Shri govind swami Ji (Asht-sakha)
In Search of the Lord’s Lotus Feet
Shri Govind Swami Ji was born in the year 1505 in a village named Antri, near Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh.
From a young age, a deep question constantly echoed in his heart—
“How can I attain the lotus feet of the Lord?” This thought wasn’t just a passing curiosity; it consumed his mind, becoming the center of his existence.
Day and night, this single question kept coming into his thoughts. His soul yearned for an answer, for a path that would take him closer to the Divine.
One day, as if touched by a sudden revelation, Shri Govind Swami Ji realized something profound,
“The Lord resides in Braj,” he thought. “In that sacred land, one can truly attain the Lord’s lotus feet.”
Moved by this divine inspiration, he left his home behind and journeyed to Braj, carrying nothing but faith and devotion in his heart.
Upon arriving in Braj, he chose to settle in the holy town of Mahavan.
Surrounded by the divine energy of the land, his heart found a new rhythm. A natural poet at heart, Govind Swami Ji began composing beautiful verses, each one overflowing with love for the Lord.
He would sing these heartfelt compositions, pouring out his soul in every word and melody. His voice, filled with devotion, seemed to blend with the spiritual air of Braj, as if the land itself was listening.
And so began his sacred journey—not just across lands, but into the depths of divine love.
The First Meeting with Gusain Shri Vitthalnath Ji
In the sacred town of Mahavan, Govind Swami Ji would often recite beautiful padas—devotional verses to Thakur Ji.
His voice carried deep devotion, and anyone who heard him couldn’t help but be moved.
Soon, the padas reached the ears of none other than Gusain Shri Vitthalnath Ji, residing in Govardhan. Whenever Vaishnavas visited him, they narrated the soulful verses of Govind Swami Ji.
Upon hearing them, Shri Gusain Ji felt immense joy. He was pleased by the pure devotion that flowed through the poetry.
News of Gusain Ji’s happiness made its way back to Mahavan. A Vaishnava approached Govind Swami Ji and said, “Shri Gusain Ji is delighted by your verses.”
Upon hearing this, a sacred longing awakened in Govind Swami Ji’s heart. A single thought blossomed in his mind: “I must go and have the darshan of Shri Gusain Ji.”
One day, a servant of Shri Gusain Ji happened to visit Mahavan. There, he met Govind Swami Ji. The two of them soon found themselves immersed in deep conversation about the divine pastimes of the Lord.
In the midst of their discussion, Govind Swami Ji asked with sincerity, “How can the Lord be truly attained?”
The servant replied, “Nowadays, Gusain Shri Vitthalnath Ji holds the Lord under his control. The Lord does not move freely now—He is entirely in the hands of Shri Gusain Ji.”
As the servant spoke, Govind Swami Ji’s heart blazed with divine eagerness. “Please, take me to him!” he exclaimed, as if the path to the Lord had just been revealed.
Without delay, the servant brought Govind Swami Ji along with him to Gokul.
There, they reached the sacred banks of Thakurani Ghat, where Shri Gusain Ji was performing Sandhya Tarpan.
After performing the Sandhya Tarpan, Shri Gusain Ji looked at him and said with a warm smile, “Come, Govinda Swami. You’ve come after such a long time.”
Startled, Govind Swami Ji replied, “Mahaprabhu, I have only just arrived.”
But a question echoed in his mind. “Shri Gusain Ji has never seen me before. Then how did he know who I am? There must be something divine behind this.”
Later, when Shri Gusain Ji entered the temple, Govind Swami Ji stepped forward and humbly requested, “O Mahaprabhu, please accept me into your shelter.”
With calm grace, Shri Gusain Ji replied, “Go, take a bath.”
Obeying his words, Govind Swami Ji bathed and returned, ready in body and soul.
Shri Gusain Ji then performed name initiation for him. And the moment Govind Swami Ji heard the holy name of the Lord, an incredible thing happened— He had a divine vision of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Shri Krishna. The pastimes of the Lord—the divine leelas—unfolded vividly within his heart. His soul was awakened.
