RUPA GOSVAMI:

	In the conclusion of his Laghutosani Jiva Gosvami has given
some biographical information in which he explains that Sarvajna
is seventh in the ascending genealogical line from Rupa Gosvami. 
He was highly respected amongst the brahmanas of Karnataka, thus
he was also referred to as "Jagadguru."  Being a brahmana from
the Yajurveda clan, who are descendants of Bharadvaja, Sarvajna
was a erudite scholar of all sastras and theological treatises. 
Attracted by Sarvajna's scholastic ability and admirable
qualities, students flocked from different parts of the country
to study under him.  Sarvajna was also a king.

	Sarvajna's son, Aniruddha, was a great Yajurveda scholar and
was admired by all.  Aniruddha had two wives and two sons.  His
sons were Rupesvara and Harihara.  Rupesvara became theologically
astute, whereas Harihara became skilled in the use of weapons. 
When Aniruddha died the kingdom was divided between the two sons,
but Harihara occupied the land of Rupesvara by force.  In a
helpless condition Rupesvara and his family migrated to
Paurastyadesa, where he became friends with the local King,
Sikharesvara.

	Rupesvara's son Padmanabha acquired great fame due to his
handsome features, admirable qualities, erudition and wealth. 
Padmanabha moved his home to the village of Nabahatta (modern
Naihati) on the bank of the Bhagirathi.  Padmanabha had eighteen
daughters and five sons.  The youngest son was named Mukunda.

	Mukunda's son, Kumara deva, was an extremely religious man. 
When religious upheaval occurred in Naihati, Kumara deva moved to
Bakla Candradvipa (in Jessore).  He is said to have settled for
some time at Fateyavadlocated between Naihati and Bakla.  The
three most renowned sons of Kumaradeva were Sanatana, Rupa and
Anupama.  When their father died, these three sons went to theirj     maternal uncle's home in Sakurma near the capital of Gauda where
they continued their studies.

	Gaudiya Vaisnava Abhidhana P. 13501351:  Rupa Gosvami was
one of the six Gosvamis associated with Sri Gaurangalila. 
According to GGD 180 he was Sri Rupa manjari in Krsna lila.  He
occupied a responsible post in the service of the Badshah Hussain
Shah of Gauda.  He later renounced everything and surrendered
himself at the feet of Lord Gauranga.  His fascinating biography
is described in the CC., Bhaktamala, etc.  Narottama Thakura has
rightly praised him as "Sri Caitanyamanohabhistastapaka" (the
implementor of Lord Caitanya's desires).

	Rupa Gosvami was specifically commanded by Lord Caitanya to
carry out two tasks: (1) to relocate and preserve the lost
pilgrimage places of Vrndavana, and (2) to write and preach
Vaisnava theology.

	From Prayaga Rupa Gosvami went to Vrndavana. He then visited
his native home where he settled his property concerns. 
Thereafter he traveled on to Nilacala to meet Lord Caitanya. 
While staying at Gauda, Rupa Gosvami developed the desire to
write the Vidagdhamadhava and Lalitamadhava nataka.  Initially he
planned to present the Vrajalila and the Puralila together in
one drama with the view of calming the intensity of the
Vrajaviraha by including the Dwarakalila.  However, while in
Satyabhamapura he was commanded by Satyabhamadevi to write two
separate dramas.  In Nilacala Lord Caitanya also gave him the
same instruction.  Only those who appreciate the true Vaisnava
spirit will understand the immense pleasure which Lord Caitanya
and His associates derived from listening to this drama.  After
surcharging and empowering Rupa Gosvami with divine energy, Lord
Caitanya sent him back to Vrndavana.

	The following is a list of the most wellknown books of Rupa
Gosvami:  Bhaktirasamrtasindhu; Ujvalanilamani;
Laghubhagavatamrta; Vidagdhamadhava; Lalitamadhava;
Nikunjarahasyastava; Stavamala; Sri Radhakrsna ganoddesadipika;
Mathuramahatmya; Uddhava Sandesa; Hamsadutam; Danakelikaumudi;
Sri Krsnajanmatithividhi; Prayuktakhyatamanjari, Natakacandrika

	The following are references from CC. which deal with Rupa
Gosvami:

2.1.165
Working as Dabir Khas in the employment of the King of
Gauda.J

2.1.196197
He wrote a letter to Lord Caitanya prior to meeting Him
and also received a reply.J

2.1.165170
He had a discussion relating to Lord Caitanya with
Hussain Shah when the Lord visited RamakeliJ

2.1.171173
On returning from Hussain Shah's place Rupa had a talkj      with Sanatana and both went to meet Lord Caitanya.J

2.19.3035
On receiving information from the two messengers that
Lord Caitanya had already left for Vrndavana, Rupa took
his younger brother, Anupama, along with him to meet
the Lord.  Rupa sent a letter to Sanatana conveying
this information, and encouraged him to escape from
prison with the help of the money he had left in the
custody of a grocer.J

