SHRI  NAROTTAMA VILASA

By Shrila Narahari Cakravarti Thakura

The Sweet Pastimes of Shrila Narottama dasa Thakura

 

The First Vilasa

 

O Supreme Lord Visvambhara, You are the husband of the goddess of fortune, and my eternal friend. Only You are capable of distributing the wealth of love of Godhead. You are known as kindhearted to those who depend upon You, therefore, O Lord, please shower You kindness upon me.

I worship Shri Lokanatha Prabhu, who is fully surrendered to the lotus feet of Shri Shri Radha-Vinoda. He is the life of the devotees, and a confidential associate of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

I worship Narottama dasa Thakura, who is especially dear to Lord Gauranga. Like a honey bee anxious for the nectar, he hovers at the lotus feet of Shrila Lokanatha, absorbed in love for Radha Krishna.

I worship the disciples of Shrila Narottama Prabhu who are rich in good qualities and are able to destroy all misfortune and misery.

For the pleasure of the Vaishnavas and to fulfill my own ardent desires, I am writing this book Narottama Vilasa which briefly describes the glories of Shrila Narottama dasa Thakura.

All glories to the son of Saci and Jagannatha Misra, Shri Gaura Govinda, the embodiment of divine love. He is the life of Nityananda and Advaita, and the only love of Svarupa, Sanatana, Rupa, and Gopala. Lord Visvambhara, who is expert at pleasing everyone, has bound the hearts of Haridasa, Vakresvara, and Narahari with the ropes of His love, and won the friendship of Gauridasa and Gadadhara.

All glories to Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and all His associates. O listeners! please be kind upon me. I am an illiterate fool who knows nothing of right or wrong, yet I have been ordered by saintly persons to narrate this beautiful book Narottama Vilasa which will certainly be relished by the readers. I have offered my obeisances to the Lord in the above verses, now listen patiently and attentively as I briefly describe the glories of Shri Lokanatha Prabhu, a favorite devotee of the Lord and the light of his famous brahmana family.

He was born to Sita and Padmanabha Cakravarti in the village of Talagari in the district of Jassora. It is difficult to describe the wonderful attributes of Lokanatha's father and mother. Padmanabha was a famous Rarhi brahmana Vaishnava and a favorite of Shri Advaita Prabhu. He was constantly absorbed in sankirtana, singing madly and crying incessantly. Those who simply observed his kirtana where also unable to check their tears.

He frequently came to Nadia for darsana of Lord Gauranga. However, after such visits upon returning to his own village he inevitably fell into the depths of despair due to intense feelings of separation from Gauranga.

He and his wife always sang the glories of Gaurachandra. Sita was like her husband. She was a devoted Vaisnavi and wife. She felt extremely fortunate to have a wonderful son like Lokanatha and her happiness knew no bounds as she watched his devotion to Gaurachandra blossoming day by day. Who can describe the loving care she showered upon her exalted son?

Lokanatha was always enthusiastically engaged in the Lord's devotional service. People were spontaneously drawn by his extraordinary beauty and deep devotion. He conscientiously served his parents, and was well-versed in all of the scriptures at a very young age.

When his parents died, Lokanatha decided, after discussing with his friends, that he would give up the shackles of material existence, go to Nadia and surrender at the lotus feet of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

The mercy of the Lord was abundantly showered upon Lokanatha during his stay in Nadia. However, after sometime Lord Chaitanya requested that he go to Vraja. Lokanatha could understand the mind of the Lord, he knew that Mahaprabhu was thinking of taking sannyasa shortly. Thus Lokanatha's departure was an indescribably pathetic scene; leaving the Lord's association was unbearable for him. Completely despondent, Lokanatha began his journey. Crying incessantly, the path before him became practically invisible, thus in five days he walked a distance which would normally be covered in a single day. After traveling for sometime he received the heart breaking news that Mahaprabhu had taken sannyasa and, after consoling his associates, had gone to Nilacala. Lokanatha lamented, knowing the Lord had given up His beautiful curling hair.

Heavy-hearted and forlorn, Lokanatha continued his journey only because it was the order of the Lord. He arrived in Vrndavana practically lifeless, but the charming atmosphere of Vraja soothed his mind and eased his aching heart. However, after a few days Lokanatha heard that Mahaprabhu had gone to South India, and his mind became disturbed. Eager to see the Lord again, Lokanatha left for the south at once. In anxious anticipation he traveled quickly. However, after traveling a considerable distance he received news that the Lord had already left the South and returned to Nilacala. Afterwards he heard that the Lord had arrived in Vrndavana. With great anxiety Lokanatha immediately started for Vraja. However, upon reaching Vrndavana, he found that Mahaprabhu had departed for Prayaga just a few days before.

The forlorn Lokanatha sank into the depths of despair. The next morning he decided to follow Mahaprabhu to Prayaga. He could no longer tolerate the intense misery of separation from his beloved Lord. Rolling on the ground he cried pitifully until at last he feel asleep. In his dream he finally received the long awaited darsana of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu; His effulgent body was covered with yellow sandalwood paste, shining with a brilliance unknown to gold. Perfectly arranged hair, decorated with fresh flowers, surrounded His exquisite face, and His forehead was neatly marked with tilaka. Who would not be captivated by His gorgeous lotus eyes, majestic eyebrows, and enticing smile which easily defeated the beauty of the moon? A sacred thread was draped across His broad chest and His long arms touched His knees. His dhoti was folded in three places and His transcendental body was bedecked with ornaments.

          He spoke affectionately to Lokanatha: "I shall always be with you, relishing loving pastimes, here in My eternal abode, Navadvipa. Even great personalities like Lord Brahma are unable to understand this Dhama of Mine." Saying this, He embraced Lokanatha and disappeared.

Lokanatha awoke, the emptiness in the Lord's absence was intolerable and he was overwhelmed with despair. However, by Mahaprabhu's kindness, sleep once again overtook him and the Lord, dressed in the garb of a sannyasi, once again appeared before him. "You are thinking of going to Prayaga," the Lord said sweetly, "But what is the use of going there when you can see me here in your dream. O Lokanatha I also desire to be with all of you in Vrndavana. After I sent you to Vraja I took sannyasa from Kesava Bharati. At that time I was very eager to see Vrnda Vipina, but My devotees were so broken-hearted and desolate, due to my acceptance of the renounced order, that I was obliged to spend a few days in the house of Advaita Prabhu to console them. Afterwards I went to Nilacala, then later to the South. Unfortunately our paths did not cross either in the South or in Vrndavana. I know you are feeling despondent because of this and have decided to leave for Prayaga tomorrow morning, but don't leave Vrndavana, rememberhat I am always with you. I shall keep you informed of my whereabouts. From Prayaga I'll leave for Nilacala, there I will tell my dear devotees Rupa and Sanatana about you and they will meet you in Vrndavana soon. In their association you will float on the waves of happiness amidst the ocean of ecstatic love for Krishna."

"Within a short period of time a prince named Narottama will become your disciple. He will be a gifted devotee, full of love and devotion, and empowered to save the fallen conditioned souls from hellish life. His enchanting beautiful kirtana will melt even wood or stone." Thus speaking He embraced Lokanatha, who fell at the Lord's feet.

Awaking and finding himself alone, Lokanatha cried pitifully, remembering the beautiful Gaurangacandra. Eventually he pacified himself, but tears continued to flow like rivers from his eyes. As dawn approached he performed his daily duties and sat down in a quiet place to chant the holy name of the Lord until a local brahmana offered him some fruits to eat. He sat under the tree for a long time until restlessness overtook him and he began wandering aimlessly throughout Vrndavana. Eventually he happened upon a beautiful secluded area where he stayed alone for a long time.

Later he happened to find out that Shri Subuddhi Misra had visited Vrndavana, followed by Shri Rupa Gosvami a bit later, but now they were both on there way to meet Shri Gaurasundara. Sanatana had also come to Vrndavana but had recently left for Nilacala. Hearing this Lokanatha could not suppress his disappointment. Sighing heavily and crying pitifully, he lamented, "O Rupa, Sanatana, when will I be able to live with you?" Suddenly a voice replied: "We shall definitely come to Vrndavana soon."

Eventually Gopala Bhatta and others did come to Vrndavana. I am lost for words to describe that joyous meeting and the immense pleasure they derived from each other's association. Shri Rupa Gosvami greeted Lokanatha with great warmth and affection, dissipating the anguish of long separation from the Lord and His devotees.

          In Sanatana Gosvami's Vaishnava-Tosani he mentions his attachment for Lokanatha: "I worship Shrila Kasisvara, Lokanatha, and Shri Krishnadasa who have taken shelter at the lotus feet of the dear-most Deity in Vrndavana, Shrila Govinda Deva." Raghunatha Bhatta, Gopala Bhatta, Bhugarbha Gosvami, as well as many others, dearly loved Lokanatha. Together they spent many wonderful days in Shri Vrndavana Dhama relishing the highest pinnacles of devotional happiness.

Lokanatha was fully engaged in the service of his worshipful Deities, Shri Shri Radha-Vinoda. How he obtained these deities I have explained in Bhaktiratnakara. Once while serving his Deities, Lokanatha suddenly saw the madhurya form of Shri Gaura amalgamated with that of Shri Radha-Vinoda. Later, in a dream, the Lord revealed everything regarding His own transcendental nature. Such deep spiritual realizations gave rise to intense emotions, thus whenever Lokanatha tried to describe the divine attributes of the Lord, he would lose his composure and simply roll on the ground, cursing himself for not having personally witnessed the Lord's pastimes.

          Krishnadasa Kaviraja requested Lokanatha's permission for writing Chaitanya Charitamrita, which he received with Lokanatha's wholehearted enthusiasm, yet both he and Gopala Bhatta, forbade Krishnadasa from mentioning their names within the book.

I have heard all of these stories from some aged persons. Whoever hears them is extremely fortunate. The merciful Lokanatha Gosvami remained in Vrndavana and later showered his blessings upon his dear disciple, Narottama dasa. By the mercy of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Lokanatha obtained the precious gem of love of Godhead:

"I worship the lotus feet of Lokanatha Prabhu whose is opulent with the wealth of Shri Krishna Chaitanya's blessings, and whose mind is bedecked with the ornaments of love."

"I take shelter at the lotus feet of Lokanatha Prabhu who eternally resides in Vrndavana. He is always absorbed in loving devotional service, enchanted by the transcendental pastimes of Shri Krishna. "

"I take refuge at the lotus feet of Lokanatha Prabhu who is completely indifferent to the pains and pleasures of this material world. His mercy was fully realized only by the great scholar Narottama dasa."

All glories to Narottama dasa Thakura, the beloved disciple of Lokanatha Gosvami. How the illustrious Narottama took his birth in the house of Krishnananda Datta, the elder brother of Shri Purusottama, I dare not discuss elaborately here. However, for your pleasure, I shall give a brief description.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Witnessing the unusual behavior of the Lord, the devotees began talking amongst themselves: "Prabhu is repeatedly calling out the name of someone called Narottama."

"It seems that this Narottama is extremely dear to the Lord, perhaps he is about to take birth soon."

"O, who is that fortunate man who will have such a son?"

"The woman who bears him within her womb is the most fortunate lady in the world."

"Obviously, the Lord has plans for this Narottama to fulfill His mission."

In this way the rumors of the appearance of Narottama spread far and wide.

A similar event took place again when Mahaprabhu was traveling to Nilacala, suddenly he cried out the name of Shrinivasa.

These topics became known to all and everyone waited eagerly anticipating the appearance of Narottama. O listeners, please hear attentively as Narahari dasa narrates Narottama Vilasa.

 

The Second Vilasa

 

All glories to Shri Gaurachandra, Nityananda Prabhu, and all the devotees of Mahaprabhu. Please bestow your mercy upon this poor fallen conditioned soul. All glories to those who hear the nectar of this Narottama Vilasa, kindly listen patiently to my narration.

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

His mother, radiant with beauty, wept joyfully as she lovingly gazed at the charming face of her son. An unearthly effulgence suddenly illuminated the entire delivery room and happiness swelled in the hearts of everyone present.

From that moment the village of Shri Kheturi became an auspicious place. The residents suddenly felt purified; as if cleansed of all misgivings. They trembled with ecstatic emotions, tears filled their eyes, and they spontaneously chanted the holy name with devotion. They rushed to the house of Krishnananda carrying all kinds of gifts for the newborn child.

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

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

Narayani watched jubilantly as her son began to grow like the moon. Similarly, Krishnananda's pleasure knew no bounds as he constantly stared at the jewel-like face of his son. Grateful for his good fortune, he fed the brahmanas daily.

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

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

The thoughtful astrologer, however, reassured everyone, "Don't worry, this baby will not accept food unless it has first been offered to Lord Vishnu."

Thus the rice was offered to Lord Vishnu, then again offered to the child. To everyone's relief, the child happily devoured it. From that day on, realizing the value of prasada, the king ordered: "Only food which has been offered to Krishna should be given to my son." Although the worship of Krishna was customary in their family, from the time of Narottama's birth everyone became much more attentive to the service of the Lord.

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

He was an adorable boy and endeared himself to everyone, soon he was the talk of the town: "Just one glance at Narottama is sufficient to cool my mind and chase away all miseries."

"From every angle of vision the prince is beautiful."

"I have never seen such a gorgeous boy."

In this way Krishnananda's son was glorified throughout the town.

Krishnananda was happy simply to gaze upon his son, but as time passed he began to think, "My son is capable in all respects, he must be married soon. I am getting old and should follow the path of my father, it is time to be relieved of my kingly duties." Thus he consulted with the wise Kayasthas to find a suitable bride for his son.

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

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

At that time the news of Lord Gauranga's glories was spreading throughout the world. Narottama's only solace was when he received some word of the Lord's pastimes. There was one aged brahmana in Shri Kheturi named Krishnadasa. He was a genuine servant of Lord Krishna and loved Narottama deeply. He could not let a single day pass without seeing Narottama. That brahmana, Krishnadasa, was so powerful by dint of his devotion, that no one dare disobey him.

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

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

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

"Glory to Shrinivasa Prabhu who fell unconscious on the road to Nilacala upon hearing of Shri Mahaprabhu's disappearance. After regaining consciousness he frantically cut his own beautiful hair and so doing hurt his forehead, then he continued on to Purusottama remembering the lotus feet of Mahaprabhu."

In a dream Lord Chaitanya appeared before Shrinivasa, encouraging him to go on to Nilacala. Upon seeing Shrinivasa, everyone there shed tears. Gadadhara, Vakresvara Pandita and others welcomed him into their association. Showering their mercy upon him they ordered him to go to Vrndavana. Shrinivasa first took darsana of Shri Jagannatha and then started for Gauda via Shrikhanda. After reaching Gauda he again returned to Nilacala via Shrikhanda, but along the way he heard that Gadadhara Pandita Gosvami had disappeared from the world. Devastated, Shrinivasa turned around and headed back towards Gauda, looking like a man on the verge of death. After traveling sometime he lay down and fell asleep. In his dream Shri Pandita Gosvami appeared before Shrinivasa and lovingly consoled him.

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

In the morning Shrinivasa continued on to Gauda. In Shrikhanda he met Narahari and Shri Raghunandana and bowed to their feet. This is described by Kavi Karnapura in Gunalesa-sucaka: "All glory to Shrila Shrinivasa prabhu who went to Shrikhanda and bowed before Narahari Sarkara Thakura, the dear-most associate of Shri Chaitanya Candra. Being ordered by Narahari, Shrinivasa also sought the favor of Yadunandana."

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

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

One day, due to the desire of the Lord, Narottama fell asleep and in his dream he saw Gauraraya. His splendid beauty could not be compared to gold, lightning, or anything else of this world. The beautiful curling hair hanging down His back could turn the mind of even the most virtuous woman. His earrings shone brightly and His lotus eyes were the trap of Cupid. His smiling face could easily defeat the effulgence of the moon, and the beautiful tilaka on His forehead could capture one's breath. His graceful hands swept down to His knees, and how broad His chest was. Beautiful jeweled garlands hung around His conch-like neck, and His deep naval was finely shaped. His thin waist defeated even the lion. His knees looked like toppled banana trees, and His feet were more attractive than lotuses. How gorgeous was His three fold loin cloth. Observing the beauty of Mahaprabhu, Narottama shed tears of love and fell on the feet of the Lord. Placing His feet on Narottama's head, Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu said sweetly, "O Nattama, look at me. I cannot bear your tears. Don't worry, go straight to Vrndavana. There you will be initiated by my dear devotee Lokanatha. He will happily pour the nectar of the Mahamantra into your ears. I have many plans which are to be served by you." Narottama's sleep was then broken.

Narottama could not bear Mahaprabhu's disappearance and he rolled on the ground in disappointment. Thus again, due to the Lord's wish, Narottama fell asleep. In his dream he saw Lord Chaitanya on the bank of the Ganges in Navadvipa. He was enjoying His pastimes along with Nityananda, Advaita, Gadadhara, Shrivasa, Svarupa, Narahari, Haridasa, Vakresvara, Mukunda, Murari, Govinda, Madhava, Vasu Ghosa, Suklambara, Gauridasa, Shri Sanjaya, Damodara, Mahesa, Sankara, and Yadu Acarya. All of them surrounded Gauranga as they engaged in sankirtana, while the people of Navadvipa witnessed their divine pastimes. Eager to inspect this beautiful scene, even Brahma, Siva and other demigods and goddesses mingled with the crowd in disguise. Even the animals and birds were charmed. Those who were born blind, were suddenly able to see and rushed to observe the extraordinary sankirtana performance. Seeing this wonderful fun, Narottama wept with joy. On seeing Narottama, Mahaprabhu Gaurachandra emotionally took him to His bosom andoaked Narottama with His tears. Narottama fell on Mahaprabhu's feet, and the Lord affectionately lifted him from the ground and put him in the care of Nityananda and Advaita. He also helped Narottama to obtain the mercy of His associates, and they all advised Narottama to go to Vrndavana. Narottama was unable to control his emotions. Observing the beauty of Nityananda, Narottama fell on His feet, and Nityananda put His feet on Narottama's head, blessing him with unconditional love for Shri Gauranga, then advised him to go to Vrndavana. Upon seeing the beauty of Advaita, Narottama fell at his feet, who at once lifted Narottama and placed him at the lotus feet of Gauranga. He bowed to the feet of Gadadhara, Shrivasa and others who also embraced Narottama one by one. Narottama bathed in the tears of everyone. All of them encouraged Narottama to go to Vrndavana. Narottama then woke up and it was morning. He consoled himself and finished his daily morning duties. He wept with joy as he began to see many auspicious ins, indicating good fortune. In anticipation he waited, hoping that the fortunate moment would soon arise.

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

The miserable condition of Narottama's parents was beyond description. Narottama became the talk of Gauda, "Prince Narottama must have gone to Vrajapura."

"He must be the Narottama whom Mahaprabhu had called for in Ramakeli village."

"The strength of mind he has manifested is not known to an ordinary man."

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

Narottama undauntedly passed through the main roads now. Who can describe Narottama's sincere efforts in the service of the Lord? Traveling along the road he sang the glories of Gauranga with continuous streams of tears rolling down his face. Those who just once looked upon the face of Narottama, attained peace of mind. The villages which Narottama selected to halt at each night became blessed by his presence. Whether male or female, anyone who kept company with Narottama during his journey would comment softly amongst themselves about the wonderful characteristics of Narottama: "Even the golden campaka flower would become ashamed to see the beautiful color of this young man's complexion."

"Look at his beautiful face and big eyes. How superb his nose, cheeks, eyebrows, forehead and ears are."

Some one else said, "Look how long his hands are and how broad his chest is."

"Who are the fortunate parents of this extraordinary man with such beautiful knees and feet."

Some one said, "He cannot be an ordinary human being. He must be a demigod or a son of a king."

Another person remarked, "Alas, how sad it is that such a young man has become apathetic toward family life."

Others said, "We wonder how his parents are living without him."

"Fie to providence, who has no mercy for this boy and has dragged him out of his family at such an young age."

Being extremely moved by Narottama's presence, no one wanted to return to their houses. They brought many things for Narottama to eat and offered him a comfortable bed to sleep on. But Narottama could not eat or sleep, he spent the night in sankirtana. Everyone felt sad to see the body of Narottama smeared with dust. In the morning the villagers did not want to let him go, but Narottama begged their leave. This was the normal scene which occurred daily along his journey to Vraja, Narottama stole the hearts of everyone he met.

Within a short time Narottama visited all the holy places and at last, with an enchanted mind, entered Vrndavana. First of all he went to visit Visrama Ghat in Shri Mathura, where he bathed in the Yamuna and took some rest. In the solitude of the night he began kirtana there. At that time a great vaishnava resident of Mathura came there carrying many varieties of Krishna prasada and affectionately fed Narottama. Narottama asked him about the well being of Vraja. With a pierced heart the brahmana informed him of the demise of Raghunatha, Kasisvara, Rupa and Sanatana. On hearing of the disappearance of Rupa and Sanatana, Narottama fell on the ground crying. Striking his head on the ground he called out, "Kasisvara Pandita, Shri Bhatta Raghunatha." Tears streamed from his eyes like a river and he was about to faint. Seeing the death-like state of Narottama, the brahmana took him in his lap and consoled him. They spent most of the night together discussing many topics. Late at night, due to the will of the Lord, both  them fell asleep. In Narottama's dream, Rupa, Sanatana, Kasisvara and Raghunatha appeared before Narottama. Narottama at once fell on their feet. All of them embraced Narottama and soaked him with their tears. They spoke sweetly to Narottama, some of which the brahmana could hear. With great satisfaction they showered their blessings upon Narottama and then disappeared.

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

While walking Narottama began to think, "Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has brought such a low and unqualified man as me here to the sacred land of Vrndavana. He has sent me to the abode of mercy, Shri Lokanatha Gosvami prabhu. Will he accept me as his servant? Will I be able to hold the lotus feet of Shri Gopala Bhatta, Shri Bhugarbha Gosvami, Shri Jiva Gosvami and others on my head? Will they show their mercy to a worthless man like me? Shrinivasa Acarya who is the embodiment of love, will he love a poor soul like me?" Thinking in this way his eyes filled with tears, his body trembled uncontrollably and he was unable to walk a single step further.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shri Jiva Gosvami then took Shrinivasa and Narottama to the house of Shri Bhugarbha Gosvami, a great scholar and inseparable associate of Shri Lokanatha Gosvami. He always spent his days in remembrance of Mahaprabhu. Shri Jiva Gosvami introduced him to Narottama, who at once touched the feet of Gosvami. Bhugarbha Gosvami embraced him very lovingly. After bowing to his feet, Shri Jiva returned to his house with Shrinivasa and Narottama and brought them before Shri Shri Radha Damodara. Narottama was overwhelmed with love at the sight of the Deity. How can I describe Narottama's state of mind upon seeing the tomb of Shri Rupa Gosvami? Tears streamed down his face as he rolled on the ground. Gradually, his body became still and there was no sign of heaving. Shrinivasa quickly took him in his lap. Shri Jiva pacified him and took him to his cottage.

Shri Jiva then received a message to go quickly to Govindaji Temple. Thus he, Shrinivasa and Narottama went to the temple and observed the rajabhoga arati of Shri Govinda. After respecting mahaprasada they returned to Shri Jiva's cottage. There they spent time discussing topics related to Krishna. Later they went to the temple of Shri Madanamohana and observed the uthvapana arati of the Deity. Shri Jiva then introduced Narottama to everyone there. Seeing Shri Madanamohana, Narottama became overwhelmed with love, forgetting himself he wept incessantly. The Gosvami priest lovingly gave him the garland which had decorated the Deity. Shri Jiva then took him to the tomb of Sanatana Gosvami. One mouth is incapable of describing the emotions of Narottama upon observing Sanatana's tomb. With great affection Shri Jiva pacified Narottama and brought him to his cottage. There he put Narottama into the hands of his dear Shrinivasa. With great happiness Shrinivasa bowed to the feet of Shri Jiva and started for his cottage with Narottam where they spent the entire night discussing topics related to Krishna. In the morning, they bathed in the Yamuna and worshipped the Lord. With joyful minds they went to see Shri Jiva Gosvami, who immediately sent them to the Radha Kunda.

After observing the beauty of the two kunda's, they went to the place of Shri dasa Gosvami and Shrinivasa cautiously introduced Narottama to him. Though Dasa Gosvami had been in a miserable state of mind due to separation from the Lord and His devotees, he suddenly became very happy. "Where is Narottama"? Saying this he opened his eyes. Narottama bowed to his lotus feet. Being affectionately moved, Dasa Gosvami showered his mercy upon Narottama. Narottama was then introduced to all the great scholars there. Shri Raghava Pandita, who had been living at Govardhana, was extremely happy to see Narottama. Shrinivasa and Narottama finished their travels to all the sacred spots then reported back to Shri Jiva.

