#285 Namdev (Great Saints of India – BhaktaVijaya)
Teertha Vitthal Kshetra Vitthala
Maata Vitthal Pita Vitthala
Deva Vitthal Devapuja Vitthala
This is an excerpt from an abhang, a devotional song composed by Namdev almost 800 years ago.
The meaning is – The sacred place of pilgrimage is Vitthal, a form of Bhagavan Krishna, the field of knowledge also referring to the body is Vitthal. Mother is Vitthal. Father is Vitthal. Bhagavan is Vitthal and so is the puja.
A brief note about Namdev – Sant Namdev lived in the 13th-14th century CE (approximately 1270-1350 CE). He was born in Hingoli district of Maharashtra, India. He had a spiritual awakening at a young age and dedicated his life to devotion to Lord Vitthal (a form of Krishna). Initially, he worked as a tailor, following his family’s traditional occupation.
Namdev was a key figure in the Bhakti movement, which emphasized devotional worship. He composed numerous devotional songs called abhanga in Marathi which are sung even now eight hundred years later. His teachings and poems had a significant impact on the Varkari sect in Maharashtra. Namdev is revered as one of the five revered saints in Maharashtra along with Dnyaneshwar, Eknath, Tukaram, and Ramdas.
The Varkari (वारकरी) tradition was started by Sant Jnaneshwar over 700 yrs ago which sowed the seeds of Bhakti in everyone’s heart Varkari in Marathi means : travellers or more precisely periodic travellers.
The Varkari sampradaya is so called because the followers travel hundreds of miles to the holy town of Pandharpur on foot, every year on the Ekadashi (11th day by lunar calendar) in the Hindu calendar month of Aashaadha (which falls sometime in July) and Kartik Ekadashi (which falls sometime in November). This pilgrimage is called vari (वारी) in the Marathi language and thus one who performs it is a varkari.
And, so in this month of July, we start our pilgrimage of seeing the lives of great saints and experience Bhagavan through their eyes and through the words of Sri Mahipati.
Sri Mahipati wrote the Bhakta Vijaya in Marathi which is a compilation of stories of 21 great saints from Bharat. Mahipati lived from 1715-1790 and he wrote of these great saints who lived from the 13th – 17th century, particularly inspired by Sant Tukaram.
Just as Arjuna in the Gita asked Bhagavan Krishna, how does a wise person walk and talk, so too we often wonder about how these saints lived their lives.
In response to a request received to share the joyful stories of the saints, we will listen to these from time to time. The reference is the English translation of Bhakta Vijaya which was written more than 200 years ago. It includes rich poetic imagery that thrills the heart, some cultural practices, the different places that dot the sacred geography of Bharat, where our feet have taken us and mostly bathes our hearts with devotion.
Excerpts from Namdev, one of the chapters of Bhakta Vijaya follows
Victory, victory to the Preserver of the universe, the Protector of the world, Father of Manmatha, beautiful with his dark complexion, loved by the mind of the blue-throated one, Lord Shiva.
Victory to you, lover of your devotees, Lord of the Vedas, of the universe, spouse of Lakshmi. You, the Infinite One, be my helper and enable me to compose this book.
Now listen to Namdev’s story. You, dear listeners, Narayan invited Uddhava and Shankara to see him on the ocean of milk.
He said to them, “I want you to become avatars in the world of mortals.”
They replied to him who dwells in the ocean of milk, “We do not wish to be born in the natural way. O Vishnu, give us birth in an unnatural way.”
Listening to them, the Life of the World turned them into infants, put them in shells, and dropped them down from rain clouds.
One fell into the Bhagirathi River, one fell in the Bhimarathi river. As they floated along with the stream, they repeated the names of God.
Listen to what they said: The one in the shell that fell in the Bhagirathi River repeated the name “Ram,”.
The other who fell in the Bhimarathi river cried in his childish delight, “Vitthala.” So Shuka became the worshipper of Ram, and Uddhava became the first worshipper of Panduranga.