2.19.3656
Rupa meets Lord Caitanya at Prayaga, expresses his
humility and aspirations, informs the Lord about
Sanatana and fixes up his residence close to the Lord's
place.J

2.19.6167
Rupa meets Vallabha Bhatta at Prayaga; Bhatta expresses
awe at the humility and devotion of Rupa.J

2.19.8182
Rupa accompanies Lord Caitanya to the house of Bhatta
at Adaila village.J

2.19.104107
Lord Caitanya instructed Rupa for ten days at Prayaga
on the theology of Krsna, Bhakti, rasa, etc.  The Lord
empowered Rupa with His own divine energy.J

2.1.173202
Rupa and Sanatana first meet Lord Nityananda and
Haridasa Thakura, and later meet Lord Caitanya.  They
expressed their humility and spiritual aspirations and
obtained the mercy of Lord Caitanya.J

2.1.203206
Lord Caitanya introducing the two brothers to the
devotees and requests them to show their mercy to them.J

2.1.207212
The two brothers requested the Lord to leave that place
and not to go to Vrndavana with a large crowd of
people.  They then returned home.J

2.19.24
Upon arriving at home the two brothers began to devise
plans by which they could abandon their wealth.J

2.19.58
By boat they visited their ancestral home and
distributed their wealth. J

2.19.1011
Sri Rupa Gosvami heard that Lord Caitanya had returned
to Jagannatha Puri and was preparing to go to Vrndavana
through the forest, thus he sent two people to Puri to
find out when Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu would depart for
Vrndavana.         J

2.19.240
Rupa Gosvami is instructed by Lord Caitanya to go to
Vrndavana.J


2.19.241
The Lord tells Rupa that later he can go to Jagannathaj      Puri through Bengal and there he will meet the Lord
again.  J

2.25.186
Rupa reaches Mathura and meets Subuddhi Raya at Dhruvaghat.J

2.25.207
Rupa wins the friendship of Subuddhi Raya and together
they visit the twelve forests of Vrndavana.J

2.25.209210
After one month in Vrndavana Rupa leaves for Prayaga,
following the route along the bank of the Ganges.J

2.25.216219
From Prayaga Rupa and his brother go to Kasi and meet
the devotees. J

2.25.221
Rupa leaves for Gauda after staying in Kasi for ten
days.J

3.1.3436
While in Vrndavana Rupa Gosvami desired to write dramas
concerning the pastimes of Lord Krsna, thus he composed
the introductory verses of a drama.  On his way to
Gaudadesa he had been thinking of how to write the
action of the drama.  Thus he had made some notes and
begun to write.J

3.1.3738
On reaching Gauda, Anupama breathed his last.  Rupa
leaves for Nilacala.J

3.1.4044
Rupa halted for a night during his journey at
Satyabhamapur in Orissa, at night he had a vision of
the deity Satyabhama who commanded Rupa to write a
separate drama.  Rupa first planned to write a single
drama comprising both Vrajalila and Puralila.  Now on
receiving the divine command, Rupa decides to write two
separate ones.J

3.1.4558
Rupa arrives at Nilacala and stays at the residence of
Haridasa Thakura, where he meets Lord Caitanya.  He
also met all the other devotees and Lord Caitanya urged
them to shower their grace upon Rupa.  Rupa was loved
by them all.J

3.1.5964
Rupa joins Lord Caitanya daily in Istagosthi and
participates in the cleaning of Gundica.J

3.1.6568
Lord Caitanya gives instructions that Krsna never
leaves Vrndavana.J

3.1.71.
At the command of Satyabhama and Lord Caitanya, Rupa
arranges to write two separate dramas.J

3.1.7288
Rupa writes a verse interpreting the sloka "yah
kaumaraharah" chanted by Lord Caitanya during Rathayatra.  He wrote this on a palm leaf and placed it inj     his thatched roof and went to take bath.  Lord Caitanya
found that verse and was overwhelmed with ecstasy. 
Thus He showered His mercy upon Rupa.  Lord Caitanya
showed that verse to Svarupa Damodara.J

3.1.89
Lord Caitanya instructs Svarupa to teach Rupa Vaisnava
theology.J

3.1.9799
Lord Caitanya feels ecstacy upon reading the Sanskrit
verse composed by Rupa beginning with "tunde
tandavini."J

3.1.100105
Lord Caitanya goes to meet Rupa at the house of
Haridasa Thakura, along with Sarvabhauma, Ramananda,
Svarupa, etc.  There the Lord glorifies Rupa's
qualities.J

3.1.109121
Rupa meets the devotees and they all share the beauty
of the verses "priyah sohayan krsnah" and "tunde
tandavini."J

3.1.199
Lord Caitanya personally guides Rupa to invoke the
grace of all the devotees.J

3.1.202
Considering Rupa to be competent to understand the
science of rasa, Lord Caitanya transmitted His divine
energy to Rupa and commanded him to write books about
Bhakti.J

