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Sri Vithaldasji Maharaj
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Vithal Dasji belonged to Maharashtra and an inner devotee of Harivamsa Prabhu. He dedicated his life at his Guru's Lotus Feet One day when he was immersed in the service of his beloved Guru at Vrindavan two soldiers sent by Delhi Emperor arrived there. They enquired about Vithalji and handed over a 'Farman' (King's order) to him. Soon Vithal Dasji realised that the Badshah appointed him as Chief Minister of Junagadh - a small kingdom ridden with internal disturbances. Perusing the order Vithalji fell into deep sorrow. He prayed at the Feet of Guru, "Prabhu ! What I have to do with these honours and postings? Why should I be drowned in Maya? In your presence, at a time when I am immersed in Rasika Bhakti, why such obstacle should befall on me?' Lamenting this way Vithalji wept for a long time.
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Harivamsaji said looking at Vithalji affectionately, "My dear, Do not have such feelings. Believe that this is a happy tiding for you. Radhaji is expanding Her play. Not only the king of Junagadh but his entire people are about to become the devotees of Sriji. Gradually you will understand everything. Leave for Junagadh without any hesitation. Sarveswari will not leave you a single moment. Wherever you live, that place will become Vrindavan. Shyama Shaym plays there. Discharge your duties, while meditating on them incessantly. This is your Dharma". Vithalji gladly agreed to leave for Jungadh. He prayed further, "Gurudev, how I can live without watching your Holy Form and without taking your Prasad". Hithaji then gave him his portrait and promised him that he would send Radhaji's Prasad and his Prasad to Junagadh every day.
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Vithalji immediately gave his consent to the appointment and sent a reply to the Badshah. Vithalji's administrative capability was well - known. But in Junagadh due to the Hladini Shakti of Radhaji his abilities and intelligence enhanced many fold. Within a short span of time all the internal rivalries and disturbances were calmed down. All disputes were settled. Soon Vithalji emerged as the most ideal and loving personality in the minds of king and the public as well. Everyone used to meet him for his valuable advice on different issues. The king showered encomiums on Vithalji's capabilities.
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Watching the prominence and prestige earned by Vithalji in a short span of time the Cheif Justice of the Kingdom grew jealous. Overtaken by jealousy he hatched a conspiracy to defame and oust Vithalji from the court of the King.Then he incited an uprising among a section of the people. "The Cheif Minsiter is a traitor. He doesn't deserve to stay any longer in the country. Maharaj should conduct an inquiry forth-with," stating these words the Chief Justice submitted a charge-sheet against Vithalji to the king.
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The astonished king questioned the Chief Justice as to what was the offence committed by dutiful and benevolent Vithalji.
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"Maharaj, Vithal Das so far did not visit our Deity the Supreme Lord Four Armed Dwarakadheeshji. He frequently says that Guru is God. Contrary to Shastras he eats the tasted food and he brings in this food from 'Vraj' everyday. His behaviour is evoking faithlessness upon Dwarakadheeshji. On account of above misdeeds a committee of representatives arrived from Dwaraka had sought the king's intervention to punish the degraded Chief Minister", said the Chief Justice.
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To inquire into the charges framed against Vithal Dasji the king of Junagadh summoned him to the court the very next day. To witness this sensational inquiry a large number of people assembled at the court. Addressing Vithalji who wore a loin cloth up to the knee, the king said, "Vithal Das, now you are not a Chief Minister, but an accused person. Therefore, you are not given the superior chair". Vithalji stood at the assigned place. The charges framed against were read out loudly before him. "Not visiting the Dwarakadheesh temple was charged as breach of law of the country."
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Now the play authored by Radhaji was in full form. She intended to reveal the people who should be worshipped.
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Breaking the silence in the court Vithalji said, "The breach of law charged against me does not pertain to administration of the Land. Every person has a natural right to worship the Deity of his preference and faith. Then how my action can be a violation of law of the land? My Deity is Dual Armed Krishna. All the Vedas are declaring with one voice that there is "no Deity equal to Sri Radhakrishna Yugal Swaroop. Dwibhuja Krishan (dual armed) is the Lord of Vrindavan. The body of that Rasika Bhakta (Devotee of Radhaji) who dedicated himself to this Supreme Deity will be transformed into a transcendental luminous Ras Vrindavan."
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The king in the meantime intervened and said authoritatively, "let the Vedas and your statement be at their place. Can you show all these people assembled here the actual, visible Vrindavan Dham right in your body, as you said just now? Otherwise punishment is inevitable", ordered the King.
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A few moments later, extending his hands upwards, Vithal Das prayed to Sri Radhaji," Jai Radha Rani, Jai Jai Radha Maha Rani, reveal the Truth, Amma. Please show these ignorants the Nitya Vrindavan Dham", and Vithalji closed his eyes and stood in meditation.
