Thakur Revat Singh
In the Nagaur district of Rajasthan in the village of Bari Khatu, there lived the ruling family known as Chopavat Rathor. This family ruled over that village and others in the area, being subject itself only to the maharaja of Jodhpur.
The lords of this royal house were known for their strictness and cruelty. If a villager was summoned to the palace, it was cause for great fear and not without reason. One usual practice was to force a person accused of crime to carry an enormously heavy stone upon his head while being interrogated. This certainly was a deterrent to crime, but it only worked because it created such fear. Intimidation and torture however, are never desirable methods to maintain law and order.
This royal family led an extravagant life. Each day many goats and chickens were slaughtered and much alcohol consumed. The evenings in the palace were spent in orgies of feasting and drinking. However, when Sri Revat Singh succeeded his father as Ruler, he turned out to be an exception. A kind and gentle person, he had higher interests than those of eating, drinking and celebrating. It was during his rule, that the fame of Sri Devpuriji and Mahaprabhuji had spread far and wide.
One day Sri Revat Singh thought to himself, "Until now I haven’t paid attention to the fact that there are two holy souls living in my land. For the benefit of my soul, I think I shall go to them to receive their blessing."
Acting on this sudden impulse, he set off with his entourage for Sri Deva Dungary sannyas Ashram, where Mahaprabhuji lived.
When the Ruler and his followers caught sight of Mahaprabhuji, joy was awakened in their hearts, for the mere sight of Mahaprabhuji was enough to fill people with love and peace. Mahaprabhuji pleasantly welcomed them and inquired after the health and welfare of the lord and his family.
"Raja, your duties as Ruler take up much time," he finally stated. "So tell me, why have you troubled yourself to come here?"
"Lord, I have come to you to learn the true purpose of my life," Sri Revat Singh answered humbly with a bow.
To this Mahaprabhuji replied, "I am filled with the holy vibration of my Gurudeva. Kings, beggars, the rich and poor are all alike for me," and he sang this bhajan in his splendid voice:
DIVANA SATAGURU NAM KA MASTANA HELI
Filled with Gurudeva's name I have no desire,
I am blissfully happy, peaceful like the clear, cloudless sky,
Unchangeable, with the tenacity of the earth,
His word is nectar for me,
His existence is a refreshing spring.
He does not discriminate between high and low,
Earth and diamond hold the same value before God,
In him there is no desire, not even to become
King of Heaven.
There is no fear of physical grief or pain,
Carefree he is, without fear,
It matters not if he faces king, minister or beggar,
Hunger and thirst have no power over him,
Immovable like a rock he remains in life and death.
Not a Siddha[1] nor a Peer[2] is the Benefactor,
Swami Deep says:
The Satguru is Avadhuta and Avaliya[3],
He is the greatest among all heroes.
Sri Revat Singhji bowed to Mahaprabhuji.
"Our country is greatly blessed that a great Saint like yourelf lives here. Lord, I want my life to be good and worthy. With this one desire I turn to you: I have come in the great hope and belief that your mercy liberates those who seek shelter in you. Therefore I ask you to accept me as your disciple. I extend an invitation to you to live in my palace. Please come and purify my house with your holy presence."
Mahaprabhuji looked at him sternly.
"I would enter your palace right now if it would truly become pure due to my presence, but if as soon as I leave you return to old habits, then what sense would there be of my visit? My coming will only be useful when you invite me to enter your heart, then together we will purify your residence and cease all sinful practices there."
Upset, the thakur replied, "I vow that if you do me the great honour of entering my home, from that moment on nothing shall be done there without your consent."
"First, the slaughtering of animals and drinking of alcohol must cease," answered Mahaprabhuji.
The maharaja immediately agreed.
"It shall be just as you command."
Mahaprabhuji was now convinced of the sincerity of Thakur Revat Singh.
"Raja, you are honest and your thoughts are pure. I will come to your home at the time of the next full moon. You will make arrangements for satsang at your palace on that day, where all devotees shall be welcomed, no matter who or what they are."
On hearing these words, Sri Revat Singhji felt an immense bliss in his heart like, never before. Deeply moved, he bowed to Gurudeva and thanked him. Then he and his entourage left the ashram and returned to the palace.
The invitation to the forthcoming satsang was announced everywhere and this created great excitement among the villagers because it was so unusual for Mahaprabhuji to leave his ashram and enter another person's home.
"A thirsty one must go to the water, not the other way around," he used to say.
