Subala

[Welcome]

 

 

 

Sri Krsna's Vrindavan Associates - Subala

BY: SUN STAFF

Painting by Haridas Thakur das

 

Jan 11, 2011 — CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of Sri Krsna's transcendental Vrindavan associates.

 

The names of the twelve most important cowherd boys are Sridama, Sudama, Vasudama, Subala, Mahabala, Subahu, Mahabahu, Stokakrsna, Dama, Arjuna, Lavanga, and Kusumasava. How Sri Krsna's confidential friends are categorized is presented variously in different sastra. As described in Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur's Jaiva-dharma:

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              "Some friends are considered very confidential and some fortunate friends perform confidential services. Subala, Ujjvala and some splendid others, who are as good as the gopis, are rich with the sight of Krsna's splendid conjugal pastimes."
              (Sri Vraja-riti-cintamani, Text 52, by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti)

               

              
              

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              "Upananda's complexion is pink. He has a long beard and wears green garments. Tungi-devi is his dear wife. Both her complexion and garments are the colour of a cataka bird. Kandava and Dandava are the two sons of Upananda. Their faces are as beautiful as lotus flowers and they become especially happy in the association of their friend Subala."
              (Sri Sri Radha-Krsna-ganoddesa-dipika, Text 39-40, by Srila Rupa Goswami)

               

              
              

              In Srila Rupa Goswami's Sri Lalita-madhava there is a description of Sri Krsna's marriage with Radha in Dvarka. Mother Yasoda and Nanda Maharaja were in attendance, and a jubilant Nanda entered the assembly with Sridama at his right and Subala at his left. (See Act Ten Purna-manorathah 'All Desires are Fulfilled').

              Subala's pastimes in Vraja with Sri Krsna, Radha, the cowherd boys and gopis are beautifully described, and we will present many more nectarean passages in tomorrow's segment. As described by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti, Subala is certainly one of Krsna's most intimate friends.

          • sri-bhagavan uvaca
            nandopananda-bhavane
            sridama subalah sakha
            stoka-krishno 'rjuno 'msus ca
            nava-nanda-grihe vidhe

             

             

            "The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: My friends Sridama and Subala will take birth in the homes of Nanda and Upananda. Stoka-krishna, Arjuna, and Amsu will take birth in the nine homes of Nanda's relatives."
            (Sri Garga Samhita, Chapter Four, Text 1)

             

             

             

            
            

            There is another reference to Subala in association with Upananda. Upananda, mentioned below, is the paternal uncle of Krsna and Subala is mentioned as a friend of his sons:

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          "Subala's body is described as follows. His complexion is just like molten gold. He is very, very dear to Krsna. He always has a garland around his neck, and he wears yellow clothing. His eyes are just like lotus flower petals, and he is so intelligent that by his talking and his moral instructions all the other friends take the highest pleasure. Let us all offer our respectful obeisances unto Krsna's friend Subala! The degree of intimacy shared by Krsna and Subala can be understood by the fact that the talks between them were so confidential that no one else could understand what they were saying."

           

          
          

          A little information is found in sastra about Subala's family. For example, in Garga Samhita we read:

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        "Filled with deep love for him, and anxious that they may be separated, Subala never, even in dream, lets go of the hand of Sri Krsna, the moon of Gokula. Subala's heart is sprinkled with the waters of the swiftly moving mountain stream of devotion to Srimati Radhika. I offer my respectful obeisances to Subala whose body trembles with love for Sri Sri Radha-Krsna."
        (Sri Vraja-vilasa-stava, Text 22, by Srila Raghunatha dasa Gosvami)

         

        
        

        Subala is described in sastra as having a fair complexion. He wears handsome blue garments and is decorated with many types of jewels and flowers. During Krsna's Vrindavan lila, he is described as being twelve-and-a-half years old, and he glows with youthful luster. Although he is Krsna's friend, he is immersed in serving Krsna in many different ways. He is expert at arranging the meetings of the divine couple, and is taken into the confidence of both Radha and Krsna. He is charming and full of transcendental love for Them.

        Subala is cheerful and full of good qualities, and he is very dear to Krsna. The name Subala is described as meaning 'very powerful', as stated in the Garga Samhita 8.13, where Subala is given as number 106 of the thousand names of Lord Balarama.

        In Nectar of Devotion, chapter 41, Subala and his glorious qualities are further described:

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      "There was talk among the friends of Radharani, the gopis, about these most intimate friends. One gopi addressed Radharani thus: "My dear Krsangi [delicate one], just see how Subala is whispering Your message into Krsna's ear, how he is delivering the confidential letter of Syama-dasi silently into Krsna's hand, how he is delivering the betel nuts prepared by Palika into Krsna's mouth, and how he is decorating Krsna with the garland prepared by Taraka. Did you know, my dear friend, that all these most intimate friends of Krsna are always engaged in His service in this way?" Out of the many intimate priya-narmas, Subala and Ujjvala are considered to be the most prominent."

