Shri Nabha Das Ji

A GIFT OF SHRI BHAKTAMAL TO THE WORLD

Mahabhagwat Shri Nabhadas ji Maharaj has become a saint of a high order, who revealed 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶 𝗕𝗵𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗵 in this world.

The 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗿𝗮 of the devotees of the Lord are remembered in this 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 by Nabhaji. The specialty of this 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 is that Shri Nabha ji has reverently memorized all the sampradaya-acharyas and saints of all the sects with the same spirit.

A saint is dear to even the dearest (God), God respects devotees more than Himself.

Goswami Tulsidas ji has written – Mote Sant Adheek Kar Lekha . 𝗦𝗿𝗶 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗶’𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗿𝗶 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗶.

Goswami ji has written in another verse –

𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗵𝘂 𝗔𝘀 𝗕𝗶𝘀𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗮,

𝗥𝗮𝗺 𝗧𝗲 𝗔𝗱𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗥𝗮𝗺 𝗞𝗮𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝘀𝗮………

GURU TRADITION OF SHRI NABHADAS JI

Shri Nabhadas ji appeared in the sacred tradition of Yatiraj Shrimad Ramanandacharya Swami ji.

• Sri Ramanand Swami ji’s disciple was Sri Anantanandacharya ji,

• Sri Anantanandacharya ji’s disciple was Sri Krishnadas Payohari ji,

• Sri Krishnadas Payohari ji’s disciple was Sri Agradevacharya ji, and

• Sri Agradevacharya ji’s disciple was Sri Nabhadas ji Maharaj.

Some saints have given information about the birth of Shri Nabhadas ji as follows:

He was born on 8th April 1537 in a village called Bhadrachalam on the banks of river Godavari. This village is located in Khammam district of Andhra Pradesh, but most of the saints have considered their ancestors as Hanumanvanshiya Maharashtrian Brahmins.

His father’s name was Shri Ramdas ji and mother’s name was Smt. Janaki Devi ji…

The opinion of some saints is also this: According to tradition, Sri Nabhadas ji belonged to Dom or Maharashtrian Brahmin caste. Commentator Priyadas ji has considered them to be Hanumanvanshiya Maharashtrian Brahmin.

EARLY AGE

Shri Nabhadas ji was blind since birth, did not even have a sign of the eye.

His father was very sad because of this. When the father asked the scholars of astrology about his future, the astrologers told that this is a very wonderful child, it will pave the path of devotion for millions of people in the world.

His father died when he was 2 years old. After that the mother took care of them.

When Shri Nabhaji was 5 years old, there was a severe famine in Maharashtra, some spent their lives eating fruits and some grass.

Suffering from famine, his mother started wandering in search of water and food with the child. Nothing was being found far and wide.

While wandering, she came towards Rajasthan and made the boy sit under a tree in a forest. Due to fatigue, it was difficult to carry the child along with him, so the mother said the son, you sit here, I would go in search of food and water.

Mother went far in search of food and water and due to weakness she started falling on the ground.

At that time she was convinced that life would no longer exist……

She begged Lord Hari – I have left my child in a deserted forest, You are now the savior of the blind, fatherless child. Everyone has love for their own house, but you have love for everyone.

I am only the birth giving mother, but in reality you are the parent of all. His mother left the body there itself and the child Nabhaji remained in the forest…….

PRAYING FOR THE HELP FROM THE LORD & MEETING WITH THE SAINTS

Knowing that the mother did not come for a long time, Nabha ji started calling the mother and sometimes collided with some tree, sometimes with some other tree. Shri Nabha ji decided that now nothing will happen by seeking help from any person, now only Lord Hari can help.

Nabhaji started calling upon Lord Narayana and by this call the Lord had bestowed 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿 on him.

By Lord’s grace, 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶 𝗞𝗶𝗹𝗵𝗱𝗲𝘃 𝗝𝗶 and 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘃 𝗝𝗶, these two great souls were going to their 𝗔𝘀𝗵𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗮 𝗝𝗶(Jaipur) after taking a holy bath in Haridwar Kumbh.