However, on this occasion he waived his rule, to fulfil the sincere wish of a devotee. The villagers were doubly surprised, not only because Mahaprabhuji was coming to them, but also because of the miraculous change in heart of their Ruler.
Preparations for the great event began. Immediately the thakur forbid any further killing of animals and consumption of alcohol. He increased the joy of his subjects when he abolished the ordeal of the stone at the judicial trials. The whole palace was then cleaned and all walls freshly painted and decorated. All villagers and farmers under his rule were invited to attend the satsang, as well as friends, lords, dignitaries and noblemen from other areas.
According to Hindu calendar, the satsang was held on the day of Chaitra Sudhi Purnima, at the end of April when the weather is still warm after spring harvest and the farmers enjoy a break in their year’s schedule. People gathered in crowds at the palace. Men in their yellow, orange, pink and red turbans and the women in their brilliant saris all colours of the rainbow, many embroidered with gold or silver thread that flashed in the sun. The noblemen and dignitaries wore splendid uniforms.
A carriage had been beautifully decorated with flowers, tinsel and rich fabric for Mahaprabhuji. The sound of bhajans and music filled the air and the atmosphere of Bari Khatu was truly heavenly. There had never been such a celebration before and everyone took part with no thought of caste or religion.
Everyone — farmers, lords, noblemen and villagers — gathered at the ashram to fetch Bhagwan Sri Deep Narayan Mahaprabhuji. Humbly they greeted and garland him with malas made of flowers[4]. In his honour they chanted bhajans, kirtans and mantras and soon the whole sky was filled with a powerful sound — it seemed as though even the angels were singing. Everyone surrounded Mahaprabhuji with happy faces and he sat among them like the full moon surrounded by sparkling stars.
Eventually the crowd parted to make way for Mahaprabhuji's vehicle and all shouted, "Maha Prabhu Deep Ki Jay – Victory to you, Mahaprabhu Deep!" "Sat Sanatan Dharma Ki Jay – Victory to the true religion!"
Slowly the carriage was carried to Khatu, accompanied by praying and singing devotees. They sang a bhajan of Swami Shivananda:
SRI DHARMA SANATAN PALAN KARAN GURU NARAYAN
To preserve the true belief and teach us our correct duty
He has given me knowledge of pure consciousness,
All my ignorance and blind beliefs have disappeared,
He showed me the reality of the soul
And I realized that this world is a dream,
The chains of Karma are cut — I am the pure Self!
He led me across the ocean of Maya
And Liberated me from all earthly troubles.
The Sanatan of human life is to surrender to Gurudev
and Ishvara,
Sri Mahaprabhuji is the perfect Divine Master!
Swami Shivananda says: My deepest reverence to Gurudev,
His name bestows eternal happiness,
It was my great luck to meet him, he united me with the
highest Self.
In the village, Mahaprabhuji was seated on a dais and at his side sat Sri Revat Singhji, his wife Srimati Chundawati and all the members of their family. A ceremonial fire was lit and they received mantra from Mahaprabhuji. As part of this ceremony it is customary to make offerings to the Guru and Sri Revat Singhji bowed low to Mahaprabhuji and offered all his land and possessions.
"Nothing belongs to me! Everything is yours!" he cried. "I merely give what already belongs to you!"
"Yes, Raja," Mahaprabhuji replied with a smile, "your land and possessions are the property of Gurudeva and you are only the administrator. But what should a swami like me do with all this wealth and worldly power? Continue to rule your land, this is your work and duty, but never forget that you are God's servant and with His blessing you will rule with love, kindness and humility. Open your heart to the pains and sorrows of your subjects and listen to the aggrieved. Serve selflessly for the benefit of all! Don't cheat the people, nor burden them with unjust taxes. See that they lack nothing and preserve justice in your land."
It was truly an auspicious occasion when Sri Revat Singhji received mantra from Mahaprabhuji and the faithful scattered colourful flowers and shouted again and again, "Sri Maha Prabhuji, Ki Jay!"
The satsang continued for three days and three nights and all spent this time singing and praying. On request, many received mantra diksha[5] from Mahaprabhuji and one of them, Seth Bankat Lal Bajaj, dedicated the following prayer to him:
OM PRABHUJI DEVO SWAMI ANTAR YAMI
OM Prabhu Deep, God of our hearts!
Paramatma, Omnipresent Divine Existence,
You are wisdom, liberator of illusion,
Highest manifestation, Prabhu!