       

      
      

      Subala demonstrates pure love of God by serving both Krsna and His beloved Radha in great measure and as we will see in later segments, Radharani's has Her own special relationship with Subala. In Srila Raghunatha dasa Gosvami's ' Prayers Glorifying the Lord's Pastimes in Vraja', we read:

  • sakhya vatsalya rati paya anuraga sima
    subaladyera bhava paryanta premera mahima

     

     

    "After the mellows of servitorship there are the mellows of friendship and paternal love, which increase to subordinate spontaneous love. The greatness of the love found in friends like Subala extends to the standard of ecstatic love of Godhead."
    (Caitanya-caritamrita, Madhya 23.55

     

     

     

    
    

    In Rupa Goswami's Bhakti-rasamtra-sindhu we find this passage, wherein Srimati Radharani describes confidential service to Krsna using His friend Subala as an example:

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  "Because of their very confidential friendship, their behaviour is only on the basis of pure friendship. Some confidential friends are as follows: Sridama, Sudama, Dama, Vasudama, Kinkini, Stoka-krsna, Amsu, Bhadrasena, Vilasi, Pundarika, Vitanka, and Kalavinka. There are other friends who are more confidential than the suhrt, sakha and priya-sakha friends. They are called priya-narma or intimate friends. Counted among the priya-narma friends are Subala, Arjuna, Gandharva, Vasanta, and Ujjvala. Among them, Ujjvala, who is always eager to speak joking words, is the best. Among these friends some are nitya-siddha (eternally perfect), others are suracara (demigods who eventually attained this rasa) and others are sadhaka (human beings who by performing devotional service eventually attained this rasa). The friends serve Krsna in many different ways. Thus they perform a wonderful variety of different activities."
  (Jaiva-dharma, The Universal Religion, Volume Five)

   

  
  

  Subala, among Krsna's most confidential priya-narma friends, is the personification of ecstatic love:

 

Sri Krsna's Vrindavan Associates - Subala, Part 2

BY: SUN STAFF

Playing Blindman's Bluff
Punjab Guler c. 1750

 

Jan 12, 2011 — CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of Sri Krsna's transcendental Vrindavan associates.

In the last segment, we described the rasa Subala has with Sri Krsna in his role as a confidential friend in the  priya-narma  mood. Today we look at some of the ways Subala serves his dearmost friends in Vraj, Srimati Radharani and Krsna. The level of Subala's love for Krsna is described by Srila Visvanath Cakravarti Thakur in his  Ujjval Nilamani Kiran :

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                  "When Krsna and Subala were embracing one another, Srimati Radharani became a little envious, and hiding Her hot temperament She said, "My dear Subala, you are very fortunate because even in the presence of superiors you and Krsna have no hesitation in putting your arms on each other's shoulders. I think it must be admitted that in your previous lives you have succeeded in many kinds of austerities." The idea is that although Radharani was accustomed to putting Her arms on Krsna's shoulders, it was not possible for Her to do such a thing in the presence of Her superiors, whereas Subala could do so freely. Radharani therefore praised his good fortune."
                   (Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 42) 

                  As we will see the next segment of this series, Subala also agitates gopi Vishaka into a state of jealousy, because she must share Subala's affections with both Radha and Krsna.
                  

                   

                • Sri Sri Prema-purabhidha-stotra
                  A Prayer of Names That Are a Flood of Pure Love
                  
                  

                  (1)
                   madhu-madhura-nisayam jyotir-udbhasitayam
                  sita-kusuma-suvasah klpta-karpura-bhusha
                  subala-sakham upeta dutika-nyasta-hasta
                  kshanam api mama radhe netram anandaya tvamm 

                  madhu-of Springtime; madhura-charming; nisayam-in the night; jyotih-by the moon; udbhasitayam-illuminated; sita-white; kusuma-with flowers; suvasah-fragrant; klpta-made; karpura-of camphor; bhusha-ornaments; subala-of Subala; sakham-the friend; upeta-meets; dutika-gopi messenger; nyasta-placed; hasta-hand; kshanam-a moment; api-even; mama-my; radhe-O Radha; netram-eyes; anandaya-please delight; tvam-You.

