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Chaitanya Charitamrta | Antya Lila | Chapter 13 | Section 199

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Let me take shelter at the lotus feet of Lord Gauracandra. His mind became exhausted and His body very thin from the pain of separation from Kṛṣṇa, but when He felt ecstatic love for the Lord, He again became fully developed. (1) All glories to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu! All glories to Nityānanda Prabhu! All glories to Advaita Ācārya! And all glories to all the devotees of the Lord! (2) In this way, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu would taste various transcendental relationships of pure love in the company of Jagadānanda Paṇḍita. (3)

The unhappiness of separation from Kṛṣṇa exhausted the Lord’s mind and reduced the structure of His body, but when He felt emotions of ecstatic love, He again became developed and healthy. (4) Because He was very thin, when He lay down to rest on the dry bark of plantain trees, it caused Him pain in His bones. (5) All the devotees felt very unhappy to see Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu in pain. Indeed, they could not tolerate it. Then Jagadānanda Paṇḍita devised a remedy. (6) He acquired some fine cloth and colored it with red oxide. Then he filled it with cotton from a śimula tree. (7)

In this way he made a quilt and a pillow, which he then gave to Govinda, saying, “Ask the Lord to lie on this.” (8) Jagadānanda said to Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī, “Today please personally persuade Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu to lie down on the bed.” (9) When it was time for the Lord to go to bed, Svarūpa Dāmodara stayed nearby, but when Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu saw the quilt and pillow, He was immediately very angry. (10) The Lord inquired from Govinda, “Who has made this?” When Govinda named Jagadānanda Paṇḍita, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was somewhat fearful. (11) After asking Govinda to put aside the quilt and pillow, the Lord lay down on the dry plantain bark. (12) Svarūpa Dāmodara said to the Lord, “I cannot contradict Your supreme will, my Lord, but if You do not accept the bedding, Jagadānanda Paṇḍita will feel great unhappiness.” (13)

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu replied, “You might as well bring a bedstead here for Me to lie on. Jagadānanda wants Me to enjoy material happiness. (14) “I am in the renounced order, and therefore I must lie on the floor. For Me to use a bedstead, quilt or pillow would be very shameful.” (15) When Svarūpa Dāmodara returned and related all these incidents, Jagadānanda Paṇḍita felt very unhappy. (16) Then Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī devised another method. First he secured a large quantity of dry banana leaves. (17) He then tore the leaves into very fine fibers with his nails and filled two of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s outer garments with the fibers. (18) In this way, Svarūpa Dāmodara made some bedding and a pillow, and after much endeavor by the devotees, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu accepted them. (19)

Everyone was happy to see the Lord lie down on that bed, but Jagadānanda was inwardly angry, and externally he appeared very unhappy. (20) Formerly, when Jagadānanda Paṇḍita had desired to go to Vṛndāvana, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu had not given His permission, and therefore he could not go. (21) Now, concealing his anger and unhappiness, Jagadānanda Paṇḍita again asked Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu for permission to go to Mathurā. (22) With great affection, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “If you are angry with Me when you go to Mathurā, you will merely become a beggar and criticize Me.” (23) Grasping the Lord’s feet, Jagadānanda Paṇḍita then said, “For a long time I have desired to go to Vṛndāvana. (24) “I could not go without Your Lordship’s permission. Now You must give me permission, and I shall certainly go there.” (25) Because of affection for Jagadānanda Paṇḍita, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu would not permit him to depart, but Jagadānanda Paṇḍita repeatedly insisted that the Lord give him permission to go. (26)

Jagadānanda then submitted a plea to Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī. “For a very long time,” he said, “I have wanted to go to Vṛndāvana. (27) “I cannot go there, however, without the Lord’s permission, which at present He denies me. He says, ‘You are going because you are angry at Me.’ (28) “Naturally I have a desire to go to Vṛndāvana; therefore please humbly request Him to grant His permission.” (29) Thereafter, Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī submitted this appeal at the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu: “Jagadānanda Paṇḍita intensely desires to go to Vṛndāvana. (30) “He begs for Your permission again and again. Therefore, please permit him to go to Mathurā and then return. (31) “You permitted him to go see mother Śacī in Bengal, and You may similarly permit him to go see Vṛndāvana and then return here.” (32) At the request of Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu granted Jagadānanda Paṇḍita permission to go. The Lord sent for him and instructed him as follows. (33)

“You may go as far as Vārāṇasī without encountering disturbances, but beyond Vārāṇasī you should be very careful to travel on the path in the company of the kṣatriyas. (34) “As soon as the plunderers on the road see a Bengali traveling alone, they take everything from him, arrest him and do not let him go. (35) “When you reach Mathurā, you should remain with Sanātana Gosvāmī and offer respectful obeisances to the feet of all the leading men there. (36) “Do not mix freely with the residents of Mathurā; show them respect from a distance. Because you are on a different platform of devotional service, you cannot adopt their behavior and practices. (37) “Visit all twelve forests of Vṛndāvana in the company of Sanātana Gosvāmī. Do not leave his association for even a moment. (38)

“You should remain in Vṛndāvana for only a short time and then return here as soon as possible. Also, do not climb Govardhana Hill to see the Gopāla Deity. (39) “Inform Sanātana Gosvāmī that I am coming to Vṛndāvana for a second time and that he should therefore arrange a place for Me to stay.” (40) After saying this, the Lord embraced Jagadānanda Paṇḍita, who then worshiped the Lord’s lotus feet and started for Vṛndāvana. (41) He took permission from all the devotees and then departed. Traveling on the forest path, he soon reached Vārāṇasī. (42) When he met Tapana Miśra and Candraśekhara in Vārāṇasī, they heard from him about topics concerning Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. (43) Finally Jagadānanda Paṇḍita reached Mathurā, where he met Sanātana Gosvāmī. They were very pleased to see each other. (44)

After Sanātana Gosvāmī had taken Jagadānanda to see all twelve forests of Vṛndāvana, concluding with Mahāvana, the two of them remained in Gokula. (45) They stayed in Sanātana Gosvāmī’s cave, but Jagadānanda Paṇḍita would go to a nearby temple and cook for himself. (46) Sanātana Gosvāmī would beg alms from door to door in the vicinity of Mahāvana. Sometimes he would go to a temple and sometimes to a brāhmaṇa’s house. (47) Sanātana Gosvāmī attended to all of Jagadānanda Paṇḍita’s needs. He begged in the area of Mahāvana and brought Jagadānanda all kinds of things to eat and drink. (48) One day Jagadānanda Paṇḍita, having invited Sanātana to the nearby temple for lunch, finished his routine duties and began to cook. (49)

Previously, a great sannyāsī named Mukunda Sarasvatī had given Sanātana Gosvāmī an outer garment. (50) Sanātana Gosvāmī was wearing this cloth bound about his head when he came to Jagadānanda Paṇḍita’s door and sat down. (51) Assuming the reddish cloth to be a gift from Caitanya Mahāprabhu, Jagadānanda Paṇḍita was overwhelmed with ecstatic love. Thus he questioned Sanātana Gosvāmī. (52) “Where did you get that reddish cloth on your head?” Jagadānanda asked. Sanātana Gosvāmī replied, “Mukunda Sarasvatī gave it to me.” (53) Hearing this, Jagadānanda Paṇḍita immediately became very angry and took a cooking pot in his hand, intending to beat Sanātana Gosvāmī. (54) Sanātana Gosvāmī, however, knew Jagadānanda Paṇḍita very well and was consequently somewhat ashamed. Jagadānanda therefore left the cooking pot on the stove and spoke as follows. (55)

“You are one of the chief associates of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Indeed, no one is dearer to Him than you. (56) “Still, you have bound your head with a cloth given to you by another sannyāsī. Who can tolerate such behavior?” (57) Sanātana Gosvāmī said, “My dear Jagadānanda Paṇḍita, you are a greatly learned saint. No one is dearer to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu than you. (58) “This faith in Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu quite befits you. Unless you demonstrate it, how could I learn such faith? (59) “My purpose in binding my head with the cloth has now been fulfilled because I have personally seen your uncommon love for Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. (60)

