55.16: A Muhammadan King’s penitence

191. The painter had drawn the pictures of Radhika and Krishna at Vrindavan. Radha had in her hand a Vida (rolled betelnut leaves) and she was in the act of putting it into the mouth of Krishna.

192. The king asked Latibshah angrily, ‘Who are these two in the picture? Tell me quickly.’

193. Latibshah replied, ‘They are Radhika and Krishna.’ ‘What is that in her hand?’ the king asked him.

194. The Vishnu-told him that Radha was offering a Vida to Krishna. At this answer the Muhammadan was greatly enraged at heart.

195. Said he, ‘If Radhika is offering a Vida to him, why does not your Krishna eat it?’ At this question the loving bhakta got up.

196. He joined both his hands palm to palm and began to plead with Krishna. ‘O Thou, the Advocate of Thy bhaktas and Enchanter of the world, hear my humble request.

197. With Vida in her hand here is Radhika standing devotedly, then O Hrishikeshi (the Lord of the heart) please take it into Thy mouth,'

198. The God of gods was pleased by the loving devotion of His bhakta and through His maya worked a great wonder.

199. The picture of Krishna drawn on the wall opened its mouth at once and Radhika at the same time put the Vida into its month.

200. The evidence left there was that the green colour of the Vida which was noticed in Radhika’s hand suddenly faded away.

201. As the king witnessed this marvel he bowed to Latibsbah and said, ‘Blessed is your pure worship, I vexed you for nothing.’

202. Saying this the king returned to his palace. Through pride of His bhakta, Shripati assumed a form.

203. The lotus-eyed One has bhaktas without end. His stories are without end. His avatars are without end. Mahipati is His suppliant and sings of His deeds.

204. Swasti (Peace)! This book is the Shri Bhaktivijaya. In listening to it the Lord of the world will be pleased. May the pious and loving bhaktas listen to it with love. This is the fifty-fifth delightful chapter.