Biographies of various saints.
Gadadhara Pandita - Disappearance Day on Amavasya
Madhava - Thu, 11 Jul 2002 00:38:35 +0530
SRI GADADHARA PANDITA Sri Gadadhara was the constant companion of Mahaprabhu from the time of their childhood. His father’s name was Sri Madhva Misra and his mother’s name Sri Ratnavati-devi. They lived very near the house of Sri Jagannatha Misra in Mayapura. Ratnavati-devi thought of Saci-devi as her own sister, and always used to visit her.
During their childhood, Sri Gaura Hari and Gadadhara would play together, sometimes at Mahaprabhu’s house and sometimes at Gadadhara’s house. They both studied together at the same school. Gadadhara was a few years younger then Nimai. Nimai couldn’t remain without Gadadhara even for a moment and Gadadhara likewise couldn’t stand to be separated from Nimai.
In the Gaura-ganoddesa-dipika, it is described that that person who in Vraja was the daughter of Sri Vrsabhanu Raja, namely Srimati Radharani, is now celebrated as Sri Gadadhara Pandita. Svarupa Damodara has written in his diary:
avani sura bavah sri panditakhyo jatindrah
sa khalo bhavati radha srila gauravataroSri Vasudeva Ghosa Thakura has written:
agam agocar gora akhil brahma-par,
veda upar, najane pasandi mati bhora
nitya-nityananda caitanya govinda
pandit gadadhar radhe caitanya yugala-rupa
kebol raser kup avatar sadasiva sadhe
antare nave-ghana bahire gaura tanu
yugalrupa parkase kahe vasudeva ghose
yugal bhajan base janame janame rahu asa
“Lord Gaurasundara, who is beyond the perview of the scriptures, beyond the entire Brahman, and above even the Vedas, can never be known by the atheists whose intelligence is dull. Lord Nityananda is His eternal self. Lord Caitanya is Lord Govinda Himself and Pandita Gadadhara is none other than Sri Radha. The divine couple, who are present in Sri Caitanya, are a well of rasa. Advaita Acarya (Sadasiva) has prayed for His descent. Within He is blackish but of a golden hue without, the manifestation of the divine couple. Thus Vasudeva Ghosa sings of the beauty of this divine couple - Sri Gaura-Gadadhara - in whose worship he has been completely subjugated. He prays that he will desire to serve them birth after birth.”
In Sri Caitanya-caritamrta (Antya 7.163) we likewise find:
panditer bhav mudre kahan na jay
gadadhar pran nath nam hoila jay
panditer krpa prasad lehan na jay
gadai gauranga kari sarvaloke gay
“The emotions and expressions of Pandita Gadadhara are not possible to describe. Another name of Lord Gauranga is the ‘Lord of the life of Gadadhara.’ Who can understand what mercy has been bestowed upon him? Their glories are sung by everyone as Gadai-Gauranga.”
During the time when Sri Isvara Puri was present for a few months in Navadwipa at the house of Sri Gopinath Acarya, he taught Gadadhara from the book he had composed, Sri Krsna Lilamrta.
gadadhar panditere apnar krt
punthi parayan nam krsna lilamrta
[C.B. Adi 11.100]Gadadhara was from his very childhood very serene, patient, calm, quiet, fond of solitude and very renounced. Nimai Pandit during the time of His precocious youth would ask his fellow students meaningless, fallacious questions in logic. Gadadhara however, was not especially fond of this pastime, and therefore he sometimes used to remain at some distance from Nimai. But Nimai wouldn’t allow him to get away. He would tell him - “Gadadhar! In a very short time I’ll become such a Vaisnava that Lord Brahma and Lord Siva themselves will come to My door.”
Sri Gadadhara Pandita was very affectionate towards Mukunda Datta. Whenever any Vaisnava came to Navadwipa, Mukunda would inform Gadadhara and they would both go to have darsana. One time Pundarika Vidyanidhi came from Cattagram to Nava
dwipa and Mukunda invited Gadadhara to come along and meet him. Gadadhara was very excited to meet such a Vaisnava and thus the two of them happily set out together to take advantage of sadhu-sanga with the famous Pundarika Vidyanidhi.
However, when Gadadhara saw that Pundarika Vidyanidhi dressed and acted like a wealthy materialist, he lost whatever reverence he had previously felt even before speaking with him. Gadahara thought to himself, “How can a Vaisnava look and act as if he was so addicted to sense enjoyment?”
However, Mukunda knew the real character of Pundarika Vidyanidhi, and he could also sense the doubts in the mind of Gadadhara Pandita. Thus he recited some slokas from the Srimad-Bhagavatam in a very sweet voice. When Pundarika Vidyanidhi heard his beautiful recitation of these slokas, in a fit of ecstasy he began to cry while calling, “Krsna, Krsna”, and finally fainted away on the floor. [C.B. Mad 7.78-79].
Gadadhara now felt very remorseful in his mind. He thought to himself, “Because I have ignorantly considered this highly advanced soul to be an ordinary materialist, what an offense I have committed! In order that I might be saved from the reaction of this offense, I think the only solution is to accept initiation from him.”
