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Home , Kanhopatra, Mahipati, Muktabai, Uddhava

SRI RAMAJAYAM

A collection of paintings in

SRI JHOLIRAM GOSWAMY MUTT, THANJAVUR,

as illustrations to

SRI BHAKTA VIJAYA OF

with brief introduction, and explanation

By

Shri Nagaraja Goswami

Dedicated to his , Shri Bhimaraja Goswami .

INTRODUCTION

Mahipati (1715 to 1790) was born in Taharabad in Ahmednagar district. He was a very saintly person, poet, artist, and highly respected. He didn’t receive formal education but was familiar with Gujarati, Hindi, Sanskrit, Persian, and Canarese. His handwriting was very beautiful. He was strongly built and liked sports. He was married and had a family. He was in the service of the local Jagirdar, a Muslim, and would go for duty only after finishing pooja. Once he was summoned by the Jagirdar urgently, and was not allowed to complete his daily pooja. This shook him to the depths of his foundation, and he resigned his job. On coming home he laid his pen before the Deity, and resolved that henceforth the pen will be used only in the service of the Lord and His devotees.

Sometime later, appeared in his dream, conferred the gift of poetry on him and commanded him to write about the lives of saints. He accepted Tukaram as his guru, He studied the works of Nabhaji (Gujarat), Uddhava Chitghana, Daso Digamber, and others; met the descendants of , Tukaram, and such saints to gather details, and composed his magnum opus “Sri Bhakta Vijaya”., in which he has mentioned about fifty saints. He has also composed other works, Sri Kathasaramrita, Sri Santalilamrita, Sri Bhaktalilamrita, Sri Santavijaya, Sri Pandhari mahatmya, Sri Ananthakatha, Sri Dattatreyajanma, Sri Tulasi mahatmya, Sri Ganesa Purana, Sri Panduranga stotra, Sri Muktabharana vrata, Sri Rishipanchami vrata, Aparadhanivedana stotra,: apart from numerous songs, abhangas, and stotras. The numbers of verses in his major works total more than 40000. The number of verses in Sri Bhaktavijaya is 9916, in 57 chapters. He mentions Anandatanaya, Goswaminandan, Madhwamuniswar, Amritaraya, and others as forerunners.

He does not claim any credit for himself, and says that it is all the lila of the Lord. It will be seen that he has given importance to his guru, Tukaram. At various places he introduces beautiful analogies, and ethical truths. The composition is popular in . It has been translated into English by Dr Justin E. Abbott, who considers it a masterpiece. It has been rendered into Tamil also. A full translation was available some sixty years back. Lifco has brought out a condensed translation in Tamil.

The work was completed in his 47 th year, in 1762. It brings to mind the “Peria Puranam” of Sekkizhar, in Tamil. Years ago, Bhakta Vijaya used to be read and expounded. Now, with the rapid changes in the way of living, the practice of listening to religious expositions is getting defunct. Nirnayasagar press had brought out editions of the work. The one I have is of 1915, and very difficult to handle, on account of getting brittle. There must have been earlier, and later prints too. This edition has 57 illustrations, one for each of the 57 chapters.

Colour paintings in this mutt are a replica (or almost) of those illustrations. Each is on a wooden panel. Each is 13.5 inches by 11 inches, and encased in a frame 16.5 inches by 14 inches. The identity of the important persons in the painting is indicated in Marathi, and Tamil. As is usual with such Indian paintings, the name of the artist is not given. All the paintings appear to have been done by one person only. Many chapters contain accounts of more than one bhakta, though the illustration to that chapte rmay depict only one bhakta These have been captured in a digital camera, edited, and are presented herewith, with brief details (very brief) of each chapter. Those who can read Marathi would do well to read and enjoy the original, not only for the subject, but also for the beauty of presentation, the utter humility of the author, and his deep devotion to his guru. ****************************************************************************************

CHAPTER 1

The Supreme Lord Mahavishnu is on the serpent AdiSesha, with (Creator) coming out His navel on a lotus, and with celestials surrounding Him. He is also worshipped as or Vittal. To reform the persons deviating from the path of Dharma, The Lord from time to time sends His Messengers and when needed comes down Himself as an Avatar. Bhaktavijaya describes Gyandev as , Nivritti as Siva, Brahma as , and Adi as . Uddhava, Suka, , Vyasa, Daruka, are devotees of, and close to The Lord. They incarnate as bhaktas. Their lives and deeds are described in Bhaktavijaya. (An overall view and brief introduction have been given earlier.)

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CHAPTRER 2

This is about poet Jayadeva, who lived in Orissa, and was dedicated to Lord Jagannath of Puri. His lyrical composition “Gita Govindam” is one of the top jewels in Sanskrit literature, and has been translated into English by Edwin Arnold as “song of songs”. MeeraBai`s husband Rana Kumbha has written a Sanskrit commentary on the composition. The king of Orissa, a poet himself, is jealous of Jayadeva`s reputation., as the Lord Himself announced the superiority of the latter. The trials that overtook Jayadeva are reported in detail, as also how the Lord comes to his rescue. The intense devotion of Padmavati, to her husband Jayadeva is graphically brought out in the narrative.

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CHAPTER 3

(The picture for this is not available.) This chapter describes how was able to get darsan of , and Sri , and how Hanuman helps him when he is harassed.

CHAPTER 4

The picture depicts the episode of Namdev being found in a shell by the tailor . In Marathi “simpi” denotes a shell as well as a tailor. The tailor was issueless and got Namdev as God’s gift. was already in that household as a servant. Namdev is said to be an incarnation of Uddhav, a great devotee and companion of Sri Krishna. By his intense , even as a very young child, Namdev could make Vittala actually take the offerings. His devotion is something unique, and the Lord Himself praises his devotion.