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Sheer Astonishment! Vithalji was not visible. The Divine Dham Vrindavan, radiating Divine Light all around appeared in place of Vithal Dasji. Sweet soul-stirring music of angels was heard from one side and sweet musical warbles of birds and gentle rhythmical sounds of flowing waters of the Yamuna were heard on the other side. A sweet Sankirtan (recitation) of Radha Nam (Radhaji's Name) enveloped entire court. Minutes later an enthralling music emanating from Radhaji's Flute was heard. These multiple sounds of Ras Leela enlivened the body, mind and soul of one and all present there. After some time amidst beautiful flowery bower of Vrindavan 'Sri Hithaharivamsaji accompanied by 'Sakhis' appeared. They were offering Arati to Sri Radhaji.
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Beholding this unprecedented descent of Divine Vrindavan to the middle of the court the Maharaja of Junagadh fell unconscious. Raining tears of Divine Love all the people present there chanted "Jai Vrindavan, Jai Jai Sri Vrindavan dham, Jai Jai Sri Radhe" and prostrated before Vithal Dasji.
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A few minutes later the king returned to consciousness and prostrated before Vithalji. "There is no greater Rasa Swaroopini than Sarveswari Sri Radhaji. All our lives became holy and pious with the vision of Divya Vrindavan" said the king in a choked voice. Filled with Divine Ecstasy hundreds of people were chanting "Radhe Radhe" continuously and many others fell unconscious unable to bear the power of Divine Ecstasy. The king continued, "Mahatma, henceforth I myself will come to your hutment and take necessary signatures". "I am only an apparent King. For me and for all of us the real king is the 'Yugal'," humbly conveyed the king, replete with devotion.
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Due to the play authored by Sriji thousands of people of Junagadh and the surroundings were attracted to Her. This is the reason why Harimsaji told Vithalji that his appointment as Chief Minister is indeed a play being authored by Sri Radhaji. To this day the devotion of Radha Krishna Yugal is prevalent in the Junagadh region of Gujarat.
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In the Srimadbhagawatha throughout there is description and discussion about Four Armed Krisna that is Maha Vishnu. There is no description of Dual Armed Gopal. On account of this reason Radhaji's name was not figured in the Scripture. Beside the Four Armed Krishna there is Rukmini Devi who worshipped Him in Dasya Bhakti (Devotion with servitude) However the Veda have revealed and acclaimed Sri Radhaji as the companion of Sri Krishna and as the most Sovereign Divine Power. Devaki and Vasudeva had the divya darshan of the Four Armed Krishna but not that of dual armed Krishna accompanied by Sri Radha. Four Armed Krishna's devotion takes the Jeeva only up to the Abode of Vaikuntha where as the Dual armed Krishna's devotion to the Supreme plane of Nitya Ras. (Abode of Eternal Play of the Lord).
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In spite of watching Divine revelations, the Chief Justice's mind remained unaltered. He had incited some like minded people and burnt the house of Vithalji. Not only any harm caused to Vithalji but while the house was burning suddenly a sweet note of Flute had enthralled the people around. Along with it a melodious devotional recitation (sankirtan) 'Sri Hitaharivamsa, Sri Hitaharivamsa' was also heard. All have forgotten themselves and joined the Sankirtan. No one noticed when the burning fire was stopped. The captivated crowd was able to view a Divine Scene wherein Sri Hitaji was praying Radhavallabha behind the curtain.
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Later the Army General had come down and arrested the Chief Justice and put him before the King. Listening to the cruel deed of the Chief Justice the King wondered that Vithalji has not even referred the matter during discussions. He immediately sentenced the Justice to death. But the compassionate Mahatma Vithalji had prayed the king to withdraw the death sentence. The king agreed.
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But the incorrigible Chief Justice a few days later tried to poison Vithalji. But due to the Grace of Guru his brother Mohandas noticed the mischief beforehand and stopped him from taking poisoned food. What harm can the evil forces cause to the great devotees who are living in one-pointed devotion on the Guru and the ceaseless meditation of God!
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A few days passed. One day it was past mid night. Unlike everyday Vithalji did not receive the Prasad sent by Hithaji from Vrindavan so far. He kept on watching at the doorstep.
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"Horses did not turn up so far, never was it so late, Oh Lord! My mind is overtaken by fear", thinking this way Vithalji became very restless. Some time later he found the horses were coming forth. He ran towards them and enquired the horsemen, 'How is our Gurudev, there? Is he all right? Where is the Prasad?
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Devotees alighted from the horses merely said "No prasad today, nor will it be available from tomorrow" and started weeping. Brothers, please tell me clearly, how is our Gurudev," queried Vithalji in desperation. 'Our Gurudev is no more' Sriji personally descended and addressed him 'Hita Sakhi.' She took him away to Divya Dham'"(higher plane). Uttering these words the devotees fell unconscious. Vithalji put both his hands upon his head and collapsed.
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The king and the senior doctors tested Vithalji soon, and the bitter truth was known - "Vithalji is no more'
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