The Glorious Life of Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura

Title:  The Glorious Life of Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura

Author:  Sitala devi dasi

Publisher:  Bookwrights Press

Publication Date:  2025

Language:  English

Format:  Paperback

Pages:  293

"The Glorious Life of Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura" (also listed as part of the Stories of Vaishnava Acharyas series) is a concise, beautifully written biography of Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura (1535–1611), one of the most beloved and influential saints in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition after Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and the Six Goswamis.

This biography of Narottama Dasa Thakur, beautifully written by Sitala Dasi, is the life story of this Gaudiya Vaishnava saint who was responsible for spreading Vaishnava bhakti throughout Odisha in and outside of Bengal in India. Narottama dasa Thakura was known to preach relentlessly, removing the misconceptions of the age. One of Narottama dasa Thakura’s main preaching points was that Vaisnavism should only be gauged according to one’s surrender and realization in Krishna consciousness. There should be no consideration of birth, age, caste, creed, shoe size, education, social status, who one is initiated by, the year one took initiation, or when one first came in contact with devotional service. Nor is Krishna consciousness advancement dependent on household duties, taking sannyasa, ritualistic performances, group agreement, or the like, but simply how one is absorbed in one’s service to the Lord. This is the conclusion of Narottama dasa Thakura’s preaching strategy. Taking his lead from Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his disciples, his preaching was diametrically opposed to the class conscious thinking of the time, especially among those in the Brahmin caste.

The book narrates the life story of Narottama Thakura, highlighting his role as a key propagator of the sankirtana movement in Bengal and beyond. He is renowned for:

His ecstatic kirtans and bhajans (songs) that spread Krishna consciousness far and wide—many of which (e.g., from Prema-bhakti-candrika and Savara-jana) are still sung daily in temples and homes worldwide.
His deep devotion to Radha-Krishna in madhurya-rasa (conjugal mood), his establishment of the Gopinatha temple in Radha-kunda, and his spiritual potency that could inspire even non-devotees.
His miraculous birth in Kheturi village (Bengal) as the son of a king, showing signs of a mahapurusha (great soul) from childhood.
His renunciation, initiation by Srila Lokanatha Goswami, training under Srila Jiva Goswami in Vrindavana, and his famous Kheturi Mahotsava (the first major Vaishnava festival after Caitanya Mahaprabhu's time, where he introduced new kirtan styles and united devotees).
His disappearance lila and eternal identity as Campaka-manjari (an associate of Srimati Radharani, per Gaura-ganoddesa-dipika).

Sitala Dasi (Sitala devi dasi) undertook extensive research from traditional sources (e.g., Bhakti-ratnakara, Narottama-vilasa, and other Vaishnava texts) to present an accurate, inspiring account. The writing is accessible, devotional, and heartfelt—suitable for both new devotees and those already familiar with Narottama Thakura's bhajans who want deeper context.
It's part of a series on Vaishnava acharyas, emphasizing how Narottama's life exemplifies humility, ecstatic devotion, and the power of the Holy Name and kirtan to transform hearts.

Narottama dasa Thakura is Sri Caitanya’s ecstatic love personified. His life of limitless wisdom and compassion has inspired humanity for over four centuries. Now, Sitala Dasi, from the depths of her devoted heart retells the life and teachings of Narottama dasa Thakura in a way that ethrals our hearts and lifts our souls. Thank you, Sitala Dasi.

– Radhanatha Swami

Once heard, the story of Narottama dasa Thakura’s life is hard to forget. A young prince, consumed by love for God, embarks on an epic quest leaving his royal life behind in search of the saintly company he has craved for so long. His story is tender, enchanting, exciting, and right with insight for anyone trying to wal the path of devotion. This vivid retelling has been a labour of love for Sitala Dasi, and I wholeheartedly recommend diving in without delay!

– Jahnavi Harrison – musician, artist, writer

This is without a doubt one of the most fulfilling, entertaining, informative, and enjoyable books about the  histories of our äcäryas I have ever read… In the end, after the final page is turned, one looks eagerly for another page, another chapter, another volume.

– Chaturatma Dasa, Narrator of Vaishnava Acaryas Histories