The Lord’s Return to Jagannātha Purī

Translation

I offer my respectful obeisances unto Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who is compared to a cloud that pours water on fields of grain, which are like devotees suffering due to a shortage of rain. Separation from Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is like a drought, but when the Lord returns, His presence is like a nectarean rain that falls on all the grains and saves them from perishing.

Word meanings

tam — unto Him ; vande — I offer my respectful obeisances ; gaura — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; jala - dam — rain cloud ; svasya — of Himself ; yaḥ — He who ; darśana - amṛtaiḥ — by the nectar of the audience ; viccheda — because of separation ; avagraha — scarcity of rain ; mlāna — morose, dried up ; bhakta — devotees ; śasyāni — food grains ; ajīvayat — saved .

Translation

All glories to Lord Caitanya! All glories to Nityānanda Prabhu! All glories to Advaitacandra! And all glories to all the devotees of Lord Caitanya!

Word meanings

jaya jaya — all glories ; śrī - caitanya — to Lord Śrī 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 Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu .

Translation

When Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu departed for South India, King Pratāparudra called Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya to his palace.

Word meanings

pūrve — formerly ; yabe — when ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; calilā — departed ; dakṣiṇe — for His South Indian tour ; pratāparudra — Pratāparudra ; rājā — the King ; tabe — at that time ; bolāila — called for ; sārvabhaume — Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya .

Translation

When Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya met with the King, the King offered him a seat with all respects and inquired about news of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

Word meanings

vasite — to sit ; āsana — sitting place ; dila — offered ; kari’ — doing ; namaskāre — obeisances ; mahāprabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; vārtā — news ; tabe — at that time ; puchila — inquired ; tāṅhāre — from him .

Translation

The King said to the Bhaṭṭācārya, “I have heard that a great personality has come from Bengal and is staying at your home. I have also heard that He is very, very merciful.

Word meanings

śunilāṅa — I have heard ; tomāra — your ; ghare — at home ; eka — one ; mahāśaya — great personality ; gauḍa ha - ite — from Bengal ; āilā — has come ; teṅho — He ; mahā - kṛpā - maya — very merciful .

Translation

“I have also heard that this great personality has shown you great favor. At any rate, this is what I hear from many different people. Now, being merciful upon me, you should do me the favor of arranging an interview.”

Word meanings

tomāre — unto you ; bahu kṛpā — great mercy ; kailā — showed ; kahe — says ; sarva - jana — everyone ; kṛpā kari’ — being merciful ; karāha — arrange ; more — for me ; tāṅhāra — His ; darśana — interview .

Translation

The Bhaṭṭācārya replied, “All that you have heard is true, but as far as an interview is concerned, it is very difficult to arrange.

Word meanings

bhaṭṭa kahe — the Bhaṭṭācārya replied ; ye — what ; śunilā — you have heard ; saba — all ; satya — true ; haya — is ; tāṅra darśana — His interview ; tomāra — of you ; ghaṭana — happening ; nā haya — is not .

Translation

“Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is in the renounced order and is very much detached from worldly affairs. He stays in solitary places, and even in dreams He does not grant interviews to a king.

Word meanings

virakta — detached ; sannyāsī — in the renounced order ; teṅho — He ; rahena — keeps Himself ; nirjane — in a solitary place ; svapneha — even in dreams ; nā — does not ; karena — do ; teṅho — He ; rāja - daraśane — interview with a king .

Translation

“Still, I would have tried to arrange your interview, but He has recently left to tour South India.”

Word meanings

tathāpi — yet ; prakāre — somehow or other ; tomā — you ; karāitāma — I would have arranged ; daraśana — interview ; samprati — recently ; karilā — has done ; teṅho — He ; dakṣiṇa — to the southern part of India ; gamana — departure .

Translation

The King asked, “Why has He left Jagannātha Purī?”

Word meanings

rājā kahe — the King said ; jagannātha chāḍi’ — leaving the place of Lord Jagannātha ; kene gelā — why did He leave ; bhaṭṭa kahe — Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya replied ; mahāntera — of a great person ; ei — this ; eka — one ; līlā — pastime .

Purport

The Bhaṭṭācārya replied, “Such are the pastimes of a great personality.

Translation

“Great saints go to holy places of pilgrimage in order to purify them. For that reason Caitanya Mahāprabhu is visiting many tīrthas and delivering many, many conditioned souls.

Word meanings

tīrtha — holy places ; pavitra karite — to purify ; kare — does ; tīrtha - bhramaṇa — touring in places of pilgrimage ; sei chale — on that plea ; nistāraye — delivers ; sāṁsārika — conditioned ; jana — souls .

Translation

“ ‘Saints of your caliber are themselves places of pilgrimage. Because of their purity, they are constant companions of the Lord, and therefore they can purify even the places of pilgrimage.’

Word meanings

bhavat — your good self ; vidhāḥ — like ; bhāgavatāḥ — devotees ; tīrthī — as holy places of pilgrimage ; bhūtāḥ — existing ; svayam — themselves ; vibho — O almighty one ; tīrthī - kurvanti — make into holy places of pilgrimage ; tīrthāni — the holy places ; sva - antaḥ - sthena — being situated in their hearts ; gadā - bhṛtā — by the Personality of Godhead .

Purport

This verse, spoken by Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira to Vidura in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.13.10) , is also quoted in the Ādi-līlā (1.63).

Translation

“A Vaiṣṇava travels to places of pilgrimage to purify them and reclaim fallen conditioned souls. This is one of the duties of a Vaiṣṇava. Actually, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is not a living entity but the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself. Consequently, He is a fully independent controller, yet in His position as a devotee, He carries out the activities of a devotee.”

Word meanings

vaiṣṇavera — of great devotees ; ei — this ; haya — is ; eka — one ; svabhāva — nature ; niścala — unflinching ; teṅho — He ; jīva — conditioned soul ; nahena — is not ; hana — is ; svatantra — independent ; īśvara — controller .

Purport

Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura points out that because there are many permanent residents in holy places who do not precisely follow the rules and regulations governing living in a sacred place, exalted devotees have to go to these places to reclaim such persons. This is the business of a Vaiṣṇava. A Vaiṣṇava is unhappy to see others materially enmeshed. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu taught these activities of a Vaiṣṇava although He is the worshipable Deity of all Vaiṣṇavas, the complete and independent Supreme Personality of Godhead. He is pūrṇaḥ śuddho nitya-muktaḥ — complete, completely uncontaminated and eternally liberated. He is sanātana, for He has no beginning or end.

Translation

Upon hearing this, the King replied, “Why did you allow Him to leave? Why didn’t you fall at His lotus feet and keep Him here?”

Word meanings

rājā kahe — the King said ; tāṅre — Him ; tumi — you ; yāite — to go ; kene — why ; dile — allowed ; pāya — at His lotus feet ; paḍi’ — falling ; yatna kari’ — endeavoring very much ; kene — why ; nā — not ; rākhile — kept .

Translation

Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya replied, “Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself and is completely independent. Being Lord Kṛṣṇa Himself, He is not dependent on anyone.

Word meanings

bhaṭṭācārya kahe — Sārvabhauma replied ; teṅho — He ; svayam — personally ; īśvara — the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; svatantra — independent ; sākṣāt — directly ; śrī - kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; teṅho — He ; nahe — is not ; para - tantra — dependent on anyone .

Translation

“Still, I endeavored very hard to keep Him here, but because He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and completely independent, I was not successful.”

Word meanings

tathāpi — still ; rākhite — to keep ; tāṅre — Him ; bahu — various ; yatna — endeavors ; kailuṅ — I made ; īśvarera — of the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; svatantra — independent ; icchā — desire ; rākhite — to keep ; nāriluṅ — I was unable .

Translation

The King said, “Bhaṭṭācārya, you are the most learned and experienced person I know. Therefore when you address Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu as Lord Kṛṣṇa, I accept this as the truth.

Word meanings

rājā kahe — the King said ; bhaṭṭa — Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya ; tumi — you ; vijña - śiromaṇi — the most experienced learned scholar ; tumi — you ; tāṅre — Him ; kṛṣṇa kaha — address as Lord Kṛṣṇa ; tāte — your statement ; satya māni — I accept as true .

Purport

This is the way to advance in spiritual science. One must accept the words of an ācārya, a bona fide spiritual master, to clear the path for spiritual advancement. This is the secret of success. However, one’s guide must be a spiritual master who is actually an unalloyed devotee strictly following the instructions of the previous ācārya without deviation. Whatever the spiritual master says must be accepted by the disciple. Only then is success certain. This is the Vedic system.

Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya was a brāhmaṇa and a realized soul, whereas Pratāparudra was a kṣatriya. Kṣatriya kings used to obey very faithfully the orders of learned brāhmaṇas and saintly persons, and in this way they would rule their country. Similarly, vaiśyas used to follow the king’s orders, and śūdras used to serve the three higher castes. In this way the brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas, vaiśyas and śūdras used to live cooperatively, performing their respective duties. Consequently society was peaceful, and people were able to discharge the duties of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Thus they were happy in this life and able to return home, back to Godhead.

Translation

“When Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu returns, I wish to see Him just once in order to make my eyes perfect.”

Word meanings

punarapi — again ; ihāṅ — here ; tāṅra — His ; haile — when there is ; āgamana — arrival ; eka - bāra — once ; dekhi’ — seeing ; kari — I make ; sa - phala — fruitful ; nayana — my eyes .

Translation

Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya replied, “His Holiness Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu will return very soon. I wish to have a nice place ready for Him, a place solitary and peaceful.

Word meanings

bhaṭṭācārya kahe — Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya replied ; teṅho — He ; āsibe — will come ; alpa - kāle — very soon ; rahite — to keep ; tāṅre — Him ; eka — one ; sthāna — place ; cāhiye — I want ; virale — secluded .

Translation

“Lord Caitanya’s residence should be very secluded and also near the temple of Jagannātha. Please consider this proposal and give me a nice place for Him.”

Word meanings

ṭhākurera nikaṭa — near the place of Lord Jagannātha ; āra — also ; ha - ibe — must be ; nirjane — secluded ; e - mata — in this way ; nirṇaya kari’ — considering carefully ; deha’ — please give ; eka sthāne — one place .

Translation

The King replied, “Kāśī Miśra’s house is exactly what you require. It is near the temple and is very secluded, calm and quiet.”

Word meanings

rājā kahe — the King replied ; aiche — exactly like that ; kāśī - miśrera bhavana — the house of Kāśī Miśra ; ṭhākurera nikaṭa — near Lord Jagannātha ; haya — is ; parama — very ; nirjana — secluded .

Translation

After saying this, the King became very anxious for the Lord to return. Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya then went to Kāśī Miśra to convey the King’s desire.

Word meanings

eta kahi’ — saying this ; rājā — the King ; rahe — remained ; utkaṇṭhita — very anxious ; hañā — being ; bhaṭṭācārya — Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya ; kāśī - miśre — unto Kāśī Miśra ; kahila — said ; āsiyā — coming .

Translation

When Kāśī Miśra heard the proposal, he said, “I am very fortunate that Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, the Lord of all prabhus, will stay at my home.”

Word meanings

kāśī - miśra kahe — Kāśī Miśra said ; āmi — I ; baḍa — very ; bhāgyavān — fortunate ; mora gṛhe — in my home ; prabhu - pādera — of the Lord of the prabhus ; habe — there will be ; avasthāna — staying .

Purport

In this verse the word prabhupāda, referring to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, is significant. Regarding this, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Gosvāmī Prabhupāda comments, “Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself, Śrī Kṛṣṇa, and all His servants address Him as Prabhupāda. This means that there are many prabhus taking shelter under His lotus feet.” The pure Vaiṣṇava is addressed as prabhu, and this address is an etiquette observed between Vaiṣṇavas. When many prabhus remain under the shelter of the lotus feet of another prabhu, the address Prabhupāda is given. Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu and Śrī Advaita Prabhu are also addressed as Prabhupāda. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, Śrī Advaita Prabhu and Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu are all viṣṇu-tattva, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Viṣṇu. Therefore all living entities are under Their lotus feet. Lord Viṣṇu is the eternal Lord of everyone, and the representative of Lord Viṣṇu is the Lord’s confidential servant. Such a person acts as the spiritual master for neophyte Vaiṣṇavas; therefore the spiritual master is as respectable as Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya or Lord Viṣṇu Himself. For this reason the spiritual master is addressed as Oṁ Viṣṇupāda or Prabhupāda. The ācārya, the spiritual master, is generally respected by others as Śrīpāda, and the initiated Vaiṣṇavas are addressed as Prabhu. Prabhu, Prabhupāda and Viṣṇupāda are described in revealed scriptures like Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Caitanya-caritāmṛta and Caitanya-bhāgavata. In this regard, these scriptures present evidence accepted by unalloyed devotees.

The prākṛta-sahajiyās are not even worthy of being called Vaiṣṇavas. They think that only caste gosvāmīs should be called Prabhupāda. Such ignorant sahajiyās call themselves vaiṣṇava-dāsa-anudāsa, which means the servant of the servant of the Vaiṣṇavas. However, they are opposed to addressing a pure Vaiṣṇava as Prabhupāda. In other words, they are envious of a bona fide spiritual master who is addressed as Prabhupāda, and they commit offenses by considering a bona fide spiritual master an ordinary human being or a member of a certain caste. Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura describes such sahajiyās as most unfortunate. Because of their misconceptions, they fall into a hellish condition.

Translation

Thus all the residents of Jagannātha Purī, which is also known as Puruṣottama, became anxious to meet Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu again.

Word meanings

ei - mata — in this way ; puruṣottama - vāsī — the residents of Jagannātha Purī ; yata — all ; jana — persons ; prabhuke — Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; milite — to meet ; sabāra — of everyone ; utkaṇṭhita — anxious ; mana — mind .

Translation

When all the residents of Jagannātha Purī became extremely anxious to meet the Lord again, He returned from South India.

Word meanings

sarva - lokera — of all people ; utkaṇṭhā — anxieties ; yabe — when ; atyanta — very much ; bāḍila — increased ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; dakṣiṇa haite — from South India ; tabahi — at that very time ; āila — returned .

