SPIRITUAL LINEAGE (SAKHA) OF SRINIVASA


SPIRITUAL LINEAGE (SAKHA) OF SRINIVASA

 

Chaya Cakravarti:

 

1. Sridasa Cakravarti

2. Sri Gokulananda Cakravarti

3. Sri Syamadasa Cakravarti

4. Sri Vyasa Cakravarti

5. Sri Govinda Cakravarti

6. Sri Narayana Cakravarti

(some variations are found in Karnananda)

 

Asta Kaviraja:

 

1. Ramacandra Kaviraja

2. Govinda Kaviraja

3. Karnapura Kaviraja

4. Nrsimha Kaviraja

5. Bhagavan Kaviraja

6. Vallabhikanta Kaviraja

7. Gopiramana Kaviraja

8. Gokula Kaviraja

 

Chaya Thakura:

 

1. Ramakrsna Cattaraja

2. Kumudananda Kularaja

3. Radhavallabha Mandala

4. Jayarama Cakravarti

5. Srirupa Ghatak

6. Sri Thakura dasa Thakura

 

One King: Vira Hamvira (his son was Dhadi Hamvira)

 

Srinivasa preached in the following places:

 

1. Mallabhuma--Visnupura

2. Manbhum

3. Simhabhum--Caibasa

4. Bhattabhum (Ramgad)

5. Samantabhum

6. Varahabhum

7. Tungabhum

8. Brahmanabhum

9. Sikarabhum

10. Dhalabhum

11. Dhanabhum

12. Nagabhum

13. Birbhum

14. Sabarabhum (The area stretching from the River Suvarnarekha in south-western Midnapore to the river Kamsavati in the north. (Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, XII, 1916, 1:52)

 

The biography of Srinivasa can be found in Jimutavahana Raya's "Srinivasa Acarya O Sodasa Satavdira Gaudiya Vaisnava Samaja" (Srinivasa Acarya and the Gaudiya Vaisnava community of the 16th century), Santiniketana, Visva bharati Gavesana Prakasana Samiti, 1984, 363 p.

 

Chapter 1: Sources for biography of Srinivasa

Chapter 2: Opinions of various scholars relating to the biography of

Srinivasa.

Chapter 3: Biography of Srinivasa

Chapter 4: Role of Srinivasa in organizing the Vaisnava community in Bengal.

Chapter 5: Influence exerted by Srinivasa on Gaudiya Vaisnava Dharma

Chapter 6: An account of the lineage of Srinivasa

Chapter 7: Contribution of Srinivasa in Padavali literature

Chapter 8: Bibliography

 

(The following information is from GPC)

 

Srinivasa Acarya's mother was Sri Laksmipriya and his father was Sri Gangadhara Bhattacarya (later known as Sri Caitanya dasa). They lived in the village of Cakhandi near the Bhagirathi river. When Sri Gaurasundara completed His activities in Nadia and went to the asrama of Sri Kesava Bharati in Kantak to take sannyasa, the news spread rapidly and thousands of people from far and wide assembled to witness the ceremony of Mahaprabhu's sannyasa initiation. Gangadhara Bhattacarya also went to witness the event. The devotees were overwhelmed with grief at the thought of Mahaprabhu shaving off His beautiful curly hair. Madhu, the barber, was completely depressed and stood motionless, unable to cut the Lord's hair. Only after the Lord repeatedly insisted, did Madhu finally cut off Mahaprabhu's beautiful locks. However, immediately thereafter Madhu fainted on the ground crying pathetically, "Oh what have I done, what have I done?" The entire atmosphere was filled with lamentation and no one was able to console each other. Even the birds in the trees began to cry, and Gangadhara Bhattacarya fainted in grief.

 

After a long time Gangadhara Bhattacarya regained consciousness and began reciting the name "Sri Krsna Caitanya, Sri Krsna Caitanya." He then returned to Cakhandi village and like a madman incessantly chanted the name of Sri Caitanya. His devoted wife also cried her heart out when she heard the news of Mahaprabhu's acceptance of sannyasa. Thus people began calling Gangadhara, Caitanya dasa.

