The Divine Pastime of Sri Sri Shyamananda Prabhu
Sri Krishna Dev, an extremely rich person, used to live at Dharenda-Bahadurpur village of Gaurdamandal during sixteenth century. He was calm, quite, handsome, respectful to elders & Brahmins and an elevated Sri Krishna Devotee. Equally surrendered to Lord Sri Krishna was his beautiful and obedient wife Doorika Devi. Such a matching couple is indeed rare to see!
Although extremely well endowed, he was sad for not having a child. All his earlier siblings had died immediately after taking birth. With this background, a beautiful male child was born on the auspicious Madhu Poornima of the Chaitra month of 1535 AD. The child was exhibiting all the symptoms of an extremely elevated soul. Everybody was afraid that giving a pretty name might attract deadly glance of Yamraj and inauspicious stars on this child too. The newborn was therefore, consciously given a melancholic name "Sri Dukhi."
The child was steadily growing the way moon does during bright fortnight. Even at young age, he was very selective to associate only with pious people (sadhus) and dissociate with impious. His parents, as well as all the nabours, used to love him immensely because he was sober, humble, obedient, well mannered and religious. In short, all good qualities personified. In due course, various ceremonies (sanskaaras) like eating food first time (Anna Prashana) and cutting the hairs for the first time (choordakarana) were performed lavishly. Endowed with outstanding intelligence, he completed studies of grammar and then more advanced subjects like Logic and Literature at a very young age.
Sri Dukhi exhibited all symptoms of an advanced devotee of Lord Sri Krishna at very young age. Material opulence never attracted him. He was completely engrossed in pure loving devotional service to Lord Sri Krishna. Sri Dukhi understood from the Vedic literature the importance to surrender to the lotus feet of a self realized spiritual Master. He had heard from the vaishnavas, the extraordinary pastimes of Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura, whose spiritual master Srila Gauridas Pandit Thakura shared intimate friendly exchanges with Sri Gaur Nitai. Sri Dukhi firmly decided to opt for Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura as his spiritual master. His father, Sri Krishna Dev, welcomed his son's decision.
Eventually, time came for departure of Sri Dukhi to Ambika Kalna- the place where Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura was residing. Paternal love of Sri Krishna Dev was inventing numerous reasons-mostly concocted- to prevent departure of his dear Sri Dukhi to a faraway place. Realizing this affection as a hurdle to attain Love of Sri Krishna, Sri Dukhi left for Ambika Kalna, without informing anybody, on an Ice cold and foggy night in the month of Phalgun. Leaving affectionate home that was providing comforts better than even heavenly planets; he opted for a hard, painful and difficult path and eventually reached Ambika.
A wise man always has an inherent capacity to identify another wise one. Only an experienced jeweler can identify Diamonds from bunch of stones. Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura could identify in a moment that Sri Dukhi was a perfect candidate to undertake bhajans of Sri Krishna.
In a very short time, Sri Dukhi won heart of his spiritual master by his unalloyed devotion and selfless service. Eventually, on the Phalgun Poornima of the year 1553 AD, Sri Dukhi was initially given Sri Harinaam initiation and later Sri Krishna mantra initiation. His initiated name was "Sri Dukhi Krishnadas". Thereafter, he received services of Sri Gaur Nityananda.
Despite serving the lotus feet of spiritual master, performing uninterrupted Bhajan and Kirtan, always hearing and glorifying pastimes of Sri Krishna, Sri Dukhi Krishnadas was still not fully satisfied. Something seemed to be missing. To pacify his mind, with the spiritual master's consent, Sri Dukhi Krishnadas undertook pilgrimage to all the states of India. After visiting various Holy places for eight long years, he eventually returned to his native place Dharenda in the year 1562 AD. His parents and everybody around were very happy to see him back after such a long time. To tie his son to home, the affectionate father got his son married to Srimati Gauranga Devi, against the wishes of Sri Dukhi Krishnadas.
One, who has tasted sweetness of nectar, abhors sweetness of anything else. Twelve forests, groves, the holy dust of Vrajmandal touched by the lotus feet of Sri Radha Krishna and many similar nectarine things were attracting Sri Dukhi Krishnadas. In 1566 AD, with the permission of his parents, he again left for Ambika, on way to Vrajmandal. The single pointed faith, Sri Dukhi Krishnadas attached to permission of spiritual master, had moved even Srila Hriday Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura!
On his spiritual master's instructions, Sri Dukhi Krishnadas happily started watering garden, where flowers for Sri Gaur Nitai were grown. He would carry water on his head in pots, for countless number of times in a day, from far away Ganga to water the plants. The very thought of watering plants- which were growing flowers for Sri Gaur Nitai, would bring tears of love in his eyes. However, continuous rub of pot developed wounds in his head, which got further aggravated with continuous spilling of water on it. Unmindful of what had by then became a serious wound, Sri Dukhi Krishnadas enthusiastically continued his Seva. Once, when Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura happened to be around, Sri Dukhi Krishnadas brought a pot, which was full of water. While putting down the pot, some insects felt from the wound. Realizing that despite a serious wound, Sri Dukhi Krishnadas was carrying out the Seva with full enthusiasm and without any complaint, Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura was overwhelmed with parental love for Sri Dukhi Krishnadas. Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura embraced Sri Dukhi Krishnadas and lovingly caressed his head. Mere touch of nityasiddh spiritual master Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura, instantly healed the wound completely. Realizing Sri Dukhi Krishnadas a fit candidate for pure bhajans of Sri Radha-Krishna, Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura thought of a plan and told Sri Dukhi Krishnadas to go to Vrindavan and learn advance devotional services at the lotus feet of Srila Jiva Goswamipada.
Realizing fulfillment of his long cherished desire, Sri Dukhi Krishnadas reached Vrajmandal in the year 1566 AD. Just by observing and touching the land of Vraj, tears of ecstatic love started flowing from his eyes. He started offering repeated obeisance. He felt that the whole land of Vraj was vibrating with the sound of Radhe-Radhe and Shyam-Shyam. As if, Suk (He parrot), Sari (She parrot) and honeybees were all glorifying Sri Radha-Krishna. Emanating from the divine bodies of Sri Shyama Shyam, pleasant breeze was spreading bliss in all four directions. Trees of Ashok, Bakul, Champak, Pomegranate etc. were waiting in queue to serve the divine couple with their choicest flowers. The creepers were not climbing up but were going down, just to touch lotus feet of Sri Radha-Krishna.
Sri Dukhi Krisnadas, full of bliss with love of Godhead, started having darshan of all twelve forests as well as groves (upvans). He had darshan of the palaces of Sri Nanda Maharaj in Nandagaon and that of Maharaj Sri Vrisbhanu in Barsana. He visited Giriraj Govardhan, which incorporates many caves associated with Sri Krishna's pastimes. Thereafter, he visited Yavat village of Sri Radharani's in-laws and finally reached Sri Krishnapriya Sri Radhakund. There he called on crest jewel of renunciation -Srila Raghunath Das Goswamipada and humility personified -Srila Krishnadas Kaviraj Goswamipada.
Srila Raghunath Das Goswamipada directed him to Srila Jiva Goswamipada at Vrindavan along with a Vrajvasi named Das. In the holy dham of Vrindavan, surrounded by Yamunaji - also called, Kalinda Tanaya or the affectionate daughter of the Sun god -he took darshan of Sri Govinda Devji, Sri Gopinath Devji and Sri Madanmohan Devji to fulfil his long cherished desire. As soon as Sri Dukhi Krishnadas offered his obeisance, Srila Jiva Goswamipada felt thrilled with divine ecstasy and realized that the moment, he was longing to spread the devotional service on the footsteps of Vraj Gopies, so called Raganuga bhakti, had come. This movement would now flow to all the nooks and corners of India. Sri Srinivasa Acharya, an incarnation of Loving emotions of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Narottama Thakura, an incarnation of loving emotions of Sri Nityananda Prabhu were already staying with him. Now, Sri Dukhi Krishnadas, an incarnation of loving emotions of Sri Adwaita Acharya had arrived.
The Trio started studying Vaishnava literature composed by the Goswamis under the guidance of Srila Jiva Goswamipada. One of the most intimate friends of Sri Krishna in his eternal Vrindavan pastimes is Sri Subal Sakha who appeared in Gaura Lila as Sri Gauridas Pandit Thakura. Sri Dukhi Krishnadas was his grand-disciple and, therefore, had inherited the mellow of friendship (sakhya -bhava). The literature he studied under Srila Jiva Goswamipada had given him the understanding that the mellow of conjugal love (Madhurya-bhava) is the highest. Ultimate seva in Madhurya bhava is to render service to Sri Radha-Shyamsundarji in the groves (nikunj) of Vrindavan. Sri Dukhi Krishnadas was requesting Srila Jiva Goswamipada for instructions that would enable him to attain the qualification to perform such services.