There was one Damaji, a tailor, a Vaishnava, supremely pious, pure through good deeds, and perfect in his devotion to God, his knowledge, and his indifference to worldly things. One day after bathing in the Chandrabhaga River, he went to worship Panduranga. After completing this, it was his regular custom to take his morning meal. His wife, Gonai, was supremely pious and a dutiful wife. They both lived at Pandhari (now known as Pandharpur) and were constantly repeating the names of the Lord. Gonai had no child of her own, so she said to her husband, “Go to Panduranga Lord and ask for a son.” He said to her, “ “You are an ignorant woman. We are both now aged. Why should we expect God to give us a child? Insects have eaten the seeds. There is no use expecting a crop when sown.
Are you not ashamed to ask for a son? What is the good of wishing that clouds would rain after the rainy season? You ought to be embarrassed to ask.
Wishing for sap from a mango tree that does not bear fruit in the month of Shravan is like that. Are you not embarrassed to ask for a son?
After the oil in the wick has been consumed, darkness will prevail. It is like that when you wish for a son. Are you not embarrassed?”
The wife replied, “Lord of my life, you blame me for being unreasonable. But God’s power is supreme. Now I know that you are ignorant.
When Rama was in Ayodhya, he made stones float on the sea. What difficulty has he in giving us a child, although we are aged?
When Brahma carried away the calves, he himself became cows and cowherds. What difficulty can he have, therefore, in giving us a son?”
Now he said to his wife, “I will now go to the temple and tell Bhagavan the wish you hold in your mind.” He went to the great door of the temple and did namaskar. He said, “My wife desires a son. Be pleased to give us one.” After saying this, he immediately fell asleep.
The Life of the World came to him in a dream and said, “I have given you the gift of a son. When at sunrise you meditate on the banks of the Bhima, a son will come floating down the stream. Take the baby up and hasten back to your home with it. This avatar of Bhakti will fill the three worlds with the glory of his deeds. He will be a protector of the world and a supreme devotee of ours. He carries my name.”
Hearing this in his dream, he hurried back to his home where he told his wife just what had happened. The next day, Damaji came early to the bank of the Bhima. He quickly bathed and performed his daily puja. Just then, he suddenly noticed a shell floating down the Bhima. He waded into the river and took up the shell. When he opened the shell, his eyes fell on a beautiful baby, just as if, at that very moment, it had come from the womb of its mother. As he saw it, his mind was troubled. He said, ‘Who will nurse it? He wrapped up the infant in his garment and brought it to his home.
He said to his wife, “God has given us a son.” Gonai took the child, and immediately her breasts filled with milk. Both of them were overjoyed. In her old age, she shouldn’t have been able to nurse the child. She bathed the infant and, with great love, fed it at her breast. Because they had made God pleased with them and had asked for a son from the dark-complexioned one, they therefore called him Nama, and they had intense love for the child.
The image of God ate Namdev’s offering of food
Day by day, the child grew in stature. Once Damaji went to the market, and he sent Nama to the temple.
Gonai gave him an offering to take to the temple. The mother said to Nama, “Show this offering to Panduranga and come back.”
Taking with him all the necessary things for worship, Nama came into the temple. He did namaskar before Panduranga and worshipped with all the materials he had brought.
He bathed the image, clothed it in yellow, offered sandalwood paste and flowers, and presented incense and lamps.
He then placed the plate of food for offering before the image. He joined his hands together, palm to palm, and said, “Be pleased now to eat.”
Nama had always the idea that God always ate these offerings. He had no doubt about it in his mind. It was his firm conviction.
He said, “Victory, victory to the All-Merciful One! You, Lord of Pandharpur, must be angry because of my delay in bringing the offering. But Damaji, your devotee, has gone early to the market and has sent me here to present this naivedya. If you do not eat this offering of food, my mother will be angry with me. What wrong have I done, O Lord of the world, that you don’t eat this offering of food?”
Nama had no question in his mind as to how a stone image could eat. Therefore, he began to sob aloud and said, “O God, please eat!” Seeing Nama’s pure thoughts, God Supreme became pleased. Panduranga came alive and embraced him. God manifested His love by eating the offering which Nama had brought. Hari said to Nama, “By no means tell anyone about this event.”
After namaskar to Bhagwan, Nama returned to his home. His mother said to him, “Whom did you give that offering to?” Nama said, “Mother, Bhagavan ate the offering.”
