SHRI BEETAK SAHIB - FOREWORD

                                                            SHRI BEETAK SAHIB   

                                                         BY 

                                             Shri Swami Laldas ji

       

Translated and explained with context by Radha Charan Pranami, Indore,

Son of Paramdham Vasi Shri Pujari Kishundas ji, Pujari of Shri Gummat ji,

Shri 5 Padmavatipuri, Dham- Panna, M.P. (India)

In the sweet memory of my wife, (Pa: Va :) Sau. Manibala Pranami, mother of Chi. Raviraj, Sunilraj,

Anilraj, Sanjayraj and Sau. Rakhi Pathak and Rev. Grandmother of Ku. Laveena, Ku. Aashna

Ku. Rhydhimaraj, Ku. Aishwaryaraj, Chi. Yashraj, Devraj, Shreyraj, Mehar Raj and Shubhraj.

                                           -----------------

                                           FOREWORD      

Swami Shri Laldas ji has quoted a reference of a scripture, known as “Bhavishya Puran”- a holy book of Hindus in respect of the prophecy, in so far as the Indian History is concerned. Perhaps, he has pointed out the appropriate time, which is prophesied in the Hindus’ religious book, as to when the “Advent of Vijayabhinandan Buddha Nishkalank” would take place as, it appears, that there was no calendar to be referred to in order to work out the period concerned with the Revelation of the Divine Wisdom (Tartam). Mahamati Shri Prannath ji declared 'Self' to be ‘Nishkalank Buddha Avatar’ & the ‘Imam Menhdi’ (according to the promise of Prophet Mohammed, contained in the Holy Book of Islam religion –Quran).

             By going through the first chapter of Shri Beetak Sahib, we can not exactly calculate the time elapsed since the inception of the creation of the world, but the periods, during which the numbers of the Rulers (Kings) whose names have been mentioned in each of the verses of the chapter, have been named as ‘Satyayug’, ‘Treta’, ‘Dwapar’ and ‘Kaliyug- in all four major periods (Yug) and the period which was then present has been taken into account as related with the ruling period of Aurangzeb, the Emperor of India.  

           In reference to above there is mention in Bhavishya Puran: extract of which is given as follows: -

Yug traye vyati kraantey dharmey paadaik sanshthitey, Bahu paakhand sankeerney katham yogamvaapnuyaat. Vyabhichaaro manushyaanam yatinaam dushtacheytsaam, Raudrey kaliyugey praaptey sarva dharma vivarjitey. Parasparvirodhtwam dwijyam dushta karmnaam, Raagyaam chaiv visheyshen durvaltwam ch jaaytey. Deshey graame mahat kashtam seedanti saadhvo yadaa, swa dharma vimukhaa lokaa  Anya dharmamupaashritaah.

Na devo Na ch devatwam tatprasaado Na vai yadaa, Mlechchha dharma pravratau  ch lok buddhi prajaytey. Maheetaley ch mlechchhanam raajyavanshah pravartatey, Paraspar virodhey cha  Aurango bhavedyadaa.

Vikramasya gate abdey ch saptadashhaastatrikam yadaa, Tadaayam sachchidaanando hay akshharaatparatah parah Bhartey ch Indirayam so Buddha aavirbhavishyati, Sabuddhah kalki roopeyn kshhatra dharmeyn tatparah. 

Chitrakooyey vaney rammey sa vai tatra bhavishyati, Varnaashramaanaam dharmashya sthapnam vai karishyati. Devanaam sthapnam chaiva prasaadam ch karishyati,Vishwaatmaa vishwajyotishcha Puranah Purushottamah. Vishwakrat vishwaroopashcha vishwasya hradayam vibhuh, mlechchhanaam naashko devo Buddha ev bhavishyati.

Vijayabhinandanastatra Aanandey Nandaney  vaney, Saadhunaam rakshanaarthaya dharmasya paalnaay ch.

Aanandaay ch lokaanaam paraspar hiteyshinaam.

               -Bhavishya Puran, Uttarkhand, Chapter 27.

            Aurangzeb was not the eldest son of his father, Shahjahan, the Emperor, but in his childhood he learnt that some very important messages (Vaseeyat Nama) were received from Qaba, pointing out the ‘Advent of Imam Menhdi’ in India amongst Hindus. Aurangzeb was very religious having all his faith in ‘Shariyat’ – necessary for a Muslim as per Quran – the Islamic Holy Book. Hence, he made up in his mind to become a chief of the army to act liberally and to have a thorough search of ‘Imam Menhdi’ amongst Hindus.  He committed the murder of his eldest and other brothers and simultaneously dethroned his father to become the Emperor of India (in 1658-59 A.D.) This event is related to the prophecy in Bhavishya Puran insofar as Aurangzeb became the Emperor of Hindustan, when ‘Advent of Vijayabhinandan Nishkalank Buddha’ took place.  

THE ADVENT OF VIJAYABHINANDAN BUDDHA NISHKALANK.

THE ADVENT OF VIJAYABHINANDAN BUDDHA NISHKALANK.

CHAPTER - (PRAKARAN) - l.

      Swami Laldas ji quoted the reference of one of the Hindus’ scriptures, named “Bhavishya Puran” composed by Shri Ved Vyas ji, a very learned personality, who was the author of ‘Mahabharata’ (a part of which is Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta) and many other Hindus’ sacred scriptures. Shri Vyas ji described the names of the Rulers (Kings) in each of the four yugas. Swami Laldas ji in this verse, addresses the readers to think over the words of Shri Ved Vyas ji, who prophesied in the above named holy scripture about the period (the regime of Aurangzeb, the Emperor of India) when the Advent of Vijayabhinandan Buddha Nishkalank would take place (named Shri Mahamati Prannath ji).

Among the four yugas (the major period allotted to each), the first is Satyayug (having its duration of 34, 56,000 years). There were seventeen kings in Satyayug, the name of the first king was ‘Krat’ who lived a pious life and led his life peacefully. His successor was ‘Kratdutta’, the second King in Satyayug.

The next successors were ‘Ant’, ‘Muchkundbha’, ‘Bhairwanand’, and ‘Kammo’ the kings.

The King ‘Aadi’ succeeded ‘Kammo’ and then ‘Hirnakush’, defamed for his enmity with Lord Vishnu. He was killed by Narsingh (Lord Vishnu’s appearance). His son, Prahlad succeeded him as one of the famous devotees of Lord Vishnu.

After Prahlad, Vali Lochan was the king in Satyayug and Valibhugat was his successor. He was succeeded by Lochanvali.

Banasur succeeded Lochanvali and thereafter Kapilaksha was the king who was succeeded by Kapilbhadra and then Jaraasari.

After Jaraasari, the last seventeenth king was Dhoomrishi in Satyayug. There were twenty-nine kings in Treta Yug, the second major period having its duration of 17, 28,000 years. The names of the twenty-nine kings of Treta are as follows –

The first king in Treta was Brahma, whose successor was Maareech and then Kashyap, who was succeeded by Sooraj.

Thereafter Tavchhatra, succeeded by Akshhaya were the kings; and then Aranyabha and Vishwamitra.

Mahamantra succeeded Vishwamitra and then Chimanbhadra. Udyan was the king who succeeded Chimanbhadra.

After Bhadra Udyan, the king was Trisankh succeeded by the famous king ‘Harishchandra’, who loved and maintained the ‘Truth’. His son Rohitash succeeded him and then Mandhata.

The famous ‘Sagar’ followed him and then Ashamitra. The king Bhagirath succeeded Ashamitra. Bhagirath, it is said, pleased Lord Vishnu to release the flow of Sacred River Ganga in order to save Sagar, his forefather from the results of the sinful deeds he committed. The Sacred waters of Ganga appeared on the earth owing to Bhagirath’s life long efforts by his devotion of God. And the forefather of Ram, named Dileep, the warrior succeeded Bhagirath.

Raghu succeeded Dileep and then Aj. Thereafter Dashrath, the father of Ram and then Ram Chandra (the King of Ayodhya).

Ram’s son Lav succeeded him and then Antbhan. Thereafter Kaylakhi who was succeeded by Babarvaan.

The last two kings were Sudarshan succeeded by Agnivaran. These twenty-nine kings were on the earth in Treta.

In the next ‘Dwapar Yug (the third major period 8, 64,000 years), nineteen kings whose names follow hereunder ruled on the earth. The first was Indra succeeded by Chandrama and after him the king was Poorva.

Next King was Agra and then Nirmoksha who was succeeded by Shantanu.

Next to him were Chitra, then Vichitra and Vyas. Their successor was Pandu and thereafter the famous warrior Arjun.

After Arjun (one among the Pandavas), Ahiravan Kumar and then Shantanu who was succeeded by Valivan.

Thereafter Nirvan and then Valichakshu succeeded by the king Pareekshhat and then Janmejaya.

After nineteen kings of Dwapar Yug, (twenty-nine of Treta and earlier seventeen kings of Satyayug), the names of twenty kings of Kaliyug are given hereunder –

The name of the kings in Kaliyug (the fourth major period of 4, 32,000 years) begins with Jadu (at serial No. 1) and he was succeeded by Ajaypal and then by Mahipal.

Next king was Gangadharvasen who was succeeded by the famous king “Veer Vikramaditya” (the Era of Vikram Samvat began after him with his name, 57 years earlier the Christ’s Era); and then Bhoj (in whose Darbar (the Court), the famous Sanskrit Poet, Kalidas was amongst the chiefs of the King).

The History of India mentions the names of Muslim Emperors after the period Bhoj. Mohammed Gori the Emperor followed by Sultan Allauddin was among them. Next were Nasaruddeen and then Lodha Mahmood.

After Lodha Mahmood, Bada Mahmood was the Emperor. Next were Sher Khan Suri, then Tamoor Lung. Babar, the first Mugal Emperor succeeded Tamoor Lung.

Babar’s son Humayoo was the second Mugal Emperor and he was succeeded by his son, Akbar -the Great Mugal Emperor. His son Saleemshah famous as Jahangeer (whose wife, Noorjahan accompanied him in the court too) succeeded his father, Akbar who was succeeded by Shahjahan.

 Aurangzeb was the last Mugal Emperor (by that time) in Kaliyug. Swami Laldas ji opined that after twenty kings and Emperors in Kaliyug, the Advent of Buddha Nishkalank was due to take place.

Swami Laldas ji (with his title name Shri Mahamati bestowed upon him by Shri Prannath ji, his Grand Preceptor) stated (addressing all other associates) that the Holy Scriptures are evidence to support his version. He said that in the next chapter, the history and the details in respect of the creation of the world would be mentioned   

                                                                                                       Prakaran 1, Chopai 28.

CHAPTER 2. MAHAKARAN.

In this Chapter, Swami Laldas ji attracts the attention of the mankind to know the ‘Basic Reason’ (Mahakaran) for the creation of the Universe. He says, “I shall come to a point to mention about our Super Eternal Abode- Paramdham, where at a particular place named “Mool-Milava”, we all the Divine Souls – the Love Part of Sat-Chit-Anand, have been sitting together in rows, in front of our Supreme Lord –Shri Raj Shyama Ji. There whatsoever we have been talking about with our Lord and what he ordered is a matter of very importance.

First of all, in the Super Eternal Abode, where Love only exists – the structure is Love and the Divine Souls are Love, the Supreme Lord, during the course of our lovely talks, ordered –

According to His Divine order, the Indestructible God – Sat – Akshhar desired to know what the Love played between ‘Supreme Lord and His Divine Souls – the Love part’ is: and simultaneously, we the Divine Souls desired what for the Indestructible God creates the Universes and what is opposite to Love? The separation from the Lord Supreme and the consequent feelings of the sorrows were not known to us. The desires of the Indestructible God and the Divine Souls (as per the inspiration of the Supreme Lord) are the results of the orders of the Lord Supreme – the Super Indestructible – Aksharaateet. HE usually plays in Paramdham in this fashion.

There is a description of three stages in respect of the appearance of the Divine Souls and the Indestructible God by their consciousness only (not physically or by Souls). Thus each of the stages is concerned with a story of the creation of the Universe full of illusions – a drama played by the participants in their roles as per the directions of the Lord Supreme. The first drama was played in Brij between the Divine Souls – as Gop Vadhus and the Akshhar having charged by Lord Supreme.

The second is played in ‘Raas’ (a separate Universe after the annihilation of the first Universe of Brij-Leela) and the present Universe is created the third time for “Jaagni Raas”. In this Universe, the Divine Souls have been enlightened by the Divine Wisdom and they realized their conscious presence in Paramdham. They also knew about the falsehood of the present world, which is fully illusive.

In the first stage, Lord Krishna, who was the Indestructible God having charged by the Lord Supreme, played love-plays with the Divine Souls – who appeared by consciousness only as the ladies and / or the damsels (Gop Vadhus) in Brij, having hearty love for Lord Krishna; but they were in the dream-stage and were not knowing who Shri Krishna was. The Love-plays lasted for 11 years and 52 days in Brij.

And thereafter, Akshhar, having charged by Supreme Lord created Vrindavan in a new universe of Yogmaya and called upon the Divine Souls (i.e. all the Gop Vadhus and Kumarikas). They were not awakened exactly but knew by their consciousness – who was Shri Krishna.? Hence they played in the same manner as they always do in their Super Eternal Abode –Paramdham. And thus Akshhar had a chance to have full experience of the Love, what He desired to know about before the creations of the Universes. But the Lord Supreme drew back the force (His Power) from the inner soul of Akshhar; hence He was stunned and got awakened in His Eternal Abode. Thus He disappeared from the Universe of ‘Raas’. The Divine Souls were made destitute without their Lord; hence they experienced the sorrows of the separation from their Lord. Again the Lord Supreme made Akshhar charged to reappear in Raas. Then they all played ‘Love’ for a long in the same Universe of Yogmaya. After ‘Raas’, Akshhar and the Divine Souls waked up by their real consciousness and felt their real presence in Akshhardham & Paramdham respectively.

In order to let Akshhar have the remembrance of ‘Brij’ and ‘Raas’ (love-plays played there), the Lord Supreme drew His Zeal - Power from the consciousness of Akshhar – the Indestructible. ‘Akshhar’ kept in His memory forever the role He played as Shri Krishna in ‘Brij’ and ‘Raas’. And thus ‘Brij-Leela’ and ‘Raas-Leela’ have been established forever (eternally) in the heart of Akshhar – the Indestructible. Again, in order to fulfil the remaining desire for experiencing the feeling of forgetfulness of the selves and no- knowledge of their Lord or the Super Eternal Abode –Paramdham, including the desire to experience the sorrows of the separation from their Lord and the sense of the feelings of the false relations with other entities in the world of the illusions, this universe has been created in the dream of Akshhar.  Akshhar then appeared in His dream as Mohammed (the Divine Messenger of Khuda –the Almighty) and after a certain period, the Divine Souls re-appeared in this third Universe, (not physically but by consciousness only).

After ‘Raas’ in the third creation of the Universe, Shri Krishna (Akshhar) appeared as Mohammed in Arabia and by the order of the Supreme Lord, He had disclosed the fact of the ‘Advent of Imam Menhdi’ as well as the ‘Day of Justice’ (Qayamat). What he spoke is treasured in the Holy Book –Quran. The manners according to which a pious life should be led, as described in Quran, are being followed as ‘Shariyat’ by those who are having faith in Islam Religion.

A reference of the events of SIX ADVENTIST-DAYS has been described in Quran, but the same is not clearly described. The mystery is indicated by words to be interpreted correctly.

The event of the First Day is related with Brij-Leela, when the Divine Souls played ‘Love’ with their Lord for 11 years and 52 days. The Second Day means the ‘Love Play’ of the Divine Souls with Lord Krishna in the everlasting night of ‘Raas’. During the continuance of ‘Raas’, the Supreme Lord drew His Power from Shri Krishna (Akshhar) and Shri Krishna disappeared from the Universe of Yogmaya (Vrindavan, where ‘Raas-Leela’ was being played). This made the Gopies (Divine Souls) to lament because of the sorrows of the separation from their Lord. But the experience of sorrows due to illusions (Maya) was not fully felt. The desire remained unfulfilled in the consciousness of the Divine Souls (while after ‘Raas’ they awakened and felt their conscious presence in Super Eternal Abode –Paramdham).

Hence in order to fulfil their remaining desire, the Supreme Lord ordered to create this Universe (third time) in the dream of Akshhar –the Indestructible; and Shri Krishna’s consciousness (Akshhar in His own dream) appeared in the person of Prophet Mohammed whom the Divine Message, to be conveyed to the Divine Souls - that were yet to appear, was disclosed by the Lord, in advance. The Holy Book, Quran contains the same and those who follow them as ‘Shariyat’ are Muslim.

The life span of Mohammed was 63 years and this event is indicated as the Third Day, related with the Lord Supreme –as Mohammed was HIS Divine Messenger.

The Third Day’s detailed description is too much to be mentioned here; hence the event of the Fourth Day, which is related with the Divine Souls’ reappearance in the Dreamy Universe the third time, must be thought over.

After the demise of Mohammed, a period of nine hundred nine years and three months (one fourth of a year) was over in the Tenth Century of Hizari Era, the event of the Fourth Day happened.

In other words, when a period of nine hundred and ninety years and nine months elapsed after Rasool (Mohammed), the Better-Half of the Lord Supreme (Shyama ji) appeared in the person of Dhani Shri Devchandra ji, Sadguru by Her Consciousness on the earth along with the Divine Souls, who were the devotees having the faith related with the Divine Wisdom disclosed by Sadguru, Dhani Shri Devchandra ji for the welfare of the world.

In Vikram Samvat 1638, on the Fourteenth Day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of ‘Aswin’, Shri Devchandra ji was born in Marwar.

Umarkot is a village in Marwar (where Akbar, the Great Mugal Emperor was also born). The parents of Shri Devchandra ji were Shri Mattoo Mehta and Smt. Kunwari Bai.

On Shri Devchandra ji’s birth, the citizens of the village were rejoicing and the whole world including the abodes of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiv (Mahesh) was filled with joy.

