Now the sevak of Shri Gusainji, Alikhan Pathan, whose daughter Pirzadi lived in Mahavan—her narrative is spoken as follows.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): This Alikhan was born in Bachhgay in the house of a Bachhil Gaurava Kshatriya. Later, Alikhan’s father began serving as a soldier in Delhi. There he associated with Pathans. By keeping their company, he himself became a Pathan. Therefore, he named his son Alikhan. From then on, Alikhan’s father brought his entire family to Delhi. Later, when Alikhan became about twenty to twenty-five years old, his father passed away. From then on, the Padshah kept Alikhan with him. The Padshah would send Alikhan to earn revenue from jagirs, and Alikhan would go there. After that, Alikhan was married, and a daughter was born. He named her Pirzadi. Alikhan loved that daughter very much.
And Alikhan’s house was in a Hindu neighborhood. There, several Vaishnavas also lived. When Pirzadi became five years old, she began to play with the Vaishnava children. Those children would play games of Thakur. In those games, they would bathe Thakur, adorn Him, and offer bhog. Afterwards, they would distribute the prasad among themselves. Pirzadi also took that prasad. Thus, Pirzadi’s mind became attached to the play of Thakur, and she began to play in that manner. After some days, the Padshah sent Alikhan to the pargana of Tavisa.
Prasang 1 – Alikhan Becomes the Protector of Braj
Thus, that Alikhan received the pargana of Tavisa. Alikhan came and resided in Mahavan. There, Alikhan became the governor. Once, Alikhan went out to see Braj. Seeing Braj, Alikhan became very pleased. Alikhan understood well the true form of Braj, and his mind became deeply attached to Braj. After taking the darshan of Braj, Alikhan returned home. Then he had announcements made throughout the villages of Braj, saying, “O brothers! Whoever breaks even a leaf or a branch of the trees of Braj, I will break the fingers of his hand.” In this manner, Alikhan protected Braj. He himself would daily roam about Braj. Thus, no one dared to break even a single leaf.
One day, Alikhan was sitting on his platform. At that time, an oilman came to sell oil. He had covered and tied the mouth of the oil jar with fresh leaves. Alikhan saw this. With that oilman there was also an ox, and to drive it he held a green stick in his hand. Alikhan said to his men, “Catch that oilman and bring him here.” Then those men caught the oilman and brought him and stood him before Alikhan. Then Alikhan got up from the court and came and asked the oilman, “From which tree have you broken these branches and leaves? Show me that tree.”
Then Alikhan went along with that oilman. The oilman showed that tree. Then Alikhan said to the oilman, “All this oil—pour it at the root of this tree.” Then the oilman began to plead greatly and said, “Master, I did not know. Therefore forgive my fault.” Then Alikhan said to the oilman, “Today I am letting you go after frightening you with the oil vessels alone. But if on any other day I see you breaking branches or leaves, I will thoroughly break your hands and feet. Since today you did not know, this punishment is being done.” Then the oilman poured the vessels full of oil at the root of that tree and went to his home. Then Alikhan returned to his house. From that day onward, all people began to fear Alikhan. In this manner, Alikhan protected Braj.
One day, Alikhan had eaten bread and was sleeping. After sleeping, he awoke and saw a gardener breaking leaves of a palash tree. Alikhan himself went near him. Then Alikhan asked that gardener, “Why are you breaking so many leaves? What will you do with these leaves? Whose man are you?” Then the gardener said to Alikhan, “These leaves I am taking for the leaf-plates and bowls for the house of Shri Gusainji of Shri Gokul. Thus, I am the gardener of Shri Gusainji.” Then Alikhan said to that gardener, “You have taken the name of a very great place. Therefore, I ask one thing of you. From today onward, the leaves you break are yours. But from today onward, from each palash tree you must break ten leaves only after asking. Do not break from a single tree alone. This much you have to give me.” From then on, that gardener began to do in that very manner. And the gardener said to Alikhan, “Now you should instruct your men that they should not say anything to me.” Then Alikhan said to his guards, “There is a gardener of Shri Gusainji by such-and-such name; he has permission to break leaves. Except for him, no one else may break even a single leaf.” In this manner, Alikhan protected the trees of Braj.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The meaning of this narrative is this—that the trees of Braj are transcendental. In the Padma Purana, the form of Braj has been described. There it is said:
वृक्षे वृक्षे वेणुधारी पत्रे पने चतुर्भुजः । यत्र वृंदावनं तत्र लक्ष्यालक्ष्यकथा कुतः।
“In every tree stands the flute-bearer; in every leaf, the four-armed Lord. Where Vrindavan exists, how can there be talk of the visible and the invisible?”
