SRI NAVADVIPA MANDALA PARIKRAMA -
NINE ISLANDS OF SRI NAVADVIPA-MAYAPUR DHAMA and PASTIMES ON THESE TRANSCENDENTAL ISLANDS
Sri Navadvipa-Mayapur Dhama is beautifully situated on the banks of the Ganges. Every island is separated a tributary of Ganges river. On each of these islands Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His associates performed Theirtranscendental pastimes. Later Vaishnava Acaryas - Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura, Gaura Kisora Babaji, Bhaktivinoda Thakura, Jagannatha Das Babaji,Vasudeva Dutta and others spent several years of their lives here discussing the pastimes of Gaura and Nitai. These islands are accessible by boat. There are scattered forests and orchards filled with mango, jackfruit, bael and pomegranate trees. As well as many banana patches and flowering beds filled with varieties of birds. The winding paths and roadways lead to many villages where the inhabitants always speak the names of Gauranga and Nityananda.
Sri Navadvipa Dhama Map
Island I: “SRI ANTARDWIPA” (represents: atma-nivedanam)
- YOGAPITHA, The Birthplace of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu:
- Birthplace of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu;
- Neem tree where Lord Caitanya appeared. Next to the tree is a small hut with the Deities of Jagannatha Misra (father) and Sacimata (mother) holding baby Nimai on lap;
- Deities of Gaura-Gadadhara and Laksmi-Nrsimhadeva installed by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura;
- Gaura-Kunda, on the side of the Temple, has been compared in its glories to Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda in Vrindavana. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura excavated it in 1920;
- Two Siva-lingas - Gopisvara Siva who admits one to Lord’s service. And Ksetrapala-Siva who is the protector of the dhama. It is recommended that devotees pray to these Deities at the beginning of their Parikrama that thedhama and Gaura-prema be revealed within their hearts.
Deities of Sri Jagannath Misra, the father and Mother Saci holding baby Nimai in “Yogapitha”, the house they lived
SRIVAS ANGAN, The Birthplace of Harinama Sankirtana:
- This is the “Birthplace of Harinama Sankirtana”. Lord Caitanya danced in the bliss of Kirtana with His eternal associates at Srivasa Angan the rasa-sthali of Navadvipa, in the same way that Lord Sri Krishna danced with the gopis in the groves of Vraja. Srivasa Pandita represents the pure devotees of the Lord.
- This place is also known as “Khol banga danga”, the place where mrdanga was broken by Chand Kazi to stop Harinama Sankirtana.
This is the house of Srivasa Pandita, eternal associate of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. This is also the birthplace of “Harinama sankirtana”
SRI CAITANYA MATH:
SRI SRI RADHA-GANDHARVIKA-GIRIDHARI, the Deities installed by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura
jaya gandharvika-giridhari gandharvika-giridhari radhe
(saraswatir prana-dhana he)
“All glories to Gandharvika and Giridhari, the treasure of Sri Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura's heart!” -Vaishnava song “Jaya Radha-Krishna Giti”
Places to see in Sri Caitanya Math:
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura Samadhi and Bhajan Kutir; Sri SriRadha Gandharvika-Giridhari, the Deities installed by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura; Gaura-kisora Das Babaji’s Samadhi; Radha-kunda, Shyama-kunda; Candrasekhara Bhavan; Printing press.
SRI MURARI GUPTA’S HOUSE:
THEIR LORDSHIPS SRI SRI SITA-RAMA, LAKSHMAN, HANUMAN
Sri Murari Gupta was a very intimate associate whose pastimes with Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu were steeped in the loving bond of their eternal relationship. He was dear to Lord Caitanya as Hanuman was dear to Lord Ramacandra.
