The Glories of Srila Haridasa Thakura
Srila Haridasa Thakura was born in a village called Budhana,, in the present district of Sat-kira, which was previously a sub-division of Khulna, now in Bangladesh. He is an eternally liberated associate of the Lord. The associates of the Lord are worshippable wherever they make their appearance. Just as Prahlada Maharaja appeared in a family of demons and Hanuman appeared as a monkey, Haridas Thakur appeared in a family of Muslims (Mohammedans). From his very birth he was very deeply devoted to the Holy Names of Sri Krishna. After remaining at his village for some years, he left his village and travelled to a place near the River Ganga. He finally settled in the village of Phuliya near Santipura,West Bengal. Srila Haridasa Thakura passed his time wandering upon the banks of the Ganga, chanting the name of the Supreme Lord Krsna.
Haridasa had absolutely no attraction for material enjoyment. The Holy Name of Lord Krsna continuously vibrated on his tongue, creating an extraordinary beauty. Never for a moment, did he feel any apathy towards his chanting of the Holy Name of Krsna, He remained always absorbed, tasting the nectar of devotional service.
He occasionally danced in ecstasy or cried in lamentation while at other times he lay still in a state of unconsciousness. Sometimes, he spoke in mysterious languages, and later explained the meaning of his words. All the ecstatic symptoms of love of Krsna were manifest in him . It was common to see Srila Dasa Thakura dancing while he sang out the glories of Lord Krsna's name.
In the village of Phuliya, even the ritualistic Brahmins were sincerely impressed if not astonished by Srila Dasa Thakura's spiritual ecstasies. The people of the village held the saint in full respect, and having won their trust, he lived there quite peacefully. He bathed daily in the Ganga and roamed freely, chanting the Lord's Holy Name.
The local Muslim magistrate authority known as the Kazi became envious of Haridasa Thakura's popularity and reported to the Nawab, "This man is acting like a Hindu. Arrest him and punish him appropriately!" The envious words of the sinful Kazi sparked an immediate response from the equally sinful Nawab, and Haridasa Thakura was arrested and brought forth. Having received the mercy of Lord Krsna, Haridasa had neither fear of the Muslim authorities, nor even of death itself. With the name of the Lord on his lips, Haridasa appeared before the Nawab.
When devotees and other pious persons in the locality of the Nawab's palace heard that the saint Haridasa was coming, they were extremely happy, but when they subsequently learned that he was coming as a captive of the Muslim ruler, they were horrified. Previously, many religious people had been terrorized and incarcerated by the Muslims . These prisoners were happy to learn that Haridasa might be joining them. His presence in their miserable situation would certainly eradicate their suffering. The prisoners even requested the prison wardens to allow them unrestricted association with Srila Haridasa.
When Srila Thakura was brought into the prison, he looked compassionately at all the prisoners who immediately prostrated themselves at his lotus feet. His long graceful arms, which extended to his knees, his lotus eyes, and his charming moon-like face, enchanted everyone. They offered their most sincere respects to the saint, and love for Krsna stirred in their hearts. Srila Haridasa Thakura was pleased with the tremendous devotion that had grown in the hearts of the prisoners and he blessed them, "Just remain as you are." However, the miserable prisoners could not grasp the depth of that blessing and they felt quite dejected.Haridasa could see their misunderstanding and compassionately explained himself, "My blessing to you is that you will remain as you are, but please do not feel dejected. I could never wish you any misfortune. I simply desire that the love you now feel for Krsna should always remain the same. From now on, chant Lord Krsna's name and constantly remember His pastimes, inspiring one another to retain your present devotion to Krsna. When you are released from this prison do not return to your old materialistic ways nor associate with degraded or sinful people because one can never cultivate love for the Supreme Lord Krishna by living a mundane life. Having showered his unrestricted mercy upon the prisoners, Haridasa went before the Nawab.
Because of his purity, Srila Haridasa Thakura radiated a certain effulgence which the Nawab could not fail to notice. He rose respectfully when Haridasa entered and offered the saint a seat. Although he himself had become quite confused, the Nawab asked Haridasa, "What sort of mentality has overcome you? Knowing you have the good fortune to become a Muslim, why do you behave like a Hindu? I have decided to punish you according to the mandates of the Koran so that you will be freed from your sins."
Without any apprehension, Haridasa simply smiled at the Nawab and spoke in a sweet, soothing voice, "My dear Sir, there is only one God for all living entities. The difference between the Moslem god and the Hindu God is in name only. According to knowledgeable Hindus and Muslims, and according to every scriptures, be it Koran or Puran, God is one. He resides in everyone's heart."
"The omnipotent Lord is the supreme controller of everything. The living entity is moved by the desire of the Supreme Lord, and he acts and works only according to the Lord's design. Whatever you see of my activities and me are manifestations of the Lord who guides me from within. A person may be born in a family of brahmanas, but he may become a Muslim. What should the Hindus do with such a person? Should He be punished? Is he not only acting in accordance with the inner prompting of the Lord for the fulfillment of his personal desires -- and will he not eventually receive his results accordingly? What is the use of killing someone who is already dead? My dear respected Sir, please consider these points seriously, and if you still find me guilty, then punish me."
The Muslim courtiers were sincerely moved by the purity of Haridasa Thakura's words and presence. However, his wisdom could not penetrate the envious and sinful heart of the Kazi who turned to the Nawab and instructed, "You must punish this man. He is evil and mischievous. Others will fall under his influence and become equally sinful. He will disgrace our Muslim religion and community. Therefore, he must be appropriately punished. However, if he wants to be excused, then let him speak from his own scripture."
The Nawab tried again, "Just give up this chanting and say the Kalma (prayer of the Mohammedans)."
"Whatever the Supreme Lord desires is destined to happen, no one can check it," replied Haridasa. "Each one of us suffers according to the degree of his previous offences. Even if my body is cut into pieces and I loose my life, I will never give up chanting the Lord's Holy Name."
