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Lord Gauranga Eternal Daily Pastimes
in the Spiritual World
(Gauranga Ashta Kaliya Lila)
From Shrila Rupa Goswami, Shrila
Vishvanatha Chakravarti,
Shrila Vrindavana Dasa Thakura, Shrila Narahari Sarakara,
Shrila Lochana Dasa Thakura and Shrila Krishnadasa
Translated by and Copyrighted His
Grace Dasharatha-suta Dasa
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INTRODUCTION
There was a time in 1486 AD when the Supreme Lord Shri Gauranga Mahaprabhu made
a portion of His eternal pastimes manifest on earth for all to see. This
glimpse of His nitya-lila (daily pastimes), that lasted for 48 years, is called
prakata-lila (manifest pastimes). Now, however Lord Gauranga has returned to
His most subtle and transcendental cowherd realm, Goloka Navadvipa, and the
naked eye can no longer perceive His movements. Specifically. His traveling
lila-show has moved on to exhibit the same pastimes in another material
universe. These are an extension of His eternal pastimes performed incessantly
in Goloka Navadvipa called aprakata-lila (unmanifest pastimes). These aprakata sports
continue perennially, and the object of our life is to become aware of them and
meditate on Them continuously while chanting the Nityananda and Gauranga
Mantrarajas and the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
In the supremely brilliant setting of Navadvipa on earth, where Lord Gauranga
chose to reside, it is easier to become aware of His pastimes than it is in
other places. If one could but see, one would realize that He plays here still,
and He has made Himself available in the form of an image to aid that vision.
This Deity images of the Their Lordships Nityananda-Gauranga are present all
over Navadvipa in various temples to facilitate this process of learning to see
Lord Gauranga's daily pastimes of ecstatic bliss and sportive fun. A synopsis
of how the Chanting of His Name and His Deity worship correlates to the Lord
Gauranga's eternal daily pastimes in eight periods of the day
(asta-kaliya-lila) is described in this book.
Meditating internally on their eternal situation in the eternal realm of Shri
Navadvipa-dhama while chanting the Nityananda and Gauranga Mantrarajas and the
Hare Krishna Mahamantra, sadhakas (practicing devotees) become the loyal
followers of their guru. (spiritual master who is a male servant of Gauranga in
Navadvipa). Contemplating their own supremely beautiful spiritual body in the
form of a servant of Gauranga in Navadvipa, they carry out the orders of Shri
Gauranga's intimate associates headed by Lord Nityananda, Lord Advaita, Shri
Gadadhara, Shrila Shrivasa, Shrila Svarupa Damodara etc while chanting the Holy
Names. Thus one becomes absorbed day and night in happily executing
confidential loving services to the Divine Brothers Their Lordships Shri Shri
Nityananda-Gauranga. This service performed in the mind while chanting is
called manasi-seva. When one leaves the material body after practicing such a
form of devotion, then one certainly attains the post that was so cherished, by
the causeless mercy of one's spiritual master and Their Lordships
Nityananda-Gauranga.
The following list is only a brief indication that points in the direction of
daily services performed in the mind of such a practicing devotee while
chanting. Your own specific duties assigned by your guru may vary. according to
the specific services rendered by the particular associate of Gauranga that
your guru. is following in the eternal realm.
Also the Lord's pastimes follow basically the same schedule every day but there
are limitless variations possible, according to the particular desire that
Their Lordships Nityananda-Gauranga happen to feel at any given moment.
Therefore it would be foolishly impossible and immaturely mechanical to attempt
to memorize the list of suggested services: you must factually tune-in to the
Lord's pastimes as they are and react accordingly. No printed list produced
within the material world will ever come close to what actually happens during
a day in the life of the Divine Brothers Their Lordships Nityananda-Gauranga in
the eternal realm of Shri Navadvipa Dhama. That is why we stress so much that
this list is merely an indication of various services which may be requested of
you in your spiritual body in Navadvipa once you attain some realization of
your eternal form by the grace of your spiritual master.
By very sincerely and deeply chanting the Holy Names we have to gradually reach
the point where we become curious about our eternal form in Navadvipa. This is
the point at which the spiritual master becomes most merciful and grants the
internal blossoming of factual realization about such things, but only unto
those who are most eager (and actually greedy) for it. The human form of life
is meant for this. As this process is just like purchasing the ticket to
Goloka-Navadvipa. It's nice to know that your guru will take you back home. back
to Godhead; but it's even nicer to know which class you'll be flying, and in
which airport you'll be arriving. Thus books such as this one are like travel
brochures, which give a brief outline of your destination, as well as some of
the activities you can expect to participate in once you've arrived at your
eternal vacation-spot of Goloka Navadvipa.
Some devotees are satisfied with not knowing their own eternal spiritual form;
that's allright too because the spiritual master will still take one back home.
and then you can enjoy the surprise of finding out who you are. Therefore,
books such as this one are intended for extremely serious devotees who share a
similar realization of mercy from their spiritual master - this information is
not intended for arm-chair speculators, confusable neophytes, or offensive
fault-finders who think they are big devotees, but who are actually
power-hungry beginners. Only loving friends who can internally feel the kinship
and pure family-affection of the residents of Shri Navadvipa Dhama can
factually relish these transcendental topics of Their Lordships
Nityananda-Gauranga's daily pastimes of sportive sweetness. All others are
hereby advised to refrain from reading this book because of the great danger of
offensively criticizing the Lord's pastimes, or criticizing His devotees who an
absorbed in His pastimes by His causeless mercy. Such topics are to be read and
relished only by purified devotees who are thoroughly honest.
Devotional service to the lotus feet of Lord Shri Gauranga Mahaprabhu is far
beyond the perception of Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva, Lord Sesha-naga and the rest;
but it is continually indulged in by the Lord's own devotees, and is always
available to other souls as well. Now I will begin my description of the process
of manasi-seva (service to the Lord executed within the mind).This process is
fit for continuous rememberance by the most virtuous sages through the chanting
of His Holy Name.Therefore I offer my most respectful obeisances to the eternal
daily life and pastimes of Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu in Navadvipa.
The descriptions in this book are not meant to be merely read straight through
(except may to get acquainted with it at first). Each item is to be meditated
upon with love you unfold each scenario expanding by Guru and Gauranga's Divine
Grace within your heart-of-hearts. All glories to the Holy Names of Their
Lordships Nityananda-Gauranga!
1 Danda = 24 minutes,
Total 60 Dandas in 24 Hours
BENEFIT
Of reading, hearing or meditating on the NITYA LILA (DAILY PASTIMES) of
GAURANGA MAHAPRAPRABHU!
Lord Shri Gauranga, the Moon of Navadvipa is manifest in His own abode during
eight periods of each and every day. His performing pastimes in Navadvipa
during these periods should be remembered by meditative devotees during
chanting of the Nityananda and Gauranga Mantrarajas and the Hare Krishna
Mahamantra |before they remember the simultaneously-occurring pastimes Shri
Shri Radha-Krishna in Vrindavana. If someone lovingly reads or recites the Lord
Gauranga's eternal daily pastimes as they are illuminated in the above verses
of this prayer, then Their Lordships Nityananda-Gauranga are immensely pleased
with that person by Their own merciful compassion. I thus meditate on the daily
pastimes of Lord Shri Gaurangachandra while chanting their Holy Names.
SUMMARY
Shrila Visvanatha Chakravartipada:
(1) First Period of the Day:
NISHANTA LILA.
Pastimes at the End of the Night till Sunrise: 3:36 - 6:00 A.M.
6 Dandas of 24 minutes each
At the end of the night (before sunrise), Lord Gauranga gets up from His bed,
washes His face and converses with His wife.
(2) Second Period of the Day:
PRATAH LILA:
Morning Pastimes:
6:00 - 8:24 A.M.
6 Dandas of 24 minutes each
In the morning , Lord Gauranga is massaged with oil and bathes in the celestial
Ganga river, then worships Lord Vishnu.
(3) Third Period of the Day:
PURVAHNA LILA:
Forenoon Pastimes:
8:24 - 10:48 A.M.
6 Dandas of 24 minutes each
In the forenoon period, Lord Gauranga enjoys discussing topics about Lord
Krishna with His devotees during visits to their homes.
(4)Fourth Period of the Day:
MADHYAHNA LILA: Midday Pastimes:
10:48 A.M. - 3:36 P.M.
12 Dandas of 24 minutes each
At midday, Lord Gauranga enjoys pastimes in the gardens on the bank of the Ganga.
(5)Fifth period of the Day:
APARAHNA LILA:
Afternoon Pastimes:
3:36 - 6:00 P.M.
6 Dandas of 24 minutes each
In the afternoon, Lord Gauranga wanders about the town of Navadvipa, sporting
with all the residents.
(6)
Sixth Period of the Day:
SAYAN LILA:
Dusk Pastimes:
6:00 - 8:24 P.M.
12 Dandas of 24 minutes each
At dusk, Lord Gauranga returns home to worship Lord Vishnu and be with His
family.
(7) Seventh Period of the Day:
PRADOSHA LILA:
Evening Pastimes:
8:24 - 10:48 P.M.
6 Dandas of 24 minutes each
In the evening , Lord Gauranga goes with His associates to the courtyard of
Shrivasa Pandita to chant the holy names and dance in ecstasy.
(8) Eight Period of the Day:
NISHA LILA:
Night Pastimes:
10:48 P.M. - 3:36 A.M.
12 Dandas of 24 minutes each
At night, Lord Gauranga returns home to take rest. May this Lord Gauranga
protect us all.
So Total 60 Dandas are divided into 8 Periods of the Day and Night in the above
lila. The Madhyana Lila (Noon) and the Nisha Lila (Night) Pastimes of Lords
Nitai-Gauranga are very special as They are performed for 12 Dandas i.e. 288
minutes each corresponding to the most confidential pastimes of Their Lordships
Shri Shri Radha and Krishna at Radha Kunda at Noon and at the Rasa Sthali at
Night. All other 6 Periods acomprise of 6 Dandas i.e. 144 minutes each.
DESCRIPTION
SHRI NAVADVIPA DHAMA
(1) First Period of the Day:
NISHANTA LILA: Pastimes at
the End of the Night till Sunrise
3:36 - 6:00 A.M.
Shrila Rupa Goswami Prabhupada:
My dear mind ! Just worship Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu who, at the end of the
night, suddenly awakens upon hearing the sweet warbling of the birds within the
delightfully flowering forest grove of Shrivasa Pandit ! At this time , His
whole body is intensely thrilled due to His being aware of Lord Krishna being
situated very close to Shrimati Radhrarani on Their flower-bed in a bower-house
in Vrindavan. Because of this Lord Gauranga's ecstatic love is expressed
instantly by wonderfully transcendental symptoms such a fountains of tears
gushing from His eyes , which bathe His entire body. Just worship this Lord
Gauranga, Whose bodily complexion can only be compared to shimmering pure
molten gold.
