Srila Jiva Gosvami
Nayana-ranjana Das
sri-rupa carana-dvandva
raginam vrajavasinam
sri-jivam satatam vande
mandesvananda dayinam
(Bhakti-ratnakara 4.289)
sri-rupa - Srila Rupa Gosvami; carana-dvandva - the two lotus feet;
raginam - strongly attached; vraja vasinam - the topmost resident of
Vrindavan; sri-jivam - Srila Jiva Gosvami; satatam - constantly; vande
- I offer my obeisances; mandesu - dull headed and lazy people; ananda
- bliss; dayinam - the bestower
In Sadhana Dipika it is said: "I offer my repeated humble obeisances
unto Srila Jiva Gosvami whose heart is constantly attracted to the
lotus feet of Srila Rupa Gosvami. He is the crest-jewel of all
Vrajavasis and due to his causeless mercy, he bestows unimaginable joy
to even the non-philosophical, dull-headed and lazy people by his deep
philosophical views."289
Rupa, Sanatana and Vallabha were three of Kumaradeva's sons. And Jiva
was the son of Vallabha. He was born in 1511 AD in Ramakeli. Sri Jiva
was a talented boy even from his childhood and had completed his
studies in Vyakarana and other subjects within a very short time.639
Sanatana and Rupa were pleased with their nephew Sri Jiva and treated
him affectionately.640
Sri Jiva constantly remembered the beauty of Prabhu and he satisfied
everyone by his sincere endeavor to learn the scriptures.641-642
Some people considered he must be a partial incarnation of some deity
for no ordinary person could grasp the vast spiritual knowledge in
such a short time.643
People were enchanted to see Sri Jiva who was a beautiful and
qualified as Rupa, Sanatana and Sri Vallabha.644
I wish I could die taking away with me any misfortune which might
befall Sri Jiva.645
The biography of Sri Jiva
Sri Jiva had grown very discontent in Gauda and he was pulled by his
attractions to his uncles in Vrndavana.684
The visit to Vrndavana by Sri Jiva was a peculiar incident.685
From the day of Rupa Sanatana going to Vrndavana a peculiar feeling
began to grow in the mind of Sri Jiva who decided to give up all
pleasures regarding ornaments, beautiful dresses, comfortable beds and
voraciousness etc.686-687
In discussions of royal affairs or worldly matters he simply felt
bored.688
Observing Sri Jiva in his perturbed state of mind, someone commented,
"O my dear friend, from the sons of Kumaradeva three became great
Vaisnavas and scholars of scripture: Sanatana; Rupa and Vallabha. I
have never seen such stoicism and neutrality as exhibited by Sri
Vallabha in his detachment from worldly pleasures. When he died on the
bank of the Ganges his young son Jiva was stunned. But Sri Jiva also
had no interest in wealth or riches. My heart breaks when I think of
him. One day I saw him in a lonely place crying bitterly."689-695
But another person replied, "My dear friend, this is natural. It is
the blessing of Lord Krsna which makes Sri Jiva behave like this. He
has become very reserved and does not think of anything but Srimad
Bhagavatam, which has become his very life. He loves to swim in that
ocean of happiness created by discussions about Krsna. No one dares
speak anything to him but topics about Krsna. He must have met Prabhu
privately because I have seen him faint on the ground after crying out
the name of Sri Krsna Caitanya. My heart aches when I see him rolling
on the ground crying so bitterly that his body is soaked with tears. I
cannot bear to hear his lamentation."696-701
"My dear friends, it is certain that Sri Jiva will soon leave his
house forever." "But he is merely a boy," someone argued.702
"How will he tolerate the troubles of traveling from place to
place?"703
"His love for Prabhu knows no bounds," commented another man. "He is
the light of the brahmana class," said another. "The whole village
will sink into utter darkness if he leaves."704
The discussion of Sri Jiva continued amongst the village gentlemen.
