Searching for God in Kutch
Prannath Leelaamrit - Chapter 5
Upon reaching Kutch, Devchandra began searching for God.
First, he went to a temple. There, he asked, "When are the discourses held?"
The people responded by pointing to the idol installed in the temple and saying, "When the God himself is present, why are discourses necessary?"
Devchandra stayed there for a few days, but he was not satisfied and did not consider it the right path. Therefore, he continued his search.
Then, Devchandra met ascetics who followed the path established by Sage Dattatreya. They wore unusual attire, and common people worshiped them.
The ascetics claimed, "We possess complete knowledge of the Supreme Reality. If you accept initiation into chanting the divine name, or the mantra, you too will attain everything."
Devchandra received the mantra initiation and followed their path for some time, but he achieved nothing. Dissatisfied, he set out again in search of truth.
Next, Devchandra met with ascetics from the Nath sect who had pierced ears. Known as Rajgurus, these ascetics had many disciples, including those from Kutch. Devchandra practiced meditation according to their methods for some time, but he did not find inner satisfaction. They could not answer his questions, so he continued on his journey.
Devchandra then stayed with the Kaapdi ascetics for a few days. These people were engrossed in worldly pleasures and sensual desires. Finding no spiritual knowledge among them, Devchandra moved on.
Similarly, Devchandra stayed in a mosque for a few days and discussed the nature of God with the mullah, but found no enlightenment there either.
Thus, Devchandra searched various sects and traditions, hoping to find knowledge of God or the right path to attain Him. He worked tirelessly toward this goal but found no satisfaction.
Finally, exhausted and disheartened, he came to Bhojnagar (Bhuj) and started living with Haridas.