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N imayi, even before he had turned sixteen, had become a Pundit, having mastered the shastras in grammar, logic and poetry. In order to take care of his poor, aged, widowed mother, Nimayi, as a responsible youth, decided to take up a job. He chose the noble profession of teaching.

As the whole of Nawadweep was aware of Nimayi's intelligence and shastric knowledge, all the educational centers vied with each other to absorb him in their Patashala(School). Nimayi, himself, desired to open up a Patashala, but, could not find a suitable house for it. So his desire could not be fulfilled.

At this time, in Nawadweep, there lived a wealthy man by name Mukunda Sanjay who was in search of a competent teacher for his son, Purushottam Sanjay. He offered 'the chandi mandap' in his house for Nimayi to establish a Patashala. Nimayi, too, accepted the offer and started a Patashala in Mukunda Sanjay's house.

Nimayi's fame attracted a lot of students to this Patashala. Along with his son, Mukund Sanjay, too, attended classes. Nimayi maintained a friendly attitude towards his students and discussed even their family affairs with them. This created a homely atmosphere for the students. He was such a good teacher that even the most difficult lessons seemed easy for his students. His Patashala, thus, became very popular. Nimayi worked very hard for the growth of his Patashala.

One day, on his way back from the Patashala he saw Lakshmi Devi, the daughter of Pundit Vallabacharya. Due to the relationship that he had had with her in his previous 'janma' (birth) his heart at once filled with love for her. Lakshmi Devi, too, saw him and offered 'pranams' to his feet mentally and went away to the Ganges.

That same evening Banwari Ghatak, a friend of Jagannath Mishra, met Sachi Mata. He said to her, "Nimayi has grown up. Should you not get him married? Pundit Vallabacharya's daughter Lakshmi Devi is a very beautiful, good and intelligent girl. She is a perfect match for Nimayi. If you agree to this proposal I will talk about this to the Pundit." Since Sachi Mata did not wish to give her word without first discussing it with Nimayi she replied, "The fatherless boy, Nimayi, has just completed his education. He is yet to get settled in his job. What is the hurry for his marriage? Banwari Ghatak, however, misinterpreted Sachi Mata's unwillingness to be due to Pundit Vallabacharya's poverty and returned home. He met Nimayi on the way back who called out to him, "Ghatak Mahashay! Where are you coming from?" Ghatak with a sullen expression said, "I went over to your house to speak about your marriage with Pundit Vallabacharya's daughter. But, your mother has not given her consent." Nimayi laughed aloud in reply and went home.

Nimayi, "Ma! Why did you not give your consent to the proposal of my marriage with Sri Vallabacharya's daughter?" The mother realized that Nimayi was not against marriage. The very next day, she invited Ghatak home and gave her consent to his proposal of Nimayi's marriage with Lakshmi Devi.

Vallabacharya family's joy knew no bounds when they heard of the proposal. They all exclaimed in joy that it was only because of her 'punya' (merits) in previous births that Lakshmi Devi had got such a bridegroom.

On the auspicious day fixed for the occasion, Nimayi went to Pundit Vallabacharya's house along with his relatives and students and married Lakshmi Devi. The next day he brought Lakshmi Devi to his own home. Sachi Mata received Lakshmi Devi with warmth. Lakshmi Devi proved to be Nimayi's equal in beauty. All those who saw them exclaimed that they were like 'Rathi and Manmatha' (God of beauty and his consort)! Seeing the beautiful pair the mother's heart filled with immeasurable joy.

Nimayi led an ideal householder's life with an affectionate mother and a loving, soft natured wife. Lakshmi Devi was a very brisk and active girl. All day long she engaged herself in household chores with great enthusiasm. Since Nimayi enjoyed life he always came home with guests. Lakshmi Devi, too, was very hospitable to all of them.

Though he had become a householder, Nimayi had not given up his frolicsome ways. As always, he taught his students in a friendly and playful manner. Even as he taught them he went to the banks of the Ganges and there they all played some games! Some enjoyed these ways of his while there were others who criticized him.

Nimayi still continued with his habit of teasing the Pundits throwing innumerable questions at them. He laughed at them when they tried to get away from him. Nimayi quite often pulled the legs of the Vaishnavites in Nawadweep. He asked them, "What is meant by Vaishnavism? What is the use of wearing the Vaishnava mark on the forehead?" The Vaishnavites lamented, "Kaliyuga is really ghastly. He is abusing the Vaishnavites!"

