Introducing new blog nitaisundar.blogspot.com

Jay Nitai,

It is my pleasure to announce I have decided to start posting in a new blog called nitaisundar.blogspot.com. The main reason behind this decision is, presently in this blog I am acting as a poster by the invitation of Vishakha and Sakhicharan ji. As they have few moments from Sri Radhakunda to access the internet to keep this blog updated with approval of viewers comments, and as I do not have that administrative permission to do the same, I felt to introduce new blog where I can have admin permission for more rapid interaction with curious devotee around the world. Hope it will make some of my old friends on internet happy.

Any suggestions are welcome.

Jay Nitai
Subrata

Dandomahatsava lila of Sri Nitai Chand - Dandomahatsava Tala Panihati Westbengal

Sri Sri Radharamano Jayati
( Bhaja ) Nitai Gour Radhey Shyam
( Japa ) Hare Krishna Hare Ram

Jay Nitai,

Last 28th June there was annula celebration of Danadamahatsava Lila of Sri Sri Nityananda Mahaprabhu. Prabhu Nitai performed the lila to blessed Srila Raghunath Das Goswami to attain his beloved Lord Gauhari's Lotus feet. The lila has been celebtared by the all most all Gaudiya Vaishnava devotee at Sripat Panihati. The main attraction of this celebration is the Kirtan of Namacharyaa Sripad 108 Ram Das Babaji, which has been continuing by his followers following his footsteps. It is organised at Dandamahatsava Tala at Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's Mandir. After the Kirtan devotee goes to Sri Raghav Pandit Bhavan for Darshan of Sri Nitaichand as per the lila. This Kirtan of Sripad 108 Ram Das Babaji had become legendary among the Gaudiya world. Almost all Gaudiya Vaishnava Acharyya starting from almost all family descendant Goswami's of Nityananda Prabhu, Advaita Prabhu , Goswamis of Associates of Sri Sri Nitai Gaur, all most all contemporary Vaishnava Saints such as Kanupriya Goswami, Dr. Radha Govinda Nath , whos who of Vaishnava world used to attained the Kirtan to taste the nector of Babaji Mahasaya's akhar with head down with respect. Devotees used to wondered by seeing the divine ecstacy's Asta Sattwik symptoms that used to appeared in Babaji Mahasaya's body. Still those days of Babaji Mahasaya are being relished with great respect and astonishment by family descendant Goswami Prabhupadas of Sri Nityananda Prabhu.

The Akhar Kirtna of Babaji Maharaja was unique in depeciting the Lila of his beloved Nityananda Prabhu and GaurHari.

After departure of Sripad Ram Das Babaji, the same tradition of performing kirtan has been continuing by saints of Pathbari. Before departure of Sripad Hridayananda Das Babaji , he used to lead the kirtan for long years. This year the mantle went to his disciple Birbhadra Dasji ( nick name Bablu ).

Here goes the celebration picture of that very sacred day at Sripat Panihati Dandamahatsava Tala. Various family descendant Prabhupada of Nityananda Prabhu and descendants of other associates of Sri Sri Nitai-Gaur took part in the occasion and Kirtan.

Launch of www.nitaisundar.com

Sri Sri RadhaRamano Jayati
(Bhaja) Nitai Gour Radhey Shyam
(Japa) Hare Krishna Hare Ram

Jay Nitai,

Dearest Vaishnava,

It is pleasure to share that by the grace of Sri Nitaichand , Sri Guru and Sri Vaishnava a new website ( www.nitaisundar.com ) has been inaugurated on the auspicious day of Sri Sri Jaganatha Deva Snan Yatra. Inauguration was done by Sriman Nityananda Vamsha Prabhupad Sri Virchand Goswami of Kharadaha,Navadwip and Srimad 108 Madhusudan Das Babaji Maharaja , present Mahanta of Sri Pathbari Asram. This website is dedicated to Gaudiya Vaishanva samaj worldwide.

In the picture Prabhupada Virchand Goswami and Srimad Madhusudan Das Babaji are inaugurating the website at Sri Pathbari Asram, Kolkata . India

PS : Website is still evolving. Any suggestion would be welcome.

