The Southern Part

Glory to Syamananda, the deliverer of the sinners, the friend of the universe and the wealth of Rasika. Absorbed in live of Krsna Syamananda spent many days in Ghantasila performing sankirtana in every house and associating with Rasika, the entire family of Rasika offered their obeisances to him and seated him with the utmost respect. Rasika washed the feet of Syamananda in scented water and wiped them using a celestial cloth. At that time the daughter of Rasika came near Syamananda and seeing her he asked about her identity. Hearing that she was the daughter of Rasika he took her on his lap and chanted the Hare Krsna mantra into her ears. Seeing the favour of Syamananda to Devaki, Rasika humbly told him, "Oh the embodiment of mercy, Krsna has previously instructed me that my guide will be Syamananda Raya and it is to fulfill this that you have come here. In my childhood Dayala dasi Thakurani poured the Hare Krsna mantra into my ears and told me that an associate of the Krsna will be my guide. Now I can see that the words of my guru and Lord Krsna have become true. Now please instruct me how I can attain to the service of Radha and Krsna, tell me all the mantras for glorifying Radha and Krsna and kindly explain the philosophy of Krsna bhakti." After saying this Rasika fell at his feet and Syamananda took him in his arms and granted his requests. After this Rasika entered the room of Iccha devi and told her, "As you are my beloved wife I request you to take initiation from Syamananda. Give up your family prestige and shyness and take shelter at the feet of Syamananda." She replied, "As a devoted wife, your wish is my wish." She then collected flower garlands, sandalwood, camphor, betel leaf, fine clothes and other items and went to offer them to Syamananda along with her maidservants. Rasika was very happy with her behaviour and he then requested Syamananda, "Please favour me and my family for we are your servants birth after birth." Syamananda gladly initiated her by reciting mantras into the ear of Iccha devi and named her Syama dasi. He ordered her as follows, "You should personally serve the Vaisnavas by offering them food and water and I promise you that wherever you sit for meditation you will attain perfection in the eight types of siddhis." After receiving this blessing Syama dasi dedicated herself to the service of Krsna for the rest of her life. Syamananda Raya was an embodiment of love of Krsna and by the grace of the Lord, Rasika too became full of love and devotion. Together they would remain in private places discussing different religious scriptures. One day while they were both in the court of the King listening to Bhagavata, Rasika turned his face to the rear and Syamananda became furious and kicked Rasika twice. Thus he fell on the ground and lay on the feet of Syamananda, with tears in his eyes he said, "Today the result of all my sins have been rectified by the two kicks of Syamananda Raya. Today I have been freed from the bondage of the material world and attained shelter at the feet of my master."

Seeing the devotion of Rasika, Syamananda also began to shed tears and embraced him.

After a prolonged stay in Ghantasila, Syamananda told Rasika, "I shall now go to see Lord Jagannatha and then I shall quickly go to Vraja." Rasika immediately said, "You must take me with you to Vraja." Syamananda told him, "Listen to me, without you everyone here will be unhappy. Stay here for sometime and then come to Vraja. I shall go first and you can join me later in Vraja." Rasika accepted this order and accompanied Syamananda a short distance. As they travelled they discussed topics of Krsna bhakti. They both entered into the village known as Cakulia and visited the house of Damodara dasa. Damodara was in the habit of practicing yoga and thinking of yoga in his mind. He was a great scholar and Rasika had studied with him since his childhood. Together Syamananda and Rasika, while staying at the house of Damodara, discussed the science of bhakti. Syamananda gave lessons on the theory of sankhya and the path of jnana then he taught about love and devotion to Krsna. When Damodara heard the glory of devotion he talked on the glory of jnana but Syamananda made it clear to him what the difference between the two paths was and established devotion as the most sensible. He explained that devotion was of nine kinds having sixty-four limbs. It was explained that out of all kinds of devotion none could equal that shown by the gopis of Vraja. The theories of the Vedas and tantras were then discussed and after hearing everything Damodara decided to dedicate himself to the path of Krsna bhakti. Hearing this Rasika advised Damodara, "Give up everything and take refuge at the feet of Syamananda just as I have done. Take initiation in the Krsna mantra." Damodara replied, "Yes, I must do it and dedicate myself to his service but before that I want to see something transcendental with my own eyes."

One day after taking his meal Syamananda was seated with Rasika who served him betel leaves while Damodara smeared sandalwood on his body. For some reason Damodara then went into the dense forest near a river known as the Khanva. In this place Damodara suddenly witnessed a Kalpataru with a jewelled throne situated underneath and Lord Krsna seated in His three-fold bending posture wearing yellow dress and with peacock feathers in His hair. He saw Syamananda standing on His left side serving betel leaf to the Lord. Seeing Syamananda's position as an intimate associate of the Lord and appreciating the beauty of the Lord and His devotee Damodara fell to the ground and began to cry.

After this vision Damodara immediately returned to his house where Syamananda was talking to Rasika and seeing Syamananda from a distance he fell to the ground and paid obeisances to him. Syamananda then took him in his arms and favoured him by instructing him as follows. He said, "You should worship the feature of the Lord which you have just witnessed and you should give up everything else."

Damodara replied, "I could not recognise you. Who in the three worlds can understand your technique. Please favour me O son of Durika. I and my family dedicate ourselves to you." Syamananda then initiated Damodara and his two wives into Krsna mantra. Previously Netrananda and Kisora Haridasa were famous as his disciples and now Rasika and Damodara were famous. Syamananda stayed for a few more days to discuss Krsna-katha with Damodara and Rasika and then went to Nilacala for a few days before returning to Mathura. He remained waiting for Rasika in Vraja.

This incident was personally told to me by Rasika and Damodara and I had kept it to myself for a long time. Now on the order of my master i have described it. Under the direction of the son of Acyuta I am trying to sing his glory. Please do not see any fault in it. Making the feet of Syamananda my ornament the son of Rasamaya narrates Rasika-mangala.

Glory to Syamananda, the life of the universe. May he forever favour me so that I can describe his glories. While Syamananda remained in Vrajamandala at the request of Sadasiva, Syamadasi Thakurani came to Hijli mandala to stay for a few days. At this time Rasika went to Tania and visited the house of Ananta. Rasika stayed there for a few days and during this period Thakurai also came to visit. Rasika told her, "I have to go to Vraja. You should go and stay at the home of one of your relatives." Thakurani told him, "What can I say. Do what you like. You have brought me here and now you are leaving me. If you are kind to me you will take me with you." Hearing this Rasika told her, "The result of millions of Tirthas can be attained by serving the Vaisnavas. Remain at home and do this service and let me go to Vraja this time. Later I will certainly take you there." Hearing Thakurani returned to her house while Rasika started for Ayodhya via the forest route. From there he went to Vraja visiting Mathura first and seeing the birth place of Lord Krsna. From there he went to Vrndavana seeing the Deities of Madana gopala and Govinda as well as the other temples and groves there. Seeing the banks of the Yamuna he felt transcendental bliss and stayed a few days there before touring all twelve forests where the Lord had performed His different pastimes. He visited (all the semi-forests) such as Bhadravana, Loha, Srivasa, Bhandiravana, Mahavana, Talavana, Khadir, Vahula, Kamoda, Kamya and Madhuvana. Seeing these places and remembering the pastimes of the Lord he shed tears and forgot his own self. On seeing Goverdhana Hill he feel unconscious. When he recovered he went to see the Deity of Gopala Raya installed there. He decided to spend the night at Goverdhana and during his sleep Krsna in the form of a cowherd boy appeared before Rasika and told him, "Listen to Me Rasika. You must quickly proceed to Utkala. Distribute My love to all and see that My favourite Vraja people are served by the people of Utkala. My Syamananda is waiting for you in Mathura. Go there and serve his feet." On hearing these words Rasika opened his eyes and saw that Krsna, dressed as a cowherd boy, was standing before him. Seeing His beauty Rasika fainted and when he regained consciousness the Lord had gone. After this he quickly travelled all the places of Krsna's pastimes. Since his darshan of the Lord at Goverdhana Rasika constantly shed tears in love of Krsna and emotion ruled over his body. He cried, "Oh the Lord of my life where have you gone. How can I live without the son of Nanda Maharaja." In this mood all eight kinds of bhava appeared in him. He forgot hunger and thirst and remained absorbed in meditation on Krsna. After darshan of the Kesava Deity at Mathura he met with Syamananda. Rasika fell at the feet of Syamananda who took him in his arms and told him, "I have been waiting for you. It is good that you have visited Vrndavana before coming here. Now you should return to your own house." Rasika replied, "Oh my lord, I want to stay in Vrndavana for a few more days so that I can see everything in Vrndavana. Having reached here how can I leave this place so early." Syamananda sweetly told him, "Your relatives are miserable without you there and they will blame me. Please, my dear, go there and don't create any trouble. We have both been ordered to go to Utkala to distribute love and devotion to all. You must sincerely render service to the devotees there. You have already seen Krsna at Goverdhana and He ordered you at that time. How can you disobey His order." Hearing this Rasika was astonished and thought to himself, "Syamananda must be an intimate devotee of Lord Krsna, otherwise how could he know everything that had happened. I have not told anyone of my seeing Krsna." Rasika then told Syamananda, "I must obey your order."

