1. In the Kali Yuga the story of the bhakta Surdas is a very special one. Let the saints and all good people listen to it with attention.
2. During the Krishna avatarship at Dwarka, Satyabhama was His specially loved wife.
Suddenly at her house the bhakta Akrur arrived.
3. Satyabhama gave him a seat and Akrur sat down after paying her his respects. Without any hesitation she told him h» affairs: —
4. ‘ Shri Krishna does not come to my house as He formerly did. Now, Akrur, explain things to him and bring us together.
5. Shri Hari is subservient to you, I know this in my heart. Akrur, beseech the Enemy of
Mura, and cause me to meet Him.
6. This fire of separation has severely burnt me. Again and again I be^eh you, O Akrur, to cause me to meet the Son of -Vasudev.
7. To whom shall I tell this secret matter, and who will look upon me with an eye of compassion ? Now go at once, and cause me to meet Him, the Lord of the world.
8. Although He has sixteen thousand homes for His wives, still He sits at the home of RukminL Causa me now to meet with this Pervader of the Universe, the Enemy of Mura.’
9. Akrur thought to himself, ‘ If Shri Hari does not come at once, this beautiful one will give up her life.
10. Then Shri Krishna will be angry with me. ’ Realizing this fact, the bhakta Akrur himself took the form of Krishna.
11. He said to her, ‘O mother, regain consciousnssi;, I will bring Hari at once. ’ So Krishna Himself appeared at once to her sight and stood before her.
AKRUR CURSED BY' KRISHNA
12. Shii Hari thea said to Akrur, ‘ What was the thought in your mind, that when I was not at
home, you took a false guise?
13. Therefore, Akrur, in the Kali Yuga amongst the mortals you will become blind. ’ And turning to Satyabhama He said, ‘ In the Kali Yuga you will be a maidservant.’
14. The bhakla Akrur healing these words joined his hands together palm to palm and thus pleaded; ‘ O Atmaram ( O God ), Thou knowest perfectly the thoughts of my mind.
15. If Thou should not come at once, Satyabhama would give up her life. In order to give her courage, O Life of the world, I took Thy form. ’
16. Hari replied, ‘ I know, O Akrur, the effort you are making. In the Kali Yuga you will
become an avatar for the salvation of men.
17. Outwardly I have cursed you hut there is no hatred in my heart.’ Akrur replied, ‘Thou art Mother and Father. In the Kali Yuga give me the vision of Thee.’
18. Hari replied, ‘When you are blind, you will meet with the maidservant Satyahhmna and I will manifest Myself at that time, and unite you with My essential form. ’
BLIND SURD AS AS AKRUB’S AVATAR
19. In the country where Mathura is situated, a great saint Surdas appeared as an avatar of Akrur. Although blind from his birth, day and night he repeated the names of the Lord of the universe.
20. When sitting down, when sleeping, when eating, he was constantly thinking of Hari. And in the privacy of his heart he remembered the former events of bis having been a yogabhrashfa ( one
whose austerities have not been completed ).
21. With love he performed his far/nns, and sang the names of God in verses he composed. Continually composing poetry, he called upon the Good Being.
22. Now it happened on a certain day, that a pilgrimage took place at Mathura and Surdas himself went there to see the idol of Shri Krishna.
SIGHT OF SURDAS RESTORED
23. At the great door of the temple he lovingly made a prostrate namaskar. Joining his hands together palm to palm he brought the form of God into his heart.
24. He exclaimed, ‘ O Shri Krishna, Purifier of the sinner. Ocean of compassion, Delight of the heart , I had committed no fault. O Life of the world, why didst Thou curse me ?
25. At the time of the ava'arship of Krishna I was Akrur and I committed only one fault. Such is the
witness that my heart gives me, O Govinda.
26. Kans sent me to Gokul to fetch Thee. When I went there Yashoda felt so sad.
27. When I was taking Thee away, Yashoda wept. Her anger then, O Gopal, is troubling me
now.
28. The dissatisfaction of the people of Gokul, as I took Thee from them, has been visited upon me I think.
29. The Gopis (cowherdesses) loudly wept. They called out, “Give us back Shri Krishna as a gift in charity.” I did not listen to them and therefore I am suffering this blindness.
30. Some let down their hair and wept aloud and some threw themselves before the chariot. Because of their anger, O Lord of the world, Thou must have cursed me.
