Inspiring the Jungle Animals

Once Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu decided to travel to Vrndavana, the place of Lord Krsna's appearance. A brahmana named Balabhadra Bhattacarya was chosen to assist the Lord, and before sunrise one morning they started their journey.

On the way, they passed through Jharikhanḍa forest. At this time the Lord was in great ecstasy due to love of Krsna. Packs of tigers, elephants, rhinoceroses and boars approached Him, but the Lord passed right through them unharmed. Balabhadra Bhattacarya was very afraid, but by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's influence all the animals stood to one side.

Then the Lord splashed water on the bodies of some of the elephants, and they began to chant, "Krsna! Krsna!" and dance. Some of the elephants fell to the ground, and some roared in ecstasy. Seeing this, Balabhadra Bhattacarya was completely astonished.

While passing through the jungle, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu chanted very loudly. Hearing His sweet voice, all the does came near Him. A group of tigers then joined the deer and began following the Lord. When He shouted, "Chant Krsna! Krsna!" the tigers and deer began to chant "Krsna!" and dance in ecstasy. Indeed, the tigers and deer embraced each other and kissed! Balabhadra Bhattacarya was struck with wonder at the sight, but Sri Caitanya simply smiled to see all the fun.

In this way the Lord was able to deliver even the animals from the bonds of material existence.