The Western Part

 

The First Wave

 

Glory to Syamananda, the deliverer of the sinners and the life wealth of Rasika Deva. Syamananda next went to the city of Kesiari where he arranged for a Thakurani Deity for Syama Raya. Then on the occasion of the marriage ceremony of Syama Raya he held three joyful festivals which delighted the local citizens. At that time Shri Purusottama, Damodara, Mathura dasa, Hara Ghosa, Mahapatra and Dvija Haridasa took initiation and dedicated themselves to the service of Syamananda. After this he went to Dharenda taking Syama Raya with him. While there he made a request to his followers who included Rasika, Damodara, Netrananda, Kisora, Thakura Haridasa, Bhima, Shrikara, Rasamaya and Vamsi dasa. He said, "Now is the month of Vaisakha and on the full moon day the moon will be bright and the night clear. Let us hold a rasa yatra festival and invite everyone to participate. You should begin to carry the necessary items and inform all the kings as well as their subjects to contribute according to their capacity." He also said that Rasamaya's house would be a suitable place to hold the festival. In pursuance of the order of Syamananda Rasika immediately went out to beg while Syamananda went to Govindapura.

 

The rasa yatra festival was to be held in Shri Gopivallabhapura. At that place Rasika had hundreds of his followers clear the area by cutting down all the thorny groves and then they built a pandal. While Rasika went for begging he ordered that Dinasyama, Ramakrishna, Narayana dasa, Syamagopala, Rasamaya and Vamsi dasa manage everything. Rasika has such items as rice and pulses kept in a godown. He gathered hundreds of buckets of wheat flour, sugar, ghee, oil, molasses and betel nuts. There were varieties of spices and fruits gathered and many different kinds of sweets were prepared and kept in jars. Seeing the vast stock of items everyone said that the goddess of fortune, Lakshmi Devi, had settled in that place. The rasa mandali was constructed having eight corners andthen decorated with paintings. Large blocks of wood were placed around the arena and four doors were made with a dias in the middle. The dias was nicely decorated with jewelled curtains and the pandal was also decorated with colourful cloth and garlands of flowers. Musical instruments were established in different places and flags were also used or decoration. A throne covered by a canopy was placed in the middle and it stood beneath a golden desire tree which shone brightly. Eight images of Krishna were placed in eight corners together with eight Thakuranis.

 

Although it is not possible to descrive all the qualities of Rasika by his grace I have tried to give a brief description of his pastimes beginning from his childhood. This is the first description of the Western part of the Rasika-mangala which is composed by the son of Rasamaya who takes the feet of Syamananda as his ornament.

 

 

The Second Wave

 

Glory to Syamananda, the image of sweetness. May he favour ne to constantly sing his glories.

 

Within a year Rasika completed all the arrangements and by the month of Vaisakha, in the spring, on the full moon day, the Rasa yatra began. Syamananda came there first bringing Hrdayananda very carefully with him. Anlia Thakura came with Vidyutmala Thakurani. Thakura Suvala dasa accompanied Jagatvallabha in kirtana and Syama, Mathura dasa and an instrumentalist named Vallabha came with Hrdayananda. Bera Balarama das Thakura and the sons and grandsons of Nityananda came as well as the sons and grandsons of Advaita. There was also the disciples and granddisciples of the Dvadasa Gopala, the servants and the servants of the servants of the sixty-four mahantas as well as Ramadasa Thakura, Vairagi Krishnadasa, Shri Prasada Thakura and Shri Jagannatha dasa. All of the devotees residing in Dvaraka, Mathura, Vrndavana and Nilacala came to see the Rasa festival. Hundreds of Kings came there as well as countless brahmins, sannyasis, saints and ordinary citizens. Even women and children along with elderly persons locked up their homes and came there. The place became so crowded that there was not even room for a mustard seed. The Vaishnavas performed the Adhivasa ceremony first with clothes and ornaments. A water pot was placed in the centre and turmeric, rice, grass, a twig of mango and a coconut were all offered on the pot. Curd, milk, ghee, honey, sugar along with garlands, sandal, clothes and ornaments were all placed in a container and then kumkum, red powder dust and perfumes were collected. After the Adhivasa ceremony Rasika worshipped Syamananda and then the feet of Hrdayananda. Next he worshipped Tulasi dasa, the leader of the sankirtana group by offering him a garland, sandal, cloth and ornaments. One by one he worshipped all his godbrothers, disciples and the mahantas.

 

In the evening Rasika began the festival by having hundreds of servants enter the stock room and distribute sida among the kings, their subjects, the Vaishnavas and the brahmins. Hundreds of servants brought water to wash the banana leaves and they were placed before Lord Krishna with various foodstuffs on them. A brahmana priest offered the foodstuff to Krishna and then the prasada was distributed. The invitees took their seats in groups of hundreds and there were hundreds of brahmins engaged in cooking and serving. After eating there were hundreds of servants engaged in cleaning the place. The grandeur of the festival astonished everyone and even demigods came there mingling with the ordinary people. In disguise he demigods even engaged in cooking and serving the prasada but no one could recognise them. It was not possible for an ordinary person to hold such a festival but this was all the pastime of Rasika. Rasika had rehearsed a group of children to dance as the eight sakhis along with Krishna. The eight boys dressed as sakhis were Daivaki dasa, Gokula, Gopijanavallabha, the son of Rasamaya, Gaura, Gopala, Balaka Gokula, Narayana dasa and Bhupura. Raghunatha was dressed as Krishna. They were all wonderful dancers.

 

Those who were sakhis had their hair arranged in plaits surrounded by flower garlands and decorated with jewelled ornaments. They wore pearl necklaces and their foreheads were decorated with kumkum and sandal and a dot of red powder dust was paonted between the eyebrows while their eyes were blackened with collyrium. Their lips were reddened with betal leaves and they wore colouful clothes of different styles. With their ornaments on their wrists, rings on their fingers and tingling ankle bells they looked exactly like the women of Vraja. The bot dressed as Krishna wore a yellow cloth and a crown bedecked with shining jewels and a peacock feather. At that time the place was transformed into Vrndavana and everyone was absorbed in divine enjoyment with no touch of misery in their mind. Everyone was friendly to one another and they even forgot the difference between day and night. It was all the effort of Rasika, to whom Lord Krishna was his life, caste and creed. How is it possible to describe the glory of Rasika. Making the feet of Syamananda his ornament this son of Rasamaya narrates Rasika-mangala.

 

 

The Third Wave

 

Glory to Syamananda the only refuge og the poor, the life long frien of Vallabha and the son of Durika. Shri Gopivallabhapura was a beautiful place situated on the banks of Suvarnarekha surrounded by deep forests. It was here that all the demigods came to observe the Rasa festival. The sound of the different musical instruments like the dundubhi playing in the sankirtana made the earth tremble and shiver. It was the season of spring on the full moon night in the month of Vaisakha and the sky was clear. Krishna sat on the throne under the desire tree and began to play His flute. The sweet sound addressed the gopis and one by one they came running to Him. When they saw His face they lost all control of their senses and tears fell from their eyes soaking their clothes. Seeing the gopis, Lord Krishna sat with His head down leaning against the trunk of the tree. Seeing Lord Krishna's sad face the gopis asked Him, "Why are You so sad?" Krishna sweetly replied, "Why did you leave your household duties to come to this forest in the dead of night. You have seen the blue waters of the Yamuna, the beautiful blossoming trees and you have seen Me so if you have affection for Me you should go back. Your relatives are impatiently searching for you. You should save your husbands and worship them as you would worship Vishnu. Even though he may be poor, or sorry, or patient you should regard him like Vishnu so go and do it and don't roam in the forest." Rasika cited this episode from the Rasa Pancadhayaya of Bhagavata and the boys expertly acted the roles while musicians playing pakhoaja, mrdanga, dampha, dhola, vina, venu, murati, svaramandala, kapinasa, madola, karatala and mandira efficiently accompanied him. One by one all of the different pastimes were performed with such devotion that the walking, singing and dancing charmed the spectators.