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In this manner, the trees of Vrindavan are of the form of the flute-bearing Shri Govardhandhar, and their leaves are of four-armed form. Therefore, the trees are divine. Hence, Vaishnavas should never break the trees of Braj at all; breaking them incurs offense. If leaves are broken for the purpose of Shri Thakurji, there is no obstacle, but if many leaves are needed, they should never be taken from a single tree. Rather, a few should be taken from all trees, after asking.
Prasang 2 – Pirzadi Attains Direct Vision of Shri Thakurji
Alikhan had a daughter who was very beautiful. Alikhan loved her very much. When that daughter grew older, she said to Alikhan, “Babaji! Please have a separate temple made for me to play in.” Then Alikhan called craftsmen and, after selecting an auspicious day, engaged them to build the temple. While digging the foundation, a very beautiful form of Shri Thakurji emerged. The craftsmen gave that form to Alikhan. Alikhan gave that form to his daughter for playing. Then she began to play with that form. Whatever she did for her own body, in the same way she lovingly attended to Shri Thakurji as well. She bathed that form with pure water, dressed Him in clothes, adorned Him with ornaments, seated that form properly, and began to play. While playing, she developed a very great attachment to that form. Her love for that form became so intense that she became completely absorbed in him. She became so attached to that form that she could not remain without him even for a moment.
Her mind became entirely absorbed in that form. When her longing became extremely intense, Shri Thakurji came to know of it, and she attained direct vision. One day, the Lord gave her darshan. She was sleeping at night when He gave her darshan. Her entire night passed in contemplation. She began to search for that form upon her bed, but that form, after giving darshan, disappeared. She remained absorbed in thought alone. Morning came, but she did not rise from the bed. She resolved in her mind, “Only when He gives me darshan will I rise; otherwise, I will give up my life.” She made this firm determination. She took this vow. Shri Thakurji could not bear her intense anguish. At that very place, Shri Vrindavanchandra gave her direct darshan and said, “Now rise, bathe, prepare some food, and offer bhog to me. It has been a long time, and I am hungry. Therefore, now rise.” Then she rose, bathed, prepared food, offered bhog, and herself took prasad. After that, again at night, Shri Thakurji performed rasa with her. From that day onward, the Lord became intimately affectionate toward her. They played daily. Whatever she wished, she would ask from Him. In this manner, Shri Thakurji would always sport with her. He would not remain apart from her even for a moment. Thus, many days passed.
Then one day, Alikhan looked at his daughter’s form and saw that her appearance had changed. Alikhan thought in his mind, “What has happened to her?” He became greatly astonished. Then Alikhan shared this matter with his wife, saying, “My daughter’s appearance seems different.” That woman, after looking at the daughter, said to Alikhan, “She has met with some man.” Then Alikhan placed an extremely strict guard around the palace. At night, all the guards kept watch. When midnight came, music and celebration began inside. Sounds of cymbals, pakhawaj, anklets, and bells were heard. All the people outside could hear them, but they could not understand anything. In the morning, those men told all this news to Alikhan. Alikhan said to them, “Tonight I myself will see.” That night, when the music and celebration began, those men immediately informed Alikhan. Alikhan rose and came before his daughter’s house. There was a gap in the door, and peering through it, he heard the music and celebration, but nothing was visible. Morning approached, and the music stopped. Alikhan returned to his house. Again evening came.
