Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Ekanatha Charitam II Vol III Book VIII Chp 12 Shlokas 27 - 30

Shri Ekanatha Charitam II Vol III Book VIII Chp 12 Shlokas 27 - 30

यवन उवाच

त्वत्प्रभावमविज्ञाय कृतं पापं मया प्रभो |

यतस्त्वं सञ्जनश्रेष्ठः क्षमया पृथिवीसमः ||

ममापि हृदये स्वामिन् क्षमामुत्पादय प्रभो |

अहञ्च देवदेवस्य भविष्यामि प्रियङ्करः ||

श्रीसद्गुरुवाच

इत्युक्त्वा प्रणमन्तं तं म्लेच्छं निर्मलमानसम् |

सान्त्वयामास विविधैरुपदेशैर्महामनाः ||

एवं दुरात्मनामत्र क्षणसङ्गोपि साधुषु |

येनकेनप्रकारेण कृतोपि शुभदो भवेत् ||

The muslim said

Oh! Lord! Not knowing your magnanimity and greatness. I have committed a sin. You are the most distinguished among the seers. You are even more forbearing than Mother Earth.

Shri Sadguru continued

The large-hearted Ekanatha consoled the single-minded muslim who bowed to him, preaching him many high ideals. Thus the company to its sadhus, attained in any way, even if it is momentary, yields good results, and becomes beneficial to the wicked ones too.

Thus ends Chapter Twelve entitled “Ekanatha Charitam II” of Book VIII of Shri Vaishnava Samhita composed by Shri Shri Krishna Premi Swamigal.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Ekanatha Charitam II Vol III Book VIII Chp 12 Shlokas 22 - 26

Shri Ekanatha Charitam II Vol III Book VIII Chp 12 Shlokas 22 - 26

यवन उवाच

गण्डूषे तु मया विप्र कृतेप्येवं पुनः पुनः |

न क्रोधवशमापन्नः स्नात्वा गच्छसि सुस्मितः ||

क्षमां विलोक्य ते स्वामिन्नाक्ष्चर्यं परमङ्गतः |

पृच्छामि त्वामादरेण तत्र कारणमुच्यताम् ||

एकनाथ उवाच

गण्डूषोच्छिष्टदोषो मे नूनं स्नानेन नश्यति |

किन्तु मे क्रोधदोषस्य शुद्धिहेतुर्न विद्यते ||

तस्मादेव क्षमां त्यक्तुं नाहमिच्छामि सुव्रतः |

क्षमयैव मनःशुद्धिर्जायते यवनोत्तम ||

मनःशुद्धिविहीनानां देहशुद्ध्या तु किं फलम् |

पूजां गृहाणि भगवान्नूनं हि प्रयतात्मनाम् ||

The muslim said

Oh! Brahmana! Even after my repeated spitting on your head you did not get angry. With a smile, you were taking bath again and again and going home. Oh! Sir! I am very much surprised to find you so patient. I ask you this question with all sincerity. What is the reason for this limitless patience and forbearance.

Ekanatha replied

The impurity caused by your spitting can be removed by a bath. But there is no way to remove the sin born out of anger. Oh, good one! I do not like to give up endurance. The heart is cleansed only with endurance. What is the use of a clean body alone if the heart is not pure? Shri Bhagavan approves of the Pooja performed by only those who have both a clean body and a pure heart.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Ekanatha Charitam II Vol III Book VIII Chp 12 Shlokas 15 - 21

