of pearls, and His two broad lotus eyes increased the beauty of His face. His hands reached to His knees and His chest was very broad. His lotus feet were expert in walking. Lord Nityänanda spoke to everyone with burning compassion. Hearing the words from His lotus mouth completely destroyed one’s bondage to fruitive activities.

When Nityananda Prabhu arrived in Nadia, all the people there began to chant, “Jaya Jaya!” Who is so expert to describe Lord Nityänanda’s glories? It is Lord Nityänanda who broke the sannyäsa daëòa of Lord Gaurasundara. It is He who enlivened all the fallen foolish traders of Bengal. If anyone simply chants His holy names, he will certainly be purified. Seeing Lord Nityänanda, Nandana Äcärya became very happy. He offered Him lunch and kept Him at his house. Whoever hears 2 Nandana Äcärya was the son of Caturbhuja Paëòita, a resident of Navadvépa. Çrémän Mahäprabhu, Çré Nityänanda Prabhu and Çré Advaita Prabhu stayed at his house during the course of Their pastimes.

36 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda’s Meeting with Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu

about Lord Nityänanda’s arrival at Navadvépa will certainly obtain the treasure of love and devotion.

Aware of Lord Nityänanda’s arrival in Navadvépa, Çré Viçvambhara became extremely happy within His heart. The Lord had already, on some pretext or other, disclosed the news of Nityänanda Prabhu’s arrival to the Vaiñëavas. However, none of them could understand the meaning of His words. Lord Viçvambhara had said, “Within a day or two, an exalted personality will come here.”

By providence, Lord Nityänanda arrived at Navadvépa that very day. Lord Viçvambhara, after completing His worship of Lord Viñëu, came and sat with the Vaiñëavas. The Lord said to everyone, “Today I had a wonderful dream. I saw a beautiful chariot, bedecked with an auspicious flag, came and stop near My door. Seated upon that chariot was a remarkable personality. He carried a large plough on His shoulder, and He appeared very restless. He had a stick tucked into His clothing, and He carried a pitcher in His left hand. He was dressed in blue garments, and a blue cädara covered His chest. A wonderful earring hung from His left ear. By His features, I assume He is none other than Haladhara Balaräma.

“He repeatedly asked, ‘Is this the house of Nimäi Paëòita?’

“I have never seen such a noble and powerful personality.

He was effulgent and He was dressed as an avadhüta, or mendicant. I was struck with wonder just by seeing Him. I asked Him, ‘Who are you?’ He smilingly replied, ‘I am Your brother. We will meet tomorrow and get to know one another.’ By hearing His words, My happiness increased. I consider Myself as being very similar to that personality.”

Speaking like this, Lord Caitanya became absorbed in an ecstatic trance and began to roar loudly in the mood of Haladhara Balaräma. The Lord demanded, “Bring Me wine!”

His loud voice almost shattered the ears of everyone present. Çréväsa Paëòita then said, “Please listen, O Gosäi! The wine that You are asking for is right here in front of You. Only those You give it to can relish it.”

All the devotees remained trembling at a distant place. They all thought there must be some reason behind the Lord’s actions. The

37 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

lotus-eyed Lord loudly talked in a way that appeared incoherent. He smiled and moved His body to and fro in the mood of Saìkarñaëa. After a short while, the Lord returned to external consciousness.

Explaining the meaning of His dream, The Lord was in the mood of Balaräma. The Lord said, “I have a feeling in My heart that some holy personality has arrived at Navadvépa. I already told all of you that we would meet Him soon. O Haridäsa, O Çréväsa Paëòita, go and find out who has come and where He has come from.”

By the order of the Lord, both pure devotees (Haridäsa Öhäkura3 and Çréväsa Paëòita4) happily wandered throughout the town, searching all over Navadvépa for Lord Nityänanda.

While wandering here and there, they happily talked to one another. They considered that Lord Saìkarñaëa might have come. They happily wandered through the streets of Navadvépa, but were unable to receive any news. After searching the entire town of Navadvépa for nine hours, they returned to the Lord without success.

Haridäsa Öhäkura and Çréväsa Paëòita humbly reported to the Lord: “We did not find the person You spoke of anywhere in Navadvépa. We looked in the houses of sannyäsés, Vaiñëavas, jïänis, and atheists. We saw all of Navadvépa, but did not go to villages outside Navadvépa.”

Hearing them, Çré Gaurasundara began to smile. On the pretext of ordering the search, He showed that Lord Nityä-

3 Haridäsa Öhäkura was a famous devotee of Lord Gauräìga.

He was the combined form of Lord Brahmä, the creator, and Prahläda Mahäräja, the devotee among the demons. Haridäsa was born in a Muslim family in the village of Burdwan. He took initiation from Advaita Äcärya and spent some time at Çäntipura and Pulia. He was beaten in twenty-two market places by the Muslim king of Bengal. He participated in the pastimes of Lord Caitanya in Navadvépa. Later, he came to Jagannätha Puré, where he spent the rest of his life. He left is body by his own sweet will while looking at the face of Lord Caitanya Mahäprabhu.

38 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda’s Meeting with Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu

nanda’s presence is most confidential. Some people glorify Lord Gauracandra, but as soon as they hear the name of Nityänanda, they get up and leave. This is just like one who worships Lord Govinda but does not respect Lord Çiva. For that offence, such a person will surely go to the abode of Yamaräja. The incarnation of Lord Nityänanda is most confidential. Without the consent of Lord Caitanya, no one can even see Him. If anyone criticizes Lord Nityänanda’s unfathomable qualities, even though he may possess devotion to Lord Kåñëa, such devotion will become obstructed.

Devotees, headed by Çréväsa Paëòita, are fully conversant with the understanding of Lord Nityänanda. But because the Lord wants to enjoy pastimes, they could not find Him. Lord Caitanya then said with a smile, “Come with Me. Let us go see Him.” All the devotees joyfully went with the Lord while chanting, “All glories to Lord Kåñëa!”

On the way, Lord Caitanya called out, “Muräri, Muräri!

Have you not seen Avadhüta Nityänanda?” Saying this, He began to smile. He then said, “He’s now staying at Nandana Äcärya’s house. Come with Me, we are going there. I’m telling you the truth.”

While walking, the Lord repeatedly chanted, “Hari Hari!”

His entire body trembled, and His voice became choked. Five or seven lines of tears flowed from His eyes. The lustrous golden Lord was unable to walk. Sometimes He leaped five steps ahead like a powerful lion, and sometimes He looked behind like a mad elephant. Out of ecstasy, the Lord repeatedly made a loud sound again and again that was as grave as the rumbling of clouds. In this way, Çré Gaurasundara, along with His associates, finally reached the house of Nandana Äcärya.

Thereafter, everyone saw a jewel-like personality sitting in the house of Nandana Äcärya. His effulgence was equal to that of millions of suns. He was sitting in His own mood, deeply absorbed in ecstatic meditation, smiling all the while. Aware that Lord Nityänanda was in a deep trance of pure devotion, Lord Viçvambhara and His associates offered obeisances. Everyone

39 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

stood aside with awe and reverence. No one said a word; they simply stared at Him. Mahäprabhu Viçvambhara then came before Nityänanda Prabhu, who at once understood His beloved and worshipable Lord was present. The form of Viçvambhara was as beautiful as that of Cupid. He wore attractive garments and was decorated with a flower garland. Sandalwood paste decorated His forehead. The luster of gold appeared most insignificant before the transcendental body of Lord Nityänanda. Even the moongod hankers to see His enchanting face. The Lord’s teeth resembled rows of pearls, and upon seeing His attractive hair, one would practically lose consciousness. While gazing at His two broad pinkish eyes, one wonders, “Are these lotus flowers?”

His two long arms reached to His knees. A fine thin sacred thread beautified His broad chest. His forehead was wonderfully decorated with marks of tilaka and His body looked enchanting even without ornaments. His fingernails defeated the beauty of millions of jewels. His attractive smile was sweeter than nectar.

Viçvambhara stood in front of Nityänanda Prabhu, who at once recognized the Lord of His heart. Nityänanda Prabhu, out of joy, became stunned with ecstasy. He stared at Lord Viçvambhara without blinking His eyes. He desired to lick Viçvambhara with His tongue and drink His beauty through His eyes. Nityänanda Prabhu desired to embrace Viçvambhara with His arms and smell Him with His nose, but He was simply stunned. No one could speak or move, being astonished. Lord Gauräìga, the life and soul of everyone, beheld the situation and began to invent ways to reveal Nityänanda Prabhu.

With a gesture, the Lord instructed Çréväsa to recite a verse from Çrémad-Bhägavatam. Understanding the Lord’s intention, Çréväsa Paëòita at once recited a verse from Çrémad Bhägavatam glorifying Kåñëa’s attractive form. barhäpéòaà naöa-vara-vapuù karëayoù karëikäraà bibhrad väsaù kanaka-kapiçaà vaijayantéà ca mäläm randhrän veëor adhara-sudhayäpürayan gopa-våndair våndäraëyaà sva-pada-ramaëaà präviçad géta-kértiù

40 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda’s Meeting with Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu

“Wearing a peacock feather ornament upon His head, blue karëikära flowers on His ears, a yellow garment as brilliant as gold, and the Vaijayanté garland, Lord Kåñëa exhibited His transcendental form as the greatest of dancers as He entered the forest of Våndävana, beautifying it with the marks of His footprints.

He filled the holes of His flute with the nectar of His lips, and the cowherd boys sang His glories” (ÇrémadBhägavatam 10.21.5) Upon hearing this verse, Nityänanda Prabhu fell to the ground unconscious. In great ecstasy, He remained inert as Lord Gauräìga urged Çréväsa to continue. Awaking after a short while, Nityänanda Prabhu began to cry. Repeatedly hearing the verses of Çrémad-Bhägavatam, He became maddened. He roared like a lion, and the sound shook the universe. He jumped into the air, and fell to the ground so forcefully that everyone thought His bones would break to pieces. What to speak of others, even the Vaiñëavas became afraid. They prayed, “O Kåñëa, please save Him! O Kåñëa, please save Him!” Nityänanda Prabhu rolled on the ground and His entire body became wet with tears. While gazing at the attractive form of Lord Viçvambhara, He breathed heavily. Sometimes He would laugh loudly, and sometimes He felt great happiness within His heart. Sometimes He danced, sometimes He clapped His hands, and sometimes He jumped with great force.

How wonderful was Nityänanda Prabhu’s transcendental form! A golden effulgence emanated from His beautiful body.

Brightly shining ornaments decorated His charming bodily limbs. Yellow cloth adorned His waist and He wore a cloth turban decorated with campaka flowers on His head. Tinkling ankle-bells sounded as He walked. Tears filled His deer-like eyes.

His enchanting smile appeared as if lightening had fallen upon the earth. His captivating smile disturbed the chastity of women.

His grave voice resembled the rumbling of a cloud. His roaring subdued the mad elephant in the form of Kali. He walked like an intoxicated elephant. Tears of love constantly flowed down His smiling face.

41 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

Overflooded with love of God, Nityänanda Prabhu’s body displayed symptoms of ecstatic love, including shivering, standing of the hair on end, and perspiration. He held a golden stick in His hand as He defeated the pride of Kali. His lotus-like palms were simply wonderful. He was decorated with armlets, bangles, a necklace, bracelets, and ankle-bells. His two earrings were as bright as the sun. He rolled upon the ground. Sometimes He stood up saying, “Please hold Me.” Then He would ask everyone, “Where is that cowherd boy, Känäi (Kåñëa).”

Sometimes Nityänanda Prabhu uttered strange words and sometimes He cried or laughed. Sometimes He asked for honey and sometimes He praised His consort, Revaté. Sometimes He hopped. Sometimes He said one thing and the next moment something else. No one could understand what He said. The fragrance of His bodily limbs caused all young girls and even married women to leave their houses without hesitation. Nityänanda Prabhu fell on the ground to offer obeisances to Lord Viçvambhara and humbly offered Him prayers with sweet words.

He fell at the lotus feet of His Lord. Both of Them tried to catch hold of each other’s feet. Both the Lords embraced each other and cried.

Nityänanda Prabhu looked at Viçvambhara’s face and smilingly said, “Where were You? I searched the entire world but could not find any news of You. Finally, I heard that the son of Nanda Mahäräja is now living at Navadvépa in Gauòadeça, hiding His real identity. I have come here to catch this thief. Today, I have caught You. How will You escape?”

Saying this, Nityänanda Prabhu began to laugh, cry, and dance. Lord Gauräìga also danced with Nityänanda. Seeing Lord Nityänanda’s ecstatic madness for Kåñëa, Gauracandra cried along with all the Vaiñëavas. The happiness of Nityänanda increased without limit. Although everyone tried to pacify Him, they were unable. When all the devotees failed to calm Him, Viçvambhara personally embraced Nityänanda Prabhu. As soon as Viçvambhara embraced Him, Nityänanda Prabhu surrendered His life to Him and remained motionless.

Nityänanda Prabhu offered His life to Him to whom it belongs and thus fell on the lap of Lord Caitanya.

42 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda’s Meeting with Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu

Lord Nityänanda floated on the water of Lord Caitanya’s love just as Lakñmaëa lay on the lap of Lord Rämacandra after being hit by the çakti weapon of Rävaëa. Lord Nityänanda swooned, being pierced by the arrows of love and devotion.

Gauracandra cried along with Nityänanda as He lay on His lap.

Both Lords felt an indescribable happiness. Their love and affection for each other was like that of Çré Räma and Lakñmaëa.

There is no other comparison that can be made of the affection exhibited by Lord Gauracandra and Lord Nityänanda.

After awhile, Lord Nityänanda regained His composure.

All the devotees began to chant, “Hari! Hari!” Seeing Lord Nityänanda on the lap of Viçvambhara, Gadädhara smiled and thought, “This is contradictory! Lord Ananta always carries Viçvambhara on His lap. Today His pride has been smashed because He is on the lap of His Lord.”

Gadädhara Paëòita knows the influence of Lord Nityänanda, and Nityänanda knows the heart of Gadädhara. Seeing Nityänanda Prabhu, the hearts of all the devotees became filled with ecstasy. Nityänanda and Gauracandra simply stared at one another without uttering a word. Tears flowed incessantly from Their eyes. Indeed, the tears from Their eyes flooded the earth.

Lord Viçvambhara said, “Today is a very auspicious day for Me because I have witnessed pure devotional symptoms that are the essence of the four Vedas. This manifestation of shivering, incessant tears, and loud chanting is not possible for anyone except one who is empowered by the Lord. If one personally sees this manifestation of pure devotional service, Kåñëa will never reject him. I am firmly convinced that You are the full manifestation of the Lord’s energy. By worshiping You, a living entity achieves devotion to Lord Kåñëa.

“You can purify the fourteen worlds. Your qualities are inconceivable, unfathomable, and confidential. There is no one existing who can defy You. You are the personification of love of Kåñëa, and the treasury of devotional service. If anyone meets You even for a moment, he will be delivered, even if he has committed millions of sins. I think Kåñëa has a desire to deliver Me. That is why He brought You to Me. By great fortune I have seen

43 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

Your lotus feet. By worshiping You, I will most surely obtain the treasure of love for Kåñëa.”

Fully absorbed in ecstasy, the most enchanting Lord Gauräìga relentlessly offered prayers to Nityananda Prabhu. There were many talks between the two Lords, but most of them were accomplished with gestures. Lord Caitanya then said, “I am afraid to ask You. Where are You from?”

The mentality of Nityänanda was very childish, and He was overwhelmed with intense ecstasy. He spoke like a restless boy. Lord Nityänanda knew the cause for the appearance of His Lord. He thus folded His hands and spoke very humbly. Hearing the words of Lord Caitanya, Lord Nityänanda felt shy. Then, He began to reveal His real identity, saying, “I have traveled to many holy places. I have seen all the holy places where Kåñëa performed His pastimes. However, I saw only the holy places, but I could not find Kåñëa.

“I asked an exalted personality, ‘Why do I see only thorns?

The places of the Lord’s pastimes are all empty and covered.

Can you tell Me where Kåñëa went?’ That personality told Me that Kåñëa has gone to Bengal. He said that recently He was at Gaya but now had returned to Navadvépa.

“I have heard that joyous saìkértana of the holy names is being performed in Nadia. Some people say that Lord Näräyaëa has appeared there. I have also heard that Nadia is famous for the deliverance of the fallen souls. So, being most sinful as I am, I have come here.”

Lord Caitanya said, “We are all immensely fortunate to see a pure devotee like You. Today we are most satisfied, having seen the flow of Your tears of ecstasy.”

Muräri smilingly said, “O Lord, we are confused by hearing words such as ‘Your’ and ‘Our’ that are spoken by You.” Çréväsa Paëòita said, “How can we understand Their dealings? This is similar to how it is hard to understand how Kåñëa and Çiva worship each other.”

Gadädhara Paëòita4 said, “O Çréväsa Paëòita, what you say is correct. Their qualities resemble that of Räma and Lakñmaëa.”

4

Gadädhara Paëòita was born in a village called Bekti in

44 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda’s Meeting with Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu

Someone else said, “Both of Them are just like two Cupids.”

Others said, “They are just like Kåñëa and Balaräma.”

Another person said, “I do not know much about Them, but I have a feeling that Ananta Çeña has taken shelter of the lap of Kåñëa.”

Still others said, “They are just like the two friends, Kåñëa and Arjuna, in the way They exchanged great affection.”

Someone said, “It appears that They are closely related to one another. Whatever They say to each other is done by gestures.”

In this way, all the devotees happily described the glories of Lord Nityänanda and Lord Gauracandra. Anyone who hears about the meeting of Nitäicäìda with Gauracandra will no doubt be released from material bondage.

Accepting Çré Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

Caööagräma. His father was Mädhava Miçra and his mother was Ratnavaté. He left his native village and came to reside at Navadvépa.

After assisting Lord Gauräìga in His scholastic and saìkértana pastimes in Navadvépa, he came to Néläcala and engaged in the service of Çré Gopénätha. He entered into the eternal pastimes of the Lord after the disappearance of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu. Later on, Nayänanda, the son of Väëénätha, who was the brother of Gadädhara, took the Gopénätha Deity that hung around Gadädhara’s neck, as well as Gadädhara’s Bhagavad-gétä, and installed them in a temple at Bhäratapüra. Çré Gadädhara Paëòita was a manifestation of Çré Rädhä combined with Rukmiëé and Lakñmé.

45 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER TWO Lord Nityänanda’s Stay With Çréväsa and His Vyäsa-püjä Ceremony

iscussing topics of Kåñëa in the association of Lord Nityänanda overwhelmed all the devotees. All of them were pure devotees and most magnanimous. They remained intoxicated, drinking the nectar of Kåñëa’s topics and shouted loudly in ecstasy. Nityänanda Prabhu smiled and looked all around as the devotees shed tears of joy. Seeing Nityänanda, Mahäprabhu Viçvambhara was extremely pleased. He said to Lord Nityänanda, “Listen, O Çrépäda Nityänanda Gosäi, where will You perform Vyäsa-püjä? Tomorrow is the auspicious full moon day when one offers special worship to Çréla Vyäsadeva.

Consider this matter and let us know.”

Nityänanda Prabhu understood the intention of the Lord.

He caught hold of Çréväsa Paëòita’s hand and brought him before Lord Viçvambhara. Nityänanda smilingly said, “Listen, Viçvambhara. I will perform Vyäsa-püjä at this brähmaëa’s house.”

D

47 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

Lord Viçvambhara then said to Çréväsa, “You have been entrusted with a very heavy responsibility.” Çréväsa Paëòita replied, “This is not at all difficult for me.

By Your mercy, everything is available at my house. All the necessary items, such as cloth, fragrant flowers, a sacred thread, ghee, betel nuts, and pän leaves are there in my house. I will only have to borrow a book that describes how to perform the Vyäsa-püjä ceremony. With great fortune, I will celebrate Vyäsapüjä tomorrow.”

Hearing the words of Çréväsa Paëòita, Mahäprabhu was very pleased and all the Vaiñëavas happily chanted the holy names of Lord Hari. Lord Viçvambhara then said, “Listen, Çrépäda Gosäi. Please give Me permission so that we can all go to Çréväsa Paëòita’s house.”

Nityänanda Prabhu was very happy to hear these words of the Lord. Thereafter, they all started for the house of Çréväsa Paëòita. Nityänanda and Viçvambhara, along with all the devotees, exactly resembled Balaräma and Kåñëa surrounded by the cowherd boys of Gokula. As soon as they entered Çréväsa Paëòita’s house, everyone felt boundless happiness within his heart. The Lord ordered them to lock the main entrance of Çréväsa Paëòita’s house. He allowed no one except the relatives of Çréväsa Paëòita to remain inside. The Lord then said to begin kértana. Everyone began an ecstatic kértana and thus lost external consciousness. Both Lords jubilantly danced while the devotees sang around Them. Çré Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda, who are eternally absorbed in love for each other, danced together while meditating on one another.

Someone loudly shouted, someone else roared, another person fell senseless to the ground, and others simply cried. Symptoms of ecstasy, such as shivering, perspiration, the standing of the hair on end, and being unconscious due to love of God, were visible on the bodies of the two Lords. The two Lords danced, absorbed in Their own happiness. Sometimes They embraced and sometimes They cried. Both of Them tried to catch the other’s feet, but neither attained success. They both rolled on the ground in infinite happiness. They forgot Themselves, absorbed

48 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda’s Stay With Çréväsa and His Vyäsa-püjä Ceremony

in Their internal moods. They became absorbed in an ecstatic trance so that They became unmindful of Their clothing. The Vaiñëavas tried to quiet Them, but failed in all their attempts.

Who can hold Those who hold the three worlds? Both Lords were intoxicated due to relishing the kértana.

“Chant more! Chant more!” Çré Gaurasundara loudly exclaimed. His entire body became wet due to His tears of ecstasy.

Fulfilling His desire to be with Nityänanda, Lord Caitanya lost all external awareness and floated on the ocean of bliss. The dancing of Viçvambhara was so astonishing that while dancing, His lotus feet would often touch His head.

As Lord Nityänanda danced, the earth shook. All the Vaiñëavas thought there were earthquakes. The two Lords thus danced in ecstasy. Who can describe Their happiness? To reveal the glories of Lord Nityänanda, Lord Viçvambhara suddenly climbed on the throne of Lord Viñëu in the mood of Lord Balaräma. The Lord, overwhelmed by the mood of Balaräma, repeatedly demanded, “Bring wine, bring wine!”

“Give me a plough and club right away!” Çré Gaurasundara said to Çré Nityänanda. Instructed by Lord Caitanya, Lord Nityänanda placed something in His hands, and He accepted it.

Some of the devotees saw only the movements of hands and nothing else. Someone directly saw the plough and club. Only one who favored by the Lord can understand Him. Others, even if they see the Lord, cannot recognize Him. This is a very confidential pastime. Only a few persons were that were favored by Lord Nityänanda were able to perceive it.

Receiving a plough and club from Lord Nityänanda, Lord Gaurasundara became mad with ecstasy and asked for väruëé (honeyed wine). Everyone was confused, unable to decide what to do. They simply looked at each other’s faces. Finally, after due consideration, the devotees brought a pitcher of Ganges water and gave it to the Lord. Everyone offered water and the Lord drank it. On all sides, the devotees recited prayers glorifying Lord Balaräma.

The Lord repeatedly called out, “Näòä! Näòä!” The Lord moved His head back and forth asking for Näòä repeatedly.

None of the devotees could grasp the meaning of this word. The

49 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

devotees inquired, “O Lord, who are You calling by the name Näòä?”

“It is He by whose loud call I have appeared,” the Lord replied. “The one you all call Advaita Äcärya5 is known as Näòä.

I have appeared because of Him.” mohare änilä näòä vaikunöha thäkiyä niçcinte rohila giyä haridäsa laiyä sankértana ärasbhe mohära avatära ghare ghare karimu kértana paracära 5 Advaita Äcärya appeared on the seventh day of the waxing moon in the month of February in the year 1356 Çaka era, in the village of Çréhaööa within the subdivision of Läur. His father’s name was Kuvera Paëòita and His mother’s name was Labhä Devé. Kuvera Paëòita was a minister in the assembly of King Divya Siàha. The son of Kuvera Paëòita was given the name Kamaläkña and was the combined form of Mahä-Viñëu, Ujjvala Sakhä, Sampürëa Major, and Sadäçiva. Later, he was known as Advaita Äcärya. When He was twelve years old, Advaita Äcärya came to reside at Çäntipura. After the death of his parents, he went to Gayä to offer oblations to His forefathers. Thereafter, He traveled to many holy places of pilgrimage and in the course of his journey, He arrived at Våndävana. In Våndävana, He discovered the Deity of Madana Gopäla that was previously worshiped by Kubjä. He entrusted the Deity of Madana Gopäla to a Chaube brähmaëa of Mathurä. (This Deity became famous as the Madana-mohana Deity of Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé). Advaita Äcärya returned to Çäntipura, taking with Him a picture painted by Viçäkhä at Nikuïjavana. He took initiation from Mädhavendra Puré when he came to Çäntipura on the way to Néläcala to collect sandalwood for his Lord. Later Advaita Äcärya married the two daughters of Nåsiàha Badhuri, a resident of Saptagräma. The two girls’ names were Çré and Sétä Öhäkuräëé. In due course of time, He begot six sons— Acyutänanda, Kåñëa Miçra, Gopäla, Balaräma, Çvarüpa and Jagadéça.

In response to the worship and prayers of Advaita Äcärya, Çré Çré Nitäi-Gauräìgadeva, along with Their associates, appeared upon the surface of the earth and delivered all the residents of the three worlds.

After assisting Lord Caitanya in His pastimes, Advaita Äcärya disappeared from this world in the year 1480 Çaka era.

50 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda’s Stay With Çréväsa and His Vyäsa-püjä Ceremony

bidyä dhana kule jïäna tapasyära made mora bhakta stäne ñära äche aparädhe se adhama sabäre nä dimu premasoga nagariyä prati dimu brakñädira bhoga “Näòä brought Me here from Vaikuëöha, but He is living peacefully with Haridäsa. I descended to inaugurate the näma-saìkértana movement. I will preach this chanting in each and every house. However, I will not give love of God to those fallen souls who offend My devotees, being proud of their learning, wealth, high birth, knowledge, and austerity. I will freely give to everyone this love of God, which even Lord Brahmä rarely attains.”

While hearing the Lord, all the devotees floated on the ocean of bliss. After some time, the son of Çacé6 became calm.

“What mischief have I done?” the Lord inquired. The devotees replied, “Nothing serious.” The Lord then embraced everyone, saying, “Please excuse My offenses.”

Hearing the Lord’s words, the devotees began to smile as Nityänanda Prabhu rolled on the ground. He was unable to check His emotions. Love of God overwhelmed Lord Nityänanda, who is non-different from Lord Çeña. Sometimes He laughed, sometimes He cried, and sometimes He loosened His clothes. He appeared to be very childish. What remained of His sannyäsa daëòa, what remained of His water pot, and what remained of His clothes? He scattered everything all over the ground.

6 Çacé was the mother of Lord Gauräìga. She was a combined form of Kauçalyä, Devaké, Påçni, Aditi, and Yaçodä. Nélämbara Cakravarté, a resident of Çréhaööa, came to Navadvépa and took up residence there. He had two sons, named Yogeçvara Paëòita and Ratnagarbha Äcärya, and two daughters, named Çacé and Sarvajäyä. The Lord of the universe agreed to become Çacé’s son. What could be more glorious than this?

51 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

The extremely grave Lord Nityänanda became very agitated. Then Lord Caitanya personally caught and pacified Him. Appearing like one who is intoxicated, Lord Nityänanda was pacified by the words of the Lord. The Lord said, “Please be quiet now. We will celebrate Vyäsa-püjä tomorrow.”

After calming Lord Nityänanda, the Lord returned home.

All the devotees also returned to their respective residences.

Lord Nityänanda, however, remained at the house of Çréväsa Paëòita. That same night, Lord Nityänanda loudly shouted and broke His sannyäsa daëòa and water pot to pieces. Early the next morning, when Rämäi Paëòita got up from his bed, he was astonished to see the broken daëòa and water pot. Rämäi Paëòita at once told Çréväsa Paëòita about this. Çréväsa said, “Go tell this to Lord Caitanya.”

Hearing of this incident from Rämäi Paëòita, Lord Caitanya hurried to Çréväsa Paëòita’s house. He saw Nityänanda Prabhu laughing loudly as if devoid of external perception.

Lord Caitanya picked up the broken sannyäsa daëòa and then went to bathe in the Ganges with Nityänanda Prabhu. All the devotees, headed by Çréväsa Paëòita, also went with Them to bathe in the Ganges. There, the Lord personally threw the broken daëòa into the water.

Unable to pacify the greatly agitated Nityänanda Prabhu

by His words, the Lord had to chastise Him. Seeing a crocodile, Lord Nityänanda tried to catch it. Gadädhara and Çréväsa Paëòita exclaimed, “Alas! Alas!”

Nityänanda Prabhu fearlessly swam to the middle of the Ganges. Only the words of the Lord made Him become somewhat peaceful. Viçvambhara called to Nityänanda, “Hurry up.

Today we will celebrate Vyäsa-püjä.”

Upon hearing the call of the Lord, Nityänanda Prabhu came back to the shore of the Ganges. After completing His bath, He returned home with Lord Caitanya. Soon all the devotees gathered at the house of Çréväsa Paëòita and began to perform näma-saìkértana. Çré Caitanya appointed Çréväsa Paëòita as the head priest for the Vyäsa-püjä ceremony. Thus, by the Lord’s order, Çréväsa Paëòita performed whatever was required. Everyone chanted the

52 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda’s Stay With Çréväsa and His Vyäsa-püjä Ceremony

holy names of the Lord in a very sweet melody. The house of Çréväsa Paëòita was transformed into Vaikuëöha. Knowing all scriptural conclusions, Çréväsa Paëòita executed the prescribed rituals with utmost care and expertise. Placing sandalwood paste and beautiful flower garlands in the hands of Nityänanda Prabhu, he said, “Listen, Nityänanda. Offer this garland and recite these prayers while offering obeisances to Çréla Vyäsadeva. It is the injunction of the scriptures that one should personally worship Çréla Vyäsadeva, for by satisfying him, one achieves all success.”

Nityänanda kept saying, “Yes, yes,” but He did not quite know what prayers to recite. Nobody could understand the whispering sounds of Nityänanda Prabhu. Holding the garland in His hands, He repeatedly looked around Him. The most magnanimous Çréväsa Paëòita then told Nityänanda, “My dear sir, You are not worshiping Çréla Vyäsadeva.”

Hearing the words of Çréväsa Paëòita, Çré Gaurasundara quickly rushed in front of Nityänanda and told Him, “Listen to Me. Please place this garland on Çréla Vyäsadeva at once and thus complete the Vyäsa-püjä ceremony.”

All the Vaiñëavas were overwhelmed by ecstasy as they observed the Vyäsa-püjä ceremony with great pomp. Some of them danced, some sang, and some rolled on the ground. Everyone tried to catch hold of each other’s feet. Çacé, the mother of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu and the entire universe saw the fun from a distance. Seeing both Viçvambhara and Nityänanda, she considered Them equally as her sons.

The Vyäsa-püjä was a most magnanimous event. Only Lord Ananta could properly describe it. I am simply trying to glorify the qualities of Nityänanda Prabhu in codes. If one somehow or other glorifies Lord Kåñëa, he will be benefited.

Vyäsa-püjä ceremony was concluded at the end of the day.

All of the devotees then began to dance with Viçvambhara.

They were all maddened with feelings of jubilation. They cried out, “O Kåñëa!” Exhibiting His own devotional service, Viçvambhara was peaceful. He then advised Çréväsa Paëòita, “Bring all the prasäda of Vyäsadeva right away.”

When Çréväsa Paëòita brought all the prasäda, the Lord personally served everyone with His own hands. Being person-

53 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

ally served by Lord Caitanya, the devotees joyfully honored the prasäda. The Lord personally invited and then served all the members of Çréväsa Paëòita’s household. The servants and maidservants of the Vaiñëavas easily received what the demigods, headed by Lord Brahmä, rarely attain.

All these wonderful pastimes were performed at the house of Çréväsa Paëòita. Who can describe his good fortune? In this way, various wonderful pastimes were performed at Navadvépa that were unknown to ordinary people. Mahäprabhu then told everyone, “Now that the Vyäsa-püjä ceremony is completed, chant the holy names of Kåñëa.”

Accepting Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their pastimes.

54 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER THREE Lord Nityänanda Offers Prayers to the Six-armed Form of Lord Caitanya

ne day, Çréväsa Paëòita invited Nityänanda Avadhüta for lunch at his house, and the Lord accepted his invitation. Nityänanda Prabhu was very satisfied by the service of Çréväsa Paëòita. After lunch, He stayed at the house of Çréväsa Paëòita throughout the day. At that time, Mahäprabhu Lord Gauräìga happily arrived there. The Lord entered the temple room of Çréväsa Paëòita and sat on the throne of Lord Viñëu. He told Nityananda Prabhu to look at Him. Hearing these words, Nityananda Prabhu, the topmost sannyäsé, respectfully looked at Viçvambhara, not understand His intention. Considering Nityänanda to be His most intimate associate, Mahäprabhu Viçvambhara made a special request of the devotees: “All of you go outside.”

All the devotees were astonished to hear this. Following the Lord’s order, all the devotees left Çréväsa Paëòita’s house. Who can understand the intentions of the Lord? The Lord then spoke

O

55 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

something confidential to Nityananda Prabhu. No one could understand the meaning of Their conversation. Nityänanda then saw Lord Viçvambhara assume a six-armed form, holding a conch, club, disc, lotus, plough, and stick. Seeing this form of the Lord, Nityänanda Prabhu fell unconscious upon the floor.

There were no symptoms of life visible in His body.

All the Vaiñëavas became very afraid. They remembered Lord Kåñëa, praying to Him to protect Nityänanda Prabhu.

When Lord Nityänanda fainted upon seeing His six-armed form, Çré Caitanya personally picked Him up, saying, “Please get up, Nityänanda. Calm Yourself. Hear the Lord’s holy names being chanted in front of You. You appeared to preach the chanting of the holy names. Now this is being fulfilled. What more do You want? You are filled with love of God and loving devotional service is Your property. Unless You bestow this love of God, no one can possess it. Please pacify Yourself and get up. Glance mercifully towards Your associates. Distribute love of God to whomever You desire. If one maintains even a tinge of envy towards You, he is never dear to Me, in spite of worshiping Me.” Hearing these sweet words of the Lord, Nityänanda returned to external consciousness. He had become ecstatic by seeing the six-armed form of His Lord. Çré Gauracandra, who eternally reclines on the bed of Ananta Çeña, certainly knows Lord Nityänanda as being non-different from Lord Ananta.

Seeing the six-armed form of the Lord is not very astonishing for Nityänanda. Such are the pastimes of the Lord’s various incarnations.

Seeing that wonderful and extraordinary form of the Lord, Nityänanda Avadhüta remembered His previous incarnations and prayed, “All glories to Lord Viçvambhara, the father of everyone! He incarnated to initiate the saìkértana movement of chanting the holy names of the Lord. All glories to the Lord, the protector of Vedic religious principles and maintainer of the brähmaëas! All glories to the time factor, a representation of the Lord and destroyer of all nondevotees! All glories to the Absolute Truth! All glories to eternal bliss personified! All glories to the supremely independent Lord of lords!

“You are the source of innumerable universes, yet You manifested Yourself within the womb of mother Çacé. Who can

56 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda Offers Prayers to the Six-armed Form of Lord Caitanya

understand Your supreme will? Creation, maintenance, and destruction are simply parts of Your pastimes. You can easily destroy the entire universe simply by Your will. Are You unable to kill Kaàsa and Rävaëa simply by words? Still, You appeared in the house of Vasudeva and Daçaratha and sportingly killed these demons. Who can understand the cause of Your appearance? Only You Yourself know Your mind. Even one of Your servants can deliver countless universes by Your order. Yet, to glorify the earth and restore the principles of religion, You personally advent Yourself.

“O Lord, You appeared in Satya-yuga with a white complexion. You taught meditation and austerity by performing them Yourself. Wearing a deerskin and holding a stick and water pot in Your hands, You appeared as a brahmacäré to establish the principles of religion.

“O Lord, You appeared in Tretä-yuga in a beautiful reddish form. Being the only enjoyer of sacrifices, You preached the performance of sacrifice. Holding the articles for performing sacrifice in Your hands as a sacrificial priest, You personally performed sacrifices and thus induced others to do so.

“O Lord, You appeared in Dväpara-yuga as a divine personality having a blackish complexion the color of a fresh monsoon cloud. You personally established the principles of temple worship. Dressed in yellow garments and marked with such signs as Çrévatsa, You engaged in gorgeous worship as a king. In Kali-yuga, You have appeared with a golden complexion as a brähmaëa preaching the performance of näma-saìkértana. This form is unknown to the Vedas.

“O Lord, You have innumerable incarnations. Who has the power to count them all? In the form of Matsya, You enjoyed Your pastimes in the waters of devastation. As Kürma, You were the shelter of all living entities. You protected the Vedas as Hayagréva. In that form, You killed the two original demons, Madhu and Kaiöabha. O Lord, as Varäha, You delivered the planet earth. You took the form of Nåsiàha and tore apart the body of Hiraëyakaçipu. Assuming the wonderful form of Vämanadeva, You deceived Bali Mahäräja. As Paraçuräma, You killed the kñatriyas and thus rid the earth of its rulers. Appearing as Rämacandra, You killed Rävaëa, and in the form of

57 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

Haladhara, You enjoyed unlimited pastimes. As Buddha, You manifested the principles of compassion, and in the form of Kalki, You will kill the mlecchas.

“As Dhanvantari, You delivered nectar to the demigods. As the Haàsa incarnation, You imparted transcendental knowledge to the demigods, headed by Lord Brahmä. As Närada, You hold a véëä while singing Your own glories. As Vyäsadeva, You explain Your own truths. As Kåñëa, You appeared in Gokula to enjoy transcendental pastimes. You had wonderful qualities and enjoyed very sweet pastimes with Your devotees.

