Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu Tastes Nectar from the Lips of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa

Translation

Let me offer my respectful obeisances unto Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who personally tasted the nectar of ecstatic love for Kṛṣṇa and then instructed His devotees how to taste it. Thus He enlightened them about ecstatic love of Kṛṣṇa to initiate them into transcendental knowledge.

Word meanings

vande — I offer my respectful obeisances ; śrī - kṛṣṇa - caitanyam — unto Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; kṛṣṇa - bhāva - amṛtam — the nectar of ecstatic love of Kṛṣṇa ; hi — certainly ; yaḥ — He who ; āsvādya — tasting ; āsvādayan — causing to taste ; bhaktān — the devotees ; prema — in love of Kṛṣṇa ; dīkṣām — initiation ; aśikṣayat — instructed .

Translation

All glories to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu! All glories to Lord Nityānanda! All glories to Advaita Ācārya! And all glories to all the devotees of the Lord!

Word meanings

jaya jaya — all glories ; śrī - caitanya — to Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; jaya — all glories ; nityānanda — to Nityānanda Prabhu ; jaya — all glories ; advaita - candra — to Advaita Ācārya ; jaya — all glories ; gaura - bhakta - vṛnda — to all the devotees of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu thus stayed at Jagannātha Purī in the association of His devotees, always merged in ecstatic devotional love.

Word meanings

ei - mata — in this way ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; rahena — stays ; nīlācale — in Jagannātha Purī ; bhakta - gaṇa - saṅge — in the association of devotees ; sadā — always ; prema - vihvale — merged in ecstatic love .

Translation

The next year, as usual, all the devotees from Bengal went to Jagannātha Purī, and, as in previous years, there was a meeting between Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and the devotees.

Word meanings

varṣa - antare — the next year ; āilā — came ; saba — all ; gauḍera — of Bengal ; bhakta - gaṇa — the devotees ; pūrva - vat — as previously ; āsi’ — coming ; kaila — did ; prabhura milana — meeting with Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu .

Translation

Along with the devotees from Bengal came a gentleman named Kālidāsa. He never uttered anything but the holy name of Kṛṣṇa.

Word meanings

tāṅ - sabāra saṅge — with all of them ; āila — came ; kāli - dāsa nāma — a man named Kālidāsa ; kṛṣṇa - nāma — the holy name of Kṛṣṇa ; vinā — besides ; teṅho — he ; nāhi — does not ; kahe — say ; āna — anything else .

Translation

Kālidāsa was a very advanced devotee, yet he was simple and liberal. He would chant the holy name of Kṛṣṇa while performing all his ordinary dealings.

Word meanings

mahā - bhāgavata — a highly advanced devotee ; teṅho — he ; sarala udāra — very simple and liberal ; kṛṣṇa - nāma - saṅkete — with chanting of the holy name of Kṛṣṇa ; cālāya — performs ; vyavahāra — ordinary dealings .

Translation

When he used to throw dice in jest, he would chant Hare Kṛṣṇa while throwing the dice.

Word meanings

kautukete — in jest ; teṅho — he ; yadi — when ; pāśaka khelāya — plays with dice ; hare kṛṣṇa — the holy name of the Lord ; kṛṣṇa — Kṛṣṇa ; kari’ — chanting ; pāśaka cālāya — throws the dice .

Purport

In this connection Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura warns the men of this age not to imitate the jesting of a mahā-bhāgavata like Kālidāsa. If someone imitates him by playing with dice or gambling while chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, he will certainly become a victim of offenses unto the holy name. As it is said, hari-nāma-bale pāpe pravṛtti: one must not commit sinful activities on the strength of chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra. Playing with dice is certainly gambling, but it is clearly said here that Kālidāsa did this only in jest. A mahā-bhāgavata can do anything, but he never forgets the basic principles. Therefore it is said, tāṅra vākya, kriyā-mudrā vijñeha nā bujhaya: “No one can understand the activities of a pure devotee.” We should not imitate Kālidāsa.

Translation

Kālidāsa was an uncle of Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmī. Throughout his entire life, even in his old age, he tried to eat the remnants of food left by Vaiṣṇavas.

Word meanings

raghunātha - dāsera — of Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmī ; teṅho — he (Kālidāsa) ; haya — is ; jñāti — relative ; khuḍā — uncle ; vaiṣṇavera — of the Vaiṣṇavas ; ucchiṣṭa — remnants of food ; khāite — eating ; teṅho — he ; haila — became ; buḍā — aged .

Translation

Kālidāsa ate the remnants of food of as many Vaiṣṇavas as there were in Bengal.

Word meanings

gauḍa - deśe — in Bengal ; haya — are ; yata — as many ; vaiṣṇavera gaṇa — Vaiṣṇavas ; sabāra — of all ; ucchiṣṭa — remnants of food ; teṅho — he ; karila bhojana — ate .

Translation

He would go to all the Vaiṣṇavas born in brāhmaṇa families, be they neophyte or advanced devotees, and present them with gifts of first-class eatables.

Word meanings

brāhmaṇa - vaiṣṇava — Vaiṣṇavas coming from brāhmaṇa families ; yata — all ; choṭa — neophyte ; baḍa — highly advanced ; haya — are ; uttama - vastu — first-class eatables ; bheṭa lañā — taking as gifts ; tāṅra ṭhāñi — to them ; yāya — goes .

Translation

He would beg remnants of food from such Vaiṣṇavas, and if he did not receive any, he would hide.

Word meanings

tāṅra ṭhāñi — from them ; śeṣa - pātra — plates of remnants ; layena — takes ; māgiyā — begging ; kāhāṅ — where ; nā pāya — does not get ; tabe — then ; rahe — remains ; lukāñā — hiding .

Translation

After the Vaiṣṇavas finished eating, they would throw away their leaf dishes, and Kālidāsa would come out of hiding, take the leaves and lick up the remnants.

Word meanings

bhojana karile — after eating ; pātra — the leaf plate ; phelāñā yāya — is thrown away ; lukāñā — hiding ; sei pātra — that leaf plate ; āni’ — bringing ; cāṭi’ khāya — he licks up .

Translation

He would also take gifts to the homes of Vaiṣṇavas born in śūdra families. Then he would hide and in this manner eat the remnants of food they threw away.

Word meanings

śūdra - vaiṣṇavera — of Vaiṣṇavas born in śūdra families ; ghare — at the homes ; yāya — goes ; bheṭa lañā — taking gifts ; ei - mata — in this way ; tāṅra — their ; ucchiṣṭa — remnants of food ; khāya — eats ; lukāñā — hiding .

Translation

There was a great Vaiṣṇava named Jhaḍu Ṭhākura, who belonged to the bhūṅimāli caste. Kālidāsa went to his home, taking mangoes with him.

Word meanings

bhūṅimāli - jāti — belonging to the bhūṅimāli caste ; vaiṣṇava — a great devotee ; jhaḍu — Jhaḍu ; tāṅra — his ; nāma — name ; āmra - phala — mango fruits ; lañā — taking ; teṅho — he ; gelā — went ; tāṅra sthāna — to his place .

Purport

Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura remarks, “Both Kālidāsa and Jhaḍu Ṭhākura are worshiped at a place called Śrīpāṭabāṭī, in the village known as Bhedo or Bhaduyā. This village is situated about three miles south of the village of Kṛṣṇapura, the birthplace of Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmī, which is about one mile west of the Bandel junction of the Burdwan line. A post office there is named Devānanda-pura. Jhaḍu Ṭhākura used to worship the Deity of Śrī Madana-gopāla. The Deity is still worshiped by one Rāmaprasāda dāsa, who belongs to the Rāmāyet community. It is said that the Deity worshiped by Kālidāsa had been worshiped until recently in the village of Śaṅkha on the bank of the Sarasvatī River, but the Deity was taken away by a gentleman named Matilāla Caṭṭopādhyāya from the village of Triveṇī. The Deity is now being worshiped at his place.”

Translation

Kālidāsa presented the mangoes to Jhaḍu Ṭhākura and offered him respectful obeisances. Then he also offered respectful obeisances to the Ṭhākura’s wife.

Word meanings

āmra — mangoes ; bheṭa — gift ; diyā — presenting ; tāṅra — his ; caraṇa — feet ; vandilā — offered respects to ; tāṅra patnīre — to his wife ; tabe — thereafter ; namaskāra kailā — offered respectful obeisances .

Translation

When Kālidāsa went to Jhaḍu Ṭhākura, he saw that saintly person sitting with his wife. As soon as Jhaḍu Ṭhākura saw Kālidāsa, he likewise offered his respectful obeisances unto him.

Word meanings

patnī - sahita — with his wife ; teṅho — he (Jhaḍu Ṭhākura) ; āchena vasiyā — was sitting ; bahu — much ; sammāna — respect ; kailā — offered ; kālidāsere dekhiyā — seeing Kālidāsa .

Translation

After a discussion with Kālidāsa that lasted for some time, Jhaḍu Ṭhākura spoke the following sweet words.

Word meanings

iṣṭa - goṣṭhī — discussion ; kata - kṣaṇa — for some time ; kari’ — performing ; tāṅra sane — with him ; jhaḍu - ṭhākura — Jhaḍu Ṭhākura ; kahe — says ; tāṅre — unto him (Kālidāsa) ; madhura vacane — in sweet words .

Translation

“I belong to a low caste, and you are a very respectable guest. How shall I serve you?

Word meanings

āmi — I ; nīca - jāti — belong to a low caste ; tumi — you ; atithi — guest ; sarva - uttama — very respectable ; kon prakāre — how ; karimu — shall perform ; āmi — I ; tomāra sevana — your service .

Translation

“If you will permit me, I shall send some food to a brāhmaṇa’s house, and there you may take prasādam. If you do so, I shall then live very comfortably.”

Word meanings

ājñā deha’ — permit me ; brāhmaṇa - ghare — to the house of a brāhmaṇa ; anna — food ; lañā diye — I shall offer ; tāhāṅ — there ; tumi — you ; prasāda pāo — take prasādam ; tabe — then ; āmi — I ; jīye — shall live .

Translation

Kālidāsa replied, “My dear sir, please bestow your mercy upon me. I have come to see you, although I am very fallen and sinful.

Word meanings

kālidāsa kahe — Kālidāsa replied ; ṭhākura — my dear saintly person ; kṛpā kara — bestow your mercy ; more — upon me ; tomāra darśane — to see you ; āinu — have come ; mui — I ; patita pāmare — very fallen and sinful .

Translation

“Simply by seeing you, I have become purified. I am very much obligated to you, for my life is now successful.

Word meanings

pavitra ha - inu — have become purified ; mui — I ; pāinu daraśana — have gotten your interview ; kṛta - artha — obliged ; ha - inu — I have become ; mora — my ; saphala — successful ; jīvana — life .

Translation

“My dear sir, I have one desire. Please be merciful to me by kindly placing your feet upon my head so that the dust on your feet may touch it.”

