84 Vaishnav Varta 31 - Jagannath Joshi

Now, the sevak of Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu, Jagannath Joshi of Kheralu, his Varta is expressed in sentiment –

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The way he attained shelter is explained further in the Varta of his mother.

Prasang 1 – Shri Thakurji Rejects the Offering

One day Jagannath Joshi adorned Shri Thakurji with ornaments, dressed Him in fine clothes, and after arranging the Rajbhog platter, placed the offering before Shri Thakurji. Then he came outside. At that moment, a thought came into Jagannath Joshi’s mind – “Thakurji is wearing the clothes and ornaments. So, the platter will get touched.”

Shri Thakurji understood the thought of Jagannath Joshi’s mind. So, Shri Thakurji kicked the platter with His foot and threw it down from the table. Then Jagannath Joshi again prepared the items, washed the platter, washed the table, and placed it. Again, Shri Thakurji kicked it down from the table. Then Jagannath Joshi once more prepared the items, washed the platter and the table, and placed it. Then again Shri Thakurji kicked it down from the table. Then once more he prepared the items and placed them in the same way. Then again Shri Thakurji kicked it and threw it down.

By the fourth time, Jagannath Joshi became very tired. He began to bow his head low and thought, “What offense has occurred, that as many times as I place the platter, Shri Thakurji throws it down? The items are not being accepted.” Thinking this in his mind, a great feeling of restlessness and humility arose in him.

Then Shri Thakurji said, “If you are afraid that the platter will be touched, then why do you place it before Me?” Hearing this, Jagannath Joshi rubbed his nose on the ground and made many requests: “Maharaj! I made a mistake. Now please forgive my offense. I did not know anything.” In this way, he pleaded greatly.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The meaning here is that Shri Acharyaji has said in Shri Subodhini – if in the divine play of Shri Thakurji, one maintains two types of feelings towards the form of Shri Thakurji, then Shri Thakurji becomes displeased.

One is the feeling of impossibility (asambhav-bhav). Another is the opposite feeling (vipreet-bhav). The feeling of impossibility is like thinking – “Shri Thakurji plays with others. How can Thakurji accept food in the house of a lowly caste? If touched by Shri Thakurji, the food will be defiled. Why did He eat without bathing after meeting people of the Ahir caste? Shri Thakurji has some disease. How will Shri Thakurji daily accept such a vast amount of food at Annakut? Shri Thakurji has now become old. Why did Shri Thakurji perform this pastime?”

Such various types of false reasoning should not be applied to the Lord. That is why, in Purushottam Sahasranam it is said – “Tarkagocara Karyakrit” – the works of the Lord are beyond reasoning. The works of the Lord are beyond logic. They do not fall within the grasp of anyone’s intellect or arguments. He is fully capable of doing, not doing, or doing otherwise.

This is the feeling of impossibility. An opposite feeling is, for example – “A smell comes from Shri Thakurji’s mouth, so he should be made to chew betel or brush His teeth. One should economize for Him. Braj is eighty-four kos, how can He roam the entire land in one day? There are so many cows, how can all of them be milked? Earlier He appeared in Braj, but now where is He in Braj? Nowhere does He appear. Lowly things like carrots, radishes, watermelons, etc. have been manifested by Thakurji Himself – what fault is there in offering them? How can Shri Thakurji enjoy with all the Gopis together?” And so on – these kinds of opposite feelings arise.

However, in Jagannath Joshi’s case, it was from his simple nature. That is why Shri Thakurji spoke and said, “If you fear that the platter will be touched, then do not place it before Me.” Then his offense was forgiven, and he considered himself ignorant.

Thus, it is shown that from impossibility-feelings and opposite-feelings, Shri Thakurji becomes displeased. This should not be done.

Prasang 2 – Shri Thakurji Accepts Hot Kheer

Jagannath Joshi offered hot kheer to Shri Thakurji. In this way, Shri Thakurji ate the hot kheer. After some days, Shri Acharyaji came to the village of Kheralu at the house of Jagannath Joshi. Then he saw the lips and tongue of Shri Thakurji very red. Then Shri Acharyaji asked Shri Thakurji, “Baba! Why are your lips and tongue very red?” Then Shri Thakurji said, “Jagannath Joshi offers me hot kheer, so I eat it.”

