Birth:
Born in the Suradhwaj Brahmin dynasty, King Mitrasen was the Chief Minister of Badshah. He was a great soul and generous. The couple didn't have any child and were extremely unhappy even after having huge property. Even after doing many diligence, donations, virtues, devotional ceremonies, and Yantra-Mantras, they didn't get any child and the hope is also vanished. Seeing the King's displeasure, his dear friend and Proficient Minister Shri Chaturbhujdas Ji Goud consoled the king and said that like you, I too became very sad after trying many resources for the son. One day, suddenly I departed to Vrindavan. Seeing the saint Shiromani Shri Swami Haridas Ji Maharaj there, my heart was very happy and thought that "O Swami Ji, if you know my heart's desire then please give me a son.
On seeing me, Swami Ji called me near and said - You are depressed without any son. You will have two sons full of devotion, knowledge, and disinterest. They will stay with you for eighteen years, then they will come to me.
Then I told him - O compassionate! please give me one child and another one to my friend. He is very sad without a son.
Then he appreciated the friendly spirit and preached the true friend sentiment and said - first you will have a son here. After five years, you should tell this story to your friend. He should come here with his wife then he will get a son.
Now that auspicious occasion has come. You have to get darshan of Rasik Ananya Nripati Shri Swami Haridas Ji Maharaj.
Listening to Shri Chaturbhuj Das Ji, the body and mind of Mitrasen were filled with joy, as if the soul returned again to the body. He came to Nidhuvan with great devotion from his heart to visit Shri Swami Haridas Ji Maharaj. He prostrated and put hundred gold coins in the lotus feet of Shri Swami Ji with love, Shri Swami Ji Maharaj was pleased to see him. With folded hands, Mitrasen said - By the mercy of Chaturbhuj Das, I had darshan of you, and now my birth and life succeeded. According to your command, I have come to your shelter.
Shri Swami Ji Maharaj said - Well done that you came here. Now you couple stay in Mathura and one day, you will definitely get a son. Take these gold coins and serve saints with all your heart. When the son is one year old, then bring him here.
A year later, Shri Biharinidas appeared as an idol of devotion, knowledge, disinterest, and love of Yugal Shri Nitya-Vihari. Mitrasen and Chaturbhuj Das were overjoyed to hear. Donated a lot of money and served the saints in pleasure. After a year, they came to Nidhuvan and bowed down to Shri Swami Ji Maharaj and placed the baby to the lotus feet.
Shri Swami Ji Maharaj saw the beauty of the child and smiled knowing him to be his successor, said - This child is very fortunate. He will remain with you for thirty-three years, then he will come to me and will take renunciation. Know him a one in millions. Then Shri Swami Ji Maharaj blessed the child with Neck Kanthi, Tilak, Prasadi, and cloths and named him Biharinidas.
The parents took charnamrit of Shri Swami Ji and sprinkled on the head of the child. The boy walked on his knees and caught the Karuva (small earthen pot) of Shri Swami Ji Maharaj. Shri Swami Ji Maharaj said softly - not now Biharinidas, come later and take it.
Staying for seven days in Vrindavan, Mitrasen returned to Delhi with his friend seeking permission from Shri Swami Ji Maharaj. The couple began to remain engrossed in joy by seeing their child.
After the demise of his father, Shri Bihari Das was appointed in the Government Service. But his mind was not in peace during his service. Soon after the last rites, of his father, his innate devotion prevailed and his mind became tired of worldly affairs and he dreamt of surrendering his life to Radha Krishn and doing devotion at Vrindavan in complete detachment. He kept on thinking about residing in Vrindavan. He writes as:
"बसी वृंदावन उत्तम ठाऊँ, सत्संगति परमारथ पाऊं |
नित दंपति संपत्ति दिखाऊं, श्री बिहारिनिदासी भई गुन गाऊं ||"
Spiritual Life:
When Biharinidas grew up, he used to imitate the character of Sri Yugal-Leela or the character of Rasik Mahipati Shri Swami Ji Maharaj in playing with friends. He used to preach to the children about the form of Shri Swami Ji Maharaj. He used to chant Shri Haridas's name with meditation and preach the same to others. Shri Krishnadas was six years older than Biharinidas, son of Shri Chaturbhujadas Ji. He was also born by the grace of Shri Swami Ji Maharaj and he named him Krishnadas. He used to be covered in the love-color of Nityavihara day and night. He was very much in love with Biharinidas, as if they had two bodies and one soul. Both of them were immersed in the sweet conversation of Shri Yugal and of Shri Swami Ji Maharaj.
