Birth :
Goswami Kamalnain Ji was a great poet of Shri Radhavallabh sect. He was born in the lineage of Shri Hita Harivansh in Vrindavan on the 5th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Ashadha (June-July) in 1635. Jaikrishna Das Ji has written his birth time in these words in 'Hit Kul Shakha' -
Samvat Kahi Kahi Hiy Harshat. Sorahsai Vanwa Vikhyat.
Badi Asadh Paanchai Sukh Bhaari. Shri Kamalnain Janme Sukhkari.
At the time of Goswami Kamalnain Ji's birth, his father Goswami Rasdas Ji and grandfather Goswami Damodarvar Ji had hereditary control over the Shri Radhavallabh Temple in Vrindavan. He was the head priest of Shri Radhavallabh Temple, Vrindavan.
Childhood and Spiritual Initiation :
Where and how the education and initiation of Goswami Kamalnain Ji took place is unknown, but on studying his compositions it is known that he was the knower of many scriptures. Braj language was his mother tongue; therefore, he had full control over Braj language, as well as he had sufficient knowledge of the Sanskrit language.
Goswami Kamalnain Ji has very respectfully and faithfully remembered Goswami Damodarvar Ji at one place in his composition, so he may have received spiritual initiation from his grandfather Goswami Damodarvar Ji.
Spiritual Life :
On the 13th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Phalgun (March) in 1663, Goswami Rasdas Ji had granted the authority of Shri Radhavallabh Temple to Goswami Kamalnain Ji by writing a letter to him; because he was the eldest of his three sons. So after the disappearance of Rasdas Ji, Goswami Kamalnain Ji became the Adhikari (head priest) of Shri Radhavallabh temple.
Goswami Kamalnain Ji took charge of the service management of Shri Radhavallabh temple only after his father's departure (March-April in 1665) but his Tilak (crown ceremony) was held on the 13th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov) in 1666.
The heart of Goswami Kamalnain Ji was concentrated at the lotus feet of his worshipful deity Shri Radha. Therefore, according to the tradition introduced by Shri Hita Harivansh, he kept worshipping Shri Radhavallabhlal Ji throughout his life -
ShriRadhaballabh Laadhin, Kripa Sudat Phal Paayau.
Bhakti-Beli Rahe Lahalahi, Sukh Din-Din Sarsaayau.
On festivals like Basant, Holi, Horidol, Jhula, Vanvihar, and marriage, etc. of worshipful deity Shri Radhavallabhlal Ji, the waves of his heartfelt enthusiasm used to rise with great speed.
Aavahin Badhi Lahar Prabhu Dularaivau, Chit Chai Saun.
Sajat Nav-Nav Reeti Utsav, Hiyen Hit Ke Bhai Saun.
Aanandadaayak Sabahi Laik, Kripa Ati Rang Barasane.
Jai Jai Shriambuj Nainn Roop Prabhu Darasane.
Goswami Kamalnain Ji was very much interested in listening to the compositions of his former Rasikacharyas (Rasik devotees). When he used to narrate the pastimes of Shri Shyama-Shyam in his soft and melodious voice, then the hearts of the devotees used to be filled with Nectar. Chacha Vrindavandas Ji has depicted this form of Goswami Ji smoothly in the following verses -
Komal Madhur Alaap, Sakal Santani Sukhadayi.
Gira Prem Ras Sani, Bhaavna Drig Darasayi.
Sabha Shiromani Rasik, Preeti Sabsaun Paripaarat.
Sujanani Ur Anand Det, Rasareeti-Uchaarat.
Charan Saram Je Anusare. Te Sab Bhaye Praveen Jan.
Shrikamalnain Sukhdainn Kaun, Pragat Kiyau Anand Tan.
The characteristics of a great devotee that have been described in the scriptures, almost all those qualities were present in Goswami Kamalnain Ji. His heart was soft like butter and as deep as the ocean, on the other hand, it was immense and serious.
Jai Jai Shriambuj Nainn, Roop Prabhu Darasane.
Ur Var Ati Gambheer, Bhaav Nav Sarasane.
Saagar Manahun Achheh, Paar Ko Paavahin.
Sumati Prasanshat Rahat, Lahar Badhi Aavahin.
There was a special charm in his melodious voice. He considered his honor only in giving respect to everyone and himself remained away of fame and respect.
