Senanayi, the Devoted Barber
In Pandharpur, there lived a devotee called Senanayi, who was a barber by profession. He constantly sang the Name of the Lord, was honest, straightforward, and did not know any deceit. The king needed a reliable person to dress his hair before court every day, and the citizens unanimously proposed Senanayi’s name due to his devotion to God, calmness, and guileless disposition.
Senanayi’s Royal Duty
The king appointed Senanayi for the job, and it was a royal practice that someone who did royal service could not work elsewhere. Thus, the king provided Senanayi with all the necessities required for his living. Senanayi would spend an hour or two at the palace in the mornings to dress the king’s hair and the rest of the day in the company of Sadhus, performing Nama Kirtan or listening to God’s glories. He lived a happy life.
The Allure of Nama Kirtan
One day, when Senanayi got ready to go for his work, a group of Sadhus passed by singing: “Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare”
Seeing that there was still time to go to the palace, he instantaneously joined them. Time flew by, and he lost himself in the Nama Kirtan.
The King’s Annoyance
Those envious of Senanayi went to the palace and told the king, who was already restless because of the delay. They said, “Salutations O! King! Senanayi will not come today!” The king, already getting late for the court, was enervated and asked for the reason. They replied, “Senanayi has joined with ten other people singing the glory of the Lord. I did remind him about his palatial duty… and he said, ‘Damn the king! I don’t care!'”
Divine Intervention
The king was furious and decided to bathe quickly at the well, preparing himself for the court without Senanayi. To his surprise, Senanayi was already there, standing humbly with his kit in hand. The king, pleasantly surprised, asked how he managed to come so early. Senanayi gently said that he had been waiting for a long time. The king, in a hurry, asked Senanayi to make his hair up quickly.
The Blissful Experience
As Senanayi took water in his hand and applied it to the king’s head, the king experienced an unfounded bliss, a shiver running through his body. The king, astonished, felt a divine presence. He repeatedly placed Senanayi’s hand on his own head, seeking that blissful sensation.
The Divine Vision
Suddenly, the king saw a divine sight: Sri Krishna, cross-legged, adorned with peacock feathers and a garland, playing the flute, appeared before him for an instant and disappeared. The king stood there perplexed, no longer in his normal senses. In the court, he kept recounting the beautiful divine form he saw, talking to himself about it. The ministers suspected that the king had become lunatic and decided he needed treatment.
The Revelation
Just then, the actual Senanayi arrived. The king requested him to show the divine form again. Senanayi, confused, admitted he had not turned up that morning as he was in the Bhajan. The king insisted, “No! You came this morning! You touched me and I experienced that wonderful bliss!”
Realization of the Divine
It was then that Senanayi realized the Lord Himself had come and done his job that morning. The glorious Divine Being, whom the Vedas speak about and can be attained only by penances over crores of births, had come down as a hairdresser for Senanayi’s sake!
Supporting Verse from Srimad Bhagavatam
This story resonates with a verse from Srimad Bhagavatam (11.14.22):
dharmah satya-dayopeto / vidyaa vaa tapasaanvitaa mad-bhaktyaapetam aatmaanam / na samyak prapunaati hi
“Neither religious activities endowed with honesty and mercy nor knowledge obtained with great penance can completely purify one’s consciousness if they are bereft of loving service to Me.”
Lessons to Be Learned
- Pure Devotion Transcends Rituals:
- The story emphasizes that pure, loving devotion to the Lord is far more powerful than mere rituals or knowledge. Senanayi’s simple and sincere devotion allowed him to experience divine intervention.
- Faith in the Holy Name:
- Chanting the Holy Name with faith and sincerity can bring about miraculous changes and divine experiences. Senanayi’s faith in the Holy Name allowed him to fulfill his duties and witness the divine form of Lord Krishna.
- Humility and Service:
- Despite his high status as the king’s barber, Senanayi remained humble and devoted. His humility and dedication to serving both the king and the Lord are exemplary.
- Detachment from Pride:
- The king’s initial pride in his position and learning was humbled by the divine experience. True spirituality involves letting go of pride and ego.
- The Lord’s Compassion:
- The Lord’s willingness to personally intervene and perform Senanayi’s duty illustrates His boundless compassion and love for His devotees. The Lord values sincere devotion over societal positions or learning.
- The Importance of Kirtan:
- Engaging in Nama Kirtan (singing the Holy Names) brings one closer to the divine. Senanayi’s participation in Kirtan not only enriched his spiritual life but also brought about divine intervention.
- Beyond External Duties:
- While performing one’s duties is important, integrating devotion into those duties elevates them. Senanayi balanced his royal service with his spiritual practices, showing that devotion can be part of everyday life.
- Divine Experiences are Personal:
- The king’s experience of divine bliss was unique and personal, highlighting that spiritual experiences are subjective and deeply personal.
- Misunderstandings Can Lead to Insight:
- The envious citizens’ attempt to undermine Senanayi led to the king’s realization of the power of true devotion. Sometimes, adversities can lead to deeper spiritual insights.
- Krishna’s Presence in Daily Life:
- The story shows that Lord Krishna is present in our daily lives and duties. By maintaining a devotional attitude, we can perceive His presence and receive His blessings in ordinary activities.
Always Remember
We should just chant Nama Kirtan, and the Lord will take care of everything else.
