Lord Caitanya and the Muslim Chand Kazi

Chand Kazi: When Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu was in Mayapur, Chand Kazi was the Chief Magistrate of Navadvipa. It is described in Sri Navadvipa Dhama Mahatmya by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, when Lord Nityananda Prabhu while taking Jiva Gosvami on Navadvipa-Mandala Parikrama, entered Chand Kazi’s Village, Lord said, "O Jiva, hear My words. The Chand Kazi's village is none other than Mathura. After performing kirtana, Gauranga gave love of God to the Kazi and liberated him. Mathura's King Kamsa of Krishna-lila became Chand Kazi in Gaura-lila. For that reason Gauranga addressed the Kazi as His maternal uncle, and out of fear the Kazi took shelter of Gauranga's lotus feet. Under orders from Hussain Shah, who was the king of the Bengal empire, the Kazi caused disturbance during kirtana performance by breaking the mrdangas. The Lord, appearing in the form of Nrsimhadeva put fear in the Kazi's heart. Like Kamsa, the Kazi cowered in fear. Sri Caitanya, however, gave him prema and thus made the Kazi a great devotee. The very fortunate hear this story of the Kazi's liberation.”

"Just see the difference between Vraja-tattva and Navadvipa-tattva. Those who offend Krishna are liberated by merging into the Lord's effulgence, whereas in Navadvipa the offenders receive the treasure of love of God. Therefore, Lord Gauranga's pastimes are considered the highest. Gauranga's abode, name, form, and qualities do not consider offense; rather, they expertly deliver one from any offense. If the devotee has some offense in his heart, then Krishna's name and abode will deliver him only after a long time. But Gauranga's name and abode immediately bestow prema on the devotee, for offenses create no obstacle and are easily overcome. O Jiva, see the Kazi's samadhi. By seeing this samadhi the living entities' old age and disease are vanquished."

“Khol Banga Danga” the place where mrdanga was broken by Chand Kazi at Srivasa Pandita’s house to stop Harinam Sankirtana

Lord Caitanya started His sankirtana movement and preached to all the citizens of Navadvipa to chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. In each and every home devotees began performing sankirtana regularly. When the sankirtana movement thus started, no one in Navadvipa could hear any other sound except the words "Hari! Hari!". Hearing the continuous chanting of the Hare Krishna, the local Muslims became very disturbed and submitted a formal complaint to the Chand Kazi, who was the Chief Magistrate of Navadvipa.

Drama: Chand Kazi’s soldiers beating the devotees performing Harinama Sankirtana

Chand Kazi was a devout and strict Muslim who was well versed in the Koran. As the Chief Magistrate, he kept law and order for the king Hussein Shah. He was a tyrannical ruler and the Hindus were oppressed in their religious practices. Angry that devotees were not obeying his order forbidding chanting of the Holy names during the kirtana, Chand Kazi went with two boats of soldiers to Srivasa Pandita's house to personally enforce his ordinance.

When Chand Kazi saw kirtana going on, he broke the mrdanga drum. He spoke as follows: "For so long you all did not follow the regulative principles of the Hindu religion, but now you are following them with great enthusiasm. May I know by whose strength you are doing so?" He then threatened, "No one should perform sankirtana on the streets of the city. Today I am excusing the offense and returning home. The next time I see someone performing such sankirtana, I shall certainly chastise him by not only confiscating all his property but also converting him into a Muslim."

Entrance to Chand Kazi’s Samadhi at Simantadvipa in Navadvipa Dhama. “O Near that place (Simantadvipa, where Paravati had darshana of Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu) is the city of Mathura, where in the age of Kali, Kamsa took birth in a yavana family.” (Navadvipa-dhama-mahatmya, Pramana-khanda 4.34). The place of the Kazi is compared to the city of Mathura. Here Gauranga Mahaprabhu delivered Chand Kazi by giving him the jewel of Krishna.

The devotees were greatly shocked that they were forbidden to chant Hare Krishna. They went to the Lord Caitanya and reported to Him, “We have stopped our kirtana out of fear for the Kazi, whose men in hundreds search the streets and houses. We will have to leave Navadvipa and settle elsewhere, we have come to tell You this.” When Lord Caitanya heard that someone was trying to stop the Sankirtana movement He became infuriated, He looked awesome, almost like Lord Siva at the time of the cosmic annihilation. He roared loudly like the rumbling of thunder and the devotees afraid of this sudden change in the Lord held their ears as if begging forgiveness from the Lord for a mistake they had not committed.

Champaka Tree at Chand Kazi’s Samadhi. This tree witnessed this pastime with the Lord. Even though truck of this tree is hallow, it is still in full bloom and gives champaka flowers all year round, even when it is not flowering season.