In spite of having favorable luxury and wealth of gross happiness, Shri Biharinidas Ji seemed to have a disinterest in the worldly luxuries. His heart was inhabited by the lotus feet of Shri Swami Haridas. Continuously, chanting the name of Shri Haridas and pagination in the color of Nitya Vihar was the nature of his body, mind, and soul. And with association with Shri Krishna Das, he was immersed in Nitya Vihar day and night.
One day Shri Krishnadas Ji felt fervent disinterest. He said to Shri Biharinidas Ji - This body is now twenty-one years old. Till now, I am untouched from the effect of this kali yuga by the grace of Guru Maharaj, if I get into bad association now, then my life will be ruined. That is why I will now go to Shri Vrindavan in the shelter of Shri Guru Shri Swami Ji Maharaj. He will bless me and make me the ultimate deviant of devotion, prudence, and continual prosperity, when will such a rare auspicious occasion be accessible?
Shri Biharinidas Ji said - You are supreme flawless, Vairagya Shiromani and purely blessed. Immediately go to Shri Vrindavan. I too will come soon and take refuge of the lotus feet Shri Guru Maharaj. Saying this, Shri Biharinidas greeted him. Shri Krishnadas Ji immediately came to Shri Vrindavan and was happy to find shelter in the lotus feet of Shri Swami Ji Maharaj.
Seeing the pure love of Shri Krishnadas Ji, Shri Swami Ji Maharaj held his hand in the hands of Shri Vithalvipuldev Ji and said - he is a body part of mine. Take him in your shelter.
Shri Vithalvipuladev obeyed and made Shri Krishnadas Ji the ultimate bright righteous follower, preached him the path of Shri Haridas, drenched him in Nityavihar essence.
Here, Shri Biharinidas Ji, with the qualities of beauty, modesty, etc., was loved by everyone but still untouched by worldly affairs. In fifteen years of age, his beauty, glory, and youth grew, yet he was free from desire, anger, greed, and attachment. With love and devotion, he used to chant the name of Shri Haridas and the Yugal's mantra. The discrete discussion was not pleasant for him. He was very generous, benevolent, true, brave, patient, and humble in nature.
When his father King Mitrasen left the body, Shah handed him the post of Chief Minister. Shah used to respect him very much after listening to his quality from his Minister Shri Chaturbhuj Das.
Vrindavan Arrival:
He once went to war on behalf of Shah. There, their comrades betrayed with the rival on the pretext of the treaty and poisoned the secretary. Due to this, Biharinidas suffered a lot. After cutting his right hand, which had given life blessings to the enemy secretary, and donating the entire splendor, started walking to Shri Vrindavan, then the enemy secretary Kamalapati-sons Nanakaram and Shuklabardhar came in front of him and prayed for self-defense and welfare. Then you said - believe in my word. Keep the body of your deceased father and my hand together. In fifteen days my hand will appear and your father will be alive. All this was the act of time - abandon the sorrow and confusion from the heart, saying this, he walks to Vrindavan. Arriving at Vrindavan, after bowing down to Shri Swami Ji Maharaj, the severed hand came out again. Shri Swami Ji Maharaj put his lotus hand on the head of Biharinidas and blessed him, as if holding the moon on his forehead and assuming the form of Lalita Sakhi, and providing the Sakhi form with the right to serve Shri Radha Krishna in Nitya Nikunj. At that time, this poem sprouted from your mouth -
Born in the Suradhwaj Brahmin dynasty, King Mitrasen was the Chief Minister of Badshah. He was a great soul and generous. The couple didn't have any child and were extremely unhappy even after having huge property. Even after doing many diligence, donations, virtues, devotional ceremonies, and Yantra-Mantras, they didn't get any child and the hope is also vanished. Seeing the King's displeasure, his dear friend and Proficient Minister Shri Chaturbhujdas Ji Goud consoled the king and said that like you, I too became very sad after trying many resources for the son. One day, suddenly I departed to Vrindavan. Seeing the saint Shiromani Shri Swami Haridas Ji Maharaj there, my heart was very happy and thought that "O Swami Ji, if you know my heart's desire then please give me a son.
