Sri Radhika Prasad MaharajRasa NidhiKishori KunjConversations with NannaAudio & VideoPublications & Media
Brindavaneswari Sri Radha Sri Radha Sudha Nidhi    Sakhi Forum
 
Volume 1Volume 2Volume 3Volume 4Volume 5Volume 6Volume 7Volume 8
Volume 9Volume 10Volume 11Volume 12Volume 13Volume 14Volume 15Volume 16
 
 

An Endless Divine Continuity - Part 1

 
Our Association With Nanna - Part 1
   
*Nanna's words of wisdom
*Mothers words of benediction
*Foreword by Author
 
 
1Rasa guru
2Ashrams established by Nanna
3Inner Spiritual living
4Miracle in the cremation ground
5Divine Love Incarnate
6Mother Radha Mahalakshmi
7 Spiritual Naming Ceremony
8 Supernatural Powers
9 Incident that prolonged the Lifespan
10 Fully Realized One
11 Mother is always with me
12 The Ceaseless Traveler
13 Confidential Sakhi of Sri Radha
14 Nanna, The Lover of Music
15 Circumambulation of Sri Nikunj
16 Who is Nanna?
17 Natural Fusion of Sri Radha and Krishna
18 Radhaji- The Essential Life-Force of Man
19 Nanna's Association with Gods
20 Nanna, Personification of Sweetness of Love
21 Comprehensive God's Realization is for Dhyana Yogis only
22 Sakhi - The Partner in Rasa
23 Nanna's Message
24 Sri Radha Sakhi
25 Nanna - The Mighty Ocean (of Love)
   
 
Foreword

... Sri Hitacharya said in the above verse.
 

 

 
 
Radhanamaiva karyamhyanudinamilitam sadhanadhisakoti
Styajyo nirajya Radha padakamala sudhasatpumardhagrakoti
Radha padabjaleela bhuvijayati sadamandarakoti
Sri Radhakinkarinam luthati charanayoradhbhuta siddhi koti
----
 
 

By listening, thinking and contemplating on Sri Radha, we can give up several other superior activities. When compared to the nectar of devotion derived at the holy feet of Sri Radha, even the most prominent of the seven purusharthas can be spurned. Because several rows of the divine wish fulfilling trees will be present in the land tread by Sri Radha with Her lotus feet. Innumerable supernatural powers lay at the feet of those who serve Sri Radha

 
 

-Sri Radha Sudhanidhi Verse 143

 

... Sri Hitacharya said in the above verse.

The supernatural powers attained by sages and devotees after several years of severe penance are said to lie at the feet of those who serve Sri Radha. That is the stature of Radha sakhi , who serves Sri Radha.

This book is about 'Radha Sakhi' who is conferred and served by innumerable supernatural powers.

On 22 July 1901, an eminent personality of Kali Yuga, a repository of penance and propounder of the philosophy of 'Rasa' was born in India. He was Sri Veerabhadra Rao , son of Rallabandi Venkayya and Suryakantamma born in the town Peddapuram, East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. Since childhood, he spread the fragrance of spirituality confirming the saying that a flower emanates fragrance the moment it comes into existence. While he was working as a DEO, Mother asked him, "You have served the Government for so long. When will you come into my service?" Considering it as Her command, he immediately took voluntary retirement from Government service and became a man of spiritual radiance. The various extraordinary incidents in his life full of Ras introduced him to the world as a Spiritual illumination rather than an individual. All his devotees fondly addressed him as 'Nanna garu'. He is the 'Universal Nanna'(Father). In his later days, he became an unswerving devotee of Sri Radha and came to be known as 'Radhika Prasad Maharaj'. Various titles like 'Rasa Yogi' and 'Rasika Siromani' conferred on him gained prominence and respect. In his long span of 103 years, every step of his life was linked with Mother and therefore filled with 'Ras'.

