Narottama - The Topmost Devotee

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The Most Holy Appearance day of Shrila Narottama Dasa Thakura - 16th Feb 03

 

(Download the full book Shri Narottama-vilasa at the botom of this page)

 

From the wonderful book Shri Narottama-vilasa by Shrila Narahari Chakravarti

 

"How the illustrious Narottama took his birth in the house of Krsnananda Datta, the elder brother of Sri Purusottama, I dare not discuss elaborately here. However, for your pleasure, I shall give a brief description.

 

Rupa and Sanatana lived in Ramakeli, a beautiful village in a pleasant area of Gaudadesh. Although acting as high ranking ministers in the court of the king, they were always absorbed in discussing scriptures with scholars and professors. Their genius and wisdom won them fame throughout the world. In the courts of Maharastra, Karnataka, Dravida, Tailanga, Utkala, Mithila, Gaura, Gujarata, Vanga, Kasi and Kashmir they were considered the greatest scholars. (I have explained this further in Bhakti-ratnakara). Being favorites of the king, the brothers had no shortage of wealth.

 

Meanwhile, Sri Gauracandra was performing His all-attractive pastimes in Navadvipa. Rupa and Sanatana happened to hear reports of the Lord's activities and were spontaneously attracted. Immediately they began writing numerous letters to Mahaprabhu, while earnestly waiting for the opportunity to meet Him personally.

 

The Supreme Lord, who is bound only by the love of His devotees, soon also became anxious to meet Rupa and Sanatana. After accepting sannyasa, the Lord consoled his devotees, went to Nilacala and later to Vrndavana. When Mahaprabhu started for Gaudadesh millions of people ran behind him, thus He arrived at Ramakeli surrounded by hoards of devotees.

 

On hearing of Lord Caitanya's arrival, Sanatana and Rupa, as well as Kesava Chatri and other friends, were overwhelmed with joy. The royal ministers, Rupa and Sanatana, could not contain their happiness and secretly rushed to meet the associates of Lord Caitanya. By the grace of Nityananda Prabhu they were introduced to Sri Krsna Caitanya. Who can describe the intense emotions of Rupa and Sanatana at that meeting? Sri Gauracandra happily welcomed them with sweet words, as Nityananda Prabhu, Haridasa, Vakresvara, Mukunda and others stood by watching with pleasure.

 

Mahaprabhu stayed there for a few days constantly surrounded by an ocean of ecstatic devotees who were eager to bath in the purifying waters of the Lord's transcendental association. Not only the general mass of people were affected by the Lord, even the Yavana king was moved by Mahaprabhu's presence.

 

One day while Caitanya Mahaprabhu was dancing with his associates during sankirtana, He suddenly looked in the direction of Sri Kheturi village. A peculiar look appeared on His face, tears whelmed up in His eyes, and He cried out the name "Narottama! Narottama!" again and again. The ocean of mercy, Nityananda Raya shouted in joy, and Haridasa, Vakresvara, and others were inexplicable filled with happiness.

 

Witnessing the unusual behavior of the Lord, the devotees began talking amongst themselves: "Prabhu is repeatedly calling out the name of someone called Narottama.It seems that this Narottama is extremely dear to the Lord, perhaps he is about to take birth soon.Oh who is that fortunate man who will have such a son?The woman who bears him within her womb is the most fortunate lady in the world.Obviously, the Lord has plans for this Narottama to fulfill His mission."

 

In this way the rumors of the appearance of Narottama spread far and wide. A similar event took place again when Mahaprabhu was traveling to Nilacala, suddenly he cried out the name of Srinivasa. [unclear] These topics became known to all and everyone waited eagerly anticipating the appearance of Narottama. Oh listeners please hear attentively as Narahari dasa narrates Narottama Vilasa.

 

THE SECOND VILASA All glories to Sri Gauracandra, Nityananda Prabhu, and all the devotees of Mahaprabhu. Please bestow your mercy upon this poor fallen conditioned soul.

 

All glories to those who hear the nectar of this Narottama Vilasa, kindly listen patiently to my narration.

 

The wheel of time turned, until finally, on the sixth hour of the full moon day in the month of Magha, when all auspicious signs were visible, Narottama dasa took birth to fulfill the mission of the Lord.

