Shri Kumbhandas Ji (Asht-Sakha)

Kumbhandas Ji: A Friend of the Divine

In the month of Chaitra in the year 1499, a soul destined for divine purpose took birth in the serene village of Jamunavata, near the sacred Govardhan Hill.

The child was born into a royal Kshatriya clan, a lineage of warriors. Yet his heart beat not for battles, but for something far more enchanting—Music.

From the earliest moments of his life, the boy—Kumbhandas—showed a remarkable attraction to music and composition. He didn’t merely sing; he communed with the divine through his voice.

He had his agricultural land in Chandra Sarovar, Parasauli, where he used to do farming.

He became not just a devotee, but the dearest friend—Sakha—of Shrinathji. Shrinathji cherished him the most, showering upon him a love and closeness that few could even dream of.

The Cow, the Hill, and the Hidden God

It was the year Vikram Samvat 1466. On the third day of the dark half of the month of Gurjar Ashadh, something miraculous happened on the central peak of the sacred Govardhan Hill— An upper raised divine arm emerged from the rocks.

It was the first sign of something beyond human understanding: the arm of Shrinathji Himself had appeared.

Later, on the fifth day of the bright half of Shravan month, a Brijwasi came to Govardhan Hill searching for a lost cow. What he found instead left him awestruck. He saw the divine arm, radiant and majestic, rising from the hill.

He shared this wonder with everyone. Villagers from far and wide came to witness this sacred wonder.

There were many small villages at the Taleti of Govardhan Hill, one of which was named ‘Jamunavata.’

In this village lived a Kshatriya named Dharmadas, a man from the Gorava community, known for his vast herd of 400–500 cows. Among them was one special cow named Ghumar.

One evening, Ghumar did not return home. Worried, Dharmadas spoke to his hardworking nephew Kumbhan, who owned a piece of land from his father where he farmed and grazed cows.

Kumbhan had been working all day and was exhausted, he did not feel like going to search for the missing cow.

But then—something extraordinary happened.

A mysterious inner voice stirred in Kumbhan’s heart. It spoke, clear and commanding:

“Hurry, Kumbhan… I am waiting for you.”

Alert, Kumbhan joined his uncle. Together, they climbed the slopes of Shri Girirajji. As they reached the peak, they found Ghumar (cow).

The cow was pouring milk on a stone—spontaneously and continuously—as if offering it to something sacred. Even when they tried to move her, she would not move.

Then, a voice echoed from within the hill (more wondrous and sweet than anything they’d ever heard):

“Hey Dharmadas, this is no ordinary cow. She belongs to the lineage of Nandarayji’s (Nandbaba’s) cows—the cows I adore. Because your village is far, it takes too long for her to reach me.”

The voice continued, full of clarity:

“There’s another cow named Surabhi, at the home of a man named Sadupande. She too is from Nandarayji’s line, and she used to come here to give milk. But she hasn’t come in a while. Leave your cow (Ghumar) at Sadupande’s place so she can come here more easily. If Sadupande asks (anything), give an excuse.”

And then, that same divine voice, turned to Kumbhan:

“Hey Kumbhana, you are my sakha! Come play with me every day. I’ll be waiting for you.”

The moment was too overwhelming. Kumbhana fainted on the spot.

When he regained consciousness, he and his uncle obeyed the divine command. They went to Sadupande’s house and, with a humble excuse, left Ghumar there.

From that day onward, Kumbhan came daily to graze the cow—and also to be with Shrinathji.

Each day, as the cow grazed on the lush grass, Kumbhana would sit before the stone and play with the unseen Lord, feeling His presence. The bond grew deeper, day by day.

Meanwhile, the people of Brij began to plead Shrinathji:

“You fulfill our wishes… we are worshipping Your divine arm. Please, come out now. Let us see Your full form.”

But the Lord gave His answer:

“Not yet. When the one who is meant to bring me out arrives in Brij, then he will reveal Me to the world.”

Years passed.

Then, in the year 1478 (Vikram Samvat 1535), a divine soul took birth on Earth. It was none other than Shri Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhuji, the incarnation of Shri Krishna Himself.