This Galta Ashram is believed to be the ashram of Shri Galav Rishi. While walking, the saints had to take 2 paths,

• A forest path and

• A road path.

They thought that it would not be right to go through the forest, so it is better to go by the roadways.

As soon as they started walking towards the roadways, there came a voice –

“𝗢 𝘀𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀! 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝘁.”

No one was visible around, there was a loud voice of 𝗔𝗸𝗮𝘀𝗵𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗶.

Both the saints stood with folded hands.

Akashvani ordered the saints,

that you leave this roadway path and go through the 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵, there you will get a unique gem, through which there will be a great welfare of the world……

Then Shri Kilhdevji started saying that the gem may not be of stone. That gem can be in any other form also. Both the saints went towards the 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵…………

On the way they saw this blind boy. He is wandering in the forest, hitting the trees again and again. He is saying – O Deenbandhu Lord Narayan, let me bewildered at your lotus feet, in which this life will become meaningful.

The saints thought that there was an 𝗔𝗸𝗮𝘀𝗵𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗶 for this child only………

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS BETWEEN THE SAINTS & A CHILD

The saints went to him and Shri Kilhdev ji said – 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺. As soon as Nabhaji heard this divine naam, he knew that it was some Mahatma. After researching the direction of the voice, Nabhaji bowed down to the saint.

The saints asked Nabha few questions,

𝟭. Who is your father?
– The child said – Mahatma ji, the one who is the father of everyone is my father…..

𝟮. Are you an orphan?
– The boy said – No mahatma ji, how can one be an orphan if Jagannath is with him…..

𝟯. Where have you came from?
– The child said – Mahatma ji, the soul, who has forgotten his swaroop, does not know where he has come from, but from where all have come, I have also come from the eternal abode of the same God.

𝟰. What is your name?
– The child said – Mahatma ji this body is made of 5 mahabuts and 7 dhatus, how can I say who am I…..

𝟱. Where do you have to go?
– The child said – Mahatma ji I want to attain the lotus feet of Lord Sri Hari, but I am trapped in the web of this world, how is it possible to cross the world until a great mahatma like you shows the way………

𝟲. Who is your protector in this deserted forest?
– The child said, Mahatma ji He who 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗯 is the protector of me……

Both the saints understood that this is 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱, of course, the Akashvani had happened for this child, even many experienced souls are not able to give such answers……

When the saints asked about the parents, Nabha ji narrated the whole incident. The saint came to know that the parents have left the body.

The saints asked the child – 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘂𝘀? We live in Galta Gadi, Jaipur. The boy said 𝗬𝗲𝘀…….

GIVING THE GIFT OF THE EYES TO THE CHILD

It is certain that the inner eyes of this child are opened, but if his outer eyes are opened then he will become worthy of more seva (service of the lord and saints).

Shri Kilhdevji took water from his kamandalu and sprinkled it on Nabhaji’s eyes.

By the grace of the saints, 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘆𝗲𝘀 of Nabhaji were opened and Nabha ji saw both the saints in front of him………

Shri Nabha ji felt extremely happy after getting the darshan of the divine saints….

Nabha ji fell at their lotus feet after getting the darshan of both the great souls. Tears came up in his eyes.

Both the saints kindly brought the child Nabhaji with them to Galta ji (Jaipur)……….

INITIATION OF THE CHILD

Saint Mahatma does not accept the service of the hands of a non devotee, so it was decided to initiate the child (Shri Nabhadas ji).

Shri Agradev ji prayed to Kilhdev ji that you are a great soul, please have a mercy on this child.

Shri Kilhdev ji said – No maharaj ji, please you give initiation to this child, he is yours.

On receiving the orders of Shri Kilhdev, Shri Agradev ji said to Nabha ji – Elder Gurubhai is asking for your initiation (diksha), will you take initiation?

Nabha ji said – I do not even know what is the best for my adhyatmik life, now the thread of my life is in your hands.

Seeing the auspicious time, Shri Agradev ji preached Shri Ram Mantra to him and duly performed Panchsanskar…….