Gadadhara Pandita submitted his proposal to Mukunda, who presented it to Pundarika Vidyanidhi with a full account of the Pandita’s high qualifications. “Hearing this proposal, Pundarika became very happy. ‘Providence has bestowed upon me a great jewel; certainly I will accept him. You shouldn’t have any doubt about that. It is the result of many lifetimes of good fortune that one gets a disciple like this.’“ [C.B. Madhya 7.117-118]. On an auspicious day, Sri Gadadhara Pandita received the divine mantra from Pundarika Vidyanidhi.
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, upon going to Gaya Dham, first began to manifest Krsna-prema. There he enacted the pastime of accepting the shelter of Sri Isvara Puri. After returning to His house He began to exhibit a new life.
Day and night He floated in the ocean of love of Krsna. Gadadhara, upon seeing the Lord showering of tears in love for Krsna, also began to cry in ecstatic love. From this time, Gadadhara Pandita was always at Mahaprabhu’s side.
One day Sri Gadadhara brought some pan to Sri Gauranga, Who, in an exuberance of emotion asked him, “Gadadhara! Where is that beautiful blackish boy Who is dressed in yellow garments?” After asking this, He began to shed tears.
Gadadhara couldn’t immediately think of what to say. He finally respectfully suggested, “He is in your heart.” Hearing this, Mahaprabhu began to tear at his chest with his nails, but Gadadhara quickly grabbed his hands. Prabhu said to him, “Gadadhara! Let go of My hands. I cannot remain a moment more not seeing Krsna.”
Gadadhara replied, “Just try to be a little patient and calm Yourself. Krsna will come any minute now.” Hearing this, Mahaprabhu became somewhat composed.
Sacimata heard all this from a distance and then came running there. Being very pleased with Gadadhara, she declared, “Though He is just a boy, He is very intelligent. I am frightened to go before my son when He is in these moods. But Gadadhara has very cleverly pacified him.”
mui bhoye nahi painu sammukhe noite
sisu hoi kemon prabodhila bhalo mate
[C.B. Mad 2/210]
“Sacimata told Gadadhara, ‘Gadadhara! You must, please, remain with Nimai always. If you stay with Him then I won’t have to worry.’”
One day, Sri Gadadhara, having heard that Mahaprabhu will speak Krsna-katha at Suklambara Brahmacari’s house, went there and sat down inside. Meanwhile, Mahaprabhu arrived outside on the verandah and began to speak about Krsna to an audience of devotees there; Gadadhara Prabhu listened from within the house. Soon Mahaprabhu became totally absorbed in the ecstacy of Krsna-prema, which quickly spread to the assembly of devotees. For some time they continued to taste the mellows of love of
Krsna together and then becalmed themselves.
Gadadhara, however, couldn’t restrain his ecstacy. With his head bowed down, he continued to cry very loudly. Hearing his pitiful sobbing, Mahaprabhu inquired, “Who is crying within the room?” Suklambara Brahmacari replied, “Your Gadadhara.”
Mahaprabhu exclaimed, “Gadadhara! You are so pious and virtuous. Since your very childhood you were so devoted to Krsna. My life has been wasted. Due to my previous evil activities I cannot get the association of the Lord of my life, Sri Krsna.”
Saying this, Prabhu embraced Gadadhara in great love.
When Mahaprabhu began His pastimes in Navadvipa, Gadadhara was his chief companion. Radha Krsna of Vraja are now sporting on the banks of the Ganga as Gadai-Gauranga, and the cowherd boyfriends of Vraja are assisting in His pastimes of kirtana.
One day after roaming throughout the town of Navadwipa, Mahaprabhu came to a forest and seated Himself there. Then He began to remember His pastimes in Vraja. Mukunda began to sing the purva-vag (courtship) songs in a very sweet voice while Gadadhara collected some flowers from that forest and after stringing a garland placed it on Prabhu’s neck. Previously, in the way that Sri Radha used to decorate Sri Krsna, Gadadhara began to dress Prabhu in that exact same manner. Some were singing beautiful songs, while others began to dance in a very graceful style. Then Sri Gaurasundara taking Gadadhara by His side seated Himself on a dais at the base of one tree, while Advaita Acarya began to offer arati. Nityananda seated Himself on Prabhu’s right side and Srivasa Pandita began to decorate everyone with flower garlands. Narahari was fanning that Divine couple with a whisk made from the tail hairs of forest cows. Suklambar decorated them all with sandalwood paste while Murari Gupta recited the premadhvani. Madhava, Vasudeva, Purusottama, Vijaya, and Mukunda began to sing songs in the various ragas.
Then Prabhu closed his pastimes in Nadiya and as per his mother’s request he took up his residence at Nilacala. Gadadhara also went there to live at this time. He engaged himself in the service of Sri Tota Gopinatha. Mahaprabhu would very often visit His dear friend Gadadhara and lose Himself in discussions on the topics of Sri Krsna. The temple of Sri Tota Gopinathji is located near the ocean at Yameshvar.
