Nityananda Jahnava Marriage Place

Sūryadāsa Sarakhela and his younger brother Kṛṣṇadāsa Sarakhela both possessed firm faith in Nityānanda Prabhu. They were a reservoir of love of Godhead.
PURPORT
In the Bhakti-ratnākara (Twelfth Wave), it is stated that a few miles from Navadvīpa is a place called Śāligrāma that was the residence of Sūryadāsa Sarakhela. He was employed as a secretary in the Muslim government of that time, and thus he amassed a good fortune. Sūryadāsa had four brothers, all of whom were pure Vaiṣṇavas. Vasudhā and Jāhnavā were two daughters of Sūryadāsa Sarakhela.
(CC Adi 11.25)

Nityānanda Prabhu’s marriage

“Advaita and others began to discuss the possibility of Nityānanda Prabhu’s marriage. Kṛṣṇadāsa, the fortunate son of Harihoda from Baḍagāchi-grāma, had great respect for Nityānanda and wanted to make arrangements for Nityānanda’s marriage.

“At that time a brāhmaṇa named Sūryadāsa, who had earned the title of Sarakhela by serving in the court of the Yavana king, lived at Śāligrāma near Navadvīpa. He had four extremely virtuous brothers and two daughters named Vasudhā and Jāhnavī, who were known for their beauty and good disposition. Sūryadāsa had requested the wise brāhmaṇas to search for good bridegrooms for his daughters, but they were unable to find suitable candidates. However, they suggested that he go to the village of Ekacakrā in Rāḍhadeśa and meet Hadai Paṇḍita. He was a very good man and the father of Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu, a high-spirited young boy.

“Traveling as an avadhūta, Nityānanda had visited many holy places and was renowned as a great scholar. After visiting various places of pilgrimage he reached Nadia, where he met Śrī Gauracandra and decided to give up his stick of an avadhūta. The brāhmaṇa explained that Nityānanda was the favorite associate of Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya and thus would be the most suitable husband for his daughters. He also told Sūryadāsa that if he was able to have such a son-in-law as Nityānanda Prabhu, then he should certainly thank Providence for his good fortune. Sūryadāsa listened attentively then returned home without uttering a word.

“With his mind filled with anticipation, Sūryadāsa lay down and fell asleep. In his dream he saw himself giving his two daughters to Nityānanda in marriage. While the wise brāhmaṇas recited the marriage hymns, Sūryadāsa dedicated his daughter to Nityānanda; the demigods in heaven showered flowers on their heads. While looking at his son-in-law, he suddenly saw the extremely enchanting Lord Balarāma in place of Nityānanda. His complexion was like that of a silver mountain, his face was effulgent like the moon, and his body was adorned with brilliant ornaments. He looked at Vasu and Jāhnavā and saw instead Vāruṇī and Revatī with complexions as bright as gold. They wore beautiful dresses and ornaments and sat on either side of Balarāma. Sūryadāsa was overwhelmed by this vision and began to weep. Suddenly his dream faded away.

“In the morning he went to the house of the brāhmaṇa and bowed to his feet saying, ‘I agree to your proposal. Please don’t delay.’ The happy brāhmaṇa took four persons with him and started for Nadia chanting the auspicious names of Durgā and Gaṇeśa.

“When they arrived at the house of Śrīvāsa, they found Nityānanda, looking like Cupid himself, sitting amongst Śrīvāsa and other associates. Feeling extremely fortunate, the brāhmaṇa’s eyes filled with tears. With great respect, Śrīvāsa inquired about the brāhmaṇa’s well-being, and the brāhmaṇa replied, ‘I have come from my house to speak privately with you.’ Śrīvāsa took him to a secluded place, and the brāhmaṇa gladly revealed his mind saying, ‘I’ve heard that you are searching for a bride for Nityānanda, so I brought with me the details of two girls who are the daughters of Sūryadāsa Paṇḍita. I have searched everywhere but have found none to compare to them. They are as beautiful as goddess Lakṣmī and of good disposition. I think they will be suitable brides for Nityānanda. Please come to my place and see the girls. Sūryadāsa Sarakhela, who belongs to a good family, has agreed to this marriage and doesn’t want to delay any longer. Now tell me what your opinion is?’

Śrīvāsa Paṇḍita replied, ‘Well, I shall see to it. Today I must send Kṛṣṇadāsa to Baḍagāchi, but tomorrow they will go to your place and you can take Kṛṣṇadāsa to the house of Sūryadāsa.’ Hearing this the brāhmaṇa happily hurried back to Sūryadāsa’s house in Śāligrāma.

“Meanwhile, Śrīvāsa Paṇḍita informed Advaita about the marriage proposal. Nityānanda overheard their discussion and smiled softly and meaningfully. Kṛṣṇadāsa, who was a very intelligent son of Rāja Harihoda, hastily went to Baḍagāchi and immediately began preparing for the marriage. News of the wedding spread quickly, and everyone said, ‘It will be a good one.’

“Nityānanda and his associates happily left Navadvīpa and started for Baḍagāchi. As they approached the village, the residents of Baḍagāchi rushed forward to welcome them. The brāhmaṇas and wise people of the village were filled with happiness to see the graceful features of Nityānanda Prabhu.

“Meanwhile, in Śāligrāma, which was not far from Baḍagāchi, Sūryadāsa told his younger brother Kṛṣṇadāsa, ‘I shall go to Baḍagāchi first. You and the brāhmaṇas come behind me with these gifts.’ Sūryadāsa hastily came to Baḍagāchi and went to meet Nityānanda. Overwhelmed with emotion, Sūryadāsa burst into tears and fell on the ground at Nityānanda Prabhu’s feet. He held the feet of Nityānanda in his two hands but could not speak a word. Smiling brightly Nityānanda embraced the fortunate Sūryadāsa.”

