PARIKRAMA‑KHANDA

Chapter One

General Glorification

All glories to Lord Caitanya, the moon of Navadvipa and son of mother Saci! All glories to Nityananda Raya, the avadhuta! All glories to Sri Advaita Prabhu, the Supreme Lord! All glories to Sri Gadadhara and Srivasa Pandita! All glories to Navadvipa‑dhama, the essence of all dhamas! And all glories to the residents of Navadvipa, the associates of Gauranga!

Offering obeisances to the feet of all the devotees, I will now briefly describe Sri Navadvipa‑dhama. Even the demigods headed by Lord Brahma do not know the unlimited glories of Navadvipa‑mandala, so who can possibly describe that dhama fully? Since the thousand‑mouthed Sesa cannot describe it completely, how can I, an insignificant living entity, do so? Even Lord Siva can find no end to the unlimited glories of Navadvipa‑dhama. Nevertheless, the desire of Sri Caitanya is powerful, and according to His wish the devotees have given me an order. Therefore, by the mercy of the devotees, I hereby describe the glories of Nadia.

There is one other topic I would like to mention. As it is a confidential matter, I hesitate to disclose it. But, on the other hand, I cannot resist telling it, for Lord Caitanya instructed His devotees to publicize the glories of His pastimes and abode after His disappearance. Though Sri Caitanya is the most concealed of all avataras, I know well that He is all in all. But because His confidential activities are described ambiguously in scripture, the nondevotees are unable to realize them. For a long time Mayadevi kept hidden the confidential scriptures that describe Lord Caitanya's pastimes. These topics are described in both the unmanifest scriptures, which were scattered here and there, as well as in the manifest scriptures. Maya kept all these scriptures hidden from view by covering the eyes of the scholars.

After Gauranga completed His pastimes on earth, however, His obedient servant Mayadevi, understood the desire of the Lord. She lifted the veil of illusion from the eyes of the living entities and revealed the true nature of Sri Gauranga within this material universe. Thus the hidden meaning in the scriptures became easily revealed, and the arguments inhibiting understanding Lord Caitanya were dispelled. It was the all‑merciful Nityananda Prabhu who revealed the truth about Gauranga in the hearts of the living entities. On His command, Maya pulled away the covering so that the pure devotee scholars could receive this precious treasure of the scriptures.

If one remains doubtful in spite of the scriptural evidence, he is most unfortunate and useless. Why should he continue living? When Nityananda Prabhu distributed the mercy, the fortunate living entities accepted and reached the perfection of happiness.

Everyone should know the symptoms of the unfortunate living entity as well; it is he who is overconfident of the power of his own intelligence. Such a person rejects the mercy of the Lord, and by the force of false logic he falls repeatedly into the pit of illusion.

“Come, spirit souls of Kali‑yuga! Give up this hypocrisy and just accept the pure ecstatic love of Sri Gauranga!” In this way Nityananda Prabhu would call out again and again. But still the unfortunate living entities did not accept.

Now let us consider carefully why these people do not accept such wonderful love of God. In pursuit of happiness, living entities in the material world follow various processes, such as logic or mystic yoga. And, in quest of happiness, some give up the material world and go to the forest, while kings constantly wage wars amongst themselves. Desiring happiness, others run after women and wealth, while others take to arts and sciences. In pursuit of happiness, others reject happiness and learn to tolerate the miseries of life, and still others simply drown themselves in the ocean.

Raising His lotus hands in the air, Lord Nityananda exclaims, “Come, living entities! Give up the troubles of karma and jnana. Since you are endeavoring for happiness, I will give you happiness without asking anything in exchange. In this happiness there is no trouble, loss, or pain. Just chant the name of Gauranga and dance without anxiety. There's nothing equal to the happiness that I am giving. That happiness is pure, eternal ecstasy-beyond all illusion!”

In this way, Nityananda Prabhu begged everyone to take pure ecstatic love. Still, unfortunate persons, influenced by previous sinful activities, did not even want it. But if such persons chant even once the names of Gauranga and Nitai, the effects of unlimited sinful activities are destroyed.

Listen, everyone, to one more confidential topic. The most suitable thing for the souls of Kali‑yuga is this treasure of gauranga‑lila. Gaurahari is the combined form of Radha and Krsna, who eternally enjoy pastimes in Vrndavana along with the sakhis. The truth of Radha and Krsna's eternal pastimes and the glories of Vraja‑dhama are known by everyone through the scriptures. And the unlimited glories of Krsna's name and abode are known through the scriptures by people all over the universe. But still, actually obtaining Krsna‑prema is not at all common. Let us contemplate the reason why.

Herein lies the secret of secrets which the living entities bound by Maya cannot discern. One who does not attain love of God after worshiping Krsna birth after birth has certainly committed heaps of offenses. For only by chanting Krsna's name without offenses can one attain incessant Krsna‑prema.

Sri Caitanya's incarnation, however, is most uncommon. By His mercy, a serious person, though filled with offenses, can quickly obtain love of God. When someone calls out the names of Nitai and Caitanya, Krsna‑prema comes looking for him. Offenses do not hinder his progress, and he soon sheds tears of ecstasy out of pure love of God. By the mercy of Lord Caitanya, all the offenses quickly flee away, the heart becomes pure, and love of God fully blossoms. Because people in Kali‑yuga commit unlimited offenses, which are difficult to check, there can be no means of deliverance other than Gauranga's name. Therefore, in Kali‑yuga, I see no alternative to Sri Gauranga. This is also the proclamation of the scriptures.