Word meanings

eka vāñchā — one desire ; haya — there is ; yadi — if ; kṛpā kari’ — being merciful ; kara — you do ; pāda - raja — the dust of your feet ; deha’ — give ; pāda — feet ; mora — my ; māthe — on the head ; dhara — please place .

Translation

Jhaḍu Ṭhākura replied, “It does not befit you to ask this of me. I belong to a very low-caste family, whereas you are a respectable rich gentleman.”

Word meanings

ṭhākura kahe — Jhaḍu Ṭhākura said ; aiche bāt — such a request ; kahite nā yuyāya — should not be spoken ; āmi — I ; nīca - jāti — coming from a family of a very low caste ; tumi — you ; su - sat - jana rāya — very respectable and rich gentleman .

Translation

Kālidāsa then recited some verses, which Jhaḍu Ṭhākura was very happy to hear.

Word meanings

tabe — thereafter ; kālidāsa — Kālidāsa ; śloka — verses ; paḍi’ — reciting ; śunāila — caused to hear ; śuni’ — hearing ; jhaḍu - ṭhākurera — of Jhaḍu Ṭhākura ; baḍa — very great ; sukha — happiness ; ha - ila — there was .

Translation

“ ‘Even though one is a very learned scholar in Sanskrit literature, if he is not engaged in pure devotional service, he is not accepted as My devotee. But if someone born in a family of dog-eaters is a pure devotee with no motives for enjoyment through fruitive activity or mental speculation, he is very dear to Me. All respect should be given to him, and whatever he offers should be accepted, for such devotees are indeed as worshipable as I am.’

Word meanings

na — not ; me — My ; abhaktaḥ — devoid of pure devotional service ; catuḥ - vedī — a scholar of the four Vedas ; mat - bhaktaḥ — My devotee ; śva - pacaḥ — even from a family of dog-eaters ; priyaḥ — very dear ; tasmai — to him (the pure devotee) ; deyam — should be given ; tataḥ — from him ; grāhyam — should be accepted (remnants of food) ; saḥ — that person ; ca — also ; pūjyaḥ — is worshipable ; yathā — as much as ; hi — certainly ; aham — I .

Purport

This verse, spoken by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is found in the Hari-bhakti-vilāsa.

Translation

“ ‘A person may be born in a brāhmaṇa family and have all twelve brahminical qualities, but if in spite of being qualified he is not devoted to the lotus feet of Lord Kṛṣṇa, who has a navel shaped like a lotus, he is not as good as a caṇḍāla who has dedicated his mind, words, activities, wealth and life to the service of the Lord. Simply to take birth in a brāhmaṇa family or to have brahminical qualities is not sufficient. One must become a pure devotee of the Lord. If a śva-paca or caṇḍāla is a devotee, he delivers not only himself but his whole family, whereas a brāhmaṇa who is not a devotee but simply has brahminical qualifications cannot even purify himself, what to speak of his family.’

Word meanings

viprāt — than a brāhmaṇa ; dvi - ṣaṭ - guṇa - yutāt — who is qualified with twelve brahminical qualifications ; aravinda - nābha — of Lord Viṣṇu, who has a lotuslike navel ; pāda - aravinda — unto the lotus feet ; vimukhāt — than a person bereft of devotion ; śva - pacam — a caṇḍāla, or person accustomed to eating dogs ; variṣṭham — more glorified ; manye — I think ; tat - arpita — dedicated unto Him ; manaḥ — mind ; vacana — words ; īhita — activities ; artha — wealth ; prāṇam — life ; punāti — purifies ; saḥ — he ; kulam — his family ; na tu — but not ; bhūri - mānaḥ — a brāhmaṇa proud of possessing such qualities .

Purport

This and the following verse are quoted from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (7.9.10 and 3.33.7).

Translation

“ ‘My dear Lord, anyone who always keeps Your holy name on his tongue is greater than an initiated brāhmaṇa. Although he may be born in a family of dog-eaters and therefore, by material calculations, be the lowest of men, he is glorious nevertheless. That is the wonderful power of chanting the holy name of the Lord. One who chants the holy name is understood to have performed all kinds of austerities. He has studied all the Vedas, he has performed all the great sacrifices mentioned in the Vedas, and he has already taken his bath in all the holy places of pilgrimage. It is he who is factually the Āryan.’ ”

Word meanings

aho bata — how wonderful it is ; śva - pacaḥ — a dog-eater ; ataḥ — than the initiated brāhmaṇa ; garīyān — more glorious ; yat — of whom ; jihvā - agre — on the tip of the tongue ; vartate — remains ; nāma — the holy name ; tubhyam — of You, my Lord ; tepuḥ — have performed ; tapaḥ — austerity ; te — they ; juhuvuḥ — have performed sacrifices ; sasnuḥ — have bathed in all holy places ; āryāḥ — actually belonging to the Āryan race ; brahma — all the Vedas ; anūcuḥ — have studied ; nāma — the holy name ; gṛṇanti — chant ; ye — who ; te — they .

Translation

Hearing these quotations from the revealed scripture Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Jhaḍu Ṭhākura replied, “Yes, this is true, for it is the version of śāstra. It is true, however, for one who is genuinely advanced in devotion to Kṛṣṇa.

Word meanings

śuni’ — hearing ; ṭhākura kahe — Jhaḍu Ṭhākura said ; śāstra — revealed scripture ; ei — this ; satya — truth ; kaya — says ; sei — he ; śreṣṭha — best ; aiche — in such a way ; yāṅte — in whom ; kṛṣṇa - bhakti — devotion to Kṛṣṇa ; haya — there is .

Translation

“Such a position may befit others, but I do not possess such spiritual power. I belong to a lower class and have not even a pinch of devotion to Kṛṣṇa.”

Word meanings

āmi — I ; nīca - jāti — belonging to a lower caste ; āmāra — my ; nāhi — there is not ; kṛṣṇa - bhakti — devotion to Kṛṣṇa ; anya — others ; aiche haya — may be such ; āmāya — unto me ; nāhi — there is not ; aiche śakti — such power .

Purport

In his statement, Jhaḍu Ṭhākura presents himself as being born in a low-caste family and not having the qualifications of a bona fide devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa. He accepts the statements declaring a lowborn person highly exalted if he is a Vaiṣṇava. However, he feels that these descriptions from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam appropriately describe others, but not himself. Jhaḍu Ṭhākura’s attitude is quite befitting a real Vaiṣṇava, for a Vaiṣṇava never considers himself exalted, even if he factually is. He is always meek and humble and never thinks that he is an advanced devotee. He assigns himself to a lower position, but that does not mean he is indeed low. Sanātana Gosvāmī once said that he belonged to a low-caste family, for although he was born in a brāhmaṇa family, he had associated with mlecchas and yavanas in his service as a government minister. Similarly, Jhaḍu Ṭhākura presented himself as someone who belonged to a low caste, but he was actually elevated above many persons born in brāhmaṇa families. Not only is there evidence for this in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, as quoted by Kālidāsa in verses 26 and 27, but there is also considerable evidence for this conclusion in other śāstras. For example, in the Mahābhārata ( Vana-parva, chapter 177, verse 20), it is stated:

śūdre tu yad bhavel lakṣma dvije tac ca na vidyate na vai śūdro bhavec chūdro brāhmaṇo na ca brāhmaṇaḥ

“If someone born a śūdra possesses the characteristics of a brāhmaṇa and someone born a brāhmaṇa does not, that śūdra should not be known as a śūdra, and that brāhmaṇa should not be known as a brāhmaṇa. ”

Similarly, in the Vana-parva, chapter 203, verses 11-12, it is said:

śūdra-yonau hi jātasya sad-guṇānupatiṣṭhataḥ ārjave vartamānasya brāhmaṇyam abhijāyate

“If a person born in a śūdra family has developed the qualities of a brāhmaṇa, such as satya [truthfulness], śama [peacefulness], dama [self-control] and ārjava [simplicity], he attains the exalted position of a brāhmaṇa. ”

And in the Anuśāsana-parva, chapter 163, it is said:

sthito brāhmaṇa-dharmeṇa brāhmaṇyam upajīvati kṣatriyo vātha vaiśyo vā brahma-bhūyaḥ sa gacchati

ebhis tu karmabhir devi śubhair ācaritais tathā śūdro brāhmaṇatāṁ yāti vaiśyaḥ kṣatriyatāṁ vrajet

na yonir nāpi saṁskāro na śrutaṁ na ca santatiḥ kāraṇāni dvijatvasya vṛttam eva tu kāraṇam

“If one is factually situated in the occupation of a brāhmaṇa, he must be considered a brāhmaṇa, even if born in a kṣatriya or vaiśya family. O Devī, even if one is born a śūdra, if he is actually engaged in the occupation and pure behavior of a brāhmaṇa, he becomes a brāhmaṇa. Moreover, a vaiśya can become a kṣatriya. Therefore, neither the source of one’s birth nor his reformation nor his education is the criterion of a brāhmaṇa. The vṛtta, or occupation, is the real standard by which one is known as a brāhmaṇa. ”

We have seen that a person who is not the son of a doctor and has not attended a medical college is sometimes able to practice medicine. By practical knowledge of how to perform a surgical operation, how to mix medicine and how to give certain medicines for certain diseases, a person can receive a certificate and be registered as a medical practitioner in the practical field. He can do a medical man’s work and be known as a doctor. Although qualified medical men may consider him a quack, the government will recognize his work. Especially in India, there are many such doctors who perform their medical services perfectly. They are accepted even by the government. Similarly, if one is engaged in brahminical service or occupational duties, he must be considered a brāhmaṇa despite the family in which he is born. That is the verdict of all the śāstras.

In Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (7.11.35) , it is said:

yasya yal lakṣaṇaṁ proktaṁ puṁso varṇābhivyañjakam yad anyatrāpi dṛśyeta tat tenaiva vinirdiśet

This is a statement by Nārada Muni to Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira, wherein Nārada says that the symptoms of a brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya and vaiśya are all described in the śāstra. Therefore, if one is found exhibiting the symptoms and qualities of a brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya or vaiśya and serving in a brahminical, kṣatriya or vaiśya occupation, even if he is not born a brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya or vaiśya he should be considered such according to his qualifications and occupation.

Similarly, in the Padma purāṇa it is said:

na śūdrā bhagavad-bhaktās te tu bhāgavatā matāḥ sarva-varṇeṣu te śūdrā ye na bhaktā janārdane

“A devotee should never be considered a śūdra. All the devotees of the Supreme Personality of Godhead should be recognized as bhāgavatas. If one is not a devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa, however, even if born in a brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya or vaiśya family, he should be considered a śūdra. ”

In the Padma Purāṇa it is also said:

śva-pākam iva nekṣeta loke vipram avaiṣṇavam vaiṣṇavo varṇo-bāhyo ’pi punāti bhuvana-trayam

“If a person born in a brāhmaṇa family is an avaiṣṇava, a nondevotee, one should not see his face, exactly as one should not look upon the face of a caṇḍāla, or dog-eater. However, a Vaiṣṇava found in varṇas other than brāhmaṇa can purify all the three worlds.”