The Lord said, “Nityananda! Be prepared, go immediately to all the Vaishnavas, and assemble them on the streets. I shall bring out a kirtana party and take it all over Navadvipa. I will see what anyone can do to Me. You will see how I burn the Kazi's house down. Today I shall shower incessant rains of love of Godhead on everyone. Today the atheist's will face the final hour. So do not waste a moment My brothers go and deliver this message to everyone. Tell them that if they are desirous of seeing Krishna's mystic potency in action then let them bring a flaming torch with them. I will smash the Kazi's palace and I will do kirtana all along. The entire creation is full of My devotees and when I am present here then what is there to fear! Go and put a stop to your anguish! Come and assemble in the afternoon after lunch.”

Transcendentalists discussing Lord Caitanya and Chand Kazi’s pastimes during annual Navadvipa-Mandala Parikrama

The devotees dispersed right away, each going his way in great anticipation not caring about eating or anything. Excited talks filled every home that, “Nimai Pandita will take out a Sankirtana and dance in the streets of Navadvipa.” For the many thousands who were lamenting for so long that they could not see Nimai Pandita's dancing, this news was cause of great rejoicing. So everyone prepared their own torch. Huge barrels of oil were kept in readiness. Navadvipa in those days was very thickly populated. The constant flow of people with torches poured out of the houses onto the streets. The women, children, and old men were excited with great anticipation. Slowly the clusters of devotees moved towards Nimai Pandita 's house.

Drama performance of Lord Caitanya and Chand Kazi’s pastimes

When Lord Caitanya heard that all the Vaishnavas had assembled, He went to meet them and organize them in groups. Advaita Acarya was to head up a group, Haridasa Thakura was the leader of another group and was backed by a kirtana group. Another group was to be led by Srivasa Pandita. The Lord's eyes fell on Nityananda and immediately He said, “I will not leave Your side My Lord. My only duty is to always be near You. I can never leave Your lotus feet imbedded in My heart. What power do I possess to dance independently away from You. My devotional service to You is I am always with You.” When Lord Caitanya saw the streams of ecstasy flowing from Nityananda's eyes He embraced Him and kept Him near Him.

Led by the Supreme Lord Himself, a tumultuous uproar of the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare burst forth as the massive ocean of people rhythmically surged towards Chand Kazi’s palace in the first ever public kirtana. For the citizens of Navadvipa it was a momentous occasion as it was the first time they were able to see Gauranga’s exquisite dancing and His ecstatic chanting of His own holy names. Overwhelmed with spiritual emotions from seeing Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s supreme bliss, they became captivated by the intoxicating sweetness of the congregational chanting of the holy names. They left their homes and families unattended and spontaneously joined the devotees in the unbounded ecstasy of chanting and dancing in kirtana.

Lord Caitanya, opening the flood-gates of His own Krishna-prema, drowned everyone in that ocean and, in doing so, personally inaugurated the first public performance of His Harinama-Sankirtana movement - the only means of deliverance in the age of Kali. Everyone looking at Him commented on His divine and beautiful presence. The millions who came around for this momentous occasion were very fortunate in spite of their large number they all received the Lord's benedictions by being able to see the Lord's exquisite transcendental face. The devotees became inebriated and danced liked madmen. Their first experience of public congregational chanting transported them to unknown heights of spiritual intoxication.

Champaka Tree at Chand Kazi’s Samadhi

Chanting of this kirtana was so loud, the Kazi could hear it from his house, over 1 km away. The crowd expanded to millions and extended for miles. While the devotees chanted and danced in ever-increasing heights of bliss, Kazi’s men ran away in fear of their lives. Chand Kazi also became overwhelmed seeing the massive procession heading his way. Lord Caitanya’s voice boomed in anger above the thunderous roar of the kirtana, “Where is that rascal Kazi? I have advented to propagate the congregational chanting of the holy names. If anyone so much as tries to cause obstruction, I will annihilate him. Yet even if the most lowly sinner takes part in this chanting, I shall remember him and save him.” Kazi, shaking in fear, quickly ran and hid himself inside his palace. Arriving both intoxicated with the nectar of the Holy Name and enraged at Kazi’s ban on kirtana, some of the people who were very much agitated began to retaliate the Kazi’s actions by wrecking his house and garden.

Lord Caitanya meeting Chand Kazi

When Gauranga Mahaprabhu reached the Kazi’s house, He sat down by the doorway and sent some respectable persons to call for the Kazi. Kazi finally appeared before Lord Caitanya and pacified Him by reminding Him of their village relationship. Chand Kazi used to be a neighbour and friend of Sacimata’s father so he addressed Lord Caitanya saying, “Nilambara Cakravarti Thakura was my uncle and he is Your maternal grandfather, so You are my nephew. When a nephew is very angry, his maternal uncle is very tolerant and also when the uncle makes an offense, the nephew does not take it very seriously.” In this way the Kazi and the Lord talked with each other with various indications, but no outsider could understand the inner meaning of their conversation.

