Bhakti-Ratnakara” (The Jewel-filled Ocean of Devotional Service) by Narahari Chakravarti Thakura is a highly respected and authoritative text in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition.
It’s not a single narrative story in the conventional sense, but rather a historical and biographical work that elaborates on the lives and activities of prominent Vaishnava acharyas (spiritual teachers) and devotees, particularly in the period following the disappearance of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
At the outset Author described Lord’s Mercy and then described The character of Sri Gopala Bhatta as he is not elaborately described in Chaitanya Charitamrita
The book begins by establishing the spiritual lineage and the glorious pastimes of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the central figure of the Gaudiya Vaishnava movement.
A significant portion is dedicated to the lives, renunciation, scholarship, and devotional contributions of the Six Goswamis (Rupa Goswami, Sanatana Goswami, Raghunatha Dasa Goswami, Jiva Goswami, Gopala Bhatta Goswami, and Raghunatha Bhatta Goswami). It details their establishment of temples, excavation of sacred sites, and compilation of foundational Vaishnava scriptures. For instance, it describes how Gopala Bhatta Goswami established the Radharamana temple in Vrindavan and the manifestation of the Radharamana Deity.
Let’s relish some sections of the book-Nevertheless I shall attempt to describe the character of Gopala who was always engaged in the service of Sri Mahaprabhu.100
He was not satisfied to see Mahaprabhu as an ascetic but he lamented privately.101
He addressed Providence with a choked voice, “O Providence, why was I born in this far away place?102
“Why have you forced me to see Mahaprabhu in the dress of an ascetic and deprived me from observing His pastimes in Nadia? 103
“How cruel you are to allow Him the life of a renunciate when I long to see Him as Vrajendra Nandana, the Lord of Sri Radhika.”
Lamenting in this way he wept like a mad man and breathed a heavy sigh as hot as fire.105
Forgiving Providence, Gopala then lamented that the ill fortune was his own fault.106
Having spent himself in lamentation, Gopala remained reticent yet Gaurahari could understand the state of Gopala’s mind.107
When Gopala fell asleep, the Lord of Navadvipa appeared to him in a dream.108 Lord Gaurasundara strolling through the streets of Navadvipa and he was there with him. 109
Nityananda and Advaita took him lovingly in their arms but when they were about to tell him something, he woke up from his sleep.
Gopala looked around in bewilderment and them went impatiently to find Sri Gaura.111
Mahaprabhu was delighted and revealed Himself in the form of a cowherd boy with a blue complexion. 112
Then as Per Chaitanya Mahaprabhu request Srila Gopal Bhattacharya went to Vrindavan after growing up
In His enthusiam over the letter, Mahaprabhu began to describe Gopala to his devotees.181
“During My southern tour, I had the pleasure of staying at the house of Venkata Bhatta. 182
“There I met Sri Bhatta’s son Gopala who had already proven himself a great scholar of all scriptures.183
“With the permission of his father, Gopala had gladly served Me with great sincerity. 184
“Lord Krsna has been kind to him and he has now gone to live in Vindavana.185
“Rupa and Sanatana are very dear to Me and they sent Me a letter as soon as Gopala arrived there.” 186
Mahaprabhu’s devotees were happy to hear the Lord relate His story.
The Lord praised Rupa and Sanatana and then sent them His reply.
He wrote, “I am glad to hear of Gopala’s arrival in Vindavana. You should accept him as your own brother.189
“Continue to send Me letters from time to time informing Me of your welfare and activities.190
“The books which you have already written and those which you are currently writing will later be well accepted by the world. 191
“The person who will help to circulate all books, has now arrived by the wish of Lord Krsna.“192
Mahaprabhu ordered a person to take the letter and many clothes for his Vindavana disciples and to leave without delay for Vraja.
When the coruier met the Gosvamis in Vindavana, he delivered the doras,Kaupina and outer garments along with the letters.
It also covers the lives and contributions of other close associates of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, such as Nityananda Prabhu, Advaita Acharya, Gadadhara Pandita, and Svarupa Damodara Goswami.
The Importance of Sri Nivas Acharya, Narottama Dasa Thakura, and Shyamananda Pandita: The book highlights the crucial role played by these three principal figures in propagating the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu throughout Bengal and Orissa, especially after the direct presence of the Goswamis in Vrindavana diminished. It describes their efforts to collect and bring the Goswamis’ manuscripts from Vrindavana to Bengal, ensuring the preservation and dissemination of their teachings.
It elaborates on their extensive travels, their encounters with various individuals, and their successful preaching efforts that ignited a new wave of devotional fervor.Challenges and Triumphs: The narrative often includes descriptions of the challenges they faced in their mission, including opposition from non-devotees, and how they overcame these obstacles through their unwavering faith and dedication.
Narahari Chakravarti Thakura provides vivid descriptions of various sacred places, particularly those associated with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s pastimes in Navadvipa and the Goswamis’ activities in Vrindavana.Significance of Holy Sites: He explains the spiritual significance of these locations and often relates specific pastimes that occurred there, enriching the reader’s understanding and appreciation of these holy places.Pilgrimage Narratives: The book sometimes follows the journey of devotees as they undertake pilgrimages to these sites, describing their experiences and the spiritual benefits derived from visiting them.
Narahari Chakravarti Thakura often intersperses his narrative with his own humble prayers and expressions of devotion, acknowledging his limitations and seeking the blessings of the Vaishnavas. This adds a personal touch to the work and demonstrates the author’s deep spiritual mood.
Jaya Srila Prabhupada!!
Hari Gopinath Das 
Leave a comment