SRI NITYANANDA-VANDANA

nitai pada-kamala, koti-chandra-susitala,
ye chhayaya jagata judaya
hena nitai bine bhai, radha-krsna paite nai,
drdha kari dhara nitaira paya [1]

The whole world is soothed in the shade of Nitai’s lotus feet, which are as cooling as ten million moons. Brother, it is not possible to come to Radha-Krishna without this Nitai. Firmly grasp Nitai’s feet!

se sambandha nahi yara, vrtha janma gela tara,
sei pasu bada durachara
nitai na balila mukhe, majila samsara sukhe,
vidya-kule ki karibe tara [2]

If you do not know who Nitai is, your life has passed in vain – you are just an animal who lives an abominable life. You have never uttered Nitai’s Name, living immersed in material pleasures – do you think your education and noble birth will save you?

ahankare matta haina, nitai-pada pasariya,
asatyere satya kari mani
nitaiyera karuna habe, vraje radha-krsna pabe,
dhara nitaiyera charana duhkhani [3]

Maddened with pride and forgetting Nitai’s feet, you take untruth for truth. If you get Nitai’s mercy, you will come to Radha-Krishna in Vraja. O miserable soul, grasp Nitai’s holy feet!

nitaiyera charana satya, tanhara sevaka nitya,
nitai pada sada kara asa
narottama bada duhkhi, nitai more kara sukhi,
rakha ranga charanera pasa [4]

Nitai’s feet are truth, and His servants are eternal. Always hanker for Nitai’s feet. Narottam feels very sad… ‘O Nitai! Please make me happy – keep me beside Your crimson feet.’

akrodha paramananda nityananda raya
abhimana sunya nitai nagare bedaya [1]

Never angry and ever joyful, Lord Nityananda Ray wanders throughout the towns without any pride.

adhama patita jivera dvare dvare giya
hari-nama maha-mantra dena bilaiya [2]

Going door to door to the homes of all lowly, fallen souls, He distributes the Hare Krishna maha-mantra.

yare dekhe tare kahe dante trna dhari’
amare kiniya laha bhaja gaura-hari [3]

Approaching with utter humility (holding straw between His teeth), He says to whoever He meets, ‘You can buy Me – just worship Gaura- hari!’

eta bali’ nityananda bhume gadi’ yaya
sonara parvata yena dhulate lotaya [4]

Saying this, Nityananda falls to the ground. He resembles a golden mountain as He rolls in dust.

hena avatare yara rati na janmila
lochana bale sei papi ela ara gela [5]

Lochan says, ‘If you still do not feel any attachment to this incarnation of the Lord, you are a sinner who simply came and went (lived and died in vain).’

nitai gunamani amara nitai gunamani
aniya premera vanya bhasala avani [1]

O Nitai, jewel of all good qualities! My dear Nitai, jewel of all good qualities! You brought a flood of divine love and inundated the whole world.

prema-vanya laye nitai aila gauda dese
dubila bhakata-gana dina-hina bhase [2]

Nitai brought a flood of divine love to the land of Gauda (Bengal). Devotees dived into it, and the poor and lowly floated on its surface.

dina-hina patita pamara nahi bachhe
brahmara durlabha prema sabakare yache [3]

Whether one is destitute, bereft, fallen or a sinner – He did not mind anyone because everyone is hankering for that divine love, which is rare even for Lord Brahma to attain.

abaddha karuna-sindhu katiya muhana
ghare ghare bule prema-amiyara vana [4]

He cut a canal into the ocean of mercy that had been kept contained, and the flood of nectarean divine love spread to each and every home.

lochan bale hena nitai yeba na bhajila
janiya suniya sei atmaghati haila [5]

Lochan says, ‘Those who have not worshipped this Nitai have consciously committed suicide.’

parama karuna, pahu dui jana,
nitai gaura-chandra
saba avatara- sara siromani,
kevala ananda kanda [1]

Nitai and Gaurachandra are two most merciful Lords. They are the best crest-jewels of all incarnations and the root of pure happiness.

bhaja bhaja bhai, chaitanya-nitai,
sudrdha visvasa kari’
visaya chhadiya, se rase majiya,
mukhe bala hari hari [2]

Brother, serve, serve Chaitanya and Nitai with the strongest faith! Leave aside all material things and, immersing yourself into this nectar, chant out loud, ‘Hari! Hari!’

dekha ore bhai, tribhuvane nai,
emana dayala data
pasu-pakhi jhure, pasana vidare,
suni’ yara guna-gatha [3]

Look, brother, in all the three worlds there is no other benefactor as merciful as They are. Even birds and animals begin to shed tears and stones melt just by hearing about Their glories.

samsare majiya, rahili padiya,
se pade nahila asa
apana karama, bhunjaya samana,
kahaye lochana dasa [4]

Lochan Das says, ‘Drowning in material life, I have been living as a fallen wretch never aspiring to come to Their feet. Now I am being punished for my own actions.’

dayal-nitai chaitanya ba’le nachre amar’ man’
(ek-bar) nachre amar’ man’, nachre amar’ man’ [1]
(emana dayala to nai he, mar’ kheye prem’ deya)

Dear mind, dance and chant, ‘O Merciful Nitai! O Chaitanya!’ Dance, my mind! Dance! (There is nobody as merciful as Them! They give divine love for the Lord even to those who beat Them!)

(ore) aparadha dure yabe, pabe prema dhan’
(o name aparadha-vichar’ to nai he)
(takhan) krsna-name ruchi ha’be, ghuchibe bandhan’ [2]
(krsna-name anurag’ to habe he)

(Lo!) Your offences will go away, and you will get transcendental love for the Lord! (There is no consideration of offences in chanting Their Names!) (Then,) you will get taste for Krishna’s Name and your bondage will be removed. (You must certainly get loving attachment to Krishna’s Name!)