Lord Caitanya’s discussion with Chand Kazi on cow killing

[ref. Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Adi-lila chapter 17 verses 152 to 171]

Lord said to Chand Kazi, “My dear uncle, I have come to your home just to ask you some questions.”

go-dugdha khao, gabhi tomara mata

vrsa anna upajaya, tate tenho pita

The Lord Caitanya said, “You drink cows’ milk; therefore the cow is your mother. And the bull produces grains for your maintenance; therefore he is your father. Since the bull and cow are your father and mother, how can you kill and eat them? What kind of religious principle is this? On what strength are you so daring that you commit such sinful activities?” (Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Adi-lila 17.153-54)

Kazi replied, “As You have Your scriptures called the Vedas and Puranas, we have our scripture, known as the holy Koran. According to the Koran, there are two ways of advancement - through increasing the propensity to enjoy, and through decreasing the propensity to enjoy. On the path of decreasing attachment [nivrtti-marga], the killing of animals is prohibited. On the path of material activities, there is regulation for killing cows. If such killing is done under the guidance of scripture, there is no sin.” As a learned scholar, the Kazi challenged Caitanya Mahaprabhu, “In Your Vedic scriptures there is an injunction for killing a cow. On the strength of this injunction, great sages performed sacrifices involving cow-killing.”

Refuting Chand Kazi’s statement, the Lord Caitanya immediately replied,

· “The Vedas clearly enjoin that cows should not be killed. Therefore every Hindu, whoever he may be, avoids indulging in cow-killing. In the Vedas and Puranas there are injunctions declaring that if one can revive a living being, one can kill it for experimental purposes. Therefore the great sages sometimes killed old cows, and by chanting Vedic hymns they brought them back to life for perfection. The killing and rejuvenation of such old and invalid cows was not truly killing but an act of great benefit.

· Formerly there were powerful brahmanas who could make such experiments using Vedic hymns, but now, because of the Kali-yuga, brahmanas are not so powerful. Therefore the killing of cows and bulls for rejuvenation is forbidden. ‘In this Age of Kali, five acts are forbidden: the offering of a horse in sacrifice, the offering of a cow in sacrifice, the acceptance of the order of sannyasa, the offering of oblations of flesh to the forefathers, and a man’s begetting children in his brother’s wife.’

· Since you Muslims cannot bring killed cows back to life, you are responsible for killing them. Therefore you are going to hell; there is no way for your deliverance. Cow-killers are condemned to rot in hellish life for as many thousands of years as there are hairs on the body of the cow.

· There are many mistakes and illusions in your scriptures. Their compilers, not knowing the essence of knowledge, gave orders that were against reason and argument.”

After hearing these statements by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the Kazi, his arguments stunned, could not put forward any more words. Thus, after due consideration, the Kazi accepted defeat and spoke as follows. “My dear Nimai Pandita, what You have said is all true. Our scriptures have developed only recently, and they are certainly not logical and philosophical. I know that our scriptures are full of imagination and mistaken ideas, yet because I am a Muslim I accept them for the sake of my community, despite their insufficient support. The reasoning and arguments in the scriptures of the meat-eaters are not very sound,” the Kazi concluded.

Lord Caitanya smiled and inquired from him as follows, “My dear maternal uncle, I wish to ask you another question. Please tell Me the truth. In your city there is always congregational chanting of the holy name. A tumultuous uproar of music, singing and dancing is always going on. As a Muslim magistrate, you can oppose the performance of Hindu ceremonies, but now you do not forbid them. What is the reason?”

Kazi said, “After going to Hindu’s house (Srivasa Thakura) and forbidding congregational chanting, in my dreams that very night I saw a greatly fearful lion roaring very loudly. His body was human and His face was like that of a lion. This lion jumped on me and with His sharp nails, He pierced my chest and laughed fiercely.

Lord Nrsimhadeva appears to Chand Kazi

Gnashing His teeth He told me, “I shall immediately bifurcate your chest just as you broke the mrdanga drum. You have forbidden the performance of My congregational chanting of Hare Krishna so I must destroy you.’ seeing me so afraid the lion then said, ‘I have defeated you to teach you a lesson. Because you never created a very great disturbance I must be merciful to you, but if you do the same again then I will not be so tolerant. I will kill you, your entire family, and all the meat-eaters here.’ The lion then left, but just see the marks of His nails on my chest!” The devotees were amazed to see the nail-marks and they realized that this lion was none other than Lord Nrsimhadeva. “That same day,” continued Kazi, “my orderlies came to me saying that whenever one of them tried to stop kirtana, fire suddenly stuck all of their faces and their beards burst into flames. I told them to go home and forget about stopping the kirtana.”

