84 Vaishnav Varta 40 - Jagatanand

Now, the sevak of Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu, Jagatanand, a Saraswat Brahmin, who lived in Thaneshwar, his story’s meaning is being spoken.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): This Jagatanand is the sakhi of Bhama Sakhi Shri Swaminiji. In the divine play, his name is “Madhuri.” He was born in the house of a Brahmin in Thaneshwar. When he was twelve years old, he went to Kashi to study knowledge. He lived in Kashi for twelve years and studied the Shri Bhagavat. Afterward, he returned to Thaneshwar and would speak the discourse of Shri Bhagavat on the banks of the Saraswati River. From this, his livelihood needs were managed.

Prasang 1 – Initiation of Jagatanand into the Path of Grace

Once, Shri Acharyaji came to Thaneshwar. In the morning, after completing his Sandhya, Jagatanand came, bathed in the Saraswati, and began to narrate the discourse of Shri Bhagavat. Then Shri Acharyaji thought in his mind, “This Jagatanand is a divine soul belonging to me. I must accept him.” With this thought, Shri Acharyaji came and sat in front of Jagatanand.

Jagatanand thought that some pandit Brahmin had come. Then Jagatanand recited a verse from the Shri Bhagavat, the Venu Geet: ‘Prayo batamba vihaga…’ After reciting this verse and explaining its meaning, Jagatanand asked Shri Acharyaji, “Is this the correct meaning, or is there something more?”

Shri Acharyaji said, “This verse has many sentiments and many meanings. If you can, tell them.” Then Jagatanand said, “Maharaj! The meaning that I knew, I have spoken. Now you please speak further.” Shri Acharyaji said, “You are seated on the Vyasa Asan, how can I cross over it?”

Then Jagatanand got down from the seat and said, “Please sit and explain. I wish to listen.” Then Shri Acharyaji began to explain the meaning of that verse according to Subodhiniji. While speaking, the time passed until the third quarter of the day. Then Shri Acharyaji said, “The explanation of this one verse will take two or three months. Therefore, now you must be hungry, so rise.”

Then Jagatanand realized, “This is the Supreme Lord Himself.” Then Jagatanand offered obeisance and humbly prayed, “Maharaj! You are indeed the Supreme Purushottam. Please explain as long as you wish. Now please be merciful and come to my house.” Then Shri Acharyaji said, “I do not go to anyone’s house except that of my sevak.” Then Jagatanand humbly prayed, “Maharaj! Please make me your sevak.” Then Shri Acharyaji ordered, “Go, bathe and come.” Then Jagatanand bathed in the Saraswati and came with pure touch. Then Shri Acharyaji recited the name and gave him Brahmasambandh. Afterward, he went to Jagatanand’s house.

Then Shri Acharyaji said to Jagatanand, “You must perform the service of Shri Bhagavan.” Then Jagatanand said, “Maharaj! I have one Thakur Lalji, who always sits in the Tulsi plant. Daily I pour one small lota of water over him.” Then Shri Acharyaji said, “Quickly, bring Shri Thakurji here. Do not do such service in that way.” Then Jagatanand brought Shri Thakurji. Shri Acharyaji bathed Him with Panchamrit, seated Him on a throne, and placed Him on Jagatanand’s head. Shri Acharyaji himself prepared the food items in Jagatanand’s house and offered bhog to Shri Thakurji. Afterward, he himself ate and gave the plate of remnants to Jagatanand. Then at night, Shri Acharyaji recited this verse:

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पठनीयं प्रयत्नेन सर्वहेतु विवर्जितम् । 

That which is to be studied must be done with effort, giving up all other motives.

वृत्यर्थ नैव युञ्जीत प्राणः कंठगतरपि ॥।

It should never be used for the sake of livelihood, even if the life-breath has reached the throat

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On hearing this, Jagatanand immediately resolved with water, “From today onwards, I will never narrate the Shri Bhagavat for livelihood, I will narrate other scriptures.” Then Shri Acharyaji said, “Never narrate the Shri Bhagavat for livelihood. If your life departs, then depart happily.” In this way, staying at Jagatanand’s house, Shri Acharyaji taught him the method of seva in the Pushtimarg. After that, he set forth for the circumambulation of the Earth.

Then Jagatanand began to serve Bhagavan with a devoted mind. And for livelihood, he narrated the Puranas and the Mahabharata. By performing Bhagavad seva in this way, after some days, Shri Thakurji began to reveal His loving sentiments to him. Thus, Jagatanand became a great devotee of Bhagavan. Here ends the narration of his story.

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