Sri Paramananda Puri's Well

Transcribed with introduction by Srimati Radhika devi dasi.
Corrections entered by Srimati Vrindavanesvari devi dasi
Edited by Srimati Syamarani devi dasi

[Sri Paramananda Puri's asrama is not far from our Gaudiya Vedanta Samiti's Nilacala Gaudiya Matha in Svargadvara, Jagannatha Puri. The asrama is surrounded by a beautiful garden, and the well made by Paramananda Puri is situated near the front gate. Srila Narayana Maharaja sat down with his god-brothers and other senior Vaisnavas on the porch of the asrama and gave the following hari-katha:]

This is Paramananda Puri Asrama. When Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu came here, all the high class devotees also came, especially Mahaprabhu's associates and disciples from all over Bengal and here and there. They even came from Gaya where Sri Madhavendra Puripada used to live. The very prominent disciples of Madhavendra Puri also came, such as Paramananda Puri, Ramacandra Puri and Isvara Puri. We are very lucky to have come to this place.

Once there was a scarcity of good drinking water in this area. Paramananda Puri therefore made a well here, but the well-water was very dirty and salty. He did his best, but the water was still not good. When Mahaprabhu heard that Paramananda Puri had made a well but that the water was not pure or sweet tasting, He asked, "Why did it become like this?" He then came with all His associates, doing kirtana, and He began to perform kirtana here. During the kirtana He meditated on Ganga, a most beloved of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu - of Krsna. One current from the Ganges, Mandakini, came. She at once appeared in the well, and the water became extremely clear and sweet. Mahaprabhu tasted that water and exclaimed, "Oh, very tasteful. Mandakini's water is very pure and sweet." Everyone began to drink that water, and Mahaprabhu began to dance. He then declared, "I bless all those who, with strong faith, will drink a drop of water from this well. They will attain Krsna-prema. At once, or later on, it will come."

Therefore, with the belief that just one drop of water, now, or later on, will result in Krsna prema, you should now take this water and do pranama to this kupa (well).

Puri Gosvami used to come here, and also Mahaprabhu and all His associates used to come. The dust from their lotus feet are everywhere here, and they will give you so much impression (samskaras). You are very lucky to have come to this place. Have this belief. I think that you will have no birth in the future. The endless chain of birth and death will be stopped forever. If Krsna will be very merciful, He may give two, three or four births, only so that you can associate with a high class of Vaisnavas and realize Raya Ramananda Samvad and all other confidential topics.

[From Cc Adi 9 13-15 purport by Srila Prabhupada: It is described in the Caitanya-bhagavata, Antya-khanda, Chapter Three, that when Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu first saw Paramananda Puri He made the following statement: "My eyes, My mind, My religious activities and My acceptance of the sannyasa order have now all become perfect because today Madhavendra Puri is manifest before Me in the form of Paramananda Puri." The Caitanya-bhägavata further states: "Thus Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu exchanged respectful obeisances with Paramananda Puri, who was very dear to Him." Paramananda Puri established a small monastery behind the western side of the Jagannatha temple, where he had a well dug to supply water. The water, however, was bitter, and therefore Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu prayed to Lord Jagannatha to allow Ganges water to come into the well to make it sweet. When Lord Jagannatha granted the request, Lord Caitanya told all the devotees that from that day hence, the water of Paramananda Puri’s well should be celebrated as Ganges water, for any devotee who would drink it or bathe in it would certainly get the same benefit as that derived from drinking or bathing in the waters of the Ganges. Such a person would certainly develop pure love of Godhead. It is stated in the Caitanya-bhagavata (Antya 3.255): "Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu used to say, 'I am living in this world only on account of the excellent behavior of Sri Paramananda Puri.'" The Gaura-ganoddesa-dipika (118) states, "Paramananda Puri is none other than Uddhava." Uddhava was Lord Krsna’s friend and cousin, and in caitanya-lila the same Uddhava became the friend of Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His uncle in terms of their relationship in the disciplic succession.]

Now we will go to Lokanatha Mahadeva. Those who don't know anything - the smarta brahmanas - may prohibit you from entering there. But don't worry. If you have the mercy of Gambhira, the mercy of this place, of Siddha-Bakula, of Tota-Gopinatha, then what harm is there if you cannot enter Lokanatha Mahadeva's temple? Moreover, I think that Lokanatha Mahadeva will know your wish. He will think, "They want to take my darsana." He will thus give his darsana in your heart. So don't be worried for this.

We will now go there while performing kirtana. When we arrive, you should sit down there under the tree, and we (Indians) will go inside. And, if you like, I will also not go inside. Whatever you tell me, I will do. If you permit, then I will go; otherwise I will not. I don't want to give you up and go alone. If I do go inside, however, I will tell Lokanatha, "Why are you making these rules and regulations?" I will tell him, "O, you should be merciful." For this purpose you can permit me to go inside.

Gaura premanande

Srila Narayana
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