This chapter describes the childhood pastimes of Nityananda up to his twelth year, during which time he re-enacted the divine pastimes of Krsna, Rama, Vamana, and the other avataras of Vishnu. This chapter also describes his tour of different holy places which continued until his twentieth year.
On the order of Gaura Krsna, Ananta Deva had already made his appearance in the village of Ekacakra in Radades. In this way, Nityananda Prabhu appeared like the moon from the sea of the womb of Padmavati, the wife of Hadai Oja. And just like the rising moon, he dispelled all the darkness covering the land of radha by his auspicious appearance. As a child, Nityananda constantly played with his boyhood friends imitating the pastimes of Krsna.
Once, his friends took the role of the assembly of gods, who were desrious of petitioning the Lord to relieve the burden of evil oppressing the Earth. Nityananda Prabhu took with him a child who was dressed as the earth, and together with the children who acted the roles of the different assembled gods, he went to the banks of the river Ganges. There he addressed the Lord who rests in the ocean of milk, Ksirodaksayi Visnu. At that time, one of the children took the part of Lord Visnu, and hiding unseen by the other children spoke in a grave voice that all could hear: “I shall surely be born in Goloka Mathura to lighten the burden of the Earth.”
And so Nityananda Prabhu enacted the different pastimes of Krsna that the Lord performed during the Dvapara age. He enacted the pastimes of the marriage of Vasudeva and Devaki, the birth of Sri Krsna in the prison of Kamsa, the journey of Vasudeva to Nandagram and how he carried Krsna over the Yamuna river, as well as his return from Nandagram and how he brought Mahamaya who had just appeared as the daughter of Yasoda with him.
He enacted the slaying of Putana, the breaking of the cart, Krsna’s butter stealing pastimes, the slaying of the demons, Dhenuka, Agha, and Baka. He also displayed the pastimes of the pasturing of the cows, the lifting of Govardhan hill, the stealing of the gopis clothes and the Lord’s bestowal of mercy upon the wives of the sacrificial brahmanas. He performed the pastimes of sending secret advice to Kamsa in the guise of Narada, the killing of the Kuvalaya elephant and the wrestlers Canura and Mustika, and the killing of Kamsa.
Nityananda Prabhu also enacted the pastime of Vamanadeva’s cheating Bali of the three worlds, and took the role of Ramachandra. His friends acting the part of monkey soldiers pretended to build a bridge of floating stones across the ocean, in imitation of the pastimes of Rama. Once, Nityananda took the part of Laksman, and, bow in hand, would storm the palace of Sugriva. Once he took the part of Rama Himself, enacting the pastime of breaking Parasurama’s pride. Once, taking the role of Laksman he pretended to kill Indrajit and then swoon, hit by the powerful arrows of Ravana, the demon-king.
He would enact the pastime of having the medicine from Gandamadana Hill brought by Hanuman and would recover from his wounds after receiving the medicine. Nityananda spent twelve years enacting these kinds of pastimes. At that time, he went to visit the different holy places in order to purify them from the sins left behind by the pilgrims who visit them.
He toured the holy places in both Northern and Southern India, on the pretext of pilgrimage and in this way was occupied until his twentieth year when he arrived in Nabadwip and met Caitanya Mahaprabhu. In the course of his wandering through the different holy places, Nityananda Prabhu met Madhavendra Puri, Isvara Puri, and Brahmananda Puri. Nityananda passed many days enjoying the ecstasy of krsna-katha in the company of Madhavendra Puri and his disciples. He then visited Setubandha, Danatirtha, Mayapuri, Avanti, Godavari Jiyura Nrsmha, Devapari, Trimala, Kurmaksetra and many other holy places.
At last he arrived at Jagannatha Puri, where he took darsan of Jagannatha Deva and was profoundly moved to ecstasy upon seeing the Deity. From Jagannatha Puri, he returned again to Mathura. The chapter closes with an explanation of Lord Nityananda’s renunciation. Lord Nityananda who is identical with the powerful Balarama himself, manifest during this period his pastimes of preaching the holy name in love of God. The chapter concludes with a description of greatness of Nityananda Balarama
All glories to Sri Krsna Caitanya, the ocean of mercy. All glories to Nityananda Prabhu, the friend of the helpless. All glories to the life and soul of Sri Advaita Candra. All glories to He who is the only shelter of arivasa and Gadadhara. All glories to Visvambhara, the son of Jagannatha Misra and Sacidevi who is always beloved by his devotees and followers.
Before the advent of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Ananta deva himself had appeared on the order of the Lord. He took birth in the Radha Desa to help enact the divine lila of the Lord. His father’s name was Hadai Oja and his mother’s name was Padmavati. He appeared in the village of Ekacakra within the land of Gauda. From infancy he was sober, highly intelligent and supremely qualified. The baby boy was millions of times more beautiful than cupid.
From the moment of his birth there appeared within the Radha Desa, all-auspicious symptoms. All varieties of famine, poverty, and unhappiness immediately disappeared. On the day that Sri Gaurachandra made his advent in Sridhama Nabadwip, Nityanadna Prabhu shouted with joy. The vast universe was pervaded with the sound of his cries and the whole world became astonished. Some said, “The thunderbolt has descended to Earth.” Many could understand that the mightly disturbance was the result of some divine power. Some said, “We know the cause. The master of Gauda has spoken in a voice of thunder. And in this way, everyone gave their different opinions. But by the power of the illusory energy of Krsna, no one could recognize the transcendental position of Nityananda Prabhu.
In this way, keeping his divine nature unmanifest, the supreme Lord, Nityananda Prabhu delighted in the company of children. In all the games that the Lord played with the children, Krsna was the center. Indeed, their play was nothing but the lila of the Lord. Nityananda Prabhu would hold an assembly of the gods with one of the children acting the part of the Earth presenting the petition of the demigods to the supreme Lord Visnu. All of them would go along with the Earth to the banks of the river where together they would pray to the hidden Lord of the universe, Ksirodaksayi Visnu.
Unseen by all, one of the boys would loudly proclaim from his hiding place, “I will shortly be born in the cowherd village of Mathura.” Another day, Nityananda Prabhu and his childhood friends would gather in the village to celebrate the marriage of Vasudeva and Devaki. Once, having made their playhouse into the prison of Kamsa, he re-enacted the pastime of Krsna’s divine appearance in the dead of night. Nityananda Prabhu built a cowherd settlement and took Krsna there, deceiving Kamsa by substituting Yogamaya for Krsna within the prison.
Another time he dressed up one of his childhood friends as Putana, while another boy, climbing his body pretended to such his breast like the baby Krsna. Once, having built a cart made of reeds with the help of the children, Nityananda Prabhu broke it. Nityananda Prabhu would bring his childhood friends to the house of the local milkman and steal milk and yogurt, following in the footsteps of Krsna. His friends never left his company, nor would they return to their homes, but day and night they would play in the company of Nityananda Prabhu.
Nor did their mothers and fathers complain, but all loved Nityananda with their hearts and souls. He would hold his relatives and friends in affectioanate embrace. Upon beholding his amazhing childhood pastimes, everyone would say, “We have never seen such wonderful playing. How is it possible that this child has learned all these activities of Krsna. One day having made serpents out of the leaves of trees, he brought the children to a pond. One of the children would enter the water and float motionless. Nityananda Prabhu would awaken him.
One day he took the children into a grove of palm trees, where they played at killing the demon Dhenuka and tasting the palm fruits known as tal fruits. He would often go to the pasturing grounds and there play many different games with the children. After constructing toy demons and naming them Baka, Agha, and Vatsa, he would kill them. Nityananda Prabhu would return home with his childhood in the afternoon, all of them blowing on buffalo horns.
One day he would imitate Krsna’s pastime of lifting Govardhana Hill. Another day after constructing a replica of Vrndavana, he would play there with his friends. One day he would steal the clothes of the gopis and another day would visit the wives of the brahmanas engaged in sacrifice. On eof the children would take the part of Narada Muni and disguising himself with a beard he would give confidential advice to Kamsa. One day one of the boys dressed as Akrura and took Krsna and Balarama away from Vrndavana on the order of Kamsa. Nityananda Prabhu cried in grief, feeling separation from Krsna in the mood of the gopis. Streams of tears would flow from his eyes in the view of all the children.
Influenced by the illusory energy of Visnu, no one could understand the transcendental nature of Nityananda Prabhu’s divine lila as all the children played in his company. After building a replica of Mathura, he would roam with the boys. Some of them would take the position of garland-makers and some would wear the garlands. Nityananda Prabhu would dress one of them as Kubja and would become perfumed by her. One day, upon making a bow, Nityananda Prabhu broke it with a thundering noise.
