11.1: The stories of the Saints are like nectar

Obeisance to Shri Ganesh. Obeisance to Shri Krishna

1. Dear hearers, listen now with attention. You are now offered a drink of nectar, in that these stories of the bhaktas, with their deep and marvellous significance, have blossomed like flowers through their being related in the Marathi tongue.

2. Just as a dainty food prepared in a Brahman’s house is eatable by every caste; or as ornaments of gold remarkably adorn any beautiful form;

3. or as garments woven in cotton protect all from the cold; or as pure melted butter when stored by itself never spoils;

4. or as jewels in a golden setting are useful for all wearers of adornments; or as when the seed of the nectar plant is sown in the ground and spreads a million fold;

5. or as when stones are chiselled and a temple erected in which the image of Shiva (Jashvanila) is placed; so this easily understood book has become available for all.

6. But if anyone has a contrary opinion and says, ‘How much are you going to boast of yourself?’ I reply, ‘I have spoken to you as to an intimate friend with thoughts of love.

7. Though you needlessly blame me, do not neglect the Bhaktavijaya. Disregard its faults and accept its good qualities. You have the right to do this,

8. On the other hand I Mahipati and dullness come in the same schedule of analogy. Let it be firmly understood in your minds that the Husband of Shri Rukmini is the composer of this book.

9. How can the dolls dance when the cords that move them are broken? If the wind ceases to blow, the trees will never wave.’

10. It was related in the former chapter how Namdev [Namadeva] raised a cow to life, and how the king came and worshipped his feet and every one rejoiced.

11. After performing this miracle he took leave of all, and as he walked along by day and night he was continually repeating the names of God.

12. In whatever country he visited the sacred bathing places he composed verses in the same manner there. In their various languages he described the priceless qualities of God.

13. If I should mention in detail these sacred bathing places in the various countries, this book will be extended too much. Namdev [Namadeva] visited all of them and finally came to Anandavan (modern Benares).

14. He bathed in the Bhagirathi river He saw and worshipped Vishveshwar [Vishveshvara] (the Lord God of the universe). Having thus carried out his purpose, his mind was full of supreme joy.

Other India history Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘11.1: The stories of the Saints are like nectar’. Further sources in the context of India history might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Beautiful form, Good qualities, Intimate friend, Supreme joy, Bhaktavijaya.

Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.

Dainty food, Bhagirathi river, Sacred bathing place, Image of Shiva, Brahman's house, Thoughts of love.