Jayadeva Goswami

There was a Brahman residing in the sacred city of Jagannath, fulfilling his duties as a priest. He was blessed with a daughter of exceptional beauty, whom he named Padmavati, as her exquisite form resembled that of the goddess Lakshmi. The Brahman contemplated, "My daughter possesses both inner and outer beauty akin to a magnificent mountain. It is only fitting that I offer her to Jagannath with utmost reverence."

Whenever suitors approached the Brahman seeking Padmavati's hand in marriage, he would inform them that she had already been dedicated to Krishna. Everyone understood and respected this, and thus she grew more radiant with each passing day. The Lord of the Universe appeared in the Brahman's dream, addressing him, "You have indeed offered your daughter to me. However, in the Kali Yuga, I manifest as Buddha, and the poet Jayadev is a divine incarnation, an avatar of mine. I urge you to bestow Padmavati upon Jayadev along with all her ornaments." Upon awakening from this dream, the Brahman experienced immense joy. He proceeded to invite Jayadev Swami to his home, and an agreement for marriage was established.

The Brahman consulted the horoscopes, which revealed a compatibility score of thirty-six points. All necessary arrangements, including the preparation of ornaments, were meticulously made. The divine presence overseeing the marriage ceremony was invoked, and the Brahmans were treated to a sumptuous feast. Worship was offered to the revered deity Ganpati, the Remover of Obstacles. The Brahmans held the ceremonial curtain, while the priest recited words of blessings. "O Keshav, O Narayan, O Madhav, O Govinda, O Gopal, O Supreme God, O Slayer of Madhu, O Madhav, protect this bride and groom. O Krishna, Vishnu, Vaman, Ram, O Advocate of Your devotees, O Abode of all virtues, O Imprisoner of Bali, O Trivikram, protect this bride and groom. O Protector of the cowherds, Dweller of Dwarka, O Lord of Pandhari, O Krishna, Protector of the World, O Ocean of virtue, protect this bride and groom. O Residing in the heavenly abode Vaikunth, O Husband of Rukmini, Dweller in the milky ocean, Recliner upon the serpent Shesha, O Protector of the devotees, O Source of goodness, protect this bride and groom. O Ram, Residing in Ayodhya, and Guardian of Your devotees in times of distress." These verses were chanted by the Brahmans during the auspicious wedding ceremony.

Suddenly, resounded a triumphant cry of "Victory, Victory!" Numerous musical instruments echoed joyously. The festivities continued for four days, and both the bride and groom were bestowed with great honor. Jayadeva Swami chose to remain in Jagannath, engaging in daily devotion and expressing boundless love for God. He diligently continued performing Kirtan of Bhagavan.