The Divine Order
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, recognizing the unique potency of Sri Nityananda Prabhu, entrusted Him with the sacred mission of spreading pure devotion in Bengal. As Sri Nityananda wandered through the Ganges valley, He was drawn to the profound devotion of Srila Raghava Pandit, a great devotee of the Lord. This attraction led Sri Nityananda Prabhu to visit Srila Raghava Pandit’s home in Panihati.
The Kirtan of the Three Ghosh Brothers
Along with Sri Nityananda, the three Ghosh brothers—Srila Govinda, Srila Madhava, and Srila Vasudeva—accompanied Him. These brothers were renowned for their exceptional kirtan abilities, and their singing had the power to invoke deep spiritual emotions. As they began their kirtan, the melodious and heartfelt devotion filled the atmosphere, and Sri Nityananda Prabhu, overwhelmed by the love in their singing, entered into a divine trance and began to dance.
The Divine Abhishek
After His ecstatic dance, Sri Nityananda Prabhu sat on the deities’ altar, still immersed in His divine state. Understanding the significance of this moment, Srila Raghava Pandit, along with the devotees, performed an elaborate abhishek (bathing ceremony) to honor Sri Nityananda. They lovingly bathed Him with sacred water, adorned Him with fresh garments, and garlanded Him with fragrant flowers. After the abhishek, Sri Nityananda Prabhu, still in a trance-like state, continued to sit on the deities’ throne while Srila Raghava Pandit held a parasol over Him as a sign of reverence.
The Miracle of the Kadamba Flowers
As the ceremony continued, a miraculous event took place. In His divine state, Sri Nityananda Prabhu suddenly ordered Srila Raghava Pandit to bring Him a garland of kadamba flowers. Srila Raghava was initially taken aback by this request, as kadamba trees were not yet in bloom. However, trusting in the words of Sri Nityananda, he went to search the grounds of his house. To his amazement, he found kadamba flowers blossoming on a lime tree—a sight that defied nature. Overwhelmed with devotion and wonder, Srila Raghava quickly made a garland from these flowers and placed it around Sri Nityananda Prabhu’s neck.
The Fragrance of Damanaka Flowers
As the divine presence of Sri Nityananda Prabhu filled the room, another miraculous event occurred. The entire house was suddenly suffused with the sweet fragrance of damanaka flowers. Sri Nityananda Prabhu then revealed that Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Himself had come from Puri, adorned with a damanaka garland, to hear the kirtan. This divine revelation further confirmed the profound spiritual atmosphere created by the kirtan and the presence of the Lord Himself.
Significance of the Event
This extraordinary event at Srila Raghava Pandit’s home is a testament to the deep devotion of the devotees and the divine reciprocation of the Lord. Sri Nityananda Prabhu’s miracles, such as the blossoming of kadamba flowers and the appearance of the damanaka fragrance, highlight the transcendental nature of pure devotion and the Lord’s deep love for His devotees.
Lessons to Be Learned
- The Power of Pure Devotion: The devotion of Srila Raghava Pandit attracted the divine presence of Sri Nityananda Prabhu, showing that pure devotion can draw the Lord’s mercy and manifest miraculous events.
- Trust in the Lord’s Words: Srila Raghava Pandit’s trust in Sri Nityananda Prabhu’s command, even when it seemed impossible, led to the miraculous blooming of kadamba flowers. This teaches us to have unwavering faith in the Lord’s words and instructions.
- The Lord’s Omnipresence: The appearance of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu at the kirtan, signaled by the fragrance of damanaka flowers, reminds us that the Lord is always present wherever His holy names are sung with pure devotion.
Prayer
O Sri Nityananda Prabhu,
Embodiment of divine mercy and joy,
Fill our hearts with the pure love of Godhead.
May we always trust in Your divine will,
And may our devotion attract Your ever-merciful glance.
Guide us to serve You with unwavering faith,
And let our lives be a constant kirtan in Your praise.
Quote from Shastra
“kaler doṣa-nidhe rājan asti hy eko mahān guṇaḥ
kīrtanād eva kṛṣṇasya mukta-saṅgaḥ paraṁ vrajet”
Translation:
“My dear King, although Kali-yuga is an ocean of faults, there is still one good quality about this age: Simply by chanting the holy name of Kṛṣṇa, one can become free from material bondage and be promoted to the transcendental kingdom.”
— Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 12.3.51
This verse from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam underscores the power of kirtan, as demonstrated in the divine event at Srila Raghava Pandit’s home, where the kirtan led by Sri Nityananda Prabhu invoked the direct presence of the Supreme Lord.
