ശ്രീനരോത്തമ-പ്രാര്ഥനാ

All glories to Sri Sri Krishna Chaitanya and Nityananda.

Composed by the great Sri Sri Narottama Thakura Mahasaya — the prayers of Sri Narottama.

When I chant ‘Gauranga’, my body shivers with ecstasy. When I chant ‘Hari Hari’, tears flow from my eyes. When will Nityananda Prabhu show His mercy upon me? When will my worldly desires become insignificant? When will my mind become pure, free from material desires? When will I behold Vrindavan? When will I be attracted to the feet of Rupa and Raghunatha? When will I understand the love of the divine couple? May my hope remain at the feet of Rupa and Raghunatha. Narottama Das always prays thus. 1.

O Hari! O Hari! How unfortunate are my actions! I have not served the feet of Radha and Krishna in Vraja, not even for a moment. I have not understood the essence of their love. I have not served the lotus feet of Svarupa, Sanatana, Rupa, Raghunatha, Bhattayuga, Bhugarbha, Sri Jiva, and Lokanatha, not even for a moment. How will my desires be fulfilled? I have not associated with the devotees like Krishnadasa Kaviraja, who composed the Chaitanya Charitamrita. Hearing the pastimes of Gauranga and Govinda, my heart did not melt. I did not reside with the devotees, nor did I associate with those who were with them. What is the story of my sorrow? I have wasted my life in vain. Shame, shame on Narottama Das. 2.

O Radha and Krishna! This person makes a humble request. You both are full of rasa, with compassionate hearts. Please pay attention to me, O Lord. O Krishna, the moon of Gokula, O beloved of the gopis, O crown jewel of Krishna’s beloveds. Hearing the songs of Gauri and Shyama, my life becomes soothed. To the fallen and destitute, you are known for your compassion throughout the three worlds. Hearing from the mouths of saints, I have taken shelter happily, but my path is not yet clear. Glory to Radha, glory to Krishna, glory, glory to Radha and Krishna. With folded hands on my head, Narottama falls to the ground, praying for the fulfillment of his desires. 3.

O Hari! O Hari! When will that day be mine? When will I behold and touch the divine forms of Radha and Krishna, serving them with my own hands? Along with Lalita and Vishakha, I will serve joyfully, weaving garlands of various flowers. I will offer betel leaves filled with camphor to their lotus faces. The lotus feet of Radha and Krishna are my life and wealth, my means of living. Glory to the savior of the fallen, grant me this wealth, for I have no other desire but you. O ocean of mercy, my spiritual master, friend of the fallen, Lokanatha, the life of the world. O Lord, show your mercy, grant me the shadow of your feet. Narottama has taken shelter. 4.

O Hari! O Hari! I have wasted my life. Having obtained a human birth, I did not worship Radha and Krishna. Knowing this, I have knowingly consumed poison. The treasure of Goloka, the congregational chanting of the holy name, did not awaken love in me. In the blazing fire of material existence, my heart burns day and night. I did not find a way to cool it. The son of the king of Vraja, who became the son of Sachi, and Balarama became Nitai. He delivered the fallen and lowly through the holy name, as witnessed by Jagai and Madhai. O Lord, son of Nanda, with the daughter of Vrishabhanu, show your mercy this time. Narottama Das says, do not push me away from your feet, for without you, who do I have? 5.

O Hari! O Hari! When will my auspicious day come? When will I worship Radha and Krishna, being overwhelmed with love? Mixing with the sweet melodies, I will sing their glories joyfully. Chanting ‘Radhika Govinda’, I will cry out loudly, my entire body drenched in tears. O Lalita and Vishakha, show your mercy this time. In the mood of friendship, my Lord, with Subala and other friends. All together, show your mercy and fulfill my hope. Narottama Das always prays thus. 6.

O Lord of my life! This person makes a humble request. O Govinda, moon of Gokula, source of supreme bliss, beloved of the gopis, look upon me. Grant me the wealth of serving your dear feet, for you are the ocean of mercy. Your supremely auspicious fame, hearing it is the highest nectar, what else is there to achieve? In the dreadful material existence, my mind is attached to sense objects, forgetting you, a thorn in my heart. My body and mind are withered, unconscious at every moment, living is like dying in sorrow. I am the most fallen, show your mercy by looking upon me, keep me as a servant in Vrindavan. The name of Sri Krishna Chaitanya, my Lord, my abode of Gauranga, Narottama has taken shelter. 7.