 

When the gopis heard the unsympathetic words of Krishna they lowered their heads, their lips became dry and tears wet their clothes and washed His feet. They told Krishna, "Listen Prabhu, O ocean of favour, Your flute has called our names and drawn us here. We cannot remain at home while our minds are agitated. We left our household duties, sons and husbands to come to this forest just to see Your feet and now You are ordering us to go back. You have quoted from the Vedas but the four Vedas although they worship Your feet cannot attain them. The denizens of heaven and saintly persons all meditate on those lotus feet which we have been so fortunate to see. So when we have had such good fortune, what duties are left for us at home. Without You the thunder may come on our sources of happiness. You are our wealth, our relative, our friend and husband. Without the shelter of Your feet we know nothing. You have taught us service to husbamd and guru but You are the lord of all, You are the life of the universe and You are existing in all created beings. Indeed You are the protector of all. Knowing this how can we give up Your lotus feet which are attained only after many austerities. Without the shelter of Your lotus feet we cannot live for a second and have no hope. If You are not kind to us we will surely die." After hearing these words from the gopis the lotus Lord called them with a smile and they gathered around Him and danced the Rasa. As the boys danced sankirtana was performed and the happiness of Vrndavana was manifested. Everyone said that Rasika must be a second Narayana for the pastimes he enacted in even a second cannot be described by millions of mouths. By his grace I have given a brief description. Making the feet of Syamananda my ornament the son of Rasamaya narrates Rasika-mangala.

 

 

The Fourth Wave

 

Glory to Syamananda, the deliver of the universe. May he favour me to sing his glory. Shri Gopivallabhapura became a second Vrndavana with an ocean of sankirtana, the sweet sound of the instruments, the graceful dancing of the boys and the jewelled throne under the desire tree. In the midst of the transcendental enjoyment the next morning came. As the children returned to their homes it was as if Krishna was returning home surrounded by the Vraja gopis. As they went they charmed all the spectators by performing different pastimes of Krishna. On eof the children announced, "Krishna is charmed by all of us." On hearing the proud words of the gopis Krishna disappeared and when the gopis were unable to see Him they fainted. Vrndavati was a fortunate gopi whom Krishna took with Him but for the other gopis, after coming back to their senses had to search for Him by following His footprints on the ground. As they searched they remembered how they had talked, layghed, walked and enjoyed seeing Krishna abd thus they wept. They asked the trees if they had seen the Lord of their life but the trees said they had only seen Lord Narayana go by. They searched along the bank of the Yamuna and asked her if she had seen the son of Nanda. As they searched they remembered His pastimes and one gopi exclaimed, "I have killed Putana." And one gopi took hold of anothers breast as if to suck it. Someone said, "I have broken the carriage." And another began to roll on the ground crying. One gopi said, "I have killed Trnavarta," while another said, "I have killed the Vaka demon." One gopi said, "I am Krishna," and began to play on the flute while another said, "I am lifting Goverdhana Hill, let Indra come and do whatever he likes. I want to see his power." One gopi said, "I have dominated Kaliya." and another said, "I have destroyed the forest fire." One gopi had a colth tied around her waist and said, "I have broken the Yamalarjuna trees," and another said, "The gopi Krishna has taken with Him is indeed fortunate. She is able to worship those lotus feet which Lakshmi always desires to keep in her heart." As the gopis roamed in the forest remembering the Lord's pastimes that gopi whom Krishna had taken with Him told Krishna, "I cannot walk any longer." Hearing this Krishna replied, "Let Me carry You on My shoulder." Then after walking a few steps Krishna disappeared and the gopi fell on the ground. Thus She loudly lamented and te other gopis hearing her cries came running to her. The the gopis being `tadatmika' began to remember the qualities of Krishna.

 

In this way the children performed all the pastimes depicted in Bhagavata. Their skillful acting charmed everyone and they all said that this place was Vrndavana and that the son of Acyuta was Narayana Himself.

 

Rasika while returning from his house to the Rasa happened to be bitten by a venemous snake. It's fierce attack left two of it's teeth in pierced in his flesh and Rasika's leg began to bleed. After a light was brought it was found that the snake had died after biting Rasika. Finding it's dead body they kicked it until it became dust. Rasika remained absorbed in Krishna and went to the Rasasthali without saying anything. He continued to dance and sing in a joyous mood until morning when everyone saw that the snake's teeth were still in his leg and it was bleeding continuously. With great care the teeth were removed. The glory of Rasika cannot be ordinarily defined and his pastimes are transcendental to this world. Making the feet of Syamananda my ornament this son of Rasamaya narrates Rasika-mangala.

 

 

The Fifth Wave

 

Glory to Syamananda the world famous Prabhu. Please favour me that I can constantly sing your glory. Seeing the Rasalila of Rasikendra the denizens of heaven as well as the human beings were charmed and happy. The boys enacted all the pastimes depicted in Bhagavata and their portrayal of the gopis lamentation overwhelmed the audience with joy and emotion.

 

Remembering all of Krishna's childhood pastimes the gopis said, "O Gopala, You have saved us from poison water, from demons, rain and other dangers. You are not a mere son of Yasoda but You must be the Lord of the universe, the soul of the universe, Lord Narayana Himself. Save our life by again showing us Your moon-liks face." Then Krishna, the life of the universe, appeared before the gopis and seeing Him they regained their lives. He held one gopi by the hand, begged chewed betel leaf from another, made a joke with another and charmed yet another by touching her breast. He kissed one gopi, winked at another and embraced another. In this way he satisfied the desires of all of the gopis and removed all doubts from their minds. He told them, "You should remember that I am always with you for you are my beloveds." Thus by pleasing the gopis the lotus-eyed Lord began the Rasa dance on the banks of the Yamuna. They decorated Him with flower garlands and that one Lord became many and began to dance with each gopi. One gopi charmed Krishna by her sweet songs, another by her elegant dancing, another by her sweet words and another by her winks. The boys held each others hand as they danced their footbells sweetly sounded and musical instruments and choice songs accompanied them. Their performance was praised by the three worlds and the denizens of heaven showered flowers on them. It was by the grace of the son of Acyuta that the eternal Vrndavana pastimes of Lord Shri Krishna were visible to all.

 

After two days of Rasa the number of spectators remained unchanged and everyone requested Rasika to continue it for another day. Though he was not in favour of it he ordered the boys to continue. However, as they dressed themselves the sky suddenly covered with black clouds and that evening there was a tremendous rainstorm with thunder and rain continuing until late in the night. Syamananda called a halt to the festival and in the morning he ordered that they begin "Dadhikada." For this hundreds of buckets of curd with turmeric, red powder dust, cua and sandal were miced together. Rasika distributed this dadhikada with flowers, kumkum and perfumes to one and all and then began sankirtana. At that time hundreds of other sects also began kirtana so that the sound covered the sky, Hrdayananda Prabhu, seeing the place as beautiful as Vaikuntha, began to dance along with Rasika and they smeared dadhikada on the body of each other.

 

In the evening Rasika stopped the kirtana and bowed first to Syamananda then to Hrdayananda and all the senior Vaishnavas. He embraced his friends and companions as well as his disciples, disciples of the disciples, servants and others. After this he took his bath in the clear, cool waters of the Suvarnarekha. With his companions they passed some time in water sports spraying water on each other and then they went to accept prasadam. Besides offering prasada to the Vaishnavas Rasika distributed kaupina amongst them. He worshipped the brahmin ascetics and he worshipped the seniors presenting them with gold coins, sandal and clothes. He personally bid farewell to the kings and their entourages and he worshipped his relatives. He also gave clothes and ornaments to the boys who had danced in the Rasa. As they departed everyone praised Rasika saying that they had never seen such a grand festival before. They praised Rasika and his parents as well as the ground where this Rasa had been performed. Rasika's glory cannot be simply described but by his grace I have tried to say something. Making the feet of Syamananda my ornament this son of Rasamaya narrates Rasika-mangala.

 

 

The Sixth Wave

 

Glory to Syamananda, the source of joy to all and the giver of peace to the universe. After bidding farewell to everyone Syamananda was left there seated by Rasika with his wife and their associates. Whenever Rasika had to take a seat in front of Syamananda he would cover his feet with his cloth. At that time he would keep his head down without speaking to others and fix his eyes on the feet of Syamananda, If Syamananda asked him to explain any topic of Krishna he would be extremely shy and speak in a mild and low tone. Because Rasika was unable to speak loudly in front of Syamananda, Syamananda often had to leave the place and order Rasika to continue the discussion. In the absence of Syamananda, Rasika would speak vigourously and explain the philosophy as if he were Brhaspati, Vyasa of Suka. Hearing him speak all the scholars would praise him by saying, "Our studies have been a waste of time. Rasika has proved that the opinion of Vyasa and Suka and all the Vedas and Puranas are that one should be a sincere devotee of Krishna."