Shri Ekanatha Charitam II Vol III Book VIII Chp 12 Shlokas 15 - 21

तथापि क्षमया युक्तमेकनाथं विलोक्य सः |

चक्रे ताम्बूलसंयुक्तं गण्डूषं शिरसि प्रभोः ||

एकनाथोपि सहसा पुनर्गत्वा महानदीम् |

स्नात्वापि च यथापूर्वं प्रययौ स्वगृहं प्रति ||

तदापि पापचित्तोsयं यवनो धनगर्वितः |

पुनक्ष्चकार गण्डूषं तस्यैव शिरसि प्रभोः ||

तथापि क्षमया युक्तो महात्मा शुद्धमानसः |

गोदावरीं पुनर्गत्वा स्नानञ्चक्रे यथाविधि ||

आगच्छन्तं पुनर्दृष्ट्वा चक्रे गण्डूषमेव सः |

एकनाथो महाधीरो न क्रोधवशमागतः ||

एवं हि लीलया कृत्वा गण्डूषं तु पुनः पुनः |

तस्य क्रोधं जनयितुं न शशाक स दुर्मतिः ||

एवं परिभवं कृत्वा यवनो विस्मिताशयः |

प्रासादादवरुह्यैनं पप्रच्छ द्विजपुङ्गवम् ||

Yet Ekanatha was going patiently homeward. Seeing this that irritated muslim spat on his head, the betel and nut he was chewing. But the great Ekanatha was undisturbed. He returned to the river, had a bath again and went homeward as he did earlier. This time also, that sinful man, who was proud of his material possessions, spat on his head. Still that patient and loft-minded great man was not disturbed. He reached the Godavari again and had another bath systematically. The fool saw him again and once more he spat on him. Yet the firm and strong-willed Ekanatha did not yield himself to anger. Thus, the wicked man repeated spitting on him. as a fun, many times. Yet he could not provoke that noble man. Surprised at the serenity of the noble brahman against all this ill-treatment the muslim asked him of the following:

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Ekanatha Charitam II Vol III Book VIII Chp 12 Shlokas 9 - 14

Shri Ekanatha Charitam II Vol III Book VIII Chp 12 Shlokas 9 - 14

मध्येमार्गं क्वचित्तत्र यवनस्य दुरात्मनः |

गृहमस्ति दुराचारभूयिष्ठं मांसरूषितम् ||

प्रासादे तत्र दुष्टोपि तिष्ठन् गर्वेण सम्युतः |

सदाचारं महात्मानमेकनाथं ददर्श ह ||

प्रसन्नवदनं शुद्धं सर्वसद्गुणभूषितम् |

शुक्लाम्बरधरं चापि क्ष्वेतयज्ञोपवीतिनम् ||

ऊर्ध्वपुण्ड्रलसत्फालं जपमालाधरं प्रभुम् |

पवित्रपाणिं श्रीमन्तं कीर्तयन्तं श्रियः पतिम् ||

जलमादाय गच्छन्तं शालग्रामार्चनाय च |

परिहासञ्चकारैवमेकनाथं विलोक्य सः ||

तमनालोक्य दुर्बुद्धिं महात्मा याति निर्भयम् |

उच्चैर्जहास दुष्टोsयं कृत्वा हस्तविघट्टनम् ||

On the way, there was a filthyhouse wrapped by flesh and fat. It was the residence of a wicked muslim who was of a bad conduct. That wicked man who was standing in the upper-most floor of the house, saw the noble mahatma Ekanatha. Ekanatha had a very lustrous countenance. He was very pious and was adorned with all noble qualities. He was wearing a spotlessly clean, white garment and an upper cloth. He had the tilak on his forehead and had the garland of beads round his neck. He wa very handsome and bright. he was having a pot of holy water to be used in the Pooja of Shri Vishnu, who was in the form of a Shalagramam in his house. Looking at this noble man Ekanatha, the muslim mocked at him. The noble man was going home devoid of fear and ignoring that evil-minded man. But that wicked one was laughing at him clapping his hands.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Ekanatha Charitam II Vol III Book VIII Chp 12 Shlokas 7 - 8

Shri Ekanatha Charitam II Vol III Book VIII Chp 12 Shlokas 7 - 8

एकनाथो महात्माsयं प्रातरुत्थाय सादरम् |

कीर्तयन् हरिनामानि गोदावर्यास्तटं ययौ ||

स्नानसंध्यादिकं कृत्वा तेजस्वी लोकपूजितः |

कुंभेपि तीर्थमादाय प्रतस्थे स्वगृहं प्रभुः ||

Once mahatma, Ekanatha got up early in the morning and went to the bank of the river Godavari, singing in praise of Shri Hari with great devotion. The mahatma who was held in high esteem by the world due to the glowing strength of his divinity and spirituality, finished his bath and morning rituals and started homeward with a pot full of the holy water of Godavari.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Ekanatha Charitam II Vol III Book VIII Chp 12 Shlokas 1 - 6

