Rudradvipa

Process of Devotional Service: Sakhyam (Being a friend)

Devotee Who Attained Perfection Through This Process: Arjuna

By adopting only one of these nine principles, the following renowned devotees of the Lord were able to achieve the highest perfection: …. (8) Through his friendship with the Lord, Arjuna attained the desired result.
(Śrī Īśopaniṣad 17)

“In this Rudradvipa, the eleven Rudras reside. Headed by Nila-lohita Siva, the Rudras chant Gauranga’s glories and constantly dance in bliss. As the demigods watch their dancing, they become happy and shower flowers from the sky.
“One time. Visnusvāmi came here during the course of his tour to defeat opposing philosophies. He stayed the night with his followers here in Rudradvipa. The disciples began dancing and singing. Hari bol!’ while Viṣṇusvami recited prayers from the sruti. Pleased by the discussion of bhakti, Nila-lohita mercifully appeared there. Upon Siva’s arrival in the assembly. Viṣṇusvāmi became startled. He folded his hands in prayer and recited appropriate praises. Siva spoke to him. ‘All of you Vaisnavas are dear to me. Your discussion on devotional service has pleased me. Ask a boon, and I will grant it. There is nothing I will not give to the Vaisnavas.’
“Viṣṇusvāmi offered his dandavats and, filled with ecstatic love, he said, ‘Give us this one gift; that henceforth we will perfect a sampradaya teaching devotional service.’
“In great bliss, Rudra consented and named the sampradaya after himself. Thus Viṣṇusvami’s sampradaya is called the Rudra-sampradaya. With the mercy of Rudra. Viṣṇusvāmi stayed here and worshiped Gauracandra with a desire to attain love of God.
“Gauranga appeared to him in a dream and said. By Rudra’s mercy you have become My devotee. You are fortunate to attain the treasure of bhakti in Navadvipa. Now go out and preach the philosophy of suddhādvaita (purified monism). The time of My appearance on earth will soon come. At that time you will appear in the form of Sri Vallabha Bhaṭṭa. You will meet Me in Puri, and you will perfect your sampradaya when you go to Mahāvana.’
(Sri Navadvipa-Dhama-Mahatmya, Chapter 15)

From the Garga-samhita, concerning Rudradvipa, it is stated: “In the north is the sacred place known as Naila-lohita-kṣetra. Lord Siva with the name Nila-lohita resides there. O King of Videha, all the devatās, the munis, the seven rsis, and the Maruts live there. At this place, Ravana, who gave fear to the three worlds, worshiped Siva and obtained great powers. O King, whatever results a person receives by going to Kailāsa are obtained a hundredfold by seeing this Nila-lohita Siva.”
(Sri Navadvipa-Dhama-Mahatmya, Pramana-Khanda, Chapter 3)

When will I come to Rudradvipa? Kailasa, the abode of Siva, is just the effulgence of this Rudradvipa, which shines within Navadvipa. At this place, the eleven Rudras headed by Nila-lohita dance and become stunned with gaura-prema. Durvasa Muni set up his asrama here and gave up his practice of yoga to worship Gauranga’s lotus feet.
(Sri Navadvipa Bhava-taranga)

nīla-utpala — blue lotus flowers; lohita — red (ŚB 5.24.10)
lohita — red (ŚB 3.23.48)
lohita — of the mode of passion (ŚB 5.19.19)