In the conclusion of his Laghutosani Jiva Gosvami has given some biographical information in which he explains that Sarvajna is seventh in the ascending genealogical line from Rupa Gosvami.
He was highly respected amongst the brahmanas of Karnataka, thus he was also referred to as "Jagadguru."
Being a brahmana from the Yajurveda clan, who are descendants of Bharadvaja, Sarvajna was a erudite scholar of all sastras and theological treatises.
Attracted by Sarvajna's scholastic ability and admirable qualities, students flocked from different parts of the country to study under him.
Sarvajna was also a king.
Sarvajna's son, Aniruddha, was a great Yajurveda scholar and was admired by all.
Aniruddha had two wives and two sons.
His sons were Rupesvara and Harihara.
Rupesvara became theologically astute, whereas Harihara became skilled in the use of weapons.
When Aniruddha died the kingdom was divided between the two sons, but Harihara occupied the land of Rupesvara by force.
In a helpless condition Rupesvara and his family migrated to Paurastyadesa, where he became friends with the local King, Sikharesvara.
Rupesvara's son Padmanabha acquired great fame due to his handsome features, admirable qualities, erudition and wealth.
Padmanabha moved his home to the village of Nabahatta (modern Naihati) on the bank of the Bhagirathi.
Padmanabha had eighteen daughters and five sons.
The youngest son was named Mukunda.
Mukunda's son, Kumara deva, was an extremely religious man.
When religious upheaval occurred in Naihati, Kumara deva moved to Bakla Candradvipa (in Jessore).
He is said to have settled for some time at Fateyavad--located between Naihati and Bakla.
The three most renowned sons of Kumaradeva were Sanatana, Rupa and Anupama.
When their father died, these three sons went to their maternal uncle's home in Sakurma near the capital of Gauda where they continued their studies.
Gaudiya Vaisnava Abhidhana P. 1350-1351:
Rupa Gosvami was one of the six Gosvamis associated with Sri Gauranga-lila.
According to GGD 180 he was Sri Rupa manjari in Krsna lila.
He occupied a responsible post in the service of the Badshah Hussain Shah of Gauda.
He later renounced everything and surrendered himself at the feet of Lord Gauranga.
His fascinating biography is described in the CC., Bhaktamala, etc.
Narottama Thakura has rightly praised him as "Sri Caitanyamanohabhista-stapaka"
(the implementor of Lord Caitanya's desires).
Rupa Gosvami was specifically commanded by Lord Caitanya to carry out two tasks:
(1) to re-locate and preserve the lost pilgrimage places of Vrndavana, and
(2) to write and preach Vaisnava theology.
From Prayaga Rupa Gosvami went to Vrndavana.
He then visited his native home where he settled his property concerns.
Thereafter he traveled on to Nilacala to meet Lord Caitanya.
While staying at Gauda, Rupa Gosvami developed the desire to write the Vidagdhamadhava and Lalitamadhava nataka.
Initially he planned to present the Vraja-lila and the Pura-lila together in one drama with the view of calming the intensity of the Vrajaviraha by including the Dwaraka-lila.
However, while in Satyabhamapura he was commanded by Satyabhamadevi to write two separate dramas.
In Nilacala Lord Caitanya also gave him the same instruction.
Only those who appreciate the true Vaisnava spirit will understand the immense pleasure which Lord Caitanya and His associates derived from listening to this drama.
After surcharging and empowering Rupa Gosvami with divine energy, Lord Caitanya sent him back to Vrndavana.
The following is a list of the most well-known books of Rupa Gosvami:
Bhaktirasamrtasindhu; Ujvalanilamani; Laghubhagavatamrta; Vidagdhamadhava; Lalitamadhava; Nikunjarahasyastava; Stavamala; Sri Radhakrsna ganoddesadipika; Mathura-mahatmya; Uddhava Sandesa; Hamsadutam; Danakelikaumudi; Sri Krsnajanmatithividhi; Prayuktakhyatamanjari, Natakacandrika.
The following are references from CC. which deal with Rupa Gosvami:
2.1.165 Working as Dabir Khas in the employment of the King of Gauda.
2.1.196-197 He wrote a letter to Lord Caitanya prior to meeting Him and also received a reply.
2.1.165-170 He had a discussion relating to Lord Caitanya with Hussain Shah when the Lord visited Ramakeli.
2.1.171-173 On returning from Hussain Shah's place Rupa had a talk with Sanatana and both went to meet Lord Caitanya.
2.19.30-35 On receiving information from the two messengers that Lord Caitanya had already left for Vrndavana, Rupa took his younger brother, Anupama, along with him to meet the Lord.
Rupa sent a letter to Sanatana conveying this information, and encouraged him to escape from prison with the help of the money he had left in the custody of a grocer.
2.19.36-56 Rupa meets Lord Caitanya at Prayaga, expresses his humility and aspirations, informs the Lord about Sanatana and fixes up his residence close to the Lord's place.
2.19.61-67 Rupa meets Vallabha Bhatta at Prayaga; Bhatta expresses awe at the humility and devotion of Rupa.
2.19.81-82 Rupa accompanies Lord Caitanya to the house of Bhatta at Adaila village.
2.19.104-107 Lord Caitanya instructed Rupa for ten days at Prayaga on the theology of Krsna, Bhakti, rasa, etc.
The Lord empowered Rupa with His own divine energy.
2.1.173-202 Rupa and Sanatana first meet Lord Nityananda and Haridasa Thakura, and later meet Lord Caitanya.
They expressed their humility and spiritual aspirations and obtained the mercy of Lord Caitanya.
2.1.203-206 Lord Caitanya introducing the two brothers to the devotees and requests them to show their mercy to them.
2.1.207-212 The two brothers requested the Lord to leave that place and not to go to Vrndavana with a large crowd of people.
They then returned home.
2.19.2-4 Upon arriving at home the two brothers began to devise plans by which they could abandon their wealth.
2.19.5-8 By boat they visited their ancestral home and distributed their wealth.
2.19.10-11 Sri Rupa Gosvami heard that Lord Caitanya had returned to Jagannatha Puri and was preparing to go to Vrndavana through the forest, thus he sent two people to Puri to find out when Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu would depart for Vrndavana.
2.19.240 Rupa Gosvami is instructed by Lord Caitanya to go to Vrndavana.
2.19.241 The Lord tells Rupa that later he can go to Jagannatha Puri through Bengal and there he will meet the Lord again.
2.25.186 Rupa reaches Mathura and meets Subuddhi Raya at Dhruvaghat.
2.25.207 Rupa wins the friendship of Subuddhi Raya and together they visit the twelve forests of Vrndavana.
2.25.209-210 After one month in Vrndavana Rupa leaves for Prayaga, following the route along the bank of the Ganges.
2.25.216-219 From Prayaga Rupa and his brother go to Kasi and meet the devotees.
2.25.221 Rupa leaves for Gauda after staying in Kasi for ten days.
3.1.34-36 While in Vrndavana Rupa Gosvami desired to write dramas concerning the pastimes of Lord Krsna, thus he composed the introductory verses of a drama.
On his way to Gauda-desa he had been thinking of how to write the action of the drama.
Thus he had made some notes and begun to write.
3.1.37-38 On reaching Gauda, Anupama breathed his last.
Rupa leaves for Nilacala.
3.1.40-44 Rupa halted for a night during his journey at Satyabhamapur in Orissa, at night he had a vision of the deity Satyabhama who commanded Rupa to write a separate drama.
Rupa first planned to write a single drama comprising both Vrajalila and Puralila.
Now on receiving the divine command, Rupa decides to write two separate ones.
3.1.45-58 Rupa arrives at Nilacala and stays at the residence of Haridasa Thakura, where he meets Lord Caitanya.
He also met all the other devotees and Lord Caitanya urged them to shower their grace upon Rupa.
Rupa was loved by them all.
3.1.59-64 Rupa joins Lord Caitanya daily in Istagosthi and participates in the cleaning of Gundica.
3.1.65-68 Lord Caitanya gives instructions that Krsna never leaves Vrndavana.
3.1.71. At the command of Satyabhama and Lord Caitanya, Rupa arranges to write two separate dramas.
3.1.72-88 Rupa writes a verse interpreting the sloka "yah kaumaraharah" chanted by Lord Caitanya during Ratha-yatra.
He wrote this on a palm leaf and placed it in his thatched roof and went to take bath.
Lord Caitanya found that verse and was overwhelmed with ecstasy.
Thus He showered His mercy upon Rupa. Lord Caitanya showed that verse to Svarupa Damodara.
3.1.89 Lord Caitanya instructs Svarupa to teach Rupa Vaisnava theology.
3.1.97-99 Lord Caitanya feels ecstacy upon reading the Sanskrit verse composed by Rupa beginning with "tunde tandavini."
