An Extraordinary Pregnancy

5

After many years of sorrow, the birth of a son, whom Jagannath and Sachidevi named Vishvarupa, brought immense joy, soothing some of their old wounds. Yet, fate had more trials in store for them.

Now, let us move forward in time to the year 1486. The stars align in auspicious patterns, casting their blessings far and wide, as if the entire planet already senses the impending birth of Krishna Chaitanya. A breath of renewal stirs the creative spirit of poets, writers, and artists of every kind. In Europe, for instance, a new era dawns: the Renaissance —a welcome contrast, illuminating with its beauty and creations the waning shadows of the Middle Ages.

In India, and more specifically in Nadia, the signs heralding this Avatar are most deeply felt. Eminent Vaishnavas await his arrival with great anticipation— though their numbers are few — because, while discreet, the sacred texts clearly describe the cause, location, and timing of his advent.

The appearance of this divine being will not follow the usual process of childbirth; his birth will not result from a sexual act. Instead, he will manifest in this world by his own will and through the love his devotees bear him. As this account will demonstrate, he is not subject to the laws of matter, for the elements that govern it act according to his command. But let us not get ahead of ourselves.

The joy brought by their first son blinds Jagannath and his wife, now finally graced by fortune, to the omens of the divine phenomenon fast approaching. Driven by an irresistible impulse —or perhaps by the mystical allure of their home— the neighbors, in great numbers, continually bring gifts to honor the father and mother.

Jagannath Mishra is a poor brahmana —a priest and teacher— whose chief virtues are his simplicity, his aptitude for assimilating the Scriptures and imparting their knowledge, and his unwavering commitment to religious duties. In such a state of mind, poverty does nothing to diminish his dignity; on the contrary, it enhances his remembrance of God. To ensure that brahmanas are not burdened by the demands of material life, tradition mandates that other classes in society provide for their sustenance by offering appropriate gifts. This arrangement enables them to guide the state with upright counsel and to remain true spiritual leaders.

As one approaches the residence of these humble souls, they are struck by the gentle atmosphere radiating from it. Sachidevi is particularly luminous, exuding the joy that now blesses her life. Her husband soon notices her state:

“My dear wife, you grow more radiant by the day, and I am bewildered by these transformations. A halo seems to surround your body, and your features dispel the anxieties of those who gaze upon you. Like spring emerging from the depths of winter, you rekindle the flame in our hearts. Wherever I go, people offer me their reverence, and without my being able to refuse, they shower me with wealth, clothing, and grains. Even our home feels as if it is inhabited by the goddess of fortune herself —how else can we explain these favorable omens?”

“Yes”, Sachidevi replied. "It’s true that I’ve been feeling much better lately. All my worries have vanished, and enchanting fragrances seem to lift me entirely. Only the promise of a joyous adventure remains. But I must confide a secret to you: when I am swept away by these feelings and retreat to a quiet place, to better meditate on what is happening to me, I see celestial beings around me whose presence fills me with bliss.

However, these visions never last very long, as I am constantly interrupted by the women in the neighborhood who come to offer me gifts or wish to stay in my company.” 

Emboldened by his wife's revelations, Jagannath shared the content of his dream from the previous night: “I was sleeping deeply when the heavenly realm, resplendent like ten thousand suns, flooded my heart. After overwhelming me with its divine presence, this radiance moved toward your bosom and settled there.

Having reflected on this incident at length, reason leads me to believe that an extraordinary being is about to manifest. By celestial blessing, you have been chosen as the cradle of this incarnation.”

Taking her hands gently, he added, “Let us rejoice and deepen our love for our Lord, Krishna, who bestows His blessings upon all living beings.”

Thus, the days and weeks pass, and the pregnancy nears its end; yet the child shows no sign of being ready to be born. By the thirteenth month, Jagannath is tormented by doubts. To ease his worries, his father-in-law, Nilambara Chakravarti, renowned for his learning and mastery of astrology, prepares the child's birth chart.

This science, unfathomable in the complexity of its combinations and the subtlety of its interpretations, reveals its mysteries as he explains his findings to his son-in-law. His conclusion is reassuring: within this very month, at an auspicious moment, Sachidevi will give birth to a son whose celestial alignment already foretells an extraordinary destiny. His transcendental activities will alter the course of history and remain forever etched in the memory of all beings throughout the universe. ■

Next chapter: The Birth
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