Karnananda First Extract

[Paramananda das]

Karnananda

Yadunandana Dasa Thakura

First Extract

I offer my obeisances to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the ocean of kindness, Nityananda Prabhu, the friend of the distressed, Advaita Acarya, who is most merciful, and to Srivasa Thakura, as well as all the devotees of Mahaprabhu. I pray for the blessings of Sri Rupa and Sanatana, who deeply love mankind, and Sri Gopala Bhatta, who is a reservoir of love and devotion. May Raghunatha Bhatta and Raghunatha Dasa, who lived on the bank of Radha-kunda, also bestow their mercy upon me. I bow to the compassionate Jiva Gosvami, and Sri Acarya Prabhu, whose devotion knows no bounds. My obeisances to Ramacandra Kaviraja and Govinda whose devotional characteristics charmed the whole world. Lastly, I request the blessings and kindness of Sri Vaisnava Gosvami, who is the deliverer of sinners.
Now hear attentively, oh listeners, as I describe how Mahaprabhu empowered two exalted personalities to deliver mankind. Sri Rupa Gosvami was empowered by the Lord to write innumerable devotional books. To distribute these valuable literatures, the Lord empowered Srinivasa Acarya. Thus, by the mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu the whole world became fortunate enough to enjoy reading these books. I offer my humble obeisances to my generous and kind spiritual master, Srinivasa Acarya, who is as munificent as a kalpa-vrksa tree. Srinivasa Acarya appeared in this world to deliver distressed mankind. Sri Ramacandra Kaviraja was endowed with extraordinary devotional qualities and was a branch of the tree of Srinivasa. Sri Govinda Kaviraja, brother of Sri Ramacandra Kaviraja, was also a highly qualified person. Sri Govinda Cakravarti was considered to be another branch of that tree. Apart from these three, there were many other highly qualified persons who were considered to be branches of this same tree. There were also many twigs such as Sri Balarama Kaviraja. Gradually the branches and twigs of this tree spread throughout the world.
From this tree bloomed the flowers of purely divine thought and the world became filled with its sweet heavenly fragrance. From these flowers, the sweet fruits of pure divine love and devotion grew. In this way Srinivasa Acarya took the form of a huge tree, bedecked with flowers, and in this way spread the teachings of Mahaprabhu throughout Gauda by publishing and distributing books. Now oh, listeners, try to water this tree by listening attentively to these descriptions. The sweet taste of the fruits of this tree can only be tasted by one who is devoid of pride. Sri Rupa Gosvami and Sanatana Gosvami also published many books, as well as Sri Bhatta Gosvami and Raghunatha Dasa. The books written by Sri Jiva Gosvami were added much flavour by Sri Kaviraja. Receiving all these books, Srinivasa gladly distributed them in Gauda. Just as the wind carries the clouds, Srinivasa swept away the cloud-like books from the hills of Vraja to the land of Gauda. There the cloud-like books showered the ground of Gauda with divine love. Thus suffering mankind, which were like grains suffering from the bright rays of the sun (Kali yuga), were relieved by the rain of nectar. Thus all the devotees happily danced like peacocks.
When Srinivasa Acarya established himself at Yajigrama, all his devoted Vaisnava followers assembled there daily. They listened intently as Prabhu explained the meaning of love and devotion. In this way he helped to rid the devotees of their pride of knowledge. After some time, at the request of the Vaisnavas, Srinivasa married his first wife. Sometime later he accepted his second wife. Daily the devotees would assemble and listen to discourses on such books as Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, Vidagdha-madhava, Lalita-madhava, Hari-bhakti-vilasa, Dasama-carita, Mathura Mahatmya, Bhagavata, Gita, Virudavali, Mukta-carita, Krsna-karnamrita, Brahma-samhita, and Gopi-premamrita, etc. In this way the devotees remained submerged in the ocean of love thorough the day and night. They spent half of the day performing harinama and the other half of the day reading these books. They used to spend two hours singing the names of Radha and Krsna, Govinda, etc. as well as singing songs composed by Candidasa, Vidyapati and Sri Gita-govinda.
