Now the first sevak of Shri Gusainji is Nagji Bhatt, whom Shri Gusainji himself calls Nagia. The feeling of his story is being told.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): So Shri Gusainji calls Nagji Bhatt “Nagia”. This is because “Nagia” means “Nag” (serpent). Just as Vishnu lies down in rest on the heart of Shesh Nag, in the same way, Shri Gusainji always, at all times, resides in the heart of Nagji Bhatt. Here a doubt arises, that Shri Gusainji himself is affectionate to his devotees. So he dwells in the hearts of all devotees. Then why does he call only Nagji Bhatt “Nag”? To this it is said that Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhuji has composed the first verse of the mangalacharan in the Subodhini of the Tenth Canto. That verse is.
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"नमामि हृदये शेषे लीलाभीराब्धिशायिनम् । लक्ष्मीसहम्रलीलाभिः सेव्यमानं कलानिधिम् ॥।
I bow to the One who, within the heart, rests on Shesha in the ocean filled with divine pastimes. The treasure-house of all arts, who is served by Lakshmi along with countless pastimes.
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In this, Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhuji says: He who is served through the playful acts of thousands of Lakshmis, and who is the treasure of all arts, that Shri Purushottam, in the form of lila, is seated on the Shesh, which is my heart-ocean. In this way, Shri Gusainji is the complete Purushottam, so with all his lilas he always abides in the heart of Nagji Bhatt. Because of this feeling, Shri Gusainji calls Nagji Bhatt “Nagia”.
A second meaning is this, that Nag (serpent) is of tamas nature. In the same way, Nagji Bhatt is also a tamas devotee. A tamas devotee has a very strong attachment to the manifest form of Shri Thakurji. In the same way, Nagji Bhatt has great love for the manifest form of Shri Gusainji. How is this known?
Once, Nagji Bhatt was serving Shri Govardhandhar. Even then, Nagji Bhatt had a desire to obtain the darshan of the manifest form of Shri Gusainji. Therefore, Nagji Bhatt wrote and sent an indirect verse (alok) to Shri Gusainji. That verse is.
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"सरसि कुशशयमप्यास्वादितुमागच्छतोऽलिनो मार्गे । यदि कनक कमलपाने नासीत्तोषः किमन्येन।"
On the path of the bee that was coming to taste even the kusha-bed (a simple grass-bed) in the lake, If there was no satisfaction in drinking from the golden lotus, then what value is there in anything else?
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In this verse, Nagji Bhatt has called Shri Gusainji “the water-lotus”, and has called Shri Govardhandhar “the golden lotus”. From this know that Nagji Bhatt has greater love for the manifest form of Shri Gusainji.
And the form of Nagji Bhatt is extraordinary. He is the manifestation of Padmavati. She has appeared from Lalitaji. So he is the form of her tamas feeling. Lalita, in the form of Padmavati, always remains eager in the seva of Shri Chandravali. From this, know that the manifestation of Lalitaji is from Shri Chandravali. Therefore, Lalita is an obedient sakhi of both Shri Swaminiji and Shri Chandravali. She always remains eager in the seva of both. Why? Because these two are the chief Swaminis. Shri Swaminiji is the form of alamban-bhav, and Shri Chandravali is the form of uddipan-bhav.
So in this way, both Swaminis are seated on both sides of Thakur. Therefore, where there are two Swaminis, this feeling should be understood. Shri Swaminiji always sits on the left side of Shri Thakurji, and Shri Chandravali always sits on the right side of Shri Thakurji. From this, these two are the chief Swaminis. There is no difference between them.
So Padmavati is the inner sakhi of Shri Chandravali. There, in the lila, she makes Shri Chandravali accept beautiful articles (for seva and adornment). In the same way, here Nagji Bhatt always remains eager to make Shri Gusainji accept excellent articles. This matter is famous in the prasang of the mangoes, and also in the prasang of the cloths.
In this way, Nagji Bhatt always remains absorbed in the form of Shri Gusainji. Therefore, the seva of Shri Thakurji was not established for him. For him, Shri Gusainji is the complete Purushottam. This is a higher view of the mental path. He is qualified for manasi seva. He always remains absorbed in the taste of the lila-rasa.
This Nagji Bhatt appeared in Godhra, in the home of a Sathodara Brahmin. They were four brothers. Among them, Nagji is the youngest. He studied a lot. Later, when his father died, these four brothers separated from each other. The father was the desaai (chief) of the village. So he had a lot of wealth. Those four brothers divided and took that wealth.
After that, Nagji was married. By fate, he got a daivia (devine) wife. After some time, a daughter was born to Nagji Bhatt. A little while after that, a disease spread in the village. The three brothers of Nagji Bhatt died. Later, there was a disturbance in the kingdom, so all the wealth of Nagji Bhatt also went away. Then Nagji Bhatt was very sad.
In that village, the sevak of Shri Acharyaji, Rana Vyas, used to live. So Nagji Bhatt came to Rana Vyas and told him all his sorrow. He began to lament greatly. Then Rana Vyas said: “In Adel, Shri Acharyaji is seated. Go to his refuge. He is Ishvar. By taking his refuge you will obtain much happiness. In this world and in the other world, you will obtain happiness. I also have been a sevak of Shri Acharyaji.” Hearing this, Nagji Bhatt went from Godhra to Adel. In a few days, he reached Adel.
