English
Japa Talk : 19 January, 2024
Speaker: H. G. Krishna Dhan Das
Theme: Pastime – Lord taking Sanyasa
Sub Theme –Introduction
Hare Kṛṣṇa!
om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-salakaya
cakshur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah
nama om vishnu-padaya krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate bhaktivedanta-svamin iti namine
namas te saraswate deve gaura-vani-pracarine
nirvishesha-shunyavadi-pashchatya-desha-tarine
vancha-kalpatarubhyash cha
kripa-sindhubhya eva cha
patitanam pavanebhyo
vaishnavebhyo namo namaha
Jaya Sri-Krishna-Chaitanya Prabhu Nityananda,
Sri-Advaita Gadadhara Srivasadi-Gaura-Bhakta-Vrinda.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Kṛṣṇa!
Seeking the blessings of Maharajshree and all the assembled devotees. Humbly bowing down at the lotus feet of all the assembled devotees. Now, we will try to discuss about Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
jaya jaya śrī kṛṣṇa caitanya nityānanda;
jayādvaita-candra jaya gaura bhakta vrṇda
Translation:
O Lord Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu, all glories to You. O Prabhu Nityananda, all glories to You.O Lord Advaitacandra, all glories to You. O devotees of Lord Gauranga, all glories to you all.[Jaya Jaya Sri Krsna Caitanya Nityananda Verse No 1]
You all must have heard from Maharajshree that we have celebrated Makar Sankranti recently. On that day, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu took sanyas.
Theme – 3 division’s of Mahaprabhu’s lila.
He died at the age of 48. The first twenty four years of Lord Chaitanya’s pastimes are known as Adi-lila. Mahaprabhu accepted the renounced order of life or sanyas when He was twenty four years. His pastimes from the age of twenty four to forty eight years are known as Shesh lila. This Shesh lila is further divided into two parts.
He spent the first six years continuously touring India, sometimes in South India, Vrindavan, Nabadvipa and Bengal. This period of six years is known as Madhya lila.
The remaining eighteen years Chaitanya Mahaprabhu – stayed at Puri. There the Lord performed intimate pastimes with his close associates. These pastimes are known as Antya lila.
When the Lord accepted sanyasa – immediately it led to the beginning of the Madhya lila. When Kaviraj Krishnadas Goswami begins narrating the Madhya lila of Chaitanya Charitamrita, he gives the summary of the entire Shesha lila in the first two chapters. He was not sure whether he would be able to complete writing the Chaitanya Charitamrita.
Later in the Chaitanya Charitamrita – Madhya lila Chapter 3 Srila Krishna Das Kaviraj Goswami speaks about the pastimes of the Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu post accepting sannyāsa.
Theme – Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu accepts sannyāsa
cabbiśa vatsara-śeṣa yei māgha-māsa
tāra śukla-pakṣe prabhu karilā sannyāsa
Translation:
At the end of His twenty-fourth year, in the month of Māgha, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu accepted the sannyāsa order during the waxing period of the moon. [CC Madhya 3.3]
Month of Magha is currently going on.
sannyāsa kari’ premāveśe calilā vṛndāvana
rāḍha-deśe tina dina karilā bhramaṇa
Translation:
After accepting the sannyāsa order, Caitanya Mahāprabhu, out of intense love for Kṛṣṇa, started for Vṛndāvana. However, He mistakenly wandered about in a trance continuously for three days in the tract of land known as Rāḍha-deśa. [CC Madhya 3.4]
ei śloka paḍi’ prabhu bhāvera āveśe
bhramite pavitra kaila saba rāḍha-deśe
Translation:
Passing through the tract of land known as Rāḍha-deśa, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu recited the following verse in ecstasy. [CC Madhya 3.5]
The below mentioned verse is very famous.
etāṁ sa āsthāya parātma-niṣṭhām
adhyāsitāṁ pūrvatamair mahadbhiḥ
ahaṁ tariṣyāmi duranta-pāraṁ
tamo mukundāṅghri-niṣevayaiva
Translation:
[As a brāhmaṇa from Avantī-deśa said:] ‘I shall cross over the insurmountable ocean of nescience by being firmly fixed in the service of the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa. This was approved by the previous ācāryas, who were fixed in firm devotion to the Lord, Paramātmā, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. [CC Madhya 3.6]
You must have seen, that when one gets Sanyas inititation, he is given this mantra. There were some videos – taken at Vrindavan, Gurumaharaj had recently given some sanyasi initiations to devotees. He had asked them to receite this mantra.