Jay Nitai, Jay Gaurhari
Jay Sri Radharaman

Disappearance of Sri Srimad 108 Hridayanada Das Babaji Maharaja

Sri Sri RadhaRamano Jayati
(Bhaja) Nitai Gour Radhey Shyam
(Japa) Hare Krishna Hare Ram

Gurudeva is his youth.

Famous kirtaniya and blessed disciple of the famous Namacharyya Siddha Sri Sri 108 Ram Das Babaji Mahasaya, Sri Sri 108 Hridayananda Das Babaji Maharaja left this mortal world to join his beloved Guru Deva in Nitya Lila on the 23rd of May at 12:33 AM in full consciousness. He was 78.

Sri Srimad 108 Hridayananda Das Babaji was the family descendant of Mahaprabhu’s famous associate Uddharan Dutta who was among the Dwadash Gopalas of Nityanada Prabhu. He was saved at the age of four from a life-threatening disease by Sripad Ram Das Babaji at Jhanjpita Math in Puri, where Babaji Maharaja saved his life by placing his Japa Beads on his head and shouting "Jay Nitai." According to the words of Hridayanada Das Babaji, “When Babaji Maharaja placed his Japa beads on my head, and shouted "Jay Nitai!" a current flowed through my spine and I was completely relieved from suffering.” From that time onwards Babaji Maharaja became his heart and soul for all his last days.

He was from a very aristocratic family. One of his family members was the District Magistrate in Orissa, but despite that, his mother left him in the shelter of Babaji Maharaja at the age of five. His intelligence was reflected in his eyes, in his talks, in his arguments and in his boundless love for others. He was full of life energy and was an unbiased positive thinker. He never hesitated in making the correct call no matter what the consequences might be. He even told me that despite the success/failure or lack of paramapara stuff, ISKCON founder Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami was indeed energized by Sriman Nityananda Prabhu.

He received the full blessings of his beloved Guru Deva in regards to Kirtan. His Kirtan was very famous throughout the Gaudiya Vaishnava world. He followed in the footsteps of his Guru Deva by visiting various Gaudiya Vaishnava pilgrimage sites to perform astonishing soul-wrenching Kirtan describing the various lilas of Sriman Mahaprabhu and Sriman Nityananda Prabhu. Among those were Danda Mahotsava at Sripat Panihati at Raghava Pandit’s house, Raghava Pandit’s Jhali Samarpan Lila at Sri Gambhira in Puri, Sriman Mahaprabhu’s search for Krishna at Sri Vrindavan, Swapna Vilasa Kirtan at Sri Nidhuvan Brindavan, Bhramara Ghat Kirtan at Vrindavan, and RathYatra Kirtan at the forefront of the Ratha Yatra procession at Sri Kestra Puri to name a few. He wrote numerous Suchaka Kirtanas of various Gaudiya Vaishnava Mahatmas. Famous siddha Sri Sri 108 TinKuri Goswami Prabhu was very much affectionate to him. He used to love him so much that once on hearing the news of his arrival, Tinkuri Goswami Prabhu broke his vow of silence (Mauna Vrata) and asked him to perform kirtan for him. He also wrote the suchaka of Tinkuri Prabhu.

One of the most striking features of his Kirtana was his Bhava during kirtana. He used to become so engrossed in Lila while performing Kirtan that he used to forget all external affairs. The audience sometimes used to burst into tears or fall unconscious upon hearing his Kirtan but he used to remain unfazed externally while internally he was swimming in the Lila of his beloved Gaur Sundar. In Sri Khestra Puri even devotees of the Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya used to request Diksha upon hearing his Kirtan. Though he refrained from giving Diksa to already initiated disciples from other valid Sampradayas, he sometimes gave them Nitai-Gaur mantra, keeping their original Guru Line. In West Bengal at Asansol he once delivered sweet, nectarean Nityananda Tattva, upon hearing this even sadhus from Gaudiya Math fell at his feet and received his blessings and collected his Nityananda Tattva grantha.

Though he was suffering from heart disease he was doing very well for the last couple of years. He continuously performed Kirtana at various holy places around Vrindavana, West Bengal and Orissa with the same affection and enthusiasm. On the 1st May 2007 he was admitted to the hospital for some minor problem with his stomach, without much anxiety. Upon diagnosis the doctor all of a sudden discovered a growth on his liver. Later on a detailed medical test confirmed a case of cancer, which had already spread throughout his body. Despite the seriousness of his health, Babaji Mahasaya did not feel any pain which was normal for this kind of cancer. The news of the medical findings were kept hidden from him and as per the doctor's advice he was taken back to Sri Pathbari Ashram to spend his last days.

