It is useful in jquery to be able to use a wildcard in a selector for an #id
If you want the wildcard to match the beginning of a string the code is as follows...
$("[id^=something]")
If you want the wildcard to match the end of a string the code is as follows...
$("[id$=something]")
So the first would select any id that began with "something"
eg:
id="something1"
id="something2"
id="something3"
and the second would seect any id that ended with "something
eg:
id="1something"
id="2something"
id="3something"
This is very handy when there are multiple date pickers on a page, and also in many other situations where #ids may vary, but you want the same code to apply to all without having to specify each #id.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Varsana - Day and Night at Radharanis Palace
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| Animation of day and night at Radharani's Palace in Varsana |
Video of day and night at Radharani's Palace in Varsana
To the music Para Karenge
Thursday, March 08, 2012
Rudradwipa - Ninth Island Of Navadwip
Rudradvipa (being a friend).
Rudradvipa is Baelvana.
At Belpukura (or Bilvapaksa ) in Rudradwip is the house of Sachi
Mata, Nimais mother. Nilambara Cakravarti Thakur, Sachi Mata's father
Deities are here, Sri Madana Gopala Belpukura are 1700 years old and
were worshipped by Sachi Mata. In Vraja Belpukura is known as as
Bilvavana.
Lord Sivas favourite tree was the Bilva and once some Brahmanas pleased him by worshipping the Bilva (Bael) tree for two weeks. One of these Brahmanas was Nimbaditya, Siva told him to go to the sacred Bilva forest to see the four Kumaras and accept them as his Gurus. The four brothers gave him the Radha Krishna mantra and instructed him how to worship Radha Krishna with love. Nimbaditya then stayed at this sacred place and worshiped accordingly.
Sankarpura is the place where Lord Chaitanya told Sankarachraya to leave Navadvipa. Sankaracarya was within his heart, a topmost Vaishnava, but he pretended to be a Mayavadi, a servant of Maya, he was in fact an incarnation of Lord Siva. Whilst engaged in this pretense, he came to Navadwip. Gauracahndra appeared to him in a dream, telling him that although he was his dear servant following orders, the mayavadi doctrine had no place in Navadwip and he must leave so as not to be a bad influence on the inhabitants of Navadwip Dhama.
Nidaya Ghata is where Lord Chaitanya crossed The River Ganga to go to Katwa & receive sannyasa from Kesava Bharati. Nidaya means "without mercy" and the Ghata is called this, because his family named it thus, being so heart broken at his leaving them. However his taking Sannyas was not without mercy, it was in fact in order to bestow the greatest mercy of Krishna Prema upon all living entities.
Rudradvipa is Baelvana.
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| The 1700 year old Deity of Krishna At Belpukara, Sachi Mata's House |
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| The Four Kumaras, Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, & Sanat Kumara |
Lord Sivas favourite tree was the Bilva and once some Brahmanas pleased him by worshipping the Bilva (Bael) tree for two weeks. One of these Brahmanas was Nimbaditya, Siva told him to go to the sacred Bilva forest to see the four Kumaras and accept them as his Gurus. The four brothers gave him the Radha Krishna mantra and instructed him how to worship Radha Krishna with love. Nimbaditya then stayed at this sacred place and worshiped accordingly.
| Sankaracharya |
Sankarpura is the place where Lord Chaitanya told Sankarachraya to leave Navadvipa. Sankaracarya was within his heart, a topmost Vaishnava, but he pretended to be a Mayavadi, a servant of Maya, he was in fact an incarnation of Lord Siva. Whilst engaged in this pretense, he came to Navadwip. Gauracahndra appeared to him in a dream, telling him that although he was his dear servant following orders, the mayavadi doctrine had no place in Navadwip and he must leave so as not to be a bad influence on the inhabitants of Navadwip Dhama.
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| Lord Chaitanya Accepting Sannyas from Kesava Bharati |
Nidaya Ghata is where Lord Chaitanya crossed The River Ganga to go to Katwa & receive sannyasa from Kesava Bharati. Nidaya means "without mercy" and the Ghata is called this, because his family named it thus, being so heart broken at his leaving them. However his taking Sannyas was not without mercy, it was in fact in order to bestow the greatest mercy of Krishna Prema upon all living entities.
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| Gauranga! |
The Nine Islands Of Navadwip Mandala Parikrama
Modadrumadwipa - Eighth Island Of Navadwip
Modadrumadvipa (being a servant);
Modadrumadvipa is Bhandiravana. Mahatpur in Modadrumadvipa is Kamyavana.
The deities above, are in Modrumadwipa at the Madana-Gopala Temple , Radha Gopinath are the small Deities on the right, they were worshiped by Sri Saranga Thakura. Radha Madana Gopala, the large Deities in the center, were worshipped by Vasudeva Datta. Gaura Gadhadhara, on the left, were the Deities of His Divine Grace Srila Puri Gosvami.
Sri Saranga Thakur lived in Godrumadvipa. In Vraja Lila Saranga Thakur was Nandimukhi. he would sit and chant on the banks of the ganges and this way he came to have miraculous powers. Mahaprabhu encouraged him to take disciples, although he did not wish to for feaar of disturbing his bhajan. He eventuall agreed and said he would make a disciple of the next person he came across. That happened to be a dead body that washed up on the banks fo the ganges, so he revived the body. This disciple was known as Thakur Murari.
Saranga Deva Gaudiya Math, Sestablished by rila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Thakur is here also.
