Shri Hariram Vyas Ji was a resident of Orchha (Bundelkhand) and the son of Shri Sumokhan Ji Shukla. He was born into a respected family, which had the honor of being the Rajguru of Orchha state. Both the king and the subjects held him in deep regard. Vyas Ji was an unmatched scholar of his time, having conducted extensive studies of the scriptures and Puranas. Because of this, no one could defeat him in scriptural debates. Whenever someone approached him with doubts or questions, he would provide such well-reasoned explanations based on the scriptures that all their uncertainties would vanish.
Understanding the glory of a guru in the scriptures, Vyas Ji was searching for a supreme guru who could guide him across the ocean of worldly existence and help him experience the eternal presence of the Lord. In his mind, he recalled great devotees like Raidas Ji, Kabir Ji, Pipa Ji, Jayadev Ji, Namdev Ji, Ranka-Banka Ji, and Ramanand Ji, but he couldn’t decide on one to accept as his guru. Sometimes, he would sing the praises of Vrindavan and contemplate the idea of being initiated into its divine love and worship. As he pondered these thoughts, he turned 42 years old but still hadn’t accepted anyone as his guru.
Then one day, Shri Hit Harivansh Mahaprabhu‘s disciple, Shri Nawal Das Ji Vairagi, arrived in Orchha. Shri Hariram Vyas Ji was immensely pleased to meet him and brought him to his home. He welcomed Nawal Das Ji with great affection. Whenever Nawal Das Ji spoke of leaving, Shri Hariram Vyas Ji would urge him to stay a few more days. One day, during a satsang (spiritual gathering), Shri Nawal Das Ji sang the verse “Aaj Ati Rajat Dampati Bhor.” Hearing this verse filled Vyas Ji with joy, and as he contemplated its meaning, every pore of his being became electrified. Especially reflecting on the last line of the verse, “Jai Shri Hit Harivansh Lal Lalana Mili Hiyau Sirawat Mor,” he began to think deeply. The union of the beloved and the beloved is significant, but the ultimate cooling and peace is attained by Shri Hit Harivansh Ji. This was an extraordinary and mysterious experience for him.
Whenever two individuals meet, the joy resides in their hearts, not in a third person’s heart. This thought ignited a strong desire in Vyas Ji to learn about Shri Hit Harivansh Ji. Observing Vyas Ji’s interest, Nawal Das Ji informed him that in the devotion of Shri Hitacharya Ji, there are no rigid rules or restrictions. Yoga, yajna (sacrifice), japa (chanting), tapas (austerity), and vrata (vows) are all secondary to the devotion of love. In this worship, Nitya-Vihari Shri Radha-Vallabh Lal is the chosen deity. Thus, Nawal Das Ji suggested that Vyas Ji take Shri Radha-Vallabh Lal as his ishta (chosen deity) and Shri Hitacharya Ji as his guru.
This conversation stirred a profound thirst for the Vrindavan Prem Ras in Vyas Ji’s heart and kindled the sweet hope of attaining that divine nectar. Agreeing with Nawal Das Ji’s proposal, Shri Hariram Vyas Ji reached Vrindavan in the month of Kartik, Vikram Samvat 1591, to have the darshan of Shri Hitacharya Ji. In the temple, he observed that Shri Hitacharya Ji was preparing food for the Thakur Ji (Deity). Experiencing immense joy upon seeing him, Shri Hariram Vyas Ji requested Shri Hitacharya Ji to discuss the spiritual discourse right away.
Seeing Vyas Ji’s eagerness, Shri Hitacharya Ji promptly took the pot off the stove and extinguished the fire. Vyas Ji humbly asked, “Why did you take the pot off? You could have done both tasks together—cooked with your hands and discussed with your mouth. Preparing is a task for the hands, and speaking and listening are tasks for the mouth.”