Translation

Hearing of the Lord’s return, everyone became very happy, and they all went to Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya and spoke to him as follows.

Word meanings

śuni’ — hearing ; ānandita — happy ; haila — were ; sabākāra — of everyone ; mana — the minds ; sabe āsi’ — everyone coming ; sārvabhaume — unto Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya ; kaila — did ; nivedana — submission .

Translation

“Please arrange our meeting with Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. It is only by your mercy that we can attain the shelter of the lotus feet of the Lord.”

Word meanings

prabhura sahita — with Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; āmā - sabāra — of all of us ; karāha — arrange ; milana — meeting ; tomāra — your ; prasāde — by mercy ; pāi — we get ; prabhura caraṇa — the lotus feet of the Lord .

Translation

The Bhaṭṭācārya replied to the people, “Tomorrow the Lord will be at the house of Kāśī Miśra. I shall arrange for you all to meet Him.”

Word meanings

bhaṭṭācārya kahe — the Bhaṭṭācārya replied ; kāli — tomorrow ; kāśī - miśrera ghare — in the house of Kāśī Miśra ; prabhu — the Lord ; yāibena — will go ; tāhāṅ — there ; milāba sabāre — I shall arrange for a meeting with all of you .

Translation

The next day Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu arrived and went with Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya, with great enthusiasm, to see the temple of Lord Jagannātha.

Word meanings

āra dina — the next day ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; bhaṭṭācāryera saṅge — with Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya ; jagannātha — of Lord Jagannātha ; daraśana — visiting the temple ; kaila — did ; mahā - raṅge — with great enthusiasm .

Translation

All the servants of Lord Jagannātha delivered remnants of the Lord’s food to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. In return, Caitanya Mahāprabhu embraced them all.

Word meanings

mahā - prasāda — remnants of the food of Lord Jagannātha ; diyā — delivering ; tāhāṅ — there ; mililā — met ; sevaka - gaṇa — the servants of Lord Jagannātha ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; sabākāre — unto all of them ; kaila — did ; āliṅgana — embracing .

Translation

After seeing Lord Jagannātha, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu left the temple. The Bhaṭṭācārya then took Him to the house of Kāśī Miśra.

Word meanings

darśana kari’ — seeing Lord Jagannātha ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; calilā — departed ; bāhire — outside ; bhaṭṭācārya — Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya ; ānila — brought ; tāṅre — Him ; kāśī - miśra - ghare — to the house of Kāśī Miśra .

Translation

When Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu arrived at his house, Kāśī Miśra immediately fell down at His lotus feet and surrendered himself and all his possessions.

Word meanings

kāśī - miśra — Kāśī Miśra ; āsi’ — coming ; paḍila — fell down ; prabhura — of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; caraṇe — at the lotus feet ; gṛha - sahita — with his house ; ātmā — his personal self ; tāṅre — unto Him ; kaila — did ; nivedane — submission .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu then showed Kāśī Miśra His four-armed form. Then, accepting him for His service, the Lord embraced him.

Word meanings

prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; catur - bhuja - mūrti — four-armed form ; tāṅre — unto him ; dekhāila — showed ; ātmasāt kari’ — accepting ; tāre — him ; āliṅgana kaila — embraced .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu next sat down at the place prepared for Him, and all the devotees, headed by Lord Nityānanda Prabhu, surrounded Him.

Word meanings

tabe — at that time ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; tāhāṅ — there ; vasilā — sat down ; āsane — on His seat ; cau - dike — on four sides ; vasilā — sat down ; nityānanda - ādi — headed by Lord Nityānanda ; bhakta - gaṇe — all the devotees .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was very happy to see His residential quarters, in which all His necessities were taken care of.

Word meanings

sukhī hailā — became very happy ; dekhi’ — by seeing ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; vāsāra — of the residential quarters ; saṁsthāna — situation ; yei vāsāya — at which place ; haya — there is ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; sarva - samādhāna — fulfillment of all necessities .

Translation

Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya said, “This place is just befitting You. Please accept it. It is the hope of Kāśī Miśra that You do.”

Word meanings

sārvabhauma — Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya ; kahe — said ; prabhu — my dear Lord ; yogya — just befitting ; tomāra — Your ; vāsā — residential quarters ; tumi — You ; aṅgīkāra kara — accept ; kāśī - miśrera āśā — the hope of Kāśī Miśra .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “My body belongs to all of you. Therefore I agree to whatever you say.”

Word meanings

prabhu kahe — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said ; ei deha — this body ; tomā - sabākāra — belongs to all of you ; yei — whatever ; tumi — you ; kaha — say ; sei — that ; sammata āmāra — accepted by Me .

Translation

After this, Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya, sitting at the right hand of the Lord, began to introduce all the inhabitants of Puruṣottama, Jagannātha Purī.

Word meanings

tabe — thereafter ; sārvabhauma — Sārvabhauma ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; dakṣiṇa - pārśve — by the right side ; vasi’ — sitting ; milāite — to introduce ; lāgilā — began ; saba — all ; puruṣottama - vāsī — residents of Puruṣottama (Jagannātha Purī) .

Translation

The Bhaṭṭācārya said, “My dear Lord, all these people who are residents of Nīlācala, Jagannātha Purī, have been very anxious to meet You.

Word meanings

ei saba loka — all these people ; prabhu — my Lord ; vaise — reside ; nīlācale — at Jagannātha Purī ; utkaṇṭhita hañāche — they have become very anxious ; sabe — all ; tomā — You ; milibāre — to meet .

Translation

“In Your absence all these people have been exactly like thirsty cātaka birds crying in disappointment. Kindly accept them.”

Word meanings

tṛṣita — thirsty ; cātaka — the cātaka bird ; yaiche — just as ; kare — does ; hāhā - kāra — vibration of disappointment ; taiche — similarly ; ei saba — all of these ; sabe — all of them ; kara aṅgīkāra — kindly accept .

Translation

Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya first introduced Janārdana, saying, “Here is Janārdana, servant of Lord Jagannātha. He renders service to the Lord when it is time to renovate His transcendental body.”

Word meanings

jagannātha - sevaka — servitor of Lord Jagannātha ; ei — this ; nāma — named ; janārdana — Janārdana ; anavasare — during the time of renovation ; kare — does ; prabhura — of the Lord ; śrī - aṅga — of the transcendental body ; sevana — service .

Purport

During Anavasara, after the Snāna-yātrā ceremony, Lord Jagannātha is absent from the temple for fifteen days so He can be renovated. This occurs annually. Janārdana, who is here being introduced to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, was rendering this service at the time. The renovation of Lord Jagannātha is also known as Nava-yauvana, which indicates that the Jagannātha Deity is being fully restored to youth.

Translation

Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya continued, “This is Kṛṣṇadāsa, who carries a golden cane, and here is Śikhi Māhiti, who is in charge of writing.

Word meanings

kṛṣṇadāsa — Kṛṣṇadāsa ; nāma — named ; ei — this ; suvarṇa — golden ; vetra - dhārī — carrier of the cane ; śikhi māhāti — Śikhi Māhiti ; nāma — named ; ei — this ; likhana - adhikārī — entrusted with writing .

Purport

The person in charge of writing is also called deula-karaṇa-pada-prāpta karmacārī. He is employed especially to write a calendar called Mātalā-pāṅji.

Translation

“This is Pradyumna Miśra, who is chief of all Vaiṣṇavas. He is a great servitor of Jagannātha, and his name is Dāsa.

Word meanings

pradyumna - miśra — Pradyumna Miśra ; iṅha — this person ; vaiṣṇava pradhāna — chief of all the Vaiṣṇavas ; jagannāthera — of Lord Jagannātha ; mahā - soyāra — great servitor ; iṅha — this ; dāsa nāma — designated as Dāsa . .

Purport

In Orissa most of the brāhmaṇas have the title Dāsa . Generally it is understood that the word dāsa refers to those other than the brāhmaṇas, but in Orissa the brāhmaṇas use the Dāsa title. This is confirmed by Culli Bhaṭṭa. Actually, everyone is dāsa because everyone is a servant of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In that sense, the bona fide brāhmaṇa has first claim to the appellation dāsa. Therefore in this case the designation dāsa is not incompatible.

Translation

“This is Murāri Māhiti, the brother of Śikhi Māhiti. He has nothing other than Your lotus feet.

Word meanings

murāri māhāti — Murāri Māhiti ; iṅha — this ; śikhi - māhātira — of Śikhi Māhiti ; bhāi — younger brother ; tomāra — Your ; caraṇa — lotus feet ; vinu — without ; āra — any other ; gati — destination ; nāi — he does not have .

Translation

“Here are Candaneśvara, Siṁheśvara, Murāri Brāhmaṇa and Viṣṇudāsa. They are all constantly engaged in meditating on Your lotus feet.

Word meanings

candaneśvara — Candaneśvara ; siṁheśvara — Siṁheśvara ; murāri brāhmaṇa — the brāhmaṇa named Murāri ; viṣṇudāsa — Viṣṇudāsa ; iṅha — all of them ; dhyāye — meditate ; tomāra — Your ; caraṇa — on the lotus feet .

Translation

“This is Paramānanda Prahararāja, who is also known as Mahāpātra. He is very, very intelligent.

Word meanings

prahararāja — Prahararāja ; mahāpātra — Mahāpātra ; iṅha — this ; mahā - mati — very intelligent ; paramānanda mahāpātra — Paramānanda Mahāpātra ; iṅhāra — of him ; saṁhati — combination .

Purport

Prahararāja is a designation given to brāhmaṇas who represent the king when the throne is vacant. In Orissa, between the time of a king’s death and the enthronement of another king, a representative must sit on the throne. This representative is called Prahararāja. The Prahararāja is generally selected from a family of priests close to the king. During the time of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, the Prahararāja was Paramānanda Prahararāja.

Translation

“All these pure devotees serve as ornaments to Jagannātha Purī. They are always undeviatingly meditating upon Your lotus feet.”

Word meanings

e - saba vaiṣṇava — all these pure devotees ; ei kṣetrera — of this holy place ; bhūṣaṇa — ornaments ; ekānta - bhāve — without deviation ; cinte — meditate ; sabe — all ; tomāra caraṇa — on Your lotus feet .

Translation

After this introduction, everyone fell to the ground like rods. Being very merciful upon them all, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu embraced each one of them.

Word meanings

tabe — thereafter ; sabe — all of them ; bhūme — on the ground ; paḍe — fell down ; daṇḍa - vat — flat like rods ; hañā — becoming ; sabā — all of them ; āliṅgilā — embraced ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; prasāda kariyā — being very merciful .

Translation

At this time Bhavānanda Rāya appeared with four of his sons, and all of them fell down at the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

Word meanings

hena - kāle — at this time ; āilā — came ; tathā — there ; bhavānanda rāya — Bhavānanda Rāya ; cāri - putra - saṅge — with four of his sons ; paḍe — fell down ; mahāprabhura pāya — at the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu .

Purport

Bhavānanda Rāya had five sons, one of whom was the exalted personality known as Rāmānanda Rāya. Bhavānanda Rāya first met Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu after His return from South India. At that time Rāmānanda Rāya was still serving at his government post; therefore when Bhavānanda Rāya went to see Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, he went with his other four sons. They were named Vāṇīnātha, Gopīnātha, Kalānidhi and Sudhānidhi. A description of Bhavānanda Rāya and his five sons is given in the Ādi-līlā (10.133-34).

Translation

Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya continued, “This is Bhavānanda Rāya, the father of Śrī Rāmānanda Rāya, who is his first son.”

Word meanings

sārvabhauma kahe — Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya continued to speak ; ei — this person ; rāya bhavānanda — Bhavānanda Rāya ; iṅhāra — his ; prathama putra — first son ; rāya rāmānanda — Rāmānanda Rāya .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu embraced Bhavānanda Rāya and with great respect spoke of his son Rāmānanda Rāya.

Word meanings

tabe — thereupon ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; tāṅre — unto him ; kaila — did ; āliṅgana — embracing ; stuti kari’ — praising very highly ; kahe — said ; rāmānanda — of Rāmānanda Rāya ; vivaraṇa — description .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu honored Bhavānanda Rāya by saying, “The glories of a person who has a jewel of a son like Rāmānanda Rāya cannot be described within this mortal world.

Word meanings

rāmānanda - hena — like Rāmānanda Rāya ; ratna — jewel ; yāṅhāra — whose ; tanaya — son ; tāṅhāra — his ; mahimā — glorification ; loke — within this world ; kahana — to describe ; nā — not ; yāya — is possible .

Translation

“You are Mahārāja Pāṇḍu himself, and your wife is Kuntīdevī herself. All your highly intellectual sons are representatives of the five Pāṇḍavas.”

Word meanings

sākṣāt pāṇḍu — directly Mahārāja Pāṇḍu ; tumi — you ; tomāra — your ; patnī — wife ; kuntī — like Kuntīdevī ; pañca - pāṇḍava — five Pāṇḍavas ; tomāra — your ; pañca - putra — five sons ; mahā - mati — all highly intellectual .

Translation

After hearing Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s praise, Bhavānanda Rāya submitted, “I am in the fourth class of the social order, and I engage in mundane affairs. Although I am very fallen, You have still touched me. This is proof that You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead.”

Word meanings

rāya kahe — Bhavānanda Rāya replied ; āmi śūdra — I belong to the fourth class of the social divisions ; viṣayī — engaged in mundane affairs ; adhama — very fallen ; tabu — still ; tumi — You ; sparśa — touch ; ei — this ; īśvara - lakṣaṇa — sign of the Supreme Personality of Godhead .

Purport

As stated in the Bhagavad-gītā (5.18) :

vidyā-vinaya-sampanne brāhmaṇe gavi hastini śuni caiva śva-pāke ca paṇḍitāḥ sama-darśinaḥ

“The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle brāhmaṇa, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater [outcaste].”