After killing the elephant Kuvalayapida and the wrestlers Canura and Mustika, he would knock to the ground and drag away by the hair one of the boys who had been made to play the role of Kamsa. Having killed Kamsa he would dance merrily with the children. In this way, Nityananda Prabhu’s pastimes as a boy made all the people of Ekacakra laugh with delight.
Nityananda Prabhu imitated in his pastimes the transcendental activities of all the avatars of Godhead. One day Nityananda Prabhu played Vamana and another child played Bali Maharaja. Inthis way, Nityananda Prabhu would deceive him into giving the three worlds in charity as one of the children, dressed as an old man, played the role of Sukracarya and forbid the gift. Then, Nityananda Prabhu as Vamana, after accepting the alms of Bali, placed his lotus feet upon that boy’s head.
One day, Nityananda Prabhu played at constructing a bridge of trees and stones across the ocean as all the children played the role of monkey soldiers. In this way he could chop veranda plants and throw them into the water, pretending they were giant trees as the children would shout Jaya Rama! Jaya Raghunatha! Victory to Rama! Victory to the Lord of the Raghu dynasty!
The Lord Himself assumes the role of Lasman, and bow in hand, he made his way to the palace of Sugriva in a fit of anger, saying, “ You wretched monkey! My Lord, Rama, is becoming distressed by your actions. My Lord is waiting on Malyavan mountain, burdened with grief. And you, O wicked monkey, are busy making merry with women! If I am to spare your life, then go to Rama as fast as you can, and offer him your help. “
Another day, in the mood of Laksman, he would chastise Parasurama in anger, saying, “O brahmana—I can’t be held accountable for what happens to you if you do not flee at once.” The children, in their innocence, would take Nityananda Prabhu’s absorption in the mood of Laksman to be nothing more than childish play. They did have any knowledge of his position as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Some of them would roam about as the five monkeys, and taking the role of Laksman, Nityananda Prabhu would ask, “Who are you monkeys who roam the forests? Tell me! I am the servant of Raghunatha!”
They would tell him, “We wander here in fear of Bali. Lead us to Rama! We accept the dust of your feet upon our heads.” Giving them hearty embrace, he would lead them to his master and bow down before the feet of Rama, falling flat like a rod. In the role of Laksman, one day Nityananda Prabhu was beaten by Indrajit. Another day he would play at killing Indrajit. Having made one of the boys take the role of Vibhisana, he would lead Vibhisana in the presence of Rama and then install him as the king of Lanka.
Another child would shout, “Lo! Hear I come as Ravana. Beware the shafts from my bow. Let Laksman protect you if he can.” With this, the child playing the role of Ravana hurled a lotus flower at Nityananda Prabhu, who dropped to the ground, senseless, in the mood of a defeated Laksman.
Having swooned away, Nityananda Prabhu would not arise. Although the boys tried in many ways to arouse him in many different ways, Nityananda Prabhu showed no sign of life in any part of his body. The children all put their hands to their heads and wept and cried. Hearing their cries Nityananda Prabhu’s mother and father hastened to the spot. Finding no life in their child, both of them fell upon the ground senseless.
All the people of the village gathered there and gazed upon the scene in amazement. The children explained everything. Someone from the crowd said, “I understand the reason for all this. A long time ago, an actor who was playing the role of Dasaratha gave up his life upon hearing of the exile of Rama to the forest.” Another said, “The boy is only acting his part. As soon as Hanuman brings the medicine and administers it to him, he will recover.
Of course, Nityananda Prabhu had already explained this to the children. He had told them, “As soon as I fall down, all of you make a circle around me and cry. After a short period of time, send away Hanuman. My life will return if the medicine is applied to my nose.” But as soon as the Lord, who was perfectly playing his role, became unconscious, the children became very much upset. They completely lost their judgement and no one could remember Nityananda Prabhu’s instruction.
They simply cried and cried, and called out, “O brother: get up!” But the bystander’s remarks made them remember the Lord’s advice. So, one of the children walked off as Hanuman and another child, dressed as a sage stood in his way. Greeting him with an offer of fruits and roots, the sage said, “Please stay with me a while, dear friend, and bless my humble retreat. Only by great good fortune can one attain the company of one like yourself. “
Hanuman replied, “My work is urgent. I must make haste. I cannot stop; please excuse me but I must say goodbye. You must have heard of Laksman, the younger brother of Rama. Ravana has struck him unconscious with his sakti arrow. I must hurry to Gandhamadana mountain. His life may be saved only if I bring the proper medicine.” The child who played the role of Hanuman spoke all these lines as he was trained by Nityananda Prabhu. Eveyone looked on in amazement.
At the request of the sage, Hanuman went to a nearby lake to bathe. Another child caught hold of his feet from under the water. In this way, the child took the part of a crocodile and pulled Hanuman into the water. The child-actor playing Hanuman dragged the crocodile to the bank and the defeats him. Then Hanuman encountered an even more formidable foe.
A child disguised as a Raksasa ran after Hanuman and threatened to eat him, saying, “You have defeated the crocodile, but now you must defeat me. Who will revive Laksman if I swallow you alive?” Hanuman answered, “Your Ravana is a worthless dog. Take to your heels and be gone.” Inthis way the two children fought with each other until they had each other by the hair. They began beating each other with their fists. After some time, Hanuman defeated the Raksasa.
Finally, the child playing the role of Hanuman made his way to Gandhamadana mountain. There, some boys dressed as Gandharavas fight with him for some time, and, after defeating the Gandharvas, Hanuman brought Gandhamadana mountain away on his head. One of the children, acting as a doctor, remembering Rama, applied the medicine to the nose of Nityananda Prabhu, who was playing the part of Laksman. At last, the great Lord, Nityananda Prabhu regained consciousness and came to his feet.
At this, all the parents and everyone else laughed. Hadai Pandit took the child into his arms and all the boys were delighted. Everyone asked, “My dear child, “Where did you learn all these things?” And the Lord would laughingly answer, “These are all my divine pastimes.”
In his early childhood, the Lord’s body was delicately fair. No one wanted to give up embracing him. Everyone loved him more than they loved their own sons. By the illusory potency of the Lord, no one could recognize him as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In this way, from his early childhood, Nityananda Prabhu enjoyed nothing better than rehearsing the pastimes of Krsna.
All the children, giving up their parents and their homes, would constantly play in the company of Nityananda Prabhu. I offer my humble obeisances hundreds of times unto the lotus feet of all those boys who thus played with the Supreme Lord Nityananda Prabhu. In this way, Nityananda Prabhu perfromed his pastimes, and from infancy, nothing pleased him except the lila of Sri Krsna.
Who has the power to describe the transcendental pastimes of aaAnanta? They are only revealed through his mercy, of his own accord. And so, Nityananda Prabhu stayed at home for the first twelve years of his life. At that time he went on pilgrimage, visiting the different holy places of India. He wandered as a pilgrim until his twentieth year and at that time he appeared before Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Listen to the account given in this Adi-lila of Caitanya-Bhagavata of the pilgrimage of Nityananda Prabhu the Supreme Personality of Godhead who is blasphemed only by wicked and sinful atheists. Nityananda Prabhu delivered the whole world. He is an unparalleled ocean of mercy. Only by his mercy do I understand the truth about Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Only by his means has the greatness of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu been proclaimed. Listen to how Nityananda Prabhu, the best beloved of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, traveled to all the holy tirthas in India.
The Lord first visited the holy place known as Vakreswara. From there he traveled all alone to the grove of Vaidyanatha. After visiting Gaya, he went to KaSi, the seat of Lord Siva, where the current of the Ganges begins to flow northwards. Nityananda Prabhu became filled with joy at the sight of the Ganges. At Kasi he bathed in the Ganges, and with an unsatiated thirst drank its sweet waters. He performed his morning bath at Prayaga in the month of Magha and from there went to the place of his previous birth in Mathura. Having sported in the waters of the Yamuna at Visrama-ghata, the Lord wandered about Govardhana hill in great ecstasy and in this way he walked through all twelve forests of Vrindavan.
He visited the house of Nanda Maharaja at Gokula, and sitting down at that holy place, he wept out of emotion. Offering his obeisances to Madana Gopala the Lord journeyed to Hastinapura, the home of the pandavas and beholding the place of those great devotees, the Lord shed tears. All those who loved there, being nondevotees, could not understand. He bowed down, beholding the glories of Balarama in the city of Hastinapura and in his ecstasy, shouted, “May Balarama, the holder of the plow, deliver us all.” Then, Nityananda Prabhu went to Dvaraka where he bathed in the sea in great joy. He went to Siddhapura, the seat of Kapila, and at the holy place known as the tirtha of the fish, Matsya-tirtha, distributed large quantities of cooked rice at a great festival. Nityananda Prabhu visited Siva-Kanchi and Visnu Kanchi and laughed upon seeing the bitter schism between the followers of Vishnu and the followers of Siva.
