Shri Parmanand Das Ji (Asht-Sakha)
Birth of the Eternal Sakha of the Supreme
In the year 1493, in the sacred land of Kannauj, a divine soul took birth into a Brahmin family. This was no ordinary birth—it marked the arrival of Shri Parmananddas Ji, an eternal sakha (friend) of Lord Shri Krishna.
From the very beginning, Parmananddas Ji carried within him a rare spiritual brilliance. He was a poet of a very high order. A saint whose verses seemed to flow directly from the heart of the Lord.
He would sing the verses he had composed, each word dripping with love, in a very melodious voice.
He used to sing kirtans in enchanting ragas.
Anyone who heard him sing would be drawn in, almost helplessly, as though pulled by an invisible force. Such was his voice, the sweetness of his bhakti, and the power of his poetic soul.
A Night of Verses
Once, Shri Parmananddas Ji made a decision to bathe in the holy Ganges at Prayag during the month of January. So, he journeyed from Kannauj to Prayag.
The fame of Parmananddas Ji’s Kirtan started spreading in Prayag. Devotees began gathering in large numbers, traveling from distant places just to listen to his mesmerizing voice and the spiritual poetry he sang.
In Adail, across the Yamuna River in Prayag, resided the great Mahaprabhu Shri Vallabhacharya Ji, along with his devoted followers. Some of these followers would go to hear Parmananddas Ji’s kirtans and then return to Adail, carrying the melodies with them like precious gems and sing the same kirtans there.
One such follower was Jalghariya Kapoor Kshatriya, a deeply devoted servant of Shri Mahaprabhu Ji.
When he heard others sing the kirtans of Parmananddas Ji, he was completely enchanted.
The ragas were so divine, so filled with emotion, that a powerful desire arose in his heart—he longed to experience those kirtans for himself.
Yet, service to his Lord left him no time.
One day a Vaishnava came from Prayag and shared that tonight was Ekadashi—a holy night. Shri Parmananddas Ji would stay awake all night in Jagran, performing continuous kirtan.
Hearing this, Jalghariya could no longer resist. He resolved to go.
After completing his daily service, he returned home, crossed Shri Yamuna Ji’s waters under the cover of night, and arrived at the place where Parmananddas Ji’s Jagran was taking place.
Everyone there recognized him as the servant of Shri Mahaprabhu Ji, so they welcomed him with great respect and offered him a seat of honor.
Interestingly, Shri Parmananddas Ji had never met Jalghariya before.
That night, Parmananddas Ji sang verses of separation. These were not ordinary verses.
As the eternal sakha (friend) of Shri Krishna, his soul carried the weight of divine longing. He had not yet seen Shrinath Ji with his own eyes, and this absence filled his heart with a deep sense of spiritual separation.
The pain poured out in his singing.
He sang:
(Raag Bihaagarau)
Brajke Birahi Log Bichaare.
Bin Gopal Thagese Thaade Ati Durbal Tanhaare.
Maat Jasoda Panth Nihaarat Nirakhat Saanjh Sakaare.
Jo Koee Kaanh Kaanh Kahi Bolat Ankhiyan Bahut Panaare.
Yah Mathura Kaajarki Rekha Je Nikasete Kaare.
Parmanand Swami Binu Aise Jaise Chanda Vinu Taare.
Essence:
“The people of Braj are torn by longing, weakened without their Gopal.
(Shri) Yashoda watches every path, hoping for a glimpse of him.
Anyone who even whispers his name brings tears to their eyes.
This is the fate of Mathura—shrouded in sorrow.
Parmanand Swami feels like the moon without its stars.”
Shri Parmananddas Ji sang many other padas too.
By the time dawn approached, the kirtan came to an end. The audience, emotionally moved, quietly left for their homes.
Before leaving, Jalghariya said to Parmanand Das Ji with admiration ,
“Jai Shri Krishna, You sing even better than I had heard!”
Then he departed, carrying the divine melodies in his heart.
Tired from the night’s devotion, Shri Parmananddas Ji lay down and fell asleep.
And then—a vision came.