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

Please listen attentively as I describe how Narottama again returned to Gauda. I, Narahari dasa continue the narration of Shri Narottama Vilasa.

 

The Third Vilasa

 

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

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

Shri Jiva Gosvami's knowledge and devotion was deeper than millions oceans. Although his outward expression was most stable, inwardly he was extremely emotional and greatly perturbed at the thought of separation from Narottama and Shrinivasa. Nevertheless, he calmly helped Shrinivasa to say good-bye to everyone and gave him his blessings to start for Gauda at an auspicious moment.

With great affection Lokanatha Gosvami handed over his dear disciple, Narottama, to the hands of Shrinivasa. Again and again he instructed Narottama, "Always remember to serve the Deities and dedicate your life to spreading the sankirtana movement." Narottama happily accepted these instructions as his life and soul, and Shrinivasa accepted the charge of Narottama jubilantly. Putting Syamananda and Narottama under the care of Shrinivasa, Shri Jiva said, "From now on, these boys are yours." He ordered Syamananda, "First go to Gauda, then travel to Utkala via Shri Ambika Puri." (This is elaborately described in Bhaktiratnakara). Thus taking the blessings of all the mahantas, they started their long journey to Gauda. The carts filled with the priceless treasure of books moved ahead and eleven armed guards from Vraja followed behind. With a disturbed mind, Shri Jiva Gosvami accompanied the party to Mathura. The residents of Mathura greeted them ecstatically and they rested there for the night. Their departure the followg morning, however, was a pathetic scene, no one could bear to see them go.

After a long journey Shrinivasa, Narottama and Syamananda finally reached Gaudamandala and headed through the woods in the direction of Vanavisnupura. In the midst of the forest they came upon a village were they decided to halt for the night. Generally they were extremely cautious about protecting the books at night. However, on this night, due the desire of the Lord, they all fell sound asleep.

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

In the morning when Shrinivasa and his party awoke they were horrified to find that the precious life-long works of the Gosvami's had been stolen by dacoits. The miserable scene which then insued is too heart-breaking to describe. Throwing themselves on the ground they cried out loudly in utter despair. They were unable to pacify one another. A long time passed in heated lamentation, until Shrinivasa calmed himself down and tried to pacify the others. "On our long journey we passed safely through many dangerous places. But here we accidentally fell asleep and everything has been easily stolen. There must be some hidden purpose behind this incident." Shri Thakura Mahasaya also took heart and privately said, "This must be a divine arrangement in order that this country receive some special mercy." At that time they suddenly heard an oracle in the sky, "Do not worry, the books will soon be recovered."

Shortly thereafter, someone whispered to Shrinivasa, "The king is the real culprit, go to Vanavisnupura." Hearing this, Shrinivasa first consoled his companions and sent a letter to Vrndavana. He requested Shri Thakura Mahasaya to go to Kheturi without hesitation, and told Syamananda, "Go immediately to Utkala via Shri Kheturi. I shall go to Vanavisnupura and fetch the books, then I will send you a letter to reassure you that the books have been recovered. Now don't worry and don't think about anything else." Saying this he bade farewell to them. It was impossible for them to disobey the order of Shri Acarya, yet they could not conceal their grief when they were about to leave. Together Narottama and Syamananda traveled to Kheturi, but Narottama did not let Syamananda go to Utkala.

In Vanavisnupura Shrinivasa bestowed his mercy upon King Vira Hamvira, who happily returned the books without hesitation. Later the king, along with his followers and family, took shelter under the lotus feet of Shrinivasa and became great devotees. This incident is elaborately described in Bhaktiratnakara.

Relieved and happy, Shri Acarya Thakura sent word to Vrndavana assuring the devotees that the books had been recovered. He also sent a letter to relieve the minds of Thakura Mahasaya and Syamananda in Kheturi. Upon receiving the news they joyfully raised their hands, singing and dancing ecstatically. Shri Santosa Datta, the son of Shri Purusottama Datta, was also jubilant. Santosa was the son of Narottama's uncle and was full of all good qualities. Krishnananda Datta had appointed him as the heir to the throne. He was a good and kind hearted king and gave profuse charity to the brahmanas, scholars and poor. Shri Thakura Mahasaya happily sent a reply to Shrinivasa in Vanavisnupura.

Thereafter Syamananda took his leave. The parting of Narottama and Syamananda was a pathetic scene. Even the animals and birds cried upon hearing the loving exchange between the two dear friends. Shri Thakura Mahasaya selected an escort to accompany Syamananda to Utkala, and Syamananda began his journey with a heavy heart.

Syamananda traveled to Ambika via Navadvipa. There he was overwhelmed with ecstatic emotion upon observing the temple of Shri Gaura-Nitai. Seeing Syamananda crying helplessly, someone rushed to inform Shri Hrdaya Chaitanya of Syamananda's arrival, "Your Duhkhi Krishnadasa is here. I saw him lying on the ground in front of the temple praying to the Lord with extreme humility. I was completely amazed by the boy's expressions of love and devotion. I cannot describe how his eyes incessantly shed tears. Since he did not come to see you, I ran here immediately to inform you of his arrival."

Hearing this, Thakura was jubilant and excitedly requested that the man immediately bring Syamananda to see him, "I am eagerly waiting for him", he said. "I am very proud of his devotional service. After taking initiation from me, he lived here for a long time and captured Shri Nitai Chaitanya with the bonds of his love. I affectionately sent him to Vrndavana, where he completed his devotional studies. During that time he wrote me regularly to inform me of his progress. Understanding his thirst for knowledge, I permitted him to carry on. In Vrndavana he was so happily engaged in the service of the Nikunja, that eventually his named was changed from Duhkhi to Syamananda. Everyone in Vrndavana loves him dearly. He had already written to me that he would be coming here soon. By the desire of Gaura Nitai he will perform exalted service which will be acknowledged throughout the world. Mind you, he is my favorite disciple and I am anxious to see him after such a long time."

At that moment Syamananda appeared on the spot and fell at the feet of his spiritual master. Shri Hrdaya Chaitanya Thakura affectionately placed his feet on Syamananda's head. When he tried to embrace his disciple, Syamananda shrank away and stood in a distant place. Nevertheless Thakura grabbed him and embraced him lovingly then took him to the temple of Mahaprabhu.

There he dedicated Syamananda to the feet of Gaura-Nitai. Thakura then brought Syamananda to his house and gave him the remnants of his food to eat, which Syamananda relished happily. Thakura eagerly inquired about recent events, and Syamananda pleased his guru with an elaborate description of everything.

Syamananda stayed with his spiritual master for a long time serving him wholeheartedly. However, one day Hrdaya Chaitanya said, "Do not delay any longer, you must leave for Utkala at once. The Lord has many plans for you to execute there." Saying this, he brought Syamananda before Gaura-Nitai and gave him the garland offered to the Deities. After bestowing his blessings upon Syamananda, Hrdaya Chaitanya bade him farewell. Crying pathetically, Syamananda said good-bye to his spiritual master, who was also unable to hold back his tears.

I will not describe Syamananda's journey to Utkala, but I shall mention that along the way Syamananda freely distributed his mercy and saved many fallen souls from the repetition of birth and death. In Utkala he accepted many disciples, of which Shri Rasikananda was one. Due to the powerful preaching of Syamananda and his disciples the whole country became purified. I have elaborately described these incidents in Bhaktiratnakara.

When Syamananda finally arrived in Utkala he immediately sent a letter to Shri Thakura Mahasaya to inform him of his safe arrival. Thakura Mahasaya, who had been waiting anxiously to hear from Syamananda, was happy and relieved to receive his letter. He immediately sent the letter on to the devotees in Vanavisnupura, and wrote a reply to Syamananda.

Shri Thakura Mahasaya then left Kheturi and started for Navadvipa. Narottama remained in an ecstatic loving trance as he traveled, like a maddened elephant. A continuous shower of tears streamed down his face, wetting his chest. Everyone who saw him observed his expressions of divine love with astonishment. As he passed through various villages the residents became enchanted by his presence and followed along behind him. Once he set foot in a village, the inhabitants ran to greet him, swarming around him like bumblebees. And when he left the village, the inhabitants sank into the depths of sorrow.

Traveling in this way he eventually reached the boarder of Navadvipa. Observing the beautiful countryside he began to lament, "O most merciful Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Why have you sent me into this world now? Being unable to witness your divine pastimes in Nadia I am lost in intense suffering." Thinking in this way, he walked on very slowly, crying pitifully. But to his astonishment, when he entered Navadvipa proper, he found that each and every house was full of joy and happiness. In every corner the loud chanting of "Hari, Hari" resounded. From all directions men and women eagerly rushed to the house of Shri Chaitanya. There the Lord and His associates danced ecstatically in sankirtana, thus Navadvipa was floating in the an ocean of happiness.

For some time Narottama enjoyed the vision of this joyous scene, when suddenly, everything changed. Again the city of Nadia was sunk into the depths of despair. Narottama burst out crying, "O Lord, what have I seen?" Narottama sat thoughtfully for some time, then eventually asked a passerby where he could find the house of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. With his head hung down, tears streaming from his eyes, the man replied, "Look over there, that is the house of Prabhu, go in this way." Seeing the Lord's house Narottama began to cry also.

At that time Suklambara brahmacari happened to be passing by and his curiosity was aroused upon seeing Narottama. Narottama bowed to his feet, and Suklambara asked, "Who are you"? When Narottama stated his name, Suklambara immediately broke out in tears and warmly embraced Narottama with deep affection. With a choked voice he explained to Narottama, "When Gaurachandra was absorbed in ecstatic trance in the village of Ramakeli, He called out your name lovingly. Who can understand the mystery of the Lord's pastimes? At that time he predicted your arrival here. O my son, all the mahantas, including myself, have been eagerly waiting for you. Actually Prabhu's disappearance is unbearable for us. Some of us have already disappeared from this world."

He then introduced himself to Narottama and brought him to meet all the other remaining devotees of Gauranga. Narottama worshipped everyone's feet, and they embraced him. Though they were merged in intense suffering due to separation from the Lord, they felt immediate relief and happiness upon seeing Narottama. They eagerly questioned Narottama about many things, and Narottama happily answered them all. Damodara Pandita and others did not want Narottama to leave them, thus Narottama stayed in Nadia a few more days in the houses of the favorite associates of Mahaprabhu. Narottama was so fortunate that in his dreams he was able to meet those devotees who he had not met there due to their demise.

After a few days passed the devotees reluctantly, and with heavy hearts, allowed Narottama to leave. They told him sweetly, "Prabhu has kept us alive only to see you. But, alas, we will not be able to see Shrinivasa." Saying this, their voices choked with emotion. With a perturbed mind, Narottama touched everyone's feet and went to Gaurachandra's house for a final visit. There he found even the servants and maidservants of Prabhu on the verge of death, due to separation. Seeing Narottama, their misery doubled. Blessing Narottama they said, "Due to the wish of Prabhu, you will execute His plans and perform wonderful service." Then they bade him farewell. Narottama cried loudly and fell on the ground in the courtyard of Gauranga. After a long time, he controlled himself and started for Santipura.

Narottama was charmed by the beauty of Santipura. He went to the house of Advaita Acarya and worshipped the feet of Shri Acyutananda, son of Advaita Prabhu. He was merciful to Narottama and introduced to him to all the devotes. Later he ordered Narottama, "Go to Nilacala first and then come back to your place and begin to popularize kirtana." Saying this he began to weep and his thin body trembled. Narottama again worshipped the feet of all the devotees and took his leave.

Arriving at Harinadi village he crossed the Ganges and entered Ambika. There he asked someone where he could find the house of Hrdaya Chaitanya Pandita, and found out that he was not far away. Someone who had seen Narottama pass by, rushed ahead to Hrdaya Chaitanya and informed him excitedly, "A beautiful young man who is filled with love for Gaura-Nitai is coming to see you." Shri Hrdaya Chaitanya immediately understood that it was non-other than his beloved Narottama. Filled with emotion, he ran to the door step to welcome his disciple. Narottama fell at the feet of his Guru, who tearfully welcomed him, taking him in his lap. He then took Narottama to the temple of Gaura-Nitai for darsana. Seeing his beloved Lord's before him, Narottama fell on the ground crying. Hrdaya Chaitanya pacified him and gave him the Deities garland.

With great affection, Shri Hrdaya Chaitanya kept Narottama with him for 2 to 4 days and then, after dedicating him to the feet of Gaura-Nitai, ordered him to go to Nilacala. All the great Bhagavatas, including Shri Hrdaya Chaitanya, were deeply aggrieved to see him go.

Narottama traveled quickly, eager to reach Khardaha. He became so excited upon entering Khardaha proper, that he lost his usual reserve. Mahesa Pandita and others rushed to greet Narottama when they saw him approaching. "We were dying with separation from the Lord," they said, "but now you have come to soothe our aching hearts, like a cooling oasis in the desert of misery. We have known about you for a long time and have already heard about your travels to Vrndavana, the stealing of the manuscripts, as well as your visit to Navadvipa. We are so happy to finally see you." Saying this they each introduced themselves, and Narottama tearfully worshipped their feet.

Thereafter they took Narottama to the house of Prabhu. When Shri Vasu and Jahnava were told of Narottama's arrival, they eagerly requested that he be brought to the interior of the house immediately. Entering the room, Narottama felt himself extremely fortunate and worshipped the feet of the two Isvaris, then bowed to the lotus feet of Shri Virabhadra. Upon seeing Narottama, Shri Vasu and Jahnava could not conceal their overwhelming love for him. "The title Mahasaya is rightly attributed to him," they said. Out of affection, they kept Narottama with them for four days and all of the devotees of Khardaha came to meet him. Shri Vasu, Jahnava and Viracandra could not bear to leave him for a moment. The all-knowing Shri Jahnava Thakurani privately spoke to Narottama and ordered him to go to Nilacala soon. At the time of Narottama's departure, Mahesa Pandita and others embraced Narottama again and again and also advised him to go to Nilacala. Narottama bowed to their feet and took his leave crying. The devotees accompaed him for some distance, then after pacifying themselves, as well as Narottama, they returned home. He who attentively hears this narration of Narottama's journey in Gauda will have his desires fulfilled. So listen attentively as I, Shri Narahari Dasa, narrate Narottama Vilasa.

 

The Fourth Vilasa

 

All glories to Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Nityananda Prabhu, Advaita Acarya, and all the devotees of the Lord. Please shower your mercy upon this poor soul. All glories to the all-merciful listeners. Now listen attentively as I narrate this episode of Narottama Vilasa.

As Shri Thakura Mahasaya began his journey to Nilacala his mind was filled with loving thoughts of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. With due reverence Narottama choose to take the same road which had formerly been traversed by Shri Chaitanya Candra Himself. At night Narottama halted at the same villages which the Lord had chosen as His resting place, and also discussed topics of Krishna with the local people, just as Mahaprabhu had done previously. When Narottama happened to meet someone who had personally met Mahaprabhu, he could not check his emotions and cried uncontrollably. Everyone who meet Narottama was extremely pleased and immediately began glorifying him, "Shri Krishna Chaitanya is the most merciful and loving incarnation. Only one who is His great devotee is capable of displaying such divine attributes as we see in this handsome young man. Just see how gracefully walks, and how comforting it is to one's eyes to simply glance upon his face." Speaking in this way the people became enchanted by the presence of Narotta. In the morning when it was time for Narottama to resume his journey crowds of local people swarmed around him, following along behind him as he walked. Narottama was unable to disperse the crowd, but eventually, with sweet words, he bid them farewell and continued his journey, halting only in those places where Mahaprabhu had performed His divine pastimes.

Narottama became ecstatic upon reaching the place where Nityananda Prabhu had broken the sannyasa stick of Shri Chaitanya. He listened intently as the local people described this incidence, then, after expressing his gratitude to those persons, he continued along his way.

An aged brahmana, who was a great Vaishnava scholar, happened to pass Narottama on the road. Observing Narottama's devotional mood, suddenly something came to his mind. He slowly approached Narottama and asked mildly, "What is your name, my son? From when are you coming?"

Upon hearing Narottama's reply the brahmana's suspicion was confirmed. With tears of ecstasy rolling down his face the brahmana warmly embraced Narottama saying, "For so long I have heard about you and I was cherishing the hope of one day meeting you. Today providence has shown its mercy upon me. I have just come Ksetra, where I received the mercy of those associates of Prabhu who are still alive in Nilacala, and now I have luckily found you here. With great pleasure I heard them describe your glories while I resided there. I heard that you were bringing books from Vrndavana to Gauda, but unfortunately they were stolen along the way. I also heard that you would soon be coming to Ksetra and everyone was eagerly waiting for you. Gopinatha Acarya, Kasi Misra explained that Mahaprabhu had called for you when He visited the village of Ramakeli. At that time Nityananda and other devotees were very happy and since then they have all been eagerly waiting for you. Today, I have received the good fortune to meet you peonally, but now you must not delay. Go as quickly as possible to Ksetra and I shall meet you there later."

At that time the brahmana's son arrived there. He introduced his son to Narottama and ordered him to accompany Narottama to Ksetra. The brahmana then happily bade them farewell. Narottama took the dust of the feet of the brahmana to his head and started his journey with the son of the brahmana.

Upon reaching Ksetra, Narottama and his companion observed the beauty of Lake Narendra. Remembering the Lord's pastimes sporting within the water there, Narottama was unable to hold back his tears. He quickly took his bath and hurried off towards the Lion Gate.

At that time Shri Gopinatha Acarya and other devotees where also walking towards the Simhadvara. While walking Shri Sikhi Mahiti said to Mangaraja, "I can't understand why my mind is leaping with joy." And Kanai Khuntia said, "I don't understand what is about to happen but it is evident from the auspicious omens that something wonderful is awaiting us." Gopinatha Acarya told Vaninatha, "I think we are going to meet Narottama here soon."

As they were speaking in this way the brahmanas son approached them and informed them of Narottama's arrival. Who can describe the devotees jubilation upon receiving this news? The brahmana boy then rushed back to Narottama and helped him to identify the devotees who were approaching from a distance. Seeing all the devotees Narottama was overwhelmed with emotion. He immediately fell on the ground bowing to their feet. With tears streaming from his eyes, Gopinatha Acarya ran to greet Narottama and embraced him affectionately.

Later, when Narottama had calmed down, they took him to the temple to see Shri Jagannatha Deva. After entering through the Lion Gate, Narottama first bowed before Shri Nrsimha Deva. Upon seeing Shri Jagannatha along with Shri Balarama and Shri Subhadra sitting on Their thrones, Narottama was filled with ecstatic emotions. Shri Padmalocana Shri Jagannatha Deva benevolently bestowed His mercy upon Narottama. The priest of Shri Jagannatha Deva, understanding the mind of his Lord, brought Shri Jagannatha Deva's garland and offered it to Narottama.

Narottama was unable to control his emotions and wept incessantly. After pacifying Narottama, Gopinatha Acarya took him to his house. There he instructed one experienced person to accompany Narottama to the samadhis of the departed associates of the Lord. Thereafter he informed everyone of Narottama's arrival in Nilacala and brought varieties of mahaprasada from the temple for him.

Meanwhile, Narottama came across some persons who were talking to one another in this way: "Alas, Nilacala has now Nilacala become the abode of misery. All the associates of Shri Gaurachandra are gradually departing from this world. Shri Gopinatha Acarya and other great Vaishnavas have become lean and weak. " Some one else said: "I recently visited Gopinatha and I cannot describe what I saw there. Unable to bear the misery of separation from Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Shri Mamu Gosvami is practically lifeless. He is lying emaciated in a lonely corner. I am afraid that he will die soon." Overhearing this conversation, Narottama's heart ached with misery.

Narottama then traveled on to have darsana of Tota Gopinatha. The vision of the beautiful Lord with His shining black complexion seated upon His throne could easily defeat the pride of Cupid. Narottama, deeply moved, lay prostrate before the Deity crying. Seeing him the priest offered him the Lord's garland. Narottama and his escort then went to see the seat of Shri Pandita Gosvami. He fell on the ground before the seat, and, again the priest gave him a garland. Crying uncontrollably Narottama lamented, "O Gadadhara Pandita Gosvami, how unfortunate I am for not having the opportunity to see you." Narottama's pathetic crying could melt even wood or stone.

Shri Mamu Gosvami, who had been lying in a half-unconscious state crying, suddenly got up and heaving a heavy sigh asked, "Who is crying?" They replied, "Narottama has arrived from Gauda." Upon hearing the name of Narottama, he broke out in floods of tears and embraced Narottama emotionally. Unable to control himself, Mamu Gosvami fell on the ground, and outcry of anguish arose from the devotees in the temple of Gopinatha. By the grace of the Lord, Mamu Gosvami gradually calmed down and everyone was pacified. Though Gosvami's life was in a precarious state, he was exceedingly happy to see Narottama and asked about his well being. Hearing Narottama's sweet words, Mamu Gosvami was He became extremely moved by Narottama's sweet words and thus dedicated Narottama to the feet of Gopinatha and ordered him, "Go to see the tomb of Haridasa Thakura, Gopinatha Acarya is waiting for you there."

Without delay, Narottama and his escort went to the tomb of Haridasa Thakura on the seashore. he was so shaken to see the tomb that no one could pacify him. Eventually, the Vaishnava in charge of the samadhi, managed to slightly console Narottama and sent him to Gopinatha Acarya's house. Gopinatha Acarya was a very warm hearted person, with tender words encouraged Narottama to sit peacefully by his side and told him, "Everyone here is greatly eager to see you. Take some rest now and afterwards you can meet all the devotees.

How can I describe the state of mind of the residents of Nilacala? Due to the Lord's disappearance, they had given up eating, drinking and sleeping. They lived only in hopes of seeing Narottama. Thus when they saw Narottama approaching their houses, they eagerly rushed out to greet him. As Narottama's escort introduced each devotee, they affectionate embraced him and Narottama and touched their feet. Thereafter they went to the house of Gopinatha who lovingly offered them seats. Everyone had questions to ask Narottama and he answered them all, reporting everything in detail. Thereafter Gopinatha Acarya requested the devotees to relish mahaprasada along with Narottama. After washing their mouths, they returned to their houses and requested Narottama to take some rest.

When it was time to go to the temple, Narottama got up and took his bath and Kanai Khuntia took him to the temple of Jagannatha. Narottama remained there throughout the afternoon, observing all three arati ceremonies {sandhya (evening) and sayana (at bed time)} one after another. He and Kanai Khuntia then returned to the house of Gopinatha Acarya. No one wanted to give up Narottama's association, but on the order of Acarya, they took their leave. Gopinatha, whose affection for Narottama was beyond compare, then requested him to take rest. After Narottama went to bed, Gopinatha also entered into his room.

However, Narottama's mind was too agitated and he was unable to sleep. Yet after some time, by the wish of the Lord, he finally fell asleep and in his dream he saw his worshipful Lord and all the devotees dancing in front of the chariot of Shri Jagannatha. He saw Shri Krishna Chaitanya, Nitai, Shri Advaita, Gadadhara Pandita Gosvami, Shrivasa Pandita, Murari Gupta, Govinda, Haridasa, Kasi Misra, Ramananda Raya, Vasudeva Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya, Kasisvara, Jagadisa Pandita, Vasu Ghosa, Mukunda, Madhava, Vakresvara, Govinda dasa, Mahesa Pandita, Damodara, Svarupa Gosvami, Suklambara brahmacari, dasa Gadadhara, Yadu, Shri Kamsari, Shridhara, Suryadasa, Ramai Sundara, Dhananjaya, Ramananda Vasu Ghosa, Sankara, Sanjaya, Lokanatha, Bhugarbha, Shri Rupa, Sanatana, Shri Jiva, Gopala Bhatta, Krishnadasa brahmacari, Pandita Raghava, Paramananda Bhattacarya, Acarya Madhava, Raghunatha, Raghunatha Bhatta, Shri Tapana Misra, King Shri Prataparudra, Acarya Gopinatha, Shri Sikhi Mahiti etc.

He saw all Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's devotees from Gauda, Vraja, Utkala and South India performing pastimes with the Lord. Who could describe the extraordinary captivating beauty of this scene? Shri Gaurachandra danced in the middle surrounded by all the devotees. Inspired by the Lord's presence, the devotees performed ecstatic sankirtana, joyfully dancing, singing and playing musical instruments. The atmosphere was so divine that even the demigods came down from their heavenly abodes to enjoy the Lord's pastimes. As the sound of sankirtana penetrated the air, the entire three worlds began to float on waves of happiness. Huge crowds of people eagerly pushed forward to get a glimpse of the Lord's beautiful dancing, as the demigods showered flowers on Mahaprabhu's head. Even the lame, the blind and the deaf suddenly forgot their handicaps and dashed forward to join in the sankirtana. Even stone hearted persons wept in joy upon hearing the melodious chanting. Even the animals and birds became restless.