 

His mother, radiant with beauty, wept joyfully as she lovingly gazed at the charming face of her son. An unearthly effulgence suddenly illuminated the entire delivery room and happiness swelled in the hearts of everyone present. From that moment the village of Sri Kheturi became an auspicious place. The residents suddenly felt purified; as if cleansed of all misgivings. They trembled with ecstatic emotions, tears filled their eyes, and they spontaneously chanted the holy name with devotion. They rushed to the house of Krsnananda carrying all kinds of gifts for the newborn child.

 

The delighted Datta Mahasaya warmly welcomed them all without taking his eyes off the face of his son for a second, while Krsnananda's exalted father distributed charity profusely to the singers, musicians and others present, for the protection of his grandson.

 

There was no woman in the world as fortunate as Narottama's mother, Narayani. By the Lord's grace she was granted the eyes to see Gauranga, Nityananda, and Advaita dancing ecstatically within her own home.

 

Narayani watched jubilantly as her son began to grow like the moon.

 

Similarly, Krsnananda's pleasure knew no bounds as he constantly stared at the jewel-like face of his son. Grateful for his good fortune, he fed the brahmanas daily.

 

At the appropriate time on an auspicious day, Krsnananda arranged for the ceremony of offering rice to his son. The astrologer present on that joyful occasion noted all the auspicious signs upon the child's body and predicted that the boy would be an illustrious person: "This baby will be the greatest of men, therefore he should be called Narottama."

 

The festivities went on happily until Krsnananda tried to feed his son the rice. To everyone's dismay the child refused to eat. Although they coaxed him again and again, the boy repeatedly turned his head away, refusing to eat. The festive atmosphere was replaced with anxiety and everyone looked at each other nervously, not knowing what to do.

 

The thoughtful astrologer, however, reassured everyone, "Don't worry, this baby will not accept food unless it has first been offered to Lord Visnu." Thus the rice was offered to Lord Visnu, then again offered to the child. To everyone's relief, the child happily devoured it. From that day on, realizing the value of prasada, the king ordered: "Only food which has been offered to Krsna should be given to my son." Although the worship of Krsna was customary in their family, from the time of Narottama's birth everyone became much more attentive to the service of the Lord.

 

After a few years Narottama began his studies and soon proved to be a genius. Within a short time he became a scholar in all subjects. The teachers use to comment: "How is it possible that this boy can learn so quickly? Do you think he is an incarnation of God?"

 

He was an adorable boy and endeared himself to everyone, soon he was the talk of the town: "Just one glance at Narottama is sufficient to cool my mind and chase away all miseries.From every angle of vision the prince is beautiful.I have never seen such a gorgeous boy." In this way Krsnananda's son was glorified throughout the town.

 

Krsnananda was happy simply to gaze upon his son, but as time passed he began to think, "My son is capable in all respects, he must be married soon.

 

I am getting old and should follow the path of my father, it is time to be relieved of my kingly duties." Thus he consulted with the wise Kayasthas to find a suitable bride for his son.

 

Meanwhile Narottama was lost in the ecstacy of love for Krsna. With eyes full of tears he joyfully worshipped his Lord privately, oblivious to everything else. In this way he lost all taste for mundane pleasures and could not bear to even hear topics related to royal pleasures and properties. Aware of their son's growing apathy for material life, Krsnananda and Narayani were filled with anxiety and could think of nothing else. Finally they decided to appoint someone to constantly watch over their son, but still they were unable to find peace of mind.

 

Narottama's home became a prison for him and he longed to be free. Although he said nothing, he was constantly waiting for the opportunity to leave home. Everyday he secretly pleaded desperately for the Lord's help. His body became covered with dust as he rolled on the ground crying. Raising his arms in the air he begged pitifully, "Oh Gauranga! Nitai! Advaita! My Lords, please save me from this hell."

 

At that time the news of Lord Gauranga's glories was spreading throughout the world. Narottama's only solace was when he received some word of the Lord's pastimes. There was one aged brahmana in Sri Kheturi named Krsnadasa.

 

He was a genuine servant of Lord Krsna and loved Narottama deeply. He could not let a single day pass without seeing Narottama. That brahmana, Krsnadasa, was so powerful by dint of his devotion, that no one dare disobey him.