In his dream, he saw himself performing kirtan. In front of him sat Jalghariya, and seated in Jalghariya’s lap was none other than Lord Shri Navneet Priya Ji himself (Shri Krishna in his beautiful child form).
The Lord smiled and said:
“Parmanand Das Ji, I was listening to your kirtan… sitting in the lap of Jalghariya.”
The moment he heard this, Parmananddas Ji awoke with a start. His heart trembled with bliss. That beauty, the melodious voice of Thakur Ji, was etched forever in his soul.
First meeting with Mahaprabhu Shri Vallabhacharya Ji
Ever since Shri Parmananddas Ji had that divine darshan of Thakur Ji in his dream, his heart could no longer rest. A deep yearning stirred within him—a longing to see the Lord once more.
He recalled how Thakur Ji had appeared seated in the lap of Jalghariya, a devoted servant of Mahaprabhu Shri Vallabhacharya Ji.
The thought echoed in his mind:
“If Jalghariya had received such grace, it must have been because of his Shri Guru. I must go to Adail—perhaps there, my desire will be fulfilled.”
With this hope, Shri Parmananddas Ji set out for Adail.
Upon reaching Adail, he witnessed a serene scene.
Mahaprabhu Shri Vallabhacharya Ji, having just finished his bath, was worshipping the Sun God with utmost devotion. As Shri Parmananddas Ji beheld him from a distance, a wave of wonder swept over him.
At that moment, Shri Mahaprabhu Ji looked like Shri Krishna himself.
A realization bloomed in Parmananddas Ji’s heart:
“If Thakur Ji played his divine leela in the lap of Jalghariya, it must be because Jalghariya’s Shri Guru Ji is none other than Shri Krishna himself in the human form.”
Shri Parmananddas Ji quietly sat nearby, overwhelmed with reverence.
When Shri Mahaprabhu Ji completed his worship and sat upon his seat, his eyes fell upon the gentle, Parmananddas Ji. With a voice full of divine grace, he said:
“Parmanand, sing the glory of God.”
Without hesitation, he began to sing—his voice rising with the pain of separation, the depth of longing, and the nectar of divine love.
He Sang…
(Raag Sarang)
Jiyaki Sadhan Jiyahi Rahiri.
Bahuri Gopal Dekhi Naahin Pae Vilapat Kunjahiri.
Ek Dinsonjasameep Yah Maarag Vechan Jaatdahiri.
Preetake Liye Daanmis Mohan Meri Baanhgahiri.
Bin Dekhen Ghadi Jaatkalapsam Virhaanal Dahiri.
Parmanand Swami Bin Darshan Nainan Neendbahiri.
– “The only aspiration of the Gopis is Sri Krishna, which is now buried in the depths of their hearts.”
He continued to sing many more verses, each filled with longing and love.
In this way, Shri Parmananddas Ji offered his soul in the form of verses—soaked in “Viraha Bhakti”, the deep pain of separation from the Lord.
The Divine Initiation
After offering heartfelt padas filled with the pangs of separation, Shri Parmananddas Ji sat in silence. The atmosphere was soaked in divine emotion.
Mahaprabhu Shri Vallabhacharya Ji, deeply moved by the devotion, gently asked,
“Parmanand, now sing the childhood pastimes of the Lord.”
Parmananddas Ji bowed his head and humbly replied,
“O Master, the pastimes of the Lord have not yet arisen in my heart.”
With a serene smile, Mahaprabhu Ji said,
“Go and take a bath. Afterward, I shall awaken those pastimes within you.”
Following Shri Mahaprabhu Ji’s command, Parmananddas Ji took a holy bath and returned with a calm heart and eager spirit. Mahaprabhu Ji welcomed him warmly:
“Come closer. Sit near me.”
With reverence, Parmananddas Ji stepped forward and sat down.
At that sacred moment, Mahaprabhu Ji initiated him by bestowing upon him the divine Name of the Lord, and shortly after, he received the Brahmasambandh (the awakening of one’s eternal identity with the Supreme Lord) in the presence of Lord Shri Navneet Priya Ji.
Then, in his divine voice, Shri Mahaprabhu Ji began narrating the sequence of the Tenth Canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam. As the sacred words flowed, the pastimes bloomed fully in Parmananddas Ji’s heart like lotus petals in the sunlight.