SRI MAYAPUR CHANDODAYA MANDIR, ISKCON MAYAPUR:
- Sri Sri Radha-Madhava Astasakhi, Pancha-Tattva and Lord Nrsimhadeva Temple,
- Srila Prabhupada Puspa-samadhi Temple,
- Srila Prabhupada Bhajan-kutir - Srila Prabhupada stayed here from 1972-76. 24 hr Kirtana takes place here following Srila Prabhupada's instruction that there be continuous chanting of the Holy Name in the dhama,
- Gurukul and MIHET (Mayapur Institute of Higher Education and Training),
- Goshala
THEIR LORDSHIPS SRI SRI RADHA-MADHAVA, ISKCON Mayapur
SRI PANCA-TATTVA:
Lord Krishna Caitanya surrounded (from left to right) by His avatara (SriAdvaita Acarya), His expansion (Lord Nityananda), His manifest internal energy (Sri Gadadhara Pandita) and His perfect devotee (Sri SrivasaPandita)
LORD NRSIMHADEVA
HIS DIVINE GRACE A.C. BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI SRILA PRABHUPADA,
Founder-Acarya of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)
Sri Isodhyan:
This is Nandana Acarya’s house. This is the house where Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Lord Nityananda met for the first time.
Sri Advaita Bhavan:
This is famous as the place where Sri Advaita Acharya's loud heart-felt calls to the Lord, compelled Him to appear as Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and inaugurate theSankirtana mission.
Sri Gadadhara Angan:
Gadadhara Pandita has been described as an incarnation of Srimati Radharani'sdyuti (effulgence). As young boys, Lord Caitanya and Gadadhara Pandita were inseparable but, in direct contrast to Lord Caitanya, Gadadhara Pandita was quiet and sober. Gadadhara Pandita's was always absorbed in thoughts of Krishna and always speaking Krishna-katha in the association of devotees.
Island II: “SRI SIMANTADWIPA” (represents: sravanam)
Chand Kazi Samadhi:
Chand Kazi was the Chief Magistrate of Navadvipa. He was a devout and strict Muslim and he oppressed Hindus in their religious practices. Angry that Hindus were not obeying his order forbidding Kirtana, Chand Kazi went with 2 boats of soldiers toSrivasa Pandita's house to personally enforce his ordinance. He confiscated their instruments and broke mrdanga. He then threatened imprisonment and conversion into a Muslim for anyone who disobeyed his order again.
Understanding the plight of devotees, Caitanya Mahaprabhu called everyone together and told them, "I shall perform sankirtana in every town and village. Therefore decorate all the streets and houses of the city and then gather in the evening carrying torchlights. Let us see what kind of Kazi comes to stop ourKirtana."
Champaka tree at Chand Kazi Samadhi witnessed this pastime with the Lord. Even though truck of this tree is hallow, it is still in full bloom and gives champakaflowers all year round, even when it is not flowering season.
Champaka tree at Chand Kazi Samadhi. Even though truck of this tree is hallow, it is still in full bloom and gives champaka flowers all year round, even when it is not flowering season.
KOLAVECHA SRIDHARA’S PLACE:
Kolaveca Sridhara is an eternal associate of Lord Caitanya and is very dear to Him. He is known as Kolaveca Sridhara because he made his living by selling kola(banana) leaves, plants, stalks and plates. He was so poor that he lived in a broken down hut and did not even had proper utensils for cooking. Despite his impoverished condition, Sridhara faithfully spent 50% of his earnings to worship Ganga. He was constantly engrossed in chanting Lord’s Holy Names. He chanted loudly all night. This upset his atheistic neighbours who complained, “That poor vagabond cannot fill his belly during day and now he is keeping us awake at night with his pangs of hunger.”
Sridhara always charged fair price for his products but this did not prevent Nimai from arguing and fighting with him to get His goods for half price or free. “I am sure you have immense wealth hidden somewhere and that you are relishing opulent food in secret”, accused Lord. “Soon I will make this known to everyone and then we will see how you are cheating people”. “Come to my house dear learnedbrahmana,” invited Sridhara, “and see for Yourself. We should not start argument here.” Nimai countered, “I am not going to let you off so easily. Tell Me what you are going to feed Me.” “I make a simple living selling leaf cup,” replied Sridhara, “What can I offer You from such an income, respected brahmana?” “I am not going to touch your hidden wealth now,” assured Nimai, “but if you give Me some banana roots and stalks rights now for free, then I will not fight with you anymore.”
