Pictures of the Blessed Vaisnavas and other Nectar

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Diksha Guru of HH BR Sadhu Maharaja

 

His Divine Grace Pujyapada Shrila Bhaktishastri Parampada Dasa Maharaja, dear disciple of the most illustrious Parama Gurudeva His Divine Grace Pujyapada Sri Shrila Prabhu[ada Bhaktisiddhanta Saravati Thakura Prabhupada. He appeared sometime around 1901-1902 as the son of two dear disciple devotees (parents) of Shri Shrila Prabhupada.

 

Later he resided and performed bhajana in the most Holy Dhama of Nityananda-Gauranga and Shrila Gauridasa Pandita: Ambika Kalna, till the age of around 102 years. Ambika Kalna is a small village around 30 kms from Navadvipa where the esoteric meeting of Lord Gauranga and Shrila Gauridasa Pandita (Subala Sakha) took place under a tree.

 

He was the personification of all humility and simplicity and never even knew what words like 'guile', 'deceit' or 'duplicity' mean. He was fully absorbed in chanting the Holy Names constantly and would offer respects and bow down to a new devotee even at his ripe age of of 102 years.

 

He would personaly arrange for prasadam for any visiting devotees at such an age and constantly ask the devotees whether they are fully satisfied. He has so much staunch and intense love for his Guru Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Prabhupada and he was so humble and simple that he did not join any of the factions from Gaudiya Math. He did his bhajana in Ambika Kalna in the most holy place of Subala sakha the most dear cowherd boy to Shrimati Radharani. He was very attached with Sharanagati, the song book of Seventh Goswami Shrila Saccidananda Bhaktivinoda Thakura (which he is holding in his hand in the above picture).

 

He would constantly utter the conclusion of all Vedas: "Worship the Name as God Himself with great faith, determinantion and dedication" This was instructed to him by Shri Shrila Prabhupada Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura himself.

 

He was very learned in the scriptures especially in the holy books of Seventh Goswami Shrila Sacchidananda Bhaktivinoda Thakura. That is why he was given the title of Bhaktishastri by Shri Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Prabhupada himself. He was the headmaster of Mayapura Institute of Shrila Bhaktivinoda Thakura started by Shri Shrila Prabhupada due to his deep knowledge of the scriptures.

 

His father Shriman Krishnadasa Kaviraja Goswami dasa was a most dedicated disciple of Shri Shrila Prabhupada Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura and being an Ayurvedic Kaviraja doctor he would always serve all the devotees of Gaudiya Math with free Ayurvedic treatment. His mother was also a very sincere and noble Dikshita disciple of Shri Shrila Prabhupada Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. Shrila Parampada Dasa Maharaja also received both Harinaam and Diksha initiation from Shri Shrila Prabhupada Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura along with his parents.

 

His father was so attached and dedicated to Shri Shrila Prabhupada Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura that when Shri Shrila Prabhupada decided to start his mission at Chaitanya Math, Mayapura, he took his wife and son and came to stay in Shridham Mayapura which was a jungle at that time. His child Parampada dasa liked Mayapura Dhaam so much that he wanted to stay there forever even though living there was very very austere at that time as it was a forest.

 

Shri Shrila Prabhupada Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura would make Parampada dasa sit on his lap and consider him his own child. Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta gave him a very special service of going to the Ganga daily morning and bringing fresh Ganga water and giving it to the devotees for putting tilaka on their bodies. Even as a child, he would do various services instructed to him by his Gurudeva Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta, his father and other devotees in Mayapura Dhaam.

 

He was very attached to chanting the Holy Names constantly throughout the day while doing his services and would take every chance to read the holy books of Seventh Goswami Shrila Saccidananda Bhaktivinoda Thakura during the day and night. Specifically his extreme humility was beyond comprehension. He was humble and simple just like a child from his appearance to his disappearance and never knew what is duplicity which is why he could easily take constant shelter of the Holy Names.

 

Shri Shrila Prabhupada Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura directly instructed him to always serve his father and mother till the end of their lives as his parents were great devotees of Guru and Gauranga. He carried this order on his head and entered the grihastha ashram so that he could serve his parents properly till their last breath. Though he wanted to reside at the lotus feet of Shri Shrila Prabhupada in Mayapura eternally, he went with his parents to reside at Ambika Kalna and serve them as per his Gurudeva's orders.

 

His wife also left some time around 1960s and he dedicated himself fully to Naam Bhajana in Ambika Kalna at the lotus feet of Shrila Gauridasa Pandita. Due to his advanced, simple, humble and renounced nature, Shrila Bhakti Pramoda Puri Maharaja was his godbrother and intimate friend and would invite him to stay in his Ambika Kalna Math repeatedly and offered him sannyasa etc. But due to his extreme humility and simplicity, he did not want to accept the external robes of the renounced order of life even though internally he was always meditating on the Holy Names. He had absolutely no desire for name, fame and following or disicples. Also being very sincere, he did not want his Naam Bhajana to be affected in any way so he preferred a simple life full of Naam Bhajana and preferred not to get involved in the internal workings of maths etc.

 

Whenever Gurudeva used to be in his presence or outside his kutir, he used to either hear him chanting constantly or requesting him to sing from Sharanagati or asking him if he had taken proper prasadam or telling him to worship the Name with one-pointed attention or he would chant Prabhupada, Prabhupada...and glorify Shri Shrila Prabhupada. It was clear that he was feeling great separation from his Divine Gurudeva.

