Sant Narahari Sonar

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sri Narahari Maharaj!

Chapter - 5

The fame of Sant Narahari spread all over the village.  The people learned one of the greatest of the knowledge from Sant Narahari that Hara and Hari are same, it is absolute Bramham in different forms.  The villagers felt that it is their fortune to have holy men like Sant Namdev, Sant Gnaneshwar, and Sant Narahari, in Pandharpur.  They have realized that the association with the holy men only can relieve the sufferings of worldly bondage,  and lead to Moksha, people throng from the various places to listen to the lectures of Sant Narahari who spread devotion and faith in the supreme Lord.  Sant Narahari elaborated the significance of Nishkamya Karma, selfless service to the supreme Lord and his devotees would help the worshiper to cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence,  whoever surrenders to Lord shall remain protected always.  The Supreme Lord is all-pervading, he resides as a soul in living beings, therefore everyone should practice simplicity, kindness, compassion, and love for each other.  In this Kali era, Namasmaran only can bring nearness to the supreme Lord.

One day his wife Ganga narrated the miracle happened to Narahari Maharaj,  as usual finishing her daily worship, she found golden coins before the sanctum, she was surprised and called out for Narahari Maharaj, he shed tears "Ganga, it is the blessings of Lord Mallikarjun, Panduranga and Ma Bageshwari," with tears overflowing he prayed " Ma, I am so fortunate to attain your blessings, I have Ramnama as golden coins with me, what I do with these golden coins, your grace itself gold for me," Ganga was too pleased and said " We will offer all these gold coins on her feet, " Later, it was decided to use the golden coins for making an idol of Lord Vittala,  while carving the idol of Lord Vittala, his inner voice put a sudden halt to his fingers, with tears overflowing he remembered " how did I fall pray for my desire to carve a golden idol of Panduranga? My devotion has not ripened yet. I have committed terrible sin I have to abandon the idol right away." he took the idol carefully covered in his upper clothe and dropped in the river and rushed to the shrine of Panduranga " Bhagavan, I have abandoned all my desires and illusions, I shall surrender at your lotus feet, kindly forgive me." he tightly embraced the idol of Panduraga with tears overflowing and left his mortal.   In this way, a great devotee Sant Narahari Maharaj left his mortal coil at the lotus feet of Lord Panduranga in the year 1313.

Sant Narahari Sonar

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sri Narahari Maharaj!

Chapter - 4

Finally, Narahari agreed to make the waist ornament for Panduranga according to the measurement given by the merchant, followed by a condition that he should not find fault in the work in the future.  The merchant handed over the gold and gems for the ornament and informed he will be back with the measurement. The villagers started creating stories behind the back of Narahari, saying that Narahari is greedy of money, that is why he agreed to make waist ornament for Panduranga, all these years he was pretending as a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva.  In due course of time, an excellent piece of waist ornament was prepared by Narahari and handed over to the merchant.  The merchant was highly pleased with the work of Narahari.  He returned to offer the jewel to Panduranga.  A grand celebration was organized, the whole villagers were assembled, the initial offerings and veneration were got over, the priest asked him to decorate the ornament on Lord, but it was found too long to fix on the waist of the idol.  The priest laughed at the merchant sarcastically saying that Narahari is capable to make ornaments for Lord Shiva, not for Panduranga.  The merchant came back to Narahari saying that the ornament is too long to adorn on the idol and asked to cut short the length.  Narhari was surprised, the ornament was made exactly following the measurement, both of them got confused, merchant thought he has made mistake while taking the measurement.  He returned to the temple premise, the whole atmosphere was reverberating with the Namasankeerthan and packed with devotees, once again the merchant adorned the ornament on the waist of Vittala, this time he found it is too short.  He rushed back to Narahari with frustration, he asked Narahari to follow him to shrine and take measurements by himself.  Narahari was too adamant, he was not willing to visit the shrine, the merchant convinced that it is too shameful for him if he did not present an ornament at the right time, therefore Narahari should leave his pride and visit the shrine.  Narahari is a righteous man, agreed to find a solution for the problem of the merchant, he has given the promise to create the ornament so it is his responsibility to make sure that it serves the purpose.  Narahari said " Sethiji, I have found a solution for your distress, at the same time I cannot worship any other deities other than my Lord Mahadeva, hence you should blindfold my eyes and take me to the shrine of Vittal, I will take the exact measurement of the waist and produce the ornament."  The merchant was extremely happy with this decision.