After initiation, He called himself ‘Das’ (servant) rather than calling ‘Swami’ (master), due to which his name became “Govind Das.”
Shrinath Ji Sings at the Request of Govind Das Ji (Govind Swami Ji)
In the sacred town of Mahavan, Shri Govind Das (Govindaswami Ji) lived a life steeped in devotion.
Every day, he would sing padas—devotional verses—offering them with heartfelt love to Shri Thakur Ji, the divine Lord himself.
Such was the purity of Govind Das Ji’s devotion that Shrinathji would personally come to Mahavan to listen to his kirtans.
Day after day, the Lord appeared, quietly soaking in the melodies born from his devotee’s soul.
A Vaishnava named Madangopaldas would also visit regularly. He had taken it upon himself to write down the padas as Govind Das Ji sang them, preserving the divine poetry that flowed so naturally from him.
One day, Govind Das Ji spoke with humble affection,
“Prabhu,” he said to Shrinathji, “You come here every day and endure so much just to listen to the kirtan. It seems you must enjoy singing yourself. So please—won’t you sing something today?”
Hearing these words, Shrinathji smiled gently—and began to sing.
As His divine voice filled the air, something incredible happened.
Swamini Shri Radha Ji herself appeared—drawn by the sweetness of Her beloved’s song. With grace and elegance, She began to give rhythm, keeping the taal as the Lord sang. The harmony between their voices and movements was so enchanting, so celestial, that the entire atmosphere seemed to pulse with divine ecstasy.
Govind Das Ji sat there in wonder. His heart overflowed. He felt as if the entire universe had vanished, leaving only this divine scene behind,
“How fortunate I am,” he thought. “What great mercy I have received!” He clapped joyfully, tears welling in his eyes, unable to believe the glory of the moment.
Just then, Madangopaldas arrived.
Looking around, confused, he asked, “Maharaj Ji, I see no one here. Who were you speaking to just now?”
Govind Das Ji smiled softly, but said nothing. He chose to keep this divine secret deep within his heart.
Some time later, Shri Gusain Ji casually asked him,
“Govind Das, tell me—how does Shri Thakur Ji sing?”
Govind Das Ji replied with quiet reverence, “Thakur Ji sings with great beauty—but it is Shri Swamini Ji (Shri Radharani Ji) who gives the most exquisite rhythm.”
Upon hearing this, Shri Gusain Ji simply smiled, his eyes gleaming with divine understanding. He said nothing more.
Govind Das: A Name Born of Surrender
During his time in the holy town of Gokul, Shri Govind Das Ji lived a quiet life, immersed in devotion and service.
Word of his presence had spread, and one day, a group of his old servants from his native village of Aantri arrived in Gokul in search of him.
They looked around, and in confusion, they approached him and asked,
“Kindly tell us, where can we find Shri Govind Swami?”
With a serene smile, Govind Das Ji responded,
“Govind Swami passed away a few days ago.”
Startled, one of the servants stepped closer, staring at him with disbelief.
“Your Majesty,” he said, “why are you joking with us? I recognize you clearly—you are Shri Govind Swami!”
With deep sincerity, Govind Das Ji replied,
“I speak only the truth. Govind Swami is no more. I have renounced ‘Swamipana’—the identity of being a master. I now live only as a ‘Das’, a servant of the Lord.
Govind Swami has died, and Govind Das is now alive.”
Govind Swami has died, and Govind Das is now alive.”
Hearing this, the old servants stood silently, unsure of what to do next. They said,
“Maharaj Ji, if Govind Swami is truly no more… where shall we go now?”
Moved by their sincerity, Govind Das Ji did not turn them away. Instead, he led them to the lotus feet of Shri Gusain Ji.
There, under the divine care, those same servants were accepted by Shri Gusain Ji—and through the grace-filled service of the Lord, each one of them ultimately attained the Lord.
The Food That Was Offered Twice
Shrinathji, the beloved Lord of Govardhan, shared a bond of deep affection with Shri Govind Das Ji. The Lord Himself would often leave His divine temple to spend time in playful pastimes with Govind Das Ji.