Then Shri Acharyaji said to Jagannath Joshi, “Why do you offer hot kheer to Shri Thakurji?” Then Jagannath Joshi said, “Maharaj! We know that he eats hot food, so we offer it.” Then Shri Acharyaji said, “Do not offer kheer that is too hot. Put your finger in it and test it. If your finger can bear it, then place the offering. And if other food is hot, do not worry about offering it.” From then on, Jagannath Joshi began to check the kheer by dipping his finger before offering.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Here a doubt may arise – why did Shri Thakurji eat hot food? Why didn't he tell Jagannath Joshi? The reason is that from the day Jagannath Joshi developed the impossibility-feeling (asambhav bhav) in his mind about the platter being touched, from that day Shri Thakurji did not show many experiences. He ate only out of affection.

Prasang 3 – The Incident of Jwari Dhokla

And one time, Jagannath Joshi set out to have darshan of Shri Acharyaji. On the way, the day of Annakut came. Then Jagannath Joshi asked one sevak of Shri Acharyaji, a Mathur – “Go to the village and bring the best items available – lentils, rice, ghee, sugar, etc.” So that Vaishnav went to a village. That village was small. Only jwari (sorghum) was found. Nothing else was available. He came back and told Jagannath Joshi, “Only jwari is found in this village, nothing else. The village is small.” Then Jagannath Joshi said, “It is God’s will. Bring jwari.”

Then the Vaishnav brought the jwari. Then Jagannath Joshi said, “Clean it well by winnowing and pounding.” So that Vaishnav carefully cleaned the jwari and brought it. Then Jagannath Joshi placed it on the fire in water. Then Vaishnav said, “This jwari husk, tie it with water and keep it above, then with steam the dhokla will be prepared quickly.” So Jagannath Joshi tied it and placed it above.

When the jwari began to boil and bubble, then that husk dhokla fell into the jwari. So everything mixed together. When Jagannath Joshi saw this, he felt much sorrow in his mind. Then he accepted it as God’s will, and offered it as it was, received Mahaprasad, and later slept.

Then Shri Thakurji said to Jagannath Joshi, “The husk dhokla is troubling my stomach.” Then Jagannath Joshi offered ajwain, salt, etc. Then Shri Thakurji said, “Now my stomach is relieved.” Then Jagannath Joshi felt great regret in his mind – “Today Shri Thakurji suffered greatly.” From that day, whenever he traveled, he stopped at a good village.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The meaning of this Varta is that Jagannath Joshi had a very simple nature. Then Shri Thakurji was pleased. Earlier, when the impossibility-feeling about the platter being touched came in ignorance, Shri Thakurji had become displeased. He did not speak much. But Jagannath Joshi’s nature was simple, without false reasoning, without scholarly arguments. Whatever came simply to his mind, nothing more. Therefore, Shri Thakurji, knowing his simple nature, was pleased. To show affection, He said, “My stomach is troubled.” Then Jagannath Joshi, out of great love, felt pain in his mind. He offered ajwain and salt. Then Shri Thakurji became very pleased with him and said, “Now my stomach is relieved.” Then Jagannath Joshi’s sorrow was removed.

If he had been clever in knowledge, he would have argued – “How can Shri Thakurji’s stomach ache? He is God.” But Jagannath Joshi was straightforward and guileless in devotion. Therefore, Shri Thakurji was again pleased. This shows that when one’s heart has love and a simple nature, then even if offenses occur, Shri Thakurji bestows grace. His favor does not turn away.

Prasang 4 – The Garland and the Rajput

And one time, after Jagannath Joshi completed the offering at his home, he opened the doors of the temple. At that time, darshan was happening. Then Jagannath Joshi was fanning Shri Thakurji. At that time, one Garasia Rajput came for darshan. He was seeing. And ten to fifteen other Vaishnavs were also seeing. Then one simple woman brought a flower garland and threw it from a distance upon Shri Thakurji. It fell upon the throne of Shri Thakurji.

Then Jagannath Joshi became very angry. He took the garland and threw it outside. Then it fell upon the neck of another Rajput. Then Garasia Rajput thought in his mind, “If Joshi did not give the garland to me. If I am a true Rajput – I will strike Jagannath Joshi at his place.” So he began roaming with a sword, seeking an opportunity to strike.

