सन्त सुखद सुख राम राम सेवक वर केसो।
सुदृढ़ प्रीति रसिकन प्रकाश कछु नाहिं अंदेसो॥
अधिक सन्त पद प्रीति सन्त सो नाहिं परदो।
जानकीशरण महन्त भली विधि सेवा करदो॥
अग्रस्वामि गादी प्रबल रैवासा महती कथा।
ठकुरानी श्रीजानकी सुनत श्रवण छूटे व्यथा॥२०१॥
Rāmasevaka and eminent Keso brought happiness and well-being to saints. Their love was firm and shone among rasikas without the slightest doubt. Their love for the feet of saints was supreme, and they kept no barrier between themselves and holy people. Mahant Jānakīśaraṇa performed service in the proper way. Agrasvāmī's seat at Raivāsā was powerful, and its sacred account was great. Hearing it, Queen Śrī Jānakī freed every listener from sorrow.
प्रियाचारज अति प्रीति रीति रस रास उपासी।
राम रास की नेम जथा विधि प्रेम प्रकासी॥
सीतारामाचारज मानसी अमल रास लसे।
तिनकी बहू सुजान रसिक मतधारि सङ्ग वस॥
गादी पर तिनके सुवन रघुलोचन बसन्त मति।
चहत रसिक जन सङ्ग नित विमल बैन सिय कृपा रति॥२०२॥
Priyācārya possessed great love and worshipped the rasa and rāsa of the sacred way. Through the disciplined observance of Rāma's rāsa, he revealed love as prescribed. Sītārāmācārya shone in stainless mental rāsa. His wise daughter-in-law held the rasika teaching and lived in his company. His son Raghulocana, whose mind was fresh as spring, succeeded to the seat. Loving the company of rasikas, he spoke stainless words and remained absorbed in Sīyā's grace.
धन्य धना के भजन ज्यों त्यों दाना तुम्बा फरयो॥
उग्र कथा विश्राम काहि या बाड़ निवासी।
निह कञ्चन श्रीकृष्ण ठगे जे राम उपासी॥
कौसल राजकुमार छैल घोड़े असवारी।
विपुल द्रव्य दरसाय चले वन सघन मझारी॥
तीर सज्यो छवि सरस लहि सर्वस्व लै मुद्रिका हरयो।
धन्य धना के भजन ज्यों त्यों दाना तुम्बा फरयो॥२०३॥
Blessed was Dhanā's bhajana: as he worshipped, the gourd seed bore fruit. The fierce tale found rest in a resident of that enclosure. Taking Śrī Kṛṣṇa to be pure gold, those who worshipped Rāma were beguiled. A handsome prince of Kosala rode upon a horse and displayed abundant wealth as he entered the dense forest. At the riverbank his charming form appeared; he took everything, even the signet ring. Thus the apparently barren seed of Dhanā's devotion bore its fruit.
सन्त सम्पदा चतुर सम सेवक प्रबल सुभट सुजन॥
लाला भक्त उदार सोनी भागवत पाई।
पुरी सुदामा दाम भरी भक्तन सुखदाई॥
प्रिय कुलाल सेवक रसाल तुलसी विख्याता।
प्रेम नेम अति अघट भयो अगनित गति दाता॥
मारवाड़ तिंग नाचे थर लटुरी वर अनुपम सुधन।
सन्त सम्पदा चतुर सम सेवक प्रबल सुभट सुजन॥२०४॥
These discerning servants were the wealth of saints—powerful, valiant, and virtuous. Generous devotee Lālā Sonī attained the Bhāgavata. Sudāmā's town overflowed with wealth that brought happiness to devotees. The beloved potter was a delectable servant, while Tulasī became renowned. Their discipline of love was extraordinarily firm and gave countless souls their way. In Māravāṛa, Tiṅga danced; in Thara, eminent Laṭurī was a treasure without equal.