 

While my spiritual master was engaged in his personal service, His Grace would always order him to go and preach and teach Naam Bhajana especially the glories of Lords Nityananda Gauranga and His Holy Names along with the the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. Even at a very ripe old age of more than hundred years, he did not care at all of his own personal comfort but always wanted the glories of Naam and his Gurudeva Shri Shri Prabhupada spread far and wide. He disappeared in 2004 and rejoined Their Lordships and Shri Shrila Prabhupada in Their eternal pastimes in the spiritual world leaving us in utter grief of separation from his two divine lotus feet. Our only solace and remembrance in his separation is to whole-heartedly follow his instructions to worship and teach about the Holy Name as fully non-different from the Lord Himself. (adapted from the writings of HH BR Sadhu Swami Gaurangapada)

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The calf and cows of Ekachakra Dhaam who are eternal associates of Lord Nityananda taken birth there.

 

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More residents of Ekachakra Dhaam

 

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Ekachakra Dhaam Glories Summary<u1:p></u1:p>

 

 

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The village<st1:place w:st="on"><st1> </st1><st1>Ekacakra</st1></st1:place> was formally located at the far end of what is now known as Birchandrapur. It was centered around the Garbhasa, Jahnu Kunda and the Bakutala. After Lord Nityananda disappeared, the residents of Ekacakra left for other parts of the country and the village was deserted. But Birchandra Gosai again re-established Birchandrapur. At present, approximately 4,000 residents live in the combined Birchandrapur / Ekacakra - gram vicinity.<u1:p></u1:p>

Garbhavasa (Birthplace): There are different holy sites within this area.

<u1:p></u1:p>· Janmasthan Mandir<u1:p></u1:p>

· Hadai Pandit Bhavan<u1:p></u1:p>

· Sasthi Tala<u1:p></u1:p>

· Mala Tala<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>This is the birthplace of Lord Nityananda. Lord Nityananda’s father’s name is Hadai Pandita, and His mother’s name is Padmavati. Another name for Lord Nityananda is Nitai.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>Ekacakra extends north and south for an area of about eight miles. Other villages, namely Viracandra-pura and Virabhadra-pura, are situated within the area of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1>village</st1> of <st1>Ekacakra</st1></st1:place>. In honor of the holy name of Virabhadra Gosvami, these places are renowned as Viracandra-pura and Virabhadra-pura.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p>There is a big festival here on Nityananda Prabhu’s appearance day and also on Gosthastami.<u1:p></u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>This is an interesting place and there are a lot of places to see. I considered myself fortunate to have gone there.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p>How To Get There Ekacakra is located about 165 km (100 miles) northwest of Mayapur and takes about five hours by car or bus. It is 11 miles north of the town of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rampur Hat</st1:place></st1:city> in the district of Birbhum. It is 8 miles east of Mallarapura railway station. After Burdwan station is another branch line, which is called a Loop Line of the eastern railway. This is a station on this line called Mallarapura. Ekacakra is 8 miles east of this railway station.<u1:p></u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>Practicalities<u1:p></u1:p>

There is a small ISKCON temple here, and the local devotee can help show you the area. There is a small guest house for pilgrims at the temple where you can stay over night.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>This village is very small and there are virtually no facilities here, not even a cold drink stand. You should bring bottled water and a flashlight (torch) with you. Not many people come here.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>From Mayapur, the best way to get to Ekacakra is to go by taxi. You could take a taxi in the early morning and reach there before noon. You can see most of the places in about five hours.<u1:p></u1:p>

 

 

<u1:p>Garbhavasa</u1:p><u1:p></u1:p>

 

 

This is the birthplace of Lord Nityananda. In the Janmasthan Mandir there is a Deity of Nitai (Nityananda). Hadai Pandita Bhavan is the site of the original house of Nityananda’s father. The little white temple next to Nitai Kund is the exact spot where Lord Nityananda was born. There are two banyan trees by this temple that are said to have existed since the time of Nityananda.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>In the center of the main altar of the temple is a Deity of Lord Nityananda. To His left, with His hands raised, is Lord Chaitanya. On Nityananda’s right is Advaita Acarya. The side altar has Deities of Radha-Radhakanta and Radha-Shrikanta, a large dancing Gauranga in the center, and ten brass sakhis at the bottom. The temple was constructed by Prasannakumara Karapharma.<u1:p></u1:p>

 

 

<u1:p>Nitai Kunda</u1:p><u1:p></u1:p>

 

 

In this kunda the dhotis, plates, utensils, etc. of Nityananda Prabhu were washed. The pujaris of the temple use water from this kunda for their Deity worship.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>Mala Tala<u1:p></u1:p>

There is an old pippala tree here called Mala Tala. Just before Nityananda departed with the unknown sannyasa, Hadai Pandita came here and chanted japa under this tree. Mala means “japa beads” and tala means “tree.” When Nitai was about to depart Hadai Pandita left his japa beads here due to anxiety.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>Lord Chaitanya came to Ekacakra many years after Nityananda left. It is said that at that time Lord Chaitanya left His flower garland on a branch of this tree. Mala also means “garland.” Therefore also for this reason this tree was called Mala Tala.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>Hantugada, or Jahnu Kund<u1:p></u1:p>