3.1.206
Lord Caitanya expresses His desire to the devotees to
endow Rupa with the ability to describe Vrajalilapremarasa.J

3.1.210
Haridasa Thakura praises the fortune of Rupa.J

3.1.215216
Rupa participates with Lord Caitanya in the Holi
festival.J

3.1.217220
Lord Caitanya bids farewell to Rupa after empowering
him to go to Vrndavana and write transcendental
literature, to excavate the lost holy places and to
establish the service of Lord Krsna and preach the
mellows of Lord Krsna's devotional service.J

3.1.221
Taking leave of the devotees Rupa goes to Vrndavana via
Gauda.J

2.1.3136
Name of some of the books compiled by Rupa Gosvami. J

1.10.8490
Rupa and Sanatana Gosvami both preached extensively and
built temples and installed Deities in Vrndavana.J


1.10.93104
When Raghunatha Gosvami visited Vrndavana, Rupa andj      Sanatana treated him just like a brother. J

2.19.124133
His extraordinary renunciation and devotionJ

2.18.4754
Rupa has darsana of the Gopala Deity.J

2.19.124133
Rupa and Sanatana's conduct in Vrndavana.J

2.1.208
Lord Caitanya reveals the names of Rupa and Sanatana.J

2.1.215
Lord Caitanya describes the glories of Rupa and
Sanatana to His associates.J

	(From GPC): In his Laghu Vaisnava Tosani, Sri Jiva Gosvami
describes the descendants of Rupa and Sanatana:  "Their
forefather was Sri Sarvajna Jagadguru who was a Yajurvedi
brahmana of the Varadvaja caste and the King of Karnataka.  His
son was Aniruddha Deva, who had two queens and two sons, Sri
Rupesvara and Sri Harihara deva.  Sri Rupesvara deva was an
expert in sastras, and Sri Harihara deva was expert in the use of
weapons. By force, Sri Harihara snatched the power and estate of
Sri Rupesvara deva.  Thus Sri Rupesvara deva, along with his wife
and eight horses, went to Paulasthadesa.  There he became a
friend of the King, Sri Sekharesvara.  Sri Rupesvara deva had a
son named Sri Padmanava deva, who was a genius in Vedic
scriptures. Sri Padmanavadeva lived at Naihati on the bank of the
Ganges.  He had eight daughters and five sons.  All of his sons,
namely Purusottama, Jagannatha, Narayana, Murari and Mukunda
deva, were brilliant scholars of the Vedic scriptures.  Sri
Mukunda deva built his house and settled at Bakla Candradvipa. He
also built a house in Jessore and Fateyavad because he frequently
visited the houses of his yajamanas.  Sri Kumara Deva was the son
of Sri Mukunda deva.  He had many sons amongst whom Sri Sanatana,
Sri Rupa and Sri Anupama (Vallabha) were great Bhagavatas."

	Sri Sanatana Gosvami was born in 1488 A.D. (1410 Saka).  Sri
Rupa Gosvami was born in 1493 A.D. (1415 Saka).  In order to
complete their education they lived at their uncle's house in a
small village named Sakurma near the capital of Gauda.

	Having heard the glories of Sri Rupa and Sanatana from many
intelligent persons, Badshah Hussain Shah of Gauda appointed the
two brothers as ministers in the court.  Though reluctant to
accept the Bhadshah's offer, out of fear of the Yavana King, they
agreed to take the post.  Hussain Shah happily offered them
enormous amounts of wealth and riches.  Sri Rupa and Sanatana
thus lived in the village of Ramakeli, the capital of Gauda. 
Many great brahmana scholars from different parts of the country
visited their house regularly, and the two brothers took great
pleasure in serving and arranging accommodations for them.  


	The brother of Sarvabhauma, the famous Vidyavacaspati, was
the philosophy teacher of Sri Rupa and Sanatana.  As mentioned inj     the Dasama Tippani of the Bhagavata, their other teachers were
Sri Paramananda Bhattacarya and Sri Ramapada Vadrapada.  From
their early childhood Rupa, Sanatana and Anupama, were very
devotionally inclined.  Thinking of the wonderful land of
Vrndavana, they use to plant trees like Tamala, Kadamba, Yuthika
and Tulasi groves in the nearby garden of their house.  They also
dug two lakes in their garden, naming them Radhakunda and
Syamakunda.  Everyday they were absorbed in the service of Madana
Mohana.  When they heard the glories of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu,
they became extremely anxious to meet Him.  A transcendental
voice spoke to them saying, "Be patient, the deliverer of mankind
will soon come to visit your village."

	When they heard that Sri Gaurahari had taken sannyasa and
gone to Puri, Sanatana and Rupa fainted on the ground in grief. 
Thinking that they would never have the opportunity to see the
Lord they began to lament profusely.  Suddenly a voice spoke to
them saying, "Do not lament, the ocean of mercySri Gaurahari
will soon come here."  Thus they heaved a sigh of relief.

