In the city of Agra, a boy named Narahar was born. When he was still very young, his family moved to Gujarat. By the age of fifteen, Narahar had a deep longing for spiritual life. One day, he met a wandering monk, a sanyasi, who inspired him to take up a strict life of renunciation.
Narahar started practicing severe austerities. In the blazing heat of summer, he would sit beneath the hot sun, surrounded by four fires. During heavy rains, he would sit outside, letting the water soak him completely. In the cold winter, he would rest in icy water. People admired his dedication, and soon he became known throughout the land. Many followers gathered around him, believing he was a true saint. It was said he never even looked at women.
One afternoon, a lady from the nearby town wished for a child and believed Narahar’s blessings could help her. She walked four long miles to his hut, carrying fried breads and sweet halvah. With her face covered by a veil, she said softly, “I know you do not look at women, but please accept these offerings.”
Narahar had not eaten for two days. Feeling her sincerity, he replied, “Because you have come so far, I will accept your offerings.”
The next day, the woman returned with more food. This time Narahar said, “No one is here. You may remove your veil.”
For ten days, the woman continued visiting Narahar. But one day, a king came to see Narahar while the lady was also there. Not wanting the king to know about her visits, Narahar quickly hid her in one of his rooms.
The king spent the night in the hut. The next morning, the lady’s husband came angrily, demanding, “Where is my wife?” Narahar denied knowing anything, but the man found his wife inside.
Seeing this, the king grew furious. “You have broken people’s trust,” he declared, and ordered Narahar to leave the kingdom.
With a heavy heart, Narahar wandered until he reached the holy land of Braja. Around this time, one of his disciples, Beni Kotari, also journeyed to Braja to meet him. Together, they were invited by Shri Mahaprabhuji to join him on a pilgrimage to Dwarka.
While traveling, Narahar asked Shri Mahaprabhuji, “Which is better—renunciation or devotion?”
Shri Mahaprabhuji answered kindly, “In this age, renunciation is not the way. If a sanyasi’s mind wanders even a little from the Lord, all his efforts are lost. But devotion, the love of Shri Krishna, is never destroyed. The holy name of Shri Krishna can purify anyone. Tell me, what did you truly gain from all your austerities?”
Hearing these words, Narahar bowed low and said with tears in his eyes, “I wish to be your disciple.”
Shri Mahaprabhuji asked, “But you are a sanyasi, a renunciate. Can you develop the humble heart needed for loving service?”
Narahar replied, “I am no longer a sanyasi. Please accept me as your servant.”
Shri Mahaprabhuji gently instructed him to fast for one day, cut off his matted hair, and remove his robes of renunciation. Only then did Shri Mahaprabhuji accept him as a disciple. Beni Kotari, a simple householder, was initiated without needing a fast.
When Narahar asked why he alone had to fast, Shri Mahaprabhuji smiled and explained, “You followed a path not meant for this age. The fast was for your purification. Beni Kotari, a householder living a simple life, had no such need.”
From then on, both Narahar and Beni Kotari became devoted bhaktas. Beni Kotari returned home, but Narahar continued traveling to holy places, always filled with the joy of Shri Krishna’s name.
Years later, Narahar met Shri Mahaprabhuji again at the sacred temple of Badrinath high in the Himalayas. There, Narahar asked, “I now understand my earlier renunciation. But what does it mean to renounce in the path of devotion?”
Shri Mahaprabhuji lovingly revealed his teachings. He said that in the Path of Grace, renunciation means letting go of selfishness to feel deep longing and separation from Shri Krishna. True renunciation in devotion is not about punishing the body but about offering the heart fully to Shri Krishna.
Hearing this, Narahar felt a wave of divine joy fill his being. From that day on, he wandered India, singing Shri Krishna’s name, his heart overflowing with bliss.
Poem: The Heart’s True Renunciation
Tags: Narahar Sanyasi, Shri Mahaprabhuji, Path of Grace, Vaishnav bedtime story, Pushtimarg for kids, devotional stories for children, Hindu parenting, Sanatan Dharma for families, Bhakti stories for young readers, Shri Krishna bhakti, Indian spiritual stories for kids, renunciation and devotion, gentle Hindu stories, Vaishnav teachings for children, nurturing Hindu values