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Rasikananda Prabhu

One time some mad elephants attacked Rasikananda. Calmly, he chanted "Gauranga, Gauranga, Krishna, Krishna" while sprinkling water on the rampaging beasts. The elephants immeditately stopped charging, humbly bowed their heads, raised their trunks, and bellowed "Hare Krishna! Hare Krishna!" (In the wallpaper: Rasikananda Prabhu, and some elephants).

Shri Rasikananda Prabhu (Rasika Murari) appeared as the son of a king. He became a perfect sage, Gaudiya Vaishnava scholar, rasika bhakta, and the most beloved disciple of Shri Shyamananda Prabhu.

On Shyamananda Prabhu's order, Rasikananda became the head pujari and served his guru's Deity of Govindaji with total dedication. His attentive loving service increased Govindaji's beauty and pleasure. Rasika Murari enchanted the Devotees with his unprecedented Deity service. After firmly establishing Govindaji's worship, he accepted Shyamananda's order to preach.

He traveled widely for forty years, influencing everyone with the message of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Rasikananda delivered everyone from pious royal families to Muslims, outcastes, agnostics, atheists, and even wild animals.

One time some mad elephants attacked Rasikananda. Calmly, he chanted "Gauranga, Gauranga, Krishna, Krishna" while sprinkling water on the rampaging beasts. The elephants immeditately stopped charging, humbly bowed their heads, raised their trunks, and bellowed "Hare Krishna! Hare Krishna!"

At the time of leaving his body, Rasikananda began a powerful kirtana. Then he left this world by entering into the Kshira-chora Gopinatha Deity in Remuna, Orissa. Devastated in separation, his disciples dropped their mrdangas, karatals-and their bodies. The pushpa samadhis of all these pure Devotees stand near the Temple. Rasikananda Prabhu's pushpa samadhi stands next to Shyamananda Prabhu's near the Temple of Radha-Shyamasundara.

At the time of leaving his body, Rasikananda began a powerful kirtana. Then he left this world by entering into the Kshira-chora Gopinatha Deity in Remuna, Orissa. Devastated in separation, his disciples dropped their mrdangas, karatals-and their bodies. The pushpa samadhis of all these pure Devotees stand near the Temple. Rasikananda Prabhu's pushpa samadhi stands next to Shyamananda Prabhu's near the Temple of Radha-Shyamasundara. (In the wallpaper: image above left is the samadhi of Rasikananda Prabhu, Kshira Chora Gopinath Temple, Remuna, Orissa, and Kshira Chora).

Rasikananda Prabhu – Video

Shri Rasikananda Prabhu (Rasika Murari) appeared as the son of a king. He became a perfect sage, Gaudiya Vaishnava scholar, rasika bhakta, and the most beloved disciple of Shri Shyamananda Prabhu.
He traveled widely for forty years, influencing everyone with the message of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Rasikananda delivered everyone from pious royal families to Muslims, outcastes, agnostics, atheists, and even wild animals.

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Rasikananda Prabhu – Gallery

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Rasikananda Prabhu – Biography 2

On the first day of the bright fortnight in the month of Phalguna, Sakabda 1574 (1652AD), Rasikananda quietly slipped out of the village Santa without anyone's notice and walked to Remuna. Arriving there, he discussed Krishna-katha with the Devotees there for a while and instructed everyone to serve Shri Krishna with devotion. Then, after requesting them to begin sankirtana, he entered the Temple of Shri Gopinatha, and after touching Kshira-chora Gopinatha's lotus feet, which bestow complete fearlessness, he entered into their ultimate shelter. Rasikananda prabhu’s samadhi is at the Temple of Kshira-chora Gopinath at Remuna just in front and to the right as you go in the main gate, with the Temple to the left, and admin’ offices straight ahead. (In the wallpaper: Samadhi of Rasikananda Prabhu, Deity of Kshira Chora and in the background the Temple of Kshira Chora in Remuna, Orissa).

Accepting the order of his guru, Shri Shyamananda, on his head, Rasikananda preached the message of Shri Gaursundar in the world for approximately 16 years. Thereafter he entered into his eternal pastimes through the lotus feet of Gopinatha at Remuna. On the first day of the bright fortnight in the month of Phalguna, Sakabda 1574 (1652AD), Rasikananda quietly slipped out of the village Santa without anyone's notice and walked to Remuna. Arriving there, he discussed Krishna-katha with the Devotees there for a while and instructed everyone to serve Shri Krishna with devotion. Then, after requesting them to begin sankirtana, he entered the Temple of Shri Gopinatha, and after touching Kshira-chora Gopinatha's lotus feet, which bestow complete fearlessness, he entered into their ultimate shelter.