 

Later, Caitanya dasa and his wife went to Puri to visit Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. From a distance Caitanya dasa spotted the Lord and immediately he and his wife fell prostrate, offering obeisances with tearful eyes. The Lord called them near to Him and lovingly addressed them in a sweet voice, "By the grace of Lord Jagannatha you have reached here safely, now you must proceed at once to take darsana of the Lord and He will fulfill your desire" (Bhakti R.).

 

Accompanied by Govinda, Mahaprabhu's servant, Caitanya dasa and his wife went to see Sri Jagannatha. They tearfully offered prayers to the Lord, then went to the residence arranged for them by Mahaprabhu.

 

The days passed and Caitanya dasa and his wife relished every moment of their stay in Nilacala. One day Sri Gaurasundara informed Govinda that both Caitanya dasa and his wife had prayed to Lord Jagannatha to give them a son, thus they would soon be the proud parents of a beautiful son named Srinivasa. The Lord further explained, "Through Rupa and Sanatana, I manifested wonderful devotional literatures, and through Srinivasa, I will distribute those sastras far and wide. Now you may tell Caitanya dasa to return to Gauda immediately."

 

As desired by the Lord, Caitanya dasa happily returned to Bengal. Sri Laksmipriya's father Balarama Bipra, who was a great astrologer and scholar, predicted that soon a great personality would be born to Laksmi devi. Sure enough, on the auspicious full moon day in the month of Vaisaka (April-May), when the star Rohini was visible in the sky, a son was born to Laksmipriya. All the markings of a great personality were visible on the child's body. Immediately Sri Caitanya dasa offered the boy to the lotus feet of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and happily distributed gifts and charity to numerous brahmanas. Everyone was overwhelmed with joy.

 

As the child grew Laksmipriya chanted the holy name of Sri Gauranga constantly and taught her son to do the same. Time passed quickly and soon he accepted the sacred thread and began his studies under the guidance of Dhananjaya Vidyavacaspati. Within a very short period he became well versed in every subject.

 

In his boyhood, Srinivasa received the mercy of Sri Govinda Ghosh and Sri Narahari Sarkara Thakura, as well as others. However, at a young age he lost his father and was greatly aggrieved. Sri Laksmidevi was overwhelmed with sorrow and could be pacified only be seeing the face of her beloved son. Shortly thereafter Srinivasa took his mother to his grandfather's house in Yajigrama. The residents there were delighted to meet Srinivasa, and the learned brahmanas were charmed by the boy's divine characteristics, his vast knowledge and love for the Lord. Srinivasa had no interest whatsoever in materialistic activities and was above all temptations. He was always immersed in thought of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and eagerly awaited the time when he would be able to visit Nilacala.

 

Srinivasa eventually went to meet Sri Narahari Sarkara in Srikhanda. With tears streaming from his eyes, Srinivasa fell at the feet of Sri Sarkara, who lovingly picked him up and embraced him. Srinivasa then prayed that he would be allowed to visit the places of Sri Gauranga's transcendental pastimes in Nilacala. Sri Narahari Thakura and Sri Raghunandana Thakura both welcomed this proposal and advised Srinivasa go to Puri along with the other devotees of Bengal who would be visiting there shortly.

 

Srinivasa then returned to Yajigrama and requested his mother's permission to visit Nilacala. Although she was reluctant to let him go, she eventually gave her consent. Thus a few days later he met the other devotees of Bengal and started for Puri. Arriving in Nilacala he stayed the night in the house of a priest near the Simhadvara. In the morning he went to the house of Sri Gadadhara Pandita. Crying incessantly, Srinivasa fell prostrate at his lotus feet. Sri Gadadhara picked him up and embraced him, but Srinivasa could not stop crying. After spending some time with Sri Gadadhara, Srinivasa proceeded to meet Sri Ramananda Raya, Sri Sarvabhauma Pandita, Vakresvara Pandita, Paramananda Puri, Sikhi Mahiti, Govinda Sankara, Gopinatha Acarya and other associates of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Upon meeting Srinivasa all the Vaisnavas were filled with happiness, understanding that Srinivasa was empowered by Sri Gauranga and would eventually take an active role in distributing books and spreading the message of the Lord. Thus the devotees were very kind to Srinivasa and offered him invaluable advice. Srinivasa stayed in Puri for some time, visiting all the places of the Sri Gaurasundara's pastimes. Thereafter he sought permission from the devotees to return to Bengal. Thus the devotees embraced him and bade farewell.

