Shri Shri Navadvipa Bhava Taranga
Waves of Ecstatic Moods in Navadvipa Dhama
Bengali verses composed in 1899 by Shrila Thakura Bhaktivinoda
Translation by Dasharatha-suta dasa, January 1993
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Glory to Shri Shri Guru and Gauranga

OUTLINE

VERSE / TOPIC

1 The glories of Navadvipa and Vrindavan

7 The beauty of transcendental Navadvipa

8 (1) Shri Antar-dvipa (Mahavan of Braja)

9 The glories of Mayapur (Gokula)

15 Isodyana (The Lord's Garden)

20 Shri Ganga Nagar

21 Bharadvaja Tila

22 Shasthi Tirtha (Mathura in Madhuvan of Braja)

23 Saradanga

24 (2) Simanta-dvipa

25 Bilva-paksa-vana (Bilvavan of Braja)

26 Isodyana (The Lord's Garden)

30 Kajira Sodhana (Visrama Sthala)

30 Shridhara Kutira (Shridharangana)

33 Suvarna Bihara

35 Shri Nrsimha Puri (Deva Palli)

36 The mercy of Shri Nrsimha to the author

41 Alakananda

41 Kasi-ksetra (Hari-hara-ksetra)

42 (3) Godruma-dvipa (Nandisvara of Braja)

44 The cowherd pastimes of Gauranga at Godruma

51 (4) Madhya-dvipa

52 Naimisa Forest (& the assembly of sages)

55 Brahmana Puskara

56 Uccha Hatta (Kuru-ksetra)

57 Midday sankirtana pastimes of Gauranga)

62 Pancha Veni

65 (5) Kola-dvipa (Bahulavan of Braja)

65 Varaha Ksetra

66 Kuliya Pahar

67 The school of Vidya Vacaspati

68 Vision of Shri Gauranga's sannyasi form

72 Samudragar (Ganga Sagar)

76 Champa-hatta (Khadiravan of Braja)

79 (6) Ritu-dvipa (Radha Kunda of Braja)

80 Balarama and Krishna's cowherding pastimes

85 Vidya-nagar

89 Gaura-sundara's pastimes of gaining knowledge

94 (7) Jahnu-dvipa (Bhadravan of Braja)

96 Bhisma Tila

97 Bhisma-deva appears and instructs the author

109 (8) Modadruma-dvipa (Bhandiravan of Braja)

112 The author's vision of Sita, Rama and Laksmana

117 Vaikunthapur

120 Arka Tila

121 The Sun-god appears to the author

124 Mahatpur (Kamyavan of Braja)

125 Topics of the Pandavas

129 Draupadi appears to the author

132 (9) Rudra-dvipa (same as Mount Kailasa)

135 The author meets the goddess called Nirvana

142 The author meets Lord Shiva

146 Shri Pulina (Rasa Mandala)

147 Meeting Ananga and Rupa Manjari, Lalita Sakhi

163 The dream breaks

166 Prayers

168 Benediction on the readers

Introduction

The Ishodyana at Shridham Mayapur

Thakura Bhaktivinoda composed three very important books regarding the transcendental realm of Sri NavadvTpa Dhama

(1) Shri Navadvipa Dhama Mahatmya (Parikrama Khanda)

(2) Shri Navadvipa Dhama Mahatmya (Pramana Khanda)

(3) Shri Navadvipa Bhava Taranga.

The first book is used by many devotees from different branches of the Gaudiya sampradiya to assist their performance of parikrama, or circumambulation of the holy places scattered over the 16 krosa (32 square miles) of this holy abode. The second book contains the scriptural evidence concerning the location and glorification of these holy places manifest in nine islands. And the third book (the present volume) is an astonishing and enchanting description of Shri Navadvipa Dhama as it appears to the bhava-siddha-nayana (eyes perfected in divine ecstatic emotion) when seen in the state bhakti-yoga-samadhi (absolute trance in devotional service). Although seemingly small in size (168 simple Bengali verses), the position of this work amongst the literatures of bhajana-giti (devotional songbooks) is very, very exalted. Upon reading it only once, a loving devotee will not be able to give it up — it will necessarily be cultivated with a melted heart again and again."