He went to Kuruksetra, Priti-daksa, Bindhu-sarovara, Prabasa, and Sudarsana tirtha, and after paying a visit to the holy tirtha of Trita-kupa, he went to Nisala and from there to Brahma-tirtha and then to Cakra-tirtha. The Lord visited Pratisrota which is near the Saraswati of the West. And from there, that great magnanimous personality, Nityananda Prabhu, travelled to Naimisaranya.
At that time, Nityananda Prabhu went on to the city of Ayodhya and wept much upon beholding the holy birthplace of Sri Rama. Then he went to the kingdom of Guhaka, the candala, where Nityananda Prabhu fell unconscious out of ecstasy. Remembering the devotion of Guhaka-candala, Nityananda Prabhu was unconscious for three days. In all those forests, where the Supreme Lord Rama had stopped to spend a few days, Nityananda Prabhu rolled on the ground in the agony of separation.
He went to the banks of the Sarayu river and bathed in her waters and from there went to Kausaki and from there to the sacred retreat of Paulastya the sage. After bathing in all the holy tirthas of the Gomati, Gandhaki and Soma rivers, he climbed to the summit of Mount Mahendra, and having paid his obeisances there to Parasurama, he proceeded to Hardwara, where the flow of the Ganges originates on this Earth. He then visited Pampa, Bhima-rati, and Sapta-Godavari, after bathing in the Tirthas of Benva and Bhipasa.
The great Nityananda Prabhu then had a view of Karttika and went to the mountain of Sri, where Siva and Parvati dwell. In the forms of a brahmana and his wife, Siva and Parvati resided on the top of the mountain known as Sri. Both of them recognized their own cherished Deity, Nityananda Prabhu, who had thus journeyed to the holy places disguised as an avadhuta. Both of them rejoiced upon beholding their guest, and the goddess Parvati herself, with her own hands, joyfully cooked prasadam for Nityananda Prabhu. As Siva and Parvati made offerings of food to Nityananda Prabhu with great regard, he smiled and offered his obeisances to both of them.
The confidential talks which they held between one another can be understood only by Krsna Himself. Taking his leave, Nityananda Prabhu went to Dravida. After visiting Vyenkattanatha, Kamakosti-puri, and Kanch, he arrived at the famed stream of the Kaveri and from there went to the holy place of Sri Rangam, where he stayed for some time. From there he went to Hari-ksetra, and then visited Mount Rsabha. Then he travelled to South Matura, Krtamala, Tamraparni, and then journeyed northward to the Yamuna, where he visited the home of Augustya on Malaya mountain.
The people there were filled with great joy on beholding the magnanimous Nityananda Prabhu who accepted their hospitality, and from there with great pleasure, he travelled to Badarikasrama. Nityananda Prabhu stayed for some time at the abode of Naranarayana Rshik and passed his time in complete seclusion. From there he journeyed to the residence of Vyasa, who recognized Nityananda Prabhu as the mighty Balaram Himself.
Making himself visible, Vyasa welcomed his guest and the Lord offered his obeisances before Srila Vyasadeva. At that time, Nityananda Prabhu travelled to the seat of the Buddhists, where the Lord found them sitting together with one another. He questioned them, but no one replied in answer. Being angered by the Buddhists, the Lord kicked them on the head. Laughing, the Buddhists fled and Nityananda Prabhu continued on his pilgrimage undismayed.
At that time, the Lord arrived at the town of Kanyaka, and after visiting Durga-devi, travelled to the South Indian sea. Thereafter Nityananda Prabhu went to the town of Sri Ananta and from there to the pond of the five dancing apsaras or celestial nymphs. The Lord then visited the temple of Siva called Gokarna. He travelled from door to door over Kerala and Trigartha and after beholding the honored wife of Dvaipayana, Nityananda Prabhu travelled to Nirbindhya, Payosni, and tapti, inthe course of his divine activities.
He visited Reva, the town of Mahismati and Malatirtha and then the Lord turned westwards, journeying by way of Suparakha. Nityananda Prabhu was devoid of all fear. He was never afraid of anyone, thorughout the whole of his travels. His body appeared weak, by reason of constant absorption in Krsna consciousness. Nityananda Prabhu laughed and cried at intervals. Who could understand his transcendental moods? Such were the travels of Lord Nityananda Prabhu as he wandered from one place to the next, visiting the holy tirthas.
At that time, quite by accident, he met Madhavendra Puri. The body of Madhavendra Puri was surcharged with divine love for Sri Krsna. Madhavendra Puri was accompanied by all his disciples, who were filled with Krsna prema. Madhavendra Puri tasted no other food besides the mellow qualities of Krsna. The mellows of Krsna consciousness were his only sustenance. His holy body was the place of Krsna’s pastimes. There can be no greater praise of his love for Krsna than to say that the great Advaita Acarya Prabhu was the disciple of Madhavendra Puri.
As soon as Nityananda Prabhu beheld Madhavendra Puri he lost external consciousness, and lay motionless, being overpowered with divine love. As soon as Madhavendra Puri saw Nityananda Prabhu he also lost external consciousness and became oblivious of the world around him. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu himself declared again and again that Madhavendra Puri is the original teacher of pure devotion. As Nityananda Prabhu and Madhavendra Puri fainted upon seeing one another, Isvara Puri and all the other disciples of Madhavendra Puri wept.
After regaining external consciousness, both of them began to embrace one another, crying tears of ecstasy. The two great teachers rolled on the ground in the ecstasy of divine love, and, transformed by their jubilation, shouted words of joy with voices of thunder. Tears of love flowed like rivers from the eyes of those two great masters. And wet with their tears, the Earth felt blessed. There was no end to the display of transcendental ecstasy shown by those two great souls whose bodies shivered as tears flowed from their eyes and their hair stood on end, for Caitanya Mahaprabhu himself danced within their hearts.
Nityananda Prabhu said, “Today I have obtained the complete fulfillment of all the pilgrimages that I have ever performed, for today, my eyes have beheld the holy feet of Madhavendra Puri. My life is glorified by witnessing such divine love as his. Holding Nityananda Prabhu in a close embrace, Madhavendra Puri, choked with divine love, could utter no words of reply. And in his joy, Madhavendra Puri had no wish to release Nityananda Prabhu from his embrace. Isvara Puri, Brahmananda Puri, and all the other disciples of Madhavendra Puri, felt irresitably attracted to Nityananda Prabhu. Although they had met so many renounced saints, they could detect no trace of love for Krsna in any of them. And by meeting those unfortunate and wicked souls, they gaines nothing but grief.
And being aggrieved, they sought refuge in the forests. But now they were relieved of all their sorrows upon beholding in one another the manifestation of love for Krsna. For days, Nityananda Prabhu travelled in the company of Madhavendra Puri, delighting in discussing the pastimes of Krsna. Madhavendra Puri’s devotional service is wonderful to speak of. He would faint upon seeing a blackish cloud. Day and night, intoxicated by love for Krsna, he laughed and cried, ranted and raved, and shouted in grief just like a drunkard.
And Nityananda Prabhu, intoxicated with the nectar of Govinda’s sweetness, would stagger and stumble. Falling on the ground, he would laugh heartily. On beholding the wonderful mood of Madhavendra Puri and Nityananda Prabhu, the brotherhood of disciples constantly chanted the name of Hari. Intoxicated by the sweet taste of divine love, no one knew when it was day or night, and time lost all meaning. Who can understand the talks that Nityananda Prabhu had with Madhavendra Puri? Only Krsna knows their meaning. Madhavendra Puri could not bear to part company with Nityananda Prabhu, but took delight in his constant association. He said, “Although I have traveled to many holy tirthas, I could find no divine love of Godhead such as yours anywhere. Having obtained the company of such a friend as Nityananda Prabhu, I have realized the mercy of Krsna. Krsna is so kind! Wherever one can get the association of Nityananda Prabhu, that place is more than Vaikuntha and all the holy tirthas combined. If one only hears of the devotion of such a devotee as Nityananda Prabhu, he is sure to attain Sri Krsnacandra. And whoever has the least bit of aversion to Nityananda Prabhu, can never be loved by Krsna even if he is a devotee of Krsna.
In this way, Madhavendra Puri gloriifed Nityananda Prabhu day and night and served him with love and attention. Nityananda Prabhu himself thought of Madhavendra Puri as his guru and thus engaged, those two great souls were so absorbed in love of Krsna that they could not tell whether it was day or night. In this way, after passing some time in the company of Madhavendra Puri, Nityananda Prabhu set out on his journey to the bridge of Rama known as Setubandha, at the southernmost tip of India.