 

While returning to Bengal, Srinivasa received the news of Sri Gadadhara Pandita's disappearance from this world, and he fell unconscious on the ground. That night Gadadhara Pandita appeared before Srinivasa in his dream and pacified him. Srinivasa then regained enough strength to continue his journey. However, shortly thereafter, he again received word that Sri Advaita Acarya and Sri Nityananda Prabhu had also departed from the world. Srinivasa was overwhelmed with grief and cried incessantly, but Sri Nityananda and Sri Advaita also consoled him in a dream. At last Srinivasa reached Bengal. He first visited Sri Narahari Sarkara and Sri Raghunandana Thakura at Srikhanda, who wholeheartedly gave him their blessings.

 

He then traveled on to Navadvipa Mayapura, where he visited the birthplace of Sri Gaurasundara and rolled on the ground in ecstatic pleasure. At that time Sri Vamsivadana Thakura was living in the house of Mahaprabhu and upon seeing him, Srinivasa fell humbly at his feet, weeping loudly and calling out the holy name of Mahaprabhu. Sri Vamsivadana Thakura was also overcome with joy upon meeting him. Srinivasa then begged to meet Sri Visnupriya Thakurani. At that time no one was allowed to meet her, but when Sri Vamsivadana Thakura mentioned Srinivasa's name to her, she thought for a moment and then agreed to see him. When Srinivasa was brought before her, he fell prostrate on the ground with tearful eyes. Sri Visnupriya blessed him and requested that he take prasada there that day.

 

In Navadvipa, Srinivasa met Sri Murari Gupta, Srivasa Pandita, Damodara Pandita, Sanjaya, Sri Vijoy, Suklambara brahmacari, Dasa Gadadhara and others. He then went to the house of Sri Advaita Acarya, in hopes of meeting Sri Sita Thakurani. She immediately called him to her room and blessed him heartily. He also met the other devotees of Santipura. From there he went to Khardaha, where Sri Paramesvari dasa Thakura was staying in the house of Sri Nityananda Prabhu. He happily introduced Srinivasa to Sri Vasudha, Sri Jahnava and Sri Viracandra. When Srinivasa lay at their feet crying, Sri Jahnava placed the dust of her feet on his head, and the others greeted him affectionately. After spending a few days in Khardaha, Jahnava mata advised him to proceed towards Vrndavana. Srinivasa then traveled on to the house of Sri Abhirama Thakura in Khanakula. When he worshiped Sri Abhirama, he touched Srinivasa's body three times with his "Jaya mangala" whip, although Malini devi, Abhirama's wife, tried to prevent him from doing so. When the whip touched Srinivasa's body, he felt his body become surcharged with divine love. Srinivasa then started for Srikhanda, where Sri Narahari Sarkara and Sri Raghunandana Thakura happily greeted him . Thereafter he went to Yajigrama where he visited his mother and offered worship to her. He then sought her permission to visit Vrndavana and she gladly gave her sanction.

 

On his way to Vrndavana, he saw the lotus feet of Lord Visnu at Gayadhama at the place where Mahaprabhu received initiation from Isvara Puri. From Gayadhama, he went to the house of Sri Candrasekhar in Kasi and met the other devotees. There he joyfully listened to Sri Candrasekhar and Sri Tapana Misra recount the wonderful pastimes of the Lord in Kasi. After spending a few days in Kasi, Srinivasa traveled on to Mathura where he bathed at Visrama ghata (the place where Sri Krsna took rest after killing Kamsa). In Mathura he visited the birth place of Sri Krsna and then started for Vrndavana. On his way to Vrndavana some brahmanas from the area told Srinivasa the heart-breaking news that Sri Rupa, Sanatana and Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami had departed from the world. The brahmanas tried to console the grief-stricken Srinivasa and in the afternoon of the full moon day in the month of Vaisaka they took him to meet Sri Jiva Gosvami.

