Cmp 37. Pundarika Vidyanidhi Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

CHAITANYA MAHAPRABHU

Pundarika Vidyanidhi, a friend,
Of Lord Krishna appeared,
At a Village Chattagram,
East Bengal, once upon a time.

While Lord Chaitanya lived
At Navadvipa, he couldn't find
Pundarika anywhere near Him
And so, He cried for him.

In this manner, the Lord,
One by one, revealed,
Who were all His friends
Appeared at various places.

About Pundarika He told,
"He's a Brahmin, highly respected,
Never bathes in Ganges River,
His feet never touch its water."

"To the people, he's averse
When they wash their mouths,
Hair, and dirty clothes
Thus polluting its waters."

"Late in evenings he comes
After all have gone home,
And its water he drinks
Before any religious duties."

Pundarika came there lavishly.
When they saw him curiously,
They said, "How could he be
A Vaishnava without austerity."

But Pundarika tore his clothes.
He became quite restless.
He said, "Oh Krishna, my soul,
I lost your association for a while."

The Lord told the devotees,
"I mind not his costly dresses,
But I accept his love for me,
And his devotion for me."

"God minds not one's status,
But minds the love that he gives, "
What a lesson we've to learn
From these golden words chosen!