Bainn Ami Ke Ain, Dain Sanamaan Kaun.
Rasana Lalakati Rahati, Isht-Gun-Gaan Kau.
Gun-Gaan Ki Man Lalak, Mridu Navneet Maanaun Dravit Hai.
Gira Hilagani Maahilain Sukh, Ras Alaukik Shravit Hai.
Goswami Kamalnain Ji's residence :
From the letter written by Goswami Rasdas Ji, it is known that Goswami Kamalnain Ji had received the land of Shri Radhavallabh temple, many places related to service of the temple, meeting place, Bakhar (a piece of land), and Bhandar (storage house), etc. as ancestral property. According to the composition 'Vrindavan Prakash Mala', it is also learned that Goswami Kamalnain Ji's Kunj (personal residence) was at the place on the parikrama path of Vrindavan, where on one side there is Singarvat situated in the Kunj of Tanti Badbhagi and on the other side is Shrihit Raasmandal. This kunj was built by Jawahar Singh Ji as per Kamalnain Ji's wish. He had also planted a huge flower garden here. The author of 'Vrindavan Prakash Mala', Goswami Chandralal Ji, while describing the natural beauty of this Kunj, has written that there is a beautiful bungalow in the middle of the flower garden. The paved roads built on the south side and left side of the bungalow enhance its beauty. The beauty of the Mahali Ghat built inside Kunj is inexplicable. Where the fragrance of flowers named Revaj is all around -
Kothi Saun Lai Kunj Tal, Maarag Sukhad Sujaan.
Milat Nivaari-Kadamb Ye, Raakhat Sabakau Maan.
Taakain Aage Ghaat Hai, Mahali Kahyau Na Jaat.
Avali Revaj Kusum Ki, Ati Sugandh Mahakaat.
Now this bungalow and the road leading from under the bungalow are also covered by the sand of the river Yamuna. The upper part of the bungalow is still visible and on this upper part a new temple named 'Jhadu Mandal' has been built.
Shri Radhavallabh Ji's order in a dream :
It is known from the study of historical texts that at the end of 1669, the Muslim emperor Aurangzeb had made a fierce attack on Braj. The fanatic emperor had demolished many temples of Braj, in which Shri Radhavallabh Ji, Govinddev Ji, Madanmohan Ji, Gopinath Ji, and Jugalkishore Ji were the main temples of the Lord. Some Goswamis and saints also lost their lives in order to protect the deities in the temples. To avoid this destructive attack, many Goswamis, devotees, and priests of Vrindavan had tried to hide their worshipful deity wherever they can.
Goswami Kamalnain Ji left Vrindavan in 1669-1670 due to Muslim attacks and made Kamyavan (Kama) his residence. According to 'Hit Roop Charitra Belly' by Chacha Vrindavandas Ji, it is known that in 1690, Goswami Kamalnain Ji was present in Shri Radhavallabh temple in Kamyavan. The described story is as follows -
Born in 1681, When Goswami Ruplal Ji was nine years old, he went to Ajangarh (Kamyavan) for the darshan of Shri Radhavallabhlal Ji. As soon as he had darshan, there was a desire in his mind that he should also go inside the temple and have a close darshan. Despite making a lot of efforts, he was not allowed inside his own temple according to the limits. Then he went to bed hungry without eating anything. In the night Shri Radhavallabhlal Ji Said to Shri Kamalnain Ji in a dream that the child Rooplal has gone to bed hungry, that is why even I have not eaten.
Shri Kamalnain Kaun Supan Yah, Shri Radhaballabh Jab Diyau.
Bhukhau Ju Viman Hitroop Puni, Ta Binu Hum Bhojan Na Kiyau.
In the early morning, Goswami Kamalnain Ji called child Hitaroop's father Goswami Harilal Ji and narrated all the things of the dream and said that "you know that it is absolutely necessary to get mantra initiation to get entry into the temple. Therefore, you should initiate child Hitroop." After initiation, Goswami Kamalnain Ji made Hitroop enter the temple and Hitroop fulfilled his inner desire by touching the Lotus Feet of Shri Radhavallabhlal Ji.
Prat Jagani Uthi Lagani Bhayi, Shrikamalnain Man.
Shriharilal Bulai, Kahi Gaatha Ju Roop Pan.
