Introduction :
Shri Brajjivan Ji was born around 1738. He had a natural tendency to read the biographies of the devotees which he may have received from his parents in the form of ancestral property. Bhaktmal composed by Nabhaji and his commentary written by Priyadas Ji especially attracted him and also provided Him the inspiration to write the poetic devotional biographies, as a result of which he composed a text called "Satsang saar" in 1760.
In his youth, he got the blessings of his like-minded Hareramji (resident of Ghazipur) and Ramprasad Ji. During the patronage of these two, he composed these three texts 'Gazipur Niwasi Hare Ram Vilas' (Routine of Hare Ramji), 'Ramchandra Ki Sawari' and 'Manjh Bhaktamal'. At the same time, he got to read the texts of great devotees like Ritikaal Bihari, Matiram, Ghananand, Alam, etc. These creations awakened the devotion toward the pastimes of Vrindavan in his heart.
His feelings toward Vrindavan got even more intense as the days passed. After some time he received the association of the Rasik devotees of Vrindavan and he settled in Vrindavan. The Association of the Rasik devotees purified his heart and made him shine like gleaming gold. This rejuvenation made him a Rasik of Vrindavan and the divine nectar of Vrindavan started pouring out of his heart.
Initiation :
Brajjivan Ji received the mantra initiation of exclusive devotion of Shri Radha Krishn from Goswami Harilal Ji of the Radhavallabh sect. Brajjivan Ji himself in his book 'Hridayabharan' has remembered Goswami Harilal Ji in the form of his spiritual master -
Hav Bhav Sab Vidhi Kahe Hit Paddhati Anusar.
Guru Harilal Kripal Bal Nirakhyau Jugal Bihar.
By the grace of my spiritual master Goswami Harilal Ji, I have witnessed the eternal divine pastimes of Nitya Vihar of the divine couple Shri Shyamashyam.
Brajjivan Ji has remembered his spiritual master Goswami Harilal Ji as 'Hari Sahchari' in many places in the descriptive works of pastimes -
Ati Sukh Sarasat Hit 'Hari Sahachari' Let Taan,
Barasat Rang Vrajajivan Nihal Ki.
The divine nectar is raining, 'Hari Sahchari' is singing, I have become extremely joyful after witnessing this nectar.
Chhirakan Atar Rang Pichakarinu Taan Taan,
Barasan Abhang 'Hari Sahachari' Sukh Jaal Ki.
Shri Radha Krishn is sprinkling on each other with different perfumed colors from a water gun, some sprinkles are falling on 'Hari Sahchari', the nectar of this sight is raining continuously.
Musician :
Dhandhani Sangit Nachi Hai. Jete Gati Bhed Na Bachi Hai.
Subhag Sakhinu Sang Hari Sahchari Brajjivana Khub Nachi Hai.
Pag Ki Patak. Ghuman Di Latak.
The dancers are dancing to the music. No movements of the dance are remaining that they didn't take.
Hari Sahachari is also dancing a lot with the damsels of Braj.
The movements of footsteps are amazing. The slanting after rotation is amazing.
Ada Son Gati Bharai Thamakai. Charan Mein Ghungharu Jhamakai.
Dhandin Ke Hav-Bhav Mein Rani Mayi Hai Bhul. (Hita Badhayi)
The limbs are moving with great rapture. Ankel bells are ringing melodiously in the feet.
Tararani has forgotten everything after seeing this dance with the amazing gesture.
From the above description, we come to the conclusion that Brajjivan Ji was a famous musician of his time.
The verses of the book 'Rasaanhik Sant', confirm that he was not an ordinary musician, he was the master of all three parts of music, singing, instrument playing, and dance.
Shri Braj Jivan Ji's exclusive love for Shri Vrindavan and for the service of Shri Radha :
How much Shri Braj Jivan Ji loved Shri Vrindavan, what kind of desire was there in his heart for the service of Shri Radharani, he himself has described it -
Janam-Janam Vas Vrindavan Dijai Mokaun,
Janam-Janam Pyari Ju Terau Gun Gaun Main. [1]
Janam Janam Teri Cherin Ki Cheri Haun Main,
Sundar Charan Mehndi Javak Rachaun Main. [2]
Pandaan, Atardaan Aadi Sab Seva Karaun,
Vyanjan Sanvari Nit Nautan Jimau Main. [3]
‘Brajjivan’ Swamini Jhamaki Nachein Mohan Sang,
Madhur Mridangan Ki Paran Bajaun Main. [4]
O Sri Radha, please bless me with the residence of Vrindavan, birth after birth. I wish to sing your glories exclusively, birth after birth. [1]
I wish to become the servant of your servants and apply mehndi [henna] and 'javaka' [red color] on your lotus feet. [2]
I wish to perform various kinds of your services like carrying ‘Paandan’ [box of betel nuts] and ‘Itardaan’ [container of scents] etc. I will prepare and serve delicious varieties of food of different flavors. [3]
When You will dance with your beloved Shri Krishn, I will play Mridanga for your pleasure, says Shri Braj Jeevan Ji. [4]
A glimpse of the heart of Shri Braj Jivan Ji :
Radha Mangal Naam Hai, Radha Mangal Roop.
Radha Mool Sanjeevani, Radha Keli Anoop. [1]
Radha Kripa Kataaksh Ki Laagi Hiy Bauchhaar.
Radha Gun Sumiran Kathan Chhin-Chhin Nitya-Vihar. [2]
Jaagrat Supne Sain Mein Hiy Radha Kau Dhyan.
Antar-Baahar Dis-Vidis Vahi Roop Mandaraan. [3]
Shri Radha's name is the most auspicious, Shri Radha's form is the most auspicious; Shri Radha is the only source of my life and Her divine ‘Keli’ [playful] pastimes are peerless. [1]
Shri Radha's grace of sidelong glances is constantly showering in my heart. I meditate and exclusively sing the glories of Shri Radha; every moment my heart is drenched in Her Nitya-Vihar (the conjugal divine play). [2]
Shri Brajjivan Ji says, “In my wakefulness, dreams, and sleep, only Shri Radha remains in my heart. Outside and inside, day and night, the most beautiful form of Shri Radha has captured my mind and senses”. [3]
Composition :
It is difficult to ascertain the number of compositions of Brajjivan Ji, but on the basis of the search details received so far, the names of his books are as follows -
(1) Chaturasi Saar
(2) Chaturasi Mahatm
(3) Sevak Vani Mahatm
(4) Hridayabharan
(5) Chhadm Chauvani
(6) Shrihit Janm Badhayi
(7) Vrindavan Sant Shodashi
(8) Hari Sahchari Vilas
(9) Shrihita Vanshavali
(10) Vani
(11) Kavitt Sangrah (359 Kavitt)
(12) Varshotsav Padavali (173 Pad)
(13) Mangal Bade Maharaj Kau
(14) Padavali Saanjhi
(15) Satsang Saar
(16) Maanjh Bhaktamal
(17) Gaajipur Nivasi Hareram Vilas (Hareram Dinacharya)
(18) Shriradhajanm Badhayi
(19) Raamjanm Badhayi
(20) Ras Aanhik Sat