RAMANANDA RAYAKrsna lila - Visakha / Lalita, Arjuna sakha, Arjuna Pandava 'The Gaura-ganoddesa-dipika (120–24) states that Ramananda Raya was formerly Arjuna. He is also considered to have been an incarnation of the gopi Lalita, although in the opinion of others he was an incarnation of Visakhadevi.' Ramananda Raya was one of the most intimate associates of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu would discuss with him the most confidential topics of Krsna consciousness, and in his company Lord Caitanya would relish the deepest feelings of devotional service. 'Srila Ramananda Raya was an incarnation of the gopi Visakha. Since Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was Lord Krsna Himself, there was naturally an awakening of love between Visakha and Krsna. Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is the combination of Srimati Radharani and Krsna, and the gopi Visakha is a principal gopi assisting Srimati Radharani. Thus the natural love between Ramananda Raya and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu awakened and they embraced.' (See Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila 10.134, Madhya-lila 7.62-67, Madhya-lila chapter 8, and Antya-lila chapter 5.) |
