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Sitala devi dasi
This biography of Narottama Dasa Thakur, beautifully written by Sitala Dasi, is the life story of this Gaudiya Vaishnava saint who was responsible for spreading Vaishnava bhakti throughout Odisha in and outside of Bengal in India. Narottama dasa Thakura was known to preach relentlessly, removing the misconceptions of the age. One of Narottama dasa Thakura’s main preaching points was that Vaisnavism should only be gauged according to one’s surrender and realization in Krishna consciousness. There should be no consideration of birth, age, caste, creed, shoe size, education, social status, who one is initiated by, the year one took initiation, or when one first came in contact with devotional service. Nor is Krishna consciousness advancement dependent on household duties, taking sannyasa, ritualistic performances, group agreement, or the like, but simply how one is absorbed in one’s service to the Lord. This is the conclusion of Narottama dasa Thakura’s preaching strategy. Taking his lead from Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his disciples, his preaching was diametrically opposed to the class conscious thinking of the time, especially among those in the Brahmin caste.
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Reviews
Narottama dasa Thakura is Sri Caitanya’s ecstatic love personified. His life of limitless wisdom and compassion has inspired humanity for over four centuries. Now, Sitala Dasi, from the depths of her devoted heart retells the life and teachings of Narottama dasa Thakura in a way that ethrals our hearts and lifts our souls. Thank you, Sitala Dasi.
– Radhanatha Swami
Once heard, the story of Narottama dasa Thakura’s life is hard to forget. A young prince, consumed by love for God, embarks on an epic quest leaving his royal life behind in search of the saintly company he has craved for so long. His story is tender, enchanting, exciting, and right with insight for anyone trying to wal the path of devotion. This vivid retelling has been a labour of love for Sitala Dasi, and I wholeheartedly recommend diving in without delay!
– Jahnavi Harrison – musician, artist, writer
This is without a doubt one of the most fulfilling, entertaining, informative, and enjoyable books about the histories of our äcäryas I have ever read… In the end, after the final page is turned, one looks eagerly for another page, another chapter, another volume.
– Chaturatma Dasa, Narrator of Vaishnava Acaryas Histories