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It is said that Nitai brought all the sacred waters from all the holy places to this kunda to save the local residents from having to journey to the <st1:place w:st="on">Ganges</st1:place> to take a sacred bath. It is named Hantugada because Nityananda Prabhu used to perform the Dadhi-cida festival of distributing chipped rice with yogurt prasada here and He would take the prasada while kneeling down.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>How To Get There You get here by walking east out of the village, past the birthplace. It is a small kunda surrounded by grass and a lone tree, which hangs over the water.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>Padmavati Kunda (Padmavati Puskarini)<u1:p></u1:p>

This kunda (tank) was dug by Lord Nityananda’s grandfather for his daughter (Nityananda’s mother), and he named it after her. This kunda is a nice place to bathe. This kunda is located behind Lord Nityananda’s birthplace.<u1:p></u1:p>

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Pandava Tala<u1:p></u1:p>

 

 

This place is a five minute walk (400m) into the fields, southeast of Lord Nityananda’s birthplace. It is surrounded by a group of Keli-kadamba trees. The Pandavas lived here with their mother, Kunti, when they were exiled to the forest. At that time, Bhima killed the Bakasura demon, who was eating the local residences.<u1:p></u1:p>

Sikhandabi<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>This is where the Bakasura demon lived, who terrorized the people of Ekacakra for many years. The demon used to eat one human being each day from the local villages in the area of Ekacakra. The people set up a system where one person from a different family was sent to Bakasura each day. Queen Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas requested Bhima, who had the strength of 10,000 elephants to kill this demon. Bhima then killed this demon after a furious fight.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>Bakula Tree<u1:p></u1:p>

Between the birth place and Jahnu Kund is a young Bakula tree surrounded by a cement platform. This is the site of the original Bakula tree under which Nitai and His young friends used to perform their childhood pastimes. The present tree is an offspring of the original tree. The original tree’s branches resembled the hoods of a cobra. It is suggested that by the desire of Shri Nityananda Prabhu, Anantadeva manifested Himself in that way. This tree originally had two branches, but later on, when the friends of Nityananda Prabhu felt inconvenience in jumping from one branch to another, Nityananda, by His mercy, merged the two branches into one branch.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p>It is said that the umbilical cord of Nitai is buried underneath this tree. This area was formerly the large estate of Hadai Pandita, the father of Nitai.<u1:p></u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p> Kundu Kunda<u1:p></u1:p>

Nitai used to bath in Kundu Kunda, which is on the east side of the Yamuna.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p> Nityananda Vishram<u1:p></u1:p>

There is an old banyan tree on the bank of the Yamuna called Nityananda Visram Tala, which is said to have existed since the time of Lord Nityananda.<u1:p></u1:p>

 

 

<u1:p>Kadamba Khandi</u1:p><u1:p></u1:p>

 

 

The small <st1>temple</st1> of <st1>Kadam Khandi</st1> marks the spot where Lord Nityananda recovered the Bankima Raya Deity from the <st1>Yamuna</st1><st1> River</st1>, which is also called the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1>Name Maudesvara</st1></st1:place>. In the rear of the temple is a small river (the Yamuna). On the bank of this river is Kadam Khandi Ghata where Bankima Raya was found. Kardam means clay and kundi means “ghata.”<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p> <st1:place w:st="on"><st1></st1></st1:place><u1:p></u1:p>

It is also known as the Maudesvara. This river begins about 10 km (6 miles) from a temple that was established by Siva Singh during Nitai’s childhood.<u1:p></u1:p>

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Virachandrapura Side<u1:p></u1:p>

 

 

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Bankima (Banke) <st1:place w:st="on"><st1>Raya</st1></st1:place><u1:p></u1:p>

 

 

This temple was built under the direction of Virabhadra Gosai, the son of Lord Nityananda. On the altar of this temple is <st1:place w:st="on">Krishna</st1:place> as Bankima Raya, who was originally established by Nityananda Prabhu. On His left is Shrimati Radharani, and on His right is Jahnava Devi. It is said that Lord Nityananda left the planet by entering into this Deity. After Lord Nityananda’s disappearance, The Deity of Jahnava was placed to the right of Bankima Raya. On another throne, to the right of Bankima Raya, is a Deity of Yogamaya.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>In this temple there is also an altar with a Deity of Murali-dhara. It is said that this Deity was given to Padmavati Devi by the sannyasi Nitai went on pilgrimage with when He was 12. On the same altar are Deities of Radha Madhava.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p>To the right of the altar, outside the gate, is another little temple dedicated to Madana Mohana Krishna. On His left is His consort, Radha, and on His right is the gopi Candravali. On the right side is Radha-Vrindavana Candra. These Deities are supposed to have been worshipped for 13 generations and are over 450 years old.<u1:p></u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>The priest says that he is a descendant of Lord Nityananda.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>After Lord Chaitanya went to Jagannatha Puri, He ordered Nityananda to return to <st1:place w:st="on">Bengal</st1:place> and preach. At this time Nityananda returned to Ekacakra after being gone for almost 30 years. By this time His parent had already left this world. He then found the Deity of Bankima Raya in the Yamuna at Kadamba Khandi. He installed this Deity in a temple. Later, a Deity of Shrimati Radharani was discovered in Bhaddhapur, in the locality of Viracandrapura, underneath the roots of a neem tree, about ¾ km (½ mile) west. This Deity was installed to the right of Bankima Raya. For this reason, the Radharani of Bankima Raya was known as Bhaddapurera Thakurani, the mistress of Bhaddhapura.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>The priests who are presently doing the worship in this temple belong to the family of Gopijana-vallabhananda, one of the branches of Nityananda Prabhu. There are three parties of priestly gosvamis who take charge of the temple management one after another.<u1:p></u1:p>