 

While they remained at this place Raghunatha sent one of his brothers to Syamananda informing him that the yavanas were oppressing the people of Radhanagara village. Thus with a perturbed mind Syamananda, along with Rasika, left there and went to Dharenda stopping at the house of Rasamaya. Syamananda had Vamsi call everyone including Raghunatha Pattanayaka who then came quickly, bowing at the feet of Syamananda. They said, "Listen Prabhu, the village is under the heretics but if you will go there with a few of your disciples and meet Ahammad Beg Suba then the situation can be relieved." After hearing this Syamananda looked at Rasika who immediately understood the implication and said, "Oh Prabhu, please allow me to go to Vanapura with some companions." Syamananda permitted him and ordered Vamsi and some others to go with Rasika. Making the feet of Syamananda my ornament this son of Rasamaya narrates Rasika-mangla.

 

 

The Seventh Wave

 

Glory to Syamananda the abode of mercy. Walking in a trance of absorption in Krishna Rasika left that place to go to Vanapura. As he walked tears rolled down from his eyes and wet his body. He talked of nothing but Krishna and always remained in search of Krishna. If, in the course of his journey, he took a seat anywhere owing to tiredness then thousands of people would come to meet him. Hearing his sweet words and observing his wonderful beauty they would forget everything an their hearts would be soothed. Everyday lacs of people would become his disciples. By the order of his master he was not to stay in any one place for a long time thus in his journey he would take bath at one place, take food at another place and halt at some other place but he never took any rest.

 

Ramakrishna and Diansyama were two obedient disciples of Rasika who were both pure in heart. Rasika instructed them both, "You should give Harinama to all and rescue the poor and fallen souls. You should even give Harinama to kings and their subjects. Syamananda begged me to commit myself to deliver all creatures and like him I am begging you to commit yourselves to give Harinama to all the people of Utkala." On hearing these words of Rasika they fell at his feet.  Syamananda said about these two, that if they simply touched anybody they would attain devotion for Vishnu. Thus by their touch millions of devotees were made in Vanabhuma and persons of low caste were delivered from material existence and dedicated themselves to the service of guru, sadhu and Krishna. In this way Rasika ordered all of his disciples to distribute the holy name to one and all. Vamsi dasa was also told to give Hari nama and make many disciples.

 

Ahammad Beg had tortured all the kings and zamindars of Orissa and compelled everyone under his control to become a yavana. There was no one who did not fear him for he was in the habit of killing one or two persons everyday. The inhabitants of that region lived in fear and anxiety their only solace being to think of the name of Krishna within their minds. After a long journey Rasika reached Vanapuri and went first to the territory ruled by Vaidyanatha. When the king saw Rasika he first offered obeisances then gave him a nice seat and washed his feet. Happy to have the association of Rasika he made all arrangements for his comfort. Everyday Rasika would speak about Krishna and the kings of different territories would come to hear his discourses. All of the kings and even the Hindu sect took refuge in him. That place became crowded with visitors all anxious to have a glimpse of Rasika. The son of Acyuta distributed love of Krishna to everyone and the village became absorbed in the essence of sankirtana. Rasika stayed in that village for a few days and sent a letter to Syamananda informing him that he had followed his orders.

 

Although all the yavana subjects of the Suba used to come to see Rasika, the Suba never came. Seeing that many of his subjects were going daily to Rasika he became very angry and asked them, "I see you are going some place to chant the name of Hari. Where do you go and why do you go there?" The senior persons replied, "Shri Rasika Murari is am embodiment of love of Krishna. He was born as an illustrious mahanta in Orissa and is fortunate enough to have Lord Jagannatha converse daily with him. all the kings of Orissa as well as their subjects are his disciples. Hundreds of yavanas have also become his disciples. He is not just a mere human but a part incarnation."

 

The Suba was a wicked person and he said angrily, "I don't object to him making Hindus his disciples but he has no right accepting yavanas as his disciples. He is a fake and just hypnotises the people making them fools. In order to aquire property he is in the habit of making a drama. If he is able to impress me with his powers then I shall accept him as Narayana. Formerly Kavira and other great men had displayed their transcendental activities and for that reason I accepted then as God." The yavana told this to all the Hindu kings and ordered them to bring Rasika to him. The kings were frightened by his words and went to Rasika saying, "Oh Prabhu, why did you come to this yavana's place? Who knows what type of activities he wants to see and if he is not satisfied who knows what he will do?" Rasika listened to them and decided to meet the yavana but his companions forbade him. They said, "Why do you want to go there? It is better we leave and try to save our own lives. Why should you confront a yavana?"

 

While they were talking in this way a wild elephant began to trouble the local village people. It often entered into the village and troubled the people by destroying houses and killing animals. Rasika had decided not to pay any attention to the suggestions of the others and went to see the yavana. Rasika, his mind absorbed in love for Krishna saw the yavana sitting on his throne surrounded by the Hindu kings. Suddenly the mad elephant entered Vanapura. Caring for no one it crushed homes, uprooted large trees and killed mamy animals. Its loud roars made the earth tremble while its heavy sighs covered the sky with dust. Some of the villagers took shelter on the roofs of tall buildings while others fled. In fear of their lives they prayed to Lord Narayana to save them. The son of Acyuta thought, "Today I will save the villagers and make this elephant into a great devotee." Now I shall describe this episode. Making the feet of Syamananda my ornament this son of Rasamaya narrates Rasika-mangala.

 

 

The Eight Wave

 

Glory to Syamananda, the embodiment of mercy and the most kind-hearted lord of the universe.

 

The wicked yavana ruler told the other kings, "Today this elephant has killed cattle, horses and people. It has also damaged much property. We must think of some means to stop it. Why not tell Rasika Murari to give Harinama to this elephant. The Hindus regard him as Narayana so if he can succeed in initiating this elephant then I shall also accept him as Narayana."

 

Everyone felt sorry to hear this and began to think of Krishna. When Rasika heard what had been said he decided to visit the place of the Suba. He thought to himself, "If a devotee takes refuge in Krishna then what harm can an elephant do to him?" Thinking in this way he entered into the village and saw the mad elephant killing anyone who crossed its path. While the villagers fled out of fear Rasika came forward to confront the animal. The companions of Rasika repeatedly requested him to leave that place but he took the name of Lord Krishna and did not listen to their pleas. His companions ran away leaving Rasika alone. The yavana was observing everything and when he saw this he thought to himself, "Oh, Lord Narayana, save him. If the elephant kills him I shall be responsible for the death of a saintly person. If he can tame this animal I shall be sure of the glory of Krishna." The Hindu kings were all anxious for the safety of Rasika and their grief brought tears to their eyes. Rasika however was unperturbed and went on thinking of Krishna. When the mad elephant came in front of Rasika it observed his beautiful form and immediately checked its speed. Rasika looked in its eyes and said, "Oh mad elephant, listen to me. Worship Krishna and serve His devotees. Why are you engaged in these wicked deeds? Without knowledge of Krishna all efforts are futile. Chant the name of Krishna, meditate on Krishna and dedicate yourself to the worship of His feet. It is the opinion of all scriptures that of all types of worship the worship of Krishna is the highest. Leave everything and worship the feet of the Lord. But for Lord Krishna no one is your friend. Krishna is the mother, Krishna is the father and Krishna is life, so why are you heading towards death? Be careful not to become proud in the worship of Krishna. Airavata, the elephant of Indra, was very proud until he was attacked by a crocodile and had to be saved by Krishna crushing his false pride. Lord Narayana is an ocean of mercy so give up your vanity and worship Him. If you listen to this advice from a saintly person then the son of Nanda will favour you."