                  "O Radha who, dressed in white flowers, decorated with camphor, and a hand resting on a gopi messenger, meets Subala's friend Krishna on a sweet, moonlit spring night, please, for even a moment, delight my eyes."
                   (Sri Sri Prema-purabhidha-stotra by Srila Raghunatha Dasa Goswami) 

                  While Radharani employs Her friend Subala to carry out various tasks, She is sometimes jealous of the close relationship he has with Krsna. Because Subala is a dearmost intimate friend of Krsna's, he has many opportunities to associate with Him, and to be openly physically affection with Him, and this sometimes puts Radharani into an agitated and envious state:

              • 34. Who has bestowed a form equal to Hers to Subala
                35. Who is very fond of Subala
                (Sri Sri Radhika Astottara-sata-nama Stotram by Srila Raghunatha Dasa Goswami) 

                There is a beautiful verse in Srila Raghunatha dasa Gosvami's  Sri Stavavali  (Vol. III) (also mentioned in  Nectar of Devotion ) which describes Radharani and a gopi friend meeting on a moonlit night in Vraj, no doubt making arrangements for a later meeting between Radha and Krsna:

            • visakha-of Visakha; prana-life; sarvasvam-all-in-all; karunya-of mercy; amrita-nectar; medura-abundance; paurnamasi-of Paurnamasi; prithu-great; prema-love; patri-object; subala-of Subala; nandini-happiness.

              18. Visakha's everything, 19. flooded with the nectar of compassion, 20. the object of Paurnamasi's great love, 21. pleased with Subala, . . .

              Raghunatha Dasa Goswami also describes how Radharani's opulences have been bestowed upon the fortunate Subala:
              
              

               subala nyasta sarupya subala priti-tosita
              mukhara-drk sudha-naptri jatila drsti-bhasita 

          • subala-Subala; nyasta-placed; sarupya-similarity of form; subala-Subala; priti-affection; toshita-pleased; mukhara-of Mukhara; drik-of the eyes; sudha-nectar; naptri-granddaughter; jatila-of Jatila; drishti-of the glance; bhishita-afraid.

            34. who looks like Subala
            35. who is happy when Subala is happy
            (Sri Sri Radhikashtottara-sata-nama-stotra, Text 12, by Srila Raghunatha Dasa Gosvami) 

            Likewise, in Srila Rupa Gosvami's  Sri Stavamala , Vol. 1, 'Sri Prema-sudha-sattrakhya Sri Vrindavanesvari-namashtottara-sata-nama-stotra', among the 108 Names of the Queen of Vrindavana is found in Verse 9:
            
            

             visakha-prana-sarvasvam
            karunyamrita-medura
            paurnamasi-prithu-prema-
            patri subala-nandini 

        • A Lamp to See the Associates of Sri Sri Radha-Krsna:

          "Also included among Srimati Radharani's servants [along with the gopis] are Gargi-devi and other very respectable brahmana girls, Bhrngarika-devi and other girls from the ceti community, Vijaya-devi, Rasala-devi, Payoda-devi and other girls from the vita community, as well as the boys Subala, Ujjvala, Gandharva, Madhumangala and Raktaka."
           (Sri Sri Radha-Krsna-Ganoddesa-Dipika by Srila Rupa Goswami) 

          Just as Krsna's transcendental qualities are sometimes described in relationship to His friend Subala, Radharani Herself is described in this way. In the 108 Names of Sri Radhika, we find that two of Radha's Names are associated with Subala:
          
          

          (12)
           subala-nyasta-sarupya
          subala-priti-toshita
          mukhara-drik-sudha-naptri
          jatila-drishti-bhishita 

      • Padavali - Gandhara-raga (Song 10):
        
         1. (Refrain) kaliya-damana dina-naha
        kalindi-kula kadamba chaha
        2. kata kata braja naba bala
        pekhalu janu thira bijarika mala
        3. tohe kaho subala sangati
        tabadhari hama na jani diba rati
        4. tahi dhani mani du-i cari
        tahi mano-mohini eka nari
        5. so rahu majhu mane pathi
        manasija dhume ghuma nahi dithi
        6. anukhana tahita samadhi
        ko jane kaichana biraha-biyadhi
        7. dine dine kshina bhela deha
        gobinda-dasa kaha aiche naba-leha 

        1. (Refrain) Krishna, who is the Lord of the poor and meek and the hero that vanquished Kaliya, stays in a kadamba tree's shade on the Yamuna's banks.
        2. (Lord Krishna says:) How many girls of Vraja have I seen? Still, this one girl is splendid like a garland of unmoving lightning flashes,
        3. O friend Subala, I tell you: from that moment I no longer know whether it is day or night.
        4. In that place were two or four beautiful girls splendid like glistening jewels. But only one of those girls cast a spell on My heart.
        5. I keep that girl in my heart. My heart is filled with the smoke of Kamadeva's flames. Lost in the smoke, I cannot see the directions.
        6. Moment after moment I am rapt in thinking of this girl. I know nothing but Her. I am overcome by the fever of separation from Her.
        7. Day after day my body becomes more thin and emaciated. Govinda dasa says: These are the signs of new love.
         (Padavali - Gandhara-raga (Song 10) by Govinda dasa) 

