Namdev

Rajabai began cooking in her part of the house. She prepared a variety of delicious foods, including nine different cooked dishes. She thought to herself, "The Lord of the world has done something truly remarkable," and she felt a great sense of joy.

However, Nama looked upon the numerous pots, vessels, garments, and ornaments that had been given to his wife with great displeasure. It was as if a deer caught in a net becomes distressed, and Nama experienced a similar distress by witnessing these opulent possessions. Like a gust of wind extinguishing a flickering flame, his saddened mind lost its happiness upon seeing such wealth. Just as a beautiful person feels repulsed when afflicted with leprosy, Vaishnava devotees feel disgusted in the presence of material wealth. When the sun is eclipsed, it appears devoid of brightness, and in the face of illusory wealth, Nama's countenance turned gloomy. Just as a south wind dissipates a cloud, dejection settled in Nama's heart.

Like a king plagued by news of defeat, his mind became filled with concern. Similar to Shuka being troubled upon seeing Rambha, Nama's heart sank upon witnessing this abundance. He lovingly asked his mother, "Where did all this wealth come from?" Gonai replied, "I honestly do not know." Nama's wife urged him, "You are late for your meal, so quickly bathe and sit down to enjoy the food bestowed upon us by God as a favor."

Nama wondered to himself, "Why is she speaking so humbly today? It must be because my wife finds great comfort in seeing all this wealth and abundance in our house." When one possesses no money, even a brother might consider them an enemy, and the malicious and wrongdoers mock them. This is what is known as affection. Even his father becomes disgusted with him, saying, "By being born to us, you have brought us a bad reputation." Neighbors express their displeasure, remarking, "He seems to waste his time." When he visits his daughter or sister, they feel ashamed to see him. A wife will not embrace a weak husband. His sons say, "He has burdened us with debt." Thus, everyone enjoys association with someone during happy times, but they turn away in times of distress.

Nama had devotion for the Brother of the helpless, the Husband of Rukmini. He asked his wife, "Where did you bring this bag of wealth from?" However, she remained silent and did not utter a word. She thought to herself, "If I inform him now, he will distribute it immediately." Knowing that he would do so, she chose not to reply.

Just then, Jani, Nama's maidservant, hurriedly approached Nama, bowed at his feet, and informed him of what had transpired. She said, "Rajabai was greatly distressed, and God quickly came to her aid. He assumed the form of a merchant named Keshavshet and forcefully presented this bag of wealth to her. The Lord of Heaven took on the appearance of a Kanarese Lingayat and stood in front of her house, proclaiming that He had come as her guest." Rajabai asked Him, "Tell me your name." In response, the merciful Cloud replied, "Nama is my dearest friend. If you wish to know my specific name, I am known as one with the complexion of a dark cloud. Upon hearing that there was a shortage of food and clothing here, I have brought a bag full of coins. Once this money is spent, I will bring more, so that from today onwards, no one shall trouble Nama." The Husband of Rukmini lowered the bag from the ox's back and has only just left."

At this point, tears flowed from Nama's eyes.