Verse 12.20

Verse 12.20: “And those who betake themselves, as aforesaid, to this ‘Ambrosia of Righteousness,’ full of faith and making Me as their Highest Goal: those that are (thus) devoted to Me, they are exceedingly dear unto Me.” (230)

Commentary called Jnaneshwari by Jnaneshwar:

Those that hear this delightful narrative which is sweet like the shower of nectar and turn it into self-experience, and in whom it expands itself through a liking for the greatest of faith, and those who follow it, giving it an eternal place in their heart, and who, even though they have attained the condition of the mind as described above and have derived the best fruit like the (best) seed sown in a fertile soil, and who yet consider me very great and entertain an affection and devotion for me and take me as their all-in-all, Oh Partha, such ones are the real devotees and Yogins in this world, and it is these for whom I feel an eternal longing.

Such ones as have great friendly feeling (maitra) for devotional stories, are in themselves holy waters and places of pilgrimage, and they are really the holy ones in the world. We meditate upon them; they are our worshipful Gods, and we consider nothing else as superior to them. We hanker after them, they are our very hoards—nay we feel satisfaction only when we secure them. Those, Oh Son of Pandu, that sing their loving accounts are respected by me as great Gods.”

“So spake to (Arjuna) that Mukunda, the giver of joy to his devotees, the primeval bulbous root of the universe,” said Samjaya (to Dhritarashtra) and added, “Oh King, he (Lord Krishna) pure, stainless, kind to the world, maintainer and protector of those that have surrendered themselves to him; and whose constant sport is to render help to the Gods to maintain and bring up the world and to protect it: whose religious fame is spotless: who is straightforward, with unbounded generosity, whose strength is unlimited and who brings under his bondage the (arrogant) mighty: who is kind to his devotees and friendly to those that love him; (who is) the supporter of true ones and the very storehouse of art and skill;—That Lord Krishna of Vaikuntha, the Lord Paramount (cakravartī) of his devotees said all this while the lucky (Arjuna) heard it. Now I narrate the subsequent account”, said Samjaya to Dhritarashtra.

That very eloquent narrative will now be told in Marathi and the hearers should give their attention to it. Jnanadev [Jnanadeva] said, “Oh (that) I should surrender myself to you—the saints and render service unto you, is the (only) thing taught to me by God Nivritti.”