O Govinda, Gopinath! Show your mercy and keep me at your feet. The six enemies of lust and anger roam in various places, indulging in sense enjoyment in various ways. Becoming a servant of illusion, I have many desires, your remembrance is far away. Hoping for material gain, in the guise of a deceitful Vaishnava, I wander from house to house. Falling into many miseries, I was taken to Vrajapura, bound by the rope of mercy. By the force of fate and illusion, that rope was snatched away, and I was thrown into the well of material existence. If you show your mercy again, holding the hair of this person, pull me to Vrajadhama. Then I will see well, otherwise, my life is lost, says the humble servant Narottama. 8.

O my Lord Madan Gopal! O Sri Govinda, Gopinath, you are the Lord of the destitute, show mercy to me, the fallen. I have fallen into the dark ocean of material existence, bind me with the rope of mercy. I am the most fallen outcaste, you are the Lord of mercy, I have heard from the mouths of Vaishnavas. With great hope in my heart, take me to Vrindavan, to see Banshivat happily. Show mercy, take me by the hair, give me the shade of your feet on the banks of the Yamuna. My long-standing hope, do not let it turn into despair, show mercy, do not deceive me. Holding this temporary body, claiming it as my own, fear of death follows behind. Narottama Das says, my life cries day and night, without attaining Vraja, there is no hope. 9.

My wealth is Nityananda, my husband is Gaurachandra, my life is the youthful couple. The strength of Advaita Acharya, Gadadhara is my family, Narahari is my delight. The dust of the feet of Vaishnavas is my bathing play, my offering is the names of Vaishnavas. Contemplating in my mind, tasting the nectar of devotion, the Bhagavata Purana is my mediator. The remnants of Vaishnavas are my mental determination, in the names of Vaishnavas, I find joy. The courtyard of Vrindavan surrounds my mind, says the humble Narottama Das. 10.

The lotus feet of Nitai are as soothing as millions of moons, whose shade cools the world. Without such a Nitai, brother, Radha and Krishna cannot be attained, firmly hold onto Nitai’s feet. One who has no connection with Him, his birth is wasted, he is a great miscreant. Not chanting Nitai’s name, he drowns in worldly pleasures, what will his education and family do for him? Intoxicated with pride, forgetting Nitai’s feet, accepting falsehood as truth. If Nitai’s mercy is obtained, Radha and Krishna in Vraja can be attained, worship Nitai’s two feet. Nitai’s feet are true, His servants are eternal, always hope for Nitai’s feet. Narottama is very unhappy, Nitai makes me happy, keep me at the feet of Radha. 11.

Brothers, brothers! Worship my Gauranga’s feet. Not worshiping, I have suffered, drowning in the poisonous well of household life, burning these five senses. In the fire of the threefold miseries, my heart burns day and night, my body is always unconscious. Under the control of enemies, the senses have become, forgetting Gauranga’s feet, such wealth has turned away. Such a merciful Gauranga, leaving all shame and fear, take shelter with body and mind. Gauranga delivered the sinful and foolish, He became the savior of the fallen. Gauranga, the king of Brahmins, bind Him in your heart, what will the world do to calm you? Narottama Das says, there is no one like Gauranga, without worshiping, He does not give the wealth of love. 12.

One who has the two feet of Gauranga as his wealth and treasure, knows the essence of devotional rasa. One whose ears have heard the sweet pastimes of Gauranga, his heart becomes pure. One who chants Gauranga’s name, he becomes joyful, I offer myself to him. One who laments for Gauranga’s qualities, his eternal pastimes manifest to him, he is eligible for devotion. One who considers Gauranga’s associates as eternally perfect, he goes to the son of Nanda in Vraja. One who knows the land of Sri Gauda Mandala as Chintamani, he resides in the land of Vraja. One who dives into the ocean of Gauranga’s love, he becomes intimate with Radha and Madhava. Whether at home or in the forest, he calls out ‘Ha Gauranga’, Narottama desires his association. 13.