Shrila Visvanatha Chakravartipada:
At the end of the night , upon hearing the pleasant sounds made by many birds
such as cuckoos , roosters , and others, Lord Shri Gauranga arises from His bed
. With His wife , Shri Vishnu-priya , He discusses many topics concerning the
transcendental mellows of Their mutual loving affairs and thus They become very
pleased. Then He gets up and goes to another room, wherein He sits upon a
raised sitting place and is assisted by His devotees in washing His lotus face
with nicely scented water. Thereafter , He very happily visits His mother, Shri
Shachi Devi, as well as other friends and relatives in the home. I meditate
thus on the daily pastimes of Shri Gauranga-sundara.
Shrila Krishnadasa (Disciple of Shrila Visvanatha Chakravartipada):
At the end of the night Lord Gauranga lies upon a nice bed under the spell of
sleep. There is no person alive who could behold such splendor and retain his
life-breath.
At the end of the night Gauranga-chanda is in His sleeping chamber. His limbs
twinkle as cupid churns His mind. The golden bedstead is inlaid with solid
coral and is decorated with pillows covered with pure white cloth. The
nicely-colored silk is secured by cords in four corners and the jeweled tassels
emit pinkish rays in all directions. Tall,strong golden posts grace the four
corners supporting the expansive canopy hanging overhead.
Swinging from all edges are long strands of very tiny pearls which appear like
the celestial river flowing down from the heavens. The bedstead appears just
like the nicely-formed pear of Mt.Kailasa While he splendrous bolsters appear
like balls of fresh cream.
Covering the mattress is pure white silk in the middle of which slumbers
Gauranga Dvija-mani the jewel of the twice-born brahmanas. His long limbs put
to shame the luster of molten gold while overwhelmed with the moods of lazy
lounging He rolled over until He was lying on His stomach. The upward lines pf
His beautilul tilak shine with the splendor of sandalwood paste .
Around His face the dots of kunkum and musk are enchanting. Jewelled earrings
rest against His glistening cheeks while the arch of His eyebrows conquers the
arrows of Cupid. Attempting to find a suitable comparison for the splendor of
Gauranga's closed eyes even the Creator with all his skills of supremely
refined craftsmanship is baffled to the utmost extent of his imagination.
I can understand that Kamadeva has vanished in fear of the crooked arch of
Gauranga's eyebrows; becoming bodiless, Cupid is therefore called Ananga.
Who has created this form of Lord Gauranga's? It is like Cupid's net for
ensnaring the innocent deer that are the hearts of chaste girls. His two
lotuslike eyes are closed in repose. His thick black eyelashes are motionless.
His splendidly-colored lips defeat the hue of bimba-fruits while His slightly
smiling mouth enraptures the universe.
His broad chest is beautified by numerous necklaces and His arms extending to
His knees are very muscular. His arms are adorned with bracelets of nine jewels
and His divine form is beautified with thick patches of sandalwood paste. His
hips are wrapped with very fine white cloth while His upper body is partially
covered with a splendrous cloth the border of which is woven in ornate golden
flowers. His thin brahmana thread is visible there, supremely pure and white.
The palms of His hands are reddish like blooming water-lotuses and the
sparkling auras of His finger-rings destroy darkness all around.
The nicely-constructed golden temple is pervaded with happiness. On the four
sides are four bejeweled terraces with gazebos. On top of the temple are flags
and golden jugs and strands of pearls so large that they look like full moons.
Both sides of the temple are beautified by eight crystal pillars supporting
rows of swan formed of silver.
In four directions are four gates that are studded with jewels and inlaid here
and there with emerald. The golden doors shine with their solid coral bolts and
crystal cornices glitter like rows of candles. Ranks of huge mirrors are fixed
on the walls
SHRI SHRIVASA ANGANA
and they are painted with scenes of the mellow-sports of Radha and Krishna.
These spotless mirrors are also embellished here and there with artificial
flower-trees and lotus flowers with hundreds of petals. These ornamentations on
the mirrors radiate a luster so much like real lotuses that swarms of
bumblebees wander here. mistaking them for actual lotus-groves.
The four directions shine with eight round windows on the doors which are
expert in mocking the orb of the sun. These round windows are lined with
brilliant sunstones that are bordered on the inside and outside edges with
rubies. The temple's altar, vestibule, courtyard and staircases are beautifully
formed of solid crystal slaps.
Within the temple, by the sleeping-chamber, is a flower -garden. Sitting upon
branches here and there are cuckoos and other birds. The cool breeze flows with
the pleasant fragrances of various flowers while the branches of the trees sway
along ever so gently . Hanging upon the door of this inner chamber is the
lovely sight of shoes ,umbrella and pure white chamara whisk. On both sides of
the bed are golden tables supporting jeweled boxes containing betel-nut packets
and golden pitchers full of scented water. On the floor in front of these
tables is a beautiful place for rinsing the mouth.
Lord Gauranga is Awakened
Overcome with the fatigue of sporting vigorous kirtana the moonlike
Gauranga-Shashi sleeps upon the bed. In the corner of the room sits a parrot in
a golden cage. Seeing that the night has ended, the parrot becomes restless.
With a blissful mind he thinks to himself, "I will wake Gauranga" as
his wings blossom with thrill-bumps and his eyes flow with tears.
He calls out with a very sweet voice, "Arise , Gauranga-Raya! The dew is
settling upon the morning. Seeing the approaching pink of the rising sun, the
bumblebees have abandoned their resting-place in the lotus flowers.
Seeing the directions illumined with glorious light the she-herons have arisen
and playfully come to mingle with the he-herons. The swans and cranes and other
water-dwelling birds have all gone to the bank of the celestial Sura-dhuni
river (Ganga). All the birds headed by the doves have begun their cooing and
chirping and the people stir about the town , seeing to their own work. The
he-deer and she-deer have left their formation and wander in smaller groups for
grazing on fresh grasses.
His sleep broken upon hearing the words of the parrot. His two lotus eyes open
ever so slightly. In His mind He is fully aware of the kunja-lila of Vrindavan
and thus meditating on the dawn pastimes performed by Radha and Krishna in
Their bowerhouse. He remains motionless and pretends to continue sleeping. In
another room sleeps Shrimati Vishnu-Priya Devi who quickly gets out of her bed
upon seeing the arrival of morning. She walks slowly in drowsiness and goes to
Shachi's courtyard while her eyes roll to and fro.
Hearing the sweet relishable sound of Vishnu-Priya's anklets and ornaments,
Shachi opens the door and steps outside to greet her. Seeing her
daughter-in-law, she speaks in pleasant words "I am busy with household
chores now. You may go and bathe in the Sura-dhuni." Then, in order to
pamper her son, Shachi proceeds very quickly with anxious mind .
Entering His sleeping-chamber, she silently comes before His bed. Stroking His
divine form very. very tenderly with her hand he considerately speaks in a soft
and gentle voice, "Arise, dear son Gauranga-Chanda, it is morning. The
townspeople have arisen and are sitting in anticipation. Shrivasa and all the
other devotees are very anxiously waiting to see you. Please get up and quickly
start on the path Give up your sleep, arise and go wash your face."
The Lord Begins His Day Hearing His mother's words,
Gauranga-Raya stretches His body and sits up in the bed. At this moment , Sita
Thakurani (the wife of Shri Advaita) arrives along with Malini (the wife of
Shrivasa Pandita) and other chaste wives of the devotees. Having all come and
met together at Shachi's home they enter Gauranga's sleeping chamber. All the
ladies of the town also proceed there with anxious minds just to have darshan
of Gauranga. Mother Shachi lights a ghee-lamp scented with camphor on a golden
tray, then jubilantly places it in the hands of Malini (wife of Shrivasa
Thakura), who offers it as arati to the gorgeous Gauranga-Sundara.
The male servants attentively bring in a golden footstool, full water pitchers,
a tongue scraper, tooth powder, and so forth. Leaving the room, Gauranga comes
out into the courtyard. Going to another room in the house, He conducts His
morning activities. Then He comes out and sits down with His foot upon a
footstool. After brushing His teeth and other duties, He goes and sits on a
very elevated sitting place. Then His devotees, who have also just finished
their morning practices, begin to arrive - Prabhu Nityananda, Shri Advaita,
Gadadhara, Mukunda, Murari, Haridasa, Vakreshvara, Shuklambara Brahmachari,
Shridhara and others.
Coming together at the Lord's house, all the devotees successively offer their
respects at His feet in the appropriate manner. Then Prabhu Nityananda comes
and sits to the Lord's right with Gadadhara on the left and devotees on all
four sides. Before Them sits Advaita , the Lord of Shanti-pura. What splendor
manifests here! It cannot even be described with words! Description of Shrimati
Vishnu-Priya's Beauty Then Vishnu-Priya Devi very playfully goes in the company
of her girlfriends to bathe in the Sura-dhuni river. The complexion of her body
conquers that of a golden lotus and her most lovely face radiates the splendor
of how many moons? Her braid graces her hips like a great snake and it is bound
with golden threads interwoven with strands of bakula flowers. Her wavy locks
appear to be swarms of bumblebees and her two cheeks sparkle like mirrors.Her
ears are adorned with jewel-studded earrings swinging from which are tiny
ornaments inlaid with pearls.
To support the weight of this extraordinary ear-ornament a golden chain, is
fastened to a post in her earlobe and loops over her ear. The part in her hair
is bordered by tiny pearls tied on golden threads and interspersed with rubies.
On her forehead is a dot of sindura tinted reddish like the rising sun both
sides of which are embellished with designs drawn in dark musk. Further designs
in musk beautify her cheeks and her pleasingly-colored lips form an
enchantingly gentle smile. Her fickle eyes dart about like the movements of a
wagtail bird as Cupid himself trembles in fear to see the movements of her
eyebrows.
Her nose conquers the beauty of the sesame flower and an elephant-pearl swings
from it. Around her neck is an ornamental necklace interwoven with jasmine
garlands From her neck descends a splendrous array of golden necklaces,
arranged in successive loops from small to large. The beauty of her breasts
puts to shame that of golden waterpitchers and they are encircled with champaka
flowerbuds. Her breasts are adorned with vines drawn in sandalwood paste and
bordered with strands of precious elephant-pearls. Her two arms appear as
golden lotus-stems and they are decorated with conchshell-bangles and other
ornaments. Her upper arms are encircled by armlets that are bordered with silk
dangling from which, are golden charms. From her reddish palms extend fingers
adorned with rings and her index finger shines with a golden ornament that is
studded with mirrors. Her entire form is made lustrous y her divine
raincloud-colored silken cloth its border studded with sparkling jewels and
precious jari weavings.
Her hips are broad and her waist is slim. Orchid-jewels playfully dance upon
her ornamental belt. Her feet are decorated with reddish lac-dye and her
anklebells are trimmed with Jewels Her sweet gait mocks that of a royal swan as
her anklets resound like the chirping of sparrows. Her entire body ridicules
the softness of fresh cream. Amidst jokes and laughter she bathes in the
Sura-dhuni.
Thus Ends the Nishanta-Lila.
(2) Second Period of the Day:
PRATAH LILA: Morning Pastimes
6:00 - 8:24 A.M.