They could not even return to their homes leaving Sri Jiva in that
condition.705
At the same time Sri Jiva sat wondering when he would leave his
house.706
One evening, he sat alone crying and singing the holy name.707
Although he tried to control himself he finally broke down and cried
out, "O my Prabhu Sri Krsna Caitanya! O Nityananda! O my Prabhu Sri
Advaitacandra, the ocean of mercy! O dear associates of Prabhu! Please
be kind to this wretched fellow!"708-710
Throughout the night his lamentation kept him from sleeping.711
Once before in Ramakeli Sri Jiva had had a dream in which he saw
Prabhu and His associates dancing in sankirtana and enchanting the
world with a flow of love unobtainable by Lord Brahma. Tonight he saw
the same scene in his dream.713-714
Lakhs of people came forward to join that sankirtana, uttering the
name of Hari which filled the earth and the sky.715
Suddenly Prabhu disappeared and as the dream faded Jiva awoke up in a
sorrowful state.716
Again he fell asleep and a second wonderful scene appeared in his
dream.717
I will tell you later what he saw in his dream, but now I want to
acquaint you with the former history of Sri Jiva.718
When Sri Jiva was only a boy, he avoided playing with his friends or
other activities which had no connection with Krsna.719
He would make images of Krsna and Balarama, worship them with flowers
and sandal paste and dress them with fine clothes and
ornaments.720-721
When he would bow on the ground before them, he would weep.722
He offered them various kinds of sweetmeats and then enjoyed eating
the prasad of the Deities with his friends.723
He loved the Deities of Krsna and Balarama so much that even when he
was alone he would play with them. At bedtime he would clasp the
Deities tightly to his chest and sleep. His parents could not separate
their son from his Deities although they thought he was merely
playing.724-725
Everyone was happy to see Jiva's love for Krsna and Balarama.726
Caitanya and Nitai were so bound by his love for Them that they
appeared to him in a dream.727
Krsna and Balarama also appeared in a dream, and Sri Jiva was
enchanted to see Krsna in dark blue color and Balarama in white
color.728
They looked like Kandarpa and enchanted the universe with Their
beautiful postures.729
Suddenly Krsna and Balarama were replaced by Gaura and Nitai and the
universe was perfumed by the scent of Their bodies.730-731
Overjoyed with his vision Sri Jiva wept and fell at the feet of the
two masters.732-733
Gaura-Nityananda Raya, the twin oceans of mercy put their feet on the
head of Sri Jiva and embraced him affectionately. Whatever they spoke
fell like nectar on the ears of Sri Jiva.734-735
In ecstatic love Sri Gaurasundara offered Jiva to the gracious feet of
Sri Nityananda.736
But Nityananda repeatedly instructed Sri Jiva, "Let my Gaura Prabhu be
your life and soul."737
When Sri Jiva bowed against Their feet, They disappeared and Sri Jiva
fell into an abyss of disappointment.738
When he woke from sleep, the dawn was breaking and he prepared to
leave for Vrndavana on the pretext of studying there.739
The people of Navadvipa knew he was going to Vrndavana.740
He bid farewell to his followers and left Fateya with only one
servant.741
In the ecstasy of love, Sri Jiva wandered hypnotically arousing the
curiosity of the other travellers on the road. "Who is this young
man?" they wandered. "He must be a prince with a complexion of gold
like a campaka flower. What a beautiful face! Just see his attractive
wide eyes, nose, eyebrows, forehead, ears and curly hair. See his
neck, his chest and his nails and fingers on his lotus like hands! How
beautiful are his thighs, knees and legs."742-746
They all admired the tulasi garland hanging around his neck and the
milk white sacred thread lying across his chest.747
Someone said, "My dear friend, I cannot take my eyes off him. I wish I
could die carrying away all misfortune which might befall him.748-749
They said, "We cannot understand why we are feeling so perplexed to
see him? We wish we can get initiation from him.750
Although the people talked, Sri Jiva continued his journey rapt in
ecstasy.751
When he entered Navadvipa, everyone acknowledged him as he was the
nephew of Rupa Sanatana.752
Being overwhelmed by Sri Jiva's scholarship and devotional practices,
the brahmanas questioned him.753
