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Nimayi spent many months in his tour. Suddenly he remembered his home. Intuitively he felt that something was amiss at home. He immediately asked his disciples to start for Navadweep. Within a few days they reached Navadweep. The news of Nimayi's return spread like wild fire. All the people came over to his house to meet him. Nimayi prostrated to his mother first and asked the mother, who seemed to be grief stricken, "Is everything fine at home? Unexpectedly my tour got extended. I do hope this has not caused you any trouble." The mother amidst tears informed him of Lakshmidevi's death. Nimayi's eyes filled with tears. He consoled his mother, "Ma! Who can change fate? Everything happens as per our fate. The relationship between you and your daughter-in-law has come to an end."

The mother, however, could not stop weeping for Lakshmidevi. Nimayi consoled her, "Ma! Will your tears bring back your daughter-in-law to you? She has gone to the place of no return. Take hold of yourself." Consoled by the son's words the mother went in to cook food for him. Nimayi, too, shared the experiences of his tour with his friends. He then went to his Patasala and began to teach.

During Nimayi Pandit's time Navadweep was a great center of learning. Kesava Murari of Kashmir was a great scholar. As he was an ardent worshipper of Saraswathi (Goddess of Learning) he never faced defeat in any court. He won name and fame due to his victory over all other scholars and was filled with vanity. When he visited Navadweep all the scholars trembled in fear. They were totally disheartened and feared to face him in a debate.

Nimayi, however, did not worry over his visit. Instead, he enquired about the places the pandit frequented. After enquiring the time of the day that Kesava Murari visited the banks of the Ganges, he boldly began conducting his classes there at the same time. The dusk on the banks of the Holy Ganges with the melodious sound of the flow of the river created a lovely atmosphere. Digvijai Pandit (Kesava Murari) also arrived there flanked by his intimate disciples. As soon as Nimayi saw him, he welcomed him and offered him a seat. Kesava Murari asked Nimayi, "In which Patashala are you studying?" Immediately, a student of Nimayi got up and informed him proudly, "He is the famous Nimayi Pandit. He is our Teacher." At once Kesava Murari remarked, "Oh! You are that famous 'Vyãkarana Pandit? Well! Let me hear you say a 'Vyãkarana pankti'?"

Nimayi folded his palms in respect and said humbly, "I have been blessed with some grace of Guru such as your esteemed Self. I do not deserve to be the disciple of even your disciple. You are the most famous scholar and poet. All these students of mine here are anxious to enjoy your poetic skill. Please do honour all of us." Kesava Murari, very proudly asked, "Well! Place your choice of Poem and I will recite one to you all". Nimayi requested, "Please, Sir, recite one on Bhagirathi. Our ears will be purified and we can enjoy the lyrical beauty, too".

Kesava Murari instantly, akin to the flow of the Ganges, recited the slokas. Every sloka was a new one! -- Slokas generated just that moment! Without any trace of endeavour or obstruction he poured forth the slokas as if he was just conversing! They flowed from him so easily and smoothly! All kept looking at him in wonder. They did not even bate their eyelids. After pouring forth more than hundred slokas within an hour, Kesava Murari sat down quietly.

As if disturbing the 'quiet' atmosphere Nimayi spoke majestically. "Maharaj! We have all been blessed indeed by your melodious rendering! Never have we heard or seen such a rare 'kãvyã' or 'kavi'. Only you know the deep inner meaning contained in them. We do not possess the ability to comprehend them. So, please do speak out the merits and demerits contained in them." Kesava Murai laughed at this, "My Poems never will contain demerits. Tell me the sloka for which you seek 'Vyãkyãna'. I will explain". Kesava Murari thought, "I have poured out newly produced slokas. How can this fellow recall any sloka from amongst these?" But, was Nimayi an ordinary human? In his sweet and soft voice Nimayi chanted the whole of the sloka that began with "Mahatvam Ganagayã" and sought the meaning for it.

Digvijai Pandit's face lost its colour! Struck with wonder at the thought, "How could anyone choose a sloka from amongst the number of slokas rained forth?" asked him, "You are very smart. I poured forth the slokas so rapidly. But you have grasped it all so quickly!" Nimayi replied humbly, "It is but your Grace, Sir. Pray! Point the merits and demerits of this sloka." Kesava Murari retorted, "This is a subject of 'alankãrã'. But you are a 'Vyãkarana Pandit'. How and what can you comprehend?" Nimayi, "Though I have not studied 'alankãrã' I am familiar with the subject. So, you may speak on this subject."

To be continued......

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