Devānand Swāmi

Paramhansas

Devānand Swāmi was a native of Balāl village near Dholakā. His name was Devidān. He was inclined toward devotion from childhood. Once, he lovingly offered the leaf of a bili tree and performed Shivji’s abhishek. Pleased, Shankar Bhagwan appeared before him and granted him a boon, “The manifest Purushottam Nārāyan will bless your village and show unearthly powers. Saraswati will reside in your throat. (You will be gifted with a sweet voice.)” Once, Maharaj arrived in Jetalpur. He drank milk straight from a porringer and streamlets of milk flowed to his elbow. Devidān realized only a great person can behave this way, as ordinary man would not due to embarrassment. He accepted Maharaj’s refuge and became a sadhu. Maharaj named him Devānand. He stayed in Brahmānand Swāmi’s group of sadhus. Brahmānand Swāmi taught him music and singing. In a short time, Devānand Swāmi mastered the skill. He is included among the eight great poets of Maharaj. He wrote thousands of kirtans, which are known as ‘Devānandnā Chābakhā’. The great poet Dalpatrām was his shishya.