Introduction

The village Mangaldihi is situated ten miles southeast of the present

city of Siury (district Birbhum of West Bengal). Sri Parni Gopal
(Panuya) was a disciple of Sri Sundarananda Gopal who was an
associate of Sriman Mahaprabhu. Panuya was the first progenitor of
the Thakur dynasty. The father of Panuya was Mansukh. Although his
real name was Gopal Chandra, but because he used to sell pan, so he
became famous as Panuya Thakur. Once a sannyasi named Sri Dhruva
Goswami who was a resident of Kamyavana arrived at Mangaldihi
while carrying the deities of Sri Sri Shyam Chand and Sri Sri Balaram
on his head. Being harassed by the mohammedans this Dhruva
Goswami left Kamyavana and came to the village of Bhandirvana in
Bengal along with the twelve Gopal deities. While staying at
Bhandirvana a tragic incident took place and he left this place too.

When the brahmana cook of a young widow from the family of the
village Principle of ‘Khatanga’ near Bhandirvan, had an illegal affair
with her, the king out of anger ordered to behead the brahmana.
Being helpless the brahmana came to the ashram of Dhruva Goswami
at Bhandirvana who assured him of safety. After sometime the royal
people arrived there and mercilessly killed him. After this incident
Goswamiji with a desire to shift his residence came to the bank of a
river Mayuraksi along with his twelve Gopal deities. Although it was
the month of April, nevertheless due to excessive rain the river
Mayuraksi was over-flooded. One by one Goswamiji placed eleven
Gopals on a boat, but the twelfth Gopal deity, being reluctant to go
elsewhere, became extremely heavy. He then gave this Gopal to a
brahmana beggar and departed. Holding the Gopal deity on his heart
the poor brahmana came to the house of Sri Nanddulal Ghosal of
Noyadihi village and left Him there. After many years a magnanimous
brahmana named Ramnath Bhaduri built a temple at Bhandirvana and
installed this Gopal deity there.

The above mentioned Dhruva Goswami arrived at Mangaldihi and

entered the house of a learned scholar. In the course of his
conversation Goswamiji learnt that Gopal the son of Mansukh, a
resident of Mangaldihi, was a well behaved and devoted Vaisnava.
When a message was sent to Gopal, he came and heard the wonderful
story of Sri Sri ShyamChand from the sannyasi and receiving the
identities of his forefathers, Gopal became bound by the ropes of
friendship with the sannyasi. Being captivated by the saintly qualities
of Gopal, Sannyasi Thakur kept Sri ShyamChand and Sri Balaram at
the home of Gopal and left to visit Sri Jagannath at Puri. Sannyasi
Thakur returned to Mangaldihi after four years. Gopal along with his
wife Lakshmi priya and sister Madhavilata was spending his days
happily in due service of Sri ShyamChand. But when the Sannyasi
returned and took away the deity of ShyamChand, they all became
greatly distressed by separation, lamentation and sorrow. Meanwhile
the deity, being attracted by the love of Panuya, took the form of
Vishvambar (or very heavy) while he was being taken away. The deity
ordered in the dream to be reinstalled at Mangaldihi. This incident is
described in the book “Sri Shyam Chandrodaya” by Sri Jagadananda.
It is said that Panuya Thakur regularly traveled to ‘Panchkota’ to sell
Pan. Then he would go to Katwa to take bath in the Ganges and then
he would return to Mangaldihi and served his worshipable Lord. But
the basket of Pan was carried by the Lord Himself. When a cow of
Panuya Thakur was stolen by a tiger, he immediately protected the
cow from the mouth of the tiger and (?) imparted Krishna mantras to
the tiger. He once turned the non vegetarian food stuffs which were
covered in the cloth of Fakir Shah Abdulla at Ghostikuri village, into
flowers. It is to be understood that Parni Gopal was a contemporary of
Sriman Mahaprabhu, because he was a disciple of Sri Sundarananda.
The bathing ghat of the Puriya Kadamba Khandi lake, which is situated
on the eastern side of Mangaldihi, where Thakur Sundarananda gave
initiation to Parnigopal and a twelve day festival was held, many men
and women regularly gathered there on the day after Janmastami
even today. They take bath in the Puriya lake and after offering flat
rice, yogurt and sweets to the Lord on the ghat, they take prasadam
remnants and become fully satisfied.
Since Parni Gopal had no children, he adopted the five sons of a
brahmana named Kashinath, a resident of the village Gadgadi. Later
on he initiated their five sons, namely Ananta, Kishore, Hari Charan,
Lakshman and Kanuram. After the disappearance of Panuya all of
them became the rightful heir of all his wealth and the service of the
deity. The descendants of Ananta left Mangaldihi with the deity of Sri
Balaram and established his residence at Khayarosola. The
descendants of Hiramuni, the only daughter of Kishore, served the
deity Sri Madana Gopala. It is said that Sri Vinodraya jiu
is the family deity of Panuya Thakur. Hari Charan had no children. The
sons of Lakshman and Kanuram are the only rightful owners of the
service of Sri Sri Shyam Chand.
Gopal Charan was the son of Kanuram. He had two sons named
Gokulananda (Gokul Chandra) and Nayanananda. The eldest son was
very affectionate and famous singer. Because he was particularly
expert in composing songs, he received two villages namely
Goswamidihi and Motabega from the king of Kashipur. The service of
Sri Shyam Chand is carried out with the income from these assets. The
youngest son, Sri Nayanananda, composed “Sri Sri Krishna Bhakti
Rasakadamba” in 1652 Saka and “Sri Preyobhakti Rasarnava” in 1653
Saka under the subordination of “Sri Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu”
composed by Srila Rupa Goswami. Jagadananda, the son of
Gokulananda, was a scholar in Sanskrit, he composed “Sri Shyam
Candrodaya” and many other songs in Bengali language.

Dwarkanath Thakur, the grandson of Jagadananda, composed a drama

called “Sri Sri Govinda Vallabha” and became glorious. The Thakurs of
Mangaldihi are all worshipers of the Lord in the mood of Sakhya or
friendship. This is clearly evident in each of their books. The main
festivals of Mangaldihi are the Rasa festival of Vinodraya, the
disappearance festival of Sri Panuya Gopal on the 7th day of light
fortnight in the month of Ashwin or October, the festival of Dewali and
the Nandotsava festival on the banks of Puriya lake. The conjugal
pastimes of Sri Radha Krishna which are described in the book called
“Bhakti Madhavi Kana” cannot be written by poet Nayanananda of
Mangaldihi, because the descendants of this family are all worshippers
in the mood of Sakhya rasa. Though Sri Dwarkanath Thakur described
Madhura rasa in his book “Sri Govinda Vallabha”, nevertheless the
mood of Sakhya rasa is prominently featured in his book.