31. Even if I did take the form of Krishna at the house of Satyabhama, it was no fault of mine, O Shri Hari. Thou art witness to this, O Enemy of Mura, Thou knowest the secrets of the heart.
32. Yet my heart bears witness that at Gokul I did commit a fault. ’ Tears now flowed from the eyes of Surdas.
SURDAS’ SIGHT RESTORED
33. Listening to these pity-arousing words. Narayan was pleased and Surdas at once received his sight.
34. The bhakla saw before him with l is own eyes the beautiful image of God with conch, shell, the
disk and the club in His hands; four-armed in form, with His dark complexion and
35. His crown; His garland reaching down to the feet and His KaiiMiibh jewel; His brilliant yellow robe wound around His waist; with his four nepurs and anklets jingling loudly; and dimming the light of millions of suns.
36. Seeing this form before him, Surdas prostrated himself on the ground. God said to him, ‘ I am pleased. Ask of Me any blessing.’
37. Embracing Him in love, Surdas said, ‘ I have this request only. I ask you to make my eyes as they were at first.
38. All through my life I never saw any object. Now I have stored up Thy form in my heart, O Govinda.
39. Though now Thou takest away my sight, I shall always have Thy form in my heart.’ Hearing the words of Surdas the Lord of the heart ( Krishna ) smiled.
40. Bringing to His mind the form of Hari, this bhakta of His remained at Mathura. Now, you good people, listen to the story of what occurred further on.
TANSEN AND THE KING OF UJJAIN
41. In the city of Avanti ( Ujjain ) there wae a pious, holy king. He had collected together five hundred singers.
43. The greatest among them was Tansen, an expert in music and exceedingly learned. At his singing, extinguished lamps became lighted.
43. The king said to Tansen at that time, ‘ I hare hunted all over the world but I do not see any other singer better than you. ’
44. Hearing this Tansen said, ‘ Do not say that. It is God who has made one better than the other.
45. “ I am the Creator of Che World,” so said He who sits upon the lotus (Brahmadev).
Then God created Vishvamitra and had him make all material things.
46. “My bed is the most majestic,” thus said the ocean. God by the hands of Agasti caused him
to sip its water.
47, Narad became proud, saying, “ My singing is very beautiful,” and Krishna then invited' a bear
and caused him to perform a kirlan.
48. When Maruti thought there was no monkey mightier than himself in the world, Bharat subdued his pride.
SUEDAS EXPERT IN SINGING
49. Therefore no one should be called great or small.’ Hearing these words of
Tansen, the king was pleased.
50. The king said, ‘ Tf there are any singers now greater than you are, tell me of them
quickly.’
SUEDAS EXPERT IN SINGING
51. Tansen said to the king, ‘ The greatest expert in singing is Surdas at Mathura, the avatar of Akrur.’
53. The king said further to hina, ‘ How many ragas ( inodes of songs ) does Surdas [sing ?’ Tansen brought a handful of sand from the Bhagirathi river,
53. and said, ‘He knows as many as there are grains of sand.’ The king hearing this was surprised. He sent a palanquin to Mathura and brought Surdas from there.
54. Honouring him in many ways the king prostrated himself before him. Because Surdas was a Vaishnava he worshipped him, making him sit upon the golden throne.
55. All the singers then assembled and sat down in the assembly hall, and Tansen
then pleaded with Surdas.
56. He said, ‘ Cause all to listen to a Kirtan sung by your lips. The king has invited you to come here with that purpose in mind. ’
57. Surdas said to Tansen, ‘I am a dweller in Vaikunth (heaven). From there I have come to this world of mortals. There I sing the qualities of Hari.
58. If you have a liking for the same, I will describe for you in brief the qualities of Hari.’ Then
taking the viva in his hand he properly tuned it with the seven musical notes.
59. As Surdas was singing, Ganesh sounded the cymbals, and Saiasvati taking the viva helped
him in his sweet tone.
60. All the Gandharvas ( heavenly singers ) became absorbed in the music. So also Rambha,
Urvashi and Menaka, and the Husband of Rama ( Vishnu) while he was performing the kirtan came there and danced in joy.
61. Even He whom the yogis when sitting on iron spikes are unable to bring into their contemplation, even He danced in Surdas’ kirtan. It was wonderful.