This mantra or verse is taken from Chaitanya Charitamrita.When Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was wandering he receited this verse. The meaning of this verse is, by becoming firmly fixed in the service of the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord, I can come out of ocean of nescience. This has been confirmed by our Acharyas who were firmly fixed in the devotional service towards the Supreme Lord.
In this manner, Mahaprabhu was wandering, at that time, Nityananda Prabhu met some kids. Nityananda Prabhu tells them “If Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asks you about the path to Vṛndāvana, please show Him the path on the bank of the Ganges instead.”
nityānanda, ācāryaratna, mukunda, tina jana
prabhu-pāche-pāche tine karena gamana
Translation:
When Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu went toward Vṛndāvana, Nityānanda Prabhu, Candraśekhara and Prabhu Mukunda followed Him.[CC Madhya 3.11]
Mahaprabhu was chanting the holy names like “Hari-Hari!” while walking. Nityananda Prabhu had already ordered or instructed these kids in advance to show Mahaprabhu the path.
tabe prabhu puchilena, — ‘śuna, śiśu-gaṇa
kaha dekhi, kon pathe yāba vṛndāvana’
śiśu saba gaṅgā-tīra-patha dekhāila
sei pathe āveśe prabhu gamana karila
Translation:
When the cowherd boys were questioned by Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu about the path to Vṛndāvana, the boys showed Him the path on the bank of the Ganges, and the Lord went that way in ecstasy. [CC Madhya 3.18-9]
Mahaprabhu was in ecstasy, hence he could not understand whether it is day or night time. He knew river Yamuna was flowing in Vrindavan. The boys showed Him the path by following the banks of Ganges. He walked on that path in ecstasy.
ācāryaratnere kahe nityānanda-gosāñi
śīghra yāha tumi advaita-ācāryera ṭhāñi
Translation:
As the Lord proceeded along the bank of the Ganges, Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu requested Ācāryaratna [Candraśekhara Ācārya] to go immediately to the house of Advaita Ācārya.[CC Madhya 3.20].
tāṅre pāṭhāiyā nityānanda mahāśaya
mahāprabhura āge āsi’ dila paricaya
Translation:
After sending Ācāryaratna to the house of Advaita Ācārya, Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu went before Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu and gave notice of His coming.[CC Madhya 3.23].
prabhu kahe, — śrīpāda, tomāra kothāke gamana
śrīpāda kahe, tomāra saṅge yāba vṛndāvana
Translation:
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was in ecstasy, and He asked where Nityānanda Prabhu was going. Nityānanda replied that He was going with Him toward Vṛndāvana.[CC Madhya 3.24].
prabhu kahe, — kata dūre āche vṛndāvana
teṅho kahena, — kara ei yamunā daraśana
Translation:
When the Lord asked Nityānanda Prabhu how far it was to Vṛndāvana, Nityānanda replied, “Just see! Here is the river Yamunā.”[CC Madhya 3.25].
Nityananda Prabhu further tells the Lord :”Please take the darshan of river Yamuna”. The river was actually Ganges.
eta bali’ ānila tāṅre gaṅgā-sannidhāne
āveśe prabhura haila gaṅgāre yamunā-jñāne
Translation:
Saying this, Nityānanda Prabhu took Caitanya Mahāprabhu near the Ganges, and the Lord, in His ecstasy, accepted the river Ganges as the river Yamunā.[CC Madhya 3.26].
Lord then took bath in the river Yamuna.
aho bhāgya, yamunāre pāiluṅ daraśana
eta bali’ yamunāra karena stavana
Translation:
The Lord said, “Oh, what good fortune! Now I have seen the river Yamunā.” Thus thinking the Ganges to be the river Yamunā, Caitanya Mahāprabhu began to offer prayers to it.[CC Madhya 3.27].
Mahaprabhu then praised river Yamuna nicely.
hena kāle ācārya-gosāñi naukāte caḍiñā
āila nūtana kaupīna-bahirvāsa lañā
Translation:
While Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was standing there without a second garment, Śrī Advaita Ācārya arrived in a boat, bringing with Him new underwear and external garments.[CC Madhya 3.30].
Lord saw Sri Advaita Acarya and started wondering – as Sri Advaita Acarya stayed on the banks of Ganges at Nabadvipa.
tumi ta’ ācārya-gosāñi, ethā kene āilā
āmi vṛndāvane, tumi ke-mate jānilā
Translation:
Still in His ecstasy, the Lord asked Advaita Ācārya, “Why did You come here? How did You know that I was in Vṛndāvana?”[CC Madhya 3.32].