When Lord Caitanya traveled to Sri Vrindavana, Gadadhara, not being able to bear separation from Him, wanted to go also but Mahaprabhu reminded him of his vow of ksetra-sannyasa (by which he was to remain constantly in Sri Ksetra in the service of Sri Gopinatha) and sent him back.
Sri Gadadhara Pandita would regularly recite Srimad Bhagavatam. Sri Gaurasundara, along with His associates, would listen.
gadadhar pandit prabhu age bosi
pare bhagavat - sudha dhale rasi rasi
[B.R. 3/107]After enacting His pastimes on this planet for forty-eight years, Sri Gaurasundara merged into the body of Sri Gopinathji, who was served by Sri Gadadhara Pandita.
nyasi siromani cesta bujhe sadya kar?
akasmat prithini karila andhakar
pravesila ei gopinatha mandire
hoila adarsan, punah na aila bahire
[B.R. 8.356-357]In the diary of one Orissan devotee, Mahaprabhu is said to have first went missing inside the Gundica Mandira. Then the devotees began to comb the four directions in search of their Beloved Lord. Finally, outside of Tota Gopinatha Mandira, at Yameswar, the outer garment of Mahaprabhu was found lying on the ground. A slight crack which is still to be found near the right knee of Sri Gopinathji is the spot where Mahaprabhu is said to have entered the Deity.
His appearance is on the amavasya (new moon) of the month of Vaisakha.
smara gaura-gadadhara keli kalam
bhava gaura-gadadhara paksa caram
srnu gaura-gadadhara caru katham
bhaja godruma-kanon kunja-vidhum
[Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura]
“Remember Gaura-Gadadhara dur
ing the time of Their pastimes, meditate on Gaura-Gadadhara, the Divine couple, the par-excellence of beauty. Hear beautiful discussions on the topics of Gaura-Gadadhara, and worship Them in the forest grove of Godruma, bathed in the light of the moon.”
Madhava - Thu, 11 Jul 2002 00:47:55 +0530
In his Gaura-Govindarcana-Smarana-Paddhati (52), Dhyanacandra describes meditation on Sri Radha-avatara Gadadhara Pandit as follows:
kAruNyaika-maranda-padma-caraNaM caitanya-candra-dyutiM
tAmbUlArpaNa-bhaGgi-dakSiNa-karaM zvetAmbaraM sad-varam |
premAnanda-tanuM sudhA-smita-mukhaM zrI-gaura-candrekSaNaM
dhyAyec chrIla-gadAdharaM dvija-varaM mAdhurya-bhUSojjvalam ||52||
“Then Sri Gadadhara Pandita Gosvami’s dhyana: I meditate on Sri Gadadhara Pandita Gosvami, whose lotus feet are full of the nectar of compassion. He has a luster like that of Sri Caitanyacandra. With His outstretched right hand, He offers tambula to the mouth of Sri Caitanya. He dresses in fine white cloth, is the best of the sadhus, and is the very form of blissful love. He has a sweet, smiling face, and His eyes are addicted to gazing at the form of Sri Gaura. He is adorned with the mood of madhurya-rasa, and is the best of the twice-born.”
Madhava - Thu, 11 Jul 2002 00:51:44 +0530
SRI GADADHARASTAKAM
of Svarupa Damodara Gosvami
Text 1
sva-bhakti-yoga-lasinam sada vraje viharinam
hari-priya-ganagragam sacisuta-priyesvaram
saradha-krsna-sevana-prakasakam mahasayam
bhajamy aham gadadharam supanditam gurum prabhum
"I worship the greatly learned and exalted spiritual master, Srila Gadadhara Prabhu, who appears very splendid, engaged in the Lord's devotional service. He always performs pastimes in Vraja, where he is very prominent among the gopis, who are very dear to Lord Hari. Lord Caitanya, the Son of Saci is the dear Lord of Gadadhara Prabhu, who is preaching the service of Radha and Krsna."
Text 2
navojjvaladi-bhavana-vidhana-karma-paragam
vicitra-gaura-bhakti-sindhu-ragga-bhagga-lasinam
suraga-marga-darsakam vrajadi-vasa-dayakam
bhajamy aham gadadharam supanditam gurum prabhum
"I worship the greatly learned spiritual master, Srila Gadadhara Prabhu. He is expertly absorbed in meditation on the nine rasas of devotional service, beginning with ujjvala-rasa (conjugal love), and he dances in the waves of the amazing ocean of devotional service to Lord Caitanya. He preaches the path of raganuga-bhakti (spontaneous devotional service), and He is a fit person to attain residence in the transcendental land of Vraja."
Text 3
sacisutagghri-sara-bhakta-vrnda-vandya-gauravam
gaura-bhava-citta-padma-madhya-krsna-vallabham
mukunda-gaura-rupinam svabhava-dharma-dayakam
bhajamy aham gadadharam supanditam gurum prabhum
"I worship the greatly learned spiritual master, Srila Gadadhara Prabhu. The best of those who are devoted to the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya, the Son of Saci-devi, offer respecful obeisances to him and treat him with great importance, and he is very dear to Lord Krsna, Who is seated in the middle of the lotus flower which is his heart, assuming His golden form of Caitanya Mahaprabhu. He preaches that Lord Mukunda has assumed the golden form of Lord Caitanya, and he returns the living entities to their constitutional position as servants of the Lord."