Siddha Bakula in Modrumadwipa, is a tree that Nimai used to rest under when returning home from school in Vidyanagara. One day niticing that the tree was dying, the Lord embraced it, and gave it a new life. Today, even the tree is completely hollow inside, it is still grows and blossoms. It is in the courtyard of Sri Sarangapani’s house and it is a neem-tree. Lord Chitanya later used to come here regularly along with His associates to perform Harinam Sankirtan.
At Mamgachi, the birthplace of Sri Vrindavan Thakur, can be seen the above Deities. Gaura Nitai are on the left, they are the original deities worshiped by Sri Vrindavan Das Thakura. On the right are Sri Sri Radha Krishna, installed by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura.
Vrindavan Das Thakura, Vyasdeva wrote Shri Caitanya Bhagavata (also known as Caitanya Mangala) descsribing the pasttimes of Gaura Hari in Navadwip. At 16 years old he took initiation from Lord Nityananda and travelled and preached with him. Srila Krishna das Kaviraj Goswami said of him...
"Vrndavana Dasa Thakura is Lord Nityananda's favourite devotee. And therefore he is the original Vyasadeva in describing the pastimes of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu."
He was the son of Narayani Devi, who was the daughter of Srivas Thakura's brother. Mamgachi is also the ancestral home of Malini Devi, the wife of Srivasa Pandita.
Vasudeva Datta's house is in Modrumadwipa. Vasudeva Datta was a singer amongst the associates of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. In Vraja Lila he was the singer Madhuvrata. Vasudeva Datta was the older brother of Gauranga's associate Mukunda Datta and well known for his generosity. Vasudeva Datta was close with Srivasa Pandit and Shivananda Sena, living near to Kumarahatta and Kanchra Para where they lived. He couldnt stand seeing people suffering and asked Lord Chaitnya if he may take all their sins upon himself, to alleviate them. Gaurachandra was so fond of Vasudeva Datta that he used to repeat again and again...
“This body of mine belongs to Vasudeva. If he wants to sell me, I allow myself to be sold; I will not do otherwise. I announce this truth to all of you. If someone has even come into the briefest contact with Vasudeva Datta, he will be protected by Krishna. Listen all you Vaishnavas! I tell you the truth: this body of mine belongs to Vasudeva alone.”
(Chaitanya Bhagavat 3.5.27-30)
Modadrumadvipa is Bhandiravana. Mahatpur in Modadrumadvipa is Kamyavana.
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| Gaura Gadhadhara (left) Radha Madana Gopala (center) Radha Gopinath (small, right) |
Sri Saranga Thakur lived in Godrumadvipa. In Vraja Lila Saranga Thakur was Nandimukhi. he would sit and chant on the banks of the ganges and this way he came to have miraculous powers. Mahaprabhu encouraged him to take disciples, although he did not wish to for feaar of disturbing his bhajan. He eventuall agreed and said he would make a disciple of the next person he came across. That happened to be a dead body that washed up on the banks fo the ganges, so he revived the body. This disciple was known as Thakur Murari.
Saranga Deva Gaudiya Math, Sestablished by rila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Thakur is here also.
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| Siddha Bakula Navadwip |
Siddha Bakula in Modrumadwipa, is a tree that Nimai used to rest under when returning home from school in Vidyanagara. One day niticing that the tree was dying, the Lord embraced it, and gave it a new life. Today, even the tree is completely hollow inside, it is still grows and blossoms. It is in the courtyard of Sri Sarangapani’s house and it is a neem-tree. Lord Chitanya later used to come here regularly along with His associates to perform Harinam Sankirtan.
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| Deities at Mamgachi, the birthplace of Sri Vrindavan Das Thakur |
At Mamgachi, the birthplace of Sri Vrindavan Thakur, can be seen the above Deities. Gaura Nitai are on the left, they are the original deities worshiped by Sri Vrindavan Das Thakura. On the right are Sri Sri Radha Krishna, installed by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura.
Vrindavan Das Thakura, Vyasdeva wrote Shri Caitanya Bhagavata (also known as Caitanya Mangala) descsribing the pasttimes of Gaura Hari in Navadwip. At 16 years old he took initiation from Lord Nityananda and travelled and preached with him. Srila Krishna das Kaviraj Goswami said of him...
"Vrndavana Dasa Thakura is Lord Nityananda's favourite devotee. And therefore he is the original Vyasadeva in describing the pastimes of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu."
He was the son of Narayani Devi, who was the daughter of Srivas Thakura's brother. Mamgachi is also the ancestral home of Malini Devi, the wife of Srivasa Pandita.
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| Vasudeva Datta's House |
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| Mukunda And Vasudeva Datta With Lord Chaitanyas Associates |
Vasudeva Datta's house is in Modrumadwipa. Vasudeva Datta was a singer amongst the associates of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. In Vraja Lila he was the singer Madhuvrata. Vasudeva Datta was the older brother of Gauranga's associate Mukunda Datta and well known for his generosity. Vasudeva Datta was close with Srivasa Pandit and Shivananda Sena, living near to Kumarahatta and Kanchra Para where they lived. He couldnt stand seeing people suffering and asked Lord Chaitnya if he may take all their sins upon himself, to alleviate them. Gaurachandra was so fond of Vasudeva Datta that he used to repeat again and again...
“This body of mine belongs to Vasudeva. If he wants to sell me, I allow myself to be sold; I will not do otherwise. I announce this truth to all of you. If someone has even come into the briefest contact with Vasudeva Datta, he will be protected by Krishna. Listen all you Vaishnavas! I tell you the truth: this body of mine belongs to Vasudeva alone.”