“This saffron cloth is unfit for a Vaiṣṇava to wear; therefore I have no use for it. I shall give it to a stranger.” (61) When Jagadānanda Paṇḍita finished cooking, he offered the food to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Then he and Sanātana Gosvāmī sat down and ate the prasādam. (62) After eating the prasādam, they embraced each other and cried due to separation from Lord Caitanya. (63) They passed two months in Vṛndāvana in this way. Finally they could no longer tolerate the unhappiness of separation from Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. (64) Jagadānanda Paṇḍita therefore gave Sanātana Gosvāmī the message from the Lord: “I am also coming to Vṛndāvana; please arrange a place for Me to stay.” (65)

Chaitanya Charitamrta | Antya Lila | Chapter 12 | Section 198

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When ten days had passed, Govinda again told Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, “It is the desire of Jagadānanda Paṇḍita that Your Lordship accept the oil.” (111) When the Lord heard this, He angrily said, “Why not keep a masseur to massage Me? (112) “Have I taken sannyāsa for such happiness? Accepting this oil would bring My ruination, and all of you would laugh. (113) “If someone passing on the road smelled this oil on My head, he would think Me a dārī sannyāsī, a tantric sannyāsī who keeps women.” (114) Hearing these words of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, Govinda remained silent. The next morning, Jagadānanda went to see the Lord. (115)

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said to Jagadānanda Paṇḍita, “My dear Paṇḍita, you have brought Me some oil from Bengal, but since I am in the renounced order, I cannot accept it. (116) “Deliver the oil to the temple of Jagannātha so that it may be burned in the lamps. Thus your labor in preparing the oil will be fruitful.” (117) Jagadānanda Paṇḍita replied, “Who When ten days had passed, Govinda again told Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, “It is the desire of Jagadānanda Paṇḍita that Your Lordship accept the oil.” (111) When the Lord heard this, He angrily said, “Why not keep a masseur to massage Me? (112) “Have I taken sannyāsa for such happiness? Accepting this oil would bring My ruination, and all of you would laugh. (113)

“If someone passing on the road smelled this oil on My head, he would think Me a dārī sannyāsī, a tantric sannyāsī who keeps women.” (114) Hearing these words of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, Govinda remained silent. The next morning, Jagadānanda went to see the Lord. (115) Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said to Jagadānanda Paṇḍita, “My dear Paṇḍita, you have brought Me some oil from Bengal, but since I am in the renounced order, I cannot accept it. (116) “Deliver the oil to the temple of Jagannātha so that it may be burned in the lamps. Thus your labor in preparing the oil will be fruitful.” (117) Jagadānanda Paṇḍita replied, “Who tells You all these false stories? I never brought any oil from Bengal.” (118) After saying this, Jagadānanda Paṇḍita took the jug of oil from the room and threw it down before Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu in the courtyard and broke it. (119)

After breaking the jug, Jagadānanda Paṇḍita returned to his residence, bolted the door and lay down. (120) Three days later, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu went to the door of his room and said, “My dear Jagadānanda Paṇḍita, please get up. (121) “I want you personally to cook My lunch today. I am going now to see the Lord in the temple. I shall return at noon.” (122) After Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said this and left, Jagadānanda Paṇḍita got up from his bed, bathed and began to cook varieties of vegetables. (123) After finishing His noontime ritualistic duties, the Lord arrived for lunch. Jagadānanda Paṇḍita washed the Lord’s feet and gave the Lord a sitting place. (124) He had cooked fine rice, mixed it with ghee and piled it high on a banana leaf. There were also varieties of vegetables, placed all around in pots made of banana tree bark. (125) On the rice and vegetables were tulasī flowers, and in front of the Lord were cakes, sweet rice and other prasādam of Jagannātha. (126) The Lord said, “Spread another leaf with a helping of rice and vegetables so that today you and I may take lunch together.” (127) Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu kept His hands raised and would not accept the prasādam until Jagadānanda Paṇḍita, with great affection and love, spoke the following words. (128)

“Please first take prasādam Yourself, and I shall eat later. I shall not refuse Your request.” (129) In great happiness, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu then accepted the lunch. When He had tasted the vegetables, He again began to speak. (130) “Even when you cook in an angry mood,” He said, “the food is very delicious. This shows how pleased Kṛṣṇa is with you. (131) “Because He will personally eat the food, Kṛṣṇa makes you cook so nicely. (132) “You offer such nectarean rice to Kṛṣṇa. Who can estimate the limit of your fortune?” (133) Jagadānanda Paṇḍita replied, “He who will eat has cooked this. As far as I am concerned, I simply collect the ingredients.” (134) Jagadānanda Paṇḍita continued to offer the Lord varieties of vegetables. Out of fear, the Lord said nothing but continued eating happily. (135) Jagadānanda Paṇḍita eagerly forced the Lord to eat so much that He ate ten times more than on other days. (136)

Again and again when the Lord wished to get up, Jagadānanda Paṇḍita would feed Him more vegetables. (137) Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu dared not forbid him to feed Him more. He just continued eating, fearful that Jagadānanda would fast if He stopped. (138) At last the Lord respectfully submitted, “My dear Jagadānanda, you have already made Me eat ten times more than I am used to. Now please stop.” (139) Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu stood up and washed His hands and mouth, while Jagadānanda Paṇḍita brought spices, a garland and sandalwood pulp. (140) Accepting the sandalwood pulp and garland, the Lord sat down and said, “Now, in front of Me, you must eat.” (141) Jagadānanda replied, “My Lord, You go take rest. I shall take prasādam after I finish making some arrangements. (142) “Rāmāi Paṇḍita and Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa did the cooking, and I want to give them some rice and vegetables.” (143) Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu then told Govinda, “You remain here. When the Paṇḍita has taken his food, come inform Me.” (144)

After Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu had said this and left, Jagadānanda Paṇḍita spoke to Govinda. (145) “Go quickly and massage the Lord’s feet,” he said. “You may tell Him, ‘The Paṇḍita has just sat down to take his meal.’ (146) “I shall keep some remnants of the Lord’s food for you. When He is asleep, come and take your portion.” (147) Jagadānanda Paṇḍita thus distributed remnants of the Lord’s food to Rāmāi, Nandāi, Govinda and Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa. (148) He also personally ate the remnants of food left by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Then the Lord again sent Govinda. (149) The Lord told him, “Go see whether Jagadānanda Paṇḍita is eating. Then quickly return and let Me know.” (150) Seeing that Jagadānanda Paṇḍita was indeed eating, Govinda informed the Lord, who then became peaceful and went to sleep. (151) The affectionate loving exchanges between Jagadānanda Paṇḍita and Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu continued in this manner, exactly like the exchanges between Satyabhāmā and Lord Kṛṣṇa related in Śrīmad- Bhāgavatam. (152)

Who can estimate the limit of Jagadānanda Paṇḍita’s fortune? He himself is the example of his own great fortune. (153) Anyone who hears about the loving exchanges between Jagadānanda Paṇḍita and Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, or who reads Jagadānanda’s book Prema- vivarta, can understand what love is. Moreover, he achieves ecstatic love of Kṛṣṇa. (154) Praying at the lotus feet of Śrī Rūpa and Śrī Raghunātha, always desiring their mercy, I, Kṛṣṇadāsa, narrate Śrī Caitanya- caritāmṛta, following in their footsteps. (155)

Chaitanya Charitamrta | Antya Lila | Chapter 12 | Section 197

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There was a resident of Nadia named Parameśvara, who was a confectioner living near the home of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. (54) When the Lord was a boy, He would visit the house of Parameśvara Modaka again and again. The confectioner would supply the Lord milk and sweetmeats, and the Lord would eat them. (55) Parameśvara Modaka had been affectionate toward the Lord since His childhood, and he was one of those who came that year to see the Lord at Jagannātha Purī. (56) When he offered his obeisances to the Lord, he said, “I am the same Parameśvara.” Upon seeing him, the Lord asked him questions with great affection. (57)

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “Parameśvara, may you be blessed. It is very good that you have come here.” Parameśvara then informed the Lord, “Mukundāra Mātā has also come.” (58) Hearing the name of Mukundāra Mātā, Lord Caitanya hesitated, but because of affection for Parameśvara, He did not say anything. (59) An intimate relationship sometimes makes a person overstep formal etiquette. Thus Parameśvara actually pleased the Lord in His heart by his simple and affectionate behavior. (60) All the devotees engaged in the cleansing ceremony of the Guṇḍicā temple and danced in front of the Ratha- yātrā chariot, just as they had done in the past. (61) For four consecutive months, the devotees observed all the festivals. The wives, such as Mālinī, extended invitations for lunch to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. (62) From Bengal the devotees had brought varieties of Bengali food that Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu liked. They also cooked various grains and vegetables in their homes and offered them to the Lord. (63)