Madhavendra Puri went off to visit the Sarayu river. Being completely absorbed in Krsna, neither of them could remember anything of their own physical bodies. Completely forgetful of their own selves, they passed their days in the agony of separation from each other and so their life was preserved. For if any external consciousness had remained, it would have been impossible for them to survive the agony of separation. Whoever hears this account of Nityananda Prabhu and Madhavendra Puri with faith and devotion, obtains the treasure of love for Krsna.
In this way, Nityananda Prabhu wandered about in the ecstasy of divine love and after some time arrived at Setubandha, the bridge of Rama. After bathing in the ghat at Dana-tirtha, he went to Ramesvara, and from there, arrived in Vijayanagar. Having visited Mayapuri, Avanti, and Godavari, the Lord arrived at the seat of Jiyur-Nrsmhadeva. He visited Trimala, and the sacred shrine of Kurmanatha. At last he set out to behold Sri Jagannatha-deva, the moon of Nilacala.
As soon as he entered the city of Lord Jagannatha, the blissful master of Nilacala, he fainted away upon beholding the sight of the Lord’s cakra. He took darsan of Jagannatha, seeing his fourfold form as the Caturvyuha fully manifest in all his joyousness with the whole body of his servitors. Nityananda Prabhu lost his consciousness in the ecstasy of that vision, and once recovering, lost it again. This went on again and again. Nityananda Prabhu experienced shivering, perspiration, tears of joy falling on the ground, shouting words of ecstasy in a thunderous voice.
Who can describe the ecstasy of Nityananda Prabhu? After spending some time in this way in Jagannatha Puri, Nityananda Prabhu resumed his journey and with great enthusiasm, visited the place where the Ganges meets the ocean. Who can fully describe all his travels to the different holy places? I have only recorded a fraction of them, by his mercy. After visiting the holy tirthas in this way, Nityananda Prabhu returned to Mathura. he took up residence in Vrindavana and stayed there day and night absorbed in thoughts of Krsna.
He ate nothing, and only now and then would drink some milk if someone gave it to him without his asking for it. Nityananda Prabhu thought to himself, “Sri Gauracandra is staying in Nabadwip, but his divine glory is remaining concealed. As soon as the Lord chooses to manifest his divinity, I shall immediately go to Nabadwip and fulfill my role in his service. In this way, having made up his mind, Nityananda Prabhu neither went to Nabadwip, nor left Mathura, but sported constantly in the waters of the Yamuna and played in the dust of Vrindavana with the children.
And although Nityananda Prabhu possesses complete potency in all respects, he abstained from bestowing devotion for Visnu upon anyone. Thinking for himself that when Lord Gauracandra would manifest himself, then the time would come for performing the pastime of distributing divine love on the order of the Lord. By thinking that nothing should be done except by the command of ari Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the greatness of the lord’s service is not reduced, and so Nityananda Prabhu awaited the command of the Lord. Nothing moves without the order of the Supreme Lord, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
And no one can do anything without his sanction, even if he is Ananta, Brahma, Siva, or any of the gods. The destroyers, rulers, and maintainers of the universe do their duty only upon the order of Sri Caitanya. Those sinners who are aggrieved in their minds by this, are completely unfit to be seen by a Vaishnava. The three worlds are witness to the fact that everyone obtained the treausre of love of god by the mercy of Nityananda Prabhu. He is the first of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s devotees. His tongue treasures the glorious praise of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Nityananda Prabhu discourses on Caitanya night and day; by serving him, devotion to Sri Caitanya is obtained. All glories to Nityananda Prabhu the primeval Lord, by whose mercy we can understand the glories of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Attachment to Nityananda Prabhu is the gift of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s mercy. For one who knows Nityananda Prabhu there is no danger anywhere. If someone wishes to cross beyond this world of darkness and dive into the ocean of devotion, let him serve the moonlike Nityananda. Some say that Nityananda Prabhu is Balarama Himself. others say that he is the abode of divine love for Sri Caitanya; let them say whatever they like. Whether Nityananda Prabhu is an ascetic, a devotee, or a sage; whatever he may be in relationship to Sri Caitanya, may his lotus feet be implanted firmly within the hearts of everyone. If after hearing all the good qualities of Nityananda Prabhu, there is still a sinful soul left who doesn’t appreciate him or who wants to slander him or blaspheme him in any way, then I kick on his face with my left foot.
Certain followers of Sri Caitanya speak of Nityananda Prabhu in such a way that although they appear to speak ill of him, they are really praising him. Such exalted Vaishnavas [like Advaita Acarya] are always pure in heart and transcendentally honest. Their seeming disagreement and quarrel is simply lila or sport. If one looks at their disagreement externally and takes the side of one, slandering the other, he will be finished. By followsing only those who deprecate all slander of Nityananda, Sri Caitanya is attained. When will that day be mine when I shall obtain the divine vision of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityananda Prabhu, surrounded by the assembly of devotees? May Nityananda Prabhu be my eternal master in every way. Remaining loyal to Nityananda Prabhu, may I serve the holy feet of Sri Gauracandra. May I read the holy Bhagavata at the feet of Nityananda Prabhu birth after birth. This is my aspiration. All glories to the Supreme Lord, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
You gave us Nityananda Prabhu and you took him away from us. And yet, O Mahaprabhu, grant me this one favor—that my mind may remain always attached to you and to Nityananda Prabhu. He is your greatest devotee; without your consent, no one can attain his lotus feet. Nityananda Prabhu roamed throughout Vrndavana and different holy places until Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu manifest his divinity. Whoever listens to this account of the pilgrimages of Nityananda Prabhu attains the treasure of divine love. Sri Krsna Caitanya is the life and soul of Nityananda Prabhu. Vrindavan Das, praying at their lotus feet sings Sri Caitanya Bhagavata.
HERE ENDS THE NINTH CHAPTER OF SRI CAITANYA BHAGAVATA ADI LILA ENTITLED THE
NARRATION OF THE CHILDHOOD PASTIMES OF NITYANANDA PRABHU AND HIS PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY PLACES.
Lord
Nihyananda - class
Yet Lord Nityananda is famous for inundating the universe with love of God. Lord Nityananda is the original devotee of Lord Caitanya. His tongue is the abode of Lord Caitanya's glories, vibrating incessantly the sublime pastimes of Sri Gauracandra. One can obtain full devotion at Lord Caitanya's lotus feet simply by worshipping Lord Nityananda. All glories to Lord Nityananda, the primeval Lord; it is only by His causeless mercy that the glorious pastimes of Sri Caitanya manifest in one's heart. And by the grace of Gauracandra one can become lovingly attached to Lord Nityananda. All obstacles and misfortunes in life are extirpated as soon as the knowledge of the truth about Lord Nityananda dawns upon one. Those who desire to overcome the material whirlpool and drown in the ocean of devotional service should worship Nitaicandra. Many praise my Lord saying, "Lord Nityananda is like Lord Brahma", while others say, "He is very dear to Lord Caitanya." I hear various opinions about Himthat He is a sannyasi, or a humble devotee, or an erudite Vedic scholar. People conjecture without inhibition and stop at nothing; some go to the extent of saying that His connection with Lord Caitanya is not intimate. None of these affect me at all, I simply pray that His lotus feet remain impressed upon my heart eternally. After repeated attempts to invoke good judgement in all people, if some sinful lot continues to criticize my Lord, then I kick them in their heads to save them from imminent disaster. ................That person who is not critical of Lord Nityananda and who is steadfast in his spiritual practices will certainly attain the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya. I intensely yearn to see the lotus feet of my Lord and master Sri Nityananda Prabhu and Sri Caitanya. Lord Nityananda is my absolute master; by taking shelter of His lotus feet let me worship Lord Caitanya. I greatly desire to study Srimad Bhagavatam in Lord Nityananda's presence. This is my humble submission eternally. All glories to Supreme Lord Sri Caitanya. You are fully independent to act as You wish. You can give me the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda or separate me from them. I pray that You, My Lord Caitanya, be merciful to me and grant that my whole heart and soul remain fixed at Your lotus feet and at the lotus feet of Sri Nityananda. Nitaicandra is devoted exclusively to You so no one can attain His shelter without Your blessings.
