Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam I Vol III Book X Chp 16 Shlokas 20 - 23

Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam I Vol III Book X Chp 16 Shlokas 20 - 23

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

एवं हि बहुधा बालः प्रललाप पुनः पुनः |

एकान्तमनसा नित्यं हरिदर्शनकातरः ||

पुत्रं वेङ्कटरङ्गार्यः सान्त्वयन् प्रेमपूर्वकम् |

गृहमानीय भार्यायै तच्चरित्रं न्यवेदयेत् ||

तच्चित्तपरिपाकं तु सुराणामपि दुर्लभम् |

अविज्ञाय पुत्रे तौ दम्पती प्रेम चक्रतुः ||

ववृधे बालकोप्येवं गूढभावेन संयुतः |

आनन्दयन् स्वपितरौ लोकसामान्यपुत्रवत् ||

Shri Sadguru continued

Thus the boy used to lament relentlessly, with a firm belief and uncontrollable desire to see God. His father consoled him with great affection, took him home and gave all the details to his mother. The couple could not realize the high degree of spiritual maturity, attaining which is impossible even to the devas, reached by their son. They showered affection on him as their beloved child. Thus this boy of a strange mental make-up grew up, making his parents very happy like all other ordinary children of the world.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam I Vol III Book X Chp 16 Shlokas 13 - 19

Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam I Vol III Book X Chp 16 Shlokas 13 - 19

श्रीगोपालदेशिक उवाच

देवनाथ जगन्नाथ मम नाथ श्रियः पते |

शीघ्रमेव कृपासिन्धो देहि मे तव दर्शनम् ||

त्वयैव सृष्टे भुवने रमन्ते जीवकोटयः |

अहमेको भीतभीतः क्रन्दामि करुणार्णव ||

नय मां तव पादाब्जमलं लीलारसेन ते |

नाहमिच्छामि देहेस्मिन् वासं मलनिकेतने ||

अथवा दर्ष्णानन्दमोहितं मां विधाय ते |

सदा भक्तिरसोन्मत्तं मां विधाय ते |

सदा भक्तिरसोन्मत्तं कुरु मां कमलापते ||

या कृपा कलिता पूर्वं प्रह्लादेपि ध्रुवेपि च |

तां कृपां मयि दीनेपि कुरु देवशिखामणे ||

सन्ततम् जीवकोटीनाम जन्मानि मरणानि च |

विलोक्य भीतभीतोहं त्वामेव शरणं भजे ||

कदा द्रक्ष्याम्यहं देव तवैव चरणाम्बुजम् |

कदा विरहतापो मे शमनं प्राप्स्यति प्रभो ||

Shri Gopala Deshika prayed

Lord of the devas, Lord of the world, Lord of Shri Lakshmi! Oh! Devanatha! Jagannatha! Lakshminatha! My Lord! Please bless me with Your darshan as early as possible. Oh! Ocean of mercy! In this universe created by You, all beings are happy. But I alone am spending life with grief and fears. Oh! Take me to Your lotus feet. Please stop Your divine play. I do not want to reside in this filthy body. I am fed up with this worldly life. Oh! Lord of Goddess Lakshmi! Please make me get intoxicated with the luscious sweetness of Bhakti and remain immersed in the joy of Your darshan. Oh! The God of Gods! Please let me also get a share of Your mercy which blessed Prahlada and Dhruva earlier. Frightened with the struggle of the creatures of this universe, with the unending cycle of births and deaths, I take refuge in Thee. Deva! When will I be blessed to behold Your lotus feet? Oh! Lord! When will my grief born of separation subside?

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam I Vol III Book X Chp 16 Shlokas 7 - 12

Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam I Vol III Book X Chp 16 Shlokas 7 - 12

तौ दम्पती पुत्रहीनौ हरिकैङ्कर्यतत्परौ |

देवनाथं कृपासिन्धुं प्रार्थयामासतुः सदा ||

आज्ञया देवदेवस्य जगन्नाथस्य चक्रिणः |

अनयोः पुत्रभावेन जातः साक्षाद्भृगुर्मुनिः ||

गोपालदेशिक इति नाम चक्रे द्विजोत्तमः |

परमानन्दसंयुक्तः पुत्रवात्सल्यमोहितः ||

आजन्मवैष्णवः सोपि शठकोप इव स्वयम् |

नित्यानित्यविवेकेन वैराग्यं प्राप निर्मलम् ||

सन्ततं कीर्तयन् विष्णोर्नामानि मधुराणि सः |

त्यक्तक्रीडनको बालक्ष्चचार भुवि निर्भयम् ||

कान्तारेपि श्मशानेपि पर्वतेपि नदीतटे |

आसीनक्ष्चिन्तयन् कृष्णं प्रललाप स बालकः ||

These great devotees had no children and hence they prayed to Lord Devanatha, the ocean of compassion at all times for His blessings. As commanded by the Devadeva Jagannatha, Shri Chakrapani, saint Bhrugu himself appeared as their child. Overwhelmed by his parental love for the child, that brahmana named him Gopala Dashiki. As he was born vaishnava Bhakti like the great Nammazhwar, he was able to develop a blemishes discretion as to what is eternal and what is not, even in his childhood. He lived fearless, spending all his time in sweet chanting of the Name of Lord Hari. That child was not having any attachment - even to have play things. That small boy used to roam about the forest, the grave yard, the hill and river banks and get immersed in Krishna dhyana.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam I Vol III Book X Chp 16 Shlokas 1 - 6

Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam I Vol III Book X Chp 16 Shlokas 1 - 6

