Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s Instruction
Before taking sannyas, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu instructed one of His close devotees, Srila Jagadish Pandit, to travel to Nilachala (Puri) to preach the glories of Krishna-bhakti and the importance of Harinama-sankirtan, the congregational chanting of the holy names. Mahaprabhu, the combined form of Lord Jagannath (Krishna) and Lord Gaurasundara (Chaitanya), wanted Srila Jagadish to spread the religious practices of the age.
Darshan of Lord Jagannath in Puri
Upon reaching Sridham Puri, Srila Jagadish Pandit had the divine darshan of Lord Jagannath. Overcome with love and devotion, he melted in ecstatic emotion before the Lord. However, as he began his journey back to Bengal, Srila Jagadish felt an intense separation from Lord Jagannath. This deep feeling of separation is a rare blessing and a sign of true grace from the Lord, which few pilgrims experience.
The Lord’s Merciful Dream
Seeing Srila Jagadish Pandit’s sincere devotion and intense separation, Lord Jagannath appeared to him in a dream. The Lord instructed Srila Jagadish to take His outgoing form (samadhi-stha-vigraha) and continue to serve Him in Bengal. Simultaneously, Lord Jagannath appeared to the king of Orissa and ordered him to give the samadhi-stha-vigraha to Srila Jagadish during the nava-kalevara, the time when the wooden deity of Lord Jagannath is renewed.
Journey to Bengal with Lord Jagannath
Srila Jagadish was initially concerned about how he would carry the heavy deity all the way to Bengal. In response, Lord Jagannath assured him that He would become as light as a cork for the journey. The Lord instructed Srila Jagadish to cover Him with a new cloth and carry Him suspended on the end of a staff. The Lord also warned that once He was set down on the ground, that place would become His permanent residence.
With the help of two Brahmins, Srila Jagadish carried Lord Jagannath toward Bengal. They took turns carrying the deity until they reached the village of Yashora on the banks of the Ganges, near Chakdaha. While Srila Jagadish was taking his bath in the Ganges, the Brahmin carrying the deity noticed that Lord Jagannath had suddenly become very heavy, making it impossible to hold Him up. When Srila Jagadish returned, he realized that Lord Jagannath wanted to stay in that very spot.
Lord Jagannath’s Residence in Yashora
The arrival of Lord Jagannath in Yashora attracted thousands of local devotees, who flocked to have His darshan. Recognizing the divine will of Lord Jagannath, Srila Jagadish Pandit decided to remain in Yashora instead of returning to his home in Mayapur. Thus, Lord Jagannath’s presence sanctified the village, making it a sacred place of pilgrimage.
Lessons to Be Learned
- Devotion Beyond Rituals: Srila Jagadish Pandit’s devotion exemplifies that true love for the Lord transcends rituals and is marked by deep feelings of separation and attachment to the divine.
- The Lord’s Compassion: The story demonstrates how the Lord responds to the sincere devotion of His devotees, fulfilling their deepest desires in miraculous ways.
- Surrender to the Lord’s Will: Srila Jagadish’s journey teaches the importance of surrendering to the Lord’s will, accepting His instructions, and following them with faith.
- Divine Grace in Difficulties: The transformation of Lord Jagannath’s form to aid Srila Jagadish on his journey highlights how the Lord alleviates the burdens of those who serve Him with a pure heart.
Prayer
O Lord Jagannath,
Grant us the humility and devotion of Srila Jagadish Pandit,
To serve You with pure love and unwavering faith.
May we feel the pangs of separation from You,
And may our hearts be filled with the bliss of Your presence.
Guide us to live in surrender to Your will,
And may we always be blessed by Your divine grace.
Quote from Shastra
“ananyāś cintayanto māṁ ye janāḥ paryupāsate
teṣāṁ nityābhiyuktānāṁ yoga-kṣemaṁ vahāmy aham”
Translation:
“To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me. To them, I carry what they lack and preserve what they have.”
— Bhagavad Gita 9.22
This verse from the Bhagavad Gita encapsulates the essence of Srila Jagadish Pandit’s experience, where Lord Jagannath personally took care of him, alleviating his burdens and fulfilling his deepest desires.
