Now, the sevak of Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu, Paramanand Swami, a Kanaujia Brahmin, lived in Kanauj. The feelings related to his story, whose compositions are sung among the Ashta Chhap poets, are described here.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): This Paramananddasji in the divine play (Leela) is the manifestation of “Tok Sakha,” one of the eight intimate friends (Ashta Sakha). Another form of this same Tok Sakha, in the divine bower (Nikunj), is as a female companion (Sakhi) named “Chandrabhaga.” She is the guardian at one of the gateways of Shri Giriraj near Surabhi Kund. Paramananddasji was born in Kanauj in the house of a Kanaujia Brahmin. On the day of his birth, a wealthy merchant donated a great amount of wealth to his father. The Brahmin was overjoyed and said, “Shri Thakurji has blessed me with both a son and great wealth. Therefore, this son is indeed very fortunate, for through his birth I have attained supreme bliss. I shall name him ‘Paramananddas.’”
Later, during the naming ceremony, the Brahmin said, “I had already decided earlier to name my son Paramanand.” Then, all the Brahmins present said, “The same name you chose is what appears in the birth chart as well.” Hearing this, the Brahmin became extremely happy. Later, the Brahmin performed the Jatakarma (birth rites) and gave much in charity. Thus, Paramananddas grew up gradually. His father held a grand celebration for his sacred-thread ceremony (Yajnopavit).
Paramananddas was deeply blessed, a beloved devotee of Bhagavan, and among those close to Shri Thakurji in His divine play. When Shri Acharyaji himself manifested on earth by the command of Shri Govardhannathji for the upliftment of divine souls, all of Shri Thakurji’s associates manifested with Him as well. Many divine souls appeared in different regions. Shri Gopaldasji has sung in Vallabhakhyan, “Out of mercy, many souls were manifested in different lands.”
In Kanauj, Paramananddasji spent his childhood in great joy. Later, he became very capable and was also an eminent poet. He composed and sang many devotional songs. He was called “Swami” and also rendered seva. Many learned devotees gathered around him in association.
Once, there was a famine in Kanauj, and the ruler’s mind became disturbed. He imposed a tax on the village and looted all the wealth of Paramananddas’s father. His parents became very sorrowful and said to Paramananddas, “We could not even marry you yet, and all our wealth is gone. Now you must find a way to earn money. Since you are talented and your work brings income, gather the money so we can arrange your marriage.”
Paramananddas said to his parents, “I do not wish to marry. And you have already gathered much wealth—what effort did that bring? It has all vanished. The only true fruit of wealth is to feed Vaishnava Brahmins. Therefore, I will never accumulate wealth. You should take food from me daily as needed and keep chanting Shri Thakurji’s name while sitting peacefully. Now that you have become poor, let go of your attachment to money.”
Then his father said, “You have become a renunciate! Because of your association with renunciates, your mind has turned this way. But we are householders. Without accumulating wealth, how can we sustain our household? When we spend among relatives and society, we gain respect.”
After that, his father went east seeking wealth but found no means there. Then he went south, where he obtained some money and stayed there. Meanwhile, Paramananddas formed a devotional singing (kirtan) group at home. His reputation spread from village to village, and he became well-known as an expert singer.
Prasang 1 – Paramanand Swami’s Kirtan at Prayag and the Devotee’s Journey
Once, Paramananddas left Kanauj and went to Prayag for the Makar Snan (holy bath in the month of Makara). He stayed there and performed daily kirtans with his group. Many people came to listen to his singing.
Across the river, at Adel, Shri Acharyaji was residing. People from Adel would often visit the town for various purposes. After hearing Paramananddas’s kirtans, they went back to Adel and told Shri Acharyaji, “A devotee named Paramananddas has come from Kanauj and sings kirtans most beautifully.” Shri Acharyaji said, “Paramananddas is a divine soul. It is natural for him to have such virtues.”
Among Shri Acharyaji’s sevaks, there was a Kapoor Kshatriya called Jalghariya. He had a deep attachment to music. Hearing this conversation, a thought arose in his mind: “I wish to go and listen to Paramanand Swami’s singing. But if Shri Acharyaji finds out, He might become displeased that I left my seva to go there. So I cannot go to Prayag. Yet my heart greatly longs to hear Paramanand Swami’s kirtan.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Why was this so? Because he had a connection from a previous birth. In the divine play, this Kshatriya was a sakhi (female companion) of Paramananddas, named Sonnjuhi, a friend of Chandrabhaga.
This Kshatriya was born in Sudamapuri in a Kshatriya family. His father was deeply indulgent in worldly pleasures, constantly engaging with other women, and spent all his wealth on such pursuits. Eventually, the local king looted their house completely, and the Kshatriya’s parents, along with their son, were imprisoned.
One night, his father bribed a guard and escaped with his wife and son. For two or three days, they kept running until they reached a dense forest. There, a tiger attacked and killed his parents, but the son, around fourteen years old, survived.
He sat in the forest crying, hungry, thirsty, and unable to move. By divine arrangement, Shri Acharyaji, while circumambulating the earth, came to that dense forest called Gahvarvan. Seeing the boy crying alone, he asked, “Who are you, and why are you weeping alone in this forest?” The boy bowed down and told his entire story.
Then Shri Acharyaji said to his sevak Krishnadas Meghan, “If there is any Mahaprasad, feed him quickly and give him water to drink, so that his life may be saved.” Krishnadas Meghan had prasada, so he bathed the Kshatriya boy, fed him, and gave him water. The boy regained strength and composure.
The boy then prayed to Shri Acharyaji, “Maharaj! Please keep me near you. I will remain your sevak for life. You are now my true father and mother.” Shri Acharyaji said, “Do not worry. Stay with us.” From then on, the boy stayed with Shri Acharyaji.
Later, Shri Acharyaji initiated him through Brahmasambandha and gave him the seva of fetching water. After some time, when Shri Acharyaji went to Adel, the Kshatriya received darshan of Shri Navaneetpriyaji and became overjoyed. He said, “I was an orphan, but Shri Acharyaji showed me great mercy, accepted me, and brought me here. Now I have been blessed with the darshan of Shri Navaneetpriyaji, who is directly embraced by Mother Yashoda herself!”
The Kshatriya’s heart became deeply attached to the divine form of Shri Navaneetpriyaji. He thought, “If I could somehow receive seva of Shri Navaneetpriyaji, I would serve Him and behold His darshan forever.” Shri Acharyaji, being the Supreme Lord Himself, understood his heart. Calling him near, He said, “It is by great fortune that the desire for seva has arisen in your mind. Therefore, from now on, you shall perform the seva of fetching water for Shri Navaneetpriyaji.”
The Kshatriya joyfully bowed down and said, “Maharaj! What I desired in my heart, You have mercifully fulfilled completely.” Then, with deep devotion, the Kshatriya began fetching both sweet and salty water for the Lord. After some days, Shri Navaneetpriyaji began revealing His affection toward him. However, his seva left him no time to go and hear Paramanand Swami’s kirtans.
One day, on the occasion of Ekadashi, a Vaishnava came from Prayag to have Shri Acharyaji’s darshan at Adel. The Kshatriya Jalghariya asked this Vaishnava about Paramanand Swami. The Vaishnava said, “Every day, there is a kirtan gathering lasting four ghari (about 1.5 hours) or more during the night. And today, being Ekadashi, there will be an all-night kirtan.”
Hearing this, the Kshatriya was delighted and thought, “Tonight, I have an opportunity to hear Paramanand Swami’s kirtan. When Shri Acharyaji retires to rest, I shall quietly go to Prayag at night to listen.” That night, after Shri Acharyaji had retired, the Kshatriya completed his seva, listened to the Lord’s discourse, and around midnight (one and a half prahar), left Adel for Prayag.
He thought, “At this hour, no boats will be available at the riverbank, so I will swim across.” He was skilled at swimming. He reached the ghat, removed his upper garment, tied his small cloth and upper wrap on his head, and being summer, entered the river and swam to Prayag. Paramanand Swami was performing kirtan when he arrived. The Kshatriya had never met him before, so he sat at a distance.
Some Vaishnavas from Prayag, who knew him as Shri Acharyaji’s sevak, saw him and invited him to sit near them. They sat close to where Paramanand Swami was singing. After other learned singers finished their songs, Paramanand Swami began singing verses of viraha (divine separation).
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Why did he sing of separation? As mentioned earlier, Paramananddas in the divine play is separated from Shri Acharyaji and Shri Govardhannathji. As he has not yet received their darshan in this world, he sings of viraha (yearning). When Shri Acharyaji grants him the darshan of Shri Nathji, Paramananddas will realize his divine form in Leela. The path of Shri Acharyaji teaches that when one comes into association with Bhagavadiya (devotees of the Lord), Shri Thakurji bestows His grace.
Thus, Shri Acharyaji sent his blessed devotee, the Bhagavadiya Kshatriya Jalghariya, to bestow mercy upon Paramanand Swami. This Kshatriya was such that Shri Thakurji never left him, not even for a moment, and always remained with him. As Surdasji has sung — “When a devotee is afflicted with separation, the Compassionate Lord follows closely behind him.”
And as mentioned earlier in the story of Jagannath Joshi — when a Rajput drew his sword, Shri Thakurji Himself came from behind, held the sword-bearing hand aloft, and prevented it from moving. In the Bhagavata too, it is described everywhere that Shri Thakurji always accompanies His devotees. Thus, Paramananddas, now separated, daily sings kirtans of divine separation (viraha).
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राग बिहागरो -
ब्रज के बिरही लोग बिचारे। बिनु गोपाल ठगे से ठाढे अतिदुर्बल तनु हारे ॥१॥
मात जसोदा पथ निहारति निरखत सांझ सवारे। जो कोऊ कान्ह कान्ह कहि टेरत अखियन बहत पनारे ॥२॥
यह मथुरा काजर की रेखा जो निकसे सो कारे। 'परमानंद' स्वामी बिनु ऐसे जैसे चंद बिनु तारे ॥३॥
Raag Bihagro –
The people of Braj, separated and sorrowful, are miserable. Without Gopal, they stand deceived and helpless, their bodies extremely weak and exhausted. ॥1॥
Mother Yashoda keeps watching the path, gazing again and again from evening till dawn. Whoever calls out “Kanha, Kanha!” — tears flow endlessly from their eyes. ॥2॥
This line of kohl from Mathura that appears — it seems dark indeed. Without their master ‘Parmanand’, they are like stars without the moon. ॥3॥
राग बिहागरो -
गोकुल सब गोपाल ऊपासी। जो गाहक साधन के उधो वे सब बरस ईस पुरि कासी ॥ १।
जदपि हरि हम तजि अनाथ करी अब छांडत क्यों रति की गांसी। अपनी सीतलता तऊ न छांडत यद्यपि विधु भयो राहु ग्रासी ॥२॥
किहिं अपराध जोग लिखि पठयो प्रेम भजन तें करत उदासी । 'परमानंद' ऐसी को बिरहनि मांगे मुक्ति छांडि गुनरासी ॥३॥
Raag Bihagro –
All of Gokul worships Gopal. Those who were traders of spiritual means, all have now gone to Kashi in this age. ॥1॥
Even though Hari has abandoned us, making us orphans, why would He now abandon even the bond of love? He still does not give up His coolness, even though the moon has been swallowed by Rahu. ॥2॥
For what offense has He sent a written decree, causing sadness in our loving devotion? ‘Parmanand’ says — such a woman, separated in longing, would abandon even liberation, leaving behind all virtues. ॥3॥
राग कान्हरो -
कौन रसिक है इन बातन कौ । नंदनंदन बिनु कास कहिए सुनिरी सखी मेरे दुःख यातन कौ ॥ १॥
कहां वह जमुना पुलिन मनोहर कहां वह खटपट जल जातन कौ ॥। २॥
कहां वह सेज पौढिवो ब को फूल बिछौना मृदु पातन कौ। कहां वह दरस परस 'परमानंद' कमलनैन कोमल गातन कौ ॥ ३॥
Raag Kanharo –
Who among the rasiks can understand such words? Without Nandanandan, how can I describe, O friend, the suffering and torment of my heart? ॥1॥
Where is that lovely bank of the Yamuna now? Where is that playful splashing of water? ॥2॥
Where is that bed strewn with flowers, that soft couch of tender petals? Where is that sight, that touch of ‘Parmanand’s’ lotus-eyed one with a tender body? ॥3॥
राग सोरठ -
माई को मिलिवे नंदकिसोरै । एक बार को नैन दिखावे मेरे मन के चोरै ॥१॥
जागत जाम गिनत नहीं खूटत क्यों पाउंगी भोरें। सुनिरी सखी अब कैसे जीजे सुनि तमचर खग रोरै ॥२॥
जो पै सत्य प्रीति अंतरगति जिनि काहुऽव निहोरै। 'परमानंद' प्रभु आन मिलेंगे सखी सीस जिनि फोरै ॥३॥
Raag Sorath –
O mother, when shall I meet Nandkishor? Just once may my eyes behold Him — the thief of my heart! ॥1॥
Nights pass sleeplessly, counting hours that never end — how will I see the dawn? Listen, my friend, how can one live after hearing the cries of the night birds? ॥2॥
If there is true love within and no deceit toward anyone, ‘Parmanand’ says — the Lord will surely come to meet her, that friend who would even break her head for His sake. ॥3॥
✿✿✿
Paramananddas sang many kirtans throughout the entire night, and so on. After that, when four ghari of the night remained, the kirtan was concluded. Those who had come for the night vigil all returned to their own homes. Afterward, this Jalghariya Kshatriya Kapoor, remembering the Lord, rose and departed from there.
Having listened to Paramanand Swami’s kirtan, he became very pleased in his heart and said, “Just as we had heard of Paramanand Swami’s qualities, so he truly is.” In this way, praising Paramanand Swami, Kshatriya Kapoor came to the bank of the Yamunaji and, in the same way, swam across. He bathed with his dhoti, upper cloth, and pardani, and came to Aparasahi. At that time, Shri Acharyaji Himself had awakened from sleep. Having had the darshan of Shri Acharyaji, he bowed down and became engaged in his seva of fetching water.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Thus, this Kshatriya Kapoor went to Paramanand Swami for the sake of showing grace upon him. Otherwise, Shri Thakurji Himself was affectionate toward him; why would such a Bhagavadiya go to anyone’s house? But grace was destined to be bestowed upon Paramanand Swami, so Shri Navneetpriyaji inspired the mind of that Kshatriya Kapoor Jalghariya and, going along with him, sat in his very lap and listened to Paramanand Swami’s kirtan.
In this way, when Kshatriya Jalghariya, having listened to Paramanand Swami’s kirtan, went from Prayag back to Adel, at that time Paramanand Swami, exhausted by the whole night, had also gone to sleep.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Here, a doubt may arise: Paramanand Swami kept vigil the whole night and then slept when four ghari of the last part of the night remained. If he slept, then the fruit of the vigil would be lost. But Paramanand Swami is wise and clever; why would he sleep?