Sri Jiva was enchanted by the beauty of Navadvipa.754
That holy dhama covered sixteen krosa of land with many beautiful
flower gardens, tanks, forests, groves, cottages and the banks of the
Ganga.755-756
As he wondered, Sri Jiva saw many Vaisnavas who were happy to meet him
and took him directly to the cottage of Srivasa Pandita where
Nityananda Prabhu and his associates were sitting.757-759
Nityananda had already foretold Sri Jiva's arrival to Srivasa and
Srivasa gladly informed Prabhu when Sri Jiva was waiting outside the
cottage door. 760-761
Nityananda was glad to hear it and requested someone to call him
in.762
Sri Jiva's eagerness to meet Nityananda made him cry uncontrollably
and he fell humbly at the feet of Prabhu.763-764
Nityananda Prabhu affectionately placed his feet on the head of Sri
Jiva. 765
He raised Sri Jiva from the ground, embraced him warmly and said, "I
have come here from Kardaha simply to meet you."766-767
In this way he pacified Sri Jiva in various ways and asked Srinivasa
and other Vaisnavas to favor him.768
He kept Sri Jiva in His association for some days and then requested
him to go west.769
At the time of his departure Sri Jiva bowed at the feet of Nityananda
in the sadness of their intimate separation.770
By placing his feet on the head of Sri Jiva he affectionately embraced
him and said, "Go to Vrndavana soon because it is the order of
Mahaprabhu that your family should be settled at that place."771-772
Sri Jiva offered his respects to the feet of all the Vaisnavas and
then left for Vrndavana.773
Srivasa and other devotees blessed Sri Jiva in various ways.774
From Navadvipa Sri Jiva went to Kasi where he met Sri Madhusudana
Vacaspati, the professor of all sastras who was as great as
Brhaspati.775-776
The scholar was pleased to meet Sri Jiva and kept him at his place for
a long time during which he gave him lessons on Vedanta and other
sastras.777
Sri Vacaspati was impressed by the scholarly capabilities of Sri Jiva
that he glorified him throughout Kasi and he soon became respected as
the foremost scholar of Nyaya, Vedanta and other scriptures.778-779
From Kasi, Sri Jiva went to Vrndavana and got the mercy of Rupa and
Sanatana.780
The twenty five books of Sri Jiva Gosvami
The books written by Sri Jiva Gosvami were namely the Vyakarana named
Sri Harinamamrta, its notes Sutra Malika and its metallurgical
analysis, Krsnacarana dipika, Gopala Virudavali, the last portion of
Rasamrta, Sri Madhava Mahotsava, Sankalpa-Kalpavrksa, Bhavartha
Sucaka-Campu, Gopala-tapani Tika, Brahma-samhita Tika, Rasamrta Tika,
Ujjvala-nilamani Tika, Yagosara Stava tika, Sri Gayatri Bhasya of Agni
Purana, the narrative of the footprints of Sri Krsna of Padma Purana,
the collective records of the hands and footprints of Sri Radhika, the
former position of Gopala Campu, the last portion of Gopala Campu, the
famous seven treatises of Srimad Bhagavata namely Tattva-sandarbha,
Bhagavata-sandarbha, Bhakti-sandarbha, Priti-sandarbha,
Krama-sandarbha, Krsna-sandarbha and Paramatma-sandarbha.833-851
The orders of Sri Rupa Sanatana to Sri Jiva and Sri Gopala Bhatta
"Previously I told you that on the 20th day of the month of Vaisakha
you will obtain wonderful association.234
"That devotee will reach Vrndavana today, and after meeting him you
will become very happy.235
"At the time of the arati of Govindadeva, when the crowd is thin, you
should search for him.236
"His complexion is like a golden campa flower and he is very thin. He
is young and tears constantly flow from his eyes.237
"In great pain he left Gauda and he has already gotten news of our
disappearance.238
"He decided to give up his life but we appeared before him to console
him.239
"We cannot describe his affliction but when you see him you will
understand.240
"You should arrange his initiation from Gopala Bhatta Gosvami and when
his study is completed give him all the books.241
sri gaude mandale sighra karabe gamana tinha
vitaribe loke grantha ratna gana
"Send him to Gaudadesa where he will distribute the transcendental
jewels of literature to the masses.242
"What more can we tell you about him? Through this Srinivasa Sri
Caitanya Mahaprabhu will perform many activities."243
The happiness of Srinivasa knew no bounds and he fell on the ground
again and again to offer obeisances to Jiva Gosvami. To his heart's
content he observed the beauty of Sri Radha Damodara, the life and
