Introduction :
Shri Albeli Ali was a well-known poet of the Lalit Sect. According to the devotion, he is the foremost among the disciples of Shri Vanshi Ali Ji. Although his fame in the literary field has been there for a long time, the sources of his biography, poetry, and personality have not yet come to light.
Spiritual Life :
It is proved from the compositions of Albeli Ali that he was the disciple of Shri Vanshi Ali Ji. 'Vrindavansat' is his early composition, whose creation time is 1750. On the basis of estimation, it can be said that at the time of the composition of this book, his age must have been about 35 years and he must have taken initiation from Shri Vanshi Ali Ji 5 or 7 years before the composition of this book. Thus his initiation time is around 1743 and his birth date is 1713. Shukla Ji has considered his poetry as the last period of the 18th century. Only on the basis of his compositions, it has been mentioned that his sect Vishnuswami and his initiation from Vanshi Ali Ji have been written. Some of his self-realistic verses are found in the book 'Vrindavansat'. In one place he has written :
Paryo Ho Jagat Bhav Bharyo Agyan Saun Vishay-Ras-Leen Jyon Meen Sar Mein.
Paryo Ho Taak Tahaan Kaal Bag Dhyan Dhari Ginat Ho Ghari-Pal Naam Kar Mein.
Tori Kari Aas Aur Phaans Kali-Kaal Ki Met Kar Maan Ati Neh Bhar Mein.
Leeyo Gahi Baahu Vivi Kaadhi Alabeli Var Raakhyo Ab Aani Van-Kunj-Ghar Mein.
O Shri Kishori Ji, I am lying in the ocean of the material world, I am full of ignorance, and I am absorbed in the ocean of sense-gratification like fish in the ocean. Kaal (angel of death) is watching me and is waiting for my end time, capturing and counting my every moment. O Kishori Ji, hold my hand and rescue me from the illusion of this material world and give me the abode of your palace.
Below verse has also been written somewhere:
Paryo Jagat Bhav-Koop Mein, Paryo Moodh Pragyaan.
Kaathyau Nij Bhuj Kunvari Kar, Raakhyo Van Saran Aan.
O Shri Kishori Ji, I am lying in the ocean of the material world, I am full of ignorance, hold my hand and rescue me from the illusion of this material world and give me the abode of your palace.
In the above quotes, he has indicated his earlier attitude by making a statement accessible to the devotees. Although such remarks are easily possible in the spirit of Dasya (mood of servant) and it cannot be considered proper to accept them as evidence, yet it definitely confirms that he was a householder before taking initiation. But after becoming renounced, he started living completely detached from the material world and engrossed in the worship of the Lord. In many couplets of 'Vrindavansat' his devotional-feeling of a high order has been expressed which cannot be written by a common poet. He was constantly engrossed in love and the beautiful form of the Lord.
Shri Albeli Ali has described the glory of his spiritual master Shri Vanshi Ali Ji in a very emotional way. In fact, his talent was according to the personality of Vanshi Ali Ji. By studying his poems, his detachment and love can be easily estimated. He used to live in the groves of Vrindavan, wandering on the banks of the Yamuna, devoted to the meditation of Shri Radha Krishn.
Samvat Das Aru Aath Sai, Baras Shashth Aru Teen.
Phaalgun Subh Saaten Badi, Shri Vrindavan Sat Keen.
This "Vrindavansat" text was completed on the seventh day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalgun (Feb-Mar) in 1806.
Based on the study of his books, it can be said that he had completely assimilated the principles of Shri Vanshi Ali Ji. The succinctness, the choice of words, the intoxication of taste, and the sense of uniqueness that is found in his speech, also remind us of the poetic dignity of Vanshi Ali Ji.
Conclusion of the compositions of Albeli Ali Ji :
Shri Albei Ali has mainly described his exclusive devotion to Shri Radha and her eternal pastimes in detail in his verses. Apart from this, he has expressed his exclusive loyalty to his spiritual master and presiding deity in a very beautiful way. The graceful and transcendental form of Vrindavan which is the abode of eternal pastimes, which he has been able to describe, is rare elsewhere. It is a matter of special attention that he also did not describe Shri Krishn in an independent form like his guru Shri Vanshi Ali Ji. Even if Krishn's description has come somewhere, then He has taken it as a servant or devotee (of Shri Radha).
The devotion of Albeli Ali Ji :
Albeli Ali's devotional spirit is of the highest order. His unparalleled devotion towards Shri Radha is fully expressed in his works named 'Vinay Kundli' and 'Vrindavansat'. He says
Aho Kunvari Bar Laadili Karuna-Sindhu Apaar.