 

Due to its previous austerities the elephant was able to meet Rasika and now it saw the second Narayana in Rasika. With tears in its eyes it thought, "This is not an ordinary human. He must be a part of Narayana. Everything he said to me is based on scriptures." By the grace of Rasika the elephant attained complete knowledge and accepted Lord Krishna as the only truth. It fell at the feet of Rasika and washed his feet with its tears. Placing a hand on the head of the elephant Rasika poured the sixteen word Hare Krishna mantra into its right ear. As soon as it received the nama it stood up quickly and then fell prostrate at the feet of Rasika. After circumambulating him it bowed and a stream of tears rolled down from its eyes. Seeing the loving beauty of Rasika it was so charmed that it forgot its own self. Rasika named it as Shri Gopala dasa and after receiving this name it fell at Rasika's feet a hundred times. It had witnessed Rasika as Narayana and so was reluctant to leave him. Only after a long time did it slowly leave the palace to enter into the forest. With tears in its eyes it had dedicated itself to the feet of Rasika.

 

After witnessing this wonderful pastime of Rasika both the Hindus and the yavanas were overwhelmed. They began to tell one another as follows, "Rasika has not only tamed the mad elephant but he has also given it spiritual initiation. As the news spread millions of people came to that place just to see Rasika. The Suba, Ahammada Beg, quickly came to that place and fell at the feet of Rasika. With folded hands he said, "I was unable to appreciate your transcendental position and thus I had ordered my men to bring you to this place. I have acted out of ignorance and now, Oh lord, I beg you to forgive me. You are an ocean of mercy and kindness. You are the life of the universe. Being enamoured by your maya I did not know your glory and gave you trouble. Please forgive me."

 

Hearing these humble words of the Suba Rasika told the King, "I came here to deliver you and on the way the mad elephant came running towards me. At that time I remembered Lord Krishna, the omnipotent Lord who lives in everyone's heart. There are seven levels of lower planetary systems and these are followed by the Padma Sthama. The scriptures describe that after Bhuloka, Bhuvarloka and Svarloka there is Janaloka and Tapaloka followed by Maharloka and Brahmaloka. Together these fourteen worlds form a Brahmanda in which there is a Brahma. Some Brahmas have four faces while others have hundreds and even millions of faces. Brahma, Indra and the other demigods have taken birth from the pores of the skin of Narayana who looks after the whole creation. Living in the heart of all creatures, both mobile and immobile, Lord Narayana is the destroyer of irreligion and by destroying the sinners age after age He establishes true religion. Lord Narayana also resides in the heart of that mad elephant. I advised it to remember Lord Krishna and on hearing the Lord's name it fell at my feet. After I had poured the name of Lord Krishna into its ears it was subdued and slowly left the place. It has now given up its wicked activities. The yavana King was very happy to hear all this from Rasika.

 

Listen to the boundless glory of Rasika described in Rasika-mangala. By making the feet of Syamananda my ornament this son of Rasamaya narrates Rasika-mangala.

 

 

The Ninth Wave

 

Glory to Syamananda the deliverer of the fallen. Please favour me so that I can sing your glories.

 

After Rasika finished explaining all the philosophy of Krishna consciousness Ahammad Beg became very happy and began to eulogise Rasika in various ways. All the kings present there followed the example of the Suba and surrendered to Rasika. In that city of Vanapura many persons became disciples of Rasika and all the kings as well as their subjects became ecstatic in love and devotion for Krishna.

 

The king of Pancali, Harinarayana, was respected by all the neighbouring kings. He was overwhelmed to see the beauty of Rasika and at once took shelter at his feet. He then told Gajapati as follows, "Go and take shelter of Rasika. He has appeared in this world just to destroy the influence of the vicious age of Kali. It is the fortune of Utkala that he is here. Simply by seeing his feet you can remove all sins so don't delay." By the words of Harinarayana, Nrsimha deva also became interested to meet Rasika. Rasikendra being omniscient understood everything and paid a visit to Gajapati. His elephant like gait and smiling face just like the moon, charmed everyone. His companions brought with them many scriptures of both literature and music.

 

When Gajapati saw Rasika it was as though he had seen a second Narayana and he quickly stood up and then paid full dandavats to him. The king who was in charge of Shri Jagannatha deva, worshipped Rasika with utmost respect. He was very happy to meet Rasika and with folded hands he requested him, "Oh Prabhu, please play your flute and thereby soothe my ears." Rasika obliged the king and played his flute in six ragas causing the king to fall unconsciousness while the others lost control of their senses. Everyone agreed they had never heard such beautiful flute playing and said it was just as if Krishna had played in Vrndavana. As they listened to his flute playing they were unable to speak or move and tears rolled down from their eyes. When Gajapati requested Rasika to take his seat Rasika replied that he did not like to sit by the side of a king. On the pretext of this situation Rasika then explained Krishnarasamrta, the xis philosophical thesis, eighteen Puranas, sruti, smrti and the four Vedas. He established that the worship of Krishna was the highest principle depicted in all scriptures and they all advised one to serve the devotees. Since Krishna resides in the heart of guru and devotees, guru, Krishna and devotees are all the same. Lord Narayana always moves with the devotees and the dust from their feet should be regarded as an ornament. Indeed the devotees should be respected even more than Lord Krishna. Krishna never favours those who ridicule the devotees. Such persons as Kamsa, Kesi, Hiranyakasipu, Duryodhana, Durvasa, Kumbhakana, Ravana, Dhantavakra, Sisupala and Naraka all had to die because they ridiculed saintly persons. They have to suffer birth after birth. Demons such as Kesi, Agha, Vaka, Trna and Putana all had to meet death because they oppressed the residents of Vraja. Because Hiranyakasipu tortured Prahlada he was killed by the husband of Kamala. All of the supporters of Kamsa were killed. Because Duryodhana tortured the five devoted Pandavas he was killed. For giving trouble to the Pandavas, Bhisma, Drona, Karna, Duhsasana andhis ninety-nine brothers all lost their lives. Ravana misbehaved with Sita and thus he and his brother Kumbhakana as well as his whole family were destroyed. Sisu, Dantavakra and Salva were killed for ridiculing saints and Lord Narayana personally killed the demon Naraka and others. The Lord of the universe can tolerate offences against Himself but He never tolerates offences against devotees. One should sincerely render service to the devotees and thus be saved from the fear of death. Rasika advised the king to serve the brahmins and Vaishnavas as well as to be kind to all creatures because the Lord is present in all living entities.

 

Rasika said, "Oh king, fix your mind at the lotus feet of Krishna and remember that only He is true and everything else is false."

 

After receiving these teachings from Rasika the King became absorbed in love of Krishna and stopped all animal slaughter. He became kind to all creatures and worshipped Rasika as if he were Narayana. Seeing the devotional efforts of Rasika, the other kings also took shelter from Rasika.

 

It is the glory of Rasika that he could give love of God to mad Gopala dasa, that he could give orders to the yavanas and that Gajapati would circulate his instructions among other kings. They all became Vaishnavas and accepted the marke of tilaka and tulasi beads. he whole of Utkala became full of love of God. It is not possible to describe Rasika's glory in hundreds of mouths. Making the feet of Syamananda his ornament, this son of Rasamaya narrates Rasika-mangala.

 

 

The Tenth Wave

 

Glory to Syamananda, the friend of the universe and an ocean of love to the poor, needy and fallen. After a long stay at Vanapura Rasika along with Syama dasa, Mohana and a few other disciples went to visit Jagannatha and then Rasika planned to see Syamananda. Previously Syama dasa and Mohana had been court singers for the king of Aijli and the king met them on the road and forced them to go back to his court. When Rasika heard about this he began to fast and returned to Vanapura. At first the kings were glad to see Rasika again but when they heard the news that he was fasting they were frightened. It was by their efforts that the two brothers were released and they were returned to Rasika. With their return Rasiks felt relief and he began to take his food again and passed the evening in the joy of sankirtana.

 

When the elephant Gopala dasa came to know of Rasika's returning to that place he thought that he should see him once again. He left the forest, slowly came to the place where Rasika was standing and fell at his feet washing them with tears. At that time Rasika told him the glories of Shri Krishna as well as the message of Gita, Bhagavatam and other scriptures. Receiving this special knowledge Gopala dasa bowed at the feet of Rasika and returned to the forest with the intention of visiting holy places of pilgrimage. Later Rasika entered the same forest but lost his sense of direction. The forest was very dense with no villages around it and Rasika and his disciples were forced to remain under a tree without food. Gopala dasa came to that place and understanding that Rasika was fasting he ran like the wind to the home of a forest dweller and collected some rice from that house. He then returned to Rasika and offered the rice at his feet. By this time they were taking rest and when they first saw the elephant they were afraid for their lives. Realising their fear the elephant put more rice before Rasika and then went to stand at a distant place in the forest. Rasika had his disciples cook the rice and then he first of all fed the devotees and then sat for eating himself. Gopala dasa came to Rasika and fell at his feet. Happy to see the elephant again Rasika placed his hand on its head and blessed him by saying, "Render sincere service to the devotees of the Lord and never ridicule them. Also go and visit the holy places of pilgrimage."