Text 4
nikunja-sevanadika-prakasanaika-karanam
sada sakhi-rati-pradam maha-rasa-svarupakam
sadacritagghri-pankajam sariri-sad-gurum varam
bhajamy aham gadadharam supanditam gurum prabhum
"I worship the greatly learned and exalted spiritual master, Srila Gadadhara Prabhu. It is only because of him that the truth of the exalted devotional service performed by the intimate associates of Krsna in the forests and groves of Vrndavana has been revealed. He is preaching the ecstatic love attained by the gopis, and he is indeed a personification of the mellows of devotional service. The saintly devotees take shelter of his lotus feet, and he teaches the truth of spiritual life to the living entities."
Text 5
mahaprabhor maha-rasa-prakasanagkuram priyam
sada maha-rasagkura-prakacanadi-vasanam
mahaprabhor vrajagganadi-bhava-moda-karakam
bhajamy aham gadadharam supanditam gurum prabhum
"I worship the greatly learned spiritual master, Srila Gadadhara Prabhu. He is very dear to Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and it is as if he had sprouted from the manifestation of the Lord`s ecstatic love. He is always adorned with the garments of ecstatic love of Godhead, and He delights Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu by arousing in the Lord the ecstatic emotional love experienced by the gopis of Vraja."
Text 6
dvijendra-vrnda-vandya-pada-yugma-bhakti-vardhakam
nijesu radhikatmata-vapuh-prakacanagraham
asesa-bhakti-sastra-siksayojjvalamrta-prabam
bhajamy aham gadadharam supanditam gurum prabhum
"I worship the greatly learned spiritual master, Srila Gadadhara Prabhu, who expands the mellows of de
votional service and whose lotus feet are worshipped by the kings of the brahmanas. Among his confidential associates, he reveals his actual form as Srimati Radharani. He distributes the nectar of the ecstatic mellow of the gopis conjugal love, strictly following the instructions of all the devotional scriptures."
Text 7
muda nija-priyadika-svapada-padma-sindhubhir
maha-rasarnavamrta-pradesta-gaura-bhaktidam
sadasta-sattvikanvitam nijesta-bhakti-dayakam
bhajamy aham gadadharam supanditam gurum prabhum
"I worship the greatly learned spiritual master, Srila Gadadhara Prabhu. With delight he is giving the devotional service of Lord Caitanya which reveals the nectarean ocean of the most exalted mellows of devotional service, along with the nectar flowing from the lotus feet of the gopis, headed by Srimati Radharani, who is most dear to Krsna. Gadadhara Prabhu is decorated with the eight transcendental ecstatic symptoms of sattvika-bhava,and he is distributing devotional service to his worshippable Lord Krsna."
Text 8
yadiya-riti-raga-ragga-bhagga-digdhamanaso
naro `api yati turnam eva narya-bhava-bhajanam
tam ujjvalakta-cittam etu citta-matta-catpado
bhajamy aham gadadharam supanditam guram prabhum
"I worship the greatly learned spiritual master, Srila Gadadhara Prabhu. Even a conditioned soul, whose mind becomes anointed by the colorful waves of spontaneous devotional service as delineated by Srila Gadadhara Prabhu, quickly attains the highest level of devotional service. He becomes like a maddened bumble bee whose mind is anointed with the mellow of ujjvala-rasa (conjugal love)."
Text 9
maha-rasamrta-pradam sada gadadhara-astakam
pathet tu yah subhaktito vrajaggana-ganotsavam
saci-tanuja-pada-padma-bhakti-ratna-yogyatam
labheta radhika-gadadharagghri-padma-sevaya
"These eight verses glorifying Srila Gadadhara Prabhu distribute the nectat of the most exalted mellow of devotional service, and they are like a festival for the gopis of Vraja. If one regularly reads these verses and serves the lotus feet of Srila Gadadhara Prabhu, who is an incarnation of Srimati Radharani, then he will become qualified to attain the jewel of pure devotional service for the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya,the son of Sacidevi."
Madhava - Thu, 11 Jul 2002 00:53:49 +0530
More descriptions of Gadadhara Pandita are found
in an older thread posted on his appearance day some two months ago. I'll now post some additional accounts of his pastimes with Sri Caitanya from the Caitanya Bhagavata and the Bhakti Ratnakara. Some of them are already briefly related in the account given above.
Madhava - Thu, 11 Jul 2002 01:19:20 +0530
GADADHARA PANDIT AND ISVARA PURI
For many months Isvara Puri stayed in Gopinatha Acarya's home in Navadvipa. Everyone was very happy to see him. Lord Caitanya repeatedly came to see him.
When he saw Isvara Puri, Gadadhara Pandita shed tears of love. Gadadhara was deeply loved by all the Vaisnavas. From childhood Gadadhara was deeply renounced in his heart. Isvara Puri sincerely loved him. To Gadadhara Pandita, Isvara Puri read Krsna-lilamrta, a book he had written.