3.1.100-105 Lord Caitanya goes to meet Rupa at the house of Haridasa Thakura, along with Sarvabhauma, Ramananda, Svarupa, etc.
There the Lord glorifies Rupa's qualities.
3.1.109-121 Rupa meets the devotees and they all share the beauty of the verses "priyah sohayan krsnah" and "tunde tandavini."
3.1.199 Lord Caitanya personally guides Rupa to invoke the grace of all the devotees.
3.1.202 Considering Rupa to be competent to understand the science of rasa, Lord Caitanya transmitted His divine energy to Rupa and commanded him to write books about Bhakti.
3.1.206 Lord Caitanya expresses His desire to the devotees to endow Rupa with the ability to describe Vrajalila-premarasa.
3.1.210 Haridasa Thakura praises the fortune of Rupa.
3.1.215-216 Rupa participates with Lord Caitanya in the Holi festival.
3.1.217-220 Lord Caitanya bids farewell to Rupa after empowering him to go to Vrndavana and write transcendental literature, to excavate the lost holy places and to establish the service of Lord Krsna and preach the mellows of Lord Krsna's devotional service.
3.1.221 Taking leave of the devotees Rupa goes to Vrndavana via Gauda.
2.1.31-36 Name of some of the books compiled by Rupa Gosvami.
1.10.84-90 Rupa and Sanatana Gosvami both preached extensively and built temples and installed Deities in Vrndavana.
1.10.93-104 When Raghunatha Gosvami visited Vrndavana, Rupa and Sanatana treated him just like a brother.
2.19.124-133 His extraordinary renunciation and devotion.
2.18.47-54 Rupa has darsana of the Gopala Deity.
2.19.124-133 Rupa and Sanatana's conduct in Vrndavana.
2.1.208 Lord Caitanya reveals the names of Rupa and Sanatana.
2.1.215 Lord Caitanya describes the glories of Rupa and Sanatana to His associates.
(From GPC):
Sri Rupa Gosvami was born in 1493 A.D. (1415 Saka).
In order to complete their education they lived at their uncle's house in a small village named Sakurma near the capital of Gauda.
Having heard the glories of Sri Rupa and Sanatana from many intelligent persons, Badshah Hussain Shah of Gauda appointed the two brothers as ministers in the court.
Though reluctant to accept the Bhadshah's offer, out of fear of the Yavana King, they agreed to take the post.
Hussain Shah happily offered them enormous amounts of wealth and riches.
Sri Rupa and Sanatana thus lived in the village of Ramakeli, the capital of Gauda.
Many great brahmana scholars from different parts of the country visited their house regularly, and the two brothers took great pleasure in serving and arranging accommodations for them.
The brother of Sarvabhauma, the famous Vidyavacaspati, was the philosophy teacher of Sri Rupa and Sanatana.
As mentioned in the Dasama Tippani of the Bhagavata, their other teachers were Sri Paramananda Bhattacarya and Sri Ramapada Vadrapada.
From their early childhood Rupa, Sanatana and Anupama, were very devotionally inclined.
Thinking of the wonderful land of Vrndavana, they use to plant trees like Tamala, Kadamba, Yuthika and Tulasi groves in the nearby garden of their house.
They also dug two lakes in their garden, naming them Radhakunda and Syamakunda.
Everyday they were absorbed in the service of Madana Mohana.
When they heard the glories of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, they became extremely anxious to meet Him.
A transcendental voice spoke to them saying, "Be patient, the deliverer of mankind will soon come to visit your village."
When they heard that Sri Gaurahari had taken sannyasa and gone to Puri, Sanatana and Rupa fainted on the ground in grief.
Thinking that they would never have the opportunity to see the Lord they began to lament profusely.
Suddenly a voice spoke to them saying, "Do not lament, the ocean of mercy--Sri Gaurahari will soon come here."
Thus they heaved a sigh of relief.
After living happily in Puri for five years, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu went to Gauda to see his mother and the River Ganges.
The devotees were mad with joy and mother Saci, overwhelmed with ecstacy, happily cooked various preparation for her dear son.
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu stayed in the house of Sri Advaita Acarya in Santipura for some days and then traveled on to Ramakeli.
In this way Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu arrived at the beautiful village of Ramakeli.
There He danced in ecstacy and millions swarmed around Him to take the dust of His lotus feet.
When news of Mahaprabhu's powerful presence reached Badshah Hussain Sha h he said, "Without giving in charity this fellow has soo many people following behind Him.
He must be a great prophet."
Thus he told the Kaji and the Yavanas not to obstruct Him in any way and to allow Him do anything and go anywhere.
Due to the presence of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu the entire village of Ramakeli overflowed with joy.
People from all corners came to see the Lord.
When the Badshah asked his special representative, Kesava Chatri, about Mahaprabhu's presence, Kesava Chatri said, "Yes, I have heard that a beggar sannyasi has come here along with a few followers."
The Badshah said, "What are you talking about?
Millions of people are walking with Him."
Hearing this Kesava Chatri smiled slightly.
The Bhadshah then privately spoke to Dabira Khasa (Rupa Gosvami) who replied, replied, "Why are you asking me?
Ask your own mind.
It is this Gosvami who has given you this kingdom.
It is your good fortune that He has taken birth in your country.
Go and see Him yourself.
Can any human being possess such magnetic power of attraction?"
The Badshah was pleased by Sanatana's sweet words and ordered that Mahaprabhu be allowed to do whatever He likes.
After returning to his residence, Dabira Khasa and his brother decided after much consideration to go see the Lord incognito.
Thus in the dead of night the two brothers, Dabira Khasa and Sakara Mallika, went to see Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu incognito.
First they met Nityananda Prabhu and Haridasa Thakura, who told Lord Caitanya about two personalities--Rupa and Sanatana--had come to see Him.
In great humility, both brothers took bunches of straw between their teeth, and each binding a cloth around his neck, they fell down like rods before the Lord.
Upon seeing Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the two brothers were overwhelmed with joy, and out of humility they began to cry.
The Lord asked them to get up and assured them of all good fortune.
The two brothers got up and humbly offered prayers with folded hands.
After hearing the prayers of Dabira Khasa and Sakara Mallika, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu said:
"My dear Dabira Khasa, you two brothers are My old servants.
From this day your names will be changed to Srila Rupa and Srila Sanatana.
Now please abandon your humility, for My heart is breaking to see you so humble.
You have written several letters showing your humility and from these I have understood your heart.
I really had no business in coming to Bengal, but I have come just to see you two.
In accordance with the instructions of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the two brothers immediately touched the lotus feet of all the Vaisnava associates of the Lord present, including Nityananda, Haridasa Thakura, Srivasa Thakura, Gadadhara Pandita, Mukunda, Jagadananda, Murari and Vakresvara, who all became very happy and congratulated the brothers for having received the mercy of the Lord.
On the eve of the Lord's departure from Ramakeli, He blessed Sri Sanatana and Rupa by saying, "Very soon Krsna will free you from the entanglement of material life."
Later, the younger brother of Sri Sanatana and Rupa, Sri Anupama, along with his son and other family members, worshiped the lotus feet of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and sang His glories.
Mahaprabhu placed his hand on the head of Sri Jiva, the only son of Anupama.
After the Lord departed from Ramakeli Rupa and Sanatana began to devise means to get out of their government service.
Both brothers appointed some brahmanas to perform purascarana ceremonies and chant the holy name of Krsna.
Srila Rupa Gosvami deposited ten thousand gold coins with a grocer, and the balance he brought in two boats to a place called Bakla Candradvipa.
There he divided this money among the brahmanas, Vaisnavas and his relatives, and a portion he kept for emergency measures and personal needs.
When Rupa Gosvami was informed that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was going to Vrndavana from Jagannatha Puri through the forest of Madhya Pradesh, he sent two people to Jagannatha Puri to find out when the Lord would leave for Vrndavana.
When Mahaprabhu started for Vrndavana, Rupa left home and sent news to Sanatana that he was leaving with his younger brother (Anupama Mallika) to meet Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Meanwhile, Sanatana Gosvami told the Nawab that he was sick and could not attend to his work.
Giving this excuse, he sat home and studied Srimad Bhagavatam with learned brahmana scholars.
The Nawab Hussain Shah first sent his personal physician to see what the real facts were; then he personally came to see why Sanatana was not attending to official business.
Knowing that he wanted to resign his post, the Nawab had him arrested and imprisoned.
The Nawab then went off to attack Orissa.
Rupa Gosvami finally reached Prayaga.
While Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was sitting in a solitary place in the home of a Deccan brahmana, Rupa Gosvami and Sri Vallabha (Anupama) came to meet Him.
Both brothers were overwhelmed with ecstatic emotion and immediately fell down on the ground like rods.
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was very pleased to see Srila Rupa Gosvami and told him, "Stand up! Stand up! My dear Rupa, come here.