 

Everyday after completing his worship of Krsna, Krsnadasa would visit Narottama. Narottama welcomed him with wholehearted enthusiasm, humbly falling prostrate at his feet. Offering him a seat, he would then eagerly enquiring about Lord Caitanya and His associates. Krsnadasa happily narrated the pastimes of the Lord in three parts (Adi, Madhya and Antya). He went on to glorify the transcendental activities of Nityananda and Advaita with such emotion then even wood or stone would melt upon hearing his devotional narration. He explained the life histories of Pandita Gadadhara, Pandita Srivasa, Vakresvara, Svarupa, Murari, Haridasa, Narahari Dasa, Gauridasa, Gadadhara, Vasu Ghosh, Mukunda, Sanjaya, Damodara, Kasisvara, Sri Paramananda Bhattacarya, Krsnadasa brahmacari, Lokanatha Varya, Sanatana, Rupa, Sri Gopala, Raghunatha, Raghunatha Bhatta, Sri Jiva, Subuddhi Misra, Raghava, Krsna Pandita and others.

 

He then narrated the story of Srinivasa Acarya's birth. Krsnadasa took hold of Narottama's hands and tearfully said, "Oh Narottama, how can I describe the wonderful qualities of Srinivasa? In his youth he was renowned as a great scholar and the embodiment of love and devotion. When he left for Nilacala to meet Sri Caitanya, along the way he received the stunning news that the Lord had disappeared from this world. He was devastated and immediately fell unconscious. Only due to the wish of the Lord did life remain within his body."

 

The glories of the Lord's devotees are described by Kavi Karnapura in Gunalesasucakam: "Glory to Srila Srinivasa Prabhu, the embodiment of mercy, who was born in a Rarhi brahmin family in Ghantesvari. In his childhood he conquered the world by his scholastic genius. Upon hearing about Lord Caitanya, Srinivasa rushed to Nilacala to see the Lord."

 

"Glory to Srinivasa Prabhu who fell unconscious on the road to Nilacala upon hearing of Sri Mahaprabhu's disappearance. After regaining consciousness he frantically cut his own beautiful hair and so doing hurt his forehead, then he continued on to Purusottama remembering the lotus feet of Mahaprabhu." In a dream Lord Caitanya appeared before Srinivasa, encouraging him to go on to Nilacala. Upon seeing Srinivasa, everyone there shed tears. Gadadhara, Vakresvara Pandita and others welcomed him into their association. Showering their mercy upon him they ordered him to go to Vrndavana. Srinivasa first took darsana of Sri Jagannatha and then started for Gauda via Srikhanda.

 

After reaching Gauda he again returned to Nilacala via Srikhanda, but along the way he heard that Gadadhara Pandita Gosvami had disappeared from the world. Devastated, Srinivasa turned around and headed back towards Gauda, looking like a man on the verge of death. After traveling sometime he lay down and fell asleep. In his dream Sri Pandita Gosvami appeared before Srinivasa and lovingly consoled him.

 

When he awoke in the morning his mind was still extremely perturbed, yet he continued on towards Gauda. Along the road he met one of the residents of Gauda who informed Srinivasa about the disappearances of Prabhu Nityananda and Advaita. Again, Srinivasa fell unconscious in despair. When he came back to consciousness he immediately decided to commit suicide and began building a fire to throw himself into. However, Nityananda and Advaita Prabhu suddenly appeared before Srinivasa. They quickly pacified him and ordered him to go to Vrndavana.

 

In the morning Srinivasa continued on to Gauda. In Srikhanda he met Narahari and Sri Raghunandana and bowed to their feet. This is described by Kavi Karnapura in Gunalesasucakam: "All glory to Srila Srinivasa Prabhu who went to Srikhanda and bowed before Narahari Sarkara Thakura, the dear-most associate of Sri Caitanya Candra. Being ordered by Narahari, Srinivasa also sought the favor of Yadunandana."

 

When Srinivasa arrived in Navadvipa he was overwhelmed with astonishment to see the Supreme Lord Gauranga and His associates sporting happily there.

