Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
by Justin E. Abbott | 1933 | 306,590 words
This is the English translation of Bhaktavijaya which is a Marathi poem written by Mahipati in 40,000 lines. The text documents the legends of Indian saints from various backgrounds and extensively covers figures like Ekanath, Tukaram, and Ramadasa, highlighting their contributions to scholarship, philosophy, poetry, and social reform. The Bhaktavi...
42.4: Bhanudas turns away from worldly affairs
71. One day all those pedlars started on their way to a distant market-place. Their journey ending, they put up in a temple precinct.
72. Bhanudas the Vaishnava bhakta had also come along with them to that market-place, and as usual had placed his stall next to theirs,
73. Now it happened that a Handas had come to that same town, and had arranged for a kirtan [kirtana] that very evening. An invitation had been passed round the town that all should come to the recital.
74. When Bhanudas heard of this he was filled with great delight. ‘To-day is an auspicious day, the Ekadashi (the eleventh of the moon),’ he exclaimed, ‘I must go and listen to this kirtan [kirtana].’
75. Bhanudas invited the pedlars to go with him to the kirtan [kirtana]. (As they refused) he said to them, ‘If because of laziness you are unwilling to come with me, you will at least be sleeping beside our wares.
76. So protect my stall and care for my goods with yours.’ This request of Bhanudas made them very angry.
77. ‘You have become God-crazy’ they sneered. ‘You are for ever telling the truth. Now go to this Hari recital and take your goods along with yourself.
78. We are all wearied and are going to sleep. Seek some other place for your stall where you can display your wares,
79. There are thieves around here and we wish for no words of blame from you. We cannot understand what gain is going to fall into your lap from going to this kirtan [kirtana].’
80. Bhanudas replied, ‘Well, let my goods remain here or be stolen (I care not). My heart is fixed on Pandurang. I will never desert Him’
81. Thus remarking, Bhanudas the Vaishnava bhakta left his goods as they were and hastened away, soon reaching the place where sadhus and saints were gathered to listen to the kirtan [kirtana].
82. With his heart full of joy he made a namaskar to the Haridas, ‘Happy is this occasion’ he said, ‘the Ekadashi’ (the eleventh of the moon). He then embraced the saints.
83. The Vaishnavas sang lovingly the Rama and Krishna stories that bring salvation to mankind, and Bhanudas listened with great delight, for he had a great love for them.