Namdev

There was a tailor named Damaji, a devout Vaishnava, deeply pious, virtuous through righteous actions, and completely devoted to God. He possessed profound knowledge and remained indifferent to worldly affairs. After bathing in the Chandrabhaga River, he proceeded to worship Pandurang. Following this, it was his usual practice to have his morning meal. Damaji's wife, Gonai, was also highly virtuous and a dutiful wife. They resided in Pandhari and constantly chanted the names of the Lord of the Universe. Sadly, Gonai had been unable to conceive a child of her own. Hence, she said to her husband, "Go to Pandurang and ask for a son."

Damaji responded, "You are ignorant, my wife. We are both advanced in age. Why should we expect God to bless us with a child? If insects have devoured the seeds, there is no point in anticipating a harvest when the seeds are sown. Are you not ashamed to desire a son? What good is it to wish for rain after the monsoon season? Therefore, you should be ashamed of desiring a son. A mango tree does not bear fruit in the month of Shravan. So, are you not ashamed to ask for a son? Once the oil and wick in a lamp are consumed, darkness prevails. It is similar when you wish for a son without feeling ashamed."

Gonai replied, "Lord of my life, you accuse me of being unreasonable, but God's power is supreme. Now I understand your ignorance. When Lord Ram was incarnated, He made stones float on the sea. What difficulty can He have in granting us a child, despite our age? When Lord Brahma stole the calves, He transformed into cows and cowherds Himself. What difficulty can He possibly face in giving us a son?"

Damaji said to his wife, "I will now go to the temple and convey the desire you hold in your heart to God." He then went to the grand entrance of the temple and prostrated himself before God. He said, "My wife desires a son. Please grant us one, Shri Hari." After uttering these words, he immediately fell asleep. In his dream, the Life of the world appeared before him and said, "I have bestowed upon you the gift of a son. When you go to bathe on the banks of the Bhima River at sunrise, a son will come floating downstream. Lift the baby and return promptly to your home. This child will bring glory to the three worlds through his noble deeds. He will be a savior of the world and a devoted Vaishnava." The child carries my name."

Upon hearing this revelation in his dream, Damaji hastily returned home and narrated everything to his wife. The next day, Damaji arrived early at the banks of the Bhima River. He swiftly bathed and performed his daily rituals. Suddenly, he noticed a shell floating downstream. Wading into the river, he retrieved the shell and, upon opening it, his eyes fell upon a beautiful baby, as if it had just been born at that very moment. Observing the infant, he became anxious, wondering who would nurse the child. He wrapped the baby in his garment and brought it home. He informed his wife, "God has blessed us with a son." Gonai took the child, and miraculously, her breasts filled with milk. Both of them found it wondrous that, in their old age, she was able to nurse the child. Gonai bathed the baby and affectionately fed him at her breast. As they had pleased God and asked for a son from the dark-complexioned Lord, they named him Nama, and their love for the child was immeasurable.