Tum Bin Nahi Meri Kou Kahoon Pukaari-Pukaari.
Kahoon Pukaari-Pukaari Sunau Dai Kaanani Pyari.
Tum Daata Tihun Lok Maha Hoon Deen Bhikhaari.
Deu Yahai Varadaan Rahoon Pad-Pankaj Sarana.
Aur Mitai Jag Dvandv Timir Bhram Jan Mani Bharana.
"O the most compassionate Shri Radha, I have been calling You, please come and save me from this ocean of the material world."
“Bahyau Jaat Bhav Sindhu Vegi Ab Aan Gahi Kar.”
I am drowning in the ocean of the material world, O Kishori Ji, come soon and hold my hand.
Kvaas ! Kvaas ! Ho Swamini, Mahabahu Sukh-Raasi.
Saranaagat Pratipaal Ke Pujavo Man Ki Aas.
Pujavau Man Ki Aas Sabai Jo Saranai Aayau.
Haun Ati Deen Anaath Tumhaare Hath Bikaayau.
Maha Vishe Jug Jvaal Dahat Mohi Aan Bachaayau.
Prem Bhare Drig Chaaru Chitai Ras Seench Jivaavau.
He says:- 'O Swamini, where are you? Fulfill the hope of my heart by taking me as a refuge. I am very poor and orphan, and I have been sold in your hands, I am burning in the great flame of the desires of the material world. Come and save me by glancing with your beautiful eyes filled with love, and make me alive.
Depicting the relationship between the devotee and the Lord in the famous metaphor of Megha and Chatak, Albeli Ali has said :
Rahai Sada Chit Chaump Trishat Jyon Chaatak Vaadi.
Just as the Chatak bird always looks at the clouds and waits for the rain, in the same way, the devotee should always look towards the Lord.
The description of how he endured the pain of separation lying on the banks of the Yamuna while shedding tears with his trembling heart, is seen in this couplet:
Chakit Nain Kampat Hiyau, Maha Virah Ki Peer.
Asuan Manaun Jharna Jharai, Paryau Jaman Ke Teer.
The eyes are astonished, the heart trembles at the pain of the separation of Shri Radha, I am lying on the banks of Shri Yamuna Ji, and tears are flowing like a stream.
Although he has described his desires in detail, only one example is being given here :
Labh Hani Jano Na Kachhu, Kaun Man Abhiman.
Vadan Kamal Makrand Ras, Karaun Nain Mag Paan. [1]
Karaun Nain Mag Paan, Sudha Ang Ang Bharayau Jake.
Ghumat Rahaun Din Raini, Manaun Madik Mad-Chhake. [2]
Nirakhi Nirakahi Nav Roop, Kunwari Var Bais Kishori.
Badat Rahai Chit Chay Chaump, Jayaun Trshat Chakori. [3]
Relinquishing profit, loss, honor, humiliation, and arrogance, always drink the nectar of the beauty of Shri Radha from your eyes. Whose limbs are filled with the sweetness of nectar, be intoxicated by drinking the nectar of Her limbs and remain immersed in that mood of Nectar day and night. By constantly gazing at the ever-new form of Shri Radha [of Her youthful age], love towards her will definitely increase moment by moment in the heart, just like the Chakor bird remains desirous even after seeing the moon.
Vadan Kamal Makrand Ras, Karaun Nain Mag Paan. [1]
Karaun Nain Mag Paan, Sudha Ang Ang Bharayau Jake.
Ghumat Rahaun Din Raini, Manaun Madik Mad-Chhake. [2]
Nirakhi Nirakahi Nav Roop, Kunwari Var Bais Kishori.
Badat Rahai Chit Chay Chaump, Jayaun Trshat Chakori. [3]
Relinquishing profit, loss, honor, humiliation, and arrogance, always drink the nectar of the beauty of Shri Radha from your eyes. Whose limbs are filled with the sweetness of nectar, be intoxicated by drinking the nectar of Her limbs and remain immersed in that mood of Nectar day and night. By constantly gazing at the ever-new form of Shri Radha [of Her youthful age], love towards her will definitely increase moment by moment in the heart, just like the Chakor bird remains desirous even after seeing the moon.
At last, He says -
Mo Sau Nahi Kou Paataki, Tumasi Adham Udhaar.
Tum Hau Taisi Keejiyau, Aho Rasik Sukunvaari.
Aho Rasik Sukumaari, Karaun Binati Kar Jorai.
Bedhyau Rahai Man Rain-Dina Tuv Prem Ke Daure.