Rasikananda prabhu’s samadhi is at the Temple of Kshira-chora Gopinath at Remuna just in front and to the right as you go in the main gate, with the Temple to the left, and admin’ offices straight ahead.

Birth

Around 1590 AD (Sakabda 1512), on the first day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kartik, during the night of the festival Dipamalika, when the houses are decorated with rows of lamps, Shri Rasikananda Deva made his appearance in this world. His father was Shri Achyuta Deva, the king of Rohini.

The village of Rohini or Royni was situated within the country known as Mallabhumi, encompassed on one side by the Suvarnarekha River (Suvarna meaning golden and rekha, a line). This Suvarnarekha River cleansed the sins of all the local people. Near Royni was another village of the name Barayita, by the side of which flowed the Dolanganadi River, whose banks were adorned with beautiful gardens. Raja Achyuta Deva very affectionately maintained his subjects and was famous for impeccably observing the rites attendant upon kings. In the village of Royni the son of King Achyuta appeared as the sun appears in the eastern sky and became dearly beloved by the people. He was known as Rasikananda and also Murari.

Youth

At a very young age he became quite proficient in all of the scriptures. He was very devoted to his parents, especially his mother, whose name was Bhavani. His father married him at very young age. Murari's wife Shyamadasi was a treasure chest of good character who hailed from the village of Ghonta Shila, not far from Royni on the banks of the Suvarna Rekha, where in earlier ages the Pandavas had lived in exile.

Meeting his Guru

One day, Murari was sitting in a lonely place, wondering when and where he might become so fortunate as to get shelter at the lotus feet of a spiritual preceptor. Just then a voice from the sky addressed him, "Don't be in anxiety, you will become the disciple of Shri Shyamananda." Having heard this proclamation, Rasik Murari became very jubilant, and began to repeatedly murmur the name Shyamananda, as though chanting japa.

Moment to moment his eagerness increased without diminition, as tears flowed from his eyes by his chanting of the name of Shyamananda. He was in such a state that he spent most of the night sleeplessly, calling to his master Shyamananda. Finally, towards the early morning, he drifted off to the land of dreams, where he saw his spiritual master, the very figure of charm and grace. Smilingly, Shyamananda informed him, “When tomorrow the eastern sky becomes tinged with pink, you will obtain me.” Saying this, Shyamananda disappeared. Rasikananda's heart began to swell in ecstatic bliss. Then, with the first rays of morning which dispel the dense darkness of the world, the wise Murari sat silently watching the path. After some time Shyamananda approached from the distance, looking as effulgent as the sun and surrounded by his disciples like Shri Kishora dasa and others. His smiling face was like the lotus flower that opens to greet its friend- the sun, and his chest was as broad as a door. His captivating appearance was made all the more irresistable by the sweet sounds of 'Shri Krishna Chaitanya-Nityananda' emanating from his lotus mouth. Absorbed in intense love he moved along the path like the clouds move in the sky. When Rasika caught sight of this divine form, he fell down in front of him to touch his lotus feet. In great ecstasy Shyamananda embraced him and began to bathe him with his tears of ecstatic love.

Life devoted to Preaching

Shri Rasika Murari then felt himself to be one of the most fortunate living beings within this universe. On an auspicious day Shyamananda initiated Rasika and his wife in Radha-Krishna mantra. After that, Rasikananda began to travel with his guru, during which time he became a very intimate disciple. Shyamananda then bestowed upon him the service of Shri Radha-Govinda Deva at Shri Gopiballabhapur. Rasikananda became totally engaged in their Lordships service, and the Devotees were charmed by his excellent services. At Gopiballabhpur and other places he began to seriously take up the preaching the message of Shri Gaura-Nityananda. By his influence many atheists and non-believers were transformed into devotees of Shri Gaura-Nityananda. "By the tremendous influence of Rasikananda's preaching, many rogues, robbers and atheists were delivered from their sinful activities and received his mercy. He distributed the jewel of devotion as he travelled from village to village, in the company of his disciples.

One day he even converted a wild elephant which was sent for his destruction into his disciple and engaged him in the service of Krishna and the Vaishnavas. That wicked miscreant who sent the elephant bowed at his feet when he realised his mistake. It is not possible to count the number of living entities that were extricated from the ocean of material existence by Rasikananda Deva's association. He was always intoxicated with the chanting of the Holy Name. Who cannot but be overwhelmed by hearing about his uncommon qualities?" [B.R. 15.86] Many virtuous kings and zamindars such as the king of Mayurbhanj named Vaidyanatha Bhanj, the king of Patashpur known as Gajapati and Chandrabhanu, the king of Moyna, took shelter at his lotus feet. What to speak of those pious and noble gentlemen, even the sinful zamindar Bhima, Shuba Ahmadbeg and the wicked atheist Shrikar also surrendered themselves at his lotus feet. Another vicious, wild elephant was tamed by Rasikananda's transcendental influence and henceforward was known as Gopala das. Later, two jungle tigers likewise gave up their ferocious nature.