As Sri Gauracandra appeared in Navadvipa, it is therefore the crest jewel of all holy places. Offenders are the object of punishment at other holy pilgrimage places, but in Navadvipa‑dhama they are purified. The example is the two brothers Jagai and Madhai, who committed great offenses yet still received Nitai and Gaura. What to speak of other places, at Vrndavana the offenders are punished. But a person who has committed hundreds of offenses can easily receive the mercy of Nityananda Prabhu and overcome those offenses in Navadvipa‑dhama. For this reason, sages endlessly praise Navadvipa of Gaura‑mandala.

He who lives in Navadvipa‑dhama is very fortunate, for he achieves attraction for Krsna. He who happens to go there becomes freed from all offenses. What one attains by travelling to all the holy places is attained just by remembering Navadvipa. In this way the scriptures sing. He who sees Navadvipa‑dhama gets ecstatic love of Krsna birth after birth. Even one who goes to Navadvipa desiring to gain material comforts through pious activities will not take another birth. The sastras say that one who walks around Navadvipa attains the fruit of millions of asvamedha‑yajnas at every step. And one who lives in Navadvipa and chants mantras obtains the sound of Caitanya as his mantra and easily gets free from maya. What yogis obtain after ten years at other tirthas is obtained in three nights at Navadvipa.

That liberation attained by Brahman realization at other holy places is obtained simply by bathing in the Ganges at Navadvipa. Thus, all types of liberation-salokya, sarupya, sarsåi, samipya, and nirvana-can be obtained in Navadvipa without speculative practice. Falling at the feet of the pure devotees in Navadvipa, Bhukti and Mukti (personified material enjoyment and liberation) remain there as obedient servants. Not caring for their blessings, the devotees kick them away, but still they do not leave the devotee's feet. The fruits obtained by staying one hundred years at the seven holy cities can be attained by staying one night in Navadvipa‑dhama.

In conclusion, Navadvipa is the topmost tirtha. Taking shelter of it, the living entities can cross over Kali‑yuga. At this place, taraka, the name of Rama, which gives liberation, and paraka Taraka and paraka are mentioned in Cc. 3.3.257. , the name of Krsna, which gives prema, always serve the residents of the dhama.

Aspiring for the shade of the lotus feet of Nitai and Jahnava, Bhaktivinoda thus sings in bliss.

Chapter Two

Measurement and Form of the Dhama

All glories to Lord Caitanya, the moon of Navadvipa and son of mother Saci! All glories to Nityananda Raya, the avadhuta! All glories to Navadvipa‑dhama, the essence of all spiritual abodes! Who has the ability to describe the truth of Navadvipa?

Navadvipa‑dhama within Gauda‑mandalaIGauda‑mandala;measurement of is served by the Ganges and situated in eternal splendor. This Gauda‑mandala is one hundred sixty‑eight miles in circumference, with the Ganges running through the center. Gauda‑mandala takes the form of a hundred‑petaled lotus with the most beautiful Navadvipa in the center. The circumference of the central stamen of the flower, or Antardvipa , is ten miles, and the circumference of the eight‑petaled flower, or Navadvipa, is thirty‑two miles. Outside this are the hundred petals of Gauda‑mandala, whose circumference measures one hundred sixty‑eight miles. According to the scriptures, the diameter of Gauda‑mandala is fifty‑six miles and the radius is twenty‑eight miles. The center point, situated within Navadvipa, is the YogapiåhaIYogapiåha , the sacred spiritual abode where the Lord advented.

The whole of Gauda‑mandala is cintamani, or touchstone, yielding all desires. The dhama is full of knowledge and bliss and is completely spiritual. The water, the land, the trees-everything in the dhama is spiritual, unlike the dull matter of this material world. Always present in the dhama are Krsna's three spiritual energies-sandhini potency , samvit potency , and hladini potency . Krsna's original energy, svarupapotency ‑sakti, manifests in these three divisions. Of these, the sandhini potency energy, which supports all existence, finds its perfect function in manifesting the eternal dhama. In that position, the dhama acts eternally as the base or support for the Lord's appearance and activities. All this is the action of the inconceivable energy of the Lord, which is anti‑material and completely transcendental.

One who sees only the activities of material nature in the dhama is a conditioned soul under the influence of ignorance and illusion. When a person's vision is covered by a cloud, he may think that the sun is covered, but actually the sun can never be covered by a cloud. In the same way, only persons whose vision is covered by the cloud of illusion see the transcendental form of Gauda‑mandala as a transformation of the material energy.

Whoever gets the mercy of Lord Nityananda, the master of the sandhinii potency, can see that blissful dhama as fully spiritual. The holy rivers such as the Ganges and Yamuna as well as the seven holy cities headed by Prayaga are all situated in various places within Navadvipa‑dhama. One who is fortunate can see that this pure realm, Gauda‑mandala, is directly the spiritual world.

Following the order of the Lord, Maya, the shadow of the Lord's svarupa‑sakti, spreads her influence of illusion. She covers the eyes of those living entities who have turned away from the Lord so they are unable to see the glories of the spiritual dhama.

Those people who always reside in Gauda‑mandala are the most fortunate in the world. The demigods in the heavenly planets see them as having beautiful four‑handed forms of blackish complexion. Within the sixteen krosas (One krosa is approximately two miles.) of Navadvipa‑dhama, the numerous residents, who are golden in complexion, constantly engage in congregational chanting of the Lord's holy names. Brahma and other demigods come from outer space and worship them in various ways.