One day, Shrinathji and Govind Das Ji were walking together toward Govardhan, passing through the serene waters of Apsara Kund. The journey was filled with the soft murmur of Yamuna’s breeze and the sweet silence of the sacred land.
As they walked, the sound of the evening Shayan Aarti began to echo from the temple, following the offering of Shayan Bhog—the final meal before the Lord retires for the night.
Hearing the aarti, a thought stirred in Govind Das Ji’s heart.
“But Shrinathji is right here with me… Then who has eaten the Shayan Bhog?”
The question filled him with concern, his love refused to let a single offering be missed.
With urgency in his steps and devotion in his heart, Govind Das Ji went to Shri Gusain Ji and bowed deeply,
“O Mahaprabhu,” he pleaded, “Shrinathji was just with me. He hasn’t yet taken the Shayan Bhog. Please offer it to Him once more.”
Shri Gusain Ji, who understood the divine friendship between the two, smiled gently and without hesitation, offered the Bhog again at the lotus feet of Shrinathji.
And so, it was known among the Vaishnavas that Govind Das Ji was not just a servant, but a cherished companion of the Lord.
Govind Das Ji Fixes the Turban of Shrinathji
One day, Shri Govind Das Ji arrived at the temple to have darshan of Shrinathji, his beloved Lord and constant companion.
As his eyes rested lovingly upon Shrinath Ji, he noticed something unusual—the pin of Shrinathji’s turban was open.
With a gentle smile and familiarity born of deep love, Govind Das Ji softly asked,
“Prabhu, why have You unpinned Your turban?”
Shrinathji, ever playful with His dear devotee, replied simply,
“You fix it for Me.”
Hearing this, and with the Lord’s own permission, Govind Das Ji stepped into the sanctum and, with steady and reverent hands, re-fixed the pin of Shrinathji’s turban, carefully restoring its royal grace.
Just then, an inner servant of the temple, having witnessed this intimate act, was taken aback. Troubled by what he saw as an improper breach of tradition, he hurried to Shri Gusain Ji and reported everything.
“Maharaj Ji,” he said, “Govind Das Ji touched Thakur Ji directly—in an aparas state (without ritual purification)!”
Shri Gusain Ji, listening calmly, smiled with deep understanding.
He replied,
“There is no impurity in Govind Das touching Thakur Ji. He is Thakur Ji’s intimate sakha, His dearest friend. Shrinathji plays with him regularly, and their bond is beyond the limits of ritual.”
Shrinath ji’s Pebble Play with Govind Das Ji
One day, Shri Gusain Ji was inside the temple, carefully engaged in decorating Shrinathji with divine ornaments and love-filled attention.
At that very moment, in the courtyard just outside, Shri Govind Das Ji was singing kirtan, lost in devotional ecstasy.
As the sacred melodies flowed, something unexpected happened.
Shrinathji, full of mischief and childlike joy, quietly took eight small pebbles and playfully threw them at Govind Das Ji from inside the temple. Each pebble hit its mark, but Govind Das Ji, though surprised, was not angry—in fact, he knew this divine mischief well.
With a smile of both affection and mock complaint, Govind Das Ji picked up a pebble and tossed it back at Shrinathji. The pebble landed gently, but the moment it touched the Lord, Shrinathji feigned fright and pulled back, acting as if He had been terribly wronged.
Just then, Shri Gusain Ji turned around and noticed this exchange.
In a tone of gentle concern, he asked,
“Govind Das, what have you done?”
Govind Das Ji, with a heart full of innocent complaint, replied:
“O Maharaj Ji, this beloved son of yours behaves innocent in front of you, but for the rest of us, he is a clever trickster! He pelted me with eight pebbles—and you said nothing! So I simply returned one!”
Hearing this, Shri Gusain Ji couldn’t help but smile, understanding the deep bond of friendship and playful love that existed between the Lord and His devotee.
The Sacred Detachment of Shri Govind Das Ji
One day, the daughter of Shri Govind Das Ji came to visit from her in-laws’ house. But Govind Das Ji did not speak to her even once. His heart and mind, long surrendered to Shrinathji, no longer turned toward worldly bonds.
