Birth :
Shri Vrindavan Devacharya Ji was a great spiritual master of the Nimbarka sect. In the ancient texts of the libraries of Acharyapeeth Salemabad (Ajmer), Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Kishangarh, etc, the name of Shri Vrindavan Devacharya Ji is mentioned from the year 1735 to 1797. From this, it is known that he may have been born around year 1697. In 1754, after the disappearance of his spiritual master Shri Narayan Devacharya Ji, Shri Vrindavan Devacharya Ji was enthroned to the throne of Acharyapeeth.
Disciples :
Impressed by the glories of Shri Vrindavan Devacharya Ji, the then kings of the states like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kishangarh, etc. accepted him as their spiritual master. Many great scholars and poets had also become his disciples, in which the names of Pt. Shri Jayramshesh, Shri Vrajanandji, Shri Ghananandji, Shri Nagaridasji, etc. are particularly noteworthy. Maharaja Shri Jai Singh II of Jaipur was very impressed by the erudition of Pt. Shri Jayramshesh. Shri Ghananand Ji was also introduced to the sectorial principles and worshipping methods from Shri Vrindavan Devacharya Ji. Describing the form of his spiritual master (Shri Vrindavan Devacharya), he has written -
Shri Vrindavandevaya Gurve Paramatmane.
Manomanjarirupay Yugm-Sanganucharine.
Bhajeham Vanadheeshdevam Mahantam
Mahasaumyarupam jananam sushantam.
Sada Premmattam Mahapremgamyam
Mukhe Radhikakrishnalila - Suramyam.
Similarly, Maharaja Shri Jai Singh also came to his lotus feet and offered homage, which gives a beautiful introduction to various qualities like his scholarship, service to the worshipful deities, kindness, etc.
Vadinaagkule Sinham Bhashyavirodhkaranam.
Shrimannarayanam Sakshat Vrindavangurum Bhaje.
Sarvacharyamahaaryam Bai Mahaprempravarshinam.
Shrimannarayanam Sakshat Vrindavangurum Bhaje.
Bhaktapaalam Dayalum Ch Devesham Rasikeshvaram.
Shrimannarayanam Sakshat Vrindavangurum Bhaje.
Shriradhakrishnrahasyagyam Yugm Sewaparayanam.
Shrimannarayanam Sakshat Vrindavangurum Bhaje.
Roopnagar, the capital of Kishangarh, which was founded by Maharaja Kishan Singh, was very near to the Acharyapeeth in Salemabad. The then kings, not only the royal ladies, but the whole royal family had become the disciple of Shri Vrindavan Devacharya Ji. King Shri Rajsingh Ji, Queen Bankavati Ji, Prince Shri Sawant Singh Ji (Nagridas), Princess Sundarkunwari, and the servants were also engaged in the composition of verses being blessed with his grace and inspiration. Banithani and many more women are in this category. Look at the words of Princess Sundarikunvari -
Bhakti Mukti Thaam Shriparshuramdev Ju Ki Gaadi,
Hai Salimabad Tahan Paap Kanpahi.
Koti Koti Janm Sukrit Uday Taatain,
Paavain Mahabhagijan Sevat Sajapahi.
Jahan Kalikal Ke Andhiyare Ke Timirahar,
Vrindavandev Ju Prakat Prabhu Aaphi.
Deen Ke Dayal Mosi Patit Nihal Kini,
Lini Apnay Ab Bandaun Yahi Chhaapahi.
While describing the wonderful brilliance of Shri Vrindavan Devacharya Ji, Mandan, the famous poet of Jaipur, has written -
Bhaye Narayandev Ke Shrivrindavandev.
Tinake Shrijaysaah Ne Kari Charan Ki Sev.
Shrivrindavandev Ko Det Dev Rishi Daad.
Raghukul Shrijaysaah Son Kiy Tap Bal Kau Baad.
Compositions :
The texts of Shri Vrindavan Devacharya Ji are available in both Sanskrit and Vraj languages. In 'Bhakti Siddhanta Kaumudi' there is a beautiful description of the nature of devotion. According to the time, he also wrote a commentary on the Brahmasutras to refute the new opinions, but it has not been available yet. Apart from this, Gitamritganga, Diksha-Mangal, and Yugal Parivar Chandrika are available in the Vraj language.
Gitamritganga is his best creation.
For the convenience of the devotees, Shri Vrindavan Devacharya Ji has constructed fourteen banks in this stream of 'Gitamrit Ganga' flowing from the Hill of Vrindavan (Vrindavan Himgiri). He says -
Vrindavan Giri Tain Chali Ras Ki Uthat Tarang.
Karhu Snan Nit Bhakt Man Ihin Gitamrit Gang.
Not only the devotees, but generous Shri Vrindavan Devacharya Ji also advises the fallen to drink it's nectar -
Bak Vishayijan Paras Ihi Veu Vimal Hvai Jau.
Jaani Ajaani Lagai Ju Ay Paaras Karai Prabhau.
How sweet, pleasant and beautiful is the very first stream of this Gitamritganga, with the mere touch of which the sweet glimpse of the ever-new bride and groom, Shri Radha Krishn comes into the heart.
Murali Madhur Bajai Kain Jin Mohi Brajbaal.
Soi Nit Prati Gaiye Din Dulah Gopal.
Each bank of this 'Gitamritganga' is built according to the interest of the Rasikas. At each bank, there is a special taste of rasa (nectar). The waves of Vatsalya Rasa (nectar of parental affection) flow at some bank, then the waves of sweet pastimes of ever-new youthful Shri Radha Krishn flow at some other bank.