The Padma Purāṇa further says:

śūdraṁ vā bhagavad-bhaktaṁ niṣādaṁ śva-pacaṁ tathā vīkṣate jāti-sāmānyāt sa yāti narakaṁ dhruvam

“One who considers a devotee of the Supreme Personality of Godhead who was born in a family of śūdras, niṣādas or caṇḍālas to belong to that particular caste certainly goes to hell.”

A brāhmaṇa must be a Vaiṣṇava and a learned scholar. Therefore in India it is customary to address a brāhmaṇa as paṇḍita. Without knowledge of Brahman, one cannot understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Therefore a Vaiṣṇava is already a brāhmaṇa, whereas a brāhmaṇa may become a Vaiṣṇava. In the Garuḍa Purāṇa it is said:

bhaktir aṣṭa-vidhā hy eṣā yasmin mlecche ’pi vartate sa viprendro muni-śreṣṭhaḥ sa jñānī sa ca paṇḍitaḥ

“Even if one is born a mleccha, if he becomes a devotee he is to be considered the best of the brāhmaṇas and a learned paṇḍita. ”

Similarly, the Tattva-sāgara says:

yathā kāñcanatāṁ yāti kāṁsyaṁ rasa-vidhānataḥ tathā dīkṣā-vidhānena dvijatvaṁ jāyate nṛṇām

“As bell metal is turned to gold when mixed with mercury in an alchemical process, so one who is properly trained and initiated by a bona fide spiritual master becomes a brāhmaṇa immediately.” All this evidence found in the revealed scriptures proves that according to the Vedic version, a Vaiṣṇava is never to be considered an abrāhmaṇa, or non- brāhmaṇa. A Vaiṣṇava should not be thought to belong to a lower caste even if born in a mleccha or yavana family. Because he has become a devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa, he has become purified and has attained the stage of brāhmaṇa ( dvijatvaṁ jāyate nṛṇām ) .

Translation

Kālidāsa again offered his obeisances to Jhaḍu Ṭhākura and asked his permission to go. The saint Jhaḍu Ṭhākura followed him as he left.

Word meanings

tāre — unto him (Jhaḍu Ṭhākura) ; namaskari’ — offering obeisances ; kālidāsa — Kālidāsa ; vidāya māgilā — asked permission to go ; jhaḍu - ṭhākura — Jhaḍu Ṭhākura ; tabe — at that time ; tāṅra — him ; anuvraji’ — following ; āilā — went .

Translation

After bidding farewell to Kālidāsa, Jhaḍu Ṭhākura returned to his home, leaving the marks of his feet plainly visible in many places.

Word meanings

tāṅre — unto him (Kālidāsa) ; vidāya diyā — bidding farewell ; ṭhākura — Jhaḍu Ṭhākura ; yadi — when ; ghare āila — returned to his home ; tāṅra caraṇa - cihna — the mark of his feet ; yei ṭhāñi — wherever ; paḍila — fell .

Translation

Kālidāsa smeared the dust from those footprints all over his body. Then he hid in a place near Jhaḍu Ṭhākura’s home.

Word meanings

sei dhūli — that dust ; lañā — taking ; kālidāsa — Kālidāsa ; sarva - aṅge — all over his body ; lepilā — smeared ; tāṅra nikaṭa — near his place ; eka - sthāne — in one place ; lukāñā rahilā — remained hidden .

Translation

Upon returning home, Jhaḍu Ṭhākura saw the mangoes Kālidāsa had presented. Within his mind he offered them to Kṛṣṇacandra.

Word meanings

jhaḍu - ṭhākura — Jhaḍu Ṭhākura ; ghara yāi’ — returning home ; dekhi’ āmra - phala — seeing the mangoes ; mānasei — within his mind ; kṛṣṇa - candre — unto Kṛṣṇa ; arpilā — offered ; sakala — all .

Translation

Jhaḍu Ṭhākura’s wife then took the mangoes from their covering of banana tree leaves and bark and offered them to Jhaḍu Ṭhākura, who began to suck and eat them.

Word meanings

kalāra — of the banana tree ; pāṭuyā - kholā — leaves and bark ; haite — from within ; āmra — mangoes ; nikāśiyā — taking out ; tāṅra patnī — his wife ; tāṅre — to him ; dena — gives ; khāyena — eats ; cūṣiyā — sucking .

Translation

When he finished eating, he left the seeds on the banana leaf, and his wife, after feeding her husband, later began to eat.

Word meanings

cūṣi’ cūṣi’ — sucking and sucking ; coṣā — sucked ; āṅṭhi — the seeds ; phelilā — left ; pāṭuyāte — on the plantain leaf ; tāre — him ; khāoyāñā — after feeding ; tāṅra patnī — his wife ; khāya — eats ; paścāte — afterwards .

Translation

After she finished eating, she filled the banana leaves and bark with the seeds, picked up the refuse and then threw it into the ditch where all the refuse was thrown.

Word meanings

āṅṭhi — the seeds ; coṣā — that had been sucked ; sei — that ; pāṭuyā - kholāte — banana leaf and bark ; bhariyā — filling ; bāhire — outside ; ucchiṣṭa - garte — in the ditch where refuse was thrown ; phelāilā lañā — picked up and threw .

Translation

Kālidāsa licked the banana bark and the mango seeds and skins, and while licking them he was overwhelmed with jubilation in ecstatic love.

Word meanings

sei — that ; kholā — bark of the banana tree ; āṅṭhi — seeds of the mango ; cokalā — skin of the mango ; cūṣe — licks up ; kālidāsa — Kālidāsa ; cūṣite cūṣite — while licking up ; haya — there was ; premete ullāsa — great jubilation in ecstatic love .

Translation

In this way Kālidāsa ate the remnants of food left by all the Vaiṣṇavas residing in Bengal.

Word meanings

ei - mata — in this way ; yata — as many as ; vaiṣṇava — Vaiṣṇavas ; vaise — reside ; gauḍa - deśe — in Bengal ; kālidāsa — Kālidāsa ; aiche — in that way ; sabāra — of all of them ; nilā — took ; avaśeṣe — the remnants .

Translation

When Kālidāsa visited Jagannātha Purī, Nīlācala, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu bestowed great mercy upon him.

Word meanings

sei kālidāsa — that Kālidāsa ; yabe — when ; nīlācale āilā — came to Jagannātha Purī ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; tāṅra upara — upon him ; mahā - kṛpā — great mercy ; kailā — bestowed .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu would regularly visit the temple of Jagannātha every day, and at that time Govinda, His personal servant, used to carry His waterpot and go with Him.

Word meanings

prati - dina — every day ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; yadi — when ; yā’na — goes ; daraśane — to see Lord Jagannātha ; jala - karaṅga — a waterpot ; lañā — taking ; govinda — the personal servant of the Lord (Govinda) ; yāya — goes ; prabhu - sane — with Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu .

Translation

On the northern side of the Siṁha-dvāra, behind the door, there are twenty-two steps leading to the temple, and at the bottom of those steps is a ditch.

Word meanings

siṁha - dvārera — of the Siṁha-dvāra ; uttara - dike — on the northern side ; kapāṭera āḍe — behind the door ; bāiśa pāhāca — of the twenty-two steps ; tale — at the bottom ; āche — there is ; eka — one ; nimna — low ; gāḍe — ditch .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu would wash His feet in this ditch, and then He would enter the temple to see Lord Jagannātha.

Word meanings

sei gāḍe — in that ditch ; karena — does ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; pāda - prakṣālane — washing the feet ; tabe — thereafter ; karibāre — to do ; yāya — He goes ; īśvara - daraśane — to visit Lord Jagannātha .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ordered His personal servant Govinda that no one should take the water that had washed His feet.

Word meanings

govindere — unto Govinda ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; kairāche — has given ; niyama — a regulative principle ; mora — My ; pāda - jala — water from washing the feet ; yena — that ; nā laya — does not take ; kona jana — anyone .

Translation

Because of the Lord’s strict order, no living being could take the water. Some of His intimate devotees, however, would take it by some trick.

Word meanings

prāṇi - mātra — all living beings ; la - ite — to take ; nā pāya — do not get ; sei jala — that water ; antaraṅga — very intimate ; bhakta — devotees ; laya — take ; kari’ — doing ; kona chala — some trick .

Translation

One day as Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was washing His feet in that place, Kālidāsa came and extended his palm to take the water.

Word meanings

eka - dina — one day ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; tāṅhā — there ; pāda prakṣālite — washing His feet ; kālidāsa — Kālidāsa ; āsi’ — coming ; tāhāṅ — there ; pātilena — spread ; hāte — his palm .

Translation

Kālidāsa drank one palmful and then a second and a third. Then Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu forbade him to drink more.

Word meanings

eka añjali — one palmful ; dui añjali — two palmfuls ; tina añjali — three palmfuls ; pilā — he drank ; tabe — at that time ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; tāṅre — him ; niṣedha karilā — forbade .

Translation

“Do not act in this way any more. I have fulfilled your desire as far as possible.”

Word meanings

ataḥpara — hereafter ; āra — any more ; nā kariha — do not do ; punaḥ - bāra — again ; etāvatā — so far ; vāñchā - pūraṇa — fulfilling the desire ; kariluṅ — I have done ; tomāra — of you .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is the most exalted, omniscient Supreme Personality of Godhead, and therefore He knew that Kālidāsa, in the core of his heart, had full faith in Vaiṣṇavas.

Word meanings

sarva - jña — omniscient ; śiromaṇi — topmost ; caitanya — Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; īśvara — the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; vaiṣṇave — in the Vaiṣṇavas ; tāṅhāra viśvāsa — his faith ; jānena — He knows ; antara — the heart .

Translation

Because of this quality, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu satisfied him with mercy not attainable by anyone else.

Word meanings

sei - guṇa — that quality ; lañā — accepting ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; tāṅre — him ; tuṣṭa ha - ilā — satisfied ; anyera — for others ; durlabha — not attainable ; prasāda — mercy ; tāṅhāre — unto him ; karilā — showed .

Translation

On the southern side, behind and above the twenty-two steps, is a Deity of Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva. It is on the left as one goes up the steps toward the temple.

Word meanings

bāiśa pāhāca — of the twenty-two steps ; pāche — toward the back ; upara — above ; dakṣiṇa - dike — on the southern side ; eka — one ; nṛsiṁha - mūrti — Deity of Lord Nṛsiṁha ; āchena — there is ; uṭhite — while stepping upward ; vāma - bhāge — on the left side .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, His left side toward the Deity, offered obeisances to Lord Nṛsiṁha as He proceeded toward the temple. He recited the following verses again and again while offering obeisances.

Word meanings

prati - dina — every day ; tāṅre — unto the Deity of Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; karena — does ; namaskāra — obeisances ; namaskari’ — offering obeisances ; ei śloka — these verses ; paḍe — recites ; bāra - bāra — again and again .

Translation

“ ‘I offer my respectful obeisances unto You, Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva. You are the giver of pleasure to Mahārāja Prahlāda, and Your nails cut the chest of Hiraṇyakaśipu like a chisel cutting stone.