Standing in the corner Narottama joyfully watched this wonderful scene with tears rolling down his cheeks. Seeing Narottama, Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, in trance, grabbed hold of Narottama's hands and said mildly, "You must manifest a new type of kirtana which will have the potency to mesmerize the people. Through your songs and music you should explain My pastimes and mission. Don't worry about anything, all your desires will be fulfilled. Now go to Gauda as soon as possible and preach the glories of devotional service. Those who are fortunate enough to take shelter in you will receive the most precious wealth of love of God. Soon you will link up with Ramacandra, son of Ciranjiva Sena. What else can I say? I shall always take care of you." All the devotees of the Lord were extremely happy to see Lord Chaitanya shower His so profusely upon Narottama. Nityananda, Advaita, Gadadhara, Haridasa, Sarvabhauma, Ramananda Raya, Shrivasa, Vakresvara and others embraced Narottama tightly. Narottama feel on the ground in aool of tears. Mahaprabhu's devotees consoled Narottama and advised him to go to Gauda.

Suddenly Narottama awoke with a heavy heart. Somehow he managed to calm himself and hastily finished his morning duties. Afterwards, Gopinatha Acarya sent him with Sikhi Mahiti to Shri Jagannatha Deva's arati. As soon as Narottama began to think about going to Gauda, Lord Jagannatha's garland fell from His neck and the priest gave Narottama that garland. Narottama considered this the Lord's indication to him to leave at once for Gauda. After bowing to the feet of Jagannatha, he went to the house of Gopinatha Acarya and before Narottama could say anything, Gopinatha said, "The Lord has ordered you to go to Gauda." Thus after consulting with the other mahantas of Shriksetra a date was fixed for Narottama's departure.

When Narottama was about to leave the devotees held his hands and said happily, "We eagerly waited to meet you for so long, now our dreams have finally been fulfilled. We are also hoping to have to good fortune to meet Shrinivasa Acarya, and perhaps someday we will have the darsana of the exalted Duhkhi Krishnadasa, who is now called Syamananda." Saying this they began to weep. Hearing their loving words Narottama was also moved to tears. After assigning an escort to accompany Narottama, they reluctantly bade farewell. Narottama began his journey along with his escort who carefully carried a basket of mahaprasada.

With a heavy heart and tear filled eyes, Narottama traveled until reaching Narendra lake. There he met the brahmana and his son whom he had met upon arriving at Ksetra. Narottama took the dust of his feet to his head and the brahmana embraced him saying, "O my dear Narottama, you are more dear to me than my life. I knew that you would be passing by today on your way to Gauda so I finished my duties as quickly as possible. Now, by the mercy of Jagannatha Deva, you have come. If I would have missed you I would have burned in the fire of my own sorrow." He did not want to let Narottama go but he had to. He blessed Narottama and walking along with him begging again and again to come with him, but Narottama would not consent.

Narottama then started walking swiftly. He took rest for two days at Yajapura and then on to Nrsimhapura. Someone who spotted him rushed ahead and informed Syamananda that Shri Thakura Mahasaya was coming from Ksetra. Syamananda was overwhelmed with ecstasy. Hurriedly, he and his men rushed to greet Shri Thakura Mahasaya. Seeing each other, they were both overcome with emotion and wept and bowed to each of continuously. Narottama held Syamananda tightly to his bosom and did not want to be separated.

Those who observed their meeting were amazed. Someone said, "O, how incredible, I have never seen anything so wonderful in my life!" Another person commented, "O, how lucky I am to see Shri Thakura Mahasaya for whom I was waiting for such a long time!" Someone else said, "Will we be so fortunate as to see Acarya Thakura once in our life?" Another person answered, "Certainly Shrinivasa Acarya will bestow his mercy upon us." Even the villagers came running to see Shri Thakura Mahasaya. Although Syamananda arranged a solitary house for Shri Thakura Mahasaya, still the people came to see Narottama in his house. Those persons who had the extraordinary good fortune to receive Thakura Mahasaya and Syamananda's association and mercy were fortunate beyond compare. The entire country became blessed by contact with Shri Syamananda.

Shri Thakura Mahasaya happily bathed and performed his other duties. Afterwards he sat down with Syamananda, who slowly informed Narottama, "A few days ago Acarya Thakura left Vanavisnupura for Yajigrama. Yesterday afternoon I received this letter. Please look at it." Narottama cried joyfully and happily read the letter with the utmost care. Syamananda then explained, "He sent another letter along with mahaprasada from Shri Ambika." Again Narottama's hearted surged with happiness and he praised Syamananda for his good fortune. Touching the mahaprasada to his head, he ate some of it and became mad with joy. Shri Thakura Mahasaya ordered his men, "Bring the mahaprasada of Shri Jagannatha" and gave some of it to Syamananda. Narottama then carefully explained to Syamananda, "The associates of Lord Chaitanya who are still alive in Nilacala are now suffering greatly due to the miserable fire of separation. I cannot describe their condition. Only due to the Lord's desire they are still alive. They are simply waiting to s you. So, please do not make delay, start for Nilacala at once. After touching the feet of the devotees there, go to Utkala and benedict the people there by distributing the sublime treasure of pure devotional service. After sometime I will send you a letter, requesting you and your men to go to Kheturi."

Syamananda and Narottama stayed together a few more days, meanwhile the entire village came to know of Syamananda and Narottama's imminent departure. Who could describe the sadness at the time of their separation? All of Syamananda's disciples cried miserably, especially Rasika Murari could not stop crying. Shri Thakura Mahasaya affectionately embraced him and was extremely loving and merciful to all those who had taken shelter at the feet of Syamananda. Thakura Mahasaya blessed all of them and then started for Gauda. At this point Syamananda helplessly broke out in tears and no one could pacify him. Thereafter, with a heavy heart, Syamananda began his journey to Nilacala. I have described Syamananda's journey to Nilacala in Bhaktiratnakara. Please listen attentively as I, Narahari, narrate Narottama Vilasa.

 

The Fifth Vilasa

 

All glories to Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Nityananda, Advaita and all the devotees. Please bestow your mercy upon this poor soul. All glories to the merciful listeners. Now listen attentively as I continue my narration.

When Narottama arrived at the famous village of Shrikhanda in Gaura, someone spotted him approaching the house of Sarkara Thakura and rushed ahead to announce his arrival: "A very attractive man with a magnificent gait is coming this way, along with four other persons. Most likely he is coming come from Nilacala." Thakura immediately understood that it was none other than Narottama. Seeing Narottama in the distance, Shri Raghunandana rushed to greet him. When the local people informed Narottama about Raghunandana, he happily fell on the ground offering obeisances as Raghunandana approached him running. Raghunandana immediately embraced Narottama. Speechless with emotion he cried uncontrollably. Gradually he managed to calm himself and quickly took Narottama to his house. There Narottama saw Shri Sarkara Thakura and fell at his feet. Though Sarkara Thakura was sunk in the ocean of sorrow due to separation from the Lord, when he saw Narottama he was overwhelmed with joy. He took Narottama in his lap and tearfully ld him, "I am so happy to see you. In Mahaprabhu's absence, He will distribute love of God through you. Many fallen souls will take shelter in you, and you will spread the Lord's ecstatic message by manifesting a new type of kirtana. In this way all your desires will be fulfilled by the mercy of Lord Chaitanya. Do not worry about anything. You should go to Kheturi via Yajigrama, as Shrinivasa Acarya recently returned from Vanavisnupura and is eagerly waiting for you there. He is constantly thinking about you. Yesterday he came here but returned to his house on the same day." After that he asked Narottama about Shri Ksetra and Narottama vividly reported everything, which filled Sarkara Thakura with ecstatic emotions. Checking his sentiments, Thakura ordered Shri Raghunandana to take Narottama to the courtyard of Gauranga.

Upon seeing the Deity of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Narottama could not control himself and fell on the ground in a pool of tears. The priest tried to console him by offering him the garland from the Deity. Having heard of Narottama's arrival, the inhabitants of Shrikhanda eagerly gathered in the courtyard of Gauranga to greet and praise Narottama. Narottama then took some maha-prasada to the house of Shri Sarkara and asked Raghunandana to offer it to Sarkara Thakura, who became ecstatic upon eating the prasada of Shri Jagannatha. He then ordered Shri Raghunandana to distribute the maha-prasada to all the devotees. Thus everyone relished the prasada, while absorbed in memories of Shri Gauranga and His pastimes in Nilacala. Thereafter they sat together and enjoyed discussions about Shri Krishna. In this way the devotees happily treasured Narottama's association and could not even think of being separated from him.

In the morning, Narottama finished his daily duties, took darsana of Shri Gauranga, and went to meet Sarkara Thakura. With deep feeling and gravity Thakura looked at Narottama and said, "How peaceful it is to look upon your face. I shall not have this opportunity a second time." Narottama could not bear this sad thought and fell at Thakura's feet crying. Shri Thakura embraced Narottama and bade him farewell. Narottama bowed to the feet of all the inhabitants of Shrikhanda and began his journey. Shri Raghunandana, not wanting to leave Narottama's company, walked along with him for some distance. He then appointed one man to accompany Narottama to Yajigrama and tearfully said good-bye.

Upon reaching Yajigrama, the escort pointed to one house and said, "That is the house of Shrinivasa Acarya where he teaches his students."

In the meantime someone reported to Acarya that Shri Thakura Mahasaya had come from Shri Ksetra. Shrinivasa Acarya at once got up and hurried towards the door, when Narottama suddenly entered the house. Seeing each other, their hearts leapt with joy and both of them burst into tears. Narottama fell at Acarya's feet and Acarya lovingly embraced him. Who can understand the nature of such exalted personalities? Although physically two different persons, they were of such like minds that they felt as if one. When they had calmed down they sat and conversed together intently.

In the meantime, a learned brahmana, who had come from Ksetra in hopes of studying the books of the Goswamis, arrived there. He politely submitted himself before Shrinivasa, who inquired from him about events in Shri Nilacala. Heaving a heavy sigh, the brahmana said tearfully, "Nilacala has lost her jewels. Since the day that Thakura Mahasaya left a chain of miserable events has come to reign there. Practically all the associates of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu began to disappear from this world. Syamananda faced terrible miseries when he arrived there. Only due to the will of the Lord, was he able to maintain his life. Those who are still alive, consoled Syamananda and bade him farewell then he returned to his own place. I witnessed all of this with my own eyes and was unable to stay there any longer, so I started walking and didn't not stop until I reached Gauda." Saying this the brahmana began to cry, calling out the names of the departed devotees of Ksetra. Acarya Thakura, Narottama, Vyasa Cakravarti and Krishnavaabha all cried along with him. Considerable time passed before Acarya Thakura was able to console himself and the brahmana. He then arranged accommodations for the brahmana and from that day began teaching him. Who knows what Acarya Thakura and Narottama discussed privately amongst themselves.

The next day morning, Thakura Mahasaya took his leave of Acarya Thakura. Acarya Thakura stood stone-like staring at the path which Narottama traversed, bathing himself with his own tears. Vyasa Cakravarti and a few other devotees accompanied Narottama for some distance, until Narottama very lovingly forbade them go any further.

Narottama eventually arrived at Kantakanagara, the place of Shri Kesava Bharati. Who can describe Narottama's condition upon seeing Dasa Gadadhara's Deity of Shri Gauranga there. Shri Yadunandana Cakravarti, the disciple of Shri Gadadhara and a scholar of all scriptures, became excited when he saw Narottama and hurried out of the temple to greet him. He offered the Lord's garland to Narottama and embraced him warmly with tears in his eyes. In a chocked voice he told Narottama, "It is so wonderful that you have finally come here. Prabhu Gadadhara has been impatiently waiting for you for a long time. Again and again he has asked me, `Go see whether Narottama has come yet.' O my dear brother, what can I say ? The ocean of misery is extremely turbulent here. After the demise of Shri Vishnupriya Isvari, my Prabhu returned from Navadvipa and has been spending his days alone here. Lost in an ocean of misery, he is unable to eat and has become completely emaciated."

Saying this he took Narottama to Dasa Gadadhara who was sitting alone with dust all over his body. His closed eyes continuously shed tears. Merged in thoughts of Shri Gaurahari, he sighed heavily and repeatedly uttered, "Hari, Hari." At an opportune moment, Yadunandana said quietly, "Narottama has come from Ksetra."

As soon as the name of Narottama entered his ears, Shri Gadadhara opened his eyes cried loudly. With outstretched hands, he embraced Narottama soaking him with his tears. Narottama touched the feet of Gadadhara and reported everything to him about his recent travels. Blessing Narottama, Shri Gadadhara said, "All your desires will be fulfilled. Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu will definitely dance along with your kirtana. Now you should go to Kheturi and distribute love of God to the people there."

Shri Yadunandana then took Narottama to another dwelling place and said, "See, this is the place where Shri Kesava Bharati lived. And here is the place where Prabhu cut His hair and took sannyasa from Bharati." At this point they broke into tears and Narottama fell unconscious on the ground. A long time passed before they were able to enter into the temple and observe the beautiful Deity of Gaurachandra. Narottama stayed there for the day and the following morning, thinking of the lotus feet of Shri Nityananda Balarama, he started for Ekacakra village in Radha.

At the entrance of the village Nityananda, in the guise of an old brahmana, asked Narottama, "What is your name and from where are you coming? Where will you go and for what purpose?" Narottama replied, "I am Narottama, coming from Ksetra. I have come to the birth place of Nityananda, whose parents were Padmavati and Hadai Pandita, because I want to see the sacred places where Shri Nityananda Prabhu performed his pastimes. I live on the other side of the Padmavati in Shri Kheturi, from here I shall return there."    Hearing Narottama's sweet words, the old brahmana smiled and without disclosing anything said, "I know everything. Come along with me, I shall show you all."

The brahmana guided Narottama to a particular spot and said, "See, this is the place where Nityananda and His friends enjoyed grazing cattle like the Gopas. Nityananda roamed about in this area holding His club and plow. And this is the place where He performed Ramalila. As Balarama performed His pastimes in Svetadvipa, similarly Nityananda performed His pastimes here. Now let me show you the house of Hadai Pandita where Nityananda Raya took birth. Here is the spot where He held a snake. See, over here, this is where His Gurukarana ceremony was performed. Now look at this temple of Vishnu where He used to worship the Lord. This is where that sannyasi came and ate and afterwards begged Nityananda from his father. This is the road by which the sannyasi and Nityananda left, followed by all the inhabitants of this village. In this spot Nityananda's mother loudly lamented for her son, and over here Hadai Pandita rolled on the ground in anguish at losing his son. Here Padmavati devi laid unconscious and Hadai Panditconsoled her. O Narottama, mind these places which I am showing you are beyond the grasp of even the demigods. In this Ekacakra village, Nityananda Raya still performs His pastimes and only the fortunate can see." Saying this much, the brahmana vanished.

The sudden disappearance of the old brahmana bewildered Narottama. "What is this," he thought, "one moment he was here and then he vanished like a bolt from the blue." Narottama became extremely restless and thought, "If I cannot see him anymore, I shall commit suicide by entering into fire." Saying this Narottama began to lament pitifully. Nityananda, Haladhara who is an ocean of mercy, again appeared before Narottama in the guise of the old brahmana. This time, the brahmana suddenly turned into Balarama, carrying his club and plow, wearing a topknot on his head and dressed in beautiful garments. Then suddenly Balarama turned into Nityananda. Smilingly he said to Narottama, "You are my favorite, I have no intention to deceive you. Very soon all your desires will be fulfilled. But don't disclose to anyone that you have seen Me here." Saying this He disappeared. Narottama stood transfixed like a statue, unable to move or speak. He stayed that day at Ekacakra and the following morning, while glorifying Nityanan Prabhu, King of Ekacakra, the son of Rohini and the life of the most fallen souls, Narottama began his journey. Crossing over the Padmavati river he headed towards Kheturi. Listen attentively as I, Narahari, narrated this Narottama Vilasa.

 

The Sixth Vilasa

 

All glories to Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Nityananda Prabhu, Advaita Acarya and all the devotees. Please bestow your benedictions upon this fallen soul. All glories to the merciful listeners. Now hear attentively as I continue this narration.

At an auspicious time, Narottama crossed the Padmavati and entered Shri Kheturi. People from every corner of the village happily flocked to see him. Shri Santosa Datta and others greeted Shri Thakura Mahasaya and arranged accommodations for him in a solitary house. Nevertheless, the house was packed until the evening with enthusiastic villagers eager for his darsana.

In the evening when Narottama was finally alone, he began to think deeply about his devotional service to Shri Krishna. Eventually, by the Lord's arrangement, he finally fell asleep late in the evening. In a dream the son of Saci told him, "O Narottama, in the hope of your coming here, I hid Myself in the form of a metal Deity in the house of an influential landlord. Everyone knows him because he is a rich man with many rice-go-downs, but no one will approach these go-downs because they are full of poisonous snakes. In one of the bigger go-downs I have concealed Myself. Quickly go and open the door of that go-down and bring Me to your house." He then advised Narottama to have more Deities made and then vanished after embracing him.

Narottama excitedly woke to find that it was still dark. He spent the rest of the night performing sankirtana and in the morning quickly completed his daily duties. He then asked various persons if they knew of a rich man who had many rice go-downs which were infested with snakes. Everyone knew the man, and Narottama requested them to take him there. Thus Narottama, along with a few others, went to the rich man's house, who was greatly surprised and happy to receive them. Shri Thakura Mahasaya immediately proceeded straight towards the rice go-down. The rich man was horrified, falling at Narottama's feet he begged with folded hands, "Everyone knows that these go-downs are infested with snakes. Many snake tamers have tried to clear them out but their attempts were in vain. Long ago I gave up hope of getting rid of the snakes and, although I lost considerable money, I was forced to close the buildings down. I could not possibly allow you to go inside. Please tell me, what I can do for you?"

Thakura Mahasaya simply laughed and said, "Don't be nervous, I shall clear it out now. I have very important business to attend to within your go-down. Afterwards you will be relieved and happy to see what I will bring out from inside." Saying this, Thakura Mahasaya undauntedly walked towards the go-down, as the spectators trembled in fear. But when the snakes saw Thakura Mahasaya, they immediately left the go-down and went away. In a trance of love, Narottama opened the door and found Navadvipa Candra with His consort. Their bodies were fully decorated with ornaments and Their brilliant beauty was beyond compare. When Narottama picked Them up and lovingly clasped Them to his heart, he was suddenly jolted as if struck by a bolt of lightening.

Everyone was spellbound to see the Deities and began shouting with joy. Someone remarked, "It is not possible for an ordinary human being to do such a thing." Someone else said, "Who can understand him? Because of his presence our village has become blessed." Another person commented, "If we are fortunate enough, perhaps we can receive his blessings." All of them danced happily, calling out the name of Narottama.

As Narottama carried the Deities, a huge crowd followed along behind him. Upon reaching his house, he placed Shri Gauranga and His consort on a beautiful celestial seat. With unblinking eyes he stared at the Lord crying incessantly. Suddenly a thought came to his mind and began spontaneously singing a beautiful kirtana about the glories of Gaurachandra which he had written but had not yet been heard by others. Narottama sang and danced gracefully, putting the Gandharvas to shame. Even the Yavanas and the wicked souls became mad and sang the glories of Gauranga's pastimes. The sound of kirtana covered the entire world and the demigods showered flowers from the heavens. Gandharvas and Kinnaras remarked with amazement, "Who is that extraordinary person who has suddenly manifested this most sublime and beautiful kirtana? Even we are not familiar with this type of singing. It appears that the dance, music and instruments have all become personified by his singing. Some of the devotees of Chaitanya have this type of eraordinary power. All the devotee of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu are worshipable by even the demigods and goddesses." Saying this, they accepting the guise of human beings, came before Narottama and fell at his feet. Thus from that very special day the super-excellent kirtana of Shri Narottama dasa Thakura was inaugurated. On that same day Balarama Vipra and others happily took initiation from Shri Thakura.

With a satisfied heart, Shri Thakura Mahasaya began to serve Gaurachandra and Laksmi Vishnupriya. He appointed Balarama Vipra and others to take charge of the Deities service. As ordered in a dream, he also installed five more Deities.

After this he began to feel anxious about not having heard from Shrinivasa Acarya for so long. He wanted to find out some news, but thought, "Without his permission, how can I send anyone to see him? Yet no one has come from Yajigrama in such a long time. Now, I am at a loss as to what to do." Just as he was thinking in this way a man suddenly arrived from Yajigrama. With great relief Thakura Mahasaya eagerly inquired about events there. The devotee replied, "Everything is fine there, but Acarya Thakura is always thinking of you and missing your association. He regularly visits Shri Khanda and Kantakanagara, and has also gone to Navadvipa. One day when he was in Khanda, Shri Sarkara Thakura spoke with him and again requested that he marry. This time he could not disobey Thakura. Thus he married and settled at Yajigrama, where many scholars and learned persons regularly visit. Now Ramacandra, a learned son of Shri Ciranjiva Sena of Khanda, has become the disciple of Acarya, and many others have also accepted initiion from him.

He has also successfully distributed all of the books of the Goswamis. He sent a message to Shri Vrndavana, and one man brought a reply along with more books written by Shri Jiva Gosvami. Acarya has already distributed these new books everywhere.

Recently Shrinivasa received a letter from Navadvipa, carrying devastating news. Many of the Lord's associates from Santipura and the surrounding areas, who were suffering intensely in the fire of separation, have now left this world. Hearing about the demise of Shri Sarkara Thakura and Shri Dasa Gadadhara, Shrinivasa Acarya sank deep in the ocean of despair. I cannot describe his state of mind. Sometimes we were afraid for of his life. One day being unable to bear the pain of separation, he left for Vrndavana without telling anyone.

The Goswamis were overjoyed to have Shrinivasa's company. They happily sat him down and inquired about his well-being and listened intently to the full account of carrying the manuscripts to Gaura. In this way they happily spent four or five days together.

Around that time, Shri Ramacandra Sena came there to meet Shrinivasa Acarya. When the Goswamis were informed of Ramacandra's scholarly capabilities, they conferred upon him the title of "Kaviraja." The Goswamis eagerly listened as Ramacandra gave a full account of Shrinivasa Acarya's marriage.

Thereafter Shri Jiva Gosvami and the others gladly handed over more books to Shrinivasa Acarya, appointed four Vrajavasis to accompany him, and bade him farewell. Shri Gopala Bhatta, Lokanatha, and everyone there was extremely sad to see him leave. Shrinivasa quickly returned to Gaura and then went to Vishnupura to relieve the king. I heard that he would be coming soon to Yajigrama, so I immediately came here to inform you."

During the course of this conversation, two messengers suddenly arrived with another letter for Narottama from Shri Acarya and Narottama happily read aloud, "I left my house, along with my followers, and went to Kancanagara where I initiated two devotees, who are the bearers of this letter. These two brothers, Shridasa and Gokulananda, are the sons of Dvija Haridasa, a prominent follower of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Being ordered by their father, they accepted initiation from Me." Yesterday I left Kancanagara and started for Vudhuri."

Reading this, Narottama exclaimed, "O, what a wonderful morning for me!" and happily escorted the two messengers to the temple of Shri Gaura. There he introduced them to Balarama Pujari, who gladly brought them maha-prasada.

Thakura Mahasaya then went to inspect whether all the preparations for the forthcoming festival were ready or not. He was happy to find that all the go-downs were full of commodities. He then engaged various persons to specific assignments for further preparations. The next morning he left, along with Devidasa, Gokula and Gauranga and started for Vudhuri.

When Narottama reached Vudhuri someone rushed ahead and announced his arrival to Shri Acarya, who happily hurried out of the house and found Narottama standing there. Narottama fell at his feet, and Shri Acarya Thakura embraced him warmly. He then introduced Narottama to Ramacandra and the other devotees.

Sitting in a quiet place they discussed many topics; Shrinivasa explained how he had met Ramacandra and initiated him, how his marriage had occurred, how Ramacandra received the title "Kaviraja," his journey from Yajigrama to Vudhuri and how he conferred the title of "Kaviraja" upon Govinda. He then inquired about Narottama's well being, and Narottama gradually explained how Shri Santosa Raya and others had became his disciples, how he rescued the Deity of Shri Gaurahari and arranged to have five more Deities carved. how he was making preparations for the forthcoming great festival. Narottama said, "As soon as I received your letter, I decided to hold the festival on the full-moon day of Phalguna." Thereafter they sat together and compiled a list of devotees to invite to the festival and immediately sent out the invitation letter to all the devotees of Lord Gauranga. Narottama also wrote a letter inviting Syamananda from Utkala. Shri Acarya and Narottama then sat together discussing privately. Later, Shri Acarya p Ramacandra under the care of Narottama.