When the time came of give the diksha came to the children, Gurudev started thinking what to name him?

(The name Nabha came to him much later, the child did not even remember the name kept by his parents).

The Gurudeva said – When you met us, you were calling the name Narayan and when you saw us, you said – O Lord Narayan, you have given me a place at your lotus feet.

Your name will be ‘Narayan Das’ from today. He was later named Nabha / Nabhadas ji (read in the later context)

SERVICE FROM THE CHILD NABHADAS

Sadhu-seva manifested in Galta Ashram, Jaipur was famous. Shri Agradevji told the method of worship according to his guru tradition and fixed two rules for them –

𝟭. First, Service of the Saints (Sithprasad of saints, Charnodak) and
𝟮. Second, Service of Thakurji.

Gurudeva Shri Agradev ji knew the importance of saint seva (service) and it was by his (Shri Agradev ji’s) Gurudeva Shri Krishnadas Paihari ji that the tradition of continual saint service was carried on in Galta ji.

He also engaged Nabhaji in saint service. By consuming the Sith-prasad of the saints, Shri Nabhaji fell in love with the service of saints.

All the saints who came there, praised the saint service done by Shri Narayandas ji (Shri Nabhadas ji) very much. Shri Agradev ji and Shri Kilhdev ji were very happy to hear this………

A TOPMOST SPIRITUAL POSITION OF SHRI NABHADAS JI

Shri Janaki ji’s (Sita ji’s) principal sakhi, Chandrakala ji had took avatar (appearance) in the form of Acharya Swami Shri Agradevji Maharaj.

Once in the morning, Shri Agradev Ji Maharaj was engaged in the Mansi service of Lord Shri Sitaram Ji and his disciple Shri Nabhaji Maharaj was slowly fanning the fan with soft and sweet patronage.

In Mansi (Mind) Sewa, Shri Agradev ji got Shri Sitaram ji to have a beautiful bath, did shringaar, offered clothes and the last service was to get the flower garlanded. Shri Ramji is standing with his head bowed to wear a garland by Chandrakala ji (Swami Shri Agradevji Maharaj).

At the same time a merchant Seth disciple, of Shri Agradas ji was on a sea voyage on a ship to do business, his ship got stuck in the whirlpool in the middle of the sea, water started filling inside the ship.

The driver became helpless, he said – there is a lot of water in the sea, there is a hole in the ship. It is very difficult to escape Seth ji, now only if a miracle happens, it is possible to survive……

Then that disciple thought that our Gurudev Shri Agradev ji is a great siddha mahatma, he started remembering Shri Agradev ji, because of this, Shri Agradev ji’s mansi seva which was going on in a very beautiful way of serving Lord Shri Sitaram ji, moved away…

Shri Agradev ji started thinking what to do now, here the Shri Ramji is standing with his head bowed and on the other hand the life of the disciple is in danger. If I leave this service (seva) and save the disciple, then there would arise a seva-aparadh and if I continue doing this service then the disciple will drown in the sea….

In this thought, Shri Agradev ji was not able to take any right decision, Shri Nabhaji, knowing the obstacles in the Mansi service of Gurudev Shri Agradevji, started the moving the fan at his place itself in a strong manner and that air force which occurred from that fan had the effect, at that place where the ship was drowning on the sea .

The force went there and a gust of wind reached to the sea.

The sailor said – Seth ji! Open your eyes, your prayer has been accepted, he started telling Seth ji, we travel day and night on the ship in the sea, so we usually know the directions of the wind but today do not know, suddenly a gust of wind came from a totally opposite direction and the ship rescued and came ashore…..

The Merchant Seth said – You saw a gust of wind, I saw a gust of Shri Gurudeva’s grace………..
Now here, Shri Agradev ji thought, I will wear the garland of flowers to Shri Ramji later, first the life of the disciple should be saved.

Shri Agradev ji reached the sea secretly with his mind, there he saw neither any ship nor any disciple nor storm….. Here when through his mind, Shri Agradev ji reached that sea he started wondering how my Lord Shri Ramji would have built a bridge over such a vast sea?