अच्युत कुल सेवत विसद प्रिय पालक ये जन भये॥
वास अटल कड़की प्रधान पुरुषकर की छाया।
रामदास श्रीरामनाम वर भजन अमाया॥
ब्राह्मण कुल विश्राम भक्त भक्तन सुखदाई।
सम्प्रदाय श्रीपाल घाट वर वास सुहाई॥
भूरिया बाबा गोमती कांगड़ो देस टीकम लये।
अच्युत कुल सेवत विसद प्रिय पालक ये जन भये॥२०५॥
These lucid and beloved guardians served Acyuta's lineage. Vāsa remained steadfast; Kaṛakī was foremost beneath Puruṣakara's shelter. Rāmadāsa performed stainless bhajana of the eminent Name of Śrī Rāma. Viśrāma, born in a brāhmaṇa family, was a devotee who brought happiness to devotees. The lineage made its beautiful dwelling at Śrīpāla Ghāṭa. Bhūriyā Bābā, Gomatī, Kāṅgaṛo, and Ṭīkama carried the tradition into their regions.
परम धरम पालक सुभट अच्युत कुल सेवक प्रबल॥
काम कामवत रूप अलख गोवर्द्धन नामा।
हाथी राम कृपाल बसे से साचल धामा॥
श्रीचेतन वर दास खानवर देस निवासी।
गोदावरी तट सेत राज रामेश्वर बासी॥
भुवनसिंह बाबू भलो ब्रह्म पुत्र महि अमल थल।
परम धरम पालक सुभट अच्युत कुल सेवक प्रबल॥२०६॥
These powerful servants of Acyuta's lineage were valiant guardians of the supreme dharma. Kāma, Kāmavata, Rūpa, Alakha, and Govardhana were among their names. Hāthīrāma and Kṛpāla lived in enduring sacred abodes. Śrī Cetanavaradāsa resided in the country of Khānavara. Beside the Godāvarī lived Setarāja and Rāmeśvara. Noble Bhuvanasiṃha Bābū, son of Brahmā, sanctified the earth with a stainless place.
प्रगट ओड़ेसा भक्त वर कन्दरा पारी विमल थल॥
गौड़ेश्वर अति उग्र उपासक सन्त सनेही।
राधाकृष्ण निकुञ्ज केलि कीर्तन प्रिय जेही॥
राधाश्याम सु पुत्र सदा सीमान सजैना।
देना भोजन सन्त प्रीति जुत सीत जु लेना॥
श्रीगुन भक्तन दरस जेहि परसत ज्यों नहि जल कमल।
प्रगट ओड़ेसा भक्त वर कन्दरा पारी विमल थल॥२०७॥
An eminent devotee appeared in Odisha at the pure place beyond the caves. An intense worshipper in Gauḍeśvara's tradition, he loved saints. Kīrtana of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa's play in the secluded grove was dear to him. Rādhāśyāma's worthy son always adorned the sacred boundary. He gave food with love to saints and accepted only what remained from them. Beholding the virtues of devotees, he remained untouched even amid contact with the world, like a lotus upon water.
विप्र एक भागवत वर राम ध्यान राम धरयो॥
छत्तिसगढ़ के निकट रतनपुर सन्त निवासा।
शिवरामशरण सर नरेश वर भक्ति प्रकासा॥
प्रेमदास अति प्रेम नेम रसना रटना महि।
श्रीमोहन वर दास युगुल नीलाचल धामहि॥
परम धरम पोषक सुभट विरद अनुपम उर वरयो।
विप्र एक भागवत वर राम ध्यान राम धरयो॥२०८॥
An eminent brāhmaṇa of Bhāgavata mind held Rāma in meditation. At Ratanapura near Chattisgarh stood the dwelling of these saints. Śivarāmaśaraṇa and the noble ruler revealed devotion. Premadāsa was intense in love and discipline, his tongue continually repeating the Name. Śrī Mohanavaradāsa served the divine pair at Nīlācala's sacred abode. These valiant sustainers of supreme dharma carried incomparable renown in their hearts.
