Namdev

Nama's wife, Rajai, experienced significant trouble in her home and said to her mother-in-law, "You gave birth to a pure crystal for me, but now my garments are torn and exceedingly old. I don't have enough to eat. I have come to your house to live my poverty-stricken life. The one I serve with devotion has been persecuting me, and I see no way to improve our domestic situation."

Moved by Rajai's distress, the Lord of Pandhari, the Helper of the helpless, had mercy on her. Without Nama's knowledge, God assumed the form of a merchant named Keshava out of His great love for His devotee. He immediately came to their aid in their distress. He filled a bag with gold coins and said to Garuda, "Take the form of an ox and come to Nama's house." Carrying the bag of money, He asked the people on His way, "Can someone tell me the way to Nama's house?" The townspeople laughed upon hearing the question and replied, "There is no food to eat at Nama's house. Who could this guest be that has arrived?" They pointed to a tulsi altar adorned with bright banners, saying, "That is Nama's house."

Krishna said to Rajai, "Some guests have come to your home. Come outside immediately and give them a place to sit." Confused, Rajai wondered where the guest could have come from and feared being humiliated. She tried to send him away, saying, "The master of the house is not here, so I want you to leave." Addressing the neighbors who had gathered, she lamented, "These guests have nearly taken my life. What am I to do? Listen to the strange things happening. Countless sadhus have entered my house, playing cymbals and vinas and dancing in their love. They have cast aside all shame and societal conventions, embracing the Chief of Yadavas in their hearts and dancing in their delight. The master of my house told me to feed every saint that comes, but I have no food in the house, and he doesn't know."

Unbeknownst to Rajai, Shri Hari was standing at the door, listening to their conversation. He said to Rajai, "Come outside quickly." From behind the door, she asked, "Where are you from, and who are you? What is your name?" The Lord of the world replied, "My name is Keshav Seth. I love Nama dearly, and I have come to visit him. I heard the news that you have no food in your house. Nama is a friend of mine, so I brought him some gold coins."

Rajai, upon hearing His response, came outside to provide Him with a seat. The fact that she initially spoke harshly and then with reverence amused the Lord, and He smiled, saying, "You saw the money I brought, and now you speak very friendly. One should never go anywhere empty-handed. One should never attend a wedding without a gift, visit the king without money, or see one's daughter or sister empty-handed. Similarly, during times of distress, one should not visit relatives or wicked individuals empty-handed. At festivals, one should not visit sacred places without a gift, and when worshiping God in a temple or meeting a saint or guru, at least a tulsi leaf should be offered. Just as Sudama gave me a handful of parched rice with great reverence. Everyone is selfish, and I reward them accordingly. Only Nama worships me without selfish desires."

God then said to Rajai, "Don't do anything to trouble Nama now. I have brought a bag full of money. Keep it in your house, and when it is all spent, call on me for more. Give Nama my kind regards and tell him that his friend has called." Upon hearing this, Nama's wife said to Vithoba (Krishna), "Please don't be angry with me for speaking harshly. I didn't know you were a friend of the master of the house. Please eat and then continue on your way." The Lord of Heaven replied, "I will not eat without Nama's presence," and quickly departed. He went to Rukmini and shared all the news with her.