Bhakta Sangam

After Dnyandev and Namdev paid their respects to Lord Kailas, they returned to Pandhari. It was like a daughter returning to her mother's home, filled with joy. Nama felt immense happiness, like a calf rushing to its mother after being separated, or a child entering the house and finding comfort with its mother. Their hearts rejoiced as Namdev and Dnyandev walked swiftly towards Pandhari. From a distance, they caught sight of the temple dome and immediately offered their prostrations. They embraced each other, feeling overjoyed, and took cymbals and vina in their hands to lovingly perform a kirtan in honor of Lord Hari.

Approaching the main door of the temple, they again made a respectful bow. Nama, overcome with devotion, fell to the ground, unconscious of his body, like a stick falling to the ground when released. Dnyandev lifted him up, bringing back some of his consciousness, and held his hand as they continued walking. Upon reaching the god's bedroom, they bowed again, and the Life of the world descended from His throne to greet them. The Lord, moved by emotion, embraced Nama and waved a torch over him, dispelling all his troubles. Nama, too, was filled with emotion, and tears flowed from his eyes. He placed his head on the lotus feet of the Lord and spoke with a sweet voice, expressing his weariness and seeking the Lord's mercy. He confessed his past ignorance and wandering, acknowledging that no place, even in his dreams, could match the happiness he found in Pandhari. He felt a sense of unease seeing a god without eagle banners, but by bringing the Lord's form into his mind, he found peace. Nama poured out his heartfelt feelings, considering the Lord as his dearest friend, brother, relative, and family deity.

The Husband of Rukmini responded, saying that He had been sorrowful and unable to sleep day and night while waiting for Nama. Pandhari seemed desolate without Nama's presence, and His heart never forgot Nama even for a moment. He urged Nama not to separate himself from His sight and to focus his eyes on His form. The Lord expressed infinite love for Nama and compared their love to the inseparability of sweetness from sugar, the fondness of the lotus for the sun, and the unwavering connection between the chatak bird and the cloud. The moon and the ocean's love for each other mirrored His association with Nama, and just like a mother's love for her child, their minds were free from the idea of duality.

The Lord revealed that He had been concerned for Nama's well-being even in his absence. He would inquire about Nama from pilgrims and worried if he was thirsty, hungry, or in distress. No one else would know his soul's secrets or provide him shelter and comfort. The Lord expressed his affection by embracing Nama, caressing his face, wiping his eyes, and adorning him with a garland of flowers and tulsi. At that moment, noble Vaishnavas such as Nivritti, Dnyaneshwar, Sopan, Visoba Khechar, and Narahari, along with Rishis, Gandharvas, and gods, gathered there to rejoice in Nama's presence. Rukmini arrived with a lamp platter and waved it over the devotees with love, while holding Nama's chin and looking at him compassionately.

The Lord then advised Nama to complete his pilgrimage by performing the final rites, which included feeding the Brahmans. He emphasized the importance of these rites, even if Nama had visited many sacred bathing places. Without completing them, his wandering would be in vain, akin to cooking delicious food but not eating it, or listening to the reading of Puranas without meditating upon them. Just as beautiful ornaments are useless if not worn or medicine is ineffective without proper food, Nama needed to feed the Brahmans to fulfill his purpose. The Lord instructed him to gather all the Brahmans in the sacred city and offer them worship, a feast of delicious food, pan supari, and gifts of money.

Krishna then took Nama's hand and led him into the inner shrine, sharing with Rukmini that His love for Nama was immense and they could never be separated. He mentioned that Nama had set aside all other loves and affections, worshiping only Him with deep devotion.