Lord Brahma prays, “When will I become so fortunate to take birth as a blade of grass in Navadvipa‑dhama. Then I will receive the dust from the feet of the devotees who are engaged in serving the lotus feet of Sri Gauranga. Alas, Lord Caitanya has cheated me, for He has placed me in charge of the management of the universe. When will the knots of my karma be cut? When will my mind be purified as I give up false pride? And when will the illusion that I am the supreme authority cease as I become a pure servant under the shelter of Gauranga's lotus feet?”

The devas, rsis, and Rudras always reside in different parts of Navadvipa. Although they are engaged in austerities for a long time, still they do not get Nityananda's mercy. As long as bodily consciousness is not given up and humility does not awaken within, one cannot obtain the treasure of Sri Caitanya and Sri Nityananda's mercy, no matter what efforts one make, even if he be Siva or Brahma. All this will be explained later. O brother, just hear with faith and attention.

In these spiritual topics, one should avoid mundane logic and arguments, which are useless and inauspicious. The transcendental pastimes of Sri Caitanya are a deep ocean, whereas the process of mundane logic is simply troublesome, like the sheath covering the banana flower. Whoever wants to cross the ocean of material existence by logic and argument will simply toil in vain. He will receive nothing. But by giving up false arguments and taking the guidance of sadhu and sastra, one will soon receive Sri Caitanya. For on the order of Nityananda Prabhu, the sruti (Vedas), smrti (Puranas), and tantra sastras are continuously singing the glories of Navadvipa‑dhama. By reading these scriptures and accepting the words of the devotees, one will realize the truth of Navadvipa‑dhama.

In Kali‑yuga, all holy places are extremely weak; only Navadvipa is supremely strong. By the Lord's desire, however, this tirtha was invisible for a long time and its glories lay unrevealed. When the influence of Kali‑yuga increased, naturally the holy places lost their power.

At that time, desiring the good fortune of all living entities, the Supreme Lord thought, “Upon diagnosing a disease, a doctor prescribes an appropriate medicine. Accordingly, a strong medicine is given for a severe disease. Now that Kali‑yuga has become terrible and the disease is serious, there will be no relief without a strong medicine. If I do not reveal the dhama, the name, and My form, which I have been holding secretly for so long, how will the living entities ever recover? The living entities are My servants, and I am their Lord. If I do not help them, they will never be delivered.”

Saying this, Lord Caitanya appeared on earth with His name, dhama, and associates. The Lord promised that He will always deliver the living entities from the troubles of material existence.

Gauranga said, “Without considering who is fit and who is unfit, in this incarnation I will freely distribute the treasure of love which is rarely attained by even Lord Brahma. I will see how Kali can destroy these living entities! I will manifest Navadvipa‑dhama and break the poison teeth of Kali by performing congregational chanting of the holy names of God. As long as My name is sung, Kali will be controlled.”

Saying this, Gaurahari appeared in the beginning of Kali‑yuga in Navadvipa by His own internal spiritual potency. Withdrawing the covering of illusion, Gauracandra revealed His eternal pastimes in Gauda‑mandala.

I see no one in Kali‑yuga more unfortunate than that lamentable, wretched person who does not worship such a merciful Lord as Sri Caitanya, or who rejects such an inconceivable dhama as Navadvipa. Therefore give up all other desires and attractions, and simply fix your mind on Navadvipa‑dhama.

Aspiring for the shade of the lotus feet of Nitai and Jahnava, Bhaktivinoda reveals these truths.

Chapter Three

The Procedure for Parikrama of the Dhama

All glories to Lord Caitanya, the moon of Navadvipa and son of mother Saci! All glories to Nityananda Raya, the avadhuta! All glories to Sri Advaita Prabhu! All glories to Gadadhara and Srivasa Pandita! All glories to Navadvipa‑dhama, the essence of all dhamas, which advented along with Gauracandra.

Now hear, brothers, of the places that I will describe within the sixteen krosas of Navadvipa‑dhama.

There eternally exists sixteen rivers within the sixteen krosa area of Navadvipa. On the eastern bank of the main Ganges are four islands and on the western bank there are five. The different tributaries of the Ganges surround these islands and give the dhama its splendor. The main Ganges always flows in the middle, while other pious rivers flow in various tributaries. Near the Ganges flows the beautiful Yamuna , and the Sarasvati River flows within another river. East of the Yamuna are the long streams of the Tamraparni , the Krtamala , and the Brahmaputra . The Sarayu , Narmada , Sindhu , Kaveri , Gomati , and Godavari flow swiftly throughout the breadth of Navadvipa. All these rivers intersect to form the nine different islands of Navadvipa.

Following the desires of the Lord, sometimes the streams dry up, and then again by His wish they flow with water; by the Lord's wish sometimes places become covered with water, and by His wish they again become visible. In this way the dhama endlessly enacts its lila, but the same dhama remains always manifest to the fortunate living entity. If a devotee has an acute desire in his heart, all the islands and rivers will be visible. By devotion, the dhama is sometimes visible in dreams, meditation, or to the naked eye.

The island which lies at the junction of the Ganges and Yamuna is known in the sastras as Antardvipa . Within Antardvipa lies the holy sanctuary of Mayapur , where Lord Caitanya appeared. Know, devotees, that Mahavana , in the center of Goloka, is none other than Mayapur of Navadvipa.

Svetadvipa , Vaikunåha, Goloka, and Vrndavana reside in Navadvipa at all times. By the order of Gauracandra, the seven holy cities: Ayodhya , Mathura , Maya (Haridvara ), Kasi , Kanci, Avanti (Ujjain), and Dvaraka , are always present in their own places within Navadvipa. The city of Maya, at Gangadvara , has its original form as Mayapur in Navadvipa‑dhama. The glories of this particular place are profusely sung in the scriptures.