Shrila Rupa Goswami Prabhupada:
After sunrise, Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu washes His moon-like face and comes out
into the courtyard , where He sits and speaks lovingly from the heart with
extreme eagerness and at great length to His most beloved devotees about Lord
Kesava’s morning pastimes at Nanda-gram . While speaking He tastes with great
relish the ecstatic mood of Radharani, which causes His entire body to fully
blossom in transcendental jubilation. Dear mind, just perform your worship with
boundless , unending pure love for this golden Lord Gauranga.
Shrila Visvanatha Chakravartipada:
In the morning, after sunrise, Lord Gauranga goes with His associates to bathe
in the holy river. While bathing , they also worship Mother Ganga by offering
flowers, incense and other presentations. They then come onto the bank of the
river, where He is dressed with exquisite cloth and decorated with fresh flower
garlands, sandalwood paste and other ornaments. Returning to His home in order
to perform opulent worship of Lord Vishnu, as well as other rituals, they later
partake of the foodstuffs that were offered to Lord Vishnu. After washing His
hand and mouth, Lord Gauranga goes into another room and rests very happily for
awhile . I meditate thus on the daily pastimes of Shri Gauranga-hari .
Shrila Krishnadasa (Disciple of Shrila Visvanatha Chakravartipada):
Waking up in the morning Lord Gauranga sits in the courtyard surrounded by His
intimate associates. Effortlessly enchanting the minds of all beings in the
universe He penetrates into their hearts and remains there always. After
brushing His teeth and so forth He bathes in the celestial river Ganga overcome
with ecstatic bliss . Then back at His home, He takes breakfast with His
associates sporting novel prankish fun and afterwards rests.
The Cooking Begins
Returning home, Vishnu-Priya changes her clothes and begins arranging the
paraphernalia for Vishnu-puja. Shachi Thakurani quickly completes her own bath
and seeing that it is late, goes home as fast as possible. Then Sita Devi,
Malini and the wives of all the dear devotees also finish their baths and
proceed at once to Shachi's home. Going inside, they carefully receive the
finest items to offer the Lord that are brought from their homes by
maidservants. Shachi Mata takes the items along and washing her feet enters the
kitchen.
Approaching Vishnu-Priya Devi, Shachi says "It is so late! Alas! Please
begin cooking!" Very happy in her mind to receive this order, Vishnu-Priya
immediately goes and sits down to cook. All the cooking duties performed by
Malini are directed by the gestures of Sita Thakurani. First they cook sweet
rice. Upon its completion it is transferred to a new container. Numerous types
of spinach are prepared then arum-root, eggplant and many other items. Assorted
vegetables are minced and spiced with black pepper. Pea soup is made with dried
mango pieces. Many varieties of curries soaked in ghee are kept separately.
Ground kidney-bean patties and ground pea patties are nicely fried in ghee.
Coconut-cereal is fried along with cakes made from flowers. There are different
kinds of eggplant mixed with sesame seeds. Much effort and attention is given
in all this cooking. The sweet and the sour preparations are kept separately.
Ground kidney-bean patties are soaked in sour yogurt then mixed with cumin and
black pepper and are fried. They make varieties of sweet pies with farina
sprinkling them with ghee which they carefully store.
Milk-film is stuffed with creamy curd, sugar and spices, and is fried. They
make so many items that it is impossible to describe them all. A great quantity
of the finest rice is nicely cleaned and cooked in limitless different styles.
In another house someone chums milk, while elsewhere others prepare sweetmeats
and cooked vegetables. Farina is kneaded with sugar and carefully rolled into
laddus. Wheat is formed into coils, fried in ghee and soaked in sweet juice.
Cheese and condensed milk is kneaded with sugar and formed into laddus shaped
like pomegranates. They make sweets from pumpkin and also disc-shaped crispy
cakes. Large quantities of cucumber and chick-peas are fried in ghee. Milk is
cooked down until it forms very thick kshira, then it is poured into new clay
pots; cardamon , camphor, black pepper and so forth are added and it is
immediately put away to cool. Some squash are cooked in milk , others in
yogurt. Ghee without salt is used to fry celestial spinach. Delicious
ginger-curd sweets are prepared from sesame powder. They are sprinkled with
ghee and placed to soak in clay pans of yogurt. Magnolia and banana sweets are
made with thickly condensed milk. Numerous varieties of out-of-season fruits
are somehow produced. Sherbets are made from pomegranate, lotus flowers and
sugarcane. On top of these are placed coconut pieces carved in different
shapes. Oranges, almonds, mashed date-balls, lemons, grapes and custard-apples
are mixed with profuse quantities of cream. Cereals are meticulously prepared
from pigeon-peas and chick-peas. the night before they had been ground and
soaked in water. Salt is crushed and kept separately. Numerous kinds of pickles
are brought to the house from elsewhere.
Ripe mango pieces are marinated in sugar-sauce. Shachi has been keeping them
soaking for many days. There are mustard-powder soup, plum pickles and many
more things that are brought and placed outside. Then Shachi Devi comes into
the kitchen and is overjoyed to view the assortment of cooked preparations. She
addresses her daughter-in-law. "What is the delay with the cooking?"
Vishnu-Priya is embarrassed and does not say a word in reply. So Malini speaks
up. "Oh Shachi Devi ! The cooking is finished. There is no more
delay." Shachi says, "Good! I have personally cleaned Lord Vishnu's
eating-room with my own hands. Now I am quickly going to arrange the offering
there." Saying this, she goes outside and says to Ishana. "Please ask
Vishvambhara to immediately take His bath in the Ganga. It is upsetting my mind
that we are so late today - the rice and cooked vegetables are getting
cold!"
Gauranga Mahaprabhu Goes to Bathe in the Ganga
Ishana goes and addresses the Lord. "Mata has asked me to tell you to go
bathe in the Ganga now." Hearing this, Gauranga Mahaprabhu feels very
blissful in His mind and leaves with His devotees for bathing The devotees
gather flower garlands, ground sandalwood pulp, scented oil for massaging His
body and clean clothes as they depart for the river. Along the way , He has
many conversations with the devotees. Then, in their company Shri Gauranga Raya
enters the waters of the Ganga and offers His obeisances unto her.
(From the Chaitanya Bhagavat: )
"Who could possibly describe the opulence of Nadiya? At one bathing place,
thousands and thousands of people bathe Some are peaceful saints, some austere
ascetics, some sannyasis I don't know how many children come there and mix in
the crowds! The Jahnavi (Ganga) encircles the Lord on all sides and He secretly
offers her own water unto her ripples On the plea of making waves, the Jahnavi
dances even though her feet are served by residents of limitless universes.
Navadvipa Raya played water-sports in the Ganga river while the residents of
Nadiya looked on in the greatest fortune. As Prabhu Vishvambhara played in the
waters of the Ganga He looked just like the full moon itself playing in the
ocean All the fortunate souls who had come to the landing to bathe incessantly
beheld the face of Vishvambhar. " One male servant (dasa) comes forward to
massage the Lord attentively rubbing and cleansing His body. Then Prabhu bathes
in the company of His devotees and they ascend the riverbank with much playful
sporting. Another dasa comes forward to wipe His body dry carefully
disentangling and dressing His hair. Helping Him change into dry clothes he
adorns Him with divine flower garlands, sandalwood paste and ornaments for each
and every limb.
The Offering
On returning home, Prabhu Gauranga Shri Hari washes His feet and enters the
temple room of Lord Vishnu ( From the Chaitanya-Bhagavat:) “Gauranga Bhagavan
properly performs Vishnu-puja. Offering water with Tulasi , He then offers
obeisances.” Then Prabhu comes and sits upon a golden platform and offers the
sweetmeats to Lord Vishnu. Shachi Devi carefully brings the items on golden
plates and places them before her son. Offering scented water from a golden
vessel, He sits alone and feeds the Lord some nice edibles. All the devotees
headed by Nityananda Prabhu , Advaita Gosai, Narahari, Gadadhara, Shrivasa,
Ramai, Vakreshvara, Haridasa and others had returned to their own homes after
bathing in the Ganga. Each performing their own morning duties they again come together
to meet at Prabhu's house. Then Vishnu-Priya Devi finishes her cooking.
On Shachi's order she goes to the offering-room and places various types of
rice on many golden plates; lining them up in mound after mound, she sprinkles
them with ghee. All the vegetable preparations that were cooked are plied
alongside the rice in successive order. All the cooked grains as well as all
the pickled items are arranged in row after row according to the progression of
their taste. Water is poured into a golden vessel and is scented with camphor.
The finest betel nuts are made pleasant by adding cloves and cardamon and are
put into a bejewelled box. Placing Tulasi-manjaris upon the grains she offers
the food to the Shaligram while giving Him achamana.
The Morning meal
Then Shachi Devi very jubilantly calls her son and His friends to eat.
Nityananda accompanies the Lord and His devotees as they quickly come,
Gauranga-Chandra washes His feet and sits upon a majestic seat Nityananda and
Gadadhara sit on either side of Him, while Advaita and Shrivasa sit facing
them. All the devotees sit in the courtyard while Shachi blissfully serves
them. Again and again she brings and serves all the cooked offerings.
Overwhelmed with affection she makes them eat while all their chaste wives
stand and watch from afar. Lord Gauranga laughs and jokes while He eats as the
male servants bring and serve water. Washing His mouth, He goes and sits on an
asana as all the devotees sit surrounding Him on all sides. Prabhu eats betel
nuts and laughs, while some attendants serve Him by waving chamara whisks. Then
Sita Devi takes Malini and the devotees' wives. Shachi comes forward and seats
them all, feeding them to the great delight of her heart. After eating the
wives return to their own homes and Shachi finally eats along with
Vishnu-Priya. They wash their mouths and go to sit in a solitary place, as the
servants headed by Ishana come for their own meal. The servants then clean the
house. After washing all the pots and plates they put them away. Nityananda and
the other devotees go to take a little rest. Seeing His devotees off , Prabhu
Vishvambhara enters the sleeping chamber. Lying on His bed He goes to sleep
while some dear one massages His feet. A few devotees headed by Gadadhara and
Narahari also rest along with the Lord In His house. The servant of the servant
of Shri Gauranga and Nityananda, Krishna Dasa narrates the Lord's pastimes.
Thus Ends the Pratah-Lila.
(3)
Third Period of the Day:
PURVAHNA LILA:
Forenoon Pastimes
8:24 - 10:48 A.M.
Shrila Rupa Goswami Prabhupada:
I worship the moon-like Shrila Gaurangachandra Who, among His closest devotees,
remembers Krishnas forenoon pastimes of leaving for the forest to tend His cows
. During this period , all the residents of Vraja come out and become greatly
anxious due to Krishnas departure from their midst . Lord Gauranga is so
absorbed in this intense remembrance that He virtually becomes fused with the
Vraja pastimes. Thus He imitates their statements and actions , also bestowing
their mood amongst His Navadvipa devotees , who are in reality alternate
manifestations of those self-same residents of Vraja.
Shrila Visvanatha Chakravartipada:
Upon the arrival of the forenoon period, Lord Gauranga gets up from His nap and
streches His body . Then He washes His lotus face with sweetly scented water .