(Chaitanya Bhagavat 3.5.27-30)
The Nine Islands Of Navadwip Mandala Parikrama
Jahnudwipa - Seventh Island Of Navadwip
Jahnudvipa (praying);
Jahnudvipa is Bhadravana.
Once Jahna Muni was sitting here chanting on the banks of the Ganga, when his acamana cup was washed away. Furious he drank all her water and did not release it for some days, when the King Bhagiratha worshipped him in fear. He released the water of the ganges from his ear, that is why the Ganges is also known as Jahnavi, the daughter of Jahnu. Lord Gauranga was pleased with Jahnu Muni and so appeared before him. Jahnu Muni then begged the Lord for the benediction to reside in Navadvipa Dham birth after birth. Lord Chaitanya granted him that, so that in the future Jahnu Muni would be able to see his sankirtana-lila.
Bhisma Tila is a hill that is located on the island of Jahnudwip. It is the birthplace of Bhishma, the son of King Santanu and Lord Chaitanya used to perform Sankirtana here with his associates.
Bhishma was the grandson (on his mothers side) of Jahna Muni. He lived in a ht near to Jahna Muni and Jahna Muni instructed him on religious principles, political science, the Supreme Lord and devotional service. When Bhishma was dying on the battlefield of Kurekshetra, he spoke about the appearance of Lord Gauranga. He predicted his appearance saying that...
"In His early pastimes, He appears as a householder with a beautifully formed golden complexion like molten gold. In His later pastimes, He accepts the sannyasa order and is the highest abode of peace and devotion, for He silences the impersonalist non-devotees."
It is also at this place that Bhisma learned the highest knowledge that he later spoke to Maharaja Yudhisthir.
Jahnudvipa is Bhadravana.
| Bhishma Dying At Kurekshetra |
Bhisma Tila is a hill that is located on the island of Jahnudwip. It is the birthplace of Bhishma, the son of King Santanu and Lord Chaitanya used to perform Sankirtana here with his associates.
Bhishma was the grandson (on his mothers side) of Jahna Muni. He lived in a ht near to Jahna Muni and Jahna Muni instructed him on religious principles, political science, the Supreme Lord and devotional service. When Bhishma was dying on the battlefield of Kurekshetra, he spoke about the appearance of Lord Gauranga. He predicted his appearance saying that...
"In His early pastimes, He appears as a householder with a beautifully formed golden complexion like molten gold. In His later pastimes, He accepts the sannyasa order and is the highest abode of peace and devotion, for He silences the impersonalist non-devotees."
It is also at this place that Bhisma learned the highest knowledge that he later spoke to Maharaja Yudhisthir.
The Nine Islands Of Navadwip Mandala Parikrama
Ritudwipa - Sixth Island Of Navadwip
Ritudvipa (worshipping);
Radha Kunda is in Ritudvipa.
Champahatti is the place where Srila Bhakti Promode Puri Goswami Maharaj took Sannyas initiation, there is a Temple of Gaura Gadadhara here. The Deities at Champahatti were
installed by Dvija Vaninatha, who was the younger brother of Gadadhara Pandita. The life size deities are over 500 years old.
This place is non deifferent to Khadiravana forest in Vrindavan. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura stated in his Navadvipa-bhava-taranga that it is the most beautiful place in Navadwip Dhama. Sri saci Nanadana and his associates would perform harinam sankirtan at the house of Vaninatha here. Lord Nityananda said that there was once a champaka forest there, that is a portion of Khadiravana in Vrindavana. Champakalata Sakhi performs her eternal pasttimes here sakhi, taking champaka flowers, stringing them into garlands and offering them to Sri Sri Radha and Krishna. Dvaraka Puri and Ganga-sagara are present here.
When the great poet jayadeva lived in Nadia, King Laksmana Sena liked a poem he had written, the Dasavatara-stotra, he wanted to meet Jayadeva, so disguised himself as a Vaishnava and went to Jayadevas house and offered obeisances to him. Jayadeva recognised the King, and so the King invited him to his palace. Being very renounced, Jayadeva did not accept the invitation of the materialistic King and vowed instead to leave his Kingdom to reside in Jagannath Puri Dhama. The King asked him instead to reconsider and live in Champakahatta for some years, saying he would stay away from him unless he was invited. At this jayadeva recognised the King to be a devotee of Krishna and told him that he had addressed him as a materialistic person to test him. he agreed to stay in Champakahatta saying that the King could visit him in secret. Being happy with this, the King arranged for a nice cottage to be built for Jayadeva in Champakahatta, and Jayadeva and his wife Padmavati resided there for some years. Padmavati would collect baskets full of champaka flowers to worship the Lord.
Vidyanagara is where Nimai studied in the ashram of Ganga Das. Ganga das is non different from Sandipani Muni. Once Nimai planted eleven of his wooden pens in the ground and they grew into trees. To this day, botanists have studied the trees and do no know what type of tree they are. There is none other like them.
Vidyanagar is the original source of the Vedas, it is the center of learning of the whole universe, Lord Brahma taught the Demi Gods and sages at Vidyanagara. Lord Caitanya would come here and debate with Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya's disciples, defeating them all with his logic. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Maharaj established a Gaudiya Math temple here.
At the time of universal devastation, it is said that Navadwip is not destroyed, and at this time the Matsya avatara carries the Vedas to Vidyanagar in Ritudvipa.
Vidyanagar is where Praudha Maya resides, influencing the devotees to visit. In her form of Maha Maya she troubles those who are averse to the Vaishnavas, they can go to Vidyanagar and but receive only ignorance, disguised as knowledge, never love of God. Saraswati also resides in Vidyanagar and it is known as the place to get knowledge of Krishna and memorize sloka.