ācārya kahe — tumi yāhāṅ, sei vṛndāvana
mora bhāgye gaṅgā-tīre tomāra āgamana
Translation:
Advaita Ācārya disclosed the whole situation, telling Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, “Wherever You are, that is Vṛndāvana. Now it is My great fortune that You have come to the bank of the Ganges.”[CC Madhya 3.33].
prabhu kahe, — nityānanda āmāre vañcilā
gaṅgāke āniyā more yamunā kahilā
Translation:
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu then said, “Nityānanda has cheated Me. He has brought Me to the bank of the Ganges and told Me that it was the Yamunā.”[CC Madhya 3.34].
Mahaprabhu felt offended. He further said that “Nityananda doesnot behave properly, he is a thief”.
Sri Advaita Acarya tells “It is okay. You have already taken a bath. Water of the Ganges and Yamuna are the same. Please do not worry. Take this towel and new clothes and wear them.”
premāveśe tina dina ācha upavāsa
āji mora ghare bhikṣā, cala mora vāsa
Translation:
Advaita Ācārya said, “You have been fasting continuously for three days in Your ecstasy of love for Kṛṣṇa. I therefore invite You to My home, where You may kindly take Your alms. Come with Me to My residence.”[CC Madhya 3.38].
Advaita Acarya further states that I have personally prepared some nice foodstuff.
Saying this, Śrī Advaita Ācārya took the Lord into the boat and brought the Lord to His residence.All the eatables were first cooked by the wife of Advaita Ācārya. Then Śrīla Advaita Ācārya personally offered everything to Lord Viṣṇu by performing the Bhoga Aarti.
Post the Bhoga Aarti, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu accepted the prasadam. Krishnadas Kaviraj Goswami – elaborates this pastime very beautifully. There was a transcendental fight between Nityananda Prabhu and Srila Advaita Acarya. Krishnadas Kaviraj Goswami has described this pastime as well.
Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu offers obeisance’s to Sita Thakurani the wife of Srila Advaita Acarya.
aiche anna ye kṛṣṇake karāya bhojana
janme janme śire dharoṅ tāṅhāra caraṇa
Translation:
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu approved of all the methods employed in cooking and offering food to Kṛṣṇa. Indeed, He was so pleased that He said, “Frankly, I will personally take the lotus feet of anyone who can offer Kṛṣṇa such nice food and place those lotus feet on My head birth after birth.”[CC Madhya 3.65].
Lord tells that I will personally – offer my obeisance’s to those devotees who offer nice food stuff to Lord Vishnu. We can understand here that Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is grateful and happy– when we offer nice food to the Supreme Lord and honour the remnants and distribute it to others as well. Lord further states that – when a devotee honours only prasadam – Lord takes the lotus feet of such devotees on His head birth after birth. Thus, Mahaprabhu honoured the prasadam nicely and then started performing kirtan and glorifying the devotees and prasadam.
Thus, this pastime of prasadam took place.
Krishnadas Kaviraj Goswami – describes the items honoured by the Lord in great detail.
Earlier, Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu had sent Ācāryaratna to the house of Advaita Ācārya and he had also sent other devotees to Navadvipa. Advaita Acarya’s house was at Shantipur on the banks of Ganges. The devotees called Saci Mata (the mother of Mahaprabhu) from Nabadvipa.
śāntipurera loka śuni’ prabhura āgamana
dekhite āilā loka prabhura caraṇa
Translation:
When the people of Śāntipura heard that Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was staying there, they all immediately came to see His lotus feet.[CC Madhya 3.108].
The news spread that Mahaprabhu had come to Santipura and people gathered in large numbers to take the darshan of Mahaprabhu.
‘hari’ ‘hari’ bale loka ānandita hañā
camatkāra pāila prabhura saundarya dekhiñā
Translation:
Being very pleased, all the people loudly began to shout the holy name of the Lord, “Hari! Hari!” Indeed, they became struck with wonder upon seeing the beauty of the Lord.[CC Madhya 3.109].
There were astonished on seeing the beautiful darshan of Mahaprabhu.
gaura-deha-kānti sūrya jiniyā ujjvala
aruṇa-vastra-kānti tāhe kare jhala-mala
Translation:
They saw Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s very fair-complexioned body and its bright luster, which conquered the brilliance of the sun. Over and above this was the beauty of the saffron garments that glittered upon His body.[CC Madhya 3.110].
