84 Vaishnav Varta 38 - Vasudevdas Chhakda

Now, the sevak of Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu, Vasudevdas Chhakda, a Saraswat Brahmin, resident of Singhanand – their story is being narrated.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Vasudevdas was the chief attendant of Shri Nandrayaji. Wherever Nandrayaji went, Vasudevdas carried his clothes and vessels along with him. In the divine play, his name is “Mansukha.” Vasudevdas was born in Singhanand in the house of a Saraswat Brahmin. That Saraswat had much wealth. When Vasudevdas was thirteen years old, the ruler imposed a penalty in Singhanand and collected from everyone. A fine of two thousand was laid upon the father of Vasudevdas. Then Vasudevdas said to his father, “Why should we give the ruler’s fine? We will fight the ruler.” Then the father of Vasudevdas said, “How will we fight the ruler?” Then Vasudevdas said, “This matter I have understood. Tell me about it.”

Then four of the ruler’s soldiers came. Vasudevdas said to them, “Why should we give the fine? Tell the ruler, if he wants to fight, then we will fight. But we will not give the fine.” Then those four soldiers began to abuse him saying, “We will catch you and take you.” Then Vasudevdas snatched their weapons and gave them such a push that all four fell far away. Afterwards they went and complained to the ruler, “Vasudevdas the Brahmin beat us and snatched away our weapons. He also said he will fight the ruler.” Then the ruler became filled with anger and sent forty soldiers. And he ordered, “At once, bind that Brahmin and bring him.”

When Vasudevdas saw the forty soldiers approaching, he rushed among them. He snatched someone’s turban, someone’s weapon, struck someone with his fist, kicked someone else, and made all fall to the ground. He tied their weapons with turbans, five or ten in one bundle, and brought all the weapons home. Then all of them went and cried before the ruler, “He is just a thirteen or fourteen-year-old boy, but he has snatched our weapons and tied all of us. Therefore, this boy is not a human being, but some deity. Therefore, be cautious.” Then the ruler sent five or six good men with him. And in his heart, the ruler himself became afraid.

In front of the gate in the lane, a cart was placed crosswise, blocking the path. On that cart was placed a stone slab weighing a thousand mans. The ruler, with twenty soldiers, sat armed. When Vasudevdas saw those five or six soldiers, he tied a cloth around his waist, took a big stick, entirely covered in iron, weighing two mans. He took it and ran into the middle of the soldiers, swinging the stick. In one swing, fifty to sixty soldiers fell one upon another. Just like the wheel of a potter spins, in ten to fifteen turns he made them all fall. Then Vasudevdas, filled with the fury of anger, ran where the ruler was. He saw the cart with the stone of a thousand mans and with one hand pushed it and lifted it. The cart and the stones fell scattered here and there. The cart broke into pieces, and there was great noise of the falling stones. Then the ruler with his twenty soldiers fled and jumped into the Saraswati River and ran far away. Then Vasudevdas tore down the ruler’s platform and returned to his home.

Later that night, the ruler returned home and called two or four good men of Singhanand, sarrafs and merchants, and said to them, “Go to the house of Vasudevdas and make peace. If I made a mistake, you take the fine from me. Now you tell me—shall I continue to rule here or shall I go to another village? From today onward, I will never say anything to you.” Then those men told Vasudevdas all the words of the ruler. Then Vasudevdas said, “What do we have to do with the ruler? Let him stay.” Then the ruler remained. The next day the ruler himself came to Vasudevdas and said, “You are not a human being, you are some deity. Please have mercy on me. If you need any work done, tell me. And you lifted that cart and threw it away. From that day, all the people of the village began calling him Vasudevdas Chhakda (Cart).”

