Sri Kumara-deva had many sons, amongst whom Sri Amar (Sanatana), Sri Santosh (Sri Rupa) and Sri Vallabha (Anupama) were great devotees.
Sri Sanatana was born in the Christian year 1488 (Sakabda 1410). He, along with his brothers, began his studies from their maternal uncle’s house, in a small village, Sakurma, near the capital of Gaura-desa.
The Badsa Hassain Shah, having heard of their profound scholarship and intelligence, decided to engage the two brothers as his ministers. Though they were unwilling, the order of the Badsa could not be entirely neglected. Thus they came to live at Ramakeli, the capital of Gaura-desa at that time, and were presented much wealth by the Badsa.
Many brahmanas and pandits from distant lands would stay with Rupa and Sanatana whenever they would come to Ramakeli, specially, those from Karnataka and Navadwipa. There is still a house near the Ganga, called Bhattabati, which is said to have been their residence.
One morning, Sanatana Goswami, saw a dream in which one brahmana was presenting the Srimad Bhagavatam to him. Suddenly he woke up, but seeing that no one was there, he felt sad.
Later on, in the morning after he had finished his bath and performance of puja, one brahmana came to his house and presented him with the Bhagavata, instructing him to study it very thoroughly. Having received it in this way, he was beside himself with bliss, and from that day, considering the Bhagavata to be the essence of all scriptures, he began its thorough study.
After five years had passed, Mahaprabhu decided to come to Bengal to have darshana of his mother and mother Ganga. All of the devotees were in ecstasy and Saci mata was so overjoyed that she was not even aware of her own body. After spending a few days with Advaita Acarya in Santipur, He came to Ramakeli. [C. C. Mad 1.166]
Sakara Mallik (Sanatan) and Dabir Khas (Rupa), along with their brother Sri Ballabha (Anupama), who had a son who was just a small child (Sri Jiva), they offered salutations at the lotus feet of Mahaprabhu.
Later on Sanatana Goswami traveled to Varanasi where Lord Caitanya instructed him for two months on the science of devotional service. The Lord told him, along with his brother, Rupa Goswami, to go to Vrndavan and write many books explaining the process of bhakti.
One day, he was walking along the banks of the Yamuna, going to beg some foodstuffs in a nearby village. Madana Gopaladeva was playing with some cowherd boys there, and when he saw Sanatana Gosvami he came running towards him, “Baba! Baba!”. Catching hold of Sanatana’s hand he told him, “I want to go with you!”
Sanatan Goswami patiently explained that the boy might feel difficulty if he stayed with him, and sent him home. Then he went to beg some capatis in the village.
That night, in a dream, he saw that boy again come to him. Smiling very sweetly, he caught hold of Sanatana’s hand and said, “Baba! I am coming tomorrow to stay with you. My name is Madana Gopal”. His dream ended and he woke up. Losing himself in great ecstasy, he said to himself, “What did I see? Such a beautiful boy!” Thinking of Lord Krsna he opened the door to his hut and saw standing outside a beautiful Deity of Gopal. His effulgence shone in all directions.
Gradually, he performed Gopala’s abhiseka (bathed the Deity) and offered worship to Him. Sanatana’s brother Rupa came there and, seeing the Deity, was deeply moved in ecstatic love. Sanatana kept the Deity with him in his leaf hut and began to worship Him in great happiness.
Everyday Sri Sanatana Gosvami would circumambulate the fourteen mile circumference of Govardhan hill. As he became advanced in years this became somewhat difficult, but he was not inclined to give up his vow. Krsna, however could understand that it was difficult for him, so He came to him one day dressed as a cowherd boy.
Then Sri Krsna presented him a stone from Govardhan hill with the imprint of His foot, a calf’s foot print and the impressions of a stick and flute in it.
“You can circumambulate this sila, and that will be the same as circumambulating Giri Govardhan.” Saying this much the cow herd boy disappeared. Then Sanatana could understand that Giriraja Himself had presented His worshipful form to him and from that day he would circumambulate this sila.
Sri Sanatan Gosvami was born – 1488 (Christian) 1410 (Sakabda). At the age of 27 he came to live at Braja where he remained for 43 years. He thus lived to be 70 years old. His disappearance was on the full moon day of Asar in the year 1558 (Christian calendar). His name in Braja-lila is Rati-manjari.