While the whole villagers watching, Narahari was taken to the shrine of Vittobha blindfolded by the merchant.   Narahari entered the sanctum of the shrine and touched the waist of Vittobha, he felt the presence of Rudraksha, bells,  and skin of leopard on the waist, further he moved hands upwards he sensed the presence of Trident and drum, etc..  He could not believe, in utter shock he opened the blindfold, he could witness Lord Vittobha's smiling face before him.  He felt he had committed sin visiting Panduranga instead of his favorite Lord Mahadeva.  Narahari put back the blindfold and shed tears before the idol of Panduranga, praying to forgive his sin, once again he opened the blindfold, saw his beloved Lord Mahadeva before him.  Narahari was mystified, realized his ignorance, he sang praising the glories of Lord in Marathi famously known as Abhang in that he narrated there is no difference between Lord Hara and Lord Hari.  He poured out his heart saying that he had committed a grave sin by differentiating both of them, with the tears overflowing he fell down at the feet of Lord Panduranga.  The people assembled could hear a divine voice " Hari is not different from Hara, I am Vittobha standing always on the brick in order to protect my devotees, you have felt the presence of Hara in me because I adore him."

Sant Narahari Sonar

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sri Narahari Maharaj!

Chapter - 3

Narahari continued the customs of the family in a sincere manner, even after the demise of his parents.   He had the firm belief that all that goodness was inherited from his parents, he continued to remain in the service of Lord and taken care of the family business.   He was one of the finest jewelry makers in the village of Pandharpur. He believed that it is his greatest responsibility/Dharma to take care of the family shrine of Lord Shiva and the profession was introduced by his father.

Once he was visited by the wealthiest merchant in the town and his wife, Narahari invited them with all respect and enquired their purpose of visit to Pandharpur.  They have replied " Narahari, we have come to  visit you." Narahari said " Great.  It is my pleasure to serve you.  I would achieve the pleasure of serving Lord Mahadeva." The merchant continued " Narhari, once I had everything in my life with the grace of Lord Vittal, other than an offspring.  Once a saint visited our village and advised us to undertake austerities and visit Pandharpur Sri Vittobha.  We sincerely followed his advice and blessed with a child.  It is the time to show our gratitude to Lord Vittala, we want to decorate Him with a marvelous waist ornament."  Narahari was happy and said " You are truly blessed by Vittobha, he protected your clan, you are blessed with a child to carry out your legacy.  "  The merchant said " Yes, I am truly blessed, I have come here to seek your help,  you have to make a marvelous waist ornament for Panduranga, there is no skillful goldsmith in Pandharpur other than you famous in making an exquisite piece of ornaments, I have brought gold and gems to create the piece."  Narahari was in dilemma, " Sethiji, I do not think I can take up your work, you can approach somebody who can help you with this proposal, I have devoted all my life to Lord Shiva, I am finding the essence of Lord Shiva in all living beings, how can I do the work for Vittal?" The merchant said " Narahari, Hari and Hara are the same and there is no difference between them, Vittal is Lord Mallikarjuna, therefore kindly treat Vittal as your Lord Shiva and perform my task, the whole Universe is the representation of Parambhrama who assumes different forms to please our eyes." Narahari amiably said " Sethji, maybe it is your opinion, I have not been to any shrine other than Lord Shiva, I have not offered any veneration to other deities in my life, how can I enter in the shrine of Vittal and make an ornament for him. I do not think I can make it."  The merchant was too adamant and said " Let it be my unbending opinion, you have to do it for me, you are performing this task for me,  your devotion to Lord Shiva will not get harmed, I can bring the measurement  to make an exquisite ornament."

Sant Narahari Sonar

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sri Narahari Maharaj!