The next two weeks he spent with his beloved disciples and dearest ones at Pathbari, reading, chanting and hearing Hari Katha without the slightest sign of pain. He always gave good feedback about his health. On the evening of May 22nd, he spent an entire four hours in hearing Hari katha and various recitations by a disciple in cheerful health, and was doing intense chanting and meditation. At about 12 o’clock at night he suffered a slight breathing problem and coughing and called his dearest disciples. He indicated by gesture to start chanting Sri Nama. He called out, "Jaya Guru Ram, Sri Guru Ram" he left his body to join his beloved Gurudev in Nitya Lila.

At the end of his various writings he seeks the blessings from the Vaishnavas to grant him the boon that while he is taking his last breath he can call out, “Jaya Guru Ram, Sri Guru Ram” It seems that he was not denied his prayer.

Jay Nitai Jay Gour Jay Sri Radharaman

In the top picture with the microphone, Sri Srimad Hridayananda Das Babaji is performing the Suchaka kirtan of his beloved Gurudev Sri Srimad 108 RamDas Babaji at Pathbari. He can be seen here in complete ecstacy and in the state of Bhava.

In the next to the last picture Nityananda Prabhu's Descendant famous Vaishnava Acharyya Prabhupad of Sribas Angan Nabadwip, 108 Sri Sri Birchand Goswami is listening to his Kirtan at Pathbari and he is also equally engrossed in Kirtan.

In the last picture Babaji Mahasay is performing the suchaka Kirtan of Sri Sri Uddharan Dutta Thakur at the residence-temple of Uddharan Dutta Thakur in Sripat Saptagram, West Bengal. Babaji Maharaja is performing in front of Sri Uddharan Dutta Thakur's Sri Nitai Gaur Gadhadhar Deity.

From Raghav Pandit’s Panihati to Bhagavata Acharyya’s Barahanagar– Eternal Lila of Sri Sri GourSundar

Sri Sri RadhaRamano Jayati
(Bhaja) Nitai Gour Radhey Shyam
(Japa) Hare Krishna Hare Ram

Two weeks ago, on the 16th of March, 2007, the Gaudiya Vaishnavas in Bengal observed a festival celebrating Mahaprabhu's eternal lila of coming from Raghava Pandit's house at Sripat Panihati to Sri Pathbari at Barahanagar to hear Srila Bhagavat Acharyya's Srimad Bhagavat Path (recitation).

On 15th Chaitra 1341 BS., krishna dashami, Sri Sri Mahaprabhu touched his foot prints at Raghav Bhavan, Panihati. The next day (ekadashi), after revealing the secret tattva of Sri Nitai to Raghava Pandit under the Banyan tree on the bank of the Suradhuni (Ganges), the Lord sang Kirtans round the clock.

On the following day, (17th Chaitra, dwadashi tithi) Sri Sri Mahaprabhu went from Raghav Bhavan to Barahanagar Pathbari, the place of Bhagavat Acharyya.

This year also Mahaprabhu accompanied the devotees from Raghava Bhavan in a well-decorated boat on the Ganges. Devotees performed continuous Kirtan with musical instruments to entertain the Lord on his journey. From the Pathbari of Sri Bhagavat Acharyya, a huge crowd of devotees along with many saints went towards the bank of the Ganges with a decorated throne to welcome Mahaprabhu at their door. All the way the devotees danced with great joy, singing loudly “Gour Haribol,” and “Jay Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu ki Jay.”

The devotees then led Mahaprabhu from his boat to the throne they had brought for him. The big sankirtan possession then began to march towards Sri Path Bari. All the devotees were dancing and singing joyfully while bringing Gour from the bank of Ganga to Sri PathBari. This is the place where Sri Mahaprabhu danced continuously for 9 hours about 500 years ago. The saints of Pathbari gave a gala reception to their beloved Gour. The devotees were singing

Panihati gram dhanya kore
Gour aila Barahanagare

After making Panihati Village glorious
Sri Gouranga came to Barahanagar

After offering Bhoga Arati to Sriman Mahaprabhu in the evening, Nityananda Prabhu's descendant Prabhupada Sri Birachand Goswami delivered a lecture on the Gopi Geet from Srimad Bhagavatam and described the significance of the day's events. Afterwards, sadhus from Pathbari performed Kirtan into the night.