O Lord Sri Krishna Chaitanya! Show mercy to me. Who else is merciful in this world besides you? Your incarnation is for the deliverance of the fallen. There is no one more fallen than me, O Lord. O Lord Nityananda, who is joyful in love, show your merciful glance, I am very unhappy. O Sita’s husband, Advaita Gosai, by your mercy, I will attain Chaitanya and Nitai. O Svarupa, Sanatana, Rupa, Raghunatha, Bhattayuga, Sri Jiva, O Lord Lokanatha. Show mercy, O Sri Acharya, O Lord Srinivasa. With Ramachandra, Narottama Das prays. 14.

He who brought the treasure of love, full of compassion, where has such a Lord gone, Acharya Thakur? Where is my Svarupa, Rupa, where is Sanatana? Where is Das Raghunatha, the savior of the fallen? Where is my Bhattayuga, where is Kaviraja? In one moment, where has Gauranga, the king of dancers, gone? I will smash my head on a stone, I will enter the fire. Where has the treasure of Gauranga’s qualities gone? All those associates with whom He performed pastimes, not having their association, Narottama Das cries. 15.

O Hari! O Hari! A great thorn remains in my heart. Having obtained this rare human body, without worshiping Sri Krishna, my life has become futile. The son of the king of Vraja, Hari, incarnated in Navadvipa, filling the world with love. I am such a foolish person, extremely hard-hearted, that I did not receive His mercy. Svarupa, Sanatana, Rupa, Raghunatha, Bhattayuga, I did not develop attachment to them. The divine abode of Chintamani, Vrindavan, such a place, I did not reside there. My mind is especially attached to sense objects, I have no attachment to Vaishnavas, constant regret arises in my mind. Narottama Das says, it is not proper for a living being, without serving the spiritual master and Vaishnavas. 16.

The feet of Thakur Vaishnavas are the wealth of the earth, listen, brothers, with one mind. One who takes shelter and serves them, attains Krishna bhakti, all others die in vain. The water from the feet of Vaishnavas has the power to give love and devotion, no one else is as powerful. The dust from the feet of Vaishnavas is an ornament for the head, there is no other ornament like it. The purifying quality of the water of holy places is written in the scriptures, all that is a display of devotion. The water from the feet of Vaishnavas is not equal to all that, it fulfills all desires. In the association of Vaishnavas, the mind is joyful at every moment, always in the company of Krishna. The humble Narottama cries, his heart cannot be consoled, why has my condition become broken? 17.

O Thakur Vaishnavas! I make this humble request, I am very fallen and sinful. In the dreadful ocean of material existence, fate has drowned me, hold my hair and take me across. Fate is very powerful, it does not listen to dharma or knowledge, always binding with the ropes of karma. I do not see any sign of deliverance, wherever I look, there is only distress, the orphan cries in despair. Lust, anger, greed, delusion, pride, and arrogance, each pulls in its own direction. My mind is like this, wandering like a blind person, not knowing the path of righteousness. I did not take the right path, my mind was absorbed in falsehood, I did not hope for your feet. Narottama Das says, seeing and hearing, fear arises, take me across and keep me at your feet. 18.

This time, show mercy, O Vaishnava Gosai. Without you, the savior of the fallen, who else is there? By going near whom, sins go far away, such a merciful Lord, where can one find? By the touch of the Ganges, one becomes purified later, your quality is to purify by sight. Offenses at the place of Hari are forgiven by the holy name, offenses at your place have no escape. In your heart, Govinda always resides, Govinda says, “My Vaishnava is my life.” In every birth, I hope for the dust of your feet. Show mercy to Narottama, make him your own. 19.

How will I attain service, I am so sinful? I have no attachment to the spiritual master and Vaishnavas. My mind is absorbed in illusion, no attachment to Vaishnavas has arisen. The witch of illusion roams, giving a noose around my neck, forgetting Krishna, I have become blind day and night. Conquering this is not possible, without the mercy of saints, there is no other way. O Lord, who sees no faults, deliverer of the fallen, this time, deliver Narottama. 20.