That person who once visits Mayapur is easily freed from the bondage of maya. One who walks throughout Mayapur is freed from the influence of maya and the repetition of birth.

North of Mayapur lies Simantadvipa . Sadhu and sastra have explained the rules of parikrama. After having darsana of Mayapur in Antardvipa , learned devotees go to Simantadvipa . Next one should go south of Mayapur to Godruma dvipa, then one should joyfully go to Madhyadvipa . After seeing these four islands on the east bank, one should reverently cross the Ganges . Having walked around Koladvipa at leisure, then take darsana of ¬tudvipa. After you have seen the most beautiful Jahnudvipa , go and see Modadrumadvipa and then Rudradvipa . Then again cross the Ganges , and walk back to Mayapur . There, respectfully enter the temple of Jagannatha Misra and Saci and take darsana of the Lord. This is the procedure of parikrama for all times. One who follows this practice will obtain unlimited happiness.

Everyone considers the best time for performing parikrama is from the tithi of Makara‑saptami upto the full moon, or purnima, of Phalguna. After finishing parikrama, fortunate persons take darsana at Mayapur on the birthday of Lord Caitanya. Nitai and Caitanya bestow Their mercy and the shade of Their lotus feet on those persons, who thus attain the qualification to execute devotional service.

Briefly I have described the rules for parikrama, and now I will describe everything in detail. Therefore, please listen. Whoever walks around the one hundred sixty‑eight miles of Gauda‑mandalaIGauda‑mandala will quickly obtain the treasure of gaura‑prema.

Desiring to obtain the shade of the lotus feet of Jahnava and Nitai, Bhaktivinoda reveals these truths.

Chapter Four

Sri Jiva Hears About Navadvipa‑dhama

All glories to Lord Caitanya, the moon of Navadvipa and son of mother Saci! All glories to Nityananda Raya, the avadhuta! All glories to the topmost dhama, Navadvipa, where Sri Caitanya advented. Whatever benefits are attained by residing in all other tirthas can be achieved by staying in Navadvipa for only one day.

Listen, O saintly people, as I sing this description of Navadvipa parikrama referring to scripture. The statements of sastra, the words of the Vaisnavas, and the teachings of the Lord-these three are my life. Taking shelter of these three, I will describe the rules for circumambulating Navadvipa. Listen everyone!

When Sri Jiva Gosvami as a young man left his home in Candradvipa, in great eagerness he cried out “Nadia, Nadia!” As he travelled along the paths, he lamented with tears flowing from his eyes like streams, “O Gauranga! Nityananda! You are the life of the living entities. When will You show mercy on me and give me Your darsana?” Again and again he exclaimed, “O Navadvipa, topmost of all dhamas, when will I see you?”

It was a startling sight to see the young, attractive form of Jiva, who was practicing extreme renunciation. His heart was always full of ecstatic love as he traveled along. Then, after some days, he arrived at Navadvipa. Seeing the city from a distance, he offered his dandavats and nearly lost consciousness. After some time he regained his composure and, trembling in ecstasy, he entered the town of Navadvipa. When he came to Barakona‑ghata he asked, “Where is Nityananda Prabhu? Please let me see Him.”

One devotee saw the elevated emotional state of Jiva Gosvami and offered to take him to where Nityananda was staying. At that time, Nityananda, in great ecstasy, began roaring with laughter on perceiving that Sri Jiva was coming to Him. As Nityananda ordered His servants to bring Jiva there, many Vaisnavas went to call him.

Upon seeing Jiva, whose body was filled with ecstatic symptoms, they could understood his identity. Filled with love, someone came forward to reveal the order of Nityananda Prabhu. Just on hearing the name Nityananda, Jiva fell to the ground unconscious.

After a few moments he got up and exclaimed, “Oh, I am greatly fortunate. Though the lowest of men, I have received the mercy of Nityananda Prabhu.”

Offering his dandavats to those devotees with a glad heart, he said, “If you all show mercy to me, then I can get the mercy of Nityananda. This is the verdict of scriptures.”

Seeing the good fortune of Jiva Gosvami, some of the Vaisnavas took the dust from his feet on their heads with great celebration. Then they all took him to Nityananda's place.

Nityananda was surrounded by devotees as He spoke about Krsna. Seeing that transcendental form of Nityananda, Jiva's body was transformed with extraordinary emotions. “What a wonderful form I am seeing today!” he exclaimed and fell unconscious.

Swayed by great compassion, Nityananda lifted Jiva up and accepted him as His own.

Jiva was overcome with emotion. He stood with his hands folded and began to speak to his Lord, “You are the form of the universe, the abode of the universe, Balarama. Being an insignificant living entity, what can I know of Your qualities? You are my eternal master, I am Your servant. My only aspiration is the shade of Your lotus feet. That person who receives Your mercy easily attains the lotus feet of Sri Caitanya and drowns in the water of prema. Without Your mercy no one will get Gaura, even if he worships Gaura for a hundred lifetimes. Sometimes Gauranga may punish someone, but You will protect him; but if You punish someone, Gaura will never accept him. Therefore, Lord, only on the strength of my past devotional activities, I take shelter of Your lotus feet. Be merciful and give permission that I may receive the darsana of Gauranga and gain attachment for Him.”

“When Gauranga came to Ramakeli and accepted my uncles, I was a young child. At that time my eyes filled with tears as I saw Gauranga's form, which since then always appears in my mind. I fell and offered obeisances at Gauranga's feet, and I became filled with happiness as I touched His body. At that time, the Lord told me to study the scriptures and, after finishing studies, go to Navadvipa, where I would attain everything at the lotus feet of Nityananda Prabhu. Although I am insignificant, I took that order on my head and acquired as much knowledge as I could. But though I studied all the books in Candradvipa, I could not get a suitable Vedanta teacher. The Lord ordered me to study Vedanta and reveal Krsna‑bhakti conforming with the Vedanta‑sutras. So I have come to Navadvipa to Your lotus feet. Whatever You order, I will obey. By Your order, I will go to Jagannatha Puri and study Vedanta under Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya.”

