In the vast ocean of spiritual practices, there is one path that shines brighter than all—the path of prem bhakti, or love-filled devotion. The saint-poet Muktanand captures this truth beautifully in his verse, where he describes how divine love stirs the soul so deeply that even Lord Krishna, the Supreme Being, becomes enchanted. As love awakens in the heart of a true devotee, God responds not with distance, but with dance—becoming the joyful Natwar, dancing to the claps of the Vraj maidens. This simple yet profound imagery reminds us that the Divine is not remote or reserved, but rather responsive to sincere love, no matter how humble the devotee.
Muktanand then contrasts this path with those of ascetics and sages. Even the great munis, with disciplined bodies and minds, continue to yearn for the ultimate truth. They may renounce the physical world and its attachments, yet many remain unaware of love’s unique power. This isn’t a dismissal of austerity or intellect but rather a revelation: true realization doesn’t lie in detachment alone—it blossoms in divine affection. Love, not logic, is what ultimately unveils the Divine.
The poet brings forward shining examples from sacred lore—Shukdev, born self-realized, still sought the sweetness of love, and sage Narad, ever wandering, found rest only in the surrender of loving devotion. Even Radha, the embodiment of divine love, stands beside these sages—not as one inferior or superior, but as an equal on love’s transcendent path. In this world, where the spiritual journey is often seen as rigid or hierarchical, Muktanand levels the field. The heart, not the intellect or the body, is the true temple.
Muktanand concludes with a powerful metaphor: in front of love, all other spiritual disciplines shine only faintly—like stars that fade before the rising sun. The path of love is not merely one among many; it is the one most cherished by the Divine Himself. It is not a technique or a ritual—it is a relationship. And in that relationship, the seeker finds not just peace, but the living presence of God. Through this verse, Muktanand invites us to move from seeking to surrender, from effort to affection, from ritual to rapture.
| Verse | Translation |
| Prem bhakti jene ghat ave, tehne rang Hari rache re; Vraj vanita kar tali bajave, Natvar thei thei nache re… | When love-filled bhakti stirs the soul, The Lord does just as he’s told. The maids of Vraj clap with joy As Natwar dances per their ploy. |
| Mota munivar deh damine, atmadarshan ichchhe re; Pind brahmandthi prit taje pan, premno rah na prichhe re… | Many munis with bodies tamed, Still seek the self that can’t be named. Though flesh and world they leave behind, They fail to choose the love divine. |
| Premno marag Shukiji prichhe, ka prichhe Urajnari re; Muni Narad rahe (magna) premvash, ka Urushabhan kumari re… | Love’s path is walked by sage & maid – By Shukdev and the gopis’ brave. Narad is lost in love’s deep sea, As is sweet Radha, joyfully. |
| Premni agal sadhan sarve, ravi agal jem tara re; Muktanand kahe premno marag, prichhe te Prabhujine pyara re… | Compared to love, all paths do pale – Like stars that dim in morning’s veil. Muktanand says: the path of love Is cherished by the Lord above. |
Introduction on Paramhansa (Text): https://www.baps.org/About-BAPS/TheFounder%E2%80%93BhagwanSwaminarayan/Legacy/Disciples/Paramhansas.aspx
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