During the day, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu engaged in various activities with His devotees, but at night He felt great separation from Kṛṣṇa and used to cry. (64) In this way the Lord spent the four months of the rainy season in various pastimes, and then He ordered the Bengali devotees to return to their homes. (65) All the devotees from Bengal would regularly invite Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu for lunch, and the Lord would speak to them in very sweet words. (66) “All of you come to see Me every year,” the Lord said. “To come here and then return must certainly give you great trouble. (67) “I would like to forbid you to do this, but I enjoy your company so much that My desire for your association only increases. (68) “I ordered Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu not to leave Bengal, but He has transgressed My order and come to see Me. What can I say? (69) “Out of His causeless mercy upon Me, Advaita Ācārya has also come here. I am indebted to Him for His affectionate behavior. This debt is impossible for Me to liquidate. (70)

“All My devotees come here just for Me. Leaving aside their homes and families, they travel by very difficult paths to come here in great haste. (71) “There is no fatigue or trouble for Me, for I stay here at Nīlācala, Jagannātha Purī, and do not move at all. This is the favor of all of you. (72) “I am a mendicant and have no money. How can I clear My debt for the favor you have shown Me? (73) “I have only this body, and therefore I surrender it unto you. Now, if you wish, you may sell it anywhere you like. It is your property.” (74) When all the devotees heard these sweet words of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, their hearts melted, and they began to shed incessant tears. (75) Catching hold of His devotees, the Lord embraced them all and began to cry and cry. (76)

Unable to leave, everyone remained there, and five to seven more days thus passed by. (77) Advaita Prabhu and Lord Nityānanda Prabhu submitted these words at the lotus feet of the Lord: “The entire world is naturally obligated to You for Your transcendental attributes. (78) “Yet You bind Your devotees again with Your sweet words. Under these circumstances, who can go anywhere?” (79) Then Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu peacefully calmed them all and bade each of them farewell. (80) The Lord specifically advised Nityānanda Prabhu, “You should not come here again and again. You will have My association in Bengal.” (81) The devotees of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu began their journey crying, while the Lord remained morosely at His residence. (82)

The Lord bound everyone by His transcendental mercy. Who can repay his debt for the mercy of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu? (83) Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is the fully independent Personality of Godhead and makes everyone dance as He likes. Leaving His company, therefore, all the devotees returned to their homes in different parts of the country. (84) As a wooden doll dances to the will of a puppeteer, everything is accomplished by the will of the Lord. Who can understand the characteristics of the Supreme Personality of Godhead? (85) The previous year, Jagadānanda Paṇḍita, following the Lord’s order, had returned to the city of Nadia to see Śacīmātā. (86) When he arrived, he offered prayers at her lotus feet and then offered her the cloth and prasādam of Lord Jagannātha. (87)

He offered obeisances to Śacīmātā in the name of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu and informed her of all the Lord’s submissive prayers to her. (88) Jagadānanda’s coming pleased mother Śacī very much. As he talked of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu, she listened day and night. (89) Jagadānanda Paṇḍita said, “My dear mother, sometimes the Lord comes here and eats all the food you have offered. (90) “After eating the food, the Lord says, ‘Today Mother has fed Me up to My neck. (91) “‘I go there and eat the food My mother offers, but she cannot understand that I am eating it directly. She thinks that this is a dream.'” (92) Śacīmātā said, “I wish Nimāi would eat all the nice vegetables I cook. That is my desire. (93) Sometimes I think that Nimāi has eaten them, but afterwards I think that I was only dreaming.” (94) In this way, Jagadānanda Paṇḍita and mother Śacī talked day and night about the happiness of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. (95) Jagadānanda Paṇḍita met all the other devotees in Nadia. They were all very happy to have him present. (96)

Jagadānanda Paṇḍita thereafter went to meet Advaita Ācārya, who also was very happy to have him. (97) Vāsudeva Datta and Murāri Gupta were so pleased to see Jagadānanda Paṇḍita that they kept him at their homes and would not allow him to leave. (98) They heard confidential narrations about Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu from the mouth of Jagadānanda Paṇḍita and forgot themselves in the great happiness of hearing about the Lord. (99) Whenever Jagadānanda Paṇḍita went to visit a devotee’s house, that devotee immediately forgot himself in great happiness. (100) All glories to Jagadānanda Paṇḍita! He is so favored by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu that anyone who meets him thinks, “Now I have gotten the association of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu directly.” (101) Jagadānanda Paṇḍita stayed at the house of Śivānanda Sena for some time, and they prepared about sixteen seers of scented sandalwood oil. (102)

They filled a large earthen pot with the aromatic oil, and with great care Jagadānanda Paṇḍita brought it to Nīlācala, Jagannātha Purī. (103) This oil was placed in the care of Govinda, and Jagadānanda requested him, “Please rub this oil on the body of the Lord.” (104) Govinda therefore told Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, “Jagadānanda Paṇḍita has brought some scented sandalwood oil. (105) “It is his desire that Your Lordship apply a little of this oil on Your head so that blood pressure due to bile and air will be considerably diminished. (106) “He prepared a large jug of it in Bengal, and with great care he has brought it here.” (107) The Lord replied, “A sannyāsī has no use for oil, especially perfumed oil such as this. Take it out immediately.” (108) “Deliver this oil to the temple of Jagannātha, where it may be burned in the lamps. In this way, Jagadānanda’s labor in manufacturing the oil will be perfectly successful.” (109) When Govinda informed Jagadānanda Paṇḍita of this message, Jagadānanda remained silent, not saying even a word. (110)

Chaitanya Charitamrta | Antya Lila | Chapter 12 | Section 196

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O devotees, may the transcendental life and characteristics of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu always be heard, chanted and meditated upon with great happiness. (1) All glories to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who is all- merciful! All glories to Nityānanda Prabhu, who is an ocean of mercy! (2) All glories to Advaita Ācārya, who is also an ocean of mercy! All glories to all the devotees of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, whose hearts are always filled with mercy! (3) The mind of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was always morose because of a continuously manifested feeling of separation from Kṛṣṇa. (4) The Lord would cry, “O My Lord Kṛṣṇa, My life and soul! O son of Mahārāja Nanda, where shall I go? Where shall I attain You? O Supreme Personality who play with Your flute to Your mouth!” (5)

This was His situation day and night. Unable to find peace of mind, He passed His nights with great difficulty in the company of Svarūpa Dāmodara and Rāmānanda Rāya. (6) Meanwhile, all the devotees journeyed from their homes in Bengal to see Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. (7) Headed by Śivānanda Sena, Advaita Ācārya and others, all the devotees assembled in Navadvīpa. (8) The inhabitants of Kulīna- grāma and Khaṇḍa village also assembled at Navadvīpa. (9) Because Nityānanda Prabhu was preaching in Bengal, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu had ordered Him not to come to Jagannātha Purī. That year, however, He went with the rest of the party to see the Lord. (10) Śrīvāsa Ṭhākura was also there with his three brothers and his wife, Mālinī. Ācāryaratna was similarly accompanied by his wife. (11) The wife of Śivānanda Sena also came, along with their three sons. Rāghava Paṇḍita joined them, carrying his famous bags of food. (12)

Vāsudeva Datta, Murāri Gupta, Vidyānidhi and many other devotees went to see Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. All together, they numbered two or three hundred. (13) The devotees first saw Śacīmātā and took her permission. Then in great happiness they started for Jagannātha Purī, congregationally chanting the holy name of the Lord. (14) Śivānanda Sena managed the payment of tolls at different places. Maintaining everyone, he guided all the devotees in great happiness. (15) Śivānanda Sena took care of everyone and gave each devotee places to stay. He knew all the paths leading to Orissa. (16) One day when the party was being checked by a toll collector, the devotees were allowed to pass, and Śivānanda Sena remained behind alone to pay the taxes. (17) The party went into a village and waited beneath a tree because no one but Śivānanda Sena could arrange for their residential quarters. (18) Nityānanda Prabhu meanwhile became very hungry and upset. Because He had not yet obtained a suitable residence, He began calling Śivānanda Sena ill names. (19)