Upon hearing the sweet words of Jiva, Nityananda Prabhu embraced him and, unable to contain Himself, began weeping.

“Listen, Jiva, to these confidential words. Rupa and Sanatana know all the philosophy. The Lord ordered Me to tell you not to go stay in Puri. Everyone knows that you and your two uncles are pure servants of the Lord. The Lord ordered that you go to Varanasi and thoroughly study Vedanta under Madhusudana Vacaspati. From there, go to Vrndavana , where you will get the mercy of Rupa and Sanatana. Under Rupa Gosvami's direction, worship Their Lordships Radha and Krsna, and thoroughly discuss scriptures such as Vedanta. You should preach that Srimad Bhagavatam is the topmost scripture and the natural commentary on the Vedanta‑sutras.'

“Previously, Lord Caitanya bestowed His mercy on Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya and explained Vedanta to him according to the Bhagavata tradition. Sarvabhauma then taught this carefully to Madhusudana in Puri. On the order of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Madhusudana Vacaspati now resides in Varanasi . Go there and meet him.

“Externally he acts like a traditional Vedantist, and many followers of Sankaracarya study under him. Gradually, however, he gives them mercy by teaching them the precepts of Gauranga through the Vedanta‑sutras.

“At this time there is no necessity for a separate commentary on the Vedanta‑sutras, for the Bhagavatam explains all the sutras. When there will be need of another commentary, Sri Govinda‑bhasya will be revealed. Along with Sarvabhauma , Gopinatha Acarya heard the Lord's commentary. Later, by the wish of Sri Caitanya, Gopinatha Acarya will take birth as Baladeva Vidyabhusana; , and he will conquer Jaipur with his philosophical commentary. In Jaipur, he will serve Gauranga by writing the Govinda‑bhasya, and thus free all living entities from material bondage. Your two uncles, Rupa and Sanatana, will tell you all these confidential topics.”

Upon hearing Nityananda Prabhu speak, Jiva Gosvami began weeping and fell to the ground unconscious. Nityananda then bestowed His mercy on Jiva by putting His two lotus feet upon his head, thereby giving him spiritual strength. Jiva then began dancing in that assembly of Vaisnavas while chanting, “Jaya Sri Gauranga! Jaya Nityananda Raya!”

Witnessing this display of Nityananda's mercy, Srivasa Thakura and the other devotees present all began dancing and chanting, “Sri Gauranga! Nityananda!” The place resounded with great spiritual vibration.

After some time Jiva controlled his dancing, and Nityananda had him sit down nearby. Jiva stayed at Srivasa's place, but in the evening he again came to see Nityananda Prabhu.

As Nityananda was sitting alone, singing the glories of Lord Gauranga, Jiva came forward and fell at His lotus feet. Nityananda was very particular to make Jiva sit very close to Him. Jiva, however, became very aware of his own miserable condition. He folded his hands and said, “Lord, be merciful to me and describe the essential truths about Navadvipa‑dhama.”

Lord Nityananda said, “O Jiva, I will tell you, but you should keep these deep topics within your heart. Do not broadcast them here and there just yet. They will be propagated after our Lord completes His manifest pastimes.

“This Navadvipa is the best of dhamas. Crossing over the Viraja River and the Brahman effulgence, beyond the Vaikuntha planets one comes to Svetadvipa , Sri Goloka. Penetrating further, one comes to Gokula Vrndavana , or Krsnaloka.

“That Krsnaloka exists in two states of emotion. Rasa expands there in the form of madhurya and audarya , sweetness and munificence. Audarya exists within madhurya in fullness, and madhurya exists within audarya in fullness. But, that place where madhurya is the chief state is known by fortunate persons as Vrndavana . And that place where audarya is eternally predominant is called Navadvipa in all the Vedas. There is no difference between Vrndavana and Navadvipa, only the different manifestations of rasa makes them distinct.

“The dhama is eternally perfect, fully spiritual, and unlimited. Those whose intelligence is tinged with dull matter cannot approach there. But, under the influence of the hladini‑sakti, the energy governing bliss, the living entities give up material paths and by the strength of perfect knowledge attain their eternal spiritual activity of devotional service. The whole of Navadvipa is a spiritual manifestation, for at this holy place Sri Gauranga performed His transcendental activities.

“People with material vision see Navadvipa as made of material elements; for them maya covers the eternal dhama. Actually maya does not exist in Navadvipa, for it is not a material place influenced by time, nor are the living entities there subject to material troubles. But, as the living entity becomes bound by his fruitive activities, under illusion he perceives the dhama to be a material place.

“Thus I have related the truth of Navadvipa‑dhama. O Jiva, please consider all this with a pure heart.”

Aspiring for the shade of the lotus feet of Nitai and Jahnava, Bhaktivinoda reveals these confidential topics.

Chapter Five

Sri Mayapur and Antardvipa

All glories to Sri Caitanya, the son of Saci! All glories to Nityananda, the life of Jahnava! All glories to Navadvipa, the topmost dhama where Gauranga advented in Kali‑yuga.

