Contents A Note from the Publisher 3 Sri Syamananda Prabhu Disappearance 4 Sri Vakresvara Pandita Appearance 6 Sri Srivasa Pandita Disappearance 8 Yogini Mahadvadasi 10 Sri Gadadhara Pandit Disappearance 13 Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura Disappearance 16 Gundica Marjana 20 Rath Yatra Pastimes 22 Sri Svarupa Damodara Gosvami Disappearance 25 Sri Sivananda Sena Disappearance 27 Hera Pancami 29 Return of Rath Yatra 30 Sayana Ekadasi 32 Srila Sanatana Goswami 36 Credits 40
A Note from the Publisher Hare Krishna Please accept our most humble obeisances All glories to Srila Prabhupada All glories to Sri Sri Guru & Gauranga To the assembled devotees who will read these pages. We hope that you are finding these simple publications helpful in increasing your bliss in serving Krishna on a day to day basis. The glories of the devotees, Ekadasis and festivals are unlimited and capable of liberating those who hear and relish them. These publications are simply to help increase the flood of nectar that began with Lord Caitanya and His associates and has increased over the course of time. Please forgive any errors or omissions and bless us to continue to collect this nectar for you. Some pages will have much text, but we could not really cut back much more and preserve the essence of nectar involved. Thank you for taking the time to read these pages. Your humble servants in the JPS Archives Pandava das JPS, Caitanya Rupa devi dasi JPS, Jai Prakash das GRS, Yamuna Jivan das BTS BCS, Caitanya Tirtha das JPS, Dharmaraja Gaura das JPS, Mishra Purandara das BCS, Deena Dayal das JPS
Sri Syamananda Prabhu Disappearance Shayamanda a dear devotee of the Lord took birth in a village in Orissa in a kingdom known as Utkala. Feeling very sad (dukhi) over losing several children before his birth, his parents named him Dukhi Krishna Dasa. Upon taking diksha from Hrdaya Chaitanya he became known as Krishna Dasa. In Vrindavana, he joined Narottama Dasa Thakura and Shrinivasa Acharya to study the Goswami granthas under Shri Jiva Goswami. Many ankle bell stories describe how Krishna Dasa received Radharani s mercy, the name Shyamananda, and his unique tilaka mark. A brief description of this is given thus; While living in Vrindavana, Krishna Dasa regularly swept the streets before dawn. He performed this humble service so that the Vaishnavas would not hurt their feet while walking to the Temples.
One morning he found a captivatingly beautiful golden ankle bracelet. While contemplating on whom the bracelet belonged to, two cowherd girls appeared at the scene and requested that he hand it over saying it belonged to their friend. However Krsna Dasa would not let go of the bracelet. To finally convince him the two cowherd girls assumed their real forms as Lalita and Visakha sakhis, then he understood that the friend they spoke about must have been Radharani Herself. When Lalita and Visakha sakhis asked for the bracelet Krishna Dasa said he would only give it to the original owner. Shyamananda (one who pleases Shrimati Radharani or the servant of Shyamasundara Krishna). Sometime after Hrdaya Chaitanya s disappearance, he reappeared in a dream telling Shyamananda to preach. With the help of his foremost disciple, Rasikananda, Shyamananda profusely spread the worship and service of Gaura- Nityananda all over Orissa. Twenty-four hour kirtana surrounds Shyamananda s pushpa samadhi which is located on the opposite side of the street running between Radha-Shyamasundara and Radha-Damodara Temples in Vrindavana. Blindfolding Krishna Dasa, the gopis brought him to Shrimati Radhika. She allowed him to put the bracelet on Her ankle. But before fastening it, Krishna Dasa reverentially touched it to his forehead. This left a new tilaka mark permanently there. Rejoicing over Krishna Dasa s transcendental fortune, Shri Jiva Goswami awarded him the name
Sri Vakresvara Pandita Appearance Sri Vakreshwar Pandit was present with Sriman Mahaprabhu during His pastimes in Navadwipa and after his acceptance of Sannyasa he also accompanied Him to Jagannath Puri. During the time of the Lord s residence in Puri he continued to live with Him there as well. Sri Vakreshwar Pandit took birth in the village of Guptipara near Triveni. He was an especially proficient dancer and kirtaniya and could dance continuously for 72 hours. Once in the house of Srivasa Thakura, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu sang while Vakresvara Pandit danced in constant ecstasy for seventy-two hours. At that time Lord Caitanya said, Vakresvara, I have only one wing like you, but if I had another certainly I could fly in the sky. Expert at singing and dancing, Vakresvara Pandit always pleased Lord Caitanya with his service in the Navadvipa sankirtana parties (which he joined from the beginning), the dramas at Srivas Angam, and the yearly Ratha-yatra at Jagannatha Puri. Vrindavana Dasa Thakura said, To awaken the sleeping souls in the age of Kali, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu came to distribute the nectar of the holy name of Krishna. When He came the khol (mrdanga) and karatals sounded like thundering clouds. Absorbed in moods of ecstatic love and shouting Hari bol Hari bol, Sri Gauranga told everyone to chant the holy name of Krishna. Raising His golden arms to the sky, Lord Gaura Hari would dance in ecstasy. At that time, Vakresvara Pandit and others would dance with the Lord. (Caitanya Bhagavata) By Vakresvara s blessings Devananda Pandit was freed from the Vaisnava aparadha he committed against Srivasa Pandit. Then Sri Caitanya accepted Devananda Pandit as one of His own devotees. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu commented on this incident, Krishna has made His home in the heart of Vakresvara
Pandit. As Krishna dances in his heart, so Vakresvara Pandit himself dances. Whatever place Vakresvara Pandit blesses with his association becomes a holy place of pilgrimage more sacred than all the holy places. Vakresvara Pandit established Deities of Sri-Sri Radha-Kantha in Kashi Mishra s house next to the Gambhira in Jagannatha Puri. Kavi Karnapura says Vakresvara Pandit is an incarnation of Aniruddha of catur-vyuha. Vakresvara Pandit initiated Gopala Guru Goswami and many others in Orissa. Dhyan Candra, a disciple of Gopala Guru Goswami, says in his books that Vakresvara Pandit is an incarnation of Tungavidya sakhi, an expert singer and dancer serving as one of Srimati Radharani s asta-sakhis. His samadhi is in the 64 Samadhis Area.