In the evening Srinivasa Acarya Prabhu discussed various topics related to Vaisnava religion and culture. During the day he worshiped the Salagrama Sila and the Tulasi tree with great devotion. Throughout the day he was absorbed in Radha Krsna name. Sometimes while chanting he would shout out the names of Rupa and Sanatana, while at other times he wept at the memory of Sri Radha kunda. Sometimes he burst into loud lamentation, thinking of Sri Giri Govardhana. In this way he spent his day and night fully immersed in devotional love. Religious persons took great pleasure in observing his activities, while the impious laughed at him.
Listen attentively as I attempt to describe the followers of Sri Acarya Prabhu who were also very famous for their devotion. Thakura Mahasaya gave a description of the followers of Sri Acarya Prabhu, and Kavi Karnapura noted this in a book. I was ordered by my Prabhu to write the slokas written by the above mentioned persons in the form of payare (a metrical system of Bengali poetry in which each line consists of fourteen letters). I accepted the order of my guru, but hesitated to begin the work. After a few days Prabhu again ordered me to take up this task. Being an unqualified and ignorant person, I felt very anxious about executing this order. Nevertheless, I gathered confidence from the blessings of Prabhu, as well as all the Vaisnavas. I simply pray at the feet of the devotees to forgive me for any mistakes I may make in this attempt.
One day when Srinivasa Acarya Prabhu was sitting on the bank of a pond to the west of his house, he saw a marriage party passing near his house. The bridegroom, who was carried by a dola, was extremely attractive. His skin was the color of a golden ketaki flower, his hands were long, with shoulders like that of a lion. His navel was deep, silky curling hair, reddish feet and palms, nose sharp and high, teeth beautifully set, and his face was like the full moon. His lips were reddish like the bimba fruit, his eyes like lotus petals, neck like a conch, slender waist, and well shaped thighs. He wore a silk dress and a garland of flowers. His body was adorned with sandalwood paste. With great curiosity Srinivasa tried to discover his identity. Srinivasa thought to himself, “Is he the son of a Gandharva, or Kamadeva himself? Such a beautiful person should certainly utilize his life in the service of Lord Krsna, otherwise what is the use of such extraordinary beauty.”
Srinivasa inquired about the bridegroom from some members of the marriage party, and was informed that the young man was Sri Ramacandra Kaviraja, a great scholar whose qualities equaled those of Brhaspati or Sarasvati. He belonged to a good Vaidya family, was a famous physician, and was formerly a resident of Kumaranagara. After obtaining this information, Srinivasa returned to his house, and Ramacandra, who had overheard Srinivasa's enquiries, returned to his place.
Ramacandra spent the night in a brahmana's house, thinking deeply about Srinivasa Prabhu. In the morning he came running to Srinivasa and fell at his feet crying loudly. Overwhelmed with emotion, he begged the blessings of Prabhu. Srinivasa lovingly lifted him from the ground and embraced him warmly. Sri Acarya emotionally confessed that they had a long deep-rooted relationship and were meeting again after a long separation. Thus Srinivasa gave Krsna-nama in his ear and sang Radha Krsna lila to him. He also assisted him in the study of Vaisnava literature, and blessed him to become an earnest lover and devotee of Lord Krsna. Srinivasa told Ramacandra about the glories of Narottama Thakura, and instructed him to go to meet him in Vrindavana. Thus, in due course of time, Narottama and Ramacandra became such good friends that people considered them like one soul.
Srinivasa Acarya also favored Sri Govinda Kaviraja, the younger brother of Ramacandra, and accepted him as his disciple. These two brothers were considered to be parama bhagavatas, filled with devotional love. Sri Acarya directed Govinda to compose songs on the divine separation of Lord Krsna and Radha. Srinivasa also blessed the wives of the two brothers, as well as the highly fortunate Divya Simha.
Srinivasa's first wife, Srimati Isvari Thakurani, was a highly devotional lady. Gauranga Priya, his second wife, also possessed exalted devotional qualities. Their sweet disposition and efforts in worshiping the Deities were highly commendable. (They worshiped according to the process of suddha raganuga. They were not particularly attracted to parakiya vada). They worshiped the Lord with great sincerity, devoid of interest in karma or jnana. In due course of time many persons became disciples of Srinivasa and his wives. The eldest son of Sri Acarya was Sri Vrindavana Acarya, second son was Sri Radhakrsna Acarya, and the youngest son was Sri Govindagati. Each of them was highly qualified in the study of Vaisnava scriptures and received the favor of their father.