Jo Chaahau So Karau Kunvari, Trividh Tam Harana.
Alabeliali Pari Aani, Pad-Pankaj Sarana.
There is no fallen one than me and there is no savior than you, O Shri Radha, please do as you are (have mercy and grace without any cause). O Shri Radhe, I request you that my heart may be tied day and night only by the thread of your love. O Shri Kishori Ji, I am in the shelter of your Lotus Feet, please remove the darkness of my heart.
Albeli Ali Ji's devotion towards his spiritual master :
Wherever Shri Albeli Ali has described the exclusive devotion to his worshipful deity, there he has also shown his unwavering devotion at the feet of his spiritual master Shri Vanshi Ali Ji. He considered Shri Vanshi Ali Ji to be an incarnation of Lalita Ji. Not only this, he did not see any difference between Shri Radha and him.
He has described the greatness of Shri Vanshi Ali Ji in detail in the book 'Gunsai Ji ko Mangal'. There he has adorned Shri Vanshi Ali Ji with many special adjectives like Prem Swarupini, Nikunj-Vilasini, Lalitavapu, Radhika Dhan-Dhani, Anandaswarupini, etc. He has complete faith in being followed by his spiritual master. He says
Jay Jay Shri Vanshiali Gun Je Gaihain.
Shri Vrindavan-Vaas, Kunvari Pad Paihain.
Aru Paavain Ras-Reeti Ju Munijan Na Lahain.
Neti Neti Kari Ved Jas Brahmaadik Kahain.
Alabeliali Kal Keli Sampati Sakal Sahajain Paihain.
Whoever sings the glories of Shri Vanshi Ali Ji will soon attain the abode of Shri Vrindavan and will attain the Lotus Feet of Shri Kishori Ji. He will get the nectar of the Lotus Feet of Shri Radha, which is rare even for sages, which the Vedas also call neti-neti, and express their inability to express about it. He will easily attain the nectar of eternal pastimes and the form of a Sakhi.
Taking pride in his spiritual master on the basis of his unwavering faith, he says -
Shri Vansiali Ki Balihaari.
Jaake Garab Bhare Ati Nirbhay Rahat Sada Banachaari.
Radha Naam Naval Naamaavali So Nis Din Ur Dhaari.
Alabeliali Ek Bharosai Sovat Pair Pasaari.
I sacrifice myself upon Shri Vanshi Ali Ji, in whose pride Shri Krishn roam fearlessly in Vrindavan. Keeping the name of Shri Radha in my heart, on its trust, I sleep with my feet stretched out.
He has even said about his spiritual master that such a speaker, doer, and a realized soul of exclusive devotion has never happened, neither is nor will there be any other person. From this, his unwavering devotion towards his spiritual master can be easily estimated.
Albeli Ali Ji's devotion towards Vrindavan :
The amount of devotion that Shri Albeli Ali had at the Lotus Feet of his presiding deity Shri Radha, in the same way, he was devoted towards Shri Vrindavan. The 'Vrindavansat' composed by him is a unique gem of devotional literature. While describing the glory of Vrindavan, Shri Albeli Ali presents its divine glimpse. While describing the nature of Vrindavan Dham accepted in Lalit Sampradaya in the context of theory discussion, some examples have been presented from his above poetic texts. Therefore, it is not appropriate to repeat them here. Here the form of Vrindavan is being presented by giving only one or two examples :
Anuraag Son Bhari As Roop Gun Khari Ati,
Madhuri Vipin Ki Kaun Jaani.
Rati-Mainn Ki Sainn Lotat Jahaan Rain-Din,
Uma Aur Rama Sab Sudhi Bhulaani.
Net Kahi Net Kahi Nigam Kaun Durgam Ati,
Naradahi Kachhu Shri-Pati Bakhaani.
Parai Soi Aai Alabeli Nainani Kabai,
Raaj Jahaan Radhika Kunvari Rani.
Who can know the sweetness of Shri Vrindavan, which is full of love? Kamdev and Rati roll in the dust of this place, Shri Parvati Ji and Laxmi Ji have forgotten themselves just after having darshan of it. The Vedas call it Neti-Neti (even more), which are imperceptible to Agama scriptures, some description of it was narrated by Shri Hari to Sage Narad. When will such Shri Vrindavan appear before my eyes where Shri Radhika Ji is the Queen.
The desire to live in Vrindavan in a state of love is described as follows :
Bharain Drig Vaari Uchchaar Van Prem Saun,
Poorn Soi Preeti Kab Hoi Man Ki.
