Madhyadwipa
In Satya Yuga, the rshis began singing the glories of Gaura in their father’s presence. Completely absorbed, they begged for the eternal treasure of Gaura prema. Lord Brahma was pleased with his 7 sons and told them to go to Navadvipa and sing the glories of Gaura, then they will easily attain prema. Whoever gets the mercy of the dhama, gets the association of devotees. Then, by worshiping in the association of devotees, they will become absorbed in Krishna prema. That is the supreme activity. Whoever gets attraction for Navadvipa will receive the benediction of living in Vraja. To live in the spiritual dhama & recite the name of Gaura is the only aspiration of the devotees.
Seven rshis took their father’s instructions to heart and came to this place. When they arrived, they engaged in dancing and chanting the Name of Hari. They begged for Gaura prema while singing the Lord’s glories in a loud voice, “O Gaurahari, be merciful and reveal Yourself to us just once! Being offenders, we have followed many paths, but now we are taking to the path of devotional service.”
The rshis underwent austerities and became firmly situated in devotional service by worshiping Gauranga. They completely gave up eating and sleeping and simply recited the name of Gaura. Around noon, the all-merciful Lord Gauranga appeared before the rshis.
The Lord was brilliant as hundred suns, and He attracted the minds of the yogis. He appeared with the Panca tattva. How extraordinary was that form! His from had a beautiful golden hue. Around His neck was a garland of flowers, and His glittering ornaments illuminated all directions. His glance was beautiful, His hair was long and curled, and a dot of sandalwood decorated His forehead. He wore three folded cloth, a shining thread, and his neck was decorated with a beautiful jasmine garland. Seeing this form, the rshis were enchanted and they humbly petitioned. “We surrender to Your lotus feet. Please give us devotion.”
Hearing the rshis prayer, Gaurahari replied, “listen rshis, give up all desires, the chains of gyana and karma, and just discuss topics of Krishna. Within a short time I will unfold My lila in Navadvipa. Then you will see My pastimes of nama sankirtana. But now, keep this subject a secret. Worship Krishna at Kumarahatta at the ghata made by you.”
When Lord Gaurahari disappeared the seven rshis went to Kumarahatta. At this place now we can see seven tilas, or hillocks. These seven hillocks are arranged in the same pattern as the seven rshis in the sky. By living here one will receive Gaurahari without having to undergo a strict process of rules and regulations.
To the south of this one can see one stream the very pure Gomati River. Beside it is Naimisharanya. At the beginning of Kali Yuga the rshis headed by Saunaka heard about Gauranga from the mouth of suta. Whoever reads the Puranas here during the month of Kartika becomes fress from all distress, becomes absorbed in the pastimes of gauranga and easily attains vrindavana. Giving up his bull carrier, siva once mounted Sri Hansa – vahana, Brahma’s swan and came here to hear the recitation of the Puranas. Along with his followers, he sang the glories of Gaura. While singing and dancing the followers surrounded Siva and shouting the name of Gaurahari threw heaps of flowers all around.
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