Every evening Isvara Puri would read and lecture from that book, and every evening Lord Caitanya would come and offer obeisances to Isvara Puri's feet. When he saw Lord Caitanya, Isvara Puri would become happy. He loved Him dearly, but he did not know that he was seeing the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself.
(Caitanya Bhagavata, 1.11)
Madhava - Thu, 11 Jul 2002 01:20:23 +0530
AT SUKLAMBARA BRAHMACARI'S HOUSE
Sriman Nimai Pandita then left this Vaisnava assembly and proceeded to Suklambara Brahmacari’s house. Gadadhara Pandita who had heard the discussions silently, while everyone was picking flowers he also went towards the house of Suklambara Brahmacari while the others went to perform their daily worship of the Lord. Gadadhara Pandita thought, “Let me go and hear what He speaks about Krsna.” He entered the house and hid himself. Sada Shiv, Murari and Sriman and Suklambara and other such highly advanced loving devotees had already assembled there. Just then Lord Visvambhara, the crest jewel of the brahmanas appeared in the assembly, they greeted each other happily but the Lord was all the time engrossed within himself.
As soon as he was in the assembly of Vaisnava devotees, He began reciting different slokas. He said, “I had found my beloved Lord, but then He disappeared. In which direction did He go?” Saying these words he fell down completely paralyzed. The Lord embraced the pillars of the house and began crying out, “Where is Krsna?” and then again fell down. The devotees became affected by the Lord’s intense mood of separation from his beloved Lord Krsna, he constantly repeated, “O Krsna, where is my Krsna?” and the devotees became intoxicated in that mood and they swayed about in the room.
Gadadhara Pandita inside the room unseen by anyone fell down unconscious. The devotees lost all sense of direction and identity, nobody knew where he was. They became so overwhelmed with love of God, Krsna that all external consciousness was lost in them, and Jahnava devi, Mother Ganga was amazed at the whole spiritual scene. After a while consciousness returned to the Lord and He again repeated Lord Krsna’s name and began crying bitterly. It was a wonderful scene, everyone had lost themselves in an ocean of ecstatic bliss of love of God, the Lord fell repeatedly and continuously lamented, “O my beloved Lord Krsna, where did you go?” In this ecstatic mood the Lord fell many times to the ground unconsciousness but no bruises or pain were visible on His transcendental body. Loud jubilant cries and weeping in love of Krsna reverberated through the entire house and Suklambara’s house became surcharged with ecstasy of love of Godhead.
After a while the Lord calmed Himself and sat down but tears of ecstatic love flowed unrestrained from His eyes. He asked: “Who is inside the house?” Suklambara Brahmacari replied,”Your beloved Gadadhara Pandita.” Gadadhara Pandita entered with his head down and his unchecked tears flowed profusely in torrents, this pleased the Lord beyond words. The Lord said, “Dear Gadadhara! You are most fortunate and pious because from your childhood you developed unflinching love of God, Krsna, but my life has been wasted so far in useless pursuit of material knowledge then finally when I found the most precious object of love, he disappeared as a result of my previous impious and profane activities.” Saying this, Lord Visvambhara again fell unconscious to the ground and the dust covered his entire body.
(Caitanya Bhagavata, 2.1)
Madhava - Thu, 11 Jul 2002 01:21:10 +0530
PACIFYING NIMAI
One day when Gadadhara came to see the Lord, he noticed that the Lord was hiding a betel leaf in his hand. As soon as the Lord saw Gadadhara, He asked, “Where is that blackish boy who is dressed in yellow, and radiant with blossoming, youthful beauty?” Such earnest yearnings of the Lord for Krsna were truly heart breaking, and it left everyone at a loss for words. Gadadhara Pandita replied bravely, “Lord Krsna resides within Your heart eternally.”
When the Lord heard that Krsna was within His heart, He began to pierce His chest with His nails. With immense endeavor Gadadhara Pandita was able to restrain the Lord, holding tightly His hands and trying to calm Him down, “There, Krsna will come just now, try to compose Yourself.”
Mother Saci saw how Gadadhara Pandita was able to pacify the Lord, and she was very satisfied with him. She thought, “I have never seen anybody so intelligent as this young boy. I feel afraid to even comfort Him, and this young lad has so intelligently and nicely pacified Nimai.” She spoke to Gadadhara Pandita, “Dear boy, stay here always, do not leave Nimai’s company and go anywhere else.”
(Caitanya Bhagavata, 2.2)
Madhava - Thu, 11 Jul 2002 01:29:05 +0530
MEETING PUNDARIKA VIDYANIDHIGadadhara Pandita and Mukunda were very dear friends and always kept in each other’s company. Mukunda thus told Gadadhara Pandita, “Listen carefully Gadadhara, a very great devotee has come to Navadvipa. You have been hankering for the association of pure Vaisnavas and today your desire will be fulfilled. I will take you to see a wonderful Vaisnava devotee, in return for this I simply want you to think of me as your dear servant.” The excited and happy Gadadhara Pandita called out the name of Krsna as they proceeded towards the great Vaisnava’s residence. Ariving there, they found Pundarika Vidyanidhi sitting comfortably. Gadadhara offered his obeisances and was respectfully seated.