	After living happily in Puri for five years, Sri Caitanya
Mahaprabhu went to Gauda to see his mother and the River Ganges. 
The devotees were mad with joy and mother Saci, overwhelmed with
ecstacy, happily cooked various preparation for her dear son. 
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu stayed in the house of Sri Advaita Acarya
in Santipura for some days and then traveled on to Ramakeli.

	In this way Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu arrived at the beautiful
village of Ramakeli.  There He danced in ecstacy and millions
swarmed around Him to take the dust of His lotus feet.  When news
of Mahaprabhu's powerful presence reached Badshah Hussain Shah he
said, "Without giving in charity this fellow has soo many people
following behind Him. He must be a great prophet."  Thus he told
the Kaji and the Yavanas not to obstruct Him in any way and to
allow Him do anything and go anywhere.  Due to the presence of
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu the entire village of Ramakeli overflowed
with joy.  People from all corners came to see the Lord.  When
the Badshah asked his special representative, Kesava Chatri,
about Mahaprabhu's presence, Kesava Chatri said, "Yes, I have
heard that a beggar sannyasi has come here along with a few
followers."  The Badshah said, "What are you talking about? 
Millions of people are walking with Him."  Hearing this Kesava
Chatri smiled slightly.  The Bhadshah then privately spoke to
Dabira Khasa (Rupa Gosvami) who replied, replied, "Why are you
asking me?  Ask your own mind.  It is this Gosvami who has given
you this kingdom.  It is your good fortune that He has taken
birth in your country.  Go and see Him yourself.  Can any human
being possess such magnetic power of attraction?"  The Badshah
was pleased by Sanatana's sweet words and ordered that Mahaprabhu
be allowed to do whatever He likes.

	After returning to his residence, Dabira Khasa and his
brother decided after much consideration to go see the Lord
incognito.  Thus in the dead of night the two brothers, Dabiraj     Khasa and Sakara Mallika, went to see Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu
incognito.  First they met Nityananda Prabhu and Haridasa
Thakura, who told Lord Caitanya about two personalitiesRupa and
Sanatanahad come to see Him.  In great humility, both brothers
took bunches of straw between their teeth, and each binding a
cloth around his neck, they fell down like rods before the Lord. 
Upon seeing Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the two brothers were
overwhelmed with joy, and out of humility they began to cry.  The
Lord asked them to get up and assured them of all good fortune. 
The two brothers got up and humbly offered prayers with folded
hands.  

	After hearing the prayers of Dabira Khasa and Sakara
Mallika, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu said:  "My dear Dabira Khasa,
you two brothers are My old servants.  From this day your names
will be changed to Srila Rupa and Srila Sanatana.  Now please
abandon your humility, for My heart is breaking to see you so
humble.  You have written several letters showing your humility. 
and from these I have understood your heart.  I really had no
business in coming to Bengal, but I have come just to see you
two.  

	In accordance with the instructions of Sri Caitanya
Mahaprabhu, the two brothers immediately touched the lotus feet
of all the Vaisnava associates of the Lord present, including
Nityananda, Haridasa Thakura, Srivasa Thakura, Gadadhara Pandita,
Mukunda, Jagadananda, Murari and Vakresvara, who all became very
happy and congratulated the brothers for having received the
mercy of the Lord.  On the eve of the Lord's departure from
Ramakeli, He blessed Sri Sanatana and Rupa by saying, "Very soon
Krsna will free you from the entanglement of material life."

	Later, the younger brother of Sri Sanatana and Rupa, Sri
Anupama, along with his son and other family members, worshiped
the lotus feet of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and sang His glories. 
Mahaprabhu placed his hand on the head of Sri Jiva, the only son
of Anupama.

	After the Lord departed from Ramakeli Rupa and Sanatana
began to devise means to get out of their government service. 
Both brothers appointed some brahmanas to perform purascarana
ceremonies and chant the holy name of Krsna.  Srila Rupa Gosvami
deposited ten thousand gold coins with a grocer, and the balance
he brought in two boats to a place called Bakla Candradvipa. 
There he divided this money among the brahmanas, Vaisnavas and
his relatives, and a portion he kept for emergency measures and
personal needs.

	When Rupa Gosvami was informed that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu
was going to Vrndavana from Jagannatha Puri through the forest of
Madhya Pradesh, he sent two people to Jagannatha Puri to find out
when the Lord would leave for Vrndavana.  When Mahaprabhu started
for Vrndavana, Rupa left home and sent news to Sanatana that he
was leaving with his younger brother (Anupama Mallika) to meetj     Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

	Meanwhile, Sanatana Gosvami told the Nawab that he was sick
and could not attend to his work.  Giving this excuse, he sat
home and studied Srimad Bhagavatam with learned brahmana
scholars.  The Nawab Hussain Shah first sent his personal
physician to see what the real facts were; then he personally
came to see why Sanatana was not attending to official business. 
Knowing that he wanted to resign his post, the Nawab had him
arrested and imprisoned.  The Nawab then went off to attack
Orissa.