It is not possible to describe Krsna's mercy for He has delivered you both from the well of material enjoyment."
After this the Lord sat them down by His side and asked, "What news do you have of Sanatana?"
Rupa replied, "Sanatana has now been arrested by the government of Hussain Shah.
If You kindly save him, he can be liberated from that entanglement."
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu immediately replied, "Sanatana has already been released from his confinement, and he will very soon meet with Me."
At the time of Mahaprabhu's visit to Prayaga, Sri Vallabacarya was living in the village of Araila on the other bank of the Triveni.
One day he invited the Lord to his house for lunch and Sri Rupa and Anupama accompanied Him.
The Lord introduced the brothers Rupa and Vallabha to him.
From a distance, the brothers fell on the ground and offered obeisances to Vallabha Bhatta with great humility.
When Vallabha Bhattacarya walked toward them, they ran away to a more distant place.
Rupa Gosvami said, "I am untouchable and most sinful.
Please do not touch me."
Vallabha Bhattacarya was very surprised at this.
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, however, was very pleased, and He therefore spoke to him this description of Rupa Gosvami:
"Don't touch him, for he belongs to a very low caste.
You are a follower of Vedic principles and are a well experienced performer of many sacrifices.
You also belong to the aristocracy."
Hearing the holy name constantly vibrated by the two brothers, Vallabha Bhattacarya could understand the hints of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, thus he said:
"Since these two are constantly chanting the holy name of Krsna, how can they be untouchable?
On the contrary, they are most exalted."
The two brothers lay prostrate on the ground at the feet of Vallavacarya and praised him eloquently.
Due to the great crowds in Prayaga, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu went to a place called Dasasvamedha-ghata.
It was there that the Lord instructed Sri Rupa Gosvami for ten successive days and empowered him to understand the philosophy of devotional service.
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu said, "My dear Rupa, please listen to Me.
It is not possible to describe devotional service completely; therefore I am just trying to give you a synopsis of the symptoms of devotional service.
The ocean of the transcendental mellow of devotional service is so big that no one can estimate its length and breadth.
However, just to help you taste it, I am describing but one drop.
Now listen to Me.
Out of many millions o wise men, one may actually become liberated, and out of many millions of such liberated persons, a pure devotee of Lord Krsna is very difficult to find.
Because a devotee of Lord Krsna is desireless, he is peaceful.
Fruitive workers desire material enjoyment, jnanis desire liberation, and yogis desire material opulence; therefore they are all lusty and cannot be peaceful.
Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Krsna.
By the mercy of both Krsna and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.
That seed must be watered by hearing and chanting.
In this way the creeper sprouts and gradually, through continued watering, grows more and more and attains the shelter of the desire tree of the lotus feet of Krsna, who is eternally situated in the planet known as Goloka Vrndavana in the topmost region of the spiritual sky.
There the devotee serves the lotus feet of the Lord, which are compared to a wish-fulfilling tree.
With great bliss he tastes the juice of the fruit of love and becomes eternally happy."
"Now I shall describe the symptoms of pure devotional service.
Pure devotion to the Supreme Personality of Godhead is causeless and it cannot be obstructed in any way.
Such a devotee does not accept saloka, sarsti, sarupya, samipya or onesness with Krsna, even if offered these liberations.
A pure devotee simply wants to serve Krsna.
By regularly rendering devotional service, one gradually becomes attached to the Lord.
When that attachment is intensified, it becomes love of Godhead.
The basic aspects of prema, when gradually increasing to different states, are affection, abhorrence, love, attachment, further attachment, ecstasy and great ecstasy.
All these stages combined are called sthayibhava, or continuous love of Godhead in devotional service.
In addition to these stages, there are vibhava and anubhava.
When the higher standard of ecstatic love is mixed with the symptoms of sattvika and vyahicari, the devotee relishes the transcendental bliss of loving Krsna in a variety of nectarean tastes.
According to the devotee, attachment falls within the five categories of santa-rati, dasya-rati, sakhya-rati, vatsalya-rati and madhurya-rati.
These five categories arise from the devotees' different attachments to the Supreme Personality of Godhead .
Examples of santa-bhaktas are the nine Yogendras and the four Kumaras.
Examples of devotees in dasya-bhakti are innumerable, for such devotees exist everywhere (such as Raktaka, Citraka, Daruka, Hanuman, etc.).
In Vrndavana, examples of devotees in fraternity are Sridama and Sudama; in Dvaraka the Lord's friends are Bhima and Arjuna; in Vrndavana the devotees in parental love are mother Yasoda and father Nanda Maharaja, and in Dvaraka the Lord's parents are Vasudeva and Devaki.
The chief devotees in conjugal love are the gopis in Vrndavana, the queens in Dvaraka and the goddesses of fortune in Vaikuntha.
In this way Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu taught Srila Rupa Gosvami the ultimate limit of the truth about Lord Krsna, the truth about devotional service and the truth about transcendental mellows, consummating in conjugal love between Radha and Krsna.
Finally He told Rupa Gosvami about the ultimate conclusions of Srimad Bhagavatam.
By entering the heart of Rupa Gosvami, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu empowered him to ascertain properly the conclusions of all truths.
He made him an experienced devotee whose decisions correctly agreed with the verdicts of the disciplic succession.
Thus Sri Rupa Gosvami was personally empowered by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
After giving so much instruction, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu advised Sri Rupa to go to Vrndavana.
The Lord then departed for Varanasi.
With a grievous heart due to separation from the Lord, Sri Rupa and Anupama started for Vrndavana.
Sri Rupa in Nilacala:
In Vrndavana, Rupa Gosvami began to write a drama.
In particular, he composed the introductory verses to invoke good fortune.
On his way to Gauda-desa, Rupa Gosvami had been thinking of how to write the action of the drama.
Thus he had made some notes and begun to write.
In this way the two brothers Rupa and Anupama reached Bengal, but when they arrived there Anupama died.
After performing the funeral rites, Rupa Gosvami traveled on.
In the province of Orissa, Srila Rupa Gosvami rested for a night at Satyabhama-pura.
That night he dreamed that a celestially beautiful woman had come before him and very mercifully gave him the following order :
"Write a separate drama about me.
By my mercy it will be extraordinarily beautiful."
After having this dream, Srila Rupa Gosvami considered, "It is the order of Satyabhama that I write a separate drama for her."
Thus absorbed in thought, he quickly reached Jagannatha Puri.
When he arrived, he approached the hut of Haridasa Thakura.
Out of affectionate love and mercy, Haridasa Thakura told Srila Rupa Gosvami, "Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu has already informed me that you would come here."
Shortly thereafter the Lord arrived and warmly embraced Rupa.
They sat down together and inquired from one another about auspicious news.
The Lord asked Rupa about Sanatana.
Rupa explained that he had not met Sanatana and informed the Lord of Anupama's death.
On the next day, Caitanya Mahaprabhu again met Rupa Gosvami, and with great mercy the Lord introduced him to all the devotees.
Every day the Lord would go to see Rupa Gosvami, and whatever prasada He received from the temple He would deliver to Rupa Gosvami and Haridasa Thakura.
One day Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu went to see Srila Rupa Gosvami, the omniscient Lord spoke as follows:
"Do not try to take Krsna out of Vrndavana, for He does not go anywhere else at any time.
After saying this, the Lord went to perform His noon time duties, leaving Rupa Gosvami somewhat surprised.
"Satyabhama ordered me to write two different dramas," he thought, "now I understand that this order has been confirmed by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
During the Ratha-yatra ceremony Rupa Gosvami heard a verse uttered by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu during the ceremony, and he immediately composed another verse dealing with the same subject.
Only Svarupa Damodara Gosvami knew the purpose for which the Lord recited that verse.
According to the Lord's attitude, he used to quote other verses to enable the Lord to relish mellows.
Rupa Gosvami, however, could understand the intention of the Lord, and thus he composed another verse.
After writing this verse on a palm leaf, he put it somewhere in his thatched roof and went to bathe in the sea.
At that time, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu went there to meet him, and when He saw the leaf pushed into the roof and saw the verse, He read it and was overwhelmed by ecstatic love.
At that time Rupa Gosvami returned and offered his obeisances.
The Lord slapped him mildly in love and said, "My heart is very confidential.
How did you know My mind in this way?"
Svarupa Damodara said, "I can understand that You have already bestowed Your causeless mercy upon him.
No one could otherwise understand this meaning."
One day while Rupa Gosvami was writing his book, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu came to the cottage of Haridasa Thakura.
The Lord inquired, "What kind of book are you writing?"
He held up a palm leaf that was a page of the manuscript, and when He saw the fine handwriting, His mind was very pleased.
"The handwriting of Rupa Gosvami is just like rows of pearls," He said.
When Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu ordered Rupa Gosvami to read from his book, Rupa Gosvami, because of great shyness, did not read it but instead remained silent.