Vidyanidhi inquired from Mukunda, “What is his name and which village does he come from? I can see that his body is effulgent due to rendering devotional service to the Supreme Lord Visnu, both his form and demeanor are extremely wonderful.”
“His name is Sri Gadadhara”, Mukunda replied, “He is very fortunate because from early childhood he has been totally detached from family life. His external, material identity is that he is the son of the brahmana Sri Madhva Misra. Because he is totally absorbed in devotional service, he only associates with Vaisnavas, and he is extremely dear to all the devotees. When he heard about you he was anxcious to meet you.”
After hearing the wonderful qualities of Gadadhara Pandita, Vidyanidhi was very pleased to meet him. That great personality, Sri Pundarika Vidyanidhi, sat like a prince. His beautiful bed was made of wood, covered with intricate brass and a reddish stone inlay work. Above were three tiers of ornamental overhangings, made of glittering brocade strips. He was seated on a soft mattress covered with clean expensive sheets and silk pillows were placed under his back. On either side of him many small and large water pots sat within his reach, as well as a nice shining brass plate with betel pan neatly prepared on it. Two large ornate mirrors hung on either side of him which he repeatedly glanced into while smiling with lips reddened from chewing pan. He wore a sandalwood paste tilaka mark on his forehead and his face was decorated with dots made from a mixture of sandalwood and perfume. As for his hair, it was well groomed and shining with delicately perfumed hair oil. Two persons stood behind him fanning him gently with long peacock feathers and in front of him was a nicely prepared hammock. Because he followed a life of pure devotional service, he looked as charming as Cupid himself. Those who did not know him would consider him to be a prince as everything about him and around him gave the impression that he was a man of easy and comfortable life given to pleasure.
When Gadadhara Pandita saw these luxurious items and a general atmosphere of materialistic life he became suspicious. Since Gadadhara was a fully renounced soul from his early childhood, naturally some doubts regarding the character of Pundarika Vidyanidhi entered his heart. He thought, “What sort of a Vaisnava is he, surrounded by so much finery and lavish living? Hearing about his devotional mood I developed great respect for this person, but now on seeing him it is slowly giving way to doubt and suspicion.”
Mukunda understood the mind and heart of Gadadhara Pandita, thus he took upon himself to reveal the true nature of Pundarika Vidyanidhi. By the special mercy of Lord Krsna, Gadadhara Pandita was allowed to perceive everything, nothing remained unknown to him.
In a very sweet voice Mukunda began to sing a verse from the Srimad Bhagavatam (3.2.23) describing the glories of devotional service:
aho bakI yaM stana-kAla-kUTaM
jighAMsayApAyayad apy asAdhvI
lebhe gatiM dhAtry-ucitAM tato ’nyaM
kaM vA dayAluM zaraNaM vrajema
“Alas how shall I take shelter of on
e more merciful than He who granted the position of a mother to the she demon Putana? Putana was unfaithful and always hankering for the blood of human children. With that desire in mind she prepared deadly poison to be sucked from her breats and came to kill Krsna, but because she offered her breasts to the Lord she attained the greatest achievement.”
As soon as these words concerning devotional service entered his ears, Pundarika Vidyanidhi began to weep, tears of ecstatic love welled up in his eyes, rolling down his face profusely like streams of the Ganga. Simultaneously all the symptoms of ecstasy manifested on his person. He wept, trembled, rolled, horripilated, roared and finally fell into an unconscious state of ecstasy. Then suddenly regaining consciousness he said in a loud voice, “Speak, speak,” and again fell down to the ground. Agitated with spiritual emotions he kicked everything that was near him and all the luxurious paraphernalia went crashing to the ground. The shining brass pots of water, the container of betel pan, pillows, bed sheets, everything became a confused mass. He began tearing his fine clothes, and his well groomed hair went haywire as he wept and rolled in the dust. He cried out, “O Krsna, My Lord, My soul, My very life, You have made me hard hearted like a stone.” He lamented loudly, piteously crying out, “I have been deprived of the Lord’s association in His most merciful incarnation.” He rolled around and crashed down to the ground. Everyone was afraid he might break his bones. He trembled so violently that three persons could not hold him down. He kicked everything that was in his way, as his disciples stood by helplessly, unable to control him. In this way the storm of ecstatic love continued until it finally abated and he fell into an unconscious state of bliss. He laid down without breathing, totally submerged in an ocean of spiritual ecstasy.