श्रीराम रास वर ध्यान पर रसिक विप्र ये जन सुखद॥
श्रीबापू महाराज देस नीमाड़ प्रधाना।
ग्रामखण्ड बाहरी कर्ण प्रिय लक्खू नाना॥
तेज कर्ण नागर प्रबीन रस रास अहारी।
एक एक वर सुभट उपासक दृढ़ व्रतधारी॥
काव्यकलाविद शास्त्र षट् चतुर्वेद बोधक विसद।
श्रीराम रास वर ध्यान पर रसिक विप्र ये जन सुखद॥२०९॥
These rasika brāhmaṇas brought happiness through excellent meditation upon Śrī Rāma's rāsa. Śrī Bāpū Mahārāja was foremost in the country of Nimāṛa. In the outer villages lived beloved Karṇa and Lakhkhū Nānā. Tejakarṇa was a refined and accomplished relisher of rāsa-rasa. Each was a valiant worshipper firm in sacred vows. Lucid teachers of poetry, the six scriptural systems, and the four Vedas, they possessed the art of sacred composition.
फतेविप्र दूबे सुजन दृढ़ सन्त सेवन सुभट॥
गंगाबाई गढ़ाकोट जेहि सन्तदास गुरु।
दास जानकी ध्यान साहगढ़ भवितरास उर॥
सरसई चौरी छाप देवपुर उत्तम करनी।
भक्त उपासक बसत लसत पावन सो धरनी॥
बसि बुंदेल वरखण्ड ही विपुल भक्त सज्जन प्रगट।
फतेविप्र दूबे सुजन दृढ़ सन्त सेवन सुभट॥२१०॥
The good brāhmaṇa Fateha Dube was valiant and firm in serving saints. Gaṅgābāī of Gaṛhākoṭa accepted Santadāsa as guru. At Sāhagaṛha, a servant held meditation upon Jānakī and devotional rasa within the heart. Sarasāī and Caurī bore the sacred mark, while Devapura was known for excellent conduct. Where these devotees and worshippers lived, the land itself shone pure. Thus many virtuous devotees appeared throughout noble Bundelkhand.
श्रीगोपीगोपाल वर दास सन्त सेवी सरस॥
मुक्तिनाथ वर क्षेत्र कठिन सेवा व्रतधारी।
बास अटल कुरुक्षेत्र ब्रह्मसर गूदर भारी॥
खाखी लछिमनदास सुखद वर विरद परायन।
देस काठियावाड़ बसे नामी गति दायन॥
देस देस वर मेघ से भक्ति सुजल जन पै वरस।
श्रीगोपीगोपाल वर दास सन्त सेवी सरस॥२११॥
Śrī Gopīgopāla was an eminent and delectable servant of saints. At the noble sacred field of Muktinātha, he observed a demanding vow of service. His dwelling remained steadfast at Kurukṣetra beside Brahmasara, clothed in a heavy patched cloak. Khākhī Lakṣmaṇadāsa brought happiness and was devoted to noble sacred fame. Living in Kāṭhiyāvāṛa, that renowned devotee gave others their spiritual way. From region to region they poured the pure water of devotion upon people like excellent rainclouds.
उदैसुपुर ठाढ़ेसुरी सन्त सुखद रनछोर वर॥
त्यागी सहित विवेक टेक नहि जाँचत काहू।
अनइच्छित बहु वित्त सन्त सेवा निरवाहू॥
भजे तजत नहि सन्त परस ममता अनुरागो।
बलिहारी मति सरस मुख्य गति है बड़भागी॥
मध्य दिवस निशि छकै लखे जु संध्या भोर पर।
उदैसुपुर ठाढ़ेसुरी सन्त सुखद रनछोर वर॥२१२॥
At Udaisupura and Ṭhāṛhesurī, eminent Raṇachora brought happiness to saints. Renounced and discerning, he stood firm and asked nothing of anyone. Wealth came unrequested, and he used it to sustain service to saints. He never abandoned bhajana, sacred contact, affection, or love. Blessed was his delectable understanding, fixed upon the highest way. At midday and through the night he remained absorbed, yet was seen again at dawn and dusk.
