Hare Krishna Maha-mantra

(Please chant below mentioned mantra atleast 108 times)

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna

THE APPEARANCE OF
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
LORD JAGANNATH
Hare Rama Hare Rama
(According to the description in
Skandha Purana)
Rama Rama Hare Hare...
And Be Happy

(Founder - Acharya : His Divine Grace

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada)
SRI JAGANNATH MANDIR,
Sripuram, 1st Cross, Seshadripuram,
Bangalore - 560 020.
Ph : 23565708, 9844098108 / 9901060738
The Temple also Facilitates Programmes for
Youth, Families and children as follows
Youth Preaching
Bhakti Vriksha ( Sath Sang Programmes)
Anand Utsav (Programmes for ladies)
Krishna Kingdom (Programmes for Childern)
Nagar Sankirtan
For details on the Above Program Contact
H G. Ravindra Nitai Das : 98864 31854
H G. Mathura Shyam Das : 98440 33066
Please Join us for Sunday feast program
Between 11 AM to 2 PM
Kirtan, Pravachan & Prasadam
********
In the age of Satya-yuga, King Indradyumna ruled a
track of land known as Malava. The capital city was Avanti.
He was the twenty-fifth son in a family line coming directly
from Lord Brahma. He was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu,
thus all good qualities manifested in him.
One day after finishing his daily puja, the King made
a request to the pujari, Purohit. “Please find out that great
tirtha on this planet Earth where I can see Para – brahma
face to face”. Following the order of the king, Purohit called
all of the tirthas yatris to assemble in the palace. With folded
hands, Purohit inquired, “Oh tirtha yatris, do you know of
any place where our king can see the Lord with his own
eyes?”
One tirtha yatri eagerly replied, “By the mercy of the
Supreme Lord I have had the darshan of every tirtha manifest
on this planet. I can tell you where your beloved king may
drink the incomparable beauty of the Lord with his eyes. In
Bharat-varsa there is a place called Udradesh (Orissa). In
this country, on the bank of south sea lies Purusottama
Kshetra. From that land one can see a majestic blue
mountain surrounded by dense forests on all sides. On top
of the mountain is a massive banyan tree known as kalpa
bata. On the western side of this tree, a beautiful pond
known as Rohini kunda offers nectarian water suitable for a
holy bath. That pond is filled with the Lord’s mercy in the
form of water. Whoever touches the waters of Rohini kunda
will achieve liberation immediately”.
The tirtha yatri went on to describe the glories of the
blue mountain. “Towards the eastern bank of the kunda
presides a deity of the Supreme Lord, Vasudeva. His exquisite
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form is made of indra nila-mani (blue safire). One who takes
darshan of this deity after taking a holy dip in Rohini kunda
gets liberated.
“Look towards the western side of the deity and see
an ashram called Sabar Dipak. A path leads the way to the
temple of Vishnu. There, Lord Jagannath, holder of the
sankha and chakra resides”. The tirtha yatri’s eyes filled
with tears and other ecstatic symptoms appeared on his body
as he glorified the Lord and His abode. “He is an ocean of
mercy. He delivers every living entity just by giving His
darshan. For the pleasure of Lord Jagannath, I lived there
in Nila-chala Dham for one complete year. The most merciful
Lord allowed this great fool to serve Him. By His mercy, I
became expert in all eighteen vidyas (branches of
knowledge), and my intelligence became pure. The supreme
result of receiving divine knowledge was that I developed
pure devotion unto the Lord. I do not see anything except
for Lord Vishnu”.
Throwing himself before the king, the tirtha yatri
implored him with heart and soul to take darshan of the
Lord at His residence at Nila-chala. ‘My dear King, you are a
great devotee of Lord Vishnu. You are constantly engaged in
serving Him with love and devotion. For this reason, I have
come to you-not to ask you for any wealth, but to request
you to please go and worship Laxmipati Jagannath, who is
residing in Purusottama Dham”.
After saying this, the tirtha yatri disappeared. King
Indradyumna was astonished to hear that such a place
existed. Intrigued by all that he had heard, he said, “We
have listened with great reverence to the mystical he reached
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Rohini agreed, but said that Krsna must not hear her
words, otherwise He would be overcome with emotion and
may rush away to Vrndavana. So it was arranged that Krsna’s
sister Subhadra Devi would stand guard outside the room.
