
SRI SRI PUNDARIKA VIDYANIDHI VILASA

Sri Caitanya Deva, Who is adept in the art of dancing, is the crest jewel
produced from the churning of the ocean of all wonderful and auspicious
qualities. Though I am completely unqualified and without any means to acquire
such a rare gem, Providence has nevertheless placed in my hand this remarkable
touchstone, which can fulfil all desires.

All glories to Sri Gaurasundar, the life of all that lives. All glories to Sri
Nityananda and Sri Advaita, the abodes of pure love. All glories to Sri
Jagadananda and Sri Pundarika Vidyanidhi, who are very intimately connected
with Sri Gauranga Raya, who is their life and soul. Sri Vidyanidhi, known by
the name Pundarika, is the dearmost of Sri Krsna. The tract of land in the
east, called Catigrama, became most fortunate when the Lord caused the blessed
descent of Sri Pundarika Vidyanidhi there. Now please hear the description of
Sri Vidyanidhi's arrival in Navadvipa.

When the Lord Sri Gaurasundar began to manifest His pastimes as the Supreme
Personality of Godhead in Nadia, He felt sad to see that Sri Vidyanidhi was
not present, and thus he sighed very deeply. One day, after engaging in His
ecstatic pastimes of dancing in the circle of devotees absorbed in the
congregational chanting of the holy names of Sri Krsna, He seated Himself and
while shedding profuse tears, called at the top of His voice, "Pundarika!
Father! Pundarika is My father, My dearmost friend. When will I see him
again?!"

Such a recipient of the Lord's affection was Sri Vidyanidhi and thus did the
Lord reveal this fact to His devotees. Crying and crying, He called again and
again for Pundarika but none of the devotees could understand who was He
calling. They thought that Pundarikaksa is a name of Krsna, so He must be
feeling separation from Krsna and calling to Him. But then again hearing the
name Vidyanidhi, they thought that He must be calling one of His dear
devotees; however none of them was familiar with a devotee by that name. When
the Lord regained His external consciousness they submissively inquired,
"Please just tell us for whom are you crying? We will become blessed to make
the acquaintance of such devotee as dear to You as he must be. Where is he
from and what are his activities? Please tell us the truth of this matter."

The Lord replied, "You are all very fortunate in desiring to hear about this
particular devotee. His characteristics are exceptionally wonderful. Simply by
hearing his name the worlds become purified. He covers his real self in the
guise of an enjoyer of worldly pleasures and thus no one can recognise that he
is a Vaisnava. The place of his birth is known as Catigrama. He is a learned
scholar and brahmana and in the execution of his religious duties he is highly
esteemed by all classes of men. He remains continually floating in the ocean
of devotion to Sri Krsna which is evidenced by the ecstatic symptoms in his
body - tears in the eyes, quaking and horripilation (standing on end of the
hairs of the body). It is seen that he does not take bath in the Ganges due to
fear of touching Mother Ganges with his feet, but he regularly takes darsana
of the Ganges at night, just to purify himself. To see the indecent activities
of the people in general while taking their baths in Mother Ganges (rinsing
their mouths in the water, brushing their teeth and combing their hair) causes
him much pain. For this reason he makes it his regular practice to only go to
the Ganges at night. Before performing worship of his Deities he sips some
Ganges water for purification, and only after first doing so will he engage in
Their service. Thus by his activities scholars are made to understand the
actual process of religion.

As well as having his estate in Catigrama, he also has a house here in
Navadvipa (*), on the bank of the Ganges. He is coming here very soon and thus
you will get the chance to meet him. At first glance no one can recognise him
and they suppose him to be a materialistic sense enjoyer. I, however am very
restless for want of his association, therefore all of you please attract him
here by your minds' desire." While talking of the super excellent qualities of
His devotee, Sri Gaurasundar became absorbed in ecstatic love and again began
to shed incessant tears, all the while calling, "Pundarika! Father!" Who but
the omniscient Lord Himself can fully know the hearts of His devotees and
knowing such, He wept very loudly, feeling separation from Sri Pundarika
Vidyanidhi.