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Vishrama Tala<u1:p></u1:p>

 

 

During the time of Nityananda Prabhu there was a very large, old banyan tree here. It is said that Nityananda Prabhu in His childhood used to enjoy pastimes of Vrindavana with His boy friends here.<u1:p></u1:p>

When Nityananda was leaving with the sannyasi, He told the sannyasi that they should wait a few minutes to see if His mother could bear the separation of His leaving. So they stopped under the banyan tree, that was here. His mother came out of the house crying. Seeing this the sannyasi gave her a black marble Deity called Muralidhara. Soon after Lord Nityananda departed His father gave up his body feeling great separation after Nitai had left<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p>How To Get There This place is close to the Bankima Raya temple.<u1:p></u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>Other Places<u1:p></u1:p>

North of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1>Bankima</st1><st1> Raya</st1><st1> Temple</st1></st1:place> is a temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath and Sakshi Gopal. In this temple there is a deity of Ekacakra Siva, also known as Bhandisvara, who Hadai Pandita, the father of Lord Nityananda, is said to have worshiped.<u1:p></u1:p>

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Sveta Ganga<u1:p></u1:p>

 

 

There is a small kunda between the road and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1>Bankima</st1><st1> </st1></st1:place>called Sveta Ganga. Its water is used to worship Bankima Raya. It was dug by 1200 shaktas of the Nedadi sampradaya who approached Jahnava Mata, the wife of Lord Nityananda, to test Her potency.<u1:p></u1:p>

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Amalitala<u1:p></u1:p>

 

 

Near the Bankima Raya temple is a place named Amalitala, which is so named because of a big tamarind tree there.<u1:p></u1:p>

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Other Places<u1:p></u1:p>

 

 

The local residences say that Radha Kunda, also known as Raya Pukur, and Syama Kunda (Syama Pukur) are located on the western side of the Virachandrapur village in some fields. The local residents most likely will have to point them out to you.<u1:p></u1:p>

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The local residents also say that south of the<st1:place w:st="on"><st1> </st1><st1>Bankima Raya</st1></st1:place>, outside the village in the fields lies Govardhana Hill, which is a small mound 1/5 acre in size.<u1:p></u1:p>

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East from there, across the road, just past a bridge that crosses the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1> Yamuna</st1> <st1> River</st1></st1:place>, is Kaliya Damana Ghata. It is marked by a sole tree overhanging the Yamuna, on the northern bank of the river, close to the bridge.

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Navadvipa-dhama-mahatmya<u1:p></u1:p>

 

 

 

Parikrama-khanda<u1:p></u1:p>

 

 

 

Chapter Seven<u1:p></u1:p>

 

 

 

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Shri Suvarnavihara and Shri Devapalli<u1:p></u1:p>

 

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All glories to Shri Chaitanyacandra! All glories to Prabhu Nityananda! All glories to Advaita and Gadadhara! All glories to the devotees addicted to Gauranga's feet headed by Shrivasa! And all glories to Navadvipa, the topmost abode!<u1:p></u1:p>

 

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Leaving Vishrama-sthana, the party proceeded to Suvarna-vihara. There, Nityananda said, "O Jiva, this is a wonderful place. Like the rest of Navadvipa, it is transcendental to material nature. During Satya-yuga, a well-known king named Suvarna Sena lived here. For a long time he was simply engaged in ruling the kingdom, and even when he grew old he took no rest. The king's mind was absorbed in material hankering, and he was always thinking how to increase his wealth. Who knows by what good fortune Narada happened to come there? After being profusely worshiped by the king, Narada took him to a secluded place and mercifully instructed him on the Absolute Truth.<u1:p></u1:p>

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"Narada spoke as follows: `O king, your days are going by uselessly with thoughts of material wealth and gain. Know that this wealth is of no value. The supreme wealth is spiritual knowledge. Just once consider this in your heart. You have no real relationship with your wife, sons, or friends. After your death they will immerse your body in the water and return to their homes. If one can not claim anything as his own, then why hold on to this false hope and aspiration, this thirst for material objects-which are like a drop of water with no capacity to quench the thirst? If you think that by getting happiness you can avoid distress, and therefore you must earn wealth, that is also false. Because this life itself is impermanent, lasting not more than a hundred years.<u1:p></u1:p>

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"`Therefore, know the truth. You must go beyond this world of illusion, to the place where there is happiness without pain. By what process can one attain a result in which there is no fear, pain, or grief? Simply by renunciation or cultivating knowledge, one cannot get this result. By vairagya and jnana one can get freedom from material bondage and merge into the Brahman, but in Brahman there is no bliss. Rather, I say, merging into Brahman is utterly condemned, for it is annihilation of the self. By this liberation you will lose material enjoyment, and nothing good is gained. Just consider that aspect of liberation.<u1:p></u1:p>

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"`The wise man does not accept the path of material enjoyment or liberation, bhukti or mukti, but rather engages in devotional service to Shri Krishna. That person is free from the attraction to material enjoyment and completely attracted to serving the lotus feet of <st1:place w:st="on">Krishna</st1:place>.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