Syamananda was very happy to hear this and they started for Utkala together going by the forest route to Nagpur and then to Segala. There they rested in the home of a fortunate person named Visnu dasa. He and his family took initiation from Syamananda and he was renamed Dasa Rasamaya. From there they reached the home of Rasika and all the inhabitants were happy to see them again. Syamananda had come with the son of Acyuta in order to remove the darkness of ignorance from Utkala.

I have given a short biography of Rasika who was the root of mercy. O devotees please listen to Rasika-mangala. Making the feet of Syamananda his ornament, the son of Rasamaya narrates Rasika-mangala.

Glory to Syamananda the life of the universe. May he bestow his favour upon me that I can always sing his glory. By the grace of Syamananda the love and devotion of Rasika increased day by day and there was nothing but Krsna in his mind. Since the womb of his mother he had knowledge and devotion but when his guru taught him the various principles he became mad in love of Krsna and the sixty-four kinds of devotion remained ever bright in his heart. He had no attraction for family life and seeing this his family members felt sorry. After Acyuta left this world for Vaikuntha the brothers of Rasika fought one another but Rasika did not get involved. He would remain with devotees discussing about Krsna. Whenever guests would visit his home he loved to serve them and if there was no food in his home he would go and beg it and then feed them. It was his habit to serve guests every day. He served Vaisnavas with the utmost love and he worshipped sadhus as Krsna. Daily he drank the water after washing their feet. With his own hands he enjoyed collecting the leaves on which they had eaten and with the greatest respect he would take their remnants of food. This was the practice of both he and his wife and they ded not make any distinction between class or creed. When his family members saw he and his wife taking their food last they became angry. They said that Rasika had become mad and that the family would suffer because of his behaviour. They argued that since he is the son of a great person such behaviour will put us to shame amongst our friends. In this way they tried to ridicule Rasika but he did not care. Instead he became more vigourous in following his principles and tried to teach others about the importance of service to the sadhus and Lord Krsna. Some listened to him and became purified but some were heretics and continued to ridicule him. When he heard them ridicule the sadhus Rasika could not tolerate it and in his anger he told his wife, "I can no longer tolerate the ridiculing of our friends. They may ridicule us in various ways and that we can tolerate but when they ridicule devotees I cannot tolerate it. Vaisnavas are more dear to me than Krsna and they are being ridiculed because of me. I cannot serve them without fear of being criticised so what is the use of wasting time by staying here? You are my devoted wife. If you want you can come with me because I will not stay here with them. You may stay if you like, but I have to go." Hearing this Syama dasi said, "I shall go with you wherever you go. What will I do here without you? I can remain happily with you wherever you go even under a tree or in a forest. You must take me with you for this house will be dull to me without you. Let the thunder fall on that wealth of mine without you." Thus they left the house and went to a place on the bank of Suvarnarekha which seemed as beautiful as Vrndavana. The water of the river was as pure as that of the Yamuna and it was surrounded by mangoes and jack fruit groves. The place was so dry that even in the rainy season no mud could be seen there. In Mallabhuma Paragama there was a place named Coracitatapa and near to this place was Niryavasana. This place was concealed from others and yet it was liked by even he gods and was considered as great as Vaikuntha. It was surrounded by forests and was full of pretty groves where varieties of fruits and flowers blossomed. People knew this place as a hidden Vrndavana and it was here that Rasika made his home.

Rasika's elder brother Kasinatha dasa built a city known as Kasipura and he became the king there. He had a family Deity which King Bhanja looted from there. Rasika went there and took that Deity with him. Despite having a vast property he took only his wife and that Deity and nothing else except for the clothes they were wearing. In his absence his brothers grew miserable and their property dwindled. Rasika, however, built a house in Kasipura and grew famous there. As a favourite devotee of the husband of Lakshmi he had no scarcity of wealth. He continued to serve saints and Vaisnavas personally washing their feet, cleaning their eating place and taking the remnants of their food. As his fame spread more and more servants of Krsna began to visit his house. After a considerable time Syamananda paid a visit to his house. The delighted Rasika fell at his feet and then served his master as though he was greater than the Supreme Lord Krsna. Syama dasi Thakurani personally cooked for her guru and all the preparations were like nectar. After fully satisfying Syamananda they both enjoyed the remnants of his food. They served Syamananda with the utmost care and respect and whatever instruction he gave them they tried their best to fulfill it. Even if the request were impossible Rasika would try with all his heart and soul. He remained in the service of Syamananda without caring for his own health. Even in his sleep he dreamt only of Syamananda. His devotion to his guru can only be compared to that of Krsna and Balarama to Their guru. Rasika remained fixed in service to guru, Krsna and the Vaisnavas and thus he received special favour from Syamananda.

One day Rasika told Syamananda about the family Deity and requested him to suggest a name for the Deity. Syamananda said sweetly, "It's name will be Gopivallabha Raya and this village will be known as Sri Gopivallabhapura. Here Lord Krsna and His devotees will be nicely served and this village will earn fame like Vrndavana. Here Govinda will appear in the same form I see in my meditation. Syama dasi will be the owner of this village and she will dedicate herself to the service of the Deity. Apathetic Rasika will travel with me and deliver all living entities." From that day the place became famous for service to Krsna and His devotees.

Thus Syamananda and Rasika entered into Utkala to spread love and devotion. Being empowered by the son of Acyuta I am describing Rasika-mangala. Please listen to it and soon you will obtain love and devotion for Krsna. Making the feet of Syamananda his ornament this son of Rasamaya narrates Rasika-mangala.