Sri Srivasa Pandita Disappearance Srivasa Pandit, fifth member of the Panca-tattva; Sri Krishna Chaitanya, Prabhu Nityananda, Sri Advaita, Gadadhara and Srivas lived in Navadwipa before the advent of Lord Chaitanya. Srivasa led his brothers Sri Rama, Sri Nidhi, and Sripati in their devotional lives of singing Krishna s names, worshiping the Lord, and bathing thrice daily in the Ganges. Srivas Pandit would regularly meet with Sri Advaita Acharya Prabhu to study the Bhagavatam and prayed for an incarnation of the Supreme Lord. Why did they pray? They prayed because only an avatara of Krishna could restablish Vaishnavism among the staunch atheists, logicians, and proud pandits harassing Nadia at that time. Malini, wife of Srivasa, was a constant friend of Sachi Devi. She served Nimai as a nurse. When Lord Vishvambhara appeared, the hearts of all of these Devotees were filled with parental affection (vatsalya bhava). Gaurachandra loved Malini and Shrivasa as a second mother and father. Shrivasa Angan was located two hundred yards north of Nimai s bari (house). Shrivasa Pandit s palatial home had large comfortable rooms, a high protective boundary wall, and lush densely foliated gardens and groves. Every night Shri Gauranga Mahaprabhu and His dearest friends would enjoy ecstatic kirtans here and taste the mellows of Vrindavana. Here, the raging Muslim Kazi broke the sacred mridanga in his foolish attempt to stop Sri Krishna s Sankirtana Movement. Henceforward, Srivasa Angan was known as Khol Banga Danga (place where the mrdanga was broken). The Kazi passed an ordinance prohibiting sankirtana. Violators
would be converted to the Muslim faith and lose their property. Although most the residents of Navadwipa panicked over this, Srivasa Pandit laughed at the fanatical law. Within Srivasa Angan, Lord Gauranga-sundara showed His divine form to all His eternal associates. The house of Srivasa Pandit served as the headquarters of Gauranga s Sankirtana Movement. The daily Bhagavatam classes, nightly kirtans, and many confidential Vraja pastimes of Lord Gaura occurred here. Srivasa Pandit and Sri Advaita Acharya, the learned chiefs of the brahmana community, dedicated all their energy to the Lord s Hari- Nama Sankirtana Movement. They surrendered their bodies, minds, homes, friends, family, and all possessions to Lord Gaura s service. They knew no other gods or goddesses. Srivasa Pandit maintained his family, not because they were his relatives, but because they were Sri Caitanya s loving servants. Srivasa Pandit represents the marginal living entity (tatastha jiva). The Devotees headed by Srivasa are described as Lord Chaitanya s smaller limbs (His face, eyes, hands, disc, and other weapons). They all took part in Sri Gaurasundara s pastimes. With them Lord Gauranga spread the sankirtana movement. Shrivasa Pandit is Narada Muni, an inter-galactic preacher and constant associate of the Lord. His samadhi is in the 64 Samadhis Area in Vrndavan.
Yogini Mahadvadasi Yudhisthira Maharaja said, O Supreme Lord, I have heard the glories of Nirjala Ekadasi, which occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Jyestha. O killer of the Madhu demon. The Sureme Lord, Sri Krsna, replied, O king, I shall tell you the best of all fasting days, the Ekadasi that comes during the dark part of the month of Asadha. Famous as Yogini Ekadasi it removes all kinds of sinful reactions and awards supreme liberation. O best of kings, this Ekadasi delivers people who drowning in the vast ocean of material existence and transports them to the shore of the spiritual world. In all the three worlds, it is the chief of all sacred fasting days. I shall reveal this truth to you by narrating a history recounted in the Puranas. The king of Alakapuri, Kuvera, the treasurer of the demigods, was a steadfast devotee of Lord Siva. He employed a servant named Hemamali as his personal gardener. Hemamali a Yaksa, was very lustfully attracted to his gorgeous wife, Svarupavati, who had large, enchanting eyes. Hemamali s daily duty was to visit Manasarovara Lake and bring back flowers for his master, Kuvera, which were then used in the worship of Lord Siva. One day, after picking the flowers, Hemamali went to his wife instead of returning directly to his master and fulfilling his duty. Absorbed in loving affairs with his wife, he forgot to return to the abode of Kuvera. O king, while Hemamali was enjoying with his wife, Kuvera began worshiping Lord Siva in his palace and soon discovered that there were no flowers ready for the midday puja. The lack of such an important item angered the great demigod, and he asked a Yaksa messenger, Why has dirty-hearted Hemamali not come with the daily offering of flowers? Go find out the exact reason and report back to me in person. The Yaksa returned and told Kuvera, O dear Lord, Hemamali is freely enjoying sex with his wife.
Kuvera became extreamly angry when he heard this and at once summoned lowly Hemamali before him. Knowing that he had been remiss and dawdling in his duty, Hemamali approached his master in great fear. The gardener first paid his obeisances and then stood before his lord, whose eyes had become red with anger and whose lips trembled. Enraged, Kuvera cried out to Hemamali, O sinful rascal O destroyer of religious principles! You are an offense to the demigods! I therefore curse you to suffer from white leprosy and to become separated from your beloved wife! Only great suffering is deservedly yours! O lowborn fool, leave this place immediately and betake yourself to the lower planets! And so Hemamali fell at once from Alakapuri and become ill with the terrible affliction of white leprosy. He awoke in a dense and fearful forest, where there was nothing to eat or drink. Thus he passed his days in misery, unable to sleep at night due to pain. He suffered in both winter and summer, but because he continued to worship Lord Siva faithfully, his consciousness remained pure and steady. Although implicated by great sin and its attendant reactions, he remembered his past life because of his piety. After wandering for some time here and there, over mountains and across plains he came to the Himalayan range. There he had the wonderful good fortune to come upon the great saint Markandeya Risi, the best of ascetics, whose duration of life, it is said, extends to seven days of Brahma. Markandeya was seated peacefully at his asrama, looking as effulgent as a second Brahma. Hemamali, feeling very sinful, stood at a distance from the magnificent sage and offered his humble obeisances and prayers. Always interested in the welfare of other, Markandeya saw the leper and called to him, O you, what sort of sinful deeds have you done to earn this dreadful affliction? Hearning this, Hemamali replied, Dear sir, I am a Yaksa servant of Lord Kuvera, and my name is Hemamali. It was my
daily service to pick flowers from Manasarovara Lake for my master s worship of Lord Siva, but one day I was late in returning with the offering become I had become overwhelmed with passion for my beautiful wife. When my master discovered why I was late, he cursed me in great anger. Thus I am now bereft of my home, wife, and service. But fortunately I have come upon you, and now I hope to receive from you an auspicious benediction, for I know that devotees of the Supreme Lord always carry the interest of others uppermost in their hearts. That is their great nature. O best of the sages please help me! Markendeya Risi replied, Because you have told me the truth, I shall tell you about a fast day that will benefit you greatly. If you fast on the Ekadasi that comes during the dark fornight of the month of Asadha, you will surely be freed of this terrible curse. Upon hearing words from the renowed sage, Hemamali fell to the ground in complete gratitude and offered him humble obeisances. But Markendeya stood and lifted Hemamali up, filling him with inexpressible happiness. Thus as the sage had instructed him, Hemamali dutifully observed the Ekadasi fast, and by its influence he again become a handsome Yaksa. Then he returned home, where he lived very happily with his wife. Lord Krsna concluded, So you can readily see, O Yudhisthira, that fasting on Yogini Ekadasi is very powerful and auspicious. Whatever merit one obtains by freeding eighty-eight thousand pious brahmanas is also obtained simple by oberving a strict fast on Yogini Ekadasi. For one who fasts on this sacred Ekadasi, he destroys heaps of past sinful reactions and this makes him most pious. O king, thus I have explained to you the purity of Yogini Ekadasi.