Srila Jiva Goswamipada, following desire of Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura in letter & spirit and considering Sri Dukhi Krishnadas a very worthy aspirant, started to instruct him on all spiritual Practices in the mellow of spontaneous love (raganuga) as taught by Srila Rupa Goswamipada. Convinced with the single pointed determination and devotional Practice of Sri Dukhi Krishnadas, Srila Jiva Goswamipada finally gave him the rarely attainable seva to clean the nikunj. Receiving this seva, Sri Dukhi Krishnadas would now sometimes get absorbed in meditation, sometimes in loudly performing Sri Hari Nama Kirtan, sometimes chanting his ista-mantra on beads in full bliss inside his underground Bhajan Kutir. However, just before sunrise, with a pure mind he would swiftly clean the nikunj with a broom and scraper. Sri Dukhi Krishnadas continued this sadhna very diligently for twelve long years. He even started getting realization of his eternal self (nitya siddha swaroop).
One night, deeply immersed in remembrance of the sweetest pastimes during eight periods of the day so- called Asta Prahar Lila- of Sri Radha-Krishna, Sri Dukhi Krishnadas was sitting in his underground bhajankutir. In his meditation, he saw that Sri Shyamsundarji was absorbed in enjoying graceful dancing and singing with the doe-eyed damsels of Vraj. Srimati Radharaniji and other Sakhis had formed a circle around Sri Shyamsundarji by holding each other's hand. He looked like the moon encircled by the stars. All of them were engrossed in that beautiful dance. Some Sakhis played string instruments while some were singing melodiously. Sometimes Sri Shyamsundarji danced with them, and sometimes he just watched dance of Srimati Radharaniji. All of them were plunged in the bliss of dancing and singing. At that moment, to give more joy and pleasure to Sri Shyamsundarji, Srimati Radharaniji started a very attractive and sweet divine dance in a very charming meter. During that fast-paced dance, a golden anklet named "Manju Ghosh" studded with sapphires fell from the left foot of Srimati Radharaniji, Everybody was completely engrossed in the dance hence nobody noticed this. The anklet thus remained on the ground. When the dance was over, Kishor and Kishori (Sri Krishna and Srimati Radharaniji) went to sleep in the nikunj on a bed studded with jewels. Peeping through a small opening in the window, the Sakhis considered their eyes fortunate by seeing the sweet Couple united. When the night ended, hearing the word from the Sakhis went to awaken Sri Radha Shyamsundarji, Feeling embarrassed, the Divine Couple left for their respective homes, so did all the Sakhis.
The following morning, carrying a broom and a scraper, Sri Dukhi Krishnadas went to clean the nikunj- the place of the previous night's Raasa dance. Sri Krishnadas, however, had no remembrance of the previous night's pastimes because of Yogamaya. The dance had left trampled creepers all around. In the middle of the grove, there were footprints of Sri Radha-Krishna. By observing those footprints, Sri Dukhi Krishnadas was excited with divine loving emotions and started rolling on the ground. Somehow, he retained his composure and started working with scraper. He then saw a dazzling golden anklet- studded with sapphire- lying under a pomegranate tree in the middle of the grove. It was illuminating all directions with its glitter. Suddenly Sri Dukhi heard a voice from the sky: Put all efforts to protect it. This voice clarified all his doubts and Sri Dukhi Krishnadas felt great bliss. As soon as he touched the anklet to his forehead, his hairs stood on end, his body started shaking and he started to shed tears of joy. Surcharged with loving emotions, he started dancing. Completely bewildered, he could only utter "Radhe... Radhe...". With great effort, he maintained his composure. Anticipating some incomprehensible mystery behind it, he could not fathom to whom that transcendental anklet may belong. However, he put the anklet along with his scraper under his shawl, and hid it in between the creepers.
Thereafter, putting best efforts to control his agitated divine emotions, Sri Krishnadasji continued his seva to clean the grove by his broom. Soon, an old lady in tattered cloths appeared. On Sri Krishnadasji's enquiry, she introduced herself as Radha Dasi, a Kanyakubja Brahmin lady from a village near Yavat which is part of Mathura district. The previous evening, her daughter in law had collected water from Yamuna and had arrived to that grove to pluck some flowers. Suddenly, aghast to see a lion (Sri Shyamsundar), she hurriedly departed out of fear. In the scramble, anklet from her left foot had fallen which she did not immediately realise. The old lady had come to search that missing anklet. She requested Sri Krishnadas to return the anklet in case he had found it.
Sri Dukhi Krishnadas most humbly accepted to have found the anklet but forcefully added that the mere touch of that dazzling special anklet surcharged him with the divine love for Srimati Radharaniji. He was fully convinced that it could not belong to any ordinary mortal of this material world. Certainly, there must be some mystery in connection with that anklet. Since the old lady seemed to belong to the material world, so must be her daughter-in-law. Moreover, the old lady was dressed in very old and tattered clothes making it clear that she was poverty-stricken. It did not seem reasonable that the daughter-in-law of an old and poor Brahmin lady could wear an expensive golden anklet studded with sapphires. Sri Krishnadasji thereafter asked to let her daughter-in-law came there personally and showed that on her right foot she was wearing a similar anklet. He would then return that priceless anklet back to the old lady in presence of five to ten witnesses from her village.
The old lady in tattered clothes was not an ordinary mortal but Sri Lalitaji-dear most sakhi of the daughter of Sri Vrishabhanuraj-Srimati Radharaniji. She was taken aback by these words of Sri Krishnadasji and realized that it would be impossible to win over Sri Krishnadasji by arguments alone because he was fully convinced that the anklet he had found was divine and the daughter-in-Law of the old lady belonged to this material word.
Realizing that Sri Lalitaji is in a dilemma, Srimati Radharaniji- who was hiding behind the nearby creepers along with Sri Vishakha, Sri Vrinda and other sakhis- appeared on the scene as mediator in disguise. Pondering over the situation and finding no way out, Sri Lalitaji revealed the real identity of all of them, which completely stunned Sri Krishnadasji.
Sri Lalitaji admitted that Sri Krishnadasji's interpretation is correct. The divine anklet he had found does not belong to someone from the mortal world. It belongs to that resident of Yavat village, Srimati Radharaniji- daughter of Sri Vrishabhanuraj and beloved of the son of the King of Gokul Sri Nanda Maharaj. A stunned Sri Krishnadasji then enquired how the anklet felt in the grove from the lotus foot of Sriji. The compassionate Sri Lalitaji then narrated the complete anklet pastime to Sri Krishnadasji in detail and added that they all wanted to get back home with the anklet before extremely harsh tongue mother-in-law of Sri Radharaniji was awakened. Sri Krishnadasji requested as a boon to have darshan of Lalitaji's personal form. Bestowing divine sight to Sri Krishnadasji, Sri Lalitaji manifested her divine swaroop before him. Sri Krishnadasji then requested her for the regular seva of Sri Radha Shyamsundarji in the groves of the eternal abode of Goloka Vrindavan. Sri Lalitaji assured him of that seva once he gave up the present perishable material body. Sri Krishnadasji then expressed deep desire to have darshan of Srimati Radharaniji's lotus feet. On Srimati Radharani's instructions, Sri Lalitaji gave him fifteen syllables Sri Radha mantra, which was complete with six opulence and Sri Vrinda Devi, took him for a bath at Radhakund. Continuously chanting Sri Radha Mantra and simultaneously taking bath in Radhakund, Sri Krishnadasji was amazingly transformed to his transcendental manjari form.
In the eternal abode of Vrindavan, placing the dazzling anklet of Srimati Radharaniji on her head, this Manjari- having the complexion of pure Gold- followed Sri Lalitaji and Sri Rupa Manjari to enter Srimati Radharaniji's temple in the nikunj. Following Srimati Radharaniji's merciful direction, Sri Lalita Sakhi touched the divine anklet to the forehead of Sri Krishnadas, who was then in the form of a Manjari. Immediately, his previous tilak in Sri Harimandir form amazingly turned into an Anklet (Nupur) tilak, resembling the form of Srimati Radharaniji's lotus feet. Compassionate Srimati Radharaniji took away some saffron from her breast and mixed camphor, sandal, honey and others to it. The mixture was then ground on Chandrakanti stone. Thereafter, using, the front part of the anklet, with her own hand, she affectionately made a bright dot from this mixture in the middle of the new tilak, on the forehead of Sri Krishnadasji. Sri Lalita Sakhi then named the Tilak- incorporating the centre dot- so mercifully made by Srimati Radharaniji as "Shyammohan Tilak" and Sri Krishnadasji as "Shyamananda" because he had given immense joy to Srimati Shyama (Radharaniji). Having darshan of the bright golden complexioned manjari form of Sri Krishnadasji, Sri Vishakha Sakhi called him as "Kanak Manjari". Srimati Radharaniji, along with all her sakhis, showered compassionate glance on Sri Krishnadasji and then ordered him to go back to material world to complete his unfinished assignment.
Fearful that implication of this order would result in prolonged separation from Srimati Radharaniji, Sri Krishnadasji (Now Sri Shyamanandaji), who was then in the form of Kanak Manjari, started crying profusely. She kept requesting Srimati Radharaniji not to send her back to material world because she would then be deprived of services to her lotus feet. Pathetic condition of Kanak Manjari, spiritual identity of Sri Shyamananda Prabhu, deeply disturbed even Srimati Radharaniji. Compassion melted her heart. She thought of a plan to replace the deep mental agony of Sri Shyamanandaji by eternal bliss. She manifested from her lotus heart a beautiful deity in three fold bending form of her very life & soul and personification of her mahabhava Sri Shyamsundarji. She gave it to Kanak Manjari (spiritual identity of Sri Krishnadasji) through Sri Lalita Sakhi. Consoling Sri Krishnadasji Srimati Radharaniji told "As long as you are in the material world, serve this deity of my very life & soul. Separation from me will then not trouble you. Later, returning to my eternal abode, you will be given my regular services."