“Śivānanda Sena has not arranged for My residence,” He complained, “and I am so hungry I could die. Because he has not come, I curse his three sons to die.” (20) Hearing this curse, Śivānanda Sena’s wife began to cry. Just then, Śivānanda returned from the toll station. (21) Crying, his wife informed him, “Lord Nityānanda has cursed our sons to die because His quarters have not been provided.” (22) Śivānanda Sena replied, “You crazy woman! Why are you needlessly crying? Let my three sons die for all the inconvenience we have caused Nityānanda Prabhu.” (23) After saying this, Śivānanda Sena went to Nityānanda Prabhu, who then stood up and kicked him. (24) Very pleased at being kicked, Śivānanda Sena quickly arranged for a milkman’s house to be the Lord’s residence. (25) Śivānanda Sena touched the lotus feet of Nityānanda Prabhu and led Him to His residence. After giving the Lord His quarters, Śivānanda Sena, being very pleased, spoke as follows. (26) “Today You have accepted me as Your servant and have properly punished me for my offense. (27)

“My dear Lord, Your chastising me is Your causeless mercy. Who within the three worlds can understand Your real character? (28) “The dust of Your lotus feet is not attainable even by Lord Brahmā, yet Your lotus feet have touched my wretched body. (29) “Today my birth, my family and my activities have all become successful. Today I have achieved the fulfillment of religious principles, economic development, satisfaction of the senses and ultimately devotional service to Lord Kṛṣṇa.” (30) When Lord Nityānanda heard this, He was very happy. He rose and embraced Śivānanda Sena in great love. (31) Being very much pleased by Nityānanda Prabhu’s behavior, Śivānanda Sena began to arrange residential quarters for all the Vaiṣṇavas, headed by Advaita Ācārya. (32)

One of Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu’s characteristics is His contradictory nature. When He becomes angry and kicks someone, it is actually for his benefit. (33) Śivānanda Sena’s nephew, Śrīkānta, the son of his sister, felt offended, and he commented on the matter when his uncle was absent. (34) “My uncle is well known as one of the associates of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, but Lord Nityānanda Prabhu asserts His superiority by kicking him.” (35) After saying this, Śrīkānta, who was only a boy, left the group and traveled on alone to the residence of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. (36) When Śrīkānta offered obeisances to the Lord, he was still wearing his shirt and coat. Therefore Govinda told him, “My dear Śrīkānta, first take off these garments.” (37) As Govinda was warning Śrīkānta, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “Don’t bother him. Let Śrīkānta do whatever he likes, for he has come here in a distressed state of mind.” (38)

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu inquired from Śrīkānta about all the Vaiṣṇavas, and the boy informed the Lord about them, naming them one after another. (39) When Śrīkānta Sena heard the Lord say “He is distressed,” he could understand that the Lord is omniscient. (40) As he described the Vaiṣṇavas, therefore, he did not mention Lord Nityānanda’s kicking Śivānanda Sena. Meanwhile, all the devotees arrived and went to meet the Lord. (41) Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu received them all, just as He had in previous years. The women, however, saw the Lord from a distance. (42) The Lord again arranged for the residential quarters of all the devotees and thereafter called them to partake of the remnants of food offered to Lord Jagannātha. (43) Śivānanda Sena introduced his three sons to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Because they were his sons, the Lord showed the boys great mercy. (44)

Lord Caitanya asked the youngest son’s name, and Śivānanda Sena informed the Lord that his name was Paramānanda dāsa. (45) Once before when Śivānanda Sena had visited Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu at His residence, the Lord had told him, “When this son is born, give him the name Purī dāsa.” (46-47) The son was in the womb of Śivānanda’s wife, and when Śivānanda returned home the son was born. (48) The child was named Paramānanda dāsa in accordance with the Lord’s order, and the Lord jokingly called him Purī dāsa. (49) When Śivānanda Sena introduced the child to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, the Lord put His toe in the child’s mouth. (50) No one can cross over the ocean of Śivānanda Sena’s good fortune, for the Lord considered Śivānanda’s whole family His own. (51) The Lord ate lunch in the company of all the devotees, and after washing His hands and mouth He gave an order to Govinda. (52)

“As long as Śivānanda Sena’s wife and children stay in Jagannātha Purī,” He said, “they must be given the remnants of My food.” (5 his shirt and coat. Therefore Govinda told him, “My dear Śrīkānta, first take off these garments.” (37) As Govinda was warning Śrīkānta, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “Don’t bother him. Let Śrīkānta do whatever he likes, for he has come here in a distressed state of mind.” (38) Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu inquired from Śrīkānta about all the Vaiṣṇavas, and the boy informed the Lord about them, naming them one after another. (39) When Śrīkānta Sena heard the Lord say “He is distressed,” he could understand that the Lord is omniscient. (40)

As he described the Vaiṣṇavas, therefore, he did not mention Lord Nityānanda’s kicking Śivānanda Sena. Meanwhile, all the devotees arrived and went to meet the Lord. (41) Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu received them all, just as He had in previous years. The women, however, saw the Lord from a distance. (42) The Lord again arranged for the residential quarters of all the devotees and thereafter called them to partake of the remnants of food offered to Lord Jagannātha. (43) Śivānanda Sena introduced his three sons to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Because they were his sons, the Lord showed the boys great mercy. (44) Lord Caitanya asked the youngest son’s name, and Śivānanda Sena informed the Lord that his name was Paramānanda dāsa. (45)

Once before when Śivānanda Sena had visited Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu at His residence, the Lord had told him, “When this son is born, give him the name Purī dāsa.” (46-47) The son was in the womb of Śivānanda’s wife, and when Śivānanda returned home the son was born. (48) The child was named Paramānanda dāsa in accordance with the Lord’s order, and the Lord jokingly called him Purī dāsa. (49) When Śivānanda Sena introduced the child to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, the Lord put His toe in the child’s mouth. (50) No one can cross over the ocean of Śivānanda Sena’s good fortune, for the Lord considered Śivānanda’s whole family His own. (51) The Lord ate lunch in the company of all the devotees, and after washing His hands and mouth He gave an order to Govinda. (52) “As long as Śivānanda Sena’s wife and children stay in Jagannātha Purī,” He said, “they must be given the remnants of My food.” (53)

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There was a tumultuous noise as they all chanted the holy names “Hari” and “Kṛṣṇa.” Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu became overwhelmed with ecstatic love. (58) The Lord raised the body of Haridāsa Ṭhākura and placed it on His lap. Then He began to dance in the courtyard in great ecstatic love. (59) Because of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s ecstatic love, all the devotees were helpless, and in ecstatic love they also began to dance and chant congregationally. (60) Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu danced for some time, and then Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī informed Him of other rituals for the body of Ṭhākura Haridāsa. (61) The body of Haridāsa Ṭhākura was then raised onto a carrier that resembled an airship and taken to the sea, accompanied by congregational chanting. (62)

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu danced in front of the procession, and Vakreśvara Paṇḍita, along with the other devotees, chanted and danced behind Him. (63) Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu bathed the body of Haridāsa Ṭhākura in the sea and then declared, “From this day on, this sea has become a great pilgrimage site.” (64) Everyone drank the water that had touched the lotus feet of Haridāsa Ṭhākura, and then they smeared remnants of Lord Jagannātha’s sandalwood pulp over Haridāsa Ṭhākura’s body. (65) After a hole was dug in the sand, the body of Haridāsa Ṭhākura was placed into it. Remnants from Lord Jagannātha, such as His silken ropes, sandalwood pulp, food and cloth, were placed on the body. (66) All around the body, the devotees performed congregational chanting, and Vakreśvara Paṇḍita danced in jubilation. (67) With His transcendental hands, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu personally covered the body of Haridāsa Ṭhākura with sand, chanting “Haribol! Haribol!” (68) The devotees covered the body of Haridāsa Ṭhākura with sand and then constructed a platform upon the site. The platform was protected all around by fencing. (69)

