Taj Khan and Madan Mohan's Grace

Taj Khan worked as a messenger at the court office in Karauli, a town in Rajasthan. One day, he was sent to deliver a message to Goswami ji, the priest of the Madan Mohan temple. Madan Mohan was the name by which Krishna was worshipped there.

Taj Khan waited outside and called for the priest. Through the doorway, he caught sight of Madan Mohan's face. He kept looking until Goswami ji arrived. Then he delivered his message and went away. But the gentle face stayed in his thoughts.

After that, Taj Khan often returned to look from outside. He was Muslim, and he feared that he would not be welcome inside the temple. When Goswami ji noticed his visits, he told him not to come again. Taj Khan returned nevertheless, hoping for one more glimpse. A temple worker pushed him away.

Taj Khan went home heartbroken. He wept as he remembered Madan Mohan. In his sorrow, he stopped eating and drinking.

That night, after worship, a tray of prasad—food offered to the deity—was left before Madan Mohan. The temple doors were closed. Krishna then took the form of a temple worker and carried the tray to Taj Khan's home.

"Goswami ji has sent you prasad," the visitor said. "Please eat. In the morning, bring the tray back and come to see Madan Mohan."

Taj Khan could hardly believe it. Could the priest who had turned him away really be inviting him back? Still, he accepted the tray. With tears in his eyes, he ate the prasad, and the visitor departed.

While Goswami ji slept, Madan Mohan appeared in his dream. "I have left the prasad tray at Taj Khan's home," he said. "When he brings it back tomorrow, do not keep him from seeing me."

At dawn, the priest looked for the tray. It was gone. He hurried to the king and told him about the dream. Together, they returned to the temple.

When Taj Khan arrived for the morning worship, he was carrying the tray. Everyone stared. The king stepped forward and embraced him. This time, Taj Khan was welcomed through the doorway.