The next day, Damaji returned from the market. After inquiring of his wife what had happened, he heard the whole story about the offering. Now he became much perplexed. It seemed to him a very extraordinary thing. He said to Nama, “How was it that God ate that offering? Let us both go to the temple and show me what took place.”
They took with them the materials for worship and both came to the great door of the temple. There they bowed to Panduranga and began at once to worship. They worshipped Bhagavan with the 16 step puja and offered incense, agarbatti and aarti.
Nama said to the Garuda eagle-mounted one, ” Be pleased to eat.” Bhagavan said to Nama, “Damaji has come with you. I shall never appear to him. I will meet only with you.” Nama said to Him, “You are a deceiver. You said you will not meet with my father. You seem, O God, to use deception.”
Hearning Nama’s remarks, the Life of the World began to laugh. He game Damaji a sight of Him, and ate the offering. The father said to Nama, “Nama, you were born in my family line. Therefore, God in his love has given me this vision.” Thus satisfying his doubts, the father did namaskar before Bhagavan. He told the whole story to his wife, “The Lord of Pandharpur truly appeared. We must no longer Nama a relative, for he is God’s own, Bhagavan’s bhakta.”
Gonai then said, “Bhagwan had mercy on you and gave you a son though born in an unnatural way.” With their doubts settled, they bestowed great love on Nama.
After searching for one who would be a helpful mate, he was married.
Nama had a son. For the naming of the child, the Lord of Pandharpur Himself came. Nama said to Vitthala, “Nama now has a son. What name shall I give him, O Lord?” Listening to what he said, the Life of the World replied, “Call him Narayana and play with him in love.”
The Brahmins were invited, both men and women, and Punyahavaachan (bestowing of blessings) began. The Life of the World who, in His love, gave gifts to Nama. He gave saris and jackets to all and gave the child a garment and a cap.
God Himself gave them gifts and then went back to His home.
Gonai said to Nama: “Both of us are now aged. You are engaged in the contemplation of the Divine, always meditating. Your thoughts are always occupied with His name, and not for a moment do you think of yourself.
You are holding the Lord of Pandharpur in your heart, but He has placed you in extreme difficulty in your domestic life. You require many things, which you, my son, have become indifferent towards. What can I now do?”
“There are many devotees who carry on both their domestic affairs and their religious life at the same time. It seems to me that your condition is quite different from this. In your domestic life, you have children, but you have very little food and few garments. People laugh at you. What are we to do?” At these words of his mother, Nama felt greatly troubled.
He went to the temple and did a namaskar. He said, “O Sri Hari, who dwells at Pandharpur, why did you put me in this domestic life? Why have you deserted me in this sad sea of samsara?” Hearing Nama’s piteous plea, the Lord said, Who is troubling you? He lovingly embraced him and wiped his eyes.
Nama replied, “Oh God, it is my mother Gonai who was troubling me, but I am continually remembering Your feet because the shadow of Your mercy covers me.”
God said to Nama, “You should always remain with Me. Then, Maya and the seductions of the world will never touch you. You are a portion of Myself, and I am in your form.
Just as salt gathered from the sea is no different from the salt water to the eyes of knowledge,
Just as the sun and its rays are not different from one another, so your life and My life are united.
O Nama, a lamp and its light, although they are one, they seem different. So your love and Mine are the same.
You cannot separate sweetness from sugar. So your thoughts and mine are not different.
A diamond and its brilliance, although not different, are spoken of as different. So let your heart regard your love and mine as one.
Just as the most precious pearl is spoken of as different from its luster, so you, My loving devotee, are not different from Me.
Ordinary water and the water of the Ganga are never different, so I of dark complexion am not different from you.
As gold and the ornaments made of it are surely not different, so your thoughts and Mine are not different, O Nama.
When sound proceeds from a bell, it becomes really one with the bell itself.
So, considering our oneness, you must destroy the thought of duality.”
Namdev converses with Bhagavan
Namdev said to Bhagwan, “What is this knowledge that You are teaching me? If Your name is on the tip of one’s tongue, who would pay any attention to the sorrows of this samsara?
If Your form is reflected in my heart, where would there be any room for the sorrows of this world?