CHAPTER 5

An incident in the life of Kabirdas, said to be incarnation of Suka. He was found newborn, by a muslim weaver and brought up in that family. He is always immersed in contemplation of the Lord. He has to support the family by weaving and selling the cloth. But he forgets to weave, as he is lost in contemplation. The Lord Himself weaves and helps. *****************************************************************************************

CHAPTER 6 Another incident in the life of Kabir. On one occasion when a number of hungry sadhus come to his house Kabir has absolutely nothing to feed them with, but will not say “no”. So he and his son Kamal go to the market but find all shops closed as it is the dead of night. They decide to break open a shop and take only as much as is reqired. Kabir gets out first, but before Kamal gets out, the owner, who got awake, catches hold of Kamal’s legs and wouldn’t let him go. So before the owner sees the face and identifies, Kabir cuts off the head of Kamal and takes it away. Not revealing what had happened, he feeds the sadhus, and sees them off. On the way they find that the headless body of Kamal has been impaled. Then the truth has to come out, and the sadhus pray fervently, as a result of which the head joins the body and Kamal is set free.

CHAPTER 7

Kabir wants to get initiated into japa of RAMNAM from saint and scholar Ramananda, and goes to his house with his request, but it is turned down. So he decides to get upadesh by a trick. Ramananda used to go daily in the dark to the river for early bath. Kabir laid himself down in the path, and inadvertently, Ramanand stepped on him. Instinctively, he repeated “RAMA RAMA”. Kabir took that as updesh from guru`s lips, as contact had already been established by the guru stepping on him. Such was his attachment and devotion to RAMNAM.

CHAPTER 8

Gyaneshwar, (Gyandev) stands out as a colossus among saints, and is considered an avatar of Vishnu. He had two brothers, Nivrittinath, Sopandev, and a sister MuktaBai. Their parents were VittalPanth and RukmaBai. The left half of the picture depicts Rukma`s father arranging for the marriage with Vittal’s parents. The right half shows Vittal and Rukma with the children.

CHAPTER 9

Vittal (see Ch.8) developes intense vairagya and without telling his wife and relations goes to and gets initiated into sanyasa, by giving false information that he has no wife. His wife and her parents go in search of him, and find him in Varanasi. On coming to know that Vittal has taken sanyas, suppressing facts, and doing severe injustice to his young wife, his guru commands him to make amends, enter into married life and live as householder. Vittal obeys his guru`s command. However as such a thing is totally unorthodox, his wife and he are excommunicated by society, but he is steadfast to the command of his guru, and the couple is deeply devoted to Vittala. In time three children are born to them three boys and a girl. They are Nivritti, Gyandev, Sopan, and Muktabai.

The persecution of society gets even stronger with the birth of children, and wishing to ensure safety for the children, the couple begs the pandits to prescribe atonement for the lapse. They are informed that self-immolation by drowning will be the atonement. Accordingly, Vittal and Rukma, pray to the Lord and to the Pandits to protect the children, and enter the river. But society and the pundits who lead it do not forgive the children though they are innocent, and continue to persecute them. But, the children are no ordinary ones, and the Lord will teach a lesson to the erring people, through the children.

Gyandev is the avatar of Vishnu, Nivritti of Siva, Sopan of Brahma, and Mukta of Adi Maya. They perform extraordinary feats, beyond the comprehension of the pundits, and bring them to their senses. Two such are depicted in the picture. When the pundits refuse to give fire (lighted charcoal) to the children, Gyandev raises the muladhara-, through his yogic powers, and Mukta easily cooks chapatti on his back. In another Gyandev commands a buffalo to recite the , which it does. The society then acknowledges the greatness of the children, and reveres them.

Chapter10

Namdev (who is senior to Gyandev), and Gyandev go on yatra by foot. They sing the praises of the Lord and lots of devotees flock to hear them. While passing through the territory of the sultan, he dislikes their singing and attracting crowds, and decides to punish them. He brings a cow and killing it before them, tells them that if they can bring it back to life, they would be spared. (Deep insult to sentiments, before “punishing”!) But by fervent prayer, the two are able to bring back the cow to life, and a repentant sultan falls on his knees and begs to be forgiven. The picture depicts this.

Chapter11

Kabirdas (chapters 5, 6) becomes well-known as a saint-poet, and devotees often come in large numbers to be with him. Kabir has to provide food, as he does not want to make them go elsewhere for food, as he looks upon them as specially sent by the Lord. Once, at an untimely hour, a group of devotes come to him, and Kabir has no provisions, nor money. He sends his wife to the bazaar to get provisions on credit. But no shop would oblige. She is an extremely handsome woman, and one shopkeeper who had an eye on her, says that he will give as mush as is wanted, on condition she will come to him later. She is in a fix, and goes back to report the matter to Kabir. Here, Kabir makes the extraordinary decision that feeding the Lord’s servants should be put above everything else, and asks his wife to get the provisions and agree to the terms of the merchant! She gets the items, the sadhus are fed, and thereafter Kabir himself escorts his wife to the house of the merchant. On this there is a total change of heart in the merchant, who falls at the feet of the lady, and begs to be forgiven. The picture depicts Kabir with the sadhus, and the lady getting provisions. *****************************************************************************************

Chapter12

As mentioned in chapter 10, Namdev and Gyandev are on yatra. When crossing a desert, they are thirsty and on appeal by Namdev, the Lord causes water to spring forth. It is said that the fountain is still there. There after they happen to go to a Siva temple, but the priests refuse them permission to enter and have darsan. They stand behind the temple, and beseech the Lord, and Oh! The temple turns to face them. The former incident was in Marwar, and the latter in OnddyNaganath. It is said that the temple is in the turned position still continues. The picture depicts the temple incident.

