Vasanta Pancami - Srimati Visnupriya Devi - Sarasvati Puja

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Sri Vasanta Pancami

Srimati Visnupriya Devi - Appearance

Srimati Sarasvati Puja

Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakur - Disappearance

Sri Pundarika Vidyanidhi - Appearance

Sri Raghunandana Thakur - Appearance

Sri Raghunatha Das Goswami - Appearance

 

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Vasanta Pancami (the first day of spring)

 

This is the first day of spring in India (Northern Hemisphere). On the fifth

day of the waxing moon one should celebrate the coming of spring to

Vrndavana by offering Krishna many types of leaves and flowers, and fresh

shoots of sprouting grasses. Things that symbolise life and new growth.

Following in the footsteps of the Vraja-basis of Vrindavana, one should

paint designs on His (Krishna's) body and perform a special aratrika for

Him. It is appropriate to offer yellow flowers too.

 

The vasanta raga should be played on this day. The Deities in the temples,

especially in Vrindavana wear yellow or yellow-green on this day.

 

In places like Vrindavan, Mayapur, Jagannath Puri and Udupi many of the

women folk dress in yellow also. As it is the first day of spring many

fertility rites are performed at this time - for the family, for the women

folk, for the crops, for the cows, etc. It's a very festive time.

 

Many new projects are begun, weddings performed.......

 

fields of yellow mustard flowers growing

 

Local tradition:

 

Celebrated on the onset of spring, it marks the beginning of new life with

yellow mustard flowers starting to bloom and nature displaying her majestic

best. Thus the colour of the festival is yellow and women can be seen dotted

in saffron dresses. The puja on this day is devoted to Saraswati and people

pray for wisdom and understanding. There are several ways in which puja is

conducted on this day. In Bengal, the place where the statue of Saraswati is

kept is decorated with a rangoli. The design of a fish is considered

auspicious. Family members bathe early in the morning and dress in whit or

yellow coloured clothes. Then they gather around the idol, where the priest

commences the puja.

Aarti is taken of the idol and the flame is passed arounfd the devotees to

warm there hands and touch there foreheads. Children place their books at

the goddesses feet. No books our touched that day, signifying that the books

are being blessed by the goddess. In Rajsthan also the puja is conducted in

a very colourful manner. The youngest girl of the house present sets the

stage for the puja by putting a teeka on everyone's forehead. This is

followed by the devotees sprinkling water, aipun and roli on the diety. The

puja ends with the lady of the house giving a few bers, some sangaris and a

laddoo and a paan to everyone present.

 

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SRIMATI VISNU-PRIYA DEVI

 

Sri, Bhu and Nila are three of the energies of the Supreme

Personality of Godhead. Srimati Visnu-priya Devi is the manifestation of

Krsna's Bhu sakti. She is also known to be the same as Satyabhama in

Krsna-lila. She has appeared with Sri Gaurasundara to assist in the

distribution of love of Godhead and His Holy Names.

 

There lived in Navadvipa one brahmana, Sanatanaa Misra by name, who

was a great devotee of Lord Visnu. He used to maintain many people,

providing them with food and cloth and was also renowned as a great scholar

(raja-Panditaa).

 

In Dvapara-yuga he was the King Satrajit. As he was a great devotee

of Lord Visnu, from the fruits of his faithful worship of Him, he obtained a

very beautiful jewel of a daughter endowed with all good qualities, by the

name Sri Visnu-priya. From her very childhood she used to take bath in the

Ganga two or three times a day and in imitation of her elders she would

perform various worship ceremonies, vows and service to the Deity and Tulasi

Devi. When she would meet Sacimata at the bathing ghat of the Ganga, she

used to offer her obeisances and Sacimata would in turn bless her saying,

" Yogga pati hauk. " (May you get a qualified husband). Saci Mata used to

think to herself that she would make a very fine daughter-in-law.

 

In the meantime Nimai was married to Laksmipriya, who after a short

time passed on to the next world. Ma Saci was very aggrieved at this but the

days passed on. Then she thought to get her son married again. All of her

relatives and close friends all felt this would be a good idea. Sri

Gaurasundara didn't oppose His mother and gave his consent.

 

Sacimata sent one of the servants to call Kasinathaa Panditaa, the

match-maker. Receiving her summons, the Panditaa immediately came to see Ma

Saci, who brought up the point of Sri Gaurasundara's marriage. Kasinatha

Pandita thought this was a very good idea, and urged that the marriage take

place as soon as possible. When he inquired if she had any suitable bride in

mind, Sacima replied, " Sanatana Misra's daughter, Visnu-priya. "

 

Kasinatha exclaimed, " Thakurani! I was also thinking to mention her name. "

 

Ma Saci replied, " But I am very poor. Do you think he will want to

present his daughter to us? You please discuss this matter with him. "

 

Kasinatha replied, " Thakurani, if Sanatana Misra doesn't give his

daughter to such a beautiful boy and a qualified son as your Nimai, then who

will he give her to? " Having spoken these consoling words he set out for

Sanatana Misra's house.

 

Sanatana Misra, seeing that his daughter had attained marriageable

age, was also looking for a suitable bridegroom. But in Nadiya there was no

one more qualified than Nimai Pandita. He was the most handsome, had the

best qualities and was still quite young. One would be considered very

fortunate indeed to be able to give their daughter to such a qualified young

man. Sanatana Misra was thinking like this, but was feeling shy to mention

his plan to anyone. Simply in his mind he was praying to the Lord, " O my

Lord, Oh Hari! If I have accumulated any pious merits in my previous

lifetimes then let the result of those be that my daughter gets Nimai

Pandita as her husband. "

 

Finally he brought up the topic of their daughter's marriage with

his wife. Just then who should appear at the door, but Kasinatha Pandita.

 

Sanatana Misra got up to receive him and after having respectfully

seated him brought some sweetmeats and water. As he thought to himself,

" Certainly he has some news of a suitable bridegroom " , he inquired,

" Panditaji, what is the news? "

 

Smiling broadly the Pandita replied, " You should give your daughter

in marriage to Vishvambhara Pandita. After having considered the matter in

every respect, this is the best decision. With this in mind I have come to

see you. That excellent boy is the most qualified for your daughter, and

your daughter, being extremely chaste, is the most suitable for him. As Sri

Krsna and Rukmini-devi are mutually compatible, so are Visnu-priya and Nimai

Pandita. "

 

When they heard this proposal, Sanatana Misra and his wife felt such

joy that they forgot themselves. Sanatana Misra thought to himself, " The

all-cognizant Supersoul has fulfilled my desires. "

 

Sanatana Misra spoke to Kasinatha, " In this regard, what can I say?

If there is any good fortune in my family, then I have a hope to obtain such

a son-in-law. "

 

Some of the others present spoke up, " Unless one is highly

fortunate, is it possible to get such a boy? If your daughter is lucky

enough then certainly she will get such a husband. "

 

Thereafter Misra Mahadaya discussed various matters in order to

finalize the betrothal agreement. Having arranged everything suitably,

Kasinatha returned to Saci Mata's house and informed her of the proceedings.