If You are mother and father in this existence, no shadow can come upon me. You are Bhagavan, I am Your bhakta.
I will sing your praises with my lips. I ask this blessing of love in every future birth of mine, please give it to me.
You speak of the supremacy of joy that comes from the deliverance from rebirths. But I do not agree with that. “
Hearing this remark of Nama, God, the Life of the World, said to him, “Nama is desirous of seeing Me in invisible form. If he is taught philosophy, such knowledge is not satisfying. “
In that same moment, Bhagwan drew Nama to his heart. He embraced him and held him close to Himself.
The Dweller of Svarga said to Nama, “What is your manner of life at home? Tell me. Do not be ashamed to do so.”
Hearing this, Nama replied, “If one has your blessing, what could be lacking? My home is the svarga of Vaikunth. We live in a broken hut. The eight siddhis (accomplishments) are Your slaves. In our home rats live. You are clothed with divine garments, but my children have no clothes to wear. You recline on the serpent Shesha in the ocean of milk, but we cannot even have a seat made of straw. You have platters of gold; we have leaves to eat on. You have gold and silver in Your home, but our comfort is Your name.”
Hearing this remark, Krishna laughed.
Bhagavan disguised as Keshavshet
Meanwhile, Nama’s wife experienced a lot of trouble in her home and said to her mother-in-law, “For me, you have given birth to a pure crystal, but now my garments are torn and exceedingly old. I do not have enough to eat. I have therefore come to your house to live my poverty-stricken life. He whom I serve with devotion has been persecuting me. I see no way of bettering our domestic state.”
As Nama’s wife was in great trouble in her own home, the Lord of Pandhari, helper of the helpless, had mercy on her without Nama knowing it.
He became a merchant by the name of Keshav. This was because of His great love for His devotee. In their distress, He at once came to their relief.
He filled a bag with gold coins and said to His eagle Garuda, “Take the form of an ox and come to the house of Nama.”
He took the bag of money along with him and on his way, he said to the people, “Can someone tell me the way to Nama’s house?” Hearing this question, the townspeople laughed. They said, “There’s no food to eat at Nama’s house. Go elsewhere if you want a meal.”
They added, “Do you see an altar with many tulsi plants around it? Many prayer banners adorn the altar. That is Nama’s house.”
Krishna said to Rajai, Nama’s wife “Some guests have come to your home. Come outside at once and give them a place to sit.” On hearing these words, Rajai, was perplexed. “Where could guests come from? I don’t know who this is whose coming will humiliate me.” She therefore attempted to send him away and said, “The master of the house is not here, and therefore I wish you to go back.”
To the neighbors who assembled, she said, “These guests have nearly taken my life. What am I to do?
Just listen to the strange things that are happening. Innumerable sadhus have come to my house. They carry cymbals and veenas and dance in their love. They put aside all thoughts of shame and public praise. They put aside all thoughts of caste difference. They hold the chief of Yadavas in their heart and dance in delight. The master of my house has told me that I must feed everyone that comes to the house. Now I do not have the least bit of food in the house, but he does not know this.”
Sri Hari was standing at the door listening to that conversation. He said to Rajai, “Come out quickly.” She asked from behind the door, “Where are you from and who are you? Tell me your name.”
Hearing her question, the Lord of the World replied,
“My name is Keshav Shet. I love Nama dearly, and I have come to visit him. I have heard the news that you have no food in your house. Nama is a friend of mine, and therefore I have brought him some gold coins.”
Hearing this answer, Rajai came outside and give him a seat.
Seeing that she spoke harshly to him and then spoke with reverence amused the Lord of the World, and smiling he remarked, “You saw the money I have brought, and now you are very friendly. Therefore, one should never go anywhere empty-handed.
One should never go to a marriage without carrying a wedding gift. One should never go to see the king without money held in his hand.
One should never go to visit one’s daughter or sister empty-handed. So during the time of distress, one should not go to visit at the house of relatives.
One should never visit sacred places during festivals empty-handed. One should not go empty-handed when going to a temple to worship God.
When going to see and pay worship to a sadhu or a guru, you should at least take a tulsi leaf as Sudama with great reverence gave me a handful of poha (flattened rice).
Everybody is selfish, and I pay them as they deserve.
