Sansk.rit.

The next six are in praise of the sect itself, of Adwaita, and the
principal disciples. That on Adwaita by his contemporary Brindaban Das
gives a lively picture of the old Brahman, then follow seven in praise
of the Kirtanias or the old master-singers--Bidyapati, Jayadeva,
Cha.n.di Das; then four on K.rish.na and Radha, containing only a
succession of epithets linked together by jay! jay!

The twenty-third begins the adhibas or consecration, and is curious
less for its language than for the description it gives of the
ceremonies practised. It is by the old masters Parameshwar and
Brindaban, with the concluding portion by a younger master Bansi. The
poem is in four parts and takes the form of a story how Chaitanya held
his feast. It runs thus:--


23. Atha sankirtanasya adhibasa.


"One day coming and smiling, sitting in Adwaita's house, spake the son
of Sachi, having Nityanand with him and Adwaita, sitting in enjoyment,
he planned a great festivity. Hearing this, smiling with joy, Sita
Thakurani coming spoke a sweet word: hearing that with joyful mind the
son of Sachi spoke somewhat in regard to arranging the festival.
'Listen, Thakurani Sita,[Footnote: Sita was the wife of Adwaita.] bring
the Baishnabs here; making pressing invitation to them: whoso can sing,
whoso can play, invite them separately, man by man.' Thus Gora Rai
speaking gave orders for an assembly: ' Invite the Baishnabs! Bring
out the cymbal and drum, set out full pots painted with aloes and