The Grand Chanting (Bera Kirtan)
One day Sarvabhauma said, "Master, may I make bold to submit a thing?"
He replied, "Say thy say without hesitation. If it is a proper request,
I shall keep it, if not, not." Sarvabhauma said, "Here is Pratap Rudra
Ray, eager to meet you." The Master clapped His hands to His ears,
murmured an appeal to God, and replied, "Why such an improper speech,
Sarvabhauma? I am a hermit withdrawn from the world. For me to meet a
king or a woman is fatal like a draught of poison."
Sarvabhauma entreated, "True are thy words. But this Raja is a votary of
Jagannath and the chief of devotees." "Still, a king is only the deadly
snake in another form, just as the touch of even the wooden statue of a
woman causes mental perturbation. Say not so again. If you do, you will
miss me from this place." Alarmed, Sarvabhauma retired to his own house.
At this time King Pratap Rudra of the Gajapati dynasty arrived at Puri.
With him came Ramananda Ray, who first of all interviewed the Master in
great delight. The Ray prostrated himself, the Master embraced him, and
the two shed tears of joy. At this loving intercourse, all the _bhaktas_
wondered. The Ray said, "I reported your behest to my king, who relieved
me of my office, as you wished. I told him that if he would let me I
should remain at Chaitanya's feet, as I no longer wished to manage
affairs (of state). At the mention of thy name the king in delight rose
from his throne and embraced me. On hearing thy name he was enraptured;
he held my hand and very graciously told me, 'Enjoy your salary as
before, and adore Chaitanya's feet in freedom from all cares. I,
worthless wretch, am unfit to behold Him. Blessed are they in life that
adore Him. Right gracious is He, the son of Braja's lord. In some other
birth He will certainly grant me the sight of Him.' I myself have not a
tithe of the passion of devotion which I saw in the Raja."
The Master replied, "You are the foremost of the adorers of Krishna. He
is fortunate who loves you. Krishna will accept the Raja because of the
great favour he has shown to you. _Vide Bhagabat_, XI. xix. 21, III. vii.
20, and two verses from the _Adi Puran_ and the _Padma Puran_."
The Ray bowed at the feet of the four apostles, _viz._, the Puri, the
Bharati, Swarup and Nityananda, and properly met Jagadananda, Mukunda,
and the other faithful ones. The Master asked, "Ray! have you visited
Jagannath?" The Ray replied, "I am going to see the god now." At this
the Master cried out, "What hast thou done, Ray? Why did you come to me
before visiting the god?" The Ray answered, "My feet are my carriage, my
heart is the driver; wherever they take me I, as rider, must go. What
can I do? My heart brought me hither, and did not suggest the idea of
visiting Jagannath first." The Master replied, "Hasten to see the god;
go to your kindred and home afterwards." At the Master's command the Ray
went to see the god. Who can fathom the mystery of the Ray's devotion?
On reaching Puri, the king summoned Sarvabhauma, and after bowing to him
asked, "Did you submit my prayer to the Master?" Sarvabhauma replied, "I
have entreated Him hard, but He still refuses to grant interview to
kings. If we press Him further He will go away from this place." At this
the king lamented, "His advent is for redeeming the sinful and the
lowly. He has saved Jagai and Madhai. Has He incarnated Himself with the
determination to deliver the whole world excepting Pratap Rudra, alone?
Well, He has vowed not to see me, and I now vow to give up this life if
I cannot see Him. If I am not rich in the great Master's grace, what
boots my kingdom, my body? Everything is useless to me."
Hearing this Sarvabhauma grew alarmed, and he marvelled at the ardour of
the king's devotion. So he said, "My liege! grieve not. The Master will
surely take pity on you. He can be compelled by love, and your love is
most profound; He cannot help doing you grace. Still, I suggest a device
by which you can see Him. At the Car Festival, the Master with all His
followers will dance in rapture in front of Jagannath's car, and enter
the garden in an ecstatic mood. Just then, clad in a plain robe and
reciting the _Krishna-rasa-panchadhyayi_ all alone, you will run and clasp
the Master's feet. He will then be oblivious of the outer world, and on
hearing Krishna's name will embrace you as a Vaishnav. To-day Ramananda
Ray has lauded your devotion to the Master, whose mind has been turned
by it."
At these words the king rejoiced and accepted this plan of meeting with
the Master. He learnt from the Bhatta that the Bathing Festival would
occur three days afterwards. Thus consoling the king, the Bhatta
returned home.
At the Bathing Festival, the Master greatly rejoiced to see the
ceremony; but when Jagannath withdrew to retirement, He deeply mourned
for it, and in anguish of separation, like the milkmaids during
Krishna's absence, He retired to Alalnath, leaving His followers behind.