Love for Lord Jagannath

One year, during Lord Jagannatha's Ratha-yatra festival, Rasikananda Deva was preaching somewhere in the country, but when he realised that it was time for Ratha-yatra he dropped everything and rushed like the wind in order to come to Nilachala in time for the festival.

But in the meantime the festival had already begun. Lord Jagannath, Who felt reciprocal separation from His dear Devotee Rasikananda, caused the Rath to stop. Though the king summoned his elephants to push the Ratha, under no circumstances could they budge it, not even an inch. Then Lord Jagannatha, seeing that the king was becoming frustrated, informed him that He was waiting for His Devotee Rasika.

Finally Rasikananda Deva arrived, carrying with him many offerings of silk clothes and other presents. He fell down to offer his dandavats before Lord Jagannatha, and the king requested him to pull the rope at which the cart began to easily move along the road, just as the clouds move in the sky. Later the king requested Rasikananda to accept a gift of land so he might establish a Temple there. Rasikananda requested the place known as Fultota Math, which is now known as Kunja Math. There he installed the Deity of Shri Bat Krishna. The Deity is now known as Shri Shri Radha-Rasika Raya.

Later the king requested Rasikananda to accept a gift of land so he might establish a Temple there. Rasikananda requested the place known as Fultota Math, which is now known as Kunja Math. There he installed the Deity of Shri Bat Krishna. The Deity is now known as Shri Shri Radha-Rasika Raya. (In the wallpaper: Shri Shri Radha Rasika Deities and Their Temple).

Lineage

Shri Rasikananda had three sons: Shri Radhananda, Shri Krishna-Govinda and Shri Radha-Krishna. The present servants of Shri Shri Radha-Govindadeva at Gopiballabhapur are their descendents. He composed Shri Shyamananda-sataka, Shrimad Bhagavatashtaka as well as other hymns and songs. His Shripat Gopiballabhpur can be reached from Calcutta by taking a train to Khavagpur, and a bus to Gopiballabhpur from there. There is also a Temple of Rasikananda at Puri.

We observe the Disappearance of Vaishnava Acharyas by singing a bhajana in their honor."Je anilo prema dhana"

Rasikananda Prabhu – Biography 3

Achyutananda and Rasikananda were born in the Karana caste in order to bless it. (In the images: Rasikananda Prabhu and his house).

Rasikananda's Birth

Rasikananda Deva Goswami was born in 1512 of the Saka era (1590 AD) in the village of Rohini or Rayni in the Midnapore district. This village is situated at the confluence of the Subarnarekha and Dolanga rivers. His father's name was Raja Achyutananda and his mother, Bhavani Devi. The Subarnarekha River crosses back and forth across the present-day Bengal-Orissa border. Midnapore district used to be a part of the Orissan kingdom. Raja Achyutananda was an Orissan of the Karana caste, the equivalent of the Kayasthas in Bengal. A Vaishnava is beyond the material qualities and should not be judged in terms of his caste origins. Achyutananda and Rasikananda were born in the Karana caste in order to bless it.

We can assume that Rasikananda was a manjari in Krishna lila. Though his spiritual master Shyamananda had himself been initiated by Hriday Chaitanya Goswami, who worshipped the Lord in the mood of friendship, he later took shelter of the conjugal mood due to the association of the Vraja Devotees led by Jiva Goswami. Shyamananda thus initiated Rasikananda into the worship of Radha and Krishna.

Rasikananda was also known by the name Rasika Murari. Mother Jahnava's disciple Nityananda Das wrote in his Prema-vilasa that Shyamananda had two principle disciples, one named Rasikananda, the other Murari, both of whom lived in Rayni. But Narahari Chakravarti indicates clearly in Bhakti-ratnakara that both names refer to the same individual.

In the village of Rayni lived the famous son of Achyutananda. He had two names: Rasikananda and Murari. Thus he was also known as Rasika-Murari. He became learned in the scriptures in his childhood. (Bhakti-ratnakara 15.27-8)

Rasika Murari Meets Shyamananda Prabhu

Rasika Murari was anxious to find a spiritual master who could give him guidance on the mystical path. One day while in Ghantashila, he went to a solitary place to meditate. He had just entered into a very deep trance when he heard a voice from an unseen source say, "Murari! You need be anxious no longer. Your guru is Shyamananda and you will meet him here very shortly. Take shelter of him and your life will be successful."