Then Alikhan dismissed all the men, bolted the door himself, and sat alone. When about one and a half watches of the night had passed, again music and celebration began inside. Then Alikhan determined in his mind, “No human can enter inside, and such instruments cannot be heard being played by humans anywhere. Therefore, this is some divine arrangement of Shri Thakurji. Only when He shows mercy can He be seen.” Then he saw directly that Shri Vrindavanchandra Kanhaiyalal Himself was performing the rasa. Many youthful Braj devotees were singing. Among them, he also saw his own daughter standing. Seeing this, Alikhan experienced immense joy in his heart. Immediately upon having darshan, he fainted and fell at the doorway. After about four moments, Alikhan regained consciousness. Then, becoming alert, he began to listen carefully, but no instruments were sounding. Then looking again through that gap, he saw Shri Thakurji and his daughter seated on one seat. Shri Thakurji had placed His sacred hand around her neck and was accepting betel. Then they stood up and, placing their arms around each other’s necks, began to dance.
At that time, Alikhan looked here and there. No ant could enter there—then who else could go there? Looking again through the gap, nothing else appeared different. Then Alikhan took out a small knife from his waist, made a small hole in the door, and began to see properly. He directly beheld Shri Vrindavanchandra, Shri Kanhaiyalal. Upon seeing this, Alikhan fainted again. After about four moments, he regained awareness and again began to see. Morning came, and the Lord, wearing a crown and adorned in Natavar attire, was seated, fatigued from dancing. Seeing the extremely blissful vision of both of them, Alikhan again fainted and fell at the doorway. Morning had arrived. Then the daughter opened the door and saw that her father was lying fallen before the doorway. Then she supported him with both her hands and made him sit up. Afterwards, she moved both her hands over her father’s head and spoke these words, “Babaji! Babaji! Wake up, morning has come.” Then Alikhan’s faintness left him and he became conscious. After that, Alikhan fell at his daughter’s feet and said to her, “Daughter! You are blessed, blessed, blessed. Now cause me to have darshan of Shri Kanhaiyalal.” Then the daughter said to her father at that time, “Today I will ask and see.”
That night came, and Shri Thakurji arrived. Then Pirzadi asked Shri Thakurji, “Maharaj! My father longs for Your darshan. Whatever hope you have from me, I will convey to him.” Then Shri Thakurji gave this command to her, “Early in the morning, both father and daughter should go to Shri Gokul and go to Shri Gusainji and receive the Name. Then darshan will take place.” Then Alikhan’s daughter again made a request to Shri Thakurji, “Maharaj! We have heard that Shri Gusainji does not even look at the face of a mlechchha. Then how will he give us the Name?” Then Shri Thakurji said to Alikhan’s daughter, “I will speak to Shri Gusainji. By My command, he will give you the Name. And early in the morning you should go and sit at the steps of Shri Thakurani Ghat. When he comes there to bathe, he will call you through his sevak and give you the Name.” Saying these words, Shri Thakurji departed.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): In this narrative, a great doubt arises—Shri Thakurji Himself mercifully gave darshan of the rasa to Alikhan and Alikhan’s daughter. He caused the daughter to experience all the bliss of the rasa. Even so, why did Shri Thakurji Himself tell them to become sevaks of Shri Gusainji? The explanation is given as follows: Although due to the daughter’s intense pain of separation, Shri Thakurji performed rasa-play with her and gave her all kinds of bliss, and through her connection Alikhan also received darshan, still without connection to Shri Gusainji, this firmness does not arise. Because Shri Thakurji is independent, He gave them bliss by His own will. But without connection to Shri Gusainji, one is not bound in the way of Pushti. In the Pushti path, Shri Thakurji remains under Shri Acharyaji and Shri Gusainji. Therefore, in the life of the Pushti path, Shri Thakurji always bestows grace through Shri Acharyaji and Shri Gusainji. Hence Shri Thakurji told Alikhan and Alikhan’s daughter to become sevaks of Shri Gusainji.
Afterwards, Shri Thakurji said to Shri Gusainji, “These two mlechchha father and daughter will come and sit today at Shri Thakurani Ghat. When you come there to bathe, give the Name to both of them. This is My command.” All these words of Shri Thakurji were explained by the daughter to Alikhan. Hearing his daughter’s words, Alikhan became extremely pleased. Early in the morning, both of them arose, completed their bodily duties, and came from Mahavan to Shri Gokul and sat upon the steps of Shri Thakurani Ghat.