With one ear pressed to the closed door, Subhadra became
so absorbed in Krsna’s astounding dealings with the
Vrajavasis, which are all filled with emotional love, that she
didn’t notice Krsna and Balarama approaching. Indeed, in
her ecstatic trance, she was even unaware of her own bodily
transformation. Her eyes had become wide and her limbs
shrunk into her torso due to intense spiritual emotion. Being
expert in physiognomy, when Krsna and Balarama saw the
condition of Subhadra Devi, They immediately knew
something extraordinary must be going on inside the room,
so They also began to listen.
In a very short while, due to feeling the highest
spiritual emotions (mahabhava), Krsna and Balarama
experienced similar transformations. At that time Narada
Muni appeared. Amazed at this sight, he began to dance
and chant in great jubilation. When Jagannatha, Baladeva
and Subhadra regained their external senses, Narada Muni
exclaimed in great wonder, “Oh Lord! I have seen many of
Your transcendental forms but never have I beheld such a
wonderful form of mahabhava. Please, oh Lord, kindly
manifest this form in such a way that everyone may have
this extraordinary darshana”.
Thus by the mercy of the Lord’s devotee we are now
able to behold and serve the Lord in these wonderful Deity
forms of Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra.
********
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 King Indradyumna followed the instructions perfectly.
After fifteen days, the forms of the Lords, Jagannath,
Baladeva and Subhadra manifested along with Sudarshan
Chakra. Again an unseen voice directed the King : “Oh King,
cover these four deities with cloth and paint them with
natural colors. Every year you should paint them when the
previous colors fade away. No one should see the naked
wooden forms of the deities. King, the merciful Lord has
appeared to bestow His blessings on you and all living entities
that are fortunate to have His darshan. Now you must a
build temple of a height of one thousand feet and establish
these deities there.”.
King Indradyumna dutifully carried out this order, and
thousands of years later that Sri Mandir stands as the crest
jewel of all temples.
Another deep explanation give by Lord Caitanya
Once, when Rohini Devi, the mother of Lord Balarama,
was visiting Dvaraka, Lord Krsna’s queens surrounded her
and asked her to speak about Krsna’s pastimes in Vrndavana
before He was married. They said, “Sometimes we hear Him
talking in His sleep. With a sweet voice He calls out the
names of His friends like Sridama and Subala, and the
names of His cows. Sometimes He calls, ‘O Lalita, Vishakha;
O Sri Radhe!’ And other time He says, ‘Mother, please feed
me fresh butter’. Sometimes He cries, then wakes up and
sobs for hours. How special are those residents of Vraja!
Please tell us about them.”.
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descriptions from the lips of a sadhu. Yes, I must go to that
place where Lord Gadadhara is residing.” The King suddenly
arose from his asana. “Oh brahmana”, the king said, looking
at Purohit. “Please help me get the darshan of the merciful
Lord. It is by the Supreme’s grace that I have attained
dharma, artah and kama. Now please help me achieve the
fourth purusartha, liberation”.
Purohit gently spoke. “Yes, this is very good idea to go
to Purusottama Kshetra and live there”. He stood thoughtfully
for a few moments. “Let me send my younger brother
Vidyapati to Nilachala first. He can find a place for you and
your royal entourage to build a proper camp. Let him come
back here with a message from Nila-chala Dham.” The King
agreed to Purohit’s proposal.
Vidyapati sets out in search of the Lord
The brahmana Purohit sent his brother Vidyapati
along with a few faithful persons to find the holy blue
mountain. With the blessings of the brahmanas, Vidyapati
started his journey in the early morning at an auspicious
muhurta.
While traveling on the chariot, Vidyapti’s mind was
filled with devotional expectations. “My birth has become
successful. I will see the lotus face of the Lord, and all of my
sinful reactions will be eradicated. Today I will see that Lord,
Chakrapani, who is available only to those who engage in
steady sadhana and bhajan. Resting in His abode atop Nila-
chala, He is perfectly capable of cutting off the fierce bodily
and material attachments that keep conditioned souls bound
to the cycle of birth and death. By His merciful glance, I will
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cross over the ocean of this frightening material existence
by taking darshan of that Laxmi-pati, Lord Hari, whose real
swarupa is difficult to be understood through the sruti and
smriti.