There was no calculating how many people assembled there before the day was over. The people experienced great pleasure.
What did they do in the evening?
sandhyāte ācārya ārambhila saṅkīrtana
ācārya nācena, prabhu karena darśana
Translation:
As soon as it was evening, Advaita Ācārya began the congregational chanting. He even began to dance Himself, and the Lord saw the performance.[CC Madhya 3.112].
Advaita Acarya and Haridas Thakur danced in an amazing manner. Then Mahaprabhu started to dance. Mukunda would perform kirtan – on seeing Mahaprabhu’s ecstatic symptoms. (This was the fame of Mukunda).
Thus, this program was going on in Santipur daily which included kirtan and prasadam.
ei-mata daśa-dina bhojana-kīrtana
eka-rūpe kari’ kare prabhura sevana
Translation:
For ten continuous days Advaita Ācārya held feasting and chanting in the evening. He served the Lord in this way without any change. [CC Madhya 3.136].
Post Mahaprabhu’s sanyas, He had come here. The devotees would come together and serve the Lord.
prabhāte ācāryaratna dolāya caḍāñā
bhakta-gaṇa-saṅge āilā śacīmātā lañā
Translation:
In the morning Candraśekhara seated Śacīmātā in a palanquin and brought her from her house with many devotees.[CC Madhya 3.137].
nadīyā-nagarera loka — strī-bālaka-vṛddha
saba loka āilā, haila saṅghaṭṭa samṛddha
Translation:
In this way, all the people of the town of Nadia — including all women, boys and old men — came there. Thus the crowd increased.[CC Madhya 3.138].
The crowd included people from Santipura and Nabadvipa. What did they do?They sing kirtan.
prātaḥ-kṛtya kari’ kare nāma-saṅkīrtana
śacīmātā lañā āilā advaita-bhavana
Translation:
In the morning, after regular duties were completed and the Lord was chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, the people accompanied Śacīmātā to the house of Advaita Ācārya.[CC Madhya 3.139].
Now, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was going to see Saci Mata for the first time after His sanyasa.
śacī-āge paḍilā prabhu daṇḍavat hañā
kāndite lāgilā śacī kole uṭhāiñā
Translation:
As soon as mother Śacī appeared on the scene, Caitanya Mahāprabhu fell before her like a stick. Mother Śacī began to cry, taking the Lord on her lap.[CC Madhya 3.140].
doṅhāra darśane duṅhe ha-ilā vihvala
keśa nā dekhiyā śacī ha-ilā vikala
Translation:
Upon seeing each other, they both became overwhelmed. Seeing the Lord’s head without hair, mother Śacī became greatly agitated.[CC Madhya 3.141].
Before taking sanyasa, Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had very beautiful – curly hair. Mother Saci started crying, as she could not see the Lord’s hair and she did not know what to do.
aṅga muche, mukha cumbe, kare nirīkṣaṇa
dekhite nā pāya, — aśru bharila nayana
Translation:
Out of love she began to caress the body of the Lord. Sometimes she kissed His face and tried to observe Him carefully, but because her eyes were filled with tears, she could not see.[CC Madhya 3.142].
kāndiyā kahena śacī, bāchāre nimāñi
viśvarūpa-sama nā kariha niṭhurāi
Translation:
Understanding that Lord Caitanya had accepted the renounced order of life, Śacīmātā, crying, said to the Lord, “My darling Nimāi, do not be cruel like Viśvarūpa, Your elder brother.” [CC Madhya 3.143].
You must have seen in the Radha Pardharinath Temple, Visvarupa had taken his sanyasa initiation there. Sacimata is reminding Nimai, your elder brother left me.
sannyāsī ha-iyā punaḥ nā dila daraśana
tumi taiche kaile mora ha-ibe maraṇa
Translation:
Mother Śacī continued, “After accepting the renounced order, Viśvarūpa never again gave me audience. If You do like Him, that will certainly be the death of me.[CC Madhya 3.144].