Those who are highly advanced in spiritual understanding do not care about a person’s material condition. A spiritually advanced person sees the spiritual identity of every living being, and consequently he makes no distinction between a learned brāhmaṇa, a dog, a caṇḍāla or anyone else. He is not influenced by the material body but sees a person’s spiritual identity. Consequently Bhavānanda Rāya appreciated Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s statement, which showed that the Lord did not consider the social position of Bhavānanda Rāya, who belonged to the śūdra caste engaged in mundane activities. Rather, the Lord considered the spiritual position of Bhavānanda Rāya, along with that of Rāmānanda Rāya and his brothers. The servant of the Lord is also similarly inclined. He gives shelter to any person — any living entity — regardless of whether he belongs to a brāhmaṇa family or a caṇḍāla family . The spiritual master reclaims all people and encourages everyone in spiritual life. By taking shelter of such a devotee, one can make his life successful. As confirmed in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.4.18) :

kirāta-hūṇāndhra-pulinda-pulkaśā ābhīra-śumbhā yavanāḥ khasādayaḥ ye ’nye ca pāpā yad-apāśrayāśrayāḥ śudhyanti tasmai prabhaviṣṇave namaḥ

“Kirātas, Hūṇas, Āndhras, Pulindas, Pulkaśas, Ābhīras, Śumbhas, Yavanas and members of the Khaśa races, and even others who are addicted to sinful acts, can be purified by taking shelter of the devotees of the Lord, due to His being the supreme power. I beg to offer my respectful obeisances unto Him.”

Whoever takes shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead or His pure devotee is elevated to the spiritual order and purified from material contamination. This is also confirmed by Kṛṣṇa in the Bhagavad-gītā (9.32) :

māṁ hi pārtha vyapāśritya ye ’pi syuḥ pāpa-yonayaḥ striyo vaiśyās tathā śūdrās te ’pi yānti parāṁ gatim

“O son of Pṛthā, those who take shelter in Me, though they be of lower birth — women, vaiśyas [merchants] and śūdras [workers] — can attain the supreme destination.”

Translation

Appreciating Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s favor, Bhavānanda Rāya also said, “Along with my home, riches, servants and five sons, I surrender myself at Your lotus feet.

Word meanings

nija — own ; gṛha — house ; vitta — wealth ; bhṛtya — servants ; pañca - putra — five sons ; sane — with ; ātmā — self ; samarpiluṅ — surrender ; āmi — I ; tomāra — Your ; caraṇe — at the lotus feet .

Purport

This is the process of surrender. As Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura sings:

mānasa, deha, geha, yo kichu mora arpiluṅ tuyā pade nanda-kiśora!

( Śaraṇāgati )

When one surrenders unto the lotus feet of the Lord, he does so with everything in his possession — his house, his body, his mind and whatever else he possesses. If there is any obstruction to this surrendering process, one should immediately give it up without attachment. If one can surrender with all his family members, there is no need to take sannyāsa. However, if the surrendering process is hampered by so-called family members, one should immediately give them up to complete the surrendering process.

Translation

“This son Vāṇīnātha will remain at Your lotus feet to always immediately attend to Your orders and serve You.

Word meanings

ei vāṇīnātha — this Vāṇīnātha ; rahibe — will remain ; tomāra caraṇe — at Your lotus feet ; yabe — when ; yei — whatever ; ājñā — order ; tāhā — that ; karibe — will execute ; sevane — service .

Translation

“My dear Lord, please consider me Your relative. Do not hesitate to order whatever You desire at any time You desire it.”

Word meanings

ātmīya - jñāne — by considering as a relative ; more — me ; saṅkoca — hesitation ; nā — do not ; karibe — do ; yei — whatever ; yabe — whenever ; icchā — Your desire ; tabe — then ; sei — that ; ājñā — order ; dibe — kindly give .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu accepted Bhavānanda Rāya’s offer, saying, “I accept without hesitation because you are not an outsider. Birth after birth you have been My servant, along with your family members.

Word meanings

prabhu kahe — the Lord replied ; ki saṅkoca — what hesitation ; tumi — you ; naha — are not ; para — outsider ; janme janme — birth after birth ; tumi — you ; āmāra — My ; sa - vaṁśe — with family members ; kiṅkara — servant .

Translation

“Śrī Rāmānanda Rāya is coming within five to seven days. As soon as he arrives, My desires will be fulfilled. I take great pleasure in his company.”

Word meanings

dina - pāṅca - sāta — five or seven days ; bhitare — within ; āsibe — will come ; rāmānanda — Rāmānanda ; tāṅra saṅge — with him ; pūrṇa habe — will be full ; āmāra — My ; ānanda — pleasure .

Translation

Saying this, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu embraced Bhavānanda Rāya. The Lord then touched the heads of his sons with His lotus feet.

Word meanings

eta bali’ — saying this ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; tāṅre — unto him ; kaila — did ; āliṅgana — embracing ; tāṅra putra — his sons ; saba — all ; śire — on the head ; dharila — kept ; caraṇa — His feet .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu then sent Bhavānanda Rāya back to his home, and He kept only Vāṇīnātha Paṭṭanāyaka in His personal service.

Word meanings

tabe — thereafter ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; tāṅre — him (Bhavānanda Rāya) ; ghare — to his home ; pāṭhāila — sent back ; vāṇīnātha - paṭṭanāyake — Vāṇīnātha Paṭṭanāyaka ; nikaṭe — near ; rākhila — kept .

Translation

Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya then asked all the people to leave. Afterward, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu called for Kālā Kṛṣṇadāsa, who had accompanied the Lord during His South Indian tour.

Word meanings

bhaṭṭācārya — Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya ; saba loke — all persons ; vidāya karāila — asked to leave ; tabe — at that time ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; kālā - kṛṣṇadāse — Kālā Kṛṣṇadāsa ; bolāila — called for .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “My dear Bhaṭṭācārya, just consider the character of this man who went with Me to South India.

Word meanings

prabhu kahe — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said ; bhaṭṭācārya — My dear Bhaṭṭācārya ; śunaha — just hear ; iṅhāra carita — his character ; dakṣiṇa giyāchila — went to South India ; iṅha — this man ; āmāra sahita — with Me .

Translation

“He left My company to associate with the Bhaṭṭathāris, but I rescued him from their company and brought him here.

Word meanings

bhaṭṭathāri - kāche — in the association of the Bhaṭṭathāris ; gelā — he went ; āmāre chāḍiyā — giving up My company ; bhaṭṭathāri haite — from the Bhaṭṭathāris ; iṅhāre — him ; āniluṅ — I brought ; uddhāriyā — after rescuing .

Translation

“Now that I have brought him here, I am asking him to leave. Now he can go wherever he likes, for I am no longer responsible for him.”

Word meanings

ebe — now ; āmi — I ; ihāṅ — here ; āni’ — bringing ; karilāṅa vidāya — have asked to go away ; yāhāṅ icchā — wherever he likes ; yāha — go ; āmā - sane — with Me ; nāhi āra — there is no more ; dāya — responsibility .

Purport

Kālā Kṛṣṇadāsa was influenced and allured by nomads or gypsies, who enticed him with women. Māyā is so strong that Kālā Kṛṣṇadāsa left Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s company to join gypsy women. Even though a person may associate with Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, he can be allured by māyā and leave the Lord’s company due to his slight independence. Only one who is overwhelmed by māyā can be so unfortunate as to leave Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s company, yet unless one is very conscientious, the influence of māyā can drag one away, even though he be the personal assistant of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. And what to speak of others? The Bhaṭṭathāris used to increase their numbers by using women to allure outsiders. This is factual evidence showing that it is possible at any time to fall down from the Lord’s association. One need only misuse his little independence. Once fallen and separated from the Supreme Personality of Godhead’s association, one becomes a candidate for suffering in the material world. Although rejected by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, Kālā Kṛṣṇadāsa was given another chance, as the following verses relate.

Translation

Hearing the Lord reject him, Kālā Kṛṣṇadāsa began to cry. However, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, not caring for him, immediately left to take His noon lunch.

Word meanings

eta śuni’ — hearing this ; kṛṣṇadāsa — Kālā Kṛṣṇadāsa ; kāndite lāgila — began to cry ; madhyāhna — noon lunch ; karite — to execute ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; cali’ gela — left .

Translation

After this, the other devotees — headed by Nityānanda Prabhu, Jagadānanda, Mukunda and Dāmodara — began to consider a certain plan.

Word meanings

nityānanda — Lord Nityānanda Prabhu ; jagadānanda — Jagadānanda ; mukunda — Mukunda ; dāmodara — Dāmodara ; cāri - jane — four persons ; yukti — plan ; tabe — thereupon ; karilā — did ; antara — within the mind .

Purport

Even though a person is rejected by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the devotees of the Lord do not reject him; therefore the Lord’s devotees are more merciful than the Lord Himself. Śrīla Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura thus sings, chāḍiyā vaiṣṇava-sevā nistāra peyeche kebā: one cannot be relieved from the material clutches without engaging in the service of pure devotees. The Lord Himself may sometimes be very hard, but the devotees are always kind. Thus Kālā Kṛṣṇadāsa received the mercy of the four devotees mentioned above.

Translation

The Lord’s four devotees considered, “We want a person to go to Bengal just to inform Śacīmātā about Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s arrival at Jagannātha Purī.

Word meanings

gauḍa - deśe — to Bengal ; pāṭhāite — to send ; cāhi — we want ; eka - jana — one person ; āike — mother Śacīdevī ; kahibe — will inform ; yāi — going ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; āgamana — arrival .

Translation

“After hearing news of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s arrival, devotees like Advaita and Śrīvāsa will certainly come to see Him.

Word meanings

advaita — Advaita Prabhu ; śrīvāsa - ādi — and all the devotees like Śrīvāsa ; yata — all ; bhakta - gaṇa — devotees ; sabei — all ; āsibe — will come ; śuni’ — hearing ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; āgamana — arrival .

Translation

“Let us therefore send Kṛṣṇadāsa to Bengal.” Saying this, they kept Kṛṣṇadāsa engaged in the service of the Lord and gave him assurance.

Word meanings

ei — this ; kṛṣṇadāse — Kālā Kṛṣṇadāsa ; diba — away ; gauḍe — to Bengal ; pāṭhāñā — let us send ; eta kahi’ — saying this ; tāre — him ; rākhilena — they kept ; āśvāsiyā — giving assurance .

Purport

Because Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu rejected him, Kālā Kṛṣṇadāsa became very, very sorry and began to cry. Therefore the Lord’s devotees took compassion upon him, gave him assurance and encouraged him to continue to engage in the Lord’s service.

Translation

The next day, all the devotees asked Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, “Please give permission for a person to go to Bengal.

Word meanings

āra dine — next day ; prabhu - sthāne — before Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; kaila — did ; nivedana — submission ; ājñā deha’ — please give permission ; gauḍa - deśe — to Bengal ; pāṭhāi — we may send ; eka - jana — one person .

Translation

“Mother Śacī and all the devotees headed by Advaita Prabhu are all very unhappy due to not receiving news about Your return from Your South Indian tour.

Word meanings

tomāra — Your ; dakṣiṇa - gamana — South Indian tour ; śuni’ — hearing ; śacī āi — mother Śacī ; advaita - ādi — Śrī Advaita Prabhu and others ; bhakta — devotees ; saba — all ; āche — remain ; duḥkha pāi’ — in great unhappiness .

Translation

“One person should go to Bengal and inform them about the auspicious news of Your return to Jagannātha Purī.”

Word meanings

eka - jana — one person ; yāi’ — going ; kahuk — may inform ; śubha samācāra — this auspicious news ; prabhu kahe — the Lord replied ; sei kara — do that ; ye — whatever ; icchā — desire ; tomāra — your .

Purport

Upon hearing this, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu replied, “Do whatever you decide.”

Translation

In this way Kālā Kṛṣṇadāsa was sent to Bengal, and he was given sufficient quantities of Lord Jagannātha’s food remnants to distribute there.

Word meanings

tabe — thereafter ; sei — that ; kṛṣṇadāse — Kṛṣṇadāsa ; gauḍe — to Bengal ; pāṭhāila — sent ; vaiṣṇava - sabāke — to all the Vaiṣṇavas ; dite — to deliver ; mahā - prasāda — the remnants of Jagannātha’s food ; dila — they gave .

Translation

Thus Kālā Kṛṣṇadāsa went to Bengal, and he first went to Navadvīpa to see mother Śacī.

Word meanings

tabe — then ; gauḍa - deśe — to Bengal ; āilā — came ; kālā - kṛṣṇadāsa — Kālā Kṛṣṇadāsa ; navadvīpe — to Navadvīpa ; gela — went ; teṅha — he ; śacī - āi - pāśa — before mother Śacī .

Translation

Upon reaching mother Śacī, Kālā Kṛṣṇadāsa first offered his obeisances and delivered the food remnants [mahā-prasādam]. He then informed her of the good news that Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu had returned from His South Indian tour.

Word meanings

mahā - prasāda diyā — delivering the mahā-prasādam ; tāṅre — unto Śacīmātā ; kaila namaskāra — he offered respects by bowing down ; dakṣiṇa haite — from the South India tour ; āilā — came back ; prabhu — Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; kahe samācāra — he delivered this news .

Translation

This good news gave much pleasure to mother Śacī, as well as to all the devotees of Navadvīpa, headed by Śrīvāsa Ṭhākura.

Word meanings

śuniyā — hearing ; ānandita — very happy ; haila — became ; śacī - mātāra — of mother Śacī ; mana — mind ; śrīvāsa - ādi — headed by Śrīvāsa ; āra — and others ; yata yata — all ; bhakta - gaṇa — devotees .

Translation

Hearing of Lord Caitanya’s return to Purī, everyone became very glad. Kṛṣṇadāsa next went to the house of Advaita Ācārya.

Word meanings

śuniyā — hearing ; sabāra — of all ; haila — there was ; parama — supreme ; ullāsa — happiness ; advaita - ācārya — of Advaita Ācārya Prabhu ; gṛhe — to the home ; gelā — went ; kṛṣṇadāsa — Kṛṣṇadāsa .

Translation

After paying Him respectful obeisances, Kṛṣṇadāsa offered mahā-prasādam to Advaita Ācārya. He then informed Him of the news of Lord Caitanya in complete detail.