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

लोकेस्मिन्नन्नवस्त्राय यत्नं कुर्वन्ति सन्ततम् |

न कोपि यतते हन्त कर्तुं श्रीकृष्णदर्शनम् ||

दृढविक्ष्वासयुक्तानां भक्तिमार्गानुगामिनाम् |

भगवान् सुलभो नूनमन्येषां दुर्लभोपि सः ||

मन्दाः सुमण्डमतयो मन्दभाग्यः कलौ नराः |

असमर्था हरिं द्रष्टुं प्राप्नुवन्ति हि संशयम् ||

किन्तु विक्ष्वाससम्युक्ता महात्मानो जितेन्द्रियाः |

वशीकुर्वन्ति गोविन्दं प्रेमभावेन केचन ||

अहीन्द्रनगरे कक्ष्चिदासीद्वैष्णवपुङ्गवः |

नाम्ना वेङ्कटरङ्गार्यो रामानुजकुलोद्भवः ||

तस्य पद्मावती नाम भार्याssसीत्गुणाकरा |

साध्वी शान्तस्वभावा च सज्जनार्चनतत्परा ||

Shri Sadguru said

People on this earth unceasingly strive for getting food and shelter. But, alas, no one tries to get the darshan of Shri Bhagavan. Shri Bhagavan is easily attained by those who match on the path of Bhakti with firm belief. But those who do otherwise never reach Him. In the Kaliyuga, the people who are generally dull-headed, unfortunate and are wicked, become incapable of trying to reach Shri Bhagavan and hence they doubt His very existence. But some exalted personalities, who have staunch faith and control of senses get Lord Govinda into their fold. In Thiruvahindrapuram, there was a great vaishnava named Venkataranga Iyengar born in the Ramanuja Kala. Padmavati, his wife, was good-natured, chaste, quite enduring and had keen interest in helping and respectfully attending to the needs of the sadhus.

Vaishnava Samhita. Kodanda Rama Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 15 Shlokas 26 - 31

Kodanda Rama Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 15 Shlokas 26 - 31

याचितधनोप्येष महाभागवतोत्तमः |

निर्ममे पाण्डुरङ्गस्य चेन्नपुर्यां च मन्दिरम् ||

तत्रापि स्थापयित्वा तं विट्ठलं रुक्मिणीपतिम् |

नित्योत्सवं तथा कुर्वंक्ष्चकार सुखजीवनम् ||

नित्यं शिष्यसहस्त्रेण सञ्चरन् पृथिवीतले |

जगदानन्दयामास हरिसङ्कीर्तनेन सः ||

रामचन्द्रहरिक्ष्चैवमरणौ रसिकोत्तमः |

श्रीभागवतवक्ता च श्रीनारायणपण्डितः ||

अन्ये च वैष्णवाक्ष्चासन् सत्सङ्गेन तस्य सुव्रताः |

तैः सार्धं प्रेमभावेन कीर्तयामास विट्ठलम् ||

कोदण्डरामचरितं यः पठेच्छ्रद्धया नरः |

स प्राप्नुयात्परां भक्तिं विरक्तिं विषयेष्वपि ||

This great bhagavatottama who never sought wealth from any, built a temple for Lord Panduranga at Madras. He installed the moorti of Panduranga with his consort Goddess Rukmini in the temple. He spent his life performing His Pooja everyday. He made the earth experience boundless with his Nama Sankirtan carried on with thousands of his followers daily. Many great vaishnava bhaktas like Ramachandra Hari, the rasikottama Shri Arana, and the scholarly Shrimad Bhagavatam exponent Shri Narayana Pandit were there in his holy association. Along with them, he sang in praise of Lord Panduranga with true prem. The one who reads the story of Kodanda Rama with intense faith becomes a very great Bhakti and gets rid of earthly desires.

Thus ends Chapter Fifteen entitled 'Kodanda Rama Charitam' of Book X of Shri Vaishnava Samhita composed by Shri Shri Krishna Premi Swamigal

Vaishnava Samhita. Kodanda Rama Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 15 Shlokas 18 - 25

Kodanda Rama Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 15 Shlokas 18 - 25

एवं निक्ष्चित्य भक्तेन्द्रः स्वच्छन्दं प्रेमतत्परः |

त्वरया पण्डरीं गत्वा पण्डुरङ्गं ददर्श सः ||

साकं भागवतैस्ततत्र कृत्वा सन्दर्शनं हरेः |

विलुठन् प्राप चानन्दं तेषां पादाब्जरेणुषु ||

महोत्सवे समाप्ते तु पुनक्ष्चेन्नपुरीं गतः |

कार्यालयं स्वमागत्य पाक्ष्चात्यं तं ददर्श च ||

कुपितः स च तं प्राह बहिर्याहॆति निर्घृणः |

कोदण्डरामदासोपि लेभे च परमां मुदम् ||

वीणामादाय सहसा पदशिञ्चितनूपुरः |

अशुकावेष्टिशिरास्तुलसीमणिभूषितः ||

कीर्तयन् हरिनामानि पुलकाङ्कितविग्रहः |

आनन्दबाष्पपूर्णाक्षो वीथ्यां वीथ्यां चचार सः ||

शिलोञ्चवृत्या सन्तुष्टो विरक्तो विजितेन्द्रियः |

गृहस्थोपि महाधीरो निक्ष्चिन्तो निर्भरोsभवत् ||

तन्नामकीर्तनान्दमोहिता बहवो जनाः |

तमेव पूजयामासुः शिष्यभूता दिने दिने ||

As he was a great bhakta, Iyer decided so. Free and full of prem, he reached Pandaripuram without wasting time and had the coveted darshan. Along with the other devotees, he had the darshan of Shri Hari. He just rolled on the sacred dust of the feet of bhagavatas and attained immeasurable joy. After the festival was over, he returned to Madras, and met his office chief. The chief was terribly angry and drove him out. Kodanda Rama Dasa became very happy. From that moment, he went on roaming on the streets happily singing in praise of Lord Hari, tears filled in his eyes, Veena in his hands, anklets tinkling on his legs, a rosary of Tulasi beads round his neck and a holy turban on his head. He led a calm and peaceful family life with the help of unchavritti. He had risen above all desires, was ever happy, courageous and had complete control of his senses. Many were attracted by the sweetness of Nama kirtan performed by him and became his disciples and daily paid respects to him.