Watching this quiet distance, Kanhabai, Govind Das Ji’s sister, gently urged him:
“Bhaiya, your daughter has come after so long—why don’t you speak to her, even for a moment?”
Govind Das Ji looked at her calmly and replied with the simplicity of one who had renounced the world:
“The mind is one—and mine is already fixed on Shrinathji. Tell me, where else can I place it now?”
Days passed. When it was time for the daughter to return to her home, she got clothes as a gift from Govind Das Ji’s house. A home sustained entirely by the grace and offerings of his Shri Guru Ji and the Lord.
As Govind Das Ji came to know of it, he felt pity,
“Everything in this house is the grace of my (Shri) Guru. If my daughter, who is not walking this path of surrender, takes anything from here, it may unknowingly become harmful to her life’s journey,” he thought.
Though he had kept his silence throughout her visit, at the moment of her departure, he finally spoke—his voice calm, but firm:
“Daughter, if you take these clothes, it will not be good for you. Please, do not take them.”
Hearing this, the daughter folded her hands in understanding.
“I am not a sage or renunciate like you,” she said, “but by saying this, you have done me a great favor. You’ve shown me the right path.”
With gratitude in her heart, she left without taking a single item.
For Shri Govind Das Ji, even the smallest possession was not his own, but belonged to his Shri Guru and his Lord.
A Pastime of Shrinathji: The Kirtan Companion
In the sacred village of Mahavan, Shri Govind Das Ji lived immersed in devotion, and spent his days performing kirtan in praise of the Lord. His voice, filled with bhakti and divine love, would echo through the village.
But these kirtans were no ordinary recitations—for Shrinathji Himself would come regularly to listen, and often, sing along with Govind Das Ji.
Govind Das Ji was not just a devotee—he was one of the Ashta Sakhas, the eight eternal childhood friends of Shri Krishna. Because of this intimate bond, Shrinathji and Govind Das Ji would sing like friends, correcting one another with loving familiarity.
When Shrinathji made a small mistake in singing, Govind Das Ji would gently point it out. And when Govind Das Ji slipped in his melody or words, Shrinathji too would correct him with joy.
It was a divine friendship wrapped in music, where leela was lived in every note.
To ensure He was never late to the temple during offering times, Shrinathji would place a devotee in the temple and instruct him:
“If Shri Gusain Ji arrives to offer food, quickly come and call Me.”
One day, however, that devotee began to think to himself:
“Shrinathji always returns before Shri Gusain Ji comes. What if one day I don’t call Him at all? If Gusain Ji finds out where Shrinathji goes, He may stop Him from visiting Govind Das Ji.”
With this thought, he decided not to call Shrinathji when Gusain Ji came to the temple that day.
But to the devotee’s shock, when Shri Gusain Ji entered the sanctum to offer the food, Shrinathji was not there. Calmly, Shri Gusain Ji turned to another servant and said:
“Shrinathji is sitting near Govind Das Ji. Go and bring Him back.”
Hearing these words, that devotee’s heart sank. He was filled with remorse, realizing the Lord’s movements had never been hidden from Shri Gusain Ji.
He thought, “What foolishness I committed to think I could protect Shrinathji by acting against His will. I tried to outwit the Lord and His devotee—how wicked of me!”
He repented deeply, realizing that Shrinathji’s bond with Govind Das Ji was sacred, known, and accepted by Shri Gusain Ji himself.
And so, it became known to all that Shrinathji would regularly visit Govind Das Ji—His beloved sakha, joining him in padas, in laughter, and in divine play.
The Divine Mischief: A Tale of Torn Clothes
It was a bright and serene day at the temple, and high atop at the leafy – Shyamdhak tree, the ever-playful Shrinathji sat, gently playing his flute.
The sweet notes danced through the air, echoing through the peaceful surroundings.
From a distance, Govind Das Ji sat in quiet observation, smiling at the divine leela unfolding before him. He watched as Shrinathji’s soft fingers moved over the flute, eyes sparkling with mischief and innocence.
