Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
by Justin E. Abbott | 1933 | 306,590 words
This is the English translation of Bhaktavijaya which is a Marathi poem written by Mahipati in 40,000 lines. The text documents the legends of Indian saints from various backgrounds and extensively covers figures like Ekanath, Tukaram, and Ramadasa, highlighting their contributions to scholarship, philosophy, poetry, and social reform. The Bhaktavi...
11.3: Kabir meets Dnyandev and Namdev
99. Namdev [Namadeva] heard of the very extraordinary reputation of Kabir. He told Dnyandev of it and the two came to visit Kabir.
100. When Kabir saw Dnyandev and Namdev he made a prostrate namaskar at their feet. Kabir seemed very happy and embraced them with love.
101. He spread a straw mat on the floor for them to sit upon and the eyes of both of them became filled with nectar of love.
102. Dnyandev said to Namdev, ‘Remember what happened long ago, how God whose home is on the ocean of milk gave you a command.
103. You are in reality Uddhav, and this bhakta Kabir is the avatar of Shuka, and both of you descended into this world of mortals as avatars in the heart of a shell.
104. The bhakti marga (the way of devotion) has become soiled. All mankind was sunk in. worldly concerns, and you came to this world of action to save them.�
105. When Dnyandev had thus spoken they bowed to one another. There was a mutual recognition of the facts of their inner condition.
106. Dnyandev said to Kabir, ‘The sacred city of Pandhari lies in the country of the South. It was there that the Dweller in the Heaven Vaikunth [Vaikuntha] came to visit Pundalik [Pundalika].
107. Though in the absolute form of the supreme Brahm [Brahma], He took on a human form. He performed miracles of various kinds. He is the Life of the world. He is Nama’s Life of love and remains standing on a brick.
108. Some day you must come and see that ancient sacred city with your own eyes.� Hearing Dnyandev’s remark, Kabir fell at his feet
109. Kabir said to Dnyandev, ‘I shall surely come to see and worship Him on the eleventh day of the bright half of the month of Kartik (November).� Such was his promise.
110. Dnyandev and Namdev [Namadeva] now took leave of Kabir, and at once started from there. And now, you good people must listen with reverence to the delightful story which will now be related.
111. Just as the thirsty man drinks water, or a hungry man eats delicious food, so giving your mind’s attention to these stories of the bhaktas, listen with reverence, you pious folk.
112. If you have this feeling of love in your heart, it will bring infinite gain. This is Mahipati’s plea to his listeners. May you have joy and happiness.
113. Swasti (Peace!). This book is the Shri Bhaktavijaya. In listening to it the Lord of the earth will be pleased. Listen, you God-loving pious bhaktas. This is the eleventh very delightful chapter.