Upon hearing the divine message, Murari began chanting the name of Shyamananda on his beads with joyful enthusiasm. He spent the entire night crying out of eager expectation to meet his guru, until finally at the end of the night, he had a dream vision of Shyamananda Prabhu who said to him, "Don't worry any longer, for you will meet me on this very day."

At dawn, Rasika Murari was on the lookout for his guru, when he saw the tall figure of Shyamananda approaching him, as effulgent as the sun. Surrounded by disciples like Kishor Das, he was dancing in a state of absorption in divine love while chanting the names of Nityananda and Chaitanya. Rasika Murari had been waiting anxiously for so long to encounter his guru that he immediately fell down at his feet. Shyamananda affectionately lifted him up and embraced him. Then, after giving him the Radha-Krishna mantra, he offered him up to Chaitanya and Nityananda Prabhus. This whole story demonstrates how we can find a guru through sincere prayers.

Rasikananda Becomes a Potent Preacher

Rasikananda Deva Goswami fully committed himself in body, mind and soul to the service of his guru. Indeed, he served him so well that in a short time he was recognized as Shyamananda's chief disciple, a very powerful preacher and initiating guru himself. In fact, it is a truism that a good disciple becomes a good teacher. A spiritual master may have innumerable followers who call him their guru, but are disciples in name only. Only a true disciple who has dedicated himself completely to his spiritual mater is imbued with all the powers of the guru. Shyamananda invested Rasikananda with such spiritual power that he was able to convert many criminals, atheists, Muslims, and other fallen spirit souls to the path of devotion, bestowing the jewel of prema upon them all.

On one occasion, a wicked Muslim tried to silence Rasika Murari by having him attacked by an intoxicated elephant, but Rasikananda was able to transform even the elephant into a disciple and engage him in the service of Vishnu and the Vaishnavas. All who witnessed this amazing event were overwhelmed with astonishment at Rasika Murari's spiritual power and the evil Muslim zamindar himself came and surrendered to him.

Shyamananda turned the service of his personal Govinda Deity in Gopiballabhpur over to Rasikananda. He delivered unlimited living beings without any consideration of their caste or religious background. Rasikananda remained constantly intoxicated in Harinam sankirtana. Who will not be overcome with emotion on reciting his virtues? (Bhakti-ratnakara 15.81-6)

The Prema-vilasa corroborates this account in the 19th chapter, "He delivered many criminals and Muslims."

The Raja of Mayurbhanj in Orissan, Vaidyanath Bhanj, was also attracted to the transcendental power of Rasikananda and became his disciple. Other important disciples were Ganapati, the zamindar of Patashpur in Midnapore, Shri Bhima and Shrikara, zamindars of Dharenda, and Ahmed Beg, the son-in-law of Ibrahim Khan, the governor of Orissa.

Rasikananda Deva Goswami wrote a number of works, including Shyamananda-staka, Bhakta-Bhagavatashtaka, and Kunjakeli-dvadashaka.

Rasikananda's Disappearance

It is said that just prior to Rasikananda's disappearance in AD 1652, he went with seven of his disciples to a village named Bansdaha near Jaleshwar. Mahaprabhu passed through the village when traveling to Puri with Nityananda. (Chaitanya Bhagavata 3.2.263-4)

Rasikananda and his party walked from there to Remuna, chanting kirtan the whole way. When they arrived in the courtyard of the famous Khirchora Gopinath Temple, Rasikananda suddenly merged into the body of the Gopinath Deity. His disciples also left their bodies in the same place. Rasika Murari's flower samadhi and those of his seven associates are still maintained in the courtyard of the Khirchora Gopinath Temple. An annual festival lasting twelve days is held in Remuna to celebrate his disappearance. This takes place on Shiva-chaturdasi in the month of Magh.

Vishvambharananda Deva Goswami, the author of the celebrated Ashtikya-darshana, was Rasikananda's descendant.

[Excerpted from “Shri Chaitanya: His Life & Associates” by Shrila Bhakti Ballabh Tirtha Maharaj]

Rasikananda and his party walked from there to Remuna, chanting kirtan the whole way. When they arrived in the courtyard of the famous Khirchora Gopinath Temple, Rasikananda suddenly merged into the body of the Gopinath Deity. His disciples also left their bodies in the same place. Rasika Murari's flower samadhi and those of his seven associates are still maintained in the courtyard of the Khirchora Gopinath Temple. (In the wallpaper: in the background Samadhi of Rasikananda Prabhu, Deities of Shri Shri Radha Rasikananda and footprints of Rasikananda Prabhu).