7. History of Navadvīpa dhama

7. History of Navadvīpa dhama:

The Śrīmad Bhāgavatam (4.21.12) says that King Pṛthu established His opulent pious kingdom in the tract of land between the two great rivers Yamunā and Gaṅgā. 

In Navadvīpa Dhāma Mahātmya, Śrīla Ṭhākura Bhaktivinoda says that Pṛthu built his kingdom in Navadvīpa, which is the tract of land between the two great rivers. Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura also says that when Vidura quit Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s palace he went on pilgrimage (SB 3.1.16), and ultimately came to Śrīdhāma Māyāpur. 

According to Śrīla Ṭhākura Bhaktivinoda, through the ages Lord Rāmacandra, Lord Kṛṣṇa, the Pāṇḍavas, and the leading ācāryas of the four Vaiṣhṇava sampradāyas have all visited Navadvīpa Dhāma. 

“Arriving at Mamagacchi (Modadrumadvīpa), Lord Nityānanda said that Ayodhyā is in Modadrumadvīpa. In a previous kalpa, Sītā-Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa lived happily here under a huge banyan tree during their exile. Lord Rāma looked very attractive with His beautiful lotus eyes, a complexion green as new grass, and a graceful bow in His hand. Wearing matted locks and the dress of a brahmacārī, Rāma stole the minds of all living entities. 

Once Rāma told Sītā a secret story: 

‘When the age of Kali begins, I will appear here in Nadia with a brilliant golden complexion. All the fortunate souls who see My childhood pastimes will receive the supreme gift of prema. After enjoying My beloved educational pastimes and revealing the glories of the holy name, I will then take sannyāsa and go to Jagannātha Purī.’ 

“Five-thousand years ago, the Pāṇḍavas stayed in Mahātpura (Vaikuṇṭhapura) during their exile. During this time in Samudragarh, the Vaiṣhṇava King Samudrasena fought so valiantly with Bhima that Kṛṣṇa Himself appeared to rescue Bhima. Kṛṣṇa performed this pastime to reciprocate with His devotee King Samudrasena who intensely desired to have the Lord’s darśana. 

“About one-thousand years ago, Lord Nārāyaṇa led Rāmanuja (Śrī sampradaya) to Vaikuṇṭhapura. Then He mercifully showed Rāmanuja His transcendental form served by His potencies Śrī, Bhū, and Nīlā. A few moments later, Lord Nārāyaṇa showed the splendidly beautiful form of Gaurasundara. Overwhelmed with transcendental ecstasy, Rāmanuja fell unconscious. Gaurāṅga blessed Rāmanuja by placing His lotus feet on his head. Revived and divinely inspired, Rāmanuja glorified Gaurāṅga and expressed a desire to witness His pastimes. 

“Gaurāṅga replied, ‘In the future, when I reveal my pastimes you will again take birth to see them.’ Rāmanuja then joined his disciples in South India, and preached dāsya-rasa while internally meditating on Gaura-līlā. 

“Nimbārka (Kumāra sampradaya) came to Rudrādvīpa and worshiped Lord Śiva in Bilva Paksha. Once Lord Śiva appeared before Nimbārka telling him to take instruction from the four Kumāras who were meditating nearby. Nimbārka received Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa mantra from them and continued living in Navadvīpa. Following the teachings of the Sanat-kumāra-saṁhitā, he worshiped Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa with great love. 

“Once Rādhā-Mādhava appeared before Nimbārka revealing Their unified form as Śrī Gaurāṅga Mahāprabhu. Then Nimbārka left Navadvīpa to begin his preaching mission. In Gaurāṅga-līlā, Nimbārka appeared as Keśava Kaśmirī, and received love of God directly from Nimāi Paṇḍita. 

“Madhvācārya (Brahmā sampradaya) and his disciples also stayed in Vaikuṇṭhapura. Appearing in a dream, Gaurāṅga told Madhvācārya, ‘You are My eternal servant. When I appear in Navadvīpa I will accept your sampradāya. Now, go everywhere, preach against the māyāvadīs, and reveal the glories of worshiping the deity of the Lord.’ Madhvācārya woke up astonished and cried out, ‘When will I ever see that beautiful golden form again?’ 

“Once Viṣhṇuswāmī and his disciples spent a night in Rudradvīpa reciting śāstras and chanting ‘Hari bol!’ Pleased by their bhakti, Lord Śiva appeared there offering a boon to the surprised but overjoyed Viṣṇuswāmī. Lord Śiva empowered Viṣṇuswāmī to establish a sampradāya (Rudra sampradaya) teaching devotional service. Shortly later, Gaurāṅga appeared to Viṣhṇuswāmī in a dream and said, ‘By Rudra’s mercy you have become My devotee and attained the treasure of bhakti. Now travel and preach the philosophy of śuddhādvaita/purified monism. (Navadvipa Dhama Mahatmya).