Prasang 8
“What are the qualities of a humble servant?”
Sundarji Suthar, an administrator to the King of Kutch, once traveled to Gondal with a royal marriage procession from Bhuj. Upon arriving, he learned that Shriji Maharaj was in the nearby town of Bandhiā. Promptly, he entrusted the guards with the procession and hastened to Bandhiā for Shriji Maharaj’s darshan. Shriji Maharaj, residing at Mulu Khāchar’s house, decided to test Sundarji.
“Who has come?” Shriji Maharaj inquired.
“Maharaj, your humble servant,” Sundarji replied.
“What are the qualities of a humble servant?” Shriji Maharaj asked.
“One who does as one is told,” Sundarji answered.
“Truly? Then renounce your worldly attire and ornaments immediately and become a swami,” Maharaj commanded.
Sundarji relinquished his worldly possessions, shaved his head and beloved beard and mustache, and became a swami without hesitation. Subsequently, Shriji Maharaj sent him on a pilgrimage to Kāshi. Sundarji, a devotee of unwavering resolve, did not question Shriji Maharaj’s seemingly odd request. Shriji Maharaj, with a grin told Muktānand Swami, “Look at what I have done! I have transformed a minister into a renunciate.” Muktānand Swami responded, “How can this be considered a great deed? While many in Kāthiāwād harass us, the people of Kutch were friendly due to Sundarji’s presence. Now, Jagjivan Kārbhāri (minister), who already dislikes us, will create even more difficulties. We may even be deprived of food in Kutch.”
Upon hearing Muktānand Swami’s concerns, Shriji Maharaj said, “Then call him back.” Mulji Brahmachāri was sent to retrieve Sundarji. Upon their return, they bowed at Shriji Maharaj’s feet.
“Who has come?” Shriji Maharaj asked.
“Your humble servant,” Sundarji replied.
“If you are a servant, then resume your original attire, take your shield and sword, and escort the prince to the bride’s house,” Shriji Maharaj instructed.
As commanded, Sundarji, who had recently become a swami, once again donned his worldly clothes and ornaments. However, his shaved beard and mustache could not be restored. Undeterred by potential public criticism, Sundarji obeyed Shriji Maharaj’s command. Yet, this incident instilled a degree of false pride in Sundarji. He remarked to Shriji Maharaj, “Maharaj, do not subject others to such rigorous tests; they may not be able to endure them.”
Shriji Maharaj remained silent, but, as the destroyer of ego, he remembered Sundarji’s words. Shriji Maharaj sought to eliminate all imperfections in his devotees. Even a devotee possessing the highest virtues was not immune to Shriji Maharaj’s scrutiny if tainted by ego. Shriji Maharaj then devised a lilā to dispel Sundarji’s arrogance.
During his travels, Shriji Maharaj reached Bhādrā. From there, he sent a letter addressed to wealthy rulers and darbārs, including Surā Khāchar, Alaiyā Khāchar, Amro Patgar, and others. Maharaj wrote, “Upon reading this letter, Mānchā, Surā, Somlā, Māmaiyā, Ajā, Virdās, and other devotees, wherever you may be—at home or on your farms—renounce everything, including food and water. I will be pleased. Proceed to Jetalpur and receive initiation from Rāmdās Swami. From there, journey to Kāshi, and meet me in Bhuj upon your return.”
Following Shriji Maharaj’s wish, all the devotees left their homes. Kalyāndās, from Kadu, was amid his wedding rituals. His uncle, Ajā, arrived with Shriji Maharaj’s letter, declaring his intention to become a swami. Kalyāndās, upon reading the letter, felt compelled to follow Shriji Maharaj’s command as well. Despite being in the middle of his own wedding, he decided to obey. Both of them immediately left to become swamis, as instructed in Shriji Maharaj’s letter. Although his name was not explicitly mentioned, Kalyāndās believed that “infinite births have been wasted on worldly pursuits, wives, and children, but this birth offers an opportunity to be blessed by Purna Purushottam Narayan.” He considered himself included in the “etc.” at the end of the devotees’ names. Everyone went to Rāmdās Swami. Shriji Maharaj appeared to Rāmdās Swami in a dream, instructing him to bring the newly initiated paramhansas directly to Bhuj instead.
From Bhādrā, Shriji Maharaj traveled to Bhuj. After several days, the newly initiated paramhansas arrived with Rāmdās Swami. Shriji Maharaj prostrated before them and walked halfway to receive them. He introduced each one to Sundarji Suthar, saying, “Each of them owns up to five, twenty-five, or fifty villages. Upon reading my letter, they renounced everything and rushed here with complete faith in me.”
Sundarji Suthar’s eyes filled with tears. His ego dissolved, and he understood the significance of Shriji Maharaj’s words. He recalled his remark in Bandhiā and sought forgiveness. Shriji Maharaj then issued a new command to the paramhansas, instructing them to shed their newly adorned saffron robes and resume their worldly attire. All except Kalyāndās, who wished to remain a paramhansa, returned home. Shriji Maharaj permitted Kalyāndās to stay and named him Adbhutānand Swami.
A single letter from Shriji Maharaj inspired these well-respected devotees and rulers to renounce their homes, families, and villages to become swamis. Such was Shriji Maharaj’s divinity that all who came into contact with him were freed from worldly desires and attachments. How devoted must those devotees have been, willing to obey Shri Hari’s every command!