Vaishnava Samhita. Kodanda Rama Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 15 Shlokas 9 - 17

Kodanda Rama Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 15 Shlokas 9 - 17

आसीत्पूर्वं चेन्यपुर्यां विरक्तो ब्राह्मणोत्तमः |

नाम्ना कोदण्डरामार्यो विट्ठलध्यानतत्परः ||

आषाढशुक्लैकादश्यां गन्तुं श्रीपण्डरीपुरम् |

इच्छन् कार्यालयं गत्वा ययाचेsनुमतिं महान् ||

पाक्ष्चात्यः क्रैस्तवः स्वामी ददावनुमतिं न च |

चिन्तामवाप भक्तक्ष्च बहुधा दूनमानसः ||

अर्थसंपादनं त्यक्त्वा सुखं जीवन्ति पक्षिणः |

यदृच्छालाभसंतुष्टाः स्वच्छन्दं सञ्चरन्ति हि ||

किन्तु मर्त्यमुपाश्रित्य मर्त्या दुःखसमाकुलाः |

स्वातन्त्र्यरहिता लोके जीवन्ति किल दुर्भगाः ||

तथाहमपि निर्लज्जो व्यर्थमेवोदरंभरः |

विस्मृत्य पाण्डुरङ्गं तु पाक्ष्चात्यमिमामाश्रितः ||

अनन्यनिष्ठं भक्तञ्च निर्भयं निर्भरम् तथा |

शरण्यः सर्वलोकानां किं न रक्षति मां प्रभुः ||

क्ष्वः करिष्यामि तद्भक्तिमिति केचिद्वदन्ति हि |

पक्ष्चादेव स्थितं मृत्युं ते न जानन्ति वञ्चकाः ||

तस्मादद्यैव सहसा निर्भयो निर्भरस्त्वहम् |

सन्निधिं पाण्डुरङ्गस्य गमिष्यामि न संशयः ||

Long back there was a devout and exalted brahmana called Kodanda Rama Iyer residing in Madras. He was rid of worldly desires and had the dhyana of Panduranga as the only goal to be attained in life. That exalted personality wanted to visit Pandaripuram on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi day in the Tamil month of Aadi (August-September). Hence he sought permission to be away from his work spot. The christian white chief declined to give him permission to go. The Bhakta was very sad and was entertaining varied thoughts in his mind. He thought, "Oh! These birds lead a happy life, they are quite contented with their lot and fly freely. They do not have to worry about making money. But we men have to serve our fellow-beings, lose freedom and suffer a lot. Thus our lives become miserable. I have forgotten Lord Panduranga and have made myself a slave of these white men. Shamelessly, I am earning my livelihood in this mean way. If I give up all other ways and surrender to Him as the last resort, will He not protect me? He is the refuge of all. Taking refuge in Him, I can lead a fearless life rid of all burden. People on this earth postpone the cultivation of Bhakti. But those deceitful men forget that life is short and death awaits them incessantly. Hence, I am going to shed all my burden, all my fears and am going to take refuge in Lord Panduranga immediately. Yes! I will do it now itself. 

Vaishnava Samhita. Kodanda Rama Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 15 Shlokas 1 - 8

Kodanda Rama Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 15 Shlokas 1 - 8

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

नामदेवसमो भक्तो ज्ञानेक्ष्वरसमो गुरुः |

पाण्डुरङ्गसमो देवो नास्त्येव न हि संशयः ||

पण्डरीसदृशं क्षेत्रं तीर्थं भीमरथीसमम् |

अभङ्गसदृशं शास्त्रं नास्त्येव न हि संशयः ||

लौकिकं वैदिकं कर्म विस्मृत्य प्रेमपूरितः |

हरिं ध्यायति यो भक्तः स हि सर्वोत्तमः स्मृतः ||

हानिञ्च सर्वधर्माणां ज्ञात्वा दोषं कलेरपि |

ददाति यो हरेर्नाम स हि सर्वोत्तमो गुरुः ||

वैकुण्ठपतिरप्येवमपि साक्षाच्छ्रियः पतिः |

मोदते सह भक्तैर्यस्तस्य कः सदृशो हरेः ||

वसन्ति वैष्णवा यत्र श्रूयते च हरिध्वनिः |

तदेव पावनं क्षेत्रं परमं भुवनत्रये ||

नित्यञ्च वैष्णवा यत्र हरिस्मरणपूर्वकम् |

मज्जन्ति पावनं तीर्थं तदेव न हि संशयः ||

यस्मिन्नेव प्रतिपदं नृहरेर्नामवैभवम् |

दृश्यते तस्य शास्त्रस्य तुल्यं शास्त्रं न विद्यते ||

Shri Sadguru said

There is no other bhakta who can stand on a par with Namadeva, no guru equal to Gnaneshwara and no deity equal to Panduranga. Certainly, there is no Kshetra (place of worship) equal to Pandaripuram, teertha equal to river Bheema, and Shastra equal to the Abhanga songs. Only that Bhakti is great who forgets all vaidika and worldly activities and worships Lord Hari with immense prem. Only he can be considered a great guru who preaches the greatness of the Divine Name of Lord Hari, having in the mind the evils of Kali and its impact on all dharmas. Can any other deity equal Panduranga who explicitly rejoices the company of the bhaktas, Himself being the Lord of Devi Lakshmi and the Master of Shri Vaikuntha? In all the three worlds only that place is a holy kshetra where the bhaktas of Lord Hari reside and chant His Divine Names. Only that teertha is the most sacred one into which the vaishnava bhaktas take their daily dips with the Divine Names of Lord Hari on their lips. There is no Shastras equal to that one, in which each syllable explains the magnificence of the Divine Name of Lord Shri Narasimha. 