Word meanings

namaḥ — I offer my respectful obeisances ; te — unto You ; nara - siṁhāya — Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva ; prahlāda — to Mahārāja Prahlāda ; āhlāda — of pleasure ; dāyine — giver ; hiraṇyakaśipoḥ — of Hiraṇyakaśipu ; vakṣaḥ — chest ; śilā — like stone ; ṭaṅka — like the chisel ; nakha - ālaye — whose fingernails .

Purport

This and the following verse are quoted from the Nṛsiṁha Purāṇa.

Translation

“ ‘Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva is here, and He is also there on the opposite side. Wherever I go, there I see Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva. He is outside and within my heart. Therefore I take shelter of Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva, the original Supreme Personality of Godhead.’ ”

Word meanings

itaḥ — here ; nṛsiṁhaḥ — Lord Nṛsiṁha ; parataḥ — on the opposite side ; nṛsiṁhaḥ — Lord Nṛsiṁha ; yataḥ yataḥ — wherever ; yāmi — I go ; tataḥ — there ; nṛsiṁhaḥ — Lord Nṛsiṁha ; bahiḥ — outside ; nṛsiṁhaḥ — Lord Nṛsiṁha ; hṛdaye — in my heart ; nṛsiṁhaḥ — Lord Nṛsiṁha ; nṛsiṁham — Lord Nṛsiṁha ; ādim — the original Supreme Personality ; śaraṇam prapadye — I take shelter of .

Translation

Having offered obeisances to Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu visited the temple of Lord Jagannātha. Then He returned to His residence, finished His noon duties and took His lunch.

Word meanings

tabe — after this ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; karilā — did ; jagannātha daraśana — visiting Lord Jagannātha ; ghare āsi’ — after returning home ; madhyāhna kari’ — after performing His noon activities ; karila bhojana — took lunch .

Translation

Kālidāsa was standing outside the door, expecting the remnants of food from Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Knowing this, Mahāprabhu gave an indication to Govinda.

Word meanings

bahiḥ - dvāre — outside the door ; āche — there was ; kālidāsa — Kālidāsa ; pratyāśā kariyā — expecting ; govindere — unto Govinda ; ṭhāre — by indications ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; kahena — speaks ; jāniyā — knowing .

Translation

Govinda understood all the indications of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Therefore he immediately delivered the remnants of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s food to Kālidāsa.

Word meanings

mahāprabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; iṅgita — indications ; govinda — His personal servant ; saba — all ; jāne — knows ; kālidāsere — unto Kālidāsa ; dila — delivered ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; śeṣa - pātra — the remnants of food ; dāne — presentation .

Translation

Taking the remnants of the food of Vaiṣṇavas is so valuable that it induced Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu to offer Kālidāsa His supreme mercy.

Word meanings

vaiṣṇavera — of Vaiṣṇavas ; śeṣa - bhakṣaṇera — of eating the remnants of food ; eteka mahimā — so much value ; kālidāse — Kālidāsa ; pāoyāila — caused to get ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; kṛpā - sīmā — the supreme mercy .

Translation

Therefore, giving up hatred and hesitation, try to eat the remnants of the food of Vaiṣṇavas, for you will thus be able to achieve your desired goal of life.

Word meanings

tāte — therefore ; vaiṣṇavera jhuṭā — remnants of the food of Vaiṣṇavas ; khāo — eat ; chāḍi’ — giving up ; ghṛṇā - lāja — hate and hesitation ; yāhā haite — by which ; pāibā — you will get ; nija — your own ; vāñchita — desired ; saba — all ; kāja — success .

Translation

The remnants of food offered to Lord Kṛṣṇa are called mahā-prasādam. After this same mahā-prasādam has been taken by a devotee, the remnants are elevated to mahā-mahā-prasādam.

Word meanings

kṛṣṇera ucchiṣṭa — remnants of the food of Kṛṣṇa ; haya — are ; mahā - prasāda nāma — called mahā-prasādam ; bhakta - śeṣa — the remnants of a devotee ; haile — when it becomes ; mahā - mahā - prasāda — great mahā-prasādam ; ākhyāna — named .

Translation

The dust of the feet of a devotee, the water that has washed the feet of a devotee, and the remnants of food left by a devotee are three very powerful substances.

Word meanings

bhakta - pada - dhūli — the dust of the lotus feet of a devotee ; āra — and ; bhakta - pada - jala — the water that washed the feet of a devotee ; bhakta - bhukta - avaśeṣa — and the remnants of food eaten by a devotee ; tina — three ; mahā - bala — very powerful .

Translation

By rendering service to these three, one attains the supreme goal of ecstatic love for Kṛṣṇa. In all the revealed scriptures this is loudly declared again and again.

Word meanings

ei tina - sevā — rendering service to these three ; haite — from ; kṛṣṇa - prema — ecstatic love for Kṛṣṇa ; haya — there is ; punaḥ punaḥ — again and again ; sarva - śāstre — all the revealed scriptures ; phu - kāriyā kaya — declare loudly .

Translation

Therefore, my dear devotees, please hear from me, for I insist again and again: please keep faith in these three and render service to them without hesitation.

Word meanings

tāte — therefore ; bāra bāra — again and again ; kahi — I say ; śuna — hear ; bhakta - gaṇa — devotees ; viśvāsa kariyā — keeping faith ; kara — do ; e - tina sevana — rendering service to these three .

Translation

From these three one achieves the highest goal of life — ecstatic love of Kṛṣṇa. This is the greatest mercy of Lord Kṛṣṇa. The evidence is Kālidāsa himself.

Word meanings

tina haite — from these three ; kṛṣṇa - nāma — of the holy name of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; premera ullāsa — awakening of ecstatic love ; kṛṣṇera prasāda — the mercy of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; tāte — in that ; sākṣī — evidence ; kālidāsa — Kālidāsa .

Translation

In this way Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu remained at Jagannātha Purī, Nīlācala, and He invisibly bestowed great mercy upon Kālidāsa.

Word meanings

nīlācale — at Jagannātha Purī ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; rahe — remains ; ei - mate — in this way ; kālidāse — unto Kālidāsa ; mahā - kṛpā — great favor ; kailā — bestowed ; alakṣite — invisibly .

Translation

That year, Śivānanda Sena brought with him his wife and youngest son, Purī dāsa.

Word meanings

se vatsara — that year ; śivānanda — Śivānanda Sena ; patnī — the wife ; lañā — bringing ; āilā — came ; purī - dāsa — Purī dāsa ; choṭa - putre — the youngest son ; saṅgete ānilā — he brought with him .

Translation

Taking his son, Śivānanda Sena went to see Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu at His residence. He made his son offer respectful obeisances at the lotus feet of the Lord.

Word meanings

putra — the son ; saṅge — along ; lañā — taking ; teṅho — he ; āilā — came ; prabhu - sthāne — to the place of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; putrere — his son ; karāilā — made to do ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; caraṇa vandane — worshiping the lotus feet .

Translation

Again and again Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked the boy to chant the name of Kṛṣṇa, but the boy would not utter the holy name.

Word meanings

kṛṣṇa kaha — say Kṛṣṇa ; bali’ — saying ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; balena — said ; bāra bāra — again and again ; tabu — still ; kṛṣṇa - nāma — the holy name of Kṛṣṇa ; bālaka — the boy ; nā kare uccāra — did not utter .

Translation

Although Śivānanda Sena tried with much endeavor to get his boy to speak Kṛṣṇa’s holy name, the boy would not utter it.

Word meanings

śivānanda — Śivānanda Sena ; bālakere — unto the boy ; bahu — much ; yatna — endeavor ; karilā — did ; tabu — still ; sei bālaka — that boy ; kṛṣṇa - nāma — the name of Kṛṣṇa ; nā kahilā — did not utter .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “I have induced the whole world to take to the holy name of Kṛṣṇa. I have induced even the trees and immovable plants to chant the holy name.

Word meanings

prabhu kahe — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said ; āmi — I ; nāma — the holy name ; jagate — throughout the whole world ; laoyāiluṅ — induced to take ; sthāvare — the unmovable ; paryanta — up to ; kṛṣṇa - nāma — the holy name of Kṛṣṇa ; kahāiluṅ — I induced to chant .

Translation

“But I could not induce this boy to chant the holy name of Kṛṣṇa.” Hearing this, Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī began to speak.

Word meanings

ihāre — this boy ; nāriluṅ — I could not ; kṛṣṇa - nāma — the holy name of Kṛṣṇa ; kahāite — cause to speak ; śuniyā — hearing ; svarūpa - gosāñi — Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosāñi ; lāgilā — began ; kahite — to say .

Translation

“My Lord,” he said, “You have given him initiation into the name of Kṛṣṇa, but after receiving the mantra he will not express it in front of everyone.

Word meanings

tumi — You ; kṛṣṇa - nāma — the holy name of Kṛṣṇa ; mantra — this hymn ; kailā upadeśe — have instructed ; mantra pāñā — getting the hymn ; kā’ra āge — in front of everyone ; nā kare prakāśe — he does not express .

Translation

“This boy chants the mantra within his mind but does not say it aloud. That is his intention, as far as I can guess.”

Word meanings

mane mane — within the mind ; jape — chants ; mukhe — in the mouth ; nā kare ākhyāna — does not express ; ei — this ; ihāra — his ; manaḥ - kathā — intention ; kari anumāna — I guess .

Translation

Another day, when Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said to the boy, “Recite, My dear Purī dāsa,” the boy composed the following verse and expressed it before everyone.

Word meanings

āra dina — another day ; kahena prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said ; paḍa — recite ; purī - dāsa — Purī dāsa ; ei — this ; śloka — verse ; kari’ — making ; teṅho — he ; karilā prakāśa — manifested .

Translation

“Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa is just like a bluish lotus flower for the ears; He is ointment for the eyes, a necklace of indranīla gems for the chest, and universal ornaments for the gopī damsels of Vṛndāvana. Let that Lord Śrī Hari, Kṛṣṇa, be glorified.”

Word meanings

śravasoḥ — of the two ears ; kuvalayam — blue lotus flowers ; akṣṇoḥ — of the two eyes ; añjanam — ointment ; urasaḥ — of the chest ; mahendra - maṇi - dāma — a necklace of indranīla gems ; vṛndāvana - ramaṇīnām — of the damsels of Vṛndāvana ; maṇḍanam — ornaments ; akhilam — all ; hariḥ jayati — all glories to Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa .

Translation

Although the boy was only seven years old and still had no education, he composed such a nice verse. Everyone was struck with wonder.

Word meanings

sāta vatsarera — seven years old ; śiśu — the boy ; nāhi adhyayana — without education ; aiche — such ; śloka — verse ; kare — composes ; lokera — of all the people ; camatkāra — struck with wonder ; mana — mind .

Translation

This is the glory of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s causeless mercy, which even the demigods, headed by Lord Brahmā, cannot estimate.

Word meanings

caitanya - prabhura — of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; ei — this ; kṛpāra mahimā — the glory of the mercy ; brahmā - ādi — headed by Lord Brahmā ; deva — the demigods ; yāra — of which ; nāhi pāya — do not reach ; sīmā — the limit .