 

Srinivasa happily worshiped the lotus feet of Sri Jiva Gosvami, who embraced Srinivasa with great pleasure. They eagerly sat down and discussed numerous topics together and Sri Jiva enquired about the devotees from Bengal. After some time Sri Krsna Pandita, the priest of Sri Govinda Deva, brought prasada and Sri Jiva and Srinivasa relished prasada together.

 

The following morning, Sri Jiva Gosvami and Srinivasa went to visit Sri Radharamana, where Srinivasa was introduced to Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami. Srinivasa worshiped the lotus feet of Gopala Bhatta and humbly prayed for his spiritual guidance. Gopala Bhatta happily agreed and the following morning, Srinivasa received spiritual initiation from him. The next day Sri Jiva sent Srinivasa to meet Raghunatha dasa Gosvami at Sri Radhakunda. With great pleasure Srinivasa worshiped the sacred feet of Sri Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, Sri Krsna dasa Kaviraja and Sri Raghava Pandita. Srinivasa remained in their association for three days relishing the nectar of their invaluable instructions. Thereafter, with their kind permission, he returned to Sri Jiva in Vrndavana.

 

Sri Jiva Gosvami then began instructing Srinivasa on Srimad Bhagavatam and the Gosvami's books. To Sri Jiva's delight, Srinivasa was able to imbibe all these teachings within a very short time. Thus Sri Jiva did not hesitate to confer upon him the title of Acarya. From that day he became famous as Srinivasa Acarya amongst the Vaisnava community of Bengal. Srinivasa Acarya had previously heard the glories of Sri Narottama dasa and was anxious to meet him. Eventually Narottama arrived in Vrndavana and immediately upon meeting each other, they became great friends. Sri Jiva advised Srinivasa and Narottama to visit all the forests of Mathura and Vrndavana along with Sri Raghava Gosvami, a brahmana from the South and intimate associate of Sri Gaurasundara. Kavi Karnapura wrote that Raghava Pandita was Sri Campakalata (the life of Sri Radha) in Krsna lila. Sri Narahari Cakravarti has given a beautiful description of their travels in the fifth chapter of Bhaktiratnakara.

 

After completing their travels to all the forests, Srinivasa and Narottama returned to Sri Jiva Gosvami's place in Vrndavana. Around that time Sri Krsna dasa (Syamananda prabhu) reached Vrndavana from Bengal. Krsna dasa was a favorite disciple of Sri Hrdaicaitanya prabhu, and he himself had sent Krsna dasa to receive instructions from Sri Jiva Gosvami. The devotees sat together and listened as Krsna dasa conveyed the good news of the devotees of Bengal and Orissa to Sri Jiva.

 

Krsna dasa, Srinivasa and Narottama became very intimate friends and studied happily together under Sri Jiva Gosvami. Because these three devotees were extremely dedicated, well-versed in the scripture, and completely renounced they were chosen by the Gosvamis of Vrndavana to distribute the books of the Gosvamis in Bengal, a task which was eagerly accepted by these three exalted souls. In this way Sri Jiva's long cherished desire to distribute the Gosvamis' books was eventually fulfilled. Srinivasa was appointed the chief of this journey and their departure date was fixed on any day of the bright fort-night in the month of Agrahayana (Nov.-Dec).