O Hari! O Hari! How unfortunate are my actions! My life has been wasted, a thorn remains in my heart, no attachment to Hari has arisen. Sacrifices, charity, bathing in holy places, pious deeds, chanting, and meditation, all have gone in vain. I realized in my mind, it is like a mockery, like ornaments on a naked body. Hearing the nectar of stories from the mouths of saints, my heart did not become pure, no offense was the cause. Constant association with falsehood, everything was destroyed, what will I do when death comes? The Vedas and Smritis always say, I have heard, the feet of Hari are the fearless shelter. Taking birth, I did not chant Krishna’s name with my mouth, nor did I meditate on His form. At the feet of Radha and Krishna, may my body and mind remain, let all desires go far away. Narottama Das says, I have no fear anymore, I have surrendered my body and mind to you. 21.

O Hari! O Hari! When will such a condition be mine? Leaving this material world, absorbed in supreme bliss, when will I go to the land of Vraja? When will I have the vision of the blissful Vrindavan? When will I touch the dust of that place? Overwhelmed with love, chanting the names of Radha and Krishna, I will wander, crying. Going to a secluded grove, offering obeisances with eight limbs, I will call out, “O Radha Nath!” When will I touch the water of the Yamuna, when will I drink it with folded hands? When will I go to the Rasa Mandala, when will I roll on the ground there? Finding the shade of Banshivat, overwhelmed with supreme bliss, I will remain in its shade. When will I see Govardhan Hill, filling my eyes, when will I reside at Radha Kund? Wandering and wandering, when will this body fall, says the humble Narottama Das. 22.

O Hari! O Hari! When will my condition change? Leaving everything behind, I will go to the abode of Vrindavan, this is my hope. Wealth, family, children, and wife, leaving all these behind, when will I go alone? Leaving all sorrows behind, residing in Vrindavan, begging for alms, I will eat. The water of the Yamuna is like nectar, when will I drink it, filling my stomach? When will I bathe in the waters of Radha Kund, with great delight, lying in Shyam Kund? Wandering in the twelve forests, wherever the Rasa dance took place, rolling on the ground in love. I will inquire from each person, at the feet of the residents of Vraja, offering my respects. When will the places of devotion become visible to my eyes, and all the groves that are there? Among them, Vrindavan, Narottama Das’s mind, hopes for the feet of the divine couple. 23.

Wearing a loincloth, covering my body with a torn cloth, I will renounce all material desires. When will I develop love for Krishna, when will I go to the groves of Vraja, making my home there? O Hari! O Hari! When will my auspicious day come? Eating fruits and roots in Vrindavan, at the end of the day, wandering, becoming indifferent. In the cool waters of the Yamuna, I will make my place with delight, overwhelmed with love and joy. Raising my arms, wandering in Vrindavan, chanting Krishna’s name, I will cry. Seeing the places of pastimes, I will soothe my burning heart, rolling on the ground in love. Where is Radha, my life-giver? Where is the holder of Govardhan? Where is my Lord? I will call out. Sitting on the top of Madhavi’s grove, happily, the parrot and the female parrot will sing the rasa of Radha and Krishna. Sitting under a tree, hearing that, my heart will be soothed, when will I spend my days happily? O Sri Govinda, Gopinath, with Srimati Radhika, I will see them on the jeweled throne. The humble Narottama Das makes a rare hope, when will it be fulfilled? 24.

O Hari! O Hari! When will I become a resident of Vrindavan? When will I behold with my eyes the dual forms of Radha and Krishna? Leaving the comfort of a bed, when will my body be covered with the dust of Vraja? When will I give up the six tastes of food, when will I beg for alms in Vraja? Wandering from forest to forest, I will circumambulate, resting on the banks of the Yamuna. Cooling my heat at the cool Banshivat, when will I sit in a grove near the Vaishnavas? Narottama Das says, giving up everything, when will such a condition be mine? 25.

When will such a condition be mine? Leaving everything, I will go to Vrindavan. When will I roll on the ground in the Rasa Mandala with great delight? When will I see Govardhan Hill, filling my eyes for a long time? Bathing in Shyam Kund and Radha Kund, when will I soothe my heart? When will I immerse myself in the waters of the Yamuna, becoming pure? Residing in Vrindavan with the association of saints, Narottama Das hopes. 26.

I will serve Radha and Krishna in life and death. I will see their places and pastimes day and night. In the places where the youthful couple performs pastimes, I will be there as a companion of the sakhis. The feet of Sri Rupa Manjari are my eternal service. Her lotus feet are my mantra and great medicine. O Sri Rati Manjari Devi! Show your mercy to me. Give me the shade of your lotus feet at every moment. O Sri Rasa Manjari Devi! Pay attention. Give me the meditation of your lotus feet at every moment. In Vrindavan, the eternal pastimes of the divine couple, Narottama Das always prays for this. 27.

