Namdev’s Journey North
Once, inspired by the Lord’s will, Saint Namdev set out on a long pilgrimage to spread the glories of nāma-saṅkīrtana. Singing “Vitthal, Vitthal,” he walked from village to village, purifying hearts with his songs.
After many days, he reached the kingdom of Sindh, ruled by a powerful king named Bahurām, who was devoted to the sun and knew little of Lord Vitthal. Namdev, as always, sat in the city square and began singing his sweet bhajans. The air filled with divine fragrance, and the people of Sindh gathered in wonder to hear him.
The King’s Curiosity
When King Bahurām heard of the saint who made even the birds stop singing, he became curious and sent his soldiers to bring Namdev to his court.
Namdev entered humbly, bowing before the king. Bahurām asked, “O singer, who is the Lord you praise with such passion?”
Namdev replied softly, “He is Paṇḍurang, Lord Vitthal of Paṇḍharpur, who dwells in the hearts of all beings.”
The king laughed. “You speak of your god as if He were alive. If He is truly real, make Him appear before me!”
The Test of Devotion
Namdev joined his palms. “O King, the Lord is not commanded by pride. But for those who love Him, He appears unasked.”
The king, skeptical, said, “If your God comes, I shall give you half my kingdom. But if He does not, you shall be cast into prison.”
Namdev only smiled and said, “As you wish. For me, even prison is His temple.”
He then sat cross-legged in the royal hall, closed his eyes, and began to sing softly:
“O Vitthal, You are the soul of all, unseen yet ever present.
Come now, not for my sake, but for the sake of Your own name.”
The Lord Appears
Suddenly, the hall trembled with light. A fragrance filled the air, and before all appeared Lord Vitthal, shining like a thousand suns, His feet resting upon the sacred brick.
The king fell from his throne, overwhelmed. “Forgive me, O Lord! I doubted Your devotee!”
Vitthal smiled. “Bahurām, devotion is not bound by place or faith. Nama’s love is My true throne.”
Namdev bowed at the Lord’s feet and said, “O Vitthal, even in a foreign land You come when called. Truly, You are bound only by love.”
The King’s Transformation
The king laid his crown at Namdev’s feet. “Teach me this devotion that brings God Himself to earth,” he said.
Namdev replied, “Chant His name—Vitthal!—with every breath. Serve others as you would serve Him.”
From that day, Bahurām ruled his kingdom with humility, making his court a place of bhajan and charity.
Reflection – God Crosses All Borders
- The Lord’s Omnipresence: God answers wherever He is called with love—He is not limited by geography, temple, or tongue.
- Faith Over Fear: Namdev faced threat and mockery with serenity, knowing that devotion protects the devotee more surely than armies.
- The Transforming Power of Bhakti: Even a skeptical king becomes a devotee when touched by divine grace.
- Mission of Love: A saint’s pilgrimage is not to conquer lands, but to awaken hearts to divine remembrance.
Source: Mahīpati, Bhaktavijaya, Chapter XXI, verses 1–70.