Meeting with His devotees , Who are all very fond of chanting Shri
Gaurahari-nama-kirtana , He personally tastes and relishes the chanting of the
holy names . Thus He sports , sometimes in the way , He increases the ecstatic
pleasure of all the townspeople so much that it attains limitless heights . I
meditate thus on the daily pastimes of Shri Gauranga-chandra .
Shrila Krishnadasa (Disciple of Shrila Visvanatha Chakravartipada):
In the forenoon period He visits the homes of devotees like Shuklambara and
others and become totally overwhelmed immersed in ecstatic love as He sports
various pastimes.
Waking Up From the Nap
After a short while Prabhu Vishvambhara awakens and sits up in bed. The other
devotees headed by Gadadhara also wake up and are served water brought in
golden pitchers by the male servants. Then Lord Gauranga washes His face and
sits down with a supremely blissful mind. After resting briefly all the
devotees carefully attend their own duties. They are very eager to meet with
the Lord, but knowing it is not time yet , they do not go to Him. Some of them
deliberate on the Bhagavat-shastra. Some of them mingle in Advaita's room. Some
of them gather in groups of five or seven and perform kirtan while clapping
their hands. Thus the devotees associate together each in their own way. Later
all the bhaktas headed by Shrivasa arrive at Lord Gauranga's house. Offering
obeisances at the Lord's feet they stay on the ground ut the Lord embraces them
all and makes them sit nicely.
Visiting The Devotees’ Homes
Then in the company of Gadadhara and the others Lord Gauranga proceeds to
Shuklambara's house in a mood of great sportive fun.
(From the Chaitanya-Bhagavat: )
"He incessantly remained in the company of Gadadhara; indeed , Prabhu
could not be separated from Gadadhara for even a moment." Shuklambara
Brahmachari sees his own Lord and respectfully gets up abandoning whatever he
is doing. Bowing at His feet, he washes them and seats Gauranga Mahaprabhu on
an elevated asana. Nityananda and Gadadhara sit by His side while Advaita and
all the other devotees sit facing them. Shuklambara's house is close by the
Jahnavi river. There sports Gauranga of beautiful body. The bank of the Sura-dhuni
is lined with rows of kadamba trees. There are thousands and thousands of
peacocks, cuckoos and bees buzzing. The Lord's mind is overwhelmed with the
remembrance of the Yamuna river and He has a vision of Krishna herding cows in
the pastures. Thus He calls out with great feeling, “0 Shridama ! Sudama !
Stoka Krishna! He Arjuna! 0 Brother Balarama!" Seeing Mahaprabhu's
condition, the hearts of Gadadhara and the others are overcome with ecstasy as
their eyes brim with tears. In this mood they sport numerous pastimes.
Then Gauranga Shri Hari gets up and quickly proceeds to Shridhara's house.
Seeing Gauranga arrive along with His associates, Shridhara gets up. Offering
water at their feet, he bows down respectfully. Gauranga Mahaprabhu sits with
blossoming face as His devotees surround Him on all sides. He laughs and
converses with Shridhara. Seeing He of such enchanting beauty with Shridhara, I
can find no words and become a little stunned. Staying at Shridhara's house for
a short while Prabhu gets up and leaves walking in the manner of a maddened
baby elephant.
(From the Chaitanya-Bhagavat: ) "Lord Gauranga perpetually goes to
everyone's house and reveals to them the visions of Chatur-bhuja (four-armed
form), Sad-bhuja (six-armed form) and so forth. At one moment He goes to
Gangadasa Murari's home and at the next moment He goes to Acharya-Ratna's
home.” Then, Prabhu takes His devotees and sits in a heavenly flower garden.
The servant of the servant of Shri Gauranga and Nityananda, Krishna Dasa
narrates the Lord's pastimes.
(4) Fourth Period of the Day:
MADHYAHNA LILA:
Midday Pastimes
10:48 A.M. - 3:36 P.M.
Shrila Rupa Goswami Prabhupada:
Oh my dear mind ! Continuously worship the Son of Mother Shachi Lord Gauranga!
His whole body erupts in ecstatic bumps of sheer delight when He remembers the
extensively variegated midday pastimes of Krishna sporting with Radha and the
multitude of gopis . His voice stutters and chokes in excitement as He
describes these lilas among His devotees , and thus He manifests the
performance of plays and dramas which simultaneously correspond to the
occurrence of the Divine Couple's pastimes.
Shrila Visvanatha Chakravartipada:
During the midday period , Lord Gauranga continues to enjoy the performance of
intensely enthusiastic chanting and dancing , surrounded by His own dear
devotees such as the moon-like Advaita Acharya , Gadadhara Pandita , and the
divine madman Shrila Nityananda Prabhu. Afterwards ,they all wander throughout
the gardens and groves on the bank of the Ganga , where they enjoy the sweet
cooling breezes blowing over the river. Hearing the pleasant sounds of the
bumblebees and the birds in those gardens , the Lord remembers His ecstatic
pastimes as Radha and Krishna, which are occurring simultaneously in His own
forest of Vrindavana . I meditate thus on the daily pastimes of Lord Gauranga.
Shrila Krishnadasa (Disciple of
Shrila Visvanatha Chakravartipada):
In the midday period He goes to an extremely enchanting flower garden and
becomes absorbed in riding the sportive waves of limitless pastime after
pastime along with His intimate associates.
Description of the Flower Garden
In this way Gauranga-Chandra comes to
the flower garden and beholds the splendor of the forest with His red-tinged
eyes. This flower garden is a grandly expansive place. In all four directions
are groups of very tall kadamba trees. At the base of these kadamba trees are
dense screwpine bushes which are encircled by thorns. Seeing this thorny forest
from afar, the common people never come her. Madhavi and malati jasmine-vines
climb up and embrace the kadamba trees. The pleasant south wind blows, carrying
flower-pollen with its breezes. In four directions are four paths formed with
jewels. In two directions are beautiful rows of bakula trees. The forest blooms
with small white kunda-jasmine buds, splender, red amaranth, tagara
flower-trees, groups of jewelled gardens, nageshvara flowers, and many other
varieties of fragrant jasmines like jati, yuthi and mallika. Bakula trees,
clove-pink vines, pink trumpet-flowers, and guelder-roses are beautifully
manifest in row after row.
White lilies, yellow magnolias, and many red flame-trees are blooming. Here and
there are seen very enchanting jewelled altars above which the trees and
creepers are formed like canopies The dark tamal trees are splendrous with
their bunches of fresh sprouts and golden creepers that climb and encircle
them. Temples bloom with trees of pinkish color accented here and there by
flowering mango-saplings. At the base of the trees are seen beautiful groups of
rose-apple bushes, jackfruits and so many juicy limes. The inner part of the
forest is surrounded by groves of banana trees. Some are bearing ripe fruits
while others bear unripe green ones. Rows and rows of coconut trees hold many,
many fruits. Among the rows of betel trees are date-palms and wood-apple trees.
There are sweet jujube berries, oranges, plums, plus cardamon and clove vines.
All the fruit and flower-trees are so full with offerings that their branches bend
down and touch the ground.
Pomegranates are bursting and soaking
the ground with their juice. Hedges of jujube berries appear very beautiful.
There are so many varieties of trees that they defy description. In the center
of the garden is a colorful temple. Just in front of it is a lake full of cool
waters. The landing-steps are formed of crystal slabs. On four sides are four
bathing places inlaid with jewels. Surrounding the lake are
lilies-of-the-valley formed of gold, white sephalika flowers, golden champaka
creepers, and moonlike mallika jasmines. All these beautiful flowerbeds line
the bank of the lake and their reflections can be seen in its pure waters. From
the weight of all the flowers, their stems bend down and caress the surface of
the water.
Sweet little ripples move along with the gentle breeze. Lotuses of white, blue,
red and more are in full bloom. These lotuses sway so much that the bumblebees
cannot land on them. Greedy for honey, millions of bees fly all around. Royal
swans, storks, herons, partridges and many other birds playfully sport in all
directions. The fish living within the water move about by the hundreds.
In a golden temple, upon a golden altar sits Lord Gauranga of golden
complexion. Surrounding Him are His associates also of golden complexion, Their
limbs tremble out of pure prema and their eyes are wet with tears. There are
twelve gates supported by reddish-golden pillars. On the outside are golden
posts holding up a nice canopy. These gates are interwoven with garlands of
mallika-jasmines. The top edges have clusters of hanging sapphires that sway to
and fro. The East courtyard has groves of divine Tulasi plants. The West
courtyard has groves of colorful flame-trees. The North and South have grasses
of dark Syamala color which bring to mind soft pillows to sit on. Pet deer roam
all about in search of grass to eat and they spread their eyes wide upon
beholding the beauty of Gauranga. A peacock alights from a magnolia tree upon
seeing Gauranga there and begins to dance in great happiness.
The trees and creepers all bloom with golden flowers. The forest is perpetually
served by the Six Seasons. The sparrows chirp loudly and the cuckoos are
all-pervading. Male and female waterfowl wander around on the ground. Parrots
see ripe bimba berries and peck them with their beaks. Bluebirds and doves
sport within the trees. Meditations on the Vrindavan Pastimes Female and male
parrots call out, “Jai Shri Shachi-Nandana! Glory to the life and soul of
Narahari and Gadadhara ! Glory, glory to the Lord of Lakshmi Vishnu-Priya's
life! Glory, glory to Radha and Krishna who have united in one form!
Glory, glory to He who has manifested all these desire-fulfilling trees ! Each
and every one of our Vrindavan-vasis has increased their prema unlimitedly by
sporting here in Navadvipa !" Vishvambhara hears these statements of the
parrots and remembers the lila of Radha and Krishna at Radha-kunda within His
mind.
One moment He says, "Who has stolen my flute?" The next moment He
says, "Just see! I have defeated you at dice!" The next moment He
says, "Let there be water-sports in this kunda!" The next moment He
says. "Come on! Let us go to the place of Surya-puja !"The next
moment He begins walking, holding Gadadhara's hand. Thus He plays with His devotees
in the flower garden. They adorn Him with flower armlets, necklaces, and
hair-ties. They scatter flowers all around until the earth is completely
covered. The fragrance attracts thick swarms of bumblebees hovering about.
From moment-to-moment Lord Gauranga goes to the base of each and every tree and
sports there, being cooled by the shade. They make relishable music as they
play on mrdangas and vinas. Some dance and some make nice rhythms by clapping
their hands. The sweetness of this forest is equal to that of Vrindavan and the
Lord eternally sports here with His associates. Many groups of male servants
clean up the groves. It is impossible to describe these limitless
forest-pastimes. The servant of the servant of Shri Gauranga and Nityananda
Krishna Dasa narrates the Lord's pastimes.
Thus Ends the Madhyahna-Lila.
(5) Fifth period of the Day;
APARAHNA LILA:
Afternoon Pastimes
3:36 - 6:00 P.M.
Shrila Rupa Goswami Prabhupada:
Lord Gauranga remembers the son of the King of Vraja , who returns from the
pasture grounds in the noon , an event which producean unlimited ocean of bliss
for all the residents of Vraja . Remembering within the core of His heart, Lord
Gauranga dances throughout the town of Navadvipa, spinning and around while
exhaling deeply ecstatic sighs . Thus becoming completely enchanted , He
enchantes the townspeople so much that they all become helplessly stunned in
divine love. Oh my dear mind , just worship this Shri Gauranga!