“Sri Sri Shyam Chandrodaya”

by Sri Jagadananda Thakura

narayanam namaskrityam naramcaiva narottamam

devim saraswatim caiva tato jayam udirayet (1)

I offer my respectful obeisances unto the Personality of Godhead

Narayana, unto Nara Narayana rishi, the supermost human being, and
unto mother Saraswati, the goddess of learning.

mandire vartate yasya shyamasundara vigrahah

parna vikraya dravyena puja yena krita pura
yavanannam kritam puspam byaghre mantra pradayakam
tam natva parnigopalam kriyate pustakam maya (2)

I offer my humble obeisances unto the feet of Sri Parnigopal in whose

temple resides the deity Sri Shyam Sundar. He would regularly go to
the market to sell Pan and return to worship his deity. He turned the
non-vegetarian foodstuff of a yavana into flowers and imparted
Krishna mantras to a tiger. I pray for his mercy before writing this
book.

jaya jaya bhakata vatsala shyam chand

purabe nandera grihe, bojha bahika rupe, ebe pirite bahe pan (3)

All glories to Sri Shyam Chand, who is very affectionate towards His
devotees. Though previously, at the house of Nanda Maharaja He
never carried any burden, but now He is carrying the load of Pan out
of love for His devotee.

tara bibarana suna, sannyasi ekajana, shyamchand mathe kari

phire
asiya mangaldihe, baise pandit grihe, sedine pandit seva kare
(4)

Please hear the descriptions of how this had happened. Once a

sannyasi, carrying the deity of ShyamChand on his head came to the
village of Mangaldihi and entered the house of a learned man. The
learned man served the Lord and the sannyasi on that day.

seva avasare basi, dvije kahe sannyasi ...... ....... prayojana

ache
pandit nyasike kahe, achen mangaldihe, gopal dakiya diya kache
(5)

After completing the service when they sat down the sannyasi asked
the brahmana, “I need some help”. The Pandit replied, “There is a
devotee named Gopal who lives at Mangaldihi. I will go and call him.”

asiya gopal takhani, namah narayana bali, sannyasira nikate

basila
sri krishna prasanga hana, donhe prema alingana, duijane mitrata
karila (6)

When the Pandit called Gopal, he immediately came before the

sannyasi and after offering obeisances while saying “namah
narayana”, he sat down near him. They discussed the topics of Krishna
and embraced each other with love. Soon they became good friends.

shyam chande dristi haya darasane bismaya, pranipat pranama

karaya
tada badhi yanga pada, lubdha gopalera cita, netre jal jharajhara
baya (7)

Seeing the beautiful deity of Sri Shyam Chand, Gopal was struck with
wonder. He offered his respectful obeisances to the Lord. Since then
the heart of Gopala was hankering for the reddish lotus feet of Sri
Shyam Chand. The tears flowed from his eyes incessantly.

thakur nyasike kana, kondese purvashram kon deva kara upadesh

eheno mohan murti, tumi va paila kati, kaha more sakala visesa
(8)
Gopal Thakura asked the sannyasi, “Which country do you belong to
and which Lord do you worship? Please tell me in detail from where
have you received this enchanting deity?”

sannyasi gopale kan, suna mora grihasram, kahi shyamchandera

prasanga
kahite kahite nyasi, krishna premasindhu bhasi , premadhara
pulakita anga (9)

The sannyasi said to Gopal, “Please hear about my identification and

the history of ShyamChand. While narrating the topics of ShyamChand
he floated in the ocean of love of Krishna, his hairs stood on end and
tears flowed down from his eyes.

yajnete sridamchande, bhaya lagi annamage, annadane

yajnapatnigane
anna ani kari hate, jaya sridamera sathe, kula laja bhaya-nahi
mane (10)

When Sridama went to the wives of the brahmanas who were engaged
in performing sacrifices and begged foodstuffs for his brothers, the
wives of the brahmanas immediately, taking foodstuffs in their hands,
went with Sridama transgressing familial and social etiquette.

nava nava dvijabandhu, jhalamala mukhabindhu, talamala

gamana sutham
premadhara dunayane, pravesai sei bane, yekhanete krishna
balaram (11)

The nectarian faces of the young wives of the brahmanas were shining
brightly. Tears of love flowed from their eyes as they slowly entered
the forest where Krishna and Balaram were present.

asi darsana paya .........sveta shyamal dui chand

narigane kahe prabhu, ara na chadiva kabhu, carane paran kaila
dana (12)

The wives of the brahmanas saw two beautiful moonlike Personalities.

One of Them was white and the other was blackish. The Lord said to
them, “Since you have given your lives to Me, you will never ever
remain away from Me.” (You will receive the transcendental shelter of
My Lotus Feet.)

nava ........, kara duti jodakari, dvijakule ujjvala banita

yata manstapa chila, sakala durete gela, suni hari mukhera barata
(13)
The young wives of the brahmanas who were shining brightly, folded
their hands and stood before the Lord. By hearing the words from the
mouth of Lord Hari all their mental distresses were vanquished.

tadabadhi kuladhara, sei upasana karma, gati mati sri ram kanai
bahudina gele kali, se munira vamsabali, sabhe tara
krishna guna gaya (14)

Since then the descendants of these brahmana sages gave up their

family occupation and worship and Sri Rama (Balarama) and Kanai
(Krishna) became their only goal in life. They continued to glorify the
qualities of Krishna for many generations.
(question: giving up their occupation meant their attachment to
Karma-kandiya bhava).

tara madhye ekajana, parama bhakatahana, purbapurba

krishnalila suni
kathan na haila janma, na dekhi se sava karma, mane kata
adhiksepa mani (15)

Among those descendants, one became a great devotee of Krishna by

hearing His wonderful previous pastimes performed with his
predecessors. He lamented within his mind that I did not take birth at
that time, therefore I could not see those pastimes.

ei ta yamunatire, dharadhari kari kare, sakhasange krishna

balarama
rudrete tapita hale, namiya sitalajale, anjalite karitena pana (16)

This is the same banks of Yamuna where Krishna and Balarama along
with Their cowherd boy friends used to come holding each other’s
hands. When They were afflicted by the scorching heat of the sun,
They entered the cool waters of Jamuna and drank with their hands.

snigdha yamunara tire, navanava durbadale, karitena godhana

carana
sei lila cihna dekhi, premadhara duti ankhi, pare dvija haya
acetana (17)

Krishna and Balarama tended Their cows in the pasturing grounds

filled with newly grown grasses on the cooling banks of Yamuna.
Seeing places of these pastimes, the eyes of this brahmana devotee
filled with tears of love and soon he fell unconscious.
mora purba thakurani, diyachila anna ani, ram krishna karaye
bhojana
sei vamse janama mora, sei vrajapure ghar, kene na paiye
darasana (18)

My ancestral mother brought foodstuff to feed Krishna and Balarama. I

am born in the same family and reside in the same Vraja, but why I do
not get Their darshan?

yamuna krishnera priya, ihanra haile daya, sri krishnera pai

darasana
ta bujhi yamuna kule, ........................... yanumake pujaye brahman
(19)

“Yamuna is very dear to Krishna. By her mercy I can get darshan of Sri
Krishna.” After thus considering the brahmana began to worship
Yamuna on her bank.

hedego yamuna mata, tumi divakara suta, sri nanda sutera

priyatama,
............................... hari darasana pai, purna karamanera vasana
(20)