The event of the Advent of the Better-Half of the Lord Supreme (Shri Devchandra ji is related with the revelation of Divine Wisdom, meant to the welfare of the mankind of the Universe. It is revealing the wisdom to know about Aksharaateet – the Super Indestructible, whom the Divine Souls only bow and are prostrating (with their Souls’ love); whereas, according to Shrimad Bhagwat, Shri Sukhdeo spoke to Pareekshat that the worldly people worship Akshhar –The Indestructible, and beyond Him. As per indication, vide Hindu Scripture, Shrimad Bhagwat, Skandh (Chapter) 12/ 2, Shlokas 37 & 38, the mystery about the Advent of Dhani Shri Devchandra ji and Shri Mehraj Thakur (Mahamati Shri Prannath ji), has been revealed as follows: “The appropriate time has come. Shantanu’s brother –Dev, too and the descendent of the Reverend King Ikshhaku, Maru (Shri Devchandra ji and Shri Mehraj respectively) have been living in a village, named Kalap (indicating PANNA, located on the bank of River Kilkila). They would, on their advent on the earth in the end of Kaliyug and in accordance with the Will of Lord Vishnu or Vasudev, establish the faith of the Hindu religion as it was in the past.

The seeds of Satyayug (indication of Satyayug to follow Kaliyug) are within them (Shri Devchandra ji and Shri Mehraj ji). In the due time, these mysteries, which are called the seeds would be revealed in the detailed description of Divine Wisdom which they would impart to the human beings; and consequent upon the perception of the Divine Wisdom, the Jeevashristies (the mankind as a whole) would get enlightened to possess the eternal salvation in one of the hearts of the Indestructible God- Akshhar.

All the Hindus’, Islam’s and other religious books, known as Ved & Qateb have evidences in respect of the Advent of these two personalities. The other sub-scriptures like Upanishads and Shrimad Bhagwat indicate in respect of the prediction about their appearance and the acts of kindness for the welfare of the mankind.

From the date of the creation of the world a good number of religions have been formed and each of the holy books of these religions there are indications about the appearance of Shri Devchandra ji and Shri Mehraj ji. These evidences give a rise to have a faith in them.

Despite indications in various religious books about the appearance of these two personalities, the people of the different faiths believe in the interpretation according to their own perception; but when all these kinds of perception are read together, the true text with the context leads to perceive the Divine Wisdom.

In Quran –the Islamic religious Holy Book, a reference of one hundred twenty years during which the Divine Souls would have appeared by their consciousness on the earth has been quoted and the same infers the events of the Fourth Day (the Advent of Shri Devchandra ji), the Fifth Day (the Advent of Shri Mehraj Thakur, Shri Prannath ji) and the Sixth Day (a period of ten years ended 1711 A.D., during which the Divine Souls (Brahmashristies) got themselves enlightened with the Divine Wisdom (Tartam Jnyan). The period of 120 years commenced from the birth date of Shri Devchandra ji, i.e. 1581 A.D. to 1701 A.D.

The Divine Wisdom revealed the ‘Reality’ about the Supreme Lord’s Super Eternal Abode –Paramdham, where the Divine Souls (Brahmashristies) have been playing the extreme Love with their Lord and the strange perception by the human beings compelled them to prostrate at the Lotus Feet of the Lord Supreme. The Indestructible God- Akshhar Bhagwan even had no perception about the ‘Love’ between the Lord Supreme and the Divine Souls, but the Divine Wisdom revealed the same to the whole world.

The human beings of the dream world being in the illusions of Maya could not perceive a little about the Super Eternal Abode, but the perception of Divine Wisdom led them to conceive the Truth.

Four kinds of ‘Heavens’ are described in Quran. These are named as (1) Nasoot, (2) Malqoot, (3) Zabroot and (4) Lahoot. The Nasoot is covering the earth –the dream world. Malqoot is Baikunth, the Abode of Lord Vishnu, which is also perishable in Mahapralay (the ultimate annihilation) when the sleep of Akshhar would be over. When the ‘Indestructible God- Akshhar awakens from His dream, He returns by His consciousness in His Eternal Abode named Akshhardham – the Zabroot. Beyond Akshhardham, the Super Eternal Abode of the Lord Supreme- Paramdham is called ‘Lahoot’ – the Fourth Heaven from where the Better-Half of the Lord Supreme, Shyama ji – Rooh Allah descended by consciousness only in the same period. Shri Devchandra ji’s Divine Message was openly conveyed to all mankind, and thereafter to the Trio-Gods – Brahma, Vishnu & Mahesh and the creatures in the dream of the Indestructible God. This was made well known to all the Divine Souls and other human beings.

Shri Laldas ji said that the Biography of Shri Devchandra ji has been narrated in the following verses in this book “Shri Beetak” (composed by him in Hindustani language).

When Shri Devchandra ji was just a child of eleven years, he began to think who was HE and where is the Abode of His Soul? WHO is the Master of His Soul?

Shri Devchandra ji wandered in the surrounding villages of Umarkot and enquired from every body, “Where dwells the God? And who created the Universe?”

He was told by many learned persons that God is Omnipresent. HE pervades in each particle of the matters of the Universe. And Shri Devchandra ji learnt that HE was very near. He concluded that it was the Truth.

At Umarkot near His home, there was a temple of Pingal Shyam (Shri Krishna) where Shri Devchandra ji used to go and sit down before the idol of Shri Krishna in the temple to pray. He used to perform circumambulation in the temple (Pradakshhna).

Daily for cleaning teeth and then taking bath etc. in routine, Shri Devchandra ji used to go out of his home with a small metal pot; and while returning to home, he used to go to the temple undoubtedly without fail.

In temple, he used to pass a quarter day, nearly three hours in making circumambulations and then sitting before the idol of Shri Krishna-Shyam ji in order to have a face to face meeting with His Lord.

Umarkot is situated in Sindh (now Pakistan) where lies the Maru desert having insufficient sources of water. Hence during those days, saints or hermits seldom reached there.

Once in his childhood, Shri Devchandra ji arrived at Cutch with Mattoo Mehta, his father. He found there a good number of temples and the monks & saints of the various sects in each of the temples. He met them also with his father.

On returning to home from Cutch, Shri Devchandra ji made up in his mind to go to Cutch again and have a search to find the Lord with the help of some adept monk or preceptor, whosoever be available in any of the temples there.

As such he became indifferent from home and had a little concern with His parents or others nearby.

To divert His mind from the delirious mind, every body made best of one’s efforts, but failed.

Shri Devchandra ji was always thinking and awaiting a chance to leave for some place out of the hometown in order to have a thorough search of a Grand Preceptor.

He enquired from every body the way leading to Cutch. He came to know that a Vazir (Minister) of the Ruler of Umarkot scheduled to go to Cutch.

The minister had a programme to go to Cutch with a troop of 200 soldiers and a carriage to reach there at the earliest in connection with performing a ritual custom of marriage ceremony of the Kin of the Ruler.

Shri Devchandra ji went to see the Minister and he disclosed his anxiety to accompany him to reach Cutch.

The Minister enquired if any horse or camel he possessed to perform the journey as without any animal for riding, it was not possible to accompany the party.

Shri Devchandra ji told the Minister that he would go there on foot; but the Minister refused and warned him not to accompany.

Shri Devchandra ji made up to go behind the party; and he thought that it was useless to consult or inform the Minister.

Very immediately he arrived at home and collected the utensils required for cooking as well as other materials including the pot etc. for the drinking water.

He kept a small weapon inside his dress and some coins as the travelling expenses. He was ready to move.

After the meal, taken by him in small quantity as sacred ablation of God (His Lord, whom He loved by heart), he took rest for a short while. When one and a half hour’s period was due to the Sun setting, the Minister of Umarkot started his journey with the troop. Shri Devchandra ji was still thinking to leave the home at a suitable time.

In making efforts to tie the baggage around His waist, He passed some time. The Minister already started with the troop. Shri Devchandra ji, thereafter, followed them.

Although Shri Devchandra ji was walking as fast as possible on foot, as He was very hopeful to reach nearer the party; yet it was not possible, because he was not having any means of conveyance (horse).

Still, Shri Devchandra ji continued his journey in the desert, where he was alone and none was there on the path to talk with. After some time the daylight disappeared and it was total darkness of night. (But the Almighty was with Him).

Because of strong and constant flow of wind, the footprints on the sandy path were disturbed making it difficult for Him to find a right path in the desert. Also during the night, there was a fear of the thieves, who could endanger the life of one or two travelers in the silence of the night of that place.

The strong storm like a flow of the wind was making a heap of the sand particles at one place and very soon simultaneous heap was formed at another place eliminating the previous one.

Shri Devchandra ji’s age at that time was equal to that of a child. He had a fear due to night in the desert. He felt pain in His belly. He was not sure where the end of the desert was & which was the right path to go.

Remembering His Lord to help Him, He moved on and on. All of a sudden a person was seen. Shri Devchandra ji was very much afraid of Him.

He thought that the stranger was a thief who would kill Him. There was no other way or place to escape there. He forgot the path and was very much nervous.

The stranger approached Him. Shri Devchandra ji had a great fear; but the stranger spoke to Him.

The stranger was looking like a soldier, having the bearded look, a spear in hand and a sword in the waist.

The soldier asked Him to hand over the sword, which Shri Devchandra ji hanged in His waist. He was stunned to hear His command and very much afraid of the soldier’s voice.

He at once handed over the sword to the stranger (His Lord, who was in the guise of Soldier). Then the soldier asked Him to untie the bag from the waist. Shri Devchandra ji knew HE would demand the same.

Shri Devchandra ji was having the fear of being killed while the soldier asked Him to lie down on a bed sheet spread by him on the ground. Shri Devchandra ji began to tremble due to fear.

When Shri Devchandra ji lay down, the soldier put his leg on one of the thighs’ joint near loin. He had the spear in His hand. He asked –

He inquired, “If the stomach ach was reduced as a result of His burden on one of the thighs?” Shri Devchandra ji told Him that it was still a little in some other part of the abdomen (and not in the whole).

The soldier then put leg on the next thigh-root and with the help of the spear which he caught keeping it rested on the ground; he put the burden of His body on the thigh-root of Shri Devchandra ji, who was lying on the ground.

Again He asked Shri Devchandra ji if he had any more pain in the stomach; Shri Devchandra ji was then all right and He stood up then and there.

The soldier picked up the bed sheet from the ground and tied it around His waist. He took the bag and baggage of Shri Devchandra ji and carried the same on His back. Shri Devchandra ji concluded that the soldier would not kill Him.

The next thought, Shri Devchandra ji had, was that the soldier would keep Him as a slave at His house.

Shri Devchandra ji preferred to become His slave, instead. They proceeded with a fast speed. The soldier enquired about the relations if any he had at Cutch and also enquired about the worldly affairs. He asked about the native place also.

The soldier asked the name of His mother and those of the other members of the family. The Devchandra ji furnished all the details and continued the journey.

Shri Devchandra ji told that he belonged to Umarkot and His father- Mattoo Mehta was a businessman.

The inquiry about the environment of the State, name of the ruler and his behaviour with the citizens of the town was also made by the soldier.

The inquiry about the behaviour of the Ministers of the State with the public and other types of the talk were also held in the way.

They moved along while talking the whole night. At dawn they reached near the place where the Minister and the troop had their night halt.

The soldier stopped and handed over the bag etc. to Shri Devchandra ji.

He also returned the sword to Shri Devchandra ji and pointed out to show the place where the Minister had his halt. Shri Devchandra ji then turned His face to look at the soldier, He was not there. Shri Devchandra ji was surprised to know –who helped Him?

When Shri Devchandra ji did not find anybody, He was sure that His Lord helped and accompanied Him, but alas! He could not recognize Him. Thus He repented for His mistake of ignoring His Lord.

Shri Devchandra ji conducted introspection and He consoled Himself with an affirmation that His Lord had been always with Him to save from the danger. In future also during disaster of any sort, the Lord would provide protection.

Shri Devchandra ji was then free from all worries as His Lord was always with Him, whom He would find out with His efforts as He would not go anywhere leaving Him.

Then He moved towards the Minister. The Minister saw Him attentively & enquired, “Who was He?” Shri Devchandra ji disclosed His name.

The troop-men led Shri Devchandra ji before their Head, who surprisingly asked how He could meet them?

How he could find the path during the darkness of the night without any means of conveyance or any animal to ride? Shri Devchandra ji replied that He moved as fast as the wind.

He said that He followed them and walked on foot having trodden the footprints without any means.

They were surprised with the reply of Shri Devchandra ji. The Minister asked Him to relax and to free Him from the burden of bags and baggage and take rest for a while. The Minister’s men were busy in the preparation of the camps to stay and to ignite fire for cooking.

The Minister was ‘Kayashtha’ by caste (and Shri Devchandra ji was also of his caste). He requested Shri Devchandra ji to take the meal with him or take the necessary commodities from him and cook for self. 

Shri Devchandra ji replied to the Minister that he would cook himself.

The Minister again requested to take the flour etc. from his store, but Shri Devchandra ji expressed that he brought with Him from home all and every thing to cook His meal.

The Minister was unhappy with the denial of Shri Devchandra ji for not accepting the offer of the cooking commodities. He pointed out that they two were of the same caste (Kayashtha); hence He should honour the custom of the caste and accept the offer.

Shri Devchandra ji then accepted his request and cooked the meal with the things obtained from the Minister’s store. Shri Devchandra ji memorized by His deep contemplation the Personality met Him in the guise of the Soldier and offered oblation from the food he cooked there.

Shri Devchandra ji took the rest after the meal and got prepared thereafter to proceed further along with the Minister who was also ready.

 The Minister enquired from his men as to how many of them were to ride on the camels.

They replied to the Minister that they were four persons to ride on the camels. The Minister asked them to accommodate Shri Devchandra ji as the fifth rider along with them.

Thus Shri Devchandra ji accompanied the marriage party and arrived at Cutch. The Minister and his company proceeded further to reach their destination. Shri Devchandra ji started His search for which purpose he arrived there.

Swami Laldas ji says that this is the description of Shri Devchandra ji. In the next Chapter, the further description of the search efforts made by Shri Devchandra ji in Cutch would be detailed.

                                                                                                  

                                                             Prakaran – 2 Chopai – 122

CHAPTER 3 – KUTCH MEIN KHOJ.

Swami Laldas ji said that Shri Devchandra ji arrived at Cutch and began his search movement; the same is described in this Chapter.

Shri Devchandra ji reached at a temple in search of a Preceptor as per His motto. He asked about the God from the monk of the temple. The monk told Him that the Idol of the God was God in real to him.

Although Shri Devchandra ji was not satisfied with the statement of the monk, yet he stayed there for a few days and then left for some other place in search of the ‘Truth’.

There were some hermits in the group at one place, where Shri Devchandra ji reached. The group was in the guise of the emancipators as they sacrificed every thing of the world; hence, as they appeared, they were adorable by the general public.                                                            

Among them, Shri Devchandra ji continued his search of the ‘Truth’. They said, “We know all about God; Go on reciting the reverential names or a phrase (Idiom –mantra), which you must believe in”.                                                                                                                                                                          These Sanyasi (hermits) talked about Dattatrey (a Deity) and Shri Devchandra ji after being initiated by them accepted their discipleship but their preaching could not fill His heart with the ‘Truth’.                                 

After a few days’ stay with the hermits, he proceeded to some other place where special type of sages having their ears incised (which was a fashion among that special type of the sages) were living.              

These sages having incised ears were called the favourite preceptors of the Ruler of Cutch and they had a good number of disciples and were also adored by the citizens of Cutch. Shri Devchandra ji reached them.                                                                                                                                                         

Many days he spent there but he could not get satisfied with their preaching. They could not talk about the ‘Truth’, which Shri Devchandra asked of them.                                                                                                 

Thereafter he stayed with Vairagi Kapadi sages for a few days. He found the sages to be lustful and the slave of their thoughts; hence Shri Devchandra ji did not find any thing related with the ‘Truth’, which He was searching for in Cutch. 

He also stayed in a mosque and contacted the Muslim adept (Mulla) there for a couple of days. He saw that Muslim including their Chief in the mosque had been following ‘Shariyat’ (rites) as taught to them by the elders for a Muslim was known only by the ritual customs. Except their ritual customs, which is prescribed in Quran (as ‘Shariyat’), Shri Devchandra ji did not find any thing related with the ‘Truth’.

Then He met those persons, who appeared by their garb to be very learned Brahmins and also those, that were non-Brahmins. Still unsatisfied with His search-campaign, He proceeded further.

Roaming about hither and thither, he arrived at Bhoj, the Capital City of Cutch, where a famous learned person named ‘Haridas’ was adorable to his many disciples. Shri Devchandra ji stayed there. Haridas was the follower of Radhavallabh sect.

Haridas ji adored Shri Krishna (Of the age of His Childhood) and he, himself, was behaving (during the course of his worship) as a lady behaves, for the sake of consoling his soul.

Shri Devchandra ji saw him devoted to Shri Krishna and worshipping His Lord lovingly and undoubtedly with his heart regularly without fail.

Shri Devchandra ji observed that during the summer season, Haridas managed to upkeep the sacred place where the Idol of the Lord was established, cool by all means.

And during the winter season, the surroundings of the Idol of his Lord were kept warmed and for that purpose, all the necessary things were kept ready for the daily use during the course of worship.

Haridas was habitual to take baths two to four times daily without having any difference between winter and summer seasons.

Shri Devchandra ji very curiously marked that Haridas ji was particular in making the cleanliness and purity and punctual in taking baths frequently. It was peculiar and not followed by others.

Here Shri Devchandra ji was satisfied with the procedure of worship being performed by Haridas ji lovingly. He thought –

“I should please Haridas with my honest service and my devotion for being awarded by him with the valuable preaching.” Therefore, He dedicated himself to please Haridas with His loving service. He always remained there present for the service what He deemed proper and necessary.

Daily He listened to the preaching of Haridas for a long time. Meanwhile, Shri Devchandra ji’s father, Mattoo Mehta came to know the whereabouts of his son, hence he arrived there.

Mattoo Mehta persuaded his son to leave there for his home (at Umarkot) but all was in vain. Shri Devchandra ji did not agree with His father, who became hopeless.