Just see the love of Mother Saci (due to her motherly love she was crying). Why did Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu take sanyasa? He renounced such a loving, kind and compassionate mother just to liberate us. The 11th Canto of Srimad Bhagavatamdescribes Chaitanya Mahaprabhu as follows:
tyaktvā su-dustyaja-surepsita-rājya-lakṣmīṁ
dharmiṣṭha ārya-vacasā yad agād araṇyam
māyā-mṛgaṁ dayitayepsitam anvadhāvad
vande mahā-puruṣa te caraṇāravindam
Translation:
O Mahā-puruṣa, I worship Your lotus feet. You gave up the association of the goddess of fortune and all her opulence, which is most difficult to renounce and is hankered after by even the great demigods. Being the most faithful follower of the path of religion, You thus left for the forest in obedience to a brāhmaṇa’s curse. Out of sheer mercifulness You chased after the fallen conditioned souls, who are always in pursuit of the false enjoyment of illusion, and at the same time engaged in searching out Your own desired object, Lord Śyāmasundara. [SB 11.5.34].
I worship that Maha purusa. He has given up the association of His mother Saci, who loved Him a lot and also His wife Vishnu Priya who was very chaste. Her beauty was equal to the beauty Indra’s wife. Why? For jivas who have left the association of Supreme Lord and are running behind mayadevi. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu wanted to catch hold of such Jivas. Hence, he accepted sanyasa and I worship such a Maha purusa. This is being mentioned in the above verse.
Mahaprabhu left His family including His wife, His wealth, His knowledge and His loving mother. You can imagine, His mother is crying. Post taking sanyasa – Mahaprabhu is dressed in saffron and shaved head. He was very beautiful earlier but now, Saci Mata is getting this type of darshan.
She is telling further that if you leave me I shall die.
kāndiyā balena prabhu — śuna, mora āi
tomāra śarīra ei, mora kichu nāi
Translation:
The Lord replied, “My dear mother, please hear. This body belongs to you. I do not possess anything.” [CC Madhya 3.145].
InBengali also mother is addressed as Aai. Now Mahaprabhu started crying.
tomāra pālita deha, janma tomā haite
koṭi janme tomāra ṛṇa nā pāri śodhite
Translation:
This body was raised by you, and it comes from you. I cannot repay this debt even in millions of births.[CC Madhya 3.146].
jāni’ vā nā jāni’ kaila yadyapi sannyāsa
tathāpi tomāre kabhu nahiba udāsa
Translation:
Knowingly or unknowingly I have accepted this renounced order. Still, I shall never be indifferent to you. [CC Madhya 3.147].
tumi yāhāṅ kaha, āmi tāhāṅi rahiba
tumi yei ājñā kara, sei ta’ kariba
Translation:
My dear mother, wherever you ask Me to stay I shall stay, and whatever you order I shall execute. [CC Madhya 3.148].
eta bali’ punaḥ punaḥ kare namaskāra
tuṣṭa hañā āi kole kare bāra bāra
Translation:
Saying this, the Lord offered obeisances to His mother again and again, and mother Śacī, being pleased, took Him again and again on her lap. [CC Madhya 3.149].
Saci Mata was crying, Advait Acarya took Saci Mata within his house. Mahaprabhu met other devotees.
eke eke milila prabhu saba bhakta-gaṇa
sabāra mukha dekhi’ kare dṛḍha āliṅgana
Translation:
The Lord met all the devotees one after the other, and looking at everyone’s face individually, He embraced them tightly. [CC Madhya 3.151].
The Lord was pleased to meet them.
Some devotees are happy and some are sad. Why?
keśa nā dekhiyā bhakta yadyapi pāya duḥkha
saundarya dekhite tabu pāya mahā-sukha
Translation:
Although the devotees were unhappy at not seeing the Lord’s hair, they nonetheless derived great happiness from seeing His beauty. [CC Madhya 3.152].
The devotees were unhappy at not seeing the Lord’s hair, He has accepted the renounced order of life and now He will leave us.Devotees then start chanting kirtan in a loud voice.
kṣaṇe kṣaṇe paḍe prabhu āchāḍa khāñā
dekhi’ śacīmātā kahe rodana kariyā
Translation:
Frequently the Lord would tumble to the ground. Seeing this, mother Śacī would cry. [CC Madhya 3.163]
cūrṇa haila, hena vāsoṅ nimāñi-kalevara
hā-hā kari’ viṣṇu-pāśe māge ei vara
Translation:
Śrīmatī Śacīmātā thought that the body of Nimāi was being smashed when He fell down so. She cried, “Alas!” and petitioned Lord Viṣṇu. [CC Madhya 3.164].
bālya-kāla haite tomāra ye kailuṅ sevana
tāra ei phala more deha nārāyaṇa
Translation:
My dear Lord, kindly bestow this benediction as a result of whatever service I have rendered unto You from my childhood.[CC Madhya 3.165].
ye kāle nimāñi paḍe dharaṇī-upare
vyathā yena nāhi lāge nimāñi-śarīre
Translation:
Whenever Nimāi falls to the surface of the earth, please do not let Him feel any pain.