Sridhara decided it would be his good fortune to give this restless and insolentbrahmana some goods free despite his own poor condition. “Dear brahmana” he said “please take banana and stalks that I have, but please do not fight anymore.” “Yes this is a good agreement” said Nimai “There should be no further fights, but please see to it that I get good quality banana” At other times Nimai would grab some of Sridhara’s wares but give only ½ price. Sridhara would then snatch goods back out of Nimai’s hands and another argument would start. Sridhara would tell “Are there not other suppliers besides me? Please purchase from them at a cheaper price.” Nimai would reply “I cannot give up such a steady supplier as you so easily.” Nimai would sometimes tell him that He was the source of Ganga whom he worshiped so faithfully. Sridhara would cover his ears and cry out “Krishna, Krishna!” Sridhara captivated by Lord’s charm and beauty could not recognize that Nimai was actually the worshipable Lord of his heart. Lord received immense joy from these love-fights and would not let a day pass without visiting His dear devotee.
Lord Caitanya revealed His supreme form as Krishna in Vrindavana with Radharani during His maha-prakasa pastime at Srivasa Pandita’s house. Mahaprabhu told him, “You have spent many lifetimes in My service and in this lifetime you have rendered Me ample service. I have tasted you kola countless times and often snatched things from your hands. Have you forgotten joking exchanges we had?” Sridhara swooned and became unsteady in intense ecstasy. He then prayed that pastimes and lotus feet of insolent brahmana who continually stole his kola always be manifested in his heart.”
KOLAVECHA SRIDHARA’S HUT
“I cannot give up such a steady supplier as you so easily.”-Nimai
RAJAPUR JAGANNATHA TEMPLE:
Several very important pastimes with Lord Jagannatha took place here.
THEIR LORDSHIPS SRI SRI JAGANNATHA, BALADEVA, SUBDHARA
Island III: “SRI GODRUMADWIPA” (represents: kirtanam)
SRI NRSIMHAPALLI:
This is place famous since Satya-yuga when Lord Nrsimhadeva came to rest here after killing Hiranyakasipu. Next to the Temple is a lake left behind by MandakaniRiver that flowed here at that time. When Lord Nrsimhadeva arrived here, He drank the sweet waters of this river to refresh Himself and also washed the blood ofHiranyakasipu from His hands.
LORD NRSIMHADEVA AT NRSIMHAPALLI TEMPLE. THIS DEITY DATES BACK TO SATYA-YUGA
HARI-HARA KSHETRA:
Lord Siva is the topmost Vaishnava and is constantly rendering service to Lord Krishna. Srimad-Bhagavatam describes that after killing some demons, Lord Krishna's sudarsana chakra burnt down Lord Siva's city of Kasi. Lord Siva left that city and took refuge here, so this place is also known as Maha-Kasi. Lord Visnumanifested Himself in the form of Hari-Hara - half Visnu and half Siva to show how dear Lord Siva is to Him. In 1997 some thieves tried to steal Him. Next day, a fox came to some children who were playing near the Temple. This was most unusual so the children followed this fox and were led to where Hari-Hara had been abandoned in a nearby field. During investigations, a court case arose and Hari-Hara spent 4 years residing in Krishnanagar Police station with a case number tag tied to His finger that previously held Sudarshana chakra. An unknown women came every day to offer Hari-Hara fresh water and incense. Hari-Hara returned to the Temple in 2001 amidst a grand festival organized by ISKCON and others.
HARI-HARA (CENTRE), HALF-VISNU, HALF-SIVA
AMA GHATA:
Once while performing Kirtana, Lord Caitanya noticed the devotees becoming tired. He stopped the Kirtana and planted a mango seed in the ground at this spot. Within minutes, a huge mango tree grew covered in big, beautiful, red and yellow mangoes that had no skin or seeds. Caitanya Mahaprabhu picked around 200 mangoes, one for each devotee. He washed them and offered all to Krishna. Gaurasundara then ate one mango and after washing His hands, distributed the rest to devotees.
