Jun 14, 2017 — CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of Sri Bhakti Ratnakara by Srila Narahari Cakravarti Thakur.
Chapter Twelve
Nityananda Prabhu's marriage
Advaita and others began to discuss the possibility of Nityananda Prabhu's marriage. Krsnadasa, the fortunate son of Harihoda from Badgachigrama, had great respect for Nityananda and wanted to make arrangements for Nityananda's marriage.
At that time a brahmana named Suryadasa, who had earned the title of Sarkhela by serving in the court of the Yavana king, lived at Saligrama near Navadvipa. He had four extremely virtuous brothers, and two daughters named Vasudha and Jahnavi who were known for their beauty and good disposition. Suryadasa had requested the wise brahmanas to search for good bridegrooms for his daughters, but they were unable to find suitable candidates. However, they suggested that he go to the village of Ekacakra in Radhadesa and meet Hadai Pandita. He was a very good man and the father of Sri Nityananda Prabhu, a high spirited young boy. Traveling as an avadhuta, Nityananda had visited many holy places and was renowned as a great scholar. After visiting various places of pilgrimage He reached Nadia where He met Sri Gauracandra and decided to give up His stick of an avadhuta. The brahmana explained that Nityananda was the favorite associate of Sri Krsna Caitanya and thus would be the most suitable husband for his daughters. He also told Suryadasa that if he was able to have such a son-in-law as Nityananda Prabhu, then he should certainly thank Providence for his good fortune. Suryadasa listened attentively then returned home without uttering a word.
With his minded filled with anticipation, Suryadasa lay down and fell asleep. In his dream he saw himself giving his two daughters to Nityananda in marriage. While the wise brahmanas recited the marriage hymns, Suryadasa dedicated his daughter to Nityananda, as the demigods in heaven showered flowers on their heads. While looking at his son-in-law, he suddenly saw the extremely enchanting Lord Balarama in place of Nityananda, His complexion was like that of a silver mountain, His face was effulgent like the moon, and His body was adorned with brilliant ornaments. He looked at Vasu and Jahnava and saw instead Varuni and Revati with complexions as bright as gold. They wore beautiful dresses and ornaments and sat on either side of Balarama. Suryadasa was overwhelmed by this vision and began to weep. Suddenly his dream faded away.
In the morning he went to the house of the brahmana and bowed to his feet saying, "I agree to your proposal. Please don't delay." The happy brahmana took four persons with him and started for Nadia chanting the auspicious names of Durga and Ganesa. When they arrived at the house of Srivasa they found Nityananda, looking like Cupid himself, sitting amongst Srivasa and other associates. Feeling extremely fortunate, the brahmana's eyes filled with tears. With great respect, Srivasa inquired about the brahmana's well being and the brahmana replied, "I have come from my house to speak privately with you. Srivasa took him to a secluded place and the brahmana gladly revealed his mind saying, "I've heard that you are searching for a bride for Nityananda so I brought with me the details of two girls who are the daughters of Suryadasa Pandita. I have searched everywhere but have found none to compare to them. They are as beautiful as goddess Laksmi and of good disposition. I think they will be suitable bride's for Nityananda. Please come to my place and see the girls. Suryadasa Sarkhela, who belongs to a good family, has agreed to this marriage and doesn't want to delay any longer. Now tell me what your opinion is?" Srivasa Pandita replied, "Well, I shall see to it. Today I must send Krsnadasa to Badagachi, but tomorrow they will go to your place and you can take Krsnadasa to the house of Suryadasa." Hearing this the brahmana happily hurried back to Suryadasa's house in Saligrama.
Meanwhile, Srivasa Pandita informed Advaita about the marriage proposal. Nityananda overheard their discussion and smiled softly and meaningfully. Krsnadasa, who was a very intelligent son of Raja Harihoda, hastily went to Badagachi and immediately began preparing for the marriage. News of the wedding spread quickly and everyone said, "It will be a good one."
Nityananda and His associates happily left Navadvipa and started for Badagachi. As they approached the village, the residents of Badagachi rushed forward to welcome them. The brahmanas and wise people of the village were filled with happiness to see the graceful features of Nityananda Prabhu.
Meanwhile, in Saligrama, which was not far from Badagachi, Suryadasa told his younger brother Krsnadasa, "I shall go to Badagachi first. You and the brahmanas come behind me with these gifts." Suryadasa hastily came to Badagachi and went to meet Nityananda. Overwhelmed with emotion, Suryadasa burst into tears and fell on the ground at Nityananda Prabhu's feet. He held the feet of Nityananda in his two hands but could not speak a word. Smiling brightly Nityananda embraced the fortunate Suryadasa.
The ceremony of Nityananda's adhivasa on the eve of His marriage in the house of Krsnadasa.
After meeting with all the Vaisnava's there, Suryadasa fixed the date for Nityananda's adhivasa. Krsnadasa pandita came from his house along with the brahmanas and many items for the ceremony. In the evening all the residents of Badagachi came and, at the auspicious time, Nityananda sat in the middle of the respected brahmanas and wise persons. The people watched happily as the adhivasa took place and auspicious music filled the air. Narahari has described this scene in one of his songs. After the completion of adhivasa, the guests returned to their homes. Suryadasa also happily returned to his house.
The auspicious adhivasa ceremony of Vasudha and Jahnava.
Suryadasa, with the help of wise brahmanas, joyfully performed the adhivasa ceremony of his daughters. Suryadasa had previously seen the real identities of his daughters, yet as a father he became very emotional about his daughters' marriage. Carrying many items for the adhivasa, the brahmanas came from Badagachi to the house of Suryadasa. At the time of adhivasa, Vasudha and Jahnavi looked very sweet and elegant in beautiful dresses and ornaments. The brahmanas began to cite hymns from the Vedas and blessed the brides with dhanya and durva, and the girls made sounds with their tongues (uludhkani). After completing the adhivasa, the satisfied brahmanas went to their homes. In the evening the bridegroom, Nityananda Prabhu, left Badagachi and started for Saligrama. Everyone who saw the extraordinary bridegroom became enchanted by His beauty.