soul of Sri Jiva Gosvami.283-285
Rupa Gosvami had manifest the Deity of Radha Damodara and had offered
it to Jiva Gosvami in a dream.286
No one can describe the character of Sri Jiva Gosvami; his life, soul,
and everything was the lotus feet of Sri Rupa Gosvami.287
These aspects have been described elaborately in Sanskrit by a famous
poet in Sadhana Dipika.288
In Sadhana Dipika it is said: "Glory to Sri Jiva Gosvami who always
keeps the lotus feet of Sri Rupa Gosvami within his mind. He was a
Vrajavasi who conquered even the non-philosophical persons by his
philosophical views."289
Sri Sri Radha Damodara became manifest through the mercy of Sri Rupa
Gosvami and the ocean of mercy, Rupa Gosvami, gave the Deity to Sri
Jiva for his service.290
I have only briefly described the appearance of Sri Sri Radha
Damodara, the life and soul of Sri Jiva Gosvami.291
svapnadese sri rupa sri radha damodare
sva haste nirman kari dila sri jivere
Radha Damodara Vilasa Darsana by Sri Jiva
Seeing the pastimes of Sri Sri Radha Damodara, Sri Jiva Gosvami
remained always in an ecstatic mood.292
Sometimes the Lord would ask Sri Jiva for some food and Sri Jiva would
watch the Lord eat it.293
One day, when the Lord was playing His flute with a smile on His face,
He called Sri Jiva to come and watch.294
Sri Damodara was very young and was decorated with enchanting
ornaments. Upon seeing the Lord Sri Jiva Gosvami immediately
fainted.295
When he gained consciousness his heart was filled with ecstatic love
and his long, large eyes overflowed with tears.296
I have told only a few of the activities, but there were many episodes
in the pastimes of Radha Damodara which attracted everyone towards
Him.297
Sri Jiva bestowed the title of Acarya on Srinivasa
One day Sri Jiva took interest in explaining the verses of the book
Uddipana Vivaha.396
The following verse is from the book Sri Ujjvala-nilamani Uddipana
Vivaha: "Addressing her friend, Sri Radhika said that once a young
kadamba plant with only two leaves had been planted by lotus-eyed Sri
Krsna near the entrance of Gokula. The tree had now become full grown
and was covered with countless leaves and flowers. She complained that
the full grown kadamba tree had become the cause of pain of the gopis
who were already suffering from separation of Krsna.397
Unfortunately, Sri Jiva Gosvami failed to explain this adequately and
he asked Srinivasa to make it clear.398
Srinivasa had been empowered by Sri Rupa Gosvami and explained the
verse successfully. Whoever listened to it became satisfied and
happy.399
The commentator on the book Sri Ujjvala-nilamani had given a beautiful
and elaborate explanation of that particular verse. 400
Everyone was astonished by the genius of Srinivasa and they admired
him in various ways.401
With the permission of everyone Sri Jiva delightedly gave Srinivasa
the title of Kaviraja.402
Although Sri Jiva saw that Srinivasa felt very humble in the midst of
this praise, he discarded that humility by addressing Srinivasa as
Acarya.403
With the permission of Sri Jiva, Acarya Srinivasa began to educate the
Vaisnavas of Vraja.404
Sri Jiva bestows the title of Thakura Mahasaya on Sri Narottama
Sri Gopala Bhatta and other devotees bestowed extensive mercy on
Narottama, and Sri Jiva Gosvami began to educate him.421
Within a short time Narottama completed his education in the different
scriptures. The devotees were astonished by his capacity to
comprehend the scriptures and they began to admire him as a
scholar.422
Because his ability to learn was far greater than anyone else's, Jiva
Gosvami gave Narottama the title of Thakura Mahasaya.423-424
Srinivasa Acarya and Thakura Narottama became the favorite pupils of
Jiva Gosvami
Everyone in Vrndavana happily observed the great affection Sri Jiva
showed for Srinivasa and Narottama.425
Srinivasa and Narottama lived so intimately with Sri Jiva that it
seemed they had become the two hands of Sri Jiva. With the memory of
Sri Rupa and Sanatana always fresh in his mind Sri Jiva Gosvami spent
his days discussing religious and devotional topics with Srinivasa and
Narottama.426-427
Anyone who showed sincere interest in hearing these topics was sure to
get the blessings of Prabhu Visvambhara.428
P. 181 Sri Raghava said that in a lonely place in Nandaghata Jiva
Gosvami lived for sometime in seclusion.