Sri Gadadhara Pandit Disappearance Sri Gadadhara was the consant companion of Mahaprabhu from the time of their childhood. His father s name was Sri Madhva Misra and his mother s name Sri Ratnavati devi. They lived very near the house of Sri Jagannatha Misra in Mayapura. Ratnavati-devi thought of Saci-devi as her own sister, and always used to visit her. During their childhood, Sri Gaura Hari and Gadadhara would play together, sometimes at Mahaprabhu s house and sometimes at Gadadhara s house. They both studied together at the same school. Gadadhara was a few years younger than Nimai. Nimai couldn t remain without Gadadhara even for a moment and Gadadhara likewise couldn t stand to be separated from Nimai. Saci Mata knowing that Nimai had an intense affection for Gadadhara would send him to fetch Nimai who used to play at Srivas Angan. Nimai ordinarily wouldn t listen to anyone s request for him to stop playing and head home, except for Gadadhara. Ironically, when Gadadhara pandit showed up to take Nimai home, they would both end up playing the whole time and neither of them would go home. In the Gaur-ganoddesa-dipika, it is described that that person who in Vraja was the daughter of Sri Vrsabhanu Raja, namely Srimati Radharani, is now celebrated as Sri Gadadhara Pandita. Srila Svarupa Damodara has written in his diary: avani sura bavah Sri Panditakhyo jatindrahsa khalo bhavati Radha Srila Gauravataro. Sri Vasudeva Ghosa Thakura has also written: Lord Gaurasundara, who is beyond the purview of the scriptures, beyond the entire
Brahman, and above even the Vedas, can never be known by the atheists whose intelligence is dull. Lord Nityananda is His eternal self. Lord Caitanya is Lord Govinda Himself and Pandita Gadadhara is none other than Sri Radha. The divine couples, who are present in Sri Caitanya, are a well of rasa. Advaita Acarya (Sadasiva) has prayed for His descent. Within He is blackish but of a golden hue without, the manifestation of the divine couple. Thus Vasudeva Ghosa sings of the beauty of this divine couple
Sri Gaura-Gadadhara in whose worship he has been completely subjugated. He prays that he will desire to serve them birth after birth. In Sri Caitanya-caritamrta we likewise find: The emotions and expressions of Pandita Gadadhara are not possible to describe. Another name of Lord Gauranga is the Lord of the life of Gadadhara. Who can understand what mercy has been bestowed upon him? Their glories are sung by everyone as Gadai- Gauranga. During the time when Sri Isvara Puri was present for a few months in Navadwipa at the house of Sri Gopinath Acarya, he taught Gadadhara from the book he had composed, Sri Krishna Lilamrta. Gadadhara was from his very childhood very serene, patient, calm, quiet, fond of solitude and very renounced. Nimai Pandit during the time of His precocious youth would ask his fellow students meaningless, fallacious questions in logic. Gadadhara however, was not especially fond of this pastime, and therefore he sometimes used to remain at some distance from Nimai. But Nimai wouldn t allow him to get away. He would tell him Gadadhara! In a very short time I ll become such a Vaisnava that Lord Brahma and Lord Siva themselves will come to my door. Sri Gadadhara Pandita was very affectionate towards Mukunda datta. Whenever any Vaisnava came to Navadwipa, Mukunda would inform Gadadhara and they would both go to have darsana. One time Pundarika Vidyanidhi came from Cattagram to Navadwipa and Mukunda invited Gadadhara to come along and meet him. Gadadhara was very excited to meet such a Vaisnava and thus the two of them happily set out together to take advantage of sadhu-sanga with the famous Pundarika Vidyanidhi. Read More ([Chaitanya Bhagavat. Madhylila 7.78-79].)
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura Disappearance (September 2, 1838 June 23, 1914) A prominent figure among the Gaudiya Vaishnavas of Bengal, was born as Kedarnath Datta in the town of Birnagar, Bengal, India. He was the son of Raja Krsnananda Datta and Jagat Mohini Devi. Professionally, he was a High Court judge in Jagannath Puri in Orrisa. It s also interesting to note that He was a High Court judge at the time when the British were still in Power and generally didn t respetct Indians much. However his moon like personality couldn t be covered by the Dark clouds of Colonialism. To further prove this when he asked to retire in order to spend most his time in developing his Nama Hatta preaching and book writing, the British just couldn t come to terms with this recognizing the importance of his presence in their administration as a strong cohesive force. To facilitate his shuttle between his house and the Office they built the rail way tracks right up to the very front of his house, this way he was picked up and dropped off everyday
right at his door step. Bhaktivinoda married and had several children, including Bimal Prasad (later Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura), the founder of the Gaudiya Math and the guru of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Despite his busy schedule as a High court Magistrate Bhaktivinoda Thakur was able to execute his duties efficiently as a householder and he exemplified this by the way he was able to cater for his eleven children and wife without having any issues. It is said that after his day s duty he would spend at least five minutes each with each of his children, coming to a total of minimum one hour a day. He would ask each one of them how they were faring and answer any questions they had to ask. He revived the Sankirtan Movement started by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Bhaktivinoda was among the first Vaishnava scholars to present the teachings of Caitanya Mahaprabhu and the principles of Gaudiya Vaishnava Theology to the English speaking world. Bhaktivinoda took initiation (diksha) from Bipin Bihari Goswami, a descendant of the family dynasty of Vamsivadananda Thakur, a companion of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu s, and an initiate in the lineage descending from Sri Jahnava Thakurani, the wife of Lord Nityananda. In his autobiography entitled Svalikhita-jivani, Bhaktivinoda narrates how he had long prayed for a suitable guru and felt his prayers were responded to in a dream as Sri Chaitanya himself directed him to Bipin Bihari.