The explanation is that Paramanand Swami is a Pushti-jiva related to the Leela. He desires only Shri Thakurji and does not desire the fruit of keeping vigil. He kept the Ekadashi vigil merely as a means to increase the chanting of the Lord’s name. Therefore, he did not perform the vigil according to rule and ritual for the sake of its fruit. Thus, Paramananddas slept when four ghari of the last part of the night remained. From this it may be that the fruit of the vigil is lost, but the chanting of the Lord’s name—the merit of that never perishes at any time. Hence, for the sake of taking the Lord’s name, he slept for the last four ghari of the night.
Why? If he did not sleep, then on the day of Dwadashi there would be lethargy in the body. And again, on the night of Dwadashi, he had to perform kirtan for one and a half pahar of the night. Therefore, abandoning reliance on the vigil and taking reliance on the Lord’s name, he slept.
As soon as sleep came, Paramanand Swami had a dream. In the dream he saw that Shri Acharyaji’s sevak, the Kshatriya, was sitting in the vigil. And he saw Shri Navneetpriyaji sitting in his lap. And Shri Navneetpriyaji, smiling in the dream, commanded Paramanand Swami, “Today I have listened to your kirtans. The gracious sevak of Shri Acharyaji, the Kapoor Kshatriya Jalghariya, came to your night vigil. Therefore, I came along with him. Thus, in all these days, today I have listened to your kirtans.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Here, one may doubt: Shri Thakurji always listens and is all-pervading everywhere. Why then say, “Today I listened”? The answer is that for so many days there had been a looseness in formal acceptance; thus, as the indwelling witness He heard. Now acceptance is to be made and grace to be bestowed, so He revealed the sign of quickly bestowing grace. Therefore He said, “Today I have listened to your kirtans. Today I have bestowed complete grace upon you. Therefore, now you will quickly attain Me.” This is the meaning to be understood.
Then Paramanand Swami awoke from sleep. In his eyes, the form of Shri Navneetpriyaji—of beauty surpassing a hundred million Cupids—had appeared in the dream. Thus, knowledge arose in his eyes and heart. Then a great restlessness and anguish arose in Paramanand Swami’s mind: “When shall I now have the darshan of Shri Navneetpriyaji?”
Thereafter, Paramanand Swami thought in his heart: “I have kept vigil for so many days and have also sung kirtans, yet I never had such a darshan as I had today. The sevak of Shri Acharyaji, the Jalghariya Kshatriya Kapoor, came; thus, it happened in his lap. Without that Kshatriya Kapoor, I will not obtain the darshan of Shri Navneetpriyaji. Therefore, let us go to him and meet him; then my purpose will be accomplished.”
Thinking this in his mind, Paramanand Swami immediately rose and set out for Adel. Meanwhile, it was morning. He came to the bank of Shriyamunaji, and the very first boat crossed over; sitting in it, Paramanand Swami came across.
At that time, Shri Acharyaji had bathed in Shriyamunaji and was performing the morning sandhya. The darshan of Shri Acharyaji appeared to Paramanand Swami as wondrous, supernatural, the very form of Shri Krishna. Just as Shri Gusainji has described in the Shri Vallabhashtak—“Vastutah Krishna eva”—having such a darshan, Paramanand Swami stood astonished. No words came out.
Then Paramanand Swami thought in his heart, “Why would Shri Navneetpriyaji not listen to my kirtans sitting in the lap of Shri Acharyaji’s sevak, the Kapoor Kshatriya, upon whose head Shri Acharyaji Himself, such a wealthy Lord, resides? Therefore, I too shall become his sevak. But I do not have the capability to request to become his sevak. So if that Kshatriya meets me again, I shall tell him everything and beg to become a sevak.”
While Paramanand Swami was thinking this in his heart, at that very moment Shri Acharyaji Himself, from His holy mouth, commanded Paramanand Swami, “Paramananddas! Sing some divine Leela.” Then Paramananddasji, offering full prostration to Shri Acharyaji, sang these verses.
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राग सारंग -
कौन बेर भई चलेरी गोपालें। हो ननसार गई ही न्योंते बार-बार बूझति ब्रजबालें ॥१॥
तेरे तन को रूप कहां गयो भामिनि और मुखकमल सुकाइ रह्यो। सब सौभाग्य गयो हरि के संग हदौ सकोमल बिरह दह्यो ॥।२॥
को बोलै को नैन उघारे को उत्तर देहिबिकल मन । सो सरवसु अनुर चुरायो 'परमानंदस्वामी' जीवन धन ॥३॥
Raag Sarang –
When did Gopal leave, and where did He go? He went to Nansar, having been invited again and again by the maidens of Braj. ॥1॥
O beautiful one, where has the radiance of your body gone? Your lotus-like face has withered away. All your good fortune departed along with Hari, and your tender heart has been burned by the fire of separation. ॥2॥
Who speaks now, whose eyes even open, who will answer in this troubled mind? ‘Parmanand Swami’ — He has stolen all your wealth of love, your very treasure of life. ॥3॥
राग सारंग -
सिय की साधि जिय ही रही री। बहुरि गोपाल देखन नहीं पाए बिलपति कुंज अहीरी ॥१॥
इक दिन सो जु सखी यह मारगु बेचन जाति दही री। प्रीति के लिए दान मिस मोहन मेरी बांह गही री ॥२॥
बिनु देखे छिन जात कलप भरि विरहा अनल दहीरी। 'परमानंदस्वामी' बिनु दरसन नैननि नदी बहीरी ॥३॥
Raag Sarang –
Siy’s (the beloved’s) hope remained only in her heart. She could not see Gopal again and keeps lamenting in the groves of Ahir. ॥1॥
One day, that same friend was selling curd along this very path. For the sake of love, Mohan came in disguise and held my arm! ॥2॥
Without seeing Him, even a moment feels like an age, the fire of separation burns fiercely. ‘Parmanand Swami’ — without His vision, the rivers of tears flow from my eyes. ॥3॥
राग सारंग -
यह बात कमल दल नैन की। बार-बार सुधि आवत सजनी वह दुरी देनी सेन की ॥ १॥
वह लीला वह रास सरद को गौरज रंजित आवनी। अरू वह उंची टेर मनोहर मिस करि मोहि बुलावनी ॥२॥
वे बातें सालति उर अंतर को पर पीर हि पावे। 'परमानंद' कह्यो न परे कछु हियो सुरुंध्यो आवे ॥३॥
Raag Sarang –
This thought comes again and again about His lotus-petal eyes. O friend, my mind constantly remembers that distant army of attendants. ॥1॥
That Leela, that Raas of the autumn night, that moonlit ground glowing in beauty, And those sweet, elevated calls that enchantingly called me near. ॥2॥
Those memories burn within the heart, piercing it with pain. ‘Parmanand’ says — nothing can be spoken of it; the heart is bound and fragrant with that memory. ॥3॥
राग सारंग -
सुधि करत कमलदल नैन की । भरि भरि लेति नीर अति आतुर रति वृन्दावन चैन की ॥१॥
दे-दे गाढे आलिंगन मिलती कुंजलता द्रुम ऐन की । वे बातें कैसे के बिसरति बाह उसीसे सेन की ॥ २॥
बसि निकुंज रास खिलाए व्यथा गँवाई मेन की। 'परमानंद प्रभु सो क्यों जीवहि जो पोखी मृद्ध बेन की ॥।३॥
Raag Sarang –
Thinking of His lotus-petal eyes, I keep filling my eyes with tears, restless for the peace of Vrindavan’s love. ॥1॥
In the groves and beneath the vines and trees, He used to meet me in deep embrace. How can those moments be forgotten — the same place where He gathered His companions? ॥2॥
Within the secret grove, He bloomed the Raas and removed all the sorrows of my heart. ‘Parmanand’ says — how can one live without the Lord who played the tender flute? ॥3॥
✿✿✿
In this way, Paramananddas sang verses of separation (viraha) before Shri Acharyaji. After hearing them, Shri Acharyaji said with His divine lips, “Paramananddas! Now sing some verses describing the childhood pastimes (Bal Leela) of the Lord.” Then Paramananddas, joining his hands humbly, said to Shri Acharyaji, “Maharaj! I do not understand much about the childhood pastimes.”
Then Shri Acharyaji, with His divine lips, instructed Paramananddas, “Go and bathe in the sacred river Shriyamunaji; after you return, I shall make you understand.” After that, Paramananddas asked Shri Acharyaji, “Maharaj! Where is Your sevak, Kshatriya Kapoor?” Then Shri Acharyaji said, “He must be engaged somewhere in seva (service).” So Paramananddas went to bathe in Shriyamunaji, while Shri Acharyaji, since it was the time for seva, quickly went into the temple. He awakened Shri Navneetpriyaji.
Just then, Kshatriya Jalghariya came to the opposite bank of Shriyamunaji with a water pot to fetch water. Seeing him, Paramanand Swami was filled with supreme bliss. Joining both hands in devotion and remembering the Lord, he said, “The night when you kindly came to my vigil, Shri Navneetpriyaji sat in your lap and listened to my kirtans. Later, when I slept, Shri Navneetpriyaji gave me His darshan and, showing mercy, said, ‘Today I have listened to your kirtans.’ Therefore, you have shown great kindness to me.
Now I have come for your darshan. Please show me the same compassion that Shri Acharyaji has shown by accepting me into refuge, and the grace that Shri Thakurji bestows by giving daily darshan. Shri Acharyaji has kindly granted me the darshan of the divine form of Shri Krishna — this is the glory of your holy association.”
Hearing these words, the Kshatriya Kapoor said to him, “Shri Acharyaji has bestowed His grace upon you; that is why you have had such a darshan. He has also commanded you to take shelter, so now quickly bathe, and as soon as you come out, go straight to Shri Acharyaji. The Lord will graciously accept you into His refuge, and then all your desires will be fulfilled. Also, do not tell Shri Acharyaji that I came to your vigil at night; otherwise, He will be displeased with me, asking, ‘Why did you leave your seva and go?’”
After saying this, the Kshatriya Vaishnava filled his water pot from Shriyamunaji, while Paramananddas, having bathed, came out and followed the Kshatriya Jalghariya to Shri Acharyaji’s place. At that time, Shri Acharyaji had adorned Shri Navneetpriyaji, offered the bhog of Shri Gopivallabh, and was seated in divine splendor. Paramananddas arrived just then, purified after his bath.
Shri Acharyaji said to Paramananddas, “Paramananddas, sit down.” Then Paramananddas offered full prostration before Shri Acharyaji and sat down. After that, Shri Acharyaji went inside, completed the bhog-offering, and called Paramananddas close. Out of grace, in the divine presence of Shri Navneetpriyaji, He whispered the sacred Name in his ear and initiated him with Brahmasambandha. Then Shri Acharyaji recited to him the Anukramanika (index of contents) of the Tenth Canto of the Shri Bhagavatam.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The reason behind this is as follows: At first, Shri Acharyaji had said to Paramananddas, “Describe some divine pastimes of the Lord.” Then Paramananddas sang verses of separation (viraha). Later, Shri Acharyaji said to him, “Sing of the childhood pastimes (Bal Leela).”
The reason for this is that Bal Leela refers to the pastimes of Shri Nandaraya’s house, which are of samyog-rasa (union, joyful communion). When union occurs once, thereafter its result is separation (viraha). Why? Because in the Ras Panchadhyayi of the Bhagavatam, the Lord first called the devotees of Braj and performed the divine Rasa Leela with them. Afterwards, when He became unseen, the result was separation. Hence the Lord said: “Just as a poor man, having found wealth and then losing it, constantly thinks of it.” (Bhagavatam 10.29.38)
In the same way, first Shri Acharyaji asked Paramananddas to sing Bal Leela — because through the experience of union, understanding of separation matures more quickly. But Paramananddas prayed, “Maharaj! I do not understand much.” His meaning was this — that the samyog-rasa (union) was not yet awakened within him. The original Leela in which he once participated was forgotten. Being separated in Leela and being a divine soul, he had sung only of viraha from birth.
Now, through the offering of the Divine Name (Nama Samarpan), Shri Acharyaji removed the obstacle of ignorance. Then He recited to him the Anukramanika of the Tenth Canto of the Bhagavatam. At that moment, Paramananddas experienced direct realization of Shri Navneetpriyaji’s divine form, and the entire sequence of the Tenth Canto’s divine pastimes was revealed within him.
The reason Shri Acharyaji recited the Anukramanika of the Tenth Canto was that it is the most exalted scripture revealed by Shri Gusainji. In it, Shri Acharyaji’s name is praised as “Shri Bhagavata-Piyusha-Samudra-Mathana-Kshamah” — “He who is capable of churning the ocean of nectar that is the Bhagavatam.”
Thus, Shri Gusainji described the Bhagavatam as an ocean of nectar. By means of the Anukramanika, Shri Acharyaji established that ocean of the Bhagavatam within the heart of Paramananddas. Similarly, He had earlier established the same ocean within the heart of Surdas through the Anukramanika.
Therefore, though many Vaishnavas are the blessed recipients of Shri Acharyaji’s grace, only Surdas and Paramananddas became “oceans.” The number of their kirtans cannot be counted; hence, both are called “Sagar” (oceans).
Thus, Shri Acharyaji commanded, “Now sing of the childhood pastimes (Bal Leela).” Then, having now experienced samyog-rasa (union and divine joy), Paramananddasji sang before Shri Acharyaji the verses of Bal Leela. Those verses were
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राग आसावरी -
माईरी ! कमल नैन स्यामसुन्दर झूलत हैं पलना। बाललीला गावति सब गोकुल की ललना ॥।१॥
लालके अरुन तरुन चरनकमल नख-मनि ससि-ज्योती। कुञ्जित कच भवराकृति लर लटके गज-मोती ॥२॥
लाल अंगुठा गहि कमल पानि मेलत मुख मांही। अपनो प्रतिबिंब देखि पुनि पुनि मुसिकाहीं ॥३॥
रानी जसुमति के पुन्य पुंज निरखि निरखि लाल । 'परमानंदस्वामी' गोपाल सुत सनेह पालें ॥४॥
Raag Asavari –
O mother! The lotus-eyed, beautiful Shyamsundar swings in His cradle. All the maidens of Gokul sing of His playful childhood pastimes. ॥1॥
The tender red soles of His feet shine with the radiance of the moon from the jewels on His nails. His curling locks resemble a swarm of bees, and His dangling curls glimmer like pearls of the elephant. ॥2॥
The little one grasps His red thumb in His lotus-like hand and brings it near His mouth.