        In Srimati Radharani's confidential relationship with Subala, he is described variously as her servant, confidential friend, and messenger. As described by Srila Rupa Goswami:

    • Sri Sri Grantha-kartuh Prarthana:
      
      

      (1)
       subala-sakhadhara-pallava-
      samudita-madhu-mugdha-madhuri-lubdham
      ruci-jita-kancana-citram
      kancana citram pikim vande 

      subala-of Subala; sakha-of the friend; adhara-the lips; pallava-the sprout; samudita-manifested; madhu-spring; mugdha-charming; madhuri-sweetness; lubdham-greedy; ruci-splendor; jita-defeated; kancana-something; citram-wonderful; kancana-a certain; citram-wonderful; pikim-cuckoo; vande-I offer my respectful obeisances.

      "I offer my respectful obeisances to a certain wonderful cuckoo [Radharani], whose splendor defeats the shining of gold, and who is very greedy to taste the charming sweetness of the honey trickling from the budding twigs of the lips of Subala's friend Krishna."
       (Stavavali by Srila Raghunatha Dasa Gosvami) 

      There are numerous pastimes wherein Krsna is taking his dearmost friend Subala into confidence, talking with him about His attraction for Radharani, and the various problems He faces in meeting with her. Subala, as a trusted friend, is very expert at making arrangements for the Two to meet. In future segments, we will enjoy a number of dramatic renditions from the Vaisnava acaryas, who have written about pastimes such as Subala consulting with Krsna about Radharani's theft of His flute.

      Very often Krsna is heard speaking confidentially to Subala, describing the indescribable glories of Radha. Although Radharani is also a childhood friend of Subala's, his primary attention is given to serving these two beloved friends, and listening attentively to both as they relate their intimate feelings about one another to friend Subala.

  • "Glory, glory to the Lord whose form is dark like a new raincloud and who is the ecstatic friend of Sridama, Sudama, Subala, and Arjuna! Glory to the Lord who was the dear and glorious companion of Balarama and a host of gopa boys! Glory, glory to the Lord who now manifests a fair form charming and peerless!"
    ( Padavali , Song 3 (Gauri-raga) by Srila Govinda dasa Thakur

    In Vaisnava literature, Krsna is constantly glorified through songs of praise addressed to Radharani, and here again we see Krsna's glories mentioned in relationship to his friend Subala:

• "I take shelter of Sri Krsna. Now the shelter and support of these various emotions (bhab) [bhav] is to be ascertained. In Kubja, who possesses sadharani rati, the limit of prem is present. In the queens of Dvaraka, who possess samanjasa rati, the limits of anurag are to be found. Therein Satyabhama and Laksana correspond to Srimati Radharani. Rukmini and the other queens are the corresponding representatives of Candravali. The progression of the love for Krsna of the priya narma sakhas (cowherd boys of Braja) is up to anurag. The gopis of Braja (Brajasundori gon) who possess samartha rati, possess a deeper love of Shyamsundar, which is up to the limit of mahabhab. Amongst Subal and some of the other cowherd boys, the limits of their love can be found to also extend up to mahabhab. However, adhirurha mahabhavb is only found to be present in Sri Radha's camp, not within any other party group. Then mohan is only to be found in Sri Radha, Lalita, Visakha and their followers. And finally, madan is existent only in Sri Radha."
   (Ujjval Nilamani Kiran - Resplendent, Bright Blue Sapphire, Sri Sri Krsna Saranam, Sthayi bhab (Permanent mellow) 

  Sri Krsna's relationship with His boyhood friend Subala is multi-faceted. The two have many pastimes serving as cowherd boys, and they join the other gopas and gopis in many adventures in the fields and groves of Vraj. Along with Krsna and Balarama, Subala is involved in some of the demon pastimes, like the killing of Dhenakasura. Subala also assisted Krsna in the toll booth pastime, and was a central figures in the business of buying and selling of pearls.

  Because of their intimate pastimes together, and the very high level of Subala's ecstatic love for Krsna, there are so many places in sastra where Krsna is described in the context of associates like Subala:

 

 

 

[Welcome]

 

Sri Krsna's Vrindavan Associates – Subala, Part 3

Lord Brahma spies Krsna and Cowherds
Bhaktivedanta Book Trust

 

Jan 19, 2011 — CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of Sri Krsna's transcendental Vrindavan associates.

 

Over the last few segments of this series we have been focusing on one of Sri Krsna's dearmost Vrindavan friends – Subala. One of the gopas, Subala is often mentioned as a personification of the highest rasa of confidential friendship. He is the intimate associate of both Krsna and Radharani. In fact, Radha sometimes becomes jealous because Subala has such a close relationship with Krsna that he can freely embrace Him, even in public places.