Shri Ekanatha Charitam II Vol III Book VIII Chp 12 Shlokas 1 - 6

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

क्षमया शमयेत्क्रोधमात्मानं बहुमानयन् |

क्षमावान् शान्तहृदयो नूनं सर्वत्र पूज्यते ||

अव्याजेनैव कोपेन निन्दन्ति बहुधा खलाः |

तान्नमस्कृत्य सप्रेम पूजयेद्वैष्णवोत्तमः ||

निर्वीयमेव मन्यन्ते क्षमावन्तं तु लोकिकाः |

तथापि प्रेमभावेन क्षमामेव भजेत्सदा ||

क्षमा सत्यं क्षमा दानं क्षमा योगः क्षमा तपः |

क्षमा धर्मः क्षमा ज्ञानं क्षमया प्रीयते हरिः ||

सर्वलोकेक्ष्वरोप्येष पादक्षेपं भृगोर्मुनेः |

क्षमया भगवान् स्नेहे क्षमिणां वैभवं स्मरन् ||

तस्माद्भागवतानां तु सात्विकानां महात्मनाम् |

क्षमैव भूषणं नूनं क्षमया लभ्यते सुखम् ||

Shri Sadguru said

One should control anger with the help of endurance thus exalting oneself. A man endowed with patience and humility, is respected highly everywhere. The wicked ones, for no reasons, may get angry and scold and despise people. But a true and great vaishnava should revere them and treat them with real affection. The ordinary people of the mundane world regard the enduring people as weak and powerless. Yet one should cultivate patience with a heart filled with love. Truth, charity, yoga, penance, righteousness and wisdom are all different aspects of endurance only. All of them are enveloped by endurance, with which Lord Hari is pleased. As Shri Bhagavan knows the excellence of the patient ones, He tolerated with patience, the kick given by the seer Bhrugu, despite His being the Sarveshwara. Hence, the great bhagavatas, the humble and noble ones should adorn themselves with endurance alone. Only endurance bestows happiness of the true nature.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Ekanatha Charitam I Vol III Book VIII Chp 11 Shlokas 36 - 42

Shri Ekanatha Charitam II Vol III Book VIII Chp 11 Shlokas 36 - 42

एकनाथ उवाच

हा कृष्ण करुणासिन्धो भक्तवत्सल माधव |

क्वासि क्वासि जगन्नाथ रुक्मिणीनाथ केशव ||

ब्रह्मरुद्रादिपूज्यस्त्वं मम शिष्यत्वमागतः |

कृतवानसि गोविन्द दास्यं बहुविधं बत ||

नाहं वसिष्ठो भगवान्न च सान्दीपनिः प्रभो |

क्वाहं मन्दमतिर्दीनः क्व त्वं सर्वज्ञ इक्ष्वरः ||

अहो पापमहो पापं पापिष्ठस्य ममापि च |

त्वया सर्वॆक्ष्वरणापि पादसंवाहनं कृतम् ||

अजानता तवत्प्रभावामपराधान् कृतवान् मया |

क्षमस्व करुणासिन्धो गोविन्द यदुनन्दन ||

एवं हि बहुधा दीनं प्रलपन्नं पुनः पुनः |

सान्त्वयामास विप्रोपि भक्तश्रेष्ठं गुरुं प्रभोः ||

तत्रैवोवास विप्रोपि कृष्णस्याज्ञामनुस्मरन् |

एकनाठस्य कैङ्कर्यं कुर्वञ्च प्रेमपूरवकम् ||

Ekanath lamented

Hey Krishna ! Oh! Ocean of compassion! Oh, the one fond of the bhaktas! Madhava! Lord of the world! Lord of Devi Rukmini! Keshava! Where have You gone? You, who deserve all the worship and the veneration of the devas like Brahma and Rudra, served me in many ways becoming my disciple. Oh! Lord! I am not Bhagavan Vasishtha! Nor am I Sandeepani (the guru of Shri Rama and the guru of Shri Krishna respectively). Oh! How low am I, the dull-witted one and how great are you, the all knowing Almighty? Oh! You, the all-pervading spirit, massaged my legs! How great a sinner am I? Please forgive me for all my sins committed unaware of Your glory.