Amazed at what he witnessed, Gadadhara Pandita began to worry thinking, “What inauspiciousness has overcome me to make me think in such an offensive manner about this great personality.” He embraced Mukunda, being extremely pleased with him. Drenching him with tears of love he said, “Mukunda you have acted like a true friend, you have shown me a pure and unalloyed devotee of the Lord. It would be difficult to find another pure Vaisnava like him anywhere in this entire creation. One can become totally purified simply by observing his devotional attitude. Today, because you are right next to me I have been able to avoid a great catastrophe. When I saw all the luxurious paraphernalia surrounding Pundarika Vidyanidhi I was convinced that he was a materialistic Vaisnava given to the pleasures of life. You could read my mind and being a great magnanimous soul you revealed to me the unlimited extent of Pundarika Vidyanidhi’s love of for God, yet today I have been offensive and the extent of my offense can only be mitigated by your mercy. You must be merciful to me and purify my heart. All these devotees who have taken to the process of surrender through devotional service to the Lord have all accepted the shelter of a guide under whose instructions they act. Yet I do not have such an instructor, so I have decided to take shelter of Pundarika Vidyanidhi and follow devotional service under his quidence. I know that I can counteract all my offenses to him by becoming his disciple.” Thus Gadadhara Pandita revealed to Mukunda his desire to become a disciple of Pundarika Vidyanidhi. Mukunda was extremely pleased with the decision and patted him on the back saying, “Very good, very good.”
Sri Pundarika Vidyanidhi was in a state of ecstatic coma for six hours, gradually he returned to his normal state and sat down quietly. It was impossible for Gadadhara Pandita to control the tears of joy which rolled profusely down his face. wetting his entire body. When Sri Vidyanidhi saw this he embraced Gadadhara Pandita, holding him to his heart. Overwhelmed by Pundarika Vidyanidhi’s ecstatic devotion, Gadadhara felt very restless.
Mu
kunda spoke up, revealing Gadadhara Pandita’s mind, “Doubt arose in Gadadhara’s mind when he first saw your extravagant appearance and surroundings, but now he is repentant and wants to accept initiation from you. He is a renounced devotee of the Lord. Although he is young he is mature in spiritual realisation, and comes from the very good family of Madhva Misra. From early childhood he has always been very attached to the Supreme Lord. I think it is a very good match – a very elevated spiritual master like Pundarika Vidyanidhi having an equally able disciple like Gadadhara Pandita. Please consider these points and choose an auspicious day to initiate him with your diksa mantra.”
Pundarika Vidyanidhi smiled and said, “Be assured that I will do as you say, for by the Lord’s mercy I have had the great fortune to meet a person who is like a precious gem. The result of many lifetimes of pious activities is that one may find a disciple such as him. The forthcoming twelfth day of the waxing moon is very auspicious, come here to meet me and your plan will become successful.” Overjoyed, Gadadhara Pandita offered his obeisances and took leave of Pundarika Vidyanidhi.
Madhava - Thu, 11 Jul 2002 01:34:10 +0530
AT JAGANNATHA PURI
All night kirtans on the seashore became more frequent, and the Lord participated with ecstatic dancing. It was around this time that Gadadhara Pandita began to spend practically all his time with the Lord. They ate together, slept together, and went on walks together. Gadadhara Pandita served Lord Caitanya continuously. When he read aloud to the Lord from the Srimad-Bhagavatam, the Lord entered a state of blissful trance. Gadadhara Pandita's voice always made Him happy, and he would accompany the Lord to visit different Vaisnavas.
Madhava - Thu, 11 Jul 2002 02:05:59 +0530
SRINIVASA MEETS GADADHARA
Srinivasa calmed his heart and started for Markanda after asking the way from some passing travellers. After finishing his scheduled morning duties he took his bath in Markanda. He asked an old brahmin for directions to the temple of Sri Gopinatha. That old brahmin took him to the temple where lived Sri Gadadhara who had become half-dead due to the disappearance of Mahaprabhu. Srinivasa was so sad to see the condition of Gadadhara. He fell prostrate at the feet of Gadadhara and hastily went to the temple of Sri Gopinatha. Everyone in that place asked Srinivasa who he was and where he had come from. Srinivasa replied that he had come from Gauda and that his father was Sri Caitanyadasa and he himself was Srinivasa. They all were very glad and embraced him most lovingly.
Sri Pandita Gosvami was sitting alone in a solitary place. His mental state was beyond description. His moon-like face and beautiful body had grown pale like a lotus deprived of water. He cried constantly, and his tears soaked his body as well as the Bhagavatam he held in his lap. In a choked voice he recited slokas from the Bhagavatam. From time to time he uttered the name of Sri Gaura Sundara and he heaved sighs as hot as fire. By the wish of Prabhu, Gadadhara had remianed alive only to meet Srinivasa, so when Srinivasa bowed at his feet Gadadhara regained his normal condition. Someone introduced him to Srinivasa.
Gadadhara eagerly embraced Srinivasa and they cried madly in utter misery, soaking each other with tears. Although Gadadhara was in a wretched state of mind, he derieved some happiness from seeing Srinivasa. Gadadhara ordered one of his followers to introduce Srinivasa to the other Vaisnava Gosvamis living there. Soon all the devotees knew that Srinivasa had come to meet Pandita Gosvami.