  Rupa Gosvami finally reached Prayaga.  While Sri Caitanya
Mahaprabhu was sitting in a solitary place in the home of a
Deccan brahmana, Rupa Gosvami and Sri Vallabha (Anupama) came to
meet Him.  Both brothers were overwhelmed with ecstatic emotion 
and immediately fell down on the ground like rods.  Sri Caitanya
Mahaprabhu was very pleased to see Srila Rupa Gosvami and told
him, "Stand up! Stand up!  My dear Rupa, come here.  It is not
possible to describe Krsna's mercy for He has delivered you both
from the well of material enjoyment."  After this the Lord sat
them down by His side and asked, "What news do you have of
Sanatana?"  Rupa replied, "Sanatana has now been arrested by the
government of Hussain Shah.  If You kindly save him, he can be
liberated from that entanglement."  Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu
immediately replied, "Sanatana has already been released from his
confinement, and he will very soon meet with Me."
	
	At the time of Mahaprabhu's visit to Prayaga, Sri
Vallabacarya was living in the village of Araila on the other
bank of the Triveni.  One day he invited the Lord to his house
for lunch and Sri Rupa and Anupama accompanied Him.  The Lord
introduced the brothers Rupa and Vallabha to him.  From a
distance, the brothers fell on the ground and offered obeisances
to Vallabha Bhatta with great humility.  When Vallabha
Bhattacarya walked toward them, they ran away to a more distant
place.  Rupa Gosvami said, "I am untouchable and most sinful. 
Please do not touch me."  Vallabha Bhattacarya was very surprised
at this.  Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, however, was very pleased, and
He therefore spoke to him this description of Rupa Gosvami: 
"Don't touch him, for he belongs to a very low caste. You are a
follower of Vedic principles and are a well experienced performer
of many sacrifices.  You also belong to the aristocracy."  
	Hearing the holy name constantly vibrated by the two
brothers, Vallabha Bhattacarya could understand the hints of Sri
Caitanya Mahaprabhu, thus he said:  "Since these two are
constantly chanting the holy name of Krsna, how can they be
untouchable?  On the contrary, they are most exalted."  The two
brothers lay prostrate on the ground at the feet of Vallavacarya
and praised him eloquently.

	Due to the great crowds in Prayaga, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu
went to a place called Dasasvamedhaghata.  It was there that the
Lord instructed Sri Rupa Gosvami for ten successive days andj     empowered him to understand the philosophy of devotional service.

	Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu said, "My dear Rupa, please listen
to Me.  It is not possible to describe devotional service
completely; therefore I am just trying to give you a synopsis of
the symptoms of devotional service.  The ocean of the
transcendental mellow of devotional service is so big that no one
can estimate its length and breadth. However, just to help you
taste it, I am describing but one drop.  Now listen to Me.  Out
of many millions o wise men, one may actually become liberated,
and out of many millions of such liberated persons, a pure
devotee of Lord Krsna is very difficult to find.  Because a
devotee of Lord Krsna is desireless, he is peaceful.  Fruitive
workers desire material enjoyment, jnanis desire liberation, and
yogis desire material opulence; therefore they are all lusty and
cannot be peaceful.  Out of many millions of wandering living
entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to
associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of
Krsna.  By the mercy of both Krsna and the spiritual master, such
a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service. 
That seed must be watered by hearing and chanting.  In this way
the creeper sprouts and gradually, through continued watering,
grows more and more and attains the shelter of the desire tree of
the lotus feet of Krsna, who is eternally situated in the planet
known as Goloka Vrndavana in the topmost region of the spiritual
sky.  There the devotee serves the lotus feet of the Lord, which
are compared to a wishfulfilling tree.  With great bliss he
tastes the juice of the fruit of love and becomes eternally
happy."

	"Now I shall describe the symptoms of pure devotional
service.  Pure devotion to the Supreme Personality of Godhead is
causeless and it cannot be obstructed in any way.  Such a devotee
does not accept saloka, sarsti, sarupya, samipya or onesness with
Krsna, even if offered these liberations.  A pure devotee simply
wants to serve Krsna.  By regularly rendering devotional service,
one gradually becomes attached to the Lord.  When that attachment
is intensified, it becomes love of Godhead.  The basic aspects of
prema, when gradually increasing to different states, are
affection, abhorrence, love, attachment, further attachment,
ecstasy and great ecstasy.  All these stages combined are called
sthayibhava, or continuous love of Godhead in devotional service. 
In addition to these stages, there are vibhava and anubhava. 
When the higher standard of ecstatic love is mixed with the
symptoms of sattvika and vyahicari, the devotee relishes the
transcendental bliss of loving Krsna in a variety of nectarean
tastes. 