Mahaprabhu Ji then said with a smile,
“Parmanand, now sing the childhood leelas of the Lord.”
With a heart now overflowing with bliss, Shri Parmananddas Ji composed and sang the following padas before Mahaprabhu Ji and Lord Shri Navneet Priya Ji.
(Raag Saambhari)
Mayiri Kamalnain Shyamsundar Jhoolat Hain Palana.
Baal Leela Gaavat Sab Gokul Ke Lalana.
Arun Tarun Kamal Nakhmani Jas Joti.
Kunchit Kachmakraakrit Latakat Gaj Moti.
Angootha Gahi Kamalpaan Melat Mukh Maaheen.
Apanon Pratibimb Dekhi Punipuni Musikaaheen.
Jasumatike Punyapunj Vaarvaar Laale.
Parmanandswami Gopal Sut Saneh Paale.
– “O friend, Shyamsundar with lotus-like eyes is swinging in the cradle”
(Raag Bilaval)
Jasodha Tere Bhaagyaki Kahi Na Jaay.
Jo Moorati Brahmadik Durlabh So Pragate Hain Aay.
Shiv Narad Sanakadik Mahamuni Milave Karat Upaay.
Te Nandlaal Dhoordhoosarvapu Rahat Godlipataay.
Ratanjaditpodhaay Paalane Vadan Dekh Musikayi.
Jhoolau Mere Laal Balihaari Parmanand Jas Gayi.
– “O (Shri) Yashoda, your fortune is beyond words.
The Lord whom even Brahma and the gods struggle to behold
has taken form and come to your home.
Shiva, Narad, Sanakadiks, Mahamunis—all seek ways to meet him,
yet that same Nandlal, dust-covered and glowing, rests lovingly in your lap.
He smiles as he sees himself in the gem-studded swing.
Parmanandas sings, O my beloved child, swing gently—I offer myself to you.”
(Raag Bilaval)
“Manimay Aangan Nandake Khelat Dou Bhaiya”
– “In the gem-studded courtyard of (Shri) Nanda Maharaj, both brothers—Krishna and Balram—are joyfully playing together.”
As Parmananddas Ji completed his verses, Shri Mahaprabhu Ji was immensely pleased.
He lovingly entrusted him with the sacred seva (service) of singing kirtans before Shri Navneet Priya Ji.
From that day onward, Shri Parmananddas Ji composed fresh verses regularly, offering them first to Thakur Ji. After performing his devotional service, he would then present those padas to Mahaprabhu Ji.
Simultaneously, Mahaprabhu Ji continued narrating from the Srimad Bhagavatam, while Parmananddas Ji listened intently, composing verses that reflected the divine pastimes he heard.
The Glory of Lord’s Lotus Feet
One day, during Shri Mahaprabhu Ji’s discourse, Parmananddas Ji heard about the unmatched greatness of the Lord’s lotus feet.
Inspired, he composed a beautiful pada dedicated to those sacred lotus feet and sang it before Shri Mahaprabhu Ji:
(Raag Kanhrau)
Charan Kamal Vandau Jagadeesh Godhanke Sang Dhaye.
Je Padakamal Dhoori Lapataane Kari Gahi Gopinke Ur Laye.
– “I bow to the lotus feet of Shri Krishna,
who runs joyfully across the land, surrounded by his cows.
Those dust-covered lotus feet, once touched by the Gopis, now lie in their hearts.”
Upon hearing this pada, Mahaprabhu Ji was very pleased.
Shortly after, Parmananddas Ji composed a prayer dedicated to Shri Mahaprabhu Ji himself, titled:
“Yah Maangon Gopijanavallabh”…..
Hearing this heartfelt prayer, Shri Mahaprabhu Ji recognized the deep longing it carried, the desire to behold the land of Braj. With a knowing smile, he said:
“Parmanand has now prayed for the vision of Braj. It is time—we must go to Braj.”
Mahaprabhu Ji's Visit to Kannauj & the Three Days of Divine Samadhi
As Mahaprabhu Shri Vallabhacharya Ji began his journey from Adail to Braj, he was accompanied by his devoted servants—Damodardas Harisani, Krishnadas Meghan, Parmananddas Ji, and Yadavdas. They brought with them a full stock of kitchen supplies, and their hearts filled with devotion.