 

Sacimata replied, " The Lord is looking out for me, because I have no

one else to. "

 

Everyone became very jubilant to hear that Nimai Pandita's wedding

was to take place. His disciples began to discuss among themselves, " We'll

all donate some things for Panditaji's wedding. "

 

Buddhimanta Khan, who was quite wealthy spoke up, " I will bear all

the costs of the wedding. "

 

To this Mahaprabhu's friends Mukunda and Sanjaya replied, " Our dear

brother, won't you even share some of the expenses with us. This wedding has

to be so gorgeous, that no prince has ever seen the likes of it " .

 

News spread throughout the whole of Navadvipa about the upcoming

marriage of Nimai Pandita, and gradually the preparations for the wedding

began. First a huge canopy was suspended above the place where the marriage

ceremony would take place. On the ground various floral and other auspicious

designs were painted with rice flour and then the pavilion was decorated

with banana trees, water pots, mango leaves, lamps, paddy, yogurt and other

auspicious articles. All the Vaisnavas, brahmanas and other noble and

virtuous gentlemen who lived in Navadvipa at that time were invited to the

invocation ceremony preceding the wedding.

 

On the evening of that day the musicians began to play on their

instruments, while the courtyard of Saci's house began to fill up with

relatives and friends. First the worship of the Lord was performed, followed

by arati and the offering of foodstuffs, all conducted with great pomp and

gaiety. Then the preliminary ceremonies to be performed by Sri Gaura before

the wedding were smoothly executed. Within the inner apartments of the

house, the ladies contributed their efforts to the ceremony by yodelling and

blowing conchshells, while the Vaisnavas filled the sky with the vibrations

of the Lord's Holy Names, " Hari! Hari! "

 

In all directions an ocean of happiness began to swell, in

anticipation of the Supreme Lord's marriage ceremony. Following this

preliminary ceremony, sweet preparations of betel nuts and pan leaves were

served, as many as anyone wanted. Gaurasundara personally applied sandalwood

paste and garlanded with flower garlands all those Vaisnavas and brahmanas

who attended the function. In turn they very cheerfully offered their

blessings. No one had ever before seen such a pleasant adhibasa ceremony

(the function preceding the major ceremony). The city of Nadiya began to

float in the midst of an ocean of bliss.

 

On the next day a very vast arrangement began to take place in

preparation for the actual wedding ceremony. In the afternoon Sri

Gaurasundara put on an excellent dhoti and upper garments and then after

first making salutations at the feet of His mother and other Vaisnavas

present, He ascended the palanquin and took his seat within. First they came

to the banks of the Ganges where Sri Gauranga got down out of the palanquin

to offer His obeisances to Srimati Ganga Devi. Then after again getting into

the palanquin, to the accompaniment of the playing of instruments and

auspicious shouting of " Jai! Jai! " , which filled up the sky in all

directions, the party began to again proceed along the banks of the Ganges.

Thousands and thousands of lamps were glittering in the evening like so many

little stars coming out. The musicians played their various instruments

while some engaged in singing and dancing.

 

During the Godhuli-lagna (the time when the cows return home from

the pasture and the dust from their hoofs fills the air), the bridegroom and

his party entered the courtyard of Sri Sanatana Misra's house. Sanatana

Misra and his wife presented various articles of worship before the

bridegroom, thus welcoming him and at the same time offering their

blessings.

 

Meanwhile the new bride had been decorated with various ornaments

and she was now brought out of the house and into the wedding pavilion. The

Supreme Goddess of Fortune, after seven times having circumambulated her

eternal consort, Sri Gaura Narayana, offered her entire being at His lotus

feet. Sri Gaura Raya, after having seated His eternal consort on his left

side, then exchanged flower garlands with her.

 

" First of all the Goddess of Fortune, the Mother of the Universe,

kneeling before the lotus feet of the Lord, placed a flower garland around

His neck, thus surrendering herself to Him. Then Sri Gauracandra, smiling

slightly, placed a flower garland around Sri Visnu-priya-devi's neck. Thus

having exchanged flower garlands Sri Sri Laksmi Narayana began Their divine

sports. "

 

Sri Sanatana Misra felt himself crowned with success in having

presented his daughter to Sri Gaurasundara with a large dowry. As King

Janaka presented Sita-devi to Ramacandra, as King Bhismaka presented Rukmini

to Sri Krsna, so Sanatana Misra presented Visnu-priya devi to Sri

Gaurasundara. After the wedding ceremony, the bride and bridegroom entered

Their bridal suite and lay down on a bed of flowers.

 

That night the bliss of Vaikuntha made its appearance within the

house of Sri Sanatana Misra. Practically the entire night the musicians

played on their instruments while others sang and danced. In the early

morning, Sri Gaurasundara and his wife Laksmi-devi, got up from Their bed,

and after having washed Their hands and mouths they completed Their morning

bhajana. Sri Sanatana Misra, along with his family and relatives, having had

arranged this grand festival, enjoyed such pleasure as is not possible to

describe.

 

In the afternoon, Sri Gaurasundara, along with His new bride,

proceeded to His own house, being accompanied by the party of musicians,

singers and dancers. As they passed through the town of Nadiya, along the

banks of the Ganga, the local inhabitants gazed at the unprecedented beauty

of Sri Sri Visnu-priya Gauranga and began to comment, " This highly fortunate

girl must have served Laksmi and Parvati for many lifetimes. " (in order to

get such a husband).

 

Someone else said, " They look like Haragauri (Lord Siva and Gauri), "

as some one else commented, " I think they must be Laksmi and Sri Hari. "

 

" No they must be Kamadeva (Cupid) and Rati, " while someone else

offered, " I think they look like Lord Indra and Saci. "

 

Another suggested, " They must be Ramacandra and Sita. "

 

In this way the pious ladies of Nadiya made various remarks as the

procession passed their houses.

 

Even after executing penances and austerities for many lifetimes,

the yogis are still unqualified to see the divine pastimes of the Lord, but

the ordinary inhabitants of Nadiya, down to the very lowest, were able to

have darshan of this divine pastime of the Lord. Therefore He is called

Dinanatha. The brahmanas and family members were presented with valuable

cloths and all of the dancers, performers (panegyrists) and beggars who were

present were also presented gifts of cloth and money by Sri Gaurasundara.

Thus they went on their way feeling quite happy. Then the Lord Vishvambhara

lovingly embraced Buddhimanta Khan who had born all of the expenses of the

wedding. [CB Adi 15]

 

Hereafter Sri Vrindavana dasa Thakura only occasionally mentions Sri

Visnu-priya devi in Caitanya Bhagavata. When Lord Caitanya returned from

Gaya dham, Sri Visnu-priya, who had been suffering great separation, became

again very happy. But Mahaprabhu was a completely changed person.

 

Sacimata thought that perhaps he had become afflicted with some

disease. She worshipped Mother Ganges and Lord Visnu for the welfare of her

child and brought Sri Visnu-priya and sat her down before her husband.

However, Mahaprabhu, even though looking in her direction, didn't even see

her. He simply used to call out " Krsna! Krsna! " , all the while crying.