Shri Devchandra ji had no concern with the worldly affairs. Despite many efforts by His father, He was not attracted to the worldly illusions and He was unhappy with His father’s persuasion.

He was regular in the service of Haridas by all means – mentally, by speech and by actions. He undoubtedly performed services for the consolation of His Soul.

With the lovely services of Shri Devchandra ji, Haridas ji was very much impressive. He decided to initiate Him with the sacred words (religious mantras to recite). A day was, thus selected for this purpose by Haridas ji.

Simultaneously, Mattoo Mehta decided to push up his son to enter into the worldly affection, in order to divert His mind, so that Shri Devchandra ji might obey him and go back to Umarkot (home) or live with him there.

Accordingly, he settled marriage of Shri Devchandra ji to be performed (celebrated) the same selected day; Haridas ji decided to deliver the mantra (sacred words) to initiate and make Him his disciple.

As per custom of Radhavallabh sect, one who was to be initiated had to remove one’s hair of the head and face to look like a sage. Shri Devchandra ji was prepared for it.

Haridas ji inquired on that particular day (fixed for the purpose) if He was ready; if so, he must have His head clean-shaved to wear a look like that of a sage.

Shri Devchandra ji at once obeyed and came back duly shaved His head and face. He sat near Haridas ji. Haridas ji again asked if He, earlier, accepted discipleship and got initiated by any other preceptor(s). Shri Devchandra ji revealed that He accepted the discipleship of a Sanyasi –a hermit earlier.

Haridas ji advised Shri Devchandra ji to get rid of the earlier initiation by writing those sacred words (mantra) spoken to Him by the former preceptor on a piece of paper and keeping that inside a Roti (bread), return the same to any hermit (Sanyasi).

At this instance, Shri Devchandra ji spoke, “What you have told me to do would not be fruitful. In case, the ‘words’ given to me earlier by the Sanyasi have more power, the same would not be turned to be ‘null and void’ by doing any of such type of efforts”.

“Should your sacred words be more forceful, the existence of any other words given to me earlier by any person would be meaningless? Of course, what did you tell me to do would be liable to be followed by those who are interested in worldly affairs and not by me?”

Haridas ji was very happy to know the reasoning presented by Shri Devchandra ji. He delivered the ‘Sacred names’ (mantra) to Shri Devchandra ji and asked Him to recite the same in front of the Idol of Shri Krishna having a constant gaze on it.

Haridas ji spoke the words, ‘Bhaj man Shri Vrindavan, Kunj Bihari Nit Vilas’ (which means, ‘Shri Krishna has been playing continuously in the gardens of Vrindavan, whom one should remember always with the alert mind). He continued, “Keep these words in your heart and remember with all belief.”

He also advised to mingle self by Soul to be one of the wives of Shri Krishna while reciting these words. Then Shri Devchandra ji was permitted to go to home. Mattoo Mehta was astonished to see Him clean shaved with no hair on His head and face. He looked attired like a sage.

Mattoo Mehta fixed that very day to celebrate the marriage of his son; he spoke, “You should have dressed well and looked handsome; instead, what have you done – just adversely?”

Mattoo Mehta felt a lot of agony. He scolded his son for His being indifferent. He showed his anger and produced a fearful atmosphere to influence his son. Shri Devchandra ji spoke, “What do you want today from me?”

He continued, “I have already married with whom I wanted (My Lord Krishna). You think that I should get involved in worldly affairs; but it would be never possible for me. I have already expressed a number of times and also refused to celebrate the marriage ceremony.”

Anyhow Mattoo Mehta married his son with a beautiful girl (named Leel Bai), but Shri Devchandra ji did not agree with any body at home to lead a happy married life. Instead, He continued to do according to Haridas’ instructions in performing worship in the temple. Its location was in the residence of Haridas ji.

Shri Devchandra ji usually spent first half of the night (two quarters upto mid of the night) and listened to the preaching of Haridas, daily. In this way he had been spending his days.

Not only this, spending the period of three hours, i.e. a quarter of the night, daily after 3 O’clock, a quarter to dawn, he again reached the temple at Haridas’ residence and walked round the temple in circumambulation daily without taking a proper rest.

Once Shri Haridas ji got up earlier before dawn for attending to the nature’s call, he found Shri Devchandra ji busy in circumambulation in the temple; hence asked him, “Who are you & what for you came?”

He continued, “One quarter of the night still remains, but you came here behind the house; who are you?”

Again Haridas ji asked, “Who are you?”  Shri Devchandra ji told, “I have come here.”

Haridas ji heard the voice and knew that it was Shri Devchandra ji; then he asked- “Come in. Why have you come at this time?”

Shri Devchandra ji replied, “Please listen to me. I could not ascertain the correct time. I thought that the day was dawning.”

Shri Devchandra ji was not interested to let any body know about his manners of Service and the Worshipping, as the same he was performing for consoling His Soul and for keeping the mind busy.

Haridas ji learnt that Shri Devchandra ji was regular in making circumambulation around the temple during the night, daily. He was attending during the daytime also to perform the Service to the best of His satisfaction, as adoration of the Idol.  

One day Haridas was performing adoration carefully, while Shri Devchandra ji was also sitting there.

Shri Devchandra ji saw that some people brought a person to Haridas ji. A poisonous scorpion hurt that person and due to extreme pain, the person was almost dead.  

The attendants requested Haridas ji to help and save the person who was hurt by the scorpion.

When Haridas ji came out of his home, he saw that dying man. He uttered some sacred sorcery words and touched his moustache and the scorpion-hurt person began to recover.

Again, Haridas ji repeated the same and the person suffering from the pain was made free from the danger.

Haridas ji repeated the same thrice and there was no sign of poison in the patient’s body. He was recovered fully and was all right. He stood up and prostrated and expressed his hearty obligation.

All those who brought the dying person, also bowed and praised Haridas ji for his welfare service to the mankind. They said, “You have saved the patient from the death point. You are most competent to do the best with your sorcery.”

Haridas ji told Shri Devchandra ji, “The sacred sorcery words, I used, have great power, hence you must learn the same;

“If I did not save him for a few minutes, he could have died: but with the help of the sorcery, I could save him. These sacred sorcery words are meant to save life of others.”

Shri Devchandra ji spoke, “The Sacred words already given by you have been learnt and kept in the heart for the whole life.

“I know: the sacred words in my heart are enough to get complete relief from the death and re-birth circle in the world. The same is better than sorcery words, which may be meant to give relief from the hurt of say, lakhs of scorpions.

“How any other words can find place in the heart, where the most enchanting sacred words in respect of the reverential name of the Lord have already occupied.” Haridas ji was very happy and he appreciated the version of Shri Devchandra ji.

He spoke- “O (Shri) Devchandra (ji)! I have no such precognition in my mind. What you have spoken is beyond my thoughts.”

There are so many instances, which happened at Bhojnagar. Shri Devchandra ji continued his worship in His own way, which was not known to any body.

One day, again, Haridas ji saw from the window of his home that Shri Devchandra ji was busy in circumambulation. Haridas ji called Shri Devchandra to meet him at the upper floor of the house.

He spoke, “I understood that you had come in the night some days ago by mistake forgetting the time, but now I find that you always come earlier than the dawn in the darkness of the night. I am ashamed; I can not bear your hard services.”

“What is in your mind? What do you want from me? Please tell me, I shall give you the same.”

Haridas ji disclosed, “I shall give you the Idol; you may then worship at your residence and be happy.”

Shri Devchandra ji replied, “I am prepared to obey you. I shall do the same as you like.”

Swami Laldas ji said, “The description of the days Shri Devchandra ji spent at Bhojnagar has been narrated in this chapter. Hereafter what efforts were made by Shri Devchandra ji to know His Lord and the relation with ‘Him’ would be described in the next chapter.”

                                                                                           

                                                                                                                           Prakaran 3, Chopai 192.

CHAPTER 4 – SHRI DEVCHANDRA SWAROOP PEHCHAN.

Shri Devchandra ji was told to have the Idol of Shri Krishna for His worship at His residence. Haridas ji fixed a day suitable for this.

On that very day – fixed by him to hand over the Idol, Haridas ji did not find in the morning the Idol at the place of the worship in the temple, He began to make a thorough search for it.

He did find the idol neither on the royal throne nor on the bedstead. Haridas ji became very nervous.

He enquired every body at his residence if somebody happened to come there. Every body replied to him that no one could dare arrive there.

Haridas ji was surprised who hid the Idol of Shri Krishna (of the age of HIS childhood). He adored the next Idol of Shri Krishna (of adolescence age) – Banke Bihari. He again and again enquired every body in respect of the missing Idol. He got tired at last.

At the promised time, Shri Devchandra ji arrived from His home and on hearing –what happened, He was also uneasy.

He talked about the topic and told Haridas ji, not to worry for it. He spoke, “It may be, I have committed some thing wrong.

“You decided to hand over the Idol to me, but I am deprived of the worship, hence I should repent for not having it.”

Haridas ji was very much perturbed; hence he remained on the hunger strike that day. He spoke, “Unless I find the Idol, I shall not eat anything. I shall be happy when I find and see that ‘Bal-Bhog’ – the morning offerings of sweets etc. were presented to Bal Mukund daily.”

But the Idol was not found on the throne, hence Bal-Bhog as well as the sacred offerings of Raj-Bhog was presented to Banke Bihari (adolescent Shri Krishna) whom Raj Bhog was daily offered at the lunchtime. Haridas ji asked others at his residence to take their meal.

But all the elder members of his family as well as Shri Devchandra ji observed fast the whole day along with Shri Haridas ji.

No body at Haridas’ home took meal the whole day. Haridas ji was very much uneasy mentally. He was sitting there quietly.

Haridas ji did not move from his place the whole day and upto the midnight. Coincidentally, he happened to feel sleep while he was sitting.

During the short sleep, Haridas ji saw a dream that Bal Mukund was standing before him in person. He in the dream asked, “Where have you gone? I have been busy in searching you everywhere having a great mental torture.”

Shri Krishna ji (Bal Mukund) replied –“I am there on the throne.”  Haridas ji again asked – “Why I could not see you there?” Shri Krishna ji explained – “You decided to hand over the Idol to Shri Devchandra ji, hence I was out of your sight (you could not see me).

“You could not recognize Shri Devchandra ji, but I know. I can not bear His hard services nor do I want to be obliged to Him.

“Please do not hand over the Idol to Shri Devchandra ji. If He gets unhappy, please give Him the ‘apron’ and other clothes you put over my idol.”

Haridas ji again asked, “Where are You My Lord!” Shri Krishna said, “I have been there at my seat.” Haridas ji awoke at once and got up haphazardly.

As he entered the place of worship, he found the Idol of Bal Mukund at the throne. He prostrated again and again having his heart filled with joy.

Haridas ji went out of the temple to see Shri Devchandra ji and to tell Him about the availability of the Idol on the throne. He found Shri Devchandra ji in the way in the market.

Haridas ji put his head on the feet of Shri Devchandra ji. Shri Devchandra ji caught Haridas by his sides and made him standing then enquired, “Haridas ji! What are you doing by touching my feet?”

Haridas ji spoke, “O Devchandra ji! What can I tell you? I could not recognize you till now:

“For years together, I have been worshipping the Idol of ‘Bal Mukund’, but never could I see Him in person. But ‘Bal Mukund’ appeared to me in person and He told me every thing about you in details.

“I am told that I am mistaking if I could not recognize you.

“The Lord – ‘Bal Mukund’ also told me not to give you the Idol for worship. Of course, you can have His clothes instead of the Idol.”

Shri Devchandra ji enquired, “Have you seen ‘Bal Mukund’?” Haridas ji replied, “Come on with me I shall show you.”

They both proceeded to Haridas’ home talking cheerfully. On reaching, they were very much rejoicing.

They visited the throne and watched the Idol of ‘Bal Mukund’ there. Then they accepted the sacred Food-offerings as ’oblation'. All others of the family at home also took their food. By that time, it was morning.

At Bhojnagar so many events took place –one of them has been described, says Swami Laldas ji. This was of a great importance.

Haridas ji handed over the Apron of Adolescent Shri Krishna’s Idol to Shri Devchandra ji. He accepted the same respectfully and came to His home.

At His home, Shri Devchandra ji selected one place for worship. There He kept the throne and the sacred Apron along with other necessary things like the silver utensils etc.

He started worshipping whole heartily. He himself started cooking in order to offer the pious things cooked by Him to His Lord.

He used to fetch water from the well very cautiously avoiding the shadow of any others; otherwise he would bring the same again.

Very carefully He used to collect the necessary things and then cook those things which he used to decide after profound thinking and thus He was busy in maintaining the meditation.

For the performance of the adoration, so many commodities like rice, ghee (country-butter), sugar, mug (green pulse) etc. were kept separately with the utmost care. The ordinary things were cooked self for Him.

He was much cautious in the preparation of the sacred food for offering to His Lord; He cooked whatsoever was required to keep His body alive, without any special substances.

When the other people saw Shri Devchandra ji working hard to prepare sacred food in the kitchen, they asked Leel Bai (Shri Devchandra ji’s wife), “What type of lady are you – at home? In your presence, your husband cooks himself.

“Why do you not cook yourself? Why do you not bring water? Why do you not clean the kitchen after cooking? This all is required to be done by you as service to please your husband.”

Then Leel Bai requested Shri Devchandra ji to let her do all kinds of homework. She said, “Everybody taunts me, so I feel ashamed; hence now I shall do the same to avoid other’s taunting.”

Shri Devchandra ji uttered, “It is not possible for you to do this all. Sometimes you might feel uneasy while bringing water.

“May be, you feel otherwise while doing some other things as you have not known about my Lord’s service. It is not so easy to follow me and do, as I like.

“I shall not permit you to do any thing. I love my Lord hence I shall do every thing to please HIM with my honest service. If you do on my behalf, I fear, lest my love to my Lord differ. It is my honest service due to which I meditate and experience HIS Love.”

Shri Devchandra ji did not allow His wife to do any thing as He himself took interest in His adoring services, with His hearty devotion to His Lord. He always remained busy in performing adoration and deep meditation.

Once during the course of meditation, He saw a new thing. He thought as if He reached Brij and approached the house of Nand (Shri Krishna’s parent).

He saw Ayee ji, the mother of Shri Krishna, who was sitting on a whatnot and was busy in getting the milk heated up with the help of her attendants.

Shri Devchandra ji, while deeply meditating found that He was standing at the threshold of the yard where Ayee ji was sitting. She spoke:

“O Devchandra (ji)! I am very much pleased to see you, please come in.” She also asked Him to take meal, but Shri Devchandra ji enquired, “Where is Shri Krishna ji?”

Shri Devchandra ji continued, “Where is Shri Krishna ji? I want to meet Him.” He was told that Shri Krishna ji went to forest to tend the herd of the cows. He expressed to go to the forest to meet Shri Krishna.

Ayee ji managed to give sweets to Shri Devchandra ji and told Him, “Go to the forest and meet Shri Krishna. The sweets will be taken by both of you together in the forest.”

Shri Devchandra ji proceeded to forest to meet Shri Krishna ji where, in the jungle, He saw the mates of Shri Krishna ji playing there. Shri Devchandra ji asked one of them, “Where is Shri Krishna ji?”

The boys, who were playing in different groups enquired, “Many of us are called Shri Krishna, whom of them you want to meet?” Shri Devchandra ji clarified- “The son of Ayee ji.”

One of the boys said, “You want to see Shri Krishna ji the son of Ayee ji (Mother Aside ji); He is there in that particular group, playing with them.”

Shri Devchandra ji reached there where the boys pointed out. Shri Krishna ji saw Shri Devchandra ji and He stood up at His place.

Shri Krishna ji called Shri Devchandra ji to approach nearer to Him and seated Him close to Him. They began to talk having love in their hearts.

The companions of Shri Krishna cooked there a type of meal duly boiled and they were denaturing it by spreading it on a piece of the cloth-fold.

Shri Devchandra ji put forward the handkerchief in which He was keeping the sweets brought with Him from Ayee ji, in order to distribute the same amongst the boys - companions.

Shri Krishna ji asked the companions to distribute the sweets among themselves and they gave two shares to Shri Krishna ji.

The boys also distributed the other things and Shri Devchandra ji was given His share. Shri Krishna ji asked Shri Devchandra ji to eat the same. At the same moment, Shri Devchandra ji discontinued the sweet deep meditation and had the sense of His being awakened.

He then thought that whom He met while meditating, must be His husband (Soul’s relation) and He decided to have HIM in the remembrance.

Having HIS (the Lord’s) image in His mind, Shri Devchandra ji used to offer what He cooked and He remembered the event of Brij.

For many days He kept the event in His remembrance. At Bhojnagar, Shri Devchandra ji happened to partake in many love-plays with His Lord – that can not be detailed here, says Swami Laldas ji.

Swami Laldas ji while concluding the chapter says, “The events in respect of Shri Devchandra ji have been described and one should know about the Lordship of Shri Devchandra ji by these few events.    

                                               

                                                                                              Prakaran 4, Chopai 254.

CHAPTER 5 – NAVTANPURI LEELA.

From Bhojnagar (Cutch), Shri Devchandra ji arrived at Hallardesh (now Saurastra in Gujarat at Jamnagar (Navtanpuri), where many of His caste fellows were already living.

His parents also accompanied Him. At Jamnagar, the most of the citizens were the followers of Vallabha (Vaishnava) faith, a sect of Hindus. Shri Devchandra ji had long discussion with many of them and they found Him to be more learned than they were; hence many of them were jealous.

In a temple of Shyam ji (Shri Krishna) Shri Kanh ji Bhatt a learned pundit of that time, was regularly preaching in respect of Shrimad Bhagwat, a Hindu scripture, containing description of the biography of Shri Krishna and many other deities. Shri Devchandra ji became a regular attendant amongst other Hindu-Vaishanava who never coincided with Shri Devchandra ji.

Shri Devchandra ji took keen interest in listening to Bhatt’s preaching and preferred it to His meal. First, He fed His soul with spiritual preaching of Kanh ji Bhatt, and then He used to take meal to satisfy the body’s requirement.

