Saranga Murari’s house, Vasudeva Datta’s Deity, Madana Gopal’s Temple’s ruiners
Sharanga Thakur became famous by bringing back to life one boy whose dead body touched his leg while he was bathing at the Ganges. And chanting the Holy Names into his ears he brought the boy to life. Here Devotees pray for the mercy of Lord Chaitania for becoming His instrument in His mission of brining living entities to Krishna Consciousness. It is a place where we may get blessings for preaching.
Sharanga Deva Gaudiya Math
A small Temple opened by the descendants of Sharanga Murari now is supported by Gaudia Math Devotees. There are the next Deities in the altar:
The biggest Deities are Radha Madana Gopal (who were worshiped by Vasudeva Datta Thakur). Smaller Ones are Radha Gopinath who were worshiped by Sharanga Murari. The smallest Ones are Sri Sri Radha Govinda. They were worshiped by Shivananda Sena. The Deities of Gaura Gadadhara were worshipped by Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati and his disciples.
Present Pujari Jagadbandhu Prabhu worships here from his 10 years old.
Jananivas Prabhu speaks about the Deities:
There are also Deities of Radha Madana Gopal in Mamgachi. Those Deities are Vasudeva Datta’s. There installed three famous Deities:
Gaura Gadadhara
Radha Gopinath
And Radha Madana Gopal.
All of Them stay together at the small, new Temple. The strangers started to reside at the home of Vasudeva Datta and Mukunda Datta after some times when they left this world. Those people were not Vaishnavas.
Once upon a time the king Sagar – disciple of Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur were going to Kolkata. And the Deity appeared on his dream. Lord told: “They want to throe Me to the Ganges! Please come and help Me! I am from Mamgachi, My Name is Madana Gopal.” The king returned back and immediately went there along with Devotees. They visited all the houses and asked about the Deity from all local residents, until they at least came to that house.
“Yes, we wanted to through Them,” told to them the owners. “It will be better if you give Them to us,” requested Devotees.
The owners were agreed. In this way the Deities were saved.
The old pujari from Mamgachi told that Maharaja Sagara did not had place to stay. And after some time someone donated to him a peace of land…They resided there together – Sagara Maharaja with Jagadbandhu. Jagadbandhu became a Devotee when he was only 10 years old. Once Devotees had disagreement with each other. That was so painful to the heart of Sagara Maharaja and he told:
“I do not wish anymore to stay here.” And that evening, at the time of sandhya arati, sitting in front of Deities he left his body and went back to Godhead.
Sri Sharanga Thakur
Sri Sharanga Thakur (Sharanga Murari) – the one of important twigs of Lord Chaitania’s tree – used to live in Mamgachi, Modadrumadvipa, Navadwipa. Living under Bakula tree, he used to work very hard everyday in order to please his Deity even though having only one hand.
He used to collect fruits, vegetables and woods. As a donation he used to request for rice and cooked meal, bathed the Deity and offered clothes and feed his Deity. After whole day service to his Deity Sharanga Thakur used to cross the river and join the Sankirtana of Lord Gauranga in Mayapur.
Once Lord Chaitania visiting Sharanga Thakur’s place saw that beloved Bakula tree of Sharanga thakur was already dry. Lord Gauranga embraced the tree with His wonderful, golden arms and that became young, covered with green leaves and with fresh flowers. From that time Devotees worship to that Kalpa Vriksha tree. Some of Devotees collect the small peaces of wood which fall to the ground and do out of them neck beads or worship them.
Sharanga Thakur vowed that he won’t initiate anyone no matter of orders of Lord Chaitania. Once his heart melted and he accepted this order. Bathing in the Ganges he touched the dead body which was flowing near him. And that body suddenly woke up. Being shocked the boy came to his consciousness and paid obeisance to Sharanga Thakur. Initiating that boy Sharanga Thakur became famous as Sharanga Murari Thakur, because the name of that boy was Murari.