O respected mother Yamuna, you are the daughter of the son god and
a beloved of the son of Nanda Maharaj. By your mercy I can achieve
darshan of Sri Hari, therefore please fulfill my heart’s desire.

dhupa deepa upachara, madhu-parka arghya-ara, sugandhi

chandandilajale
nana vidha pushpanjali, srote bahi jaya cali, talamala pavana hillole
(21)

The brahmana offered inscense, ghee lamp and various ingredients of

worship such as madhuparka and arghya to Yamuna. He offered
scented sandalwood pulp in her waters. He also offered various
flowers to Yamuna, which went away in the current caused by the
wind.

tahate yamuna mata, prasanna haila setha, svapne dekha dela

murti dhari,
nana jati alankara, vicitra besara hara, rupavati
paramasundari (22)

Being pleased by his worship yamuna mata personally appeared

before him in a dream. She was decorated with various ornaments
and wonderful garland. She appeared beautiful and charming.
ghagara udani sari, hridaye kancali pari nava bayah braje
biharini
yamuna kahaye dvija, ye lagi amare bhaja, karya siddhi kari diba
ami (23)

She was wearing a ghagara with a choli on top covered by a chaddar

like a sari. She looked like a young girl of Vraja. She said, “O
brahmana, the desire for which you are worshiping me I will certainly
fulfill.”

kintu vigraha rupe, prabhu darasana pabe, ebe nahe lilara

prachara
brajera dvadasa vana, karaha pariyatana, pabe sri hari
nanda kumara (24)

“But you will attain the darshan of the lord in the form of a deity
because at present His pastimes are not manifested. You travel to the
twelve forests of Vraja, there you will meet Lord Hari, the son of
Nanda Maharaja.”

mane ‘bhabe dvijabara, Vraje sevya gopeshvara, ei ajna tenha kara

chila
dui ajna ek haila, manera sandeha gela, panipata pranama
karila (25)

The brahmana thought within his mind that he had previously

promised to worship Lord Gopesvara, the master of the cowherd boys
in Vraja. Now that he also received this same order from Yamuna
Mata, all his doubts were cleared and he offered his respectful
obeisances.

bidaya haila vipra, gamana karila sighra, caurasi krosete vraje

phire
jhora jhakara kata, pravese sankata patha, vamyasthala tahara
bhitare (26)

The brahmana took leave and immediately started for

circumambulating the entire Vraja consisting of 168 miles. He traveled
through the brush, and dangerous paths and reached the dense
forests.

sthala ati susitala, nanajati puspaphala, pallava kusuma

achhadana
ekti tahara majhe, shyama vigraha ache, tribhanga bhangima
sumohana (27)
Within a very cool forest filled with various kinds of flowers and fruits
and covered with newly grown flowers and twigs, he found an
enchanting threefold bending deity of Shyama.

vigraha sundara han, sumadhuri sugathana, sunechi yamunara

mukhe
bahu duhkha prabhu paiya, mane ulasita haiya, ghare laiya jaya dvija
sukhe (28)

“The deity is beautiful, His feature is full of sweetness”. Thus I have

heard from the mouth of Yamuna mata. Receiving the Lord after going
through great distress, the brahmana became ecstatic and took Him
home.

…………………, kariya susara bhujo, kamyavane basa kaila

ekasi purusa dhari, tara sabe seva karim sakhale sri krishna
paila (29)

Thereafter he installed Sri Shyamachand in his house at Kanyavana.

After him eighty one generations had served this deity and attained
the lotus feet of Sri Krishna.

ami avasesa, haiya sannyasi, videse bramara phire

pitri purusera, sevati achila, tahata chadite nari (30)

As a last descendent, I became a sannyasi and I travel throughout

India. But I could not give up the service of the deity coming down
through my forefathers.

…………kale, paricaya dila, yata seva upasana dharma

vrajavasi dvija, kulete janma, ekhana bhramara karma (31)

In this way the sannyasi informed about his identification, service,

worship and religious principles to Gopal. He said, “ I am born in a
Vrajavasi brahmana family but now my duty is to travel.

sei ,mora purba, thakurani gane, bhajaye rama kanai

sei haite mora, kulera devata, ramakrishna duti bhai (32)

Since Krishna and Balarama were the worshipable Lord of my

ancestral grandmothers even today the same two brothers, Krishna
and Balarama have been our family deity.”

purba paricaya diya, sei ta sannyasi, kahe dao paricaya

thakura kahena, amar pitar, nama mansukha haya (33)
After revealing his identity, the sannyasi said, “ Now please tell me
about you.” The Thakura replied, “My fathers name is Mansukh”.

uttama brahmana, kulete janama, parama tapasvi hana

hanumane cadi, ramachandra asi, yare dena darasana (34)

“ He was born in a high class brahmana family and was a great

ascetic. Riding on Hanuman, Lord Ramachandra came to give him
darsana.

thakura sundara , more kripa kare, tahara vivarana suna,

puruya namete, ekati puskarni, gramera purbete rama (35)

Please hear the description of how Sri Sundarananda Thakura

bestowed mercy on me. On the eastern side of the village there is a
pond called ‘Puruya’.

tahara ghatete, kadamba khandite, baisa sri sundarananda

kripa kari prabhu, sekhane basiya, amake dilena mantra (36)

On the bank of this pond under a kadamba tree, Sri Sundarananda

prabhu mercifully gave me initiation.

sangete tahara, aneka vaisnava, asiya amara ghare

dvadasa divasa , kare mahotsava, amanya sakale kare (37)

He then along with many vaisnavas came to my house. They held

huge festivals for twelve consecutive days by their joint efforts.

amara grihini, lakshmipriya ara, bhagini madhavi nama,

ei dui jane,………………………, sri krishna mantra pradana (38)

My wife Laksmipriya and sister Madhavi-lata received initiation with

Krishna mantra .

tera batserete, haiya donhara, sri krishna carane mati,

sannyasi kahaye, alapabayase,…………………………(39)

Both of them became attached to the Lotus feet of Krishna at the age
of Thirteen. The sannyasi said, “They have become devotees at a
tender age.”

tahate sannyasi, ascarya lagaye, navina duti nari,

tave shyamachande, divasa kaeka, hetha rakhi tirtha kari (40)
The sannyasi was astonished to learn about the two young women
devotees, so he thought of keeping Sri Shyamachand with their care
and then he could go out on pilgrimage.

yatana kariya, samaya bujhiya, prabhura dibeka bhoga

krishnaseva yogya, ihara uttama, batena tinti loka (41)

These three persons are great devotees hence qualified to serve

Krishna. I am confident that they will offer foodstuffs to the Lord in
appropriate times.

ta bujhi sanyasi, gopale kohaye, bacana rakhaha tumi

cari masa lagi, sevati yogaha, nilacale jai ami (42)

Considering in this way, the sanyasi confidentially said to Gopal: “I am

going to Nilacala (Puri) for four months. Please continue the service of
the Lord.”

thakur kahena, tathastu bacana, sanyasi sonpila taya

hena shyamchand, tora gosthi bine, sonpiya jaiba kaya (43)

