Kabir

Kabir appeared as a baby enclosed in a shell, which fell into the Bhagirathi river and swiftly floated downstream. This unique incarnation of Shuka, defying the natural process of birth, eventually washed ashore at the Manikarnika ghat in Benares, having merged with human attributes. Even in his extraordinary form of birth, he incessantly chanted the names of God with his lips, as a continuous sound of "Ram, Ram" emanated from the shell. At that very moment, Kamal, a Muslim weaver, descended to the river to wash his thread. As he glanced down, he noticed the shell and ventured into the water to examine it. To his astonishment, he discovered a baby inside and his heart overflowed with joy. It was as if one stumbled upon a hidden treasure without exerting any effort, or as if a parched wanderer seeking water suddenly stumbled upon an ocean of milk. It was akin to finding pearls while stringing glass beads, or discovering a precious gem amidst a collection of shells. It was like accidentally stumbling upon the abode of Vishnu when searching for the city of Yama (the god of death), or unexpectedly entering a golden palace when seeking a simple dwelling. It was analogous to intending to listen to vulgar music and instead hearing a divine hymn of praise, or anticipating a quarrel and being greeted with a melody from the Sama Veda. It was comparable to exerting oneself to find wine and stumbling upon a wish-fulfilling tree in one's own backyard. It was akin to associating with a thief or immoral person and suddenly receiving a visit from one's spiritual teacher. Thus, while engrossed in his daily affairs, Kamal discovered this baby in the Ganges river.

This child was the incarnation of Shri Shuka in the Kali Yuga, the universal Savior, a Jagad Guru. Kamal wrapped the baby in his garment and hurriedly returned home. With overwhelming joy, he said to his wife, "I have found a beautiful baby in the Ganges, adorned with thirty-two divine qualities. My dear wife, let us care for this child." Upon hearing this, his wife's breasts filled with milk, and she lovingly nursed the child, her heart brimming with happiness. A great devotee of Vishnu was born into a Muslim family, and thus, they named him Kabir. His parents cherished him deeply. Even as an infant, he continuously repeated God's name, leaving everyone astonished. They marveled, "What virtuous deeds did this orthodox Muslim named Kamal perform in his past life? How is it that this Vishnu devotee, already distinguished by his religious traits, was born into a Muslim family?" One person responded, "It is due to his favorable destiny. When fate smiles upon someone, what need is there for worldly knowledge? Sometimes, even fools born into low castes are praised by all due to the power of fate. Therefore, this man's good fortune is extraordinary. A devotee of Vishnu has manifested through him." Such discussions echoed among the inhabitants of that sacred city. Indeed, it was through his past merits that Kabir was born to Kamal, the Muslim weaver.