A specifically important feature of this book is that through his eyes of love in the state of bhava-samadhi, Bhaktivinoda has described the mysterious and cardinal place known as Isodyana, or "The Lord's Garden." Within this material world, there is no historical or geographical reference to such a spot. Therefore Prabhupada Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvafi Gosvami, who knows the inner intentions of his father Thakura Bhaktivinoda, and who was very expert in fulfilling his wishes, duly excavated this place and many others for the benefit of the world. On the bank of Prithu Kunda (near the hill of Ballala Dighi) Srlla Sarasvati Thakura manifested the lake known as Sri Radha Kunda, and upon its bank he reconstructed the Isodyana that was described by Sri Bhaktivinoda. This area, served by members of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati's institution Sri Chaitanya Matha is also the site of the samadhi mandira (memorial tomb) of Paramahamsa Babaji Shrila Gaura Kishora Dasa GosvamT Maharaja, who is an eternal resident of this Isodyana. Quite appropriately, this Garden has been planted with numerous varieties of flora that are favorable to Krishna's service such as fruit trees, flowering vines, plus all kinds of exotic foliage.

Whoever sincerely reads the Navadvipa Bhava Taranga of Om Vishnupada Shri Shrila Bhaktivinoda Thakura takes into their heart his moods of eagerly desiring to worship the Lord in "The Lord's Garden." By the mercy of their spiritual master, and each according to their own capacity of spiritual qualification, the respective devotees advance in their understanding of the brilliant reality of this eternal Garden, which is yet invisible to mortal eyes.

The contrast between, material and spiritual vision is nicely illustrated by the Thakura in the following verses: One whose eyes are covered by material illusion sees only a small house situated here, plus some ordinary earth, water and a few articles. But if maya becomes merciful and lifts her covering, then one sees a grand spiritual dwelling. (11)

Why should the fallen rascal souls of Kali-yuga, bound up tightly by material illusion, have the privilege of seeing all these eternal, fully spiritual and limitless treasures of the divine realm? Maya, has therefore hidden the Dhama by means of the erosive, ever-changing nature of the three rivers Gariga, Yamuna and Sarasvati. Thus the eyes of the materialist can see only a shadow of the real Mayapur.

The place called Isodyana is mentioned throughout the poetic verses of Navadvipa Bhava Taranga, specifically in verses 15, 26-29, 42, 70, 163, and 166. Thakura Bhaktivinoda, the best of the rupanuga bhaktas, has informed us of his confidential bhajana performed at this transcendental Garden in the following verses:

In the southern portion of Mayapur, on the bank of the river Ganga and very near its junction with the river Sarasvati, is the extensive grove called Isodyana (The Lord's Garden). May that Garden be the place of my eternal devotions. (26)

In this Garden, my Lord Shri Shachinandana performs His midday pastimes along with His devotees. Seeing the brilliance of this grove, I am reminded of the area of Radha Kunda in Braja. May this scene be eternally visible to my eyes. (27)

Huge trees and dark vines appear very dense. Among the foliage are various types of birds singing the transcendental qualities of Lord Gaura. There is a large lake and an extremely opulent temple glowing wim pure gold inlaid with diamonds as well as blue and yellow sapphires. (28)

The materialists, with their eyes bewildered by the illusions of material sense perception, and who are envious of the Lord, can never see these groves. Rather, they see only a small piece of land covered with thorns, periodically thrown into utter disruption by the forceful flooding of the river Gariga. (29)

Living in my private grove next to Isodyana (The Lord's Garden) I will worship the greatest treasure — the Divine Couple Shri Shri Radha and Krishna, Who are non-different from the moonlike Shri Gauranga. (163)

Navadvipa Bhava Taranga
(only translation)
(with verses below)

1 Which is the crest-jewel of all holy abodes, which is the sporting-ground of the sandhini potency, which measures sixteen krosa in circumference, which is manifest in nine islands, where the chit and ananda potencies reside, and w which is the sanctuary of all holy places, demigods, sages and scriptures - May the Dhama of Shri Navadvipa become visible to my eyes.

2 May my eyes behold the sixteen krosa of Vrindavan (within the circle of Mathura-mandala) as identical to Navadvipa (within the circle of Gauda-mandala). These Dhamas are but two manifestations of one principle that is infinitely beginningless and purely spiritual, and which, only for reasons of differing pastimes of the Lord, has taken the form of two immaculate abodes.

3 By His inconceivable potency (acintya sakti) which is infinite and spiritual, the Lord has brought these two Dhamas into the material world in order to liberate the living entities dwelling there. By the power of the mercy of this Shri Krishna, may the souls bound in matter someday see these abodes of Vrindavan and Navadvipa.

4 Only by acquiring proper qualifications can all the senses of the living entities taste the spiritually variegated nectar of these holy Dhamas. Since unqualified material senses are incapable of tasting this sweet nectar, those so unfortunately endowed scornfully deride these places again and again as being insignificant locations made only of dull matter.