He got immersed and drowned in the Setubandhan Leela…….

Gurudev did not return for a long time, he became engrossed in remembering Setubandhan Leela on the sea.

Shri Nabhaji thought that now with Shri Gurudeva’s grace I will have to do something or Lord Ramji will have to keep his head bowed and stand like this. Shri Nabha ji made a humble request to Shri Gurudev saying, Lord! The ship had gone a long way, now please do not look at that sea, you have to see the form of Beautiful Shri Siyaram Ju, and get back in the service of Shri Siyaram Ju.

Hearing this, Shri Agradev ji opened his eyes and began to realize, Who knew? Where was I situated through my mind?
He felt that perhaps some Great Mahatma has come here who has come to know about my mind, he did not even think that Shri Nabha ji could see where he was through his mind.

When no one appeared around, Nabhadas ji was asked Who spoke now? Whose voice did I just hear?

Shri Nabhaji said with folded hands – The orphan whom you have kindly brought here from the forest, whom you have raised since childhood by giving Sithprasad (the remaining food prasad left in the plates of the saints), your same servant Nabha just spoke…….

This was the highest spiritual position of Shri Nabhaji…….

GIVING THE NAME "NABHA"

Hearing the above statement of Shri Nabhadas ji, Shri Agradev ji was very surprised, started thinking in his mind that,

• How did Nabha entered my Mansi service?
• And how did he protected the ship while being present here?

There was a great happiness in Shri Gurudeva’s heart as soon as he thought of it. They came to know that all this is the effect of serving the saints and receiving their Sith-prasad, due to which Nabhadas has attained such a divine vision.

Now the Mansi service which was left incomplete, Shri Agradevji again engaged into it.

Sakhi Chandrakala ji (Shri Agradev ji) apologized for the delay from Shri Siyaram ju.

Lord Shri Ram was seen smiling, Chandrakala ji asked that Lord, Why are you smiling prabhu?

𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝘀𝗮𝗶𝗱- Chandrakala! This child (Shri Nabhadas) who is in your service is not an ordinary child, he is Lord Brahma.

All this Leela has been done by our wish, the world has to be greatly benefited through this child, he has to be handled and should be taken care very well.

Shri Agradev ji came out of Mansi service after garlanding the Lord and told Narayandas (Shri Nabhadas) that as you came to know about the thing which was going on in my stomach (navel), that is why you will be known in the world by the name “𝗡𝗮𝗯𝗵𝗮” …….

Another leela also had been heard from the saints in relation to the name Nabha. That is when, Shri Agradas ji was doing Mansi service of Lord Sri SiyaRamji, the Lord had to wear a crown and also had to wear a garland of flowers.

The garland was small, which seemed a bit complicated to wear from the top of the crown…….

Shri Agradas ji was trying, but that garland was not going to the neck of the Lord.

At the same time Narayandas (Shri Nabhadas) said (in that Mansi service) – Gurudev! First if their crown is taken off , and after that if you wear a garland to the Lord, then everything will be fine.

Then Shri Agradasji smiled and said – Narayandas! you came to know that this same thing only was going on in my stomach (navel), now this is the reason you will be known in the world by the name “𝗡𝗮𝗯𝗵𝗮”.

Shri Agradev ji said that you have been blessed by these sadhus and saints. He did not say that it is by my grace or by the glory of your service, 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱 he said that all these divinity that had happened through you is only by the grace of the saints.

WHEN GURUDEVA SHRI AGRADEV SWAMI JI ASKED TO COMPOSE BHAKTAMAL GRANTH FROM SHRI NABHA JI

“ Shri Agradev ji told Shri Nabhadas ji that you have been blessed by the saints. He further said that now you should describe the qualities, swaroop and feelings of the heart of the Sages and Saints (in a granth which was later called by the name “𝗕𝗵𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗺𝗮𝗹”).

