Bhaktaraj Shree Bhimji Bhakt, a personal attendant (hajuri sevak) of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan and the composer of the “Shree Hari Leela Kamal Bhaskar,” was a devotee dear to the heart of Shreeji Maharaj. Nevertheless, Maharaj refined him by putting him through severe tests numerous times.
The extensive life story of this Bhim Bhakt, who remained in the service of Maharaj throughout his life and gifted the Sampraday the scripture “Shree Hari Leela Kamal Bhaskar” consisting of 57 mayukhs (chapters), is not fully recorded in the scriptures of the Sampraday’s history. However, one specific account has been documented.
Upon returning to Gadhpur after traveling to various regions, celebrations were held to welcome back Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan. While walking near Maharaj, the Parshad Bhim Bhagat fired a celebratory gunshot. As the gunpowder and paper wadding passed close to the ears of Manki Ghodi, the mare was startled, and Maharaj became displeased. Taking the gun from Bhimji Bhagat’s hands, Maharaj smashed it against a stone, breaking it, and in His anger, He ordered him to leave for the forest. Despite this, Bhimji Bhagat did not perceive any flaws in Maharaj. He built a small hut on the opposite bank of the Ghela River and began his bhajan there.
Bhimji Bhagat would not take food or water without having the darshan of Maharaj. Three or four days of fasting passed. One day, while Brahmanand Swami was bathing in the Ghela River, Bhimji Bhagat appealed to Swami to help him have darshan of Maharaj.
In the evening, when Brahmanand Swami brought Maharaj to the Ghela River for a bath, Bhim Bhagat approached, said “Jay Shree Swaminarayan,” and began performing dandvats. Seeing this, Brahmanand Swami took Maharaj by the wrist, led Him to the bank, and smashed a large gourd filled with water over Bhim Bhagat’s head, which produced a loud crack like a gunshot.
By repeating this playful act three times, Brahmanand Swami pleased Maharaj. Eventually, Maharaj embraced both Swami and Bhim Bhagat. Upon returning to Dada Khachar’s Darbar, Maharaj asked Jivuba to prepare a meal for Bhim Bhagat to break his fast and kept him in His seva once again.