LORD NITYANANDA PRABHU
Lord Nityananda is the eternal associate of Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the Supreme
Personality of Godhead. Rarely is the name Nimai (Caitanya Mahaprabhu) taken
without that of Nitai (Lord Nityananda). Mahaprabhu cannot be approached or
understood without the mercy of Nityananda Prabhu, who is the cardinal guru
of all the universes and serves as an intermediary between Mahaprabhu and
His devotees. He is the Lord's active principle in both creation and lila.
He is the second body of the Lord, manifesting as Balaram to Sri Krishna,
Lakshman to Sri Rama and Nityananda Prabhu to Caitanya Mahaprabhu. All other
forms and expansions of the Lord emanate from this second body. Nityananda
Prabhu is thus the source
of Sankarshan, all the Vishu's, and Ananta Sesa. As Vishnu tattva He and
Advaita Acarya are worshipped in the same category as Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
In the manifested earthly lila, Nityananda Prabhu is senior to Caitanya
Mahaprabhu by more than a decade. He is statuesque, like His Master, with
the whitish complexion of Lord Balarama. His garments resemble a cluster of
blue lotus flowers and His effulgence is said to surpass the grandeur of a
rising moon at sunset. He has a deep melodious voice, constant singing the
glories of Sri Krishna and carries a red stick with benedictions for the
devotees, but feared by the demoniac. He has the carefree mood of a wild
avadhuta, so absorbed is He in the love of Godhead, and no one knows what He
will do next.
Nityananda Prabhu was born in Ekacakra, a small village in present West
Bengal, around the year 1474. His birthsite is commemorated by a temple
named Garbhasva and is visited by throngs of pilgrims today. His father,
Hadai Ojha and mother Padmavati, were pious Brahmans originally from
Mithila. Nityananda Prabhu was born on the auspicious thirteenth day of the
bright fortnight of the month of Maga. As a child, Nitai (as Nityananda
Prabhu was called), loved to enact the pastimes of Sri Krishna or Lord Rama.
He did this so authoritatively and with such rapture, that the entire
village would be immersed in the love of Godhead.
Nitai's favorite part was that of Lakshman, and He enacted it with so many
apparently authentic scenes not described in the Ramayana, that people would
wonder if He was making it up or actually relishing His own pastimes. The
village of Ekacakra was completely absorbed in the love of little Nitai,
where He spend the first 12 years of his earthly life. In the 13th year, a
travelling sannyasi, said to be the famous Lakshmipati Tirtha, enchanted by
Nitai's devotion and service, requested Nitai from his parents, as a
travelling companion. His parents, bound by Vedic culture, could not refuse
the request of a guest and reluctantly parted with Nitai. However,
devastated by the separation with Nitai, that Hadai Pandit soon gave up his
life.
Nitai traveled with Lakshmipati Tirtha for about 20 years, during which He
visited all the holy places in the country, reminiscent of the manner that
Balarama traveled while the battle at Kurukshetra raged on. Nitai is said to
be later on initiated by Lakshmipati Tirtha. He also associated with anoher
of Lakshmipati Tirtha's famous disciple, Madhavendra Puri, who although his
godbrother was revered by Nitai was as a spiritual master. Madhavendra Puri
is famous for establishing the sweet truth of Madhurya-rasa which later
become an integral part of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Among the other disciples of
Madhavendra Puri is Advaita Acarya, and Isvara Puri (the spiritual master of
Caitanya Mahaprabhu).
Nityananda Prabhu met Caitanya Mahaprabhu in 1506, when He was 32 years old
and the Lord 20 years. It is said that when Nityananda Prabhu reached the
land of Nadia , He hid in the house of Nandanacarya, to heighten the ecstasy
of meeting through separation. Caitanya Mahaprabhu aware of the arrival of
His eternal associate dispatched Haridas Thakur and Srivas Pandit to search
out Nitai, but they failed. Finally unable to bear the separation any
longer, Caitanya Mahaprabhu Himself went directly to Nityananda Prabhu and
the ecstasy of the meeting was so transcendental that every one witnessing
it were awed by the sublime experience. A temple called Sri Gaura-Nityananda
commemorates this meeting place in Nadia.