Hearing this, Shri Nabhaji folded his hands and said – Lord! I can sing the charirta of Shri Ram, Shri Krishna by taking the basis of the shaastras Shrimad Bhagwatam, Valmiki Ramayana etc. Further he said, there were many devotees who performed bhajan in a very secretive form. I would not be able find the secret of their devotion of those devotees…….

Then Shri Agradev Ji explained and said – Those who have shown you my mental service and shown you that ship in middle of the sea, those same Saints will come in your heart and will tell all their pastimes, leelas, devotional service, their spiritual lives and related things and will also explain you their real swaroop……….

Shri Nabhadasji began his service and the devotees or saints whom Shri Nabhadas ji used to remember, all those saints and devotees would manifest in the heart of Shri Nabhaji and he started writing all those things in Shri Bhaktamal Granth.

But when he remembered the unique Rasik saints of Shri Vrindavan Dham, at that time no Rasik saints appeared in his heart, then after praying to Shri Gurudeva, he got informed that their Swamini is Shri Radharani, without remembering her and without her grace, the charitra of those Rasik saints would not appear in his heart..

Therefore, Shri Nabhaji first remembered the lotus feet of Shri Radharani ji and prayed to her, after that only it became possible that all those Rasik saints appeared in his heart and manifested their pastimes and Shri Nabhaji wrote it down in the 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗵𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗺𝗮𝗹……

SHRI BHAKTAMAL

Just as we can see there are 4 udders of a cow, but the same thing, “Milk” is inside all those 4 udders, similarly

𝟭. Devotees (bhaktas)

𝟮. Devotion

𝟯. God

𝟰. Spiritual Master

Similarly even though these 4 may appear different, they are always completely indifferent.

When you fall in love with any 1 of these 4, you get other 3 automatically. By worshiping their lotus feet with dedication, all the obstacles are completely destroyed.

When thinking about the Mangalacharan at the beginning of the Bhaktamal scripture, it is understood that there is no other thing as beautiful as the characters (charitra) of the devotees, saints and sadhus, with which the Mangalacharan should be done……

Only Lord Hari’s Devotees (bhaktas) themselves , are auspicious in singing the character (charitra) of the Devotees of God.

All the scriptures like Vedas, Puranas, etc. and all the sages have decided that for the purpose of worship – Lord or Devotees (bhaktas) of the Lord… only these two are the most beautiful.

Shri Nabhadas ji says, Swami Shri Agradas ji ordered me Narayan Das (Nabhadas) sing the glories of the devotees, Because there is no other way easier than this, to cross the miserable ocean of this material world.

Shri Nabha ji says that by describing the qualities and charitras of the Devotees of the God, one attains Fame and all kinds of Welfares in this world. Adhi-bhautik, Adhi-daivik and Adhyatmik- all the three tapas are destroyed.

Jag Keerti Mangal Udai, Teeno Taap Nasayein.

Harijan Ko Gan Barante, Hari Hrdi Atal Basaye. – (Bhaktamal Doha 108)

THE SECRET OF THE NAME BHAKTAMAL

As it is clear from its name 𝗕𝗵𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗹 that this scripture is wrapped in the form of a most beautiful garland of flowers of the most sacred character of the devotees and Shri Hari Nitya (everyday) – He keeps it in his beautiful neck continuously.

Just as there are 𝟰 main things in a rosary (garland of flower) –
𝟭. Manis
𝟮. Sutra
𝟯. Sumeru and
𝟰. Phundana (bunch)

In the same way, in Bhaktamal

• The devotee (bhakta) is the gem,
• Bhakti is the sutra (in which the gems are threaded),
• Sumeru on the top of the rosary is Sri Gurudev and
• The knot-like bundle of Sumeru is our Sri Bhagavan.

Shri Bhaktamal is the samadhi speech of Shri Nabhadas ji.

Due to the grace and blessings of the ascetic, perfect and great saint, this book has appeared.

Mahabhagwat Nabhadas ji was blind since birth, when he got the vision by the grace of his Shri Gurudev, 𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱.

LORD BRAHMA TAKING THE BIRTH AS SHRI NABHADAS JI

Once Brahma ji had abducted all the cowherds and cows and calves of Vraj.