They afterwards joined Him, and reported that many of the faithful had
arrived from Bengal. Sarvabhauma brought the Master back to His quarters
in Puri, and informed the king of the fact. Just then Gopinath Acharya
arrived at the Court, blessed the king, and said, "Hark thee,
Bhattacharya, two hundred Vaishnavs are coming from Bengal,--all of them
followers of the Master and very spiritual personages. They have
appeared in the city. Arrange for their being given lodgings and
consecrated food." The king replied, "I shall order the _Parichha_, to
assign them lodgings &c., as they require. Show me, Bhattacharya, the
Master's followers arrived from Bengal, one by one." The Bhatta said,
"Climb to the roof of the palace. Gopinath will point them out as he knows
them all, I know none, though I long to do so. Gopinath will introduce
each." So saying the three ascended to the roof, while the Vaishnavs came
near them. Damodar Swarup and Govinda, sent on by the Master, welcomed the
Vaishnavs on the way with the god's garlands and _prasad_. To the Rajah's
query Bhattacharya said, "This one is Swarup Damodar, the _alter ego_ of
the Master. That is His servant Govinda. By their hands has He sent the
garlands as a mark of honour." Swarup and Govinda successively garlanded
Adwaita and bowed to him. But the Acharya knew not Govinda and asked who
he was. Damodar Swarup answered "He is Govinda, a highly meritorious
servant of Ishwar Puri, who had ordered him to tend our Master, and by
Him is Govinda now retained."
The king asked, "Who is the high spiritual chief to whom both have given
garlands?" The Acharya replied, "He is Adwaita Acharya, respected by our
Master and highly honoured by all. That one is Shribas Pandit, and those
are Vakreshwar Pandit, Vidyanidhi Acharya, Gadadhar Pandit, Acharya
Ratna, Purandar Acharya, Gangarlas Pandit, Shankar Pandit, Murari Gupta,
Nara-yan Pandit, Haridas Thakur (the purifier of the world), Hari
Bhatta, Nrisinghananda, Vasudev Datta, Shivananda, Govinda, Madhav, Vasu
Ghosh (three brothers, whose chanting delights the Master), Raghav
Pandit, Acharya Nandan, Shriman Pandit, Shrikanta Narayan, Shridhar (the
white robed), Vijay, Vallabh Sen, Sanjay, Satyaraj Khan (a resident of
Kulin village), Ramananda, Mukunda-das, Narahari, Raghunandan, Chiranjib
(of Khanda), Sulochan, and many more. How can I name them all? They all
follow Chaitanya and hold Him as their life."
The king answered, "The sight fills me with wonder. I have never before
beheld such radiance among Vaishnavs. They are all resplendent of hue
like a million Suns. Never before have I heard such entrancing street
singing. Nowhere else have I seen such devotion, such dancing, such
shouting of Hari's name, and nowhere else have I seen or heard the like
of it."
Bhattacharya said, "True are thy words. Chaitanya has created this
devotional procession-singing (_sankirtan_). His incarnation is for
preaching religion; in the Kali age the _sankirtan_ of Krishna's name is
the (only) religion. Wise are those who worship Krishna by means of
_sankirtan_; all other men are overpowered by the spirit of Kali. _Vide
Bhagabat_, XI. v. 29".
The king asked, "The Shastras prove that Chaitanya is Krishna
(incarnate). Why then do scholars turn away from Him?" The Bhatta
answered, "He alone whom Chaitanya favours even a bit can know Him as
Krishna. He who has not Chaitanya's grace is nowise a scholar, as he
sees and hears Chaitanya without recognizing the God in Him. _Vide
Bhagabat_, X. xiv. 28."
The king asked, "Why are they all hastening to Chaitanya's lodgings
without first visiting Jagannath?" The Bhatta replied, "Such is the
natural consequence of devotion. Their hearts are yearning to see the
Master. They will see Him first, and then led by Him will visit
Jagannath." The king next said, "Vaninath, the son of Bhabananda Ray, is
conveying the _maha-prasad_ by five or six porters to the Master's
house. Why is such a huge quantity needed?" The Bhatta answered,
"Knowing that the faithful were coming, the Master had bidden him bring
the _prasad_". The king objected, "It is the custom for pilgrims to
fast on reaching a holy place (before they see the god). But why are
these men breaking their fast?" The Bhatta answered, "What you mention
is the rule of religion. But in this path of devotion there is a subtle
inner meaning. God's indirect (or general) command is that pilgrims
should first shave their heads and fast. But the Master's direct (or
immediate) order is feasting on the _prasad_. Where the _maha-prasad_
is not available, fasting is the rule; but it is a sin to refuse the
_prasad_ when the Master bids one eat it; especially when He is
distributing it with His own hands, who will reject such blessedness in
order to fast? Before this He had one morning offered me the _prasad_,
and I had eaten it before rising from my bed! He whose heart receives
Chaitanya's gracious call discards the Vedas and conventional religion,
and seeks refuge in Krishna alone. _Vide Bhagabat_, IV. xxix. 43."