Word meanings

ācāryere — unto Śrī Advaita Ācārya ; prasāda — the remnants of Jagannātha’s food ; diyā — delivering ; kari’ — making ; namaskāra — obeisances ; samyak — completely ; kahila — informed ; mahāprabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; samācāra — news .

Translation

When Advaita Ācārya Gosvāmī heard of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s return, He became very pleased. In His great ecstasy of love, He made a rumbling sound and danced and chanted for a long time.

Word meanings

śuni’ — hearing ; ācārya — Advaita Ācārya ; gosāñira — of the spiritual master ; ānanda ha - ila — there was much jubilation ; prema - āveśe — in great ecstasy ; huṅkāra — rumbling sound ; bahu — various ; nṛtya - gīta — chanting and dancing ; kaila — performed .

Translation

Also hearing this auspicious news, Haridāsa Ṭhākura became very pleased. So also did Vāsudeva Datta, Murāri Gupta and Śivānanda Sena.

Word meanings

haridāsa ṭhākurera — of Haridāsa Ṭhākura ; haila — was ; parama — topmost ; ānanda — ecstasy ; vāsudeva datta — Vāsudeva Datta ; gupta murāri — Murāri Gupta ; sena śivānanda — Śivānanda Sena .

Translation

Ācāryaratna, Vakreśvara Paṇḍita, Ācāryanidhi and Gadādhara Paṇḍita were all very pleased to hear this news.

Word meanings

ācāryaratna — Ācāryaratna ; āra — and ; paṇḍita vakreśvara — Vakreśvara Paṇḍita ; ācāryanidhi — Ācāryanidhi ; āra — also ; paṇḍita gadādhara — Gadādhara Paṇḍita .

Translation

Śrīrāma Paṇḍita, Dāmodara Paṇḍita, Śrīmān Paṇḍita, Vijaya and Śrīdhara were also very pleased to hear it.

Word meanings

śrī - rāma paṇḍita — Śrīrāma Paṇḍita ; āra — and ; paṇḍita dāmodara — Dāmodara Paṇḍita ; śrīmān paṇḍita — Śrīmān Paṇḍita ; āra — and ; vijaya — Vijaya ; śrīdhara — Śrīdhara .

Translation

Rāghava Paṇḍita, Nandana Ācārya and all the devotees became very satisfied. How many can I describe?

Word meanings

rāghava - paṇḍita — Rāghava Paṇḍita ; āra — and ; ācārya nandana — Nandana Ācārya ; kateka — how many ; kahiba — shall I describe ; āra — other ; yata — all ; prabhura gaṇa — associates of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu .

Translation

Everyone was very pleased, and they all gathered together at the house of Advaita Ācārya.

Word meanings

śuniyā — hearing ; sabāra — of everyone ; haila — there was ; parama ullāsa — great ecstasy ; sabe meli’ — all together ; gelā — went ; śrī - advaitera pāśa — to the house of Śrī Advaita Ācārya .

Translation

All the devotees offered respectful obeisances at the lotus feet of Advaita Ācārya, and in return Advaita Ācārya embraced them all.

Word meanings

ācāryera — of Advaita Ācārya ; sabe — all ; kaila — did ; caraṇa vandana — offering obeisances at the lotus feet ; ācārya - gosāṅi — Advaita Ācārya ; sabāre — to all ; kaila — did ; āliṅgana — embracing .

Translation

Advaita Ācārya then held a festival that lasted two or three days. Thereafter, they all made a firm decision to go to Jagannātha Purī.

Word meanings

dina dui - tina — for two or three days ; ācārya — Advaita Ācārya ; mahotsava — festival ; kaila — performed ; nīlācala — to Jagannātha Purī ; yāite — to go ; ācārya — Advaita Ācārya ; yukti — consideration ; dṛḍha — firm ; kaila — made .

Translation

All the devotees met together at Navadvīpa and, with mother Śacī’s permission, departed for Nīlādri, Jagannātha Purī.

Word meanings

sabe — all ; meli’ — meeting ; navadvīpe — at Navadvīpa ; ekatra hañā — being together ; nīlādri — to Jagannātha Purī ; calila — departed ; śacī - mātāra — of mother Śacī ; ājñā — permission ; lañā — taking .

Translation

The inhabitants of Kulīna-grāma — Satyarāja, Rāmānanda and all the other devotees there — came and joined Advaita Ācārya.

Word meanings

prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; samācāra — news ; śuni’ — hearing ; kulīna - grāma - vāsī — the inhabitants of Kulīna-grāma ; satyarāja — Satyarāja ; rāmānanda — Rāmānanda ; mililā — met ; sabe — all ; āsi’ — coming .

Translation

Mukunda, Narahari, Raghunandana and all the others came from Khaṇḍa to Advaita Ācārya’s home to accompany Him to Jagannātha Purī.

Word meanings

mukunda — Mukunda ; narahari — Narahari ; raghunandana — Raghunandana ; khaṇḍa haite — from the place known as Khaṇḍa ; ācāryera ṭhāñi — to Advaita Ācārya ; āilā — came ; nīlācala yāite — to go to Nīlācala (Jagannātha Purī) .

Translation

At that time Paramānanda Purī came from South India. Traveling along the banks of the Ganges, he ultimately reached the town of Nadia.

Word meanings

se - kāle — at that time ; dakṣiṇa haite — from the South ; paramānanda - purī — Paramānanda Purī ; gaṅgā - tīre - tīre — along the bank of the Ganges ; āilā — came ; nadīyā nagarī — to the town of Nadia .

Translation

At Navadvīpa, Paramānanda Purī took his board and lodging at the house of Śacīmātā. She provided him with everything very respectfully.

Word meanings

āira mandire — at the house of Śacīmātā ; sukhe — in happiness ; karilā — took ; viśrāma — lodging ; āi — mother Śacī ; tāṅre — unto him ; bhikṣā dilā — gave boarding ; kariyā sammāna — with great respect .

Translation

While residing at the house of Śacīmātā, Paramānanda Purī heard the news of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s return to Jagannātha Purī. He therefore decided to go there as soon as possible.

Word meanings

prabhura āgamana — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s return ; teṅha — he ; tāhāṅñi — there ; śunila — heard ; śīghra — very soon ; nīlācala — to Jagannātha Purī ; yāite — to go ; tāṅra — his ; icchā — desire ; haila — became .

Translation

There was a devotee of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s named Dvija Kamalākānta, whom Paramānanda Purī took with him to Jagannātha Purī.

Word meanings

prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; eka bhakta — one devotee ; dvija kamalākānta — Dvija Kamalākānta ; nāma — named ; tāṅre — him ; lañā — accepting as his companion ; nīlācale — to Jagannātha Purī ; karilā — did ; prayāṇa — departure .

Translation

Paramānanda Purī very soon arrived at Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s place. The Lord was very happy to see him.

Word meanings

satvare — very soon ; āsiyā — coming ; teṅha — he ; mililā — met ; prabhure — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; ānanda — happiness ; haila — was ; pāñā — getting ; tāṅhāre — him .

Translation

In the great ecstasy of love, the Lord worshiped the lotus feet of Paramānanda Purī, and in turn Paramānanda Purī embraced the Lord in great ecstasy.

Word meanings

prema - āveśe — in great ecstasy ; kaila — did ; tāṅra — his ; caraṇa vandana — worshiping the feet ; teṅha — Paramānanda Purī ; prema - āveśe — in great ecstasy ; kaila — did ; prabhure — unto Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; āliṅgana — embracing .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “Please stay with Me and thus show Me favor, accepting the shelter of Jagannātha Purī.”

Word meanings

prabhu kahe — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said ; tomā - saṅge — with you ; rahite — to stay ; vāñchā haya — I desire ; more — unto Me ; kṛpā kari’ — doing a favor ; kara — accept ; nīlādri — at Jagannātha Purī ; āśraya — shelter .

Translation

Paramānanda Purī replied, “I also wish to stay with You. Therefore I have come from Bengal, Gauḍa, to Jagannātha Purī.

Word meanings

purī kahe — Paramānanda Purī replied ; tomā - saṅge — with You ; rahite — to stay ; vāñchā kari’ — desiring ; gauḍa haite — from Bengal ; cali’ — traveling ; āilāṅa — I have come ; nīlācala - purī — to Jagannātha Purī .

Translation

“At Navadvīpa, mother Śacī and all the other devotees were very glad to hear about Your return from South India.

Word meanings

dakṣiṇa haite — from South India ; śuni’ — hearing ; tomāra āgamana — Your return ; śacī — mother Śacī ; ānandita — very happy ; āra — and ; yata — all ; bhakta - gaṇa — devotees .

Translation

“They are all coming here to see You, but seeing that they were delayed, I came alone very quickly.”

Word meanings

sabe — all ; āsitechena — are coming ; tomāre — You ; dekhite — to see ; tāṅ - sabāra — of all of them ; vilamba — delay ; dekhi’ — seeing ; āilāṅa — I have come ; tvarite — very quickly .

Translation

There was a solitary room at Kāśī Miśra’s house, and Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu gave it to Paramānanda Purī. He also gave him a servant.

Word meanings

kāśī - miśrera — of Kāśī Miśra ; āvāse — at the house ; nibhṛte — solitary ; eka — one ; ghara — room ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; tāṅre — unto Paramānanda Purī ; dila — gave ; āra — and ; sevāra — to serve him ; kiṅkara — one servant .

Translation

Svarūpa Dāmodara also arrived the next day. He was a very intimate friend of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s, and he was an ocean of transcendental mellows.

Word meanings

āra dine — next day ; āilā — came ; svarūpa dāmodara — Svarūpa Dāmodara ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; atyanta — very ; marmī — intimate friend ; rasera — of transcendental mellows ; sāgara — ocean .

Purport

“Svarūpa” is one of the names of a brahmacārī in Śaṅkarācārya’s disciplic succession. In the Vedic discipline there are ten names for sannyāsīs, and it is customary for a brahmacārī assisting a sannyāsī of the designation Tīrtha or Āśrama to receive the title Svarūpa. Dāmodara Svarūpa was formerly a resident of Navadvīpa, and his name was Puruṣottama Ācārya. When he went to Vārāṇasī, he took sannyāsa from a sannyāsī designated Tīrtha. Although he received the title Svarūpa in his brahmacārī stage, he did not change his name when he took sannyāsa. Actually as a sannyāsī he should have been called Tīrtha, but he chose to retain his original brahmacārī title of Svarūpa.

Translation

When Svarūpa Dāmodara was residing at Navadvīpa under the shelter of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, his name was Puruṣottama Ācārya.

Word meanings

puruṣottama ācārya — Puruṣottama Ācārya ; tāṅra — his ; nāma — name ; pūrva - āśrame — in the previous āśrama ; navadvīpe — at Navadvīpa ; chilā — was ; teṅha — he ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; caraṇe — at the feet .

Translation

After seeing that Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu accepted the renounced order, Puruṣottama Ācārya became like a madman and immediately went to Vārāṇasī to take sannyāsa.

Word meanings

prabhura — of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; sannyāsa dekhi’ — when he saw the sannyāsa order ; unmatta hañā — he became just like a madman ; sannyāsa grahaṇa kaila — he also accepted the renounced order of life ; vārāṇasī — to Vārāṇasī ; giyā — going .

Translation

At the conclusion of his sannyāsa, his spiritual master, Caitanyānanda Bhāratī, ordered him, “Read the Vedānta-sūtra and teach it to all others.”

Word meanings

caitanya - ānanda — of the name Caitanyānanda Bhāratī ; guru — spiritual master ; tāṅra — his ; ājñā — order ; dilena — gave ; tāṅre — to him ; vedānta paḍiyā — reading the Vedānta-sūtra ; paḍāo — teach ; samasta — all ; lokere — people .

Translation

Svarūpa Dāmodara was a great renunciant as well as a great learned scholar. With heart and soul he took shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa.

Word meanings

parama — very ; virakta — renounced ; teṅha — he ; parama — great ; paṇḍita — learned scholar ; kāya - mane — with body and mind ; āśriyāche — took shelter of ; śrī - kṛṣṇa - carita — the Personality of Godhead Śrī Kṛṣṇa .

Translation

He was very enthusiastic to worship Śrī Kṛṣṇa without disturbance, and therefore, almost in madness, he accepted the sannyāsa order.

Word meanings

niścinte — without disturbance ; kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; bhajiba — I shall worship ; ei — for this ; ta’ — certainly ; kāraṇe — reason ; unmāde — ecstatic ; karila — did ; teṅha — he ; sannyāsa — the renounced order of life ; grahaṇe — taking .

Translation

Upon accepting sannyāsa, Puruṣottama Ācārya followed the regulative principles by giving up his tuft of hair and sacred thread, but he did not accept the saffron-colored dress. Also, he did not accept a sannyāsī title but remained as a naiṣṭhika-brahmacārī.

Word meanings

sannyāsa karilā — accepted the sannyāsa order ; śikhā — tuft of hair ; sūtra — sacred thread ; tyāga — giving up ; rūpa — in the form of ; yoga - paṭṭa — saffron-colored dress ; nā nila — did not accept ; nāma — name ; haila — was ; svarūpa — Svarūpa .

Purport

There are regulative principles governing the renounced order. One has to perform eight kinds of śrāddha. One must offer oblations to one’s forefathers and perform the sacrifice of virajā-homa. Then one must cut off the tuft of hair called a śikhā and also give up the sacred thread. These are preliminary processes in the acceptance of sannyāsa, and Svarūpa Dāmodara accepted all these. However, Puruṣottama Ācārya did not accept the saffron color, a sannyāsī name or a daṇḍa, and for this reason he retained his brahmacārī name. Actually Puruṣottama Ācārya did not accept the sannyāsa order formally, but he renounced worldly life. He did not want to be disturbed by the formality of the sannyāsa order. He simply wanted to worship Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa without disturbance; therefore with heart and soul he took up the renounced order but not the formalities accompanying it. Renunciation means not doing anything but serving the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa. When one acts on this platform, trying to please the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one is both a sannyāsī and a yogī. This is confirmed in the Bhagavad-gītā (6.1) :

śrī-bhagavān uvāca anāśritaḥ karma-phalaṁ kāryaṁ karma karoti yaḥ sa sannyāsī ca yogī ca na niragnir na cākriyaḥ

“The Supreme Personality of Godhead said, ‘One who is unattached to the fruits of his work and who works as he is obligated is in the renounced order of life, and he is the true mystic, not he who lights no fire and performs no work.’ ”

Translation

After taking permission from his sannyāsa-guru, Svarūpa Dāmodara went to Nīlācala and accepted the shelter of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Then all day and night, in ecstatic love of Kṛṣṇa, he enjoyed transcendental mellows in the loving service of the Lord.