Seeing His own reflection, He smiles again and again. ॥3॥
Beholding the blessed accumulation of Queen Yashoda’s merits, ‘Parmanand Swami’ says — she lovingly nurtures her dear son Gopal. ॥4॥
राग बिलावल –
जसोदा !तेरे भाग्यकी कहीय न जाइ। जो मूरति ब्रह्मादिक दुर्लभ सो प्रगटे हैं आई ॥१॥
सिय नारद सनकादि महामुनि मिलिवे करत उपाई । ते नन्दलाल धूरिधूसर वपु रहत कण्ठ लपटाई ॥२॥
रतन जटित पौढाय पालने वदन देखि मुसिकाई। झूलो मेरे लाल जाऊँ बलिहारी 'परमानंद' बलि जाऊ ॥३॥
Raag Bilawal –
Yashoda! Words cannot describe your fortune. That divine form, rare even for Brahma and the great gods to behold, has appeared before you! ॥1॥
Sita, Narad, Sanak, and all the great sages strive for even a glimpse of Him — Yet Nandalal, covered in dust, clings around your neck with affection. ॥2॥
In a cradle adorned with jewels, seeing His radiant face, you smile in joy. “Swing, my little one!” — I offer myself to Him again and again, says ‘Parmanand’. ॥3॥
राग बिलावत-
मनिमै आंगन नन्द के खेलत दोऊ भैया। गौर स्याम जोरी बनी बल कुंवर कन्हैया ॥१॥
नपुरु कङ्कन किंकना रुनझुन बाजे । मोहि रही ब्रज सुन्दरि मनसिज सुनि लाजे ॥२॥
सङ्ग जसुमति रोहिणी हितकारिनी मैया । चुटकी दे दे नचावही सुत जानि नन्हैया ॥३॥
नीलपीत पट ओढनी देखत मोहि भावे । बाल विनोद प्रमोद सो´परमानंद' गावे ॥४॥
Raag Bilawal –
In Nanda’s jeweled courtyard, the two brothers play together — The fair one and the dark one, together form the lovely pair, Bal and Kanhaiya. ॥1॥
The anklets and bangles jingle sweetly — Even the beautiful women of Braj blush, hearing the melody of their sound. ॥2॥
Along with Yashoda and Rohini, the affectionate mothers, They clap their hands and make their little sons dance, knowing them to be divine infants. ॥3॥
Wrapped in garments of blue and yellow, they delight the eyes. ‘Parmanand’ sings joyfully of these playful childhood pastimes. ॥4॥
राग कान्हरो -
प्यारे हरि कौ जस गावति गोपांगना । मनिमय आंगन नन्दराय के बाल विनोद करत हैं रिंगना ॥१॥
गिरि गिरि उठत घुटुरुवन टेकत जानुपानि मेरो छगन कौ मगना । धूसर धूरि उठाय गोद ले मात यसोदा के प्रेम को भजना ॥२॥
त्रिपद पहुमि नापी तब न आलस भयो अब जो कठिन भयो दहेरी उल्लंघना। 'परमानंद प्रभु' भक्तवत्सल हरि रुचिर हार वरकंठ सोहे बघना ॥३॥
Raag Kanharo –
The Gopi maidens sing lovingly of the glories of dear Hari. In Nanda’s jeweled courtyard, the child plays and crawls about in delight. ॥1॥
He rises, tottering, taking support on His knees and hands — my little dark one! Raising clouds of dust, Mother Yashoda takes Him in her arms, filled with love and devotion. ॥2॥
When He measured three steps of the courtyard, no weariness touched Him — Now, leaping across the doorway, He showed His growing strength. ‘Parmanand Prabhu’ says — the loving Lord Hari, with a shining garland around His neck, delights His devotees. ॥3॥
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Paramananddas sang many such verses describing the childhood pastimes (Bal Leela). Hearing them, Shri Acharyaji became very pleased. After that, Paramananddas stayed at Adel near Shri Acharyaji.
Then Shri Acharyaji said to Paramananddas, “From now on, you must regularly sing verses suited to the time and occasion before Shri Navneetpriyaji. This seva is now given to you.” So Paramananddas composed new verses daily and sang them at the appropriate times before Shri Navneetpriyaji. Whenever Shri Navneetpriyaji retired for rest, Paramananddas would sing many kirtans describing the Braj Leelas before Shri Acharyaji.
And Shri Acharyaji Himself would narrate the divine discourses of Shri Subodhini. The kirtans that Paramananddas composed always related to the very prasang (episode) or topic that Shri Acharyaji had explained through His divine lips. After listening to those discourses, Paramananddas would later sing kirtans corresponding to that same prasang before Shri Acharyaji.
Prasang 2 – The Glory of Shri Thakurji’s Lotus Feet
One day, Paramananddas heard from the divine lips of Shri Acharyaji the discourse describing the greatness and glory of Shri Thakurji’s lotus feet. At that very time, Paramananddas sang a kirtan before Shri Acharyaji in praise of the lotus feet of Shri Thakurji, filled with their divine glory. That verse was
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राग कान्हरो -
चरनकमल वंदो जगदीस जे गोधन के सङ्ग धाए। जे पद कमल धूरि लपटाने कर गहि गोपिन उर लाए ॥१॥
जे पद कमल युधिष्टिर पूजित राजसूयमें चलि आए। जे पदकमल पितामह भीषम भारत में देखन पाए ॥२॥
जे पदकमल संभु चतुरानन हुदै कमल अंतर राखे। जे पद कमल रमा-उर भूषन वेद भागवत मुनि साखे ॥३॥
जे पद कमल लोकत्रय पावन बलिराजा के पीठ धरें। सो पद कमल 'दास परमानंद' गावत प्रेम पीयूष भरे ॥४॥
Raag Kanharo –
I bow to the lotus feet of the Lord of the world, Those very feet that ran among the cows of Gokul, Those lotus feet covered with the dust of the cowherds, which the Gopis lovingly clasped to their hearts. ॥1॥
Those lotus feet that were worshiped by Yudhishthir during the Rajasuya sacrifice,
Those same feet that the grandsire Bhishma beheld in the battle of Bharat (Kurukshetra). ॥2॥
Those lotus feet that Lord Shambhu (Shiva) and the four-faced Brahma keep within the lotus of their hearts, Those lotus feet that adorn the bosom of Lakshmi, praised by the Vedas, the Bhagavat, and the sages. ॥3॥
Those lotus feet that sanctified the three worlds when King Bali placed them upon his head — Those very feet, ‘Sevak Parmanand’ sings of, filled with the nectar of divine love. ॥4॥
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After that, Paramananddas sang a verse of prayer before Shri Acharyaji. That verse was
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राग कान्हरो -
यह मांगो गोपीजनवल्लभ। मानुस जनम और हरि की सेवा ब्रज बसिवो दीजे मोही सुलभ ॥१॥
श्रीवल्लभकुल कौ हो चेरो वैष्णवजन कौं दास कहाऊँ। श्रीयमुनाजल नित प्रति न्हाऊँ मन क्रम बचन कृष्ण गुन गाऊँ ॥२॥
श्रीमभागवत श्रवन सुनों नित्य इन तजि चित्त कहूँ अनत न लाऊँ। परमानंददास यह मांगत नित निरखो कबहू अघाऊँ ॥३॥
Raag Kanharo –
This is what I ask, O Beloved of the Gopis! Grant me a human birth and the service of Hari, And make my dwelling in Braj easily attainable. ॥1॥
Let me be a sevak of the lineage of Shri Vallabh, And be called a das among the Vaishnavs. May I daily bathe in the sacred waters of Shri Yamuna, And with mind, action, and speech, sing the glories of Krishna. ॥2॥
May I listen to the recitations of the Shrimad Bhagavat daily, And apart from this, may my mind never be drawn elsewhere. ‘Parmanand Das’ always asks for this —
That he may behold the Lord again and again, never feeling satiated. ॥3॥
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Then Paramananddas sang this verse. Hearing it, Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu understood that in this verse Paramananddas was praying for the darshan of Braj. Therefore, Shri Acharyaji resolved to certainly grant Paramananddas the darshan of Braj.
After that, Shri Acharyaji prepared to journey to Braj. Taking along Damodardas Harsani, Krishnadas Meghan, Paramananddas, Yadavendradas, and other Vaishnavas, Shri Acharyaji set out from Adel toward Braj. On the way to Braj, they came to Paramananddas’s village, Kanauj. Then Paramananddas humbly requested Shri Acharyaji to visit his home.
Considering this a great blessing and filled with supreme joy, Paramananddas welcomed Shri Acharyaji to his home and quickly brought all the necessary materials from the market. With deep humility, he earnestly requested all the Vaishnavas who were present and personally distributed to each of them the required ingredients for cooking.
Then Shri Acharyaji Himself prepared both sweet and unsweetened dishes, offered them as bhog to Shri Thakurji, and after the offering (bhog saraya), He took the meal. Afterwards, He distributed Mahaprasad to Paramananddas and all the Vaishnavas. After the meal, Shri Acharyaji rested, reclining on His cushion and seat. Then Paramananddas, having taken Mahaprasad, came near Shri Acharyaji, offered dandvat pranam (full prostration), and sat down.
Shri Acharyaji then said, “Paramananddas! Sing some praises of the Lord.” Then Paramananddas thought in his heart, “At this time, Shri Acharyaji’s mind is dwelling in the Braj Leelas near Shri Govardhannathji. Therefore, I should sing a verse of viraha (divine separation), in which even a single moment passes like an age.” That verse was.
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राग सोरठ –
हरि तेरी लीला की सुधि आवे। कमलनैन मनमोहन मूरति मन मन चित्र बनावे ॥१॥
एकवार जाहि मिलत मया करि सो कैसे बिसरावे। मुख मुसक्यान बंक अवलोकन चाल मनोहर भावे ॥२॥
कबहु निविड तिमिर आलिंगत कबहुक पिकसुर गावे। कबहुक संभ्रम क्वासि क्वासि कहि संगहि उठि धावे ॥३॥
कबहुक नैन मूंदि अन्तर गति मणिमाला पहरावे। 'परमानंद प्रभु' स्याम ध्यान करि ऐसे विरह गवावे ॥४॥
Raag Sorath –
O Hari, the remembrance of Your divine play arises in my mind. Your lotus eyes and enchanting form, O Manmohan, are painted as an image within my heart. ॥1॥
Once someone meets You and experiences Your grace — how could they ever forget?
Your smiling face, Your sidelong glances, and Your graceful walk captivate the mind completely. ॥2॥
At times, You embrace in the deep darkness of night; at times, the cuckoo sings melodiously. At times, in excitement, You murmur softly and suddenly run forward to meet. ॥3॥
At times, closing the eyes in deep meditation, one adorns You inwardly with a garland of jewels. ‘Parmanand Prabhu’ — through such remembrance and contemplation of Shyam, expresses the pain of separation. ॥4॥
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Then Paramananddas sang this verse. In that verse, he said, “Hari, the memory of Your divine play arises within me.” Hearing this, Shri Acharyaji Himself became deeply absorbed in divine Leela.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): In the Shri Vallabhashtak, Shri Gusainji has described the form of Shri Acharyaji as — “Shreemad Vrindavanenduḥ prakatita rasikananda sandoha roopa sphurjad rasadi leelamrita” — meaning that The glorious Moon of Vrindavan (Śrīmad Vṛndāvanenduḥ), who is the embodiment of the manifested essence of the collective bliss of divine rasikas (devoted lovers of the Lord), radiantly reveals the nectar of His pastimes, beginning with the divine play of rasa (love).
And in the Sarvottam Granth, Shri Gusainji has named Shri Acharyaji as Rasaleeleka Tatparyaya Namah — “He whose sole intent is the Ras-Leela.” Thus, the purpose of all the scriptures composed by Shri Acharyaji is centered upon the Ras-Leela alone; He has no other purpose. Therefore, Shri Acharyaji became completely immersed in the Ras-Leela. In that state, he lost all awareness of the physical body. For three days continuously, Shri Acharyaji remained in this divine trance. With eyes closed, He sat upon His seat and cushion.
Damodardas Harsani and the other Vaishnavas, who knew the divine nature of Shri Mahaprabhuji, understood what was happening. None of them spoke; they quietly remained seated, silently beholding Shri Acharyaji’s divine form.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Why so? Because Shri Acharyaji is Himself the complete Purushottam (Supreme Being). The natural laws of the body cannot obstruct Him. Though He has taken on a human form, He only displays human-like actions for the sake of the world. Bodily limitations cannot bind Him. Therefore, all His sevaks sat quietly for three days. Then, on the fourth day, Shri Acharyaji opened His eyes, fully alert, and all the Vaishnavas rejoiced in great happiness.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Here a question may arise — why did He remain absorbed in the Ras and other divine Leelas for three full days? The explanation is this: in the Ras and similar Leelas, there are three primary places — Shri Giriraj, Shri Vrindavan, and Shriyamunaji. Shri Giriraj represents the divine form and provides all the materials for Leela. Shri Vrindavan embodies the emotional essence of the Leela — the Ras-filled divine bowers. Shriyamunaji is the very root of all Ras-Leelas.
Thus, these are the Leelas of both water and land. On the first day, Shri Acharyaji experienced the Leela connected to Shri Giriraj — the many enjoyments within His caves, as Chaturbhujdasji has sung, “Shri Govardhan Giri Saghana Kandara…” On the second day, He experienced the Leelas of Vrindavan. On the third day, the Ras and Jal-Leelas (water pastimes) on the sandy banks of Shriyamunaji.
In this way, He experienced the full sweetness of the three Rasas across the three days. Thereafter, He manifested again upon the earth to spread the path of devotion (Bhakti Marg), granting refuge to countless souls and enabling them to experience the divine Leela-Rasa. On the fourth day, Shri Acharyaji opened His eyes and became alert. Then Paramananddas felt fear in his heart, thinking, “I shall never again sing such verses.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Paramananddas felt afraid, thinking, “If Shri Acharyaji becomes absorbed in the experience of Ras again, He might not return to the earthly plane of consciousness. Then how will the deliverance of the divine souls take place?” Therefore, Paramananddas decided in his heart, “I will never again sing verses of viraha (separation) before Shri Acharyaji.” Why? Because Shri Acharyaji Himself is the very embodiment of viraha-rasa.
In the Sarvottam Granth, Shri Gusainji has described Him as — “Viraha-anubhav-ekarthah sarva-tyagopadeshakah” — “He who, for the experience of the state of divine separation (viraha), renounced all worldly and Vedic pursuits, and thus teaches complete renunciation.” In this, the essence of viraha is revealed — when one, in the state of separation, ceases to care even for worldly or ritualistic duties, only then true viraha has arisen. After that, Paramananddas sang verses of a gentle and auspicious nature. That verse was
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राग रामकली -
माईरी ! हों आनन्द मंगल गाऊँ। गोकुल की चिंतामणि माधौ जो मांगो सो पाऊँ ॥१॥
जब तें कमल नैन ब्रज आए सकल संपदा बाढी। नंदराय के द्वारे देखो अष्ट महासिद्धि ठाढी ॥२॥
फूले फले सदा वृन्दावन कामधेनु दुहि लीजे। मांग्यो मेह ईंद्र बरसावे कृष्ण कृपा तें जीजे ॥॥ ३॥
कहत जसोदा सखियन आगे हरि उत्कर्ष जनावे। 'परमानंद' कौ ठाकुर मुरली मनोहर भावे ॥४॥
Raag Ramkali –
O mother! I sing songs of joy and auspiciousness. In Gokul, the wish-fulfilling gem is Madhav Himself — whatever one asks for, one receives. ॥1॥
Since the lotus-eyed Lord came to Braj, all prosperity has increased. Behold at Nandarai’s door — the eight great perfections stand there waiting. ॥2॥
Vrindavan ever blossoms and bears fruit; the divine cow Kamadhenu is milked there. When rain is desired, Indra pours it forth — all thrive by Krishna’s grace. ॥3॥
Yashoda, speaking before her friends, proclaims the Lord’s supreme glory. ‘Parmanand’s’ Thakur, the flute-playing Manohar, enchants all hearts. ॥4॥
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After that, Shri Acharyaji took His meal and lay down to rest. Then all the Vaishnavas partook of Mahaprasad. Afterward, Paramananddas, having taken Mahaprasad, came before Shri Acharyaji and sang verses.