The opening verse of Bhakti-rasämåta-sindhu states: akhila-rasämåta-mürtiù prasåmara-ruci-ruddha-tärakä-päliù kalita-çyämä-lalito rädhä-preyän vidhur jayati Let Kåñëa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, be glorified! By virtue of His expanding attractive features, He subjugated the gopés named Tärakä and Päli and absorbed the minds of Çyämä and Lalitä. He is the most attractive lover of Çrématé Rädhäräëé and is the reservoir of pleasure for devotees in all devotional mellows.

The Tenth Canto of Çrémad-Bhägavatam (33.5) states: valayänäà nüpuräëäà kiìkiëénäà ca yoñitäm sa-priyäëäm abhüc chabdas tumu,m,lo räsa-maëòale A tumultuous sound arose from the armlets, ankle bells and waist bells of the gopés as they sported with their beloved Kåñëa in the circle of the räsa dance.

Nityananda Prabhu continued praying, “You will fill the entire universe with kåñëa-näma-saìkértana. Loving devotional service to the Lord will be preached in each and every house.

You will fill the entire world with ecstasy when You dance, along with Your devotees. Inauspiciousness disappears simply by the influence of those who eternally meditate on Your lotus feet.

Your steps will nullify the misfortune of the entire world when

58 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda Offers Prayers to the Six-armed Form of Lord Caitanya

You dance in kértana. You will purify all the four directions by Your glance. When You raise Your hands while dancing, all that is inauspicious on the planets will be destroyed. Such is Your glory, such is Your dancing, and such are Your servants.

“O Lord, You personally appear in this world to distribute love of God by bestowing kåñëa-näma to the fallen conditioned souls. Who has the power to describe Your wonderful glories?

You will distribute devotional services to Lord Viñëu that are unknown to the Vedas. We intensely desire that devotional service. You had formerly kept it hidden while awarding liberation.

“O Lord, now You will distribute the hidden wealth of bhakti to everyone in the world. This is proof of Your causeless mercy.

Simply by chanting the holy names of the Lord, one performs all kinds of sacrifice.

“Out of compassion, You appeared at Navadvépa. Yogés meditate on You as the Supersoul in their hearts. This same Supersoul has now appeared in the village of Navadvépa. I also offer my respectful obeisances to Navadvépa-dhäma, where You have incarnated at the house of Çacé and Jagannätha Miçra.

“All glories to Viçvambhara, the life and soul of everyone!

All glories to Gauracandra, the ocean of mercy! All glories to the Lord who appears to fulfill the words of His devotees! All glories to Mahäprabhu, the most magnanimous incarnation! All glories to the beloved Lord of the goddess of fortune! All glories to the enchanting Personality of Godhead, who is decorated with the mark of Çrévatsa and the Kaustubha gem! All glories to the Lord, who distributes the Hare Kåñëa mahämantra! All glories to the Lord’s pastimes of accepting love and devotion from His devotees!

“All glories to Mahäprabhu, who lies on the bed of Ananta!

All glories to the Lord, who is the only shelter of all living entities! You are Lord Viñëu. You are Lord Kåñëa. You are Lord Näräyaëa. You are Matsya. You are Kürma. You are the original Personality of Godhead. You are Varäha and You are Vämana.

“O Lord, You appear in every yuga to protect the Vedas. You are the killer of Rävaëa and his entire family. You are the life and soul of Jänaké. As Lord Räma, You blessed Guhaka-caëòäla and delivered Ahalyä.

59 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

To protect Your devotee, Prahläda, You incarnated as Nåsiàha and killed Hiraëyakaçipu. You are the crest jewel among the demigods. You are the best of the brähmaëas. You are the same Jagannätha who accepts opulent offerings at Néläcala. The four Vedas try to search for You, because You have appeared in a hidden form. You are very expert in concealing Yourself, but Your devotees always recognize You. You are the most peaceful personality.

“To inaugurate the näma-saìkértana movement, You have now appeared in this world. There is no truth other than You within the unlimited universes. Lord Çiva and Goddess Pärvaté are overwhelmed by the transcendental glories of Your lotus feet. Lakñmé, the goddess of fortune, serves Your lotus feet. Çré Ananta Çeña, with His thousands of mouths, glorifies these lotus feet. Lord Brahmä constantly worships these lotus feet. The Vedas, småtis and Puräëas sing the glories of Your lotus feet.

These lotus feet touched the topmost planet, Satyaloka. The head of Mahäräja Bali became glorious by the touch of these lotus feet. Mother Ganges emanated from these lotus feet. Lord Çiva became jubilant by holding the water of the Ganges on his head.

“You are celebrated as the son of Vasudeva and the son of Nanda Mahäräja. Now You have appeared to deliver the most sinful Kali. By the touch of Your lotus feet, a piece of wood turns into gold and a stone turns into a living force.”

Nityananda Prabhu thus offered prayers with folded hands.

He concluded by saying, “O Lord, the three worlds worship You.” Nityänanda Prabhu then began to dance in ecstasy. He floated in the ocean of love of God and became fully absorbed in that love. Viçvambhara awards love of God not only to one who carefully sings these topics, but to the friends of that person as well. The holy names of Viçvambhara are very rarely found in this world. Lord Caitanya is the life and soul of everyone. Hearing about Nityänanda Prabhu’s witnessing the six-armed form of the Lord will certainly free one from material bondage.

Accepting Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

60 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER FOUR Çréväsa’s Love for Lord Nityänanda and the Dream of Mother Çacé

ityananda Prabhu thus remained at the house of Çréväsa Paëòita. He was constantly absorbed in a childish mood, and He would not eat food with His own hand but had Mälinédevé feed Him just like her own son. Mäliné-devé7, the chaste wife of Çréväsa Paëòita, knew very well the glories of Lord Nityänanda, so she served Him as an affectionate mother.

One day, as Lord Gauräìga discussed Kåñëa with Çréväsa Paëòita, He spoke as follows to test him: “Why do you keep this mendicant in Your house? We do not know anything about His

N

7 Mäliné-devé was the wife of Çréväsa Paëòita, the beloved devotee of Gaurasundara. In her previous incarnation, she was an elderly gopé of Vraja who gave her breast milk to Kåñëa. That is why Nitäi and Gauräìga treated her as a mother in this incarnation. According to her previous mood, she lavishly nourished both Nitäi and Gauräìga.

61 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

family background. I must say that you are overly magnanimous.

If you want to protect your family’s good name, get rid of this beggar at once.” Çréväsa Paëòita smilingly replied, “O Lord, You are certainly testing me. This is most unfair. Anyone who worships You even for a day is very dear to me. Nityänanda is nondifferent from You. There is no doubt about this. Even if Nityänanda is seen carrying a pot of wine or if He marries a Muslim girl, my heart will still not deviate even an inch from His glorious lotus feet, even though this may destroy my caste, life, and wealth. I indeed tell You the truth.”

When the Lord heard this from Çréväsa Paëòita, He roared loudly and climbed on his chest. The Lord said, “What did you say, Çréväsa Paëòita? You have so much faith in Nityänanda?

You have actually understood the most confidential glories of Nityänanda. I am so pleased with you that I will give you a benediction. Even if Lakñmé, the goddess of fortune, begs in the street, there will never be any poverty in your house. Everyone in your house, including the cats and dogs, will achieve undivided devotional service unto Me. I offer Nityänanda to your care. Therefore, please maintain Him in all respects.”

After blessing Çréväsa Paëòita, the Lord returned home.

Lord Nityänanda would regularly wander throughout Nadia.

Sometimes He swam in the middle of the Ganges so that the current of the water carried Him away. Sometimes He happilly enjoyed sporting with local boys, and sometimes He would visit the house of Gaìgädäsa8 and Muräri.

8 Gaìgädäsa was the son of Çré Caturbhuja Paëòita, a resident of Navadvépa. He had two brothers, named Viñëudäsa and Vandana Äcärya. Both the Lords stayed incognito at his house during Their pastimes. Before the advent of Gauräìga, he was once attacked by Muslims, and so he came to Navadvépa with his family. When he arrived on the bank of the Ganges at night, he was unable to find a boat to cross the river. At that time, the Lord showed His affection for His devotees by personally sailing them to the other side of the River Ganges. The Lord revealed this fact during the His display of the pastimes of opulence at the house of Çréväsa Paëòita.

62 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Çréväsa’s Love for Lord Nityänanda and the Dream of Mother Çacé

Lord Nityänanda would sometimes visit the house of Lord Caitanya. Then mother Çacé would show great affection to Him. In a childish mood, Nityänanda would try to catch hold of mother Çacé’s feet, but she would run away.

One day, mother Çacé saw something in a dream. She secretly related the story to her son, Viçvambhara, saying, “At the end of the night, I saw both You and Nityänanda in my dream. Both of You were five-year-old boys, fighting and running all over the house. I saw both of You enter the Deity room and then come out with the Deities of Kåñëa and Balaräma. Nityänanda held Kåñëa in His hands, and You held Balaräma in Yours. I clearly saw all four of You fighting amongst Yourselves. Then the Deities of Kåñëa and Balaräma said in an angry mood, ‘Who are You two pretenders? Get out of here. This house, these rooms, the milk, sandeça, yogurt, and everything else here belong to Us.’ “Then Nityänanda said: ‘Those days are gone when You would steal and eat butter and yogurt. The power of the cowherd boys is finished. Now the rule of the brähmaëas is in force.

Now recognize Us and give up accepting all the offerings. If You don’t give up out of love, then We will beat You. If You continue to steal the offerings, We are not going to leave You alone.’

“Both Kåñëa and Balaräma replied: ‘Do not blame Us. We are going to bind both of You pretenders right now.’

“Balaräma then challenged Nityänanda in an angry mood: ‘If You continue Your mischief, then I swear on Kåñëa that You will have to face the consequences.’

“Nityänanda replied, ‘I am not afraid of Your Kåñëa. My Lord is Gauracandra Viçvambhara.’

“In this way, all four of You quarreled amongst Yourselves while eating food by snatching it from one another. First someone snatched a morsel of food from another’s hand and ate it. Then someone else took that food right from His mouth.

Nityänanda then called me, ‘Mother, please give Me some rice, for I am very hungry.’

“Just then I woke up. I could not understand anything of this dream and so I have told You about it.”

63 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

While listening to His mother, Lord Viçvambhara smiled and then spoke to her in a sweet voice: “O mother, You indeed had an auspicious dream, but please do not describe it to anyone.

Now I am firmly convinced that the Deities worshiped in Your house are directly the Supreme Personality of Godhead. My faith has become strengthened by hearing about your dream.

After offering food to the Lord, I repeatedly found half of it missing, but I was hesitant to tell this to anyone. Actually, I had a doubt about your daughter-law, but today that doubt has been removed from My mind.”

While hearing her husband’s words, Lakñmépriyä, who is directly the goddess of fortune, simply smiled. She heard about the dream from inside an adjoining room.

“Mother, please listen,” Viçvambhara said. “I will at once invite Nityänanda and feed Him.” Upon hearing the words of her son, Çacé was very pleased and began making arrangements for lunch.

Accepting Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

64 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER FIVE Eating Pastimes of Çrémän Mahäprabhu and Lord Nityänanda

ord Viçvambhara went to the residence of Lord Nityänanda to invite Him for lunch. “O Gosäi, today kindly accept lunch at My house,” Lord Caitanya said. “But one thing You must remember, do not make any mischief.”

Nityänanda closed His ears and murmured, “Viñëu, Viñëu.”

He continued acting like a madman, being very mischievous, and then said, “You consider Me a to be a naughty boy. Actually, You see everyone as being just like Yourself.”

At this, both began to laugh, and They left for Viçvambhara’s home while discussing Kåñëa on the way. When They reached the Lord’s house, Gadädhara and others welcomed Them. They sat down together inside the house after Éçäna9 had given both Viçvambhara and Nityänanda water for washing Their feet.

L

9

Éçäna was the family servant of Lord Gauräìga. The Lord

65 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

As the two Lords sat together to have Their lunch, all were reminded of Çré Räma and Lakñmaëa eating together at the house of Kauçalyä. They thus began eating together with loving exchanges just like in Their former pastimes. Mother Çacé happily served Them Their food.

Suddenly, the two plates of food became three plates right in front of her eyes. At this, the two Lords began to smile. Mother Çacé then went and brought more food. However, instead of the two Lords, she found two small boys no more than five years of age sitting together. She saw two exceedingly attractive boys, one having a blackish complexion and the other very fair. Both were four-handed and naked. They held a conch, disc, club, lotus, plough, and stick. They were decorated with the mark of Çrévatsa and the Kaustubha gem, and wore shark-shaped earrings.

Mother Çacé saw her daughter-in-law within the heart of her son. Then, all of a sudden, she could not see anything as she fell unconscious to the floor. Her entire body and clothes had become wet due to her tears of love. The rice she was carrying scattered all over the room. used to call him Baòäi. He was born in a brähmaëa family and took initiation from Advaita Äcärya. When he expressed his desire to serve Advaita Prabhu, He sent him to the house of mother Çacé.

When he came to the Lord’s house, the Lord was at that time a baby. Çacé-mätä kept him at her house and entrusted him with the responsibility of protecting and nourishing Çré Gauräìga. Since that time, Éçäna stayed at the house of the Lord and served Him while tolerating all kinds of mischievous behavior from Him. After Çré Gauräìga took sannyäsa, Éçäna looked after mother Çacé and Viñëupriyä. When both Çacé and Viñëupriyä left this world, Éçäna returned to the house of Advaita Äcärya in Çäntipura. Later, by the order of Sétä Öhäkuräëé, the consort of Advaita Äcärya, he married at an elderly age. Thereafter, he lived in a place called Bhaìga Math. It is said that both Jagannätha and Baladeva used to beg food from him and eat. By the blessing of Sétä Öhäkuräëé, Éçäna begot three sons that delivered the entire world. As soon as people heard the kértana of Éçäna’s eldest son, they would become overwhelmed with ecstatic love of God.

66 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Eating Pastimes of Çrémän Mahäprabhu and Lord Nityänanda

Mahäprabhu quickly got up and washed His hands. He then picked up His mother, saying, “O mother, please get up. Please calm yourself. Why have you suddenly fallen onto the floor?”

After awhile, mother Çacé regained her senses and quickly tied her hair. She spoke not a word, but simply went and cried within her room. While breathing heavily, her entire body trembled. She was filled with love of God and had forgotten everything else. Éçäna then cleaned the room after taking the leftover food and washed the kitchen paraphernalia. Éçäna served mother Çacé constantly. He was the most fortunate person within the fourteen worlds. Similar pastimes were enacted every day. No one but the confidential servants of the Lord know the actual purport of these pastimes.

After Çré Gauräìga and Nityänanda Prabhu finished Their lunch, mother Çacé anointed Their bodies with sandalwood paste. She then offered Them various items for worship, including flower garlands. Seeing Nityänanda satiated the eyes of mother Çacé. She continued staring at Nityänanda’s face, having become maddened by her affection for Him. Çré Gauräìga told His mother, “You must treat Nityänanda as Your own son. Take care of Him more affectionately than you do Me.” Mother Çacé looked at Nityänanda’s face, thinking Him to be her own son. She said, “From now on, You are my son. Please be kind to my Viçvambhara. From today on, both of You are my sons.”

As she spoke, tears flowed constantly from mother Çacé’s eyes. Out of motherly affection, she took Nityänanda on her lap. Nityänanda offered obeisances at mother Çacé’s feet, thinking her to be His affectionate mother. He sweetly said to her, “Mother, what you say is true. I can declare with confidence that I am actually your son10. O mother, please do not consider 10 The meaning of this is: “I am nondifferent from your son, Viçvarüpa.” Çré Viçvarüpa merged within the body of Nityänanda. It is for this reason that mother Çacé felt the same happiness from Nityänanda as she felt while seeing Viçvarüpa.

67 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

My offences. Know for certain that I am without a doubt Your son.”

Filled with the emotion of being Nityänanda’s mother, tears flowed from mother Çacé’s eyes, and her voice became choked.

Both Çré Gauräìga and Nityänanda Prabhu merged in the ocean of her motherly affection. By seeing the two sons, mother Çacé became pleased and pacified.

Accepting Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

68 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER SIX Nityänanda’s Pastimes at the House of Çréväsa

ré Nityänanda resided at the house of Çréväsa Paëòita.

With great affection, He would address Çréväsa Paëòita as “father.” He was always in trance, absorbed in the mood of a child. He regularly drank Mäliné-devé’s breast milk. Though there was no milk in Maliné’s breasts, by the touch of Nityänanda’s hand, they became filled with an abundance of milk.

This was possible only by Nityänanda’s inconceivable potency.

Mother Mäliné experienced such wonderful things, but, on the order of Lord Caitanya, she never revealed them to anyone.

Mäliné-devé constantly beheld the childhood pastimes of Nityänanda.

Lord Viçvambhara once said, “Please listen, Nityänanda. I am afraid that You will quarrel with others. Please be calm and do not make any mischief at Çréväsa Paëòita’s house.”

S

69 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

Upon hearing this, Lord Nityänanda at once remembered Kåñëa and said, “I assure You that You will never find Me to be naughty. Do not think of Me as being like Yourself.”

“I know You very well,” Viçvambhara said.

“Then tell Me My faults,” Nityänanda replied.

“You want to know Your faults?” Gauracandra smilingly said. “It seems that You have incarnated to shower rice all over the room.”

“O Lord, only a madman does such a thing,” Nityänanda replied. “I think You are trying to find an excuse not to feed Me. You enjoy Your rice, but do not want to give Me My share. How long will You continue such shameful behavior?”

“Actually, I am ashamed of Your conduct,” Lord Viçvambhara said. “That is why I always try to instruct You.” “This is indeed very good,” Nityananda Prabhu replied with a smile. “Please teach Me whenever You find me misbehaving.

You clearly understand that I am a very naughty boy.”

Saying this, Nityänanda Prabhu looked at the Lord and laughed heartily. In ecstatic love, Nityänanda hardly knew what He was doing. Suddenly, He took off His cloth and tied it around His head. He repeatedly jumped and laughed while wandering about the courtyard like a drunkard. Gadädhara, Çréväsa, and Haridäsa began to laugh. For the sake of understanding, they were allowed to see this behavior of Lord Nityänanda.

Viçvambhara called to Nityänanda, “What are You doing?

This is most improper behavior at the home of a householder.

Just now You told Me that You are not a madman. Just see; You have proven Your words to be false.”

How can words make a person ashamed if he is totally devoid of external consciousness? This was the case with Nityänanda Prabhu. He simply floated on the ocean of transcendental bliss. Lord Caitanya then personally dressed Nityänanda.

Such were the inconceivable activities of Nityänanda Prabhu. Nityänanda Prabhu is just like a maddened lion. He is only controlled by the words of Çré Caitanya and nobody else.

Nityänanda never ate food with His own hands. Mäliné-devé fed Him like a loving son. This chaste woman knew the transcendental glories of Nityänanda and so she served Him exactly

70 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Nityänanda’s Pastimes at the House of Çréväsa

as a mother serves her son. One day, a crow came, picked up a bell metal bowl in its beak and flew away into the forest. When the crow flew out of sight, mother Mäliné became anxious. The crow left the bowl in its nest and then returned. Mäliné-devé saw the crow’s mouth to be empty. Çréväsa Paëòita was very strict in his behavior. The bowl taken by the crow was used to keep ghee for the service of Lord Kåñëa, and so she was afraid that her husband would be very upset when he heard about what had happened. Unable to think of what to do, Mäliné-devé began to cry.

At that time, Nityänanda came there and saw Mäliné-devé crying. He smilingly said, “Why are you crying? Tell me about your distress and I will surely relieve it.”

“Please listen, Çrépäda Gosäi,” Mäliné devé replied. “A crow has taken the bowl in which we keep Lord Kåñëa’s ghee.”

“Mother, do not worry,” Nityänanda replied. “I will bring back the bowl.”

Turning to the crow, Nityänanda said, “O crow, go at once and bring back the bowl you have taken.”

Nityananda Prabhu is within everyone’s heart. Who can disobey His order? Ordered by Nityänanda Prabhu, the crow instantly flew away. Mäliné-devé looked on, overwhelmed with lamentation. Soon the crow went out of sight and in a short while returned with the bowl in its beak. The crow placed the bowl in front of Mäliné-devé and left. Mäliné-devé knew very well the glories of Lord Nityänanda. Seeing this wonderful incident, she fell to the ground in ecstatic love.

After composing herself, Mäliné-devé stood up with folded hands and began to offer prayers: “He brought back the dead son of His guru. He maintains the entire universe. He can bring anyone back from the house of Yamaräja. For Him to bring the bowl from a crow is not at all wonderful. On His head, innumerable universes rest, and He maintains them by His own sweet pastimes. His holy names destroy all kinds of ignorance. For Him to bring the bowl from a crow is not at all wonderful.

“In an earlier incarnation, You constantly protected Sétä while in exile as Lakñmaëa. You never saw any of Sétä’s body except her lotus feet. Your formidable arrows killed the family

71 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

of Rävaëa. For You to bring the bowl from a crow is not a wonderful thing. After seeing Your great prowess, Kälindé fell at Your lotus feet and offered prayers. You possess the strength to maintain the fourteen worlds. For You to bring the bowl from a crow is not a wonderful thing. Your activities are never ordinary. Whatever You do is an eternal truth. This is confirmed by all the four Vedas.”

While hearing Mäliné-devé’s prayers, Lord Nityänanda smiled. In His childhood mood He said, “O mother, I want to eat something.”

Whenever Mäliné-devé saw Nityänanda, milk would flow from her breasts. Nityänanda in the mood of a child would drink that milk. Nityänanda Prabhu’s activities are inconceivable. What more can I describe? All the world knows about His mysterious and extraordinary activities. One who knows them in truth accepts them as facts.

Nityänanda Prabhu, the abode of effulgence, was always fully absorbed in ecstatic love as He wandered all over Nadia throughout the day and night. Someone may call Nityänanda a yogé, or someone else may call Him a knower of the truth. Let them say whatever they want. Let Nityänanda be anybody to Çré Caitanya. Still, I keep the treasure of His lotus feet within my heart. Thus, Nityänanda resided at the house of Çréväsa Paëòita. Çré Gauräìga constantly protected Him. One day, as Lord Viçvambhara sat peacefully at home with Lakñmépriyä, she gave Her Lord betel nuts with great happiness.

Absorbed in the service of the Lord, Lakñmépriyä was unable to tell whether it was day or night. Whenever mother Çacé saw Lakñmépriyä and Viçvambhara together, she became extremely happy. Knowing that seeing Them together pleased His mother, the Lord would spend time with Lakñmépriyä.

At that time, Nityänanda came to Lord Caitanya’s house, overwhelmed and agitated due to ecstasy. In a childish mood, Nityänanda stood naked before the Lord and Lakñmépriyä. Fully absorbed in love of God, He did not feel shy in front of anyone.

“Nityänanda, where are Your clothes?” Çré Gauräìga asked.

Nityänanda replied, “Yes, yes.” Çré Gauräìga said, “O Gosäi, why are You doing this?”

72 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Nityänanda’s Pastimes at the House of Çréväsa

Nityänanda replied, “I can’t eat today.”

Gauräìga then said, “I’m asking You something, so why are You answering something else?”

Nityänanda replied, “I went there ten times.”

Becoming angry, Çré Gauräìga said, “It’s not My fault.”

Nityänanda replied, “Your mother is not here.” Çré Gauräìga then said, “Please get dressed.”

Nityänanda replied, “Yes, now I’ll eat.”

Nityänanda Prabhu was fully maddened with love for Çré Caitanya. He heard something and then answered something else. He kept on laughing. Çré Gauräìga got up and personally dressed Lord Nityänanda. Nityänanda, the son of Padmävaté, kept on laughing in a trance of ecstasy. Seeing the wonderful nature of Nityänanda, mother Çacé simply smiled. She considered Nityänanda as her son, Viçvarüpa, because she had heard from everyone that Nityänanda is non-different from him. She sometimes witnessed this truth with her own eyes. However, she did not reveal these secrets to anyone. She exhibited spontaneous affection for Nityänanda, treating Him and Viçvarüpa equally.

After coming to His senses, Nityänanda dressed Himself properly. Mother Çacé then gave Him five pieces of sandeça.

Nityänanda ate one of them and threw the other four pieces away. Mother Çacé said, “What will You eat now?”

“If you want more, you’ll surely receive more,” Nityänanda replied.

After entering her kitchen, mother Çacé found, much to her surprise, that the same four pieces of sandeça were there.

Mother Çacé murmured to herself, “These sweets were thrown far away. How are they now inside the kitchen?”

In jubilant wonder, Çacé brought the sweets to again offer to Nityänanda. To her astonishment, however, she saw that Nityänanda was already eating them. Mother Çacé said, “My son, where did You get these sweets?”

“At first I threw them away,” Nityänanda replied, “but seeing your distress, I brought them back.”

After witnessing this wonderful act, mother Çacé thought, “Who is there that is unaware of the glories of Nityänanda?”

73 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

She then said to Nityänanda, “Why are You deceiving me?

I know You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead, so please remove the influence of Your illusory energy upon me.”

The transcendental qualities of Nityänanda are unfathomable. They are a source of great pleasure for the devotees and a cause of distress for miscreants. Even mother Ganges runs away from that sinful person who dares to blaspheme Lord Nityänanda.

Lord Nityänanda, who as Lord Ananta Çeña holds the universes on His hoods, is the king of the devotees. This is my heart’s desire and prayer at the feet of the Vaiñëavas. May Lord Nityänanda, who is Lord Balaräma, become my life and soul.

Accepting Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

74 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER SEVEN Çrémän Mahäprabhu Glorifies Lord Nityänanda

oth Lord Viçvambhara and Nityänanda Prabhu resided at Navadvépa, enjoying Their transcendental pastimes.

Nityänanda Prabhu was always merged in an ocean of transcendental love of Kåñëa. He constantly behaved like an ordinary child. He loved everyone and always spoke with them in a sweet voice. He danced, sang, played musical instruments, and laughed to Himself. Sometimes, out of His deep sentiment, He roared loudly, causing everyone to become filled with wonder. In the rainy season, when the Ganges was filled with fierce waves and crocodiles, Lord Nityänanda fearlessly swam and floated in her water. Although everyone who saw Him floating in the Ganges became afraid for Him, shouting, “Alas! Alas!” Nityänanda continued floating in ecstasy among the crocodiles. He floated in the Ganges, absorbed in the mood of Ananta. Not understanding this, common people lamented.

B

75 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

Sometimes, Nityänanda would fall down unconscious in ecstasy and remain in this state for three or four days. In this way, He enjoyed countless inconceivable pastimes. I could not describe them all, even if I possessed millions of mouths.

One day, by the will of providence, Nityänanda Prabhu arrived where Viçvambhara was sitting. He was naked and smiling and tears of love were streaming from His eyes. He repeatedly shouted, “Nimäi Paëòita of Nadia is my life and soul.”

Seeing Nityänanda’s enchanting and radiant naked form, Çré Gauräìga began to smile. He quickly took off the cloth that was tied around His head and put it on Nityänanda Prabhu.

Nityänanda simply laughed. The Lord personally smeared sandalwood paste over the body of Nityänanda and then placed a flower garland around His neck. Çré Gauräìga then put Nityänanda in front of Him and began offering prayers as the devotees listened attentively. He prayed to Lord Nityänanda, name nityänanda tumi rüpe nityänanda ei tumi nityänanda-räma murtimanta nityänanda paryyaöana bhojana vyavahära nityänanda bine kichu nähika tomära tomäre bhujite çakté maëusyera kothä? parama susatya tumi yathä kåñëa tathä “Your name is Nityänanda, and Your form is Nityänanda. You are indeed the abode of eternal bliss, nondifferent from Balaräma. You wander to the holy places. Your pastimes of accepting food are filled with eternal bliss. Who has the power to understand You? You are the Supreme Absolute Truth and are as good as Lord Kåñëa.”

Most magnanimous Nityänanda was completely absorbed in the mellows of love for Çré Caitanya. Lord Caitanya wholly approved of whatever He said and did.

Once, Çré Gauräìga asked Nityänanda, “Please give Me one of Your kaupénas. I have a desire to keep it.”

76 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Çrémän Mahäprabhu Glorifies Lord Nityänanda

After saying this, the Lord took a kaupéna from Lord Nityänanda and tore it into small pieces. He distributed those pieces of Nityänanda Prabhu’s kaupéna to all the Vaiñëavas. prabhu bale e vastra vändhana çire anyera ki däya ihä väïche yogeçvare nityänanda prasäde se haya viñëu-bhakti jäniha kåñëera nityänanda pürëa çakti krñëera dutéya nityänanda bai nähi saìgé-sadhä nityänanda caritra sarva jéva janaka rakñaka sarva mitra ihäna vyabhära sava kåñëa rasamaya ihäna sebile kåñëa premabhakti haya bhakti kari ihäna kaigéra väïchä çire mahäyatre ihä püjä kara giyäghare Lord Caitanya then said to all the Vaiñëavas, “All of you tie this piece of cloth around your heads. What to speak of Vaiñëavas, even masters of mystic perfection desire this piece of kaupéna. One can attain devotional service to Lord Viñëu only by the mercy of Nityänanda.

Know that Nityänanda possesses the complete potency of the Supreme Lord. There is no one dearer to Kåñëa then Nityänanda. He eternally serves Kåñëa as a companion, bed, ornament, associate, and brother. The qualities of Nityänanda are incomprehensible even to the Vedas. He is the father, protector, and friend of all living entities.

His dealings are full of the transcendental mellows of love for Kåñëa.

“If one serves Nityänanda, he will attain loving devotional service to Kåñëa without a doubt. All of you should tie this piece of Nityänanda’s kaupéna around your head with devotion. You should worship this piece of cloth in your homes with great respect.”

Receiving the order of the Lord, all the devotees respectfully tied the pieces of kaupéna around their heads.

77 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

prabhu bale çunaha sakala bhaktagaëa nityänanda pädodara karaha prahaëa karilehi mätra ei padodaka päna kåñëa dåö bhakata haya ithe nähi äna Çré Gauräìga continued, “Listen, My dear devotees.

All of you drink the water that has washed Nityänanda’s lotus feet. Just by drinking that water, one will attain unflinching devotion to Kåñëa. There is no doubt of this.”

Being thus, instructed by the Lord, all the devotees washed the lotus feet of Lord Nityänanda and drank the water with great respect. In fact, every devotee drank the water five or seven times. Nityänanda Prabhu was, however, completely lost in an ecstatic trance as He continued to laugh.

Mahäprabhu Çré Gauräìga personally distributed the caraëämåta of Lord Nityänanda with great jubilation. After drinking the water, all the devotees became mad with ecstasy and loudly chanted, “Hari, Hari.”

“Today my life has become successful,” someone said.

“Today I have become a servant of Kåñëa,” said another person.

“Today has been a very auspicious day for me,” someone else said.

“The water that washed the lotus feet of Nityänanda is very tasty,” said still another person. “In fact, the sweetness in my mouth does not diminish at all.”

What a wonderful influence the caraëämåta of Lord Nityänanda has! As soon as the devotees drank it, they became agitated, being infused with love of God. They danced, sang, rolled on the ground, and chanted the holy name of the Lord very loudly. They thus performed näma-saìkértana, overwhelmed with ecstasy while dancing in great jubilation.

Soon Çré Gauracandra rose and began to dance very wonderfully. Instantly, Nityänanda got up and joined Mahäprabhu.

Both the Lords began to dance all around the devotees. In great jubilation, one devotee fell upon another, while still another caught him in his arms. A devotee tried to take the dust of an-

78 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Çrémän Mahäprabhu Glorifies Lord Nityänanda

other devotee and put it on his head. There was thus intense competition among the devotees as to who would take the dust of another devotee and place it on his head. They cried and repeatedly embraced one another.

It is very difficult to describe the activities of the devotees at that time. Both the two Lords and Their servants danced together. The two Lords embraced each other joyfully and danced in ecstasy. Being maddened in the ecstasy of the transcendental loving mellows, the Lord of Vaikuëöha danced with His associates. The pastimes of the Lord are endless. The Vedas describe these pastimes from His appearance to His disappearance.

After dancing throughout the entire day, Lord Gaurahari sat down, surrounded by His associates. He clapped His hands three times and said in a grave voice, “Whoever places his faith and devotion in Nityänanda Çvarüpa places his faith and devotion in Me. Even Lord Brahmä and Lord Çiva constantly worship His lotus feet. Therefore, all of you should maintain you love and devotion for Him. If anyone maintains even a tinge of enmity towards Nityänanda, although he may claim to be My devotee, he is not dear to Me. If the air that touched Nityänanda’s body touches anyone, Lord Kåñëa will never leave that person.”

Hearing these words from the Lord, all the devotees loudly exclaimed, “Jaya! Jaya!”

If one hears these topics with devotion, Lord Gauracandra becomes his life and soul. Those who have personally seen these pastimes of Nityänanda Çvarüpa certainly know His glories.

The dear and fortunate associates of Lord Caitanya know many such wonderful glories of Nityänanda.

Accepting Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

79 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER EIGHT The Deliverance of Jagäi and Mädhäi

ne day, Lord Caitanya ordered Nityänanda and Haridäsa Öhäkura as follows:

O

çuna çuna nityänanda! çuna haridäsa! sarvatra ämära äjïä karaha prakäça prati ghare ghare giyä kara ei bhikña “bala kåñëa bhaja kåñëa kåñëa kara çikña” ihä nahi ära nä baläbe nä baliba dina avasäne äsi ämäre kahiba “Listen, listen, Nityänanda! Listen, Haridäsa.

Go and preach My order everywhere. Beg everyone, ‘Chant Kåñëa, worship Kåñëa, and learn the science of Kåñëa.’ Do not preach anything other than this. At the end of the day, come and report to Me. If, in spite

81 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

of Your begging, anyone refuses to accept Your offer, I will come with a cakra to kill him.”

Hearing this command of Lord Caitanya, all Vaiñëavas smiled. No one has the power to disobey the Lord’s order. Ordered by the Lord, Lord Nityänanda and Haridäsa departed.

Nityänanda Prabhu eternally carries the Lord’s orders on His head. Anyone who doubts this is certainly a fool.

Following the order of Lord Caitanya, Nityänanda Prabhu and Haridäsa went to each house in Nadia. They requested everyone to chant and sing the holy names of the Lord and worship Kåñëa. They instructed that Kåñëa is the life, soul, and wealth of everyone. They said, “Dear brothers, attentively chant the holy names of Lord Kåñëa.”

Dressed as sannyäsés, they wandered all over Nadia, preaching Mahäprabhu’s message to everyone. Whoever met them would immediately offer respects and invite them for lunch.

Nityänanda Prabhu and Haridäsa Öhäkura would beg only one thing: “Chant Kåñëa, worship Kåñëa, and learn the topics of Kåñëa.”

After pleading with people in this way, the two would leave that place. All saintly persons were pleased by their requests.

Hearing the wonderful topics from the mouths of these two lords, people would happily respond to it in their own way.

Someone thought, “I will certainly follow their order.”

Another person considered, “These two have become mad due to their fault of chanting mantras.”

There were people who had been forbidden to enter Çréväsa Paëòita’s house while Lord Caitanya danced with His followers. As soon as Nityänanda Prabhu and Haridäsa Öhäkura approached those people’s houses, they would charge at them, shouting, “Beat them! Beat them!”

“You have become crazy due to bad association,” those people would admonish, “and now you have come here to make us crazy. Respected, civilized people have become crazy because of Nimäi Paëòita.”

“It seems that these two are spies of a thief,” some of them would say. “In the guise of preaching, they are surveying each

82 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

The Deliverance of Jagäi and Mädhäi

house. If they are saintly persons, then why are they acting like this? If they come again, we will take them to the authorities.”

Hearing such things, Nityänanda Prabhu and Haridäsa Öhäkura would simply laugh. They were not in the least afraid, because of the strength of Lord Caitanya’s order. Both of them thus regularly visited every house to preach. In the evening, they would return to Viçvambhara and report their days’ activities.

One day, while preaching the message of Mahäprabhu, Nityänanda Prabhu and Haridäsa came across two drunkards that were brothers. They were plunderers and murderers, and addicted to wine and women. There was no end to their misdeeds. There was no sin they had not committed. Despite being born in a brähmaëa family, they regularly ate beef and drank wine. They plundered people’s wealth and set fire to their houses. Perpetually intoxicated, they roamed the streets of Navadvipa and severely beat whomever they caught. People watched them from a distance, not daring to come close.

Nityänanda Prabhu and Haridäsa thus arrived where these two brothers were attracting a crowd in a drunken state. They were sometimes very friendly towards each other and at other times, they would pull each other’s hair in anger and abuse one another with filthy words.

“We’ll degrade the caste of the brähmaëas of Nadia!” they exclaimed, fully intoxicated from drinking wine. Their bodies were reservoirs of innumerable sins.

However, the sin of blaspheming Vaiñëavas was not yet committed by them. Since they spent their days and nights in the company of other drunkards, there was no opportunity for them to commit an offense against Vaiñëavas. ye sabhäya vaiñëava nindä mätra haya sarva dharma thäkileo tära haya kñaya sannyäsé sabhäya yadi haya nindyä karsma madyapera sabhä éte se sabhä adharsma madyapera niñkåti ächaye kona käle paracacrccakara pati kabhu nähi bhäle çästra paòiyäo käro käro buddhinäça

83 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

“Wherever there is blasphemy of Vaiñëavas, even in holy places, that place and the blasphemers will be destroyed. If there is blasphemy in the assembly of sannyäsés, then such a gathering is worse than a den of drunkards. A drunkard can be delivered in the course of time, but there is no salvation for those who criticize a Vaiñëava. Even after having studied the scriptures, such a blasphemer’s intelligence will be ruined.”

Nityänanda Prabhu and Haridäsa watched from a distance as the two drunkards punched each other and abused one another with filthy language. Nityänanda asked some of the spectators, “What is the caste of these two? Why are they acting like this?”

“O Gosäi, these two drunkards are brähmaëas,” the people replied. “They were born of respected parents in a high-class family. Many of their forefathers resided in Nadia. In fact, there is not even a tinge of fault in their dynasty. Only these two gave up their social responsibilities to commit all kinds of sins. They have been acting in this way since childhood. Considering the two brothers most sinful, their family members rejected them.

The people of Nadia are always afraid of them because at any time they can set someone’s house on fire. There are no sins these brother have not committed. They rob, steal, kill, rape, eat meat and drink wine.”