Word meanings

guru - ṭhāñi — from his spiritual master ; ājñā māgi’ — asking permission ; āilā — came ; nīlācale — to Jagannātha Purī ; rātri - dine — day and night ; kṛṣṇa - prema - ānanda — by ecstatic love of Kṛṣṇa ; vihvale — overwhelmed .

Translation

Svarūpa Dāmodara was the limit of all learned scholarship, but he did not exchange words with anyone. He simply remained in a solitary place, and no one could understand where he was.

Word meanings

pāṇḍityera avadhi — the limit of learned scholarship ; vākya nāhi — no word ; kāro sane — with anyone ; nirjane — in a solitary place ; rahaye — stays ; loka — people in general ; saba — all ; nāhi jāne — do not know .

Translation

Śrī Svarūpa Dāmodara was the personification of ecstatic love, fully cognizant of the transcendental mellows in relationship with Kṛṣṇa. He directly represented Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu as His second expansion.

Word meanings

kṛṣṇa - rasa — of transcendental mellows in relationship with Kṛṣṇa ; tattva — of the truth ; vettā — cognizant ; deha — body ; prema - rūpa — personified prema ; sākṣāt — directly ; mahāprabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; dvitīya — second ; svarūpa — representation .

Translation

If someone wrote a book or composed verses and songs and wanted to recite them before Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, Svarūpa Dāmodara would first examine them and then correctly present them. Only then would Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu agree to listen.

Word meanings

grantha — scriptures ; śloka — verses ; gīta — songs ; keha — anyone ; prabhu - pāśe — to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; āne — brings ; svarūpa — Svarūpa Dāmodara ; parīkṣā kaile — after he examined ; pāche — later ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; śune — hears .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was never pleased to hear books or verses opposed to the conclusive statements of devotional service. The Lord did not like hearing rasābhāsa, the overlapping of transcendental mellows.

Word meanings

bhakti - siddhānta — conclusive statements about the science of devotional service ; viruddha — opposing ; āra — and ; rasa - ābhāsa — overlapping of transcendental mellows ; śunite — to hear ; nā — not ; haya — becomes ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; cittera — of the heart ; ullāsa — jubilation .

Purport

Bhakti-siddhānta-viruddha refers to that which is against the principle of unity in diversity, philosophically known as acintya-bhedābheda — simultaneous oneness and difference — whereas rasābhāsa is something that may appear to be a transcendental mellow but actually is not. Those who are pure Vaiṣṇavas should avoid both these things opposed to devotional service. These misconceptions practically parallel the Māyāvāda philosophy. If one indulges in Māyāvāda philosophy, he gradually falls down from the platform of devotional service. By overlapping mellows ( rasābhāsa ) one eventually becomes a prākṛta-sahajiyā and takes everything to be very easy. One may also become a member of the bāula community and gradually become attracted to material activities. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu has therefore advised us to avoid bhakti-siddhānta-viruddha and rasābhāsa. In this way the devotee can remain pure and free from falldowns. Everyone should try to remain aloof from bhakti-siddhānta-viruddha and rasābhāsa.

Translation

It was the practice of Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī to examine all literatures to find out whether their conclusions were correct. Only then would he allow them to be heard by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

Word meanings

ataeva — therefore ; svarūpa — Svarūpa Dāmodara ; āge — at first ; kare — does ; parīkṣaṇa — examination ; śuddha — pure ; haya — is ; yadi — if ; prabhure — unto Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; karā’na — causes ; śravaṇa — hearing .

Purport

Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura says that if something impedes the execution of devotional service, it should be understood to be impure. Pure devotees of the Lord do not accept impure principles. Impure devotees accept rasābhāsa, or overlapping, contradictory mellows, and other principles opposed to the bhakti path. The followers of such impure principles are never accepted as pure devotees. There are many parties following the path of rasābhāsa, and the followers are sometimes adored by ordinary men. Those who adopt the conclusions of rasābhāsa and bhakti-siddhānta-viruddha are never accepted as devotees of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī never approved such followers as Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavas, nor did he allow them even to meet the Supreme Lord, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

Translation

Śrī Svarūpa Dāmodara used to read the poems of Vidyāpati and Caṇḍīdāsa and Jayadeva Gosvāmī’s Śrī Gīta-govinda. He used to make Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu very happy by singing these songs.

Word meanings

vidyāpati — an old Vaiṣṇava poet from the province of Mithilā ; caṇḍīdāsa — a Bengali Vaiṣṇava poet born in the village of Nānnura, in the Birbhum district ; śrī - gīta - govinda — a celebrated poem by Jayadeva Gosvāmī ; ei — these ; tina — three ; gīte — songs ; karā’na — cause ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; ānanda — happiness .

Translation

Svarūpa Dāmodara was as expert a musician as the Gandharvas, and in scriptural discussion he was just like Bṛhaspati, the priest of the heavenly gods. Therefore it is to be concluded that there was no great personality quite like Svarūpa Dāmodara.

Word meanings

saṅgīte — in music ; gandharva - sama — just like the Gandharvas ; śāstre — in discussions of the revealed scriptures ; bṛhaspati — like Bṛhaspati, the priest of the heavenly demigods ; dāmodara - sama — equal to Svarūpa Dāmodara ; āra — anyone else ; nāhi — there is not ; mahā - mati — great personality .

Purport

Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī was very expert in music as well as the Vedic scriptures. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu used to call him Dāmodara because of his expert singing and musical skills. The name Dāmodara was given by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and added to the name given by his sannyāsa-guru. He was therefore known as Svarūpa Dāmodara, or Dāmodara Svarūpa. He compiled a book of music named Saṅgīta-dāmodara.

Translation

Śrī Svarūpa Dāmodara was very dear to Advaita Ācārya and Nityānanda Prabhu, and he was the life and soul of all the devotees, headed by Śrīvāsa Ṭhākura.

Word meanings

advaita — of Advaita Ācārya ; nityānandera — of Lord Nityānanda Prabhu ; parama — very ; priya - tama — dear ; śrīvāsa - ādi — beginning with Śrīvāsa ; bhakta - gaṇera — of the devotees ; haya — is ; prāṇa - sama — exactly like the life and soul .

Translation

When Svarūpa Dāmodara came to Jagannātha Purī, he fell flat before the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, offering Him obeisances and reciting a verse.

Word meanings

sei dāmodara — that Svarūpa Dāmodara ; āsi’ — coming ; daṇḍa - vat hailā — fell flat to offer obeisances ; caraṇe paḍiyā — falling down at the lotus feet ; śloka — a verse ; paḍite lāgilā — began to recite .

Translation

“O ocean of mercy, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu! Let there be an awakening of Your auspicious mercy, which easily drives away all kinds of material lamentation by making everything pure and blissful. Indeed, Your mercy awakens transcendental bliss and covers all material pleasures. By Your auspicious mercy, quarrels and disagreements arising among different scriptures are vanquished. Your auspicious mercy pours forth transcendental mellows and thus causes the heart to jubilate. Your mercy, which is full of joy, always stimulates devotional service and glorifies conjugal love of God. May transcendental bliss be awakened within my heart by Your causeless mercy.”

Word meanings

helā — very easily ; uddhūnita — driven away ; khedayā — lamentation ; viśadayā — which purifies everything ; pronmīlat — awakening ; āmodayā — transcendental bliss ; śāmyat — mitigating ; śāstra — of revealed scriptures ; vivādayā — disagreements ; rasa - dayā — distributing all transcendental mellows ; citta — in the heart ; arpita — fixed ; unmādayā — jubilation ; śaśvat — always ; bhakti — devotional service ; vinodayā — stimulating ; sa - madayā — full of ecstasy ; mādhurya — of conjugal love ; maryādayā — the limit ; śrī - caitanya — O Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; dayā - nidhe — ocean of mercy ; tava — Your ; dayā — mercy ; bhūyāt — let it be ; amanda — of good fortune ; udayā — in which there is awakening .

Purport

This important verse ( Śrī Caitanya-candrodaya-nāṭaka 8.10) specifically describes the Lord’s causeless mercy. Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura explains that Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who is the most magnanimous Personality of Godhead, distributes His causeless mercy in three ways to the conditioned soul. Every living entity is morose in the material world because he is always in want. He undergoes a great struggle for existence and tries to minimize his miserable condition by squeezing the utmost pleasure out of this world. But the living entity is never successful in this endeavor. While in a miserable condition, a person sometimes seeks the favor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but this is very difficult for materialistic people to obtain. However, when one becomes Kṛṣṇa conscious by the grace of the Lord, the fragrance of the lotus feet of the Lord expands, and in this way a materialist may gain freedom from his miseries. Actually his mind is cleansed by his transcendental connection with the lotus feet of the Lord. At such a time one is enlightened by the loving service of the Lord.

There are many different kinds of scriptures, and by reading them one often becomes puzzled. But when one receives the mercy of the Lord, his confusion is mitigated. Not only are scriptural disparities resolved, but a kind of transcendental bliss is awakened, and in this way one is fully satisfied. The transcendental loving service of the Lord constantly engages the conditioned soul in serving the Lord’s lotus feet. Through such fortunate engagement, one’s transcendental love for Kṛṣṇa is increased. One’s position is thus completely purified, and one is filled with transcendental bliss accompanied by the spirit soul’s jubilation.

Thus the transcendental causeless mercy of Lord Kṛṣṇa is manifested in the heart of the devotee. At such a time, material needs no longer exist. The lamentation that invariably accompanies material desires also vanishes. By the grace of the Lord one is elevated to the transcendental position, and then the transcendental mellows of the spiritual world are manifested in him. One’s devotional service then becomes firm, and one engages in the Lord’s transcendental loving service with great determination. All these combine to fully awaken the devotee’s heart with love of Kṛṣṇa.

In the beginning, a conditioned soul is bereft of Kṛṣṇa consciousness and is always morose in his material activities. Later, by associating with a pure devotee, one becomes inquisitive to know the Absolute Truth. In this way one begins to engage in the transcendental service of the Lord. Next, by the Lord’s grace all misconceptions are vanquished and the heart is cleansed of all material dirt. It is only then that the pleasure of transcendental bliss is awakened. By the Lord’s mercy one is completely convinced of the value of devotional service. When one can see the pastimes of the Lord everywhere, he is firmly situated in transcendental bliss. Such a devotee is relieved of all kinds of material desires, and he preaches the glories of the Lord all over the world. These Kṛṣṇa conscious activities separate him from material activities and the desire for liberation, because at every step the devotee feels himself connected with the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Although such a devotee may sometimes be involved in household life, he is untouched by material existence due to his constant engagement in devotional service. Thus everyone is advised to take shelter of devotional service to become happy and liberated.

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu raised Svarūpa Dāmodara to his feet and embraced him. They both became ecstatic in love and fell unconscious.

Word meanings

uṭhāñā — after raising him ; mahāprabhu — Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; kaila — made ; āliṅgana — embracing ; dui - jane — two persons ; prema - āveśe — in the ecstasy of love ; haila — became ; acetana — unconscious .

Translation

After they had regained their patience, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu began to speak.

Word meanings

kata - kṣaṇe — after some time ; dui jane — both persons ; sthira — patient ; yabe — when ; hailā — became ; tabe — at that time ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; tāṅre — unto him ; kahite — to speak ; lāgilā — began .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “I saw in a dream that you were coming, and so this is very auspicious. I have been like a blind man, but your coming here restores My vision.”

Word meanings

tumi — you ; ye — that ; āsibe — will come ; āji — today ; svapnete — in dream ; dekhila — I saw ; bhāla haila — it is very good ; andha — a blind man ; yena — as if ; dui — two ; netra — eyes ; pāila — got back .

Translation

Svarūpa said, “My dear Lord, please excuse my offense. I gave up Your company to go elsewhere, and that was my great mistake.

Word meanings

svarūpa kahe — Svarūpa Dāmodara said ; prabhu — my Lord ; mora — my ; kṣama’ — please excuse ; aparādha — offense ; tomā — You ; chāḍi’ — giving up ; anyatra — elsewhere ; genu — I went ; karinu — I have done ; pramāda — great mistake .

Translation

“My dear Lord, I do not possess even a trace of love for Your lotus feet. If I did, how could I have gone to another country? I am therefore a most sinful man.

Word meanings

tomāra caraṇe — for Your lotus feet ; mora — my ; nāhi — there is not ; prema - leśa — a trace of love ; tomā — You ; chāḍi’ — giving up ; pāpī — sinful ; muñi — I ; genu — went ; anya deśa — to another country .

Translation

“I gave up Your company, but You did not give me up. By Your rope of mercy You have bound me by the neck and brought me back again to Your lotus feet.”

Word meanings

muñi — I ; tomā — You ; chādila — gave up ; tumi — You ; more — me ; nā — did not ; chāḍilā — give up ; kṛpā — of mercy ; pāśa — by the rope ; gale — by the neck ; bāndhi’ — binding ; caraṇe — at Your lotus feet ; ānilā — You brought back .

Translation

Svarūpa Dāmodara then worshiped the lotus feet of Nityānanda Prabhu, and Nityānanda Prabhu in turn embraced him in the ecstasy of love.

Word meanings

tabe — thereafter ; svarūpa — Svarūpa Dāmodara ; kaila — did ; nitāira — of Nityānanda Prabhu ; caraṇa — of the lotus feet ; vandana — worship ; nityānanda - prabhu — Lord Nityānanda ; kaila — did ; prema - āliṅgana — embracing in love .