Radha and Krishna are my life, the youthful couple. In life and death, I have no other shelter. On the banks of the Yamuna, in the groves of Kadamba trees, I will seat the two on a jeweled throne. I will apply the fragrance of sandalwood to their bodies. When will I see their moon-like faces? I will weave garlands of Malati flowers and place them around their necks. I will offer betel leaves filled with camphor to their lips. With Lalita, Vishakha, and other sakhis, I will serve their lotus feet. As a servant of Sri Krishna Chaitanya Prabhu, Narottama Das desires service. 28.

O Hari! O Hari! When will my auspicious day come? When will I serve joyfully in the playful pastimes? With Lalita, Vishakha, and all the sakhis, I will form a circle, joining them. Holding the hands of Radha and Krishna, I will dance, watching with great delight. Resting lazily on Govardhan Hill, Radha and Krishna will lie down. Narottama Das says, may this be mine, serving their feet at every moment. 29.

Govardhan Hill, the supreme secluded place, Radha and Krishna will lie down. With Lalita and Vishakha, I will serve joyfully, at their blissful reddish feet. Making a golden box, filling it with camphor and betel leaves, I will offer it to their lotus faces. Bringing jeweled anklets and toe rings, I will adorn their feet. Filling a golden bowl with camphor and sandalwood, when will I offer it to their bodies? Weaving garlands of Mallika, Malati, and Yuthi flowers, when will I place them around their necks? Making a golden jar, filling it with water from Radha Kund, I will anoint their bodies. With the left hand of the guru Rupa Sakhi, standing in a tribhanga pose, I will fan them with a chamara. Seeing their lotus eyes, filled with ecstasy, when will I touch their feet? As a servant of Chaitanya Das, my only desire, Narottama Das always envisions. 30.

O Hari! O Hari! When will such a condition be mine? When will I be born as a daughter in the house of a cowherd in Vraja? When will my marriage take place, when will I reside there? The foremost of the sakhis, who is dear to them, I will serve her feet. Being merciful, she will offer me to the reddish feet of Radha and Krishna. My condition will be successful, my heart’s desires will be fulfilled, serving their dual feet. In Vrindavan, the two of them, surrounded by sakhis on all sides, I will serve the remnants. The sakhis, on all four sides, holding various instruments in their hands, I will see with my heart’s desire. Seeing their two moon-like faces, my burning eyes will be soothed, tears will flow from my eyes. Receiving the order of Vrinda, I will go near them, such a day will be mine. Seeing me as an orphan, Sri Rupa Manjari Sakhi will keep me at her reddish feet. Narottama Das says, when will the dear playful sakhis make me a maidservant? 31.

O Hari! O Hari! When will such a condition be mine? Leaving the male body, when will I become a female, applying sandalwood to both bodies? Binding a braid with a new garland of Gunja, I will weave a garland of various flowers. Wearing yellow garments, with the sakhis, I will adorn them, offering betel leaves to their faces. Seeing their enchanting forms, I will fill my eyes, dressing Radha in blue garments. Bringing a new jeweled ornament, I will bind a beautiful braid, weaving a garland of Malati flowers. Seeing that form of sweetness, I will fill my eyes, this is my heart’s desire. Glory to Rupa and Sanatana, grant me this wealth, Narottama Das prays. 32.

O Lord of my life! Show mercy to me this time. Holding grass between my teeth, with folded hands on my head, this person makes a humble request. With the dear companions, I will serve joyfully, dressing the bodies with care. Radha, for this service, at her lotus feet, among the dear companions. Fragrant sandalwood, jeweled ornaments, silk garments of various colors. All these services, whoever has them, I will be with them at every moment. Making the water fragrant, filling jeweled containers, with camphor-scented betel leaves. Arranging all these on a tray, with clove and Malati garlands, various delicious foods. At the indication of the sakhis, when will I bring all these, offering them to Lalita? Narottama Das says, may this be mine, standing behind the sakhis. 33.