The Nawab heard the fearless reply of Srila Haridasa Thakura and turned to the Kazi, "Now what is your decision about him?"
"Beat him in twenty-two market places until he dies," replied the envious Kazi. "There is no other judgment I find appropriate. If he lives despite the punishment, then I will conclude that our big scholar has spoken the truth."
The sentries were called in and the orders boomed out, "Beat him until he breathes his last breath! The sin a Muslim incurs by becoming a Hindu can only be punished by death!"
Srila Haridasa was dragged away by the sentries. From one market place to another, they beat him mercilessly, their black hearts consumed by hate for the pure devotee of the Lord. Nonetheless, Haridasa was a pure soul, completely surrendered to the Supreme Lord, so he faithfully chanted Lord Krsna's Holy Name. So absorbed was he in fervent chanting, that he did not feel any pain.
The good-hearted and pious people could not bear to see the torture inflicted on such an innocent person. Some begged the sentries to stop while others predicted, "If they continue to torture this good man, the entire kingdom will be ruined." Many of them cursed the king to die, while some tried to stop the sentries physically. One person threw himself at the feet of the sentries and pleaded, "I will give you any reward you like if you stop this merciless beating." However, none of these protests evoked the slightest mercy from the sentries who continued to drag Srila Haridasa Thakura from one market place to another, lashing him relentlessly.
By the grace of Lord Krsna, Haridasa felt no pain in his body. Just like Prahlada in the Srimad Bhagavatam who was tortured by demons, Haridasa never suffered at all. Not only was Haridasa freed from his pain, whosoever remembers this story of Srila Haridasa will also be saved from the miseries of life. Throughout his ordeal, Haridasa's one emotion was pity for the sentries. "O Lord Krsna, please be merciful upon these poor souls, so they may not be punished because of me."
Nonetheless, nothing could stop the insensitive sentries who were determined to see their assignment through to its deathly end. Yet, for all their beating, Haridasa showed no signs of distress, as he was absorbed in remembering the Holy Name of Lord Krsna. At last, the guards had to stop in amazement. "How can a human being survive such a brutal beating? Any ordinary man would have died after the beating we gave in the first two or three market places. We have lashed him continuously through twenty-two market places and he still shows no sign of either pain or death. Occasionally, he looks up to smile at us." They concluded that he must surely be a saintly person.
"Oh Haridasa," they pleaded. "On account of you, we shall certainly be punished. When the Kazi sees that despite our beating you are still alive, he shall certainly kill us instead."
"If my survival brings such terrible misfortune to you," replied Haridasa, "then I shall definitely give up my body. Just see how I die."
Srila Dasa Thakura immediately fell into trance (समाधी). A pure devotee of the Supreme Lord possesses all mystic power(सिद्धियाँ) so without any hesitation, Srila Haridasa fell lifeless, without a trace of breath. The Muslim sentries were astonished, but gladly brought the body of Srila Haridasa to the Nawab. When the Nawab ordered the sentries to bury him, the Kazi protested, "No, if he is buried, he will be saved and ultimately gain entrance into heaven. Although he had achieved high birth as a Muslim, he has behaved like a low Hindu; therefore, it is proper for him to be thrown into the Ganga to suffer eternally like the other lost Hindus. If he were buried, he would become elevated and freed from his sins."
On the Kazi's order, the sentries picked up the body of Haridasa Thakura and carried him to the Ganga. Haridasa remained in his deathly trance, meditating on the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The spirit of the Lord Krsna then descended into the body of Srila Thakura and he became so heavy that it was impossible to move him. The strongest sentries came forward to push him into the waters, but he remained in deep trance and could not be moved. Haridasa had already drowned in the ocean of love of Lord Krsna, and he had no perception of the world around him. He knew not if he were still embodied, or wandering somewhere in the universe, or deep in the water of the Ganga. Just like Prahlada Maharaja, Haridasa Thakura had the spiritual ability to constantly remember the Supreme Lord. Such an extraordinary capability was not surprising for Haridasa's heart was the permanent residence of Lord Krishna.
This entire episode with Srila Haridasa Thakura is a replication of the heroic activities of Sri Hanuman in Sri Lanka. Indrajit, Ravana's son, had sent the brahmastra, a weapon given to him by Lord Brahma, to capture Hanuman. Hanuman could easily have escaped it, but to show respect to the potency of Lord Brahma, Hanuman allowed himself to be bound by the brahmastra. Similarly, Srila Haridasa Thakura could have escaped the punishment of the Muslim, but by allowing them to torture him, he taught the world a lesson: Despite the extreme miseries of life, one must never stop chanting the name of Krsna.
Haridasa floated downstream on the currents of the Ganga, and after some time he became conscious, by the Lord's desire. Fully awakened and overwhelmed with ecstasy, he climbed the bank of the Ganga and proceeded toward Phuliya, loudly chanting the name of Krsna as he walked. When the Muslim saw Srila Haridasa, they were convinced that he possessed extraordinary mystic powers. Pure, happy feelings replaced the envy and hate in their hearts. They offered him obeisances, worshiping him as a very saintly person. By this worship, the Muslim became free from material entanglement.
Later, in the presence of the Nawab, Haridasa smiled compassionately at the Muslim ruler who stood remorsefully with folded hands, feeling great awe and reverence. In a humble and meek voice, the Nawab said, "I can now understand that you are truly a saintly person. You have realized the Absolute Truth, and you have seen the one Supreme Lord everywhere and in everyone. You are a perfected soul and have actually attained absolute knowledge and liberation -- of which the mystic yogis and philosophers falsely and proudly boast. I have come just to see you, simply to beg forgiveness. Kindly forgive me for the offenses, I have committed against you. Since you see everyone equally, you have neither friends nor enemies. However, please be merciful upon those of us who have committed this great offense against you."
Everyone automatically forgets about mundane life when he sees the lotus feet of Srila Haridasa Thakura. The Muslims had been angry enough to kill him, yet they were transformed and they worshiped his feet, accepting him as a holy man. After forgiving and blessing them, Haridasa went to Phuliya.
