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| Shri Krishna teasing Madhodas for being away |
Madhodasji lived in a small town and was known to be a kind man, but for a long time, he spent his days with a woman who did not follow the path of devotion. When Shri Mahaprabhuji visited his town, the other Vaishnavas told him about Madhodasji’s attachment. Shri Mahaprabhuji gently asked Madhodasji, “Why do you stay with her?” Madhodasji answered honestly, “I am still attached to her.” Shri Mahaprabhuji asked him the same question three times, and each time Madhodasji gave the same true answer. After this, Shri Mahaprabhuji said nothing more, because he understood that Shri Krishna’s plan for Madhodasji was still unfolding.
The other Vaishnavas were worried. They asked Shri Mahaprabhuji, “Why didn’t you tell Madhodasji to leave her?” Shri Mahaprabhuji replied, “Please do not worry. Madhodasji’s story is not what it seems. In time, he will help this woman and others find a better path. Sometimes, blessings take time to show their true power.”
Later, Madhodasji told the woman, “Our paths are parting now. One day, when Shri Gusainji comes to our town, he will help you find peace.” The woman started living alone and, for fifteen years, survived on the simplest food, eating only bread and water. When Shri Gusainji finally visited the town, she hurried to meet him and asked to become his disciple. Shri Gusainji refused at first, so she stopped eating and drinking in sorrow. After nine days, she was very weak but again came to Shri Gusainji, with two friends helping her walk. She begged, “If you do not accept me, I cannot live any longer.”
Moved by her sincere heart, Shri Gusainji finally gave her the sacred mantra and a beautiful image of child Shri Krishna. A few days later, some Vaishnavas came to Shri Gusainji with complaints. “She is worshipping Shri Krishna even during times when tradition says she should rest,” they said. Shri Gusainji quietly spoke to the woman and asked her why. She replied, “In the past, I had many worldly relationships. But now, by your grace, I have only Shri Krishna as my Lord. How can I stop serving Him, even for a short while?”
Shri Gusainji could see her deep love. He let her continue her service but reminded everyone else to follow the normal rules. Her special love for Shri Krishna was a gift from her heart.
One day, Madhodasji saw a beautiful pearl necklace and thought, “This would look wonderful on child Shri Krishna, Shri Navanita Priyaji!” His brother, Benidasji, quickly said, “Everything already belongs to Shri Krishna. Why buy a necklace?” Benidasji spoke as if he was very detached, but in truth, he was not ready to spend any money for Shri Krishna.
Madhodasji did not give up. He took his part of the family money and tried to buy the necklace, but it was too expensive. He decided to travel far south to earn more money. While he was gone, other Vaishnavas bought the necklace and offered it to Shri Mahaprabhuji, who lovingly gave it to Shri Navanita Priyaji.
After some time, Madhodasji earned enough money and bought an even finer necklace for Shri Krishna. On his way back, he had to cross a wide river in a crowded boat. Suddenly, Shri Navanita Priya appeared before him, holding a red cane, and asked playfully, “Should I sink this boat?” Madhodasji replied, “Whatever Your wish, let it be.” Shri Krishna asked, “Why did you travel so far south?” Madhodasji answered, “I wanted to buy a necklace for You.” Shri Krishna smiled, “I already have so many necklaces.” Madhodasji replied, “Even if You have many, it is a devotee’s joy to give You more. Life is not meant for selfish things, but to serve You with love!”
The boat safely reached the other shore. The special necklace Madhodasji bought was offered to Shri Navanita Priyaji and is still called “Madhodasji’s necklace” to this day. Through the gentle blessings of Shri Mahaprabhuji and true devotion, everyone found joy and meaning in their lives.
Poem: The Necklace of Love
Tags: madhodasji, benidasji, vaishnav stories for kids, shri mahaprabhuji, krishna bedtime stories, devotional parenting, bhakti for children, hindu bedtime stories, sanatan dharma, 84 vaishnav stories, nurturing hindu values, spiritual values for kids, seva stories, moral stories for children
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