 

Srinivasa had been granted the eyes to see this wonderful scene. Actually everyone in Navadvipa was floating in an ocean of sorrow. Srinivasa eagerly went to the house of Prabhu where Visnupriya Devi bestowed her mercy upon him. Dasa Gadadhara, Srivasa and others also welcomed Srinivasa with tears of love in their eyes. From there, Srinivasa went to Santipura to see Sita Devi. Who can describe the loving reception he received from her? In ecstatic trance he traveled on to Khardaha, there Sri Jahnava and Vasudha greeted him with great affection. He then went to Khanakula to receive the blessings of Sri Abhirama and his wife Malini devi. He then returned to Srikhanda and met Sri Narahari Thakura who bestowed his mercy upon him and again advised him to go to Vraja. With great affection Sri Raghunandana gave Srinivasa complete instructions for his journey to Vrndavana. Srinivasa went back to Yajigrama to visit his mother and after consoling her, started off alone for Vrajapura."

 

After hearing this story, spontaneous love for Srinivasa arose within the heart of Narottama. Floating in a river of tears Narottama thought, "When shall I get the company of Srinivasa?" Who can understand Narottama's state of mind? Daily he listened attentively to the stories of Prabhu and his devotees, and cursed himself for not having attained their association. His mind was always disturbed, he could not eat, nor could he sleep at night.

 

One day, due to the desire of the Lord, Narottama fell asleep and in his dream he saw Gauraraya. His splendid beauty could not be compared to gold, lightning, or anything else of this world. The beautiful curling hair hanging down His back could turn the mind of even the most virtuous woman.

 

His earrings shone brightly and His lotus eyes were the trap of Cupid. His smiling face could easily defeat the effulgence of the moon, and the beautiful tilak on His forehead could capture one's breath. His graceful hands swept down to His knees, and how broad His chest was. Beautiful jewelled garlands hung around His conch-like neck, and His deep navel was finely shaped. His thin waist defeated even the lion. His knees looked like toppled banana trees, and His feet were more attractive than lotuses. How gorgeous was His three fold loin cloth. Observing the beauty of Prabhu, Narottama shed tears of love and fell on the feet of the Lord. Placing His feet on Narottama's head, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu said sweetly, "Oh, Narottama, look at me. I cannot bear your tears. Don't worry, go straight to Vrndavana. There you will be initiated by my dear devotee Lokanatha. He will happily pour the nectar of the Mahamantra into your ears. I have many plans which are to be served by you." Narottama's sleep was then broken.

 

Narottama could not bear Prabhu's disappearance and he rolled on the ground in disappointment.

 

Thus again, due to the Lord's wish, Narottama fell asleep. In his dream he saw Lord Caitanya on the bank of the Ganges in Navadvipa. He was enjoying His pastimes along with Nityananda, Advaita, Gadadhara, Srivasa, Svarupa, Narahari, Haridasa, Vakresvara, Mukunda, Murari, Govinda, Madhava, Vasu Ghosh, Suklambara, Gauridasa, Sri Sanjaya, Damodara, Mahesa, Sankara, and Yadu Acarya. All of them surrounded Gauranga as they engaged in sankirtana, while the people of Navadvipa witnessed their divine pastimes. Eager to inspect this beautiful scene, even Brahma, Siva and other demigods and goddesses mingled with the crowd in disguise. Even the animals and birds were charmed. Those who were born blind, were suddenly able to see and rushed to observe the extraordinary sankirtana performance. Seeing this wonderful fun, Narottama wept with joy. On seeing Narottama, Prabhu Gauracandra emotionally took him to His bosom and soaked Narottama with His tears. Narottama fell on Prabhu's feet, and the Lord affectionately lifted him from the ground and put him in the care of Nityananda and Advaita. He also helped Narottama to obtain the mercy of His associates, and they all advised Narottama to go to Vrndavana. Narottama was unable to control his emotions.

 

Observing the beauty of Nityananda, Narottama fell on His feet, and Nityananda put His feet on Narottama's head, blessing him with unconditional love for Sri Gauranga, then advised him to go to Vrndavana. Upon seeing the beauty of Advaita, Narottama fell at his feet, who at once lifted Narottama and placed him at the lotus feet of Gauranga. He bowed to the feet of Gadadhara, Srivasa and others who also embraced Narottama one by one.

 

Narottama bathed in the tears of everyone. All of them encouraged Narottama to go to Vrndavana. Narottama then woke up and it was morning. He consoled himself and finished his daily morning duties. He wept with joy as he began to see many auspicious signs, indicating good fortune. In anticipation he waited, hoping that the fortunate moment would soon arise.

