
Excerpts of the lilas from GVA
==============================

Sanatana Gosvami (glories of SB)
----------------

One morning, Sanatana Goswami, saw a dream in which one brahmana was presenting
the Srimad Bhagavatam to him. Suddenly he woke up, but seeing that no one was
there, he felt sad. Later on, in the morning after he had finished his bath and
performance of puja, one brahmana came to his house and presented him with the
Bhagavata, instructing him to study it very thoroughly. Having received it in
this way, he was beside himself with bliss, and from that day, considering the
Bhagavata to be the essence of all scriptures, he began its thorough study.

"My only constant companion, my only friend, guru, wealth, that which has
delivered me, my great fortune and the source of my good luck, the form through
which I taste pleasure, my obeisances to you, Srimad Bhagavatam." [Sri
Krsna-lila stava].


Raghunatha dasa Gosvami (Radhakunda renovation, necessity of bhajan-kutir,
-----------------------  overeating in meditation


Around this time one very wealthy Seth underwent great austerity by walking to
Badarikasrama in the Himalayas. Arriving there he very reverently worshiped Sri
Badrinarayana and offered much wealth at His lotus feet. That night as he slept
there, he had a dream in which Sri Badrinarayana instructed him to proceed to
Vraja, where he should present all his wealth to Sri Raghunatha Dasa Gosvami,
who was residing at Aritgram. "If he declines to accept it, then you can
mention My name and remind him about renovating Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda."

That Seth was very happy to have seen such a wonderful dream and after
returning to his home he very joyfully set out for Vraja. There he met
Raghunatha dasa Gosvami and related all of these events to him. Dasa Gosvami
was somewhat taken aback to hear this news, but then immediately gave his
consent. Thus Sethji began to work of re-digging the two kunds.

On the banks of Radha-kunda, the five Pandavas were residing in the form of
trees. As the work was proceeding it was decided that on the following day
these trees would have to be cut down, but that night the five Pandavas
appeared in a dream of Raghunatha dasa and forbade the cutting of those trees.
Today they are still residing there. When the work of beautifying the kundas
was complete, the devotees bliss knew no bounds. Nearby the kundas, the kunjas
of the eight gopis were also constructed. Seeing all this, Raghunatha dasa
forgot himself in ecstasy.

Raghunatha dasa Gosvami lived on the banks of Radha-kunda without any fixed
residence, staying under a different tree every night. Sometimes he would stay
on the banks of the Manasa Ganga. At that time these areas were jungles filled
with ferocious animals. One day Sanatana Gosvami came to the banks of Manasa
Ganga to meet Gopala Bhatta Gosvami. Before accepting his noon meal at Gopal
Bhatta's bhajan kutir, he went to take bath at the Pavan ghat of Manasa Ganga.
From there he saw two tigers come to the kund and after drinking some water
saunter off. Just near that spot Raghunatha das Gosvami was sitting under
a tree absorbed in his bhajana. Sanatana Gosvami was startled to see this but
even more so when he saw Sri Krsna standing at some distance observing
everything. He then requested Raghunatha to do his bhajana within a hut.

On another occasion, Raghunatha dasa, who still hadn't bothered to have a kutir
constructed, was sitting in the noon day sun absorbed in his bhajana. Srimati
Radharani happened to pass that way at this time and, seeing that the sun was
beating down on Raghunatha's head, she stood behind him and held the end of her
sari to shield him from the suns rays. Then one of the Gosvamis came along and
saw this heart-rending scene, while profuse perspiration continued to flow from
Srimati Radharani's transcendental body. This time when he was again requested
to do his bhajan in a kutir, he immediately agreed to comply.

Raghunatha dasa Gosvami used to always serve Sri Sri Radha-Govinda in his mind.
One day in his meditation he cooked sweet rice and offered it to Sri Sri Radha
and Krsna. In great pleasure they accepted the offering and the other sakhis
also relished this prasadam. Then Raghunatha himself honored the remnants of
their prasadam and in great ecstasy, due to the pleasure of having been able to
satisfy Sri Sri Radha-Govinda and Their loving attendants, he ate a little more
than was his custom.

In the afternoon Raghunatha dasa used to speak about Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
However, this day when the devotees came in the afternoon to hear him speak,
they found that the door to his kutir was closed. They waited for some time but
when it appeared that there was no movement inside they became a little anxious
and called out, "Gosvamiji, are you all right?" Sri dasa Gosvami answered, "My
body is not well."

The devotees became concerned and immediately sent word to Sanatana Gosvami in
Mathura. At that time Sri Sanatana Gosvami was staying with Sri Vallabhacarya's
son Sri Vithalnathji, who immediately sent two physicians to Radha-kunda to
examine Sri dasa Gosvami. After checking his pulse, the doctors concluded that,
"due to eating a combination of rice and milk his body is feeling very heavy."

Hearing this diagnosis everyone was struck with wonder. That Raghunatha dasa
Gosvami, who subsisted on only a little buttermilk each day, should fall ill
from eating too much sweet rice was astonsihing, especially because it was
eaten only in meditation.


Raghava Pandita (Panihati kadamba flowers miracle)
---------------

At that time Nityananda told Raghava, "Bring me a garland of kadamba flowers."
Raghava Pandita asked, "Prabhu, where will I get kadamba flowers? It isn't the
rainy season now." Nityananda told him, "Go and look in the garden." Raghava
Pandita went into to the garden and saw a miraculous sight. On a lemon tree
were many kadamba flowers in full blossom. Thus he became completely subdued by
ecstatic love and his external consciousness receded. He at once picked all the
flowers and strung a beautiful garland. Bringing this garland to Nityananda
Prabhu, he placed it on His shoulders while the devotees roared with ecstasy.
Seeing the glories of Nityandanda Prabhu, the devotees were completely
transported to the world of utter amazement.