Translation

All the devotees remained with Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu continuously for four months. Then the Lord ordered them back to Bengal, and therefore they returned.

Word meanings

bhakta - gaṇa — all the devotees ; prabhu - saṅge — with Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; rahe — remained ; cāri - māse — for four months ; prabhu — Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; ājñā dilā — gave the order ; sabe — unto everyone ; gelā — returned ; gauḍa - deśe — to Bengal .

Translation

As long as the devotees were in Nīlācala, Jagannātha Purī, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu maintained His external consciousness, but after their departure His chief engagement was again the madness of ecstatic love for Kṛṣṇa.

Word meanings

tāṅ - sabāra — all of them ; saṅge — with ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; chila — there was ; bāhya - jñāna — external consciousness ; tāṅrā gele — when they departed ; punaḥ — again ; hailā — there was ; unmāda — madness ; pradhāna — the chief business .

Translation

Throughout the entire day and night, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu directly relished Kṛṣṇa’s beauty, fragrance and taste as if He were touching Kṛṣṇa hand to hand.

Word meanings

rātri - dine — night and day ; sphure — appears ; kṛṣṇera — of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; rūpa — the beauty ; gandha — fragrance ; rasa — taste ; sākṣāt - anubhave — directly experienced ; yena — as if ; kṛṣṇa - upasparśa — touching Kṛṣṇa .

Translation

One day, when Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu went to visit the temple of Lord Jagannātha, the gatekeeper at the Siṁha-dvāra approached Him and offered respectful obeisances.

Word meanings

eka - dina — one day ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; gelā — went ; jagannātha - daraśane — to see Lord Jagannātha ; siṁha - dvāre — at the gate known as Siṁha-dvāra ; dala - i — the gatekeeper ; āsi’ — coming ; karila vandane — offered respectful obeisances .

Translation

The Lord asked him, “Where is Kṛṣṇa, My life and soul? Please show Me Kṛṣṇa.” Saying this, He caught the doorkeeper’s hand.

Word meanings

tāre — to him ; bale — said ; kothā kṛṣṇa — where is Kṛṣṇa ; mora — My ; prāṇa - nātha — Lord of life ; more — to Me ; kṛṣṇa dekhāo — please show Kṛṣṇa ; bali’ — saying ; dhare — catches ; tāra — his ; hāta — hand .

Translation

The doorkeeper replied, “The son of Mahārāja Nanda is here; please come along with me, and I shall show You.”

Word meanings

seha kahe — he said ; iṅhā — here ; haya — is ; vrajendra - nandana — the son of Nanda Mahārāja ; āisa — come ; tumi — You ; mora saṅge — with me ; karāṅa daraśana — I shall show .

Translation

Lord Caitanya said to the doorman, “You are My friend. Please show Me where the Lord of My heart is.” After the Lord said this, they both went to the place known as Jagamohana, where everyone views Lord Jagannātha.

Word meanings

tumi — you ; mora sakhā — My friend ; dekhāha — please show ; kāhāṅ — where ; prāṇa - nātha — the Lord of My heart ; eta bali’ — saying this ; jagamohana — to the Jagamohana ; gelā — went ; dhari’ — catching ; tāra — his ; hāta — hand .

Translation

“Just see!” the doorkeeper said. “Here is the best of the Personalities of Godhead. From here You may see the Lord to the full satisfaction of Your eyes.”

Word meanings

seha bale — he also said ; ei — this ; dekha — just see ; śrī - puruṣa - uttama — Lord Kṛṣṇa, the best of all Personalities of Godhead ; netra bhariyā — to the full satisfaction of Your eyes ; tumi — You ; karaha daraśana — see .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu stayed behind the huge column called the Garuḍa-stambha and looked upon Lord Jagannātha, but as He looked He saw that Lord Jagannātha had become Lord Kṛṣṇa, with His flute to His mouth.

Word meanings

garuḍera pāche — behind the Garuḍa column ; rahi’ — staying ; karena daraśana — He was seeing ; dekhena — He saw ; jagannātha — Lord Jagannātha ; haya — was ; muralī - vadana — Lord Kṛṣṇa with His flute to the mouth .

Translation

In his book known as Gaurāṅga-stava-kalpavṛkṣa, Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmī has described this incident very nicely.

Word meanings

ei līlā — this pastime ; nija - granthe — in his own book ; raghunātha - dāsa — Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmī ; gaurāṅga - stava - kalpa - vṛkṣe — Gaurāṅga-stava-kalpavṛkṣa ; kariyāchena prakāśa — has described .

Translation

“ ‘My dear friend the doorkeeper, where is Kṛṣṇa, the Lord of My heart? Kindly show Him to Me quickly.’ With these words, Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu addressed the doorkeeper like a madman. The doorkeeper grasped His hand and replied very hastily, ‘Come, see Your beloved!’ May that Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu rise within my heart and thus make me mad also.”

Word meanings

kva — where ; me — My ; kāntaḥ — beloved ; kṛṣṇaḥ — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; tvaritam — quickly ; iha — here ; tam — Him ; lokaya — show ; sakhe — O friend ; tvam — you ; eva — certainly ; iti — thus ; dvāra - adhipam — the doorkeeper ; abhivadan — requesting ; unmadaḥ — a madman ; iva — like ; drutam — very quickly ; gaccha — come ; draṣṭum — to see ; priyam — beloved ; iti — thus ; tat — of him ; uktena — with the words ; dhṛta — caught ; tat — His ; bhuja - antaḥ — end of the arm ; gaurāṅgaḥ — Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; hṛdaye — in my heart ; udayan — rising ; mām — me ; madayati — maddens .

Translation

The offering of food known as gopāla-vallabha-bhoga was then given to Lord Jagannātha, and ārati was performed with the sound of the conch and the ringing of bells.

Word meanings

hena - kāle — at this time ; gopāla - vallabha - bhoga — the food offered early in the morning ; lāgāila — was offered ; śaṅkha — conch ; ghaṇṭā - ādi — bells and so on ; saha — with ; ārati — ārati ; bājila — sounded .

Translation

When the ārati finished, the prasādam was taken out, and the servants of Lord Jagannātha came to offer some to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

Word meanings

bhoga sarile — when the food was taken away ; jagannāthera — of Lord Jagannātha ; sevaka - gaṇa — the servants ; prasāda lañā — taking the prasādam ; prabhu - ṭhāñi — unto Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; kaila āgamana — came .

Translation

The servants of Lord Jagannātha first garlanded Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and then offered Him Lord Jagannātha’s prasādam. The prasādam was so nice that its aroma alone, to say nothing of its taste, would drive the mind mad.

Word meanings

mālā parāñā — after garlanding ; prasāda — the remnants of Lord Jagannātha’s food ; dila — delivered ; prabhura hāte — in the hand of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; āsvāda — tasting ; dūre rahu — what to speak of ; yāra — of which ; gandhe — by the aroma ; mana — mind ; māte — becomes maddened .

Translation

The prasādam was made of very valuable ingredients. Therefore the servant wanted to feed Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu a portion of it.

Word meanings

bahu - mūlya — very valuable ; prasāda — remnants of food ; sei — that ; vastu — ingredients ; sarva - uttama — first class ; tāra — of that ; alpa — very little ; khāoyāite — to feed ; sevaka — the servant ; karila yatana — made some endeavor .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu tasted a portion of the prasādam. Govinda took the rest and bound it in the end of his wrapper.

Word meanings

tāra — of that ; alpa — very little ; lañā — taking ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; jihvāte — on the tongue ; yadi — when ; dilā — put ; āra saba — all the balance ; govindera — of Govinda ; āṅcale — at the end of the wrapper ; bāndhilā — bound .

Translation

To Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu the prasādam tasted millions upon millions of times better than nectar, and thus He was fully satisfied. The hair all over His body stood on end, and incessant tears flowed from His eyes.

Word meanings

koṭi — millions upon millions ; amṛta — nectar ; svāda — taste ; pāñā — getting ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; camatkāra — great satisfaction ; sarva - aṅge — all over the body ; pulaka — standing of the hair ; netre — from the eyes ; vahe — flows ; aśru - dhāra — a stream of tears .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu considered, “Where has such a taste in this prasādam come from? Certainly it is due to its having been touched by the nectar of Kṛṣṇa’s lips.”

Word meanings

ei dravye — in these ingredients ; eta — so much ; svāda — taste ; kāhāṅ — where ; haite — from ; āila — has come ; kṛṣṇera — of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; adhara - amṛta — nectar from the lips ; ithe — in this ; sañcārila — has spread .

Translation

Understanding this, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu felt an emotion of ecstatic love for Kṛṣṇa, but upon seeing the servants of Lord Jagannātha, He restrained Himself.

Word meanings

ei buddhye — by this understanding ; mahāprabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; prema - āveśa — ecstatic emotion ; haila — there was ; jagannāthera — of Lord Jagannātha ; sevaka — servants ; dekhi’ — seeing ; samvaraṇa kaila — restrained Himself .

Translation

The Lord said again and again, “Only by great fortune may one come by a particle of the remnants of food offered to the Lord.”

Word meanings

sukṛti — by great fortune ; labhya — obtainable ; phelā - lava — a particle of the remnants ; balena — says ; bāra - bāra — again and again ; īśvara - sevaka — the servants of Jagannātha ; puche — inquire ; ki — what ; artha — the meaning ; ihāra — of this .

Purport

The servants of the Jagannātha temple inquired, “What is the meaning of this?”

The remnants of Kṛṣṇa’s food are mixed with His saliva. In the Mahābhārata and the Skanda Purāṇa it is stated:

mahā-prasāde govinde nāma-brahmaṇi vaiṣṇave sv-alpa-puṇyavatāṁ rājan viśvāso naiva jāyate

“Persons who are not very highly elevated in pious activities cannot believe in the remnants of food [ prasādam ] of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, nor in Govinda, the holy name of the Lord, nor in the Vaiṣṇavas.”

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu replied, “These are remnants of food that Kṛṣṇa has eaten and thus turned to nectar with His lips. It surpasses heavenly nectar, and even such demigods as Lord Brahmā find it difficult to obtain.

Word meanings

prabhu kahe — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said ; ei — this ; ye — which ; dilā — you have given ; kṛṣṇa — of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; adhara - amṛta — nectar from the lips ; brahmā - ādi — by the demigods, headed by Lord Brahmā ; durlabha — difficult to obtain ; ei — this ; nindaye — defeats ; amṛta — nectar .

Translation

“Remnants left by Kṛṣṇa are called phelā. Anyone who obtains even a small portion must be considered very fortunate.

Word meanings

kṛṣṇera — of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; ye — whatever ; bhukta - śeṣa — remnants of food ; tāra — of that ; phelā - nāma — the name is phelā ; tāra — of that ; eka — one ; lava — fragment ; ye — one who ; pāya — gets ; sei — he ; bhāgyavān — fortunate .

Translation

“One who is only ordinarily fortunate cannot obtain such mercy. Only persons who have the full mercy of Kṛṣṇa can receive such remnants.