After one and a half watches of the day had passed, Shri Gusainji, after offering the royal meal to Shri Navaneetpriyaji at his house, came to bathe in Shri Yamunaji. When Shri Gusainji had bathed and was putting on his dhoti, Alikhan and his daughter came into his sight. Then Shri Gusainji said to a Vaishnava, “Call those two who are sitting there and bring them to me.” That Vaishnava went and said to Alikhan, “Shri Gusainji is calling both of you.” Then both of them, filled with great joy, came before Shri Gusainji, offered full prostration, and stood there. Then Shri Gusainji spoke from his sacred mouth, “Alikhan! Come forward.” Then both of them moved a little forward and stood. Then Alikhan again offered prostration and made a request to Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! We are in your refuge.” Hearing his request, Shri Gusainji mercifully called both father and daughter near Shri Yamunaji and bestowed the Name upon them.
At that very moment, Alikhan made another request to Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! By what offense did we become mlechchhas?” Then Shri Gusainji said, “Alikhan! This matter is not to be spoken of.” Then Alikhan again requested, “Maharaj! If this secret is not known from you, who among living beings is capable of speaking of the matter of previous birth? Who will tell us this? Therefore, Maharaj, only you are fit to speak on this matter. By your mercy, this must indeed be told.”
Then Shri Gusainji said to Alikhan, “Alikhan! Listen. In your first birth, you were serving Ranganath Thakur of Kaveri in the South. One day it was the time for putting Shri Thakurji to rest. You were arranging Shri Thakurji’s bed, and this daughter of yours was dancing before Shri Thakurji. The doors of Shri Thakurji were open, and darshan was taking place. At that very time, a great king came for darshan. Then you left the arrangement of Shri Thakurji’s bed and began attending to that king. And this daughter of yours, who had been dancing before Shri Thakurji, left Shri Thakurji and began making gestures and glances before the king. By that offense, you became mlechchhas.”
Then Shri Gusainji, showing mercy upon them, gave this command to Alikhan, “Alikhan! We never abandon our sevaks. Therefore, you belong to us.” Hearing these words from the sacred mouth of Shri Gusainji, Alikhan became greatly pleased in his heart, offered prostration, and returned to his home. Afterwards, Shri Gusainji performed the evening rites, marked himself with tilak, and went to the temple of Shri Navaneetpriyaji.
Then night came. Alikhan said to his daughter, “Daughter! When Shri Thakurji comes, please remember my request—that I too may receive darshan of Shri Thakurji by your grace.” Then the daughter said to Alikhan, “Yes, I will say it. But He is the Lord. Whatever comes in His will alone is right.” Then Alikhan again said, “Still, you should say it.” After that, his will is supreme anyway.
That night, Shri Thakurji came there with the Braj devotees and Himself asked Alikhan’s daughter, “Did both of you go to Shri Gusainji and receive the Name?” Then Alikhan’s daughter requested Shri Thakurji, “Maharaj! We have received the Name.” Then Shri Thakurji again asked her, “Where is Alikhan?” She requested, “Maharaj! He is standing at the door, longing for darshan.” Then the Lord commanded her, “Why are you not calling him inside?” Hearing this, Alikhan’s daughter, filled with great joy, went and brought her father inside. Then Alikhan entered, offered prostration, and attained great joy.
Alikhan himself played the pakhawaj very beautifully. Taking permission from Shri Thakurji, Alikhan played the pakhawaj with great delight in that day’s rasa. Hearing the sound of Alikhan’s pakhawaj, Shri Thakurji became very pleased. From that day onward, Shri Thakurji would daily call Alikhan to play the pakhawaj during the dance and grant him darshan.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): From this it is known that Alikhan is among the youthful attendants of Shri Yamunaji in the divine play. His name is Rasrangini. Rasrangini is extremely skilled in playing the mridang. Therefore, hearing his mridang, Shri Thakurji becomes greatly pleased. Here too, he performed service through the pakhawaj. And Pirzadi is a sakhi of Subh Anana, manifested from her. She is a tamasic devotee. Her name is Saloni. Her form is very enchanting, and she is an expert in dance. Therefore, Shri Thakurji always sports with Saloni. Here too, she abided in this manner. Thus, in this way, Shri Nathji bestows grace upon Alikhan through the channel of Shri Gusainji.