	According to the devotee, attachment falls within the five
categories of santarati, dasyarati, sakhyarati, vatsalyarati
and madhuryarati.  These five categories arise from the
devotees' different attachments to the Supreme Personality of
Godhead.	 Examples of santabhaktas are the nine Yogendras and
the four Kumaras.  Examples of devotees in dasyabhakti arej     innumerable, for such devotees exist everywhere (such as Raktaka,
Citraka, Daruka, Hanuman, etc.).  In Vrndavana, examples of
devotees in fraternity are Sridama and Sudama; in Dvaraka the
Lord's friends are Bhima and Arjuna;  in Vrndavana the devotees
in parental love are mother Yasoda and father Nanda Maharaja, and
in Dvaraka the Lord's parents are Vasudeva and Devaki.  The chief
devotees in conjugal love are the gopis in Vrndavana, the queens
in Dvaraka and the goddesses of fortune in Vaikuntha.  

	In this way Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu taught Srila Rupa
Gosvami the ultimate limit of the truth about Lord Krsna, the
truth about devotional service and the truth about transcendental
mellows, consummating in conjugal love between Radha and Krsna. 
Finally He told Rupa Gosvami about the ultimate conclusions of
Srimad Bhagavatam.  By entering the heart of Rupa Gosvami, Sri
Caitanya Mahaprabhu empowered him to ascertain properly the
conclusions of all truths.  He made him an experienced devotee
whose decisions correctly agreed with the verdicts of the
disciplic succession.  Thus Sri Rupa Gosvami was personally
empowered by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

	After giving so much instruction, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu
advised Sri Rupa to go to Vrndavana.  The Lord then departed for
Varanasi.  With a grievous heart due to separation from the Lord,
Sri Rupa and Anupama started for Vrndavana.
77J

Sri Rupa in Nilacala:

	In Vrndavana, Rupa Gosvami began to write a drama.  In
particular, he composed the introductory verses to invoke good
fortune. On his way to Gaudadesa, Rupa Gosvami had been thinking
of how to write the action of the drama.  Thus he had made some
notes and begun to write.  In this way the two brothers Rupa and
Anupama reached Bengal, but when they arrived there Anupama died. 
After performing the funeral rites, Rupa Gosvami traveled on.  In
the province of Orissa, Srila Rupa Gosvami rested for a night at
Satyabhamapura.  That night he dreamed that a celestially
beautiful woman had come before him and very mercifully gave him
the following order.  "Write a separate drama about me.  By my
mercy it will be extraordinarily beautiful."  After having this
dream, Srila Rupa Gosvami considered, "It is the order of
Satyabhama that I write a separate drama for her."

	Thus absorbed in thought, he quickly reached Jagannatha
Puri.  When he arrived, he approached the hut of Haridasa
Thakura.  Out of affectionate love and mercy, Haridasa Thakura
told Srila Rupa Gosvami, "Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu has already
informed me that you would come here."  Shortly thereafter the
Lord arrived and warmly embraced Rupa.  They sat down together
and inquired from one another about auspicious news. The Lord
asked Rupa about Sanatana. Rupa explained that he had not met
Sanatana and informed the Lord of Anupama's death.

j      ܌	On the next day, Caitanya Mahaprabhu again met Rupa Gosvami,
and with great mercy the Lord introduced him to all the devotees. 
Every day the Lord would go to see Rupa Gosvami, and whatever
prasada He received from the temple He would deliver to Rupa
Gosvami and Haridasa Thakura.

	One day Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu went to see Srila Rupa
Gosvami, the omniscient Lord spoke as follows:  "Do not try to
take Krsna out of Vrndavana, for He does not go anywhere else at
any time.  After saying this, the Lord went to perform His
noontime duties, leaving Rupa Gosvami somewhat surprised. 
"Satyabhama ordered me to write two different dramas," he
thought, "now I understand that this order has been confirmed by
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

	During the Rathayatra ceremony Rupa Gosvami heard a verse
uttered by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu during the ceremony, and he
immediately composed another verse dealing with the same subject. 
Only Svarupa Damodara Gosvami knew the purpose for which the Lord
recited that verse.  According to the Lord's attitude, he used to
quote other verses to enable the Lord to relish mellows.  Rupa
Gosvami, however, could understand the intention of the Lord, and
thus he composed another verse.  After writing this verse on a
palm leaf, he put it somewhere in his thatched roof and went to
bathe in the sea.  At that time, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu went
there to meet him, and when He saw the leaf pushed into the roof
and saw the verse, He read it and was overwhelmed by ecstatic
love.  At that time Rupa Gosvami returned and offered his
obeisances.  The Lord slapped him mildly in love and said, "My
heart is very confidential.  How did you know My mind in this
way?"  Svarupa Damodara said, "I can understand that You have
already bestowed Your causeless mercy upon him.  No one could
otherwise understand this meaning."