[CC Madhya 3.166].
This shows us a mother’s heart. Many devotees requested that today we will cook for Mahaprabhu. Saci Mata tells them that since Nimai has taken sanyasa you will be able to take his darshan but I will not be able to get His darshan. Hence, I will do the cooking as I will not get this opportunity later. Saci Mata became the kitchen incharge for 10 days. She personally cooked and fed Nimai. When the conversation, between Nimai and Saci Mata was going on, Mahaprabhu (Nimai) wanted to go to Vrindavan but seeing the anxiety of Saci Mata (As she tells Him – “I cannot bear the separation from you. Due to the separation I will die).
mātāra vyagratā dekhi’ prabhura vyagra mana
bhakta-gaṇa ekatra kari’ balilā vacana
Translation:
When Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu saw His mother’s great eagerness, He became a little agitated. He therefore assembled all the devotees present and spoke to them. [CC Madhya 3.173].
tomā-sabāra ājñā vinā calilāma vṛndāvana
yāite nārila, vighna kaila nivartana
Translation:
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu informed them all, “Without your order, I tried to go to Vṛndāvana. There was some obstacle, however, and I had to return. [CC Madhya 3.174].
Lesson: Mahaprabhu teaches us, when we go for Yatras, we need to take the blessings of the devotees. Else we might have to face obstacles.
yadyapi sahasā āmi kariyāchi sannyāsa
tathāpi tomā-sabā haite nahiba udāsa
Translation:
My dear friends, although I have suddenly accepted this renounced order, I still know that I shall never be indifferent to you. [CC Madhya 3.175].
Mahaprabhu tells that I can never leave my mother.
sannyāsīra dharma nahe — sannyāsa kariñā
nija janma-sthāne rahe kuṭumba lañā
Translation:
After accepting sannyāsa, it is not the duty of a sannyāsī to remain at his birthplace, encircled by relatives. [CC Madhya 3.177].
keha yena ei bali’ nā kare nindana
sei yukti kaha, yāte rahe dui dharma
Translation:
Make some arrangement so that I may not leave you and at the same time people may not blame Me for remaining with relatives after taking sannyāsa.[CC Madhya 3.178].
śuniyā prabhura ei madhura vacana
śacī-pāśa ācāryādi karila gamana
Translation:
After hearing Lord Caitanya’s statement, all the devotees, headed by Advaita Ācārya, approached mother Śacī. [CC Madhya 3.179].
prabhura nivedana tāṅre sakala kahila
śuni’ śacī jagan-mātā kahite lāgila
Translation:
When they submitted Lord Caitanya’s statement, mother Śacī, who is the mother of the universe, began to speak. [CC Madhya 3.180].
What did mother Saci say?Mother Saci replied as follows, it shows her deep love for the Supreme Lord.
teṅho yadi ihāṅ rahe, tabe mora sukha
tāṅ’ra nindā haya yadi, seha mora duḥkha
Translation:
Śacīmātā said, “It will be a great happiness for me if Nimāi [Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu] stays here. But at the same time, if someone blames Him, it will be my great unhappiness.” [CC Madhya 3.181].
What should I do now?
tāte ei yukti bhāla, mora mane laya
nīlācale rahe yadi, dui kārya haya
Translation:
Mother Śacī said, “This consideration is good. In my opinion, if Nimāi remains at Jagannātha Purī, He may not leave any one of us and at the same time can remain aloof as a sannyāsī. Thus both purposes are fulfilled.[CC Madhya 3.182].
If He goes to Vrindavan then I will not be able to meet Him.
nīlācale navadvīpe yena dui ghara
loka-gatāgati-vārtā pāba nirantara
Translation:
Since Jagannātha Purī and Navadvīpa are intimately related — as if they were two rooms in the same house — people from Navadvīpa generally go to Jagannātha Purī, and those in Jagannātha Purī go to Navadvīpa. This going and coming will help carry news of Lord Caitanya. In this way I will be able to get news of Him. [CC Madhya 3.183].
tumi saba karite pāra gamanāgamana
gaṅgā-snāne kabhu habe tāṅra āgamana
Translation:
All you devotees will be able to come and go, and sometimes He may also come to take His bath in the Ganges. [CC Madhya 3.184].
