1851.] 'Notes on the " M a hap u rushy as." 463 



to have been so much struck with the aptness of this illustration that 

 he at once prostrated himself as a disciple before Saiikar, from 

 that hour devoted himself to the study of the Bhagavat and its com- 

 mentaries, and became in time Sankar's most efficient coadjutor in 

 translating these works into the vernacular for the benefit of his coun- 

 trymen. His merits as a translator and as a faithful follower of 

 Saiikar are acknowledged by all the Vaishnavas in Asam, but the 

 Mahapurushyas regard the master and the disciple as equally entitled 

 to adoration, and deify them both. If there be any difference, it is in 

 favor of Madhab. The enclosure of their great place of worship con- 

 tains a temple in honor of him — his footprint, enshrined therein, is their 

 most sacred relic. They have nothing similar in honor of Saiikar ; 

 but the anniversaries of their respective deaths are observed with the 

 same solemnities. The success of Saiikar in proselytizing drew upon 

 him the envious eyes of the Brahmans, but as they dreaded meeting 

 him in controversy, they are accused in the Lila Charitra of endea- 

 vouring to throw discredit on his doctrines, by ridiculing, reviling and 

 bullying those that received them. The disciples having brought this 

 to Saiikar' s notice, he applied to the authorities to bring about a 

 meeting between him and the Brahmans. This was arranged and Saii- 

 kar premising by saying that he would condemn the Brahmans out of 

 their own mouths asked them, if a sinner and an outcast might repeat 

 the name of Krishna, without having made atonement and being re- 

 admitted to caste ? They replied that the name of Krishna was of such 

 efficacy that to repeat it with faith was not only permitted but enjoined 

 by him, as the repetition of the name alone was sufficient for atonement, 

 and in this " Kali Yug" it is all that was necessary for man's salvation 

 except the Brahmans. All present declared that this was what Saiikar 

 had been inculcating, and taking up the cry of Hari ! Hari ! which he 

 had taught them, the Brahmans had not a word more to say. 



After this Saiikar went about establishing Shostros in different 

 places, and wherever he halted one of these institutions sprung up. Near 

 his own village he founded the Borduar Shostro the present head 

 priest of which is descended from him through his granddaughter, for 

 though he left sons they had no male issue. In the autumn of his life 

 he again visited Jaggannath and then it was he had an interview with 

 Chaitanya. He returned from this pilgrimage and recommenced his 

 religious teaching with a more comprehensive library and a greater 



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