Srimati Radharaniji revealed to Sri Krishnadasji, from her lotus mouth, the fruits of Darshan, Seva etc. of the Deity, which was manifested from her lotus heart-
1. Whoever shall have darshan of this Deity even once with devotion shall obtain Prema Bhakti and never take birth again and shall go to the rarely attainable divine abode of Lord Sri Krishna. Misfortunes, poverty and heinous sins shall never enter his home.
2. Whoever shall regularly have darshan of this Deity shall go to the rarely attainable divine abode of Lord Sri Krishna, along with ten past and ten future generations. While in this world, accompanied by sons, grandsons and other relatives, he will enjoy life full of happiness, wealth and opulence, not attainable even to the demigods. He will move around like fearless Lion, devoid of miseries inflicted by his body, demigods and other material beings.
3. Whoever shall regularly cleanse the temple of Sri Shyamsundarji shall go to the heavenly planets and after enjoying all pleasures there shall attain the abode of Lord Sri Krishna as one of His attendants to obtain the bliss of His service. If one regularly smears the temple with cow dung after cleansing it, then the relatives of his mother, father and spouse will never go to hell.
4. Any pious person who shall place a flag on the top of the temple of Sri Shyamsundarji and shall decorate the temple with banners shall immediately become free from all sins committed since birth.
5. A fortunate great soul who shall regularly worship this Deity shall attain the power to deliver the whole world and all his desires will be fulfilled.
6. A fortunate person who shall give new garments to this Deity shall reside on the Moon planet for some time and will thereafter attain bliss in the abode of Lord Sri Krishna. He will become rich, fortunate, disease free, and dear to the ladies. He will obtain the fruits of having performed the Ashvamedha and the Rajasuya Yajnas and will finally live eternally in the abode of Lord Sri Hari.
7. A rich person who shall offer precious ornaments, studded with pearls and gems, to the Deity of Sri Shyamsundarji shall become the undisputed emperor of the whole earth, the destroyer of the enemies, free from all sins, dear to the ladies and supremely fortunate. After obtaining the fruits of having performed the Ashvamedha and the Rajasuya Yajnas, he will reside eternally in the abode of Lord Sri Krishna. If one shall have the fortune of having the darshan with full devotion of Sri Shyamsundarji adorned with golden ornaments even once, his seven generations will be delivered.
8. A pious person who shall offer to the Deity flowers, ornaments, an umbrella made of flowers, a pavilion made of flowers, a bed made of flowers, etc. will attain the best objects, enjoyment, amusement and pleasure, and at the end shall go to the eternal abode of Lord Sri Shyamsundarji.
9. A fortunate person who shall offer the best quality foodstuffs and beverages to the Deity shall have all his good wishes fulfilled. He will be long-lived, very fortunate, rich, powerful, handsome, free from worries & diseases and dear to ladies. He will obtain the fruits of having performed the Agnishtoma, Atiratra, Ashvamedha and Rajasuya Yajnas and, at the end, shall attain the supreme abode of Lord Sri Krishna.
10. Whoever shall circumambulate the temple of Sri Shyamsundarji four times with a heart full of devotion shall obtain the fruits of having circumambulated the whole universe, having visited all holy places, and having bathed in and circumambulated all of them. He will become free from all sins, attain the fruits of having performed ten Ashvamedha Yajnas, and at the end will be carried to Lord Sri Krishna's own abode by the Lord's swan vehicle. He will never be born again and all his good wishes will be fulfilled.
11. A fortunate person who shall have darshan of Sri Shyamsundarji by the light of the Arati, will have a fruitful worship, even if performed without proper mantras and rituals. Millions of sins committed, including even the killing of crores of Brahmins or illicit intercourse shall be destroyed. At the end, he shall attain the supreme abode of Lord Sri Krishna.
12. If a fortunate person shall construct and renovate the temple of Sri Shyamsundarji, his ten thousands of past and future generations shall go to the abode of Lord Sri Krishna. All the sins committed by him shall be burnt into ashes and he shall very soon attain the bliss of serving Lord Sri Krishna."
Sri Lalitaji finally instructed Sri Krishnadasji not to reveal this pastime to anybody except Srila Jiva Goswamipada. In case of any adversity, by merely uttering the divine "Sri Radha-mantra", given by her (Sri Lalitaji), he will be able to have direct darshan of Sri Lalita Sakhiji. After bestowing their immense mercy upon Sri Shyamanandaji, who was in the form of Kanaka Manjari, Srimati Radharaniji and all the other Sakhis left the nikunj.
Thereafter, as per Srimati Radharaniji's desire, Sri Shyamananda Prabhuji regained his earlier body of a devotee and left the grove. By the touch of Srimati Radharaniji's divine left foot anklet Manju Ghosh, the iron scraper, used for removal of weeds, had turned to gold. Fair complexion of Sri Krishnadasji was converted to the Golden one. Srila Jiva Goswamipada was taken aback with the site of a blessed Sri Krishnadasji who was overwhelmed by emotions, shedding tears of love and moving slowly towards him. On his forehead was the noopur tilak in the form of Sri Radharaniji's foot- incorporating a bright dot in the middle, on his chest was written "Shyamananda", under his arm was a golden scraper and on his head was the divine deity of Sri Shyamsundarji.
On repeated questioning, Sri Krishnadasji took a wonder stuck Srila Jiva Goswamipada to a lonely place and narrated the complete incredible pastime to him in the sequence it got unfolded. Hearing this, a usually very sober Srila Jiva Goswamipada, could not control himself and with transcendental bliss, started dancing like a mischievous child. Repeatedly embracing Sri Shyamanandaji, with parental affection, he told "Dear Shyamananda! Today, I am completely sold out to your profound love. Every part of my body shivers with joy by the mere thought of such an incredible mercy of Srimati Radharaniji on you. You will henceforth be known as "Shyamananda"- the name given to you by Sri Lalita Sakhiji, The new tilak will be known as 'Shyamanandi' tilak in consonance with your new name. This transcendental and divine Deity- the life & soul of Srimati Radharaniji- will be known by the name 'Sri Shyamsundarji' whose Darshan will deliver the Kali inflicted mortals of this world. Sri Shyamsundarji (Lalaji), the only Deity within the whole creation which was manifested from the lotus heart of Srimati Radharaniji, was received by Sri Shyamananda Prabhu on Vasanta Panchami (23rd January) 1578 AD. Initially he installed the deity inside his underground bhajan kutir, located in the premises of present day temple of Sri Radha Shyamsundarji at Sevakunj , Sri Vrindavan Dham. To commemorate this divine mercy of Srimati Radharaniji, Srila Jiva Goswamipada advised to construct a memorial (Ratnavedi) at the holy site, where the anklet was found. Till now the memorial is situated in Sri Radha Shyamsundar Samajbardi, attached to the Samadhi of Sri Shyamananda Prabhu.
Sweet fragrance of a blossoming flower spreads in every nook and corner of a grove. Nobody can confine or conceal it. Sri Dukhi Krishnadas getting renamed as Sri Shyamananda, his changed complexion, Shyamanandi tilak and above all, beautiful deity of Sri Shyamsundarji, were the matter that could not be concealed. In fact, the accompanying glories had reached every nook and corner of Vrajmandal.
However, it also led to a major misunderstanding. Some Gaurdamandal Vaishnavas, on pilgrimage to Vrajmandal, presented an altogether different picture before Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura and told him that Sri Krishnadas (Sri Shyamananda Prabhu) has abandoned his original spiritual master ( i.e. Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura). He had also traded original name (Krishnadas) with "Shyamananda" and original tilak with "Shyamanandi" Tilak.
Compassionate Guru got worried that actions contrary to Vaishnava Tradition and Scriptures (like change in Name & Tilak along with, as he was wrongly informed, arbitrarily discarding original spiritual master) shall lead his dear disciple to hell! Feeling melancholic, he immediately rushed for Vrindavan along with sixty-four mahantas, twelve gopalas and many senior Vaishnavas from Gaurdamandal. Simultaneously, he called a large meeting at Kalpakunja Raasasthali at Vrindavan to decide the matter conforming to Vaishnava tradition.
In the meeting, the first question shot on Sri Krishnadas was "Why did you change the name and the Tilak, given to you by the spiritual master." Sri Krishnadas replied with folded hands and utmost humility- "with the mercy of the Spiritual master." Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura angrily intervened- "I neither made nor consented to these changes. Ok, as a test, I will wash off from Sri Krishnadas' body the new Tilak as well as Shyamananda name. Reappearance after washing will mean my blessings for the change. Otherwise Sri Krishnadas shall be punished and expelled from the Vaishnava society.