Chapter - 2

Thus, Narahari was agreed to the decisions of his parents, with a condition that his family life should not hinder the worship of Lord Shiva.  His parents convinced him that the bride Ganga will not create any obstacle in his worship, instead, she will take care of the family and all the responsibilities in a good manner.   Narahari got married to Ganga on an auspicious day.  She was a pious woman believed in the worship of  all the deities, unlike Narahari who had a firm belief that Lord Shiva is the supreme Lord, he is the creator, protector and destroyer of the Universe and its living beings, therefore he is most venerable, rest of the demi-gods are appropriate for the veneration only after Lord Shiva.  In this way, he revealed his firm devotion of Lord Shiva to his wife, though he was born in Pandharpur he had never been to the famous shrine of Vittobha, he did not even attend the lecture of Sant Namdev who invited him to listen to his speeches and Namasankeerthan, because Namdev was a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu.  It was significant that Sant Namdev and Sant Gnaneshwar was a great devotee of Lord Shiva.  Ganga revealed her opinion " The worship of Lord Shiva leads to abandonment of worldly desires, and it is observed by Yogis who renounced worldly matters, we are ordinary people who are committed to Grihasthashrama,"  Narahari had highest of the truth to reveal her " Ganga, The Supreme Lord Shiva is the essence of Shiva and Shakthi, who are considered as divine couple represents Prakrithi and Purusha, all the living beings represent the eternal truth of Shiva and Shakthi."  Though this couple had different beliefs, they were highly devoted and immersed in pious activities.  The entire village was known about the firm the devotion of Narahari and Ganga, people praised about their selfless love to Supreme Lord.

Sant Narahari Sonar

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sri Narahari Maharaj!

Chapter - 1

Sri Narahari Maharaj was a staunch devotee of Lord Mallikarjuna/Lord Shiva located on the southwest of Pandharpur, later he became one of eminent Varkari sect saint who enlightened the people with the supreme knowledge that there is no difference between Lord Hari and Lord Hara.   Lord Panduranga and Lord Parameshwara are one and the same, it is the different form of absolute Bhramam.  He was lived during the period of the 13th century.  He was born to a pious couple who were Goldsmith by profession and worshiped Lord  Shiva as the family deity.  Narahari was too devoted to Lord Shiva, immerses in the veneration, recitation of sacred scriptures praising the glories of Lord Shiva from the early years of childhood.  

Years passed Narahari was grown to an adult,  he continued the same kind of living and has less interest in the family business, it bothered the elderly parents who were not in a position to carry out the family business.  They have decided to perform the marriage of Narahari so that he will concentrate on taking up the responsibilities of the family.  His mother was too concerned about Narahari, she said to her husband " We have become too old, we have taught him to be devoted to Lord, in the same manner, we have to teach him to lead a life of Grihastha, he has long life ahead, therefore we have to convince him to get married.  Once, he enters Grihasthashrama he will come to know the responsibilities of the family.  I have found a suitable bride for Narahari, she would be a perfect match for him." his father replied " It is a great idea, he will learn to take care of the family and business as well.  Then do not waste time, better go ahead with the proceedings of the marriage."  His mother was little hesitant to proceed further, she wants to get the permission of Narahari beforehand, his father was confident that Narahari will not reject any of the decisions of his parents.

Sant Sri Namdev 

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sri Namdev Maharaj!