 

Another time His mother brought His meal, placing the plate before

Him as she also sat down in front of Him. Meanwhile Visnu-priya was watching

everything from within the other room.

 

Mahaprabhu was always absorbed in various ecstatic moods. He had

come to hear of some oppressive behaviour by some atheist miscreants and

exclaimed, " I will destroy them! "

 

One day Sacimata and Sri Gaurasundara were sitting in the room

talking, while Visnu-priya was quietly sitting outside listening. Sacimata

told Gaurasundara, " Early this morning, I saw a dream in which You and

Nityananda were playing with our Deities, Balarama and Krsna. Then the four

of You sat down to take some food and ultimately ended up fighting with one

another. In this way I saw so many of your sports! "

 

Gaurasundara replied, " Such a wonderful dream, Mother! But don't

tell anyone. Balarama and Krsna are personally living in our house. So many

days I saw that someone is stealing and eating their prasadam. I used to

doubt your daughter-in-law. But now I don't have this doubt any more. "

(i.e. Balarama and Krsna are directly eating what is offered to them).

 

Sacimata exclaimed, " Baba, You shouldn't speak like that. "

 

Then Visnu-priya who was overhearing everything began to laugh.

 

Another day, the Lord Visvambhara was sitting with Laksmi-devi

(Visnu-priya) in His room. Laksmi-devi was feeling such happiness in being

able to serve her husband by giving Him tambul (pan and betel nut) that she

wasn't aware whether it was night or day. Whenever Laksmi would stay by

Visvambhara's side, Saci felt very content.

 

The Lord Gaura Narayana eternally engages in His divine lila with

Laksmi (Visnu-priya) in Nadiya. He feels very happy to taste the tambul

which Visnu-priya supplies Him. She, by her husband's happiness, then

forgets whether it is day or night. This is the subject of meditation for

the eternal worshipper of Sri Sri Gaura Visnu-priya.

 

When Mahaprabhu played the part of Rukmini-devi in a drama enacted

at the house of Sri Candrasekhara Acarya, Visnu-priya accompanied Sacimata

when she went to see that performance.

 

Hereafter, in the descriptions of the Lord's acceptance of the

sannyasa order, Srila Vrindavana dasa Thakura hasn't mentioned Visnu-priya's

name anywhere. Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami has only briefly described

her marriage with Sri Gaurasundara in the 8th chapter of the Adi-lila of Sri

Caitanya Caritamrta.

 

Locana dasa Thakura, however, in his Caitanya Mangala, has given the

following narration about the instructions that Mahaprabhu gave to Sri

Visnu-priya on the night of His departure for the acceptance of sannyasa.

 

Mahaprabhu is speaking to Visnu-priya, " You can write this down.

Everything that you see in this universe is completely false. The only

reality is Bhagavan and His devotees. Everything else is for nothing and

this is fit to be sung in song. "

 

" Sons, husbands and friends, all of these family relationships are

false. In the end no one belongs to anyone else. Other than the lotus feet

of Sri Krsna, we have no other refuge. Krsna is the Husband (Master) of

everyone and other than Him, everything else is His energy. But no one

understands this. Your name is Visnu-priya. If you worship Sri Visnu, then

your name has been given substance. Don't feel any sorrow needlessly. I am

explaining to you the genuine Truth. Just fix your mind at the lotus feet of

Sri Krsna. "

 

Visnu-priya replied, " You are the Supreme Controller, therefore

please withdraw Your illusory energy. Then Visnu-priya can be cheerful. "

 

Visnu-priya then felt her sadness and affliction leave her and her

heart full of ecstasy, she found herself gazing at the four armed form of

the Lord. Nevertheless, she couldn't give up thinking of the Lord as her

Lord (husband) and falling at His lotus feet, she told Him, " I just have one

thing to say. I have come into this world, a completely vile and abominable

wretch, but you are my life, my Lord. My worth is that I am Your servant.

Now for what reason am I condemned to become a useless nothing again? "

 

Mahaprabhu replied, " Please hear me, Devi Visnu-priya. I am telling

you this. Whenever and wherever you think of Me, I will immediately come to

be with you. Please know this to be a firm fact. "

 

Hearing the order of her Lord, Sri Krsna, Visnu-priya thought to

herself, " You are the Supreme, independent Lord. Whatever makes You happy,

You should do that. Who will try to obstruct You? Therefore I have no

further reply. "

 

In the middle of the night, leaving the side of Visnu-priya,

Mahaprabhu came before his Mother's door and offered His salutations to her.

After revealing some of His transcendental opulences He left her in a

bewildered state and crossed the Ganges by swimming. Now He set off in the

direction of Katwa.

 

Sri Vasu Ghosha Thakura has described Visnu-priya's and Sacimata's

condition when they woke up at the end of the night.

 

Visnu-priya, thinking that Sri Gaurasundara was lying by her side,

put her hand out to touch Him, but found simply emptiness beside her.

Touching that empty space, a thunderbolt fell on her head. " Alas! Providence

has cheated me. "

 

Crying very piteously, she went to Sacimata's room without binding

her hair. Visnu-priya's crying was rending the very earth itself and the

birds, beasts, creepers and trees, even the rocks, were also crying.

 

" Oh why is it that, being such a sinful person my life is not

leaving this body?! " Falling down and rolling on the ground, her piteous

wail caused her breath to come in gasps. Her mouth dried up and her body was

trembling. Feeling such intense separation from Mahaprabhu, sleep renounced

the eyes of Sri Visnu-priya. If sometimes she might sleep for a little

while, then she would lie down on the ground. Though her bodily radiance

could defeat that of gold, now she appeared very pallid, like a jewel

covered with dirt.

 

Her body was as thin as the moon on the fourteenth day of the dark

fortnight. She would count the chanting of the Holy Names with the aid of

grains of rice, and however much rice would accumulate, that she would cook

and offer to Mahaprabhu. Then a small amount of that she would accept as

prasadam. No one could understand how it was that she was maintaining her

life.

 

In the diary of Murari Gupta there is a description of the

appearance of Mahaprabhu's Deity and Sri Visnu-priya devi's worship of that

murti. Mahaprabhu's very own expansion, in the form of His Deity, was

present before Sri Visnu-priya. He intimated to her, " Sri Krsna is present

in this form. "

 

Laksmi devi, (as Visnu-priya) engaged in the worship of this Deity.

This Deity is at present being worshipped in the town of Navadvipa as

Dhameshvara (the Isvara of the Dhama). After Mahaprabhu went away from

Nadiya, Isana Thakura (a servant in the house of Sacimata) used to look

after Visnu-priya and Sacimata. Sri Vamsivadana Thakura also used to stay

with them.

 

Srinivasa Acarya Prabhu received the darshan of Visnu-priya when he

went to Navadvipa.