Prabhu — Truth, Knowledge and Origin —
You lead us from conflict to unity,
Tattva-Darshi Mahatma[6],
The ignorant don't know the meaning of Satsang, Prabhu!
Prabhu, standing beyond everything, free from all,
Liberator of everyone!
Immortal, Omnipresent, formless Mahatma, Prabhu!
Prabhu, gracious messenger of wisdom,
Eternal Paramatma, protector and preserver
Beyond all earthly perception,
Divine Atma! The honest one lives in Truth
And follows the teachings of the Saints,
The ignorant escape from the light
Pursued by guilty feelings of their deeds.
Prabhu Deep, you hide in every heart,
You light all three worlds,
Bankat Lala begs you, liberate us from ignorance!
This prayer inspired all those present to praise and worship Mahaprabhuji.
Saints, wise men, devas and gandharvas feel deep veneration for the land where Sri Narayana has appeared. Each grain of sand of this part of the country is holy. Dear readers, how I also love the land where Bhagwan Sri Deep Narayan Mahaprabhuji incarnated!
Here is another ode written by Seth Bankat Lal Bajaj in honour of Mahaprabhuji.
PYARO DHANO LAGE MANE DES MARUDHAR
How I love the country Marudhar
Where the Divine Satguru incarnated!
Blessed are his Divine Mother and Father,
His brothers and sister and relatives!
Blessed are the country and the village,
Their glory is greater than the sky,
Each house is full of fortune.
Gods and Saints, Brahma, Vishnu, Indra, Hari and Shiva,
Countless Rishis, Munis and Incarnations
Praise Hindusthan as the highest place!
Satguru Swami Deep Narayan from Khatu,
Bankat Lal says, my reverence and devotion
To his Holy presence!
In those days, all who came to Khatu received a blessing. Happy are those who are graced to meet a Satguru and his devout companions.
For three days more, Mahaprabhuji stayed in the residence of the maharaja and then returned to his ashram. All who had taken part in the satsang accompanied him and the bliss they felt due to the presence of Gurudeva was so great that they did not want to part from him.
"My dear brothers and sisters," he finally said to them with a loving heart, "you should return home now to your daily duties. I am always with you. Wherever my devotees think of me, there I am."
Showered with the wisdom, love and mercy of Gurudeva, the people returned to their usual activities. Silence settled on Khatu and for a while the village seemed like a nest abandoned by the birds, or like a pond without water.
Sri Revat Singhji vowed to visit Mahaprabhuji every day and this he did, walking several kilometres to the ashram through the desert. As a Ruler he was not permitted to go alone and so was always accompanied by servants and entourage. Even though there were camels and horses in his train, he never rode.
"If God has granted you this comfort, why don't you make use of it?" Mahaprabhuji once asked him.
"In the first place, Master, none of it belongs to me," Sri Revat Singhji replied, "and secondly it is proper to practise humility before a Saint. Before you I am not a king but a servant. Therefore I enter your kingdom on foot."
The maharaja's subjects were very proud of their Ruler's humble devotion to his Guru.
In past times, kings practised yoga and led pious lives. Unfortunately, this way of life was abandoned. Spiritual knowledge declines until Gurudeva comes to the world again, to revive and restore the knowledge of God and Divine wisdom.
In The Bhagavad Gita (Ch. 4, V. 2) it is written:
"Only the raj rishis[7] realized these principles of bhakti and gyana[8] in their kingdom. For a long time this yoga disappeared from earth, but whenever a Divine incarnation appears on earth, gyana yoga[9] is re-awakes."
Thakur Revat Singhji never tired of praising his Guru.
"The grace of the Master is the highest, the source of true fortune in the world. I am ignorant, I am nothing. Only through the grace of Gurudeva have I been allowed to experience this. It is the Satguru who gives everything, all others, no matter how powerful or rich, are mere beggars at his door. Only the blessing of the Satguru brings peace."
"It is true," Mahaprabhuji said to him. "This knowledge is only granted to those who reach atma gyana[10], through bhakti yoga[11]. The only beings who truly deserve to be called human are those who realize and understand their human existence. Others call themselves human but are little more than animals. Animals eat, drink, sleep and reproduce. How are some people different from the beasts?
"Only humans have the capacity to realize the Omnipresent and Omniscient God of the universe who dwells in the hearts of all creatures. May everyone awaken to the love of the Supreme within them, for that Divine power rests in everyone. But without realization, the door to liberation remains closed. You may study all holy texts and memorise the Vedas, but until you realize your own Self this knowledge is useless.