 

From then on the elephant began to visit holy places. It is not possible to fully describe the glory of Gopala dasa because it became an embodiment of love and devotion. It visited all the places associated with Krishna's pastimes as well as those places where brahmins and Vaishnavas lived. He continually chanted the name of Krishna like a devout Vaishnava and if any person uttered the name of Rasika he would bow to them. Happily he would render service to the devotees by collecting whatever they required. All types of persons as well as kings along with their subjects became devout Vaishnavas by the grace of Rasika. The glory of Rasika goes beyond description for he was the friend of the poor, needy and the fallen. His sweet smiling face with big lotus eyes and his mode of speaking were very pleasing to everyone. He walked with a gait like and elephant and his arms moved like the trunk of an elephant. Holding a book in his hands he constantly chanted the names of the Lord and tears rolled from his eyes. It is not possible to fully describe his absorption in love of Krishna. With cloth neatly tied around his waist, his broad chest, neck like a conch shell and sparkling teeth he attracted hundreds of people to hear his speeches and they never liked to leave.

 

When Rasika was on tour Lord Jagannatha suddenly appeared before him and in the dead of night told him, "manifest My transcendental form here and I will remain here forever as Shri Govinda Raya. The three worlds will worship Me and this place will be as great as Nilacala." Rasika told everyone of this order that Krishna had given him and later, by chance, they met two brothers, Raghunatha and Ananda Kaurila, who were living in Nilacala and were as skillful as Visvakarma in art and architecture. The son of Acyuta was very glad to meet them and had them accompany him on tour. Within his mind Rasika was thinking when he would be able to see Govinda.

 

With the appearance of the moon-like personality of Rasika in this world the darkness of sin is removed. Making the feet of Syamananda his ornament, this son of Rasamaya narrates Rasika-mangala.

 

 

The Eleventh Wave

 

All glory to Syamananda, the conqueror of the worlds and lord of the universe. May he who is the life of Rasika favour me by allowing me to sing his glory.

 

Rasika and Syamananda met in the city of Thuria and after joyfully embracing Rasika, Syamananda enquired about what happened in Vanapura. Feeling intense humility before his spiritual master Rasika was unable to speak and his companions had to describe everything to Syamananda. With great joy he heard accounts of everything that had taken place and then sat in a quiet place with Rasika and the others while Rasika offered clothes and ornaments he had collected in his travels to Syamananda. He also helped Raghu and Ananda to take initiation from Syamananda and they all began to spend their time in talking about Shri Krishna.

 

Ananda carved a form of the Lord for Syamananda and in his ecstasy he named the form Vrndavana Candra.

 

Syamananda told Rasikendra, "Go to Gopivallabhapura and take someone with you who can make a form of the Lord. Install the Deity in the name of Shri Govinda."

 

Being so ordered Rasika along with the two brothers, went ot that place and on an auspicious day Shri Govinda Raya manifested Himself. Seeing the beautiful form of the Lord everyone floated in ecstasy. Rasika duly satisfied the craftsmen with many gifts and after installing Shri Govinda n the temple he began great festival and had the brahmanas cite Sruti. The beauty of the festival made Rasika extremely happy and thus he remained absorbed in the rasa of Krishna and in citing from the Bhagavatam. At other times he would be absorbed in sankirtana with no sense of day or night. He would offer Tulasi leaves at the lotus feet of Shri Govinda and absorb himself in the beauty of the Deity.

 

Wherever he lived Rasika always sincerely served guru, Krishna and the devotees. His glory is unparalled in the world. Those who witnessed his love and devotion were charmed and became joyful.

 

This son of Rasamaya takes the feet of Syamananda as his wealth.

 

 

The Twelfth Wave

 

Glory to Syamananda and glory to the son of Acyuta. Syamananda came to Thuria to visit Rasika and told him how groups of devotees were always visiting and his house was constantly full of guests. He told Rasika, "My dear son please go out and beg a few houses." Rasika and Syamananda visited Ghantasila and when they told the king of their needs he donated a village named Satuti to them. This place was renamed as Shri Syamasundara pura and Syamananda built his house there and held many festivals there. He also had a house in Ayodhya and another in Govindapura where his three wives stayed. Many kings donated villages to Syamananda and service to saints became regular practice in Utkala. Together Syamananda and Rasika travelled through many forests and visited many distant lands.

 

Once Syamananda humorously said that Rasika should be addressed by common people as Thakura Gosai. Since then Rasika has become famous by the name. The Brajabasis and Gurukula Gouriaya would come in hundreds to visit the villages where Syamananda resided and he, along with Rasika would tirelessly serve the devotees and satisfy them with clothes, food and whatever they required. Utkala was transformed into Vaikuntha. Numerous people became disciples of Syamananda and Rasika and even some world conquering mahantas took initiation. Observing the circumstances Syamananda ordered Rasika to continue making more disciples. After some time Syamananda moved to Thuria intending to settle there. Rasika as well as Damodara Gosvami with his brothers, servants and disciples also went with him and there they held Dola yatra festival.

 

Suddenly Syamananda received an order that he should immediately come to Vrndavana. Syamananda became full of ecstatic love and requested Rasika to take charge of all the disciples and other duties. After taking his leave he travelled for some time and then halted under a tree where he decided to rest. He remained at this place for three days and during this time many kings, along with their subjects, came to meet him. At the request of Rasika they all fell at the feet of Syamananda and requested him to remain a few more days in Utkala. Thinking of seperation from his guru Rasika gave up eating and drinking and cried continuously. He asked that since Syamananda was his life how could he leave him. Being moved by the miserable condition of the people and especially that of Rasika, Syamananda decided to stay there.

 

On one occasion Syamananda fell ill and many noteable vaidyas were brought for his treatment. They told Rasika that his disease was due to wind and it could be cured only by applying Hemasagara oil which was available from the house of Haricandana in Balaramapura. Rasika quickly went there and Haricandana gladly gave him the oil necessary to cure Syamananda. On his return he massaged the oil on the head of Syamananda and relieved him of all discomfort. Then they spent their days happily performing kirtana and discussing the topics of Krishna. After some time Rasika returned to his own place and Syamananda went to Kesiari. Happy to see Syamananda everyone began to render him sincere service. In every home there was Krishna kirtana and even the kings became ecstatic in love for Krishna. However, there was one dangerous yavana ruler who flared in anger when he listened to kirtana. On hearing the glory of Syamananda he concluded that if he could imprison Syamananda then he could take control of all his disciples. Although his well-wishers discouraged him from doing this he did not listen to them and sent his men to capture Syamananda.

 

After two or three days terrible misfortune fell upon that yavana or all his properties including his wife and children were lost. Realising his mistake the yavana went to Syamananda and humbly submitted, "Oh Prabhu, I am a most sinful person. All my suffering is due to my ignorance about you. Your glory is unknown even by the denizens of heaven." After saying this he fell at the feet of Syamananda and surrendered to him.

 

Syamananda then went to Narayananagara to meet Syamapala Bhuian. Noticing that Syamapala had a yavana gateman he told him, "From today do not keep any more yavanas here. Replace the gateman with a Hindu. No yavana should live in that place where guru, Krishna and the devotees are served."

 

When Syamapala did not follow this instruction Syamananda told him, "You have a great love for the yavanas. I will not stay here any longer."

 

Syamananda then left the place and since then no yavana is allowed to stay there. The order of Syamananda could not be neglected even by the denizens of heaven. Making the feet of Syamananda my ornament, this son of Rasamaya narrates Rasika-mangala.