After sometime, Srila Haridasa calmed himself and spoke to the brahmanas who sat around him, "My dear brahmana friends, do not feel sad because of what happened to me. This punishment was certainly due me. I stood in the court and listened to the Muslim blaspheme my Lord -- for this the Lord has punished me suitably. I am actually very happy because my punishment should have been more severe. The Lord has let me off very lightly. One goes to hell if he hears blasphemy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. My sinful ears were filled with such blasphemy and the Lord has given me the proper punishment, so that I may never commit this offence again."
References: Chaitanya Bhagavat (Adi leela -16th chapter)
Poisonous Snake
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Srila Haridasa passed his time relishing the nectar of the Holy Name and giving his enlightening association to the brahmanas. Those Muslims, who had tortured Dasa Thakura, and their families as well, were all eventually destroyed. Haridasa left the village and moved into a cave on the banks of the River Ganga, where he maintained himself on the sweetness of the Holy Name and the memory of the pastimes of the Supreme Lord.
Daily, he chanted a minimum of 300,000 names (192 rounds of japa mala) of Krsna. He was chanting Hare Krishna mahamantra namely
By the influence of the transcendental sound of the Holy Name and the holy presence of Srila Haridasa Thakura, the cave was transformed into a Vaikuntha planet of the spiritual sky.
In Haridasa's cave lived a large and poisonous snake that emitted such strong vapours that not a soul could remain in the cave for more than a moment. People from the village came every day to visit Haridasa, but they could not stay long enough to speak with him. Although the visitors were all driven away by the poisonous air, Haridasa was completely oblivious to the presence of the snake.
The brahmanas consulted one another about the foul air in the cave and then discussed the matter with some ayurvedic physicians in Phuliya. After some research, they determined that a poisonous snake had indeed built its home within Haridasa's cave. The physicians felt strongly that Haridasa should vacate his cave, for living with such a snake was improper. They joined the brahmanas and approached Haridasa to explain the situation. "On account of the vapours from a poisonous snake living within your cave, no one can remain here," they explained. "You should also vacate this place and find a more suitable cave to live in."
"I have been living in this cave for a long time, and I have never been inconvenienced by the vapours you speak of," replied Haridasa. "However, if none of you can remain within the cave and it causes you such distress, then I shall leave here tomorrow. If it is true that a snake lives here, and if he does not leave by tomorrow, then I shall certainly go. I can assure you that one of us will leave this cave by tomorrow. Please do not worry about this problem any longer. I am concerned that all of you not waste your time in futile, mundane talks. Every moment should be utilized discussing topics of Krsna consciousness."
In the course of this discussion, a miracle occurred. Evening had gradually descended around the Haridasa and brahmanas, when the snake slithered out of its hole. Its huge, frightening body, crossed with effulgent red, yellow and blue stripes and crowned with a brilliant gem, slid quietly past the brahmanas and left the cave forever.
Its appearance was both awesome and attractive, and as it slithered past, the brahmanas remembered Krsna as their only shelter. After the snake left, the burning sensation from the poisonous air also vanished and all the brahmanas were satisfied. Their faith in the extraordinary spiritual potency of Haridasa Thakura swelled for they understood that the snake had left because of Haridasa's assurance to the visitors. Simply the sight of Haridasa dissipates one's innate nescience and material entanglements. Out of His love for Haridasa, the Supreme Lord never minimizes or neglects Haridasa's words.
Once in a village named Harinadi, an arrogant brahmana offended Srila Haridasa. He shouted angrily, "Oh Haridasa, why do you behave like this? Why must you chant so loudly? The actual injunction is to chant softly in your mind. Which scripture instructs you to chant loudly? Who has taught you this type of religious practice? Here is an assembly of scholars, you can ask them about the correct method of worship."
In reply Haridasa Thakura told him, “The birds, beasts and insects cannot chant themselves, but if they get to hear Hari Nama then they also become delivered. If one chants only to himself then he delivers only himself, but if one chants loudly, the benefit is a hundred times greater. This is the conclusion of the scriptures.” [C. B. Adi 16.180]
Hearing this objective statement of Haridasa Thakura that sinful brahmana couldn’t tolerate it and exclaimed, “In Kali yuga sudras will recite the shastras, now I am seeing this with my own eyes.” In answer to this personal insult delivered by that miscreant brahmana, Haridasa Thakura simply silently walked out of that assembly. Within a few days that brahmana contracted ulcerous leprosy. The result of Vaishnava aparadha became immediately manifest. In Kali yuga, Raksasas take birth in brahmana families in order to give trouble to the honest, virtuous people. [C.B. Adi 16.300]
Deliverance of a Prostitute
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After leaving his home Haridasa Thakura stayed for some time in the forest of Benapola. He constructed a cottage in the forest. Outside the cottage he planted a tulasi plant [a holy plant worshipped by devotees of Krishna] and he would chant the holy name of Krishna 300,000 times daily in front of tulasi. He chanted throughout the entire day and night. For his bodily maintenance he would go to a brahmana’s [priest's] house and beg some food. He was so spiritually pure that all the neighbouring people worshipped him.
The ruler of that district was Ramacandra Khan, he was envious of devotees of Krishna and therefore a great atheist. Unable to tolerate the respect being offered to Haridasa Thakura he made plans to dishonour him. He could not, however, find any fault in the character of Haridasa Thakura.
Finally he called all the local prostitutes together and said to them, “There is a devotee named Haridasa Thakura in the forest. All of you devise a way to deviate him from his religious vows.”
Out of all the prostitutes there was one very attractive young girl and she promised, “I shall attract the mind of Haridasa Thakura within three days.” Ramacandra Khan said, “Very good. I shall send my constable with you and when he sees you with Haridasa Thakura he will immediately arrest him and bring both of you to me.” The prostitute replied, “First let me have union with him once, then the second time I shall take your constable with me to arrest him.”