5 The basis of qualification is the mercy of Krishna Himself and the mercy of His devotees. Out of compassion for the living entities, the sadhus bestow this transcendental qualification unto other devotees by their own association. One cannot attain this by following the paths of jnana (transcendental knowledge), karma (fruitive activities) or yoga (mystic exercises). Only by means of sraddha (devotional faith), while strictly keeping the association of the saintly devotees of the Lord, can one be victorious over matter.

6 The very moment that the living entity gives up the entangling network of material illusions related to the senses, the eyes of the soul will behold the splendour of the spiritual Dhama. Aha! Oh, when will I attain that state? When will I see Shri Navadvipa Dhama, so far beyond the mirage of mundane existence?

7 Resembling an eight petalled lotus in shape, this abode is immaculately pure. It is so cooling that it defeats the illumination of millions of moons. It is so brilliant that it defeats the effulgence of millions of suns. Sometimes that Dhama will appear before my eyes.

8 In the centre of eight islands that are like the eight petals of a lotus flower is the ninth and best island called Antar-dvipa, which is exceedingly beautiful. In the middle of that island rests the yoga-pitha, or main meeting-place of the Lord and His associates, known as Mayapur. Upon seeing this place, I shall experience profuse bliss.

9 The scriptures sing of a transcendental place called Brahmapur. In that realm, Mayapur shines before one's eyes freed from illusion. Identical with Shri Gokula in the forest of Mahavan of Braja, and vastly superior to all other places in creation, that place is where the Son of Sachi performs His eternal pastimes.

10 The abode of the gopas and gopis in Braja named Shri Gokula is the same as the abode of the brahmana families in Navadvipa Dhama. In the centre of supremely purifying Mayapur is the radiant home of Jagannatha Misra. This is the eternal residence of the Lord.

11 One whose eyes are covered by material illusion sees only a small house situated here, plus some ordinary earth, water and a few articles. But if maya becomes merciful and lifts her covering, then one sees a grand spiritual dwelling.

12 Here Shri Gauranga is served by His eternal mother and father as well as by male and female servants, who are all incessantly maddened with ecstatic love. Here both His wives, Laksmi-priya and Vishnu-priya, eternally serve the Lord's lotus feet. He manifests in a wondrous form complete in the five features of Pancha Tattva.

13 The residences of Shri Nityananda Prabhu, Shri Advaita, Gadadhara and Shrivasa are shining here and there in different places throughout Mayapur. Indeed, the homes of innumerable devotees are glowing in all four directions. May such a Mayapur be merciful unto me.

14 To the south-west, the combined Ganga and Jamuna rivers praise their own good fortune as they flow in the form of a serpent for rendering service to Lord Gora, the jewel of the twice-born brahmanas. Upon her banks are many different landing-steps for bathing (ghats) and also numerous temples, including the deities of Praudha Maya and Vriddha Shiva, as well as many groves and gardens.

15 In Mayapur there are countless homes of the brahmanas, plus wide avenues, courtyards, forests and temples of Lord Shiva. Flowing in the south-east are the incessant currents of the Sarasvati river. Upon her bank is the sacred area known as Isodyana, The Lord's Garden.

16 Why should the fallen rascals of Kali-yuga, bound up tightly by material illusion, have the privilege of seeing all these eternal, fully spiritual, limitless treasures of the divine realm? Maya has therefore hidden the Dhama by means of the erosive, ever-changing nature of the three rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvati. Thus the eyes of the materialist can see only a shadow of the real Mayapur.

17 By the mercy of Shri Nityananda, the holder of all spiritual powers, may that Mayapur be revealed unto my eyes imbued with proper reverence. May I, this worthless fool, become truly fortunate to behold a vision of the household pastimes of Shri Gauranga that eternally take place in this land.

18 In the centre of the island called Antar-dvipa is the village of Mayapur, situated as the central whorl of the eight-petalled lotus. That transcendental abode glows with a fair yellow aura, it is resplendent with networks of effulgences, and is supremely pure. May this place always shimmer before my eyes.

19 Here and there are wooded groves, amongst which the lake called Prithu Sarovar, and many pastures for grazing the cows. Oh how beautiful these places are to behold! There are many water canals, partitioned grain fields, and wide main roads lined with bakula, kadamba, and many other types of large trees.

20 To the west of here, on the bank of the river Ganga, stands the town celebrated by the name of Ganga Nagar. There is the house of Ganga Dasa, where my Lord Gauranga took His young brahmana friends and carried out their studies.

21 There also, one can see the lovely hill known as Bharadvaja Tila, where the great sage Bharadvaja worshipped Lord Gaura. The sage ultimately attained ecstatic love for Lord Chaitanya and then wrote scriptural verses that bestowed the gift of devotional service unto many materialistic people.