“I will see that Lord Jagannath in His Nilagiri nivas-
rupa. His holy name cleanses the heart and removes all sins
and contaminations. Yes, without hesitation or delay I will
take shelter of that Parampurusa, the primeval Lord Vishnu,
from whose pores unlimited universes are exhausted. He
has thousands of hands and eyes, and from His breathing
He emanates Vedic sound vibrations. He is the master of
the entire cosmic manifestation”. Vidyapati’s heart and mind
were consumed with love for the Lord. “Oh, what fortune I
have that I will see Lord Narayana, the original cause of the
creation of the universe with my own eyes”.
His whole being locked in meditation, Vidyapati and
his party covered a long distance, yet no one felt any fatigue.
He traveled through many forests, mountains and difficult
roads. Finally in the evening, he reached the bank of the
river Mahanadi. Vidyapati took bath and performed his
evening puja, meditating upon Sri Madhusudan. Then he
retired for the night.
Early the next morning the chariots crossed the
Mahanadi River and progressed towards Purusottama
Kshetra. Vidyapati’s every thought dwelled on the glories of
Lord Govinda. He reached Ekamra kanana (presently known
as Bhubaneswar). Eventually he could see the top of Nila-
chala. His heart thumped with excitement. He saw the scene
just as the tirtha yatri had described it. Vidyapati spotted
the kalpa bata, which removes all sinful reactions. Gradually
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the island of Swetadwipa. This island was made of sphatik
stone and was surrounded by a milk ocean. On top of a
platform studded with precious gems was a gold simhasana
where four-handed Lord Vishnu sat. On His right side
Dharinidhara Ananta Sesha extended his hoods just like
an umbrella. His bodily appearance was like a blue cloud
and a flower garland hung to His knees. Laxmi Devi was
seated on the Lord’s left side.
King Indradyumna disclosed the details of his
meditation to Narada Muni, who confirmed that this was a
sign that the Lord would reveal Himself further. “The hairs
from the body of Lord Visnu have fallen onto the earth and
have developed into a tree. He has appeared as a log of wood,
a Brahmarupa tree.” Narada Muni led the King to the tree.
The devoted King offered his obeisances and worship. Narada
Muni revealed that the divine tree – Lord Vishnu Himself –
was to be carved into a deity form. The King’s eyes opened
wide in astonishment. “Dear Narada Muni, what kind of form
should be carved? And who will carve it?” Narada Muni
smiled mildly and replied, “The Lord’s lila is transcendental.
Who knows how He will manifest!”
While they were talking like this, an unseen sound
vibration disclosed the following : “Lord Vishnu’s descent
will be kept a secret. Cover this log for fifteen days. An old
carpenter will arrive here very soon holding instruments to
carve the deities. Close the door for fifteen days and play
drums and other musical instruments outside. Make sure
no one can hear the sound of the carving. Should anyone
hear this sound, surely he will become deaf. No one should
try to enter inside to see the carving, lest he become blind”.
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 King Indradyumna performs one thousand
ashwamedha yajnas
King Indradyumna invited all of the demigods to
witness the aswamedha yajnas. Many rishis, Vaishnavas
and brahmanas were in attendance. The yajna was to be
performed in a large meeting hall with a roof that extended
up for three miles. The floor was made with valuable jewels
and lined with gold and silver.
Then the King worshipped Sachipati Indra, the senior-
most personality in the assembly, and offered his obeisances
to the Vaishnavas. King Indradyumna prayed to Lord Indra,
“Oh Deveswar! I would like to worship the Yajna Purusa,
Lord Vishnu, by performing the aswamedha yajna. I beg
that you and the devas stay until the end of the sacrifice.
You were awarded the merciful darshan of Nila Madhava,
who is now hidden under golden sand. If He appears again,
you all will be benefited”.
Hearing the King’s request, Indradeva replied, “Oh King
Indradyumna, you are a great soul. I already know your future
program. This auspicious sacrifice will purify the three worlds.
I must help you in this performance. Please proceed with
your worship”.
With the blessings of Indradeva, King Indradyumna
started the aswamedha yajna under the guidance of the
great rishis. Everything was performed perfectly with out
any mistake or discrepancy. Near the end of the thousandth
aswamedha yajna the king fixed his mind upon the
Supreme Personality of Godhead, and in his meditation saw
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the valley land of Nila-chala Kshetra. Vidyapati was intensely
eager to take darshan of the Lord, but the forest was so
dense and dark that he could not see the path.