 

After seeking the permission of the Gosvamis, and worshipping Sri Govinda, Sri Gopinatha and Sri Madana mohana, Sri Jiva Gosvami sent Srinivasa, Narottama and Krsna dasa to Bengal with the books written by the Gosvamis. A few armed guards were deputed to protect the vehicle which carried the precious books. As the caravan moved on from Mathura to Bengal, many travellers followed along behind the carts. At various places special arrangements were made to shelter the traveling party, and they happily engaged in sankirtana and worshipped the Lord wherever they stopped. Eventually the party arrived at the outskirts of Vana Visnupura, which was ruled by a bandit leader named Vira Hamvira. When the king was informed that a caravan was passing through Vana Visnupura on its way to Bengal, carrying a cart filled with a valuable treasure, he at once decided to attack the travelers and steal their treasure.

 

As the caravan plied on, unaware of the evil desires of the king, dusk approached and they stopped near a lake for the night. In the evening the three exalted Vaisnavas began ecstatic kirtana and the people of the nearby village watched in amazement, astonished by their graceful dancing and beautiful singing. Meanwhile, happily anticipating his grand victory, Vira Hamvira remained alert, anxiously waiting for the devotees to retire for the night. Eventually the Vaisnavas accepted prasada and then lay down around the cart to rest. When they were sound asleep, the dacoits stealthily approached. With great care they snatched the chest full of books and rushed to the inner apartment of the king's palace. The king's astrologer had informed him that the chest was filled with the most priceless treasure, thus he greedily gazed at the chest with delight. Praising the robbers for a job well done, he offered them beautiful cloths and valuable gifts.

 

Early in the morning the Vaisnavas awoke and were shocked to find the cart empty. Their grief was unbearable. Rushing in all directions they frantically tried to find some trace of the books, but their search was to no avail. They were mad with despair, but after considerable time passed they managed to console themselves thinking that Sri Govinda Deva would surely help them to recover the books.

 

Meanwhile, the king opened the chest and found the books covered with valuable cloths. When he saw Sri Rupa Gosvami's pearl like handwriting on the books, Hamvira was suddenly freed from all past sins, his heart became purified and swelled with loving sentiments. That night he had a wonderful dream; a beautiful man smilingly told him not to worry, the owner of the books would soon arrive and Hamvira should become his servant.

 

Srinivasa decided to send Narottama to Kheturi and Sri Krsna dasa to Amvika, while he himself stayed in Visnupura to recover the lost books. At that time a brahmana pandita from Visnupura, Sri Krsnavallava, happened to see Srinivasa. Being charmed by his appearance, Sri Krsnavallava invited Srinivasa to his house, where he was welcomed and worshipped respectfully. Krsnavallava, along with several others attentively received spiritual guidance from Srinivasa, and shortly thereafter many of them accepted initiation from him.

 

When Srinivasa happened to learn that the king was accustomed to listening to Bhagavata readings daily at his court, he wanted to go to the king's palace to read the Bhagavatam. Thus Krsnavallava took Srinivasa to the palace. When Vira Hamvira saw the effulgent countenance of Srinivasa, he fell prostrate on the floor and offered him scented flowers and garlands. Srinivasa then began reciting from the Bhagavata in a sweet and melodious voice. Hearing his excellent pronunciation and succinct explanation, everyone present, including the King, was charmed and their hearts overflowed with loving sentiments.

 

After completing his Bhagavata reading, Srinivasa began chanting and dancing in sankirtana. The King humbly worshipped the holy feet of Srinivasa Acarya and repeatedly prayed for his mercy. Sri Acarya embraced the King and assured him that Sri Gaurasundara would bestow His mercy upon him. Finally the king brought forth the trunk full of missing books and falling on the ground, offered himself, as well as the books, at the lotus feet of Sri Acarya. Overwhelmed with happiness, Srinivasa showed his kindness to the king and immediately sent news to Sri Jiva Gosvami in Vrndavana that the books had been recovered.