62.- AL though the munis perform austerities, they cannot attain him by their ceremonial rites. Yet at the kirtan of Surdas He danced. This is novel indeed.
63. He whose limits are unknown by Indra, Chandra ( the moon ), Brahmadev and Shiva, even He in joy danced in front of Surdas.
64. Thus singing, he ( Surdas ) performed his kirtan with the loud acclaim of God’s name. He described the good deeds performed in the avatarship of Krishna.
65. For one month Surdas remained at Avanti ( Ujjain ) city. He set all the men and women of the city to worshipping God. Full of love, they wagged their heads.
KRISHNA UNITES SURDAS AND THE HANDMAID IN HIS ESSENTIAL FORM
66. Now it happened on a certain day that the king went to his palace and his wives pleaded with him, joining hands palm to palm.
67. They said, ‘The Vaishnava bhakta Surdas is continually singing of the good deeds of Hari. Our desire is that we should listen to his kirtan.'
68. Hearing this the king replied, ‘ Surdas is without sight, therefore you need
not hesitate about bringing him here.’
69. The king’s five hundred wives and all concubines sat together with modesty and undivided attention and they invited Surdas to come.
70. Seating him ui)on the golden throne they lovingly worshipped him. Surdas then took the lina and
began to sing.
71. All these beautiful women became absorbed in listening to him. Now listen to what had
happened then. In the avatarship of Krishna, the Lord Shri Krishna had cursed Satyabhama.
72. That beautiful daughter of Satrajit had now become a slave in the palace. Now as Surdas performed his kirtan she came rushing in- to the place.
73. Hearing bis beautiful song she forgot all bodily consciousness, just as a deer when hearing the
sound of music becomes lovingly absorbed in it.
74 As she walked along at that time, she did not consider either land or water, and at that moment Surdas regained his sight.
KRISHNA’S MANIFESTATION
75. Surdas said to her, ‘ The tank yonder is filled with water.’ Then becoming at once ashamed, the women drew the curtain.
76. ‘ He has sight ’, they said to one another. Then being ashamed they sat hiding themselves.
77. Seeing them all alone, Shri Krishna manifested Him- self there and He united in his own essential form Surdas and the maidservant ( Satyabhama ).
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Akrur+Surdas
2. During the Krishna avatarship at Dwarka, Satyabhama was His specially loved wife.
Suddenly at her house the bhakta Akrur arrived.
3. Satyabhama gave him a seat and Akrur sat down after paying her his respects. Without any hesitation she told him h» affairs: —
4. ‘ Shri Krishna does not come to my house as He formerly did. Now, Akrur, explain things to him and bring us together.
5. Shri Hari is subservient to you, I know this in my heart. Akrur, beseech the Enemy of
Mura, and cause me to meet Him.
6. This fire of separation has severely burnt me. Again and again I be^eh you, O Akrur, to cause me to meet the Son of -Vasudev.
7. To whom shall I tell this secret matter, and who will look upon me with an eye of compassion ? Now go at once, and cause me to meet Him, the Lord of the world.
8. Although He has sixteen thousand homes for His wives, still He sits at the home of RukminL Causa me now to meet with this Pervader of the Universe, the Enemy of Mura.’
9. Akrur thought to himself, ‘ If Shri Hari does not come at once, this beautiful one will give up her life.
10. Then Shri Krishna will be angry with me. ’ Realizing this fact, the bhakta Akrur himself took the form of Krishna.
11. He said to her, ‘O mother, regain consciousnssi;, I will bring Hari at once. ’ So Krishna Himself appeared at once to her sight and stood before her.
AKRUR CURSED BY' KRISHNA
12. Shii Hari thea said to Akrur, ‘ What was the thought in your mind, that when I was not at
home, you took a false guise?
13. Therefore, Akrur, in the Kali Yuga amongst the mortals you will become blind. ’ And turning to Satyabhama He said, ‘ In the Kali Yuga you will be a maidservant.’
14. The bhakla Akrur healing these words joined his hands together palm to palm and thus pleaded; ‘ O Atmaram ( O God ), Thou knowest perfectly the thoughts of my mind.
15. If Thou should not come at once, Satyabhama would give up her life. In order to give her courage, O Life of the world, I took Thy form. ’
16. Hari replied, ‘ I know, O Akrur, the effort you are making. In the Kali Yuga you will
become an avatar for the salvation of men.
