Shri Krishnadas Adhikari Ji
(Asht-Sakha)
The Birth of a Devotee-Poet
In the year 1496, in the serene village of Chilotra, nestled in the heart of Gujarat, a child was born who would one day become a light of devotion and poetry. This child was Shri Krishnadas Ji.
By the divine grace of Mahaprabhu Shri Vallabhacharya Ji, the great spiritual leader and founder of the Pushti Marg path, Shri Krishnadas Ji was blessed with an extraordinary opportunity — the sacred seva (service) of Shrinathji.
This was not just a mere appointment; it was a calling of the soul. Entrusted with this divine service, Shri Krishnadas Ji poured his heart into serving the Lord. His devotion took the form of poetry.
With every verse he composed, he painted vivid emotions of love and surrender, narrating them with deep emotion and spiritual energy to Shrinathji Himself.
His voice echoed with reverence, and each poem became a bridge connecting the human soul with the divine.
What began in a humble village soon blossomed into a legacy of poetic devotion that inspired many in generations to come.
A Journey to the Divine Shelter
With a heart full of longing and devotion, Shri Krishnadas Ji made a life-changing decision — he left his home behind to embark on a sacred journey to Braj Dham, the land deeply connected with Lord Shri Krishna.
His path led him through the holy city of Mathura, and from there, he arrived at the divine hills of Shri Govardhan.
At that moment in time, something special was unfolding at Shri Govardhan.
A grand new temple was under construction — a temple dedicated to Dev Daman, the divine protector. In just a few days, the sacred murti (idol) of Dev Daman was to be installed. The air was thick with devotion, anticipation, and divine energy.
During this sacred time, Shri Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya Ji, the revered spiritual master, was personally performing the Rajbhog Aarti — a royal offering and worship ritual for Shrinath Ji.
As Krishnadas Ji witnessed the glorious sight of Shrinath Ji, his soul was completely enchanted. His eyes locked on the divine form, and in that moment, his heart dissolved in pure, blissful surrender.
But what happened next was nothing short of a divine moment.
Shrinath Ji, the Lord Himself, returned the gaze. He kept looking at Krishnadas Ji. Then, turning to Shri Mahaprabhu Ji, Shrinath Ji spoke,
“He is my Krishnadas — the one who has been away from me for a long time. He has finally returned.”
Hearing this, Shri Mahaprabhu Ji called out to Krishnadas Ji and said very warmly,
“Go bathe in the sacred waters of Shri Yamuna, and come to me.”
Following the divine instruction, Krishnadas Ji immersed himself in the holy Shri Yamuna River, and when he returned, Shri Mahaprabhu Ji initiated him into the path of devotion — right in front of Shrinath Ji Himself.
A few days later, on the third day of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the month of Vaishakh (April–May), Shri Mahaprabhuji gracefully seated Shrinathji in the sanctum of the newly built temple. He appointed Bengali devotees from the surrounding regions for the daily services of the temple.
And then came a sacred responsibility — Shri Krishnadas Ji was appointed as the “Bhentiya” of Shrinath Ji. His role was to travel far and wide, carrying the message of the Lord, collecting offerings, and deepening the bond between devotees and the divine.
Mridang and Melody: The Night of Divine
One mystical night, Shrinath Ji gave a special command to His devoted servant, Shri Krishnadas Ji.
He said, “Bring Shyamkumar with you to Parasauli tonight. He plays the Mridang beautifully.”
Obedient and filled with anticipation, Shri Krishnadas Ji waited until after Shrinathji’s Shayan Aarti.
Then he approached Shyamkumar and conveyed the Lord’s wish.
“Shrinathji has ordered that you must come to Parasauli with your Mridang,” he said.
Shyamkumar was stunned. His voice trembled as he asked,
“Does Shrinathji really remember me… and has called for me?”
His heart was overwhelmed with joy. Without delay, he took up his Mridang (a traditional Indian percussion instrument) and joined Shri Krishnadas Ji on the journey to Parasauli.
In the soft glow of the divine realm, Shrinathji sat gracefully on a throne — and beside Him was none other than Shri Swaminiji, Shri RadhaRani Herself. Their eyes shone with divine love, their presence radiating eternal bliss.
Then Shrinathji looked at Shyamkumar and said, “Shyamkumar, play your Mridang.”
Turning to Shri Krishnadas Ji, Shrinathji added, “Krishnadas, you sing Kirtan.”
Without hesitation, the two devotees began. Shri Krishnadas Ji raised his voice in a powerful, soul-stirring verse, while Shyamkumar brought the Mridang to life with his skilled, rhythmic beats.
As the melody rose and filled the air, something wondrous happened—
Shrinathji and Swaminiji began to dance.
The rhythm, the singing, the celestial presence — everything merged into an otherworldly celebration.
And in that sacred moment, Shri Krishnadas Ji offered this verse, composed in Raag Kedarau, his voice weaving the essence of devotion into each syllable:
(Raag Kedarau)
Shrivrishbhanunandani Naachat Giradhar Sang Laagdaat Urapatiraparaas Sang Raakhau.
Jhaptaal Milyau Raagkedarau Saptsuran Avaghar Taan Rang Raakhyau.
Payi Sukhsiddhi Bharatkaamvividhi Riddhi Abhinavadal Satsuhag Hulaas Rang Raakhyau.
Vanita Satjooth Sang Liye Nirkhat Kyon Saghaschand Balihari Krishnadas Sudhar Rang Raakhau.