"Always keep your mind on God and constantly cultivate your reverence for him. The unchangeable, the eternal exists within you! As long as you don't feel God's presence in your heart you will be like a spoon lying in honey, noticing nothing of the sweet taste that surrounds it. Only Gurudeva can give enlightenment to the disciple. He transfers Divine Light and energy and the disciple develops love in the heart and experiences the indescribable feeling of being blessed. Only due to this awakening can God realization succeed. This is only possible between a true Divine Master and a totally committed disciple."
Such are the teachings that Mahaprabhuji granted to his disciple Sri Revat Singhji. In his satsangs, Mahaprabhuji clearly taught the message of the Vedas and other holy texts through the singing of bhajans and using parables and other examples from everyday life. In this way, through simple words, all were able to understand and grasp the essence contained within.
The Story of the Bhopas[12]
Even in modern times superstition and faith in oracles is widespread. Many charlatans and swindlers exploit such superstition and take advantage of innocent people by pretending to be mediums or prophets.
An oracle sits before a statue of a Goddess surrounded by sweet-smelling joss sticks and to the suggestive, insistent beat of drums, puts himself into a trance. With great emotion he then begins to speak and prophesise. What it mostly amounts to is a berating of the poor believer for the unknown offences he has committed against the Goddess, in atonement for which he must offer as sacrifice a sheep, goat or buffalo. The ignorant believer hastens to bring the appropriate sacrifice and in his effort to pacify the angered Goddess, many animals are killed. These animals are then eaten, for the oracles do not waste the meat.
In India it is almost universally believed that it’s wrong to take a life merely to satisfy your taste buds. Rather than openly defy this belief, certain people have devised these pseudo-religious oracles as an excuse to eat meat. In this way they cheat many innocent people, including the poor who must donate expensive animals and make them foolish by encouraging blind and useless belief.
This oracle nonsense was particularly widespread in the Nagaur district. One day Mahaprabhuji called Sri Revat Singhji and instructed him to forbid the practice of the oracles.
"The bhopas have a very bad influence on the people of your land. Money is taken and animals are sacrificed to satisfy the desire to eat meat. You must put an end to those deplorable practices. God is kind and full of love and would never demand the sacrifice of blood. These sacrifices commanded by the bhopas, arise from inner darkness and a superstition nurtured by fear. But now all this will end!"
"Gurudeva, I would gladly do this, but the Master of the bhopas always escapes me," Thakur Revat Singhji said. "Kalidasa, as they call him, lives in a cave in the mountains. He is a powerful magician of callous and brutish nature, he enjoys the veneration of the people. Also, they are afraid of him. Many holy men have been defeated by his magical powers and he protects all other bhopas."
With a smile Mahaprabhuji listened to these words of the thakur.
"Raja, still you have not truly recognised Gurudeva! No harm can come to one who is protected by me. Even if the whole world was against him, not a single hair of his head would be harmed. For even the God of death himself gives way to that one who lives in the protective grace of Gurudeva. Be without fear and have all bhopas arrested! Tell them that only their Master can free them. Many innocent and ignorant people have been despicably deceived, but now this will end. For wherever Gurudeva spreads the Light of Truth, darkness must flee."
As instructed, Thakur Revat Singhji ordered his men to arrest all bhopas. Encouraged by the fact that Mahaprabhuji was protecting them, the men overpowered the bhopas in a surprise attack. The priests invoked their Gods, siddhis and magic powers, but to their great surprise all efforts proved ineffective.
Their Master, Kalidasa, soon heard of their plight and he too called upon his most powerful and protective God and uttered a mighty curse over Mahaprabhuji and the thakur so that they might be killed. But both remained unscathed and instead he lost all his magic powers. All the siddhis he had gained through many years of practice had failed him and were no longer at his disposal.
"I don't understand how this could possibly happen," he thought. "Until today I have always possessed superior powers and now these are ineffective and have even turned against me! If I can no longer protect my disciples and if my power has gone, then what is the meaning of my life? However, I would still like to teach a lesson to that thakur and Mahaprabhuji!"
And with this he once more tried to muster all his magic power and energy and uttered a most devastating curse, but without success. Due to his impotence, Kalidasa felt an unknown anger and the bhopas were deeply disappointed that their Master and protective Gods were unable to free them. They turned to the thakur and made a promise to give up their practices. In accordance with Mahaprabhuji's instructions, the thakur set them free.