Vidyapati meets Sabar Viswavasu
Deterred by darkness, Vidyapati laid a kusasana (straw
mat) on the ground and prepared to rest. He had already
taken full shelter of the Lord, and expected to have darshan
of Him the next day. Suddenly he heard voices coming from
the western side of the mountain. The voices were discussing
topics of the Lord. Getting up from his asana, he followed
the sound vibration. After a little distance, he saw flickering
lanterns coming from what looked to be an ashram. It was!
This was the Sabar Dipak ashram, the place the tirtha yatri
had described.
Overcome with emotion, he saw the assembly of
Vaisnavas and offered his obeisances to them. Vidyapati was
welcomed by the devotees. He met a sabar (tribal) called
Viswabasu, who had reached the ashram moments before,
after finishing his puja to Lord Vishnu. His body was
beautified by the prasada of the Lord, and a nice smell
emanated from him. Vidyapati was very happy to see him,
immediately recognizing him as a great Vaisnava. He
understood that the pujari was the chief person from whom
to learn about the Lord.
Sabar Viswabasu could understand Vidyapati’s mind.
Taking Vidyapati gently by the arm, Viswabasu said, “Oh
brahmana. Where have you come from? Why have you come
to this forest? Certainly you have found the path to be filled
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with sharp sticks and stones. You must have had difficulty
walking. Come, you must be tired. Please sit here for some
time and take rest.” Viswabasu arranged water for Vidyapati
to wash his feet and offered him an asana. Viswabasu began
to prepare prasada for Vidyapati.
But Vidyapati’s intense desire to see the Lord was his
only concern. “I do not want any fruits or cooked food. Please
fulfill the purpose for which I have come”. Vidyapati rose
from his seat. “I am a representative of Purohit, servant of
the King of Malava. On the order of the king, I have come
here to take darshan of Lord Vishnu. The king is observing a
fast which he will break only when I return with the news of
the Lord. There isn’t a moment to spare. Please arrange for
me to take darshan of the Lord without delay”. Vidyapati
stood expectantly before the sabar, awaiting his response.
Vidyapati takes darshan of Nila Madhava
Sabar Viswabasu, meditating upon the Lord, addressed
Vidyapati. “Oh great brahmana, I have heard it before that
King Indradyumna will come and live in this tirtha. Let us
not waste a moment. Now let us go to the top of the
mountain”. The sabar led Vidyapati through the dense forest
to the base of the sacred blue mountain. As they climbed
higher and higher the path become narrow, so much so that
only one person could walk ahead at a time. The path was
covered with thorns and the dense darkness of night blinded
the eyes. Vidyapati ambled along that path by following the
voice of Viswabasu.
After a long night of walking for many hours they
reached Rohini kunda in the morning. Sabar said, “Oh great
brahmana, this is Rohini kunda, the cause of all water in
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The King received instructions from the rishi. “The
yajna performed in front of Lord Nrisimhadeva will be very
fruitful. Please build a nice temple here facing east. A
sandalwood tree is growing on the south side of Lord Nila-
kantha’s temple, and the western side of this tree is a
suitable place to perform yajna. You must make
arrangements to perform one thousand yajnas there.
Worship Lord Nrisimhadeva with your heart full of faith and
devotion, and request Him to manifest His deity form. I will
then install the deity”.
Sughata, the son of Vishwakarma, built a beautiful
temple according to the instructions Narada Muni relayed
to King Indradyumna. The temple construction was complete
in four days. On the fifth day the King collected the
ingredients for the temple inauguration and waited for Narada
Muni to arrive. He could hear in the distance the kirtana
procession accompanying Narada Muni. Soon Narada Muni
arrived at the temple with the deity of lord Nrisimhadeva.
The deity was dressed in fine silk cloth and a beautiful,
fragrant flower garland decorated His effulgent body. His
transcendental form was smeared with sandalwood pulp.
The King circumambulated the Lord and offered his
prostrated obeisances. On the order of Narada Muni, King
Indradyumna established the deity of Lord Nrisimhadeva
on the opulent altar. Deities of Bhudevi and Laxmi Devi were
installed as well. The assembled devotees chanted the Lord’s
holy name and danced in ecstasy.
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and chakra blazed in His hands. The helmet adorning the
Lord’s head dazzled like a million suns. His eyes shot
effulgent fire into every direction. The King and his party
paid respectful obeisances to the ugra form of Lord
Nrisimhadeva.
