11. Different Types of Parikrama of Sri Navadvīpa Dhama

11. Different Types of Parikrama of Sri Navadvīpa Dhama:

Nityananda Prabhu said to Jiva, “The order in which we have proceeded till now is the authorized order of parikrama with the best effect. When Śri Caitanya brought His associates to purify the Kazi with an evening kirtana contingent of 14 mrdangas, His starting point was Mayapur. Through the period of one night, which extended to one night of Brahma due to the sweet kirtana, Gauranga wandered through His land. After that, every Ekādaśī tithi My Lord went on sankirtana, wandering over the sacred islands. Sometimes He wandered around within the 5 krośas of Antardvipa, and sometimes, according to His desire, within the 8 krośas.”

“From His house, He went first to Bārakoņā ghāța, then around Ballal- dighi, and then to Śrīdhara's house. From there, He would go to the edge of Antardvipa and thus easily complete a 5 krośa tour. From Simuliya, He would go to the Kazi's house. After talking to Śrīdhara, He would go to Gādigāchā (Godruma), and then to Mājidā (Madhyadvipa). Crossing the Ganga at that point, on the other bank He would go up to Pāraśāngā and Chināśāngă, on the bank of the Ganga. Then crossing the river again, He would return home, completing the 8 krośas.”

“The complete parikrama is 16 krośas, and if that is done, the Lord is pleased. There is no equal to this. Within this tour you will see all the 12 forests of Vrndāvana which extend over 16 krośas. This tour ends after 9 nights and is thus called navaratra-parikrama in the scripture. One does the 5 krośa parikrama in one day, and the 8 krośa parikrama is completed after 3 nights. The first night is spent in Māyāpur, the second night in Godruma, and the third night at Pulina, on the opposite bank of the Ganges.”

Hearing this instruction on the method of parikrama, Jiva Mahāśaya could not contain his love.

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