Then the king descended from the palace terrace. He summoned Kashi
Mishra and the _Parichha_ officer and bade them, "The Master's followers
have come to Him. Give them food and board to their comfort, and make it
easy for them to see the god. Heedfully obey the Master's behests. Even
when He does not speak out, carry out His hinted purpose." So saying he
dismissed them.
Sarvabhauma then went away to visit the temple. Gopinath Acharya and
Sarvabhauma from afar beheld how the Master met the Vaishnavs. The
Vaishnavs (from Bengal) took the way to Kashi Mishra's house, leaving
Jagannath's lion-gate on their right. Just then the Master coming with
His attendants met them on the way in great glee. Adwaita bowed at His
feet, but He embraced him. In rapture of devotion the two were greatly
excited, but in consideration of the occasion the Master composed
Himself somewhat. The new arrivals all bowed to Him, and He embraced and
addressed each of them in turn, took them inside His house (which was
filled with the throng of countless Vaishnavs), seated them by Himself,
and personally gave them garlands and sandal-paste. Then Gopinath and
Sarvabhauma arrived there and saluted all in proper terms.
Sweetly did the Master address Adwaita, "Thy coming has made me complete
to-day." But Adwaita objected, "Such is the nature of God. He is full
and the source of all power, and yet He exults in the society of the
faithful and ever disports in many ways with them."
The Master, delighted to meet Vasudev, stroked his body and said,
"Mukunda has beeh my companion from my childhood. But the sight of you
gives me even more delight." Vasudev replied, "That Mukunda has gained
your society is a second birth to him. Therefore is his rank higher than
mine, though I am his elder brother. Your grace has made him excel in
all virtues." Then the Master added, "I have brought two manuscripts
from the South for you. They are with Swarup; take copies of them."
Vasudev was pleased to get the books, and every Vaishnav (from Bengal)
took a copy of them; so that gradually the two works spread everywhere.
Lovingly did the Master address Shribas and others, "You four brothers
have bought me (with your kindness)," to which Shribas replied, "Why do
you speak just the contrary of the fact? We four are bondsmen purchased
by your grace."
Seeing Shankar, the Master spoke to Damodar [his elder brother], "My
love for you is mixed with respect, whereas towards Shankar I feel pure
affection. Therefore keep him in your company." Damodar replied,
"Shankar was born after me, but your grace has made him my elder
brother."
To Shivananda He said, "I knew before [this your first introduction to
me] that you were ardently devoted to me." At these words Shivananda was
enraptured; he prostrated himself on the ground and recited an extempore
Sanskrit stanza.
Murari Gupta, without coming to the Master at first, lay prostrate out
of doors. The Master searched for him, and many ran out to bring Murari
in. Murari presented himself before the Master holding two blades of
grass between his teeth as a mark of abject humility. As the Master
advanced to yyelcome him, Murari stepped back shouting, Touch me not,
Lord, I am a sinner, my body is unworthy of your touch." The Master
replied, "Away with your lowliness, Murari; the sight of it pierces my
heart." So saying He embraced Murari, seated him by His side and patted
him on the back.
Similarly, with words of praise and repeated embraces did the Master
receive Acharya Ratna, the Vidyanidhi, Gadadhar Pandit, Gangadas, Hari
Bhatta, and Purandar Acharya. Then He asked, "Where is Haridas?" But
Haridas lay prostrate far away on the edge of the public road, whence he
had first beheld Chaitanya. He had not resorted to the Master's
reception, but stopped at a distance. The devotees hurried there to lead
him in, but Haridas said, "I am a low person, of no caste, and debarred
from going close to the temple. If I can get a little retired space in
the garden, I shall lie there and pass my time in loneliness, so that no
servitor of Jagannath may have anv occasion to touch me. That is my
prayer."
At the report of this speech the Master was pleased. Just then Kashi
Mishra and the _Parichha_ arrived and did obeisance to the Master.
Delighted to see so many Vaishnavs, they were introduced to all with due
courtesy. Then they entreated the Master, "Permit us to make
arrangements for these Vaishnavs. We have chosen lodgings for all and
shall serve them with the _maha-prasad_." The Master replied, "Gopinath!
take the Vaishnavs with you and bestow them in the lodgings chosen for
them. Deliver the _maha-prasad_ to Vaninath, who will distribute it to
all. Close to my place is a very lonely house in this flower-garden. Let
me have it, as I need it for lonely meditation." Then Mishra said, "All
is thine, and this begging is needless. Take whatever houses you please.
We two are slaves waiting for your bidding. Be pleased to command us in
whatever you wish for."