Finally the shiromani of all munis brought the king to
holy place where Nila Madhava resides. Only now the deity
form was covered with golden sand. Narada Muni revealed
the Lord’s plan to the King, who was practically unconscious
with grief. “That Lord Nila Madhava will manifest now in
four forms to bless you”. King Indradyumna offered prostrated
obeisances to the place indicated by Narada Muni as Lord
Jagannath’s eternal abode. Tears poured unchecked from
the King’s eyes. Then an unseen sound vibration thundered,
“Oh King, do not be worried. I must give you my darshan.
You must act according to the instructions of Brahmaji which
have been related to you by my devotee, Narada Muni”. King
Indradyumna leapt to his feet and began to praise the Lord
with songs and prayers. After some time, he sat down in a
solitary place and meditated on the Lord’s order. He carefully
prepared himself to carry out his beloved Lord’s sacred
command.
The installation of Lord Nrisimhadeva
Narada Muni was pleased to see the sober countenance
of the King. “Let us to towards Lord Nila-kantha, the abode
of Lord Shiva”, he said, taking King Indradyumna by the
hand. “There we will install the deity of Lord Nrisimhadeva,
the destroyer of all demons and all inauspiciousness. The
deity will face the west. Lord Vishnu will appear in the form
of Nrisimhadeva”.
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this universe. All of the elements emanate from here and
enter here at the time of annihilation. This is best of all
tirthas. By taking bath here people automatically become
eligible go to Vaikuntha. Towards the east side of this pond
you can see the banyan tree known as kalpa bata. Just by
resting under the shadow of this tree one will be free from
the sinful reaction of killing a brahmana.
“In between the tree and pond there is a grove where
the Lord, who is revealed through Vedanta, is residing.
Please go there and take darshan of the Supreme Personality
of Godhead. By taking His darshan you will become free
from all reactions from sinful activities. You will never again
fall into the ocean of material existence”.
Vidyapati trembled in anticipation. After carefully
taking bath in Rohini Kunda, he remembered his guru and
entered the temple to take darshan. Offering prostrated
obeisances and heart felt prayers to the Lord, Vidyapati sat
in front of the deity and chanted the Hare Krishna maha-
mantra. He had never experienced such bliss in his life.
After some time Vidyapati came outside. He saw
Viswabasu sitting beside the holy banyan tree. “Now you
have made your life successful by taking darshan of the
deity,” the sabar congratulated him. “You must be very tired
now. It is almost the end of the day. It will be dark soon.
There are ferocious animals here. We should start for the
ashram before it gets dark,” Viswabasu advised.
Back at the ashram Viswabasu offered Vidyapati
prasada and treated him with many nice things. Vidyapati
was surprised to see so many opulent preparations. He had
never tasted such delicacies, even as a servant in the king’s
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palace. Without checking his curiosity, he inquired where
the sabar obtained such heavently Prasada. A small, secret
smile passed Sabar’s lips. “Indra and other demigods always
come and worship the Lord. They chant and dance in front
of Him. What you are taking is the transcendental prasada
of Lord Jagannath. By honoring this prasada we become
free from old age and disease. One is awarded liberation by
taking the Supreme Lord’s remnants in a spirit of servitude
and devotion”.
Vidyapati’s hairs stood on end upon hearing the glories
of the Lord’s prasada. Tears of bliss poured from his eyes,
and he felt himself to be a most fortunate man. Then he
thought about the even greater fortune of the tribal people –
they took darshan of the Lord every day! By then he wanted
to form a bond of friendship with the sabar and stay there
with him. Vidyapati said, “My dear friend, the king will come
and live here. He has a desire to build a magnificent temple
for Lord. He will arrange an elaborate system for the Lord’s
puja”.
“Yes, I have heard this from long before. This is an old
topic”, Sabar sighed. “We have heard that King Indradyumna
will come here. But the only problem is that even when he
comes here, he will not be able to see the Lord. Daru-Brahma
made one promise to Yamaraj: the Lord will hide himself
under golden sand and will disappear from view.” Vidyapati
gasped. “You are very fortunate that you got darshan of the
Lord. When King Indradyumna comes here, He will disappear
from the king’s eyesight. But you must not tell this to the
king. When the king discovers that he cannot see the Lord,
he will fast and prepare to leave his body. Being
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The King took bath in Bindu-sarovara, a tank where
all of the holy waters are present. Next he worshipped Lord
Bhubaneswar. Being pleased with his worship, Lord Shiva
told King Indradyumna that very soon his desire would be
fulfilled. Lord Shiva took Narada Muni aside and told him
confidentially, “Oh great personality, please complete the
order of Brahamji through this person. This king must
perform one thousand aswamedha yajnas for the pleasure
of Lord Visnu. Ultimately the Lord Himself will appear as
Daru-Brahma in order to deliver the helpless conditioned
souls.