All glory to Syamananda. I worship his feet and pray that he will favour me to sing his glory. One day Syamananda told Rasika, "I beg alms from you. Deliver all creatures and give the holy name to all. Give love and devotion to Krsna to everyone, without considering them high or low class. Meet such people as the king, his subjects, the saints, children, old people and women and help them all to take up Hari-nama. I beg this from you." Rasika bowed to his guru with folded hands accepting this order. Syamananda also ordered Damodara to sing Hari-nama in the ears of everyone. Since then the son of Acyuta distributed the jewel of Krsna bhakti and began to make disciples. By the touch of Rasika people belonging to the brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya or sudra caste or even others, became great devotees of Krsna. With the rise of the moon like Rasika in Utkala it became the practice for each house to hold Sankirtana and to serve the Vaisnavas. His first disciple was Kalandi Bhakta dasa Yavana, then came Syamagopala, Dina Syamanarayana, Ramakrsna, Paramananda, Bhodara, Gaura, Gopala, Gopinatha and Sri Gokula. These were the first ten disciples of Rasika and then the number became countless.

I shall briefly describe how it took place. Rasika first went to a beautiful holy place named Dharanda which was owned by Bhima and Sirikara. They belonged to a gopa family and had a vast property. They had installed many different deities and had performed animal sacrifices. They treated their relatives very badly and loved to ridicule devotees. Knowing them to be sinful they were feared by both the devotees and their subjects. They could would bribe the king with lacs of rupees and in their madness perform any sinful action like cutting trees, indeed they were more sinful than Ajamila or Jagai and Madhai. The daughter of Bhima gave birth to three sons namely Sri Rasamaya, Vamsi, and Mathura. Sri Rasamaya belonged to the Syamananda sect and lived in that village with his relatives. The other two brothers took initiation from Damodara. When Rasika went to their house they were happy to see him and after offering obeisances to him they gave him a special seat, washed his feet with scented water and the family drank that water. Rasika talked affectionately to Vamsi and Rasamaya telling them, "On the order of Syamananda I have come here to preach love and devotion to Krsna in Utkala. I know that Bhima and Sirikara are very wicked and I want to make them Vaisnavas. If they can be made Vaisnavas then persons in other cities will follow their example. Rasamaya and Vamsi told Rasika, "Certainly they are notorious, however, if you favour someone then no matter how sinful he may be, by your mercy they can get krsna-bhakti." Vamsi and Rasamaya both knew the glory of Rasika and they were sure that now the two brothers would be changed.

Rasika sat with his group and Rasamaya happily served them varieties of foodstuffs. Rasamaya had a childhood friend named Sri Tulasi dasa who, at that time, was staying in the home of Rasamaya. Tulasi could sing as sweet as a cuckoo and by chance he entered into the room where Rasika was eating and began to sing a song about Lord Krsna.His singing charmed everyone present including Rasika who floated in tears. Rasika had him sit next to him and sing the song again and again. Indeed, the singing began in the evening and the night passed without Rasika knowing it for he was absorbed in bhava. When he finally checked himself he inquired about the boy who had been singing. Rasamaya said, "He has come here with his father to do kirtana. His father is a disciple of Hrdayananda and lives on the bank of the Ganges. When Syamananda heard their sankirtana he ordered him and his son to stay here." Rasika was very happy to hear this and from then on Tulasi became a member of the Rasamaya group. Making the feet of Syamananda my ornament this son of Rasamaya narrates Rasika-mangala.

All glory to Syamananda. I worship his feet and pray that he will help me to constantly sing his glory. Rasika Sekhara was spending his days happily in the house of Rasamaya. He passed four months in that village performing sankirtana in different places and favouring the king and his subjects as well as the whole city by his presence there. Now listen how he made Bhima and Sirikara into Vaisnavas.

One day Bhima and Sirikara had been sitting in the court along with their friends when Rasika came there, along with his associates, and addressed the two brothers. On seeing Rasika in the dress of a Vaisnava Bhima became blind with anger but at first he was unable to say anything. After some time he said, "I cannot tolerate seeing what has happened to you. You are the son of Acyuta, a young man of twenty years but you have given up your studies and become a Vaisnava. Who has advised you to do this at this age? How will you look after your relatives? How could a worhtless son like you take birth in the family of Acyuta who was the king of Mallbhumna? Don't you think your begging from door to door will bring shame to your family? It is good that you have come here because now I advise you to return to your home and continue your education. This life of a Vaisnava is not befitting you. I am telling you all this because of my love for Acyuta." On hearing all these ridiculous statements Rasika mildly smiled and answered, "Listen Bhima and Sirikara tell all of your scholars of the Puranas to come here and try to estalish which religious path is supreme. We will debate on all six scriptures the Vedas, smrti, Gita, Bhagavata as well as the theories of Vyasa, Suka, Narada, Janaka, Sanaka and others. Let us prove what the supreme religion is by using the scriptures and if it is shown that all scriptures say that Krsna is the supreme then you must also worship Him and give up all other processes.

By the order of Bhima all the scholars of the kingdom came to that place. Janaki, Haricandana and many kings and subjects came as well as experts on the four Vedas and all other scriptures. They all sat in a circle and discussed but no one was able to refute the statements of Rasika. His analysis followed the Vedas and was based on the philosophy of Vyasa. Apart from Rasika no one could give a satisfactory analysis of the scriptures. The brahmins frankly told Bhima and Sirikara that Rasika's theory was acceptable to them and thus the two brothers along with their family surrendered to Rasika and began to worship Krsna with fully dedicated hearts. They stopped all animal sacrifices and became servants of Lord Krsna. Rasika continued his preaching among the people and day by day people came in groups to take initiation from him. He gave love and devotion to all and with sankirtana going on in each house Dharenda city became transformed into Vrajapura and the residents of that city all floated in love of Krsna.

Rasika stayed on in the city to enjoy re-enacting the pastimes of Lord Krsna with his gopa friends. He gathered many boys and dressed them as cowherd boys then he prepared flower garlands and dressed himself as a Vraja woman, (ie, gopi). Another person was dressed to appear as Lord Krsna and together they all came through the forest singing and dancing. They played flute, mrdanga, vina, karatala, etc. Some played kapinasa, saranga, rinaka and svaramandala. The Rasamaya group also performed sankirtana with Tulasi dasa leading their singing. Simultaneously the children were all dancing and showing different postures and gestures. The whole city was lit with lamps and everyone came to see the fun. In this way Rasika re-enacted the pastimes of the Lord in the Vraja forest. He also performed sankirtana in every house of the city and the inhabitants became habituated to talk about Krsna constantly.

The pastimes which Murari displayed at each moment could not be fully described even by millions of mouths. I have tried to describe whatever portion has been directed by Rasika. Please listen to Rasika-mangala and get rid of this ominous Kalikala. Making the feet of Syamananda my ornament, this son of Rasamaya narrates Rasika-mangala.

Glory to Syamananda, the giver of love to all. Oh Prabhu, please favour me to sing your glory. While he remained in Dharenda Rasika passed his time happily in the joy of sankirtana. One day he decided to perform the marriage of his Deity Sri Gopivallabha Raya. First of all he hired some workers and had them construct a Thakurani. Then in preparation for the marriage many articles were gathered. Rasika also announced to everyone,"A great festival will be held in the home of Rasamaya." When the people heard this they all came there with various gifts. Rasika also invited many saints and brahmins and they came there citing the Vedas. Rasamaya dasa performed the Adhivasa ceremony and brought the Deity there. After three days of festivities the marriage took place and all the persons present, who had given up their family duties, floated in they joy of the divine pastimes. On observing the yugala feature Rasika became so happy that streams of tears rolled down his face. Rasika, constantly absorbed in love of Krsna, performed many rituals and then satisfied the saints with food, clothes and other items. After the marriage ceremony, Rasika went to his own house with the Deities. The people of Dharenda, feeling separation from Rasika became miserable and behaved like the Vraja women who could not bear the separation of Krsna.

