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Glory to Shri Krishna Chaitanya, the abode of all qualities.
Glory to Nityananda, the life of the Vaishnavas.
Glory to Advaita Acarya who has taken his birth to deliver mankind.
Glory to Shri Jahnava and Viracandra.
Now I shall discuss Acarya Thakur's visit to Shri Khanda. On the outskirts of the temple Acarya left the carts and walked into the temple. He bowed before the idol of Gauranga. At that time Raghunandana came to the temple. He welcomed Shrinivasa and embraced him warmly. They took their seats and Raghunandana asked for the details as to what had happened as he had heard something about the incident. Acarya discussed all the happenings that had taken place from Vrndavana to Jajigrama and Raghunandana told Shrinivasa that Sarkar Thakur (Narahari Sarkar Thakur) had departed from this world. Shrinivasa began to cry and told Raghunandana, "Formerly I was advised by Sarkar Thakur to go to Vrndavana. But when I have returned from there I cannot meet him. O how unfortunate I am." Both of them then began to cry in grief. They spent that night talking about Krishna. In the morning they sat in the Natmandira and spoke to each other. Then Acarya took his leave and returned to Jajigrama. He bowed at the feet of his mother. Then Ramacandra who had been waiting to meet him came to the place and found that Acarya Prabhu was sitting alone. He stood before him and bowed to his feet, but could not speak a word. He then put five coins before the feet of Acarya and bowed again. Shrinivasa asked his name and he said, "I am Ramacandra from a Vaidya family of Teliavudhari." Acarya Thakur offered him a seat and requested him to stay there. He asked him one day, "How far is your village from Khetari?" He said, "It is four miles away." Acarya asked, "When did you leave your village?" Ramacandra said, "Four days ago and on the fifth day I got you darshan." Thakur became very happy to get the depth of the knowledge of Ramacandra.
One day Acarya ordered Vyasa Acarya to discuss with Ramacandra about Vyakarana and literature in verses. Thakur used to listen to their discussions for a long time with patience. Ramacandra proved himself a great scholar in this debate. Acarya embraced Ramacandra but he knew Ramacandra had pride in him because of his genius so he himself discussed with Ramacandra and after a long time Acarya was surprised to realise the power of knowledge that Ramacandra had after which they carried on their debate for a long time without even taking food. Acarya was charmed with Ramacandra and thought that he must be favored by Goddess Sarasvati (goddess of learning). From that day Acarya began to pay more respect to Ramacandra as he had realised that Ramacandra was a gem.
Again on another day, Thakur invited Ramacandra for a debate. Ramacandra was very proud of this and they remained in debate for a long time. Thakur told Ramacandra, "All the qualities can be seen in a human body. He can make a genius but he should know which are the scriptures capable of destroying human miseries. When he comes to know then he must discard the reading of all the scriptures except those having the above mentioned value. It is true that all scriptures have literal and educational values but what is the use of wasting most valuable time in studing Tarka Nyaya Shastras? What result will come after reading those scriptures? Take the Bhagavata first. It is a mine of words that come directly from God. I prefer to read this book. Why should I lose time in reading fruitless books?" Ramacandra said, "For this reason I have come to you. Please be my teacher for I have read much but cannot get rid of my doubts. O Acarya Thakur, be my guide by giving me refuge at your feet." Saying so Ramacandra fell at the feet of Acarya crying. Thakur then favored him by putting his foot on his head. Ramacandra drank the water after washing the feet of Acarya Thakura. Then Shrinivasa sang the harinama in the ears of Ramacandra. Then he poured Krishnanama and Radha Krishna mantra into his ears. He taught Ramacandra all the devotional books written by Rupa and Sanatana. Within one month Ramacandra studied all and Acarya said, "He who possesses such qualities must have some former background. Only a proper guru can help to utilise all his qualities."
