In a small village called Mahavan, there lived a man named Narayanadas. Each day, he would walk all the way to Mathura to beg for food. But even after doing this for so long, he never felt full or happy.
One day, someone said to him, "You keep begging, but your stomach is never full!" These simple words made Narayanadas stop and think deeply. That very day, he made a big decision. He chose to stop begging and instead sat quietly by the Yamuna river. He softly chanted the Gayatri mantra, day and night. He ate only what came to him without asking.
When his parents passed away, he moved back into their little house. He tried to earn money again, but nothing worked out. Years passed. By the time he turned forty, he realized he had spent so much time running after money and still had nothing. That day, he gave up his home and began a new life full of devotion and prayers.
Later, Narayanadas met Shri Mahaprabhuji. After becoming his disciple, he received a most special gift: the beautiful deity of Shri Gokul Chandramaji, one of the four divine forms found in the Yamuna river. This became his greatest joy.
Narayanadas became known for how carefully and lovingly he did everything for Shri Krishna. He would even wash the grass he gave to the cows so that the milk they gave would be pure and clean for the Lord. Every small action he took was filled with care and devotion.
One day, he saw some coins lying on the ground. Without any desire for money, he quietly covered them with dirt and walked away. Shri Krishna later tested him again by placing a big pile of shiny coins near his bed. When Narayanadas found them, he simply called his niece, who helped him with seva, and asked her to throw all the coins away. He had no need for them. He loved Shri Krishna, and that was enough for him.
His niece once asked, “Uncle, if Shri Krishna takes what people offer, then you must know exactly how to make Him happy.”
Narayanadas smiled and said gently, “When a Vaishnava guest comes after Shri Krishna has eaten, we should serve them all the prasada with a joyful heart. That way, we know the Lord is truly pleased. Making a devotee happy is the same as making Shri Krishna happy.”
One day, Narayanadas had just finished decorating Shri Gokul Chandramaji and placed a bowl of hot sweet rice, called khir, in front of Him. Suddenly, someone ran in and said, “Shri Mahaprabhuji is here in Gokul!”
Without waiting, Narayanadas ran out to greet him.
Shri Mahaprabhuji asked, “What is Shri Gokul Chandramaji doing now?”
Narayanadas replied, “I just finished dressing Him and offered khir.”
When they both entered the room, they saw sweet rice all over and the Lord’s hands shaking.
“What happened?” asked Shri Mahaprabhuji.
Shri Gokul Chandramaji said, “I burned my hand. The khira was too hot, but I love it so much, I couldn’t wait!”
Shri Mahaprabhuji gently told Narayanadas, “The Lord really loves khira. From now on, make sure it’s cool before you offer it.”
Another time, after Narayanadas had completed his morning worship, he looked at Shri Gokul Chandramaji and saw Him smiling more than usual. It looked like the Lord was celebrating!
He asked, “O Lord, whom are you celebrating today?”
Shri Gokul Chandramaji replied, “I am celebrating Shri Raghunathji, the fifth son of Shri Gusainji. When you leave this world, he will take care of Me with great love.”
As Narayanadas grew older and weaker, Shri Krishna asked if he wished for anything. But Narayanadas only said, “I wish that in the future, Your seva is done in Shri Gusainji’s home.”
After Narayanadas and his niece both left their bodies, Shri Gokul Chandramaji was lovingly taken to Shri Gusainji’s family, where He is still worshipped today with great devotion.
Poem: True Treasure
Tags: narayanadas brahmachari, gokul chandramaji, vaishnav bedtime stories, shri mahaprabhuji teachings, spiritual values for kids, hindu devotional stories, kids stories sanatan dharma, simple vaishnav stories for children, devotional parenting, vaishnav heritage for kids, renunciation and devotion, krishna bhakti stories, storytimelover bedtime stories