Shrila Visvanatha Chakravartipada:
During the splendidly beautiful afternoon period , Lord Gauranga and His
devotees all become equally maddened in ecstatic love , and thus they expand
ever-increasing waves of auspicious benefit that ripple all through-out the
three worlds . In this mood , they leave the gardens and travel back toward His
home. Along the way , He satisfies the eyes of all the townspeople , just as
the moon satisfies the chakora bird with its moonbeams. Reaching home, Lord
Gauranga is met at the door by His mother and lavished with loving attentions.
I meditate on the daily pastimes of Shri Gauranga.
Shrila Krishnadasa (Disciple of Shrila Visvanatha Chakravartipada):
In the afternoon Lord Gauranga meets with His beloved friends and dresses in
garments that enchant all the worlds . Wandering throughout the town of Nadiya
to each and every house He displays wondrous glory that has no end.
The Lord Tours the Town Navadvipa
Then Gadadhara smiles and sweetly addresses the Lord: "The afternoon time
is approaching! Shachi Mata is very anxious for you! She has labored to make
many fine edibles! Arranging them nicely on a golden plate, she waits and
watches on the path for your return.” Hearing these words of Gadadhara, Prabhu
says. “Let us go!” and proceeds on his tour of the town. As Gauranga-Chanda
approaches the outskirts both sides of Him are ornamented by Nityananda and
Gadadhara. Following behind is the assembly of devotees, whose minds are all
filled with bliss as they walk pleasantly. As Gauranga returns on the footpath
to Navadvipa all the townspeople turn their heads to behold His enchanting
beauty. His muscular, golden body is very tall and its sheer grace is like a
lotus of pure desire in spotless waters. His knee-length arms sway back and
forth as he walks. They appear as lotus-stems, or elephant trunks - they cannot
be described!
His curling tresses are so lovely they mesmerize the entire universe and they
are tied with the shyness of all the young girls. His wavy locks swing like a
swarm of bumblebees and the chandan tilak upon His forehead diffuses rays just
like a nectar-moon.
Fixing the flower-arrows of His restless eyes upon the bow of His eyebrows, He
instantly pierces the hearts of the womenfolk by His mere glance. The smile on
his moonlike face showers the rains of sweet ambrosia which makes the
chnfcon-birds of the womens' hearts greedily fly after it. Jewelled
makari-shaped earrings swing from his ears making the saphori-fish of the
womens' hearts pursue and swallow them. The splendor of His neck and waist
conquers that of the lion. These features of His vanquish the legend of the
chaste girls' dharma. On His broad chest sway jewelled pearl necklaces and
matchless Jasmine garlands. His limbs are nicely smeared with thick patches of
Malayan sandahvood paste. His clothing and ornaments enrapture the entire
universe. Description of the Town of Navadvipa.
Lord Gauranga now enters on the main road into Navadvipa and as the people hear
of it, women, men, young and old all run to see Him. The sand on the road to
Nadiya is white as a lotus flower and on both sides rise lofty palaces of pure
white finish. Banners with golden lotus symbols are touching the sky as white,
yellow and other colorful flags blow in the wind. The rooftop apartments are
constructed with bewildering optical illusions and the gates to the houses are
festooned with fluttering jasmine garlands. All the women who live along the
road that Gauranga is traversing ascend their rooftops with great desire to
behold Him. Does it appear that a garland of nectar-moons is rising in the sky
with the clouds of their loosened hair flowing by their cheeks? Their jewelled
necklaces appear like the rising stars and the waves of their smiles the
striking of lightning.
Their soft chit-chatting is like the clouds' sweet gentle rumbling and their
eyes the lotuses in the pond of affection. The handsome body of Gauranga is
like a golden mountain peak upon which these girls shower the rains of loving
attachment. From behind windows and portals some fix their eyes peering
steadily down the path that Gauranga is travelling.
The town of Navadvipa extends for an area of four yojanas (32 square miles] .
Here and there are flower gardens and heavenly lakes. All the palaces
accomodate so many temples of numerous devatas above which are splendrous rows
and rows of beautiful spires. There are four classes of people - the brahmanas,
Kshatriyas, vaishyas and shudras and their lovely homes shine in many orderly
rows. Uncountable yogis, sannyasis, and brahmacharis live there. In some places
there is recitation of the Bhagavad-Gita and the Puranas. In some places is the
excitement of dancing, singing and playing on musical instruments. In some
places small children loudly bicker and squabble. In some places uncountable
children are playing. In some places numberless vipras study the scriptures In
some places groups and groups of bhattacharyas congregate. Everyone walks along
the roads of Nadiya. Three kinds of people travel on these roads - young,
middle-aged and old and they all gaze incessantly upon the face of Gauranga and
chant His Holy Name. Here and there are kadamba and bakula trees. All around
their bases are supremely splendrous platforms. The town has marketplaces,
vestibules and courtyards packed with dense crowds of celestial people. In the
center of town are many, many mango trees among which are perpetually
blossoming flower gardens. Surrounding the town are the flowing currents of the
Sura-dhuni upon whose banks Gauranga sports enchanting pastimes.
The Glories of Navadvipa
(From the Chaitanya-Bhagavat :)
There is no town like Navadvipa within the entire three worlds for it is where
Guaranga Gosai has taken birth Understanding that Prabhu was going to appear
there the Creator had made that place complete (sampurna)
0 friends ! Please listen to the meaning of the word "sampurna"
Everyone has not understood it, even after contemplating it. Great truth has
been concentrated into very few letters. If one ponders it, then priceless
jewels will be gained. Within the ocean are vast quantities of gemstones
although the eyes can see nothing but water. Sinful blind persons have no eyes
to see anything but water. Even if they hear of something else they do not
believe it. Just as things within the ocean are not visible similarly the words
of Vrindavan Dasa have a deeper purpose. No one can grasp the direct meaning of
these statements - but only one whose heart is attached to Gauranga can
understand. Some say that the word 'sampurna' indicates the fourteen worlds.
Who can comprehend the sweetness of this direct meaning? It denotes the extent
of all the pleasures in the universe Including beauty, majestic potency, and
virtuous conduct, plus the intoxicating essence of the topmost limit of all
knowledge, devotion, intelligence, wealth, mercy, glorious family dynasties and
so on as well as perfectly complete proficiency in the abilities of relishment
and mastery of all forms of craftsmanship - the word 'sampurna' is full of all
these meanings. Now there is yet another nectarean thing to speak of. Hearing
about it pleases one's ears and mind. The following words have issued forth
from the mouth of the son of Narayani (Vrindavan Dasa Thakura):
navadvipa je hena mathura raja-dhani
"This Navadvipa is just like the opulent capital city of Mathura".
Vrindavan Dasa is the object of Nityananda Prabhu's mercy, Who illumines him
with the constant presence of His divine grace. One who thinks he can
understand Vrindavan Dasa's statements is merely puffed-up with the illusory
concept of scholarship and simply dies while engrossed in the false ego!
(A song by Narahari Ghanashyama:)(refrain)
"Glories, glories to Shri Navadvipa, the abode of happiness! Peoples of
the four ashrams dwell in wonderful homes, Where unparalleled festivals are
observed according to custom.
It is the place where the eight mystic perfections and the nine opulences are
the humble servant in every home Where those who are attached to dharma, artha,
kama and moksha are merely ridiculed. Where the extremely severe threefold
miseries are vanquished and the ninefold processes of bhakti shine
continuously. Where the area is so full to overflowing with spotlessly pure
prema that all the non-moving as well as the moving living beings remain
everlastingly intoxicated in divine madness. Where the town is beautified by
thousands of diverse residences and is encircled by the pure white waters of
the Sura-dhuni where young kunda-jasmine blossoms and strands of fine pearls
appear as if a host of full moons have simultaneously arisen Where the overall
splendor is new and ever fresh just like Vrindavan and is served by six seasons
that are succulent out to the horizon.
Where the charming and grand glories are so expansive that Shesha Naga ever
sings of them and never reaches their limit. The best of the demigods, four-faced
Lord Brahma, in the company of the other devas, meditates on the exalted,
limitless rasa manifest in this place. Ghanashyama narrates - may I eventually
live in that place in the company of my Lord Gaurangaa and His associates.
Gauranga Mahaprabhu Sits on the Bank of the Ganga
Thus Lord Gauranga wanders about the town for a while then He proceeds on the
path to the Sura-dhuni. Coming to the bank of the Ganga along with His
associates. Gauranga Mahaprabhu, the moon over Nadiya sits down near a bathing
landing. The bank of the Sura-dhuni shines with very beautiful meadows where so
many shala, piyala and kadamba trees grow. There are peacocks, cuckoos and many
bees flying amongst flower-fields in thick swarms. The bathing ghata is paved
step by step in stone slabs with countless Shiva shrines on the upper level.
Here and there are uncommon residential quarters in front of which flow the
supremely pure waters. Sitting on this Ganga-ghata is Gauranga-Sundara. His
form of Madana-Mohana is captivating to all. His charming face is continuously
marked with smiles as He jokes and converses with His own associates. All the
women who had come to get water from the river give up their shyness and gaze
continuously upon the face of Gauranga. Some who were already carrying jugs
full of water on top of their heads - as soon as they behold Gauranga, their
hands slip from steadying their pots which fall and crash upon the ground. Here
and there are thousands and thousands of vipras sitting in groups along with townswomen.
Also uncountable bhattacharyas and their students are congregating and
discussing the scriptures amongst themselves. What grand splendor is manifest
on both sides of this Ganga ! Especially brilliant is the appearance of
Gauranga-Chanda.
( From the Chaitanya-Bhagavat: )
"Sitting on the bank is Shri Shachi-Nandana surrounded on four sides by
His disciples It is just like Shri Nanda - Kumara Krishna on the bank of the
Yamuna having fun amongst His cowherd boyfriends. Krishna-Chandra has now taken
His cowherd boyfriends and sports numerous pranks in the form of a brahmana on
the bank of the Ganga. Those people who happen to look upon Lord Gauranga's
face there at the river obtain an absolutely indescribable type of happiness.
Affected by Prabhu's extremely potent and masterful influence all the people on
the bank of the Ganga warmly embrace each other. Glancing toward the teachers
of the schools, Prabhu sits there and expounds His own commentaries Fortunate
people watch as they surround Him on all sides, for by Lord Gauranga’s power
all of Navadvipa is free from miseries.” Thus in the company of the devotees,
Shri Shachi-Nandana offers obeisances to the Ganga and proceeds home. Prabhu
travels on the main road into Nadiya during the time of the cows' return home.