The Dham is non-different from the Lord. As protector
of that place, Lord Vishnu appointed me in eight different
forms. I am known by the name Nila-kantha, and I stay with
Durga Devi at the entrance of Purusottama Kshetra. Take
this king to that place,” Lord Shiva gravely instructed. Then
he disappeared.
Narada Muni considered Lord Shiva’s instruction and
led the parikrama on towards Purusottama Kshetra. The
King and his entourage followed somberly, understanding
that their journey would culminate in service to the lotus
feet of Lord Vishnu. To their surprise, the party saw a deity
of Lord Nrisimhadeva residing under a black Agur tree. “Just
by having His darshan one is freed from millions of
brahmana-hatya. The Lord’s transcendental form destroys
all danger and fear,” Narada Muni said. Lord Nrisimhadeva’s
open mouth revealed many sharp teeth. His neck was covered
with yellow hairs that surrounded His face. He had three
eyes and looked very fearful. His ferocious nails were tearing
apart the heart of the demon Hiranyakashipu. The shankha
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this earth just to give you His holy darshan. The entire
creation is controlled by Him; He is never controlled by any
one. He is bhakta-vastala-He is controlled by devotion.
Vishnu-bhakti is the root cause all chaturvaga, the four goals
of life. Lord Brahma has personally engaged me to help you
in this work. Once we reach Purusottama Dham, I will explain
everything in detail. Now it is the third prahar of the night.
Please let all of the kings go to their respective camps for
rest. You must also take rest.” Narada Muni’s counsel pacified
the King’s mind.
The next morning, after finishing his daily morning
duties, the King worshiped Lord Jagannath and crossed the
Mahanadi River on their way to Nila-chala Dham. After
crossing the river, the King heard the sound vibration of a
conch shell.
“Oh King, this is a very rare place which has been
kept hidden by Lord Vishnu,” Narada Muni explained. “Not
very far from here is the place of Lord Shiva. Nilagiri is
situated three yojanas (24 miles) from here. Lord Shiva offered
his prayers to Lord Purusottama, the original cause of this
creation. Being pleased by his prayers Lord Vishnu appeared
to him and said, ‘There is a track of land extended up to the
shore of the south sea decorated with a blue mountain.
Towards the northern side of this land is a very beautiful
forest called Ekamra kanana. You should live there with your
eternal consort, Parvati. By my order Lord Brahma will
establish you as Koti Lingeswar (the lord of ten million
lingas)’. Since that time, Lord Shiva has resided continuously
at that place. Now let us to go there to take darshan of Lord
Shiva.”.
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compassionate on His devotee, Lord Gadadhara will appear
in the king’s dream. He will reveal how He will appear in the
form of four wooden deities. Lord Brahma will install these
deities and King Indradyumna will worship Them.”
Continuing to speak frankly, Vidyapati and Viswabasu
arranged a soft bed out of tender leaves and took rest. The
next morning after taking bath, Vidyapati offered his
obeisances to Lord Madhava. Mindful of his duty he selected
a nice place for the king to live. Then Vidyapati took leave
and headed back to Avantipura. Before leaving Nila-chala
Dham, Vidyapati circumambulated Purusottama Kshetra. By
evening he reached Avantipura. He was in so much ecstasy
from experiencing the merciful Lord’s darshan that he did
not feel any fatigue.
Vidyapati relays the glories of Nila-chala to King
Indradyumna
Even before Vidyapati entered the city gate, King
Indradyumna joyfully received the news that the advance
party successfully located the residence of the Lord. The
effulgent Vidyapati approached the king holding a garland
gifted by Viswabasu. The King stood up to receive his servant,
and nearly swooned in devotional ecstasy. He spoke in a
voice choked with emotion. “My life has become successful
today just by seeing this garland. I am seeing Lord Madhava
through this prasada mala. I offer my humble obeisances
to this garland, which was offered to the Lord by His
surrendered devotee. This garland has the power to deliver
the whole universe.” The King felt waves of love churning in
his heart. “O my Lord! Please deliver me. I offer my
obeisances unto You again and again.”