At that very moment, Shri Gusain Ji, having completed his ritual bath, began walking toward the temple for Utthapan (the sacred moment of waking Shrinathji for his daily service).
But Shrinathji, still perched on the Shyamdhak tree, saw Gusain Ji approaching.
In rush, Shrinathji leapt down from the tree to reach the temple before Gusain Ji. In his haste, however, a branch caught the edge of his cloth. With a sudden tug, the fabric tore, and a piece of cloth was left fluttering on the branch above.
Unaware of this, Shri Gusain Ji reached the temple and opened the door to wake Shrinathji. The sight that greeted him left him puzzled—Shrinathji’s clothes were torn.
Startled, he immediately called all the servants and asked if anyone had entered the temple room. The servants assured him that no one had been there.
Perplexed, Shri Gusain Ji stood still, deep in thought, trying to understand what could have possibly happened.
Just then, Govind Das Ji arrived, his face glowing with calm understanding.
He looked at Shri Gusain Ji and said with a soft chuckle,
“O Maharaj Ji, Why are you so lost in thought? Don’t you know the playful nature of your divine boy? He leapt down from the Shyamdhak tree in a hurry. That’s when his clothes got caught and tore. A piece of his cloth is still hanging on that branch. Come with me—I’ll show you.”
Intrigued, Shri Gusain Ji followed Govind Das Ji to the tree. As promised, there it was—a piece of Shrinathji’s cloth was fluttering from the branch.
Retrieving the cloth, Gusain Ji returned to the temple and gently asked Shrinathji, “Why were you in such a hurry?”
Shrinathji, in his innocent voice, replied, “It was time for Utthapan. You had just finished your bath and were coming to wake me. I didn’t want to be late.”
Hearing this, Gusain Ji’s heart melted with affection. From that day on, he made a thoughtful change to the temple’s schedule:
“The bell would sound three times, then the conch would sound three times, and after a pause of 20 seconds, the temple doors would be opened for the service.”
This way, Shrinathji would always have time to return from his divine play before the service began.
Emperor Akbar’s Visit to Gokul
In the royal city of Agra, word reached Emperor Akbar that a saint named Govind Das Ji in Gokul sang with unmatched mastery and devotion. His ragas were not just music—they were divine experiences.
Akbar, curious and moved by the tales, thought to himself,
“How can I ever hear Govind Das Ji’s raga? If I go as an emperor, he may not sing freely.”
So, setting aside his royal attire and identity, he dressed in a humble disguise and quietly journeyed to Gokul, hiding all signs of his imperial glory.
At that very moment, Govind Das Ji was seated at the serene Jasodaghat, his voice flowing in the majestic tones of Raag Bhairav, filling the air with devotion and divine rhythm.
The disguised emperor arrived silently and began to listen. He was mesmerized—captivated by the sheer power and purity of the music.
When Govind Das Ji completed his raga, Emperor Akbar couldn’t hold back his appreciation. He softly exclaimed, “Vahva! Vahva!” (Wow! Wonderful!)
Govind Das Ji’s ears caught the voice instantly. He turned his gaze toward the stranger, observed him closely, and within moments realized the truth—this was none other than Emperor Akbar himself.
Suddenly, the mood changed. Govind Das Ji, with great composure, said,
“This raga has now become impure.”
Akbar, surprised and a bit puzzled, replied,
“But I am the emperor.”
With unwavering calm, Govind Das Ji responded,
“If you are the emperor, then fulfill the duties of an emperor. But this sacred raga has become impure by your listening.”
Hearing this, Emperor Akbar stood in silence, reflecting deeply. A thought crossed his mind:
“I am the ruler of a kingdom, but Govind Das Ji is the devotee of the Lord who rules the three worlds. Why would he remain under my orders?”
Bowing his head slightly in acknowledgment, Emperor Akbar quietly left the ghat, understanding the Govind Das Ji’s devotion and distance from worldly power.
From that day onward, feeling that its purity had been compromised, Govind Das Ji chose never to sing Raag Bhairav again.
