Bhaktachintamani Prakaran 94

Let me tell more of the pastimes of Vartal, the wondrous pastime of Ekadashi.

Prabhuji himself arrived there, the dark-hued one, the abode of happiness.

A fine festival was approaching, the Ekadashi of the bright half of Kartik; the day of the festival came, 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 → joyfully told the sadhus: "We must certainly hold this festival every single year; all the satsangis gather there and gain the benefit of 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 → and touch."

Saying this, Maharaj sent out written invitations: "Come quickly to Vartal, all you satsangis and sadhus."

Then he made himself ready, taking his mounted companions with him; wearing fine garments, the dark-hued one shone amid his companions.

He made camp at every stage, fulfilling the longing of the people's hearts; he came through Kariyani and Kamiyanu village, and the beautiful Shyam arrived at Adveva.

From there the Beloved came to Vartal, and, beholding him, the people were overjoyed; seeing him, the people were filled with delight, and the assembly cried out "victory, victory!"

Nath, being gracious, gave 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 →, and everyone received happiness in his presence; 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 → smiled and looked upon everyone, fulfilling the longing in their hearts.

The people stood with folded hands: "Give us leave, Lord — let us prepare a meal for you; eat, Maharaj, showing us mercy."

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 →, seeing the devotion of his devotee, said, "Prepare a fine meal."

Then the people prepared the meal, and Life ate it, pleased in his heart.

Then he was dressed in fine garments and ornaments, and the arti was performed, which pleased his heart; then the people fell at his feet: "Nath, remain within our hearts.

We are yours, Nathji, and all our relatives and kin are yours as well."

Smiling, Life said to them, "Do your devotion well."

Thus the people ate at their lodgings, and completed their tasks by feeding the people.

Some applied sandal paste, some sprinkled rose water, some rubbed perfume on his body, some placed garlands on him with enthusiasm, some adorned him with bouquets and garlands of flowers, precious garlands of great cost.

Thus everyone received this experience, for Prabhu is gracious toward all.

Then the imperishable one spoke: "Listen, satsangis, sadhus, and sannyasis — behold the image of Radha-KrishnaKrishna1) An avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in the svarup of a cowherd. This is considered to be a greater avatãr than the others, as Shree Krishna possessed all of the powers of Bhagvãn, whereas other avatãrs possessed less power. Shree Krishna conveyed the message of love and humanity to the world. Also, He recited the epic poem, the Bhagvad Geetã, to Arjun in which He stated: ‘Whenever dharma declines and adharma increases, I shall incarnate myself as a human to save the holy, to destroy the sin of the sinner, and to establish dharma. I come into being from yug to yug’. 2) In the Vachanãmrut, Shreeji Mahãrãj also uses the name “Shree Krishna” to describe Bhagvãn Purushottam Nãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary →; our own image too shines with great beauty, and likewise Narayan and Lakshmipati shine beautifully, along with DharmaDharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary → and BhaktiBhaktiDevotion to Bhagvãn. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma. There are nine types of bhakti:Tap to open in glossary →.

From the day these were installed, from that day all became sinless."

Thus Maharaj spoke, and the satsangis and sadhus listened.

Hearing it, the people rejoiced greatly, and men and women cried "victory, victory!"

That day was the vow of Ekadashi, and the row of lamps was completed that night.

There, in the bright noonday light, Nath stood in the assembly and watched; today countless people had gathered, many men and many women.

"A fine festival has occurred," said 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 →, smiling as he said it.

Then, having broken the fast on the twelfth day, 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 → came and satsat1) True. Real. 2) Permanent, imperishable and unchanging. Is unbound by the past, the present, and the future.Tap to open in glossary → on the platform outside; there instruments played abundantly, and all the men and women had 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 →.

They brought worship offerings — fruits, flowers, and priceless garlands — and with these the dark-hued image shone, and many questions and answers took place.

Thus Bhagwan performed these pastimes, granting 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 → the whole day long; all received happiness in seeing him, and thus two days passed.

Then the full-moon day arrived, and many people came for 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 →; the merciful one gave them 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 →, endowed with such great power.

Having received 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 →, they departed, but the satsangis all remained there.

Then, in the evening, the row of lamps was completed, and the merciful one satsat1) True. Real. 2) Permanent, imperishable and unchanging. Is unbound by the past, the present, and the future.Tap to open in glossary → on a high seat; all the people gazed upon him, and Nath's presence fulfilled their heart's longing.

Then Nath spoke thus: "Listen, all you wise sadhus — the day of the festival is complete; go now, wherever you were told to go.

Some sadhus, stay with us — we must go to Surat," said Nath.

Saying this, he rose again: "Come, let us meet, group by group."

The Beloved bent down with deep affection, meeting all the sadhus with love; the sadhus departed, having asked for his blessing, lovingly touching Prabhuji's feet.