This is the story of an illustrious guru having an illustrious disciple. One day Thakur was sitting in a place and Ramacandra was standing near him. In the meantime a letter came from the house of Ramacandra with the news that Govinda Kaviraja was ill. Govinda was the younger brother of Ramacandra, and he had written, "I am ill, please come soon. After two to three days you can return." Ramacandra paid no heed to the letter and remained with his guru engaged in study. After one and a half month again a letter came saying that Govinda was in a dying condition. Govinda had written that his hands and legs had become puffy and swollen and he requested his elder brother to bring Acarya Thakur with him, but Ramacandra did not tell Acarya. Govinda used to worship Mahamaya (Goddess Durga). When Govinda had been praying to Goddess Durga to save his life he heard an oracle telling him, "O my son, take the name of Govinda as he is the only Savior. He is the Lord of the three worlds. I have no power at all so I cannot give you salvation. I also worship those lotus feet. Have I any power to sing his glory? He has numerous maidservants like me. He is the only God, the all and all Brahman. The three worlds cannot get the limit of his powers. Radha Krishna mantra is the only hymn that give you salvation." Hearing these words Govinda became extremely nervous. He called for his guru and requested him to do something. He said nothing and sat with his head down. Govinda then sent for his son Dvija Sinha and asked him to send five men to bring Acarya Thakur. He wrote a letter to Ramacandra and sent the men with it. After a long journey they reached Jajigrama and asked the villagers the direction to the Thakur's house. When they found the house, one person went into the house to inform Ramacandra. Ramacandra came out and found the rest of the men waiting. He then went to Thakur and told him, "Please be kind to my family. I have nothing else to say." Acarya favored him and started on that very day, they halted in a village for the night and in the morning they started again. Some of the men travelled in advance to inform the members of Govinda's family that they were coming. Govinda Kaviraj ordered his son to plant banana trees in the village and to decorate all the places with mango leaves. Dvija Sinha went forward to meet Acarya Thakur and Acarya questioned Ramacandra about the boy. Ramacandra replied, "He is the son of Govinda and the servant of your feet." Ramacandra took Prabhu into the house. Prabhu asked, "What shall I do?" Ramacandra said, "How can I give any suggestions, it is your wish." Prabhu said, "Well, the members of your family are my servants." Saying so he entered into the room. Some men helped Govinda to sit up who could only fold his hands but could not speak. Thakur put his foot on his head and they offered a celestial seat to Prabhu. Then they bathe Prabhu with scented oil, sandal paste and and offered some cooked food and sweets to him. Prabhu ate all he could and then he ordered Govinda to eat his leftovers. Govinda was helped to eat the food and at once all his sufferings went. Prabhu then ordered them to cook and offered the food to Krishna. Thakur took prasada and gave the leftovers to Govinda who was very happy as all signs of illness had left his body. The next morning Acarya told Ramacandra with a smile, "Bathe Govinda with your own hands. After that I shall purify him." Ramacandra bathed his younger brother with his own hands and helped him to wear dry clothes. Prabhu also took a bath. Ramacandra sat with Govinda on his lap. Prabhu poured Hare Krishna mantra into the ears of Govinda and the Vaishnavas began to sing sankirtna. Then Prabhu poured Krishna mantra and after that Radha Krishna mantra into his ears. He taught Govinda how to practise the mantras. Govinda bowed at his feet and Prabhu put his foot on his head. Govinda could now feel himself as strong as a lion. He offered many gifts to his guru. From that day onwards Govinda became a fully cured man and a devoted Vaishnava. Govinda told Prabhu, "Now I can understand that your feet are my only resort. Please permit me to describe Krishna lila. I also want to describe Shri Gauranga lila which can give me success in every way." Prabhu told Govinda, "Describe Krishna lila with a delighted heart. Vasudeva Ghosa, a favorite devotee of Shri Gaura, has described the glory of Prabhu." Govinda dasa read Bhakti-rasamrta Sindhu, Ujjvala nilamani and began to study those books. Later he realised that without getting the favor of Gauranga, it is impossible for him to get the limit of Krishnalila. Prabhu saw that Govinda had realised the real essence. He took him on his lap. In this way for 36 years, Govinda dasa kept on worshipping and meditating on Gaura. Then he took the pleasure of describing Gauralila and Krishnalila. All these are the qualities of Govinda Kaviraja.
Being an utterly ignorant person, it would have impossible for me to write all these episodes by myself but being empowered by my two Prabhus, Shri Jahnava and Viracandra I was able to do so. Now O listeners, listen to what I am going to say.