Being forcibly attracted by his Lord, Sri Vidyanidhi thought to come to
Navadvipa and thus with a large retinue of brahmanas, disciples and servants,
as well as a vast stock of personal possessions, he began the journey.
Arriving in Navadvipa he kept his real self concealed under the guise of an
enjoyer of worldly pleasures. Except for Mukunda, no one in the Vaisnava
community could understand who he was. As Mukunda's birthplace was also at
Catigrama and since he was previously acquainted with Sri Vidyanidhi, he was
however aware of the actual situation. Realising that Premanidhi had come, Sri
Gaurasundar could not contain His elation, nevertheless He did not disclose to
anyone the real truth and therefore the Vaisnavas could not recognise Sri
Pundarika, thinking him to be like a sense enjoyer. Only the two brothers from
Catigrama, Sri Mukunda and Vasudeva Datta, knew to some extent of the exalted
state of his devotion and depths of his ecstatic emotions.

Pandita Gadadhara was extremely dear to Mukunda, who always remained as his
companion. Coming to see him one day, Mukunda related the latest news, "Today
one very extraordinary Vaisnava has arrived in Navadvipa. Listen to me
carefully. As I know you are very much interested to have the association of
Vaisnavas, today I will introduce you to a most exceptional Vaisnava, and I
only ask in return that you will always remember me as your servant." Hearing
this cheerful news Gadadhara was delighted and they set out immediately,
taking the name, "Krsna, Krsna!"

They very quickly arrived at Vidyanidhi's house where he was seated in the
midst of many persons. Gadadhara paid his obeisance and was in turn seated and
offered a cordial reception. Sri Pundarika inquired from Mukunda, "What is
this nice boy's name and where is he from? By the effulgence in his person his
devotion to Lord Visnu is evident, and such a pleasant demeanour and bearing
he has." Mukunda replied, "His name is Gadadhara, and his father's name is Sri
Madhava Misra, but by dint of his good fortune he is averse to family life
since his very childhood. He is the object of affection of all the Vaisnavas.
He treads very strictly the path of devotion and prefers to keep company only
with devotees. Hearing your name he has come to meet you."

Receiving this introduction Sri Vidyanidhi was very pleased and he made every
effort to extend a warm welcome to his guests. Sri Pundarika Vidyanidhi looked
very elegant, resembling in appearance a prince crowned with victory. He was
seated on an excellent bedstead, stained deep vermilion and embellished with
brass filigree. Above the bed were three fancy, coloured canopies and the bed
sheets were of the finest cloth. On all sides he was surrounded by pillows
covered with first-class silken cloths. Five to seven water pots of various
sizes and with decorated spouts were placed here and there. Sitting on the bed
next to him was an ornamented brass box containing pan leaves, betel nuts and
spices for chewing, and on each side, on the floor, were two brass spittoons.
Seeing in the mirror that his lips had become red from chewing pan, he
laughed. Standing behind him on both sides were two servants holding beautiful
peacock fans, who fanned him all the while. His forehead was decorated with
tilaka made from gopi candana mixed with sandalwood and a red dot adorning the
centre. What can I say about the care with which his hair was dressed? The
scent of oil of myrobalan (amalaki) was pervading the room.

Actually it was due to the potency of his devotion that his body was appearing
like another Cupid, but those who could not recognise his real self thought
him to be like a prince. In the front of the room was a swing in which one
could lie down, as though it was a bed. Really, his behaviour was just like
that of a worldly pleasure seeker. Upon seeing that this personality was
enjoying himself as though he was a demigod, Gadadhara felt some doubts arise
within himself. Since Gadadhara was unattached to material life practically
from the time of his birth, he was quite apprehensive towards Vidyanidhi
Mahasaya. "What a fitting Vaisnava is this, all dressed up to enjoy the
pleasures of worldly life! Enjoying the finest in life in such excellent
accommodations, and with his hair perfumed so sweetly. Hearing about him from
Mukunda I naturally felt some admiration but upon seeing him whatever I
previously felt has now vanished."

Sri Mukunda could understand very well what Gadadhara was thinking to himself
and therefore he decided to reveal the actual personality of Sri Vidyanidhi.
Gadadhara was especially favoured by Krsna, Who is master over illusion, in
that the truth of all matters was made known to him, thus he was always free
from misconceptions (illusion). Mukunda was a very accomplished singer of
Krsna's glories and so he proceeded to narrate the glories of devotion in a
very sweet voice. Reciting some verses he described that, "Putana was a cruel
and fiendish demoness who delighted in drinking the blood of young children.
Smearing deadly poison on her breasts she came to kill the Lord, Who in turn
accepted her as His mother. Only the dull-headed persons will not worship such
an all merciful Lord as this."