āpanāra duḥkha-sukha tāhāṅ nāhi gaṇi
tāṅra yei sukha, tāhā nija-sukha māni
Translation:
I do not care for my personal happiness or unhappiness, but only for His happiness. Indeed, I accept His happiness as my happiness.[CC Madhya 3.185].
Sacimata tells – Lord will decide I have left everything on Him.
śuni’ bhakta-gaṇa tāṅre karila stavana
veda-ājñā yaiche, mātā, tomāra vacana
Translation:
After hearing Śacīmātā, all the devotees offered her prayers and assured her that her order, like a Vedic injunction, could not be violated.[CC Madhya 3.186].
bhakta-gaṇa prabhu-āge āsiyā kahila
śuniyā prabhura mane ānanda ha-ila
Translation:
All the devotees informed Lord Caitanya of Śacīmātā’s decision. Hearing it, the Lord became very pleased.[CC Madhya 3.187].
tumi-saba loka — mora parama bāndhava
ei bhikṣā māgoṅ, — more deha tumi saba
Translation:
My dear friends, you are all My intimate friends. Now I am begging a favor of you. Please give it to Me. [CC Madhya 3.189].
What does Mahaprabhu want?
ghare yāñā kara sadā kṛṣṇa-saṅkīrtana
kṛṣṇa-nāma, kṛṣṇa-kathā, kṛṣṇa ārādhana
Translation:
Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu requested them all to return home and begin chanting the holy name congregationally. He also requested them to worship Kṛṣṇa, chant His holy name and discuss His holy pastimes.[CC Madhya 3.190].
This should be done forever.
ājñā deha nīlācale kariye gamana
madhye madhye āsi’ tomāya diba daraśana
Translation:
After thus instructing the devotees, the Lord asked their permission to go to Jagannātha Purī. He assured them that at intervals He would come there and meet them again and again.[CC Madhya 3.191].
eta bali’ sabākāre īṣat hāsiñā
vidāya karila prabhu sammāna kariñā
Translation:
In this way, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, offering due respects to all the devotees and smiling very mildly, bade them farewell.[CC Madhya 3.192].
sabā vidāya diyā prabhu calite kaila mana
haridāsa kāndi’ kahe karuṇa vacana
Translation:
After requesting all the devotees to return home, the Lord decided to go to Jagannātha Purī. At that time Haridāsa Ṭhākura began to cry and speak some pathetic words. [CC Madhya 3.193].
Haridas Thakura asks the Lord – what mistake have I committed. Lord replied him, “Please do not worry. Within a short time you too will come to reside at Nilachala”.
When Mahaprabhu was about to leave.
tabe ta’ ācārya kahe vinaya kariñā
dina dui-cāri raha kṛpā ta’ kariñā
Translation:
After that, Advaita Ācārya respectfully requested Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu to show Him mercy by remaining another two or four days.[CC Madhya 3.198].
Nobody wanted – Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to leave Santipura as they were feeling great happiness.
ācāryera vākya prabhu nā kare laṅghana
rahilā advaita-gṛhe, nā kaila gamana
Translation:
Caitanya Mahāprabhu never violated the request of Advaita Ācārya; therefore He remained at His home and did not leave immediately for Jagannātha Purī.[CC Madhya 3.199].
Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s decision was received very happily by Advaita Ācārya, mother Śacī and all the devotees.
dine kṛṣṇa-kathā-rasa bhakta-gaṇa-saṅge
rātre mahā-mahotsava saṅkīrtana-raṅge
Translation:
During the day the devotees discussed subject matters concerning Kṛṣṇa, and at night there was a great festival of congregational chanting at the house of Advaita Ācārya. [CC Madhya 3.201].
ānandita hañā śacī karena randhana
sukhe bhojana kare prabhu lañā bhakta-gaṇa
Translation:
Mother Śacī cooked with great pleasure, and Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, along with the devotees, accepted the prasādam with great pleasure.[CC Madhya 3.202].
śacīra ānanda bāḍe dekhi’ putra-mukha
bhojana karāñā pūrṇa kaila nija-sukha
Translation:
As mother Śacī constantly saw the face of her son and fed Him, her own happiness increased and was indeed complete. [CC Madhya 3.204].