Chapter13

On completion of the yatra, Namdev and Gyandev want to arrange a traditional feast for sadhus. The Lord Himself makes all arrangements and supervises. Picture shows the Lord overseeing, and His Consort Rukminidevi serving.

Chapter 14

Even after partaking in the (abovementioned) feast, many diehard pundits question the greatness of Namdev and Gyandev! So much so the Lord Himself opens their eyes and explains the greatness of Bhakti and Bhaktas.

Chapter15

(Continuation of previous chapter) The priests realize the greatness of Bhaktas and the superiority of Bhakti. On this, they are again treated to a repast by the Lord, on behalf of Namdev.

Chapter16

Sawanthamali is a poor gardener, who is all the time remembering the Lord. His circumstances do not enable him to go to on the all-important, sacred, Ashada Ekadasi. Kurmadasa was a born cripple, having only stubs in place of hands and legs. He is an ardent devotee, and decides to go to Pandharpur for Ashada Ekadasi. He can move, only by rolling, or crawling painfully. Undeterred, he undertakes the trip, and makes slow progress. However, he is still away from Pandharpur on that sacred day, and feeling dejected, prays to the Lord. The Lord Himself goes forth to give darsan to his sincere devotees, mentioned above. The picture depicts Sawanthamali, in a humble posture on left; and Kurmadasa on the Ground.

Chapter17

This chapter deals with the incidents in the life of Raka and Gora, both potters, both sincere bhaktas. Raka has prepared mud pots to be put into the kiln and baked. Unknown to him a cat delivers her litter in the cool inside of one of the pots. As Raka is ignorant of this, he stacks that pot also in the kiln and lights the fire. As heat gathers, the kitten cry pitifully with their mother responding from outside. Raka realizes what has happened, but is utterly helpless, as it is too late to put out the fire. He fervently prays for the safety of the kitten. When the pots are baked, and fire has died down, and the pots taken out, Raka sees that the particular pot housing the kitten has not only not been baked, but is also very cool, and the kitten are snugly inside! The Lord has answered his prayers. Gora is in the habit of closing his eyes and losing himself in bhajan, while kneading clay with his feet. His feet would be mechanically doing the work. Once his little son, a toddler comes to catch hold of his father’s legs, when the latter is kneading clay, oblivious of external world. The baby gets into the clay and is kneaded with the clay. Gora`s feet, and the clay get bloodstained, but he knows not. When his wife comes in search of the baby, she surveys the scene, knows what has happened, and finds her husband still oblivious of the enormity of the situation. The mother’s feelings could only be imagined. The sequel defies description. The couple undergoes more trials, and ultimately the Lord resurrects the child and hands over to them. Gora`s life has been taken as a film “Chakradhari”.

Chapter18

This is also about an episode in Namdev`s life. Namdev is made to realize that he must get a guru, and learns that the guru is Visobakechar, at Mallikarjuna. On going there he is shocked to find that the guru is lying with his feet on the Siva lingam. He removes the feet and places them elsewhere, but to his astonishment finds that a Siva lingam springs up underneath the feet. He receives the knowledge that God is everywhere, for all along he had confined the Lord to Pandharpur only. The picture depicts the above incident. This chapter has another incident also, not in the picture, as follows: One bhagawat does upasana of and gets a “philosopher’s stone”, which by contact, turns base metal to gold. It is called “parisa” in Marathi and so the person was known as Parisa bhagawat. Once Namdev`s wife borrowed that stone from her friend, the wife of Parisa, and made gold in her house, which she proudly displayed to Namdev. He was one who staunchly felt that the Lord alone should be one’s wealth, and other forms of wealth are worthless. So he got upset, got hold of the stone and threw it in the river. The outcome was predictable. He was asked to return the stone to the owner. People were wondering how he could retrieve the piece from the bottom of the river, from among other stones. Namdev entered the river, and came up with a handful of stones and asked the bhagawat to identify and take back. To the utter surprise of everyone, it was found that ALL the stones were parisas! Then everyone admired the dispassion of Namdev, who, at will, could create parisa stones. (This incident is not captured in the picture.)

Chapter19

Jagamitra Naga is a devout householder. He must have been a friend of all, and enemy of none, an “ajatasatru”, as “Jagamitra” suggests. But, as is very common in this world, this did not prevent his having detractors and ill-wishers. Once they set fire to his house with himself and family inside. As there was no way out, he prayed to the Lord. The result was minimal damage to the house, with no damage to the members inside. On another occasion, to make his life miserable and make fun of him, the local havildar with vast executive powers, commanded him to get (of all things!) a tiger. Jagamitra went to the forest and prayed. The Lord Himself took the form of a tiger and was taken to the city. The tiger growled and behaved ferociously, and people had to run hither and thither and get out of sight. Needless to say that the havildar fell at the feet of Jagamitra and begged pardon, on which, all ended well. The picture depicts the burning of the house and Jagamitra with the tiger. ****************************************************************************************8

Chapter20

Joga Paramanand had intense devotion to the Lord, and his method of going to the temple each day was to do prostration on the road at each step. He didn’t mind his dhoti getting dirty or worn out. Once some merchants out of reverence for him his mind from the Lord to the costly dhoti. He repented, decided to punish himself, exchanged the costly dhoti for a pair of oxen, yoked himself thereto, and drove them on. The result was that he was dragged on the rough road and had wounds and profuse bleeding. But he drove on nevertheless, bearing the pain, and telling himself that he deserved this and much more.