Chapter - 6

One day Namadeva entered in the shrine of Lord Shiva, he found a stranger in ragged clothes sleeping close to the Linga keeping his two legs on top of the Linga.  Namadeva was shocked to see this, he was furious and asked the stranger to remove his legs from the idol.  The stranger asked his whereabouts, Namadeva introduced himself as an ardent devotee of Lord Panduranga, the stranger said even the beggars utter the name of Lord for receiving alms, so there is nothing superior in this.  Namdev was angrily told the man to keep his legs down from the Linga, he refused to do so, instead, he revealed his pitiful state and has no strength to move his leg an inch,  he asked Namadeva to remove his leg from the Linga.   Namdev removed his leg from the Linga and prepared to keep on the floor, soon there appeared another Linga, in this way wherever he placed his leg there appeared Linga, Namdev was mystified.  Soon the stranger assumed the form of Vishoba Khecchar who was his preceptor.   Namdev reverentially prostrated before him.  He advised Namdeva that his Abangs are most powerful, he is beloved of Panduranga who consume offerings from his hand, he has to leave Pandharpur and take a journey all through the sacred lands of India and spread Namasankeerthana.  He blessed Namadeva that the people who intend to get Dharshan of Lord Panduranga would prostrate before him before they proceed for the Dharshan of the Lord, later it had become true.  At the instruction of his preceptor, Namadeva conducted a journey to Punjab to spread Namasankeerthana and inspired multitudes of people to engage in the selfless service to Lord and recite his glories.    Namadeva enthused people with his lectures and glorious verses of Abhang.  His nectar-like speeches about the significance of Namasankeerthana was " The utterance of sacred names of Lord would provide liberation from worldly existence, ultimately worshiper would reside in the abode of Sri Vaikundham.  The miseries of worldly existence can be fought with the weapon of Namasmaran.  Therefore, let everyone ride on the ferry of Namasankeerthan and cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence."

In the year 1350, at the age of eighty Sant Sri Namdev Maharaj attained the lotus feet of Panduranga.  After his demise, he assumed as a stepping stone in the shrine of Pandharpur so that he would stay in constant touch of the feet of innumerable saints and devotees of Lord.  Sri Namdev Maharaj composed 125 glorious poems praising Lord Vittala, which was known as Abhang and sixty-one of the verses are included in the holy Guru Granth Sahib as Namdevji Ki Mukhbani.  He lived twenty years in a village called Ghuman in Gurdaspur district in Punjab, in the early fifties he returned to Pandharpur and continued spiritual service till his demise.

Sant Sri Namdev 

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sri Namdev Maharaj!

Chapter - 5

Once Namdev took newly woven clothes for sale to market, on the way he took rest under a tree, he looked around to feed animals, but he did not find any,   there he found a big sized rock and assumed it is as Vittala.   He adorned the rock with all the clothes he has brought for sale, with an agreement that the next time when he visits the market the rock should pay money for the clothes.  Namadeva returned home without money or clothes, his father was worried about his way of dealing with customers and selling clothes without receiving money.  The next time Namadeva returned to the same place where he adorned the rock with the clothes, he found there were no clothes on it, he was so upset, he conversed with the rock that he has to pay money to Dhamshet for the clothes he had adorned on the rock, otherwise, he would take the rock home and it should give a proper answer to Dhamshet.  He rolled the rock all the way from its place to his home, he started speaking to it, the villagers assembled were mocked and laughed at him.  Soon his parents arrived, Namdeva introduced the rock as his customer who received huge loads of clothing from him.  His father got very angry, and his mother was too worried " Namadeva, does anyone make a trade with a rock?" Are you mad?" his father was furious beat the rock with his stick, soon the stick turned into gold.  The people assembled were so greedy crowded around the rock, one person said " This rock you have picked up from my place, so I should take it back. I will pay the money for the clothes you have adorned it." finally, Namdev received the money for his clothes, the person who bought the rock lamented over his foolishness without knowing the fact that it was Namadeva's intense devotion paid its fruits.

Sant Sri Namdev 

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sri Namdev Maharaj!

Chapter - 4

 As years passed Namdev grown up to an adult, he continued the practice of feeding Vittala singing praising the glories.  His parents were too old, his father was too ill to continue the family business, Namdev decided to take up the work of his father.  His father was a merchant used to carry woven clothes to market, his father was too happy to hear the decision of Namadeva.  Thus he spends his day taking clothes to market singing praise of Lord Panduranga.  His fame spread all over the village,  Janabai who was working in the house of Namadeva was one of the closest associates of him, she gained all those priceless devotion to Panduranga from Namdev,  but some of the scholars  were jealous of his firm devotion and fame.  Namadeva carry meal with him while visiting the market, but he finds it difficult to consume the meal without offering to Lord Panduranga, so he will feed all those creatures around him, he was too considerate  found the presence of his beloved Lord Panduranga in all those living and non-living things.