 

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SRI RAGHUNANDAN THAKUR

 

Sri Mukunda Das, Madhava Das and Sri Narahari Sorkar Thakur were three

brothers who lived in the village of Sri Khanda. Raghunandan was the son of

Sri Mukunda Das. [C. C. Mad 15]

 

In the house of Sri Mukunda Das, who lives at Sri Khanda, Lord Sri Gopinath

is served with great devotion. One day Mukunda was called out to do some

work, and then he instructed his son Raghunandan to worship the deity and

asked him to serve the Lord Gopinath that day. He explained to him that this

deity is in our family for many generations and thus He has been worshipped

by my father and his father and his father on and on, in this way for many

years. Just as your mother feeds you and I everyday, so also He has to be

fed everyday. Having explained to Raghunandan that this is a very big

responsibility and he should be very careful to give his full attention to

this service, Mukunda went out. Raghunandan meanwhile having been instructed

by his father, collected the items for offering to Sri Gopinathji and

entered into the deity room. Raghunandan was at that time barely 5 years old

and therefore, when he saw that Gopinath hadn't eaten the offering after he

had imitated how his father offered the bhoga, he became very worried.

Ultimately he simply requested Gopinath with tears in his eyes: " Please eat!

Eat! " Gopinath became completely subjected by Raghunandan's simple request,

which was made entirely in love, and thus he stealthily ate up everything

without leaving any remnants.

 

After some time Raghu-nandan's father, Mukunda, returned and asked his son

if he had done as he was told? When his son replied " Yes " , then Mukunda

asked him to bring some of the prasadam. Raghunandan replied, " Prasadam? I

offered everything just like you told me, and Gopinath ate everything; so

what should I bring you now? " Mukunda was completely taken aback. " This boy

is not naughty and is always accustomed to speak the truth. I doubt if he

could have eaten everything. I wonder what actually happened? "

 

Musing on this matter in this way for some time, on another day his

curiosity was so stirred that he again requested Raghunandan to offer the

bhoga to Gopinath on that day. On this day however, having gone out of the

house, he again came in by another way and remained hiding in one place.

Raghunandan was very happy to be able to serve Sri Gopinathji again and

brought everything into the deity room. As before, he again very insistently

persuaded Gopinath to take his meal. As Gopinath had eaten half of a laddu,

he espied Mukunda peering out from his hiding spot. He didn't try to cover

up the fact that he had eaten what he had, but neither did he eat anymore.

Seeing all this Mukunda was completely immersed in ecstatic love and picked

up his son and put him on his lap. He extolled his virtues in a voice

trembling with ecstasy, all the while torrents of tears of joy falling from

his eyes. Even today, those who are greatly fortunate can still see that

half-eaten laddu in Gopinatha's lotus hand. Thus Sri Uddhav das sings the

glories of Raghunandan, who is non different from Madan(Cupid).

 

Raghunandan was present at the khetori utsob. In Krsna lila he was Kandarpa

manjari & in Dwaraka lila he was Sri Krsna's son Kandarpa. Raghunandan's son

is Kanai Thakur. His descendants are still residing at Sri Khanda. Sri

Khanda can be easily reached from Katwa by bus or train. He was born in the

year 1432 Sakabda.

 

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Srila Pundarika Vidyanidhi's Appearance day.

 

The Supreme Personality if Godhead Lord Shri Gauranga called the

respectable Pundarika as father. He was also known as Premanidhi or

Acaryanidhi. Sri Kavi Karnapura referred to him as King Vrsabhanu, the

father of Shrimati Radharani in his previous incarnation(GGD). Pundarika was

the disciple Madhavendra Puri. His father's name was Vanesvara (Suklamvara

brahmacari) and his mother's name was Gangadevi. Suklamvara belonged to the

Varendra sect of brahmanas. Ratnavali was the name of Pundarika's wife.

Gadadhara Pandita Gosvami accepted Pundarika as his spiritual master. His

Sripata was in Mekhala village which is situated under Hat-hazari police

station a few miles north of Chittagong city. The temple of Sri Vidyanidhi

is now in a dilapidated condition. (CC. 1.10.14, Premavilasa 22, CBh. 10.52,

67-187)

 

Now hear the story of Vidyanidhi Prabhu's arrival in Navadvipa.

Pundarika was a very dear associate of Sri Krsna. By the Lord's arrangement

he appeared in the village of Cattagrama in East Bengal, and purified that

land. The Lord Himself appeared in Navadvipa and when He could not find

Pundarika Vidyanidhi there He sighed heavily, feeling separation from him.

 

One day after ecstatic dancing the Lord sat down and exclaimed, " O My

father Pundarika, " and began to cry. " O Pundarika, O My father when will I

be able to see You again. " Such was the extent of the Lord's affection for

Pundarika Vidyanidhi. In this way Lord Gauracandra revealed His intimate

associates by performing such wonderful pastimes.

 

All the devotees surrounding the Lord were unable to comprehend the

import of the name He continued to repeat and the reason for the tears which

flowed from His eyes. They conjectured that Pundarika naturally implied

Krsna, and Vidyanidhi could have many different explanations, but no one

could understand that this person was a very confidential associate of the

Lord. When the Lord finally came out of trance the devotees asked Him, " For

which associate of Yours are You weeping my Lord? Please reveal to us who

he is, when he was born and what he does, tell us Lord so that we may have

the good fortune to know him. "

 

The Lord replied, " You are certainly fortunate because you desire to

hear about him. His activities and character are most wonderful, the whole

world can be purified simply by hearing his name. His ecstatic appearance

is almost like an ordinary man, therefore no one can recognize Him as a pure

devotee of the Lord. This highly learned scholar brahmana was born in

Cakragrama, He strictly executed the prescribed religious principles and was

respected by everyone, He always floats in the ocean of nectar of love of

Krsna, and his body constantly displays various ecstatic symptoms such as

crying, horripilation, etc. He never went for ablutions to the Ganga to

cleanse himself of his sins like everyone else, nor did he enter her wa

ters, he also avoided touching her with his feet. However he came to see

and pay his respects to her everyday in the evening when the teeming crowds

had all gone. He could not bear to see Mother Ganga disrespected and

utilized by people who spat into her, cleaned their mouth with her waters,

and washed their hair and dirty clothes in her, thus he preferred to come to

her in the evenings when there was no one around.

 

" Another wonderful characteristic of Pundarika Vidyanidhi is that he

always drank Ganga water before worshipping the Lord, then he performed all

his daily prescribed religious duties. This was meant to give a lesson to

all the puffed up scholars about the greatness of Mother Ganga.

 

" He is presently in Cakragrama, but he is soon coming to Navadvipa

where he also has a house. None of you will be able to recognize him, as on

first sight one would be inclined to think he was an ordinary materialistic

person. I am very anxious to see him, so all of you must endeavor and pray

to bring him here very quickly. "

 

Talking about Pundarika Vidyanidhi threw the Lord into an ecstatic

trance and He began to weep saying, " O My father Pundarika. " The Lord

lamented loudly, for only He could understand the extent of the greatness of

such a pure Vaisnava, and through His mercy only can that wonderful and

unique position of a pure devotee be revealed.

 

When the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself attracts a living

entity there is no way that one cannot respond, thus Pundarika Vidyanidhi

suddenly desired to go to Navadvipa. He made arrangements and came to

Navadvipa with many disciples. In Navadvipa he remained incognito and all

the ordinary men considered him to be a lavish materialist, attached to a

life of comfort and self enjoyment.