(takhan) anayase saphal’ ha’be jivera jivan’
(naile jivan’ to michhe he)
(krsna-rati bina jivan’ to michhe he)
(sese) vrndavane radha-syamer’ pabe darasan’ [3]
(gaura-krpa ha’le he)

(Then,) your life will be easily successful! (Otherwise, life is useless – without attachment to Krishna, life is useless). (In the end,) you will behold Sri Sri Radha-Syam in Vrindavan (if you get Gaura’s mercy).

are bhai! nitai amara dayara avadhi!
jivere karuna kari’, dese dese phiri’ phiri’,
prema-dhana yache niravadhi [1]

Brother! My Nitai is the acme of mercy personified! Bestowing mercy on souls, He roams from place to place constantly begging everyone to accept divine love for the Lord.

advaitera sange ranga, dharane na yaya anga,
gora preme gada tanu-khani
dhuliya dhuliya chale, bahu tuli’ hari bale,
du-nayane bahe nitaiyera pani [2]

Rejoicing in the company of Advaita, He is unable to maintain His composure – overcome with divine love for Gora, He begins to roll on the ground. He staggers as He walks, chanting, ‘Hari bol!’ with His arms upraised, tears streaming from His eyes.

kapale tilaka sobhe, kutila-kuntala-lole,
gunjara antuni chuda taya
kesori jiniya kati, kati-tate nila-dhati,
bajana nupura ranga paya [3]

His forehead is embellished with a tilak mark, His curling locks sway to and fro, and a bun is tied on top of His head with a string of gunja seeds. His waist, resembling that of a lion, is adorned with a blue dhoti, and there are ankle-bells tinkling joyfully on His feet.

ke kahu nitaira guna, jive dekhi sakaruna,
hari-name jagat tarila
madana madete andha, visaye rahala dhandha,
hena nitai bhajite na paila [4]

Who shall I tell about Nitai’s glory? Seeing jiva souls and feeling deep compassion for them, Nitai delivered this world by distributing the Holy Name to everyone. Only those blinded by Cupid’s intoxicating charm still had some doubt about it and did not worship this Nitai.

bhuvana-mohana vesa! majaila saba desa!
rasavese atta atta hasa!
prabhu mora nityananda, kevala ananda-kanda,
guna gaya vrndavana dasa [5]

Dressed in a way that attracts and charms the entire universe, He captures everyone with His beauty wherever He goes! Overcome with ecstatic devotion, He roars with laughter! My Lord Nityananda is the root of pure happiness. Vrindavan Das is singing thus about His glories.

nitai mora jivana dhana, nitai mora jati
nitai bihane mora ara nahi gati [1]

Nitai is my life, my treasure. Nitai is my family. I do not know anything except Nitai (He is my sole refuge).

samsara-sukhera mukhe tule diba chhai
nagare magiya khabo gaiya nitai [2]

I will throw ash into the face of material happiness and, chanting Nitai’s Name, will live on whatever I get by begging in town.

ye dese nitai nai, se dese na yaba
nitai-vimukha janara mukha na heriba [3]

I will never anywhere where there is no Nitai – I do not want to see the face of anyone who is averse to Nitai!

ganga yanra pada-jala, hara sire dhare
hena nitai na bhajiya duhkha peye mare [4]

Lord Siva (Hara) holds on his head the water of the Ganges that washes His feet. Those who do not worship this Nitai live and die in misery.

lochana bale mora nitai yeba nahi mane
anala bhejao tara majha-mukha-khane [5]

Lochan says, ‘Throw fire into the mouths of those who do not revere my Nitai!’

daya kara more nitai! daya kare more
agatira gati nitai, sadhu loke bale [1]

Please be merciful to me, Nitai! Please be merciful to me! All sadhus and people say that Nitai is the only refuge for the helpless.

jaya prema-bhakti-data-pataka tomara
uttama adhama kichhu na kaila vichara [2]

Carrying the victorious banner of the giver of loving devotion, You never consider who is high and who is low.

prema-dane jaga-janera mana kaila sukhi
tumi hena dayara thakura! ami kene duhkhi? [3]

You made everyone happy by bestowing upon them the gift of divine love. O Lord! You are so merciful! But why am I unhappy?

kanurama dasa kahe—ki baliba ami
e bada bharasa mora kulera thakura tumi [4]

Kanuram Das says, ‘What am I to say? You are the Lord of my family, this is what gives me the greatest hope.’

jaya jaya nityananda gauranga
nitai gauranga jaya jaya nitai gauranga [1]

Glory, glory to Nityananda and Gauranga! Glory to Nitai-Gauranga! Glory to Nitai-Gauranga!

(jaya) yasoda-nandana sachi-suta gaura-chandra
(jaya) rohini-nandana balarama nityananda [2]

(Glory to) Gaurachandra – Yasoda-nandan and Sachi-suta! (Glory to) Nityananda – Rohini-nandan and Balaram!

(jaya) mahavisnura avatara sri-advaita-chandra
(jaya) gadadhara srivasadi gaura-bhakta-vrnda [3]

(Glory to) Sri Advaita-chandra, the incarnation of Lord Visnu! (Glory to) Gadadhar and all the devotees of Gaura headed by Srivas!

(jaya) svarupa rupa sanatana raya ramananda
(jaya) khandabasi narahari murari mukunda [4]

(Glory to) Svarup, Rupa, Sanatan and Ray Ramananda! (Glory to) Narahari, Murari and Mukunda from Sri Khanda.