On this, Lord Krishna created other cowherds, cows and calves with the effect of his Yogamaya, the people of Vraj did not even know about this.

Later, when Brahma ji asked Lord Krishna for forgiveness for his aparadh, then God punished him so much that you will take birth blind in Kali Yuga, but this blindness of yours will last only for 5 years, later by the grace of Saints you will acheive divine vision.

Accordingly, it was Brahma ji who 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 in the form of Shri Nabhadas ji.

The characters of the devotees who appeared in other eras (satyuga, tretayuga, dwaparyuga) are available in the Puranas, but especially those who are devotees in Kaliyuga, their characters are not available in the Puranas.

Shri Nabhadas ji revealed this scripture for,

• Revealing the charitra of the devotees.
• Seva of the saints.
• To increase the faith in Gods festivals and fastings.
• To avoid aparadh in devotional service.

• To show devotion in the form of a saint.

IMPORTANCE OF BHAKTA CHARITRA IN THE LIFE OF A DEVOTEE

In the Puranas, even in the Mahabharata, there is a description of the devotees charitra…..

In the olden times people used to be scholars, they used to read Puranas and scriptures and take lessons from the conduct of the devotees, they used to understand the nature of devotion.

The souls of Kali Yuga became so inert that they often started saying – The pastimes of the Lord and His darshan used to happen in other eras, but in today’s time nothing like this happens. Nabha ji has described many such characters of devotion which 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸.

𝗕𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗕𝗵𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲, 𝘄𝗲 𝗷𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘆𝘂𝗴𝗮 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀.

SHRI BHAKTAMAL - AN INCOMPARABLE GEM!

Pujya Swami Jayaramdev etc. and many siddha saints has the opinion that Lord always does self-study of 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶 𝗕𝗵𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 in his 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗱𝗲, not only this, those who are regular councilors of the Lord and Mahabhagavats also listen to 𝗕𝗵𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆.

Shri Ambareesh ji, Shri Dhruva ji all listen to Bhaktmal Katha 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆.

The main personality of hearing Shri Bhaktamal scripture is swayam 𝗕𝗵𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗿𝗶 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗶.

• 𝗣𝘂𝗷𝘆𝗮 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘀 𝗷𝗶, 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶 𝗚𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗱𝗮𝘀 𝗷𝗶 etc. Bhaktmali saints have narrated the 𝗕𝗵𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 whole life to the saints and to the Lord.

• The great saint of Awadh, 𝗣𝘂𝗷𝘆𝗮 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗵𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶 𝗝𝗶 𝗠𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗷, regularly narrated the 𝗕𝗵𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 to the 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗱.

• Dharmasamrat 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶 𝗦𝘄𝗮𝗺𝗶 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶 𝗝𝗶 𝗠𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗷 was addicted to the 𝗕𝗵𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲. Whenever he would come to Vrindavan, he would go to Taadwali Kunj (the place of saadhna of Shri Jagannath Prasad Bhaktmali ji) to hear the katha from 𝗕𝗵𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 from Bhaktmali ji.

• 𝗦𝘄𝗮𝗺𝗶 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶 𝗷𝗶 too also had the prem (love) to listen to 𝗕𝗵𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗞𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗮 from other saints.

HEARING THE CHARITRA OF THE DEVOTEES / BHAKTA FROM SHRI BHAKTAMAL - AN ADDICTION

Once upon a time, 𝗣𝘂𝗷𝘆𝗮 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘀 𝗷𝗶 was admitted to the hospital and the doctor had requested not to speak anything and take rest.

Shrimannarayan Das ji had the practice of regularly reciting Bhaktmal ji to the Lord or some saints.

After night passed, when the doctor came to the room in the morning, he asked in surprise – Shrimannarayan Das ji fan is running, it is not too hot, then how are you covered with sweat?

Shrimannarayan Das ji didn’t tell anything earlier……….

The doctor said – Shrimannarayan Das ji one should not hide anything from the doctor, then 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘀 𝗷𝗶 told that the Dharmasamrat 𝗦𝘄𝗮𝗺𝗶 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶 𝗷𝗶 came in his dream last night and he have narrated the 𝗕𝗵𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗷𝗶 to him throughout the night, that is why he is sweating.