AMA-GHATA - the mango tree planted by Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu for the pleasure of His dear devotees during Harinam Sankirtana
SUVARNA BIHAR GAUDIYA MATH:
Palace ruins of Satya-yuga King Sena and devotee who served as Buddhimata Khan in Gaura-lila. Beautiful Deities of Sri Sri Radha-Madhava also reside here.
Holy Stones from Golden Age at Suvarna Bihar Gaudiya Matha
SVANANDA SUKHADA KUNJA:
House were Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura lived. There are also the Deities of Gaura-Gadadhara which His Divine Grace worshiped. Gaura-kishora Dasa Babaji bhajan-kutir is also here.
SRI SRI GAURA-GADADHARA, the Deities worshiped by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura at his house
SURABHI KUNJA:
Surabhi cow resides here eternally. Wonderful pastimes related to Markendaya Rsialso took place here. This is also the place where Lord Nityananda established the headquarters for His nama-hatta preaching.
SURABHI KUNJ: HH Janananda Goswami performing drama
Island IV: “SRI MADHYADWIPA” (represents: smaranam)
HAMSA-VAHANA:
The Temple has Deity of Lord Siva residing on Lord Brahma's swan carrier
NAIMISARANYA FOREST:
Most-auspicious place where Lord Siva, Saunaka Rsi and other sages heard Gaura-Bhagavatam, the pastimes of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu from Suta Gosvami.
BRAHMANA PUSKARA:
There are interesting pastimes took place with a Brahmana who wanted to visitPuskara in Rajasthan but was told by Lord Brahma that original Puskara is in Navadvipa.
KURUKSHETRA:
This is the site of Kurukshetra. Currently this is encroached by a local brick making factory.
PANCAVENI and GAURANGA-SETU (bridge):
Place where 5 rivers Alaknanda, Mandakini, Yamuna, Manasi Ganga, and Sarasvaticonfluence with Ganga.
Gauranga-Setu and Pancaveni
Island V: “SRI KOLADWIPA” (represents: pad-sevanam)
SRI DHAMESVARA MAHAPRABHU BARI TEMPLE:
The Deity of Lord Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu at Sri Dhameswar Mahaprabhu Temple is very special. This beautiful neem Deity of Gauranga Mahaprabhu is the original Deity that Srimati Visnupriya, wife of Lord Gauranga worshiped for 80 years after Lord Caitanya took sannyasa. Srimati Visnupriya was sixteen years old when Gauranga Mahaprabhu left and she worshiped this Deity as her husband until she passed away at the age of ninety-six. The Deity’s hands reach forward with upraised palms, a pose indicating, “I am yours.” The Deity is called as Sri DhameswarMahaprabhu. There are also wooden shoes, which were worn by Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. He gave them to Srimati Visnupriya, which she worshipped until she passed away.
After the Lord's acceptance of sannyasa, Srimati Visnupriya always remained within the house, with the exception of taking bath daily at the Ganges along with MotherSacidevi. When devotees went there to partake of prasadam, they saw only the feet of Visnupriya. Never did they see her face, nor hear her voice. She constantly chanted the holy name.
She would place two fresh earthen pots on either side of her. One pot was empty and the other contained grains of rice. After chanting one round of Japa (108 beads) she placed one grain of rice into the empty pot. She thus continued her Japa until the third quarter of the day. Those grains which she had placed in the empty pot were then cooked and offered to the Lord with tears. Day and night she chanted the holy name:
HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE |
HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE ||
After the departure of Mahaprabhu, their servant, Isana Thakura looked after Mother Saci and Srimati Visnupriya. Vamsivadana Thakura and Mother Saci also stayed with Visnupriya at all times. Once in a dream Lord Caitanya commanded her to shower mercy upon Srinivasa Acarya. Thus with deep affection she placed her feet on the head of Srinivasa. Sri Vamsivadana Thakura, Visnupriya’s dedicated servant and an incarnation of Lord Krishna’s flute, brought this Deity here after she departed. He established the worship of Sri Dhameswar Mahaprabhu asPranavallabha, the lover of Visnupriya.