(jaya) pancha-putra sange nache raya bhavananda
(jaya) tina putra sange nache sena sivananda [5]

(Glory to) Raya Bhavananda, who is dancing with his five sons. (Glory to) Sen Sivananda, who is dancing with his three sons.

(jaya) dvadasa gopala ara chausatti mahanta
(tomara) krpa kari deha’ gaura-charanaravinda [6]

(Glory to) the twelve gopals and sixty-four mahantas. Please grant me Gaura’s holy lotus feet.

nadiya godrume nityananda mahajana
patiyachhe nama-hatta jivera karana [1]

In the land of Nadia, on the island of Godrum, the great soul Nityananda has set up for jiva souls a marketplace of the Holy Name.

sraddhavan jana he, sraddhavan jana he,
prabhura ajnaya, bhai, magi ei bhiksa
bala krsna, bhaja krsna, kara krsna siksa [2]

I am appealing to those who have faith: brother, on the order of Mahaprabhu, I beg this from you – chant ‘Krishna’, serve Krishna, learn about Krishna.

aparadha-sunya ha’ye laha krsna-nama
krsna mata, krsna pita, krsna dhana-prana [3]

Becoming free from offences, chant Krishna’s Name. Krishna is your mother, Krishna is your father, Krishna is your wealth and life.

krsnera samsara kara chhadi’ anachara
jive daya, krsna-nama sarva-dharma-sara [4]

Leave bad habits and enter Krishna’s family. Mercy to the jiva souls and chanting the Holy Name of Krishna comprise the essence of all religions.

nitai amara parama dayala
aniya premera vanya, jagata karila dhanya,
bharila premete nadi khala [0]

My Nitai is supremely merciful. He blessed the entire world when He brought a flood of divine love, filling all channels and rivers with it.

lagiya premera dheu, baki na raila keu,
papi tapi chalila bhasiya
sakala bhakata meli, se premete kare keli,
keha keha yaya santariya [1]

When the wave of divine love came, nobody was left behind – all sinners and miserable souls floated in its waters. All devotees played together in its waters, and some swam in them.

dubila nadiyapura, dube preme santipura,
dohe mili baichha khelaya
ta dekhi nitai hase, sakalei preme bhase,
vasu ghosa habudubu khaya [2]

All Nadia and all Santipur became submerged in that divine love, and both sides joined together and had a boat race. Seeing this, Nitai laughed. Everybody is floating in divine love, and Vasu Ghosh is struggling to keep afloat.

Abhisek of Sri Sri Nityananda

jayare jayare jaya nityananda raya
pandita raghava ghare bihare sadaya [1]

Glory! Glory! Glory to Nityananda Ray, who always enjoys Himself at the house of Raghav Pandit.

parisada sakala dekhaye parateke
thakura pandita se karena abhiseke [2]

Having personally taken care of all associates of the Lord, Thakur Pandit arranges His ceremonial bathing (abhiseka).

nityananda-rupa yena madana samana
dighala nayana bhru-bhana prasanna-vayan [3]

The beauty of Nityananda is just like that of Cupid. He has elongated eyes, playful eyebrows and a calm, bright face.

nana abharana ange jhalamala kare
ajanulambita mala ati sobha dhare [4]

His limbs are adorned with various sparkling ornaments, and He wears a very beautiful long garland reaching down to His knees.

aruna kirana yini du-khani charana
hrdaye dhariya kahe dasa vrndavana [5]

Thus sings Vrindavan Das, keeping in his heart the Lord’s crimson feet, which are like two rays of the rising sun.

rarha majhe eka-chaka name achhe grama
táhi avatirna nityananda balarama [1]

There is a village called Ekachakra in Rarh-des (West Bengal). This is where Nityananda-Balaram appeared.

hadai pandita nama suddha vipra-raja
mule sarva pita tane kaila pita-vyaja [2]

His father, Hadai Pandit, is a pure king of brahmans. Compared to him, all other fathers are essentially mere mockery of fatherhood.

maha jaya jaya dhvani puspa varisana
sangope devata-gana karila takhana [3]

When Nityananda Prabhu appeared, gods and goddesses, unseen and unheard to others, chanted loudly, ‘Jaya! Jaya!’ and showered flowers from the sky.

krpa-sindhu bhakti-data sri-vaisnava-dhama
avatirna haila rarhe nityananda rama [4]

An ocean of mercy and a bestower of devotion, Nityananda Ram made His advent in Bengal in a holy abode of Vaisnavs.

sei dina haite rarha mandala sakala
punah punah badite lagila sumangala [5]

From that day, auspiciousness started to spread more and more all over Bengal.

gora preme gara-gara nitai amara
aruna nayane bahe suradhuni dhara [1]

My Nitai swoons with divine love for Gora. His eyes the colour of the rising sun shed Suradhuni (Ganges) torrents of tears.

vipula pulakabali sobhe hema gaya
gajendra gamane heli duli chali yaya [2]

The hairs on His beautiful golden body repeatedly stand on end. You walk with a swing that resembles the majestic gait of an elephant.

patitere nirakhiya dubahu pasari
kole kari saghane bolaye hari hari [3]

When You see fallen souls, You throw Your arms up and embrace them, chanting again and again, ‘Hari! Hari!’

emana dayara nidhi ke haibe ara
narahari adhame tarite avatara [4]

Will there ever be another incarnation like this ocean of mercy who could save this lowly Narahari?

iha kali-yuga dhanya, nityananda chaitanya,
patita lagiya avatara
dekhi jiva bada duhkhi, haiya sa-karuna ankhi,
harinama ganthi dila hara [1]

In this blessed Age of Kali, Nityananda and Chaitanya advent to rescue fallen souls. Seeing jiva souls’ great misery, They gave them a necklace string of Holy Names.