At this time Rasika began to write about the various pastimes of Krsna. He also wrote about his discussions on Krsna and he gave the writings to Narayana and Ramakrsna. After performing sankirtana all the devotees sat in a circle to listen to the writings of Rasika. However after hearing only one 'pada' everyone's heart was pierced and they cried out in emotion. They began to float in love of Krsna and all desired to achieve the feet of Rasika. Jagannatha Patanayaka, the eldest brother of Rasika, hearing the episode of the Vraja women suffering from the separation of Krsna fell into bhava and fainted. Others began to roll on the ground while some cried. They all began to sing the glory of Rasika. In this way they all meditated on the feet of Rasika. All glory to those who had the opportunity to remain with Rasika. This son of Rasamaya takes the feet of Rasika on his head and sings Rasika-mangala.

Glory to Syamananada, the life of the universe and the wealth like life of Rasika deva. While remaining in his house Rasika continued to serve hundreds of Vaisnavas regularly. He would worship the saints even more than Lord Krsna and he took great pleasure in this duty of his. With his own hands he would dress up Sri Gopivallabha Raya and his Thakurani. He knew nothing but the worship of Krsna and practised the sixty-four kinds of devotion everyday in both his activities and his teaching of others. He had firm faith in the service to guru, in the initiation to the chanting the holy names of the Lord, in the instructions of the Lord's devotees and in the renunciation of sense pleasure for the service to Krsna. He also considered it to be his duty to travel to different holy places. He was firm in holding up Harivasana and in paying respect to Tulasi, Asvatha, Dhatri and the holy places. He always avoided those persons who had no faith in Krsna and he had no concern to amass large numbers of disciples. If a book had nothing to say about Krsna then he would not read it. He was never miserly with anyone and he always tried his best to satisfy everyone with his explanations. He never disturbed any living entities on the earth nor did he ever commit any sin. He would paint his whole body with the marks of a Vaisnava and offer obeisances and nirmalya to Krsna. He always welcomed saints and on hearing them approach him he would come to meet them. Rasika always respected the temples and holy places by circumambulating them. He sang sweet songs before Krsna, performed sankirtana. cited hymns of praise and accepted the Lord's prasadam. He offered incense, garlands and sandalwood to Krsna and followed all the rituals and customs of worship based on the scriptures. He memorised the qualities of Krsna, sometimes he would be absorbed in dasya bhava, sometimes in sakhya bhava and sometimes in love and devotion. Sometimes he would offer his favourite possessions to Krsna and every day he would worship Tulasi, Mathura, scriptures and the Vaisnavas. With the help of his group he would hold great festivals for the worship of Krsna, such as during Kartika and he loved to read Bhagavata with his group. They regulaly performed nama sankirtana and within his mind he loved to stay at Mathura. The devotion of Rasika cannot be fully described for he was te full embodiment of devotion for Krsna. By his favour one can attain the sixty-four limbs of devotion. Rasika was always firm in his devotion to Syamananda and wherever he stayed he continued his service to guru, Krsna and the Vaisnavas. Through his own example of devotion he taught others and he never disobeyed the orders of guru, Krsna and the Vaisnavas. If he saw any sign of a Vaisnava in someone he at once began to worship him like Krsna. All classes of people, from high to low, felt happy by the touch of Rasika. In this way Rasika spent his days at home, his love and devotion ever increasing. His glory cannot be fully described but by his grace I have described some. Listening to this narration can help anyone attain love and devotion. Making the feet of Syamananda my ornament this son of Rasamaya narrates Rasika-mangala.

Glory to Syamananda the moon of the Gopa Dynasty, glory to Rasikendracandra the beloved of Krsna. In this way the son of Acyuta preached love and devotion throughout the world. The character of Rasika is so mystical that it is impossible to describe all his qualities fully. The people of the world worshipped him as Narada, Vyasa or Lord Narayana. All the qualities of Lord Krsna were visible in the character of Rasika and his showed many auspicious marks. By dint of his devotion he was always powerful and at the time of meditation his absorbing feature made him appear ever youthful. There was no one as intelligent as he for he could speak in many languages on all kinds of theories. He was a great orator and could debate on all the arts. He was clever and skilled in all types of deeds indeed his genius was famous in the world. He was pure-hearted and quite having won over all the material pleasures by practicing austerity. He was merciful, patient and tolerant to all. He was ever satisfies and a well-wisher to all. He kept good relations with everyone and was always respectful to those in positions of responsibility. On the strength of his devotion for Krsna it was impossible to misuse education and the cultivation of nescience ceased. The fame of Rasika spread all over the earth and everyone loved him. He was the resort of the devotees and saints and he was the protector of the needy. His qualities cannot be described even by hundreds of mouths. Glory to this earth, glory to Utkala, glory to the holy places, glory to the father and mother from whom he had taken birth, glory to those places which his feet touched, glory to that village where he had settled, glory to those places where he displayed pastimes of love, glory to his friends and associates, his family members and relatives and glory to the people of Utkala who observed the feet of Rasika. Just a glance at Rasika was sufficient to remove all types of sins an listening to his words gave soothing relief to the ears. By hearing his nectarean speeches one would forget his own encumberances. He always had a smiling face and his attractive features made everyone float in an ocean of joy. Simply by his appearance he removed all the illmotives of the people.

After some time Syamananda went to Gara Balarama pura to speak about Lord Krsna and bless the people of that place by his presence. Many persons of that place became his disciples such as Gopinatha, Jagannatha, Akrura, Srihari, Radhavallabha dasam Syamadasa, etc. Syamananda giving everyone the shade of his feet, initiated kings and the subjects into the Krsna mantra. Syamananda sent a messenger with a letter for Rasika wrdering him to come at once. Having completed his service to Lord Krsna and the devotees Rasika had sat down to accept prasada. He had taken just one mouthful of food and was holding the second in his hand when the messenger came there. Immediately he stood up and washed his hands in the river Srivarnarekha. It was already dark and the forest was full of wild animals. Even in the daylight the people were scared to pass through this place but Rasika started alone. It was pitch dark with clouds covering the sky and rain pouring down but Rasika did not hesitate to keep the order of his guru. When he reached Balaramapura Syamananda happily embraced him but seeing his tired face asked him how he had been able to come so quickly. Rasika kept his head bowed and did not say anything but after some time other devotees came there and reported everything about Rasika's journey.

One day after Rasika had taken prasadam Syamananda sat with him and told him, "Listen Rasika, I have heard that you made the people of Dharedra Vaisnavas. Now do it in the forests. I have a desire that in the month of Vaisakha, I will hold a Pancamandala. Barakola is a beautiful place surrounded by mango forests and a river. I shall hold the ceremony there and you should collect the necessary commodities. I shall go there first and you go to Dharendra to collect the necessary items." After this Syamananda left that place. Now listen to the pastimes of these great souls in other places. Please don't think they are ordinary affairs because they incarnated in different ages to perform these various pastimes. Making the feet of Syamananda my ornament, the son of Rasamaya narrates Rasika-mangala.

Glory to Syamananda, the deliverer of the world. The life of the world and wealth like life of Rasika who was kind and merciful to all beings. Once when Rasika was still staying at Balaramapura, twenty Vaisnavas came to his place. He welcomed them and offered them fruits, sweets and cooked food. That night, when it was close to midnight, Rasika discovered that there was no more ghee in his stock. He immediately went to the city but in the darkness he could not see the correct path and he entered into the house of a yavana who was sitting on his bedstead enjoying the company of his wife. Seeing Rasika enter into his room the yavana caught hold of him and beat him. Rasika caught hold of his hand and told him with a smile, "Listen Mahajana, why are you beating me. Your hand will be sore from striking my hard body." The Mughal was astonished to hear this and loosening his grip he fell to the ground and held the feet of Rasika.