Upon hearing Vyas Ji’s reasoning, Shri Mahaprabhu Ji immediately composed a verse and recited: “Yeh ju ek man bahut thaur kari kahi kaunai sachu payao.” In this verse, Mahaprabhu Ji explained that a person has only one mind, and trying to place it in two places at the same time yields no happiness. Just as one cannot ride two horses at once, similarly, placing the mind in two directions does not bring peace or truth in life. Everything in this world is false, deceitful, and transient. Therefore, the ultimate purpose of life is to be wholly dedicated to the loving devotees of Shri Shyamashyam, as it is in their hearts—like lotus ponds—that the lotus of Shri Shyamashyam’s feet blooms.
This verse had such a profound impact on Vyas Ji that he accepted the devotees as his chosen ones and dedicated his life to their service. After this, he humbly prayed to Shri Hitacharya Ji, asking him to impart the teachings of Hit Dharma and grant him mantra initiation. Observing Vyas Ji’s sincere devotion and faith, Mahaprabhu Ji bestowed upon him the Nij mantra. Shri Hariram Vyas Ji, who had brought several scriptures to engage in scholarly debate with Mahaprabhu Ji, cast all those scriptures into the Yamuna River.
Thereafter, Vyas Ji took a vow to permanently reside in Vrindavan and immersed himself in the worship of the unique divine couple Shyama-Shyam, according to the Hit-ras-reeti (tradition of love). After some time, he discovered the idol of Thakur Shri Jugalkishor Ji from a well and established the service of Shri Priya Ji to his left. Following this, he began performing the Ashtayami (eightfold) service of Thakur Ji with great love and care, which became the main objective of his life.
During a discussion between Vyas Ji and Nawal Das Ji, Shri Hariram Vyas Ji learned that Goswami Shri Hit Harivansh Ji had established a Rasmandal (dance arena) in Vrindavan, where the local children enact the Rasleela (divine dance) daily. This ignited a strong desire in Vyas Ji to witness it with his own eyes. Upon reaching Vrindavan and witnessing this eternal enactment of Rasleela, its sweet allure captivated him so much that he deemed it a unique medium for Rasopasana (worship through love) and made it part of his daily practice. He proclaimed:
“Main na moonde dhyan kaun, kiye na ang nyas.
Naach gaay raasahin mile, basi Vrindavan Vyas.”
Once, during a Rasleela enactment in Vrindavan, where great rasikas like Goswami Shri Hit Harivansh Mahaprabhu Ji, Swami Haridas Ji Maharaj, and Prabodhanand Ji Maharaj were present along with Shri Hariram Vyas Ji, the anklet of the child playing the role of Shri Radha broke, scattering the ghunghroo (bell anklets). Without caring for the varnashram dharma (social order), Vyas Ji, out of pure love, immediately broke his sacred thread and wove the ghunghroo from its threads. The divine play continued. Afterward, Shri Hariram Vyas Ji remarked in that crowded assembly, “This yajnopaveet (sacred thread) was borne for a lifetime, but today it has truly served its purpose.”
Nabhaji praised Shri Hariram Vyas Ji in his Bhaktamal, writing in Chaupai:
“Naauguni tori noopur guhyau, mahat sabha madh ras ke.
Utkarsht tilak aru daam ko, bhakt isht ati Vyas ke.”
From Vikram Samvat 1591 to Vikram Samvat 1609, Vyas Ji was fortunate to be under the guidance of his guru, Goswami Shri Hit Harivansh Ji. However, in Vikram Samvat 1609, when his revered guru departed for the Nikunj, Shri Hariram Vyas Ji experienced a heart-wrenching pain.