Valmika composed the Ramayana here, and Lord Brahma produced the four Vedas from his mouth. Visvamitra received the teaching of the Dhanur Veda, Dhanvantari received the Ayur Veda, Saunaka recited the mantras of the Vedas, and Lord Siva discussed tantra. Jaiminu wrote the Karma-mimamsa sastra here, Vedyavyasa wrote the Puranas, Pantajali the Yoga-sutra, Kanabhuk the Vaisesika philosophy, Kapila the Sankhya philosophy and Gautama wrote about logic and argument. Narada Muni wrote the Pancaratra here to teach people about devotional service.
Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya's was born in Vidyanagar. It is also where he held a school of logic,.
The dust here is from Nitai and Gauranga’s lotus feet.
There is a hidden Radha Kunda and Syama Kunda in Ritudwipa. Every day at noon time, Gauranga and his Sankirtan party are there and performing Harinam Sankirtan. Srila Prabhupada Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura manifested Sri Radha-kunda and Sri Syamakunda next to Candrasekhara-bhavana on the banks of the ancient Sri Prthu-kunda, or Ballala-dighi.
Radha Kunda is in Ritudvipa.
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| Sri Sri Gaura Gadhadhara At Champahatti, Ritudwipa |
installed by Dvija Vaninatha, who was the younger brother of Gadadhara Pandita. The life size deities are over 500 years old.
This place is non deifferent to Khadiravana forest in Vrindavan. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura stated in his Navadvipa-bhava-taranga that it is the most beautiful place in Navadwip Dhama. Sri saci Nanadana and his associates would perform harinam sankirtan at the house of Vaninatha here. Lord Nityananda said that there was once a champaka forest there, that is a portion of Khadiravana in Vrindavana. Champakalata Sakhi performs her eternal pasttimes here sakhi, taking champaka flowers, stringing them into garlands and offering them to Sri Sri Radha and Krishna. Dvaraka Puri and Ganga-sagara are present here.
When the great poet jayadeva lived in Nadia, King Laksmana Sena liked a poem he had written, the Dasavatara-stotra, he wanted to meet Jayadeva, so disguised himself as a Vaishnava and went to Jayadevas house and offered obeisances to him. Jayadeva recognised the King, and so the King invited him to his palace. Being very renounced, Jayadeva did not accept the invitation of the materialistic King and vowed instead to leave his Kingdom to reside in Jagannath Puri Dhama. The King asked him instead to reconsider and live in Champakahatta for some years, saying he would stay away from him unless he was invited. At this jayadeva recognised the King to be a devotee of Krishna and told him that he had addressed him as a materialistic person to test him. he agreed to stay in Champakahatta saying that the King could visit him in secret. Being happy with this, the King arranged for a nice cottage to be built for Jayadeva in Champakahatta, and Jayadeva and his wife Padmavati resided there for some years. Padmavati would collect baskets full of champaka flowers to worship the Lord.
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| Trees Manifested From Gauranga's Pens at Vidyanagara |
Vidyanagar is the original source of the Vedas, it is the center of learning of the whole universe, Lord Brahma taught the Demi Gods and sages at Vidyanagara. Lord Caitanya would come here and debate with Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya's disciples, defeating them all with his logic. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Maharaj established a Gaudiya Math temple here.
At the time of universal devastation, it is said that Navadwip is not destroyed, and at this time the Matsya avatara carries the Vedas to Vidyanagar in Ritudvipa.
Vidyanagar is where Praudha Maya resides, influencing the devotees to visit. In her form of Maha Maya she troubles those who are averse to the Vaishnavas, they can go to Vidyanagar and but receive only ignorance, disguised as knowledge, never love of God. Saraswati also resides in Vidyanagar and it is known as the place to get knowledge of Krishna and memorize sloka.
Valmika composed the Ramayana here, and Lord Brahma produced the four Vedas from his mouth. Visvamitra received the teaching of the Dhanur Veda, Dhanvantari received the Ayur Veda, Saunaka recited the mantras of the Vedas, and Lord Siva discussed tantra. Jaiminu wrote the Karma-mimamsa sastra here, Vedyavyasa wrote the Puranas, Pantajali the Yoga-sutra, Kanabhuk the Vaisesika philosophy, Kapila the Sankhya philosophy and Gautama wrote about logic and argument. Narada Muni wrote the Pancaratra here to teach people about devotional service.
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| Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya's House |
The dust here is from Nitai and Gauranga’s lotus feet.
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| Hidden Syama Kunda |
There is a hidden Radha Kunda and Syama Kunda in Ritudwipa. Every day at noon time, Gauranga and his Sankirtan party are there and performing Harinam Sankirtan. Srila Prabhupada Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura manifested Sri Radha-kunda and Sri Syamakunda next to Candrasekhara-bhavana on the banks of the ancient Sri Prthu-kunda, or Ballala-dighi.
The Nine Islands Of Navadwip Mandala Parikrama
Koladwipa - Fifth Island Of Navadwip
Koladvipa (serving the lotus feet);
In Koladvipa is Bahulavana. In Koladvipa is a hill called Kuliya and this hill is Govardhana Hill.
The Dhamesvara Mahaprabhu Bari Temple in Koladwip is where the deity worshipped by Vishnu Priya, wife of Gauranga Mahaprabhu, resides. It is a beautiful neem deity, that Vishnu Priya worshipped for 80 years after the Lord had taken Sannyas. She was only 16 years old when Gauranga left and so she worshipped the deity as her husband. On the day of Radhashtami Vishnu Priya would worship the Deity as Srimati Radharani. She passed away at the age of 96 years. Gauranga's wooden shoes, that she also worshipped, are also here. Her Deities arms are outstretched, as if to say "I am yours".
