All glories to Sri Gaura Govinda, the Lord of all! All glories to Lord Nityānanda, Haladhara! All glories to Sri Advaita Prabhu, the foremost distributor of devotion! All glories to Sri Gadādhara Pandita, the reservoir of love! All glories to Srivāsa Pandita, the friend of the poor! All glories to Sanātana and Rūpa Gosvāmis, who are oceans of mercy! All glories to the merciful devotees of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu! Have mercy on us, as we are completely dependent on your grace. All glories to the listeners of Bhakti-ratnākara, who possess all devotional qualities! Kindly hear my story.
I have been discussing the affectionate behavior of Sri Jiva Gosvāmi toward Srinivāsa Ācārya and Narottama Mahāśaya. One day Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī decided to send Srinivāsa and Narottama to tour all of the holy places of Vraja. As he wondered who should guide them, Rāghava Gosvāmī arrived from Govardhana. Sri Jiva was very glad to see him and, after seating him, inquired about his well being. Rāghava told Sri Jiva, “I have decided to tour Vraja, and for that purpose I will very soon leave.” Sri Jiva was quite happy to hear that and asked Rāghava to take Srinivāsa and Narottama along with him. Rāghava was pleased with the idea.
Meanwhile, Srinivāsa and Narottama arrived there and bowed at the feet of Sri Jiva and Rāghava. Rāghava embraced Srinivāsa and Narottama very affectionately, making them ecstatic. Sri Jiva Gosvāmi informed them about the tour of the holy places in Vraja. Overwhelmed with joy, they asked permission to leave immediately. In great satisfaction Sri Jiva Gosvāmi then bade farewell to Srinivāsa and Narottama.
Bhakti-ratnäkara –
Srila Narahari Cakravarti Thäkura
Published by Pundarika Vidyänidhi däsa
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