CHAPTER 16

The Lord’s Attempt to Go to Vrndavana

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura gives the following summary of this chapter in his
Amrta-pravaha-bhasya. When Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu wanted to go to
Vrndavana, Ramananda Raya and Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya indirectly presented
many obstructions. In due course of time, all the devotees of Bengal visited Jagan-
natha Puri for the third year. This time, all the wives of the Vaisnavas brought
many types of food, intending to extend invitations to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu
at Jagannatha Purl. When the devotees arrived, Caitanya Mahaprabhu sent his
blessings in the form of garlands. In that year also, the Gundica temple was
cleansed, and when the Caturmasya period was over, all the devotees returned to
their homes in Bengal. Caitanya Mahaprabhu forbade Nityananda to visit Nilacala
every year. Questioned by the inhabitants of Kulina-grama, Caitanya Mahaprabhu
again repeated the symptoms of a Vaisnava. Vidyanidhi also came to Jagannatha
Puri and saw the festival of Odana-sasthi. When the devotees bade farewell to
the Lord, the Lord was determined to go to Vrndavana, and on the day of Vijaya-
dasami, He departed.

Maharaja Prataparudra made various arrangements for Sri Caitanya
Mahaprabhu’s trip to Vrndavana. When He crossed the River Citrotpala, Rama-
nanda Raya, Mardaraja and Haricandana went with Him. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu
requested Gadadhara Pandita to go to Nilacala, Jagannatha Puri, but he did not
abide by this order. From Kataka, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu again requested
Gadadhara Pandita to return to Nilacala, and He bade farewell to Ramananda Raya
from Bhadraka. After this, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu crossed the border of Orissa
state, and He arrived at Panihati by boat. Thereafter He visited the house of
Raghava Pandita, and from there He went to Kumarahatta and eventually to
Kuliya, where He excused many offenders. From there He went to Ramakeli,
where He saw Sri Ripa and Sanatana and accepted them as His chief disciples.
Returning from Ramakeli, He met Raghunatha dasa and after giving him instruc-
tions sent him back home. Thereafter the Lord returned to Nilacala and began to
make plans to go to Vrndavana without a companion.

TEXT 1

cAtcutotae cilacaas freee wim ear ges: |
Sa fiatorsi-sreee ngage, 5

159