Once Sri Rupa was writing a book in a quiet place in Vrndavana. It was
a hot day, and to dry the sweat from Rupa's body Sri Jiva would stand
beside him and fan him. The beauty of both Sri Rupa and Sri Jiva was
bright. At that time Sri Vallabha came to visit Rupa and when he
looked at Rupa's book Bhaktirasamrta Grantha Mangala Carana he told
Rupa, "I shall edit it." When he went to bathe in the Jamuna Sri Jiva
followed on the pretext of taking water from the Jamuna. Although he
did not know Sri Vallabha personally, Jiva asked him, "What is the
flaw in Mangala Carana?"
As Vallabha mentioned each point he felt required correction Jiva
refuted the point by his knowledge of the scriptures. Unable to defeat
Sri Jiva in a discussion, Vallabha went to Sri Rupa to inquire about
the identity of Jiva. Rupa told Vallabha that the young Vaisnava was
his nephew, and that he had arrived from his village only a few days
before. Vallabha Bhatta praised Jiva Gosvami and told Rupa the details
of their discussion on the book. Then Vallabha left that place.
Meanwhile Sri Jiva returned from the river and Sri Rupa scolded him in
a very quiet voice, "It was very kind of Bhatta to visit me and for my
own benefit he wanted to edit my book. This much you could not
tolerate by your Vaisnava grace? Go back to your home and return to
Vrndavana where you will be able to be patient."
At once Sri Jiva left the place and headed east towards his home.
When his mind became peaceful he decided to remain in a solitary place
in the forest as he did not have permission to return to the
association of Rupa Gosvami. He lived here in a hut made of leaves;
sometimes he ate a little and sometimes he ate nothing while he passed
his time in great distress and lamentation. He thought that if he
gave up his life he would be able to obtain the lotus feet of his
Lord.
In the course of his travels Sanatana Gosvami came to that village.
The villagers came forward to welcome him and ask about his
well-being. They informed him that one young and beautiful sannyasi
had been living in the forest for a long time, eating only a small
quantity of fruits or roots or drinking water mixed with atta (flour).
Knowing that this sannyasi must be Sri Jiva, Sanatana went to see him
affectionately. Seeing Sanatana within his patched hut Sri Jiva could
not control himself and fell flat on the ground at Sanatana's feet.
The villagers were quite astonished. Sanatana asked Sri Jiva to
explain his difficulty and Jiva very lovingly explained everything.
After consoling the villagers Sanatana left Sri Jiva in his hut and
went to see Rupa in Vrndavana.
P.182 Hearing of Sri Sanatana's arrival in Vrndavana, Sri Rupa went
out to meet him. He asked about the book Bhaktirasamrta sindhu and
Rupa said that he had finished writing the book but the editing was
incomplete because of Sri Jiva's absence.
Sanatana explained the situation to Sri Rupa and said, "Jiva is alive,
but he is so weak that even the breeze can rock his body." At once
Sri Rupa brought Jiva back to Vrndavana and nursed him affectionately.