That night the prostitute, after dressing herself most attractively, went to the cottage of Haridasa Thakura with great pleasure. When she arrived she bowed down and offered prayers to the tulasi plant, then she went to the door of the cottage and offered obeisances [bowed down before] Haridasa Thakura.
She exposed part of her body to his view and sat down at his doorstep. She spoke to him in very sweet words, “My dear Thakura, O great preacher, great devotee, you are so beautifully built and your youth is just beginning. What woman could control her mind after seeing you? I am so eager to be united with you. My mind is greedy for this. If I don’t obtain you I shall die.”
Haridasa Thakura replied, “I shall accept you without fail but you will have to wait until I finish chanting Hare Krishna on my beads. Until I do please sit down here and listen to the chanting of the holy name. As soon as I am finished I shall fulfil your desire.”
Hearing this the prostitute remained sitting there while Haridasa Thakura chanted on his beads until the light of morning appeared. When she saw it was morning she stood up and left. She went to Ramacandra Khan and said, “Today Haridasa Thakura has promised to enjoy with me. Tomorrow certainly I shall have union with him.”
The next evening the prostitute returned to Haridasa Thakura’s cottage and he gave her many assurances. He said, “Last night you were disappointed. Please excuse my offence. I shall certainly accept you. Please sit down here and hear the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra until my regular chanting is finished. Then your desire will surely be fulfilled. After offering obeisances to the tulasi plant and Haridasa Thakura she sat down at the door. Hearing Haridasa Thakura chanting the Hare Krishna mantra she also chanted, “O my Lord Hari, O my Lord Hari”.
When the night came to an end the prostitute was restless. When Haridasa Thakura saw this he said, “I have made a vow to chant ten million names of Krishna this month. I have taken this vow but now the month is nearing it’s end. I thought today I would be able to finish. I tried my best to chant Hare Krishna all night but still I have not finished. Tomorrow I will surely finish and my vow will be fulfilled. ”
Haridasa Thakura didn’t want to enjoy with the prostitute, he simply tricked her to give her the chance to hear the holy name while he chanted. Pure devotees chant Hare Krishna and simply by hearing this chanting from a purified transcendental person one becomes free of all sinful activities, no matter how sinful one may be.
The prostitute then returned to Ramacandra Khan and informed him of what had happened. The next night she went earlier, at the beginning of the evening, and stayed with Haridasa Thakura. After offering obeisances to the tulasi plant and Haridasa Thakura she sat on the doorstep. As she heard Haridasa Thakura’s chanting she also personally chanted “Hari, Hari.”
“Today it will be possible for me to finish my vow of chanting ten million names of Krishna this month,” Haridasa Thakura informed her. “Then I will satisfy all your desires.”
The morning came and Haridasa Thakura was still chanting but because of his association the prostitute’s mind had changed. She fell at his lotus feet and confessed Ramacandra Khan had sent her to him to pollute him. “Because I have taken the profession of a prostitute,” she said, “I have performed unlimited sinful acts. My lord, be merciful to me. Deliver my fallen soul.” Haridasa Thakura replied, “I know everything about the conspiracy of Ramacandra Khan. He is nothing but an ignorant fool. Therefore his activities do not make me feel unhappy. I would have left this place immediately when I understood he was planning this intrigue against me but because you came here I stayed here to deliver you.”
The prostitute replied, “Kindly act as my spiritual master. Instruct me in my duty so I can become free from material existence.” Haridasa Thakura said, “Immediately go home and distribute whatever property you have to the brahmanas. Then come back to this cottage and stay here forever in Krishna consciousness. Chant the Hare Krishna mantra continuously and serve the tulasi plant by watering her and offering prayers to her. In this way you will very soon achieve the shelter of the lotus feet of Krishna.” After giving the prostitute these instructions Haridasa Thakura stood up and left that place continuously chanting “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/ Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare.”
Soon after this the prostitute distributed whatever household possessions she had to the brahmanas in accordance with her spiritual masters order. She shaved her head clean and stayed within that cottage in the forest wearing only one cloth. Following in the footsteps of her spiritual master she began chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra 300,000 times daily. She chanted for the whole day and night. She worshipped the tulasi plant and instead of eating regularly she chewed whatever food she received as alms. If nothing was supplied she would fast. Thus by eating little and fasting she conquered her senses. As soon as she controlled her senses the symptoms of love of God appeared in her person. In this way the prostitute became a famous devotee. She became very advanced in spiritual life and many great devotees would visit her. When people saw her sublime character they were astonished. Everyone praised the influence of Haridasa Thakura and offered him obeisances.
Last Days of Srila Haridasa Thakur
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Thakura Haridasa was present during most of the Lord Chaitanya’s pastimes in Nadia, and when the Chaitanya Mahaprabhu went to Jagannatha Puri, Haridasa also went and took up residence there. Everyday, after attending Lord Jagannath’s mangal arati, Lord Caitanya would come to see Haridasa Thakura and would bring him some of Lord Jagannath’s prasadam. When Sri Sanatana Goswami and Sri Rupa Goswami would come from Vrindavana to Puri they used to stay with Haridasa Thakura. Haridasa, in order to maintain the etiquette, would not go near Lord Jagannatha’s temple but would offer his obeisances to the Cakra on top of the temple, from a distance. As he was considered to be a Mohammedan by birth, his presence in the temple would be objectionable to those who were caste conscious.
While seeing Lord Caitanya's lotus face, holding His feet upon his chest, and chanting Sri Krishna Caitanya, Haridasa left the world. Lord Caitanya personally carried the body of Haridasa to the sea. And with His own hands buried him in the sand. Then Mahaprabhu begged alms for a festival to honor Haridasa Thakura's departure. Lord Caitanya paid tribute to this pure devotee:
"Let us all sing the glories of Haridasa Thakura. Haridasa was the crest-jewel of the world. By his death the earth has lost its treasure. Out of His great mercy Krishna had given Me his association. And now He has taken him away. When Haridasa himself wished to leave the world I could not hold him back. Just like Bhismadeva, Haridasa gave up his life at his own will." (Caitanya-caritamrta Antya 11.93-98.)