Word meanings

sāmānya — ordinary ; bhāgya — fortune ; haite — from ; tāra — of that ; prāpti — attainment ; nāhi — not ; haya — there is ; kṛṣṇera — of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; yāṅte — unto whom ; pūrṇa - kṛpā — full mercy ; sei — he ; tāhā — that ; pāya — can get .

Translation

“The word ‘sukṛti’ refers to pious activities performed by the mercy of Kṛṣṇa. One who is fortunate enough to obtain such mercy receives the remnants of the Lord’s food and thus becomes glorious.”

Word meanings

sukṛti — sukṛti (pious activities) ; śabde — the word ; kahe — is to be understood ; kṛṣṇa - kṛpā — the mercy of Kṛṣṇa ; hetu — because of ; puṇya — pious activities ; sei — he ; yāṅra — of whom ; haya — there is ; phelā — the remnants of food ; pāya — gets ; sei — he ; dhanya — very glorious .

Translation

After saying this, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu bade farewell to all the servants. After seeing the next offering of food to Lord Jagannātha, a function known as upala-bhoga, He returned to His own quarters.

Word meanings

eta bali’ — saying this ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; tā - sabāre — unto all of them ; vidāya dilā — bade farewell ; upala - bhoga — the next offering of food ; dekhiyā — seeing ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; nija - vāsā — to His place ; āilā — returned .

Translation

After finishing His noon duties, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ate His lunch, but He constantly remembered the remnants of Kṛṣṇa’s food.

Word meanings

madhyāhna kariyā — after finishing His noon duties ; kailā bhikṣā nirvāhaṇa — completed His lunch ; kṛṣṇa - adhara - amṛta — the nectar from the lips of Kṛṣṇa ; sadā — always ; antare — within Himself ; smaraṇa — remembering .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu performed His external activities, but His mind was filled with ecstatic love. With great difficulty He tried to restrain His mind, but it would always be overwhelmed by very deep ecstasy.

Word meanings

bāhya - kṛtya — external activities ; karena — performs ; preme — in ecstatic love ; garagara — filled ; mana — mind ; kaṣṭe — with great difficulty ; samvaraṇa karena — restricts ; āveśa — ecstasy ; saghana — very deep .

Translation

After finishing His evening duties, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu sat down with His personal associates in a secluded place and discussed the pastimes of Kṛṣṇa in great jubilation.

Word meanings

sandhyā - kṛtya — the evening duties ; kari’ — after performing ; punaḥ — again ; nija - gaṇa - saṅge — along with His personal associates ; nibhṛte — in a solitary place ; vasilā — sat down ; nānā — various ; kṛṣṇa - kathā — of topics of Kṛṣṇa ; raṅge — in the jubilation .

Translation

Following the indications of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, Govinda brought the prasādam of Lord Jagannātha. The Lord sent some to Paramānanda Purī and Brahmānanda Bhāratī.

Word meanings

prabhura iṅgite — by the indication of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; govinda — Govinda ; prasāda ānilā — brought the remnants of the food of Lord Jagannātha ; purī — to Paramānanda Purī ; bhāratīre — to Brahmānanda Bhāratī ; prabhu — Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; kichu — some ; pāṭhāilā — sent .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu then gave shares of the prasādam to Rāmānanda Rāya, Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya, Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī and all the other devotees.

Word meanings

rāmānanda — Rāmānanda Rāya ; sārvabhauma — Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya ; svarūpa — Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī ; ādi — headed by ; gaṇe — unto them ; sabāre — unto all of them ; prasāda — the remnants of the food of Lord Jagannātha ; dila — delivered ; kariyā vaṇṭane — making shares .

Translation

As they tasted the uncommon sweetness and fragrance of the prasādam, everyone’s mind was struck with wonder.

Word meanings

prasādera — of the prasādam ; saurabhya - mādhurya — the sweetness and fragrance ; kari’ āsvādana — tasting ; alaukika — uncommon ; āsvāde — by the taste ; sabāra — of everyone ; vismita — struck with wonder ; haila — became ; mana — the mind .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “These ingredients, such as sugar, camphor, black pepper, cardamom, cloves, butter, spices and licorice, are all material. Everyone has tasted these material substances before.

Word meanings

prabhu kahe — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said ; ei — these ; saba — all ; haya — are ; prākṛta — material ; dravya — ingredients ; aikṣava — sugar ; karpūra — camphor ; marica — black pepper ; elāica — cardamom ; lavaṅga — cloves ; gavya — butter ; rasavāsa — spices ; guḍatvaka — licorice ; ādi — and so on ; yata saba — each and every one of them ; prākṛta — material ; vastura — of ingredients ; svāda — taste ; sabāra — everyone’s ; anubhava — experience .

Purport

The word prākṛta refers to things tasted for the sense gratification of the conditioned soul. Such things are limited by the material laws. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu wanted to make the point that material things have already been experienced by materially absorbed persons who are interested only in sense gratification.

Translation

“However,” the Lord continued, “in these ingredients there are extraordinary tastes and uncommon fragrances. Just taste them and see the difference in the experience.

Word meanings

sei dravye — in such material things ; eta — so much ; āsvāda — pleasing taste ; gandha — fragrance ; loka - atīta — never experienced by any common man ; āsvāda kariyā — tasting ; dekha — see ; sabāra — of everyone ; pratīta — experience .

Translation

“Apart from the taste, even the fragrance pleases the mind and makes one forget any other sweetness besides its own.

Word meanings

āsvāda — the taste ; dūre rahu — leave aside ; yāra — of which ; gandhe — by the fragrance ; māte — becomes pleased ; mana — the mind ; āpanā vinā — besides itself ; anya — different ; mādhurya — sweetness ; karāya vismaraṇa — causes to forget .

Translation

“Therefore, it is to be understood that the spiritual nectar of Kṛṣṇa’s lips has touched these ordinary ingredients and transferred to them all their spiritual qualities.

Word meanings

tāte — therefore ; ei dravye — in these ingredients ; kṛṣṇa - adhara — of the lips of Kṛṣṇa ; sparśa — touch ; haila — there was ; adharera — of the lips ; guṇa — attributes ; saba — all ; ihāte — in these ingredients ; sañcārila — have become transferred .

Purport

Since everyone had previously tasted these ingredients, why had they become extraordinary and spiritually delicious? This was proof that food, prasādam, becomes uncommonly flavorful and delicious by touching Kṛṣṇa’s lips.

Translation

“A fragrance and taste that are uncommon and greatly enchanting and that make one forget all other experiences are attributes of Kṛṣṇa’s lips.

Word meanings

alaukika — uncommon ; gandha — fragrance ; svāda — taste ; anya - vismāraṇa — making one forget all others ; mahā - mādaka — highly enchanting ; haya — are ; ei — these ; kṛṣṇa - adharera — of the lips of Kṛṣṇa ; guṇa — attributes .

Translation

“This prasādam has been made available only as a result of many pious activities. Now taste it with great faith and devotion.”

Word meanings

aneka — many ; sukṛte — by pious activities ; ihā — this ; hañāche samprāpti — has become available ; sabe — all of you ; ei — this prasādam ; āsvāda kara — taste ; kari’ mahā - bhakti — with great devotion .

Translation

Loudly chanting the holy name of Hari, all of them tasted the prasādam. As they tasted it, their minds became mad in the ecstasy of love.

Word meanings

hari - dhvani kari’ — loudly resounding the holy name of Hari ; sabe — all of them ; kailā āsvādana — tasted ; āsvādite — as soon as they tasted ; preme — in ecstatic love ; matta — maddened ; ha - ila — became ; sabāra mana — the minds of all .

Translation

In ecstatic love, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ordered Rāmānanda Rāya to recite some verses. Thus Rāmānanda Rāya spoke as follows.

Word meanings

prema - āveśe — in ecstatic love ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; yabe — when ; ājñā dilā — ordered ; rāmānanda - rāya — Rāmānanda Rāya ; śloka — verses ; paḍite lāgilā — began to recite .

Translation

“ ‘O hero of charity, please deliver unto us the nectar of Your lips. That nectar increases lusty desires for enjoyment and diminishes lamentation in the material world. Kindly give us the nectar of Your lips, which are touched by Your transcendentally vibrating flute, for that nectar makes all human beings forget all other attachments.’ ”

Word meanings

surata - vardhanam — which increases the lusty desire for enjoyment ; śoka - nāśanam — which vanquishes all lamentation ; svarita - veṇunā — by the vibrating flute ; suṣṭhu — nicely ; cumbitam — touched ; itara - rāga - vismāraṇam — which causes forgetfulness of all other attachment ; nṛṇām — of the human beings ; vitara — please deliver ; vīra — O hero of charity ; naḥ — unto us ; te — Your ; adhara - amṛtam — the nectar of the lips .

Purport

This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.31.14) .

Translation

Upon hearing Rāmānanda Rāya quote this verse, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was very satisfied. Then He recited the following verse, which had been spoken by Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī in great anxiety.

Word meanings

śloka śuni’ — hearing the verse ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; mahā - tuṣṭa — very satisfied ; hailā — became ; rādhāra — of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī ; utkaṇṭhā - śloka — a verse pertaining to the anxiety ; paḍite lāgilā — began to recite .

Translation

“ ‘My dear friend, the all-surpassing nectar from the lips of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, can be obtained only after many, many pious activities. For the beautiful gopīs of Vṛndāvana, that nectar vanquishes the desire for all other tastes. Madana-mohana always chews pan that surpasses the nectar of heaven. He is certainly increasing the desires of My tongue.’ ”

Word meanings

vraja — of Vṛndāvana ; atula — incomparable ; kula - aṅganā — of the gopīs ; itara — other ; rasa - āli — for tastes or mellows ; tṛṣṇā — desire ; hara — vanquishing ; pradīvyat — all-surpassing ; adhara - amṛtaḥ — the nectar emanating from whose lips ; sukṛti — after many pious activities ; labhya — obtainable ; phelā — of the nectar of whose lips ; lavaḥ — a small portion ; sudhā - jit — conquering the nectar ; ahi - vallikā — of the betel plant ; su - dala — made from selected leaves ; vīṭikā — pan ; carvitaḥ — chewing ; saḥ — He ; me — My ; madana - mohanaḥ — Madana-mohana ; sakhi — My dear friend ; tanoti — increases ; jihvā — of the tongue ; spṛhām — desire .

Purport

This verse is found in the Govinda-līlāmṛta (8.8).

Translation

After saying this, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was overwhelmed by ecstatic loving emotions. Talking like a madman, He began to explain the meaning of the two verses.

Word meanings

eta kahi’ — saying this ; gaura - prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; bhāva - āviṣṭa — overwhelmed by ecstatic loving emotions ; hañā — becoming ; dui ślokera — of the two verses ; artha — meaning ; kare — makes ; pralāpa kariyā — talking like a madman .