 

"When Krsna and Subala were embracing one another, Srimati Radharani became a little envious, and hiding Her hot temperament She said, "My dear Subala, you are very fortunate because even in the presence of superiors you and Krsna have no hesitation in putting your arms on each other's shoulders. I think it must be admitted that in your previous lives you have succeeded in many kinds of austerities."

(Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 42)

 

Likewise, Subala agitates the emotions of Vishaka. She has great affection for him, but has to share his attention with both Radha and Krsna, as described in the Sri Visakhanandabhidha-stotra:

 

Prayers With Names That Are the Bliss of Visakha

 

Text 37

subala-skandha-vinyasta-
bahau pasyati madhave
smera smeraravindena
tamalam tadayanty atha

 

subala-of Subala; skandha-on the shoulder; vinyasta-placed; bahau-arms; pasyati-sees; madhave-Lord Krishna; smera-smiling; smeraravindena-smiling lotus flower; tamalam-a tamala tree; tadayanti-strikes; atha-then.

 

"When She saw Lord Madhava with His arm around Subala's shoulder, She became envious, outwardly smiled approvingly, and later tried to punish Krishna by striking His effigy tamala tree with a blossoming lotus flower."

(Sri Stavavali, Volume 4, Sri Visakhanandabhidha-stotra by Srila Raghunatha Das Goswami)

 

As described in Text 11 of that same glorification of Visakha, "Her life is a caged parrot set free by Paurnamasi. She is splendid with love for Subala…"

 

Like Radharani and Visakha, the cowherd boys also have the greatest affection for their friend Subala. There are many wonderful pastimes described in sastra where Subala enjoyed adventures with Krsna and the gopas. In future segments we'll present a number of dramatic renditions from the Vaisnava acaryas, who have written about pastimes such as Subala consulting with Krsna about Radharani's theft of His flute.

 

In Garga Samhita, Dadhi-steya-varnana, we find a description of the gopa's pastimes:

 

"With the boys of Vraja, Their friends headed by Sridama and Subala, They played on the Yamuna's sandy shore…"

 

and the yogurt theft pastime which is reenacted during dahi-handi festivals:

 

"When even from that height the yogurt-jar hanging from ropes could not be reached, Sridama and Subala hit the jar with sticks.

 

As all the beautiful yogurt flowed from the broken jug to the ground, Krishna, Subala, the boys, and some monkeys, all ate it."

(Sri Garga Samhita, Canto One, Volume Three, Chapter Seventeen, Text 15, 30-31)

 

Also in Garga Samhita is the Vatsa-vatsapala-harana pastime – kidnapping of the calves and cowherd boys, in the narration of which Subala and the gopas are described at play, sharing their foodstuffs with one another:

 

"Then one boy suddenly gave a morsel to Krishna. Krishna ate it, glanced at everyone…

 

Showing the others, Krishna said: Friend, I do not know of anything more delicious than this. The boy said: It is so. Then the boy gave morsels of that food to the others.

 

Joking and laughing, the boys ate. Then Subala gave a morsel of food to Krishna.

 

Krishna tasted the morsel and laughed. All the boys that tasted that food laughed aloud.

 

The boys said: O son of Nanda, his bewildered grandmother does not know how to cook. That was not delicious.

 

Then Sridama gave a morsel to Krishna and the other boys. All the boys of Vraja declared, "This is the best."

 

Then Varuthapa earnestly gave a morsel to Krishna and all the other boys.

 

When they ate it, Krishna and all the boys of Vraja laughed. The boys said, "This is like Subala's food.

 

By eating this we have all become very unhappy at heart." In this way each boy showed his lunch to the others.

 

Laughing and making each other laugh, the boys enjoyed pastimes…"

(Sri Garga Samhita, Canto One, Volume Four, Chapter Seven, Text 15-24)

 

Subala's confidential friendship with Srimati Radharani and Krsna is the perfect object of envy. As Srila Rupa Goswami prays in his 'Vine of Longings':

 

"O Subala, you are the intimate friend of the son and daughter of the best of the gopas in Vraja. Please be merciful and introduce this unhappy person to your two friends."

(Stavamala, Utkalika-vallari text 24 by Srila Rupa Goswami)

 

Tomorrow we will introduce the transcendental personality of Subala in his glorious manifestation during Lord Caitanya's Lila.

 

[Welcome]

 

Sri Krsna's Vrindavan Associates – Subala, Part 4

BY: SUN STAFF

The Cowherd Boys of Vraja
Kangra, c. 1780

 

Jan 20, 2011 — CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of Sri Krsna's transcendental Vrindavan associates.