"Alas, how shall I take shelter of one more merciful than He, Who granted the
position of mother to a she-demon (Putana) although she was unfaithful and she
prepared deadly poison to be sucked from her breast?" (SB. 3.2.23)

"Putana was always hankering for the blood of human children, and with that
desire she came to kill Krsna, but because she offered her breast to the Lord,
she attained the greatest achievement." (SB. 10.6.35)

Simply by hearing this much description of the glories of the path of
devotional service, Sri Vidyanidhi began to shed tears. An unprecedented
shower of tears began to flow from his eyes as though Mother Ganges had again
advented herself. All of the ecstatic symptoms: tears in the eyes, shivering,
perspiration, fainting, horripilation and loud roaring were present in his
body simultaneously. In a thundering voice he cried, "Say more! Say more!" Not
being able to contain himself he fell to the ground and as his legs thrashed
about. All of the articles in the room were broken to pieces.

Where went that excellent bedstead, those pan and betel nuts, where did all
the water pots go? Where have those fine bedsheets fallen to, being kicked and
dragged to the floor? Maddened by ecstatic love his fine clothes have been
torn in two. What happened to his hair which was so exquisitely dressed and
perfumed? Everything has fallen into the dust on the floor and become muddy by
the shedding of incessant tears.

"Krsna is my Lord, He is my life, He is everything to me. Still he treats me
as though I was simply stone or wood." In a loud voice Sri Pundarika repented,
"Such an infinitely merciful Lord as this still chooses to deprive me of His
mercy." Rolling here and there on the ground, all the while crying very
loudly, all of the articles in the room were knocked down and fell to the
ground broken. All those present began to consider, "His bones will be
pulverised if this continues much longer." Such were the transformations
produced in his body due to ecstatic emotion. Although ten men tried to hold
him, still they could not. His clothes, the bedding, waterpots, spittoons, all
of his possessions were reduced to nothing by the furious movement of his
legs. Though all the servants tried to restrain him, they were forced to
retreat in the face of such overwhelming ecstasy.

In this way the transformations and manifestations of his ecstatic love
competed with one another for some time until finally his emotions reached the
level at which external consciousness ceases to exist. At that time there was
not even the faintest expression in his body. He had drowned himself in the
ocean of ecstatic love.

Seeing all of this Gadadhara became completely stunned and astonished. Feeling
quite perplexed he began to wonder, "I have disrespected such an
extraordinarily high-souled saintly person as this. As I came here with good
intentions how have such inauspicious circumstances fallen upon me?" Feeling
extremely indebted to and pleased with Mukunda, Gadadhara took him in his lap.
As Mukunda was being sprinkled by the tears of ecstatic love falling from
Gadadhara's eyes, he said to him, "Mukunda, you have treated me as a true
friend. By your mercy I have been so fortunate as to witness such uncommon
devotion as that possessed by Vidyanidhi Bhattacarya. Can any other Vaisnava
like this exist anywhere else in the three worlds? The whole universe becomes
purified in the presence of such a rare devotion as this. I was heading into a
critically dangerous position, but as you have brought me here today, I have
been able to avoid that pitfall.

Seeing Sri Vidyanidhi Mahasaya dressed as a sense enjoyer, I supposed that he
was a materialistic devotee. But you were able to understand my mind and
therefore you so kindly caused his devotion to dawn, just as the sun rises in
the east in the morning. As long as I continue to make mistakes you should
always remain diligent to point out to me the errors in my thinking. All those
who take up this path of devotion accept a spiritual guide. But I have not as
yet accepted anyone as my preceptor. I should get myself initiated by this
great personality. If I can do that then the fault of whatever contempt I felt
will be reduced."

