Raja and Madho Dube were brothers born into a kind and gentle Brahmin family. Their father was a man of great faith who often welcomed saints and travelers into their home. As their parents grew very old and sick, they lovingly asked their sons to take them to the sacred temple of Shri Dwarkanathji in Gujarat.
Raja and Madho carefully built two palanquins for their parents and brought along their family deity. They traveled with great devotion and finally reached Shri Dwarka. There, their parents had the holy sight of Shri Dwarkanathji and soon after, peacefully left their bodies.
After performing all the final rites, the brothers wished to listen to spiritual teachings. Someone told them that Shri Mahaprabhuji was in town and giving discourses every afternoon. Raja and Madho were still in the mourning period, known as 'sutak', so they sat at a distance from the crowd.
But Shri Mahaprabhuji noticed them and called out, "Come sit in the front."
The brothers gently replied, "We are still in sutak, so we are sitting apart."
Shri Mahaprabhuji smiled and said, "You two are always pure. Come close. If you have any questions, ask me."
Hearing these loving words, the brothers came forward. Shri Mahaprabhuji began to speak about Shri Krishna's birth and divine pastimes. As they listened, Raja and Madho felt like they were truly watching Shri Krishna appear before their eyes.
After the talk, they bowed and said, "Today we received the greatest gift of our lives."
Shri Mahaprabhuji said, "I know what is in your hearts. After your mourning period ends, I will give you initiation. Go now and come back tomorrow."
That night, they could not stop thinking about the blessings they had received. On the eleventh day, when their sutak period was over, Shri Mahaprabhuji gave them the sacred initiation and told them to serve Shri Krishna with love and leave all other concerns behind. He promised that by doing so, they would reach a state called 'nirodha'.
When they asked what nirodha meant, Shri Mahaprabhuji explained, "There are two kinds. One is when you turn away from worldly things by doing Shri Krishna's service. The other is when your heart thinks only of Shri Krishna all the time, even while doing daily duties."
The brothers humbly said, "This sounds so difficult. Please bless us so we can truly reach this state."
Shri Mahaprabhuji wrote a small teaching for them called 'The Qualities of Nirodha'. He shared that true peace comes when we remember Shri Krishna with love, just like the people of Braj did. He said that when Shri Krishna hears His glories sung with love, He comes to live in our hearts.
He gently taught, "Use your senses only to serve Shri Krishna. Leave anger and greed behind. There is no prayer or holy place greater than nirodha."
The brothers read the beautiful teachings and Shri Mahaprabhuji blessed them, "You will have perfect nirodha. Now go home and serve Shri Krishna."
He also told them, "Those who reach nirodha do not waste time in gossip. If a true seeker comes to you, give them Shri Krishna's name. Your company will help them too."
In their town lived two other Brahmin brothers. Ramaji was older and gave religious talks. Hari Krishna, the younger one, guarded the fields. One cold and rainy day, Hari Krishna came home wet and hungry. He asked his sister-in-law for hot rotis.
She was upset and said, "What have you done to deserve that? You don’t preach or earn anything. Eat what’s there, or go hungry."
Her harsh words hurt him deeply. Feeling unloved and hopeless, he thought of ending his life. But before doing anything, he decided to visit the kind-hearted Raja and Madho Dube.
When he arrived, he burst into tears. The brothers welcomed him warmly and listened to his sorrow. Madho comforted him and gave him Shri Krishna's prasad. He told him to rest for the night.
The next morning, after bathing and prayer, Hari Krishna was feeling a little better. Madho asked Raja, "What should we do?"
Raja said, "There are many who suffer. How can we help everyone?"
Madho replied, "But this soul came to us with a true heart. Let’s help him."
They agreed, and Madho gave Hari Krishna the sacred Krishna mantra. After just one round on his prayer beads, Hari Krishna began speaking in Sanskrit! After the second round, he understood the deep meanings of holy books.
Madho asked Raja, "Shall I ask him to do a third round?"
Raja said, "No. He is not ready yet. If he does more, he will see Shri Krishna’s pastimes, and that is too much for now."
They knew that all this was only due to Shri Mahaprabhuji's grace.
Madho told Hari Krishna to go and start giving talks. When he did, the townspeople were amazed. They loved his words and offered him gifts. He brought the gifts back to Raja and Madho, thanking them.
Madho said, "Do not call me your guru. Shri Mahaprabhuji is our true guide. When He comes, give these gifts to Him."
Hari Krishna began giving talks every day. One day, he said he wanted to visit a family who had known his father. When he went, they treated him with love and asked him to stay. He spoke one verse and everyone was so moved. Before he left, they gave him many gifts, including money, land, and food.
When he returned home, he shouted joyfully, "I have returned with blessings and offerings!"
His sister-in-law was shocked to see him glowing with grace. She feared he might curse her. But he gently said, "You helped me learn a great lesson. Shri Krishna has fulfilled my every wish."
When he was offered food, he said, "Let me first visit Raja and Madho Dube."
His elder brother, curious to receive the same blessings, joined him. When they reached, Ramaji humbly asked for the same grace. Raja said to Madho, "If you feel it’s right, give him the mantra."
After Ramaji bathed, they gave him the sacred mantra too.
Soon, Shri Mahaprabhuji passed through Siddhapura and stayed at Rana Vyasa's home. Raja and Madho took all the offerings Hari Krishna had received and gave them to Shri Mahaprabhuji. They asked Him to bless and initiate both Ramaji and Hari Krishna. Shri Mahaprabhuji lovingly agreed and initiated them both before continuing on His journey.
Because of Raja and Madho Dube’s compassion, the two brothers reached the highest spiritual joy. Their hearts became full of Shri Krishna’s sweet pastimes, beyond words.
Even today, their family continues to lovingly serve in the temple of Navanita Priyaji in Nathdwara.
Poem: The Blessings of Pure Hearts
Raja and Madho, hearts so kind, Sought the Lord with love in mind. Through Shri Mahaprabhuji's grace, They found joy in Krishna's face.
Hari Krishna, sad and cold, Met the brothers, strong yet bold. One round chanted, light did shine, Words of wisdom flowed so fine.
Talks he gave with glowing grace, Smiles and gifts from every place. Back he came with joy and cheer, Shining bright, with no more fear.
Ramaji joined with hopeful prayer, Found the path so rich and rare. All were blessed, their hearts made new, By the Lord so kind and true.
Serve with love, with thoughts so pure, And Shri Krishna’s joy is sure. Let go of pride, of greed and pain, And only bliss and peace remain.
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