Everyone was happy with Sri Jiva's recovery and Rupa Sanatana bestowed
all responsibility on him. By their mercy the greatness of Sri Jiva's
knowledge spread throughout the world.
A digvijayi (world conquering scholar) once came to Vrndavana and
asked Jiva, "If you will not compete with me in debate, then send me
jaya patra (a written paper acknowledging his defeat by the
digvijayi)." Sri Jiva sent him back the jaya patra, but the Digvijayi
accepted defeat after reading it. The glory of Sri Jiva is beyond
description. Then Sri Raghava showed them the hut of Sri Jiva.
His devotion gave immense pleasure to Sri Jiva Gosvami. One day Sri
Jiva and the other Vrndavana Gosvamis assembled happily at the Govinda
temple.222-223
They prayed to Sri Govinda, "O Lord, please bestow on Srinivasa the
strength he will require to distribute these books."224
eka dina sri jiva adi govinda mandire
haila ekatra sabe ullasa antare
sri govindadeve kahe sumadhura bhase
grantha vitarana sakti deha srinivase
eta kahitei govindera kantha haite
cindiya padila mala srinivasa dite
The moment they finished their prayers, a garland dropped from the
neck of Sri Govinda for Srinivasa.225
With tears of love in his eyes the priest quickly took it and
respectfully handed it to Srinivasa.226
He received the garland with utmost respect and affection for the Lord
and as he beheld the beautiful face of Sri Govinda he became
impatient.227
He worshiped the Deity again and again by touching himself to the
ground and he could not stop the tears which flowed from his eyes.228
Everyone who saw the grace bestowed on Srinivasa from Sri Govinda
praised both the Lord and His devotee.229
Sri Jiva and the others then settled the day that Srinivasa would
leave for Gaudadesa.230
It was agreed that the fifth day of the bright moon night of the month
of Agrahayana was the appropriate date for the commencement of the
journey.231
Sri Jiva Gosvami sent Srinivasa to take leave of Dasa Gosvami.232
Simply by the grace of Sri Jiva, one can understand the truths of his
philosophy.
Srinivasa next went to the temple of Radha Damodara - the life of Sri
Jiva Gosvami - to take leave his leave. Srinivasa got the favor of
Sri Radha Damodara, the source of divine rasa.309-310
How kindly Sri Radha Damodara gave him permission to leave is beyond
anyone's ability to describe. Sri Jiva gave Srinivasa the mala
prasad.311
When he realized the mercy of Sri Radha Damodara on Srinivasa, Sri
Jiva's heart filled with ecstatic joy.312
Sri Jiva, Srinivasa and the others reached his house. They bowed to
Sri Gosvami and Sri Jiva requested Sri Gosvami, "Please infuse
Srinivasa with your complete strength."405-406
"Place your feet on Srinivasa's head so that he can easily reach
Gaudadesa."407
"Bless him so that by curbing the pride of the heretics he can easily
distribute the books there."408
pasandi ganera darpa kariya khandana
svachande karena yena grantha vitarana
While considering Sri Jiva's request Gopala Bhatta prayed to Sri Radha
Ramana.409
It cannot be described how Sri Radha Ramana gave His mercy to
Srinivasa and then permitted him to leave.410
Seeing the mercy which Radha Ramana had bestowed on Srinivasa, Gopala
Bhatta Gosvami affectionately brought mala prasad to Srinivasa.411
sri jiva gosvami dina-dukhira jivana
punah ki dekhibe ami tanra sri carana
Thereafter Sri Acarya began to study once again under Sri Jiva
Gosvami, and Sri Jiva was pleased by the Acarya's intent. From Sri
Jiva, Srinivasa learnt the book Sri Gopala Campu and other books and
was happy to study under Sri Jiva.