Once Namdev carried a good load of clothes to market for sale, and he returned home with empty-handed.  He had neither clothes nor money, his father was worried about his trading techniques, as usual, his mother was supportive of Namadev.  His parents were happy to note that Namdev involved in the ordinary way of living other than the worship of Lord Vittala.  Namdev's lectures were soul-stirring,  invites a large crowd to listen to those nectars like speeches.  " The Supreme Lord is the creator and protector as well.  He is the ocean of mercy, he is the giver, he does not ask for anything other than selfless service, we should always remember the Lord who has given us the life of a human.  He is all-pervading, he is too compassionate assumes any form the way we envision, he is attainable to virtuous and righteous people who have true love towards the supreme Lord.  Whoever recites his name and worship him would be blessed with his perpetual presence, whoever finds the taste of remembering the names of supreme Lord, could not live without it.  It is not easy to cross the ocean of worldly existence, therefore we have to use the ferry of Namasankeerthan to cross this unfathomable ocean of worldly existence.  In this Kali era Namasmaran is the easiest way to approach the Lord, which could provide supreme bliss and serenity to the worshiper."  The lectures and Namasankeerthana of Namdev Maharaj inspired villagers to walk through the path of devotion, they found immense joy and peace in the recitation of sacred names.

Sant Sri Namdev 

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sri Namdev Maharaj!

Chapter - 3

It was on a Diwali day, the whole village was in a festive mood, houses were decorated with flowers and earthen lamps, Namadeva finished early morning oil bath and attired in new clothes.  His parents enquired 'Namadeva, you had a bath and new clothes, who will give a bath and new clothes to your Vittala?" he rushed to temple to invite Vittala for an oil bath and accept new clothes.  He begged Vittala to accept his invitation,  Vittala could not refuse the request of Namadeva.  The Lord and the devotee had come into conclusion, Namadeva would stand in place of Vittala till he gets back from bathing and dressing up in new clothes.   Vittala taught him how to stand on the single brick keeping hands on the waist, without moving an inch like an idol and without blinking eyes.  Namdev agreed to follow all the conditions of Vittala and requested him to accept the invitation to his home.  Later, Namdev understood how difficult to stand on a single brick that too for several Yugas, without moving an inch, accepting all those offerings fondly offered by his ardent devotees.  It multiplied Namadevas love and devotion to Panduranga.  In this way, Namadeva spends all his childhood with Vittala, partaking meals and childhood pastimes.

Sant Sri Namdev 

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sri Namdev Maharaj!

Chapter - 2

Namadev continued to wait before the idol eyes kept closed, finally, he lost patience and said " Vittala, if you do not consume the meal I have offered I will thrash my head before you and give up my life."  Soon Lord Vittala appeared before Namadeva " Nama, I am highly pleased with your devotion, I am willing to do anything for you.  Therefore tell me what you want me to do?" Namadeva said, " Vittala, I have brought these offerings for you, you have to accept this I am not allowed to consume the meal before you accept." They together sat and shared the offerings.  At home, his mother was anxious about Namadeva who returned home late with empty plates and said: " Ma, I have fed Vittala, he was so compassionate fed me also." his mother was not willing to believe him, she said: " Namadeva, do not tell lies, people of the village may think you are crazy." Namdev said " Ma, I am n0t telling lies, it is true. I am promising on Lord Vittala, who appeared from the idol and sat with me to consume the offerings.  If you want you can witness personally when I take the offerings to the shrine tomorrow.   You can watch it secretly."  This practice has continued, Vittal happily accepts the offerings from the hands of Namadeva, his mother and the people assembled in the shrine were stunned to watch this miracle.  Lord Vittala taught the scriptures and Veda to Namadeva.

Sant Sri Namdev 

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sri Namdev Maharaj!