Shri Devchandra ji never minded to listen to the verses (Sanskrit Shlokas) spoken by Shri Kanh ji Bhatt, but, in case, Kanh ji Bhatt did not wait for His arrival and started the preaching, Shri Devchandra ji requested him to repeat the same –what He missed to listen to due to His late attendance.   

As such, Shri Kanh ji Bhatt understood that Shri Devchandra ji was the only fellow who was a keen listener; hence he kept in his mind to start his preaching only after the arrival of Shri Devchandra ji.

Among the attendants, there were many rich men and businessmen of Jamnagar City, hence they used to discuss with Kanh ji Bhatt; they did not like him to wait for Shri Devchandra ji.

One day they asked Bhatt, “What type of earning you have from Shri Devchandra ji, as you do not start, unless He comes here.

Kanh ji Bhatt said, “I have no interest with any body nor I hope to receive any thing from any of you. I do read the Holy scripture sitting in front of the Lord Shri Krishna (His Idol) in order to satisfy the appetite of my Soul. Definitely I found that Shri Devchandra ji is an important figure to adhere to what I speak and preach; hence I wait for Him.

“No doubt, I receive money for my livelihood from you all –who are rich. What can I get from Shri Devchandra (ji) a poor fellow? But you never asked me to repeat, as you never paid proper attention to the preaching. I found that Shri Devchandra ji has been adhering to closely.

“Whenever any day He becomes late and I start and complete the programme, He often comes to my home and request to open the Book and read it and explain what He could not listen to earlier.

“It is why I always wait for Him and start my preaching when He has come. I do not read Shrimad Bhagwat with the intention to earn my livelihood; I do not hope any thing for this.”

On Bhatt’s reply, all were silent and did not speak at all. After the programme of Bhatt’s preaching, they returned to their homes with a sense of unhappiness.

Instead of conceiving the concept of the text, Shri Bhatt ji read from Shrimad Bhagwat, the other audiences were proud of their exterior learning and were anxious to find a little type of faulty behaviour or any sort of weakness of Shri Devchandra ji. Then they used to have aimless discussion with Kanh ji Bhatt as well as with Shri Devchandra ji.

Shri Devchandra ji was regular to feed His Soul first with the Lord’s legendary biography and then to take meal to satisfy body’s requirement of the food. As such, on every twelfth lunar day (twice a month), because Bhatt did not use to read the Holy Book, Shri Devchandra ji observed fast by avoiding meal as that day His Soul was forced to remain starving.

According to Shri Devchandra ji, the physical body is a container like a pot to fill in the food stuff, but it would not be filled in before feeding the Soul with the essence of Shrimad Bhagwat; hence He was very regular to do so and to have the thoughts thereof always in His mind.

This was a matter to others for it was strange to them that Shri Devchandra ji did not use to observe fast on the ‘Ekadasi’ (Eleventh lunar day) as most of the Hindus do. Shri Devchandra ji, instead of the ‘Eleventh’, was observing the fast on the ‘Twelfth’ lunar day.

 The other audiences, therefore, began to censure to find Shri Devchandra ji’s hobby against the custom of the Hindus’ belief.

They all, when attended the preaching programme, asked Kanh ji Bhatt, “What type of lesson have you taught to Shri Devchandra ji who takes meal on the Eleventh lunar day and observes fast on the Twelfth.

“According to which Shastra (the Holy Scripture), Shri Devchandra ji observes fast on the Twelfth lunar day. If there be any such ritual custom and prescribed in the Shastra, please let us know about it.”

Kanh ji Bhatt replied, “What He (Shri Devchandra ji) has adopted to follow as a ritual, He must have decided that wisely. Even then I shall ask Him and you shall get reply to your query.”

Meanwhile, Shri Devchandra arrived. Kanh ji Bhatt then asked Shri Devchandra ji –

“You have been observing fast on the ‘Twelfth’ and not on the Eleventh lunar day. I do not know; what you do so, then why?

Shri Devchandra ji replied, “Yes, I am doing so.” Then all others asked- “Please let us know why it is so?”

They continued, “We know that the legendary importance of Shrimad Bhagwat is as great as the tallest and wide-spread Banyan tree; and anyone would rarely digest the fruits of the importance of the Holy Scripture.

“Despite the greatness of this Banyan tree of the Holy knowledge of Shrimad Bhagwat, it appears to us, you are well versed of its most tiny twig and you understood every secret, which other common people have not understood.

“What you would tell us,” they expressed, “it would definitely be consistent with the contents of the Holy Scripture. Please tell us so that we might get satisfied that you must be right.”

Shri Devchandra ji replied to them, “According to me, which we listen to during the course of the preaching of Shri Kanh ji Bhatt in respect of Shrimad Bhagwat, it means to satisfy the appetite of the Soul; hence it is the first and foremost requirement, without which the existence on the earth is meaningless.”

Shri Devchandra ji continued, “Shri Bhatt ji does not deliver the discourses on the twelfth lunar day and I, too, feel unable to feed my Soul, without which I am unable to have meal (required by the physical body), hence I observe ‘fast’ on that day (instead of that on the Eleventh).”

“And I take meal after I eat oblation offered to me, because I know that the importance of taking that sacred offering’s smallest piece is more than the fruits of crores of the fasts observed on the Eleventh lunar day.

“For me Shrimad Bhagwat is the Holy Scripture containing the description of the ‘Love’ played by the Lord Supreme with the Gopies of Brij and Raas. Others have concern to listen to it with the purpose of obtaining paradise (one among the four planes) named as ‘Swarg Lok’, where the Jeevashristies desire to reach by their souls, after death”; (the opposite of which is ‘hell’ granted to a sinner).

Then Kanh ji Bhatt asked all of them to give a reply to the explanation given by Shri Devchandra ji, but none could say any thing. Of course, they expressed obligation.

In general, Shri Devchandra ji regularly attended there to adhere to the discourses of Kanh ji Bhatt very courteously, having immersed in the deep ocean of the rejoicing speech in respect of His Lord Supreme with His tearful eyes.

For a long course of fourteen years, Shri Devchandra ji adhered to Shrimad Bhagwat text read by Shri Kanh ji Bhatt. Thereafter, what He experienced by the grace of the Lord Supreme, is described in the next chapter - says Swami Laldas ji.

Swami Laldas ji says that the relative portion of Jamnagar’s event is described; further more is given in the ensuing chapter. 

                                                                                            

                                                                                                                Prakaran 5, Chopai 289.

CHAPTER 6 – TARTAM PRAKASH.

Swami Laldas ji says, “Now I shall describe the life sketch (Biography) of Shri Devchandra ji; the same has importance from the very beginning. The Lord Supreme showered His Grace through the medium of Shri Devchandra ji over His Divine Souls, descended on the earth a few years later after the arrival of Shri Devchandra ji, by their consciousness and not physically.

Shri Devchandra ji attended regularly for fourteen years, Shyam ji’s temple and listened to the discourses of Kanh ji Bhatt based on the verses of Shrimad Bhagwat. Then He experienced the presence of His Lord Supreme Grace in His heart. The Supreme Wisdom, he acquired, opened His eyes and enabled Him to understand every thing –how much mysterious it might be.

Physically Shri Devchandra ji did not feel well, but He did not care. He was regular to attend to adhere to the discourses, even though He suffered from high fever (but all the efforts of Maya to discourage Shri Devchandra ji were not effective to prevent Him from His regular ‘to & fro’ of the temple.

Due to fever, Shri Devchandra ji had to stop taking His meal. He had to go on fast for one or two days and still reached the temple having covered His ears and throat to escape from the cold air. Thus He continued adhering to the sacred discourses.

The fever continued for number of days. He also did not take meal for three, four, five days.

He was very weak physically; still He left home daily for attending the discourses in Shyam ji’s temple (it was impossible for Him to interrupt).

Although due to His ailing condition, Shri Devchandra ji continued to observe fast for twelve days, yet He remained regular to attend the discourses.

Shri Mattoo Mehta, His father, then sent for the physician to feel His pulse. The physician dispensed with medicine-doses and instructed to prevent Shri Devchandra ji from his going in the open air.

The physician spoke, “Be strict to provide restriction and save Him from the cold air. His mother, Kunwari Bai told that He would go definitely to attend Shrimad Bhagwat discourses despite all restrictions.

The physician concluded that Shri Devchandra ji might suffer from pneumonia if not saved from cold air; hence he took back the medicine he gave earlier. He spoke, “I shall not come again.”

Then Mattoo Mehta promised, “I shall try to prohibit Him from going out in order to save His life.

Shri Devchandra ji had His faith in the religious way of living. He preferred it to what was necessary to keep His physique in order. As such He replied to His father, “I can’t lie at home. I shall go at any cost.”

Mattoo Mehta explained, “The religion and the religious rites are performed by the body, hence it is necessary to save the body first; without which the religious rituals can not be maintained.” Since Mattoo Mehta meant the ritual deeds as Karmkand because of his being involved in the worldly affairs due to ‘Maya’, he paid attention towards the deeds to be done by the fit body and did not give importance to the adherence of the Soul to the Lord.

Later on, some decocted (water-boiled) medicine was given to Shri Devchandra ji by the physician, who thereafter left for his home. Shri Devchandra ji at the scheduled time got prepared to leave home; His ears were duly covered with a scarf to reach the temple. He picked up the stick in His hand to go out.

Mattoo Mehta & Kunwari Bai (His parents) bade Him to stay at home, but Shri Devchandra ji was cautious to feed His Soul with Shrimad Bhagwat verses and with Kanh ji Bhatt’s discourses; hence he did not pay any attention to the forbidding of His parents.

Then Mattoo Mehta shut the door from the outside so that Shri Devchandra ji could not go out. He asked His father to open the door. He became very much ill minded.

He spoke to His parents, “O Innocents! I shall not die of the illness; my Soul shall reach there (in the temple) after leaving the body senseless here, which you shall see lying as dead.”

His parents did not comply with His repeated request. Then He fell down on the earth. His mother prayed the Lord to forgive her and shouted Mattoo Mehta to open the door.

Kunwari Bai repeatedly asked to open the door. When Mattoo Mehta came inside after opening the door, he found that eyeballs of Shri Devchandra ji were inward (a symptom of the eyes found in a dying person). Hence the parents became quiet, having no good sense to do any thing.

They shouted loudly close to the ears of Shri Devchandra ji. Shri Devchandra ji was almost unconscious, not able to hear nor could he recognize anybody.

He was told by His parents, “You may please go to listen to Bhatt’s discourses; Bhatt has sent for you by his man. We shall not restrict you to go; instead, we shall help you to reach there.”

In a few minutes (in a half ghati –ghati means 24 minutes), Shri Devchandra ji regained senses and He then got up immediately. His face complexion resembled white (because of immense weakness).

Again, His parents requested to go to listen to Shrimad Bhagwat discourses without any restriction. Shri Devchandra ji stood up with the support of a stick in His hand and Mattoo Mehta became ready for accompanying Him.

Shri Devchandra ji walked out from the house without saying any word. He reached Shyam ji’s temple and took His seat to attend the discourses.

After feeding His Soul with the verses of Shrimad Bhagwat and Bhatt’s discourses, Shri Devchandra ji recovered from the illness and came back to His home. He had no fever, but gradually He became fit.

He started taking food to regain physical strength. The hardest test was over. He conquered the situation, which He had undergone, as it was extreme.

Shri Devchandra ji continued attending Shyam ji’s temple though, ten to fifteen days only passed after the recovery from the illness. He very eagerly listened to the sacred discourses related with Shrimad Bhagwat. During this course, Lord Supreme appeared in person & asked Him, “Do you know me?”

Some time ago, Shri Devchandra ji in His deep meditation had reached Vrindavan and met Shri Krishna. He saw the Lord wearing the same appearance (of the adolescent age) –very handsome, who played “Raas” in Vrindavan. Shri Devchandra ji spoke as per His knowledge:

“You are my Soul’s master, my Husband – this much only I know.” Shri Krishna ji further enquired, “If you know yourself, who are you & wherefrom have you come in this world?”

Shri Devchandra ji replied, “I know simply that you are my Lord.” Shri Krishna ji then explained, “You know only this much; now let me tell you further.

“You played with me in Brij and Raas as a Gopi. Your name is Sunder Bai. Your desires remained unfulfilled in Brij and Raas; hence this third Universe has been created.

“You along with all your colleagues (Brahmashristies) abiding in Super Eternal Abode – Paramdham – appeared in this dreamy world, by consciousness. You have to call and collect them all. Thence they have to get awakened duly enlightened by you with the help of the Divine Wisdom, which you would preach” Shri Devchandra ji enquired about the colleague-Brahmashristies, “Where are those? Whom should I contact?” Shri Krishna ji spoke, “I shall arrange to send for them all.”

Shri Krishna ji continued, “The Holy Scripture of Shrimad Bhagwat contains many secrets related with you and your colleagues and these secrets would now be revealed by you only and not by any body. By explaining the meaning of the secrets, you would let them all understand their relation with Paramdham.

“If any thing more you have to learn, please ask me. I shall explain the same, then shall disappear and would not reappear.”

Shri Devchandra ji asked, “My Lord! Where shall you go now?” The Lord told Him, “I shall have my abode in your heart.”

Then Shri Devchandra ji spoke, “I have nothing to ask you as you shall abide in my heart.” Shri Krishna ji spoke unto Him the Divine Wisdom’s secret – “Nijnaam Shri Krishna ji, Anaadi Aksharaateet.” He disappeared. Shri Devchandra ji was delighted since He met with His Lord.                                                   

‘Shri Devchandra ji Ko Darsh diyo, jo hai pooran roop; Tartam ko tatva kahyo, hriday baithe Swaroop.’

Shri Devchandra ji was enlightened by His Lord; hence He got awakened by His real consciousness and could visualize the “Paramdham” – the Super Eternal Abode by the Soul’s eyes. He at once had the remembrance of His presence in Paramdham, Brij and Raas. (Brij Leela and Raas Leela are eternal in the memory of Indestructible God – Akshhar.)

Also the secrets of Shrimad Bhagwat (the sacred scripture) got revealed to Him. Shri Devchandra ji got awakened from the dream world (as one gets up waked up in the morning after a sleep of the night). In other words, Shri Devchandra ji started dignified career having His heart occupied by His Lord to delight Him with HIS Eternal ‘Love’.

Shri Devchandra ji, delighted with the Divine Wisdom bestowed upon Him by Shri Krishna ji in Shyam ji temple, came back to His home and began to think as to whom should He speak about the personal meeting, he had with His Lord. He thought, “Who would agree with me?”

At the same place in Shyam ji temple, a fellow named Gang ji Bhai was also an attendant, who was interested in listening to the discourses. That day, when he came out of the temple, Shri Devchandra ji, who waited for him, met him in the way to say something about the Lord’s graceful personification. They continued standing and talking between both of them.

Shri Devchandra ji and Gang ji Bhai were busy in their mutual conversation, standing aside in the way for a very long time, while some ladies, who were fetching water from a well, crossed them that day twice, where they were standing.

The ladies found them standing and busy in their talk. In the second trip also they saw them there; hence the ladies talked among themselves, “It is wonderful that these persons did not get tired of their legs since they are standing for a very long time.

These two persons were rejoicing while talking, having no care of their bodies’ tiredness. Then those ladies in their third trip said to them –

“O Gentlemen! Why do you not talk having seated instead of continuing standing as we have seen you in our three trips while fetching water repeatedly from the well?”

Then they realised the physical condition and after some sort of reciprocal compromise, they again picked up the same topic related with the Souls and the Supreme Lord.

Days passed on, but they had had been talking. Gang ji Bhai then realised that Shri Devchandra ji possessed a treasure of the Divine Wisdom, which He might have gained miraculously.

Gang ji Bhai told Him, “We two have been attending to the discourses related with Shrimad Bhagwat, together regularly, but you could extract the essence more easily than I could do. How could it be possible? Please tell me.”

When Shri Devchandra ji found that Gang ji Bhai was anxious to learn and also found him deserving, He released a bit of the Divine Wisdom, as a part of the fragrance of the invaluable and the rare essence, what He treasured in His heart.

The taste of the bit of the fragrance made Gang ji Bhai more and more anxious to know fully what Shri Devchandra ji told him very thing about His life.

From His birth (in Umarkot) to the date of His arrival in Jamnagar, the details all events that happened, he described to Gang ji Bhai.

The days He spent in Jamnagar (Navanagar) during which He continued listening to the sacred discourses and the miraculous Grace of the Lord Supreme, who appeared in person a few days ago, He detailed in His talk to Gang ji Bhai.

Gang ji Bhai was very much impressed when he came to know about Supreme Lord's Grace. He started attending to listening to Shri Devchandra ji’s preaching. Gang ji Bhai also released these events and the essence of the preaching to others. Thus so many persons started to reach Shri Devchandra ji to listen to His preaching (as per directions of the Lord).

Lord Supreme having HIS abode in the heart of Shri Devchandra ji attracted other concerned people – who heard about Shri Devchandra ji’s preaching and they too began to arrive there.

Shri Laldas ji said, “What has been narrated in this Chapter is related with the beginning of the Divine Souls’ “get together” scheme. The events, which took place later, would be detailed in the ensuing chapters.

                                                                                                           

Prakaran 6, Chopai 342.

CHAPTER 7 – SANKSHIPT JEEVAN VRAT.

After the departure of Mohammed Paigambar, Rasool (the Divine Messenger of the Supreme Lord), when a period of nine hundred ninety years and nine months elapsed, # according to the prophecy as contained in Quran, the Better-Half (Rooh-Allah) of the Lord Supreme along with Her other colleagues – the Divine Souls (Momin) appeared in this Universe, by their consciousness (not physically).

In Vikram Samvat 1638 (1581 A D), in the Lunar Month of Aswin and on the fourteenth day of the bright fortnight (Thursday), Shri Devchandra ji was born at Umarkot (a town in Sindh, now Pakistan, which is also the birth place of Mugal Emperor, Akbar –the Great). Shyama ji –the better half, of the Lord Supreme had HER consciousness in the heart of Shri Devchandra ji; so He was Lord’s Beloved.          

