Jayadeva Goswami

The thieves who cut off the hands of Jayadeva learned about his presence and devised a plan to deceive the king by pretending to be saints. Unaware that Jayadeva was present, they disguised themselves as saints by adorning their bodies with gopi chandan, a type of clay, and wearing a garland of Tulsi around their necks. They appeared radiant and exuded an aura of sanctity. From a distance, they seemed like perfect saints, much like how the focused gaze of a crane intent on catching fish appears more beautiful than that of a great sage. However, no one could perceive the deceit concealed within their hearts.

These two thieves entered the city with the intention of meeting the king. Holding a rosary in their hands, they feigned detachment from worldly affairs. As they entered the king's palace and looked ahead, they suddenly spotted Jayadeva sitting on the throne. Panic surged within them like a blazing fire. They exchanged meaningful glances, silently acknowledging that their deceptive actions had led them into this perilous situation. They likened their predicament to a hunter who intended to shoot a dove and its mate but was bitten by a venomous snake instead. They believed that their own deceit had come to fruition, bringing them misfortune.

Recognizing them from afar, Jayadeva acknowledged their presence. As their eyes met, they understood each other without the need for words. Naturally, Jayadeva harbored no enmity towards any living being. Forgiveness and tranquility were personified in him, and enemies were regarded as friends. He overlooked the flaws and merits of others, perceiving all humanity as a manifestation of the divine. This is the hallmark of saints. Learning that the thieves had robbed him of his possessions and wealth actually brought solace to Jayadeva's heart, as saints possess such qualities. Saints are characterized by their compassion, whether it be for their own crying child or that of another. Whether a king bestows ornaments or a commoner brings vegetables and greens, saints are equally pleased by both offerings. Such is the nature of saints.

When Jayadeva saw these adversaries approaching, he descended from his throne and they hastened to touch his feet in reverence. Witnessing this, the Husband of Padmavati (Lord Vishnu) embraced them. Jayadeva then instructed his servants, saying, "Some saints have arrived in the city. Inform the king that they should be accorded special honor." Upon hearing this, the servants conveyed the message to the king, who promptly came and bowed before the saints, worshipping them with various materials used for religious rituals. He humbly requested, "Please stay in my home as long as you desire."

The two thieves, however, pondered their situation during the night and became apprehensive about the hospitality extended to them. They said to each other, "In a town inhabited by cruel individuals who deceive and later kill their victims, we find ourselves in a similar predicament. Just as a parrot comes and perches on a trap only to be ensnared, it seems that we are destined to suffer the same fate. Like a fish deceived by bait, swallowing it only to be caught by the hook in its throat, today we shall meet our doom."

Their incessant worry began to consume them, causing their bodies to waste away as if afflicted by tuberculosis. One day, the king approached Jayadeva and said, "O Swami, I have a request to make at your feet. Other saints visit my palace, and you offer them reverence from a distance. However, why did you prostrate before these individuals? Although I regularly worship them with various offerings, their bodies are becoming thinner day by day."

Jayadeva replied, "O king, saints are not interested in indulging their senses with worldly objects. For those who are detached from material desires, the illusory attractions and selfish pleasures of the world are akin to poison. Other Vaishnavas may come, but these individuals are even more indifferent to worldly matters. It is your good fortune that they have chosen to remain here. If they ask for permission to leave, give them as much money as they request."

The king agreed, affirming his commitment to fulfill their wishes. He bowed to Jayadeva and expressed his willingness to comply. One day, the pretentious saints sought permission to depart, stating, "We belong to a sacred city and wish to return home." The king responded, "Ask for whatever you desire." In response, the deceivers said, "Fill two carts with money for us." The king readily agreed, assuring them that their request would be fulfilled. He bestowed garments and ornaments upon them, filling two carts with precious items, and assigned two soldiers to accompany them. With great humility, he joined his hands together and took leave of Jayadeva.

As these false saints embarked on their journey and ventured into the forest, the soldiers posed a question to them, saying, "Many sadhus and saints visit our palace, yet it appears that the Swami (Jayadeva) has shown particular favor to you more than others. We have doubts, and thus we seek an answer from the Swami regarding this matter." The imposters replied to the soldiers, narrating a fabricated tale, "Some time ago, in a previous life, we and your Swami (Jayadeva) served a wicked king who had a minister named Jayadeva. Due to some transgression, the king became infuriated with him. In a fit of rage, the king commanded us to take him far into the forest and behead him. In compliance with the king's order, we took him to the forest, but instead of killing him, we severed his hands and feet. We threw him into a pit and returned to the city. From that moment, we became indifferent to worldly matters, renouncing our service to the king and becoming worshippers of Vishnu. Wandering from one sacred city to another, we eventually arrived in your city. Upon entering the palace, we immediately recognized each other. We saved Jayadeva's life, for which he expressed immense gratitude. He conveyed our story to the king, who then served us."

As they concluded their fabricated tale, the earth began to tremble. Untruthfulness is considered the greatest sin in this world. Swiftly, the ground opened up, and the false saints vanished into it. The soldiers were left astounded by this great calamity, pondering their course of action. Fearful of the king's potential retribution, one among them suggested, "Let us be brave and truthfully report what has happened." Encouraged by this idea, the servants returned to their city and approached Jayadev Swami, narrating all the news to him. Tears welled up in the lotus eyes of Jayadeva, who said, "O Krishna, the Purifier of sinners, Beloved of the devotees, Husband of Rukmini, why have You taken my enemies to hell, O Life of the World? Ravana, who was an enemy of the devotees, was granted the highest spiritual state. Why, O Enchanter of the heart, have You taken my enemies to hell? Shishupal committed hundreds of faults, yet You showed favor to him, but my enemies You have taken to hell. Why is this, O Merciful One? Kansa, Chanur, and Putana, You bestowed upon them the highest spiritual state, but my enemies, O Slayer of Madhu, You have taken to hell." Hearing this heartfelt plea, the Life of the World was pleased. Vishnu immediately appeared before Jayadeva, delighting him. God Narayan, in His sagun form with four arms, stood before Jayadeva. Soon after, Jayadeva's hands and feet sprouted from his body, resembling the branches of a tree. A luminous chariot named Pushpaka appeared and carried the deceitful saints to Vaikuntha, the heavenly abode of Vishnu. Such is the power of a devotee that even Brahma and the other gods cannot comprehend. The Husband of Rukmini spoke to Jayadeva, saying, "Blessed is your devotion. Forgiveness, mercy, and peace reside within you. To one who sees both enemy and friend equally, I, Hrishikesh (Lord of the heart), am subordinate." With these words, the Dweller in Vaikuntha became invisible. Observing that Jayadeva's hands and feet had miraculously sprouted, the king regarded it as a wondrous miracle. He joined his hands together and conversed with Jayadeva. Jayadeva then recounted the aforementioned story to the king, while the Vaishnavas joyfully chanted the names of God.