Prasang 3 – Listening to the Katha of Shri Gusainji
At one time in Mahavan, Alikhan’s daughter heard from the mouth of a Vaishnava that Shri Gusainji speaks katha. She asked that Vaishnava, “At what time does Shri Gusainji sit to speak katha?” That Vaishnava said to Alikhan’s daughter, “When about one and a half watches of the day remain, the Lord begins the katha. At the time of conclusion, he rises to go for bathing.”
The daughter conveyed this news to Alikhan, saying, “Shri Gusainji speaks katha at this time. Therefore, if you come, let us go to Shri Gokul to hear the katha. This is my wish.” Hearing these words of his daughter, Alikhan became very pleased. From that day onward, Alikhan, father and daughter both, would come to hear the katha. When Shri Gusainji would open the scripture to speak the katha, these two would listen to Shri Bhagavat from the sacred mouth of Shri Gusainji.
The Vaishnavas began to discuss among themselves, saying, “Look! These two are mlechchhas, yet at the time of speaking katha, Shri Gusainji sends a man to the door to call them. Then he opens the scripture to speak the katha, and he narrates Shri Bhagavat to them.” In this way, all the Vaishnavas began to discuss among themselves. But out of fear, none could ask Shri Gusainji anything. The Lord is the knower of hearts, so He came to know the intention in the minds of those Vaishnavas.
One day, Alikhan, father and daughter, came and sat there. Shri Gusainji was opening the scripture to speak the katha. All the Vaishnavas were seated before Shri Gusainji. Shri Gusainji asked those Vaishnavas, “Which episode did we speak in the katha yesterday? All of you tell me.” Then all those Vaishnavas began looking at one another’s faces, but none could tell the episode of the katha to the Lord. Shri Gusainji remained silent. Then Shri Gusainji asked Alikhan’s daughter, “What katha did we speak yesterday?”
Alikhan’s daughter offered prostration to Shri Gusainji and made a request, “Maharaj! If it is your command, then from the day we began listening to the katha until yesterday, I shall submit the account of the katha. And if it is your command, I shall submit yesterday’s katha.” Hearing her words, Shri Gusainji said to those Vaishnavas, “Now has the doubt in your minds been removed? Or if there is still any doubt in your minds, then speak.” All the Vaishnavas, feeling ashamed, remained silent. Such was the disposition of Alikhan, father and daughter, by the grace of Shri Gusainji.
Prasang 4 – The Offering of the Horse
At one time, Alikhan was exercising a horse. Shri Gusainji saw it and said, “This is a fine horse.” This matter was conveyed to Alikhan by the court attendant, saying, “Shri Gusainji has greatly praised this horse with his own sacred mouth.” Hearing this, Alikhan adorned that horse with new equipment and sent it as an offering to Shri Gusainji. The horse was taken by a man and stood at the gate. Then from inside, the porter informed Shri Gusainji. The porter went inside and submitted to Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! Alikhan has sent a horse. The man with the horse is standing at the gate.” Shri Gusainji did not accept the horse. This news was conveyed by the porter to the man who had brought the horse. That man took the horse back and came to Alikhan and told him all the news from Shri Gusainji, saying, “Master! He sent the horse back and did not keep it.”
Then Alikhan thought in his mind, “In what way will the Lord accept our offering?” From that day onward, Alikhan himself did not ride that horse, nor did he allow the court attendant to ride it. The horse remained tied. Just as it received fodder and provisions as its due, in the same way it continued to receive its daily allowance. Whenever Alikhan went out riding, he would adorn that horse and keep it in front of his eyes in the stable. And with devotion, Alikhan would imagine that he was arranging the riding of Shri Gusainji. First, Alikhan would offer prostration before that horse and then mount another horse.
Every year, on the day of Dussehra, he would completely change the equipment of that horse with new adornments. The earlier, consecrated equipment of that horse he would put on his own horse, saying, “This is the horse that Shri Gusainji praised.” Such was his sentiment. Alikhan, father and daughter both, were so wholly devoted to Bhagavan. Therefore, to what extent can their narrative be spoken?