Prasang 1 - Nagji Bhatt and the Divine Wealth
So that Nagji Bhatt first came to Shri Acharyaji to receive naam. Then Shri Acharyaji gave this command to Nagji Bhatt: “Nagji! Go to the boy and receive naam from him.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Why is this said? Because he is related as a limb to Shri Gusainji. So he will have greater love in Shri Gusainji. Therefore, Shri Acharyaji commanded: “Go to the boy and receive naam.”
And there is another intention also, that now Shri Acharyaji must accept sannyas, and through his lineage make the path continue further. Because of this, Shri Thakurji has given the command to marry. Thinking this, Shri Acharyaji sent Nagji Bhatt to Shri Gusainji.
Here a doubt arises, that the elder son of Shri Acharyaji is Shri Gopinathji. Then why did he not send Nagji Bhatt to him? To this it is said that Shri Gopinathji is the avatara of Maryada Baladevji. So his inclination is also very much towards performing sadhana. And later, the teaching of Pushtimarg will be done by Shri Gusainji. So he himself is the one who will expand Pushtimarg. Therefore, Shri Acharyaji has entrusted the jivas of Pushtimarg to Shri Gusainji. In the doctrine of Pushtimarg, the main recipient is Nagji Bhatt. Therefore, Shri Acharyaji sent Nagji Bhatt to Shri Gusainji.
Thus, Nagji Bhatt became the first sevak of Shri Gusainji. Just as Damodardas Harsani is the first sevak of Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu, in the same way, Nagji Bhatt is the first sevak of Shri Gusainji. So, when Nagji Bhatt came to Shri Gusainji, he made a request. Then Shri Gusainji, out of grace, told Nagji the naam. After that, he made him perform brahmasambandh. In this way, Nagji Bhatt became such a grace-filled, divine one belonging to Bhagvan, of Shri Gusainji.
After that, Nagji stayed a few days with Shri Gusainji and then went back to his home. Some days later, the marriage of Nagji’s daughter was arranged. The Vaishnavas of Khambhayat heard of this. Those Vaishnavas were sevaks of Shri Gusainji. They gathered some money among themselves, had a hundi written, put it in a letter, and sent a messenger with it from Khambhayat to Godhra, to Nagji.
In that letter, the Vaishnavas wrote to Nagji that: “This money has been sent for your daughter’s marriage. So you should perform the marriage nicely.” That messenger came to Godhra with the letter to Nagji’s house. The messenger gave that letter to Nagji. Reading the letter, Nagji thought in his mind: “It is not proper to spend this Vaishnavas’ money on marriage. This is not my dharma. I will give my daughter to some poor Brahmin. And this money belongs to Shri Gusainji. It is good if it reaches Shri Gusainji.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The reason is that Nagji is a householder. How can he take someone else’s money? And the money of Vaishnavas belongs to Prabhu. How can Nagji spend it in worldly work?
Then he wrote the acknowledgment of the hundi’s arrival to the messenger, and then sent him back to Khambhayat. And Nagji bought that sealed hundi from the shop of a sarraf and brought it home. Then he took a hollow bamboo staff and filled all the seals (coins) inside it. And Nagji himself, putting on the dress of a kapadi (a simple cloth-wearer), took that staff in his hand and went from Godhra to Shri Gokul, to have the darshan of Shri Gusainji.
At that time, Shri Gusainji knew that Nagji was coming from his home to have my darshan. On the way, in one village, there lived an old Vaishnav woman. She was a sevakini of Shri Gusainji. To her, Shri Gusainji told in a dream: “My exclusive sevak, Nagji Bhatt, is coming in the form of a kapadi. Keep him at your house as a guest for three days. And make him accept sakhdi mahaprasad.”
That same night, Shri Gusainji said in a dream to Nagji that: “Tomorrow, in such-and-such village, at the house of such-and-such woman, you should stay for three days, and accept sakhdi mahaprasad.” So, that old woman rose early, did seva, cooked, and offered bhog to Shri Thakurji. When the time came, she offered, then removed the bhog in the proper way, covered the mahaprasad, and herself came outside and stood waiting.
Later, around midday, Nagji Bhatt came near the village and stood on the road. Nagji was worried in his mind: “Without being called, without knowing, whose house should I go to?” And that woman, standing on the road, was also thinking: “Why has that Vaishnav not come yet even today?” In this way, both became anxious.
Meanwhile, that old woman saw Nagji coming from afar. Filled with devotional feeling and love, that old woman came in front of Nagji Bhatt. With much affection, she made Shri Krishna remembrance arise in the heart of Nagji. Then she told Nagji all the news of the night: “This is the command of Shri Gusainji. So, please be kind and come to my house.” In this way, with great respect, she invited him and took Nagji to her house.
Then Nagji thought in his mind: “This is the very woman to whom Shri Gusainji has given the command that I should accept prasada. But how can I accept the sakhdi from her hands?”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The reason is that he is a Gaud Brahmin. So the customs of his caste came to his mind. But in the lila, this old woman is the sakhi Kanduki, of the group of Shri Yamunaji. Her nature is very simple. Therefore, she is very dear to Shri Chandravali. But until now, Nagji does not know the true form of this old woman. He does not yet know the feelings of her heart. Therefore, he doubted.