In Sri Guru-pranali slokas written by Govindagati he describes himself like a bumble bee always flying around the lotus feet of Sri Krsna Caitanya. He explains in these verses that Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami highly favored Sri Acarya Prabhu, and he himself received the favor of Sri Acarya. Being a Mahanta, Sri Govindagati had many disciples of his own.
With the blessings of her father, Sri Hemalata, Srinivasa's daughter, also became the spiritual guide of many disciples. Srinivasa also blessed his next two daughters, Sri Krsnapriya Thakurani and Kancana Latika. Sridama Thakura of Dancana Garia was a great scholar and was fortunate enough to spend most of his time in the company of Srinivasa Acarya. The three sons of Sridama, Sri Krsna, Jagadisa, and Syama Vallabhacarya, were also great scholars and received the mercy of Sri Isvari. Sri Gokuladasa regularly carried water from the river for Lord Krsna's service and thus received the favor of Srinivasa. The fair-complexioned son of Gokuladasa, Sri Krsna Vallabha Thakura, was blessed by Srinivasa when he was a mere boy. In his later life he became a devout bhagavata and had many disciples. Sri Nrsimha Kaviraja and Sri Raghunatha dasa were other recipients of the mercy of Prabhu. Sri Ramakrsna Chattaraja, who was always engaged in chanting the holy name, was another branch of Srinivasa's tree. His son, Sri Gopijana Vallabha Chattaraja, became a famous in the Vaisnava world, as Prabhu gave his own daughter, Hemalata, to him in marriage. Sri Kumuda Chattaraja always served Srinivasa like a menial servant. Sri Acarya offered his daughter, Sri Krsnapriya, to Sri Kumuda's devout son, Sri Caitanyaksana Chattaraja. The son-in-law of Chattaraja, Sri Rajendra Bandhopadhyaya, was a great devotee who was constantly engaged in hearing the nectar of Radha Krsna lila. He was always eager to serve Srinivasa Prabhu and to sing Harinama. The daughters of Chattaraja, Sri Malati and Sri Phulji Thakurani, were blessed by Prabhu. Kalanidhi Chattaraja, a favorite devotee of Sri Caitanya, was ordered by Srinivasa to utter one lakh harinama daily. Srinivasa favorite servant was Sri Vrindavana Chattaraja. Prabhu also favored Sri Gopaladasa, a Varna vipra by caste, and ordered him to deliver the people of his own class. As per the order of Prabhu, all his disciples in Kancanagadia decided to chant one lakh of holy names daily. They used to perform this task not during the day, but at night. Their practice was to tie their hair with a string to the roof of the cottage to check themselves from falling asleep. Srinivasa had such great love for them, and they also for him, that they never wanted to leave the vicinity.
Sri Gopimohana dasa of Mirjapura was a disciple of Gokuladasa Thakura, and Syamadasa of Khadagrama was a follower of Sri Gopimohana. Srinivasa favored Govinda Cakravarti, who became famous for his worship when he was a young boy.
Bhavaka Cakravarti of Borakuli village was an embodiment of devotional love and had many disciples. His wife, Sucarita, was an intelligent woman and received the favor of Sri Isvari. It was her practice to chant one lakh of japa daily and regularly discuss the pastimes of Mahaprabhu.
The eldest son of Thakurani, Sri Rajavallabha Cakravarti, was a man of high qualities and a great devotee of Srinivasa. Her other two sons, Sri Radhavinoda and Sri Kisanidasa, took mantra from their mother. Sri Karnapura Kaviraja was also blessed by Srinivasa, and had many disciples of his own. Prabhu initiated Vyasa as his disciple and educated him in many mysterious doctrines of Vaisnavism. Many branches and twigs grew from him. They were all known as parama bhagavatas. Sri Vamsidasa Thakura was one of these branches. He was one of Srinivasa's favorite devotees, and was also absorbed in singing Harinama. Sri Gopaladasa Thakura was also one of the favorite followers of Prabhu. Sri Krsna Kirtaniya of Bundhaipara was a famous kirtana singer. Even stones would melt upon hearing his beautiful glorification of Radha-Krsna's pastimes.