When the Lord persisted, Sri Rupa read, much to everyone's pleasure.
After hearing from him, both Ramananda Raya and Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya said to the Lord, "Without Your special mercy, how could this Rupa Gosvami have un derstood Your mind.
Ramananda remarked to Sri Rupa, "This drama of yours is a mine of conclusive statements."
After four months had passed and the Dola-yatra festival ended, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu bade farewell to Rupa Gosvami.
The Lord empowered him and bestowed upon him all kinds of mercy.
"Now go to Vrndavana and stay there," the Lord said.
"You may send here your elder brother, Sanatana.
When you go to Vrndavana, stay there, preach transcendental literature and excavate the lost holy places.
Establish the service of Lord Krsna and preach the mellows of Lord Krsna's devotional service.
I shall also go to Vrndavana once more."
Having thus spoken, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu embraced Rupa Gosvami, who then placed the lotus feet of the Lord upon his head.
The appearance of Sri Sri Govinda deva:
One day while Sri Rupa Gosvami was sitting on the bank of the Yamuna he began thinking, "I have failed to carry out the order of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu."
As he was thinking in this way an attractive Vrajavasi appeared there and asked Rupa, "Why do you look so depressed?"
Sri Rupa explained, "My life is futile because I have failed to execute the will of the Lord."
"What is the order of Mahaprabhu," the Vrajavasi asked?
Sri Rupa replied, "Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu requested me to establish the service of Lord Krsna and excavate the lost holy places."
The Vrajavasi replied, "My lord, please come with me."
Sri Rupa Gosvami followed the Vrajavasi who took him to a hillock and said, This spot is known as Gauratila and Sri Govinda deva is lying under this hillock.
Every afternoon a cow comes here and bathes this hill with her milk."
Saying this the Vrajavasi suddenly disappeared.
Sri Rupa puzzled over who the Vrajavasi was and if what he said might be true.
The next afternoon he went to the hill and saw a cow standing there, pouring her milk onto the hill.
Sri Rupa Gosvami was overwhelmed with joy and anticipation.
He rushed to the village and told the gopas about the incident, and they danced jubilantly.
Under the order of Sri Rupa, they all took axes and spades and began to dig at Gauratila.
After sometime they uncovered the Deity of Sri Govinda deva, who was more beautiful than millions of Cupids.
Everyone cheered, ecstatically calling out the name of Hari.
With tears in his eyes, Sri Rupa Gosvami fell prostrate on the ground before the Deity.
News of the Deities appearance spread rapidly throughout the village and everyone rushed to see the Lord.
The gopas of Vraja brought numerous baskets of curd, milk, rice and vegetables as offerings, and the brahmanas immediately began to cook many varieties of preparations.
After the wonderful abhiseka of Sri Govinda deva, the brahmanas offered the bhoga to the Lord.
Sri Rupa Gosvami's joy was boundless.
All the Gosvamis came for darsana of Sri Govinda and everyone began to float in the ocean of transcendental bliss.
Sri Rupa Gosvami immediately sent word of Sri Govinda's appearance to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in Nilacala.
Hearing this news, the Lord and His associates were filled with joy.
At once, Mahaprabhu sent Sri Kasisvara Pandita to assist Rupa Gosvami in Vrndavana.
The manifestation of Sri Vrnda devi :
After the installation of Sri Govinda and Sri Madana Gopala, Sri Rupa Gosvami began to meditate upon Sri Vrnda devi.
One night Vrnda devi appeared to Sri Rupa and said, "I am living in the bank of Brahma kunda, you can find me there."
In the morning Sri Rupa bathed in the Yamuna and finished his worship.
He then went to the bank of Brahma kunda and began searching.
Suddenly he came across a celestially beautiful woman of golden complexion.
The glowing effulgence of her body lit the entire area and the air was filled with sweet perfume.
Understanding the she was none other than Sri Vrnda devi, Rupa Gosvami immediately began offering prayers:
"Oh Vrnda devi, you are the exalted nurse of Lord Govinda and the fulfiller of Govinda's desires, I glorify you again and again."
In this way, Sri Vrnda devi appeared in this world.
The Danakeli Kaumudi :
Sri Rupa Gosvami wrote a drama named Lalita-Madhava dealing with the Lord's pastimes in Dvaraka and gave it to Sri Raghunatha dasa Gosvami to read.
However, after reading it, Raghunatha dasa became so morose and filled with sorrow that he decided to give up his life.
Understanding Sri Raghunatha's state of mind, Sri Rupa Gosvami wrote another book named Danakeli Kaumudi, describing the Lord's eternal pastimes in Vraja and gave the book to Sri Raghunatha to read.
This time, upon reading, Raghunatha dasa became overwhelmed with happiness.
(BRK)
The Affection of Sri Radhika:
One day Sri Rupa Gosvami desired to prepare payasam for Sri Sanatana but there were no ingredients for cooking in his cottage.
Understanding the mind of Her devotee, Sri Radha Thakurani-the fulfiller of her devotees' desires, came to the hut of Sri Rupa in the guise of a milkmaid and brought milk, rice and sugar for him.
"Oh my lord," She said, "please accept this gift."
Hearing the girls voice, Sri Rupa Gosvami came out and saw a beautiful young girl standing before him and asked her, "My dear girl, why have you come here?"
She replied, "I have brought this gift for serving you."
Sri Rupa said, "My dear girl, why have you gone through so much difficulty for my sake?"
Sri Radha answered, "Oh my father, it has not been any trouble at all, I have brought this gift for serving you, who are such a saintly person."
Sri Rupa requested her to sit down, but she declined, "No I cannot stay any longer.
I have many things to do at home."
Saying this the girl suddenly disappeared.
Sri Rupa was astonished by the girls sudden departure.
He then prepared the payasam, offered it to Sri Govinda deva and gave the prasada to Sanatana.
Upon eating the prasada, Sri Sanatana was filled with ecstacy and asked Sri Rupa, "Where did you get the rice and milk to cook this prasada?"
Sri Rupa said, "One young milkmaid brought it to me."
Sanatana questioned, "Did she suddenly appear before you?"
"Yes," Rupa replied, "this morning when I was thinking that I would like to prepare some payasam for you, a girl suddenly arrived with a gift of rice and milk."
Hearing this, Sri Sanatana began to cry and told Sri Rupa, "Who could have supplied something which such a wonderful taste other than Srimati Radharani Herself?
(BRK)
The Affection of the Inhabitants of Vraja :
When Sri Sanatana Gosvami and Sri Rupa Gosvami lived in Vraja, they won the heartfelt affection of all the residents there, who regularly brought the two brothers gifts of curd and milk.
The Gosvamis also regarded the inhabitants of Vraja as the dear associates of Lord Krsna.
They respected them in that way and were always concerned about their well being.
In Bhakti Ratnakara Sri Narahari Cakravarti explains:
"Rupa and Sanatana Gosvami used to know everything about the villagers of Vraja, such as how many sons and daughters they had and how old they were, who had given their son or daughter in marriage, how many cows and bullocks they possessed, how the crops were developing and what was the condition of their health."
In this way the Gosvamis carefully looked after the people of Vraja.
From time to time they gave advice relating to health, etc.
They were very unhappy to hear of any misery or sorrow suffered by a Vrajavasi, and were happy to hear any joyful news or jokes shared with them.
When they visited different areas of Vraja, the inhabitants there did not want them to leave their village.
If many days passed without a visit from the Gosvamis, the Vrajavasis would anxiously seek them out.
Thus the Vrajavasis were the life of Sri Rupa and Sanatana, and Sri Rupa and Sanatana were the life of the Vrajavasis.
The Books of Sri Rupa Gosvami:
1.Hamsaduta
2.Uddhava Sandesa
3.Sri Krsna Janmatithi Vidhi
4.Sri Radha Krsna Ganadesa Dipika (Vrhad and Laghu)
5.Sri Stavamala
6.Sri Vidaghdha Madhava (drama)
7.Sri Lalita Madhava (drama)
8.Danakeli Daumudi
9.Sribhaktirasamrtasindhu
10.Ujjala Nilamoni
11.Prajuktakhyatacandrika
12.Sri Mathura-Mahatma
13.Padyavali
14.Natakacandrika
15.Samkhepa Bhagavatamrta
16.Samanya Virudavali Lakshmana
17.Upadesamrta
Sri Rupa Gosvami's date of birth:
Birth--1411 Saka era, 1546 calender year, 1489 A.D.
He lived twenty-two years at home, and fifty-one years in Vraja.
According to Sri Radha Ramana Bera, he was born in 1415 Saka era, 1568 A.D.
His duration of life was seventy-five years;
Death--148 6 Saka era, 1621 calender year, 1564 A.D., on the day of Sukla Dvadasi in the month of Sravana (July-August).