O Lord of my life! When will I receive your merciful glance? Spreading a bed of red lotus petals, seating the youthful couple. Covered with locks of hair, their enchanting lotus faces, emerald-like Shyam and golden Gauri. At their command, when will I bring various flowers, hearing their sweet words? Making a tilak with musk, applying sandalwood paste, I will adorn them with garlands of Malati flowers. Fanning them with a gentle breeze, Lalita will fan them. All the perspiration will be wiped from their bodies, I will behold them with supreme joy. Narottama Das desires to drink the sweetness of serving their lotus feet. When will such a day come, I do not see any sign, when will I behold them with my eyes? 34.

O Hari! O Hari! My desires will be fulfilled. In the blossoming Vrindavan, the peacocks will dance, the cuckoos and bees will hum. With the dear companions, singing joyfully, in the charming grove cottage. Watching their slow movements, with great delight, my body will be filled with ecstasy. Among the sakhis on all sides, at Radha’s indication, I will take a comb in my hand. All the curly locks, spreading the veil, I will make a beautiful braid. Applying musk and sandalwood to all their bodies, I will adorn them with beautiful garlands. Making a tilak with sandalwood and kumkum, I will behold their moon-like faces. Carefully dressing them in blue garments, I will place jeweled anklets on their feet. Washing their reddish feet with fragrant water, I will wipe them with my own hair. Spreading a bed of lotus petals, I will make them lie down. Bringing a white chamara, I will fan them gently, cooling their bodies. Making a golden box, filling it with camphor and betel leaves, I will offer it to their mouths. Drinking the nectar of their lips, with the fragrance of betel leaves, I will enjoy with great care. O ocean of mercy, my spiritual master, Lokanatha, friend of the fallen, pay attention to me. Radha and Krishna in Vrindavan, with the dear playful sakhis, Narottama prays for this gift. 35.

O Hari! O Hari! When will my auspicious day come? On the supreme secluded Govardhan Hill, Radha and Krishna will lie down. Washing their reddish feet with fragrant water, I will wipe them with my own hair. Making a golden box, filling it with camphor and betel leaves, I will offer it to their lips. With the dear companions, I will serve joyfully, serving their feet with my own hands. Watching their lotus eyes with great delight, my body will be filled with ecstasy. Weaving garlands of Mallika, Malati, and Yuthi flowers, when will I place them around their necks? Making a golden bowl, filling it with camphor and sandalwood, when will I offer it to their bodies? When will I behold their faces, lying in the grove of playful pastimes? With Sri Kundalata, in the playful pastimes, Narottama will listen. 36.

O Lord! Show mercy this time. Seeing the dual feet, fulfill my eyes, this is my heart’s desire. Grant me the service of your feet, do not neglect me, both of you are oceans of mercy. Without you, I know no one, consider this my great fortune, I am very fallen and sinful. Receiving the order of Lalita, I will go to serve the feet, with the dear companions, my mind will be joyful. Both of you are the crown jewels of donors, knowing me as very humble, you will give me the gift of your feet. Receiving Radha and Krishna, the wounds of my heart will be healed, all distress will go far away. Narottama Das says, this desire will be fulfilled, my body and life will be successful. 37.

O Hari! O Hari! How unfortunate are my actions! My mind is crooked with material desires, I have no attachment to saintly association, how will I find the path of deliverance? Svarupa, Sanatana, Rupa, Raghunatha, Bhattayuga, Lokanatha, the ocean of truth. Hearing all their stories, the pain of my heart will be relieved, then my heart will be good. When Gauranga, Nityananda, Advaita, and other devotees incarnated in the city of Nadia. At that time, I was not born, now what is the use of this body, carrying a false burden? Haridasa and others wander, performing festivals, I did not see that joyful play. What is the story of my sorrow? I have wasted my life in vain. Shame, shame on Narottama Das. 38.

The feet of Sri Rupa Manjari are my wealth, they are my worship and adoration. They are my life and wealth, they are my ornaments, they are my life’s life. They are my reservoir of rasa, they are my fulfillment of desires, they are my Vedic dharma. They are my vow, they are my austerity, they are my mantra and chanting, they are my dharma and karma. If fate is favorable, those feet will be my perfection, I will behold them with these two eyes. That form of sweetness, the moon of my heart, will blossom day and night. Your absence is like a serpent, burning my body, my life is always in pain. O Lord! Show mercy, grant me the shade of your feet, Narottama has taken shelter. 39.