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Arana Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 14 Shlokas 27 - 34

Shri Arana Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 14 Shlokas 27 - 34

समबुद्ध्या कर्मयोगं कर्तुमच्छिन्ति केचन |

सर्वं श्रीकृष्णलीलेति चिन्तयेत्यरणोsब्रवीत् ||

अभ्यासेन ध्यानयोगं कर्तुमच्छन्ति केचन |

न शक्नुवन्ति विस्मर्तुं गोविन्दमरणप्रियः ||

आत्मानात्मविचारेण वेदान्तपठनेन किम् |

अहं श्रीकृष्णदासीति भावेत्यरणोsवदत् ||

क्रियाविशेषैर्वैदिका जगद्विस्मापयन्ति च |

प्रेम कुर्वन्ति सर्वत्र सानन्दमरणाश्रयाः ||

गृहं दारान् धनं त्यक्त्वा पर्यटन्ति च केचन |

गृहस्था अपि ते भक्त्या न मुह्यन्त्यरणादराः ||

जटाञ्च वल्कलं दण्डं धारयन्ति च केचन |

आनन्दबाष्पं पुलकं धारयन्त्यरणात्मकाः ||

सत्सङ्गाय गृहं त्यक्त्वा व्रजन्त्यन्यत्र केचन |

पश्यन्ति श्रीकृष्णरतिं स्वगृहेष्वरनाश्रयाः ||

एवं त्वरणमाहात्म्यं प्रत्यक्षमिह दर्शितम् |

जानन्त एव जानन्ति किं बहूक्त्या ममाधुना ||

Some people want to follow the path of karma yoga with equanimity. But Arana preached that one should consider everything as the Leela of Shri Krishna. Some want to immerse in meditation with the help of the practice of yoga. But the disciples of Arana can never forget Shri Govinda, that is, they are engaged in Krishna kirtan, and consider that to be the path much better than the other ones to reach God. Arana questioned the relevance of the study of Vedanta and dwelling on questions like "What is aatma and what is anaatma". He preached that one should always dwell on the idea that "I am a devotee and a servant maid of Lord Krishna". The vaidikas attract the world with rich and ostentatious rituals. But the disciples of Arana joyfully spread the path of prem everywhere. Some give up the family life, renounce wife and children and go about seeking God. But the followers of Arana are firm and devoted even when leading an unperturbed family life. Some seek to wearing data, a staff and an attire of the barks of tree, they want to become forest-dwellers in order to see God. But the disciples of Arana are adorned only with the tears of joy and the excitement of their bodies singing the Divine Names of the Lord. Some leave their homes and roam about in search of the company of the holy men. But the disciples of Arana are able to create favorable atmosphere filled with Krishna Bhakti even in their homes. Thus Arana's greatness is brought out very elegantly. What is the use of repeating it? Only those who have an urge to understand such things can learn them.

Thus ends Chapter Fourteen entitled 'Shri Arana Charitsm' of Book X of Shri Vaishnava Samhita composed by Shri Shri Krishna premier Swamigal.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Arana Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 14 Shlokas 14 - 26

Shri Arana Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 14 Shlokas 14 - 26

आसीत्पूर्वं चेन्नपुर्यामरणो नाम वैष्णवः |

तेजस्वी सुन्दराकारः कमलाक्षः स्मिताननः ||

सर्वशास्त्रार्थसारज्ञः सर्वभाषाविशारदः |

अमानी मानदो धीरः शान्तो लोकविलक्षणः |

गार्हस्थ्यधर्मनिरतः सदा सन्तुष्टमानसः |

विशालहृदयो भक्तो बालभावेन संयुतः ||

श्रीकृष्णकीर्तनञ्चक्रे सदा सज्जनसेवितः |

वल्लवीभावसंयुक्तो गोविन्दे व्रजनन्दने ||

कृष्णस्मरणमग्नेsस्मिन्निसहायां वैष्णवोत्तमे |

आवीरासीत्प्रियसखी देवी चम्पकवल्लरी ||

दिव्यसौन्दर्यसंयुक्तां दिव्यमालयानुलेपिनाम् |

दिव्यज्योतिर्मयीं देवीं दिव्याभरणभूषिताम् ||

दृष्ट्वा राधासखीं सद्यः परमानन्दविस्मितः |

ससंभ्रमं समुत्थाय ननाम विहिताञ्जलिः ||

अरणं प्रेमभावेन पुलकीकृतविग्रहम् |

देवी चम्पकवल्ली च सानन्दं परिषस्वजे ||

जगज्जनन्यास्तस्यास्तु परिष्वङ्गेण केवलम् |

वल्लवीरूपमात्मानं ददर्श रसिकोत्तमः ||

राधेकृष्णेति मन्त्रञ्च देवी चम्पकवल्लरी |

प्रददावरणायास्मै प्रेमपूर्णाय सादरम् ||

एवामव्याजकृपया पोषितो वैष्णवोत्तमः |

कृष्णप्रेमरसाम्भोधौ निमग्नो मूर्च्छितोsभवत् ||

अन्तर्दधे तथा देवी कटाक्षञ्च विधाय सा |

प्रग्यामवाप सहसा भक्तश्रेष्ठो महामतिः ||

तदापरभृति भक्तोsयं गोपीभावेन संयुतः |

विवेद सर्व वैचित्र्यं कृष्णप्रेमरसस्य तु ||

Arana, the great vaishnava was living in Madras. He was guileless as a child. He was broad-minded and was always having a happy disposition. He was a householder and yet not a man of the usual stream of life. he was very courageous, calm, unassuming and always had a keen eye on respecting others duly. He was a linguist and a master of all Shastras. He always used to put on a pleasant countenance. His eyes were like beautiful lotus flowers and his personality very majestic and lustrous. he had intense love for Lord Krishna like a gopi. All the time, he was engaged in Krishna kirtan along with sadhus. One night, when he was immersed in Krishna dhyana, Champakavalli Shri Krishna's consort emerged before him. Overjoyed and excited at the sight of Goddess Champakavalli, the mate of Radha, Arana stood up with folded hands. He was excited to see the divine beauty of the Devi. She was adorned with fragrant sandal paste and garlands and was decorated with exquisite fragrant sandal paste and garlands and was decorated with exquisite ornaments. She appeared as the very embodiment of light. Goddess Champakavalli, with all affection, embraced Arana who was excited with prem. In the divine embrace of the Devi, the Jaganmata, (mother of the world), Arana felt as if he were a hopi. With great affection Devi Champakavalli blessed Arana with the holy mantra of Lord Radhakrishna. Blessed with such inexplicable divine mercy, Arana fainted himself into the Ocean of divine love. Thus blessing him, the Devi disappeared. Immediately, Arana, the great gnani and Bhakti regained his consciousness. From that day, the Bhakti realized the varied mysterious ways of practicing Krishna prem like a gopi. 