After hearing about these two drunkards, the most compassionate Nityänanda Prabhu began to ponder their deliverance: pätaké tärite prabhu kaiÿe avatära emata pätaké päibena ära lukäiyä kare prabhu äpanä prakäça prabhäva nä dekhi loke kare upahäsa e duiyere prabhu yadi anugraha kare tabe se prabhava dekhe sakala saàsäre tare hao nityänanda caitanyera däsa e duiyera karo yadi caitanya prakäça edhana yemana matta äpanä nä jäne eimata haya yadi çré kåñëera näme

84 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

The Deliverance of Jagäi and Mädhäi

‘more prabhu’ bali yadi kände duijana tabe se särthaka more yata paryyaöana ye se jana e duiyera chäyä paraçiyä bastrera sahita gaìgä snäna kare giyä sei sava jana yadi e doìhäre dekhi gaìgä snäna hena mäne tabe more likhi “Lord Caitanya has descended to deliver the fallen people of this age. Where will He find anyone more fallen than these two? The Lord has not yet revealed Himself to the ordinary people. Not seeing His uncommon influence, they are ridiculing Him. If the Lord bestows mercy on these two sinful drunkards, then the people of the entire world will see His transcendental glories. Being known as Nityänanda, the servant of Lord Caitanya, will have meaning only if I can purify their hearts and deliver them. How wonderful it will be if they become intoxicated by chanting Kåñëa’s names the same way they are now intoxicated. If I can make these two take the Lord’s name and cry, I will then consider all My travels to holy places a success. At present, whoever even touches the shadow of these two drunkards at once bathes in the Ganges with his clothes on. I will be extremely fortunate if I am able to get people to accept that simply seeing these drunkards is the same as bathing in the Ganges.”

The glories of Lord Nityänanda are unlimited. He descended to save the fallen souls of this world. Thinking to deliver the two drunkards, Nityänanda said to Haridäsa, “Just see how miserable these two drunkards are. They were born in a brähmaëa family, but their behavior is most sinful. They will be unable to escape the most severe punishments of Yamaräja.

“Dear Haridäsa, the Muslims beat you so severely that you almost died. Still, you desired the welfare of such people in your mind. If you really desire these drunkards’ welfare in your heart, surely they will be delivered. The Lord never ignores your will.

He has often confirmed this fact. Let the people of the entire

85 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

world see the uncommon influence of our Lord, by which He will deliver these two drunkards. Just as the deliverance of Ajämila is described in the Puräëas, let the people of the three worlds directly see how the Lord delivers these drunkards.”

Haridäsa was well-acquainted with the glories of Lord Nityänanda. He thought, “He will certainly deliver these two drunkards.”

Haridäsa said to Nityänanda Prabhu, “Listen, O Lord.

Whatever You desire is indeed the desire of Çré Gauräìga Mahäprabhu. You deceive me just as a person deceives an animal. You always kindly teach me in that way.”

Smiling, Nityänanda embraced Haridäsa and very gently said, “Let us go and repeat the Lord’s order to these two drunkards. The Lord commands everyone to worship Kåñëa. This is particularly fitting for those who are most sinful. Our duty is to simply repeat the Lord’s orders. Even after repeating them, if they are not accepted, that is also the Lord’s will.”

To impart the message of Lord Caitanya, both Nityänanda Prabhu and Haridäsa went towards Jagäi and Mädhäi11. Some pious people forbade them to go. “If you go near them, you may lose your lives,” they warned. “We are very much afraid of these two drunkards. That is why we generally remain inside our houses. How can you dare go near them? These two do not care for sannyäsés. In fact, they are accustomed to killing brähmaëas and cows without discrimination.”

In spite of the warnings of many pious people, Nityänanda and Haridäsa approached the two brothers while chanting, “Kåñëa, Kåñëa!”

11 The original names of Jagäi and Mädhäi were Jagannätha and Mädhava. In their previous lives, they were two doorkeepers of Vaikuëöha, Jaya and Vijaya. They were born in a respectable brähmaëa family. Çubhananda Räya, a landlord of Navadvépa, had two sons named Raghunätha and Janärdana. Jagäi was the son of Raghunätha and Mädhäi was the son of Janärdana. By bad association, these two brothers became sinful drunkards. Later, by the mercy of Gaura-Nitäi, they became pure devotees.

86 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

The Deliverance of Jagäi and Mädhäi

Approaching them, Nityänanda and Haridäsa loudly repeated the Lord’s message to the two debauches. They said: bala kåñëa bhaja kåñëa laha kåñëa näma kåñëa mätä kåñëa pita kåñëa dhana präëa “Chant Kåñëa, worship Kåñëa, and sing the glories of Kåñëa. Kåñëa is your mother, father, wealth, and life.

Lord Kåñëa will mercifully deliver you. Please give up your sinful life and worship Him.” Upon hearing the loud voices of Nityänanda and Haridäsa, the two drunkards raised their hands and looked around. Their eyes became red with anger. Seeing the sannyäsa features of Nityänanda and Haridäsa, they began to chase them, screaming, ‘‘Catch them, catch them!”

Nityänanda and Haridäsa quickly fled. The two drunkards chased them, yelling, “Wait! Wait!” running behind Nityänanda and Haridäsa like a raging storm. The two Lords ran away as if in great fear. All the pious people thought, “We tried to stop these two sannyäsés from going near the drunkards. Now they are in great danger.”

However, the impious persons present there smiled and said, “Today Lord Näräyaëa has awarded fit punishment to these pseudo sannyäsés.”

The pious brähmaëas prayed, “O Kåñëa, please save them.

O Kåñëa, please save them.”

At this time, everyone ran away out of fear of the two brothers, Jagäi and Mädhäi. They chased Nityänanda Prabhu and Haridäsa and the two Lords ran as fast as they could. Although the drunkards shouted, “We have almost caught them!” still, they were unable to catch hold of Nityänanda and Haridäsa.

While running, Nityänanda said to Haridäsa, “O Vaiñëava Haridäsa, what do you think? If we survive today, it will be our good fortune.”

Haridäsa replied, “O Lord, what can I say? It is all my fault that we will soon lose our lives. This is the result of trying to

87 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

teach drunkards about Kåñëa. We will soon get our just reward in the form of death.”

Speaking like this, both Nityänanda and Haridäsa smiled as they ran. Because the two drunkards were fat, they were unable to run as swiftly as the two Lords, even though they tried. They shouted, “O brothers, where are you going? How will you escape the grip of Jagäi and Mädhäi? You do not know who is chasing you. Turn around and see. We are Jagäi and Mädhäi.”

Feigning great fear, the two Lords ran very swiftly while listening to the threats of the drunkards. They prayed, “O Kåñëa!

O Govinda! Please save us!”

“I cannot run anymore,” Haridäsa said. “Alas, why did I come with this mischievous Nityänanda, even after knowing about His restless nature? Kåñëa saved me before from the wrath of the Muslims; but now I am going to surely lose my life because of this mischievous person.”

Nityänanda replied, “I am not restless. Think carefully and you will see that it is your Lord Caitanya who is restless. Your Lord is but a simple brähmaëa, yet He gives orders like a king.

Only by His order are we going door to door to preach His message. Although we carry out His orders, preaching door to door, so far we have not found anyone heeding our request. In fact, people simply call us thieves, cheaters, and nothing else. If we do not follow His order, we will become ruined and if we follow it, then this is the result. I know you will not find fault with your Lord, so ultimately it is I who am to blame.”

In this way, Nityänanda Prabhu and Haridäsa quarreled humorously while the two drunkards continued the chase. Finally, Nityänanda and Haridäsa reached Lord Caitanya’s house.

Dulled by drinking wine, the two drunkards became confused and had lost sight of Nityänanda Prabhu and Haridäsa. Being baffled, they began to push and pull one another. They were too intoxicated to understand where they were before, or how they had reached this place.

When Nityänanda Prabhu and Haridäsa Öhäkura looked back and did not see the two drunkards following them, they heaved a sigh of relief and embraced each other. Then they went

88 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

The Deliverance of Jagäi and Mädhäi

to meet Lord Viçvambhara, who was sitting inside His house. He appeared very charming, His beauty conquering that of Cupid.

The Lord was seated, surrounded by many Vaiñëavas, explaining the truth of Himself to the assembly, just as Lord Näräyaëa, the Lord of Çvetadvépa, had previously instructed great sages, headed by Sanaka.

In this way, Nityänanda and Haridäsa arrived before the Lord to report the day’s activities. They said, “Today we saw two drunkards who still claim to be brähmaëas. We politely asked them to chant the holy names of Kåñëa, but they chased us in anger. We are fortunate to be alive.”

The Lord asked, “Who were those two drunkards? What are their names? Being brähmaëas, why are they acting in such a degraded manner?”

Gaìgädäsa and Çréväsa Paëòita, who were sitting in the assembly, described all the sinful activities committed by the drunkards. “O Lord, their names are Jagäi and Mädhäi,” they said. “They are sons of a pious brähmaëa, but due to bad association, they have become exceedingly degraded. Indeed, they cannot live without wine for even a single day. The people of Nadia are very afraid of them. There is no house in Nadia where these two have not committed theft. There is no end to their sins. O Gosäi, You must have seen them and know everything.”

“Yes, yes, I know them very well. If they come here, I will cut them both to pieces,” Lord Caitanya replied.

“You can do whatever You want, but as long as these two drunkards are around, I am not going to preach,” Nityänanda said. “Why do You needlessly brag about Yourself? First, make them chant the names of Govinda. By nature, a pious person chants the holy names of Kåñëa, but these two drunkards do nothing but commit sinful activities. If You deliver these two drunkards by awarding them devotional service, then Your reputation as the deliverer of the fallen souls will have meaning.

Your glories were broadcast after delivering Me, but Your reputation will be enhanced to a much greater extent if You deliver these two fallen souls.”

“These drunkards were already delivered the moment they had Your darçana,” Lord Viçvambhara smilingly replied.

89 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

“Since You desire their ultimate welfare, Kåñëa will soon deliver them.”

Hearing this from the lotus mouth of the Lord, all the Vaiñëavas chanted, “Hari, Hari.” The Lord’s statement convinced everyone that these two drunkards would surely be saved.

Haridäsa Öhäkura said to Advaita Äcärya, “The Lord sent me with this restless boy. I remain somewhere, while He goes somewhere else. The Ganges is filled with crocodiles in the rainy season, but Nityänanda sometimes tries to catch them while swimming. I loudly call out to warn Him from the shore, but alas, He floats fearlessly on the water, along with the crocodiles.

“When He comes out of the water, if He sees some of His friends, He chases them to beat them. When the parents of these boys come with sticks in their hands, I fall at their feet and beg pardon on His behalf. Sometimes, He steals ghee and yogurt from cowherd men and runs away. These cowherd men then catch me and try to beat me instead of Him. “He does things He is not supposed to do. Whenever He sees an unmarried girl, He tells her, ‘I will marry you.’ Sometimes He rides on the back of an ox and calls Himself Mahädeva. At other times, He milks others’ cows and drinks the milk. If I try to teach Him something, He scolds me. He boldly says, ‘What can your Advaita Äcärya do to Me?’ He also says, ‘What can your Caitanya, who you think is the Lord, do to Me? I am not afraid of Him.’ “I never disclose these things to the Lord. Today, providence saved us from imminent danger. We saw two drunkards lying in a stupor on the street. Nityänanda went before them, repeating the message of the Lord. With great anger the two drunkards chased us to beat us. I think it is by Your mercy alone that we were saved today.”

Advaita Äcärya smilingly replied, “This does not surprise Me at all. A drunkard will naturally keep company with other drunkards. Three drunkards can nicely remain together. Being a strict celibate, why do you mingle with Him? You will see how this Nityänanda turns everyone into a drunkard. I know Him

90 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

The Deliverance of Jagäi and Mädhäi

very well. Just you wait and see. Within a few days He will bring those two drunkards to the assembly of devotees.”

While speaking this way, Advaita Äcärya became somewhat agitated. In a grave voice, He said, “We will soon see Lord Caitanya’s wonderful love and devotion towards Lord Kåñëa become manifest, as well as His power to induce everyone to dance and chant for Kåñëa. Tomorrow Nimäi and Nitäi will bring these two drunkards here and dance with them. Nimäi and Nitäi will not neglect them in consideration of their degraded condition, but I think you and I had better leave this place to safeguard our social prestige.”

Seeing Advaita Äcärya’s angry mood, Haridäsa Öhäkura began to laugh. He was convinced that without a doubt the two drunkards would soon be delivered. Who can understand the words of Advaita Äcärya? Only Haridäsa Prabhu understood their meaning. Nowadays, so many sinful persons take shelter of Advaita Äcärya and criticize Gadädhara Paëòita. Thus, they are soon vanquished. A sinful person who takes the side of one Vaiñëava while criticizing another will surely be destroyed.

The two drunkards, Jagäi and Mädhäi, wandered all over Navadvépa. One day, they came to the bathing ghäöa at the Ganges where Lord Caitanya usually bathed. By the will of providence, the drunkards made their camp at that ghäöa. During the day, they would wander around Navadvépa, searching for their prey. All the people, including highly respectable, rich and famous artisans were very afraid of them. After dusk, no one dared go to the Ganges to bathe. If someone went, he would go with a group of ten or twenty men.

At night, the two drunkards stayed near the Lord’s house and thus remained awake all night hearing the sounds of kértana. As the mådaìgas and karatälas sounded during kértana, the two drunkards would happily dance. They could hear the kértana from afar. As soon as they heard the sacred sounds of kértana, they would dance and drink more wine. Whenever kértana began, they got up and danced. Wine bewildered their intelligence to such a degree that they never knew where they had just been, nor did they consider where they would go next.

91 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

Whenever Jagäi and Mädhäi met the Lord at the ghäöa, they said, “Nimäi Paëòita, did You finish singing Your prayers to Goddess Durga? You all sing very nicely and so we like to hear You. We will give You everything we collect during the day.”

The Lord stayed aloof from them, knowing them to be most sinful. Everyone else also avoided them. One day, after traveling around Nadia, as Nityänanda Prabhu returned home in the evening, He was suddenly confronted by the two brothers, Jagäi and Mädhäi. They screamed, “Who are You?” “I am going to Lord Caitanya’s house,” Nityänanda Prabhu replied.

Intoxicated as usual, they asked Lord Nityänanda, “What is Your name?”

“My name is Avadhüta,” Nityänanda replied.

Absorbed in the mood of a child as one of His sweet pastimes, Nityananda Prabhu began conversing with the two drunkards. He had already decided to deliver these two fallen souls, and so He had purposely come to their place. Hearing the name “Avadhüta,” Mädhäi became extremely angry. He picked up his clay pitcher and struck Lord Nityänanda on the head. As the wound on His head bled, Nityänanda Prabhu simply remembered Lord Govinda.

Seeing Nityänanda’s bleeding head, Jagäi became compassionate and so forbade Mädhäi from hitting Him again. “Why did you do such a cruel thing?” Jagäi said. “What will you gain by killing a beggar? Leave Him. It is not good to kill a sannyäsé.”

People quickly went and informed Lord Caitanya of this incident. The Lord instantly rushed to that spot, along with His associates. Blood flowed from Lord Nityänanda’s head, but He simply smiled while standing between the two sinners. Seeing blood on Nityänanda Prabhu’s head, Lord Caitanya began to invoke His Sudarçana cakra.

Jagäi and Mädhäi saw the Sudarçana cakra instantly come before them. At this time, all the devotees became bewildered in mind. Seeing the mood of Lord Caitanya, Nityänanda Prabhu implored, “O Lord, when Mädhäi tried to hit Me a second time, Jagäi restrained him. Although I am bleeding a little, I do not

92 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

The Deliverance of Jagäi and Mädhäi

feel any pain. O Lord, I beg that please give me these two souls as alms. Kindly give up Your anger.”

When Lord Caitanya heard that Jagäi had spared Nityänanda Prabhu, He became pleased with him and embraced him. The Lord said to Jagäi, “May Kåñëa be merciful to you. You have purchased Me by rescuing Nityänanda. Ask for any benediction, according to you desire. From today you will achieve loving devotional service to the Lord.”

When the Vaiñëavas heard the Lord’s benediction upon Jagäi, they jubilantly chanted, “All glories to Lord Hari!”

As soon as the Lord awarded pure devotional service to Jagäi, he at once fell senseless onto the ground. “Jagäi, get up and look at Me,” the Lord said. “I have awarded you love and devotion for Lord Kåñëa.”

Jagäi then saw the beautiful four-armed form of Lord Viçvambhara, holding a conch, disc, club, and lotus. Seeing this form of Lord Caitanya, Jagäi again fell senseless onto the ground. Çré Gauräìga then placed His lotus feet upon Jagäi’s chest, so that he obtained the treasure that is the life and soul of Lakñmé. Jagäi caught hold of those invaluable jewels that were placed upon his chest. Holding the Lord’s lotus feet, Jagäi began to cry. Such is the wonderful pastime of Çré Gauräìga.

Jagäi and Mädhäi were one, but they had appeared in two different bodies. Their piety and sins were also one. As soon the Lord bestowed mercy upon Jagäi, Mädhäi’s heart became purified. With folded hands, he fell at Lord Caitanya’s lotus feet and said, “O Lord, both Jagäi and I committed sins together. Why then do You discriminate while giving Your mercy? Please be merciful to me, and I will surely chant Your holy names. There is no one else in the world that can save me.”

“I see no hope for your salvation,” The Lord said. “You dared to strike Nityänanda’s body, making it bleed.”

“O Lord, please do not say this,” Mädhäi sorrowfully replied.

“Why are You covering Your merciful nature? When demons released arrows at You, why did You still give them shelter at Your lotus feet?”

93 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

“Your offense is much graver, because you made Nityänanda bleed,” the Lord said. “Actually, Nityänanda is far greater than I. I declare this to be the truth.”

“O Lord, if You have indeed told me the truth, then please tell me how I can be saved? You are the crest jewel among physicians expert in curing all diseases. Only if You cure me will my disease be removed. O Lord of the universe, please do not cheat me. Now I know who You are, and so please give up Your pretenses.”

“You committed a grave offense at the feet of Nityänanda,” The Lord said. “Now you must fall at His lotus feet and beg for His pardon.”

Thus ordered by the Lord, Mädhäi went and caught hold of the invaluable wealth that is Lord Nityänanda’s lotus feet, the wealth that is the property of Revaté. Viçvambhara said to Nityänanda Prabhu, “Listen, Nityänanda. It is proper that if someone falls at Your lotus feet, You should be merciful to him. Because Mädhäi made You bleed, only You can forgive him. Now he has surrendered unto You.” “O Lord, what can I say?” Nityänanda replied. “You can bestow mercy to anyone, even a tree. If I have any piety amassed from previous births, I will give it all to Mädhäi. I am telling You the truth. I do not care for the offenses he has committed. O Lord, please remove Your illusory energy and be merciful. This Mädhäi belongs to You.” “If You have indeed forgiven all his offenses, then please embrace him so his life will be successful.” Viçvambhara said.

As instructed by the Lord, Nityänanda Prabhu tightly embraced Mädhäi so that his material bondage and mass of sins were at once destroyed. Nityänanda Prabhu entered the body of Mädhäi so that he became fully empowered with all the energies of the Lord. In this way, both Jagäi and Mädhäi were delivered.

They then offered prayers at the lotus feet of Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu. Çré Gauräìga Mahäprabhu then commanded them, “Sin no more.”

“Dear father, no more, not again,” Jagäi and Mädhäi replied.

94 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

The Deliverance of Jagäi and Mädhäi

“Listen, both of you,” The Lord continued. “I have indeed saved you from all your sinful reactions. If you do not sin again, then I will destroy all your sinful reactions from millions of births. This is My responsibility. I will eat offerings in your mouths and incarnate through your bodies.”

While hearing these words from the Lord, both Jagäi and Mädhäi fell unconscious onto the ground in ecstasy. Their illusions thus removed, they floated in an ocean of happiness.

The all-knowing Lord instructed His followers: “Take these two brothers to My house. Tonight we will perform kértana with them. I will reward these two with what even Lord Brahmä rarely attains. I will transform them into the foremost of persons in this world. The same people who took bath in the Ganges after touching these brothers will now say that they are as good as the Ganges. Nityänanda’s promise never goes in vain. Know that this is indeed the desire of Nityänanda Prabhu.”

The Vaiñëavas carefully escorted Jagäi and Mädhäi to the house of the Lord. When all the associates and relatives of the Lord came inside, they closed the door, allowing no outsiders to enter. Mahäprabhu Viçvambhara sat in the middle and Nityänanda Prabhu sat to His right, while Gadädhara Paëòita sat to His left. Advaita Äcärya, the greatest recipient of the Lord’s mercy, sat in front of the Lord. All the Vaiñëavas, headed by Pundarika Vidyänidhi12, Garuòa, Ramäi13, Çréväsa, and Gaìgädäsa sat surrounding Their Lordships. Also present were Vakreçvara 12 Pundarika Vidyänidhi was the spiritual master of Gadädhara Paëòita, a beloved associate of Lord Caitanya. In his previous incarnation, he was King Våñabhänu of Vraja, Çrématé Rädhäräëé’s father.

He was a wealthy landowner of Cakrasala in the district of Caööagräma, which is now in Bangladesh. Later he moved to Navadvépa. Çré Gauräìga addressed him as “father.” Due to his loving qualities, the Lord awarded him the title “Premanidhi.”

13 Ramäi Paëòita was the youngest brother of Çréväsa Paëòita.

In his previous incarnation, he was the great sage, Parvata Muni. Being a constant companion of Çréväsa, he relished the love of Çré Gauräìga.

95 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

Paëòita14 and Candraçekhara Äcärya15. Both of them knew very well the mission of Lord Caitanya.

Many other devotees sat around Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu, floating in the ocean of bliss, along with Jagäi and Mädhäi. Symptoms of ecstatic love, including standing of the hair on end, shedding of tears, and trembling of the body were visible in all their bodies. Both Jagäi and Mädhäi continuously rolled upon the ground. Who could understand the intention of Lord Caitanya? He transformed the two notorious plunderers into exalted devotees.

“These two are no longer drunkards,” the Lord said to the devotees. “From now on, they are My servants. All of you please bestow mercy on these two so that they may never forget Me, life after life. In whatever way you may have been offended by them, forgive them and bestow your mercy upon them.”

After hearing these words of the Lord, Jagäi and Mädhäi fell at the feet of all the assembled Vaiñëavas and begged their pardon. All the great devotees then blessed Jagäi and Mädhäi, who were thus instantly freed from all their offenses.

“Please get up, Jagäi and Mädhäi,” the Lord said. “Do not worry. From now on, you are My servants.”

“Personally, I will no longer consider their offenses,” the Lord said to the devotees. “No one should think of them as sin14 Vakreçvara Paëòita came in the line of Çré Gadädhara Paëòita. He was the combined form of Aniruddha, one of the quadruple forms of Çré Kåñëa, Çaçrekhä of Vraja, and Tuìgavidyä of Vraja. Once, he asked the Lord to give him one thousand Gandharvas and he would then dance. He engaged in worshiping Çré Rädhäkänta at Jagannätha Puré.

15 Candraçekhara Äcärya was a resident of Navadvépa. In his previous incarnation, he was the moon-god. He was also known as Äcäryaratna. He left Çréhaööa and came to reside in Navadvépa. He married Sarvajayä, the youngest sister of Çacé, the mother of Lord Caitanya. He accompanied Lord Caitanya when He visited Gayä. He was also present when the Lord took sannyäsa, arranging all the required formalities.

96 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

The Deliverance of Jagäi and Mädhäi

ful anymore. Such an act as this is never possible in one lifetime. Know for certain that this was done by the mercy of Nityänanda Prabhu. Actually, I have personally accepted all their sinful reactions. My dear brothers, you can directly see the proof of this.”

To convince everyone of this fact, the golden body of the Lord immediately turned black. Converting the two plunderers and drunkards into pure devotees, Lord Çré Gauräìga, who is nondifferent from Lord Hari, began to dance along with His associates. In this way, Çré Gauracandra, the life and soul of the universe, delivered Jagäi and Mädhäi. Çré Gauracandra will certainly deliver whoever hears of the salvation of Jagäi and Mädhäi.

Accepting Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

97 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER NINE Prayers of Jagäi and Mädhäi to Lord Nityänanda and Gauräìga Mahäprabhu

ré Gauräìga with His associates listened as Jagäi and Mädhäi began to offer prayers. By the order of Çré Caitanya, the goddess of learning appeared on their tongues as soon as they began to pray.

Jagäi and Mädhäi prayed: “All glories to Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu! All glories to Çré Viçvambhara! All glories to Nityänanda Prabhu, the beloved of Viçvambhara! All glories to the Lord, the original äcärya for preaching His holy names! All glories to Nityänanda Prabhu, who fulfills the mission of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu!

“All glories to the son of Jagannätha Miçra! All glories to Nityänanda Prabhu, who is completely surrendered to Lord Caitanya Mahäprabhu!

“All glories to the most merciful son of mother Çacé! All glories to Nityänanda Prabhu, the dearest friend of Çré Caitanya!

S

99 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

“All glories to the beloved Lord of the daughter of the royal priest! All glories to Nityänanda Prabhu, the embodiment of compassion!

“All glories to Your transcendental activities, O Lord! All glories to Nityänanda Prabhu, the king of the Vaiñëavas!

“All glories to the Lord who holds a conch, disc, club, and lotus in His hands!

All glories to Avadhüta Nityänanda, who is nondifferent from the Lord!

“All glories to Gauracandra, the life and soul of Advaita Äcärya! All glories to thousand-headed Nityänanda Prabhu!

“All glories to the life and soul of Gadädhara and master of Muräri! All glories to the benefactor of Haridäsa and Väsudeva16!

“In Your previous incarnation, You delivered many sinful persons. Those wonderful pastimes are glorified throughout the universe. Delivering us, who are the most sinful persons, will certainly diminish the glory of Your previous pastimes. Our deliverance now overshadows Your pastime of delivering Ajämila.

We are not exaggerating—we simply speak the truth.

“Ajämila was a natural candidate for attaining liberation. A person who has killed a million brähmaëas is at once liberated if he simply utters Your holy names. This is the conclusion of the Vedas. Ajämila chanted Your holy name and so his deliverance was not at all astonishing.

“You incarnate to confirm the statements of the Vedas. If You did not deliver the most fallen souls, then the statements of the Vedas would prove false. We harmed the person who is dearest to You and yet, You delivered us. Just consider the kind of 16 In his previous incarnation, Väsudeva Datta was a famous singer-associate of Çré Kåñëa named Madhuvrata. He was born in the village of Cakrasala at Caööagräma, which is located in presentday Bangladesh. Later, he came to reside at Navadvépa. His youngest brother, Mukunda Datta, was a singer-associate of Çré Gauräìga.

Once, he requested the Lord to give everyone’s sinful reactions to him, so that they could be delivered immediately.

100 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Prayers of Jagäi and Mädhäi to Lord Nityänanda and Gauräìga Mahäprabhu

persons we are. What a big difference is there between Ajämila and us. Upon hearing the holy name of Lord Näräyaëa being uttered by Ajämila, four exalted personalities instantly came to deliver him. Ajämila clearly saw them.

“Because of injuring Nityänanda Prabhu, we were able to see You, Your weapons, Your associates, and Your entourage.

O Lord, You had concealed these glories, but now the extent of Your glories has been revealed. Now, the Vedic literature will be more widely accepted as the supreme authority. Lord Ananta will sing Your glories with more pride and enthusiasm. Now, Your hidden transcendental qualities are exposed.

Your quality of delivering the most unworthy sinners is now confirmed.

“O Lord, You may say that demons, such as Kaàsa, were also liberated, despite being envious of You. However, please carefully consider how many good qualifications they had. Because of constantly seeing You and Your associates, they were certainly eligible for liberation.

“Kaàsa wanted to kill You by any means possible. For this reason, he constantly remembered You, out of great fear. Still, he could not escape the offense of being envious. Thus, he with his entire family were destroyed. O Lord, the same devotees that formerly bathed in the Ganges to purify themselves if they even touched our shadows are now touching us without hesitation.

This is indeed due to Your unlimited glories. How will You deceive anyone now? Everyone has understood Your actual identity.

The great devotee, Gajendra, the king of elephants, offered beautiful prayers to You. Seeing his unalloyed surrender, You delivered him. There were many demons, such as Pütanä, Agha, and Baka, who were envious of You and were ultimately killed

by You. After being killed, they left their material bodies and attained Your eternal abode. However, only the Vedas saw their destinations. On the other hand, everyone in this world directly saw the miracle You just performed with our most sinful bodies.

Whatever sinners You saved until now possessed some kind of piety. However, now You have delivered the fiercest of demons.

This is certainly Your causeless mercy.”

101 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

After praying in this way, both Jagäi and Mädhäi cried piteously. Such were the wonderful pastimes of Lord Caitanya.

Seeing this wonderful incident, all the Vaiñëavas stood up with folded hands and offered prayers to the Lord.

Jagäi and Mädhäi concluded their prayers, saying, “O Lord, who can understand how and upon whom You bestow Your causeless mercy by means of Your inconceivable potencies?”

Accepting Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu as my life and soul, I Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

102 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER TEN Mädhäi’s Prayers to Nityänanda Prabhu and His Devotional Service

y the mercy of Lord Caitanya, both Jagäi and Mädhäi continued to reside at Nadia as the most pious persons.

They woke up early in the morning and bathed in the Ganges at a solitary place. They regularly chanted the holy names of Kåñëa two hundred thousand times a day. They constantly condemned themselves for all their past misdeeds and cried while chanting the holy names. Receiving the mercy of Kåñëa, they became most magnanimous, seeing everyone as being dear to Kåñëa. Remembering their former envy, they would constantly cry and fall onto the ground.

“Gauracandra, O dear father, You are the deliverer of the fallen souls.” Remembering this constantly, they constantly shed tears. In ecstatic love for Kåñëa, they forgot to eat. Remembering the causeless mercy of Lord Caitanya, they would cry piteously.

Lord Viçvambhara and His followers repeatedly consoled them with sweet and assuring words. Although the

B

103 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

Lord personally made them take prasäda, this did not pacify their hearts. Mädhäi, especially, often cried while remembering his violence toward Nityänanda Prabhu. Though Nityänanda Prabhu forgave all his offenses, his mind did not become peaceful.

“I made Nityänanda bleed.” Lamenting in this way, he would beat his chest with his fists. “The body in which Çré Caitanya enjoys pastimes, I, the most sinful man, violently struck.”

Remembering this, Mädhäi would lose consciousness. He seemed to have no other activity than crying.

Nityänanda Prabhu happily wandered all over Nadia in the mood of a young boy, without any pride. He was naturally filled with ecstasy. One day, upon seeing Nityänanda Prabhu alone, Mädhäi fell down and caught hold of His feet. Indeed, He washed Lord Nityänanda’s feet with the tears of love streaming from his eyes.

Placing straw in his mouth, Mädhäi prayed, “O Lord, as Viñëu You maintain the entire universe. As Ananta You hold innumerable universes on Your hoods. You are the epitome of devotional service. Lord Çiva and Pärvaté always remember You. You bestow devotional service unto Yourself to everyone. There is no one dearer to Lord Caitanya than You. You chant the glories of Kåñëa with Your unlimited mouths. You teach people that devotional service to the Lord is their only duty. The great sage Närada forever sings Your glories. Lord Caitanya is Your only wealth.

“Another of Your names is Divider of River Kälindé. King Janaka received transcendental knowledge by worshiping You. You are the embodiment of all religious principles, and You are the original Personality of Godhead. The Vedas describe You as Ädideva, or the primeval Lord. You are the father of the universe and master of all mystic perfections. You are the great wielder of the bow, Lakñmaëacandra.

“You punish the atheists, and You are the master of all those who relish devotional mellows. You know the internal mood and mission of Lord Caitanya. By seeing You, Mahämäyä became worshipable. The innumerable universes desire the shade of Your lotus feet. You are the foremost devotee of Lord Caitanya

104 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Mädhäi’s Prayers to Nityänanda Prabhu and His Devotional Service

and the origin of pure devotional service. You are everything to Çré Caitanya. You are the omnipotent Personality of Godhead.

“You are the companion, friend, resting place, umbrella, and life and soul of Çré Caitanya. No one is dearer to Kåñëa than You. You are the origin of all the incarnations of Çré Gauracandra.

“O Lord, You deliver the fallen souls and You destroy the lives of the atheists. You always protect the Vaiñëavas and You teach everyone the principles of Vaiñëavism. By Your mercy, Lord Brahmä creates the universe. Your consorts, Revaté and Väruëé, eternally serve you. You are the original cause of everything, yet You are aloof from all things. You hold the Lord of countless universes on Your chest. Your transcendental body, the reservoir of all happiness, is as soft as the petals of lotus flowers. Lord Kåñëa enjoys His pastimes within Your body. I harmed Your transcendental body and so there is none more sinful than I. Shame on me! Shame on me!

“Lord Çiva, and Pärvaté, as well as millions of chaste women, worship Your transcendental form as their very life.

Worshiping Your form destroys one’s material bondage. It is I who injured Your body. By adoring Your divine form, King Citraketu became the foremost Vaiñëava and thus live a happy and prosperous life. People in innumerable universes meditate upon Your transcendental body. I am so sinful; I tried to harm Your body. Service to Your divine form freed the sages at Naimiñäraëya, headed by Çaunaka, from material bondage.

Being envious of this body, Indrajit was destroyed. Being envious of this body, Dvivida was killed. Jaräsandha was destroyed because of offenses to this body. Because I cut this body, I have no hope for good fortune.

“What to speak of wounding You, simply because of insulting Your transcendental personality, You crushed Rukmé, the brother-in-law of Lord Kåñëa. Romaharñaëa Süta, who had a lifespan equal to Lord Brahmä, disregarded You by not welcoming You and was burnt to ashes. By insulting You, King Duryodhana was killed, along with his entire family. By providence, renowned devotees could easily know You as the cause of all causes. Queen Kunté, Yudhiñöhira, Bhiñma, Vidura and Arjuna

105 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

confirm Your supremacy and greatness. By neglecting You, one’s life is doomed. Then, where will I, the most sinful person, go?”

While praying in this way, Mädhäi floated on an ocean of love of God. Falling to the ground, he placed the lotus feet of Lord Nityänanda on his chest and continued, “O Lord Nityänanda, You are the protector of the surrendered souls. You are the wealth, life and soul of Mädhäi. All glories to the son of Padmävaté! All glories to Nityänanda, the treasure of the Vaiñëavas! All glories to the most blissful Nityänanda, who is never overcome by anger. It is befitting to forgive a person who has surrendered unto You. I am the most abominable dog-eater and ungrateful ass. O Lord, please forgive all my offenses.”

After hearing the humble prayers of Mädhäi, Nityänanda Prabhu smiled and said, “Get up, get up, Mädhäi. You are My servant. I have manifested myself in your body. Can an affectionate father become upset if his child hurts him? I took your striking Me in this way. Anyone who hears your prayers to Me will become devoted to My lotus feet. You are the recipient of My Lord’s mercy. As far as I am concerned, I do not take even a hint of your offenses. Whoever worships Çré Caitanya is My life and soul. I deliver such a person, millennium after millennium. If someone worships Me alone, without worshiping Çré Caitanya, I feel unbearable distress.”

After saying this, Nityänanda Prabhu embraced Mädhäi.

All of Mädhäi’s miseries vanished at once. Mädhäi again caught hold of Lord Nityänanda’s feet and begged, “My Lord, I have one more request. You reside in the heart of every living entity.

I was envious of and violent toward many such living entities.

I do not even remember those who I have hurt. If I could recognize them, I would apologize to them all. I wish that those who I have offended would somehow forgive my offenses. O my Lord, if You kindly tell me how to accomplish this, I will forever remain grateful to You.” The Lord replied, ”Listen as I tell you the means for this.

Regularly clean and decorate the bathing ghäöas on the shore of the Ganges. When people are thus able to bathe happily and comfortably, they will certainly bless you. This will nullify all your offenses and serve the Ganges as well. What more good

106 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Mädhäi’s Prayers to Nityänanda Prabhu and His Devotional Service

fortune do you need than this? Humbly offer obeisances to everyone. Then all your offenses will be forgiven.”

Being advised in this way by Lord Nityänanda, Mädhäi circumambulated Him and departed. When Mädhäi chanted the holy names, “Kåñëa, Kåñëa,” tears flowed from his eyes. People were astonished to see how Mädhäi cleansed and decorated the bathing ghäöas at the Ganges. They considered him a wonderful person. He offered humble obeisances in return and appealed to everyone: “Please forgive all the offenses I have knowingly or unknowingly committed, and bestow your mercy upon me.”

Seeing Mädhäi crying, everyone else began to cry. While looking at him, they remembered Lord Govinda. When the people of Nadia heard this, they understood that Nimäi Paëòita had transformed Jagäi and Mädhäi into glorious Vaiñëavas. Hearing this, people were highly astonished, concluding that Nimäi Paëòita could not be an ordinary human being.

“Many sinful people criticize Nimäi Paëòita without understanding His real identity,” they said. “He performs wonderul kértana, being truly Kåñëa’s servant. Anyone who ridicules Him is doomed. Anyone who can rectify the most degraded persons, Jagäi and Mädhäi, must be God Himself, or at least empowered

by God. Anyway, Nimäi Paëòita is not an ordinary mortal being. Now His actual glories have been revealed.”

The people of Nadia spoke like this among themselves and gave up indulging in needless criticism of Lord Caitanya. Mädhäi performed severe austerities and he soon became celebrated in Nadia as a brahmacäré, or celibate person. Living by the shore of the Ganges, he always saw her flowing waves. He personally dug the earth with a shovel to build a bathing ghäöa. By the mercy of Lord Caitanya, even today, one can see the ruins of his ghäöa, which was popularly known as Mädhäira-ghäöa.

The causeless mercy of Lord Caitanya and Prabhu Nityänanda transformed both plunderers into pure devotees.

The topics of Madhya-khaëòa are like drops of nectar describing the salvation of formidable atheists. The principle cause of all these wonders is Mahäprabhu Gauracandra. Anyone who feels distress while hearing these narrations is certainly a cheater.

107 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

The topics of Çré Caitanya are unknown even to the four Vedas.

Therefore, please continue hearing them attentively.