 

Shortly thereafter, Narottama's father and his men went to Gauda for business. Narottama seized the opportunity. He somehow managed to trick his mother, then he deceived the guard watching over him and quickly left his home secretly. In fear of being caught, Narottama did not visit Navadvipa, but started towards Vrndavana through the woods. He disguised himself in such a way that no one could identify him. For fifteen days he ran at random, then heaved a sigh of relief.

 

The miserable condition of Narottama's parents was beyond description.

 

Narottama became the talk of Gauda, "Prince Narottama must have gone to Vrajapura.He must be the Narottama whom Prabhu had called for in Ramakeli village.The strength of mind he has manifested is not known to an ordinary man."

 

In this way Narottama became very popular in that town. Nityananda, Advaita and other favorite associates of Sri Caitanya always thought of Narottama's well being. It is said that he who was fortunate enough to have seen Narottama could forget his fear of material life.

 

Narottama undauntedly passed through the main roads now. Who can describe Narottama's sincere efforts in the service of the Lord? Traveling along the road he sang the glories of Gauranga with continuous streams of tears rolling down his face. Those who just once looked upon the face of Narottama, attained peace of mind. The villages which Narottama selected to halt at each night became blessed by his presence. Whether male or female, anyone who kept company with Narottama during his journey would comment softly amongst themselves about the wonderful characteristics of Narottama: "Even the golden campaka flower would become ashamed to see the beautiful color of this young man's complexion.Look at his beautiful face and big eyes. How superb his nose, cheeks, eyebrows, forehead and ears are." Some one else said, "Look how long his hands are and how broad his chest is.Who are the fortunate parents of this extraordinary man with such beautiful knees and feet?" Some one said, "He cannot be an ordinary human being. He must be a demigod or a son of a king." Another person remarked, "Alas, how sad it is that such a young man has become apathetic toward family life." Others said, "We wonder how his parents are living without him.Fie to providence, who has no mercy for this boy and has dragged him out of his family at such an young age."

 

Being extremely moved by Narottama's presence, no one wanted to return to their houses. They brought many things for Narottama to eat and offered him a comfortable bed to sleep on. But Narottama could not eat or sleep, he spent the night in sankirtana. Everyone felt sad to see the body of Narottama smeared with dust. In the morning the villagers did not want to let him go, but Narottama begged their leave. This was the normal scene which occurred daily along his journey to Vraja. Narottama stole the hearts of everyone he met. Within a short time Narottama visited all the holy places and at last, with an enchanted mind, entered Vrndavana. First of all he went to visit Visrama Ghat in Sri Mathura, where he bathed in the Yamuna and took some rest. In the solitude of the night he began kirtana there. At that time a great vaisnava resident of Mathura came there carrying many varieties of Krsna prasada and affectionately fed Narottama. Narottama asked him about the well being of Vraja. With a pierced heart the brahmana informed him of the demise of Raghunatha, Kasisvara, Rupa and Sanatana. On hearing of the disappearance of Rupa and Sanatana, Narottama fell on the ground crying. Striking his head on the ground he called out, "Kasisvara Pandita, Sri Bhatta Raghunatha." Tears streamed from his eyes like a river and he was about to faint. Seeing the death-like state of Narottama, the brahmana took him in his lap and consoled him. They spent most of the night together discussing many topics. Late at night, due to the will of the Lord, both of them fell asleep. In Narottama's dream, Rupa, Sanatana, Kasisvara and Raghunatha appeared before Narottama. Narottama at once fell on their feet. All of them embraced Narottama and soaked him with their tears. They spoke sweetly to Narottama, some of which the brahmana could hear. With great satisfaction they showered their blessings upon Narottama and then disappeared.

 

Narottama was unable to tolerate their disappearance, he began to lament gazing desperately in all directions. The brahmana was astonished to see Narottama's condition. He hastily took Narottama in his lap and tearfully spoke sweetly to him, thanking him for his purifying association. After considerable time the brahmana's emotions cooled and he begged Narottama to come to his house in the morning. Narottama bowed before the brahmana and requested him to let him go, "Please be kind to me and let me go, for I am dying to see the feet of the Gosvamis. Please be merciful and help me to fulfill my desires." With tears in his eyes the brahmana affectionately took him in his lap and blessed him. He accompanied Narottama for some distance but due to his old age could not walk further. Thus he gave Narottama directions to reach Vrndavana and ordered one man to assist Narottama in his journey. After Narottama's departure, the brahmana, with a broken heart, stood staring at the path.