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu danced and chanted all around the platform, and as the holy name of Hari roared tumultuously, the whole universe became filled with the vibration. (70) After saṅkīrtana, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu bathed in the sea with His devotees, swimming and playing in the water in great jubilation. (71) After circumambulating the tomb of Haridāsa Ṭhākura, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu went to the Siṁha- dvāra gate of the Jagannātha temple. The whole city chanted in congregation, and the tumultuous sound vibrated all over the city. (72) Approaching the Siṁha- dvāra gate, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu spread His cloth and began to beg prasādam from all the shopkeepers there. (73) “I am begging prasādam for a festival honoring the passing away of Haridāsa Ṭhākura,” the Lord said. “Please give Me alms.” (74)

Hearing this, all the shopkeepers immediately came forward with big baskets of prasādam, which they jubilantly delivered to Lord Caitanya. (75) However, Svarūpa Dāmodara stopped them, and the shopkeepers returned to their shops and sat down with their baskets. (76) Svarūpa Dāmodara sent Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu back to His residence and kept with him four Vaiṣṇavas and four servant carriers. (77) Svarūpa Dāmodara said to all the shopkeepers, “Deliver to me four palmfuls of prasādam from each and every item.” (78) In this way varieties of prasādam were collected, then packed up in different loads and carried on the heads of the four servants. (79) Not only did Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī bring prasādam, but Vāṇīnātha Paṭṭanāyaka and Kāśī Miśra also sent large quantities. (80) Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu made all the devotees sit in rows and personally began to distribute the prasādam, assisted by four other men. (81)

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was not accustomed to taking prasādam in small quantities. He therefore put on each plate what at least five men could eat. (82) Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī requested Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, “Please sit down and watch. With these men to help me, I shall distribute the prasādam.” (83) The four men-Svarūpa Dāmodara, Jagadānanda, Kāśīśvara and Śaṅkara distributed the prasādam continuously. (84) All the devotees who sat down would not eat the prasādam as long as the Lord had not eaten. On that day, however, Kāśī Miśra had extended an invitation to the Lord. (85) Therefore Kāśī Miśra personally went there and delivered prasādam to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu with great attention and made Him eat. (86) With Paramānanda Purī and Brahmānanda Bhāratī, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu sat down and accepted the prasādam. When He began to eat, so did all the Vaiṣṇavas. (87)

Everyone was filled up to the neck because Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu kept telling the distributors, “Give them more! Give them more!” (88) After all the devotees finished accepting prasādam and had washed their hands and mouths, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu decorated each of them with a flower garland and sandalwood pulp. (89) Overwhelmed with ecstatic love, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu offered a benediction to all the devotees, which all the devotees heard with great satisfaction. (90) Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu gave this benediction: “Anyone who has seen the festival of Śrī Haridāsa Ṭhākura’s passing away, anyone who has chanted and danced here, anyone who has offered sand on the body of Haridāsa Ṭhākura, and anyone who has joined this festival to partake of the prasādam will achieve the favor of Kṛṣṇa very soon. There is such wonderful power in seeing Haridāsa Ṭhākura. (91 93) “Being merciful upon Me, Kṛṣṇa gave Me the association of Haridāsa Ṭhākura. Being independent in His desires, He has now broken that association. (94)

“When Haridāsa Ṭhākura wanted to leave this material world, it was not within My power to detain him. (95) “Simply by his will, Haridāsa Ṭhākura could give up his life and go away, exactly like Bhīṣma, who previously died simply by his own desire, as we have heard from śāstra. (96) “Haridāsa Ṭhākura was the crown jewel on the head of this world; without him, this world is now bereft of its valuable jewel.” (97) Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu then told everyone, “Say ‘All glories to Haridāsa Ṭhākura!’ and chant the holy name of Hari.” Saying this, He personally began to dance. (98) Everyone began to chant, “All glories to Haridāsa Ṭhākura, who revealed the importance of chanting the holy name of the Lord!” (99) Thereafter, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu bade farewell to all the devotees, and He Himself, with mixed feelings of happiness and distress, took rest. (100) Thus I have spoken about the victorious passing away of Haridāsa Ṭhākura. Anyone who hears this narration will certainly fix his mind firmly in devotional service to Kṛṣṇa. (101)

From the incident of Haridāsa Ṭhākura’s passing away and the great care Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu took in commemorating it, one can understand just how affectionate He is toward His devotees. Although He is the topmost of all sannyāsīs, He fully satisfied the desire of Haridāsa Ṭhākura. (102) When Haridāsa Ṭhākura was at the last stage of his life, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu gave him His company and allowed him to touch Him. Thereafter, He took the body of Ṭhākura Haridāsa on His lap and personally danced with it. (103) Out of His causeless mercy the Lord personally covered the body of Haridāsa Ṭhākura with sand and personally begged alms from the shopkeepers. Then He conducted a great festival to celebrate the passing away of Haridāsa Ṭhākura. (104)

Haridāsa Ṭhākura was not only the topmost devotee of the Lord but also a great and learned scholar. It was his great fortune that he passed away before Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. (105) The life and characteristics of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu are exactly like an ocean of nectar, one drop of which can please the mind and ear. (106) Anyone who desires to cross over the ocean of nescience, please hear with great faith the life and characteristics of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. (107) Praying at the lotus feet of Śrī Rūpa and Śrī Raghunātha, always desiring their mercy, I, Kṛṣṇadāsa, narrate Śrī Caitanya- caritāmṛta, following in their footsteps. (108)

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Let me offer my respectful obeisances unto Haridāsa Ṭhākura and his master, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who danced with the body of Haridāsa Ṭhākura on His lap. (1) All glories to Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who is very merciful and who is very dear to Advaita Ācārya and Lord Nityānanda! (2) All glories to the master of Śrīnivāsa Ṭhākura! All glories to the master of Haridāsa Ṭhākura! All glories to the dear master of Gadādhara Paṇḍita! All glories to the master of the life of Svarūpa Dāmodara! (3) All glories to Lord Śrī Caitanya, who is very dear to Kāśī Miśra! He is the Lord of the life of Jagadānanda and the Lord of Rūpa Gosvāmī, Sanātana Gosvāmī and Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmī. (4) All glories to the transcendental form of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who is Kṛṣṇa Himself, the Supreme Personality of Godhead! My dear Lord, kindly give me shelter at Your lotus feet by Your causeless mercy. (5)

All glories to Lord Nityānanda, who is the life and soul of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu! My dear Lord, kindly give me engagement in devotional service at Your lotus feet. (6) All glories to Advaita Ācārya, who is treated by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu as superior due to His age and respectability! Please give me engagement in devotional service at Your lotus feet. (7) All glories to all the devotees of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, for the Lord is their life and soul! All of you, kindly bestow devotional service upon me. (8) All glories to Rūpa Gosvāmī, Sanātana Gosvāmī, Jīva Gosvāmī, Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmī, Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmī and Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmī, the six Gosvāmīs of Vṛndāvana! They are all my masters. (9) I am writing this narration of the pastimes and attributes of the Lord by the mercy of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and His associates. I do not know how to write properly, but I am purifying myself by writing this description. (10)

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu thus resided at Jagannātha Purī with His personal devotees and enjoyed the congregational chanting of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā- mantra. (11) In the daytime Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu engaged in dancing and chanting and in seeing the temple of Lord Jagannātha. At night, in the company of His most confidential devotees, such as Rāmānanda Rāya and Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī, He tasted the nectar of the transcendental mellows of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes. (12) Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu very happily passed His days in this way at Nīlācala, Jagannātha Purī. Feeling separation from Kṛṣṇa, He exhibited many transcendental symptoms all over His body. (13) Day after day the symptoms increased, and at night they increased even more. All these symptoms, such as transcendental anxiety, agitation and talking like a madman, were present, just as they are described in the śāstras. (14)

Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī and Rāmānanda Rāya, the chief assistants in Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s pastimes, remained with Him both day and night. (15) One day Govinda, the personal servant of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, went in great jubilation to deliver the remnants of Lord Jagannātha’s food to Haridāsa Ṭhākura. (16) When Govinda came to Haridāsa, he saw that Haridāsa Ṭhākura was lying on his back and chanting his rounds very slowly. (17) “Please rise and take your mahā- prasādam,” Govinda said. Haridāsa Ṭhākura replied, “Today I shall observe fasting. (18) “I have not finished chanting my regular number of rounds. How, then, can I eat? But you have brought mahā- prasādam, and how can I neglect it?” (19) Saying this, he offered prayers to the mahā- prasādam, took a little portion, and ate it. (20) The next day, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu went to Haridāsa’s place and inquired from him, “Haridāsa, are you well?” (21) Haridāsa offered his obeisances to the Lord and replied, “My body is all right, but my mind and intelligence are not well.” (22)