The samadhi of Haridasa Thakura is located by the sea in Jagannatha Puri.
Sri Namacharya Srila Thakura Haridasa ki Jai!
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Source : http://vedic-stories.blogspot.in/2012/04/glories-of-srila-haridasa-thakur-ii.html
Samadhi of Haridasa Thakura
Srila Haridasa Thakura Samadhi is located on the oceanfront in the area of Svargadvara opposite to ISKCON temple (Bhakti Kuti). At time of Mahaprabhu it was just sandy beach. Here Lord Caitanya put the body of Srila Haridasa Thakura into Samadhi with His own hands.The actual Samadhi in courtyard as a small tomb.
Towards the west of the Samadhi there are three alter where the deities of Lord Gauranga, Lord Nityananda and Sri Advaita Acharya are worshipped. After the disappearance of Srila Haridasa Thakura, Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu would come daily after taking bath in the ocean, offer Prasada to Harida Thakura Samadhi, and do Nama Bhajana for some time. Thus all the deities in the sitting posture and doing Nama Bhajana.
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| HARIDASA THAKUR murti at Benapol in Bangladesh |
Haridasa had absolutely no attraction for material enjoyment. The Holy Name of Lord Krsna continuously vibrated on his tongue, creating an extraordinary beauty. Never for a moment, did he feel any apathy towards his chanting of the Holy Name of Krsna, He remained always absorbed, tasting the nectar of devotional service.
He occasionally danced in ecstasy or cried in lamentation while at other times he lay still in a state of unconsciousness. Sometimes, he spoke in mysterious languages, and later explained the meaning of his words. All the ecstatic symptoms of love of Krsna were manifest in him . It was common to see Srila Dasa Thakura dancing while he sang out the glories of Lord Krsna's name.
In the village of Phuliya, even the ritualistic Brahmins were sincerely impressed if not astonished by Srila Dasa Thakura's spiritual ecstasies. The people of the village held the saint in full respect, and having won their trust, he lived there quite peacefully. He bathed daily in the Ganga and roamed freely, chanting the Lord's Holy Name.
The local Muslim magistrate authority known as the Kazi became envious of Haridasa Thakura's popularity and reported to the Nawab, "This man is acting like a Hindu. Arrest him and punish him appropriately!" The envious words of the sinful Kazi sparked an immediate response from the equally sinful Nawab, and Haridasa Thakura was arrested and brought forth. Having received the mercy of Lord Krsna, Haridasa had neither fear of the Muslim authorities, nor even of death itself. With the name of the Lord on his lips, Haridasa appeared before the Nawab.
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| Haridas Thakur on trial |
When Srila Thakura was brought into the prison, he looked compassionately at all the prisoners who immediately prostrated themselves at his lotus feet. His long graceful arms, which extended to his knees, his lotus eyes, and his charming moon-like face, enchanted everyone. They offered their most sincere respects to the saint, and love for Krsna stirred in their hearts. Srila Haridasa Thakura was pleased with the tremendous devotion that had grown in the hearts of the prisoners and he blessed them, "Just remain as you are." However, the miserable prisoners could not grasp the depth of that blessing and they felt quite dejected.Haridasa could see their misunderstanding and compassionately explained himself, "My blessing to you is that you will remain as you are, but please do not feel dejected. I could never wish you any misfortune. I simply desire that the love you now feel for Krsna should always remain the same. From now on, chant Lord Krsna's name and constantly remember His pastimes, inspiring one another to retain your present devotion to Krsna. When you are released from this prison do not return to your old materialistic ways nor associate with degraded or sinful people because one can never cultivate love for the Supreme Lord Krishna by living a mundane life. Having showered his unrestricted mercy upon the prisoners, Haridasa went before the Nawab.
Because of his purity, Srila Haridasa Thakura radiated a certain effulgence which the Nawab could not fail to notice. He rose respectfully when Haridasa entered and offered the saint a seat. Although he himself had become quite confused, the Nawab asked Haridasa, "What sort of mentality has overcome you? Knowing you have the good fortune to become a Muslim, why do you behave like a Hindu? I have decided to punish you according to the mandates of the Koran so that you will be freed from your sins."
Without any apprehension, Haridasa simply smiled at the Nawab and spoke in a sweet, soothing voice, "My dear Sir, there is only one God for all living entities. The difference between the Moslem god and the Hindu God is in name only. According to knowledgeable Hindus and Muslims, and according to every scriptures, be it Koran or Puran, God is one. He resides in everyone's heart."
"The omnipotent Lord is the supreme controller of everything. The living entity is moved by the desire of the Supreme Lord, and he acts and works only according to the Lord's design. Whatever you see of my activities and me are manifestations of the Lord who guides me from within. A person may be born in a family of brahmanas, but he may become a Muslim. What should the Hindus do with such a person? Should He be punished? Is he not only acting in accordance with the inner prompting of the Lord for the fulfillment of his personal desires -- and will he not eventually receive his results accordingly? What is the use of killing someone who is already dead? My dear respected Sir, please consider these points seriously, and if you still find me guilty, then punish me."
The Muslim courtiers were sincerely moved by the purity of Haridasa Thakura's words and presence. However, his wisdom could not penetrate the envious and sinful heart of the Kazi who turned to the Nawab and instructed, "You must punish this man. He is evil and mischievous. Others will fall under his influence and become equally sinful. He will disgrace our Muslim religion and community. Therefore, he must be appropriately punished. However, if he wants to be excused, then let him speak from his own scripture."
The Nawab tried again, "Just give up this chanting and say the Kalma (prayer of the Mohammedans)."
"Whatever the Supreme Lord desires is destined to happen, no one can check it," replied Haridasa. "Each one of us suffers according to the degree of his previous offences. Even if my body is cut into pieces and I loose my life, I will never give up chanting the Lord's Holy Name."