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राग गोरी -
बिमल जस वृन्दावन के चंद कौ। काह प्रकास सोम सूरज कौ जो मेरे गोविंद कौ ॥१॥
कहति जसोदा औरन आगे वैभव आनन्द-कन्द कौ। खेलत फिरत गोप-बालक संग ठाकुर 'परमानंद' कौ ॥२॥
Raag Gauri –
Pure is the glory of the Moon of Vrindavan — What need is there for the light of the sun or moon when my Govind shines forth? ॥1॥
Yashoda speaks before others of the splendor and blissful nature of her Lord — ‘Parmanand’s’ Thakur plays and wanders joyfully among the cowherd boys. ॥2॥
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Then Paramananddas sang this verse. That verse was —
✿✿✿
राग सारंग -
चलि सखी नदंगाम जाइ बसिए। खरिक- खेलत ब्रजचंद जु सो हसिए ॥१॥
बसि बठेन सबै सुख माई एक कठिन दुख दूर कन्हाई ॥२॥
माखन चोरत दुरि दुरि देखो, सजनी जनम सुफल कर लेखों ॥३॥
जलचर लोचन छिनु छिनु प्यासा। कठिन प्रीति परमानंददासा ॥४॥
Raag Sarang –
Come, friend, let us go and live in the village of Nanda! There, the Moon of Braj plays joyfully with butter and smiles delightfully. ॥1॥
All who dwell there live in bliss, O mother — For one difficult sorrow, Kanhaiya removes it completely. ॥2॥
See, dear friend, how He steals butter from afar again and again — Truly, such a birth is blessed and fulfilled! ॥3॥
Like a water creature ever thirsting for sight, the eyes long every moment to behold Him.
Such deep love belongs to ‘Parmanand Das’. ॥4॥
✿✿✿
Then Paramananddas sang this verse. Hearing it, Shri Acharyaji said, “Now let us go to Braj.” After that, Paramananddas brought before Shri Acharyaji all those whom he had previously initiated as sevaks and humbly requested, “Maharaj! Please accept these souls and grant them refuge.” Then Shri Acharyaji said to Paramananddas, “You have already given them the divine Name and made them sevaks. So why do you now bring them to Me to make them sevaks again?”
Paramananddas replied, “Maharaj! At that time, I was in the earlier state of Swamipana (self-perceived ownership). Therefore, I had made them sevaks. But now, I myself have become Your das (servant). The position of Swami belongs only to the true Master. If a das desires the status of Swami, he is a fool. Out of ignorance, I made them sevaks. Now, please accept them into Your shelter and grant them deliverance.” Then Shri Acharyaji mercifully recited the Divine Name to all of them and accepted them as sevaks.
After that, taking along all the Vaishnavas including Paramananddas, Shri Acharyaji departed from Kanauj and journeyed toward Braj. Within a few days, they arrived at Shri Gokul. There, Shri Acharyaji bathed at Govind Ghat, and after bathing, He came beneath the Chhonkar and took His seat at His own place of sitting.
Inside, there was a chamber near the temple of Shri Dwarikanathji — that was the place where Shri Acharyaji used to rest at night whenever He came to Gokul. This was known as the inner seat (bhitar ki baithak). It was at this same place that Shri Acharyaji had rocked Shri Navneetpriyaji’s cradle and celebrated the festival of Dadhika Dola on the day of Janmashtami, as already described earlier in the story of Gajan Dhawan.
Thus, having bathed, Shri Acharyaji sat beneath the Chhonkar at His seat. Then all the Vaishnavas, including Paramananddas, after bathing, came and sat near the Lord (Shri Acharyaji). Afterward, Shri Acharyaji taught Paramananddas the recitation of the Shriyamunashtak. Upon hearing it, the divine form of Shriyamunaji manifested vividly in Paramananddas’s heart. Then he composed and sang the praises describing the glory of Shriyamunaji. Those verses were —
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राग रामकली -
श्रीयमुनाजी ! यह प्रसाद हों पाऊँ। तिहारे निकट रहों निसबासर राम कृष्ण गुन गाऊँ ॥ १॥
मजन करों बिमल जल पावन चिंता कलह बहाऊँ। तिहारी कृपा तें भानु की तनया हरि पद प्रीति बढाऊँ ॥२॥
बिनती करों यही वर मांगों अधम संग बिसराऊँ। ´परमानंद' चारि फलदाता मदनगोपाल लडाऊँ ॥३॥
Raag Ramkali –
O Shri Yamunaji! May I receive this blessing — That I may live near You day and night, singing the glories of Ram and Krishna. ॥1॥
May I bathe in Your pure and sacred waters and wash away all worries and conflicts. By Your grace, O daughter of the Sun, may my love for Hari’s feet ever increase. ॥2॥
I make this prayer and ask for this one boon — that I may forget the company of the unworthy. ‘Parmanand’ seeks only this — to lovingly serve Madangopal, the bestower of the four goals of life. ॥3॥
राग रामकली -
श्रीयमुनाजी दीन जानि मोहि दीजे। नंद को लाल सदा बर मांगो गोपिन की दासी मोहि कीजे ॥१॥
तुम हो परम उदार कृपानिधि चरन सरन सुखकारी। तिहारे बस सदा लाडिलीवर वर्तत निर्तत गिरिवरधारी ॥२॥
ब्रजनारी सब खेलति हरिसंग अद्भुतरास बिलासी । तिहारे पुलिन मधि कुंज द्रुम कमल पुहूप सुखरासी ॥३॥
श्रमजल भरि न्हात ब्रजसुन्दरि जलक्रीडा सुखकारी। मनहु तारा मध्य चन्द विराजत भरि भरि छिरकत नारी ॥४॥
रानी जू के पांइ परों नित्य गृहकारज सब कीजै। 'परमानंददास' दासी व्ह चरन कमल सुख दीजे ॥५॥
Raag Ramkali –
O Shri Yamunaji! Knowing me to be lowly, bless me. May I ever beg for the boon of being the maidservant of the Gopis, devoted to Nanda’s son. ॥1॥
You are supremely generous, a treasure of compassion, And at Your banks forever resides the beloved Girivardhari (Krishna). ॥2॥
All the women of Braj play with Hari in wondrous Raas pastimes. In Your groves, trees, and lotus-filled banks lies an ocean of bliss. ॥3॥
The beautiful maidens of Braj, their bodies glistening with water, bathe joyfully — It appears as though among the stars, the moon shines surrounded by them. ॥4॥
At the feet of my Queen I bow daily and complete all household duties. ‘Parmanand Das’ prays — make me Your dasi, and grant me the joy of Your lotus feet. ॥5॥
राग रामकली -
कालिंदी कलि- कल्मष हरनी । रवि तनया जमअनुजा स्यामा महासुन्दरी गोविंद घरनी ॥१॥
जै जमुने श्रीकृष्णवल्लभा पतितन को पावन भव तरनी । सरनागत को देति अभयपद जननी तजत जैसे सुत की करनी ॥२॥
सीतल मन्द सुगंध सुधानिधि धारा धरि वपु उतरी धरनी। 'परमानंद प्रभु' परम पावनी जुग जुग साखि निगम नित बरनी ॥ ३॥
Raag Ramkali –
O Kalindi! Destroyer of the sins of Kali age, Daughter of the Sun, sister of Yama, dark in hue, supremely beautiful, and the beloved of Govind! ॥1॥
O Yamuna, beloved of Shri Krishna, purifier of the fallen, farrier across the ocean of existence — You grant the fearless state to those who take refuge, just as a mother never abandons her child. ॥2॥
Cool, gentle, fragrant, and nectar-filled, You descended to earth in a divine stream of purity. ‘Parmanand Prabhu’ says — You are supremely holy, praised by the Vedas throughout the ages. ॥3॥
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Paramananddas sang such verses before Shri Acharyaji on the banks of Shriyamunaji. Then Shri Acharyaji, being very pleased, granted Paramananddas the divine darshan of the childhood pastimes (Bal Leela) of Shri Gokul.
Paramananddas beheld these unique and wondrous Bal Leelas in this way — he saw the devotees of Braj drawing water from Shriyamunaji, while Shri Thakurji Himself delighted them through various playful pastimes and games. Having witnessed these divine Leelas, Paramananddas, overwhelmed with devotion, sang these verses before Shri Acharyaji. That verse was —
✿✿✿
राग बिलावल -
श्रीयमुनाजल घट भरि ले चली श्रीचन्द्रावलि नारि। मारग में खेलत मिले श्रीघनस्याम मुरारि ॥१॥
नैनन सो नैना मिले मन रह्यो हैं लुभ्याई। मोहन मूरति मन बसी पग धरयो न जाई ॥। २॥
मन की प्रीति प्रगट भई यह पहेली भेट। 'परमानंद' ऐसे मिली जैसे गुड में चेंट ॥३॥
Raag Bilawal –
Filling her pot with the waters of Shri Yamuna, Shri Chandravali, the maiden, set forth.
On the path, she met Shri Ghanshyam Murari, playing in joy. ॥1॥
Their eyes met — eyes with eyes — and her heart was instantly captivated.
The charming form of Mohan entered her very being, and her feet could move no more. ॥2॥
The love of her heart became manifest in that first meeting. ‘Parmanand’ says — their union was like sugar joined with an ant. ॥3॥
राग सारंग -
लाल नेक टेको मेरी बहियां। औघट घाट भरयो नहीं लाई रपटत हौ कालिंदी पहियां ॥।१।
सुन्दरस्याम कमल दल लोचन देखि स्वरूप ग्वालिनि अरुझानी। उपजी प्रीति काम अंतरगति तब नागर नागरी पहचानी ॥२॥
हँसि ब्रजनाथ गह्यो कर पल्लव जैसे गगरी गिरन न पावे। 'परमानंद' ग्वालि सयानी कमल नैन परसोई भावे ॥३॥
Raag Sarang –
O dear Lal! Hold my arm firmly — The path by the riverbank is steep, and I am slipping by the wheels of Kalindi. ॥1॥
The beautiful Shyam, with lotus-petal eyes, beheld the cowherd maiden’s form.
Love arose deep within — at that moment, the hero and heroine recognized one another. ॥2॥
Smiling, the Lord of Braj grasped her tender hand — Just as a pot filled with water would never spill when held steady. ‘Parmanand’ says — the wise cowherd girl delights in the touch of His lotus eyes. ॥3॥
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After that, Paramananddas composed many verses describing the childhood pastimes (Bal Leelas) of Shri Gokul. Through those verses, the divine form and true essence of Shri Gokul became clearly understood. That verse was —
✿✿✿
रागकान्हरो -
गावति गोपी मधु मृदुबानी। जाके भवन बसत त्रिभुवनपति राजा नन्द जसोदा रानी ॥१॥
गावत वेद भारती गावति नारदादि मुनि ज्ञानी ॥२॥
गावत चतुरानन जग नायक गावत सेस सहस्र मुखरास । मन क्रम बचन प्रीति पद अंबुज अब गावत ´परमानंददास' ॥३॥
Raag Kanharo –
The Gopis sing in sweet, gentle voices — In whose house resides the Lord of the three worlds, King Nanda and Queen Yashoda. ॥1॥
The Vedas sing, Saraswati sings, And Narad and other wise sages also sing His glory. ॥2॥
Brahma, the creator, sings of the Lord of the universe, And Shesh, with his thousand mouths, constantly sings His praise. With mind, action, and speech devoted to the love of His lotus feet, ‘Parmanand Das’ too now sings of Him. ॥3॥
राग कान्हरो -
रानी जसुमति गृह आवति गोपीजन। वासर ताप निवारन कारन बारंबार कमल मुख निरखन ॥१॥
चाहत पकरि देहरी उल्लंघन किलकि किलकि हुलसत मन हि मन । राई लौंन उतारि दुहूँकर वार फेरि डारति तन मन धन॥। २॥
लेति उठाय चांपति हियो भरि प्रेम विवस लागे दृग ढरकन। चली ले पलना पोढावन को अरकसाय पोढे सुन्दरघन ॥३॥
देति असीस सकल गोपीजन चिरजीयो जोलों गङ्ग यमुन। ´परमानंददास' कौ ठाकुर भक्तवच्छल भक्तन मनरंजन ॥४॥
Raag Kanharo –
Queen Yashoda returns home, and the Gopis come with her, To see again and again the lotus-like face of her child, Their hearts cooled from the day’s heat. ॥1॥
Eagerly they wish to cross the threshold, Their hearts filled with joy and delight, laughing softly. Yashoda removes the evil eye from both mother and son,
Waving her hand and offering her mind, body, and wealth to them. ॥2॥
Lifting the child in her arms, Overwhelmed with love, her heart throbs with emotion.
She goes to lay the beautiful dark One in His cradle, Her eyes resting upon Him tenderly. ॥3॥
All the Gopis offer their blessings — “May He live forever, as long as the Ganga and Yamuna flow.” ‘Parmanand Das’ says — his Thakur, the beloved of devotees,
Is the one who brings joy to their hearts. ॥4॥
राग हमीर –
गिरिधर सब ही अङ्ग कौ बांकौ। बांकी चाल चलत गोकुल में छेल छबीलो कहां कौ ॥ १॥
बांकी भोह चरन गति बांकी बांकौ हदयो है ताकौ । 'परमानंददास' कौ ठाकुर कियो खौर ब्रज सांकौ ॥२॥
Raag Hameer –
Giridhar, beautiful in every limb, With His graceful gait in Gokul, who can compare to His charm and playfulness? ॥1॥
His arched brows are graceful, His steps are graceful, Grace itself fills His heart.
‘Parmanand Das’s’ Thakur has made all of Braj radiant with His graceful beauty. ॥2॥
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In this way, Paramananddas sang many kirtans. After having the divine darshan of Shri Gokul, Paramananddas developed deep attachment and love for Shri Gokul. Then, before Shri Acharyaji, he sang such verses of prayer, expressing— “May I be kept in Shri Gokul near Your lotus feet, so that I may daily have the darshan of Shri Thakurji and experience all the divine Leelas.”