In Marwar, Umarkot is a village (like a town), there lived Shri Mattoo Mehta and his wife, Kunwari Bai. They were the parents of Shri Devchandra ji.

Shri Devchandra ji, after His childhood, just in the early age of adolescence, arrived at Cutch. He travelled from Umarkot to Cutch alone on foot in the darkness of the night, while the Lord managed to send HIS messenger in the guise of soldier to help Him in the way that shortened the distance and made the journey easy to reach the proper place.

On reaching Cutch, he made a thorough search of His Preceptor to enable Him to acquire the ‘Real Wisdom’. By His utmost attempts and on contacting various chiefs of the different sects, including Haridas, an adept of Vallabha Sampradaay, the Lord Supreme gracefully granted HIS power to adore HIM.

Having spent some time with Haridas, Shri Devchandra ji arrived at Jamnagar with His parents and there attended the discourses of Kanh ji Bhatt.

He had been adhering to the verses and the explanations of Shrimad Bhagwat for fourteen years regularly with His utmost intellectual attention. When He attained the age of forty years, ‘Lord Supreme’ graced Him by HIS real and splendid appearance in Shyam ji’s temple.

In the temple, where Shrimad Bhagwat was adhered to by Shri Devchandra ji, He was graced by ‘The Lord’ with the sacred ‘Divine Wisdom’ (Tartam Mantra). The Lord revealed Him, “You have come on the earth (by consciousness) from Paramdham – the Super Eternal Abode; think over this and with the help of the Divine Wisdom get your Soul awakened in Paramdham.”

“Prior to your embodiment third time, in previous incarnations, you appeared first in Brij, and then in ‘Raas’, the two different creations of the universes; this is the third creation. In the previous incarnations, after playing Brij-Leela & Raas-Leela, your desire to entertain the drama of the dream world remained not fully fulfilled; hence you have come again.

“And to fulfil your desire, the universe has been created third time (the first that of Brij and the second that of Raas). The secrets of the Holy Scripture like Shrimad Bhagwat would be unveiled to you and you shall make others in the world to understand the same.

“Your responsibility is to call upon the Divine Souls, who are your colleagues in order to let them get enlightened and recollect consciousness of the Super Eternal Abode, here in the dream world, so that their desires to experience the sorrows of the separation from ‘ME’ while dreaming would be satisfied.”

The Lord continued, “You shall not be able to see me in this dream world by your physical eyes as you do now. I shall have my ‘Abode’ in your heart; hence what do you want to know, please ask now only.”                                                                                                                            

The Supreme Lord held Shri Devchandra ji responsible to enlighten His colleagues – the Divine Souls, belonging to the Super Eternal Abode, who consciously appeared on the earth.

The Lord told Shri Devchandra ji, “I have sent you in the dream world only to awaken them from the sleep of the ‘illusion’ (Maya). You recognize them as your Divine Colleagues – Divine Souls of Paramdham and for that sake, love them all by your heart.”

Shri Devchandra ji was born on the fourteenth day of the bright half of Aswin, Lunar Month in Vikram Samvat 1638 (on 21^st October, 1581 A D), and Thursday in Umarkot – a village of Marwar (Sindh).

He left this dreamy world on the fourteenth day of the bright half of Bhadrapad, Lunar Month in Vikram Samvat 1712 (in mid-night on 14 / 15^th September 1655) Wednesday.

Shri Devchandra ji lived on the earth for seventy-four years but one month and handed over His job to Shri Mehraj Thakur, who later on attracted the Divine Souls and awakened them (to fulfil Jaagni Raas).

In Vikram Samvat 1675 (according to Gujarat Almanac, and 1676 as per North India Almanac), and Lunar Month of Aswin and fourteenth day of the dark fortnight, Sunday (6^th October, 1619 A D) Shri Mehraj Thakur was born at Jamnagar, Saurastra, three hours after the Sun rise-time.

In Vikram Samvat 1751 (according to North India Almanac, it was 1752) and the Lunar Month of Shravan, Fourth day of the dark fortnight (Friday the 29^th July 1695), an Angel (Farishta) of the Supreme Lord arrived from the Super Eternal Abode when about three-fourth of an hour was due to dawn.

# (Mohammedan Era began on 16^th July 622 A D).

The duration of the third lunar day was over at a quarter past 12 O’clock (six hours after the Sun set, thence the fourth lunar day commenced and it was forty-eight minutes earlier than the dawn, at that time Mahamati Shri Prannath ji (Mehraj Thakur) departed from the earth (by His consciousness) and entered in the Yoga-Samadhi by getting awakened in the Super Eternal Abode.

It was Friday; Shri Mehraj’s physical body (who was in Yoga Samadhi) was lying in Shri Banglaji. In the early morning of the next day (the fifth lunar day), His was seated in the basement of Shri Gummat ji and the sacred voluminous Book of ‘Tartamsagar’ was posed on the throne in place of Shri…ji. 

Two months and ten days were short to complete seventy-six years’ age, during which life-span, Shri Mehraj ji viewed the dream-drama and thereafter waked up in the Super Eternal Abode – Paramdham.

Those who associated Shri…ji and accompanied Him upto Parna ji (Panna, M.P.) were called Sundersath and before His departure from the world, Shri…ji requested the Supreme Lord to take care of the Sundersath; but directly Shri Chhatrashal was asked by Shri…ji to pay his proper attention to take due care. He said, “I have to reach ‘My Super Eternal Home”.

Shri…ji spoke to Shri Chhatrashal, “I look at you: and only you can do what I want; hence I have handed over the association (Sundersath) to you –whom you should please with your utmost hearty service.”

By the Divine Order of the Lord Supreme, the entry to Paramdham has become possible for all; hence Mahamati Shri Prannath ji made ‘hearts of Sundersath’ the Paramdham, the Sacred Abode of His (Lord).

Shri Laldas ji says that as per instructions being given to me in my inner heart, I have now to describe the events which happened in the beginning (the event of enlightenment experienced by the Divine Souls by the Grace of the Supreme Lord, who preached in the guise of Shri Devchandra ji). Now the description in respect of those Divine Souls who were enlightened by Mahamati Shri Prannath ji, charged to act as Lord Supreme, and who continued the job entrusted to Him by Shri Devchandra ji to awaken the remaining Divine Souls and others, who deserve would be narrated in the ensuing chapter.

                                                                                                                  

Prakaran 7, Chopai 368.

CHAPTER 8 – ANTARDHYAN EVAM BALIDAN.

Swami Laldas ji describes that when Shri Mehraj Thakur (Shri…ji) departed from the dream world and adopted the Yoga-Samadhi, many associates at Panna, also followed Him as they could not bear the sorrows of the separation from their Souls’ Lord. Their dedication by their souls has a concern with the lesson to be learnt by others too.

Smt. Tej Kunwari, the better half of Shri ji Sahib had already departed from the world before Shri ji did. She won the game of the worldly illusions amongst all other associates who praised Her for Her successful achievements.

In Vikram Samvat 1750 (as per North India Almanac it was 1751), in the Lunar Month of Vaishakh, on the eighth day of the bright fortnight, Wednesday, She departed to reach Paramdham at the mid-day. 

In Vikram Samvat 1751 (it was 1752 as per Northern India Almanac i.e. 1695 A D), the Lunar Month of Asadh (as per Gujarati Ephemeris and the month of Shravan as per North India diary) on the fourth day of the dark fortnight, before the end of the night- earlier than the dawn, Shri…ji (Dhani –the Lord) reached Paramdham –the Super Eternal Abode in His state of Yoga Samadhi. Mahamati Shri Prannath ji duly enlightened had been enjoying & experiencing His Eternal presence in Paramdham since the date, Shri Devchandra ji’s Soul entered in His heart; hence He was called “Shri Mahamati”.

The weekday was Friday (Jumma – as per Islamic Era) and three-fourth of an hour earlier than the dawn,  Shri…ji reached consciously the Super Eternal Abode (also known as Arsh-Azeem, Darul Vaka) in His state of Yoga Samadhi – by Chitvani.

There were certain associates who had accompanied Shri ji from various towns and cities and arrived at Panna along with Him, since they had recognized Shri…ji as their Souls’ Lord; hence they could not retain their souls in the physical bodies when Shri ji departed from the world. They sacrificed themselves at the Lotus Feet of their Lord and proved them to be the leaders.

Shri Laldas ji explained that the news of the departure of Shri ji when heard by a group of the associates, including himself, none could waste a moment even to take a little water as all of them were ready in performance of their services which was the motto of their lives.

The moment was spiritually the best time selected to exhale forever and to get awakened consciously in ‘Paramdham’. This occasion has been defined as the Morrow-Day of Qayamat in Quran, as promised by Mohammed Paigambar.

“We, a few associates could not get up from the sleep of the Maya –the illusions. When awakened, we found that our Lord had already left as destitute for lamenting restlessly.”

Shri Laldas ji commented that those, who did not feel agony of the separation of our Lord and did not exhale, how would show their faces to others?

These fellows got defeated instead of being victorious. The Divine Souls could not tolerate the mental agony, which they had to sustain. “This topic”, Shri Laldas ji says- “would be discussed later on at the appropriate time.

Shri Laldas ji says, “I was also amongst the leading associates and had full sense to have recognized Shri ji as my Soul’s Lord; but alas! at the moment, when Shri ji departed, I forgot myself and now I have been lamenting.

“I know my originality of being one of the Divine Souls – the inhabitants of the Super Eternal Abode; but due to worldly mentality, I forgot my relation with my originality as well as that with ‘The Supreme Lord’.

He continued, “The worldly animals even know the intimacy of love and the resultant behaviour amidst them; but I could not follow that sort of living.

“I am sure this happened only to comply with the Divine Order of Shri ji (to write the Biography –Shri Beetak), otherwise no body that could be fully awakened in the company of the leading associates like me, should remain alive in the illusive world. Nothing otherwise can be done, except what the Supreme Lord has already planned.

“Thus those associates, who did not leave for the Super Eternal Abode spontaneously when Shri ji departed, do not deserve to be praised. Now the details in respect of those who did not live in the dreamy world any more, but accompanied their Souls’ Lord and reached Paramdham, are given hereunder:

The names of those associates (Sundersath) who belonged to Paramdham and sacrificed their lives were Sarva Shri Shankar Hajuri, Lalman and Naraindas.

Some of the lady associates were Godavari and Kishni. Shri Dhan ji Bhai also accompanied them to reach Paramdham by souls.

Shri Jasia was also them, who left the dream world immediately in order to live near ‘Lotus Feet of Shri ji’.

Praised by all, Shrimati Ambo Bai, an intense devotee of Shri ji was graced by the Lord Supreme. She reached the Lotus Feet of her Lord.

Smt. Ratan Bai was always performing hearty services to please Shri ji; hence her hands were in the hand of the Lord, who led her to reach Paramdham with Him.

Similarly, Smt Ram Bai, who loved Shri ji by her Soul, dedicated herself at the Lotus Feet of Shri ji.

All these associates who left the dreamy world were duly enlightened; hence they stood in the category of the leading Divine Souls and they deserved to be remembered by all in the world.

Shri Laldas ji has quoted the examples of these leading Divine Souls so that others could also follow them.

                                                                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                             Prakaran 8, Chopai 392.

CHAPTER 9 – MOMINO KI KURBANI.

In the previous chapter, Swami Laldas ji has said about those Sundersath (associates) who expired the same day soon after they came to know about the departure of their Lord ‘Shri ji. Now he says, in this chapter, the details of those souls, who were associates and departed from the world the next or the subsequent days because of the immense anguish on account of the separation from their Lord (Shri ji). Shri Laldas ji says, “There are few words to praise them, but I shall say according to my capacity.

“Some of the Divine Souls could not bear the mental anguish when they learnt about the departure of their Lord. They, treating the worldly luster as little as a calf’s foot-print (nothing to attract or to keep binding), sacrificed their souls at the Lotus Feet of their Lord.

“Although the dreamy world is like a limitless ocean, and no one could find any shore for one’s shelter, yet the Divine Souls, being fully concerned with the doctrine of the sect as preached to them by Shri ji, could easily find a way to overcome the problem of crossing the limitless ocean.

The warriors on the earth prefer to combat with the foes and die in the field fighting with the swords and getting badly injured; but these warriors would not be able to be compared with the Divine Souls who disintegrated bravely for the sake of their Supreme Lord.

Having no suspicion, these Divine Souls gave up their physical bodies and their souls reached near the Lotus Feet of their Lord, having the positive decision in their performance.

The worldly affairs and the worldly relation were no barriers for these Divine Souls, who had a definite goal to reach their Super Eternal Abode –Paramdham.

Many of the adept disciples performed well to disseminate the doctrines of Shri ji to the depth of the heart of others and made them enlightened to feel their conscious presence in Paramdham. Still without the specific call and the guidance of the Lord, no one could achieve the goal (Paramdham).

Shri Laldas ji defined the essential qualification, a Momin (the Divine Soul) must possess, “On hearing about the departure of the Lord, if the mental anguish of the separation from the Lord is not experienced in the heart, the relation of that soul with the Super Eternal Abode would appear to be doubtful.

“As soon as one happens to hear about the departure and experience the separation from the Lord, one leaves the dreamy world spontaneously: that is a Momin (Divine Soul).

But that fellow, who has a concern with his physical body and has a longing to live, should not dare to sit amongst the true Divine Souls only to talk about the sorrows of the separation from the Lord. The mere talks are the dialogues of the drama.

A Momin (the Divine Soul), who has a little acquaintance and resultant affection with his Lord, should very honestly leave the physical body and depart from the dreamy world.

They are blamable, who despite having known about the departure, do not experience the sorrows of the separation. They have little acquaintance with the Lord. 

“Those Divine Souls are also blamable who maintained their relations with the dreamy world. How would they dare to show their face to other companions when they would reach Paramdham and meet there with all other enlightened souls?

“Despite having heard the talk in respect of the separation from the Lord (who left the dreamy world for the good to abide in Paramdham), if any ones live in the physical bodies in the dreamy world, definitely they are dishonest.”

Swami Laldas ji expressed, “We had been accompanying our Lord Day and night and we were always thinking about Him only, how could we continue live here without our Lord?

“But we know that our life on the earth without our Lord would last as long as the Supreme Lord would like us to live here for doing the allotted job; no doubt, we are not any more interested to live here.

“Those who departed from the world have complied with the order of the Lord, and those, who have not been allowed to leave the dreamy world, have to do certain job for the sake of other Divine Souls."

In Vikram Samvat 1751 (it was 1752 in Northern India Ephemeris) on the fourteenth lunar day of the dark fortnight of the month of ‘Bhadrapad’ (Aswin as per Northern India Ephemeris), the names of those Sundersath who reached the Lotus Feet of the Supreme Lord, after they bade ‘Pranam’ (Good-bye) to other living souls, are described below: -

“I would tell their names who achieved their goal of reaching the Lotus Feet of the Lord and became pious, having departed from the dreamy world.

One of them was Vallabha das, the second was Keshav das ji and the third was Mathura. The three were the prominent Divine Souls.

Ram Kunwari with Keshav and Hameera with her husband, Prasadi, who accompanied Shri ji and performed their hearty services, also departed from the world.

The fourth was Shahman, the fifth Narsingh das. Santdas was the sixth. These were the Divine Souls who too departed. Poor Bai, Khadgee, Keshar Bai and Kashi – these Divine Souls also departed on the third day along with another associate named Asaoo.

Swami Laldas ji has directed all those to follow these ‘Souls’ and tread the same path they adopted to reach the Lotus Feet of the Supreme Lord duly awakened.

                                                           

                                                                                   Prakaran 9, Chopai 416.

CHAPTER 10 – SHRI DEVCHANDRA JI PARIVAR PRASANG.

First, I shall mention the names of the family members of Shri Devchandra ji, who dedicated themselves at the Feet of the Master (Sadguru) and became disciples, having faith in the sect originated by Shri Devchandra ji. Swami Laldas ji quoted a verse of Chapter 12 / 2 of Bhagwat, which infers about the prophecy of the appearance of Shri Chandravanshiya Dev (Shri Devchandra ji) and Suryavanshiya Mehraj Thakur, the brothers of King Shantanu, the descendants of Ikshhaku & Maru. They would stay at Kalap village for the performance of the deeds with the aim to grant a boon of welfare to the mankind.

Shri Devchandra ji appeared from Paramdham (Arsh-Azeem), the Super Eternal Abode for the sake of the Divine Souls (Brahmashristies) with whom He lived and enjoyed.

As far as the worldly affairs are concerned, Shri Devchandra ji married with Smt. Lal Bai. Both the husband and the wife led their lives worshipping by their hearty ‘Love for Lord Supreme (Shri Raj) and were graced by HIM.

A son, named Bihari ji was born to them. Smt Lal Bai expired earlier than her husband.

Among other members of the family, Jamuna Bai was sister of Bihari ji. Megha Bhai and Tharo Bhai were two brothers. Jamuna Bai married with Megha and Tharo’s wife was Thakurani and Nag ji his son.

Jamuna Bai, the daughter of Shri Devchandra ji was the wife of Megha Bhai, the brother of Tharo Bhai. These were the members of the family of Shri Devchandra ji.

Bihari’s wife was Krishna Bai and Rang Bai was the name of the wife of Nagji, the son of Tharo.

The above details are in respect of the family members of Shri Devchandra ji, with whom He had worldly relations. Now the names of those persons who became disciples are given here:

Shri Devchandra ji pleased Haridas first with His hearty service, but later on Haridas became the disciple of Shri Devchandra ji when he learnt about the pious Soul of Shri Devchandra ji (as told to him by Bal Mukund, who appeared in person when Haridas observed day and night fast on missing from his sight the Idol of Bal Mukund).

Haridas ji dedicated himself at the Lotus Feet of Shri Devchandra ji when he recognized Him as the Advent of the Divine Soul. He tried his best to perform the service to please Shri Devchandra ji. 

Besides Haridas, Vrindavan –his son and the mother of Vrindavan admitted that Shri Devchandra ji possessed a personality of a pious Soul; hence they also pleased Him by their hearty services.

Vrindavan’s wife, Mooli also got enlightened and she along with her husband became disciples.