The Nawab heard the fearless reply of Srila Haridasa Thakura and turned to the Kazi, "Now what is your decision about him?"
"Beat him in twenty-two market places until he dies," replied the envious Kazi. "There is no other judgment I find appropriate. If he lives despite the punishment, then I will conclude that our big scholar has spoken the truth."
The sentries were called in and the orders boomed out, "Beat him until he breathes his last breath! The sin a Muslim incurs by becoming a Hindu can only be punished by death!"
Srila Haridasa was dragged away by the sentries. From one market place to another, they beat him mercilessly, their black hearts consumed by hate for the pure devotee of the Lord. Nonetheless, Haridasa was a pure soul, completely surrendered to the Supreme Lord, so he faithfully chanted Lord Krsna's Holy Name. So absorbed was he in fervent chanting, that he did not feel any pain.
The good-hearted and pious people could not bear to see the torture inflicted on such an innocent person. Some begged the sentries to stop while others predicted, "If they continue to torture this good man, the entire kingdom will be ruined." Many of them cursed the king to die, while some tried to stop the sentries physically. One person threw himself at the feet of the sentries and pleaded, "I will give you any reward you like if you stop this merciless beating." However, none of these protests evoked the slightest mercy from the sentries who continued to drag Srila Haridasa Thakura from one market place to another, lashing him relentlessly.
By the grace of Lord Krsna, Haridasa felt no pain in his body. Just like Prahlada in the Srimad Bhagavatam who was tortured by demons, Haridasa never suffered at all. Not only was Haridasa freed from his pain, whosoever remembers this story of Srila Haridasa will also be saved from the miseries of life. Throughout his ordeal, Haridasa's one emotion was pity for the sentries. "O Lord Krsna, please be merciful upon these poor souls, so they may not be punished because of me."
Nonetheless, nothing could stop the insensitive sentries who were determined to see their assignment through to its deathly end. Yet, for all their beating, Haridasa showed no signs of distress, as he was absorbed in remembering the Holy Name of Lord Krsna. At last, the guards had to stop in amazement. "How can a human being survive such a brutal beating? Any ordinary man would have died after the beating we gave in the first two or three market places. We have lashed him continuously through twenty-two market places and he still shows no sign of either pain or death. Occasionally, he looks up to smile at us." They concluded that he must surely be a saintly person.
"Oh Haridasa," they pleaded. "On account of you, we shall certainly be punished. When the Kazi sees that despite our beating you are still alive, he shall certainly kill us instead."
"If my survival brings such terrible misfortune to you," replied Haridasa, "then I shall definitely give up my body. Just see how I die."
Srila Dasa Thakura immediately fell into trance (समाधी). A pure devotee of the Supreme Lord possesses all mystic power(सिद्धियाँ) so without any hesitation, Srila Haridasa fell lifeless, without a trace of breath. The Muslim sentries were astonished, but gladly brought the body of Srila Haridasa to the Nawab. When the Nawab ordered the sentries to bury him, the Kazi protested, "No, if he is buried, he will be saved and ultimately gain entrance into heaven. Although he had achieved high birth as a Muslim, he has behaved like a low Hindu; therefore, it is proper for him to be thrown into the Ganga to suffer eternally like the other lost Hindus. If he were buried, he would become elevated and freed from his sins."
On the Kazi's order, the sentries picked up the body of Haridasa Thakura and carried him to the Ganga. Haridasa remained in his deathly trance, meditating on the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The spirit of the Lord Krsna then descended into the body of Srila Thakura and he became so heavy that it was impossible to move him. The strongest sentries came forward to push him into the waters, but he remained in deep trance and could not be moved. Haridasa had already drowned in the ocean of love of Lord Krsna, and he had no perception of the world around him. He knew not if he were still embodied, or wandering somewhere in the universe, or deep in the water of the Ganga. Just like Prahlada Maharaja, Haridasa Thakura had the spiritual ability to constantly remember the Supreme Lord. Such an extraordinary capability was not surprising for Haridasa's heart was the permanent residence of Lord Krishna.
This entire episode with Srila Haridasa Thakura is a replication of the heroic activities of Sri Hanuman in Sri Lanka. Indrajit, Ravana's son, had sent the brahmastra, a weapon given to him by Lord Brahma, to capture Hanuman. Hanuman could easily have escaped it, but to show respect to the potency of Lord Brahma, Hanuman allowed himself to be bound by the brahmastra. Similarly, Srila Haridasa Thakura could have escaped the punishment of the Muslim, but by allowing them to torture him, he taught the world a lesson: Despite the extreme miseries of life, one must never stop chanting the name of Krsna.
Haridasa floated downstream on the currents of the Ganga, and after some time he became conscious, by the Lord's desire. Fully awakened and overwhelmed with ecstasy, he climbed the bank of the Ganga and proceeded toward Phuliya, loudly chanting the name of Krsna as he walked. When the Muslim saw Srila Haridasa, they were convinced that he possessed extraordinary mystic powers. Pure, happy feelings replaced the envy and hate in their hearts. They offered him obeisances, worshiping him as a very saintly person. By this worship, the Muslim became free from material entanglement.
Later, in the presence of the Nawab, Haridasa smiled compassionately at the Muslim ruler who stood remorsefully with folded hands, feeling great awe and reverence. In a humble and meek voice, the Nawab said, "I can now understand that you are truly a saintly person. You have realized the Absolute Truth, and you have seen the one Supreme Lord everywhere and in everyone. You are a perfected soul and have actually attained absolute knowledge and liberation -- of which the mystic yogis and philosophers falsely and proudly boast. I have come just to see you, simply to beg forgiveness. Kindly forgive me for the offenses, I have committed against you. Since you see everyone equally, you have neither friends nor enemies. However, please be merciful upon those of us who have committed this great offense against you."
Everyone automatically forgets about mundane life when he sees the lotus feet of Srila Haridasa Thakura. The Muslims had been angry enough to kill him, yet they were transformed and they worshiped his feet, accepting him as a holy man. After forgiving and blessing them, Haridasa went to Phuliya.