One day, Jagannath Joshi was returning from outside the village after cleaning his teeth. Garasia Rajput came from behind and struck his sword upon Jagannath Joshi. Then Shri Thakurji, from behind, caught the Rajput’s hand in the air and said, “Do not strike him.” Then Rajput struggled greatly, but his hand remained held up. It did not move.

Then Jagannath Joshi turned back and saw Shri Thakurji standing there, weary! Then Jagannath Joshi said, “Wicked sinner! What have you done?” Then Rajput dropped his sword and fell upon the feet of Jagannath Joshi.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Why? Because the Rajput realized, “These are great souls. My hand did not move.” Then he dropped the sword and fell at his feet. Then he said, “Forgive my offense.” He pleaded greatly. But Jagannath Joshi did not release him quickly. He said, “Make me your sevak. You are of God, I am sinful. By your grace, I will be saved. Otherwise, I have no refuge.” Then compassion arose in Jagannath Joshi. He said, “Come home. I will give you the Name.” Then, coming home, he bathed himself, and after bathing that Rajput, gave him the Name.

Later, when Shri Gusainji came to Gujarat, Jagannath Joshi presented the Rajput before him and had the Name given. Thus he became a good Vaishnav. He was uplifted.

So, when someone associates with the devotees out of love, his upliftment happens. What more can be said? And in the temple, when Jagannath Joshi became angry before Shri Thakurji and threw the garland outside, that anger was a form of impurity. That offense happened. To remove that fault, through Rajput's sword-attack, the offense was cleared. Then to deliver that Rajput, his mind was turned, and he fell at the feet of Jagannath Joshi.

That Rajput was not of the divine play relation. He was a qualified soul for liberation. Why? Because it is said in Ras Panchadhyayi: “Kāmam krodham bhayam sneham aikyam sauhrdam eva cha” – through lust, anger, fear, love, union, or friendship with Shri Krishna, liberation happens. So through anger, that Rajput attained liberation.

Therefore, Jagannath Joshi was such a blessed devotee, beloved of Shri Acharyaji.

Jagannath Joshi’s Mother

Prasang 1 – The Two Sons of Jagannath Joshi’s Mother

Now, they speak of the devotion of Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu’s sevak, the mother of Jagannath Joshi, who lived in Kheralu. She had two sons. Among them, the elder son was Narhari Joshi and the younger was Jagannath Joshi.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): In the divine play, the mother was a companion of Shri Swaminiji. Her name was Chhabisindhi. Chhabisindhi had two friends—one named Gandharekha and the other named Saurabhi. The mother was the form of Chhabisindhi, Narhari Joshi was the manifestation of Gandharekha, and Jagannath Joshi was the manifestation of Saurabhi. Their father was very wicked. He did not respect any saints, sages, scholars, Brahmins, or Vaishnavas. If any came to the village, he would trouble them. At night he would have thefts committed and would loot people. Thus, he was hostile to the path of God.

Once, Shri Acharyaji traveled from Adel to Dwarka. After some days, he came to the village of Kheralu in Gujarat. He stopped in a garden outside the village. There, the mother of Jagannath Joshi came to fetch water. At that time, Shri Acharyaji was speaking on the story of Shri Subodhiniji to the wives of yajna-performers. That woman listened and became very pleased. She then prayed to Shri Acharyaji and said, “Maharaj! Please make me your sevak. Do not stay here. My husband is very wicked. If he comes to know, he will have theft committed at night and will loot.”

Then Shri Acharyaji said, “Where will he loot? As soon as he hears, people will say, ‘Shri Acharyaji has come to the garden.’ He is a divine soul, but how can I give you refuge now? Your husband is an enemy of dharma. In five years he will die. You will have two sons. After your husband dies, come to Adel. I will make you my sevak. Right now, it is not proper to make you a sevak.”

The woman bowed, filled her water pot, and went home. Shri Acharyaji stayed three nights in Kheralu, but the woman’s husband did not hear about it, so he did not come. After that, Shri Acharyaji went to Shri Dwarka to have darshan of Shri Ranchhodji.

Afterwards, the woman became pregnant, and within a year Narhari Joshi was born. In the third year, Jagannath Joshi was born. When five years had passed, one day a sanyasi scholar came to Kheralu. He had discussions with all the Brahmins. That night, the father of Jagannath Joshi went to loot that sanyasi. The sanyasi had an axe with him, and with it he struck him. The sanyasi became frightened and ran away. In the morning, people came to know, and the local Brahmins together performed his funeral rites.