Lord Nityananda Prabhu serves Lord Caitanya in every way‑‑sometimes as a friend, sometimes as His umbrella, His bed, or as His carrier. All these services can be rendered by Lord Nityananda alone. He serves Lord Caitanya according to His own sweet desires. Others can also become eligible to serve the Lord, but only by the mercy of Nityananda Prabhu. Lord Nityananda Prabhu's glories are unlimited; no one can fully know Him. Even Lord Sesa who is a great yogi, a pure devotee, and Himself a controller in this material energy, cannot fully fathom the limits of Lord Nityananda's transcendental nature. If one criticizes or offends Lord Nityananda Prabhu without knowing about all of His wonderful attributes, then although He is constitutionally an eternal servant of Krsna, he becomes forever rejected from the path of devotional service. Lord Nityananda is the object of Lord Caitanya's complete love, and it is my heart's desire that that same Lord Nityananda reside in my heart as my most beloved Lord and Master. By His grace I have developed attachment and attraction for Lord Caitanya. It is by His order that I write these wonderful pastimes of Lord Caitanya. As there is no difference between Raghunatha, Lord Ramacandra, Yadunatha, and Lord Dwarakadisa; in the same way Lord Nityananda is non‑different from Lord Krsna, or Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. One who desires to cross over this ocean of nescience and drown in the nectarine waters of love of Godhead, must take shelter of the lotus feet of Nitaicandra.
3.
Lord Nityananda is very close and dear to Lord Caitanya, these glories of Lord Nityananda are sung in all the Vedic literatures.If one does not recognize His identity as a devotee of Lord Caitanya, and he may be respected by the whole world, he is worth no more than a straw to the learned Vaisnava assembly.Lord Nityananda introduce Himself saying, "I am Lord Caitanya's servant", He is always in this mood of a servitor. And only by His mercy one develops love for Lord Caitanya. All detriments in spiritual life are overcome by worshipping Lord Nityananda.The greatest hope I always cherish in my heart is that Lord Caitanya is the Lord of my Lord. O Lord Caitanya kindly offer me the shelter of the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda, who as Lord Ananta Sesa is holding this universe. I am able to sing the glorious life and pastimes of Lord Caitanya out of my love and attachment for Lord Balarama. My Lord Balarama is always desiring the best for the world. Lord Nityananda knows no other designation other than being Lord Caitanya's servant and only through serving Lord Nityananda is one eligible to become a devotee of Lord Caitanya. As by Lord Nityananda's grace I can know Lord Caitanya in truth, similarly to fully comprehend the truth about devotional service one must receive the blessings of Lord Nityananda.Lord Nityananda is very dear to all the Vaisnava devotees, everyone can receive from Lord Nityananda entry into the path of devotional service. Somehow, if by chance someone disregards Lord Nityananda then Lord Caitanya Himself condemns him to eternal suffering. The full glory of Lord Nityananda is very rarely known, even the great yogi and exalted Vaisnava Lord Siva does not know His unlimited potencies.
From Lord Balarama one gets spiritual strength, to get out of maya.
Song Gauranga bolite habe. Tuccha = no value, can be thrown away.
SP said: spiritual advancement only possible when one is convinced that "this material world and matrial happiness is of no value" This conviction is very much necessary.
Lord Nityananda - class 2
One day the Lord suddenly expressed a certain feeling to Lord Nityananda and Haridasa Thakura, "Listen Nityananda and Haridasa, travel everywhere and tell people about My teachings. Go to every house and beg everyone of this, Chant Krsna's name, worship Him and cultivate the science of Krsna consciousness. Just repeat this only and make them chant only Krsna's name and at the end of the day come and give Me your reports. Those who do not comply to your requests I will come personally and cut them with My Sudarsam chakra."7‑11
The Vaisnavas were very amused to hear the Lord's orders and there was no question of anyone trying to change any of it. Considering that Lord Nityananda has accepted these orders with utmost respect, anyone who disregards them is demented. If someone is only serving Advaita Acarya but does not worship Lord Caitanya will be destroyed by Advaita Acarya Himself.12‑14
Lord Nityananda and Haridasa Thakura the two Lords were on their way in a blissful mood with Lord Caitanya's order as their prime inspiration. They visited every house, going all over Nadia and requested all, "chant the holy names of Krsna and worship Him, He is everyone's shelter, friend and most treasured wealth, practice Krsna consciousness with undivided intent."15‑18
Wearing robes of renunciates they approached the householders, many invited them for food but they only replied, "I only beg of ìyou to chant Krsna, worship Him and cultivate devotional service."19‑20
This is all they repeated and went their way. The pious received their instructions well with faith being also impressed by their effulgent figures and replied happily to them expressing their pleasures. "I will do, I will do." Someone else said, "You two have mental aberrations due to wrong advice from others, You have become mad because of bad company, why have you come to infect us with your madness. Good and healthy persons have gone mad because of Nimai Pandita's bad influence."21‑25
Those who were disallowed entry into Srivasa Pandita's house during kirtana to see Lord Caitanya dance would react insolently to this saintly pair. They shouted, "beat them, beat them!" still others said, "Maybe these two are informers of dacoits, under the present pretext and garb they are collecting information. Why should saintly men act in this manner? If they come this way again I will hand them over to the law."26‑28
These comments only amused Lord Nityananda and Haridasa Thakura, they did not feel hurt or daunted they simply continued to preach everyday Lord Caitanya's message and on returning described everything to Lord Caitanya.29‑30
One day they came across two drunkards totally intoxicated, giant in size and looking like the worst kind of pirates. Their tales of wicked acts are unending and there is not a sin that they have not committed. Although born in a Brahmana family they consume liquor and beef, rob, steal and burn other houses. They disobey the court injunctions against them and always avoid appearing before the officers of law, all day engaged in their wicked activities.
31‑34
The two drunks rolled on the public streets, and when one caught the other unawares he pounded him with his fists. People watched this fun always keeping a distance. Just then Nityananda and Haridasa arrived there.35‑36
The two drunks sometimes embraced each other affectionately and the next moment they would pull each other's hair. They used the most filthy and abusive language on each other. They ran the good name of the brahmana class in Navadvipa to the ground. Intoxication can ruin anyone's life and character.37‑38
Although they had committed every conceivable sin they were still free from the offenses against Vaisnavas. They were just always intoxicated and had no opportunity to criticize Vaisnavas.39‑40
Such company, where Vaisnavas are offended may consist of highly pious persons still all their mercy is depleted. If Vaisnavas are offended even by an assembly of renunciates, sannyasis, such an assembly is more irreligious than a group of drunkards. For the drunks there is still a chance for salvation but for those ìwho are critical of Vaisnavas there is no hope for liberation.
41‑43
In spite of studying the scriptures a person may not become purified, and if such a person criticizes Lord Nityananda then he is doomed.44
The two drunks were still very much intoxicated as Nityananda and Haridasa see them from a distance. Nityananda turned to one of the crowd in the street and asked, "who are these two men, why do act like this?"45‑46
They replied, "Gosain, they are brahmanas, very good and noble parents, very good and aristocratic family, their family dates back many generations in Navadvipa, their family has a spotless reputation. These two are the black sheep of their family and from the beginning they are engaged in all sorts of sinful activities."47‑49
"Their family and societyostracized them seeing their character, and from that time they live independently as outcasts in the company of other drunkards. All the residents of Navadvipa are terrorized by them, they fear that anyone of them could be the next target of their arson and looting. Everyone knows that they are capable of anything and everything."50‑52
When Lord Nityananda heard these facts about the two scoundrels His heart melted. He immediately felt great compassion for them and began to consider how He could save them. He thought, "Lord Caitanya incarnated only to liberate and save the most fallen souls, who is more degraded than these two?"53‑54
The Lord has appeared hiding His real identity, the ordinary folks are unaware of this and they foolishly deride Him. If My Lord is merciful to these two and saves them then the entire world will acknowledge His Supreme potency. I Nityananda can prove to be a real servant of Lord Caitanya only when I persuade My Lord to awaken in these two their original Krsna consciousness."55‑57
They are so drunk now that they are oblivious of everything even themselves, if they could become similarly engrossed in chanting the names of Krsna, if they could cry My Lord's name, then My preaching and travelling is successful."58‑59
People now have to bathe in the Ganga with their clothes on for fear of somehow the shadow of these sinners as much as falls on them, but if I could reverse this present condition by being purified by Lord Caitanya when people saw them again they would feel clean as though they had taken a bath in the Ganga then only can I become worthy of My true name."60‑61
Lord Nityananda's glory and mercy is unfathomable, he has advented only to save the most fallen souls. After thinking to Himself He expressed to Haridasa Thakura, how rotten thy are, ìalthough born in a brahmana family
The Muslim guards who had whipped You almost to death were forgiven by You, so now in the case of these two if You are compassionate to them then constantly they can be saved. The Lord will certainly hear you if you plead on their behalf t Him, the Lord Himself has said that He cannot refuse you Haridasa. Let the whole world see the magnanimity of our Lord, that He is the savior of even these two. Just as the Bhagavatam sings about the liberation of Ajauimba, let all the three worlds witness something as unique."65‑69
Haridasa Thakura is all too familiar with Nityananda's nature, so he considered that these two sinners are as good as saved. Haridasa said, "Listen My Lord. Your desire is certainly also the Lord's desire. You deceive me by saying I can speak to the Lord because I am an animal and I need to be deceived, You are doing this repeatedly only to teach me of my lowly position."70‑72
Smiling benignly Lord Nityananda embraced him and spoke softly to him, "let us repeat to these drunks the Lord's message for which purpose we are roaming the streets. The Lord has instructed everyone to chant Krsna's name and especially the most degraded persons. Our duty is to simply repeat the rest is depending on the Lord whether they follow or not."73‑76
Once decided they now walked alike to the two drunks. The pious and saintly persons alike tries to dissuade Nityananda and Haridasa, "do not venture near them, if they catch you then you might even lose your life. We live in fear of these two, how do you muster up the courage to go to them? You cannot expect them to understand the holy position of a sannyasi, these two, murder brahmanas and slaughter cows."77‑80
Yet undeterred and joyously both continued walking towards the sinners chanting Krsna's name. They came close enough for them to hear Lord Caitanya's message, they called out, "chant Krsna's name, worship Him, for the Lord is dear to you as mother and father, He is the most wonderful treasure of the heart. He has appeared in His incarnation only for your sake, so give up all your sinful activities and surrender to such a merciful Lord."