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राग सारंग -
यह मांगों जसोदानन्दन। चरनकमल मेरो मन मधुकर यह छबि नैनन पाॐ दरसन ॥ १॥
चरनकमल की सेवा दीजे दोऊ तन राजत बिजुलता घन । नंदनंदन वृषभाननन्दिनी मेरे सर्वसु प्रानजीवन घन ॥ २॥
ब्रज बसिवो जमुनाजल अचिवौ श्रीवल्लभ कौ दास यह पन। महाप्रसाद पाऊँ हरिगुन गाऊँ 'परमानन्ददास' दासी जन ॥३॥
Raag Sarang –
This I ask of You, O son of Yashoda! May my mind be like a bee at Your lotus feet,
And may my eyes behold this beautiful vision of Yours. ॥1॥
Grant me the service of Your lotus feet — Both bodies shine like lightning and clouds together. O Nandanandan and O daughter of Vrishabhanu, You are my all — my wealth, my very life, O dark One! ॥2॥
May I dwell in Braj and drink the waters of Yamuna, For this is the vow of the sevak of Shri Vallabh. May I receive Mahaprasad and sing the glories of Hari — ‘Parmanand Das’ prays as Your humble servant. ॥3॥
राग कान्हरो -
यह मौगों संकर्ष न बीर । चरनकमल अनुराग निरन्तर भावत हैं भक्तन की भीर ॥ १॥
संग देहो तो हरिभक्तन कौ बास वृन्दाबन जमुना तीर। श्रवण देह तो कृष्णकथारस ध्यान देउ तो स्याम सरीर ॥ २ ॥
मनकामना सकल परिपूरन मजन बिमल कालिंदी नीर। 'परमानंददास' कौ ठाकुर गोकुल नायक सब विधि धीर ॥ ३ ॥
Raag Kanharo –
This I ask, O heroic Sankarshan! May constant love for Your lotus feet dwell within me,
As the crowd of devotees surrounds You in devotion. ॥1॥
Grant me the company of Hari’s devotees, And residence by the Yamuna’s shore in Vrindavan. Grant my ears the nectar of Krishna’s stories, And my meditation the vision of Shyam’s form. ॥2॥
May all the desires of my heart be fulfilled, Through bathing in the pure waters of Kalindi. ‘Parmanand Das’s’ Thakur — the Lord of Gokul — Is patient, gentle, and perfect in every way. ॥3॥
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Hearing such devotional kirtans of prayer sung by Paramananddas, Shri Acharyaji became very pleased with him.
Prasang 3 – Paramananddas’s Kirtan Before Shri Govardhannathji
After that, Shri Acharyaji, along with Paramananddas and the entire assembly of Vaishnavas, departed from Shri Gokul and proceeded toward Shri Govardhan. At the time of the Utthapan festival, Shri Acharyaji arrived at Shri Giriraj. There, He bathed and then ascended Shri Giriraj to the temple of Shri Govardhannathji.
Paramananddas also bathed, offered full sashtang dandvat pranam to Shri Giriraj, and then went up the mountain to the temple to have the darshan of Utthapan. While beholding the divine form of Shri Govardhannathji, Paramananddas became deeply absorbed and attached in devotion. Then Shri Acharyaji said to Paramananddas through His divine lips, “Paramananddas! Sing some kirtans of the Lord’s divine Leelas before Shri Govardhannathji.”
Paramananddas reflected within himself, thinking, “What can I sing? My tongue is only one, but the form of Shri Govardhannathji is infinite, and His Leelas too are infinite. Whatever aspect I try to recall, my mind becomes overwhelmed and unsteady.
But since it is Shri Acharyaji’s command, I must sing something. Let me sing a verse that begins with the Avatara-Leela, then continues with the Kunj-Leela, then offers praise to the Lord’s lotus feet, then describes His divine form, and finally glorifies His Leelas along with their greatness.” Then Paramananddas sang such a verse. That verse was —
✿✿✿
राग बिलावल –
मोहन नन्दराइ कुमार। प्रकट ब्रह्म निकुंज नायक भक्त हित अवतार ॥१॥
प्रथम चरन सरोज वन्दों स्यामघन गोपाल । मकर कुण्डल गंड मंडित चारु नैन बिसाल ॥२॥
बलराम सहित विनोद लीला सेस सङ्कर हेत । 'दास परमानंद प्रभु´ हरि निगम बोलत नेति ॥३॥
Raag Bilawal –
Mohan, the son of Nandarai, Is the manifest Brahman, the Lord of the groves, who has incarnated for the welfare of His devotees. ॥1॥
First, I bow to the lotus feet of the dark cloud–complexioned Gopal, Whose cheeks are adorned with jeweled makara-shaped earrings, and whose eyes are broad and beautiful. ॥2॥
Together with Balaram, He performs delightful pastimes — Even Shesh and Shankar cannot comprehend their depth. ‘Sevak Parmanand Prabhu’ says — the Vedas themselves declare, “Neti, neti” (He is beyond description). ॥3॥
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After singing that verse of prayer, Paramananddas then sang verses expressing deep attachment and loving devotion.
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राग आसावरी -
माई मेरो माधौं सों मन मान्यो। अपनो मन और वा ढोटा कौ एक मेक करि सान्यो ॥ १॥
लोक वेद की कानि तजी मैं न्योति आपुने आन्यो । एकगोविंदचन्द के कारन र सबन सो ठान्यो ॥ २॥
अब क्यों भिन्न होहि मेरी सजनी दूध मिल्यौ ज्यों पान्यौ। 'परमानंद' मिले हैं गिरिधर है पहलो पहचान्यौ ॥३॥
Raag Asavari –
O mother, my mind is now pleased with Madhav alone. I have joined my own heart and His — mixing both into one. ॥1॥
I have abandoned the opinions of the world and of the Vedas, And have brought myself under His invitation alone. For the sake of Govind Chand, I have resolved to renounce all others. ॥2॥
Now how could I ever be separate, my dear friend, Just as milk, once mixed with water, cannot be parted again. ‘Parmanand’ says — I have met Giridhar; it is He whom I recognized first. ॥3॥
राग गोरी -
मैं अपनो मन हरि सो जोरयो । हरि सो जोरि सबन सो तोरयो ॥।१॥
आगे पाछे कौ सोच मिटयो अब बाट माँझ मटुका फोरचो । कहनो होइ सो कहो सखीरी कहा भयो काहू मुख मोरयो ॥२॥
नवल लाल गिरिधर पिया संग प्रेम रंग में यह तन बोय। 'परमानंदप्रभु’ लोक हँसन दै विधि-निषेध कौ नांतौ तोरयो ॥३॥
Raag Gauri –
I have bound my heart with Hari, And binding it to Him, I have cut off all ties with others. ॥1॥
All worries of past and future are gone — Now, even if the pot breaks in the middle of the road, what is there to lose? Say whatever you wish, O friend — How could I ever turn my face away from Him? ॥2॥
I have sown this body in the color of love with my beloved Giridhar. ‘Parmanand Prabhu’ says — let the world laugh if it wishes, I have broken all bonds of rules and prohibitions. ॥3॥
राग कान्हरो -
तिहारी बात मोहि भावति लाल । बार बार जसोमति के भवन में यह सुनन हो आवात जाति ॥ १॥
पार परोसी अनख करत हैं और कछुक लगावति लाल । ताकी साखि बिधाता जाने जिहि लालच उठि धावति लाल ॥२॥
दधिकौ मथन अरु गृह कौ कारज तिहारे प्रेम बिसशवति लाल । 'परमानंद प्रभु' कुंवर भांमतो तुम देखे सचु पावति लाल ॥।३॥
Raag Kanharo –
O Lal, Your words are dear to me. Again and again I hear them, coming and going to Yashoda’s house. ॥1॥
The neighboring women tease and jest, and Lal sometimes joins in their playful quarrels. The Creator Himself knows this truth — For out of eagerness, Lal rushes toward them in joy. ॥2॥
While churning curd or doing household tasks, Your love, O Lal, flows through everything. ‘Parmanand Prabhu’ says — when the young prince wanders about,
Whoever beholds Him truly attains truth itself. ॥3॥
✿✿✿
After that, Shri Acharyaji performed the Sevaarati (ceremonial evening worship) of Shri Govardhannathji. At that time, Paramananddas sang this verse. That verse was —
✿✿✿
राग केदारो -
पौदे रंगमहल गोविंद। राधिका संग सरद रजनी उदित पूरनचंद ॥।१॥
विविध बिचित्र चित्र चित्रत कोक कोटिक फंद। निरखि निरखि बिलास बिलसत दंपति रसकंद ॥२॥
मलयचंदन अंग लेपन परस्पर आनंद। कुसुम बिंजना ब्यार ढोरे सजनी 'परमानंद ॥३॥
Raag Kedaro –
The palace is adorned and radiant with colors — Govind rest there,
Along with Radhika, on the autumn night lit by the full moon. ॥1॥
The walls are painted with countless beautiful designs and colorful patterns,
As the divine couple, the very essence of bliss, gaze upon each other and rejoice in playful delight. ॥2॥
Their bodies are anointed with sandal paste from the Malaya mountain, and they enjoy together in joy. The gentle breeze carries the fragrance of flowers — so describes ‘Parmanand’. ॥3॥
✿✿✿
In this way, Paramananddasji sang many such verses. Hearing them, Shri Acharyaji became very pleased. After that, Shri Acharyaji laid Shri Govardhannathji down to rest and then descended the mountain. Then Shri Acharyaji said to Ramdas Bhitariya, “Send prasadi dadh (blessed curd) to Paramananddas.” But Ramdas instead sent prasadi dudh (blessed milk).
When Paramananddas began to drink that prasadi milk, he found it to be hot, so he let it cool slightly and then drank it. Afterward, Paramananddas came to Shri Acharyaji, offered dandvat pranam, and sat down. Then Shri Acharyaji asked him, “Paramananddas! The Mahaprasadi milk that you drank — how was it?”
Paramananddas replied, “Maharaj! The milk was hot.” Then Shri Acharyaji called all the bhitariya (inner sevaks) and asked, “Why do you offer the milk while it is hot? It should be offered when it is pleasantly warm and suitable.” All the inner sevaks replied, “Maharaj! From now onward, we will first let the milk cool slightly and offer it as siro (sweetened and cooled milk).”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Shri Acharyaji Himself arranged to have prasadi milk given to Paramananddas because milk is especially dear to Shri Thakurji. Through this act, He granted Paramananddas the experience of the Nikunj-Leela rasa (the divine play within the bowers).
Moreover, Shri Thakurji has said that when Vaishnavas appreciate and praise an offering, it signifies that the Lord has relished it fully and found it pleasing. Therefore, the milk was sent with that divine purpose. After Paramananddas drank the milk — nectar from the Lord’s own lips — he remained throughout the night immersed in the experience of Leela-rasa. Then, being absorbed in the divine night pastimes, he sang these verses. That verse was —
✿✿✿
राग कान्हरो -
आनंदसिंधुबढयो हरितन में। श्रीराधा पूरन ससि मुख निरखत उमगि चल्यो ब्रज वृन्दाबन में ॥१॥
इत रोक्यो यमुना उत गोपी कछु इक फैल परयो त्रिभुवन में। ना परस्यो कर्मठ अरू ज्ञानी अटकि रहयो रसिकन के मन में ॥२॥
मंद मंद अवगाहत बुद्धिबल भक्त हेत लीला छिन छिन में। कछु एक लहयो नंदसुवन कृपातें सो देखियत 'परमानंद' जन में ॥३॥
Raag Kanharo –
The ocean of bliss overflowed within Hari. Seeing the full-moon face of Shri Radha, He rose joyfully and went into Braj’s Vrindavan. ॥1॥
Here stood Yamuna, there the Gopis, and something of Him spread throughout the three worlds. Neither the learned nor the ascetic could grasp Him — He remained lodged in the hearts of the rasiks. ॥2॥
Gently and playfully, He entered the waters, Performing divine pastimes every moment for the sake of His devotees. By the grace of the son of Nanda, one rare soul among men attained Him — So says ‘Parmanand’. ॥3॥
राग कान्हरो -
पिय मुख देखत ही रहिये। नैनन को सुख कहत न आवे जा कारन दुःख सब हि सहिए ॥।१॥
सुनो गोपाललाल पौइ लागों भली पोच ले बहिए। हों आसक्त भई या रूप हि बड़े भागि तें लहिए ॥२॥
तुम बहुनायक चतुरसिरोमनि मेरी बॉह दृढ़ गहिए। ´परमानंदस्वामी’ मनमोहन तुमहि में निरबहिए ॥३॥
Raag Kanharo –
One could keep gazing endlessly at the beloved’s face — The joy to the eyes cannot be expressed, And for the sake of that joy, one bears all sorrows. ॥1॥
Listen, O Gopal Lal, I bow at Your feet; Touch me kindly and bless me. I have become deeply attached to Your form, Which can be obtained only through great fortune. ॥2॥
You are the supreme and most skillful among all heroes; Hold my arm firmly in Your grasp. ‘Parmanand Swami’ says — O Manmohan, Let my heart abide forever in You. ॥3॥
राग गौरी -
कौ रस गोपिन लीनो घूंट। मदन गोपाल निकट कर पाए प्रेम काम की लूंट ॥१॥
निरखि रूप नंदनंदन कौ लोकलाज गई छूटि। ´परमानंद' वेद सागर की मर्यादा गई तूटि ॥२॥
Raag Gauri –
What sweetness the Gopis drank in a single sip! Madan Gopal, being near them, looted their love and passion. ॥1॥
Beholding the form of Nandanandan, all worldly shame vanished. ‘Parmanand’ says — even the boundaries set by the Vedas and scriptures were broken. ॥2॥
राग गौरी -
यातें माई भवन छांडि बन जैये। आंखि-रस कानरस बातरस सब रस नंदनंदन पें पैये ॥ १॥
कर पल्लव गहि कंठ बाहु धरि संग मिले गुन गैये । रास बिलास विनोद अनुपम माधौ के मन भैये ॥। २॥
यह सुख सखी कहत नाहि आवे देखत दुःख बिसरैये। 'परमानंदस्वामी' को संगम भाग्य बड़े तें पैये ॥३॥
Raag Gauri –
Therefore, O mother, let us leave home and go to the forest! For all the sweetness of eyes, ears, and speech Is found only in Nandanandan. ॥1॥
Holding His tender hands and embracing His neck, They sing together of His virtues. Incomparable are the playful Raas pastimes of Madhav, which delight His mind. ॥2॥
This happiness, O friend, cannot be described — Even the sight of Him makes one forget all sorrow. ‘Parmanand Swami’ says — such a meeting with the Lord comes only through great fortune. ॥3॥
राग हमीर-
अमृत निचोय कियो इकठौर। तेरो बदन सुधारि सुधानिधि तब तें बिधना रचि न और ॥१॥
सुनि राधे उपमा कहा दीजे स्याम मनोहर भए हैं चकोर। सादर पान करत तुव आनन तृषित काम बस नंद किसोर ॥ २॥
कौन कौन अंग करोरी निरूपन नवगुन सील रूप की रासि। 'परमानंद प्रभु' को चित्त चोरयो लोचन बँधे प्रेम की प्यास ॥३॥
Raag Hameer –
The nectar of all sweetness was gathered in one place — After refining Your face, O ocean of nectar, Brahma could create nothing more. ॥1॥
Hearing this, Radha asked — “To what can He be compared?” For Shyam Manohar has become like the moon-bird (chakor), eager to drink the nectar of Your face.
The son of Nanda, overcome with love, drinks deeply of Your beauty. ॥2॥
Which limb, which quality, which virtue could one describe — All are countless treasures of beauty and grace. ‘Parmanand Prabhu’s’ heart has been stolen by Him, Bound by the thirst of divine love through the eyes. ॥3॥
राग बिहागरो -
यह तन नवल कुंवर परवारों। नव निकुंज में गौरस्याम तन वारंवार निहारों ॥१॥
इतनी टहल कृपा करि दीजे संग मिलि जीव उधारों। 'परमानंदस्वामी' के मिले बिनु और काज सब बारों ॥२॥
Raag Bihagro –
This body I offer to the youthful prince! In the fresh grove, I behold again and again
The fair and dark forms together. ॥1॥
Grant me this much grace and favor — Let me join You and attain deliverance.