"`The process of bhakti may be divided into three parts: sambandha, abhidheya, and prayojana. The living entity is the servant of <st1:place w:st="on">Krishna</st1:place>, therefore without performing devotional service, everything is lost. The tree of bhakti, however, bears fruit in the form of love of God. That fruit is the necessity, or ultimate goal, and eternal treasure of all living entities. Bhukti and mukti are insignificant in comparison. <u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

"`<st1:place w:st="on">Krishna</st1:place> is the sun, full of knowledge and bliss. Maya is His shadow, or perverted reflection. The living entity is an infinitesimal particle of <st1:place w:st="on">Krishna</st1:place>'s effulgence. Because of his marginal nature (tatastha), when the living entity contacts maya, then maya captures and binds him. When one goes away from <st1:place w:st="on">Krishna</st1:place>, he can only go towards maya. By maya's contact, the living entity becomes attached to fruitive activities. In maya's net, one suffers while wandering throughout the universe. Karma and jnana promise relief from the suffering and deliverance from this world, but they are unable to give it.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

"`Sometimes one takes to the regulative activities of the Vedas for material gain, sometimes one takes to the eightfold path of yoga, sometimes one takes to discussion on knowledge of Brahman, and sometimes one takes to logic and argument. But ultimately there is no success, for one does not consider the treasure held within his own soul, the actual nature of his soul.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

"`While wandering from body to body, if he happens to meet a pure devotee, he will receive real shraddha, pure faith. By association with the devotees, he will eventually take to the worship of <st1:place w:st="on">Krishna</st1:place> and then give up all unwanted habits (anarthas). Then he becomes firmly fixed (nishtha) in devotional service. As one continues to engage in devotional service, he develops taste (ruci). Gradually this taste leads to attachment (asakti). This turns to bhava, and bhava becomes prema. This is the progression of pure bhakti.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

"`Hearing, chanting, remembering, serving, worshiping, bowing down, servitude, friendship, and self surrender-these are the ninefold processes. One who performs these in the association of devotees attains krishna-prema.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

"`You are very fortunate, for your kingdom is in Navadvipa. Your residence here is the beginning of your good fortune. Now develop your faith by associating with devotees and singing the name of <st1:place w:st="on">Krishna</st1:place>, let the sun of prema rise in your heart.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

"`Fortunate will be the coming of Kali-yuga, for <st1:place w:st="on">Krishna</st1:place> will bring His associates here and manifest His pastimes as Gauranga. One who chants Gaura's name will get the mercy of <st1:place w:st="on">Krishna</st1:place>, and he will be able to live in Vrindavana. One who worships Krishna without chanting the name of Gaura will get <st1:place w:st="on">Krishna</st1:place> only after a long time. But he who takes Gaura's name quickly gets <st1:place w:st="on">Krishna</st1:place>, for offenses do not remain within him.'<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

"While saying this, Narada lost control of himself and began to dance and chant the name of Gaura. `Gaurahari bol!' the vina joined in. `O Gaurahari! When will blessed Kali-yuga come?' Saying this, Narada went off, leaving the king filled with prema. Crying the name of Gauranga, dancing, and begging love of God from the devotees, he became free from material hankerings. Later, while sleeping, the king saw Gauranga and Gadadhara with their associates dancing in the courtyard. Surrounding the golden form of Gaura, they were all chanting `Hare Krishna!' while dancing and embracing one another.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

"Awakening, the king was in anguish and began weeping in separation from Gauranga. Then a voice spoke. `O king, when I appear, you will be amongst My associates. Your name will be Buddhimanta Khan. You will receive the transcendental dhama and serve the lotus feet of Gauranga.' Hearing this, the king became composed and began to worship Gauranga."<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

When Nityananda finished His story, Shrivasa, who is an empowered incarnation of Narada Muni, fell unconscious. Overcome by great ecstasy and intoxicated with the nectar of Gaura's name, Shri Jiva also fell flat on the earth.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

"O Lord Gauranga, will I ever be able to see Your golden jewel-like figure here?" Jiva repeatedly called out. At that time, Gauranga's kirtana party became visible before their eyes. Nectar was defeated by the beautiful form of Gauranga, who then began dancing. Then Nityananda Prabhu, along with Advaita and all the other devotees, began to sing Gauranga's glories. The sound of mridangas and karatalas joined in as that sweet display of sankirtana manifested the previous pastime. The bliss of that scene, which lasted uptil midday, is impossible to describe.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

Then, singing loudly the glories of Gauranga, the party of pilgrims entered Devapalli. In that village, they took rest as the guests of the presiding Deity, Nrisimha, and then took their midday meals. At the last minutes of daylight, as they all wandered in the village, Nityananda spoke: "This is Devapalli, and here is the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1>temple</st1> of <st1>Nrisimhadeva</st1></st1:place><st1:place w:st="on"></st1:place>, well known since Satya-yuga. After bestowing His mercy on Prahlada by killing Hiranyakashipu, the Lord came here to rest.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

"Brahma and the other demigods made their houses here and formed a village. This village was established on tilas, hillocks, here on the bank of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1>Mandakini</st1><st1> River</st1></st1:place>, and all the residents were absorbed in the worship of Nrisimhadeva. According to the scriptures, this village in Navadvipa, named Shri Nrisimha-kshetra, is most purifying.<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