Rasika continued on his way, collected the ghee and returned to home to serve ghee to the Vaisnavas. Within a few days the Mughal lost all his elephants and horses, his property was destroyed and his wives died. Everyone was astonished to see the glory of Rasika and the frightened Mughal came to takd shelter at his feet. He said, "I am a fool because I did not recognise your position. Please be kind to me." Rasika replied, "Listen, go out and worship Krsna and you will soon recover your properties." That Yavana then became a devotee and took shelter of Rasika. By the grace of Rasika he was able to recover everything. Then in order to comply with the instructions of Syamananda he cikkected enormous quantitis of goods and entered into Dharenda. Staying in the house of Rasamaya he addressed the devotees, "My guru Syamananda has ordered me to collect goods for Pancanna dola. The ceremony will be held on the day of Vasanta Purmina in the month of Vaisakha. I shall go there first to prepare a place and build a pandal. You should all come there later." Everyone was happy to hear this and they all helped to gather more goods for the festival.

Please listen to the qualities of Rasika and worship his feet. The feet of Syamananda are the wealth of this son of Rasamaya.

Glory to Syamananda the friend of the universe and an abode of mercy. Rasika stayed at the home of Madhava, Sri Haridasa and Madana mohana who were all disciples of Syamananda. During his three days stay he made many disciples and he invited everyone to attend the Dola-yatra festival. He also instructed them to bring whatever goods they could arrange. Rasika then went to Varakola village where he met Syamananda Prabhu. Syamananda inquired how much he had been able to collect but Rasika simply requested him not to be anxious about it. He said, "We will have the goods in good time. I have sent instructions to people in different countries and they will certainly bring ample supplies." Hearing this Syamananda was very happy and he ordered his disciples to build a pandal. They constructed one for Rasa and put a canopy over the Rasasthali decorating it with flowers. Banana trees were also used to decorate the place which was already surrounded by deep goves of mangoes, jackfruits, limes and oranges. The place resembled Vaikuntha and on the day of the function, the full moon of the night of Vaisakha was very bright. Millions of people including kings from different countries came to attend. Syamananda ordered Rasika to go to Dharenda and bring the Deity of Syama Raya. He immediately went to the temple of Bhima and told Rasamaya, Cintamani and Vamsi to prepare Syama Raya for going to Varakola where Sri Pancama Dolayatra will be held. On reaching Varakola the gandha adhivasa of Syama Raya was performed and then at the purnima the Dola-yatra festival began. Many Vaisnavas came to attend and different groups performed sankirtana. The visitors numbered millions and included kings and zamindars. Everyone came with numerous gifts andin the joy of the festival they forgot the difference between day and night. When the sankirtana was begun the heaven, earth and underworld all became full of the sound of the glories of the Lord. The abode of the deimgods and human beings were all united in sankirtana and the place became as great as Vaikuntha. Countless bags of red posder dust were collected for the festival and everyone and everything including the ground were coloured by it. Everyone said they had never seen such a joyful fertival before. Among the visitors at the festival was Sasadhara Bhuian, son of Visvanatha Bhuian and the brother of Haricandana who besides being a king was also a good singer and a pure hearted person. Sasadhara was a friend of Rasamaya and Vamsi. This encouraged Vamsi to tell Rasika, "Favour him Prabhu. He is a wonderful singer and a brother of Haricandana. If he becomes your disciple he will also deliver many creatures. Please be kind to him." Rasika replied, "Tell him to take initiation from Syamananda." On hearing this Visvanatha dasa said to Rasika, "I am your servant birth after birth. I have no other shelter than your lotus feet. You are the lord of my life. Please be kind to me and geve me love and devotion for Krsna." Observing him very firm in his decision Rasika talked about Lord Krsna to him and then initiated him in Krsna mantra and gave him the name Syama Manohara. At that time he ordered him to deliver all creatures. Since then Syama Manohara gave up all sorts of material pleasures and dedicated himself to Rasika. His family also became disciples of Rasika. Syama Manohara as well as being a good singer and an embodiment of love, was a great orator. No one could stand against him and he dominated the Saivites, Saktas and Ganapatyas. He was, by the grace of Rasika, a scholar in all scriptures including the four Vedas, Sankhya, Sankhyayana and Mimamsa. At the end of the festival all the Vaisnavas were given clothes and ornaments as gifts.

Glory to Syamananda, the incarnation of mercy who delivered all beings by giving love and devotion. The king of that country was known as Haravota and he was an extremely wicked yavana. However, after witnessing the grandeur of the Dola festival the yavana king thought to himself, "Syamananda is not an ordinary person. He must be Narayana Himself. I am very fortunate to get a glimpse of his feet." Syamananda told Rasika, "Let us pay a visit to the yavana king." When they went there the yavana king welcomed then with due respect. He told Syamananda, " O Mahajana, hold another festival here and I shall give you everything you may require. I shall also reject? the Hindu priests. You should go home and prepare for the festival and let us make sure that all the devotees will be satisfied." The festival was held at a place called Alamganja in Medinipura. Sankirtana started and continued for three days and nights. The yavana king was very happy to listen to the kirtan and within his mind he established great faith in Syamananda and worshipped him as the Supreme Lord. The power of Syamananda and Rasika was such that the could dominate even a yavana.

From there Syamananda came to Dharendra to stay. Here he took many disciples such as Cintamani, Madhuvana, Mathura, Mukunda, Syamasundara, Narasimha, Kanudasa, Hirodhara, Kanu, Uddhava, Akrura, etc. Then Rasamaya, Vamsi and Bhima Sirikara with folded hands, requested Syamananda, "You have travelled many holy places for a long time. Now Prabhu, enter into family life for some time. If you permit we can search for a suitable bride for you." Syamananda felt scared but said, "Do what you like." Then he bid farewell to Rasika and went to Balaramapura. There lived a fortunate person named Jagannatha who offered his daughter Syamapriya to the hands of Syamananda. She was beautiful not only in looks but also in qualities. The couple were married in the midst of sankirtana. After marriage Syamananda went to Dharendra with his wife and stayed for a few days in the home of Cintamani. Then he went to Radhanagara and settled there. Rasika then went to his own house continuing his service to guru, Krsna and the devotees.

Rasika's wife Syama dasi Thakurani, was engaged in the service of the Deity preparing the bhoga. One day while she was cutting vegetables she heard the hungry cries of her child from his cradle. That child was the first son of Rasika, named Vrajananda and he was very beautiful.On hearing her child crying, his mother left the vegetables and went to feed milk to the child. Suddenly Rasika came there and when he found that no one was cutting vegetables and that the Deity's bhoga could not be prepared on time he was furious and rebuked his wife for neglecting the service of the Deity. She said that as her son was crying in hunger she had to feed her son first. Rasika angrily told her, "Out of ignorance you have neglected your service to the Lord of life, Sri Krsna and instead you are sitting here under the illusin that this child on your lap is your son. Instead of showing affection for Krsna you have more affection for your son." Then Rasika in the height of his anger told her, "As you have neglected your duty of serving Krsna you may get hundreds of sons but not one will ever stay with you. When you are able to look after a person without committing any offence then only will they live on this earth. This is my promise to you." Everyone was astonished to hear this and in due course six sons were born to his wife but died one after another. Syamananda was extremely upset by this and then Rasika, out of pity, kept three sons alive. They were Radhananda, Krsnagata and Radhakrsna dasa and all were fully devoted to Lord Krsna. Besides being pure-hearted they were always conscious to serve guru, Krsna and the devotees. This was the life of Rasika in Sri Gopivallabhapura.