Within a few days, news of Shri Acarya, Narottama and Ramacandra spread like wildfire. In every corner people were speaking about them: "They have mercifully appeared in this world to save the fallen souls from this hellish material existence." Another person said, "Although three separate persons, they are so deeply united that they appear to be one."

After four days had passed Shri Acarya permitted Narottama to return to Kheturi and instructed Ramacandra

and others to accompany him. Upon arriving in Kheturi they immediately went for darsana of Shri Gauranga. There they happily met the disciples of Thakura Mahasaya, who were all abodes of transcendental qualities. Thereafter they inquired about the preparations for the festival and were pleased to find an enormous collection of the necessary commodities. Shri Thakura Mahasaya arranged separate private houses for Ramacandra and the others, where they all waited anxiously for the arrival of Shri Acarya.

Shortly thereafter, when Shri Acarya Thakura, along with Govinda and other devotees, arrived in Kheturi, a wonderful scene ensued as all the Vaishnavas ran out to greet them. They happily escorted Shri Acarya to a beautiful house and then took him for darsana of Shri Gauranga. Upon seeing the Deity along with His consort, Laksmi-Vishnupriya, Acarya was filled with ecstatic love. He then saw the other five Deities and was equally overjoyed to see each one. Shri Acarya then inspected the go-downs, but his mind was constantly distracted by thoughts of Shri Syamananda prabhu. As he was thinking in this way, someone suddenly announced that Syamananda had just arrived from Utkala.

Hearing this, Acarya and his men dashed to welcome him. When Syamananda and his companions entered the house of Shri Acarya, Syamananda could not check his emotions. They embraced, soaking each other with their tears. Acarya then asked about Syamananda's well being. The same emotional scene occurred when Narottama arrived there. Shri Thakura Mahasaya then introduced Syamananda to all the Vaishnavas, and Shri Syamananda in turn introduced Rasikananda and his other devotees. Shridasa, Gokulananda, Vyasa Cakravarti, Ramacandra and Govinda Kaviraja were extremely happy to meet Cattaraja, Ramakrishna, Kumuda and the others. Narottama then took Ramacandra and Syamananda to a beautiful house and said to Rasikananda affectionately, "My dear, Rasikananda, try to manage everything smoothly and peacefully. Be very careful to look after the quests so they do not experience any inconvenience." Rasikananda listened humbly with folded hands and remained quiet. His humility charmed the heart of Narottama.

Thakura Mahasaya and Ramacandra returned to Shri Acarya's place and sent Shri Govinda Kaviraja to take Syamananda to the temple of Shri Gaurasundara. Syamananda was ecstatic to see the beautiful form of the Lord and requested to see the other five Deities. Govinda also showed Syamananda the store rooms. Shri Rasikananda, Purusottama, Shri Kisora and other devotees had brought many items from home to contribute for the festival. Thus their gifts were added to the huge stock. In this way the commodities increased and the store-rooms bulged with goods. Syamananda then went to Shri Acarya's place and together they relished discussions about Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. In this way that wonderful day came to a close.

In the morning everyone completed their daily duties and began to wonder why Shri Jahnava Devi had not arrived in Kheturi yet. As they were thinking in this way, a brahmana arrived and reported that Shri Jahnava Isvari had just crossed the River Padmavati. Everyone happily scrambled towards the bank of the river to greet Shri Isvari. The news rapidly spread and people came running from all directions. After bowing to her feet, Acarya asked about her well-being. She replied, "Upon receiving your letter we were all extremely anxious to come to Kheturi at once."

At that time when Jahnava had received the invitation to Kheturi, Krishnadasa Atyudara, the elder brother of Suryadasa Sarakhela, was also present there. Hearing about the forthcoming festival, Shrila Raghupati Upadhyaya, Murari, Chaitanya, Jnanadasa, Manohara, Kamalakara Pippalai, Shri Jiva Pandita, Madhava Acarya, Nrsimha Chaitanya Dasa, Kanai, Sankara, Shri Gaurangadasa, Vrndavana, Shri Minaketana, Ramadasa, Nakari, Shri Balarama and others, bowed to the feet of the two Isvaris and humbly said, "We would also like to go to Kheturi." Hearing this Shri Jahnava happily requested Shri Paramesvara dasa to begin preparations for their journey immediately. On the day of Shri Isvari's departure, many Vaishnavas from distant places came to see Shri Isvari and when they came to know about the festival, they also were eager to go along with her. They enthusiastically rushed back to their houses and began preparing for the journey. For this reason the entire party was held up for some time. At the time of their departure they suddey heard a deep voice speaking to them from the sky saying, "Shrinivasa and Narottama are extremely dear to Me and are empowered by Me to distribute divine love. I am completely bound by their love. In Kheturi you will all see Me dance in the sankirtana along with My companions. The power of My love will drive the three worlds mad and no one will escape. Your journey will certainly be a great success. Everyone is eagerly waiting for you. From Kheturi, you should go to Vrndavana, and when you return from Vrndavana you should distribute pure devotional love to everyone."

Upon hearing this voice, Shri Isvari wept with joy, and all the great personalities assembled there were overcome with happiness. Shri Jahnava consoled Shrivasu devi, Ganga and Viracandra and, chanting the holy names of Gaura Nityananda, she and her party began their journey by boat to Kheturi. Meanwhile, news of Shri Isvari's future trip to Vraja via Kheturi spread everywhere.

After some distance, they stopped the boat and Shri Isvari visited the house of a fortunate merchant who was always absorbed in the glories of Nityananda Prabhu. His love overflowed to have Isvari in his house. Favoring them, Shri Isvari decided to take rest for the day in his house. Raghunatha Khaja, son of Bhagavan and favorite disciple of Jagadisa Pandita, came to meet Isvari at that time.

Early the next morning they started for Ambika, where Shri Hrdaya Chaitanya greeted Shri Isvari. Seeing the Deities there of Nitai Chaitanyacandra, she was filled with ecstatic emotions, and thereafter she, and her companions, took prasada. Shri Jahnava reported everything to Hrdaya Chaitanya who also decided to go to Kheturi. In the meantime, Shri Chaitanyadasa, son of Shri Vamsivadana, came to meet Shri Isvari and also decided to go to Kheturi. At that time one man came from Santipura and reported that Shri Acyutananda, son of Advaita Prabhu, was practically dead due to the unbearable misery of separation from the Lord. His mother, Shri Sita, ordered him to go to Kheturi and thus they planned to start in the morning. Hearing this, Shri Isvari became so happy that she immediately instructed him to tell Acyutananda that he should travel along with her party. Shri Isvari and her companions happily spent that night in the house of Hrdaya Chaitanya Pandita. In the morning she observed Shrimangala Arati and dedicated herself to e feet of Nitai Chaitanya. She then started for Navadvipa.

Reaching the outskirts of Navadvipa, she began to weep thinking of the wonderful pastimes of the Lord. When the favorite associates of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who were still alive in Navadvipa heard that Shri Jahnava had come to their place, they all rushed happily to meet her. As she got down from the palanquin all the Vaishnavas of Navadvipa bowed to her feet, and she introduced her companions to the Navadvipa devotees. How can that glorious meeting be described? Many of the devotees were bowing at each others feet, while others embraced one another, and still others began to loudly sing the glories to Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. A long time passed before they were capable of checking their ecstatic loving feelings.

Eventually Pandita Shripati, brother of Shrivasa Pandita, suggested to Shri Madhava Acarya and others, "I think we should take bath here in the Ganges." Everyone was delighted by the proposal and rushed to take their bath. Meanwhile, Shripati quickly went to Navadvipa and returned with many items. Shri Jahnava Isvari cheerfully fed them and afterwards took something herself.

The party then entered into Navadvipa and went to the house of Shrivasa. Advaita Prabhu's son, Shri Gopala, brother of Acyuta, Shri Kanu Pandita, Vishnudasa Mahasaya, Vanamali dasa and other great Vaishnavas came to greet them. Everyone was jubilant to meet one another. Shrimati Isvari privately spoke to Acyutananda, explaining about the festival. Delighted, he immediately announced to his followers about the up-coming Kheturi festival. Quickly the news spread throughout Navadvipa and everyone was eager to attend the festival. Afterwards they all met in the house of Shrivasa and took their meals. Meanwhile people from all over Navadvipa came running to see the meeting of the Vaishnavas. A long time passed joyfully in this way until eventually the devotees went to bed.

Early in the morning they resumed their journey. Upon arriving in Akaihata, they went to the house of Krishnadasa, the great singer, who quickly arranged food for them. He also prepared himself for going to Kheturi.

The next morning they again traveled on until they reached Kantakanagara. Krishnadasa Thakura was the first to be informed of their arrival and immediately came forward to greet them and brought them to his house. Very shortly thereafter, Shri Raghunandana and his companions arrived there, then Vaninatha and Sivananda came along with others. Vallabha, Chaitanya dasa, Bhagavatacarya, Nartaka (dancer) Gopala, Jita Misra, Raghu Misra, Kasinatha Pandita, Uddhava, Shri Nayanananda Misra and other favorite followers of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu also came there. Everyone was to overjoyed to meet one another and overwhelmed upon seeing the beauty of Shri Gauranga and dasa Gadadhara. Afterwards they tearfully went to see the place where the Lord accepted sannyasa. A long time passed before they were able to calm themselves, eventually they went to take bath in the Ganges.

Meanwhile Shri Yadunandana collected many varieties of sweet for them and after offering them to Shri Gaurangacandra, placed separate plates of sweets in separate rooms. After coming back from the Ganges they very gladly took maha-prasada. On that day, Shri Jahnava Isvari in a happy mood went to cook for the devotees. She cooked various items and then offered them to Shri Gaurangacandra, who very happily accepted them. After sometime, she affectionately distributed prasada to all the devotees. Everyone delightedly relished the prasada which tasted like nectar. Afterwards Shri Isvari took some prasada. After her, Shri Yadunandana and others ate.

Yadunandana, being extremely moved by remembrance of his spiritual master, dasa Gadadhara, began preparing for the trip to Kheturi. He carefully instructed the priest of the temple to be attentive to the service of Shri Gauranga. By the evening all the preparations were complete.

In the meantime, all the mahantas gathered in the courtyard of Shri Gauranga. After observing Shri Gauranga's arati ceremony, they started sankirtana. In this way most of the night passed in glorification of Krishna. Late at night they took a short nap. In the morning, after offering their obeisances at the feet of Gaurachandra, they started out for Kheturi and very soon they crossed the River Padmavati. Shri Isvari sent a messenger to inform Acarya Thakura of their arrival. Excited and happy, Shri Acarya, Shri Thakura Mahasaya and Syamananda all stood together, shining as brilliantly as the sun, expectantly staring at the path waiting for her arrival. Seeing these three exalted souls waiting on the path, Shri Isvari could not contain her emotions and got down from her palanquin, while Shrinivasa and others ran to her and fell at her feet. Shrinivasa and the other devotees then bowed to the feet of Shri Acyutananda and the rest of the devotees. Everyone was overwhelmed with intense loving sentiments; Someone held on to Snivasa crying, and someone else embraced Narottama, another devotee could not let Ramacandra out of his embrace, while another person soaked Shri Gokulananda with his tears. One devotee stretched out his arms to greet Shridasa, and another affectionately embraced Syamananda and Govinda Kaviraja.

When the party entered into Kheturi proper, the entire village was submerged in an ocean of happiness. With great care Acarya Thakura escorted the devotees to separate houses and appointed Ramacandra Kaviraja to the service of Raghunatha Acarya and his associates. He appointed Syamananda to the service of Shri Hrdaya Chaitanya. Shri Nrsimha Kaviraja was appointed to serve Shri Chaitanyadasa and some others, and Shri Vyasa Acarya took care of Shripati, Shrinidhi Pandita and their associates. He asked Shri Vallabhi Kanta to serve Krishnadasa and other devotees from Akaihata, and Shri Govinda Kaviraja took charge of serving Shri Raghunandana and his companions. Ramakrishna, Kumuda and their associates were requested to look after Vaninatha, Jita Misra and others. Kaviraja Bhagavan was put in the service of Shri Yadunandana Cakravarti, and Shri Gopiramana and others were appointed the service of the other Vaishnavas. Shrinivasa arranged separate stocks of food for separate houses, and Shri Acarya Thakura and Thakura Mahasaya oversawverything to assure that all was executed properly. Simply hearing about the arrival of all these great mahantas in Kheturi can fulfill all the desires of the listeners. So hear attentively as I, Narahari, narrate this Narottama Vilasa.

 

The Seventh Vilasa

 

All glories to Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Nityananda Prabhu, Advaita Acarya and all the associates of the Lord. Please bestow your mercy upon this fallen soul. All glories to the merciful listeners. Kindly listen attentively to this narration.

As news of the Kheturi festival spread throughout the country, everywhere people were heard speaking about it: "O brother, Shri Kheturi has become beautified by the association of the devotees, It is now the most fortunate village on the earth and is the abode of eternal joy." Everyone in Shri Kheturi; men, women, aged and even the children could not check their tears upon seeing the assembly of devotees. Someone said, "Many more Vaishnavas have arrived today, they look as effulgent as the brilliant sun." Another person commented, "By the power of these Vaishnavas even the atheistic offenders feel compelled to utter the name of Krishna." Someone else remarked, "Shri Santosa is certainly the most fortunate King, just see how carefully he has arranged accommodations for all the devotees." Others said, "The King is very attentive to the well-being of all mankind." Some one else commented, "The flower-men have been told to supply beautiful garlands, while others were requested to prepare sandalwood paste. The instrumentists have been ordered to begin playing on the Sukla Pancami day of Phalguna." Everywhere bustling preparations for the festival were under way, as people chattered excitedly in anticipation: "The king has invited all the neighboring kings to the abhiseka ceremony." "Tomorrow is the auspicious full moon day, exactly the appropriate time for the Deities to be installed in the temple." Other's said, "Thakura Mahasaya has transformed this land. Previously the area was overrun with wicked thieves and rogues who knew nothing about religion. Neither could they understand what the results of their inauspicious behavior would be. These ignorant people were accustomed to severing the heads of goats, lambs and buffaloes. Some of them were even so degraded that they would dance with the heads of men fixed on the top of their swords. Such persons were accustomed to indulge in intoxication and illicit sex. Yet, by the influence of Narottama, even such atrocious persons have become exempt from the results of their sinful civities." In this way, the glories of Narottama where sung continually throughout the town. People came from far and wide carrying all varieties of commodities for the imminent festival. Everyone who entered into Kheturi was immediately freed from all distress. The association of Shri Thakura Mahasaya soothed the hearts of all.

In the evening one devotee told Acarya that many kholas and karatalas had been made and stocked in a suitable place, and requested that he come to inspect them. Shri Acarya, along with Gauranga, Gokula and Devidasa happily went to inspect the instruments. They first worshipped the instruments while chanting the names of Gaura Nityananda. Thereafter they went to see Shri Isvari and informed her about the abhiseka ceremony.

In the morning, when all the mahantas had finished their morning duties, Shri Acarya and Thakura Mahasaya came to them and offered them beautiful new clothes.

Meanwhile, King Shri Santosa Raya noted with pleasure that all the arrangements for the opening ceremony were complete. The gorgeous canopy which had been hung in the courtyard increased the charm of the festival arena. Many seats were arranged for the mahantas under the canopy, and the wide courtyard of the temple was tastefully decorated with innumerable banana trees, coconuts, flowers, mango twigs, and pitchers filled with water. Seeing that the arrangements were complete, Shri Acarya personally informed her Holiness Jahnava Mata, and she came and sat in her private seat. At the request of Shrinivasa, all the Mahantas took their seats. The atmosphere in the courtyard was most pleasing, as the mahantas chatted mildly amongst themselves. Shri Acarya then requested their permission to begin the auspicious abhiseka ceremony.

Having received the blessings of all, Shrinivasa performed the bathing ceremony and other rites swiftly, in accordance with the instructions given by Shrila Rupa Gosvami. After completing the bathing, Shrinivasa revealed the names of the Deities as had been prophesied in his dream. He then placed the Deities on the throne in the following order: Shri Gauranga, Vallabhi Kanta, Shri Braj Mohan, Shri Krishna, Shri Radha Kanta, and Shri Radha Ramana. He worshipped the Lords, performed arati and offered their Lordships sumptuous food. The bhoga was removed after some time and the place was thoroughly cleansed. Shrinivasa then placed a garland around the neck of each Deity. He then gave the offered garlands and sandalwood paste to the mahantas, who happily wore the garlands and smeared their bodies with the paste-while gleefully shouting out the glories of the Lord.

Meanwhile the musical instruments played melodiously and it appeared that the evils of the world were minimized simply by that sound. Permission was then given to Shri Thakura Mahasaya to begin sankirtana. His heart full of joyful anticipation, Shri Thakura told Devidasa to get ready. Devidasa, Vallabha, Gokula and Gauranga quickly gathered their instruments and entered the courtyard. Standing in front of Devidasa, Narottama's appearance charmed the hearts of all. The tilaka on his forehead and the tulasi beads around his neck appeared to glitter brilliantly. Narottama called out to Gaura, Nitai, Advaita and others, then bowed to all the mahantas. Smiling brightly, he began sankirtana in a soft voice, accompanied by the karatalas. His body was drenched in sweat mixed with tears of joy. The sound of drums joined in, mingling with the voices of the singers, creating celestial music. Unable to control himself, Raghunandana began to chant the glories of the Lord at the top of his voice, roaring like an enraged lionAt that moment, Shri Acarya gave Raghunandana garlands and sandalwood paste which he at once touched to the drums and cymbals. Totally immersed in the ecstasy of transcendental love, Raghunandana smeared the body of Narottama with the sandalwood paste, garlanded him with flowers and embraced him warmly. He also extending the same treatment to the other devotees present. They all bowed at the feet of Raghunandana and started to sing the preamble, beginning at a low pitch and gradually increasing until finally the atmosphere became so surcharged that everyone marveled at the occasion.

Charmed by the marvelous voice of Narottama, the mahantas commented that Narottama was certainly directly empowered by the Lord to act as the custodiam of transcendental music. Thinking in this way, they all embraced Narottama and began to dance with him jubilantly. The sandalwood paste on their bodies and the flowing garlands added extra luster to the occasion. At this point, Gauranga and His associates could no longer remain unmoved and thus personally appeared at the scene. The atmosphere was suddenly surcharged with emotion and the devotees entered into a state of trance as they beheld the appearance of Shri Chaitanya, Lord Nityananda, Advaita, Shrinivasa, Gadadhara, Murari, Svarupa, Haridasa, Vakresvara, Jagadisa, Gauridasa. The son of Saci began to dance ecstatically with Shri Acyutananda and the others. Similarly, Shri Nityananda danced with Narottama, Shri Advaita danced with Ramacandra and others, while Pandita Gadadhara danced with Shrinivasa Acarya. The whole assembly thus became caught up in the mood of eat ecstasy and innumerable associates of the Lord including Shrivas Pandita, Murari Gupta, Svarupa, Haridasa, Suklambaar Brahmacari, Vasudeva Datta, Vakresvara Pandita, Gadadhara Dasa, Mukunda, Narahari, Gauri Dasa Pandita, Nakula Brahmacari, Jagadisa, Suryadasa, Acarya Nandana, Shrinatha, Mahesa, Jodu, Madhusudana, Govinda, Madhava Basurai, Ramananda, Vijaya, Dhananjaya Datta, Sanatana, Rupa, Raghunatha, Kasisvara also began to dance.

It seemed that the visible and invisible had convened at that place as everyone sang and clapped their hands along with the throbbing beating of the drums. Glancing in every direction the Lord showered His love on all present and in reciprocation the devotes chanted the names of Shri Krishna Chaitanya. The promises which the Lord had made to Narottama in his dream were now realized to the amazement of the devotees. Who can understand the inconceivable potency of the Lord?

Suddenly the Lord and His associates disappeared from the scene, and immediately everyone's trance was broken. The devotees lamented piteously, feeling intense separation from Gaura, Nityananda, Advaita, Shrivasa, Gadadhara, Murari, Haridasa, Vakresvara Pandita, Narahari, Gauradasa and the others. Shri Acyutananda and others began to ask themselves if indeed it had actually taken place or whether they had simply been dreaming. Narottama, Shrinivasa, Ramacandra, Syamananda and others, fell to the ground. Grief stricken, they cried out to the Lord. Even the non-believers who attended the festival simply out of curiosity or seeking some entertainment or fun, left the area as changed men. The brahmana Vaninatha was first to regain consciousness. Seeing the devotees lying in various stages of collapse, he and others immediately began to nurse the devotees and gradually they returned to external consciousness.

Her Holiness Jahnavi Devi told Narottama and Shrinivasa that she fully appreciated their [?[ and advised them to hold it. She then told them that according to the scriptures it was time to play fagu, with coloured powder. Shrinivasa and Narottama then went to meet all the other mahantas who praised the two acknowledging them as eternal associates of the Lord. Shri Nityananda expressed His satisfaction by stating that neither He, nor anyone else present, would ever forget the wonderful experience which the festival afforded them.

Shrinivasa and Narottama then invited the mahantas to participate in the play and this idea was greeted with everyone's full approval. Shri Santosa Raya brought pots filled with different kinds of scented fagu. Narottama, with the help of Ramacandra, gave the first pot of fagu to Her Holiness. Together they entered the temple and placed it on the body of the Lord. Then Shri Acyutananda, Raghunandana, Shrinidhi, Kasinatha, Hrdaya Chaitanya, Jogu and others put fagu on the body of Shri Gauranga, Radha Kanta, Shri Vallabha Kanta, Shri Brijamohana, Shri Radha-Ramana. While playing some of the devotees recited poetry, while others chanted the glories of the Lord's Vrndavana and Navadvipa pastimes. In this way everyone was totally absorbed in chanting, dancing, reciting the Lord's glories and engaging in the fagu festival. Thousands of people joined in and the fagu thrown about was sufficient to cover the sky. This continued until evening when everyone attended the arati of the Lord and chanted His glories. After some time ey all assembled in the courtyard where Shri Acarya carefully performed the necessary rituals observing the birthday of the Lord. To mark the occasion the Vaishnavas conducted all night kirtanas to the accompaniment of various percussion instruments.

In the morning everyone performed their morning ablutions. Her Holiness bathed with tepid water and said her daily prayers. Then along with Shrinivasa she went along to the kitchen to make sure it was stocked with all the necessary requirements. Smiling, she said to Shrinivasa, "I wanted you to know the ingredients needed for the cooking and now I see that everything is ready. How did you know that I intended to cook everything with my own hands?" Saying this she sat down on a stool and began to prepare everything very carefully. Very quickly she prepared rice as well as various vegetable preparations and placed them with great care in trays and pots. She then presented these foodstuffs as an offering to the Lord.

Absorbed in ecstatic devotion, she watched lovingly as the Deities of Gauranga, Vallabha Kanta, Radha Mohana, Radha Kanta, Radha Krishna and Vraja Mohana all partook of her mouthwatering preparations with great relish. After this, as was the custom, she then came out and closed the door. After waiting for some time she again entered the sanctum of the temple, removed the preparations, offered water for washing the mouths of the Lords and then offered the betel nuts. After this offering Shrinivasa distributed the offered foodstuffs among the mahantas, who ate it all with great satisfaction. Next they all went to the Rajabhoga arati of the Lord, after which the performing priest presented them all with garlands of Tulasi leaves. The priest then placed the Deities to rest on soft beds and covered Their bodies with beautiful soft cloth and began to fan them with a yak tail fan. After doing so for some time he then came out, closed the door and offered his obeisances on the ground while reciting prayers.

Thereafter Shrinivasa invited everyone to take prasada in the courtyard of the temple and then he cleaned the dust from the area and all the mahantas sat in a circle. One devotee provided the banana leaf plates, while other devotees came around with salt, clarified butter, curd and milk. Her Holiness was very pleased to see such an assembly of devotees and ordered that the prasada be served promptly. The preparations included fried leafy vegetables, rice, soup, sour soup and condensed milk, and everyone was served to their full satisfaction. The aroma and the taste of the food was so tantalizing that everyone ate much more than they needed and Shri Acyutananda remarked, "I cannot understand how I ate so much." Shripati, Shrinidhi and Vaninatha replied that it was all by the grace of Her Holiness that this was possible. Shri Raghunandana and others remarked that they would never again receive the same pleasure from eating as they had received on this auspicious occasion.