Then Nityananda Prabhu revealed to their eyes even further transcendental
pastimes. At one point, as all the devotees were sitting down, the room became
pervaded with the scent of a flower called Damanak. (donna?) Nityananda asked
them, "Now which flower scent do you smell?" Everyone replied, "Damanak."

Nityananda Prabhu told them, "I will explain to you this mystery. Today
Caitanya Gosai has come here from Nilacal, being attracted by your kirtana. On
his transcendental body is a garland of damanak flowers, all picked from one
tree. Thus this room has been filled with the ecstasy of that scent. Simply due
to your ecstatic dancing and chanting, Mahaprabhu has come here from Nilacala."
[C.B.Ant 5/294-297]

Hearing His words the devotees became filled with wonder.


Devananda Pandit (glory of SB)
----------------

"What purport will that rascal explain? Not in any of his births has he
understood the meaning of even one verse of the Srimad-Bhagavatam. The
Bhagavatam is the avatara of Sri Krsna in book form. Devotion is the only
subject it teaches. The four Vedas are like yoghurt and the Bhagavatam is like
butter. Srila Sukadeva Gosvami did the churning and Maharaja Pariksit ate that
butter. Sukadeva Gosvami is very dear to Me. He knows very well that the
Srimad-Bhagavatam is meant to describe the truth about Me according to My own
likings. Whoever sees any difference between Me, My own devotees and the
Srimad-Bhagavatam simply brings destruction upon himself." [C.B. Mad 21.13]

Mahaprabhu made these statements in a voice loud enough for Devananda to hear.
Then He turned to go back to His home. The devotees following Him begged for
more mercy. He continued, "All the scriptures state that the Srimad-Bhagavatam
enunciates the highest realization. Without having understood any of this,
simply for the sake of name and fame as a religionist and a scholar, he poses
himself as a teacher of this great book. But he doesn't know the purport.

"Only one who has understood that the Srimad-Bhagavatam is verily the
inconceivable intelligence of the Supreme Lord Himself knows that the only
meaning of the Bhagavatam is devotion. In order to understand the book
Bhagavata, one has to serve the devotee-Bhagavata."

Mahaprabhu replied, "Now hear Me, O brahmana, and know that the only way to
explain the verses of the Bhagavatam is in terms of bhakti. In the beginning,
middle and end of the Srimad-Bhagavatam there is only one teaching: devotion to
Visnu, which is eternally perfect and which is never destroyed or diminished."

"As Krsna's various incarnations such as Matsya and Kurma appear and disappear
in this world by Their sweet will, in the same way, the Srimad-Bhagavatam is
not made or composed by any person. It makes its appearance and disappearance
by its own sweet will. Due to the appearance of devotion, the Bhagavatam
blossomed forth from Vyasadeva's mouth, by the mercy of Sri Krsna.

"As the truths regarding the Supreme Authority are inconceivable, so are the
truths of Srimad-Bhagavatam. Many may pretend to know its meaning but they have
no real grasp of the evidence the Bhagavatam presents. But whoever who simply
remembers the Srimad-Bhagavatam while admitting himself to be ignorant can
understand the real meaning.

"The Bhagavata, which is saturated with loving devotion for Krsna, is an
expansion of Krsna Himself and contains descriptions of His most confidential
pastimes." [C.B. Ant. 3.505-516]

"Now you should beg forgiveness by catching hold of Srivasa Pandit's feet. The
book Bhagavata and the devotee Bhagavata are not different. If the devotee
Bhagavata is merciful to us, then the book Bhagavata manifests its true
meaning."


Paramesvara das Thakur (resurrected fox)
----------------------

One day, near Sri Rampur, at Akna Mahesh (the Sripat of Kamalakara Pippalai),
there was a festival of nama-sankirtan going on within the temple of Lord
Jagannatha there. Paramesvara was present and was dancing in a completely
God-intoxicated state. At that time some miscreants passed by there, and seeing
a dead fox lying on the road, they picked it up and threw it into the midst of
the sankirtan party.

The highly exalted Vaisnavas present didn't feel any anger towards those
ignorant fools, but Paramesvara felt sad to see the unfortunate dead fox, and
so by his merciful glance he brought it back to life. Then that fox trotted out
of the nat-mandir (kirtan hall) to the utter bewilderment of those miscreants,
who then immediately fled from the spot.

Paramesvara dasa Thakura accompanied the Deity of Radharani that Sri
Jahnava-devi sent to Vrindavana for Sri Govinda. He was the very dear servant
of Sri Jahnava Mata.

His disappearance is on the full moon day of the month of Vaisakha. On that day
the khunti (a symbol carried on a staff preceeding the kirtana party) that he
used in sankirtan is placed next to his samadhi mandir.

Supposedly its history dates from the time when the Kazi gave his promise that
no one would ever disturb the sankirtan parties again. This was an emblem of
the Kazi, and its presence in front of the sankirtan party indicated that the
party was sanctioned by the Kazi and thus no one should disturb them. Today it
is decorated with eyes, tilak, flower garlands and cloths, and worshipped as a
manifestation of Mahaprabhu Himself.


Raghunandan Thakur (physically eaten offering)
------------------

Sri Mukunda Das, Madhava Das and Sri Narahari Sarkar Thakur were three brothers
who lived in the village of Sri Khanda. Raghunandan was the son of Sri Mukunda
Das.