At this stage the Merciful Lord appeared and raised him up and blessed him. The other part of the picture is about Namdev. After the Visobakechar incident (chapter18), he saw God in every form. Once when he was preparing unleavened bread (suka roti), a dog picked up some and ran. Namdev was pained that the dog would eat the dry roti without ghee, and hence ran after the dog with a cup of ghee. The Lord blessed him, for it was He who was testing his vision. This chapter also mentions Narahari sonar (goldsmith) who was a “Veera Saiva” hating the very idea of Hari. He was made to see that Hari and Hara are the same. Several moving songs have been composed by him, after this incident. (The picture does not depict this incident). gave him a very costly dhoti. When he was going to the temple as usual, he was taking care to avoid muddy places, so as not to spoil the costly dhoti. After sometime he realized that he had diverted *********************************************************************************************

Chapter21 This chapter is about Janabai, jewel among devotees. She was born with innate longing for the Lord. As a child, she was taken to Pandharpur temple by her parents. She refuses to go back with them and wanted to stay back. So she was left there. The parents of Namdev found her, and took her into their household. She functions as a maid servant. She refers to herself as “dasi Jana”, meaning, “Jana the servant”. On account of her love and devotion, the Lord helps her to grind corn and do other taxing chores. Once when a strong gale rips off the roof of the house, the Lord repairs it and turns the tiles. Jana is respected by all bhaktas who come to know her. The Lord sometimes plays tricks on her, like leaving his jewel in her house and casting suspicion on her as having stolen. Her compositions are so moving that the Lord Himself is said to have taken them down himself.

Chapter22 The main incident in this chapter is the one pictured above. It depicts a very well known incident in the life of Gyandev. One Changadev is a great with extraordinary powers, by means of which he is said to have lived for 1400 years and retained his youth. He had a good following. To vaunt his powers he used a ferocious tiger as his mount, and a most venomous serpent as whip. So he was as much feared, as respected. After the buffalo incident (chapter 9) the fame of the Gyandev quartet spreads fast and lots of people flock to them. But they continue to live a humble life with practically no roof above their head. Their usual seat is semi dilapidated wall. As their fame spreads Changadev gets curious and also somewhat jealous. He wants to test them, and comes to their place in an angry mood on his usual mount. The villagers warn Gyandev of his coming, and advice him to leave the place. But Gyandev and his siblings are calm and continue to sit on the wall. When Changadev enters the village, Gyandev orders the wall to move forwards to meet the yogi halfway. And, oh! The wall starts moving towards the yogi. When he sees this, the pride of the yogi evaporates, for his control is only over living things, and here is one who can control inanimate things. The veil falls from his eyes and he dismounts and does sashtang pranams to the quartet. The meeting is historic for it has produced the jewel of upadesh “Changadev Pasashti” in Marathi from Gyandev. This has been rendered into Sanskrit also. This chapter also gives an account of two great , Matsyendranath, Gorakhnath. (Nivritti and brothers belong to Nathsampradaya).

Chapter23

The main item in this chapter is the keertan performance of Namdev in which the Lord takes the part of an accompanying singer. Kabir and other sadhus are also present, as also Janabai. The picture is about this. The scene has been immortalized in the popular song of Jana “Namdev keertana karee------“. The chapter also mentions about , the “low caste” bhakta, who opens the eyes of “high class” priests. It also mentions about Jeeva, Tattwa, both disciples of Kabir.

Chapter 24

The main theme is about Kabir and his hospitality to sadhus. Once, a large group of pilgrims on holy tour come to the city, and search for a place to stay. Some persons who want to bring a bad name to Kabir, direct the pilgrims to Kabir`s place saying he keeps an open house. When they arrive, Kabir finds that there is practically nothing in the house. He sends his wife to the market to get things on promise of payment. (Similar to what happened in chapter 11) One merchant agrees to give provisions if she will spend a night with him. She reports the thing to her husband, who would rather agree, than not feed the guests. So the deal is struck, and the sadhus fed sumptuously. The lady goes to the merchant place at night, trusting to the Lord to save her. Rama, the ishtadevata of Kabir takes the form of the local chief of police, pays a “surprise visit’’ to the merchant’s place, accuses him of trying to abduct the lady, takes her back to her husband and vanishes. The next day it is found that the real-life police chief knows nothing of the matter. So they realize that Lord Rama had come to rescue. The chapter also contains an account of a disciple of Kabir curing a dread disease by using Ramanama. ****************************************************************************************

Chapter25

Rohidas, (also known as Ravidas) is a cobbler. He is looked down upon by “uppercaste” priests, who test him. Ultimately they accept him as superior to them and respect him. His compositions find a place in Granth Sahib (of Sikhs). He is said to have lived for 120 years. The mother of Meerabai was his disciple. *****************************************************************************************

Chapter26

Pipaji Raja (known also as Bimbaji) was a very devout king. He gave away his kingdom and wealth and went to holy places with his wife. He calmed and tamed a very ferocious tiger, and is said to have made it a vegetarian ***********************************************************************************************

Chapter27

Narasi Mehata was born in Junagad, with Siva Anugraha (Siva’s blessings). As a boy he was very playful, and once, on being scolded by the wife of elder brother, left the house in a huff, and spent seven days in a Siva temple, without food. As a result Siva gave him darsan and initiated him into Krishna bhakti, and he had the good fortune to see Rasa Lila enacted again. He wrote a poem describing the Lila. He is the composer of the very famous “vaishnva Janato”. He returned home, was married in time, and had a son and daughter. He neglected worldly work, and was immersed in devotion to Dwarakanath, and in serving devotees.