Shri Sadguru continued

The brahmana consoled Ekanatha, the preceptor of Shri Bhagavan Himself and the noblest of the devotees who was weeping bitterly. That brahmana was living there, serving Ekanatha with great devotion and affection as he was having in mind the command of Lord Shri Krishna.

Thus ends Chapter Eleven entitled “Ekanatha Charitam I” of Book VIII of Shri Vaishnava Samhita composed by Shri Shri Krishna Premi Swamigal

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Ekanatha Charitam I Vol III Book VIII Chp 11 Shlokas 30 - 35

Shri Ekanatha Charitam II Vol III Book VIII Chp 11 Shlokas 30 - 35

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

इत्युक्तो ब्राह्मणः सोपि परमाक्ष्चर्यसम्युतः |

कृष्णस्य दर्शनं कर्तुं प्रतिष्ठानपुरं ययौ ||

एकनाथगृहद्वारे द्विजोपि समुपाविशत् |

तदा कृष्णो ब्रह्मचारी ददृशे गुरुसेवकः ||

संशयाक्रान्तचित्तोsसौ तत्सौन्दर्यविमोहितः |

एकनाथमुपागत्य पप्रच्छ सुविनीतवत् ||

तावादन्तर्दधे कृष्णस्तत्रैवान्तगृहङ्गतः |

एकनाथञ्च विप्रक्ष्च नितरां विस्मयङ्गतौ ||

तं ज्ञात्वा सर्वलोकेशं शिष्यरूपेण चागतम् |

प्रललाप महात्मापि तद्गुणानेव संस्मरन् ||

तत्र तत्र विचिन्वंस्तमेकनाथः स्वभार्यया |

चुक्रोश नितरां दीनः शिष्यस्य विरहाकुलः ||

Shri Sadguru continued

Having listened to this command, the Vedic scholar was surprised. He came to Pratishthanapuram to have the darshan of Shri Krishna. That brahmana was sitting outside the house of Ekanatha. The brahmachari Krishna who was always engaged in the service of the guru, was also seen there. Enchanted by His beauty, the brahmana had some doubt. Hence, he approached Ekanatha and enquired of him politely. At the same time, Krishna slipped into the house and disappeared. Both the brahmana and Ekanatha were astonished. Mahatma Ekanatha realized that He was only Lord Krishna, the Lord of all worlds, who had come as his disciple. He lamented deeply, pondering on the noble qualities of his disciple. He wept bitterly along with his wife, due to the grief of separation from his disciple who was not to be found anywhere.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Ekanatha Charitam I Vol III Book VIII Chp 11 Shlokas 25 - 29

Shri Ekanatha Charitam II Vol III Book VIII Chp 11 Shlokas 25 - 29

अत्रान्तरे द्विजः कक्ष्चित्तीर्थयात्रापरायणः |

श्रीकृष्णदर्शनं कर्तुं द्वारक्मगमद्बत ||

अदृष्ट्वा तत्र सान्निध्यं कृष्णस्य करुणानिधेः |

तद्दर्शनार्थम् विप्रोपि तपक्ष्चक्रे दृढव्रतः ||

तदा स्वप्ने द्विजस्यापि भगवान् द्वारकापतिः |

आविर्भूय कृपासिन्धुरवोचद्भक्तवत्सलः ||

श्रीभगवानुवाच

अहं भक्तपराधीनः प्रतिष्ठानपुरे वसन् |

एकनाथस्य भक्तस्य कैङ्कर्यं हि करोमि च ||

तस्मात्तत्र समागत्य तं महात्मानमाश्राय |

क्लिश्यसे ब्राह्मण त्वं च किं वृथा तीर्थयात्रया ||

In the meantime, a Vedic scholarship on a pilgrimage reached Dwaraka to have Shri Krishna’s darshan. The Vedic scholar found that the divine presence of the compassionate Shri Krishna was missing in Dwaraka. Hence he engaged in very severe penance. At that time, the Lord of Dwaraka, the ocean of compassion and the one fond of the bhaktas, appeared in his dream and said the following

