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...
55.14: Krishna and Rukmini dine with Gomai
162. On the Ekadashi day she listened to the kirtan [kirtana], bathed in the Chandrabhaga, and sat on the sandy bed with the flour tied in a cloth.
163. She said, ‘Today is a festival, the twelfth day of the fortnight. I should like to give dry provisions of food to a Brahman, but I have no pulse or salt.
164. If I see a Brahman, I shall speak humbly to him and say, “Kindly accept this handful of flour.”’
165. But no Brahman came near her. Every one said, ‘Right at the beginning I had the ominous sight of this widow, so now there is no possibility of obtaining a patron in her.
166. For who is going to accept only flour without coarse sugar, rice and ghee?’ Saying this to himself, no Brahman came near her.
167. Gomai said, ‘O Lord of Pandhari, what shall I do now? If I am not able to feed a Brahman on the twelfth day I will not eat food.’
168. Seeing her firm devotion the Lord of Pandhari, the God of gods, as an old Brahman went to her.
169. He said to Gomai, ‘Today is the festival of the twelfth day; I am a poor Brahman and have come to you.
170. If you have at least flour enough for one cake, give it to me with good devotion.’ As Shri Hari thus spoke the old woman was greatly delighted at heart.
171. The noble Brahman moreover said, ‘I have no place to lodge in I stay in the temple and I am very hungry.
172. If you bake the cakes for me here, I will eat them just here with delight.’ As the Lord of Pandhari thus spoke Gomai was joyful at heart.
173. Then she collected some cowdung cakes, bathed and baked the cakes and Pandurang [Panduranga] with great liking and love began quickly to eat.
174. Just then Mother Rukmini as an old woman appeared there and said, ‘O Chakrapani (Krishna), you came here by yourself to dine without my knowledge.’
175. Then the Brahman said to Gomai, ‘Now feed the suvasini( a woman enjoying the happy state of wifehood). You are very lucky. Without any trouble you reap the benefit of dining a couple.’
176. There was flour enough for only two cakes but it increased in quantity and Rukmini and the Lord of Pandhari dined with Gomai.
177. Having taken a leaf of tulsi for cleansing the mouth, the Merciful to the lowly disappeared. Listen to another narrative which is most interesting, O loving and pious ones.