Page 73 - History of Tirupathi Balaji and comparison of Sri Vaishnava

tradition.

The following narration is from the Navadvipa Mahatmya (glorifi cation
of the appearance place of Lord Caitanya in Bengal) by Srila Bhakti Vinoda
Thakur. It describes the mystical discussion between Ramanujacarya with Lord
Jagannatha (a Deity of Lord Krishna) in Puri. The Lord inspired him to go
to Navadvipa privately and meet Lord Caitanya 300 years before the Lord
appeared to receive His benediction.

Ramanujacarya came to Jagannath Puri. He pleased Lord Jagannath with choice
verses of glorifi cation spoken with genuine love and devotion. Jagannatha appeared before
him and said, “go and see Navadvipa Dhama, for soon I shall appear there in the house of
Jagannatha Misra. Navadvipa is My very dear Dhama (transcendental abode), situated
in one place in the spiritual sky. As My eternal servant and a leading devotee, you should see
Navadvipa. Let your students, who are absorbed in dasya rasa, stay here, and you go alone.
Any living being who does not see Navadvipa has been born uselessly. Just one portion of
Navadvipa contains Ranga, Venkata, and Yadava Acala. Therefore go to Navadvipa and
see the form of Gauranga. You have come to the earth to preach bhakti, so let your birth be
successful with the mercy of Gaura. From Navadvipa, go to Kurma Sthana, and there join
again with your disciples.”

Joining his hands, Ramanuja made a request to Jagannatha. “You have mercifully
mentioned Gauranga, but exactly who He is I do not know.” Lord Jagannath answered,
“Everyone knows the master of Goloka, Krishna. That Krishna, whose vilasa murti
(pastime expansion) is Narayana, is the supreme truth, residing in Vrndavana. That
Krishna is fully manifested in the form of Gauranga, and Navadvipa Dhama is the same as
Vrndavana. This Navadvipa is the topmost abode, situated beyond the material universe, and
in that place Gauranga stays eternally. By My mercy that Dhama has come to exist within
Bhu Mandala, yet remaining unaffected by maya. This is the verdict of scripture. And if
you think that Navadvipa is only a material location, then your devotion will perish. By My
will, My inconceivable energy preserves this full transcendental dhama within the material
world. Simply by reading scriptures one will not get the highest truth, for the highest truth
surpasses all reasoning power. Only the devotees, by My mercy, can understand.”
Hearing the words of the Lord, Ramanuja was moved with prema (love).
“Lord, your lila (pastimes) are truly astounding. The scriptures cannot know your
opulence. Why is not Gauranga lila described clearly in the scriptures? When I closely
examine the sruti and puranas, I fi nd some hint of the Gauranga Tattva only. Now,
however, I am ready to serve your order for all doubts are gone. If it is your desire, I will go
to Navadvipa and preach Gaura lila throughout the three worlds, giving evidence from the
hidden scriptures to all the people, converting all to devotional service to Gauranga. Please
instruct me.”
Jagannatha said, “Ramanuja, do not broadcast this now. Keep the esoteric Gaura lila
secret. Only after He has fi nished His lila will the general public receive it. Preach for Me
on the level of dasya rasa (servitude), while in your heart worship Gauranga constantly.”
Taking the advice of the Lord, Ramanuja secretly cultured his attraction for Navadvipa.
Lord Narayana, being merciful, led Ramanuja to Vaikuntha, and there showed him His
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