Sri Ramacandra Kaviraja in Vrndavana
As Ramacandra traveled hurriedly to Vrndavana people who observed him
remarked that they had never seen such a person. They thought he was
probably the son of a king from Gauda. Some people thought him not
even a human being but rather a deity. When he arrived in Vrndavana
someone informed Sri Jiva Gosvami that a beautiful person, with skin
as bright as gold, had come from Gauda. They told Sri Jiva that they
were charmed by the sight of that man who was wandering aimlessly in
Vrndavana, crying as he enjoyed the beauty of the holy dhama. Sri Jiva
asked Srinivasa if he knew who the man was and Srinivasa said that it
must be Ramacandra.
Srinivasa had previously told Jiva Gosvami about Ramacandra, so Sri
Jiva ordered his followers to bring Ramacandra to his place. When
Ramacandra arrived he bowed at the feet of Sri Jiva and Srinivasa
Acarya and both of them lovingly embraced Ramacandra. They asked him
questions about the places which he had visited on his trip and
Ramacandra first reported what Khandavasi Sri Raghunandana had told
him. He also reported what he had heard from other Vaisnavas and he
told them the progress of his own study and the result of the long
tour which he had completed to Gaya, Kasi, Ayodhya and Prayaga.
From this report Sri Jiva Gosvami could understand the condition of
those holy places since the disappearance of Mahaprabhu and His
beloved companions. Ramacandra informed them that the inhabitants of
Gauda wanted Srinivasa to return and both Srinivasa and Sri Jiva took
the request seriously. Thereafter they took Ramacandra with them to
visit the temple of Radha Damodara.
While observing the Deities of Radha Damodara Ramacandra fell on the
ground crying and while visiting the samadhi of Rupa Gosvami he was
moved with emotion. When he cried loudly, calling out the name of Sri
Rupa, Sri Jiva took him on his lap and pacified him.
Sri Jiva Gosvami announced that Srinivasa would return to Gauda and on
the day after the full moon Sri Jiva once again entrusted Syamananda
to Srinivasa. He also gave Srinivasa some books which had been revised
by him. The Gosvamis of Vrndavana gathered in the temple of Sri
Govinda to bid farewell to Srinivasa. The Acarya bowed at their feet
and then went to see the moon-like face of Sri Govinda. Ramacandra and
Syamananda also bowed at the feet of the Gosvamis.
On the way to Gauda Srinivasa appointed his favorite disciple
Ramacandra Kaviraja to teach the king Virahamvira and told the king
how Sri Jiva Gosvami had been satisfied by Ramacandra's scholarly
abilities and how Sri Jiva had called him Caitanya Dasa. The king shed
tears of joy and fell at the feet of Srinivasa Prabhu he humbly
offered his respects to Acarya and by the mercy of his guru the king
got everything he wanted.
Sri Jahnava Thakurani Visits Vrndavana
Sri Jiva had already selected a beautiful house for her and he took
her there with her followers. After their worship of Sri Govinda,
Gopinatha and Madana Mohana, the Vaisnavas came to visit Sri Isvari at
her house. The residents of Vrndavana also came in a huge crowd to
meet her. While she spoke privately with Gopala Bhatta, Lokanatha and
others, Sri Jiva waited patiently to meet her. When she expressed the
desired to visit the temples of Vrndavana they gladly took her to Sri
Govinda, Gopinatha, Madana Mohana, Sri Radha Vinoda, Sri Radha Ramana
and Sri Radha Damodara.
Sri Jiva also affectionately met Govinda Kaviraja and requested to
take news to Srinivasa. Sri Jiva ordered to send his book Gitamrta and
other new books which he might write and in return Sri Jiva would send
letters. Gopala Bhatta gave Govinda the book Vrindavana which he had
written in a dream according to the order of Sri Rupa.
Sri Viracandra Prabhu's visit to forests of Vraja.
Viracandra first took permission to visit the forests of Vrndavana
from Sri Bhugarbha and Sri Jiva Gosvami, then started out along with
Yadava Acarya and others to visit the forests of Madhu, Tala, Kumuda
and Bahula. He also went to Radha-kunda where he relished the
association of Sri Jiva and others.