Chapter - 1

Sant Sri Namdev was lived during the period of 13th century, a staunch devotee of Lord Vittala, a great saint of Varkari Sampradaya.  There is no clear evidence about the birthplace or parents of Sri Namdev Maharaj.   It is believed that he was born on 26th October 1270 in Hingoli,  which is located in the northern parts of Marathwada in Maharashtra.  He was brought up by a pious childless couple, merchant Dhamsheth and his chaste wife Gona bai who were sincere devotees of Lord Panduranga, they have followed strict disciplines at home that the initial offerings should be performed to Lord Vittala.   Namdev was a studious child, like any other children in the village he was playful and interested in the singing praise of Lord Vittal.  His parents  Dhamshet and Gonai were proud of their child Namdev.  He was brought up in the home were Panduranga was worshiped as a family deity when his father goes out of the village for business purposes, it was the duty of Namadeva to perform the daily rites to Panduranga.  One day he arrived at the shrine of Panduranga with the offerings, the priest of the temple advised him to close the doors while leaving the shrine after the worship, the little Namdeva enquired why the doors should be closed, the priest compassionately explained to him that Lord Panduranga giving Dharshan to his devotees from the early morning, he receives all the offerings of them, so he needs time to relax as well.  The little Namadeva convinced that Lord Vittala needs after long days of worship.  He kept the offerings before the idol of Lord Vittala and performed the customary rite, he was anxious to note that Vittala was not consuming any of the offerings, little Namadeva began to speak " Vittala, are you on a feast? It is not Ekadashi today, if you have told me to bring something which is suitable to consume I would have brought, you have to accept my offerings I am feeling so hungry, I am not used to consuming meal before you, my father is not in town, it is my duty to feed you Vittala.  Therefore I will close my eyes and wait for you to consume the meal."

Sant Janabai

Pranams at the lotus feet of Janabai!

Chapter - 4

It was believed that Lord Vittal writes down her composition while she sang praising the glories of Lord Panduranga. These poems are famously known as Abhang which is the essence of pure devotion and selfless love of Janabai,   Vittal much loved her beautiful verses and found it essential to spread those marvelous verses across the world to cultivate selfless love, compassion, and devotion among the people.  Thus the Lord of Universe persistently served his staunch devotee Janabai.

One day Janabai was cooking Roti, Vittal approached her with hunger, she served him with Roti and butter.  Vittala had a stomach full of Roti, later he slept in the rustic cottage of Janabai, she was surprised watching the humbleness of supreme Lord, she covered him with a decent blanket available.  The next morning people arrived in the shrine of Panduranga and saw the idol with no precious ornaments, there was only a blanket on the idol that was covered by Janabai on the previous night.  The priests assembled in the shrine realized that it was the blanket owned by Janabai, she must have entered the temple in the night and taken away the jewels of Panduranga.  The priests gathered in the cottage of Janabai, they blamed her that she had taken away the ornaments of Vittala.  The priests conducted a thorough search in the cottage and found the jewels on the mattress where Panduranga slept on the previous night.  The whole household was mistaken it has Janabai stolen the ornaments of Vittal,  The priests took her hand to the Village Panchayath to impose punishment upon her.  Namdev and Dhamsheth felt miserable, finally, the verdict was announced, Janabai was taken fastened with rope by the priests, they took her out of the village to impose death punishment.  As soon as they reached near the pole it transformed into Vittal, the rope fastened in the hands of Janabai was released its own and fell down.  The people assembled were shocked and cried out in guilt, they praised the devotion of Sant Janabai.

Sant Janabai has written three hundred and forty Abhang which replete the selfless love for Panduranga, it was compiled with the works of Sant Namdev.   She has composed many legends from scriptures, and life stories of great saints of her time Saint Gnaneshwar, Sant Kabir Das, Sant Chokhamela, Sant Goroba, Sant Sopankaka etc.. Her poems are heart touching, in simple Marathi language which reveals her innocence, devotion,  and playfulness.  She addressed herself as 'Namayachi Dasi ' humble servant of Namdev.  Janabai's Abhangs are very popular and widely sung in Maharashtra.  In the year 1350, she left her mortal coil at the main entrance of the shrine of Panduranga,  the day Sant Namdev attained the lotus feet of Panduranga.  Sant Janabai continues to live in the hearts of devotees of Panduranga through her glorious poems/Abhang.

