by His Divine Grace Śrīla Bhakti Pramoda Purī Gosvāmī Mahārāja
During His tour of South India, Śrīman Mahāprabhu had converted many local people of that part of the country into Vaiṣṇavism by distributing love of Godhead, purifying such places with the resounding chant of the Holy Names of God. Finally, in His wanderings, He came to the place called Kurma. And as a matter of due course, He took darśana of the presiding Deity, Lord Kurmadeva.
Śrīla Prabhupāda (His Divine Grace Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura) writes in his commentary with regard to this place:
“The place Śrī Kurmam is 8 miles east of the V.N.R. line, Gañjam Jela, Cika Kola Road Station. This is the most famous pilgrimage spot in the area where this Deity of Kurma is present.”
During the 11th century, Śrī Rāmānuja Ācārya (Rāmānujācārya), being flung or transported out from Puri by Lord Jagannātha, landed in this very place. Initially believing the presiding Deity to be Lord Śiva, he began to practice several vows like fasting in indignation. But later, in his meditations, he came to realize this Deity was none other than that of Lord Viṣṇu and began to serve this Deity with enthusiasm.
A pious brāhmaṇa named Kurma, living at that place, had invited Śrīman Mahāprabhu and, with other members of his family, attended to Him with the most loving service and care.
At the time of Śrīman Mahāprabhu’s departure, this good soul was overcome by the pangs of loving separation, which made him implore Śrīman Mahāprabhu to take him along on His journey. Śrīman Mahāprabhu, being satisfied with the nature of his kind service and adoration, remarked gravely:
prabhu kahe — eiche bāta kabhu nā kahiba gṛhe rahi kṛṣṇa-nāma nirantara laiba yāre dekha, tāre kaha “kṛṣṇa”-upadeśa āmāra ājñāya guru hañā tāra ei deśa kabhu nā bāndhibe tomāya viṣaya-taranga punarapi ei ṭhāni pāibe mora saṅga
Śrīman Mahāprabhu, who had performed the pastime of taking alms from the brāhmaṇa’s house, gravely told this brāhmaṇa to take the Holy Names constantly and, side by side, to preach this Name to others. In this way, if he would engage in welfare activities for others, the material energy would not be able to influence him in any way, and he would be able to associate with the Lord in the near future.
Likewise, Śrīman Mahāprabhu Himself, traveling from the holy place of Nīlācala right up to Setu Bandhu, preached the Holy Names in every village along the way, making all dance to the sound of the Holy Names in spiritual ecstasy.
Śrīman Mahāprabhu, after staying one night in the house of the brāhmaṇa, on the following morning, after His daily purificatory activities, took His leave — with His good host following Him for some distance.
After bidding farewell to the Lord and returning to his house, the brāhmaṇa noticed nearby another brāhmaṇa named Vāsudeva, who had been afflicted with an abominable disease — leprosy in its latent stage. He was beating his breast and rolling on the ground with grief for not having had the audience of the Lord, which he had eagerly anticipated.
Lord Gaurasundara had already gone some distance ahead, yet, being the indwelling Supersoul within the hearts of all beings, He returned to that very place to bestow His mercy upon this brāhmaṇa.
Not only was the brāhmaṇa Vāsudeva awarded the sight of His transcendental form, but he was also embraced with great affection by Lord Gaurāṅga. Miraculously, all the symptoms of that despicable disease disappeared from the body of the brāhmaṇa, and he regained his beautiful appearance upon contact with the spiritual body of Śrīman Mahāprabhu.
The wonder-struck brāhmaṇa Vāsudeva, with tears in his eyes, then began to quote verses from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.81.16) as spoken by the devotee Sudāmā:
Then he, Vāsudeva, crying in sobbing tones, again spoke:
“Only the Original Lord, the Saviour of the fallen and lowly, can perform this most magnanimous deed. I have been afflicted with this disgusting disease, and the odor of my affected limbs would even make the lowliest person flee from me. Still, the Independent Controller, whose nature is to be distressed at witnessing the misery of others, has mercifully embraced me in my wretched condition.
O Lord Hari! I deem my former untouchable state to be a more superior position, for now the knowledge of my high birth could give vent to false pride, which might make me forget the shade of Your lotus feet.”