The next morning the 24 Prahar Nam Yajna was begun and Malsa Bhog was offered to the 64 Mahantas. Thousands of fortunate devotees attended the festival commemorating Mahaprabhu's stay at Pathbari, which concluded with the taking of Prasad.

Jay Nitai Jay GourHari
Vishnupriya Prananatha Nadiya Bihari

Financed by Nitai Chand

Before the time of Dada Mahashay (Sri Radharaman Charan Das Dev) the care and management Jagannath Dev's Mandir was "out of gear." So on the occasion of one Ratha Yatra six days had passed and the ratha still hadn't reached Gundica Mandir. Since it was not possible for Jagannath Dev to eat His usual bhoga, Dada Mahasay felt pained at heart. One morning Dada came for darshan of Jagannath and the panda doing His service gave Dada Mahashay His datun (toothbrush). Upon receiving this prasad the sattvika bhavas appeared all over his body and there was no end to his happiness. He asked Sakhi Maharani (Lalita Sakhi Dasi) to clean out a room adjoining the temple room in Jhanjpita Math. They installed the datun and began to serve it bhoga in earthen pots in the same fashion as in Jaganatha's Temple. The following day he received the toothbrush of Subhadra, and the day after the toothbrush of Baladev which he also had installed. After leaving Gundica Mandir the ratha got stuck for a number of days and again Jagannath was unable to eat properly. The beggars who depended on Jagannatha's free mahaprasad were also without food. Dada Mahashay's kind heart could not bear to see this so he made arrangements in the math to feed them. Someone asked how it was possible to feed two to three hundred people each morning and evening. How is it financed? Dada Mahasay said, "the financier is Nitai Chand. I don't know how He manages. Everyday we find we have exactly enough provisions to feed whoever comes."

A number of days passed in this way and then Sakhi Ma noted that they were all out of money and provisions for the next day. She brought this to the attention of Dada Mahasay and said, "we don't have the funds to make the necessary purchases today, I don't know how we are going to feed the people tomorrow."

Dada Mahasay: "Why tell me about this. It's not my show. Why not go and tell Them who are running the show?"

Sakhi Ma: "I tell you because I see you. I do not see anyone else. You are directly perceived, others are inferred. Why should I leave perception and run after inference?"

Dada Mahasay: "I also say that you should abide by perception, not by inference. But you are mistaken when you think you know me by perception. What you perceive is not me but my body. When I die my body will remain, but you will not see me. You will infer from the dead body that I am gone, while the body remains. It will then be clear that you know me by inference, not by perception. You are also mistaken when you think you know the One Who is the very condition and support of all knowledge and existence by inference. We do not need any inference to know Him. We know Him directly and intuitively."

Sakhi Ma: "Then tell me what I should say, and to whom."

Dada Mahasay: "I told you many times that Sri Murti is real and eternal. Go to the temple and say to Nitai, "In your ashram, so many people are being fed
every day. We have no money to purchase provisions for tomorrow. Now you do what you like."

Sakhi Ma did likewise. After about 20 minutes Dada Mahashay called her. She saw that there were rupee coins piled up before him, and that an ordinary looking person was sitting by his side. Dada asked him what for he was giving that money. He replied, "I came to know you were short of funds, so I am giving this small amount. I wish I could give more, but I am a poor man and this is all I can afford."

Dada Mahasay said to Sakhi Ma, "See how kind is Nitai Chand, he listened to your request."

Sakhi Ma was suprised. She began to curse herself for her lack of faith. With tears in her eyes she said, "I did not make the request with faith. I was rather angry with you to see your indifference and was worried to think what would happen tomorrow. I only repeated before Nitai Chand what you said in sheer obedience to you."

Dada Mahashay replied, "Now you see, if this can be the result of a request made to Nitai Chand without faith, what can be achieved by faith? Man suffers only for want of faith. Nitai Chand is very kind. He administers to all our needs even without our prayer if only we have faith in Him and depend entirely upon Him."

Nitai at Srivas Pandit's House

In honor of Srivas Pandit and his wife Malini Devi on his appearance day.


