The mother of Srila Vrindavana dasa Thakura's was Sri Narayani
devi, the niece of Srivasa pandita. In his Sri Caitanya Bhagavata,
Vrndavana dasa has described how his mother attained the
affectionate fervour of Sri Gaurasundara.
"Narayani devi received the entire remnants of Mahaprabhu's meal.
Though she was only an insensible child he bestowed His mercy on
her in this way."
Also as a result of this mercy, Srila Vrindavana dasa Thakura,
whose life and soul was Sri Gaura-Nityananda, took his birth from
her womb.
He hasn't mentioned the name of his father. It is believed that
Narayani devi was married to someone at Kumarhatta. However, while
she was still carrying the child in her womb, she was widowed.
Being reduced to a condition of poverty by the loss of her husband,
she finally accepted shelter in the house of Sri Vasudeva Datta
Thakura, at Mamgachi, where she helped with the housework. Here
Vrindavana dasa began his studies.
In the preface to Sri Caitanya Bhagavata, Sri Bhaktisiddhanta
Sarasvati has written, "Narayani devi raised her child in the home
of the father of Sri Malini devi where she had accepted
shelter."
Vrindavana dasa was born four years after Mahaprabhu took sannyasa.
When Mahaprabhu disappeared he couldn't have been more than twenty
years old. He was initiated by Sri Nityananda Prabhu and was
apparently the last disciple whom Sri Nityananda accepted. He
accompanied Sri Jahnava Mata to the Kheturi maha-mahotsava. Sri
Krsna dasa Kaviraja Gosvami has glorified Vrindavana dasa Thakura
as the Veda Vyasa of the pastimes of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
"The pastimes of Krsna have been described in the Srimad Bhagavatam
by Veda Vyasa. Vrindavana dasa is the Veda Vyasa of the pastimes of
Sri Caitanya. He has composed Caitanya Mangala which destroys any
inauspiciousness for those who hear it. So that we can understand
the glories of Caitanya-Nitai, the essence of the conclusions
regarding devotional service as expanded in Srimad Bhagavatam and
the limits of the conclusions regarding Krsna bhakti, he has
composed this great literature to uplift mankind. To compose such a
work is not conceivable for a human being therefore we can
understand that Sri Caitanya Himself is speaking through him. I
offer my obeisances tens of millions of times at the lotus feet of
that person who has given us such a scripture which can deliver the
whole world." (C.C. where and give SP's translation)
Vrindavana dasa Thakura's Sripat, where his worshippable Deities of
Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai are still residing, is at Denur. Denur can be
reached by bus from Navadvipa.