Accepting Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

108 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER ELEVEN Lord Gauräìga Discusses His Sannyäsa with Lord Nityänanda

ne day, as Mahäprabhu sat, surrounded by all His followers, He suddenly uttered a wonderful word. No one understood its meaning, and so they were astonished.

Nityänanda, however, understood the Lord’s intention; that He would soon leave home and accept sannyäsa. Nityänanda Prabhu became overwhelmed with lamentation, convinced that the Lord would surely accept sannyäsa. Realizing that the Lord’s beautiful hair would soon be cut off from His head, Nityänanda became almost inert. After a short while, Çré Gauräìga caught hold of Nityänanda’s hands and sat alone with Him in a secluded place.

The Lord said, “Listen, Nityänanda. I will tell You My heart’s desires. I descended to deliver the people of the entire world. Instead of delivering them, I am simply destroying them. Instead of becoming free from material bondage by seeing Me, people are becoming more and more entangled. When they thought of

O

109 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

beating17 Me, they were at once became entangled in unbreakable bondage simply by this thought.

“I appeared to deliver the people of this world, but instead I have personally ruined them all. You will see how tomorrow I will shave My head and accept the renounced order, sannyäsa. I will then beg arms door to door. Those who wanted to kill Me, I will go to their doors tomorrow as a beggar. Seeing Me in that form, people will fall at My feet. I will thus deliver the entire world. People generally respect a sannyäsé and would not dare beat him. I will take sannyäsa and wander door to door begging for alms. Let us see who will beat Me. “I have thus disclosed My heart to You. I am determined to give up My household life. Please do not feel sad because of this.

Rather, You should encourage Me to take sannyäsa. I will do whatever You make Me do. Suggest to Me the means whereby I can accept sannyäsa. If You really want to deliver the entire world, then do not forbid Me in this matter. Do not even feel distressed, for You know the reason for My incarnation.

“Please hear one more thing, dear Çrépäda Nityänanda Gosäi. You should disclose My intention to only five persons. During the coming summer solstice, when the sun moves from one 17 Once, Mahäprabhu, fully absorbed in gopé-bhäva in the mood of Rädhäräëé, chanted, “Gopé, gopé.” One of His students happened to hear Him. The student was unable to understand why Mahäprabhu was chanting, “Gopé, gopé.” He told the Lord, “Chant Kåñëa!, Kåñëa!

What will You get by chanting gopé, gopé? The çästras say that it is Kåñëa’s name that bears fruit and not the name of gopé.”

Mahäprabhu was fully absorbed in rädhä-bhäva and considered the student to be a messenger of Kåñëa. Mahäprabhu said, “What is the use of chanting the name of Kåñëa, who is full of faults and vices.”

Mahäprabhu had been describing all the faults of Kåñëa, and the student had protested. In a fit of rage, Mahäprabhu picked up a stick, being ready to beat the student. The student ran away in fear while Mahäprabhu was ran after him. Somehow, the devotees pacified Mahäprabhu. The unfortunate student told everything to his friends.

Finding fault with Mahäprabhu’s chanting the name gopé, the students conspired to beat Him.

110 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Gauräìga Discusses His Sannyäsa with Lord Nityänanda

sign of the zodiac to the next, I will certainly leave home to take sannyäsa.

“There is a village called Katwa near the village of Indräëé, where the renowned Keçava Bhärati resides. I am destined to accept sannyäsa from him. Tell this to only five persons: My mother, Gadädhara, Brahmänanda, Çré Candraçekara Äcärya, and Mukunda.”

Upon learning that the Lord’s wonderfully attractive hair would be shaved, Nityänanda’s heart, mind, body and life seemed to shatter. He was so bewildered in mind that He could not even think of what to suggest. All that He knew was that the Lord would certainly take sannyäsa.

“My Lord, You are supremely independent,” Nityänanda Prabhu said. “Whatever You desire will certainly happen. Who can instruct You about the rules and regulations for accepting sannyäsa? Whatever You desire is the confirmed truth. You are the maintainer and Lord of all the universes. Therefore, You know best what is most appropriate. Who else but You knows the ways and means for delivering the fallen souls of this world?

Your nature is that You are supremely blissful and independent.

Therefore, whatever You desire will take place. Still, You inquire from Your servants as a formality, just to see what they will say.

You will do whatever You desire. Who can oppose Your will?” Çré Gauräìga Mahäprabhu was pleased to hear these words of Nityänanda Prabhu, and He embraced Him again and again.

After discussing His plans with Nityänanda, Gaurahari returned to the assembly of Vaiñëavas. Realizing that the Lord would soon leave home and accept sannyäsa, Nityänanda was stunned and could hardly utter a word.

When Nityänanda finally composed Himself, He began to contemplate as follows: “How will mother Çacé survive after the Lord’s departure? How will she spend her cruel days and nights?”

These thoughts made magnanimous Nityänanda Prabhu practically lose consciousness. Thinking about the imminent miseries that mother Çacé would experience, He cried constantly in a solitary place.

Accepting Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

111 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

END OF MADHYA LÉLÄ

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ANTYA-LÉLÄ

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER ONE Lord Nityänanda and Mahäprabhu Meet the Residents of Navadvépa

avatirnau sa-karunyau paricchinau sad isvarau çré kåñëa caitanya nityänandau dvau bhratarau bhaje worship the two brothers, Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda, who descended in this world as the Supreme Controllers. They appeared in covered forms as incarnations of mercy.

I

All glories to Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and all glories to the beloved Lord of Goddess Lakñmé! All glories to Nityänanda, the most intimate associate of Çré Caitanya! All glories to the Lord of Vaikuëöha, the king of sannyäsés! All glories to all the devotees of Çré Caitanya! All glories to Gauracandra, the deliverer of fallen souls!

O Lord, please place Your lotus feet within my heart.

115 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

My dear brothers, listen with utmost attention to the topics of Çeña-khaëòa that describe Lord Nityänanda’s meeting with His devotees.

One auspicious day, after having taken sannyäsa, Lord Caitanya, along with His devotees, happily departed for Néläcala.

“Listen, magnanimous Nityänanda. Go at once to Navadvépa,” the Lord said. “Try to relieve the distress of all the devotees, headed by Çréväsa Paëòita. Tell everyone in Navadvépa that I am going to Néläcala to see Lord Jagannätha. On the way to Néläcala, I will visit the house of Advaita Äcärya in Çäntipura, and I will wait there for everyone. You should gather all the devotees and bring them to Çäntipura. In the meantime, I will visit Phuliyä18, the place of Haridäsa Öhäkura.”

By the order of the Lord, Nityänanda Prabhu set out for Navadvépa, intoxicated by transcendental mellows of love of God. Overwhelmed with ecstasy, Nityänanda Prabhu constantly roared like an intoxicated lion. His pastimes are beyond the Vedic prescriptions and prohibitions. Sometimes He climbed up a kadamba tree, and sometimes He played a flute while standing in a threefold bending posture.

Sometimes He rolled in the pastures, and sometimes He drank milk from a cow, just like a calf. He danced along the entire path out of His own sweet will. He was merged so deeply in the ocean of bliss that He completely forgot Himself. Sometimes He would sit down on the road and cry. Hearing His crying melted the hearts of the people. Sometimes He laughed out loud, and sometimes He took off His cloth and tied it around His head. Sometimes, in His mood of Ananta, He floated enchantingly on the waves of the Ganges.

The glories of Nityänanda Prabhu are inconceivable and unfathomable. His causeless mercy is matchless within the three worlds. Floating like this, Nityänanda finally reached the bathing ghäöas of Navadvépa. Controlling His ecstasy, Nityänanda 18 The village of Phuliyä is in the district of Nadia. From Sealdah railway station one can take a train on the Lal Gola route, get off at Ränaghat, and then go to Çäntipura.

116 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda and Mahäprabhu Meet the Residents of Navadvépa

went to the home of Lord Caitanya, where He found that mother Çacé had been fasting for twelve days. She remained alive simply by the mercy of Lord Kåñëa.

Mother Çacé was absorbed in the mood of Yaçodä. Tears of love continuously flowed from her eyes. She asked everyone she saw, “Are you from Mathurä? Tell me, how are Kåñëa and Balaräma?”

Saying this, she would fall senseless to the ground. Sometimes mother Çacé would say, “I can hear a horn. Maybe Akrüra has come again to the pastures.”

Mother Çacé, was thus completely merged in the ocean of separation from Kåñëa. Nityänanda Prabhu offered His obeisances to mother Çacé. Seeing Lord Nityänanda, all the devotees began to cry. Mother Çacé swooned onto the ground saying, “O dear father, O dear father!”

No one knew who fell or on which side he fell. Nityänanda picked everyone up and embraced them. Bathing everyone with His tears of love, He told everyone the auspicious news of Lord Caitanya’s journey to Çäntipura.

“All of you quickly go and see Lord Caitanya,” Nityänanda Prabhu said. “The Lord has gone to Advaita Äcärya’s house in Çäntipura. I came here to take you all there.”

In separation from Çré Caitanya, all the devotees had become exceedingly morose and emaciated. However, the words of Nityänanda Prabhu brought them back to life. Overwhelmed with ecstasy, they began glorifying Lord Kåñëa.

Mother Çacé had been completely fasting since the day Lord Caitanya left home to take sannyäsa. Thus twelve days had passed since she last ate. Only by the influence of Çré Caitanya was she able to maintain her life.

Seeing the condition of mother Çacé, Nityänanda Prabhu felt very unhappy. He spoke the following sweet words to console her: “There is no mystery of Kåñëa that you are not aware of. What can I tell you? Please do not lament. Be happy. Even the Vedas will never receive the mercy you have attained. The Lord, whom the Vedas forever seek, is your son. He is the life and soul of everyone.

“That same Lord has placed His hand on your heart and promised to take full responsibility for you. The Lord repeatedly

117 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

said that all your spiritual and worldly responsibilities are on His shoulders. He knows what is best for you, so please surrender to the Lord and live happily.

“O mother, please go and quickly cook for Kåñëa. Let all the devotees honor the Lord’s remnants of food and be happy. Everyone hankers to relish the food cooked by you. If you fast, then Lord Kåñëa will fast. Quickly cook many palatable offerings for Kåñëa. I, too, have a great desire to eat food cooked by you.”

Hearing the words of Nityänanda, mother Çacé forgot her pangs of separation and quickly went to cook. Most pious mother Çacé cooked numerous offerings for Kåñëa. After offering them, she gave the remnants to Nityänanda Svarüpa and then served all the Vaiñëavas. Finally, after pleasing everyone, mother Çacé personally honored prasäda.

When mother Çacé finally ate after fasting for twelve days, the devotees became felt great satisfaction. All the devotees, along with Nityänanda Prabhu, jubilantly prepared to go and see Lord Caitanya. Soon, all the residents of Navadvépa heard about the sannyäsa of Gauracandra. Hearing the Lord’s wonderful sannyäsa name, Çré Kåñëa Caitanya, everyone chanted, “Hari, Hari!” and said, “May You attain glory!”

Even the atheists who had previously criticized the Lord went to see Him, along with their families. They all repented: “We took birth as fools in Navadvépa and, unaware of the position of the Lord, we criticized Him. Now let us go and take shelter of His lotus feet. In this way we will counteract all our offenses.”

In this way, the people hurried towards Çäntipura in a highly ecstatic mood. No one could estimate how many people there were. They soon reached Phuliyä, loudly chanting the names of Hari. Indeed, that sound pierced the coverings of the universe.

Hearing the wonderful loud chanting of the name of Hari, the Lord, the crest jewel among sannyäsés, came out from His room.

He incessantly chanted the mahä-mantra as tears of love continuously flowed from His eyes: Hare Kåñëa Hare Kåñëa Kåñëa Kåñëa Hare Hare, Hare Räma Hare Räma Räma Räma Hare Hare

118 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda and Mahäprabhu Meet the Residents of Navadvépa

All the people raised their hands and cried: “Save us! Save us!” Such were the wonderful pastimes of Gauracandra. His enchanting face overwhelmed everyone with ecstasy. Then Nityänanda Prabhu, who is Lord Ananta, arrived from Nadia, along with many devotees. When the devotees, headed by Çréväsa Paëòita, saw the Lord, they began to chant the holy names of Hari in ecstasy. The devotees offered obeisances at the Lord’s lotus feet and cried profusely. Lord Caitanya embraced all the devotees for they were as dear to Him as His own life. The pathetic cries of the devotees purified the entire universe.

As the devotees continued singing the glories of the Lord, Gauracandra repeatedly shouted, “Chant! Chant!”

How can anyone describe the sweetness of these loving exchanges? The Lord raised His hands and jubilantly chanted, “Hari! Hari!” The Lord’s dancing was full of sweet wonder. Seeing His dancing, all the devotees merged in an ocean of great happiness. Their ecstasy increased as they blissfully danced around the Lord. Somebody fell on someone, and someone else caught hold of another devotee. Someone held another’s feet to his chest.

Nityänanda Prabhu, the abode of great effulgence, danced exuberantly around the Lord. Advaita Äcärya danced and shouted loudly in ecstasy. Everyone tried to grab one another’s feet. Any fortunate person who hears the narrations of these pastimes will certainly receive the service of Gauracandra’s lotus feet. Lord Caitanya Mahäprabhu was thus reunited with His devotees, jubilantly performing näma-saìkértana. Anyone who hears the story of this meeting will attain the treasure of kåñëaprema.

Accepting Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

119 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER TWO Lord Nityänanda Breaks Mahäprabhu’s Sannyäsa-daëòa

fter meeting the devotees, Çréman Mahäprabhu departed for Néläcala. He soon arrived on the bank of the River Suvarëarekhä. The Lord, along with all the Vaiñëavas, bathed in the crystal-clear water of the Suvarëarekhä, thus making the river most glorious. Çré Gaurasundara, the Supreme Personality of Godhead in a humanlike form, then proceeded towards Néläcala. Nityänanda Prabhu, accompanied by Sri Jagadänanda, walked far behind Gaurasundara. At a short distance, Gauracandra sat down, waiting for Nityänanda Svarüpa to join Him. Nityänanda Prabhu was fully absorbed in ecstatic love for Çré Caitanya. All of His dealings were like those of a madman. Sometimes He roared loudly, and sometimes He cried. Sometimes He laughed, and sometimes He shouted loudly. He swam in the River Suvarëarekhä and then smeared dust all over His body.

A

121 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

At times, out of love for the Lord, Nityänanda would fall to the ground so hard that people thought His limbs would break into pieces. Other times, He would simply dance according to His own sweet will. When He danced, the whole world seemed to tremble. This is not at all astonishing for Him because He is nondifferent from Lord Anantadeva. He has now incarnated in this world as Lord Nityänanda. Everything is possible by the mercy of Nityänanda Prabhu, in whose heart Lord Gauracandra constantly resides.

Leaving Nityänanda somewhere, Jagadänanda19 went out for begging alms. Çré Jagadänanda had been entrusted with the responsibility of carrying Lord Caitanya’s sannyäsa-daëòa, and so he gave it to Nityänanda Svarüpa before departing, saying, “Please keep the Lord’s daëòa very carefully. I am going to beg alms and will soon return.”

Nityänanda took the daëòa from Jagadänanda and sat down, His mind somewhat agitated. Holding the daëòa, Nityänanda began to laugh. He then said to the daëòa, “O daëòa, it is wrong that the Lord I carry in My heart carries you.”

Saying this, unlimitedly powerful Nityänanda Balaräma broke the daëòa into three pieces and threw them away. Only the Supreme Lord knows His own desires. How can I know why Nityänanda Prabhu broke the Lord’s daëòa? Nityänanda Prabhu knows the internal mood of Gauracandra, and Çré Gau19 Jagadänanda Paëòita was an associate of Gauräìga Mahäprabhu. In his previous incarnation, he was Krñëa’s beloved queen, Satyabhämä. In his childhood, he stayed with Çivänanda Sena and studied Bhagavad-gétä and Çrémad-Bhägavatam under his guidance.

He also learned the art of cooking from him. Çivänanda Sena brought Jagadänanda to Navadvépa to meet the Lord. Since the time of that meeting, he stayed at Navadvépa and enjoyed playing and studying with the Lord. After the Lord took sannyäsa, Jagadänanda accompanied Him to Néläcala. At Néläcala, he established the service of Çré Giridhäri. By the order of the Lord, he returned to Navadvépa to meet mother Çacé. Breaking a pot of sandalwood oil, preparing the Lord’s bed, and leaving for Våndävana were some of his wonderful loving pastimes and services.

122 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda Breaks Mahäprabhu’s Sannyäsa-daëòa

racandra knows the heart of Nityänanda. They are just like the two brothers, Çré Räma and Lakñmaëa. They know each other’s hearts.

To teach devotional service, the one Absolute Truth appeared in two forms. We can understand Gauracandra only by the mercy of Nityänanda Prabhu. Who is there more powerful than Nityänanda Prabhu, who could also break the daëòa of Çré Caitanya? Çré Gaurasundara explains all these things in some way or other. Anyone who understands this pastime in truth is easily delivered from material existence.

After breaking the daëòa, Nityänanda sat down peacefully. A short time later, Jagadänanda returned. Upon seeing the Lord’s daëòa broken into pieces, Jagadänanda became very anxious and astonished.

“Who broke the daëòa?” Jagadänanda asked.

“He who accepted the daëòa. The Lord Himself broke His daëòa,” Nityänanda replied. “Who else could break His daëòa?”

Hearing this reply, Jagadänanda said nothing more. He picked up the broken pieces of daëòa and left at once. He went further along the road to where he found Çré Gaurasundara sitting and placed the broken pieces before Him. “How did the daëòa break?” The Lord asked. “You must have quarreled with someone on the way.”

Jagadänanda Paëòita narrated the entire incident to the Lord and said, “The one overwhelmed with grief, Nityänanda, broke this daëòa.”

Later, Lord Caitanya asked Nityananda Prabhu, “Tell Me; why did You break My daëòa.”

“It is true that I broke this bamboo stick. If You cannot forgive Me, then punish Me as You like,” Nityänanda replied.

“All the demigods are present within this daëòa and yet You call it a bamboo stick?” the Lord said.

Who can understand the pastimes of Gaurasundara? If one understands them in a particular way, there will always remain something unexplained. Anyone who claims to know the heart of the Lord is certainly a great fool. If the Lord wants to kill someone, He may apparently show him affection. He displays

123 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

indifference even to those who are as dear to Him or even dearer to Him than His own life. Such are the inconceivable and incomprehensible pastimes of the Lord. Only a person favored by the Lord can understand them. The fact is that the Lord, out of His own sweet will, broke the daëòa and then became angry.

“This daëòa was My only remaining possession,” the Lord said. “But today, by the will of Kåñëa, that also has been broken.

I think I should travel alone. So, either all of you go first, or else I will go first.”

“O Lord, You go first,” Mukunda20 said. “We have some duties to perform and then we will follow You.” “Good.” Saying this, Gaurasundara departed like an invincible, ferocious lion. After only a few moments, the Lord reached the village of Jaleçvara. There, He visited the temple of Jaleçvara. The servants and worshipers of Lord Çiva were astonished to see the Lord. They concluded that it was none other than Lord Çiva who had personally come before them. With great enthusiasm and jubilation, the Çaivites sang and played musical instruments as the Lord danced in ecstasy.

After awhile, the Lord’s associates, headed by Mukunda, arrived there, and they also began to sing. Seeing His dear devotees, the Lord became more blissful and continued dancing as they surrounded Him. Who has the power to describe the symptoms of prema that were visible on the body of Lord Caitanya? Tears poured from His eyes like the flow of the Ganges. This abode of Çiva became most glorious as the Lord of Vaikuëöha personally danced there.

After manifesting spiritual bliss for some time, the Lord became calm and sat down with His dear associates. He then embraced everyone with love, making them happy and fearless.

Seeing Nityänanda Prabhu, the Lord embraced Him and said, “You were supposed to look after Me so that I could protect My renounced order of life, but on the contrary, You want to 20 Mukunda was one of the Lord’s singers. He was born in a Datta family of Caööagräma in present-day Bangladesh. Later, he came to reside at Navadvépa. His elder brother was Väsudeva Datta.

124 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda Breaks Mahäprabhu’s Sannyäsa-daëòa

make Me mad. If You continue Your mischief, it will be just like killing Me. Whatever You had wanted Me to do, I did. That is a fact and I tell this to everyone.”

Lord Gauracandra then instructed everyone to be extremely careful in their dealings with Nityänanda. The Lord said, “Nityänanda is more dear to Me than My very life. I boldly declare this. The love and devotion of anyone who commits offenses at the lotus feet of Nityänanda will certainly be checked. There is no fault of Mine in this regard. Anyone who maintains even the slightest envy towards Nityänanda, although he may be My devotee, he is not dear to Me.” Hearing His own praise, Nityänanda Mahäçaya felt shy and did not raise His head. All the devotees, however, felt great joy upon hearing the Lord’s words. Such are the pastimes of the son of Çacé.

Accepting Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

125 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER THREE Lord Nityänanda’s Darçana of Lord Jagannätha

ord Caitanya walked as swiftly, like an infuriated lion. He soon reached Jagannätha Puré and entered the temple of Lord Jagannätha. By the Lord’s will, Särvabhauma Bhaööäcärya was present in the temple, having the darçana of Jagannätha, Baladeva, and Subhadrä, when Gauracandra, the life and soul of the universe, came to see Them.

As soon as the Lord saw Jagannätha, He loudly roared and went to embrace Him. While doing so, however, the Lord fell unconscious onto the floor in ecstasy. Who can understand the unfathomable qualities of the Supreme Lord? Just by seeing Jagannätha, who is non-different from Him, Lord Caitanya fainted onto the floor.

Särvabhauma Bhaööäcärya personally attended to the Lord, but was unable to bring Him back to external consciousness.

Finally, Särvabhauma Bhaööäcärya decided to take Lord Caitanya home.

L

127 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

“Brothers, please pick up this jewel-like personality, and bring Him to my house,” Särvabhauma instructed the temple guards. The guards, along with the servants of the Deities who participated in the Päëòu-vijaya ceremony, picked up Lord Caitanya and carried Him out of the temple to Särvabhauma’s house. As they blissfully carried the Lord, they continually chanted the holy names of Hari.

At that time, the devotees who had accompanied the Lord from Navadvépa reached the Siàha-dvära (Lion Gate) at the main entrance to the temple. They were highly astonished by what they saw. It appeared as if ants were carrying a particle of grain, as many people were seen happily carrying Lord Caitanya to the home of Särvabhauma Bhaööäcärya.

After offering obeisances to Jagannätha at the main entrance, all the devotees followed the Lord as the temple servants brought Him to Särvabhauma’s house. As soon as the Lord was brought inside, the temple servants locked the door. Seeing the devotees that had come with the Lord from Navadvépa, Särvabhauma was especially pleased. While loudly exchanging greetings with everyone, Särvabhauma’s doubts regarding Lord Caitanya were removed. He thus became very satisfied at heart.

Who can estimate the good fortune of Särvabhauma Bhaööäcärya? He whose glories all the Vedas describe personally came to his house. Seeing Nityänanda Prabhu, Särvabhauma Mahäçaya humbly took the dust from His lotus feet. Särvabhauma arranged a guide so that the devotees could see Lord Jagannätha. The guide made this request of the devotees with folded hands: “Please remain peaceful while seeing Lord Jagannätha.

Do not act like the previous Gosäi. I do not understand what kind of people you are. If you promise to remain peaceful, only then will I take you to see Lord Jagannätha. What can I say?

The way that sannyäsé fell to the floor—no ordinary man could survive that! I request all of you to please see Lord Jagannätha with utmost restraint.”

Hearing these words, all the devotees began to laugh, saying, “Do not worry.” All the devotes then left to see Lord Jagannätha. Thereafter, they entered the temple and saw the Lord of the universe, the origin of the first quadruple expansion, hap-

128 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda’s Darçana of Lord Jagannätha

pily manifested in the midst of His devotees. Seeing Lord Jagannätha, all the devotees began to cry. They offered obeisances to Him, circumambulated Him, and prayed before Him. Nityänanda, absorbed in love for Lord Caitanya, became terribly agitated upon seeing Lord Jagannätha, so that He was unable to remain steady. As soon as He saw Lord Jagannätha, Nityänanda ran to embrace Him. The guards could not check Him, and so Nityänanda climbed onto the altar and embraced the Deity of Balaräma. As Nityänanda climbed onto the Deities’ throne, the guards tried to stop Him, catching hold of His hand, but He simply pushed them away. He then took the garland from Lord Balaräma and placed it around His neck.

At this time, the temple priests took garlands from Lord Jagannätha and happily offered them to the devotees. Receiving Lord Jagannätha’s mercy in the form of His garlands, all the devotees became extremely pleased. Thereafter, they returned to Särvabhauma’s house.

Wearing the garland of Balaräma, Nityänanda walked like the king of elephants. The temple guards thought, “This mendicant is not an ordinary man. How could anyone survive after touching Balaräma? We control even mad elephants, and so what to speak of ordinary men. We tried to grab Him, but He scattered us like straws.”

Remembering this incident, the temple guards showed great respect to Nityänanda whenever they saw Him. In His mood as a child, Nityänanda Svarüpa often embraced the Lord with loving affection.

Meanwhile, Lord Caitanya remained unconscious at the house of Särvabhauma Bhaööäcärya. Särvabhauma Bhaööäcärya sat at His feet while the devotees surrounding the Lord chanted the names of Räma and Kåñëa. The transcendental qualities of Gauracandra are inconceivable and unfathomable. Even after nine hours, He did not regain consciousness. It was only after a long time that Lord Caitanya, the life and soul of the universe, returned to external consciousness. All the devotees chanted the holy name of Lord Hari.

Becoming composed, the Lord asked everyone, “What happened to Me today?”

129 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

“When You saw Lord Jagannätha, You fell unconscious onto the ground,” Lord Nityänanda explained. Fortunately, Särvabhauma Bhaööäcärya was present at that time. He picked You up and brought You to his home. In ecstatic bliss, You remained in trance for nine hours. Here is Särvabhauma Bhaööäcärya, offering You his respectful obeisances.”

The Lord embraced Särvabhauma and said, “Lord Jagannätha is very merciful. He kindly brought Me to the house of Särvabhauma Bhaööäcärya. I had grave doubts about how I would attain your good association. Today, Lord Kåñëa has effortlessly fulfilled My desire.”

Saying this and looking at Särvabhauma, the Lord began to smile. He continued, “Listen. Today I saw Lord Jagannätha directly. Seeing Lord Jagannätha, I intensely desired to embrace Him, but as soon as I ran toward Him, I lost consciousness and so was unaware of anything thereafter. Fortunately, Särvabhauma was there and so I was protected from danger. I vow that, from today on, I will see Lord Jagannätha only from a distance.

I will never enter the temple room, rather I will see Jagannätha while standing beside the Garuòa-stambha. By good fortune, I did not embrace Lord Jagannätha. Had I done so, it would have been a great impediment.”

Nityänanda Prabhu replied, “Today You’ve been saved. Now it is already quite late. Please go and take bath.”

“Nityänanda, You can control Me at all times,” Lord Caitanya said. “I surrender unto You.” The Lord happily bathed and then smilingly sat with the devotees. Särvabhauma Bhaööäcärya brought varieties of mahäprasäda and placed it before the Lord. Lord Caitanya offered His obeisances to the mahäprasäda and then began to honor it, along with His devotees. Anyone who hears of the ecstatic eating pastimes of Çré Gauräìga at Néläcala will obtain the association of Nityänanda Prabhu without a doubt. By hearing of Nityänanda’s visit to Néläcala as described in Antya-khaëòa, one will float in the ocean of kåñëa-prema.

Accepting Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

130 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER FOUR Lord Nityänanda’s Grand Bathing Ceremony at the House of Räghava Paëòita

brothers, listen attentively to the topics of Antyakhaëòa that describe the pastimes of Nitäicandra. One day, Çré Gaurasundara, the Supreme Personality of Godhead appearing in a humanlike form, sat alone with Nityänanda.

O

prabhu bale çuna nityänanda mahämati satvare calaha tumi nabadvépa prati pratijïä kariyä ächi äpanära mukhe murkha néca daridra bhäsäva prema mukhe tumio thäkilä yadi munidharma kari äpana uddäma bhäva sava parihari tabe murkha néca yata patita saàsära bala dekhi ära keba kariba uddhara bhakti rasa dätä tumi tumi sasvarile tabe avatära bä ki nimitte karile eteke ämära bäkya yadi satya cäo

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

131

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

tabe äbilasve tumi gauòadeça yäo murkha néca patita duùkhiya yata jana bhakti diyä kara giyä saväre mocana Lord Caitanya said, “Listen, magnanimous Nityänanda. Go immediately to Navadvépa. I had promised that I would drown everyone, including fools, fallen, and sinful people, in the ocean of kåñëa-prema. If You remain here with Me as an ascetic, keeping a vow of silence and concealing Your enthusiasm, then who will deliver the fallen souls of this world? You are the bestower of love and devotion. Please tell Me, if You always restrain Yourself, then what is the use of Your incarnation? If You want to make My words prove true, go to Bengal at once. Deliver everyone by giving premabhakti to all the foolish, fallen, low-class and distressed people.”

Instructed thus by Lord Caitanya, Nityänanda Prabhu promptly left for Bengal, along with His own associates. Rämadäsa, Gadädhara däsa, and Raghunätha Vaidya, Kåñëadäsa Paëòita, Parameçvara däsa, and the most blissful Purandara Paëòita went with Nityänanda Svarüpa to Bengal. As He began His journey, He first induced His associates to become greatly ecstatic so that they practically forgot themselves. There was no end to the ecstatic symptoms that arose in their bodies.

The mood of Çré Gopäla manifested in the body of Rämadäsa, the foremost among all the Vaiñëavas. On the way to Bengal, Rämadäsa transformed into a threefold bending form and remained unconscious for nine hours. Gadädhara däsa, absorbed in the mood of Rädhikä, suddenly began to laugh loudly while saying, “Who will buy yogurt?” Greatly magnanimous Raghunätha Vaidya Upädhyäya displayed the mood of Revaté. Both Kåñëadäsa and Parameçvara däsa constantly made mischief in the mood of cowherd boys. Purandara Paëòita climbed up a tree and then jumped down, saying, “I am the great Aìgada.”

Nityänanda Prabhu, the origin of Çré Ananta, inspired everyone to revive his original constitutional mood. The devo-

132 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda’s Grand Bathing Ceremony at the House of Räghava Paëòita

tees walked very fast, sometimes forgetting themselves so that they walked in the wrong direction. They often asked the local people: “Brothers, please tell us how to reach the shore of the Ganges.”

“Alas! Alas! You are on the wrong path,” the people would reply. “You just wasted six hours of your journey.”

Getting proper directions, they would return to the correct path. Later on, when they again asked for the right path, the people told them to take a twenty-mile detour to reach the correct path. All of them smilingly walked along the road. They hardly knew their own selves, and so what to speak of the roads.

None of them felt the urges of the body, such as hunger, thirst, fear, or distress. They were completely merged in transcendental ecstasy. No one can describe the unlimited pastimes Nityänanda Prabhu performed on the way to Bengal.

Nityänanda, the origin of Çré Ananta, finally reached the village of Pänihäöi by the shore of the Ganges. Nityänanda Prabhu and His associates then arrived at the house of Räghava Paëòita21 at Pänihäöi. Räghava Paëòita was overjoyed to see Nityänanda Prabhu. Çré Makaradhvaja Kara22, who was a disciple of Räghava Paëòita, also became very pleased.

21 Çré Räghava Paëòita was Dhaniñöhä-sakhé in his previous incarnation. Every year, Räghava Paëòita would go to Jagannätha Puré.

His sister, Damayanté-devé, would prepare varieties of sweets for Lord Caitanya. Räghava Paëòita would take them in a basket to Jagannätha Puré for the Lord. This basket was well-known as räghavera jhäli, or the basket of Räghava. Çréman Mahäprabhu would eat these preparations throughout the year.

22 Çré Makaradhvaja Kara was the famous dancer called Candramukha in vraja-lélä. He appeared in the village of Pänihäöi. He was a disciple of Räghava Paëòita who served him with his body and mind. He carried the basket of Räghava to Néläcala. His ancestral house stands on the eastern side of Cätu Bäbä’s garden within the Bhavänépura wood of Pänihäöi, by the side of the road that leads to the village Sukhacara.

133 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

Nityänanda Prabhu, along with His associates, happily resided at the village of Pänihäöi for some time. Always overwhelmed with prema, Nityänanda would often go into a trance of ecstasy.

When He desired to dance, three famous singers would hurriedly come. Greatly pious Mädhava Ghoña was very expert in performing kértana. Indeed, there was no better singer in the world. He was known as the singer of Våndävana and was very dear to Nityänanda Svarüpa.

As soon as the three brothers, Mädhava, Govinda, and Väsudeva, would begin to sing, the Supreme Lord Nityänanda would begin to dance. When supremely powerful Avadhüta Nit-yänanda danced, the earth would shake with His every step. He continually chanted the Holy name of Lord Hari. Seeing His towering figure and ecstatic dancing, the people were struck with wonder. Sometimes, when He glanced at someone while dancing, that person would fall onto the ground, being filled with love of God and absorbed in transcendental mellows. This marked the auspicious beginning of Lord Nityänanda’s deliverance of the fallen conditioned souls. He would dance for a long time, manifesting all the signs of ecstatic love of Çré Kåñëa.

After some time, Nityänanda Prabhu sat down on a throne and ordered His servants to perform His abhiñeka. All the devotees, headed by Räghava Paëòita, quickly arranged for the abhiñeka, bringing thousands of pitchers of Ganges water that was then mixed with varieties of perfume. With great satisfaction, they poured this scented water on Lord Nityänanda’s head.

Everyone chanted, “Hari, Hari!” on all sides. They recited suitable mantras while performing the abhiñeka and sang songs in glorification of Nityänanda Prabhu. All the Lord’s associates became submerged in an ocean of bliss. After the abhiñeka, the devotees dressed Nityänanda Prabhu in new cloth and applied sandalwood paste to His body. They decorated His broad chest with a garland of beautiful flowers and tulasé leaves. They then placed a throne decorated with gold before the Lord.

Lord Nityänanda sat upon the throne while Çré Räghavänanda held an umbrella above His head. The devotees began to glorify Nityänanda Prabhu so that there arose a great cry on

134 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda’s Grand Bathing Ceremony at the House of Räghava Paëòita

all sides. Everyone raised their hands and exclaimed, “Save us!”

They all became absorbed in the ecstasy of kåñëa-prema.

Lord Nityänanda, absorbed in His own blissful mood, glanced at everyone, showering love of God upon them. He ordered, “Räghava Paëòita, make a garland of kadamba flowers and bring it to Me quickly. I am very fond of kadamba flowers.

In fact, I always reside in a forest of kadamba trees.”

Räghavänanda folded his hands and said, “Lord, it is not yet the season for kadamba trees to flower.”

“Go to your home and look carefully,” Lord Nityänanda told Räghava. “There may be a flower or two somewhere.”

Räghava Paëòita went straight to his house. To his great surprise, he saw something most wonderful! Beautiful kadamba flowers blossomed on the lemon tree in his courtyard! How wonderful were the colors and fragrance of those flowers! Just seeing them freed one from material bondage. Seeing those beautiful kadamba flowers, Räghava Paëòita began losing consciousness in ecstasy. Controlling himself, he quickly made a garland of kadamba flowers and then brought it before Lord Nityänanda.

Nityänanda Prabhu was very pleased and put the garland around His neck. The sweet fragrance of the kadamba flowers overwhelmed the Vaiñëavas and they all felt very blissful.

Suddenly, the most wonderful thing happened. Everyone could smell the scent of another wonderful flower. The enchanting aroma of damanaka flowers filled the ten directions.

Nityänanda Prabhu smilingly said, “Listen, brothers. Can you tell Me what you are smelling?”

They all folded their hands and replied, “We smell the fragrance of wonderful flowers. The fragrance is coming from all directions.”

Nityänanda Prabhu, out of His causeless mercy, began to explain a most confidential topic: “Listen all of you to this mystery, for you must know the truth in detail. Today, Caitanya Gosäi came here from Néläcala to hear our kértana. He wore a garland of damanaka flowers and sat in a tree, unseen. The four directions are filled with the aroma of that wonderful garland.

To see your chanting and dancing, the Lord came here from Néläcala. Give up all other affairs and always sing the glories of

135 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

Kåñëa. May all of you forever glorify Çré Kåñëa Caitanyacandra and be fully merged in the ocean of kåñëa-prema.”

Saying this, Nityänanda Prabhu shouted loudly and showered love of God in all directions. Being drenched by the rain of prema, everyone fainted in ecstasy.

My dear brothers, please hear about the potency of Nityänanda Prabhu whereby He awarded prema-bhakti to everyone in this world. By His mercy, everyone easily received the premabhakti of the gopés of Våndävana that is described in ÇrémadBhägavatam.

When Nityänanda sat on the golden throne, all His associates danced in front of Him. Someone climbed a tree and walked on the leaves, and yet did not fall down. Out of ecstasy, someone shouted loudly and jumped from a tree. Someone roared like a lion and caught the root of a tree, pulling it out of the ground while chanting, “Hari! Hari!” Someone went to a forest of betel nuts and gathered five or six trees together. With immense strength due to love of God, he uprooted them all.

All the symptoms of love of God mentioned in ÇrémadBhägavatam, such as the shedding of tears, becoming stunned, breathing heavily, perspiring, the standing of the hair on end, roaring loudly, the faltering of the voice, paleness, and falling unconscious were fully manifest in the bodies of everyone by the causeless mercy of Lord Nityänanda. Wherever Nityänanda Mahäçaya mercifully glanced, He showered love and devotion.

Anyone Nityänanda looked upon would thus fall unconscious due to ecstatic kåñëa-prema.

The devotees tried to grab hold of Nityänanda Svarüpa’s feet as He smiled, sitting on His golden throne. The Lord invested His energies in all His chief associates. They became omniscient and their statements became infallible. They appeared to be as beautiful as Cupid. Whomever they touched with their hands became overwhelmed with love of God and thus forgot everything else.

Nityänanda Prabhu resided like this in the village of Pänihäöi for three months, continuing His pastimes of distributing love and devotion. For three months, all the devotees were absorbed in an ecstatic trance so that they stopped perform-

136 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda’s Grand Bathing Ceremony at the House of Räghava Paëòita

ing their ordinary activities. Indeed, they did not eat for three months. All they did was continuously dance in ecstasy.