Kazi then revealed his heart to Gauracandra saying, “I know that Narayana is the Supreme God of the Hindus, and I think that You are the same Narayana. This I feel within my mind.”

Lord Caitanya touched Kazi and smilingly spoke as follows, “The chanting of the holy name of Krishna from your mouth has performed a wonder - it has nullified the reactions of all your sinful activities. Now you have become supremely pure. Because you have chanted three holy names of the Lord - Hari, Krishna and Narayana - you are undoubtedly the most fortunate and pious.”

Lord Caitanya delivers Chand Kazi

Tears welled up in Chand Kazi’s eyes. Crying, he touched Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s lotus feet and prayed, “Only by Your mercy have my bad intentions vanished. May my devotion always be fixed on You.”

Gauranga Mahaprabhu then asked Chand Kazi, “I wish to beg one favour in charity. You must pledge that this Sankirtana movement will not be checked, at least within the district of Nadia.”

Kazi said, “To as many descendants as take birth in my dynasty in the future, I give this grave admonition: No one should check the sankirtana movement.” Hearing this, Gaurasundara and the devotees jumped up in joy chanting “Hari! Hari!” and, with Kazi joining them, Caitanya Mahaprabhu led the Vaishnavas home in a victorious kirtana.

This is called a ‘kunti.’ This particular piece was given by the Chand Kazi to Lord Nityananda, as proof that the Chand Kazi authorized public chanting of the holy names within his district. Originally it was a symbol of the Kazi’s authority. The sankirtan party carried it everywhere.

As a result of this grave injunction by the Kazi, even at present the descendants of the Kazi’s family do not oppose the Sankirtana movement under any circumstances. Even during the great Hindu-Muslim riots in neighbouring places, the descendants of the Kazi honestly preserved the assurance given by their forefather.

Chand Kazi Samadhi, is 1 km north of Yogapitha and 3½ km from ISKCON Mayapur temple. The stone samadhi of Chand Kazi has two trees growing out of it. The champaka tree represents Chand Kazi (who was also known as Champa). It is over 500 years old and therefore witnessed the events of Chand Kazi's pastimes with the Lord. Even though the trunk of this tree is hollow, it is still in full bloom and gives champaka flowers all year round, even when it is not flowering season. The neem tree around the champaka tree represents Lord Nimai (Caitanya) who is in ecstasy embracing the great devotee Chand Kazi. This area is the village of Chand Kazi, which is none other than Mathura of Vrindavana. Just by seeing this samadhi, one is released from old age and death. Being Mathura, this place is more auspicious than Vaikuntha and by residing here for one day, a person will develop devotional service to the Lord.

Srila Vrindavana Das Thakura in Sri Caitanya Bhagavata states that only the most fortunate people hear the wonderful pastime of Mahaprabhu and Chand Kazi and about his deliverance. Anyone who hears this is also freed from all offenses.

Lord Caitanya and Chand Kazi Pastime

Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu appeared in the late 15th century, 1486. He took birth in Bengal, India, which at the time was being governed by the Pathana Muslims. At the age of seventeen Caitanya Mahaprabhu started His sankirtana movement (the congregational chanting of Lord’s holy names). He preached to all the citizens of Navadvipa to chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, and in each and every home they began performing sankirtana regularly. When the sankirtana movement thus started, no one in Navadvipa could hear any other sound except the words "Hari! Hari!" and beating of the mrdanga and clashing of hand bells. Hearing the continuous chanting of the Hare Krishna, the local Muslims became very disturbed and submitted a formal complaint to the Chand Kazi, who was the Chief Magistrate of Navadvipa.

Chand Kazi was a devout and strict Muslim who was well versed in the Koran. As the Chief Magistrate, he kept law and order for the king Hussein Shah and was also his spiritual advisor. He was a tyrannical ruler and the Hindus were oppressed in their religious practices. Angry that devotees were not obeying his order forbidding chanting of the Holy names during the kirtana, Chand Kazi went with two boats of soldiers to Srivasa Pandita's house to personally enforce his ordinance. When he saw kirtana going on, he broke the mrdanga drum. He spoke as follows: "For so long you all did not follow the regulative principles of the Hindu religion, but now you are following them with great enthusiasm. May I know by whose strength you are doing so?" He then threatened, "No one should perform sankirtana on the streets of the city. Today I am excusing the offense and returning home. The next time I see someone performing such sankirtana, I shall certainly chastise him by not only confiscating all his property but also converting him into a Muslim."

The envious atheists were siding with the Kazi. They commented, “God's name should be chanted in the mind. Which scripture enjoins one to make a hue and cry in chanting God's name. This is a correct punishment they have received for transgressing the Vedic injunctions. They have no fear of flouting the social norms. That Nimai Pandita who acts so proud will now be cowered by the Kazi. And that Nityananda who roams about everywhere will soon see the end of all the fun. They call us atheists for speaking out the truth, at long last Nadia will be rid of these charlatans.”