Shri Bhagavan said

I, who am under the control of the bhaktas, am at present living at Pratishtanapuram serving Ekanatha, a great devotee of Mine. Hence, you also come there and live in the sweet company of that bhakta. Unnecessarily do not trouble yourself going on a pilgrimage.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Ekanatha Charitam I Vol III Book VIII Chp 11 Shlokas 20 - 24

Shri Ekanatha Charitam II Vol III Book VIII Chp 11 Shlokas 20 - 24

कथाप्रसङ्गसमये व्यजनेनापि वीजयन् |

सद्गुरोरन्तिके तिष्ठन् शृणोति श्रद्धयापि सः ||

हरिकीर्तनसन्दर्भे तेनैव सह गायति |

रणयन् तुम्बवीणाञ्च भक्तिपूर्वं निशान्तरे ||

महात्मन्येकनाथेपि निद्रार्थं शयनङ्गते |

करोति पादसेवाञ्च भक्तिपूर्वं निशान्तरे ||

एवं प्रतिदिनं भक्त्या गुरुसेवां चकार सः |

तस्मिन्न्प्यधिकां प्रीतिं प्राप वैष्णवपुङ्गवः ||

नित्यं गुरुकुले तत्र वसतस्तस्य वर्णिनः |

संवत्सरद्वादशकं गतं भक्त्यैव केवलम् ||

Whenever the guru gave discourses he would stand near him., fanning him and listening to his words with ardent interest. Whenever Ekanatha engaged in Hari bhajan, he would join him singing very melodiously and playing on the tambour. At nights, when Ekanatha went to bed, he would massage his legs with great regard, till late hours. Thus daily he used to serve the guru with devotion and dedication. The great vaishnava Ekanatha also showered unfettered love on him. Thus that devoted student spent twelve memorable yeas in the gurukula dedicated to the service of the guru.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Ekanatha Charitam I Vol III Book VIII Chp 11 Shlokas 15 - 19

Shri Ekanatha Charitam II Vol III Book VIII Chp 11 Shlokas 15 - 19

स्नानार्थमेकनाथेपि गोद्दावर्यास्तटं गते |

करोति प्रेमपूर्वं तद्वस्त्रनिष्पीडनादिकम् ||

जलमादाय कुंभेषु गुरुपत्न्यै ददाति च |

पूजायै पुष्पकैङ्कर्यं भक्तिपूर्वं करोति सः ||

धूपं दीपञ्च नैवेद्यं स्वयमेव ददाति च |

स्तोत्रमेवं विट्ठलस्य करोति गुरुणा सह ||

अवशिष्टं तथा भुङ्क्ते भोजनानन्तरं गुरोः |

तस्यैवानुज्ञया नित्यं प्राणरक्षार्थमेव हि ||

कीर्तितानेकबाथेन ग्रन्थान् विलिखति स्वयम् |

नित्यं पठति सानन्दं व्यक्तं तस्यैव सन्निधौ ||

Whenever Shri Ekanatha went to Godvari for a holy dip, he used to follow him there, wash the guru’s clothes and render different services to him. Also, he would fetch pots of water to help the wife of the guru. He would also gather fresh flowers for the Pooja of the Lord. He would assist the guru in Pooja by handling over to him the doopa (the incense) etc, in due time in the course of the Pooja. He would recite the holy chantings along with the guru. Daily he used to eat the prasadam of the guru, with his permission. He used to eat after the guru had finished, only that little which was indispensable to keep him alive. He used to write down neatly all the works authored by Shri Ekanatha. With great enthusiasm, he would read them very eloquently in the presence of the guru.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Ekanatha Charitam I Vol III Book VIII Chp 11 Shlokas 11 - 14