Nityananda Prabhu in His role as the original spiritual master, was
instrumental in spreading the yuga dharma of sankritana all over the Gaudia
desh ( Bengal, Orrisa). His mercy knew no bounds, and people fortunate to
come in contact with Him were inundated with the love of Godhead. It was by
His mercy that Raghunatha dasa, one of the six Goswamis started the famous
Danda Mahotsava festival of Panihatti, a tradition that continues to this
day, and was thus able to serve Caitanya Mahaprabhu. He extended His mercy
to even fallen souls like Jagai and Madhai, delivering them from the sinful
lives and protecting them from the wrath of even Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Indeed
His mercy knew no bounds, and fortunate were the people who tasted the
nectar of His instructions.
When Nityananda Prabhu returned to Bengal at the request of Caitanya
Mahaprabhu, His decided to abandon His avadhuta status and become a
grahastha (householder). He married Jahnava devi and Vasudha, the two
daughters of Suryadasa Sarakhel, who the brother of Gauridasa Pandit (an
intimate associate of Caitanya Mahaprabhu and the spiritual master of the
famous Shyamananda Pandit).
Nityananda Prabhu had a son (Virchandara) and a daughter (Gangadevi) from
Vasudha. Soon after Vasudha passed away and Jahanva devi looked after the
children. She later initiated Virchandra, and also became an instructing
spiritual master to the likes of Shyamananda Pandit, Shrivasa Pandit and
Narottama dasa Thakur. Jahnava devi is revered as a Vaishnavi and she
established the pre-eminent positon of women in the Vaishanava tradition.
Lord Nityananda wound up His earthly pastimes, by merging into the deity of
Krishna , known as Bankim Ray, not far from Ekacakra. Vaishanava acaryas
emphatically state that people who try to understand Caitanya Mahaprabhu
without getting the mercy of Nityananda Prabhu will never succeed. And one
must pray very sincerely to Lord Nityananda Prabhu as the adi-guru (original
spiritual master) to be delivered to the Lotus feet of Sri Caitanya
Mahaprabhu. The presence of Nityananada Prabhu is always felt in the
presence of one's own guru, for the guru is considered to be the living
manifestation of Nityananda Prabhu's love and mercy, and his sakti (power)
is what gives the disciple the ability to perform devotional service and
experience spiritual bliss.
Please note attached are prayers to Lord Nityananda. Hare Krsna.
Courtesy of Chandan Bhatia:
________________________________
Hare Krishna! On 16 Feb’11, Wednesdayis “Nityananda Trayodasi”, the
Appearance day of Lord Nityananda (Nitai). Fasting is till noon.
"EKACHAKRA DHAMA" THE BIRTHPLACE OF LORD NITYANANDA (Nitai) Birchandrapur,
Dist. Birbhum (165km north-west of Sridham Mayapur)
“...without the causeless mercy of Lord Nityananda, one cannot enter into
the affairs of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna”-- Caitanya Caritamrta Adi Lila
5.204
“EKACHAKRA”:“EKA” means one and “CHAKRA” means wheel; this place is named
“Ekachakra” because this is the place where the chariot-wheel fell, which
Lord
Sri Krishna took to kill Bhismadeva on the Battle of Kurukshetra. Ekachakra
is the birthplace of Lord Nityananda (Nitai). Supreme Personality of
Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna Himself thus inaugurated His Harinam Sankirtan
movement from the Dwapar-yuga itself.
Ekachakra is located 165km north-west of Mayapur and is easily assessable by
car or bus. Ekachakra village extends north and south for an area of about
eight miles. Other villages, namely Viracandra-pura and Virabhadra-pura, are
situated within the area of the village of Ekachakra. There is a big
festival here on Nityananda Trayodasi (Appearance day of Lord Nityananda)
and also on Gosthastami.
“Lord Nityananda”:Lord Sri Krishna, as the Vedic literature ultimately
explains, is the absolute Personality of Godhead, and His first expansion in
a form for pastimes is Sri Balarama. In the age of Kali-yuga, Lord Krishna
appears in this material world as Lord Caitanya, and Balarama appears as
Lord Nityananda. Lord Nityananda (also known as Nityananda Prabhu, Nitai,
Nityananda Balarama) appeared as Lord Caitanya’s principal associate for
spreading the chanting of the Holy Names of Lord Krishna:
HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE |
HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE ||
in Harinama-sankirtana, or the congregational chanting of the Lord’s holy
names, and to bring the mercy of Lord Krishna to all the fallen, materially
conditioned souls.