"Thereafter, before that august audience of Twelve Gopalas, sixty-four mahantas and all the Vaishnavas present, Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura rubbed with all his might and washed off Tilak and Shyamananda name written on Sri Krishnadas' chest. Seeing this, Sri Krishnadas requested for a short time out. He meditated on Sri Radha Mantra given to him by Sri Lalita Sakhi. The mantra took him to the lotus feet of Srimati Radharaniji through Sri Lalita Sakhi in his spiritual form of Kanaka Manjari. He told everybody there about the meeting, which was then in progress at Vrindavan. Srimati Radharaniji ordered her first cousin Subal, a very close friend of Sri Krishna in spiritual world (who had appeared in Gaur Lila as Gauridas Pandit Thakura a close friend of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and spiritual master of Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura), to ensure that the Shyamanandi tilak and Shyamananda name should keep reappearing after every wash. Sri Krishnadas then got back to the meeting arena where everybody was observing him with anxiety. Soon, both Shyamanandi Tilak and Shyamananda name - written on Sri Krishnadas' chest- miraculously reappeared with more intensity and brightness than before. Seeing this, the audience burst into loud applaud to appreciate the mercy of Srimati Radharaniji, so kindly showered on Sri Krishnadas. The unfolding of this inconceivable mercy of Srimati Radharaniji on Sri Krishnadasji made that entire Vaishnava audience burst into vocal Glorification of Sri Krishnadasji in unison. Loud voices like "All Glories to Sri Krishnadasji (Sri Shyamanandaji) " could be heard from all the sides of the venue.
Thereafter, Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura left for 84-kosh parikrama (circumambulation) of Vrajmandal along with sixty-four mahantas, twelve gopalas and many others. Sri Shyamananda Prabhu humbly followed them. After passing through twelve forests and groves, the pilgrims reached sanketkunj where Raasa Lila (depicting conjugal pastimes of Sri Radha and Sri Krishna) was being performed. Watching wonderful Raasa Lila dances, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu became ecstatic and lost his composure. Entering in Gopi bhava, he too started freely dancing like cowherd girls- with hands on hips, ghunghat on head and with wavering movements like an intoxicated person.
Sri Shyamananda Prabhu exhibiting symptoms in the mellow of conjugal love- instead of friendship as he had taught to his dear disciple- had upset Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura. Despite repeated prompting, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu refused to abandon Gopi Bhava. Infuriated, Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura hit Sri Shyamananda Prabhu hard by a cane for couple of times. That night, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appeared in Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura's dream. He observed many blood strains on the lily-white upper cloth of Sri Mahaprabhu. On enquiry, Sri Mahaprabhu replied that those marks were marks of his (Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura's) cane that he had used for beating Sri Shyamananda Prabhu. These words came as a shock and rude reminder of an extreme Vaishnava offence he had committed. As punishment, Sri Mahaprabhu ordered him to organise twelve days Danda Mahotsava.
Next day, Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura informed all Vaishnavas about the dream and the punishment ordered by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Sri Shyamananda Prabhu was extremely sad to hear about this punishment. He (Sri Shyamananda Prabhu) requested Vaishnavas to let him organise Danda Mahotsava on behalf of his spiritual master. Seeing such dedication and devotion towards spiritual master, the Vaishnavas acceded to his request in unison. Thus, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu successfully organised first Danda Mahotsava in Vrajmandal under guidance of Srila Jiva Goswamipada and Vrajvasi Vaishnavas. Thereafter, Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura returned to Gaurdamandal accompanied by sixty-four Mahantas, Twelve Gopalas and all the other distinguished Vaishnavas, who had come along with him. Sri Shyamananda Prabhu continued to absorb completely in the seva to Sri Shyamsundarji.
Around the same time, another amazing pastime took place. One night, Sri Shyamsundarji appeared in Sri Shyamananda Prabhu's dream and told him "My Sri Radharaniji has appeared in the treasury of the King of Bharatpur. Bring her here and unite with me." Simultaneously, Srimati Radharaniji appeared in the treasury of the King of Bharatpur and told the king "O King! Take me to Vrindavan and get me married to Sri Shyamsundarji who has appeared in the grove of Sri Shyamananda Prabhu." Complying with the order of Sri Radharaniji, the fortunate king headed for Vrindavan along with his queen, Priest and other near and dear ones. Srimati Radharaniji eventually got married to Sri Shyamsundarji on Vasant panchami of 1580 AD. After performing marriage, King of Bharatpur got the huge temple constructed for the divine couple that stands to this day with all its splendour. In dowry, he donated Chhatikara village to meet future sevas of the temple. Around the same time, King of Jaipur donated Shyamali village to the services of Sri Radha Shyamsundarji. With so many supernatural pastimes taking place in his life, Srila Jiva Goswamipada, with everybody's concurrence, bestowed title of "Prabhu" to Sri Shyamananda Prabhu.
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had empowered Srila Roopa Goswamipada, Srila Sanatan Goswamipada, Srila Gopal Bhatta Goswamipada, Srila Jiva Goswamipada and others to compose many books to spread Pure Devotional Services. For widespread exposure of these books to Gaurdamandal, all Goswamis of Vrajmandal unanimously entrusted the task to carry them to Gaurdamandal by Sri Srinivas Acharya, Sri Narottam Thakura and Sri Shyamananda Prabhu. On way, the king of Vanvishnupur, Veer Humbir, who was of mallya linage, mysteriously stole all these books. Sri Srinivas Acharya remained at Vanvishnupur to investigate and recover the books. Srila Narottam Thakura and Sri Shyamananda Prabhu continued onward their journey for spreading pure devotional service to Kheturi where both discussed deep philosophical siddhants of pure devotional services. Sri Shyamananda Prabhu then went to Ambika to seek blessings of Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura who also instructed him to propagate pure devotional service.
Abiding to his spiritual masters order, he first went to his birthplace Dharenda and then to Narasinghapur. Empowered directly by Srimati Radharaniji, thousands and thousands people of utkal (Present day's Orissa) opted for pure devotion and took initiation from Sri Shyamananda Prabhu.
It was practice of pure devotional service in the kingdom of Sri Radha Shyamsundarji for fifteen long years that led to direct mercy of Srimati Radharaniji. Attracted by this relationship, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu, accompanied by family deity of Sri Shyamraiji and many of his disciples headed back for Vrindavan after several years. On way, he propagated Sri Harinaam and Pure devotional service, not only to human beings but also to Tigers, Elephants, Bears, Deer, Peacocks etc. One-day two huge tigers were obstructing his passage. Sri Shyamananda Prabhu, however, preached Sri Harinaam to these very offensive animals. Transformed Tigers, in their own way, paid obeisance to Sri Shyamananda Prabhu and headed for deep forest. In Vrindavan, Srila Jiva Goswamipada, Vaishnavas and Vrajvasis in general were very happy to welcome back their Dear Sri Shyamananda Prabhu.
Once he was in deep meditation on the lotus feet of the divine couple in a nikunj. Suddenly, he heard Sri Radha-Shyamsundarji telling him "Listen, Dear Shyamananda! Everybody in Utkal these days is involved in all sorts of abominable activities. Give initiation to my Dear Sri Rasikmurari (Rasikananda). Both of you together then try to uplift everybody in Utkal." Sri Shyamananda Prabhu had just returned to his dear Vrindavan after a prolonged time and did not have slightest desire to leave early. Sri Shyamananda Prabhu did not pursue this instruction nor did he tell anybody about it. Sri Shyamsundarji now appeared in a dream to Srila Jiva Goswamipada and told, "See Jiva! I have told Sri Shyamananda thrice to go to Utkal. He is not taking it seriously. Please persuade him to go to Utkal."
Eventually, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu headed for Utkal along with his disciples, Kishor, Balak, Shyamdas, Thakurdas and others. However, they did not have proper travel documents. The Muslim Kotwal (Police chief) of Agra suspected them to be thieves and put them behind the bars. Ever merciful to his devotees, Sri Shyamsundarji, in the form of Sri Narasingha Devji chastised this Muslim police chief same night. Seeing no way out, he surrendered to Sri Shyamananda Prabhu. Thereafter, regularly serving Sri Krishna along with the Vaishnava, he was always ready to assist the Sadhus.
Finally, the group reached Gaurdamandal after passing through Prayag (Allahabad) and Varanasi. Taking darshan of Sri Krishnaraiji at Bagrdi-their first stop at Gaurdamandal-they headed for and reached Bhatbhoomi. The local king personally came forward to take initiation from him. One of his ancestor kings had disrespected an exalted Vaishnava. Due to Vaishnava's curse, dangerous tigers used to terrify the kingdom all the time. Blessings of Sri Shyamananda Prabhu freed Bhatbhoomi from the curse.
Distributing priceless Sri Harinaam all through the way, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu eventually reached Dharenda. One envious representative of Pathan king, named Sher Khan, broke mridanga of the group with the help of his servants. Extremely angry to see broken mridangas, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu loudly roared which started emitting fierce fire. This fire started burning Moustache, hairs and bodies of Muslim intruders. Stunned, vomiting blood and about to be swallowed up by fire, all associates ran away helter skelter. Next day, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu went for a large Nagar-Sankirtan accompanied by all his associates who were divided into numerous performing kirtan groups. Seeing him, Sher Khan surrendered on his feet and narrated previous night's experience."First, I saw Allah in a very fiery form. Turning to a fair complexioned & sober person he Introduced himself as Sri Chaitanya and angrily asked me to take initiation on Sri Krishna mantra from Sri Shyamananda Prabhu; otherwise, I will go to hell. Please help and consider me as the one fully surrendered to you." Compassionate Sri Shyamananda Prabhu initiated him on Sri Harinaam Mahamantra and named Shri Chaitanya Das.
