Devotion is not about scarcity—it is about abundance. In his compelling bhajan, Shidne Rahie Re Kangal, the revered poet-saint Nishkulanand Swami paints a striking picture of misplaced perception. A devotee who has attained the divine yet continues to live as if lacking is like a wealthy king who chooses to beg in the streets. The bhajan urges seekers to recognize their spiritual wealth and abandon the illusion of emptiness.
The hymn begins with a powerful question: Why play the pauper? Those who have received the greatest treasure—Puran Brahma Purushottam—should not feel deprived. The poet challenges this contradiction, reminding devotees that they are not empty, but fulfilled.
Through vivid imagery, Nishkulanand Swami presents a thought-provoking analogy. A queen, possessing immense riches, wanders through the streets begging. Her king, seeing this absurdity, scolds her. The message is clear—those who belong to God yet remain engrossed in worldly desires are like this queen. They do not lack; they simply fail to recognize what they already have.
Cowards, the song warns, live in false scarcity, believing they need more, while the enlightened embrace their spiritual fortune. True seekers are not impoverished by material loss, nor do they crave temporary pleasures. Instead, they walk with confidence, their hearts content in the presence of God.
The final verse reaffirms this truth—devotees who truly grasp their spiritual richness never feel empty. They do not live as beggars, desperate for fleeting satisfaction. They stand firm, filled with divine fulfillment, unmoved by illusions of lack.
This bhajan is more than poetry—it is a wake-up call. It asks: Are we truly poor, or have we just not recognized our wealth? True devotion demands awareness, gratitude, and an unshakable understanding that in God’s presence, nothing is ever missing.
| Verse | Translation |
| Shidne rahie re kangal re, santo shidne rahie re kangal; Jyare malyo mah moto mal re, santo shidne rahie kangal… Chorus | Why play the pauper? Santo, why play the pauper? Possessing the precious, Santo, why play the pauper? |
| Puran Brahma Purushottam pami, khami na rahi ek val; Amal sahit vat ocharvi, mani manma nihal re…1 | Precious God, precious Akshar, feel no void; only prosper. Speak with strength, converse with courage; content now, content hereafter…! |
| Rajani rani bhami bhikh mage, hale kangalne hal; Ghar lajamani rani jani raja, khiji pade vali khal re…2 | A Queen strolls the streets, behaving like a beggar; the keep of honor, her King, to save her does scold her… 2 |
| Tem bhakta Bhagwan na thaine, rahe vishayma behal; Te to pamar nar janva pura, haribhaktini dhari chhe dhal re…3 | So wretched is the blessed, who behaves as a beggar, Desperate, destitute, folded hands feigning prayer…3 |
| Tan man ash taji tuchchh jant, kadhu samji e sal; Nishkulanand e bhakta Harina, bija bajari bakal re…4 | Who by body or mind, is made not the poorer, Those are the true, the rest are but players…4 |
Introduction on Paramhansa (Text): https://www.baps.org/About-BAPS/TheFounder%E2%80%93BhagwanSwaminarayan/Legacy/Disciples/Paramhansas.aspx
Anirdesh – Shidne rahie re kangal re (Translation): https://www.anirdesh.com/kirtan/study.php?by=type&type=Translation&part=1&no=413
Akshar Amrutam – Shidne rahie re kangal re (Audio): https://app.aksharamrutam.in/LcBa8zaeaZnCFG9x7
+ There are no comments
Add yours