 

With the exception of Mukunda, no one amongst the Vaisnava's knew about

Pundarika Vidyanidhi's arrival in Navadvipa. Sri Mukunda was a ayurvedic,

brahmana doctor who was born in Caktagrama, thus he knew about the wonderful

Vaisnava qualities of Pundarika Vidyanidhi. When Mukunda found out that he

was in Navadvipa, he was so overwhelmed that it was difficult for him to

control himself. However, Mukunda did not reveal Pundarika Vidyanidhi's

identity to anyone thus Pundarika remained a materialistic self enjoyer,

in the eyes of the ordinary folks. Only Mukunda and his brother Vasudeva

Dutta knew about the intensity of Pundarika's love for God.

 

Gadadhara Pandita and Mukunda were very dear friends and always kept in

each other's company. Mukunda thus told Gadadhara Pandita, " Listen

carefully Gadadhara, a very great devotee has come to Navadvipa. You have

been hankering for the association of pure vaisnava's and today your desire

will be fulfilled. I will take you to see a wonderful Vaisnava devotee, in

return for this I simply want you to think of me as your dear servant. "

 

The excited and happy Gadadhara Pandita called out the name of Krsna as

they proceeded towards the great Vaisnava's residence. Arriving there they

found Pundarika Vidyanidhi sitting comfortably. Gadadhara offered his

obeisances and was respect

fully seated.

 

Vidyanidhi inquired from Mukunda, " What is his name and which village

does he come from? I can see that his body is effulgent due to rendering

devotional service to the Supreme Lord Visnu, both his form and demeanor

are extremely wonderful. "

 

" His name is Sri Gadadhara " , Mukunda replied, " He is very fortunate

because from early childhood he has been totally detached from family life.

His external, material identity is that he is the son of the brahmana Sri

Madhva Misra. Because he is totally absorbed in devotional service he only

associates with Vaisnava's, and he is extremely dear to all the devotees.

When he heard about you he was anxious to meet you. "

 

After hearing the wonderful qualities of Gadadhara Pandita, Vidyanidhi

was very pleased to meet him. That great personality, Sri Pundarika

Vidyanidhi, sat like a prince. His beautiful bed was made of metal, covered

with intricate brass inlay work, from it extended an attached brass lamp

stand with three bright lights hanging down. He was seated on a soft

mattress covered with clean expensive sheets and silk pillows were placed

under his back. On either side of him many small and large wat

er pots sat within his reach, as well as a nice shining brass plate with

betel pan neatly prepared on it. Two large ornate mirrors hung on either

side of him which he continually glanced into while smiling with lips

reddened from chewing pan.

 

He wore a sandalwood paste tilaka mark on his forehead and his face was

decorated with dots made from a mixture of sandalwood and perfume. As for

his hair, it was well groomed and shining with delicately perfumed hair

oil. Two persons stood behind him fanning him gently with long peacock

feathers and in front of him was a nicely prepared hammock. Because he

followed a life of pure devotional service, he looked as charming as Cupid

himself. Those who did not know him would consider him to be a prince as

everything about him and around him gave the impression that he was a man of

easy and comfortable life given to pleasure.

 

When Gadadhara Pandita saw these luxurious items and a general

atmosphere of materialistic life he became suspicious. Since Gadadhara was

a fully renounced soul from his early childhood, naturally some doubts

regarding the character of Pundarika Vidyanidhi entered his heart. He

thought, " What sort of a Vaisnava is he, surrounded by so much finery and

lavish living? Hearing about his devotional mood I developed great respect

for this person, but now on seeing him it is slowly giving way

to doubt and suspicion. "

 

Mukunda understood the mind and heart of Gadadhara Pandita, thus he

took it upon himself to reveal the true nature of Pundarika Vidyanidhi. By

the special mercy of Lord Krsna, Gadadhara Pandita was allowed to perceive

everything, nothing remained unknown to him.

 

In a very sweet voice Mukunda began to sing a verse from the Srimad

Bhagavatam describing the glories of devotional service: " Alas how shall I

take shelter of one more merciful than He who granted the position of a

mother to the she demon Putana? Putana was unfaithful and always hankering

for the blood of human children. With that desire in mind she prepared

deadly poison to be sucked from her breasts and came to kill Krsna, but

because she offered her breasts to the Lord she attained the

greatest achievement. "

 

As soon as these words concerning devotional service entered his ears,

Pundarika Vidyanidhi began to weep, tears of ecstatic love filled his eyes,

rolling down his face profusely like streams of the Ganga. Simultaneously

all the symptoms of ecstasy manifested on his person. He wept, trembled,

rolled, roared and finally fell into an unconscious state of ecstasy. Then

suddenly regaining consciousness he said in a loud voice, " Speak, speak, "

and again fell down to the ground. Agitated with spiritual emotions he

kicked everything that was near him and all the luxurious paraphernalia went

crashing to the ground. The shining brass pots of water, the container of

betel pan, pillows, bed sheets, everything became a confused mass. He be

gan tearing his fine clothes, and his well groomed hair went haywire as he

wept and rolled in the dust. He cried out, " O Krsna, My Lord, My soul, My

very life, You have made me hard- hearted like a stone. " He lamented

loudly, piteously crying out,

 

" I have been deprived of the Lord's association in His most merciful

incarnation. " He rolled around and crashed down to the ground. Everyone was

afraid he might break his bones. He to trembled so violently that three

persons could not hold him down. He kicked everything that was in his way,

as his disciples stood by helplessly, unable to control him. In this way

the storm of ecstatic love continued until it finally abated and he fell

into an unconscious state of bliss. He lay down without

breathing, totally submerged in an ocean of spiritual ecstasy.

 

Amazed at what he witnessed Gadadhara Pandita began to worry thinking,

" What inauspiciousness overcame me to make me think in such an offensive

manner about this great personality. " He embraced Mukunda, being extremely

pleased with him. Drenching him with tears of love he said, " Mukunda you

have acted like a true friend, you have shown me a pure and unalloyed

devotee of the Lord. It would be difficult to find another pure Vaisnava

like him anywhere in this entire creation. One can become totally purified

simply by observing his devotional attitude. Today, because you are right

next to me I have been able to avoid a great catastrophe. When I saw all

the luxurious paraphernalia surrounding Pundarika Vidyanidhi I was convinced

that he was a materialistic Vaisnava given to the pleasures of life. You

could read my mind and being a great magnanimous soul you revealed to me

the unlimited extent of Pundarika Vidyanidhi's love of for God, yet today I

have been offensive and the extent of my offense can only be mitigated by

your mercy. You must be merciful to me and purify my heart. All these

devotees who have taken to the process of surrender through devotional

service to the Lord have all accepted the shelter of a guide under

whose instructions they act. Yet I do not have such an instructor, so I

have decided to take shelter of Pundarika Vidyanidhi and execute devotional

service under his guidance. I know that I can counteract all my offenses to

him by becoming his disciple. " Thus Gadadhara Pandita revealed to Mukunda

his desire to become a disciple of Pundarika Vidyanidhi. Mukunda was

extremely pleased with the decision and patted him on the back saying,

" very good, very good. "

 

Sri Pundarika Vidyanidhi was in a state of ecstatic coma for six

hours, gradually he returned to his normal state and sat down quietly. It

was impossible for Gadadhara Pandita to control the tears of joy which

rolled profusely down his face. wetting his entire body. When Sri

Vidyanidhi saw this he embraced Gadadhara Pandita, holding him to his

heart. Overwhelmed by Pundarika Vidyanidhi's ecstatic devotion, Gadadhara

was unable to sleep.(?)