Sri Rupa Ghataka was another dear servant of Prabhu. He had no other activity than chanting the holy name of the Lord continuously. Srinivasa also offered the title of “Ghataka” to Sri Raghunandana dasa. These two Ghatakas were always engaged in the service of Srinivasa Acarya.
Sri Sudhakara Mandala and his wife, Sri Syamapriya, received the mercy of Srinivasa. Their son, Sri Radhavallabha Mandala, was always engrossed in singing Harinama. Kamadeva Mandala was also similarly engaged, and Gopala Mandala was known for his faith in Prabhu. Both of them received the blessings of Srinivasa.
The two fathers-in-law of Srinivasa were pure hearted souls. One of them, Sri Gopala Cakravarti, was also busy serving Srinivasa and used to shed tears while dancing in kirtana. Srinivasa also favored his other father-in-law, Sri Raghunandana Cakravarti, as well as the two brothers-in-law. The elder brother, Syamadasa, was an exalted devotee and could beautifully recite from the Bhagavata. The younger brother, Sri Ramacarana Cakravarti, was very dear to Srinivasa. He used to dance madly and cry during the kirtana recitals.
Another favorite follower of Srinivasa was Krsnadasa Chatta. He had strong faith in the holy name of the Lord. Vanamali Dasa, born of a Vaidya family, was another devoted servant of Prabhu. Sri Mohanadasa, who also came from a Vaidya family, was engaged in naisthika bhajan and was the most favorite follower of Prabhu. Sri Radhavallabha Dasa, Sri Mathura Dasa, Sri Radhakrsna Dasa, Sri Ramana Dasa, and Ramadasa were all devout followers of Srinivasa Acarya.
Sri Kavi Vallabha, a devoted servant of Srinivasa, was famous for his nice handwriting and dedicated many of his own books to Prabhu. The father of Vanamali Dasa, Sri Gopaladasa, was another great devotee who received the blessings of Srinivasa, as well as parama bhagavata, Sri Syamadasa Chatta. Sri Atmarama became completely indifferent to worldly affairs and became a disciple of Prabhu. Sri Kumudananda Thakura, Sri Rama Dasa Thakura, Sri Radhavallabha Thakura were all great devotees who attained the blessings of Sri Acarya. Sri Gokulananda dasa Cakravarti, Sri Gokulananda Dasa, Sri Gopala Thakura, and Sri Syamadasa of the Chatta family were all favored by Srinivasa.
Once Srinivasa Acarya Prabhu took a journey to Sri Purusottama, carrying the books of the Gosvamis. One night he halted at a village. At that time a gang of bandits saw him and mistook the parcel he carried to be valuable jewels, thus they stole the precious books.
To protest this action, Srinivasa went to the court of the king. At that time one brahmana named Sri Rama Cakravarti happened to be explaining topics from the Puranas to the king. The king was pleased with his discourse and offered him the title of “Acarya”. The brahmana then read from the Bhramara-gita. Standing off to the side, Srinivasa listened to the brahmana's defective explanations. Finally, Srinivasa entered the court and corrected the brahmana's mistakes. The king was charmed by Sri Acarya's explanations and requested him to explain further. Srinivasa then gave a beautiful dissertation based on the conclusions of the Gosvamis of Vrindavana. The king, having never heard such a scholarly and devotion presentation, was overwhelmed with joy and immediately fell at the feet of Srinivasa and humbly begged for his blessings. Srinivasa showered his mercy on the Mala King Sri Vira Hamvira, giving him the name of Krsna. In turn Vira Hamvira offered all his properties to Sri Acarya. Thereafter many of the residents of Vanavisnupura became the disciples of Srinivasa.
Two brothers belonging to Sri Karava's family used to write letter of ten (?) to Prabhu and thus earned the title of Visvasa. The elder brother, Sri Janakirama Dasa and the younger one, Prasada Dasa, became great devotees of Srinivasa. They were formerly known as Majumdara by title, but after receiving the blessings of Srinivasa they were known as Visvasa.
Sri Vallabhi Kavi considered himself most fortunate, having received the favor of Srinivasa. He uttered the holy names lakhs of times and never drank water until completing this task. Sri Vallabhi surrendered all his properties and his family to the service of Srinivasa. Thus he remained in the association of Prabhu constantly. The two elder brothers of Sri Vallabhi Kavi, Sri Ramadasa and Sri Gopala dasa, also dedicated themselves to the service of Sri Acarya.