The devotees were greatly shocked that they were forbidden to chant Hare Krishna. They went to the Lord Caitanya and reported to Him, “We have stopped our kirtana out of fear for the Kazi, whose men in hundreds search the streets and houses. We will have to leave Navadvipa and settle elsewhere, we have come to tell You this.” When Lord Caitanya heard that someone was trying to stop the Sankirtana movement He became infuriated, He looked awesome, almost like Lord Siva at the time of the cosmic annihilation. He roared loudly like the rumbling of thunder and the devotees afraid of this sudden change in the Lord held their ears as if begging forgiveness from the Lord for a mistake they had not committed.

The Lord said, “Nityananda! Be prepared, go immediately to all the Vaishnavas, and assemble them on the streets. I shall bring out a kirtana party and take it all over Navadvipa. I will see what anyone can do to Me. You will see how I burn the Kazi's house down. Today I shall shower incessant rains of love of Godhead on everyone. Today the atheist's will face the final hour. So do not waste a moment My brothers go and deliver this message to everyone. Tell them that if they are desirous of seeing Krishna's mystic potency in action then let them bring a flaming torch with them. I will smash the Kazi's palace and I will do kirtana all along. The entire creation is full of My devotees and when I am present here then what is there to fear! Go and put a stop to your anguish! Come and assemble in the afternoon after lunch.”

The devotees dispersed right away, each going his way in great anticipation not caring about eating or anything. Excited talks filled every home that, “Nimai Pandita will take out a Sankirtana and dance in the streets of Navadvipa.” For the many thousands who were lamenting for so long that they could not see Nimai Pandita's dancing, this news was cause of great rejoicing. So everyone prepared their own torch. Huge barrels of oil were kept in readiness. Navadvipa in those days was very thickly populated. The constant flow of people with torches poured out of the houses onto the streets. The women, children, and old men were excited with great anticipation. Slowly the clusters of devotees moved towards Nimai Pandita 's house.

When Lord Caitanya heard that all the Vaishnavas had assembled at His behest and were at His door steps. He went to meet them and began to organize them in groups. Advaita Acarya was to head up a group and was the chief dancer and he would be supported by a kirtana group. In another group Haridasa Thakura was the leader and he also was backed by a kirtana group. Yet another group was to be led by Srivasa Pandita. The Lord's eyes fell on Nityananda and immediately He said, “I will not leave Your side My Lord. My only duty is to always be near You. I can never leave Your lotus feet imbedded in My heart. What power do I possess to dance independently away from You. My devotional service to You is I am always with You.” When Lord Caitanya saw the streams of ecstasy flowing from Nityananda's eyes He embraced Him and kept Him near Him. Gadadhara Pandita also stayed along with the Lord.

Led by the Supreme Lord Himself, a tumultuous uproar of the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare burst forth as the massive ocean of people rhythmically surged towards Chand Kazi’s palace in the first ever public kirtana. For the citizens of Navadvipa it was a momentous occasion as it was the first time they were able to see Gauranga’s exquisite dancing and His ecstatic chanting of His own holy names. Overwhelmed with spiritual emotions from seeing Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s supreme bliss, they became captivated by the intoxicating sweetness of the congregational chanting of the holy names. They left their homes and families unattended and spontaneously joined the devotees in the unbounded ecstasy of chanting and dancing in kirtana.

Lord Caitanya, opening the flood-gates of His own Krishna-prema, drowned everyone in that ocean and, in doing so, personally inaugurated the first public performance of His Harinama-Sankirtana movement - the only means of deliverance in the age of Kali. Everyone looking at Him commented on His divine and beautiful presence. The millions who came around for this momentous occasion were very fortunate in spite of their large number they all received the Lord's benedictions by being able to see the Lord's exquisite transcendental face. The devotees became inebriated and danced liked madmen. Their first experience of public congregational chanting transported them to unknown heights of spiritual intoxication.

The dust from rolling on the ground made Gauranataraja’s body glisten in the rays of light from the unlimited number of torch-lights that lit up the sky. At times He became stunned and stood in the three-fold bending form of Krishna playing His flute, revealing Himself as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Then, in the mood of a humble devotee, He cried aloud, begging the Lord for devotion to His lotus feet. Lord's charming looks overshadowed the attractiveness of millions of Cupids put together. He glowed like a mountain of gold, His body being smeared with sandal paste sometimes looked like the rising full moon. His curly dark tresses were decorated with the fragrant malati garlands; a sweet smile clung intimately to His lips that can win the hearts of all the muses. The clear markings of sandalwood tilaka with a red dot of vermillion adorned His beautiful broad forehead. He raised His arms up in the sky chanting the name of Hari and danced; the knee long flower garland around His neck swayed with each movement. His upraised arms glistened like fine tapering pillars of gold, His body became drenched with the incessant flow of ecstatic tears from His lotus petal eyes. As His ecstatic feelings increased the hairs of His body stood on end like the ever fresh kadamba flower. The moist reddish lips so exquisite and when parted revealed a symmetrical set of pearl like white teeth; the long arched eyebrows languished almost all the way up to the beginning of His ears. His strong shoulders shamed the king of elephants and His chest was broad and full.