Nityananda Prabhu began speaking, “Listen to My words. Navadvipa extends over sixteen krosas. Within the sixteen krosas of Navadvipa, which are nondifferent from Vrndavana , there are nine islands, which form an eight‑petaled lotus floating on the water. In the middle of the eight islands, or petals, lies Antardvipa . And within Antardvipa , lies the very central point, Mayapur . The eternal pastimes of Lord Caitanya take place within Yogapitha and the circle of Mayapur , the circumference of which measures three and a half miles and the diameter measures just over one mile. Because the Panca‑tattva are seated at the Yogapitha, it is the most glorious of all places.

“Very soon, by the desire of the Lord, this will be nearly hidden under the waters of the Ganges . Then later, by the powerful desire of the Lord, the dhama will again be revealed and shine effulgently. The eternal dhama is never really lost but is temporarily covered, and then again it appears to our eyes.

“My worshipable Lord eternally resides at Mayapur, situated on the east bank of the Ganges. Although in the eyes of common people, Visvambhara took sannyasa and left Navadvipa to go elsewhere, actually My Gauranga never gives up Mayapur or Navadvipa. The devotees can perceive His daily lila. You, Jiva, will also see Gauranga dancing.

“Around Mayapur is beautiful Antardvipa , where Brahma received the darsana of Gauranga. O Jiva, if you want to see all this, please go on parikrama. It will be very beneficial for you.”

Hearing the Lord's words, Jiva, with tears in his eyes, fell flat like a stick at Nityananda's feet and requested, “You will show real mercy on this unworthy wretch if You Yourself take me on parikrama.”

Hearing Jiva's request, Nityananda Raya simply said, “So be it.” By that, He revealed His mind. Nityananda said, “Jiva, today take darsana of Mayapur. Tomorrow we will tour more extensively.”

Saying this, Nityananda Prabhu got up, and Jiva followed Him with a happy heart. Nityananda moved forward slowly, for His body was extremely agitated with ecstatic love for Gauranga. Nityananda Prabhu was engrossed in ecstasy, and His enchanting form was decorated with gold ornaments which glittered and shone. The very feet that Brahma and Siva cannot attain by meditation were served out to Sri Jiva simply by the mercy of Sri Nityananda. Thus Jiva followed the Lord taking the dust of the Lord's feet and smearing it over his body. Off he went in great happiness.

They entered Jagannatha Misra's house and Nityananda introduced Jiva at the feet of mother Saci , “O mother, this is the magnanimous Sri Jiva, a fortunate and dear servant of Sri Caitanya.”

When the Lord said this, Jiva fell over like a tree uprooted by a storm. Falling at Saci 's feet, he rolled on the ground out of control as he exhibited various symptoms of ecstasy. Mother Saci mercifully blessed him, and on that very day, in that very house, they took prasada.

Receiving the order from mother Saci , VisŠupriya devi cooked various dishes of rice, vegetables, chutney, and sweets. Vaˆsivadana Thakura Dasa offered the bhoga attentively to Gauranga. Isana Thakura felt delighted within as he arranged a sitting place and served Nityananda the prasada. In motherly affection, Saci said, “My child Nityananda, eat at Your mother's house! Unseen by You, I have made Gauranga eat this. So when You eat, my mind becomes very happy.”

Hearing His mother's words, Nityananda Raya ate in great bliss. Afterwards, as Jiva took the remnants, he exclaimed, “I am greatly blessed to take prasada in the house of Caitanya Mahaprabhu in Mayapur .”

Having eaten, Nityananda took leave of Sacidevi 's lotus feet. At this time they took Vaˆsivadana Dasa into their group. After Jiva offered his respects at Vamsi's feet, Nityananda introduced him to Jiva, “The devotees know that this Vaˆsivadana Thakura is none other than Krsna's dear flute, by whose mercy the living entities become attracted to Krsna. They then develop great thirst, to attain the rasa dance.

“Look, Jiva, Sri Caitanya would bring us in this house, and we enjoyed many pastimes here. See, here is Jagannatha Misra's temple, where he would daily worship Lord VisŠu. And in this house, he used to serve his guests. See this tulasi bower. While Gauracandra was still here, He performed all the duties that His father observed. Relying on the authoritative words of Vaˆsivadana Thakura , Isana Thakura now performs those duties every day. Here, there was a nimba tree, which disappeared by Sri Caitanya's touch.”

Lord Nityananda wept as He described this, and Jiva and Vaˆsivadana Thakura also cried in response. Meanwhile, Srivasa Pandita came there to see what was happening. The four of them then left Jagannatha Misra's house and proceeded to Srivasa's courtyard, two hundred meters to the north. With a joyful mind, Nityananda Prabhu showed this to Jiva.

Jiva was agitated with love as he remembered the Lord's pastimes, and he rolled on the ground in Srivasa's courtyard. Then, just as Jiva was getting up, he saw Gauranga dancing wonderfully amidst His intimate associates in saŠkirtana. Advaita, Nityananda, Gadadhara, and Haridasa Thakura were dancing and singing. And they were joined by Suklambhara and hundreds of others. Seeing this, Jiva became unconscious with ecstatic love.

Regaining his consciousness, he could no longer see that pastime. Jiva Gosvami began to cry and lament, “Why couldn't I have taken birth a little earlier? I have not been fortunate enough to enjoy the bliss of such kirtana! Nityananda's mercy is unlimited, however, for by His grace I have been fortunate for a moment's time. My wish is to stay here forever so that the troubles of material existence will go far away. But the Lord's order is stronger than the servant's wish! My heart is beating wildly at the thought of leaving Mayapur !”

Nityananda next took Jiva to Advaita's house, twenty meters to the north. “Jiva, see the house of Sita‑natha, Advaita Acarya, where the Vaisnavas would meet to discuss Krsna. Sri Advaita worshiped Krsna here and, calling loudly, brought this treasure, My Lord Gauranga.”