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu further inquired from Haridāsa, “Can you ascertain what your disease is?” Haridāsa Ṭhākura replied, “My disease is that I cannot complete my rounds.” (23) “Now that you have become old,” the Lord said, “you may reduce the number of rounds you chant daily. You are already liberated, and therefore you need not follow the regulative principles very strictly. (24) “Your role in this incarnation is to deliver the people in general. You have sufficiently preached the glories of the holy name in this world.” (25) The Lord concluded, “Now, therefore, please reduce the fixed number of times you chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā- mantra.” Haridāsa Ṭhākura replied, “Kindly hear my real plea. (26) “I was born in an inferior family, and my body is most abominable. I always engage in low work. Therefore, I am the lowest, most condemned of men. (27) “I am unseeable and untouchable, but You have accepted me as Your servant. This means that You have delivered me from a hellish condition and raised me to the Vaikuṇṭha platform. (28) “My dear Lord, You are the fully independent Personality of Godhead. You act by Your own free will. You cause the whole world to dance and act as You like. (29)

“My dear Lord, by Your mercy You have made me dance in many ways. For example, I was offered the śrāddha- pātra, which should have been offered to first- class brāhmaṇas. I ate from it even though I was born in a family of meat- eaters. (30) “I have had one desire for a very long time. I think that quite soon, my Lord, You will bring to a close Your pastimes within this material world. (31) “I wish that You not show me this closing chapter of Your pastimes. Before that time comes, kindly let my body fall down in Your presence. (32) “I wish to catch Your lotuslike feet upon my heart and see Your moonlike face. (33) “With my tongue I shall chant Your holy name, ‘Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya!’ That is my desire. Kindly let me give up my body in this way. (34) “O most merciful Lord, if by Your mercy it is possible, kindly grant my desire. (35) “Let this lowborn body fall down before You. You can make possible this perfection of all my desires.” (36)

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “My dear Haridāsa, Kṛṣṇa is so merciful that He must execute whatever you want. (37) “But whatever happiness is Mine is all due to your association. It is not fitting for you to go away and leave Me behind.” (38) Catching the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, Haridāsa Ṭhākura said, “My Lord, do not create an illusion! Although I am so fallen, You must certainly show me this mercy! (39) “My Lord, there are many respectable personalities, millions of devotees, who are fit to sit on my head. They are all helpful in Your pastimes. (40) “My Lord, if an insignificant insect like me dies, what is the loss? If an ant dies, where is the loss to the material world? (41) “My Lord, You are always affectionate to Your devotees. I am just an imitation devotee, but nevertheless I wish that You fulfill my desire. That is my expectation.” (42) Because He had to perform His noon duties, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu got up to leave, but it was settled that the following day, after He saw Lord Jagannātha, He would return to visit Haridāsa Ṭhākura. (43)

After embracing him, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu left to perform His noon duties and went to the sea to take His bath. (44) The next morning, after visiting the Jagannātha temple, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, accompanied by all His devotees, went hastily to see Haridāsa Ṭhākura. (45) Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and the devotees came before Haridāsa Ṭhākura, who offered his respects to the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and all the Vaiṣṇavas. (46) Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu inquired, “My dear Haridāsa, what is the news?” Haridāsa Ṭhākura replied, “My Lord, whatever mercy You can bestow upon me.” (47) Upon hearing this, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu immediately began great congregational chanting in the courtyard. Vakreśvara Paṇḍita was the chief dancer. (48) Headed by Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī, all the devotees of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu surrounded Haridāsa Ṭhākura and began congregational chanting. (49)

In front of all the great devotees like Rāmānanda Rāya and Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu began to describe the holy attributes of Haridāsa Ṭhākura. (50) As He described the transcendental attributes of Haridāsa Ṭhākura, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu seemed to possess five mouths. The more He described, the more His great happiness increased. (51) After hearing of the transcendental qualities of Haridāsa Ṭhākura, all the devotees present were struck with wonder. They all offered their respectful obeisances to the lotus feet of Haridāsa Ṭhākura. (52) Haridāsa Ṭhākura made Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu sit down in front of him, and then he fixed his eyes, like two bumblebees, on the lotus face of the Lord. (53) He held the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu on his heart and then took the dust of the feet of all the devotees present and put it on his head. (54) He began to chant the holy name of Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya again and again. As he drank the sweetness of the face of the Lord, tears constantly glided down from his eyes. (55) While chanting the holy name of Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya, he gave up his air of life and left his body. (56) Seeing the wonderful death of Haridāsa Ṭhākura by his own will, which was just like a great mystic yogī’s, everyone remembered the passing away of Bhīṣma. (57)

A New Chapter For ISKCON In The Philippines As Taguig Temple Nears Completion

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Bir Krishna Goswami’s Vyasa Puja gathering and celebration.

The Sri Sri Radha-Madhava temple in Makati, Manila, has served the community for many years, but its rented premises, limited space, and aging infrastructure have posed challenges for hosting festivals, accommodating senior devotees, and supporting outreach programs. Recognizing these limitations, ISKCON devotees, along with local Filipinos and members of the Hindu and Indian-origin communities, envisioned a new home for Their Lordships.

Through collective effort and fundraising, construction began on a new temple in Taguig City, strategically located near the airport and prominent areas such as Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and Makati. This purpose-built structure is designed to meet ISKCON’s standards for worship, education, and spiritual engagement.

The ISKCON Sri Sri Radha-Madhava Mandir in Taguig is now 80 percent complete, marking a significant milestone for the growing Vaishnava community in the Philippines. The project aims to provide a permanent spiritual home for devotees and visitors in Metro Manila.

A Vision Rooted in Service and Growth

The new Taguig temple is envisioned as more than a place of worship—it will serve as a hub for spiritual education, cultural programs, and community outreach. Plans include dedicated spaces for children’s classes, seminars on Vedic philosophy, and facilities to host visiting teachers and spiritual leaders. Our temple president, Mahendra Das, emphasises that the temple will also strengthen ISKCON’s efforts to share Krishna consciousness through prasadam distribution, kirtan programs, and book distribution across Metro Manila.

“This temple is not just a building; it is a spiritual center that will nurture devotion and inspire generations,” said one of the project coordinators. “We want to create a space where every devotee, well-wisher, and newcomer can experience the joy of bhakti.”

A Growing Movement in the Philippines

ISKCON’s presence in the Philippines dates back to the late 1970s, when the first devotees began organising programs and distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books. Over the years, the movement has grown steadily, with the Makati temple serving as the main center for congregational activities. Festivals such as Janmashtami, Gaura Purnima, and Ratha Yatra have attracted hundreds of participants, despite the limitations of the rented facility.

The new temple in Taguig represents a significant step forward, providing the infrastructure needed to host larger gatherings and expand outreach programs. Under the guidance of Janananda Goswami, our temple vice president, Indravali Devi Dasi, hopes the temple will become a focal point for spiritual and cultural events, drawing devotees from across the Philippines and neighbouring countries.

Indian Ambassador’s Visit: A Moment of Encouragement

Recently, temple representatives Indravali Devi Dasi, Gopal Das, Vinod Das, Bhakta Franky, and Rasa Sekhara Das visited the Indian Embassy in Manila and met with the Ambassador of India to the Philippines. The Ambassador expressed appreciation for the vision behind the new temple and acknowledged its role in promoting cultural and spiritual values. He assured his support in spreading awareness of the project among the wider community.

This meeting was seen as a positive affirmation of the temple’s significance not only for devotees but also as a cultural landmark for the Indian diaspora and local residents. The Ambassador’s encouragement reinforces that this temple will serve as a beacon of spiritual and cultural harmony.

Sri Sri Radha Madhava (Temple residing deities).

Presenting Temple updates to Shri Harsh Kumar Jain (center), the Indian Ambassador to Philippines.

Indian MP Shri Shankar Lalwani visited the new temple to see the progressing construction.

The Spiritual Merit of Temple Construction

Scriptural texts emphasize the profound benefits of supporting temple construction. The Vishnu Dharmottara Purana states, “Even by donating a single brick for the Lord’s temple, one attains worlds of everlasting happiness.” Similarly, the Skanda Purana notes that contributing to temple building benefits both ancestors and future generations.