On seeing me, Swami Ji called me near and said - You are depressed without any son. You will have two sons full of devotion, knowledge, and disinterest. They will stay with you for eighteen years, then they will come to me.
Then I told him - O compassionate! please give me one child and another one to my friend. He is very sad without a son.
Then he appreciated the friendly spirit and preached the true friend sentiment and said - first you will have a son here. After five years, you should tell this story to your friend. He should come here with his wife then he will get a son.
Now that auspicious occasion has come. You have to get darshan of Rasik Ananya Nripati Shri Swami Haridas Ji Maharaj.
Listening to Shri Chaturbhuj Das Ji, the body and mind of Mitrasen were filled with joy, as if the soul returned again to the body. He came to Nidhuvan with great devotion from his heart to visit Shri Swami Haridas Ji Maharaj. He prostrated and put hundred gold coins in the lotus feet of Shri Swami Ji with love, Shri Swami Ji Maharaj was pleased to see him. With folded hands, Mitrasen said - By the mercy of Chaturbhuj Das, I had darshan of you, and now my birth and life succeeded. According to your command, I have come to your shelter.
Shri Swami Ji Maharaj said - Well done that you came here. Now you couple stay in Mathura and one day, you will definitely get a son. Take these gold coins and serve saints with all your heart. When the son is one year old, then bring him here.
A year later, Shri Biharinidas appeared as an idol of devotion, knowledge, disinterest, and love of Yugal Shri Nitya-Vihari. Mitrasen and Chaturbhuj Das were overjoyed to hear. Donated a lot of money and served the saints in pleasure. After a year, they came to Nidhuvan and bowed down to Shri Swami Ji Maharaj and placed the baby to the lotus feet.
Shri Swami Ji Maharaj saw the beauty of the child and smiled knowing him to be his successor, said - This child is very fortunate. He will remain with you for thirty-three years, then he will come to me and will take renunciation. Know him a one in millions. Then Shri Swami Ji Maharaj blessed the child with Neck Kanthi, Tilak, Prasadi, and cloths and named him Biharinidas.
The parents took charnamrit of Shri Swami Ji and sprinkled on the head of the child. The boy walked on his knees and caught the Karuva (small earthen pot) of Shri Swami Ji Maharaj. Shri Swami Ji Maharaj said softly - not now Biharinidas, come later and take it.
Staying for seven days in Vrindavan, Mitrasen returned to Delhi with his friend seeking permission from Shri Swami Ji Maharaj. The couple began to remain engrossed in joy by seeing their child.
After the demise of his father, Shri Bihari Das was appointed in the Government Service. But his mind was not in peace during his service. Soon after the last rites, of his father, his innate devotion prevailed and his mind became tired of worldly affairs and he dreamt of surrendering his life to Radha Krishn and doing devotion at Vrindavan in complete detachment. He kept on thinking about residing in Vrindavan. He writes as:
"बसी वृंदावन उत्तम ठाऊँ, सत्संगति परमारथ पाऊं |
नित दंपति संपत्ति दिखाऊं, श्री बिहारिनिदासी भई गुन गाऊं ||"
Spiritual Life:
When Biharinidas grew up, he used to imitate the character of Sri Yugal-Leela or the character of Rasik Mahipati Shri Swami Ji Maharaj in playing with friends. He used to preach to the children about the form of Shri Swami Ji Maharaj. He used to chant Shri Haridas's name with meditation and preach the same to others. Shri Krishnadas was six years older than Biharinidas, son of Shri Chaturbhujadas Ji. He was also born by the grace of Shri Swami Ji Maharaj and he named him Krishnadas. He used to be covered in the love-color of Nityavihara day and night. He was very much in love with Biharinidas, as if they had two bodies and one soul. Both of them were immersed in the sweet conversation of Shri Yugal and of Shri Swami Ji Maharaj.
In spite of having favorable luxury and wealth of gross happiness, Shri Biharinidas Ji seemed to have a disinterest in the worldly luxuries. His heart was inhabited by the lotus feet of Shri Swami Haridas. Continuously, chanting the name of Shri Haridas and pagination in the color of Nitya Vihar was the nature of his body, mind, and soul. And with association with Shri Krishna Das, he was immersed in Nitya Vihar day and night.