nija-guna prema-dhana, dila gora jane jana,
patitera age dana kare
nija bhakta sange kari’, phire pahu gaura-hari,
yachiya yachiya ghare ghare [2]

Gora gave the treasure of divine love, which is His own internal glory, to anyone and everyone, but first He granted it to the fallen. Gaura-hari wanders about together with His devotees, going house to house.

jada, andha, pangu yata, pasu, pakhi adi kata,
kandaila nija prema diya
prema-rase matta haiya, anna-jala teyagiya,
phire tara nachiya gaiya [3]

Approaching so many daft, blind and lame people, even so many beasts, birds and other creatures, He granted them divine love and made them cry out of love for Him. Driven mad by the ecstasy of that divine love, all these fortunate souls stopped eating and drinking and began to roam around, dancing and singing.

hena pahu na bhajilu, janamiya na marilu,
hatera dhana harailu nidhi
kahe haridasa chhara, kona gati nai ara,
kena yuge vanchita kaila vidhi [4]

‘But I have not worshipped this Lord! Why did I not just die right after birth?! I had a treasure right on the palm of my hand but I lost it!’ – says this wretched Haridas. ‘There is no other way. Why has Providence cheated me like this in this Age?’

ei-bara karuna kara chaitanya-nitai
mo samana pataki ara tri-bhuvane nai [1]

Please be merciful to me this time, O Chaitanya-Nitai! There is no one as sinful as I am in all three worlds.

muni ati mudha mati mayara naphara
ei saba pape mora tanu jara jara [2]

I am a complete fool, a slave of Maya! My body is shattered by all my sins.

mlechchha adhama yata chhila anachari
ta saba haite bujhi mora papera bhari [3]

There were so many unscrupulous, barbarian and lowly people, but I must be more sinful than all of them!

asesa papera papi jagai madhai
ta sabare uddharila tomara dui bhai [4]

The sinners Jagai and Madhai committed countless sins, but You, two brothers, delivered them from all their sins!

lochana bale muni adhame daya naila kene
tumi na karile daya ke karibe ane [5]

Lochan says, ‘Why have You not shown some mercy to this lowly soul? If You do not have mercy on me, who else will?’

nitai chaitanya dohe bada avatara
emana dayala data na haibe ara [1]

Nitai and Chaitanya are two great incarnations of the Lord. There will never be another benefactor as merciful as Them.

mlechchha chandala ninduka pasandadi yata
karunaya uddhara karila kata kata [2]

Out of mercy, They rescued so many barbarian, vile, offensive and heretical people.

hena avatare mora kichhui na haila
hayare! daruna prana ki sukhe raila [3]

Their incarnation is so great, but nothing has changed in me! Alas! What happiness can there be in such a miserable life?

yata yata avatara haila bhuvane
hena avatara bhai na haya kakhane [4]

There have been many different incarnations in the world, but, brother, there has never been such an incarnation as Theirs!

hena prabhura pada-padma na kari bhajana
hate tuli mukhe visa karilu bhaksana [5]

I have not worshipped the holy lotus feet of such Lords! Instead, I have been feeding myself poison, putting it into my mouth with my own hand!

gaura-kirtana preme jagat dubila
hayare! abhagara bindu parasa nahila [6]

The whole world has been submerged into Gaura’s kirtan. Alas! But this wretch has not come in touch with even a drop of it!

kande krsna-dasa kesa chhindi nija kare
dhik dhik abhagiya kene nahi mare [7]

Krishna Das is crying, tearing his hair out! Fie upon this wretch! Why does he not just die?

‘gauranga’ balite habe pulaka sarira
‘hari hari’ balite nayane ba’be nira [1]

I will feel goosebumps taking Gauranga’s Name, and tears will flow from my eyes as I chant, ‘Hari! Hari!’

ara kabe nitai-chand karuna karibe
samsara-vasana mora kabe tuchchha ha’be [2]

When will Nitaichand give me His mercy? When will my material desires lose their appeal and become trifle?

visaya chhadiya kabe suddha ha’be mana
kabe hama heriba sri-vrndavana [3]

When will my mind reject this material world and everything in it and become pure? When will I behold Sri Vrindavan?

rupa-raghunatha-pade haibe akuti
kabe hama bujhaba se yugala-piriti [4]

When will I fervently pray at the holy feet of Rupa and Raghunath? When will I be able to understand their love?

rupa-raghunatha-pade rahu mora asa
prarthana karaye sada narottama dasa [5]

May my sole aspiration lie at the feet of Rupa and Raghunath. Narottam Das is always praying for this.

kabe habe bala, se dina amara
(amara) aparadha ghuchi’, suddha name ruchi,
krpa-bale habe hrdaye sanchara [1]

Tell me, when will that day be mine? When, by mercy, will my offences go away? When will I get taste for the pure Holy Name?

trnadhika hina, kabe nije mani,
sahisnuta-guna hrdayete ani’
sakale manada, apani amani,
haye asvadiba nama-rasa-sara [2]

When will I feel lower than a blade of grass, when will I bring the quality of tolerance to my heart, become eager to honour everyone without any desire for honour from anyone and relish the essence of the Name’s nectar?

dhana jana ara, kavita sundari,
baliba na chahi deha-sukha-kari
janme janme dao, ohe gaura-hari,
ahaituki bhakti charane tomara [3]

When will I say that I do not want any wealth, friends, family, poetic gift or any other sources of bodily happiness? O Gaura-hari! Please let me have unconditional devotion to Your holy feet birth after birth!