The Redemption of a Prostitute: A Soul Offered to the Divine
Once, Shri Krishnadas Ji journeyed to Agra, carrying a sacred duty: to gather materials required for the service of Shrinathji.
As he moved through the marketplace, his attention was drawn to a gathering crowd. A prostitute was performing — dancing gracefully while her companions sang around her. People had stopped in their tracks to watch the spectacle.
Shri Krishnadas Ji, too, paused.
As the crowd thinned, the dancer’s eyes saw Shri Krishnadas Ji. She moved closer, and continued her performance directly in front of him. She was beautiful, her voice enchanting. Yet, Shri Krishnadas Ji’s heart was not swayed by lust — instead, he was struck by a revelation: “She is worthy… not of this street, but of (Lord) Shrinathji Himself.”
Moved by this thought, he stepped forward and offered her ten gold coins.
He said gently, “Come to the mansion tonight, and bring your companions.”
With the market goods loaded onto bullock carts, Shri Krishnadas Ji prepared to return.
Night fell, and the dancer arrived at the mansion as instructed, accompanied by her group. Once again, they sang and danced — and their talent was undeniable. Shri Krishnadas Ji, pleased, gave her 100 rupees, and then said:
“Your dance and song are beautiful… but my Master (Shrinathji) will not be pleased with this. Let me teach you something else. A new song, a song fit for Him.”
He then composed a poem in Raag Purvi, and patiently taught her how to sing it — not as a performance for men, but as an offering to God. She learned with grace. Two days later, Shri Krishnadas Ji brought her and her companions to Shri Govardhan.
On the next day, he stored all the purchased goods into Shrinathji’s temple storehouse, and then did something no one expected — he ordered that no Kirtaniya (temple musicians) be allowed into the temple that day.
Instead, he brought the prostitute and her companions into the sacred courtyard of the temple.
There, in the temple courtyard, she began to dance and sing the very poem Shri Krishnadas Ji had taught her.
(Raag Poorvi)
“Moman Giradhar Chhabipar Atakyau.
Lalit Tribhangi Angan Pari Chali Gayau Tahaaneenthatakyau.
Sajal Shyamghan Charanneelhvai Phirachit Anitnabh Takyau.
Krishnadas Kiyo Pran Nyochhaavar Yah Tan Jagasir Patkyau.”
As her voice rang through the courtyard and her final steps aligned with the beat of divine rhythm, she reached the last line:
“Krishnadas Kiyo Pran Nyochhaavar Yah Tan Jagasir Patkyau.”
“Krishnadas Kiyo Pran Nyochhaavar Yah Tan Jagasir Patkyau…..”
And in that very moment before everyone’s eyes, she left her earthly body and entered into the eternal leela (pastimes) of Shrinathji, accepting the divine form — accepted completely and joyfully by the Lord.
Her companions were left stunned and heartbroken. Tears filled their eyes,
“This was our livelihood… what shall we do now?” they cried.
Shri Krishnadas Ji gently comforted them, assuring them with compassion. He gave each of them 100 rupees, and sent them on their way in peace.
Shri Krishnadas Ji had not just rescued a woman from society’s scorn — he had delivered a soul to the Lord’s lotus feet. And Shrinathji accepted her completely.
A Life For The Divine Service
Shri Krishnadas Ji composed many kirtans, each echoing with love and surrender.
With heartfelt devotion, he conducted Bhagavad Leela Satsangs in a most graceful and inspiring manner.
And thus, his life became a divine offering—fulfilled in bhakti, remembered in grace, leaving behind a legacy of devotion that continues to shine.
Few Verses Of Shri Krishnadas Ji
(Raag Basant)
Laal Gopal Gulal Hamaari, Aankhin Mein Jin Daaro Ju.
Badan Chandrama Nain Chakori, In Antar Jin Paaro Ju. [1]
Gaavo Raag Basant Paraspar, Atapate Khel Nivaaro Ju.
Kumkum Rang Son Bhari Pichkaari, Taki Nainan Jin Maaro Ju. [2]
Bank Vilochan Dukhmochan Lochan, Bhari Drishti Nihaaro Ju.
Nagri Nayak Sab Sukhdayak, Krishnadas Ko Taaro Ju. [3]
– Shri Krishnadas Ji
Essence:
O Gopal, I beg you, refrain from sprinkling gulal into my eyes, for they are perpetually fixed upon your moon-like face like a chakora bird. Please do not create disturbance in it. [1]
O Krishna, please sing in Raga Basant, give up your mischievous acts, and don’t aim at my eyes with the kumkum-filled water gun. [2]
O lotus-eyed Krishna! Please shower your sidelong glance of grace upon me which dispells all sorrows. O bestower of all the happiness, please pacify the agony of my separation. [3]
(Raag Sarang)
Kamal Mukh Dekhat Kon Aghaay.
Sunri Sakhi Lochan Ali Mere, Mudit Rahai Arujhaay. [1]
Mukta Mal Shyam Ur Upar, Manu Phooli Vanraay.
Govardhan Dhar Ke Ang Ang Par, Krishndas Bal Jaay. [2]
– Shri Krishnadas Ji
Who could ever tire of gazing upon the lotus face of Shri Krishna? O, Sakhi, my eyes delight in being steadfastly fixed upon Him! [1]
His dark form adorned with a white pearl necklace captivates my mind, causing it to bloom like flowers in the forest. Sri Krishna das sacrifices himself upon every limb of Shri Krishna, the upholder of Govardhan Mountain. [2]