The Challenge of the Yogi
One day, a proud yogi named Viṣṇu Śarma came to Paṇḍharpur. He was a master of mystic powers, famous for his austerities and miracles. Hearing of Saint Namdev’s fame, he said, “I will test this tailor who claims to see God everywhere.”
He approached Namdev and said, “You chant God’s name and sing in ecstasy, but what is the fruit of all your emotion? I have conquered the senses through yoga. Tell me, what have you achieved?”
Namdev smiled humbly. “O noble yogi,” he replied, “I have not conquered anything. I am conquered—by the love of the Lord. My only wealth is His name.”
The yogi frowned. “Then show me your God. I can travel the three worlds in a moment, but I have never seen your Vitthal.”
Namdev folded his palms. “He is everywhere, but He reveals Himself only to those who love Him.”
The Display of Powers
The yogi laughed. “Let us see whose practice is superior—your devotion or my yoga.”
He began to perform feats: levitating into the air, producing fire from his hand, and walking on water. The crowd marveled, but Namdev remained silent, his lips softly murmuring “Vitthal, Vitthal.”
At last, the yogi challenged, “If your Lord is real, call Him here before all. If He comes, I shall become your disciple.”
The Lord’s Humble Arrival
Namdev bowed and closed his eyes. Tears filled his eyes as he sang:
“O Vitthal, my Lord,
You reside in all beings,
Yet You dwell most in the heart that calls You with love.
If You do not come, the proud will mock devotion.”
As he sang, the air filled with fragrance, and before the assembly appeared Lord Vitthal—smiling, golden, radiant—standing on His brick.
The yogi was stunned. The people fell to the ground in reverence. Vitthal said gently, “Viṣṇu Śarma, you have yoga, but Nama has bhakti. The yogi’s power is limited; the devotee’s love commands even Me.”
The Yogi’s Transformation
Humbled, the yogi fell at the Lord’s feet. “Forgive my pride, O Lord. I thought I could bind You by austerity, but You are captured only by love.”
Vitthal turned to Namdev. “Nama, give him the true initiation.”
Namdev raised the yogi and embraced him. “Brother, now chant the Lord’s name—not with pride, but with surrender.” The yogi began to weep and sang, “Vitthal, Vitthal!” from his heart.
From that day, he gave up his miracles and became a humble servant of the devotees.
Reflection – The Supremacy of Love
- Bhakti Surpasses Yoga: Yogic powers impress the world but cannot move the heart of God. Love alone attracts Him.
- True Humility: Namdev’s humility silenced arrogance without argument. His faith was his power.
- The Lord’s Accessibility: God comes not to the proud but to the pure of heart who call upon Him with sincerity.
- Inner Vision: The story teaches that controlling the senses is good, but surrendering the ego is divine.
Source: Mahīpati, Bhaktavijaya, Chapter XVII, verses 1–63.