Srila Prabhupada himself encouraged the establishment of temples as centres for spiritual education and community life. In a Letter to Satsvarupa on 21st August 1969, Srila Prabhupada said, “We should construct temples in all important cities of the world to give people a chance to become Krishna conscious.”

The Final Phase: A Call to Action

With the structure now standing tall, the final 20 percent of work includes interior finishing, installation of altars, and preparation for the Deities’ arrival. Temple President Mahendra Das stresses that this stage is critical and requires the community’s collective support.

“Every contribution, whether large or small, brings us closer to opening the doors of this temple,” said a member of the fundraising team. “This is an opportunity for all of us to serve together and create a spiritual home for generations to come.”

Devotees and community members are encouraged to participate through financial donations, material support, and by sharing information within their networks. Those who contribute will not only help complete the temple but also receive the blessings described in the scriptures—spiritual protection, purification, and prosperity.

Looking Ahead

Once completed, the Taguig temple will host daily worship, Sunday programs, and major festivals. Plans also include youth initiatives, cultural workshops, and outreach programs to share the teachings of Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam with a broader audience.

Krishna’s Cows In New Vrajamandala

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By HH Bhakti Gauravani Goswami

New Book and Song Released

A new inspirational work, Krishna’s Cows in New Vrajamandala, has just been released, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the sacred relationship between Lord Krishna, His devotees, and the cows who share His eternal pastimes.

Excerpt from the Introduction by Yadunandana Swami:

In the pages of this book, the reader will come closer to a world where everyday simplicity becomes an offering, and the life of seemingly ordinary animals reveals an unsuspected spiritual depth. Krishna’s Cows in New Vrajamandala is not just a book about cows: it is an invitation to look with new eyes at the relationship between the human, the natural, and the divine.

We invite the reader to walk through these pages as one who strolls unhurriedly through a meadow at dawn, listening to the serene lowing of the cows and breathing the fresh air that carries with it the promise of a new day. May this book inspire us to recognize in every creature the divine spark and to understand, as Krishna’s devotees well know, that the loving care of cows is a special form of service to the Supreme.

The book also includes a song —A Day in Vrajamandala— which describes, from dawn to dusk, the pastimes of Krishna, His friends, and His cows in the spiritual world.

E-book, Song, and Music Video

The e-book, the song, and a link to the official music video are available at: https://spiritualsoundspace.com

The Secret Of The Guṇḍicā Mārjana Pastime (Guṇḍicā-Mārjana-Līlā Rahasya)

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Overview

In his commentary on Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā 12, Verse 135, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura Prabhupāda gives the hidden meaning behind Śrīman Mahāprabhu’s cleaning of the Guṇḍicā Temple in Jagannātha Purī and explains how the various types of garbage thrown out of the temple relate to the anarthas of the jīva.
Through this līlā, Mahāprabhu, the universal guru, teaches that if any fortunate jīva wishes to seat Śrī Kṛṣṇa on the throne of their heart, they must first cleanse all the impurities from their heart completely. The field of the heart must be made pure, tranquil, and radiant with bhakti. Even if only a few anarthas such as thorns, straw, weeds, dust, sand etc. remain in the field of the heart, one cannot seat the supremely worshipable Bhagavān there. Those impurities or garbage within the heart are nothing but endeavours for anyābhilāṣa (other material desires), karma, jṣāna, and yoga etc. are nothing but distractions. Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī Prabhu has said:

anyābhilāṣitā-śūnyaṁ jṣāna-karmādy-anāvṛtam
ānukūlyena kṛṣṇānuśīlanaṁ bhaktir uttamā

Superior bhakti is that which is favourable to the cultivation of service to Kṛṣṇa, which is free from other desires and not obscured by jṣāna, karma etc (Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu 1.1.11)

Where the ātmā’s natural inclination towards bhakti has been covered by anyābhilāṣa, jṣāna, karma, yoga, or austerity, or by a mood which is unfavourable towards bhakti, then śuddha-bhakti does not exist there. Kṛṣna does not appear without śuddha-bhakti, which consists of śuddha-sattva.

Anyābhilāṣa means “As long as I live in this world, I will only indulge my own senses”—this kind of desire, like a sharp blade of grass, pierces the tender heart of a pure jīva, obstructing pure bhakti. Endeavours in karma means that through rituals, sacrifices, charity, austerities etc, I shall experience pleasure in this world and the higher planet such as Svarga etc. Such activities which are full of desire are just like dust. In the whirlwind of worldly activities, the dust-like particles of desires covers the pure and pristine mirror of our heart. Like countless particles of dust, desires from virtuous and non-virtuous actions have been contaminating the hearts of those averse to Hari through innumerable lifetimes, thus their karmic impressions are not easily removed. Jīvas who are averse to Hari think that through karma, one can mitigate the suffering inherent in karma itself (in other words, through karma one can remove the thorns of karma). However, this concept is wrong. Becoming subject to this way of thinking, they merely continue to deceive themselves. Just as an elephant, after bathing, still smears dust on its body, similarly, one cannot rid oneself of the subtle impressions of karma through karma. All the difficulties of the jīva are only removed by pure bhakti. Then that pure throne of the heart becomes a fit resting place for Śrī Bhagavān. In this way, a devotee-poet has sung, bhaktera hṛdaye sadā govinda viśrāma (‘Govinda always rests in the heart of a devotee’).

Endeavours in nirviśeṣa or kaivalya–yoga (yoga aiming at non-differentiated Brahman), or jṣāna-yoga etc. are just like sand. Through these, what to speak of Śrī Hari’s satisfaction or service, they are like attempting to pierce Śrī Hari’s body with a spear. Although at the initial stage of their quest for non-differentiated Brahman, those aspiring for liberation accept the names of Śrī Hari in an indirect way, yet at the stage of liberation or identifying themselves with Brahman, they do not accept its independent existence. Therefore, Bhagavān does not appear in the hearts of those unfortunate jīvas who identify themselves as liberated. That is why Śrī Gaurasundara did not keep straw, dust, dirt and garbage within the four walls of Bhagavān’s temple. But with his own outer-cloth, He threw it all outside, just in case, with the help of the wind, all the garbage would again come back into the temple.

Many times, endeavours in karma, jṣāna etc. are removed, yet very subtle impurities remain in the heart. These can be compared to kuṭināṭi, pratiṣṭhāśā, jīva-hiṁsā, niṣiddhācāra, lābha, pūjā etc. The word kuṭināṭi means deception.
The word pratiṣṭhāśā means, “Let those persons who are uneducated call me a great sādhu or a mahant due to my solitary bhajana or due to my old age.” In this way, one hopes for mundane respect, or gradually tries to fulfil his desires to enjoy objects of the senses by artificial displays of a semblance of bhāva in one’s hard heart, in order to be recognised as a ‘devotee’ or ‘avatāra’.
The word Jīva-hīmsā means a reluctance or meanness in propagating pure bhakti, favouring māyāvādīs, karmīs and anyābhilāṣīs, and speaking with sensitivity to their opinions.
The words lābha and pūjā means that in the name of dharma, one makes a living by using hari-nāma, mantras, Deities, or the Bhāgavata in order to gain wealth or respect.
The word niṣiddhācāra is understood to mean women and the company of non-devotees such as karmīs, jṣānīs, anyābhilāṣīs etc. In this way, after sweeping away the large amounts of sand, straw, dust etc. that had accumulated after many days, Śrī Gaurasundara thoroughly cleaned the entire temple a second time with water. If there were any fine spots, He rubbed them with the dry cloth He was wearing and began to clean the temple and the throne where Bhagavān would be placed.

After all the scrubbing, cleaning, and polishing, there was not even a trace of dust left in the temple, let alone a subtle stain. Not only was the temple as clear as crystal, but it was also extremely cool. In other words, the heart of the sādhaka is no longer the same as the blazing heat of a desert – this means that burning desires born from enjoying the objects of the senses, and the threefold material miseries (adhidaivika, adhyātmika, and adhibhautika) have been extinguished. Actually, when desires for enjoyment and liberation as well as the attempts for anyābhilāṣa, karma, jṣāna, yoga etc. are removed from his heart, and the ātmā’s tendency for śuddha-bhakti is revealed, the heart becomes tranquil and cool.