Thakur said, “Let it be so.” Then the sanyasi handed over the deity to
him and said, “Who else than your family can I leave my Shyamchand
with?”

punascha sanyasi, kahe mita mora, ara ek katha suna

ati yogya yadi, tomar barite, krishnaseva naikene (44)

The sanyasi again said, “O my friend, you are a qualified devotee. Yet
why there is no arrangement of serving Krishna at your home?”

thakur kahena, sunaha sanyasi, je karane nahi seva,

purvete amare, thakur sundar, yakhane karila kripa (45)

Thakur replied, “O Sanyasi, please hear the reason why I do not have
arrangement for worshiping. Previously Sundaranand Thakur
mercifully initiated me.

prabhur saksate, krishna seva lagi, nevadana kaila

yabe,
tathe prabhumore, karila barana, seva ghare basi pabe
(46)

When I had personally requested him about the service of Krishna, he,
however, forbade me, saying, “In due course of time you will have the
opportunity to serve the Lord at Your home.”
sri guru ajnate, seva na kariye, suno he sanyasi mita
kata dine kripa, kari asiben, sei prabhu mora katha
(47)

According to the instruction of my spiritual master, I do not have any

deity worship. O dear sanyasi, I do not know when will my Lord
mercifully come to me.”

sanyasi tahasuni, mane mane guni, ki jani amake

phale,
amar kapale, agun lage ba, dhiri dhiri phiri bale
(48)

Hearing this the sanyasi thought, “I do not know what awaits me. It
seems some inauspicious thing is going to happen to me.

e katha suniya, seva pare diya, videshe jaite

nari
ek ek bar, tirtha yatra kori, ek ek bar phiri (49)

After hearing such a prediction, how can I leave my deity worship with
him and go for pilgrimage? Once a while I go for a pilgrimage and
sometimes I return.

na bujhiya ami, seva samarpilam, ki bali ekhana niba,

svakarya lagiya, bandhuta kariya kemane jawab
diba (50)

I have personally offered this. How can I reverse it now? I made

friendship for my own benefit, how can I betray him?”

sedina phiriya sanyasi asiya henta matha kari thake

abhipraya bujhi sudhira vacane thakura kahena take
(51)

Next day after wandering when the sanyasi returned home and sat
hanging down the head, thakura then understanding the situation
politely said to him,

suna mita mora, sanyasi gosai, phiriya aila kene

sanyasi kahena, tomara kathate sandeha haila mane
(52)

“O dear friend sanyasi gosai, why have you come back?” The sanyasi
replaied, “I had a doubt in your statement.”
tahate thakura, kahena sunata eka katha mane ki lage
yahara devata tahake tyajiya anyera nikate thake
(53)

Then Thakur said, “Please listen, how can you think like this? How can
the Lord stay with anyone else by leaving whom He belongs?”

eke ei desa, matsya grahi loka usnanna sakale khai

tahate grame dadhi dugdhahina sthan sei karkasa prai
(54)

First of all this place is dry and barren. Then people here eat fish and
boiled rice. Moreover, this village is devoid of milk and yogurt.

ki gune ekhane tora shyamchand amara base

rahibe
kichu cinta nahi sanyasi gosai asi shyamchande pabe
(55)

For what good reason your Shyamchand will remain here under my
care? O Sanyasi Gosai, do not lament. As soon as you return you will
get your Shyamchand.”

vakye tusta haiya takhana sanyasi tirtha karibare jai

daksin abadhi ara purbadika bhramana karila prai
(56)

Being satisfied by his words, the sanyasi then departed for pilgrimage.
He travelled throught South and Eastern India.

nilacala ganga sagara sangamaa banoya kundake

phiri
jayanta bhavani tripura kamiksa sesaba bhramana kari
(57)

He then visited Nilacala, Gangasagara, Banoa Kund, Jayanta Bhavani,

Tripura and Kamaksa.

carimasa bali sanyasi jaila batsara haiya gela

bujhi shyamchand kripa kaila more thakurera mane haila
(58)

Thakura thought, “It’s been one year since sanyasi had left, when he
had said that he was going for only four months. It seems
Shyamchand has become merciful to me.
etadina cale kon rupe seva akhera lagiya bhabe
pannera vyapara sadvritta karana karite haila tabe (59)

How can the service to Shyamchand continue for so long?” He began

to contemplate whether to grow sugarcane or pan and thus earn
money through honest profession.

gramera nairite parnna lata gari barui aniya sanpe

panara dibase baraja haila dekhi sarva loka kanpe (60)

On the southwest side of the village Thakura grew pan creepers. He

hired a thatchroof maker and built a thatchshade on them. Within
fifteen days the creepers were fully-grown. Seeing this people were
struck with wonder.

sei barajera eka bojha kari pan niti niti laiya

sevara karane thakura gopal bidese bichena jaiya
(61)

Thakur Gopal would take a busket of pan everyday from his field and
for the sake of supporting his service to Shyamchand, he would go to
different villages to sell them.

sei haite panuya gopal namti lokete bale

shyam chand tora bojhati bahena tei algoche cale (62)

From that day onwards people called him Panuya Gopal. Shyamchand
personally carried his load of pan while Panuya Gopal simply walked
without burden.

panca koti path panceesa krosa se niti yatayata kare

pan bikri kari dasa danda majhe seva asi ghare
kare (63)

He daily travels to and fro for a hundred miles to sell his pan. After he
finishes selling his pan he returns home to serve Shyamchand by
noon.

pan becha dhana bandhite dviguna rastaya caturguna

haya
ghare asi dhana haya sata guna lokete ascharya
kaya (64)

The money from selling pan becomes double as soon as he keeps it in

the pocket, becomes four times more on the way and becomes
hundred times more when he reaches home. People are greatly
amazed by this.

tanhara grihini lakshmipriya devi tathe dravya kata kare

dadhi dugdha adi vividha mistanna paripurna haya ghare
(65)

Lakshmipriya devi, the wife of Panuya Gopal, prepared various sweets

from milk and yogurt and filled the house.

pratakale chena sandhyaya sheetal samagri samaya

phala
sarkara mithai pan yogaiya karpura basita jala
(66)

She offered Shyamchand fresh curd in the morning and milk and
sweets in the evening. She also offered sugar candy, seasonal fruits,
pan and water scented with camphor.

kincid bhogera bilamba haile lakshmipriya thakurani

mora shyamchand ksudhaya pidita herai sri mukh khani
(67)

If Lakshmipriya Thakurani was ever late to offer bhoga on time, she

would lament. She would look at the face of Sri Shyamchand and say,
“O dear Shyamchand, you must be afflicted with hunger.”

kakhana kakhana tahare svapane, shyamchand kahe

katha
kali sakalete ksira khaoibe suna lakshmipriya
mata (68)

Sometimes Sri Shyamchand spoke to her in a dream and requested as

follows, “O dear mother Lakshmipriya, feed me sweetrice tomorrow
morning.”

yasomati yena pale nandalale se prema ekhane dekhi

draupadira yena randhana uthale khaiya sri krishna sukhi (69)

The same love and affection exhibited by Yasoda while taking care of
her son Krishna as well as by Draupadi who satisfied Krishna by her
cooking are found here in Lakshmipriya.

seirupe lakshmi ananda karaya samaya bujhiya seva

thakura ye mata thakurani tena tenhi haila donhe kripa
(70)
In this way Lakshmipriya happily engaged in servin Sri Shyamchand
with utmost punctuality. Panuya Gopal was a great devotee, so was
his wife. Thus both of them received Lord’s mercy.

ei rupe cari batsara sakale prabhupada seva kare

emata anande akrura svarupe sanyasi aila tave (71)

In this way all of them served the lotus feet of Sri Shyamchand for four
years. Then one day arrived the sanyasi in the form of Akrura.

tahake dekhiya camakita haiya anga kanpe thara hari

seva karya yata haila rahita avasa haiya pari
(72)

Seeing the sanyasi everyone became surprised and began to tremble.