As they traveled, they passed through Kannauj, the birthplace and home of Parmananddas Ji. Seizing the moment, Parmananddas Ji humbly requested:
“O Guruji, you have already shown me immense grace, and by your mercy, I have been truly blessed. Now, I beg you to purify my home with your divine presence.”
In his boundless compassion, Shri Mahaprabhu Ji, the fulfiller of every true devotee’s desire, accepted the request and entered the house of his disciple.
Parmananddas Ji prepared the food with utmost care and devotion.
After offering the prepared food to Shri Thakur Ji, Mahaprabhu Ji accepted the prasād.
Later, Mahaprabhu Ji sat down on a Gadi (seat) and looked at Parmananddas Ji with divine affection.
“Parmanand, sing the glories of the Lord,” he gently said.
At that moment, Parmananddas Ji sang a pada of separation:
(Raag Sorath)
Hari Teri Leelaki Sudhi Aavai.
Kamal Nain Manmohani Moorat Manman Chitr Banaavai.
Ek Vaar Jaay Milat Maya Kari So Kaise Visaraavai.
Mukh Musikyaan Vank Avilokan Chaal Manohar Bhaavai.
Kabahuk Nivad Timar Aalingan Kabahuk Pik Surgaavai.
Kabahuk Sabhram Kvaasi-kvaasi Kahi Sangaheen Uthi Dhaavai.
Kabahuk Nain Moondi Antargati Manimalapahraavai.
Parmanand Shyam Dhyan Kari Aise Birah Gavaavai.
– “O Hari, I am missing your divine pastimes a lot.”
As these verses reached Shri Mahaprabhu Ji’s ears, he was overcome by divine ecstasy. He fainted and entered a state of deep samadhi, lost in the spiritual realm.
For 3 days, Mahaprabhu Ji remained in this samadhi state. His servants and devotees sat quietly around him.
On the morning of the fourth day, Mahaprabhu Ji finally awoke. A wave of joy spread among the Vaishnavas.
But Parmananddas Ji, touched with concern, thought to himself:
“I shall no longer sing such intense padas of separation that cause Shri Mahaprabhu Ji such divine separation.”
And so, with a joyful heart, he composed a new verse celebrating the glory of the Lord’s arrival in Braj:
(Raag Vibhag)
Mayiri Hon Anand Gungaoon.
Gokulki Chintamanimadhau Jo Maango So Paoon.
Abate Kamalnain Braj Aayai Sakal Sampada Baadhi.
Nandraayke Dvare Dekhau Asht Mahasiddhithaadhi.
Phoole Phale Sada Vrindavan Kaamdhenu Duhideejai.
Maarag Megh Indravarashaamein Krishn Kripa Sukh Leejai.
Kahat Jasodha Sakhiyan Aage Hari Uttakarsh Janaavai.
Parmananddas Ko Thakur Murali Manohar Bhaavai.
– “O sakhi, I will sing the glories of Shri Krishna.”
(Raag Gauri)
“Vimalajas Brindavan Ke Chandrako”
– “The glory of the moon of Vrindavan, Shri Krishna, is amazing.”
After this pada, the following pada was sung in Raga Sarang-
“Chaliri Nandgaon Jaayvasiyai”.
– “Let us go, dear friend, to Nandgaon!”
Hearing these new padas, Shri Mahaprabhu Ji’s heart filled with joy.
When he heard “Chaliri Nandgaon Jaayvasiyai”, a firm thought took root in his heart:
“It is time—now we must go to Braj.”
Darshan of Gokul – The Land of Shri Krishna’s Childhood
After blessing the land of Kannauj with his divine presence, Mahaprabhu Shri Vallabhacharya Ji continued his journey toward Braj.
The blissful journey of devotion passed through holy towns and fields until they arrived in Mathura, the very heart of Shri Krishna’s leelas.
In Mathura stood Shri Mahaprabhu Ji’s own home and his Baithak—the place where countless spiritual discussions and divine exchanges had taken place.