In this manner, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu stayed at Santipura for 2 or 4 more days. Then, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu requested everyone to return to their respective homes.
ghare giyā kara sabe kṛṣṇa-saṅkīrtana
punarapi āmā-saṅge ha-ibe milana
Translation:
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu also asked them to execute the congregational chanting of the holy name of the Lord at their homes, and He assured them that they would be able to meet Him again. [CC Madhya 3.207].
kabhu vā tomarā karibe nīlādri gamana
kabhu vā āsiba āmi karite gaṅgā-snāna
Translation:
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu told them, “Sometimes you will come to Jagannātha Purī, and sometimes I shall come bathe in the Ganges. [CC Madhya 3.207].
Please do not worry. Advaita Acarya sends 4 devotees with Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Who were they? Nityananda, Jagadananda, Damodara and Mukunda. These 4 devotees were going to accompany Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in His journey to Jagannath Puri.
nirapekṣa hañā prabhu śīghra calilā
kāndite kāndite ācārya paścāt calilā
Translation:
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was unaffected. He left swiftly, and Advaita Ācārya followed Him, weeping.[CC Madhya 3.212].
kata dūra giyā prabhu kari’ yoḍa hāta
ācārye prabodhi’ kahe kichu miṣṭa bāta
Translation:
After He had followed Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu for some distance, Advaita Ācārya was petitioned by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu with folded hands. The Lord spoke the following sweet words.[CC Madhya 3.213].
jananī prabodhi’ kara bhakta samādhāna
tumi vyagra haile kāro nā rahibe prāṇa
Translation:
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “Please pacify all the devotees and My mother. If You become agitated, no one will be able to continue to exist.” [CC Madhya 3.213].
eta bali’ prabhu tāṅre kari’ āliṅgana
nivṛtti kariyā kaila svacchanda gamana
Translation:
Saying this, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu embraced Advaita Ācārya and stopped Him from following any further. Then, without anxiety, He proceeded to Jagannātha Purī.[CC Madhya 3.214].
On the way, they took the darshan of Shakshi Gopal, this is mentioned in the Chaitanya Charitamrita Madhya Lila Chapter 4. Then they take the darshan of Remuna and discuss the pastime of Khirachora Gopinath.
While proceeding further they undertake Kṛṣṇa Katha and Kṛṣṇa Bhajan. Why did I narrate this pastime which happened in the house of Advaita Acarya?
advaita-gṛhe prabhura vilāsa śune yei jana
acire milaye tāṅre kṛṣṇa-prema-dhana
Translation:
If one hears the activities of the Lord at the house of Advaita Ācārya, he will certainly very soon attain the riches of love of Kṛṣṇa. [CC Madhya 3.218].
Hari Bol! We too will surely be able to attain the love of Kṛṣṇa, as we too have heard the pastime of the Lord at the house of Advaita Acarya.
While doing the South India yatra, Mahaprabhu had visited Nashik. He had spent some time at Pancavati. There is a place known as Tryambakeshwar – it has the famous Brahmagiri Parvat.
nāsike tryambaka dekhi’ gelā brahmagiri
kuśāvarte āilā yāhāṅ janmilā godāvarī
Translation:
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu then visited Nāsika, where He saw the deity of Tryambaka [Lord Śiva]. He then went to Brahmagiri and then to Kuśāvarta, the source of the river Godāvarī.[CC Madhya 9.317].
Lord danced and performed kirtan at Pancavati. The residents felt as if Lord Sri Ram had appeared. Lord Ramchandra and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu are non different. As Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had given darshan to his devotees – in Sri Ram form as well. Hence, the devotees take part happily in kirtan.
Then Mahaprabhu continues his journey towards Jagannath Puri. This pastime is mentioned in the Chaitanya Charitamrita.
My gratitude to all of you for hearing this pastime, in your early morning session. Thank you Padmamali Prabhu for giving me an opportunity to speak about Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. As Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s pastimes are not described many a times.
ye līlā-amṛta vine, khāya yadi anna-pāne,
tabe bhaktera durbala jīvana
yāra eka-bindu-pāne, utphullita tanu-mane,
hāse, gāya, karaye nartana
Translation:
Men become strong and stout by eating sufficient grains, but the devotee who simply eats ordinary grains but does not taste the transcendental pastimes of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu and Kṛṣṇa gradually becomes weak and falls down from the transcendental position. However, if one drinks but a drop of the nectar of Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes, his body and mind begin to bloom, and he begins to laugh, sing and dance.[CC Madhya 25.278].
Thank you Padmamali prabhu and team for giving me this opportunity.
Hare Kṛṣṇa!
Granthraj Chaitanya Charitamrita ki Jai!