I have heard from the mouths of saints, everyone says, by the mercy of Sri Rupa, one attains the feet of the divine couple. O Lord Sanatana, Gauranga’s family, all together, fulfill my desires. May the mercy of Sri Rupa be upon me, whoever has taken shelter of those feet is a great soul. When will Lord Lokanatha take me with him, and offer me at the lotus feet of Sri Rupa? Will my condition be such that the playful sakhis will guide Narottama? 40.

This new maidservant will look at Sri Rupa. When will such an auspicious moment be mine? Quickly, he will command, “Maidservant, come here, prepare for service without delay.” Joyfully, with a pure heart, I will perform the task immediately. Preparing the materials for service, placing them on a jeweled tray, filling a golden jar with fragrant water. I will quickly offer it before them. When will Narottama’s condition be like this? 41.

Behind Sri Rupa, I will remain, fearful. Both of them will again say, looking at me. With a compassionate heart, they will say with a smile, “Where did you find this new maidservant, Rupa?” Then Sri Rupa Manjari, hearing their words, will say, “Manjulali brought this maidservant to me.” With a very humble heart, I will know her, giving me the task of service, she kept me here. Such a truth, speaking directly to them, they will appoint Narottama in service. 42.

O Lord! Lokanatha! Keep me at your feet. If you show your merciful glance, I will be joyful. Then my heart’s desires will be fulfilled, my thirst will be quenched. Here, I will meet Chaitanya, serving Radha and Krishna. If you do not show mercy, who else will? Fulfill my heart’s desires this time. In this material world, I have no one else. Show mercy, keeping me at your feet. Singing the pastimes and qualities of Radha and Krishna day and night, Narottama’s desires will be fulfilled only by you. 43.

O Lord Lokanatha! Show mercy to me. May my mind always dwell at the feet of Radha and Krishna. Staying with you, with the sakhis, this is my desire, always arising in my heart. The elder sakhis, at their feet, when will they offer me for service? Then my desires will be fulfilled, joyfully serving their dual feet. O Sri Rupa Manjari Sakhi! With your merciful glance, sprinkle the nectar of service on Narottama. 44.

O! Show your mercy, your compassion. The false fire of illusion is burning my body. When will such a condition be mine, when will I be with the sakhis? In Vrindavan, weaving flowers, I will offer them to both. Sitting before them, when will I fan them with a chamara? Applying the fragrance of sandalwood and aguru to their bodies. When will the sakhis bring betel leaves, when will I offer them? When will I apply sindoor tilak to both? Watching the playful pastimes, I will behold with my eyes. Seeing their moon-like faces, seated on the throne. Always seeing that sweetness, my heart’s desire. When will mercy be shown to Narottama Das? 45.

O Hari! O Hari! When will such a condition be mine? I will serve their feet, overwhelmed with joy. Becoming a bee, I will always remain at their feet. Always tasting the nectar of their feet. With this hope, I am among the sakhis. By your mercy, my desires will be fulfilled. Longing for fulfillment, all together, show mercy, becoming compassionate. In the hope of service, Narottama cries day and night. Show mercy, making me a devoted maidservant. 46.

Glory, glory to Sri Krishna Chaitanya and Nityananda. Glory to Advaita Chandra, glory to the devotees of Gauranga. Show mercy, all together, show compassion. Do not despise the fallen and sinful. In this material world, your feet are the essence. Thinking of this, I see no other path. In the hope of attaining those feet, regret arises in my mind. With an anxious heart, I always cry. How will I attain, I find no way. The feet of Lord Lokanatha are not remembered. You are the merciful Lord, look once. Remove the darkness from Narottama’s heart. 47.

When will I attain the wealth of Krishna, placing it in my heart, soothing this sinful soul? Decorating my heart, I will place my beloved there, beholding that moon-like face. O friend! When will my auspicious day come? With my beloved, when will I wander joyfully, on the blissful banks of the Yamuna? Taking Lalita and Vishakha, I will seat them, offering various gifts. Becoming compassionate, fate will unite me with the treasure of qualities, such fortune will be mine. The cruel fate’s play broke the market of love, not leaving even a trace. Narottama Das says, what hope is there in my life, leaving me, the son of the king of Vraja? 48.