Then that woman remembered the words of Shri Acharyaji, who had himself said, “You will have two sons, and your husband will die in five years.” This all came true. She thought, “Now I should go to Adel after completing my pilgrimage and become Shri Acharyaji’s sevak and be fulfilled. Now there is no obstacle for me.”

She handed over the house to her trusted relative, left both sons in the house, and as she had much wealth, she kept some in the house and took some with her. She went to Tirtharaj Prayag to bathe, loading her things in a cart, and then traveled from Gujarat. After some days, she reached Prayag, bathed, performed some charity and good deeds, and then came to Adel. She bowed to Shri Acharyaji and prayed, “Maharaj! All that you said has come true. I had two sons, my husband died, and now I have no obstacles. Therefore, you are truly Purushottam. Please give me refuge. My entire life has gone in vain.”

Then after she bathed in Shri Yamunaji, Shri Achariyaji offered her name submission, and said, “Perform Bhagavad seva.” The woman then said to Shri Acharyaji, “Please grant me seva. I will do seva.” Shri Acharyaji said, “Go to Prayag and bring a Bhagavad form.” The woman went to Prayag, where at a potter’s house there was a Shri Thakurji. She offered some gifts and brought Shri Thakorji. Shri Acharyaji bathed the form with Panchamrit and placed Him on the woman’s head. After some days of staying with Shri Acharyaji and learning the ways of Pushtimarg, she was sent back. She returned to Gujarat and began seva with devotion and affection, offering service with love. After some time, Shri Thakurji began to reveal His grace.

Later, both her sons, Narhari Joshi and Jagannath Joshi, grew up. The mother said to them, “Go to Adel, become the sevaks of Shri Acharyaji, and perform Bhagavad seva. Also, take this mohur (gold coin) as my offering, and offer it with my bowing. Know Shri Acharyaji as the true Purushottam.”

Then Narhari Joshi and Jagannath Joshi left Gujarat. They had a hollow bamboo stick in which they placed the mohur. After some days, they reached Adel and asked, “Where is Shri Vallabhacharyaji?” They were told He had gone to Purushottampuri for the darshan of Shri Jagannathji. The two brothers thought, “If we return home, our mother will be displeased, saying, ‘Why did you come without becoming sevaks?’ So let us go to Purushottampuri.”

They went and, on arriving, asked, “Where does Shri Acharyaji reside here?” A Vaishnav met them and told them. They came and had darshan of Shri Acharyaji. Shri Acharyaji asked them, “Is your mother well?” Both were amazed and astonished, thinking, “We have never met Shri Acharyaji before. What our mother said, that Shri Acharyaji is the very Lord Himself, is true.” The brothers replied, “By your grace, Maharaj, she is well.” Shri Acharyaji then asked, “Have you had darshan of Shri Jagannathji?” The brothers said, “Maharaj! We have not yet had darshan. We came directly to you.” Shri Acharyaji said, “Go and have darshan.”

The two brothers went and had darshan of Shri Jagannathji, where they saw Shri Acharyaji standing beside Shri Jagannathrayaji. They thought, “Perhaps we have taken a different path and this is another way.” They quickly returned, but when they came back, they saw Shri Acharyaji seated again. They were bewildered. Shri Acharyaji asked, “Did you have darshan of Shri Jagannathrayaji?” They replied, “Yes, Maharaj, we had darshan.” Shri Acharyaji then asked, “Has your doubt been removed?” They both prayed, “Maharaj! We are ignorant. It was wrong of us to doubt. You are truly Purushottam.” Then Shri Acharyaji said, “Your mother has sent an offering of one mohur. Offer it.”

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The two brothers had not brought the mohur as an offering, thinking, “If He is truly God, He will ask for it.” When Shri Acharyaji asked, their faith became firm. They then placed the mohur as an offering and prayed, “Maharaj! Please show your grace and make us your sevaks.” Shri Acharyaji told them, “Go and bathe, then return.” After bathing, Shri Acharyaji offered their name submission. They stayed for some days, had darshan of Shri Acharyaji, and then were sent off.

The two brothers returned to their home in Kheralu and told their mother everything: “We were ignorant, but Shri Acharyaji revealed His greatness to us and removed our doubts.” The mother replied, “I had already told you that Shri Acharyaji is the complete Purushottam. Why did you doubt it?”