81‑84
Hearing voices the two drunks lifted their heads, their eyes blood shot with rage. Seeing that the voices belonged to sannyasis, they cried out in anger, "catch them, catch them" and prepared to grab them. Haridasa and Nityananda hastily retreated being chased by these two yelling drunks, their cries were nasty and the two sannyasis were afraid of them.85‑88
People started saying, "we had warned them from before, but they did not heed it and so now they are put into a fearful ìsituation." The atheistic persons derived pleasure out of this inside themselves and maliciously thought, "these charlatans have been properly punished by Lord Narayana." The pious brahmana lot cried out, "O Lord Krsna save them, save them!" and they all fled the place in fear.89‑91
The two rogues were now chasing the two saints and although they cried out, "catch them, catch them," they were still not near them. Nityananda said, "My dear Vaisnava, Haridasa, we have got ourselves into a good mess, we can call ourselves lucky if we come out of this alive." Thakura Haridasa replied, "O Lord, what is the use of talking, acting on Your advice we now face unnatural or violent death. Because You have given instructions on the holy name of Krsna to these two faithless drunkards we are earning our due reaction and punishment, death."92‑95
Speaking in this manner Lord Nityananda continued to run laughing gleefully while the two rogues chased them hurling loud abuses. Their bodies were ugly and fat so movement was difficult yet they ran after the two.96‑97
"O brothers, where do you think you can go, how will you escape Jagai and Madhai today? You seem not to now that Jagai and Madhai move about in this area, so stay a while and get acquainted with this place nicely." These words further spurred them on and they kept chanting, "save us Krsna, save us Krsna. O Govinda."
98‑100
Haridasa said to Nityananda, "Lord Krsna saved me sometime back from the cruel hands of my Muslim tormentors, but today due to my companions restless nature and lack of mature intelligence I am about to face my final end."
101‑102
Lord Nityananda replied, "You are incorrect, this restlessness is not My real nature it is manifesting in this manner due to your master, Lord caitanya's spiritual ecstasies. Although He is a brahmana He is relaying orders like some king. And by His orders we go from door to door, although I never heard anyone else give such orders. In the process of executing His order our only remuneration is the harsh abusive words and false accusations by the people. If we do not carry out His orders then we are finished and is we do then this present dilemma is our answer. As for blaming someone for all this, you single Me out in fact your master has also a share in it."103‑107
The two carried on their verbal mock fight with each other with great pleasure still being chased by the two drunken rogues. Running they went in the direction of Srivasa Pandita's house and the two rogues were left behind to run around in circles confused by intoxication.108‑109
The two rogues were confounded looking in all direction. They ìhad no idea where the two saints had gone, they just gave up the chase and went about shuffling.110‑111
Nityananda and Haridasa after a little rest turned back to check if the rogues were still chasing them, they got up embraced each other laughing and went to see Lord Caitanya.112‑113
They found Lord Caitanya sitting amidst all the Vaisnavas,His exquisite beauty flowed from every part of His transcendental form. His eyes were like two full bloomed lotuses, His beauty caused Madana, the God of love, to swoon. They were discussing Krsna conscious topics in the assembly and sometimes the Lord would reveal the transcendental truth about Himself. It was as if the Lord of Vaikuntha, Narayana sat to discourse with Sanaka and other sages.114‑116
Nityananda and Haridasa narrated their days experience to the assembly, "A strange incident occurred, we came across two drunks totally intoxicated, we were told that they were from brahmana families. We thought of doing them a good turn and requested them to chant Krsna's holy name, but they reacted violently and chased us, we could barely escape with our lives."117‑119
Lord Caitanya said, "What persons are these, what are their names? Being brahmanas why do they act in this coarse manner?"
120
Srivasa and Gangadasa were sitting close to the Lord and they said, "My Lord, these two persons are Jagai and Madhai. Their father is a pious brahmana but bad company has spoiled these two, now they know only intoxication. Their names instill fear in the hearts of the people and they live by stealing, looting and violence. It is impossible to describe how fallen they are, but You see everything and know everything My Lord."121‑125
Lord Caitanya said, "I will show these two rogues, I will cut them to pieces if they come in front of Me."126
Lord Nityananda said, "You may cut them to pieces but I will not move from there, and if they are not alive I will not be able to carry out Your mission. Why are You getting so angry with them, allow Me first to make them chant Lord Krsna's name. The pious will naturally chant Krsna's name but these two know only irreligious activities. If You deliver them and bring them into devotional service, then Your fame as `Patitapawana' or `deliverer of the fallen' will remain intact. Your fame as `Patitapawana' had increased when You saved Me but that fame will reach unlimited bounds if You deliver these two."127‑131
Laughing Lord Visvambhara said, "They are already liberated, as soon as those two rogues saw you they were delivered. You are so concerned about their welfare, Krsna will very soon take full care of them."132‑133
The devotees broke out in jubilant shouts of "Hari, Hari" when ìthey heard Lord Caitanya's words, they were convinced that the sinners were already saved.134‑135
Haridasa spoke to Advaita Acarya, "The Lord has sent me out with an extremely restless person, if I go in one direction He will find another. He will jump into the crocodile infested swelling monsoon waters of the Ganga and try to catch the crocodiles. I stand on the banks shouting for Him to return He ignores everything and floats downstream like a dead man. And if He sees a young boy on the banks He gets up and goes shouting angrily after the boy. Soon the boy's irate parents arrive with sticks who I have to plead and beg with before sending them away."136‑140
He steals butter and cream from the milkman and runs away and I get caught and they want to beat me up. He is always doing the sort of activities which are incorrigible and beyond all logic. If He comes across a young maiden He asks her to marry Him. He sits on a bull shouting "Mahesh" (Lord Siva) and if He sees a cow He milks her and drinks the milk."141‑143
When I try to advice Him on His activities He mocks you saying, "What can that Advaita of Yours do to Me? And that person who You call `Caitanya' what can He do to Me?"144‑145
"I repeat nothing of all this to Lord Caitanya. Today I was saved only by the Lord's grace. These two drunks were lying in the street in a stupor and He goes to them and tries to preach to them about Krsna. They are enraged and charge at us, we were saved from death today only by Your mercy."146‑148
Very much amused Advaita said, "That is nothing special f
Very much amused Advaita said, "That is nothing special for Him. An intoxicated person should join other drunks. He is drunk with love of God so He should join the other two. And as a renunciate devotee you have no business in such company. I know Nityananda's character and ability He will make everyone intoxicated with divine love. Wait another few days, He will bring those two also into the Vaisnava fold.149‑152
Advaita Acarya was suddenly overcome with anger and He threw away His clothes from His body and started strongly chastising. He said, "I want to hear everything about Caitanya's devotion to Lord Krsna. How He sings and dances what is the extent of His potency. Just wait and see tomorrow Nimai and Nitai will bring those two drunks with them and dance with them here, and have them mingle with all the other Vaisnavas. Let us not run away from here and save our castes."153‑156
Haridasa laughed at Advaita Acarya's angry mood and was relieved and assured that the two drunks would be saved. Who is able to really fathom the inner meaning of Advaita's words only personalities like Haridasa Thakura can understand since he is of that spiritual caliber. Many who misunderstood the real position of Advaita in relation to the other associates of the Lord and the Lord Himself criticize Gadadhara Pandita for acting on the ìLord's desire, they invite their own doom. Any person who sides with a Vaisnava against another Vaisnava and criticizes him is destined to be destroyed.157‑160
The two drunks were as usual going to different places of the town and by some divine arrangement came and set up their den ;on the banks of the Ganga, a bathing place frequented by Lord Caitanya and went about their business of terrorizing the people.