Then, at that very moment, the old woman said to Nagji Bhatt: “Get up and bathe.” Then Nagji said to that old woman: “I will not accept sakhdi mahaprasad.” Then the old woman said: “Take whatever you wish. But at least go quickly and bathe.” Then Nagji bathed, came back, and sat down.
Then that old woman placed in front of Nagji the mahaprasad of Balbhog, without sakhdi, and also milk (and its preparations). That mahaprasad, Nagji accepted. Then Nagji said: “Now I will go.” Then the old woman said: “The command is for three days.” So Nagji stayed there for three days and accepted the mahaprasad without sakhdi. After that, Nagji took leave of that woman and went on to Shri Gokul for the darshan of Shri Gusainji.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Here a doubt arises, why was the command given for three days? It is said that until now, Nagji Bhatt has not properly understood the true form of a Vaishnav. So, by staying with that old woman, it was to reveal to Nagji the unfathomable feeling of a Vaishnav’s heart. Therefore, Shri Gusainji commanded Nagji Bhatt to stay for three days at that old woman’s house.
And the reason for telling him to accept sakhdi mahaprasad is this, that sakhdi is the form of complete love. Whoever has complete love for a Vaishnav, that person makes the Vaishnav accept sakhdi mahaprasad. That old woman has complete love for Vaishnavas. Through her, this offering is to be given by Nagji to Shri Gusainji himself. Therefore, he was told to accept sakhdi mahaprasad. And if mahaprasad is accepted for three days, then that becomes fixed (firm). This is also an intention.
And there is a second reason, that because of the feeling of that old woman, Shri Gusainji told Nagji Bhatt to accept sakhdi mahaprasad there for three days. In that, Shri Gusainji himself nourished the feeling of that old woman. But until now, Nagji did not understand this. Therefore, for all three days he took mahaprasad without sakhdi.
On the day when Nagji was about to reach Shri Gokul, about four gharis earlier, while bathing, Shri Gusainji said to all the Vaishnavas: “My Nag must arrive today.” Then, having bathed, he put on dhoti and upper cloth, and sat on the seat of apras, holding conch and discus.
At that very time, Nagji Bhatt arrived and did dandvat to Shri Gusainji. Then Shri Gusainji asked: “Nagia! When did you come?” Then Nagji made a request to Shri Gusainji: “Raj! Just now I arrived.” Then again, Shri Gusainji asked Nagji: “Nagia! On the way, in which Vaishnavs’ houses did you stay, and where did you accept prasada?” Then Nagji said: “Maharaj! I stayed for three days in the house of such-and-such old woman, and I accepted mahaprasad without sakhdi.” On hearing this, Shri Gusainji said: “Why did you not accept sakhdi mahaprasad in the house of my very intimate sevakini?” Saying this, Shri Gusainji turned his back and sat.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): From this, know that to give him the gift of firm feeling, he had given you the command to accept sakhdi mahaprasad for three days in that old woman’s house. Yet you doubted her. And that old woman herself has not yet accepted sakhdi mahaprasad. This also became an offense. Therefore, Shri Gusainji himself became displeased, and turned his back and sat.
Then, immediately, Nagji Bhatt placed that staff of seals in the storeroom and went himself to the house of that old woman. That old woman had placed mahaprasad without sakhdi. Then Nagji said: “I have come to accept sakhdi mahaprasad, so please place the sakhdi.” Then that old woman became very happy and placed sakhdi mahaprasad. For three days, Nagji accepted sakhdi mahaprasad, then took leave of that old woman and again went to Shri Gokul.
In a few days he arrived and did dandvat to Shri Gusainji. Then Shri Gusainji asked Nagji: “I have not seen you these many days in between, so where had you gone?” Then Nagji made a request: “Maharaj! I had gone to that old woman’s house to accept sakhdi mahaprasad. For three days I accepted sakhdi mahaprasad and am just now returning.” Hearing the words of Nagji, Shri Gusainji became very pleased.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The reason is that now Nagji has understood the true form of a Vaishnav. Therefore, Shri Gusainji himself became pleased.
After that, Nagji stayed three months with Shri Gusainji. And he thought in his mind: “When the date fixed for my daughter’s marriage has passed, then I will go. If I go now, then I will have to do my daughter’s marriage.” Thinking this, he stayed.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): From this, know that Nagji has attachment to Prabhu. For those who are attached, there is disinterest in the home. So Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhuji has written in the Bhaktivarddhini Granth. That verse is.
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'स्नेहादागविनाशः स्यादास्क्तया स्याद्गहारुचिः।”
From affection, the destruction of sin may occur, From attachment, there may arise a taste for sin.
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From this, Nagji Bhatt did not go home. If he had gone, then he would have had to perform worldly duties. Later, after some days, the storekeeper picked up that staff. He felt it was very heavy. He took the staff to Shri Gusainji and made a request: “Maharaj! This staff is very heavy.” Then Shri Gusainji commanded: “Split this staff into two pieces.” The storekeeper split the staff. Seals (coins) came out. Then Shri Gusainji gave this command: “This is the work of my Nag.” In this way, Nagji Bhatt was such a grace-filled divine one belonging to Bhagvan of Shri Gusainji.