22 North of Prithu Kunda is the town of Mathura and the holy place known as Shasthi Tirtha, which is within the exquisitely beautiful forest of Madhuvan (in Braja). This is a very extensive area populated by many people. May my eyes become purified by viewing this scene.

23 Further north is the enchanting place known as Sharadenga. Here the leader of the Shabara race, out of fear of the demon name Rakta-bahu, secretly resides along with a deity of the Lord of Niladri (Jagannatha). May I always behold this place with my very eyes.

24 North west of Mathura, I shall see the splendour of the island of Simanta-dvipa, whose border is the bank of the river Ganga. There, the goddess Parvati Devi was distressed and gained relief by placing the dust from the lotus feet of Lord Gaura upon the part of her hair (simanta).

25 In the distance I will see the forest of Bilva trees (Bilvavan of Braja) where the four Kumara brothers remain in meditation on Lord Gaura. And further in the distance I will see the land known as Sankarsana Ksetra where Nityananda Prabhu performs His pastimes. This area is manifest to the learned devotees.

26 In the southern portion of Mayapur, on the bank of the river Ganga and very near its junction with the river Sarasvati, is the extensive grove called Isodyana (The Lord's Garden. May that Garden be the place of my eternal devotions.

27 In this Garden, my Lord Shri Sachi-nandana performs the midday pastimes along with His devotees. Seeing the brilliance of this grove, I shall be reminded of Radha Kunda in Braja. May all these areas be eternally visible to my eyes.

28 Huge trees and dark vines appear very dense. Among the foliage are various types of birds singing the transcendental glories of Lord Gaura. There is a large lake and an extremely opulent temple glowing with pure gold inlaid with diamonds as well as blue and yellow sapphires.

29 The materialists, with their eyes bewildered by the illusions of material sense perception, and who are envious of the Lord, can never see these groves. Rather, they see only a small piece of land covered with thorns, periodically thrown into utter disruption by the forceful flooding of the river.

30 In the centre of Madhuvan is the place called Visrama Sthala. There is the cottage of the Lord's devotee named Shridhara and also a clear pond. After rectifying the Kazi, the Lord of the three worlds came here with His followers and rested.

31 When will I shout "Ha Gauranga"

!" at this Visrama Sthala? I will roll upon the ground and cry in solitude. Overwhelmed with the emotions of ecstatic love, will I ever see the beautiful Shri Gauranga-sundara drinking water from Shridhara's iron pot.

32 And when, by the power of great fortune, will my eyes behold the young Son of Sachi in the midst of a rousing kirtan along with Nityananda, Advaita, Gadadhara and Shrivasa, dancing and begging for ecstatic love at the house of Shridhara?

33 Looking east from there I shall see Sivarna Bihar, the site of King Suvarna Sena's incomparably majestic palace. This is where the moonlike Lord Shri Gaura-chandra dances along with His associates in an enchanting golden form.

34 When will I wander throughout Suvarna Bihar alone or in the company of other devotees, weeping and sobbing piteously with a choked voice? At the lotus feet of Gauranga I will beg for a speck of service to the Divine Couple, and then offer my very life unto the shelter of Shri Radha's lotus feet.

35 South east of there is Nrsimha Puri. When will I see the pure transcendental sweetness of this place, also called Deva-palli? I will roll about on the ground in ecstatic love while visiting this residence of Lord Nrsimha. Sincerely begging for His grace without a trace of duplicity in my heart, I will attain Krishna-prema.

36 Within my sinful heart the six enemies headed by lust perpetually reside, as well as duplicity, the desire for fame, plus sheer cunning. At the lotus feet of Lord Nrsimha, I hope that He will mercifully purify my heart and give me the desire to serve Lord Krishna.

37 Weeping, I will beg at the lotus feet of Lord Nrsimha for the benediction of worshipping Radha and Krishna in Navadvipa, perfectly safe and free from all difficulties. When will this Lord Hari, whose terrible form strikes fear into fear itself, ever become pleased and show Me His mercy?

38 Even though Lord Nrsimha is terrifying toward the sinful souls He offers great auspiciousness unto the devotees of Lord Krishna headed by Prahlada Maharaja. When will He be pleased to speak words of compassion unto me, a worthless fool, and thereby make me fearless?

39 He will say, "Dear child! Sit down freely and live happily here in Shri Gauranga Dhama. May you nicely worship the Divine Couple and may you develop loving attachment for Their holy names. By the mercy of My devotees, all obstacles are cast far away. with a purified heart, just perform the worship of Radha and Krishna, for such worship overflows with sweet nectar."