One day Shri Krishnadas Ji felt fervent disinterest. He said to Shri Biharinidas Ji - This body is now twenty-one years old. Till now, I am untouched from the effect of this kali yuga by the grace of Guru Maharaj, if I get into bad association now, then my life will be ruined. That is why I will now go to Shri Vrindavan in the shelter of Shri Guru Shri Swami Ji Maharaj. He will bless me and make me the ultimate deviant of devotion, prudence, and continual prosperity, when will such a rare auspicious occasion be accessible?
Shri Biharinidas Ji said - You are supreme flawless, Vairagya Shiromani and purely blessed. Immediately go to Shri Vrindavan. I too will come soon and take refuge of the lotus feet Shri Guru Maharaj. Saying this, Shri Biharinidas greeted him. Shri Krishnadas Ji immediately came to Shri Vrindavan and was happy to find shelter in the lotus feet of Shri Swami Ji Maharaj.
Seeing the pure love of Shri Krishnadas Ji, Shri Swami Ji Maharaj held his hand in the hands of Shri Vithalvipuldev Ji and said - he is a body part of mine. Take him in your shelter.
Shri Vithalvipuladev obeyed and made Shri Krishnadas Ji the ultimate bright righteous follower, preached him the path of Shri Haridas, drenched him in Nityavihar essence.
Here, Shri Biharinidas Ji, with the qualities of beauty, modesty, etc., was loved by everyone but still untouched by worldly affairs. In fifteen years of age, his beauty, glory, and youth grew, yet he was free from desire, anger, greed, and attachment. With love and devotion, he used to chant the name of Shri Haridas and the Yugal's mantra. The discrete discussion was not pleasant for him. He was very generous, benevolent, true, brave, patient, and humble in nature.
When his father King Mitrasen left the body, Shah handed him the post of Chief Minister. Shah used to respect him very much after listening to his quality from his Minister Shri Chaturbhuj Das.
Vrindavan Arrival:
He once went to war on behalf of Shah. There, their comrades betrayed with the rival on the pretext of the treaty and poisoned the secretary. Due to this, Biharinidas suffered a lot. After cutting his right hand, which had given life blessings to the enemy secretary, and donating the entire splendor, started walking to Shri Vrindavan, then the enemy secretary Kamalapati-sons Nanakaram and Shuklabardhar came in front of him and prayed for self-defense and welfare. Then you said - believe in my word. Keep the body of your deceased father and my hand together. In fifteen days my hand will appear and your father will be alive. All this was the act of time - abandon the sorrow and confusion from the heart, saying this, he walks to Vrindavan. Arriving at Vrindavan, after bowing down to Shri Swami Ji Maharaj, the severed hand came out again. Shri Swami Ji Maharaj put his lotus hand on the head of Biharinidas and blessed him, as if holding the moon on his forehead and assuming the form of Lalita Sakhi, and providing the Sakhi form with the right to serve Shri Radha Krishna in Nitya Nikunj. At that time, this poem sprouted from your mouth -
श्री स्वामी हरिदास कर अम्बुज परसत माथ।
मानौं रचि खचि चन्द्रिका राखी सखियनि साथ॥
राखी सखियनि साथ नाम घृत दासि बिहारिनि।
निरखति नित्य बिहार लता गृह रन्ध्र निहारिनि॥
अति नागर वर जानि निकट स्यामा अभिरामी।
दुतीय रूप इक धर्म धुरा बाहत श्री स्वामी॥
मानौं रचि खचि चन्द्रिका राखी सखियनि साथ॥
राखी सखियनि साथ नाम घृत दासि बिहारिनि।
निरखति नित्य बिहार लता गृह रन्ध्र निहारिनि॥
अति नागर वर जानि निकट स्यामा अभिरामी।
दुतीय रूप इक धर्म धुरा बाहत श्री स्वामी॥
After receiving the unique grace of Shri Swami Ji Maharaj, Shri Swami Biharini Dev went very far in the path of worship of Rasik-Ananya Dharma and Nityabihar Rasa-Riti. His life and his words were very high quality and very firm. He followed a high ideal of Rasik-exclusive path and was a very great Rasik of high caliber. His words were the expansions of the Vani of Shri Swami Ji Maharaj, which is deep, succulent, and is attractive for the followers of this path.