Shrinivasa and Narottama then went to Her Holiness and requested, "You have worked very hard, now it is our desire that you sit down and take prasada."

She replied, "My great desire is that I want to feed you all first and then I shall eat. For my sake please go and sit in the courtyard along with the others." Shri Acarya and others then went and sat in the courtyard and they were served the feast in the same way as was before mentioned. Wit great affection, Her Holiness personally served prasada thus making everyone eat to their heart's content. As the devotees happily ate they talked amongst themselves happily: "This is heavenly cooking, has anyone ever eaten such a fried leafy vegetable in all their life?" In this way they praised her culinary expertise and when they finished Raghunandana and a few others went to retire. Shrinivasa then ate in the company of Narottama, Ramacandra, Govinda dasa, Rama Krishna, Mukunda, Gokulananda, Vyasa, Syamananda, Shri Krishna Vallabha, Devidasa, Bhagavan, Nrsimha, Gokula, Karnapura, Kisora, Rasikananda, Gauranga Thakura, Gopirama and others. After finishing, they all washed their hands and took betel nuts. Shri Acarya then made seat for Her Holiness and she happily took a small quantity of each of the items that had been prepared. Then with the help of Syamananda, Shri Acarya fed many other men and finally Balarama the priest and a few others were the last to partake.

After eating, her Holiness bathed in tepid water in a private place and her personal attendant, a brahmana lady, wiped her body gently with a fine cloth. Jahnava Mata had a slim figure and a golden complexion and was overcome by intense feelings of separation from her beloved Lord. Another lady brought her Holiness a set of clean clothes. After changing and washing her mouth, her Holiness took some betel nut while sitting on a sheet on the ground. As tears of gratitude rolled down her cheeks, she affectionately told Narottama, "Today I have made my eating complete." Shrinivasa and Syamananda also came before Jahnava Mata and she said in a sweet voice, "We don't think we should stay here any longer. I consider it best to start for Vrndavana tomorrow morning. To this Shri Acarya replied, "Though it pains us to hear this, I have nothing to reply. I know that there is nothing I can say to change your decision. The festival has now come to close so how can I object to the journey." Her Holiness simply smiled in replto this remark. Then, on Shrinivasa's request, she lay down on the sheet to rest for awhile.

Shrinivasa, Narottama and Syamananda went to another place where they also took some rest. Thereafter they proceeded to the residence of Shri Acyutananda where all the mahantas where assembled and discussing topics of Shri Krishna's life. Pleased to see their three hosts, the mahantas requested Shri Acarya, "We are sorry but we must now beg your permission to go. We would like to depart." The Acarya replied, "What you have decided cannot be changed. If early tomorrow morning you arise and prepare your own food that will be convenient for us." The mahantas were amused by his suggestion and agreed to it and then returned to their respective lodgings.

Shri Acarya, along with Narottama and Syamananda went to the abode of the Lord along with Shri Santosa Rai and others and Shri Acarya told them everything. He who derives pleasure from hearing these pastimes will no doubt have all his desires fulfilled. Please listen attentively to Narottama Vilasa as told by Narahari.

 

The Eighth Vilasa

 

Glory to Gaura, Nityananda, Advaita and others. Be kind to this poor soul. Glory to the merciful listeners. At the time of evening ceremony of waving light before Shri Gaurachandra all the mahantas came to the temple. They became very happy to observe the ceremony. The priest gave them offered garlands and Tulasi. Then they began sankirtana. After that they went to their own rooms. Many items of food were offered to Prabhu. After Prabhu's eating, Shri Acarya took prasadam fro Isvari and then distributed that separately and served to every room. All of them became very happy to eat the tasteful prasadam. Shri Acarya told everybody to bless Santosa Raya who had arranged everything by giving the full financial help. They also blessed him. Being happy Acarya Mahasaya with his companions came to the temple of Prabhu. Shri Acarya, Thakura Mahasaya and Syamananda ate some prasadam. Again Shri Acarya cautioned those whom he had engaged in the service of the mahantas. As it was late at night, they all entered into their roo and went to sleep. In the morning, they completed their morning duties. Now the cooks of the mahantas took their baths first, did their `Anhika' and going round the Tulasi. Then they entered into the separate kitchens. Ramacandra Kaviraja with others supplied the necessary commodities to the cooks in each kitchen. Then the cooks began to cook varieties of items very gladly. At the time of cooking, Ramacandra and others used to be standing cautiously beside the kitchens if any cook needed any help. Shri Santosa Raya was engaged in arranging separate containers decorated with betel leaves, gold and silver coins, beautiful silk dresses what he would offer to the mahantas. Shri Santosa Raya went to Shri Isvari and asked for her permission. Then he went to all the mahantas and offered them those things one by one. They all wore the silk cloths and sat for doing Anhika. Santosa Raya gave beautiful cloth and coins to each and everyone who came with the mahantas. At the time Acarya came to that place and became very ga to see the charity of Santosa Raya. In the meantime the priest informed that he had arranged prasadam separately. Shri Acarya requested them to take seats and began to serve food to them. The mahantas sat in rows and became very happy to eat prasadam. In the courtyard of Shri Jahnava Isvari's house, some Vaishnavas took their seats for taking meals. They were Krishnadasa Sarakhela, Madhava Acarya, Raghupati Upadhyaya, Krishna Bhaktavarya, Shri Minaketana, Ramadasa, Mahidhara, Murari, Chaitanya, Jnanadasa, Manohara, Kamalakara Pippalai, Nrsimha Chaitanya, Shri Jiva Pandita, Shri Gaurangadasa, Vrndavana, Shri Sankara, Kanai, Nakari, Krishnadasa, Paramesvara dasa, Balarama, Damodara and Mukunda. I am giving the names of these who sat with Shri Acyutananda for eating. They were Shri Gopala, younger brother of Acyutananda, Shri Kanu Pandita, Vishnudasa, Narayana, Vanamali dasa, Shri Ananta, Janardana, Shri Madhava, Lokanatha Bhagavatacarya. Raghunathacarya with his companions, Shri Chaitanyadasa, son of Shri Vamsivadana, with his compnins, Shri Hrdaya Chaitanya with his companions, all were enjoying the prasadam by sitting in their own rooms. What a beautiful scene was there! All were enjoying prasadam delightfully. In another room were eating Shripati, Shrinidhi, Krishnadasa, Shri Sanjaya, Kasinatha, Mukunda, Paramananda, Sekhara Pandita, Krishnadasa, Vaisya, Subhananda, Shri Gopala Acarya, Kavicandra Kirtaniya, Sasthivara. Krishnadasa of Akaihata with his companions were eating in their place most gladly. Vaninatha, Sivananda, Vallabha Chaitanya, Nartaka Gopala, Bhagavatacarya Jita Misra, Raghu, Shri Uddhava, Kasinatha, Shri Narayana Misra and Shri Mangala sat in one place and were eating all along very happily. Shri Raghunandana, Sulocana and others were eating in their room. Shri Yadunandana Cakravarti and his companions were taking prasadam by sitting in their own place. Shri Acarya and Shri Thakura Mahasaya were inspecting their eating very carefully. When all the mahantas finished their eating, they were offered water for washing their mouths. After hatthey took prasadam. At last the priest fed all the Vaishnava guests there. Even the untouchable persons also got the highest respect there. At long last, Acarya and Thakura Mahasaya took their prasadam. Who has witnessed such a big festival in his life? People used to say that they had never seen such a great festival. Some persons said that how it was possible for a human being to perform such a festival which was even totally impossible for the gods. Some persons said that those who had performed this festival, they were no human beings because all the devotees of Shri Chaitanya were even worshipped by the gods. Some persons said that they had even moved the heretics by the topics on Krishna. Above all, the heretics had eaten the left over food of the Vaishnavas and prayed to them to rescue them from damnation. Some persons said that Narottama would rescue all the heretics from damnation and there would be not a single heretic in this country. In this way, the people began to glorify Narottama. Now listen, Sr Acaya after taking some rest, told Thakura Mahasaya privately, "They will take their leave in the morning. They will take their baths after crossing Padmavati. We should pack some food for them, so that they can eat after bath." Hearing this, Thakura Mahasaya did not loose time. He quickly ordered to prepare food. After food had been ready, he first of all offered them to Prabhu and then packed them separately. He reported Acarya that everything was ready but all these preparations could be done by the evening. Here all the mahantas being eager to observe the waving light ceremony came out of their rooms and gathered in the courtyard of Prabhu. The priest offered them garlands, and Tulasi. After the ceremony, the mahantas started sankirtana. Within a while, the river of nectar began to flow there and all the mahantas began to swim in the ocean of love. They could not control themselves and fell on the ground out of ecstasy. Their beautiful bodies became smeared with dust. After a long time, they observed th Sayaa Arati of Prabhu. Again the priest gave garlands and Tulasi to them. Then the mahantas returned to their own places. Acarya with Narottama supplied prasadam separately to each room. He told the mahantas, "Tomorrow Kheturi will sink into utter darkness. I am giving some prasadam with you so that you can eat after crossing Padmavati. At noon, you can reach Budhari. Govinda with some men and the cooks should enter first to the village. Ramacandra and others will go with them up to Budhari. Then they will be back here for accompanying Shri Isvari to Vrndavana. Now please accept these prasadam and eat all of your Shrinivasa fed all of them with a broken heart. Even the mahantas became so emotional that they all kept mum. Then Acarya reported everything to Shri Isvari. Observing the disturbed condition of Shrinivasa, Shri Isvari consoled him and most affectionately gave him her left over food. In a delighted mind, Acarya asked Santosa to make the boats ready for the mahantas. Santosa said that he had already donethat. earing this Acarya became very glad and went his room to take some rest. In the morning all of them did their morning duties and observed the morning ceremony of waving lights. Shri Govinda Kaviraja with some companions and cooks started first. They crossed Padmavati and at noon reached Budhari. Here the mahantas in the morning went to take leave of Shri Isvari. Shri Acyutananda told her in crying, "Most probably, I may not see you again." Shri Gopala and others told something which could break the heart. Shripati, Shrinidhi and others, Vaninatha and others, Raghunatha Acarya and others, all of them became perturbed and grief-stricken at the time of taking leave. Shri Hrdaya Chaitanya said, "Please, let me see your feet again." Shri Canda Haladhara, Mitu Haladhara, Shri Chaitanya and others could not speak anything. Shri Raghunandana told her, "Please, be kind to us to see you soon." Shri Yadunandana said, "Please come back Pippalai and others to go back to Khardaha. After bidding farewell to them, she became extreely sad Other mahantas gathered in the courtyard of Prabhu and became ecstatic in emotion. They lay prostrate on the ground and their bodies became smeared with dust. They all asked for the well being of Acarya and others from Prabhu and prayed to him to favor them to listen to this sankirtana life after life. The priest gave them the clothes used by Prabhu. By holding the clothes on their hands, they started with broken hearts. Shri Hrdaya Chaitanya by holding Acarya in his lap, told mildly, "Visit Ambika time to time and let me see you. Syamananda is your." Acarya said, "Syamananda is my life. I do not think of him anything other than this. To Narottama and Ramacandra, Syamananda and his companions are most precious things." Hrdaya Chaitanya most affectionately dedicated Syamananda to Shrinivasa. When they left Kheturi village, an outcry of despair arose in that village. The people of that village became mad in sorrow. On the bank of Padmavati, Acarya consoled everybody. After embracing everyone, the mahantas ith Ramaandra and others boarded on the boats which started at once. Acarya and others rolled on the ground with loud crying. Observing them, the mahantas could not resist their tears. By the wish of Prabhu, they somehow crossed Padmavati. They took their baths and ate prasadam and then started for Budhari village. Acarya and others returned to Kheturi. Shrinivasa with Shri Thakura Mahasaya and Syamananda went to the temple of Prabhu. The priest told Acarya Thakura, "Just now, Shri Isvari took her bath. After the leaving of the mahantas, she had been sitting alone in a pool of tears. Shri Madhava Acarya and others also took their baths just now." Hearing this, Shri Acarya again became restless and hastily went to see Shri Isvari. Shri Isvari eagerly asked Shrinivasa about the going of the mahantas and he reported everything in brief. On hearing the report, Shri Isvari looked at the face of Shrinivasa whom she found very thin not only for the misery of separation but also for his fasting since last night. She thought, Today the are not at all thinking of their eating. I m afraid of their health. If I do not take the initiative of feeding them they won't get anything to eat." Thinking so, she told Acarya sweetly, "You had already taken your bath and it is now afternoon. But you are still in fasting. It is paining me. So be quiet and take food in my house." Hearing this, Acarya became so obliged that he called Narottama and other to that place. Shri Isvari affectionately ordered Nrsimha Chaitanya and other to call everyone and sit in a row on the ground. Someone arranged the banana leaves and someone filled the glasses with water. Then Shri Isvari served various kinds of food to them. Being ordered by Shri Isvari they all ate happily. Shri Isvari out of affection, again and again served a profuse quantity of food to them. They all ate voraciously. After their eating, the servants cleaned the place. Shri Acarya and others happily went to gather in the courtyard of Prabhu. Someone gave them offered betel leaves. When they returned o their ow rooms, they found many persons were waiting for mahaprasadam. So they were also served prasadam. In this way a huge number of Vaishnavas were fed. Shri Isvari's loving service cooled their miseries of separation. So a day ended happily. Shri Isvari went to the temple and became ecstatic in observing the beauty of Prabhu. The priest gave her the offered garland. In the evening during the ceremony of waving light, millions of people gathered in the courtyard. Next started the sankirtana whose divine sound covered the world. Aged, young, respectable - all became mad in sankirtana. Even the gods amalgamated themselves with the people to join in that sankirtana. Some persons began to roll on the ground while some began to roar like lions. Who will describe the happiness of shri Nama sankirtana? In this way they spent the whole night unconsciously. Due to the wish of Prabhu, they stopped at last. Shri Jahnava Isvari happily returned to her house. In the morning, after finishing her daily duties, she took bat in hot watr. After doing worship, she began cooking preparations. Here Shri Acarya and others after taking their baths and observing the rajabhoga arati of Prabhu, came to see Shri Isvari. In the meantime, Shri Isvari offered food to Prabhu and after his eating she took away the bowls from the temple. Then she sat among Shri Acarya and others. She asked Acarya anxiously about Ramacandra and others. At the same time, they returned from Vudhuri. They reported, "Everything could be completed perfectly and the mahantas could eat at Vudhuri very timely. The mahantas did sankirtana after their eating. At late night they slept a little and in the early morning, everyone became very much perturbed to bid farewell to us. Most probably, we all became stone-hearted at that time of separation so that we became able to cross Padmavati to come here very easily." Saying so, they became silent. Shri Isvari consoled them and fed them. Shri Acarya ate the left over food of Shri Isvari and then fed the rest of the Vaishnavas who had een waiting or prasadam. Everyone showed their respect to Shri Acarya who consoled Santosa and others by saying, "Due to the wish of Shri Isvari, everything is over very successfully. Now she is eager to go to Vrndavana and I should not stop her from going. When she will be back from Vrndavana, you can see her feet again. Now don't show her your restlessness of minds. Tomorrow morning, she will start." Hearing this, Shri Santosa Raya slowly went to Isvari and stood there very humbly. Knowing his mind, Shri Isvari consoled him and Santosa requested her to come back son to them. Shri Isvari assured him. Then Shri Santosa Raya most gladly brought all the things what he would give to Shri Isvari for carrying to Vraja. He gave fine silky clothes, ornaments, jewelleries for Shri Govinda, Gopinatha, Madanamohana, Shri Radhavinoda and Shri Radha-Ramana and Radha Damodara. Apart from these, he also gave gold and silver coins to Shri Isvari. Shri Jahnava became very happy to see that every arrangement had become complete very perectly. At thetime of waving the light ceremony of the evening, Shri Isvari told something silently to Prabhu and the garland of Prabhu fell on the ground. The priest gave that to Shri Isvari who held that on her head. After Shri Nama sankirtana, Shri Isvari sleep. In the morning, she first went to take her leave of Prabhu. The priest gave her offered garlands. Now I shall give the names of companions who went with Shri Isvari. They were Shri Pandita Krishnadasa, son of Suryadasa, Madhava Acarya, Murari, Chaitanya, Krishnadasa brahmana, Nrsimha Chaitanya, Balarama, Mohinidhara, Kanai, Nakaridasa, Gauranga, Sankara, Shri Paramesvara dasa, Dasa Damodara, Raghupati Vaidya, Upadhyaya Manohara, Jnanadasa, Mukunda dasa and others. From Kheturi, Shri Isvari took Shri Govinda, Shri Gopiramana, Bhagavan, Gokula, Nrsimha, Vasudeva and others. The people of Kheturi lost their patience and began to cry. Shri Narottama, Acarya and other began to follow them for some distance in crying. The feature of love, Shri Jahnava Isvari, pacified the in various was and forbade them to follow her anymore. So she got up in a palanquin and started her journey. Shri Acarya, Narottama and Syamananda could not check their tears at the time of their going. In a broken heart, they returned to Kheturi. The people of Kheturi in a dying condition, began to sing the glory of Shri Jahnava. Someone told to another, "She will be back very soon from Vrndavana." Some said, "She will go to her village in another way. What is the use of coming here?" Someone said, "This Acarya Mahasaya has won over Shri Isvari by his love and devotion." All these discussions made them very happy. Here Shri Acarya, Shri Thakura Mahasaya and Syamananda returned to the temple. Due to the wish of Shri Isvari, they pacified themselves and completed their baths and worship and then went to observe the waving light ceremony of Prabhu. They visited all the Vaishnava houses, met them and talked with them. Then they fed others the prasadam and took their seats in the courtyard of Prabhu. The cook of Prabh began to servefood to them. After eating they washed their mouths and took betel leaves. Acarya along with others became engaged in talking about Krishna. In the morning Acarya came to the temple courtyard and told the Vaishnavas who were about to take their leave, "It is your place. Please come here from time to time. Now it is evening and too late to start today. Tomorrow morning you should start for your own villages. Now please accept the things which Santosa Raya had cherished in his mind to give." All of them became glad to hear the nectar like words of Acarya. Thus Shri Santosa Raya, according to their permission, offered fine clothes and coins to them. In the evening, all of them observed the waving light and then went to their rooms to sleep. Shrinivasa with his companions sat there for sometime in discussing the topic of Krishna and then went to bed. In the morning, Acarya and others gathered in the courtyard of Prabhu and observed the morning waving light. The Vaishnavas who would like their leave then, lso gathered andobserved the ceremony. The priest gave them garlands of Prabhu. Gradually all the Vaishnava guests took their leave of Kheturi in singing the glory of the great festival. The brahmanas, the singers, the dancers and the instrumentalists also took their leaves in tears. On observing the procession of men from Kheturi, the people of that place began to say, "Who is able to count the heads"? Someone said, "Everything has been possible for Narottama." In this way, they began to sing the glory of Narottama. Here Narottama and Shrinivasa took their baths and after doing their worship, ate some sweets. We don't know on what topic, Narottama and Shrinivasa were engaged in talking about but we see them wet with the tears from their eyes. They observed the beauty of Prabhu and rajabhoga arati of Prabhu. Then they ate prasadam and after that took betel leaves. Then they took their seats. Acarya very affectionately told Shri Thakura Mahasaya and Syamananda, "I shall start tomorrow morning with Syamananda and y crossing Padmavti, I shall go to Vudhuri village. From there I shall go to Yajigrama, I won't stay there long and shall go to Vana-Vishnupura. Again I shall be back to Yajigrama. And Syamananda will first visit Navadvipa and Ambika and then should go and settle at Bahadurapura in Dharenda. He should preach devotion in all those places and should send me a letter with all reports. I shall send a letter with detailed reports of Yajigrama to him very soon. When Shri Isvari will be back here, do send me a letter as soon as possible. Shri Isvari will take this course and from here some persons should accompany her. Then all of us will come to Kheturi again very soon." Though this news of his going was a shock to Thakura Mahasaya, yet he pacified himself and went to prepare arrangements for Acarya's going. He sent a letter quickly to Vudhuri and arranged the both for crossing Padmavati. The things which would go with Syamananda were handed over in charge of Rasikananda. The things which would go with Shri Acarya wer handed over in th charge of Karnapura Kaviraja. Shri Santosa arranged all these things and reported to Shri Thakura Mahasaya. Hearing this, Acarya became very happy and along with others went to inspect the store room of Prabhu. He found that the store room was full of commodities and praised Santosa for this superb deed. They all spent the evening in enjoying the waving light ceremony. The priest put on the garlands around their necks for which they began to look very beautiful. Observing the beauty of Prabhu, Acarya again and again glanced at Narottama knowing his intention, Shri Thakura Mahasaya started sankirtana. The other singers and instrumentalists began to arranged their instruments such as khola and karatalas. Devidasa, Gokula, Gauranga and others began to play khola and karatalas. Shri Thakura Mahasaya began to sing a song written by Shri Vasu Ghosa:

 

"O Sakhi, look at the feature of Lord Gaura.

See, his beautiful face defeating millions of moons,

his hands defeating the elephants,

his eyes defeating the Khanjana birds,

See, his beautiful forehead bedecked with tilaka,

his long stretching hands and

flower garland around his neck,

his conch like throat and broad chest,

bedecked with sandal and ornaments.

See, his thigh and knee defeating the

banana tree and his saffron dress,

his white nails defeating millions of moons.

Vasu Ghosa says, "Gaura where have you been?

Has the providence created your beauty to charm the maids"?

 

How can I describe the sweet tune of the song? Mrdanga accompaniment with the song attracted everyone's heart. On listening the sweet sound of the mrdanga and the melting voice of Narottama made Shri Acarya Thakura mad in love. He stood up to dance in a beautiful posture which maddened the listeners. He began to shine in his beautiful posture which maddened the listeners. He began to shine in his beautiful golden complexion. How magnetic was his smile in his moon like face. How attractive were his lips with kunda white teeth. How big were his lotus eyes stretching up to his ears. How beautiful were his bee like eyebrows and parrot beak like nose. How long were his hands and broad was his chest. How deep was his naval and beautiful were his legs and feet. Viewers became mesmerized to see his dancing. The whole of Kheturi was present there. Even many respected persons from distant places were present there. The whole festival area was lighted up with lamps. Sometimes the people used to sing loudly the glory of a singing and dancing there. Even the gods in their carriers appeared on the scene to enjoy the dancing of Shrinivasa. The gods began to say that it was not at all possible for human being to dance like this. Only the servants of Shri Chaitanya could do this. The gods began to shower flowers on the head of Acarya. While dancing, Shrinivasa forgot his own entity and in emotion he began to embrace Devidasa in a pool of tears. Who can restrain himself from being moved to listen to the khola recital of Devidasa and kirtana recital of Shri Gokula. Shri Thakura Mahasaya began to shout, "Speak, speak" by embracing him. Syamananda, Ramacandra Kaviraja and others became overwhelmed with emotion and began to weep. Thus the ocean of happiness overflowed there for the beautiful sankirtana. Due to the wish of Prabhu, they stopped at late night. After completing kirtana, all of them began to roll on the ground and smeared the dust of that place. After embracing each and everyone, they returned to their own houses to take some ret In the morning, Shri Acarya dressed up and came to the courtyard of Prabhu. Syamananda with his companions also came to that place. Narottama with Ramacandra and Santosa and others in a broken heart came too. Even the people of Kheturi on hearing the leaving of Acarya, came running to the place. The courtyard of Prabhu became a crowded place. Syamananda bowed before Prabhu. The priest gave garland and clothes offering of Prabhu to Acarya who distributed those among others. Though inwardly Acarya was very much moved, yet outwardly he consoled everybody and started from Kheturi. Shri Thakura Mahasaya became down with misery. Ramacandra pacified him very lovingly. On reaching the bank of Padmavati, Acarya Thakura hastily boarded on the boat to conceal his emotion. Shri Thakura Mahasaya told many things to Syamananda who began to float in a stream of tears. Narottama by taking Syamananda in his lap began to weep helplessly. Ramacandra pacified them. Syamananda got on the boat which started at once. They crossed te iver and reached Vudhuri. Here Thakura Mahasaya and others took their baths and returned to the courtyard of Prabhu. Suddenly the happy memories of Prabhu's dancing with his associates made Narottama so happy that he began to sing the glory of the courtyard. The priest informed Shri Thakura Mahasaya that Prabhu's arati was over and now they could eat prasadam. Shri Thakura Mahasaya with others ate happily and distributed prasadam among the villagers of Kheturi. On that day many heretics also ate prasadam. Now a change came to their minds and they began to talk to others in this way, "O brothers, how fruitless own lives are. Who will rescue us from the judgment of Yama? This Thakura Narottama can do this." Someone said, "I am scared of going near him." Someone said, "Let us fall on his feet." In saying this, they in crying fell on the feet of Narottama. Shri Thakura Mahasaya who is an ocean of mercy, very sweetly told them, don't cry. You are very fortunate. Shri Krishna Chaitanya will favor you and rescue you fro danation." On hearing these hopeful words, the poor souls cried out, "O my lord, we had done all types of evil deeds. We are not afraid of doing those deeds. We had gone elsewhere for dacoity and only had returned last night. Those who did not go with us, rebuked us to a great extent. They were also dangerous dacoits but now due to you, they have become Vaishnavas. "O my lord, be merciful to us." These pathetic confessions melted the heart of Thakura Mahasaya who favored them all. He advised them, "Always do wise company and being very humble always listen and sing kirtana. Always be careful about behaving with Vaishnavas. Don't do anything which may humiliate them. And always cite Harinama." Saying so he embraced them all. All of them ran to fall on his feet and he put his feet on the heads of each and everyone. So devotion most automatically came to reign over them. Shri Thakura Mahasaya became very anxious for not getting any news from Acarya. He decided to send Ramacandra to Acarya but in the meantime a ma cam with the letter of Acarya from Yajigrama. Being very glad, Thakura Mahasaya sent a reply to Acarya and began to sing the glory of Acarya. Al these episodes can purify your mind, so be kind to listen to Narottama Vilasa by Narahari.