 

Shortly thereafter Srinivasa took the books and went to Yajigrama, where he narrated the whole story of their journey to the devotees. At that time Srinivasa received a message from Navadvipa informing him of the demise of Sri Visnupriya Thakurani. Grief-stricken, Srinivasa fell to the ground unconscious. When the devotees eventually managed to pacify Sri Acarya, another message suddenly arrived from Sri Raghunandana Thakura inviting Srinivasa to Srikhanda. Without delay, Srinivasa immediately rushed to Srikhanda. Upon seeing him, Sri Narahari Thakura, Sri Raghunandana Thakura and the other devotees were filled with joy. Srinivasa worshipped the lotus feet of all the associates of Mahaprabhu and told them the news of the Gosvamis in Vrndavana.

 

At that time, Narahari Sarkara Thakura requested Srinivasa to marry, as it was the desire of his mother. Srinivasa followed the order of his mother without objection. After staying for sometime in Srikhanda, he went to Kantaka nagara to visit Sri Gadadhara dasa Thakura, who welcomed him warmly with great affection. Srinivasa spent a few days with Gadadhara, who happily listened to the news of the Gosvamis in Vrndavana. Srinivasa then left for Yajigrama, but before his departure, Gadadhara Thakura offered his blessings and valuable advice.

 

As soon as Srinivasa arrived in Yajigrama, Sri Raghunandana began making arrangements for his marriage to Draupadi, the beautiful daughter of a devout brahmana living in Yajigrama. On the Akshya Tritiya day in the month of Vaisaka (April-May), the marriage took place and afterwards Draupadi was renamed Isvari. Some time later Gopala Cakravarti, as well as his two sons, Syamadasa and Ramacandra, took initiation from Sri Acarya. Sri Narahari Sarkara was very happy when he heard the news of Srinivasa's marriage.

 

Thereafter Srinivasa Acarya began teaching from the Gosvamis' books to his disciples in Yajigrama. Dvija Haridasa's sons, Sridasa and Sri Gokulananda, took initiation from Acarya and studied under him intently. Day by day Srinivasa's popularity grew and many people came to Yajigrama to receive his mercy.

 

One day while Srinivasa was engaged in devotional discussions with his devotees at his house in Yajigrama, Sri Ramacandra Kaviraja, son of Sri Ciranjiva Sen, passed by along with his newly wed bride. When Srinivasa Acarya and Sri Ramacandra Kaviraja saw each other from a distance, feelings of love suddenly arose in both of their hearts and they immediately desired to meet one another. The following day Ramacandra Kaviraja went to the house of Srinivasa and they meet each other with great delight. After a few days Srinivasa initiated him in the Radha-Krsna mantra. Some time later Srinivasa, along with a few devotees, again left Yajigrama for Vrndavana. Along the way he visited Sri Visnupada padma in Gaya and then Kasi. There he joyfully met Sri Candrasekhar and the other devotees. After spending two-three days in Kasi, he traveled on to Mathura, where he visited the temple of Adi Kesava after taking bath at Visrama Ghat. He then eagerly rushed to Vrndavana and met Sri Jiva Gosvami, who was eagerly waiting for him. Sri Syamananda Prabhu also arrived in Vrndavana from Puri and Sri Jiva embraced both of them happily. However, they were both stricken with grief upon hearing of the demise of Dvija Haridasa.

 

Srinivasa and Syamananda stayed in Vrndavana and studied the Sat-sandarbha under the expert guidance of Sri Jiva Gosvami. During that time, Sri Jiva began writing Sri Gopala Campu, and he read the mangalacarana slokas to Srinivasa and Syamananda. After some time Sri Ramacandra arrived in Vrndavana hoping to bring Srinivasa back to Gauda, as requested by the residents of Gauda.

 

Srinivasa Acarya introduced Sri Ramacandra Kaviraja to Sri Jiva Gosvami, and Ramacandra fell at his lotus feet. Sri Jiva embraced Ramacandra affectionately and advised him to take darsana of Sri Radharamana, Sri Govinda, Sri Gopinatha and the Gosvamis of Vrndavana. Thus Srinivasa and Syamananda happily took him to various sacred places of Vraja. Eventually they arrived at the bhajan kutir of Sri Raghunatha dasa Gosvami and Sri Krsna dasa Kaviraja at Radha kunda. The Gosvamis were very pleased to observe Ramacandra's humility and devotion.