The bhopas kept their word and became devotees of Gurudeva and as his disciples, began to lead a pure life pleasing to God. Once they had renounced their despicable deeds, Sri Revat Singhji gave each a piece of fertile farmland at Mahaprabhuji's command so that they could become farmers. Thus the ritual slaughter of animals ended.
Due to his excessive anger and negative thoughts and qualities, Kalidasa was stricken with leprosy. Ultimately he gave up his pride and went to Mahaprabhuji to beg forgiveness. The merciful Gurudeva didn't reproach him but only looked upon him with benevolent grace.
He healed Kalidasa and warned him, "Nothing belongs to you. Follow this truth and direct your thoughts to God."
A truly great soul never looks at the mistakes of others, he only bestows grace and helps everybody.
Thakur Revat Singhji spent more and more time with Gurudeva, filled with that yearning for the Supreme on hearing Mahaprabhuji's Divine wisdom. The friends of the thakur couldn't understand and asked why he spent all day with Mahaprabhuji.. In answer he chanted:
SATGURU DARSHAN DINA NEN THARE RE
My Satguru granted me his Darshan,
His sight has changed my existence,
My eyes see only him,
All my wishes have been fulfilled.
Happily my spirit shouts with joy,
Darkness has left my inner Self,
The veil of ignorance has been torn away,
My mind is pure and clear,
Liberated from illusion and worry.
Remaining on earth, the Self is freed
From the circle of reincarnations,
The messengers of death are driven away.
My Satguru Swami Deep is Hari and Brahman,
He is Sarguna and Nirguna,
Now his devotee Revat Singh is without fear!
On hearing this song, his friends realized that Thakur Revat Singh was a great and wise man and this, my friends, is the fruit of satsang.
Chatur Singh Gives Up Hunting
One day Thakur Revat Singhji went to Jodhpur on business. There he met Prince Chatur Singh, a passionate hunter, who asked the thakur, "Why do you never hunt?"
"We received the grace of human life from God and at the same time the gift to discriminate between good and evil deeds," Thakur Revat Singh replied. "At all times our deeds should be directed in this knowledge and the only hunting we should do is hunting of evil and ignorance within ourselves. Then we will attain Divine blessing. For as long as we harm other creatures we will also suffer. It is written in the Vedas and the shastras: 'One who makes others happy will gain fortune, but whoever does harm will experience sorrow'!"
To further express this truth, he sang the following bhajan:
HE ACHAMBO ESO AVE RE JIVONE JIV SATAVE
Full of pain I see how one being mistreats another,
How may that one be lucky who harms others?
Happily will live those who love all creatures!
The precepts of the Vedas and Saints say:
Care for the lives of all creatures,
as you would your own,
Live without envy and greed,
on the wage of honest work.
Sri Satguru Swami Deep Narayan shows
the right path to the lost,
Sri Revat Singh says,
I follow his words and harm no creature.
This bhajan profoundly impressed Chatur Singh and from that moment on he never hunted again. He even renounced eating meat recognising the truth imparted to him by Sri Revat Singhji, that the highest duty of man is to protect all beings — to harm them is a great sin. He realized the meaning of the truth, that the foremost duty of the kshatriya[13] is to fight against evil. The worst karma is caused by the following deeds:
To kill, steal, rob or destroy property belonging to others,
To lie, cheat or to turn others away from human dharma[14].
Chatur Singh passed on the teachings of Thakur Revat Singhji and inspired by his genuine change, many other people came to follow Mahaprabhuji's teachings.
The Story of the Blind Thieves
On the full-moon night in the month of Kartika (October), Mahaprabhuji celebrated a great satsang with bhajans and kirtans in the Sri Deva Dungary Sannyas Ashram. Among the people who had gathered there were four thieves, expecting to gain much on this night. Of course, Mahaprabhuji divined their intentions, but did not reveal their presence to his devotees.
Thakur Revat Singh had also joined the celebration and the two camels which he had brought were tied up outside the ashram.
At midnight when all were singing with full fervour, the four thieves crept unnoticed out of the ashram, untied the camels and made off with them.
On discovering the theft, the satsang visitors became restless. Mahaprabhuji calmed them.
"Don't be concerned about the camels, I assure you they won't be lost. Let us continue with our satsang!"
But the people were unable to settle.
"Come to the ashram gate and convince yourselves of my words," he said.
With this they all ran to the entrance and to their surprise saw the thieves circling the ashram on the backs of the camels.