On the day Shri Mahaprabhuji appeared, on the same day, Shrinathji gave His first full darshan, revealing His Mukharvind (the lotus-like face) to the people of Brij.

Kumbhandas Ji Met Shri Mahaprabhu Ji

At that time, Shri Kumbhandas Ji was living in the village of Jamunavata.

News came like a sacred breeze—Shri Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhuji, the divine incarnation of Lord Shri Krishna Himself, had arrived in Aanyor. The air was buzzing with excitement.

Shri Kumbhandas Ji turned to his wife and said, his voice filled with hopeful wonder,

“Mahaprabhuji has come to Aanyor. Many people have already become his disciples. It will be a blessing if we too surrender ourselves at his lotus feet.”

Without delay, both husband and wife set out for Aanyor, hearts full of anticipation.

They approached Shri Mahaprabhuji with folded hands, their eyes shining with devotion, and humbly asked for his divine shelter.

Moved by their devotion, Mahaprabhuji initiated Kumbhandas Ji with the sacred Asht-Akshara Mantra (an eight-letter naam of the Lord).

Soon after, Shri Vallabhacharya Ji established a temple for Shrinathji, installing the divine form of the Lord with all rituals and reverence. He then appointed Shri Kumbhandas Ji for Kirtan service.

The village of Braj came alive like never before.

The people—men, women, children, even the elders—began coming into the temple, bringing with them pots of milk, fresh curd, golden butter, and every offering they could gather. Their love was pure. Their devotion, unstoppable.

Shri Mahaprabhu Ji's Divine Instructions

Before continuing his sacred journey, Shri Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya Ji gathered all the Brajwasi sevaks—the devoted servants of Braj—around him. His voice was calm, filled with purpose and reverence, as he spoke words that would shape their lives forever.

“Shrinathji is my everything,” he said, his gaze filled with divine emotion. “From now on, you all must take complete care of Him. Be ever ready to serve, with your hearts and hands.”

The sevaks listened with rapt attention. The air was heavy with devotion.

Then, turning to Shri Kumbhandas Ji and the others who had been blessed with sacred service, Mahaprabhuji gave a deeper instruction—one that would bind their souls to the Lord every single day.

He said gently, “You should not eat anything unless you first have darshan of Shrinathji. See Him, greet Him, feel His presence—then only take food.”

These weren’t just instructions—they were threads of eternal connection between servant and Lord, meant to keep their devotion alive with every act.

In this way, after giving instructions to everyone, he departed once more—this time toward Jharkhand—to continue his pilgrimage and spiritual circumambulation of the earth.

Shrinath Ji and His Sakha

Following the sacred instructions of Shri Mahaprabhuji, Kumbhandas Ji began each day the same way—by having darshan of Shrinathji, the Lord of his soul and the heart of his devotion.

Each day, Kumbhandas Ji composed fresh, heartfelt poems—verses woven with love and surrender. With his melodious voice, he would sing these compositions directly to Shrinathji, as though offering his very soul in his verses.

And Shrinathji? He was not distant.

The Lord was enchanted.

So deep was His love for His devotee that He would often visit Shri Kumbhandas Ji’s home, not merely as a deity, but as a dear friend — A Sakha.

There, in the quiet of the simple home, they would share divine pastimes, soft laughter, and gentle conversations, unseen by the world.

Shrinathji showered countless blessings upon Kumbhandas Ji. It wasn’t just that Kumbhandas Ji sang for the Lord—it was that the Lord came to listen, again and again

The Wealth of Devotion

The land of Braj was alive with spiritual energy, and Maharaja Mansingh, a powerful ruler, was traveling through the sacred region.

His heart longed for darshan of Shrinath Ji, and his journey brought him to the divine hills of Jatipura.

As he arrived, a voice met his ears—a voice so melodious, so full of devotion, that time itself seemed to pause.

It was Shri Kumbhandas Ji, in the temple, singing a heartfelt composition in praise of Shrinath Ji. His words danced with divine love, and his melody stirred something deep within Maharaja Mansingh’s soul.

The king was mesmerized.

That very night, he could not forget the verse, nor Shri Kumbhandas Ji.

The next morning, moved by admiration and reverence, Maharaja Mansingh rode out to the village of Jamunavata, eager to meet Shri Kumbhandas Ji, whose voice had touched his heart.