Samudragarh, is a place where in Dwarpara Yuga a great devotee of Krishna, Samudra Sen, ruled over. Samudra Sen refused to pay tribute to Maharaja Yudhisthira, so Bhima told him to prepare to fight. Samudra Sen did this because he wanted to have darshan of Krishna, he knew his army would overwhelm Bhimas, and so Krishna would come to the aid of Bhima, so granting him darshan. As planned when seeing Samudra Sen's army, Bhima called out to Krishna for help. Krishna appeared, but only to Samudra Sen, telling him that he would appear as Lord Chaitanya and showing him his form as Lord Gauranga. So Samudra Sen called off his troops and paid tribute to Bhima being satisfied having forced Krishna to appear.
Jagannatha Dasa Babaji Bhajana Kutir & Samadhi
Srila Jagannatha Dasa Babaji used to meet daily with Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and Gaurakishora Dasa Babaji to discuss Krishna Katha. He was born around 1800AD and lived for 146 years. He took initiation into the disciplic succession from Sri Madhusudana Dasa Babaji. Sri jagannath Das Babaji revealed many of the lost Holy Places in Navadwip Dhama, including Yogapith, Srivasa Angana. When Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur was looking for Lord Chaitanya's birthplace, he asked Jagannatha dasa Babaji to go with him. He was so old and frail that he had to be carried in a basket by Bihari Lal. When he arrived at that place in Antardwipa, he leapt out of the basket and started dancing and singing, Haribol! Gauranga! Ei to Nimai Janmabhoomi!"(This is the Birthplace of Nimai!). In later life, along with a 12 year old Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura prepared the Vaishnava calendar in accordance with the proper siddhanta. Bhaktivinoda Thakura called him the commanding chief of the devotees.
Devananda Pandit lived in Koladwipa, he was a teacher of Srimad Bhagavatam and one day, before the advent of Gauranga, Srivas Pandita went to one of his classes. Srivas became ecstatic with prema on hearing the Bhagavatam's sweet words and started rolling on the ground. The other students were not happy with Srivas behaving this way and tried to have him thrown out the class, saying that he was mad and not paying proper respect to the Srimad Bhagavatam. Devananda Pandit did not intervene and so Srivas was ejected from the assembly by the other students. Unfortunately for Devananda, as he was there and did nothing to stop his students doing this, he also partook of the sinful reaction of offending Srivas Pandit. Srivas said nothing, just returned home.
Some years later when Gauranga Mahaprabhu displayed his Mahaprakash form at Srivas Pandita's house, he asked Srivas if he remembered the incident. One day when walking in Navadwipa, Mahaprabhu past by Devananda Pandit's house where he heard him teaching Srimad Bhagavatam. He felt enraged and did not want to hang around there, he spoke angry words, full of truths about Srimad Bhagavatam, such as that the Bhagavatam promoted Bhakti as the ultimate goal of life and that the essence of the Bhagavatam could only be known through devotion, not scholarship. Then Gauranga left. Devananda heard these words from in his house.
After Lord Chaitanya had taken Sannyas and gone to Jagannath Puri, Devananda remembered those words and regretted not going out to meet Gauranga, as he felt sure that someone who spoke such truths of the Bhagavatam was an exalted personality. When he saw Sri Vakesvara Pandita rolling on the ground after an ecstatic kirtan, instead of ignroing him, as he had Srivas, he went and picked him up and held him on his lap till he recovered. This was the beginning of his bhakti-seva.
Five years later, Lord Chaitanya returned to Navadwipa and Devananda Pandita went to take darshan. When Gauranga saw him, he told him that he was pleased with him for assisting his devotee Vakesvara. Devananda felt overwhelmed at hearing the Lord speak to him and begged for forgiveness of his sins and for the Lord to give him proper instruction on Srimad Bhagavatam. Mahaprabhu explained the essence of Bhagavatam and then told him that as the Book Bhagavatam is non different to the Bhakta Bhagavatam, that he would need to ask forgiveness of Srivas. So Devananda went to Srivas and begged for forgiveness. Srivasa Thakura embraced Devananda and forgave him and from that day on Devananda was accepted amongst the followers of mahaprabhu as a great devotee.
Devananda Gaudiya Math is built at the place where Devananda Pandita was forgiven of his offences. Anyone who sets foot here becomes free from all offences.
In Koladvipa is Bahulavana. In Koladvipa is a hill called Kuliya and this hill is Govardhana Hill.
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| Mahaprabhu Bari Temple |
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| Mahaprabhu Bari, Vishnu Priya's Worshippable Deity |
The Dhamesvara Mahaprabhu Bari Temple in Koladwip is where the deity worshipped by Vishnu Priya, wife of Gauranga Mahaprabhu, resides. It is a beautiful neem deity, that Vishnu Priya worshipped for 80 years after the Lord had taken Sannyas. She was only 16 years old when Gauranga left and so she worshipped the deity as her husband. On the day of Radhashtami Vishnu Priya would worship the Deity as Srimati Radharani. She passed away at the age of 96 years. Gauranga's wooden shoes, that she also worshipped, are also here. Her Deities arms are outstretched, as if to say "I am yours".