The thieves thought they had already covered a good distance, for one of them was heard to say, "We’ve been riding for so long now but strangely enough we haven’t passed one village or house. Something seems to be wrong!"
"It's so dark I can't see a thing!" another said.
The others agreed and complained of the darkness which obstructed their view. Still they laboured under the impression that they were far from the ashram.
Suddenly they were stopped as the satsang visitors ran to them and seizing the reins of the camels, led them back to Mahaprabhuji.
To their horror, the thieves realized that the darkness which had descended upon them was caused by the loss of their sight.
Wailing and crying, they bowed down to Mahaprabhuji.
"O Gurudeva, forgive us. In our ignorance we fell into thieving. Please be gracious and grant sight to our eyes."
"Promise to give up stealing from now on and live by means of honest work. If you obey this you will regain your sight," Mahaprabhuji replied. "If you commit another theft you will surely lose your sight for the remainder of your life."
All four thieves humbly promised to steal no more and the compassionate Master restored sight to their eyes. Nevertheless, after some time one of these men reverted to his old habits. He lost his sight immediately and remained blind for the remainder of his life.
And so it is proved that the words of a Divine soul are infallible, they are the keys to truth.
Chaturmas[15] in Bari Khatu
Thakur Revat Singh and the villagers of Bari Khatu were deeply touched by the satsangs of Mahaprabhuji and they wished that he spend the four months of the monsoon season at their village. Sri Revat Singhji and others proceeded to Sri Deva Dungary Sannyas Ashram to invite Mahaprabhuji to come and stay with them.
Respectfully greeting him they presented a letter of petition, signed by all, containing the following words: "Sri Mahaprabhuji, we humbly ask you to bless our village with your presence during the time of the monsoon."
Mahaprabhuji warmly accepted their invitation and replied to the thakur: "God is always in the hands of the bhaktas. I will fulfil their wish and spend this time in Bari Khatu. However, I would like to stay at a place just outside the village so that all may come to me at any time."
"Gurudeva, to the west of the village, at the foot of a hill, there is a house near a large banyan tree," Sri Revat Singhji answered. "Please accept this as your abode, for it offers enough space for all who wish to visit you. If you lack anything needed to make you comfortable, I will happily provide it."
To the joy of all citizens of Bari Khatu, Mahaprabhuji agreed. The villagers and the thakur began to make preparations for Mahaprabhuji's stay in their village.
A garden was created and named "Bhagwan Sri Deep Narayan Bagichi" in honour of Gurudeva. This garden and the house where Mahaprabhuji stayed still exist.
Early on the morning of the 11th day of the month Ashadh, Thakur Revat Singhji and other dignitaries collected Mahaprabhuji from the ashram. In a decorated coach they escorted him, with great ceremony, to the village. The men and women of Bari Khatu welcomed him and joined the moving procession as it made its way to the house beside the Bhagwan Sri Deep Narayan Bagichi. Mahaprabhuji settled there and held satsang.
His words of Divine wisdom fell on those present like celestial nectar and, liberated from all worldly problems, the people bathed in Brahman's bliss. Every day hundreds of devotees gathered to share in this blessing. The people of Bari Khatu still speak of the Divine grace which they experienced at that time.
Mahaprabhuji was a fountain of wisdom and joy. It did not matter if he spoke about the Vedas, The Upanishads, The Bhagavad Gita or other holy texts, as he always imparted the knowledge from these in a simple manner to the village people, often illustrating the teachings of the Saints and philosophers in parables so that all could easily understand. Swamis, sadhus, spiritual seekers and other villagers came in great number from far distances to share in the satsang of Gurudeva and thus the four months of the monsoon passed in an atmosphere of harmony, filled with great wisdom and joy.
To celebrate the end of his stay in the village, a grand satsang was held on the day of the full moon. On this occasion the thakur presented a letter of thanks to Mahaprabhuji from all devotees of Bari Khatu:
OM SRI DEEP NARAYAN NAMAHA
We greet you, Om Sri Deep Narayan
"Srimad Paramhansa Paribrajakacharya Jagadguru[16], Eternal Master who removes the darkness of ignorance, the Supremely worshipped Maharaj, thousandfold praised Bhagwan Sri Deep Narayan Mahaprabhuji! Full of grace, you have granted the blessing of your holy presence here in Bari Khatu.