Lord Nityananda was born to a pious brahmana family. His father was Hadai
Pandita and mother Padmavati. He appeared in Ekachakra around 20 years
before the appearance of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, on Shukia Trayodashi, in
the month of Magha, in the year 1473, 12th of February. Lord Sri Caitanya
Mahaprabhu cannot be approached or understood without the mercy of Lord
Nityananda. He is the cardinal guru of all the universes and serves as an
intermediary between Mahaprabhu and His devotees.
A great Vaishnava acarya Sri Vrindavan Das Thakura, the dear-most & the last
initiated disciple of Lord Nityananda, glorifies his Master in Sri Caitanya
Bhagavata as follows:
Lord Nityananda is very effulgent like the brilliant sun. He is statuesque,
like His Master, with the whitish complexion of Lord Balarama. His garments
resemble a cluster of blue lotus flowers and His effulgence is said to
surpass the grandeur of a rising moon at sunset.
He has a deep melodious voice, constantly chanting the holy name and
singing the glories of Lord Sri Krishna day and night.
He is unequalled in the three worlds, non-different from Lord Caitanya.
Absorbed within Himself, He often roared loudly like a lion, for He is the
direct manifestation of Lord Balarama. His beautiful, glowing face easily
defeats a thousand shining full moons. A captivating smile plays sweetly on
His exquisite lips. So white and radiant are His teeth that if a pearl were
held next to them the pearl would look like a faded and discarded piece of
glass.
His long, languid eyes steal the pinkish tinge of the early rising sun. His
arms are long and reach down to His knees, and He possesses a robust chest
and broad shoulders. His lotus feet are soft. His gait is graceful. He speak
to everyone with kind words which sever the bonds of material attachment
within everyone's heart.
He carries a red stick with benedictions for the devotees, but feared by
the demoniac. He has the carefree mood of a wild avadhuta, so absorbed is He
in the love of Godhead; no one knows what He will do next.
“EKACHAKRA DHAM” ENTRANCE
DEVOTEES ALONG WITH “GAURA-NITAI” SET OUT FOR EKACHAKRA DHAM PARIKRAMA
First stop:BEAUITIFUL NITAI(left)-GAURANGA(right) AT EKACHAKRA ISKCON TEMPLE
“GARBHAVASA” or “SOOTIKA MANDIR”:
THIS WHITE TEMPLE IS THE EXACT SPOT WHERE LORD NITYANANDA APPEARED
In Janmasthan Mandir there is a Deity ofNitai (Nityananda). Hadai Pandita
Bhavan is the site of the original house of Nityananda’s father. There are
two banyan trees by this temple that are said to have existed since the time
of Nityananda.
In the centre of the main altar of the temple is a deity ofLord Nityananda.
To His left, with His hands raised, isLord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
On Nityananda’s right isSri Advaita Acarya.
The side of altar has Deities ofSri Sri Radha-Radhakanta and Sri Sri
Radha-Srikanta, a large dancing Gauranga in the centre, and ten brass sakhis
at the bottom.
The temple was constructed by Prasannakumara Karapharma.
"NITAI KUNDA”
This is the pond besides Lord Nityananda’s house dhotis, plates, utensils
etc. of Nitai were washed. Embedded in its core and not visible to material
eyes is another kunda named Ananga Kunda. The pujaris of the temple use
water from this kunda for their Deity worship.
“MALA-TALA”
In the courtyard of Lord Nityananda’s house is an old pippala tree called
Mala-Tala. Just before Nitai departed with the unknown sannyasi, Hadai
Pandita came here and chanted japa under this tree. Mala means “japa beads”
and tala means “tree”. When Nitai was about to depart Hadai Pandita left his
japa beads here due to anxiety.
Lord Caitanya came to Ekachakra many years after Lord Nityananda left. It is
said that at that time Lord Caitanya left His flower garland on a branch of
this tree. Mala also means “garland”. Therefore also for this reason this
tree was called Mala-Tala.