Translation

After worshiping Nityānanda Prabhu, Svarūpa Dāmodara met Jagadānanda, Mukunda, Śaṅkara and Sārvabhauma, as was befitting.

Word meanings

jagadānanda — Jagadānanda ; mukunda — Mukunda ; śaṅkara — Śaṅkara ; sārvabhauma — Sārvabhauma ; sabā - saṅge — with all ; yathā - yogya — as is befitting ; karila — did ; milana — meeting .

Translation

Svarūpa Dāmodara also offered his worshipful prayers at the lotus feet of Paramānanda Purī, who, in return, embraced him in ecstatic love.

Word meanings

paramānanda purīra — of Paramānanda Purī ; kaila — he did ; caraṇa vandana — worshiping the lotus feet ; purī - gosāñi — Paramānanda Purī ; tāṅre — unto him ; kaila — did ; prema - āliṅgana — embracing in love .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu then gave Svarūpa Dāmodara residence in a solitary place and ordered a servant to serve him with a supply of water and other necessities.

Word meanings

mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; dila — gave ; tāṅre — unto him ; nibhṛte — in a solitary place ; vāsā - ghara — residential quarters ; jala - ādi — supplying water, etc. ; paricaryā — service ; lāgi’ — for the purpose of ; dila — gave ; eka — one ; kiṅkara — servant .

Translation

The next day Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu sat with all the devotees, headed by Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya, and they discussed the pastimes of Kṛṣṇa.

Word meanings

āra dina — the next day ; sārvabhauma - ādi — headed by Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya ; bhakta - saṅge — with the devotees ; vasiyā āchena — was sitting ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; kṛṣṇa - kathā - raṅge — engaged in discussions of topics concerning Kṛṣṇa .

Translation

At that time Govinda appeared on the scene, offered his respectful obeisances and spoke submissively.

Word meanings

hena - kāle — at that time ; govindera — of Govinda ; haila — there was ; āgamana — arrival ; daṇḍavat kari’ — offering obeisances ; kahe — says ; vinaya - vacana — submissive words .

Translation

“I am the servant of Īśvara Purī. My name is Govinda, and following the orders of my spiritual master, I have come here.

Word meanings

īśvara - purīra bhṛtya — servant of Īśvara Purī ; govinda mora nāma — my name is Govinda ; purī - gosāñira — of Īśvara Purī ; ājñāya — on the order ; āinu — I have come ; tomāra — to Your ; sthāna — place .

Translation

“Just before his departure from this mortal world to attain the highest perfection, Īśvara Purī told me that I should go to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and render service unto Him.

Word meanings

siddhi - prāpti - kāle — at the time of his departure from this mortal world to achieve the highest perfection of life ; gosāñi — my spiritual master ; ājñā — order ; kaila — made ; more — unto me ; kṛṣṇa - caitanya - nikaṭe — at the place of Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya ; rahi — remaining ; seviha — render service ; tāṅhāre — unto Him .

Translation

“Kāśīśvara will also come here after visiting all the holy places. However, following the orders of my spiritual master, I have hastily come to be present at Your lotus feet.”

Word meanings

kāśīśvara — Kāśīśvara ; āsibena — will come ; saba — all ; tīrtha — holy places ; dekhiyā — visiting ; prabhu - ājñāya — under the order of my spiritual master ; muñi — I ; āinu — have come ; tomā — to Your ; pade — lotus feet ; dhāñā — running .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu replied, “My spiritual master, Īśvara Purī, always favors Me with paternal affection. Therefore, out of his causeless mercy, he has sent you here.”

Word meanings

gosāñi kahila — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu replied ; purīśvara — Īśvara Purī ; vātsalya — paternal affection ; kare — does ; more — unto Me ; kṛpā kari’ — being merciful ; mora ṭhāñi — to My place ; pāṭhāilā — sent ; tomāre — you .

Translation

After hearing this, Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya asked Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, “Why did Īśvara Purī keep a servant who comes from a śūdra family?”

Word meanings

eta śuni’ — hearing this ; sārvabhauma — Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya ; prabhure — unto the Lord ; puchila — inquired ; purī - gosāñi — Īśvara Purī ; śūdra - sevaka — a servant who is a śūdra ; kāṅhe ta’ — why ; rākhila — kept .

Purport

Both Kāśīśvara and Govinda were personal servants of Īśvara Purī. After Īśvara Purī’s demise, Kāśīśvara went to visit all the holy places of India. Following the orders of his spiritual master, Govinda immediately went to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu for shelter. Govinda came from a śūdra family, but because he was initiated by Īśvara Purī, he was certainly a brāhmaṇa. Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya here asked Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu why Īśvara Purī accepted a disciple from a śūdra family. According to the smṛti-śāstra, which gives directions for the management of the varṇāśrama institution, a brāhmaṇa cannot accept a disciple from the lower castes. In other words, a kṣatriya, vaiśya or śūdra cannot be accepted as a servant. If a spiritual master accepts such a person, he is contaminated. Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya therefore asked why Īśvara Purī accepted a servant or disciple born of a śūdra family.

In answer to this question, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu replied that His spiritual master, Īśvara Purī, was so empowered that he was as good as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. As such, Īśvara Purī was the spiritual master of the whole world. He was not a servant of any mundane rule or regulation. An empowered spiritual master like Īśvara Purī can bestow his mercy upon anyone, irrespective of caste or creed. The conclusion is that an empowered spiritual master is authorized by Kṛṣṇa and his own guru and should therefore be considered as good as the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself. That is the verdict of Viśvanātha Cakravartī: sākṣād-dharitvena. An authorized spiritual master is as good as Hari, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. As Hari is free to act as He likes, the empowered spiritual master is also free. As Hari is not subject to mundane rules and regulations, the spiritual master empowered by Him is also not subject. According to the Caitanya-caritāmṛta ( Antya-līlā 7.11), kṛṣṇa-śakti vinā nahe tāra pravartana. An authorized spiritual master empowered by Kṛṣṇa can spread the glories of the holy name of the Lord, for he has power of attorney from the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In the mundane world, anyone possessing his master’s power of attorney can act on behalf of his master. Similarly, a spiritual master empowered by Kṛṣṇa through his own bona fide spiritual master should be considered as good as the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself. That is the meaning of sākṣād-dharitvena. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu therefore describes the activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the bona fide spiritual master as follows.

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “Both the Supreme Personality of Godhead and My spiritual master, Īśvara Purī, are completely independent. Therefore neither the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead nor that of Īśvara Purī is subject to any Vedic rules and regulations.

Word meanings

prabhu kahe — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said ; īśvara — the Supreme Personality of Godhead or Īśvara Purī ; haya — is ; parama — supremely ; svatantra — independent ; īśvarera — of the Supreme Personality of Godhead or of Īśvara Purī ; kṛpā — the mercy ; nahe — is not ; veda - paratantra — subject to the Vedic rules .

Translation

“The mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is not restricted to the jurisdiction of caste and creed. Vidura was a śūdra, yet Kṛṣṇa accepted lunch at his home.

Word meanings

īśvarera kṛpā — the mercy of the Lord ; jāti — caste ; kula - ādi — family, etc. ; nā māne — does not obey ; vidurera — of Vidura ; ghare — at the home ; kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; karilā — did ; bhojane — eating .

Translation

“Lord Kṛṣṇa’s mercy is dependent only on affection. Being obliged only by affection, Lord Kṛṣṇa acts very independently.

Word meanings

sneha — of affection ; leśa — on a trace ; apekṣā — reliance ; mātra — only ; śrī - kṛṣṇa — of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa ; kṛpāra — of the mercy ; sneha - vaśa — obliged by affection ; hañā — being ; kare — does ; svatantra — independent ; ācāra — behavior .

Purport

Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is merciful, but His mercy does not depend on mundane rules and regulations. He is dependent only on affection and nothing else. Service to Lord Kṛṣṇa can be rendered in two ways. One can serve the Lord in affection or in veneration. When service is rendered in affection, it is the Lord’s special mercy. When service is rendered in veneration, it is doubtful whether Kṛṣṇa’s mercy is actually involved. If Kṛṣṇa’s mercy is there, it is not dependent on any prescribed caste or creed. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu wanted to inform Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya that Lord Kṛṣṇa is the spiritual master of everyone, and He does not care for mundane caste or creed. Therefore Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu cited the example of Lord Kṛṣṇa’s accepting food at the house of Vidura, who was a śūdra by birth. By the same token, Īśvara Purī, an empowered spiritual master, could show mercy to anyone. As such, he accepted Govinda, although the boy was born in a śūdra family. When Govinda was initiated, he became a brāhmaṇa and was accepted as Īśvara Purī’s personal servant. In the Hari-bhakti-vilāsa, Śrī Sanātana Gosvāmī states that one who is initiated by a bona fide spiritual master immediately becomes a brāhmaṇa. A pseudo spiritual master cannot transform a person into a brāhmaṇa, but an authorized spiritual master can do so. This is the verdict of śāstra, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and all the Gosvāmīs.

Translation

“In conclusion, dealings in affection with the Supreme Personality of Godhead bring happiness many millions of times greater than dealings with Him in awe and veneration. Simply by hearing the holy name of the Lord, the devotee is merged in transcendental bliss.”

Word meanings

maryādā haite — greater than veneration and awe ; koṭi — millions of times ; sukha — happiness ; sneha — with affection ; ācaraṇe — in dealings ; parama - ānanda — transcendental bliss ; haya — there is ; yāra — whose ; nāma — holy name ; śravaṇe — by hearing .

Translation

After saying this, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu embraced Govinda, and Govinda in turn offered his respectful obeisances unto Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s lotus feet.

Word meanings

eta bali’ — saying this ; govindere — unto Govinda ; kaila — did ; āliṅgana — embracing ; govinda — Govinda ; karila — did ; prabhura — of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; caraṇa vandana — worshiping the lotus feet .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu then continued speaking to Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya: “Consider this point. The servant of the spiritual master is always respectable for Me.

Word meanings

prabhu kahe — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said ; bhaṭṭācārya — My dear Bhaṭṭācārya ; karaha vicāra — just consider ; gurura kiṅkara — the servant of the spiritual master ; haya — is ; mānya — respectable ; se — he ; āmāra — to Me .

Translation

“As such, it is not befitting that the guru’s servant should engage in My personal service. Yet My spiritual master has given this order. What shall I do?”

Word meanings

tāṅhāre — him ; āpana - sevā — personal service ; karāite — to engage to do ; nā yuyāya — is not befitting ; guru — the spiritual master ; ājñā — order ; diyāchena — has given ; ki — what ; kari — can I do ; upāya — remedy .

Purport

A guru’s servants or disciples are all Godbrothers to one another, and as such they should all respect one another as prabhu, or master. No one should disrespect his Godbrother. For this reason Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya what to do about Govinda. Govinda was the personal servant of Īśvara Purī, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s spiritual master, and now Īśvara Purī had ordered Govinda to become Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s personal servant. So what was to be done? This was the inquiry Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu placed before Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya, an experienced friend.

Translation

Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya said, “The order of the spiritual master is very strong and cannot be disobeyed. That is the injunction of the śāstras, the revealed scriptures.

Word meanings

bhaṭṭa kahe — Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya said ; gurura ājñā — the order of the spiritual master ; haya — is ; balavān — strong ; guru - ājñā — the order of the spiritual master ; nā — not ; laṅghiye — we can disobey ; śāstra — scriptural ; pramāṇa — injunction .

Translation

“ ‘Being ordered by his father, Paraśurāma killed his mother, Reṇukā, just as if she were an enemy. When Lakṣmaṇa, the younger brother of Lord Rāmacandra, heard of this, He immediately engaged Himself in the service of His elder brother and accepted His orders. The order of the spiritual master must be obeyed without consideration.’

Word meanings

saḥ — He (Lakṣmaṇa, the brother of Lord Rāmacandra) ; śuśruvān — hearing ; mātari — unto the mother ; bhārgaveṇa — by Paraśurāma ; pituḥ — of the father ; niyogāt — by the order ; prahṛtam — killing ; dviṣat - vat — like an enemy ; pratyagṛhīt — accepted ; agraja - śāsanam — the order of the elder brother ; tat — that ; ājñā — order ; gurūṇām — of superior persons, such as the spiritual master or father ; hi — because ; avicāraṇīyā — to be obeyed without consideration .

Purport

This is a quotation from the Raghu-vaṁśa (14.46). Lord Rāmacandra’s statement to Sītā given below is from the Rāmāyaṇa ( Ayodhyā-kāṇḍa 22.9).

Translation

“ ‘The order of a great personality like a father must be executed without consideration because there is good fortune in such an order for both of us. In particular, there is good fortune for Me.’ ”

Word meanings

nirvicāram — to be obeyed without consideration ; guroḥ — of the spiritual master ; ājñā — the order ; mayā — by Me ; kāryā — must be done ; mahā - ātmanaḥ — of the great soul ; śreyaḥ — good fortune ; hi — indeed ; evam — thus ; bhavatyāḥ — for you ; ca — and ; mama — for Me ; ca — also ; eva — certainly ; viśeṣataḥ — specifically .

Translation

After Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya said this, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu embraced Govinda and engaged him in the service of His personal body.

Word meanings

tabe — after that ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; tāṅre — unto Govinda ; kaila — did ; aṅgīkāra — acceptance ; āpana — personal ; śrī - aṅga — of the transcendental body ; sevāya — in the service ; dila — gave ; adhikāra — responsibility .

Translation

Everyone respected Govinda as the dearest servant of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, and Govinda served all the Vaiṣṇavas and saw to their needs.

Word meanings

prabhura — of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; priya — dear ; bhṛtya — servant ; kari’ — understanding ; sabe — all ; kare — do ; māna — respect ; sakala — all ; vaiṣṇavera — of devotees ; govinda — Govinda ; kare — does ; samādhāna — service .

Translation

Both Haridāsa senior and Haridāsa junior, who were musicians, as well as Rāmāi and Nandāi, used to stay with Govinda.