Sri Hrdayananda Adhikari came with his companions to Dharenda to meet Syamananda and Rasika. He sent his messengers to summon the two along with Damodara and the three immediately came to meet Adhikari. Seeing the three Hrdayananda was very happy and taking Syamananda in his arms he said, "Lord Caitanya's love and devotion should be distributed by you to deliver all beings in Utkala. I am happy to see your group. Always remain engaged in manifesting devotion to Krsna." Adhikari remained for a long time with them and showed a lot of favour to Rasika. When he took his leave Syamananda offered many things to him and accompanied him for some distance before returning to the house of Rasamaya and Vamsi. He then took food at the home of Rasamaya remaining there for several days. Give up all unimportant duties and listen to Rasika-mangala which is written by the son of Rasamaya who makes the feet of Syamananda his ornament,

Glory to Syamananda a man of enormous glories, the friend of the universe and the merciful lord of all beings. Syamananda left Dharenda with Rasika and went to the home of Arjuni in Naihatti where they performed three great festivals. At this place they Prabhu accepted many disciples including Jagannatha and Damodara along with their wives as well as Syama dasa the son of Arjuni. Then Prabhu went ot Kasiari Puri where Rasika accepted Vrajamohana, Syamadasa, Narayana, Radhamohana and Yadavendra dasa as his disciples. Nest they went to Jhathara village where Prabhu favour Haridasa and then to Murara where Syamananda favoured Bhimadhana. He was a zamindara and offered the village Sri Govindapura to Syamananda who built a house there and lived there happily with his wife Syama Priya Thakurani as well as her friends Such as Sri Gauranga dasi and others.

Glory to Syamananda the deliverer of the sinners who dominated all lands by his love and devotion. Syamananda ordered Rasika to deliver all people including kings and their subjects throughout Utkala and preach the essence of love and devotion. Following this order Rasika left that place and went to Rajagara. The King was known as Vaidyanatha Bhanja and he had two brothers Chota Raya Sena and Rautra. These three brothers were very powerful and belonged to the Surya dynasty. They kept many scholars in their court to regularly recite from Vedas and Bhagavata but they were all scholars like Brhaspati who knew everything about the six scriptures but had no devotion for Lord Krsna. After completing worship of the Deity in five ways Vaidyanatha, along with his brothers, was sitting in the court. Rasika came and took his seat in the court. He was holding a Bhagavata in his hand and looking like the sun. After eulogising the brahmins present there he took his seat next to the king. The three brothers were charmed to see his Narayana like feature. Even the ladies in the private chambers were charmed by his beauty and began to say, "Where has this great personality been hiding for such a long time. He is so handsome." The Saivites and Saktas all said, "He will surely destroy the pride of us all." A brahmin who was a scholar of the six scriptures but had no respect for Krsna thought that he must be Vyasa or Suka and would end his pride as a scholar. The housewives said, "He is the son of Acyuta and the moon of his dynasty. We are fortunate to see his feet." The elders present said, "This son is an asset of this dynasty. May Lord Narayana protect him and may we be able to see his sons and grandsons." His peers said, "He is our friend and there is no one so dear to us as him." His companions said, "He is my brother with whom I can travel fearlessly. No misery can touch me if I remain with him because he possesses the eight mystic perfections." The servants said, "He is a great man. Millions of mouths cannot describe his glories." The saints said, "He is the supreme of all men and will distribute love and devotion of Krsna to every home. He will deliver all beings. His glory cannot be fully described." The scholarly brahmins said, "We know that he is not an ordinary man. He is a genius in all scriptures and will manifest love and devotion to Krsna. He will curb the pride of all." The wise men said, "He must be Narayana Himself whom the yogis address as the omnipotent. this boy has stolen our senses. We have never seen such beautiful features and can't stop looking at him. He has taken birth to remove the darkness of the age of Kali and he has appeared among us to satisfy everyone's desire." In this way everyone present fell into the trap of Rasika and he dominated everyone. The three brothers fell at his feet and then gave him a prominent seat. The king washed his feet while one brother supplied water and the other wiped Rasika's feet with his own cloth. Then the three sat on the floor and the king, with a shaky heart, told him humbly, "We are most fortunate that you have visited our house. To-day we think our births have been worthwhile. Being able to see your lotus feet is the result of our austerities through millions of lives. You have come here to deliver us for we are your servants life after life. You have taken birth to deliver all living entities in this Kali-yuga. The king, Vaidyanatha, eulogised Prabhu in various ways and worshipped his feet like Lord Narayana. Then he offered a seat in his house and fed him with palatable items of food. He himself offered betel leaf to Prabhu and revealed all the miseries of his mind to Prabhu. Now I shall describe Prabhu's teachings to him. Listen to Rasika-mangala attentively for it describes all his wonderful pastimes. By the grace of Rasika I am describing them briefly in this Southern portion. Making the feet of Syamananda my ornament, this son of Rasamaya narrates Rasika-mangala.

Glory to Syamananda the deliverer of the universe. Please bestow your favour on me that I can sing your glory.

The king fell at Rasika's feet and requested him, "We are your servants life after life. Please favour us as your servants and give us some teachings." Rasika replied, "I will initiate all of you but first listen to me very attentively. You must dedicate yourself to the worship of the son of Nanda and give up the worship of all other deities. Lord Krsna is the root of all existences and the refuge of all. One who worships Krsna has nothing to fear. Be happy in singing the qualities of Krnsa." Rasika then quoted all the scriptures and made them understand that Krsna was the only truth adn all others were false. The brothers were happy to hear this and told him, "Whatever you say will be the only truth for us." Hearing that the king was taking initiation from Rasika all the Bhattacarya brahmins told him, "What are you doing? There are hundreds of Bhattacaryas and Chakravartis present here so let him first debate with us on the scriptures and if he convinces us we will also accept that religion." Rasika was glad to hear this and with folded hands accepted their request to appear in the debate. The king and his brothers were also happy to hear this and eagerly awaited the debate.

Rasika took the name of Krsna in his mind and being the embodiment of Vyasa, Brhaspati and Suka began to argue on Sankhya Sankhyayana. He established the importance of Krsna worship on the theory of Sankhya. He analysed the theories so finely that no one could oppose him and all the brahmins sat with bowed heads. Then he debated on the Mimamsa and again established the superiority of the worship of Lord Krsna. Next he debated on the scriptures of Patanjali and again established the importance of the worship of Lord Krsna. Rasika discussed the philosophy of Taraka, Vaisesika, Vedanta sutra, the four Vedas and the thirty-six smrtis and in all of then showed that they considered the worship of Lord Krsna as supreme. The others present could not say a word against Rasika. He also argued on different dramas, semi-scriptures and dhatus and analysed the scriptures which follow the teachings of Vyasa and Suka. He established beyond any shadow of a doubt that the essence of all religion was the worship of Krsna. On hearing the comments of Rasika the brahmins were overwhelmed and when the king asked them to give replies to the comments of Rasika they said, "He is not a mere boy but Narayana or Vyasa or Suka or Narada of Brhaspati. He has explained the inner meaning of the scriptures to us. He has fully explained the sutras, dhatus and the word for word meaning of the Vedas. We are unable to match his intelligence." The king was delighted to hear this and decided to ask some questions himself. Rasika replied to the audience, "Living entities perform deeds under the direction of the Supreme Lord and in ignorance of the Lord they roam in this material world taking birth in various conditions of life.