After the departure of Goswami Shri Hit Harivansh Ji to the Nikunj, Shri Hariram Vyas Ji expressed his profound sorrow and described the pitiable condition of the rasik saints of vrindavan in a verse. In this verse, he lamented that Shri Harivansh Chandra was the foundation of Rasopasana and the rasik devotees. Now, without him, who would bear the weight of this worship? Who would sing sweet words of love and affection to Shri Radha? Who is so generous that they can describe the inherent ras of Vrindavan? In the absence of such verses, the entire world has become devoid of rasa (flavor). For the assembly of devoted rasiks, this is a great misfortune, as their gathering has now become devoid of fortune. Without him, each moment feels to Shri Hariram Vyas Ji like a hundred yugas.
Vyas Ji expressed:
“Hutau rasa rasikani ka aadhar,
Ab ek chandrama ke bina, taaron se bhara aakash bhi tejheen ho gaya hai.
Ko Radha dulravai gaavai, vachan sunaavai chaar,
Vrindavan ki sahaj maadhuri, kahi hai kaun udaar?
Pad rachna ab kaapai hwi hai, nirasa bhayo sansaar,
Bada abhag ananya sabha ko, uthigau thath singaar.
Jin binu din chhin sat-yug beetat, sahaj roop aagaar.
‘Vyas’ ek kul kumud bandhu binu, udgan jutho thaar.”
In this verse, Vyas Ji reveals his deep sorrow and his reverence for rasik worship. He states that Shri Harivansh Ji was the foundation for the rasiks, and without him, the burden of rasik worship has become unbearable. Now, who will sweetly speak to Shri Radha with affectionate words? Who will express the inherent ras of Vrindavan with a generous heart? Since his departure, the art of verse composition has faded, and the world has become lifeless. This is a misfortune for the assembly of rasiks, as everything has lost its beauty and adornment with the departure of Shri Harivansh Ji. Every moment feels like a hundred yugas for Vyas Ji. He compares the situation to an expanse of stars losing their brilliance without a single moon.
Vyas Ji had three sons, and after the departure of Shri Hitacharya Ji to the Nikunj, these three brothers came to Shri Vrindavan. Vyas Ji divided his property in a unique manner. One son took the service of Thakur Shri Jugalkishor Ji, another took gold and other wealth, while the eldest son, Kishordas, received the mala (rosary) and tilak (mark on the forehead). Vyas Ji made Kishordas a disciple of Swami Shri Haridas Ji, and he became engrossed in devotion to Shri Kunjbihari as his chosen deity.
Vyas Ji lived a long life of nearly 100 years, and in the presence of all the saints and mahants of Shri Vrindavan, he joyfully entered the eternal pastimes. Shri Bhagvatmudita Ji gave a brief account of Vyas Ji in his “Rasik Ananya Mal,” while Nabhaji provided a concise introduction to Vyas Ji in his “Bhaktamal.” Priyadas Ji elaborated on this in his “Bhakti Ras Bodhini,” where he mentioned some significant and instructive anecdotes.
To test the truth of Nabhaji’s statement, “Bhakt Isht Ati Vyas Ke,” a saint came to Vyas Ji and pretended to be hungry, asking for food. At that moment, Vyas Ji was preparing offerings for Shri Jugalkishor Ji, but he placed the plate before the saint and said that the Lord is patient, and he would later present another plate. The saint ate a few morsels but soon began to feel physical discomfort and left the plate behind. Vyas Ji grasped his feet and said, “You have accepted this as prasad, so please return it to me; I will bring you another.” The saint was overwhelmed by Vyas Ji’s true and selfless devotion, and tears filled his eyes. He realized that Nabhaji’s statement, “Bhakt Isht Ati Vyas Ke,” was indeed true.
Vyas ji’s love toward Vrindavan
This incident presents yet another inspiring example of Vyas Ji’s dedication to saints, his spirit of service, and his steadfastness. Vyas Ji’s love and devotion towards the saints were so profound that he always thought of serving them and doing his best for them, even if the circumstances were related to his family events.