Shri Ekanatha Charitam II Vol III Book VIII Chp 11 Shlokas 11 - 14

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

इत्य्क्त्वा दीनभावेन प्रपन्नम् विनयान्वितम् |

तं भिक्षुं सुन्दराकारं स्निग्धकण्ठन्ञ्च सद्गुणम् ||

आलोक्य प्रनयेनैव शिष्यवात्सल्यपूर्वकम् |

एकनाथो महात्मा च प्रददावभयं तदा ||

तदाप्रभृति सोप्येवं नित्यं गुरुकुले वसन् |

चकार सर्वं कैङ्कर्यं गुरुभक्तिंमतं वरः ||

गुरोः पूर्वं समुत्थाय सुप्रभाते दिने दिने |

स्नानसंध्यादिकं कृत्वा करोति हरिकीर्तनम् ||

स्नानार्थमेकनाथेपि गोदावर्यास्तटं गते |

करोति प्रेमपूर्वं तद्वस्त्रनिष्पीडनादिकम् ||

Shri Sadguru said

Mahatma Ekanatha, with great affection for his disciple, gave refuge to him, who was very meek, was adorned with noble qualities, was very handsome, and was endowed with a sweet voice and had surrendered to him completely. From that day, the devoted boy used to live in the gurukula, and render all sorts of service to his preceptor. Daily, he would get up very early in the morning ahead of his guru. Completing his bath and morning rites, he would engage in Hari-bhajan. Whenever Shri Ekanatha went to Godavari for a few dips, he used to follow him there, wash the guru’s clothes and render different services to him.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Ekanatha Charitam I Vol III Book VIII Chp 11 Shlokas 8 - 10

Shri Ekanatha Charitam II Vol III Book VIII Chp 11 Shlokas 8 - 10

ब्रह्मचार्युवाच |

आक्ष्वलायनसूत्रोsहं ऋक्शाखाध्ययनप्रियः |

समित्पाणिः श्रोत्रियं त्वामाचार्यं शरणं भजे ||

न मे माता पिता चैव न चान्ये बान्धवास्तथा |

तस्मात्वामेव सर्वस्वं मत्वाहं शरणं भजे ||

वासस्थानं द्वारका मे नाम्ना कृष्णोस्मि पण्डित |

शिष्यभावात्स्वीकुरु त्वं मामनाथं जगद्गुरो ||

The student said

I am a descendant of the group of Brahmanas following the Aashwalayana Sutra (Sutra - the mode of performing religious rituals), I follow the Rig Veda. I take refuge in you, taking you to be my preceptor with the samite (the stick of the pipal tree) in hand (symbolizing the vow). I do not have my parents or any other relatives. I consider you all in all for me and hence take refuge in you. My residence is at Dwaraka. My name is Krishna. You are the universal preceptor and hence you should please accept me, an orphan, as your disciple.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Ekanatha Charitam I Vol III Book VIII Chp 11 Shloka 7

Shri Ekanatha Charitam II Vol III Book VIII Chp 11 Shloka 7

तमेकदा महाभागं ब्रह्मचारी तु कक्ष्चन |

न्यवेदयत्तथात्मानामभिवाद्य कृतन्च्जलिः ||

Once a student approached him and with hands folded in reverence, he introduced himself to Ekanatha

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Ekanatha Charitam I Vol III Book VIII Chp 11 Shlokas 1 - 6