The Harinama procession went along the banks of Ganga to Madhai Ghata, Barakrona Ghata and then to Nagariya Ghata. The chanting of this kirtana was so loud, the Kazi could hear it from his house, over one kilometre away. Proceeding through the villages of Ganganagara and Simuliya, the crowd expanded to millions and extended for miles. While the devotees chanted and danced in ever-increasing heights of bliss, Kazi’s men ran away in fear of their lives. Chand Kazi also became overwhelmed seeing the massive procession heading his way. Lord Caitanya’s voice boomed in anger above the thunderous roar of the kirtana, “Where is that rascal Kazi? I have advented to propagate the congregational chanting of the holy names. If anyone so much as tries to cause obstruction, I will annihilate him. Yet even if the most lowly sinner takes part in this chanting, I shall remember him and save him.” Kazi, shaking in fear, quickly ran and hid himself inside his palace. Arriving both intoxicated with the nectar of the Holy Name and enraged at Kazi’s ban on kirtana, some of the people who were very much agitated began to retaliate the Kazi’s actions by wrecking his house and garden.

Lord Caitanya’s conversations with Chand Kazi

When Gauranga Mahaprabhu reached the Kazi’s house, He sat down by the doorway and sent some respectable persons to call for the Kazi. Kazi finally appeared before Lord Caitanya and pacified Him by reminding Him of their village relationship. Chand Kazi used to be a neighbour and friend of Sacimata’s father so he addressed Lord Caitanya saying, “Nilambara Cakravarti Thakura was my uncle and he is Your maternal grandfather, so You are my nephew. When a nephew is very angry, his maternal uncle is very tolerant and also when the uncle makes an offense, the nephew does not take it very seriously.” In this way the Kazi and the Lord talked with each other with various indications, but no outsider could understand the inner meaning of their conversation.

Lord Caitanya’s discussion with Chand Kazi on cow killing:

[ref. Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Adi-lila chapter 17 verses 152 to 171]

Lord said to Chand Kazi, “My dear uncle, I have come to your home just to ask you some questions.”

go-dugdha khao, gabhi tomara mata

vrsa anna upajaya, tate tenho pita

The Lord Caitanya said, “You drink cows’ milk; therefore the cow is your mother. And the bull produces grains for your maintenance; therefore he is your father. Since the bull and cow are your father and mother, how can you kill and eat them? What kind of religious principle is this? On what strength are you so daring that you commit such sinful activities?” (Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Adi-lila 17.154-55)

Kazi replied, “As You have Your scriptures called the Vedas and Puranas, we have our scripture, known as the holy Koran. According to the Koran, there are two ways of advancement - through increasing the propensity to enjoy, and through decreasing the propensity to enjoy. On the path of decreasing attachment [nivrtti-marga], the killing of animals is prohibited. On the path of material activities, there is regulation for killing cows. If such killing is done under the guidance of scripture, there is no sin.” As a learned scholar, the Kazi challenged Caitanya Mahaprabhu, “In Your Vedic scriptures there is an injunction for killing a cow. On the strength of this injunction, great sages performed sacrifices involving cow-killing.”

Refuting the Kazi’s statement, the Lord Caitanya immediately replied,

· “The Vedas clearly enjoin that cows should not be killed. Therefore every Hindu, whoever he may be, avoids indulging in cow-killing. In the Vedas and Puranas there are injunctions declaring that if one can revive a living being, one can kill it for experimental purposes. Therefore the great sages sometimes killed old cows, and by chanting Vedic hymns they brought them back to life for perfection. The killing and rejuvenation of such old and invalid cows was not truly killing but an act of great benefit.

· Formerly there were powerful brahmanas who could make such experiments using Vedic hymns, but now, because of the Kali-yuga, brahmanas are not so powerful. Therefore the killing of cows and bulls for rejuvenation is forbidden. ‘In this Age of Kali, five acts are forbidden: the offering of a horse in sacrifice, the offering of a cow in sacrifice, the acceptance of the order of sannyasa, the offering of oblations of flesh to the forefathers, and a man’s begetting children in his brother’s wife.’

· Since you Muslims cannot bring killed cows back to life, you are responsible for killing them. Therefore you are going to hell; there is no way for your deliverance. Cow-killers are condemned to rot in hellish life for as many thousands of years as there are hairs on the body of the cow.