And Nagji Bhatt was the desaai of Godhra. The day of his daughter’s marriage came very near. Then his wife said: “I have no money at all. So with just one bangle, some betel-leaf plate, red powder, and turmeric, I will perform my daughter’s marriage.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The wife of Bhatt also later went to Adel and became a sevakini of Shri Gusainji. Therefore, in her the dharma of Bhagvan is firm. She did not abandon patience in sorrow, and she did not even have concern for worldly shame.
And in the lila, the wife of Bhatt is the sakhi Kanduki, of the group of Shri Yamunaji. She has much closeness with Padmavati. Therefore, here also the relationship of Nagji Bhatt is firm. Thus both have one-rasa feeling. Therefore, the wife of Bhatt, understanding the intention of Nagji, decided in this way about her daughter’s marriage.
When the Vaishnavas heard of this matter, all the Vaishnavas went together to the ruler of the village and told him everything: “Nagji Bhatt is not at home. His wife is performing the marriage of her daughter with only one bangle, turmeric, red powder, and betel-leaf plate.” Hearing this, the ruler of the village said: “How can the marriage of Nagji Bhatt’s daughter be done like this?”
Then the ruler of the village had all the needed items of marriage prepared and sent them to the house of Nagji through his wife. Then the wife of Nagji performed her daughter’s marriage well, into a good householder’s home. Much money was spent on the marriage. The sending of gifts, the clothing, and the Brahmins’ feast were all done very properly.
Some days later, taking leave from Shri Gusainji, Nagji Bhatt came home. Then his wife told Nagji the whole account of how the daughter’s marriage took place. Hearing this, Nagji said: “It was the wish of Bhagvan. Whatever happened is good. Worldly money was used in worldly matter. The Vaishnavas’ money was divine, beyond the world. How could I spend that on my daughter’s marriage?”
Later, hearing all this news, the Vaishnavas of Khambhayat began to praise Nagji. In this way, Nagji Bhatt was such a grace-filled divine one belonging to Bhagvan of Shri Gusainji.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): In this story, the principle becomes clear that the divine wealth of a Vaishnav must never be spent in worldly affairs. If it is spent, then one becomes outward-turned. Here a doubt arises that how can a householder manage the work of marriage and other ceremonies without spending money?
To this it is said that, in marriage and other ceremonies, considering the relation of seva, whatever expense is necessary should be done by making a request to Prabhu. It should not be done for prestige. If sometimes, for the sake of worldly maintenance, an expense has to be made, even then it should be done with the understanding that the mind does not become disturbed away from seva. And even that should be done while asking and hoping from Prabhu.
Another point has also been shown, that when a devotee becomes exclusive and does seva of Prabhu, then all his works are done by Shri Thakurji himself. So, in the ninth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, there are the words of Shri Thakurji. That verse is,
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'अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जनाः पर्युपासते । तेषानित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम्।
Those people who worship Me while thinking of Me alone, without any other (thought), For them, who are ever steadfast, I carry (for them) the union (of what they lack) and the protection (of what they have).
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Therefore, the Vaishnav should exclusively fix the mind in the seva of Bhagvan. This is the best option.
Here is your complete, uninterrupted, verbatim translation exactly as instructed.
Prasang 2 – Nagji Brings the Cloth
And Nagji Bhatt was the Desai of Godhra. So the officer called Nagji and said, “You go to Rajnagar. Go to the Desadhipati and bring back the increased grant for my estate.” Then the officer gave two hundred rupees and said, “Give these to the staff when required.” Then Nagji took the two hundred rupees, took one man with him, and went from Godhra. They came to Rajnagar, wore good clothes, sat on a horse, and went out into the market of Rajnagar. When they came near Tirpolia, a very costly cloth came up for sale. Seeing it, Nagji thought, “This cloth is very beautiful. If I reach ShriGusainji with it, it will be good.” Then Nagji asked the price of that cloth. The cloth seller demanded two hundred rupees. Then Nagji gave him two hundred rupees and took that cloth. After that he returned to his camp.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Here this principle is shown, that the Lord is the enjoyer of the best things. Therefore, wherever you see some excellent object, you should buy it and offer it to the Lord. And if perhaps it is not within your capacity to buy that object, then perform it mentally. In that mental offering, offer it to Shri Prabhuji. Just as Kumbhandasji offered the abaan cloth mentally, this is the quality of a true sevak.
After that, placing that cloth in a bamboo bag and himself taking on the form of a vairagi, he kept the sevak in the camp and said to him, “Wherever I go until I return, you must not come out—stay inside the house.” Saying this, Nagji left Rajnagar and went toward Shri Gokul. He travelled day and night. In a few days he reached Shri Gokul. At that moment, first ShriGusainji said to the Vaishnavas, “Today my Nag should come.” So said ShriGusainji with his own mouth.