From the very beginning of Chaitanya s bhakti movement in Bengal, Haridasa Thakur and others Muslim or Hindu by birth were the participants. It is said that this openness received a boost from Bhaktivinoda Thakura s broad-minded vision in the late 19th century and was institutionalized by Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati in his Gaudiya Matha in the 20th century. It is accepted by many Gaudiya Vaishnavas that the predictions given by the Thakura laid the foundation of the worldwide spread of the bhakti yoga movement. He predicted the coming of the day when fortunate non- Indian Vaishnavas would perform Harinama Sankirtan in different cities of the world. He predicted that a great acharya would come to create a worldwide movement to propagate the sankirtana mission. This prediction was fulfilled by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. He also envisioned that many devotees from all nationalities would assemble at Mayapur to sing the names of Krishna and Chaitanya. Besides laying the foundation for the spread of Bhakti yoga in the world over, he also was very quick to check the activities of pseudo-guru s, impersonalist or God imposters. There is a very remarkable story of how he ended the duplicitous activities of one mystic called Phalgu baba. This mystic had acquired a siddhi s or powers from his austerities and claimed to be God (Krsna). People were afraid of him and soon news about him reached Bhaktivinoda Thakur who summoned him and asked him to show his Universal form which was a standard test for God imposters. Unable to exhibit this form Bhaktivinoda Thakur ordered for his arrest and imprisonment. While in cell the Mystic Baba used his powers and inflicted some terrible sickness on all of Bhaktivinoda Thakur s family. In a short time all his family members were sick and people afraid that Bhaktivinoda Thakur s children and wife might die from the sickness caused by this Baba asked him to release the
Baba. This illness did not deter Bhaktivinoda Thakur in his firm faith in the Supreme Lord. Meanwhile the Baba had also refused to eat anything given to him and was continuing his austerities while in cell. Understanding his intentions, Bhaktivinod Thakur ordered that the matted hair locks of the mystic Baba be shaved as that was where he had kept his shakti. As soon as this was done the Baba became powerless and died soon after. The entire family regained their health and people were overjoyed to hear the defeat of another fake God. Bhaktivinoda later accepted siksa (instruction) from Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaj, who is said to have lived for 135 years. Bhaktivinoda accepted the babaji way of life in 1908 and adopted the lifestyle of a Vaishnava recluse. He continued to travel between Kolkata and Puri until 1910. Then he spent most of his time living quietly at home unable to travel much due to poor health until his death June 23, 1914. His remains were interred at Godruma, one of the nine islands of Navadwip. To learn more about his works and songs (http://kksongs.org/ authors/list/bhaktivinoda.html) For a complete list of songs (http://kksongs.org/authors/full_ list/bhaktivinoda_full.html)
Gundica Marjana The Cleansing of the gundica Temple In commenting on the cleansing of the Gundica temple, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura says that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was personally giving instructions on how one should receive Lord Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, within one s cleansed and pacified heart. If one wants to see Krsna seated in his heart, he must first cleanse the heart, as prescribed by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in His Siksastaka. In this age, everyone s heart is unclean, as confirmed in Srimad Bhagavatam (hrdy antah stho hy abhadrani ) To wash all dirty things accumulated within the heart, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu advised everyone to chant the Hare Krsna mantra. The first result will be that the heart is cleansed (ceto darpana marjanam). Similarly, Srimad Bhagavatam (1.2.17) also confirms this statement: srnvatam sva kathah krsnah punya sravana kirtanah hrdy antah stho hy abhadrani vidhunoti suhrt satam Sri Krsna, the Personality of Godhead, who is the Paramatma [Supersoul] in everyone s heart and the benefactor of the truthful devotee, cleanses desire for material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who relishes His messages, which are in themselves virtuous when properly heard and chanted. If the devotee at all wants to cleanse his heart, he must chant and hear the glories of the Lord, Sri Krsna (srnvatam sva kathah krsnah [SB 1.2.17]). This is a simple process. Krsna Himself will help cleanse the heart because He is already seated there. Krsna wants to continue living within the heart, and the Lord wants to give directions, but one has to keep his heart as clean as Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu kept the Gundica temple. The devotee therefore has to cleanse his heart just as the Lord cleansed the Gundica temple. In this way one can be pacified and enriched in devotional service. If the heart is filled with straw, grains of sand, weeds or dust
(in other words, anyabhilasa purna), one cannot enthrone the Supreme Personality of Godhead there. The heart must be cleansed of all material motives brought about through fruitive work, speculative knowledge, the mystic yoga system and so many other forms of so called meditation. The heart must be cleansed without ulterior motive. The cleansing of anartha s from the heart could be classified in three phases; the first is the removal of very obvious impurities and this is compared to the instance when Lord Caitanya and his associates removed trunks, trees and garbage from the temple. These were quite visible and easy to take out. The second phase is the removal of less visible impurities from the heart and this is compared to the removal of medium size dirt such as sand, leaves and stains from the Gundica temple. Though less visible than the first set of impurities their presence was none the less felt and it took a little more attention to take them out, same thing applies to the anartha s present at this stage in our heart. The third and most intricate stage is the removal of those subtle impurities in our heart that are almost not visible but felt in an undertone. This is likened to the stain between cracks in the temple and most of these were spotted by the Lord himself, suffice it to say that cleansing this last stage of impurities from the heart one requires the Lord s infinite mercy. In his Amṛta-pravāha-bhāṣya, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura summarizes this chapter as follows. The King of Orissa, Mahārāja Pratāparudra, tried his best to see Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Śrīla Nityānanda Prabhu and the other devotees informed the Lord about the King s desire, but Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu would not agree to see him. At that time Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu devised a plan, and He sent a piece of the Lord s outward garment to the King. The next day, when Rāmānanda Rāya again entreated Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu to see the King, the Lord, denying the request, asked Rāmānanda Rāya to bring the King s son before Him. The prince visited the Lord dressed like a Vaiṣṇava, and this awakened remembrance of Kṛṣṇa. Thus Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu delivered the son of Maharaja Pratāparudra. After this, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu washed the Guṇḍicā temple before the Ratha-yātrā took place. He then took His bath at Indradyumna Lake and partook of prasādam in the garden nearby. While Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu washed the temple of Guṇḍicā, a Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava washed the lotus feet of the Lord and drank the water. This incident is very significant, for it awoke within the devotee ecstatic love. To read more, please visit http://vedabase.com/en/cc/madhya/12
Rath Yatra Pastimes fourteen mṛdaṅgas. A summary of this chapter is given by Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura in his Amṛta-pravāha-bhāṣya as follows. After bathing early in the morning, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu saw the deities (Jagannātha, Baladeva and Subhadrā) get aboard their three cars. This function is called Pāṇḍuvijaya. At that time, King Pratāparudra took a broom with a golden handle and began to cleanse the road. Lord Jagannātha took permission from the Goddess of fortune and then started in the car for the Guṇḍicā temple. The road to the temple led along a broad, sandy beach, and on both sides of the road were residential quarters, houses and gardens. Along that road the servants called gauḍas began to pull the cars. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu divided his saṅkīrtana party into seven divisions. With two mṛdaṅgas in each division, there were altogether While performing kīrtana, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu exhibited various symptoms of transcendental ecstasy, and Jagannātha and Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu exchanged Their feelings very blissfully. When the cars reached the place known as Balagaṇḍi, the devotees offered the deities simple food. At this time, in a nearby garden, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and His devotees took a brief rest from the dancing. As Lord Jagannātha rode in His car and saw the beauty on both sides, His mind was filled with pleasure. The pullers of the car were known as gauḍas, and they pulled with great pleasure. However, the car sometimes went very fast and sometimes very slow. Sometimes the car would stand still and not move, even though it was pulled very vigorously. The chariot therefore moved by the will of the Lord, not by the strength of any ordinary person As the car stood still, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu gathered all His devotees and, with His own hand, decorated them with flower garlands
