Ekadasi Eve

Vṛndāvana Manifests as Navadvīpa

Haribol! We’re in the middle of Navadvīpa parikramā, and I unexpectedly got locked out of my place until very late at night. So, I’ll be skipping the usual Ekādaśī Eve post this time.

For now, here are some beautiful verses from Navadvīpa-dhāma-māhātmya:

The Distinction Between Navadvīpa and Vraja

Navadvīpa-dhāma-māhātmya (6.86–90)

vraja-tattva, navadvīpa-tattve dekho bheda
kṛṣṇa-aparādhī, labhe nirvāṇa abheda (1)

See the distinction between the tattva of Navadvīpa and that of Vraja: [In Vraja] those offensive to Kṛṣṇa attain undifferentiated nirvāṇa.

hethā aparādhī pāya prema-ratna-dhana
ataeva gaura-līlā sarvopari hana (2)

But here [in Navadvīpa], offenders attain the priceless jewel of prema; thus, Gaura’s pastimes are supreme.

gaura-dhāma, gaura-nāma, gaura-rūpa-guṇa
aparādha nāhi māne tārite nipuṇa (3)

Gaura’s abode, Gaura’s name, and Gaura’s form and qualities pay no heed to offenses and are expert in delivering everyone.

ĵadi aparādha thāke sādhakera mane
kṛṣṇa-nāme, kṛṣṇa-dhāme tāre bahu-dine (4)

If offenses remain in the practitioner’s heart, Kṛṣṇa’s name and Kṛṣṇa’s abode deliver him only after a long time.

gaura-nāme, gaura-dhāme sadya prema haya
aparādha nāhi tā’ra bādhā upajaya (5)

Through Gaura’s name and Gaura’s abode, however, prema arises instantly, and offenses pose no impediment.