Sant Janabai

Pranams at the lotus feet of Janabai!

Chapter - 3

Once Gonabai wife of Dhamseth noticed Jana was talking to someone while grinding the flour, she rushed to see whom Jana was conversing with but she could not see anyone, she threatened Jana to reveal the name of the person with whom she was talking all day long, Jana was speechless, instantly Gonabai found the lotus feet of Panduranga before the grinding stone, she was stunned watching  the devotion of the young Jana.

Gonabai and her daughter-in-law used to admire her dedication to household chores, sometimes they used to baffle at her speed of work in the household activities like grinding flour, filling waters, making Rotis etc.. They have always remembered her as the daughter of Vittal who was born in the low caste.  Namdev advises his mother and wife to respect Jana as the favorite soul of Vittala, never disrespect her as she was born in the lower caste.

Once Jana was returning from collecting water, she found a lady of the village picking cow dung patties, they both had an argument and it continued for long saying that she had stolen the cow dung patties prepared by Jana. While she was seriously arguing for the cow dung patties, there arrived Sant Gnandev and Kabir Das Maharaj to visit the house of Namdev.  Kabir Das Maharaj told Namdev " Gnandev mentioned about young Jana who is a staunch devotee of Lord Panduranga working in your house, she is not an ordinary woman, Lord Panduranga is doing all her work, we have come all the way from Kashi to meet that divine soul who is the beloved daughter of Lord Panduranga."  Gnandev Maharaj asked, " Where is Jana?" Namdev's mother said, " She must have gone for picking woods or cow dung patties." Namdev brought Gnandev and Sant Kabir Das to the place where  Jana was arguing with a woman on cow dung patties.  Sant Kabir Das spoke" Jana are you arguing for a cow dung patty like an ordinary woman?" Janabai said, " she has stolen the cow dung patties prepared by me."  Sant Kabirdas said " how can we find out which is yours and hers? It has become difficult now."  Janabai said with a smile " No, it is not at all difficult, kindly check all the patties by keeping close to your ears, I have made patties while reciting Vittal Nama, therefore you could listen to the Vittal Nama from my patties."  Sant Kabir das picked each patty and he could listen to Vittal Nama from the patties made by Jana.  Sant Kabir Das was mesmerized at the devotion of her, he was deeply moved at the devotion of Jana to Lord Panduranga and said, " Jana, kindly sanctify me keeping your hands on my head, you are divine soul beloved of Lord Panduranga".  She replied with humility " Kabirdha, Lord Panduranga is the father of all, he listens to me,  my preceptor is Namdev who is beloved of Panduranga, hence I am a Dasi of Namdev /Namayachi Dasi who is the staunch devotee of Lord Vittal."  

Sant Janabai

Pranams at the lotus feet of Janabai!

Chapter - 2

The childless Dhamseth arrived in the temple and found little Jana weeping before the idol of Lord Panduranga.  He pacified her not to cry and said: "Panduranga is the mother and father of all the living beings, he will take care of everyone, therefore no need to get frightened." Jana said " Where do I live? who will take care of me?  I have no one here."  Dhamseth said " You come with me to my house, stay with us like our daughter.  I will treat you like the gift of Panduranga."  Thus Dhamseth brought Janabai in his home,  from that day onwards she started living with them, she has become a member of the house immediately, she took care of all the household work, and became a great help for Dhamseth's wife in all household chores.

It was believed that Jana was assisted in her household work by Panduranga, she relentlessly sang praising the glories of Lord and performs all the tasks, Panduranga amiably listens to her and followed all the instructions of Jana.  She found immense pleasure in the association of Lord Panduranga who followed her sincerely in all her household activities such as preparing cow dung patties, grinding flour, washing dishes, bringing woods and straws.  She was never left alone, she was always followed by Panduranga.  As years passed Jana was grown up to a beautiful young maiden, she knows no one other than Panduranga who relentlessly accompanied her in all the household chores.   Her heart was overflowed with the devotion and love for Panduranga, she performed all the household activities with singing melodious songs praising the Lord Panduranga, she spends her days conversing with Panduranga who appears before her while doing household chores.