They became stunned and were unable to perform any service to
Shyamchand.

kandaye panua tahara gharani bhogni madhavilata

mangaldihite hala hahakara suniya bisama katha
(73)

Panuya, his wife Lashmipriya and sister Madhavilata began to cry.

Hearing this severe news, everyone in Mangaldihi simply lamented.

aroti samaye asiya sanyasi basila prabhura kache

bujhiya tahate bhavaye manete chadiya na deya pache
(74)

At the time of Aroti the sanyasi came and sat near the Lord. He
thought, “May they not betray or deny to recognize me.”

ksaneka bilambe kichu sthira hai panua sanyasike kaya

aji kotha hate ele mita mora bhala chile mahasaya
(75)

After a while Panua became pacified and spoke to the sanyasi. “O dear
friend, from where have you come today? I hope you were well all this
time, o dear sir.”

kaheta sanyasi, amita videsi amare jijnasa ki

badi prabesite, suni hahakara bhavete
bujhiyachi (76)
The sanyasi replied, “I am a foreigner, therefore why are you asking
me? I have clearly noticed that as soon as I entered this house there
were cries of distress.”

krodhete sanyasi, tanu garagada ghana phere duta

ankhi
thakura panua, stava kare kata dekhiya taha na dekhe
(77)

Due to anger the sanyasi was fume with rage while his eyes moved
rapidly. Although Panua Thakur tried to pacify him with sweet words,
he did not pay any attention.

kata uparodhe, jalapana kari se ratri suiya raya

prabhate uthiya, mita mita bali sanyasi dakiya
kaya (78)

After a great deal of request, the sanyasi agreed to drink only water
and go to sleep. Early next morning the sanyasi got up and spoke to
his friend as follows.

tomate amate, eita vidaya shyamchande yachhi laiya

suniya panua, kandiya kandiya nikate aila dhaiya (79)

“This is the farewell between you and me. I am taking Shyam-Chand

with me.” Hearing this from the sanyasi, Panua began to cry and
rushed to him.

haiya katara, jada kari kara dhiri dhiri kichu kana

mora seva nana, tomari batena yadi suna nivedana
(80)

With folded hands and faltering voice he said to sanyasi, “The service
of Sri Shyam-Chand is not mine. It is certainly yours, but please hear
my request.

dibasa ka eka, rakhaha shyamchande thakaha karuna kari

yata dina dekhi, tata dina banci aju tabe nahi mari (81)

Please keep Shyam-Chand here for a few more days. Have

compassion on me and stay here, o friend. For as long as I see Shyam-
Chand I will survive, otherwise I will certainly die today.”

tahate sanyasi, ati rusta basi nithura bacana bale

kali vyabahara, eita vicara kadiya laibe chale (82)
But the sanyasi became even more angry and spoke cruelly as follows,
“This is the nature of Kali-yuga. On some pretax or other he will take
Shyam-Chand away from me.

nandera mandire, pranadhika hari yasoda palana kare

laka vyavahare, prakata lilate pascate rakhite
nare (83)

At the house of Nanda Maharaj Yasoda took care of Hari who was
more then her own life. But when the Lord’s manifested pastimes were
completed, she could not keep Him according to worldly consideration.

pareka vigraha, apanara ghare kemate rakhite cao

tenhi balechila, sighra kari mita tirtha karibare
yao (84)

How can you keep some else’s deities as yours? That is why you told
me, “O friend, go on a pilgrimage soon.”

nithura sanyasi, daya nahi basi shyamchande

mathe kari
ta dekhi thakura, panua takhana tanu achadiya padi
(85)

The cruel merciless sanyasi then put Shyam-Chand on his head.

Seeing this Panuya Thakur tumbled down on the ground.

lakshmipriya thakurani sanyasira carane dhariya thake

hari jaya madhupuri, yena gopira padila rathera cake
(86)

Lakshmipriya Thakuran fell at the feet of the sanyasi and began to cry,
just as the gopis fell under the wheels of Akrura’s chariot when he was
taking Krishna away from them to Mathura.

druta cale kare danda, bandhi kamandalu bhanda, shyamchande

mathaya-kariya
thakura panua tara, pachate kandiya yana, tabu nyasi
phiriya na dekhe (87)

Holding his danda and waterpot with one hand and Shyam-Chand on
his head with other hand, the sanyasi walked swiftly. Panua Thakur
followed him crying, but he did not even look back.

suna eka nivedana, ami tabe ekakhana ara ekabara shyame

dekhi
sanyasi durete gela, darasan na paila mathe jaiya bhume
padi thake (88)

Panua said, “Please grant me one request, just wait a minute and let
me look at Shyam-Chand one more time.” But the sanyasi went too far
away. Being unable to see his Lord, Panua fell down in the field.

lakshmipriya thakurani, dibanisi nahi jani padiya kandaye

sei mathe
yateka gramera loka, pade kande kari soka, kehakeha prabodhe
nikate (89)

Lakshmipriya Thakurani forgot whether it was day or night as she

cried lying on the field. All the villagers cried with lamentation, seldom
someone solaced.

briddha balaka yata, kande kulabadhu kata sanyasite laye gela

prana
amra gramera loka, eta yadi pelam soka ihara va kata soka
pana (90)

Everyone including the old people, young boys and married women
cried with lamentation. They said, “This sanyasi has taken away our
lives. If we villages are so much afflicted with lamentation, then how
much lamentation these people are suffering from.”

kande lakshmi thakurani, kimate banciba ami na haila pranera

dharan
yemate akrura asi, more sei sanyasi prane laiya karila
gamana (91)

Lakshmipriya Thakurani lamented, “My life and soul has gone. How
will I survive? This sanyasi came as Akrura and took away my very
life.”

kotha gele shyamchand, dekha diye rakha prana panuara

gusti saha kande
na dekhiya chilam bhala, dekhiya parana gela eta dukha dila
shyamchande (92)

The whole family of Panua lamented, “O dear Shyam-Chand, where

have you gone? Please save out lives by giving your darshan. We were
better when we did not see you. But after we saw you it is impossible
for us to tolerate your separation. O Shyam-Chand, why do you give
us so much trouble?”
ei mate soka kari, mathete achila padi gramera loka
dhare ane ghare
shyam soke anuragi, anginate pade thaki save tara
upabasa kare (93)