HANTUGADA or JHANUKUNDA
It is said that Nitai brought all the sacred waters from all the holy places
to this kunda to save the local residents from having to journey to the
Ganges to take a sacred bath. It is named Hantugada because Nitai used to
perform the Dadhi-cida festival of distributing chipped rice with yogurt
prasada here and He would take the prasada while kneeling down. This lake is
always full of water throughout the year. A great fair is held there during
Goshthashtami, and there is another big fair on Lord Nityananda Tryodasi,
the Appearance Day of Lord Nityananda.
How To Get There:You get here by walking east out of the village, past the
birthplace. It is a small kunda surrounded by grass and a lone tree, which
hangs over the water.
HANTUGADA: Devotee take holy dip at this most auspicious place. At the
centre of the pond is a submerged Temple
DEVOTEES WALKING TOWARDS “PANDAVA-TALA”
This is a 5mins walk (400m) into the fields, southeast of Lord Nityananda’s
birthplace. The Pandavas lived here with their mother, Kunti, when they were
exiled to the forest.
DEVOTEES REACHING “PANDAVA-TALA”.
This area is surrounded by a group of Keli-Kadambatrees.
PANDAVA-TALA
SRILA VYASDEVA WITH PANDAVAS
BHIMA KILLING DEMON BAKASURA
Sikhandabi:This is where Bakasura demon lived, who terrorized the people of
Ekachakra for many years. Demon used to eat one human being from the local
villages in the area of Ekachakra. The people set up a system where one
person from a different family was sent to Bakasura each day. Queen Kunti,
the mother of the Pandavas requested Bhima, who had the strength of 10,000
elephants to kill this demon. Bhima then killed this demon after a furious
fight. In Srimad Bhagavatam 1.13.3-4 there is a brief mention of killing of
Bakasura demon by Bhima.
FOSSILIZED KNEE-CAP OF BAKASURA DEMON
The local pujari says that if the fossil comes in contact with fire it
produces a very bad smell.
“Kundalal Tala” (not in picture): "The place where Lord Nityananda used his
earring to block a snake in his hole, stopping him from disturbing the
residents of this area."
Pastime : This snake was actually an arrow-weapon given by Lord Siva to
Arjuna.
Arjuna fired it to kill Bakasura in order to help Bhima who left alone on
that mission. By the time the weapon arrived on the spot Bakasura was
already dead and therefore the snake weapon could not complete its mission.
Since then the snake remained in the area and would disturb the locals. When
Lord Nityananda heard of this he blocked the snake in its hole with one of
his earrings which magically expanded in size. When the snake asked Lord
Nityananda how he would get his food Lord Nityananda told him that a temple
would be built here and people would regularly come and make offerings of
milk and other things. This pastime is the reason why Lord Nityananda is
seen with only one earring in pictures that depict His later pastimes.
“KUNTI’S DEEP” - THE LAMP USED BY QUEEN KUNTI DEVI
SRI SRI RADHA-KRISHNA DEITIES AT PANDAVA-TALA
“BAKULA-TALA”-HH Bhakti Caitanya Swami discussing Nitai’s pastimes
Between the birthplace and Jahnu Kund is a Bakula tree where Lord Nityananda
and His boyfriends used to take part in sporting activities known as
jhala-jhapeta. This tree is wonderful because all its branches and
sub-branches look like the hoods of serpents. It has been suggested that by
the desire of Nitai, Anantadeva manifested Himself in that way. The tree is
very old. It is said that formerly it had two trunks, but later on, when the
playmates of Lord Nityananda felt inconvenience in jumping from the branches
of one trunk to those of the other, Lord Nityananda by His mercy, merged the
two trunks into one.
“NARI-PNOTA” or “AMARA PITHA” -
UMBILICAL CORD SAMADHI: Nimai’s umbilical cord was placed here by His
parents Sriman Hadai Pandita & Srimati Padmavati devi
PADMAVATI KUNDA
It is named after Lord Nityananda’s mother, Srimati Padmavati. Hadai Pandita
received this as gift from his father-in-law, Mukutanarayan Roy. Padmavati
would come here and bathe little Nitai every day. This kunda is behind Lord
Nityananda’s birthplace.