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Shri Acharyaji revealed His greatness to the two brothers so that simple-hearted and innocent Vaishnavas would not be led astray. If they saw the greatness of some other path or someone performing some wonders, they should not waver. Therefore, Shri Acharyaji made His greatness firm in their hearts. Now, all worldly and Vedic concerns appeared trivial to them. For the sake of their firm conviction, so much greatness was shown.

Afterwards, by their mother’s command, they began to do seva. Thus, their mother was such a blessed devotee, graced by Shri Acharyaji. Therefore, her story is told up to this point.

Jagannath Joshi’s elder brother Narhari Joshi

Now, they speak of the devotion of Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu’s sevak, Narhari Joshi, the elder brother of Jagannath Joshi; they narrate his account.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): His supernatural form in the divine play has already been described earlier in the account of his mother.

Prasang 1 – The Boy Who Asked with Outstretched Hand

So, once Narhari Joshi set out to have the darshan of Shri Jagannathrayaji and, for the sake of Shri Acharyaji’s darshan, went to Purushottampuri. When he had gone beyond Patna, he halted at a stage on the way. He bathed and prepared the items, and made roti with dal. He offered bhog to Shri Thakurji. At that time, from a tree a boy of about twelve or ten years, very beautiful, came before Narhari Joshi and stretched out his hand to ask. Then Narhari Joshi was amazed, thinking, “Who is this?” Afterwards, taking the bhog down, he placed two rotis with dal on top on a leaf-plate and gave them into that boy’s hand. Then that boy climbed up that very tree. He became invisible. Then, when Narhari Joshi looked again, there was no boy on the tree. 

The next day, again he reached another stage on the way and halted. He bathed, cooked, and placed the bhog. Then again the boy came down from the tree and came before Narhari Joshi and stretched out his hand to ask. Then Narhari Joshi reflected in his mind that if it were some delusion, it should not be given. Thinking this, Narhari Joshi did not give anything. He took out a portion for the cow from the bhog placed down, and he himself sat to take the mahaprasad. Then Shri Thakurji, in the guise of a boy just as before, climbed that tree, became invisible, went home, and said to Jagannath Joshi, “I went to Narhari Joshi, stretched out my hand, and asked yesterday and today. Yesterday he gave two rotis and dal. Today he did not give anything. So I came back.” Then Jagannath Joshi wrote down that month and that date, saying, “When Narhari Joshi comes, then I will ask.” 

So Narhari Joshi reached Purushottampuri and there had the darshan of Shri Acharyaji. Afterwards, having the darshan of Shri Jagannathrayaji, he stayed there for some days and then departed from there. In a few days he came to his own home in Kheralu. Then Jagannath Joshi asked Narhari Joshi for all the news of Shri Acharyaji. So Narhari Joshi told everything: that the refutation of Mayavada had been done, and that He was residing in great excellence. Then Jagannath Joshi asked Narhari Joshi, “On such-and-such day, who came to ask from you and you did not give?” Then Narhari Joshi said, “When I went beyond Patna, on the first day a boy of a year ten came before me, stretched out his hand, and asked, so I placed two rotis with dal on top and gave them into that boy’s hand. Then he climbed up the tree and I did not see him again. Afterwards, on the second stage, again that boy came from the tree. Then I reflected that if it were a delusion, it would not be proper to give. And if it were the Bhagavad form, how could I give mahaprasad? Thinking this, I did not give anything. Then that boy climbed the tree and became invisible. Thus, a doubt arose in my mind; therefore, on the second day I did not give.” 