As the fruit of good deeds in thousands of former lives, we have been blessed with the Darshan and Satsang of such a great soul. O Mahaprabhuji, Ocean of Mercy, the wisdom from your lips has dispelled the darkness of ignorance! With your holy words, you have given the essence and meaning of The Upanishads, of Sri Shankaracharya, Nyaya and Mimamsa Shastra, the Puranas, Yoga and all holy texts accessible to us. In parables and stories you gave us clarity of understanding. Countless glorious Satsangs you bestowed upon us, filling the listeners of this world and others with great joy. This will never fall into oblivion! Preserver of Dharma, Maryada Purushottama JagatGuru![17]
Your lotus-like words impart knowledge of our true Self. We were in the ocean of ignorance, shrouded in pain, greed, anger, egoism, jealousy and passion. You gave us liberation from this. Only by your grace have we realized our True form. Our thanks will never cease. In the name of all citizens we thank you a thousandfold! O compassionate Gurudeva! We ask that you continue to give us your Satsang and your Divine wisdom and be lenient in the face of our mistakes."
Berisal Kamdar,
Secretary to Thakur Revat Singh
An Heir for Thakur Revat Singh
For several generations the rajas of Bari Khatu had no descendants and therefore had to appoint heirs by adoption. Thakur Revat Singh had also remained childless. His subjects however, hoped that their Ruler would beget a child of his own by the grace of Mahaprabhuji, in whose Omnipotence they all faithfully believed.
It was at a satsang that the thakur stood up and spoke these words to Mahaprabhuji.
"My beloved benefactor. I have now grown old and with your consent would like to adopt an heir. Please choose the boy whom shall be my descendant."
Smiling, Mahaprabhuji only shook his head and said, "It's not necessary for you to adopt a child, for you and your wife will soon have a son to inherit your kingdom."
A medical doctor from Delhi, Dr. Ramesh Chandra Sethi, was present at the satsang.
"Sir, please excuse my interruption, but according to my medical knowledge it would be impossible for this couple to have a child at their age."
"Doctor, your science and my science obviously represent two different points of view," Mahaprabhuji answered. "Your science maintains that they will get no children, while mine assures you that they will be blessed with not one, but even more children."
Mahaprabhuji then instructed Thakur Revat Singhji to perform a fire ceremony. In this ceremony, mantras from the ancient Vedas and Puranas are chanted by pandits[18] while offerings of different kinds of wood, oil-seeds, grains and ghee (clarified butter) are thrown repeatedly into the fire. The purpose is to physically and spiritually uplift and transform the individual and the environment.
The thakur carried out this order although even to him the fulfilment of such a prophecy seemed improbable.
But, as always, Mahaprabhuji's words proved true and after nine months an heir was born to the thakur. The news spread like wildfire throughout the district and all rejoiced at this happy event. Thoroughly overjoyed, the thakur distributed donations and gifts to the poor and all those in need.
A great celebration took place and Mahaprabhuji distributed prasad and named the little prince "Sri Abhaya Singh." Later two more children were born to the thakur — a son named Amar Singh and a daughter called Anupkunwar. Today all three still live in Bari Khatu. They became devout disciples of Mahaprabhuji and faithfully cherish and follow his teachings.
It was thus that the grace which Mahaprabhuji promised to bestow on the thakur was realized.
In his gratitude, Thakur Revat Singh gave 500 hectares of land to his Master. Mahaprabhuji refused to keep this for himself and instead distributed it to poor farmers, for which some disciples criticised him.
"Master, you have given all the land to the poor although it was intended for the ashram. Would it not have better served the guests and disciples of the ashram? There are many ashrams throughout India which are sustained by the yield of the estates given to them by Rulers. An ashram requires land."
Patiently Mahaprabhuji listened to their arguments and then he began to speak.
"All men, holy and wise, seekers and aspirants, rich and poor, come into this world with a certain destiny which has been established according to deeds in former lives. This ashram will never be without means, as Lord Shiva himself protects it and all Riddhis[19] and Siddhis[20] are always at its service. Consider that all monasteries and temples that own land are forever involved in unnecessary disputes. The courts are constantly busy because property always causes quarrels.
"Many people come to me asking for my blessing to win such cases but I always tell them that they should trust in their destiny. Whatever is written in our destiny will be granted to us, so why should we worry?
"Renunciation is the key to bliss, but that does not mean you can neglect your duties. True renunciation is giving up your delusions, wrong imaginations, diversions and desires. It means to obtain contentment and preserve God in one's own heart. Live happily. Human life is precious, therefore do not waste it senselessly. One who has renounced worldly property does not require money.
