Ghanshyam Charitra
Lesson 2

The Birth of Ghanshyam Maharaj

The auspicious moment of the birth of Ghanshyam Maharaj approached. It was samvat 1837. It was the day of Chaitra Shud Navmi. Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj was born at 10:10 P.M. in the house of Bhaktimata and Dharmadev in Chapaiya, a village of northern India.

Bhaktidevi, the mother of God was sound asleep. She suddenly woke up. She saw a child next to her. All around the child was a light. Bhaktimata's eyes were dazzled with lustre. After some time, she saw the Lord in midst of the rays of light. He had worn fine golden clothes, had a silver flute in his hands, and his head was dressed with a crown of feathers from a peacock. Bhaktidevi was very surprised by having such a divine vision of the beloved God. She became very glad well-shaped nose, smiling lips, and such a handsome face. She heartily emotions, Bhaktimata said, "Lord Shri Krishna himself took birth as my son." knowing this gave her an immeasurable pleasure.

Hearing her praises, Balghanshyam (God as a child) happily said, "Mother, now you do not need to worry. When the Rushis and you had remembered me when the wicked people had bothered you and you had done Tup in Vrindavan, I had given my darshan to you and had promised you to be born as your son. That is why I show my real form as God.

On seeing the bright lights, Dharmadev arrived there. When he saw Lord Shri Krishna as a child in his house, he immediately remembered the promise God had given him in Vrindavan. He felt very happy. He thought, "Now the end of miseries is very near and soon there will be happiness everywhere."

All of the people Chapaiya knew that God was born there. There was joy and happiness everywhere. Deities showered flowers from the sky. There was peace in the mind of saints and all good people. Everybody became mad with the divine vision of God. The women of Chapaiya were also present there. They described the Lord with the colours of the clouds. Therefore, they named him Ghanshyam.

Every man and women came to the house of Dharmadev with their tears full of joy for the glimpse of God. The house of Dharmadev became a place of pilgrimage. They all celebrated the birth of Ghanshyam. The people danced and sang:

"Dharma ghera Anand bhayo, Jay bolo Ghanshyam ki.....
Chapaiya me Lal bhayo, Jay bolo Ghanshyam ki.....
Bhakta ke Bhagwan bhayo, Jay bolo Ghanshyam ki.....
Hathi Ghoda Palkhi, Jay bolo Ghanshyam ki....."

*Note: The birth date of Ghanshyam Maharaj is April 3, 1781 AD.

1. When and where was Lord Ghanshyam born?
2. Who did mother see besides her?
3. Why did the eyes of Mother dazzle?
4. Describe what Balghanshyam looked like.
5. Why did mother feel happy?
6. What did God say to mother?
7. How did the people of Chapaiya express their joy?