Nityananda prabhu used to stay in the house of Srivas Pandit. He loved Srivas and Malini Devi like a father and mother, and they loved him as a son. Nitai always played in their home like an innocent child.

Nitai refused to eat unless Malini fed him with her own hands. Sometimes, in the mood of a child, Nitai would sit in Malini Devi's lap and drink milk from her breast. Malini Devi had long passed the age when nursing was possible, but at Nityananda's touch milk again flowed. She was amazed by this miracle. Sri Caitanya ordered her not to reveal it to anyone.


One day Visvambhara, Nitai, Gadadhara, Srivasa and Haridasa were sitting together in Srivasa's house. Visvambhara said to Nitai, "Listen Nityananda! Do not act recklessly and cause trouble to Srivas and his family."

Nitai countered, "O Kanu! Unlike you, I am never reckless. You will not find anyone as well-behaved as me!"

"I know your recklessness very well!"

"Then explain my shortcomings."

Visvambhara smiled. "Oh, so you want to know all your faults? It seems you incarnated just to shower rice about the room!"

"Only a madman would do such a thing... not I! This accusation of yours is just an excuse to stop feeding me. You want to eat everything yourself! That's fine with me, but why defame me in front of everybody?"

"I feel embarassed by your misconduct, so I'm trying to correct you."

"Oh yes! You must always teach me when you see me misbehaving. You are correct - I am guilty indeed!"

Nitai laughed joyfully as he merged into the great ocean of ecstatic love. Taking the cloth from his waist and tying it on his head, he danced like a maddened lion.

Visvambhara held Nityananda and said, "What are you doing? This is certainly not what I meant when I asked you to behave. One minute you tell me that you are not a madman, but the next minute you contradict yourself!"

But what effect could words have on Nitai who had plunged in the ocean of prema, floating this way and that on waves of ecstasy? Visvambhara had to bring a cloth and dress Nitai with his own hands.

Source: Sri Caitanya Bhagavat of Sri Vrindavan Das Thakur
Photos: Nityananda Prabhu and Malini Devi at Srivas Angan, Sri Nabadwip Dham

Bodo Babaji's Abhishek Video

In response to the previous post about Sri Radharaman Caran Das Deva's Abhishek Utsav, I have uploaded a short clip from 2005's festival. Please enjoy darshan of the bath ceremony of Bodo Babaji's murti at his purna samadhi.

The full VCD is available from Samajbari Ashrama in Nabadwip.

Abhishek of Bodo Babaji prior to his disappearance date by Nityananda Vamsha Goswami Prabhupad of Sribas Angan , Sri Navadwip Dham

Sri Sri RadhaRamano Jayati

(Bhaja) Nitai Gour Radhey Shyam

(Japa) Hare Krishna Hare Ram

Last week 17th Day of February was a big festival in Navadwip Dham at RadharamanBagh Samajbari. This is Utsava for Abhishek Utsava (Bathing Ceremony) of BodoBabaji (Radharaman Charan Das Dev) which is being done customarily by Nityanada Vamsa Prabhupadas of Sribas Angan Navadwip Dham. This has been going on in Navadwip since the time of Bodo Babaji's disappearance.

The reason behind the festival is very sweet pastime of Bodo Baba. One day while living in Navawip dham, Bodo Babaji called Goswamis of Sribas Angan suddenly. Nobody knew what was in his mind, and knowing the wish of Great Bodo Baba, the Goswamis came running along with all the other devotees. Then Bodo Babaji revealed that he had decided to leave this world, and asked the Goswamis please perform my Abhishek (Bath). Then all Goswamis of Sribas Angan along with other devotees started arranging for the event. Within a moment that news was spread through the whole Navadwip and thousands of people gathered at Samajbari to attend the ceremony. The news went to Bodo Babaji's Bhek Guru Sidhdha GaurHari Das Babaji Maharaja (Disciple of famous Siddha Jagannatha Das Babaji ) who was staying at Boral Ghat at Navadwip. Bodo Babaji was the soul of his Gurudev, Gurudev could not live for a moment without Bodo Baba, and GuruDev used to refer him as 'Premer Jadukar' - Wizard of Prema. Hearing the news of Bodo Babaji's wish, he came rushing to SamajBari, and started scolding Bodo Baba about such a wish, as he being his Gurudeva has the right to decide who would leave the world first. But he was bound by Bodo Babaji's love. Bodo Babaji's sweetly laughed and said, "I want to go first in presence of you, this is certain, you please come after three days of mine." Gurudeva could not resist him. Meanwhile Goswamis of Sribas angan started Abhishek ceremony of Bodo Babaji, that was such an event in Navadwip, thousands of devotees started bringing water from nearby Sribas Angan Ghat of Ganges, thousands of thousands pot full of Ganga Water was being poured on Bodo Babaji's head by Goswami's and all the devotee, for hours. Everybody got the chance to fulfill the desire of Bodo Baba for long time. Then he started taking prasad offered to Nitai Gaur Radhey Shyam. He ate all the food that was offered to Thakurs by so many devotees.