Khaan Aur Paan Sukh Sainn Jo Na Milain,
Daiv-Gati Hoi Jo Haasi Tan Ki.
Divas Hvai Jayi Ang-Ang Sat Took Jo,
Tajat Nahin Soor Jyaun Bhoomi Ran Ki.
Hohi Tan Chheen Dushaleen Jo Koti Vidhi,
Alabeli Jin Jaav Raj Chhaandi Ban Ki.
When will I wander in Shri Vrindavan while uttering the name of Radha and shedding tears of love from my eyes? Whether I get food or not, whether I get to sleep or not, I do not worry, whatever is to be done due to destiny, will be the fate of this body. Even if my body parts are cut into hundred pieces, I will not give up Shri Vrindavan just as a brave warrior does not leave the battlefield. No matter how weak my body will be, I may get various kinds of sorrows, but I will not give up Shri Vrindavan.
Description of Nityavihara by Albeli Ali Ji :
Shri Albeli Ali has given a very beautiful and detailed description of Nityavihara. About 300 verses of Nityavihar have been written in 'Samay Prabandh Padavali'. There is no other book of the size of this book in the literature available of the poets of Lalit Sampradaya, in which the eternal pastimes of Ashtayama (8-time service from morning to night) have been described in so many verses. There is also a feature in his description that as vivid as he is, he is equally succinct. The form of Shri Radha has been described in many of its verses and at many places, the nectarine form of melodious pastimes is also present there.
Description of the form of Shri Radha by Albeli Ali Ji:
Albeli Ji has described the form of Shri Radha in different ways. For this, he has presented many glimpses. The elaborate description of the form has been done at the time when Shri Radha's adornment is completed by the Sakhis. It is described in great detail in one verse. The size of the verse is so large that instead of quoting it in its entirety, only a few parts of it are being presented -
Bani Nav Rasik-Mukut-Mani Aaju.
Adbhut Roop-Lata Manu Phooli, Nakh-Sikh Ang-Ang Saaju.
Majjan Kari Sajjit Kach Kusumit, Ranjit Beni Baam.
Maanon Kanak-Khambh Ke Paachhen, Luthat Bhuangini Syam.
The beauty of ever-new and youthful Shri Radha has become amazing today. The form of Shri Radha is wonderful, the beauty from the toe to the head is very beautiful. Shri Kishori Ji has taken a bath and has put on beautiful adornment, a garland of flowers is adorning Her neck, the braid is as beautiful as a dark color snake is crawling behind a golden pillar.
Description of the greatness of Shri Radha by Albei Ali Ji :
Shri Albeliali has described the form of Shri Radha exactly as Vanshi Ali Ji did. He has given a vivid and interesting description of the glory and worship of Shri Radha. According to Albeli Ali, the characteristics of Shri Radha are as follows:
1. Shri Radha is as beautiful and sweet as the moon of the ocean of Nectar filled with love.
2. She is both Nirgun (formless) and Sagun (with form).
3. She is venerated by demigods, sages, and humans. Brahma Vishnu Shiva can be sacrificed on Her.
4. Yogis constantly meditate on Her Lotus Feet.
5. She is glorified by Shri Krishn Himself as the Supreme Personality and He adorns Her by applying Jaavak (red liquid used to decorate feet) at Her Lotus Feet.
6. The same Shri Radha is constantly cherished by the Sakhis.
7. She is the protector of the refugees and is immensely compassionate.
8. She is the supreme queen of Braj and crown jewel among the wise.
9. She is the ocean of happiness and the treasure of beauty and Nectar.
Albeli Ali has described the form of Shri Radha in detail. The form on which he has meditated on her worship deity, Shri Radha, has been described in Radha-Ashtak as follows :
Kanak Kanj Sau Vadan Sundari Nirakhi Chand Lajaavahi.
Lasat Arunim Paan Ki Kali Chitai Laal Lubhaavahi.
Even the moon is ashamed after seeing the beautiful limbs of Shri Radha, which is like the golden lotus flower. Shri Krishn's mind is also getting enchanted by seeing the reddened lips of Shri Radha by chewing betel leaves.
Compositions :
A total of 7 compositions of Shri Albeli Ali have been found so far. Following are their names:
1. Gusain Ji Kau Mangal
2. Samay Prabandh Padavali
3. Shri Guru-Parampara
4. Vrindavan Sat
5. Shri Radhashtak
6. Priya Ji Kau Mangal
7. Vinay Kundli
In the above texts, 'Guru-Parampara' is a composition of Sanskrit and the rest of the compositions are in Hindi.