Srimati Visnupriya's reaction after hearing of Lord Gauranga's decision to acceptsannyasa, and the words of comfort offered to her by Her husband are recorded inSri Caitanya Mangala Madhya Lila 12.1-40 by Srila Locana Das Thakura.
In Sri Navadvipa-dhama Mahatmya, Lord Nityananda says, “O Jiva, hear a confidential topic. There is a very beautiful Deity of Gauranga belonging toVisnupriya, which in future will be brought to Sattika by brahmanas descending from the family of Jagannatha Misra. Four hundred years after Lord Gauranga’sappearance in this world, the worship of this Deity will be restored to the highest standard.”
SRI DHAMESVARA MAHAPRABHU: This beautiful neem Deity of Gauranga Mahaprabhu is the Deity that Visnupriya, wife of Lord Gauranga worshiped for 80 years after Lord Caitanya took sannyasa.
Samudragarh:
Wonderful pastimes related to a great devotee king, Samudra Sena who with his great devotion forced Lord Krishna to appear took place here.
Jagannatha Dasa Babaji Bhajana Kutir and Samadhi:
Jagannatha Dasa Babaji was one of the greatest in the disciplic succession. He lived for 146 years and in later years carried in the basket. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura,Gaurakishora Dasa Babaji and Jagannatha Dasa Babaji used to meet daily and discuss Krishna-katha.
Island VI: “SRI RITUDWIPA” (represents: arcanam)
CHAMPAHATTI:
This very special place lies in the south-western portion of Koladvipa and is non-different from Khadiravana forest in Vrindavana where Lord Sri Krishna and Balarama had many pastimes and used to rest. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has mentioned the following in his Navadvipa-bhava-taranga: “Towards the south ofKoladvipa there is a place called Champahatta. In all of Navadvipa-Dhama this place is the most beautiful. This Champahatta village is a great tirtha and the most attractive location of the poet Jayadeva’s worship of Gaura-sasadhara. There, at the house of Vaninatha, Sri Saci-nandana along with His associate performed Harinama-sankirtana. There was a great festival at house of Vaninatha, where Sri Gauranga showed His opulence of love. In Champahatta village there is a forest of campakaflowers, which the gopi Campakalata comes here to pick. This forest in Navadvipa is non-different from Khadiravana in Vraja where Balarama and Krishna take rest.”
Why Is This Place Known As Champahatti?
In Sri Navadvipa-Dhama Mahatmya, Lord Nityananda tells to Jiva Goswami, “Listen son of Vallabha, there was once a champaka forest at this beautiful place which is a portion of Khadiravana in Vrindavana. Champakalata sakhi takes champaka flowers, strings garlands, and offers them to Sri Sri Radha and Krishna as her eternal pastime. When Kali-yuga grew in influence, capitalists moved here and eagerly took the champaka flowers. They set up a hatta (market) and sold the champaka flowers to the villagers and townsfolk. Therefore this enchanting place is called “Champahatta”, or more commonly, “Champahatti”. Dwarka Puri and Ganga-sagaraare present here.
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura established this temple. Prior to the establishment of this temple, there was an imposter Baba who was in-charge of this place. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura was deeply saddened to see the condition of this very important place for Gaudiya Vaisnavas. He used to cry and pray to Supreme Lord Sri Krishna for His help to restore high-standard worship for Sri Sri Gaura-Gadadhara. By the mercy of Lord Sri Krishna, in 1922 was Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura was able to establish the temple here. Temple was managed by his disciple Nayanananda dasa Babaji. Babaji Maharaj came to this temple in 1922 when he was 20 years old and until recently at the age close to 100 years he faithfully served Their Lordships Sri Sri Gaura-Gadadhara for nearly 80 years before passing was few years ago.
Many pastimes related to Sri Champakalata Sakhi's grove and Srila JayadevaGoswami's took place here.