 

While walking Narottama began to think, "Caitanya Mahaprabhu has brought such a low and unqualified man as me here to the sacred land of Vrndavana.

 

He has sent me to the abode of mercy, Sri Lokanatha Gosvami Prabhu. Will he accept me as his servant? Will I be able to hold the lotus feet of Sri Gopala Bhatta, Sri Bhugarbha Gosvami, Sri Jiva Gosvami and others on my head? Will they show their mercy to a worthless man like me? Srinivasa Acarya who is the embodiment of love, will he love a poor soul like me?" Thinking in this way his eyes filled with tears, his body trembled uncontrollably and he was unable to walk a single step further.

 

Meanwhile, on the same night that Narottama entered Vrndavana, Srinivasa suddenly became overwhelmed with joy for no apparent reason. He took this as a good sign and tears of love began to fall from his eyes as he thought, "I'm probably going to meet a very dear friend." In eager anticipation he began kirtana and continued on throughout the night. However, late into the night he fell asleep. In his dream Sri Rupa Gosvami appeared before him saying, "Oh Srinivasa, in the morning you will meet Narottama." Thus speaking, he disappeared.

 

In the morning when Srinivasa awoke he rushed to meet Sri Jiva Gosvami and revealed his dream. Sri Jiva Gosvami was very happy to hear the news, as he had been in great anxiety waiting for Narottama's arrival. He told Srinivasa, "Previously Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu told me about Narottama, and I have already told you about him. This is that Narottama for whom we have been waiting for so long." Saying this, Sri Jiva hurried off to the temple of Sri Govinda, and Srinivasa happily returned to his house.

 

Suddenly a person approached Srinivasa and informed him, "A prince has come from Gauda. He is a young man with beautiful features and his body is soaked with tears. I cannot describe the wonderful emotions of that man after observing the face of Sri Govinda. Crying incessantly, Sri Jiva Gosvami took him in his lap and welcomed him with sweet words. He sent me to bring you to that place." Hearing this, Srinivasa could not control his emotions and began running to the temple of Govinda.

 

Srinivasa was overwhelmed to at last see Narottama. Like a poor man who has gained a priceless gem, Srinivasa rushed to embrace Narottama. What Srinivasa expressed to Narottama through his embrace, I am unable to describe. Nor can I explain with one mouth how Narottama felt upon meeting Srinivasa. Everyone began to whisper about the uncommon friendship between Srinivasa and Narottama. They became such close friends that one could hardly differentiate one from the other. Sri Govinda had at last fulfilled the desires of Narottama. Sri Krsna Pandita, the head priest of Sri Govinda, brought the garlands worn by the Deity for both of them. It should be noted that Sri Krsna Pandita was a great scholar and intimate associate of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. After the demise of Kasisvara Pandita, Sri Krsna Pandita became the head priest of Sri Govinda. Everyone knew that Sri Krsna Pandita had great love for Narottama. Narottama humbly bowed to the feet of Sri Krsna Pandita.

 

Sri Jiva Gosvami quickly took Narottama to the solitary hermitage of Sri Lokanatha Gosvami. They found him alone in a secluded place where he had been suffering the misery of separation from Rupa and Sanatana. Sri Jiva Gosvami bowed to his feet and slowly told him about Narottama. Lokanatha had been restlessly waiting for Narottama to come, now seeing Narottama before him, Lokanatha began to float in an ocean of tears. Narottama fell at the feet of his spiritual master, and Lokanatha placed his feet on Narottama's head. With sweet words he assured Narottama that after a few days he would initiate him. Again and again Lokanatha asked Sri Jiva, "Please help him to establish his grasp of devotional books." To Srinivasa he affectionately said, "Always make sure he is properly situated on the path of devotion".

 

Thus speaking, Lokanatha uttered the names of Rupa and Sanatana and extracted a heavy sigh. Observing Gosvami, Sri Jiva was unable to check his tears. Sri Jiva took his leave and left to take darsana of the lotus feet of Sri Radhavinoda.

