Idol of Bal Mukund disappeared
Prannath Leelaamrit - Chapter 9
Pleased with Devchandra's service, Haridas promised to give him the idol of Bal Mukund.
However, on the day he was to give it, Haridas woke up, went to the temple, and could not find the idol. He searched everywhere—the throne, the bed, and other places—but the idol was nowhere to be found.
With a heavy heart, Haridas asked his family members, "Did anyone come here?"
They all replied, "Who would dare come here?"
Haridas was confused. He performed his service to Banke Bihari. Then he started looking for the idol of Bal Mukund.
At that moment, Devchandra arrived. After hearing the whole story, he was deeply saddened. He told Haridas, "Don't worry. You are not to blame. When you decided to give me the idol, I should be considered to have received it at that very moment. It must be due to some mistake of mine that the idol disappeared and I experienced this disappointment."
Even after hearing Devchandra's comforting words, Haridas remained unsatisfied. He made a vow, "I will not find peace nor eat anything until I have a vision of the idol of Bal Mukund."
According to his daily routine, Haridas offered breakfast and lunch to Banke Bihari and carefully set aside the offering meant for Bal Mukund. Nothing was eaten by Haridas, his family members, or Devchandra the entire day.
Haridas sat there all day with a heavy heart. As night fell, he finally drifted off to sleep. At that very moment, Bal Mukund appeared before him.
Upon seeing Bal Mukund in person, Haridas said, "O Lord! Where had you gone? We were so distressed searching for you."
Bal Mukund replied, "I was sitting right here."
Haridas spoke again, "Then why didn't you appear to me?"
Bal Mukund replied, "You were sending me to Devchandra's house, so I became invisible. You don't recognize Devchandra's divine soul. I cannot tolerate his service or favors, so do not give my idol to him. If he is unhappy, then offer him the service of Banke Bihari's clothes instead."
Haridas asked, "Lord, where will you stay now?"
Bal Mukund replied, "I will stay at the same place."
At that moment, Haridas opened his eyes. He went to the temple and saw that the idol of Bal Mukund was on the throne. His heart filled with joy at this sight, and he repeatedly bowed down at Bal Mukund's feet in reverence.
Overjoyed by his divine vision, Haridas left his house immediately to inform Devchandra. He met Devchandra in the marketplace. As soon as Haridas saw Devchandra, he quickly bowed down and touched his feet in reverence.
Devchandra lifted him up and asked, "What are you doing?"
Then Haridas said, "O Devchandra! What can I tell you? Until today, I did not recognize your true form. I served the Lord for many years, yet never had a direct vision of Him. Today, Bal Mukund granted me a vision and revealed your true form."
He then explained everything to Devchandra in detail.
Then Devchandra asked, "Did you find the idol of Bal Mukund?"
Haridas replied, "Come, I will show it to you."
The two men returned home, conversing happily. After seeing the idol, everyone had their meal.