Vrindavan’s son was Narhar. He and his grand mother (Vrindavan’s mother) together preserved the acquaintance with Shri Devchandra ji’s pious Soul.

Shri Laldas ji says that in the next chapter, not the whole but brief details of those who became disciples are mentioned by the grace of the Lord Supreme.  

                                    

                                                                                              Prakaran 10, Chopai 430.

CHAPTER 11 – SUNDERSATH AAGMAN.

Swami Laldas ji has used words “Deen Islam” for the religion of mankind, founded by Shri Devchandra ji. ‘Deen’ means religion and ‘Islam’ means what is related with the Lord Supreme. But the religion shows the ways to be followed by the human beings: the true meaning is to give relief from the intricacies of Maya. Gangji Bhai was the first man who listened to the Divine Discourses and he dedicated self by his soul to the Lotus Feet of Shri Devchandra ji, as he was awakened on adhering to the Divine Wisdom.

Shri Laldas ji says, “I am describing about the members of the family of those who decided to tread the path leading to the Super Eternal Abode – Paramdham on having been enlightened on adhering to the Divine Discourses delivered by Sadguru Dhani Shri Devchandra ji. They pleased Him by their sincere service and they attended regularly to listen to the preaching.

Ganga Bai was Gangji Bhai’s mother, who acknowledged to have gained faith in the discourses, delivered to her by Shri Devchandra ji, who too, pleased her by His graceful look at her.

Bhan Bai, the wife of Gangji Bhai obeyed Shri Devchandra ji and complied with His directives.

Gangji Bhai’s son was Shyam ji. He listened to the preaching of Shri Devchandra ji, but because he did not belong to Paramdham, hence he did not recognize who Shri Devchandra ji was.

Shyam ji’s wife who was daughter-in-law of Gangji Bhai & Bhan Bai and named Ajbai was ever ready to perform the service to please Sadguru Shri Devchandra ji, whom she recognized as her Soul’s Lord.

Second son of Gangji Bhai was Manji, who performed all kinds of services as per instructions of Gangji Bhai in order to please Shri Devchandra ji.

Dhan ji Bhai was the son of Heer Bai. Bal Bai was the sister of Gangji Bhai. These became disciples of Shri Devchandra ji.

Heer Bai was the wife of Kheta Bhai, brother of Gangji Bhai. She was residing with the family of Gangji Bhai while her husband was in Arabia. She also performed her hearty services to please Shri Devchandra ji.

Gangji Bhai’s third brother was Govind ji. Although he also was a member of Gangji Bhai’s family, yet he did not have his career in having any interest with Shri Devchandra ji, nor did he adhere to the discourses.

Among other disciples, one was Jeevraj having impression of consciousness of Divine Soul of Tan Bai in Paramdham. Bachhai Bai was his mother who knew about the Divine personality of Shri Devchandra ji.

Gangji Bhai’s brother-in-law, named Ganesh and his wife, Gomati, both were living there for the performance of their hearty services to please Shri Devchandra ji.

Heer Bai’s daughter (niece of Gangji Bhai) named Aside with her daughter, Raj Bai, too, was also there in the family to please Shri Devchandra ji with their performance of the services.

Gangji Bhai’s brother, Paarapyo and his wife Jasodani, the sister-in-law of Bhan Bai (Gangji Bhai’s wife) were performing their services to please Shri Devchandra ji.

Shyam ji, the son of Gangji Bhai had two daughters, named Har Bai and Lad Bai. They were playing before Shri Devchandra ji to please Him with their child like plays.

Gangji Bhai’s second son, Man ji had a son whom, Shri Devchandra ji recognized to be a Divine Soul of Paramdham, who was having the impression of consciousness of  Sukh Bai. During the course of preaching by Shri Devchandra ji, no body dared to break silence.

Shri Devchandra ji used to speak strongly. His face reflected the ideas, he had in His heart. The attendants looking at His face-glory were experiencing a great deal of pleasure to sooth their souls.

While describing about the physique beauty (of each and every limb and organ) of Supreme Lord, who dressed according to HIS own liking (different types of dresses having different colours at different times), wearing ornaments etc., Shri Devchandra ji used to express His inner feelings in an emotional and influential way, in order to enable the audiences experience as if Shri Raj ji (the Supreme Lord) were standing in person there.

While delivering the discourses, He often described the details of ‘Love’ played between Shri Krishna (Lord) and the ladies of Brij and those in ‘Raas’, supporting His version with contexts and references extracted from the scriptures as well as the poems sung or spoken by the reverend saints in the past.

Shri Devchandra ji was anxious to increase the number of the attendants and He was very much happy whenever a new entrant happened to arrive there.

Swami Laldas ji says, “Now let me speak in respect of the members of the family of Shri Mehraj Thakur, especially those, who were favoured by Shri Devchandra ji with His gracious blessings; because no one can describe in words the same, without the mercy of Lord Supreme.”

Shri Mehraj Thakur is having impression of consciousness of ‘Shri Indravati’ in Paramdham. His parents were Shri Keshava Thakur (Father) and Smt. Dhan Bai (Mother). He dedicated to Sadguru with His sound senses of mind, by performing physical services and adoring all His wealth.

Shrimati Phool Bai was the first and Smt. Tej Kunwari, the second wife of Shri Mehraj Thakur. They were blessed by having married to Shri Mehraj, as the splendour of ‘Lord Supreme’ is ever seen at His face.

Earlier than Shri Mehraj, His elder brother, Gobardhan Das Thakur was already a disciple with whose help Shri Mehraj visited Shri Devchandra ji and received favour of the ‘Lord’.

Shri Gobardhan Bhai Thakur was having the impression of consciousness of the Divine Soul of Gunvanti Bai of Paramdham.

Uddhav ji was their youngest brother. Govind ji was also a member of the family. All these were regular attendants to listen to the discourses delivered by Shri Devchandra ji.

Chaturbhuj and his wife Padma, the members of the family of Shri Mehraj Thakur were also admitted in the association of the Sundersath (the group of the disciples of Shri Devchandra ji).

The name of the wife of Shri Uddhav ji was Bhan Bai. She did not accept the discipleship of Sadguru Shri Devchandra ji, as she did not know about the Divine personality of Shri Devchandra ji.

Shri Shyamaliya Thakur was the elder brother of Shri Mehraj Thakur. He could know about the mercy and glory of the Lord Supreme, which Shri Mehraj had been enjoying, hence he became disciple very late (when Shri Mehraj along with Shyamal ji Thakur and youngest brother Uddhav was kept in confinement by the Vazir of the Ruler of Jamnagar on certain false allegations). Sita Bai and Premji were also awakened to recognize the Divinity of Shri Devchandra ji.

Saveera Bai got awakened with the help of Premji and was admitted as a disciple of Shri Devchandra ji.

Vishna ji was the brother of Premji Bhai; he did not accept the discipleship of Shri Devchandra ji; but because of his being in the company of Shri Mehraj Thakur, he was fortunate to visualize ‘Lord Supreme.’

Pur Bai, associated with her son Pitambar, accepted the discipleship. Kanji and Manji, the two sons of Pitambar Bhai also dedicated themselves to Shri Mehraj Thakur.

Ratan Bai, the mother of Kanji and Manji and the wife of Pitambar Bhai became staunch associates and accompanied Shri…ji upto Panna ji. They proved to be the Divine Souls of Paramdham.

The wife of Harbansh Bhai was Megh Bai. She was recognized as a Divine Soul by Shri Devchandra ji. She was having the impression of consciousness of Harakh Bai of Paramdham.

Gokul das, who was also a disciple of Shri Devchandra ji died earlier. He was one of the members of the family of Shri Mehraj Thakur.

Rudro Bhai, who was a shopkeeper at Junagarh, was also a disciple of Shri Devchandra ji, whom he adored as his Lord. He was also concerned with the family of Shri Mehraj Thakur.

Among a number of disciples, Kanji, Thawar, Padamsi, Jeeva, Jasoda & Kan Bai were also awakened and included in the association.

Deesa, Nain Bai, Main Bai, Man Bai all these performed their services to please Shri Devchandra ji and they enjoyed by having inner vision to visualize ‘Lord’.

Mahavji, Purshottam and Ram ji of Kothari recognized their ‘Lord’ in the guise of Shri Devchandra ji.

Jaimal and his wife were late to have accepted discipleship of Bihari ji after the departure of Shri Devchandra ji (who departed from the physical body and entered into the heart of Shri Mehraj Thakur).

Although a lady, Lachho –caste fellow of Shri Devchandra ji, was a regular attendant to listen to the discourses, yet she did not wake up to accept Shri Devchandra ji’s Divinity.

Narayan Soni and Leeladhar became members of the association and they fed their souls with the oblation of the preaching of Shri Devchandra ji.

Bhimji Bhatia along with his wife became disciple of Shri Devchandra ji. They were regular attendants to listen to the preaching.

Rai Kunwari Bai, the wife of Mool ji listened to the preaching and was indoctrinated with the Divine Wisdom. Her wishes were fulfilled by Sadguru Shri Devchandra ji. Har Bai, the daughter of Guglan Ma, was also accepted as the disciple.

Jai Ram Kansara and his wife, residents of Due (Deep Bandar) and who visited Jamnagar for a short while also accepted the discipleship of Shri Devchandra ji.

Ganesh and his wife and Bhoj Bai, Dev Bai, Bhoj, Moon ji and Ganga Bai, all these pleased Shri Devchandra ji by their hearty services and became the disciples.

Jeevo, Gango and Gwaal also dedicated themselves and were made disciples. These, too, had also belonged to Deep Bandar (Due).

Moolo, Pushkaran Brahman, Haans Bai, Bain Bai were the attendants who were watching Shri Devchandra ji’s glorious face very joyfully. They were fortunate to visualize the ‘Splendour’ of their ‘Lord’ in the person of Shri Devchandra ji.

Akhai – Kayashtha of Jamnagar (Navtanpuri) dedicated himself to Shri Devchandra ji. Mallo and Pragmal got enlightened at Madai. Harbeer along with other members of his family was also admitted and indoctrinated. They associated with other Sundersath.

Another Harbeer with family was also indoctrinated and enlightened by Sadguru.

Radha Bai, Som Bai and Somai were residents of Madai. They all accepted the discipleship of                Shri Devchandra ji.

The residents of Thattanagar, Natha Joshi, Bada Maav ji, Lala Kayashtha and Ghana Kayashtha became the disciples of Shri Devchandra ji.

Shri Laldas ji concluded that there were many other associates from the different villages, towns and cities. Their names would be mentioned later on (in other chapters).

Shri Laldas ji continued, “O Sath ji! The dignity of these Divine Souls would be revealed on the commencement of the Ultimate Day of Justice (on being enlightened at the occasion of Qayamat).

                                                                 

                                                       Prakaran 11, Chopai 485.

CHAPTER 12, - KORAN PURAN KI SAKSHEE.

In Quran vide Chapter 12 page twenty-four and explanatory Para 301, some reference is available.

The Lord Supreme delivered the Divine Wisdom (Tartam) to Shri Devchandra ji for the purpose of illuminating the world by the rays of its ‘Light’ for a long period upto the Ultimate Day of Justice (Qayamat, which means enlightenment of the Souls of the mankind in order to recognize the Supreme Lord as well as themselves.)

In the sacred scriptures like Ved and Quran, Bible etc. the prophecy about ‘Advent of Shri Devchandra ji’ through whom the Divine Wisdom would be disseminated in the world for the enlightenment of the souls, have been contained by indications. According to the prophecy of these sacred scriptures, the appropriate time had then come. The Divine Souls, having enlightened the selves, would lead others to follow the path of righteousness and make them enlightened.

Although Shrimad Bhagwat was described by a renowned sage, named Sukhdeo in the beginning of Kaliyug (some five thousand years ago in 3000 BC), yet the correct interpretation could not be possible, unless the Divine Souls appeared (after 1581 A D) as the same Scripture contained the Divine message to the Divine Souls’ interest.

And in respect of the Advent of Shri Devchandra ji, Mohammed Paigambar has given reference in Quran, a Holy Book of Islamic Faith (vide Chapter 12 ibid), describing the Divine message dictated by the Lord Supreme (Allah) before hand (about one thousand years ago) to Mohammed Paigambar.

From the very beginning i.e. the date of the Advent of Shri Devchandra ji till the period during and upto which the Divine Souls would get enlightened, all the events related to, have been well prophesied in Quran (but the word-meanings have not been interpreted correctly by the common people as well as those who have faith in Islamic religion).

The events, which took place during the period of 120 years (from Vikram Samvat 1638 or 1581 A. D. to Samvat 1758 or 1701 A D) are mainly related with the Divine Souls who experienced the mirth and misery in the illusive Maya repeatedly before getting enlightened; and the same are described in Quran.

The Divine Messenger of the Lord Supreme (Mohammed Paigambar) had to encounter with those, who ignored the Divine Message. Next to it, similar events took place after the Advent of Shri Devchandra ji.

In the guise of Bihari ji, Maya had an encounter with Shri…ji, who conquered the Maya successfully.

In Quran, the message of the Lord Supreme (Allah), i.e. the prophecy of all these events has been mentioned, which the Divine Souls have conceived with the appropriate interpretation and revealed in simple language for the information of the mankind in the Universe.

Shri Laldas ji expressed that the contents of the Sacred Book, ‘Shri Beetak Ji’, which contains the details in respect of the biography of Dhani Shri Devchandra ji and Mahamati Shri Prannath ji (Shri Mehraj Thakur), when gone through thoroughly, would awaken the souls and they would reach by their consciousness, to prostrate at the Lotus Feet of their Lord: in other words they would get rid of the intricacies of Maya.

The contents of the sacred Book would enable the mankind to establish their relation with the Divine Souls and they would repent for their ignorance and forgetfulness. Then only the importance of the Ultimate Day of Justice (Qayamat) would be revealed to them.

The event of the advent of the Divine Souls (also predicted in Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta and Mahabharata) has become known to the mankind. Thus the concerned people began to gather there to listen to the preaching in respect of the Divine Wisdom, delivered to them by Sadguru.

In this sacred book, Shri Laldas ji has mentioned the details related with Shri Devchandra ji from the date of His birth in Vikram Samvat 1638 (1581 A D) to the date of disappearance of Shri Prannath ji in Vikram Samvat 1751 (as per the North India Almanac 1752 i.e.1695 A D).

The birth date of Shri Devchandra ji was the ‘Fourteenth Day’ of the bright half of the lunar month of Aswin (a day before the Sharad-Purnima – the Full Moon Day) in Vikram Samvat 1638 (21^st October 1581). One hundred ten years and four months ended on the fourteenth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Maagh in Vikram Samvat 1748 (1691 A D) and during this period the Divine Souls enjoyed the Grace of the Lord Supreme.

During the above period, Shri Devchandra ji and Mahamati Shri Prannath ji awakened the Divine Souls and other human beings and they got acquainted with Super Eternal Abode –Paramdham (as also pointed out by Shri Krishna in Geeta). The Ultimate Day of Justice as promised by the Lord in Quran is also explained and made clear to all those, who were concerned. As such, they came forward to have courteous visit of their Lord who appeared in the guise of Shri Devchandra ji and Mahamati Shri Prannath ji, according as they individually deserved.

The people, whosoever, wished to be graced for fulfilling worldly needs, got their ambitions fulfilled by the Lord’s Grace for their having coherence with the Divine Souls.

Shri Laldas ji explained that the Lord Supreme has immense Grace to shower over all, but only those, who have full faith and ‘Love for the Lord’, get benignity to enjoy.  

                                          

                                                                         Prakaran 12, Chopai 504.

CHAPTER 13, -DONO SWAROOPON KAA MILAAP.

Shri Laldas ji says, “Those people, who were the Divine Souls, were regular attendants to listen to the Divine Discourses delivered by Shri Devchandra ji. Shri Raj ji was merciful to pour showers benignly by appearing in person before the Divine Souls, attending there.

Gangji Bhai was so much excited in the performance of the services that he used to manage for a group dinner to all those also who were the regular attendants.

Whenever any new person joined them, Shri Devchandra ji got delighted by His heart, which could not be described in words of the worldly language.

According to his own, whenever some attendant brought a new companion to attend the discourses, Shri Devchandra ji expressed His gratitude and thought –what price should be paid to him for his efforts.

Shri Devchandra ji had only one ambition to preach and enlighten, as many as could be possible, the Divine Souls. The Divine Souls were honored and given recognition of the Super Eternal Abode.

Shri Devchandra ji thought, “I have met the Divine Souls of Paramdham in this illusive world. What type of the special custom should be adopted to satisfy the desires of these Divine Souls?”

“The Lord has sent for these Divine Souls to meet me. I shall tell them the original relations we are having in Paramdham. I should do my best to please them so that they are happy.

“The Divine Souls do not know who are they? But I recognize them as they have come (by their consciousness only) to watch the drama of the illusive world.

“These Divine Souls involved in the worldly affairs have now become helpless. Who would make efforts to awaken them from the sleep of the ignorance?

“I must go out (leaving home for other places) and have a thorough search to find them out as the Lord has given their hands in my hand (the Lord made me responsible to awaken all the Divine Souls). “I must do this hard work to continue the discourses incessantly”.

Shri Laldas ji says, “The attendants listened to the discourses daily, delivered to them by Shri Devchandra ji, who had been obeying the Divine Order of the Lord and was fully aware of His duty.”

Ajbai, the niece of Megh Bai was residing at Gang ji’s home. She was married to Shyam ji. She talked with the others in respect of Shri Devchandra ji’s discourses, when she came in the house of Shri Mehraj.

Ajbai used to come to see her aunt, Megh Bai. She told her that Lord Shri Krishna used to appear there.

“The Lord (Shri Krishna) appears there in person to have lunch and dinner thrice daily and also speaks about the taste of the foods HE eats, “The milky preparation is lesser sweet.”

Ajbai also told, “Shri Krishna accepts betel-leaves (Paan) after having eaten many kinds of preparations and thereafter, HE leads the Enlightened Souls to a place of solitude to let them visualize the beauty of Sacred Jamuna River flowing in Paramdham.  