and sandalwood pulp. Paramānanda Purī and Brahmānanda Bhāratī were both personally given garlands and sandalwood pulp from the very hands of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. This increased their transcendental pleasure Similarly, when Advaita Ācārya and Nityānanda Prabhu felt the touch of the transcendental hand of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, They were very pleased. The Lord also gave garlands and sandalwood pulp to the performers of saṅkīrtana. The two chief performers were Svarūpa Dāmodara and Śrīvāsa Ṭhākura. There were altogether four parties of kīrtana performers, comprising twenty-four chanters. In each party there were also two mṛdaṅga players, making an additional eight persons. When the four parties were formed, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, after some consideration, divided the chanters. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ordered Nityānanda Prabhu, Advaita Ācārya, Haridāsa Ṭhākura and Vakreśvara Paṇḍita to dance in each of the four respective parties. Svarūpa Dāmodara was chosen as the leader of the first party and was given five assistants to respond to his chanting. The five who responded to the singing of Svarūpa Dāmodara were Dāmodara Paṇḍita, Nārāyaṇa, Govinda Datta, Rāghava Paṇḍita and Śrī Govindānanda. Advaita Ācārya Prabhu was ordered to dance in the first group. The Lord then formed another group with Śrīvāsa Ṭhākura as the chief man. The five singers who responded to the singing of Śrīvāsa Ṭhākura were Gaṅgādāsa, Haridāsa, Śrīmān, Śubhānanda and Śrī Rāma Paṇḍita. Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu was appointed as a dancer. Another group was formed consisting of Vāsudeva, Gopīnātha and Murāri. All these were responsive singers, and Mukunda was the chief singer. Another two persons, Śrīkānta and Vallabha Sena, joined as responsive singers. In this group, the senior Haridāsa [Haridāsa Ṭhākura] was the dancer. The Lord formed another group, appointing Govinda Ghoṣa as leader. In this group the younger Haridāsa, Viṣṇudāsa and Rāghava were the responding singers. Two brothers named Mādhava Ghoṣa and Vāsudeva Ghoṣa also joined
this group as responsive singers. Vakreśvara Paṇḍita was the dancer. There was a saṅkīrtana party from the village known as Kulīna-grāma, and Rāmānanda and Satyarāja were appointed the dancers in this group. There was another party that came from Śāntipura and was formed by Advaita Ācārya. Acyutānanda was the dancer, and the rest of the men were singers. Another party was formed by the people of Khaṇḍa. These people were singing in a different place. In that group, Narahari Prabhu and Raghunandana were dancing. Four parties chanted and danced in front of Lord Jagannātha, and on either side was another party. Yet another was at the rear. There were altogether seven parties of saṅkīrtana, and in each party two men were beating drums. Thus fourteen drums were being played at once. The sound was tumultuous, and all the devotees became mad. Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu wandered through all seven groups chanting the holy name, Hari, Hari! Raising His arms, He shouted, All glories to Lord Jagannātha! Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu then exhibited another mystic power by performing pastimes simultaneously in all seven groups. Everyone said, Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu is present in my group. Indeed, He does not go anywhere else. He is bestowing His mercy upon us. Actually, no one could see the inconceivable potency of the Lord. Only the most confidential devotees, those in pure, unalloyed devotional service, could understand. Lord Jagannātha was very much pleased by the saṅkīrtana, and He brought His car to a standstill just to see the performance. To read more (http://vedabase.com/ en/cc/madhya/13) All the Vaiṣṇavas came together like an assembly of clouds. As the devotees chanted the holy names in great ecstasy, tears fell from their eyes like rain. When the saṅkīrtana resounded, it filled the three worlds. Indeed, no one could hear any sounds or musical instruments other than the saṅkīrtana.
Sri Svarupa Damodara Gosvami Disappearance Therefore his name became Swarup (a brahmacari name). Thereafter, by the order of his guru, he came to Sri Nilacal, where he again met Mahaprabhu. One of the closest associates of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Purushottama Acharya (Svarupa) knew exactly the heart of Sri Krishna Chaitanya. Glorifying him as the storehouse of all devotional mellows, Lord Caitanya added the word Damodara to his name. He was always present with Mahaprabhu. When Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu exhibited His pastimes of accepting sannyasa, Swarup Damodara became like a madman and, journeying to Baranasi he also accepted sannyasa from one sannyasi named Caitanyananda. His sannyasa guru ordered him that, You should yourself study the Vedanta and also teach it to others. Sri Purusottama acarya didn t accept the garments of sannyasa, but simply gave up his sikha and brahmana thread. Then one day, Swarup Damodar, who was very intimate with Mahaprabhu, and an ocean of the mellows of devotion, came to Sri Jagannath Puri. Though his scholarship was practically unlimited, he spoke very little with others and preferred to remain alone. Thus very few were aware of his actual position. He was completely conversant with the understanding of the mellows of devotion to Sri Krsna and his body was fully imbued with love for Him. He was as though a second Mahaprabhu. Whenever anyone wanted to present to Mahaprabhu some book, verse or song that they had composed, Swarup Damodar would first hear what they had written before it could be presented to Mahaprabhu. If these compositions contained any points which were in contradiction to the superior position of bhakti, as concluded in scriptures, then hearing these writings would not be a source of transcendental pleasure for Mahaprabhu. Therefore Swarup Gosai would first examine what had been composed and if it was untainted then it could be presented to Mahaprabhu. Usually he would
recite Sri Gita Govinda, and the writings of Candidas and Vidyapati, for the transcendental happiness of Mahaprabhu. In music and singing he was like a Gandharva and in knowledge of the shastras he was like Brhaspati. There was no one to compare with him in talent and intelligence. He was extremely dear to Sri Advaita and Nityananda Prabhu and was the life and soul of devotees like Srivas and others. When Sri Swarup Damodar arrived in Puri from Kasi (Varanasi) he recited this sloka in praise of Mahaprabhu: Oh You, who are the personification of mercy Sri Caitanya. That which very easily causes grief to retreat far away, and which is spotlessly pure; which causes the appearance of the highest happiness, and by whose appearance disputation over the intricacies of scriptural statements ceases; that which causes the spirit to become extremely agitated in ecstatic love, by a shower of grace and beauty; may that extremely expansive and auspicious mercy by its sweetness and dignity shine its rays upon me. (Sri Caitanya Candrodoy Natak.) Seeing that Swarup Damodar was offering his dandavats to Him, Mahaprabhu picked him up and as He embraced him he said, I saw in a dream this morning that you had come. Just as a blind man finds unlimited happiness by regaining his eyesight, so I am feeling by regaining your association. Mahaprabhu kept Swarup Damodar close to Him. Whenever Mahaprabhu became immersed in a particular ecstatic emotion, Swarup Damodar would perform a kirtan in that particular mood. During this period Sri Ray Ramananda also arrived from Vidyanagar in South India. Thus the two of them, Swarup Damodar and Ramananda Ray would enhance the ecstatic moods of Mahaprabhu by singing different songs and reciting various poetic verses. During the day, Mahaprabhu would engage in his pastimes of sankirtan with His devotees, and at night He would taste the mellows of the ecstatic love of Sri Sri Radha-Krsna in the company of these two. As Lalita and Visakha were very intimate with Srimati Radharani, Ray Ramananda and Swarup Damodar were similarly intimate with Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Swarup Damodar s place of residence in Puri was the Satasan Math. This is located near Bhaktivinode Thakur s bhakti kutir, near the ocean at Svarga Dwar. Mahaprabhu entrusted him to look after and instruct Raghunath Das Goswami. Swarup Damodar Goswami disappeared on the second day of the bright fortnight in the month of Asar.
