My Nitai Is Lord Rama

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

During His childhood in Ekachakra Dhama, Sri Nityananda Prabhu enjoyed the lilas of various forms of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. Vyasa avatara Sri Vrindavana dasa Thakura wonderfully depicts Nitai Balarama’s ecstatic boyhood pastimes.

One day in Ekachakra, a sportive youth named Nitai assumed the form of Lord Ramachandra. A “monkey army” of Nitai’s boyfriends, dressed as simians, cheered “Jai Raghunatha!”as they tossed trees into the water to build a bridge to Lanka.

Another time, Sri Nityananda Prabhu played Lakshmanji, holding a bow in hand bow and angrily walking to meet Sugriva. At that time, Sri Nityananda Prabhu said, “O you wretched monkey, My Lord is in anguish. If you care to live then come to meet Sri Rama who is anxiously awaiting your arrival.”

Nitai fully entered the bhava of Lord Rama’s younger brother Lakshman. Nitai’s chums, however, thought it was all jest because they did not understand Nitai’s internal moods. Nitai’s friends dressed up as five monkeys—Sugriva, Hanuman, Nala, Nila and Tara.

Lakshman Nitai said, “Who are you? I see you are all monkeys roaming in the forest? I am the servant of Raghunatha, please introduce yourselves.” Then Lakshman embraced them and took them to Lord Ramacandra. Offering dandavats to Sri Rama, the five monkeys cheered in unison “Jai Sri Rama! Jai Sri Rama!” (adapted Chaitanya Bhagavata Chp 9)

Rama Lakshman Nitai ki jai! Jai Sri Rama! Sri Rama!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!