161‑162
The entire neighborhood was in the grips of terror, rich, poor, miser. After dusk no one ventured to go to the Ganga for their evening ablution and if at all then only in large groups.163‑164
They spent their nights close to the Lord's house. Every night they heard the Lord's kirtana, staying up whole nights when they heard the sweet kirtana accompanied by mrdanga and cymbals. They danced a drunken jig to the sound of the kirtana, greatly amused at themselves. The kirtana and their dancing increased their appetite for more wine. At times listening to the kirtana at other times getting up to dance all this went on in a state of drunken stupor, they were totally drowned in intoxication oblivious of time and place.165‑169
When they accidentally met the Lord then they remarked to Him, "O Nimai Pandita, it is nice that you sing, I want to see how You sing the mangala Chandi (verses in glorification of Durgadevi) every night. I will bring all the paraphernalia for the chandi kirtana."170‑171
Lord Caitanya kept a distance from them seeing their drunken state, but others went a different way altogether to escape these rogues.172
One day Lord Nityananda was returning to Lord Caitanya's house in the evening after moving about town the whole day. The two rogues went and halted Him. Jagai and Madhai shouted out, "who is it?" Nityananda replied, "I am going to Nimai Pandita's house." In a drunken state they commanded, "What is Your name?" Lord Nityananda replied, "My name is Avadhuta."173‑175
Lord Nityananda lost in the mood of a young boy began to converse with the two drunks performing His lila. He had already made up His mind that He will deliver them and so He had purposely chosen this time to come this way. When Madhai heard the name `Avadhuta' he picked up a piece of broken earthen wine pot and seething with rage he threw it at Nityananda. The stone struck Nityananda on the forehead and it started bleeding. Lord Nityananda quietly meditated on Govinda, Krsna.176‑179
Jagai was deeply shocked to see blood dripping from Lord Nityananda's forehead; when Madhai once again raised his arms to strike Nityananda Jagai caught his hands. He said, "Why did you do such a heartless brutish thing, what can you gain by striking ìthis foreigner? This Avadhuta is innocent do not hit Him again, He is a renunciate hitting Him will not benefit you."180‑182
People went running to Lord Caitanya and informed Him of the incident. The Lord immediately collected a large army of His disciples and arrived at the spot. Lord Nityananda was still amidst the two, blood dripping all over His body, but He was smiling.183‑184
When Lord Caitanya saw blood on His beloved Nityananda, He went into a fit of wrath and cried out, "chakra, chakra!" calling for His most devastating weapon, the Sudarsan disc. The chakra immediately appeared looming ominously before the very eyes of Jagai and Madhai.185‑186
The devotees became very fearful and Nityananda quickly went to Lord Caitanya begging Him, "When Madhai was about to hit Me, Jagai tried to check him, but accidentally I was hit and although You see blood on Me I do not feel any pain. Please be calm My Lord I have no pain see, I beg of You to spare them and give them to Me."187‑189
When the words of Jagai being checked penetrated Lord Caitanya's hearing He became very pleased and He went up to Jagai and embraced him. He said to Jagai, "May Lord Krsna bless you, you have won Me over by protecting Nityananda. You can ask for anything you very much desire, I shall grant you the boon, and from today may you be firmly situated in a pure devotional life experiencing love of Godhead."190‑192
The Vaisnavas became joyous, appreciating Lord Caitanya's blessings on Jagai with loud cries. And when Jagai heard Lord Caitanya's blessing him into love of Godhead, he fell unconscious with ecstasy.193‑194
Lord Caitanya said, "Jagai, rise up and see, I have really blessed you with love of Godhead." Jagai then saw Lord Caitanya in His four handed manifestation, holding the conch, disc and lotus. Jagai placed His lotus feet on his chest. Jagai knew that the lotus feet on his chest sustained Laksmi devi's life and so he caught them tightly as his most treasured object and wept like a child purified of his sins. Lord Caitanya is always performing such wondrous pastimes.195‑199
The same soul resides in both Jagai and Madhai, one was purified of all his sins, and the other still a sinner. While Jagai was praying to Lord Caitanya Madhai was already being transformed within. Overlooking the presence of Lord Nityananda, Madhai quickly got up and threw himself like a stick before Lord Caitanya and catching hold of His lotus feet he prayed, "Both of us were sinners, sinning together, in the same place at the same time. Why was Your mercy shown to one and not the other My Lord? Be merciful to me, I shall chant Your holy name, for there is no one else who can deliver a wretch like me."200‑204
Lord Visvambhara replied, "I cannot deliver you, you were responsible for shedding Nityananda's blood." Madhai replied, "You cannot say this My Lord. How can You act against Your own religion? In Your previous incarnation, why did You give liberation to those demons who were piercing Your body with arrows?"205‑207
The Lord replied, "Your offense is far greater than those demons, because you have hurt Nityananda, My most beloved associate. I am revealing to you this truth that Nityananda's body is more dear to Me than My own is to Me."208‑209
Madhai said, "since You are already revealing the truth to me tell me how I can be saved? You are the Supreme healer of all diseases. I can be healed of my disease only by Your treatment. Please do no deceive me anymore, O Lord of the Universe, Your real identity is already known. Who can You hide it from?"
210‑212
Lord Visvambhara said, "You have committed a grievous offense: go and fall at Nityananda's feet." Madhai threw himself at Nityananda's feet following Lord Caitanya's instructions. Lord Nityananda's lotus feet are eternal treasures and once anyone holds on to them they will never be forsaken: this fact is well understood by Revati devi.213‑215
Lord Visvambhara said, "Listen dear Nityananda, he is at Your feet. You must show him mercy. As because he was responsible for shedding Your blood so only You can forgive him."216‑217
Lord Nityananda said, "What can I say or do My lord? Everything is a transformation of Your mercy. If I have acquired any piety due to devotional service to You then let all My pious results be given to Madhai. And as for My offenses I do not mind them, but You Lord should leave aside Your deception and unconditionally shower Your mercy on Madhai."218‑220
Lord Visvambhara said, "Now that You have forgiven everything why not also give Madhai Your transcendental embrace." Receiving Lord Visvambhara's order Nityananda firmly embraced Madhai and Madhai was immediately relieved of all sinful reactions and his body became surcharged with Lord Nityananda's spiritual powers.
221‑223
Both Jagai and Madhai were now completely purified of all sins and they began to glorify both their Lordships. Gaura Nitai.224
Lord Caitanya said, "From now do not commit anymore sinful activities." Jagai and Madhai replied, "never again My Lord." Lord Caitanya said again, "both of you listen carefully, it is an absolute fact that I have delivered you of all your sinful reactions accumulated over many many births and if you do not engage further in any sinful activities I take full ìresponsibility of your sinful lives. I will take your remanent and my energy will manifest within your bodies."225‑228
The Lord's promise to the two was like sweet nectar in their ears and they fell down in a state of blissful trance hearing His words. All misconceptions and nescience dissipated from their minds and Jagai and Madhai were exhilarating in these moments of spiritual happiness. The Lord perceived this mood and instructed His men accordingly.229‑230
"Take those two men to My house and I will perform kirtana with them. I will give them today what is rarely accessible to even Lord Brahma. I will covert these two men to top class devotees who will become famous all over the world. Those who would cleanse themselves in the holy waters of the Ganga each time they contacted Jagai and Madhai previously I will change their opinions, from now they will consider that the association of Jagai and Madhai is as good as the association of Gangadevi herself, this was Nityananda's desire. Nityananda's promise can never go in vain."231‑234
All the Vaisnavas escorted Jagai and Madhai into the inner recess of Lord Caitanya's house. Allowing only the Vaisnavas inside the Lord closed the doors.235‑236
Lord Visvambhara sat down and Nityananda and Gadadhara sat on either side of Him. In front facing Him sat the exalted Advaita Acarya, and the rest of the devotees sat all around Him. They were, Pundarik, Vidyanidhi, Haridasa Thakura, Garuda, Ramai, Srinivasa, Gangadasa, Vakresvar Pandita, Candra Sekhara and many other associates of the Lord who know the real nature of the activities of the Lord, they all sat in that assembly with Jagai and Madhai.237‑241
Jagai and Madhai was so swayed by the spiritual ecstasy generated in that Vaisnava assembly and the kirtanA that they began rolling on the ground manifesting the symptoms of ecstasy like horripilation, profuse of tears, shivering etc. Who is able to fathom the unlimited and nectarine pastimes of the Lord that He can convert two rogues into exalted devotees. They were previously atheists and sinners but now they are like two renounced spiritualists. Whosoever has faith in these activities of the Lord will attain the lotus feet of Krsna and the worst degradation is reserved for the non‑believers.242‑245
Jagai and Madhai offered prayers of praise to the Lord as the Lord and the devotees heard them with happiness. By the will of the Lord, Sarasvati devi, the Goddess of learning appeared on their tongues. Jagai and Madhai saw both Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda sitting in one place and they perceived Their individual real identity. The prayers they offered were so potent that if one hears them one immediately develops loving attachment to Krsna.246‑249
They prayed, "All glory to Lord Visvambhara, the Lord of Lords. All glory to Lord Nityananda who is serving Lord VIsvambhara in so many ways. All glory to Lord Caitanya who is the preceptor for congregational chanting of the name of Lord Krsna. All glory to Lord Nityananda who carries out all of Lord Caitanya's desires. All glory to the son of Jagannatha Misra, all glory to Lord Nityananda who has taken complete shelter of Lord Caitanya.
