Bhaktachintamani Prakaran 70

Then Nath came to Gadhada village, giving darshandarshanSeeing. To see with admiration and devotion. To see Bhagvãn, a sat-purush, and murtis, with inner or outer vision, with the intention of receiving their grace and blessings. By doing darshan properly a bhakta develops affection for Bhagvãn, and Bhagvãn develops affection for that bhakta. [Sãrangpur – 2].Tap to open in glossary → to his devotees and thus becoming fulfilled once more.

The devotees met Jivan and bowed low, touching his feet; gazing upon Nath with their eyes, the joy in their hearts could not be contained.

The devotees, meeting Maharaj, asked him many things about the Beloved: 'Tell us, out of grace, what divine play did you perform at Vartal?

How many people gathered there, and how did they perform worship?

How did they feed you, having you visit their own homes?'

Then Bhagwan spoke: 'Listen, all you devotees.

Such devotion as exists in Gujarat does not exist anywhere in the three worlds today.

Day and night they remain near us, standing even on one leg.

They do not take their eyes off my form, not even blinking.

Singing the virtues of Govind, they let entire watch-periods pass.

They do not tire of singing kirtans, these devout men and women.

Very frail, unable even to walk, they survive on fruit alone.

When we say we have eaten, they say, then we too have eaten.

Each one greater than the other in devotion — such is the color of this satsangsatsang1) True company. The practice of associating with Bhagvãn’s sant, other satsangis, the ãtmã, and the sacred shãstras, and also observing vartmãns and niyams. 2) Also refers to the sampradãy, which is the presence of good company.Tap to open in glossary →.

Seeing such devotees, joy and delight fill my being.'

Then the devotees present said, 'Nath, let us call them here, let us be introduced to such great devotees of HariHariAn avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in His four-armed svarup to save an elephant from being killed by a crocodile. He cut off the crocodile’s head with His chakra.Tap to open in glossary →.'

Maharaj said, 'Without some occasion, how would they come here?

If we hold the Holi festival, then all will come together.'

Then the devotees rejoiced, hearing the Beloved's words: 'Nath, hold the festival here, then it will be a blessed day indeed.'

Then it was decided and settled, and all the sadhus were called.

Satsangis of every region came together with their groups.

It was ten or twenty days before Holi that sadhus and devotees from everywhere gathered.

Having darshandarshanSeeing. To see with admiration and devotion. To see Bhagvãn, a sat-purush, and murtis, with inner or outer vision, with the intention of receiving their grace and blessings. By doing darshan properly a bhakta develops affection for Bhagvãn, and Bhagvãn develops affection for that bhakta. [Sãrangpur – 2].Tap to open in glossary → of the compassionate one, the sadhus attained great happiness.

With a joyful face HariHariAn avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in His four-armed svarup to save an elephant from being killed by a crocodile. He cut off the crocodile’s head with His chakra.Tap to open in glossary →, the Lord of life, spoke: 'We called you for the full moon, five days before, but you arrived twenty days early — you did not consider that.' 'It is good, you have come well; now all remain happy.

This time it will be provided for, but do not do this again elsewhere.'

Then food was prepared continuously, and he himself served in the rows.

The devotees ate, delighted, and HariHariAn avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in His four-armed svarup to save an elephant from being killed by a crocodile. He cut off the crocodile’s head with His chakra.Tap to open in glossary → gave them at the arti too.

They ate food of every kind, with fine vegetable dishes.

Milk and yogurt were served in a second course, along with pickles of ginger and mango.

A full five hundred satsat1) True. Real. 2) Permanent, imperishable and unchanging. Is unbound by the past, the present, and the future.Tap to open in glossary → in the row of Paramhansas.

The more they ate, the more pleased the Beloved became.

Each day the food prepared was finer than the last, new dishes served continuously in the rows.

Thus, feeding the devotees, twenty days passed.

Abhaykunwar, the excellent one, kept the sadhus there that long.

Then Holi arrived, and fine colors were arranged for play.

Kesu, saffron, kasumbo, and pink colors were prepared.

HariHariAn avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in His four-armed svarup to save an elephant from being killed by a crocodile. He cut off the crocodile’s head with His chakra.Tap to open in glossary → was seated on the swing when the companions brought color there.

It was thrown upon Nath, and then permission was given for play to begin.

The companions brought fine colors and threw them upon Nath in many ways.

The Beloved, becoming eager, was reddened as if with lime.

Then Jivan said to the devotees: 'This is not the way to play.

Form two equal teams, then we too will play truly.'

Then two groups were formed, and Shyam and his companions made ready.

Many syringes were fired, holding up shields in defense.

Then handfuls of red gulal were thrown in great quantity.

A crowd of it rose into the sky, the pink-red color of the gulal.

With golden necklaces about their throats, they looked lovely as they played, greatly pleasing to the companions' hearts.

Instruments of many kinds played — drums, kettledrums, cymbals there — the shehnai sounded high, with fine cymbals and gongs.

They played facing each other, with great courage, no one giving way.

The gods came to watch this play of Jivan's devotees.

Then Bhagwan said: 'You have all won.

Set down your water syringes; we shall meet again in the Fagva gift-giving.'

Then the devotees rejoiced, calling out 'victory, victory.' 'Today we shall meet the Lord' — thinking this, they were greatly elated.

Then Nathji, to go bathe, set out mounted on his horse.

Shyam, with his companions, played joyfully, sprinkling color.

Having ridden the horse well, Nath then bathed.

Singing and talking through the village, he came with his companions.

A fine feast was prepared, and the devotees were skillfully fed.

Their heart's desires were fulfilled, kept playing until then.

Then Nath embraced everyone, hugging all the devotees.

All the sadhus became delighted, touching the world's very life.

Having held this incomparable festival, he again gave the sadhus his parting instruction.

All the sadhus set out, keeping Bhagwan in their hearts.

This incomparable festival was held on the full moon of Fagan SudSudBright half of a Hindu lunar month in which the moon is in its waxing phase. The days between Amãs up to and including Punam. Also called shukla paksh.Tap to open in glossary →.

Divine play was performed at Gadhada, brought about for the devotees.

Jaya and Lalita, great devotees, foremost in the satsangsatsang1) True company. The practice of associating with Bhagvãn’s sant, other satsangis, the ãtmã, and the sacred shãstras, and also observing vartmãns and niyams. 2) Also refers to the sampradãy, which is the presence of good company.Tap to open in glossary →, with love brought the Beloved under their sway — how much can be said of their greatness?

Thus, in the Bhaktachintamani composed by Nishkulanand MuniMuniSãdhu.Tap to open in glossary →, disciple of Shri Sahajanand Swami, propagator of the glorious Ekantik DharmaDharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary →, in the account of Narayan — the chapter on 'the Holi festival held' — the seventieth chapter.