 

The Ninth Vilasa

 

Glory to Gaura, Nityananda, Advaita and others. Be favorable to this poor soul. Glory to the merciful listeners. While going to Vrndavana from Kheturi, Shri Jahnava Isvari had done some transcendental deeds. Many wicked heretics got favor and mercy from her and obtained the most valuable gem like devotion. Those who came in contact with her, got the favor of Shri Krishna Chaitanya and became mad in singing the glory of Him. The road which Shri Isvari had taken for her travel, the local people used to follow her in that way. The village which she used to choose for her halt, the villagers there used to get extreme pleasure. In this way, favoring many poor souls, she went to Madhupuri (Mathura) quickly via Prayaga. She with all her followers took bath in Shri Visrama Ghata. She paid respect to a brahmana of Mathura and stayed there for that night. In the morning, after taking bath, again started her journey. The news of her coming to Mathura, spread all over the country. The Goswamis of Vrndavana quickly came forward  receive her. Here Shri Isvari became charmed to see the beauty of the forests of Vrndavana. She could not control her tears. So she got down from her palanquin and started walking on foot. Shri Paramesvara dasa told slowly to Isvari, "Shri Gopala Bhatta, Shri Bhugarbha, Lokanatha, Shri Jiva, Shri Krishna Pandita and others have come here to receive you." Saying so, he showed her their coming towards her. Seeing them, Shri Jahnava became overwhelmed with joy. The Goswamis began to shed tears on seeing Shri Isvari and fell on her feet. They were introduced to Krishnadasa Sarakhela, Madhavacarya etc. Shri Paramesvara dasa introduced Shri Govinda and others to them. Shri Govinda Kaviraja and others bowed to the feet of the Goswamis. The Goswamis most cordially and affectionately embraced them. Shri Jiva Gosvami talked a lot with Shri Isvari and very carefully helped her to get on the palanquin. He took all of them very quickly to a lonely house. The people took to their heels to meet Shri Isvari. The priests of Shri Govinda, Gopiaha and Madanamohana came also to meet her. How can I describe the highest of pleasure which occurred in Vrndavana after this meeting? When Shri Isvari with her followers settled themselves in that house, many items of food came to them. Shri Isvari first of fed her men and then took something herself. Shri Gopala Bhatta and others most gladly returned to their houses. For observing the rajabhoga arati of Shri Govinda. Shri Jiva Gosvami took all of them to the temple. Shri Jahnava Isvari became charmed to see the beauty of Shri Radha Govinda after entering into the temple. Shri Madhava Acarya and others also became overwhelmed to observe Shri Govinda. After arati, they took mahaprasadam and returned to their house for taking rest. Shri Jiva Gosvami returned to his house. In the afternoon, Shri Jahnava Isvari and others quickly took their baths. Then they observed Madanamohana, Gopinatha, Shri Radhavinoda, Shri Radharamana and Shri Radha Damodara. She offered those clothes and ornaments to the deities which she had broughtwih her. Then they took prasadam. She reported to Lokanatha, about the great festival at Kheturi and the course of her coming to Vrndavana. The Goswamis became very glad to hear those incidents. The Goswamis also narrated the happenings in Vrndavana. Shri Isvari became very perturbed to listen to the narrations. After checking her emotion, she told al of them to listen to the poetry composed by Govinda. His compositions so charmed the Goswamis that they conferred the title of Kaviraja on Govinda. After taking permission from them, Shri Isvari started for Bahula Vana and then for Shrikunda. Those who came from Shrikunda, now accompanied Shri Isvari to that place. After visiting Radhakunda and Syamakunda, they went to Shri Manasa Ganga and Govardhana. Then they went to Vrsabhanupura and from there to Nandisvara. They also visited Shri Yavat village where Balarama had done His rasalila sport. Again they returned to Vrndavana. Shri Isvari cooked food for the deities and offered them. Then she distributed that prasadam aongthe Goswamis. In this way, Shri Jahnava stayed a few days there. Shri Jiva Gosvami read out from his books for Shri Isvari. Now Shri Isvari with her followers visited the twelve forests of Vraja. Then she began to think returning to Gaura. The Goswamis permitted her to go. She took her leave of Shri Govinda, Gopinatha, Madanamohana, Radha Damodara, Shri Radharamana and Shri Radha Vinoda. I am unable to describe her pathetic state of mind at the time of leaving. Madhava Acarya and others pacified her. That day they stayed there. Gauridasa Pandita had a favorite disciple whose name was Varu Gangadasa, a man of fine qualities. Once he had come to Vrndavana but he could not live in one place for a long time and used to travel always here and there. Shri Isvari favored him and ordered him to go with her to Gaura. Thus by her ordered, he prepared himself to go with her. Here Govinda and others went to the houses of the Goswamis to take farewell. They bowed to the feet of Shri Gopala Bhatta and Lokanatha. The Goswamis blssedthem by putting their feet on their heads and conveyed their blessings to Shrinivasa and Narottama. From there they went to the house of Bhugarbha Gosvami and then to the house of Shri Jiva Gosvami. There they found Shri Krishnadasa Kaviraja and others. So getting all of them there, they fell on their feet. The Goswamis blessed them wholeheartedly. So Jiva Gosvami affectionately told Govinda, "report everything to Acarya and send me a copy of your book Gitamrta. I shall finish this book which I am writing now very soon. I shall send it with a letter to you there." Saying so, he gave his book Gopala Virudavali to Govinda. Krishnadasa Kaviraja highly recommended that book. In this way, they visited all the Gosvami houses and returned to their house for some rest. Shri Isvari at late night went to bed and during her sleep Shri Gopinatha appeared before her in her dream. He gave His own garland to Isvari and in a sweet smile, told her, "What you have thought about my lady-love, send me from Gaura as soon as possible.She wll sit by my left side and this will remain on my right side. The beauty which will come out of that, you can see later on." Saying so He entered into the temple. She woke up and hid the garland in a private place. She went to observe the morning ceremony of waving light. Then she came back very gladly to her house. On that morning, in an auspicious moment, she started from there. The Goswamis came to bid farewell and accompanied her for some distance. Then being ordered by Shri Isvari, they stopped following her but burst into tears. Shri Jahnava Isvari also began to weep. Krishnadasa Pandita, Madhava Acarya, Murari, Chaitanya and others began to weep to. With them wept the people of Vraja. After a long time, the people of Vraja stopped following them and returned to their houses. Shri Isvari with others came to Shri Mathura and decided to do a night halt there. She very carefully fed the Mathura brahmana. From there she started for Gaura. After a few days, she reached Kheturi. Having got the news of her comig, Narttama out of joy, forgot his own entity. He sent a message to Ramacandra who with others at once came to Narottama's house. They moved forward with the people of Kheturi to receive Shri Isvari. Who can describe the flood of happiness when all of them met one another. Narottama and others fell on the ground to bow to her feet. She became glad too to see Narottama and others again. Then with a big crowd she entered into Kheturi proper. Shri Isvari was given the same house of the time of festival. Many Vaishnavas were engaged to serve her. Her companions were also given the same houses. Varu Gangadasa felt charmed to see the loneliness of the place. Ramacandra Kaviraja very carefully carried many necessary things to their houses separately. Shri Thakura Mahasaya earnestly requested Shri Isvari to take her bath. Thus she took hot bath and then ate some prasadam. Then she quickly cooked for Prabhu and offered Him. When the mahantas finished their baths, Shri Santosa offered them new clothes and some prasadam. The the coks prepared food, offered Shri Krishna and then served the prasadam to the mahantas. Then Shri Govinda Kaviraja and others with the cooks sat for taking food. After that, all of them took a little nap. Shri Isvari also took a little nap and then got up quickly to complete her bath. Narottama, Ramacandra, Santosa and others gladly came to meet Shri Isvari. Shri Isvari ordered them to take their seats. Narottama cherished the hope of telling something to her and she at once realized that. For his satisfaction, Shri Isvari explained the incidents that had happened at Vrndavana. She also very subtly explained the order of Shri Gopinatha. When she told them that she would start soon, Ramacandra with folded hands, told her, "We hope that you will stay here for sometime but your decision has made us very much disappointed." Isvari said, "I cannot think anything at all you better suggest me what to do." Shri Thakura Mahasaya said slowly, "It is good to start for Khardaha within a couple of days for your presence is necssary atthe time of building the image. It is not wise to waste time in relation to this type of job. It will take some time to reach Khardaha. Tomorrow I shall send a man to Khardaha." Saying so, in the presence of Shri Jahnava Isvari, he wrote a letter and handed over to Santosa. He also wrote a letter to Shri Acarya and dispatched both the letters without delay through two persons. In the evening Shri Isvari went to the courtyard of Prabhu to observe the waving light ceremony. She remained there for a long time in listening to kirtana. Then she returned to her house Madhava Acarya and others also returned to their places. Ramacandra and others also returned to their places. Ramacandra and others remained in the courtyard of Prabhu. After the offering of food to Prabhu, they distributed the food among the mahantas. After eating they relaxed on the beds and Shri Santosa and others remained engaged in massaging their legs. Ramacandra with a little milk offering of Prabhu, went to Shri Isvari and requested her to rink that The brahmana ladies who were with Shri Isvari, were given food also. While Shri Isvari went to sleep, Ramacandra returned to the temple of Prabhu. He with Govinda and others took some prasadam. Thakura Mahasaya also ate something. In an opportune moment, Thakura Mahasaya instructed Govinda Kaviraja about some duties to be done towards the Goswamis on their journey and handed over the book Gopala Virudavali to Govinda. Govinda gave that to Ramacandra. Then all of them went to sleep. In the dream of Narottama, Shri Lokanatha Gosvami appeared. Narottama fell on his feet and soaked his lotus feet with his tears. Lokanatha embraced Narottama and consoled him with very sweet words. Then he disappeared. Shri Thakura Mahasaya became very happy and spent the whole night in singing Shri Nama kirtana. In the morning all the mahantas took the pleasure of discussing about Shri Vrndavana with Narottama. They spent four days in this way during which Shri Isvari took the pleasure of cooking for them. Shri Thakura Mahasayaafter discssing with Ramacandra, fixed up a date of Isvari's going. He sent Shri Govinda Kaviraja and some others to Vudhuri. Shri Santosa said, "Tomorrow they will start in the morning. So let us prepare the arrangements. He instructed the priests, "Be careful in serving Prabhu and the Vaishnava's." Warning them in this way, he reported everything to Shri Isvari. Shri Santosa Raya prepared everything and handed over the things for Shri Isvari to Paramesvara dasa. In the morning they all took their leave of Prabhu. The priest gave them Prabhu's garlands and clothes. They all bowed to Prabhu by lying on the ground. We do not know what Shri Isvari had prayed to Prabhu silently. She held the garland and clothes on her head. Then she started with all from the courtyard. Shri Thakura Mahasaya bade her farewell by citing a hymn written by himself:

 

gauranga vallabhi kanta shri krishna vrajamohana

radharamana he radhe radhakanta namo 'stu te

 

Ramacandra with those who would accompany her, became very perturbed at the time of their leaving. The people of Kheturi village became very perturbed also. They followed her up to the bank of Padmavati. After consoling everybody Shri Isvari got up on the boat. Shri Thakura Mahasaya ordered the boatman to cross the Padmavati quickly. The people of Kheturi in a perturbed mind returned to their village. After crossing the river, they quickly came to Vudhuri. The people of that village came running to see the mahantas entering into their village. The mahantas became very satisfied with them and blessed them. Shri Isvari with all went to stay in a lonely place. Shri Govinda Kaviraja ordered the cooks to start cooking. Then they offered food to Krishna and kept aside the prasadam after sometime. Shri Isvari completed her cooking very briefly and offered them with milk to Krishna. Then she ate very gladly. After taking another bath, she came to take her seat. The cooks distributed prasadam among the mahantas. Then Shri Thaku Mahasaya with the rest of all ate very gladly. On that day, Shri Isvari became very happy and negotiated the marriage of Varu Gangadasa who was a very apathetic type of man and had no intention to marry. But due to the order of Shri Isvari, he had to marry. Syama Raya, which was a beautiful image in looking, appeared in the dream of Shri Isvari and told her, "Now hand me over to Varu Gangadasa." Being ordered in her dream, Shri Isvari became very happy and did that what he had said. She arranged the food offering to Syama Raya and a great festival took place on the next day. We do not know what she had instructed Varu Gangadasa but we can see that since that day, he was engaged in the service of Syama Raya and began to settle at Vudhuri. Shri Isvari with all came to Kantakanagara. Shri Yadunandana and others came forward to receive them and brought them in the temple of Prabhu at the time of Prabhu's just going to bed. All of them became very happy to see Gaurachandra and then went to an arranged house. Shri Thakur ahasaya and other also were given beautiful but solitary houses. They went to take bath in the Ganges. Shri Yadunandana sent a message to Yajigrama and Shri Acarya Thakura with his men came quickly to that place. Then all of them ate prasadam. They became very glad to see Acarya. Shrinivasa bowed to the feet of all the mahantas who affectionately embraced him. They asked Acarya about his well being. The persons who came with Shrinivasa, bowed to the feet of the mahantas. The cooks prepared the food and offered Krishna. After that they kept aside the prasada. Shri Isvari cooked quickly in brief and offered to Krishna. Then she ate something and after taking another bath, she requested the mahantas to eat. The mahantas along with Shrinivasa and others ate most gladly. Then Shrinivasa went to Shri Isvari and they remained engaged in talking to each other. Then Shrinivasa went to the house of Narottama. Shri Govinda Kaviraja reported everything to Shrinivasa what the Goswamis had instructed him. Ramacandra Kaviraja gave the bokGopala Virudavali to Acarya who held it on his head. He with all the mahantas observed the ceremony of waving light before Prabhu. They started sankirtana. Shri Jahnava became overwhelmed to see the beauty of Prabhu. After a long time, she returned to her house. Shri Gauranga also was led to the bed to sleep. Shrinivasa and the mahantas also went to their places to sleep. At the end of the night Shri Gopala Bhatta appeared in the dream of Shrinivasa who at once fell on his feet and washed the lotus feet of his religious master by his tears. Shri Bhatta Gosvami embraced him and told Shrinivasa sweetly, "I am always with you. You are my principal disciple in birth after birth." Saying so he put his feet on the head of Shrinivasa and then disappeared. Shrinivasa in the memory of Shri Gopala Bhatta, got up on his bed and sang the glory of Shri Krishna Chaitanya. In the morning he finished his morning duties and bathing in the Ganges. He visited the temple of Shri Gauranga and the place of Shri Bharati. At the time of departin al of them became perturbed with misery. Shrinivasa consoled Shri Yadunandana and others. Then with Shri Isvari, Shrinivasa came to Yajigrama. Acarya Thakura sent a message to Khanda which made the people of that place mad in joy. Shri Raghunandana came to Yajigrama and observed the feet of Shri Jahnava. He stayed at Yajigrama for a long time during which he became restless in listening to the incidents of Vraja. Again with Shrinivasa, he went to meet Shri Isvari and told her mildly, "I have heard everything from Shrinivasa. There should be no delay to go to Kharadaha. Tomorrow, do come to Shri Khanda. I have go now." Saying so, after bowing to her feet, Shri Raghunandana returned to Khanda happily. He collected all necessary things for her service and cleaned the house for her. The people of Khanda began to wait eagerly for Shri Isvari. There at Yajigrama, Shri Isvari with others quickly finished their eating. Acarya read out from the devotional books for sometime and they started sankirtana. In the morning, Shri Isvariwithothers went to Shrikhanda. Quickly they moved to the courtyard of Prabhu and became glad to observe the beauty of Prabhu. They became overwhelmed with emotion to see the places where Nityananda Prabhu had danced, where He had drank honey in a trance of love, where Nitai had observed the dance of Narahari. After enjoying the pleasure of those places, they returned to their houses. On that day they quickly finished their cooking and after offering food to Prabhu, they finished their eating quickly. Knowing the mind of Shri Isvari, Shri Raghunandana started beautiful kirtana and in the flood of sankirtana, everyone began to swim happily. They began to roll on the ground forgetting their own entities. Playing of musical instruments was as beautiful as dancing. They began to sing the glory of singing dancing and playing of instruments in that way. In a trance of emotion, they spent the whole night in singing kirtana. Due to the wish of Prabhu they stopped at last and went to their houses to take rest. In the moring tey did their morning duties. Shri Isvari hastily finished her bath, cooked for Prabhu and then fed all of them by her own hand. Who knows how they had enjoyed the eating on that day? Shri Raghunandana became overwhelmed with emotion observing the affection of Shri Isvari towards them. The people of Shri Khanda were greatly moved by the high qualities of the associates of Shri Isvari. Shri Isvari again took her bath and sat among Shrinivasa and others. She told him, "From here, we should move to Kheturi. Tomorrow morning, we should start for Khardaha. I shall send a message from there soon." Saying in this way, she came to the courtyard of Prabhu and observed the evening waving light. Then all of them started Shri Nama kirtana. When all of them went to their houses Shri Raghunandana and his men met Shri Isvari and told her softly, "We heard that tomorrow morning you will start from here. We don't dare to forbid you to go now. As you are independent one, we are seared to request you that we will be obliged if you pease vsit our place from time to time. There is no one so shameless creature like me. My worthless life is still alive though it is always burning in the fire of separation." Hearing these humble utterances of Shri Raghunandana, Shri Isvari could not check her tears. After a long time Shri Isvari and Raghunandana pacified themselves. Raghunandana distributed prasadam to everybody though they were not at all hungry. He handed over the things what were for Shri Isvari to Shri Madhava Acarya. As it was already late forgoing to bed, they hastily went to their houses. In the morning, apathetic scene occurred there when all of them began to say good-bye to one another. Shri Isvari took the same course to go to Khardaha. Here Shri Thakura Raghunandana at Shri Khanda used to be very glad to get the company of Acarya and his associates. Shri Acarya stayed that day at Shrikhanda. In the morning he went back to Yajigrama. After spending 2-3 days at Yajigrama, Acarya went to Nadia with two persons. His Navadvipa tour had been disussed i Bhaktiratnakara. From there, he came back to Yajigrama and spent that day in sankirtana. On the next day, he started in the morning and within 4-5 days came to Vudhuri. He ordered Shri Govinda Kaviraja and others to stay at Vudhuri and he himself came to Kheturi on the next day. The people of Kheturi came to meet him. He with Thakura Mahasaya talked to them very sweetly. All of them came to the courtyard of Gauranga and observed Him. In the meantime, a letter from Khardaha. Being relieved to know about the well-being of Khardaha, he sent a reply with the news of well being of Kheturi to Khardaha. After going back to their house, Acarya and Thakura Mahasaya remained engaged in discussing about Krishna. We do not know what Acarya, Thakura Mahasaya and Ramacandra had discussed alone. Shri Acarya stayed there for 15 days and then went to Kancanagara via Vudhuri. There they stayed for 5 days and then went to Yajigrama. At Yajigrama, Shri Acarya remained engaged in teaching his disciples all the devotional scritures. Wo will dare to interfere in his discussions? The debate-loving persons used to flee from that place. Students from distant places used to come to him to study. Acarya used to visit many places as a Professor of devotional scriptures due to the favor of Shri Chaitanya. Sinners and heretics due to the favor of Acarya, began to sing the glory of Shri Krishna Chaitanya. Shri Thakura Narottama who was an ocean of qualities and a non-attachable feature of Shri Acarya, began to spend his days happily with Ramacandra who was more favorite to him than his own life. Shri Thakura Mahasaya and Ramacandra remained engaged in teaching Shrimad Bhagavata and the books of the Goswamis to their students. On listening to the analysis of devotional scriptures by Narottama, the believers in karma and jnana began to criticize Thakura Mahasaya by saying, "Being a Vaishnava, he is criticizing karma and jnana." But even the brahmanas of distant places used to come to Kheturi to study Gosvami books along with the Vaishnavas and then bega to teachothers. One day, Narottama with Ramacandra had been discussing the topic on Krishna. In the meantime, a distinguished brahmana came to Narottama and told him in crying, "O, being proud, I told so many things against you to many students but on that particular day I had criticized you, I became a prey to the disease of leprosy. I took many medicines and performed many rituals, but alas, apart from cure, the disease began to aggravate day by day. I thought of committing suicide by jumping into the Ganges. In my dream, devi Bhagavati appeared and angrily told me, "You will face a serve misfortune. Being proud, you've insulted Narottama by calling him a sudra. You are still a fool after studying so many scriptures. He who has taken Narottama as an ordinary man, has no chance of avert in misfortune in any life. If he forgives you, then you will get rid of misfortune." Saying so, she disappeared. In the morning, I have come straight to you. First of all, I became afraid of facing you but a brahmana in my wa told me tat you are ever merciful. I looked at you from a distance but your merciful feature at once has cooled my eyes as if I have got back my life. O lord, be merciful to me. I am taking refuge to your feet." Saying so, the brahmana began to cry loudly. He fell on the ground to touch the feet of Narottama. Shri Thakura Mahasaya said, "You have done nothing to humiliate me." The brahmana said, "Do put your feet on my head, then a sinner's mind will be pacified." Narottama thinking of Shri Krishna Chaitanya, embraced the brahmana. The brahmana being very glad took the dust of Narottama's feet and began to dance by raising his hands. After a long time, he became quiet but by that time his disease had gone and he became purified at long last. The feeling of love and devotion arose in the mind of the brahmana which led him to think, "This cure seems to me very dangerous. I hope I could get the disease again for this cure may create pride in my mind." So this thought made him a Vaishnava and his followers also becam Vaishnavas oo. This news spread all over the village which made all the brahmanas scared. They began to warn one another in this way, "Be careful in your behavior about Narottama. Don't call Narottama a low caste person." Someone said, "Being proud of our brahmanism, we have failed to acknowledge a jewel like Narottama." Some one said, "There is no question of being a brahmana or a high caste person. Without his mercy, it is not possible to identify Him." Someone said, "Narottama is himself an abode of mercy. He by his own quality can save the sinners." Someone said, "So many qualities do not belong to an ordinary man. He is a man only in appearance. He is an incarnation to save the beings from damnation." The brahmana warned his followers by singing the glory of Narottama. Narottama's qualities were above any discussion. He used to visit Yajigrama from time to time to meet Acarya. I have elaborately discussed the meeting of Narottama and Acarya with Vira Hamvira in Bhaktiratnakara. So be patient in listenin to Narottam Vilasa by Narahari.