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 With tears in his eyes, the king fell on the ground to
offer his prostrated obeisances. The hairs on his body stood
on end. Vidyapati helped the king to his feet and put the
garland on his neck. Simply by wearing the divinely fragrant
garland, the king felt as if Lord had come inside his heart.
By that time, many grihastas, brahmacharis and sannyasis
had surrounded the king. Everyone was basking in the
atmosphere crated by the king’s pure devotion.
The king, along with other learned brahmanas
worshipped Vidyapati and offered him a seat in front of the
throne. With great sincerity the king asked about Vidyapati’s
welfare. Yet Vidyapati was anxious to speak about the glories
of Purusottama kshetra and Nila Madhava. According to his
realization and memory, he vividly described everything that
had taken place during his visit to the sacred dham.
Enraptured by Vidyapati’s rich glorification, the whole
assembly drank the nectar of the brahmana’s words, wishing
that he would speak more and more.
Finally, the King asked him to describe Indranila-
manimaya, the deity of the Lord. Vidyapati closed his eyes
and breathed deeply. “My dear king, now I will try to describe
that transcendental deity, who awards liberation to anyone
who takes His darshan. The deity of the Lord is very ancient
and antique. His form is made of indranila-mani, very
precious gems. Lord Brahma and King Indra along with the
demigods go there daily to worship this deity of the Lord.
This garland I presented to you was offered by the demigods
to Lord Madhava. It will never dry and its smell remains
always, never fading with time”.
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While the King was absorbed in hearing hari-kotha,
the door keeper informed him that a visitor had arrived. “The
King of Utkala requests an appointment to meet with King
Indradyumna immediately”. The King granted the visitor his
audience. The pious King of Utkala entered the meeting place
and offered his obeisances to King Indradyumna and the
great rishi. King Indradyumna received him properly by
embracing him. “Dear King of Utkala, is your purified
intelligence fixed upon the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu? Is
everything well with you?”
The King of Utkala replied, “By the mercy of your lotus
feet, everything is auspicious. Yet I must share some news
that may cause you disturbance and even distress. I know
your intension is to take darshan of Lord Madhava”. The air
in the room suddenly became very heavy as King
Indradyumna leaned forward to hear the message from the
King. “The Lord’s Dham has been covered by a thick layer of
sand due to a sudden heavy storm. Now my country is facing
all kinds of calamities and many people are dead or dying”.
The King of Utkala appealed to King Indradyumna, “But now
you have come here and I am sure by your presence,
everything will be auspicious”. After discussing the situation,
the King of Utkala took his leave.
King Indradyumna was bewildered in spite of himself.
He became very worried that his heart’s desire to see Lord
Nila Madhava was futile. The King turned to Narada Muni
for answers. “Oh King, do not be worried about this,” the
rishi assured him. “You are a great Vaishnava, and a
Vaisnava’s desire never becomes fruitless. You will definitely
see the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He will appear on
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 Under Narada Muni’s guidance, the king called his
astrologer determine the most auspicious time to depart for
Nila-chala. After consulting many charts, it was announced
that most favorable date was Panchami tithi in the month of
Jeshtha. A second order was announced in the palace: all of
the king’s brothers and citizens were invited to live the
duration of their lives in Purusottama Kshetra. Additionally,
all of the queens, ministers, associates with all of their horses
and soldiers were included in the entourage.
King Indradyumna observed the preparatory rights
and rituals of purification. He and Narada Muni visited the
temple of Lord Vishnu and Durga Devi to get their blessings.
When the auspicious tithi arrived, the king offered his
obeisances and prayers to Lord Narayana and then climbed
on the chariot. Narada Muni sat next to him on an elevated
seat. King Indradyumna’s chariot was followed by hundreds
of chariots carrying kings from other lands. All of the chariots
were shielded by various weapons and were decorated with
brightly colored flags. The citizens traveled by animals such
as elephants, camels and horses. Well-wishers and
bystanders cheered at the sight of the glorious procession.
The grand party reached the bank of the Mahanadi
River in the afternoon. Tents were arranged to provide shelter
for the night. The King took his bath in the river while Purohit
and other brahmanas chanted Vedic mantras and offered
oblations to the forefathers. After his bath, the King
worshipped Lord Vishnu and sat down to take prasada along
with Narada Muni. He requested Narada Muni to describe
the sweet pastimes of Lord Hari.
