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Sri Bhakti Ratnakara May 14, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of Sri Bhakti Ratnakara by Srila Narahari Cakravarti Thakur.
Advaita Acarya wrote some Tarja songs and sent them to Narahari in which he exposed some of his intentions.40 In the book Sri Caitanya Caritamrta it is said: Tell to Baula - people have become aula. Tell to Baula - there is no sale of chaula.41 Tell to Baula - all activities have become aula (disheveled) Tell to Baula - it has been said by a Baula.42 The meaning of the Tarja song which Prabhu had cleverly interpreted made the devotees very anxious. They suspected that Prabhu, who was the Lord Himself, might disappear from the world at any tine. As soon as Srinivasa heard this he began to cry, but the devotees consoled him and advised him to go to Nilacala. They gave him some money for his needs on the way.43-46
Raghunandana came to meet Srinivasa and embraced him ecstatically. Srinivasa met all the devotees of Mahaprabhu who lived in Srikhanda and then took leave from them. He returned to Jajigrama and reported everything to his mother.47-49
After taking leave from his mother Srinivasa started for Nilacala on the auspicious day of Sukla Panchami in the month of Magh. He was then a handsome young man and attracted many travellers who saw him. Someone said, "He must be a prince. Although his is travelling by foot, he seems to be a great devotee." Another said, "He must be a follower of Sri Gaura; is not, why is he continually crying?" Some said, "it may be because everything is possible for Gauranga Gosvami." Another person said, "My dear brothers, whoever once looks at Gauracandra ---- whether man or woman -----can no longer control his emotions." Another said, "Gauracandra himself is Vrajendra Kumar and he has been performing pastimes in Nilacala." One man said, "Utkala is a fortunate place as both the moving and the unmoving Lords are there." Someone said, "Gaura and Jagannatha are one, but whoever denies this is sure to perish."50-59 As the men spoke, they watched Srinivasa pass by, ecstatic tears rolling down his face. As Srinivasa travelled he paid his respects to each traveller he met coming from Sri Khetra and inquired from him about the welfare of Mahaprabhu. He simultaneously prayed to the Lord to give him two wings so he could fly to Nilacala.60-63
In a jovial mood Srinivasa was running toward Nilacala when he learned the shocking news of Mahaprabhu's disappearance. There can be no description of such a heartbreaking shock. Srinivasa beat madly on his head with his hands, tore off his hair and ripped the skin from his chest with his finger nails. He cried so pathetically that even a stone could be melted by his tears. He repeatedly lost consciousness and fell on the ground. Throughout the day he lamented and in the evening he decided firmly to give up his own life by entering into a fire. He continually cried and repeated the name of Mahaprabhu. 64-71
By the wish of the Lord, late in the night Srinivasa fell asleep and dreamed of Sri Gauracandra. Srinivasa saw Prabhu as beautiful as lightning; the glow of his face challenged millions of moons. He had two big and beautiful eyes; he had hands which reached down to his knees and he had a flower garland around his neck. His nectarine smile charmed Srinivasa at once. When Prabhu appeared before his devotee to console him, Srinivasa fell at the lotus feet of the Lord who placed those feet on Srinivasa's and blessed him. These incidents have been described by Sri Nrsinha Kaviraja in his book of verse.72-78 After this Prabhu disappeared and Srinivasa woke up from his dream. But he again became very sad. Understanding that Srinivasa was not pacified Gaurahari appeared again in a dream and told him softly that Gadadhara and the associates of Prabhu wee eagerly waiting for Srinivasa so he should go to Nilacala without any delay. Prabhu wiped Srinivasa's wet eyes with his own hands, embraced him lovingly and then disappeared. In the morning Srinivasa woke up and resumed his journey.79-85 After a long time Srinivasa reached Nilacala and upon seeing the tank, Sri Narendra-Sancha, he could not control his tears. Sri Narendra was a king and Sancha was his Prime Minister. The name of the tank came from the names of the two great men. Mahaprabhu used to sport in the water of the tank. When the memory of that pastime came to mind Srinivasa began to cry, rolling on the ground. After a long time he controlled himself, and after paying his respects to Sri Narendra he continued his journey.86-91
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