Birth :
Shri Sahcharisharan Dev Ji was born in around 1773 in a Brahmin family in Avantipuri, Kashmir. His name was Sakharam. His father's name was Sikharram. He was a worshiper of the Goddess and had many spiritual powers. His house was near to the temple of the Goddess. After some time the whole family came from Kashmir to Punjab and started living there.
Childhood :
Sakharam Ji was vary intelligent since childhood. Glimpses of many types of spiritual powers manifested in his body from time to time. While playing with other children, Sakharam would sometimes instinctively tell events that would happen in the near future, and that used to happen. Everyone is astonished to see that.
When Sakharam was 7-8 years old, his mother died. His father was mostly engrossed in the worship of the Goddess. Sakharam used to roam here and there.
One day a strange incident happened. When Sakharam was sleeping, he saw the Goddess in His dream. This vision was very frightening. After this dream, Sakharam decided that henceforth he would never go to the temple of the Goddess and would not perform Her devotion. But his father remained engrossed in worshiping the Goddess. Sakharam would think why his father worship the frightful Goddess and got annoyed with him.
Arrival in Vrindavan and Spiritual Initiation :
When Sakharam was 10 years old, he left home with a group of saints, without telling anyone. Whenever the group of saints used to stop for rest, there would be spiritual discourses, which Sakharam enjoyed listening to. The rest of the time he would go somewhere and remain alone. When the saints used to start walking, Sakharam would also accompany them. At last, the saints reached Vrindavan and Sakharam also came with them. Now here the saints thought that if a Kashmiri saint is found here, then they will hand over Sakharam to him. Fortunately, a Kashmiri saint was found, and the community of saints handed over Sakharam to the Kashmiri saint and moved ahead. The Kashmiri saint appeared in front of Shri Lalitmohini Dev Ji at Tatiya Sthan with Sakharam.
Shri Lalitmohini Dev Ji talked to Sakharam for a few minutes. From this conversation, Shri Lalitmohini Dev was impressed with the intelligence and loyalty of the child Sakharam. Child Sakharam was 11 years old at that time. Shri Lalitmohini Dev Ji, considering it appropriate, handed over the child Sakharam to Shri Radhasaran Dev Ji and ordered him to initiate.
Shri Lalitmohini Dev ji said, "Look, another younger Sakhi (Shri Radha Krishn's servant) has come, make her your disciple, she is a Sakhi."
Shri Radhasaran Dev Ji initiated Sakharam in 1784 and named him Sahcharisharan.
Sahcharisharan Ji became the Mahant of Tatiya Sthan :
After the disappearance of Shri Lalitmohini Dev Ji, His disciple Shri Chaturdas Ji became Mahant of Tatiya Sthan. After Shri Chaturdas, Shri Thakurdas Ji became Mahant.
Before Shri Radhasharan Dev Ji ascended the throne, Shri Sahcharisharan Ji used to travel in Bundelkhand with him. When Shri Radhasharan Dev Ji's godbrother Mahant Shri Thakurdas Ji disappeared, a letter was sent to Shri Radhasharan Dev Ji to come to Shri Vrindavan. Then Shri Radhasharan Dev Ji left after giving permission to Shri Sahcharisharan Ji to stay in Payoneergarh only, which he wrote about -
"Suthi Sthan Mahin Mohi Rakhyo; Sadhau Yahi Chain Mridu Bhakhyo.
Dasgareeb, Gupal, Damodar, Rahe Paas Anukul Pramudkar. "
My spiritual master has placed me in a good place, where saints preach. Garibdas, Gopal, and Damodar are staying with me and are increasing my happiness.
Shri Radhasharan Dev Ji came to Shri Vrindavan along with the disciples named Shri Sampatisharan and Shri Dampatisharan, who had special blessings. Shri Radhasharan Dev Ji was Mahant of Tatiya Sthan from 1811 to 1821, and after his disappearance, the saints sent a letter to Shri Sahcharisharan Ji to come to Vrindavan, in which they also expressed their great sorrow. Shri Sahcharisharan Ji felt very sad for Shri Sampatisharan and Shri Dampatisharan who were in immense sorrow. At the same moment, He left for Vrindavan. He has written about that letter as follows -
Virah Niket Punipatrika Likhiju Jini Deenhin So Hamare Paas Aatur Pathay Ke;
Banchat Hi Guruke Viyog Shok Bhuli Gayo Sampati Au Dampati Ko Dukh Rahyo Chhayake.
Aapo Mai Utal Dou Dauri Ke Rasalmile Kinhi Hai Pranam Navaneh Uphanoy Ke;
Babaju Ke Charitr Vichitr Bahu Bhanti Kahyo Sunike Suhayo Man Rakhyo Hain Vasayake.
I have got the sorrowful letter sent from Shri Vrindavan. After reading it, I forgot about the sorrow of the disappearance of my spiritual master Shri Radhasharan Dev Ji, and the sorrow of Sampatisharan and Dampatisharan has overshadowed my heart. After reaching Vrindavan, they met me with great affection and bowed to me. Hearing the pastimes of my spiritual master, my heart felt immense happiness and they settled me in Vrindavan.
The saints of Shri Vrindavan seeing Shri Sahcharisharan Ji as worthy established him on the throne of Tatiya Sthan. About which he himself has written -
Sant Mahant Kripa Karike Gahivanhi. Mohi Na Dinhon Jaan Rakhi Linhon Van Mahin.
Mamavagunatajiamitavarasanapar Baitharyo. Jimisukalapeepakshapatharishirapardharyo.