Sri Radhika Prasad Maharaj established two ashrams, one at Arundelpet, Guntur in Andhra Pradesh and other at Bade Kunj, Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh in the name of 'Sri Radha Mahalakshmi Ashram'. Although he was at the pinnacle of spirituality, it appeared quite natural that his devotees addressed him fondly as 'Nanna'. Gradually the Mahatmas in Vrindavan understood Nanna. They realized that he is the lone confidential Sakhi of Sri Radha Devi, who is worshipped by Lord Krishna himself. Sri Purushottamdasji a Mahatma of Vrindavan said: 'He is the confidential Sakhi of Radhaji'. Owing to his single pointed concentration and incessant meditation on Sri Radha, he attained several supernatural powers even without asking. Nanna is the embodiment of tender love. Everybody associated with Nanna recognized the fact that he is the Sakhi of Radhaji, the embodiment of love and was sent by Her to this earth for the benefit of mankind. Although he was the confidential Sakhi of Sri Radha the ruler of 14 worlds, he lived a life of simplicity. Though his natural Swaroopa(form) is that of companion of Sri Radha, he was available to us as Nanna only out of his infinite mercy.

It is Nanna himself who gave me the required strength to write this book about him and our association with him. I am aware that my individual capacity will not suffice! The content of this book is mostly based on the words of Nanna recorded in cassettes. During my talks with him, I used to record whatever he said on various occasions. I could record his talks on almost all important topics such as Dhyana Yoga, Tatsukhitvam (considering others happiness as one's own), Ananya nishta (single pointed concentration) and Sri Radha sarvavyapakatvam (all-pervading nature of Sri Radha). As I listen to them now, I realise what valuable treasure Nanna handed to us. On those occasions when I could not record his speech, I used to note down points. After reaching home, I used to record the date and time and elaborate those points. Therefore this book comprises mostly Nanna's words recorded in cassettes, my notes made during his talks and information that I sought and obtained from Anjani Amma from time to time.

During those days when we were writing 'Brindavaneswari Sri Radha Devi -Vol 5', Nanna called me on 30.06.01 night and said," Many people are saying that the style is a little complicated. Modify and rewrite the book." By that time, 5th volume neared completion. Yet it was Nanna's order, which must be followed implicitly. I said 'yes'. However, in the early hours of 01.07.01 (4 a.m,) Anjani Amma heard a divine voice, "Do not change the thoughts and style. The remaining two volumes should also follow in the same style. I like it this way." Nanna immediately called me, smiled and said, "Radhikamani, listen to what Mother says". I thought I am blessed. However, although Mother liked the style of those books, it is not possible to adopt the same style in this book "Nanna To" ('Our association with Nanna') as this book is based on conversations and requires a style that matches it. Moreover the topics cannot be arranged in a chronological order, as they are an assortment of different situations when a particular topic was referred. It is quite possible that there will be repetitions here and there. Strictly speaking, repetition is not an error while writing about a Rasika Siromani like Nanna. In spite of the effort, this book is still an incomplete compilation. Therefore I have called it 'Volume I'. With Nanna's grace, I am confident that subsequent volumes will follow. Even by writing so many volumes, it is impossible to write in totality about Nanna, the Radha Sakhi as he is an unfathomable ocean. Nanna is an 'Endless Divine Continuity'. Are we not blessed if we drink even a single drop of that vast ocean of Rasa? Hence this effort!