 

Later, as directed by Sri Jiva Gosvami, Srinivasa Acarya and Sri Syamananda Prabhu traveled to Vana Visnupura on their way to Bengal. When king Vira Hamvira saw Srinivasa, he danced in ecstacy and after worshiping his lotus feet, immediately fed Srinivasa many varieties of foodstuff. Thus a grand festival ensued in the king's palace. Sri Syamananda Prabhu was charmed by the king's display of devotion. Srinivasa then initiated the king into the sacred Radha Krsna mantra and gave him the name Sri Caitanya dasa. The king's son, Dhadi Hamvira, also accepted initiation and was named Sri Gopala dasa.

Thereafter, through Vira Hamvira, Acarya Prabhu installed the Deity Sri Kalacand and personally performed the abhisekha and puja.

 

After spending a few days in Vana Visnupura, Sri Syamananda Prabhu proceeded towards Puri. Srinivasa also began preparations to leave for Yajigrama, but at that time the king of Sikharesvara, Sri Harinarayana deva, invited him to his house. Thus Sri Acarya and his associates spent some days with the king, where he gave wonderful discourses from the Bhagavata. In this way many persons there received the mercy of Srinivasa Acarya.

 

From Sikharesvara he traveled to Srikhanda. There, in the month of Agrahayana (Nov-Dec), on the 11th day of the dark fortnight, Srinivasa received the heartbreaking news of Sri Narahari Sarkara Thakura's demise. Srinivasa fell on the ground unconscious and cried in lamentation. Sri Raghunandana Thakura was also shocked by the departure of Sri Narahari Thakura, but was relieved to some extent when he met Srinivasa. After spending a few days at Srikhanda, Sri Acarya went to Kantaka nagara and was informed of the death of Sri Gadadhara dasa Thakura in the month of Kartika (Oct-Nov), which was a shock difficult for Srinivasa to bear.

 

After sometime Srinivasa managed to calm himself and traveled on to Yajigrama, where he invited the devotees to his house for a grand festival in honor of Sri Gadadhara. Then on the 11th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Magh (Jan-Feb), he started for Kancana Gaida to observe the death ceremony of Sri Dvija Haridasa, which was celebrated with great pomp. On that festival day, Sridasa and Sri Gokulananda, the sons of Dvija Haridasa, received initiation from Sri Acarya Prabhu.

 

After a few days, Srinivasa proceeded towards Kheturi to participate in the grand festival arranged by Narottama Thakura on the Purnima day of Phalguna (Feb-March). This festival was arranged by Sri Santosa Datta, the nephew and disciple of Sri Narottama. Sri Jahnava mata herself attended this wonderful festival. At that time the six Deities; Sri Gauranga, Sri Vallavikanta, Sri Vrajamohana, Sri Krsna, Sri Radhakanta and Sri Radharamana, were installed.

 

After the festival, Srinivasa and Syamananda Prabhu went to Yajigrama where another wonderful festival began in the house of Acarya Prabhu. A few days later Sri Narottama Thakura also joined them. After some time, Sri Syamananda Prabhu left for Orissa and Srinivasa Acarya, Sri Narottama and Sri Ramacandra Kaviraja proceeded to Navadvipa. There they visited the house of Sri Gauranga, where they introduced themselves to the aged Sri Isana Thakura and worshipped his lotus feet. Isana Thakura embraced them warmly with great pleasure. At that time Isana Thakura was the only resident in the house of Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu. The following day the devotees arranged to tour the sacred places of Navadvipa with Isana Thakura as their guide. They spent the entire day listening intently to the sweet pastimes of Sri Gaurasundara as told to them by Isana. After completing the tour they worshipped Isana Thakura, tearfully bade him farewell and returned to Srikhanda.

 

Shortly thereafter they received the news of Isana Thakura's departure from this world, thus the devotees lamented loudly. In this way all the associates of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in Navadvipa breathed their last one by one.

