Now, about Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu’s female sevak, a Kshatrani, who lived in Mahavan, the sentiment of her story is described here –
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): This Kshatrani, in the Divine Play, is an intimate companion of Shri Swaminiji. Her name is Bhadra. She was born in the house of a Kshatriya. When she turned eleven years old, her parents spoke about her marriage. She then said, “Do not marry me. On the day you perform my marriage, the groom will die, and you too will die.” Hearing this, her parents became afraid and remained silent.
When she turned thirteen, her relatives began to criticize her parents. So, her marriage was arranged with someone. The groom came for the wedding. As soon as the marriage rounds were being completed, her mother, father, and the groom—all three died. After that, she remained alone in the house. No relatives in the village would speak to her, saying, “At the time of her marriage, her parents and husband all died. Whoever will love her will die.” This is what people said.
Once, when Shri Acharyaji came to Narayandas’s house, this Kshatrani got his darshan. Since she was a pure soul, she understood, “I should surrender to him.” She then bowed down and prayed before Shri Acharyaji: “Maharaj! Please accept me. Now all my worldly obstacles have been removed.” Shri Acharyaji gave her Naam initiation. Then this Kshatrani asked, “Maharaj! Now what is your command for me?” Shri Acharyaji said, “Do the service of the Lord.”
The Kshatrani replied, “Maharaj! In the Divine Play I have always served you, and now you have told me to do Bhagavad seva. But Bhagavad seva is done by many people. Yet, to attain your lotus feet is very rare. Therefore, do not engage me in external practices. Please give me your service forever. Let me always remain with you. Let me see you. My only shelter is at your lotus feet.”
Shri Acharyaji, being pleased, said, “What you say is true. But I must perform circumambulation of the earth, and for this journey it is not proper for women to accompany.” Then Shri Acharyaji took some kumkum, placed both his feet upon a cloth, and gave the kumkum-imprinted cloth to the Kshatrani saying, “Serve this. I am pleased with you. All your desires will be fulfilled.”
That Kshatrani then lovingly welcomed Shri Acharyaji into her home and served him with the sentiment of serving Shri Swaminiji. Shri Acharyaji gave her darshan and made her experience all the divine rasas. Later, when Shri Acharyaji went on his circumambulation of the earth, he came to Kashi.
One day, that Kshatrani went with a water pot to collect Yamuna water at Brahmand Ghat. Carrying her pot, she entered into the waters of Shri Yamunaji. At the riverbank, in shallow water, she saw four divine forms. The Kshatrani asked, “Why do you, so supremely beautiful, reside in the water?” The four divine forms replied, “Take us to your home. In a few days, Shri Acharyaji will arrive. Then give us to him.”
Kshatrani replied, “I will first ask Shri Acharyaji at home, then I will bring you.” She filled her pot and quickly returned. Going to the temple, she prayed, “Maharaj! Four divine forms are at the bank of Shri Yamunaji. They say, ‘Bring us to your home.’ What is your command?” Shri Acharyaji said, “Go quickly and bring them.”
She then brought the four forms to the temple, adorned them with clothes, and offered bhog. By this it is shown that the Kshatrani’s attachment was towards serving Shri Acharyaji, not directly towards Bhagavad seva. Yet, Shri Thakurji himself, in the form of four divine images, came to her. Thus, when a Vaishnav’s affection is fixed on the service of Shri Acharyaji, Shri Thakurji himself manifests there without effort.
When Shri Acharyaji learned of this in Kashi, he went to Braj. From there he first went to Adel, and afterwards to Kada. In Kada lived a Kshatriya named Devakpur. His house was near Gadadhar’s.
One day, when Vaishnavs were taking Mahaprasad at Gadadhar’s house, Gadadhar was serving them. Devakpur’s house was slightly higher. From above, Devakpur saw Shri Thakurji himself sitting and eating alongside a Vaishnav. On seeing this, he fainted. Regaining awareness, he hurried to Gadadhar and asked, “Where have all the Vaishnavs gone?” Gadadhar replied, “They have taken Mahaprasad and gone to their homes.” Devakpur said, “Among your Vaishnavs I saw Shri Thakurji himself eating, and then I fainted. Now tell me, how can I again get darshan of Shri Thakurji?”