This time, having seen the feet, the source of all sorrow, placing them in my heart, I will soothe my soul. Not seeing them, my mind is greatly distressed. I will enter the fire or cover myself with water. Wiping the sweat from their faces, I will offer betel leaves. Fanning them with the breeze, applying sandalwood and other fragrances. Weaving garlands of Vrindavan flowers, I will offer them. Making and binding a braid with the weight of hair. I will apply a tilak of sandalwood on their foreheads. Narottama Das says, this is the snare of love. 49.

Not worshiping Gauranga’s feet, I have suffered. I have lost the jewel of love, neglecting it. Making great efforts, I have renounced wealth. By my own actions, I have drowned myself. Leaving the association of saints, I indulged in false pleasures. For this reason, the noose of karma has tightened. Constantly consuming the poison of material desires. I was not absorbed in the rasa of Gauranga’s kirtan. What life is there, what happiness is there? Narottama Das, why did you not die? 50.

Vrindavan, the charming place, the divine abode of Chintamani, the beautiful jeweled temple. Surrounded by the waters of the Yamuna, where royal swans play, adorned with golden lotuses. In the center, a golden seat, surrounded by eight petals, the principal heroine of the eight petals. In the center, on a jeweled throne, sit the two, Shyam with the beautiful Radhika. O form of beauty, the reservoir of nectar, falling like rain, in laughter, jest, and conversation. Narottama Das says, may the eternal blissful pastimes always manifest in my mind. 51.

The branch of the Kadamba tree, bending to the ground, blooming with flowers in rows. Filling the entire Vrindavan with fragrance, the bees and bumblebees play, Radha and Krishna enjoy in joy. What beauty, what charm, the mine of cleverness, adorned with jeweled ornaments. Holding the right hand of Radha, the beloved Giridhar, they walk sweetly. In front and behind, the sakhis shower flowers, which sakhi fans with a chamara? The ground is covered with pollen, the moon makes it cool, on the jeweled platform. Radha and Krishna join hands, dancing in circles, their bodies filled with ecstasy. The sakhis apply musk and sandalwood, showering flowers of Gandharaja. Drops of perspiration adorn their moon-like faces, the flute does not play on their lips. The rasa of laughter and play, simple sweet words, Narottama’s desires are fulfilled. Their enchanting attire, hair adorned with flowers, the eyes are captivated by their playful pastimes. 52.

Today, the night is filled with rasa. All the residents of Vrindavan are immersed in love. The dark cloud showers the nectar of love, Radha, the lightning, moves in joy. The path of love is slippery, the movement becomes crooked. The musk, sandalwood, and kumkum become mud. The directions are lost, the ocean of love is boundless. Narottama is drowning, he does not know how to swim. 53.

O best of lovers, listen, O Murali Dhar, I make a humble request at your feet. The jewel-like nails of your feet, like a necklace of pearls, adorn my neck. When you go to the forest with Sridama and Sudama, I stand at the door. In my mind, I go with you, fearing the elders, my eyes remain fixed on you. Looking at the new cloud, O friend, it reminds me of you, my hair is not tied. Going to the kitchen, singing your praises, I cry, making smoke rise. I do not have jewels or pearls, I have tied flowers in my hair, how will I adorn myself? Fate will not make me a woman, taking you, the treasure of qualities, I wander from place to place. I would become aguru and sandalwood, I would be smeared on your body, I would fall at your reddish feet. What is my heart’s desire, becoming a dwarf, I would touch the moon, will fate fulfill my desire? Narottama Das says, it is proper for you, do not abandon me, show mercy. The day when my body leaves, in your mood, on that day, give me the shade of your feet. 54.

Chanting Hari, I will see Madan Mohan. In this way, when will I walk on the path of Vraja? Going to the village of the king of Vraja, I will become the anklet of the gopis, sweetly playing at their feet. In the forest, playing with the cowherd boys, I will smear the dust of their feet. Filling my eyes with the beauty of Radha and Krishna, I will stand at the door of the grove. O residents of Vraja, fulfill my heart’s desires, when will I hear the flute of Sri Krishna? At the end of this body, I will remain in the waters of the Yamuna, chanting “Glory to Radha, Sri Krishna,” I will float. Narottama Das says, my desires are not fulfilled, when will I reside in Vraja? 55.