It was the good efforts of Shri Thakur Mahasaya who for the first time arranged the worship of Gauranga. When he came to know that Acarya had visited the house of Govinda he was very excited. He then took pleasure in building a new temple and in arranging the necessary things for its building. He wanted to perform a grand festival in his house. His own relatives, disciples and also the inhabitants of the village tried to best to help Thakur Mahasaya in his efforts. Maybe it was the order of his guru or the effort of his meditation that everything was arranged in a peaceful and systematic way. Acarya Thakura came to Budhari with some persons who first of all told Thakur Mahasaya of his coming to this place. Thakur became so happy with the news that it gave him extra like and vigour. He warned all of the personalities of Acarya Thakur and directed them to behave with utmost respect with him. He directed Ramacandra Kaviraja and Vyasa to go out and meet him with utmost respect. They at once obeyed his order and went out to do as they were told. When they met him on the way now very far from the place they fell to the ground and bowed at his feet. Acarya Thakur embraced them and asked about their well being. Then he came to the place where Thakur Mahasaya was sitting. Thakur Mahasaya was very glad to see Acarya coming with Ramacandra on his left and Vyasa on his right. Thakur cheerfully stretched out his hands and ran to him. He bowed at the feet of Acarya who embraced him cordially. At the moment Govinda Kaviraja came and fell on the ground at the feet of Thakur Mahasaya who asked Acarya Thakura who this young man was. Thakur informed him that he was Govinda Kaviraj, the younger brother of Ramacandra Kaviraj. All of them were very happy to meet each other. Ramacandra requested Acarya to take his bath and when he completed his bathing and taking of his food he then took a seat and started talking about Krishna. Acarya Thakur and Thakur Mahasaya began to talk about their lives in Vrndavana, the stealing of the books on the way and many other topics. All the persons who sat with them were very glad just hearing their conversation. They all spent the night discussing the glories of Krishna. In the morning Acarya Thakur ordered Thakur Mahasaya to go to Khetari as if he did not take the initative all would be in a mess. He also informed Thakur Mahasaya that it was the wish of Prabhu. He told him that within five days he would also go to Khetari to inspect everything. He advised Thakur Mahasaya to take Vyasa with him as with him Thakur Mahasaya would get alot of cooperation. Then Thakur Acarya went to his own village and Thakur Mahasaya with Vyasa left for Khetari. On reaching there Thakur Mahasaya busied himself in arranging everything such as send persons out to gather the necessary materials, such a bringing stone for the building of the image of Gauranga and architects for the job of building of new houses and rooms for the forthcoming festival.
In the meantime Acarya Thakur came to that place with Ramacandra. Thakur Mahasaya and Vyasa went forward to meet them and brought Acarya into the house. How can I describe how well they took care of Acarya Thakur? Acarya then took pleasure in installing the idol of Goura Raya with the help of many other persons. He sent invitations to the Adhikaris and Mohantas and Vaishnavas requesting them to attend the festival which would be held on the day of the full moon in the month of Phalguna. Millions of devotees assembled there and Thakur Acarya started sankirtana. At an auspicious moment the installation of the idol took place and all cheered the name of Hari. Then the installation of the idol of Ballava Kanta took place. All the invitees were very glad to observe the idols and the chance of meeting each other at such an occassion. Some of the guests got a place to stay in the village, while some outside of the village and some in the new houses. Huge quantities of curd, flattened rice (chira), bananas, sweets and sugar had been gathered and more that one hundred pots of Pancamrta (milk?, curd, clarified butter, sugar and honey) had been brought there. Acarya himself performed the ceremony of Abhisekha of the idols according to the rules of the Shastras. All the mohantas touched the bodies of the idols and put sandal paste and garlands on them. Then they started singing and dancing in the kirtana. When the sankirtana started before the idol of Gauranga, all of them left their seats, even family men and people of lower classes assembled there. Devidasa Mahasaya started singing kirtana first. Gauranga Ballava Raya played the mrdanga. The idol of Gauranga had been placed by the left side of the idol of Ballava Kanta and this had been the subject matter of the kirtana of Devidasa. All the mohantas, Adhikaris and Vaishnavas became mad to hear the kirtana recitals of Devidasa. Who can control his emotions when hearing such beautiful songs and dancing? Acarya Prabhu became overwhelmed with emotion and so also Vyasa Acarya and Ramacandra Kavraja. Thakur began to dance madly and rolled on the ground. He could not dance anymore as his condition had become like that