· There are many mistakes and illusions in your scriptures. Their compilers, not knowing the essence of knowledge, gave orders that were against reason and argument.”

After hearing these statements by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the Kazi, his arguments stunned, could not put forward any more words. Thus, after due consideration, the Kazi accepted defeat and spoke as follows. “My dear Nimai Pandita, what You have said is all true. Our scriptures have developed only recently, and they are certainly not logical and philosophical. I know that our scriptures are full of imagination and mistaken ideas, yet because I am a Muslim I accept them for the sake of my community, despite their insufficient support. The reasoning and arguments in the scriptures of the meat-eaters are not very sound,” the Kazi concluded.

Lord Nrsimhadeva’s appears to Chand Kazi:

Upon hearing this statement, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu smiled and inquired from him as follows, “My dear maternal uncle, I wish to ask you another question. Please tell Me the truth. Do not try to cheat Me with tricks. In your city there is always congregational chanting of the holy name. A tumultuous uproar of music, singing and dancing is always going on. As a Muslim magistrate, you have the right to oppose the performance of Hindu ceremonies, but now you do not forbid them. I cannot understand the reason why.”

Kazi said,

· “When I went to the Hindu’s house (Srivasa Thakura), broke the drum and forbade the performance of congregational chanting, in my dreams that very night I saw a greatly fearful lion, roaring very loudly, His body like a human being’s and His face like a lion’s. While I was asleep, the lion jumped on my chest, laughing fiercely and gnashing His teeth.

· Placing its nails on my chest, the lion said in a grave voice, ‘I shall immediately bifurcate your chest as you broke the mrdanga drum! ‘You have forbidden the performance of My congregational chanting. Therefore I must destroy you!’ Being very much afraid of Him, I closed my eyes and trembled. Seeing me so afraid, the lion said, ‘I have defeated you just to teach you a lesson, but I must be merciful to you. On that day you did not create a very great disturbance. Therefore I have excused you and not taken your life. But if you perform such activities again, I shall not be tolerant. At that time I shall kill you, your entire family and all the meat-eaters.’

· After saying this, the lion left, but I was very much afraid of Him. Just see the marks of His nails on my heart!”

· After this description, the Kazi showed his chest. All the devotees were amazed to see the nail-marks and they realized that this lion was none other than Lord Nrsimhadeva. “That same day,” continued Kazi, “my orderlies came to me saying that whenever one of them tried to stop kirtana, fire suddenly stuck all of their faces and their beards burst into flames. I told them to go home and forget about stopping the kirtana.”

Lord Caitanya delivers Chand Kazi:

Kazi continued, “I did not speak to anyone about this incident, but on that very day one of my orderlies came to see me. After coming to me, the orderly said, ‘When I went to stop the congregational chanting, suddenly flames struck my face. My beard was burned, and there were blisters on my cheeks.’ Every orderly who went gave the same description. After seeing this, I was very much afraid. I asked them not to stop the congregational chanting but to go sit down at home. Then all the meat-eaters, hearing that there would be unrestricted congregational chanting in the city, came to submit a petition. ‘The religion of the Hindus has increased unlimitedly. There are always vibrations of “Hari! Hari!” We do not hear anything but this.’ One meat-eater said, ‘The Hindus say, “Krishna, Krishna,” and they laugh, cry, dance, chant and fall on the ground, smearing their bodies with dirt. ‘Vibrating “Hari, Hari,” the Hindus make a tumultuous sound. If the king [patasaha] hears it, certainly he will punish you.’ I then inquired from these yavanas, ‘I know that these Hindus by nature chant “Hari, Hari.” The Hindus chant the name Hari because that is the name of their God. But you are Muslim meat-eaters. Why do you chant the name of the Hindus’ God?’ The meat-eater replied, ‘Sometimes I joke with the Hindus. Some of them are called Krishna dasa, and some are called Ramadasa. Some of them are called Haridasa. They always chant “Hari, Hari,” and thus I thought they would steal the riches from someone’s house. Since that time, my tongue also always vibrates the sound “Hari, Hari.” I have no desire to say it, but still my tongue says it. I do not know what to do.’ Another meat-eater said, ‘Sir, please hear me. Since the day I joked with some Hindus in this way, my tongue chants the Hare Krishna hymn and cannot give it up. I do not know what mystic hymns and herbal potions these Hindus know.’ After hearing all this, I sent all the mlecchas back to their homes. Five or seven nonbelieving Hindus then approached me. Coming to me, the Hindus complained, ‘Nimai Pandita has broken the Hindu religious principles. He has introduced the sankirtana system, which we never heard from any scripture. When we keep a night-long vigil to observe religious performances for the worship of Mangalacandi and Visahari, playing on musical instruments, dancing and chanting are certainly fitting customs. Nimai Pandita was previously a very good boy, but since He has returned from Gaya He conducts Himself differently. Now He loudly sings all kinds of songs, claps, and plays drums and hand cymbals, making a tumultuous sound that deafens our ears. We do not know what He eats that makes Him become mad, dancing, singing, sometimes laughing, crying, falling down, jumping up and rolling on the ground. He has made all the people practically mad by always performing congregational chanting. At night we cannot get any sleep; we are always kept awake. Now He has given up His own name Nimai and introduced Himself by the name Gaurahari. He has spoiled the Hindu religious principles and introduced the irreligion of non-believers. Now the lower classes are chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra again and again. For this sinful activity, the entire city of Navadvipa will become deserted. According to Hindu scripture, God’s name is the most powerful hymn. If everyone hears the chanting of the name, the potency of the hymn will be lost. Sir, you are the ruler of this town. Whether Hindu or Muslim, everyone is under your protection. Therefore please call Nimai Pandita and make Him leave the town.’ After hearing their complaints, in sweet words I told them, ‘Please go back home. I shall certainly prohibit Nimai Pandita from continuing His Hare Krishna movement.”