40 Saying this, will that Lord delightedly place His own divine lotus feet upon my head? Suddenly I will experience sublime love for the Divine Couple Radha-Krishna and undergo the ecstatic transformations called sattvika. Falling on the ground, I will roll about by the door of Shri Nrsimha's temple.

41 To the west of this flows the Gandaka river, which is past the Alakananda river and Kasi Ksetra. I shall then see Godruma Ksetra, corresponding to the place in Braja where King Indra's surabhi cow worshipped Lord Krishna.

42 Within the entire three worlds there is no place comparable to Godruma. It is the forest in which the great sage Markandeya received the mercy of Lord Gaura. Just as Isodyana and Radha Kunda lie close to the bank of the river Ganga, similarly Godruma lies just as close to the bank of the river Sarasvati.

43 O my dear mind! Just worship, just worship the forest of Godruma! By this you will very soon behold the transcendental treasure of Lord Gaura's pastimes. Seeing the vision of these pastimes, you will easily attain the eternally sportive play of Radha and Krishna. Only this will fulfil all your desires.

44 Godruma corresponds to the city of Nanda Maharaja in Braja known as Shri Nandisvara, which is the residence of the cowherd folk. Here Shri Gauranga performs various pastimes. After having a snack of milk products at a cowherd's house in the forenoon period, Nimai goes in the company of His gopa friends and tends the cows in the pasturelands.

45 The cowherd boys would say, "O brother, you are a gopala! Dressing like a brahmana boy does not suit you at all! Come on, I'll carry you on my shoulders and we'll go herd the cows. Let's head toward your mother's house in Mayapur.

46 One gopa would show great affection and give Him curds mixed with condensed milk, and another gopa would become agitated with love just by seeing the wonderfully beautiful form of the Lord. Yet another gopa would place fruits and flowers in His hand saying, "O brother! Please come to my house every day!"

47 "You are the worshipable deity for the brahmanas, but You are also the very purpose of life for us gopas. We cannot possibly forsake you - you are the only object of our meditation and consciousness. Just see the cows! On sighting you, they begin mooing and give up eating grass, even forgetting about their own calves!"

48 "Since it is now getting late, you should go home to your father's house and tomorrow we'll meet again at this place. I'll save some yoghurt, curds and condensed milk for you - but if you come late, I'll be very upset!"

49 In this way, Shri Gaura and Nitai play with the cowherd boys from day to day in the divine Godruma forest. If there is enough time, Gaura-Bhagavan again bathes in the river Ganga before proceeding home to Shri Sachi.

50 Will such a day ever be mine? When will see the pure love-laden Godruma pastimes performed by the Lord in the mood of a cowherd boy playing with His cowherd friends? With a mind fixed in the longing to serve the Lord, I will reside at my house in Godruma.

51 South of Godruma lies the enchanting island of Madhya-dvipa. It is very beautiful to behold, being filled with a radiant series of wonderful forests. There, during the midday period of His eternal pastimes, Prabhu takes His devotees along and comes to visit the seven rishis.

52 There on the bank of the river Gomati is Naimisa forest, where the assembly of rishis are listening to recitations of the Gaura Bhagavat. In order to hear these narratives about Lord Gaura, Shiva and the other demigods quickly mount Brahma's swan-carrier and make haste to come.

53 When will I wander and wander throughout that forest and behold the wonderful vision of this assembly of sages hearing the Gaura Purana by the bank of the Gomati river? On the day of ekadashi during the most auspicious month of Kartika, I will listen to those stories of Chaitanya-katha.

54 When will the audience of rishis headed by Saunaka show their mercy by grasping both my hands and putting the dust of their feet upon my head? I will exclaim, "O residents of Navadvipa, let us attentively drink the nectar of Shri Gauranga-katha in this forest!"

55 South of there lies Brahmana Puskara. This area is the same as the holy place named Shri Puskara Tirtha, and it was visited by the best of the brahmanas named Diva Dasa. Worshipping the lotus feet of Lord Gauranga at that place, Vipra Diva Dasa was consoled upon beholding a vision of the Lord's beautiful golden form.

56 Further south is Uccha Hatta, non different from Kuru-ksetra of Brahmavarta, which is s place of pilgrimage for the three worlds. Here all the demigods reside, continuously performing Gaura-sankirtan. Sometimes the present day residents of this area can hear that music.

57 During the midday period of His eternal pastimes, Lord Shri Gauranga and His associates stroll throughout all these forests, overcome with madness of divine love. While the devotees give hints of Krishna's confidential pastimes, Gauranga sings and dances and tastes the sweet ecstatic emotions of Shri Radha.