The blissful pastimes Nityänanda Prabhu performed in the village of Pänihäöi can not even be found in the four Vedas.

Who can describe the extent of the pastimes performed by Lord Nityänanda? From time to time, He would personally dance, surrounded by His associates. Sometimes He would sit in a hero’s posture and encourage all the devotees to dance. The dancing of only one of His servants flooded the surrounding area with kåñëa-prema. Just as banana trees fall flat onto the ground by the force of a great storm, so the devotees fell flat onto the ground, overwhelmed by the ecstasy of prema.

As Lord Nityänanda was personally overwhelmed by ecstatic love of Kåñëa, He transformed all the devotees into images of Himself. He constantly engaged in the congregational chanting of the holy names of Kåñëa as introduced by Çré Caitanya (the mahä-mantra) and encouraged all the devotees to follow His example. Anyone who came to see Lord Nityänanda became overwhelmed with kåñëa-prema. Such was the example of His distribution of love of Kåñëa.

Whenever a servant of Lord Nityänanda desired to have something, he would instantly receive it. Everyone thus merged into an ocean of transcendental bliss so that they did not know how three months passed.

Accepting the lotus feet of Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

137 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER FIVE Lord Nityänanda’s Meeting with Gadädhara Däsa

nce, Nityananda Prabhu desired to wear some fine ornaments. As soon He desired this, varieties of valuable and enchanting ornaments made with silver, gold, and diamonds were immediately brought before Him. Fortunate people brought these ornaments that were bedecked with jewels and coral. They also brought fine cloth and pearl necklaces, which they presented to the Lord while offering obeisances.

The Lord then decorated Himself according to His own sweet will. He decorated His two hands with golden bangles and put ten golden rings beset with diamonds on each of His ten fingers. He decorated His neck with necklaces studded with jewels, pearls, and coral. To please Lord Çiva, He took a string of rudräkña and cat’s eyes decorated with gold and silver, respectively, and placed it around His neck. He placed two beautiful golden earrings bedecked with pearls on His ears. He decorated His lotus feet with silver ankle-bells and placed very attractive

O

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

139

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

rings on His toes. He dressed fine white, blue, and yellow clothing. The Lord looked very enchanting dressed in this way.

Garlands of Arabian jasmine and campaka flowers swung around His neck. Sandalwood paste was applied to His beautiful limbs. His head was adorned with a turban made of fine cloth that was decorated with flowers of various colors. The beauty of His supremely attractive face defeated the beauty of millions of moons. He continuously smiled and chanted the holy name of Lord Hari. In whichever direction Nityänanda Prabhu glanced, His lotus eyes would sprinkle showers of kåñëa-prema.

He sported with a stick that was made of fine gold-plated sculptured iron. He always carried this stick in His hand in the mood of Lord Balaräma, who had carried a similar stick.

Nityänanda Prabhu’s associates, who were in the mood of cowherd boys of Våndävana, offered varieties of ornaments, such as bracelets, bangles, anklets, rings, garlands, a horn, stick, flute, rope, and garland of guïjä to their beloved Nityänanda.

Nityänanda, by His own sweet will, enjoyed varieties of pastimes with His associates.

Lord Nityänanda, along with His associates, visited the houses of the devotees. He traveled to all the villages on both sides of the Ganges, spreading the glories of the holy name of Kåñëa. He constantly enjoyed the transcendental mellows of loving relationships. His name and form are nondifferent. Simply seeing Him, all living entities became captivated. Even atheists would immediately offer prayers to Nityänanda as soon as they saw Him and at once desired to offer everything to Him. The transcendental body of Nityänanda Svarüpa was very sweet and attractive. He generously bestowed His mercy upon everyone. Whether eating, sleeping, or traveling, He did not waste a moment by not performing näma-saìkértana. Wherever Nityänanda performed saìkértana and danced in ecstasy, He captivated the minds of hundreds of people. Even illiterate village children, being infused with the potency of Nityänanda Prabhu, would pull big trees out of the ground without difficulty.

They would roar loudly as they uprooted the trees, shouting, “We are cowherd boys!” The strength of one child was such that even seven men could not control him.

140 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda’s Meeting with Gadädhara Däsa

The children happily roared like lions and chanted, “All glories to Çré Kåñëa Caitanya! All glories to Çré Nityänanda!”

Nityänanda Prabhu, the life and soul of everyone, captivated the hearts of even small children. Some children ate nothing for an entire month. People were astonished to seeing such things.

All the devotees became overwhelmed with ecstatic love, and Nityänanda Prabhu was their sole protector. Lord Nityänanda fed everyone with His own hands, treating them like His sons.

Sometimes, He bound someone with rope, or even beat him, and then laughed loudly with joy.

One day, to show affection to Gadädhara däsa, Nityänanda came to his house. Gadädhara däsa Mahäçaya was fully absorbed in transcendental bliss in the mood of the gopés. He placed a pot of Ganges water on his head and cried out, “Who will buy milk?” He had a beautiful Deity of Çré Bäla-gopäla at his house.

The beauty and sweetness of this Deity were matchless. Seeing this enchanting Deity of Bäla-gopäla, Nityänanda Prabhu held Him to His chest with great love and affection. When everyone saw Çré Bäla-gopäla clinging to Nityänanda Prabhu’s heart, they loudly chanted the holy name of Lord Hari. Absorbed in the mood of a cowherd boy, Lord Nityänanda shouted and began to dance. Mädhavänanda Ghoña sang about Kåñëa’s pastime of demanding taxes from the gopés.

While listening to this song, Avadhüta Nityänanda became very pleased. The sweet voice of fortunate Mädhavänanda captivated the heart of Nityänanda. The Lord danced, imitating the pastimes of Kåñëa in Våndävana. The fortunate Gadädhara däsa forgot himself, being absorbed in the mood of the gopés.

While hearing the pastimes of Kåñëa in Våndävana, Nityänanda Prabhu danced so emotionally that it was beyond description. He matchlessly danced, exhibiting all the symptoms of ecstatic love and devotion. The movements of His dancing could be compared only to lightning. His legs and hands appeared incredibly enchanting. How wonderfully He moved His eyes and smiled! The shaking of His head was wonderful! He put His beautiful feet together and jumped up and down in a most spectacular way.

141 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

All the men and women floated in the happiness of kåñëa-prema by the merciful glance of Nityänanda. His merciful glance was so intense that everyone forgot himself in spiritual ecstasy. By His mercy, everyone easily achieved the love and devotion aspired to by great sages and yogés.

When a person even as big as an elephant does not eat for three days, he will certainly become weak and hardly able to walk. Therefore, when a child eats nothing for a month and still behaves like a lion, it is certainly the manifestation of Lord Nityänanda’s mercy and potency. Still, by the illusory energy of Çré Caitanya, no one could understand this fact.

Completely absorbed in love of God, Nityänanda Prabhu stayed at the house of Gadädhara däsa. Gadädhara däsa was absorbed in trance as he induced everyone to chant the holy name of Lord Hari.

In Gadädhara däsa’s village there lived a most sinful Kazi who was vehemently opposed to the chanting of the holy name of the Lord. Fully absorbed in spiritual bliss, Gadädhara Mahäçaya fearlessly went one night to the house of this Kazi, of whom everyone was afraid. Chanting the holy names of Lord Hari, he entered the Kazi’s house. All the guards and servants of the Kazi saw him, but no one dared to confront him.

Gadädhara said, “Where is the Kazi? Chant the name of Kåñëa right now or I’ll tear off all your heads.”

The Kazi came out of his room, with anger that blazed like fire. Seeing Gadädhara däsa, however, he became somewhat calm. The Kazi asked, “Gadädhara, why did you come here?”

“I have something to tell you,” Gadädhara replied. “Çré Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda Prabhu have appeared in this world and have made everyone chant the holy name of Lord Hari.

You are the only one who has not chanted the holy name of the Lord. This is why I have come to you. Chant now the most auspicious holy names of Lord Hari, for they will deliver you from all your sins.”

By nature, the Kazi was a most envious person. Becoming stunned, he did not utter a word. The Kazi smiled and said,

142 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda’s Meeting with Gadädhara Däsa

“Listen, Gadädhara, tomorrow I will chant the holy name of Lord Hari, but for today, please go home.”

As soon as Gadädhara däsa heard the name of Hari from the mouth of the Kazi, he became filled with ecstatic love. “Why tomorrow?” He said. “You have just chanted the name of Hari.

Now no misfortune will ever befall you because you have chanted the name of Lord Hari.”

Saying this, Gadädhara däsa became overwhelmed with ecstasy so that he danced and clapped his hands. Later, Gadädhara däsa returned home. Lord Nityänanda resided in the body of Gadädhara däsa. Such was the extraordinary glory of Gadädhara däsa, who was considered an associate of Lord Caitanya. He mercifully glanced upon the Kazi, who the devotees avoided at a great distance. The Kazi had forcibly converted many Hindus into Muslims and was a most sinful person. Yet, even a person as sinful as the Kazi gives up his violent nature by the merciful association of Kåñëa’s devotees.

It is indeed a fact that even snakes, fire, or tigers cannot threaten one who is absorbed in Kåñëa consciousness. By Nityänanda Prabhu’s mercy, His associates easily received the love and devotion desired by Lord Brahmä and the attachment for Kåñëa aspired for by the gopés.

O brothers, please worship the lotus feet of Nityänanda Prabhu. It is by His mercy that one obtains the lotus feet of Çré Caitanya.

Accepting Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

143 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER SIX Lord Nityänanda’s Deliverance of the Merchants of Saptagräma and His Meeting with Advaita Äcärya ityänanda Prabhu stayed at Khaòadaha for some time and then went to Saptagräma, accompanied by His associates. Saptagräma is famous because the seven sages had previously resided there. It is also known as Triveëé-ghäöa.

The seven sages performed austerities there on the bank of the Ganges and thus achieved the lotus feet of Çré Govinda.

The three rivers—Ganges, Yamunä, and Sarasvaté—join at this place. Triveëé-ghäöa is well-known throughout the universe. Simply seeing this holy place eradicates one’s sinful reactions.

With great happiness, Nityänanda Prabhu bathed at the confluence of the three rivers with His devotees. The Lord stayed at the house of the most fortunate Uddhäraëa Datta near the shore of Triveëé-ghäöa. Uddhäraëa Datta faithfully served the lotus feet of Nityänanda Prabhu with his body, mind, and words. Who can estimate the fortune of Uddhäraëa Datta,

N

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

145

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

for he received the chance to serve the lotus feet of Nityänanda Prabhu?

Nityänanda Svarüpa is the Lord of Uddhäraëa Datta, birth after birth, and Uddhäraëa Datta is the servant of Nityänanda Prabhu, birth after birth. Due to Uddhäraëa Datta, the entire mercantile community became purified. There is no doubt about this. Lord Nityänanda incarnated to deliver the merchant caste.

He bestowed love and devotion upon all of them.

In Saptagräma, He personally performed kértana at the house of each and every merchant. The merchants worshiped His lotus feet with their hearts and souls. Everyone became astonished upon seeing the merchants’ worship of Lord Kåñëa. The glories of Nityänanda Prabhu are unlimited. He delivered fools, fallen souls, and merchants. He happily enjoyed His pastimes of näma-saìkértana at Saptagräma. No one could adequately describe these ecstatic pastimes of chanting and dancing, even in a hundred years.

The residents of Saptagräma now enjoyed the happiness the people of Nadia had previously enjoyed. Everyone performed näma-saìkértana without experiencing the influence of thirst, sleep, or fear. Lord Nityänanda performed kértana in everyone’s house, on every street of Saptagräma. As soon as people would see the wonderful emotions displayed by Nityänanda Svarüpa, they could not remain steady, but became overwhelmed. What to speak of others, even Muslims who were naturally averse to Lord Viñëu took shelter of Nityänanda’s lotus feet.

When the brähmaëas of Saptagräma saw tears of love in the eyes of Muslims, they condemned themselves. All glories to Avadhüta Nityänanda, whose mercy makes these wonderful pastimes possible! Nityänanda Prabhu happily enjoyed His pastimes throughout Saptagräma.

After some days, Nityananda Prabhu came to Çäntipura, to the house of His most dear Advaita Äcärya. When Advaita Äcärya saw the beautiful face of Nityänanda Prabhu, His happiness knew no bounds. He shouted and offered Him obeisances.

He repeatedly embraced Nityänanda Prabhu, drenching His body with tears of ecstatic love. Seeing one another intoxicated both Nityänanda Prabhu and Advaita Äcärya. They experi-

146 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda’s Deliverance of the Merchants of Saptagräma

enced indescribable feelings. They rolled on the ground while holding onto each other, trying to touch one another’s feet. Both roared like lions and their madness could not be controlled.

After awhile, Lord Nityänanda became calm and sat down in a grave mood. Magnanimous Advaita Äcärya folded His hands and happily began offering prayers to Nityänanda: tumi nityänanda murti nityänanda näma murtimanta tumi caitanyera suëadhäma sarva jéva pariträëa tumi mahähetu mahäpralayete tumi satya dharmasetu tumi se bujhao caitanyera premabhakti tumi se caitanya bakñe dhara pürëa çakti brahmä çiva näradädi bhakta näma yära tumi se parama upadeñöä saväkära viñëu bhakti sabei päyena tomä haite tathäpio abhimäna nä sparçe tomäte patita pävana tumi doya dåñöi çunya tomäre se jäne yära ache bahupünya sarva yajïamaya ei vigraha tomära abidya bandhana khao smareëa yähära yadi tumi prakäça nä kara äpanäre tabe kara çakti ache jänite tomäre akrodha paramananda tumi maheçvara sahasra badana ädi deba mahédhara rakña kula hastä tumi çrélakñmaëacandra tumi gopa-putra ùaladhara murtimanta murkha néca adhama patita uddhärite tumi avatérëa haiyächa påthibéte ye bhakti banchaye yogeçvara munigaëe tomä haite tähä päibe yete jane “Your name is Nityänanda and indeed You are nityänanda, eternal bliss. You are the form of Çré Caitanya’s transcendental qualities. You deliver all living beings and protect religious principles at the time of annihilation. You descended to give caitanyapremabhakti. Indeed, You are the full potency of Lord Caitanya.

147 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

You teach supreme knowledge to devotees, headed by Lord Brahmä, Lord Çiva, and Närada. Everyone receives viñëu-bhakti from You, yet You are untouched by pride. You deliver the fallen souls without seeing their faults. Only the very pious can know You. You are the only enjoyer of sacrifices. Simply remembering You destroys the bondage of ignorance at once. If You do not manifest Yourself, then who will understand You? “You are the most blissful Supreme Lord, completely free from anger. You are the thousand-headed Ananta, who holds the universes on His hoods. You are Çré Lakñmaëacandra, destroyer of the Räkñasa dynasty.

You are Haladhara, the son of a cowherd. You descended to save the fallen, wretched, foolish, and low-class people. By Your mercy, everyone easily achieves the devotional service that is aspired for by great sages and mystic yogés” While describing the glories of Nityänanda Prabhu, Advaita Äcärya became absorbed in a trance of love of God. Advaita Äcärya knew the glories of Nityänanda Prabhu. Some rare great souls also know these facts. The quarreling that one sees between Them is nothing but an expression of transcendental bliss. Who can understand this statement of Advaita Äcärya: “Know for certain that He is nondifferent from the Supreme Lord.”

Both Nityänanda Prabhu and Advaita Äcärya spent Their time happily discussing auspicious topics of Lord Kåñëa. After exchanging many jokes and increasing His love and affection for Him, Nityänanda Prabhu took permission from Advaita Äcärya and left for Navadvépa.

Accepting Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing of the glories of Their lotus feet.

148

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER SEVEN Lord Nityänanda Delivers the Thieves at the House of Hiraëya Paëòita

ityänanda Prabhu wanted to see Lord Caitanya’s mother, Çacé. He left for Navadvépa on an auspicious day, along with His dear associates. Arriving at Navadvépa, He went to the house of mother Çacé and offered her His respectful obeisances.

Seeing Nityänanda Svarüpa, mother Çacé became unlimitedly happy.

“My dear son, You are indeed the Supersoul,” she said. “Just now, I wanted to see You. Knowing my heart, You came here at once. Who in this world can recognize You? “My dear Nityänanda, please stay at Navadvépa for some time so that I can see You once a month, once a fortnight, or once a week. I was distressed and wanted to see You. By providence, You have now come to relieve my distress.”

Hearing the words of mother Çacé, Nityänanda Prabhu began to smile, for He knew perfectly well her glories.

N

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

149

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

“Listen, mother of the universe, I came here just to see you,” Nityänanda said. “I want to reside here so that I can see you more often. By your order, I will remain at Navadvépa.”

After conversing with mother Çacé, Nityänanda Prabhu began happily wandering throughout Navadvépa. Accompanied by His associates, Nityänanda Prabhu performed kértana in every house of Navadvépa. He became the personification of ecstatic chanting of the holy names of the Lord. He visited every house, performing saìkértana with His devotees.

The pious people of Navadvépa received unlimited happiness by seeing the supremely enchanting saìkértana dress of Nityänanda. He expertly decorated His head with fine cloths adorned with beautiful flowers. He wore many necklaces of jewels and pearls and decorated His ears with beautiful gold and pearl earrings. He wore bangles and bracelets on His arms. I am unable to describe how many lovely flower garlands decorated His body. He smeared His entire body with sandalwood paste.

He enjoyed His pastimes like Bäla-gopäla.

How wonderful was the stick Nityänanda held in His hand!

His ten fingers were decorated with ten golden rings. He dressed very wonderfully with fine cloths of different colors, including white, blue, and yellow. A stick and a flute adorned His waist. His enchanting beauty captivated the minds of everyone. He enhanced the beauty of His two lotus feet with silver ankle bells that made beautiful sweet sounds as He walked like an intoxicated elephant.

Wherever Lord Nityänanda glanced, kåñëa-prema appeared.

Nityänanda happily resided at Navadvépa, the birthplace of Lord Caitanya, which is nondifferent from Mathurä. I am unable to estimate how many types of people resided there. There were many holy devotees of the Lord residing at Navadvépa.

Seeing them freed a sinner from all sinful reactions. Many miscreants also lived in Navadvépa. Touching their shadows just once destroyed one’s piety. Even those miscreants became attached to the lotus feet of Lord Kåñëa by Nityänanda Prabhu’s causeless mercy. Lord Caitanya delivered many fallen souls, and through Nityänanda, He liberated the three worlds. Lord Nityänanda saved everyone, including thieves, plunderers, and all other wretched and fallen souls.

150 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda Delivers the Thieves at the House of Hiraëya Paëòita

O brothers, listen to Nityänanda Prabhu’s salvation of thieves and plunderers. A young brähmaëa, a dreaded thief and plunderer, resided at Navadvépa. No one was equal to or greater than him in terms of plundering. Indeed, he was the commander-in-chief of all the thieves and plunderers in that locality. He was a brähmaëa in name only. Actually, he was a most evil-minded person. He had not a tinge of mercy in his body. He did not hesitate to kill others, and he associated with similarly minded men.

When this rogue saw the beautiful ornaments and valuable necklaces worn by Nityänanda Svarüpa, he decided to steal them. In the guise of a friend, he wandered with Nityänanda Prabhu, just so that he could take His ornaments.

Nityänanda Prabhu understood that the so-called brähmaëa was actually a mischievous and cunning dacoit. There was a pious brähmaëa named Hiraëya Paëòita who lived in Navadvépa.

He was a most humble devotee of the Lord. Çré Nityänanda Prabhu stayed at the house of this fortunate soul because his house was in a secluded place. It was during this period that the evilminded brähmaëa made plans, along with his friends.

“Brothers, why should we continue to suffer?” He addressed his friends. “Goddess Caëòé has blessed us with a treasure. All the jewellery this mendicant wears is made of gold, pearls, diamonds, and other precious gems. I cannot estimate how many millions of rupees these ornaments are worth. Goddess Caëòé has kindly given us a wonderful opportunity. He lives in the house of Hiraëya Paëòita, which is in a very lonely place. We can snatch all these ornaments within an hour. Prepare yourselves with swords and shields so that tonight, we will invade Hiraëya Paëòita’s house and plunder it.”

Having made this plan, all the thieves left for home. That night they gathered at the designated spot. They had swords, knives, and tridents, and they surrounded the house where Nityänanda Prabhu was staying. They had sent a spy ahead to observe the situation in the house. The spy saw Nityänanda Prabhu taking His meal, surrounded by devotees that were chanting the holy names of the Lord. These servants of Nityänanda Prabhu were intoxicated with kåñëa-prema. Some roared

151 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

like lions and others shouted wildly. Some wept in ecstasy while others clapped their hands, laughing loudly. Some made noises like hai, hai. They were all absorbed in the mellows of ecstatic love.

The spy returned and informed the others that Avadhüta was eating and the others were awake. The thieves decided: “Let Him eat and go to bed. Then we will invade the house. For now, we will simply wait and watch.”

The thieves sat beneath a tree, waiting for the right time to plunder Nityänanda’s wealth. One of the thieves said, “I’ll take the golden bangles.” Another said, “I’ll take the pearl necklace.”

Someone said, “The golden earrings are mine.” Yet another said, “I’ll take the golden necklace.” Another thief said, “I’ll take the silver ankle bells.”

In this way, the thieves were living in the abode of imagination. That night, by the will of Nityänanda Prabhu, Nidrä-devé, the deity of sleep, captured all the thieves. They fell asleep right where they patiently waited, being bewildered by the Lord’s illusory energy. The night passed, and yet they did not awaken.

At dawn, when the crows began to caw, the thieves finally woke up. When they found that it was morning, they became very sad. They hurriedly hid their weapons in the forest and went to bathe in the Ganges. Finally, they returned to their homes and began to accuse each other.

One of the thieves said to another, “It was you who first fell asleep.” Another one replied, “Oh, you are talking like you were awake all night, keeping track of who was asleep and who was awake.” Then another thief said, “Stop this fighting! Goddess Caëòé kindly saved us from disgrace.”

Finally, the sinful brähmaëa, the leader of the thieves, said, “There’s no use in fighting. By the mercy of Goddess Caëòé, whatever happened has happened. This does not mean that every day we will fail. I think Goddess Caëòé baffled us last night because we went to rob without first worshiping her. Therefore, let us go and worship Goddess Caëòé very nicely. We should offer her the best meat and wine.”

After discussing in this way, the thieves worshiped Goddess Caëòé with offerings of meat and wine. The next day, the

152 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda Delivers the Thieves at the House of Hiraëya Paëòita

thieves armed themselves again with various weapons. They wore dark-blue garments, like a band of warriors. In the dead of night, when all were sleeping, the thieves surrounded the Lord’s house. Then, from a distance, the thieves saw that many huge guards surrounded the Lord’s house. They were armed with fierce weapons and were loudly chanting the holy names of Lord Hari. They were very strongly built and decorated with garlands and sandalwood paste.

The thieves understood that only one guard could kill hundreds of thieves like them without strain. Lord Nityänanda slept peacefully within the house while these guards chanted the holy name of Kåñëa on all sides. The thieves were astonished. They gave up the idea of invading the house and retreated a short distance to decide upon what should be done. One thief said, “Where did these guards come from?” Another said, “I guess that somehow or other Nityänanda Avadhüta came to know of our plans and so He hired these guards.”

“Brothers, I have often heard people say that this Avadhüta is a very learned scholar,” another thief said. “This Avadhüta Mahäçaya is certainly a wise fellow. Just see how he has protected himself. The guards that we saw do not appear to be ordinary human beings. Because of His extraordinary powers, people address Him as Gosäi, or Lord.”

“Oh, keep quiet!” another thief retorted. “How can He be a Gosäi when He eats such opulent food and wears such extravagant clothes?”

Then the sinful brähmaëa commander-in-chief of the thieves then began to speak: “I know the reason for these guards’ presence. Many people come from distant places to see this avadhüta. I would guess that a very wealthy person has come here and these are his guards. The guards are very emotional and constantly chant the holy names of Lord Hari. Even though He has these guards today, how long can He go on avoiding us?

Let us go home today. We will patiently wait for ten days to pass.”

The thieves returned home while Avadhüta Nityänanda peacefully enjoyed His sleep. After some time, the sinful thieves planned another raid to steal Nityänanda Prabhu’s ornaments.

153 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

However, the night they chose to break into the Lord’s house was, by providence, the darkest night imaginable. It was so dark that people were unable to move about.

At the dead of this black night, the thieves armed themselves with weapons and assembled. When they approached the Lord’s house, they were suddenly blinded and could not see anything. This sudden blindness so shocked the thieves that their minds, intelligence, and life airs almost ceased to function.

One fell in a ditch and was immediately covered by mosquitoes, leeches, and gadflies. Another fell into the pit where people wash their hands after eating and scorpions and bugs bit him.

Another thief fell onto a heap of thorns. He suffered miserably from the pricking of thorns and could not move. Another one fell in a ditch and broke his hands and legs. Some of the thieves got a very high fever.

As the thieves were in this state of confusion, Indra, the king of heaven, happily sent forth showers of rain, creating a great storm. First, the thieves were tortured by the bites of leeches and bugs, and now they suffered from a hailstorm.

They wished for death to come, but life would not leave them and so they floated on an ocean of miseries. The force of the heavy gale and pounding hail and the loud peals of thunder rendered them almost unconscious. The downpour completely drenched the thieves and due to the cold, they shivered uncontrollably.

Because the thieves had come to steal from Nityänanda Prabhu, Indra, the king of heaven, angrily tortured them. At last, the sinful brähmaëa leader of the thieves had a change of heart. He thought to himself, “Nityänanda is not an ordinary human being. He must be God. What the people say is true. The first day, He bewildered us by making us fell into deep sleep. By the influence of His illusory energy, we could not understand a thing. Then, the next day, He displayed His prowess by manifesting many wonderful guards. Yet, still I could not comprehend His greatness. The agony we are now suffering is proper for a sinner like me. I dared to steal from the Lord! Who can save me now? There is no alternative for me. I must surrender to this Avadhüta Nityänanda.”

154 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda Delivers the Thieves at the House of Hiraëya Paëòita

Thinking like this, the brähmaëa took shelter of the lotus feet of Nityänanda Prabhu with undivided attention. Remembering the lotus feet of the Lord frees one from all danger.

Taking shelter of the Lord’s lotus feet instantly relieves even a most grave offender. When the thieves began to think like this, they regained their eyesight. By the remembrance of Nityänanda Svarüpa, the thieves were relieved from the torments of the storm. They soon found their way so that they could return home after having been on the verge of death.

Thereafter, the thieves went to bathe in the Ganges. However, the brähmaëa leader of the thieves simply ran weeping to the shelter of Nityänanda Prabhu’s lotus feet. Nityänanda, the Lord of the universe, was sitting in His room, glancing mercifully upon His devotees, who were chanting the holy names of Lord Hari. The Lord, the crest jewel of avadhütas, shouted in ecstasy.

When the leader of the thieves arrived, he raised his hands and cried out, “Please save me!” He then offered respectful obeisances. His hair stood on end, tears of love began flowing from his eyes and his entire body began to tremble. The brähmaëa cried out loud and then became submerged in an ocean of transcendental ecstasy.

Seeing the power of Nityänanda Svarüpa, he was amazed and danced jubilantly. He raised his hands and repeatedly said, “My dear Lord Nityänanda, You are the savior of the fallen!”

Everyone was astonished to see the behavior of the brähmaëa and began speculating as to its cause. “He must be pretending while actually planning to rob us when the chance arises,” someone said. “Because Lord Nityänanda is the savior of the fallen souls, his heart must have changed by the Lord’s mercy,” another person said.

Seeing the wonderful change in the brähmaëa, Nityänanda Prabhu smilingly asked him, “O brähmaëa, please tell Me what you want? I am very surprised to see your wonderful qualities.

Please tell Me all about the glories of Kåñëa that you have witnessed or heard about. Speak freely. Do not worry.”

After hearing the Lord’s words, the brähmaëa was unable to utter a reply. Rather, he began to cry. He rolled on the ground

155 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

all over the courtyard. He laughed, cried, and danced in his own mood. Finally, the brähmaëa calmed down and narrated the entire story to the Lord.

He said, “O Lord, I live in Navadvépa. I am a brähmaëa in name only. My behavior is worse than that of a hunter or dog-eater. O Lord, I always remain in the association of thieves whose only business is to plunder. I do nothing but commit violence to others. Everyone in Navadvépa trembles upon seeing me. There is no sin I have not committed. Seeing Your valuable ornaments, I wanted to steal them.

“One day, I picked up my weapons and came with other thieves to steal Your riches. That day, You bewildered me with sleep. However, by the influence of Your illusory energy, I was unable to recognize You. Another day, after worshiping Goddess Caëòé, I came to Your house, along with my men, armed with swords, knives, and tridents. However, to my surprise, I saw a wonderful thing. Many huge guards surrounded Your house.

Each appeared like a drunken elephant. They were adorned with flower garlands hanging down to their knees, and they constantly chanted the Holy names of Lord Hari as You peacefully slept inside.

“O Lord, I was so sinful that I still could not understand Your glories. That night, we returned home, thinking You had hired some guards for Your safety. After a gap of a few days, we came again yesterday, but as soon as we got near Your house, we lost our eyesight and fell down. We suffered terribly, being pricked by thorns, bitten by leeches and bugs, and pounded by a hailstorm. We were so tormented that we could hardly move.

“After being punished by Yamaräja in this way, we finally attained pure devotion for Your lotus feet. By Your causeless mercy, we can remember Your lotus feet without deviation. It is

by Your mercy alone that we regained our sight.

“O Lord, You are indeed the savior of the fallen. You have saved us from further misery. This is the glory of remembering You. “O Nityänanda, O Çré Bäla-gopäla, please protect me. You are the only maintainer of all living beings. They say that al-

156 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda Delivers the Thieves at the House of Hiraëya Paëòita

though a person falls heavily on the ground, mother Earth again becomes kind to him. Similarly, even if one commits offenses at Your lotus feet, he is ultimately saved from further misery by Your remembrance.

“O Lord, You forgive all kinds of offenses and display mercy on the fallen souls. I am the most sinful person because I kill brähmaëas and cows. You will not find anyone more offensive than me. Still, even the most sinful person, if he takes shelter of Your lotus feet, then You will liberate him without a doubt.

You protect the lives of all living beings from their very birth.

You are the ultimate deliverer of everyone. Anyone who remembers You will be freed from ignorance and easily go back to Godhead.”

In this way, the brähmaëa prayed to Nityänanda Prabhu while crying aloud. Such are the pastimes of the Avadhüta.

Hearing the brähmaëa’s prayers, everyone was struck with wonder. They all offered him respects.

“O Lord, I now take Your leave forever,” the brähmaëa addressed the Lord. “I do not want to maintain this sinful body anymore. Because I was envious of You, I should end my life by jumping into the Ganges as atonement.”

Upon hearing the brähmaëa’s truthful words, the Lord and all the devotees became very pleased. “O brähmaëa, you are indeed fortunate,” the Lord said. “You are a staunch devotee of Lord Kåñëa, birth after birth. Otherwise, why did He bestow mercy upon you like this? Who could experience such a wonderful influence except a devotee? Lord Çré Caitanya has incarnated to deliver all the fallen souls. There is no doubt about this.

“Listen, O brähmaëa, I will accept all your sinful reactions, but you must not sin again. From now on, do not steal or commit violence toward anyone. Lead a pious life by always chanting the holy names of Lord Hari. You will then be able to deliver others. Assemble all the plunderers and preach to them that they should lead a pious life.”

Lord Nityänanda took off His garland and happily placed it around the brähmaëa’s neck. Everyone loudly chanted, “Jaya!

Jaya!” The brähmaëa clutched Nityänanda Prabhu’s feet and with a faltering voice, began to pray: “O my dear Lord Nityänanda, sav-

157 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

ior of the fallen, please give this sinner shelter at Your lotus feet. I dared to envy You. I am so sinful. Now, what is my destiny?”

The ocean of mercy, Lord Nityänanda, placed His lotus feet on the head of the brähmaëa. Having Nityänanda’s merciful lotus feet on his head nullified all his offenses. Later on, this brähmaëa convinced many other thieves to take shelter of Çré Caitanya’s lotus feet. They gave up the sins of stealing and committing violence, and they began to behave like saintly persons.

They chanted the holy names of Lord Hari millions of times.

They became expert in performing viñëu-bhakti and were maddened with prema, always singing the glories of Lord Kåñëa.

Such was the causeless mercy of Lord Nityänanda.

In other incarnations, the Lord did not give such prema, but Lord Nityänanda convinced everyone to take up Kåñëa consciousness so that they could attain the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya. The brähmaëa, who had previously wanted to rob Nityänanda Svarüpa, now preached to his plunderer friends that they should accept Nityänanda as their deliverer. The symptoms of prema, such as the shedding of tears, shivering and the standing of the hair on end, which are eagerly desired by great mystic yogés were easily achieved by these plunderers. This is an exhibition of the wonderful prowess of Nityänanda Svarüpa.

O brothers, please worship the lotus feet of Nityänanda.

Only by His mercy can one attain the lotus feet of Gauräìga.

Anyone who hears about the mercy of Lord Nityänanda will no doubt achieve the association of Gauracandra. One who attentively hears about the deliverance of these thieves will certainly meet Nityänanda and Çré Caitanya. One who happily sings the glories of Nityänanda Svarüpa will float on the ocean of transcendental bliss.

Accepting Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

158

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER EIGHT A Brähmaëa’s Doubt About the Character of Lord Nityänanda and Its Removal by Lord Caitanya

ll glories to Çré Gauracandra! All glories to Nityänanda Prabhu! All glories to all the devotees of the Lord!

Lord Nityänanda happily enjoyed pastimes of näma-saìkértana with His servants. As He previously enjoyed His pastimes in Våndävana, the Lord enacted His pastimes in Navadvépa, making everyone greatly attached to the lotus feet of Çré Kåñëa Caitanya. Nityänanda Prabhu, the abode of transcendental effulgence, wandered throughout Navadvépa with His enthusiastic associates. He decorated Himself with beautiful ornaments and flower garlands. Betel nuts and camphor reddened His lips.

Seeing the extraordinary pastimes of Lord Nityänanda, many people became happy while others did not know what to make of Him. There was a brähmaëa who had been a classmate of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu that resided in Navadvépa. Seeing the mysterious behavior of Nityänanda, this brähmaëa maintained

A

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

159

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

a doubt. He had firm faith in and devotion for the lotus feet of Caitanyacandra, but he failed to understand the influence of Nityänanda Svarüpa.

Once, this brähmaëa went to Néläcala for some days. He regularly visited Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu, for he had firm faith in His lotus feet. One day, the brähmaëa said in private, “O Lord, I would like to ask You something, if You will allow me. If You really think of me as Your servant, then please answer my question. I do not understand what Nityänanda Avadhüta is doing in Navadvépa.

“Everyone says that He is a sannyäsé, but He chews betel nuts with camphor. A sannyäsé is not supposed to touch gold and other such opulences, but Nityänanda decorates His entire body with gold, silver, and pearls. Abandoning the kaupéna and saffron robes, He dresses in gorgeous clothing. He also puts sandalwood paste on His body. Why does He carry an iron rod instead of a sannyäsa-daëòa? He always mingles with çüdras. I do not find His behavior in accordance with the scriptures, and so I have a doubt in my heart about His character. Everyone addresses Him as an exalted personality, but He does not follow the rules and regulations of His äçrama.

“O Lord, if You think of me as Your servant, then please explain to me the truth.”

Because the pious brähmaëa inquired from the Lord at an auspicious moment, Çré Gaurasundara explained everything to him. çuna bipra mahä adhikäré ye ba haya tabe täëra doya guëa kichu nä janmaya “Listen, my dear brähmaëa. Faults or defects do not affect an exalted person. Çrémad-Bhägavatam 11.20.36 states: na mayy ekänta-bhaktänäà guëa-doñodbhavä guëäù sädhünäà sama-cittänäà buddheù param upeyuñäm

160 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

A Brähmaëa’s Doubt about the Character of Lord Nityänanda and Its Removal by Lord Caitanya

Material piety and sin, which arise from the good and evil of this world, cannot exist within My unalloyed devotees, who, being free from material hankering, maintain steady spiritual consciousness in all circumstances. Indeed, such devotees have achieved Me, the Supreme Lord, who am beyond anything that can be conceived by material intelligence. padma patre yena kabhu nähi loge jala ei mata nityänanda svärüpa nirmala paramärtha kåñëacandra tähäna çarére niçcaya jäniha bipra sarvadä bihare adhikäré bai kare tähäna ämära duùkha päya sei jana päpa janma täya rudra bine anye yadi kare biñagäna sarvathäya mare sarva puräëa pramäëa “Just as water does not touch a lotus leaf, no faults touch Nityänanda Svarüpa. O brähmaëa, know that Kåñëacandra eternally resides in Nityänanda’s body.

Those disregarding an exalted person will suffer miseries and reap sinful reactions. The Puräëas say that if anyone other than Lord Çiva drinks poison, he will surely die. Çrémad-Bhägavatam (10.33.29-30) also says: çré-çuka uväca dharma-vyatikramo dåñöa éçvaräëäà ca sähasam tejéyasäà na doñäya vahneù sarva-bhujo yathä “Çukadeva Gosvämé said: The status of powerful controllers is not harmed by any apparently audacious transgression of morality we may see in them, for they are just like fire, which devours everything fed into it and remains unpolluted.

161 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

¡naitat samäcarej jätu manasäpi hy anéçvaraù vinaçyaty äcaran mauòhyäd yathärudro ’bdhi-jaà viñam “One who is not a great controller should never imitate the behavior of ruling personalities, even mentally. If out of foolishness an ordinary person does imitate such behavior, he will simply destroy himself, just as a person who is not Rudra would destroy himself if he tried to drink an ocean of poison. eteke ye nä janiyä ninda täna karma nija dose sei duùkha päya janma janma garhito karaye yadi mahä adhikäré nindäya ki däya tänre häsilei mari bhagavata haite se e sava tattva jäni täho yadi vaiñëava-gurura murkhe çuni “Those criticizing an exalted person without knowing his glories suffer miseries life after life from this fault. Even if an exalted person does something improper, what to speak of criticizing him, if one even laughs at him, he is doomed. “Çrémad-Bhägavatam describes all these truths. One can also hear this from the mouth of a bona fide spiritual master.

