Now, the Bhav of the account of Durgadas Brahmin, a Gangaputra, who lived in the eastern region, a sevak of Shri Gusainji, is spoken of.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): He was a tamasic devotee. In divine play, his name is “Kalyani.” He manifested from Syama; therefore, he is of the nature of Bhav.
Prasang 1 – Receiving the Name, Service, and Childlike Grace
Once, he had come to Mathura along with a group of Vaishnavas. With that group, Durgadas also came to Shri Gokul. He had the darshan of Shri Gusainji. He received the darshan of the direct, complete Purushottam. Then Durgadas made a humble request to Shri Gusainji, saying, “Maharajadhiraj! Please perform name-nivedan for me.” Then Shri Gusainji said to Durgadas, “Go and bathe in Shri Yamunaji and then come.” Durgadas bathed in Shri Yamunaji and returned. Then Shri Gusainji performed the name-nivedan for Durgadas. Then Durgadas placed an offering before Shri Gusainji according to his capacity and, with great humility, said, “Maharajadhiraj! I am the sevak of sevaks. I am very sinful. You alone have accepted a fallen one like me. I had no refuge elsewhere.”
After that, it was the time of Rajbhog for Shri Navanitpriyaji. Shri Gusainji went there. He offered Rajbhog to Shri Navanitpriyaji, completed the bhog at the proper time, performed aarti, and then called for darshan. Durgadas came into the temple, had the darshan of Shri Navanitpriyaji, and became extremely joyful. After that, Shri Gusainji completed the service of Shri Navanitpriyaji and came to his sitting place. Then all the Vaishnavas came for darshan. Durgadas also offered prostration to Shri Gusainji and sat. After that, Shri Gusainji went inside to take his meal and said to Durgadas, “Today you shall take the mahaprasad here itself.” After eating, Shri Gusainji placed the plate of mahaprasad before Durgadas. Durgadas accepted the mahaprasad.
After that, Shri Gusainji came to his sitting place and rested. Then, rising from rest, he sat upon his cushion and bolster. Shri Gusainji then said to Durgadas, “Durgadas! Now tell me—what desire is in your mind?” Then Durgadas humbly requested Shri Gusainji, saying, “Maharajadhiraj! If once I could go on forest pilgrimage and have the darshan of Shri Govardhan Nathji, it would be good.” Then Shri Gusainji commanded, “That is a very good matter.” Then Durgadas took leave of Shri Gusainji and departed. He came to Shri Giriraj and had the darshan of Shri Govardhan Nathji, and Durgadas became extremely joyful. He stayed there for some days. After that, Durgadas went on forest pilgrimage. Completing the parikrama, he came to Shri Gokul and had the darshan of Shri Gusainji.
Then Shri Gusainji said to Durgadas, “Durgadas! When did you arrive?” Durgadas humbly replied, “Maharajadhiraj! I have just arrived.” After that, it was the time for the awakening of Shri Navanitpriyaji. Shri Gusainji went to the temple and offered the awakening bhog to Shri Thakurji. When the proper time came, he completed the bhog, performed the ritual with the whisk, and opened the doors for darshan. Then Durgadas had the darshan of Shri Navanitpriyaji. After that, Shri Gusainji completed all services up to the bedtime service and came to his sitting place. Durgadas also came and sat near Shri Gusainji. Then Durgadas humbly requested Shri Gusainji, saying, “Maharajadhiraj! I desire to perform service.” Then Shri Gusainji granted Durgadas the garments of Shri Navanitpriyaji for service. After that, Durgadas said to Shri Gusainji, “Maharajadhiraj! If you command, I shall go to my homeland.” Durgadas placed an offering before Shri Gusainji. Then Shri Gusainji smiled and said to Durgadas, “Durgadas! What is this new custom you are performing?”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): By this it is said that he was a Gangaputra, therefore worthy of reverence, and his offering should not be accepted. With this intention, Shri Gusainji spoke in this manner.
Then Durgadas said to Shri Gusainji, “Maharajadhiraj! I offer myself. When you performed a new act, then I too had to perform something new.” Then Shri Gusainji said, “What new act did I perform?” Durgadas humbly replied, “Maharajadhiraj! You placed this garland upon me. Therefore, now I have become completely yours. Now it is proper to place an offering. Earlier I did not place one—that is true—but now it should be placed.” After that, Shri Gusainji accepted the offering. Then Durgadas, making many affectionate requests, took permission from Shri Gusainji and returned to his homeland village.
Durgadas became a fine Vaishnava. Through his association, many became Vaishnavas. He began serving Shri Thakurji like a child. Shri Thakurji began to show intimacy toward Durgadas, asking for whatever he desired like a child, and granting him the experience of childlike divine play. After some time, Durgadas left his body. Then all the Vaishnavas gathered and performed the funeral rites for Durgadas. Thus, Durgadas became such a graced Bhagavadiya of Shri Gusainji. Therefore, how far can his account be spoken?