Sri Shyamananda Prabhu went to Rohini from Dharenda. He then appeared in Royal court of Ghantashila, where he met Sri Rasikananda Prabhu-the Incarnation of Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu for the first time. Although never meet or seen before, he could still recognise Sri Rasikananda Prabhu. He gave Sri Krishna mantra initiation to Sri Rasikananda Prabhu, his wife Srimati Ichchhadevi and daughter Devaki following the order of Lord Sri Krishna in Vrindavan. Initiated name of Srimati Ichchhadevi was Shyam Dasi.
Once during a discourse on Srimad Bhagwat at Ghantashila, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu noticed that Sri Rasikananda Prabhu is inattentive. Sri Shyamananda Prabhu forcefully trampled on him twice. Ashamed of his mistake, Sri Rasikananda Prabhu offered repeated obeisance and begged forgiveness. He would later claim that his spiritual master's chastisement has destroyed all his good and bad karmas. Extremely pleased with this guru nistha (Faith on Spiritual master), Sri Shyamananda Prabhu affectionately embraced Sri Rasikananda Prabhu.
Sri Shyamananda Prabhu went to Narasinghapur from Ghantashila where Srila Narottam Thakura arrived to meet him all way from Nilachal. After his return, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu went to Chakulia, a town on pathway to Sridham Vrindavan along with Sri Rasikananda Prabhu. He stayed there in the house of Sri Damodar Pandit- a dedicated yogi and classmate of Sri Rasikananda Prabhu. One day, Sri Rasikananda Prabhu requested Yogi Damodar to take initiation from Sri Shyamananda Prabhu. The proud Yogi was willing to consider this request only if he observed some supernatural qualities in Sri Shyamananda Prabhu.
Every day, Yogi Damodar would go to the bank of a nearby river, named Kharba for Yoga practice. One day, after reaching the river, he was amazed to see the Divine Vrindavan right in front of him. Wearing yellow garments, with flute in lips, Sri Shyamsundarji was seated on a throne, made of jewels and Sri Shyamananda Prabhu, in his manjari form, was offering tambul to him. This convinced Yogi Damodar that Sri Shyamananda Prabhu is not an ordinary person but an eternal associate of Lord Sri Krishna. However, his high Brahmin linage was still preventing him to surrender to the lotus feet of Sri Shyamananda Prabhu.
One day, after returning from his Yoga practice, Damodar found Sri Shyamananda Prabhu in padmasan, concentrating on chanting and meditating on the divine beauty of Sri Radha Shyamsundarji. The Effulgence, emitting from his body, was illuminating the complete room. Suddenly, a sacred thread started blinking on his body. This completely stumped Damodar and gradually his Brahminical pride started diminishing. He realized that the position of the devotees of Sri Krishna is higher than Brahmins and Sri Shyamananda Prabhu is an eternal beloved of Lord Sri Krishna. Realising this, Damodar-holding lotus feet of Sri Shyamananda Prabhu on his heart- unconditionally surrendered to Sri Shyamananda Prabhu and sought forgiveness for all his offences. Giving up yoga, he-along with both wives and mother- took initiation from Sri Shyamananda Prabhu in the year 1609 and concentrated solely on Pure Devotional Service.
Sri Shyamananda Prabhu then went to Dhalbhoomgarh. Shri Navin Kishor Dhal, the king there, was a worshiper of Shakti and his worshipable deity was Mundulia Rankini Devi. The King arranged stay of Sri Shyamananda Prabhu, Sri Rasikananda Prabhu and his party in the temple of this deity. Searching for the prey, the extremely hungry and man-eating deity, left her alter at midnight to reach these newly arrived guests. Just by observing Sri Shyamananda Prabhu and Sri Rasikananda Prabhu, she realized their elevated position. Offering obeisance to the due, she repeatedly sought forgiveness for all the offences she had committed. Thereafter, sporting a fiery face, she angrily ordered the King Navin Kishor to surrender to the due. Otherwise, she threatened to kill the king and all his family members. Shivering with fear, the king along with his queens rushed to the temple right at midnight. Sri Shyamananda Prabhu refused to see the king who was envious to Vaishnavas. However, the Devi kept serving to the lotus feet of Sri Shyamananda Prabhu.
Sri Shyamananda Prabhu, Sri Rasikananda Prabhu, along with their disciples, left the temple early morning next day and stopped at a mango grove about 18 km away to attend to morning rituals. Rankini Devi again brought the king to the lotus feet of Sri Shyamananda Prabhu. Acceding to the heartfelt requests of Rankini Devi, a compassionate Sri Shyamananda Prabhu forgave and initiated all of them. On repeated request of the king, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu organised a huge festival there in which saintly persons as well as citizens of Dhalbhoomgarh participated.
Once, King Navin Kishor Dhal thought of testing powers of Sri Shyamananda Prabhu and Sri Rasikananda Prabhu. He used to send vegetables for cooking. Once, he sent stones (lookalike of potatoes) instead of real potatoes. On very first glance, Sri Rasikananda Prabhu could make out the intention of the king. However, he cooked perfectly relishable vegetables using same lookalikes as real potatoes. To commemorate this amazing pastime, the place was renamed as Ghantashila (Ghanta: Cooking, Shila: Stones), Which Later Got Distorted To Ghatshila. This place in the Indian state of Jharkhand, near steel city of Tatanagar, is testimony to supernatural power of Sri Rasikananda Prabhu.
After taking initiation from Sri Shyamananda Prabhu, Devi Rankini did not return to the kingdom of King Navin Kishor Dhal. She accompanied Sri Rasikananda Prabhu and shifted to a new temple at Belvan, a place situated on the western side of Sripat Gopiballavpur. Sri Rasikananda Prabhu installed her at this new temple. A completely transformed Rankini Devi even used to provide Dona (Leaf Cup) and Pattal (Leaf Plate) during all the programmes organised in Sripat Gopiballavpur. About a century ago, when Sri Sarveshvarananda Dev Goswami Prabhupada was the Mahanta, owing to an insult inflicted by one servant (Sevak) of Sri Radha Govindaji, Rankini Devi had stopped this service.
From Ghantashila, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu directed Sri Rasikananda Prabhu back to Chakulia and proceeded towards Nilachal. After staying there for a while, he returned to Vrindavan in the year 1610 AD where he met Sri Srinivas Acharya. Sri Rasikananda Prabhu too arrived to Vrajmandal and met Sri Shyamananda Prabhu in Sri Kesavdev temple in Mathura. On Sri Shyamananda Prabhu's instructions, he visited all the twelve forests and groves along with many other important places of Vrajmandal before returning to Orissa.
Sri Shyamananda Prabhu, in the company of Sri Srinivas Acharya and Srila Ramchandra Kaviraj, then headed for Vanvishnupur via Shantipur, Katoa, Ambika and Jajigram in the year 1613 AD. In the very first meeting, Virhumbir, the king there, with Malla linage, realized that Sri Shyamananda Prabhu is far more elevated than what he had heard about. After staying for a while, leaving company of King Virhumbir and Sri Srinivas Acharya, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu returned to Narasinghapur of Orissa.
In the same year i.e. 1613 AD, Srila Narottam Thakura had organized a huge ceremony for install six deities at Kheturi. Vaishnavas from Gaurdamandal, Vrajmandal, Nilachal and many other provinces also participated in this function. Sri Shyamananda Prabhu too went there along with Sri Rasikananda Prabhu and many disciples. After the function, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu returned to Dharenda via Budhni.
Sri Rasikananda Prabhu headed back to Rohini where he learned that his father Sri Achyuatananda Deva had gone back to Godhead. All his brothers were on each other's throat for the huge state and property, the father had left behind. Brothers and sisters-in-law also targeted and openly criticized Sri Rasikananda Prabhu for adapting to Vaishnava tradition. Observing many obstacles in Rohini to adhere to sixty-four angas of devotion further saddened him. Carrying family deity and considering that as his only shelter, he brushed aside father's huge wealth and left ancestral Rohini to settle at Kashipur. Later, on Sri Rasikananda Prabhu's request, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu named the family deity as Sri Gopiballav Raiji. In consonant with the new name of the deity, name of Kashipur too was changed to Sripat Gopiballavpur.
Once, while at Sripat Gopiballavpur, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu lovingly asked for a bhiksha (favour- literally meaning "alms") from Sri Rasikananda Prabhu. With folded hands, he replied ´O lord! I have already offered all my body, mind and life to your lotus feet. What else is now left with me? However, anything you order is like vedavakya to me." Sri Shyamananda Prabhu ordered "Without differentiating between Brahmin or Chandal (Dog eater), King or Pauper, Young or Old, Householder or Celibate (Bramhachari) or Retired (VanyaPraasthi) or Renounced (Sanyasi) just keep giving of Sri Harinaam Mahamantra to everybody in Orissa." As a symbol of accepting spiritual master's order, Sri Rasikananda Prabhu offered obeisance to Sri Shyamananda Prabhu. Sri Shyamananda Prabhu lovingly caressed Sri Rasikananda Prabhu's head, as if to empower him. Thereafter, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu went to Chakulia and gave similar order to Sri Damodar Mishra to spread Sri Harinaam to everybody in Orissa.