When Shrinathji Rode on Govind Das Ji: A Divine Game Beyond the Eyes
Shrinathji, ever playful and full of divine mischief, loved to engage with his dear devotee Govind Das Ji in joyful games.
Their bond was unlike any other. Often, in their sacred play, Shrinathji would turn Govind Das Ji into a horse or an elephant and ride on him, laughing with delight as only the Lord of Gokul could.
One such day, the leela (divine play) took a humorous turn.
Shrinathji, full of excitement, made Govind Das Ji a horse once again and began to ride on his back, playfully guiding him around. The game went on for quite some time, and though Govind Das Ji was deeply absorbed in the joy of serving his Lord, nature eventually called.
He said softly to Shrinathji,
“Please get down… I need to relieve myself.”
But Shrinathji, still in the spirit of the game, chuckled and replied,
“Has a horse ever told his rider to get down to urinate? A horse does it while standing… so you should do the same.”
Govind Das Ji, fully surrendered to the divine play, followed the Lord’s playful command and relieved himself while standing—just as a real horse would.
As this moment unfolded, a Vaishnava (devotee) happened to pass by. He saw Govind Das Ji urinating while standing (in a horse pose) but couldn’t see Shrinathji, who was invisible to ordinary eyes.
Shocked and confused by the unusual sight, the Vaishnava rushed to Shri Gusain Ji and reported what he had seen.
Calm and composed, Shri Gusain Ji listened patiently. Then, with a gentle smile, he explained,
“Govind Das plays with Shrinathji in ways only a true bhakta can understand. When Shrinathji makes him a horse or an elephant, the leela is complete only when every aspect of that role is played out fully. You could not see Shrinathji, so you misunderstood what you witnessed. It is best not to speak on what lies beyond your vision.”
Hearing these words, that devotee remained silent, realizing the divine mystery he had unknowingly stumbled upon—a leela beyond the reach of ordinary sight and logic.
Divine Disappearance
In the year 1586, Gusain Shri Vitthalnathji, accompanied by Govind Das Ji, climbed Govardhan Hill and entered a sacred cave.
There, in a moment beyond time and comprehension, both of them departed from this world with their physical bodies, entering into the divine abode of Shri Krishna.
Few verses of Shri Govind Das Ji
(Raag Vihagaro)
Vidhata Bidhahun Na Jaani.
Sundar Vadan Paan Karve Koon Rom Rom Prati
Nayan Na Deenhai Kari Yah Baat Ayaani. [1]
Shravan Sakal Vapu Hot Ri Mere
Sunat Piy Mukh Amrit Madhur Bani.
Ari Mere Bhuja Hoti Koti Koti To Hon Bhetati
Govind Prabhu So To Hu Na Tapati Bujhayi Sayani. [2]
– Shri Govind Swami, Shri Govind Swami Ji Ki Vani (458)
It seems as if the Creator is unaware of the fact that He is unfair to me by not giving me eyes in every pore of my being to behold the beautiful glimpses of my beloved Lord Krishna. [1]
Had the creator granted me ears throughout my body, I could have satisfied it while listening to Krishna’s nectar-like sweet voice. Shri Govind Swami says, if the creator had given me millions of arms then I would have embraced Lord Krishna multifold, to quench the fire in my heart. [2]
(Raag Malhar)
Kunvar Chalo Ju Aage Gahavar Me,
Jahan Bolat Madhure Mor.
Vikasit Van Rajiv Tahan Kokila Karat Ror. [ 1 ]
Madhure Vachan Sunat Pritam Ke Lino Pyari Chitt Chor.
Govind Bali Bali Piya Pyari Ki Jor. [ 2 ]
– Shri Govind Swami, Shri Govind Swami Ji Ki Vani (188)
Shri Krishna goes farther into the dense forest of Gahvar where the peacocks are calling out. All the trees in this deep forest are flowering and the cuckoos are singing. [1]
Beloved Sri Krishna’s sweet voice steals away Sri Radhika’s heart. Shri Govindadas sacrifices Himself over and over again to the Divine Couple, watching this magnificent pastimes. [2]