According to another view, he died in 1490 Saka era, 1625 calender year, 1568 A.D.
To see photo Album
He was highly respected amongst the brahmanas of Karnataka, thus he was also referred to as "Jagadguru."
Being a brahmana from the Yajurveda clan, who are descendants of Bharadvaja, Sarvajna was a erudite scholar of all sastras and theological treatises.
Attracted by Sarvajna's scholastic ability and admirable qualities, students flocked from different parts of the country to study under him.
Sarvajna was also a king.
Sarvajna's son, Aniruddha, was a great Yajurveda scholar and was admired by all.
Aniruddha had two wives and two sons.
His sons were Rupesvara and Harihara.
Rupesvara became theologically astute, whereas Harihara became skilled in the use of weapons.
When Aniruddha died the kingdom was divided between the two sons, but Harihara occupied the land of Rupesvara by force.
In a helpless condition Rupesvara and his family migrated to Paurastyadesa, where he became friends with the local King, Sikharesvara.
Rupesvara's son Padmanabha acquired great fame due to his handsome features, admirable qualities, erudition and wealth.
Padmanabha moved his home to the village of Nabahatta (modern Naihati) on the bank of the Bhagirathi.
Padmanabha had eighteen daughters and five sons.
The youngest son was named Mukunda.
Mukunda's son, Kumara deva, was an extremely religious man.
When religious upheaval occurred in Naihati, Kumara deva moved to Bakla Candradvipa (in Jessore).
He is said to have settled for some time at Fateyavad--located between Naihati and Bakla.
The three most renowned sons of Kumaradeva were Sanatana, Rupa and Anupama.
When their father died, these three sons went to their maternal uncle's home in Sakurma near the capital of Gauda where they continued their studies.
Gaudiya Vaisnava Abhidhana P. 1350-1351:
Rupa Gosvami was one of the six Gosvamis associated with Sri Gauranga-lila.
According to GGD 180 he was Sri Rupa manjari in Krsna lila.
He occupied a responsible post in the service of the Badshah Hussain Shah of Gauda.
He later renounced everything and surrendered himself at the feet of Lord Gauranga.
His fascinating biography is described in the CC., Bhaktamala, etc.
Narottama Thakura has rightly praised him as "Sri Caitanyamanohabhista-stapaka"
(the implementor of Lord Caitanya's desires).
Rupa Gosvami was specifically commanded by Lord Caitanya to carry out two tasks:
(1) to re-locate and preserve the lost pilgrimage places of Vrndavana, and
(2) to write and preach Vaisnava theology.
From Prayaga Rupa Gosvami went to Vrndavana.
He then visited his native home where he settled his property concerns.
Thereafter he traveled on to Nilacala to meet Lord Caitanya.
While staying at Gauda, Rupa Gosvami developed the desire to write the Vidagdhamadhava and Lalitamadhava nataka.
Initially he planned to present the Vraja-lila and the Pura-lila together in one drama with the view of calming the intensity of the Vrajaviraha by including the Dwaraka-lila.
However, while in Satyabhamapura he was commanded by Satyabhamadevi to write two separate dramas.
In Nilacala Lord Caitanya also gave him the same instruction.
Only those who appreciate the true Vaisnava spirit will understand the immense pleasure which Lord Caitanya and His associates derived from listening to this drama.
After surcharging and empowering Rupa Gosvami with divine energy, Lord Caitanya sent him back to Vrndavana.
The following is a list of the most well-known books of Rupa Gosvami:
Bhaktirasamrtasindhu; Ujvalanilamani; Laghubhagavatamrta; Vidagdhamadhava; Lalitamadhava; Nikunjarahasyastava; Stavamala; Sri Radhakrsna ganoddesadipika; Mathura-mahatmya; Uddhava Sandesa; Hamsadutam; Danakelikaumudi; Sri Krsnajanmatithividhi; Prayuktakhyatamanjari, Natakacandrika.
The following are references from CC. which deal with Rupa Gosvami:
2.1.165 Working as Dabir Khas in the employment of the King of Gauda.
2.1.196-197 He wrote a letter to Lord Caitanya prior to meeting Him and also received a reply.
2.1.165-170 He had a discussion relating to Lord Caitanya with Hussain Shah when the Lord visited Ramakeli.
2.1.171-173 On returning from Hussain Shah's place Rupa had a talk with Sanatana and both went to meet Lord Caitanya.
2.19.30-35 On receiving information from the two messengers that Lord Caitanya had already left for Vrndavana, Rupa took his younger brother, Anupama, along with him to meet the Lord.
Rupa sent a letter to Sanatana conveying this information, and encouraged him to escape from prison with the help of the money he had left in the custody of a grocer.
2.19.36-56 Rupa meets Lord Caitanya at Prayaga, expresses his humility and aspirations, informs the Lord about Sanatana and fixes up his residence close to the Lord's place.
2.19.61-67 Rupa meets Vallabha Bhatta at Prayaga; Bhatta expresses awe at the humility and devotion of Rupa.
2.19.81-82 Rupa accompanies Lord Caitanya to the house of Bhatta at Adaila village.
2.19.104-107 Lord Caitanya instructed Rupa for ten days at Prayaga on the theology of Krsna, Bhakti, rasa, etc.
The Lord empowered Rupa with His own divine energy.
2.1.173-202 Rupa and Sanatana first meet Lord Nityananda and Haridasa Thakura, and later meet Lord Caitanya.
They expressed their humility and spiritual aspirations and obtained the mercy of Lord Caitanya.
2.1.203-206 Lord Caitanya introducing the two brothers to the devotees and requests them to show their mercy to them.
2.1.207-212 The two brothers requested the Lord to leave that place and not to go to Vrndavana with a large crowd of people.
They then returned home.
2.19.2-4 Upon arriving at home the two brothers began to devise plans by which they could abandon their wealth.
2.19.5-8 By boat they visited their ancestral home and distributed their wealth.
2.19.10-11 Sri Rupa Gosvami heard that Lord Caitanya had returned to Jagannatha Puri and was preparing to go to Vrndavana through the forest, thus he sent two people to Puri to find out when Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu would depart for Vrndavana.
2.19.240 Rupa Gosvami is instructed by Lord Caitanya to go to Vrndavana.
2.19.241 The Lord tells Rupa that later he can go to Jagannatha Puri through Bengal and there he will meet the Lord again.
2.25.186 Rupa reaches Mathura and meets Subuddhi Raya at Dhruvaghat.
2.25.207 Rupa wins the friendship of Subuddhi Raya and together they visit the twelve forests of Vrndavana.
2.25.209-210 After one month in Vrndavana Rupa leaves for Prayaga, following the route along the bank of the Ganges.
2.25.216-219 From Prayaga Rupa and his brother go to Kasi and meet the devotees.
2.25.221 Rupa leaves for Gauda after staying in Kasi for ten days.
3.1.34-36 While in Vrndavana Rupa Gosvami desired to write dramas concerning the pastimes of Lord Krsna, thus he composed the introductory verses of a drama.
On his way to Gauda-desa he had been thinking of how to write the action of the drama.
Thus he had made some notes and begun to write.
3.1.37-38 On reaching Gauda, Anupama breathed his last.
Rupa leaves for Nilacala.
3.1.40-44 Rupa halted for a night during his journey at Satyabhamapur in Orissa, at night he had a vision of the deity Satyabhama who commanded Rupa to write a separate drama.
Rupa first planned to write a single drama comprising both Vrajalila and Puralila.
Now on receiving the divine command, Rupa decides to write two separate ones.
3.1.45-58 Rupa arrives at Nilacala and stays at the residence of Haridasa Thakura, where he meets Lord Caitanya.
He also met all the other devotees and Lord Caitanya urged them to shower their grace upon Rupa.
Rupa was loved by them all.
3.1.59-64 Rupa joins Lord Caitanya daily in Istagosthi and participates in the cleaning of Gundica.
3.1.65-68 Lord Caitanya gives instructions that Krsna never leaves Vrndavana.
3.1.71. At the command of Satyabhama and Lord Caitanya, Rupa arranges to write two separate dramas.
3.1.72-88 Rupa writes a verse interpreting the sloka "yah kaumaraharah" chanted by Lord Caitanya during Ratha-yatra.
He wrote this on a palm leaf and placed it in his thatched roof and went to take bath.
Lord Caitanya found that verse and was overwhelmed with ecstasy.
Thus He showered His mercy upon Rupa. Lord Caitanya showed that verse to Svarupa Damodara.
3.1.89 Lord Caitanya instructs Svarupa to teach Rupa Vaisnava theology.
3.1.97-99 Lord Caitanya feels ecstacy upon reading the Sanskrit verse composed by Rupa beginning with "tunde tandavini."
3.1.100-105 Lord Caitanya goes to meet Rupa at the house of Haridasa Thakura, along with Sarvabhauma, Ramananda, Svarupa, etc.
