On the day of Ekadashi, Ramanand Swami asked Nilkanth Varni about his birthplace, caste, parents, knowledge of the Vedas, Ishtadevta, and the reason for his renunciation. Varniraj gave satisfactory replies to all the questions. Upon learning about Varniraj’s parents, Swami said, “O Brahmachari! You are one of ours. We know your parents; they met us in Prayag, and we gave them Gurudiksha. You surpass your father in many qualities and virtues.”
While Swami was speaking to Varniraj in the assembly that night, a divine light emanated from Swami’s body and dispelled the darkness, filling the space with a radiant glow akin to daylight. Witnessing this miracle, all the sadhus seated there, including Varniraj, were astonished. Varniraj soon realized the divinity that resided in the body of Ramanand Swami. Similarly, Swami recognized that Nilkanth Varni was none other than Narayan himself. They accepted Varniraj into their service.
Nilkanth Varni would gather flowers, sandalwood, fragrant incense, Tulsi leaves, and other items for Swami’s seva, serving him tirelessly and with great devotion. Pleased with Nilkanth Varni’s sincerity and dedication as a disciple, Ramanand Swami decided to grant him with Maha Diksha.
Moral
We should learn from the das bhav of Nilkanth Varni by doing seva of Bhagwan and our gurus. This is the key to attaining Shreeji Maharaj’s rajipo.