"In the house of Sri Mukunda Das, who lives at Sri Khanda, Lord Sri Gopinath is
served with great devotion. One day Mukunda was called out to do some work, and
then he instructed his son Raghunandan to worship the deity and asked him to
serve the Lord Gopinath that day. He explained to him that this deity is in our
family for many generations and thus He has been worshipped by my father and
his father and his father on and on, in this way for many years. Just as your
mother feeds you and I everyday, so also He has to be fed everyday. Having
explained to Raghunandan that this is a very big responsibility and he should
be very careful to give his full attention to this service, Mukunda went out.
Raghunandan meanwhile having been instructed by his father, collected the items
for offering to Sri Gopinathji and entered into the deity room. Raghunandan was
at that time barely 5 years old and therefore, when he saw that Gopinath hadn't
eaten the offering after he had imitated how his father offered the bhoga, he
became very worried. Ultimately he simply requested Gopinath with tears in his
eyes: "Please eat! Eat!" Gopinath became completely subjected by Raghunandan's
simple request, which was made entirely in love, and thus he stealthily ate up
everything without leaving any remnants.

After some time Raghunandan's father, Mukunda, returned and asked his son if he
had done as he was told. When his son replied "Yes", then Mukunda asked him to
bring some of the prasadam. Raghunandan replied, "Prasadam? I offered
everything just like you told me, and Gopinath ate everything; so what should I
bring you now?" Mukunda was completely taken aback. "This boy is not naughty
and is always accustomed to speak the truth. I doubt if he could have eaten
everything. I wonder what actually happened?"

"Musing on this matter in this way for some time, on another day his curiosity
was so stirred that he again requested Raghunandan to offer the bhoga to
Gopinath on that day. On this day however, having gone out of the house, he
again came in by another way and remained hiding in one place. Raghunandan was
very happy to be able to serve Sri Gopinathji again and brought everything into
the deity room. As before, he again very insistently persuaded Gopinath to take
his meal. As Gopinath had eaten half of a laddu, he espied Mukunda peering out
from his hiding spot. He didn't try to cover up the fact that he had eaten what
he had, but neither did he eat anymore. Seeing all this Mukunda was completely
immersed in ecstatic love and picked up his son and put him on his lap. He
extolled his virtues in a voice trembling with ecstasy, all the while torrents
of tears of joy falling from his eyes. Even today, those who are greatly
fortunate can still see that half-eaten laddu in Gopinatha's lotus hand. Thus
Sri Uddhava das sings the glories of Raghunandan, who is non different from
Madan (Cupid)."


Gauridas Pandit (four Gaura-Nitai Deities, Gaura Purnima celebration)
---------------

Across the Ganges from Santipur, in a small town called Ambika Kalna, which is
within the present district of Barddhama, is where Gauri dasa Pandita's temple
is located. His worshippable Deities Sri Sri Gaura-Nityananda are still
residing in all their splendor there. There is a railway station at Ambika
Kalna on the Howrah-Navadvipa line. From there one can proceed by rickshaw to
Mahaprabhu Mandira. In the temple is an old copy of the Bhagavad-gita on palm
leaves which is supposed to have been written by the hand of Mahaprabhu
Himself. There is also an oar from a boat which has an interesting story behind
it.

One day, the two Lords Caitanya and Nityananda came to Kalna from Santipur by
boat, paddling it themselves. Lord Caitanya kept the oar in His hand, and when
He entered Gauri dasa's house He gave it to him, saying, "With this you should
cross over the ocean of material existence, taking all the living entities with
you."

Gauri dasa Pandita's older brother, Surya dasa Sarakkali, had two daughters,
Sri Vasudha and Jahnava Devi. He gave them in marriage to Nityananda Prabhu.
Near the conclusion of His Navadvipa pastimes, when Mahaprabhu desired to
accept sannyasa, He came to Kalna to bid farewell to Gauri dasa. At that time
Gauri dasa became extremely afflicted by separation. Hereafter is a nice song
which describes what occured at that time.

"In the Thakur Pandit's house, Lord Gauranga was dancing ecstatically,
revolving around and around, while Lord Nityananda chanted 'Hari! Hari!' Gauri
dasa, however, was crying very piteously and incessantly. He fell at the Lord's
feet and begged Him, 'Please don't ever go away from here! Just honor this one
request: stay here in Ambikanagar - this is my last submission at your lotus
feet. If You go away, surely I'll die. Don't try to trick me like You did the
gopis, giving some high philosophy about Your 'Bhava-murti' (or anything like
that). I must keep You here in such a way that I can see You. You two brothers
just stay here with me, thus everyone will become liberated. Again I am
petitioning You, don't leave me 'Gaura Hari'. Then I'll know that You are the
deliverers of the fallen."

"Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu replied, 'Gauri dasa! Give up this idea. You can just
serve My Deity form, for I am personally present in that form also. You should
know this to be a fact. Just accept what I am telling you as the truth."

"Hearing this, Gauri dasa simply let out a deep sigh and continued to cry
piteously. Again the two brothers tried to console him but his heart refused to
be pacified.

"Dina Krsna dasa is praying at the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya, that these two
brothers might remain there. Thus the two of them were bound by the love of
Gauri dasa and therefore the Lord is known as bhakta-vatsala or one who is
affectionate to His devotees.

"Seeing that Gauri dasa was extremely distraught, Mahaprabhu spoke to him very
gently, 'All right, We'll stay with you. Know in all certainty that We two
brothers will stay in your house.'

"Consoling him in this way the two Lords came before him in the company of two
Deities. Seeing the four of them standing before him, Panditji was astonished,
and though tears continued to flow from his eyes, now it was not out of
sadness. The Lord again spoke to him, 'Whichever two you choose, you can keep
in your room. Whichever two you can recognise as Us will stay with you and
depend on you to feed Us. Know this to be the truth of truths within your
heart.

"Having heard Mahaprabhu speak these words, Gauri dasa immediately began to
cook. He fed all four of them sumptuously and then offered them nice cloths and
garlanded them with garlands of lotus flowers. Then he offered pan and betel
nuts for chewing and smeared sandalwood paste on Their bodies. By serving them
in various ways, he gradually regained his former composure and at the same
time decided which two he would keep in his house. Due to the Pandita's pure
love, two Lords remained with him and asked him to feed them when they were
hungry, while the other two went to Nilacala Puri. Gauri dasa Pandita served
his two Lords according to Their whims and enjoyed many pastimes with Them.