Translation

“My dear lover,” Lord Caitanya said in the mood of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, “let Me describe some of the characteristics of Your transcendental lips. They agitate the mind and body of everyone, they increase lusty desires for enjoyment, they destroy the burden of material happiness and lamentation, and they make one forget all material tastes. The whole world falls under their control. They vanquish shame, religion and patience, especially in women. Indeed, they inspire madness in the minds of all women. Your lips increase the greed of the tongue and thus attract it. Considering all this, We see that the activities of Your transcendental lips are always paradoxical.

Word meanings

tanu — body ; mana — mind ; karāya — cause ; kṣobha — agitation ; bāḍāya — increase ; surata - lobha — lusty desires for enjoyment ; harṣa — of jubilation ; śoka — lamentation ; ādi — and so on ; bhāra — burden ; vināśaya — destroy ; pāsarāya — cause to forget ; anya rasa — other tastes ; jagat — the whole world ; kare — make ; ātma - vaśa — under their control ; lajjā — shame ; dharma — religion ; dhairya — patience ; kare kṣaya — vanquish ; nāgara — O lover ; śuna — hear ; tomāra — Your ; adhara — of lips ; carita — the characteristics ; mātāya — madden ; nārīra — of women ; mana — mind ; jihvā — tongue ; kare ākarṣaṇa — attract ; vicārite — considering ; saba — all ; viparīta — opposite .

Translation

“My dear Kṛṣṇa, since You are a male, it is not very extraordinary that the attraction of Your lips can disturb the minds of women. But I am ashamed to say that Your impudent lips sometimes attract even Your flute, which is also considered a male. It likes to drink the nectar of Your lips, and thus it also forgets all other tastes.

Word meanings

āchuka — let it be ; nārīra — of women ; kāya — the bodies ; kahite — to speak ; vāsiye — I feel ; lāja — shame ; tomāra — Your ; adhara — lips ; baḍa — very ; dhṛṣṭa - rāya — impudent ; puruṣe — the male ; kare ākarṣaṇa — they attract ; āpanā — themselves ; piyāite — causing to drink ; mana — mind ; anya - rasa — other tastes ; saba — all ; pāsarāya — cause to forget .

Translation

“Aside from conscious living beings, even unconscious matter is sometimes made conscious by Your lips. Therefore, Your lips are great magicians. Paradoxically, although Your flute is nothing but dry wood, Your lips constantly make it drink their nectar. They create a mind and senses in the dry wooden flute and give it transcendental bliss.

Word meanings

sa - cetana — conscious living beings ; rahu dūre — leave aside ; acetana — unconscious ; sa - cetana — conscious ; kare — make ; tomāra — Your ; adhara — lips ; baḍa — very great ; vājikara — magicians ; tomāra — Your ; veṇu — flute ; śuṣka - indhana — dry wood ; tāra — of that ; janmāya — creates ; indriya - mana — the senses and mind ; tāre — the flute ; āpanā — themselves ; piyāya — cause to drink ; nirantara — constantly .

Translation

“That flute is a very cunning male who drinks again and again the taste of another male’s lips. It advertises its qualities and says to the gopīs, ‘O gopīs, if you are so proud of being women, come forward and enjoy your property — the nectar of the lips of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.’

Word meanings

veṇu — the flute ; dhṛṣṭa - puruṣa — a cunning male ; hañā — being ; puruṣa - adhara — the lips of the male ; piyā piyā — drinking and drinking ; gopī - gaṇe — unto the gopīs ; jānāya — informs ; nija - pāna — own drinking ; aho — oh ; śuna — hear ; gopī - gaṇa — gopīs ; bale — says ; piṅo — drink ; tomāra — your ; dhana — property ; tomāra — your ; yadi — if ; thāke — there is ; abhimāna — pride .

Translation

“Thereupon, the flute said angrily to Me, ‘Give up Your shame, fear and religion and come drink the lips of Kṛṣṇa. On that condition, I shall give up my attachment for them. If You do not give up Your shame and fear, however, I shall continuously drink the nectar of Kṛṣṇa’s lips. I am slightly fearful because You also have the right to drink that nectar, but as for the others, I consider them like straw.’

Word meanings

tabe — thereupon ; more — at Me ; krodha kari’ — becoming angry ; lajjā — shame ; bhaya — fear ; dharma — religion ; chāḍi’ — giving up ; chāḍi’ — giving up ; dimu — I shall give ; kara āsi’ pāna — come drink ; nahe — not ; pimu — I shall drink ; nirantara — continuously ; tomāya — of You ; mora — my ; nāhika — there is not ; ḍara — fear ; anye — others ; dekhoṅ — I see ; tṛṇera samāna — equal to straw .

Translation

“The nectar of Kṛṣṇa’s lips, combined with the vibration of His flute, attracts all the people of the three worlds. But if we gopīs remain patient out of respect for religious principles, the flute then criticizes us.

Word meanings

adhara - amṛta — the nectar of the lips ; nija - svare — with the vibration of the flute ; sañcāriyā — combining ; sei — that ; bale — by strength ; ākarṣaya — attract ; tri - jagat - jana — the people of the three worlds ; āmarā — we ; dharma — religion ; bhaya — fear ; kari’ — because of ; rahi’ — remaining ; yadi — if ; dhairya dhari’ — keeping patient ; tabe — then ; āmāya — us ; kare viḍambana — criticizes .

Translation

“The nectar of Your lips and the vibration of Your flute join together to loosen our belts and induce us to give up shame and religion, even before our superiors. As if catching us by our hair, they forcibly take us away and deliver us unto You to become Your maidservants. Hearing of these incidents, people laugh at us. We have thus become completely subordinate to the flute.

Word meanings

nīvi — the belts ; khasāya — cause to loosen ; guru - āge — before superiors ; lajjā - dharma — shame and religion ; karāya — induce ; tyāge — to give up ; keśe dhari’ — catching by the hair ; yena — as if ; lañā yāya — takes us away ; āni’ — bringing ; karāya — induce to become ; tomāra — Your ; dāsī — maidservants ; śuni’ — hearing ; loka — people ; kare hāsi’ — laugh ; ei - mata — in this way ; nārīre — women ; nācāya — cause to dance .

Translation

“This flute is nothing but a dry stick of bamboo, but it becomes our master and insults us in so many ways that it forces us into a predicament. What can we do but tolerate it? The mother of a thief cannot cry loudly for justice when the thief is punished. Therefore we simply remain silent.

Word meanings

śuṣka — dry ; bāṅśera — of bamboo ; lāṭhi - khāna — a stick ; eta — this ; kare apamāna — insults ; ei — this ; daśā — condition ; karila — made ; gosāñi — the master ; nā sahi’ — not tolerating ; ki — what ; karite pāri — can we do ; tāhe — at that time ; rahi — we remain ; mauna dhari’ — keeping silent ; corāra — of a thief ; māke — for the mother ; ḍāki’ — calling ; kāndite — to cry ; nāi — is not possible .

Translation

“Such is the policy of these lips. Just consider some other injustices. Everything that touches those lips — including food, drink or betel — becomes just like nectar. It is then called kṛṣṇa-phelā, or remnants left by Kṛṣṇa.

Word meanings

adharera — of the lips ; ei — this ; rīti — policy ; āra — other ; śuna — hear ; kunīti — injustices ; se — those ; adhara — lips ; sane — with ; yāra — of which ; melā — meeting ; sei — those ; bhakṣya — eatables ; bhojya — foods ; pāna — drink or betel ; haya — become ; amṛta - samāna — like nectar ; nāma — the name ; tāra — of those ; haya — becomes ; kṛṣṇa - phelā — the remnants of Kṛṣṇa .

Translation

“Even after much prayer, the demigods themselves cannot obtain even a small portion of the remnants of such food. Just imagine the pride of those remnants! Only a person who has acted piously for many, many births and has thus become a devotee can obtain the remnants of such food.

Word meanings

se phelāra — of those remnants ; eka — one ; lava — small particle ; nā pāya — do not get ; devatā — the demigods ; saba — all ; e dambhe — this pride ; kebā — who ; pātiyāya — can believe ; bahu - janma — for many births ; puṇya kare — acts piously ; tabe — then ; sukṛti — one who performs pious activities ; nāma — the name ; dhare — bears ; se — those ; sukṛte — by pious activities ; tāra — of that ; lava — a fraction ; pāya — one can get .

Translation

“The betel chewed by Kṛṣṇa is priceless, and the remnants of such chewed betel from His mouth are said to be the essence of nectar. When the gopīs accept these remnants, their mouths become His spittoons.

Word meanings

kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; ye — what ; khāya — chews ; tāmbūla — the betel ; kahe — it is said ; tāra — of it ; nāhi — there is not ; mūla — price ; tāhe — over and above that ; āra — also ; dambha - paripāṭī — complete pride ; tāra — of that ; yebā — whatever ; udgāra — coming out ; tāre — that ; kaya — is called ; amṛta - sāra — the essence of the nectar ; gopīra — of the gopīs ; mukha — the mouth ; kare — makes ; ālabāṭī — spittoon .

Translation

“Therefore, My dear Kṛṣṇa, please give up all the tricks You have set up so expertly. Do not try to kill the life of the gopīs with the vibration of Your flute. Because of Your joking and laughing, You are becoming responsible for the killing of women. It would be better for You to satisfy us by giving us the charity of the nectar of Your lips.”

Word meanings

e - saba — all these ; tomāra — Your ; kuṭināṭi — tricks ; chāḍa — give up ; ei — these ; paripāṭī — very expert activities ; veṇu - dvāre — by the flute ; kāṅhe — why ; hara — You take away ; prāṇa — life ; āpanāra — Your own ; hāsi — laughing ; lāgi’ — for the matter of ; naha — do not be ; nārīra — of women ; vadha - bhāgī — responsible for killing ; deha’ — kindly give ; nija - adhara - amṛta — the nectar of Your lips ; dāna — charity .

Translation

While Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was talking like this, His mind changed. His anger subsided, but His mental agitation increased.

Word meanings

kahite kahite — talking and talking ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; mana — mind ; phiri’ gela — became changed ; krodha - aṁśa — the part of anger ; śānta haila — became pacified ; utkaṇṭhā — agitation of the mind ; bāḍila — increased .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu continued, “This nectar from Kṛṣṇa’s lips is supremely difficult to obtain, but if one gets some, his life becomes successful.

Word meanings

parama — supremely ; durlabha — difficult to obtain ; ei — this ; kṛṣṇa — of Kṛṣṇa ; adhara - amṛta — the nectar from the lips ; tāhā — that ; yei — one who ; pāya — gets ; tāra — his ; sa - phala — successful ; jīvita — life .

Translation

“When a person competent to drink that nectar does not do so, that shameless person continues his life uselessly.

Word meanings

yogya — competent ; hañā — being ; keha — anyone ; karite — to do ; nā pāya — does not get ; pāna — drinking ; tathāpi — still ; se — that person ; nirlajja — shameless ; vṛthā — uselessly ; dhare prāṇa — continues life .

Translation

“There are persons who are unfit to drink that nectar but who nevertheless drink it continuously, whereas some who are suitable never get it and thus die of greed.

