Ritudwipa
Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur writes that Ritudwipa is the abode of spiritual bliss. It is a reflection of Radha Kunda in Vraja. The word “ritu” means “spring”. Although there are all 4 seasons in spiritual Navadwipa but in this place eternally it is spring. Local people call the island as “Patapura”.
Patapura – the hidden Radha Kunda.
Radha Kunda is situated in between Vidyanagar and Champahatti. It is very tiny well which is very difficult to find independently. In Vrindavan Krishna visits Radha Kunda day times along with Srimati radharani and other Gopis. Lord Chaitania also comes to Ratupura afternoon times. He does His blissful Kirtans through which He distributes love for Krishna.
Lord Nityananda and Jiva Goswami in Ratapura
Sri Nityananda said, “We have come now to Ritudvipa. This place is extremely attractive. The tree are bending down their heads in respect, the breeze is blowing gently, and the flowers are blooming everywhere. The humming of the bees and the fragrance of the flowers intoxicate the travelers’ minds here.”
As He was saying this, Nityananda became like a madman and exclaimed, “Quickly, bring My horn! The calves have gone far odd, and Krishna is fast asleep and won’t come. He is acting like a baby. Where are Subala and Dama? All alone I cannot go and herd the cows!” Shouting, “Kanai! Kanai!” Nityananda jumped a few yards.
Seeing His state, the Devotees immediately supplicated at Nityananda’s feet, “O Prabhu Nityananda, your Brother, Gaurachandra is no longer here. He has taken sannyasa and gone to Nilachala, leaving us poor beggars.”
Upon hearing those words, Nityananda became dejected and fell to the ground crying, “You have put us in such sorrow, Kanai, My Brother! You have taken sannyasa and left us to go to Nilachala. I will not continue My life. I will jump in the Yamuna river!” Saying this, Sri Nityananda lost consciousness.
Sensing Nityananda Prabhu’s elevated sate of spiritual emotional, they began to chant the Holy Name. After 2 hours had passed, Nityananda still did not rise. Finally, when the Devotees began chanting the glories of Gauranga, Nitai awoke.
“This is the place of Radha – Kunda!” He exclaimed. “Here in the afternoon, Gaurahari would perform Kirtana with His associates. Look at the brilliance of Shyama Kunda, which attracts the minds of everyone in the universe! And look, here and there are the sakhis’ groves. In the afternoon, Gauranga would become immersed in singing Krishna’s glories and satisfy all by distributing prema. Know that in the three worlds there is no equal to this place, where the Devotees worship the Lord. Whoever lives here will get love of God, which will soothe the burning fire of material life.”
Places to visit:
01. Vidyanagar
02. Vidyanagara Gaudia Math & Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya’s house
