Uddharana Datta Thakura

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December 31st, 2002 (Tuesday), Trayodasi

Disappearance day of Sri Uddharana Datta Thakura

 

 

SRI UDDHARANA DATTA THAKURA

 

"Uddharana Datta Thakura, the eleventh among the twelve cowherd

boys, was an exalted devotee of Lord Nityananda Prabhu. He worshiped the

lotus feet of Lord Nityananda in all respects." In Vraja-lila he was Subahu

sakha." [Gaura-gannodesa-dipika]

 

After remaining at Khardaha for some days, Nityananda Prabhu and His

associates came to Saptagram. Saptagram was the abode of the seven rsi's and

is known in this world also as Triveni-ghata. Previously, the seven rsis did

austerities at this ghata by which they obtained the lotus feet of Govinda.

Three goddesses are present at this Triveni sangam, namely the Jahnavi

(Ganga), Yamuna and Sarasvati. This most renowned place can destroy the

sinful reactions of those who simply see it. Nityananda Prabhu along with

His associates took bath in great happiness at this very place. The temple

of the most fortunate Sri Uddharana was located on the banks of that very

Triveni-ghata.

 

"With his body, mind and words, free from falsehood, he always

worshiped the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda. He was extremely fortunate as

he received the right to serve the eternal form of Nityananda. Birth after

birth, Lord Nityananda is the Supreme controller, and birth after birth,

Uddharana is His servant. All of the various families of vaniks (merchants

by caste) were purified by the influence of Uddharan Datta, there is no

doubt about it. Nityananda Prabhu descended in this world to deliver the

vaniks. He gave them the right to perform loving devotional service. Nitai

Cand personally wandered from door to door throughout Saptagram, chanting

the Holy Names as His pastimes. In reciprocation, all the families worshiped

His lotus feet and took shelter there. All the world becomes charmed to see

Their worship of Lord Krsna. Who can estimate the glories of Lord Nityananda

who delivered these vaniks, who were originally low class, mean minded and

foolish. In one hundred years I cannot describe the sankirtana pastimes of

Nityananda Ray which He performed with His associates in Saptagram. The

bliss that was previously felt in Nadia during the Lord's pastimes of

sankirtan there was again felt, in equal measure, during Prabhu Nityananda's

sankirtan pastimes here." [CB Antya 5.443-461]

 

"Uddharana Datta Thakura's father's name was Srikar Datta and his

mother's name, Sri Bhadravati. Sri Uddharana Datta Thakura was the finance

minister of the king of Naihati village. The ruins of the king's palace can

still be seen there today. The place where Uddharana Datta Thakura lived and

from which he managed the business of the king is even today known as

Uddharanpur." [CC Adi 11.81]

 

A six-armed Deity of Mahaprabhu (sad-bhuja murti), which was the

worshippable Deity of Uddharana Datta Thakura, is still present at

Saptagram. To the right of Mahaprabhu is Nityananda Prabhu and to His left

Sri Gadadhara. On another simhasana is Sri Sri Radha-Govinda, and below, a

painting and Deity of Sri Uddharana Datta Thakura. Sri Jahnava Mata came to

Uddharana Datta's house [bhakti Ratnakara 11.775], but he was not present on

this earth then. His son's name was Srinivasa Datta Thakura.

 

Saptagram is the first station after Bandel on the

Bandel-Bard-dhaman line. Within the ruins of the king's palace at

Bonauaribat there is a grand temple where the Deities of Sri Sri Nitai

Gauranga and Lord Balarama are still being worshiped. Bonauaribad can be

reached from Katwa by bus.

 

Uddharana Datta Thakura's disappearance is on the thirteenth day of

the dark fortnight of the month of Pausa.