प्रागदास श्रीरामपुर बाहुदौर के निकट ही॥
गुनागार परबोध अनूठे सन्तन प्यारे।
जिनके वित्त सुरक्ष दक्ष दशरथ के बारे॥
भोर आय पूछ्यो सुचोर कहि धन्य सुहायो।
परिक्रमा करि पूजि सन्त सेवा मन भायो॥
जो सेवत निश्छल सरस तेहि आश्चर्य न प्रगट ही।
प्रागदास श्रीरामपुर बाहुदौर के निकट ही॥२१३॥
Prāgadāsa lived near Bāhudora at Śrī Rāmapura. A treasury of virtues and possessed of uncommon insight, he was dear to saints. He guarded their resources skilfully, as though they belonged to Daśaratha's household. Coming at dawn, he inquired carefully and called even a good thief blessed. He performed circumambulation and worship, and service to saints delighted his mind. To one who serves with such stainless sweetness, wonders no longer seem extraordinary.
तैलंगी रघुनाथ वर दास उपासक राम के॥
नगफेटा बसि अमल रीति सेवति भक्तनि पद।
कृष्णदास रघुनाथ सु पुत्र प्रेमी भजनानंद॥
बास डाक वर महत जानकीदास अनूठे।
जाति पाँति जेहि सन्त जगत चाहे कोउ रूठे॥
प्रबल सुभट पालक सुजन सन्त सुखद विश्राम के।
तैलंगी रघुनाथ वर दास उपासक राम के॥२१४॥
The Tailaṅga devotee Raghunāthadāsa was an eminent worshipper of Rāma. Living at Nagapheṭā, he followed a stainless way and served devotees' feet. Kṛṣṇadāsa, worthy son of Raghunātha, was a lover of the joy of bhajana. Mahant Jānakīdāsa of Ḍāka possessed a way unlike any other. He cared nothing for caste or rank, whether the world approved or took offence. These strong and virtuous guardians gave saints a place of happiness and rest.
सर्वकाल अनुराग भल दास उर्मिला रमन के॥
उत्कट प्रबल अनन्य भाव आवेस गुनाकर।
प्रीति प्रणय सतसङ्ग रंग अनुमोद सुपाकर॥
रामभक्त जो लखे सुने तेहि जाति न देखे।
पूजत प्रीति समेत मनहु रघुनन्दन लेखे॥
भक्तन की बिरुदावली ग्रंथ परम सुख भवन के।
सर्वकाल अनुराग भल दास उर्मिला रमन के॥२१५॥
Sarvakāla Anurāgadāsa served the beloved of Urmilā. A treasury of virtues, he was powerfully possessed by intense and single-hearted sacred feeling. He delighted in love, intimacy, the colour of satsaṅga, and approving what was good. Whenever he saw or heard of a devotee of Rāma, he paid no attention to caste. He worshipped that person with love, regarding the devotee as Raghunandana himself. His book of devotees' sacred praises was an abode of supreme happiness.
सुख सागर की छाप सुचि रसिक रामसेवक भये॥
सुदृढ़ सुसील सुजान भक्ति अनिमिता देसी।
चन्द्रकला विमलादि मंजु घोषादि सुकेसी॥
श्यामदास सुन्दर नरेस वैराग्य परायन।
शील क्षमा सन्तोष सुधन रुचि व्रत रामायन॥
श्रीरामदास के अनुग ये रीति विचक्षण गुण लये।
सुख सागर की छाप सुचि रसिक रामसेवक भये॥२१६॥
Rasika Rāmasevaka received the pure stamp of Sukhasāgara. Firm, well-conducted, and discerning, he taught immeasurable devotion. Candrakalā, Vimalā, Mañjughoṣā, and Sukesī belonged to his contemplation. Śyāmadāsa, a noble and beautiful ruler, was devoted to renunciation. His treasures were character, forgiveness, and contentment, and his chosen vow was the Rāmāyaṇa. As a follower of Śrī Rāmadāsa, Rāmasevaka acquired the discernment and virtues of this way.