The two now left with Gopinath and Vaninath; the former was shown all
the lodging-houses, and the latter was given immense quantities of the
_maha-prasad_ (for the whole party). Thereafter Vaninath returned with the
consecrated rice and cakes, and Gopinath after cleaning the lodgings.
The Master said, "Hear, all ye Vaishnavs! Go to your respective
lodgings. After bathing in the ocean and gazing at the pinnacle of the
temple, come here for your dinner." After bowing to the Master, they
were led away to their quarters by Gopinath.
Then He came to receive Haridas, who was chanting God's name in rapture.
Haridas fell flat at the Master's feet, who clasped him to His bosom.
Both wept in fervour of love,--the Master overcome by the disciple's
merits and the disciple by the Master's. Haridas cried, "Touch me not,
Master, I am a low untouchable wretch." But the Master answered, "I
touch you to be purified myself, because I lack your pure religion.
Every moment you acquire as much piety as by bathing in all holy places,
or by performing sacrifice, austerities, and alms-giving, or by reading
the Vedas. You are holier than a Brahman or a _sannyasi_! _Vide
Bhagabat_ III. xxxiii. 7." So saying He took Haridas into the garden
and gave him a room all apart, adding, "Live here, chanting His name.
Daily will I come and join thee. Bow to the discus on the top of the
temple of Jagannath (which you can see from here). The _prasad_ will be
sent to you here." Nityananda, Jagadananda, Damodar, and Mukunda
rejoiced on meeting with Haridas.
After bathing in the sea the Master returned to His quarters. Adwaita
and his party also bathed in the sea, gazed (reverently) at the pinnacle
of the temple, and came to the Master's house for dinner. Chaitanya
seated them in proper order and Himself distributed the food. So lavish
was His hand that He gave two or three men's food to each. But all the
faithful held their hands back from the dinner so long as the Master
fasted. Swarup reported this to Him, saying, Unless you sit down to
meal, none else will dine. Gopinath Acharya has invited the party of
_sannyasis_ to dine with you. He has brought the _prasad_, and the
Puri and Bharati were waiting for you. Do you sit down to dinner with
Nityananda, while I serve the Vaishnavs." Then the Master carefully sent
the _prasad_ to Haridas by the hand of Govinda, and Himself sat at
meals with all the _sannyasis_, while the Acharya served them in
delight. Swarup Damodar and Jagadananda served the Vaishnavs, who ate
all sorts of cakes and syrups, joyously shouting Hari's name every now
and then.
After they had dined and washed their hands, the Master gave each a
garland and a sandal-paste mark. They then retired to their lodgings for
rest. In the evening they came to Him again, when Ramananda also
arrived. The Master introduced him to all the Vaishnavs. With the whole
party He went to Jagannath's temple, and began to chant (_kirtan_).
After the burning of evening incense He began a _sankirtan_. The
_Parichha_ presented Him with a garland and sandal-paste.
Four parties sang on four sides, while in their midst danced Shachi's
darling. Eight _dholes_ and 32 cymbals were played on. All shouted
"Hari! Hari!" and cheered. The blissful sound of _kirtan_ penetrated
through the 14 regions to the empyrean. As the _kirtan_ began, devotion
welled out; the people of Puri ran thither and marvelled at the singing,
having never seen such transports of love before.
Next the Master went round Jagannath's temple, dancing and singing,
while the four parties of chanters preceded and followed Him. As He was
falling down, Nityananda held Him up. Men wondered as they beheld His
weeping, tremour, perspiration, and deep shouting. The tears ran down
His cheeks like jets from a syringe and bathed the men around. After
dancing round the temple for a long time, He performed _kirtan_ behind
it, the four parties singing in a high pitch, while Chaitanya danced
wildly in the middle. After dancing long He stopped and permitted the
four Apostles to dance with the four parties, Nityananda, Adwaita
Acharya, Vakreshwar Pandit, and Shrinibas while the Master from the
centre gazed on. Here He manifested a miraculous power: every one who
danced around Him saw that the Master was gazing only at him! He
manifested this power only because He wished to behold the dance of the
four. Every one noticed His attentive gaze but did not know how He could
gaze on four sides! Just as at the feast on the Jamuna's bank, Krishna
in the midst of his comrades seemed to be gazing at every one of them at
the same time.
As each came up to Him dancing, the Master firmly clasped him to His
bosom. The people of Puri swam in a sea of delight as they beheld such
grand dancing, devotion, and _sankirtan_. The king himself on hearing of
the splendour of the _kirtan_, ascended to the terrace of his palace with
his Court to gaze at it. The sight increased his admiration and his
eagerness to be introduced to the Master.
After finishing the chanting and beholding the ceremony of showering
flowers on Jagannath, the Master returned home with all the Vaishnavs.
The Parichha brought to Him plenty of prasad which He divided among all.
Then he dismissed them and retired to bed. All the time they were with
Him, they daily performed _kirtan_ in this style. [Text, canto n.]