Then he himself made ready and set out for Surat, the giver of happiness; the Beloved, the Inner Knower, came to Bochasan, greatly renowned.

There a fine meal was prepared, and Nath ate together with his companions and the sadhus; staying the night, he departed at once and came to Devana, the compassionate one.

The town's ruler, of good disposition, gave him lodging at his own house; all his people rejoiced, 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 Maharaj.

A fine, good meal was prepared, and Nath ate, seeing their devotion; to accomplish many souls' purposes, Maharaj then crossed the Mahi river.

There they came to the edge of a lake, and the Enchanter satsat1) True. Real. 2) Permanent, imperishable and unchanging. Is unbound by the past, the present, and the future.Tap to open in glossary → and spoke: "Which village shall we reach from here — where shall we rest today?"

Then a devotee 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 → said, "Beloved, come to our home."

Then a sadhu folded his hands: "Now let us go straight, Nath — this has been my petition for many days; Prabhu, fulfill it by coming there."

From there Nath mounted his horse and stayed outside the village of Kareli.

There a fine meal was prepared, and the merciful one ate out of grace; he gave fine sweets to his companions, and stayed the night there in happiness.

From there the merciful one departed, and, showing grace, remembered his companions: "Go and call the sadhus, that they may all come and have 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 →."

Then from there the Beloved departed, moving swiftly without delay; they came upon a lake in the wilderness, where the beautiful Shyam stayed.

He bathed in the clear water, worshipped, and drank the sweet water; then he mounted again and came to Amod, the support of life.

There Bhatt Dinanath lived, who always stayed with Shyam; also the VaishyaVaishyaMerchant. Businessman or employer traditionally dealing with financial and commercial matters in society. TheTap to open in glossary → Harjivan, who, beholding Nath, was overjoyed.

Then, standing with folded hands, he said, "Eat here, Nath, and stay."

Then Shyam said, "Listen, people — have a meal prepared for the sadhus."

Saying this, Swami departed and came to the greatly renowned village of Bhuv.

There a devotee named Kandas lived, and the imperishable one came to his house; having eaten, he stayed the night, and there questions and answers occurred.

A great ruler came there and made this petition to Nath: "Lord, we are yours — what more can we say by mouth?"

There a poet named Govardhan, a Brahmin, composed a hymn of praise.

Hearing it, Nath honored him: "You have called me as the support of the world."

Saying this, the imperishable one rose, the eternally beautiful, dark-hued one, ever the abode of happiness.

He stayed the night there in comfort, then came to Kelod village; there he fulfilled the people's hearts' longing, then went and stayed by a lake.

There, fine sugar-water was prepared, and, chewing betel, he departed happily; Shyam came to the city of Bharuch, fulfilling the longing in the people's hearts.

Then boats were arranged, and, with the whole company, Maharaj crossed over; the river Narmada, by that name, was made sacred by the touch of his feet.

He satsat1) True. Real. 2) Permanent, imperishable and unchanging. Is unbound by the past, the present, and the future.Tap to open in glossary → a while on its bank, and the boatman there was made joyful.

From there the wise and clever one departed and made camp at Ankleshwar.

The town's ruler came and fell at his feet: "Today Nath has come to our land — I had longed for this for many days, and today my purpose is fulfilled."

The merciful one gave him 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 →, then Nath and his companions ate; then Shyam slept upon a cart, and the Beloved stayed the night in that village.

Morning came and the sadhus set out, Bhagwan shining amid the company; Shri Bhagwan said to his companions, "Come, let us now go to Hindustan — to our beautiful birthplace," said the giver of happiness to his companions.

Speaking thus along the way, they came and crossed a river there.

They bathed and worshipped at that place, ate a fine meal, and Shyam departed; the Beloved shone amid his companions, and men and women became sinless in his presence.

From there they came to a pond, shaded beautifully by trees; there Bhagwan performed the Bhadra rites and gave his devotees 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 →.

From there the merciful one departed and came to Koshal village; arriving, they stayed at a garden they found there, and there he himself prepared a meal — fine yamyamRestraint. First step of ashtãng-yog, which involves moral living for purity of mind and unobstructed concentration.Tap to open in glossary → curry was cooked, prepared with much gheegheeThis is clarified butter or pure butter that is formed by heating it until the impurities in it settle to the bottom.Tap to open in glossary →.

He himself ate and fed the people, and Bhagwan stayed the night there.

There the people of Surat arrived — men and women, manifest worshippers — bringing many chariots and carts, roaring like the clouds of Ashadh.

How much of these pastimes shall I tell — with one tongue, praise beyond measure; the infinite pastimes of the Beloved — no manmanMind. One of the four antah-karans, with the function of (pronounced mun) generating thoughts and desires, and governing all of the indriyas.Tap to open in glossary → can find their end.

Then he departed from there and crossed to the bank of the Tapi river; with the whole company, the dark-hued one bathed in its pure waters.