 

Thereafter Sri Jiva Gosvami took Narottama to meet Gopala Bhatta Gosvami. He was also sitting alone in a secluded place, cultivating the memories of Rupa and Sanatana. I have no words to accurately depict the sweet relationship between Sri Gopala Bhatta and Sri Sanatana Gosvami. This has been described in one sloka: "I worship Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami whose heart is filled with love for Sanatana and the friendship of Sri Rupa. He who worships them, is able to obtain mercy of Sri Gopala Bhatta. I worship Sri Gopala Bhatta whose life and soul is Sri Radharamana."

 

Sri Jiva Gosvami bowed to the feet of Gopala Bhatta Gosvami, who was very happy to meet Narottama. Narottama fell at his feet and Gosvami at once showed him great affection, warmly embracing Narottama and soaking his body with tears. Sri Jiva and Narottama offered their obeisances and went for darsana of the lotus feet of Sri Radharamana. They also went to the temples of Sri Govinda, Gopinatha and Madanamohana.

 

While conversing together they entered the temple of Sri Gopinatha, and Sri Jiva introduced Narottama to Sri Madhu Pandita. Narottama immediately touched the lotus feet of Sri Pandita. Sri Pandita affectionately held Narottama to his bosom and brought him to see Sri Radha Gopinatha. He gave the garland which had decorated the Deity to Narottama.

 

Sri Jiva Gosvami then took Srinivasa and Narottama to the house of Sri Bhugarbha Gosvami, a great scholar and inseparable associate of Sri Lokanatha Gosvami. He always spent his days in remembrance of Mahaprabhu.

 

Sri Jiva Gosvami introduced him to Narottama, who at once touched the feet of Gosvami. Bhugarbha Gosvami embraced him very lovingly. After bowing to his feet, Sri Jiva returned to his house with Srinivasa and Narottama and brought them before Sri Sri Radha Damodara. Narottama was overwhelmed with love at the sight of the Deity. How can I describe Narottama's state of mind upon seeing the tomb of Sri Rupa Gosvami? Tears streamed down his face as he rolled on the ground. Gradually, his body became still and there was no sign of heaving. Srinivasa quickly took him in his lap. Sri Jiva pacified him and took him to his cottage. Sri Jiva then received a message to go quickly to Govindaji Temple. Thus he, Srinivasa and Narottama went to the temple and observed the rajabhoga arati of Sri Govinda.

 

After respecting mahaprasada they returned to Sri Jiva's cottage. There they spent time discussing topics related to Krsna. Later they went to the temple of Sri Madanamohana and observed the uthvapana arati of the Deity. Sri Jiva then introduced Narottama to everyone there. Seeing Sri Madanamohana, Narottama became overwhelmed with love, forgetting himself he wept incessantly. The Gosvami priest lovingly gave him the garland which had decorated the Deity. Sri Jiva then took him to the tomb of Sanatana Gosvami.

 

One mouth is incapable of describing the emotions of Narottama upon observing Sanatana's tomb. With great affection Sri Jiva pacified Narottama and brought him to his cottage. There he put Narottama into the hands of his dear Srinivasa. With great happiness Srinivasa bowed to the feet of Sri Jiva and started for his cottage with Narottama, where they spent the entire night discussing topics related to Krsna. In the morning, they bathed in the Yamuna and worshipped the Lord. With joyful minds they went to see Sri Jiva Gosvami, who immediately sent them to the Radha Kunda.

 

After observing the beauty of the two kunda's, they went to the place of Sri dasa Gosvami and Srinivasa cautiously introduced Narottama to him. Though Dasa Gosvami had been in a miserable state of mind due to separation from the Lord and His devotees, he suddenly became very happy. "Where is Narottama"? Saying this he opened his eyes. Narottama bowed to his lotus feet. Being affectionately moved, Dasa Gosvami showered his mercy upon Narottama. Narottama was then introduced to all the great scholars there.

 

Sri Raghava Pandita, who had been living at Govardhana, was extremely happy to see Narottama. Srinivasa and Narottama finished their travels to all the sacred spots and then reported back to Sri Jiva.