"See here Surya-tila and Brahma-tila and to the east was Nrisimha-tila. The place is now transformed. See there Ganesha-tila, and over there is Indra-tila. Though Vishvakarma built hundreds of jeweled houses here, in time, all were destroyed, and the Mandakini dried up. Now only the hillocks mark the places. See these countless broken stones, the remnants of the temples. Again in the future, one devotee king will receive a drop of Nrisimha's mercy, and he will make a large temple, reinstall Nrisimha, and take up service to Nrisimha again. This is on the border of the Navadvipa parikrama within the sixteen kroshas."<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

 

 

Giving up the net of maya and having only the wealth of the lotus feet of Nitai and Jahnava, this beggar, Bhaktivinoda, sings the glories of Navadvipa, which have no limit.<u1:p></u1:p>

 

 

 

<u1:p> </u1:p>

 

 

 

<u1:p> </u1:p>

 

 

 

<u1:p> </u1:p>

 

 

 

<u1:p> </u1:p>

 

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Shrimati Jahnava Mata

(from the book Lord Caitanya's Eternal Associates)

<u1:p> </u1:p>

Shri Surjadas Sarakhela was a resident of Shaligram. He had five brothers, Damodar, Jagannath, Gauri das, <st1:place w:st="on">Krishna</st1:place> das and Nrsimha Chaitanya. His father's name was Shri Kamsari Misra and his mother's name, Shri Kamala debi. He received the title "Sarakhela" as he used to keep the accounts for the king of Gaur desh. His two daughters were named Shri Basudha and Shri Jahnava. Jahnava was the youngest. <u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

In Gaurganoddeshdipika it is stated that these two daughters are the expansions of Baruni and Revati in Brindaban and Surjadas Sarakhela, whose body effulgence is like the sun, is an expansion of Kakudmi, the king of Raivat. The two Lords Gauranga and Nityananda were very affectionate to him. <u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

Seeing that his two daughters had reached the full bloom of their youth, he began to contemplate their marriage. While thinking in this way, he fell asleep. In his dream he saw that in a very happy mood he was presenting his two daughters to Nityananda Prabhu. Having seen such a wonderful dream, he began to float in an ocean of bliss. <u1:p></u1:p>

In the morning when he awoke, he told his dream to one brahmana friend of his, "I saw in my dream that Nityananda Prabhu is none other than Baladeb. His bodily effulgence was shining in all directions and his body was decorated with various shining ornaments. On either side of him my two daughters appeared as Baruni and Revati. Now if I cannot give my daughters in marriage to Nityananda Prabhu then there will be no peace for me." <u1:p></u1:p>

Having confided in his friend in this way, he sent him to the house of Shribas Pandit in Nabadwip. That brahmana came to Nabadwip very quickly and found that Nityananda Prabhu was living at Shribas Pandit's house. The brahmana explained everything in detail to Shribas Pandit who later, at the proper time, divulged all of this news to Nityananda Prabhu. Lord Nityananda having assured the brahmana that he would fulfill the desire of Surja das, sent him back to Saligram. <u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

Adwaita Acarja, as well as Shribas Pandit, was very happy to have heard this news and urged that the marriage take place as soon as possible. The brahmana, in the meantime having returned to Saligram, delivered this auspicious news to Surja das who was overjoyed that his dream would now come true. <u1:p></u1:p>

In the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1>village</st1></st1:place><st1:place w:st="on"> of <st1>Borgachi</st1></st1:place> lived the son of Raja Hari Hora, Shri Krishna das, who was a very dear devotee of Nityananda Prabhu. He offered to bear all of the expenses for the wedding and to have it conducted at his house. With this in mind he requested Nityananda Prabhu to kindly come to his house, and after bringing him there he began to make the necessary arrangements for the wedding. Shribas Pandit, Shri Adwaita Acarja, Shri Candrasekhar, Shri Murari Gupta and many other devotees all arrived and began Harinam Sankirtan. <u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

Surja das Pandit's brother, Shri Krishna das soon arrived at Borgachi to escort Nityananda Prabhu and the other devotees with Him to Saligrama. When Surjadas saw that the devotees along with Nityananda Prabhu had arrived, he came out to greet them in great happiness and then ushered them into his house where he offered his dandavats to Lord Nityananda. Surja das fell down at the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda, his eyes brimming with tears of ecstatic love. He caught hold of His two lotus feet and wanted to offer some prayers but he could not express anything due to being overcome by ecstatic emotions. Lord Nityananda smiled sweetly and embraced him in great love. Surjadas was always absorbed in intense happiness. Who can understand his inner self. Seeing these loving pastimes of his brother, Gauri das lost his patience and felt great bliss within himself. Then, after worshipping the two lotus feet of Lord Nityananda, he offered his two daughters in marriage to him. Thus the marriage ceremony was very auspiciously performed and Nityananda Prabhu remained at Saligram with his two newly wedded wives for a few days. <u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

Thereafter Nityananda Prabhu came to Shri Krishna das's house at Borgachi, where he remained for a couple of days. Next He came to Nabadwip. Along with his two wives He offered His obeisances at the feet of Saci Mata. Saci Ma was extremely pleased to see them and she showed a great deal of affection to the new brides. The other Baisnabs also began to show them great affection. Then, taking leave of Sacimata, Nityananda came to Adwaita Acarja's house in Santipur. Shri Sita Thakurani began to float in the ocean of bliss after seeing Basudha and Jahnava debi. She lovingly embraced them, showing her great affection to the new brides. After remaining there for a few days Nityananda Prabhu came to Uddharon Datta Thakur's house at Saptagram at his insistent invitation. There they all engaged in a festival of sankirtan for a few days after which Nityananda Prabhu came to Khardaha.<u1:p></u1:p>