In Vraja lila Sharanga Thakur serves to Radha and Krishna as Nandimukhi sakhi. Still it is possible to see the deity of Sharanga Thakur and the Bakula tree going further for 40 minutes from Navadwipa.
Srila Prabhupada, linking to “Anubhashiya” of Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati, writes: “other name of Thakur Sharaga dasa is Sharnga Thakur. Sometimes he is called as Sharangapani or Sharangadhara. He used to live in Navadwipa, in Modadrumadwipa and worshiped the Supreme Personality of Godhead in a secluded place in the banks of Ganges. He used not to accept disciples but Lord from His heart again and again pushed him for that. One morning he woke up and told: “That whom I will meet first this morning will be my disciple.” When he was bathing at the Ganges he suddenly noticed dead body and touched it with his feet. The dead body immediately became to life and Sharahga Thakur initiated him. As a result this disciple later was glorified as Thakur Murari. His name is connected with Sharanga Thakur’s name. His spiritual descendents still visit the village – Shar. As it says there is a Temple which was established by Sharanga Thakur in Mamgachi. Not far ago there was established a new Temple near by the Bakula tree which is now maintained by Devotees from Gaudia Math. In “Gaura-ganodesha-dipika” (172) it says that Sharanga Thakur was a gopi - Nandimukhi in his previous life. Some consider him as Prahlada Maharaja but Sri Kavi karnapura linking to his father Shivananda Sena does not agree with that opinion.” (Chaitania charitanrita”, Adi, 10.113, purport.)
The boy who was initiated by Sharanga Thakur was from very rich family and that day he had to have his marriage. Lord Chaitania hearing the news that Thakur has now a disciple was very happy and soon came to the house of that boy along with many Devotees to see him.
Parents of Murari were in great sorrow when they heard that their son was not dead and now living in Mamgachi. Coming to him they requested him to come back home. But he told: “You gave me just dead body but my Gurudev gave life to it because of that I will stay with him.”
In “Chaitania Bhagavata” says about the saint with very good qualities named Murari Chaitania das. Some say that it is about the boy Murari which was initiated by Sharanga Thakur others say that it is Sharanga Thakur himself. (Who sometimes was called as Sharanga Murari.
Murari Chaitania das
In his purport to Chaitania Charitaamrita” (Adi, 11.20) Srila Prabhupada writes:
Murari Chaitania was born in the village – Sar Vrindavan pur, which is situated about 3 km from the railway station Galash which takes to Burdvan. When Murari Chaitania das came to Navadwipa, he resided in the village Modadrum or Mamgachi-gram. That time he took the name Sharanga Murari Chaitania das. These days descendents of his family live in Sarer Pata. In the 5th chapter of Antya khanda of “Chaitania Bhagavta” we may find the next:
“Murari Chaitania das did not have material form, his form was completely spiritual. Sometimes he used to follow tigers and lions in the forest as if he is playing with cats and dogs. He used to beat to the face s of tigers and used to take poisonous snakes to his hands. He was not afraid for his body, fully forgetting about its existence. He was able to chant the Holy Names or glorify the glories of Lord Chaitania and Nitayananda for many days continuously. Sometimes he used to stay under the water for 2-3 days feeling any discomfort. He used to act as if his body was made of stone or wood, and plus used to chant the Holy Names Hare Krishna. No one described his special qualities but it was known that where ever he was by the atmosphere which he creates everyone would become Krishna Conscious.”
Bakula Tree
There is a tree in front of the house of Sharanga Murari which is over 500 years old. Lord Chaitania used to love to take rest under it when He used to come after His debates from Vidyanagar. Often Sharanga Thakur used to chant the Holy Names under that tree. The tree used to give shade and by that used to help to his bhajan. But seeing that it was getting dry Lord Chaitania showed a wonder. He embraced it and the tree came to life. By that He showed how dear to Him those who serve to His Devotees.
Until now, although this tree is almost completely missing the core, it grows and brings flowers and fruits.
The ruins of the house of Vasudeva Datta
Vasudeva Datta was the expansion of Prahlada Maharaja.