In 1616 AD, on Sri Shyamananda Prabhu's order, Sri Rasikananda Prabhu organized a grand, so-called, Pancham Dole festival at Bardkola village. Apart from many kings, Mogul Governor of Medinipur participated. Governor was very impressed with the grandeur of the function and requested Sri Shyamananda Prabhu to organize a similar function at Medinipur. Accepting the invitation, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu and Sri Rasikananda Prabhu went to Medinipur and organized a Twenty-four pahar (Three days) grand function at Alamganj. In this function, the Governor himself was loudly calling Haribol … Haribol.. Hearing this, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu named him Harbola or Haribola. After the function, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu accompanied by Sri Rasikananda Prabhu headed for a village named Nardajal where he established the deity of Sri Madanmohan.
Sri Shyamananda Prabhu then went to Tamluk along with his disciples. Seeing a big Durga Mandap (stage), they all stayed there. The King of Tamluk was then under control of an impersonalist tantrik. The tantrik indicated to the king that with their stay, the Vaishnavas had polluted the mandap. All the sand therefore needed replacement. The King ordered excavation to remove the existing sand and to replenish it with the new one. Excavation started in full swing to remove the sand from inside the mandap. Surprisingly, despite dumping lots and lots of sand outside, the level of sand inside mandap was not going down. Realizing power of Sri Shyamananda Prabhu, the king got scared and rushed to seek his forgiveness. Sri Shyamananda Prabhu, however, refused to even see the face of that king, who was envious to Vaishnavas.
Same night, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu told Sri Shyamananda Prabhu in a dream that his deity, which was earlier worshipped in Padumvasan, was then hidden beneath a chatai (mat) in a Brahmin's house at nearby Mirjapur owing to the cunning scheming of a Mayavadi Tantrik. Sri Shyamananda Prabhu was to get the deity back and to ensure that the proper worship got started. On Sri Shyamananda Prabhu's order Sri Rasikananda Prabhu went secretly to Mirjapur, had a darshan of the extremely beautiful deity of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and informed all the details to Sri Shyamananda Prabhu.
Sri Shyamananda Prabhu, accompanied by Sri Rasikananda Prabhu, other disciples and Sankirtan parties went to Mirjapur. The King of Tamluk, accompanied by his huge army, followed them. Satisfying the Brahmin, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu brought Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's deity back to Tamluk. The King got a new temple constructed to install the deity and donated huge Property for running the temple in future. Once Sri Radhaballav Das, disciple of Sri Rasikananda Prabhu gave initiation to the King on Sri Shyamananda Prabhu's instructions, the Tantrik just ran away from Tamluk.
After installing Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's deity in Tamluk, which was originally served by Sri Vasudev Ghosh Thakura; Sri Shyamananda Prabhu accompanied by Sri Rasikananda Prabhu and other associates went to Basantia. Installing the deity of Sri Gokulchandraji there in the year 1617 AD and employing one qualified person (Adhikari) to maintain the temple, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu and his disciples then headed for Dharenda.
Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura arrived to Dharenda along with many devotees when Sri Shyamananda Prabhu was staying there. He was very happy to see that The Harinaam was so nicely spreading all over Orissa, not just by Sri Shyamananda Prabhu but also by his disciples and grand disciples. Around same time, on the repeated request of Sri Rasamaya, Sri Vanshi, Sri Bhima and Sri Shrikar and others, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu got married to Srimati Shyampriya Devi, daughter of Sri Jagannath Das of Bardabalrampur.
Sri Rasikananda Prabhu, on the order of Sri Shyamananda Prabhu, gave initiation to the King of Mayurbhanj, Shri Vaidyanath Bhanj along with his brothers. The King offered many priceless gifts to him. At that time, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu was staying at Sri Govindapur. Sri Rasikananda Prabhu went there along with gifts of the king. Another resident of Mayurbhanj, Srimati Yamuna Thakurani accompanied him. On repeated request of Sri Rasikananda Prabhu, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu got married to Srimati Yamuna Thakurani in the year 1618 AD. Later, commencing the seva of Sri Vinodraiji and organizing a big Raasa Festival the place was renamed as Shri Raasa Govindapur.
Landlord (Jamindar) of Balia- a place near Narasinghapur- was one Uddanda Bhuniya. In local language, Uddanda means cruel. Like his name, Uddanda Bhuniya indeed was very cruel. The main road from Nilachal to Gaurdamandal of that time, used to pass through Balia. Uddanda used to rob and kill the Vaishnavas who passed through his territory. As a souvenir, he used to retain their Gudardi (or sort of bedding). In 1619 AD, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu, Sri Rasikananda Prabhu and their disciples went to Balia. Not knowing them, Uddanda and his associates attacked the due & their disciples. However, this time killers were up for a surprise. The arrows, Uddanda and associates were shooting on these Sadhus, were boom ranging to kill the shooters themselves! Realizing supernatural power of the due, Uddanda simply surrendered and took initiation from Sri Shyamananda Prabhu. Later he became an elevated Vaishnava. Uddanda had 718 such Gudardi that were later distributed to Vaishnavas by the order of Sri Shyamananda Prabhu.
From Balia, the due, along with their disciples went to Remuna in Orissa for Darshan of Sri Khirachora Gopinathji. In Treta Yuga, Lord Sri Ram and mother Sri Sita personally carved the original deity of Sri Gopinathji, during their stay at Chitrakoot. Later, the King of Cuttak brought these deities to Remuna where he constructed a temple for them. This is the place where Sri Gopinathji stole Khira (sweet made by milk) for his dear devotee Srila Madhvendra Puri- the Grand spiritual master of Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. In course of time, Sri Gopinathji became known as Sri Khirachora Gopinathji.
Sri Shyamananda Prabhu was shocked to find that the deity of Sri Gopinathji was missing from the temple. Dejected, he stopped honoring food and water. Compassionate Sri Gopinathji appeared in his dream and informed that the villagers had taken him away to market place and were worshipping him as Chandi Devi.
Early morning next day, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu went to the market place along with some villagers where they found Sri Gopinathji completely covered with sindoor to appear like and worshipped as Chandi Devi. Removal of sindoor revealed Sri Gopinathji in three fold bending form. Twenty-four Prahar (Three days) Sri Harinaam yajna ceremony was performed prior to installation of Sri Gopinathji back to his usual alter.
The Harinaam Mahamantra was -
"SHRI KRISHNA CHAITANYA PRABHU NITYANANDA
HARE KRISHNA HARE RAM SHRI RADHAGOVINDA"
(This Harinaam Mahamantra was started in Shantipur by Sri Advaita Acharya.)
The original deity worship was restored. One Muslim king Yavan Shahji also arrived there and took shelter at the lotus feet of Sri Shyamananda Prabhu.
The pilgrimage continued to Saptasara, Ramchandi, Vraj Sarovar and Gargeswar Mahadev. Sri Shyamananda Prabhu then took darshan of the birthplace of Srila Sridhar Swami-original commentator of Srimad Bhagwatam and finally reached Gaurdanda where he invoked 'Baladeva' thrice. Nobody understood its meaning then, but about sixty years later, Gaudiya commentator of Vedanta Sutra and the crest Jewel of the Shyamanandi Vaishnava, Srila Baladeva Vidyabhusana Prabhupada appeared in a nearby village Athantar on the first day of the bright fortnight in the month of Agrahayan in the year 1678 AD. The group continued journey to Nilgiri, Bardgram and Bhadrak and eventually took darshan of Sri Sakshi Gopalji.
Finally, it was penultimate day of Ratha Yatra! The group was proceeding fast to be on time to Puri. Sun had set and they had no choice but to stop at a place within the 5 kosh Parikrama (circumambulation) of Puri. Next day Completing morning rituals quickly, they literally ran towards Puri. Rathayatra commenced on time with all fanfare. Tal Dhwaj chariot of Sri Balaramji and Dev Dalan chariot of Srimati Subhadraji proceeded smoothly towards Gundicha. Nandi Ghosh, the chariot of Sri Jagannathji, however, stood like a huge solid rock. The king of Puri was saddened when this chariot refused to move, even when pulled together by thousands of devotees and group of strongest elephants from the stable of the king. Sri Jagannathji indicated to Mudirath that his dear devotees Sri Shyamananda Prabhu and Sri Rasikananda Prabhu were at Atharanala and the Ratha would move only after they join the procession. The King, along with his associates, immediately rushed to welcome the due and brought them to the venue of Rathayatra. Sri Shyamananda Prabhu circumambulated the Ratha and asked Sri Rasikananda Prabhu to push it. Sri Rasikananda Prabhu respectfully just touched his head to the chariot- gesture equivalent to paying obeisance. To everybody's astonishment, Nandi Ghosh chariot started moving towards Gundicha temple and reached there quickly?
The impressed King Gajapati Sri Narasingha Deva donated a beautiful place in flower Garden of Sri Jagannathji, named Kunjamath to Sri Shyamananda Prabhu and requested him to stay permanently at Puri. Kunjamath is the place where Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu stayed when arrived first time to Puri and continued his stay there until Gambhira was constructed. This is the place where Sri Mahaprabhu would have regular discussions with Srila Sarvabhouma Bhattacharya and had shown his six-armed form to him.
