Bhakti Marga(Path of Devotion) Simple Yet Powerful
This is story shared by Devotee expressing this faith on Bhakti Marga.
It was a Saturday midnight, and Jeevan was walking hurriedly through an old street in the silent lanes of Bhaktapur. Being the monsoon season, the roads were slippery, and the distinct ‘tar-tar’ of frogs could be heard far and wide. But what caught Jeevan’s attention was the wind carrying the sweet aroma of sel-roti from the mahaprashadi in his bag.
The night was nearly pitch-dark, and the streetlights whispered their own silent stories—some flickering, some glowing steadily, and others completely off, as if inviting onlookers to join a silent dance of light and shadow. Today was the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami, and it was quite late for Jeevan as he made his way back home. His hurried footsteps had a rhythm of their own, like an old train moving past a rusty track.
The sky was clear, and it was Purnima tonight. The moon glowed in an intoxicating red hue, lost amidst an ocean-like dazzling sky. Jeevan was overjoyed; his long-awaited desire to celebrate Janmashtami at Shyama Shyam Dham had finally come true! From morning till late at night, he had been engaged in service under Divine Youth Club Nepal Volunteering. Half-conscious and immersed in the bliss of seva, every fiber of his being was blooming in anand.
Halfway to his home, he decided to take a break as his footsteps grew heavier. His sport shoes, for once, were truly proving their worth—he smiled to himself. Looking around, he noticed the broad wall of a house and a bigger entry gate. Thinking it was a good resting spot, he quickly entered through the gate and began chanting “Radhe-Radhe.”
No sooner had he sat down than he heard a voice—a faint but strangely familiar voice calling his name, “Jeevan… Jeevan…”
Surprised by the sudden appearance of the voice and even more puzzled by how it knew his name, he called out, “Is anyone there?”
The unidentified voice responded again, “Jeevan! How are you?”
“Must be some kids,” Jeevan thought and casually asked, “Who are you? What do you want?”
The reply was swift and unexpected. “I am this palace, Jeevan.”
Shocked, he remained silent.
“And to answer why I’m speaking to you,” the palace continued, “you must listen to my story first.”
Jeevan, now curious, stayed quiet.
The palace began, “Jeevan, what you see now as barren land was once home to the royals of the valley. Tall palaces stood here, adorned with intricate carvings, exquisite paintings, and gold embellishments.”
Jeevan, astonished, asked, “Then how is nothing left now?”
“Do not interrupt, Jeevan! Listen first.”
The palace continued, “Once, all the neighboring palaces held a meeting. Their names were Karm, Yog, Bhog, and Gyaan. Every night, they engaged in ‘shastrartha’—philosophical discussions. They were grand, mighty, and full of prestige. But I, Jeevan, was different. I was simple. I had no grandeur, no carvings, no embellishments. I had no desire to tower over others, no urge to prove my worth. I simply placed my trust in God.
Time passed, and I watched as fate unraveled its play. The great Yog-Palace was struck by a lightning bolt called ‘Siddhi.’ The mighty Karm-Palace was demolished by a landslide named ‘Punya.’ The glorious Bhog-Palace was swept away by a flood called ‘Rog.’ And the tallest of them all, Gyaan-Palace, was buried under a storm of ‘Atma-Gyaan.’
Yet, here I stand, Jeevan. I had nothing—no titles, no prestige. But see the divine grace of Radha-Krishna! Without me doing anything, they have blessed me today.”
Jeevan asked, "How did I bless you?"
The palace replied, "By receiving the sacred dust of Shyama Shyam Dham from your feet—through your very steps tonight—my existence has become worthwhile."
Jeevan, overwhelmed by humility, stood frozen, as if time itself had stopped. When he finally came to his senses, he found himself at home, sitting on his sofa, unable to comprehend whether what he had experienced was a dream or divine reality.
This is the sentiment of a devotee on the holiness of Shyama Shyam Dham. The path of devotion (bhakti) may seem simple and unadorned, while other paths appear powerful and alluring. Yet, it is bhakti that holds the greatest strength. In this age of Kaliyuga, where complexity and grandeur captivate the world, it is only the pure, unwavering devotion to God that leads to the ultimate truth and attainment of Divine Happiness.