Shri Ekanatha Charitam II Vol III Book VIII Chp 11 Shlokas 1 - 6

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

अनन्यचेताः सततं यो नित्यं भजतीक्ष्वरम् |

योगक्षेमं तदीयं तु भगवान् वहति स्वयम् ||

प्रतिष्ठानपुरे कक्ष्चिदेकनाथ इति श्रुतः |

आसीद्वेदान्ततत्वज्ञो ब्राह्मणो वैष्णवोत्तमः ||

गृहस्थो धनवान्नित्यं सज्जनाराधनप्रियः |

प्रशान्तहृदयो योगी नामकीर्तनतत्परः ||

सदाचारेण संयुक्तो विट्ठले दृढभक्तिमान् |

विरक्तो विजितात्मा च नित्योत्सवकरो हरेः ||

चक्रे प्राकृतभाशायामेकनाथो महामतिः |

श्रीमद्भागवतं ग्रन्थं ज्ञानवैराग्यवर्धनम् ||

नित्यं भक्तसमाजेपि श्रीमद्भागवतस्य वै |

स्वयं प्रवचनञ्चक्रे भक्तिपूर्वं द्विजोत्तमः ||

Shri Sadguru said

Shri Bhagavan Himself looks after the welfare of that man who is ever engaged in the dhyana of Eashwara. An exalted vaishnava named Ekanatha was living in Pratishthanapuram. He was a brahmana and an exponent of the Vedanta. He was a very rich householder. He used to attend on sadhus daily. He was a yogi and had a very calm disposition. He was unattached and had a very good conduct. He had subdued all his senses. He had unflinching faith in Lord Vitthala and was worshipping Shri Panduranga daily in a vert systematic way with all due rituals. He had the chanting of the Divine Names as the only object of his life. He rendered a Marathi version of Shrimad Bhagavatam which is capable of bestowing one with true knowledge and an unattached attitude. Daily he used to give discourses on Shrimad Bhagavatam in the midst of the bhaktas.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Tukaram Charitam III Vol III Book VIII Chp 10 Shlokas 28 - 30

Shri Tukaram Charitam III Vol III Book VIII Chp 10 Shlokas 28 - 30

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

इत्युक्ता हरिदासेन विरक्तेन महात्मना |

साध्वी प्रमुदिता जीजा तथा चक्रे दृढव्रता ||

विरक्तां वल्कलधरां जपमालाविभूषिताम् |

बद्धाञ्जलिपूटां पत्नीं प्रनयात्परिषस्वजे ||

तया सार्धं तुकारामो विट्ठलं कीर्तयन् सदा |

गुहायां पर्वतस्यैवमुवास विजितेन्द्रियः ||

Shri Sadguru continued

The courageous Kanakabai, the chaste wife of the mahatma, Tukaram, the unattached and the devotee of Shri Hari, did as instructed by him. Giving up all attachments, wearing the dress of barks and the garland of beads she stood there with folded hands. Looking at her, Tukaram embraced her with love and kindness. Tukaram who had subdued his senses, lived there in the cave with her, always engaged in singing the glory of Shri Pandarinatha.

Thus ends Chapter Ten entitled ‘Tukaram Charitam III’ of Book VIII of Shri Vaishnava Samhita composed by Shri Shri Krishna Premi Swamigal

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Tukaram Charitam III Vol III Book VIII Chp 10 Shlokas 23 - 27

Shri Tukaram Charitam III Vol III Book VIII Chp 10 Shlokas 23 - 27

जीजाबायी उवाच

नाहमिच्छामि सौख्यं वा भूषणानि धनानि वा |

तव प्रीत्यर्थ मेवाहमिच्छामि भुवि जीवितुम् ||

त्वन्माहात्न्यमजानन्ती केवलं धनकाङ्क्षया |

आराधिता रुक्मिणी च भूषणानि ददौ मम ||

त्वां विना भवने वासं नाहमिच्छामि सुव्रत |

अहमत्रैव वत्स्यामि स्त्रीणां भर्ता हि दैवतम् ||

श्रीतुकाराम उवाच

एवञ्चेत्प्रियभार्ये त्वं शीघ्रं गत्वा निजं गृहम् |

भूषणानि धनान्येवं दीनेभ्यो दातुमर्हसि ||

वल्कलं परिधायैव जपमालाविभूषिता |

अत्रागत्य विरक्ता त्वं कैङ्कर्यम् कुरु भामिनि ||

Kanakabai replied

I am not desirous of gold coins, jewels and comforts, now. I want to live on this earth only for your pleasure. I did not realize your greatness. As I prayed to Devu Rukmini, motivated by the lust for money, She blessed me with jewels etc. Oh! firm believer! I do not want to live at home without you. I shall also stay here with you. Only the husbands are the deities of women.