Nama alone worships Me without a selfish desire.”
So Bhagavan said to Rukmini, “Do not do anything now to trouble Nama. I have brought a bag full of money. Store it in your house, and when it is all spent, call on the Lord. Give Nama my kind regards and tell him that his friend had called.”
Nama’s wife, having heard this said to Krishna, “Do not be angry with me because I spoke harshly to you. I did not know that you were a friend of the master of the house. Please eat and then go on your way.”
The Lord of Heaven replied, “I will not eat without the presence of Nama.” So saying, Vitthoba hastened to go away. He came to Rukmini and told all the news.
Gonai, Nama’s mother’s complaint to Bhagavan
Now Rajai was very much comforted at heart. She said, “My husband served the Lord, and He has been pleased.” She tore open the bag and took out a lap full of gold coins. She went at once to the market and said to the merchant, “You know what materials are needed for one’s domestic life. Send them to my house.” After saying this, she hastened back to her home.
The merchant was perplexed and said to himself, “God must be helping him.” He sent to Nama’s house various garments and ornaments, ghee, jaggery, sugar, and other materials. Rajai could not contain herself for joy.
She thought to herself – Nama has sulked and gone off. I will go to the temple, console him, and bring him back.
And so, remembering that, she hastened to the temple. She bowed to Garuda on the platform and then came into the assembly hall.
As she looked, she saw Bhagavan Vitthal standing before her son. He put Nama behind Him when He saw Gonai. Gonai said, ” Bhagavan, turn your face this way towards me. You have made Nama love you greatly. And so we are lacking in our worldly affairs. By association with you, O Govinda, he has neglected his work and business. In his worldly affairs, he is suffering distress because he has no taste for things that please the senses. Giving up all kinds of objects, he is firmly attached to your feet.
By our lack of things in our domestic life, we are laughed at by people. Putting aside all parts of himself, he enjoys perfect contentment. It is you who have turned his mind to Advaita, and he is no longer part of all these things. Those who become associated with you, you make like yourself.
I have never seen anyone associated with you coming back to his domestic life. You have purposefully brought about a feeling between us and put Nama behind you. His wife is in great distress at home, but you heed her not.
You’re destroying my life by taking pity on Nama. I will no longer hold you in reverence. O husband of Rukmini. With great love I have looked after him as a mother, but you, O Govinda, have made me childless. You have divided us in our worldly affairs.”
“At first, you call yourself generous, but tell me what and to whom have you given anything? O Life of the World, I do not believe in the praise that is given to you. You did take Sudama’s handful of puffed rice, and for it, you gave him a city of gold. You never come to the aid of one unless he gives you something.
Seeing Ravana’s power, you turned against him, and taking advantage of this, Vibhishana gave him the gift of Lanka.
When Draupadi was in great distress, you first had her offer vegetable leaves to satisfy your own hunger, and then you helped her. Thus you did proclaim your generosity.
In describing your bad qualities, the serpent Shesha shall grow weary in his writing. I have had some reverence for you; therefore, your divinity has remained.”
Hearing Gonai’s reply, Bhagwan laughed and said, “You need not be angry with me. Your crazy Nama, who cares not for himself, insisted on clinging to my feet.
If you have a false coin, why quarrel with another about it? With love in your heart you look to Nama from the point of view of his being a son. You try to divide us, and you seek to reproach us with your lips. If you have any love, take away your son from here. Do not place upon me the wrong charge.
A fruit has ripened on a stem. The wind blew against it, and it fell down. So in the case of Nama, you have brought a false charge upon me.
I am the unborn, the imperishable, the unchangeable, and have no relation with the three gunas: sattva, rajas, and tamas.
Out of love for Nama, I assumed a form and visible attributes.
I was formless when there existed no space, no air, no water, no earth, no light of fire. When even Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva did not exist and everything was without form, even then Nama has been my associate and my love has been intense. Why you want to quarrel with me, I do not understand.
Just as when a tree bears fruit, the gardener plucks and takes them away, the tree cannot enjoy them itself. This separation has been caused by its own bad deeds, and it’s foolish to consider me as a tree in the form of the universe, and the loving Nama was a fruit on it. You have plucked off that fruit, and I feel troubled.”
