Devotion is not for the faint of heart. In his powerful bhajan, Dohyalu Thavu Haridas Re, the revered poet-saint Nishkulanand Swami paints a striking picture of spiritual bravery. Just as a warrior charges into battle with fearless determination, true devotees must confront their inner struggles with unwavering faith.
The bhajan begins with a call to become compassionate servants of God, urging seekers to relinquish worldly comforts. This idea may seem daunting, but the poet draws an inspiring parallel—just as a courageous soldier embraces hardships on the battlefield, a sincere devotee must battle against the enemies of the soul: lust, anger, greed, and attachment.
Cowards, the song warns, look for an escape, while the brave face challenges head-on. This concept isn’t limited to physical battles; it reflects the daily struggles of a spiritual seeker who must overcome distractions and temptations to remain steadfast in devotion. Nishkulanand Swami emphasizes that true saints, much like warriors, never flinch from their purpose.
The final verse reassures us that such resolute devotees may face ridicule from the world, but their faith never wavers. These individuals stand firm, their trust in God unshaken, their goal of eternal bliss unwavering.
This bhajan is more than poetry—it’s a call to action. It challenges us to ask: Are we ready to fight our inner battles with the same courage as warriors in the field? True devotion demands strength, sacrifice, and steadfastness. And in the end, only the truly bold will emerge victorious in their journey toward God.
| Verse | Translation |
| Dohyalu thavu Haridas re, santo dohyalu thavu haridas; Joie tajvi tansukh ash re, santo dohylu thava haridas. | Daring are the devout. Santo, daring are the devout. Forsaking desire for comfort. Santo, daring are the devout. |
| Shuro jem ranma ladva, dhare haiyama ati hulas; Pet katari mari pag parthe, tene keni rahi tras re… Santo (1) | Zealous for the fight, the brave their enemies do rout; Dead ‘fore the fight, why ever shall they pout… I |
| Kayar manma kare mansuba, re’shu ubha aspas; Em karta jo chadi gaya chote, to tarat leshu mukhe ghas re…Santo (2) | Cowards conjure corners, looking only for an out; Facing battle forthright, they forever turn about… 2 |
| Shura santni rit ek sarkhi, karvo verino vinash; Kam krodh lobh moh jiti, bhave bhajva avinash re…Santo (3) | Like warriors, ‘gainst enemies, sadhus stay stout; Defeating their inner demons, to the Lord they are devout…3 |
| Eva bhakta te bhakta Harina, teh sahe jag uphas; Nishkulanand kahe te vinà bija, teno nave (kedi) vishvas re… Santo (4) | Such devotees are true, of that there is no doubt; Nishkulanand of others, never expect a sprout…4 |
Introduction on Paramhansa (Text): https://www.baps.org/About-BAPS/TheFounder%E2%80%93BhagwanSwaminarayan/Legacy/Disciples/Paramhansas.aspx
Anirdesh – Dohyalu thavu Haridas re (Translation): https://www.anirdesh.com/kirtan/study.php?by=type&type=Translation&part=1&no=412
Akshar Amrutam – Dohyalu thavu Haridas re (Audio): https://app.aksharamrutam.in/LcBa8zaeaZnCFG9x7
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