 

 

The Thirteenth Wave

 

Glory to Syamananda, the life of Rasikananda and glory to the son of Acyuta, Rasika who assisted Syamananda in distributing love and devotion throughout the land. In course of time a messenger came from Amuna informing them that Shri Adhikari Thakura, Hrydayananda, had passed away from there to Goloka. Hearing the news Syamananda wept profuse tears and called for Rasika telling him, "I will not stay in this world anymore. The separation from Hrdayananda is piercing my heart." After saying this he continued crying and all the devotees became aggrieved. Syamananda then told Rasika to announce that he would hold a great festival at Syamasundarapura and that he should arrange to collect all the necessary items. Receiving this order Rasika despatched many of his followers to different countries in order to collect the various items and the festival was held in the month of Phalguna. Then the festival was perfectly performed with many groups of Syamanandi servant-disciples coming to Syamasundarapura. Following this Syamananda moved to Govindapura and it was here that he received news of the disappearance of Damodara. He broke down on hearing the news and told Rasika, "Damodara has shown the way." A funeral festival was held in honour of Damodara and also in memory of Shri Adhikari Gosvami.

 

Syamananda told Rasika, "Previously the Lord ordered me to take your help and go out and save the fallen souls. Abiding by His order I preached devotion to Lord Krishna and saved the inhabitants of Utkala. The whole place is now mad with love of Krishna. Now you should live with these disciples because I have received the order of Krishna that I have to depart now. I will not stay in this world much longer."

 

After saying this Syamananda went with Rasika to Nrsimhapura where he suddenly fell ill. Syamananda and his group of devotees remained at the house of Uddanda Raya for four months. During this period many veteran vaidyas came to cure Syamananda and gave their various treatments. Rasika nursed him day and night but Syamananda did not recover. He told his disciples, "Krishna had ordered me to leave this world so don't try to cure me. You should do sankirtana day and night and discuss the topics of Krishna with other devotees. Vina, venu ravara, murali etc. are my medicines.

 

Hearing these words from Syamananda Rasika felt much aggrieved and emotionally said, "Please permit me to go to Vrndavana. How can I live without you."

 

To pacify Rasika Syamananda told him, "You should always think that you are living in Vrndavana but it is my order that you remain with all the Syamanandis who have taken birth in Utkala. Continue preaching love of Krishna and make the world float in love for Krishna. Serve the devotees and allow others to serve as you serve. Distribute love and devotion for Krishna to one and all and care for all creatures of this world." He then put his lotus feet on the head of Rasika, tied a piece of cloth on his wrist and painted his forehead with his own hand. Then with folded hands he told everyone, "I have placed the mark of the Syamanandi sect on Rasika's forehead. You should all obey Rasika and he will look after you. Anyone who is against Rasika will have to leave my group." In this way he handed over all responsibility to Rasika. Sankirtana continued and everyone remained anxious over Syamananda until in the Saka era of 1552 he departed. On the first day of the solar eclipse, in the month of Asarda, in the midst of the sounds of Hari, conch and sankirtana Syamananda Prabhu disappeared from this world.

 

His disciples fell unconscious and Rasika also lost his sense of control and fell on the ground. Only with the help of his companions did he come back to this world. While lamenting Rasika said, "I was a boy of eighteen years when Syamananda came to meet me. I served him for twenty years. Now where has he gone leaving me alone? It was by his touch that I attained love and devotion for Krishna, by him everyone was purified; by his favour ill-education was averted; by his grace the bonds of the material world were destroyed; by his grace low caste persons and heretics became mad in love of Krishna. Such a Prabhu has left me and I can no longer see him. Now I am lost. Who else will show me such affection? With whom shall I travel to country after country? With whom shall I go for pilgrimage? Who will take me to Vrndavana? I will not be able to see his feet again."

 

Saying this Rasika fell on the ground and although the devotees tried he could not be pacified and tears continually rolled from his eyes. His love for his guru can melt even a stone therefore it is not possible go fully describe his grief even if one had millions of mouths.

 

Now I shall describe the events of the funeral ceremony. These pastimes may be compared to the waves of an ocean and it is by Rasika's favour that I have narrated them. Please don't find any fault in my words for I have written only as he has instructed me. Oh Vaishnavas, please listen to Rasika-mangala for by this act you will soon attain love and devotion. Making the feet of Syamanada my ornament, this son of Rasamaya narrates Rasika-mangala.

 

 

The Fourteenth Wave

 

Glory to Syamananda, the deliverer of the sinners and the life wealth of Rasikendra. Despite his grief at separation from Syamananda Rasika sat for a meeting with the other devotees to organise the Dvadasa Mahotsava. They selected Govindapura as the perfect place and everyone agreed that all the members of the Syamananda sect would have to be invited. Rasika announced, I know nothing but the feet of Syamananda and have passed away my time like a madman in love of Krishna so I do not know the whereabouts of the members of our sect. Oh my brothers you must take the initiative and decide who are eligible to receive the invitation. It is your duty to maintain the service of Shri Govinda and to organise this festival. I have to travel in order to continue the work of Syamananda but you must make sure you perform these two duties. Give me the names of the disciples and grand-disciples of Syamananda as well as those of the servants in Utkala. Make a list of kings and mahantas and indicate whose disciples they are, in which family they belong and where they are living. Also make a complete list of the servants of Syamananda indicating how much they are devoted to the service of guru, Krishna and devotees. After I receive your lists I shall send everyone invitations.

 

Everyone said, "Rasika Prabhu, how can you speak like this. You have appeared in this world to distribute love to the poor so you must at least appoint a priest who will take your responsibilities and you can give the service of Shri Govinda to him." Thus a meeting was held in which he ordered his followers to propose someone who would be responsible and receive unanimous support from the devotees. The Vaishnavas selected the three sons of Rasika who were all broad-hearted young men as well as Rasika's daughter who was calm, composed and a great devotee. The three sons were known as Radhananda, Krishnagati dasa and Radha Krishna dasa, while the daughter was named Vrndavati.

 

I will tell you the glory of the eldest, Radhananda, he was extremely intelligent. Krishna was everything for him. In his dreams he would play with Krishna and when he woke he would cry for Krishna. While crying he would see the divine couple, Radha and Krishna, and become absorbed in divine joy. He always swam in the ocean of love of Krishna. Seeing his transcendental bliss heretics would burn in a fire of jealously. Constantly absorbed in love of Krishna he did not care for eating and drinking and was always kind to the poor. As he chanted the name of the Lord he would dance, sing and cry like a madman. Since all his qualities were well known to the Vaishnavas they decided that he would be the perfect person to take this position. Rasika was happy to hear the decision of the devotees and asked that Radhananda be brought to the assembly. When he entered he fell at his father's feet and Rasika took him in his arms and told him as follows, "Oh my dear, listen to me. Previously Syamananda gave me this task and now all the Vaishnavas have proposed that you continue with it. Therefore I am putting you in charge of the Syamananda group." Taking permission from the Vaishnavas Rasika then tied a cloth round his son's head and he duly circumabulated his father.

 

Thus the service of Shri Govinda was entrusted to Radhananda. At this time he advised Radhananda to preach the message of bhakti to the utmost sincerity.

 

Rasika then addressed the Vaishnavas. He said, "You are all devout Vaishnavas and can give and take love and devotion to and from all. You must make a list of the devotees belonging to the Syamananda sect." They replied that it was impossible to count that which was like the countless waves of an ocean.

 

I have already mentioned the names of the disciples of Syamananda. Now I shall tell briefly about the grand-disciples. Those persons whom I have eulogised at the beginning of the book were all disciples of Syamananda. Now I shall mention the names of the disciples of Rasika. His first disciple was Kalandi Bhakta dasa, then Shri Syamagopala dasa who was the son of Kasinatha and was a great orator. His mother, Govinda dasi, was a maid servant of Rasika. In the village of Shri Janka lived the fortunate Rama dasa with his devoted wife Draupadi. Their son, Dinasyama dasa who belonged to the Sistakarana family, had been devoted to Rasika since childhood. He was always faithful to Rasika and was accustomed to absorb himself in meditation on Rasika. Dinasyama, who had many disciples throughout Utkala, was a favourite of the Vaishnavas for he gave everyone love and devotion. Dvija Ramakrishna dasa, to whom Rasika was everything, also had many disciples in Utkala. He could fealessly sit on the backs of tigers and crocodiles and once crossed a river by riding on the back of a crocodile. Narayana dasa was a pure-hearted brahmana who became a great scholar by the grace of Rasika. Gaur and Gopala were born in a brahmana family and both were highly devoted to Rasika. Dvija Gopinatha was the most apathetic disciple of Rasika. He never left Rasika's side and he was in charge of cooking for Krishna. Prema-Ar____ dasa a servant of Rasika had many servants of his own. Shri Gokula dasa manifested love and devotion in Kendujhuri city. For his many disciples Rasika was everything.

