Balakrishna Dances
Kalpa Vriksha of Kali Yuga
Fourth Delight
Sri Vyasa Raja Yati Sarvabhouma
In addition to teaching various śāstras and performing regular deity worship, Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni also immersed himself in composing Kannada Haridāsa literature under the signature "Śrīraṅgaviṭṭhala," following the command of Śrī Viṭṭhala. He composed numerous songs and verses, glorifying hundreds of divine names. Over time, he became deeply introspective, and an extraordinary radiance emanated from his face, a sign of his spiritual realization. People who came to see him were uplifted by his teachings and presence, receiving relief from their sins and fulfilling their desires.
Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni composed numerous Kannada songs and poems that conveyed the essence of Vedic truths, divine plays of the Lord, and philosophical principles, making these accessible to the common people. These works, set to various rāgas and tālas, became instantly popular due to their musical and devotional appeal. Reviving the Kannada Haridāsa tradition that had started with Śrī Naraharitīrtha, Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni earned the title of the "Patriarch of Kannada Haridāsa Literature." He remains revered in the Haridāsa lineage as the forefather of the tradition.
Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni ensured that Śrīvāsatīrtha participated in all his rituals and activities. During worship, Śrīvāsatīrtha assisted his guru and sang the kīrtanas composed by his guru. During the evening ārati and lamp worship, Śrīvāsatīrtha would sing his compositions with a melodious voice, captivating everyone present. Seeing this, Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni was filled with joy. Time passed in this manner...
One day, while Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni was conversing with disciples and devotees from various towns, the attendants reminded him that it was time for worship. He instructed Śrīvāsatīrtha, who was seated nearby, "Complete your ablutions, dispose of the nirmālya (used offerings), and prepare for worship. I will come soon to conduct the deity worship."
Obeying his guru’s instructions, Śrīvāsatīrtha performed his ablutions and sat before the deity's altar. He opened the deity’s chest, placed the sacred images of Śrī Gopīnatha, Śrīraṅgaviṭṭhala, and others on their seats, and began the rituals. First, he prepared to dispose of the nirmālya and placed the śālagrāma stones in the soma-sūtra (sacred vessel). At that moment, an inner inspiration urged him to open the other chest that had accompanied Śrīraṅgaviṭṭhala from Pandharapur.
As he opened the chest, a surge of divine energy overwhelmed him. His hands, as if guided by an unseen force, removed the cover of a previously unopened compartment. Instantly, a radiant light emanated from within. Filled with curiosity, wonder, and joy, Śrīvāsatīrtha gazed at the contents. Inside was a pure copper idol of Gopālakṛṣṇa with a serene, captivating smile. As he looked, the divine form of Śrī Bālagopāla seemed to smile and laugh at him. The beautiful, enchanting face of the idol became permanently imprinted in his heart.
Overcome with devotion, Śrīvāsatīrtha lifted the idol with reverence, placed it on his head, and began offering prayers. He then placed the idol back in the soma-sūtra. Yet, his heart yearned to see the divine smile of Śrī Bālagopāla once again. He began to sing spontaneously, calling upon the Lord to reveal Himself.
Song: Kṛṣṇā Nī Bēgane Bāro
Rāga: Yamunakalyāṇi
"Kṛṣṇā, come quickly! Show your face!
With anklets jingling as you walk,
O dark-hued one, dance your way here!"
As Śrīvāsatīrtha sang, the idol of Bālagopāla began to move! To his astonishment, the copper idol leapt from the soma-sūtra, took the form of a five-year-old child, and began to dance! The divine beauty of the form defied all description—adorned in yellow garments, jeweled ornaments, a peacock feather on His tufted hair, and anklets that jingled melodiously. The radiance of His dark complexion captivated Śrīvāsatīrtha, and the enchanting smile on His face filled the room with divine bliss.
Śrīvāsatīrtha realized he was witnessing Śrī Kṛṣṇa performing the Kāliṅga-mardana (subduing Kāliṅga). The Lord danced gracefully, as if replaying the celestial episode. Overwhelmed, Śrīvāsatīrtha sang in rapture, describing the divine vision:
Song: Kāliṅgana Meṭṭi Nārtyavāḍida
Rāga: Saurāṣṭra
"Kṛṣṇa, who danced upon Kāliṅga,
The lotus-eyed Lord, adorned with Śrīvatsa on His chest,
Wore the forest garland while playing in the Yamunā!"
Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni, hearing of this incident, rushed to the temple with concern when informed that Śrīvāsatīrtha appeared "possessed." As he approached, he heard the jingling sound of anklets and felt an inexplicable divine presence. Peering through a window, he beheld an extraordinary sight: Śrī Bālagopāla dancing before Śrīvāsatīrtha, who was singing with tears of joy streaming down his face.
Entering the sanctum, Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni saw the divine child smile at him and then vanish, leaving behind the pure copper idol of Gopālakṛṣṇa. Overcome with joy, he embraced Śrīvāsatīrtha and declared, "My dear disciple, you are truly blessed! The Lord has graced you with His presence and dance. This Gopālakṛṣṇa is yours to worship. From now on, He belongs to you."
Śrīvāsatīrtha, overwhelmed, prostrated before his guru and accepted the idol with devotion. Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni added, "This is the divine will of Śrīhari! Just as I began composing Kannada Haridāsa literature under the signature 'Śrīraṅgaviṭṭhala,' you must continue this tradition under the signature 'Śrīkṛṣṇa.' Fulfill the divine command to spread knowledge and devotion through Kannada literature."
Śrīvāsatīrtha pledged to continue his guru's mission, composing devotional works and advancing the Haridāsa tradition. From that day, the idol of Śrī Bālagopāla became the center of his worship, and he carried forward the legacy of Kannada Haridāsa literature with great zeal and devotion.