(Bhakti Ratnakara, 3.121-154)
Madhava - Thu, 11 Jul 2002 02:09:39 +0530
SECOND MEETING WITH SRINIVASA
For a second time Srinivasa went to the house of Pandita Gosvami who permitted him to eat mahaprasad. Srinivasa became emotional and began to cry. He was attracted by the divine scent of the prasada and he ate it with utmost love. After that he went to the house of Sri Pandita Gosvami who was also in a miserable state of mind. Pandita Gosvami told Srinivasa to take a seat beside him and then he said in a choked voice, "You have the desire to read the Bhagavatam and I also want to teach you but everything has been disarranged." Then he fell silent. From time to time he would cite slokas from the Bhagavatam then explain their meanings to Srinivasa who considered himself most fortunate to get the instruction. Pandita Gosvami advised Srinivasa to go to Vrndavana where he could fulfil his desires. He told him that he had a Bhagavatam with him but it had become decayed. Srinivasa looked through the book, paid his regards by touching it to his head and then grew very emotional while looking at the words. He remembered Sri Krsna Caitanya and Gadadhara whose tear drops had made the words illegible in some places. While reading the book Srinvasa reached such a level of ecstasy that the Gosvami became frightened. He tried to pacify Srinivasa with his affection that knew no bounds.
(Bhakti Ratnakara, 3.261-279)
Madhava - Thu, 11 Jul 2002 02:22:51 +0530
GADADHARA GIVES HRDAYA CAITANYA TO GAURIDASA
Hrdaya Caitanya was a disciple of Gauri-dasa Pandita. Hrdaya Caitanya thought only of Gauri-dasa Pandita Thakura. He thought of nothing else. Previously everyone called him by the name Sri Hrdayananda. He was always carefully engaged in serving the Lord. Now I will briefly say how, by Gauri-dasa Pandita’s mercy he attained the name Hrdaya Caitanya.
One morning Gauri-dasa approached Gadadhara Pandita. Seeing Gauri-dasa, Gadadhara Pandita very respectfully gave him a seat nearly. Gently, gently smiling, again and again Gadadhara said, “This morning I have seen you, therefore this day will be auspicious for Me.”
Gauri-dasa very sweetly said, “Because I have seen You, this day will be auspicious for me.”
Gadadhara Pandita said, “What shall I give to you, that I will make you happy?” Gauri-dasa said, “I have a request. I will accept a gift from You.”
Gadadhara said, “Everything here is your property. Please take whatever you wish. Why hesitate?”
Gauri-dasa Pandita Thakura then said, “I wish Hrdayananda.” Hearing these words, Gadadhara Pandita Gosvami called for Hrdayananda.
With a joyful heart Hrdayananda came. Falling to the ground he offered respectful obeisances to the two great devotees.
After speaking some words, Gadadhara Pandita Gosvami gave Hrdayananda to Gauri-dasa Pandita. Gadadhara Pandita Gosvami gave great mercy to Hrdayananda. This is known everywhere. Who can describe the full extent of that mercy? Gadadhara Pandita had protected Hrdayananda from his boyhood. He taught Hrdayananda the scriptures, which he learned in a very short time. Although he was overcome with love like that of a father, Gadadhara Pandita did not feel possessive. Happily, He gave Hrdayananda to Gauri-dasa Pandita. Without the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who has the power to understand the activities of Gadadhara Pandita and Gauri-dasa?
Tasting the nectar of talking about the Lord’s pastimes, Gauri-dasa stayed for many moments at Gadadhara’s side. Then, bidding farewell Gadadhara Pandita Gosvami, Gauri-dasa returned home with Hrdayananda. After some days he gave mantra-diksa to Hrdayananda. He presented him at the feet of Lord Nityananda and Lord Caitanya. Hrdayananda became plunged in service to the Lord. Seeing this, Gauri-dasa became joyful at heart. Who has the power to understand Gauri-dasa's blissful pastimes? Moment after moment many waves of spiritual love arose within him.
(Bhakti Ratnakara 7.389-409)
Madhava - Thu, 11 Jul 2002 02:26:25 +0530
GADADHARA DAS AND GADADHARA PANDITA
Then Srinivasa visited Gadadhara dasa, who stayed in a secluded place. What shall I say? Gadadhara's heart was filled with sorrow. Gadadhara did not eat or drink anything. Nothing pleased him. He always rolled on the ground. He was darkened with dust. His body that defeated golden lotus flowers was no longer sweet. It was withered beyond the description of words. He did not wish to live for even half a sesame seed's worth of time. He sang Lord Gaura's glories. Sometimes he deeply sighed. Sometimes he meditated on Lord Nityananda's glories. Sometimes he chanted Lord Advaita's holy name. Sometimes he was silent.
Sometimes he chanted Gadadhara Pandita's name. Sometimes, soaked by the tears from his eyes, he bitterly lamented. ‘O Gadadhara! I wished to leave this world before You did. You left before me. I am not fortunate.’ Only Gadadhara dasa understood the true glories of Gadadhara Pandita. Others did not understand. Who has the power to describe the wonderful spiritual love that bound Sri Gadadhara Pandita and Sri Gadadhara dasa?
(Bhakti Ratnakara 7.597-604)