Listen attentively to the results of laughing at the behavior of an exalted person that are described in Çrémad-Bhägavatam: “Once, Kåñëa and Balaräma went to the äçrama of Sändépani Muni to study. After completing Their studies, They wanted to go home. They asked Their teacher, ‘What dakñiëä should We give?’ After consulting his wife, the teacher asked Kåñëa and Balaräma to bring back his dead son. Kåñëa and Balaräma started at once for the abode of Yamaräja. After destroying all the child’s karma, They brought the boy back to Their teacher from the abode of Yamaräja. When Devaké heard of this most wonderful incident, she too asked Kåñëa to bring back her dead sons.

162 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

A Brähmaëa’s Doubt about the Character of Lord Nityänanda and Its Removal by Lord Caitanya

“One day, Devaké addressed both Kåñëa and Balaräma pathetically, ‘Listen, Kåñëa and Balaräma, You are the Lords of all mystic perfections. You are both the eternal Personalities of Godhead. Both of You are the fathers of the entire universe. I know that both of You are the cause of all the causes. Creation, maintenance, and annihilation are carried out by the portion of Your plenary portion. Yet, to diminish the burden of the earth, You have descended as my sons. You brought back the dead son of Your teacher from the abode of Yamaräja as dakñiëä. I, too, have a great desire to see my six sons who were killed by Kaàsa.

Though the son of Your teacher died long ago, You brought him back by Your extraordinary potency. So both of You please fulfill my desire by bringing back my six sons.’

“After hearing mother Devaké’s request, Kåñëa and Balaräma left at once for the abode of Bali Mahäräja. When Bali Mahäräja saw his own worshipable Lords, he was merged in the ocean of transcendental bliss. He promptly surrendered everything, including his house, children, body, wealth, and friends at the lotus feet of Kåñëa. In ecstasy, his hair stood on end, tears of love flowed from his eyes, and he shivered in bliss. He caught hold of Kåñëa’s lotus feet and began to offer prayers: ‘All glories to Kåñëacandra, the ornament of Gokula! All glories to Saìkarñaëa, who is nondifferent from Ananta! All glories to Haladhara, the leader of the cowherd boys! All glories to the merciful devotees of Kåñëa who fulfill all one’s desires! “‘Although the demigods and sages are situated in pure goodness, still Your darçana is rare for them. O Lord, You are so merciful that You manifest Yourself even before the demons, who are generally in ignorance. You do not discriminate between friends and enemies. The Vedas confirm it, and I can directly see it. Pütanä came to kill You by smearing her breast with poison, still You sent her to Vaikuëöha. Neither the Vedas, nor the scriptures, nor the great mystic yogés can understand Your heart.

If the great mystic yogés are unable to know Your glories, then how can I, a sinful demon, know You? O Lord of the universe, please be merciful to me so that I may not fall down in the dark well of family life. I wish to hold Your lotus feet within my heart

163 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

and live peacefully beneath a tree. O Lord, please make me a servant of Your servant. I have no other desire.’ “‘Holding the lotus feet of Kåñëa and Balaräma within his heart, Bali Mahäräja offered prayers. He and his family members drank and touched their heads with the water that washed the lotus feet of the Lord and felt immensely fortunate. Such water purifies the abodes of Lord Brahmä and Lord Çiva, just as the Ganges purifies the entire three worlds. He also offered worship with sandalwood paste, flowers, ghee lamp, incense, cloth, and ornaments. Finally, he offered his respectful obeisances and continued: ‘O Lord, please instruct me if You really think me to be your servant. Anyone who follows Your instructions reaches beyond the jurisdiction of rules and regulations.’ “‘Lord Kåñëa, exceedingly pleased with Bali, began to explain the reason for His visit. ‘Listen, Bali Mahäräja,’ the Lord addressed him. “The sinful Kaàsa killed My mother’s six sons.

Thus he also finally died. Remembering her sons, mother Devaké continually cries in lamentation. Those six sons are with you, and I want to take them back for the pleasure of My mother. Those six sons are actually perfected demigods, grandsons of Lord Brahmä. Let Me explain to you why they had to undergo such tribulations. These six sons were previously the sons of Prajäpati Maréci, a son of Brahmä. Once, Lord Brahmä was bewildered by lusty desires and shamelessly chased his own daughter.

Seeing the behavior of Brahmä, the six sons of Maréci laughed at him. Because of this fault, they at once fell from their positions. Since they ridiculed the activities of an exalted person, they were forced to take birth among demons. Leaving their demigod bodies, they took birth in the family of Hiraëyakaçipu, who terrorized the entire universe. They suffered various miseries and were ultimately killed by the thunderbolt of Indra. By the arrangement of Yogamäyä, these six sons of Maréci took birth from the womb of Devaké. Simply by laughing at Brahmä’s misbehavior, they incurred so many sinful reactions. They thus had to undergo these punishments. From their birth, they suffered unlimited distress. Though they were nephews of Kaàsa, he killed them all. Devaké is unaware of these mysteries. She simply cries, considering them as her own sons. I wish to return

164 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

A Brähmaëa’s Doubt about the Character of Lord Nityänanda and Its Removal by Lord Caitanya

those six sons to my mother. That is why I have come here to you. Drinking milk from Devaké’s breast will release these six from Brahmä’s curse. “‘Lord Kåñëa continued, “O Bali, consider the consequences of ridiculing a Vaiñëava. If perfect personalities like these received so much misery, what will be the fate of ordinary men? A sinner who criticizes a Vaiñëava suffers misery birth after birth.

Take this lesson to your heart. Never blaspheme or laugh at a Vaiñëava. If one worships Me and chants My holy names, but blasphemes devotees, he will be vanquished. Those who show love and respect to My devotees will surely obtain My favor.

There is no doubt about this.

‘The Varäha Puräëa states: siddhir bhavati va neti saàçayohucyata sevinäm niùsaàçayastta tadbha-garicaryyaratätmanäna ‘One may doubt whether the servant of the Supreme Lord will attain perfection, but there is absolutely no doubt that those who are attached to serving His devotees will attain perfection.’

‘In Çré Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya it says: arcaittva tu govindam tadéyännäccayatmane na te viñëu prasädasya bhäjanaà dänbhikä janäù ‘If one does not worship My devotees but only worships Me then he is simply a proud person and not a recipient of My mercy.’

‘O Bali, I explained this confidential topic to you because you are My eternal and dear servant.’

“Bali Mahäräja was very pleased to hear the teachings of Lord Kåñëa. Obeying the Lord’s order, he at once brought the six sons and offered them to the Lord. Kåñëa and Balaräma took these six sons and returned them to mother Devaké. When Devaké saw her sons, out of affection she happily fed them breast

165 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

milk. Drinking the remnants of Lord Kåñëa as Devaké’s breast milk, they were filled with transcendental knowledge. They promptly offered obeisances to the Lord, falling flat on the ground. Everyone witnessed this.

“Lord Kåñëa, glancing mercifully on them, began to compassionately instruct them, ‘O demigods, now you may go home.

Never blaspheme an exalted person again. Lord Brahmä is the energy of the Supreme Lord. Even if he acts wrongly, one should not blaspheme him. You have suffered so much by ridiculing him. Now give up such a mentality. Go to Lord Brahmä and beg his pardon. You will then regain your happiness.’

“The six demigods offered obeisances to their mother and father, Devaké and Vasudeva. Then, after offering their obeisances to Kåñëa and Balaräma, they returned to their heavenly abode.”

Lord Caitanya continued, “O brähmaëa, I have explained the topics of Çrémad-Bhägavatam to you. Do not maintain the slightest doubt about Nityänanda Svarüpa. He is the most exalted personality. Unfortunate people are unable to understand Him. Accept His uncommon activities, and then you will surely be delivered. He incarnated simply to deliver the fallen souls, and so He will liberate all living beings. His dealings are above all Vedic rules and regulations. Who has the power to understand Him? Anyone who blasphemes Nityänanda without knowing His unfathomable qualities, even if that person has achieved viñëu-bhakti, is doomed.

“O brähmaëa, go to Navadvépa and explain this truth to everyone. If anyone blasphemes Nityänanda Prabhu in any way, no one will be able to protect that person from Yamaräja’s punishment. One who loves Him actually loves Me. I am telling you the truth. Even if Nityänanda marries a Muslim girl or enters a wine shop, He is still worshipable by Lord Brahmä. This is My verdict.”

The Lord’s words made the pious brähmaëa very happy.

He gained immense faith in the lotus feet of Nityänanda and returned to Navadvépa. Arriving at Navadvépa, the fortunate brähmaëa first went to Nityänanda Prabhu’s house. He begged Nityänanda forgiveness for his offenses, and Nityänanda fully

166 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

A Brähmaëa’s Doubt about the Character of Lord Nityänanda and Its Removal by Lord Caitanya

bestowed His mercy upon him. Such are the dealings of Nityänanda Svarüpa. They are unknown to the Vedas and incomprehensible to ordinary men.

From the spiritual point of view, Nityänanda Prabhu is the master of mystic yoga. He is also known as Ädideva Dharaëidhara, the original personality who holds the universes on His hoods. He has thousands of heads, and His body is eternal and pure. Without the mercy of Çré Caitanya, no one can know Him. Some said, “He is Balaräma,” while others said, “He is the dearmost associate of Çré Caitanya.” Other persons said, “He is the most effulgent plenary portion of the Personality of Godhead.”

Still others declared, “We do not understand. If one calls Nityänanda a living entity, a devotee, or a learned scholar, it does not matter. Nityänanda Prabhu may be anyone to Çré Caitanya, but still I keep His lotus feet within my heart. He is my Lord, and I am His servant, birth after birth. I pray to everyone to bless me to always remain this way.” Çré Gaurasundara is the Lord of my Lord. I always keep this faith within my heart. Will that day ever come when I will see Caitanya and Nityänanda, surrounded by Their devotees? All glories to Mahäprabhu Gauracandra! You kindly gave me the association of Nityänanda and then took Him away from me.

Still, O Gaurahari, favor me so that I will never forget You and Nityänanda Prabhu. Wherever You both appear, let me also appear as Your eternal servant.

Accepting Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

167 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER NINE Lord Nityänanda’s Departure for Néläcala and His Glorification by Lord Caitanya

ord Nityänanda resided at Navadvépa, completely merged in an ocean of prema-bhakti. He inspired everyone to chant the holy names of the Lord so that singing and dancing for Kåñëa’s pleasure were people’s only duties. Previously, He had sported with the cowherd boys in every house of Gokula. Now, Nityänanda Balaräma manifested the same Gokula pastimes by happily performing näma-saìkértana.

Once, supremely independent Nityänanda Prabhu desired to see Lord Caitanya and so, after taking permission from mother Çacé, He departed for Néläcala. He traveled with His devotees through the countryside, always overwhelmed with prema, while singing the glories of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu. The devotees danced, shouted, and cried with joy as Nityänanda Prabhu made His way to Néläcala in ecstasy.

L

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

169

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

After a few days, Nityänanda Prabhu reached Néläcala. Arriving at Kamalapura23 and seeing the top of the Jagannätha temple, He fell senseless to the ground. Tears of love incessantly streamed from His eyes as He called out, “Çré Kåñëa Caitanya.”

After entering Néläcala, Nityänanda Prabhu remained within a flower garden. Who except Çré Caitanya can understand the mind of Nityänanda?

Aware that Nityänanda had arrived, Çré Gauracandra left all the devotees behind and went to greet Him. He soon reached the spot where Nityänanda sat in deep meditation. When Çré Caitanya saw Nityänanda absorbed in meditation, He became filled with ecstatic prema. He then recited His own verses in glorification of Nityänanda while circumambulating Him. O readers, please hear the glories of Nityänanda spoken by Çré Caitanya. Hearing them causes one’s attachment for Him to increase. gåhniyad yavané pänià viçed ba sausnukälayam tathäpi brahmaëä bandyaà nityänanda padäsvujam “Even if Lord Nityänanda marries a meat-eater girl or enters a wine shop, He is still worshipable by Lord Brahmä.”

Gaurahari repeatedly recited this verse with great devotion while circumambulating Nityänanda Prabhu. Realizing that the Lord had come, Nityänanda Svarüpa instantly arose with awe and reverence, uttering, “Hari! Hari!”

No one would be able to describe the happiness felt by Nityänanda upon seeing Gauracandra. He roared like a lion and 23 Kamalapura is a village on the bank of the River Daëòabhaìga in Orissa. This village comes after Mätali and Patpura railway stations. After taking sannyäsa, when Lord Caitanya traveled to Néläcala, He came to this village after visiting Bhuvaneçvara. The Lord became fully absorbed in ecstasy after seeing the dome of the Jagannätha temple from Kamalapura.

170 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda’s Departure for Néläcala and His Glorification by Lord Caitanya

fell forcefully onto the ground in ecstatic love. The two Lords circled one another and offered obeisances to each other. Then, both Lords embraced with love and cried. Sometimes They rolled on the ground with joy and roared in such a way that it defeated the sound of ferocious lions. The love and affection They exchanged was like that between Çré Rämacandra and Lakñmaëa. They glorified each other, reciting favorite verses and offered obeisances to one another with folded hands. The shedding of tears, shivering, laughing, becoming unconscious, the standing of the hairs of the body on end, paleness and many other symptoms of kåñëa-prema were clearly visible in both of Their bodies. Only the Lords’ most intimate associates saw the wonderful love and devotion displayed by Them.

Lord Gaurahari folded His hands and offered prayers to Nityänanda: “O Nityänanda, You are actually nityänanda, eternal bliss. You are the support of the Vaiñëavas, and You are Lord Ananta. All the ornaments decorating Your body are incarnations of prema-bhakti. You have happily decorated Yourself with the ornaments of nine types of bhakti.

“Your causeless mercy will certainly liberate all kinds of wretched sinners. Even demigods, great sages, and mystic yogés desire the devotion You awarded to the merchants of Saptagräma. Lord Kåñëa, who is glorified by the Vedas, is Your property, and so You can sell Him to anyone.

“Who has the power to understand Your glories? You are ecstatic kåñëa-prema personified. When You perform nämasaìkértana, You lose Yourself in ecstasy. You glorify Kåñëa’s transcendental qualities throughout the entire day and night.

Kåñëacandra always resides within Your heart. In fact, Your body is the abode of Kåñëa’s pastimes. If anyone offers love and respect to You, Kåñëa never ever rejects him.”

After hearing this eulogy of Lord Caitanya, Nityänanda Prabhu folded His hands and spoke very humbly, “Although You are My Lord, somehow You are praising Me. This shows Your affection for Your devotees. You can circumambulate Me, offer obeisances to Me, kill Me, or save Me. You can do anything You wish. What more can I say, O Lord?

171 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

“What do You not see with Your divine vision? You are the supreme controller of everyone’s mind and life. Whatever You inspire Me to do, I will do. Before, You made Me accept the renounced order of life. Now You have turned Me into this. I left the life of an ascetic and now carry a flute, stick, horns, and bracelets. You gave the treasure of austerity and devotion to Your dear associates, headed by Çré Advaita Äcärya, but just see what You have done to Me. You have made Me leave the life of an ascetic so that ordinary people now laugh at Me. I am Your puppet. Make Me dance for Your pleasure. Are You are punishing Me or rewarding Me? Only You know. By Your causeless mercy, You can even make a tree chant Your holy names.”

Lord Caitanya replied, “The ornaments You wear represent the nine kinds of devotional service and nothing else. Hearing, chanting, remembering, offering obeisances, and so on are eternally Your decorations. Ordinary people cannot understand why Lord Çiva holds the king of snakes on his head. From the spiritual point of view, Lord Ananta is the life and soul of Lord Çiva. Mahädeva holds his worshipable Lord in the guise of holding a snake. Without knowing the depth of his character, if anyone blasphemes him, his spiritual progress is checked. I do not find anything but bhakti-rasa in You. I am telling You this from My heart.

“You are fully absorbed in the happiness of Våndävana as one of Nanda Mahäräja’s family members. You have decorated Yourself with various ornaments as an expression of Your happiness. A fortunate person, one who feels pleasure by seeing Your mysterious qualities, will surely meet Kåñëa.

“A stick, flute, garland of guïjä and flowers, and sandalwood paste naturally decorate Your transcendental body. Your associates appear to Me as being none other than Çrédäma, Sudäma, and others. I consider that all the cowherd boys of Våndävana that formerly played with You are now Your associates. They all have the same mood, complexion, and potency of Nanda Mahäräja’s relatives. Anyone who loves You and Your devotees certainly loves Me.” Who can describe the two Lords’ glorification of one another? While praising each other, They were filled with transcen-

172 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda’s Departure for Néläcala and His Glorification by Lord Caitanya

dental ecstasy. After Caitanya and Nityänanda regained Their composure, They sat down together in a secluded flower garden.

The talks between the Controller and the Supreme Controller in that garden are known only to the Vedas.

Whenever Lord Nityänanda and Lord Caitanya met each other like this, They would do so without any associates. By the supreme will of Çré Caitanya, not a single person heard the blissful talks that the two Lords enjoyed. Knowing the Lord’s mind, Nityänanda Svarüpa purposely met Him alone.

Nityänanda Prabhu always tried to conceal Himself, because the Lord did not wish for Him to manifest Himself to everyone.

The heart of the Supreme Lord is most soft and mysterious.

This is the opinion of the Vedas, as well as authorities like Lord Brahmä. No one knows Him in truth and yet, as far as they are able, they attempt to glorify Him. This is the verdict of Goddess Lakñmé: The Lord’s wonderful qualities are such that everyone thinks that He loves them the most.

Nityananda Prabhu often spoke very confidentially to Çré Caitanya. He once said, “I would like to live the life of an ascetic and worship Kåñëa wholeheartedly. I do not know why He had me give up that life to carry a stick, flute, books, peacock feathers, guïjä-mälä, and ropes. It is understood that of all the devotees of the Lord, the cowherd boys and girls are the best.

The devotional service performed by the cowherd boys and girls of Våndävana is the result of their severe austerities. Exalted personalities, such as Lord Brahmä and Lord Çiva, also desire to attain this mood. Only a recipient of the Lord’s mercy is qualified to receive vraja-bhakti.

That Çré Uddhava desires this devotional mood of Vraja is found in Çrémad-Bhägavatam 10.47.63. vande nanda-vraja-stréëäà päda-reëum abhékñëaçaù yäsäà hari-kathodgétaà punäti bhuvana-trayam “I repeatedly offer my respects to the dust from the feet of the women of Nanda Mahäräja’s cowherd village. When these gopés loudly chant the glories of Çré Kåñëa, the vibration purifies the three worlds.”

173 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

Whatever the Vaiñëavas offer to Çré Gauracandra, He gladly accepts. By the mercy of Kåñëa, all the devotees remain merged in the ocean of transcendental bliss. However, the devotees sometimes engage in mock fighting. Seeing this mock fighting, if a person takes the side of one devotee and criticizes another, then he should be considered most unfortunate. All the devotees of the Lord are nondifferent from the Lord, just as the hands, fingers, and legs are inseparable parts of the body. Still, it is the conviction of all Vaiñëavas that Çré Kåñëa Caitanya is the worshipable Lord of everyone in all respects. They always glorify the Lord as the supreme controller, sole maintainer, supreme witness, and unfathomable truth.

One can achieve the wealth of bhakti by the mercy of those in whom the Supreme Lord mercifully manifests Himself. Even if the Lord invests all His energies and the quality of omniscience in a devotee, He still punishes him when he commits offenses.

It is the special feature of Lord Caitanya that He never failed to glorify Nityänanda and Advaita. Even if these two personalities performed uncommon activities, Gauracandra still did not say anything to criticize Them.

After spending some blissful moments with Avadhüta Nityänanda, Lord Gauräìga bade farewell and returned to His residence. Nityänanda Svarüpa then happily went to see Lord Jagannätha. Anyone who hears this description of the meeting between Caitanya and Nityänanda will be relieved from material bondage.

Accepting Lord Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

174

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER TEN Lord Nityänanda’s Pastimes of Accepting Lunch at the House of Gadädhara Paëòita

hen Lord Nityänanda saw Lord Jagannätha, He became overwhelmed with ecstasy and began to roll on the floor. Indeed, He repeatedly fell to the floor with great force, and even a hundred people could not control Him. Seeing Lord Jagannätha, Lord Balaräma, Subhadrä, and the Sudarçana cakra, Nityänanda began to weep.

Knowing the glories of Nityänanda, the brähmaëa priest offered Him the flower garlands from Jagannätha, Baladeva, and Subhadrä. When the servants of Lord Jagannätha saw Nityänanda Prabhu, they became extremely joyful. Those who did not know Him asked others who He was. These people replied that He was the brother of Kåñëa Caitanya.

Nityänanda Svarüpa embraced everyone, drenching them with His tears. After seeing Lord Jagannätha, Nityänanda very happily went to see Gadädhara Paëòita. Only the Supreme Lord possesses the love and affection that Nityänanda and

W

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

175

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

Gadädhara exchanged. The most enchanting Deity of Lord Gopénätha resided at the house of Gadädhara Paëòita. He appeared to be directly the son of Nanda Mahäräja. Lord Caitanya had personally embraced this Deity. Seeing this Deity bewilders even a staunch atheist.

When Nityänanda Prabhu saw the beautiful flute and attractive face of Gopénätha, tears of love incessantly streamed from His eyes. Knowing that Nityänanda had arrived, Gadädhara left his recitation of Çrémad-Bhägavatam and in great haste came to greet Him. As soon as they saw each other, they embraced and began to cry. They offered their obeisances to one another and began to glorify one another.

One of them said, “Today my eyes are purified.” The other said, “Today my life is successful.” Both of them rapturously floated in the ocean of prema. The love and devotion manifested from their meeting was so intense that all the servants began to weep. The love and affection between Nityänanda and Gadädhara is so wonderful that neither spoke to the other’s enemies. Gadädhara’s vow was that he would never see the face of a person who blasphemes Nityänanda. Gadädhara Paëòita Gosäi does not even manifest himself to those who have no love for Nityänanda Gosäi.

When they became peaceful, Gadädhara Paëòita and Nityänanda Prabhu sat down to discuss the auspicious glories of Çré Caitanya. Thereafter, Gadädhara invited Nityänanda Prabhu to accept lunch at his home. Nityänanda Prabhu had brought forty kilos of very fine white rice from Bengal for Gadädhara to offer to Lord Gopénätha. He also brought a beautifully colored piece of cloth for the Lord, which He placed before Gadädhara.

Nityänanda said, “My dear Gadädhara, please take this rice and cook for Gopénätha. After offering it to the Lord, You may honor the remnants.”

Seeing the fine rice, Gadädhara smilingly said, “I’ve never seen such rice before. Did You bring this rice from Vaikuëöha for Gopénätha? Mother Lakñmé cooks this rice, and Kåñëa enjoys it. The devotees then honor the remnants.”

After happily praising the rice, Gadädhara took the piece of cloth and went before Lord Gopénätha. He dressed Gopé-

176 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda’s Pastimes of Accepting Lunch at the House of Gadädhara Paëòita

nätha in the divinely colored cloth and upon seeing His beauty, Gadädhara floated in the ocean of bliss. He then began to arrange for cooking by first picking spinach from the garden of the Öoöä-gopénätha temple. Nobody plants this spinach. It grows by itself.

Gadädhara collected some spinach to cook for Gopénätha.

He then picked the tender leaves of a tamarind tree and, after making a paste with them, he mixed it with the boiled spinach and added salt. The most fortunate Gadädhara thus cooked a sour preparation and then brought it before Gopénätha to offer.

Just at that moment, Gauracandra arrived. Smiling while chanting the mahä-mantra, Lord Gauracandra called out, “Gadädhara! Gadädhara!” Gadädhara immediately appeared and offered his obeisances to the Lord with awe and reverence.

The Lord smilingly said, “What is this, Gadädhara? Am I not fit to be invited? Actually, I am not separate from both of you. Even if you do not offer Me prasäda, I will eat it by force.

The ingredients supplied by Nityänanda, the remnants of Gopénätha, and your cooking—I certainly deserve a share of it.”

While listening to these words of the Lord, both Nityänanda and Gadädhara floated in the ocean of happiness. With immense satisfaction, Gadädhara brought the prasäda of Gopénätha and placed it before Gauracandra. The fragrance of the rice filled the entire compound of the Öoöä-gopénätha Temple, and the Lord repeatedly praised it.

“Divide the prasäda into three parts,” the Lord said. “Today we will sit together and eat.”

Attracted by Nityänanda’s rice, Mahäprabhu sat down to take His meal. Both Mahäprabhu and Nityänanda Prabhu sat down to eat, facing each other. They happily glorified the rice and the vegetables. The Lord said, “Just the fragrance of this rice guarantees one’s attainment of devotion for Kåñëa. There is no doubt about this.

“O Gadädhara, what wonderful cooking! I have never eaten such a spinach preparation before. O Gadädhara, what an attractive way you have of cooking. How did you make such a preparation with tender tamarind leaves? I think you must cook for the Lord in Vaikuëöha. Why are you hiding yourself?”

177 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

While smiling and joking in this way, the three personalities happily enjoyed their meal. Only these three know the loving sentiments of each other. Gauracandra never discloses them to anyone else. After the Lords completed their meal and departed, all the devotees eagerly accepted the remnants. Anyone favored by the merciful glance of Gadädhara can actually know the science of Nityänanda Svarüpa. In the same way, anyone inspired by Nityänanda Svarüpa can understand the glories of Gadädhara.

Nityananda Prabhu happily enjoyed the association of Gauracandra. Çré Kåñëa Caitanya, Nityänanda, and Gadädhara always resided together. They saw Lord Jagannätha together and became overwhelmed when they performed näma-saìkértana.

Anyone who reads or hears about these pastimes of the Lord’s taking prasäda will certainly achieve Kåñëa and His devotional service.

Accepting Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

178

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER ELEVEN Lord Caitanya Instructs Nityänanda Prabhu to Marry

ne day, at Néläcala, Gauracandra Mahäprabhu discussed something alone with Nityänanda.

O

tumi yao gauòadeçe karaha saàsära tabe e sava lokera haibe nistära punaha äsiba ämi tomära mandire tomära gåhe habe ämära avatäre bhakti bilaiya punaù äriba saàsära gupu avatära çastre naheta pracära acintya ämära çakti keha nähi jäne sei se jänaye tumi jänäha ñahäne purva yadu bistära nä karilä dväpare ebe tomära baça-båddhi haibe saàsäre “Dear Çrépäda, return to Bengal and get married, then all the people will be delivered. I will again manifest in Your

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

179

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

family and stay in Your home. I will distribute kåñëa-bhakti and deliver the entire world. These incarnations of Mine are secret and hidden in the scriptures. No one knows the extent of My inconceivable energies. Only You know them perfectly and others know them partially by Your mercy. In Dväpara-yuga, You did not expand Your family as a member of the Yadu dynasty, but this time Your family will increase in this world.”

Nityänanda Prabhu replied, “You are the original cause of everything. You are the operator, and I am the machine. You can do with Me as You please. No one can direct his intelligence independently. You are My personal protector, benefactor, and maintainer. Whatever I do is dependent upon Your will. You made Me a mendicant who traveled all over the country. Yet, You put a curtain over My eyes and remained hidden from Me. After a time, You gave Me darçana and satisfied Me by keeping Me with You. You made Me dance happily in Your ecstatic love. You awarded Me bhakti and made Me a Vaiñëava.

Again, You made Me a materialist by changing My duties. I am unable to understand what is happening to Me. Now You tell Me to enter family life, although You abandoned such an existence. You gave up all attachment to women and simply became attached to the chanting of Lord Kåñëa’s holy name.

You have given up all kinds of enjoyment and taken up the profession of a beggar.

“O Gosäi, why do You trouble Me like this? Actually, I have no one other than You. I am Your eternal servant, and so I am unable to deny Your order. I always follow Your order as My very life and soul.”

After saying this much, Nityänanda Prabhu fell silent. The Lord then caught hold of His hands and said, “O Nityänanda, You are the form of eternal bliss and the abode of My happiness and prosperity. You are My energy, and I am the energetic.

Without energy, the existence of the energetic is useless. You and I are not separate at any time. To fulfill Our mission, We have descended in this age of Kali. Just as a grain of däl has two parts, so You and I are not separate. We are one. My happiness lies in You alone. Sometimes, I experience transcendental happiness directly by Your presence and sometimes through

180 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Caitanya Instructs Nityänanda Prabhu to Marry

inspiration. Whatever I speak and do and wherever I travel is all due to Your desire. All My servants are Your servants.”

Nityänanda replied, “Your words are full of deceit because it is Your nature to speak in many different ways. Previously, You sent a message to the gopés through Uddhava, in which You taught them the importance of cultivating spiritual knowledge.

They had given up everything and still, they could not attain Your association. It is Your eternal habit to harass Your own people. You even disappointed Your mother, father, sons, and friends, so what can be said about us? We are Your menial servants. I am destined to follow Your orders without fail. Who can deny Your infallible commands?

“O Lord, please tell Me in truth—when will I see You again?

How will I tolerate the agony of Your separation?”

“You do not need to come here every year,” the Lord replied.

“Whenever You wish to see Me, You will see Me. Whenever You dance in kértana, or whenever My mother cooks for Me, I will come there without a doubt. I am going to spend My days and nights absorbed in the mood of Rädhäräëé. After relishing the mood of separation from Kåñëa, I will wind up these pastimes and return home.”

The Lord’s intimate devotees who realized these secret talks between Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu have disclosed them.

“This present incarnation of Mine is not known to the Vedas.

I am revealing My mind only to You. I am telling You the truth, that I will certainly appear in Your house in the near future.”

After hearing these words of Lord Caitanya, Nityänanda Prabhu fell to the ground. Taking advantage of this, Caitanya Mahäprabhu took the dust from His feet. Both the Lords embraced and continuously cried. They stayed awake the entire night. Early the next morning, both Lords finished Their morning duties and then went to see Lord Jagannätha in the temple. From that day onwards, the condition of Lord Caitanya became most pathetic. He constantly lamented, being afflicted with feelings of separation from Kåñëa. Nobody could understand this most confidential mood of the Lord. Only the Lord comprehended His own mentality. However, some intimate

181 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

devotees understood the Lord’s mood by various hints. Others knew nothing.

On the plea of going on pilgrimage, all the devotees bid farewell to the Lord, one by one. Nityänanda Prabhu also bade farewell to the Lord and started for Bengal with some devotees.

He traveled along the road, absorbed in ecstatic kåñëa-prema.

He appeared as if intoxicated from drinking honey. After some time, He arrived on the bank of the Ganges and entered Räghava Paëòita’s house in the village of Pänihäöi. Hearing about Nityänanda Prabhu’s arrival, everyone, including children and the elderly, happily rushed to see Him. People from Pänihäöi to Triveëé poured in nonstop to join in the kértana. Many people took prasäda there, and many people carried it to their houses.

Nobody could estimate how many people brought ingredients and how many people distributed prasäda.

During the day, they distributed prasäda and at night, they arranged huge näma-saìkértana parties. Even Lord Ananta was unable to count the visitors. Many devotee singers sang and danced while others fanned them with peacock feather fans.

Nityänanda Prabhu decorated His head with a turban made of colourful cloths. He wore beautiful earrings, and His brightly shining face defeated the beauty of the moon. He had bracelets on His hands and rings on His fingers. He wore a golden chain with a blue sapphire locket. His lotus feet were decorated with golden ankle bells whose tinkling sound banished one’s miseries. Tears of love flowed constantly from His lotus eyes. Honeybees poured their honey on His lotus feet. His head resembled that of a lion, and His shoulders those of an elephant. He had a huge body whose two arms reached to His knees. His large hands resembled those of a wrestler. His golden limbs exuded prema. He was attached to chanting the holy names of Çré Caitanyacandra.

Nityänanda Prabhu swung back and forth while chanting, “Kåñëa! Kåñëa!” just like an elephant in rut when struck by a goad. Sometimes He laughed while rolling his eyes and speaking very sweetly. At other times, He closed His eyes and remained silent. He sometimes cried loudly, saying, “O My dear Kåñëa!”

Sometimes, folding His hands, He chanted, “O My Lord!” and

182 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Caitanya Instructs Nityänanda Prabhu to Marry

sometimes He covered His face with His cloth while softly uttering, “O Lord of My life!” and then fell to the ground with great force. Sometimes He laughed loudly, calling, “O My dear brother! O My dear brother!” Sometimes He asked Lord Brahmä for wings to fly in the sky.

Nityänanda Prabhu’s manifestation of prema was thus full of mysteries to the common people.

Accepting Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

183 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER TWELVE The Marriage of Lord Nityänanda

ne day, Lord Nityänanda woke up early in the morning and set out for Ambikä-nagara. He took a servant with him, Uddhäraëa Datta, who was a merchant by profession and His intimate associate. When Lord Nityänanda arrived at the door of Süryadäsa Paëòita, He sent Uddhäraëa Datta inside the house. Uddhäraëa Datta went inside and informed Suryädäsa of the Lord’s arrival, and so he rushed out to greet the Lord.

Falling at the feet of Nityänanda Prabhu, Süryadäsa offered his obeisances. Then, with folded hands he said, “What good fortune!”

The Lord said, “I have come to you with a purpose. Please give Me your daughter’s hand in marriage.”

The Paëòita knew the glories of Nityänanda Prabhu, but at that moment he forgot everything, being bewildered by the Lord’s illusory energy. “How is it possible?” the brähmaëa humbly said. “We first have to weigh many considerations, such

O

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

185

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

caste, the stars, and family. Although You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Näräyaëa, You are an outcaste, and I am a brähmaëa.”

Hearing this reply, Nityänanda Prabhu left that place while everyone watched in wonder. Süryadäsa Paëòita felt disappointed and went inside his house.

“Will my dream come true?” He thought. “O Lord Kåñëa, will it ever come to be by the arrangement of providence that Nityänanda Prabhu will become my son-in-law?”

Pondering over this, Süryadäsa assembled his relatives and informed them of the Lord’s proposal. “Last night, I had an astonishing dream,” he said. “I saw a wonderful person come to my house, sitting on a chariot with a flag. He was huge, like a mighty wrestler. His complexion was golden and His eyes were reddish. He got down from the chariot and smilingly asked, ‘Is this Paëòitajé’s house?’ He carried a plough on His shoulder and held a stick in His hand. He gestured for me to come. Flowers decorated His hair, and He wore golden earrings. He was dressed in blue garments and anklets decorated His feet. He said to me, ‘I am going to marry your daughter. You have not recognized Me until today.’ Saying this, He suddenly disappeared. I then got out of bed and found that it was morning.”

As Jähnavä listened to her father’s talks from within her room, her natural love for the Lord arose within her heart. Indeed, tears of love began to flow from her eyes. She covered her face with a cloth, but the cloth became soaked with her tears.

“My dear friends, I have told you about my wonderful dream,” Paëòita continued.

“We see so many things in our dreams, someone replied.

“Nityänanda Prabhu is the Supreme Brahman, and we are but householders. How can we offer Him our daughter?”

Süryadäsa Paëòita was naturally very soft-hearted. Upon hearing this, he became distressed and cried, “Save me! Save me!”

Suddenly, everyone heard a cry coming from inside the house. Something had happened to Jahnavä. They rushed inside and picked her up and then brought her out onto the front veranda. She was unconscious and her eyes had rolled upwards in their sockets. Her entire body had become cold, and her face

186 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

The Marriage of Lord Nityänanda

was covered with perspiration. A doctor came and diagnosed that she had epilepsy, saying that there was no cure for this disease. He informed the girl’s relatives that seldom does a person with epilepsy live for long. He then treated her according to the prescriptions of the scriptures.

“Even after applying proper medication there is no improvement,” the physician said. “Take your daughter to the bank of the Ganges and arrange for her funeral rites to be performed.”

Süryadäsa began to cry when he heard these words. Gaurédäsa, while consoling him, said, “I think we have committed an offense at the feet of Avadhüta Nityänanda. We must beg His pardon, and bring Him back here as soon as possible. As long as we live in this world, we should try to maintain relationships. After death, relationships no longer exist. If He can revive our daughter, then we should arrange for her marriage with Him. This is my advice to all of you. Let us all go to Nityänanda Prabhu and fall at His feet.”

Lord Nityänanda was sitting under a banyan tree on the bank of the Ganges. Tears glided from His eyes as He chanted the holy name of Kåñëa. Gaurédäsa, along with his relatives, went to Nityänanda Prabhu and fell at His lotus feet. The Lord quickly picked him up while patting him on the back. “My dear cowherd men, have you all forgotten Me?” the Lord said.

Nityänanda Prabhu placed His hands on Süryadäsa’s shoulders. Süryadäsa Paëòita fell at the feet of Nityänanda Prabhu and lamented, “You completely bewildered my intelligence. Although You are capable of doing anything, You did not inspire me to give up my attachment for varëäçrama-dharma. Please give us the shelter of Your lotus feet and thus save us.”

Saying this, the Paëòita took Lord Nityänanda to his home.

His daughter, Jahnavä, was lying at the doorstep, covered with a cloth as the sunshine fell upon her. This appeared like lightning striking a cloud. Her eyes bulged in their sockets as tears incessantly fell from them. Her curly hair enhanced the beauty of her forehead. The symptoms of impending death appeared on her body. At that moment, the aroma of the Lord’s body entered her nostrils. By smelling this aroma, she immediately regained consciousness.

187 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

Jahnavä hurriedly covered her face with her cloth and said, “Where am I? What is happening?”

She then got up and entered her house. At that time, Nityänanda Prabhu, the reservoir of transcendental pastimes, displayed His six-armed form in the courtyard of Süryadäsa Paëòita. His two upper hands held a bow and an arrow, His two middle hands held a plough and a stick, and His lower two hands carried a sannyäsa daëòa and water pot. His head was adorned with a crown, and His ears were decorated with earrings. His entire body was radiant with valuable jewels and ornaments. Upon seeing this form of the Lord, everyone fell at His feet. Paëòita prayed to the Lord with folded hands. All the brähmaëas who had gathered there were struck with wonder upon seeing this wonderful form of the Lord.

Soon the six-armed form of Lord Nityänanda disappeared from everyone’s vision and only two-armed Lord Nityänanda remained. Smiling at everyone, Lord Nityänanda sat on the doorstep of the Viñëu temple there as all the brähmaëas and Vaiñëavas chanted, “Long life! Long life!”