In 1985, Sri Radha Devi placed me at the lotus feet of Nanna on the pretext of clearing my academic doubts while doing my M.Phil. I was very fortunate that Nanna took me to his bosom. When I sought his permission to publish his photograph in the research article, he seriously asked, "How can you take a photograph of the Infinite?" That was the first time I vaguely understood about Nanna. In 1999, on the night of 'Sri Yugal Charan darshan' Amma and I along with some others went to Biharji Temple in Vrindavan We were fortunate to have the darshan of Biharji at close quarters. The difference in both feet was clearly visible - one was Krishna's and other was Sri Radha's. Mother's foot was very delicate. We returned to the ashram at 11pm. I was lying down near Nanna's chair. I could not sleep as I was feeling inexplicable joy. Suddenly Nanna's foot appeared tiny, immensely shining and delicate like butter. I saw that lovely foot for about 5-6 minutes. When I narrated the incident to Nanna the next day, he said, "That is not my foot. It is Mother's. You are very fortunate." What is difference between Mother and Her sakhi? She gave darshan in the form of Her sakhi!
 

 

 
 
Sakhi ban Syama Syama ban Sakhi
Sakhi Syama ki leela mae sukhi
Sakhi Syama ki leela jantar
Sakhi Syama me nahi nahi anthar
----
 
 

Sakhi becomes Shyama Devi and Shyama Devi becomes Sakhi. Sakhi enjoys in the leelas of Shyama. There is indeed no difference between Shyama and Sakhi, who is the instrument in Her leelas

 
 

-Sri Radha Rasa Madhuri 

 

Nanna's devotee, Malathi thus eulogized the harmony of Rasa between Radha and Her sakhi in 'Sri Radha Rasa Madhuri'. I quoted a few more of her verses in this book. I believe that Radha Sakhi granted her this good fortune. Sekhar has also contributed in the compilation of this book in many ways. On many occasions when Nanna spoke about the nectarine philosophy of Sri Radha Rasa, both of us were present and made notes immediately. Nanna blessed him with the boon of being fortunate to extend cooperation and help in bringing out this book. Sri Ranga bought a tape recorder and furnished tapes regularly. She used to take me to and from the ashram by car daily. She was happy that Nanna gave her this opportunity. Nanna gave the golden opportunity of printing this book to one of his younger devotees. I pray to Radhaji to grant him the experience of sakhi bhav. Nanna is behind every letter of this book guiding me forward. Nanna is observing whatever we do. This fact is proved in every context. I just completed the sentence, 'This book is about Radha Sakhi who is being served by innumerable supernatural powers'. When I turned my head at the sound of something falling, I saw that the rose that I adorned Nanna with that morning was dropped. That is an indication of Nanna's blessing and approval. Midway of writing this volume I heard my inner voice from Nanna 'An Endless Divine Continuity'. That is how he named the book too!

Not only that, he clarified that the 'Divine Saga' of Radha Sakhi is an endless divine continuation. "Mother is eternal. I too am eternal. There is no death for me. There is no obstacle for my work." These divine words uttered by Nanna in March 2003 also proved the above truth with more clarity.

On 26.01.03 at 10 p.m the Radha sakhi Namavali (names of Radha Sakhi) began hovering in my mind. The names, which continued till 7 a.m on 27.01.03, stopped as soon as I reached Nanna in the ashram. On counting I realized that they were exactly 108! I told Nanna about the incident and recited the names (of Sri Radha Sakhi). He said. "One sakhimani from the heaven must have uttered them. Print them." Therefore I am including at the end of this book, 'Sri Radha Sakhi Ashtottara Satanamavali' (108 names of Sri Radha Sakhi).

I am unlucky that I could not place this book, which is about Nanna only in Nanna's hands. Yet I am lucky to have his grace to be able to write this. I read out every word of this book to Nanna who is quite alive in his portrait and he proved to be happy.

One incredible and unforgettable incident occurred in my life relating to Nanna. I went to Vrindavan on 2.10.01 and was scheduled to return on 6.10.01. I was sitting near him at 6 a.m on 6th. He said, "Today I saw nine saints in my meditation. While speaking about some matters relating to Mother, they referred to you as 'Rasamani'. Hereafter you are Rasamani". I was overwhelmed. 'What a fortune for me to be seen by Nanna in meditation.' My thoughts went no further. Immediately Anjani Amma told us to record this incident in writing. Since then I have been signing on all my letters addressed to Nanna as Rasamani. In 1986 Nanna transformed Nagamani to Radhikamani and now he made me 'Rasamani'. I am writing this book with that name only!