SRI SRI GAURA-GADADHARA AT CHAMPAHATTI
JAYADEVA GOSWAMI’S “GITA-GOVINDA” performance by Bhakti Vedanta school, Sridham Mayapur
Vidyanagara Gaudiya Matha - Trees Manifested from Lord Caitanya’s Pens:
These Transcendental Trees Manifested from Pens Planted by Lord Caitanya. They Do Not Belong to Any Known Species. Botanical scientists from Kolkata have been carrying out lot of research on these trees since many years. But till-date they have not been able to identify the species to which these transcendental trees belong.
TREES MANIFESTED FROM LORD CAITANYA’S PENS
Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya's house:
Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya's house and school of logic is also on this island.
Hidden Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda:
One can also visit hidden “Radha-kunda” and “Syama-kunda” on this island. It is said that every day exactly at noon-time Lord Caitanya Sankirtan party comes here and performs Harinam-Sankirtana.
Island VII: “SRI JAHNUDWIPA” (represents: vandanam)
Bhisma Tila:
Pastimes related to Bhismadeva took place here.
Transcendentalists sharing Bhismadeva’s pastimes at Jahnudwipa
Arati to Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai, The Presiding Deities of Navadvipa-Mandala Parikrama
Island VIII: “SRI MODADRUMADWIPA” (represents: dasyam)
Madana-Gopala Temple and Saranga Deva Gaudiya Math:
SRI SRI RADHA-GOPINATHA (Deities on the right) were worshiped by SriSaranga Thakura. SRI SRI MADANA-GOPALA and His eternal Srimati Radharani (large Deities in centre). They are the beloved Deities of SriVasudeva Datta. SRI SRI GAURA-GADADHARA (Deities on the left), these are the Deities of Puri Gosvami.
SIDDHA-BAKULA TREE
This is 500 years old tree. Lord Caitanya used to rest here when going home from school in Vidyanagara. One day Lord noticed the tree was dying so He embraced it, giving it a new life. Today, over 500 years later, although the tree is completely hollow inside, it is still growing in full bloom.
MAMGACHHI - Birthplace of SRI VRINDAVANA DAS THAKUR:
A great Vaishnava acarya Sri Vrindavana Das Thakura was the last initiated disciple of Lord Nityananda and author of Sri Caitanya Bhagavata. The Life and Pastimes of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu are very elaborately described in Sri Caitanya Bhagavata. He took initiation at the age of 16. He was the dear-most disciple of Lord Nityananda. This is also the ancestral home of Malini Devi, the wife of SrivasaPandita.
SRI VRINDAVAN DAS THAKURA’S BIRTH-SITE
Vasudeva Datta's house:
Vasudeva Datta was a very liberal Vaisnava who would spent all his money for the worship of his beloved Deity, Madana Gopala, without any consideration of future expenses in spite of the difficulties for his family. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu has such affection for Vasudeva Datta, He vowed on 3 separate occasions that He belonged to Vasudeva Datta. He would say, "I am only Vasudeva Datta's man. My body is meant only to please Vasudeva Datta and he can sell me anywhere."
VASUDEVA DUTTA’S HOUSE
Island IX: SRI RUDRADWIPA (represents: sakhyam)
Belpukura, the House of Saci Mata, Mother of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu:
House of Sacimata’s father Nilambara Cakravarti Thakur and the Deity of Lord Krishna which she worshiped. Deity is 1700 years old.
“SRI SRI MADANA-GOPALA” -1700 years old very beautiful Deities of Lord Sri Krishna at Belpukara, house of Sacimata
Sankarpura: Lord Caitanya tells Sankarachraya to leave Navadvipa.
Nidaya Ghata: This ghata is where Lord Caitanya crossed Ganga to go to Katwaand receive sannyasa from Kesava Bharati. He thus abandoned His aged mother and young bride, and also left behind all His associates whose hearts became completely broken in separation. They felt His act of leaving His family and associates was merciless and so they named this ghata, Nidaya - without mercy.
SRIDHAM MAYAPUR BANNER AT THE HIGHWAY
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