Gadadhar said, “You are most fortunate, for you have had darshan. Now where will you again get darshan?” Devakpur replied, “Please tell me some way. I surrender to you. If I can attain Shri Thakurji, then my whole life will be fulfilled.” Gadadhar said, “Go to the refuge of Shri Acharyaji. By his grace Vaishnavs get Shri Thakurji’s darshan. By his grace you too will receive it. At present, he has gone from Kashi, but in two or four days he will come here.”
From that day, Devakpur came daily to Gadadhar’s house asking when Shri Acharyaji would arrive. Forgetting all household work, he remained eager. After two or four days, Shri Acharyaji came to Kada. Devakpur came, bowed before him, and prayed, “Maharaj! Please give me your refuge.” Then Gadadhar told Shri Acharyaji the account of Devakpur, how he had seen Shri Thakurji eating among the Vaishnavs, and how he was now burning with longing. Shri Acharyaji understood, “He is a divine soul,” and was pleased. He gave him Naam initiation.
Then Devakpur asked, “Now what is your command for me?” Shri Acharyaji said, “Come with us to Braj. There, Shri Thakurji will be installed upon your head. You will serve him.” Devakpur’s wife remained at home, and Devakpur went along with Shri Acharyaji.
Afterwards, Shri Acharyaji came to Agra. There lived a Kshatriya named Gajandhavan. His father had much wealth and four sons. Gajjan was the youngest. Only his mother was alive in the house, no other women. His father once arranged for a Bhavai dance to be performed upon a boat. Gajjan, his three brothers, and fifty to sixty relatives and villagers were together on the boat. At midnight, suddenly the boat split apart, and all drowned. Only Gajjan caught hold of a piece of the boat, which drifted four kos down from Agra. In the morning, Gajjan came home and told his mother the news: “Father and brothers all drowned.” Gajjan’s mother then became a sati.
Thus, Gajjan remained alone. He gave up business. For two to four hours he would go sit by Shri Yamunaji, and then remain in his home. He did not speak much with others. In his heart, detachment arose. He thought, “Father and brothers all died, I too will die. What should I do? If the Lord gives grace, that is best.” In this way, he remained indifferent to everything.
Jiyadas Suri lived in Agra. Jiyadas had reached sixty years of age. In Agra, he held the office of Kotwal. He dispensed justice for the whole city of Agra.
One day, a quarrel came between a Brahmani and a Shudra. The Shudra had taken money from the Brahmani but did not return it. Then the Brahmani cried out for justice. The Shudra gave some rupees to Jiyadas and said, “Declare the Brahmani false.” Then Jiyadas, overcome by greed, declared the Brahmani false and wrote the judgment against her.
That Brahmani wailed in grief. Then leprosy spread all over Jiyadas’s body. Jiyadas reflected and came to understand: “I have falsely judged the Brahmani out of greed. Therefore, this work of Kotwali is extremely sinful.”
He gave up the post of Kotwal, called the Brahmani, and said: “Mother! Out of greed I falsely judged you in this way. So please take back your money with interest from me. Because of the sin of offending you, I have fallen into this condition.” Then he returned the Brahmani her money with interest and gave her ten more rupees of his own. The Brahmani began to give him many blessings.
Then Jiyadas renounced everything and went to sit by the bank of Shri Yamunaji. In the third quarter of the day, he would return home and eat and drink. After some days, Jiyadas’s body became well, and all the leprosy disappeared.
Later, one day, Gajjan was sitting on the bank of Shri Yamunaji. At that time, Jiyadas too came and sat nearby. Then they spoke with each other. Gajjan told his story: “My father and brothers all drowned and died. My mother became a sati. Therefore, detachment has come upon me.”