Such is a great devotion of 𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗵𝗮 𝗦𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘀 𝗷𝗶 towards 𝗕𝗵𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗵 which was revealed by 𝗦𝗿𝗶 𝗡𝗮𝗯𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗮𝘀 𝗷𝗶….

SHRI NABHAJI CAUTIONING THE LIVING BEINGS

Shri Nabhaji cautioning the living beings saying,

If there is a hope of attaining the Lord, then we should sing the glories of the Devotees (bhaktas) and Saints, then surely God will be attained, otherwise even many of the merits (punyas) done in births after births will be wasted like a roasted seed (roasted seeds do not germinate again). There will be no welfare from them, then one will have to repent in the cycle of birth and death.

(Jo) Hari Prapti Ki Aas Hai, Toh Harijan Gun Gaav

Natru Sukrit Bhunje Beej Jyo Janam Janam Pachhitay. – (Bhaktamal Doha 210)

𝟭. One who sings the glories and charitras of the devotees and saints,

𝟮. Hear them,

𝟯. Accept them in their life,

That person is dear to Lord Hari like a Son, that person is taken by the Lord in His lap.

So Prabhu Pyaro Putra, Jyon Bethe Hari Ki Godd. – (Doha 211)

While hearing to the charitras of the devotees (bhaktas) and the saints in the satsang (or in satsang on internet), faith in the devotees becomes firm and strong.

All living beings who have faith in Devotees, Devotion, God and Gurudev are perfect for this.

A person without faith, an atheist and a fanatic, is not entitled to hear Shri Bhaktmal, as when they will probably read and hear Shri Bhaktmal, they will sometimes condemn the saints and the scriptures. This will spoil their life in this world.

Just as the pastimes of Cheer Haran, Raas Leela and Bali Vadh are mysterious in Shrimad Bhagwatam and Shri Ramayana, similarly the charitras of some devotees in Shri Bhaktamal are mysterious.

It is difficult for everyone to understand these pastimes, so it is better to listen to Shri Bhaktmal from Shri Gurudev or saints only.

By giving up unbelief and misogyny, we must hear Shri Bhaktmal, meditate, learn from it and accept the invaluable teachings from it and make this life successful.

The doubts of the mind will be cleared by listening to Shri Bhaktamal by the Saints and Mahatmas.

If there is any problem in understanding the charitras of the devotees (bhaktas), then we should understand by approaching to the lotus feet of the Saints or Gurudeva, one should not have wrong thoughts and disbelief about the saints and the scriptures.

Those who know the secret of Shri Bhaktmal will never condemn any saint.

Often people hear somewhere that such a saint has behaved like this, then they start using wrong words, if you do not have faith in him then do not keep, but do not condemn the saints at all.

If that saint turns out to be a true saint, it will surely be a very heavy sin (aparadh). This is the opinion of many Bhaktmali saints.

NO CASTE TO BE GIVEN ANY IMPORTANCE IN THE BHAKTI OF THE LORD

The most important thing is to respect all the saints irrespective of their castes. To prove, that people of all the castes have the right of doing the Bhakti (devotional service), many saints have appeared in different castes like Shabari, Nishad, Chokhmeda, Tukaram, Kabir, Raidas, Dhanna, Raskhan, Gulab Sakhi etc.

The one who does the Bhakti of Lord Hari is of Lord Hari’s only.

Kabirdas ji has said –

Jaati Na Pucho Sadhu Ki, Puch Lijiye Gyaan

Mol Karo Talvaar Ka, Pada Rahan Do Myan.

Meaning: Kabir Das ji says, a true sage is considered to be above all kinds of discrimination. One must never ask from a saint that from which caste does he belong, his Knowledge is sufficient. Just as the value of a sword is judged on the basis of its edge and not on the basis of its cover, in the same way the caste of a saint is like the cover of a sword and his knowledge is like the edge of the sword.