Word meanings

ayogya — unfit ; hañā — being ; tāhā — that ; keha — someone ; sadā — always ; pāna kare — drinks ; yogya jana — the competent person ; nāhi pāya — does not get ; lobhe — out of greed ; mātra — simply ; mare — dies .

Translation

“It is therefore to be understood that such an unfit person must have obtained the nectar of Kṛṣṇa’s lips on the strength of some austerity.”

Word meanings

tāte — therefore ; jāni — I can understand ; kona — some ; tapasyāra — of austerity ; āche — there is ; bala — strength ; ayogyere — unto the unfit ; deoyāya — delivers ; kṛṣṇa - adhara - amṛta — the nectar of Kṛṣṇa’s lips ; phala — the result .

Translation

Again Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said to Rāmānanda Rāya, “Please say something. I want to hear.” Understanding the situation, Rāmānanda Rāya recited the following words of the gopīs.

Word meanings

kaha — speak ; rāma - rāya — Rāmānanda Rāya ; kichu — something ; śunite — to hear ; haya mana — I wish ; bhāva — the situation ; jāni’ — understanding ; paḍe rāya — Rāmānanda Rāya recites ; gopīra vacana — the words of the gopīs. .

Translation

“ ‘My dear gopīs, what auspicious activities must the flute have performed to enjoy the nectar of Kṛṣṇa’s lips independently and leave only a taste for us gopīs, for whom that nectar is actually meant. The forefathers of the flute, the bamboo trees, shed tears of pleasure. His mother, the river on whose bank the bamboo was born, feels jubilation, and therefore her blooming lotus flowers are standing like hair on her body.’ ”

Word meanings

gopyaḥ — O gopīs ; kim — what ; ācarat — performed ; ayam — this ; kuśalam — auspicious activities ; sma — certainly ; veṇuḥ — flute ; dāmodara — of Kṛṣṇa ; adhara - sudhām — the nectar of the lips ; api — even ; gopikānām — which is owed to the gopīs ; bhuṅkte — enjoys ; svayam — independently ; yat — from which ; avaśiṣṭa — remaining ; rasam — the taste only ; hradinyaḥ — the rivers ; hṛṣyat — feeling jubilant ; tvacaḥ — whose bodies ; aśru — tears ; mumucuḥ — shed ; taravaḥ — the trees ; yathā — exactly like ; āryāḥ — old forefathers .

Purport

This verse, quoted from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.21.9) , is part of a discussion the gopīs had among themselves. As the autumn season began in Vṛndāvana, Lord Kṛṣṇa was tending the cows and blowing on His flute. The gopīs then began to praise Kṛṣṇa and discuss the fortunate position of His flute.

Translation

Upon hearing the recitation of this verse, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu became absorbed in ecstatic love, and with a greatly agitated mind He began to explain its meaning like a madman.

Word meanings

ei śloka — this verse ; śuni’ — hearing ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; bhāva - āviṣṭa — absorbed in ecstatic love ; hañā — becoming ; utkaṇṭhāte — in agitation of the mind ; artha kare — makes the meaning ; pralāpa kariyā — talking like a madman .

Translation

“Some gopīs said to other gopīs, ‘Just see the astonishing pastimes of Kṛṣṇa, the son of Vrajendra! He will certainly marry all the gopīs of Vṛndāvana. Therefore, the gopīs know for certain that the nectar of Kṛṣṇa’s lips is their own property and cannot be enjoyed by anyone else.

Word meanings

eho — this ; vrajendra - nandana — the son of Nanda Mahārāja ; vrajera — of Vṛndāvana ; kona — any ; kanyā - gaṇa — gopīs ; avaśya — certainly ; kariba pariṇaya — will marry ; se - sambandhe — in that connection ; gopī - gaṇa — the gopīs ; yāre — which ; māne — consider ; nija - dhana — the personal property ; se sudhā — that nectar ; anyera — by others ; labhya naya — is not obtainable .

Translation

“ ‘My dear gopīs, fully consider how many pious activities this flute performed in his past life. We do not know what places of pilgrimage he visited, what austerities he performed, or what perfect mantra he chanted.

Word meanings

gopī - gaṇa — O gopīs ; kaha — say ; saba — all ; kariyā vicāre — after full consideration ; kon — what ; tīrtha — holy places ; kon — what ; tapa — austerities ; kon — what ; siddha - mantra - japa — chanting of a perfect mantra ; ei — this ; veṇu — flute ; kaila — did ; janma - antare — in his past life .

Translation

“ ‘This flute is utterly unfit because it is merely a dead bamboo stick. Moreover, it belongs to the male sex. Yet this flute is always drinking the nectar of Kṛṣṇa’s lips, which surpasses nectarean sweetness of every description. Only by hoping for that nectar do the gopīs continue to live.

Word meanings

hena — such ; kṛṣṇa - adhara — of Kṛṣṇa’s lips ; sudhā — nectar ; ye — which ; kaila — made ; amṛta — nectar ; mudhā — surpassed ; yāra āśāya — by hoping for which ; gopī — the gopīs ; dhare prāṇa — continue to live ; ei veṇu — this flute ; ayogya — unfit ; ati — completely ; sthāvara — dead ; puruṣa - jāti — belonging to the male class ; sei sudhā — that nectar ; sadā — always ; kare pāna — drinks .

Translation

“ ‘Although the nectar of Kṛṣṇa’s lips is the absolute property of the gopīs, the flute, which is just an insignificant stick, is forcibly drinking that nectar and loudly inviting the gopīs to come drink it also. Just imagine the strength of the flute’s austerities and good fortune! Even great devotees drink the nectar of Kṛṣṇa’s lips after the flute has done so.

Word meanings

yāra — of whom ; dhana — the property ; nā kahe — does not speak ; tāre — to them ; pāna kare — drinks ; balātkāre — by force ; pite — while drinking ; tāre — unto them ; ḍākiyā — calling loudly ; jānāya — informs ; tāra — its ; tapasyāra — of austerities ; phala — result ; dekha — see ; ihāra — its ; bhāgya - bala — strength of fortune ; ihāra — its ; ucchiṣṭa — remnants ; mahā - jane — great personalities ; khāya — drink .

Translation

“ ‘When Kṛṣṇa takes His bath in universally purifying rivers like the Yamunā and the Ganges of the celestial world, the great personalities of those rivers greedily and jubilantly drink the remnants of the nectarean juice from His lips.

Word meanings

mānasa - gaṅgā — the Ganges of the celestial world ; kālindī — the Yamunā ; bhuvana — the world ; pāvanī — purifying ; nadī — rivers ; kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; yadi — if ; tāte — in those ; kare snāna — takes a bath ; veṇura — of the flute ; jhuṭa - adhara - rasa — remnants of the juice of the lips ; hañā — being ; lobhe — by greed ; paravaśa — controlled ; sei kāle — at that time ; harṣe — in jubilation ; kare pāna — drink .

Translation

“ ‘Aside from the rivers, the trees standing on the banks like great ascetics and engaging in welfare activities for all living entities drink the nectar of Kṛṣṇa’s lips by drawing water from the river with their roots. We cannot understand why they drink like that.

Word meanings

e - ta nārī — these women ; rahu dūre — leaving aside ; vṛkṣa — the trees ; saba — all ; tāra tīre — on their banks ; tapa kare — perform austerities ; para - upakārī — benefactors of all other living entities ; nadīra — of the rivers ; śeṣa - rasa — the remnants of the nectarean juice ; pāñā — getting ; mūla - dvāre — by the roots ; ākarṣiyā — drawing ; kene — why ; piye — drink ; bujhite nā pāri — we cannot understand .

Translation

“ ‘The trees on the bank of the Yamunā and Ganges are always jubilant. They appear to be smiling with their flowers and shedding tears in the form of flowing honey. Just as the forefathers of a Vaiṣṇava son or grandson feel transcendental bliss, the trees feel blissful because the flute is a member of their family.’

Word meanings

nija - aṅkure — by their buds ; pulakita — jubilant ; puṣpe — by flowers ; hāsya — smiling ; vikasita — exhibited ; madhu - miṣe — by the oozing of honey ; vahe — flows ; aśru - dhāra — showers of tears ; veṇure — the flute ; māni’ — accepting ; nija - jāti — as belonging to the same family ; āryera — of forefathers ; yena — as if ; putra - nāti — son or grandson ; vaiṣṇava — a Vaiṣṇava ; haile — when becomes ; ānanda - vikāra — transformation of transcendental bliss .

Translation

“The gopīs considered, ‘The flute is completely unfit for his position. We want to know what kind of austerities the flute executed, so that we may also perform the same austerities. Although the flute is unfit, he is drinking the nectar of Kṛṣṇa’s lips. Seeing this, we qualified gopīs are dying of unhappiness. Therefore, we must consider the austerities the flute underwent in his past life.’ ”

Word meanings

veṇura — of the flute ; tapa — austerities ; jāni — knowing ; yabe — when ; sei — those ; tapa — austerities ; kari — we perform ; tabe — at that time ; e — this (flute) ; ayogya — unfit ; āmarā — we ; yogyā nārī — fit women ; yā — which ; nā pāñā — not getting ; duḥkhe — in unhappiness ; mari — we die ; ayogya — the most unfit ; piye — drinks ; sahite nāri — we cannot tolerate ; tāhā lāgi’ — for that reason ; tapasyā — austerities ; vicāri — we are considering .

Translation

While thus speaking like a madman, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu became full of ecstatic emotion. In the company of His two friends, Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī and Rāmānanda Rāya, He sometimes danced, sometimes sang and sometimes became unconscious in ecstatic love. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu passed His days and nights in this way.

Word meanings

eteka — so much ; pralāpa kari’ — talking like a crazy man ; prema - āveśe — in ecstatic love ; gaurahari — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; saṅge lañā — taking with Him ; svarūpa - rāma - rāya — Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī and Rāmānanda Rāya ; kabhu nāce — sometimes dances ; kabhu gāya — sometimes sings ; bhāva - āveśe — in ecstatic love ; mūrcchā yāya — becomes unconscious ; ei - rūpe — in this way ; rātridina — the whole night and day ; yāya — passes .

Translation

Expecting the mercy of Svarūpa, Rūpa, Sanātana and Raghunātha dāsa, and taking their lotus feet on my head, I, the most fallen Kṛṣṇadāsa, continue chanting the epic Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, which is sweeter than the nectar of transcendental bliss.

Word meanings

svarūpa — Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī ; rūpa — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; sanātana — Sanātana Gosvāmī ; raghunāthera — of Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmī ; śrī - caraṇa — the lotus feet ; śire — on the head ; dhari’ — taking ; kari yāra āśa — hoping for their mercy ; caitanya - caritāmṛta — the book named Caitanya-caritāmṛta ; amṛta haite — than nectar ; para - amṛta — more nectarean ; gāya — chants ; dīna - hīna — the most wretched ; kṛṣṇadāsa — Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī .

Purport

Thus end the Bhaktivedanta purports to Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā, sixteenth chapter, describing the nectar flowing from Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s lotus lips.