(kabe) karite sri-krsna- nama uchcharana,
pulakita deha gadagada vachana
vaivarnya-vepathu, habe samghatana,
nirantara netre ba’be asrudhara [4]

When will my hair stand on end, my voice falter, my complexion turn pale, my body tremble, and tears pour incessantly from my eyes as I loudly chant the Holy Name of Lord Sri Krishna?

kabe navadvipe, suradhuni-tate,
‘gaura-nityananda’ bali’ niskapate
nachiya gaiya, bedaiba chhute,
batulera praya chhadiya vichara [5]

When will I wander along the banks of the Ganges in Nabadwip, calling out with all sincerity, ‘Gaura-Nityananda!’, dancing, singing and running about without any thinking, as though mad?

kabe nityananda, more kari’ daya,
chhadaibe mora visayera maya
diya more nija- charanera chhaya,
namera hatete dibe adhikara [6]

When will Nityananda be merciful to me and make me leave all material attachment? When will He place me in the shade of His lotus feet and grant me a place at the marketplace of the Name?

kiniba lutiba, hari-nama-rasa,
nama-rase mati’ haiba vivasa
rasera rasika- charana-parasa,
kariya majiba rase anibara [7]

When will I buy and jubilantly scatter around the nectar of the Lord’s Name? When will I become intoxicated and swoon with that nectar? When will I, coming in touch with the lotus feet of those who relish it, dive into that nectar again and again?

kabe jive daya, haibe udaya,
nija sukha bhuli’ sudina-hrdaya
bhakativinoda, kariya vinaya,
sri-ajna-tahala karibe prachara [8]

When will compassion for all souls arise in Bhaktivinod? When will he forget his own happiness and wander house to house preaching the divine order with a meek and humble heart?

Broker’s Song (Dalalera Gita)

bada sukhera khabara gai
surabhi-kunjete namera hata khulechhe khoda nitai [1]

I am singing about the greatest news! Master Nitai has opened a marketplace of the Holy Name at Surabhi Kunja!

bada majara katha taya
sraddha-mulye suddha-nama sei hatete vikaya [2]

This is such great news! You can buy the pure Name at this marketplace at the cost of faith.

yata bhakta-vrnda basi’
adhikari dekhe’ nama vechchhe dara kasi’ [3]

So many devotees come here. Seeing a fit soul, He sells them the Name at a bargain price.

yadi nama kinbe bhai
amara sange chala mahajanera kachhe yai [4]

Brother, if you want to buy this Name, come with me! I am going to this great soul now.

tumi kinbe krsna-nama
dasturi laiba ami, purna habe kama [5]

If you buy the Holy Name, I will get a discount and my hankering will be fulfilled.

bada dayala nityananda
sraddha-matra la’ye dena parama ananda [6]

Nityananda is very merciful – at the cost of mere faith He bestows the greatest joy.

eka-bara dekhle chakse jala
‘gaura’ bale’ nitai dena sakala sambala [7]

If Nitai just once sees tears in someone’s eyes as they take Gaura’s Name, He gives them all His wealth.

dena suddha krsna-siksa
jati, dhana, vidya-bala na kare apeksa [8]

He gives pure teachings of Lord Krishna without expecting any high caste, wealth or strength of knowledge from anyone.

amani chhade maya-jala
grhe thaka, vane thaka, na thake janjala [9]

The net of illusion will fall off on its own, then wherever you are – whether you live in a house or in a forest – there will be no more material garbage left in your life.

ara naiko kalira bhaya
achandale dena nama nitai dayamaya [10]

There is no need to fear Kali anymore – merciful Nitai gives the Name even to the lowest among men.

bhaktivinoda daki’ kaya
nitaichandera charana bina ara nahi asraya [11]

Bhaktivinod calls out, ‘There is no other shelter except for Nitai’s feet!’

Sri Sri Nityananda Stuti

(By Srila Bhakti Vichar Jajavar Maharaj)

balarama nityananda daya kara more
tava krpa bina gaura ke janite pare [1]

O Balaram Nityananda! Please be merciful to me. Who can possibly know Gaura without Your mercy?

gaura janma agre prabho! tumi janamiya
janaile gaura-tattva gauranga bhajiya [2]

Prabhu! Born before Gaura, You worshipped Gauranga and told everyone about Him.

‘bhaja gauranga, kaha gauranga, laha gaurangera nama re
ye jana gauranga bhaje se haya amara prana re’ [3]

‘Worship Gauranga! Say “Gauranga”! Take Gauranga’s Name! Those who worship Gauranga are My heart and soul!’

iha tava gita bali, gaya bhakta-gana
toma-dvara sri-gauranga prakasita hana [4]

Devotees chant this song sung by You. You are the one through whom Sri Gauranga is revealed.

patitere tumi harinama prema dile
jagai madhai adi papi taraile [5]

You gave fallen souls the Holy Name and divine love. You rescued many sinners, such as Jagai and Madhai.

tava pade aparadha yei jana kare
gaurangera krpa sei paite na pare [6]

Gauranga’s mercy is unattainable for those who commit an offence at Your feet.

prema-data siromani sri-gauranga hana
toma dvara gauda-dese nama prema dena [7]

Sri Gauranga is the crest-jewel bestower of divine love. Through You, He gives the Holy Name and this divine love all over Gauda-des (Bengal).

birabhuma ekachakra namaka gramete
avirbhuta haile tumi premananda dite [8]

You appeared in a village called Ekachakra in Birbhum to make everyone happy by giving them divine love.

hadai pandita pita, mata padmavati
toma hena putra pai anandita ati [9]

Your father Hadai Pandit and Your mother Padmavati Devi were extremely happy to have got You as their son.

maghi sukla trayodasi (tava) prakatera kala
takhana haila dhvani ananda visala [10]

Your appearance time is the thirteenth day of the bright moon in the Magh month.

sannyasira sanga dhari’ mayapure gele
nandana acharya ghare avasthana kaile [11]

You left in the company of a sannyasi and eventually came to Mayapur, where You stayed at the house of Nandan Acharya.

sarvajna sri-gaurachandra tahat’ janila
tava anvesane bhakta-gane pathaila [12]

Knowing about it, omniscient Sri Gaurachandra sent devotees to search for You.

bhakta-gana navadvipe aneka khunjila
kothao tomara dekha, keha na paila [13]

Devotees had searched all over Nabadwip for a long time, but they could not find You anywhere.