[bhakti Ratnakar 12th Taranga]<u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

After the disappearance of Shri Adwaita Acarja, Shri Nityananda Prabhu, Shribas Pandit and various other associates of Shri Gaursundar, three especially empowered manifestations of the compassion of the Lord, (Mahaprabhu), namely Shrinibas Acarja, Narottam Thakur Mahasoy and Shyamananda Prabhu continued to flood the land with Hari Nam Sankirtan. Shri Nityananda Prabhu's sakti Shri Jahnava Mata, was especially requested by these three Acarjas to be present at the celebrated festival conducted by them at Kheturigram, under the patronage of Narottam Thakur Mahasoy's cousin, Raja Santosh Datta. Present with her were Shri Krishna das Misra (her uncle), Mineketan Ramdas, Murari Chaitanya, Gyan das, Shri Paramesvari das, Balarama das, Shri Brindavan das Thakur, and other dear devotees of Lord Nityananda Prabhu. First she came to her uncle Gauri das Pandit's temple at Kalna where she was nicely received by Hrdoy Chaitanya Prabhu. Here she cooked for the two Lords, NitaiGauranga, and in the evening they had a festival of sankirtan. <u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

When she came to Nabadvip and realized that she wouldn't be able to see Shri Saci Mata any more, she was very sad and cried. Then Shripati and Shrinidhi came and took her to their house. But again she was plunged into grief due to the pangs of separation at not being able to see Shribas Pandit and Malini debi. At Santipur Shri Acyutananda and Gopal tried to console her in the absence of Adwaita Acarja and Sita Thakurani. Then she came by way of Kantak Nagar to Teliya Bhudari gram where Shri Govinda Kabiraj received her with all respect. <u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

The next day the party set out for Kheturi. When they reached the banks of the Padma river they found that Raja Santosh Datta had already made arrangements for crossing the river. From the opposite bank palanquins were waiting to take them to Kheturi. <u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

After presiding over the festival of Kheturi, Ma Jahnava decided to go to Brindavan. One day when she was bathing in the Jamuna, a small black hand grabbed the end of her cloth as she was getting out of the water. When she looked, however, there was no one there. Then Gopinath spoke to her, "I want to come and stay with you. When you're taking bath in the <st1:place w:st="on">Ganga</st1:place> one day I'll come and join you." After passing some days in great happiness in Shri Brindaban Dham, Shri Jahnava Mata set out on the path back to Gaur desh. <u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

First she came to Kheturi, and then to Bhudari gram where she arranged the marriage of Bor Ganga das with Shri Hemalata, the daughter of Shri Shyamdas Cakravarti (brother of Bansi das). After the marriage, Shri Iswari (Ma Jahnava), entrusted the worship of Shyamsundorji to Borganga das. Then she came to Ekcakra, the birthplace of her worshippable Lord. From there she passed through Kantak Nagar, Jajigram, Nabadwip, Ambika Kalna and Saptagram, before finally arriving back at Khardaha. <u1:p></u1:p>

As she was bathing in the <st1:place w:st="on">Ganges</st1:place> one day, something touched her body in the water. She lifted that object out of the water and beheld the enchanting form of Shri Gopinathji, while tears of love streamed from her eyes. This Deity is at present being worshipped by the descendants of <st1:place w:st="on">Ganga</st1:place> debi, the daughter of Nityananda Prabhu, at Jirat, Hugli. There is a rail station at Jirat between Bandel and Kalna station on the Howrah-Nabadwip line. From the Jirat station one should proceed by rickshaw to Gopinath Tala. <u1:p></u1:p>

<u1:p> </u1:p>

"Having fallen into the ocean of material existence I am completely distraught and filled with anxiety. Floating in this ocean, without any refuge, I am trying to find a shore; but without any success. I am losing all hope of ever finding it. What activity will bring me there; or what knowledge will bring me there? Conducting some fruitive sacrifices, engaging in some mystic yoga process or performing austerities, none of these have any power or effect. I am getting very weak and I cannot swim much longer. Now in this extremely dangerous situation, will no one come to save me? Alas! To make matters worse; having caught sight of the crocodiles of worldly affairs, I am petrified with fear and the current of lust is always churning the water. I can barely keep my head above the water, the winds carrying the results of activities performed in previous lives, is blowing and making the water so choppy. I am losing my mind and now I am simply crying frantically. I can't see anyone who can get me out of this ocean of woes. O my dear Shri Jahnava debi, please have compassion on your servant and bless me with some of your divine qualities. Please extend me the rope of your mercy and alleviate this intense pain that I am experiencing. I have taken shelter of the boat of your lotus feet and I have full faith that you can carry me across this ocean. You are the divine energy of Lord Nityananda and the bestower of <st1:place w:st="on">Krishna</st1:place> bhakti. Please bless me at your feet, which can bestow all one's desires. You have already delivered so many despicable creatures, now today here is one more destitute and hateful wretch, come to your lotus feet." <u1:p></u1:p>

[Kalyan Kalpataru / Bhaktivinode Thakur]

[mahak 0]

Lord Parasurama

 

 

nectar from http://www.glimpseofkrishna.com/

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nectar from www.glimpseofkrishna.com

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[bija 0]

Last week I received tulasi japa mala from my Gurumaharaja (after a wait of three years) via post.The mala comes from Gambhira, as Gurumaharaja lives in Puri.