Chapter28

The marriage of Narasimehata`s son was arranged with the daughter of one Tripurantaka, a very rich person, near Junagad. The girl’s party was expecting the bridegroom’s party to come with rich presents, befitting the status of the bride. But Mehta is not worried, having left everything to Divine Will. Lord Krishna Himself goes to Tripurantaka`s place with unbelievably costly presents, saying that he is the clerk of Mehta and has been ordered to take the presents in advance. The bride’s party is dumbfounded, as their entire wealth will be no match for these presents. The “clerk” announces his name as “Sawala”, which in Marathi means “the dark hued” ***************************************************************************

Chapter29

One Kesavbhat, who has a sizeable amount of cash, and on his way to Dwaraka, desires to entrust the cash to someone who can give a demand draft payable at Dwaraka. In Junagad, mischief mongers direct him to Narasimehata`s place, saying he is rich, and reliable in transactions. When Kesav goes to Mehta’s place, he finds no sign of riches. Mehta innocently tells him that he has very rich friends in Pandharpur and Dwaraka, meaning the Lord. But Kesav takes it literally, and gives the amount to Mehta, asking for a demand draft payable at Dwaraka. As Mehta is in dire need of cash to feed a lot of pilgrims, he takes the amount and issues a demand draft on “Sawala”, at Dwaraka. Kesav reaches Dwaraka and is told that there is no such person as “Sawala” dealing in money. He realizes he has been duped, and can only curse Mehta, and his own fate. He prepares to return. Someone runs after him, saying he was the “Sawala” Kesav was searching, and he was out of town on urgent work. He honors the demand draft and pays out the cash. The Lord has saved the honor of a true bhakta.

Chapter30

Narasimehata`s daughter was married, and was with her in-laws. On some special occasion, Mehta was expected to see his daughter with presents, but he was, as usual, in want. The Lord took on the form of his gumasta, went to the girl’s father-in-law, and asked what sort of presents was required. They were quite surprised, as they were under the impression that Mehta was in dire straits. A haughty person there, gave a long list of impossibly costly things, and to ridicule Mehta, ended by asking for a heavy stone! The Lord went back and returned with all the items asked for, and to cap it all, told the mischief monger “here is your stone” and placed it on his head, much to the merriment of all. They realized the greatness of Mehta.

Chapter31

Ramdas, a sincere devotee of Lord Krishna, stays at Dakore and every year goes on foot to Dwaraka, with tulai in hand, to be offered to the Lord. When he becomes very old, and unable to walk that distance, he goes to Dwaraka, and weeps beeps before the Deity, saying that in future he won’t be able to come and have darsan. The Merciful Lord is moved by his sincerity, and promises to come with him to Dakore. The next day, when the temple is opened the Deity is not found. A search is on. Ramdas is suspected and a search at his place reveals the image. The Lord tells Ramdas to offer gold, equal in weight to the idol, and that will work. But Ramdas has no gold. The Lord says that the tiny nose- screw of his wife will do. The priests agree to take equal weight of gold, secure in the knowledge that Ramdas cannot muster gold. But when the weighing is done, the tiny ornament is found to be heavier than the idol. Then only the Priests realize the real greatness of Ramdas, and go back. They make a fresh image and install. Even today, people have darsan at Dakore first, before going to Dwaraka.

Chapter32

Niradhar, a bachelor and Kalyan, a householder, go on yatra to holy places including Rameswar and Mathura, at which place Kalyan becomes seriously ill, and Niradhar nurses him for six months. Kalyan feels indebted, and promises his daughter’s hand to Niradhar. This takes place before the idol of Krishna. When they go to Haridwar, the home of Kalyan, his wife squarely refuses to agree to the alliance, and Kalyan is totally helpless. Niradhar takes his case before the king, who wants to know if there was any witness to the promise. Niradhar can only say that Krishna was the witness, on which he was laughed at. Peeved, he went back to Mathura and pleaded with the Lord to bail him out. The Lord said that He would follow him at some distance, but he should not look back. When he was very near Haridwar, The young man felt a doubt and looked back, and the Lord stayed at that spot. The king and others came to that spot, and realized the greatness of the young man, and the truth of his claim. The idol is still on that spot and worshipped.

Chapter33

Surdas the poet was born blind. His mastery of music was stupendous. His songs on Krishna are moving. Krishna Himself, in the form of a young boy used to lead and guide the poet, and avidly listen to his songs. Akbar was under the idea that Tansen was the greatest singer of the time, but the latter said that none can equal Surdas. So Akbar listened to him, and also arranged for his wives, and court to listen to him. Surdas was the amsa of Akrura. At the end the Lord granted him sight, and Surdas is said to have merged into the Lord.

Chapter34

Sena was a barber, who spent almost all his time remembering the Lord. He would do elaborate pooja in the morning and then only ply his trade. The local sultan patronized him. Once the sultan wanted to be shaved very early, and sent for Sena. But the latter wouldn’t come as he was in the midst of pooja. The sultan had vast powers and ordered that Sena be tied to a stone and thrown in the river. At that juncture, the Lord in the form of Sena made his appearance, and the Sultan was appeased. The “barber” began massaging the head of the sultan with oil. The sultan felt a strange feeling of peace and happiness which he never had before. When he looked down, he saw in the oil cup, not the face of Sena, but of someone with four hands. Surprised, he looked up, and saw only the usual Sena. This happened several times. Finally, he rewarded Sena with large amount of gold, which this “Sena” tied up in a bundle and left at the door of the barber. After pooja, Sena came and was questioned about the mystery of the unusual reflection in oil. He saw at once that the Lord had come to his rescue. The sultan also realized the greatness of Sena, on whose account he could glimpse the Lord.