(takhana) sarva-bhakta sange gaura apani chalila
nandanera grhe yai tomare milila [14]

(Then,) together with all the devotees, Gaura went Himself to Nandan’s house and met You there.

ki ananda uchhalila dohara milane
haila vihvala dohe prema alingane [15]

What happiness arose there when You two met! Besides Yourselves with joy, You embraced each other in ecstasy.

bhaire paiya bhase ananda sagare
srivasera badi ane vyasa puja tare [16]

When You found Your Bother, You floated in an ocean of joy. Later, You were taken to the house of Srivas, where vyasa-puja worship was offered to You.

nigudha tomara tattva gaura janaila
toma haite gaura ‘krsna’ jagat janila [17]

Gaura told everyone about Your esoteric nature, and through You, the world learnt that Gaura is Krishna.

tomadera karunaya maya mukta hai
tomadera karunaya radha-krsna pai [18]

By Your and Gaura’s mercy, we can become free from illusion, and by Your and Gaura’s mercy, we can come to Radha-Krishna.

tava krpa bina mora anya gati nai
krpa kari sri-charane deha more thani [19]

Without You, I have no other way, no other refuge. Please give me some place at Your holy feet.

sada tava nama gai ei krpa kara
tava stuti karitechhe dina yayavara [20]

Please allow me to always chant Your Name. This poor Jajavar is thus singing Your glorification.

Sriman Nityananada Dvadasakam

(By Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj)

yo ’nanto ’nanta-vaktrair niravadhi hari-samkirtanam samvidhatte
yo va dhatte dharitrim sirasi niravadhi ksudra-dhuli-kaneva
yah sesas-chatra-sayasana-vasana-vidhaih sevate te yad-arthah
sri-nityananda-chandram bhaja bhaja satatam gaura-krsna-pradam tam [1]

As Anantadev, He always chants the Holy Name with His countless mouths; as tiny dust particles, He holds the Earth on His head; as Sesadev, He extends His unlimited form and serves Lord Krishna, His originator, as an umbrella, bed, seat, cloth and other paraphernalia. Dear mind, eternally worship this Sri Nityananda-chandra, the bestower of Gaura-Krishna. [1]

amsair yah ksirasayi sakala-bhuvanapah sarva-jivantarastho
yo va garbhodasayi dasa-sata-vadano deva-suktair vigitah
bramandasesa-garbha prakrti-pati-patir jiva-sanghasrayangah
sri-nityananda-chandram bhaja bhaja satatam gaura-krsna-pradam tam [2]

As His expansion, Ksirodakasayi Visnu, He is maintaining the whole world and resides within all living entities; He is glorified by the Vedic aphorisms as the thousand-headed Lord Garbhodakasayi; countless universes exist within His womb; as Paramatma, the Master of material nature, He is the shelter of billions of souls. Dear mind, eternally worship this Sri Nityananda-chandra, the bestower of Gaura-Krishna. [2]

yasyamso vyuha-madhye vilasati paramavyomni samkarsanakhya
atanvan suddha-sattvam nikhila-hari-sukham chetanam lilaya cha
jivahankara-bhavaspada iti kathitah kutrachij-jivavad yah
sri-nityananda-chandram bhaja bhaja satatam gaura-krsna-pradam tam [3]

In Paravyoma Vaikuntha, He enjoys His pastimes expanding Himself into Sankarsan – renowned among the quadruple forms as Sankarsan, He bestows the happiness of transcendental pastimes of the Supreme Lord Hari upon those who live in pure goodness (suddha-sattva); within a soul, He is present as the ego and sometimes performs His pastimes just like an ordinary soul. Dear mind, eternally worship this Sri Nityananda-chandra, the bestower of Gaura-Krishna. [3]

yaschadi-vyuha-madhye prabhavati sagano mula-sankarsanakhyo
dvaravatyam tad-urddhe madhupuri vasati prabha-vakhyo vilasah
sarvamsi rama-nama vrajapuri ramate sanujo yah svarupe
sri-nityananda-chandram bhaja bhaja satatam gaura-krsna-pradam tam [4]

He resides in Dvaraka as the primary expansion Sankarsan together with His associates; above that, in Mathura, He enjoys His pastimes as Prabha; and in Vrajapuri, He plays together with His creator, Lord Sri  Krishna, as His elder brother Balaram, the origin of all incarnations of the Lord. Dear mind, eternally worship this Sri Nityananda-chandra, the bestower of Gaura-Krishna. [4]

sri-krsna-premanama parama-sukha-mayah kopyachintyah padartho
yad gandhat sajjanaugha nigama-bahumatam moksam apy aksipanti
kaivalyaisvarya-seva-prada-gana iti yasyangatah premadatuh
sri-nityananda-chandram bhaja bhaja satatam gaura-krsna-pradam tam [5]