In the first incident, when his wife (Park) accidentally spilled cream into the bowl while serving milk, Vyas Ji became angry. He perceived this as negligence towards saintly service and removed her from serving. When his wife refrained from eating for three days due to guilt and remorse, Vyas Ji, at the insistence and prayers of the saints, reinstated her service with a difficult condition. The condition was that she would have to sell all her jewelry to serve the saints. He even composed a verse to express his sentiments:
“Jo tiya hoy na Hari ki daasi,
Kijai kaha roop gun sundar, naahin Shyam upaasi.”
This means that a woman’s beauty and qualities may be exquisite, but if she is not a servant of Shri Hari and is not devoted to Shyam (Krishna), then her beauty is futile.
When Vyas Ji’s wife accepted his condition and sold her jewelry to serve the saints, he then allowed her to return to service. This incident illustrates the depth of Vyas Ji’s spirit of service and devotion.
In the second incident, when his daughter was getting married, Vyas Ji focused on an important decision. Upon seeing the delicious dishes prepared for the wedding, he thought they should be offered to the saints. Therefore, while everyone was busy welcoming the wedding procession, Vyas Ji called the saints and gave them the dishes, allowing them to enjoy prasadam in their own secluded area. His decision proved successful by divine grace, as there was enough food for both the saints and the wedding guests.
The third incident involved a simple-hearted music-loving saint who came to Shri Hariram Vyas Ji’s home and established his Thakur’s service there. Vyas Ji lovingly hosted him for a long time. When the saint decided to take his Thakur’s service back with him, Vyas Ji was unwilling to let him go. His immense reverence and love for the saints always inspired him to keep them close, often finding ways to retain them at his home.
These tales of Vyas Ji’s devotion, service to saints, and complete surrender to his chosen deity illuminate significant and inspiring aspects of his life.
The wonderful harmony of Vyas Ji’s humor, devotion, and unparalleled love for Vrindavan is beautifully reflected in one incident. When a naive saint wanted to take his Thakur’s service outside of Vrindavan, Shri Hariram Vyas Ji cleverly and lovingly hid the saint’s Thakur’s service in his home and placed a bird in the saint’s purse. When the saint opened his purse to worship Thakur Ji after bathing in the Yamuna, the bird flew out toward Vrindavan. Vyas Ji humorously explained to the saint, “You may wish to leave, but your Thakur Ji does not want to go outside of Vrindavan.”
After this incident, the saint’s resolve to reside permanently in Vrindavan became even stronger. Vyas Ji had such profound love for Vrindavan that he would become irritated at anyone contemplating leaving or going outside of it.
King Madhukar Shah of Orchha also made several attempts to take Vyas Ji with him to Orchha, all of which were unsuccessful. Even the learned Brahmins sent by the king repeatedly urged him to leave Vrindavan for Orchha. However, Vyas Ji demonstrated remarkable determination to maintain his loyalty to Vrindavan Dhama. He took the remnants of prasad from the Shri Radha Vallabh temple and ate from the bowl of a lowly woman who was carrying it.
Seeing this act, the Brahmins thought that Vyas Ji had become defiled and left in mockery for Orchha. But this incident filled Vyas Ji’s heart with joy, and a verse spontaneously emerged from his heart:
“Ek pakouri sab jag chhutyo,
Jap-tap-vrat-sanyam kari haare,
Naik na man chhutyo.
Maya-rachit prapancha kutumbi,
Moh-jaal sab chhutyo.
Vyas Das Harivansh kripa tai,
Basi Vanraj prem ras lootyo.”
In this verse, Vyas Ji expresses his inner realization that he has been liberated from all worldly bonds and entanglements. He acknowledges that even through chanting, penance, vows, and restraint, it is difficult to stabilize the mind in devotion, but by the grace of Harivansh Ji, experiencing the essence of love in Vrindavan has freed him from all worldly entanglements and family ties.
Vyas Ji’s action and devotion exemplify the love and fidelity of Vrindavan. He showed that residing in Vrindavan is not merely about being physically present there, but also about dedicating one’s heart and life to that place.