Chapter35

There was a King, Satwik by name in Puri. He was a sincere devotee, and would take food only after receiving the Prasad from temple. Once, there was lot of delay in getting the Prasad, and to while away the time, he played dice with someone (Dice was the curse of Yudhishtira too!). He lost himself in the game, and when the Prasad was brought, he carelessly stretched his left hand to take it. The priest was offended and returned with the Prasad. Then only the king came to his senses and repented for his action. As atonement he cut off his right hand and sent it to the temple as offering. The Lord showed mercy, and the hand became normal. This chapter also mentions one Karmabai (not depicted in the picture), who treated the Lord as her own grandson and fed him early morning even without bathing. This was seriously objected to by the purohits as prohibited by the sastras, but the Lord made it known to them that he loved the way Karmabai was treating Him.

Chapter36

Manmohan Surdas (not Surdas the poet), was the trusted agent of the king, at Mathura, and had to pay a determined amount as revenue. But he spent all the amounts collected in feeding the poor and helping the needy. When this news reached the king, he sent soldiers to bring Surdas with the amount due. Surdas got panicky and filling some boxes with stones (unknown to the soldiers) told them that all the collection was in the boxes, and gave a sealed letter to be delivered to the king and ran away at dead of night. The king read the letter, which explained how the revenues had been put to good use for the subjects. Being a kind and sensible king, and realizing that Surdas had not taken anything for himself, he had the latter searched out and restored to his old post. The chapter also mentions about Janajaswant (not depicted in the picture), who was spending family property in feeding sadhus. The other shareholders took the matter to the king, and Jaswant’s answer was “in Rama`s service only”. The inflamed king had him tied to a heavy stone and thrown in the river. The Lord, in form of a tortoise, supported him and kept him from drowning. The king begged his pardon, and decided the case in favor of Jaswant.

Picture not available

Chapter 37

Bhakta RasikaMurari is a sincere devotee who has a large following. His guru is Dayarnava. Impressed by his qualities, a king gifted Dayarnava four villages, and income there from was used by Dayarnava for religious purposes. Later some highhanded unprincipled local chieftain seized these villages and Dayarnava`s income to serve sadhus became nil. He sent his disciple Murar to intercede with the official and get the villages back. Murari started with a very large group of followers. Warned about his coming, the official decided to kill him and sent a rowdy elephant, with mahout, to finish them off. When they saw the terrible animal approaching, the sishyas began to run off. Murari told them that he was going forward, but if they wanted to runaway, they should discard the Tulasi rosaries taken from him. They discarded the rosaries and vanished, as Murari’s end was almost certain. When the tusker came near it suddenly knelt before him became tame, and saluted him. He gathered the discarded rosaries and making them into a large one put it round the neck of the tusker. It followed him like a lamb. The cruel official repented and returned the villages to Dayarnava. The elephant became very devout, served the sadhus, and listened to their bhajan. Hearing of this, a local king wanted to get the tusker for himself, and managed to do so by posing as a sadhu. The elephant could not bear to be with him, and survived for barely seven days.

Chapter38 This is about Meerabai queen of Mewar. Her life is very well known and hence no need to explain here.

Chapter39

This is about an extraordinary saint . She belonged to the family of dancing girls. It is said that she was so beautiful, as to be considered heavenly beauty; and unequalled in singing. Naturally her mother wanted her to be given to a king. But Kanhopatra’s thoughts were centered on the Lord. When she came to Pandharpur, she decided to stay there permanently, and serve the Lord. Once, when she was inside the temple, the sultan’s soldiers came to take her away, as the king, having heard of her beauty, wanted her. She entered the sanctum and begged for protection. The Lord merged her with Himself, and her body was buried in the prakaram. A tree grew on that spot and is still to be seen.

Chapter40 DamajiPant was the sultan’s revenue officer in Bidar, and once, in a famine, spent all the revenues, to feed the starving. The news of this reached the sultan, and he sent soldiers to arrest Damaji and bring him. On the way, while passing through Pandharpur, he had darsan of the Lord and felt dejected as this would be the last darsan, as he was most likely to be sentenced to death. Meanwhile the Lord took the form of a low caste riot, and reaching the sultan’s court, told him that Damaji had sold all the produce for a hefty sum, and the cash was sent herewith, and produced a letter from Damaji to that effect. The cash was counted and it was so much that counting could not stop. The sultan was overjoyed and issued orders for the release of Damaji. Unaware of all this Damaji was produce in the court. The sultan embraced him, apologized for having been hasty, and recounted what had happened. At once Damaji knew that the Lord had come to his rescue. The sultan posted him back and made him permanent, but Damaji, begged to be given permission to retire, as his mind would no longer engage in worldly affairs. The sultan agreed reluctantly, and Damaji spent his days in prayer and service to the poor. ************************************************************************************

Chapter41

In the Bhahmani kingdom in and around Bidar, there was a local sultan, who was extremely arrogant, will not meet people, and was immersed in sense pleasures. Once it so happened that an apparently mad beggar, in tattered clothes, but brimming over with happiness, which even corporeal punishment could not diminish, was produced before him. The utterances of the beggar, made with conviction, made the sultan realize that there were greater things in life than power and enjoyment, and he at once changed his ways and engaged himself in self-enquiry, in which field, on account of his sincere intense efforts he made very rapid progress. He was an utterly changed personality, and came to be called “sant bahamani”, which, got twisted as “sant brahmani”, which name stuck to him. That area had a large number of Jangamas, i.e. Veerasaiva sect. They invariably carried a sivaling on their person. A leading member of that sect was impressed by Santa Brahmani, and became his disciple. The other jangamas strongly objected to his taking updesh from a Muslim. Later they suddenly found that all their Siva lingams had mysteriously vanished, and were terribly upset. They realized that it was due to their disrespect for SantaBrahmani, who had attained self knowledge, and sought his pardon on which they got back the sivaling.