She replied, “But once you are speaking very proudly, you compel me to swallow pebbles for lack of grain and make a separation between us.
The farmers with various efforts raise crops from the earth. The king comes along and extracts a penalty and becomes lord of the division.
Suffering much, I have raised Nama from childhood to adult age, and now you claim to be his owner in a very wrong way.”
Hearing Gonai reply, the Life of the World laughed and said to himself, “I must explain it all to her plainly. If I do not do so, she will ruin my reputation.” Therefore, the husband of Rukmini replied to her.
The dark-complexioned one said to her, “Nama, your good deeds are entirely pure in motive. Therefore, this God-loving bhakta came to your home.
As the great Narada was born to Brahmadev and Savitri, so is it with you and the fortunate bhakta Damaji, through whom Nama has descended as an avatar.
Just as in the line of asuras, Prahlada became an avatar by being born to Hiranyakashipu, so Nama, the servant of Vishnu, has been born from you for the moksha of the world.
Among the 18 million Yadavas, Krishna was the most distinguished. So in the line of tailors, Nama has become an avatar.
Just as among ascetic yogis, the son of Aniruddha was the most distinguished, so you seem the most fortunate of women that you have such a jewel of a son.
Just as King Uttanapada had as his distinguished wife Suniti, and she gave birth to their son Dhruva and He made me respond to him.
“As Hanuman was born in the race of monkeys from his mother Anjana, so Nama, the embodiment of virtue, has been born to you. Infinite is your devotion, for this Krishna has come to your home.
Who can describe your fortune in that you should become the nurse of Nama. Taking Nama to your breast, you rested with him on your bed. I cannot sufficiently describe your great fortune.
While eating with Nama, you ate, taking him to your side. You only are cognizant of the great number of your good deeds, dear friend. I who am above every other being and unconquered, am the one who is describing your character. You alone have the fortunate blessing of having Nama as your son.”
Gonai replied, “Oh, Life of the World, Delight of the Universe, the delight of the heart, please give me my son Nama and let his love of worship still remain. “
After hearing her say this, Bhagavan looked up and saw that she would influence Nama to engage in worldly affairs, and he would be much troubled. As the Life of the World remained silent, Gonai understood its meaning.
The power of reason is the highest form of knowledge, so say the wise men.
When studying about the 14 disciplines of knowledge, with every form of wisdom coming to one’s hand, if the mind has no reasoning power, these 14 vidyas are entirely useless.
One may show learning in the king’s assembly, where justice and dharma may be discussed, and the replies may depend on the assembly which appears before him; still there must be the power of reason. In arranging a matrimonial connection or in one’s business relations with others, or in the reading of books, there must be the knowledge of reasoning.
In forming friendships with someone, whom to trust when revealing a secret, or when writing a book, what is necessary is the knowledge of reasoning.
To be able to give a gift to a worthy person or to give the right medicine to the sick, to perform the praise service suitable to the assembly present, the power of reasoning is necessary.
Gonai ‘s appeal to Satybhama and Kalindi.
The Life of the World, Krishna remained silent. So Gonai lovingly called Satyabhama and Kalindi and told them her story. Gonai said to them, ” Your husband is merciful to the lowly, of whom the Vedas and Shastras speak in praise.
So why has he been pleased to cause my child to possess the condition of one unconscious of his own body?
My child is my only child, yet God has turned him to worshipping Him all the time. Such is this, false actor as you all know. Shuka, Sanaka, and other distinguished saints and other leading yogis are familiar with the fact that he has ruined my home.
We are weak, helpless, and lowly. We have no garments or food at our home. He has turned Nama to the contemplation of himself. Please understand this.
I have seen and heard of many gods. A fastidious person is known at dinner, but I have never seen anyone quite so reserved as this man is. He calls himself a family deity at whose feet, I should always fall, but He needlessly employs deception and needlessly troubles us.
Until today, I have revered him as his reputation remains, but if he carries matters to the extreme, I shall lose all regard for him before the public.
At his sight, one’s own life is destroyed. He has stolen my only son to his contemplation. Friends, what am I to do? You’ve all heard my story.
Please speak to the dark-complexioned Krishna and tell him to free me from my trouble. All you wives coming together should bring Krishna to my house and then ask him what he has in his mind.”