In the epilogue of the book, Shri Nabhadas ji says –

• Somebody has the faith in Yoga,

• Somebody has the faith in Yagna (yagya),

• Somebody has the faith in their Ancestry

• Somebody has the faith in their Good deeds,

But I, Narayan (Nabhadas) have only this desire that by the grace of Gurudeva, that this garland of devotees should always remain in the place of my heart.

SUMERU OF BHAKTAMAL & A MEETING WITH GOSWAMI SHRI TULSIDAS JI:

Shri Nabhadas ji made a garland of devotees (Bhaktmal) but it became difficult to select the Sumeru of that garland.

The decision of which Saint to make a Sumeru of the Bhaktmal was getting difficult.

On praying at the lotus feet of Pujya Shri Agradevacharya ji, he inspired Shri Nabhadas ji to do the Bhandara in Vrindavan and the festival of the saints, and in that same Bhandara festival a saint will be found in the form of that Sumeru.

Shri Tulsidas ji was also invited but at that time he had visited Delhi on the invitation of the emperor, Akbar.

While returning from Delhi, Goswami Tulsidas ji reached Vrindavan for Darshan. He stayed in Sri Vrindavan Dham at a place called Sri Ram Gulela near Kalideh.

Goswami ji’s visit to the Bhandara was very important, knowing that, Gopeshwar Mahadev gave him a darshan and requested Goswami ji to go to the Bhandara and have darshan of the saints.

Goswami ji came to the Bhandara after getting the permission of Lord Shiva, when Goswami ji reached there, at that time the line of saints had sat, the place was full, there was no space to sit at that place……..

Goswami Tulsidas ji sat down at the place where the padukas (shoes) of the saints were kept. The serving people gave him a leaf bowl and served vegetables and puris in it.

After some time the servant came with kheer, he asked – Maharaj ji! Where is your other leaf bowl? In which bowl should the Kheer be served?

Goswami Tulsidas ji took the shoe (paduka) of a saint in his hands and said – Serve the kheer in this.

On hearing this, the person who served the kheer said – Oh Ram Ram! What kind of sage is he who didn’t bring kamandal to get kheer? Bring your bowl, how will the kheer be served in this shoe?

On hearing the noise, Shri Nabhadas ji came running to that place – he thought that no saint should be insulted even by mistake, Shri Nabhadas ji did not knew that Shri Tulsidas ji had came to Vrindavan.

At that time the name of Shri Tulsidas ji was very famous between the saints, if he would had introduced himself earlier, he would have been placed on the throne, but blessed is Shri Goswami Tulsidas ji’s humbleness and humility.

Shri Nabhadas ji asked – O Lord! Why do you want to get kheer in the paduka/shoe of a saint?

On hearing this question, Goswami ji’s eyes filled with tears,

When he closed his eyes and remembered, he came to know that he is a great soul who had appeared in his heart while remembering him for writing his charitra (at the time of writing the Bhaktamal), Shri Nabhaji folded his both the hands and said – You are that great Goswami Shri Tulsidas ji, we could not recognize …………

Goswami Shri Tulsidas ji said – Yes, This servant is known by this name in the Sant Samaj.

The servant who was serving the kheer fell at the lotus feet of Shri Tulsidas ji and asked for the apology, all the saints bowed down to the wonderful humility of Shri Goswami ji.

After this Shri Nabhadas ji worshiped Shri Goswami Tulsidas ji and welcomed him on the throne (Sinhasan) and said that in spite of being such a great soul, who has that deep humility in his heart, who has such faith for saints, only that Mahatma can be a “Sumeru of the Bhaktmal“.

In the presence of saints, Shri Nabhadas ji accepted Pujyapad Goswami Shri Tulsidas ji as a Bhaktamal Sumeru.

In the ancient manuscripts of Shri Bhaktamal scripture, it is written for Shri Tulsidas ji –

“𝗕𝗵𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶 𝗚𝗼𝘀𝘄𝗮𝗺𝗶 𝗧𝘂𝗹𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘀 𝗝𝗶 𝗠𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗷”.