"Remember that wealth and property are not everlasting. After death, only our karmas accompany us. I repeat this to the people again and again but still they disregard my words and continue to run after their fantasies and desires. They are all deceived by maya! Listen, property brings sorrow, renunciation leads to freedom. Nothing belongs to you. Remember this truth and direct your thoughts to God!"
Mahaprabhuji then sang:
DUNYA KE JAGDAND ME PHAS GAYE JIVA ANANT
Myriads of beings are caught in the worldly mire,
The wise ones try hard to show them Reality
But they do not understand.
Even the Saints are helpless,
In the time of Kali Yuga even the Brahmins fall victim to illusion,
And the preservers of faith lose their way,
Swami Deep Narayan says, if preaching is useless
You had better keep silent.
Thakur Revat Singh's Farewell
The years passed in peace and harmony until one day Thakur Revat Singh told his subjects of Bari Khatu, "My brothers and sisters! Through the grace of Mahaprabhuji I've been informed that in one year I will leave this body. It is my great fortune to have had Gurudeva, the incarnation of the Supreme, to guide me across the ocean of this world. Through his blessings all my worldly and spiritual desires have been fulfilled. May Mahaprabhuji grant me his holy darshan in each rebirth!"
On hearing these words from their Ruler, the citizens of Khatu felt quite anxious, as they had grown to like the thakur and knew that it would be almost impossible to find another Ruler like him.
Two months before the predicted time, Thakur Revat Singh longed to have Mahaprabhuji with him. And so it was that Mahaprabhuji accepted the thakur's invitation and for two months held satsang in the palace. I was also permitted to take part in this visit, which occurred during 1950. In this time Mahaprabhuji gave enlightenment to Thakur Revat Singhji and imparted to him the highest knowledge of Truth and the Supreme.
The day before he left his body, the thakur spoke to all citizens of Bari Khatu:
"All my life you were faithfully by my side. My life's journey was successful due to you and the blessing of Gurudeva. Now the journey ends and tomorrow morning at four o'clock, I shall say farewell. But you shall not mourn for me because I will unite with the formless Gurudeva, Satchitananda Brahman[21]. If ever I was unjust to anyone, I ask for their forgiveness."
He folded his hands and bowed to those gathered. All were deeply touched and their eyes filled with tears.
A large satsang was held which lasted all night and at exactly four o'clock in the morning, Thakur Revat Singhji bowed to Mahaprabhuji with folded hands and prayed.
"Mahaprabhuji, by your grace I have crossed the ocean of maya. Through you I became happy and obtained rich blessings. I was permitted to serve all these people here and to be near you at the same time. Now as I bid my farewell to this world, you have granted me the benevolence of your presence. Please bless me, my Lord."
Mahaprabhuji blessed him and the thakur chanted OM and left his physical body.
In memory of Thakur Revat Singh a monument of marble was erected outside the village of Pong near Bari Khatu. It still stands today.
[1]siddha = one who possesses supernatural powers
[2]peer = Muslim expression for siddha
[3]avaliya = "inhabitant of heaven"
[4]To hang a flower garland (mala) on someone is a custom of welcome and a traditional gesture of reverence.
[5]mantra diksha is the initiation the disciple receives from the Guru when he is given a mantra.
mantra = holy word or phrase, diksha = initiation
[6]tattva = principle, element, darshi = that One who sees, the One who knows, mahatma = great soul
[7]raj rishi = royal, wise man
[8]bhakti = devotion to God, gyana = knowledge
[9]gyana yoga = yoga path of knowledge
[10]atma gyana = knowledge of the Self
[11]bhakti yoga = yoga path of devotion to God
[12]bhopas = oracle priests
[13]kshatriya = warrior, hero
[14]dharma = religion or duty, i.e., the duty or purpose of human life
[15]Chaturmas = four months of monsoon season
[16]Srimad Paramhansa Paribrajakacharya JagatGuru is a most respectful form of address using the highest spiritual titles.
[17]Maryada Purushottama = highest purusha (soul, Divine principle of life), jagatGuru = Guru of the whole world
[18]pandit = spiritual scholar or priest
[19]riddhis = deities of wealth
[20]siddhis = supernatural powers
[21]Brahman = Supreme God
Next Chapter: Siddha Yogi Sri Shankar Puriji
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Overview: Disciples of Sri Mahaprabhuji