When he arrived at Kumbhandas Ji’s humble home, he came not as a ruler, but as a seeker, bringing with him a large offering of wealth.

But Shri Kumbhandas Ji, ever content and grounded in his devotion, gently refused the riches, his heart resting in the joy of Shrinath Ji’s service alone.

For him, the real wealth was Shrinath Ji, and the verses (poems) were his treasure.

Maharaja Mansingh was deeply moved—not just by the refusal, but by the radiant simplicity, the contented heart of Kumbhandas Ji.

Shri Kumbhandas Ji's Love for Shrinath Ji

Shri Kumbhandas Ji’s heart belonged to just Shrinathji. He never wished to leave the divine land of Braj or be separated from his beloved Lord, not even for a moment.

But seeing his poverty, Shri Gusain Ji (‘Shri Vitthalnathji’ – the great son of Shri Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhuji) felt compassion for him. He had a noble intention—to take Shri Kumbhandas Ji to Dwarkapuri, where the Vaishnav devotees regularly made rich offerings. There, he hoped, the financial hardship of this great devotee would be eased.

With care and kindness, Shri Gusain Ji said,

“Come with me to Dwarkapuri.”

Though Kumbhandas Ji’s heart trembled at the thought of leaving Braj, but he honored the command of Shri Gusain Ji and agreed to accompany him. His heart was heavy.

At the very first stop, the pain of separation from Shrinathji became unbearable for Kumbhandas Ji. His eyes welled with tears, his heart overflowed with longing. Overcome with emotion, he sang a verse that poured straight from his soul:

Kete Din Ju Gae Binu Dekhain.

Tarun Kisor Rasik Nandnandan, Kachhuk Uthati Mukh Rekhain.

Vah Sobha, Vah Kaanti Badan Ki, Kotik Chand Bisekhain.

Vah Chitavan, Vah Haas Manohar, Vah Natavar Bapu Bhekhain.

Syam Sundar Sang Mili Khelan Ki Aavati Hiye Apekhain.

‘Kumbhandas’ Laal Giridhar Binu Jeevan Janam Alekhain.

Translation (essence):

“How many days have passed without seeing Him?

That youthful, playful Nandnandan, whose face always glows with rising expressions…

That beauty, that radiance—brighter than a million moons…

That glance, that enchanting smile, that graceful form of the Divine Dancer…

My heart longs to return and play with Shyam Sundar again…

‘Kumbhandas’ says: Without my beloved Giridhar, life and birth are meaningless.”

Hearing this divine outpouring of love, Shri Gusain Ji was moved beyond words. He saw with his own eyes a level of devotion so pure, so intense, that even a single day away from the Lord felt like an eternity.

Gently, with reverence and a smile, Shri Gusain Ji said,

“This separation from Shrinathji is already feeling like ages to you, even though it’s just one day. Your journey is complete. Go back to your home, your Lord awaits you.”

And so, Shri Kumbhandas Ji returned to Braj, his heart singing with joy, his eyes moist with love, and his soul once again reunited in the service of Shrinathji, the only treasure he ever sought.

The Verse That Silenced the Palace

One day, in the temple of Shrinathji, a courtier from Emperor Akbar’s royal court happened to hear a soul-stirring verse sung by Shri Kumbhandas Ji. The words struck his heart, and when he returned to the imperial court, he sang that very same pada in front of Akbar.

The effect was immediate.

Emperor Akbar, known for his appreciation of music and poetry, was deeply impressed.

Curious to know more, he asked whose verse it was. When he heard the name Shri Kumbhandas Ji, the poet-saint of Shri Braj Dham, the emperor ordered that a palanquin be sent to the village Jamunavata to bring Shri Kumbhandas Ji to his court.

Though Kumbhandas Ji’s mind was fixed never to leave the service of Shrinathji, he considered the emperor’s summons and thought, “If it is the king’s call, perhaps it is alright to go once.”

He traveled to the royal court.

There, standing fearlessly before Akbar, he sang. But what came from his lips was not flattery—it was truth wrapped in devotion, a bold expression of pain and disinterest in worldly glory:

“Bhaktan kau kaha seekari kaam

Aavat jaat panhaiyan tootin, visar gayo Harinaam.