Nanna said on 24.03.2000 during my meditation at 4.00 a m, "You live or die Guru is always with you". That gave me a lot of strength.
 

 

 
 
aNuvaNuvuna nannu Dammu Darsimpuma, nu gurubhoDhayae naa manoebalammu, enDaenDu boyina nanDanDae yundu, kanaveYanu vachanamae naa Dhanammu, naalona neelona lolouna velugunae, chhodamanuta subh ssochanammu,kalaDammu kalaDita kaliyavae yana saanTva, nompu palukulaeyananyavaramu, guruvae Daivamai Daivamae guruvunaguchu, nitlu vennanti yunda naa kaemi kodava!, DhyanarasaDeeksha gaikonti Dhanyanaithi, Chaerpumamma radhasakhi Sripadammu
----
 
 

The directive of the Guru to see him everywhere is my strength, His assurance that where ever I go he will be there is my wealth, His words that we can see him shine within me and you is an auspicious sign, His soothing words that he is present here for us to meet is an incomparable boon, You are my Guru, You are my God, When God as my Guru is always with me Nothing is lacking, I accepted the deeksha of Dhyana rasa And became blessed, Radha Sakhi , lead me to the Mother's feet ! Mother, lead me to the Sakhi's feet !!

 
 

-- By Rasamani 

 

Translator's Word


Nanna, the Radha sakhi, with his loving nature and humane approach, spread the love of Radha and lit the lamp of rasa in each one of us. Imperceptibly, slowly and steadily, he entered, enveloped and conquered our heart, mind and soul! He made us understand the purpose of our life and has been the guiding force in our efforts to surrender ourselves to the all pervading Supreme Mother, Sri Radha

Through his conversations, Nanna unraveled many mysteries and unveiled many secrets of Mother's world, which we cannot even imagine. He spoke about each and every topic - rasa, bhav, dhyana, sakhi, leela, brindavan, nikunj ….. . He ensured that his words would be recorded, printed and reach all the devotees who were not present at that time.

"Nanna to" is a treasure. Rasamani garu wrote this book based on the conversations with Nanna. She compiled his words and ideas in such a way that it touches the reader's heart. Each one of us reading the book has the experience of being in Nanna's presence, as if he is repeating the talk exclusively for us!

Sri Radha Mahalakshmi Devi (Anjani amma garu) blessed me with the opportunity of translating the book "Nanna to". Initially I was awe struck. This really means translation of Nanna's inimitable approach; translation of Nanna's words which are seemingly simple yet profound and poignant. Moreover, some Sanskrit and telugu words cannot be literally translated into English, only their implication can be expressed to some extent. All this is not possible only by human effort. It is only with the blessings, constant presence and guidance of Nanna that this task could be accomplished. He even gave the title for the book: "Our Association with Nanna…An endless Divine Continuity".

The experiences that I had in the process of translating the book have been memorable and innumerable. There are many instances where he prompted words and dictated sentences. I am fortunate to feel the touch of Nanna within and all around me and realize his form (butterfly) and formless presence.

I am indeed blessed by this boon granted to me by Nanna. I am grateful to all the devotees who have made literary (Rasamani garu, Sri E.V.N.Chari, Ramakrishna), moral and financial contribution in this divine endeavour.

Nanna, please shower your blessings on all your devotees and endow us with single pointed concentration. May the ignorant ones gain your touch; may the erring ones realize and rectify their mistakes and retrace the path of Mother.

Radhe Radhe

 

Rasamani

 

Kalyani

 

Contact & Comments| Vocabulary Reference| Scriptural Reference| Share with friends
 
2004 © Copyright Sri Radha Mahalkshmi Ashram, Vrindaban, India. All rights reserved.