58 When will I, alone or in the company of devotees, float in the waves billowing on the ocean of love for Lord Chaitanya? Behaving with utmost humility, I will wander around in the various forests of Madhya-dvipa during the midday period and contemplate the ecstatic emotional states felt by the Lord in those same places.

59 When will the devotees who are residents of Madhya-dvipa be merciful and show me - "Oh look! Here is our Lord, Gauranga-Shri Hari! On the bank of Brahma Kunda within the town of Brahma Nagar He is dancing and chanting with His associates in a grand kirtana."

60 When will I see that astounding form of Gora with beautiful complexion like pure gold, wearing a garland of forest flowers, with two long arms, and booming in a loud voice, "O brothers! All of you please chant the holy name in unison!"

61 At that moment, all the devotees headed by Shrivasa will shout "Hari! Hari!" and begin performing sankirtan. Someone will exclaim, "Chant the name of Gaurahari, dear brother! Without Gaura we cannot attain the service of Radha and Krishna!"

62 Near Uccha Hatta is the place known as Pancha Veni ("five streams"). It is considered a holy pilgrimage spot by the demigods, who come here on vacation. At this place the three streams of the river Ganga (Bhagarathi, Bhogavati and Alakananda) plus the Jamuna and Sarasvati rivers all join together, desiring to perform service to Lord Gaura.

63 Here Gaurahari and His associates take bath, thereby purifying the tirtha from all the sins left by the people of Kali-yuga. Vedavyasa and the assembly of rishis recognise that in all these fourteen worlds there is no other place that can compare with Pancha Veni.

64 When will I bathe in the waters of the Pancha Veni and thereby remember the lotus feet of Shri Gauranga? Filling the palms of my hands with the very water that has washed the feet of Gaura and drinking my fill, becoming madly intoxicated by topics about Lord Gaura - when will I be so blessed?

65 Across the Ganga River from Pancha Veni is the enchanting island called Kola-dvipa, where the Lord appeared to His devotee Murari Gupta in the forms of a boar. All the scriptures call this place Varaha Ksetra. Rarely attained even by the demigods, this is a purely spiritual realm pervaded with transcendental bliss.

66 Famous throughout the entire universe is the town of Kuliya Pahar, by all means the topmost place of Shri Gauranga's pastimes. When Shri Krishna Chaitanya attempted a journey to Vrindavan immediately after taking sannyasa, He was tricked (by Nityananda Prabhu) and instead came to this town in the district of Nadiya.

67 At this place is the school of Vidya Vacaspati, the popular son of Visrada. Who did not know him? Being the unalloyed servant of the Lord by the power of his pure devotion he attracted his own Prabhu once while taking bath in the Ganga.

68 When will I stand still on this bank of the Ganga by the door of Vidya Vacaspati's school and view the opulence of the spiritual kingdom? After a few moments will the Lord, who is king among sannyasis, suddenly appear up in the palace before me very eyes?

69 Seeing the golden effulgence of the Lord in the form of a sannyasi, I will fall to the earth in great anxiety. I will feel just as the gopis did upon seeing Krishna in Dvaraka dressed like a royal prince; thus they cried while remembering His sweet and simple cowherd pastimes on the bank of the Jamuna.

70 I long to take the moonlike Gaura-chandra back to Mayapur where He is dressed like a young boy and His divine limbs are radiant wit ornaments, where His hair is long and curly and Hid dhoti folded thrice, where He performs pastimes with His devotees in His own Garden named Isodyana.

71 Of course, this sannyasi is my Lord and I am just His servant. These different appearances that the Lord assumes are but some of His unlimited pastimes. Still, my heart longs to take the Lord back to the temple of Shrivasa Pandita on the bank of Prithu Kunda!

72 A little further on from here I see the holy place called Shri Samudragar, the purifier of the whole universe. This is where Bhima had fought with King Samudra Sena and received a personal audience with the Lord, Who is the friend of the fallen and Who acknowledges His pure devotees.

73 Also, the ocean personally comes upstream to this spot by taking shelter of the river Ganga. Seeing the pastimes of Navadvipa Dhama, the ocean is astounded with divine ecstatic love. In this way, the splendrous holy place known as Shri Ganga Sigara eternally shines near the town of Navadvipa. This tirtha is seen both by the demigods and the demons alike.

74 Only the most fortunate souls can see this island of Kola-dvipa, the abode of supreme bliss, which is non different from the forest of Shri Bahulavan in Braja. Shri Sachi-kumara regularly brings His associates here, and deeply absorbed in the ecstasy of kirtan He dances again and again.