She added, “Shri Krishna ji gave a golden pot to one of the attendants. HE often brings with HIM the valuable articles and distributes the same among those, who have concern with the Lord by his soul. In this way the celebration of joyful meetings takes place daily.

Ajbai told Megh Bai, “I do watch Shri Krishna ji daily at our home; you may also come to my house and see the ‘Lord’s Splendour’.

Then Megh Bai asked Gobardhan Thakur (elder brother of Shri Mehraj) to go there (at Gangji’s house) and tell her what was happening there? She would, thereafter, accompany him.

Padma, the wife of Gobardhan had been to Gangji’s house some time earlier. She supported the version of Ajbai, “I have seen Shri Krishna ji in person there.”

Shri Gobardhan Thakur then reached and prostrated to Shri Devchandra ji and spoke, “I have come to get awakened by my soul, and hence I dedicate myself to you.”

In the lunar month of Kartika of the Vikram Samvat 1687 (1631 A D), Gobardhan met Sadguru, Shri Devchandra ji and from that day Gobardhan began to feel to have original relation with Paramdham.

One day some mischievous fellow made a complaint to the local Police Station Officer stating that certain ladies and gents gathered daily in a Kayashtha house, which would be objectionable in a society of the gentlemen; hence he should go there and make investigation.

The Police Station Officer deputed two constables to make an inquiry and report the fact to him.

The mischievous fellow accompanied them to show the house of Gangji Bhai. He pointed out a house in the evening, where a lamp was seen from some distance. The constables proceeded to the direction of the lighted lamp but did not reach there. They continued walking straight looking at the lamp, separately.

One of these two continued circling round a well the whole night and the other left the village and reached 12 Kos (24 miles) away in a different place (miraculously by the Grace of the Lord).

It was the next day morning when one found himself in Dharol, a village near Jamnagar. He enquired the name of the place from the ladies of that village, who were having pots of water over their heads. Some of the ladies explained him that the village belonged to Mohbad ji, a leader.

The ladies asked, “What nonsense do you talk? Are you insane? This town is ruled by Mohbad ji; do you think it to be yours?”

The constable returned to his home, but his relatives were worrying about him the whole night.

In the houses of these two constables, their relatives were waiting for the return after duty. Each one asked the other about them.

When these constables reached their homes in the morning, they told at home what happened. They told that the mischievous fellow betrayed them and they could not reach the house where did they see the lamp.

Next day they attended their duty at the Police Station and told the Officer about the mischief played by that man whom they would punish if he would come again.

They explained, “The mischievous fellow aimed to kill us as he asked us to walk on and on to reach the place where a lamp was seen, but we could not reach there.”

The Lord Shri Krishna ji showed many miracles in order to enable the attendants to recognize “Who was Shri Devchandra ji”, but the attendants failed to follow and no one could achieve the knowledge to perceive the reality in respect of Shri Devchandra ji’s divinity.

Shri Mehraj Thakur appeared in the world on the Fourteenth day of the dark half of the lunar month of Aason (Aswin-Kunwaar), Sunday in the Vikram Samvat 1675 after the first quarter of the day (Local time of Jamnagar was 8:53:47 AM and IST 09:43:23 AM corresponding to Ista Kaal of 7:30 after the Sun rise time IST 6:43:23 AM). According to Gregorian Calendar the day was 6^th October 1619 (and as per Standard calendar prevailing those days it was 9^th October 1619 A D). The Vikram Samvat 1675 was as per Almanac of Gujarat, whereas as per Northern India Almanac the year was 1676, commencing 7 months earlier in Chaitra on the First Lunar Day after the New Moon day. #

Shri Mehraj Thakur was born in Jamnagar (Hallaar- Saurashtra of Gujarat). His mother’s name was Smt. Dhan Bai and the father’s name was Shri Keshav Thakur.

The eldest brother of Shri Mehraj Thakur was Shyamal ji Thakur. His elder brother Shri Gobardhan Thakur had already joined association of Shri Devchandra ji, his Preceptor. He became His disciple to get enlightened by his Soul. All the brothers dwelt together.

Jamnagar (Navtanpuri) was the residential town of Shri Devchandra ji and Gobardhan Thakur was ever ready for His services to please his Preceptor.

Among those, who were residing with Shri Mehraj Thakur, Shri Gobardhan Thakur was the first person who met Shri Devchandra ji and also saw Shri Krishna ji, who used to appear there in person. He happened to talk with other members at his residence.

Shri Mehraj Thakur learnt every thing from Shri Gobardhan Thakur and requested him to lead Him to reach near the Lotus Feet of Shri Devchandra ji; but Shri Gobardhan Thakur did not agree without the consent of his Preceptor. He said, “I can not do this without His orders.” 

But Shri Mehraj Thakur caught the hand to accompany Shri Gobardhan Thakur at His own accord. Shri Gobardhan Thakur did not allow and got his hand off the clutch of Shri Mehraj Thakur forcibly. Shri Mehraj fell down and began to weep. He insisted for accompanying him.

Shri Gobardhan Thakur reached Shri Devchandra ji’s home and requested, “Today my younger brother wept to accompany me for arriving here, but I did not allow and escaping from Him I have come alone.”

Shri Devchandra ji ordered, “Go and bring Shri Mehraj. He is just of a child-age. It is an appropriate age to learn and achieve the goal (to get enlightened and perceive Divine Wisdom).

He continued, “Dhruva (a child) reached the Lotus Feet of the God when he was five years old. Therefore, let Shri Mehraj come here with you.”

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#             The birth chart (Horoscope) of Shri Mehraj Thakur reads as follows: -

Scorpio - Ascendant 4º 05’ 14”, Mars 20º 57’ 53” in the Star Jyestha and the Sub of Venus: Sagittarius – Rahu 20º 39’ 47” in the Star Poorvashadha and the Sub of Jupiter: Pisces – Jupiter ® 20º 27’ 33” in the Star Revati & the sub of Venus: Aries – Pluto ® 24º 00’ 04” in the Star Bharni: Gemini – Saturn 4º 01’ 21” in the Star Mrigsira and the sub of Venus: Ketu 20º 39’ 47” in the Star Punarvasu and the sub of Jupiter: Cancer – Uranus 8º 59’ 48” in the star Pushya: Virgo – the Sun 23º 57’ 13” in the Star Chitra and the Sub of Mars: the Moon 5º 34’ 35” in the Star Uttraphalguni and the sub of Mercury: Venus 8º 03’ 30” in the Star Uttraphalguni & the sub of Venus: Neptune 20º 55’ 59” in Hastha Star:  Libra – Mercury 16º 05’ 42” in the Star Swanti and the Sub of Venus.

The Navamsa Chart reads as follow: -

The Sun was in Leo-Ascendant, Rahu in Libra, Saturn in Scorpio, Mars & Jupiter in Capricorn, the Moon & Mercury in Aquarius, Venus in Pisces and Ketu in Aries.

Then as per orders of his Preceptor- Shri Devchandra ji, Gobardhan Thakur let Shri Mehraj Thakur accompany him. Shri Mehraj reached there and prostrated at the Lotus Feet of Shri Devchandra ji who put His Benign Hand over Shri Mehraj’s forehead to grant Him a boon of His blessings.

At the time of His meeting and receiving the gracious boon, Shri Mehraj Thakur completed ten days more than twelve years and two months of His age. Shri Devchandra ji at once recognized Him as Divine Soul.

Shri Mehraj Thakur met Shri Devchandra ji in Vikram Samvat 1687 (1631 A D). He lived as disciple till Vikram Samvat 1712 (1655 A D). In 1712 Shri Devchandra ji departed from the world.

Shri Mehraj Thakur’s meeting was held on the ninth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Mrigsar of Vikram Samvat 1687 (on 5^th December, 1631 A D Friday).

At His age of four days more than twelve years and two months, Shri Mehraj Thakur began to think to meet Shri Devchandra ji, but he met six days later when He completed ten days more than His age of twelve years and two months (as quoted above).

As soon as Shri Mehraj prostrated, Lord Supreme (who was sitting in the heart of Shri Devchandra ji) graced Him and at the same moment Shri Mehraj recognized Him as Divine Soul having impression of  consciousness concerning with Paramdham.

Shri Devchandra ji told Him about two eminent Divine Souls named Shakundal and Sukumar. He explained, “These two Divine Souls’ physical bodies in Paramdham look happy and are laughing, but they by their consciousness are involved in the dreamy world as human, whom you have to find out.”

Shri Mehraj Thakur as per the instructions of Sadguru (His Preceptor) decided to have a search and find out who were these Divine Souls on the earth. He also learnt that Shri Devchandra ji was pointing at the clues of enlightening the Divine Souls (as contained in Quran).

When Shri Devchandra ji recognized Khoji Bai, a Muslim lady as Divine Soul named Rai Bai Shri Mehraj Thakur asked if the Divine Souls have appeared in Muslim community too.

Shri Devchandra ji replied, “There are Divine Souls among the Muslim but the few. Of course, Quran, Islamic Holy Book contains the Divine Message of the Supreme Lord, which is meant for us, the Divine Souls of Paramdham.”

He added, “I have tried to read the Quran, but the people having no understanding but the narrow minded mentality, kept Quran away from me and I could not possess that Holy Book.”

“But I know” he continued, “You shall have to decide to reveal the secrets of Quran what I tell you. You shall do that when Lord Supreme allows you to do so in accordance with HIS PLAN to disclose the Divine Wisdom to all the Human Beings.”

Shri Mehraj Thakur learnt from His Preceptor the secrets and documentary proofs described in Hindus’ as well as non-Hindus’ Holy Scriptures. And thus the seeds of the Divine Wisdom began to sprout in the heart to enable Him to contemplate in His heart the splendid beauty of Super Eternal Abode.

Shri Mehraj Thakur and His brother, Shri Gobardhan Thakur continued to attend the association of the disciples in order to adhere to the preaching of Shri Devchandra ji. They two maintained the relation of Paramdham reciprocally and found themselves immersed in the fluid of ‘Love’ for Shri Devchandra ji, their Preceptor.

They both used to arrive from and go to their home accompanying each other, as they were related with the ‘Mercy’ of the Lord and also they were two real brothers in so far as the worldly relations were concerned.

One day when they both returned from Shri Devchandra ji’s home to their own home, the elder brother, Shyamal ji was bathing. He spoke to them, “You two brothers have no business to do, rather, both of you are on a wrong way.”

He added, “Your company with Gangji Bhai and Shri Devchandra ji is not liked by me. I shall compel them to go out of the City, then only you two will mend yourself.”

On hearing this type of allegation, both the brothers annoyed at him and attempted to have a quarrel with him, but their mother saved him. Their father also heard about the dispute.

Shri Keshav Thakur, their father spoke, “You both go to listen to the discourses being delivered by Shri Devchandra ji, but He earlier used to listen to the discourses disseminated by Kanji Bhatt, who has been doing the same today even in Shyam ji’s temple.”

He concluded, “You both should go there and listen to Kanji Bhatt.” Shri Mehraj and Shri Gobardhan, then replied, “If Kanji Bhatt has capacity to give replies to all of our queries and we are satisfied, we shall, of course thereafter, continue listening to his discourses.”

Shri Keshav Thakur, their father reached Shyam ji’s temple along with Shri Mehraj and Shri Gobardhan and expressed his desire to Kanji, “I have brought these boys (my sons) to you, as they have anxiety to learn from you. Kindly listen to their queries carefully and satisfy them.”

Then Shri Mehraj asked Bhatt ji, “How many kinds of qualities (varieties of qualities) are there? How many planes having their own planispheres exist? How many elements the universe consists of? What are and how many kinds of annihilations happen?”

Kanji Bhatt explained, “ There are three kinds of qualities (Sat, Raj and Tamas) and not the fourth; five kinds of elements (Prithvi –solid, Jal –Liquid, Tej –Heat or Fire, Vayu –Air and Aakash –the Space) of which the Universe consists and there is not the sixth. There are fourteen planes (seven beneath the surface of the Earth –Bhoolok and seven above, including the Bhoolok (Earth surface) and not the fifteenth; all these are destructible in the Great and Ultimate Annihilation –Mahapralay: there are four kinds of annihilation and not the fifth”.

Shri Mehraj then asked, “Where the Lord Supreme, who is the ‘Super Indestructible’ has HIS Abode?” Kanji replied, “HE abides in Kshhirsagar and on the Akshhayvat (a Tree) having physique like a thumb.”

Shri Mehraj again asked, “Where exists Kshhirsagar? Is the same not within fourteen planes? There are five elements only and the same are destructible, then Kshhirsagar consists of which element when there is no sixth; there is no fourth ‘Quality’. What kind of ‘Quality’ HE has? Where is HIS Abode?”

Then Kanji Bhatt forgot all and replied, “Even Brahmaa –one of the three Logos, would not be able to give reply to your query”. Then, their father also allowed them to go to where did they like i.e. to Shri Devchandra ji’s house to listen to His discourses.

In this way these two brothers had discussion with so many people at different places, which, Shri Laldas ji said, could not be described. These two brothers had been expressing their love for each other’s firmly.

Reckoned from ninth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Mrigsar of Vikram Samvat 1687 (5^th December 1631) the day when Shri Mehraj met Shri Devchandra ji (Sadguru), the span of 24 years 10 months and 5 days ended on the fourteenth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Bhadrapad in Vikram Samvat 1712 (15^th September 1655).

Shri Devchandra ji departed from the world on the ‘Fourteenth Day’ of bright half of the lunar month of Bhadrapad in Vikram Samvat 1712 on Wednesday.

Shri Mehraj Thakur thereafter joined services of Jamsatta, the ruler of Jamnagar and held the post of the Manager of the Prime Minister of the State, but by heart he led a spiritual life remembering the Lord Supreme, always by His Soul.

Swami Laldas ji explained, “Those, who are the Divine Souls, have visualized the Lord in person and they are ever ready to leave their bodies in performing their duties related with the soul and for the cause of the ‘Lord Supreme’.

                                                                                              Prakaran 13, Chopai 579.

CHAPTER 14 – K A S O U T I.

For thirteen years after the meeting, Shri Mehraj Thakur remained busy in the worldly affairs, but despite the pressure of the same, He was aware of His presence in Paramdham by His Soul. Mentally, He had been enjoying in Hoz Koshar – the lake in Paramdham, where the Divine Souls while living in Paramdham always play ‘Love’ with their Lord. Shri Mehraj Thakur had a remembrance of the same.

Shri Mehraj Thakur was having daily conversation with Shri Devchandra ji in respect of the details of Paramdham and used to enjoy while talking and making jokes for His being the inhabitant of Paramdham.

One day, Shri Mehraj thought, “I have, in accordance with the Divine Order of our Lord Supreme, come over here from our Super Eternal Abode:

“It is not possible for us, the Brahmashristies to achieve any thing unless our Lord allows us to get. I am unable to visualize Paramdham, even though I belong to that Abode.”

He continued, “Shri Devchandra ji has capacity to see Paramdham and every spot where the Divine Souls play ‘Love’. He describes the beauty thereof while He delivers the discourses.

“The Lord Supreme is our Spouse even then HE does not bless to enable me to visualize the beauty of Paramdham with the worldly eyes. Without HIS order, I shall have no vision of Paramdham.

“In this drama of the dreamy world, HE is the Director. I can not play a role according to my own Will. I can not see Paramdham, as I am unable to do so. Then why should I claim to have been belonging to the Super Eternal Abode, when I am deprived of the feeling of that Abode.”

Then Shri Mehraj Thakur concluded himself, I am not pious and have committed many sins. Unless I abandon to commit sins, I shall not be able to go beyond the veils of the incompetence. On getting pious, having no vices, I shall definitely visualize Paramdham with these eyes.”

Shri Mehraj Thakur began to introspect just to find out if nay thing was wrong with Him and thereby, He began to sacrifice all that He thought to be the essentials to live in the physical body.

He also requested Shri Devchandra ji to improve His capacity to enable Him to abandon the wrong.

Shri Devchandra ji spoke, “You are pious and do not have any impurities. You are one of the Beloved Consorts of the Lord Supreme and your name in Paramdham is “Indravati”.

Shri Mehraj Thakur concentrated in His mind to follow the instructions of Sadguru Dhani Shri Devchandra ji, who showed Him a right path.

Shri Mehraj Thakur then used to conceive the preaching of Shri Devchandra ji and used to convey the same during His talks to other associates.

Shri Mehraj Thakur conceived whatsoever was spoken to Him by Shri Devchandra ji, by His heart. He made up in His mind to follow the same very strictly treating HIS Words as ‘Divine Order’ to be obeyed.

Instead of asking others to follow the instructions of Shri Devchandra ji, Shri Mehraj Thakur mended His behaviour and showed other associates as to how and what instructions he was following so that they may also tread on the right path He adopted.

Therefore, by introspection He exercised control over His mentality and did not pay any attention to maintain His physique despite mental torture.

He adopted dieting and reduced His meal day by day to the extent of equal to half Anna (25 grams) during the whole day, which resulted into declination of strength. He remained the skeleton of bones only.

Despite physical weakness, having pale complexion of His face, Shri Mehraj Thakur used to weep with tears running down on hearing the description of Paramdham.

Still, Shri Mehraj Thakur was very serious to introspect for expelling out the vices if any He noticed. He found that the ornaments etc. of His wife were at home that He decided to lay down at the Lotus Feet of Sadguru, Shri Devchandra ji in order to overcome the vice of His being avaricious (attachment with hoarding the gold or wealth).

He thought that the golden ornaments of Smt. Phool Bai, His wife might be the cause of developing the vice of avarice (covetousness) as long as they were at home.

Shri Mehraj Thakur took them up all and reached His Sadguru’s home. He felt relaxed after leaving the golden ornaments near the Lotus Feet of Shri Devchandra ji.

In order to know if there were any things, to which He may be covetous, so He used to go to Bazaar, where varieties of the things were available (selling).

Should He find His mind would have inclination to any particular thing, He at once got annoyed and spoke to self, “O My Wicked Mind! Thou art still selfish even now; despite I tried my best to control.”

In this way, He exercised the utmost control over His mental desires. He requested repeatedly to His Sadguru, Shri Devchandra ji that He was unable to have a full control over His mind.