After sometime, Srila Haridasa calmed himself and spoke to the brahmanas who sat around him, "My dear brahmana friends, do not feel sad because of what happened to me. This punishment was certainly due me. I stood in the court and listened to the Muslim blaspheme my Lord -- for this the Lord has punished me suitably. I am actually very happy because my punishment should have been more severe. The Lord has let me off very lightly. One goes to hell if he hears blasphemy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. My sinful ears were filled with such blasphemy and the Lord has given me the proper punishment, so that I may never commit this offence again."
References: Chaitanya Bhagavat (Adi leela -16th chapter)
Poisonous Snake
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Srila Haridasa passed his time relishing the nectar of the Holy Name and giving his enlightening association to the brahmanas. Those Muslims, who had tortured Dasa Thakura, and their families as well, were all eventually destroyed. Haridasa left the village and moved into a cave on the banks of the River Ganga, where he maintained himself on the sweetness of the Holy Name and the memory of the pastimes of the Supreme Lord.
Daily, he chanted a minimum of 300,000 names (192 rounds of japa mala) of Krsna. He was chanting Hare Krishna mahamantra namely
In Haridasa's cave lived a large and poisonous snake that emitted such strong vapours that not a soul could remain in the cave for more than a moment. People from the village came every day to visit Haridasa, but they could not stay long enough to speak with him. Although the visitors were all driven away by the poisonous air, Haridasa was completely oblivious to the presence of the snake.
The brahmanas consulted one another about the foul air in the cave and then discussed the matter with some ayurvedic physicians in Phuliya. After some research, they determined that a poisonous snake had indeed built its home within Haridasa's cave. The physicians felt strongly that Haridasa should vacate his cave, for living with such a snake was improper. They joined the brahmanas and approached Haridasa to explain the situation. "On account of the vapours from a poisonous snake living within your cave, no one can remain here," they explained. "You should also vacate this place and find a more suitable cave to live in."
"I have been living in this cave for a long time, and I have never been inconvenienced by the vapours you speak of," replied Haridasa. "However, if none of you can remain within the cave and it causes you such distress, then I shall leave here tomorrow. If it is true that a snake lives here, and if he does not leave by tomorrow, then I shall certainly go. I can assure you that one of us will leave this cave by tomorrow. Please do not worry about this problem any longer. I am concerned that all of you not waste your time in futile, mundane talks. Every moment should be utilized discussing topics of Krsna consciousness."
In the course of this discussion, a miracle occurred. Evening had gradually descended around the Haridasa and brahmanas, when the snake slithered out of its hole. Its huge, frightening body, crossed with effulgent red, yellow and blue stripes and crowned with a brilliant gem, slid quietly past the brahmanas and left the cave forever.
Its appearance was both awesome and attractive, and as it slithered past, the brahmanas remembered Krsna as their only shelter. After the snake left, the burning sensation from the poisonous air also vanished and all the brahmanas were satisfied. Their faith in the extraordinary spiritual potency of Haridasa Thakura swelled for they understood that the snake had left because of Haridasa's assurance to the visitors. Simply the sight of Haridasa dissipates one's innate nescience and material entanglements. Out of His love for Haridasa, the Supreme Lord never minimizes or neglects Haridasa's words.
Once in a village named Harinadi, an arrogant brahmana offended Srila Haridasa. He shouted angrily, "Oh Haridasa, why do you behave like this? Why must you chant so loudly? The actual injunction is to chant softly in your mind. Which scripture instructs you to chant loudly? Who has taught you this type of religious practice? Here is an assembly of scholars, you can ask them about the correct method of worship."
In reply Haridasa Thakura told him, “The birds, beasts and insects cannot chant themselves, but if they get to hear Hari Nama then they also become delivered. If one chants only to himself then he delivers only himself, but if one chants loudly, the benefit is a hundred times greater. This is the conclusion of the scriptures.” [C. B. Adi 16.180]
Hearing this objective statement of Haridasa Thakura that sinful brahmana couldn’t tolerate it and exclaimed, “In Kali yuga sudras will recite the shastras, now I am seeing this with my own eyes.” In answer to this personal insult delivered by that miscreant brahmana, Haridasa Thakura simply silently walked out of that assembly. Within a few days that brahmana contracted ulcerous leprosy. The result of Vaishnava aparadha became immediately manifest. In Kali yuga, Raksasas take birth in brahmana families in order to give trouble to the honest, virtuous people. [C.B. Adi 16.300]
Deliverance of a Prostitute
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After leaving his home Haridasa Thakura stayed for some time in the forest of Benapola. He constructed a cottage in the forest. Outside the cottage he planted a tulasi plant [a holy plant worshipped by devotees of Krishna] and he would chant the holy name of Krishna 300,000 times daily in front of tulasi. He chanted throughout the entire day and night. For his bodily maintenance he would go to a brahmana’s [priest's] house and beg some food. He was so spiritually pure that all the neighbouring people worshipped him.
Finally he called all the local prostitutes together and said to them, “There is a devotee named Haridasa Thakura in the forest. All of you devise a way to deviate him from his religious vows.”
Out of all the prostitutes there was one very attractive young girl and she promised, “I shall attract the mind of Haridasa Thakura within three days.” Ramacandra Khan said, “Very good. I shall send my constable with you and when he sees you with Haridasa Thakura he will immediately arrest him and bring both of you to me.” The prostitute replied, “First let me have union with him once, then the second time I shall take your constable with me to arrest him.”
That night the prostitute, after dressing herself most attractively, went to the cottage of Haridasa Thakura with great pleasure. When she arrived she bowed down and offered prayers to the tulasi plant, then she went to the door of the cottage and offered obeisances [bowed down before] Haridasa Thakura.
