Jayadeva Goswami

The King of Kraunch sent a palanquin to bring Padmavati, the dutiful wife who was a treasure of beauty, the embodiment of Indira (Lakshmi, the wife of Vishnu). The king adorned her with ornaments, jewelry, and pearl garlands as a gesture of respect. With reverence, the king bowed before this esteemed mother. Entering his private quarters, the king spoke to his wife, saying, "The queen of Jayadeva, Padmavati, is our revered mother. I desire that you personally serve her wholeheartedly, day and night." Upon hearing her husband's words, the loving wife replied, "I will certainly do so." Pleased with his thoughts, the king dismissed his servants and took it upon himself to serve Jayadeva personally.

On a particular day, the king's wives were gathered together, and Padmavati, adorned with virtues, radiated from her elevated seat. Like the majestic Bhagirathi among rivers, the faithful Savitri among wives, and the supreme Gayatri mantra among all other mantras, she shone as the foremost ornament. Sitting on the chief seat, Padmavati appeared as precious as musk among other fragrances or a necklace of glass beads among ornaments. Suddenly, news arrived that the queen's brother, Sujan, had passed away. Consumed by thoughts of her husband, Sujan's wife resolved to immolate herself on his funeral pyre. The young women present were filled with astonishment and curiosity, while Padmavati remained composed. Observing her calm demeanor, the others found it perplexing, and with folded hands, they asked her, "When a devoted wife, driven by love for her husband, sacrifices herself in such a manner, how is it that you show no surprise? Forsaking all attachments, a dutiful wife who embraces self-immolation remains united with her husband through seven births." Hearing this, Padmavati replied, "Why should a wife set herself ablaze? When her husband departs before her, one never knows when they will meet again. Upon hearing news of her husband's death, one might immediately contemplate suicide, just as the rays disappear when the sun sets. While speaking these words, the queens were astonished and remarked, 'She speaks without experience,' dismissing Padmavati's perspective as false.

Undeterred, Padmavati continued, "'Speaking without the favor of God is as futile as having knowledge of Brahma without experiencing it, a lifeless body, or a meaningless act performed without authority. It is as useless as the beauty of a barren woman or the friendship of a person driven solely by greed for money. It is as terrifying as a town devoid of trees. Just as God is incomplete without His devotees or a king lacks power without his army, a pure intention devoid of the means to fulfill it is worthless." While Padmavati expressed these thoughts, the queen considered her words deceitful. She summoned the minister and shared her plan, saying, "Listen carefully. Utter a falsehood on my behalf and spread the news that Jayadeva Swami has passed away. Send this information to the city."

On a certain day, the king embarked on a hunting expedition into the forest. He arranged for Jayadeva to accompany him in a palanquin. Meanwhile, the minister dispatched a messenger to the city, spreading the false news that Jayadeva had fallen prey to a tiger. Later, garments dipped in blood were sent by the minister as evidence. Upon receiving this news, the queen wept inconsolably. Pretending to grieve, she hurriedly approached the illustrious Padmavati. Through tears, she exclaimed, "A catastrophe has occurred. Jayadeva Swami has been killed by a tiger." Padmavati inquired, "Is this truly the case?" The queen replied, "It is absolutely true. Jayadeva has indeed been killed." Upon hearing this devastating news, Padmavati relinquished her life. Just as the rays vanish when the sun sets or a lamp's light extinguishes, just as the phases of the moon wane after the full moon, or the fragrance dissipates from crushed flowers, as soon as she learned of Jayadeva's death, she surrendered her life.

Upon his return to the city, the king witnessed the calamity that had befallen him. He inquired about the events from the minister, who narrated the entire story. Overwhelmed with grief, the king expressed his desire to end his own life but refrained from killing a woman. Instead, he resolved to sacrifice himself on a pyre. Thus, he built a great bonfire outside the city and approached it to pay his respects to Jayadeva Swami, saying, "O Swami, a great disaster has occurred because of me." Through his divine insight, Jayadeva understood all the news. He consoled the king, urging him not to take his own life.

Jayadeva then approached Padmavati's lifeless body, holding cymbals and a vina (a lute) in his lotus hands. He began singing the Radhavilas and performed a kirtana, singing the beloved names of God. "O Keshava, Narayana, Mukunda, Lover of the Bhaktas, O Source of joy, Protector of the Cowherds, praised by the world, come quickly to my aid. Just as You swiftly came to rescue Gajendra upon his desperate plea, O Protector of Prahlada, O Enchanter of hearts, hasten to my aid. You protected Draupadi from shame, O Guardian of the Pandavas, Slayer of Madhu, Delight of the cowherdesses' hearts, hasten to my aid. You are the Helper of the helpless, Husband of Rukmini, Residing on the banks of the Bhima river, Your garment encompassing all space, Purifier of sinners, Savior of the world, hasten to my aid." Upon hearing this plea, God immediately came to his assistance. He embraced Jayadeva and bestowed upon him a blessing. "Whoever sings your verses or listens to them with affection, the Husband of Lakshmi (Vishnu) stands by their side with joined palms." Having granted this blessing, the Life of the world embraced Padmavati and restored her to life. As soon as the lifeless body came back to life, cries of "Victory, Victory" resounded, and the gods showered flowers from their radiant chariots. Everyone rejoiced greatly. The noble Vaishnavas expressed their love through joyful shouts, and the king respectfully bowed before Jayadeva Swami. Devout individuals continue to sing and listen to this profoundly captivating story of Jayadeva. When they find themselves in distress and remember the Husband of Rukmini, He will swiftly come to their aid. I have endeavored to narrate, to the best of my abilities, this story of Jayadeva, the perfect avatar of Vyas, whose equanimity embraced both friend and foe.