250‑252
All glory to Saci devi's son who is an ocean of mercy and all glory to Lord Nityananda, the Lord's constant companion. All glory to You, Lord of my heart, who is born as the son of a king's scholar, and all glory to Lord Nityananda who is the embodiment of compassion. All glories to the activities of Lord Caitanya and all glory to Lord Nityananda the most exalted Vaisnava.253‑255
All glory to the Supreme Lord, Sri Caitanya who holds the conch, disc, mace, and lotus, all glory to Lord Nityananda who is non different from Lord Caitanya and is glorious as the `Avadhuta'.
256
All glory to Lord Gauracandra the life and soul of Advaita Acarya; all glory to Lord Nityananda, who in His Ananta Sesa expansion is glorifying the Lord with thousands of mouths.257
All glory to Lord Caitanya, Gadadhara Pandita's life force and the master of Murari, He is the source of all joy to Haridasa Thakura and Vasudeva.258
O Lord! You have in all Your previous incarnations delivered innumerable sinful persons; these acts are Supremely wonderful, the whole world sings hymns praising these pastimes. In fact by delivering two sinful wretches like us the glories of Your previous activities are somewhat reduced, after all we are insignificant.259‑260
The story of Ajamila's deliverance was glorious, we seem puny and small next to that. This I say not in useless praise but with full conviction, Ajamila was the tight candidate for Your mercy. The Vedas declare that even a killer of millions of brahmanas can attain liberation immediately upon chanting Your holy name. It is not at all surprising that Ajanila attained liberation by chanting Your name because such is the transcendental potency of Your holy name.261‑264
You have incarnated specially to expound the highest truth of the Vedas; the authority of the Vedas would be undermined if sinners like us are not delivered. We were inimical towards You and even struck Your beloved Nityananda, yet You delivered us. One can easily judge the unimaginable difference between Your magnanimous act and our heinous low performance.265‑267
As soon as Ajanila uttered "Narayana" four messengers of the Lord appeared before him. As for us, when we saw You we immediately ìdrew blood from Your forehead, for which we were able to see Your expansion, and expansion of expansions, Your weapon for this incarnation (the holy name) and Your eternal associates. You had all along kept these wonderful facts a secret, but now these unlimited excellencies have been exposed.268‑270
Now by Your grace the essence of the Vedas is more clear and so Ananta Sesa can freely sing this truth. Now the hidden store house of Your transcendental qualities has been opened and the best example of this is that You have saved us out of Your causeless mercy.271‑272
Demons like Kamsa although cruel to You, yet You gave them liberation after killing them. You have so many places which are most confidential and some of the kings and warriors could see a little of it unravelled when they fought with You at the Svayamvara. Although they could see You face to face they all met with doom.273‑277
Those devotees who would clean themselves in the holy waters of the Ganga if perchance they even stepped on our shadows, now they are touching and mingling with us. O Lord in every respect Your activities are Super mundane, and there is no way to deceive anyone anymore about Your transcendental nature, everyone is well aware of this.278‑279
When Rajendra the king of the elephants prayed to You, You appreciated his faith and surrender and so You relieved him from his distressful condition and gave liberation to him.280
Similarly it was not by accident that You delivered Pubana the witch, and all the other demons like Aghasura, Baksurra etc. Upon leaving their bodies they were immediately transported to transcendence, who can understand these activities of Yours unless they approach this subject through the knowledge of the Vedas.281‑282
The way You have delivered these two most wretched, fallen souls was witnessed by the entire creation. All the wretched sinners You have delivered so far had some kind of qualifications but we have not a single qualification and yet You causelessly delivered us because of Your unlimited merciful nature.283‑285
Jagai and Madhai finished their prayers with tears of joy streaking down their glowing faces, such is the transcendental potency of the Lord. The assembled Vaisnavas were astounded having seen everything that had happened before their very presence, and they clasped their hands in great reverence before the Lord offering Him their prayers.286‑287
"The choicest words that were just spoken by these two drunks in praising You was possible only by Your causeless mercy. Who can understand the nature of Your inconceivable potencies, You give Your mercy by Your own sweet will." 288‑289
The Lord replied, "These two are not to be considered as drunks or rogues any more, from now they are My servitors. All of you kindly pray for them that they may never leave My devotional service. Whatever offenses they may have committed against any of you, please forgive them and bless them."290‑292
Hearing Lord Caitanya's words Jagai and Madhai threw themselves down at the feet of all the Vaisnava devotees and catching their feet begged for mercy. The devotees were moved by their humility and blessed them, thus Jagai and Madhai became free from all desires to commit further sinful activities.293‑294
Lord Caitanya said, "Rise, rise O Jagai and Madhai, You have nothing to worry anymore now you are My servitors. Your prayers were all true and are well appreciated. Such mercy and miracles that you have now witnessed and experienced is impossible in your present bodies, but it is now made possible only by the mercy of Lord Nityananda, this is an absolute fact. All you Vaisnavas present here please witness that I am taking on Myself all the sinful actions of these two souls."295‑298
To make everyone understand that He was accepting the sinful actions of Jagai and Madhai, Lord Caitanya's body became blackish in complexion. The Lord inquired, "why do you all look at Me in that manner? How do I look?" Advaita Acarya replied, "You look like Lord Krsna."299‑300
Lord Caitanya began to laugh at Advaita Acarya's words and all the Vaisnavas became ecstatic and expressed their joy in jubilant sounds.301
Lord Caitanya said, "Begin kirtana then this black shroud of sin will lift from My body and enter the bodies of those who criticize the devotees of the Lord." The devotees were happy to hear these words and they began a loud kirtana.302‑303
Lord Visvambhara and Lord Nityananda began to dance and the Vaisnavas circled around them in joyful abandonment, singing their praise. Advaita Acarya also began to dance, Lord Caitanya had advented on his request and the worlds was saved because of him alone.304‑305
Everyone joined in the ecstatic singing and dancing keeping time with the clapping of hands. They forgot their awe and reverence for the Lord in their joy and nobody knows the countless times they bumped into the Lord while dancing.306‑307
Mother Saci sat in the inner chambers with her daughter‑in‑law and saw everything feeling herself carried away in waves of ecstasy. Everyone was drowned in the flood of happiness of love of Godhead, Sri Krsna. Even Laksmi devi is very careful to touch the Lord's body but now even the two drunks were freely mingling and dancing and touching the Lord.308‑310
Lord Caitanya delivered these two, while He pushed the fault finders and offenders of the Vaisnavas down to the worst well. One never advances in spiritual life by finding faults in other Vaisnavas, in fact only sinful reactions are increased so give up all your fault findings.311‑313
After dancing the Lord sat down and all the Vaisnavas sat around Him. The Vaisnavas were covered in thick layers of dust, yet they were clean and glowing.314‑315
The Lord again looked like His original beautiful golden self and smiling He said, "Do not consider these two persons as being sinners any longer since I Myself have burnt up their sins. My energy has entered them and I make them act, speak, walk, eat and when I leave they will also leave their bodies behind. The conditioned living entities unable to bear much pain calls out for help with a little suffering, and even when the body is burnt the soul does not want to associate with his body.316‑319
The conditioned living entities under the influence of his false ego begins to accredit himself for all his activities and becomes proud, this is very dangerous. All the activities so far carried out by these two were under the spell of false ego but now I have stopped all that. From now they should be counted amongst you as Vaisnavas without discriminations.320‑322
All of you please listen attentively, anyone who gives these two brothers anything to eat with devotion and respect is in fact offering Lord Krsna the most relishable honey: even a leaf offered with love to them is nectar to Krsna.323‑325
If anyone ridicules these two in any