Herds and herds of cows are entering the town tended by hundreds and hundreds
of cowherd boys. Many calves playfully follow behind with their tails raised
aloft. Seeing this scene brings great delight to Prabhu's heart and with a
choked voice He calls out the names of Krishna's cows, 0 white Dhavali !"
and so on. Thousands upon thousands of vipras are coming on the path from the
Ganga to perform their sandhya rituals at dusk. Numberless young brahmana boys
also proceed toward their homes making a tumultuous commotion as they recite
and hear scriptural verses. Lord Gauranga returns to His own home and sits down
as His devotees all go and return to their own homes also. Then the bliss of
Shachi Devi's heart swells up. As she sees the face of her dear son, her ocean
of happiness overflows. Slowly and quietly she comes and sits before Gauranga.
Overpowered with affection she wipes His limbs with her own cloth. It is just
like mother Yashoda lovingly pampering Shri Krishna. Other than this comparison
there is none within the three worlds.
Thus Ends the Aparahna-Lila.
(6) Sixth Period of the Day:
SAYAN LILA: Dusk Pastimes
6:00 - 8:24 P.M.
Shrila Rupa Goswami Prabhupada:
Then Krishna takes His evening bath, has His dinner and performs many other fascinating
pastimes around sunset time, then Lord Gauranga absorbs Himself in thinking of
these pastimes again and again with great relish . In the circle of His own
dearmost devotees, He constantly follows along those same wonderful pastimes.
Dear mind ! Just worship this moon-like Lord Gauranga-candra!
Shrila Visvanatha Chakravartipada:
At dusk , the Lord bathes with His dear friends in the Ganga , the river who
flows in the three parts . They devoutly worship the Ganga by offering ghee
lamps , flowers , and other articles . Afterwards , the Lord puts on fresh
silken clothes and is adorned with flower garlands . Then , He worships Lord
Vishnu at home by performing the evening arati ceremony , offering ghee lamps
and other items . Later , He and His friends partake of the foodstuffs and
betel nuts that were offered to Lord Vishnu . I thus meditate on the daily
pastimes of Shri Gauranga.
Shrila Krishnadasa (Disciple of Shrila Visvanatha Chakravartipada):
At dusk , He returns to His own home in the most astonishing manner and
endeavors carefully to worship the deity which pleases His mother very much.
Gauranga is Bathed and Then Worships the Deity
Then all the male-servants act very quickly filling golden pitchers with water
and bringing them in. One washes the Lord's feet. One combs out His hair and
ties it in a topknot. His body is cleansed with scented water. Finally rinsing
Him again, they cover Him with fine white cloth and offer Him fresh clothing
and ornaments. Gaurahari then enters the temple of Lord Vishnu. On Shachi's
order, Devi Vishnu-Priya lights a lamp and goes into the temple. On the altar
is a murti of Raghunatha in the form of a rock (shila). Prabhu performs the
arati and bows down to offer obeisances . He brings and offers many gifts to the
deity. Giving the image achaman He then puts Him to rest. Gauranga comes out of
the temple and sits upon a divine lion-throne as Shachi's bliss knows no
bounds. All the offerings that were presented to the deity in the Vishnu temple
are saved separately for the evening. Some items are brought out and placed
before Shachi's son and Lord Gauranga smilingly eats in the greatest happiness.
After washing His mouth. Gauranga Raya sits down again as Vishnu-Priya Devi
remains nearby to offer Him betel.
(From the Chaitanya-Bhagavat:)
"Knowing the intense bliss of His mother's heart Lord Gauranga stays there
and sits with Lakshmi."
Lord Guaranga Proceeds to Shrivasa's House
Then suddenly Lord Gauranga becomes obsessed in his mind and He departs for
Shrivasa's house. What splendor is seen during this dusk time ! In the four
directions is a great tumult of singing and music. Brilliant lamps are lit by
the streets in row after row making all the town spotlessly pure by their
effulgence. Travelling on the path like a maddened lion. Lord Gauranga
eventually arrives at Shrivasa's residence. Seeing Prabhu come in, Shrivasa
becomes very Jubilant and a great ecstasy blossoms among he and his family
members. Bowing at His feet they wash them, then take and seat Him upon a
divine lion-throne.
The servant of the servant of Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Krishna Dasa
narrates the Lord's pastimes. Thus Ends the Sayan-Lila.
(7) Seventh Period of the Day:
PRADOSHA LILA: Evening Pastimes
8:24 - 10:48 P.M.
Shrila Rupa Goswami Prabhupada:
In the evening, Shrimati Radharani travels to the pre-assigned pleasure-grove
in the company of Her gopi- friends and waits impatiently for Krishna to arrive
for Their secret rendezvous . When She receives news from a messenger about the
activities and whereabouts of Her Beloved Lord Krishna, Her heart is completely
overwhelmed with the most instense anxiety. Oh my ! In exactly that same mood,
Lord Gauranga travels to the courtyard of Shrivasa Pandita in the evening ,
walking hand on hip as Radha does . Afterwards , when He realizes that Shri
Krishna has indeed arrived before Shri Radha, Lord Gauranga jubilantly dances
and stumbles repeatedly, His body erupting in intense euphoria with torrents of
tears and shivering limbs. Just worship the fair-complexioned Lord Gauranga!
Shrila Visvanatha Chakravartipada:
In the evening time , Lord Gauranga goes to the home of Shrivasa Pandita,
accompanied by Shrila Advaitachandra and other dear associates. Meeting with
the multitude of His devotees , He tastes and relishes the nectar of topics
about Lord Hari , and His mind becomes most agitated with the ecstasies of pure
love of Godhead. Then , becoming very lustful to relish the congregational
chanting of the holy names of the Lord , Lord Gauranga orchestrates the
performance of intensely jubilant sankirtana , which attains the summit of
passionate glorification of these holy names . I thus meditate on the daily
pastimes of Lord Gauranga-sundara.
Shrila Krishnadasa (Disciple of Shrila Visvanatha Chakravartipada):
In the evening Lord Gauranga goes to Shrivasa's house while His heart blossoms
in great delight . There He performs amazing pastimes according to the wishes
of His dear friends.
The Evening Arati of Shri Gauranga
Then Nityananda Prabhu arrives and meets with everyone. He sits to Mahaprabhu's
right with his face blossoming. Then comes Advalta-Chandra, the ocean of prema
and Gadadhara, Narahari, Mukunda, Shridhara, Vakreshvara, Haridasa and all the
assembly of devotees. Everyone arrives quickly at Shrivasa's house. Nityananda
Raya holds an umbrella over the Lord's head. On the left is Gadadhara waving a
chamara whisk. Someone dances, someone sings, and someone does kirtan. Someone
lights a jewelled lamp and stands holding it. Inside the house the womenfolk
are chanting "Jaya ! Jaya !" as the pleasant sounds of mridangas,
karatalas and bells reverberate. Advaita Gosai lights a ghee-lamp with five
large wicks and performs arati while his inner bliss knows no bounds.
(Thus a song by Narahari to be sung in raga Gauri :) (Refrain)
"Glories, glories to the arati of Gauranga-Kishora! Sporting upon a
simhasana, He appears to be a golden mountain. Stealing the overflowing hearts
of all the young women in the universe.”
ShriAdvaita, brimming full of ecstatic prema performs the arati overwhelmed
with delight while gazing upon his own Lord. To the right is
Nityananda-Chandra, radiant with uncommon mannerisms deeply absorbed in
transcendental mellows. To the left is Gadadhara striking elegant poses holding
up a new and brilliant umbrella. Shrivasa throws showers and showers of fIowers
while Narahari continuously waves a chamara whisk. Shuklambara daubs the Lord
with chandan while Gupta Murari shouts 'Jaya!' Madhava, Vasu Ghosha,
Purushottama. Vijaya, Mukunda and other great souls of royal caliber are
singing sweet ragas endowed with matchless embellishments like shruti,
murachana , grama, sapta-svara and so forth. They play expertly on mridangas.
tom-toms, small dampha drums, flutes, tiny high-pitched flutes and more. Bells
and cymbals resound with loud ringing , while deafening dish-shaped gongs clang
out dense reverberations. Vakreshvara dances in supreme exhilaration with
luscious movements cavorting and spinning round and round. Someone sings the
rhythms 'thai thai thai' in various ways according to strictly precise musical
rules. The rasikas Gadadhara, Shridhara, Gauridasa and Haridasa dance while
overwhelmed and saturated with rasa. Gauranga's face beams a sweet nectarean
smile as He marvels.
"How wonderfully these devotees perform in extreme madness!" The
demigods in the sky are engrossed in this vision and their king Indra is able
to leave only after great effort. The husband of Parvati and the four-faced one
experience shivers of delight as copious tears continuously cascade from their
eyes. The three worlds are excitedly jubilant as Shesha chants descriptions of
this scene narrating the names of the participating munis and devotees.
Narahari's Lord is the ornament of Vraja, saturated with rasa, the distributor
of supremely matchless bliss in Nadiya-pura"
All the Devotees Gather at Shrivasa's House
After completing the arati ceremony, Advaita Thakura shouts very loudly and
begins dancing wildly. All the other devotees that live in the area arrive one
by one and meet with those already at Shrivasa's house. Shachi Devi takes her
daughter-in-law to the front of the house along with Sita Devi and gathers with
all the devotees' wives. They stay in the house and gaze at the beauty of
Gauranga outside. As Lord Gauranga gestures, the devotees open the gate and
allow His various associates entrance into the courtyard.
(From the Chaitanya-Bhagavat :)
"The door on the gate was opened only on the order of Lord Gauranga so
that no one other than His own associates could enter " The son of Shachi
sits smiling upon a simhasana attracting the minds of all by His own divine
beauty and qualities Nityananda, Gadadhara , Advaita , Shrivasa and everyone
else continuously swims in the ocean of ecstatic love. Upon the arrival of
nightfall all become very jubilant and their moods are clearly revealed in
their behavior someone offers prayers, someone renders various services,
someone offers palmfuls of flowers at the Lord's sacred feet. Someone brings
and presents diverse offerings, Someone offers betel into His mouth while
feeling limitless bliss. Lord Gauranga sits for a while enjoying the pleasure
of Krishna-katha. This fathomless Pradosha-Lila defies description. The servant
of the servant of Shri Gauranga and Nityananda, Krishna Dasa narrates the Lord
Gauranga’s pastimes.
Thus Ends the Pradosha-Lila.
(8) Eight Period of the Day:
NISHA LILA: Night Pastimes
10:48 P.M. - 3:36 A.M.
Shrila Rupa Goswami Prabhupada:
My most worshipable golden Lord Gauranga is joyfully surrounded by His most
loving devotees in Shrivasa Pandita's courtyard at night . There He immerses
Himself in the transcendental ocean of congregationally chanting His own holy
names (internally absorbed in the divine rasa-dance of Shri Shri Radha and Krishna).
He also dances wildly in a state of tearful shivering and over-whelming
jubilation . After singing and dancing to His heart's content, He goes to a
quiet flower-garden and enjoys a feast of forest fruits, served to Him as He
reclines upon a jeweled bedstead . Thus , the Son of Shachi Devi is most
deserving of my whole-hearted selfless worship.