पुष्कर छाया अछत तन मनभावन भाविक विसद॥
मिथिला अवनि सु दूरी नगर ते मानस देखे।
हृदय उदय सम्बन्ध प्रिय इन नैनन देखे॥
विरह वृद्ध वपु भवन प्रगट मिथिला छवि देखी।
कंचन अटा सु कुञ्ज अलिन सङ्ग प्यारी पेखी॥
अंस भुजा पिय के लगी सरद रैनि सुखमा सुखद।
पुष्कर छाया अछत तन मनभावन भाविक विसद॥२१७॥
Pure devotional Manabhāvana was born beneath the shade of Puṣkara. Though far from Mithilā's land, he beheld its city within his mind. When sacred relationship arose in his heart, these very eyes saw the beloved. As separation deepened and his body aged, Mithilā's beauty appeared in his home. He saw the beloved with her companions in golden palaces and lovely groves. On an autumn night, her arm rested upon her beloved's shoulder in a vision filled with bliss.
सिया सखी प्यारी अली भली रङ्ग रस भोग उर॥
भाव नाम सम्बन्ध प्रगट कछु और कहत जग।
रेवाँसे गुरु धाम के निकट रसिक मग॥
बूझि सूझि वाल्मीकि ग्रंथ माधुर्य कहानी।
नित्य दरश सम्बन्ध लली चरनन रति मानी॥
अवध भूमि वन कुञ्ज थल दरश हेत बहु योग जुर।
सिया सखी प्यारी अली भली रङ्ग रस भोग उर॥२१८॥
Sīyāsakhī was a beloved and worthy companion who enjoyed sacred colour and rasa within the heart. His inner name and relationship became manifest, although the world called him something else. At Raivāsā near the guru's abode, he entered the rasika path. With understanding and insight, he drew the sweet account from Vālmīki's book. Accepting love for Lālī's feet as his eternal relationship, he beheld them daily. Many auspicious conditions joined to grant him sight of Avadha's land, forests, and groves.
अति धन्य सन्त सेवन प्रवर एक एक उत्तम रहनि॥
साधूराम सुजान रसिक मति ध्यान परायन।
जन राघव हिय ललित रास रस पद के गायन॥
विप्र एक भागवत लरतपुर रसिक सुजाना।
मिथिलापुर सम्बन्ध भेद रसराज प्रधाना॥
रचि उत्सव कासी सुजन जोरी छवि अनुपम लहनि।
अति धन्य सन्त सेवन प्रवर एक एक उत्तम रहनि॥२१९॥
Supremely blessed were these eminent servants of saints, each possessing an excellent way of life. Discerning Sādhurāma had a rasika mind devoted to meditation. Rāghavadāsa sang graceful songs of rāsa-rasa from the heart. One Bhāgavata brāhmaṇa of Laratapura was a discerning rasika. His sacred relationship with Mithilāpura made Rasarāja pre-eminent. In Kāśī they created a festival, gathered good people, and received incomparable beauty.
प्रगट लघौरा जन सुखद प्रचुर पुजारी छाप सुचि॥
श्रीगिरधारीदास रसिक सन्तनि मनभायै।
सजत व्याहुला समै जुगल छवि नैन लड़ायै॥
उमगत छिन छिन बना बनी पद गुनिजन गावत।
मेला सन्त समाज विविध भोजन पहुँचावत॥
सदा द्रवत अनुराग रति कथा श्रवन आलाप रुचि।
प्रगट लघौरा जन सुखद प्रचुर पुजारी छाप सुचि॥२२०॥
At Laghaurā appeared a prolific priest of pure stamp who brought happiness to people. Śrī Giradhārīdāsa delighted the minds of rasika saints. When the divine wedding was adorned, his eyes joined the beauty of the pair. Moment by moment new songs surged forth and were sung by people of virtue. At fairs and saintly assemblies he supplied many kinds of food. His heart always melted with love, and he delighted in listening to and reciting sacred narrative.