Suchi Ruchi Pratham Karayi, Aapu Kar Dhari Apanayau.
Kripa Sahit Ur Lai, Taat Pai Mantra Divaayau.
Tab Boli Maanhi Mandir Laye, Prabhu-Charan Laagi Bhaye Prem-Bas.
Bhani Vrindavan Hit Roop Bali, Yah Pragat Preeti Paachhili As.
Making Goswami Brajlal Ji as the successor :
Atiballabhdas Ji, Jaikrishnadas Ji, and Chacha Vrindavandas Ji have written that Goswami Kamalnain did not have any son. So he adopted his younger brother Goswami Biharilal Ji's second son, Goswami Brajlal Ji, and had declared him as his successor.
Shriprabhu Kamalnain Niju Aasan. Shribrajlaal Baithe Parkaashan.
Vichale Vidit Biharilaal. Tinake Sut Sab Param Kripal.
Mohanlaal Ru Shrbrajlaalhin. Ur Dhari Chaturlaal Gun-Maalhin.
Sanvat Satrah Sai Chavan, Kaartik Teras Set.
Shribrajlaal Kripal Hit-Aasan Par Sukh Det.
Disciple :
Attracted by the all-beautiful spiritual form and melodious voice of Goswami Kamalnain Ji, many souls took refuge in his lotus feet. By giving the sweet nectar of devotion to the surrendered souls, Goswami Ji made them Rasik (exclusive devotee of Shri Radha Krishn). Indicating this fact, Chacha Vrindavandas Ji has written that -
Diyau Kripa Kari Bhakti-Vitu, Bhrity Kiye Samarathth.
Bhajan- Ujaagar Te Bhaye, Jin Sir Dharyau Ju Hatth.
Charan Saran Je Anusare, Te Sab Bhaye Praveen Jan.
On exploring the historical texts of the Radhavallabh sect, the names of many of his disciples are known, out of which some names are notable.
1. Sahacharisukh (Sakhisukh or Sukhsakhi) 2. Vaini Kavi 3. Goswami Brajlal 4. Atiballabhdas or Ballabhdas 5. Ballabh Sakhi 6. Hitanupali 7. Vanshidhar Varsaniyan 8. Jana Jayakrishna 9. Udhaudas 10. Joridas 11. Charandas Pujari
Compositions :
By studying the compositions of Atiballabhdas Ji, a book called 'Samay Prabandha' composed by Kamalnain Ji and 'Ashtayam Sewa Samay Prabandha' is known.
Shrimat Raas-Vilaas Ju Lahyau. Prabhu Shrikamalnain So Chahyau.
Chaahi Kahyau Puni Niju Vaani Kari. Pad Rachna Nana Dhari.
Taakau Naam Su Samay Prabandh. Pad Rachna Bhashamay Granth.
Seva Samay Saat Hain Tihin Madhi. Utsav Ritu Sewa Nana Vidhi.
The impressions of 'Shrihit Kamalnain' are found in the verses of 'Samay Prabandh'. The respectful remembrance of Kamalnain Ji in the form of a spiritual master, his date of birth, the importance of his compositions, the mention of the verses and rhymes of certain verses, and the impression of the name Atiballabh is also found.
In addition to these poems, the verses of Basant, Holi, Holidol, Phooldol, Chandan Rachna, Phool Rachna, Malar, and Jhulan, etc. have also been found.
According to the verses of some ancient copies of Shri Kamalnain Ji's compositions, it is known that he also composed the verses of Jal Viharotsav, Sharad Rasotsav, and Vanviharotsav which is held in Kartik month. There are also some verses in which the birth greetings of Shri Radha Krishn and regional Holi, Giri Govardhan Vihar and Sanketvat Vihar, etc. were found. In 'Sphut Padavali', there are compositions related to the lineage of Shrihit Harivansh, Shri Guru-Vandan, and Jivaopadesh.
Shrikishorisharan 'Ali' Ji in his 'Sahitya Ratnavali' has written the following compositions of Goswami Kamalnain Ji named -
1. Ashtyam (Samay-Prabandh) 2. Padyavali 3. Varshotsav.
Disappearance :
According to the ancient copies of the text, Goswami Kamalnain left his body on the 11th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Agahan (Dec-Jan) in 1696 and entered the pastimes of Shri Radha Krishn.