In this Sakhi, Shri Hariraiji speaks strongly about the importance of remaining faithful to the refuge we have accepted.
He begins by using the word var, meaning one’s chosen master, Lord or true refuge. The one whom we accept as our Swami, whom we trust and follow wholeheartedly, is our var. For a Vaishnav, this is Shri Vallabh.
Shri Hariraiji is saying that once a person has accepted Shri Vallabh as their Swami and taken shelter in Him, it is deeply unfortunate to turn away from Him and seek refuge elsewhere. A person may not yet have understood or accepted Shri Vallabh’s path, and that is a different matter. But having recognised Shri Vallabh as one’s Lord, to then abandon that relationship is to turn away from one’s own greatest fortune.
The Sakhi uses very strong words:
“Ta mukh panaiya kutiye, jab lag kuti aay.”
Taken literally, this refers to striking such a person with a shoe. However, the purpose of these words is not to encourage physical harm or disrespect towards anyone. Rather, Shri Hariraiji uses a sharp and forceful expression to show how serious it is to leave the shelter of Shri Vallabh after accepting Him as one’s Swami.
Shri Hariraiji is known for his gentleness and compassion. Therefore, the strength of this language shows the depth of his concern. It is like the firm correction given by someone who truly loves us and wishes to protect us from harming ourselves spiritually.
A person who leaves Shri Vallabh’s refuge is like someone who knowingly takes a boat into a storm. They may already understand the danger, yet still choose a path that leads them away from safety. Shri Hariraiji reminds us that such a choice does not bring true gain; it takes us away from the divine shelter that can guide and protect us.
The message is not that we should disrespect other devas and devis. A Vaishnav should show respect to all forms of divinity and to every living being. However, respect is different from taking spiritual refuge.
For a Vaishnav, Shri Vallabh remains the one true centre of faith, dependence and surrender. He is the one who accepts us with grace and allows us to serve Him in the form that draws our heart most naturally towards Him.
This is one of the special qualities of Pushtimarg. Shri Vallabh does not force every devotee to relate to Him in exactly the same way. He allows the devotee to develop love for the swaroop that is closest to their heart. Some may feel drawn to Bal Krishna, some to Shri Nathji, some to another beloved form of Shri Thakorji. The essential point is that the devotee discovers the form through which their attachment and loving relationship with Shri Vallabh becomes steady and sincere.
Until we understand where our true attachment lies, our devotion may remain uncertain. But once the heart becomes attached to Shri Vallabh, there is no reason to turn elsewhere. When we receive the Lord in the form that speaks directly to our heart, our relationship with Him becomes firm, personal and full of love.
Shri Hariraiji recognises that even a fortunate person can become distracted through bad company, difficult circumstances or worldly influence. But Shri Vallabh is compassionate. He forgives our mistakes and welcomes us back when we return to Him sincerely.
Therefore, if we ever feel that our faith has weakened or that we have become distracted from Shri Vallabh’s shelter, we should return without delay. We should not remain trapped in confusion, fear or habit. Misfortune begins in the mind when we forget our true refuge; it is overcome when we remember Shri Vallabh again.
The deepest message of this Sakhi is simple: Shri Vallabh is everything for the devotee. He is the source of our joy, our strength, our comfort and our spiritual direction. When we truly accept Him as our Swami, how can we leave His worship and seek our ultimate refuge elsewhere?