After this event on the next 3rd day Bodo Babaji left this world in front of his GuruDeva. His GuruDeva followed him within exact three days to join his beloved disciple in Nitya Lila.



The same abhishek are still being carried out by Goswami's of Sribas Angan and devotee of Sri Navadwip Dham.
Here we see a small glimpse of that event. - Jay Nitai

Description of Sri Nitai from Murari Gupta's kadaca

gandha-candana-liptAGgo nIlAmbara-samAvRtaH |
svarNa-raupya-pravAlAdyair alaGkAraiz ca maNDitaH ||

His body is fragrantly smeared with sandal paste and draped in deep blue garments. His limbs are arrayed in precious ornaments of gold, silver and coral.

karpUra-tAmbulAdyaiz ca pUrNa zrI mukha paGkajaH |
loha-daNDa-dharo rUpya-hAra-kaustubha-bhUSaNaH ||

His mouth, a radiant lotus in bloom, is fragrant with camphor-laced tambula. He carries a copper cowherd's stick. He wears a silver necklace bearing the kaustubha gem.

kuNDalaika-dharaH zrImAn vanamAlA-vibhUSitaH |
veNu-pANiH sadA kurvan gaurAGga-guNa-kIrtanam ||

He wears a single earring and a garland of forest flowers on His chest. He holds a flute. He always sings Sri Gaura's glories.

caura-dasyu-gaNAH sarve dRSTvA tasya vibhUSaNam |
hartuM kurvanti te nAnA sva-yatnam AtatAyinaH ||

All the theives and dacoits noticed Nitai's ornaments and tried many times to steal them.

tAn eva kRpayA pUrNo nityAnando mahA-prabhuH |
gaurAga-kIrtanAnanda-paripUrNAn cakAra ha ||

But Nityananda Mahaprabhu's mercy foiled them; He plunged them fully into the bliss Gauranga-kirtana.

Disappearance Day of Bodo Babaji

Today was the disappearance day of Sri Radharaman Caran Das Deva (Bodo Baba)...

(more soon)

Nitai's Journey to Bengal

(from caitanya bhagavat)

One day Sri Gaurasundar was sitting in a secluded place talking with Nityananda. "My dear Nitai, if you remain here in Nilacal lost in prema, how will the fallen souls of kali be saved? You go to Bengal and shower them with the nectar rain of prema! Go, Nitai - and fulfill my name, Visvambhar!"

Thus Nitai started for Bengal, leaving his prana Gaur behind. But Nitai did not go alone. Ramadas, Gadadhar Das, Raghunath Vaidya, Krishnadas Pandit, Parameshvari Das, and Purandara Pandita started with him on foot for Gauda-desh.

The devotees were astounded to see Nityananda exhibiting sattvika bhavas, smiling and dancing like a maddened bull elephant. Soon his mood infected them as well. Ramadas was imbued with the mood of Krishna Himself. He suddenly froze in the middle of the road, standing like Sri Tribhanga-Sundar. He stood like that for almost an hour, oblivious to the outside world.

Gadadhar Das was overwhelmed with the mood of Sri Radha. Laughing, he called out "Who will buy yoghurt?"

Raghunath Vaidya was draped in the personality of Revati-Ma. Paramesvari Das and Krishnadas were steeped in the mood of gopalas. They made sounds like "hihi" as if herding cows.

Purandara Pandit climbed a tree and shouted from its branches, "I am Angada!" before leaping to the ground. Nitai infused these ecstasies into everyone's hearts.

