Kumbhandas and the Duty of Service

One day, the poet-saint Kumbhandas was working in his field at Parsoli. Devotional tradition says that Shrinathji appeared there in the form of a playful child and joined him in a joyful game.

Suddenly Kumbhandas remembered that it was time for Utthapan, when the deity is awakened after the afternoon rest. Singing the appointed temple song was his responsibility, so he rose at once to leave.

Shrinathji smiled. “Where are you going? You are playing with me here. For whom will you sing at the temple? I am standing before you now.”

Kumbhandas folded his hands. “Thakurji, you have blessed me by appearing here. But you are completely free and may vanish whenever you wish. The form established in the temple according to my acharya's tradition remains there for every devotee. I cannot abandon that promised service.”

Shrinathji was delighted by Kumbhandas's love, discipline, and respect for the path taught by his acharya. He embraced his devotee and said, “Then let us go to the temple together.”