This is the continuing serialization of 252 Vaishnavan ki varta, the lives of the saints following Vitthalnath, son of Vallabhacharya. It has been translated from the original Braj Bhasha by Krishnaa Kinkari Devi. This is the fifth varta, part 4. See previous.
*Part 4*
Sri Gusainji again showered his grace upon Narayandas by visiting Gauda Desh (Bengal). He stayed with Narayandas for five or seven days.
A water shortage occurred and so Sri Gusainji moved camp to a village about ten miles away where the water was good. The water was pure and healthy and so Sri Gusainji decided to remain there for some time.
Narayandas came there twice a day to have his sight and then returned to his own village. Then he would complete all the required work in the Court. This became his daily routine.
One day someone began to gossip about Narayandas in the Court, saying that he went to that village fourteen miles away twice daily to see his Guru and then came back.
One day the Patshah (Mughal ruler) himself asked Narayandas, “Why do you go to that village twice a day?” Narayandas replied that his Guru was staying in that village and so he went there to visit him.
The Patshah said, “You go there twice a day and still do all your Court work?”
Narayandas gave the reply, “It is my duty to go there and it is my duty to complete all the work here.”
The Patshah could recognize that Naryandas was very attached to his Guru and he gave the order, “For as long as your Guru remains in that village you may complete your work from there. You may stay there.” Narayandas was very happy.
After this he would only come back to the Court on the fifth or seventh day. One day the Patshah said to Narayandas, “Please go and tell your Guru that I am anxious to meet him. Narayandas said, “My Guru does not even look at the face of a person of your caste.” The Patshah re-iterated, “Please just ask him anyway, and let’s see what answer he gives. Come back and let me know.”
The Patshah repeated this request over and over until one day Narayandas said to Sri Gusainji, “O Maharaj! The Patshah would love to come and see you. He asks me every time I go to the court whether or not I have put his request to you. Please tell me now what I shall tell him.”
Sri Gusainji said, “Do not say anything, but If he asks you, please do not say no.’
*Bhavaprakasha*
The meaning and purpose of this was that the Patshah was a Divine Soul. Only a Divine Soul would have such a longing. His heart’s desire needed to be fulfilled. Sri Gusainji wanted the Patshah to again make the request himself so that he would have confidence that his hope would be fulfilled and not be disappointed with Narayandas. This is why Sri Gusainji gave Narayandas such an instruction.
*Part 4 Continued*
When Narayandas returned to the Court, the Patshah straight away asked him, “O Nariya! Did you ask?” Narayandas replied, “It is alright. You will get to have his sight.” Hearing this the Patshah became overjoyed and told Narayandas that he would come to see Sri Gusainji on the third day from then. “You go on ahead.”
Narayandas came to Sri Gusainji and told him everything. Sri Gusainji remained silent.
On that third day, Narayandas prepared a seat spread over with cloth. The Patshah arrived at the same time of the afternoon offerings and had Sri Gusainji’s sight. He prostrated to him and remained standing. Sri Gusainji beckoned him to sit down. The Patshah again prostrated to him and then sat down. He felt that Sri Gusainji was the Lord Himself and so sat in front of him with his hands folded.
He implored, “O Maharaj! You are not an ordinary human being. I had heard that you are the Lord Himself, but today I am witnessing this with my own eyes. You are definitely an incarnation of Divinity. Narayandas is highly blessed to have had the opportunity to serve you all these days.”
With such praises the Patshah added, “The whole of my country is greatly blessed to have you here. I am greatly blessed to have had your sight.”
Having said this, the Patshah again addressed Narayandas: “It is through your blessings that I have been able to have Sri Gusainji’s sight. You had been living close to me, and when I insisted I thus attained his sight. I am very fortunate. Someone as great as you is close to me.” In this way, the Patshah showered many praises on Narayandas and Sri Gusainji.
Then Sri Gusainji gave Narayandas a roll of fine cloth and nine rupees to present to the Patshah who then bowed down to Sri Gusainji and humbly requested, “Oh Maharaj! With your blessings I have plenty. However, if it so pleases you, please let me have one of your Prasadi garments. Sri Gusainji took off his shawl and gave it to Narayandas to hand to the Patshah. He put it to his head, bowed down and then tied the garment on top of his turban.
He asked if he may take his leave and then returned home. From that day on the Patshah showed massive respect to Narayandas.
A few days passed. Narayandas again invited Sri Gusainji to his home. When he was there, the Patshah again visited Sri Gusainji. Having satisfied Narayandas’ heart’s desire, Sri Gusainji decided to return to Adel. Narayandas set off with him to accompany him on his way home.
When Sri Gusainji had first decided to return to Adel, Narayandas had become despondent. Sri Gusainji asked Harivamsji to think of a way in which he could leave without Narayandas becoming too sad.
Harivamsji performed the abhyanga seva to and bathed Narayandas’ Sri Thakurji and then sprinkled that water over Narayandas and also put some into his mouth. His mood immediately changed and he became happy to let Sri Gusainji go.
Narayandas walked a little way with him. Sri Gusainji said goodbye to Narayandas and they both happily went their ways. Narayandas praised Harivamsji’s actions and then went home.
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