Having got even the faintest scent of anything inconceivable related to the divine love for Sri Krishna, which bestows the greatest happiness, sadhus scornfully cast aside the liberation of merging with the Absolute that is corroborated by the Vedas – He is the giver of that divine love for Sri Krishna. Impersonal liberation and opulent service can be attained through expansions of His expansions. Dear mind, eternally worship this Sri Nityananda-chandra, the bestower of Gaura-Krishna. [5]

yo balye lilayaikah parama-madhuraya chaikachakranagaryam
mata-pitror janana-matha nija-suhrdam hladayams chitta-chakram
tirthan vabhrama sarvanupahrta janako nyasina prarthitas cha
sri-nityananda-chandram bhaja bhaja satatam gaura-krsna-pradam tam [6]

When He manifested His sweet childhood pastimes in Ekachakra, He delighted the hearts of His parents, relatives and friends. When a sannyasi came to His parents and begged them for Him, He travelled with him to all holy places. Dear mind, eternally worship this Sri Nityananda-chandra, the bestower of Gaura-Krishna. [6]

bhramam bhraman cha tirthan yati-mukuta-mani-madhavendra-prasangat
labdhollasah pratiksya prakatita-charitam gaura-dhamajagama
sri-gaurah srinivasadibhir api yamavapalaye nandanasya
sri-nityananda-chandram bhaja bhaja satatam gaura-krsna-pradam tam [7]

As He travelled to various holy places, He met with the crest- jewel of all sannyasis, Srila Sri Madhavendra Puri. Feeling elated after his association, He arrived in Gaura Dham and waited at the house of Nandan Acharya for Gaurasundar and His associates (Srinivas and others) to reveal themselves to Him. Dear mind, eternally worship this Sri Nityananda-chandra, the bestower of Gaura-Krishna. [7]

praptajno gaura-chandradakhilajana-ganoddhara-nama pradane
yah prapya dvau surapau kali-kalusa-hatau bhratarau brahma-daityau
gadha-prema-prakasaih krta-rudhira-vapus chapi tav-ujjahara
sri-nityananda-chandram bhaja bhaja satatam gaura-krsna-pradam tam [8]

In this Age of Kali, He received an order from Gaurachandra to deliver the whole world by bestowing the Holy Name and divine love to everyone. Although He was struck by two brahman brothers (Jagai and Madhai) – two drunkards ruined by the faults of Kali – and blood fell from His head, He delivered them by giving them very strong divine love. Dear mind, eternally worship this Sri Nityananda-chandra, the bestower of Gaura-Krishna. [8]

saksad-gauro gananam sirasi yad avadhutasya kaupina-khandam
samdharttun chadidesasava-yavana-vadhu-sprsta-drsto ’pi vandyah
brahmadyanam apiti prabhu-parihrtakanam api svesta-pithah
sri-nityananda-chandram bhaja bhaja satatam gaura-krsna-pradam tam [9]

Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu ordered His close associates to place on their heads a piece of loincloth of this greatest avadhut. Even if He touches a drunk Muslim girl, He is forever worshippable for Brahma and all other gods. Dear mind, eternally worship this Sri Nityananda- chandra, the bestower of Gaura-Krishna. [9]

uddharttum jnana-karmady-apahata-charitan-gaura-chandro yad asau
nyasam krtva tu maya mrgamanusrtavan grahayan krsna-nama
tach-chhayevanvadhavat sthala-jala-gahane yo ’pi tasyesta-chestah
sri-nityananda-chandram bhaja bhaja satatam gaura-krsna-pradam tam [10]

When Sri Gaurachandra showed the pastime of taking sannyas so that sophists, who had strayed from the right path as the result of their knowledge, material activities and other practices, could accept the Holy Name of Krishna, Nityananda Prabhu followed Him like a shadow by water, land, through forests – wherever He went. He fulfils all cherished desires of Sri Gaurachandra. Dear mind, eternally worship this Sri Nityananda-chandra, the bestower of Gaura-Krishna. [10]

sri-radha-prema-lubdho divasa-nisi-tada-svada-mattaika-lilo
gauro yan-chadidesa svaparikara-vrtam krsna-nama pradatum
gaude ’badham dadau yah subhaga-gana-dhanam gaura-nama prakamam
sri-nityananda-chandram bhaja bhaja satatam gaura-krsna-pradam tam [11]

Intoxicated day and night tasting the nectar of Sri Radha’s divine love, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu ordered Sri Nityananda Prabhu to preach about the Holy Name and associates of Lord Sri Krishna. When Sri Nityananda Prabhu came to Gauda-des (Bengal), He widely distributed Sri Gaura’s Holy Name, which is the priceless wealth of sadhus. Dear mind, eternally worship this Sri Nityananda-chandra, the bestower of Gaura-Krishna. [11]

sri-radha-krsna-lila-rasa-madhura-sudhasvada-suddhaika-murtau
gaure sraddham drdham bho prabhu-parikara-samrat prayachchhadhame ’smin
ullanghyanghrim hi yasyakhila-bhajana-katha svapnavach chaiva mithya
sri-nityananda-chandram bhaja bhaja satatam gaura-krsna-pradam tam [12]

O Nityananda Prabhu, the emperor among the Lord’s associates! Please bestow upon this lowly soul strong faith in and devotion to Sri Gauranga, the embodiment of the sweet nectarean taste of ecstatic pastimes of Sri Radha-Krishna. If somebody dismisses Nityananda Prabhu’s lotus feet, all their desires and spiritual practices become a dream-like sham. I worship this Sri Nityananda-chandra, the giver of shelter for the fallen and the giver of Gaura. [12]

Sri Sri Nityananda Astakam

(By Srila Vrindavan Das Thakur)

sarach-chandra-bhrantim sphurad-amala-kantim gaja-gatim
hari-premonmattam dhrta-parama-sattvam smita-mukham
sada ghurnan-netram kara-kalita-vetram kali-bhidam
bhaje nityanandam bhajana-taru-kandam niravadhi [1]