Word meanings

choṭa - baḍa — junior and senior ; kīrtanīyā — musicians ; dui — two ; haridāsa — Haridāsas ; rāmāi — Rāmāi ; nandāi — Nandāi ; rahe — stay ; govindera pāśa — with Govinda .

Translation

They all remained with Govinda to serve Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu; therefore no one could estimate the good fortune of Govinda.

Word meanings

govindera saṅge — with Govinda ; kare — do ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; sevana — service ; govindera — of Govinda ; bhāgya - sīmā — the limit of good fortune ; nā — not ; yāya varṇana — can be described .

Translation

The next day Mukunda Datta informed Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, “Brahmānanda Bhāratī has come to see You.”

Word meanings

āra dine — the next day ; mukunda - datta — Mukunda Datta ; kahe — said ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; sthāne — at the place ; brahmānanda - bhāratī — Brahmānanda Bhāratī ; āilā — has come ; tomāra daraśane — to see You .

Translation

Mukunda Datta then asked the Lord, “Shall I bring him here?”

Word meanings

ājñā deha’ — order ; yadi — if ; tāṅre — him ; āniye — I can bring ; ethāi — here ; prabhu kahe — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said ; guru teṅha — he is My spiritual master ; yāba — I shall go ; tāṅra ṭhāñi — to his place .

Purport

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “Brahmānanda Bhāratī is like My spiritual master. It is better that I go to him.”

Translation

After saying this, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and His devotees came into the presence of Brahmānanda Bhāratī.

Word meanings

eta bali’ — saying this ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; bhakta - gaṇa - saṅge — with the devotees ; cali’ — walking ; āilā — came ; brahmānanda - bhāratīra — of Brahmānanda Bhāratī ; āge — in the presence .

Translation

When Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and His devotees approached him, they saw that he was covered with a deerskin. Seeing this, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu became very unhappy.

Word meanings

brahmānanda — Brahmānanda ; pariyāche — did wear ; mṛga - carma - ambara — a garment made of deerskin ; tāhā dekhi’ — seeing that ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; duḥkha — unhappiness ; pāilā — got ; antara — within Himself .

Purport

Brahmānanda Bhāratī belonged to the Śaṅkara-sampradāya. (The title Bhāratī indicates a member of one of that sampradāya’s ten classes of sannyāsīs. ) It is customary for a person who has renounced the world to cover his body with a deerskin or the bark of a tree. This is enjoined by the Manu-saṁhitā. But if a sannyāsī who has renounced the world simply wears a deerskin and does not spiritually advance, he is bewildered by false prestige. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu did not like to see Brahmānanda Bhāratī wearing a deerskin.

Translation

Seeing Brahmānanda Bhāratī wearing the deerskin, Caitanya Mahāprabhu pretended not to see him. Instead, He asked Mukunda Datta, “Where is Brahmānanda Bhāratī, My spiritual master?”

Word meanings

dekhiyā — seeing ; ta’ — certainly ; chadma kaila — pretended ; yena — as if ; dekhe — sees ; nāñi — not ; mukundere puche — inquired from Mukunda ; kāhāṅ — where ; bhāratī - gosāñi — Brahmānanda Bhāratī, my spiritual master .

Translation

Mukunda Datta replied, “Here is Brahmānanda Bhāratī, in Your presence.”

Word meanings

mukunda kahe — Mukunda said ; ei āge — here in front ; dekha — see ; vidyamāna — present ; prabhu kahe — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu replied ; teṅha nahena — he is not ; tumi ageyāna — you are incorrect .

Purport

The Lord replied, “You are incorrect. This is not Brahmānanda Bhāratī.

Translation

“You must be talking of someone else, for this is surely not Brahmānanda Bhāratī. You simply have no knowledge. Why should Brahmānanda Bhāratī wear a deerskin?”

Word meanings

anyere — another ; anya kaha — you talk of someone else ; nāhi — there is not ; tomāra — your ; jñāna — knowledge ; bhāratī — Brahmānanda Bhāratī ; gosāñi — My spiritual master ; kene — why ; paribena — should wear ; cāma — skin .

Translation

When Brahmānanda Bhāratī heard this, he thought, “My deerskin is not approved by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.”

Word meanings

śuni’ — hearing ; brahmānanda — Brahmānanda ; kare — does ; hṛdaye — within himself ; vicāre — consideration ; mora — my ; carma - ambara — deerskin garment ; ei — this ; nā — not ; bhāya — is approved ; iṅhāre — by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu .

Translation

Thus admitting his mistake, Brahmānanda Bhāratī thought, “He spoke well. I put on this deerskin only for prestige. I cannot cross over the ocean of nescience simply by wearing a deerskin.

Word meanings

bhāla — well ; kahena — He said ; carma - ambara — the garment of deerskin ; dambha — prestige ; lāgi’ — for the matter of ; pari — I put on ; carma - ambara - paridhāne — by putting on a garment of skin ; saṁsāra — the material world ; nā tari — I cannot cross .

Translation

“From today on I shall not wear this deerskin.” As soon as Brahmānanda Bhāratī decided this, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, understanding his mind, immediately sent for the robes of a sannyāsī.

Word meanings

āji haite — from today ; nā pariba — I shall not put on ; ei — this ; carma - ambara — deerskin garment ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; bahir - vāsa — the cloth of a sannyāsī ; ānāilā — had someone bring ; jāniyā — knowing ; antara — his contemplation .

Translation

As soon as Brahmānanda Bhāratī gave up his deerskin and covered himself with sannyāsī robes, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu came and offered His respects at his lotus feet.

Word meanings

carma - ambara chāḍi’ — giving up the deerskin garment ; brahmānanda — Brahmānanda Bhāratī ; parila — put on ; vasana — cloth garment ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; āsi’ — coming ; kaila — did ; tāṅra — his ; caraṇa vandana — worshiping the feet .

Translation

Brahmānanda Bhāratī said, “You instruct the general populace by Your behavior. I will not do anything against Your wishes; otherwise You will not offer me respects but will neglect me. I am afraid of this.

Word meanings

bhāratī kahe — Brahmānanda Bhāratī said ; tomāra — Your ; ācāra — behavior ; loka — people in general ; śikhāite — to teach ; punaḥ — again ; nā — not ; karibe — will do ; nati — obeisances ; bhaya — fear ; pāṅa — I get ; citte — within the mind .

Translation

“At the present moment I see two Brahmans. One Brahman is Lord Jagannātha, who does not move, and the other Brahman, who is moving, is You. Lord Jagannātha is the arcā-vigraha, the worshipable Deity, and it is He who is the nonmoving Brahman. But You are Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, and You are moving here and there. The two of You are the same Brahman, master of the material nature, but You are playing two parts — one moving and one not moving. In this way two Brahmans are now residing at Jagannātha Purī, Puruṣottama.

Word meanings

sāmpratika — at the present moment ; dui brahma — two Brahmans, or spiritual identities ; ihāṅ — here ; cala - acala — moving and not moving ; jagannātha — Lord Jagannātha ; acala brahma — not moving Brahman ; tumi — You ; ta’ — but ; sa - cala — moving Brahman .

Translation

“Of the two Brahmans, You are fair-complexioned, and the other, Lord Jagannātha, is blackish. Both of You are delivering the whole world.”

Word meanings

tumi — You ; gaura - varṇa — having a golden or fair complexion ; teṅha — He ; śyāmala - varṇa — having a blackish complexion ; dui brahme — both Brahmans ; kaila — performed ; saba jagat — of the whole world ; tāraṇa — deliverance .

Translation

Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu replied, “Actually, to tell you the truth, due to your presence there are now two Brahmans at Jagannātha Purī.

Word meanings

prabhu kahe — Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said ; satya kahi — I speak the truth ; tomāra āgamane — by your presence ; dui brahma — two Brahmans ; prakaṭila — appeared ; śrī - puruṣottame — at Jagannātha Purī .

Translation

“Both Brahmānanda and Gaurahari are moving, whereas the blackish Lord Jagannātha is sitting tight and immobile.”

Word meanings

brahmānanda — Brahmānanda ; nāma tumi — your name ; gaura - brahma — the Brahman of the name Gaura ; cala — both of them are moving ; śyāma - varṇa — of blackish hue ; jagannātha — Lord Jagannātha ; vasiyāchena — is sitting ; acala — without movement .

Purport

Brahmānanda Bhāratī wanted to prove that there is no difference between the Supreme Lord and the jīva, whereas Caitanya Mahāprabhu wanted to prove that He and Brahmānanda Bhāratī were jīvas and that although the jīvas are Brahman, they are many but the Supreme Lord, the Supreme Brahman, is one. On the other hand, Brahmānanda Bhāratī also wanted to prove that Jagannātha and Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu are one, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but that to fulfill His mission Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu appeared to be moving whereas Lord Jagannātha appeared to be inert. Thus this jolly argument was going on. Finally, Brahmānanda Bhāratī referred the whole matter to Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya for a final decision.

Translation

Brahmānanda Bhāratī said, “My dear Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya, please become the mediator in this logical argument between Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and me.”

Word meanings

bhāratī kahe — Brahmānanda Bhāratī said ; sārvabhauma — O Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya ; madhya - stha hañā — becoming a mediator ; iṅhāra sane — with Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; āmāra — my ; nyāya — logic ; bujha’ — try to understand ; mana diyā — with attention .

Translation

Brahmānanda Bhāratī continued, “The living entity is localized, whereas the Supreme Brahman is all-pervading. That is the verdict of the revealed scriptures.

Word meanings

vyāpya — localized ; vyāpaka — all-pervading ; bhāve — in this way ; jīva — living entity ; brahme — the Supreme Lord ; jāni — I know ; jīva — the living entity ; vyāpya — localized ; brahma — the Supreme Lord ; vyāpaka — all-pervading ; śāstrete — in the revealed scripture ; vākhāni — description .

Purport

Brahmānanda Bhāratī drew Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya’s attention because he wanted him to judge the argument. He then stated that Brahman, the Supreme Lord, is all-pervading. This is confirmed by Lord Kṛṣṇa in the Bhagavad-gītā (13.3) :

kṣetra-jñaṁ cāpi māṁ viddhi sarva-kṣetreṣu bhārata kṣetra-kṣetrajñayor jñānaṁ yat taj jñānaṁ mataṁ mama

“O scion of Bharata, you should understand that I am also the knower in all bodies, and to understand this body and its knower is called knowledge. That is My opinion.”

The Supreme Personality of Godhead in His Paramātmā feature is expanded everywhere. The Brahma-saṁhitā says, aṇḍāntara-stha-paramāṇu-cayāntara-stham: by virtue of His all-pervasive nature, the Supreme Lord is within the universe as well as within all elements of the universe. He is even within the atom. In this way the Supreme Lord Govinda is all-pervasive. On the other hand, the living entities are very, very small. It is said that the living entity is one ten-thousandth of the tip of a hair. Therefore the living entity is localized. Living entities rest on the Brahman effulgence, the bodily rays of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Translation

“Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu purified me by taking away my deerskin. This is proof that He is all-pervasive and all-powerful and that I am subordinate to Him.

Word meanings

carma — deerskin ; ghucāñā — taking away ; kaila — did ; āmāre — unto me ; śodhana — purification ; doṅhāra — of both of us ; vyāpya — being localized ; vyāpakatve — being all-pervasive ; ei — this ; ta’ — indeed ; kāraṇa — the cause .

Purport

Brahmānanda Bhāratī herein asserts that Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is the Supreme Brahman and that he is the subordinate Brahman. This is confirmed in the Vedas: nityo nityānāṁ cetanaś cetanānām. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is Brahman or Parambrahman, the chief of all living entities. Both the Supreme Brahman, or the Personality of Godhead, and the living entities are persons, but the Supreme Brahman is the predominator, whereas the living entities are predominated.

Translation

“ ‘His bodily hue is golden, and His whole body is like molten gold. Every part of His body is very beautifully constructed and smeared with sandalwood pulp. Accepting the renounced order, the Lord is always equipoised. He is firmly fixed in His mission of chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra, and He is firmly situated in His dualistic conclusion and in His peace.’

Word meanings

suvarṇa — of gold ; varṇaḥ — having the color ; hema - aṅgaḥ — whose body was like molten gold ; vara - aṅgaḥ — having a most beautiful body ; candana - aṅgadī — whose body was smeared with sandalwood ; sannyāsa - kṛt — practicing the renounced order of life ; śamaḥ — equipoised ; śāntaḥ — peaceful ; niṣṭhā — of devotion ; śānti — and of peace ; parāyaṇaḥ — the highest resort .

Purport

This is a quote from the Mahābhārata’s Viṣṇu-sahasra-nāma-stotra.

Translation

“All the symptoms mentioned in the verse from the Viṣṇu-sahasra-nāma-stotra are visible in the body of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. His arms are decorated with sandalwood pulp and the thread received from the Śrī Jagannātha Deity, and these are His ornamental bangles.”

Word meanings

ei saba — all these ; nāmera — of names ; iṅha — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; haya — is ; nija - āspada — the reservoir ; candana - akta — smeared with the pulp of sandalwood ; prasāda - ḍora — the thread received from the Jagannātha temple ; śrī - bhuje — on His arms ; aṅgada — ornaments .

Translation

After hearing this, Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya rendered his judgment, saying, “Brahmānanda Bhāratī, I see that you are victorious.”

Word meanings

bhaṭṭācārya kahe — the Bhaṭṭācārya said ; bhāratī — O Brahmānanda Bhāratī ; dekhi — I see ; tomāra jaya — your victory ; prabhu kahe — Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu said ; yei kaha — whatever you say ; sei — that ; satya — true ; haya — is .

Purport

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu immediately said, “I accept whatever Brahmānanda Bhāratī has said. It is quite all right with Me.”

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu thus posed Himself as a disciple and accepted Brahmānanda Bhāratī as His spiritual master. He then said, “The disciple is certainly defeated in an argument with the spiritual master.”

Word meanings

guru - śiṣya - nyāye — when there is a logical argument between the spiritual master and the disciple ; satya — certainly ; śiṣyera — of the disciple ; parājaya — defeat ; bhāratī kahe — Brahmānanda Bhāratī said ; eho nahe — in this case it is not the fact ; anya hetu — another cause ; haya — there is .

