Diptiman Gaurahari das
Published: 2019-06-17
Total Pages: 147
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Sri Navadvipa Bhava Taranga has been composed by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, a renowned Gaudiya Vaishnava acharya, whose contribution to the Brahma-Madhva Gaudiya Sampradaya is invaluable. At a time when the science of pure devotional service (Bhakti) had almost become lost due to the cultural and religious chauvinism of the ruling British, and the essence of Vaishnavism largely discredited due to the perverted actions and lifestyles of a few non bonafide Vaishnava sects, Srila Bhaktivinoda was largely responsible for rescuing and unearthing the timeless teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. In Fact, it was he who, after conducting painstaking research, had rediscovered the long lost birthsite of Sri Gaurasundara at Yogpeeth. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura was not only a magistrate but also a renowned and recognized scholar in his days, with vast knowledge in english,bengali,hindi,oriya and sanskrit.He was also a member of the royal asiatic society of London. He was instrumental in unearthing several ancient manuscripts like Chaitanya-upanishad (a portion of Atharva Veda) , Sri Krishna Vijaya, etc. We are exceedingly honored and feel ourselves blessed to have been able to translate this book in English and present it 'as it is' for the pleasure of the devotees. The Book is comprehensive with attractive pictures and contains an easy how-to-reach to the respective destinations.Sri Navadvipa Bhava Taranga talks in detail about the various exalted sites of Navadvipa, some of which are visible to the ordinary eye and some which are not. For example Srila Bhaktivinoda talks about an enchanting garden in this book, where Lord Gauranga manifests His eternal pastimes. This garden, which he refers to as 'Ishodyan' is invisible to ordinary vision. He goes onto describe Ishodyan as replete with wonderful trees and chirping birds, who constantly sing the glories of Lord Gauranga. There is also a beautiful lake and a temple which adorns this transcendental garden. The temple is bedecked with gold, diamonds, blue and yellow sapphires. However to the material vision, the place where this garden is located, seems to be a waste land overgrown with thorns. Several other exalted sites of Navadvipa have been mentioned in this book, which are of paramount importance to a sincere spiritual seeker. Places like Arka Tila (where the sun god is eternally engaged in worshiping Lord Gauranga), Jahnu Muni's ashrama (only an ancient tree remains at this place), Vidyanagara (the seat of all learning), Yogpeeth (birthplace of Lord Gauranga), Bharadvaja tila (where Bharadvaja muni meditated upon Gauranga), Panchaveni, Panchavakra Shiva Tola, Poramatola, Nrsimhapalli (where Lord Nrsimhadeva took rest after killing Hiranyakashipu), Suvarna vihara, Vishrama-sthala (where the devotees rested after performing Kirtana), Naimisharanya (where the sages received darsana of Lord Gauranga), etc are replete with causeless mercy and are witness to enchanting pastimes of the Lord and His eternal associates. In fact the scriptures state unambiguously that the pastimes of Lord Gauranga are eternally taking place in this sacred abode of Navadbvipa and is visible even today to those who are fortunate. Sri Narottama das Thakura sings in one of his bhajans that Navadvipa is Chintamani dham (completely spiritual) and is full of wish-fulfilling trees. Anyone who takes shelter of this abode, achieves the supreme perfection of his spiritual life. Navadvipa is the embodiment of all Tirthas, who reside and render service to this sacred abode. Navadvipa has been glorified as 'sarva Dhama sar' or the essence of all the holy abodes. What one attains by travelling to all the holy places is attained just by remembering the transcendental abode of Navadvipa. Srila Bhaktivinoda assures that anyone who reads this book with faith and devotion, shall be accepted amongst the most intimate associates of Sri Gaurahari.