 

Syama Manohara was a sincere disciple, so was King Vaidyanatha who died in Utkala. The Kings brother, Chota Raya Randra, was a pure devotee and together they helped all their subjects attain devotion for the Lord. Syamadasa Mohana, a servant of Rasika was skilled in singing the songs of Jayadeva. Dvija Govinda Bhattacarya, who preached devotion to Hari in Vanga, had hundreds of brahmin disciples. The brahmin Duve and Tarkalankana Bhattacarya Syama Sundara both received love and devotion from Rasika. Dvija Sundara Raya and Shri Mohana dasa were among the most apathetic disciples of Rasika. Mangajara Haricandana was a servant of Rasika. Other disciples were Gopinatha dasa Pattanayaka, Radhavinode dasa, Kalandi, Paramananda, Manohara, Kanu, Krishnacarana, Dvija, Gokulananda, Govinda, Dvija Govinda dasa, Kalandi, Akrura, Gopala, Hari, Shri Tulasi dasi, Raja Mitra Citrasena, Shrivarna, Dvija Govinda dasa, Krishnabhakta dasa, Vrajamohana, Syamamohana dasa, Shri Gopala Acarya, Kalandi, Dharainvara and his son Radhamohana, Bhudhara, Shri Radhagovinda and Radhakrishna who became a disciple along with his family. Shri Govinda dasa was a disciple living in the village of Ghantasila. There were also many disciples in the countries of the Bhanjas such as Ganga dasa teh son of Shridhara Daityari. The brothers Syamasundara, Syamamohana, Syama dasa and Bhagavana were nephews of Rasika and also his disciples. Vrndavana Kisora was a servant of Rasika. Cintamani, Vihari, Acyuta, Syamakisora, Vrndavana dasa, Shri Rama, Vamana Jagu and Syama dasa were all sincere disciples who always served  guru, Krishna and the devotees. then there were such disciples as Ghanasyama dasa, Shri Veraya Vishnu dasa, Vahuvalindra, Shri Syama Rasika dasa, Candra Bhanu, Dvija Gopi Mohana, Syamamohana dasa, Vrajamohana, Syama Rasika, Sakhisyama and Gokula.

 

Vaikuntha dasa of Hijli showed his sincerity as a disciple by making it his habit to sell himself for the service of devotees. Lalapurusottama, Syamakisora, Yugala Akrura, Syamasundara, Vamsi Manohara, Sadasiva Pattanayaka, Uddanda Raya, Krishnandana, Haricandana, Dvija Jivadasa, Bhuian Raghunatha dasa, and Krishnadasa Bhuian were all servants of Rasika. Gajendra, Mathura dasa, Madhusudana, Dvarakamanda, King Ramacandra, Citresvara Shricandana were disciples of Rasika. Madhu Manohara, Niranjana, Uddhava and Harikesava were the sons of Bhima and Syamasundara and Vrndavana were the sons Vamsi. They were all disciples of Rasika as was Dvija Radhavallabha, the son of Purusottama. Radhavallabha, Syamadasa and lacs of people in Gahanagara became disciples. Dvija Syamasundara was a great devotee and disciple who took charge of cooking for Krishna. Dvija Radhamohana, Uddhava, Bhagavana, Nilamvara, Vanamali, Ramadasa Syama, Krishnananda Bhuian, Gopala Bhuian, Krishnananda, Haricandana, Gopala Madhava, King Kesavanai, Dvija Shri Radha Mohana, Radhavallabha dasa, Dasa Vrndavana, Radha Madhava, Syamasundara, Vanamali, Mukunda, Paramananda, Kanu, Agata and Mohana were all servants of Rasika. Gangadasa, Kesava, Shri Candrasekhara, Syamasundara and Vrajamohana were disciples af Rasika. Then there was Radhamohana, Bhakta dasa, Purusottama, Gachatalia Syama dasa, Vraja mohana, Akrura, Mohanananda, Manohara, Shri Radhavinode, Krishnananda, Bhudhara, Shri Gopala dasa, Radhacarana, Akrura, Mohana, Vrajamohana, Syamadasa, Yadava, Syamamohana, Dasa Vinoda, Cintamani dasa, Dvija Murali dasa, Dvija Shri Gopala, Dvijadasa, Shri Dayala, Syama dasa, Harinarayana, Dvija Gopimohana dasa, Syamamohana, Dvija Yadunatha, Nilasyama dasa, Gopimohana, Akrura, Ghanasyama, Ramadasa, Govinda, Jayadeva dasa, Laichana Krishnadasa, Shri Viravara, Deu Sankara, Kanu dasa, Shri Govinda Bhanja, Jagannatha Krishnadasa, Syama Bhanja, Telari Shripati, Ramadasa, Mithi Bhanja, Gopala Bhanja Raya with his group, Syamadasa, Kisore and Madhu Raya. We must not forget Radha Krishna dasa who was the servant of Rasika.

 

The servants of Rasika were like the waves on the ocean, impossible to count. Many of hisa disciples would have the same names. Now I shall mention the names of the disciples of the disciples. Making the feet of Syamananda my ornament, this son of Rasamaya narrates Rasika-mangala.

 

 

The Fifteenth Wave

 

 

Glory to Syamananda the ocean of mercy and glory to Rasikendra, the son of Acyuta. Rasikendra then ordered his godbrothers to prepare a list of their disciples and the disciples of their disciples. He said, "Tell me the names of those persons who Syamananda gave the shade of his feet." Thus they began to list the names. Rasamaya and Vamsi dasa were both disciples of Damodara who had thousands of disciples such as Madhava, Rasikananda, Haricandana, Mohana Syama, Uddhava, Ghanasyama, Kisora, Govinda, Haridasa, Kesava, Krishnavallabha, Narayana Bhuian, the elephant Gokula, Krishna Bhuain of Varikura, Gokulananada, Mathura, Shrimanta, Syama dasa, Mathura, Ananta, Purusottama, Ramadasa Gokula, Gauranga, Vishnudasa, Gopidasa, Loichana, Parieha, Mohana, Vamsidasa, Kalindi, Radhacarana dasa, Manohara, Syamamohana, Dvija Syamamohana dasa, Ananta Raya, Dvija Syama, Yadudasa, Akrura, Shrihari, Kanudasa, Govardhana, SDri Syama vallabha, Syama dasa, Vrndavna, Purusottama, Radhakrishna dasa, Kisorananada, Vaishnava dasa, Bhakta dasa, Krishnananda, Hari Bhakta dasa, Govinda Madhuri, Shri Radhamohana dasa, Kanudasa, Kesava, Gopala Govinda, Gopivallabha, Syamacarana, Haridasa, Gopicarana, Syamacarana, and Gopi Krishna dasa. Yet another famous disciple of Damodara was Ananda dasa who was also known as Sadavarta.

 

These disciples had their own disciples, for example Mukunda dasa was the disciple of Nagara Uddhava; Syama Jivana dasa was a disciple of Uddhava; Ananta dasa was a disciple of Shri Syamarangini and Mohana Vinoda dasa was the disciple  of Purusottama.

 

Now I shall mention the names of the brothers of Rasika Dvija Ramadasa, Syama dasa, Vanamali, Krishnadasa, Gopidasa, Syamavinoda, Radhamohana, Bhudhara, Gopinatha, Yadunatha, Vrndavana, Mathura, Gokula, Krishnadasa, Dvaraka, Ayodhya, Gangadasa, Gopidasa, Purusottama, Vishnudasa, Gangarama, Syamasundara, Giridhari, Mohana, Haridasa, Narahari, Rasika, Manirama, Kalirama, Ananta, Bhudhara, Gopinatha, Yadunatha, Vrndavana, Mathura, Gokula, Krishnadasa, Dvija Vinoda dasa, Narayana dasa, Manohara, Sitala, Vinoda, Syama dasa, Dvija Vishnu dasa, Radhavallabha dasa, Nayanananda dasa, Nanda Kisora, Vraja Mohana, Kalindi, Navina Kisora, Krishnakisora, Krishna Kalindi, Krishnananada, Krishna bhakta, Hari bhakta, Paramananda, Gopala, Gauranga, Chaitanya Radha carana, Gopicavina, Govinda, Shridhara, Damodara, Nilamvara, Vasudeva, Yaduvendra dasa,Sisukara, Madhava, Govardhana, Valabhadra, Krishnadasa, Narayana bhakta dasa, Pitamvara dasa, Ghanasyama, Jaladharasyama, Gopidasa, Prasada, Akrura, Uddhava, Vaishnava dasa, Vrajasundara, Vrajanandana, Vrajajivana, Vraja vihari, Vraja-bhusana, Madhuvana, Suvala, Sudama, Premadasa, Harinama, Vinoda, Govinda and Syamadasa.