 

One day Sri Raghunandana Thakura sent a devotee to Yajigrama to bring Sri Acarya. At once, Srinivasa rushed to Srikhanda and worshipped the lotus feet of Sri Raghunandana Thakura, who in turn blessed Sri Acarya and wished him a long life for the purpose of spreading the message of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. With these words he came before the Deities and offered his son Kanai to the lotus feet of Sri Madana Gopala and Sri Gauranga Deva. The three following days were spent entirely immersed in sankirtana. At the end of the third day, Sri Raghunandana Thakura fixed his eyes on the Deities and breathed his last. Kanai Thakura, Srinivasa Acarya and the other devotees could not endure the pain of separation and fell unconscious on the ground. Eventually Kanai Thakura managed to organize a grand festival in honor of his father and sent Vaisnavas all around the country to invite everyone to the celebration.

 

On the festival day, the Vaisnavas assembled and began sankirtana in the courtyard in front of Raghunandana Thakura's samadhi. The festival was so ecstatic that it seemed as if Raghunandana himself had appeared to join in their sankirtana. Srinivasa supervised the various activities of the festival and at the end of the festival he, along with the other devotees, took leave and went to Vana Visnupura to visit Vira Hamvira. There Srinivasa, surrounded by many devotees, read from the Bhagavata and engaged in sankirtana in the king's palace. At that time the king took pleasure in serving the devotees and from that day Vana Visnupura became rightfully known as Visnupura. Taking advantage of the situation, many persons took shelter of the lotus feet of Srinivasa Acarya.

 

At that time one great devotee brahmana named Sri Raghava Cakravarti lived in Gopalapura. He had a daughter named Sri Gaurangapriya, but unfortunately he had not been able to arrange for her marriage. One night he dreamed that he was giving his daughter's hand to Srinivasa Acarya. Raghava explained the dream to his wife the following morning and they were both filled with happiness. The brahmana then went to meet Srinivasa. After worshiping his lotus feet, the brahmana stood humbly before Sri Acarya. Srinivasa could understand his intention and smilingly asked the reason why he had come. The brahmana then revealed his mind, as Sri Acarya listened smilingly. The devotees were all very happy to hear his proposal and at last Sri Acarya Prabhu agreed.

 

Vira Hamvira made arrangements to celebrate the marriage ceremony of Srinivasa with great pomp. Thus Sri Raghava Cakravarti happily presented his daughter with ornaments and nice dresses to Sri Acarya Prabhu. Thereafter Srinivasa returned to Yajigrama with his newly wed wife. At that time Sri Jahnava mata also arrived at Yajigrama on her way from Vrndavana, and came to the house of Srinivasa. Seeing the beautiful and devoted wife of Srinivasa, Jahnava happily took the bride on her lap. She showed great affection to both the two wives of Srinivasa, then informed Srinivasa of the well-being of the Gosvamis of Vrndavana. After spending a few happy days in the house of Sri Acarya, she returned to Khardaha.

 

Srinivasa Acarya and his disciples lived happily in Yajigrama studying and giving lectures on the Gosvami Grantha. Everyone who heard him speak was enchanted by his divine appearance and wealth of spiritual knowledge. Even the most notorious immoral persons could not avoid his influence and came before him seeking his mercy.

 

Srinivasa, Sri Narottama and Sri Ramacandra were inseparable friends. Srinivasa had three sons and three daughters. The daughters were Krsnapriya, Hemalata and Phulapi Thakurani. The three sons were Vrndavana Vallava, Radhakrsna and Sri Gatigovinda.

 

Sri Gatigovinda's son was Krsnaprasad Thakura and his son was Jagadananda Thakura. Sri Jagadananda Thakura had two wives. From his first wife he had one son, Yadavendra Thakura, and from his second wife he had five sons, Radhamohana Thakura, Bhuvana mohana Thakura, Gaura mohana Thakura, Syama mohana Thakura and Madana mohana Thakura. The descendants of Bhuvana mohana Thakura are still living in the village of Manikyahara in the district of Mursidabad.

 

 

 

 

 

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