She exposed part of her body to his view and sat down at his doorstep. She spoke to him in very sweet words, “My dear Thakura, O great preacher, great devotee, you are so beautifully built and your youth is just beginning. What woman could control her mind after seeing you? I am so eager to be united with you. My mind is greedy for this. If I don’t obtain you I shall die.”
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| Haridasa Thakur & the prostitute |
Haridasa Thakura replied, “I shall accept you without fail but you will have to wait until I finish chanting Hare Krishna on my beads. Until I do please sit down here and listen to the chanting of the holy name. As soon as I am finished I shall fulfil your desire.”
Hearing this the prostitute remained sitting there while Haridasa Thakura chanted on his beads until the light of morning appeared. When she saw it was morning she stood up and left. She went to Ramacandra Khan and said, “Today Haridasa Thakura has promised to enjoy with me. Tomorrow certainly I shall have union with him.”
The next evening the prostitute returned to Haridasa Thakura’s cottage and he gave her many assurances. He said, “Last night you were disappointed. Please excuse my offence. I shall certainly accept you. Please sit down here and hear the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra until my regular chanting is finished. Then your desire will surely be fulfilled. After offering obeisances to the tulasi plant and Haridasa Thakura she sat down at the door. Hearing Haridasa Thakura chanting the Hare Krishna mantra she also chanted, “O my Lord Hari, O my Lord Hari”.
When the night came to an end the prostitute was restless. When Haridasa Thakura saw this he said, “I have made a vow to chant ten million names of Krishna this month. I have taken this vow but now the month is nearing it’s end. I thought today I would be able to finish. I tried my best to chant Hare Krishna all night but still I have not finished. Tomorrow I will surely finish and my vow will be fulfilled. ”
Haridasa Thakura didn’t want to enjoy with the prostitute, he simply tricked her to give her the chance to hear the holy name while he chanted. Pure devotees chant Hare Krishna and simply by hearing this chanting from a purified transcendental person one becomes free of all sinful activities, no matter how sinful one may be.
The prostitute then returned to Ramacandra Khan and informed him of what had happened. The next night she went earlier, at the beginning of the evening, and stayed with Haridasa Thakura. After offering obeisances to the tulasi plant and Haridasa Thakura she sat on the doorstep. As she heard Haridasa Thakura’s chanting she also personally chanted “Hari, Hari.”
“Today it will be possible for me to finish my vow of chanting ten million names of Krishna this month,” Haridasa Thakura informed her. “Then I will satisfy all your desires.”
The morning came and Haridasa Thakura was still chanting but because of his association the prostitute’s mind had changed. She fell at his lotus feet and confessed Ramacandra Khan had sent her to him to pollute him. “Because I have taken the profession of a prostitute,” she said, “I have performed unlimited sinful acts. My lord, be merciful to me. Deliver my fallen soul.” Haridasa Thakura replied, “I know everything about the conspiracy of Ramacandra Khan. He is nothing but an ignorant fool. Therefore his activities do not make me feel unhappy. I would have left this place immediately when I understood he was planning this intrigue against me but because you came here I stayed here to deliver you.”
The prostitute replied, “Kindly act as my spiritual master. Instruct me in my duty so I can become free from material existence.” Haridasa Thakura said, “Immediately go home and distribute whatever property you have to the brahmanas. Then come back to this cottage and stay here forever in Krishna consciousness. Chant the Hare Krishna mantra continuously and serve the tulasi plant by watering her and offering prayers to her. In this way you will very soon achieve the shelter of the lotus feet of Krishna.” After giving the prostitute these instructions Haridasa Thakura stood up and left that place continuously chanting “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/ Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare.”
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| HARIDASA THAKUR and the prostitute |
Last Days of Srila Haridasa Thakur
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Thakura Haridasa was present during most of the Lord Chaitanya’s pastimes in Nadia, and when the Chaitanya Mahaprabhu went to Jagannatha Puri, Haridasa also went and took up residence there. Everyday, after attending Lord Jagannath’s mangal arati, Lord Caitanya would come to see Haridasa Thakura and would bring him some of Lord Jagannath’s prasadam. When Sri Sanatana Goswami and Sri Rupa Goswami would come from Vrindavana to Puri they used to stay with Haridasa Thakura. Haridasa, in order to maintain the etiquette, would not go near Lord Jagannatha’s temple but would offer his obeisances to the Cakra on top of the temple, from a distance. As he was considered to be a Mohammedan by birth, his presence in the temple would be objectionable to those who were caste conscious.
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| JAGANNATHA Puri Temple-NILACHAKRA |
"Let us all sing the glories of Haridasa Thakura. Haridasa was the crest-jewel of the world. By his death the earth has lost its treasure. Out of His great mercy Krishna had given Me his association. And now He has taken him away. When Haridasa himself wished to leave the world I could not hold him back. Just like Bhismadeva, Haridasa gave up his life at his own will." (Caitanya-caritamrta Antya 11.93-98.)
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| Lord Chaitanya Burying Haridasa Thakur |
Sri Namacharya Srila Thakura Haridasa ki Jai!
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Samadhi of Haridasa Thakura
Srila Haridasa Thakura Samadhi is located on the oceanfront in the area of Svargadvara opposite to ISKCON temple (Bhakti Kuti). At time of Mahaprabhu it was just sandy beach. Here Lord Caitanya put the body of Srila Haridasa Thakura into Samadhi with His own hands.The actual Samadhi in courtyard as a small tomb.
Towards the west of the Samadhi there are three alter where the deities of Lord Gauranga, Lord Nityananda and Sri Advaita Acharya are worshipped. After the disappearance of Srila Haridasa Thakura, Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu would come daily after taking bath in the ocean, offer Prasada to Harida Thakura Samadhi, and do Nama Bhajana for some time. Thus all the deities in the sitting posture and doing Nama Bhajana.
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| Preparation before Samadhi of Haridasa Thakura |
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| Lord Chaitanya burying Haridasa Thakura |
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| Samadhi mandira - Haridasa Thakur |
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| Samadhi Mandira-Haridasa Thakura-Puri |
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