Bhakta Sangam

Nama has abandoned every business enterprise. Who, then, will perform the final rites? By serving you, he has made you his debtor, casting aside pride and affection. Having passed through a great number of births, he has accumulated some good deeds. All these he has lovingly offered at your feet. Just as rivers in great volumes of water pour into the sea, so Nama has followed you with singleness of devotion. And so, it falls to you to perform everything yourself in your affection for him."

Hearing her say this, Shrirang (Krishna) smiled. Rukmini added, "Oh, good Being, Nama's love is extraordinary. Brahmadev would not be able to describe it with his lips. It is always new and beyond comparison. So you, oh Holder of the disk, must now go, taking Nama with you, and after inviting the Brahmans, come back quickly. If all the circumstances are favorable, one will not have to worry. If you, Lord of Pandhari, have the wish to do something, what can you not do? The calf of the wish-fulfilling cow does not have to go into the mountains to feed. The sun never has to light a lamp to cause brightness. The ocean does not have to worry as to whether it will rain or not. A person who drinks nectar continually, what does he have for digestible food? Why should the moon make an effort to become cool? How can it be difficult for Sarasvati to compose poetic verses? Lord Ganesh does not have to labor to put away hindrances. Why does one want a mirror to see the bracelet on one's hand? So, oh Life of the world, it will not take much effort to feast Brahmans for Nama."

Hearing her say this, the king of Vaikunth started on his way. Taking Nama's lotus hand, Krishna walked along. He assembled and took along with him, with great ceremony, a crowd of devotees. Among them were Nivritti and Dnyandev, Sopan, Visoba Khechar, Chokhamela, Narahari the goldsmith, and Vanka the woodcutter. Sanaka and the others walked on each side, watching the wonderful sight. Behind Nama, the Lord of the Yadavas walked in his love. I will tell you the reason why he walked behind Nama. It was because the Life of the world wished to take the dust of Nama's feet.

The Life of the world said with his own lips that he was the object of the supplicant. What cannot the Ocean of mercy, the Cloud of compassion, do? The Brother of the lowly, Helper of the humble, is known worldwide for his reputation. Therefore, you listeners should never have a doubt in your mind. Why should I speak any more on this subject? The devotees of Vishnu understand its meaning. The Husband of Rukmini hastened to give invitations to the Brahmans. In order for the Life of the world to fulfill the ambition of his servant, he acted as a householder, a merchant, a Brahman, and a host for his devotees. The king of the Yadavas, along with the Vaishnavas, first circumambulated the sacred city, and as he saw the Brahmans, the king of Vaikunth arrived on the sands of the river. As soon as he saw the Brahmans, He, the Helper of the helpless, the Husband of Rukmini, the merciful One to the lowly, the Ocean of compassion, reverently made them a namaskar. The Pandits, the Vedic Brahmans, the good and expert listeners, seeing the Life of the world, were amazed. The Life of the world had taken the form of a citizen, and yet the marks of his six glorious elements [all-sovereignty, all-goodness, all-glory, all-opulence, all-knowledge, all-dispassionateness] were not hidden; just as when gold is mixed with brass, it can never be hidden. Pure silver in the midst of tin, a God-loving devotee in the midst of a business life, or the touchstone among other stones, can never be hidden. Just as the tulsi plant among other plants, or as the Ganges among other rivers, so among his devotees, the Dweller in the heaven Vaikunth could not possibly remain hidden. As the diamond can be prominently seen in diamond dust, as nectar can be seen in a plate of delicious food, and as the moon appears brilliant in the midst of clusters of stars, so in this assembly of Vaishnavas, the Brahmans were astonished to see the Holder of the Sharang bow (Krishna). Then, with great joy, they spoke very sweetly to him. 'In seeing your form, the three kinds of afflictions (from deities, devils, or fate) have departed. Tell us your name and where have you come from? What is your occupation? What business do you conduct? Whereabouts are your lodgings? Let us have an answer to these questions.' Hearing these questions of the Brahmans, the Holder of the disk (Krishna) replied, 'Both my family and occupation are known to these devotees. I am the unconquered One and the Unassociated, but in all my infinite number of rebirths, I have been associated with them in close acquaintance. And now, making your feet my witness, I am speaking the exact truth. I am the dear friend of Nama. If you still have any doubts in your minds, then present your sacred thoughts to these saints. With your doubts removed, you must come to the feast. I have taken lodgings in the temple. If you ask me my name, it is Ananta (the infinite One). Perform the rite of bathing and come quickly to the feast.' Hearing this nectar reply, the Brahmans rejoiced in mind. Replying that they would come at once, the cooking of the feast was completed.