Jaakau mukh dekhai dukh laagai, taakau karan pari paranaam.

‘Kumbhandas’ Laal Giridhar bin, yah sab jhoothau dham.”

Meaning (Essence):

What concern do the devotees have with the royal palaces? (Here ‘Seekari’ refers specifically to the royal palace of Emperor Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri).

Going to any royal place is a mere waste of time for the devotees, rather it is an act of defamation; moreover one forgets the name of Lord Hari.

Further, while meeting with them, One needs to bow to those, whose very sight brings sorrow.

Shri Kumbhandas Ji says that without my beloved Lord Giridhar, who is the upholder of Shri Giriraj Ji, everything else in this world is false and meaningless.”

A silence fell in the court.

Pleased and moved by Shri Kumbhandas Ji’s fearless devotion and heartfelt poetry, Emperor Akbar turned to him with admiration.

“Please ask for anything you wish,” the emperor said, his voice filled with sincerity.

“Whatever you desire shall be granted.”

But Kumbhandas Ji, with folded hands and unwavering humility, made only one request:

“If you are truly pleased, then please promise me this—never call me to your court again.”

His words hung in the air—”Gentle”, yet more powerful than any royal command.

He asked not for gold, not for land, not for honor—but only for the freedom to stay near his beloved Shrinathji, far from the distractions of worldly grandeur.

Emperor Akbar, renowned for his wisdom and open heart, was deeply touched.

He saw before him, a soul completely surrendered to his Lord—a man who could not be flattered, and who sang only for the love of God.

With great respect, Akbar sent Shri Kumbhandas Ji back to Jamunavata, allowing him to return to the only palace he ever cared for—the divine abode of Shrinathji.

Disappearance

It was the year 1583, as time passed, Shri Kumbhandas Ji grew old and physically weak. Feeling the nearness of his final moments, he chose to sit quietly by the serene waters of Sankarshan Kund, near the village of Aanyor.

His son, Shri Chaturbhujdas, seeing his father’s frail state, gently requested,

“Father, let me take you back to Jamunavata—your home, your village.”

But Shri Kumbhandas Ji smiled softly and shook his head.

“No, my time here is nearly over” he said calmly.

“Only a little while remains before I leave this body.”

Just then, as if guided by divine timing, Shri Gusain Ji arrived.

Upon seeing him, Shri Kumbhandas Ji bowed with reverence. Despite his failing strength, his voice rose in sweetness and devotion as he sang verses of the childhood pastimes of his beloved Lord.

His heart became fully absorbed in the divine vision of Shrinath Ji, surrounded by the sacred land of Braj, singing padas of Lord’s divine pastimes, Shri Kumbhandas Ji left his physical body.

Some Verses By Shri Kumbhandas Ji

Nand-Nandan Ki Bali-Bali Jaiye.
Shyam Mridul Kalevar Ki Chhavi, Dekh – Dekh Sukh Paiye.
Sakal Lok-Pati, Shripati Thakur, Rasna Rasik-Bimal Jasu Gaiye.
‘Kumbhandas’ Prabhu Girivar-Dhar Ko, Tanu-Manu Sarbasu Daiye.

– Shri Kumbhandas, Shri Kumbhandas Ji Ki Vani (234)

Essence:

Devote yourself wholeheartedly to Sri Krishna, the son of Nanda.

Gazing upon Shyamsundara’s tender and graceful form brings bliss to the heart.

The pure and delightful praises of the Lord, the master of all worlds and the Lord of prosperity, are ever sung by the Rasikas.

Sri Kumbhandas surrenders his body, mind, and soul to Lord Shri Krishna, the lifter of Govardhan Hill.

(Rag Vihag)

Piyasang Jhooli Ri! Saras Hindorain.
Braja-Jubati Chahum Disi Te Saji Sajni! Jhulvati Thorain-Thorain. [1]
Neelambar Pitambar Raajat Ghan-Damini Chit Chorain.
Kumbhanadas Prabhu Giridhar Dekhat Chhabi Ki Uthat Jhakorain. [2]

– Shri Kumbhandas, Shri Kumbhandas Ji Ki Vani (112)