Then Jiyadas told his story: “I unjustly took money from a Brahmani. Because of this, my body was ruined. Then I came to knowledge. Now, if in any way I can attain God, it will be good.”
Then Gajjan said, “I too have this desire. But how can we meet God? Only by the grace of a great Mahapurush can one attain Him.” Jiyadas replied, “That is true. But we are great sinners! Where will we find a Mahapurush? Therefore, now we have taken refuge in God and in Shri Yamunaji. Whatever happens will happen.” In this way, both of them met daily and spoke together.
While they were living like this, Shri Acharyaji came to Agra. He was performing evening prayers on the bank of Shri Yamunaji. Just then, Gajjan and Jiyadas arrived and got Shri Acharyaji’s darshan. Then both of them said to each other, “This is a Mahapurush. We should take his refuge.”
Later, Gajjan asked Krishnadas Meghna, “Who is this?” Krishnadas Meghna replied, “This is Shri Vallabhacharyaji. In the South, at Kashi, he refuted Mayavada and revealed the path of devotion.”
Then Gajjan and Jiyadas both bowed down and prayed, “Maharaj! We are drowning in the ocean of worldly existence. Please take us into your refuge and deliver us.” Then Shri Acharyaji had them bathe in Shri Yamunaji and gave them Naam initiation.
Afterwards, Jiyadas said, “Maharaj! Please come to our house.” Shri Acharyaji went to Jiyadas’s house. Jiyadas had two sons, Purushottamdas and Chhabil Das. Shri Acharyaji gave them Naam initiation as well.
Later, Shri Acharyaji went to Gajjan’s house, which was empty. There he stayed, had the offerings prepared, and accepted the food. Shri Acharyaji gave Gajjan & Jiyadas the leftover food. Then Gajjan and Jiyadas prayed, “Maharaj! Now what is our duty?”
Shri Acharyaji said, “Come with us to Shri Gokul. There Shri Thakurji will be installed with you both, and you will serve Him.” Then Gajjan and Jiyadas went along with Shri Acharyaji. Devakpur from Kada also came along.
Narayandas Brahmachari lived in Mahavan. His father used to go to Mathura and bring livelihood from a Kshatriya there, and from that they sustained themselves.
One day, his father took Narayandas with him to Mathura. They went to the house of a Kshatriya and asked for something. The Kshatriya became angry and said: “Shame on you Brahmins! Every morning from your very birth you have lived by begging, yet your stomach is never filled. Have you never felt any shame for this?”
Hearing this, Narayandas felt deeply hurt. He returned to Mahavan. His father begged here and there and brought food, but Narayandas said, “Now never show me your face. I will not eat any alms brought by you.” His father tried to console him: “It is the duty of a Brahmin to beg. If we go to beg, sometimes there will be insults. If we do not beg, how will life go on?”
Narayandas replied, “Your duty may be to beg, so you do that. But I will not remain with you.” So he went and sat at Brahmand Ghat on the bank of Shri Yamunaji, living only on what came by itself. He recited Gayatri but did not speak with anyone.
Living like this, Narayandas’s father and mother passed away. After that, he returned home, and for wealth he tried many different methods, but could not obtain wealth. Then, as the Eleventh Canto speaks of the eight mystic siddhis, he practiced many methods for them as well, but none of the practices bore fruit. He gave up in despair.
Living in this way, he reached the age of forty. Then dispassion arose in him. He thought: “So many years have been wasted in pursuit of wealth. Now I will go to Mathura and perform austerities for God at the place where Dhruvji performed austerities.” So he went there and spent the whole day reciting Gayatri, and at night he drank only half a seer of milk. In this way, six months passed.
At that time, Shri Acharyaji came from Agra to Mathura. At Dhruv Ghat, while performing the midday prayers, he looked towards Narayandas. Then in Narayandas' mind arose the thought: “If I could become his sevak, then Shri Thakurji would show me grace.” So Narayandas bowed to Shri Acharyaji and prayed: “Maharaj! Please give me your grace and make me your sevak.”