Without meeting ‘Parmanand Swami’s’ Lord, All other deeds are worthless. ॥2॥
✿✿✿
In this way, Paramananddas experienced the divine Leela throughout the entire night and sang many kirtans. After that, when morning came, Shri Acharyaji bathed and ascended the mountain. There, He awakened Shri Govardhannathji. At that time, Paramananddas sang this verse. That verse was —
✿✿✿
रागरामकली -
जागो गोपाललाल देखो मुख तेरो। पाछें गृहकाज करो नित्य नेम मेरो ॥१॥
बिगसत निसा अरुन दिसा उदित भयो भान । गुंजत अली पंकज बन जागिए भगवान ॥ २॥
द्वारे ठाढ़े बंदीजन करत हैं उच्चार । बंस प्रसंस गावत है हरि – लीला अवतार ॥३॥
'परमानंदस्वामी´ गोपाल जगत मंगल रूप। वेद पुरान पढत ज्ञान महिमा अनूप ॥४॥
Raag Ramkali –
Awake, O Gopal Lal, behold Your face! After that, attend to Your daily household duties, as is my vow each day. ॥1॥
The night has bloomed, the red dawn has risen, and the sun has appeared. The bees hum among the lotuses — arise, O Lord! ॥2॥
At the doorway stand the attendants, reciting praises aloud. They sing songs of the flute and glorify Hari’s divine incarnations. ॥3॥
‘Parmanand Swami’s’ Gopal is the very embodiment of auspiciousness in the world. His glory, praised in the Vedas and Puranas, is beyond comprehension. ॥4॥
राग रामकली -
लाल को मुख देखन हो आई । काल्हि मुख देखि गई दधि बेचन जात ही गयो है बिकाई ॥१॥
दिनतें दूनो लाभ भयो घर काजर बछिया जाई। आई हो धाय थंभाय साथकीन मोहन देहु जगाई ॥ २॥
सुनि त्रिय बचन वे हैंसि बैठे नागरि निकट बुलाई। ´परमानंद' सयानिग्वालिन सेन संकेत बताई ॥।३॥
Raag Ramkali –
I came to see the face of my dear Lal. Yesterday I saw his face when I went to sell curd — I landed selling a lot of it ॥1॥
From that day, my earnings have doubled — the calf sold at home! I rushed back home in excitement, and begged Mohan, “Wake up, my dear!” ॥2॥
Hearing the woman’s words, He smiled, Called the maiden near, And ‘Parmanand’ says — the clever cowherd girl Hinted at their secret sign of love. ॥3॥
राग रामकली -
ग्वालिन पिछवारे व्ह बोल सुनायो। कमलनैन प्यारो करत कलेऊ कोर न मुख लो आयो ॥ १॥
अरी मैया एक बन ब्याई गया बछरा उहॉई बसायो । मुरली न लीनी लकुटिया न लीनी अरबराय कोऊ सखा न बुलायो ॥२॥
चकृत भई नंद जूकी रानी सत्य आइ कैधों सुपनो पायो। फूले अंगन माय रसिकवर त्रिभुवनराय सिर- छत्र जु छायो ॥ ३॥
बैठे जाइ निकुंज सदन में विविध भाँति कियो मन भायो। 'परमानंद' सयानीग्वालिन उलटि अंक गिरिधर पिय पायो ॥४॥
Raag Ramkali –
A cowherd girl spoke from behind, “O lotus-eyed beloved! Why are you eating alone without calling anyone?” ॥1॥
“O mother,” He said, “a calf from another forest has gone astray there, So I went and settled it. I took neither flute nor stick, nor did I call any of my companions.” ॥2॥
Queen Yashoda was astonished, realizing that her dream had come true! The courtyard filled with radiance, and over her son, the Lord of the three worlds, A divine umbrella of glory spread. ॥3॥
Later, she went to the grove-palace and made every arrangement delightful to the heart. ‘Parmanand’ says — the clever cowherd maiden At last found her beloved Giridhar in her embrace. ॥4॥
✿✿✿
In this way, Paramananddas sang many such verses. After that, Shri Acharyaji granted Paramananddas the seva of singing kirtans for Shri Govardhannathji. From then on, Paramananddas would compose new verses every day and sing them before Shri Nathji.
Prasang 4 – The Queen’s Darshan of Shri Nathji
One day, a certain king came to Braj on pilgrimage along with his queen. That king was a sevak of Shri Acharyaji. After having the darshan of Shri Govardhannathji, the king returned to his camp and said to his queen, “The darshan of Shri Govardhannathji is exceedingly beautiful. You too should go up to Giriraj and have His darshan.” Then the queen said to the king, “If it can be arranged that I may have darshan from behind a veil, according to our custom, then I shall go.”
The king replied, “These are the Lords of Braj — for the darshan of Shri Thakurji, what need is there for a veil? The Lord of Braj does not keep Himself hidden from anyone.” In this manner, the king tried hard to persuade the queen, but she would not agree. Then the king humbly appealed to Shri Acharyaji, saying, “Maharaj! I have tried greatly to explain to the queen, but she insists that she wishes to have darshan from behind a veil.”
Then Shri Acharyaji said, “Bring her in with the veil. We shall arrange for her to have the very first darshan.” So the queen came in behind the curtain and began to have darshan of Shri Nathji. Then Shri Nathji, in his form as Bhaktodwarak (the One who draws His devotees to Himself), rose up from His throne, walked to the door of the temple, and flung open the door panels with his own hands. The crowd outside pressed forward, and the rush of people fell upon the queen. At that moment, all the garments upon her body slipped away.
The queen became utterly embarrassed and ashamed. When she returned to the tent, she recounted everything that had happened to the king. Then the king said to her, “I had told you beforehand — Shri Nathji is the Lord of Braj. He hides Himself from no one and keeps no one veiled before Him.”
At that very time, Paramananddas was singing a kirtan, and one line of that kirtan precisely described the event that had just occurred. That verse was —
✿✿✿
'कौन यह खेलिवे की बानि। मदन गोपाललाल काहू की राखत नांहिन कानि. ॥'
Who plays in these ways? Madan Gopal Lal does not keep anyone’s words in His ears. ॥
Hearing this, Shri Acharyaji gently corrected Paramananddas, saying,
“Do not speak in that way — instead, say it like this, that —”
'भली यह खेलिवे की बानी।'
Good are these playful ways. ॥
✿✿✿
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): What does this signify? At this time, Paramananddas had only just been given the position of das (sevak). He was to remain in the mood of servitude (das-bhav). When he speaks in that humble state, the Lord bestows His grace upon him. Only when the sakhya-bhav (mood of friendship) becomes firmly established does one converse with the Lord on equal terms. Without that qualification, a higher tone of speech or emotion is not appropriate — one who attempts it falls from his position.
Therefore, when Shri Thakurji bestows the gift of simple and sincere devotion, only then such expressions are proper. Another meaning is this — Shri Acharyaji Himself showed that His greatest affection rested in Shri Govardhannathji. Out of that supreme love, He demonstrated that one who truly loves does not speak to his beloved in harshness. If an action done by a beloved is not fitting, the affectionate one still says, “You have done well.” Such is the way of divine love.
Therefore, Shri Acharyaji gently admonished Paramananddas, saying, “Do not speak in that tone, saying ‘What kind of speech is this for play?’ One should never speak thus.” He said, “Those who may rightly be restrained are the devotees of Braj — they may speak however they wish, for their intimacy is natural. But you should speak in a way that expresses affection — say instead, ‘How sweetly You play and speak!’”
Then Paramananddas sang such a verse accordingly. That verse was —
✿✿✿
राग सारंग -
भली यह खेलिवे की बानि । मदनगुपाललाल काहू की राखत नाहीन कानि ॥ १॥
अपने हाथ ले देत बनचरन हि दूध भात घृत सानि । सो बरजों तो आंख दिखावे पर घर कूदन-दानि ॥२ ॥
सुनरि जसोदा सुत के करतब यह ले माट मथानि । फोड़ि ढोरि दधि डारि अजिर में कौन सहे नित हानि ॥३॥
ठाढी हँसति नंदजूकी रानि मूंदि कमल मुख पानि । 'परमानंददास' इह जाने बालि बूझि घो आनि ॥४॥
Raag Sarang –
Good are these playful ways! Madan Gopal Lal does not keep anyone’s words in His ears. ॥1॥
With His own hands, He takes and gives to the cowherd women rice mixed with milk and ghee. If they scold Him, He only shows His eyes at them — and then leaps into their houses to steal again! ॥2॥
Hearing these deeds of her son, Yashoda smiles, as he churns the very mud itself,
Breaking the pots, spilling the curd in the courtyard — Who could bear such daily mischief? ॥3॥
Queen Yashoda stands laughing, covering her lotus face with her hands. ‘Parmanand Das’ understands this — It is all the innocent play of the divine child! ॥4॥
✿✿✿
Hearing that verse, Shri Acharyaji became very pleased.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): In this way, Paramananddas composed and sang thousands upon thousands of kirtans. In his verses, the moods of the Lord’s childhood pastimes (Bal Leela bhav) and their hidden divine meanings (rahasya) shine through.
Whatever divine Leela Paramananddas directly experienced within his heart, of that very Leela he composed and sang verses. Shri Acharyaji Himself had bestowed upon Paramananddas the gift of Bal Leela rasa within his heart, and therefore even in the profound and subtle verses of Paramananddas, the essence of the Bal Leela naturally reveals itself.
Prasang 5 – The Visit of the Bhagavadiya Vaishnavas
One day, all the Bhagavadiya Vaishnavas — Surdasji, Kumbhandasji, Ramdas, and others together came to visit the place where Paramananddas was residing. Seeing all these blessed devotees arrive at his home, Paramananddas became overjoyed in his heart, thinking, “Today, great fortune has come to me! These divine devotees have, out of grace, come to my home. What extraordinary and blessed souls they are!” He thought, “These devotees are the very forms of Shri Govardhannathji Himself. Therefore, today Shri Govardhannathji has shown immense grace upon me.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): What does this mean? It means that Shri Thakurji Himself, assuming many forms, has come to my home. Since Shri Thakurji resides within the hearts of all Bhagavadiya Vaishnavas, it is my great fortune that they have graced me by coming here. Now I have attained the supreme fulfillment of life, for all these divine devotees have showered their mercy upon me.
Therefore, first I must offer myself completely to these Bhagavadiya Vaishnavas. But what thing in this world could be worthy enough to offer myself fully at their feet? Then, together with the Bhagavadiya Vaishnavas, Paramananddas seated them all upon high seats with great honor and sang this verse. That verse was —
✿✿✿
राग बिहागये -
आए मेरे नन्दनन्दन के प्यारे। माला तिलक मनोहर बानो त्रिभुवन के उजियारे ॥१॥
प्रेम सहित उर बसत निरन्तर नेक हू टरत न टारे। हदै कमल के मध्य बिराजत श्रीबजराज दुलारे ॥२॥
कहा जानों कौन पुन्य उदय भयो मेरे घर जु पधारे, "परमानंद” करत न्योछावरि वारि वारि बहो वारे ॥३॥
Raag Bihagye –
Has come the beloved of my Nandanandan! Adorned with garland and tilak, so beautiful in form, The one who illumines all the three worlds. ॥1॥
With love He dwells constantly within my heart, Never turning away, not even for a moment. In the center of the lotus of my heart sits The darling son of the King of Braj. ॥2॥
How could I know what great fortune has arisen, That He has come to my home!
‘Parmanand’ offers himself in devotion — Again and again, he bows and surrenders. ॥3॥
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After that, Paramananddas sang another verse. That verse was —
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राग बिहागरो -
हरिजन स छिनक जो होई। करें कृपा गिरिधरन जीव पर पातक रहे न कोई ॥१॥
सकल कुतर्क वासना नासे हरि सुमरे सुमरावे। जड़ व्हे चतुर मंद बुद्धि निरमल मनमोहन मन भावे ॥२॥
माया काल कछू नहीं व्यापे जो हरिजन को जाने। 'परमानंद' यही मन निश्चय हरिजन गुन हि बखाने ॥३॥
Raag Bihagro -
If even for a moment one becomes a devotee of Hari, then by Giridhar’s grace, no sin can remain upon that soul. ॥1॥
All false arguments and worldly desires are destroyed by remembering and making others remember Hari. The dull become wise, the slow-minded become pure,
And their hearts are delighted by Manmohan. ॥2॥
Neither Maya nor Time can touch the one who truly knows the devotee of Hari. ‘Parmanand’ says — this is the firm conviction of my heart, That only the virtues of Hari’s devotees are to be spoken. ॥3॥
✿✿✿
In this way, Paramananddas sang those verses. Hearing them, all the Bhagavadiya Vaishnavas became very pleased with him. Then Paramananddas humbly requested all the Vaishnavas, “Today, you have kindly come to my home — please give me some command or instruction.” Then Ramdasji asked, “Paramananddas! In Braj, all devotees — Nandarayaji, the Gopis, the cowherd boys, and all the Braj devotees — have deep love for the Lord. Among them, whose love is the greatest?”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Why did he ask this? Because Paramananddas had great attachment to the Lord’s childhood pastimes (Bal Leela), and since he was a blessed devotee and recipient of divine grace, Ramdasji asked this question to clear any doubt.
The meaning is this — according to Shri Acharyaji’s inner intention, the Gopis’ love is the highest. But Paramananddas had described many pastimes of Nand’s household and of the Lord’s childhood. Therefore, Ramdasji wished to see whether Paramananddas truly understood the inner intention of Shri Acharyaji’s heart — hence this question served as a test. At that moment, Paramananddas sang this verse. That verse was —
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राग नायकी -
गोपी प्रेमकी ध्वजा। जिन गोपाल कियो बस अपने उर धरि स्याम भुजा ॥१॥
सुक मुनि व्यास प्रसंसा कीनी उद्धव संत सराही। भूरि भागि गोकुल की वनिता अति पूनित जगमहीं ॥ २॥
कहा भयो जु विप्रकुल जन्मयो जो हरि सेवा नाहीं। सोई पूनित दास 'परमानंद' जो हरि सन्मुख जाहीं ॥३॥
Raag Nayaki –
The Gopis’ love is the banner of devotion — By it, they have bound Gopal, holding Shyam within their hearts and His arms around them. ॥1॥
Sage Shuk, Vyasa, and the saints like Uddhav have all praised them, for the women of Gokul are greatly fortunate and supremely holy in all the world. ॥2॥
What is the value of birth in a family of Brahmins, If there is no service of Hari? That one alone is pure, says ‘Parmanand Das’, Who goes to stand before Hari with devotion. ॥3॥
राग कान्हरो -
ब्रजजन सम घर पर कोउ नाहीं। जिन सब तन मन हरि अर्पन करि मोहन धरो उर मांहीं ॥१॥
सदा स डोलत मन मोहन गोपी धरि उर ध्यान। गोपी गोपी रटत निरन्तर भूलि गये सब ज्ञान ॥२॥
जा गोपी की पदरज उद्धव ब्रह्मादिक सब जाचें। ता गोपी गृह माखन काजें सब दिन गिरिधर नाचे ॥ ३॥
गोपीजन मैं कौन बताऊँ हरि हू पार न पावे। तो हों मन्द बुद्धि कहा जानों 'परमानंद' गुन गावें ॥४॥
Raag Kanharo –
There are no households like those of the people of Braj, Who have offered their entire bodies and minds to Hari, and hold Mohan close within their hearts. ॥1॥
Their minds sway with love for Mohan; The Gopis hold His form in their hearts in constant meditation. Forever repeating “Gopi, Gopi,” they have forgotten all other knowledge. ॥2॥
The dust of those Gopis’ feet is sought by Uddhav, Brahma, and all the great gods, and in those Gopis’ homes, for the sake of butter, Giridhar Himself dances every day. ॥3॥
How can I describe the glory of the Gopis? Even Hari Himself cannot reach its end.