"Praying at the lotus feet of such a rare devotee as Pandita Gauri das, Dina
Krsna dasa concludes his song. Becoming subservient to Gauri dasa' love, Sri
Sri Gaura-Nityananda accepted the arca vigraha form and remained with him to
enjoy sporting pastimes."

One day the two Lords smilingly spoke to Panditji "Gauri dasa! Previously you
were our friend, Subal. Don't you remember how we used to play and frolic,
enjoying different pastimes on the banks of the Yamuna?" Speaking in this sweet
way, suddenly they took the form of Krsna and Balarama. Dressed like cowherd
boys, They held buffalo horn, cane and flute in Their hands. Their heads were
decorated with peacock feathers and around their necks were garlands of forest
flowers, and their lotus feet were decorated with ankle bells. Gauri dasa also
assumed his previous appearance and in this way they enjoyed some fun together.
After some time, Gauri dasa calmed himself, and the two Lords again sat down on
the simhasana.

Every day, Gauri dasa used to cook many varieties of vegetables and offer them
to Their Lordships. He was always absorbed in their service and never perceived
his own bodily discomfort. As the years went by, gradually he attained a ripe
old age. Nevertheless he continued to serve his Lordships as before, cooking
many various preparations for Them. Seeing that he was having to exert himself
so much to do so much cooking, one day Sri Sri Gaura-Nityananda feigned anger
and refused to eat. Panditji was in turn hurt by this and said, "If You get
happiness by not eating, then why do You have me cook in the first place?"
After saying this he became silent.

Lord Gauranga smiled and replied softly, "Your cooking is no small
accomplishment. You prepare rice and so many varieties of vegetables. You won't
listen if We request you not to make so much but We can't bear to see your hard
labor. Whatever you can prepare easily that would be best."

Hearing Their statement, Gauri dasa replied, "Anyway, whatever I have prepared
today, please accept that. From tomorrow I won't feed You with so many
preparations. I'll just put some sak on Your plate." Having heard the reply of
Gauri dasa, the two Lords laughed and began to eat.

Sometimes Gauri dasa desired to decorate Their Lordships with ornaments. Coming
to know of this, Sri Gaura-Nityananda put on various ornaments and exhibited
themselves in Their full opulence. When Panditji entered the temple, he smiled
with wonder. "Where did so many ornaments come from?" He was simply astonished
in ecstasy. In this way Sri Sri Gaura-Nityananda began to manifest Their
opulences through various sporting pastimes in Gauri das's house.

Gauri dasa's dearmost disciple was Sri Hrdayananda. One time, on the occasion
of Lord Gaurasundara's birth anniversary, Gauri dasa went to visit some of his
disciples. At the time of going he left Hrdayananda in charge of worshiping the
Deities, which Hrdayananda began to do in full love. Gradually the appearance
day of Mahaprabhu drew very near. When there were only three days remaining,
still Gauri dasa hadn't returned home yet. Hrdayananda deliberated for some
time about what should be done and finally, being prompted on his own, sent out
invitations to all the devotees and disciples to attend the festival.

Just after that, Gauri dasa returned. Hrdayananda informed his gurudeva that he
had written out invitations and had then sent them to the devotees. Within
himself, Gauri dasa was very pleased by Hrdayananda's service, but externally
he feigned great anger and said, "Even in my presence you show so much
independence, sending out invitations hither and thither. Anyway, whatever this
upstart has done is done, but he won't be able to remain here."

Hearing this, Hrdayananda offered his obeisances and went to sit underneath a
tree on the banks of the Ganga. Shortly thereafter, a rich man passing by in a
boat hailed Hrdayananda, wishing to make a donation. But instead of accepting
the donation himself, Hrdayananda sent him to his guru. However, Gauri dasa
sent the man back to Hrdayananda and told him to accept the donation and with
it to hold a festival on the banks of the Ganga.

As per the order of his guru, Hrdayananda began to make the necessary
preparations. Gradually, the people that he had sent invitations to began to
arrive, but upon hearing that a festival was being held on the Ganges
riverbank, they proceeded there first. In the company of the many devotees,
Hrdayananda chanted and dance ecstatically. The sankirtan was so blissful and
attractive that Their Lordships themselves, Sri Sri Gaura-Nityananda, came to
take part in the dancing and singing. Hrdayananda was very fortunate to see all
of this.

Meanwhile, Gauri dasa was also holding a festival in his house. When the time
came for making an offering, the pujari, Boro Ganga dasa Pandita entered the
Deity room only to find that there were no Deities. He immediately informed
Gauri dasa. Gauri dasa could understand the matter very well and, smiling, he
picked up a stick and proceeded towards the kirtana festival on the banks of
the Ganges. Arriving there, he saw the two transcendental brothers engaged in
ecstatic dancing. Sri Sri Gaura-Nityananda also saw Gauri dasa approaching in
an angry mood with a stick in his hand, and They quickly and silently entered
the temple of Hrdayananda's heart. Seeing this Gauri das couldn't restrain his
tears of ecstasy. He forgot his anger and ran towards Hrdayananda with his arms
outstretched. Firmly embracing him he said, "You are so fortunate! From today
your name is Hrdaycaitanya."

Gauri dasa began to bathe him with his tears as Hrdaycaitanya fell at his lotus
feet. Then Gauri dasa took Hrdaycaitanya and all of the devotees to his
courtyard where intense chanting and dancing continued. The assembled Vaisnavas
filled the day with the vibrations of "Hari! Hari!" In this way the birth
anniversary celebration of Gaurasundara was observed. Thereafter Gauri dasa
appointed Hrdaycaitanya as the sevaka of the Deities.