Shri Acharyaji said: “You are a Brahmachari. Before, you made many efforts for wealth, but they did not succeed. Now you perform austerities for Shri Thakurji, and still you say you want to be a sevak? Why is this?”
Then Narayandas replied: “Maharaj! You are Purna Purushottam. You have told me everything about my life. Without your grace, Shri Thakurji is unattainable. Therefore, after wandering so much in vain, now if you cast your gracious glance upon me, then my heart has become fixed on becoming your sevak. Please show mercy and take me into refuge.”
Then Shri Acharyaji gave Narayandas Naam initiation. Narayandas then prayed: “Maharaj! Now what is our duty? Please give your command.” Shri Acharyaji said: “Come with us to Mahavan. Shri Thakurji will be installed upon your head. You will serve Him.” Then Narayandas said: “My home is in Mahavan. So please come there. And I have a niece, please make her also a sevak.”
So Shri Acharyaji went to Shri Gokul in the evening. He stayed there at night. In the morning, he went to Narayandas’s house in Mahavan and gave Naam initiation to Narayandas’s niece.
At that time, in Mahavan, the four divine forms said to the Kshatrani: “Shri Acharyaji has come to Narayandas’s house. Take us there.”
Prasang 1 – Four Divine Forms Bestowed on the Vaishnavs
Once, while Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu was performing the circumambulation of the earth, he came to Mahavan. At that time, the Kshatrani had obtained four divine forms from Shri Yamunaji at Brahmand Ghat. She brought those four divine forms and placed them before Shri Acharyaji.
Then Shri Acharyaji placed the four divine forms upon the heads of four Vaishnavs:
Shri Navneetpriyaji was placed upon the head of Gajjan Dhavan.
Shri Gokulchandramaji was placed upon the head of Narayandas.
Shri Ladilesji was placed upon the head of Jiyadas Suri, the Kshatriya.
Shri Lalittribhangiji was placed upon the head of Devakpur.
And to the four Vaishnavs Shri Acharyaji said: “These are my everything. They have been installed with you. So serve them with love and devotion, properly and in the right way. And if you are unable to serve, then install them in my home.” Then he explained the method of seva to the four.
Afterwards, Shri Acharyaji said to Devakpur and Jiyadas: “Take them home and install them. Gajjan will come later.” Then Jiyadas came home to Agra and began seva. His story will be told further in his varta. Devakpur came to Kada, and the method of his seva will be told in Devakpur’s varta. The method of seva was also told to Narayandas, who performed it. This has already been described earlier in Narayandas’s varta.
Prasang 2 – Shri Navneetpriyaji’s Festival at Gokul
Now Shri Acharyaji, taking Gajjan and Shri Navneetpriyaji along with him, came to Shri Gokul. With him were also Damodardas Harsani and Krishnadas. They came to Shri Gokul. It was early morning, the very day of Janmashtami.
A great festival was celebrated at Shri Gokul. A pot of curd was hung, and the festival of Dadhikada was performed. Shri Navneetpriyaji was placed in a cradle. On one side Damodardas Harsani held it. On the other side Krishnadas Meghna held it. Gajjan danced. Shri Acharyaji rocked the cradle. It was as if Nandarai, Yashodaji, the devotees of Braj, the gopas and gopis all manifested the divine play of Nandalaya. The servants were made to experience this divine lila.
Afterwards, Shri Acharyaji installed Shri Navneetpriyaji with Gajjan and then sent him back to Agra. So Gajjan returned to Agra and performed seva. The account of Gajjan’s seva has already been told earlier in his varta.
Later, Shri Acharyaji again went on his circumambulation of the earth. That Kshatrani was indeed such a worthy recipient of Shri Acharyaji’s grace. She had deep, firm devotion in the seva of Shri Acharyaji. The four forms had come to her from the beginning itself, but her affection and attachment was for the seva of Shri Acharyaji. Therefore, her varta is profound. It has not been revealed in much detail.
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