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| Boats approaching Samudraghar |
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| Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji, the spiritual master of Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur |
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| Sri Jagannath Das Babaji's Samadhi Mandir |
Srila Jagannatha Dasa Babaji used to meet daily with Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and Gaurakishora Dasa Babaji to discuss Krishna Katha. He was born around 1800AD and lived for 146 years. He took initiation into the disciplic succession from Sri Madhusudana Dasa Babaji. Sri jagannath Das Babaji revealed many of the lost Holy Places in Navadwip Dhama, including Yogapith, Srivasa Angana. When Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur was looking for Lord Chaitanya's birthplace, he asked Jagannatha dasa Babaji to go with him. He was so old and frail that he had to be carried in a basket by Bihari Lal. When he arrived at that place in Antardwipa, he leapt out of the basket and started dancing and singing, Haribol! Gauranga! Ei to Nimai Janmabhoomi!"(This is the Birthplace of Nimai!). In later life, along with a 12 year old Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura prepared the Vaishnava calendar in accordance with the proper siddhanta. Bhaktivinoda Thakura called him the commanding chief of the devotees.
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| Varaha(left) and Radha Vinode Bihari at Devananda Gaudiya Math where all offences are forgiven |
Devananda Pandit lived in Koladwipa, he was a teacher of Srimad Bhagavatam and one day, before the advent of Gauranga, Srivas Pandita went to one of his classes. Srivas became ecstatic with prema on hearing the Bhagavatam's sweet words and started rolling on the ground. The other students were not happy with Srivas behaving this way and tried to have him thrown out the class, saying that he was mad and not paying proper respect to the Srimad Bhagavatam. Devananda Pandit did not intervene and so Srivas was ejected from the assembly by the other students. Unfortunately for Devananda, as he was there and did nothing to stop his students doing this, he also partook of the sinful reaction of offending Srivas Pandit. Srivas said nothing, just returned home.
Some years later when Gauranga Mahaprabhu displayed his Mahaprakash form at Srivas Pandita's house, he asked Srivas if he remembered the incident. One day when walking in Navadwipa, Mahaprabhu past by Devananda Pandit's house where he heard him teaching Srimad Bhagavatam. He felt enraged and did not want to hang around there, he spoke angry words, full of truths about Srimad Bhagavatam, such as that the Bhagavatam promoted Bhakti as the ultimate goal of life and that the essence of the Bhagavatam could only be known through devotion, not scholarship. Then Gauranga left. Devananda heard these words from in his house.
After Lord Chaitanya had taken Sannyas and gone to Jagannath Puri, Devananda remembered those words and regretted not going out to meet Gauranga, as he felt sure that someone who spoke such truths of the Bhagavatam was an exalted personality. When he saw Sri Vakesvara Pandita rolling on the ground after an ecstatic kirtan, instead of ignroing him, as he had Srivas, he went and picked him up and held him on his lap till he recovered. This was the beginning of his bhakti-seva.
Five years later, Lord Chaitanya returned to Navadwipa and Devananda Pandita went to take darshan. When Gauranga saw him, he told him that he was pleased with him for assisting his devotee Vakesvara. Devananda felt overwhelmed at hearing the Lord speak to him and begged for forgiveness of his sins and for the Lord to give him proper instruction on Srimad Bhagavatam. Mahaprabhu explained the essence of Bhagavatam and then told him that as the Book Bhagavatam is non different to the Bhakta Bhagavatam, that he would need to ask forgiveness of Srivas. So Devananda went to Srivas and begged for forgiveness. Srivasa Thakura embraced Devananda and forgave him and from that day on Devananda was accepted amongst the followers of mahaprabhu as a great devotee.
Devananda Gaudiya Math is built at the place where Devananda Pandita was forgiven of his offences. Anyone who sets foot here becomes free from all offences.
The Nine Islands Of Navadwip Mandala Parikrama
Madhyadwipa - Fourth Island Of Navadwipa
Madhyadvipa (remembering);
In Madhyadwipa, there is a deity of Lord Siva riding on Lord Brahma's Hamsa Vahana, his swan carrier.
Naimisharanya Forest is where Lord Siva, Saunaka Rsi and other sages heard about the pastimes of Sri Cahitanya Mahaprabhu (Gaura Bhagavatam) from Suta Gosvami. It is also where Srila Vedavyasa instructed his disciples in the Vedas and Puranas and His disciple Lomaharshana narrated the Puranas. In the Vayu Purana it is described how in Satya Yuga, the sages wanted to perform a sacrifice and needed advice where to do it. To guide them Lord Brahma created a wheel called the Manomaya Chakra, he threw the Charkra and told the sages that where it broke would be a suitable place for them to perform their yagna. It landed and broke in Naimisharanya Forest, creating a huge fountain of water that had to be stopped by the Goddess Shakti. Where the wheel broke is also said to be the epicenter of Prithvimandala (the earth planet), Chakra Kund is there, where devotees can bathe and be purified from sinful activities. Lord Vishnu with his chakra, once destroyed an entire army of asuras in one second at Naimisharanya.
Brahmana Puskara is where a young brahmana named Diva Dasa was in Navadwip and had a desire to visit Puskara, that is known to be in Rajastan and he was unable to go there. He was told in a dream that if he chanted the name of the Lord, his desire would be fulfilled. Much later on, when Diva das was an old man, Puskara appeared in front of his hut, in the form of a pond. In a dream the personification of Puskara told him to bathe in the pond. When he did, before his eyes manifested Puskara Raja, who is the king of the holy places. Diva Das apologised to the king for making him come such a long way to Navawdip, but the King replied that he was there anyway. he explained that as Navadvipa is the embodiment of all the Holy Places, they all reside in and do service to Navadvipa. He stated, “I have exhibited one form of Puskara in the west, but I always reside here.” he also told him that whatever benefit one gets from bathing in many Holy Places many times, could be achieved by staying just one night in Navadvipa Dhama, because all the Holy Places on earth reside in Navadwip eternally. Diva das was told that in Kali Yuga he would take birth and take part in Gaura Lila.