Gonai rebukes Bhagavan
She then turned to Nama and said, “Why are you sitting here? I will take you by force in the very presence of Vitthal.
Nama, you are a thief regarding our domestic life. This enchanter of the world is our enemy. He stands on the brick and destroys the domestic life of others.
O this false saviour of the world, Pundalik gave him a place to stay. Therefore, you do not come home and have brought our domestic affairs to ruin.
So I will not leave this place without taking you with me. I am determined to swallow the whole of Pandhari.
Hearing this Vitthal, Lord of the Yadavas, sat silent.
Gonai said, “O life of the world, pervader of the Universe, Ornament of Bhaktas, Why does my plea not come to your mind, O cloud of mercy? Please give back Nama to me, and may your fame increase in this world.”
Hearing this, the husband of Lakshmi spoke as follows: “Listen to me, Gonai. Take your son and go. You are making a vain attempt to place a charge against me. Vitthal said, ‘ Take your son Nama by the hand and lead him away. Take your son to your house even now.’ He has put aside all ties of affection, but the charge of wrongdoing has been unjustly cast upon me. Take your son and go back to your home. Why do you continue such useless charges?”
At once Vitthal the husband of Lakshmi, brought Nama and placed him in her hand, and Gonai started for her home. As they walked along the road, his mother said to Nama, “You have deserted your business and have gone to the Lord of Pandhari as someone in need’. Hearing this charge, Nama hung his head and tears of love flowed from his eyes. So the mother, taking Nama by the hand, returned to their home.
Namdev sickens at Fortune’s sight
Just then, Rajabai started to do some cooking in her part of the house. She prepared many kinds of delicious food, including nine kinds of cooked foods, and was full of joy, but Nama felt great displeasure at the various pots of food and garments and ornaments which had been given to his wife.
Just as when a deer that has been ensnared in a net becomes distressed, so Nama, by holding these rich vessels, experienced the same distress.
Just as when a strong wind blows upon a light, it at once loses its brightness, so Nama’s sad mind lost its happiness in seeing these riches.
Or just as a beautiful person, when he finds himself a victim to leprosy, feels disgusted in his mind, so Nama felt disgusted at the sight of wealth.
Or as when the sun is in eclipse, it seems to be without any brightness, so when he saw this, illusory wealth, his face darkened.
Or as when a south wind strikes a cloud, it melts away in every direction, so in Nama’s heart there was dejection.
As when a king hears of a defeat, he finds his mind full of perplexity, so this bhakta of Vitthal became full of concern.
Or as Shuka, sad, performing his austerities, was troubled at the sight of Rambha, so Nama seemed very sad at heart.
He asked his mother lovingly, “Where does all this wealth come from?” Gonai replied, “Actually, I do not know.”
Nama’s wife said to him, “You are very late in eating. So have a bath at once and sit down and enjoy the food, which Vitthal has bestowed as a favor.” Nama wondered to himself, “Why is she speaking like this today? It must be because my wife feels great comfort in seeing all this wealth in the house.”
When there is no money in one’s possession, even a brother calls one an enemy, and the wrongdoers laugh, and this is what we call affection. Seeing her son unable to acquire money, even his father is disgusted with him and says –”In being born to us, you have brought us a bad reputation.” The neighbors are displeased with him and say he seems to idle away his time. So when he goes to his daughter or sister, they feel ashamed to see him. A wife will not embrace her husband who is so weak. His sons say he has put them all into debt. All enjoy association with one in happy circumstances, but in times of distress, they turn away from him.
Nama had love for the helper of the helpless, the husband of Rukmini. Nama said to his wife, “Where did you bring this bagful of wealth from?” She did not utter a word. She thought to herself, “If I inform him of it just now, he will distribute it all,” and therefore, knowing he will do so, she said nothing in reply. Just then, Nama’s maidservant hastened there. Nama asked her to speak. She told him what had occurred. She said, “Rajabai was greatly troubled, but Vitthal quickly came to us. He became a merchant by the name of Keshav and forced this bag of wealth upon her. The Lord of Heaven became a Kannada Lingayat and, standing in front of her house, informed her that he had come as a guest.”