In “Chaitania Charitaamrita” Srila Prabhupada writes:
“Vasudeva Datta – brother of Mukunda Datta also was the resident of Chattagram… Vasudeva Datta used to live at the house of Srivas Pandit. In “Chaitania bhagavat” it says that Lord Chaitania Mahaprabhu was so much pleased with Vasudeva Datta and loved him very much and used to say: “I completely belong to Vasudeva Datta. He may dispose Me as like as wishes, and can even sell Me to anyone…” Vasudeva Datta initiated Yadunanda Acharya, the spiritual master of Raghunatha dasa, which later became a Raghunatha das Goswami…Vasudeva Datta used to spend money without counting them because of that Lord Chaitania told Shivananda Sena to become his secretary and somehow to limit his spenditures. All the earned money he used to spend for worshiping the Deities.
Vasudeva Datta was so kind to living entities that once desired to take for himself all of their sins and requesting Lord Chaitania Mahaprabhu to give to them liberation…
Vasudeva Datta’s compassion knows no equal. Once he requested Lord Chaitania:
“Dear Lord, when I see how living entities are suffering my heart breaks. Please, beg You give to me their karma to me and liberate them all! I am ready to suffer for them.”
Hearing these words the heart of the Lord melted and tears fell from His eyes, and His body trembled. With breaking words Lord answered:
“Whatever requests pure Devotee from his Master, Krishna definitely fulfills his wish. For you no need to suffer for their sins – they will be liberated just by your request…”
Srila Prabhupada used to tell: “No one can compete with Vasudeva Datta. He was a Vaishnava – para duhka dukhi – very sensory to the sufferings of others. Such like a Devotee by just of his existence purifies whole world. Such like a person is the real representative of Sri Chaitania Mahaprabhu, because his heart always filled with compassion to conditioned souls.” (Chaitania Charitamrita”, Madhya, 15.163, purport.)
We can pray to Vasudeva Datta in order to cultivate the similar compassion.
In “Anubhashya” Srila Bhaktisidhanta Saraswati Goswami writes: “Not far from railway station of Navadwipa there is a station Purvasthali from which in one and half km away village Mamgachi where Vrindavan das Thakur was born. There is a Temple of Madana Gopal, installed by Vasudeva Datta.”
Nowadays this Temple is supported by the Devotees of Gaudia Math and seva puja is done in a very high standards. Every year all Devotees who do Navadwipa mandala parikrama visit Mamgachi also. From the time when Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur started to organize Navadwipa parikaramas this place became exemplary.” (“Chaitania Charitamrita”, Adi, 10.41. purport.)
Ruins of the Temple Radha – Madan Gopal
The Deities Radha Madan Gopal which were installed by Vasudeva Datta is now installed at Sharanga Dev in Gaudia Math. But before for Them there was special Temple not far from the house of Vasudeva Datta. Now in few minutes from the birth place of Vrindavan das Thakur there are left only some ruins covered by scrubby.
The birth place of Vrindavan das Thakur
Modadruma Gaudia Math
This place is situated not far from the railway station Bhandatikur. In that place there was the house of Malini Devi – the wife of Srinivas Thakur. Although here is the place of the birth place of Srila Virndavan das Thakur. At the present time this Temple is maintained by Devotees of Gaudia Math. Worship is here done to the next Deities:
- Sri Sri Nitay Gouranga
- Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra (all These Deities are worshiped by Vrindavan das Thakur)
- Sri Sri Radha Krishna (installed by Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati) and
- Deity of Vrindavan das Thakur.
Two sisters
In “Gaura ganodesha dipika” it says that in previous life Narayani (the mother of Vrindavan das Thakur) was Kilimbika – the younger sister of Ambika (babysitter of Krishna). When Lord Chaitania appeared to this world, Ambika became a Malini Devi – the wife of Srinivas Pandit, and Kilimbika as his niece (daughter of brother of Srinivas – Nalina Pandit) with the name Narayani. When she still was a small kid Lord Chaitania gave to her food from His own plate. While she was eating all others used to glorify her because even though being yet small child she had great opportunity to serve to the Lord. And when she finished eating Lord Chaitania told:
“Narayani, and now I want to hear how you will call out for Krishna.”