 

Now I shall mention the special names of the disciples of the disciples such as Dinasyama, Ramakrishna, Vamsi, Manohara, Mukunda and others. They were all followers of Syamananda and theiur disciples were Shri Carana, Gauranga, Vinoda, Tulasi, Vihari, Syamakisora, Kunja, Radhamohana, Ananta, Bhagavata dasa, Gopinatha dasa, Santa, Kanudasa, Dvija Ramakrishna, Manohara, Bhagiratha, Nimi, Kuladasa, Damodara, Kanu, Vasudeva dasa, Hari candana, Raghunatha, Vrajananada, Vrajanandana, Vrajajivana dasa, Ananta dasa, Ramacandra Bhuian and his family, Dvija Prahajara, Dvija Sundara, Shricandana, Gajendra, Bhuian Jayata Raya, Tilai, Sankara Bhanja, Sahani Ananta, Krishnacarana, Syamasundara, Halovihari, Syama, Rasika (the vina player), Rasika sundara, Ananta, Syama (the garland maker), Vihari, Nikunja, Ghanasyama, Govinda, Shrihari, Vasudeva, Narayana, Vanavihari, Syamakisora, Rasananda, Krishnaramani, Vishnudasa, Paramananda, Ramai, Sekhara, Udanda, Damodara, Bhuian, Sundara Raya, Gopala, Akrura, Hari, Uttara Raya, Ramasena, Syamsena, Radhacarana, Nidhuvana Goverdhana, Dvija Vrndavana, Ananda, Vrajavallabha, Vamsi, Bhakta dasa, Ramaraja, Ramabhima, Manohara dasa, Syama-ali, Sara-syama, Raghunandana, Krishnavallabha, Gopivallabha, Bhima, Kalindi, Kesava, Narayana, Syama dasa, Krishna bhunja, Hari Bhanja, Rasamaya dasa, Harivallabha, Syamavallabha, Murari, Shridhara, Purusottama dasa, Shrivihari, Gopikisora, Gopicarana, Syamapriya, Radhapriya, Krishna-jivana, Dvija Shri Nagara, Mukunda, Mohana, the sons of Haricandana, Vaikuntha, Vanamali, Vasudeva dasa, Balabhadra, Lala Vamsi, Gopala, Sundara Pala, Gangadasa, Ramadasa, Syamadasa, Govinda, Krishnadasa, Vamsidasa, Uddhava, Akrura, Jagamohana, Jagavandun, Kalandi bhusara, Gopala, Sundara, Hari, Mathura, Mohana, Radhagopala, Radhakisora, Gokula, Syamakrishna, Karuna Sagara, Dinarandhu, Navaghana Syama, Manohara, Jagatvallabha, Jayadeva, Kenurama, Dasavalakesa, Balarama, Yadunatha, Vrajanath, Vrajarama dasi, Lalita, Visakha, Candravali, Bhadra dasi, Radha dasi, Syama dasi, Kalandi Tulasi, Krishnapriya, Haripriya, Hari dasi, Subhadra, Vinoda, Hari dasi, Syama Priya, Madhumati, Sasirekha, Susila, Radhapriya, Shri Rasavallabha dasa, Govardhana dasa, Gopidasa, Dvija Ananta, Dvija Purusottama dasa, Dvija Kanu, Dvija Rama, Dvija Syama dasa, Kunjavana, Navinanandana, Vrndavana, Ghanasyam, Jaladhara, Syama, Navaghana, Giridhara, Mukunda, Nidhuvana, Krpala, Gododhara, Shricarana, Dvija Vamsi, Dvija Bhakta, Dvija Radhadasa.

 

It is impossible to count all the disciples of the Syamananda sect so I have only briefly mentioned them. They were all sincere devotees of Lord Krishna and meditated on Krishna since they entered their mothers womb. By listening to their manes one can attain love of Krishna. Whatever I have written has been dictated from my heart by the son of Acyuta. Making the feet of Syamananda my ornament this son of Rasamaya narrates Rasika-mangala.

 

 

The Sixteenth Wave

 

Glory to Syamananda, the ocean of mercy and glory to Rasikendra Candra, the abode of all good qualities. Once Rasika had the names of all the Vaishnavas of the Syamananda sect he very respectfully sent them invitations to the festival. He personally went begging and collected many items. First he gathered rice and stored it in a godown. Then there were many containers filled with different kinds of pulses. Flour, wheat, molasses, sugar, vatasa and michri were all collected in huge quantities. Hundreds of pots were filled with ghee, betel nut, mustard oil, tila oil, flattened rice, etc. There were hundreds of buckets of luci, puri, etc. Others were full of mango, jackfruit, laddhus, bananas, oranges, etc. There were many coconuts and then different kinds of vegetables and spices. An assortment of pots and containers were brought for cooking in. Temporary huts were erected to accomadate the invited saintly persons and rugs were collected in a huge quantity for them. The items collected for this festival were four times greater than that collected for the Rasa festival held previously.

 

The devotees cleansed the place where the festival was to be held and a beautiful pandal with pillars and a pinacle was prepared. A beautiful canopy was put on the above and the gates decorated with curtains. Flags and banana trees were places all round the pandal and a beautiful throne set in the centre circled with multi-coloured cloths. In every corner there were fans made from animal tails and strings of flowers were hung from them while water pots with mango twigs and coconut were placed around the pandal. All the guests were charmed by the arrangement for they could at once remember the Lord's Rasa lila.

 

On the full moon day in the month of Jyaistha, the festival started with the adhivasa ceremony. Many sects, Vaishnava mahantas, saintly persons, residents of Vraja, lacs of kings and their subjects came to attend the festival. At that time Rasika welcomed them with gifts of clothes, garlands and sandal. Leaf containers full of sandal were given to the Vaishnava mahantas by the brahmins. The son of Acyuta first of all worshipped tulasi in sankirtana then he worshipped the saints by offering garlands and sandal, Then in the morning on the auspicious moment of Krishna pratipada, the great festival began.

 

Hundreds of devotees entered into the stock room to manageall the commodities while a similar number of brahmins were engaged in cooking, another group brought water in profuse quantity while others cleaned the banana leaves for serving the prasada. Hundreds of brahmins entered the pandal and sat in rows to take their meal. The aroma of the various kinds of foodstuffs prepared for offering to Krishna was such that its smell charmed even the gods. At the time of receiving prasada Devaloka and Naraloka were invited. In a festive mood everything became united and no one was able to recognise each other.

 

After seeing that all the peoples of Vraja had been fed Rasika sat for eating along with the mahantas.Surrounded by his disciples and disciples of his disciples Rasika candra shone like the moon. After honouring prasadam everyone became mad in sankirtana with the son of Acyuta personally dancing in ecstasy. As he danced his emotions were aroused and he talked in a half choked voice. His eyes filled with tears and wet his clothes and he often fell on the ground and rolled there in trance, his beautiful blackish body smeared with dust. A flower garland hung round his neck and he wore a fine cloth, footbells round his ankles and held a flute in his hand. His gestures and postures, his smiling face and dots of sweat on his brow were all magnificent.

 

The place of Rasa was lit with lacs of lamps making it brighter than day. Added to this came the beautiful dancing of Rasika accompanied by the sounds of various musical instruments and the singing of different ragas. The atmosphere appeared to be non different from Vrndavana. Rasika and the other devotees were able to pass a few nights in this joy which was so great that even hundreds of mouths cannot describe it. I have tried to describe it in brief.

 

Now I have completed the Western Part. Oh scholars please do not find any flaw in it, Making the feet of Syamananda my ornament this son of Rasamaya narrates Rasika-mangala.

 

 

 

 

End of The Western Part