Thinking like this Gadadhara revealed his desire to Mukunda to accept Sri
Pundarika Vidyanidhi as his guru. Mukunda was very happy to hear this proposal
and commended his idea again and again. After six hours Sri Premanidhi
regained his consciousness and seated himself, being perfectly calm and
composed. Gadadhara Pandita could not restrain the flood of tears from his
eyes and thus his whole body became wet. Vidyanidhi Mahasaya was very pleased
and took Gadadhara in his lap, accepting him as his own heart and soul.
Gadadhara remained very reverential and submissive as Mukunda expressed his
(Gadadhara's) heart's desire to Premanidhi - "Seeing that in demeanour you had
assumed a position almost like that of a god, Gadadhara found some fault in
his mind. But now he wishes to rectify his mistake by accepting initiation
from your good self. He is a devotee of Lord Visnu, he is very materially
detached and since his childhood he is very mature in his thinking, unlike
most young boys who frivolously waste their time playing. He also comes from a
good family, his father being Sri Madhava Misra. Since childhood he is a
constant companion of our Lord Sri Gaurasundar. I think that there is no one
besides yourself as fit be his guru, nor anyone like him as fit to be your
disciple. Considering when is an auspicious day, you can decide when to
initiate him with the appropriate mantra in the service of your worshipable
Deity."

Hearing these words of Mukunda, Pundarika Vidyanidhi smiled and said,
"Providence has awarded me a rare gem in the person of Gadadhara. Certainly I
will accept him as my disciple. To get such a disciple as he is the result of
many lifetimes accruement of good fortune. On the next twelfth day of the
bright fortnight there is an auspicious conjunction in the constellations. On
that day his desire will be fulfilled."

Hearing this Gadadhara was very happy and smiling broadly he offered his
obeisances. Taking leave of Mukunda, Gadadhara came to see Sri Gaura Raya.
Hearing the news of the arrival of Premanidhi, Sri Visvambhara felt unlimited
joy within Himself. That night, Sri Vidyanidhi came alone and unnoticed to see
Mahaprabhu. Upon seeing the Lord of his life, before he was even able to offer
his dandavats, he fell unconscious to the ground. Regaining consciousness
after a few moments, he began to curse himself roaring very loudly, "Krsna,
You are my life and soul, my only own, my father; but seeing that I am sinful
You only give me sorrow. He who is the father of all worlds has delivered
every living entity within the universe. But You have deprived me alone of
Your mercy."

Though none of the devotees present were acquainted with Sri Vidyanidhi, upon
hearing his sorrowful lament, they also began to cry. Sri Visvambhara, who is
very affectionate to His devotees, reverentially picked Premanidhi up and took
him on His lap. Saying, "Pundarika! My father!", the Lord began to cry. "Today
I see again the object of my vision." Now all the devotees could understand
that the Pundarika Vidyanidhi for whom the Lord had previously cried had now
arrived, and as such they all continued to shed tears.

This scene was so touching that I am unable to properly describe it.  Holding
Pundarika to His chest, Sri Gaurasundar began to sprinkle his body with the
tears of His love. Knowing him to be one of the dearmost servitors of the Lord
the other devotees looked upon him with affection and awe, accepting him now
as their very own. The Lord could not release His arms and continued to hold
Premanidhi tightly to his chest, and thus it appeared that the two bodies
became one. Sri Gaurasundar remained motionless for one prahar (3 hours) after
which time he regained his external consciousness and called out, "Hari! Today
I have attained the fulfilment of my innermost heart's desire."

Mahaprabhu brought Premanidhi amongst all the other devotees and they performed
together congregational chanting of the names of Sri Hari. Then, to introduce
him to all the Vaisnavas, Mahaprabhu announced, "His title is Pundarika
Vidyanidhi, and he has been dispatched by Providence to distribute loving
devotion to the Supreme Lord Krsna." In this way, continuing to describe
Premanidhi's wonderful qualities, Sri Gaurasundar called out loudly, "Hari!",
raising His two arms in the sky as he did so.

"Today is such an auspicious day for Me as I knew it would be so. When I awoke
this morning I could see Premanidhi face to face." At this time Premanidhi
gradually regained his external consciousness, and recognising the Lord, he
offered his obeisances, first to Mahaprabhu and then to Advaita Acarya.
Thereafter he greeted all the other devotees in a manner befitting his
relationship with them. The devotees all merged in bliss to see such a devotee
as Premanidhi Pundarika. Actually, only Vyasadeva is qualified to describe the
sentiments of loving devotion which appeared at that moment. Thereafter
Gadadhara began to solicit the order of Mahaprabhu to take initiation from Sri
Pundarika. He confessed, "Not understanding his incomprehensible nature, there
was some disregard towards him in my mind. Now I wish to become his disciple.
Certainly the guru will tolerate the faults of his disciple."

