Srivas Angan is a sacred place, non-different from the rasasthali of Vrindavan. In Srivas Angan, Lord Caitanya performed Nama Sankirtana with His devotees and experienced the same loving exchanges as in the rasa lila of Vrindavan. The devotees’ happiness was simply Lord Caitanya’s happiness; when He was happy, they were happy. Even if the worst calamities were taking place in their lives, if He was happy, they were happy. And if He was sad or displeased, nothing could pacify the hearts of the devotees. This was the nature of their love.
The Passing of Srivas Thakur’s Son
As Lord Caitanya was dancing in Srivas Angan, some crying was heard from one of the rooms. Srivas was called into the inner chambers of the house, and there he found that his son had passed away. His wife and other family members were weeping. Srivas Thakur told them that their son was most fortunate because he passed away when Lord Caitanya, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, was performing nama sankirtan in their home. Their son had definitely returned to the Spiritual World. Srivas Thakur further told them that if their crying disturbed the Lord’s dancing, then he would give up his life. He asked them to keep silent and not disturb the kirtan. After saying this, Srivas Thakur went back and joined the kirtan.
Lord Caitanya’s Realization
As the morning approached, Lord Caitanya stopped the kirtan and asked Srivas, “I feel in My heart that there is some sadness in this house. Srivas, what is it?” Srivas was smiling and said, “My Lord Gauranga, with Your beautiful moon-like face smiling in bliss, while You are dancing in my house there could be nothing but happiness.” Then one of the other devotees told that actually Srivas’s son had died at night.
Upon hearing this, Lord Caitanya began to cry in front of everyone and spoke, “How could I possibly give up the association of such a devotee who does not know any sorrow in this world, even to the extent of the death of his own son, just to make Me happy? How can I give up such a person’s association?” He wept incessantly.
The devotees were very confused when they heard Lord Caitanya speaking like this. It was a great mystery that caused fear in all of the devotees’ hearts.
The Dead Child Speaks
Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu then went into the room and asked the dead child, “Why did you leave your father’s house?” To everyone’s surprise, the child sat up and began to speak, “My Lord, I am Your eternal servant. And wherever You send me, that’s where I want to be. By the power of destiny and by the power of Your mercy I was allowed to live all these days in the auspicious home of Srivas. But now by the power of Your will, my destiny is to move to another body. Who is my relative? Who is my father? Who is my mother? When the time comes, the soul must depart from the body. Now, my Lord, I beg You, please forgive me for any offenses I may have made and grant me the boon that wherever You send me I may have the association of Your devotees. With Your permission, I will now go.”
Speaking like this, the child then laid down dead. Seeing their child receive such mercy, the family was in bliss. They all fell at the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya and begged Him to always keep them in the association of devotees. Lord Caitanya proclaimed, “Because of your unconditional love, Myself and Nityananda are eternally your sons.” The Lord then performed the last rites for the child.
Lessons to Be Learned
- Unwavering Devotion: The story highlights the unwavering devotion of Srivas Thakur, who prioritized Lord Caitanya’s happiness over his own sorrow.
- Transcendental Perspective: The dialogue between Lord Caitanya and the dead child emphasizes the soul’s eternal nature and the transcendental perspective on life and death.
- Divine Mercy: The story illustrates the mercy of Lord Caitanya, who responds to the sincere devotion of His followers and assures them of His eternal presence and protection.
Teaching from Srimad Bhagavatam
Srimad Bhagavatam 10.14.8: “My dear Lord, one who earnestly waits for You to bestow Your causeless mercy upon him, all the while patiently suffering the reactions of his past misdeeds and offering You respectful obeisances with his heart, words, and body, is surely eligible for liberation, for it has become his rightful claim.”
This verse underscores the importance of patience and unwavering devotion, even amidst suffering, as a means to attain the Lord’s mercy and liberation.
Teaching of Srila Prabhupada
Srila Prabhupada emphasized the importance of pure devotional service and the need to approach the Lord with a sincere heart. He taught that the essence of all spiritual practices is to develop love for Krishna.
Srila Prabhupada said: “Devotional service is not a matter of sentimental speculation or imaginative ecstasy. Its substance is practical activity.” (Bhagavad-gita As It Is, 12.8, Purport)
This teaching reminds us that sincere and practical devotional activities, performed with love, are the true essence of spiritual practice.
Prayer
O Lord Caitanya,
Please grant us the unwavering devotion of Srivas Thakur.
Help us to serve You with pure love and dedication,
So that we may always experience Your divine presence in our lives.
May our hearts be filled with the joy of sankirtana,
And may we always seek to please You with our humble offerings.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
May Your divine grace and blessings be upon us always,
Guiding us towards pure devotion and eternal bliss in Your service.