of a madman. All the spectators were spell bound and could not imagine as to what kind of devotional love Thakur Mahasaya possessed. Suddenly he began to laugh loudly and at the same time his body trembled that some person ran to hold him. His lips began to quiver rapidly and it seemed as if his teeth would fall out of his mouth. Sometimes he would fall on the ground resting his hands on his chest. His whole body seemed to stretch sometimes and sometimes it would shrivel up as if it had been pierced by thorns. His body condition was the result of his emotions and this also had an effect on the other persons. Krishnananda Majumdar and his followers fell on the ground crying due to the condition of Thakur. They all began to cry loudly looking at the face of Narottama. They would hold the feet of Narottama while crying thanking him for granting them that type of devotional love. Krishnananda told him crying, "My house has been blessed just like it was in Vrndavana. I and my servants shall from now on be your servants." All the people donated to the fund and did not realise as to how much they were giving. But Thakur Mahasaya was not concerned in the charity, he kept on standing on the dias just like Gauranga Prabhu himself. Anyone who saw his beauty would fall to the ground crying. Acarya Thakur held him in his lap and embraced him affectionately. Acarya Thakur observing the great festival began to think that unless with the favor of Gauranga who could arrange such a grand festival? He praised Narottama and told him, "Gauranga will always be with you and will take the responsibility of your life and death." After the kirtana they all ate the prasadam and went to their houses. The next day which was the last day of the festival they all again assembled there. Gokul dasa, a disciple of Thakur Mahasaya took the initiative of singing in the kirtana that day. He started singing with the accompaniment of the mridanga and his voice was delightful to the ears of everyone listening. They all stopped discussing other things and joined in the songs. Gokul dasa first of all sang the glory of Gauranga and then started singing the Krishnalila which moved Acarya so much that he fell to the ground. He cried out saying, "O what a wonderful song you are singing, Gokul," and began to cry helplessly with his tears running down his face soaking his breast. He moved around holding the hand of the singer and crying, "O what a song, how divine is the beauty of Krishna and how pure is the love of Radha." In this way his emotions grew. He already spent six hours in dancing and was so estatic in love that he began to throw himself on the ground again and again. No one was able to hold him. He cried continously taking the name of Radha and his body trembled. Everyone became very afraid seeing his emotional state of mind and Acarya also became anxious about Narottama's life and he held his hand and sat on the ground. He began to cite slokas from Ujjvala composed by Shri Rupa into the ears of Narottama but in vain - his condition did not change. Now Acarya began to think as to how he could bring him back to his senses, he took Narottama into the room and lay him on the bed. Gradually he came to his senses and spent the night discussing topics on Krishna. The next day the devotees took their leave being very much satisfied. Thakur Mahasaya became very sad at their separation and Acarya consoled him. Acarya would sit with Narottama, Ramacandra, Shri Vyasa and others and discuss about Shri Krishna. Acarya Thakur told Ramacandra to say something about Krishna lila and in this way they would spend the night happily. Ramacandra described Krishna lila for more than one and a half hours and then he requested Narottama to say something about Krishna lila. Thakur gladly began to describe Krishna lila and in a short while everyone was fully absorbed in it. Thakur himself became ecstatic and described it with many explanations. In this way they spent the whole night in divine happiness. Acarya Thakur stayed there for one month. One day he told Thakur Mahasaya that he had to go to Khetari, Jajigrama and Vishnupura as he wished to spend his days in these three places like he had done here in discussing Krishna and Gauranga. He told him that he had to go to Vishnupura and spend some days with the king of Vishnupura. He said that he would soon return to Thakur Mahasaya. Mahasaya was very sad and began to cry in despair. For two to four days he did not talk to anybody. Acarya ordered Ramacandra to remain with Narottama and keep him company. He advised him to spend his days with Narottama discussing Krishna lila. Ramacandra obeyed the order and stayed with Narottama and told him, "From now on we will always remain together." On the day of Acarya's departure Narottama became very emotional, he gave two mohurs and two sheets of loin cloth to them. He gave Vyasacarya five coins and a loin cloth. I cannot describe the heartbreaking scene which took place at the time of the Acarya's leaving. Ramacandra Kaviraja and Thakur Mahasaya spent their days living together. They would always discuss topics on Krishna and did not care for the passing