They walked like this for miles, wandering left and right. After many hours they asked some local people, "Please tell us how to get back to the Ganga." The locals replied, "Oh goodness! You have come so far from Ganga! You must go back a full two hours!" Laughing, Nitai and his companions started off in the proper direction. But soon they were wandering aimlessly again, lost in their ecstatic mood. They had to stop again to ask for directions.

"You have to travel twenty miles to the left." Realizing their confusion and looking at one another, they laughed and again started on their journey. They had forgotten their own bodily needs, what to speak of the proper direction. They were always immersed in supreme joy. Who can fully describe the play of Nityananda and his companions?

The Initiation of Nayanatara Devi

The story of Nayanatara Devi of Sonamukhi city is another example of the mercy of Ramadas Babaji Mahasaya's mercy upon the fallen. Nayantara came from a respectable Brahmin family who were all educated. She was also highly educated. She was married to the son of rich man of Varanasi, who was also learned. She did not like him and ran away with the son of a goldsmith. He took her to Delhi and other places. Finally he took her to Calcutta and lived with her there for some time before giving her up. She was obliged to go back and live with her parents, but she was not well received in the family. After some time she went to Bankura and began to live as a prostitute in the area where the other prostitutes lived.

Once Baba Mahasaya happened to pass through that locality while he was out for nagara-kirtan. He looked at her piteously and mercifully. His glance touched her heart. There was a total change in her. The next day she went to find Baba Mahasaya and received initiation from him. She distributed all her wealth among the other prostitutes, shaved her head and went to Braj with only the single dhoti with which she wrapped her body. For a long time no one knew anything about her.

In 1933 Baba went to Braj on the occasion of Rasotsava. A large number of devotees and Gosvamis accompanied him. One day he was doing svapnavilasa-lila-kirtan. One of the stanzas of the kirtan was:

vRndAvana kuJja nikuJjahi nivasayi
tuhu vara nAgara kAna |
aharniza tuhAri daraza binu jhUrala
tejaba sabahu parANa ||

O Kana! You revel in the kunjas of Vrndavan, I know.
But You do not appear before me.
In Your separation I weep and weep
Weeping I shall die!

As soon as a lady heard this, she fell senseless on the ground and her consciouness never returned. She died weeping in separation from Krishna. She was the same Nayanatara, the outcast of society, that was saved by the all merciful Ramadas Babaji. She became a true Vaisnavi. The manner in which she died would be coveted by many saints. She left her body in Nidhuvan in the presence of her gurudev while hearing him singing nikunja-lila-kirtan.

Siddha Gauranga Das Babaji

Gauranga Das Babaji was born in an aristocratic brahmin family. He was highly educated and uncommonly intelligent. While still in college he received the merciful glance of Sripad Ramadas Babaji Maharaj who was performing sankirtan in the streets. It became difficult for him to go to college. Instead of attending school he would sit at the feet of Babaji Maharaj and listen to Hari katha and heart-melting kirtan. A few days after passing his University exams and obtaining his MA he left his home and joined Babaji Maharaj who asked him to reside in Braja. Gauranga Das Babaji went to Braja and did bhajan under the guidance of Siddha Pandit Ramakrishna Das Babaji, Siddha Advaita Das Babaji and other great mahatmas. He fashioned clothing from old jute sacks and wandered around Braja Mandal calling out the name of Sri Radhika, "O Pyari Ji! O Pyari Ji!" Noticing his wonderful devotional characteristics, his kaka guru Sripad Sital Das Babaji asked him to stay in his ashram at Raman Reti and do bhajan there.

Whenever any devotee came from Braja to Bengal, Ramadas Babaji would immediately inquire about the welfare of his dear disciples living there. Upon hearing about the bhajan of Gauranga Das Babaji tears of joy would roll down his cheeks. The devotion of Gauranga Das Babaji was so great that Pyari Ji Herself gave him darshan and fed him payasam with Her own lotus hand.

As time went on Sripad Ramadas Babaji Maharaj left this world. When the news reached the ears of Gauranga Das Babaji he proclaimed, "Everything is gone for me! I will not stay here anymore!" Saying this, he entered his bhajan kutir and closed the door. He refused to eat or drink. He did not even touch a single drop of water. Thirteen days after the departure of his beloved Sri Gurudev, he departed from this world to join him in the nitya-lila.