Hearing Gadadhara's speech Mahaprabhu was quite satisfied, and told him, "Do
it quickly! Do It quickly!" Thus Gadadhara became the initiated disciple of
Sri Pundarika Vidyanidhi and was very satisfied within himself. What more can
I say about the glories of Sri Pundarika, Premanidhi. Can there be any limit
of devotion in one who has Gadadhara Pandita as his disciple?

Thus I have tried to describe something about Sri Vidyanidhi. In doing so I
have one desire to fulfil, which is that I may one day see him. These two,
Pundarika and Gadadhara, being so dear to Sri Krsna Caitanya, are each one
supremely qualified in relationship to each other (guru to disciple and
disciple to guru).

Whoever recites or hears of the meeting of Pundarika and Gadadhara will
receive the treasure of Love of God.

Thus sings Vrndavana dasa of the glories of Sri Krsna Caitanya and Nityananda
Candra. (Sri Caitanya Bhagavata Madhya-lila Ch. 7)

PART TWO

All glories, all glories to Sri Gauracandra, who is nondifferent from the
Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Narayana, who bears the mark of Srivatsa
on His chest. All glories to the Son of Mother Saci, who eternally embodies
the principles of the eternal religion. All glories to Gauranga Gopala, to
whom the congregational chanting of the name of Sri Hari is so dear. All
glories to He who is so dear to the gentle and all glories to this morbid,
malignant, vile and vicious Kali (because it is in this age that Mahaprabhu
has appeared).

All glories to Sri Gauranga in the midst of His family of loving devotees.
Whoever hears the pastimes of Sri Caitanya Candra attains unalloyed devotion
to His lotus feet. In the form of a sannyasi, He appears as the hero of
Vaikuntha, sporting with His followers ecstatic pastimes.

One day, Sri Gadadharadeva came to Mahaprabhu and told Him of some difficulty
he was having concerning the mantra he received from his guru at the time of
initiation. "As a result of telling this mantra to someone I am no longer able
to meditate on it properly as I did before. Again You should give me the
mantra and thus its clear expression will naturally be reawakened, and my mind
can again become calm and happy."

To this Mahaprabhu replied, "Gadadhara, take heed, you are treading on
dangerous ground. As you have your guru, to accept the mantra from Me would be
an offense to your Gurudeva. It is a fact that this mantra invigorates and
sustains our soul, but as long as you have your gurudeva you cannot expect to
solve this problem by transgressing his authority in this matter."

However, Gadadhara implored Him, "But he is not here now. In his stead You can
do the needful." Mahaprabhu replied, "Your guru is Sri Vidyanidhi. Why are you
being unfaithful? Providence can very easily arrange that you meet him again
soon." The omniscient Lord, who is completely aware of everything, continued,
"Sri Vidyanidhi will come to Orissa very soon. In fact, he should be here
within ten days or so. I am always thinking of Sri Vidyanidhi and he is coming
here just to see Me. Now however I can understand that he is actually being
attracted here by your desire."

When Sri Vidyanidhi arrived in Puri, the Lord, by His omniscience was
internally aware of this, and as soon as He became conscious of this fact, He
came out to meet him. Seeing Sri Vidyanidhi He began to laugh, saying, "Father
has come! Father has come!" Premanidhi became overwhelmed in ecstatic love,
and his heart began to overflow with loving mellows. The Supreme Lord, Sri
Gauracandra, who is very affectionate to His devotees, clasped Premanidhi to
his chest and began to cry. At that time, the devotees, who surrounded them on
all sides, also began to cry, but this crying was actually a genuine
manifestation of the real form of happiness in Vaikuntha. Upon seeing
Premanidhi, the love and affection of the devotees for him increased
continually.

Svarupa Damodara was previously acquainted with Premanidhi as his intimate
friend. In the presence of Mahaprabhu they were delighted to see each other
once again. Each one wanted to take the dust of the feet of the other and
thus, as they tried to simultaneously catch the feet of one another but at the
same time avoid having their own feet caught hold of, quite a scuffle ensued.
Neither one was successful in his attempts as they were both quite strong, but
they nevertheless caused everyone to laugh and Sri Gauranga Himself took great
pleasure in their sporting activities.

As they all gradually regained their external consciousness, Mahaprabhu
requested Sri Vidyanidhi, "You should remain at Nilacala for some time."
Hearing these words Premanidhi was very satisfied and considered himself very
fortunate to be able to stay near Mahaprabhu. In great love, Sri Gadadhara at
this time again accepted initiation from his Gurudeva in the mantra of his
worshipable Deity.