So Vasudevdas’ pride increased greatly, and he would not care for anyone in the village. If someone abused him, all remained silent. At one time Shri Acharyaji came to Thaneswar. Krishnadas Meghan was bathing in the Saraswati River, and by fortune Vasudevdas also came to bathe from Singhanand. Vasudevdas splashed water which fell upon Krishnadas Meghan. Then Krishnadas Meghan said, “Who are you? You came sprinkling? Therefore bathe properly from a distance. Everyone’s splashes fall upon you.” Hearing these words of Krishnadas, Vasudevdas raised his hand to strike him. But with the strength of Shri Acharyaji’s grace, Krishnadas Meghan held both hands of Vasudevdas. 

Vasudevdas tried with much strength, but his hands did not become free. Then he accepted defeat in his heart. Afterwards he asked, “Who are you?” Then Krishnadas Meghan said, “I am a sevak of Shri Vallabhacharyaji, who is the manifest Purushottam Himself.” Afterwards Krishnadas Meghan asked, “Who are you?” Then Vasudevdas said, “I am a Saraswat Brahmin. I had great pride in my heart that none is equal in strength to me. I defeated the ruler along with five hundred soldiers, and I lifted a cart of a thousand mans. But my hands you held easily, and even with much effort they did not become free. Therefore, such is your influence. Then how great must your Master be? Therefore, I will go with you and have darshan of Shri Acharyaji.”

Then Krishnadas released his hands. Both bathed and went before Shri Acharyaji. Then Shri Acharyaji said to Damodardas, “See, Damla! One whose hand is held by a devotee of the Lord, he is lifted across the world. Krishnadas easily held the hand of Vasudevdas – what can be said about his fortune?” Then Vasudevdas came and prostrated to Shri Acharyaji and afterwards prayed, “Maharaj! Take me into your shelter.” Then Shri Acharyaji said, “You have much pride in your heart. Coming into our shelter, what will you do? In our shelter comes humility.” Then Vasudevdas said, “Maharaj! Now I do not want pride. Pride brings destruction. The arrogant do not perceive the Lord. I committed an offense against Krishnadas. But when the Lord held my hands, my pride went away. Now please show mercy, so that my birth becomes fruitful. And your manifestation is for the deliverance of the lowly ones like me.”

Then Shri Acharyaji gave Vasudevdas the Name Initiation and said, “Your name will be Vasudevdas Chhakda. Before, you were intoxicated with pride, now you will be intoxicated with the nectar of the Lord, therefore Chhakda. And since your five senses will be controlled and detached from worldly objects, therefore your name will be Chhakda. And the six divine qualities—(1) strength, (2) fame, (3) wealth, (4) knowledge, (5) detachment, (6) righteousness—all these which reside in Shri Thakurji will also reside in you. Therefore, the name Chhakda.” In this way, giving grace and blessings, Shri Acharyaji placed all virtues in his heart. His mind was absorbed in Manasi Seva, therefore external seva was not placed upon him.

Then Vasudevdas said, “Maharaj! Please come to Singhanand and take my parents into your shelter.” Then Shri Acharyaji said, “We will not cross the Saraswati River. Therefore, we will not go to Singhanand. You bring those who have faith to become sevaks, and tell them this is my instruction.” Then Vasudevdas, prostrating to Shri Acharyaji, came to Singhanand and said to his parents, “Shri Vallabhacharyaji has come to Thaneswar. He is the very form of the Lord Himself. Therefore, you become sevaks. I have come as his sevak.” Then his parents said, “We will go tomorrow morning. Today we have already eaten.”

In the neighborhood lived a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, Kshatriyanis. The mother-in-law’s name was Gorja, the daughter-in-law’s name was Samrai. Hearing this, they asked Vasudevdas, “Where will you take your parents tomorrow morning?” Then Vasudevdas explained in full how he became a sevak: “I was an arrogant and wicked person, but I was accepted.” Then the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law said, “Tomorrow morning, take us also with you.” Afterwards, this news spread in Singhanand that in Thaneswar, Shri Vallabhacharyaji, the great Mahapurush, had come. Even Vasudevdas Chhakda, such an arrogant man, has become humbled. Therefore, the whole village went to Thaneswar for darshan. Many received names, many offered themselves. In Thaneswar also many became sevaks.