 

Sri Krsna's Vrindavan friend, Subala, also manifested during Lord Caitanya's Lila. This is stated in Sri Gaura Ganodesa Dipika by Srila Kavi Karnapura:

 

"Lord Krsna's dearest friend Subala appeared in Lord Caitanya's pastimes as Gauridasa Pandita." (128)

 

In the Ananta-samhita, which is part of the Gaudiya Vaisnava Narada-pancaratra, there are statements wherein the Lord predicts His coming Appearance in Navadvipa as Sri Caitanya:

 

"In Kali-Yuga, I will descend to the earth with My associates. In Navadvipa, which is surrounded by the Ganges, I will take birth in Saci-devi 's womb.

 

They who are bewildered by My illusory potency will not understand the great secret of the appearance in this world of Me in My personal form, in My form as the incarnation of devotion, in My form as the incarnation of a devotee, in My form bearing the name of a devotee, in My form as a devotee, and in My form as the giver of devotional service.

 

This secret is not to be revealed to them. Only the saintly, pure, renounced devotees, diligently engaged in My devotional service, will be able to understand Me in these five forms.

 

My dear male and female associates, headed by Sridama and Subala, who came to this world at the time of My advent as Lord Krsna, will come again during the Kali-Yuga.

 

The Gopas will become the sixty-four mahantas and the twelve gopalas. To establish the truth of religion, I will enjoy many pastimes with them.

 

In this way I will again reveal the path of devotional service, which has been destroyed in the course of time. My sons should also descend to the earth, assume the forms of devotees, and, by My order, also work to re-establish the principles of true religion.

 

At this time My names will be: Krsna Caitanya, Gauranga, Gauracandra, Sacisuta, Mahaprabhu, Gaura and Gaurahari. Chanting these names will bring devotion to Me."

(Ananta-Samhita, Verse 70)

 

In Caitanya Lila, Subala, the person of Gauridas Pandita, is very devoted to Nityananda Prabhu. And as Sri Krsna loves His confidential friend Subala in Vraj, so Mahaprabhu loves His dearmost friend, Gauridasa Pandit. The Lord's affection for Gauridasa is also compared to His love for Svarupa Damodara.

 

In his Sri Stavavali, Srila Raghunatha das Goswami writes:

 

Sri Gauranga-stava-kalpa-vriksha
The Desire Tree of Prayers to Lord Gauranga

 

Text 10

dayam yo govinde garuda iva lakshmi-patir alam
puri-deve bhaktim ya iva guru-varye yaduvarah
svarupe yah sneham giridhara iva srila-subale
vidhatte gaurango hridaya udayan mam madayati

 

dayam-mercy; yah-who; govinde-to Govinda; garude-to Garuda; iva-like; lakshmi-patih-the Lord of the goddess of fortune; alam-greatly; puri-deve-to Isvara Puri; bhaktim-devotion; yah-who; iva-like; guru-varye-great spiritual master; yaduvarah-the best of the Yadus; svarupe-to Svarupa; yah-who; sneham-love; giridharah-Lord Giridhari; iva-like; srila-subale-to Subala; vidhatte-places;

 

"As Lord Narayana is kind to Garuda, He is kind to Govinda dasa. As Lord Krishna is devoted to His guru, He is devoted to Isvara Puri. As Lord Giridhari loves Subala, He loves Svarupa Damodara. May that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu rise in my heart and make me mad with love."

(Sri Stavavali, Volume One by Srila Raghunath das Goswami)

 

It is also said that Ramananda Raya had the same type of relationship with Caitanya Mahaprabhu that Subala had in Vraj with Sri Krsna, as His friend and helper.

 

In the biographical narrative of Sri Syamananda Pandita, we learn more about Subala's appearance and lineage in Caitanya Lila:

 

"Sri Shyamananda Prabhu was a servant of a servant of Subala in Krishna-lila. He was the disciple of Hridayananda or Hriday Chaitanya, who was a disciple of Gauri Das Pandit. Gauri Das was Subala in Krishna-lila.

yam loka bhuvi kirtayanti hridayanandasya shishyam priyam
sakhye shri-subalasya yam bhagavatah preshthanushishyam tatha
sa shriman rasikendra-mastaka-manish citte mamaharnisham
shri-radhapriya-narma-marmasu rucim sampadayan bhasatam

 

Sri Shyamananda was known in this world as Hridayananda's dear disciple; he was the grand-disciple of Subala sakha, the most dear friend of the Supreme Lord; he was the crest-jewel of the enjoyers of sacred rapture. May he appear day and night in my mind, bringing an appreciation for the essence of the joys of the beloved of Sri Radha. (Shyamananda-shataka)"

 

There are wonderful passages found in various Vaisnava literatures about both Lord Caitanya and Nityananda Prabhu manifesting ecstatic symptoms in which They were remembering the Lord's pastimes in Vraj in the company of Subala.