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Arana Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 14 Shlokas 8 - 13

Shri Arana Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 14 Shlokas 8 - 13

कुरुनार्यस्तथान्योयं कथाप्रवचनान्तरे |

गोपीभावं प्रशंसन्ति प्रासादशिखरस्थिताः ||

तथा साक्षात्स्वयं कृष्णो बाष्परोमाञ्चसंयुतः |

सन्ततं भक्तमध्यस्थो गोपीभावं प्रशंसति ||

एवं साधुजनैः सर्वैर्गोपीभावं प्रशंसितम् |

अवजानन्ति मूढास्तु कामचेष्टापरायणाः ||

तेषां कामविमुग्धानामपि कृष्णः कृपानिधिः |

ददातु विमलां बुद्धिमव्याजकृपया हरिः ||

जयदेवादयो भक्ताः पॊर्वमुत्तरभारते |

भक्तिं प्रकटयामासुर्माधुर्यरूपिणीम् ||

भक्तिं दक्षिणदेशेपि श्रीकृष्णरतिरूपिणीम् |

अरणः सद्गुरुश्रेष्ठः पोषयामास निर्मलाम् ||

The Kaurava ladies, when they were sitting close on the terrace and went on chatting pleasantly, praised Gopi prem. In the same way, Lord Krishna Himself with tears in his eyes, and His hairs standing on one end in excitement, praises Gopi poem in the midst of His bhaktas. Gopi poem that is held in high esteem by all the great people is looked down upon by those fools who are interested in sense cravings. Let compassionate Lord Krishna, the purifier of all sins, bless such lustful people with wisdom due to His bountiful causeless mercy. Long ago in North India, many bhaktas like Jayadeva spread the glorious Bhakti full of luscious sweetness. In the same way in South India, the greatest of the Sadgurus Shri Arana cultivated pious prima Bhakti towards Shri Krishna

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Arana Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 14 Shlokas 1 - 7

Shri Arana Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 14 Shlokas 1 - 7 

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

सर्वे महाभागवताः सर्वे साधुजनास्तथा |

गोपीभावं प्रशंसन्ति नित्यं कण्ठरवेण वै ||

वेदगर्भो विधाता च ब्रह्मा लोकपितामहः |

साक्षात्सरस्वतीभर्ता गोपीभावं प्रशंसति ||

कैलासशिखरे गिरिकन्यायां गोपीभावं प्रशंसति ||

सर्वशास्त्रार्थतत्वज्ञो ब्रह्मचर्यापरायणः |

भीष्माचार्यो महात्मा च गोपीभावं प्रशंसति ||

देवर्षिर्नारदो धीमान् कृष्णकीर्तनतत्परः |

गुरुः प्राचेतसादीनां गोपीभावं प्रशंसति ||

उद्धवः सर्वशास्त्रज्ञः शिष्यः साक्षाद्ब्रहस्पतेः |

वासुदेवस्य मन्त्री च गोपीभावं प्रशंसति ||

रुक्मिणीप्रमुखा देव्यः कृष्णपत्न्यः पतिव्रताः |

गोपीभावं प्रशंसन्ति गोविन्दहृतमानसाः ||

Shri Sadguru said

All the great bhagavas and sadhus always praise the love of the Gopis to Lord Krishna openly. Even Brahmadeva Himself who is the Pita mama (great grandfather) of the world, the consort of goddess Saraswati, who is in charge of creation and who has given the Vedas benevolently to the world, praises Gopi poem. Lord Shiva who is worshipped by the devas, who is seated on the peak of the pleasant Kaila's mountain, speaks to Goddess Parvati in praise of Gopi prem. Mahatma Bheeshma, the one who had strict practice of celibacy as the only goal of life and who had thoroughly analyzed all the Shastras, eulogies Gopi prem. Narada, the devarishi, the guru of all great riches like Valmiki, the great gnani and the one who always relishes in singing the Divine Names, too praises Gopi prem. A disciple of the great Brihaspati, an adept in all the Shastras, and the most important minister of Lord Shri Krishna, Uddhava too extolls Gopi prem. Gopi prem is spoken highly of even by the chaste and devoted Rukmini and other consorts of Lord Krishna.

Vaishnava Samhita. Natana Gopala Dasa Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 13 Shlokas 20 - 30

Natana Gopala Dasa Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 13 Shlokas 20 - 30