Then in the morning Vasudevdas bathed his parents and the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law in the Saraswati River and brought them before Shri Acharyaji. They had darshan and bowed down. Afterwards Vasudevdas prayed, “Maharaj! These are my parents, please take them into your shelter. And this mother-in-law and daughter-in-law live in Singhanand. The husband of the daughter-in-law has died. Therefore, these two are in your shelter.” Then Shri Acharyaji gave them Name Initiation and gave names to the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, and to the parents of Vasudevdas as well.

Then Vasudevdas prayed to Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu, “Maharaj! Please grant Brahmasambandh to my parents.” Then Shri Acharyaji said, “They have only this much eligibility. They cannot do a full offering. But by your relation they will be liberated.” Then the mother-in-law prayed, “Maharaj! Now what is our duty? Kindly tell us.” Then Shri Acharyaji said, “Do Bhagavad Seva.” Then the mother-in-law prayed, “Maharaj! Please grant us seva now.” Then Shri Acharyaji said, “Go to the Saraswati River, there you will obtain the form of the Lord, bring it.” Then the mother-in-law went to the Saraswati, and saw on the riverbank a Thakur seated. Seeing Him, she became very joyful and brought Him to Shri Acharyaji. Then Shri Acharyaji performed Panchamrit and placed the Thakur on the heads of the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. He gave the Thakurji the name “Shri Damodarji.” Afterwards he said, “Go home and do seva.” Then the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law returned home. The mother-in-law was clever and did seva. The daughter-in-law was simple, so she only assisted externally. Their story will be told later, along with the form of their divine play.

Afterwards, Shri Acharyaji said to Vasudevdas, “Now take your parents home.” Then Vasudevdas said, “My heart wishes to remain with you.” Then Shri Acharyaji said, “Now you take your parents home and live in the village. Afterwards, when your parents’ bodies leave in a few days, then you come and stay in our house.” Then Vasudevdas bowed and took his parents to Singhanand. Shri Acharyaji went forward on his pilgrimage around the earth.

Prasang 1 – The Golden Bowl and Delivering the Mohurs

And at one time Shri Acharyaji was residing in Adel. Then one day the bhandari - sevak who oversaw the bhandar (food provisions) reported to Shri Acharyaji, “Maharaj! Today in the bhandar there are not any sidho (provisions) left.” Then Shri Acharyaji brought a golden bowl from the temple of Shri Thakurji and gave it. And he said, “Bring the provisions sufficient for today up to Rajbhog; do not bring more than necessary. Keep this bowl in pledge with the merchant (bania) there and come back.” Then the bhandari, taking the golden bowl, kept it with the merchant there and brought all the provisions for Rajbhog. Afterwards, preparing the offerings, he offered bhog to Shri Thakurji; at the proper time, after completing the bhog, he performed the aarti and did the anusar (concluding procedures). The Mahaprasad was placed in Shri Yamunaji. And the rest was fed to the cows. You (Shri Acharyaji) and all the attendants together with all the sevaks remained sitting hungry.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Thus this taught a lesson to the Vaishnav, that a Vaishnav must not take what belongs to Shri Thakurji; This rule was taught to everyone. 

And here, all the Vaishnavs of Singhanand together made a contribution of thirty mohurs as Shri Acharyaji’s offering (bhet) and gave it to Vasudevdas Chhakda, saying, “If the bhet can be delivered to Shri Acharyaji, then good.” 

Then Vasudevdas, adopting the guise of a vairagi (renunciate), made the entire sum of mohurs into a lump of lac like a Shaligram, and, applying sandalwood paste, set out. From Singhanand he went and stayed at Thaneswar, and took Mahaprasad in the house of Vaishnavs. From Thaneswar he went and stayed at Delhi for the night; he took Mahaprasad in the house of Vaishnavs. From Delhi he went and stayed at Mathura; he took Mahaprasad in the house of Vaishnavs. From Mathura he went and stayed at Agra for the night; he took Mahaprasad in the houses of Vaishnavs. On the way, thieves and thugs met him, but they thought that he was a renunciate (vairagi) going about his business worshiping a form of Vishnu (Shaligram).

