Cmp 28. The Life Story Of Haridasa Thakura Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

CHAITANYA MAHAPRABHU

During that time, Muslim influence,
Was more in Bharat's all places,
Haridasa Thakura, was a devotee,
A Hindu from Muslim community.

For his spiritual lectures regular,
Among Hindus, he became popular.
Kazi, the local Muslim Chief
Became envious of his life.

Kazi said, "Like a Hindu, he acts,
Though a born Muslim he is,
Arrest him for this crime,
And severely punish him."

When Kazi reported the matter,
The Nawab asked the prisoner,
"We do not even accept rice
Touched by Hindu fingers."

"You're fortunate to be born,
In your life, as a Mohammedan,
From your born higher caste,
Why you chose a lower cast? "

"I've to punish you for this
What the Koran dictates,
To free you from the sins,
You commit, with no regrets."

Haridasa said, "Names may differ,
But only one God is there,
Either for the Muslim caste,
Or for the Hindu caste."

"The language may differ
The customs may differ
But God is one for all
This is the truth and real."

Nawab was not convinced.
For his sin, he was punished,
"At twenty two market places,
Whip him until he dies."

This order of punishment
The soldiers carried out
Until Haridasa Thakura died
They continuously whipped.

Nawab ordered his burial
Kazi wasn't for burial,
But threw the dead body
In the River Ganga Holy.

By the mercy of Lord
The dead man floated
And came alive indeed
Which the Nawab heard.

The Nawab stood
With folded hands
And accepted him then
As a saintly person.