Hearing these gentle words, Śrīman Mahāprabhu consoled him, saying:
After comforting him in this way, Śrīman Mahāprabhu disappeared, leaving the two brāhmaṇas to embrace and weep in the mood of separation.
In the Caitanya-caritāmṛta, this incident is referred to as the deliverance of Vāsudeva. Here we have seen specifically how Śrīman Mahāprabhu gave instructions to the brāhmaṇas to chant the Holy Names constantly, and to preach them while showing proper example to others.
The most worshipable Śrīla Prabhupāda comments:
“One who surrenders to Śrīman Mahāprabhu and decides to serve Him, Lord Gaurasundara surely accepts their devotional service. But there are certain rules to be strictly observed. While in household life, one should practice chanting, giving up the false pride of being a great devotee. Further, he should, in the proper mood, remain intent on the preaching of the Holy Names of Kṛṣṇa for the welfare of others. He should never think that his devotional service would be impaired by the growth of pride in making disciples and preaching, but continue preaching humbly and faithfully.”
Consequently, he would be benedicted in the sense that false prestige and material desire would never overcome him.
Many stalwart devotees like Śrī Narottama Dāsa Ṭhākura, Rāmānujācārya, etc., have been criticized by ignorant people for accepting many disciples — who view this as a sign of material desire and not conducive to proper devotion.
This category of foolish people thus incurs offense at the lotus feet of the pure devotees of the Lord. These offenders should bear these specific instructions of Śrīman Mahāprabhu in mind and try to progress by following in His footsteps — namely, by preaching the Holy Names and giving up all sense of false humility.
This parting instruction of the Lord was specifically meant for their ears.
Bhaktisiddhanta Vani Seva.
𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲
by His Divine Grace Śrīla Bhakti Pramoda Purī Gosvāmī Mahārāja
During His tour of South India, Śrīman Mahāprabhu had converted many local people of that part of the country into Vaiṣṇavism by distributing love of Godhead, purifying such places with the resounding chant of the Holy Names of God. Finally, in His wanderings, He came to the place called Kurma. And as a matter of due course, He took darśana of the presiding Deity, Lord Kurmadeva.
Śrīla Prabhupāda (His Divine Grace Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura) writes in his commentary with regard to this place:
“The place Śrī Kurmam is 8 miles east of the V.N.R. line, Gañjam Jela, Cika Kola Road Station. This is the most famous pilgrimage spot in the area where this Deity of Kurma is present.”
During the 11th century, Śrī Rāmānuja Ācārya (Rāmānujācārya), being flung or transported out from Puri by Lord Jagannātha, landed in this very place. Initially believing the presiding Deity to be Lord Śiva, he began to practice several vows like fasting in indignation. But later, in his meditations, he came to realize this Deity was none other than that of Lord Viṣṇu and began to serve this Deity with enthusiasm.
A pious brāhmaṇa named Kurma, living at that place, had invited Śrīman Mahāprabhu and, with other members of his family, attended to Him with the most loving service and care.
At the time of Śrīman Mahāprabhu’s departure, this good soul was overcome by the pangs of loving separation, which made him implore Śrīman Mahāprabhu to take him along on His journey. Śrīman Mahāprabhu, being satisfied with the nature of his kind service and adoration, remarked gravely:
prabhu kahe —
eiche bāta kabhu nā kahiba
gṛhe rahi kṛṣṇa-nāma nirantara laiba
yāre dekha, tāre kaha “kṛṣṇa”-upadeśa
āmāra ājñāya guru hañā tāra ei deśa
kabhu nā bāndhibe tomāya viṣaya-taranga
punarapi ei ṭhāni pāibe mora saṅga
Śrīman Mahāprabhu, who had performed the pastime of taking alms from the brāhmaṇa’s house, gravely told this brāhmaṇa to take the Holy Names constantly and, side by side, to preach this Name to others. In this way, if he would engage in welfare activities for others, the material energy would not be able to influence him in any way, and he would be able to associate with the Lord in the near future.
Likewise, Śrīman Mahāprabhu Himself, traveling from the holy place of Nīlācala right up to Setu Bandhu, preached the Holy Names in every village along the way, making all dance to the sound of the Holy Names in spiritual ecstasy.