In this way they were lying on the field. Then the villagers soon
brought them to their house. Due to intense separation from Shyam-
Chand, they laid down on the courtyard and simply fasted.

sanyasira mathe chadi, shyamchand hala bhari, nyasi bale

chalite na pari
dadhi dugdha ghrete tusta, bujhi hala dhata pusta, tenhi ami
chalite na pari (94)

Meanwhile Shyam became very heavy on the head of the sanyasi,

making him unable to walk. The sanyasi thought, “Shyam-Chand must
have had a lot of milk, yogurt and ghee and thus He was put on
weight. This is the reason I am unable to walk.”

mane kata anumana, bahu dure nahi yana, dui krosa patha
madhye raya
hede dusta sanyasi, ami achi upabasi, shyamchand
svapnete kaya (95)

Contemplating in this way, the sanyasi could not go too far. He went
about four miles. But in a dream Shyam-Chand told him, “O wicked
sanyasi, don’t you know I have been without any food?

tahara amara lagi, soke annajala tyagi sabe tara

upabasi ache
tahara lagiya mora, vyakula haya antara sighra laye dega
tara kache (96)

Due to separation al of them have left food and water totally. I am

overwhelmed by their condition. Therefore take me there
immediately.

ei dekha prema dore, bandhan dui kare calite na pari eka

pa
ei katha suniya sanyasi, mane ati dukha basi trasete
kanpaye tara ga (97)

Just see, my hands are tied by the ropes of their love. I cannot go one
more step.” Hearing these words from Shyam-Chand the sanyasi felt
very sorry and he began to shiver out of fear.
ei rupe tinabara, svapna dekhe camatkara, uthe uthe
nyasi kare japa
pascate bujhila bhave, svapnete tripta nahe, takhana kare
prabhura stava (98)

In this way the sannyasi had dreams three times. He was struck with
wonder. Each time he woke up and chanted his mantras. Later on he
understood by symptoms that the Lord was not at all pleased with
him. So he began to offer prayers.

ei aparadha dekhi, parera ghare prabhu rakhi, giyachilam

tirtha karibare
svechamaya bata tumi, bhavete bujhilam ami, cala prabhu
panuara ghare (99)

The sannyasi said, “My only offense was that I kept my Lord in
someone else’s house and went out on a pilgrimage. Indeed You are
the independent Lord. This I have realized clearly. O my dear Lord, let
us go to Panuya’s house.”

shyam chande kari mathe, mangaldihira pathe, sanyasi se dhire

dhire jaya
panua prangane padi, dekhiya dayala hari, svapnete dhariya
uthaya (100)

Thereafter the sanyasi put Shyam-Chand on his head and started

walking slowly towards Mangaldihi. In the meantime Panua who was
lying in his courtyard saw in his dream the merciful Lord Hari picking
him up.

ami yachhi ghare phiri, tumi esa agusari, gramera isana

parsva pathe
punasca punasca kaya, ei svapna mithya naya, laga pabe
pathete yaite (101)

The Lord said to Panuya, “I am returning home, so you can ahead to

welcome Me. I am coming through the north-eastern side road. I am
telling you again and again that this dream is not false. You will
certainly meet me on the way.”

tarapara lakshmipriya, bhumitale chila suiya, svapnete tare kona

katha
balaka rupete gale, dhariya basila kole, khete dego
lakshmipriya mata (102)
Then the Lord in the form of a child sat on Lakshmipriya’s lap and
holding her neck with both hands, He spoke in a dream to her, who
was lying on the ground, “O mother, give me something to eat.

dhari rakhe sanyasi, aji ami upabasi, tumi mora tattva na

karile
panuara jita dhana, tora hastera randhana, ta bine upabasi achi
bale (103)

The sannyasi is capturing me. Today I had no food at all. Today you
did not feed me. I am simply fasting being bereft of foodstuff cooked
by you and bought by Panuya.

phiriya esechi ami, samagri karaha tumi, naibedya

more nibedite
nidra bhangila donhe, nija nija svapna kahe, kandi pade
kahite kahite (104)

I am returning home. So please prepare various foodstuff to offer Me.”

Then Panuya and Lakshmipriya woke up and related their dreams to
each other. Thus both of them began to cry.

kahe lakshmi thakurani, anibare jaha tumi, sakale thakura

mahasaya
purna kalasa kari, lakshmipriya bame dhari, anuara subha
yatra haya (105)

Lakshmipriya Thakurani requested Panuya Thakur to go early morning

and welcome Shyam-Chand. She then filled up a pitcher with water
and stood on Panua Thakur’s left side to make an auspicious gesture
before commencing a journey.

alpa jyotsna ratri ache, srigala asiya kache, bame gela

daksinete gai
ardheka pathe yete, sei sanyasira sathe, shyamchande
darasana pai (106)

As Panua proceeded at dawn he saw some auspicious signs like a

jackal ran to his left and a cow on his right side. After Panuya covered
half of the road he met the sanyasi and Sri Shyam-Chand.

sanyasi kahena katha, svapnete dekhichi setha, tenhi ami

asiyachi phiriya
panuya gopal kon more sei svapna hana, ailam turita
dhaiya (107)
The sanyasi said, “”I have come because I have been ordered by the
Lord in my dream.” Panuya said, “I too had a similar dream, so I came
running.”

tare stava kare kata, tumi mita bhagyavanta, jaiya kahiba

katha-yata
gramera nikate ela, loka sunibare pela, briddha yuba
balak dhyata (108)

The sanyasi glorified Panua so much. He said, “O friend, you are the
most fortunate. I will explain everything when we reach home.” When
they arrived near the village, everyone including old men, young men
and the boys came running to see Shyam-Chand.

sambada dite jaya, ghare lakshmipriya maya tora shyamchand

aila phiri
suni kata pulakita, tanumaya ulasita mangal samagri jara
kari (109)

Everyone ran home and informed mother Lakshmipriya that her

Shyam-Chand had returned home. Hearing this she became ecstatic,
her body shivered as she began to gather auspicious ingredients for
welcoming her Lord.

thale durbadhana kari, gomrite pradip puri, caudike

bediya phala phula
gramvasi yata nari, lakshmipriya devi beri, karu kakse kalsi
purnajala (110)

Taking durba grass, ghee lamp and various fruits and flowers in a
plate Lakshmipriya along with other ladies of the village, some of
whom had pitchers filled with water on their waist, walked ahead.

ramchandra vanavase, phiriya ayodhya ese, kausalya anite

yena yana
temati se lakshmipriya, anande pathara hiya, kata dure mora
shyamchand (111)

Just as Kausalya went ahead to welcome Sri Ramchandra when He

returned to Ayodhya from exile, similarly Lakshmipriya was
overwhelmed with ecstasy as she approached Shyam-Chand.

prabesai grama kuli, sumangal hulahuli, shyamchand panuara

mathe
pascate sanyasi jaya, karu pane nahi caya, henta matha
kandite kandite (112)
When Panuya, carrying Shyam-Chand on his head entered the village,
all the ladies made auspicious sounds in their mouths. The sanyasi,
however, did not look at anybody, simply cried with his head down
while following Panuya.