Shri Tukaram said

In that case, you return home immediately, and give away all the jewels and money to the poor. Come here wearing the dress of tree-barks and the garland of beads (Japamala) and serve me.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Tukaram Charitam III Vol III Book VIII Chp 10 Shlokas 20 - 22

Shri Tukaram Charitam III Vol III Book VIII Chp 10 Shlokas 20 - 22

श्रीतुकाराम उवाच

अबले मूढबुद्ध्या त्वं हगतां मातरं श्रियम् |

अर्थलाभाय भजसे ज्ञानवैराग्यवर्जिता ||

अहं त्वनन्यभक्तोस्मि विट्ठलस्य पदाब्जयोः |

तस्माद्विषयिणां सङ्गे विमुखोहं स्वभावतः ||

महद्धनं त्वया प्राप्तं रुक्मिण्यास्तु प्रसादतः |

तस्मादद्य गृहं गत्वा सुखं वास मया विना ||

Shri Tukaram said

Oh, frail woman! Lacking in wisdom and firmness, you prayed to Devi Lakshmi induced by pecuniary motives. But I am one who has got unflinching faith in the holy feet of Shri Vitthala. Hence, I have a hatred for the company of people having earthly desires. You have got enough money with the blessings of Devi Rukmini. So leave me now, go home and lead a happy and comfortable life.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Tukaram Charitam III Vol III Book VIII Chp 10 Shlokas 17 - 19

Shri Tukaram Charitam III Vol III Book VIII Chp 10 Shlokas 17 - 19

जीजाबयी उवाच

स्वामिन् तव पदाम्भोजमाश्रित्य मां पतिव्रताम् |

विसृज्य वनमागत्य किं करोषि कृपानिधे ||

अपराधान् क्षमस्वेमान् मयैव रचितान् वहन् |

अद्यैव कृपया भर्तर्गृहमागच्छ चात्मनः ||

तव पादाम्बुजद्वन्द्वविन्यासेन विना गृहम् |

न शोभते ततस्तत्र वासं नेच्छामि चात्मनः ||

Kanakabai said

Oh! Swami! Treasure chest of mercy! What are you doing in the forest leaving behind your chaste wife, who has taken refuge in your holy feet? Please pardon me and shower mercy on me. Come back to our residence at once. Untrodden by your holy feet, the house appears obsolete. I too do not want to live there.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Tukaram Charitam III Vol III Book VIII Chp 10 Shlokas 9 - 16

Shri Tukaram Charitam III Vol III Book VIII Chp 10 Shlokas 9 - 16

भूषनैर्भूषिता सापि सुन्दरी सुस्मितानना |

तुकारामस्य धीरस्य समीपञ्च जगाम ह ||

तां दृष्ट्वा भूषितं पत्नीं विविधैर्भूषनैरपि |

उपेक्षमाणः सहसा महात्मा काननङ्गतः ||

गिरिकन्दरमाश्रित्य पर्णमूलफलाशनः |

तुकारामो विरक्तस्तु चक्रे केशवकीर्तनम् ||

प्रतीक्षमाणा भर्तारं जीजाबायी दिने दिने |

अवाप परमं दुःखं पतिभक्तिपरायणा ||

नूनं पतिव्रता लोके पतिप्रीत्यर्थमेव हि |

एवमिच्छन्त्यलङ्कर्तुमात्मानं भूषनादिभिः ||

जीजाबायी तथा नित्यं स्वकान्तविरहाकुला |

विचिन्वन्ती पतिं साध्वी ददर्श विपिनेपि तम् ||

तां दृष्ट्वा भूषितां पत्नीं विरक्तो वैष्णवोत्तमः |

अतिसंरम्भसम्युक्तो निर्जगाम गुहान्तरात् ||

तावत्तस्य पदाम्भोजं जग्राह त्वरया सती |

प्रार्थयामास भर्तारं ग्रुहमागन्तुमादरात् ||

Kanakabai adorned herself with the jewels and then with a smiling face approached the courageous and noble Tukaram. The virtuous man became very sad to see his wife decorated with so many jewels. He abandoned her and went to the forest. Living in the hilly caves and eating the roots and fruits available there, Tukaram spent his time in singing the glory of Lord Krishna in a withdrawn mood. Kanakabai who had deep love for her husband was expecting him to return home everyday. She became very sad to see him not coming back. Are not the really chaste women on the earth adorning themselves with jewels etc. to please their husbands? Such a chaste woman was Kanakabai. She was in grief as she was separated from her husband. Finally, she reached the forest in search of him, and also found him out there. The greatest vaishnava who was adorned with the quality of detachment, was excited to see his wife Kanakabai there and he left the cave. Immediately, Kanakabai caught hold of his holy feet and pleaded him to return home.