Now the sentiment of the account of Madhuridas Mali of Gopalpur, sevak of Shri Gusainji, is being described.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): He is a rajasic devotee. In the divine play, hER name is “Kalika.” She belongs to the group of Shri Yamunaji. She manifested from the “monkeys” of Shri Gokul; therefore, her form is full of divine sentiment.

He was born in Gopalpur in the house of a gardener. That gardener was a sevak of Shri Gusainji. He also made Madhuridas a sevak of Shri Gusainji. When Madhuridas grew older, he began going with his father to the garden. He tended fruits and flowers, gathered them, and sold them. While things continued in this way for some time, his father passed away.

Then Madhuridas became independent. Daily he would go for the darshan of Shri Govardhannathji. He constantly gazed upon the darshan of Shri Govardhannathji. Whatever kind of garlands and flower necklaces Shri Govardhannathji wore, he would return home and make similar garlands from flowers. Afterward, he would offer them at the temple of Shri Govardhannathji.

In this way, his mind became attached to the divine form of Shri Govardhannathji. Whatever fruits and flowers grew in the garden, he offered all of them to Shri Govardhannathji. He maintained himself only by selling dry wood. Such love arose in him for Shri Govardhannathji that Shri Govardhannathji became greatly pleased with Madhuridas. Shri Govardhannathji would come into the garden and grant him darshan.

One day Shri Govardhannathji came into the garden. At that time, Madhuridas was making a garland for Shri Govardhannathji. He did not even realize that Shri Govardhannathji had arrived, because he was so deeply absorbed in the seva. Then Shri Govardhannathji held his arm and said, “Madhuridas! Make this garland in this manner.”

Then Madhuridas became aware. After that, he made the garland exactly as Shri Govardhannathji had instructed. Shri Govardhannathji looked at that garland and became greatly pleased. Then Shri Govardhannathji said to him, “Give this garland to Shri Gusainji.” Having said this, He returned to the temple.

Prasang 1 – The Garland of Madhuridas Madhuridas Mali lived in Gopalpur. Once, Madhuridas brought a flower garland for Shrinathji. He placed that garland before Shri Gusainji. Then Shri Gusainji gave it to Krishnadas Adhikari and said, “Give it to the inner sevak so that it may be adorned upon Shrinathji.”

Then the inner sevak adorned it upon Him, but it did not fit properly. He then came back to Shri Gusainji and said, “Maharaj! This garland has become too small, therefore it does not fit.” Then Shri Gusainji said, “Put it on again.” When they again adorned it, it became very large, yet still it did not fit correctly. Then the inner sevak said, “Maharaj! Now it has become too large.” Then Shri Gusainji Himself came there. When He adorned the garland, then it fit perfectly.

Then Shri Gusainji asked, “Bawa! What is the reason for this?” Then Shrinathji said to Shri Gusainji, “First, I cannot remain without you. Second, have such jeweled garlands made in this way. Third, there is odor coming from the mouth of the chief sevak.” From that day onward, the sevaks would apply fragrance and chew betel before entering into seva. Afterward, such garlands were also made, and Shrinathji became greatly pleased. Even today, everyone calls that garland “Madhuridas.”

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The sentiment of this account is that a Vaishnav should perform seva with great care. There should be no odor from the mouth. One should not wear unclean garments. One should apply fragrant perfume and then go before the Lord.

One should know the Lord to be directly present and remain fully attentive in His seva. Garments and other items should be prepared according to proper measure — neither too small nor too large. When seva is performed in this manner, knowing the Lord to be directly present, then the Lord grants divine experiences.

Such great grace was bestowed upon Madhuridas. Thereafter, he began making garlands daily. Madhuridas became such a greatly blessed devotee and recipient of the supreme grace of Shri Gusainji. Therefore, there is no limit to his sacred account — how far can one continue describing it?