Sri Shyamananda Prabhu, Sri Rasikananda Prabhu along with other disciples then headed for Rajghat via Shri Raasagovindapur and Remuna. One Mayavadi sanyasi ridiculed them as Juthakhor (Half-eaten taking) Vaishnavas. Sri Shyamananda Prabhu did not retort. One day, while going for bath in nearby Suvarnrekha River along with disciples', the devotees saw a huge crocodile, with mouth wide open. Sri Shyamananda Prabhu preached to the crocodile "O, king of Crocodiles! You got this body owing to bad karmas of previous lives. Now completely stop killing. Sri Krishna will definitely shower his mercy on you." To everybody's surprise, the crocodile came close to Sri Shyamananda Prabhu who gave him Sri Harinaam mahamantra. In his own way, the crocodile paid obeisance to Sri Shyamananda Prabhu and dived back in deep water. The Mayavadi Sanyasi was watching this incident from a distance. Impressed, he regretted using insulting words. Finally, he too surrendered to Sri Shyamananda Prabhu who, showering his mercy, named him Shri Shankar Das after Sri Hrinaam Initiation.
Sri Shyamananda Prabhu then went to Bhograi via Berdapal. Four tantrik sanyasis were worshipping a Devi, named Vasuli, in the mode of extreme ignorance by human or animal sacrifices. These sanyasis ridiculed the Vaishnavas who were accompanying Sri Shyamananda Prabhu. On the Vaishnavas' complaint, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu asked them to perform loud sankirtan of Sri Harinaam, which would then take care of those cruel sanyasis. Same night, Vasuli Devi visited Sri Shyamananda Prabhu in her original form, to serve his lotus feet. Angry by her very sight, the Prabhu scolded, "Don't touch me, you killer of innocent jivas! What can be more sinful than to kill and consume their flesh and blood?" She repeatedly sought forgiveness and mercy. The compassionate Prabhu forgave her and got her Sri Harinaam initiation from his disciple Sri Anandananda. Later, the reformed Devi started severely punishing those four cruel sanyasi. With no option left, they too surrendered to Sri Shyamananda Prabhu. Showering mercy again, Sri Anandananda initiated them too.
Once, during his stay in Dharenda at the house of Rasamaya, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu ordered Sri Rasikananda Prabhu to organize one very huge Maha Raasa Festival at Sripat Gopiballavpur. So huge should it be, that its very sight should make everybody, in all the three worlds, wonder struck and profusely glorify the Vaishnavas! Complying with his spiritual master's order, Sri Rasikananda Prabhu did organize such function in 1621 AD. To make the function successful, lakhs of devotees from all four directions of the land of Bharatvarsh rushed to Sripat Gopiballavpur. There were devotees from Sridham Vrindavan, Sridham Navadeep, Sridham Puri, Sridham Ayodhya and Sridham Dwarka. Indeed, a very rare sight! Seeing successful organization of such a huge function, all the satisfied vaishnavas loudly glorified Sri Rasikananda Prabhu. Feet of lakhs of participating vaishnavas were washed by water and the collected charanamrita was preserved and is still available at Sri Radha Shyamsundar- the temple served by Sri Shyamananda Prabhu in Sridham Vrindavan and at Sripat Gopiballavpur.
Sri Shyamananda Prabhu, while still at Sripat Gopiballavpur, came to know that one Ahammadi Baig, who was the subedar of Orissa under the Mogul Emperor Shah Jahan was torturing people in a village named Radhanagar. In fact, the Kings, Rich property owners and Jamindars of Orissa donated many properties to Sri Shyamananda Prabhu and Sri Rasikananda Prabhu for the service of the Lord Sri Krishna and Vaishnavas. The cruel Ahammadi Baig was forcibly occupying these properties. Sri Shyamananda Prabhu ordered Sri Rasikananda Prabhu to sort out this issue and get the properties back. In pursuance of the spiritual master's order, Sri Rasikananda Prabhu, along with devotees like Sri Vansidas, went to the palace of the King of Mayurbhanj, Maharaja Sri Vaidyanath Bhanj at Vaanpur in the year 1623.
Ahammadi Baig was very envious of legendary pastimes, immense popularity, impressive personality and perfect Vaishnava behavior of Sri Rasikananda Prabhu. An extremely shrewd person, he realized the real purpose of the visit of the saint and thought of a dirty plan to cut Sri Rasikananda Prabhu to size. At that time, one mad, wild and huge elephant was on a destruction spree at Vaanpur. Everybody there, including Ahammadi Baig, was deeply afraid of this destruction personified. In front of the Maharaja Vaidyanath Bhanj and other kings present in the court, he made a seemingly fair offer "If this sadhu controls and gets rid of the mad elephant from Vaanpur, I too will then consider him as an expansion of Sri Narayan and will return all the confiscated properties".
Once, Sri Rasikananda Prabhu was proceeding towards the Palace of Ahammadi Baig. Suddenly, that huge and violent elephant appeared. Afraid of the elephant, everybody accompanying Sri Rasikananda Prabhu ran helter skelter and left him alone to mend for his life. However, Sri Rasikananda Prabhu continued chanting peacefully as before, unmindful of presence of the dreaded elephant. Seeing him alone, the elephant, with a loud roar, wildly charged towards Sri Rasikananda Prabhu at full speed, and kept his trunk up. The elephant surprised everybody to stop just short of Sri Rasikananda Prabhu who then preached to the Elephant for a while which resulted in tears flowing incessantly from his eyes. He then offered, sort of, humble obeisance to Sri Rasikananda Prabhu. Sri Rasikananda Prabhu gave initiation of Sri Harinaam Mahamantra in elephant's right ear and named him "Gopal Das". Later, sporting Tulsi Kanthimala in neck, the elephant- transformed as humility personified- started offering all sorts of sevas to Sadhu- Vaishnavas.
Subedar Ahammadi Baig saw this all from the terrace of his Palace. Watching personally Sri Rasikananda Prabhu's prowess, Ahammadi Baig became very fearful of his evil deeds and just surrendered to the lotus feet of Sri Rasikananda Prabhu. Ahammadi Baig not only returned the confiscated properties but donated many new villages too. On Sri Rasikananda Prabhu's direction, he donated Ten mardh gold for navkalewar of Sri Jagannathji at Sridham Puri.
This elephant, Gopal Das, was donning a human body in previous life. He was a Kayastha bearing name Harihar from Vaanpur in Odisha. While returning to Nilachal from Ramkeli, Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu stayed at the house of Harihar. Harihar used to offer about 5 kg uncooked rice daily to Sri Saligram through a pious Brahmin. Angry at this offence, Sri Mahaprabhu cursed him to take next birth as an elephant along with his entire family. Same Harihar was later causing havoc in Vaanpur in the elephant body until purified again by Sri Mahaprabhu, who had then reappeared as Sri Rasikananda Prabhu.
Sri Rasikananda Prabhu had earlier gone to Nilachal from Vaanpur. While returning, Sri Jagannathji appeared in his dream and ordered to install his deity in Sripat Gopiballavpur bearing the name Sri Govindaji. Simultaneously, Sri Jagannathji ordered two brothers, named Sri Raghunath Kamilya and Ananda Kamilya, who were excellent sculptors, to carve the deity. Both brothers met Sri Rasikananda Prabhu, who took them to Thooriya- the place where Sri Shyamananda Prabhu was staying at that time. Sri Shyamananda Prabhu first got beautiful deity of Sri Vrindavan Chandra carved. Thereafter, on Sri Shyamananda Prabhu's order, Sri Rasikananda Prabhu took the due to Sripat Gopiballavpur and got beautiful deity of Sri Govindaji carved from them in the year 1625 AD. Later, Sri Govindaji got married to self-manifested deity of Srimati Radharaniji, which had appeared at the palace of the King of Mayurbhanj. Sri Rasikananda Prabhu then was immersed in loving worship of both Kishorji and Kishoriji (Sri Radha-Govindaji).
From Thooriya, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu went to Ghantashila along with Sri Rasikananda Prabhu. The King there donated a village named Satuti for the service of sadhus & vaishnavas. Changing name of the village to Shyamsundarpur, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu stayed there for couple of days. He then went to another village called Ayodhya. Constructing a house, he stayed there for a while. His all three Thakurani's (wives), Smt. Gauranga Devi, Smt. Shyampriya Devi and Smt. Yamuna Devi, joined him when he shifted next to stay at Sangovindapur.
Sri Shyamananda Prabhu along with Sri Rasikananda Prabhu kept moving to every nook and corner of the land of Utkal (Odisha) to spread the Harinaam and the pure loving devotional service as propagated by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. To make the glories of Sri Rasikananda Prabhu known, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu bestowed title of "Thakura Gosain" meaning "Deva Goswami". On Sri Shyamananda Prabhu's order, everybody thereafter started addressing Sri Rasikananda Prabhu as "Deva Goswami".
