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...
42.7: Pedlars’ disaster
100. In the meantime the pedlars were sitting in the temple precincts reviling Bhanudas: ‘He will soon come back to look after his wares’ they said.
101. ‘When he hears all we tell him that has happened here, he will become greatly agitated.’ As these villains were thus talking among themselves the dark-complexioned One became very angry.
102. And while the Life of the world was expressing his anger, suddenly thieves approached. They robbed the pedlars of their goods and gave all a severe beating.
103. They loosened all their packhorses and took them all away. And now the pedlars sat weeping. ‘We persecuted Bhanudas,’ they said, ‘and Pandurang [Panduranga] has made us experience the result.’
104. One remarked, ‘According to our karma, so are our minds. We certainly lack knowledge. We have not used forethought.’
105. Still another remarked, ‘Fortune has played us false. Therefore we performed this loathsome act. Bhanudas is a single-minded bhakta. With no gain to ourselves we have troubled him.’
106. They now made a loud outcry but no one came running to them from the town. The Husband of Rukmini, skilled in the use of maya, had cast a spell upon all.