Many times, even after all desires and aspirations have been eliminated, there may still remain a subtle stain in some unknown corner of the heart which the ignorant jīva cannot comprehend. This is the desire for mukti. What to say of the Nirviśeṣavādīs desire for sāyujya-mukti, Śrīman Mahāprabhu cleaned the subtle stain of desiring the four kinds of liberation with His own cloth.

In this way, Śrī Gaurasundara, as the universal guru, accepting the identity of a jīva for the welfare of the jīvas, has instructed you to chant kṛṣṇa-nāma loudly with great enthusiasm for the sake of Kṛṣṇa, to please Kṛṣṇa’s senses, and in order to transform the sādhaka’s heart into a place resembling Vṛndāvana, where the independent Kṛṣṇa engages in carefree pastimes.

yadyapyanyā bhaktiḥ kalau kartavyā
tadā kīrtanākhya-bhakti-saṁyogenaiva

Although other processes of bhakti are to be performed in the age of Kali, they can all be accomplished through kīrtana. (Bhakti Sandarbha 273)

Mahāprabhu went to every devotee, took them by the hand, and taught them the service of cleaning the temple. Whoever did their work nicely, He commended them, and as the Lord who possesses the bhāva of Śrī Rādhā, the satisfaction of Kṛṣṇa’s desires personified, He gave some divine chastisement to those who were not up to His standard, took them by the hand and taught them the method to serve Kṛṣṇa. Not only that, He also ordered and inspired the pure-hearted devotees who were engaged in bhakti-yoga to the non-dual Absolute and had attained proficiency in bhajana according to the teachings of Śrī Caitanya to engage in the work of an ācārya for those jīvas who are averse to the Supreme.* (1) Moreover, those who are capable of becoming purified by removing inauspiciousness from the heart become dear to the Lord, and for those whom anartha-nivṛtti has only occurred to a small extent, He has specifically prescribed the discipline of service to Hari-Guru-Vaiṣṇava.

*(1)
tumi bhāla kariyāchha śikhāha anyere
ei-mata bhāla karma seho yena kare

The Lord said – “You have done nicely. Teach others so that they can also do nice work like this.” (Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā 12.117)

(Translated into English by Swami Bhaktivijṣana Giri)

A Devotee Is Without Fault (Sajjana – Nirdoṣa)

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Overview

Sajjana – Nirdoṣa (A Devotee is Without Fault) was written by Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura Prabhupāda and published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 20, Issue 6 in 1917. Sarasvatī Ṭhākura discusses twelve faults mentioned in the Mahābhārata and how it is imperative to avoid finding fault with a pure Vaiṣṇava.

Articles in This Series:
In Śrī Mahābhārata, Sanat-sujāta* (1) says:

krodha kāmau lobha mohau vidhitsākṛpāsuye māna-śokau spṛhā ca
īrṣā jugupsā ca manuṣya-doṣā varjyāḥ sadā dvādaśaite narānām

Anger, lust, greed, delusion, selfishness, cruelty, envy, vanity, grief, desire, jealousy, and hatred, are the faults of men. These twelve faults should always be given up by people. (Sanata-Sujātiya 2.16)

Humans should give up all these twelve faults:

Anger – due to the obstruction of desire, one becomes abusive, physically violent, or causes mental anxiety.
Lust – Desiring the association of women.
Greed – Anxiety about money and expenditure.
Delusion – Being devoid of the intelligence of knowing what should be done and what should not be done.
Selfishness – Even after successive gains, one remains unsatisfied and desires more.
Cruelty – Possessing a lack of compassion.
Envy – Finding fault with the virtues of others.
Vanity – Admiring one’s own intelligence.
Grief – Mental agony due to the destruction of one’s self interests.
Desire – A fondness for various kinds of enjoyment.
Jealousy – Jealousy of the success and prosperity of others.
Hatred – Slandering others.
These twelve kinds of faults can lead to the total destruction of any individual. When these twelve combine together, the result is so disastrous for a person that it is beyond description. Devotees do not harbour any of these twelve kinds of human faults.

Apart from the aforementioned twelve faults, there are eighteen more faults in an uncontrolled person. Sanat-sujāta states that there are twenty-four more faults, including eighteen kinds of faults leading to delusion, and six kinds of faults related to lack of renunciation *(2) A Vaiṣṇava sādhu is free from all these faults.

The māyāvādī is an offender to the lotus feet of Hari, and he is the instigator of those who are adverse to the service of Kṛṣṇa. All his faults do not affect the devotee.

An unintelligent pseudo-devotee, who does not intrinsically identify as a Vaiṣṇava, falls into various kinds of faults. Unable to comprehend the inherent wretchedness within himself, and perceiving wretchedness in the pure character of a devotee, he becomes an offender at the feet of Vaiṣṇavas. The attempts of the kaniṣṭha to imitate the bhāgavata devotees creates obstacles to progress in their position (adhikāra). Hearing the intense statements of Vṛndāvana Dāsa Ṭhākura directed towards those who are envious of the devotees, they perceive a lack of humility in them. If one considers those who endeavour to avoid the sinful character of the sahajiyās, or those who reveal one’s lack of understanding in subjects related to the nadīyā-nāgarīs, to be lacking in humility, it will result in no gain beyond one’s own loss.*(3) The conclusions of those with komala-śraddhā (weak faith) are inaccurate and one-sided. Taking an axe to their own legs, they consider their well-wishers to be their enemy, and by probing for flaws in those that follow the path of virtue, they manifest their own lack of humility.

Understanding the inherent nature of humility, devotees do not closely associate with the ignorant in order to try and gain prestige. This is because they are devoid of faults. Instead of encouraging the māyāvādī from Bengal with sweet words and soft statements, Śrī Dāmodara Svārūpa left aside deceitful humility and desired his auspiciousness. *(4) For the welfare of Śrī Vallabha Bhaṭṭa, and to rescue Śrī Kāla Kṛṣṇa Dāsa from the Bhaṭṭathārīs, the Teacher of the supreme truth of tṛṇādapi sunīca has not committed any fault. On the other hand, people with komala-śraddhā and inexperience, being unable to see the intrinsic nature of tṛṇādapi sunīca in a pure Vaiṣṇava, intend to criticise him, considering him to be an enemy. If they conclude that a Vaiṣṇava lacks humility then their komala-śraddhā will be tainted by these faults.

If a devotee is understood to be faultless, then his truthfulness, his genuine modest nature and his humility will be perceived. When there is good fortune, the defects of those who are innocent will diminish and they can become faultless like the devotees.


TRANSLATOR’S NOTES:

(1) Sanat-sujāta is another name for Sanat Kumāra, one of the Catuḥsana. In the Udyoga-parva of the Mahābhārata, Vidura invokes him to answer the questions of Dhṛtarāṣṭra concerning the ātmā. This section of the Mahābhārata is called the Sanat-sujātīya, and was given prominence by Ādi Śaṅkarācārya, who wrote a commentary on it.

(2) The eighteen faults leading to delusion are – 1) Showing ill-will towards others. 2) Creating problems for noble acts. 3) Minimising others. 4) Speaking lies. 5) Being tempted by sense-objects. 6) Lack of contentment. 7) Over-dependence on others. 8) Telling someone their defects to their face. 9) Finding the faults of others in order to gossip. 10) Wasting one’s wealth. 11) Quarreling. 12) Lamenting over past sorrows. 13) Ignorance. 14) Disrespecting those who are honourable. 15) Committing forbidden activities. 16) Harming others. 17) Failure to attain perfection in dharma. 18) Inability to tolerate duality such as heat and cold etc.

The six faults related to lack of renunciation are – 1) Being overly attached when one becomes prosperous. 2) Attachment to materialistic rituals. 3) Attachment to material possessions. 4) Grieving when one’s actions fail. 5) Attachment to family members 6) Not giving donations to those who are worthy recipients.

(3) Nadīyā-nāgarī is another name for the gaurāṅga-nāgarīs, a sect of pseudo Vaiṣṇavas who erroneously believe that Mahāprabhu was a nāgara (an enjoyer of women) and sported with the women of Nadīyā in His youth.

(4) This incident refers to Svarūpa Dāmodara’s chastisement of the Bengali scholar found in Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā, Chapter 5.

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