After rolling on the ground there, the four men went to the house of Gadadhara, just ten meters to the east. From that place, Nityananda showed Jiva the various houses of Lord Caitanya's associates. After seeing the houses of the brahmana community, they proceeded to the bank of the Ganges in a happy mood. There, at the border of Mayapur , Jiva saw the Vrddha Siva temple.

Nityananda Prabhu said, “He is the guardian of Mayapur . This is where the praudha‑maya energy, yoga‑maya, in charge of spiritual perception) is eternally situated. When our Lord disappears, by His desire, the Ganges will swell. The Ganges water will almost cover Mayapur for a hundred years, and then the water will again recede. For some time only the place will remain, devoid of houses. Then again, by the Lord's desire, this place will become prominent, and people will live in Mayapur as before. All these ghatas on the bank of the Ganges will again be manifest, and the devotees will build temples of the Lord. One exceedingly wonderful temple will appear from which Gauranga's eternal service will be preached everywhere. Praudha Maya and Vrddha Siva will again come and perform their duties of revealing the spiritual dhama according to the Lord's desire.”

Hearing this, Jiva folded his hands and then, taking hold of Nityananda's lotus feet, he said, “O Lord, You are the cause of Sesa. You expand Yourself as the dhama and the holy name, and You are the shelter of the various forms of the Lord. Even though You act according to the Lord's desire, still You are the guru of all living entities and all energies rest upon You. Of course, whoever distinguishes between You and Gauranga is considered by the wise to be a rascal. O omniscient Supreme Lord, You have descended to display Your pastimes. One doubt has come into my heart. Please tell me where Siva and his consort will go when the Ganges hides Mayapur .”

Nityananda said, “Listen to My words, Jiva. Please look at that land on the west side of the Ganges . That high sandy shoal is called Paradanga. A community of brahmanas live there. North of that, is the bank of the Ganges , which the wise know as Chinadanga. At that place, a village will be established wherein Siva and his energy will stay for some time. Who can properly describe the glories of that riverbank, called Pulina? There, where the Ganges flows, is the location of the rasa dance. Only a sandy place of land is visible to the naked eye, but that place is a jewel‑like eternal dhama where transcendental pastimes take place. Mayapur is considered Gokula Mahavana , and Paradanga is Sattikara [presently Chatikara]. And that place, Pulina, is Vrndavana with Sri Rasa‑mandala. Later, the sound of tumultuous kirtana will be heard there.

“There is Mayapur and Sri Pulina and in the middle flows the Ganges . O magnanimous one, you should understand that all of this is the abode of Gauranga. One who walks these five krosas of the dhama will see Mayapur and Sri Pulina . And whoever walks these five krosas with the devotees on the Phalguna Purnima day receives the eternal treasure of love of God.

“O Jiva, hear a confidential topic. There is a very beautiful Deity of Gauranga belonging to VisŠupriya , which in the future will be brought to Sattikara by brahmanas descending from the family of Jagannatha Misra. Four hundred years after Lord Gauranga's appearance in this world, the worship of the Deity will be restored to the highest standard. But do not reveal any of this. Just do parikrama, feeling internal joy.

“Six meters from Vrddha Siva‑ghata, see Gauranga's own ghata. There Gaurahari in His childhood played in the water and pulled many pranks. Seeing the Yamuna 's good fortune of taking part in Krsna's pastimes, the Ganges performed penance for the same purpose. Krsna bestowed His mercy by appearing before Gangadevi and saying, ‘In the form of Gauranga I will perform pastimes in your waters.' Those pastimes were performed by the Supreme Lord of the three worlds, Gauranga, at this ghata. Fortunate people who see this place attain great happiness.”

“Thirty meters north is Madhai's ghata, which is known to all. Ten meters north of this lies one ghata that attracts the minds of the townspeople. This exceedingly beautiful ghata is called Barakona‑ghata. It was constructed on Krsna's order by Visvakarma. At this ghata you will see five Siva temples with five lingas. These four ghatas make Mayapur very beautiful. Moreover, whoever takes bath here is relieved of all miseries.

“East of Mayapur , the land is known as Antardvipa . By the Lord's desire this place will remain uninhabited for a long time. Then later, people will again live there, and it will be famous as one of the glories of Nadia. Jiva, today stay in Mayapur and tomorrow we will go to Simantadvipa .”

Hearing this, Jiva then said, “One question has arisen. Please listen. When Gangadevi again uncovers Mayapur , by what signs will the devotees be able to rediscover the concealed sites?”

Hearing this, Nityananda Prabhu answered with nectarlike words, “Listen, Jiva, when the Ganges covers this place, one corner of Mayapur will remain intact. Many yavanas will take up residence there, yet the name will remain Mayapur . About one thousand meters southwest of the remaining place, one will see a slightly raised area covered with vegetation. That will indicate Jagannatha Misra's house. Ten meters from there is the Vrddha Siva temple. From such measurement one will be able to discern everything. A pond called Siva‑doba will be seen, indicating the previous bank of the Ganges . In this way, by the Lord's wish, the devotees will reveal the lost places. Know this for certain. At the end of four hundred years, the task of recovering the lost tirthas will begin.”

Sri Jiva said, “O Lord, what is the reason for the name Antardvipa ?”