Sri Sivananda Sena Disappearance Every year one month before Chaturmasya (four month period of the rainy season) Shivananda Sena would lead a party of two hundred Devotees from Bengal to Jagannatha Puri to attend the annual Ratha-Yatra festival. He would pay for everyone s food, tolls, ferries, and lodging. He personally arranged for their comfort. Shivananda Sena showed Vaishnava compassion for all living entities, be they man or beast. When a stray dog joined the party Shivananda Sena fed the dog and even paid his boat fare. When the dog disappeared one day Shivananda sent 200 men to search for him. Upon arriving in Puri, they saw Lord Chaitanya throwing coconut pulp to the dog. The dog became purified of all material contamination by eating the Maha-Prasadam remnants of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The dog was clearly barking out the Holy Names and eating the prasad given him by the Lord. Everyone was completely astonished to see this extraordinary happening. Shivananda Sena prostrated himself on the ground in obeisances to the dog and begged him for forgiveness with all humility. After this, the dog disappeared and was never seen again. By Mahaprabhu s mercy, the dog had received a spiritual body and gone to Vaikuntha. Not seeing the dog the next day, Shivananda Sena understood that the dog had attained liberation by the mercy of Lord Chaitanya. A summary of the Twelfth Chapter of Caitanya Caritamrta is given by Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura in his Amṛtapravāha-bhāṣya as follows. This chapter discusses the transformations of ecstatic love that Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu exhibited day and night. The devotees from Bengal again journeyed to Jagannātha Purī to see Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. As usual, the leader was Śivānanda Sena, who traveled with his wife and children. Because arrangements were delayed en route and Lord Nityānanda did
not have a suitable place to reside, He became somewhat disturbed. Thus He became very angry with Śivānanda Sena, who was in charge of the affairs of the party, and kicked him in loving anger. Śivānanda Sena felt highly favored to have been kicked by Nityānanda Prabhu, but his nephew Śrīkānta Sena became upset and therefore left their company. He met Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu at Jagannātha Purī before the rest of the party arrived. Observing chaturmasya in Puri, Shivananda and the Devotees would regularly bathe in Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu s blissful association. Shivananda used all his possessions in the service of Krishna and the Vaishnavas. His entire family and servants were ardent followers of Lord Gauranga. Kavi Karnapura, the son of Shivananda Sena, says in Gauragannodesh-dipika: Shivananda Sena is the embodiment of love of Shri Chaitanya Deva. And in Krishna lila he is Vira gopi, Shrimati Radharani s messenger. In one bhajana Devakinandana Dasa glorifies him, I bow down to Shivananda Sena, who is full of divine love. His caste, life, and wealth are the two lotus feet of Shri Gaura Raya. His samadhi is in the 64 Samadhis Area in Vrindavan.
Hera panchami is a unique festival at the Gundicha Temple, dedicated to Goddess Laxmi. It is celebrated on Ashada Shukla Panchami, fifth day in bright fortnight of Ashad month in the Oriyan calendar. It is said that before Lord Jagannath visits Gundica Temple with his siblings, he promises his wife Lakshmi Devi that He will return the next day. Hera Pancami But Lord Jagannath in the company of his brother Balabhadra and Sister Devi Subhadra forgets to return to Lakshmi Devi, as He finds himself in the midst of millions of loving devotees. Lakshmi Devi after waiting for his return for 5 long days becomes impatient and a little agitated. On the instruction of Devi Vimala, her elder sister, at night she goes out to the Gundicha temple on a palanduin to ask Jagannath Swami why he has not returned yet. Seeing Lakshmi-Devi coming down the street with an angry looks in her eyes, Jagannath Swami quickly locks her out of the Gundicha Temple. Laksmi-devi becomes furious at this and speaks some sarcastic remarks saying, Hey pati (Husband)! You have become more attracted to your sister Subhadra than me? Is that why you locked me out of the Gundicha Temple? Devi Lakshmi feels insulted and expressesher anger by breaking off some wood from Lord Jagannath s chariot.
Avoiding the direct route via the Grand Road, and Lakhsmi Devi returns to the Jagannath Mandir via Hera Gouri Sahi, a side road inhabited mostly by Jagannath s priests. Meanwhile, immersed in the joy of His Vraja-lila, Jagannath Swami forgets all about Devi Lakshmi. Four days later, Jagannath Swami, Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra ride their chariots back to Sri Mandir, Lakshmi Devi, still fuming over Jagannath s absence, locks the temple doors out of defiance. Jagannath Swami is stuck outside, locked out his own home by an infuriated wife. Servants of Devi Lakshmi and Jagananth shout bad names at each other and shove each other back and forth. Finally Jagannath Swami makes peace with his wife. Devi Lakshmi showes her forgiveness by offering him a huge bowl of big juicy, sweet rasagullas. Later She happily relishes Jagannath s remants, distributes some to her maidservants and then opens the door to welcomes Jagannath Swami back to His temple. Return of Rath Yatra Bahuda Yatra is the Return Journey of the three chariots to Jagannath Temple. After spending a week inside the Gundicha temple, the Deities commence their Bahuda Yatra on the 10th day. The return journey follows the same protocol and schedule, as is found during the Ratha Yatra. During the return journey, the three chariots stop for awhile at the Mausima Temple, also known as Ardhasani Temple. This temple is dedicated to the aunt of Lord Jagannath. Here They are offered Poda Pitha, a special sweet made of rice, coconut, lentils and jaggery. After taking Poda Pitha, They start Their journey to the main temple. The chariots of Balabhadra and Subhadra move forward and are parked at Lion s gate (Singha dwara) of the temple whereas the chariot of Jagannath again halts in front of the King s palace. In the
meanwhile Goddess Lakshmi (wife of Lord Jagannath) steals a glimpse of the safe return of Jagannath s chariot from the Chahani Mandapa (Pavilion for viewing). Being pleased, Goddess Lakshmi is carried to the chariot of Jagannath while sitting in a Palanquin. She is offered a loving garland from Lord Jagannath as prasadam from Her husband. After receiving the garland, Goddess Lakshmi goes back to the Temple and awaits her husband. On the day of Bahuda Yatra the Deities remain in their respective chariots parked in front of the main temple. A small procession arrives in front of the chariot. The king lifts the small statue of Lakshmi above his head and makes her face the statue of Jagannath. The circumambulation ends right by the palace gate. Here the king and his entourage faces the crowd so that the people may have a last Darshan of Lakshmi Devi. Lakshmi Devi then returns to the temple. Jagannath s chariot is pulled to the main temple. The priests offer dry food items to Him. The deities are then dressed in golden attire and their heads bedecked with Golden crowns. To view the golden dressed deities is considered very auspicious for the pilgrims. After the gold ornaments and dresses have been removed, Lord Jagannath is brought in the inner sanctum of the temple and placed on the dais. The purificatory rites are carried out. Goddess Lakshmi s is placed on the dais to the left of her Lord. Lord Jagannatha has come home!