He gave up all his worldly desires. With the grace of the dust of Vrindavan, his mind got a very deep attachment in the feet of Shri Radharani and finally, he never looked back to the world.
It was as if his heart was drenched in Shri Radharani’s (Swaminiji’s) seva, where he writes in his poems:
“ मेरे विषै विसन वर वाम, तन गोरी मन भोरी नवल किशोरी राधा नाम |
निस बासर जागत सोवत चितवत अंग अंग अभिराम |
अंजन मंजन करात परम रूचि चोप चौगुनी काम ||
ताकि हिलगी तजै मैं अपने कर्म धर्म धन धाम |
दई पीठि सब जगतें लगतें पायो बन विश्राम ||"
As soon as he took Shelter in the feet of Shri Radharani, by residing in Vrindavan and giving up the material desires, His fickle mind has finally got the ultimate rest and relief.
He became totally dependent upon Brajwasis (residents of Braj) for food. This way he started living renounced life by begging food from them. He described it as:
"रुचे मोहि ब्रजवासिन के टूक"
He has expressed his unique loyalty to Braj Dham and Brajwasis. In one pada, he has not hesitated to tell himself the pet of Brajwasis.
"हौं ब्रजवासिन कौ पाल्यो पीला"
Now with the passing time, He became totally lost in the Nitya Vihar Ras. There is a very famous incidence related to his life. Once, while going for a bath in the Yamuna, he had dantun (brush) in his mouth. He remained standing on the road for three days, remained absorbed in divine bliss singing a certain verse:
“Viharat Laal Viharin Dou, Shri Yamuna ke Teere Teere"
(Yugal Sarkar (Radha & Krishna) are performing leelas and are passing at the bank of Yamuna).
After eating Prasad of Bihariji, he gained back consciousness. It is said that after this incidence, He gave up the Prakat (physical) Bihariji Sewa and remain absorbed in Mansik (Mind) Sewa.
He writes this way saying, some get intoxicated with drugs, but Biharin Das is always intoxicated in the divine bliss of Shree Shyama Shyam.
"कोऊ मदमाते भांग के, कोउ अमल अफीम,
श्री बिहारीदास रसमाधुरी, मत्त मुदित तोफीम”
After few days, Swami Sri Haridas Ji entered Nikunj Leela, 7 days after his departure, Vithal Vipul Dev Ji also entered Nikunja. After that Viharin Dev Ji became the Acharya. Shri Biharin Dev Ji remained Acharya of the sect for a long time.
Compositions:
His compositions has two parts - one is the principal aspect, the other is the aspect of the Rasa (Nectar). The composition of Rasa is a reflection of his experience. The way he felt while living as a part of Shri Lalita Ji in a sarcastic form, the experience of inner heart came out as the voice of the Rasa, which the curious followers and Rasik saints drink and feel the nectar of Nitya Vihar Rasa. He himself has said -
प्याय अधर सुधा महा मधु मत्त मिलि कौतुक कियौ।
किये कौ सुख अल्प सखि सुनि कह्यौ भरि उमँग्यौ हियौ॥
His compositions are very different for a normal sadhak’s (spiritual aspirant) understanding. He was indulged in this pure happiness where the seeker and the master are so united that now the master considers his seekers equal to himself or rather higher than himself, and, seeker keeps on giving selflessly without actually seeking anything from his master. Because of his continuous thought for his master’s happiness alone, he seeks blessings for his master's happiness only. That is how he narrates in his padas related to Shyama Shyam. Therefore He gives blessings to the pair of Radha Krishn.
"देत आसीस विहारिनि दासी करहुं नवल नित रलियां “
He even says, due to his immense love for Kishori Ji, Shri Radharani, he doesn’t mind Bihariji, which he describes in the lines:
"किये रहै ऐंड बिहारी हूँ सौं, हम बेपरवाह विहारिनि के“
This says as Since we belong to Shri Radha, So we are fearless from everyone including Shri Krishn.
Swami Shri Biharin Dev Ji entered Nikunja around 1670. His samadhi is still in Nidhivan. In his disciple tradition, Swami Shri Nagaridas Ji and Shri Saras Das were his main followers.