Nityananda Prabhu answered, “At the end of Dvapara‑yuga, Brahma undertook austerities here with a desire to achieve Gauranga's mercy. Brahma had tried to deceive Govinda by stealing the cowherd boys and calves, but when he saw he was defeated by his own tricks, he became miserable and regretted his offense. He entreated Krsna with many prayers, and Krsna forgave him. But later, Brahma considered, ‘Thinking that I am the creator of the universe is useless. Simply because of this fault I have been deprived of Krsna‑prema and enjoyment of the rasas of Vrndavana . If I could have taken birth as a cowherd boy, I could have easily served the master of the gopis. Although I was not able to achieve the nectar of those pastimes, now, when Gauranga appears, I will not fall prey to my wicked mind!'

“Thinking like this, Brahma began meditating and performing austerities in Antardvipa . After many days, Gauracandra mercifully came and said, ‘O Brahma , I am satisfied with your austerities. I have come to fulfill your desire.'

“When Brahma opened his eyes, he saw Gauranga and fell to the earth unconscious. The Lord put His foot on Brahma 's head, and Brahma was enlightened with transcendental knowledge and began to pray.’I am a low and worthless wretch, controlled by pride. Forgetting Your lotus feet, I have turned to material sense gratification. I myself, Lord Siva, and the demigods headed by Indra are Your subjugated servants. This is written in scripture. But we are not so fortunate as Your pure servants, and thus maya covers us with the net of illusion. The first one hundred trillion years of my life have passed and I have been forced to realize this at last. How will I spend the second one hundred trillion years of my life? If I remain in illusion, I will simply suffer. My only prayer is that I may become Your associate when You manifest Your pastimes. Having given up the illusion that I am the creator, I want to take birth in Your association and sing Your glories.'

“Hearing Brahma 's prayers, Lord Gauranga benedicted him saying, ‘So be it. When My pastimes become visible on earth, you will take birth in a yavana's house. Your name will be Haridasa Thakura, and you will be famous for your humility and completely free from all pride. You will chant three hundred thousand names a day, and when you pass from this world you will be seeing Me. And at the end of the second one hundred trillion years of your life, you will attain Navadvipa‑dhama and be absorbed in eternal rasa.

“‘Brahma , hear these secret (antara) words, but do not reveal this openly in the scriptures. Taking the role of a devotee, I will taste the nectar of bhakti‑rasa and propagate the most rare process of saŠkirtana. I will make the devotees of all the previous avataras drunk with the nectar of Vrndavana . The love that Sri Radhika possesses is beyond My experience, so I will appear with Her sentiments and complexion. Taking the position of Radha, I will taste that happiness that only Radha obtains in serving Me. From today, act as My disciple and, in the form of Haridasa Thakura , always serve Me.'

“Saying this, Gauranga became invisible, and Brahma fell to the ground unconscious.

“‘O Gauranga! Friend of the poor, dear to the devotees. when will I attain Your lotus feet?' he cried. In this way he wept for many days and then returned to his duties in Brahmaloka.”

Desiring only to attain the lotus feet of Nitai and Jahnava, this low, worthless, and useless Bhaktivinoda sings this glorification of Nadia.

Chapter Six

Sri Ganganagara, Prthu‑kunda, Simantadvipa

Saradanga, Visrama‑sthana

All glories to Sri Caitanya, the son of mother Saci! All glories to Nityananda, the life of Jahnava! All glories to Advaita, the husband of Sita. All glories to Gadadhara! And all glories to Gauranga's associates headed by Srivasa!

Early the next morning, Nityananda went out with Srivasa and Sri Jiva. Rama Dasa and other devotees joined as they continued on, performing saŠkirtana all the while. When they came to the very edge of Antardvipa , Nityananda pointed out Ganganagara to Jiva.

“Listen, Jiva, this Ganganagara was founded by Bhagiratha of the Raghu family. When the Ganges came down, King Bhagiratha led the way, blowing a conch shell. But when the Ganges arrived at Navadvipa‑dhama, she stopped and would not proceed. Bhagiratha saw this and became fearful. Retracing his steps, he came towards the Ganges . At this place, Ganganagara , he began to perform austerities. Satisfied with this, Gangadevi personally appeared before him.

“Bhagiratha said, ‘Mother Ganges , if you do not proceed on, my forefathers will never be delivered.'

“Gangadevi said, ‘Listen dear child, Bhagiratha . Just stay here patiently for a few days. Now we are in Navadvipa, and Magha month is coming. At the end of Phalguna month I will go to deliver your forefathers. O Bhagiratha , my waters emanate from the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord, so now here in His own dhama I would like to have my desires fulfilled. On the Phalguna Purnima, the birthday of the Lord, my vow will be completed. Then certainly I will go with you. Do not fear.' Thus Bhagiratha , the leader of the Raghu family, stayed here in Ganganagara until the Phalguna Purnima.

“On the Phalguna Purnima, one who fasts, takes bath in the Ganges here, and worships Gauranga will cross over the material ocean along with his ancestors. Along with one thousand ancestors, he attains Goloka after death no matter where he dies.

“O Jiva, this place is unlimitedly glorious because Sri Caitanya danced here many times. Also see here the houses of Gangadasa and Sanjaya Dasa, which are always pleasing.

“O learned one, now hear the glories of this beautiful pond to the east. Although it is now known as Ballal‑dighi, it was variously described in Satya‑yuga. At that time, Prthu Maharaja was leveling the rough places of the earth by cutting down the hills. As he began leveling this area, a great effulgence came forth. When the workers told this to Prthu Maharaja, he came to see the phenomenon. As he was a saktyavesa‑avatara, an empowered incarnation, by meditation he understood that this place was Navadvipa. He kept the glories of this place secret at that time and ordered that a kunda be established there. This kunda thus became celebrated as Prthu‑kunda throughout Navadvipa‑dhama. The villagers felt indescribable bliss on drinking the pure water of this kunda.