As they entered, all the Vaishnavas bowed reverently at the banks of Shri Yamuna Ji, offering their hearts to her sacred waters.
At that moment, filled with gratitude and love, Shri Parmananddas Ji sang a heartfelt pada in reverence:
(Raag Raamkali)
Shri Yamunaji Yah Prasad Hon Paoon.
Tihaare Nikat Rahon Nisavasar Raamkrishn Gungaoon…..
– “O Yamuna Ji, have mercy on me.”
From Mathura, Shri Mahaprabhu Ji took the group further to Gokul, the divine place of Shri Krishna’s childhood pastimes.
There, Mahaprabhu Ji arranged for Parmananddas Ji to have darshan of Gokul, opening before him the tender scenes of childhood pastimes of Shri Krishna.
As these sacred sights filled his eyes and heart, Parmananddas Ji could no longer hold back the flood of devotion.
He began to sing what he saw—living glimpses of leela turned into verse.
(Raag Bilaval)
Jamunajal Ghar Bharichali Chandravali Nari.
Maarag Khelat Mili Ghanshyam Murari…..
– “The Gopis of Braj are going to their homes by filling Shri Yamuna Ji’s water in their pots, but on the way, they met Shri Krishna.”
(Raag Sarang)
Laal Nekateko Meri Vaiyaan.
Oghatghat Chalyon Nahin Jayi Rapatatahon Kaalindi Mahiyaan.
– “Now I will not go to the bank of Yamuna, there Shri Krishna will hold my arm, as soon as I go to the bank of Yamuna, Shri Krishna comes running there.”
(Raag Kaanharau)
Gaavat Gopi Madhuvrajvani.
Jaake Bhuvan Vasat Tribhuvanpati Raja Nand Yasaudha Rani.
– “The gopis are singing in a melodious voice at the door of Maharaj Nanda and Yashoda Rani.”
(Raag Kaanharau)
Jasumati Grih Aavat Gopijan.
Vaasartaap Nivaaran Kaaran Vaaranvaar Kamalmukh Nirakhan.
– “The Gopis are coming again and again to (Shri) Yashoda’s house to quench the pain of their hearts, with the darshan of Shri Krishna.”
He continued to sing many such verses, painting with his words, the sacred world of Gokul, where every cowherd, every breeze, and every step of the childhood pastimes of Shri Krishna spoke of divine love.
When the Milk Was Too Hot for God
After spending a few sacred days in Gokul, Mahaprabhu Shri Vallabhacharya Ji continued his divine journey and arrived at Govardhan, accompanied by his beloved Vaishnavas.
Among them was Shri Parmananddas Ji, whose heart had longed for this very moment.
Upon reaching Govardhan, Parmananddas Ji had the blessed darshan of Shri Shrinathji. As his eyes fell upon the divine form of the Lord, he became utterly absorbed, unable to look away—enchanted by the sheer beauty, radiance, and grace of Shrinathji.
Seeing this devotion, Mahaprabhu Ji gently said,
“Parmananddas, sing the glories of the Lord.”
With folded hands and a heart overflowing with love, Shri Parmananddas Ji began to sing:
(Raag Kanhrau)
Mohan Nand Rai Kumar.
Pragat Brahma Nikunj Nayak Bhaktahit Avatar.
Pratham Charan Saroj Bando Shyamghan Gopal.
Makarkundala Gandmandit Charunain Visaal.
Baliram Sahit Vinod Leela Sekar Het.
Das Parmanand Prabhu Hari Nigam Bolat Net.
Essence:
Mohan, the son of Nand Rai,
Shri Krishna is the Brahma (ब्रह्म) himself, who is hero of the Vrindavan groves, incarnated for the welfare of devotees.
I bow to the lotus feet of Gopal, shyam as rain clouds.
Adorned with fish-shaped earrings, his cheeks gleaming, his eyes vast and charming.
Alongside Balram, he delights in playful divine pastimes.
Says servant Parmanand, Lord Hari is the essence of all scriptures.
(Raag Poorvi)
Merou Mai Madhau Son Man Lagyu.
Merou Nain Aur Kamal Nainko Ikthaurau Kari Maanyau.