carana tuliya nace, singa benu sankha baje, kansa

karatala mridanga
mora dala camara kare, chatra mastake dhare, aranite
achhadana anga (113)

Everyone danced, played buffalo horns, conch, flute bell metal plate,
karatala and mridanga. Someone fanned Shyam-Chand with peacock
feather, someone held and umbrella over His head and yet others
covered His body with (arani?).

lakshmi deya jaladhara, gramera stri loka tara, sabe meli

deyata hulati
paye diya durbadhana, chadaiya guya pana, sandesa
mistanna nana jati (114)

Lakshmipriya sprinkled water as all the women of the village made

auspicious sounds. Some of them offered durba grass and rice paddy
on the Lord’s feet and others offered and distributed betel nuts, pans,
various kinds of sweets and sandesas.

ramchandra pate basi, phiriya ayodhya asi, temati basila

shyamchand
dakiya sadhaba yata, taila haridra kata, dvije mala candana
parana (115)

Just as Lord Ramachandra sat on His throne when He returned to

Ayodhya, similarly Shyam-Chand sat on a throne at the house of
Panua. All the married women were offered oil, turmeric etc. and the
brahmins were offered flower garlands and sandalwood paste.

shyam chand ela ghare, maha mahotsava kare, gopal panua

mahasaya
kata ksira paramanna, vividha byanjana anna, thakurani
randhana karaya (116)

Panua Gopal observed a huge festival on the occasion of Shyam-

Chand’s return. Lakshmipriya Thakurani cooked various kinds of rice,
vegetables, milk products and sweet rice.
yata kare randhana, badaye sahasraguna, tarakari dui cari
sari
kata jati randhe sak, canchi bhari ghreeta puk, narikela bhari
pitha paka (117)

The more she cooks, the more the items increase. She cooked a few
types of vegetables, spinach, as well as sweets made of mild, ghee
and coconut.

sugandhi tina cari, jhala byanjana kari, vadidiya makulera

kuda
kariya bartaku cari, atta makhi ghrite chaki, paniphala rambha
chanka-vada (118)

She cooked three-four kinds of hot and tasteful vegetables, fried

eggplants, fried drumstick flowers with balls made of urad dal,
savories, pakoras made of chestnut flour and bananas.

amti bhijaiya dudhe, sarkara karpura tate, amcura tentuti

ambala
bhoga sajja kari lakshmi, prabhura saksate rakhi, thare thare
vyanjana sakala (119)

She mixed mango pulp with milk and added sugar and camphor in it.
She prepared a chutney out of dry mango, tamarind and juggery She
then put everything in order in front of the Lord.

shyamchande bhoga diya, kata loka khaoiya, samkirtan

sampurna karaya
panua ananda nidhi, chadaiya haridra dadhi, pulakita tanu khani
haya (120)

Panuya Gopal then offered all the foodstuffs to the Lord Sri Shyam-
Chand. Thereafter he fed everybody followed by a huge
congregational chanting of the holy names of the Lord. Out of
jubilation Panuya showered turmeric and yogurt and the hairs on his
body stood on end.

taha dekhi sanyasi, manete bismaya basi, panuake

dhanya dhanya bale
dhanya tora pitrigana, yara kule janma hana, dhanya tora mata
maha kula (121)

Seeing this the sanyasi was struck with wonder and repeatedly
thanked Panuya, his forefathers and his maternal forefathers.
dhanya ei desa pati, yara dese tora shiti, dhanya tora basati
dharani
dhanya se gopal nama, yara preme raya shyam, lakshmipriya
yahara gharani (122)

The sanyasi said, “Glories to the king in whose kingdom you live,
glories to the land where you reside, glories to your name ‘Gopal’ by
whose love Shyam-Chand is bound and glories to Lakshmipriya, your
wife.

nija tanu dhana, jana, sri carane samarpana, karile panua tumi
dhanya
shyam chandra yara grehe, apani asiya rahe, tumi
bhakta agraganya (123)

O Panua, you are certainly glorious, because you have surrendered

you body, wealth and followers at the lotus feet of Shyam-Chand. Out
of His own sweet will Shyamchand stayed at your house. Therefore
you are one of the topmost devotees.

ami naradhama bati, amara hayeche truti,

shyamchandra chadila amare
ye ekasi purusera, hena shyamchandra mora, aniya dilam
para ghare (124)

I am certainly the most fallen and an offender. That is why Shyam-

Chand has left me. Though for eighty one generations we worshipped
Shyam-Chand, now I have personally given Him away to someone
else.

brithai amara janma, britha sanyasa dharma, britha mora e-danda

grahana
purbapara mora ghare, ye prabhu biraja kare, baimukhata eta
dine hana (125)

Useless is my birth, my acceptance of the renounced order of life, my

accepting the sanyasa danda. Because the Lord who remained in our
family as our worshipable Lord for many generations, has now become
averse to us.

sakala tapasya britha, brithai mundana matha, kandiya kandiya

sanyasi kaya
ei prabhudeva hari, amara mastake chadi, asiya parera ghare
raya (126)
All my performances of austerities, shaving my head are useless,” the
sanyasi lamented. “This Lord Hari came and stayed at other’s house
being carried by me.”

bidaya haiya tatha, shyamchandra ache yatha, sanmukhete

dandaye sanyasi
galate basana diya, shyam chandra pane caiya, premadhara
dunayane bhasi (127)

In order to take leave the sanyasi came before Shyam-Chand with

folded hands and putting a cloth around his neck. He looked at
Shyam-Chand and with tears in his eyes said to Him.

yare tumi bhalabasa, tahara parana nasa, gopigana tahate

pramana
muralira radha gane, bisama kusumabane, dure thaki badhaye
parana (128)

“To those you love, you take away their lives. The gopis of Vrindavana
are the prime example of this. When they heard the sound of flute,
they were pierced by the arrow of Cupid and were killed from a
distance.

eke se abala nari, yatane piriti kari, bina dose tahare

tyajile
yadi va mathura gele, prakatete nahi ele, tahare
pathare bhasaile (129)

The gopis were innocent and loved You with determination, but You
rejected them without any faults. If at all You went to Mathura You did
not return. Thus You had put them in the middle of the ocean.

nanda ara yasomati, ati sneha tora prati, pranera adhika

bata tara
sei sava sneha chadi, gele tumi madhupuri, vrindabana kariya
andhara (130)

Both Sri Nanda and Yasoda had intense love and affection for You and
they treated You more than their lives. But You had rejected all their
affections and went to Mathura, thus putting entire Vrindaban in
darkness.

sugribe mitrata kaile, bina dose bali mele, sei bali

chilena bhakata
kahaiya mithya katha, dronacharyera matha kata, ache jnata
bikhyata (131)

You made friendship with Sugriba and killed Your own devotee Bali
without any fault. You induced Your devotee Yudhisthira to speak lie
and had Dronacharya killed. There are many such well-known
incidents.