Mamavagunatajiamitavarasanapar Baitharyo. Jimisukalapeepakshapatharishirapardharyo.
Ignoring my demerits, the saints of Vrindavan held my hand and settled me in Vrindavan, but didn't let me go. They established me on the majestic throne of Tatiya Sthan.
Composition :
Shri Sahcharisharan Ji has composed two texts which have also been published from Tatiya Sthan. They are 'Lalitprakash' and 'Sarasmanjavali'.
In Lalit-Prakash, brief biographies of Acharyas are described in different types of fine verses from Swami Shri Haridas Ji to Shri Lalit Mohinidas Ji. This book is full of the greatness of Acharyas. In this, the principles of the Acharyas of Tatiya-Sthan, the inexplicable- self-control, the propaganda of religion by them, the miracles shown to the great emperors and rulers, and the importance of worship are described in very clear verses.
In Lalit-Prakash, brief biographies of Acharyas are described in different types of fine verses from Swami Shri Haridas Ji to Shri Lalit Mohinidas Ji. This book is full of the greatness of Acharyas. In this, the principles of the Acharyas of Tatiya-Sthan, the inexplicable- self-control, the propaganda of religion by them, the miracles shown to the great emperors and rulers, and the importance of worship are described in very clear verses.
This book has been composed on the basis of 'Nijmat Siddhant' composed by Shri Kishordas Ji. The flow and the language are similar to Shri Ramchandrika composed by the great poet Keshavdas. By reading this book, the devotees of Swami Haridas Ji's lotus feet experience the taste of poetry in a unique way along with divine bliss. This book is a powerful material in the upliftment of devotional literature-Indus and is the pride of Vaishnava literature.
In Sarasmanjavali, There are 140 poems. Its poetry is very good. Shri Viyogi Hari Ji's opinion about is as follows - “Its composition is of very high quality. Along with poetic miracle, it has a unique shade and intoxication of love melody and divine nectar. Its language is also in a unique way. There is a very sweet mixture of Braj language along with local, Punjabi, and Persian. Some verses do the work of 'arrow, sword and gun'. In my opinion, people of a kind heart should not only make Sarasmanjavali the necklace of their neck but should consider it as the Gita of the Rasik society and recite it regularly."
A glimpse of the state of love:
Bin Hathiyar Karat Ur Ghayal Samar Bavre Bhaina,
Ati Irashail Madan Puni Tapar Dayi Bank Kari Saina,
Ik Banduk Chadhi Jimi Baaji Tasaun Kou Bachai Na,
Sahcharisharan Rasik Aashik Kon Imi Mahabab Badai Na.
- Sarasmanjavali (112)
Shri Krishn wounds the heart without any weapon and the devotee wanders here and there. Even after this, the supremely envious Shri Krishn throws the arrows of sarcasm with His Eyes. Who has survived after being hit by a gun? Shri Sahcharisharan Ji says that the path of Rasikas is not what it looks like.
A glimpse of Shri Krishn's beautiful form:
Nasavar Mukta Vishal Janu Jani Surahi Rakhen.
Mukh-Chhavi Adhik Varuni Bhari Bhari Pal-Pyale Bich Nakhen.
Sahcharisharan Sujhumat Ghumat Karat Paan Abhilakhen.
Ai Mahbuban Shyam Sukhuban Krit Matvali Ankhen.
- Sarasmanjavali (23)
Shri Sahcharisharan Ji says "Shri Shyamsundar's Nose has a huge jewel decorated which looks like a jug. The sweet intoxicated nectar of his beautiful form has been filled in the same jug, which I drink." I roam around dancing and my eyes remain intoxicated with the sweetness of the form of Shri Shyamsundar.
Banki Paag, Chandrika, Tapar Turra Ruraki Raha Hai.
Var Sirapanch, Maal Ur Banki, Pat Ki Chatak Aha Hai.
Banke Nain, Main-sar Banke, Bain-vinod Maha Hai.
Banke Ki Banki Jhanki Kari, Baki Rahi Kaha Hai.
- Sarasmanjavali (29)
Shri Banke Bihari’s turban is lovely, the dazzling Chandrika (crescent-shaped decoration behind the crown) is lovely, and the slanted peacock feather looks superb as well. His crown is gleaming with precious jewels and His swaying garlands seem so splendid. My mind is captivated while looking at the divine radiance of Shri Banke Bihari’s garments. His eyes are mischievous and the rain of whose side glance defeats the arrows of glances of cupid. His sweet nectarine talks are fascinating. There is nothing left to achieve for those, who are blessed with the ‘Banke’ [mischievous] darshan of Shri Banke Bihari.
A glimpse of instruction of ceaseless devotion:
Har Dam Yaad Kiya Kar Hari Ki, Darad Nidan Haraiga.
Mera Kaha Na Khaali Ai Dil ! Anand Kand Dharaiga.
Aisa Nahin Jahan Bich Koi, Langar Log Laraiga.
Sahcharisharan Sher Da Bachcha, Kya Gajraj Karaiga.
- Sarasmanjavali (8)
O mind, remember Lord Shri Krishn every moment, He will put an end to your sorrow. My words will not be untrue, the abode of supreme bliss, Lord Shri Krishn will surely bless you. There is no one in the world who can obstruct your path. Shri Sahcharisharan Ji says that you are the child (servant) of the lion (Shri Krishn), what can an elephant (material world) do to you?
Disappearance :
Shri Sahcharisharan Ji disappeared in 1827 after beautifying the throne of Tatiya Sthan for 16 years.