Essence:
“My heart is now devoted to Madhau alone.
My eyes and his lotus-eyes—I now see them as one.”
As the singing concluded, the time for Shayan Aarti had come. Mahaprabhu Ji performed the Aarti, placing Shrinathji into divine rest.
After performing sacred service on the hill, he descended from Govardhan and sat down in stillness. Parmananddas Ji followed and quietly sat beside him.
At that moment, the inner servant Ramdas Ji sent Shrinathji’s prasad—milk—for Parmananddas Ji.
Gratefully, he began to drink it. However, he found it too hot, so he gently cooled it before drinking.
Later, Ramdas Ji approached him and asked,
“I had sent you Mahaprasad milk. Did you receive it?”
Parmananddas Ji replied,
“Yes, I received it. But the milk was very hot. How can Shrinathji drink milk so hot? Would he truly enjoy it that way?”
Ramdas Ji bowed respectfully and said,
“It’s very good you’ve pointed this out. You are a true devotee of the Lord. From now on, we shall follow your guidance.”
From that day forward, the sevakas (servants) began taking extra care in all offerings made to the Lord—guided by the loving insight of a pure devotee.
Morning Devotion: The Voice That Awoke Gopal
The next morning, Shri Parmananddas Ji sang a Mangala Pada to gently awaken the Lord:
(Raag Vibhas)
Jago Gopal Lal Mukh Dekho Terau.
Paachhen Grahkajakaron Nitya Nem Merau.
Vigasat Nisa Arun Disa Udit Bhayou Bhan.
Gunjat Ang Pankajvan, Jaagiye Bhagwan.
Dware Thaade Bandijan Karat Hain Pukar.
Vans Prasang Gaavat Hari Leelasar
Parmanandswami Dayal Jagatmangalroop.
Veda Puran Pathat Mahima Leela Anoop.
Essence:
“Wake up, beloved Gopal! Let me behold your beautiful face.
Only after this daily ritual do I attend to my household duties.
The night has blossomed into dawn, the red hues of the sky glow as the sun rises.
The lotuses echo, Lord, open your eyes.
Devotees stand at your door, calling out to you.
They sing stories of your divine flute and your divine pastimes.
Says Swami Parmanand, you are merciful and the very form of world-blessing.
The Vedas and Puranas describe your matchless glories and divine acts.”
After this, the pada for breakfast was sung.
A Playful Pastime of Shrinathji
Shri Parmananddas Ji was deeply devoted to Shrinathji, and he would regularly sing kirtans in the Lord’s presence.
One day, a king arrived at the temple for darshan of Shrinathji. Moved by the beauty of the Lord, the king later said to his queen:
“Shrinathji is incredibly beautiful—you must go and have His darshan too!”
The queen replied,
“I will only go if our customs are observed in the temple. I want to see the Lord in complete solitude, without anyone else present.”
(She meant that she would only enter the temple and have darshan of Shrinathji with her face covered, as this had been her lifelong custom—and only if no one else was present in the temple.)
The king tried to reason with her, saying,
“Why insist on such coverings or veils for Shrinathji’s darshan? He is the Lord of all.”
But the queen remained firm.
Left with no choice, the king approached Mahaprabhu Shri Vallabhacharya Ji and humbly requested:
“O Maharaj Ji, I have tried to explain to the queen many times, but she insists on having darshan in her own way. Please grant her this wish.”
Shri Mahaprabhu Ji, always merciful and knowing the hearts of all, replied calmly:
“Bring the queen. First, I will let her have darshan alone. Others can have darshan afterward.”
The king brought the queen to the temple.
As she stood before the Lord, Shrinathji decided to enact one of His divine, mischievous leelas.
Shrinathji Himself opened the main door of the temple. Immediately, the crowd outside rushed in, pushing their way forward. In the rush, the queen was pushed, and her clothes and coverings were torn and nearly removed. Overwhelmed with embarrassment, the queen stood in silence.
The king, standing beside her, turned and said gently,
“I had told you—there is no room for veils (coverings) in the darshan of Thakur Ji. He is the playful Lord of Braj. He does not allow anyone to remain hidden behind coverings.”