Sri Krsna Vallabha Thakura lived in the village of Deuli, where Srinivasa visited first after the theft of the books. He was extremely dear to Srinivasa, as it was he who heard of the books robbed by the bandits, which greatly relieved Srinivasa. Prabhu visited the king with him and reclaimed the lost books. Being extremely satisfied with Krsna Vallabha, Sri Acarya placed his feet on his head and blessed him in the names of Sri Radharamana, Sri Govindaji, Sri Madanamohana, Sri Gopinatha, Rupa and Sanatana, Gopala Bhatta, Sri Jiva, Raghunatha Bhatta, Raghunatha Dasa, Sri Krsnadasa, and Lokanatha Gosvami. He prayed that by the good wishes of all these Gosvamis Vallabhi Kaviraja would succeed in attaining the priceless gem of devotional love. Pleased with Vallabhi, Srinivasa stayed a few more days with him.
When Srinivasa visited the king again, Vira Hamvira fell flat at the feet of Prabhu. Srinivasa took his seat and conversed with the king about the divine topics of Lord Krsna. Vira Hamvira was filled with joy to have the darsana and blessings of Srinivasa. Thereafter Prabhu returned home.
That night the king dreamed of Srinivasa and Kalacanda. In his dream the king loudly cited some lines of poetry describing the divine beauty of Prabhu and Kalacanda. The queen awoke from her sleep and heard the lines of poetry which the king was reciting and she spent the night weeping. When the king awoke, he was still absorbed in thinking of the lotus feet of Prabhu. In his absorption, he cried loudly calling out the names of Sri Rupa and Sanatana and Sri Bhatta Gosvami. He lamented pitifully having lost the vision in his dream. But even in his wakeful state he could clearly recall the figure of Srinivasa beckoning him to worship the image which he had seen in his dream. While the king was absorbed in this ecstatic remembrance, Pattadevi fell at his feet and requested him to again recite the lines of poetry. When the king denied, the queen begged him again and again. The king then relented. He confessed that he no longer hankered after the joy of royal prestige and riches. These things appeared to him now as poison. Now he had found true nectar, by the mercy of Srinivasa Acarya, who was his life and soul. By his grace only, was he able to become a servant of Radha and Krsna and observe Their divine pastimes in the groves of Vraja. With great emotion the king revealed that his mind again and again wanted to fly to the bank of the Yamuna in Vraja where his Lord Krsna enjoyed the company of Sri Radha. He described the state of mind and condition of Radha when she was bereft of Krsna's company. Having lost Kala (Krsna), Radha's heart burned incessantly in the fire of separation. She was unable to calm herself. She smeared the paste of aguru over her entire body, yet was unable to cool her burning heart. She was so restless that she was unable to perform her household duties. She would simply sit on the bank of the Yamuna, hoping to see Krsna again. Due to this behavior of Sri Radha, her mother-in-law and sister-in-law rebuked her and her husband became indifferent to her. The king further explained that his deepest desire was to serve the lotus feet of Kalacanda, by the mercy of Srinivasa.
Pattadevi was overwhelmed by her husband's realization and requested the king to help her to become a disciple of Srinivasa. The king could understand his wive's fervent emotions that she had already received the blessings of Prabhu.
Vira Hamvira happily went before Srinivasa and reported everything to him. Patta Mahadevi ran to the feet of Srinivasa, earnestly requesting him to give her diksa. Observing the queen's sincerity, Srinivasa was greatly pleased. He first poured Harinama in their ears and then gave them Radha Krsna mantra. He directed them to worship by the method of kama-bija and gayatri-bija. They were also instructed to serve a Tulasi manjari lovingly because without performing these various practices, no one could attain the essence of parakiya lila and rasa in the abode of Vraja. They were further directed to worship with a pure mind and pure devotion if they desired to attain the divine favor of Radha and Krsna. They were also told to listen intently to kirtana and to worship the feet of the Vaisnavas. Srinivasa Acarya also favored the prince, Sri Raja Hamvira.