Then how could I, dull-minded as I am, know it? ‘Parmanand’ can only sing their virtues. ॥4॥
✿✿✿
Hearing that verse sung by Paramananddas, all the Vaishnavas said, “Paramananddas! You are truly blessed!” In this way, all the Vaishnavas became very pleased and praised Paramananddas greatly. Afterward, they took their leave and returned to their homes. Thereafter, Paramananddas continued for many days to perform the seva of singing kirtans before Shri Govardhannathji.
Prasang 6 – Paramananddas Receives a Kirtan from Shri Gusainji
After some time, one day Paramananddas came from Gopalpur to Shri Gokul to have the darshan of Shri Gusainji and Shri Navneetpriyaji. After having darshan, he stayed there that night. The next morning, Shri Gusainji, after taking His bath, went to the temple of Shri Navneetpriyaji. Then He called for Paramananddas.
Paramananddas came forward, offered dandvat pranam, and stood humbly before Him. Then Shri Gusainji said to Paramananddas, “All the divine Leelas of Shri Thakurji in Braj are most dear to Him. One who constantly sings the Braj Leelas of Shri Thakurji — even in all time — cannot reach their limit. Why? Because even one Leela cannot be sung to its end; how, then, can all Leelas be expressed?
But I shall now compose one kirtan for you — within it contains the full essence and experience of all the Braj Leelas. You should sing this kirtan regularly from now on.” Then Paramananddas said, “Maharaj! Please graciously reveal that verse to me.” Since Shri Gusainji was one who followed the proper path (margacharya), He did not compose in the common tongue (bhasha), but instead sang the kirtan in Sanskrit. That verse was —
✿✿✿
राग रागकली -
मंगल मंगलं ब्रजभुवि मंगलम्। मङ्गलमिल श्रीनंदयसोदा नामसुकीर्तनमेतदुचिरोत्संगसुलालितपालितरूपम् ॥१॥
!श्रीश्रीकृष्ण इति श्रुतिसारं नाम स्वार्तजनाशयतापापहमिति मंगलरावम् । ब्रजसुन्दरीवयस्यसुरभिवृन्द मृगीगणनिरूपमभावा मंगलसीधुचया ॥२॥
मंगलभीषत्ििस्मतयुतमीक्षण - भाषणमुन्नतनासापुटगतमुक्ताफल चलनम् ॥ कोमलचलदंगुलिदल संगत वेणुनिनाद विमोटितवृन्दावनभुविजाताः ॥३॥
मंगलमखिलं गोपी शितु रतिमंथरगति बिभ्रम मोहितरासस्थितगानम्। त्वं जय सततं श्रीगोवर्द्धनधर पालय निजदासान ॥४॥
Raag Raagkali –
Auspicious, auspicious is the land of Braj; all is auspicious. Auspicious is the melodious chanting of the names of Shri Nanda and Yashoda, in whose tender laps the beautiful form of Shri Krishna was long fondled and lovingly cared for. (1)
The words “Shri Shri Krishna” are the very essence of the Vedas; this divine name destroys the inner sorrow and sins of those devoted to it — it resounds with an auspicious echo. The fragrance of Braj maidens, the herds of cows, and the deer of the forest — all are immersed in that blissful nectar of auspiciousness. (2)
Auspicious are His smiling glances and sweet speech, His slightly raised nose adorned with a moving pearl, His soft fingers gracefully dancing as they play the flute — from whose notes the land of Vrindavan itself was born in delight. (3)
Auspicious is everything — the divine circle of Gopis enchanted by love, their gentle, playful steps, and their sweet songs within the Rasa dance. O You, who ever triumph — Shri Govardhan-dhara! Protect Your sevaks forever. (4)
✿✿✿
Then Shri Gusainji Himself sang that verse and made Paramananddas sing it after Him. Paramananddas joyfully sang it, repeating the words “Mangalam, Mangalam.” Then, in that same auspicious mood, Paramananddas composed and sang other verses as well. That verse was —
✿✿✿
राग भैरव -
मंगल माधौ नाम उचार । मंगल बदन कमलकर मंगल मंगलजन की सदा सम्हार ॥१॥
खेलत मंगल पूजत मंगल गावत मंगल गीत उदार। मंगल श्रवन कथारस मंगल मंगल तन वसुदेव कुमार ॥२॥
गोकुल मंगल मधुवन मंगल मंगल रुचि वृन्दावनचंद। मंगल करन गोवर्द्धनधारी मंगल भेख जसोदानंद ॥३॥
मंगलधेनु रेनु भुवमंगल मंगल मधुर बजावत वेनु। मंगल गोपवधू परिरंभन मंगल कालिंदी पय फेनु ॥४॥
मंगल चरनकमलदल मंगल मंगल कीरति जगत निवास । अनुदिन मंगल ध्यान धरत मुनि मंगल मति 'परमानंददास' ॥५॥
Raag Bhairav –
Auspicious is the utterance of Madhav’s name. Auspicious is His lotus-like face and His lotus hands; may the ever-auspicious Lord always protect all who are blessed. (1)
Auspicious is His play, auspicious His worship, auspicious are the noble songs sung in His praise. Auspicious is the nectar of His stories heard by the ears; auspicious is the divine body of Vasudev’s son. (2)
Auspicious is Gokul, auspicious is Madhuban, and auspicious is the radiant moon of Vrindavan. Auspicious are the deeds of Govardhan-dhari, and auspicious is the form of Yashoda’s blissful son. (3)
Auspicious is the sacred cow and the dust of the earth; auspicious is the sweet sound of His flute. Auspicious is the loving embrace of the Gopa maidens, and auspicious is the foaming water of the Kalindi River. (4)
Auspicious are His lotus feet, and auspicious is His divine glory, the abode of the world.
Day after day, the sages meditate upon His auspicious form, and so does ‘Parmananddas’ keep his mind fixed on that blessed Lord. (5)
✿✿✿
Then Paramananddas sang this verse. After that, Shri Gusainji completed the Mangala Bhog offering and performed the Mangala Aarti. At that very time, Paramananddas sang this verse. That verse was —
✿✿✿
राग भैरव -
मंगल आरती करि मन मोर । भरम निसा बीती भयो भोर।।१॥
मंगल बाजत झालर ताल । मंगल रूप उठे नंदलाल ॥।२॥
मंगल बाजत बीन मृदंग। मंगल बांसुरी सरस उपंग ॥३॥
मंगल धूपदीप करि जोर मंगल गावत सब मिलि कोर ॥४॥
मंगल उदयो मंगल रास। मंगल मति 'परमानंददास' ॥५॥
Raag Bhairav –
Performing the auspicious aarti, my mind is filled with joy. The dark night of illusion has passed — the bright dawn has arrived. (1)
Auspiciously resound the cymbals and drums, as the beautiful form of Nandlal (Krishna) awakens in divine splendor. (2)
Auspiciously sound the veena and the mridang, and the flute plays its sweet, melodious tones. (3)
With incense and lamps offered in devotion, all together sing songs of auspicious praise. (4)
Auspicious has arisen the divine dance and joy; auspicious is the mind of ‘Parmananddas.’ (5)
✿✿✿
In this way, following the Mangalam Mangalam composition created by Shri Gusainji, Paramananddas sang many kirtans. He regularly sang the verse Mangalam Mangalam composed by Shri Gusainji every day.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Within this kirtan lies the entirety of the Braj Leela — by singing it daily before Shri Thakurji, one experiences the essence of all the Lord’s divine pastimes of Braj. Through the recitation of Mangalam Mangalam, all the Leelas of Braj are remembered and invoked.
In the Mangala verse composed by Paramananddas, he sings — “Mangalam tan Vasudeva Kumar” (“Auspicious is the body of Vasudeva’s son”). Here, a question may arise — since Paramananddas is a devotee of Nandnandan (the son of Nanda), why does he refer to the Lord as Vasudeva Kumar (the son of Vasudeva)?
The answer is this: in the Venu Geet and Yugal Geet, the Gopis themselves use the word Devaki-suta (son of Devaki), expressing their Kumarika-bhav — the mood of young maidens. Why so? Because the maidens of Braj refer to Shri Yashoda as “Mother,” and thus, in their hearts, they relate to Shri Thakurji in the mood of a beloved (pati-bhav). Therefore, by calling Him “Vasudeva-suta,” they affirm that beloved relationship. If they were to call Him “Yashoda-suta,” it would imply a brother-sister relationship. Hence, Paramananddas, understanding the subtlety of these moods, used Vasudeva Kumar to express the pati-bhav within the Leela.
Later, Paramananddas came from Shri Gokul to Shri Giriraj for the darshan of Shri Govardhan-dharan (the Lifter of Govardhan). There, during the Mangala Aarti, Paramananddas first sang the Mangalam Mangalam verse. From that time onward, the tradition of singing Mangalam Mangalam began at Shri Govardhannathji’s temple. Thus, Paramananddas was indeed a most blessed and grace-filled devotee (kripapatra bhagavadiya).
Prasang 7 – The Janmashtami Festival with Shri Gusainji and Paramananddas
And when the festival of Janmashtami approached, Shri Gusainji would first bathe Shri Navneetpriyaji with Panchamrit, adorn Him beautifully, and then proceed to Shri Giriraj Parvat to decorate Shri Govardhannathji. After completing the Rajbhog there, He would return from Shri Giriraj to Shri Gokul. At midnight, He would celebrate the divine birth of Shri Navneetpriyaji with all the proper rituals, rock His cradle, and then perform the Nand Mahotsav at the temple of Shri Nathji.
So when Janmashtami arrived, Shri Gusainji, taking Paramananddas with Him, came from Shri Giriraj to Shri Gokul. On the day of Janmashtami, Shri Gusainji performed the ceremonial Abhyanga Snan (divine bath) of Shri Navneetpriyaji. At that time, Paramananddas sang a Badhai (song of divine celebration). That Badhai was —
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राग धनाश्री -
मिलि मंगल गावहु माई, सबे मिलि। आजु लाल कौ जन्म दिवस है बाजत रंग बधाई ॥१॥
आंगन लीपो चोक पुरावो विप्र पढ़न लागे वेद। करहु सिंगार स्यामसुन्दर को चोवा चन्दन मेद ॥२॥
आनंद भरी बाबा नन्दजू की रानी फूली अंग न समाई। परमानंददास कौ ठाकुर' बहुत न्योछावरि पाई ॥३॥
Raag Dhanashri –
Come together, O mothers, and sing songs of auspicious joy — all of you together!
Today is the birth day of the beloved Lal (Krishna); the air resounds with music and celebration. (1)
The courtyards are swept and decorated with sacred designs; the Brahmins begin reciting the Vedas. Adorn the beautiful Shyamsundar with garments, sandalwood paste, and fragrant perfumes. (2)
Overflowing with bliss is Mother Yashoda, the queen of Baba Nanda — her joy cannot be contained within her body. ‘Parmananddas’s Thakur’ (beloved Lord) has received countless loving offerings and blessings. (3)
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After that, Shri Gusainji adorned Shri Navneetpriyaji and performed the tilak ceremony. At that very moment, Paramananddas sang this verse. That verse was —
✿✿✿
राग सारंग -
आज बधाई को दिन नीकौ । नंदघरनी जसुमति जायो है लाल भौवतो जी कौ ॥१॥
पंच सब्द बाजे बाजत है घर-घर तें आयो टीको । मंगल कलस लिये ब्रजसुन्दरि ग्वाल बनायत छीकौ ॥२॥
देति असीस सकल गोपीजन जीवो कोटि बरीसो। 'परमानंददास को ठाकर’ गोप भेख जगदीसो॥३॥
Raag Sarang –
Today is a most blessed and joyful day of celebration! In the house of Nanda, Mother Yashoda has given birth to a son — the darling beloved of every heart! (1)
The five kinds of auspicious musical sounds are echoing everywhere; from every home, tilak marks and decorations are being made. Carrying sacred pots of water, the beautiful women of Braj decorate the paths with splendor and grace. (2)
All the Gopis offer their blessings, saying — “May He live for countless ages!” ‘Parmananddas’s Thakur,’ the Lord of the Universe, has appeared in the attire of a cowherd. (3)
राग सारंग -
घर घर ग्वाल देत हैं हेरी। बाजत तालमृदंग बासुरी ढोल दमामा भेरी ॥१॥
लूटत झपटत खात मिठाई कही न सकत कोऊ फेरी। उनमद ग्वाल बदत नहीं काहू बजवनिता सब घेरी ॥।२॥
वजा पताका तोरनमाला सबे सिंगारी सेरी। जै जै कृष्ण कहत 'परमानंद´ प्रगटयो कंस कौ बैरी ॥।३॥
Raag Sarang –
In every house the Gopas are rejoicing; the rhythm of drums, mridangs, flutes, and trumpets fills the air. (1)
They seize and share sweets in cheerful play — none can describe the joy of that scene!
The cowherds are in such blissful madness, while women sing and surround them in delight. (2)
Banners and garlands adorn every doorway; each street shines with festive decoration.
Crying “Victory! Victory to Shri Krishna!” — sings ‘Parmananddas,’ as the enemy of Kansa is revealed to the world. (3)
✿✿✿
In this way, Paramananddas sang many verses. After that, at midnight, Shri Gusainji performed the divine birth ceremony of Shri Navneetpriyaji, placing Him gently in the cradle. Shri Gusainji Himself assumed the forms of Shri Nandarayaji, Shriyashodaji, and the Gopis and Gwalas, enacting the sacred Leela. At that very time, Paramananddas sang this verse. That verse was —
✿✿✿
राग धनाश्री -
जसोदा रानी सोवन फूले फूली। तुम्हारे पुत्र भयो कुलमंडन वासुदेव समतूली ॥१॥
देति असीस बिरधी जे ग्वालिनि गाम – गाम तें आई । ले ले भेट सबै मिलि निकसी मंगल चार बधाई ॥२॥
ऐसे दसक होइ जो और तो सब कोऊ सचुपावे। बाढौ बंस नंद बाबा कौ 'परमानंद' जिय भावे ॥३॥
Raag Dhanashri –
Queen Yashoda is overflowing with joy — her heart blooms with delight! Your son is born, the jewel of the clan, equal in glory to Vasudev Himself. (1)
The elder Gopis, coming from every village, give blessings aloud; each brings gifts in her hands, joining together to sing auspicious songs of celebration. (2)
May there be such a joyful time again and again, and may everyone witness this bliss!