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): When there is so much strength in the body of Vasudevdas, why did he have to do all of this? Because he knew that this was Shri Acharyaji’s wealth; if somewhere on the way he were to fall asleep, then someone might steal it. Face-to-face, no one had the capability to take it. And for the sake of service to the Guru, by making the arrangement in the manner of a Shaligram, he took it along, and so he did not bring to mind any offense to Bhagavan. Thus it is shown that when doing the work of the Guru, however it may be done, service to the Guru should be accomplished. From that, offense to Bhagavan does not become an obstacle. Remaining fearful of committing offense to the Guru while in Bhagavad-seva—this is indicated.

Afterwards, from Agra he set out, and for two days he managed with chabena (dry snacks). On the third day, in the third watch, on the very day when Shri Acharyaji had remained sitting hungry, he came to Adel. Coming to the outskirts of the village, he broke open the lump of lac, took out the mohurs, came and gave them to Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu, and placed the thirty mohurs in front. He made a request to Mahaprabhu, “Maharaj! This is the offering from the Vaishnavs of Singhanand.” Then Shri Acharyaji said, “Vasudevdas! How did you bring so many mohurs—there are many?” Then Vasudevdas said, “Maharaj! I will not tell you this; if you hear it, you will be displeased.” Then Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu said, “We will be pleased with you; we will not be displeased. Tell me how you brought them.” Then Vasudevdas told everything in full detail, that he made a lump of lac and, applying sandalwood paste, brought it. Then Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu said, “Do not do this. Having made the form of the Bhagavad-svarup, afterwards one has to do otherwise (i.e., it becomes improper).” Then Vasudevdas said, “Maharaj! There had not been any consecration performed. It was a lump of lac that was tied.” Then Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu said, “Even so, do not do this.” Afterwards, calling the bhandari, Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu gave him the thirty mohurs. And he said, “Bring provisions (samagri) required from morning (mangala) until shayan (bedtime) and bring back the bowl by redeeming it.” Afterwards, Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu, reaching Thakurjis seva uptill shayan (bedtime), did the anusar of Shri Thakurji and himself took his meal. Thereafter, Shri Akkaji and all the attendants took their meals. Then the vessel of Mahaprasad was placed before Vasudevdas, and all the sevaks and Vaishnavs took Mahaprasad. 

Afterwards, writing the receipt of the delivery of the thirty mohurs, Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu sent off Vasudevdas the next day. Then Vasudevdas, in a few days, reached Singhanand and gave the letter to the Vaishnavs. Then all the Vaishnavs became pleased and asked Vasudevdas, “How did you carry so many mohurs so far? The road is not so safe. There is much fear of thugs and thieves, is there not?” Then Vasudevdas told those Vaishnavs everything in full detail. Then all the Vaishnavs began to praise Vasudevdas.

Prasang 2 – Delivering One Hundred Mohurs to Adel

And at another time, Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu’s elder son, Shri Gopinathji, came to Agra. There was a contribution of one hundred mohurs for Shri Gusainji, which the Vaishnavs gave to Shri Gopinathji. Just then Vasudevdas Chhakda came to Agra from Singhanand. At that time Shri Gopinathji said, “Is there such a Vaishnav who can deliver these one hundred mohurs to Adel?” Then Vasudevdas said, “Maharaj! Give them to me; I will deliver them.” Then Gopinathji wrote a letter to Shri Gusainji and gave the one hundred mohurs to Vasudevdas Chhakda. Then Vasudevdas, in the same way, made a lump of lac, applied sandalwood paste, adopted the guise of a vairagi, and set out, taking chabeni for the journey. On the third day he reached Adel and took out the mohurs from the lac. He came to Shri Gusainji, paid obeisance, gave the letter of Shri Gopinathji, and placed the one hundred mohurs in front. Then Shri Gusainji read the letter, gathered the mohurs, and gave them to the bhandari. Afterwards he had Mahaprasad brought for Vasudevdas. Then the next day, Shri Gusainji himself wrote the receipt for the delivery of the mohurs and gave it to Vasudevdas. Then Vasudevdas paid obeisance to Shri Gusainji and set out from Adel. On the third day he came to Agra and gave Shri Gusainji’s letter to Shri Gopinathji. Then Shri Gopinathji read that letter and became very pleased with Vasudevdas. Afterwards he asked, “Vasudevdas! How did you carry so many mohurs alone on the way? Tell us in detail.” Then Vasudevdas told everything in full to Shri Gopinathji. Then Shri Gopinathji said to Vasudevdas, “Do not ever do like this.” Then Vasudevdas Chhakda remained silent.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Thus, this is the command of propriety, that a fault is incurred. But for the sake of the Guru’s work, what fault is there in this? In this way, Vasudevdas knew a Pushti (grace-filled) task to be supreme above all. Therefore he served in this manner.