 

In his Navadvipa-dhama-mahatmya, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur writes:

 

Description of Ritudvipa and Radha-kunda

 

"They came to Ratupura and saw the beauty of that town. Sri Nityananda said, "We have now come to Ritudvipa. This place is extremely attractive. The trees are bending down their heads in respect, the breeze is blowing gently, and the flowers are blooming everywhere. The humming of the bees and the fragrance of the flowers intoxicate the travelers' minds here."

 

As He was saying this, Nityananda became like a madman and exclaimed, "Quickly, bring My horn! The calves have gone far off, and Krishna is fast asleep and won't come. He is acting like a baby. Where are Subala and Dama? All alone I cannot go and herd the cows!" Shouting, "Kanai! Kanai!" Nityananda jumped a few yards.

 

Seeing His state, the devotees immediately supplicated at Nityananda's feet, "O Prabhu Nityananda, Your brother, Gauracandra is no longer here. He has taken sannyasa and gone to Nilacala, leaving us poor beggars."

 

Upon hearing those words, Nityananda became dejected and fell to the ground crying, "You have put us in such sorrow, Kanai, My brother! You have taken sannyasa and left us to go to Nilacala. I will not continue My life. I will jump in the Yamuna River!" Saying this, Sri Nityananda lost consciousness.

 

Sensing Nityananda Prabhu's elevated state of spiritual emotional, they began to chant the holy name. After two hours had passed, Nityananda still did not rise. Finally, when the devotees began chanting the glories of Gauranga, Nitai awoke."

(Navadvipa-dhama-mahatmya, Parikrama-khanda, Chapter Twelve by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur)

 

In his Sri Navadvipa Bhava-taranga, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur also writes of Caitanya Mahaprabhu's ecstasies of Vraj Lila:

 

"Enchanting Ritudvipa is filled with attractive forests. The seasons headed by spring perform eternal service to the Lord here. This Ritudvipa is the abode of transcendental bliss, for it is part of the area of Radha-kunda in Vraja.

 

While singing the glories of Krishna and remembering Krishna's pastimes as a cowherd, sometimes Gauranga would loudly call again and again the names of the cows, "Syamali! Dhubali!" He would then cry as He called out for Subala and Sridama.

 

When will I wander in Ritudvipa, seeing the beauty of the forest and remembering the Lord's pastimes? Then I will become stunned as the pastimes at Radha-kunda manifest before my eyes.

 

Here, on the bank of Manasa-ganga, Krishna and Balarama with Dama, Bala, and Mahabala, go to solitary forests with countless cows and calves. While playing various games, all the boys sing the glories of Krishna.

 

As the cowherd boys engage in various discussions, the calves go off grazing in distant forests. Losing sight of the calves, all the boys become anxious, but the calves immediately come running at the sound of Krishna's flute.

 

As I see this pastime, it suddenly vanishes, and I will fall to the ground unconscious. Then, regaining my senses, I will rise up and wander slowly through the forests.

 

"O Gauranga! O Krishnacandra, ocean of mercy! You are the wealth of the wretched and poor, and I am the lowest rascal!"

(Sri Navadvipa Bhava-taranga, Ecstatic Waves of Navadvipa by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur)

 

In tomorrow's segment, we will present a biographical sketch of Gauridasa Pandita, the great devotee Subala in his Caitanya-lila manifestation.

[Welcome]

 

Sri Krsna's Vrindavan Associates – Subala, Part 5

BY: SUN STAFF

Radha-Syamaray
Temple where Gauridas Pandit worshipped

 

Jan 21, 2011 — CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of Sri Krsna's transcendental Vrindavan associates.

 

Sri Gauri Das Pandit

subalo yah priya-shreshthah sa gauridasa-panditah

 

"In Vraja, Gauri Das Pandit was Subala, one of the twelve Gopals. He is one of Nityananda Prabhu's dearest associates."
(Gaura-ganoddesha-dipika 128)

 

"Gauri Das Pandit was most fortunate. His body, mind and soul were all devoted to Nityananda Prabhu."
(Chaitanya Bhagavat 3.5.730)

 

Gauri Das's temple in Ambika

 

Gauri Das's first residence was in the village known as Shaligram, not far from Muragacha. Later he moved to Ambika Kalna in Burdwan district, where his Sripat is extremely well known. His father's name was Kamsari Mishra and his mother was Kamala Devi. Kamsari Mishra belonged to the Vatsa gotra, and their family name was Ghoshal.