Abirama Gopala Thakura (Krsna-lila in Gaura-lila)
----------------------

Sri Abhirama Thakura was known as Abhirama Gopala and also as Rama dasa Bhirama
dasa. "Who was previously known as Sridama, a gopa during Krsna-lila, is now
renowned as Abhirama or Rama dasa. He was the favorite of Nityananda Prabhu.

One day, Krsna, Balarama and their cowherd friends were playing a game of hide
and seek. In the middle of Their game, Krsna decided to go to Nadia to enjoy
His pastimes there, and so, taking with Him Balarama and all Their friends, He
advented Himself in Navadwipa. Somehow or other, He forgot Sridama, who
remained in his hiding place in a cave. After a while Krsna noticed that Sridam
had been left behind and sent Balarama as Nityananda, Who found Sridam and told
him: "Come on! We've all gone to Nadia to play there!"

Sridama asked, "Who are You?"

"I'm your Lord Balarama. Can't you recognize me?"

"You can't be my Lord Balaram. You're too small." [In Kali yuga the measurement
of the body is 3.5 hands, whereas in Dwapara-yuga it is 7 hands.]

"If you don't believe Me, then take off running. If I can't catch you within
ten paces, then you'll know I'm not Balarama."

"All right! Catch me if You can!"

Sridama took off running, but Nityananda Prabhu immediately caught him. But now
Sridama told Him, "Now look here, You dudes left me behind, so I ain't goin' to
yer Nuddia or whatever the joint is called."

Nityananda Prabhu kept coaxing him but Sridama was adamant. Finally he
manifested an expansion of himself, Rama dasa, who agreed to go. But Sridam
still wanted to remain behind as his feelings were greatly hurt.

Rama dasa was also dissatisfied and very prone to anger. When Nityananda
Prabhu's first child was born, Abhirama Thakura came to offer his obeisances to
the child, who died on the spot. In this way, seven of Nityananda's children
had to depart from this world just after taking birth. Finally a daughter,
Ganga-devi, was born to Nityananda Prabhu and Vasudha devi. When, after
offering his obeisances to the child, Abhirama Thakur saw that the baby was
unaffected he exclaimed, "This time we haven't been deceived!" Then he
immediately composed one hundred verses in praise of Ganga-devi. When
Viracandra Prabhu took his birth, Abhirama again came to offer his obeisances.
When he saw that Viracandra was unaffected, he composed Sri Virbhadrastakam.

If Abhirama Thakura would offer his obeisances to any stone other then a
salagram-sila, that stone would crack. One time, Abhirama Thakur came to Sri
Khanda, wanting to meet Raghunandana Thakura. Mukunda dasa was aware of his
reputation and thus told the Thakura that Raghunandana wasn't there. Feeling
disappointed, Abhirama departed. When Raghunandana heard that Abhirama Thakura
had come to meet him, he ran to catch up with the Thakura. Finally he met him
at Bor Danga, where they danced together in ecstasy. When Raghunandana was
dancing his nupur (ankle bracelet) came off and fell down at Akaihat, where
Kaliya Krsna dasa used to do his bhajan. This nupur is still being worshiped
along with Kaliya Krsna Thakura's Deity at Karvi, not far from Katwa.

Gopala Guru Gosvami was also similarly tested by Abhirama Thakura when he was
only a small boy living with Mahaprabhu in Puri. By the mercy of Mahaprabhu,
Who invested His potency in Gopala guru, the boy emerged unscathed.


Murari Gupta (Varaha-lila of Lord Caitanya, position of Lord Nityananda)
------------

Sri Murari Gupta used to worship Sri Sri Sita Ram. One day, Mahaprabhu suddenly
arrived in Murari Gupta's house. Roaring in the mood of Varahadeva he picked up
a water pot in His teeth, while Murari Gupta fell down on the floor to offer
his dandavats, being dumbstruck with wonder at having seen this divine form.
Then Mahaprabhu said; "Murari! Just sing some hymns in my praise." Then Murari
recited some slokas at which Mahaprabhu became very happy and thus addressed
him, "Murari! I am just speaking this truth to you. I am the essence of all
scriptures. I have come to engage in Harinam sankirtan Myself, as well as to
induce others also to chant My Holy Names. I cannot tolerate malice towards my
devotee. If someone tries to harm my devotee, even if he is my son I will tear
off his head. The proof of this is Narakasur." After telling Murari so many
secret things about Himself, Mahaprabhu returned home.

During the time when Mahaprabhu exhibited for 21 hours His transcendental
existence as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, He was calling His various
devotees and bestowing various blessings to them. He next called Murari:
"Murari! For so many days you couldn't recognize who I am? Just see My divine
form." Then Murari saw Mahaprabhu as His most worshipable Deity, Lord
Raghunatha, His body the colour of green grass. Sitting in the virasana, his
legs folded beneath His body, and holding a great bow in His hand, Lakshman and
Janaki were seated on each side of Him. In all directions the chiefs of the
monkeys were reciting prayers and hymns. Then when he saw himself amongst those
monkeys in his original form, he fainted straight away. Mahaprabhu called him:
"Murari! Get up! Just see My divine form. Have you forgotten who set Ravana's
Lanka on fire? It was you, Hanuman! Get up and gaze on the form of Laksmana,
who is the very embodiment of your life. Offer your obeisances to that one for
whose sadness you cried so much (Sita devi)."

Hearing Mahaprabhu's voice Murari regained his consciousness and seeing that
form again he offered his dandavats again while crying in ecstatic love. Seeing
this divine display of the Lord's infinite mercy towards Murari, the devotees
filled the sky with the sounds of "Hari! Hari!"

One evening, Mahaprabhu & Nityananda Prabhu were sitting in the courtyard of
Srivas Pandit when Murari Gupta arrived there. First he offered his obeisances
to Mahaprabhu and then to Nityananda Prabhu.