Thereafter, the king installed the Deity of Kalacanda. Srinivasa Acarya personally performed the abhiseka ceremony for the installation. The king wished to serve the Vaisnavas everyday. Knowing his intention, Sri Jiva Gosvami sent Sri Gopala Dasa who came to stay there. Srinivasa appointed Sri Vyasa as the salaried worshiper of the Deity. Sri Acarya also cast his mercy upon the wife of Sri Vyasa, Sri Indumukhi Thakurani, as his son, Sri Syamadasa Cakravarti.
Srinivasa favored the great scholar Bhagavan Kavi, as well as the devoted worshipers of Krsna, Sri Narayana Kavi and Narasimha Kaviraja. Sri Vasudeva Kaviraja also became a devotee of Prabhu. Sri Vrindavana dasa, who was famous for his title of “Kaviraja”, also became a disciple of Sri Acarya. Nimai Kaviraja, the brother of Rupa Kaviraja, received the mercy of Srinivasa. He chanted harinama in lakhs every day and danced madly during the kirtana recitals. Sriman Cakravarti, being indifferent to worldly pleasures, took shelter under the protection of Srinivasa. Prabhu favored Raghunandana Thakura and Gaurangadasa, who was a man endowed with divine qualities. He would cite Harinama constantly, remembering the lotus feet of Radha Krsna. He used to ecstatically shout the names of Rupa and Sanatana and cry madly in remembrance of Bhatta Gosvami. He was fully absorbed in the memory of Sri Gauranga and his own Prabhu.
Srimanta Thakura, who belonged to a brahmana family, was another disciple of Prabhu. He favored Sri Gopijanavallabha who used to become ecstatic while chanting the name of Sri Krsna Caitanya. Sri Tulasirama dasa, belonging to a weaver class, always thought of the grace of Prabhu and would immediately become ecstatic upon chanting the name of Sri Gauranga. Sri Balarama dasa, a brahmana from Utkaladesa, lost all interest in worldly pleasure upon meeting Sri Acarya. The brahmana Dayarama Caudhuri lived with Sri Balarama in the same village. They both dedicated themselves fully to the feet of Srinivasa. Sri Hari Vallabha Sarkara and Krsna Vallabha Cakravarti became disciples of Prabhu. Sri Krsna Purohita and Syamacatta of Gaudadesa were great devotees of Srinivasa who later attained many disciples of their own. Sri Jayarama Cakravarti of Ekatraya was another famous devotee, and Thakuradasa Thakura also became Srinivasa's disciple. Sri Mathuradasa of Mathura was born of a brahmana family, and Sri Syamasundara Dasa was a simple-minded brahmana who regularly chanted Harinama in lakhs daily. Sri Atmarama from Ekatraya received the blessings of Srinivasa. Vrindavana dasa of Sri Vrindavana was a man endowed with extremely devotional qualities and was a favorite disciple of Prabhu. Sri Govindarama and Sri Gopala Dasa of Ekatraya were also devoted disciples.
Sri Mohanadasa, Vrajanandadasa, and Sri Ramadasa of Sri Kunda were three celebrated servants of Srinivasa. Sri Rasikananda dasa, Sri Hariprasada, and Sukhananda Dasa of Sri Govardhana, as well as Premi Harinama and Muktarama dasa were Srinivasa's devoted disciples who used to dance and sing harinama together. Bhajanahari was another disciple. Rama Kalanidhi, from a brahmana family in Bangadesa, had the title of Acarya. Sri Rama Sarana, Premadasa, and Rasikadasa were dedicated devotees, always eager to serve the Vaisnavas.
I am unqualified to sufficiently describe how many persons from Visnupura, as well as from Prabhu's own country, received initiation from Srinivasa. Many people from different countries such as Radha, Bangadesa, Gaudadesa, Vrajabhumi, Magadha, Utkaladesa, Baragangapara, Vindhya Kandhala and the places near the Ganges took initiation from Sri Acarya. Those who attentively hear these descriptions can easily attain the ecstasy of Krsna bhakti.
Sri Hemalata, the daughter of Srinivasa, was a great Vaisnavi. Bowing to her lotus feet, I, Yadunandana Dasa, attempt to distribute the essence of Karnananda to every listener

NOTE Srinivasa Acarya chanted lahks of the Mahamantras daily so not only 64 rounds likely 3 lahks 192 rounds