Sayana Ekadasi Yudhisthira Maharaja said, O Kesava, what is the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Asadha [June-July]? Who is the worshipable Deity for this auspious day, and what is the process for observing it? Lord Sri Krsna replied, O caretaker of this earthly planet, I shall gladly tell you a wonderful history that Lord Brahma once narrated to his son Naradaji. One day Narada asked his father, What is the name of the name of the Ekadasi that comes during the light part of the month of Asadha? Kindly tell me how I should observe this Ekadasi and thus please the Supreme Lord, Visnu. Lord Brahma replied, O great orator, O best of all sages, O purest devotee of Lord Visnu, your question is excellent. There is nothing better than Ekadasi, the day of Lord Hari, in this or any other world. It nullifies even the worst of sins if observed properly. For this reason I shall tell you about Asadha-sukla Ekadasi. Fasting on this Ekadasi purifies one of all sins and fulfills all one s desires. Therefore, whoever neglects to observe this sacred this fast day is good candidate for entering hell. Asaddha-sukla Ekadasi. Is also famous as Padma Ekadasi. Just to please Hriskesa, the master of the senses, one should fast on this day. Listen carefully, O Narada, as I relate to you a wonderful history from the scriptures concerning this Ekadasi. Just hearing this account destroys all kinds of sins, along with all obstacles on the path to spiritual perfection. O son, there was once a saintly king in the Sun dynasty whose name was Mandhata. Because he always stood up for the truth, he was appointed emperor. He took care of his subjects as though they were his very own chidren. On account of his piety and great religiosity, there was no pestilence, drought, or disease of any kind in his entire kingdom. All his subjects were not only free of all kinds of disturbances but also very wealthy. The king s own treasury was free of any ill-gotten money, and thus he ruled happily for many years.
Once, however, because of some sin in his kingdom, there was a drought for three years. The subjects found themselves beset by famine. The lack of food grains made it impossible for them to perform the Vedic sacrifices, offer oblations to their forefathers and the demigods, engage in ritualistic worship, or even study the Vedic literatures. Finally, they all come before their beloved king in a great assembly and said, O king, you always see to our welfare, so we humbly beg your assistance now. Everyone and everything in this world needs water. Without water, almost everything is rendered useless or dead. The Vedas call water nara, and because the Supreme Personality of Godhead sleeps upon water, His name is Narayana. God makes His own abode on water and takes His rest there. In His form as the clouds, the Supreme Lord is present throughout the sky and pours forth rain, from which grow the grains that maintain every living entity. O king, the severe drought has caused a great lack of valuable grains; thus we are all miserable, and the population is decreasing as people die off or leave your kingdom. O best ruler on earth, please find some solution to this problem and bring us peace and prosperity once again. The king replied, You speak the truth, for grains are like Brahman, the Absolute Truth, who lives within grains and thereby sustains all beings. Indeed, it is because of grains that the entire world lives. Now why is there drought in our kingdom? The holy scriptures discuss this subject very thoroughly. If a king is irreligious, both he and his subject suffer. I have meditated upon the cause of our problem for a long time, but after searching my past present character I can honestly say that I find no sin. Still for the good of all you subjects, I shall to remedy the situation. Thinking in this way, King Mandhata assembled his army and entourage, paid his obesiances to me, and then entered the forest. He wandered here and there, seeking great sages in their asramas and inquiring about how to resolve the crisis in his kingdom. At last he came upon the asrama of one of my other
sons, Angira Muni, whose effulgence lit up all direactions. Seated in his hermitage, Angira looked like a second Brahma. King Mandhata was very pleased to see that exalted sage, whose sences were completely under control. The king immediately dismounted his horse and offered his respectful obeisances to the lotus feet of Angira Risi Then the king joined his palms and prayed for his blessings. That saintly personage reciprocated by blessing the king with sacred mantras; then he asked him about the welfare of the seven limbs of his kingdom. After telling the sage how the seven limbs of his kingdom were faring, King Mandhata asked about the sage s own happiness. Then Angira Risi asked the king why he had undertaken such a difficult journey into the forest, and the king told him of the affliction his kingdom was suffering. The king said, O great sage, I am ruling and maintaining my kingdom while following the Vedic injunctions, and thus I do not know the reason for the drought. To solve this mystery, I have approached you for help. Please help me relieve the suffering of my subjects. Angira Risi said to king, The present age, Satya-yuga, is the best of all ages, for in this age Dharma stands on all four legs. In this age everyone respects brahmanas as the topmost members of society. Also, everyone fulfills his occupational duties, and only twice-born brahmanas are allowed to perform Vedic austerities and penance. Although this is the standard, O lion among kings, there is one sudra who is unlawfully performing the rites of austerity and penance in your kingdom. This is why there is no rain in your land. You should therefore punish this laborer with dealth, for by so doing you will remove the contamination and restore peace to your subjects. The king replied, How can I kill an offenseless performer of austerity? Please give me some spiritual salution. The great sage Angira said, O king, you should observe a fast on the Ekadasi that occurs during
the light fortnight of the month of Asadha. This auspicious day is named Padma Ekadhasi and by its influence plentiful rains will surely return to your kingdom. This Ekadasi bestows perfection upon its faithful observers, removes all kinds of bad elements, and destroys all obstacles on the path to perfection. O king, you, your relatives, and your subjects should all observe this sacred Ekadasi fast. Then everything in your kingdom will undoubtedly return to normal. Upon hearing these words, the king offered his obeisances and then returned to his palace. When Padma Ekadasi arrived, King Mandhata assembled all brahmanas, ksatriyas, vaisyas, and sudras in his kingdom and instructed them to strictly observe this important fast day. After they had observed this important fast day, the rains fell, just as the sage had predicted, and in due course of time there were abundant crops and a rich harvest of gain. By the mercy of the Supreme Lord Hrisikesa, the master of the senses, all the subject of King Mandhata become extremely happy and prosperous. Therefore, O Narada, everyone should observe this Ekadasi fast very striclty, for its bestows all kinds of happiness, as well as ultimate liberation, upon the faithful devotee. Lord Sri Krsna consluded, My Yudhisthira, Padma Ekadasi is so powerful that one who simply read or hears its glories becomes completely sinless. O Pandava, one who wishes to please Me should strictly observe this Ekadasi, which is aslo know as Deva-sayani Ekadasi. O lion among kings, whoever wants liberation should regularly observe a fast on this Ekadasi, which is also the day when the Caturmasya fast begins.