 

Mukunda spoke up, revealing Gadadhara Pandita's mind, " Doubt arose in

Gadadhara's mind when he first saw your extravagant appearance and

surroundings, but now he is repentant and wants to accept initiation from

you. He is a renounced devotee of the Lord. Although he is young he is

mature in spiritual realization, and comes from the very good family of

Madhva Misra. From early childhood he has always been very attached to the

Supreme Lord. I think it is a wonderful good match an extremel

y elevated spiritual master like Pundarika Vidyanidhi having an equally able

disciple like Gadadhara Pandita. Please consider these points and choose

an auspicious day to initiate him with your diksa mantra. "

 

Pundarika Vidyanidhi smiled and said, " Be assured that I will do as

you say, for by the Lord's mercy I have had the great fortune to meet a

person who is like a precious gem. The result of many lifetimes of pious

activities is that one may find a disciple such as him. The forthcoming

twelfth day of the waxing moon is very auspicious, come here to meet me and

your plan will become successful. " Overjoyed, Gadadhara Pandita offered

his obeisances and took leave of Pundarika Vidyanidhi.

 

Mukunda and Gadadhara went straight to meet Lord Gauracandra, who

happily received the news of Pundarika Vidyanidhi's arrival.

 

During the night, without being seen by anyone, Pundarika left all his

associates behind and came to the place of Lord Gauracandra. As soon as he

saw the Lord he fell down like a rod, offering his obeisances. Overwhelmed

with ecstatic trance he lay on the ground experiencing waves of joy.

Shortly afterwards he regained external consciousness and roared loudly,

then despising(?) himself he began to weep saying, " O my dear Krsna, You are

my Lord and father. I am a great offender, please punish this wretch. O

Lord You have liberated everyone in the world, only I have been deprived of

such goof fortune. "

 

Hearing his lamentation all the assembled Vaisnavas, who knew Pundarika

Vidyanidhi to be a great and elevated Vaisnava, felt pained and began to

cry.

 

The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Caitanya, is especially

inclined to His pure devotees, therefore upon seeing His beloved devotee, He

got up and embraced him. Crying the Lord said, " O My father Pundarika,

finally I am able to see you to day. " The Vaisnavas were overjoyed to have

the association of such an elevated devotee as Pundarika Vidyanidhi and

their eyes filled with tears. So wonderful was this scene that no pen could

possibly describe it.

 

Lord Gaurasundara held Pundarika Vidyanidhi in a loving embrace,

wetting him with His tears. Understanding how dear Pundarika was to the

Lord, the devotees immediately felt affection, respect and a sense of

closeness with him. The Lord continued to hold Pundarika Vidyanidhi closely

as if He wanted to merge His body into his. For sometime the Lord was

unable to move. Remaining like a statue He held Vidyanidhi in His close

embrace. When the Lord came out of trance He began to chant the na

me of Hari, and said, " Today Lord Krsna has been very merciful to me, He has

fulfilled all My desires. I have met a person of My heart's desire. "

 

Pundarika Vidyanidhi greeted all the Vaisnavas fondly and they began to

chant the holy name together. The Lord then introduced Pundarika saying,

" His name is Pundarika Vidyanidhi, the Lord has specially created him to

distribute love of Godhead. "

 

Hearing this the devotees happily responded by lifting their arms and

chanting " Hari, Hari. " The Lord said, " Today is a special day, a wonderful

thing has happened, I woke up from sleep and my eyes beheld the ocean of

love of Godhead directly

in person. "

 

All this went on while Pundarika Vidyanidhi was absorbed within himself

in an ecstatic trance, totally unaware of his immediate external

surroundings. Suddenly he became aware of the devotees around him and he

immediately offered obeisances to

the Lord, properly recognizing Him for the first time since their meeting.

Then he offered his obeisances to Advaita Acarya Prabhu and exchanged

obeisances with all the other Vaisnavas. It was a glorious scene, as all

the devotees floated on waves of ecstasy, thrilled to have met Pundarika

Vidyanidhi who himself is an ocean of love of Godhead. Only an extremely

pious and fortunate person is able to describe this marvelous scene.

 

Gadadhara Pandita took Lord Visvambhara's permission to accept

initiation from Pundarika Vidyanidhi. Gadadhara said, " I could not

understand the uncommon behavior of this great personality and so I became

disrespectful. Therefore in order to cleanse myself of this sin I want to

become his disciple, for certainly as my spiritual master he will exonerate

me. "

 

Appreciating Gadadhara Pandita's mood, the Lord said, " Yes, perform it

quickly. " Thus Gadadhara Pandita formerly accepted initiation from

Pundarika Vidyanidhi,the ocean of ecstatic loving devotion. (CBh. Madhya)

 

Pundarika Vidyanidhi was present to see Mahaprabhu liberate the

great sinners Jagai and Madhai and enjoyed sporting in the water with the

Lord and the other devotees thereafter. Vidyanidhi was one of the chief

companions of Mahaprabhu in Nadia, as well as Puridhama. During

Mahaprabhu's candan festival at Puri when He played in Narendra lake,

Vidyanidhi also sported in the water with Svarupa Damodara

 

One day at Puri, Sri Gadadhara Pandita told Mahaprabhu, " I cannot

pronounce my mantra properly....(?) " . Mahaprabhu said, " Your spiritual

master, Vidyanidhi, will come here soon, at that time you can discuss this

with him. " Just at that time, Sri Vidyanidhi arrived in Puri and the

devotees were overjoyed to have him in their midst again. Thus Sri

Gadadhara Pandita's wish was fulfilled. Accommodations for Sri Vidyanidhi

were arranged by the sea-side at Yamesvara. He and Svarupa Damoda

ra were very close friends, they constantly enjoyed talking about topics

related to the Lord together and going for darsana of Jagannatha.

 

Around this time, the festival of Odana Sasthi began at Puri and

Lord Jagannatha was dressed in new clothes--all starched. Although starched

cloth is considered improper and impure, the purjaris nevertheless dressed

Him in this way. On this day the ceremony of `wearing new starched clothes'

was being celebrated with pomp and grandeur. Sri Gaurasundara watched the

ceremony along with the devotees. Lord Jagannatha was dressed in various

bright colored starched clothes (white, pink and

green), and was decorated with garlands and flowers. Varieties of festive

music played and Mahaprabhu enjoyed the festival with great pleasure until

late in the evening. He then returned to His residence along with His

devotees. On the way home the two friends, Svarupa Damodara and Sri

Vidyanidhi, raised a discussion regarding the Lord's starched clothes.

Vidyanidhi said, " In this part of the country there is considerable

discussion regarding Sruti and Smrti, yet how is it that the Lord is dr

essed in un-holy starched clothing?

