Initiation into the Radha-Vallabhi path
Prannath Leelaamrit - Chapter 6
Haridas was a follower of the Radha-Vallabhi sect. Driven by a desire for spiritual liberation, he served Lord Krishna with the devotion of a lover.
Devchandra found peace in Haridas's company. He observed that Haridas served with immense love, a pure heart, and unwavering devotion.
Haridas had a temple in his home where he installed idols of Banke Bihari, a form of Lord Krishna who performed the Raas Leela, and Bal Mukund, a child form of Lord Krishna who performed divine pastimes in Braj. Haridas served the idols as if they were present in person. During the summer, he tried to keep the temple cool, and during the winter, he made arrangements to keep it warm.
Haridas anticipated any item needed for service and arranged for it in advance. To maintain purity, he bathed two to four times a day. Devchandra realized that it would be rare to find someone who served with such true spirit.
Devchandra thought, "If I serve Haridas, I can attain divine bliss."
With this thought in mind, he stayed with Haridas and began serving him. He listened to Haridas's discourses every day.
When Devchandra's parents learned that he was staying with Haridas, they immediately went to see him and advised him to live a worldly life as a householder. They tried and tried, but Devchandra's devotion remained unwavering. He had absolutely no interest in worldly affairs, which disappointed his parents.
Impressed by Devchandra's steadfast devotion, Haridas decided to initiate him into the practice of chanting the divine name, or mantra. Meanwhile, Mattu Mehta was determined to trap Devchandra in worldly illusions and resolved to marry him off. The day Haridas planned to initiate Devchandra was the same day as the wedding.
In the Radha-Vallabhi tradition, a clean-shaven head is mandatory for initiation. On the day of Devchandra's initiation, Haridas told him to shave his head. Devchandra immediately got his head shaved and came forward.
Haridas then asked, "Have you received initiation from anyone before?"
Devchandra replied, "I placed my trust in an ascetic and received a mantra from him."
Haridas said again, "Write the mantra you received earlier on a piece of paper. Hide it in a piece of bread and give it as alms to an ascetic. That way, it will return to him."
Devchandra replied, "This won't help. If the ascetic’s mantra is powerful, it won't leave my mind. And if your mantra is powerful, the previous one will fade away on its own."
Upon hearing Devchandra's extraordinary words, Haridas was deeply impressed and delighted. He told Devchandra, "Always imagine Kunj Bihari's form before you, and continuously chant this mantra in your heart, 'Bhajman Shri Vrindavan Kunj Bihari Nit Vilas.'"
Haridas also advised Devchandra to always worship his beloved God with the devotion of a female lover.
When Devchandra returned home afterwards, his father was upset upon seeing his shaved head. He exclaimed, "What have you done? You should have dressed up and adorned yourself today!" He began weeping and lamenting with a heavy heart.
Seeing his grief, Devchandra replied, "What did you want me to do today? I married the one I was meant to marry. I told you I have no inclination toward worldly life."
In the middle of the chaos, Devchandra's wedding was held. Even after the wedding, Devchandra continued to serve Haridas as he had before.