He had been remembering the Lord Supreme even while going some where. Whenever He saw some body of His acquaintance in the way, He avoided meeting that one. He turned to other side and passed on.

By His practice to concentrate about the Super Eternal Abode, one day, suddenly, He had a glimpse-vision of Paramdham. He watched rapidly one after the other spots. And also He felt awareness of self there; hence he gave up the worldly and mental activities of looking after the physical body, which was in fact the skeleton of bones only.

Looking at the physique of Shri Mehraj, Balbai, the sister of Gangji Bhai drew the attention of Shri Devchandra ji to mend the mind of Shri Mehraj, so that He could maintain a good health.

She spoke, “Shri Mehraj’s elder brother, Gobardhan Thakur, who was fully devoted to you, has already passed away (in Vikram Samvat 1700 or in August 1644 A D) and now it may be a turn of his younger brother, Shri Mehraj, who does not care to maintain His health.  Why you do not speak to Him to stop this and live a happy life?”

Then Shri Devchandra ji asked, “Mehraj! Please tell me today, what sort of plan you made up in mind?”

Shri Mehraj again repeated, “Please show me what sort of vices are with me.” Shri Devchandra ji asked, “Have you recognized ME who I am by my Soul?”

Shri Mehraj Thakur spoke, “When I listen to the description of Brij from you, I find tears coming out of my eyes.” Shri Devchandra ji remarked, “How do you keep alive yourself on listening to the discourses which I deliver to you in respect of Brij?”

Shri Mehraj told Shri Devchandra ji, “As long as I am attentive to listen to you in respect of our Super Eternal Abode –Paramdham, I feel comfortable in my heart and my eyes begin to tear because of extreme joy. I always wait for your orders.”

Then Balbai clarified, “O Mehraj! Do you understand that Sadguru Dhani Shri Devchandra ji is a ‘Person’ in whose pious heart Supreme Lord has HIS Sacred Abode? If you have worldly vision to recognize Shri Devchandra ji as your Preceptor only, you can fulfil your worldly anxieties, but when you are convinced that Lord Supreme is here in the guise of Shri Devchandra ji, you shall have settled here forever.

“Then only you shall stay without any worldly outlook. Of course, you would not have any doubts to ask anything. I am sure you may carry out circumambulations around Him in order to enhance your capacity.”

Sadguru Dhani Shri Devchandra ji had been having the Sacred Abode of the Lord Supreme in His heart; hence He spoke, on behalf of the Lord, “If you look at me and visualize the Lord in my guise, you would have constant gazing to look at my face and find ecstasy in your Soul.”

Shri Devchandra ji continued, “If you do not know what I am, it is not any sort of demerit in you.” Shri Mehraj replied, “I can not mention but I have numerous vices and de-morals in me.”

Shri Devchandra ji asked, “What sort of anxieties you have in your heart?” Shri Mehraj replied,

“Because of lack of virtues, I am not capable to have Paramdham in my vision, but you can very easily visualize and describe the details of every spot of Paramdham.”

Shri Devchandra ji spoke to Shri Mehraj, “I am capable to have a constant visualization of Paramdham in accordance with the Divine Order of the Lord Supreme. The fellow, who would be sitting on the seat where I have been, would also become capable to possess the capacity to visualize Paramdham. Hence you may occupy this seat removing me from here and may gain that power, but no where except this seat, the power of the visualization of Paramdham could be achieved.

On this explanation, Shri Mehraj gave up His anxiety of possessing a capacity to have a vision of Paramdham. His stern desire to get visionary awareness of Paramdham remained unsatisfied. He then diverted His mind from this motto. 

Balbai then picked up the issue to discuss with Shri Devchandra ji in respect of Shri Mehraj Thakur’s physical condition. Shri Devchandra ji thought over the problem.

Shri Devchandra ji was requested by Balbai, “Let Shri Mehraj be allotted some other work related with the dreamy world, so that He may obey you and get involved in ‘Maya’.”  Shri Devchandra ji then ordered Shri Mehraj Thakur to obey Him and leave home for some particular place.

He asked Shri Mehraj to go to Gujarat (Ahmedabad was then known as Gujarat) and carry out the allotted work, which Shri Devchandra ji pretended to be an important one. Shri Mehraj proceeded to Gujarat and His desire to have a vision of Paramdham got itself diverted.  He began to perform the services by His utmost zeal.

Shri Laldas ji concluded the chapter saying, “O Divine Souls! Please listen to me. I am going to tell you all the events which took place in accordance with the Divine Order of the Lord Supreme, by whose Grace I am capable to describe the same for your knowledge.”

                                                                             

                                                                                           Prakaran 14, Chopai 621.

CHAPTER 15 – ARAB YATRA.

In the following Chapter, Shri Laldas ji has given the narration about the journey performed by Shri Mehraj Thakur to Arabia. Shri Laldas ji says that in the year Vikram Samvat 1703 corresponding to 1646 A D (in the month of March), Shri Devchandra ji ordered,  “ Mehraj! You should proceed to carry out the work of Gangji Bhai, my colleague.

“Kheta Bhai, the brother of Gangji Bhai had gone to Arabia and twenty five years passed; hence you go immediately to bring him back to Jamnagar.

“In case he comes along with you, he shall be useful in religious service of the Lord. For his religious service, the credit will go to you and all sorts of religious works would be accomplished.”

Shri Mehraj agreed to obey Shri Devchandra ji, who spoke, “The ship journey to Arabia is easily available: you may then start to catch the ship.”

In the month of Phalgun (March, in the beginning of the spring season) the climatic conditions were favourable to reach Arabia in forty days’ sea voyage. Shri Mehraj reached Arabia.

He met Kheta Bhai and handed over the letter to him. Kheta Bhai was very much pleased and he arranged for Shri Mehraj’s stay with him.

Kheta Bhai’s business etc. was taken over completely by Shri Mehraj. He spoke to Kheta Bhai, “You have earned a lot of money having spent a major span of your life. Now you should go to Navtanpuri and dedicate yourself to Shri Devchandra ji to perform religious services.”

Shri Mehraj also explained to Kheta Bhai in respect of the revelation of the Divine Wisdom – ‘Tartam’ and also told him about His life history in order to attract him to preserve the message of Sadguru Shri Devchandra ji, but Kheta Bhai could not conceive the least.

Shri Mehraj Thakur thought that Kheta Bhai, who was the brother of Gangji Bhai and the spouse of Hira Bai, earned abundant wealth and his wealth may be used in the service of Shri Devchandra ji and His association; hence he should be asked to proceed to Jamnagar.

Shri Mehraj Thakur had to spend four years in Arabia in winding up the business with some small and some big branches, in order to collect the scattered capital; but meanwhile Kheta Bhai expired.

When Kheta Bhai expired, Shri Mehraj was not nearby there, as He had gone to some out- station; hence treating the property of Kheta Bhai unclaimed (who was having no heir), the local Government confiscated the same and sealed it.

When Shri Mehraj came to know that Officer-in-charge of Arabia Government had confiscated the property, because of his own bad intention, He left home in the last hour of the night to reach the place of solitude: by morning he reached a hill top and sat to think over the matter.

Therefrom He reached the Capital (Baghdad) to contact the Sultan. But a period two months was wasted there; yet He did not get any help despite lodging His complaints with various officers.

When He was returning, He happened to meet a strange person in the garb of an Arabian citizen. Shri Mehraj told Him the whole story. He wrote a letter addressing the Emperor.

He spoke to Shri Mehraj, “When the Emperor would meet you, you should be bold and catch his apron to tell him about your claim:      

 Speak to Sultan, “O Sultan! What responsibility was entrusted to me, I have now to hand over to you which you must accomplish. I shall meet you on the Day of Justice (Eid) in the presence of Allah (the Lord Supreme) and would ask you what have you done?”  The stranger advised Shri Mehraj.

Shri Mehraj therefrom again reached the Capital, stood by the road side to await the arrival of Sultan (Emperor), who used to pass through that way to reach the Mosque to attend ‘Nimaj’ – a kind of prayer performed by Muslim.  The Emperor passed by Him. At once Shri Mehraj rushed to contact him. He caught the Emperor’s Apron. Shri Mehraj caught one corner of the Apron, but its binding lace got broken.

The Emperor while going on his way had a number of bodyguards all around him. They tried to apprehend Shri Mehraj for His behaviour with the Emperor, but the Emperor stopped them and spoke to Shri Mehraj, “I shall hear what you have to say.”  

The Emperor continued, “Do not afraid of me or any body. Please speak in details what happened to you that you contacted me?” Then Shri Mehraj handed over the letter to the Emperor, which was written by the Divine Personality who met Him in the way in the garb of an Arab. And He told the whole story.

Shri Mehraj spoke, “The responsibility of the services I have been performing is being handed over to you. I shall contact you to ask for the consequences in the presence of the Allah (the Supreme Lord) when HE would permit me to do so.

“At that time your hand will be in the hand of Allah and that ‘Day’ will be the ‘Day of Justice’ (Eid) and I shall then ask you to impart justice.”

The Emperor was stunned to hear what Shri Mehraj spoke. He spoke, “Except Qayamat, these words are rarely spoken by any body.” He looked at Shri Mehraj very surprisingly.

The Emperor got his Apron off the clutch of Shri Mehraj and looked up at the sky as if he was beholding towards the Supreme Lord (Allah). He thought that these kinds of words have not been spoken to me, nor I heard as spoken to me by any body.

Shri Mehraj then told the Emperor, “I should not have said like what I spoke, but I have been harassed too much by the local officers and I have already tried my best but all was quite useless; hence I dared approach Your Excellency.”

The Emperor assured Shri Mehraj, “By the Grace of Allah, I shall help you and impart Justice. You shall get your rights. I also forgive you.” The Emperor moved on to reach the mosque for Nimaj and Shri Mehraj reached His place of stay. In the morning, the Emperor sent his attendant to call for Shri Mehraj.

He spoke to one of his attendants, “Go and bring with you the person, who caught my Apron in the way yesterday. I shall have to do justice as the matter is not related with the complaint, but I have to impart the ‘Justice’ for the sake of Allah.”

The Emperor’s man made a thorough search by asking every body he met in the way, “Who is that fellow who caught the Emperor’s Apron and made complaint?”

Shri Mehraj heard that man and came forward. He said, “I am that person whom you are seeking for. The two persons by either side caught Shri Mehraj’s hands and presented Him in the Emperor’s Court.

The Emperor assigned a seat to Shri Mehraj near him and enquired from Him about His Motherland (Hindustan). He also enquired of Shri Mehraj in respect of Islamic Religious atmosphere in Bharat.

The Emperor had a long talk in respect of many topics. In the last he asked, “Why have you not made the complaint to my Minister?” Shri Mehraj did not say about him but said that He did not meet the Minister.

The Minister was very happy. Shri Mehraj told the Emperor about one of the local officers, Seikh Salla, whom He contacted but he did not listen to Him. The Emperor passed orders for the compliance of Seikh Salla, whom the Emperor informed about the consequences if he did not comply with his orders. He said: 

“The whole property, which has been confiscated, belongs to Shri Mehraj and must be given to Him at once, otherwise the defaulting officer would meet with the rigorous punishment.”

The Emperor conveyed his orders in writing and sent the same per messenger to Seikh Salla. The messenger reached Seikh Salla’s house and handed over the letter of the Emperor to him.

The messenger told the officer to comply with the order at the earliest. He said, “The Emperor asked me to convey you that this person deserves justice; hence He must be honored properly.”

Seikh Salla unsealed the belongings by handing over the key to Shri Mehraj along with other goods too. He did not commit any delay.

The news about the demise of Kheta Bhai reached Jamnagar and when Shri Devchandra ji learnt about it, He managed to send His son Bihari ji and Gangji Bhai’s son Shyam ji to help Shri Mehraj in Arabia, as He alone was struggling there for taking possession of the seized property and wealth of late Kheta Bhai. Shri Mehraj ji welcomed them.

Shri Mehraj gave all the property in their possession along with the detailed account of income and expenses which was maintained by Him from the date of joining Kheta Bhai’s business at Arabia.

Shri Mehraj also told them the whole story of the troubles He faced at Arabia, but they were cunning, hence they expressed unhappiness.

When Shri Mehraj arrived at Jamnagar, Balbai, the sister of Gangji Bhai made complaint to the ruler of Jamnagar with certain false allegations against Shri Mehraj Thakur.

This event took place in Vikram Samvat 1708 (1651 A D). According to the complaint of Smt. Balbai, all the wealth of Kheta Bhai which was brought by Shri Mehraj from Arabia was again seized by the Ruler of Jamnagar and stored in State treasury as the same was treated unclaimed and belonging to Government.

Thereafter, Shri Devchandra ji did not call Shri Mehraj to meet Him for a long period of two years, during which Shri Mehraj stayed at home having an ambition to pay a visit to His Preceptor, waiting for His call.

Neither Shri Devchandra ji called Him nor Shri Mehraj went there at all during a period of two years, although because of a separation from His Sadguru, Shri Mehraj had been lamenting.

Shri Mehraj thought Himself that our Lord Supreme had arranged to have struggle in ‘Maya’, which has a strong force. Shri Mehraj concentrated to face and undo the “Maya’s” activities by avoiding all sorts of inclination to the worldly affairs.

Shri Laldas ji quoted example of ‘Shatruti’ a booklet – one of the fourteen books of ‘Kulzum Swaroop Sahib’ (Tartamsagar), described by Mahamati Shri Prannath ji. Shri Mehraj Thakur narrated the agony-state experienced by a Divine Soul because of the separation from the Lord, while living in ‘Maya’ (dreamy world). At many places in the booklet, the followers of Pranami Religion (Sundersath) have been given an understanding to have remembrance of the Lord, despite their failure in the worldly affairs.

In two years’ stay at home, Shri Mehraj did not earn any livelihood and spent the days leisurely; hence one day elder brother’s wife taunted. Next day morning, Shri Mehraj left for Dharol, a nearby town.

There He met Kallaji, the ruler of the town and requested for a job to earn for His livelihood.

Kallaji kept Him in his employment for two years. Thereafter He spent eight months in Gujarat.

From Gujarat (Ahmedabad), He again met Kallaji at Dharol and requested for His relief from the service. It happened in Vikram Samvat 1712 (1655 A D).

Shri Mehraj expressed, “I am unable to carry out any worldly affairs, but I have intention in my heart to resume the physical service to please my Preceptor.

Kallaji agreed and said, “You are competent to discontinue the job. Select some body and hand over your charge to him.”

Meanwhile, those days, Shri Devchandra ji experienced His conscious presence in Paramdham. He remembered Shri Mehraj Thakur, “Send for Shri Mehraj in front of me.”

Balbai, the sister of Gangji Bhai approached Shri Mehraj to convey the message of Shri Devchandra ji. He replied, “I shall come very soon after handing over the job in hand.”

Again Bihari ji arrived at Dharol and asked Shri Mehraj for some herbal medicines like, Amber, Kasturi, which Shri Mehraj listened to patiently.

Shri Mehraj arranged the herbal medicines and delivered them to Shri Bihari ji, whom He said, “Tomorrow morning I shall present myself at the Lotus Feet of Sadguru Shri Devchandra ji.”

Shri Mehraj attempted to complete the job in hand as early as possible. He decided to leave at the earliest.

After a lapse of a few days, Shri Devchandra ji sent Bihari ji again to Dharol for bringing Shri Mehraj Thakur with him without any delay.

Shri Devchandra ji said to the associates in Sindhi language, “Muhn-Muhn Kod Matthan” – means “Had I possessed crores of mouths in crores of heads over my shoulders, I would have talked with Shri Mehraj with every mouth I would have had.”

Shri Devchandra ji repeated the saying of Shri Mehraj, “If I would have crores of bodies, each body would have had crores of heads, each head had crores of mouths and each mouth had crores of tongues.

“Each tongue would have counted the virtues of Dhani Shri Devchandra ji, even then I could have not been able to count the same.”

Once more Bihari ji came to Shri Mehraj and instead of conveying the message of Shri Devchandra ji, he simply told that his father was ailing; hence some herbal medicines were urgently required. 

Shri Mehraj ji again said, “I shall come there. Some sort of job remained to be done. I am going to hand over the same to my successor.”

Shri Devchandra ji had an anxiety to meet Shri Mehraj Thakur. He repeatedly asked for Shri Mehraj, whom He waited for a long.

Bihari ji told a lie to Shri Devchandra ji that He unnecessarily remembered Shri Mehraj while despite repeated requests He did not come. He created a problem without any solution to satisfy the anxiety of Shri Devchandra ji by telling lie.

Again Shri Devchandra ji spoke to Bihari ji, “You go again to bring Him along with you. I find that the Divine Soul of ‘Shri Indravati’ (Shri Mehraj Thakur) was lamenting near the entrance door of Paramdham.

The content of this issue is that Shri Devchandra ji had in His mind that Shri Mehraj would be the ‘Authorised Successor’, whom He should give an understanding to continue the religious work. It was, therefore, not possible for Him to leave the world as Shri Mehraj would have lamented later on.

Smt. Balbai, the sister of Gangji Bhai heard these words. She could not rest. She rushed to inform Shri Mehraj about the condition of Shri Devchandra ji. She spoke, “What happened to you? Mehraj! You did not adhere to any of the calls of Sadguru, who sent messengers a number of times.

“Shri Devchandra ji remembered you again and again. He said that He would not go to Paramdham unless you reach Him.”

Shri Mehraj revealed, “No body has told me this thing clearly. I could have arrived there, if I have had heard the true story.”

After handing over the charge of His post to one of His assistants, He informed Kallaji and left Dharol for Jamnagar to see Sadguru.

The day was ‘Eighth Day’ of the dark fortnight of the lunar month of Shravan prevailing in Gujarat (it was the day of Janmashtmi in the lunar month of Bhadrapad as per North India Almanac) of the Vikram Samvat 1712 (25^th August 1655 A D), when Shri Mehraj met Shri Devchandra ji (after a lapse of four years).

Shri Laldas ji says that the event related with Jamnagar (Navtanpuri) has been narrated in this Chapter. One while remembering it would not have any doubts in one’s mind.

                                                                                                              

 Prakaran 15 – Chopai 692