 

Gauri Das was the fourth of six sons. His three older brothers were named Damodar, Jagannath and Surya Das. Surya Das had the title sarakhela (military title, "commander," also used for estate managers) and gave his two daughters, Vasudha and Jahnava in marriage to Nityananda Prabhu. Gauri Das Pandit's younger brothers were named Krishna Das Sarkhel and Nrisingha Chaitanya.

 

"Sarkhel Surya Das Pandit was a very magnanimous person. His younger brother was named Gauri Das. Gauri Das Pandit took permission from his older brother before moving from Shaligram to Ambika."
(Bhakti-ratnakara 7.330-1)

 

Gauri Das and his disciple Hridaya Chaitanya left only a line of initiated disciples and not one of family descendants. According to the Gaudiya Vaishnava Abhidhana, Gauri Das Pandit and his wife Vimala Devi had two sons, Balaram and Raghunatha. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Thakur, however, did not accept the validity of this family connection. He has written as follows in his Anubhashya:

 

"Gauri Das Pandit's disciple was named Hriday Chaitanya. His disciple was the son of Gauri Das Pandit's daughter Annapurna Devi, Gopiraman. It is the family descendants of this Gopiramana who are the current owners of the Ambika Sripat."
(Anubhashya to Chaitanya Charitamrita 1.11.26)

 

The current temple at Ambika (Kalna) houses deities of Gauri Das, Radha-Krishna, Gaura-Nityananda, Jagannath, Balaram, and Rama-Sita. As one enters the temple grounds, there is a large tamarind tree. It is said that Mahaprabhu and Gauri Das met under this very tree. Other valuable items held in the temple are a paddle said to be used by Mahaprabhu himself and a Bhagavad-Gita said to have been handwritten by the Lord.

 

"One day Gauranga crossed the Ganges from Shantipur to visit Ambika. He told Gauri Das Pandit, "I was in Shantipur and from there I went to Harinadi village and took a boat to come here. I have brought one of the paddles with me--here, take it. Use it to take the fallen living beings across the river of material suffering." So saying, the Lord embraced him."
(Bhakti-ratnakara 7.333-6)

 

"Fortunate souls can still see the Gita that the Lord gave to Gauri Das, as well as the paddle when they visit the deities in Ambika."
(Bhakti-ratnakara 7.341)

 

Nityananda Prabhu made no distinctions between those who were qualified or unqualified, but simply gave Krishna prema to everyone as though intoxicated. His intimate associate, Gauri Das Pandit, similarly displayed a great power in preaching.

 

"Gauri Das was possessed of great spiritual power. He was able to give or take Krishna prema to anyone. He surrendered everything he had to Nityananda and made Chaitanya and Nityananda the masters of his life and soul."
(Chaitanya Charitamrita 1.11.26-7)

 

Surya Das Sarkhel's house and temple are also in Ambika, a little to the west of Gauri Das Pandit's Sripat. Bhagavan Das Babaji's ashram is also a little further west of there.

 

Mahaprabhu visits Kalna

 

A wonderful story is told about Mahaprabhu and Gauri Das Pandit in Ambika Kalna. It is said that on the day that Mahaprabhu paddled across the Ganges to come to visit Gauri Das, he sat under the tamarind tree. Gauri Das asked for Mahaprabhu to stay permanently there in Ambika. In order to fulfill his devotee's desire, Mahaprabhu revealed that his form and that of Nityananda Prabhu were in a nearby neem tree. It is also said that when these Deities were being carved, Nityananda was physically present. Conquered by Gauri Das's love for them, the Deities would physically eat everything that he offered to them.

 

When Mahaprabhu and Nityananda Prabhu were about to leave, Gauri Das did everything in his power to hold them back. Mahaprabhu calmed him by saying, "Nityananda and I are directly present in these Forms. You can tell either the Deities to go, or we can leave. You choose." Naturally, Gauri Das chose the real Gaura-Nitai to stay and said that the Deities could leave. So this is what happened, demonstrating the truth of the Chaitanya Charitamrita's statement:

 

"These three, the name, the deity form and the original form of the Lord, are all one. No distinction should be made between them, for all three are of transcendental, spiritual substance."
(Chaitanya Charitamrita 17.131)

 

Jahnava Devi cried when she saw the samadhi tomb of her uncle in Vrindavan.

 

"When she saw Gauri Das Pandit's samadhi, torrents of tears fell from her eyes and she could do nothing to stop them."
(Bhakti-ratnakara 11.259)

 

Gauri Das Pandit Goswami disappeared in the month of Shravan on the shukla dvadashi, the twelfth day of the waxing moon.

 

Samadhi of Sri Gauridas Pandita

nama vigraha Svarupa, ei tina eka-rupa
tine bheda nahi tina cidananda-rupa

 

Terracotta of Caitanya Lila Pratapeshwar Temple, Kalna