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Chaitanya Mahãprabhu (14)
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We have already mentioned about Advaitachãrya, who had blessed SachiMata that she would give birth to an Avatãra Purusha (incarnation of Lord) even while she was pregnant with Nimayi. He lived in Shantipur nearby Navadweep. On hearing that Mahaprabhu, the Krishna Chandra was enthralling the people of Navadweep, drowning them in the ocean of devotion, he too desired to go there and enjoy the divine lilas of Mahaprabhu . There always remains a trace of pride and ego in the highest form of Prema Bhakti (devotion) towards the Lord. So he thought, “If Prabhu is really my chosen Deity, let him call me. Why should I go on my own?"
One day, Mahaprabhu in the midst of Nãmasankirtan, called out in ecstasy “Where is Nãda? Why does he have to hide in Shantipur after asking me to come here?" The devotees were puzzled, as they did not understand what was going on. Timidly, Srivas Pundit asked, “Prabhu! Who is Nãda?” Prabhu replied, “Advaitachãrya is only known as Nãda. I have incarnated only upon his request ”. The devotees soon sent the younger brother of Srivas Pundit, Ramayi Pundit to Shantipur in order to invite Advaitachãrya to Navadweep . Advaitachãrya was overjoyed on seeing Ramayi Pundit and embraced him with affection. He understood that Prabhu had thought of him and so had sent Ramayi Pundit to take him over to Navadweep. Yet, he asked Ramayi Pundit, “ I had prayed for an incarnation of the Lord to spread Nãmasankirtan . What is the proof that Prabhu is indeed the Deity whom I worship!" Ramayi Pundit immediately replied, “ What do I know of proof or cause? I am not a Pundit like you. While in bhãva, Prabhu often says that , 'Advaitachãrya is the one who worries a lot about 'loka uddhãrana' (uplifting the world). Bound by his instructions (and prayers), I have incarnated in this world in order uplift people through Krishna Sankirtan .' ”
On hearing this, Achãrya felt extremely happy. Taking along his articles of worship and accompanied by his wife and children, Advaitachãrya left for Navadweep along with Ramayi Pundit. There he told Ramayi Pundit, “ I shall stay at Nandanãchãrya’s house . If Prabhu asks anything about me, tell him that I have not come. ” Saying so, he stayed at Nandanãchãrya’s house. He then thought thus, “ If Prabhu really loves me, let him bless me by placing his feet on my head . Only then I will accept that Prabhu has incarnated upon my request for the upliftment of the world.”
Ramayi Pundit returned home. That evening devotees assembled as usual in Srivas Pundit’s house . Prabhu too came there in a little while. He was in an ecstatic state (Bhãva ) even while he entered the house . He went directly to the seat meant for the Lord, sat on it and said, “ Nãda has indeed come from Shantipur. Yet wishing to test me he is hiding at Nandanãchãrya’s house. He was the one who called me and now he is testing me!" Hearing what Prabhu had said, the devotees looked at each other in surprise. Ramayi Pundit arrived at that time and described what had happened earlier. After that, he went straight to Advaitachãrya and told him about Prabhu’s words.
Now the Achãrya was taken by surprise. In an outburst of devotion, he ran straight towards
Srivas Pundit’s house. Even the house seemed divine to him. His eyes did not behold the Mahaprabhu
clearly who was seated with the radiance of thousand suns. Unable to bear the 'tejas' (lustre) of
Mahaprabhu, he fell down unconscious. The devotees took him and laid him near Mahaprabhu. Prabhu
said, “ Achãrya ! Get up ! Your desire has been fulfilled! Get up now and worship me as per the
norms”. Hearing the loving command of Prabhu, the seventy-year old, white haired Advaitachãrya got
up with a young boy's enthusiasm and worshipped the twenty three year old Mahaprabhu . This is precisely indicative of the Glory of the Lord. Before His glory, everyone is insignificant. The ordinance is that one has to bow down low to the greatness of an Avatãra Purusha regardless of his/her caste, creed, position or age. Advaitachãrya worshipped Prabhu as ordained and praised him with the verse -
“ Namo Brahmanya Devaya Go Brãhmanahitãya cha
Jagat hitaya Krishnãya Govindãya namo namah”
( I salute the highest Lord , Krishna , known as Govinda - one who is the savior of cows , the brahmins and the world ) . He fell unconscious again . Then , Advaitachãrya's wife SitaDevi worshipped Mahaprabhu . Prabhu blessed both of them by placing his feet on their heads . The 'sparsam'(touch) of Mahaprabhu's feet engulfed both the Achãrya and his wife in joy and tears started rolling down their eyes profusely. Having calmed them , Prabhu ordered - “Achãrya ! Get up ! Do not delay anymore . Please me through Krishna kirtan .”
With hands raised above his head, the Achãrya soon began singing the praise of the
Lord. The other devotees too joined the Kirtan playing their musical instruments.
The devotees exclaimed that they had never experienced such joy in Nãmasankirtan as on that day.
With three Premika Bhaktas namely Advaitachãrya, Nimayi and Nitayi performing
Nãma Sankirtan together, it is not surprising that everyone present enjoyed such
unalloyed, hitherto unexperienced bliss!
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