Chapter42

Bhanudas was born in to orthodox parents. Once when he was scolded by his father, he left the house in a huff and wandered aimlessly. He found an abandoned, dilapidated mandir and though it was pitch dark inside, entered boldly, and spent that night. It was a temple dedicated to Sun God. Next morning he found a brahnin radiating splendor, come there and offer him a cup of milk and some repast. So, he spent that day also in the temple. This went on for a week, and each day, the same thing happened. Soon his parents and others located him, realizing that the Sun God Himself had taken care of him, called him Bhanudas, and took him back home. In due course he was married, had a family, his parents passed away, but he was totally unconcerned with earning wealth, and his wife was driven to despair. So, some merchants told him that they would advance some money to him to use as capital to start cloth business, and he can repay it as the business progressed. So, he started business but was so naïve that he fixed the price low, and people flocked to him. Once, he and other merchants loaded their horses with goods, and started for the next town. Night fell, and Bhanudas said that they should all do keertan. The other merchants refused, and Bhanudas alone went out and did keertan. To spite him and teach him a lesson, the merchants hid his goods and untied his horse, which wandered away. Later, a gang of thieves came, and looted their entire belongings, including the horses. But the goods and horse of Bhanudas escaped loot, thanks to the ill intention of the merchants.

When Bhanudas was coming back, a Brahmin accosted him with his horse, saying it had wandered away, and he had caught it. Bhanudas was surprised that the Brahmin could identify his horse and himself, as they had never met before. Later, when he came to know what had happened, he saw the hand of God in the incident, distributed his wares among the merchants to repay the debt, and spent his days in keertan. The Lord looked after his simple needs. The great bhakta Ekanath is a descendant of Bhanudas.

Chapter43

RamaRaya is the Vijayanagar king. Hearing about the glory of Vittal at Pandhari, he has darsan there, and takes away the idol to his place for worship. It remains there for quite a period. Bhanudas by his devotion is able to get the consent of the king for the idol to be taken back, and gets it back to Pandhari. The picture shows the king worshipping Vittal.

Chapter44

This is about a very peculiar character, who, by his (apparently) quixotic action was known as Bahirambhat. He was an orthodox Brahmin, steeped in Hindu sastras, and decided to experiment with Islam, and got converted after the due rites. He was not happy there, and got a serious and funny doubt whether he was really a Hindu or Muslim. One Naganath Siddha shows that there is fundamental unity in the religions. Bahirambhat has composed several songs, and is said to have written a commentary on the tenth chapter of Bhagawat. The picture shows him produced before the kazi for departing from Islam.

Chapter45

Janardana Maharaj was a great siddhapurusha though leading an apparently ordinary life in the service of the local chieftain. He could have darsan of Lord Dattatreya and converse with Him. Ekanath was a devout bhakta, and came in the lineage of Bhanudas (chapters 42 and 43). The line was Bhanudas—Chakrapani -Suryanarayan---Ekanath. Having come to know that Dattatreya was close to Janardana, and desirous of having darsan of the Lord, he entered the service of Janardana, and served him most faithfully. After sometime, he requested to be given darsan of Datta. Janardana was satisfied that Ekanath was a deserving person, and took him to a forest, saying that the Lord could come in any form. They found a fakir with a cow and a dog. Janardana bowed before him, milked the female dog, mixed rice and offered to the fakir. Ekanath couldn’t grasp what was happening, and couldn’t approve also. Janardana took hold of Ekanath and producing him before the fakir, revealed that the fakir was none but Datta. Ekanath took the prasad. Datta blessed him and commanded him to write in Marathi, and bhagawat. The result was Bhavartha Ramayana, and bhagawat. The picture depicts Ekanath prostrating at the feet of Datta, and Janardana respectfully standing. Ekanath’s devotion to his guru was so great that he always referred to himself as “Ekanath belonging to Janardana”

Chapter46

Ekanath was not merely a saint and great yogi. He was also a great social reformer. He did not subscribe to the practice of untouchability, and had to face great trials and difficulties on that account. Once he fed some untouchables with food prepared for his ancestors, on a sraddha day. The priests raised a hue and cry and refused to attend the ceremony. But the Lord came to his rescue, and in the form of persons who were refusing to come. The detractors were put to shame.

Chapter47

Sri Samartha Ramadas is perhaps the best known saint in Maharashtra. He was a seer, saint, poet, an extraordinarily strong man, a statesman, preacher all in one. He had darsan of Hanuman, and Rama. He was the guru of Sivaji, and instrumental in the latter founding the Maratha empire. There is none other like him. He is “ sui generis ”, in a class by himself. His Dasabodha and Manache sloka are inspiring. Sri Jholiram Goswami Math, which houses these pictures, is in the tradition of this great saint. The picture shows him having darsan of Rama and Hanuman.

