Introduction
God created man without any distinctions, but man has created distinctions among himself and God. God’s love shines equally on everyone, like the sun that shines on all. Unfortunately, human beings often stray from God’s message and create divisions that separate them from Him. One such tale of unwavering devotion, despite societal norms, is the story of Chokhamela, a staunch devotee of Krishna who transcended social barriers through his profound faith.
God’s Equal Love
In God’s eyes, there is no difference between a prince and a pauper, a wise person and a fool. To illustrate this, we are taught to perform Surya Namaskar early in the morning to understand the uniform love of God, as the sun shines equally on all. However, in our mundane existence, we often ignore these teachings and create artificial divisions. This leads to a scenario where man creates God according to his preferences, restricting divine access based on caste and status.
The Early Life of Chokhamela
Chokhamela was born into a low-caste family, which barred him from many social and religious privileges. Despite this, he developed a deep devotion to Krishna and would often sing and dance in front of the temple of Panduranga in Pandharpur. His music attracted many devotees, but as soon as he stopped, they reverted to treating him as an untouchable, prohibiting him from entering the temple.
Questioning Faith and Devotion
One day, his devotion was questioned by an onlooker who mocked his inability to enter the temple despite his faith. Chokhamela argued humbly that his devotion was as real as his birth into a low caste, comparing his situation to the sun shining on a lotus in the mud. His heartfelt devotion was evident, but societal norms blinded others to his spiritual purity.
A Divine Encounter
Despondent, Chokhamela returned home where his wife, Sayira, tried to console him. That night, as he lay crying, a brilliant light filled the room. Lord Panduranga Himself appeared, assuring Chokhamela that it was His duty to save him. The Lord led Chokhamela into the temple, despite the doors being locked, granting him the darshan he longed for. Chokhamela’s worries about being an omen were dismissed by the Lord, who explained that Chokhamela’s presence illuminated the temple more than anything else.
God’s Instructions for Devotees
Chokhamela asked Panduranga how devotees should lead their lives to attain moksha. The Lord replied with three key principles:
- Chanting: Devotees should incessantly chant the name of God, as this is the most effective form of worship in Kaliyuga.
- Good Behavior: Devotees should practice principles like non-violence, compassion, patience, control over the senses, and celibacy.
- Association with Good People: Devotees should always seek the company of those who are devoted to God.
These instructions were meant to guide Chokhamela and others towards spiritual liberation.
The Miracle and Recognition
The next morning, the temple priest found Chokhamela in the inner sanctum and was furious. Chokhamela explained that it was the Lord who brought him there. The priest, realizing the gravity of his mistake, apologized and acknowledged Chokhamela’s devotion. The priest’s anger turned to respect as he recognized the divine intervention that had taken place.
Panduranga’s Sorrow
Sri Namadev, another chief devotee of Panduranga, once saw the Lord weeping. When asked why, Panduranga explained that Chokhamela, who had died in a tragic accident, had a dying wish to be buried before the temple. Namadev was tasked with finding Chokhamela’s bones, which he identified by the bones chanting “Vittala Vittala Panduranga.” Namadev buried these bones before the temple, where devotees still pray today.
Lessons to Be Learned
- Unwavering Faith: Chokhamela’s unwavering faith in God brought divine intervention into his life.
- Respect and Devotion: The importance of respecting and serving all devotees, regardless of social status.
- Divine Assistance: God assists His devotees in times of need, proving that true devotion transcends all barriers.
- Power of Bhakti: Chokhamela’s life underscores that sincere devotion can lead to divine blessings and miracles.
Teaching from Srimad Bhagavatam
Srimad Bhagavatam 2.9.36:
bhaktyā mām abhijānāti yāvān yaś cāsmi tattvataḥ
tato māṁ tattvato jñātvā viśate tad-anantaram
“One can understand the Supreme Personality as He is only by devotional service. And when one is in full consciousness of the Supreme Lord by such devotion, he can enter into the kingdom of God.”
This verse emphasizes that true understanding and realization of God come through sincere devotional service.
Teaching from Caitanya Caritamrita
Caitanya Caritamrita, Madhya-lila 22.128:
kṛṣṇa—sūrya-sama; māyā haya andhakāra
yāhāṅ kṛṣṇa, tāhāṅ nāhi māyāra adhikāra
“Krishna is compared to sunshine, and māyā is compared to darkness. Wherever there is sunshine, there cannot be darkness. As soon as one takes to Krishna consciousness, the darkness of illusion, the influence of the external energy, will immediately vanish.”
This verse highlights the power of Krishna consciousness to dispel the darkness of ignorance and illusion.
Teaching of Srila Prabhupada
Srila Prabhupada said: “The holy name of the Lord and the Lord are non-different. As such, the holy name is as powerful as the Lord, and by chanting the holy name one can be freed from all sinful reactions.” (Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.2.22-23, Purport)
This teaching underscores the transformative power of chanting the holy name.
Prayer
O Lord Krishna,
Please grant us the sincerity and devotion of Chokhamela.
Help us to chant Your holy names with faith and love,
So that we may overcome the illusions of material enjoyment and return to Your divine abode.
May our hearts be filled with true devotion and love,
And may we always strive to please You with our actions.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
May Your divine grace and blessings be upon us always,
Guiding us towards pure devotion and eternal bliss in Your service.
I humbly request all the devotees to please forward and share these moral and instructive stories so that everyone can benefit by hearing about Krishna and His dear devotees.
4o
