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Plate 183

Lord Caitanya Faints in Ecstasy

Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu read the famous verse of Mādhavendra Purī. That verse is just like • the moon, for it has spread illumination all over the world. By continuous rubbing, the aroma of Malaya sandalwood increases. Similarly, the more one considers this verse, the more one appreciates it importance. As the kaustubha-mani is considered the most precious of valuable stones, this verse is considered the best of mellow poems. Actually, this verse was spoken by Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī Herself, and by Her mercy only was it manifest in the words of Mādhavendra Purī. Only Mādhavendra Purī, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, and Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī have tasted the poetry of this verse. No fourth person can understand it. Mādhavendra Purī recited this verse again and again at the end of his material existence. Thus uttering this verse, he attained the ultimate goal of life.

Lord Caitanya sang, "O My Lord! O most merciful master! O master of Mathurā! When shall I see You again? Because of My not seeing You, My agitated heart has become unsteady. O most beloved one, what shall I do now?"

When Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu recited this verse, He immediately fell to the ground unconscious. He was overwhelmed with ecstatic love and had no control over Himself. Lord Nityānanda picked Him up and placed Him on His lap. Then , crying , Caitanya Mahāprabhu got up again. Exhibiting ecstatic emotions, the Lord began to run here and there, making resounding noises. Sometimes He laughed sometimes He cried, and sometimes He danced and sang.

Painting by DHṚTI-DEVĪ DĀSĪ (1983)

Lord Caitanya Faints in Ecstasy