They then served Nityänanda Prabhu with great care and affection and made Him comfortable. The learned brähmaëas and the family priest then decided to award Nityänanda the sacred thread, according to the Vedic injunctions. When they disclosed their plan to the Lord, He accepted it with a laugh, saying, “Do whatever you like. I have nothing to say. Only Caitanya Gosäi is independent.”

When they heard about the Lord’s approval, everyone became very happy. Then Paëòita then began to make arrangements for the marriage of his daughter. He collected whatever articles were necessary so that the marriage ceremony would be performed as opulently as that of a prince. He gathered whatever things he lacked by begging and then invited all his neighbors to attend the marriage ceremony. He then brought a large quantity of betel nuts and pän.

Thereafter, the brähmaëa called for his family priest and carefully chose an auspicious day for the marriage. From that day on, there was constant celebration at the Paëòita’s house.

Day after day, more of his friends and relatives arrived. The

188 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

The Marriage of Lord Nityänanda

musicians played and hundreds of brähmaëas were fed every day. The women distributed vermilion, betel nuts, pän, oil, and sweets to all the visiting ladies.

On the day of the marriage, the brähmaëas came to Süryadäsa Paëòita’s house after finishing their regular duties. They brought the required paraphernalia, such as flowers, kuça grass, sitting mats made of kuça grass, wooden mortars, and spoons for performing sacrifices. They also brought a stick, water pot, umbrella, pair of shoes, belt, kaupéna, deerskin, sacred thread, and ghee.

After the brähmaëas had prepared the sacrificial arena, the head priest asked Nityänanda Prabhu to come. As Nityänanda Prabhu sat in the midst of the brähmaëas, they offered ghee in the sacrificial fire while chanting Vedic mantras. After completing the formalities prescribed by the scriptures, the brähmaëas put a stick and water pot in Nityänanda’s hands. He wore a saffron-colored kaupéna and cädara, and carried a saffron bag on His shoulder.

The Lord then begged, “Mother, please give Me alms.”

The wife of Süryadäsa Paëòita respectfully placed gold, silver, and money in the Lord’s bag. When the priest told Süryadäsa Paëòita to bring the bride, Nityänanda Prabhu said, “Do that later.” Then He whispered something in the ear of the priest, who quickly said, “That is alright.”

Holding a stick and water pot, Lord Nityänanda repeatedly laughed aloud. He wore wooden shoes and held an umbrella.

He appeared just like a young brähmaëa and while gazing at His enchanting form, the ladies smilingly said, “He must be the younger brother of Çré Rämacandra. That is what we feel.”

The Lord then entered a secluded inner room and continuously remained there for three days. Rising early in the morning of the forth day, the Lord looked at the sun and the brähmaëas before coming out of the house. All-attractive Nityänanda Prabhu then offered His obeisances to Lord Viñëu and sat on a wooden throne. Hundreds of women from Navadvépa came to the house of Süryadäsa Paëòita, holding each other’s hands and shoulders. They decorated their eyes with black ointment and chewed betel nuts. They arrived at the house of the Paëòita

189 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

while swinging their hands and bodies. The priest came to perform the necessary duties prior to the marriage, while the ladies made auspicious sounds on all sides.

The priest tied yellow threads on Lord Nityänanda’s and Jähnavä’s hands. Jahnavä then went inside the house, bowing down her head. The musicians played auspicious rägas as all the people dove and surfaced in the ocean of great happiness.

As the ladies brought water for the ceremony, some of them said, “Jähnavä is indeed most fortunate. Who else could have such a beautiful groom, except Revaté, who previously had such a wonderful husband?”

“They look just like Çaìkara and Parvaté,” someone said.

“They look like Lakñmé and Näräyaëa.” others said.

“It is like the union of Kämadeva and Raté,” another said.

Yet others said, “They are like Räma and Sétä.”

In this way, people revealed their minds to one another.

They laughed and fell on each other as if intoxicated. Many of the ladies were simple young girls, attending the marriage of their friend, and were unable to check their jubilation. The whole day passed in blissful preparation. Finally, the auspicious time for the marriage ceremony arrived.

Süryadäsa Paëòita told his relatives to decorate both the bride and groom. Hearing this, everyone became very happy. Nityänanda Prabhu came out and sat in the courtyard of the Viñëu temple and Gaurédäsa Paëòita began to decorate Him. Nityänanda was naturally very enchanting. The Paëòita put tilaka and sandalwood paste on His forehead. Naturally intoxicated with prema, Nityänanda’s eyes always moved in circles. The Paëòita put black ointment on those eyes. The Lord’s beautifully raised nose was marked with tilaka and sandalwood paste. The beauty of His face defeated the beauty of the full moon. His broad chest was decorated with sandalwood paste and flower garlands. He wore white garments and a white sacred thread. That thread appeared just like Lord Ananta Çeña covering Lord Balaräma. A crown adorned His head, and He wore beautiful earrings. The golden ornaments decorating His body shone brightly.

The artistic ladies sat in a private place and decorated Jähnavä with undivided attention. They combed and braided her

190 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

The Marriage of Lord Nityänanda

hair in various attractive ways. Two colourful clusters of jute hung from her head to her back, covering both her ears. The ladies made many beautiful braids with her hair, beginning from her forehead. Wiping her face with the corner of their särés, they decorated it with kuìkuma. They adorned her forehead with marks of tilaka and applied black ointments to her eyes.

They enhanced the beauty of her forehead and cheeks with many beautiful dots of sandalwood paste. They put tilaka on her nose and became captivated by her beauty.

Then the ladies began to dress Jähnavä. They put a golden ring with a pearl hanging from it on the tip of her nose. It swung on the top of her upper lip as she moved. It appeared as if honeybees were falling over a sesame flower. She was wearing a golden känti-mälä with a locket that hung to her chest. She was decorated in a most attractive manner and her beauty was matchless.

Golden earrings resembling campaka flowers decorated her ears, appearing like lightening. The earrings were fixed at one place, yet they desired to touch her other limbs. Golden bracelets and bangles bedecked her hands. She wore golden ankle bells on her beautiful reddish feet.

After decorating Jähnavä to the best of their ability, the ladies put betel nut in her mouth and hung garlands of fragrant flowers around her neck. They then sprinkled scented oil all over her body.

Thereafter, all the relatives and friends of Süryadäsa Paëòita told him to take his daughter and circle the groom. Paëòita at once accepted the proposal, saying, “Whatever you all say, I must follow.”

Everyone rushed in all directions to gather the necessary items for the marriage ceremony. They brought numerous articles to Süryadäsa Paëòita and then set them before Lord Nityänanda. They then made the Lord sit on a palanquin. The musicians began to play, filling the entire sky with their sound.

The singers and dancers sang and danced perfectly in time with the music. Lord Nityänanda beheld all this while dressed in divine garments. Sitting on a palanquin, He was taken in procession through the streets while auspicious sounds of joy filled the four directions. The women of the city came out of their houses

191 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

and sat on their doorsteps with their babies on their laps to have a glimpse of the groom. Young boys rushed to where the procession was passing and became overwhelmed with happiness as they joined in the singing.

After touring all over the city, Nityänanda Prabhu, resembling a full moon, came back to the house of Süryadäsa Paëòita.

Süryadäsa Paëòita offered incense, a ghee lamp, sandalwood paste, and flower garlands to Nityänanda Prabhu. He then led Him by the hand to the marriage arena. Someone sprinkled scented water before Nityänanda as He walked. The ladies made auspicious sounds of ulu-dhvani.

Nityänanda Prabhu was then made to stand on a low wooden platform. His radiance filled all directions. Holding ghee lamps and flower garlands, the brähmaëas circled Nityänanda seven times. The ladies smiled while covering their mouths with their särés and falling on one another. They then brought the bride on a beautiful throne and made her circle Nityänanda seven times.

Jähnavä and Nityänanda glanced at each other as everyone threw flowers and pän. Their spontaneous love for each other awakened. After a long time, when Jähnavä finally saw her beloved Lord, she held her head down in shyness. The ladies then took Jähnavä inside a room while the brähmaëas completed the formalities, according to the scriptural injunctions.

Süryadäsa Paëòita offered jewellery, clothes, and other items to Nityänanda Prabhu and formally accepted Him as a son-inlaw. Then he brought his daughter and offered her to Nityänanda Prabhu in charity, as per the Vedic injunctions. Taking his daughter and son-in-law inside, he made them sit on a divine bed decorated with flowers. Many young girls also entered the room, teasing the new groom and joking with Him. The whole night thus passed in great mirth.

In the morning, Nityänanda Prabhu bathed and then sat down for the Vedic ceremony of putting sindüra (vermilion) on the bride’s head. The brähmaëas performed the fire sacrifice, according to the Vedic rules and regulations. Finally, hundreds of brähmaëas were served a feast. Nityänanda Prabhu thereafter lived happily at Süryadäsa Paëòita’s house for a few days.

192 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

The Marriage of Lord Nityänanda

One day, as Çré Jähnavä was serving Nityänanda His lunch of Kåñëa prasäda with utmost care, the younger daughter of Süryadäsa Paëòita, named Vasudhä, whose mind had been firmly attached to Nityänanda since her childhood, came to assist her sister. As she was serving prasäda to Nityänanda Prabhu, the part of her säré covering her head suddenly fell. Since both her hands were engaged in serving, she manifested two more hands to again cover her head with her säré. Seeing this, Nityänanda Prabhu caught hold of her hand and made her sit to His right.

Nityänanda said to Süryadäsa Paëòita, “I will take your younger daughter with Me as dowry.”

“I have no objection,” Süryadäsa Paëòita replied. “There is nothing I could refuse You. I have surrendered my caste, life, wealth, house, associates, and everything else at Your lotus feet.”

Saying this, the Paëòita raised his hands and danced in ecstasy while chanting “Hari! Hari!” He then prayed: “O Kåñëa, O Yädava, please be merciful to me so that I may fix my mind, body, and speech at the lotus feet of Nityänanda Prabhu.”

When the Paëòita explained this new development to his relatives, they all smilingly approved. “We have also become fortunate by your association,” they said. “Who has the power to disobey the Lord?”

With folded hands, everyone said to Süryadäsa Paëòita, “You have actually purchased Kåñëa in Kali-yuga.”

Nityänanda Prabhu thus inspired all the residents of Ambikä-kälnä to float in an ocean of bliss.

Accepting the lotus feet of Caitanya and Nityänanda as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

193 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

CHAPTER THIRTEEN The Birth of Véracandra Prabhu and Disappearance of Lord Nityänanda

ord Nityänanda enjoyed unlimited and inconceivable pastimes at Ambikä-kälnä. In spite of manifesting so many pastimes, no one could recognize Him, as fish are unable to see the moon reflected on the surface of the ocean.

Once, Lord Nityänanda thought, “I will build an äçrama at Khaòadaha to follow the orders of My Lord. I will open up a marketplace for distributing the holy names of the Lord.”

After contemplating in this way, Nityänanda Prabhu went to Khaòadaha to manifest His pastimes. He followed the principles of household life and manifested the service of the Deity, Çré Çyämasundara. Çré Jähnavä and Çré Vasudhä constantly worshiped the lotus feet of Nityänanda. The Lord empowered them with His energies. He enjoyed various pastimes with both consorts, fulfilling their hearts’ desires. The happiness of Jähnavä and Vasudhä knew no bounds, for they had Nityänanda Prabhu as their husband.

L

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

195

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

Both had prayed to the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya that Lord Nityänanda would be their husband, birth after birth.

On an auspicious day, at an auspicious time, and during a most auspicious conjunction of the stars, the fortunate Vasudhä bore a son who was as bright as the moon. The people of the three worlds floated in an ocean of bliss, chanting the holy names of Lord Hari. The multitudes in heaven and on earth glorified Vasudhä for having such a beautiful child. He was born on the fourth day in the bright fortnight of the moon in the month of January. Vasudhä gave birth to this child after keeping him in her womb for fifteen months.

It was Lord Gauracandra who manifested as Çré Véracandra Prabhu. Those who never saw Gauracandra were able to see Him in the form of Véracandra. This most enchanting child enjoyed numerous childhood pastimes as he grew up.

One day, while Lord Nityänanda was sitting in the courtyard, Abhiräma24 arrived. He called out loudly, “O dear brother, Balaräma,” and entering the courtyard, began to laugh. Lord Nityänanda rushed to embrace him. Abhiräma sweetly said to Nityänanda, “I heard that You have a son. Let me see him. I want to offer him obeisances.”

“You know everything,” Nityänanda said. “I do not know who has come as My son.”

Nityänanda Prabhu and Abhiräma mostly communicated with each other by gestures and postures. Out of love and affection, they embraced one another and cried. When Vasudhä heard that Abhiräma had come, she thought, “I do not know what plan Kåñëa has. I have heard lately that any Deity Abhiräma offers obeisances to immediately cracks.”

The child Véracandra was lying on a wooden cot holding a colorful piece of cloth on his chest, his eyes half-closed so that it appeared as if lotus petals were trapping bumblebees in the 24 Abhiräma was the cowherd boy of Vraja named Çrédäma. He did not take birth from the womb of a mother. In his eternal spiritual body he came to Bengal and established his äçrama at Khänäkulakåñëa-nagara.

196 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

The Birth of Véracandra Prabhu and Disappearance of Lord Nityänanda

evening. The mark of black ointment on his eyes extended to his ears. His forehead was marked with a dot of cow dung. His curly hair was tied in a topknot. Whoever saw him wanted to keep him within his heart.

Abhiräma came and looked at the child without blinking his eyes. He felt as if his eyes were being smeared with an ointment of nectar. The sight of the child calmed his entire body.

The child lying on his cot appeared like the morning sun arisen within the room. He had a raised nose and a beautiful forehead.

His arms were long and his chest was broad. His two lotus feet bore the signs of an exalted personality and defeated the beauty of the full moon.

Upon seeing the child, Abhiräma became very happy. He went near his feet and offered obeisances three times. The Lord in the form of a sleeping child then woke up from His yoganidrä and began to smile. He began licking His feet just like an ordinary child. Abhiräma repeatedly offered his obeisances and then circumambulated the child. With great joy, he began to chant the holy names of Lord Hari. He played his flute and horn before the child and then came out from the room.

Nityänanda Prabhu respectfully offered Abhiräma a place to sit. Abhiräma was decorated with a peacock feather and guïjä bead garland. He wore earrings shaped like fish and thin bangles on his wrists. He had a waistband with bells and anklets on his feet with bells. His complexion was the color of a ketaké flower and he was strongly built. He was the eternally perfect cowherd boy, Çrédäma, the son of King Våñabhänu, having now appeared as Abhiräma. He stayed at the house of the Lord for one night and then joyfully departed for other places.

Vérabhadra Prabhu would often reveal Himself during His childhood pastimes, and thus He gave immense pleasure to Lord Nityänanda. Advaita Äcärya came from Çäntipura and, after seeing the child, carefully concluded: “A child born in the house of a thief will naturally be a thief. But, how to catch this thief?”

Advaita Äcärya was naturally expert in speaking riddles.

Only one He favors can understand His words. After circling

197 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

the child, Advaita Prabhu returned to Çäntipura. All the Vaiñëavas visited the child and then returned home.

Véracandra Prabhu continually enjoyed His attractive childhood pastimes. How can I describe the sweetness of Véracandra’s beauty? Whoever saw Him continued staring at Him. He wore anklets on His feet and a tiger’s claw tied on a chain around his neck. What a wonderful combination of beauty and transcendental mellows the creator made!

There is no difference between the pastimes of Véracandra and Gauracandra. Çré Caitanya Gosäi is the fountainhead of all incarnations. His brother, Nityänanda Prabhu, is but another body of Çré Caitanya. Lord Nityänanda constantly lamented in separation from Çré Caitanya. Very seldom did He regain His external awareness, and that too, He used only for discussing topics of Caitanya. He constantly meditated on Lord Caitanya with His body, mind, and speech. He always sang loudly the glories of Caitanya. He remained in Khaòadaha and sometimes He saw the Deity of Lord Çyämasundara as Gauräìga. Who can understand the glories of Nityänanda Prabhu?

One day, Nityänanda Prabhu entered His temple room and disappeared. After some time, He reappeared and came out of the Deity room. He then took Vasudhä and Jähnavä and left Khaòadaha. From there He went to Ekacakra, where He saw Lord Bäìkä Räya. After staying at Ekacakra for a few days, the Lord entered the temple of Bäìkä Räya and merged within the Deity. All the Vaiñëavas became overwhelmed by separation from the Lord. Somehow or other their lives did not depart due to the presence of Véracandra.

Véracandra Prabhu became very restless in separation from the Lord. He would sit alone, contemplating, “Now, what will I do? Where will I go? I am completely confused. The Lord disappeared, leaving Me alone. The Lord, the master of the fallen souls, has left us drowning in an ocean of separation.”

All the devotees cried in lamentation and repeatedly fell unconscious. They constantly chanted the holy names of Lord Hari. “What is the use of our wealth, followers, and life? Lord Nityänanda has left us,” they lamented. They held their heads

198 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

The Birth of Véracandra Prabhu and Disappearance of Lord Nityänanda

and forcefully slapped their chests crying, “O Lord Hari! O Lord Nityänanda! You have left us.”

The devotees cried and rolled in the dust. Hearing the news of the Lord’s disappearance, all the people of Nadia came to Ekacakra. They became terribly distressed, being unable to see Lord Nityänanda anymore. They also held their heads and cried. All the local devotees cried continuously. Everyone, including children, the elderly, women, and men cried in separation. However, the atheists laughed, thinking, “We will no longer have to see this Nityänanda.”

Lord Nityänanda is the deliverer of the fallen souls. Never serve anyone other than Him. Only a most foolish person unaware of the glories of Nityänanda takes shelter of others. I consider such a person to be the most sinful person in this world. jaya nityänanda caitanyera priyatama tri jagate ära keha nähi tomä sama änanda kanda mahäprabhu premabhakti dätä ye sebaye sei bhakti päye ta sarvathä sarva jévera prabhu ! karilä prasäda kñemilä sakala mahä mahä aparädha çré kåñëa caitanya deva nityänanda näma påthivéra bhägya avatäri anüpäma All glories to Lord Nityänanda, the dearest associate of Çré Caitanya! No one is equal to You within the three worlds. You are the reservoir of transcendental bliss who bestows prema-bhakti for Mahäprabhu. Those who serve You achieve pure devotional service. O Lord, You delivered all the fallen souls, forgiving their grave offenses. Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda are the two matchless Lords who appeared for the good fortune of this world. ära ki kahiba kathä bhägye avadhi çré caitanya nityänanda mahäguëanidhi abhimäna duranta tathi nä päi kåñëa rati ihä jäni nityänanda karaha bhakati

199 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

yähära prasäde pämara päila nistära hena prabhu näma häya hauka galära Who can describe the good fortune of the people of this world? Çré Caitanya and Çré Nityänanda, the oceans of transcendental qualities, have descended to this world.

False ego makes people devoid of attachment to Çré Kåñëa. Knowing this, worship Lord Nityänanda. May the holy names of these Lords, whose mercy delivered all the fallen souls, be the garland around your neck. jaya jaya nityänanda premamaya dhäma çvabhäve parama çuddha nityänanda näma jagata täraëa hetu yäìra avatära ye jana nä bhaje sei päpera äkära çré kåñëa caitanya nityänanda eka deha ihäte niçcaya kari kara eka leha paränanda maya duhuì murati rasäla nitäi caitanya prabhu çréräma gopäla ihäte karaye bhinna ati buddhi héna ära nä dekhiye tära viñëubhakti cina All glories to Lord Nityänanda, the abode of love of God. The holy name of Nityänanda is naturally supremely pure. To save the entire universe, He descended to this world. Those not worshipping Him are surely piles of sin. Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Nityänanda are one. Firmly believe this and take shelter of Them.

Both Lords are full of transcendental bliss and devotional mellows. Lord Nityänanda and Lord Caitanya are Lord Balaräma and Lord Kåñëa. Those who reject this are certainly wretched fools. There is no hope for such fools to achieve devotional service to Kåñëa. jaya jaya çacé-süta änanda bihära patita pävana näma bidita yäìhära nija näma diyä jéva nistära karilä dena dayämaya prabhu bhajite närilä

200 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

The Birth of Véracandra Prabhu and Disappearance of Lord Nityänanda

käya bäkyamane mora prabhura çaraëa mora sava patita nähika tribhuvana All glories to Çacé-suta, the enjoyer of transcendental pastimes! His name is well known as patita-pävana, savior of the fallen. The Lord delivered all beings, giving His own holy names. Unfortunate as I am, I did not worship such a merciful Lord. Now I take shelter of my Lord with body, mind, and speech. No one is more fallen than I in all the three worlds. jaya jaya gauracandra bhuvana sundara prakäçaha pada mora hådaya bhitara yata yata bihära karilä gauòadeçe sakala prakäça mora hauka biçeñe All glories to Gauracandra, the most enchanting personality in the world! O Lord, please reveal Your lotus feet within my heart. Let all Your pastimes in Bengal manifest within my heart. jaya jaya lakñmékänta tribhuvana nätha caraëe çaraëa mora hauka ekänta ära avatäre kahi nänäbidha dharma kevala kahila ebe premabhakti marma ihate yähära mati nahila änanda ähärei jäniha päpiñöha mahä andha All glories to the husband of the goddess of fortune, the Lord of the three worlds! Let me take shelter of Your lotus feet without deviation. In other incarnations, You gave various religious principles, but now You only prescribe loving devotional service. Anyone who is unhappy about this must be blinded by sinful reactions.

I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of all the Vaiñëavas so that they may overlook my offenses. Anyone

201 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

who wants to cross beyond the ocean of material existence and merge into the ocean of devotional service must worship the lotus feet of Nitäicandra. Çré Gaurasundara is the Lord of my Lord Nitäi. I always keep this firm conviction in my heart. Someone says Lord Nityänanda is Lord Balaräma, and someone says He is the dearest associate of Lord Caitanya. Some say He is the most influential personality, yet others are unable to know who He is.

Whether Nityänanda is a renunciate or a learned devotee, let them say whatever they want. Let Lord Nityänanda be anyone to Lord Caitanya, still I keep His lotus feet within my heart.

All glories to Lord Nityänanda, the life and soul of Çré Caitanya! Please allow me to take shelter of Your lotus feet. O Lord, let me sing the glories of Çré Gauräìga, following in Your footsteps. Let me also remain Your eternal servant, birth after birth.

My only wish is to have the darçana of Lord Caitanya. Anyone who reads or hears about Your pastimes will receive the treasure of kåñëa-prema. They say that Your devotees are fully dependent upon You, and that You are the supremely independent Lord. There is no end to the Your pastimes. The Vedas describe them as being manifest and unmanifest.

Accepting Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

END OF ANTYA LILA

Thus ends the book Çré Nityänanda-caritämåta, compiled from the writings of Çréla Våndävana däsa Öhäkura.

202

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

APPENDICES

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Descriptions of the Associates of Lord Nityänanda

brothers, please worship Lord Nityänanda. By His mercy, one can attain the lotus feet of Lord Gauracandra. The associates of Nityänanda Svarüpa constantly swam in the ocean of transcendental bliss. They had no other activity besides performing näma-saìkértana. Always absorbed in the mood of cowherd boys, they decorated themselves with bangles, ankle bells, and garlands of guïjä beads. They carried sticks, flutes, horns, and ropes in their hands.

Symptoms of kåñëa-prema, such as tears, shivering, and standing of the hair on end were constantly visible in their bodies. Their beauty defeated the beauty of Cupid. They always engaged in performing näma-saìkértana. Having received their fearless Lord Nityänanda, all the devotees remained in a most happy condition of life.

I would be unable to describe the glories of the servants of Nityänanda Svarüpa, even in a hundred years. Still, I will at least attempt to mention their names. I know that remembering their names will deliver me from entanglement in this material world. All the associates of Lord Nityänanda with whom He

O

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

205

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

enjoyed His pastimes were incarnations of gopas and gopés of Vraja. Being forbidden by Nityänanda Svarüpa, I will not mention their previous names or many details of their activities. The foremost among Lord Nityänanda’s associates was Rämadäsa, who always spoke in the mood of the Supreme Lord. Nobody could understand his words. Lord Nityänanda always resided in his heart. Rämadäsa was fully absorbed in love of God. Lord Kåñëa once lived in his body for three months.

Caitanya däsa25 was a very famous associate of Nityänanda.

Muräri Paëòita26 was an associate of Nityänanda who sported with a serpent and a tiger. The most magnanimous Raghunätha Vaidya was an associate of Nityänanda, by whose desire one’s mind becomes attached to Lord Kåñëa.

Gadädhara däsa27 was a reservoir of devotional mellows. His very sight destroyed all of one’s sins. Çré Sundaränanda28 was an ocean of devotional mellows and he was one of the principal associates of Nityänanda.

Gaurédäsa Paëòita was a most fortunate devotee of the Lord. He assisted in Nityänanda’s pastimes with his body, mind, and speech.

25 The identity of Caitanya däsa is unknown, but the book Prema-viläsa mentions the a Caitanya däsa who was a disciple of Jähnavä-devé, the consort of Nityänanda. He was a resident of Vanaviñëupura in the district of Baìkura.

26 Muräri Paëòita was another name of Muräri Caitanya däsa.

His glories are equal to those of Prahläda Mahäräja. Absorbed in prema, he once slapped the face of a tiger and on another occasion, played with a snake.

27 Çréla Gadädhara däsa was the combined form of Candrakänti and Pürnänanda gopés of Vraja. His birthplace was at Ediyadaha. His samädhé is at Katwa, where Lord Caitanya took sannyäsa.

28 Sundaränanda Öhäkura was the cowherd boy of Vraja named Sudäma. His birthplace was in the village of Halda Maheçpura in the district of Jessore in present-day Bangladesh. He made kadamba flowers appear from a blackberry tree.

206 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Associates of Lord Nityananda

The pious Kåñëadäsa29 of Baòagächi was one of the associates of Nityänanda with whom the Lord enjoyed pastimes at his house.

Purandara Paëòita30 was the most peaceful, humble, and intimate associate of Nityänanda Svarüpa.* Another associate of Nityänanda was Parameçvara däsa31, whose life and soul was Nityänanda. Through his body, Lord Nityänanda enjoyed many pastimes.

Dhanaïjaya Paëòita32, in whose heart the Lord constantly resided, was a great devotee of Lord Nityänanda .

Balaräma däsa, who was intoxicated with bhakti-rasa, was a follower of Nityänanda Prabhu. If the breeze that touched Balaräma däsa touched someone, it would eradicate all of that person’s sins. Balaräma däsa lived in the village of Dogächiyä.

His contribution to Vaiñëava song is unlimited.

29 Kåñëadäsa was the son of Hari Hoòa, the King of Baòagächi.

He was also known as Vihari Kåñëadäsa. He bore the entire expenditure of Lord Nityänanda’s marriage, and the arrangements for the marriage were made at his house.

30 In his previous incarnation, Purandara Paëòita was Aìgada, the son of Bali. His birthplace was at Khaòadaha. After His marriage, Lord Nityänanda stayed in Purandara Paëòita’s home, so that at present, it is known as the house of Nityänanda.

31 Parameçvara däsa was the cowherd boy of Vraja named Arjuna. His birthplace was in the village of Jada at Pura. He established the service of Çré Gopénätha in this village under the order of Çré Jähnavä-devé.

32 Dhanaïjaya Paëòita was the cowherd boy of Vraja named Vasudäma. He was born in the village of Jaragräma. His father and mother were Çrépati and Kälindé and his wife was Haripriyä. After the disappearance of his parents, he inherited a huge fortune, but he renounced it, taking shelter of the lotus feet of Lord Nityänanda.

He lived at various places, such as Kaicarapura, Jalaìgé and Çétalagräma.

207 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

Yädunätha Kavicandra was full of love of God. Lord Nityänanda was always merciful to him.

The most effulgent Jagadéça Paëòita33 was a devotee of Nityänanda. Lord Nityänanda was his and his family’s very life and wealth.

Paëòita Puruçottama was born in Navadvépa. He was a great devotee of Nityänanda Svarüpa. Lord Nityänanda had previously resided at his house. By his mercy, one’s mind becomes fixed at the lotus feet of Nityänanda.

Dvija Kåñëadäsa, who was born in Räòha-deça, was counted among the associates of Nityänanda.

Käliya Kåñëadäsa34 was a devotee famous throughout the three worlds. Remembering him, one attains Gauracandra’s lotus feet.

The most fortunate Sadäçiva Kaviräja35 was an associate of Nityänanda. The name of his son was Puruçottama däsa36. Due to love of God, Puruçottama däsa was always absorbed in ecstasy. Lord Nityänanda constantly remained within his heart.

33 Jagadéça Paëòita was the famous dancer of Vraja named Candrahäsa. His birthplace was in Jessore. Maheça Paëòita was his younger brother. The two brothers came to Navadvépa to reside. Jagadéça’s wife, Duùkhiné-devé, was Gauräìga’s nurse. Jagadéça Paëòita brought a Deity of Jagannätha from Néläcala and installed Him at Jessore. Later, Mahäprabhu, out of affection for Duùkhiné-devé, came to Jessore and took the form of Gaura-gopäla. This Deity of Gaura-gopäla is still present there.

34 In his previous incarnation, Käliya Kåñëadäsa was a friend of Kåñëa known as Lavaìga. He resided at the village of Akäihäöa. He was a companion of Çré Gauräìga when He visited South India.

35 Sadäçiva Kaviräja was the gopé of Vraja named Candrävalé.

He was born in the village of Bodhakhänä. His father’s name was Kaàsäri Sena, his son was Puruçottama däsa, and his grandson was Känu Öhäkura. All of them were the Lord’s associates in Vraja.

36 Puruçottama däsa, the son of Sadäçiva Kaviräja, was a friend of the Lord in Vraja named Däma. He lived in the village of Sukhasägara.

208 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Associates of Lord Nityananda

Uddhäraëa Datta was a magnanimous Vaiñëava. He had full authority in the service of Lord Nityänanda.

Maheça Paëòita37 was a great devotee of Nityänanda, and Paramänanda Upädhyäya was also an unalloyed Vaiñëava.

Caturbhuja Paëòita38 and Nandana Gaìgädäsa were both devotees of Lord Nityänanda. The Lord had previously performed His pastimes in their houses. Äcärya Vaiñëavänanda39 was a magnanimous devotee. He was previously known as Raghunätha Puré.

Kåñëa däsa and Devänanda were both staunch followers of Lord Nityänanda. Mahänta Äcärya Candra’s only goal was the lotus feet of Nityänanda.

The singers Mädhavänanda Ghoña40 and Vasudeva Ghoña were full of love of God. Jéva Paëòita41 was the most fortunate devotee. Lord Nityänanda enjoyed numerous pastimes at his house. Çré Manohara, 37 Maheça Paëòita was the cowherd boy of Vraja named Mahäbähu. He was born in the village of Pälapäòä.

38 Caturbhuja was a resident of Navadvépa. He had three sons, named Nandana Äcärya, Gaìgädäsa and Viñëudäsa. Lord Caitanya, Lord Nityänanda and Advaita Äcärya stayed together at the house of Nandana Äcärya.

39 In his previous incarnation, Äcärya Vaiñëavänanda was one of the eight mystic perfections known as laghimä. The famous Paramänanda Gupta was a follower of Nityänanda in whose house the Lord remained for some time.

40 In his previous incarnation, Mädhavänanda Ghoña was a gopé of Vraja named Rasolläsä. His birthplace was Tamluka. Mädhava Ghoña, Govinda Ghoña and Väsu Ghoña were three brothers and favorite singers of the Lord. They wrote many Vaiñëava songs. Being satisfied by Mädhava Ghoña’s singing, the Lord blessed him with a sweet, melodious voice. Väsudeva Ghoña was the gopé of Vraja named Guëatuìgä. His place of worship is at Gauräìgapura.

41 Çré Jéva Paëòita was Indirä gopé of Vraja. He was the son of Ratnagarbha Äcärya, the maternal uncle of Gauräìga.

209 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

Çré Näräyaëa, Çré Kåñëadäsa, and Çré Devänanda were also associates of Lord Nityänanda.

I would be unable to disclose the names of all the innumerable servants of Lord Nityänanda even in one hundred years.

Each of Lord Nityänanda’s servants had innumerable followers and, by the mercy of Lord Nityänanda, they were equal to their spiritual master. All of them were absorbed in the transcendental mellows of loving service to Çré Caitanya. Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda were their life and only treasure. I have only described the few associates of Lord Nityänanda I knew. More will be disclosed later by Vedavyäsa.

The last servant of Lord Nityänanda was Våndävana däsa Öhäkura, who was the son of Näräyaëé, the recipient of Lord Caitanya’s mercy. Even today, Näräyaëé is accepted as the recipient of Lord Caitanya’s mercy among the Vaiñëavas who had received it. Take shelter of those devotees of the Lord, O brothers, and worship the most merciful Nityänanda and Çré Gauräìga.

Accepting the lotus feet of Çré Caitanya and Nityänanda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Våndävana däsa, sing the glories of Their lotus feet.

A Song by Çréla Våndävana däsa Öhäkura mana nityänanda bali òäka emana dayäla prabhu ära nä päibe kabhu hådaya kamale kari räkha kiba se madura lélä naöana kértana kalä atéba gambhéra avatära äpanära gupudhane äni martte kari däne träëa kaila e tina saàsära paraça maëira guëe tuccha läge mora mane lei paraçile hema kare nitäi caitanya guëe gäna kare katajane

210 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Associates of Lord Nityananda

ratana haila ghare ghare ämode baliyä hari näma saìkértana kari premäbeçe paòe loöäiyä kahe våndävana däsa emata karilä äça banchita rahinu abhägiyä O my mind, please chant the name of Nityänanda.

You will never get such a merciful Lord again.

Keep Him within the lotus of your heart.

His sweet pastimes of chanting and dancing are wonderful.

He is the most merciful avatära.

He distributed His hidden treasure to everyone.

He thus delivered the three worlds.

The touchstone’s quality of turning iron into gold seems insignificant to me.

But many persons glorify the qualities of NitäiCaitanya. They made jewels in every house.

I happily perform hari-näma-saìkértana.

I roll on the ground in ecstatic prema.

Våndävana däsa says, “I desire the lotus feet of Nitäi-Caitanya, because I am the most unfortunate.”

211 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Prayers to Lord Nityänanda

All Translations Adapted from Lectures of Çréla Gour Govinda Svämé Çré-Nityänandäñöaka Eight Prayers Glorifying Lord Nityänanda

by Çréla Våndävana däsa Öhäkura TEXT 1 sarac-candra-bhräntià sphurad-amala-käntià gaja-gatià hari-premonmattaà dhåta-parama-sattvaà smita-mukham sadäghürëan-netraà kara-kalita-vetraà kali-bhidaà bhaje nityänandaà bhajana-taru-kandaà niravadhi Çré Nityänanda Prabhu’s face is more beautiful and cooling than the autumnal moon. The effulgence emanating from His body is supremely beautiful. He always moves like a maddened elephant, since He is always intoxicated with kåñëa-prema. He is always mad after kåñëa-prema. His body is completely composed of pure spiritual energy. He always has a smiling face. His eyes are very fickle, moving to and fro. His lotus hand always holds a glowing staff. Yes, that is Çré Nityänanda,

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

213

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

who, by the beating of that staff, destroys all our reactions of Kali-yuga. We should take shelter of Çré Nityänanda and cry for the mercy of Çré Nityänanda! He is the root of kåñëa-prema bhakti-kalpa-taru, the root of the tree of loving devotion unto Kåñëa. I perform my bhajana of Lord Nityänanda, the very root of the kåñëa-bhakti-vrkña.

TEXT 2 rasänäm ägäraà svajana-gaëa-sarvasvam atulaà tadéyaika-präëa-pramita-vasudhä-jähnava-patim sadä-premonmädaà param aviditaà manda-manasäm bhaje nityänandaà bhajana-taru-kandaà niravadhi Çré Nityänanda Prabhu is the reservoir of all transcendental mellows. He is the life and soul of all the devotees. Nobody can be compared to Him in all the three planetary systems. He is very dear to one and all. He is the beloved husband of Çré Vasudhä and Çré Jähnavä. He is always in an ecstatic mood of love and always maddened and intoxicated with that mellow of love, kåñëa-prema. He is unknown to crooked and evilminded persons. I perform my bhajana of Lord Nityänanda, the very root of the kåñëa-bhakti-vrkña.

TEXT 3 çacé-sünu-preñöhaà nikhila-jagad-iñöaà sukha-mayaà kalau majjaj-jivoddharaëa-karaëoddäma-karuëam harer äkhyänäd vä bhava-jaladhi-garvonnati-haraà bhaje nityänandaà bhajana-taru-kandaà niravadhi Lord Nityänanda is very dear to Çréman Gauräìga Mahäprabhu. He always does good to the whole universe. He is always supremely blissful. He is the embodiment of supreme happiness and blissfulness. He

214 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Prayers to Lord Nityananda

comes to this material world in this Kali-yuga to deliver sinful persons. There is no limit to His mercy. He constantly performs näma-saìkértana, destroying the pride of this dreadful ocean of material existence. I perform my bhajana of Lord Nityänanda, the very root of the kåñëa-bhakti-vrkña.

TEXT 4 aye bhrätar néëäà kali-kaluñiëäà kià nu bhavitä tathä präyaçcittaà racaya yad-anäyäsata ime vrajanti tväm itthaà saha bhagavatä mantrayati yo bhaje nityänandaà bhajana-taru-kandaà niravadhi Lord Nityänanda tells Çréman Gauräìga Mahäprabhu: “O brother, what will happen to those most distressed and fallen jévas of Kaliyuga? What will happen to them unless You shower Your mercy upon them?

Please show them a way for their deliverance by which they can approach and obtain Your lotus feet.” He always talks to Çréman Mahäprabhu like this. I perform my bhajana of Lord Nityänanda, the very root of the kåñëa-bhakti-vrkña.

TEXT 5 yatheñöhaà re bhrätaù kuru hari-hari-dhvänam aniçaà tato vaù saàsärämbudhi-taraëa-däyo mayi laget idaà bähu-sphoöair aöati raöayan yaù pratigåham bhaje nityänandaà bhajana-taru-kandaà niravadhi Lord Nityänanda goes to every doorstep and requests everyone with folded hands: “My dear brothers, all of you engage yourselves in the chanting of hari-näma.