Nityānanda’s Ādhivāsa on the eve of his marriage

“After meeting with all the Vaiṣṇavas there, Sūryadāsa fixed the date for Nityānanda’s Ādhivāsa. Kṛṣṇadāsa Paṇḍita came from his house along with the brāhmaṇas and many items for the ceremony. In the evening all the residents of Badagāchi came and, at the auspicious time, Nityānanda sat in the middle of the respected brāhmaṇas and wise persons. The people watched happily as the Adhivāsa took place and auspicious music filled the air. Narahari has described this scene in one of his songs. After the completion of Adhivāsa, the guests returned to their homes. Sūryadāsa also happily returned to his house.

The Adhivāsa ceremony of Vasudhā and Jāhnavā
“Sūryadāsa, with the help of wise brāhmaṇas, joyfully performed the Adhivāsa ceremony of his daughters. Sūryadāsa had previously seen the real identities of his daughters, yet as a father he became very emotional about his daughters’ marriage. Carrying many items for the Adhivāsa, the brāhmaṇas came from Badagāchi to the house of Sūryadāsa. At the time of Adhivāsa, Vasudhā and Jāhnavā looked very sweet and elegant in beautiful dresses and ornaments. The brāhmaṇas began to recite hymns from the Vedas and blessed the brides with dhānya and dūrvā, and the girls made sounds with their tongues. After completing the Adhivāsa, the satisfied brāhmaṇas went to their homes. In the evening the bridegroom, Nityānanda Prabhu, left Badagāchi and started for Śāligrāma. Everyone who saw the extraordinary bridegroom became enchanted by his beauty.”

The marriage ceremony of Śrī Nityānanda
“Nityānanda Prabhu happily entered into the village of Śāligrāma and came to the house of Sūryadāsa. The people who rushed forward to touch the Lord’s feet were suddenly filled with devotion. From a hidden place, Śrī Vasu and Jāhnavā observed the beauty of their husband with extreme pleasure. As a great crowd began to congregate in the house of Sūryadāsa, young girls decorated Vasu and Jāhnavā in beautiful dresses and ornaments, according to the customary procedures. Sūryadāsa then offered his daughters to Nityānanda. All the brāhmaṇas, and even the demigods, were enchanted by the beauty of the brides and the bridegroom.

“The next day the house of Sūryadāsa was filled with joyous festivities as Sūryadāsa humbly performed the various social customs and Nityānanda satisfied the desires of all the devotees. Afterwards, Nityānanda Prabhu and his two wives returned to Badagāchi. Śrīvāsa wife and all the ladies there admired the beauty of the newlyweds. In Śrī Gaura-gaṇoddeśa-dīpikā it is stated that Śrī Sūryadāsa, who was a great man and brilliant as the sun, was the incarnation of Kakudmi. His daughters, the wives of Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu, who were previously Śrī Varuṇī and Śrī Revati. According to some, Śrī Vasudhā-devī was formerly Kalāvatī, and Śrī Jāhnavā-devī was Ananga-mañjarī. The wise saints also support this opinion.

“Thereafter, Nityānanda happily stayed in the village of Badagāchi. The extraordinary qualities of the deliverer of mankind, Nityānanda Prabhu, who was mad after Śrī Gaurāṅga, have been sung by many poets. This is one of Narahari’s songs in Rāga Kāmoda:

The elder brother of Kṛṣṇa and the son of Rohiṇī, Rāma was the husband of Revati and Varuṇī.
He blessed the Kali-yuga by appearing as Nitāisundara, the elder brother of Gauracandra and son of Padmāvatī.
By his supernatural qualities, Nityānanda Prabhu, the husband of Vasudhā and Jāhnavā, bestowed his mercy upon mankind.
Being mad with affection for Gauracandra, he purified the world with his divine love. He satisfied everyone by revealing the ecstasy of pure love for Gauracandra.
His bright golden complexion shone like the glowing red sun. Ornaments bedecked his beautiful ears, and his long arms touched his knees.
His beautiful mouth always chanted, ‘Gaura, Gaura,’ as streams of tears flowed from his eyes. He was always floating in the endless ocean of saṅkīrtana, dancing elegantly along with his followers.
He was extremely kind to the helpless and distressed fallen souls.

“After a few days Nityānanda Prabhu and his followers returned to Nadia. Śacīmātā and all the great devotees of Gaurahari and their wives were very happy to see Vasudhā and Jāhnavā. Following the order of Śacīmātā, Nityānanda visited Śāntipura and then Saptagrāma. According to the desire of the devotees, Nityānanda Prabhu then went to Khardaha where he stayed with his wives in a beautiful house. He spent some wonderful days there, bringing great joy to his followers by the performance of saṅkīrtana. Then again he returned to Nadia to see Śacīmātā.”

Nityānanda’s pastimes are described in Narahari’s songs in Rāga Kāmoda:

The beautiful and genius Prabhu Nityānanda Rāma is the son of Padmāvatī.
For twelve years he lived with his followers in the village of Ekacakra.
When Gaura was born, he left home as an avadhūta.
He visited all holy places and after twenty years gladly came to Nadia.
Reviving his life in Gaura’s association, he fell into his love-trap and threw away his daṇḍa and kamaṇḍalu.
Absorbed in saṅkīrtana, he went with Prabhu to Kṣetra and broke Prabhu’s daṇḍa into pieces.
By the order of Prabhu, he came to Gauḍa from Kṣetra and performed his duties as desired by Prabhu.
The husband of Vasu-Jāhnavī and the resort of dāsa Narahari, distributed his love to all.

(Bhakti-ratnākara by Sri Narahari Cakravarti, Chapter 12, Page 429-434)