Mahaprabhu told him: "Murari! You have made a mistake. You offered your
obeisances in the opposite order."

Murari: "Prabhu! As you have inspired me, so I have done."

Mahaprabhu: "All right. Go home now and later you will be able to understand
everything."

Murari Gupta went to his house and after having his meal, lay down to take
rest. That night he saw a dream. In his dream he saw the chief of the
Mahabhagavat; Lord Nityananda, his cloth tied up behind in the fashion of a
wrestler, proceeding in front. Above his head was a great, many-headed serpent.
In his hands were a plow and club. Nityananda Prabhu appeared just as Balaram.
Following behind, with a peacock feather on his head, was Sri Visvambhar. [C.
B. Mad. 20.14]

Lord Nityananda is none other than Haladhar, the manifestation of Anantadeva,
and the greatest devotee. Now Murari could understand who is greater.

Mahaprabhu, smiling sweetly called him, "Murari! Now have you understood? If
you breach proper conduct then how will it look?" Murari Gupta, in the depth of
his dream began to call out "Nityananda! Nityananda!" with tears in his eyes.
His wife then called out "Krsna! Krsna!" and woke him up. Murari Gupta could
understand the greatness of Nityananda Prabhu's position now. It is he who
reveals Lord Gauranga. Without his mercy one cannot get the mercy of Lord
Caitanya.


Acyutananda (eternal relationship with the Lord)
-----------

On the order of Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Acyuta set out on a pilgrimage and
returned after a long journey. During that journey Acyuta, being profoundly
influenced by Lord Caitanya, formed a Sankirtana (Rahasa) party and preached
the name of Sri Krsna in different provinces of India. The account of his
Sankirtana party is discussed in an unpublished manuscript called
Baranacharita-grantha.

Lord Caitanya and Acyuta had a very cordial relationship and are certainly
eternal associates. The description in chapter ten of Sunya Samhita reveals
that Acyuta was not only associated with Lord Caitanya during the period
mentioned, but he was also a companion in previous births. The story indicates
that Sri Krsna informed Sudama that He was going to descend to the earth. Krsna
said: "Go thou Sudama, we shall meet again in Kaliyuga. I shall reveal myself
in the form of Buddha, and you will bear the name Sundarananda. Later I will
manifest in Navadvipa as Sri Caitanya and preach the name of Hari from door to
door. At that time you will stay with us, and will be known by the name Acyuta.
You will save the cowherd class."

In another passage of Sunya Samhita, Sudama, Subala and others asked Krsna how
and when they would meet again. Krsna replied that they would be born as
Panchasakhas in the Kaliyuga at Nilacala, and King Prataparudradeva would serve
them.

Once Lord Caitanya came to Cuttack and the king desired to perform a religious
festival. Lord Caitanya advised the king to bring the Panchasakhas. Thus the
Panchasakhas came to Cuttack to join the party and the Lord embraced all of
them. In the Chourasi Ajna it is described that Lord Caitanya sat in the
Muktimandapa along with His five associates, the king, and Sarvabhauma. The
Lord declared that the five associates were the followers of Krsna in every
age. The associates replied that they were but five branches (panca sakha) of
one tree. Lord Caitanya called them to his side and asked them to give a
demonstration of their occult powers. He handed over the seed of a jackfruit to
Jagannatha Dasa, and Acyutananda ripened the fruit.


Bhagavan dasa Babaji (snake, cat, prasadam, goat)
--------------------

One day a snake was found inside the asrama and one of the devotees picked it
up and threw it away at a safe distance. When Bhagavandasa came to know about
it he was very annoyed and ordered the devotee to leave the asrama and stay
away. It is said that the snake happened to be an elder brother of Nama-Brahmah
in one of its earlier births. Bhagavandasa would not take prasada until the
snake had taken a portion of it.

Bhagavandasa regularly took his evening meals after his daily bhajana
recitals. On some days he was so absorbed in bhajana that he forgot about his
meal, which was usually kept close to his seat. One pet cat of the asrama
regularly shared prasada with Babaji, thus when Bhagavandasa remained absorbed
in prayer till late, the cat would mew repeatedly, going around and around
Babaji to attract his attention. Bhagavandasa would lift the lid of the bowl of
prasada, allow the pet to help itself and then replacing the lid, continue with
his bhajana.

On occasions when Bhagavandasa failed to derive the inspiration desired from
his bhajana, he would advise his devotees to take their meals and on pretext of
his own illness, he refrained from eating. If the devotees tried to convince
him to eat, Babaji would simply reply: "In that case let us all retire to bed
without any meal." Thus the devotees would reluctantly take their meals.

He was a virtuous man both in his practices and behavior. He did not allow any
prasada received as offerings, to be placed on the floor unless the devotees
mopped the place clean. If a devotee failed to do so, Babaji would pull him up
and call him a Mussulman. When flowers or garlands were offered to
Bhagavandasa, he touched them to his forehead with care, making sure the
flowers did not come in contact with his garments.

One of his disciples, Visnudasa, came down with a fever for three continuous
days. When Bhagavandasa advised his disciple to take medicine the latter said
that there was no need to do so as he would be cured by the grace of
Nama-Brahmah. Bhagavandasa angrily remarked that, "A man suffers illness as a
part of his penance and should act upon a doctor's advice, rather than pass the
responsibility for the disease, and also its cure, to Nama-Brahmah. After all,
it is a doctor's job to provide aid to a sick person." Visnudasa promptly took
some medicine and was cured.

One day while Bhagavandasa was absorbed in bhajan, he was heard to shout "go
away". It came to be known later that he was shouting to scare away a goat
which was chewing the leaves of a Tulasi plant in the courtyard of the Govinda
temple, far away in Vrndavana. On that same day the Maharaja of Burdwan, having
heard about the powers of Bhagavandasa, came to Nama-Brahmah Asrama for
darsana. It so happened that Maharaja entered the asrama at the same time that
Bhagavandasa shouted, "go away". Naturally, the Maharaja thought that Babaji,
for some reason, wanted Maharaja to leave the premises. Thus, in
disappointment, he left Nama-Brahmah Asrama.