Shrila Visvanatha Chakravartipada:
Continuing well into the night, Lord Gauranga dances and dances with Prabhu
Nityananda in the courtyard of Shrivasa , surrounded by His most intimate
devotees . His ecstatic singing is accompanied by the devotees who are expert
in playing very loud rhytms on the mridanga drums . He wanders and dances with
Shri Gadadhara Prabhu in the most astonishing way troughout the night , until
just before dawn . Then He returns to His own home , where He retires to His
bedchamber and falls asleep . I thus meditate on the daily pastimes of Shri
Gauranga-nataraja.
Shrila Krishnadasa (Disciple of Shrila Visvanatha Chakravartipada):
At night Lord Gauranga happily performs sankirtana along with His closest
associates .Later He goes to the home of His beloved wife. Thus narrates
Krishna Dasa.
Lord Gauranga Begins the Sankirtan
Then Gauranga Mahaprabhu's divine moonlike face beams in a wide smile and He
gives the order to begin the kirtan. ( From the Chaitanya-Bhagavat :)
"Hearing this from the Lord , all the Vaishnavas were overjoyed and thus
Gauranga Mahaprabhu began the grand sport of kirtan. This kirtan was held every
night at Shrivasa's home and occasionally at Chandra-Shekhara's. Mukunda
commenced with the auspicious invocation of the kirtan and then chanted 'Rama
Krishna Narahari Gopala Govinda !' Everyone was there - Nityananda, Gadadhara,
Advaita, Shrivasa, Vidya-Nidhi, Murari, Hiranya, Haridasa, Gangadasa Vanamali,
Vijaya-Nandana, Jagadananda, Buddhimanta Khan, Narayana, Kashishvara, Vasudeva,
Rama, Garuda, Govinda, Govindananda, Gopinatha, Jagadisha, Shriman, Shridhara,
Sadashiva, Vakreshvara, Bhugarbha,Shuklambara, Brahmananda, Purushottama,
Sanjaya, and so on -uncountable servants of Shri Gauranga were there - I know
them all by name. All of them were present together during Lord Gauranga's
dancing and other than His own personal associates, no one else was there.
Hearing the loud shouting of Prabhu, mixed with the cries of 'Hari! Hari!' in
the night - it was as if the universe was being split open. All the sinful
souls were perishing in this tumult as Shachi-Nandana Gauranga ecstatically
performed His kirtan. Seeing everyone forcefully tumbling and falling 'upon the
ground, Govinda Dasa came forward and shut his eyes. Sometimes Gauranga
manifested Himself in the mood of God and sometimes He would weep and exclaim,
" I am but a lowly servant ! "Thus in the sacred courtyard of Shrivasa
the auspicious uproar of ktrtan arose with the names 'Gopala ! Govinda !''
The Ecstatic Chanting and Dancing Escalates
Shrivasa took charge of one group as Mukunda took another and ran this way and
that. Govinda Datta took charge of yet another and everyone did kirtan as
Gauranga-Chandra danced. Sometimes the greatly muscular Nityananda would grab
hold of Lord Gauranga, as Advaita secretly took the dust of His feet. Gadadhara
and his group had tearful eyes and were completely overcome with bliss by Lord
Gauranga’s kirtan. When Prabhu Vishvambhara danced and stomped vigorously on
the ground the earth trembled and everyone scattered in fear. Sometimes as Lord
Gauranga Vishvambhara danced at a moderate pace, He appeared to be Lord Krishna
Nanda-Nandana, the best of dancers. The next moment meditating inwardly, He
would hold His bands as if He were playing a flute and thus looked exactly like
Vrindavan-Chandra Himself. When He manifested this mood it was totally
astonishing as the son of Jagannatha Mishra was suspended in the bliss of His
own Holy Names.
From moment-to-moment great perspiration would flow from His pores,appearing
like the Ganga had personally come from His body. Seeing Lord Gauranga's
ecstatic bliss, the Bhagavata devotees held each others' necks and wept. The
divine limbs of everyone were smeared with divine chandan and they were
adorrned with flower garlands. Ecstatically chanting Krishna's name they forgot
all else in the world. The sounds of the mridangas, small finger-cymbals, and-
conchshells mixed with the sankirtan in a thunderous blend of excitement. This
tumult arose in the universe and filled the sky vanquishing inauspiciousness in
all directions. What a wonder that upon the dancing of Whose servants all
troubles were destroyed and the universe was made pure! Thus Lord Gauranga
Mahaprabhu personally danced to the chanting of His own holy names. What is the
result of all this? These pastimes of Shri Gauranga were foretold in the
ancient Puranas.
In four directions resounded the most auspicious Shri Harinama Sankirtan and in
the middle danced the son of Jagannatha Mishra. Absorbed in the bliss of Whose
holy name, Lord Shiva does not know that he is naked, By Whose name Lord Brahma
dances while He Himself also dances, By Whose name Valmiki became a great
ascetic, By Whose name Ajamila was liberated, Whose name is taken by Shuka and
Narada as they wander, Whose glories are sung by Shesha of a thousand mouths,
in the bliss of His own names dances Prabhu Gauranga Vishvambhara. The rhythm
of His feet striking the earth is most enchanting. Lord Gauranga looks at all
the Vaishnavas one by one. Overcome with ecstatic moods, the devotees loudly
repeat the names of the Lord's previous incarnations. Even Lord Haladhara,
Shiva, Shuka, Narada, Prahlada, Lakshmi, Aja, nd Uddhava all chanted along with
this kirtan of Lord Gauranga. As before, great care is taken that no outsiders
enter the courtyard and behold this scene. Just as so many yugas elapsed during
the performance of the maha-rasa dance - all the gopis in this present
incarnation now consider such a length of time to pass like half a
mustard-seed. In this way Krishna's inconceivable manifestation blossomed and
only the fortunate servants of Shri Gauranga could come here.”
(There is a poem in this regard : ) "Jaya re! Jaya re! Gauranga Shri
Shachi-Nandana of lovely form dances auspiciously! His qualities are sung in
ecstatic kirtan by Shrivasa, Ramananda, Mukunda and Vasu. The drums resound
'dram drimiki drimiki drimi' as the relishabIe finger-cymbals chime along
sweetly. The hearts of his associates are pierced by flower-arrows,
overwhelming them in ecstatic moods."
The Glories of Gadadhara Pandita
(A song by Lochana Dasa Thakura:)
"Glories, glories to Gadadhara and Gauranga-Sundara! They are one soul
manifest in two separate bodies! Radha and Krishna, the fresh young couple of
Vrindavan have now appeared here as Gadadhara and Gauranga-Chandra. Radha
Vrindavaneshvari is the personification of maha-bhava - She has now incarnated
as Gadadhara Pandita.
And Vrajendra-Nandana is the personification of the King of rasa - He has fully
manifested as this Gauranga-Chandra. One who endeavors to worship on the
raganuga-marga the path of spontaneous devotion follows the disciples of
Pandita Gosai (Gadadhara Pandita). Without following them, Vraja cannot be
attained. Therefore the Goswamis of Vraja are branches of this disciplic
succession. He whom LakshmiDevi meditates upon, even executing austerities for
the purpose of attaining Him, but still not attaining her desire - this
Vrajendra-Nandana is truly loved by Radha.
Indeed, She is overwhelmed with prema for Him at every moment nd now this Radha
has become Gadadhara Panitta Gosai who is madly engrossed in the nectar-mellows
of Gauranga-prema. Therefore one who is devoid of attachment to Gadadhara
cannot attain prema-bhakti, but instead becomes totally destitute. If someone
does not believe in this principle he cannot be delivered for a million births,
and is completely ruined.
My prayer at the feet of Gadadhara-Gauranga is that I have never had
association with Your true followers. I have been pleased to associate with
sinful atheists and I am pierced by the spears of Gadadhara Pandita's
blasphemers. My mind is full of attachment to drinking liquor and I have
frightfully kept the company of other drunkards. Still, perpetually hoping for
the lotus feet of Gadadhara-Gauranga Lochana Dasa begs for shelter under these
feet.”
(Another song by Lochana Dasa:)
"Dear mind, just worship, just worship the son of Madhava known as
Gadadhara! Whoever takes shelter of his lotus feet goes to Vraja-dhama.
Previously he appeared in Vrishabhanu's house at Vraja-pura bearing the name
Radhika. In the company of Her girlfriends, fond of playful pranks, She serves
Shyama Krishna and makes Him happy. That form is now this form, the same Queen
of relishable mellows. Just worship Her incessantly with single-minded
attention. Now in the company of Gauranga , Radha has incarnated and sports
playfully in the dress of a renounced male ascetic Gadadhara. Coming to
Nilachala and living in the company of many devotees Gadadhara has delivered
many countries. The entire universe is swimming in the flood of prema that he
has brought , which vanquished all the miseries of everyone. But this sinful
soul has never seen that cean of prema, says Lochana Dasa.”
(Another song by Lochana Dasa:)
"In hope for Gadadhara, Gadadhara, Gadadhara - if you attain Gadadhara you
get residence in Vraja-pura. Taking the name of Gadadhara I will become an
ascetic. I will eat from my waterpot and wear a simple loincloth. These are the
hopes of my mind for many days now. With my ears I will hear about
Gadadhara-Gauranga-prema.Dear Lords! Only those who know You can be a guru or a
disciple in Your lineage. Only persons bereft of eyes reject You and uselessly
attempt to perform devotional service. One who is devoid of attachment to
Gadadhara's lotus feet remains fallen in the ocean of birth and death.
In hope of attaining the lotus feet of Gadadhara, Lochana Dasa begs for
remembrance of those feet."
(Another poem:)
"Re! Some say that Gauranga is Janaki-vallabha (Lord Rama), the beloved of
Radha, or Pancha Vana (Cupid with 5 flower arrows). But in the mind of the poet
Nayanananda I know nothing other than this - that Gauranga is the life and soul
of my Gadadhara . Re !"The Kirtan is Concluded. Thus Gauranga-Sundara
frolics in the happiness of kirtana.
As the late night enters the second prahara. After some time Lord Gauranga
stops the chanting and sits in the courtyard with His devotees. His dear
companions wave fans to alleviate the fatigue of the kirtana. Shachi Devi takes
Lakshmi Vishnu-Priya along and quickly leaves for home. The other family
members of the bhaktas also happily leave for their own residences. Arriving at
home, Shachi Devi bids her daughter-in-law goodnight and goes inside feeling
boundless bliss. Then Shachi begins to prepare edibles - and fixes her eyes on
the path where Gauranga will appear. Gauranga bids farewell to all the devotees
and proceeds toward His own home. On some nights after kirtan during the
Summertime He bathes in the Ganga with the devotees in the moonlight. Arriving
at home, servants wipe His body with fine damp cloths to relieve His fatigue
from sporting so much chanting and dancing during the kirtan. Changing Him into
fresh clothes they wash His sacred feet and He sits upon an asana to take
prasad. Shachi Devi brings numerous offerings on golden trays and places them
within the sight of her son. She comes over and sits before Him to behold His
face and overflowing with pure loving affection, she eagerly urges Him to feast
again and again.
Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu eats while smiling gently as Lakshmi Vishnu-Priya
looks on , filling her eyes. Finishing His meal Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu washes
His mouth and sitting in a solitary place He chews betel nuts. Then He goes to
His sleeping-chamber and lies down to rest upon the opulent bed. Whatever food
remnants are leftover from Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu's plate are honored by
Lakshmi Vishnu-Priya. All the servants headed by Ishana clean the house and go
to take rest in their own quarters. Then Lakshmi Vishnu-Priya quickly goes to
the Lord Gauranga’s chamber and secretly serves his lotus feet.
(From the Chaitanya-Bhagavata : )
"After eating, Prabhu chews betel and goes to lie down, while Lakshmi
takes His lotus feet."
On some days the devotees headed by Haridasa and Gadadhara also rest in Lord
Gauranga’s house. Nityananda Prabhu comes here and takes his meal resting
afterwards in great delight. Advaita , Shri Gadadhara , Vakreshvara, Shrivasa,
Shri Narahari and all the other associates go to take rest in their own homes.
Having their meals they then go to sleep.
(From the Chaitanya-Bhagavat : )
"These pastimes we being performed by Gauranga Raya even up to the present
moment. Occasionally some fortunate souls catch a glimpse of it.” In the dead
of night all becomes still as Gauranga-Sundara happily falls sleep. The servant
of the servant of Shri Gauranga and Nityananda, Krishna Dasa narrates the
Lord's pastimes
Thus Ends the Nisha-Lila.
Seasonal
Pastimes Honored by Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu
Following the Moods of Vrindavana:
Excerpts from Raghunandana Goswami's Gauranga champu, Ch 29 ,30 ,31:
1 * Hemanta ( frost season ) * Navadvipa:
Shri Gauranga Mahaprabhu tastes from Shrivasa's lips the recitation of the
Vraja-gopis' worship of Bhadra-Kali to get Krishna as their husband .
Vraja-lila: Vastra-harana-lila or the stealing of the gopis's clothes.
2 * Shita ( cold Season ) * Navadvipa:
Lord Gauranga tastes stories of the Vraja Holika Utsava the throwing of scented
powders, singing songs ,etc. In honor of the Holi festival of Vraja, Lord
Gauranga and His associates also throw colored powders on each
other.Vraja-lila: Lord Gauranga meditates on Yajna-patni-anugraha or Krishna
showing favor to the wives of the brahmanas. Holika festival with Radha and
armies of gopis battling against Krishna and throwing colored dyes.
3 * Vasanta ( spring season ) * Navadvipa:
Lord Gauranga hears of Vasanta-rasa from Shrivasa ; Krishna plays His flute at
night in front of Govardhana Hill, and when some gopis respond by coming there
He exchanges much banter with them. Vraja-lila: Lord Gauranga meditates on
Vasantotsava or spring-festival is celebrated in Vrindavan by the flora and
fauna blooming everywhere.
4 * Grishma ( hot season ) * Navadvipa:
On plea of tasting the story of Kaliya-damana (Krishna subduing the Kaliya
serpent), Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu personally expands the rasa of dancing
wildly with His associates in celebration . Vraja-lila: Lord Gauranga meditates
on His own pastimes of Pralambasura-vadha (Balarama killing the demon
Pralambha); Munjatavi-davanala-pana ( Krishna drinking the forest fire in the
forest named Munjatavi ); Krishna returning from the pasture and meeting the
gopis'eyes as they watch His cow milking lila from the nearby rooftops.
5 * Varsha ( rainy season ) * Navadvipa:
Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu meditates and relishes with sankirtana the pastimes of
tasting of Krishna's Nauka-vilasa (boating pastimes with Radhika ), Dana-lila (
begging charity ), etc . Vraja-lila :Radha's purva-raga (pre-love) ;
Establishment of lilas by Yogamaya ; Radhar-nava-sangama ( Her first meeting );
At Yavat, She has Rasodgara (discussing and relishing pastimes of the night
before ) with Her Girlfriend Syama Sakhi.
6 * Sharat (autumn season) * Navadvipa:
Lord Gauranga and His associates stage play about the Rasa-lila , sing the
gopis'songs of separation after Krishna left them, and play music ,etc .
Vraja-lila : Lord Gauranga relishes Sharat-bihare Venu-gita (the song of the
flute during the sports of Autumn) ; the gopis worship goddess Katyayani;
decription of the beginning of their vrata).
Svapana Vilasamrita: Meditation on the Divine Dream of
Shri Radha about Shri Gauranga Mahaprabhu:
Eight Prayers Describing Nectar Pastimes in a Dream
by Shrila Vishvanatha Chakravarti Thakura
(1) Shrimati Radharani said: Beloved, in a dream I saw a river shore like the
Yamuna here. There were many expert dancers as in Vrndavana. There were
mrdangas and other instruments. There was a brahmana jewel personality
(Gauranga) as splendid as lightning who was tossing the universe into an ocean
of pure love.
(2) Sometimes He calls out: "O Krishna!" and sometimes He sighs:
"O Radha, where are You?" Sometimes He falls to the ground, sometimes
He acts wildly, losing all composure, and sometimes He dances ecstatically with
His loving associates. He has made all the residents of this world, from the
blades of grass up to Lord Brahma, loudly call out the name of Krishna.
(3) As I gazed at Him, My intelligence became bewildered. If He is my lover,
where am I? If He is I, where is My lover? If He is My lover, where am I? As I
slept, I became more and more bewildered.
(4) Shri Krishna said: O inquisitive girl, when I showed You Narayana and My
other forms You were not surprised. Why does this golden brahmana form Gauranga
surprise You? Why does He bewilder You so You say "Who is He?"
(5) After speaking these words to His beloved, the smiling lover, Krishna,
touched His Kaustubha jewel. The jewel, understanding the Lord's intent, glowed
and then showed all the same pastimes and all the moving and non moving
entities She saw in her dream.
(6) Shrimati Radharani reflected for a moment and said: Beloved, I know what is
in Your heart now that makes You smile. You are He Gauranga. What You have said
and thought is now clear to Me, and therefore I think I am also He.
(7) Making this Kaustubha jewel, which is so delightful to Us, shine in this
way, You have revealed Yourself as Gauranga to all living entities. By Your own
transcendental potency You will appear, display Your pastimes, teach everyone,
and again plunge the world into the ocean of pure love.
(8) In the king of Vraja's presence, the learned Vedic scholar Gargacarya said
that You will appear with a yellow complexion as Gauranga. He did not lie. This
dream of Mine is true. It is not an illusion. In this dream I have directly
seen You.
(9) If the bumble-bee of the reader's mind drinks the nectar of this
Svapna-vilasamrta, then that intelligent reader will quickly awaken from the
dream of materialistic doubt. Such a reader will attain Lord Gauranga
Mahaprabhu. He will sport in the ocean of pure love. He will attain the
peerless mercy of the king of Vrndavana.
Those Two Divine Persons Shri Shri Radha Krishna in Nidhuvana surrounded by
girlfriends in all directions sleeping in the lazy lounging of mellows at the
end of night, the Moon-faced One gets Shri Radha up crying and crying. She saw
a dream and speaks to Her dearest Friend Lord Krishna. "get up! get up! Oh
Lord of My life! what have I seen Just now? He was a youth with a fair golden
complexion and such a beautiful body conquering millions of Cupids. He looked like
the King of Mellows and the veritable reservoir of relishable tastes. He was
continuously decorated with ecstatic moods like tears, trembling, goose-bumps
and dancing and singing in the greatest divine madness. Beholding that
matchless beauty, My eyes are inundated with tears and My mind runs to catch
another glimpse of Him. That golden form like a fresh new raincloud the
storehouse of most delicious divine mellows: I can't see Him here with My eyes!
Why has this fate befallen Me? Please tell Me the reason, dear Lord! here in
Vrindavan I have seen many demigods of the forest with four arms or more: they
never disturbed My mind but this Gauranga Form has completely stolen My
mind!"
Saying this much, the most fortunate Radhika falls into a deep swoon and the
most clever of Relishers Lord Krishna takes Her into His lap and seeing this
the poet Jagadananda is captivated.
Hearing these nectarean words from Radha's lips the clever Krishna contemplates
His response blossoming from His own ecstatic moods. He says, "Dear
Sundari Radha? oh Beautiful Maiden! No one knows the golden-complexioned form
of Gauranga which You speak about but I have taken such a golden form being
enchanted only with Your love.
What is the quality of Your love? What is the degree of Your sweetness? What is
the source of Your happiness? - these three most valuable desires of Mine are
not fulfilled in Vrindavana what more can I say? This limitation is
incomprehensible!
After due consideration I have decided that other than by assuming Your form I
cannot taste such happiness at all. Accepting the luster of Your ecstatic moods
and making Your love My Guru I will manifest Myself in Navadvipa as Lord
Gauranga serving My heart's intention I will be freed from all inner obstacles
and I will distribute the wealth of ecstatic love to every corner of the
universe." The poet Balarama dasa says my Lord Gauranga-Krishna is full of
mercy but I am the most fallen among men and I have failed to worship Him.
Listen to My desires, oh Beautiful Maiden Radha! I will manifest the ecstatic
love of Vrindavana and together with all My cowherd friends I will sport in the
towns of Navadvipa. Unifying Our two bodies into one form I will incessantly
chant My and Your holy name. I can never leave Vraja for pure love is not
attainable anywhere else so in the mood Vraja I will fulfill My desires and
manifest Navadvipa which is completely non-different from Vraja." The poet
Balarama dasa has a realization of this conversation.
Hearing these words of Her Beloved Shri Krishna, the Moon-faced One Shri Radha
was very happy in Her heart and She said, "Listen, oh Lord of My life! You
have certainly told the truth I know now that My dream was factual, oh what a
beautiful form I had seen! Continuing Our companionship, Our two bodies will
become one. It will be impossible to understand how it happens for how will You
remove Your crown? And how will You hide Your flute? And how will Your dark
form become golden?"
Hearing this, the moon-like Lord Krishnachandra displayed the reflection of
Shri Radha's body in His brilliant Kaustubha gem and entering into it Himself,
two bodies became one and its every limb was pervaded with ecstatic love.
This was Their conversation at Nidhuvana and Their two bodies became one and
thus took birth in Navadvipa - meeting with all Their dearest devotees and
chanting the gaurahari-nama-sankirtana They inundated the entire universe in
the gushing flood of purely ecstatic love by their sankirtana.
Externally They delivered the fallen souls and internally They tasted divine
mellows of sporting in the company of the cowherd boys and the cowherd girls of
Vrindavana. The mind of the poet Vaishnava dasa sees Their reddish lotus feet
but is unable to see the waves of such happiness. Shri Radhika tells Her girlfriend:
"My eyes flow with ever-ebbing tides of tears and tears of bliss. In a
dream I have seen Gauranga-Kishora. Each and every day He happily sports in.
Navadvipa along with His devotees.
Oh My dear girlfriend! What more can I say about the ecstasy of My night? Every
night I dream of the moon-like face of Shri Gaurangachandra. All the
townspeople of Navadvipa are so disturbed when they don't see Lord Gauranga but
when they catch a glimpse of His face all their sorrows are cast afar."
Not seeing these visions my heart splits and Narahari dasa rolls in the dust
weeping. (end)