DEVOTEES RELAXING ON THE BANKS OF PADMAVATI KUNDA
“BANKE-RAYE” TEMPLE: The priests of the temple describe that Lord Nityananda
entered within the body of Bankima Raya and departed for His unmanifest
pastimes. The deity of Jahnava-mata was therefore later placed on the right
side of Bankima Raya.
This temple was built under the direction of Virabhadra Gosai, the son of
Lord Nityananda. On the altar of this temple is Lord Krishna as Bankima
Raya, who was originally established by Lord Nityananda. On His left is
Srimati Radharani, and on His right is Jahnava Devi. It is said that Lord
Nityananda left this planet by entering into this Deity. After Lord
Nityananda’s disappearance, the Deity of Jahnava was placed to the right of
Bankima Raya.
On another throne, to the right of Bankima Raya, is a Deity of Yogamaya. In
this temple there is also an altar with a Deity of Murali-dhara. It is said
that this Deity was given to Padmavati Devi by the sannyasi Nitai went on
pilgrimage with when He was 12. On the same altar are Deities of Sri Sri
Radha-Madhava.
To the right of the altar, outside the gate, is another little temple
dedicated to ‘Madana Mohana Krishna’. On His left is His consort, Srimati
Radharani, and on His right is the gopi Candravali. On the right-side is Sri
Sri Radha-Vrindavana Candra. These Deities are supposed to have been
worshiped for 13 generations and are over 450 years old.
To the right of the altar, outside the gate, is another little temple
dedicated to ‘Madana Mohana Krishna’. On His left is His consort, Srimati
Radharani, and on His right is the gopi Candravali. On the right-side is Sri
Sri Radha-Vrindavana Candra. These Deities are supposed to have been
worshiped for 13 generations and are over 450 years old.
After Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu went to Jagannatha Puri, He ordered Lord
Nityananda to return to Bengal and preach. At this time Nityananda returned
to Ekachakra after being gone for almost 30 years. By this time, His parent
had already left this world. He then found the Deity of Bankima Raya in the
Yamuna at Kadamba Khandi. He installed this Deity in a temple. Later, a
Deity of Srimati Radharani was discovered in Bhaddhapur, in the locality of
Viracandrapura, underneath the roots of a neem tree, about ½ mile west. This
Deity was installed to the right of Bankima Raya. For this reason, the
Radharani of Bankima Raya was known as Bhaddapurera Thakurani, the mistress
of Bhaddhapura.
About 15 years back some construction workers were restoring the outer
structure of this temple. During the work-break they were smoking. Suddenly
a small very beautifully effulgent boy appeared before them. He started
beating fiercely with a stick chastising them not to smoke at this most
auspicious site. Construction workers were shocked by this. Simultaneously
their hearts melted to see the beautiful face of this young boy. They vowed
that they will never smoke for the rest of the life. It is said that this
most beautiful effulgent boy was none other than NITAI (Lord Nityananda).
“KADAM KHANDI”
The small temple of “Kadam Khandi” marks the spot where Lord Nityananda
recovered the Bankima Raya Deity from the Yamuna river, which is also called
the Maudesvara River.
Kardammeans clay and khandi means “ghata.” In the rear of the temple is a
small river, the Yamuna. It is said that the Deity of Bankima Raya was
floating in the water and Lord Nityananda picked Him up and then installed
Him in the temple. Thereafter, in a place known as Bhaddapura, in the
village of Viracandra-pura, about half a mile west, in a place underneath a
neem tree, Deity of Srimati Radharani was found.
For this reason, the Radharani of Bankima Raya was known as Bhaddapurera
Thakurani, the mistress of Bhaddapura.
SRI GAURA NITYA NANDA, KRISHNA BALARAMA & SADBHUJA GAURANGA AT KADAMKHANDI
YAMUNA RIVER, NON-DIFFERENT FROM YAMUNA RIVER AT SRIDHAM VRINDAVAN
Devotees taking holy dip at Yamuna River
“Mouresvara Siva”:This is an ancient Siva Temple were Hadai Pandita the
father of Lord Nityananda would do his worship. When Lord Nityananda
appeared in Ekachakra this deity roared so loudly that Advaita Acarya and
other devotees could hear and understand the roar's meaning at their distant
residences in Mayapur and Santipurthat “Avadhuta” has appeared on this
planet.