At that very moment, Nagji arrived and performed dandvat to ShriGusainji. Then ShriGusainji asked, “Nagiya! How have you come?” Then Nagji humbly said, “Maharaj! It has been many days since I had your darshan, so I have come for darshan.” Then ShriGusainji ordered, “Go bathe, take a jhari, and go inside to take Mahaprasad.” So Nagji bathed, took the jhari, and went inside, carrying the cloth. At that time this desire arose in Nagji’s mind: “If Mataji Shri Rukmini Bahuji wears this cloth and comes before ShriGusainji, then I will have darshan of the Jugal Swaroop, and at that very moment I will leave for Rajnagar.” With this desire in mind, he went inside to take Mahaprasad. Then Shri Rukmini Bahuji took the plate of Mahaprasad in her divine hand and came to give it to Nagji.
Then Nagji did dandvat and humbly said, “Maharaj! Please wear this cloth and come before Prabhu. Then I will receive darshan.” Then Shri Rukmini Bahuji said to Nagji, “If I wear this cloth, Prabhu will be displeased with me. Why have you worn such an extremely beautiful cloth?”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The meaning is that such an excellent cloth is fit only for Shri Swaminiji. Without first offering it to Shri Swaminiji, how could it be worn?
Then understanding Mataji’s firmness, Nagji made Shri Rukmini Bahuji swear by ShriGusainji and, after much humble request, said, “This cloth must indeed be worn.” Because of Nagji’s insistence, the cloth was entrusted to the maidservant.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Because this is the proper maryada: whatever belongs to Thakurji, even if it is in one’s own possession, is still for His use. And this cloth was meant to be worn, so Shri Rukmini Bahuji entrusted it to the maidservant.
Then the maidservant took up the cloth and kept it nearby. Afterwards, Nagji sat to take Mahaprasad. Taking Mahaprasad, he came and sat near ShriGusainji. Then ShriGusainji asked Nagji, “How did your coming happen?” Nagji said humbly, “Maharaj! It has been many days since I had your darshan, so by your grace I have obtained it. Now I will go tonight. When you go to lie down, then I will depart.” Afterward, ShriGusainji dismissed all the Vaishnavas and went to the bed to lie down.
Then Nagji went to Shri Rukmini Bahuji and humbly requested, “Maharaj! Please accept that cloth.” Because of Nagji’s insistence, Shri Rukmini Bahuji wore that cloth. After that, Shri Rukmini Bahuji went before ShriGusainji. Then ShriGusainji gave darshan of the Jugal Swaroop to Nagji. Seeing this darshan, Nagji performed dandvat to Prabhu and from that very place departed for Rajnagar.
Afterward, ShriGusainji asked Shri Rukmini Bahuji, “Who has brought this cloth?” Then Shri Rukmini Bahuji said before ShriGusainji, “This cloth has been brought by Nagji.” Then ShriGusainji said to Shri Rukmini Bahuji, “This cloth was worthy of Swaminiji. Why have you worn such a beautiful cloth?” Then Shri Rukmini Bahuji, frightened, said to ShriGusainji, “I would not have worn this cloth. But Nagji made me take your oath. So I have worn this cloth.” Hearing this, ShriGusainji became pleased and remained silent. Afterward, from his own mouth, he said these words: “My Nagji is indeed like this. But now he will not stay. He must have seen darshan and left.”
So at midnight, Nagji performed dandvat at ShriGusainji’s door and left from there. In a few days he reached Rajnagar. Then he met the Desadhipati and had the grant of the Godhra officer increased, and returned to Godhra. Thus, without spending any money, he brought back the increased grant. Then he gave that grant document to the Godhra officer. The officer became extremely pleased with Nagji. Then he gave Nagji a fine ceremonial gift. Wearing that gift, Nagji returned to his home. That Nagji was such a grace-filled Bhagvadiya of ShriGusainji.
Prasang 3 – Mango Offering at Dwarka and ShriNathji
Once, ShriGusainji went to Dwarka. There he took the darshan of Shri Ranchhorji, and after taking leave, he came outside Dwarka. There was a temple of Shri Ramji and Shri Lakshmanji; at that place he stood. In the meantime, Nagji came there bringing mangoes. In one basket he placed two hundred mangoes before ShriGusainji, offered them, and did dandvat. Then, seeing that the mangoes were very beautiful, ShriGusainji ordered, “Go and offer these mangoes to Shri Ranchhorji. And you have not yet taken the darshan of Shri Ranchhorji, so go and do so. Also, have your head shaved, bathe in the Gomti, and then come back to me.”
Then Nagji made this humble request to ShriGusainji, “Raj! What work do I have in Dwarka? For me, just having your darshan has fulfilled all my desires.” Hearing this, ShriGusainji again said to Nagji, “Do not do this. You go, give the mangoes there at Shri Ranchhorji’s place, take darshan, and come back. Until you come after taking darshan, I will sit here for your sake. When you come, then we will leave from here.” Hearing this and accepting ShriGusainji’s command, Nagji went for Shri Ranchhorji’s darshan. There, after taking darshan of Shri Ranchhorji, Nagji offered the mangoes, got himself shaved, bathed in the Gomti, and went to take leave from Shri Ranchhorji.