At that very moment, Shri Parmananddas Ji, witnessing the Lord’s divine play, began to sing:
Koniyah Khelaveki Vaani.
Madan Gopal Lal Kahuki Rakhat Nahin Kaani.
Hearing this, Shri Mahaprabhu Ji smiled and said,
“Parmananddas, sing it like this—‘Bhali Yah Khelave Ki Vaani’.”
Obeying Shri Mahaprabhu Ji’s wish, Parmananddas Ji sang the same verse again, in an enhanced form:
(Raag Devgandhar)
Bhali Yah Khelave Ki Vaani.
Madangopal Laal Kaahuki Naahin Raakhat Kaani.
Apanehathle Detahai Chanavar Doodhdahi Ghritsaani.
Jovarajoto Aankhdikhaavai Pardhan Kon Dindaan.
Suniri Jasodha Sutake Karatab Pahal Maantmathaani.
Phori Daari Dadhi Daari Aajarmein Kon Sahai Nithaani.
Thaadi Dekhat Nandaju Ki Rani Moondi Kamal Mukhhaani.
Parmananddas Jaanat Hain Boli Boojhidhon Aani.
A Visit from the Lord’s Devotees
Once, a group of renowned Vaishnavas came to visit Shri Parmananddas Ji’s home.
Among them were Ramdas Ji, Shri Kumbhandas Ji, and other great souls. Overwhelmed with joy, Parmananddas Ji thought to himself:
“What immense fortune is mine today! The dear devotees of Shri Thakur Ji have entered my house. Truly, the Lord Himself dwells in their hearts. If they are pleased, surely the Lord’s grace will rain upon me.”
First of all, something should be offered to these devotees. But I have nothing to offer. So, from the depth of his heart, he composed and sang this pada in honor of the devotees:
Aaye Mere Nandnandan Ke Pyare.
Mala Tilak Manohar Baano Tribhuvanke Ujiyaare.
Prem Sahat Vasat Man Mohan Nekahu Tarat Na Taare.
Hriday Kamalke Madhy Biraajat Shrivrajraajdulaare.
Kaha Jaanon Kon Puny Pragat Bhayau Mere Ghar Jo Padhaare.
Parmanand Prabhukari Nyochhaavar Vaarvaarhon Vaare.
Shri Parmananddas Ji sang this pada as an offering with great love and reverence.
Compositions
Shri Parmananddas Ji composed over 2,000 padas, which have been compiled in a book titled Parmanand Sagar.
Disappearance (Bhagwad-dham ghaman) of Shri Parmananddas Ji
One day, Shri Parmananddas Ji, after offering his humble obeisance to Gusain Shri Vitthalnath Ji, climbed the sacred Govardhan Hill with a quiet resolve. Desiring to leave his mortal body in the holy presence of the Lord, he bowed before Shrinathji’s flag and then made his way to the serene waters of Surabhi Kund. There, he peacefully lay down, his heart immersed in divine remembrance.
When Shri Gusainji noticed that Parmananddas Ji was not present during the Rajbhog Aarti, he inquired about him. A disciple respectfully informed him:
“He has gone to Surabhi Kund, overwhelmed with the intense pangs of separation from the Lord.”
Hearing this, Shri Gusainji immediately went to Surabhi Kund to see him. As soon as Shri Parmananddas Ji saw him approaching, he rose, bowed at his lotus feet, and with heartfelt devotion, sang the beautiful pada:
“Preet to Shri Nandananda Sau Keeje…..”
Moved by his grace, a disciple nearby asked Shri Parmananddas Ji:
“Please tell me some way by which the Lord may be merciful to me.”
With a gentle smile, Parmananddas Ji replied by singing a pada:
“Praatsamaye Uthakariye Shri Lakshmansut Gaan“
He added,
“If you sing this with full concentration and devotion, you will surely receive its fruits.”
Shortly thereafter, Shri Parmananddas Ji, fixing his mind steadily on the divine forms of Shri Radha and Shri Krishna, began to sing one final pada:
“Radhe Baithi Tilak Sau Aarti…..”
As the sacred melody filled the air, he gently left his body, absorbed in divine remembrance in the year 1584.