Then Jagannath Joshi said, “You did wrong. It was Shri Thakurji Himself who came and stretched out His hand to ask. You did not give, so you did not do well. And when we both first went to Shri Jagannathji for Shri Acharyaji’s darshan, our mother gave one mohur as an offering. We hid it. This very doubt arose in us, that if He is God, then Shri Acharyaji will ask for it. He asked for the mohur. And in the temple of Shri Jagannathrayaji too He gave darshan. And at home also He gave a time-bounded darshan and removed our doubt. We are sevaks of such a Purushottam Shri Acharyaji; a delusion does not come near. You took it to be a delusion—that was not good. By Shri Acharyaji’s command, Shri Thakurji, out of grace, asks from us and from you.” Then Narhari Joshi’s doubt went away.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The intent of this account is that grace came upon Jagannath Joshi as soon as he became a sevak. So his mind became attached to Shri Thakurji. And in Narhari Joshi’s mind there was this much sense of worthiness: “I am the elder brother, Jagannath Joshi is the younger brother. Therefore I understand much.” Thus, although Shri Thakurji revealed His own form—coming as a boy from the tree and asking—still Narhari Joshi did not recognize Shri Thakurji. Then Shri Thakurji spoke to Jagannath Joshi. He did not speak to Narhari Joshi. Afterwards, when they came home, Jagannath Joshi said, “Why did you doubt? You did wrong in not giving it to Shri Thakurji.” Hearing this, the pride of Narhari Joshi was humbled: “I did not recognize Shri Thakurji. Jagannath Joshi is greatly a recipient of grace.” In this way, considering himself low, he performed seva. From that day, just as Shri Thakurji used to reveal affectionate favor to Jagannath Joshi, so He began to reveal affectionate favor to Narhari Joshi also. Therefore, a Vaishnav should not consider another to be small and should not consider his own worthiness. He should consider all Vaishnavas to be greater than himself. Then Shri Thakurji bestows grace. This principle was made manifest.

Prasang 2 – Mahidhar and Phoolbai Become Vaishnavas

And once Narhari Joshi went to the village of Aliyana in Gujarat. There was Narhari Joshi’s yajman there. His name was Mahidhar. And Mahidhar had a sister named Phoolbai. To her, Narhari Joshi said, “Become Shri Gusainji’s sevak. Become a Vaishnav, then our meeting will remain.” Then Mahidhar and Phoolbai said, “That is very good. Invite Shri Gusainji. We will become sevaks. By your grace, if we become Vaishnavs, our birth will be fruitful.” In this way, they became pleased.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Why? Both are divine souls, companions of Shri Chandrawaliji in the divine play. In the lila, Mahidhar’s name is “Kurangakshi.” And Phoolbai’s name is “Chapalanaini.” They are very beautiful. Their eyes are supremely beautiful. So pride of beauty arose in their minds. Therefore, by Shri Chandrawaliji’s curse, they manifested on earth. This is a connection from a prior lila. Therefore, as soon as Mahidhar was to be married, his wife died. His mother and father also died. Only these two—Mahidhar and Phoolbai—remained. The father’s wealth was great. So, when becoming Vaishnavs was mentioned, the brother and sister became very pleased.

Afterwards they said, “Quickly invite Shri Gusainji.” Then Narhari Joshi came to Kheralu and wrote a letter of humble request to Shri Gusainji. In it he wrote, “If you graciously come to Gujarat, many lives will be uplifted.” Then Shri Gusainji came. He stayed in Kheralu at the house of Jagannath Joshi. Then Narhari Joshi went to the village of Aliyana and said to Mahidhar and Phoolbai, “Congratulations. Shri Gusainji has come to the village of Kheralu, to the house of Jagannath Joshi.” Then Phoolbai said to Mahidhar, “What should we do now?” Then Mahidhar said to Phoolbai, “Sister! Do not worry. I will make a khichri of rupees and mohurs, offer it as nyochhavari to Shri Gusainji, and bring Him to our home.”

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Here it is shown: “If I make such a great nyochhavari, then what doubt can the mind have?”

Hearing this, Phoolbai and Narhari Joshi became very pleased in their hearts, thinking, “Mahidhar’s love is indeed good.” Afterwards, they came to Kheralu. Narhari Joshi, Mahidhar, and Phoolbai bowed and, with humble prayer, brought Him to the village of Aliyana. Then Shri Gusainji came. So Mahidhar and Phoolbai made a khichri of rupees and mohurs, offered it upon Shri Gusainji as nyochhavari, and—amidst plundering (distribution), many instruments, music, and so on—brought Him into the house. Afterwards, Mahidhar and Phoolbai bathed and had name-submission performed. In their house, first there was Shri Thakurji, and according to the path of maryada they used to worship Shri Lalji. So Shri Gusainji gave Shri Thakurji a Panchamrit bath and seated Him on a mat. He placed Him on the heads of Mahidhar and Phoolbai. Mahidhar and Phoolbai made many offerings to Shri Gusainji and, with affection, kept Him in their house for five days. They learned all the ways of Pushtimarg. Afterwards, Shri Gusainji went to Dwarka. Then Mahidhar and Phoolbai made a humble request to Narhari Joshi, saying, “By your grace we became Vaishnavs. Now our new birth has occurred. Shri Gusainji has bestowed grace.”