When Nagji came into the temple and looked, he saw that ShriGusainji was feeding betel leaf to Shri Ranchhorji, and Shri Ranchhorji was feeding to ShriGusainji. Seeing this darshan, Nagji became very pleased in his heart. Then, taking leave from Shri Ranchhorji, he departed. Then, going into Shri Ram–Lakshmanji’s temple, Nagji did dandvat to ShriGusainji and made this request, “Maharaj! By your command I went for Shri Ranchhorji’s darshan. There I obtained all happiness. At that place I had darshan of Shri Ranchhorji, and I also had your darshan. So I received great joy.”
Then ShriGusainji, becoming pleased, spoke these words from his holy mouth, “This Shri Ranchhorji is accepted by Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu. Therefore, I have a connection with this place.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The intention here is that when a Vaishnav goes to a pilgrimage place and such, he should go considering the connection with Shri Acharyaji, not because of its greatness (mahatmya). If one goes because of the mahatmya, then it becomes taking another refuge. Shri Acharyaji performed circumambulation of the earth three times and thus sanctified all the pilgrimage places. Therefore a Vaishnav should perform pilgrimages and so on considering the connection with Shri Acharyaji. From this feeling, ShriGusainji ordered Nagji to get shaved and bathe in the Gomti. And since Shri Ranchhorji is accepted by Shri Acharyaji, one must certainly go there. From this very feeling, ShriGusainji himself repeatedly went to Dwarka, considering the connection with Shri Acharyaji.
After that, taking Nagji along with him, ShriGusainji left that place. There is a village named “Gagasadi”; coming there, they made camp. Then ShriGusainji himself bathed and went into the kitchen. After that, Nagji went into a thuwar (acacia) forest. In that forest, the mangoes had first been hidden. From there, bringing four mangoes, Nagji set them before ShriGusainji. Then ShriGusainji said to Nagji, “How can I take these mangoes? Why did you not bring all the mangoes there to Shri Ranchhorji? Why did you hide something from me?”
Then Nagji made this humble request to ShriGusainji, “Maharaj! We are sold into your hands. It is you who showed us Shri Ranchhorji. Therefore we know Shri Ranchhorji through you. And leaving everything else, we have taken hold of your feet. Therefore, please be gracious and accept these mangoes.” Hearing this request from Nagji, ShriGusainji became very pleased. Then taking the mangoes into his divine hands, he looked at them. The mangoes were very beautiful. Then ShriGusainji said to Nagji, “How can I take these mangoes? This offering is worthy of ShriNathji. When it reaches ShriNathji’s door and ShriNathji accepts it, then I will take them.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The meaning is, how can an excellent thing be taken without first having it accepted by the Beloved? This is the custom of the Path. Therefore, without having ShriNathji accept it, ShriGusainji himself will not take it at all. In this, the form of loving affection is shown.
Hearing this, immediately Nagji took a pack animal, placed two hundred mangoes on one side and two hundred on the other side, and left from there for Shriiidwar. He travelled day and night. On the fourth day, he came to Shrijidwar and gave two hundred mangoes to Ramdas, the chief inner sevak. And Nagji said, “Please quickly write the receipt.” Then Ramdas said, “You have just arrived, so stay a few days.” Then Nagji said, “I must certainly go now. Therefore please write the receipt at this very moment.” Then Ramdasji wrote the receipt for the two hundred mangoes.
Then Nagji thought, “Now in Gokul I must also give to Shri Navanitpriyaji; otherwise, ShriGusainji might again send me.” Thinking this, Nagji came to Shri Gokul, set two hundred mangoes before Shri Giridharji, did dandvat, and made this request, “Maharaj! Please write the receipt immediately.” Then Shri Giridharji said, “Nagji! Stay here for a few days. You have just arrived and are already going—what is the reason for that?” Then Nagji said, “I must certainly go to ShriGusainji. Therefore, please be gracious and quickly write the receipt now.” Then Shri Giridharji wrote the receipt for the two hundred mangoes.
Then Nagji did dandvat to Shri Giridharji and from there left in haste. Travelling day and night, on the third day he came to ShriGusainji. On one pack animal he brought seven hundred mangoes loaded. Those mangoes he kept hidden from ShriGusainji. When ShriGusainji had bathed and came to do the cooking, then Nagji acted as the announcer. So Nagji brought two hundred mangoes, very beautifully arranged. From some of them, juice was taken out and four bowls of mango juice were made. And one hundred mangoes were arranged and brought before ShriGusainji.
Then, seeing the mangoes, ShriGusainji said, “Nagji! I had already told you before, these mangoes are worthy of ShriNathji and Shri Navanitpriyaji. How can I take them first?” Hearing this, Nagji placed both letters—the one of Shri Giridharji and the one of Ramdas—into ShriGusainji’s divine hands. Reading those two letters, ShriGusainji became very pleased and said to Nagji, “Where ShriNathji has eaten and Shri Navanitpriyaji has eaten, there I have also eaten. Why did you not give all the mangoes there itself? Why have you brought them to me?”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The meaning of these words is that when ShriGusainji goes abroad, he takes leave from Shri Navanitpriyaji and ShriNathji. From that day, ShriGusainji himself experiences separation. In separation, all enjoyment of tastes is renounced; he only eats food for the maintenance of the body. Therefore he spoke thus.