Purport

Brahmānanda Bhāratī immediately countered these words, saying, “This is not the cause of Your defeat. There is another cause.

Translation

“It is Your natural characteristic to accept defeat at the hands of Your devotee. There is also another glory of Yours, which I ask You to hear attentively.

Word meanings

bhakta ṭhāñi — in the presence of a devotee ; hāra’ — become defeated ; tumi — You ; e — this ; tomāra — Your ; svabhāva — nature ; āra — another ; eka — one ; śuna — hear ; tumi — You ; āpana prabhāva — Your own influence .

Translation

“I have been meditating on the impersonal Brahman since my birth, but since I have seen You, I have fully experienced Kṛṣṇa.”

Word meanings

ā - janma — since my birth ; karinu — have done ; muñi — I ; nirākāra - dhyāna — meditation on impersonal Brahman ; tomā dekhi’ — by seeing You ; kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; haila — became ; mora — my ; vidyamāna — experience .

Purport

Brahmānanda Bhāratī admitted that when there is an argument between the spiritual master and the disciple, the spiritual master is naturally victorious, although the disciple may put forward a strong argument. In other words, it is customary that the words of the spiritual master are more worshipable than the words of a disciple. Under the circumstances, since Brahmānanda Bhāratī was in the position of a spiritual master, he emerged victorious over Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who considered Himself Brahmānanda Bhāratī’s disciple. However, Brahmānanda Bhāratī reversed the argument and took the position of a devotee, stating that Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa. This means that the Lord was voluntarily defeated out of affection for His devotee. He was defeated voluntarily, because no one can defeat the Supreme Lord. Concerning this, the words of Bhīṣma in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.9.37) are important:

sva-nigamam apahāya mat-pratijñām ṛtam adhikartum avapluto ratha-sthaḥ dhṛta-ratha-caraṇo ’bhyayāc calad-gur harir iva hantum ibhaṁ gatottarīyaḥ

“Fulfilling my desire and sacrificing His own promise, He got down from the chariot, took up its wheel and ran toward me hurriedly, just as a lion goes to kill an elephant. He even dropped His outer garment on the way.”

Kṛṣṇa promised not to fight in the Battle of Kurukṣetra, but Bhīṣma, in order to break Kṛṣṇa’s promise, attacked Arjuna in such a vigorous way that Kṛṣṇa was obliged to take up a chariot wheel and attack Bhīṣma. The Lord did this to show that His devotee was being maintained at the sacrifice of His own promise. Brahmānanda Bhāratī said, “Since the beginning of my life I was attached to impersonal Brahman realization, but as soon as I saw You, I became very much attached to the Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa.” Therefore Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is Lord Kṛṣṇa Himself, and thus Brahmānanda Bhāratī became His devotee.

Translation

Brahmānanda Bhāratī continued, “Since I have seen You, I have been feeling Lord Kṛṣṇa’s presence in my mind and have been seeing Him before my eyes. I now want to chant the holy name of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Over and above this, within my heart I consider You to be Kṛṣṇa, and I am therefore very eager to serve You.

Word meanings

kṛṣṇa - nāma — the holy name of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; sphure — is manifest ; mukhe — in the mouth ; mane — in the mind ; netre — before the eyes ; kṛṣṇa — the presence of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; tomāke — You ; tat - rūpa — His form ; dekhi’ — I see ; hṛdaya — my heart ; sa - tṛṣṇa — very eager .

Translation

“Bilvamaṅgala Ṭhākura abandoned his impersonal realization for the realization of the Personality of Godhead. I now see that my condition is similar to his, for it has already changed.”

Word meanings

bilvamaṅgala — Bilvamaṅgala ; kaila — did ; yaiche — as ; daśā — condition ; āpanāra — his own ; ihāṅ — here ; dekhi’ — I see ; sei daśā — that condition ; ha - ila — became ; āmāra — mine .

Purport

In his early life, Bilvamaṅgala Ṭhākura was an impersonalistic monist, and he used to meditate upon the impersonal Brahman effulgence. Later he became a devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa, and his explanation for this change is given in a verse (text 178) that is quoted in the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu. Sometimes a devotee gradually comes to the stage of Bhagavān realization, realization of the Supreme Person, after having attained the lower stages of realization — impersonal Brahman realization and localized Paramātmā realization. The condition of such a devotee is described in the Caitanya-candrāmṛta (5), by Prabodhānanda Sarasvatī:

kaivalyaṁ narakāyate tridaśa-pūr ākāśa-puṣpāyate durdāntendriya-kāla-sarpa-paṭalī protkhāta-daṁṣṭrāyate viśvaṁ pūrṇa-sukhāyate vidhi-mahendrādiś ca kīṭāyate yat-kāruṇya-kaṭākṣa-vaibhava-vatāṁ taṁ gauram eva stumaḥ

Kaivalya, oneness in the effulgence of Brahman, appears hellish to the devotee. The heavenly planets, the abodes of the demigods, appear to a devotee like phantasmagorias. The yogīs meditate for sense control, but for the devotee the senses appear like serpents with broken teeth. The devotee doesn’t have to control his senses, for his senses are already engaged in the Lord’s service. Consequently there is no possibility that the senses will act like serpents. In the material condition, the senses are as strong as poisonous snakes. But when the senses are engaged in the Lord’s service, they are like poisonous snakes with their fangs removed, and so they are no longer dangerous. The entire world is a replica of Vaikuṇṭha for the devotee because he has no anxiety. He sees that everything belongs to Kṛṣṇa, and he does not want to enjoy anything for himself. He does not even aspire for the position of Lord Brahmā or Indra. He simply wants to engage everything in the service of the Lord; therefore he has no problem. He stands in his original constitutional position. All this is possible when one receives Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s merciful glance.

In the Caitanya-candrāmṛta there are many more verses illustrating this same principle.

dhik kurvanti ca brahma-yoga-viduṣas taṁ gauracandraṁ numaḥ

( Caitanya-candrāmṛta 6)

tāvad brahma-kathā vimukta-padavī tāvan na tiktī-bhavet tāvac cāpi viśṛṅkhalatvam ayate no loka-veda-sthitiḥ tāvac chāstra-vidāṁ mithaḥ kala-kalo nānā-bahir-vartmasu śrī-caitanya-padāmbuja-priya-jano yāvan na dig-gocaraḥ

( Caitanya-candrāmṛta 19)

gauraś cauraḥ sakalam aharat ko ’pi me tīvra-vīryaḥ

( Caitanya-candrāmṛta 60)

A discussion of the impersonal Brahman is not very palatable to a devotee. The so-called regulations of the śāstras also appear null and void to him. There are many people who argue over the śāstras, but for a devotee such discussions are but tumultuous roaring. By the influence of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, all these problems disappear.

Translation

Brahmānanda Bhāratī concluded, “ ‘Although I was worshiped by those on the path of monism and initiated into self-realization through the yoga system, I have nonetheless been forcibly turned into a maidservant by some cunning boy who is always joking with the gopīs.’ ”

Word meanings

advaita - vīthī — of the path of monism ; pathikaiḥ — by the wanderers ; upāsyāḥ — worshipable ; sva - ānanda — of self-realization ; siṁha - āsana — on the throne ; labdha - dīkṣāḥ — being initiated ; śaṭhena — by a cheater ; kena - api — some ; vayam — I ; haṭhena — by force ; dāsī - kṛtā — made into a maidservant ; gopa - vadhū - viṭena — by a boy engaged in joking with the gopīs. .

Purport

This is a verse written by Bilvamaṅgala Ṭhākura. It is quoted in the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (3.1.44).

Translation

Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu replied, “You have a deep ecstatic love for Kṛṣṇa; therefore wherever you turn your eyes, you simply heighten your Kṛṣṇa consciousness.”

Word meanings

prabhu kahe — Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu replied ; kṛṣṇe — unto Kṛṣṇa ; tomāra — your ; gāḍha — deep ; premā — love ; haya — there is ; yāhāṅ — wherever ; netra — eyes ; paḍe — fall ; tāhāṅ — there ; śrī - kṛṣṇa — Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa ; sphuraya — becomes manifest .

Translation

Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya said, “The statements of both of you are correct. Kṛṣṇa gives direct audience through His mercy.

Word meanings

bhaṭṭācārya kahe — Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya said ; doṅhāra — of both ; su - satya — correct ; vacana — statements ; āge — first ; yadi — if ; kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; dena — gives ; sākṣāt — direct ; daraśana — audience .

Translation

“Without having ecstatic love for Kṛṣṇa, one cannot see Him directly. Therefore through the mercy of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, Brahmānanda Bhāratī has acquired direct vision of the Lord.”

Word meanings

prema vinā — without ecstatic love ; kabhu nahe — there is never ; tāṅra — His ; sākṣātkāra — direct meeting ; iṅhāra kṛpāte — by the mercy of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; haya — becomes possible ; daraśana — visit ; iṅhāra — of Brahmānanda Bhāratī .

Purport

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “You are Brahmānanda Bhāratī, an advanced devotee who ecstatically loves the Supreme Lord. Therefore you see Kṛṣṇa everywhere, and there is no doubt about it.” Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya was a mediator between Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and Brahmānanda Bhāratī, and his judgment was that an advanced devotee like Brahmānanda Bhāratī was seeing Kṛṣṇa by Kṛṣṇa’s mercy. Kṛṣṇa directly presents Himself before the vision of an advanced devotee. Since Brahmānanda Bhāratī was an advanced devotee, he saw Kṛṣṇa in the person of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. In the words of the Brahma-saṁhitā (5.38) :

premāñjana-cchurita-bhakti-vilocanena santaḥ sadaiva hṛdayeṣu vilokayanti yaṁ śyāmasundaram acintya-guṇa-svarūpaṁ govindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi

“I worship the primeval Lord, Govinda, who is always seen by the devotee whose eyes are anointed with the pulp of love. He is seen in His eternal form of Śyāmasundara, situated within the heart of the devotee.”

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya, what are you saying? Lord Viṣṇu, save Me! Such glorification is simply another form of blasphemy.”

Word meanings

prabhu kahe — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said ; viṣṇu viṣṇu — Lord Viṣṇu, Lord Viṣṇu ; ki kaha — what are you speaking ; sārvabhauma — Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya ; ati - stuti — overly glorifying ; haya — is ; ei — this ; nindāra lakṣaṇa — symptom of blasphemy .

Purport

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was a little embarrassed by the Bhaṭṭācārya’s statement; therefore He uttered the name Viṣṇu to save Himself. The Lord herein confirms that if one is overestimated, glorification is just another form of blasphemy. In this way He protests this so-called offensive statement.

Translation

After saying this, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu took Brahmānanda Bhāratī with Him to His residence. From that time on, Brahmānanda Bhāratī remained with Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

Word meanings

eta bali’ — saying this ; bhāratīre — Brahmānanda Bhāratī ; lañā — taking with Him ; nija - vāsā āilā — returned to His own residence ; bhāratī - gosāñi — Brahmānanda Bhāratī ; prabhura nikaṭe — in the shelter of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; rahilā — remained .

Translation

Later, Rāmabhadra Ācārya and Bhagavān Ācārya joined them and, giving up all other responsibilities, remained under Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s shelter.

Word meanings

rāmabhadra - ācārya — Rāmabhadra Ācārya ; āra — and ; bhagavānācārya — Bhagavān Ācārya ; prabhu - pade — under the shelter of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; rahilā — remained ; duṅhe — both of them ; chāḍi’ — giving up ; sarva kārya — all other responsibilities .

Translation

The next day, Kāśīśvara Gosāñi also came and remained with Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who received him with great respect.

Word meanings

kāśīśvara gosāñi — Kāśīśvara Gosāñi, another devotee ; āilā — came ; āra dine — the next day ; sammāna kariyā — giving all respect ; prabhu — Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; rākhilā — kept ; nija sthāne — at His own place .

Translation

Kāśīśvara used to usher Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu into the Jagannātha temple. He would precede the Lord into the crowd and keep the people from touching Him.

Word meanings

prabhuke — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; lañā — taking ; karā’na — helps in ; īśvara daraśana — visiting Lord Jagannātha ; āge — in front of ; loka - bhiḍa — crowds of people ; saba — all ; kari’ nivāraṇa — restraining .

Translation

As all the rivers flow into the sea, all the devotees throughout the country finally came to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s shelter.

Word meanings

yata — all ; nada nadī — rivers ; yaiche — as ; samudre — in the sea ; milaya — meet ; aiche — similarly ; mahāprabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; bhakta — devotees ; yāhāṅ tāhāṅ — wherever ; haya — they were .

Translation

Since all the devotees came to Him for shelter, Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu showed them all mercy and kept them under His protection.

Word meanings

sabe — all ; āsi’ — coming ; mililā — met ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; śrī - caraṇe — under the shelter ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; kṛpā kari’ — showing mercy ; sabāya — every one of them ; rākhila — kept ; nija sthāne — under His protection .

Translation

Thus I have described the meeting of all the Vaiṣṇavas with Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Whoever hears this description ultimately attains shelter at His lotus feet.

Word meanings

ei ta’ — thus ; kahila — I have described ; prabhura — of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; vaiṣṇava - milana — meeting with all the Vaiṣṇavas ; ihā — this narration ; yei — anyone who ; śune — hears ; pāya — gets ; caitanya - caraṇa — the shelter of the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu .

Translation

Praying at the lotus feet of Śrī Rūpa and Śrī Raghunātha, always desiring their mercy, I, Kṛṣṇadāsa, narrate Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, following in their footsteps.

Word meanings

śrī - rūpa — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; raghunātha — Śrīla Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmī ; pade — at the lotus feet ; yāra — whose ; āśa — expectation ; caitanya - caritāmṛta — the book named Caitanya-caritāmṛta ; kahe — describes ; kṛṣṇadāsa — Śrīla Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī .

Purport

Thus end the Bhaktivedanta purports to Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā, tenth chapter, describing the Lord’s meeting the Vaiṣṇavas upon His return to Jagannātha Purī from South India.