What more can I say about the glories of Sri Premanidhi. Can there be any
limit of ecstatic love in the guru of Gadadhara Pandita? His glories are sung
by Murari and Haridasa, and by Advaita and Srinivasa. In fact there is not any
devotee who does not praise him - with their bodies, mind and words they
always eulogise him. There is not the slightest hint of self-conceit or vanity
in him. I cannot understand the extent to which the Lord Sri Caitanya has
showered His mercy on him.

I should now like to write of something which I have heard directly from the
lotus mouth of Sri Gadadhara, concerning how dear Premanidhi was to Sri Krsna.
Near His own residence Mahaprabhu arranged for Sri Vidyanidhi's accommodation
at Yameshvara, on the shore of the ocean. Sri Premanidhi was extremely dear to
Svarupa Damodara, and the two of them used to go together to take darsana of
Lord Jagannatha. They were both on the same level of advancement in Krsna
consciousness and thus their mutual exchange of nectarean topics on the
mellows of Krsna's pastimes was very tasty and relishable.

By and by it was announced that the festival of 'Odan sasthi' would be
observed, during which time Lord Jagannatha puts on His new clothes. On this
day the Lord is dressed in new, starched garments. As the Lord desires to be
served so His servants serve Him. As a great tumultuous sound, produced by the
blowing of conches and the beating of seven different types of drums resounded
from within the temple, Sri Gaurasundar arrived along with His devotees to
observe the festival. The new clothes which are offered to the Lord on this
day are used by Him until the end of the month of Magh (Jan-Feb). Floating in
ecstatic love, Mahaprabhu and His associates saw the Lord dressed in various
new garments which He continued to wear up until the end of the night.

Lord Caitanya Himself is the worshiper as well as the worshiped (Lord
Jagannatha). Without His mercy, who can understand His mind? In the form of a
sannyasi He worships Himself (Lord Jagannatha) with devotion.

Fine silken cloths of various colours (white, yellow, and blue) and
embroidered with pearls and gold adorned the Lord's blackish body. He was also
decorated with various ornaments such as bangles, necklaces, and a crown, all
fashioned out of flowers. After performing His worship with the sixteen
different articles (sandalwood, flowers, incense, lamps, etc.) He was offered
a wide variety of foodstuffs. Observing the festival, Mahaprabhu then returned
to His residence all the while feeling great joy and, taking leave of His
devotees, He began to contemplate His own bliss in the seclusion of His room.
All the devotees then returned to their respective quarters.

Sri Vidyanidhi and Svarupa Damodara enjoyed some friendly discussion as they
proceeded along the way to their residence. Sri Vidyanidhi was doubtful as to
why Lord Jagannatha had been dressed in starched garments, and so he inquired
from Svarupa Damodara on this point, "As knowledge of the scriptures is
current in this part of the world, I am perplexed as to why starched clothes
which have not first been washed were offered to the Lord?"

Svarupa Damodara replied, "That is simply custom here. Why do you consider
this to be such an important point? You should not see any fault in this. Just
because one is conversant with all scriptural rules and regulations does not
mean that he will follow them at all times and in every way or manner. This
festival has been observed in this way for a very long time. If it is contrary
to the Lord's desire then why has not the king put a stop to it?"

Sri Vidyanidhi continued, "That's all right, the independent Supreme Lord can
do whatever He pleases. But why should his servitors think that they can do
likewise? The priest who offers the puja, the pujari who dresses the Deity,
the superintendent of the temple, the bearers; how is it that they are all
handling this cloth which is impure? Lord Jagannatha is the Supreme
Personality of Godhead; everything is possible for Him. But does that mean
that everyone should imitate Him? After touching starched cloth, only by
washing one's hands do they become purified. If all of these servitors are
supposed to be conscientious in their duties, then why don't they do that? The
king's ministers are simply dull-headed if they don't consider these things .
I suppose the king also wears starched cloths on his head?"

Svarupa Damodara replied, "My dear brother please hear me. As far as I can
understand, there is no fault in the observance of this festival. Lord
Jagannatha is an incarnation of the Supreme Absolute Being. He is under no
obligation to consider what respects the prescriptions and edicts of the
scriptures."