Hearing this, doing dandvat to ShriGusainji, Nagji made this request, “Maharaj! It is you who have shown us ShriNathji, and it is you who have shown us Shri Navanitpriyaji. Therefore, you are everything to us. When you eat, then we have happiness. So please, by your grace, accept these mangoes. We are only sevaks of your lotus feet.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Here the master–sevak feeling is clearly shown. Because if Nagji were to call himself a sevak of Shri Thakurji directly, he would become equal to ShriGusainji. Therefore he said, “We are only sevaks of your lotus feet.” Thus, only when you eat do we receive happiness. In this way, the sevak-bhav is shown. Hearing this request of Nagji, ShriGusainji took the bowls of mango juice and the mangoes into the kitchen. There he offered bhog. Later, when the time came, the bhog was removed. After the offering, he ate some mangoes.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The meaning is that ShriGusainji fulfills the wishes of devotees. Therefore, in accordance with Nagji’s heart’s desire, he ate the mangoes.
Prasang 4 – The Lotus Verse and Longing for Darshan
Once, Nagji was coming from Godhra to have ShriGusainji’s darshan at Aadel. On the way, he came to Shriiidwar. He took darshan of ShriNathji and remembered Bhagvan along with Ramdasji and the other sevaks and attendants. Then Ramdasji Bhitariyaji said to Nagji, “Here, all the inner sevaks are getting fever, so there is difficulty in doing seva. Therefore you stay a few days and do the seva of Shri Govardhannathji.” Then Nagji took a bath and stayed in the seva of ShriNathji. From Shrijidwar, Nagji wrote a humble letter to ShriGusainji. In it he wrote one shlok and sent that letter to ShriGusainji. That shlok was.
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सरसि-कुशेशयमप्यास्वादितुमागच्छतोऽलिनो मार्गे । यदि कनक- कमलपाने नासीत्तोषः किमन्येन ॥।
To drink the water from the lake where the kusa grass rests, the bees were coming on the path. If there was no satisfaction in drinking from the golden lotus, then what else would give satisfaction?
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Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The intention of this is: “I am like a bumblebee who was coming to taste the water-lotus. On the path, I found a golden lotus, so I became absorbed there. But the taste of the water-lotus is still not obtained.”
In this, Nagji Bhatt has called ShriGusainji the water-lotus. Just as the water-lotus has fragrance within, in the same way, within ShriGusainji there is the nectar of all divine plays. So it is ShriGusainji himself who lets Nagji Bhatt experience this. Therefore Nagji calls ShriGusainji the water-lotus. And he has called ShriNathji the golden lotus, because although ShriNathji is also full of all rasas and divine plays, still without the grace of ShriGusainji, that experience does not arise. Therefore he is called the golden lotus. So this shlok was written in the letter. That letter went to ShriGusainji. ShriGusainji read that letter. In reply to it, ShriGusainji wrote back and sent a letter. In it, ShriGusainji wrote two shloks. Those shloks were.
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नात्र कुशेशयमानसमर्थयसे यप्रियो मधुपः । तस्मिस्तुष्टे तोषःदुःस्थे दौःस्थ्यं हि निरुपमस्नेहात् ॥१॥
यहालिरपिनिरुपधिभावः स्वभावतः समागच्छेत् । निरवधितोषोऽस्यात्रापि भवेदेवेति किं वाच्यम् ॥२॥
Here, you do not support the mind that rests on the kusa-bed, O dear bee. When he is satisfied, there is satisfaction; when he is distressed, there is distress, because of incomparable attachment.
If even this bee, without any condition, comes naturally, then limitless satisfaction would also arise here — what need is there to say anything more?
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Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Here it is said: “In reality, the golden lotus is the root of all. But it is tasted by the one who has bhav. Therefore you, being full of bhav, stay and do the seva of ShriNathji; then all rasas will be tasted by you.” This is one meaning.
Now the second meaning is said: “O dear bumblebee! You have become absorbed in the golden lotus. So, for you, going near the water-lotus, the taste will be very abundant.” In this way, these two shloks were written by ShriGusainji in the letter and sent from ShriJidwar to Nagji. That letter came, and the messenger gave it to Nagji. Reading the letter, Nagji’s longing for ShriGusainji’s darshan became very intense. In the meantime, the fever of two or three inner sevaks subsided, so they bathed and returned to seva. Then Nagji said to Ramdasji, “Now I will go for ShriGusainji’s darshan. It has been many days since I had ShriGusainji’s darshan.”
Then Ramdasji said, “As you wish. If you stay here, you will do the seva of Shri Govardhannathji. If you go there, you will do the seva of ShriGusainji. You will have equal happiness in both places.” Hearing this, Nagji took leave from Shri Govardhannathji and, taking leave from Ramdasji and the other sevaks and attendants, came to Aadel. There he took the darshan of ShriGusainji. Seeing Nagji, ShriGusainji became very pleased. Such was Nagji—so much a recipient of ShriGusainji’s grace and a true Bhagvadiya.