The power of the Lord were so great that with tears in her eyes tiny girl started to cry out:
“Krishna! Krishna!”
When Narayani already grew up (this happened when Lord Chaitania already went to Mayapur), she married. But her husband Vaikuntha das died and Narayani (being at that time pregnant) by the request of Malini Devi moved first to the house of Srivas Thakur and the later (when the child took birth) to Mamgachi to her father’s place. In this place his son spends his first years of his life. The son who is going to be glorified with his book “Chaitania Bhagavata” – the first and full biography of Lord Chaitania.
Vrindavan das Thakur
In her early ages Narayani Devi – niece of Srinivas Pandit got the special mercy of Sri Chaitania Mahaprabhu. Later she gave birth to Vrindavan das, who was the last disciple of Sri Nityananda Prabhu. Taking the instruction of his Guru Vrindavan das Thakur began to write his book “Sri Chaitania Bhagavata.”
Vrindavan das Thakur installed the Deities of Nitay – Gauranga and Sri Jagannatha Deva in Mamgachi, Modadrumadwipa (Navadwipa). There he used to live brahmachari life and worshiped his beloved Deities. He had many disciples which included Gopinath brahmachari also the descendent of Sri Keshava Bharati.
According to “Gaura ganodesha dipika” in the pastimes of Krishna Vrindavan das Thaukr was the gopa Kusumapida. But many consider him as if he is an incarnation of Vyasadev.
There is not much known about the father of Vrindavan das Thakur. Saint even not seen him does not mention about him in any of his writings. Only known information is that he is from Kumarahatta (Halisahara). Narayani used to stay at the house of Srinivas Pandit where her son was protected as if priceless treasure. In Mamgachi Vrindavan das Thakur did his studies. There he installed the Deities of Nita Gauranga and Jagannath.
Lord Chaitania left this world when Vrindavan das Thakur was not even 20 years old. In 16th years old he took initiation from Lord Nityananda and was His most beloved, and also last disciple. He used to travel with Him and help Him to preach. But when they reached the village Denur in Burdvan Lord Niyananda told him to reside there and preach. Because of that the great saint was not able to take darshan of Lord Chaitania.
Mahatpura
This place is situated in the north – west side of Modadrumadwipa and nowadays is called as Matapur. There is a factory in the old bed of Ganges. There was a big sacrifice arena here five thousand years ago and also there were 5 huge banyan trees. But now they are disappeared.
Pandavas in Navadwipa
When Pandavas – 5 brothers and their wife Darupadi were in exile, they once came to Gauda desha, Bengal. In Ekachakra Dhama king Yudhishtra saw on his dream Navadwipa and desired very much to see this place in reality. Arriving to Navadwipa they stayed here for some time and killed many demons. Once king Yudhishtra saw Lord Gauranga in his dream whose effulgent body all the sides.
“In this form see Me not many people,” smiling told Lord Gauranga. “At your home I am Krishna, Son of Anda, and I am always close to you. Navadwipa dhama is my supreme abode. It will appear in the age of Kali and will destroy all material illusion. You and your brothers are my eternal associates. Because of that when I again reveal My pastimes you will again come with Me. Day and night we will be in the banks of the ocean in Jagannatha Puri. Go to Kalinga, purify that place and help to suffering licing entities.”
Yudhishtra told this dream to his brothers. Discussing this among themselves they went to the Kingdom of Kalinga. Although it was painful to them to leave Navadwipa they had to do so in order to fulfill the orders of the Lord.
Madhvacharya in Navadwipa
Madhva also along with his disciples came here. Gaurasundara mercifully appeared to him in his dream and told with smile:
“Everyone knows that you are My eternal servant. When I descend to the Earth I will take initiation in your sampradaya. And you go and refute the false teachings of mayavadis. Reveal to the world glories of worshiping to the Deity of the Lord and then I will distribute your pure teachings.”