Vidyanidhi continued, "That is not my point. I accept that Lord Jagannatha is
in every way the Supreme Absolute Being; and there can be no fault in Him even
if He does cross some of the regulations and prohibitions. But have these
others also become situated on the absolute plane just by living in Nilacala?
Why have they also rejected the codes of standard behaviour? I think that
everyone here must have become an incarnation of the Supreme Absolute Being!"

Thus the conversation went as they walked along the path laughing and laughing
at the faults in the conduct of the servants of Lord Jagannatha. No one knows
the influence of all these servitors, but Krsna knows, based on their
attachment to Him. Sometimes Krsna causes His servitors to commit some
mistake, but thereafter He Himself rectifies the mistake, because by nature
His heart is full of compassion. Therefore it was actually Krsna who caused
the erroneous thinking in the mind of Vidyanidhi and it was Krsna who
rectified the situation by His unlimited mercy.

Now please hear about how He very wonderfully accomplished that. The two
friends (Svarupa Damodara and Pundarika Vidyanidhi) joked with one another in
this way, and then, as they each had some service to render to Krsna, they
parted company and returned to their respective residences. After completing
his duties, Sri Vidyanidhi retired for the evening.

Prabhu Caitanya Gosai, who knows everything, took the form of Lord Jagannatha
and went to pay a visit to Premanidhi in the land of dreams. There, Vidyanidhi
Mahasaya saw that Lord Jagannatha and Lord Balarama were very triumphantly
approaching him. Lord Jagannatha, who was in a very angry mood, caught hold of
Sri Vidyanidhi and slapped him in the face. Then the two brothers teamed up
and began to slap him on both of his cheeks. They slapped him so hard that
Their fingers and his cheeks became swollen.

Feeling afflicted Vidyanidhi began to call out, "Krsna save me! Please forgive
my offense!" Saying this he fell at Their lotus feet crying, "What offense
have I committed for which you are beating me so, Gosai?"

The Lord replied, "There is no limit to your offenses. Neither I nor my
servants are designated by any particular caste, thus We are not subject to
any of the creeds which are meant for other classes of men. You know all of
this but nevertheless you continue to harp on the same point. You are
persistent in trying to disgrace My servitors and thus attach some stigma to
their lineage. If you want to save your own face you had better return to your
own country right away. The way in which I have ordained that My festival
should be observed, you consider to be against the scriptures. Saying that I
am the Supreme Absolute Being, but then criticizing My servitors you find some
fault in the starched clothes that were offered to Me."

Feeling very fearful Vidyanidhi began to cry and clasped his head to the
Lord's lotus feet. "I'm sorry. I did not mean to hurt anyone. Please forgive
the offenses of this sinner, my Lord. You have properly punished that mouth
which laughed at Your servants. Today is the most auspicious day for me. You
have made me the most fortunate person by slapping my face with Your lotus
hands."

The Lord replied, "Because I consider you also to be My dear devotee, I have
shown you this special favour."

Just to show Their love for him, the two brothers, Ram and Hari, came to see
Pundarika Vidyanidhi in his dreams. Seeing this dream, Vidyanidhi woke up, and
feeling that his cheeks were still smarting, he began to laugh. By the slaps
of the Lord's lotus hands his cheeks were quite swollen. Seeing this he said,
"This is very good. This is wonderful. Because I committed some offense the
Lord had very kindly rectified that by punishing me. Actually the punishment I
received is light considering the weight of my offense."

Just see the exalted position of Sri Vidyanidhi. He has received the topmost
limit of the Lord's mercy. The Lord never beats His own son Pradyumna like
this, even for the purpose of instructing others. Sitadevi, Rukmini,
Satyabhama - not even to the Lord's near and dear ones has He shown such
favour. Though of course the Lord sometimes personally chastises the
miscreants, never before has it been seen that He bestowed His mercy in the
form of punishment awarded in a dream. Even if someone is punished for his
sins or gains some wealth in a dream, when he wakes up he sees that there is
nothing. Rather than chastising in a dream, if the Lord were to have punished
that person openly then others would also come to know of his crime. Therefore
there cannot be anyone more fortunate than that person who has received such
mercy as to have been chastised like this.

