Shri Shyamananda Prabhu was born in
Utkala in a family of milkmen, in a place called Dharenda Bhadura Pur
(presently known as Kalaikunda in Midnapur dist of West Bengal – close
to Kharaghpur railway station).
Above is the image of the tree under which Shyamananda prabhu took birth.
His father’s name was Shri Krishna
Mandal. His mother’s name was Shri Durika. Shri Krishna Mandal, who was
in the dynasty of the Six Gopas, had sired many sons and daughters who
had passed away before this son took his birth. Because of the great
misfortune which had befallen his family, Shri Krishna Mandal named the
boy Dukhi. Everyone said that the boy would become a great person, a
Mahapurush. On an auspicious moment on the full moon day of the month of
Caitra, he appeared within this world by the mercy of Lord Jagannatha.
Because he had come to preach the glories of Jagannatha, the Lord
Himself protected him as he grew up. The boy was so beautiful he was
like cupid himself; all eyes were fixed upon him. Gradually it was time
for the child’s “grain-eating ceremony” (that time at which a child is
first offered solid food.), and soon after that he began going to
school. Seeing the amazing brain this child had, the scholars were
astonished. In a short time, the boy learned Sanskrit grammar, poetry,
and rhetoric. And soon after this he began seriously studying the
scriptures. Upon hearing the glories of Sri Caitanya and Nityananda from
the mouths of the local devotees, the boy developed a powerful desire
to take shelter at his lotus feet. His father, Shri Krishna Mandala, was
a great devotee of Krishna. Seeing his son always engrossed in thoughts
of Gaura-Nityananda, he told him to take mantra initiation. The boy
said, “Hriday Caitanya Prabhu is my guru, he lives in Ambika Kalna. His
guru is Gauridas Pandit. Those two great brothers, Shri Gaura and
Nityananda always reside in his home. If you give the order, I will go
to him and become his disciples.
Shri Krishna Mandal said, “My boy! That is a long way away! How will you get there?”
Dukhi said, “Father, many people from
here will soon go to Gauda-desh to bathe in the Ganges. When they go, I
will go with them.”
For a long time, his father thought this
over, and finally gave his permission. After receiving the blessings of
his father and mother he began his journey to Gaudadesh. Gradually he
came to Nabadwip and Shantipur, and finally arrived in Ambika Kalna.
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