Thereafter, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu organized Dolyatra at Thooriya along with Sri Rasikananda Prabhu and Sri Damodar. Just after completion of the yatra, he suddenly received order of Sri Krishna to return to Vrajmandal. He handed over complete responsibility of Shyamanandi Sect to Sri Rasikananda Prabhu and got ready to move to Vrajmandal. Looking into his health, everybody-including Sri Rasikananda Prabhu-requested him to reconsider his decision. Sri Shyamananda Prabhu eventually acceded to request of all devotees and deferred visit to Vrajmandal. He then seriously got inflicted with Vayu Roga. A famous vaidya of Balrampur, Sri Harichandan suggested Himsagar oil. Sri Rasikananda Prabhu brought it for Sri Shyamananda Prabhu. Regular massage of the oil on head gradually cured Sri Shyamananda Prabhu.
Sri Shyamananda Prabhu, along with Sri Rasikananda Prabhu and others returned to Sripat Gopiballavpur via Dharenda. At that time, Sri Suryananda, Mahanta of Sri Sampradaya's gaddi at Galta, Rajasthan also arrived at Sripat Gopiballavpur along with fourteen thousand Naga sadhus. He was very impressed by Sri Rasikananda Prabhu, for the high standards of the sevas to thousands of sadhus, along with other regular sevas of Sri Radha Govindaji. A deep desire developed in him to take birth as a son of Sri Rasikananda Prabhu. However, according to Sri Rasikananda Prabhu's wish and Sri Shyamananda Prabhu's instructions, he took birth later as son of Sri Radhananda Prabhupada- eldest son of Sri Rasikananda Prabhu-bearing name Sri Nayanananda Prabhupada. Surprisingly, on Sri Shyamananda Prabhu's boon, even the mark of sword wound happened in Haridwar Kumbhamela on the back of Sri Suryananda, reappeared at the same spot on the back of Sri Nayanananda Prabhupada.
After the departure of Sri Suryananda, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu too left Sripat Gopiballavpur and arrived at Kesiyardi via Rohini. Huge festivals and Sri Harinaam Sankirtan were regularly organized to welcome him at Kesiyardi. Thousands of people from nearby forest area and villages used to come daily to take his darshan. One night, the local Devi Sarvamangla appeared before Sri Shyamananda Prabhu and started glorifying him. Sri Shyamananda Prabhu did not allow her even to touch his feet. He chastised her for being instrumental to the killing of countless innocent people. With tears in her eyes, she prayed for forgiveness. The merciful Sri Shyamananda Prabhu gave Sri Harinaam initiation to Devi Sarvamangla who took a vow not to harm anybody in future. Later, she became a param vaishnavi.
All this made the local Mogul ruler envious and he imprisoned Sri Shyamananda Prabhu. He told that by doing this, he would control the cruelest people of local tribes of Sanvtal and Lodha who were all dedicated followers of Sri Shyamananda Prabhu. Sri Shyamananda Prabhu was indifferent to the treatment given to him but not the Lord! How could the Lord tolerate such an insult to his dear devotee? Within three days, the wife and son of the Mogul ruler died. Property, along with elephants & horses, were destroyed. Simultaneously, he suffered unbearable bodily pains. Realizing the folly, he surrendered to Sri Shyamananda Prabhu who showered his mercy and converted the Mogul Ruler into a param Vaishnava.
Sri Shyamananda Prabhu then proceeded to Panchati. The Jamindar of Panchati, one Sri Harinarayan, took initiation from Sri Shyamananda Prabhu along with all his family members. So did Jamindar of Patashpur-one Sri Narasingha Gajapati- where Sri Shyamananda Prabhu went after Panchati. Continuing his mission, he passed through Narayangarh and later reached Sripat of Sri Abhiram Gopalji at Khanakul. Sri Shyamananda Prabhu narrated that Sri Abhiram Gopalji was left alone in a cave of Giri Govardhan in Dwapara Yuga. Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu later rescued him. Sri Abhiram Gopal established worship of Sri Gopinathji at Khanakul. Completely overwhelmed by emotions, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu, described all these pastimes along with many others, in the sequence of their occurrence.
Once, one high-ranking Diwan from Khanakul, who was Kayastha by caste, respectfully took Sri Shyamananda Prabhu along with disciples to his house for a huge sacrificial ceremony. The head priest of the ceremony ordered an associate to bring some fire from outside to light the sacrificial fire. Shri Bhuvan Mangal, one of the disciples of Sri Rasikananda Prabhu, advised the priests to light the sacrificial fire only by bramhagni. Thereafter, with a gentle blow from his mouth, he lit the sacrificial fire. Witnessing such supernatural power, everybody present was awestruck.
Thereafter, in the company of Sri Rasikananda Prabhu, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu visited Chandannagar via Chunchurda. On the bank of Ganges at Chandannagar, in the year 1628, he installed deity and established worship of Sri Radha Govindaji. Later, a twenty-four prahar (Three Days) Sri Harinaam Sankirtan Maha yajna, along with a huge festival was organized there.
Continuing their onward journey, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu first passed through Mirgoda and finally reached Vasantia, where he had earlier installed the deity of Sri Gokulachandraji. That night Sri Gokulachandraji appeared in dream and told Sri Shyamananda Prabhu that every morning, he kept going for herding the cows along with other cowherd boys and returned to temple only in the evening. However, he was not getting enough food, resulting in hunger and inadequate sleep. Right at that moment, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu called the concerned Person (adhikari) and ensured proper food offerings in future during all the eight parts of the day.
Sri Shyamananda Prabhu continued his onward journey and reached Sri Shyamsundarpur via Hijli and Mayurbhanj. Around that time, in the year 1629, Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura concluded his pastimes of this mortal world at Ambika. This sad news came as a thunderbolt and a brokenhearted Sri Shyamananda Prabhu started crying inconsolably with stream of tears flowing incessantly from his eyes. He organized his spiritual master's disappearance function and later moved to Sri Govindapur where he received also sad news - the disappearance of his dear disciple Sri Damodar. Completely shattered, he told Sri Rasikananda Prabhu that Sri Damodar had revealed the ideal way to depart from this mortal world. He organized first disappearance function of Sri Damodar at Sri Govindapur, which later became the venue for the second disappearance function of Srila Hridaya Chaitanya Adhikari Thakura too. In front of all the participants of that function, he told Sri Rasikananda Prabhu "Dear Rasik! On the desire and order of Lord Sri Krishna, everybody in Utkal is getting intoxicated with the love of Sri Krishna. You remain in their midst for some more time. I have received order from Lord Sri Krishna to leave this material world and will not remain here for long."
Thereafter, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu went to Sri Narasinghapur along with Sri Rasikananda Prabhu and other disciples and devotees. Suddenly, he felt seriously sick. Four months passed without any improvement in his condition. Many renowned vaidyas (ayurvedic doctor) arrived to treat him. Completely engrossed in the seva of his spiritual master, Sri Rasikananda Prabhu disregarded even his own bodily needs.
One day Sri Shyamananda Prabhu called and told all devotees "Sri Krishnaji's order has arrived. I am certainly going to leave this mortal world soon. Instead of putting efforts on futile treatment, just continue Sri Harinaam Sankirtan. Let the Sadhus glorify Sri Krishna's pastimes. Indeed, this is the only medicine now left for me." He signaled Sri Rasikananda Prabhu to come closer and then put his lotus feet on Sri Rasikananda Prabhu's head to transfer all his powers. Thereafter, he tied the Pagri (Headgear) & carved the Tilak on Sri Rasikananda Prabhu's head by his own hand and proclaimed Sri Rasikananda Prabhu as the sole Mahanta of the Sri Shyamanandi gaddi (tradition). He then ordered that everybody in Sri Shyamanandi tradition should follow orders and directions of Sri Rasikananda Prabhu. The Goswami Prabhupada-descendants of Sri Rasikananda Prabhu are continuing this tradition to this day. Strictly adhering to this proclamation of Sri Shyamananda Prabhu, they are still directing the Vaishnavas in general and adherents of Sri Shyamanandi Tradition in particular.
From the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Jyestha in the year 1630 AD, the devotees organized the twelve days Danda Mahotsava at Sri Govindapur. Simultaneously, Sri Rasikananda Prabhu was looking after a sick Shyamananda Prabhu at Narasinghapur. Ten days later, on Poornima, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu's pain suddenly increased manifold resulting in immense anxiety to the devotees. All four directions of Narasinghapur were reverberated with the loud sound of Sri Harinaam Sankirtan. At the end of Poornima, when pratipada (first day of dark fortnight) had just commenced, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu, closed his manifested pastimes. Sri Rasikananda Prabhu started crying incessantly. Like a wild fire, the message reached all over the land of Utkal. All roads, all people--King or pauper, male or female, near or far- were rushing to Narasinghapur to have the last darshan of their dear Sri Shyamananda Prabhu! There were only and only loud cries from all the Ten directions when the body was offered to fire. With everybody's consent, the remains were consigned to two Samadhi- One at Narasinghapur (Later renamed as Kanpur) and the other at Vrindavan. Samadhi at Vrindavan is situated near the place where the nupar (anklet) of Smt. Radharaniji was found and Sri Shyamsundarji had appeared. This place is located a little ahead of Sri Radha Shyamsundar temple and quite close to Sri Radha Damodar temple.
Adieu! O Kanak Manjari Shyamananda Prabhu! Though you are now eternally engrossed in seva of Sri Radha Shyamsundarji in nikunjas of Goloka Vrindavan, please, keep showering your mercy on everybody of this era of quarrel and hypocrisy called Kaliyuga. Let your merciful glance guide them at every step towards a long and testing journey!