In dream the non-devotees cannot say anything, whereas if they had been
present, they would have passed their judgement.  These Yavanas, who are
accustomed to slander and tease others, get no opportunity to carry out their
activities in dreams. What to speak of the Yavanas, even the virtuous
brahmanas, if they find fault with a devotee, will simply subject themselves,
as well as that devotee, to further grief. The non-devotees and sinners are
deprived of the benefits of instructions imparted in dreams. Whoever the Lord
instructs in a dream should know that he is the most fortunate person, but at
the same time he can remain humble as others need not necessarily know of what
has transpired. Thus it happened that in a dream the Supreme Lord Himself came
to punish Sri Premanidhi by beating him. When Premanidhi awoke in the early
morning he felt how swollen his cheeks had become with his two hands.

Everyday Svarupa Damodara would come to Sri Vidyanidhi's house and then the
two of them would go to take darsana of Lord Jagannatha. As on every day
Svarupa Damodara arrived that morning. Seeing Premanidhi he said, "You always
go with me to see Lord Jagannatha, why are you still lying in bed?!"
Vidyanidhi replied, "Come inside. I will tell you everything. Just come here
and sit down." Svarupa Damodara came in and saw that Premanidhi's two cheeks
were quite swollen and bore imprints of very large fingers.

Damodara Svarupa inquired, "What is this? Your cheeks are so swollen; are you
in pain!?" Vidyanidhi Mahasaya, laughing, told him, "Svarupa, today all my
doubts have been destroyed. Remember how I criticised the use of starched
cloths in Lord Jagannatha's worship? Just see the reaction to that offense in
my two cheeks here. In a dream, Lord Jagannatha and Lord Balarama came to me,
and for almost an hour They beat me severely without any rest. They asked me,
'Do you have anything more to say about Our new clothes?' and saying thus They
both continued to slap my face. As They beat me the rings on Their fingers
struck me, but I could not make any proper reply. In my present embarrassment
I don't want to meet anybody. When the swelling goes down then I'll be able to
go out again. I think that this is not fit to speak of to anyone else but I
nevertheless feel in my heart I am very fortunate. I have received a fitting
punishment for my offense. If it were not for this act of the Lord's mercy I
would have fallen into hell."

Hearing this description Svarupa Damodara was elated at seeing the Lord's
affection for his friend. As someone feels jubilant to see that his friend has
acquired some possession, in this way Svarupa Damodara delighted in his
friend's good fortune and the two of them laughed together in great joy.

Damodara Svarupa told him, "My dear brother, I have never heard that the Lord
personally comes in a dream to chastise someone, but I am seeing that He does
when I look at you."

Thus the two friends felt supremely satisfied. In their discussions of the
mellows of Krsna's pastimes they forgot whether it was night or day.

By the influence of Pundarika Vidyanidhi's devotion Sri Gauracandra called him
'father.' Out of fear of touching Mother Ganges with his feet he does not
bathe in her waters but regularly comes to see her and sips her water for
purification. Taking this devotee's name the Lord Gauranga would shed
incessant tears, crying all the while, "Pundarika! Father!"

Whoever hears of the wonderful character of Pundarika Vidyanidhi will
undoubtedly attain the shelter of the lotus feet of Sri Krsna.

Thus sings Vrndavana dasa of the glories of Sri Krsna Caitanya and Nityananda
Candra.

Thus ends the Sri Caitanya Bhagavata Antya-lila chap. 10

----

Sri Gaura Ganoddesa dipika (Trans. Kusakratha Dasa)

text 54
The same person who was formerly known as Maharaja Vrsabhanu in the district
of Vraja appeared in Lord Caitanya's pastimes as the great personality
Pundarika Vidyanidhi.

text 55
When he was afflicted by the feelings of Srimati Radharani's intense love in
separation from Lord Krsna, Lord Caitanya would address Pundarika Vidyanidhi
using the word "Father".

text 56 & 57
Lord Caitanya was very pleased with Pundarika Vidyanidhi and the Lord would
address him by the name Premanidhi. Because Pundarika Vidyanidhi was a direct
disciple of Madhavendra Puri, the Lord would treat him with great respect, as
if he were the Lord's own spiritual master.
Maharaja Vrsabhanu also appeared as Sri Madhava Misra. Ratnavati devi,
Pundarika Vidyanidhi's wife, is considered by the learned devotees to be the
incarnation of Kirtida devi, the wife of Maharaja Vrsabhanu.


(*) It was in vogue at that time for eminent scholars from various countries
to open their own private schools in Nadia.