	One day while Rupa Gosvami was writing his book, Sri
Caitanya Mahaprabhu came to the cottage of Haridasa Thakura.  The
Lord inquired, "What kind of book are you writing?"  He held up a
palm leaf that was a page of the manuscript, and when He saw the
fine handwriting, His mind was very pleased.  "The handwriting of
Rupa Gosvami is just like rows of pearls," He said.  When Sri
Caitanya Mahaprabhu ordered Rupa Gosvami to read from his book,
Rupa Gosvami, because of great shyness, did not read it but
instead remained silent.  When the Lord persisted, Sri Rupa read,
much to everyone's pleasure.  After hearing from him, both
Ramananda Raya and Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya said to the Lord,
"Without Your special mercy, how could this Rupa Gosvami have
understood Your mind.  Ramananda remarked to Sri Rupa, "This
drama of yours is a mine of conclusive statements."

	After four months had passed and the Dolayatra festival
ended, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu bade farewell to Rupa Gosvami. 
The Lord empowered him and bestowed upon him all kinds of mercy. 
"Now go to Vrndavana and stay there," the Lord said.  "You may
send here your elder brother, Sanatana.  When you go toj     Vrndavana, stay there, preach transcendental literature and
excavate the lost holy places.  Establish the service of Lord
Krsna and preach the mellows of Lord Krsna's devotional service. 
I shall also go to Vrndavana once more."  Having thus spoken, Sri
Caitanya Mahaprabhu embraced Rupa Gosvami, who then placed the
lotus feet of the Lord upon his head.

The appearance of Sri Sri Govinda deva:

	One day while Sri Rupa Gosvami was sitting on the bank of
the Yamuna he began thinking, "I have failed to carry out the
order of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu."  As he was thinking in this
way an attractive Vrajavasi appeared there and asked Rupa, "Why
do you look so depressed?"  Sri Rupa explained, "My life is
futile because I have failed to execute the will of the Lord." 
"What is the order of Mahaprabhu," the Vrajavasi asked?  Sri Rupa
replied, "Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu requested me to establish the
service of Lord Krsna and excavate the lost holy places."  The
Vrajavasi replied, "My lord, please come with me."  Sri Rupa
Gosvami followed the Vrajavasi who took him to a hillock and
said, This spot is known as Gauratila and Sri Govinda deva is
lying under this hillock.  Every afternoon a cow comes here and
bathes this hill with her milk."  Saying this the Vrajavasi
suddenly disappeared.

	Sri Rupa puzzled over who the Vrajavasi was and if what he
said might be true.  The next afternoon he went to the hill and
saw a cow standing there, pouring her milk onto the hill.  Sri
Rupa Gosvami was overwhelmed with joy and anticipation.  He
rushed to the village and told the gopas about the incident, and
they danced jubilantly.  Under the order of Sri Rupa, they all
took axes and spades and began to dig at Gauratila.  After
sometime they uncovered the Deity of Sri Govinda deva, who was
more beautiful than millions of Cupids.  Everyone cheered,
ecstatically calling out the name of Hari.  With tears in his
eyes, Sri Rupa Gosvami fell prostrate on the ground before the
Deity.  News of the Deities appearance spread rapidly throughout
the village and everyone rushed to see the Lord.  

	The gopas of Vraja brought numerous baskets of curd, milk,
rice and vegetables as offerings, and the brahmanas immediately
began to cook many varieties of preparations.  After the
wonderful abhiseka of Sri Govinda deva, the brahmanas offered the
bhoga to the Lord.  Sri Rupa Gosvami's joy was boundless.  All
the Gosvamis came for darsana of Sri Govinda and everyone began
to float in the ocean of transcendental bliss.  Sri Rupa Gosvami
immediately sent word of Sri Govinda's appearance to Sri Caitanya
Mahaprabhu in Nilacala.  Hearing this news, the Lord and His
associates were filled with joy.  At once, Mahaprabhu sent Sri
Kasisvara Pandita to assist Rupa Gosvami in Vrndavana.



j      ܌The manifestation of Sri Vrnda devi:

	After the installation of Sri Govinda and Sri Madana Gopala,
Sri Rupa Gosvami began to meditate upon Sri Vrnda devi.  One
night Vrnda devi appeared to Sri Rupa and said, "I am living in
the bank of Brahma kunda, you can find me there."  In the morning
Sri Rupa bathed in the Yamuna and finished his worship.  He then
went to the bank of Brahma kunda and began searching.  Suddenly
he came across a celestially beautiful woman of golden
complexion.  The glowing effulgence of her body lit the entire
area and the air was filled with sweet perfume.  Understanding
the she was none other than Sri Vrnda devi, Rupa Gosvami
immediately began offering prayers:  "Oh Vrnda devi, you are the
exalted nurse of Lord Govinda and the fulfiller of Govinda's
desires, I glorify you again and again."  In this way, Sri Vrnda
devi appeared in this world.