75 O Kola-dvipa! Please be merciful to this worthless person and give me the benediction of living in Navadvipa among the devotees! Kindly grant me the right to the treasure of the pastimes of Shri Gauranga! In life or in death, Prabhu Gauranga is my Lord!

76 In the northern part of Kola-dvipa is the village called Champa Hatta, which perpetually shines beautifully within Navadvipa Dhama. This Champa Hatta is a great holy place and is quite an enchanting village. It is where the poet Jayadeva worships the moonlike Gaura.

77 Here, in the home of Vani-natha, the Son of Sachi performed the congregational chanting of the holy names in the company of His associates. Thus there was a great, great festival in which Lord Gauranga displayed the spiritual opulence of His own ecstatic love.

78 In this village of Champa Hatta is also a forest of champaka trees, from which the gopi names Champaka-lata regularly gathers flowers (for making Radha and Krishna's garlands). This village in Navadvipa is non-different from the forest of Khadiravan in Braja, where Krishna and Balarama like to take rest.

79 The island called Ritu-dvipa is very enchanting, being covered with numerous kinds of forests. It is where all the seasons headed by Spring are eternally engaged in service to Lord Gaura. The very land relieves all troubles, for it is the abode of transcendental bliss. This area is the same as Radha Kunda in Braja.

80 Sometimes during the wild sporting of sankirtan at this place and singing the glories of Lord Krishna, Shri Gauranga remembers Krishna's pastimes of tending the cows. Thus he loudly and repeatedly calls out the names of the cows: "O Syamali! O Dhavali! Then calling for His cowherd boyfriends Shridama and Subala, He breaks down and cries in great sorrow.

81 When will I wander about the island of Ritu-dvipa, seeing the beauty of the forest and remembering these pastimes of the Lord? Suddenly I will catch a glimpse of the pastimes being performed at Radha Kunda and become completely stunned by such a wonderful vision.

82 Here on the bank of the Manasa Ganga river, Balarama and Krishna along with Their cowherd boyfriends named Dama, Bala, and Mahabala head countless calves to secluded forests. While sporting numerous pastimes and playing tricks, all the boys sing the glories of Krishna.

83 The cowherd boys then sit down and engage in various types of funny conversations. Meanwhile, the calves keep grazing and grazing until they wander off to distant woods. Losing sight of them, all the boys become alarmed, but at the sound of Krishna's flute the calves immediately come running back.

84 While I am watching and watching this pastime with full attention, suddenly the scene vanishes and I will fall to the ground unconscious...

...Regaining my awareness after some time, I shall rise up and then continue wandering slowly and sadly throughout the forest.

85 "O Gauranga, O Krishna-chandra, O Oceans of mercy! You are the wealth for the wretched and poor, and I am the lowest rascal!" Saying this while weeping and sobbing continuously, I will move onwards. Then suddenly I will behold the town of Vidya Nagar.

86 This place is the abode of the four Vedas and the sixty-four branches of knowledge. Vidya Nagar is without a doubt the central seat of Sarasvati, the goddess of learning. Taking shelter of this putha, Lord Brahma, Shiva and the rishis have revealed all types of knowledge to the material world.

87 Knowing that the Lord would sport His education pastimes here, the teacher of the demigods named Brihaspati gave up his abode in the heavenly planets and took the form of Vasudeva Sarvabhauma. Here at Vidya Nagar he taught all types of knowledge according to various processes.

88 Whoever lives at Vidya Nagar ("the town of knowledge") and sings the glories of Gaura becomes a fortunate teacher and will never know grief. Whoever takes darshan of the area of Vidya Nagar and worships Lord Gaura (The nectar-producing Moon) will be freed from all ignorance.

89 Will I ever see that beautiful Shri Gaura-sundara as He goes to Vidya Nagar out of His affinity for gaining knowledge? I will see Him chastising Devananda Mahasaya with strong words for committing an offense into Shrivasa Pandita. Thus the merciful Lord always takes the side of His devotee and defends him.

90 Even Ananta Shesha cannot understand anything about the pastimes of my Lord - when He will become excited by a particular action, what He meditates on while sitting still, why He gives up His kirtan to chastise the students (who criticised him for chanting "gopi, gopi") nor how much happiness He feels by defeating His teachers.

91 Whatever the Lord does is a cause of bliss. The Lord is completely independent and I am simply His humble servant. My tiny intelligence is naturally limited, and so I have no power whatsoever to judge His actions.

92 All the inhabitants of Navadvipa who act as the Lord's teachers are nourishes of His eternal pastimes; therefore they are worthy of my respects. All of you - please show your compassion to me, a fallen and destitute person! Kindly bestow upon me the qualification for chanting nama-sankirtana.