of days and nights. They would both go to the river Padmavati for the taking of their baths, they would play in the water while discussing the sports of Krishna. In the meantime two brahmins came to the river, their names were Harirama and Ramakrishna. They were very glad to see the two of them bathing in the river. After sometime they too entered into the water to take a bath. The brahmins started discussing complicated matters. Though Narottama and Ramacandra were both great scholars, they did not say anything to the brahmins but could understand all. After listening to their explanations for a long time they could not control themselves and began to discuss the explanations of the brahmins. They even discussed the explanations of the Bhagavata and Puranas given by the brahmins. The brahmins became very angry but they checked their anger and started to cite some slokas. After their baths Narottama and Ramacandra returned to their houses and the brahmins accompanied them. They were offered food and seats with utmost respect. In the evening along with the brahmins they observed the festival of waving of the lights before the idols which pleased them very much. At night they had a debate with Narottama and Ramacandra but could not compete with the two who defeated all the views of the brahmins. When they went to bed they discussed that these two must be great scholars. They also came to the conclusion that what they had learnt for so long from their teachers was all in vain. In their opinion these two were great scholars and were always engaged in serving Krishna and saints of all classes. They greatly appreciated the theory that the worship of God was the best of all practices. If anyone neglected this practice he would be severely punished by the God of Death (Yama). They also thought that according to the Shastras they had never heard that every person could worship Krishna even if he was a Sudra. While discussing with each other, they fell asleep and dreamt that a Maharaja was telling them, "O brahmins, you are fools. Do you know that brahmanism can only be earned by worshipping Krishna? You are very proud of your brahmanism but these two fellows are gurus of your guru. In the morning without any hesitation, take refuge of the feet of these two fellows. From now absorb yourself in worshipping Krishna as what you have learnt so long is all wrong. These two fellows worshipped Krishna in their first life and are worshipping him now even. Krishna is their guru, and they are his disciples life after life." In the morning they fell on the ground at their feet and they held the hands of Ramacandra and Narottama and prayed to them saying, "We are unfortunate as we have taken our births as non brahmins in this world. Please be kind to to and grant us the right of becoming true brahmins. As we are sinners, so where can we go? Please put your feet on our heads. Be kind to us, O Lords, we are suffering from all kinds of agonies of this world. We have no one in this world who can save us from damnation. We have wasted our lives in running after false teachings and have not tried to attain the feet of Krishna at all. O Lord, please help us to attain these feet at the end of our lives." Ramakrishna lamented, "O Lords, help us to worship your feet life after life." Crying in this way and taking the names of the two Prabhus they threw themselves on the ground. Narottama and Ramacandra were very moved by this and gave Krishnanama in the ears of Harirama and Ramakrishna. They in turn crying asked the Lords, "O Lords, what should we do?" They replied, "Always sing Krishnanama even at the time of eating and sleeping." Narottama and Ramacandra came out in the compound and began to utter the name of Gauranga. Their emotions had an effect on Ramakrishna and Harirama and the two of them became ecstatic in love and during kirtana both of them were so absorbed that they considered themselves to be humble. After a long time the two Prabhus ordered them to take their baths in the Ganges and then gave Radha Krishna nama in their ears. The two disciples fell on the ground stretching themselves at the feet of these two Prabhus. They put their feet on the heads of their disciples and placed their hands on the backs and taught them all the methods through which they could attain the favor of God Himself. They began to practise every kind of meditation. The two Prabhus advised them, "Read the religious books attentively everyday which will help you to attain meditation." As directed by them the two brahmins began to study the books written by Shri Rupa. Gradually they learnt all the scriptures. What can I say about their efforts? They had earned some good qualities in the sphere of meditation which helped them to earn so much grace in their present lives. If a Pandit could understand his faults and could repent for them to God by completely surrendering to him, he could earn meditation and devotion in his later life and become a great brahmin. All these principles have been written in the scriptures.
Being faithful to the feet of Shri Jahnava and Viracandra, Nityananda dasa takes pleasure in writing Prem Vilasa.