Champa Tree
Opening Time
Daytime (A small shrine has been constructed at the site, with no Deities installed)
Information – The tomb on the burial ground of the famous Chand Kazi who was chastised and favoured by Mahaprabhu. A magnificent Champa tree over 4 centuries old still stands on the cemetry and this tree is perhaps the oldest of its kind ever seen.
(THE HARMONIST AS IT IS VOL.2 (VOL. XXVI, June 1928 – May 1929), Page 188)
Nityananda Prabhu took Jiva and quickly entered the Chand Kazi’s village, where He said, “O Jiva, hear My words. The Chand Kazi’s village is none other than Mathura. After performing kirtana, Gauranga gave love of God to the Kazi and liberated him. Mathura’s King Kamsa of Krsna-lila became Chand Kazi in Gaura‑lila. For that reason Gauranga addressed the Kazi as His maternal uncle, and out of fear the Kazi took shelter of Gauranga’s lotus feet.
Under orders from Hussain Shah, who was the king of the Bengal empire and Jarasandha in krsna‑lila, the Kazi caused disturbance during kirtana performance by breaking the mrdangas. The Lord, appearing in the form of Nrsimha, put fear in the Kazi’s heart. Like Kamsa, the Kazi covered in fear. Sri Caitanya, however, gave him prema and thus made the Kazi a great devotee. The very fortunate hear this story of the Kazi’s liberation. “Just see the difference between Vraja‑tattva and Navadvipa‑tattva. Those who offend Krsna are liberated by merging into the Lord’s effulgence, whereas in Navadvipa the offenders receive the treasure of love of God. Therefore, Lord Gauranga’s pastimes are considered the highest. Gauranga’s abode, name, form, and qualities do not consider offense; rather, they expertly deliver one from any offense. If the devotee has some offense in his heart, then Krsna’s name and abode will deliver him only after a long time. But Gauranga’s name and abode immediately bestow prema on the devotee, for offenses create no obstacle and are easily overcome. O Jiva, see the Kazi’s samadhi. By seeing this samadhi the living entities’ old age and disease are vanquished.”
(Sri Navadvipa-Dhama-Mahatmya, Chapter 6)