The Devotee’s Background
Among the many exalted devotees who accompanied Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu during His years in Jagannātha Purī was Śrī Paramānanda Purī, a senior Vaiṣṇava sannyāsī and disciple of Mādhavendra Purī, thus a godbrother of both Śrī Īśvara Purī (Mahāprabhu’s spiritual master) and Nityānanda Prabhu.
Although advanced in age, Paramānanda Purī was full of childlike humility and affection for the Lord. Mahāprabhu honored him as a superior, always bowing before him and offering him the best seat. He often said, “Paramānanda Purī is My spiritual uncle; he is a manifestation of pure love of Kṛṣṇa.”
Despite being a renunciate, Paramānanda Purī never displayed pride or severity. His simplicity and tenderness won the heart of everyone in Purī, especially the Lord’s.
The Lord’s Affectionate Dealings
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu loved to personally serve Paramānanda Purī. Whenever the old saint became ill, the Lord Himself would bring water, fan him, and prepare his food. Once, seeing that Paramānanda Purī’s hut was leaking during the monsoon, Mahāprabhu personally arranged for it to be repaired.
On another occasion, Paramānanda Purī desired to dig a well near his hut so that he could draw water for bathing and cooking. When Mahāprabhu heard this, He at once gathered devotees and helped dig the well with His own hands.
The Lord joyfully declared, “Because this well has been made for Paramānanda Purī, its water is as pure as the Ganges.” From that day, it became known as Paramānanda Pukur (Paramānanda’s Pond), and pilgrims still visit it in Purī.
Such acts of service, coming from the Supreme Lord Himself toward His devotee, revealed Mahāprabhu’s humility and the equality He saw among all His servants.
The Devotee’s Humility
Paramānanda Purī, seeing the Lord’s affection, was deeply moved but also anxious. He said, “My Lord, You should not serve me in this way. You are the Supreme Lord, the life of all beings. How can I, an insignificant ascetic, allow You to work for me?”
Mahāprabhu smiled and replied, “You are My superior. To serve you gives Me joy. Kṛṣṇa Himself becomes pleased when His devotee is honored. Therefore, let Me act as your servant.”
Hearing this, Paramānanda Purī’s eyes filled with tears. “You are teaching the world that the greatest power lies in humility. Whoever understands this becomes truly liberated.”
The Lord’s Protection
Once, a mischievous person criticized Paramānanda Purī for his simple ways and sparse living. When the Lord heard of this, He became grave and said, “One who offends a devotee like Paramānanda Purī can never attain Me. Even a moment’s association with such a pure soul can deliver the world.”
The offender immediately repented and begged forgiveness. Paramānanda Purī, however, harbored no resentment. He prayed to the Lord, “Please forgive him, my Master. Just as You forgive me daily for my faults, forgive him too.”
Seeing his compassion, Mahāprabhu exclaimed, “Now you have shown why you are dear to Kṛṣṇa — you see no enemy anywhere.”
The Lord’s Heartfelt Words
Mahāprabhu often said of him:
“Paramānanda Purī’s very body is made of divine love. He has no other occupation than to glorify Kṛṣṇa. Whoever serves him serves Me directly.”
And when Paramānanda Purī would appear before Him, the Lord would at once stand up in respect, bowing His head and saying softly, “Here comes My lord and friend.”
Reflection
The Lord’s loving dealings with Paramānanda Purī reveal the mutual humility between God and His devotee.
Though Mahāprabhu is the Supreme Lord Himself, He delights in serving His servant.
True greatness, as this story shows, lies not in commanding others but in serving with love.
In the relationship between the Lord and His pure devotee, both compete to serve the other.
Paramānanda Purī’s life also demonstrates that simplicity is the ornament of the saint. He possessed no wealth, no following, and no fame, yet his heart overflowed with divine affection.
As Mahāprabhu taught by His own example:
“The devotee is My life. To serve him is My greatest happiness.”
Source
Source: “Experiences in Bhakti: The Science Celestial,” by O. B. L. Kapoor — Chapter Six: Verification of the Law of Reciprocation (place: Jagannātha Purī, Orissa).