स्कन्द उवाच

तव भक्त्या प्रसन्नोस्मि तीव्रेण तपसा तथा |

वदामि तत्वं परमं सावधानतया शृणु ||

मह्यं शुश्रूषमाणाय मत्पिता वृषभध्वजः |

यत्प्राह पूर्वं तत्तत्वं मत्तः शृणु महामते ||

सकलोपनिषद्वेद्यं नारायणमनामयम् |

जानीहि परमं तत्वं तदन्यं मायिकं तथा ||

मायिकेषु च सर्वेषु विनश्यत्सु जगत्स्वपि |

न विनश्यति विप्रेन्द्र देव एको हरिः प्रभुः ||

तमवेहि महात्मानं जगज्जन्मादिकारणम् |

ब्रह्मरुद्रादयः सर्वे कलास्तस्य न संशयः ||

तन्नामकीर्तयेनादेव चित्तशुद्धिमवाप्य च |

साक्षात्करोति तं जीवः स्वस्यैव हृदि संस्थितम् ||

तस्मात्तमेव गोविन्दमाराधाय दृढव्रतः |

तस्य प्रसादत्परमं शाक्ष्वतं पदमाप्नुयाः ||

हरिर्मम तवाप्येवं सर्वेषामपि चेक्ष्वरः |

तस्मादनन्यभक्त्यैव तं पूजय महामते ||

तत्पूजया प्रसन्नोस्मि तथा मत्पूजयापि सः |

आवयोर्भेदभावास्तु कदापि न हि जायते ||

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

एवं नटनगोपालदासः शङ्करसूनुना |

बोधितो माधवे भक्तिं चकार रसरूपिणीम् ||

नायिकाभावसंयुक्तो मधुरं कीर्तयन्नटन् |

कृष्णमाराधयामास प्रेमभावेन सन्ततम् ||

Shri Skandha said

I appeared before you, pleased with your Bhakti and severe penance. Listen to me carefully. I shall explain to you now, the Supreme Tattva. Once, as I wanted to know the truth, My father Lord Shiva explained it to me. The same philosophy is given to you, the intelligent , by me. Know that the infallible Lord Narayana, extolled by all the Upanishads is the Supreme Being. All other are illusory. When all these illusory worlds gets destroyed only Lord Hari, the lone deva, remains indestructible. Know that He is the origin of all creatures. He discharges the functions of creating the universe etc. Undoubtedly Brahma, Rudra and others are manifestations of Him, springing forth to discharge different duties. The individual soul (the diva) attains purity and control of its heart by incessantly chanting the Divine Names and ultimately gets His darshan. Hence you worship the same Lord Govinda with firm belief. Then with His mercy you will attain eternal bliss. Oh wise man!! Lord Hari is the Lord of yours, Mine and of all. Hence with strong faith, you pray to Him alone. When you worship Him, I get pleased and appear before you and vice versa. There is no difference between us at any time.

Shri Sadguru continued

Thus getting enlightened by the preachings by Shri Muruga, the son of Lord Shiva, Natana Gopala Dasa exhibited absorbing Bhakti in the most blissful form to Shri Madhava. Considering himself to be the spouse of Shri Krishna, he sang in praise of Shri Krishna in a very sweet tone. He worshipped Lord Krishna uninterruptedly with true love and devotion.

Thus ends Chapter Thirteen entitled 'Natana Gopala Dasa Charitam' of Book X of Shri Vaishnava Samhita composed by Shri Shri Krishna Premi Swamigal.

Vaishnava Samhita. Natana Gopala Dasa Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 13 Shlokas 15 - 19

Natana Gopala Dasa Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 13 Shlokas 15 - 19

नटनगोपालदास उवाच

नमस्ते शिवपुत्राय गौरीपुत्राय ते नमः |

नमस्ते कार्तिकेयाय गाङ्गेयाय च ते नमः ||

नमामि षण्मुखं देव नमामि शिवबालकम् |

नमामि सुरसेनेषं नमामि शिखिवाहनम् ||

ज्ञानशक्तिधरं देवं वन्देहं ज्ञानिनां वरम् |

लम्बोदरानुजं वन्दे वन्देऽहं ललिताननम् ||

प्रसीद वल्लीकान्त त्वं प्रसीद मयि सुन्दर |

प्रसीद सुमहाबाहो प्रसीद गुरुपुङ्गव ||

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

एवं नटनगोपालदासेन शिवनन्दनः |

संस्तुतः प्राह कृपया विष्णुतत्वं प्रकाशयन् ||

Natana Gopala Dasa said

I pray to You, oh, son of Lord Shiva! Oh! Gowriputra! I pray to You. Oh! Kartikeya! Oh! Gangway! My prayers to You! My prayers to You, Oh, Lord, with six faces (Shanmukha). Oh! Offspring of Lord Shiva! Oh! The Lord of Devi Devasena! Oh! The rider of the divine peacock!! Oh! Velayudha! Oh! Nana Pandita! Beloved brother of Lord Ganapati! Sundaravadana! My prayers to You. Shower mercy on me, Lord of Valli, Muruga, and the master of valor! Shower mercy on me.

Shri Sadguru said

When Natana Gopala Dasa sang thus, Muruga, the beloved son of Lord Shiva said the following, reinforcing the Vishnu tattva

Vaishnava Samhita. Natana Gopala Dasa Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 13 Shlokas 7 - 14

Natana Gopala Dasa Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 13 Shlokas 7 - 14

