The Glories of Sri Navadvipa Dhama

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

Sri Navadvipa-dhama-mahatmyam, Pramana- khanda, was compiled by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura in 1890. This book was written in two parts, named Parikrama-khanda and Pramana-khanda. The Parikrama- khanda describes the tour of the nine islands of Navadvipa given by Lord Nityananda Prabhu to the young Śrila Jiva Goswami. The Pramana-khanda is a compilation of quotations from ancient Vedic literature that expound the glories of Navadvipa.

After studying the Pramana-khanda, one can appreciate the fact that Navadvipa-dhama did not become important at the time of Lord Caitanya's appearance some five hundred years ago. Indeed, Navadvipa-dhama is the foremost of holy places, especially in the Kali-yuga, and has been so from a very remote time.

In the Navadvipa-dhama-mahatmyam, Parikrama- khanda, Śrila Bhaktivinoda Thakura provides us with some interesting recent history of Navadvipa. There, Lord Nityananda told Śrila Jiva Goswami: "When our Lord Caitanya disappears, by His desire the Ganges will swell The water will almost cover Mayapur for a hundred years before it recedes. For some time thereafter, only the land will remain, devoid of houses. Then, by the Lord's desire, Mayapur will again become prominent, and people will live here as before. All the bathing places on the bank of the Ganges will again become visible, and the devotees will build many temples. An exceedingly wonderful temple will then appear, from which Lord Caitanya's eternal service will be preached everywhere."

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura had always been very anxious to visit Navadvipa, and so he had applied many times for transfer to any nearby town. When he did not obtain such a transfer, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura formally submitted his resignation from public service, but it was refused. Finally, he obtained a transfer to Krishnanagara, just a short distance from Navadvipa and Mayapur. He at once made inquiries about the exact whereabouts of the different places of Lord Caitanya's pastimes, and he soon discovered that the town of Navadvipa had been standing at its present location for only the last one hundred years. Having learned this, he became very curious to locate the actual birthplace of Lord Caitanya. He was convinced that the town of Navadvipa was not the authentic location, and he at once commenced a vigorous inquiry to find the truth of the matter. Finally, he set out to discover the yoga-pitha (birthplace) of Lord Caitanya. After great difficulties, he came to know of a place which was being adored by many realized souls as the true birthplace of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and which was hen in the possession of Mohammedans.

**Contents and Sample Pages**