Prasang 5 – The Essence of the Path in Two Verses
Once, Nagji wrote a humble letter to ShriGusainji. In it he wrote, “Maharaj! Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu’s granths—Shri Subodhiniji, the Nibandhas, and your Tippanis and secret (Rahasya) granths—are many, and my understanding is small. So, if you would kindly write and send the secret of the Path in just a few words, then by your grace something may shine in my heart.” Nagji wrote this humble letter and sent it to ShriGusainji. That letter came to ShriGusainji in Shri Gokul. Then ShriGusainji read that letter. In reply to it, ShriGusainji wrote and sent two shloks. In those two shloks, he wrote everything—the fruit of Shri Acharyaji’s earlier Path and the secret of the Path. Those shloks were.
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श्रीवल्लभाचार्यमते फलं तत्प्राकट्यमत्राव्यभिचारिहेतुः तत्रोपयुक्ता नवधोक्तभक्तिस्तत्रोपयोगोऽखिलसाधनानाम् ॥१॥।
यः कुर्यात्सुन्दराक्षीणां भवने लास्यनर्तने । तासा भावनया नित्यं स हि सर्वफलानुभाक् ।। २ ॥
According to the view of Shri Vallabhacharya, the fruit is its manifestation, here the unfailing cause. The ninefold devotion spoken there is used there, and there is the use of all means.
One who performs, in the house of those beautiful-eyed ones, the graceful dance, and always with the feeling of them, he indeed enjoys all fruits.
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These two shloks ShriGusainji wrote to Nagji Bhatt regarding the secret and fruit. The intention is this: In Shri Vallabhacharyaji’s Path, the fruit concerning Shri Thakurji is his manifestation (Pragatya) itself. In that, non-forsaking (avyabhichari) bhakti is the cause. In whom there is unwavering exclusiveness (ananyata), in him the nine-fold bhakti is present. And first there are the nine forms of bhakti; for each one form of bhakti, nine kinds of people have performed it. The scriptures describe this. From this, it is shown how uniquely Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu revealed his Path, which is tenfold and characterized by love. For this purpose, ShriGusainji wrote.
And the nine-fold bhaktis are associated with Mahamaya, while here this tenfold bhakti is such that in all actions there is love joined. Therefore this tenfold bhakti is superior. So the intention of love-characterized bhakti was written by ShriGusainji to Nagji. In it he wrote that such “Sundar-akshi” are those Braj-bhaktas in whose homes, with the dancing and play of rasa and so on, Prabhu performs his sports. One must daily meditate on those feelings of theirs. Then, all fruits are experienced. Nagji read this letter and became very pleased.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Just as Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu spoke hidden words in the heart of Damodardas, and established the secret of the Path there, in the same way, through this letter, ShriGusainji established the secret and fruit of the Path in the heart of Nagji. These shloks are of such a deep and subtle bhav-form that they are not elaborated further here.
Prasang 6 – Mango Seva and Six Visits to Dwarka
Once, ShriGusainji went to Dwarka. Then Nagji came to ShriGusainji, bringing a cartload of mangoes. Seeing the mangoes, ShriGusainji said to Nagji, “Nagji! These mangoes must not be accepted by me.” Hearing these words from ShriGusainji’s own mouth, Nagji left those mangoes there and himself, at that very time, came back to Godhra. From there, in one and a half carts he filled mangoes, and on the seventh day he came to ShriNathjijdwar.
He entrusted one and a half cartloads of mangoes to Ramdasji Bhitariyaji and had the receipt written by Ramdasji, and from there came to Shri Gokul. There he entrusted one and a half cartloads of mangoes to Shri Giridharji, did dandvat, took the receipt, and himself immediately departed. Then he came back to Godhra, and from there again filled a cart with mangoes and went from Godhra to Dwarka.
At that time, ShriGusainji was travelling from Dwarka to Shri Gokul. On the way, Nagji met him, bringing mangoes, and went before Prabhu, did dandvat and placed the mangoes before ShriGusainji. And he gave both the letters into Prabhu’s divine hands. Reading those two letters, ShriGusainji became very pleased. After that, ShriGusainji cooked, and those mangoes were offered as bhog. When Prabhu had eaten, then ShriGusainji, from his holy mouth, praised him greatly.
Then Nagji became very pleased in his heart. Such was that Nagji—always attached in bhav to the lotus feet of ShriGusainji. From the time he received his name from ShriGusainji, his mind was always, in every way, under the grace of ShriGusainji. And ShriGusainji went to Dwarka six times, taking his lodging at Nagji’s house. All six times, ShriGusainji stayed in Nagji’s house.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Thus, ShriGusainji’s bethak in Godhra was in the house of Nagji. Once, Shri Gokulnathji went to Dwarka. On the way, the village of Godhra came. There, Shri Gokulnathji asked the people of that village, “Show me the house of Nagji.”
But there was no one of Nagji’s lineage there, and the house itself had fallen and become a ruin. So the people of the village showed Shri Gokulnathji the place. Even so, they cleaned everything there, put up canopies, and Shri Gokulnathji accepted bhog there. Later, when Shri Ghanshyamji went to Dwarka, he arranged the house of Nagji and the bethak of ShriGusainji and offered bhog there. Such was Nagji—so much a recipient of ShriGusainji’s grace and a true Bhagvadiya. There is no end to his story, so how far can it be told?