17. Outwardly I have cursed you hut there is no hatred in my heart.’ Akrur replied, ‘Thou art Mother and Father. In the Kali Yuga give me the vision of Thee.’
18. Hari replied, ‘When you are blind, you will meet with the maidservant Satyahhmna and I will manifest Myself at that time, and unite you with My essential form. ’
BLIND SURD AS AS AKRUB’S AVATAR
19. In the country where Mathura is situated, a great saint Surdas appeared as an avatar of Akrur. Although blind from his birth, day and night he repeated the names of the Lord of the universe.
20. When sitting down, when sleeping, when eating, he was constantly thinking of Hari. And in the privacy of his heart he remembered the former events of bis having been a yogabhrashfa ( one
whose austerities have not been completed ).
21. With love he performed his far/nns, and sang the names of God in verses he composed. Continually composing poetry, he called upon the Good Being.
22. Now it happened on a certain day, that a pilgrimage took place at Mathura and Surdas himself went there to see the idol of Shri Krishna.
SIGHT OF SURDAS RESTORED
23. At the great door of the temple he lovingly made a prostrate namaskar. Joining his hands together palm to palm he brought the form of God into his heart.
24. He exclaimed, ‘ O Shri Krishna, Purifier of the sinner. Ocean of compassion, Delight of the heart , I had committed no fault. O Life of the world, why didst Thou curse me ?
25. At the time of the ava'arship of Krishna I was Akrur and I committed only one fault. Such is the
witness that my heart gives me, O Govinda.
26. Kans sent me to Gokul to fetch Thee. When I went there Yashoda felt so sad.
27. When I was taking Thee away, Yashoda wept. Her anger then, O Gopal, is troubling me
now.
28. The dissatisfaction of the people of Gokul, as I took Thee from them, has been visited upon me I think.
29. The Gopis (cowherdesses) loudly wept. They called out, “Give us back Shri Krishna as a gift in charity.” I did not listen to them and therefore I am suffering this blindness.
30. Some let down their hair and wept aloud and some threw themselves before the chariot. Because of their anger, O Lord of the world, Thou must have cursed me.
31. Even if I did take the form of Krishna at the house of Satyabhama, it was no fault of mine, O Shri Hari. Thou art witness to this, O Enemy of Mura, Thou knowest the secrets of the heart.
32. Yet my heart bears witness that at Gokul I did commit a fault. ’ Tears now flowed from the eyes of Surdas.
SURDAS’ SIGHT RESTORED
33. Listening to these pity-arousing words. Narayan was pleased and Surdas at once received his sight.
34. The bhakla saw before him with l is own eyes the beautiful image of God with conch, shell, the
disk and the club in His hands; four-armed in form, with His dark complexion and
35. His crown; His garland reaching down to the feet and His KaiiMiibh jewel; His brilliant yellow robe wound around His waist; with his four nepurs and anklets jingling loudly; and dimming the light of millions of suns.
36. Seeing this form before him, Surdas prostrated himself on the ground. God said to him, ‘ I am pleased. Ask of Me any blessing.’
37. Embracing Him in love, Surdas said, ‘ I have this request only. I ask you to make my eyes as they were at first.
38. All through my life I never saw any object. Now I have stored up Thy form in my heart, O Govinda.
39. Though now Thou takest away my sight, I shall always have Thy form in my heart.’ Hearing the words of Surdas the Lord of the heart ( Krishna ) smiled.
40. Bringing to His mind the form of Hari, this bhakta of His remained at Mathura. Now, you good people, listen to the story of what occurred further on.
TANSEN AND THE KING OF UJJAIN
41. In the city of Avanti ( Ujjain ) there wae a pious, holy king. He had collected together five hundred singers.
43. The greatest among them was Tansen, an expert in music and exceedingly learned. At his singing, extinguished lamps became lighted.
43. The king said to Tansen at that time, ‘ I hare hunted all over the world but I do not see any other singer better than you. ’
44. Hearing this Tansen said, ‘ Do not say that. It is God who has made one better than the other.
45. “ I am the Creator of Che World,” so said He who sits upon the lotus (Brahmadev).
Then God created Vishvamitra and had him make all material things.
46. “My bed is the most majestic,” thus said the ocean. God by the hands of Agasti caused him
to sip its water.
