Now the sentiment of the account of Govardhandas and Mannalal, two brothers from Gujarat and sevaks of Shri Gusainji, is being explained.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): These two brothers are sattvic devotees. In the divine play, both are sakhis of Shri Chandravaliji. Govardhandas’s name there is “Devaki,” and Mannalal’s name is “Yashoda.” They manifested from Shandilya Muni; therefore, they possess his devotional disposition.

Both were born in Gujarat in the house of a Brahmin. When they were about twenty to twenty-two years old, their parents passed away. After that, the two brothers set out on pilgrimage.

Prasang 1 – Govardhandas and Mannalal Receive Grace Both brothers arrived at Shri Gokul. At that time, Shri Gusainji had offered Rajbhog to Shri Navneetpriyaji and had gone to Shri Yamunaji for bathing and Sandhya worship. Govardhandas and Mannalal came along with the Vaishnavas and had darshan of Shri Gusainji. Upon seeing Him, the thought arose in their hearts, “It would be good if we were to take refuge in Him.” Knowing that it was the time of Rajbhog, Shri Gusainji proceeded to the temple. The Vaishnavas also came for darshan. They had darshan of Shri Navneetpriyaji.

After completing the Anosar, Shri Gusainji returned to His sitting place. Then all the Vaishnavas came for His darshan. Govardhandas and Mannalal also came. They submitted to Shri Gusainji, “Maharajadhiraj! Please be gracious and accept us into Your refuge.” Then Shri Gusainji bestowed the Name upon both brothers. Afterwards, the two brothers requested, “Maharajadhiraj! Please be gracious and have us perform Nivedan.” Shri Gusainji said, “Tomorrow you should observe a fast. Afterwards, I shall have you perform Nivedan.”

The two brothers observed the fast. Then they came and submitted before Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! Yesterday we observed the fast. What is Your command now?” Shri Gusainji replied, “Go and bathe in Shri Yamunaji. Then come wearing garments of ritual purity.” The two brothers bathed and returned while maintaining purity. Then Shri Gusainji had them perform Nivedan in the presence of Shri Navneetpriyaji. From that time, both brothers became greatly blessed Bhagavadiya devotees and recipients of special grace.

Whenever any doubt arose in their minds, they would ask Shri Gusainji. They would listen to whatever reply Shri Gusainji Himself gave. In this way, they learned all the practices and procedures of the Path. Afterwards, with Shri Gusainji’s permission, they went on the pilgrimage of Braj. Within some time, they completed the pilgrimage and came to Shrinathji’s temple. They stayed there for a few days and had darshan of Shrinathji.

Then both brothers returned to Shri Gokul and had Rajbhog darshan of Shri Navneetpriyaji. After some days, the group with whom they had travelled departed for their own country, but Govardhandas and Mannalal remained there. Then they submitted to Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! Please bestow Shri Thakurji upon us.” Shri Gusainji bestowed Shri Thakurji upon them. The two brothers then began performing seva properly and with great care.

After remaining in Shri Gokul for some more time, both brothers folded their hands and submitted to Shri Gusainji, “Maharajadhiraj! If it is Your command, we would now like to return to our country.” Shri Gusainji replied, “Very good.” After some days, the two brothers reached their home. There they began serving Shri Thakurji very properly. Whenever any Vaishnava came, they cared for him with great affection and hospitality. They would meet Vaishnavas, ask about the accounts of Vaishnavas, and also narrate them. In this manner they lived. As a result, Shri Thakurji immediately began revealing His affectionate presence to both brothers.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The intention of this account is that Shri Thakurji Himself becomes pleased when the accounts of Vaishnavas are spoken and heard. He reveals His affectionate presence through them. Therefore, the accounts of Vaishnavas should be spoken and heard daily.

Those two brothers, Govardhandas and Mannalal, were such greatly blessed Bhagavadiya devotees and recipients of Shri Gusainji’s special grace. Therefore, the extent of their glory cannot be reached—how much of it can possibly be described?