Fields at Ekachakra Dham
DEVOTEES HAVING ECSTATIC HARINAM SANKIRTAN AT LORD NITYANANDA’S EKACHAKRA
DHAM!
NITAI-PADA-KAMALA - One must take the shelter of the lotus feet of Lord
Nityananda, for He is the original spiritual master. It is by the mercy of
Nitai that we can obtain love of Krishna.
“Sri Nityananda Prabhu’s face is more beautiful and cooling than the
autumnal moon. The effulgence coming out from His body is supremely
beautiful. He always moves like a mad elephant, since He is always
intoxicated with Krishna-prema (love of God). He is always mad after
Krishna-prema. His body is completely pure spiritual energy. He always has a
smiling face. His eyes are very fickle, moving to and fro. His lotus hand
always holds a glowing staff. Yes, that is Sri Nityananda, who by the
beating of that staff, destroys all our reactions of Kali-yuga. We should
take shelter of Sri Nityananda and cry for the mercy of Sri Nityananda! He
is the root of Krishna-prema bhakti-kalpa-taru, the root of the tree of
loving devotion unto Krishna. I [Vrindavana Das Thakura] do my bhajana of
Lord Nityananda, the very root of the Krishna-Bhakti-Vriskha.”
Lord Nityananda is an ocean of mercy, the shelter of all Vaishnavas and the
giver of devotion. Supreme Lord Sri Krishna with a wheel (Cakra) at
Kurukshetra breaking His vow for the sake of His dear-most devotee & friend
Arjuna, charging towards Bhismadeva. Arjuna tried to stop Lord Krishna
reminding Him of His promise that He won’t pick up any weapon in Kurukshetra
battle. Bhismadeva, another great devotee of the Lord and one of the twelve
Mahajans is fully surrendered to Lord Krishna’s will and simply waiting to
see his beloved Lord approach him. This very wheel landed here at Ekachakra!
Directions to reach Ekachakra Dham:
Ekachakra is located about 165 km northwest of Mayapur and takes about
four hours by car or bus. It is 11 miles north of the town of Rampur Hat in
the district of Birbhum. It is 8 miles east of Mallarapura railway station.
After Burdwan station is another branch line, which is called a Loop Line of
the eastern railway. This is a station on this line called Mallarapura.
Ekachakra is 8 miles east of this railway station.Every year during three
weeks before Gaura-Purnima, ISKCON Mayapur organizes regular bus services
and guided tours to Ekachakra Dham. Tours leave early in the morning from
Mayapur reaching Ekachakra at noon. Tours return back to Mayapur in the
evening. Packaged tours to Ekachakra Dham can also be arranged throughout
the year by contacting Mayapur Tourism office on:Mayapurtours@gmail.com
Practicalities: There is a small ISKCON temple in Ekachakra. The local
devotee can help show you the area. There is a small guest house for
pilgrims at the temple where one can stay overnight. This village is very
small and there are virtually no facilities here.
“RADHA-DESA”:
Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Adi Lila 13.61- http://vedabase.net/cc/adi/13/61/en1
Nityananda Trayodasi &
Abhishek:https://www.youtube.com/user/MayapurISKCON#p/u/18/uDs4jiCJ6cA
Ekachakra Temple Project: http://Mayapur.com/node/862
Ekachakra Dham Screen-saver (downloadable) :http://screensavers.
iskcondesiretree.info/ISKCON_Mayapur_Screen savers/Ekachakra_Dham
_Nityananda_Appearance_Place.exe
Sri Nityananda Lila: http://www.Prabhupada.org/Rama/?p=4220
“Sri Nityanandastaka” (downloadable):
http://www.iskconmedia.com/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=63&func=do
wnload&id=35553&chk=9c2a2b9a7bf2b89ed5d5283d65ba43f5&no_html=1
Mayapur TV: http://Mayapur.tv
EKACHAKRA DHAM KI JAI!!!
LORD SRI NITYANANDA KI JAI!!!
HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE |
HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE
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