There the Lord glorifies Rupa's qualities.
3.1.109-121 Rupa meets the devotees and they all share the beauty of the verses "priyah sohayan krsnah" and "tunde tandavini."
3.1.199 Lord Caitanya personally guides Rupa to invoke the grace of all the devotees.
3.1.202 Considering Rupa to be competent to understand the science of rasa, Lord Caitanya transmitted His divine energy to Rupa and commanded him to write books about Bhakti.
3.1.206 Lord Caitanya expresses His desire to the devotees to endow Rupa with the ability to describe Vrajalila-premarasa.
3.1.210 Haridasa Thakura praises the fortune of Rupa.
3.1.215-216 Rupa participates with Lord Caitanya in the Holi festival.
3.1.217-220 Lord Caitanya bids farewell to Rupa after empowering him to go to Vrndavana and write transcendental literature, to excavate the lost holy places and to establish the service of Lord Krsna and preach the mellows of Lord Krsna's devotional service.
3.1.221 Taking leave of the devotees Rupa goes to Vrndavana via Gauda.
2.1.31-36 Name of some of the books compiled by Rupa Gosvami.
1.10.84-90 Rupa and Sanatana Gosvami both preached extensively and built temples and installed Deities in Vrndavana.
1.10.93-104 When Raghunatha Gosvami visited Vrndavana, Rupa and Sanatana treated him just like a brother.
2.19.124-133 His extraordinary renunciation and devotion.
2.18.47-54 Rupa has darsana of the Gopala Deity.
2.19.124-133 Rupa and Sanatana's conduct in Vrndavana.
2.1.208 Lord Caitanya reveals the names of Rupa and Sanatana.
2.1.215 Lord Caitanya describes the glories of Rupa and Sanatana to His associates.
(From GPC):
Sri Rupa Gosvami was born in 1493 A.D. (1415 Saka).
In order to complete their education they lived at their uncle's house in a small village named Sakurma near the capital of Gauda.
Having heard the glories of Sri Rupa and Sanatana from many intelligent persons, Badshah Hussain Shah of Gauda appointed the two brothers as ministers in the court.
Though reluctant to accept the Bhadshah's offer, out of fear of the Yavana King, they agreed to take the post.
Hussain Shah happily offered them enormous amounts of wealth and riches.
Sri Rupa and Sanatana thus lived in the village of Ramakeli, the capital of Gauda.
Many great brahmana scholars from different parts of the country visited their house regularly, and the two brothers took great pleasure in serving and arranging accommodations for them.
The brother of Sarvabhauma, the famous Vidyavacaspati, was the philosophy teacher of Sri Rupa and Sanatana.
As mentioned in the Dasama Tippani of the Bhagavata, their other teachers were Sri Paramananda Bhattacarya and Sri Ramapada Vadrapada.
From their early childhood Rupa, Sanatana and Anupama, were very devotionally inclined.
Thinking of the wonderful land of Vrndavana, they use to plant trees like Tamala, Kadamba, Yuthika and Tulasi groves in the nearby garden of their house.
They also dug two lakes in their garden, naming them Radhakunda and Syamakunda.
Everyday they were absorbed in the service of Madana Mohana.
When they heard the glories of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, they became extremely anxious to meet Him.
A transcendental voice spoke to them saying, "Be patient, the deliverer of mankind will soon come to visit your village."
When they heard that Sri Gaurahari had taken sannyasa and gone to Puri, Sanatana and Rupa fainted on the ground in grief.
Thinking that they would never have the opportunity to see the Lord they began to lament profusely.
Suddenly a voice spoke to them saying, "Do not lament, the ocean of mercy--Sri Gaurahari will soon come here."
Thus they heaved a sigh of relief.
After living happily in Puri for five years, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu went to Gauda to see his mother and the River Ganges.
The devotees were mad with joy and mother Saci, overwhelmed with ecstacy, happily cooked various preparation for her dear son.
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu stayed in the house of Sri Advaita Acarya in Santipura for some days and then traveled on to Ramakeli.
In this way Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu arrived at the beautiful village of Ramakeli.
There He danced in ecstacy and millions swarmed around Him to take the dust of His lotus feet.
When news of Mahaprabhu's powerful presence reached Badshah Hussain Sha h he said, "Without giving in charity this fellow has soo many people following behind Him.
He must be a great prophet."
Thus he told the Kaji and the Yavanas not to obstruct Him in any way and to allow Him do anything and go anywhere.
Due to the presence of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu the entire village of Ramakeli overflowed with joy.
People from all corners came to see the Lord.
When the Badshah asked his special representative, Kesava Chatri, about Mahaprabhu's presence, Kesava Chatri said, "Yes, I have heard that a beggar sannyasi has come here along with a few followers."
The Badshah said, "What are you talking about?
Millions of people are walking with Him."
Hearing this Kesava Chatri smiled slightly.
The Bhadshah then privately spoke to Dabira Khasa (Rupa Gosvami) who replied, replied, "Why are you asking me?
Ask your own mind.
It is this Gosvami who has given you this kingdom.
It is your good fortune that He has taken birth in your country.
Go and see Him yourself.
Can any human being possess such magnetic power of attraction?"
The Badshah was pleased by Sanatana's sweet words and ordered that Mahaprabhu be allowed to do whatever He likes.
After returning to his residence, Dabira Khasa and his brother decided after much consideration to go see the Lord incognito.
Thus in the dead of night the two brothers, Dabira Khasa and Sakara Mallika, went to see Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu incognito.
First they met Nityananda Prabhu and Haridasa Thakura, who told Lord Caitanya about two personalities--Rupa and Sanatana--had come to see Him.
In great humility, both brothers took bunches of straw between their teeth, and each binding a cloth around his neck, they fell down like rods before the Lord.
Upon seeing Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the two brothers were overwhelmed with joy, and out of humility they began to cry.
The Lord asked them to get up and assured them of all good fortune.
The two brothers got up and humbly offered prayers with folded hands.
After hearing the prayers of Dabira Khasa and Sakara Mallika, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu said:
"My dear Dabira Khasa, you two brothers are My old servants.
From this day your names will be changed to Srila Rupa and Srila Sanatana.
Now please abandon your humility, for My heart is breaking to see you so humble.
You have written several letters showing your humility and from these I have understood your heart.
I really had no business in coming to Bengal, but I have come just to see you two.
In accordance with the instructions of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the two brothers immediately touched the lotus feet of all the Vaisnava associates of the Lord present, including Nityananda, Haridasa Thakura, Srivasa Thakura, Gadadhara Pandita, Mukunda, Jagadananda, Murari and Vakresvara, who all became very happy and congratulated the brothers for having received the mercy of the Lord.
On the eve of the Lord's departure from Ramakeli, He blessed Sri Sanatana and Rupa by saying, "Very soon Krsna will free you from the entanglement of material life."
Later, the younger brother of Sri Sanatana and Rupa, Sri Anupama, along with his son and other family members, worshiped the lotus feet of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and sang His glories.
Mahaprabhu placed his hand on the head of Sri Jiva, the only son of Anupama.
After the Lord departed from Ramakeli Rupa and Sanatana began to devise means to get out of their government service.
Both brothers appointed some brahmanas to perform purascarana ceremonies and chant the holy name of Krsna.
Srila Rupa Gosvami deposited ten thousand gold coins with a grocer, and the balance he brought in two boats to a place called Bakla Candradvipa.
There he divided this money among the brahmanas, Vaisnavas and his relatives, and a portion he kept for emergency measures and personal needs.
When Rupa Gosvami was informed that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was going to Vrndavana from Jagannatha Puri through the forest of Madhya Pradesh, he sent two people to Jagannatha Puri to find out when the Lord would leave for Vrndavana.
When Mahaprabhu started for Vrndavana, Rupa left home and sent news to Sanatana that he was leaving with his younger brother (Anupama Mallika) to meet Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Meanwhile, Sanatana Gosvami told the Nawab that he was sick and could not attend to his work.
Giving this excuse, he sat home and studied Srimad Bhagavatam with learned brahmana scholars.
The Nawab Hussain Shah first sent his personal physician to see what the real facts were; then he personally came to see why Sanatana was not attending to official business.
Knowing that he wanted to resign his post, the Nawab had him arrested and imprisoned.
The Nawab then went off to attack Orissa.
Rupa Gosvami finally reached Prayaga.
While Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was sitting in a solitary place in the home of a Deccan brahmana, Rupa Gosvami and Sri Vallabha (Anupama) came to meet Him.
Both brothers were overwhelmed with ecstatic emotion and immediately fell down on the ground like rods.
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was very pleased to see Srila Rupa Gosvami and told him, "Stand up! Stand up! My dear Rupa, come here.
It is not possible to describe Krsna's mercy for He has delivered you both from the well of material enjoyment."