Afterwards the devotees told Babaji of Maharaja's arrival and why he had left
without getting Babaji's darsana. Bhagavandasa immediately sent a messenger
requesting the Maharaja to visit Nama-Brahmah again. When the Maharaja again
visited the asrama Babaji begged forgiveness and explained the circumstances
which had led to the misunderstanding on Maharaja's previous visit. The
Maharaja was understanding, but skeptical as to whether Bhagavandasa Maharaja
actually possessed the power to see something which was taking place in
Vrndavana. To satisfy his own curiosity the Maharaja sent a telegram to
Vrndavana to verify the truth of the incident. The reply corroborated the
statement made by Bhagavandasa. From that time Bhagavandasa was known as
Siddhababa Bhagavandasa Babaji Maharaja.


Gaurakisora Siromani (glory of SB - gauravandana between its lines, humility)
--------------------

Venimadhava Thakura was a Vaisnava saint who enjoyed perfect bliss through
Istagosthi. At his request, Gaurakisora Siromani once gave a daily three-hour
recital of the sloka "Janmadyasya" for thirty-five days. Hearing his
recitation, Venimadhava commented that Gaurakisora was certainly been blessed
by the grace of the six Gosvamis.

Once Gaurakisora and his troupe paid a visit to the residence of the Banerjee
family of Badograma, near Burdwan, to recite from the Srimad Bhagavatam. When
they arrived in the village at around 2 pm. they found out that the village had
neither a Visnu temple nor did anyone there follow the tradition of offering
worship to Salagrama. Immediately Gaurakisora went to the brahmana Zamindar of
the village and expressed his reluctance to even take a drink of water from a
village where Visnu was not worshiped. Many came forward to try to change the
mind of Siromani, fearing that the departure of the whole group of starving
Vaisnavas would be inauspicious for their village. In utter helplessness, a
messenger was sent on horseback to a village ten miles away with a note
requesting the Zamindar's cousin to bring a Salagrama to the village. When the
Salagrama was brought and food offered to it, Gaurakisora partook of Visnu
prasada.

Once, in order to test the Vaisnava merit of Gaurakisora, some tantric
brahmanas of Kagrama in the district of Mursidavad invited him to give a
recital from the Srimad Bhagavatam in their village. After the recital had gone
on for several days, the evil-minded brahmanas arranged to have animals
slaughtered on the occasion of Kalipuja on the very same site as the Srimad
Bhagavatam was recited. On receiving this news late in the evening, Siromani
was greatly distressed and prayed desperately to Gaura Govinda. Thus when the
slaughters attempted to sacrifice an animal with one strike, they were
unsuccessful; they needed two strikes for all of the animals. The frightened
slaughterers tried to invoke the grace of the goddess. Later the goddess
chastised the priest in a dream saying: "All of you have humiliated a devotee
of Visnu, hence you will be severely punished." Hearing this the mischievous
persons rushed to the feet of Gaurakisora Siromani. Gaurakisora asked them
first to take a dip in the Ganges and later converted them into Vaisnavas.

Meanwhile the long standing debate regarding the respective status' of the
Gosvamis and the Vaisnavas continued to ensue. Eventually they decided that if
Siromani would intervene and mediate between them, his verdict would be
accepted by both sides. After Siromani listened to both sides of the argument
he replied: "Please take me as your son; when a son becomes an adult then he is
not expected to be present where his parents are quarreling. It should also be
noted that marital love attains a new depth when the couple differs from each
other." These words softened the hearts of both the disputant sides; they
forgot their differences and chanted the holy name together.

The following is an excerpt about Siromani extracted from Sadgurusanga vol. 2
written by Kuladananda brahmacari: "Siromani was the senior-most pandita of
the country; he had a sound command over the six systems of Indian philosophy,
Smrti, and Purana. Once, in his native village, he attended a Srimad Bhagavatam
recital held in the house of a brahmana villager. A large number of reputed
brahmana panditas were also present for the session. The devotee brahmana who
recited from the Srimad Bhagavatam first invoked the vandana of Lord Gauranga
before beginning his recitation. This had been the prevalent custom everywhere,
however, Siromani flew into a rage upon hearing Gauravandana. He called the
brahmana reader to him and said, "What's the matter sir? Is this what is called
Bhagavata-recital? You are ready to give a recital from Srimad Bhagavatam which
lies open in front of you, directing your attention to the book, how come you
go on chanting the glories of Lord Gauranga? Being in the presence of a
gathering of brahmana panditas and keeping the Salagrama in front of you, you
pledge to recite from Srimad Bhagavatam then you speak on an entirely different
topic. Can you justify your action?"

The devotee humbly replied with folded hands, "Revered Sir, please believe me,
I am truthfully reciting from Srimad Bhagavatam. Whatever I have chanted so far
can be found in Srimad Bhagavatam. I have not told a single lie."

Siromani sprang from his seat and rushing towards the reciter demanded, "Look
here, please show me where the verse "Anarpitacarim" is found in Bhagavatam?"
The brahmana pointed his finger, indicating the blank space between every
couple of lines. Siromani retorted, "What do you mean? You are pointing to
blank white spaces."

The brahmana then spoke, "You don't have the right vision, how do you expect
to see what I am showing you? Better cleanse your eyes first and then have a
look."

Siromani was enraged, "How dare you insist on telling a lie in an unruffled
manner in front of a Salagrama, and while touching the Srimad Bhagavatam, and
in the presence of brahmanas?"