 

Without delay Sri Jiva happily began educating Narottama. During his studies Narottama won the hearts of all with his sensitive and scholastic explanations. Who can understand the heart of Narottama? His service attitude towards Lokanatha Gosvami was beyond compare, and Lokanatha Gosvami was extremely pleased with his beloved disciple. One day, observing Narottama's eagerness, Lokanatha fulfilled Narottama's long cherished desire and initiated him into the chanting of the Mahamantra. Everyone in Vrndavana was greatly impressed by the depth of Narottama's understanding of devotional scriptures. Thus, to everyone's pleasure, Sri Jiva Gosvami conferred upon Narottama the title of 'Sri Thakura Mahasaya.' All the mahantas were filled with joy and Narottama's fame rapidly spread throughout Vrajapura. The practice of manasa seva in Vrndavana was first started by Narottama (this episode has been described in Bhakti-ratnakara.) Please listen attentively as I describe how Narottama again returned to Gauda. I, Narahari dasa continue the narration of Sri Narottama Vilasa.

 

THE THIRD VILASA

 

All glories to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Nityananda, Advaita Acarya and all the devotees. Please bestow your mercy upon me. All glories to the listeners, who are an ocean of mercy. Now listen attentively as I continue my narration.

 

After consulting with all the mahantas of Vraja, Sri Jiva Gosvami determined an auspicious date for sending all of the Gosvami's manuscripts to Gauda. It had previously been predicted by the Lord Himself that these books would be distributed far and wide. Thus Sri Jiva handed over all the precious manuscripts to Srinivasa Acarya, who was responsible for carrying them to Gauda. In this regard Sri Thakura Mahasaya composed one famous sloka: "When shall I see the abode of mercy, Sri Caitanya Deva who has distributed his power in two ways; He invested Sri Rupa, and others, with the power to write devotional books wherein priceless treasures of spiritual knowledge shine like brilliant jewels. And He has empowered Srinivasa to circulate them. Thus I worship the lotus feet of Sri Caitanya Deva who has manifested these two powerful mediums to shower His mercy upon this world."

 

Sri Jiva Gosvami's knowledge and devotion was deeper than millions oceans.

 

Although his outward expression was most stable, inwardly he was extremely emotional and greatly perturbed at the thought of separation from Narottama and Srinivasa. Nevertheless, he calmly helped Srinivasa to say good-bye to everyone and gave him his blessings to start for Gauda at an auspicious moment.

 

With great affection Lokanatha Gosvami handed over his dear disciple, Narottama, to the hands of Srinivasa. Again and again he instructed Narottama, "Always remember to serve the Deities and dedicate your life to spreading the sankirtana movement." Narottama happily accepted these instructions as his life and soul, and Srinivasa accepted the charge of Narottama jubilantly. Putting Syamananda and Narottama under the care of Srinivasa, Sri Jiva said, "From now on, these boys are yours." He ordered Syamananda, "First go to Gauda, then travel to Utkala via Sri Amvika Puri." (This is elaborately described in Bhakti- ratnakara). Thus taking the blessings of all the mahantas, they started their long journey to Gauda.

 

The carts filled with the priceless treasure of books moved ahead and eleven armed guards from Vraja followed behind. With a disturbed mind, Sri Jiva Gosvami accompanied the party to Mathura. The residents of Mathura greeted them ecstatically and they rested there for the night. Their departure the following morning, however, was a pathetic scene, no one could bear to see them go.

 

After a long journey Srinivasa, Narottama and Syamananda finally reached Gaudamandala and headed through the woods in the direction of Vanavisnupura.

 

In the midst of the forest they came upon a village were they decided to halt for the night. Generally they were extremely cautious about protecting the books at night. However, on this night, due the desire of the Lord, they all fell sound asleep.

 

Meanwhile, the local king, Vira Hamvira, had received a report that many carts filled with jewels, carried by a number of wealthy persons, had arrived in their village. Hearing this, the enthusiastic king at once sent a team of dacoits to rob them. The dacoits easily robbed the caskets and carried them to the king. Without even opening the caskets the king suddenly became overwhelmed with awe and bowed to the ground again and again. Bewildered, the king exclaimed, "Oh, what has happened to me. What kind of jewels are in these caskets?" Saying this the king began to weep inexplicably. In this way the goddess of devotion transcendentally tricked the king. Feeling uncertain about the robbery, the king secretly opened the caskets and found the books. Repentant, he cried out, "Alas, what have I done? I don't know who the gentlemen are whom I have hurt. If I am fortunate enough to meet them, I shall certainly seek their refuge and return their books." Sitting alone in a secluded place the king lamented in this way.

 

From the wonderful book Shri Narottama-vilasa by Shrila Narahari Chakravarti