Rajabai said to him, “Tell me your name.” Hearing her, the cloud of mercy replied, the lotus-eyed one, in gentle words: “Nama is my greatest friend. You ask me my special name. I am spoken of as one whose complexion is that of a dark cloud. Seeing that there was a lack here of food and clothes, I have come with a bag full of coins. When this bag of money is spent, I will send more, so that from today, no one should trouble Nama.”
The husband of Rukmini let the bag down from the ox’s back and he has just gone. At this point, tears flowed from Nama’s eyes.
Namdev distributes his fortune
He cried, “Oh Krishna, purifier of the fallen, lover of the devotees, the ornament of existence, the ocean of mercy, life of the world, delight of the heart! You are the unborn, the unconquered, the imperishable, unaffected by Maya, sustainer, helper of the helpless, the ocean of compassion.
Why have you tired yourself on my behalf? You never come to the sight of those who practice rigorous tapas, but today you became the merchant Keshavshet for my sake.
You, who are merciful to the lowly, it was not I who gave you this trouble, and yet you rushed to my help on foot.
Bhaktas with desire in their hearts worship you, but you did not give them the wealth they seek. But without me asking you, O husband of Rukmini, you rushed to my aid out of love. If a cloud pours down rain on the ocean, of what use is it? So, O God, the gold you have given me, I regard as of no value.”
“Casting aside the Riddhis and Siddhis (the female deities that preside over accomplishments), royal wealth, the four forms of Moksha including that of Salokya (meaning going to God’s abode), I think of your feet alone day and night. I know nothing about the Vedas, Shastras, religious rites, practices of yoga, mantras, or austerities. I only sing of your name day and night in love.”
Praising God with these words, Nama then called the Brahmins of the town and gave to these people all the gold, the money, the garments, and the ornaments. And now Nama, without any interest in wealth, worshipped God with reverence.
This book containing the history of saints may be thought of as depicting the ancient sacred city of Pandhari or Pandharpur. The pure-minded and the Vaishnavas, worshippers of Vishnu come to visit it.
Those who are suffering from fever cannot bear the taste of cooked food; so those desiring wealth and worldly objects will not enjoy these stories. But those who worship without desire for worldly things, who are indifferent to them, they will enjoy this. Those who are inclined to karma and are not detached will feel a distaste for these stories.
Crows want meat for their food, so why would they come to the ocean of milk? So we can be assured that those who are not detached will not find this book at all to their taste. Good-natured swans will like my words as delicious. So those who have love in their hearts for God will enjoy this without disturbance.
So here ends Namdev’s story for now. We will pick up the thread in one of the later episodes as he inspires the moulding of other saints.
So based on Nama’s story, what can we take away ?
Unwavering devotion: Nama had steadfast devotion to God, even in the face of material temptations and family pressure.
Emotional detachment from material wealth: Nama did not value wealth and his decision to distribute his wealth indicates that he valued spiritual wealth over material riches.
Devotion for its own sake – Love has its own sweet reward and is not a means to an end. Nama had dedication to worshipping and loving God without expecting anything in return.
Simplicity in spiritual practice: Nama’s approach to devotion was simple – singing God’s name day and night. Absorption and enquiry into the nama leads one to the nami, the being and that might be enough for spiritual progress.
Perseverance in the face of challenges: Despite family opposition and societal pressure, Nama remained committed to his spiritual path, teaching us the importance of perseverance in our spiritual journey.
Balancing worldly duties and spiritual life: Nama’s story highlights the challenges of balancing family responsibilities with spiritual aspirations, encouraging us to find a middle path.
The power of God’s name: Nama’s practice of constantly singing God’s name illustrates the transformative power of this simple spiritual practice.
Compassion and generosity: Nama’s immediate distribution of wealth to Brahmins shows the importance of sharing and helping others.
Trust in the order: When we focus on spiritual growth, our material needs are often met in unexpected ways echoing what Bhagavan Krishna said in the Gita – yogakshemam vahaamyaham.
Nama’s life makes us reflect on our lives – our devotion, detachment, simplicity, perseverance, and compassion and how we balance our responsibilities with our spiritual aspirations.
Jai Namdev!
Tag:#namdev #bhakti