After this the Lord sat them down by His side and asked, "What news do you have of Sanatana?"
Rupa replied, "Sanatana has now been arrested by the government of Hussain Shah.
If You kindly save him, he can be liberated from that entanglement."
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu immediately replied, "Sanatana has already been released from his confinement, and he will very soon meet with Me."
At the time of Mahaprabhu's visit to Prayaga, Sri Vallabacarya was living in the village of Araila on the other bank of the Triveni.
One day he invited the Lord to his house for lunch and Sri Rupa and Anupama accompanied Him.
The Lord introduced the brothers Rupa and Vallabha to him.
From a distance, the brothers fell on the ground and offered obeisances to Vallabha Bhatta with great humility.
When Vallabha Bhattacarya walked toward them, they ran away to a more distant place.
Rupa Gosvami said, "I am untouchable and most sinful.
Please do not touch me."
Vallabha Bhattacarya was very surprised at this.
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, however, was very pleased, and He therefore spoke to him this description of Rupa Gosvami:
"Don't touch him, for he belongs to a very low caste.
You are a follower of Vedic principles and are a well experienced performer of many sacrifices.
You also belong to the aristocracy."
Hearing the holy name constantly vibrated by the two brothers, Vallabha Bhattacarya could understand the hints of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, thus he said:
"Since these two are constantly chanting the holy name of Krsna, how can they be untouchable?
On the contrary, they are most exalted."
The two brothers lay prostrate on the ground at the feet of Vallavacarya and praised him eloquently.
Due to the great crowds in Prayaga, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu went to a place called Dasasvamedha-ghata.
It was there that the Lord instructed Sri Rupa Gosvami for ten successive days and empowered him to understand the philosophy of devotional service.
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu said, "My dear Rupa, please listen to Me.
It is not possible to describe devotional service completely; therefore I am just trying to give you a synopsis of the symptoms of devotional service.
The ocean of the transcendental mellow of devotional service is so big that no one can estimate its length and breadth.
However, just to help you taste it, I am describing but one drop.
Now listen to Me.
Out of many millions o wise men, one may actually become liberated, and out of many millions of such liberated persons, a pure devotee of Lord Krsna is very difficult to find.
Because a devotee of Lord Krsna is desireless, he is peaceful.
Fruitive workers desire material enjoyment, jnanis desire liberation, and yogis desire material opulence; therefore they are all lusty and cannot be peaceful.
Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Krsna.
By the mercy of both Krsna and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.
That seed must be watered by hearing and chanting.
In this way the creeper sprouts and gradually, through continued watering, grows more and more and attains the shelter of the desire tree of the lotus feet of Krsna, who is eternally situated in the planet known as Goloka Vrndavana in the topmost region of the spiritual sky.
There the devotee serves the lotus feet of the Lord, which are compared to a wish-fulfilling tree.
With great bliss he tastes the juice of the fruit of love and becomes eternally happy."
"Now I shall describe the symptoms of pure devotional service.
Pure devotion to the Supreme Personality of Godhead is causeless and it cannot be obstructed in any way.
Such a devotee does not accept saloka, sarsti, sarupya, samipya or onesness with Krsna, even if offered these liberations.
A pure devotee simply wants to serve Krsna.
By regularly rendering devotional service, one gradually becomes attached to the Lord.
When that attachment is intensified, it becomes love of Godhead.
The basic aspects of prema, when gradually increasing to different states, are affection, abhorrence, love, attachment, further attachment, ecstasy and great ecstasy.
All these stages combined are called sthayibhava, or continuous love of Godhead in devotional service.
In addition to these stages, there are vibhava and anubhava.
When the higher standard of ecstatic love is mixed with the symptoms of sattvika and vyahicari, the devotee relishes the transcendental bliss of loving Krsna in a variety of nectarean tastes.
According to the devotee, attachment falls within the five categories of santa-rati, dasya-rati, sakhya-rati, vatsalya-rati and madhurya-rati.
These five categories arise from the devotees' different attachments to the Supreme Personality of Godhead .
Examples of santa-bhaktas are the nine Yogendras and the four Kumaras.
Examples of devotees in dasya-bhakti are innumerable, for such devotees exist everywhere (such as Raktaka, Citraka, Daruka, Hanuman, etc.).
In Vrndavana, examples of devotees in fraternity are Sridama and Sudama; in Dvaraka the Lord's friends are Bhima and Arjuna; in Vrndavana the devotees in parental love are mother Yasoda and father Nanda Maharaja, and in Dvaraka the Lord's parents are Vasudeva and Devaki.
The chief devotees in conjugal love are the gopis in Vrndavana, the queens in Dvaraka and the goddesses of fortune in Vaikuntha.
In this way Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu taught Srila Rupa Gosvami the ultimate limit of the truth about Lord Krsna, the truth about devotional service and the truth about transcendental mellows, consummating in conjugal love between Radha and Krsna.
Finally He told Rupa Gosvami about the ultimate conclusions of Srimad Bhagavatam.
By entering the heart of Rupa Gosvami, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu empowered him to ascertain properly the conclusions of all truths.
He made him an experienced devotee whose decisions correctly agreed with the verdicts of the disciplic succession.
Thus Sri Rupa Gosvami was personally empowered by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
After giving so much instruction, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu advised Sri Rupa to go to Vrndavana.
The Lord then departed for Varanasi.
With a grievous heart due to separation from the Lord, Sri Rupa and Anupama started for Vrndavana.
Sri Rupa in Nilacala:
In Vrndavana, Rupa Gosvami began to write a drama.
In particular, he composed the introductory verses to invoke good fortune.
On his way to Gauda-desa, Rupa Gosvami had been thinking of how to write the action of the drama.
Thus he had made some notes and begun to write.
In this way the two brothers Rupa and Anupama reached Bengal, but when they arrived there Anupama died.
After performing the funeral rites, Rupa Gosvami traveled on.
In the province of Orissa, Srila Rupa Gosvami rested for a night at Satyabhama-pura.
That night he dreamed that a celestially beautiful woman had come before him and very mercifully gave him the following order :
"Write a separate drama about me.
By my mercy it will be extraordinarily beautiful."
After having this dream, Srila Rupa Gosvami considered, "It is the order of Satyabhama that I write a separate drama for her."
Thus absorbed in thought, he quickly reached Jagannatha Puri.
When he arrived, he approached the hut of Haridasa Thakura.
Out of affectionate love and mercy, Haridasa Thakura told Srila Rupa Gosvami, "Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu has already informed me that you would come here."
Shortly thereafter the Lord arrived and warmly embraced Rupa.
They sat down together and inquired from one another about auspicious news.
The Lord asked Rupa about Sanatana.
Rupa explained that he had not met Sanatana and informed the Lord of Anupama's death.
On the next day, Caitanya Mahaprabhu again met Rupa Gosvami, and with great mercy the Lord introduced him to all the devotees.
Every day the Lord would go to see Rupa Gosvami, and whatever prasada He received from the temple He would deliver to Rupa Gosvami and Haridasa Thakura.
One day Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu went to see Srila Rupa Gosvami, the omniscient Lord spoke as follows:
"Do not try to take Krsna out of Vrndavana, for He does not go anywhere else at any time.
After saying this, the Lord went to perform His noon time duties, leaving Rupa Gosvami somewhat surprised.
"Satyabhama ordered me to write two different dramas," he thought, "now I understand that this order has been confirmed by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
During the Ratha-yatra ceremony Rupa Gosvami heard a verse uttered by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu during the ceremony, and he immediately composed another verse dealing with the same subject.
Only Svarupa Damodara Gosvami knew the purpose for which the Lord recited that verse.
According to the Lord's attitude, he used to quote other verses to enable the Lord to relish mellows.
Rupa Gosvami, however, could understand the intention of the Lord, and thus he composed another verse.
After writing this verse on a palm leaf, he put it somewhere in his thatched roof and went to bathe in the sea.
At that time, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu went there to meet him, and when He saw the leaf pushed into the roof and saw the verse, He read it and was overwhelmed by ecstatic love.
At that time Rupa Gosvami returned and offered his obeisances.
The Lord slapped him mildly in love and said, "My heart is very confidential.
How did you know My mind in this way?"
Svarupa Damodara said, "I can understand that You have already bestowed Your causeless mercy upon him.
No one could otherwise understand this meaning."
One day while Rupa Gosvami was writing his book, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu came to the cottage of Haridasa Thakura.
The Lord inquired, "What kind of book are you writing?"
He held up a palm leaf that was a page of the manuscript, and when He saw the fine handwriting, His mind was very pleased.
"The handwriting of Rupa Gosvami is just like rows of pearls," He said.
When Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu ordered Rupa Gosvami to read from his book, Rupa Gosvami, because of great shyness, did not read it but instead remained silent.
When the Lord persisted, Sri Rupa read, much to everyone's pleasure.