47, Narad became proud, saying, “ My singing is very beautiful,” and Krishna then invited' a bear
and caused him to perform a kirlan.
48. When Maruti thought there was no monkey mightier than himself in the world, Bharat subdued his pride.
SUEDAS EXPERT IN SINGING
49. Therefore no one should be called great or small.’ Hearing these words of
Tansen, the king was pleased.
50. The king said, ‘ Tf there are any singers now greater than you are, tell me of them
quickly.’
SUEDAS EXPERT IN SINGING
51. Tansen said to the king, ‘ The greatest expert in singing is Surdas at Mathura, the avatar of Akrur.’
53. The king said further to hina, ‘ How many ragas ( inodes of songs ) does Surdas [sing ?’ Tansen brought a handful of sand from the Bhagirathi river,
53. and said, ‘He knows as many as there are grains of sand.’ The king hearing this was surprised. He sent a palanquin to Mathura and brought Surdas from there.
54. Honouring him in many ways the king prostrated himself before him. Because Surdas was a Vaishnava he worshipped him, making him sit upon the golden throne.
55. All the singers then assembled and sat down in the assembly hall, and Tansen
then pleaded with Surdas.
56. He said, ‘ Cause all to listen to a Kirtan sung by your lips. The king has invited you to come here with that purpose in mind. ’
57. Surdas said to Tansen, ‘I am a dweller in Vaikunth (heaven). From there I have come to this world of mortals. There I sing the qualities of Hari.
58. If you have a liking for the same, I will describe for you in brief the qualities of Hari.’ Then
taking the viva in his hand he properly tuned it with the seven musical notes.
59. As Surdas was singing, Ganesh sounded the cymbals, and Saiasvati taking the viva helped
him in his sweet tone.
60. All the Gandharvas ( heavenly singers ) became absorbed in the music. So also Rambha,
Urvashi and Menaka, and the Husband of Rama ( Vishnu) while he was performing the kirtan came there and danced in joy.
61. Even He whom the yogis when sitting on iron spikes are unable to bring into their contemplation, even He danced in Surdas’ kirtan. It was wonderful.
62.- AL though the munis perform austerities, they cannot attain him by their ceremonial rites. Yet at the kirtan of Surdas He danced. This is novel indeed.
63. He whose limits are unknown by Indra, Chandra ( the moon ), Brahmadev and Shiva, even He in joy danced in front of Surdas.
64. Thus singing, he ( Surdas ) performed his kirtan with the loud acclaim of God’s name. He described the good deeds performed in the avatarship of Krishna.
65. For one month Surdas remained at Avanti ( Ujjain ) city. He set all the men and women of the city to worshipping God. Full of love, they wagged their heads.
KRISHNA UNITES SURDAS AND THE HANDMAID IN HIS ESSENTIAL FORM
66. Now it happened on a certain day that the king went to his palace and his wives pleaded with him, joining hands palm to palm.
67. They said, ‘The Vaishnava bhakta Surdas is continually singing of the good deeds of Hari. Our desire is that we should listen to his kirtan.'
68. Hearing this the king replied, ‘ Surdas is without sight, therefore you need
not hesitate about bringing him here.’
69. The king’s five hundred wives and all concubines sat together with modesty and undivided attention and they invited Surdas to come.
70. Seating him ui)on the golden throne they lovingly worshipped him. Surdas then took the lina and
began to sing.
71. All these beautiful women became absorbed in listening to him. Now listen to what had
happened then. In the avatarship of Krishna, the Lord Shri Krishna had cursed Satyabhama.
72. That beautiful daughter of Satrajit had now become a slave in the palace. Now as Surdas performed his kirtan she came rushing in- to the place.
73. Hearing bis beautiful song she forgot all bodily consciousness, just as a deer when hearing the
sound of music becomes lovingly absorbed in it.
74 As she walked along at that time, she did not consider either land or water, and at that moment Surdas regained his sight.
KRISHNA’S MANIFESTATION
75. Surdas said to her, ‘ The tank yonder is filled with water.’ Then becoming at once ashamed, the women drew the curtain.
76. ‘ He has sight ’, they said to one another. Then being ashamed they sat hiding themselves.
77. Seeing them all alone, Shri Krishna manifested Him- self there and He united in his own essential form Surdas and the maidservant ( Satyabhama ).
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Akrur+Surdas
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