 

So along with the mala he sent about eight cd/dvd. On one cd is an album called 'Sadhana Bhakti'. It is real nice and it has a very sweet version of 'Tulasi kirtana' on it. So this has been my meditation this week.

 

In the package he sent was a small bottle of water from Sri Paramananda Puri's well. Unfortunately the bottle all leaked out. But it soaked the Tulasi mala. So this is very nice.

 

I have barely glimpsed or even began to appreciate how beautiful this bhakti-yoga is. This kirtana would have to be the most beautiful conception I have ever heard.

 

Dear devotees please relish...Jaya Srila Prabhupada!

 

 

Sri Tulasi-kirtana

namo namah tulasi krsna preyasi namo namah

O Tulasi, beloved of Krsna, I bow before you again and again.

radha-krsna-seva pabo ei abhilasi

My desire is to obtain the service of Sri Sri Radha-Krsna.

je tomara sarana loy, <st1:place w:st="on">tara</st1:place> vancha purna hoy

krpa kori’koro tare brindavana-basi

Whoever takes shelter of you has his wishes fulfilled.

Bestowing your mercy on him, you make him a resident

Of Vrindavana.

mor ei abhilas, bilas kunje dio vas

nayane heribo sada jugala-rupa-rasi

My desire is that you will also grant me a residence in

The pleasure groves of Sri Vrindavana-dhama. Thus,

Within my vision I will always behold the beautiful

Pastimes of Radha and Krsna.

ei nivedana dharo, sakhir anugata koro

seva-adhikara diye koro nija dasi

I beg you to make me a follower of the cowherd damsels

Of Vraj. Pleasegive me the priviledge of devotional

Service and make me your maidservant.

dina krsna-dase koy, ei <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">jena</st1:place></st1:city> mora hoy

sri-radha-govinda-preme sada <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">jena</st1:place></st1:city> bhasi

This very fallen and lowly servant of Krsna prays,

“May I always swim in the love of Sri Radha and

Govinda”.

 

 

 

 

Shri Paramananda Puri

 

Shri Paramananda Puri took birth in the province of Trihuta, which is today comprised of Majahfarpur, Dwarbhanga and Chapra districts. He was the dear disciple of Shri Madhabendra Puri. [C.B.Ant 3.178]

 

The first meeting of Mahaprabhu and Paramananda Puri took place in South India at Rsabha Parvata. Paramananda Puri was present there at that time for the four months of the rainy season (caturmasya). Hearing this auspicious news, Mahaprabhu went to meet him and offered His obeisances at his feet. Paramananda Puri in turn embraced Prabhu in great love. For three days they remained absorbed in talks of Shri Krishna, staying together in Puri Gosai's room. Paramananda Puri told Mahaprabhu that he would be going to Purusottam (Puri) and then on to Gaur (Bengal) to take bath in the Ganges. Mahaprabhu requested him to return from there to Nilacal as He would Himself be going there from Setubandha. Mahaprabhu expressed His desire that the two of them could reside there together, "Being kind upon me, please come to Nilacal." Saying this He took permission to leave and set out for the South, feeling very joyful. Paramananda Puri now bent his way towards Puri.

 

According to Gaur ganoddesa dipika, Paramananda Puri was formerly Shri Uddhab in Krishna lila. Mahaprabhu respected Puri Gosai as his guru and whenever He received any invitation to honour the Lord's prasadam, He would always take Paramananda Puri with Him. Puri Gosvami was in turn very affectionate to Mahaprabhu in the mood of parental love. Mahaprabhu arranged one room and a servant for him at Kasi Misra Bhavan. Later on Puri Gosai took up residence at one Math on the western side of Lord Jagannath's temple.

 

One day, Lord Chaitanya took Gadadhar Pandit with Him and paid a visit to Paramananda Puri. There at the Matha , one well had been dug recently but the water was not very nice. Therefore Paramananda Puri was somewhat dissatisfied. Mahaprabhu, though He was aware of everything, still inquired, "Gosaiji, how is the water in your well?"

 

Shri Puripad replied, "This well is very unfortunate. The water is more like mud than water."

 

Mahaprabhu was sad to hear this and therefore He raised up His two arms and prayed to Lord Jagannath, "Lord Jagannath, please bestow this blessing upon Me, that Ganga water will enter into this well."

 

At that very moment, Gangadebi accepted the Lord's order on her head and entered into the well and filled it with her presence. The devotees could understand that due to the Lord's prayer, Gangadebi had made her appearance. They circumambulated the well and offered their obeisances.

 

Mahaprabhu immediately came there after receiving this auspicious news. Seeing the pristine water, He remarked, "Please hear me, Oh devotees! Whoever takes bath in or drinks this water will receive the same benefit as one does by bathing in or drinking Ganges water. He will attain pure devotion to Krishna."

 

Every day, Puri Gosai would first come to take darshan of Mahaprabhu, and then attend to any other activities. Mahaprabhu would in turn always look after him and see to his needs. Mahaprabhu announced, "I am in this world only due to the affection of Puri Gosvami. I belong to him and not to any other. He can sell Me anywhere He likes. Whoever simply sees him becomes the object of Shri Krishna's affection".

 

As Puri Gosai was the life and soul of Mahaprabhu, Mahaprabhu was similarly the life and soul of Puri Gosai.

[C.B.Ant.3.237-255]

 

Puri Gosvami's well can still be found at Jagannath Puri within one police camp on the way to Lokanath Mandir.