Kazi then revealed his heart to Gauracandra saying, “I know that Narayana is the Supreme God of the Hindus, and I think that You are the same Narayana. This I feel within my mind.”

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu touched Kazi and smilingly spoke as follows, “The chanting of the holy name of Krishna from your mouth has performed a wonder - it has nullified the reactions of all your sinful activities. Now you have become supremely pure. Because you have chanted three holy names of the Lord - Hari, Krishna and Narayana - you are undoubtedly the most fortunate and pious.”

Tears welled up in Kazi’s eyes. Crying, he touched Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s lotus feet and prayed, “Only by Your mercy have my bad intentions vanished. May my devotion always be fixed on You.”

Gauranga Mahaprabhu then asked Chand Kazi, “I wish to beg one favour in charity. You must pledge that this Sankirtana movement will not be checked, at least within the district of Nadia.”

Kazi said, “To as many descendants as take birth in my dynasty in the future, I give this grave admonition: No one should check the sankirtana movement.” Hearing this, Gaurasundara and the devotees jumped up in joy chanting “Hari! Hari!” and, with Kazi joining them, Caitanya Mahaprabhu led the Vaishnavas home in a victorious kirtana. As a result of this grave injunction by the Kazi, even at present the descendants of the Kazi’s family do not oppose the Sankirtana movement under any circumstances. Even during the great Hindu-Muslim riots in neighbouring places, the descendants of the Kazi honestly preserved the assurance given by their forefather.

Srila Vrindavana Das Thakura in Sri Caitanya Bhagavata states that only the most fortunate people hear the wonderful pastime of Mahaprabhu and Chand Kazi and about his deliverance. Anyone who hears this is also freed from all offenses.

[References: Sri Caitanya Bhagavata by Srila Vrindavana Das Thakura and Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Adi-lila chapter 17]

ceto-darpana-marjanam bhava-maha--davagni-nirvapanam
shreyah-kairava-chandrika-vitaranam vidya-vadhu-jivanam
anandambudhi-vardhanam prati-padam purnamritaswadanam
sarvatma-snapanam param vijayate sri-krishna-sankirtanam

All glories to the Sri Krishna Sankirtana, which cleanses the heart of all the dust accumulated for years and extinguishes the fire of conditional life, of repeated birth and death. This Sankirtana movement is the prime benediction for humanity at large because it spreads the rays of the benediction moon. It is the life of all transcendental knowledge. It increases the ocean of transcendental bliss, and it enables us to fully taste the nectar for which we are always anxious. (Sri Shiksastakam 1)

Directions to Chand Kazi Samadhi:

Chand Kazi Samadhi is 1 km north of Yogapitha and 3½ km from ISKCON Mayapur temple. The samadhi is on the left side of the road, in the middle of the first village after the Yogapitha, called Bamanpukur bazaar (market). From the road you will see a small archway in-between some shops and a large tree in the background.

The stone samadhi of Chand Kazi has two trees growing out of it. The champaka tree represents Chand Kazi (who was also known as Champa). It is over 500 years old and therefore witnessed the events of Chand Kazi's pastimes with the Lord. Even though the trunk of this tree is hollow, it is still in full bloom and gives champaka flowers all year round, even when it is not flowering season. The neem tree around the champaka tree represents Lord Nimai (Caitanya) who is in ecstasy embracing the great devotee Chand Kazi. This area is the village of Chand Kazi, which is none other than Mathura of Vrindavana. Just by seeing this samadhi, one is released from old age and death. Being Mathura, this place is more auspicious than Vaikuntha and by residing here for one day, a person will develop devotional service to the Lord.

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