The brahmana at last firmly replied, "Please hold your tongue. In this
gathering of brahmanas, while touching Srimad Bhagavatam, I swear that whatever
I have said is truth. I can see Gauravandana written in the intervening space
of every two lines of Srimad Bhagavatam. I advise you to first take diksa from
a competent venerable Vaisnava saint, then practice for a week exactly as I
direct you and then come here on the eight day. If you then fail to see the
writing of Gauracandrika in the intervening spaces of the Srimad Bhagavatam,
then I promise in front of everyone present here that I shall chop off the tip
of my tongue."

Siromani was a deeply spiritual person and thus immediately approached Siddha
Caitanya dasa Babaji for diksa. Then he contacted the brahmana reciter and
received instructions, which he practiced diligently for seven days. One the
eighth day he came before the brahmana reciter demanding that he be shown the
script of Gauravandana in Bhagavatam. The reciter promptly opened the Srimad
Bhagavatam and called Siromani to have a look. As soon as Siromani looked at
the book he saw Gaura-vandana written in bright golden letters on the blank
spaces preceding every couple of lines. With tears flowing incessantly from his
eyes, Siromani rolled on the ground in repentance. Immediately he renounced
everything and left for Vrndavana on foot. Since then he has been staying here.
He can really be called a genuine Vaisnava."

During his stay at Katoa Siromani would give oral recitation from the holy
texts, but he stopped doing this in Vrndavana. Only in the afternoon hours
would he give lessons on Srimad Bhagavatam to Vrajavasi Vaisnavas. One day
Siromani was giving a class on the fourth canto; the episode of Daksayajna,
when a question came up from the students as follows: "How could Mahadeva
possibly have danced, carrying the corpse of Sati which is stated to have been
reduced to ashes by the sacrificial flames?"

Siromani waited awhile, wondering how to present a proper reply. Meanwhile,
one Vaisnava listener, seated by the side of Siromani, who was regularly
present at this class, looked up at the inquiring students and said, "Would you
like a demonstration of the situation or would you be satisfied with an
explanation?"

The students chorused, "Who cares to listen, when a demonstration is
available?"

"Then come here and look", the Vaisnava said. He sat facing north in a yoga
posture and passed into a state of meditation chanting "Jaya Gauranga". Shortly
afterwards a speck of fire rose from the big toe of his right foot and soon his
entire body was covered with raging flames. Siromani screamed, lamenting what
had happened. The students tried to put out the fire by pouring water from the
Jamuna but it was over by then. From that day Siromani gave up teaching Srimad
Bhagavatam and resorted to more austere bhajan.

A number of well-known Vaisnava saints lived in Vrndavana during the time when
Siromani was there; Srila Brahmananda Gosvami of Srngarvata, Srila
Nrisimhananda Prabhu, Srila Nilamani Gosvami-descendant of Advaita Prabhu,
Srila Haracandra Gosvami, Haradhan Maitra, the Zamindar of Talanda in Rajasahi
(Bangladesh)-Gangaprasada Ray, the Zamindar of Tadas in Pabna (Bangladesh) with
his family, Hajra Mahasaya-the reputed kirtana singer who was also the
caretaker of Sri Madanamohana Temple, Vaisnavacarana dasa-the well-known
kirtana singer, Sri Krsnadasa, Sri Gauradasa, Pranavandhu Nandi etc. All of the
above mentioned persons showed great respect for Siromani.

Once Srila Brahmananda Prabhu invited Siromani to partake of prasada in his
house at Govindaghat. Brahmananda offered prasada such as rice and various
other dishes served in silver plates and vessels in front of a special seat for
Siromani to sit on. Siromani felt extremely embarrassed and refused to sit at
the arranged place and asked that prasada be served to him on a leaf plate and
leaf bowl. He urged Brahmananda to take prasada on the special seat instead of
himself. Brahmananda was aware of Siromani's noble lineage and referring to
that repeatedly requested Siromani to accept the food and the special seat.
Siromani replied as follow: "Prabhupada (Brahmananda), if you think you have
invited me here because of my social background, in that case I shall surely
lose my caste-status if I partake of prasada with you here. But you are my
"prabhu" and I am your "dasa"-this relationship of our is highly adorable."
Saying this Siromani made Brahmananda sit on the special seat and himself took
prasada on a leaf plate. This incident occurred prior to Siromani's embracing
bheka.

Siromani knew perfectly well how to uphold the dignity of bhakti. He showed
respect to infants in the same manner as he would to the descendants of acaryas
and those senior to him. During his stay at Thaura, he arranged for a chosen
reciter to give daily classes on sastra. One day in the midst of such a
session, Siromani suddenly stood up; giving everyone the impression that some
distinguished acarya descendent had appeared there. What had actually happened,
however, was that a certain disciple of Siromani was standing in the corner
carrying the infant daughter of Radhikanath Gosvami, the descendant of Advaita
Prabhu. When that disciple with the child was asked to sit down, Siromani also
sat down.

The following is an extract from Sadgurusanga: "One day Sridhara, a disciple
of Vijayakrsna Gosvami, went to Siromani's kutir to have darsana. Upon arriving
he found Siromani asleep, thus he offered his obeisances keeping some distance
from the feet of Siromani. To his surprise, the devotee noticed that Siromani's
feet turned to another direction. Every time Sridhara tried to offer his
obeisances the same thing happened. Sridhara finally left the place in
bewilderment. No one could ever touch the feet of Siromani or offer their
humble obeisances. Even when Siromani was at a distance no one could offer his
pranamas before Siromani had offered them first. He would offer dandavats lying
prostrate to one and all. In fact it was a problem to walk on the road with
Siromani, because along the way he repeatedly offered dandavat pranamas to
cats, monkeys, cows, women, men and deities on both sides of the road. All the
men and women of Vrndavana revered Siromani as a venerable saint. Thakura
(Vijayakrsna Gosvami) said that one should meet Siromani in order to realize
the true meaning of the verse "trinadapi".


