29. Offenders Freed

29. Offenders Freed:

“The most suitable thing for the people of Kali-yuga is the treasure of Gaurāṅga-līlā. In the forms of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa in Vṛndāvana the Lord is performing His eternal pastimes. Although the pastimes of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa and the glories of Vraja Dhāma are recounted in the scriptures and available to everyone, very few people have obtained Kṛṣṇa-prema. What is the reason for this? 

“If one is full of offenses, even worshiping Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa for many births will not give love of God. Only by offenselessly chanting the holy name of Kṛṣṇa will one receive continuous Kṛṣṇa-prema. However, the golden avatāra Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya is different because even if a person is filled with offenses, he can still quickly obtain love of God by calling out the merciful names of ‘Nitāi!’ and ‘Caitanya!’ 

“Kṛṣṇa-prema comes looking for such a person. All offenses are quickly destroyed by the mercy of Lord Caitanya, the heart becomes pure, and he cries tears of ecstasy in pure love of God. People living in Kali-yuga are filled with an unlimited number of offenses, therefore, the scriptures proclaim that there is no other means of deliverance than Gaurāṅga’s name. 

“Navadvīpa is the crest jewel of all holy places. Offenders in Vṛndāvana and other holy places are punished, but in the merciful Dhāma of Navadvīpa they become purified as exemplified by the two rogues Jagāi and Mādhāi. Although they committed the most severe and atrocious offenses, Jagāi and Mādhāi still received the mercy of Nitāi and Gaura. By the great mercy of Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu, the purifier of the living entities, even a person who has committed hundreds of offenses can overcome those offenses in Navadvīpa Dhāma. For this reason, the sages continually praise Navadvīpa Dhāma of Gaura-maṇḍala.” (Navadvipa Dhama Mahatmya) 

After staying 30 years in Vraja, Śrīla Jagannātha Dāsa Bābājī said, “I lived 30 years in Vṛndāvana, but could not attain Kṛṣṇa-prema. Yet when I moved to Navadvīpa Dhāma, I quickly found Kṛṣṇa-prema!” A sādhaka full of anarthas should first live in Navadvīpa Dhāma. By the unlimited mercy of Lord Gaurāṅga’s holy abode he will become purified of material attachments and sinful reactions. Then he will be eligible to live in Śrī Vṛndāvana and perform devotional service.

“Just see the difference between Vraja-tattva and Navadvīpa-tattva. The offenders of Kṛṣṇa get the liberation of merging in the Lord’s effulgence, whereas in Navadvīpa, the offenders receive the rare treasure of love of Godhead. Gaura-līlā, therefore, may be considered the highest of all. 

“The Gaura Dhāma, the Gaura Nāma, and Lord Gaurāṅga’s form and qualities do not consider offenses, rather these offenses are easily overcome. But Kṛṣṇa Nāma and Kṛṣṇa Dhāma will give results only after a long time if the devotee has some offense in his heart. However, with Gaura Nāṁa and Gaura Dhāma offenses are no obstacle, because the devotee can easily conquer over them and quickly get Kṛṣṇa-prema.” (Navadvipa Dhama Mahatmya)