Introduction :
Mahat Sabha Aabharan Anant Sang Rahain Lahaarain.
Ati Kamaneey Kishor Charit Nit Rach Vistaarain.
Jete Bhoop Hari Bhakti Rahe Aagya Anusaari.
Shri Balkrishn Prasad Bhajan Prabhuta Bhayi Bhaari.
Shri Harivansh Prashansachit Balkrishn Ki Chhaap Te.
Chandrasakhi Jagamage Shri Radha Isht Prataap Te.
Shri Chandrasakhi Ji was the crest jewel among the devotees. He always used to compose verses of the pastimes of Shri Radha Krishn and used to treat all the devotees as his spiritual master. Shri Chandrasakhi took initiation from Goswami Balkrishna and worshipped Shri Radha Krishn, due to which his fame spread far and wide. He used to give the impression of his spiritual master 'Balkrishna' in his compositions. Shri Chandrasakhi is shining in the assembly of devotees by the glory of his worshipful deity Shri Radha.
Birth and Childhood:
Shri Chandrasakhi is believed to be born in Orchha in Madhyapradesh in the sixteenth century. He was born in a Brahmin family. His former name and date of birth are unknown. Since childhood, Chandrasakhi used to feel the pangs of separation of Shri Radha Krishna.
Spiritual Life :
Goswami Balkrishna Ji, a follower of the Radhavallabh sect established by Shri Hit Harivansh, was very much involved in the propagation of Shri Hit Dharma. Goswami Ji continued to travel a lot by taking the tribe of Naga saints. Once when he reached Orchha while traveling; there he made a saintly Brahmin his disciple. Some say that this initiation took place in Vrindavan at Raasmandal (Hitamandal). This Brahmin boy of Orchha, later on, became famous by the name of Chandrasakhi. According to the orders of Goswami Balkrishna, Chandrasakhi traveled a lot for the propagation of devotion.
He had a great devotion to the spiritual master and this is the reason that he always kept the impression of 'Bhaj Balkrishna Chhabi' [Woshipping His Guru’s form] in his compositions. It is not proper to take the meaning of "Bhaj Balkrishna" as worship of child form of Krishna, because, in the Radhavallabh sect, Shri Radha is the worshipful deity, not child Krishn as in the Vallabh sect. This impression of Chandrasakhi must have always been the same, but some simple manipulations are also found; Such as - "Bhaj Balkrishna Chhabi", Bhaj Balkrishna Prabhu", "Hit Balkrishna Prabhu", "Hit Balkrishna Chhabi" etc. Even from the difference of the states, many variations of the word "Chhabi", 'Chhab', 'Chhib' etc, were found in this impression.
Disciple :
Shri Chandrasakhi Ji had many disciples like Shri Rasik Sakhi, Shri Gopaldas Ji, etc.
Compositions :
The verses of Chandrasakhi are not only a treasure of poetry but also a storehouse of music. Due to the simple flow of the language of the words and the rhyming, there is a sense of grace in them. The specialty of the poems is that of rhythm. The rendering of emotion, language, and subject is simple. Among the verses are the pastimes of Sri Krishn. There are verses on all subjects like Vinay (request), Chitvan (beautiful glance), Maan (sulk), Daan (donate), Flute, Virah (pain of separation), Bhramar Geet, etc. His compositions are very famous especially in Braj, Rajasthan, and other places as well. The verses of Chandrasakhi related to the pastimes of Krishna have been found so far, but an unpublished verse related to Lord Ram has also been found, which shows his generosity -
Rahi Re Kanvaari Dhanush Nahin Toote Re.
Pita Pran Leeyo Dhanush Todan Ko.
Des Des Ka Bhoop Bulaaya, Kathin Nahin Uthe Re.
Chandrasakhi Bhaj Balkrishn Chhabi, Ya To Pran Nahin Chhute Re."
The compositions of Chandrasakhi are highly respected by devotees and even by musicians. There is hardly any virtuous person who had not heard the verses of Chandrasakhi. In fact, the credit for the protection of his compositions goes to the musicians.
Disappearance :
The year of the disappearance of Shri Chandrasakhi is still not known. Chandrasakhi must have spent his last days in Braj. His Baithak (meeting place) is in Orchha, Madaiya. The Kunj, which is named after him is located at Kesighat in Vrindavan near Dheer Sameer. There is a small temple at Kesighat. There are cows all around.