Saying this Lord disappeared and Madhva was surprised. “Is it true that I never ever again will see that wonderful golden form?” he lamented. And the answer was:
“Worship Me within your heart and you will definitely come to Me…”
With these instructions Madhva left Navadwipa with great inspiration to defeat mayavadis. Seemingly the visit of Madhva to Navadwipa was after his second visit to Badrinath after writing the purport to “Vedanta Sutra”. Madhav crossed through Bihar where he came to Bengal and there he meet with Lord Chaitania. According to Padmanabhacharya – the biographer of Madhvacharya, Madhva visited Nadia because that time this place was already the place of knowledge. Thousands of students used to study here grammar, astrology, palmistry, arts etc.
“Bhavishya Purana” – ancient text, which includes many predictions, includes information about Madhavacharya. Along with other things it is said there that visiting “Shantipur” Madhva asked questions about the God from who was the united incarnation of Radha and Krishna. This story is written in the 19th chapter of Pratisarga parva “Bhavishya puran”.
Madhvacharya himself does not talk about the meeting with Lord Mahaprabhu but in some his texts it is possible to see hints to the teachings of Lord Chaitania. Acharya in his “Mukunda Uppanishads” quotes the words from “Narayana sahita” in the next way:
“In the age of Dvapara people worship Lord Vishnu according to the methods of Pancharatra. In the age of fights and quarrel Lord is worshipped only by chanting His Holy Names”.
Also Madhvacharya sometimes talks about achintya bhedabheda tattva, but never, nowhere telling it directly. In “Bhagavata tapare” (11.7.51) quoting from the verse from “Brahma tarka” he openly uses the philosophy simultaneous unity and difference.
Spiritual form of Mahatpura
“Mahatpura is non different than Kamyavana – the place of pastimes of Krishna in Vraja. In that place associates of Lord Gauranga loudly chant the Holy Names of Krishna.
Being in exile 5 Pandavas and Draupadi used to live in the forest for sometime. They invited Vyasadev and listened his recitation of “Gaura Purana”. There they worshiped Lord Gauranga.
Even now the sages can see Yudhishtira and rshis – Bhauma, Shuka, Devala, Chyavana and Garga. They are sitting on the trees and crying, hearing the glories of Lord Gauranga.
When I will be able to visit that place and pay obeisance to them? When I will hear from the mouth of Vyasadev about how Lord Gauranga liberates atheists?
After some time, loosing the opportunity of seeing that meeting I will shout the Name of Gauranga, fall down and will cry. And becoming hungry in the forest, in the afternoon I will collect fruits in the forest. When the wife of Pandavas Draupadi come to me with rice and shak in her hands: “please, take this offering from me – few handfuls of rice which were offered to Lord Gauranga”.
Feeling myself as the most unqualified I will offer her my obeisance and will reach out my hand to accept the rice and shak.” (“Navadwipa bhava Taranga”, 125-130)
Vaikunthapura
This place is situated in one and half km away from Mahatpura and it is not marked with any marks. The exact original place is not yet found.
There are non visible worlds of Vaikuntha and the forest Nihshresya – the eternal abode of Lord Vishnu situated in the other side of the river Viraja. Eternal energies of Lord Narayana Sri, Bhu and Nila serve to Their Master. Once upon a time Narada Muni visited Sri Sri Lakshmi Narayana there and got Their instruction which was the request to go to the Bhuloka (Earth), to Navadwipa. Arriving there Muni again saw Sri Sri Lakshmi Narayana there. Then Lord Narayana changed His form into Gauranga and told him to incarnate in the Earth in the age of Kali as Srivas Thakur.