After hearing from him, both Ramananda Raya and Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya said to the Lord, "Without Your special mercy, how could this Rupa Gosvami have un derstood Your mind.
Ramananda remarked to Sri Rupa, "This drama of yours is a mine of conclusive statements."
After four months had passed and the Dola-yatra festival ended, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu bade farewell to Rupa Gosvami.
The Lord empowered him and bestowed upon him all kinds of mercy.
"Now go to Vrndavana and stay there," the Lord said.
"You may send here your elder brother, Sanatana.
When you go to Vrndavana, stay there, preach transcendental literature and excavate the lost holy places.
Establish the service of Lord Krsna and preach the mellows of Lord Krsna's devotional service.
I shall also go to Vrndavana once more."
Having thus spoken, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu embraced Rupa Gosvami, who then placed the lotus feet of the Lord upon his head.
The appearance of Sri Sri Govinda deva:
One day while Sri Rupa Gosvami was sitting on the bank of the Yamuna he began thinking, "I have failed to carry out the order of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu."
As he was thinking in this way an attractive Vrajavasi appeared there and asked Rupa, "Why do you look so depressed?"
Sri Rupa explained, "My life is futile because I have failed to execute the will of the Lord."
"What is the order of Mahaprabhu," the Vrajavasi asked?
Sri Rupa replied, "Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu requested me to establish the service of Lord Krsna and excavate the lost holy places."
The Vrajavasi replied, "My lord, please come with me."
Sri Rupa Gosvami followed the Vrajavasi who took him to a hillock and said, This spot is known as Gauratila and Sri Govinda deva is lying under this hillock.
Every afternoon a cow comes here and bathes this hill with her milk."
Saying this the Vrajavasi suddenly disappeared.
Sri Rupa puzzled over who the Vrajavasi was and if what he said might be true.
The next afternoon he went to the hill and saw a cow standing there, pouring her milk onto the hill.
Sri Rupa Gosvami was overwhelmed with joy and anticipation.
He rushed to the village and told the gopas about the incident, and they danced jubilantly.
Under the order of Sri Rupa, they all took axes and spades and began to dig at Gauratila.
After sometime they uncovered the Deity of Sri Govinda deva, who was more beautiful than millions of Cupids.
Everyone cheered, ecstatically calling out the name of Hari.
With tears in his eyes, Sri Rupa Gosvami fell prostrate on the ground before the Deity.
News of the Deities appearance spread rapidly throughout the village and everyone rushed to see the Lord.
The gopas of Vraja brought numerous baskets of curd, milk, rice and vegetables as offerings, and the brahmanas immediately began to cook many varieties of preparations.
After the wonderful abhiseka of Sri Govinda deva, the brahmanas offered the bhoga to the Lord.
Sri Rupa Gosvami's joy was boundless.
All the Gosvamis came for darsana of Sri Govinda and everyone began to float in the ocean of transcendental bliss.
Sri Rupa Gosvami immediately sent word of Sri Govinda's appearance to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in Nilacala.
Hearing this news, the Lord and His associates were filled with joy.
At once, Mahaprabhu sent Sri Kasisvara Pandita to assist Rupa Gosvami in Vrndavana.
The manifestation of Sri Vrnda devi :
After the installation of Sri Govinda and Sri Madana Gopala, Sri Rupa Gosvami began to meditate upon Sri Vrnda devi.
One night Vrnda devi appeared to Sri Rupa and said, "I am living in the bank of Brahma kunda, you can find me there."
In the morning Sri Rupa bathed in the Yamuna and finished his worship.
He then went to the bank of Brahma kunda and began searching.
Suddenly he came across a celestially beautiful woman of golden complexion.
The glowing effulgence of her body lit the entire area and the air was filled with sweet perfume.
Understanding the she was none other than Sri Vrnda devi, Rupa Gosvami immediately began offering prayers:
"Oh Vrnda devi, you are the exalted nurse of Lord Govinda and the fulfiller of Govinda's desires, I glorify you again and again."
In this way, Sri Vrnda devi appeared in this world.
The Danakeli Kaumudi :
Sri Rupa Gosvami wrote a drama named Lalita-Madhava dealing with the Lord's pastimes in Dvaraka and gave it to Sri Raghunatha dasa Gosvami to read.
However, after reading it, Raghunatha dasa became so morose and filled with sorrow that he decided to give up his life.
Understanding Sri Raghunatha's state of mind, Sri Rupa Gosvami wrote another book named Danakeli Kaumudi, describing the Lord's eternal pastimes in Vraja and gave the book to Sri Raghunatha to read.
This time, upon reading, Raghunatha dasa became overwhelmed with happiness.
(BRK)
The Affection of Sri Radhika:
One day Sri Rupa Gosvami desired to prepare payasam for Sri Sanatana but there were no ingredients for cooking in his cottage.
Understanding the mind of Her devotee, Sri Radha Thakurani-the fulfiller of her devotees' desires, came to the hut of Sri Rupa in the guise of a milkmaid and brought milk, rice and sugar for him.
"Oh my lord," She said, "please accept this gift."
Hearing the girls voice, Sri Rupa Gosvami came out and saw a beautiful young girl standing before him and asked her, "My dear girl, why have you come here?"
She replied, "I have brought this gift for serving you."
Sri Rupa said, "My dear girl, why have you gone through so much difficulty for my sake?"
Sri Radha answered, "Oh my father, it has not been any trouble at all, I have brought this gift for serving you, who are such a saintly person."
Sri Rupa requested her to sit down, but she declined, "No I cannot stay any longer.
I have many things to do at home."
Saying this the girl suddenly disappeared.
Sri Rupa was astonished by the girls sudden departure.
He then prepared the payasam, offered it to Sri Govinda deva and gave the prasada to Sanatana.
Upon eating the prasada, Sri Sanatana was filled with ecstacy and asked Sri Rupa, "Where did you get the rice and milk to cook this prasada?"
Sri Rupa said, "One young milkmaid brought it to me."
Sanatana questioned, "Did she suddenly appear before you?"
"Yes," Rupa replied, "this morning when I was thinking that I would like to prepare some payasam for you, a girl suddenly arrived with a gift of rice and milk."
Hearing this, Sri Sanatana began to cry and told Sri Rupa, "Who could have supplied something which such a wonderful taste other than Srimati Radharani Herself?
(BRK)
The Affection of the Inhabitants of Vraja :
When Sri Sanatana Gosvami and Sri Rupa Gosvami lived in Vraja, they won the heartfelt affection of all the residents there, who regularly brought the two brothers gifts of curd and milk.
The Gosvamis also regarded the inhabitants of Vraja as the dear associates of Lord Krsna.
They respected them in that way and were always concerned about their well being.
In Bhakti Ratnakara Sri Narahari Cakravarti explains:
"Rupa and Sanatana Gosvami used to know everything about the villagers of Vraja, such as how many sons and daughters they had and how old they were, who had given their son or daughter in marriage, how many cows and bullocks they possessed, how the crops were developing and what was the condition of their health."
In this way the Gosvamis carefully looked after the people of Vraja.
From time to time they gave advice relating to health, etc.
They were very unhappy to hear of any misery or sorrow suffered by a Vrajavasi, and were happy to hear any joyful news or jokes shared with them.
When they visited different areas of Vraja, the inhabitants there did not want them to leave their village.
If many days passed without a visit from the Gosvamis, the Vrajavasis would anxiously seek them out.
Thus the Vrajavasis were the life of Sri Rupa and Sanatana, and Sri Rupa and Sanatana were the life of the Vrajavasis.
The Books of Sri Rupa Gosvami:
1.Hamsaduta
2.Uddhava Sandesa
3.Sri Krsna Janmatithi Vidhi
4.Sri Radha Krsna Ganadesa Dipika (Vrhad and Laghu)
5.Sri Stavamala
6.Sri Vidaghdha Madhava (drama)
7.Sri Lalita Madhava (drama)
8.Danakeli Daumudi
9.Sribhaktirasamrtasindhu
10.Ujjala Nilamoni
11.Prajuktakhyatacandrika
12.Sri Mathura-Mahatma
13.Padyavali
14.Natakacandrika
15.Samkhepa Bhagavatamrta
16.Samanya Virudavali Lakshmana
17.Upadesamrta
Sri Rupa Gosvami's date of birth:
Birth--1411 Saka era, 1546 calender year, 1489 A.D.
He lived twenty-two years at home, and fifty-one years in Vraja.
According to Sri Radha Ramana Bera, he was born in 1415 Saka era, 1568 A.D.
His duration of life was seventy-five years;
Death--148 6 Saka era, 1621 calender year, 1564 A.D., on the day of Sukla Dvadasi in the month of Sravana (July-August).
According to another view, he died in 1490 Saka era, 1625 calender year, 1568 A.D.
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