Kurekshetra, (Uchahatta, also called Hatta Danga) is on the island of Madhadwip. Lord Nityananda said that all the Devas and all the tirthas came to Kurekshetra. The devas set up a market there for discussing Gauranga's pasttimes, and that just by seeing this place, a person receives an ocean of prema, love for God.
Pancaveni and Gauranga Seti are where the five rivers, Alaknanda, Mandakini, Yamuna, Manasi Ganga, & Sarasvati all flow into the Ganga, in a desire to serve Gauranga. The DemiGods come to this place to relax. Gauranga took bath here and purified the place of the sins of the people of Kali Yuga. Even Vyasadeva and the risis glorify this place, recognising that there is no place in all the fourteen worls, that can compare.
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| Lord Siva On Lord Brahma's Hamsa Vahana, Swan Carrier |
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| Chakra Kunda in Naimisharanya Tirtha |
Naimisharanya Forest is where Lord Siva, Saunaka Rsi and other sages heard about the pastimes of Sri Cahitanya Mahaprabhu (Gaura Bhagavatam) from Suta Gosvami. It is also where Srila Vedavyasa instructed his disciples in the Vedas and Puranas and His disciple Lomaharshana narrated the Puranas. In the Vayu Purana it is described how in Satya Yuga, the sages wanted to perform a sacrifice and needed advice where to do it. To guide them Lord Brahma created a wheel called the Manomaya Chakra, he threw the Charkra and told the sages that where it broke would be a suitable place for them to perform their yagna. It landed and broke in Naimisharanya Forest, creating a huge fountain of water that had to be stopped by the Goddess Shakti. Where the wheel broke is also said to be the epicenter of Prithvimandala (the earth planet), Chakra Kund is there, where devotees can bathe and be purified from sinful activities. Lord Vishnu with his chakra, once destroyed an entire army of asuras in one second at Naimisharanya.
Brahmana Puskara is where a young brahmana named Diva Dasa was in Navadwip and had a desire to visit Puskara, that is known to be in Rajastan and he was unable to go there. He was told in a dream that if he chanted the name of the Lord, his desire would be fulfilled. Much later on, when Diva das was an old man, Puskara appeared in front of his hut, in the form of a pond. In a dream the personification of Puskara told him to bathe in the pond. When he did, before his eyes manifested Puskara Raja, who is the king of the holy places. Diva Das apologised to the king for making him come such a long way to Navawdip, but the King replied that he was there anyway. he explained that as Navadvipa is the embodiment of all the Holy Places, they all reside in and do service to Navadvipa. He stated, “I have exhibited one form of Puskara in the west, but I always reside here.” he also told him that whatever benefit one gets from bathing in many Holy Places many times, could be achieved by staying just one night in Navadvipa Dhama, because all the Holy Places on earth reside in Navadwip eternally. Diva das was told that in Kali Yuga he would take birth and take part in Gaura Lila.
Kurekshetra, (Uchahatta, also called Hatta Danga) is on the island of Madhadwip. Lord Nityananda said that all the Devas and all the tirthas came to Kurekshetra. The devas set up a market there for discussing Gauranga's pasttimes, and that just by seeing this place, a person receives an ocean of prema, love for God.
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| Pancaveni, where the Demi Gods go to relax |
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| Gauranga Setu On The River Ganga |
The Nine Islands Of Navadwip Mandala Parikrama
Godrumadwipa - Third Island Of Navadwip
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| Lord Narasimhadeva at Nrsimhapalli |
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| Hari Hara Kshetra, where Sri Hari and Sri Hara are manifest as one deity |
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| Mango Tree At Ama Ghata |
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| The Deities At Suvarna Bihar Math |
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| Svananda Sukhada Kunja, where Bhaktivinode Thakur lived |
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| Sri Gaura Gadhadhara worshipped by Bhaktivinode Thakur |
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| Surabhi Kunj, where the Surabhi cow (desire cow) eternally resides |
"By taking shelter in the worship of Gauranga, you will attain the sweet fruit of love of God. When that prema sits in your heart, it will drown you in the nectar of the playful pastimes of the Lord. You will get the shelter of Radha's lotus feet in Vraja, and your mind will be fixed in the service of the divine couple. The happiness of this service is unmatched, while in the non-differentiated Brahman there is only illusory knowledge."
"In worshiping Gauranga, there is no consideration. When you call out the name of Gaura, your sinful reactions are destroyed and you are freed from all distress as your material life is vanquished. Besides sinful reactions, even the fruits of mental speculation, which are only trouble, will be cut out at the root. Therefore, you should stay on this island, and submerge yourself in gauranga-rasa while worshiping the Lord."
Hearing this Markendaya took to chanting Gauranga, sometimes laughing, sometimes crying, Surabhi Kunj is the place where Markendaya received life!
The Nine Islands Of Navadwip Mandala Parikrama
Simantadwipa - Second Island Of Navadwip
Simantadvipa (hearing);
Mayamari in Simantadvipa is Talavana
Chand Kazi was a strict Muslim and disapproved of the chanting of the Holy Names. He tried to forbid Sankirtana taking soldiers to the house of Srivas Pandit, the soldiers broke Mrdanga and confiscated the instruments, Chand kazi threatened to imprison those who did not obey him. Hearing of this Chaitanya Mahaprabhu gathered togethre many to perform sankirtana in every town and village, by the light of the moon they sang and danced. A Champaka tree at the place, was witness to this and ever since, despite being hollow, flowers all year round.