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Such is the company of a Vaishnav. “Ardrikarana-tva”—when a wet cloth touches a dry cloth, the dry one also becomes wet. In the same way, by the company of a Vaishnav, one becomes a Vaishnav. Just as, by the company of Giriraj, Bhagavad-rasa arose for the Pulindi. Therefore, above all is such a company.

Afterwards, Narhari Joshi took leave of the brother and sister and came to his own village, Kheralu. Then Narhari Joshi said to Jagannath Joshi, “The love of Mahidhar and Phoolbai cannot be described, how good Vaishnavs they have become.” Then Jagannath Joshi said, “Upon whom Shri Gusainji bestows grace becomes Bhagavadiya—what is there to say of that? Afterwards, did they begin to do seva?”

Prasang 3 – The Fire in Aliyana and the Saving of the House

Then, after some days, a fire broke out in the village of Aliyana. In the morning, at that time, Narhari Joshi had gone outside the village of Kheralu to the tank to perform bodily functions, performed his daily duties, and, placing flowers and tulsi in a flower-basket, with them in his hand, was coming home. At that time, Narhari Joshi came to know that a great fire had broken out in the village of Aliyana. So he reflected in his mind, “Now Mahidhar and Phoolbai have newly become Vaishnavs. If their house is burned, then they will say, ‘We became Vaishnavs; therefore, this calamity has occurred.’ Such a thought will come into their minds, and their dharma will be lost. It will be spoiled.” Thinking this, he looked for a good piece of ground, placed the tulsi branches on the earth, took water with a strainer, made a circle of water around, and sprinkled water. When the fire in the village of Aliyana was extinguished, he saved Mahidhar and Phoolbai’s house. Afterwards, Narhari Joshi took flowers and tulsi and came to his home. After some days, Narhari Joshi went to Mahidhar’s house in Aliyana village. Then Mahidhar and Phoolbai said to Narhari Joshi, “There was great disturbance of fire here. By the grace of Shri Gusainji, our house was saved. Because we became Vaishnavs, it was saved; otherwise, who knows what would have happened?” Then Narhari Joshi said, “Shri Gusainji is supremely compassionate. He has always been protecting Vaishnavs as a shadow. Therefore, for a Vaishnav there is always welfare.” 

In this way, having given assurance to the brother and sister, afterwards he took leave and came to his own home in Kheralu. Then the two brothers arrived for seva at home and sat. Then Narhari Joshi said to Jagannath Joshi, “One day a fire broke out in the village of Aliyana. Then in the morning I was returning after performing my daily duties at the tank. Flowers and tulsi branches were in my hands. When I came to know that there was a fire in the village of Aliyana, I placed the tulsi branches on the earth, took water with a strainer, and made a circle of water around the tulsi; by that I saved the house of Mahidhar and Phoolbai.” Then to Narhari Joshi, Jagannath Joshi said, “By so much insistence you caused Shri Thakurji to take the trouble; that is not proper. This is not the way of our path. And who are we to save? Shri Thakurji is endowed with all power. He performs all the lila.” Then Narhari Joshi said to Jagannath Joshi, “I did not insist upon Shri Thakurji. It came into my mind that Mahidhar and Phoolbai have just now become Vaishnavs. If a disturbance of fire should occur in their house, then a thought may come into their minds, ‘We have just now become Vaishnavs, and now a fire has broken out.’ Then their love on this path would decrease. Then there would be an obstacle in their attainment of Bhagavan. Now firm faith has arisen in them toward Shri Gusainji and in Pushtimarg—that because they became Vaishnavs, they were saved. For the sake of this firmness I did this much. I have no other purpose.” Then the two brothers laughed and were silent. The Lord is very playful. All happens by His wish. These—Narhari Joshi, Shri Jagannath Joshi, and their mother—these three are greatly Bhagavadiya. They may do as they wish. By their company, firm faith in Shri Thakurji arose for Mahidhar and Phoolbai. They began to do seva with love. Afterwards, in a few days, Shri Thakurji began to reveal affectionate favor to Mahidhar and Phoolbai. Therefore, where can their account be brought to an end? The accounts of Narhari Joshi, Jagannath Joshi, and their mother are to be known as one.