His holy face shames the exquisite beauty of the autumnal moon; His purest limbs emanate very enchanting lustre; He walks in a slow, leisurely gait resembling the majestic gait of an intoxicated elephant; He is always intoxicated with divine love for Lord Sri Krishna; He is the maintainer of the highest existence; He smiles gently; His agitated eyes always swiftly move here and there; He carries a beautiful rod in His holy hand; and He destroys all faults of Kali – I always worship this Nityananda Prabhu, the root of the wish-fulfilling tree of devotion to Krishna. [1]

rasana-sagaram svajana-gana-sarvasvam-atulam
tadiyaika-prana-pratima-vasudha-jahnava-patim
sada premonmadam parama-viditam manda-manasam
bhaje nityanandam bhajana-taru-kandam niravadhi [2]

He is a repository of all possible ecstasy; He is devotees’ life and soul – nobody in the whole three worlds can ever compare to Him; He is the dearmost Lord of Sri Vasudha Devi’s and Sri Jahnava Devi’s hearts, dearer to them than their own lives; He is always intoxicated with divine love; He absolutely unknown to those whose minds are plunged into vice – I always worship this Nityananda Prabhu, the root of the wish- fulfilling tree of devotion to Krishna. [2]

sachi-sunu-prestham nikhila-jagad-istam sukha-mayam
kalau majjaj-jivoddharana-karanoddama-karunam
harer vyakhyanada va bhava-jaladhi-garvonnati-haram
bhaje nityanandam bhajana-taru-kandam niravadhi [3]

He is very dear to Sri Gauranga; He spreads auspiciousness in the entire world; He is extremely joyful; there is no limit to the mercy He bestows in the Age of Kali to deliver the souls ruined by sin; by preaching about the congregational chanting of the Holy Names, He diminished the pride of the impassable ocean of material existence – in other words, He has shown the way how to effortlessly cross over this vast ocean of material life – I always worship this Nityananda Prabhu, the root of the wish-fulfilling tree of devotion to Krishna. [3]

aye bhratar nrnam kali-kalusinam kim nu bhavita
tatha prayaschittam rachaya yad-anayamata ime
vrajanti tvam ittham saha bhagavata mantrayati yo
bhaje nityanandam bhajana-taru-kandam niravadhi [4]

‘Dear Brother! Where are the sinful souls of Kali-yuga to go? Please show them the way by which they can come to Your holy feet’ – He spoke and reasoned like this with the Supreme Lord Sri Gaura; I always worship this Nityananda Prabhu, the root of the wish-fulfilling tree of devotion to Krishna. [4]

yathestam re bhratah! kuru hari-hari-dhvanam anisam
tato vah samsarambudhi-tarana-dayo mayi laget
idam bahu-sphotair atati ratayan yah pratigrham
bhaje nityanandam bhajana-taru-kandam niravadhi [5]

‘Brothers! Always chant the prescribed number of the Holy Names of the Lord, then I will take the responsibility for taking you all across this ocean of material existence’ – waving His arms fervently, He kept saying this as He wandered house to house. I always worship this Nityananda Prabhu, the root of the wish-fulfilling tree of devotion to Krishna. [5]

balat samsarambhonidhi-harana-kumbhodbhavam aho
satam sreyah sindhunnati-kumuda-bandhum samuditam
khala-sreni-sphurjjat-timira-hara-surya-prabham aham
bhaje nityanandam bhajana-taru-kandam niravadhi [6]

Lo! Born from a pitcher in the form of Agastya, He drank up the ocean of material existence, relieving thus sadhus (in other words, He easily delivers devotees of the Lord); He arises as the Moon to make the ocean of all-auspiciousness swell and overflow for all souls (in other words, He bestows auspiciousness upon jiva souls in the form of Asesa); like the Sun, He destroys the darkness of sins of all wicked souls (in other words, He destroys the sins of all sinners) – I always worship this Nityananda Prabhu, the root of the wish-fulfilling tree of devotion to Krishna. [6]

natantam gayantam harim anuvadantam pathi pathi
vrajantam pasyantam svam api na dayantam jana-ganam
prakurvantam santam sakaruna-drg-antam prakalanad
bhaje nityanandam bhajana-taru-kandam niravadhi [7]

He roams around, dancing, chanting, singing, ‘Hari bol!’ and glancing mercifully upon His own devotees chanting the Holy Name; He looks at all pious souls with merciful eyes – I always worship this Nityananda Prabhu, the root of the wish-fulfilling tree of devotion to Krishna. [7]

subibhranam bhratuh kara-sarasijam komalataram
mitho vaktralokochchhvalita-paramananda-hrdayam
bhramantam madhuryair ahaha! madayantam pura-janan
bhaje nityanandam bhajana-taru-kandam niravadhi [8]

Holding Sri Gauranga by His very soft lotus hands, He became filled with deep joy as both Lords beheld each others’ moon-like faces; He walked in all four directions, uplifting and rousing local residents with His indescribably sweetness – I always worship this Nityananda Prabhu, the root of the wish-fulfilling tree of devotion to Krishna. [8]

rasanamadharam rasika-vara-sad-vaisnava-dhanam
rasagaram saram patita-tati-taram smaranatah
param nityanandastakam idam apurvam pathati yas-
tad-anghri-dvandvabajam sphuratu nitaram tasya hrdaye [9]

He bestows all mellows of devotional mood; He is the treasure of devotees who relish ecstatic devotional moods; He is a repository of all spiritual ecstasy; He is the quintessence of all three worlds; all sinners become purified just by remembering Him – the holy lotus feet of this Nityananda Prabhu, who are very hard to attain, will manifest very beautifully in the hearts of those who study this extremely high, extraordinary poem about Him.

— : • : —

<< Back to the home page