 

The Tenth Vilasa

 

Glory to Gaura, Nityananda, Advaita and their associates. Be kind to this poor soul. Glory to the merciful listeners. Now listen, Shri Rama and Shri Raghunandana, two disciples of Acarya, came back from Vrndavana. They reported gladly to Thakura Mahasaya about the well being of Vraja. They told excitedly, "How can we describe the beauty of Radha Thakurani sent by Shri Jahnava Isvari, she had created a magnificent glory by sitting in the left side of Gopinatha who Himself had ordered the Goswamis to do that. They had held a great festival on this occasion that we had seen by our own eyes. The Vaishnavas of Vraja had become mad in joy. "Hearing this incident, all of them became very glad and Ramacandra requested those two to take their baths quickly. Shri Thakura Mahasaya with Ramacandra went gladly to take their bath in Padmavati. On their way, they saw two brahmana boys were coming with many cubs of goats, sheep and buffaloes. Looking at them, Shri Mahasaya told Ramacandra that these two boys had fine devotional quities for worshipping Krishna. Ramacandra began to discuss different scriptures in the presence of those two boys. The boys on hearing the discussion from some distance began to tell to each other, "Most probably these two Vaishnavas are Shri Thakura Mahasaya and Kaviraja. We have already heard about their glory. Today is an auspicious day that we can meet them now." Saying so, they put aside the cubs and came near to Ramacandra and Thakura Mahasaya with a heart swinging like a pendulum. Thakura Mahasaya sweetly asked them, "Who are you? Whose sons you are?" One boy told, "I am Harirama and he is my younger brother, Ramakrishna. Sivai Acarya is our father. He used to spend a lot of money on the occasion of Bhavani worship. Balarama Kaviraja is a good physician. Being ordered by our father, we came here to buy these cubs. My father believes that sacrifice of these cubs before the goddess will grant him the happiness of heaven. "After saying so, he called on his men and ordered them to cross Padmavati leaving those us here. Being ordered by Harirama Acarya, they crossed the river without the cubs and these two brahmana boys. Harirama told Thakura Mahasaya, "True, we came here to buy the cubs, but now our visions have become cleaned by your teachings. Now be favorable to us and accept us and give once again the proof of your glory. "Saying so the two brothers fell on the ground to touch his feet. Observing the humble disposition of these two brothers, both Thakura Mahasaya and Ramacandra became very much perturbed and embraced them. After taking bath, they took those boys to the temple of Prabhu most happily. That day was an auspicious day and Shri Kaviraja initiated Harirama. Thakura Mahasaya initiated Ramakrishna Acarya. Harirama and Ramakrishna were very fortunate because at once they could get the feeling of the unattachable identity of Ramacandra and Narottama. They fell prostrate on the feet of their religious masters who empowered their disciples to a great extent. They dedicated their disciples to the feet of Radha-Ksn and Chaitanya. They helped their disciples to know Shri bhakti-siddhanta thoroughly. Harirama and Ramakrishna became mad in the juices of love and devotion. On the eleventh day i.e. the day after Vijaya Dasami (the tenth day of the worship of goddess Bhavani), they asked for their farewell from their religious masters and came back to Goyasa village from Kheturi. They first of all got Balarama Kaviraja and spent that night in his house. They told everything to Balarama who is turn reported everything about their father. In the morning they became face to face with their father. On seeing his sons, Sivai became fire with anger and shouted at them by saying, "O fools, which one among the scriptures has said that the Vaishnavas are superior to brahmanas? By offending Bhagavati, you have spoilt your lives. What type of Vaishnava he is that he made to accept defeat and humiliation before the society of scholars. I know I must be successful due the favor of Durga towards me. Thus further, he won't dare to do This. " ariama became furious and cried out again and again, "Let the Panditas come here and let me see their powers. They have to defeat me first otherwise all their shoutings will be proven fake." On hearing the utterances of his son, Sivai Acarya became impatient in anger and forced his son to appear before the Pandita Society. Harirama, proud like a lion, refuted all the explanations of the Panditas and established the superiority of devotion. He proved that the Vedas have said that the Vaishnavas are worshipped by all. The Panditas being defeated from all respects, began to stare at Harirama someone said, "How can he know all the scriptures?" Another one replied, "From the favor of Vaishnavas, do you know the glory of Ramacandra and Narottama? These two brothers had obtained favor from those great Vaishnavas. No one can defeat them." The Panditas became ashamed and went back to their house after saying, "The Vaishnavas have power, no doubt." Out of blind anger, Sivai called forth Murari who was a world conquering shola of Mithila. He was so proud of his knowledge that he used to look upon the other scholars like grass under his feet. He came with many students and supporters. Balarama Kaviraja very easily defeated him in the debate. Being defeated, he said, "It is impossible for me to grasp the limit of glory of the Vaishnavas." Saying so, he distributed all his belongings among others and took self-banishment by not going back to his own country. He accepted the life of a beggar. Sivai being ashamed, reached to the dying condition. He became very sorry for insulting the Vaishnavas. He was rightly served by goddess Bhagavati. The news of the people being converted into Vaisnavism spread all over the countries. The Vaishnavas became very glad for this. Harirama and Ramakrishna Acarya gladly engaged themselves in nama-sankirtana. They became most apathetic towards material life after getting the valuable wealth like devotion. They began to stay with Balarama Kaviraja being always engaged in singing the glory of Shri Krishna Caianya.One day, one some personal purpose, the two brothers came to Gamvila village on the bank of Suradhuni (Ganga).That place had many scholars among whom Ganganarayana Cakravarti was the foremost one. He was a man of devotional disposition and had conquered the desire for material pleasure. He was a good teacher. Secretly he had been watching Harirama and Ramakrishna and began to think after observing their transcendental brightness, "They weren't like this before, but now what a change has come in them. Kaviraja and Shri Thakura Mahasaya had favored them for which they've become great Vaishnavas and great scholars in all scriptures. Many scholars had accepted defeat from them. Being ashamed the world-conqueror scholar became a beggars. These two brothers are very fortunate .He who had criticized Thakura Mahasaya, had been rightly served by Bhagavati. I, the worst brahmana, being proud of my knowledge had neglected him. The only way of my survival is to get favor form him. It is known that he is very merciful."Thinkig in this way, Ganganarayana began to weep and to lament in this way, "There is no religion above Vaisnavism and worthless person like me get no interest in that religion. Fie, fie to my life. Without worshipping Krishna, I had spent the whole life on trifle things. O lord Narottama, help me to obtain love and devotion. I am taking refuge to your lotus feet." In lamentation, he spent most of the night. At late night, he fell asleep and dreamt of Thakura Mahasaya in shinning glory and full of mercy. He was telling him smilingly, "You are my servant, don't lament. All your desires will be fulfilled. Tomorrow, at the time of your bath in the Ganges, you will see me .I have come here from Kheturi. That time I shall talk to you." As he disappeared, Ganganarayana became very sad. In the morning, after quickly finishing his daily duties, he came on the bank of Ganga and sat there in silent prayer. Harirama and Ramakrishna came to that place. Cakravarti greeted them very humbly and told them, "Please do stay here or a fe days with me. If I am fortunate enough to get prabhu here, please tell him about me." Most fortunately, Mahasaya with some disciples came to the bank of the Ganges. Harirama and Ganganarayana, "Look, prabhu by chance has come to take bath in the Ganges." Ganganarayana became highly satisfied because he found Thakura Mahasaya just the same, he had seen in his dream. Cakravarti asked Harirama about the identities of the Vaishnavas coming with Narottama. Harirama helped Ganganarayana to get the identities of them and moved forward to Narottama to give the identity of Ganganarayana. With a smile, Thakura Mahasaya said, "Bring Ganganarayana to me soon." Ganganarayana came with Harirama and fell on the feet of Narottama who in a trance of love, embraced Ganganarayana. In a sweet voice, he asked Ganganarayana, "Well, gentleman, won't the other brahmanas mind for your this type of behavior? Ganganarayana said, "O my lord, if your favor goes to the poor soul, he never cares for those devotionless brahmanas." Sying so e worshipped the feet of Ramacandra. Ganganarayana was introduced to everybody. The people out of astonishment whispered to one another, "We found him in Gamvila many times but what a surprise, he is now a completely changed person." Someone said, "He who was always proud of his knowledge, now how he has became so humble?" Some else said, "How this type of devotion arose in him? It was totally impossible for him." Someone said, "O brothers, I think that everything has become possible due to the presence of this Mahasaya." Then everyone began to praise the fortune of Ganganarayana who being a staunch brahmana, had become a devout Vaishnava. Anticipating that Ganganarayana was trying to tell something to him, Thakura Mahasaya told him, "Don't think anything else. After taking bath, I shall go to Vudhuri and tomorrow I shall go back to Kheturi for I have some important business to do in the temple of Gauranga. You should stay here today with Harirama and Ramakrishna and tomorrow you all should go to Vudhur. There yu can meet Karnapura and others. On the next morning you all should go to Kheturi quickly." Saying so, after a quick bath, Mahasaya went to Vudhuri with others. Ganganarayana, after his bath went to home with Harirama and Ramakrishna and stayed at Gamvila for that day. In the early morning they went to Vudhuri gladly and stayed in the house of Shri Govinda Kaviraja. Divyasimha, son of Govinda became astonished to observe the devotional efforts Ganganarayana. There, Karnapura Kaviraja and others were also present .In the morning they hastily came to Kheturi and observed the image of Shri Gauranga. Ganganarayana prayed before Prabhu the fulfillment of his desire. That day they spent in the pleasure of sankirtana. On the next morning, after finishing bath and daily duties, Thakura Mahasaya thought that today was the most auspicious day to initiate Ganganarayana. So did he and dedicated Ganganarayana to the lotus feet of Shri Krishna Chaitanya. Narottama who was an incarnation of devotion, empowered Ganganarayaa with hisown power. Being overwhelmed with joy, Ganganarayana could not check his tears and lay prostrate on the lotus feet of Narottama who took him to his bosom. Narottama dedicated Ganganarayana to Ramacandra. Ganganarayana worshipped the feet of Ramacandra, Govinda Kaviraja and others. All the Vaishnavas there became very happy. Ganganarayana, the genius of all scriptures, began to study the Gosvami books. He began to swim continuously in the stream of happiness derived from sankirtana. In this way, Ganganarayana achieved some extra high qualities of love and devotion. Jagannatha Acarya who was a devout worshipper of Bhagavati, was ordered by her to take refuge to the lotus feet of Narottama. She told him, "Without worshipping Krishna, life is a futile one. Go. and touch the feet of Narottama who will give you salvation." Being ordered by her, he in the next morning came to Kheturi and fell on the feet of Thakura Mahasaya. With tears he told Thakura Mahasaya, "Being ordered by Bhagavati, I have come to you Now I am a your feet. O lord, please initiate me and save me from damnation." Hearing this humble confession, Thakura Narottama initiated that brahmana. In this way, Narottama got many disciples. For this incident, some became happy while some became angry. There was a king in a distant place, named Narasimha who was a great patron of scholar brahmanas. One of those brahmanas angrily complained to the king, "There is no one to think about religion which is in stake now. Narottama dasa, son of Krishnananda Datta, had become a Vaishnava and now he is initiating the brahmanas. I don't know what type of a magician he is in doing all these miracles. If you say that he is a scholar, then my opinion is this it is his false pride before the ignorants. Will he dare to face us? Let's go to his place and let see the fun. I know he must make haste to flee from there. If you can accomplish this, you will be praised by all the countries for keeping the prestige and superiority of the brahmanas. The king is the savior and th only judge ue to the order of God. Otherwise the brahmana class will be perished." On hearing this, the king made arrangements to go to Kheturi with others among whom there was Rupanarayana also. The professors with many books started proudly. The king with his men halted at Kumarapura village near Kheturi. Here, on getting the news of the king's coming, Mahasaya told Ramacandra slowly, "We have to face the professors and I know a great debate will occur." Ramacandra smiled and said, "They can be defeated very easily and will come to fall on your feet." Thus Ramacandra and Ganganarayana came to Kumarapura and took the guises of two shopkeepers. One of them became the seller of betel leaf shop to buy betel leaf. When the panditas arrived at the town, their disciples went to the shop to buy betel leves for their teachers. One of them asked the price, and the seller replied in Sanskrit. The student accepted his defeat, and the seller said, "You are a fool, you know nothing. If you want to keep your prestige, g and bring yor teacher." The student being ashamed informed everything to his professor and said, "That young sellers of Kheturi, the place of Narottama, are great scholars. If you want to defeat Narottama, first defeat these young sellers. Otherwise stop going to Kheturi." Hearing this the Panditas became furious and ordered the student to guide them to that place. They began debate on different scriptures. Gradually Narasimha, Rupanarayana and many people came to that place to witness the battle of scriptures. The seller men began to refute one by one all the explanations given by the Pandita in a very polite way. Thus very easily the Panditas were defeated by the sellers. Someone said, "When the Panditas had come here they were just like lions. But now after defeat they have become dogs." Then the people began to sing the glory of Thakura Mahasaya. These hearsays made the king nervous. He asked Rupanarayana very slowly, "What is the way out now"? Rupanarayana said, "Vaisnavism is superior to all religions Humiliating te Vaishnavas leads to the path of hell. Let us go and take refuge to his feet. Otherwise there is no way out from damnation." Narasimha said, "I am also thinking so. Let us go quickly." Rupanarayana said, "Stay here today. Tomorrow start with your men." This news spread all over that tomorrow the king with his men would go to Kheturi. The condition of the professors was undoubtedly most miserable. They could not face the king due to shame. They confined themselves in a lonely place. They used to tell one another about the forth coming situation they had to face tomorrow. Here after defeating the professors, the two shop-keepers started for Kheturi. Ramacandra distributed the betel leaves among the poor and Ganganarayana also distributed his earthen materials among the poor villagers. Being satisfied, they returned to Kheturi and reported everything to Thakura Mahasaya. Here King Narasimha began to think silently whether a wicked person like him would get the mercy of Thakura Mahasaya. In extremelamentation, hetold Rupanarayana, "My life will be totally futile unless I get his mercy." Certain invisible one throw the words, "He will forgive by his own merciful nature." The king became very much perturbed to hear this and began to wait for the morning in a swinging heart. How pity was the condition of the professors. The most proud professor among them fell asleep at late night and saw in hi dream goddess Bhagavati with a sword in her hand. She told in an angry voice, "O you rogue, how futile is your whole life study. You will go to hell as you have criticized the Vaishnavas. I shall be satisfied if I sever you head. O wicked soul, I don't know how to give you a lesson. Only Narottama can save you from damnation." Then with blood-shot eyes, the goddess vanished. Waking up from sleep, the professor began to tremble in fear. He awakened others with a shout and told others, "Luckily I am saved. Bhagavati came to kill me as I had underestimated Narottama. Now only he can save me from the sufferings of the ell." In the moring, he went to report everything to the king. The king told, "I had forbade you before to criticize Narottama as an ordinary man. Is it possible for a human being to perform all these transcendental deeds? Shri Thakura Mahasaya is respected person to us all." Saying so, he consoled the pandita. After taking their baths, the king with all the professors started for Kheturi on foot. Reaching Kheturi, they hastily went to the courtyard of Gauranga. Being very humble, the king with others lay prostrate on the ground to bow Shri Gauranga. Ramacandra, the most wise person, with Govinda and others, took great care of them. All of them became very eager to meet Shri Thakura Mahasaya who had been sitting in a lonely place. After awhile, Shri Thakura Mahasaya came to that place and everyone had been observing his beauty. King Narasimha and Rupanarayana advanced forward first towards Narottama and said humbly, "O lord, how can we introduce ourselves. We are fully materialists and wicked persons. We are dedcating ourselves o you but we are afraid of telling anything to you. Please kindly initiate us and fulfill our desires." Saying so, they fell on his feet with tears in their eyes. Observing their perturbed condition, Thakura Mahasaya very affectionately consoled them and embraced them. Narasimha and Rupanarayana fell on the ground to touch his feet and at once all their agonies were vanished and they got extreme peace in their minds. The king brought that illustrious professor to Narottama and said, "He is the head of the professors. His pride has gone and now forgive and favor him." That brahmana stood before Mahasaya and sorrowfully reported about the anger of the goddess. He fell on the ground in crying and sought the refuge of Narottama. Shri Thakura Mahasaya, the image of mercy, favored him by embracing him. Then Ramacandra pacified him by lifting him from the ground. Then all of them became devotees of Krishna Chaitanya. Thakura Mahasaya with all of them came to the courtyard of Prabhu and observed the wavng light ceremony f Prabhu. Shri Santosa Raya most heartily took them to a house and brought many things for their eating. He most humbly requested them to cook their food but Narasimha and others begged prasadam from Santosa Raya who most gladly granted this proposal. So Narasimha, Rupanarayana and others went to that place where Shri Thakura Mahasaya with his followers had been sitting. How can I describe the divine pleasure they got in eating prasadam! Then they spent the whole day in extreme pleasure. On the next day, in an auspicious moment all of them took initiation from Shri Thakura Narottama who dedicated them to the feet of Prabhu. Rupanarayana and others stayed there for a few days during which they began to study the Gosvami books. In due course of time all of them became possessors of love and devotion and extremely interested in doing sankirtana. They used to enjoy the songs written by Shri Govinda Kaviraja. They used to listen to Shrimad Bhagavata from Ganganarayana Cakravarti. In this way, they fogot the difference etween day and night. He who once came to Kheturi forgot to go elsewhere leaving this type of divine pleasure. King Narasimha and Rupanarayana hurriedly went to their country to bring the queen Rupamala who was a devoted wife and a lady of beautiful disposition. Thakura Mahasaya became very happy to observe her beautiful nature and gave her initiation. Rupamala became so happy that she sweared to take one lakh Harinama in a day. Everyone began to sing the glory of Thakura Mahasaya. Haricandra Raya was a dacoit. He heard about the qualities of Thakura Mahasaya and came to take refuge to his feet. Thakura Mahasaya saved him from damnation by giving initiation. After initiation, he was renamed as Haridasa and became the possessor of precious gem like devotion. He gave his possession of Jalapantha. Everyone became astonished to see the change in a dacoit. The people began to whisper, "Shri Thakura Mahasaya is a man of transcendental qualities by which he subdued a dacoit very easily. But Canda aya is the most notoious of all dacoits. If he can overcome Canda Raya, the whole country can have a sigh of relief." Someone said, "Don't worry, Canda Raya will soon be favored and with all his men will be great Vaishnavas. Due to that favor, he must give up his dacoity." In the meantime, one brahmana came to them to inform about the rescue of Canda Raya by Thakura Mahasaya. Canda Raya was a terror before but now his only appearance could give pleasure to the eyes. The brahmana further said, "I have seen in my own eyes that Candra Raya and his men are dancing in sankirtana on the courtyard of Prabhu." Hearing this miraculous incident, the people in a crowd went to see Canda Raya whom they found lying on the dust of the ground and his whole body was trembling with emotion. Everyone got relief for averting the tyranny of Canda Raya. In the meantime, some unknown persons with arms and weapons came to that place and asked the people how Canda Raya had become a Vaishnava. The people explained the whole event in nushell. Canda Raya wit his followers were devotees of goddess Bhagavati. Canda Raya was a powerful Zamindar and the head of the dacoits. Goddess Bhagavati became so angry upon him that she punished him with the help of a brahmana ghost. When again she found that Canda's life was at stake, she ordered him to take refuge to the feet of Narottama. Thakura Mahasaya favored him and rescued him from damnation. Canda Raya became a most humble Vaishnava. Taking advantage of his weakness, the Yavana king tried torture him. But Canda Raya did not bother about his pains and remained loyal to the feet of Narottama. The Yavana king brought a mad elephant to kill Canda Raya but the elephant fled away instead of moving forward towards Canda Raya. Being highly disturbed the king ordered to imprison Canda Raya. Instead of being sad, Canda Raya thought gladly that he had been rightly served for his misdeeds. Someone suggested him to cite hymns praising the goddess but Canda Raya refused to cite any other hymns that hymns of Lor Krishna. Observing his incerity, Prabhu became so glad that due to him, the Yavana king became so afraid that he released Raya after begging to him. He came to Kheturi to meet Thakura Mahasaya. Hearing all these incidents, the unknown persons, throwing out their weapons, lay prostrate on the ground before Thakura Mahasaya. Thakura Mahasaya asked them sweetly about their particulars. They replied in tears, "We are dacoits of Bengal and the most disgracing thing is that we are brahmanas and Canda Raya is our leader. We used to do dacoity on the river. This time we had come here to consult with Raya but we heard about the episode of Canda Raya from the people. Now we have changed our minds. Observing your lotus feet from distance, a sudden change came to our mind. We are wicked and robbers. Please save us from damnation." Now they began to cry miserably. In the meantime Canda Raya came to that place and all of them became very happy to see him. Canda Raya very humbly greeted them all. After a few days, Thakura Mhasaya initiated them al. If anyone listens to these episodes, can get rid of damnation. So be attentive to Narottama Vilasa by Narahari.

 

The Eleventh Vilasa

 