Providence has created "rajoviryya." Out of water comes blood, flesh and bones and on their own they enter into the womb. Over a period of seven months life develops in the womb. At this time the living entity has to experience great trouble. All the different foods eaten by the mother give great pain to every hair on the body of the child. In this miserable condition he thinks of Narayana and begins to pray to the Lord for deliverance. He prays to the Lord, "Being blind in the pursuit of material pleasure I neglected to worship You and for this reason You are now giving me so much trouble by keeping me in this womb." The living entities body comprises fove lives and twenty-five theories. There are four enemies, namely desire, anger, envy and infatuation. There are six vices which are accompanied by sound, touch, sight taste and smell. These enemies impede one from worshipping Narayana's lotus feet. The living entity in the womb continues to pray, "In this way I am subjected to miseries life after life but I never take to Harinama and never serve the saints, go for a pilgrimmage or show kindness to other living entities. My life is futile for I have roamed meaninglessly without recognising that Narayana is the father of every living entity. Now I beg to you to be kind to me and allow me to serve Your lotus feet in my future births. Without worship of Your feet one can never achieve salvation but must accept birth in this material world. Even powerful demigods such as Brahma can be charmed by Your maya and fall into this wheel of birth and death but one who achieves Your favour can attain shelter at Your feet." After hearing these prayers from the womb the three brothers asked how it was possible that one could forget Lord Krsna after taking his birth. Rasika answered them by quoting from various scriptures which could not be fully quoted in one month so I will tell it in brief.

Taking the feet of Syamananda as my ornament this son of Rasamaya narrates Rasika-mangala.

Glory to Syamananda the son of Durika and the life of Rasika. Rasika went on talking and the three brothers quietly listened as he explained how the living entity within always meditates on the Lord. Rasika continued, "As soon as one takes birth, by teh illusory energy of the Lord one forgets everthing. In childhood one remains ignorant and never thinks of Krsna the lord of life. In boyhood, one becomes mad with studies. In youth one is mad with pride and as he grows up he is blinded by greed for material pleasure and never worships Krsna. Then he enters into old age and suffers many different kinds of miseriesl There are eighty-four lacs of different species of life and the living entity who neglects to worship the Lord and to listen to the devotees must take his birth in these differnet species. The scriptures describe that he travels first through twenty lacs species of plants and trees, then nine lacs species of aquatics, eleven lacs as worms, insects and reptiles. ten lacs of birds, thirty of animals and four lacs of human beings. The living entity wanders through these different species, like in a wheel of maya, accepting repeated pains due to his not worshipping Krsna. The next one-hundred births of the living entity are in a brahmin family but instead of worshipping Krsna he is absorbed in mundane education. Despite studying many scriptures he cannot recognise that Lord Krsna is the father of all beings. The brahmins take birth from the mouth of the Lord, the kshatriyas form His arms, the Vaisyas from His stomach and the sudras from His legs. Unable to recognise their own father the living entities suffer life after life.

Having obtained this valuable humna life, which can be destroyed within a second, one should use it to worship Krsna and the devotees. If one can have the association of devotees then one can attain the shelter of the Lord but without this association one suffers. Without the worship of Krsna one must face repeated birth and death. The scriptures also warn us that death comes with birth therefore having achieved this human birth how can we neglect to worship Lord Krsna who acts as a boat to help us to cross the ocean of material existence. The abode of death is ahead of one and at the end of life one loses his power and longevity. Therefore it behooves one to depend on the Lord and meditate on His transcendental form. Sing the names of Lord Krsna, worship Krsna, think of Krsna, be kind to all and serve the Vaisnavas. Do Krsna sankirtana and dedicate yourself to the service of teh devotees. Within your home worship the form of the Lord, happily offer food to and water to guests adn with a pure heart give up all mundane issues. Death always travels with a living entity and it makes no distinction between a child and the aged. In this way all beings are dominated by time. No one is actually your mother, father, wife or child. Don't be infatuated by wealth, pride, education and youth but worship the Lord and cultivate devotion to Him. Only in this way can one avoid sorrows and achieve salvation. Devotion to Krsna is the essence of all Puranas, Vedas and scriptures. Lord Krsna is the only truth and all others are false. Take refuge at the feet of Lord Krsna and don't consider whether you are a boy or an aged person for there is no age limit in the worship of Krsna. Think of Dhruva, Prahlada, Suka and Hanu who had all worshipped Krsna from their childhood. You should also hear topics of Krsna from your guru. A living entity is no better than an animal if he has no guru. For one who is initiated all things become nectar in his hands but even water in the hands of the uninitiated is like urine. Unless one dedicates himself to Krsna he cannot attain salvation no matter how great a scholar he may be, no matter if he dies in a holy place and no matter that he has performed all rituals. By dedicating oneself to a guru he will help one to overcome the bondage of the material world and attain to Krsna. A person may be a scholar of the six scriptures of the Vedas, he may be a saint or a brahmin but if he is not a devotee of Krsna don't take advice from him. Make that person your guru who can remove all the agonies of your mind. Worship his feet, be faithful to him and then only you can attain to Krsna." Hearing the words of Rasika everyone became devotees of Krsna. They gave up animal slaughter and the worship of different deities and dedicated themselves to the worship of Krsna. Now I shall explain how it happened. Please listen to Rasika-mangala which is narrated by the son of Rasamaya who takes the feet of Syamananda as his ornament.

All glory to Syamananda the moon of the Gopa dynasty, whose fame is known throughout the world. Rasika continured explaining transcendental knowledge to the king and the illustrious Bhattacaryas. As they listened they began to shed tears and gave up all their speculative habits to take refuge in Krsna. Rasika told them, "Listen to the glory of the devotees of the Lord which cannot be explained even by Brahma. To meet a devotee even for one second is a great fortune for a person. Krsna is always with the devotee and the heart of a devotee is the abode of Krsna. Without their association one can never attain Krsna so do not waste any time. Because one neglects to worship Krsna one suffers perpetually and sinks into the depths of hell. The life of that person who never worships Krsna is like that of a tree and his miseries are like the blows of a blacksmiths hammer. The food eaten by non devotees is unholy for he is as wicked as a dog. He can also be compared to the camel which eats thorns or to the ass bearing heavy loads. Even a brahmin possessing the twelve qualities but never worshipping Krsna is like a beast. The Tathahi? Srimad-Bhagavatam says, "That person of low caste who has dedicated his mind, words, energy, wealth and life to Krsna is greater than a brahmin having the twelve qualities but no devotion to Krsna because that person can purify his dynasty but the brahmin, no matter how respected he is, cannot." All the gods and goddesses are servants of Krsna. If a person worships Krsna no one can do any harm to him. It is just like pouring water on the root of a tree where all the leaves and branches are nourished. If one worships Krsna he can have everything. So continue in this life but dedicate your mind, body and words to this service. Krsna is like nectar whereas all other are poison so don't leave aside the nectar to drink poison." Rasika's teachings to the king made everyone present in that assembly dedicate themselves to Krsna and relieved them from all misery. One who received the favour of the son of Acyuta could attain the sixty-four kinds of devotion.

