Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura
Gaupremmayam Loknatha padavja Shatapadam.
Srila Narottamam Vande Rupanuga gati pradam.
Appearance and Identity:-
King Krishnananda Dutta, the landlord of Gopalpur, lived on the bank of Padma river in East Bengal, present-day Bangladesh. Srila Narottama Thakura appeared as his only son on Shukla Panchami (fifth day after no moon) of the month of Magha. The child was growing like the waxing moon in the palace. He had a complexion like the molten gold, eyes like blue lotus, long arms that touched his knees and a deep navel. He had all auspicious signs of a mahapurusa (noble man). There was always a gathering of people in the palace to see child. Gradually, the rice ceremony and cudakarana rites were performed to him. At a very young age, he became very popular with everyone. He started studying at the age of five and within a few months he learnt the alphabet. After that he became proficient in literature and rhetoric within a short time. Day by day Sri Narottama Dasa’s mind became indifferent to the material pleasures of the world. When he heard the glories of Sri Gaurasundara and Nityananda from the devotees, he felt great joy in his heart. Sri Narottama Dasa became attracted to Sri Gaura-Nityananda and began to chant Their names. The merciful lord, Sri Gaurasundara along with His all associates appeared in his dream one day. Then he began to think day and night how to give up the mundane attachments and go to Sri Vrindavan.
Narottama’s departure and journey to Sridham Vrindavan:-
Seeing Sri Narottama’s renunciation for income and bodily pleasures, King Krishnananda and Narayani Devi became worried. They appointed some guards so that their son could not escape from the house. Sri Narottama saw that it was impossible to overcome the mountain like material attachments and he was not able to reach Vrindavan and perform the Bhajana of Lord Gauranga anymore. He was earnestly praying to Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu & Nityananda Prabhu. Meanwhile the messenger of the king of Gauda, came and asked King Krishnananda to meet him. King Krishnananda and Purushottama Datta, the two brothers, set out for the court of Gauda. Sri Narottama had a good opportunity to relinquish his house. He somehow managed his mother and took her permission and avoiding the eyes of the guards he escaped from his house on the day of Kartika Purnima. Then he went towards Sridham Vrindavan.
Obtaining the love preserved in Padma by Sriman Mahaprabhu:-
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu preserved prema in the hands of the river Padma. He pointed to the river Padma that His beloved associate named Narottama would come to this place and take bath in you. May this prema be given to him. He also said, by whose touch you will be more exhilarated, recognise him as Narottama and give him this rare prema. As per order of Sriman Mahaprabhu, the river Padma preserved the prema and as soon as Narottama came and touched her water, Padma swelled to a greater extent. She realised that this is Mahaprabhu’s favourite associate Sri Narottama. Then she offered him this rare prema.
Narottama’s arrival at Sridham Vrindavan and acceptance of Sri Lokanatha Goswami’s discipleship:-
Narottama travelled very fast and reached Sri Vraja Dhama after crossing a long distance despite many obstacles. He met Srimad Jiva Goswami Prabhu there who asked him to take shelter inat the lotus feet of Sri Lokanatha Goswami. On the instructions of Sri Jiva Goswami, he came to Sri Lokanatha Goswami to take initiation. But Lokanatha Goswami was determined not to initiate anyone. But Narottama was not one to give up, he resolved to become Lokanatha Goswami’s disciple. He made Sri Lokanatha Goswami pleased and gained his mercy through his sincere service in various ways. Lokanatha Goswami saw Narottama’s earnest intention of unconditional service for obtaining his mercy. On the full moon day of the month of Shravana, Lokanatha Goswami initiated Narottama Thakura.
Study of scriptures to Jiva Goswami and arrival at Gauda:-
Srila Narottama Thakura Mahasaya used to perform Madhukari (begging alms) for livelihood and study Gosvami literature under the guidance of Sri Jiva Gosvami. He had a cordial friendship with Srinivasa Acharyha. Both studied Goswami literature to Sri Jiva Goswami. At that time, a devotee named Dukhi Krishna Dasa arrived at Vrindavana from Gauda. He started studying the scriptures to Jiva Goswami. Srila Jiva Goswami taught them very carefully and made them highly adept in the Goswami theology. Three had one body and one heart. They decided to reside the Vraja and perform intense Bhajana in seclusion.
Sri Jiva Goswami founded World Vaishnava Association and conferred meritorious titles on these three through it. He conferred the title “Acharya” to Srinivasa, “Thakura Mahasaya” to Narottama Dasa and “Prabhu” to Shyamananda (Dukhi Krishna Dasa). Then he sent them to Gauda with one set of Goswami literature to preach throughout Bengal. All three of them followed Srila Jiva Goswami’s order and on the bright pancami tithi of Agrahayana month, they set out for the Gauda.
Entry to Banbishnupur:-
From Mathura, the cart drove along the famous road towards Gauda and reached Banbishnupur. The Vaishnavas performed their daily rites there and arranged Nama Sankirtan.