 

Svarupa Damodara replied, " Perhaps it is the custom of this place.

If it is the custom, then where is the fault? Had it not been the wish of

the Lord, the King would have forbidden it. "

 

Vidyanidhi replied, " God can do whatever He likes, but why should

His priest attendants put starched clothes on Him.? Starched cloth is so

un-holy that the hand which has touched it has to be washed. These things

are not decided by the estate officers. I see that the King also wore

starched cloth on his head today. "

 

Svarupa Damodara said, " Brother, perhaps there is nothing wrong in

using this cloth on the day of Odana Sasthi. Because the Lord Himself has

appeared on this earth in the form of Jagannatha Deva, rules and regulations

are not applicable to Him. "

 

Vidyanidhi protested, " Jagannatha Deva is the Lord, He is

omniscient. But can these people be like Him? Are they beyond all rules

and regulations? " In this way the two friends discussed in a jovial mood

until reaching their residence, then took rest.

 

That night Vidyanidhi dreamed that Jagannatha and Balarama were very

annoyed with him. They slapped Vidyanidhi on his two cheeks and said, " I

have no caste, and neither do my attendants. It is I who have made the

rules which you think there is deviation from. " Weeping, Sri Pundarika

Vidyanidhi put his head on the feet of Jagannatha and said, " Oh Lord, I have

been rightly served according to my offence. Today is very auspicious for

me, Your good hand has touched my forehead. I do not

now what good deed I performed in my previous birth to have such a

benediction. " The Lord then disappeared. When Vidyanidhi awoke in the

morning, he found that his two cheeks were swollen as a result of the

slapping by Sri Jagannatha and Balarama.

 

Every morning Svarupa Damodara came to Vidyanidhi's place and they

went to the Jagannatha Mandira for darsana together. That morning Svarupa

Damodara arrived as usual, but found Vidyanidhi still lying in bed. When he

inquired as to why he was still in bed, Vidyanidhi called him to his side

and explained his extraordinary dream. Hearing this and seeing Vidyanidhi's

swollen cheeks, Svarupa Damodara was overwhelmed with joy. He said, " I

don't know of any other such instance where the Lord has punished a man in

his dream, but today I have seen this with my own eyes. Is there any man so

fortunate as you in the three worlds? " Svarupa Damodara joyfully praised

Sri Vidyanidhi. As a friend feels delighted at the well-being of his frien

d, so Svarupa Damodara thought himself extremely lucky because of Pundarika

Vidyanidhi's fortune.

 

Sri Vrndavana dasa wrote: " He who hears about the character of

Pundarika Vidyanidhi is certain to attain devotion to Krsna. (CBh. Antya)

 

The Deities of Laksmi Govinda installed by Pundarika still exist

today. In his birth place one still finds an earthen pitcher bearing

Pundarika's handwriting. On the upper part of the temple there are two

plaques containing sanskrit slokas.

 

Though damaged severely by fire, the text can still be read with

some effort. In the archives of the Chittagong Collectorate names of

Baneswar Brahmacari and Pundarika Vidyanidhi are found in Tanji no.s 17697,

26837, 17781. There road-cess(?) is still collected in those names. The

thirteenth generation descendants of Pundarika Vidyanidhi's family live in

Mekhala.

 

-------------------------

 

Sri Vishvanatha Chakravarti Thakura

 

Took birth in the year 1586 Shaka era within the Nadia district of West

Bengal in a place called Prasiddha Deva Gram.

He appeared in the Radhiya line of brahamanas. He had two brothers:

Shri Ramabhadra Chakravarti and Shri Raghunatha Chakravarti. Shrila

Chakravarti Thakura went on to live in the Murshidabad district of West

Bengal, in Saiyadabad, where he received mantra initiation from Shri Krishna

Charana Chakravarti. He lived for a long time in the house of his gurudeva,

where he wrote many books. Because Chakravarti Thakura lived for so long in

Saiyadabad, he became known as a resident of Saiyadabad. In one of the final

verses of his commentary on the Alankara Kaustubha, he himself has written:

saiyadabadanivasi shri vishvanatha sharmana, chakravartiti namneyam krita

tika subodhini. " Shri Vishvanataha Cakravarti, a brahmana residing in

Saiyadabad, has composed this commentary on the Alankara Kaustubha. " When

Shrila Vishvanatha Chakravarti Thakura lived in Nadiya, he closely studied

the scriptures, beginning with a study of Sanskrit grammar, poetry, and

rhetoric. It is said that even as a boy in school, he was an undefeatable

scholar who could overcome anyone in argument and debate. From an early age,

he was indifferent towards family life. For the purpose of binding his son

in the contract of family life, Vishvanatha's father arranged for his

marriage when he was very young. He remained a married man for only a short

time. Soon he renounced his wife and home and went to live in Vrindavan.

After this, his parents and relatives made many unsuccessful attempts to

induce him to return to family life, but Vishvanatha Chakravarti was fixed

in his determination to renounce wordly life and surrender himself

completely to the service of Krishna.

 

After having come to Vrindavan Dhama, Shri Vishvanatha took up his residence

in the bhajan kutir of Shri Krishna Das Kaviraja Goswami on the banks of the

Radha-kunda, where there lived a disciple of Krishna das Kaviraja whose name

was Mukunda das. There, Shri Vishvanatha Cakravarti made a careful study of

the Goswami's literatures. In that holy place he later wrote many

commentaries on the books of the Goswamis.

 

Shri Vishvanatha Chakravarti Thakura established the worship of the deity of

Shri Gokulananda. Vishvanath Chakravarti Thakur was also sometimes known as

Harivallabha das. Vishvanatha's title, " Chakravarti " was awarded to him by

the devotees. Generally this title designates one who maintains (varti) a

circle (chakra) of influence. Hence chakravarti usually means " emperor, " for

the emperor's maintains his power over a vast circle. A more devotional

explanation of this title is found in the introduction to Vishvanatha's

Svapna-Vilasamrita. There is has been written vishvasya natharupausau,

bhaktiratna pradarshanat, bhakta chakre vartitatva, chakravartamaya bhavat.

" He who reveals the jewel of devotion to Vishvanatha, the Lord of the

Universe, and thus expands the circle of bhakti is a " Cakravarti. "

Shri Vishvanatha Chakravarti Thakura has written many books, among which are

the following:

 

Commentaries on Srimad-Bhagavatam (Sararthadarshini-tika), Bhagavad-gita

(Sararthavarshini-tika), Alankara Kaustubha (Subodhini-tika);

Ujjvala-nilamani, Ananda Vrindavana Champu (Sukhavartini-tika); Rupa

Goswami's Vidagdha-Madhava Natakam, Gopal-tapani-upanishad;

Chaitanya-charitamrita; and original works such as Shri Krishna-Bhavanamrita

Mahakavya; Svapnavilasamrita; Madhurya Kadambini; Stavamala-lahari;

Aishvarya Kadambini [Note: this is not the same Aishvarya Kadambini as that

of Baladeva Vidyabhusana. Baladeva Vidyabhusan's book describes the

opulences of Shri Krishna, whereas Vishvanatha's book by the same name deals

with the philosophy of achintya-bhedabheda-vada, Shri Chaitanya's philosophy

of inconceivable oneness and difference].