The Danakeli Kaumudi:

	Sri Rupa Gosvami wrote a drama named LalitaMadhava dealing
with the Lord's pastimes in Dvaraka and gave it to Sri Raghunatha
dasa Gosvami to read.  However, after reading it, Raghunatha dasa
became so morose and filled with sorrow that he decided to give
up his life.  Understanding Sri Raghunatha's state of mind, Sri
Rupa Gosvami wrote another book named Danakeli Kaumudi,
describing the Lord's eternal pastimes in Vraja and gave the book
to Sri Raghunatha to read.  This time, upon reading, Raghunatha
dasa became overwhelmed with happiness. (BRK)

The Affection of Sri Radhika:

	One day Sri Rupa Gosvami desired to prepare payasam for Sri
Sanatana but there were no ingredients for cooking in his
cottage.  Understanding the mind of Her devotee, Sri Radha
Thakuranithe fulfiller of her devotees' desires, came to the hut
of Sri Rupa in the guise of a milkmaid and brought milk, rice and
sugar for him.  "Oh my lord," She said, "please accept this
gift."  Hearing the girls voice, Sri Rupa Gosvami came out and
saw a beautiful young girl standing before him and asked her, 
"My dear girl, why have you come here?"  She replied, "I have
brought this gift for serving you."  Sri Rupa said, "My dear
girl, why have you gone through so much difficulty for my sake?" 
Sri Radha answered, "Oh my father, it has not been any trouble at
all,  I have brought this gift for serving you, who are such a
saintly person."  Sri Rupa requested her to sit down, but she
declined, "No I cannot stay any longer.  I have many things to do
at home."  Saying this the girl suddenly disappeared.  Sri Rupa
was astonished by the girls sudden departure.  He then prepared
the payasam, offered it to Sri Govinda deva and gave the prasada
to Sanatana.  Upon eating the prasada, Sri Sanatana was filled
with ecstacy and asked Sri Rupa, "Where did you get the rice and
milk to cook this prasada?"  Sri Rupa said, "One young milkmaid
brought it to me."  Sanatana questioned, "Did she suddenly appear
before you?"  "Yes," Rupa replied, "this morning when I wasj     thinking that I would like to prepare some payasam for you, a
girl suddenly arrived with a gift of rice and milk."  Hearing
this, Sri Sanatana began to cry and told Sri Rupa, "Who could
have supplied something which such a wonderful taste other than
Srimati Radharani Herself?  (BRK)

The Affection of the Inhabitants of Vraja:

	When Sri Sanatana Gosvami and Sri Rupa Gosvami lived in
Vraja, they won the heartfelt affection of all the residents
there, who regularly brought the two brothers gifts of curd and
milk.  The Gosvamis also regarded the inhabitants of Vraja as the
dear associates of Lord Krsna.  They respected them in that way
and were always concerned about their well being.  In Bhakti
Ratnakara Sri Narahari Cakravarti explains:  "Rupa and Sanatana
Gosvami used to know everything about the villagers of Vraja,
such as how many sons and daughters they had and how old they
where, who had given their son or daughter in marriage, how many
cows and bullocks they possessed, how the crops were developing
and what was the condition of their health."	In this way the
Gosvamis carefully looked after the people of Vraja.  From time
to time they gave advice relating to health, etc.  They were very
unhappy to hear of any misery or sorrow suffered by a Vrajavasi,
and were happy to hear any joyful news or jokes shared with them. 
When they visited different areas of Vraja, the inhabitants there
did not want them to leave their village.  If many days passed
without a visit from the Gosvamis, the Vrajavasis would anxiously
seek them out.  Thus the Vrajavasis were the life of Sri Rupa and
Sanatana, and Sri Rupa and Sanatana were the life of the
Vrajavasis.

The Books of Sri Rupa Gosvami:

1.
̔HamsadutaJ
2.
̔Uddhava SandesaJ
3.
̔Sri Krsna Janmatithi VidhiJ
4.
̔Sri Radha Krsna Ganadesa Dipika (Vrhad and Laghu)J
5.
̔Sri StavamalaJ
6.
̔Sri Vidaghdha Madhava (drama)J
7.
̔Sri Lalita Madhava (drama)J
8.
̔Danakeli Daumudi J
9.
̔SribhaktirasamrtasindhuJ
10.
̔Ujjala NilamoniJ
11.	Prajuktakhyatacandrika
12.
̔Sri MathuraMahatmaJ
13.
̔PadyavaliJ
14.	Natakacandrika
15.	Samkhepa Bhagavatamrta
16.	Samanya Virudavali Lakshmana
17.
̔UpadesamrtaJ



j      ܌Sri Rupa Gosvami's date of birth:

Birth1411 Saka era, 1546 calender year, 1489 A.D.  He lived
twentytwo years at home, and fiftyone years in Vraja. 
According to Sri Radha Ramana Bera, he was born in 1415 Saka era,
1568 A.D.  His duration of life was seventyfive years;  Death1486 Saka era, 1621 calender year, 1564 A.D., on the day of Sukla
Dvadasi in the month of Sravana (JulyAugust).  According to
another view, he died in 1490 Saka era, 1625 calender year, 1568
A.D.