93 To the tirtha of Vidya Nagar I make this request - I pray that the ignorance which hides the truth of Lord Gaura's pastimes may never cover my mind. With that veil lifted, may I always transcend and live far beyond the realm of maya's illusion.

94 North of Vidya Nagar shines the island of Jahnu-dvipa, where the forest hermitage of the ascetic Janu Muni is visible to all moving and non-moving beings. Here the best of munis drink some water from the river Ganga and the river then appeared as his daughter named Jahnavi.

95 Here are Jahnu Muni's hermitage, Krishna's devotee named Bhisma learned Bhagavata Dharma relating to Lord Trivikrama. Jahnu Himself took to worshipping the Lord in a manner free from duplicity and easily attained the lotus feet of Shri Krishna Chaitanya.

96 This island of Jahnu-dvipa is non different from the forest of Bhadravan in Braja. When will that spotless divine forest be visible to my eyes? Within that forest is the hill known as Bhisma Tila. On top of that hill I shall stay and perform my worship of the Lord.

97 In the evening Bhisma-deva with a pleased mind will appear before me in his pure spiritual body - his complexion blackish like Krishna's holding Tulasi beads in his hand and marked with twelve tilaka marks on his body, he is overflowing with the bliss of constantly chanting the Lord's holy names.

98 He will say to me, "Listen, O newcomer to Navadvipa! Today my words are praising the glories of Lord Gauranga. Long ago, during the battle of Kuru-ksetra, I was struck down and fatally wounded. While dying I was able to behold the form of the moonlike Shri Krishna-chandra with fixed attention."

99 "At the time of my death, Lord Krishna told me, 'Formerly you had darshan of Navadvipa, and by that pious activity you have gained Gauranga's mercy. Thus you have now become the eternal resident of Navadvipa.

100 (Bhisma continues) "therefore, I also ask you to please give up all other desires, live in Navadvipa and worship Gaurahari. You need no longer fear the bondage of material sense objects, for you will definitely attain the service of Gauranga's lotus feet."

101 "By the desire of the Lord, the liberated souls can see at all times the pastimes of Krishna and the pastimes of Gaura in this Dhama. Here is the complete absence of the conditioned soul's afflictions such as lamentation, fear, death, all causes of disturbance, as well as desires to be inimical to the Lord."

102 "The pure devotees are intoxicated by drinking the wine of servitude to Lord Krishna, and they are all immersed in the ocean of happiness while performing their respective forms of worship. They do not know the pains of the material world, nor do they experience the difficulty of any wants because everyone is situated in their pure spiritual bodies and possess only perfect desires."

103 "The Supreme Lord has multitudes of servants who are limitless in number. His devoted associates come from two main categories - the nitya mukta or eternally liberated souls, and the baddha-mukta or liberated souls coming from the material world as former conditioned souls. In these very forests of Navadvipa Dhama, the Lord performs His eternal pastimes along with each of these devotees according to their own respective emotional mood."

104 "This transcendental abode is unlimited, with no presence of dull matter whatsoever. Here, only the spiritually conscious energy is in control as the predominating goddess. Everything and everyone here is in perfect accord as followers of the Lord, including place, time, actions, and the bodies of the living entities. all these things are harmoniously situated far beyond the illusory energy - this truth is definitely absolute."

105 "According to the Lord's desire, as long as we do not give up the material body, then for that long we will not perceive the actual ecstatic mood of this Dhama in its complete form. That is because your intelligence refuses to give up its habitual attachment to material designations."

106 "According to the Lord's desire, when you receive a spiritual body then your progressive advancement here is unobstructed. The veil of illusion generated by the material energy will retreat far away, and you will obtain unlimited bliss in this eternal spiritual realm."

107 "O brother! As long as you have this material body, then very carefully remain always fixed in the principles of devotion. Service to the devotees, chanting the holy name of Krishna and worship of the Divine Couple Shri Shri Radha and Krishna should be performed diligently at all times while remaining aloof from temptations of sense gratification.

108 "By the power of the mercy of the Dhama, the mercy of the holy name and the mercy of the devotees, expertly keep undesirable association far away. Very soon you will attain residence in the eternal abode, where pure devotional service to the Divine Couple will become manifest by direct revelation.

109 Hearing these instructions of Bhisma-deva, I will fall down at his feet like a rod and offer obeisances with all my limbs. Giving me his blessings, he will then disappear. Weeping and weeping, I will proceed to the forest on the island of Modadruma-dvipa.

110 This island of Modadruma is non different from the forest of Shri Bhandiravan in Braja. All the animals and birds are fully spiritual entities having the nature of pure goodness. In the branches of the trees sit cuckoos who incessantly sing the glories