Dnyandev And Nama Go Together On Pilgrimage

It happened on a certain day that Dnyandev arrived in Pandhari with a strong desire to meet Namdev. As he entered Nama's house, he caught sight of him from a distance. Namdev humbly prostrated himself before Dnyandev and lovingly embraced him. With the customary materials, Namdev worshiped him and expressed, "Today, my good fortune has blossomed, for the king of the wise has graciously come to my humble abode. The merits of my past life have now come to fruition. I have beheld Pandurang in His tangible form. You, O Swami, have descended as an avatar to save those ensnared in worldly deeds and those lost in the allurements of this material life." Saying this, Namdev prostrated himself before Dnyandev once again.

Dnyandev, in turn, said to Namdev, "Your fortune is extraordinary. God is perpetually near you. Your good fortune knows no bounds. You have attained the ecstasy and sweetness of His divine love. Desires and cravings for worldly things have vanished. The family into which you were born boasts a sacred lineage. If you are willing to listen, I will share one of the secrets of my heart." Taking Namdev's hand, Dnyandev led him into the inner chambers of the house and continued, "Though a Jivanmukta, one who is liberated while living, is free from sin, they should not abandon the worship of their guru, God, or sacred places. I yearn to visit all the sacred sites on this earth in your company. It is with this purpose that I have come to meet you. Tell me if the desire of my heart will be fulfilled or not."

Upon hearing this, Namdev became sorrowful and replied, "Why should I forsake the holy city of Pandhari and wander to sacred bathing places? It is akin to discarding nectar and going from house to house begging for meager gruel. It is like relinquishing precious musk and carrying ashes in one's garment. Why would one leave the shade of a wish-fulfilling tree to seek shelter under a palm tree? Why abandon delectable food served on a plate to eat fallen leaves? Why shun the royal swan and invite a crow into one's abode? Why cast away diamonds and precious stones to fill one's pockets with sand? Why cease listening to the sacred hymns of the Samaveda and instead indulge in sensual songs? Why chase away the wish-fulfilling cow and bring home a goat?"

After deliberating on the matter, Namdev said to Dnyandev, "I am not the master of myself," and humbly bowed at his feet. "I am subservient to the One who has cared for me and supported me. I consider myself His in body and speech. He is the beloved life of Rukmini and the fulfiller of promises to Pundalik. With all my heart, I surrender to Him. Go and ask Him. If He commands me to go with you, I will honor His words."

Dnyandev replied to Namdev, "I understand your intention. You are astute, wise, generous, and the abode of devotion and knowledge." Embracing Namdev, he took him by the hand and said, "Let us both go to the temple and seek God's command." With Namdev in tow, Dnyandev arrived at the grand entrance of the temple. With profound reverence, he prostrated himself near the garuda platform. Proceeding to the inner sanctum, he beheld God standing on a brick. Dnyandev embraced the deity and devoutly worshiped His feet, sharing the secret thoughts that had occupied his mind. As God heard his request, a smile graced His divine countenance.

The dark-hued Lord said to Dnyandev, "You are the very embodiment of intelligence, as pure as crystal. You remain untouched by the influence of desires, existing solely as the soul. Why do you wish to wander aimlessly to sacred bathing places? Why apply a paste to the surface of the sun? Why repeatedly employ means to cool the moon? Why transform the ocean of milk into a mere guest? What need does the moon have for a gentle cooling breeze? What paste should one use to cool the moon? There is no need to teach Ganpati, nor is it necessary to teach Sarasvati the sixty-four arts. Similarly, Dnyandev, why do you seek fruitless wanderings to sacred bathing places? Why wander without purpose?"

Dnyandev replied, "Indeed, what you say is true. Your words are absolutely correct. However, I desire to associate with a God-loving devotee like Namdev. I yearn for the joy that comes from being in his company, for that alone makes life meaningful."

With deep affection, Dnyandev placed his head on God's feet. The Lord of Pandhari smiled and turned to Namdev, saying, "Dnyandev, who is indeed the supreme God, seeks your companionship. Go with him now and return soon. Accomplish whatever purpose you have in mind. But whether sitting, lying down, or walking, never forget me. And you, Nama, my life's essence, may your love for Me endure." As God spoke, His voice quivered with emotion. He then turned to Dnyandev and said, "You are wise and the epitome of joy. I have one request for you. Let it remain in your heart. Nama has grown under My divine grace, and I have always cherished him. I could bear separation from my consort, Ruma (Lakshmi), but I could never bear to be separated from Nama. You have placed Me in a dilemma, as I cannot deny your wish. No one is dearer to Me than Nama." God then took Namdev's hand and placed it in the hand of Dnyandev, saying, "Never neglect him; care for him with love. By requesting the jewel-like Nama from around My neck, you have put Me in a great predicament. Therefore, take care of this unrefined, innocent, and mad devotee, Nama. I have never been separated from Nama, but out of respect for you, I am sending him with you." Overwhelmed with emotion, the Consort of Rumā (Lakshmi) wiped tears from His eyes.

Dnyandev placed his head at God's feet and immediately set off, holding Nama's hand.