All the local villagers who saw their beautiful forms, personality and heard the bhajan kirtana, became surprised. Meanwhile King Bir Hambira came to know about the boxes of the books. He summoned a fortune teller who told him that the boxes are full of invaluable precious wealth. He stole those boxes through his appointed thieves. When the Vaishnavas woke up in the morning and saw that the books are missing, they became disappointed. It’s like lightning struck everyone’s head. They were very worried. Later they knew that the local king was a bandit leader. He took away the books. Meanwhile, the king opened the box and was surprised! He saw numerous manuscripts. Seeing the books, the king’s heart was purified. He repented greatly and begged pardon at the feet of the Vaishnavas. After that, with the encouragement and efforts of the king the message of Lord Sri Chaitanya was preached.
Pilgrimage to Gauda Mandala starting from the place of appearance of Sriman Mahaprabhu:-
Sri Narottama then yearned to visit the birthplace of Lord Sri Chaitanya. He arrived at the residence of Sri Jagannatha Mishra in Navadvipa. With tears in eyes he offered his respectful obeisances at the entrance of Jagannatha Mishra’s house. Then he entered the house and met Sri Shuklamvara Brahmachari, old Ishana Thakura, the servant of Sachimata, Vishnupriya Devi, Sri Damodara Pandita. He bowed to everyone. Then Narottama went to Srivasa Pandita’s house where he met Sripati and Srinidhi and bowed to them. They gave a warm embrace to Narottama. In this way he spent a few days at Sriman Mahaprabhu’s abode in supreme bliss.
After staying at Navadvipa Mayapur for a few days, Sri Narottama came to Shantipura, the place of Advaita Acharya. He met Advaita Acharya’s son Sri Achyutananda and offered obeisance to him. Then he came to Kalna. There he met Sri Hridaya Chaitanya Prabhu, the disciple of Sri Gauridasa Pandita and offered obeisances at his lotus feet. From there he went to Saptagrama, at the Sripata of Sri Uddharana Datta Thakura. There are some devotees who are living their days in great sorrow in the separation of Mahaprabhu. Sri Narottam Dasa met other Vaishnavas of Saptagrama and offered obeisances to them. From there he came to Khardaha village. Sri Niityananda Prabhu used to live there. After paying obeisance to Srimati Jahnava Devi and Vasudha Devi, two consorts of Sri Nityananda Prabhu, he arrived at the residence of Sri Nityananda Prabhu. In the courtyard, he uttered the name of Lord Nityananda and started rolling on the ground. After spending four blissful days amidst Krishna-Katha in Khardaha, Sri Narottama Dasa took permission from Sri Vasudha & Janhava Devi for his departure. Then he came to Khanakula, Krishnanagar. Sri Abhirama Gopala lived here. Sri Narottama came to Sri Abhiram Gopal Thakura’s residence and offered obeisances at his lotus feet. Thakura Narottama Dasa stayed one day in the place of Abhirama Gopala Thakura. Then he took his permission and set out for Sri Nilachala.
Visiting the residences of the associates of Mahaprabhu in Nilachala:-
Shri Narottam Dasa Thakura was constantly remembering the associates of Mahaprabhu. Soon he reached Nilachala. There he met Sri Gopinatha Acharya and offered obeisances to him. He offered the news of the devotees of Vrindavan and Bengal. The devotees of Nilachala were overjoyed to see Narottama Dasa and took him to visit the temple of Lord Sri Jagannatha. Then he visited the samadhi of Sri Haridasa Thakura and offered obeisances. From there he came to the place of Gadadhara Pandita at Tota Gopinatha. Then he asked the devotees to leave and came to Sri Nrisimhapura. Sri Shyamananda Prabhu stayed there. After a long time, Sri Syamananda Prabhu reunited with. Sri Narottama Dasa Thakura. He became very happy. Both of them embraced each other. After spending a few days, Sri Narottama Thakura asked Sri Syamananda Prabhu to leave and set off for the Gauda (Bengal).
At Srikhanda:-
Soon Srila Narottama Thakura came to Srikhanda. There he met Sri Narahari Sarkar Thakura and Sri Raghunandana Thakura and offered obeisances to them. Sri Narahari Sarkar Thakura knew Sri Krishnananda Dutta, father of Sri Narottama Dasa Thakura very well. As soon as Sri Narottama Dasa Thakura offered obeisances to Sri Narahari Sarkar Thakura, the latter touched the head of the former and blessed abundantly. From there Sri Narottama Dasa came to the place of Sri Gadadhara Dasa Thakura, at Kantaka nagara. As soon as he offered obeisances at the courtyard, Sri Gadadhara Dasa took him on his lap.
