SRI UDDHARANA DATTA THAKURA

"Uddharana Datta Thakura, the eleventh among the twelve cowherd boys, was an
exalted devotee of Lord Nityananda Prabhu. He worshiped the lotus feet of Lord
Nityananda in all respects." In Braja lila he was Subahu sakha. [G.g.d.]

After remaining at Khardaha for some days, Nityananda Prabhu and His
associates came to Saptagram. Saptagram was the abode of the seven rsi's and
is known in this world also as Triveni-ghata. Previously, the seven rsis did
austerities at this ghata by which they obtained the lotus feet of Govinda.
Three goddesses are present at this Triveni sangam, namely the Jahnavi
(Ganga), Yamuna and Sarasvati. This most renowned place can destroy the sinful
reactions of those who simply see it. Nityananda Prabhu along with His
associates took bath in great happiness at this very place. The temple of the
most fortunate Sri Uddharana was located on the banks of that very
Triveni-ghata.

"With his body, mind and words, free from falsehood, he always worshiped the
lotus feet of Lord Nityananda. He was extremely fortunate as he received the
right to serve the eternal form of Nityananda. Birth after birth, Lord
Nityananda is the Supreme controller, and birth after birth, Uddharana is His
servant. All of the various families of vaniks (merchants by caste) were
purified by the influence of Uddharan Datta, there is no doubt about it.
Nityananda Prabhu descended in this world to deliver the vaniks. He gave them
the right to perform loving devotional service. Nitai Cand personally wandered
from door to door throughout Saptagram, chanting the Holy Names as His
pastimes. In reciprocation, all the families worshiped His lotus feet and took
shelter there. All the world becomes charmed to see Their worship of Lord
Krsna. Who can estimate the glories of Lord Nityananda who delivered these
vaniks, who were originally low class, mean minded and foolish. In one hundred
years I cannot describe the sankirtana pastimes of Nityananda Ray which He
performed with His associates in Saptagram. The bliss that was previously felt
in Nadia during the Lord's pastimes of sankirtan there was again felt, in
equal measure, during Prabhu Nityananda's sankirtan pastimes here." [C.B.
Antya 5.443-461]

"Uddharana Datta Thakura's father's name was Srikar Datta and his mother's
name, Sri Bhadravati. Sri Uddharana Datta Thakura was the finance minister of
the king of Naihati village. The ruins of the king's palace can still be seen
there today. The place where Uddharana Datta Thakura lived and from which he
managed the business of the king is even today known as Uddharanpur." [C.C.
Adi 11.81]

A six-armed Deity of Mahaprabhu (sad-bhuja murti), which was the worshippable
Deity of Uddharana Datta Thakura, is still present at Saptagram. To the right
of Mahaprabhu is Nityananda Prabhu and to His left Sri Gadadhara. On another
simhasana is Sri Sri Radha-Govinda, and below, a painting and Deity of Sri
Uddharana Datta Thakura. Sri Jahnava Mata came to Uddharana Datta's house
[B.R. 11.775], but he was not present on this earth then. His son's name was
Srinivasa Datta Thakura.

Saptagram is the first station after Bandel on the Bandel-Bard-dhaman line.
Within the ruins of the king's palace at Bonauaribat there is a grand temple
where the Deities of Sri Sri Nitai-Gauranga and Lord Balarama are still being
worshiped. Bonauaribad can be reached from Katwa by bus.

Uddharana Datta Thakura's disappearance is on the thirteenth day of the dark
fortnight of the month of Pausa.