If you do this and follow My instruction, I promise that you will very easily cross over this dreadful ocean of material existence.” I perform my bhajana of Lord Nityänanda, the very root of the kåñëa-bhakti-vrkña.

215 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

TEXT 6 balät saàsärämbhonidhi-harana-kumbhodbhavam aho satäà çreyaù-sindhünnati-kumuda-bandhuà samuditaà khala-çreëé-sphürjit-timira-hara-sürya-prabham ahaà bhaje nityänandaà bhajana-taru-kandaà niravadhi Like Agastya Muné, who by drinking a handful of water made all the oceans dry up, He forcibly swallows the ocean of repeated birth and death. He arose like a moon to swell up the ocean of mercy for the welfare of the jévas. He very easily destroys the sinful reactions of the most sinful and degraded persons. He is very dear to the devotees. He is always busy doing good to the devotees. He is like the sun that dispels the darkness of the ignorant fools that descended by their sinful activities. I perform my bhajana of Lord Nityänanda, the very root of the kåñëa-bhakti-vrkña.

TEXT 7 naöantaà gäyantaà harim anuvadantaà pathi pathi vrajantaà paçyantaà svam api na dayantaà jana-gaëam prakurvantaà santaà sa-karuëa-dåg-antaà prakalanäd bhaje nityänandaà bhajana-taru-kandaà niravadhi He is always dancing and chanting, “Haribol! Haribol!” Uttering the name of Hari, He always engages in hari-näma-saìkértana. He always wanders on the streets of every city, town, and village, casting His merciful glance over His dear devotees. I perform my bhajana of Lord Nityänanda, the very root of the kåñëa-bhaktivrkña.

216 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Prayers to Lord Nityananda

TEXT 8 su-bibhräëaà bhrätuù kara-sarasijaà komalataraà mitho vakträlokocchalita-paramänanda-hådayam bhramantaà mädhuryair ahaha madayantaà pura-janän bhaje nityänandaà bhajana-taru-kandaà niravadhi He moves with Çré Gauräìga Mahäprabhu, holding His very soft lotus-like palm. He always looks at the moon-like beautiful face of Çré Gauräcandra and becomes ecstatic and blissful. And Çréman Gauräìga Mahäprabhu also looks at the moon-like, beautiful face of Çré Nitäi. In this way, the two of Them are completely filled with blissfulness. He always makes all the inhabitants of the towns and cities where He goes mad with the intoxication of His beauty. I perform my bhajana of Lord Nityänanda, the very root of the kåñëabhakti-vrkña.

TEXT 9 rasänäà ädhäraà rasika-vara-sad-vaiñëava-dhanaà rasägäraà säraà patita-tati-täraà smaraëataù paraà nityänandäñöakam idam apürvaà pathati yaù tad-aìghri-dvandväbjaà sphuratu nitaräà tasya hådaye Çréla Våndävana däsa Öhäkura says, “Whoever reads and recites with firm faith this Çré Nityänandäñöakam will have the lotus feet of Çré Nityänanda Prabhu soon revealed to him. These eight verses are the essence of bhakti-rasa. They are the life and soul of all rasika-bhaktas and the reservoir of all mellows. Lord Nityänanda is the essence of the universe, the three planetary systems, and by His remembrance, the sinful reactions of all sinful persons are destroyed.”

217 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

Nitäi Amar Dayar Avadhi My Most Merciful Nitäi By Çréla Våndävana däsa Öhäkura äre bhäi! nitäi amar doyära avadhi! jivere karuëä kori,’ deçe deçe phiri’ phiri’ prema-dhana jäche nirabadhi advaitera saìge raìga, dharäëe nä jäya aìga, gorä-preme gadä tanu khäni òhuliya òhuliya chale, bähu tuli’ hari bole, du-nayane bahe nitäiera päni kapäle tilaka çobhe, kutila-kuntala-lole guïjarä äìöuni chüòa täya keçarijiniyä kaöi, kaöi taöe néladhati bäjana nüpura ränga päya bhubana-mohana beça! majäila sava deça! rasä beçe aööa aööa häsa! prabhu mora nityänanda kevala änanda-kanda guëa gäya våndävana däsa TRANSLATION 1. O Brothers! My Nitäi’s mercy is limitless. He wanders, village-to-village, giving prema-dhana to one and all.

2. He always jokes with Çré Advaita Äcärya. His entire body is made of love for Gauräìga Mahäprabhu.

He is always intoxicated with prema-rasa. An intoxicated person is unable to walk properly. How does He walk? Like this: òhuliyä òhuliyä chale. Raising His arms and saying, “Haribol! Haribol! Haribol!” and shedding tears from His two lotus eyes.

3. Nice tilaka and curly locks beautifully decorate His forehead. His hair is bound with red guìjä. A blue belt encircles His lion-like waist. His feet appear reddish. He wears nupura on his reddish feet that always make a tinkling, tinkling sound.

4. His beauty enchants the entire world. Always absorbed in prema-rasa, He smiles and laughs! Aööa aööa

218 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Prayers to Lord Nityananda

häsa! Våndävana däsa sings. “Lord Nityänanda is my Prabhu. He is full of nothing but pleasure.”

Nitäi Guna-Mani Ämara My Lord Nitäi is the Jewel Mine of All Transcendental Qualities By Çréla Locana däsa Öhäkura nitäi guëa-maëi ämara, nitäi guëa-maëi äniya premera banyä bhäsäilo avané premera banyä loiyä nitäi äilä gauòa-deçe òubilo bhakata-gaëa déna héna bhäse déna héna patita pämara nähi bächhe brahmära durlabha prema sabäkäre jäche äbaddha karuëä-sindhu katiyä muhäna ghare ghare bule prema-amiyära bäna lochan bole hena nitäi jebä na bhajilo jäniya çuniya sei ätma-ghäté hoilo TRANSLATION It is said that Çréla Nityänanda Prabhu is more merciful, more magnanimous, more munificent than Çrémän Gauräìga Mahäprabhu.

1. My Nitäi is the jewel mine of transcendental qualities, the jewel mine of transcendental qualities.

Bringing the flood of prema, He inundated the earth.

2. Çré Nitai came to Gauòa-deça with a flood of kåñëa-prema. Òubilo bhakata-gaëa déna héna bhäse, those who are bhaktas drowned in that flood, premera banya, but the déna héna, the fallen souls and those who were unfortunate, floated on the surface!

3. Lord Nityänanda Prabhu offers this pure love of Godhead, pure love of Kåñëa, indiscriminately. He distributes this prema with two hands! He never discriminates whether one is patita, most degraded or fallen, or one is pämara, most elevated, or whether one is qualified or not qualified. He never discriminates. Even

219 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

though it is very difficult for Brahmä to get such prema, Çré Nitäi gives it indiscriminately.

4. That prema is karuëä-sindhu—like an ocean of mercy. Nitäi broke down the strong embankment of the ocean of love. He completely devastated that dam! That ocean of love is unlimited, and so there was a torrential flooding that inundated every home. Indeed, that flood of love inundated the entire world!

5. Locana däsa says, “He is an unfortunate fellow who does not take shelter of Nitäi and does not perform the bhajana of Çré Nityänanda Prabhu, begging for the mercy of Çré Nitäi. He willingly commits suicide.

Çré Nagar Kértana The Marketplace of the Holy Name By Çréla Bhaktivinoda Öhäkura nadéyä-godrume nityänanda mahäjana pätiyäche näm-haööa jévera käraëa (çraddhävän jana he, çraddhävän jana he) prabhura äjïäy, bhäi, mägi ei bhikñä bolo kåñëa, bhajo kåñëa, koro kåñëa-çikñä aparädha-çunya ho ’ye leha kåñëa-näma kåñëa mätä, kåñëa pitä, kåñëa dhana-präëa kåñëera saàsära koro chäòi anäcära jéve doya, kåñëa-näma-sarva-dharma-sära TRANSLATION 1. Nityänanda Mahäjana so mercifully opened a marketplace in Godruma, Nadia, for the welfare of the suffering souls. In that marketplace only the holy name is traded.

2. What is the price? çraddhäväna jana he! çraddhäväna jana he! Those who have faith in the holy name and faith in the words of sädhu, çästra and guru.

This is the price! Faith! Only those persons are allowed to enter that marketplace. They can buy and sell the holy name. Çré Nityänanda Prabhu requests faithful

220 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Prayers to Lord Nityananda

persons, those who have developed faith in the holy name, to come and take it! Çré Nityänanda Prabhu says, “This is the order of My Lord! My prabhu! My master!

Therefore, I have come to your doorstep, O brother!

I am a beggar! I beg for these alms. ‘Utter the name of Kåñëa! Perform kåñëa-bhajana! Accept what Kåñëa has taught us!’ These are the alms I am begging from you.”

3. Chant this holy name without offense. Chant the pure name of Çré Kåñëa. Çré Kåñëa is mother, Çré Kåñëa is father, Çré Kåñëa is wealth and asset. Çré Kåñëa is the Lord of my heart, Çré Kåñëa is my life and soul, Kåñëa is everything.

4. Give up all your bad dealings, habits, and behavior and enter into kåñëa-saàsära. The only relationship is with Çré Kåñëa and so establish yourself in that relationship. Shower mercy on all the jévas, seeing them as Çré Kåñëa’s, and completely surrender unto the holy name of Çré Kåñëa. This is the essence of all dharma.

Madhur E Harinäm This Holy Name is So Sweet By Çréla Bhaktivinoda Öhäkura Refrain:

hare krsna hare nitäi ki näm eneche re

(nitäi) näm eneche, nämer häte çraddhä-mülye näm diteche re hare kåñëa hare kåñëa kåñëa kåñëa hare hare re hare räma hare räma räma räma hare hare re (nitäi) jéver daça malina dekhe’, näm eneche braja theke re e näm çiva jape païca-mukhe re (madhur e harinäm) e näm brahmä jape catur-mukhe re (madhur e harinäm)

221 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

e näm närada jape béëä-jantre re (madhur e harinäm) e näm äbase ajämilo vaikuëöhe gelo re e näm bolte bolte braje calo re (bhaktivinoda bole) PURPORT Çré Çré Gaura-Nitäi are so wonderfully merciful. They brought this hari-näma from Goloka-Våndävana. Golokera prema-dhana hari-näma saìkértana. It does not belong to this material world. Çré Çré Gaura-Nitäi brought it here because they are so wonderfully merciful. Who is the custodian of näma-haööa? Çré Nitäi!

Näma-haööa means “marketplace.” A marketplace where the name is sold and purchased. What is the price? The price is unflinching faith. He who has strong faith, unflinching faith in the holy name and faith in the words of sädhu, çastra, Çré Guru and Çré Kåñëa—only he can purchase it. The market is always, eternally open. hare kåñëa hare kåñëa kåñëa kåñëa hare hare re hare räma hare räma åäma räma hare hare re Çré Nitäi is more merciful than Çrémän Gauräìga Mahäprabhu. Çré Gaurasundara is wonderfully merciful. Çré Nitäi is more merciful than Çré Gaurasundara. Çré Nitäi is so merciful, He saw that the jévas have been suffering here, drowning in this ocean of materialistic existence from time immemorial. His heart bleeds, so Çré Nitai felt love, affection and compassion for them. He became sympathetic toward the suffering souls, so He brought the holy name from Çré Vrajabhümi for the people of Kali-yuga. Lord Çivajé with His five faces chants this madhura e harinäm; this so-sweet harinäm! Lord Brahmä chants this Çré-näma with His four faces, because it is so sweet! Çré Närada Muni sings this holy name with his stringed instrument: hare kåñëa hare kåñëa kåñëa kåñëa hare hare hare räma hare räma räma räma hare hare

222 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Prayers to Lord Nityananda

All are chanting because it is so sweet! Çréla Bhaktivinoda Öhäkura says, “By only obtaining the nämäbhäsa stage, Ajämila, a greatly sinful person, was delivered. All his sinful reactions were destroyed and at last he went to Vaikuëöha!” So Çréla Bhaktivinoda Öhäkura says, “Just chant this name, utter this holy name and go to Çré Vrajabhumi.”

Akrodha Paramänanda Nityänanda Räya Çré Nityänanda Prabhu Never Gets Angry By Çréla Locana däsa Öhäkura akrodha paramänanda nityänanda räya abhimäna çünya nitäi nagare beòäya adhama patita jévera dväre giyä harinäma mahä mantra dena biläiya järe dekhe täre kahe dante tåëa dhori’ ämäre kiniyä laha bhaja gaurahari eta boli’ nityänanda bhüme gadi jäya sonära parvata jena dhüläte loöäya hena avatäre jära rati nä janmilo locana bole sei päpé elo ära gelo TRANSLATION 1. Lord Nityänanda Räya never gets angry. He is always in the ecstasy of supreme bliss. He has no false ego. He wanders to every town and village in Nadia, chanting Hare Kåñëa, dancing, and offering kåñëaprema indiscriminately to everyone.

2. Çré Nitäi goes to every doorstep and knocks on the door, “Tap! Tap!Tap!” He goes to those who are very much distressed, degraded, and fallen. He goes to them and gives them kåñëa-prema. He says, “Please Chant! Please Chant!” hare kåñëa hare kåñëa kåñëa kåñëa hare hare hare räma hare räma räma räma hare hare If they do not chant and shut the door, then He rolls there on the ground and cries!

223 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

3. Whoever He meets, catching a straw between His teeth, He begs, “O Brothers! Please perform the bhajana of Çré Gaurahari and purchase Me, purchase Me, purchase Me.” 4. Saying this, Lord Nityänanda rolls on the ground in the dust, cries, and sheds tears, looking like a mountain of gold rolling on the ground.

5. Such a merciful incarnation is Lord Nityänanda!

If someone does not develop love for such an incarnation as Çré Nityänanda Räma, Locana däsa says, “Such a sinful person wastes his life, remaining in the cycle of birth and death. He cannot be delivered.”

Doya Koro More Nitäi My Dear Lord Nitäi! Please Be Merciful to Me! By Çré1a Kanu Rämadäsa Öhäkura doyä koro more nitäi, doyä koro more agatira gati nitäi sädhu loke bole jaya prema bhakti dätä-patäkä tomära uttama adhama kichhu nä kailä bichära prema däne jagajanera mana kailä sukhé tumi hena doyära öhäkura ämi kene dukhé känu räma däsa bole ki boliba ämi e baòa bharasä more kulera öhäkura tumi TRANSLATION 1. O my Nitäi, please shower your mercy upon me.

All sädhus say, “You are so merciful, You give the right destination to the fallen souls.”

2. Lord Nityänanda has a flag. That flag gives prema-bhakti. He never discriminates whether one is uttama or adhama, most elevated or most degraded. He gives prema-bhakti to one and all.

3. Çré Nityänanda Prabhu gives prema to everyone and thus makes the whole world happy. You are such a merciful Öhäkura, then why am I so unhappy?

4. Kanu Rämadäsa says, “What more shall I say? O

224 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Prayers to Lord Nityananda

Lord Nityänanda, You are the Lord of our paramparä; so this is a great hope for me, that You are such a merciful Lord.”

Nitäi-Pada-Kamala The Lotus Feet of Lord Nityänanda By Çréla Narottama däsa Öhäkura. nitäi-päda-kamala, koöi-candra-suçétala, je chäyäy jagata juräy heno nitäi bine bhäi, rädhä-kåñëa päite näi, dåòha kori’ dharo nitäir päy se sambandha nähi jä’r, båthä janma gelo tä’r, se paçu boòo duräcära nitäi nä bolilo mukhe, majilo saàsära-sukhe, vidyä-kule ki koribe tära ahaìkare matta hoiyä, nitäi-päda päsariyä, asatyere satya kori mäni nitäiyer karuna habe, braje rädhä-kåñëa päbe, dharo nitäi-caraëa du’khäni nitäiyer caraëa satya, täìhära sevaka nitya, nitäi-pada sadä koro äça narottama boòo dukhé, nitäi more koro sukhé, räkho räìga-caraëera päça TRANSLATION 1. The lotus feet of Çré Nityänanda are as cooling as millions of moons. The entire universe attains peace by the shade of those lotus feet. Without the mercy of Çré Nityänanda, nobody can attain Rädhä and Kåñëa, the aim of human life. Therefore, catch hold of the two lotus feet of Çré Nityänanda Prabhu very tightly.

2. One who has not established a relationship with Çré Nityänanda is a two-legged animal. A great beast!

His whole life is spoiled. He cannot be called a human being. He never utters the name of Çré Nityänanda. He is forever immersed in enjoying material happiness and has forgotten Çré Nitäi. He may have acquired great

225 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

material scholarship and learning, but what is the value of such an education? This will never help him.

3. They are so puffed-up with their mundane education and scholarship. They are never humble at all.

They have forgotten the lotus feet of Çré Nitäi because of their false ego and pride. They are completely under the clutches of mäyä. They accept the untruth as truth.

If Çré Nityänanda showers His mercy upon someone, he will attain Çré Çré Rädhä-Kåñëa in Vrajabhümi. So catch hold of the two lotus feet of Lord Nityänanda very tightly.

4. The lotus feet of Çré Nityänanda are eternally true and the followers or servants of those lotus feet of Çré Nityänanda are also eternal. Always aspire for the lotus feet of Çré Nityänanda. Çréla Narottama däsa Öhäkura says, “I am a very distressed and unhappy person, drowning in this dreadful ocean of material existence. O Çré Nityänanda Prabhu, please make me very happy! Please keep me at Your lotus feet.”

Dalalera Gita By Çréla Bhaktivinoda Öhäkura 1) boro çukher khabor gai suräbhi-kunjete namera haööa khule’che (khoòa nitäi) 2) boro mojara kotha taya çräddha-mulye çuddha-näma sei hatete bikaya 3) jata bhakta-bånda basi’ adhikari dekhe’ näma becche daro käçi 4) jadi näma kinbe, bhäi ämära sange calo, mahäjanera kache jai 5) tumi kinbe kåñëa-näma dasturi loibo ämi, pürna ha’be käma 6) boro dayäla nityänanda çräddha-mätra lo’ye den parama-änanda 7) ek-bar dekhle cakhe jala ‘gaura’ bole’ nitäi den sakala sambäla 8) den çuddha kåñëa-sikña jäti, dhäna, bidyä, bala na kore apekha

226 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Prayers to Lord Nityananda

9) amani chare mäyä-jäla gåhe thako, vane thako, na thake janjäl 10) ära naiko kalir bhoy acandale den näma, nitäi doya-moya 11) bhaktivinoda daki’ koy nitäi-caraëa binä ära nahi açraya TRANSLATION: 1. I sing news of happy and holy tidings. Nitäi has opened a marketplace of the holy name in Surabhi-kuïja.

2. He is selling the pure holy name in that marketplace for the price of only one’s faith.

3. Lord Nityänanda, seeing all the devotees becoming attracted, is bargaining with them and selling them the holy name.

4. O brother, if you want the holy name then come with me. Come to that great soul, Nityänanda.

5. You will get the name of Kåñëa. I will take my commission, and all of our desires will be fulfilled.

6. Lord Nityänanda is very merciful. Taking only one’s faith, He gives the highest ecstasy.

7. If He sees only once tears in the eyes while chanting the name, Gaura, then He gives everything to that person.

8. He gives the pure teachings of Kåñëa to everyone, not caring for their birth, wealth, knowledge, or strength.

9. Now, giving up the illusory snare of mäyä, either remain in household life or in the forest as a sannyäsé, and no more troubles will remain.

10. There is no more fear of the age of Kali. The merciful Nitäi gives the holy name to even caëòälas.

11. Bhaktivinoda calls out, “Except for the lotus feet of Lord Nityänanda, there is no other shelter!”

227 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda Prabhu’s Appearance Day Lecture

By His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedänta Swamé Prabhupäda Bhubaneswar, Orrisa on February 2, 1977

N

ityänanda Prabhu is Baladeva, Baladeva-tattva. vrajendra-nandana yei, çacé-suta haila sei, balaräma haila nitäi

“Who was formerly the son of Nanda Mahäräja, He has appeared as the son of Çacé-devé.” Caitanya Mahäprabhu’s mother’s name was Çacé-devé. Kåñëa is Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu, and Balaräma is Nityänanda Prabhu.

In the Vedic literature it is said, näyam ätmä bala-hénena labhyaù na bahunä çrutena. bala means strength. Sometimes some rascal philosophers take it that bala means bodily strength.

They propagate this philosophy that unless you are bodily stout and strong, you cannot achieve spiritual salvation. You must be very strong and stout and eat meat and fight, and then you’ll get next spiritual birth. No. This bala, strength, is different. This is spiritual strength.

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

229

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

The difficulty of the present situation is that, actually, we are moving on account of spiritual strength, but they have no information of the spiritual strength. They are thinking of material strength. That is expressed here, that, ahaìkäre matta hoiyä, nitäi-pada päsariyä, asatyere satya kori mäni This is due to ahaìkära. Ahaìkära-vimüòhätmä kartäham iti manyate (BG. 3.27). Those who are vimüòha, especially rascal, müòha, rascals, and vi means viçeña, viçeñanam, particularly. Ahankara-vimudhätmä. The same thing which is spoken in the Bhagavad-gétä, Narottama däsa Öhäkura says the same thing in a plain Bengali language. ahaìkäre matta haiyä, nitäi-pada. By the spell of mäyä—ahaìkära-vimüòhätmä kartäham iti manyate— they are thinking that, “We are independent. We can do whatever we like.” This is called ahaìkära-vimüòhätmä. Under false pretext, false prestige, everyone is thinking that, “We are independent. We can find out the solution of the problems of life by material adjustment,” so on, so on. So that is our material disease.

Ahaìkära-vimüòhätmä. Bewildered, they do not understand that the real strength is spiritual strength. We see daily a very strong man, a very powerful man, a man with very good brain, a very good scientist and so on. So what is the strength?

The strength is ätmä. As soon as the ätmä, or the soul, goes out of the body; the so-called intelligent, strength, and so many things, become nothing. That is the difference between dead man and the living man. A living man is very powerful, very good position, everything. As soon as he dies, he is lying down on the floor, and if you kick him on his face, he’ll not protest.

So where is that strength? The strength is gone. That is spiritual strength. On the spiritual strength, the body moves. Suppose you have got a very good car, Mercedes car or Rolls Royce car, but when there is no petrol, how the car will move? It is not possible. There is spirit, petrol spirit. Similarly, real strength is spiritual strength. That spiritual strength is Balaräma. Bala means strength. Therefore we have to take shelter of the lotus feet of Balaräma, guru-tattva.

230 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda Prabhu’s Appearance Day Lecture

Balaräma means guru-tattva. Balaräma represents guru.

Yasya prasädäd bhagavat-prasädaù. If we want to understand Caitanya Mahäprabhu, if we want to understand Kåñëa, then we must take shelter of Balaräma. Näyam ätmä bala-hénena labhyaù. This bala-hénena labhyaù, this Vedic injunction, means, “Without the mercy of Balaräma, you cannot understand, you cannot realize your spiritual identification. So that Balaräma comes as Nityänanda Prabhu, balaräma hailä nitäi. Therefore we must take shelter of Balaräma.

This song has been sung by Narottama däsa Öhäkura. nitäipada-kamala, koöi-candra-suçétala. If we take shelter of Nityänanda Prabhu, then we get peace. Koöi-candra-suçétala. Just like in daytime, especially in the summer season, we become very much exasperated. But at night, in the evening, as soon as there is moonshine, we become very much satisfied. All day’s labor and fatigue is immediately vanished. So nitäi-pada-kamala, the shade of Nityänanda Prabhu’s lotus feet, is koöi-candra-suçétala, as pleasing as millions of moonshine. One moon shining gives us so much pleasure. So if we want actually peace of mind, if we actually want to be freed from this material fatigue, then we must take shelter of Nityänanda Prabhu. Nityänanda Prabhu is the strength, spiritual strength. And without spiritual strength, you cannot approach Kåñëa. Näyam ätmä pravacanena labhyaù.

If you are a good speaker, that does not mean you’ll understand yourself. Na medhayä: “Neither by good brain.” Just because you have got very good brain you’ll understand Kåñëa—no. Näyam ätmä pravacanena labhyo na medhayä na bahunä çrutena. If you think that you are a very good scholar, university degreeholder, then you’ll understand—no. This is not possible.

So we must have spiritual strength. That source of spiritual strength is Balaräma, Kåñëa’s next manifestation, prakäçavigraha. Kåñëa is manifesting Himself through Balaräma. So we have to take shelter of Nityänanda Prabhu. nitäi-pada-kamala, koöi-candra-suçétala, je chäyäy jagata juräy

231 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

The whole world is suffering, but if you want peace, then you take shelter of Nityänanda Prabhu. heno nitäi bine bhäi, rädhä-kåñëa päite näi dhåha kori’ dharo nitäir päy Our real aim of life is how to go back home back to Godhead and associate with Rädhä Kåñëa. In another song the same author says, manuñya-janama päiyä, rädhä-kåñëa nä bhajiyä, jäniyä çuniyä biña khäinu Unless you come to Rädhä-Kåñëa, you cannot get real pleasure. If you want to dance and get pleasure, don’t dance independently. Dance with Kåñëa. Then you’ll be happy. The dancing is there, but dancing without association of Kåñëa. Just like here, in our temple, we are also eating, but we are eating the remnants of foodstuff left by Kåñëa. That is real pleasure. It is not that we are stopping eating. We are not stopping eating. We are not dry philosophers. Kåñëa baro doyämoy, koribäre jihvä jay, sva-prasäd-anna dilo bhäi. All over the world we are eating Kåñëa prasädam, and we have got good experience. At least ten thousand men and women, they are taking Kåñëa prasädam, but we have no anxiety. A family consists of a few members. They are full of anxiety how to maintain the family. And we are maintaining a family of ten thousand men. We have no anxiety. Just see practically. We require thousands and thousands of rupees for maintaining Europe, America; a costly affair. But because we are under the shelter of Nityänanda Prabhu, Balaräma, we have no anxiety. That means material life means anxiety. You cannot avoid anxiety if you lead a material life. You will always be anxious.

That is Prahläda Mahäräja’s instruction. He was asked by his father, “My dear son, what have you learned, the best thing from your teachers?” He replied, “My dear best of the asuras.”

Tat sädhu manye ’sura-varya dehinäà sadä samudvigna-dhiyäm asad-grahät. The whole human society is suffering, at least suf-

232 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda Prabhu’s Appearance Day Lecture

fering from one disease— anxiety. Ask anybody. Take one small ant and take the big elephant; take the President of United States or take one street beggar. Ask him, “Whether you are free from anxiety?” Everybody will say, “No, I am full of anxiety.” That’s a fact. So why are they in anxiety, full of anxiety?

That Prahläda Mahäräja had replied, “sadä samudvigna-dhiyäm asad-grahät.” Because we have taken to asad-vastu, what does not exist. Everything, whatever you have got. Our, this body will not exist. And this is the main platform of our existence. In the material world, so long the body is there, you exist. So Prahläda Mahäräja said that, “Real solution of problems of life is to get out of this material condition. That is best thing in my opinion.”

Sadä samadvigna-dhiyäm asad. That is Vedic injunction also.

ASATO mä sad gamaya: “Don’t live in this asat, in this material condition.” SAD gamaya: “Go to real existence.” That real existence means spiritual life. NA hanyate hanyamäne çarére.

So if we actually want life, blissful life, then we must get out of this material existence. That is Prahläda Mahäräja’s instruction. samudvigna-dhiyäm. And if you remain in the material existence, you must suffer some anxiety. There is no excuse.

So Prahläda Mahäräja advises that hitvätma-pütaà gåham andha-küpaà vanaà gato yad dharim äçrayeta. Real problem is anxiety. And this anxiety will continue so long you are in material existence. Therefore the real life is to get out of this material hitvätma-pütam. Ätma-ghätam means killing the soul.

This material civilization is killing the soul. They have no information of the soul. They do not know how to become peaceful, how to become blissful. They are trying to be peaceful, bahirartha-mäninaù, by external material energy. They are thinking by constructing big, big buildings, just like in Bhubaneswar they are doing, and having good, very big, big roads and motorcars, that is advancement of civilization. No. That is not advancement of civilization. That is increasing their anxiety. There is no solution of the anxiety. Formerly there was no university.

The university was in the cottage—Vyäsadeva. Vyäsadeva was writing Çrémad-Bhägavatam and all the Puräëas in a cottage.

The university was there. Who can produce such literature as Vyäsadeva has given? From any angle of vision, from literary

233 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

point of view, from philosophical point of view—everything, so perfect, every literature, Mahäbhärata, Puräëas, and Vedänta.

Veda-vyäsa has given. So there was no need of university. It required clear brain. That was to be done by the brahminical qualifications, çamo damo titikña ärjava, jïänaà-vijïänam ästikyaà brahma-karma svabhäva. Where is that education? This education, technical education, how you can very nicely hammer, this will not solve the problem. So if we want real solution of the problems, then our duty is first of all to take the shelter of nitäi-pada-kamala. Then we’ll be happy, and we’ll get moonshine, and all our fatigue will subside.

Sambandha nähi jär, båthä janma gelo tär. So if you have no connection with Nityänanda Prabhu, Nityänanda means always blissful. Nitya means always, änanda means pleasure. This is another meaning you can draw. So therefore, if you have no connection with Nityänanda Prabhu, “It’s simply wasting time.”

Båthä means useless. Uselessly wasting time. Sei paçu boro duräcär. And Narottama däsa Öhäkura has used very strong word.

“Anyone who has no connection with Nityänanda Prabhu, is a paçu.” Paçu means animal. So how one animal can get happiness? That is not possible. The dog, from the childhood he’s searching after food, searching after food. And cannot get food.

Unless a dog has got a master, he’s a street dog and he’s always unhappy. So better to become a dog of Nityänanda Prabhu.

Then we shall be happy. Instead of becoming dog of so many other people. Everyone is searching to serve a master. But none of them are satisfied because that is false master. You take real master, Nityänanda Prabhu. You’ll be happy. se paçu boro duräcära. He does not know where is happiness. Where shall I become a dog? Our Bhaktivinoda Öhäkura, has sung, vaisnava öhäkur, tomära kukkura, boliyä jänaha more “My dear Vaiñëava Öhäkura, kindly accept me as your dog.

I am a dog already, but I am mäyä’s dog. I’m not Vaiñëava’s dog.

So kindly accept me.” If you become a Vaiñëava’s dog, chäòiyä vaiñëava sevä, nistära päyeche kebä. If you do not become a dog

234 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Lord Nityänanda Prabhu’s Appearance Day Lecture

of Nityänanda Prabhu, Vaiñëava, or guru, there is no question of happiness. SE sambandha nähi yär, båthä janma gelo, sei paçu boro duräcär.

Nitäi nä bolilo mukhe, majilä saàsära-sukhe. He who has no connection with Nityänanda Prabhu, and does not say, “Jaya Nitäi! Jaya Gaura!” And majilo saàsära-sukhe, thinks that this society, family, friendship and love, are divinely bestowed upon man. These materialist persons say like that. That is called majilo saàsära sukhe. In saàsära there cannot be any sukha, but he’s attracted by that. MAJILO saàsära sukhe. Vidyä-kule ki koribe tär. What we’ll do with university education or born in big family? This will not help. This is not possible. Vidyä-kule ki karibe tär. Why they’re accepting this false? AHAÌKÄRE matta hoiyä, nitäi-pada päsariyä, asatyere satya kori mäni. On account of being misled by false prestige and false egotism, asatyere satya kori mäni, we are accepting this body which is asat, which will not exist. That we have taken as reality. Ahaìkare matta hoiya, nitäi pada päsariyä. But if we take shelter of Nityänanda Prabhu, then we get the enlightenment.

Nitäiyer koruëä habe, braje rädhä-kåñëa päbe, dharo nitäicaraëa du’khäni. Therefore Narottama däsa Öhäkura advises that the reality is nitäi-caraëa, and anyone who is servant, nitäiyer caraëa satya, tähära sevaka nitya. One who has become the dog of Nityänanda Prabhu, he gets his eternal life.

We are eternal, but under misconception of material identification, we are under the subjugation of mäyä. BHÜTVÄ bhütvä praléyate. TATHÄ dehäntara. It is very botheration, but they do not know. I am going from one body to another body. And that is not guaranteed, what body. They have no science, no knowledge about understanding tathä dehäntara, the very first instruction of Bhagavad-gétä. They are so rascals, and they are proud of their education, their universities.

Nitäi caraëa satya, tähära sevaka nitya, nitäi-pada sadä koro äçä. Therefore we should always expect to be under the shelter of nitäi-pada-kamala. NAROTTAMA boro duùkhé, Narottama däsa Öhäkura, he’s äcärya. He is presenting himself.

That is äcärya. Means he is not duùkhé, but he’s presenting himself as duùkhé. That is äcärya. Äcäryas are never duùkhé. But

235 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

taking the common man’s position, he says, “NAROTTAMA boro duùkhé.” Narottama means the best of the human beings.

So here in this material world one may be the best of the human being, very exalted position, but everyone is duùkhé, unhappy.

NAROTTAMA boro duùké, nitäi more koro sukhé: “Only Nityänanda can make me happy. Otherwise not possible.”

236

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Glossary

A Abhiñeka—bathing ceremony Aìgada—son of Bali, brother of Sugriva Ananta—unlimited, another name of Lord Nityänanda Äçrama—hermitage Avadhüta—transcendental madman B Bakäsura—one of demons killed by Lord Kåñëa in His Vrajalélä Bäla-gopäla—Kåñëa as a cowherd boy Bhakti—devotional service Bhakti-rasämåta-sindhu—nectarean ocean of devotional service Brahmacäré—celibate monk Brahmänanda Puré—a godbrother of Çré Ésvara Puri C Cädara—shawls Caëòäla-Guhaka—the tribal chief who helped Lord Rämacandra Campaka—a special fragrant flower

This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

237

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

Catur-vyüha—quadruple expansions of the Lord D Darçana—spiritual vision Daçaratha—Lord Rämacandra’s father Devahüti —Lord Kapila’s mother Devaké—Lord Kåñëa’s mother Dhanvantari—Lord Viñëu’s incarnation who introduced medicine E Ekacakrä—birthplace of Lord Nityänanda G Gadädhara Prabhu—a member of Panca-tattva Gaëòaké— a holy river presently in Nepal Gandhamädana Hill—medicinal hill carried by Hanuman Gandharvas—heavenly angels Gayä—a sacred place of pligrimage that contains Viñëu’s footprints Gopés—cowherd girlfriends of Kåñëa Gosäi—a shortened word of Gosvämé Gosvämé—a controller of his senses and a pure devotee H Haladhara—another name of Lord Balaräma Hanumän—considered to be one of three servants of Hari Häòäi Paëòita—Lord Nityänanda’s father Haridäsa Öhäkura—incarnation of Brahmä Haridvära—gate of Hari, a sacred places of pilgrimage Hayagréva—Horse incarnation I Indrajit—son of Rävaëa Éçvara Puré—spiritual master of Lord Caitanya J Jagannätha Miçra—Lord Caitanya’s father

238 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Glossary

Jïäné—a person who knows the scriptures, often an impersonalist Jiyaòa Nåsiàha—a temple of Lord Nåsiàhadeva K Kaiöabha—one of original demons Kälindé—river Yamunä Kali-yuga—age of quarrel Känäi—a sweet name of Kåñëa Kåñëa-kathä—topics about Kåñëa Kaòacä—diaries on the pastimes of Lord Caitanya Kauçalyä—Lord Rämacandra’s mother Kaustubha—a gem on the chest of Viñëu Kértana—chanting of the holy name Kürma—tortoise incarnation L Laìkä—kingdom of Rävaëa Lakñmépriyä—first wife of Lord Caitanya M Madhu—another of the original demon killed by Lord Viñëu Mahä-bhägavata—a topmost devotee Mahä-prasäda—remnants of the offerings to the Lord Mäliné devé—wife of Çréväsa Paëòita Mantras—various chants Matsya—fish incarnation Mlecchas—meat-eaters Muräri—killer of demon Mura N Nadia—the district in Bengal where Navadvipa is situated Naimiñäraëya—a sacred forest where the Bhägavatam was narrated Nandana Äcärya—Lord Nityänanda first stayed at his house Näòä—a name of Advaita Äcärya Néläcala—blue hill, Jagannätha Puri Nitäicända—moonlike Lord Nityänanda

239 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

ÇRÉ NITYÄNANDA CARITÄMÅTA

P Padmävaté Devé—Lord Nityänanda’s mother Päëòu Vijaya—festival celebrating the victory of the Päëòavas R Raghunätha—another name of Lord Rämacandra Räkñasa—man-eating demon Rudräkña—a bead of Lord Çiva S Çakaöa—cart Çakti-çela—a special Vedic weapon Çacé—Lord Caitanya’s mother Çréväsa—incarnation of Narada Muni and member of Païcatattva Çrévatsa—white hair on the chest of the Lord Çukräcärya—spiritual master of the demons Çiva-käïcé—an abode of Lord Çiva in South India Çré Advaita Äcärya—combined form of Mahäviñëu and Lord Çiva Çré Mädhavendra Puré—the originator of prema-bhäva-bhakti Sädhus—saintly devotees Saìkértana—congregational chanting of the holy names Sandeça—sweet preparation from milk Sannyäsa daëòa—stick carried by the renunciates Satya-yuga—age of truthfulness Setubandha—bridge built to connect Rameçvara to Laìkä Småtis—Vedic scriptures T Täla—a tree Tälavana—forest of täla Tretä-yuga—age of sacrifice Tridaëòa—a rod made of three sticks carried by sannyäsis Triveëé-ghat—a meeting point of Gaìges, Yamunä, and Sarasvaté V Vaijayanté—a special flower garland worn by Lord Kåñëa

240 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com

Licensed for Personal Use Only

Glossary

Varäha—boar incarnation Väruëé—horneyed wine which is a favorite of Lord Balaräma Vasudeva—Lord Kåñëa’s father in Mathurä Vedas—scriptures Véëa—stringed instrument Viçvambhara—maintainer of the universe Viñëupriyä—second wife of Lord Caitanya Vyäsa-püjä—worship of Çréla Vyäsadeva

241 This book can be had from www.touchstonemedia.com