श्रीहालस्यमहाक्षेत्रे सौराष्ट्रब्राह्मणो महान् |

आसीन्नटनगोपालदासाख्यो वैष्णवोत्तमः ||

स महात्मा परं तत्वं साक्षात्कर्तुं दृढव्रतः |

विनीक्ष्चित्य गृहाद्वाल्ये जगाम विपिनं महत् ||

स्कन्दमाराधयामास कायक्लेशं समाचरन् |

तीव्रेण तपसा नित्यं देवसेनापतिं प्रभुम् ||

तस्य तीव्रेण तपसा सुप्रीतः कतुनानिधिः |

आविर्बभूव गाङ्गेयः कार्तिकेयो जगत्पतिः ||

मयूरवाहनं देव मन्दहासवराननम् |

प्रसन्नवदनं बालं कुटिलासितकुन्तलम् ||

ज्ञानशक्त्यायुधाधरं करेणाप्यभयप्रदम् |

भूषितं भूषणैर्दिव्यैः किङ्किणीकङ्कणादिभिः ||

तप्तस्वर्णप्रभम् शान्तं सुचारुनयनं शिवम् |

सुन्दरं शिवपुत्रञ्च गुरुं तत्वविदां वरम् ||

विलोक्य प्रेमभावेन पुलकीकृतविग्रहः |

तुष्टाव भक्तश्रीष्ठोपि विहिताञ्च्जलिसंपुटः ||

In Madurai called Halasya Kshetra, there was a Sourashtra brahmana called Katana Gopala Dada. He was a great vaishnavottama. At that exalted personality was intent on seeking the darshan of God, he left the house even when he was a boy and reached a forest. He did very severe penance not caring for his health. Daily he was praying to Lord Skanda, the general of the army of the devas. Pleased with his severe penance, Lord Muruga, the merciful, the Lord of the worlds, the Kartikeya, the Gangeya appeared before him. Lord Muruga, the divine son of Lord Shiva came riding on His peacock carrier. His countenance was very pleasant with a blossomed smile. His hair was dark and curly. His hand holding the spade (Velayudha) which is capable of imparting wisdom; His other hand was seen in the posture of abaya. He was adorned with beautiful ornaments like kinking and kankana. His body was bright like molten gold. Young Muruga, the Gnanaguru, the Gnanapandita appeared in His most graceful and serene form with attractive eyes showering mercy on the devotees. Looking at this divine form that great Bhakti became so excited that he stood praying to Him with folded hands. 

Vaishnava Samhita. Natana Gopala Dasa Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 13 Shlokas 1 - 6

Vaishnava Samhita. Natana Gopala Dasa Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 13 Shlokas 1 - 6

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

परोक्षवादो वेदोsयं सेतिहासपुराणकः |

सूरयोऽपि विमुह्यन्ति तद्गूढार्थविनिर्णये ||

स्थूलमर्थमुपाश्रित्य तर्कं कुर्वन्ति नास्तिकाः |

तत्वार्थमुपाश्रित्य तर्कं कुर्वन्ति पण्डिताः ||

अर्थवादं पुराणानां संदेहध्वान्तवर्धनम् |

सन्त्यज्य देवतातत्वं जानीयात्पण्डीतोत्तमः ||

नानोपाधिवशेनैव नानारूपैः पृथक् पृथक् |

नानाफलप्राप्तये तु सेव्यते हरिरीक्ष्वरः ||

अपरिच्छिन्नमद्वैतं सच्चिदानन्दविग्रहम् |

नारायणः परं तत्वमिति वेदः सनातनः ||

तमेव दर्शयन्त्यन्या देवास्तत्वामूर्तयः |

सर्वोपाधिविनिर्मुक्तं नारायणमनामयम् ||

Shri Sadguru said

The Vedas, Itihasas and Puranas do not talk about the truth explicitly. Hence scholars find it difficult to make out the truths hidden in them. The atheists take the superficial meaning of the statements in them and argue out their case. The rational ones accept the meaning of the tattoos and develop devotion. The arguments given by the Puranas help more in spreading than in dispelling the darkness of doubts. Hence a scholar should not seek their help. But he should strive to know the truths about Godhead. Lord Hari, the ultimate Supreme Soul is worshipped by bhaktas in order to attain different ends. Lord Hari presents himself in different forms in order to carry on varied activities relating to creation. The ancient Vedas say that Lord Narayanan is the only Supreme Being, all transcending beyond quality, wisdom and bliss, indivisible and the embodiment of eternal truth. All other deities embodying other truths and philosophies are exhibiting the Supreme Being Lord Narayana, who is eternal and is above all forms. 

Vaishnava Samhita. Swayamprakasha Yogindra Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 12 Shlokas 19 - 25

Swayamprakasha Yogindra Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 12 Shlokas 19 - 25

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

एवं संप्रार्थितो ज्ञानी श्रीमद्भागवतप्रियः |

दधौ काषायवस्त्रञ्च दण्डं नियमपूर्वकम् ||

प्रसन्नवदनं शान्तं काषायम्बरधारिणम् |

ऊर्ध्वपुण्ड्रधरं धीरं जितकामं जितेन्द्रियम् ||

वृत्तिं माधुकरीं नित्यं कुर्वन्तं दण्डधारिणम् |

श्रीमद्भागवतग्रन्थसप्ताहमखकारिणम् ||

तं यतीन्द्रमुपाश्रित्य बहवो भाग्यशालिनः |

बभूवुः कृष्णभक्ताक्ष्च कलौ दोषविवर्जिताः ||

एवं परिव्रजंलोके श्रीमद्भागवततत्परः |

स्वयंप्रकाशयोगीन्द्रः श्रीनृसिह्मपदं गतः ||

स्वयंप्रकाशशृतं यः पठेच्छ्रद्धया नरः |

श्रीमद्भागवते शास्त्रे परां प्रीतिमवाप्नुयात् ||

Shri Sadguru continued

As he was so much interested in teaching Shrimad Bhagavatam, the gnaw paid heed to this request and took up wearing systematically saffron and bearing a staff. Many fortunate ones become Krishna bhaktas and got rid of the evils of Kali taking refuge in that yatishwara, who had a pleasing countenance, calm and serene personality, clad in saffrona and had sandal tilak, who had controlled the senses, who earned his daily food by alms and who spent all his time teaching Shrimad Bhagavatam. Thus he lived on this earth having Shrimad Bhagavatam as his only hold. He embellished and spread Bhakti to Shri Narasimha who has showered His mercy on Prahlada. Swayamprakasha who had the devotion to Shri Narasimha on the very day of the appearance of that incarnation. He who reads the life story of Swayamprakasha with regard will develop deep interest in Bhagavata Shastri.

Thus ends Chapter Twelve entitled 'Swayamprakasha Yogindra Charitam' of Book X of Shri Vaishnava Samhita composed by Shri Shri Krishna Premi Swamigal.