Prasang 3 – Basant Panchami Supplies and Mahaprasad

And at another time Shri Gusainji was residing in Shri Mathura. After having reached Rajbhog with Shri Thakurji and having himself taken food, he came to the sitting place. Then in Agra, Rupchand Nanda is Shri Gusainji’s sevak; Shri Gusainji wrote a letter to him. In that, he asked for the provisions for Basant Panchami. Afterwards, calling Vasudevdas, he gave him the letter and said, “Bring this much provision from Agra from Rupchand Nanda and return by evening. 

Then Shri Gusaiji called for a basket of Mahaprasad” He made a shoulder-sling bag out of a sheet, put it around the neck of Vasudevdas, and filled it with Mahaprasad. Then Vasudevdas made a request to Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! Wearing a pair of shoes, how should I carry Mahaprasad?” Then Shri Gusainji said, “There is no fault for you; you are going for Shri Thakurji’s seva, so wearing the pair of shoes, carry the Prasad with joy and set out.” 

Then taking the Prasad, Vasudevdas set out from Mathura. Coming to Agra, he went to the house of Rupchand Nanda. At that time Rupchand Nanda, having taken Mahaprasad, was washing his hands. Seeing Vasudevdas Chhakda, he greeted him and said in the house, “Put a big pot on the stove and start the cooking.” Then Vasudevdas said, “I will not remain there until the cooking is done. Read the letter and have the provisions given to me; I will now go to Mathura.” 

Then Rupchand Nanda placed Shri Gusainji’s letter on his head, read it, and said to his brother, “Whatever dried Mahaprasad there is in the house, put all of it into one basket.” Having said this, he came to the gate with the basket. Then Rupchand Nanda came with Vasudevdas to the market and began to purchase and give the fine clothes and other provisions suitable for Basant. Then Vasudevdas said, “My hands are sanctified by Prasad; therefore you tie them on my back.” Then Rupchand Nanda tied all the provisions on the back of Vasudevdas and, writing a letter, gave it to him. 

Coming with Vasudevdas to the four-crossroads gate, his brother took the basket of Mahaprasad and filled Vasudevdas’s sling-bag, and afterwards, bidding him farewell, the two brothers returned home. And taking the Mahaprasad, Vasudevdas set out from Agra. Then, when it was the third watch, Shri Gusainji, having awakened from rest, washed his face and was seated on the seat; at that very time Vasudevdas came and stood. Afterwards, he made a request to Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! My hands are sanctified by Prasad, and the provisions are tied on my back.” Then Shri Gusainji, pleased, himself rose and untied the provisions from the back of Vasudevdas. Afterwards, taking and reading the letter of Rupchand Nanda, Shri Gusainji became pleased. Afterwards, Shri Gusainji said from his own mouth to Vasudevdas, “Vasudevdas! A vessel of Mahaprasad has been kept covered for you. Go inside and take Mahaprasad.” Then Vasudevdas bathed and took Mahaprasad. Afterwards, Shri Gusainji prepared all the provisions. In the morning it was Basant Panchami, so the festival was performed. Darshan was given to Vasudevdas. Thus Vasudevdas remained engaged in seva in this manner.

