16.6: Krishna’s Bhaktas

80. The cloud-dark complexioned One said to the saints. ‘He has been given the name of Namdev. He has experienced my love and according to the laws of the heart he has obtained peace.

81. Moreover I love the saints and the Vaishnavas more than I love my own life. They have plunged into my form and become united with me.

82. Nama, I see that your good qualities are superior to those of all the others, and the joyful cloud of the nectar of love is seen more and more in you.

83. This Dnyandev here also is my very life. He is the ornament of theoretical and experimental knowledge. Nivritti my servant is a mountain of vairagya.

84. This noble bhakta Sopan is the full sea of soul-knowledge. My bhaktas also are Rohidas [Rohidasa], Visoba Khechar, and Gora the potter.

85. My bhaktas are also Paramanand Joga and this Jagamitra Naga Vinatarama, Vateshvar Changa. I, Krishna, am very fond of the saints.

86. I am especially fond of Asand, Sudama, Keshavdas [Keshavadasa], the goldmith [goldsmith?] Narahari, and Bhanudas [Bhanudasa]. Still there is no limit to my love for you.

87. Bhishma, Rukmangad [Rukmangada], Akrur [Akrura], Uddhav [Uddhava], Arjun [Arjuna], Pralhad [Pralhada], the noble Druva, Narada and Tumbar [Tumbara], know my heart.

88. They are for ever indifferent to every earthly thing, and without effort will become Jivanmuktas (free while living); but O Nama, I see your most unusual and fortune-blest glory.

89. All these love me dearly. They have accompanied me all through their infinite rebirths. But your devotion appears to my heart as superior to that of all others.’

90. While Hari was carrying on this conversation, suddenly the bands of Warkari pilgrims arrived. There were musical instruments and banners in their hands, and they were shouting out ‘Victory, victory.’

91. With them were a great number of banners, with the design of an eagle upon them. Innumerable drums were being sounded, and loud shouting of God’s name, making the banks of the Bhima reverberate.

92. The God-loving bhakta Pundalik understood the pure joy of such an occasion. Just as the chakor bird alone enjoys the nectar of the moon;

93. or just as it is the infant alone that understands the joy of taking the nourishment from its mother’s breast; or just as no one aside from Upamanyu can understand the glory of the sea of milk;

94. or just as the royal swan is able to separate the milk that has become mixed with water; or just as the wise understand by experience the praise of bhaktas who are God-loving;

95. or as it is the bee alone that understands how to drink the honey in the lotus-flower; so it was the bhakta Pundalik who enjoyed the supreme joy of the sacred city of Pandhari.