Rudradwipa
This island represents sakhyam – friendship with God. Rudradwipa is accepted as the island of Lord Shiva because the place is connected with many of his pastimes. Bhaktivinod Thakur writes: “This island is not other than Kailash, eternal abode of Lord Shiva, in the forests of Navadwipa. Just the tiny part of its effulgence gives light to all three worlds.” (“Navadwipa-bhava-taranga”, 132). There is the hidden ashram of Durvasa Muni who left this yoga and worships he lotus feet of Gauranga. Here also reside Ashtavakra, Dattatreya and Panchamukhi Shiva who no more desire to merge into Brahman but serve to the Lord Chaitania.
Times when Lod Chaitania appeared (1486) Rudradwipa was in the western side of the Ganges. In 1520, when Jiva Goswami and Nityananda Prabhu did their first parikarama this place was already partially in the western side and also partially in the east sides Ganges banks. In 1550, when Srinivas Acharya came to Navadwipa Rudradwipa was fully in eastern banks of Ganges. Nowadays the channels of Ganges are changed and she again breaks the island into two parts – western and eastern.
Rudrapara
This place is situated on a bend of the Ganges, near the village of Bhaduidanga.
Here, in Rudradwipa permanently reside eleven Rudras headed by Nila-lohita Shiva. They always sing the glories of Gauranga and dance in ecstasy. The Demigods seeing their dance feel great joy and shower flowers upon them. Linking to “Garga samhita” Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur writes: “There is one Holy place in the north – Niala lohita kshetra. Here resides Lord Shiva known as Nila Lohita. Oh king of Videha, here resides all Demigods, Munis, seven Rshis and Marutas. It is the place where Ravana – the enemy of all three worlds, worshiped Lord Shiva and achieved great power. Oh king, whichever results bring the visit to Kailash is increased for hundred times if one once sees Nila lohita Shiva!” (“Navadwipa dhama mahatmya”, Pranama – khanda).
Vishnuswami in Navadwipa
Once in one of his triumphal journey in India Vishnuswami arrived here along with his disciples. They stayed at night in Rudradwipa. His disciples used to chant “Haribol!” and he used to recite prayers from Shruti. Being pleased that Devotees are in union talk about bhakti Nila lohita appeared before Vishnuswami.
Appearance of Shiva surprised Vishnuswami. He respectfully folded his hands and began to offer his prayers.
“All Vaishnavas are dear to Me,” told Shiva. “I liked how you explain the science of devotional service. Ask whatever blessing you want I will fulfill that.
Vishnuswami offered his obeisance to Lord Shiva and filled with love told:
“We request You only one thing. Bless us that we establish true sampradaya which will teach the science of devotional service.”
Rudra agreed and titled that sampradaya wth his own name. Because of that Vishnuswami Sampradaya sometimes is called as Shiva Sampradaya. By the mercy of Lord Shiva Vishnu swami stayed here and worshiped Gauranga burning in desire to achieve love for Godhead.
Gauranga appeared to him in his dream and told:
“By the mercy of Rudra you became My Devotee. You are worthy for getting the treasure like bhakti. Now go and preach the philosophy of shudhaadvaita (pure monism). Not far that time when I will come to the Earth, and you will come as Sri Vallabha Bhatta. You will meet Me in Puri and in Mahavan you will start your sampradaya.
Shridhara Swami in Navadwipa
Sridhara Swami, who also belonged to Rudra Sampradaya, also came here and in his dream had darshan of Lord Gauranga. Lord expressed His satisfaction for “Bhagavat dipika” – his purport to “Srimad Bhagavatam”.
Places to visit:
01. Sankarpur
02. Belakpur
04. Bharadvaja-tila