Construction of temple at Kheturi:-
After many days, Sri Narottama Dasa Thakura revisited Kheturi. The local people of Kheturi were happy to hear Srila Narottama’s auspicious arrival. They came to welcome him. After the demise of King Sri Krishnananda Datta and his brother Sri Purushottama Datta, Shri Santosh Dutta looked after the property. Sri Santosha Dutta saw Narottama Thakura coming and offered respectful obeisances at his lotus feet. He came and took the dust from Srila Narottama’s lotus feet. He was crying in joy. Out of affection Sri Narottama asked the well beings of Santosha Dutta. A few days later Sri Santosha Dutta accepted initiation from Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura in Sri Radha Krishna mantra. King Santosha Dutta then asked Srila Narottama Thakura to establish a temple of Sri Radha Krishna. Sri Narottam Thakura Mahasaya gladly granted permission. King Santosh Dutta constructed a huge temple, Bhoga temple, Kirtan Mandapa and the quarters for the devotees, lake, flower garden and guest house within a few months. The magnanimous festival commenced on the Full moon day of Phalguna, the appearance day of Lord Sri Gauranga. They started a grand celebration like the Rajasuya yajna of ancient days. Invitations were sent to Kings, zamindars, poets, scholars, literati and Vaishnavas. A few noble persons were sent with Sri Narottama Thakura Mahasaya’s letter to invite the associates of Lord Gauranga in Puri, Shrikhanda, Yajigram, Shantipur, Navadwip, Khardah, Kalna etc. People were sent to invite the best singers and musicians. Six deities (Gauranga, Vallabhikanta, Sribrajamohan, Srikrishna, Radhakanta & Sriradharaman) were installed.
Kheturi Festival under the supervision of Narottama Dasa Thakura:-
The legendary Kheturi Festival is probably the biggest Vaishnava assembly in the history of Gaudiya Vaishnava Sampradaya. The festival was supervised by Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura Mahasaya. Devotees from different places of Gauda Mandala and Kshetra Mandala arrived in Kheturi and the festival turned into a grand celebration. On Adhivasa Day, the Vaishnavas took the order of Srimati Janhava Mata to install the deities. The Adhivasa ceremony of Gauranga Mahaprabhu’s appearance festival started. At the beginning Sri Narottama Dasa Thakura offered a puja to Jahnava Mata with sandalwood paste, garland and other paraphernalia. Later he offered garland and sandalwood paste to the assembled devotees. On the request of Sri Narottama and Srinivasa Acharya, Srila Raghunandana Thakura began the invocation song. The auspicious Adhivasa ceremony longed till midnight. When the kirtana stopped, the Vaishnavas went to sleep. Next day was the appearance day of Sri Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu. All the Vaishnavas began Sankirtana from the early morning. Srinivasa Acharya performed Abhisheka to the deities. In the forenoon, Srinivasa Acharya entered the temple with six deities: Gauranga, Vallabhikanta, Sri Vraja Mohana, Sri Krishna, Sri Radhakanta & Sri Radharaman. The singers and dancers started to perform their art. Musicians played their instruments. The entire premises was filled with the auspicious sound of Sankirtana. After the abhishek ceremony was completed by Sri Acharya, the deities were decorated with beautiful clothes. After that, various sweets, curries, foods, pitha and drinks etc were offered in separate containers for the six deities : Gauranga, Vallabhikanta, Sri Vraja Mohana, Sri Krishna, Sri Radhakanta & Sri Radharaman. After the Bhoga Arpana Kirtan, he offered acamana (mouth rinsing water) and then betel leaves for mouth freshner. Then he offered sandalwood paste and garland to the deities and performed a grand Arati. The Vaishnavas blissfully performed kirtana. Everybody offered obeisances by rolling on the ground when the kirtana and ecstatic dance were over. Then Srinivasa Acharya offered Bhagavad Prasadi sandal and garland to Srimati Jahnaba Mata and then to the Vaishnavas. Srinivasa, Narottama and Shyamananda were offered sandal and garland. The Vaishnavas took proper seats in the kirtan assembly. Being asked by Srimati Jahnava Mata and Sri Achyutananda, Sri Narottama Thakura Mahasaya started the kirtan. Sri Gauranga Das, Sri Gokula Das and Sri Vallabha Das performed as his dohari (side singers). Devidas started playing mridanga. The aforementioned Sri Gauranga Dasa and others were expert in Nivandha, Anivandha, Shruti, Swara, Grama and Murchana. The assembled women wept in the melodious kirtana of Narottama Dasa Thakura. Everyone was immersed in the ocean of Vaikuntha bliss. What more! Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu Himself appeared with His associates in the festival.
Literary works:-
Among the literary works of Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura, Prarthana and Prema Bhakti Chandrika are famous. These two books have the synopsis of the entire Goswami literature. The book of Prarthana is a precious gem in Bengali padavali literature. Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura was constantly engaged in Krishna Katha with exalted rasika devotees. Sometimes he fell on the ground, rolled and cried “Ha Krishna Chaitanya! Ha Radhe Krishna!” In the lyrics of Prema Bhakti Chandrika and Prarthana, he expressed his intense separation, humility and hankering for Krishna. This is why these two books are such heart touching and as sweet as nectar.
Disappearance:-
Gradually Srila Thakura Mahasaya felt more and more separation. Devotees worried about his departure. He instructed everyone to perform Nama Sankirtana and pursue devotional services and arrived at Gambhila, the bank of Ganga. He sat on the bank and ordered his disciples to rub his body. As soon as the disciples began to massage his divine body, it turned into milk and mixed with Ganga. Everyone was astonished by seeing it.