Rasika then said to the king and his brothers, "I beg one thing from you." Immediately they became very restless and with folded hands they said, "We want to dedicate whatever we have to you. Please tell us what you want from us for we are your servants." The son of Acyuta then told them, "Give up this slaughtering of animals because it brings many sins and at the end of life takes one to a hellish life. It is stated in the Tathahi Padma Purana that eight persons go to hell on account of killing animals. They are the person who kills the animal, the man who catches it, the owner of the animal, the man who buys, the man who sells it, the person who offers it to the deity, the person who eats it and the person who desired to kill the animal. All eight persons suffer tremendously in hell. That person who kills an animal flouting the Vedic principles must live in hell for as many years as there are hairs on the body of the animal. The Lord is present in all living entities so if one kills animals he is sure to suffer in hell. Lord Krsna is the mother, father, Lord and protector of all. He is the wealth, manpower, friend and soul of all. Seeing the miseries of living entities I feel pity on them therefore I am telling you all this. You had better dedicate yourself to Lord Krsna and make the best use of this human life." After these lessons from Rasika the king and his two brothers became Vaisnavas. The Bhattacaryas told the king that they were unable to oppose the words of Rasika and they lamented the fact that they had not worshipped Lord Krsna for so long. The three brothers took initiation into Krsna mantra and Prabhu advised them how to worship the Lord. He said, "Worship Lord Krsna in the same mood of love and devotion as the gopas and gopis in Vraja. Think of Krsna, the Lord of Vrndavana, in the mood of madhurya bhava. The glory of Vrndavana cannot be ordinarily described. Even the king of the devas and other demigods meditate on it. Vrndavana is decorated with blossoming trees which are the dwelling places of different kinds of birds. Drones of bees, intoxicated with honey are common there. Seeing the blossoming trees the devas are all attracted and the sun and the moon appear there together. Surrounding Vrndavana are the cool waters of the river Kalindi. The ponds are full of lotuses and the polled of teh flowers decorate the ground. The forest dwelling deers and other animals roam there freely and always observe the feet of Radha and Krsna. The Vraja area consists of twelve forests and eighteen semi-forests and its beauty is as great as Vaikuntha. Within this area is a wish fulfilling tree which always showers jewels and gems. With gems all around, the area constantly shines. In the centre stands a beautifully decorated jewelled pandal with jewelled curtains and big pillars. In the centre of the pandal there is a jewelled throne decorated with pearl garlands. The effulgence of the jewels make millions of suns appear dim. All eight corners of the pandal are decorated with lotuses. The pandal has four doors whose frames are bedecked with jewels and the rasa mandali is also decorated with jewelled lampstands. The six seasons are always present there. The desire tree, which can remove the agonies of the material world, is decorated with jewelled leaves and its fruits are padmaraga jewels. The tree gives shade to all and removes the three types of miseries. The jewelled throne is situated under this tree. Try to meditate on Krsna sitting on that jewelled throne under the desire tree in Vrndavana. Krsna is dressed in yellow cloth and has Srimati Radharani by His left side. The palms of His hands, the soles of His feet and His lips are all red and His eyes are like red lotuses. He wears the Kaustubha jewel in the middle of His chest and He is decorated with numerous other ornaments. His head is decorated with jewels while round His neck hangs a jewelled garland which shines like lightning. The mark of Srivatsa is seen on His chest and His wrists carry jewelled bangles. His lotus feet are decorated with jewelled ankle-bells which chime sweetly and charm the minds of the three worlds. His forehead is painted with kumkum and tilaka and with His sweet smiling lips His looks mesmerise the three worlds and can defeat millions of Kandarpas. He stands in His three-fold bending form skillfully playing on His flute. He is under a tree on the banks of the Yamuna in the company of Srimati Radharani. They are surrounded by groups of gopis so that they look like a lotus surrounded by its petals. O King, if you think of this scene in your mind and you are sincere then you must attain to the service of Sri Sri Radha and Krsna.

After the three brothers heard all this they became firm in their worship of Krsna. Since the pastimes of Rasika are without limit I have only described them in brief.Making the feet of Syamananda my ornament this son of Rasamaya has written this.

Glory to Syamananda, the life of the universe. Please favour me so that I can sing your glory. In this way Vaidyanatha adn his brothers became firm in worshipping Krsna. The city of Utkala became the embodiment of love of Krsna. Rasika initiated many disciples there and stayed there for a long time. All of the inhabitants of Bharyabhuma became Vaisnavas and gave up animal slaughter.

One day Rasika was sitting in the court of the King, along with his brothers, listening to Bhagavata when the manager of the kings estates came there and stood before the king. The manager, whose name was Ramakrsna, was a disciple of Rasika and a staunch devotee. When he saw the attention of the King wander from the Bhagavata he said, "Oh King, you are an ignorant fellow. You will give up hearing the nectarean topics of Lord Krsna just to hear from your manager." Saying this he slapped the face of the king and the king immediately fainted. Everyone in the assembly was very sorry to see this and the kings ministers were about to kill Ramakrsna for his impudence. However, anticipating the situation the king quickly recovered and fell at the feet of Ramakrsna. With folded hands he announced to everyone, "I have commited a sin and for that I was punished. Rasika Prabhu is discussing the topics of Lord Krsna but I allowed my attention to wander elsewhere. It is the verdict of all scriptures that any topic other than those concerning Lord Krsna are like poison. That person who allows his attention to wander away from the topics of Krsna is a great sinner and is like dog or a pig which likes to eat rotten things. I have been rightly served by my brother Ramakrsna. He has saved me and shown proof of his affection for me." The king then took hold of the neck of Ramakrsna and to the astonishment of everyone he began to weep. The king then took the hand of Ramakrsna and said, "Your hand must be painful after slapping my hard body." Ramakrsna then had the king sit by his side and they continued to hear about Lord Krsna.

The king and his brothers became fully devoted to Rasika and following their example so did all the inhabitants of that place. After staying there for a long time Rasika went to Govindapura where Syamananda was staying. The king was very sad to see Rasika go and he felt great separation. The king gave many gifts to Rasika and Rasika offered them all to Syamananda. Syamananda was happy to see Rasika and said, "I want to tell you something. The zamindar King of Nrsimhapura, Uddanda Raya, is an anti-Vaisnava and always oppresses the Vaisnavas. If that type of wicked person can be changed then it will be marvellous. Let us both go to his place."

It was evening when they reached Nrsimhapura and Uddanda Raya was just lying on his bed but not sleeping. Suddenly he saw a figure enter his room and stand before him. In a grave voice he told the king, "Dedicate yourself to Syamananda Raya." After saying this he disappeared and the king could not see anyone although he had heard him speak to him. He considered the voice to have been divine and began to think about when he would meet Syamananda. It was just at this time that Syamananda and Rasika entered the home of Uddanda Raya. They met the king and he was very happy to see Syamananda standing before him. He worshipped the feet of Syamananda in various ways and dedicated himself to his service. Syamananda also favoured the king by giving him love and devotion. The king's family also took shelter at the feet of Syamananda. Previously he had been a powerful demon-like ruler but he was transformed into a saint. Everyone was astonished to see that now the king knew nothing but service to guru, Krsna and the devotees. From that day he began to serve hundreds of devotees and Syamananda brought his Deity Syama Raya from Dharenda and held three great festivals there. The king confessed to Syamananda, "I was a great sinner and killed thousands of devotees looting their rugs. If you permit me I shall bring all those rugs before you." With Syamananda's permission the king then had his men bring the rugs. To everyone's astonishment they numbered seven hundred and eighteen and took the size of a hill. Syamananda distributed these rugs back to the Vaisnavas and the king also offered clothes and other valuables to them. Following the example of Uddanda Raya all the subjects of his kingdom became Vaisnavas. It was the power of Syamananda and Rasika that by their touch persons could be freed from the three kinds of miseries. By their mercy all sinful people became devotees of Krsna. The glory of Rasika cannot be described even in millions of mouths. I have tried to do it in brief in this Southern part. Making the feet of Syamananda my ornament, this son of Rasamaya narrates Rasika-mangala.

End of the Southern Part.