Vyas Ji’s love for Thakur Shri Jugalkishore Ji and his experiences with Him were extraordinary and marvelous. When King Madhukar Shah of Orchha urged Vyas Ji to visit Orchha, even if just for one day, Vyas Ji created a unique situation regarding leaving Vrindavan. For him, parting from the vines, leaves, and trees of Vrindavan became an unbearable pain. As the king tried to take him away, Vyas Ji clung to the vines and trees, weeping and lamenting, “What sin have I committed that I must be separated from you today?”
Seeing this divine spectacle, the king’s heart melted, and tears flowed from his eyes. Witnessing Vyas Ji’s unparalleled love, the king begged for forgiveness for his insistence and fell at Vyas Ji’s feet. He took leave from Vrindavan after receiving instructions on devotional service and returned to his kingdom in Orchha.
The loving relationship between Vyas Ji and Shri Thakur Jugalkishore Ji was unique. One day, as Vyas Ji was trying to tie a decorative cloth on Thakur Ji’s head, it kept slipping off due to his smooth head. After many attempts, when he couldn’t secure it, Vyas Ji humorously said to Thakur Ji, “Maharaj! Either you tie it yourself, or I shall leave it as it is,” and then he went to the service courtyard. However, the thought of the cloth kept returning to his mind. When he returned to the temple, he saw that a beautifully tied cloth was adorning Thakur Ji’s head. Seeing this, Vyas Ji was filled with joy and exclaimed, “If you can tie such a beautiful cloth, why would you prefer the one I tied!”
Another similar incident revolves around the attempt to adorn Thakur Shri Jugalkishore Ji with a flute. One day, as Vyas Ji was trying to place the flute in Thakur Ji’s hands, it was too thick and wouldn’t fit. After repeated attempts without success, Vyas Ji left the flute there and stepped out of the temple. When he returned some time later, he saw that Shri Thakur Ji was smiling with the very flute adorned in His hands.
These events clearly illustrate that Shri Hariram Vyas Ji’s love for Thakur Ji was not only profound but also that the divine play between them was entirely filled with love and grace. This wonderful interaction, characterized by Thakur Ji’s grace and Vyas Ji’s loving service, represents the highest form of devotion.
Vyas Ji’s devotion and service to Thakur Shri Jugalkishore Ji were so deep that he connected every event concerning Thakur Ji with his heart. Once, while attempting to place the flute in Thakur Ji’s hands, Thakur Ji’s delicate finger got hurt. This incident plunged Vyas Ji into deep sorrow, and immediately he wet a piece of cloth in water and bandaged Thakur Ji’s finger. This act of love and service has become a tradition, as today, in the temple of Thakur Shri Jugal Kishore Ji, the custom of bandaging His finger continues to remind everyone of that loving event.
Vyas Ji’s life transcended the constraints of Brahminhood and caste. He dedicated his life entirely to the love-dharma taught by Shri Hit Harivansh Acharya. According to him, when love becomes the focal point of worship, desires and the cravings of the senses cease to exist.
He expressed this in the following verse:
“Jaaki hai upasana, tahi ki vasana,
Tahi kau naam-roop-gun lai gaaye.
Yehi ananya dharm paripati,
Vrindavan basi anant na jaayiye.
Soi vyabhichari aan kahai aan karai,
Takaau mukh dekhen daarun dukh paayiye.
Vyas hoy uphaas traas kiye,
Aas achhat kat daas kahaiye.”
In this verse, Vyas Ji mentions the unique nature of love’s dharma. In his view, when worship is directed towards one singular entity, and the devotee’s entire life is dedicated to that entity, it is called the unique dharma. Residing in Vrindavan and not straying to any other place is the sacred tradition of this dharma. He clearly stated that those who deviate from this love-dharma and worship another are considered immoral. Encountering such people only brings sorrow.
Vyas Ji had completely internalized divine devotion in his life, and his words were the highest expression of the love-dharma.