Prasang 4 – Confrontation at the Janmasthan and the Kazi’s Apology

And after completing seva, Shri Gusainji said to the attendants, “Take the seat, basket, and the articles for Sandhyavandan, and let us go to Vishrant Ghat.” Then you yourself, along with ten or five Vaishnavs and with Vasudevdas Chhakda, would daily go to Vishrant Ghat. There, after Shri Gusainji performed Sandhyavandan, he would then go for daily darshan of Shri Kesorai ji at the Janmasthan. So one day, the Mathuriya Chaubes together went to the Kazi and, speaking ill of Shri Gusainji, said, “If you have him seized and confined for a day or two, then his sevaks are such that they will give you thousands of rupees.” Then the Kazi, taking along two or so armed men, waited a little near the Janmasthan. When Shri Gusainji, having taken the darshan of Shri Kesorai ji, came out, the Kazi’s men became alert. Then Vasudevdas humbly said to Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! Their looks seem ill-intentioned.” Then Shri Gusainji said, “What will they do to you? We have no enmity with them; therefore let us proceed.” Then Vasudevdas went ahead. Then the Kazi’s men came near and said, “Where will you go now?” Then Vasudevdas again made a humble request to Shri Gusainji and said, “Maharaj! These have come with evil intent.” Then Shri Gusainji said, “Do with them whatever needs to be done.” Then, walking four steps ahead, Vasudevdas gave a single slap to one who had a shield and a mace. At the very touch of that slap he fell down. Then, taking his shield and mace, Vasudevdas felled twenty to twenty-five men. Then all fled and, together with the Kazi, went inside a large mansion and fastened the doors. Then Vasudevdas said to Shri Gusainji, “Well, they have all gathered and are crammed into one house. If you say so, I will bring down the walls of the mansion from all four sides; all will be crushed and die.” Then Shri Gusainji said, “Do not do so; what harm have they done to you? Let us go to Vishrant.” Then Shri Gusainji went to Vishrant, performed Sandhyavandan, and returned home. Afterwards, the next day, when Shri Gusainji went for darshan at the Janmasthan, the Kazi, taking two or four men along, with a scarf around his neck, humbly said to Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! Forgive my offense. People spoke ill of you to me; now I will explain to them that they are making me set Kanhaiya and Bhima to fight. You are verily Kanhaiya who saves all these. Otherwise, this Bhima will kill everyone. But now please give me some light instruction.” Then Shri Gusainji said, “Those who spoke ill, say nothing to them because of that.” Then Kazi, having made his humble request, went away. And he said in his heart, “See, the wicked spoke ill of him, and he, Kanhaiya, is so compassionate that he has mercy even on an enemy.” Thus Vasudevdas was such a recipient of grace.

Prasang 5 – Inviting Vasudevdas to Festivals

And in Singhanand, when there was a great festival in the houses of Vaishnavs, then they would invite Vasudevdas for Mahaprasad. And for small festivals they would invite ten or twenty Vaishnavs. In that, they would not invite Vasudevdas. Then, after some days, all the Vaishnavs of Singhanand came to Shri Gokul for darshan of Shri Gusainji. Then Vasudevdas made a humble request to Shri Gusainji and said, “Maharaj! These Vaishnavs do not invite me to festival kirtans.” Then Shri Gusainji said to those Vaishnavs, “Why do you not invite Vasudevdas to festival kirtans? He is a recipient of the grace of Shri Acharyaji, belonging to Bhagavan; how can things proceed without inviting him?” Then the Vaishnavs humbly said to Shri Gusainji, “We do invite him for the great festivals; and in small festivals, if a single person takes the provisions for ten to twenty Vaishnavs, then he remains hungry, and thus an offense arises; therefore we do not invite.” Then Shri Gusainji said, “Set a rule: if there is a wish to invite two hundred Vaishnavs, then invite a hundred, and among the hundred let there be Vasudevdas. And if there is a wish to invite a hundred, then fifty, and among the fifty let there be Vasudevdas. If there is a wish to invite fifty, then twenty-five, and among the twenty-five let there be Vasudevdas. And if there is a wish to invite ten, then five, and among the five let there be Vasudevdas. Up to ten, invite him. And if you invite five, then do not invite him.” Then the Vaishnavs said, “Maharaj! If he remains hungry, it will be an offense.” Then Shri Gusainji said, “In this there is no offense for you; do in this manner.” From then on, the Vaishnavs of Shri Singhanand began inviting Vasudevdas to the festivals.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Here it is shown that when the one belonging to Bhagavan is invited, then all come. When one belonging to Bhagavan comes, Shri Thakurji becomes pleased quickly.