May the lineage of Baba Nanda ever flourish — this is the heartfelt wish of ‘Parmananddas.’ (3)
✿✿✿
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): In this verse, Paramananddasji expresses — “May there be such a group of ten, by whose presence everyone attains truth and joy.” To fulfill the truth of the devotees’ words, ten divine forms manifested — the seven sons of Shri Gusainji, along with Shri Gusainji Himself, Shri Acharyaji, and Shri Govardhannathji. These ten divine forms appeared together, granting bliss to all.
Here, the word “sab” refers to all the divine souls of the Pushtimarg — the blessed and grace-filled devotees. In this way, Paramananddasji sang the kirtan filled with this divine sentiment and realization. Afterwards, Shri Nandarayaji, along with the Gopis, Gwalas, and groups of Vaishnavas, carried their beloved Lalji (the divine child) and celebrated the Dadhikando festival — the joyous play of curd, butter, and milk.
At that moment, Paramananddas’s heart became overwhelmed with divine joy; his mind was completely absorbed in bliss. In that ecstasy, Paramananddas began to dance and sang this verse. In the intensity of divine love, Paramananddas even forgot the order and sequence of the musical ragas. Though it was the middle of the night, he sang in Rag Sarang. That verse was —
✿✿✿
राग सारंग -
आज नंदराय के आनंद भयो। नाचत गोपी करति कोलाहल मंगल चार ठयो ॥१॥
राती पीयरी चोली पहेरे नौतम झूमक सारी। चोवा चंदन अंग लगाए सेंदुर मांग सवारी ॥२॥
माखन दूध दह्यो भरि भाजन सकलग्वाल ले आए। बाजत बेनु पखान महुवरि गावत गीत सुहाये ॥३॥
हरद दूब अक्षत दधि कुमकुम आंगन बाढ़ी कीच । हसत परस्पर प्रेम मुदित मन लागि लागि भुज बीच ॥४॥
चहुँ वेद ध्वनि करत महामुनि पंच सब्द ढम ढोल । 'परमानंद' बढयो गोकुल में आनंद हदै कलोल ॥५॥
Raag Sarang –
Today great joy has arisen in the house of Nand! The Gopis dance in delight, making joyful sounds — all around, the air is filled with auspicious celebration. (1)
They wear yellow skirts and new blouses, with beautiful dangling earrings that sway. Their bodies are adorned with red cloth and sandalwood paste, and their foreheads are graced with bright vermilion. (2)
Bringing pots full of butter, milk, and curd, all the cowherds gather together. Flutes, drums, and horns resound joyfully, as sweet songs echo in every direction. (3)
Turmeric, sacred grass, rice grains, curd, and vermilion decorate the courtyards in abundance. Laughing and embracing one another with love, their hearts overflow with divine happiness. (4)
The great sages chant the sounds of the four Vedas, and drums beat with the five sacred notes. ‘Parmananddas’ sings — in Gokul, boundless joy and divine celebration have arisen! (5)
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After singing that verse, Paramananddas became overwhelmed by divine love and fell unconscious to the ground. Then Shri Gusainji, with His own lotus hands, lifted Paramananddas up, took water in His joined palms, recited sacred Vedic mantras, and sprinkled the water upon him.
At that moment, the overflowing love that had made Paramananddas faint became steady and composed within his heart. He then experienced the full realization of the divine Leela and began to sing again in blissful devotion. In this way, Shri Gusainji showered immense grace upon Paramananddas. After that, Paramananddas sang the cradle (palna) verse. That verse was —
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राग बिलावल-
हालरो हुलरावति माता। बलि बलि जाय घोष सुख दाता ॥१॥
अति लोहित कर चरन सरोजे। जे ब्रह्मादिक मनसा खोजे ॥२॥
जसुमति अपनो पुन्य बिचारे । बारबार मुख कमल निहारे ॥३॥
अखिल भुवनपति गरूडागामी। नंदसुवन 'परमानंदस्वामी' ॥४॥
Raag Bilawal –
Mother Yashoda gently rocks her child, singing with love — “Blessed, blessed am I! You are the giver of joy to all the cowherds.” (1)
Your lotus hands and feet glow with deep crimson, the very form that even Brahma and the gods long to behold in meditation. (2)
Yashoda reflects upon her immense good fortune, again and again gazing at her child’s lotus-like face. (3)
You are the Lord of all worlds, the rider of Garuda — O son of Nanda, You are ‘Parmanand Swami,’ the Supreme Bliss Himself. (4)
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Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): In this way, Paramananddasji sang the words “Akhila Bhuvanapati Garudagami.” Here, Akhila Bhuvanapati means “the Lord of all the worlds,” referring to Shri Bhagavan seated upon Garuda — the Supreme Lord who is the Master of the entire creation. When he said Nandasuvan Thakur (the son of Nanda, Shri Krishna), Paramananddas expressed, “He is my own Lord and Master.” Hearing this kirtan, Shri Gusainji became extremely pleased with Paramananddas.
After that, Paramananddas composed and sang another verse in Rag Kanharo. In divine love, the sequence of musical ragas does not matter — the sequence follows the flow of the Leela itself. As the Leela appeared in divine vision, it revealed itself to Paramananddas, and accordingly, he sang in that same inspiration. That verse was —
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राग कान्हरो -
रानीजु तिहारो घर सुबस बसो। सुनहु जसोदा तिहारे ढोटा को न्हात हु जिनि बार खसो ॥ १॥
कोऊ करत वेद मंगल धुनि कोऊ गावो कोऊ हंसो। निरखि निरखि मुख कमल नयन कौ आनंद प्रेम हिये हुलसो ॥।२॥
देति असीस सकल गोपीजन कोऊ अति आनंद लसौ। 'परमानंद' नंद घर आनंद पुत्रजन्म भयो जगत जसो ॥३॥
Raag Kanharo –
O Queen, your home is filled with divine grace! Listen, Yashoda — your little one is being bathed today; do not let Him slip even for a moment! (1)
Some chant Vedic hymns of auspiciousness, some sing, and others laugh in joy. Gazing again and again upon His lotus face, their eyes overflow with love and delight. (2)
All the Gopis give their blessings, their hearts radiant with boundless happiness. ‘Parmanand’ proclaims — In Nanda’s house, great joy has arisen with the birth of this divine son, whose glory fills the world. (3)
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Then Paramananddas sang this verse of blessings. After that, Shri Gusainji placed His son, Shri Giridharji, near Shri Navneetpriyaji and joyfully performed the Dadhikando festival. Then, taking Paramananddas along, Shri Gusainji went for the darshan of Shri Govardhannathji. Seeing the Dadhikando celebrations there, Paramananddas became completely absorbed in the bliss of the divine Leela-rasa.
Afterward, Shri Gusainji offered the Rajbhog to Shri Govardhannathji and came outside. Seeing the extraordinary, divine state of Paramananddas, Shri Gusainji said, “Just as Kumbhandas attained divine absorption and withdrawal in the Lord’s youthful Leela (Kishor Leela), in the same way, Paramananddas has now attained divine absorption and withdrawal in the Lord’s childhood Leela (Bal Leela).”
Later, Paramananddas offered dandvat pranam to Shri Gusainji, descended from the mountain, bowed before the flag of Shri Govardhannathji, and went near Surabhi Kund. There, reaching his own cottage, he stopped speaking altogether. Immersed in the bliss of Nand Mahotsav rasa, Paramananddas resolved to leave his earthly body. He went to the bank of Surabhi Kund, lay down, and rested there.
Meanwhile, Shri Gusainji completed Shri Nathji’s Rajbhog Aarti and the Anosar ceremony. After that, Shri Gusainji asked His sevaks, “During the Rajbhog Aarti today, I did not see Paramananddas — where has he gone?” Then one Vaishnav came forward and humbly said to Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! Today Paramananddas appears deeply absorbed and silent; he is not speaking to anyone. He has gone to Surabhi Kund and is lying there.”
Then Shri Gusainji, taking that Vaishnav along, went to Surabhi Kund and came near Paramananddas. Placing His divine hand upon Paramananddas’s forehead, Shri Gusainji said, “Paramananddas! I know what is in your heart. Now your darshan will become rare and difficult for this world.” Then Paramananddas rose and offered sastang dandvat pranam to Shri Gusainji. At that moment, Paramananddas sang this verse. That verse was —
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राग सारंग -
प्रीति तो नंदनंदन सो कीजे। संपति बिपति परे प्रतिपाले कृपा करें तो जीजे ॥१॥
परम उदार चतुर चिंतामनि सेवा सुमिरन माने। चरन कमल की छाया राखे अंतरगति की जानें ॥२॥
वेद पुरान भागवत भाखे कियो भक्तन मन भायो। 'परमानंद' इंद्र को वैभव विप्र सुदामा पायो ॥३॥
Raag Sarang –
Place your love only in Nandanandan (the son of Nanda). He protects in both prosperity and adversity — if He grants His mercy, life becomes truly blessed. (1)
He is supremely generous, wise, and like the wish-fulfilling gem; He delights in seva (devotional service) and remembrance. He shelters devotees beneath the shade of His lotus feet and knows the deepest feelings of every heart. (2)
The Vedas, Puranas, and Bhagavat sing His glory — He has captured the hearts of all devotees. ‘Parmanand’ says — even the splendor of Indra, was bestowed upon the Brahmin Sudama by His grace. (3)
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Then Paramananddas sang that verse before Shri Gusainji and offered it to Him with deep devotion.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): In this verse, Paramananddasji prayed to Shri Gusainji, saying — “The love I hold for You, may it forever remain filled with one constant stream of grace. O most merciful Lord, You protect Your devotee under the cool shade of Your lotus hand. Even now, please grant me Your darshan and place Your lotus hand upon my head. Within my heart, You have fulfilled the deepest longing of my soul.
The Vedas and Puranas all proclaim that You always delight in giving joy to Your devotees. Just as, when no soul worthy of Indra’s post was found, Bhagavan Himself took the form of Indra and carried out Indra’s duties — so too, You have bestowed grace and divine wealth upon Your devotee Sudama, yet Sudama never became proud.
In the same way, You perform Your divine Leelas in Braj in the form of supreme bliss, and through that compassion, You have blessed me. How can I ever describe the greatness of Your qualities? I can never reach their end.” In this way, Paramananddasji offered this heartfelt prayer to Shri Gusainji. Hearing this verse, Shri Gusainji became greatly pleased.
At that moment, one Vaishnav said to Paramananddas, “Please tell me some means of practice or devotion that I can follow, so that Shri Thakurji may become pleased with me and shower His grace.” Then Paramananddas, joyfully and kindly, said to Vaishnav, “Listen carefully. I will tell you an easy and direct means. If you listen to it with a devoted and attentive heart, you will surely attain success and divine realization.” After speaking these words with affection and reassurance, Paramananddas sang a verse for that Vaishnav. That verse was —
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राग भैरख -
प्रात समै उठि करिए श्रीलक्षमन सुत गान। प्रगट भए श्रीवल्लभ प्रभु देत भक्ति दान ॥ १॥
श्रीविद्दलेस महाप्रभु रूप ही सुहान। श्रीगिरिधर श्रीगिरिधर उदय भयो भान ॥२॥
श्रीगोविंद आनंदकंद कहा बरनों गुनगान। श्रीबालकृष्ण बालकेलि रूप ही सुहान ॥३॥
श्रीगोकुलनाथ प्रगट कियो मारग बखान । श्रीरघुनाथलाल देख मन्मथ ही लजान ॥४॥
श्रीयदुनाथ महाप्रभु पूरन भगवान। श्रीघनश्याम पूरन काम पोथी में ध्यान ॥५॥
पांडुरंग बिठ्ठलेस करत वेद गान। 'परमानंद'निरखि लीला थके सुर विमान ॥६॥
Raag Bhairakh –
At the break of dawn, rise and sing the praises of Shri Lakshman’s divine son. Shri Vallabh Prabhu has manifested — bestowing the gift of pure devotion. (1)
The radiant form of Shri Vitthalesh Mahaprabhu shines resplendent; and like the rising sun, Shri Giridhar — Shri Giridhar — has appeared in glory. (2)
Shri Govind, the source of bliss, whose virtues are beyond words — Shri Balakrishna, whose divine childhood plays are supremely charming. (3)
Shri Gokulnath revealed the sacred path of grace; and beholding Shri Raghunathlal, even Kamadeva (the god of love) feels shy. (4)
Shri Yadunath Mahaprabhu, the complete manifestation of the Lord; and Shri Ghanshyam — the fulfillment of all desires — is meditated upon in the sacred texts. (5)
Pandurang Vitthalesh sings the hymns of the Vedas; ‘Parmanand’ says — even the celestial beings grow weary, watching the endless play of His divine pastimes. (6)
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In this way, Paramananddas sang that kirtan. Hearing it, Shri Gusainji and all the assembled Vaishnavas became very pleased. Then Shri Gusainji asked Paramananddas, “Paramananddas! Now, where is your mind resting?” In reply, Paramananddas sang this kirtan in Rag Sarang. That verse was —
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राग सारंग -
राधे बैठी तिलक संवारति। मृगनैनी कुसुमाकर धरि नंदसुवनकौ रूप बिचारति ॥ १॥
दरपन हाथ सिंगार बनावति बासर सम जुग ढारति। अंतर प्रीति स्यामसुंदरसों हरि संग केलि सम्हारति ॥ २॥
बासर गत रजनी ब्रज आवत मिलत गोवर्द्धनधारी। 'परमानंदरवामी' के संगम मुदित भई ब्रजनारी ॥३॥
Raag Sarang –
Radha sits adorning her tilak, the doe-eyed one holding a mirror of flowers, lost in thought upon the beautiful form of Nanda’s son. (1)
Holding the mirror, she perfects her ornamentation, the day passing like a moment in her longing. Her heart overflows with love for Shyamsundar, as she prepares for the joyful play with Hari. (2)
When the day ends and night falls, the Lord of Govardhan comes to meet her. With ‘Parmanand Swami’s’ beloved Lord by her side, the maidens of Braj are filled with radiant bliss. (3)
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In this way, with his mind completely absorbed in the divine Leela of the Divine Couple (Jugal Swaroop), Paramananddas left his mortal body and attained the eternal Leela of Shri Govardhannathji.
Afterward, Shri Gusainji came to Gopalpur, took his bath, and ascended the mountain to perform the Utthapan (morning awakening) of Shri Govardhannathji. Then, after completing the Seva up to the Sayan (evening rest) and performing the Anosar ceremony, Shri Gusainji descended from the mountain and sat upon His seat.
Then all the Vaishnavas performed the Agni Sanskar (cremation) of Paramananddas’s body. Afterward, they came to Gopalpur and, appearing before Shri Gusainji, began to praise Paramananddas greatly, speaking of his devotion and divine state.
At that time, Shri Gusainji, with His own divine lips, said before the Vaishnavas, “In the path of Pushti (Pushtimarg), there have been two great oceans — one is Surdas, and the other is Paramananddas. In their hearts dwell unfathomable depths of divine rasa, the treasure of Bhagavad Leelas where countless jewels of divine bliss reside.” In this way, Shri Gusainji praised Paramananddas through His own holy speech.
Thus, Paramananddasji was one of those divine, grace-filled devotees (kripapatra bhagavadiya) of Shri Acharyaji, upon whom Shri Govardhannathji was ever pleased. Therefore, the story (Varta) of Paramananddas has no end — it is beyond words, indescribable, and cannot be expressed fully, no matter how much one speaks.