Chapter48

Namdev lives only for singing the glories of the Lord and composing songs therefore. He feels he may not be able to do enough in his lifetime, and surrenders to the Lord to help him. The Lord arranges to continue Namdev`s work through Tukaram, who also is an indefatigable composer of songs in praise of the Lord. The picture depicts Namdev placing his prayer before the Lord. The chapter also contains two main events in the life of Tukaram, considered to be another Namdev. One is the fairly well known incident about Sivaji being saved from capture by enemies, while attending a keertan of Tukaram. The other is about a dead boy being resurrected in the course of Tukaram’s keertan.

Chapter49 Tukaram was thronged by people and performed keertan at very many places and forgot to go home. Naturally, his wife was very unhappy, and blames him. He preaches to her about the uselessness of attachment to worldly affairs, and tells her to take refuge in the Lord. The picture depicts the above. She is impressed.

Some time later, he gives away everything in the house, including the only alternate sari she has. Being a woman who has to run the family, she gets angry, not with her husband, but with Vittal, who is the root cause. She says she will break the idol and rushes to the temple, with a big stone, with Tukaram running behind her. When they enter the sanctum, the Lord consoles her and gives her costly presents.

Chapter50

There is one Dev, in chinchwad, who has darsan of Ganapati. He learns that Vittal moves freely with Tukaram, and also takes food with him, and is depressed that Ganapati does not come to share his food. Tukaram comes to meet him, and is able to make Ganapati share food with Dev. This illustrates the stature of Tukaram. The picture shows Tukaram meeting Dev. The chapter also recounts an incident where Tukaram is given a bundle of sugarcane to be taken home. But on the way he distributes all but one to urchins. Naturally his wife is inflamed, and breaks that solitary sugarcane on his back. But Tukaram is calm, and thanks her; on which she repents her action. Another incident is also given in which Tukaram has fallen ill and has become too weak to go and have darsan of the Lord. He narrates his plight in moving songs and sends them to the temple to be placed before the Lord.

Chapter51

Once Tukaram is unable to go to Pandhari, on account of fever and debility. He pours out his heart in songs, which are taken by others and placed at the Feet of the Lord. The Lord Himself comes with his escort and Garuda and gives darsan to Tukaram. This chapter also relates about one great bhakta Nimbaraj (not in picture), whose songs make the Lord Himself come and listen.

Chapter52

This picture shows Tukaram holding the audience spellbound by his keertan. Also, this chapter describes some extraordinary incidents in his life. His giving prasad to an unlettered cook makes the latter instantaneously blossom into a scholar. One Sheik Mohammed, a great saint, though miles away, sees that fire is engulfing Tukaram’s roof, and puts it out from where he is. Some priests, unable to digest the name and fame of Tukaram, gather all the manuscripts containing his compositions, and throw them into the river. They are taken out by Tukaram, after thirteen days, and are found to be absolutely dry and undamaged.

Chapter53

This chapter highlights that the Lord Himself looks after sincere devotees. Mankoji Bodhale is a very devout householder, and revels in feeding needy persons. When he is going on foot for yatra, he exhausts his money and provisions feeding guests. The picture shows the Lord and His consort, come in the form of simple folk, and the lady preparing food for the three. There is also another incident (not in picture) wherein he is asked to guard a field, with ripe corn; but allows the needy to cut off and take away the produce. When people come there, hearing of this, they are astonished to see the corns are intact, and there is no sign of their having been tampered with.

Chapter54

Bodhale Maharaj(chapter 53) excelled in doing keertan, and his power was so much that every one in the audience would sing along with him. Some detractors wanted to humiliate him and taking a dead body, sat amidst the audience, and complained to Bodhale that the man was sleeping, and not uttering the Lord’s name. Unaware that the person was dead, Bodhale, in all innocence, asked him to get up and sing the Lord’s name. By the Grace of God, the dead man came to life, and sang the glories of the Lord. This is depicted in the picture. The chapter also gives some incidents to show his devotion and greatness.

Chapter55

The picture is about Latif shah, born a Muslim, but changed to and an ardent devotee of Krishna. The Muslim king is angry and comes to punish him. At the time Latif is preparing betel roll for the Lord. The Nawab told in derision that unless the idol chewed the betel, Latif would be severely punished. On Latif’s prayer, the Lord chewed the betel, and the Nawab was filled with remorse. Latif preached the unity of all religions and the futility of inter religious quarrel. The chapter also contains information about three devotees (not in picture), Ganshnath, Kesavaswamy, and Gomayee .

Chapter56

Santoba Pawar was a renunciate who helped many to get faith in the Lord. Once, while on yatra to Pandharpur, there were heavy rains and the river on the way was in spate. On his prayer, the Lord took on the form of a tortoise and safely carried the devotees across. This is depicted in the picture. The chapter also contains some incidents in the lives of two other devotees, Niloba, and Uddhava Chitghana.

Chapter57

This is the last chapter and winds up by giving the gist all the earlier chapters, and how all the bhaktas are always remembering the Lord. The picture shows a beautiful painting of the Lord and His consort, flanked by devotees. This chapter also mentions about one saraf (moneylender), Visoba, who was absolutely just and straightforward in his dealings. As he was feeding the needy also, he soon spent away all his money and had to borrow from a Pathan. But scarcity came, and he spent all in charity. Hearing he was bankrupt, the Pathan came to deal with him; but Visoba promised to repay with in seven days. Having sent away the Pathan, he felt worried and anxious, as he didn’t know how he could manage to repay. The Lord in the form of a clerk went to the Pathan, paid back all the dues, got the discharge, and left it on Visoba’s desk. When he saw this, he knew what had happened and his devotion became all the more intense. (This is not depicted in the picture.)