Glory to Gaura, Nityananda, Advaita and their associates favor the poor soul. Glory to the merciful listeners. Now listen to me. Kaviraja Thakura and Thakura Mahasaya wrote two separate letters in which they enclosed the songs written by Shri Govinda to Vrndavana very carefully. In reply from Vrndavana, they got the news of the well-being of that place. Thus gladly they conveyed this news to Yajigrama. At Yajigrama, Acarya with his students and followers used to spend the days in discussing about devotional scriptures. On knowing the efforts of Shri Narottama by which he had favored and saved many heretics and wicked dacoits, pleased Acarya to a great extent. He at once decided to go to Kheturi. In the meantime, someone informed that Virabhadra had come to their place. Being delighted, Acarya Thakura advanced forward to meet Viracandra who on seeing Acarya coming towards him, got down from his palanquin quickly. Acarya and his followers fell on the ground to show their respect to Virabhadra who at once embracedcarya and asked about his well being. Viracandra started walking slowly with Acarya by holding the hand of Acarya. Acarya very humbly asked Viracandra Prabhu, "I thought one day at Khardaha that I will go to Kheturi via Yajigrama. With my followers I had already visited the places of Nadia. Then I went to Shri Khanda and from there quickly I have come here." Saying so, he entered into a house and took his seat. The visit of Prabhu so delighted Acarya that it seemed to him as if the actual owner had come to his own place. Draupadi Isvari and Shri Gauranga-priya, wives of Acarya, bowed to the feet of Viracandra Prabhu. They washed the feet of Prabhu with cold water. The eldest son of Acarya, who had been named by Shri Jiva Goswami as Vrndavana, was a boy of very beautiful intellect. Vrndavana with his two brothers, Radhakrishna and Shri Gitagovinda fell on the feet of Prabhu who blessed them very affectionately. He put his feet on the heads of the three respectively. The three daughters of Acarya, Hemalata, Krishnapriaand Shri Kancanalata were very devotional minded. They also bowed to the feet of Prabhu Viracandra who blessed them too. Prabhu asked about their well being very sweetly and the three girls spontaneously dedicated themselves to the feet of Prabhu. After sometime, prabhu with his followers went to take bath. Here, the wives of Acarya quickly took their bath and started cooking for prabhu various items of food. They decorated the rice place with scented rice and other items. One wise disciple of Acarya offered food first to Salagrama Candra and also to that Govardhana Sila given by Prabhu Nityananda to Viracandra. The two Thakuranis decorated the rice plates for two Prabhus. After the eating of Govardhana Sila and Shri Vamsivadana, the priest offered the water for washing mouth. Then he offered betel leaves to them. After that they went to bed. Here after back from the river, Viracandra and his followers took their seats for eating by sitting in the courtyard of Gauranga. Prabhu Viracandra told Shri Acarya to si wth him and to take food. Acarya Thakura said humbly, "It is not fair to sit with you for eating for I want to eat after you all." Hearing this, prabhu caught Acarya's hand and said with a smile, "There is no one to blame you if you sit by my side and take food with me." Acarya was unable to violate Prabhu's request. Thus he sat with prabhu Viracandra. Everyone became charmed to observe the beauty of all the great Vaishnavas sitting in a row. Banana leaves were placed before them and prabhu ordered to serve the food. They wives of Acarya began to serve food. Shridasa, Gokulananda and Vyasa decorated the plates filled with bowls full of delicious curries. All of them with Viracandra ate most happily. After eating, they washed their mouths and took betel leaves. Prabhu took rest a little and then spent the rest of day and night in discussing about Krishna. In the morning, Shri Viracandra with Acarya started for Kheturi most gladly. All of them reached Vudhuri via Kantakanagara. Govinda and others getting the news f teir coming, had been waiting on the path. Viracandra Prabhu with Acarya and others met Govinda and others on the way. Govinda most gladly took them to the house. Viracandra and Acarya became very pleased to get beautiful resting places and delicious food. They stayed two days at Vudhuri. All the Vaishnavas of that place, came to meet prabhu, Acarya and others. After taking bath in Padmavati River, all of them crossed the river and most happily moved towards Kheturi. On knowing the coming of Prabhu, Thakura Mahasaya ordered his cooks to prepare various items of food. He collected different kinds of fruits and sweets. He ordered his men to clean the houses. Then he with his men stood on the road and waited for Prabhu. Prabhu with his followers appeared just like the million moons to soothe the heat of the sun. Thakura Mahasaya advanced forward and bowed to the feet of Viracandra. Prabhu embraced Narottama. Who could not hold his tears and touched the feet of prabhu again and again. Acarya Thakura and Shri Thaura ahasaya took prabhu to the courtyard and temple of Gauranga. They observed the images of Gauranga, Vallabhikanta, Shri Vrajamohana, Radhakrishna, Radhakanta, Shri Radharamana. Viracandra could not control his tears after observing the beautiful images. He fell on the ground again and again to bow to the images. When he checked his emotion, the priest gave him the offered garland of Prabhu. Acarya Thakura then very carefully took him to the house. The priest also gave offered garlands to all the Vaishnavas who came with Viracandra. The people of Kheturi came to see prabhu Viracandra. On their way back to their houses, one said to another, "Nityananda is Balarama himself and prabhu Virabhadra is his son and is an abode of qualities. His beautiful feature can increase the thirst of the eyes to see him again." Someone said, "We are very fortunate to have the chance of seeing him most easily." Someone said, "All these have become possible only due to Shri Thakura Mahasaya." Here Viracandra took his seat with his folower in the beautiful house. Acarya Thakura told very sweetly to Viracandra prabhu, "Your food is ready because it has been prepared before your coming to the house." Prabhu took out his Govardhana Sila from his cloth bag and offered food before Him. After His eating, he again put Him in his cloth bag. Then varieties of prasadam came from the temple. Prabhu told Acarya, "Now I am hungry. So let us not waste time." He with all his followers sat down to eat. Harirama, Ramakrishna, Ganganarayana, Shri Govinda Cakravarti and others began to serve various items of food to Viracandra and other Vaishnavas. Due to the superb taste of all items, prabhu and others ate too much. Then they washed their mouths. After that Acarya Thakura with his followers began to discuss about Radhakrishna and Chaitanya and in this way they spent the whole day and night. In the morning, prabhu took his bath. Then Shri Santosa stood before prabhu with a beautiful cloth in his hand and requested prabhu to wear it. He also offered new clothes to ll theVaishnava followers of prabhu. Prabhu then decorated his Govardhana Sila with flowers, sandalwood paste and Tulasi and offered food before Him. Then he distributed the prasadam among all. After them prabhu ate himself. With the permission of prabhu, Acarya and Thakura Mahasaya decided to start sankirtana. On hearing the announcement of sankirtana, people from every corner of Kheturi came running to throng all around the courtyard. In the afternoon, after Viracnadra's coming with his associates to the courtyard of Gauranga, the Utthvapana arati ceremony took place. The priest gave him the garland and sandal offerings. Acarya delightfully decorated prabhu with sandalwood paste and flower garlands and began to weep in joy to observe the beauty of prabhu. Thakura Mahasaya with other singers and instrumentalists started sankirtana gladly. Within a second the whole atmosphere changed into a divine like feelings. Devidasa started playing khola and karatalas. Gokula started singing nectar like kirtana, the soun of whih pierced the heaven. The voice of Shri Mahasaya led to the ocean of happiness to overflow its bank. Viracandra amidst the group of Vaishnavas began to shine like the sun. He in his beautiful feature began to dance magnificently with the music and kirtana. With raised hands he began to utter "Haribola" very sweetly. His big deep eyes began to shed tears of joy. His restless lotus like feet began to move very beautifully. The gods began to move very beautifully. The gods began to shower flowers upon the heads of the Vaishnavas. Prabhu Viracandra in the hope of dancing with al of them, began to stare here and there. In the meantime, he found that Shri Acarya with his followers were dancing by his side. The earth began to tremble by the feet stepppings of the dancers. Gradually all of them forgot their own entities and began to roar like lions. Someone began to tremble out of trance. Someone began to hold the feet of Viracandra. Someone began to roll on the ground out of ecstasy. Prabhu out of ecstasy tightl embrace Narottama and did not let him go out of his embrace. Sometimes he began to caress the face of Gokula. Sometimes he began to praise Shri Govinda Kaviraja for his songs. Then he began to encourage Gokula to sing more. Shri Gokula thus began to sing more beautifully the songs written by Shri Govinda in a very expert manner. In this way mid-night came. Then they stopped sankirtana and took their seats in the courtyard of Gauranga. In the morning all the Vaishnavas came to the house of Viracandra who requested Ramacandra to sing the songs of Shri Rasa Vilasa. Ramacandra's voice was just like nectar. His beautiful realization of Bhagavatam highly pleased Viracandra. Viracandra told Acarya, "I am afraid, can I meet you all again and have this valuable company of yours." Saying so, he began to weep. Acarya also began to weep with him. Somehow they checked their emotions and then Shri Rupa Ghataka, Ganganarayana, Syamadasa, Govinda and others brought fruit and sweets offerings for Shri Govardhana Sila. Prabhu offerd them toHim. After that he offered betel leaves to Him and then put Him in a gold casket inside his cloth bag. After observing the image of Shri Gauranga, they all took prasadam. Prabhu then took some rest and after that he told Acarya, "I want to back to Khardaha via Ekacakra. Tomorrow morning I have decided to start. You should go with me for some distance." Acarya said, "Who will stand before your decision? Do what you want to do." Prabhu Viracandra said with a smile, "I cannot turn down your request. I have just tell you about my program, now do what you think better." Acarya told Narottama, "Tomorrow, prabhu will leave Kheturi with me." Hearing this Thakura Mahasaya became very much perturbed and Acarya pacified him. He ordered Santosa to make arrangements for Prabhu's going. He ordered Thakura Kanai to pack the things what they would send with prabhu. He ordered Rupa Ghataka to pack the things what Acarya would carry. He sent a messenger to Vudhuri very quickly and ordered his men to arrange a large nuber of boas for prabhu on the bank of Padmavati. Next morning, prabhu Viracandra with Acarya and others stood before Gauranga. Then prabhu returned to his house where many persons came to say farewell to prabhu. Prabhu then started for the bank of Padmavati. The disciples of Thakura Mahasaya very humbly touched the feet of Prabhu Viracandra who blessed them all. Viracandra consoled Thakura Mahasaya and Ramacandra Kaviraja in various ways and took leave of them for some months. Acarya also consoled the villagers of Kheturi. Then he with Viracandra boarded on the boat. Ramacandra and others also took another boat. The boatmen started the boats. The remaining Vaishnavas along with Thakura Mahasaya who had been standing on the bank of Padmavati started crying loudly. Viracandra with his followers reached Vudhuri by crossing Padmavati. With a clouded heart, Thakura Mahasaya returned to the temple of Gauranga. All of them observed Gauranga, Vallabhikanta, Shri Vrajamohana, Radhakanta, Radhakrishna and Shri Radharamana hose faces t once removed the clouds from their minds. Thakura Mahasaya with others quickly took their baths and then ate mahaprasadam. They spent that day in discussing about Krishna. But since that day, Thakura Mahasaya became quite restless. After a few days, Ramacandra came from Yajigrama. Thakura Mahasaya became very glad to get back Ramacandra and became engaged in sankirtana for the days and nights with Govinda and others in the courtyard of Gauranga. Even king Narasimha and Canda Raya joined them in that wave of happiness. After a few days, Thakura Mahasaya told his disciples, "For a long time you have not gone to your own houses. This time pay a quick visit to your places." Though no one really wanted to leave Thakura Mahasaya, yet being ordered by him, they had to start for their houses. Only Ramacandra stayed with him. One day, sitting in a lonely place, Thakura Mahasaya and Ramacandra discussed something secret. Ramacandra Kaviraja after sometimes, went to Yajigrama with a perturbed mind. A messagecame from Yaigrama that Shri Acarya Thakura had gone to Vrndavana with Ramacandra Kaviraja. Who could understand the mind of those two? One day Shri Mahasaya could not control his mind and began to lament for some unprecedented happenings. He began to sing:

 

The associates of Gauranga, are Shrinivasa, Gadadhara,

Narahari, Mukunda, Murari.

Svarupa Damodara, Haridasa, Vakresvara

are possessors of divine love.

The sports what they had performed could melt the stone,

but how unfortunate I am for not able to witness them.

I failed to be born at that time and remained ignorant,

how can I forget this sorrow?

Prabhu Sanatana, Rupa, Raghunatha Bhatta,

Bhugarbha, Shri Jiva, Lokanatha,

all these prabhus did beautiful sports in Vrndavana with other devotees.

Now all of them have disappeared, leaving this world empty,

my eyes have become blind to whom I shall disclose my sorrow?

thus I am living like an animal.

Acarya Shrinivasa to whom I got the refuge

and whose words used to cool my mind,

he also has left me, and Ramacandra is absent,

how can I live without them?

The sorrows which I am bearing in my mind,

cannot be told to others. So I have lost interest in my own life.

The food I used to eat is just like poison to me, Yet I am still living

Then what is the value of Narottama dasa?

 

At that moment, the news came to him that Ramacandra Kaviraja had disappeared from the world. Shri Thakura Mahasaya completely broke down and ran to a dense forest. He began to cry loudly and lamented for Ramacandra. His voice became chocked and he fell on the ground. King Narasimha, Rupanarayana, Shri Govinda, Santosa could do nothing to pacify him. They could only cry along with Thakura Mahasaya. Due to the wish of Prabhu, he pacified himself after a long time. After 5-7 days, he decided to go for a bath in the Ganges. So some of his disciples very carefully took him to Vudhuri and from there to Gamvila near the bank of the Ganges. Suddenly he got tremendous temperature and he ordered his disciples to prepare a pyre for him. Then he remained completely silent. His disciples became completely at a loss. Ganganarayana pacified others many brahmana panditas came to meet him but he did not speak to them. In this state, he spent three days. He remained detached from the people. His disciples bathed him in the Gang and placed him on a celestial seat on the pyre. The brahmanas began to jeer at Narottama by saying in this way, "This is the result of his effort of making brahmanas, his disciples. Now Narottama is dying after losing the power of speaking. Ganganarayana being a brahmana has become his disciple after discarding the customs of a brahmana. Now he is witnessing the condition of his religious master. We don't know what is expecting for him also." In this way, they began to throw the arrows of words towards Ganganarayana. Instead of being angry, Ganganarayana felt sorry for those heretics. He came and stood before the pyre with folded hands and prayed to Narottama, "You had saved many heretics before. This time theses heretics being ignorant of your power, are criticizing you. Your disciples are feeling very sad to hear their bad words. Please be favorable to them and save them from damnation." On hearing the helpless utterances of Ganganarayana Mahasaya again came back into sense. He got up on the pyre utteringte names of Radha-Krishna and Lord Chaitanya and came out of the pyre shining like the sun. The people around him began to shout Haribola. Suddenly the gods began to shower flowers on him. The now-believer brahmanas watching everything from distance became horrified. They began to repent for their evil mentality. With tears in their eyes, they fell on the feet of Ganganarayana and asked for mercy. Being moved by their prayers, Ganganarayana went to Mahasaya and requested him to forgive those brahmanas. The brahmanas then fell on the feet of Narottama and completely surrendered themselves after confessing all their sins. Thakura Mahasaya became so moved that he at once embraced them and empowered them with devotion. He ordered them to study devotional books to Ganganarayana. He then told everybody, "After few days I shall go to Kheturi and you all should go with me. Today I shall go to Vudhuri." Saying so he quickly took bath in the Ganges. This incident spread all over the country. From the bank of the Ganges, ahsaya with others went to the house of Ganganarayana. There they ate prasadam. Then he started for Vudhuri very gladly. He went back to Kheturi with Shri Govinda, Kaviraja, Karnapura, Kaviraja Gokula, Vallabhi Majumdara and others and remained engaged on the topics of Krishna. Narottama used to serve the Prabhus all the time. Sometimes he used to roll in the dust of the courtyard of Gauranga and used to pray to the Prabhu in this way, "O Lord Gauranga, Vallabhi Kanta Krishna, be merciful to me like a materialist. O Lord, Radhakanta, Shri Vrajamohana, let me get rid of the agonies of this material world. O Lord, Radharamana, let me lie under your feet and do help me to remember you in this life and life after death." In this way, he used to lament everyday. In order to avoid crowd, he used to enter into the dense forest and cry out loudly, "O Lord Gauranga Sundara, the moon of Navadvipa, O Lord Nityananda, son of Padmavati, O Lord Advaita, the husband of Sita, Shri Pandita Gadadhara, the abode of love, Pandita Shrivsa,the ocean of mercy, O lords Vakresvara, Shri Murari, Haridasa, Shri Svarupa, Ramananda, Damodara, Shri Acarya Gopinatha, Kasisvara, O lords, Vacaspati, Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya, Suryadasa, Gauridasa, Shri Pandita Jagadisa Suklambara, Shri Govinda Ghosa, dasa Gadadhara, Pundarika Vidyanidhi Mahasaya, Mukunda, Madhava, Vasu Ghosa, Dhananjaya, Shri Jagadananda, Sankara, Shridhara, Shri Mukunda, Narahari, Shri Rupa, Sanatana, Shri Bhugarbha, Lokanatha, Shri Gopala Bhatta, Raghunatha Bhatta, Svarupa Raghunatha, the dwellers of Shri Kunda, Shri Jiva Goswami and the devotees of Gaura Nityananda, be merciful to me, I am at your feet. Don't neglect me because I am a sinner. Please fulfill my desires." With these prayers his eyes began to shed continuous tears. He began to roll on the ground. He began to pray to Shri Govinda, Gopinatha, Madanamohana, Radha Damodara, Shri Radharamana, Radhavinoda and the Queen of Vrndavana. He also prayed to Lalita, Visakha, Sucitra, Shri Campakalatika, Rangadevi, Sudevi, Tungavidya, Indulekha, Shri upamnjari, Ratimanjari, Kasturi, Labanga Manjari, Manjulali to help him to stay under the feet of Radharani. He prayed to Shri Radha, "O Shri Radharani, Krishna is yours, you are always engaged in his service. Please give me the chance of worshipping you both. I want to place you on a jeweled throne and I shall fan you at that time. Being directed by the sakhis, I shall offer betel leaves to your moon like mouths. Will any desires be fulfilled?" Saying so, he sighed. Then he tried to remember the sports of Gauranga with his associates in Nadia. Observing the restless state of mind of Thakura Mahasaya, Shri Radhavallabha became very anxious. Sometimes Thakura Mahasaya used to console his dear disciples and used to concentrate them in sankirtana. One day he asked his disciples about the delay of Ganganarayana in coming to Kheturi. In the meantime, Ramakrishna and Ganganarayana came with those brahmanas. All of them bowed to the feet of Thakura Mahasaya and expressed their desires of being initiated by Thakura Mahasay. Thaura Mahasaya became glad. He initiated some of them and some of them got initiation from Ganganarayana. After that, all of them went to the courtyard of Gauranga. The priest gave them offered garlands. Shri Govinda Kaviraja and others became satisfied to observe the sincere efforts of the brahmanas. Shri Sankara Bhattacarya and other brahmanas very humbly bowed to the feet of the Vaishnavas. On the next day, a great festival took place. The brahmanas became mad in sankirtana. One day, Mahasaya in the morning, began to shed tears helplessly with fire like sighs. He lay down on the ground for sometime and his lotus face became dry. He with a chocked voice, began to lament in this way,

 

"How cruel is the providence to me, where Shrinivasa has gone

after giving me so much pain.

I had Ramacandra but he also had left me

and I cannot hear a word from him any longer.

Can I have him again in my life, my life has become futile.

Svarupa Rupa Sanatana Raghunatha, the merciful

and the Bhattas, be kind to me.

Acarya Shrinivasa whose servant is Ramacandra

can I have them again. Without observing their faces my heart

is getting pierced, just like a doe pierced by poisonous arrow.

I kept some jewels hidden under my cloth, who has stolen them

why Narottama is suffering so much misery?"

 

Saying so, he kept mum and everyone became aware of some unforeseen incidents. On knowing the state of mind of his dear disciples, Mahasaya consoled them all. Thakura Mahasaya came to the courtyard of Gauranga and dedicated himself once again to the feet of Prabhu. He started for Vudhuri with Govinda and others. He stayed one day at Vudhuri and Shri Govinda Cakravarti and others came to meet him. After talking very sweetly with them, Mahasaya spent the day and night in sankirtana. From Vudhuri, he quickly moved to Gamvila. After taking bath in the Ganges, he sat in the water and ordered Ramakrishna and Ganganarayana to massage his body. But there was no chance of massaging his body because only the touch of their hands, Thakura Mahasaya's body melted like milk and vanished in the Ganges. Suddenly the river became turbulent. Everyone became puzzled at this. The gods began to shower flowers from the heaven on seeing this type of disappearance. The cry of "Hari, Hari!" filled the air. The disciples of Shri Mahasaya nt to the house of Ganganarayana and very patiently they kept themselves calm and quiet. Shri

Govinda Kaviraja and others quickly arranged for a funeral ceremony at Gamvila. Then they went hastily to Kheturi via Vudhuri. There king Narasimha, Rupanarayana, Krishnasimha, Canda Raya, Shri Gopiramana, Shri Govinda, King Santosa and others started preparations for a great festival. Due to the fear of exaggeration, I restrain myself from describing the festival in full but when they started sankirtana in the courtyard of Gauranga, within a short time, Devidasa, Gauranga, Gokula, Shri Govinda Kaviraja and others forgot their own entities. They began to roll of the ground. They began to roar like lions and they began to soak the ground with their tears. Suddenly due to the favor of guru, Krishna and Vaishnavas, everyone witnessed Narottama dancing with them. When he vanished everyone lost their patience. So Narottama again appeared and consoled them all. Who can realize the qualities of Thakura Mahasaya? So to get his favor, be attentive to Narottama Vilasa, narrating by Narahari.

 

The Twelfth Vilasa

 

All glories to Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Nityananda Prabhu, Advaita Acarya and their associates. Please be kind to this poor soul. All glories to the merciful listeners. Who could possibly describe all the wonderful disciples of Shri Thakura Mahasaya. Although I am unqualified and ignorant, I shall try to describe some of the branches and twigs who descended from the tree of Shri Narottama dasa Thakura. Please forgive my frailties and bestow your mercy upon me as I am always at your service.

All glories to the disciples of Shri Mahasaya. Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Nityananda and Advaita are their very life. Glory to Shri Pujari Balarama who satisfied the Lord by his intense devotion. Glory to Cakravarti Shri Gopiramana to whom Gaurachandra and his associates are the life. Glory to Shri Acarya Ramakrishna, the mine of qualities whose branches and twigs covered the whole world. Glory to Shri Pujari Ravi Raya who derived immense pleasure from simply serving the Vaishnavas. All glories to Cakravarti Ganganarayana who also has many disciples. Glory to Radhavallabha Caudhuri who bound Shri Thakura Mahasaya by his love. Ramakanta is the elder brother of Shri Mahasaya and Shri Radhavallabha is the son of Ramakanta. Glory to Shri Ghosa whose songs charmed Shri Thakura Mahasaya. Glory to Krishna Simha who is better known as Simha Vikrama. He is always mad with love, and is an expert musician. Glory to Shri Santosa Raya whose service charmed Shri Thakura Mahasaya. Narottama Thakura is very affectionate towards Shri Govinda Kavija who expressed his realizations through his songs. Being requested by Santosa, Kaviraja gladly wrote a drama named Sangita Madhava. Glory to King Shri Govindarama whose tongue used to chant Harinama incessantly. Glory to Shri Vinoda Raya who used to dance madly in sankirtana. Glory to Phagu Caudhuri, a great scholar whose songs could even charm the Gandharvas. Glory to the great scholar Shri Vasanta Raya who is always absorbed in the pastimes of Krishna Chaitanya. Glory to Shri Sitala Raya whose calm disposition always charms the Vaishnavas. Glory to prabhu Ramadatta whose eyes always shed tears of love. Glory to apathetic Dharmadasa Caudhuri who practices firm belief in the Vaishnavas. Glory to Nityananda dasa who is mad in love for Prabhu Nityananda. Glory to Candidasa, an abode of good qualities, who is kind to the wicked and poor. Glory to Dhiru Caudhuri whose qualities used to make the animals and birds cry. Glory to Banka Ramabhadra, a very humorous person. Glory to the friend of the poor, Ramabhadra Raya. Glr to Rupanarayana whose songs used to melt everyone's heart. Glory to Janakivallabha Caudhuri Thakura. Glory to Shri Shrimanta Datta Bhandari, Glory to Rupanarayana Pujari Thakura. Glory to apathetic Vaishnava Carana. Glory to broad minded Sivarama dasa. Glory to Krishnadasa Vairagi Thakura, Glory to king Narasimha. Glory to Queen Rupamala. Glory to Canda Raya, Glory to Narayana Raya, Glory to Ramacandra Raya, Glory to the kirtana singer Devidasa whose songs madden the Vaishnavas. Glory to Radhakrishna Bhattacarya of Navadvipa. Glory to wise Shri Thakura Krishnadasa, Glory to Catna Ramadasa. Glory to Sankara Visvasa. Glory to the great singer Gandharva Raya. Glory to Madana Raya, son of Gandharva Raya. Glory to Gangadasa Raya. Glory to the instrumentalist Gauranga dasa whose mrdanga playing removes the agony of everyone. Glory to Shri Acarya Jayakrishna. Glory to Varu Chaitanyadasa. Glory to Vraja Raya. Glory to Radhakrishna dasa. Glory to Krishna Raya. Glory to Thakura Shri Dayarama dasa. Glory to Shri Purusottama. Glory to thegrat singer Gokula dasa. Glory to Haridasa whose only desire is to live in Navadvipa. Glory, Glory to Ganga Haridasa. Glory to Shri Thakura Haridasa. Glory to Shri Jagata Raya. Glory to the singer Rupa Raya. Glory to Dhiru Caudhuri, Glory to Shri Kanta. Glory to Shri Mathura dasa. Glory to Shri Bhagavata dasa. Glory to Jagadisa Raya. Glory to Thakura Shri Mahesa Caudhuri. Glory to Ganesa Caudhuri. Glory to Candrasekhara. Glory to Shri Govinda Raya. Glory to Narottama Majumdara, Glory to Shri Sankara Bhattacarya. Glory to Shri Goswami dasa. Glory to Shri Murari dasa. Glory to Shri Vasanta Datta. Glory to Thakura Shri Syama dasa. Glory to Shri Jayagopala Datta. Glory to Ramadeva Datta. Glory to Gangadasa Datta. Glory to Manohara Ghosa. Glory to Shri Mukuta Maitra. Glory to Shri Manohara Visvasa. Glory to Shri Arjuna Visvasa. Glory to Shri Govardhana Bhandari. All glories to Shri Balakadasa Vairagi Thakura, Shri Gaurangadasa Vairagi, Shri Viharidasa Vairagi Thakura, Shri Gokuladasa Vairagi, Shri Prasada dasa Vairagi. There is no limt i describing the qualities of all these Vaishnavas. Their fame spread all over the world. I desire to worship them and sing their glories without any attraction towards material pleasure.

Now I give further description of the branches and twigs of Narottama dasa Thakura. Ramakrishna Acarya has a big branch having many disciples. Kanakalatika is the wife of Shri Acarya. She is a devoted wife and a great devotee of Krishna. Radhakrishna Acarya, the eldest son of Acarya died at an early age. Radhakrishna Cakravarti of Vetula is a great devotee. Shri Svarupa Cakravarti of Husanapura is a sincere servant of Shri Govinda. Shri Gopala Cakravarti of Kumarapura whose topic is on everyone's lips. There is no limit of the branches and twigs to whom Shri Krishna Chaitanya is the life. Ganganarayana is the branch of Shri Thakura Mahasaya. Ganganarayana got the title of Shri Thakura Cakravarti. Everyone used to sing his glory even today in Vrndavana. He has many branches and twigs of disciples. Narahari, wife of Shri Cakravarti is the mother of Vishnupriya. Krishnapriya, daughter of Vishnupriya is favored by Shri Radharani of Shri Radha Kunda. Shri Krishna Carana Cakravarti is the youngest son of Ramakrishna Acarya. How can I sing the gry of Shri Krishnacarana. I am trying to present a brief account of his branches and twigs. Rama Krishna and Ganganarayana are the same entity. Shri Thakura Cakravarti has no son. Acarya realizing his desire, favored Ganganarayana by giving a son. And that son is Shri Krishnacarana, son of Shri Acarya. Shri Krishnacarana became a great scholar in a short time. Shri Madhusudana Cakravarti is another branch to whom Ganganarayana is the life. Raghudeva Cakravarti is a great devotee of Shri Cakravarti Thakura. I restrain myself from narrating all the branches and twigs of Shri Cakravarti Thakura. The branches of Shri Mahasaya's disciples are all abodes of exemplary qualities who were always absorbed in the joy of sankirtana. I have no capacity to describe the transcendental pastimes of Shri Thakura Mahasaya, therefore I am fully dependent on the mercy of the Vaishnava Goswamis. Thus listen attentively to the narration of Narottama Vilasa by Narahari.