In Advaitacharya's Patashala was a calm and quiet Vaishnava student by name Mukunda Dutt. He was an innocent boy. Nimayi had deep affection for him. But, that did not stop Nimayi from teasing him. One day, Nimayi threw a question in logic at him. Mukunda Dutt, however, pleaded with him, "Nimayi! Please spare me! I know nothing of logic. I am studying only Vaishnava Shastras." At once Nimayi exclaimed, "Oh! Is that so? Then you please tell me the characteristics of a Vaishnavite." Mukunda Dutt accepted defeat, "Nimayi, I do not know anything. Please leave me alone," and he left the place! From then onwards if Mukunda Dutt found Nimayi bathing in the Ganges he avoided him and took a different route.

One day Nimayi declared loudly, "Look at this Vaishnavite! Scared to face me he is taking a different route! He thinks that he is the only Vaishnavite. One day I, too, will become a Vaishanvite and do you all know what sort of a Vaishnavite I will be? One whom everyone will follow!" He laughed aloud at Mukunda Dutt. If anybody questioned him, "Nimayi, don't you feel ashamed to tease others?" he answered, "Shame! I have removed that and hung it on the nail at home. You can go to my house and check it up!"

With his pranks and playfulness Nimayi kept the people of the town, Sachi Mata and Lakshmi Devi happy.

Sri Iswarapuri, the disciple of Acharya Madhavendrapuri, to whom we have already been introduced, came to Gauda Desa. Purifying everyone with his incessant chanting of the sweet name of Sri Krishna he reached Nawadweep. He came to the doorstep of Advaitacharya. Advaitacharya immediately recognized him to be a great Vaishnavite. He soon learnt that it was none other than Sri Iswarapuri, the disciple of his own Guru Madhavendrapuri. Filled with joy he extended him the same hospitality as he would to his Guru.

Sri Iswarapuri heard of Nimayi Pundit as a person full of pranks and one who teased Vaishnavites. As such he did not show any enthusiasm in meeting him.

One day, it was by sheer coincidence that Nimayi met Sri Iswarapuri. Nimayi at once prostrated before Sri Iswarapuri who was a 'Sanyasi' (monk). The unique beauty of Nimayi captivated the heart of Sri Iswarapuri and he felt as if he had been tied with a magical cord! He gazed at Nimayi from head to foot! He could not take his eyes off him! He wondered, "What 'tejas' (divine glow) on his face? He appears to be a ' Yoga Prashta (a Yogi who had slipped from his spiritual practice in his previous birth) Mahapurusha' (great personality)! How well the purity of his heart and his infinite love for all beings is reflected on his face! He surely is a 'Mahapurusha' in disguise!"

Nimayi laughed at Sri Iswarapuri who appeared to be in wonderment. He said, "Puri Mahashay! How long will you keep staring this way? Please pay a visit to our home today. You can have your meals there and you can spend the whole day gazing at me!"

Though embarrassed at Nimayi's words Sri Iswarapuri happily accepted the invitation. When the meals were ready Nimayi, himself, came to Advaitacharya's house to take Sri Iswarapuri to his home. Sachi Mata served Sri Iswarapuri with respect and deep devotion. Both of them, Nimayi and Sri Iswarapuri, then returned to Advaitacharya's house. Sri Iswarapuri gave 'Krishna Leelamrutham', the text that he was then composing, to Nimayi and requested, "You are a Pundit. Point out all the flaws in this text to me."

Nimayi, however, in all humility explained, "Can there be flaws in Krishna's story? Devotional outpours can only be pure. The word that contains devotion, the metre that describes Krishna Leela (the divine play of Krishna) is surely of a high order even if there be grammatical errors in it. That poetry which does not speak of Krishna's story is a waste indeed even if it be a literary masterpiece! Since only 'feelings' matter to the Lord only they - the feelings - are important. That is -

Mookam vadati Vishnaya Dhiro vadati Vishnave
Ubhayastu shubham punyam Bhavagrahi Janardhanah

In the Sanskrit language 'Salutations to Vishnu' has to be expressed as 'Vishnave Namah' and not 'Vishnaya Namah' as in the case of 'Ramaya Namah' in 'Rama shabda'. Only an ignorant person will say 'Vishanaya Namah' whereas the scholars will express it correctly as 'Vishnave Namah'. But since the Lord understands the love of His devotee He accepts this ignorant expression as well.

Sri Iswarapuri felt pleased by this explanation of Nimayi. He said to Nimayi, "Your explanation reflects your greatness. Nevertheless, are you not a Pundit in grammar? Please read this text and check if the sentences have been framed correctly." Both of them read the text together and enjoyed it. A mutual affection developed between them.

Some time later Sri Iswarapuri left on a pilgrimage of Gaya and Nimayi resumed his work at the Patashala.

To be continued......

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