Kolavecha Sridhara made his living selling banana leaves and stalks, he was very poor, but despite that he would give 50% of his earnings to worship the Ganga and he would chant the Holy Names every night (much to the displeasure of his neighbours). Nimai used to visit Kolavecha Sridhara daily, teasing him by fighting with him over the price of banana leaves and accusing him of secretly being a rich man pretending to be poor. Kolavecha tried to persuade Nimai to go elsewhere for his supplies of banana leaves, but Nimai refused saying that he would not be able to find such a steady supplier anywhere else. Nimai insisted to be fed and despite his poverty Kolavecha agreed to feed Nimai for free. Kolaveca Sridhara is a very dear, eternal associate of Lord Chaitanya.
Mayamari in Simantadvipa is Talavana
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| The Champaka Tree At Chand Kazi Samadhi |
Chand Kazi was a strict Muslim and disapproved of the chanting of the Holy Names. He tried to forbid Sankirtana taking soldiers to the house of Srivas Pandit, the soldiers broke Mrdanga and confiscated the instruments, Chand kazi threatened to imprison those who did not obey him. Hearing of this Chaitanya Mahaprabhu gathered togethre many to perform sankirtana in every town and village, by the light of the moon they sang and danced. A Champaka tree at the place, was witness to this and ever since, despite being hollow, flowers all year round.
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| Kolavecha Sridhara's Place |
The Nine Islands Of Navadwip Mandala Parikrama
Antardwipa - First Island Of Navadwip
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| Jagannath Mishra and Shachi Mata - Nimai's Parents |
Antardvipa is Gokula-Mahavana. The forest of Madhuvana and Mathura city are north of Prithu Kunda.
The island at the junction of the Ganges and the Yamuna is called Antardvipa. Within Antardvipa is Sri Dham Mayapur, where Lord Caitanya appeared.
Within the central island of Antardvipa is Mayapur. This entire area is considered a holy place.
Just as Krishna was born and performed his childhood pasttimes in Gokula, living in the house of Nanda Maharaja and Mother Yasoda. So too in the form of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu he performed His childhood pastimes in the house of Jagannatha Mishra in Navadvipa. Gokula is known as non different to Antardvipa, that is it is simultaneously one and different, achintya bheda abheda tattva. Jagannath and Shachi named the Lord Nimai, to protect him from evil spirits, as evil spirits can not come close to a Neem tree, so the name offered some protection to their special child. It was later after taking the renounced order of life, that Nimai became known as Sri Krishna Chaitanya, Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu.
As a baby, Nimai could only be pacified by the singing of the Holy Names. He would stp crying and dance when he heard them.
Just as Krishna used to play on the banks of the Yamuna at Brahmanda Ghat in Vraja, so too Sri Sacinandana Gaurahari, Krsna in the form of Nimai Pandita, used to play games on the bank of the Ganga in Navadvip. Nimai would go to the girls on the banks of the Ganga, who were worshipping Sankara with various offerings, such as sweets. He would tell them that they should give him all that they had collected to offer to the Ganga to receive a benediction. If they did not hand over all their paraphernalia meant for the Ganges, to him, he said a curse would fall upon them. They would argue with him, but he would take their offerings by force and tell them not to be upset, because he was the husband of the Ganga and that they were greatly blessed to have his darshan.
Sometimes Nimai would splash water on the Brahmanas who were on the banks of the Ganga here taking bath and reciting their mantras. He would wait until they were clean and had applied their tilak and then he would spit water from his mouth at them. Of course they would get angry claiming that Nimai had contaminated them, not knowing that Nimai was the supremely pure Sri Sacinandana Gaurahari himself. They would complain to his father, Jagannatha Misra, who decided that he should beat Nimai with a stick when he returned hom, to teach him a lesson, not to bother the Brahmanas again. The girls that Nimai had teased heard of this and warned him about his impending beating. So Nimai smudged ink and dust on his face and hands and when his father asked him whether he had been bothering people on the banks of the Ganga, he denied it, saying that he had not been there and had come straight home from school. As Jagannath Misra could see the dust and ink spots on Nimai, he believed his son, thinking that the Brahmanas must have been mistaken. So Nimai escaped the beating and his father was pacified.
Nimais parents were worried that if Nimai continued learning from scriptures, that he would forsake family life, like his brother Vishvarupa had. So they tried to end his education. This only made Nimai more mischievous, he would go to a place where dirty pots were collected and sit down there, angering his mother. Nimai said to her..
“How can a fool tell the difference between that which is pure and that which is not? How can the pots that have been used to cook for Vishnu possibly be contaminated? What is more, how can any place be impure if I am there? Ideas of purity and impurity from the karma-kanda have no place in devotion to the Lord. It is just the imagination of people who know nothing but the material world.”
She dragged him out of that place, but after that entreated Jagannath Mishra to allow him to continue his studies, which he did.
So Nimai performed His childhood pastimes on the banks of the Ganga, which is also where He met Visnupriya later to be his wife.
Also in Antardvipa-Mayapura is a place called Srivasa-angana, the home of Srivasa Thakura. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Sri Nityananda prabhu, Sri Gadadhara pandita, Sri Advaita Acarya and Srivasa Thakura, would perform congregational chanting, maha-sankirtana, at this place.
The Nine Islands Of Navadwip Mandala Parikrama
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