yata dukhi sitadevi, bina dose tare tyaji, tomara tape

hala antardhana
mahabhakta raja bali, bina dose tare chali, ye karila
tribhuvana dana (132)

Sita devi went through so much trouble yet You abandoned Her. As a
result She disappeared. King Bali was Your great devotee, yet You
cheated him without any fault, though he donated You the three
worlds.

avasese matha chila, carana rakhite dila, pascata bandhan

prana jaya
temat temat bhakta, tare dukha dile kata, ami ta sanyasi
murkhataya (133)

At last he had his head left, which he offered You to place You feet on.
But later on he was bound and humiliated by You. There are so many
such great devotees whom You caused so much distress. For that
matter I am only a foolish sanyasi.”

bhume padi dandadhari, kandi pare gadagadi, sri carane

bidaya haila
gramera bahira haiya, ekabara phire caiya, kasi puri path mukhe
gela (134)

In this way the sanyasi begged permission from the Lord to leave
while crying and rolling on the ground. After he came out of the
village, he looked at the village once more and then proceeded
towards Varanasi and Puri.

mathuraya rakhi hari, nanda yena gela phiri, sei katha

sanyasi kahiya
kabhu uthi kabhi padi, kabhu bhume gadagadi, jaya pathe
kandiya kandiya (135)

The sannyasi returned to the road the same way as Maharaja Nanda
returned after keeping Krishna at Mathura. He sometimes fell on,
stood up and rolled on the ground as he cried and walked.
sanyasira dekhi soka, dui ekajana loka, tara preme kandite
kandite
se sakala loka asi, panuara kache basi, ye sunila
kahila saksate (136)

Seeing the pathetic condition of the sannyasi a few people began to

cry with love. They came to Panuya and related everything they heard
and saw about the sannyasi.

pulakita tanumaya, harise bisada haya, prema

dharaya anga bhasi jaya
niscinta haiya mane, jaiya prabhura sthane, stava kari seva
karye jaya (137)

Panuya became ecstatic. His hairs stood on end. He felt both jubilation
and lamentation and tears flowed down from his eyes. After being
pacified he went before the Lord and offered prayers.

sighra asi snana kari, pavitra basana pari, sri mandire

prabesa kariya
carane dhariya bale, kona aparadha hale, ara kabhu na
jabe chadiya (138)

He quickly took bath, put on clean cloth and entered the temple. He
caught hold of the Lord’s feet and prayed, “Please do not leave me
again even if I commit any offense.”

aja haite mora, na chadibe mandira, nijagune thaka

purbapara
yara aparadha pabe, tahare damana dibe, tabu mora na
chadibe ghara (139)

From today onwards please do not leave my house, rather remain by

your own sweet will. If You find any offense, please punish him, but do
not leave my home.

rajaka daibaka hale, yadi anyasthane gele, pascate asibe ei purbe

(?)
braje mlechha bhaye, vigraha mandira tyaje, pascata aile
vrajapure (140)

Even if by providence, You happen to go somewhere else, please

return to this house. Previously in Vraja, out of fear of the mlecchas
Your deity forms left Vraja, but later on They all returned.
cintamani tumi sei, amara samanya griha, bhaya lagi
pache va chadibe
amara avidyamane, yadi keha dina hine, seva kare ghrina
na kariba (141)

You are the most valuable jewel the touchstone, and I am an

ordinary householder. I am afraid You may leave. If in my absence any
poor and fallen person worships You, please do not hate.” (hate= be
angry?)

tarapara lakshmipriya, srimandire pravesiya, nivedana

kare yoda hate
aparadha dekhi chadi, punah yadi ele phiri, pralijna kara mora
sathe (142)

Then Lakshmipriya entered the deity room and prayed to Shyam-

Chand, “Because of some offense, You left- but by Your own will you
have returned. You will have to make a promise to me.

jnana rahita loka, ye jutibe anna shak, bhoga

haibe eka ekabara
kabhu ksira paramanna, kabhu va sudhui anna, na karibe
bicara tahara (143)

People are less intelligent, hence whatever little rice and spinach they
offer You once, accept them. Sometimes You may have sweet rice and
sometimes only rice. Therefore do not discriminate.

keha va nabina badhu, keha briddha bastha prabhu,

kehayadi ajnna haibe
karu bhrame dagdha anna, lavana adhika hana, savadhan na
habeka striloka (144)

There may be a newly married women or an old man or a less

intelligent person in our family. Someone may offer You burnt rice or
foodstuffs with too much salt due to the negligence of the women.

dina dina briddha kali, bhakti jnana habe mali, kijani va aparadha lave
jani dosa ye karibe, tahare damana dibe, mora
ghara na chadibe (145)

The influence of Kali is increasing day by day hence devotion and

knowledge will be polluted day by day. If anyone knowingly commits
an offence, please punish him. Still do not leave my house.”
ei nivedana kari, kare kare donhe dhari, ailena
bhandara gharete
parna bikraya kadi, labhya matra drabya badi, purna hala
sevara belate (146)

After praying in this way both of them came to the store room with
folded hands. Panua said that the profit made by selling pan was thus
properly been utilized in the service of the Lord.

sei dina haite ghare, nija jnane seva kare, panuara ananda
pathara
yeva purba taha likhi, dvitiya tritiya baki, se sava katha
haibe pracara (147)

From that day onwards Panua happily served Sri Shyam-Chand

through his own means. I am only writing what had happened in the
beginning. There are still two more parts, second and third, which will
be published soon.

likhaye prathama khanda, racaye jagadananda, shyam

candrodaya grantha nama
guru sri thakurani, alapa bayase suni, sei katha
chande ganthilam (148)

I, Sri Jagadananda Thakur, am composing this book Sri Sri Shyam-

Chandrodaya, Part One, according to what I have heard from my
spiritual master Srimati Thakurani. I have composed this book in the
form of prose.

ye va sune yeva pade, shyam chand tusta tare, sevya

sevaka guna katha
krishna ara krishna bhakta, suvarna manite yukta, ratan manira
hara gatha (149)

One who hears or reads this book, Shyam-Chand is pleased with him.
This book contents the topics of the served and the servant. Lord
Krishna and the devotees of Krishna are gold and jewel sewed on the
same garland.

grantha shyam chandrodaya, manera andhara ksaya, kabhu haya

amita ...?
hridaya kathina mane, yadi gunakatha sune, phale haya sitala
sarasa (150)
This book Sri Shyam Chandrodaya dissipates the darkness of one’s
mind and it is never dry. If a hard hearted person hears the topics of
this book, then his heart will become soothed and full of nectar.

yate haya suddha mana, prapti hari sri carana, tahara badaye
bhakti jnana
parama sankata kale, param bisvas hale, avasya karaye
tahara trana (151)

By reading this book one’s mind will become pure and he will achieve
the lotus feet of Hari. Such a person will develop knowledge and
devotion to the Lord. If one keeps firm faith in the topics of Hari, then
he will certainly be delivered from the dangerous type of fear.

Thus ends Sri Shyam Chandrodaya, Part One, composed by Sri

Jagadananda Thakur.

Translated by Bhumi Pati Dasa