Prasang 6 – Offerings from Agra during Pitru Paksha

And many of Vasudevdas’s yajmans (patron households) lived in Agra. So, in Pitru Paksha, Vasudevdas would go to Agra, and he would accept invitations from all the Kshatriyas. In all their houses he took Mahaprasad. He took dhoti, upper cloth, and bolts of cloth, and dakshina, and after making a round of fifteen days, when Pitru Paksha was over, then with the dakshina money he brought chowries and sugar, came to Shri Gokul, and gave them into the bhandar. And all the cloths he distributed everywhere: new cloths for screening, temple vestments, wiping cloths for the kitchen, bhandar, betel room, flower room, etc. Then, seeing new cloths everywhere, Shri Gusainji asked, “From where did new cloths come in all places at the same time?” Then all the sevaks said, “Maharaj! Vasudevdas has brought them; he has done this.” Then Shri Gusainji asked Vasudevdas, “From where did you bring these new cloths?” Then Vasudevdas said, “Maharaj! In Agra, Kshatriyas, my yajmans, live. So, in Pitru Paksha, I go there and stay for fifteen days, taking Mahaprasad in their houses. They give dakshina and cloth. So with the dakshina I bring chowries and sugar and give them to the bhandar, and with the cloth I make the screens, etc.” Then Shri Gusainji, pleased, said, “See, the work belonging to Bhagavan has been applied in the alaukik (otherworldly) realm.” Afterwards, year by year, when Shri Gusainji saw new screens, wiping cloths, and temple vestments everywhere, he would ask, “Would Vasudevdas have done this?” Then all the sevaks said, “Vasudevdas has brought them from Agra.” Thus Shri Gusainji remained very pleased with Vasudevdas.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Here it is shown that if something is given to one belonging to Bhagavan, a Vaishnav, for the sake of worldly Vedic rites, then the one belonging to Bhagavan makes it alaukik (otherworldly). The (yajmans) of Agra gave in the name of shraddha after performing shraddha. And Vasudevdas had it accepted into the house of Shri Gusainji. In that, those Kshatriyas too became fulfilled. And their ancestors too became fulfilled. Thus, in the heart of Vasudevdas there was such firm refuge in Bhagavan that he did not bring worldly matters into mind. In the name of shraddha he too took Mahaprasad. Taking what was related to shraddha, he would make it alaukik. However, nothing became an obstacle for him. With such Bhagavad-strength, he always carried out the affairs of the Lila of Nandalaya. Here he served Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu, then experienced the nectar of Lila. However, he did not have the experience of Nikunja-lal; it is of the Lila of Nandalaya, therefore he had the experience of the Lila of Nandalaya. Thus Vasudevdas Chhakda is such that he belongs to Bhagavan; therefore, on his head Shri Thakurji was not placed; even in the Lila, bringing things and materials, he would give them to Shri Yashodaji.

Prasang 7 – Journeying with Loads Like a Cart

And when Shri Gusainji set out to foreign regions, then Vasudevdas would go along. He would carry the load of a cart. Therefore everyone called him Vasudevdas Chhakda (Cart). Such a steadfast Vaishnav he is. Therefore, up to where should one speak of the story of Vasudevdas?

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