Ramanujacharya in Navadwipa
Once Ramanujacharya came to Puri brought great pleasure to his Lord by his prayers. Lord Jagannath appeared before him and told:
“Go to Navadwipa, because soon I will appear there in the house of Jagannatha Mishra. All the spiritual worlds reside in one place Navadwipa which is very dear to Me. Let your disciples who are in dasya rasa remain here but you go. Any living entity who never saw Navadwipa was born uselessly. Only single part contains on it Ranga Kshetra, Sri Venkata (Tirupati) and Yadava Achala. Go to Navadwipa in order to see Gauranga. You came to this land to preach about pure bhakti, let by the mercy of Lord Gauranga your life will be successful. From Navadwipa go to Kurma Sthana and you again will meet your disciples.”
Respectfully joining his palms before the Lord Ramanuja told to Lord Jagannath:
“In Your story You told about Gaurachandra, but who is that? I do not know about Him.”
“Everyone knows Krishna,” mercifully replied Lord. “Krishna who lives in Vrindavan will appear as Gaurahari and Vrindavan as Navadwipa. As Lord Gauranga I reside in Navadwipa – the top most abode in whole universe. By My mercy this dhama manifested on Earth, but there is no a tinge of maya. In this way talk scriptures. If you say that Navdwipa is part of material world then your devotion will decrase day by day. By My will and unachievable potency I put this spiritual abode in material world.”
Hearing the Lord Jaganath Ramanuja, who had clear intelligence, became overwhelmed with love to Lord Gauranga.
He told: “Oh Lord, Your pastimes are really amazing. Why Gauranga lilas are not mentioned in Shastras? When I studied shrutti and Puranas I found only the hint to Gaura tattva. Your instructions vanished my suspicions and sweetness of Gaura Lila appeared in my heart. I will present evidence to people from hidden scriptures and will establish pure devotional service to Lord Gauranga in whole universe.”
“Oh Ramanuja,” told Jaganath, seeing his eager determination, “do not reveal this secret to anyone and keep these hidden pastimes of Gauranga in secret. Only when Lord Gauranga will complete His pastimes on Earth they will be revealed everywhere. But now continue to preach about dasya rasa and always worship Lord Gauranga within your heart.
In order the pastimes of Lord Gauranga were not revealed before the needed time Lord Narayana brought Ramanuja to Vaikunthapur and mercifully showed His transcendental form to which worship Sri Bhu and Nila. Suddenly Ramanuja saw that Lord took the form of Gaurasundara – son of Jagannath Mishra. The effulgence was glowing from the body of the Lord and Ramanuja lost his consciousness. Gauranga put His lotus Feet upon the his head and he started to offer prayers:
“I must see Gaura Lila on Earth. I never leave Navadwipa!” he decided.
“Oh son of Keshava,” told Gauranga, “Your desire will be fulfilled. When My pastimes begin in Nadia you also will be born again.”
Gauranga disappeared and Ramanuja happily went further.
After few days he reached Kurma Sthana and meet with his disciples. All his life preaching about dasya rasa in the south of India within his heart he always merged in Gaura lila. By the mercy of Gauranga he took birth in Navadwipa as Sri Ananta. He came to the house of Vallabhacharya and saw the marriage of Lakshmipriya and Gauranga.
Ramanujacharya nowhere mentioned about Gaura Tattva. But in the purport to Bhagavad Gita (4.9) explaining the form of the Lord he brought many verses from Upanishads which proves that the color of Lord is golden.
Spiritual vision of Vaikunthapura
Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur writes: “I will slowly go to Vaikunthapura, to the forest which has the title Nihshreyas which is the embodiment of beauty and wealth. The Supreme Personality of Godhead of Vaikuntha resides here along with His energies – Nila, Bhu and Sri.
As like my Krishna has great sweetness similarly Lord of Vaikuntha has all wealth and opulence. Although Vrajendra-nandana never loses this wealth, they do not attract His Devotees. Lord of Vaikuntha showered His mercy upon Narada. Hiding His opulence and appearing as Gauranga He brought great joy to Narada Muni. I will dance when I see that form of Gauranga, and choking in the ocean of bliss I will loudly cry” (“Navadwipa bhava Taranga”, 120-122).