Śrīman Mahāprabhu, after staying one night in the house of the brāhmaṇa, on the following morning, after His daily purificatory activities, took His leave — with His good host following Him for some distance.
After bidding farewell to the Lord and returning to his house, the brāhmaṇa noticed nearby another brāhmaṇa named Vāsudeva, who had been afflicted with an abominable disease — leprosy in its latent stage. He was beating his breast and rolling on the ground with grief for not having had the audience of the Lord, which he had eagerly anticipated.
Lord Gaurasundara had already gone some distance ahead, yet, being the indwelling Supersoul within the hearts of all beings, He returned to that very place to bestow His mercy upon this brāhmaṇa.
Not only was the brāhmaṇa Vāsudeva awarded the sight of His transcendental form, but he was also embraced with great affection by Lord Gaurāṅga. Miraculously, all the symptoms of that despicable disease disappeared from the body of the brāhmaṇa, and he regained his beautiful appearance upon contact with the spiritual body of Śrīman Mahāprabhu.
The wonder-struck brāhmaṇa Vāsudeva, with tears in his eyes, then began to quote verses from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.81.16) as spoken by the devotee Sudāmā:
kvāham daridraḥ pāpīyān
kva kṛṣṇaḥ śrī-niketanah
brahma-bandhur iti smaham
bāhubhyāṁ parirambhitaḥ
Meaning: 𝗦𝘂𝗱ā𝗺ā 𝘀𝗮𝗶𝗱 — “𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗿ā𝗵𝗺𝗮ṇ𝗮, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗜 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, Ś𝗿ī 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗶? 𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗛𝗲, 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗛𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘀, 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻.”
Then he, Vāsudeva, crying in sobbing tones, again spoke:
“Only the Original Lord, the Saviour of the fallen and lowly, can perform this most magnanimous deed. I have been afflicted with this disgusting disease, and the odor of my affected limbs would even make the lowliest person flee from me. Still, the Independent Controller, whose nature is to be distressed at witnessing the misery of others, has mercifully embraced me in my wretched condition.
O Lord Hari! I deem my former untouchable state to be a more superior position, for now the knowledge of my high birth could give vent to false pride, which might make me forget the shade of Your lotus feet.”
Hearing these gentle words, Śrīman Mahāprabhu consoled him, saying:
(Madhya 7.147–148)
kabu tomāra nā habe abhimāna
nirantara kaha tumi kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa-nāma
“𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝘆 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝘆 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀; 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘆, 𝗻𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂. 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗱 Ś𝗿ī 𝗞ṛṣṇ𝗮 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.”
After comforting him in this way, Śrīman Mahāprabhu disappeared, leaving the two brāhmaṇas to embrace and weep in the mood of separation.
In the Caitanya-caritāmṛta, this incident is referred to as the deliverance of Vāsudeva. Here we have seen specifically how Śrīman Mahāprabhu gave instructions to the brāhmaṇas to chant the Holy Names constantly, and to preach them while showing proper example to others.
The most worshipable Śrīla Prabhupāda comments:
“One who surrenders to Śrīman Mahāprabhu and decides to serve Him, Lord Gaurasundara surely accepts their devotional service. But there are certain rules to be strictly observed. While in household life, one should practice chanting, giving up the false pride of being a great devotee. Further, he should, in the proper mood, remain intent on the preaching of the Holy Names of Kṛṣṇa for the welfare of others. He should never think that his devotional service would be impaired by the growth of pride in making disciples and preaching, but continue preaching humbly and faithfully.”
Consequently, he would be benedicted in the sense that false prestige and material desire would never overcome him.
Many stalwart devotees like Śrī Narottama Dāsa Ṭhākura, Rāmānujācārya, etc., have been criticized by ignorant people for accepting many disciples — who view this as a sign of material desire and not conducive to proper devotion.
This category of foolish people thus incurs offense at the lotus feet of the pure devotees of the Lord. These offenders should bear these specific instructions of Śrīman Mahāprabhu in mind and try to progress by following in His footsteps — namely, by preaching the Holy Names and giving up all sense of false humility.
This parting instruction of the Lord was specifically meant for their ears.
To be continued…
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