Srila Sanatana Goswami Srila Sanatana Goswami was born in 1488 in West Bengal. He was the elder brother of Sri Rupa Goswami. They were educated in Sakurma, a village near the capital of Gauda (Bengal). In 1514, Sanatana Goswami met Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in Ramekeli and was initiated by him. He eventually managed to shake off his government duties and escape from imprisonment by the Nawab, to make his way to Benares where he met Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu enlightened Sanatana into the truths of bhakti and devotion and further instructed him to (1) write books on devotional service (2) establish proper devotee etiquette, (3) install Deities and proper Deity worship and (4) to excavate the lost holy places of pilgrimage in Vrindavana. In his youth, Shri Sanatana dreamt that a beautiful brahmana boy gave him a Shrimad Bhagavatam. Feeling ecstatic he awoke. But seeing neither the boy nor the
Bhagavatam he felt sad. When Sanatana began his puja that morning, however, Krishna Himself, disguised as a beautiful brahmana boy, came and said, Take this Shrimad Bhagavatam from me, always study it, and you will attain perfection. In Krishna-lila-stava, Shri Sanatana Goswami glorifies the Shrimad Bhagavatam: O holy Bhagavata, you are my only company, my only friend, and my guru. You are my greatest treasure and my personal saviour. You are the emblem of my highest fortune and the very form of ecstasy. I offer my obeisances unto you. Forced to submit to the ruling Muslim government, Sri Rupa and Sri Sanatana became ministers and lived at Ramakeli. Sanatana was known as Sakara Mallik and appointed private secretary. But their real engagement was teaching shastras which they learned from Vidyavachaspati, brother of Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya. Pandits and brahmanas from all over India came to study under the two brothers. Shri Rupa and Sanatana were acclaimed as the crest jewels of the Gaudiya Vaishnava scholars. After the Lord visited Ramakeli and freed them, they renounced everything for Lord Gauranga s service. To maintain himself, Sanatana would beg some wheat flour, roll it into a ball by adding a touch of Yamuna water, and drop it in smoldering coals to cook. He would offer this bati (salt-free, baked bread ball) to his Deity of Madana Mohana. Giving up all kinds of material enjoyment, the Goswamis accepted the poorest way of life as mendicants. They ate just enough to maintain their bodies. The Radha-Madana Mohana mandir established by Sanatana Goswami was the first one opened in Vrindavana by the six Goswamis. Described as the personal extension of the body of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Shri Sanatana is the ideal spiritual master because he gives one shelter at the lotus feet of Madana Mohana. The three Vrindavana Deities (Madana Mohana, Govindaji and Gopinatha) are the life and soul of the Gaudiya Vaishnavas. The Deity of Madana Mohana has the specific quality of
helping the neophyte Devotees understand their eternal relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Shri Krishna. Shri Sanatana Goswami spent forty-three years wandering from village to village in Vrindavana. The Vrajavasis would affectionately care for him treating him like their father. With patience and concern he listened to their problems. Then he would please all the villagers by his preaching and practical advice on everything from increasing crop yields to solving family quarrels. In his last years, he left his beloved Deity of Madana Mohana with Krishna Dasa brahmachari, his disciple. He did bhajana on the banks of Manasi Ganga next to Chakaleshvara Mahadeva at Govardhana. Daily he walked the twenty-four mile parikrama (original longer route) of Govardhana Hill. Although he was sixtyfive years old, he kept his daily vow of offering 1,008 obeisances to Govardhana Hill and to any Vaishnava whom he met. Understanding the difficulty of His pure Devotee, Shri Madana Mohana appeared one day and said, Baba! You are too old. Don t take so much trouble to walk around Govardhana Hill every day. Sanatana replied, This is one of the daily activities of my bhajana: I must maintain it. Since you are old, said Madana Mohana, you may now give up this vow. Starting to walk again, Sanatana replied, I will never give up my religious principles. Sanatana Goswami s firm determination to complete his daily devotional vow pleased Shri Madana Mohana (Krishna). But in the loving dealings between the Lord and His pure Devotee, Krishna s desire to please His Devotee often defeats the Devotee s desire to please Him. So out of loving compassion for His Devotee, Shri Krishna stood on a large flat stone (Govardhana shila) taken from Giriraja. He played His irresistable flute. The Govardhana shila melted in ecstasy, capturing the impression of Krishna s lotus feet.
Presenting this to Sanatana, Krishna said, If you circumambulate this shila everyday it will be the same as going around Govardhana Hill every day. You will keep your vow intact and not compromise your religious principles. Seeing that Giriraja Himself (Shri Krishna) had given the shila, Sanatana Goswami gratefully accepted. One can still see that Govardhana shila in the Radha Damodara Temple. Shri Bhaktivinoda Thakura said in Jaiva Dharma: Sanatana Goswami was empowered to explain the esoteric aspects of Krishna s manifest and unimanifest Vraja lila. Sanatana Goswami made a significant literary contribution to the Gauidya sampradaya with his Hari-bhakti-vilasa, Brhad- Bhagavatamrta, and Brhad- Vaishnava-toshani. In the form of Labanga manjari Sanatana Goswami serves Shrimati Vishakha sakhi in Radha Madhava s nitya nikunjalila. Sanatana Goswami s samadhi is behind Radha Madana Mohana s Temple. Sanatana s literary works include Haribhakti Vilasa, the Brihadbhagavatamrita, Dashama-tippani, also known as the Brihad- Vaishnava-Toshani, and the Dashama-charita. His most important work is the Haribhakti Vilasa, which covers the code and conduct of Vaishnavas. The Brihadbhagavtamrita expounds on the science of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu s teachings. The Dashama-tipanni is a commentary on the tenth canto of the Srimad- Bhagavatam and the Dashamacharita covers Krishna s pastimes up to Mathura. Sanatana Goswami established worship of the Madana Mohana deity. With the help of a wealthy merchant Krishna Dasa Kapoor, a lavish temple was built for Sri Madana Mohana. This temple is an important place of pilgrimage for all Gaudiya Vaishnavas even to this day. Sanatana Goswami passed away at the age of 70 in 1558.
Credits Artwork [or photos, or text] courtesy of The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc. www.krishna.com. Used with permission. www.krishna.com Videos from JPS Archives, NIMAINITAI Youtube Channel Researchers Yamunajivana Das (BTS, BCS) Chaitanya Tirtha Das (JPS) Dharmaraja Gaura Das (JPS) Graphics & layout Jaiprakash