King Prataparudra’s Strong Desire
[Madhya 10-14]
Maharaja Prataparudra was the King of Orissa, and though a powerful political figure, was also a meek and humble Vaisnava. Chapters Ten to Fourteen describe his ardent desire to meet Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and the various means he employed to receive that special audience.
After hearing about Sri Caitanya, Prataparudra requested Sarvabhauma to arrange a personal interview with Him. As a renunciant, however, Sri Caitanya strictly avoided the intimate company of those involved in worldly affairs. Nevertheless, Sarvabhauma agreed to place the request before Sri Caitanya upon His return from South India. Prataparudra was happy to wait, and arranged the house of Kasi Misra as a suitable residence for Sri Caitanya in Jagannatha Puri.
When Sri Caitanya arrived back, Sarvabhauma welcomed Him and waited for an opportune moment to present Prataparudra’s request. When he did, Sri Caitanya flatly refused, adamant that it was inappropriate for a renunciant to meet royalty. Sarvabhauma explained that the King was a great devotee, but Shri Chaitanya was not willing to budge. Later, Ramananda Raya arrived in Jagannatha Puri to reside with Sri Caitanya, having been granted full retirement from government duties by Prataparudra. Ramananda thus began to express his immense gratitude for the king’s magnanimity and broadmindedness. Sri Caitanya appreciated the king’s selfless service, and assured Ramananda that it would bring him great fortune. Meanwhile, however, Prataparudra was devastated by Sri Caitanya’s refusal to see him and resolved to end his life. Sarvabhauma requested the king to be patient, advising him to meet Sri Caitanya at the conclusion of the Ratha-yatra.
Prataparudra eagerly requested the devotees to submit another petition to Sri Caitanya on his behalf. Headed by Sarvabhauma, they went to the residence of Sri Caitanya and again expressed the intense desire of the king. Although Sri Caitanya’s heart was softened, He was still hesitant. When Nityananda suggested that the Lord send His garment as a consolation, Sri Caitanya agreed, and Prataparudra was very happy to receive it. Later, when Ramananda petitioned on behalf of Prataparudra, Sri Caitanya agreed to meet the king’s son, explaining that meeting the son was as good as meeting the father. Although grateful for these gifts of mercy, Prataparudra still yearned for a personal audience with his worshipable Lord.
On the day of Ratha-yatra, Prataparudra spontaneously swept in front of Lord Jagannatha’s cart. Sri Caitanya was pleased with his meek and humble approach and thus awarded Prataparudra a transcendental vision during the procession. As the carts progressed towards Gundicha, Sri Caitanya fell to the ground in ecstasy and Prataparudra spontaneously caught Him. The Lord feigned anger to instruct His associates, and though the king became fearful, Sarvabhauma reassured him that everything would work out.
At the conclusion of the procession, Sri Caitanya went to rest in the Gundicha gardens. Dressed as a common man, Prataparudra arrived there and began massaging Sri Caitanya’s feet. When he recited the exquisite verses from the Tenth Canto of Shrimad-Bhagavatam, Sri Caitanya went into an ecstatic state and spontaneously embraced him. Prataparudra was overjoyed, knowing that he had finally received the full mercy of the Lord.
The saga of Maharaja Prataparudra is very instructive for all spiritual practitioners. His ultimate success was due to three qualities which he perfectly embodied:
• Desire: the king developed a burning desire to see Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Fully convinced that his kingdom, wealth, power and position could not bring him happiness, he instead switched his focus towards the spiritual.
• Direction: in his endeavours for spiritual success, the king enlisted the help of saintly persons. Such spiritual company offers guidance, inspiration and access to God. Their devotional fervour can overflow onto us and their good wishes can attract divine attention.
• Determination: Prataparudra possessed unbreakable determination and perseverance, and all setbacks simply fuelled his spiritual desire. Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal. Without determination and focus, even small and insignificant issues can seem like insurmountable stumbling blocks in our spiritual journey.
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