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Vidyapati opened his eyes and looked at the king with
an expression of pure serenity and bliss. “By taking the
Lord’s prasada,” Vidyapati said, “I have become free from all
sins. I have become effulgent like the demigods. Can you
see this?” The king nodded his head in admiration. “Dear
King, sense gratification and liberation are easily available
there. In Nila-chala Dham there is no disease or old age, nor
is there is there any kind of suffering. In that tirtha, the
Supreme Lord Himself with His big blue lotus-like eyes
resides. He is very pleased by devotional service. He gives
liberation to anyone who takes shelter of Him”.
Description of Nila-manimaya Vigraha
The brahmana Vidyapati continued with his narration.
“I reached the temple of Lord Vishnu in Nila-chala Dham in
the evening. A cool, soothing breeze was blowing. Lord
Vishnu’s beautiful land is covered by forests from all sides,
and around the temple many precious gems are inlaid in
the walls. Indranila-manimaya Vishnu greets His devotees
inside. He holds the sankha and chakra, as well as lotus
flower and a club. This deity is 81 fingers tall, and He is
situated on top of a golden lotus. The gently smiling lotus
face of the deity removes all three miseries of the material
world. The nose of the Lord is shaped like a delicate sesame
flower. His long ears are adorned with moker kundal (earrings
shaped like a crocodile).
“The Lord’s shoulders are strong and wide. He has
four long arms that end at His knees. A kaustabha mani
necklace hands from His neck, and a chain of pearls hangs
down to his lower waist. His deep navel is decorated with
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small, fine hairs. His thighs look like indestructible pillars.
Whoever sees Him with devotion, offering his obeisances,
attains freedom from material bondage.”
Vidyapati folded his hands reverentially. “Goddess
Laxmi sits on the left side of the Lord, looking upon His
handsome face. She is the residence of all beauty and is
decorated with all kinds of jewelry. The father and mother of
the whole universe, both are residing on top of this mountain.
I saw both of Them there. They are sitting there silently and
giving Their blessings to whoever takes Their darshan.
“Behind Them Lord Ananta Sesha is present. He is
spreading His hood on top of Them. In front of them,
Sudarshan chakra stands in wait. Behind Sudarshan,
Garuda is ready to serve.” Vidyapati stopped his narration,
waiting for the king to reply.
The king said, “Now I have been purified by hearing
the glories of the Lord and His Nila-chala Dham. I will go
there and establish a city of great opulence. For the Lord’s
pleasure I will perform one hundred aswamedha yajnas
and serve the Lord by performing hundreds of thousands of
pujas. Through vrata, fasting, and following the rules and
regulations of the scriptures, I will please the Lord. Lord
Narayana is very merciful upon fallen souls”.
Just then, the most celebrated devotee of Lord
Narayana arrived at the palace, King Indradyumna
immediately stood up and welcomed his saintly guest, Sri
Narada Muni. He washed his lotus feet and gave him a nice
place to sit. He worshipped the great rishi with incense and
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flowers and spoke the following words : “Today all of my acts
of sacrifice and charity are fruitful because Narada Muni is
present in my home. Please let me know what can I do for
your satisfaction. Have you any order for me to follow? Kindly
tell us the cause of your visit”, the King implored.
Narada Muni was pleased by the King’s hospitality.
“Oh great king! All of the demigods including Lord Brahma
are very pleased with your devotional qualities. Your
determination to build a city in Nila-chala is very much
appreciated. After thousands of lifetimes of endeavor, one
develops devotion to Lord Madhava, who is residing in a cave
in Nila-chala Dham. The most learned Brahmaji created this
universe only after worshiping this same Lord Jagadiswar.
As you have taken birth in the dynasty of Lord Brahma, it is
obvious that you have staunch devotion unto the same
Jagadiswar. This material world is filled with sufferings and
at every step there is danger. Devotion to Lord Hari is only
way one can be protected.” Narada Muni’s sweet words
purified the assembled persons instantly.
The residents of the palace were filled with
indescribable happiness. King Indradyumna could not mask
his exuberance, and announced, “By your holy association,
I am free from the darkness of ignorance. My heart is feeling
intense eagerness to worship Lord Nila Madhava. Let us both
mount the chariot and take darshan of Nila Madhava. My
life will be successful if you take me around Purusottama
Kshetra and reveal the glories of the dham.” Sri Narada
replied, “This is a matter of great pleasure for me. I will tell
you the glories of that place. You will see Lord Jagannath
directly, face to face, in that all-auspicious Nila-chala Dham”.
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