Vaishnava Samhita. Swayamprakasha Yogindra Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 12 Shlokas 13 - 18

Swayamprakasha Yogindra Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 12 Shlokas 13 - 18

ब्राह्मणा उचुः

भगवन् भवतो लोके नास्ति भेदो न संशयः |

व्यासपुत्र इव स्वामिंक्ष्चरस्यद्वैतभावनः ||

लोके प्रज्ञामपि प्राप्य कृपया भक्तिनिष्ठया |

श्रीमद्भागतं वक्तुमिच्छास्यस्माकमप्यहो ||

आत्मारामाक्ष्च मुनयो निर्ग्रन्था अप्युरुक्रमे |

कुर्वन्त्यहैतुकीं भक्तिमित्थंभूतगुणो हरिः ||

एवामक्षरनिष्ठोपि भवान् भेदविवर्जितः |

वक्तुमिच्छति योगीन्द्रः श्रीमद्भागवतञ्च नः ||

स्त्रीणाञ्च बालकानाञ्च वक्तुं भागवतं परम् |

यदीच्छसि महायोगिन् कुरु त्वं वस्त्रधारणम् ||

स्त्रियो बालाक्ष्च सर्वेपि त्वां दृष्ट्वा वस्त्रधारिणम् |

निर्लज्जाः शृणुयुर्नूनं श्रीमद्भागवतं यते ||

The Brahmanas said

Oh! Bhagavan! You do not entertain any distinctions in this world. Lord! You are wandering like Shukha Rishi with deep faith in Advaita. We do not doubt that. You have a desire to teach us Shrimad Bhagavatam, born out of your mercy and Bhakti, becoming conscious of the world. The great saints who have attained self-realization have no idea. Yet they have devotion to Lord Trivikrama expecting no reward. The reason is that Lord Hari possesses such attributes. Thus, you are devoted to formless Brahman. You entertain no distinctions of any sort. You consider all as equals. Yet you want to teach us Shrimad Bhagavatam. If you really want to teach Shrimad Vhagavatm to women and children too, please wear clothes. The women and children would listen to your Bhagavatam discourse, rid of a sense if you wear clothes.

Vaishnava Samhita. Swayamprakasha Yogindra Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 12 Shlokas 6 - 12

Swayamprakasha Yogindra Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 12 Shlokas 6 - 12

स्वयंप्रकाशयोगीति कक्ष्चिदासीद्यतीक्ष्वरः |

बाल्यात्प्रभृति गोविन्दे प्रह्लाद इव भक्तिमान् ||

पठित्वा सर्वशास्त्राणि विचार्य च पुनः पुनः |

आददे श्रीभगवतं भक्तिज्ञानविरक्तिदम् ||

श्रीभागवतसप्ताहं कर्तुमिच्छामि महामतिः |

सर्वत्र भारते देशे नैच्छद्गार्हस्थ्यमाश्रमम् ||

दारपुत्रादिसम्बन्धं स मेने प्रतिबन्धकम् |

तथापि पितृनिर्देशात्प्राप गार्हस्थ्यमाश्रमम् ||

अचिरेणैव कालेन तत्पत्नी च दिवं गता |

ततः सञ्जातवैराग्यो ग्रुहात्स च विनिर्ययौ ||

अवधूतस्थितिं प्राप्तो जडोन्मत्तपिशाचवत् |

परिवव्राज लोकेस्मिन् विंशे वयसि निर्भरः ||

तं दृष्ट्वा तु महात्मानं युवानञ्च दिगम्बरम् |

ब्राह्मणाः प्रार्थयामासुर्विधातुं वस्त्रधारणम् ||

There was a yatishwara called Swayamprakasha Saraswati who was devoted to Lord Govinda from his childhood like Prahlada. He studied all the Shastras again and again. Finally he chose Shrimad Bhagavatam that confers on one Bhakti, Ghana and renunciation. He did not like to enter family life. The illustrious wise man's only desire was to conduct Bhagavata Saptaham all over India. Obeying his father's command, he had to enter married life though he considered the relationship with wife and children as a hindrance to his goal. His wife expired in a short time. He got dejected and left the house. In his twentieth year, he reached the stage of an avadoota. Having no ties, he roamed about like a foolish person or a lunatic or a spirit, rid of cares and worries. Looking at this young man roaming about as a digambara, the Brahmanas exhorted him to wear clothes. 

Vaishnava Samhita. Swayamprakasha Yogindra Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 12 Shlokas 1 - 5

Swayamprakasha Yogindra Charitam Vol III Book X Chp 12 Shlokas 1 - 5

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

श्रुतिस्मृतिपुराणानां सारभूतमिदं कलौ |

श्रीमद्भागवतं शास्त्रं व्यासपुत्रेण कीर्तितम् ||

किं वृथाsन्यैः पुराणैस्तु बुद्धिमोहविधायकैः |

एकं भागवतं शास्त्रं तत्वज्ञानप्रदायकम् ||

अलं भागवतं शास्त्रं वेत्तुं भगवतो गुणान् |

गुणान् भागवानाञ्च वेत्तुं वैष्णवसंहिता ||

रामायणं भारतञ्च पुराणानीतराणि च |

श्रीमद्भागवते शास्त्रे वर्तन्ते व्तक्तमेव हि ||

कलिकालोचितं शास्त्रं श्रीमद्भागवतं परम् |

कथयन् कृष्णभक्तिञ्च स्थापयेद्भुवि वैष्णवः ||

Shri Sadguru said

The great Shastra, Shastri, Shrimp Bhagavatam, which is the essence of Sruti, Smriti and the Puranas was rendered by Shri Shula in the Kaliyuga. What is the use of so many other Puranas that make the mind get illusion? Only the Bhagavata Shastri is capable of imparting knowledge of the secret tats. A deep study of the Bhagavata Shastri is enough to know the attributes of Shri Bhagavam. Similarly reading the Vaishnava Samhita is enough to get acquainted with the attributes of the bhagavatas. The Ramayana, the Mahabharata and other Puranas are explicit parts of the Bhagavata Purana. The bhagavatas could establish Krishna Bhakti among the people spreading gospels of SHrimad Bhagavatam which is the Shastras best suited to Kaliyuga.