Angan Khelat Bal-Govind.
Indranilmani Varan Shyam Tan Nakh Shikh Anandkand.
Vithuri Rahi Sir Kutil Laturi Mridu Musukat Mukhchand.
Ghuturun Chalat Kinkini Nupur Baajat Mandahin Mand.
Birahu Rahat Kilaki Ringat Ati Nirakhi Yashomatinand.
Vrindavan Prabhu Adbhut Lila Gavat Charyo Chhand.
Another glimpse of the worshipful deity of Shri Vrindavan Devacharya Ji, Shri Krishn, who is always greedy for nectar -
Teri Chhabi Dekhi Chhake Piy Naina.
Ghumat Jhukat Jhijhakat Jhapakat Lal Lal Bhaye Din Raina.
Maanat Na Kaahu Kaani Lagi Tagi Tohi Saun Phirat Na Kyon Hoon Pyari Sukh Dai Na.
Vrindavan Prabhu Ki Uh Sobha Nirakhat Thakit Hvai Rahat Dou Rati Maina.
Well, how can the most fortunate one, who has got the darshan of Shri Krishn, get engrossed in any other object of the world? He becomes a 'slave without a price.' It seems that Shri Vrindavan Devacharya Ji has also become a victim of this disease.
In Nainani Benchi Dayo Man Merau.
Roop Anup Lubhayi Lalchi Naiku Karyau Nahin Jherau.
Ihu Ut Jaay Paay Sukh Sarthi Bhayo Janam Laun Cherau.
Preeti Puratan Jaani Tanak Hun Mo Tan Kiyo Na Pherau.
Mohin Akeli Jaani Aani Kai Madan Kiyo Hai Gherau.
Vrindavan Prabhu Bin Ab Nikasankaun Kahun Na Paiyatu Serau.
That is why Shri Vrindavan Devacharya Ji warns the people that don't run towards these eternal lovers Shri Radha Krishn, this is a very difficult path -
Maha Kathin Ih Lagani Nigodi.
Mat Koi Neh Phand Main Pariyo, Kari Nehinakihodahodi.
Chain Nain Dekhai Hi Upajat Palak Ot Dukhpotani Kodi.
Vrindavan Prabhu Jaat Na Chhodi Ab Pahilaijodatatojodi.
Those who have even a little sense of consciousness, should not step on this path even by mistake. Because this path of pure divine love is very arduous, even if some people walk with courage, then they will not achieve that 'object' (divine love). On this narrow path, only the fortunate ones can successfully walk who are blind and who have been blessed by the dark-complexioned Shri Krishn -
Neh Nigaude Ko Paidoi Nyarau.
Jo Koi Hoy Kain Andhau Chalai, Sulahai Priy Vastu Chahungha Ujaarau.
So To Itai Ut Bhulyau Phirai, Na Lahai Kachhu Jo Kou Hoi Ankhyaarau.
Vrindavan Soi Yaako Pathik Hai Jaapai Kripa Karai Kanhar Kaarau.
Introducing the nature of such pure love, Shri Vrindavan Devacharya Ji says that this land of love is unique. There is no value for your happiness here. Only the happiness of the beloved Shri Radha Krishn is ours. Even if we have to suffer for the happiness of the beloved, then we should never reveal it in front of them. Obstacles act as sacrifices. Always be ambitious and passionate. Even the gap in the blink of an eye appears to be millions of years. The one who is fully detached of sense gratifications will surely find the divine couple -
Prem Kau Roop Su Ihai Kahaavai.
Pritam Kau Sukh Sukh Apanaun Dukh, Va Hit Hot Na Naink Lakhaavai.
Gurujan Barajan Tarajan Jyon Jyon, Rati Nit Nit Adhikaavai.
Durajan Ghar Ghar Karat Vinindan, Chandan Sam Seetal Sou Bhaave.
Palak Ot Hu Koti Baras Sam, Chhinak Jot Sukh Koti Janaavai.
Vrindavan Prabhu Nehi Ki Gati, Dehi Tyagi Gharai Soi Paavai.
Every letter of this Gitamrit Ganga is sweet and pleasant. Each wave (verse) vibrates at the pace of the music and is fully capable of expressing its feelings with gestures and sweet movements. 80 Ragas have been included in this text, due to which it becomes clear that Shri Vrindavan Devacharya Ji was a great musician. That is why great poets like Shri Nagridas and Ghananand took shelter of his lotus feet and learned the art of composition and method of worship. Both were his favorites. He and his disciples filled the literature store of the Shri Nimbarka sect so much that even today it is proudly seen.
There are a total of 501 poems, 88 rhymes, and 72 couplets in this text. Apart from the Vraj language, the verses of Maithili, Punjabi, Bengali, and Rajasthani languages are also included. What to say about the figure of speech and phrases! By coming into the hands of Shri Vrindavan Devacharya Ji, they have also become pleased. In the end, mark this beautiful glimpse of Shri Radha Krishn in your heart -
Piy Pyare Ke Sang Hindorain Jhulati Machaki Machaki.
Neel Peet Pat Pharharat Aru, Jaat Chhin Kati Lachaki Lachaki.
Gavat Raag Malar Madhur Sur, Let Taan Ati Harashi Harashi.
Vrindavan Prabhu Ki Chhavi Nirakhat, Garajat Ghan Van Barashi Barashi.