 

The diksha-guru-parampara of Shri Vishvanatha Chakravarti Thakura is given

as follows: Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Lokanatha Goswami, Narottama Thakura,

Ganganarayan Chakravarti, Krishnacharan Chakravarti, Radharaman Chakravarti,

Vishvanatha Chakravarti Thakura. Shri Krishna Charan Chakravarti and Radha

Ramana Chakravarti both lived in Saiyadabad. Vishvanatha Chakravarti Thakura

studied extensively under them when he was in Saiyadabad before going to

Vrindavan, where he met Mukunda das Goswami, a disciple of Krishna das

Kaviraja Goswami and studied the Goswami literatures.

 

The siksha-guru-parampara is considered more important than the

diksha-guru-parampara,because it follows the descent of revealed truth

through its most significant representatives, as opposed to following a

strictly sacerdotal heirarchy. The siksha-guru-paramapara from Shri

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to Vishvanatha Chakravarti Thakura is, according to

Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura, as follows: Shri Chaitanya

Mahaprabhu, Svarup Damodara, Rupa Goswami and Sanatana Goswami (along with

Raghunatha Das Goswami, Raghunath Bhatta Goswami, Gopal Bhatta Goswami),

Shri Jiva Goswami, Krishna das Kaviraja Goswami, Narottama Das Thakura

(along with Shyamananda Prabhu and Shrinivasa Acharya), Vishvanatha

Chakravarti Thakura.

 

Shri Vishvanatha Chakravarti Thakura disappeared on the Vasant Panchami day

in the month of Magh.

 

-------------------------

 

SRI RAGHUNATHA DASA GOSWAMI

 

Raghunatha dasa Gosvami used to reside on the bank of Sri Radha-kunda. At

the time Radha-kunda was just a small pond of water, and therefore sometimes

Raghunatha would meditate on enlarging the kund. Then he would chastise

himself for desiring something which would require a large amount of money.

 

Around this time one very wealthy Seth underwent great austerity by walking

to Badarikasrama in the Himalayas. Arriving there he very reverently

worshiped Sri Badrinarayana and offered much wealth at His lotus feet. That

night as he slept there, he had a dream in which Sri Badarinarayana

instructed him to proceed to Vraja, where he should present all his wealth

to Sri Raghunatha Dasa Gosvami, who was residing at Aritgram. " If he

declines to accept it, then you can mention My name and remind him about

renovating Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda. "

 

That Seth was very happy to have seen such a wonderful dream and after

returning to his home he very joyfully set out for Vraja. There he met

Raghunatha dasa Gosvami and related all of these events to him. Dasa Gosvami

was somewhat taken aback to hear this news, but then immediately gave his

consent. Thus Sethji began to work of re-digging the two kunds.

 

On the banks of Radha-kunda, the five Pandavas were residing in the form of

trees. As the work was proceeding it was decided that on the following day

these trees would have to be cut down, but that night the five Pandavas

appeared in a dream of Raghunatha dasa and forbade the cutting of those

dreams. Today they are still residing there. When the work of beautifying

the kundas was complete, the devotees bliss knew no bounds.Nearby the

kundas, the kunjas of the eight gopies were also constructed. Seeing all

this, Raghunatha dasa forgot himself in ecstasy.

 

Raghunatha dasa Gosvami lived on the banks of Radha-kunda without any fixed

residence, staying under a different tree every night. Sometimes he would

stay on the banks of the Manasa Ganga. At that time these areas were jungles

filled with ferocious animals. One day Sanatana Gosvami came to the banks of

Manasa Ganga to meet Gopala Bhatta Gosvami. Before accepting his noon meal

at Gopal Bhatta's bhajan kutir, he went to take bath at the Pavan ghat of

Manasa Ganga. From there he saw two tigers come to the kund and after

drinking some water saunter off. Just near that spot Raghunatha das Gosvami

was sitting under a tree absorbed in his bhajana. Sanatana Gosvami was

startled to see this but even more so when he saw Sri Krsna standing at some

distance observing everything. He then requested Raghunatha to do his

bhajana within a hut.

 

On another occasion, Raghunatha dasa, who still hadn't bothered to have a

kutir constructed, was sitting in the noon day sun absorbed in his bhajana.

Srimati Radharani happened to pass that way at this time and, seeing that

the sun was beating down on Raghunatha's head, she stood behind him and held

the end of her sari to shield him from the suns rays. Then one of the

Gosvamis came along and saw this heart rending scene, while profuse

perspiration continued to flow from Srimati Radharani's transcendental body.

This time when he was again requested to do his bhajan in a kutir, he

immediately agreed to comply.

 

In Vraja, Krsna is served by Radharani and Candravali, who each have

unlimited maid servants. According to the mellows of paramour love, Sri

Raghunatha dasa Gosvami counted himself as a maidservant of the friends of

Srimati Radharani. As Candravali is the chief comperitor of Radharani, Sri

dasa Gosvami would never go to her kunja or talk with any of the sakhis.

Thus he served the servants of Radharani within his mind in this way.

 

One Brajabasi known as Sri dasa Brijabasi used to bring Sri das Gosvami a

leafcup of buttermilk every day. Drinking this much only Raghunath dasa

would engage in bhajana throughout the day. One day Sri Das Brijabasi went

to Candravali's kunda, known as Sakhi-sthali, to herd his cows. There he saw

a palash tree with very large leaves, so he collected some leaves to make

leafcups. The next day, in one of the new leafcups he brought some

buttermilk to das Gosvami. Raghunatha dasa accepted the leafcup of

buttermilk and inquired, " Sri dasji, where did you get these nice palash

leaves? " Sri dasji replied, " While I was pasturing the cows I came to

Sakhi-sthali and found them there. "

 

Simply hearing the word 'Sakhi-sthali' Raghunatha dasa flew into a rage and

threw the leafcup of buttermilk away saying, " The followers of Srimati

Radharani never accept anything from that place. " Seeing the loyal devotion

of Raghunatha dasa for Srimati Radharani Sridasji was amazed.

 

There are various opinions on Sri Raghunath das Gosvami's identity in

Krsna-lila. Some have ascertained that he was Rasa Manjari, some that he was

Rati Manjari,

 

The Govardhana-sila given by Sriman Mahaprabhu to Raghunatha dasa to worship

is still worshiped at Sri Gokulananda Mandira, in Vrindavana.

 

Srila Raghunatha dasa Goswami compiled following books: Stavavali, Dana

carita, and Mukta carita, among others.

 

Birth: 1428 (Sakabda) Disappearence: 1504 on the 12th day of the bright

fortnight of the month of Asvin.

 

 

LET US NOT MAKE OUR STOMACH A GRAVEYARD. LET US NOT EAT FLESH. LET US BE VEGETARIANS AND STAY HEALTHY. Animals are to be loved, not eaten. Eating flesh is good neither for the mind nor for the intellect, not even for the body. It distorts the basic character of human. Think Soul is Soul and it came from the Supreme Soul...God Head Krishna

Chant:Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare HareHare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare