The Founder: In the Pursuit of Eternal Bliss
 
 

According to Hindu scriptures, unlike atman, a jiva is subjected to birth and rebirth.  Accordingly, the Supreme Lord and His souls utilized human bodies as an instrument to carry out their purpose.  Shri Dev Chandra Ji (C.E.1581-1655), who will be later known as Nijanand Swami Sat-Guru Dhani Shri Dev Chandra Ji, was born to mother Kuverbai and father Mattu Mehta, who used to practice the Radha Vallabhi sect.  He was born and raised in the village of Umarkot, Marvad, Sindh--a province of undivided India, which is now in Pakistan.

Those souls of Param Dham, who played in Brij and Raas, came again to this mundane world in the 28th Kaliyug.  The soul of Consort Shyama made her abode into Dev Chandra Ji, the jiva of the King Devapi who prayed in their previous birth for eternal salvation.  The prophecy of Shrimad Bhagvatam came true.
 

 
Not only this, with this incident, the prophecy of the holy Koran also came true.  Along with Shyama Ji (Rooh Allah), the Brahmn Srishti souls (Momin) also descended to this world.
   
At the age of 40, when the divine power of Supreme Lord (aavesh) merged with Shyama Ji’s soul in the person of Dev Chandra Ji, he transformed into Nijanand Swami.  As a result, the supreme Tartam knowledge, the one leading from the darkness to the eternity, began flowing through Shyama Ji who is the direct source of Supreme Bliss.  As predicted in Hindu scriptures,  the Supreme Lord bestowed the Knowledge of Para Shakti to Sunderbai (Shyama Ji) and brought about the awareness regarding the Nij-Swaroop, Nij-Dham, and Nij-Lila.
 
Dev Chandra’s Search for the Supreme Divine

At the tender age of eleven, Dev Chandra Ji started thinking deeply:
 

 
He began questioning, “Who am I?  Where am I coming from?  What is the purpose of my existence in this world?  Who is the owner of my soul?  Where is the God who created this Universe?” 

Saints and Gurus in the area told him, “the God is Nirakaar, the one without any form, and that He is present in every atom of this world--He is omnipresent.”  Dev Chandra Ji thought, that if God is everywhere, it should be easy to find Him out. He began worshiping an idol of Pingal Shyam (a deity) in his hometown with full devotion.  When his four years of sincere and disciplined idol worship did not come to fruition, he began pursuing other ways to seek the Supreme Lord.

Once he happened to visit Kutch (Bhuj) with his father on a business trip.  There, he learned from 'Radha Vallabhi' Guru Haridasji that the knowledge about one's 'true self' and the Supreme Lord can be attained only through seva, the devotion to a true saint, and through Sat-Sang.  He permanently moved to Kutch-Bhuj to pursue this search.

Dev Chandra’s First Experience in the Desert

On his way to Kutch-Bhuj, in the desert, he experienced the Lord's help in reaching his destination. This time, the Lord appeared in a dress of a soldier with a sword hanging from his waist and a spear in his hand.  In the middle of the desert, when little Dev Chandra was tired and was in severe pain, the Lord appeared before him as a stranger.  He did not recognize the Lord, and was scared to see this stranger approaching him.  As the stranger came closer, he asked Dev Chandra to put away everything he had and lie down.  Frightened Dev Chandra had no way but to follow the stranger's instructions.  Dev Chandra thought that the stranger was doing all this to kill him.  The stranger pressed Dev Chandra’s thigh with his foot, and asked him how he felt.  Dev Chandra replied that the pain was getting better.  Then the stranger pressed Dev Chandra’s other thigh.  Miraculously, the pain had completely disappeared.  Dev Chandra was happier, but he was still afraid of the stranger.  He thought that the stranger may not kill him, but he will probably use him as a slave.  Dev Chandra’s pain was totally cured.  Then the stranger asked him to stand up and tied a miraculous cloth (pichhodi) around Dev Chandra’s waist.  The stranger asked Dev Chandra to walk with him.  He kept on talking to Dev Chandra as they were walking toward the destination.

Dev Chandra could not realize, how quickly and easily he reached the city of Bhuj.  The stranger asked Dev Chandra to look far ahead to make sure that was the place where he wanted to go.  Excited Dev Chandra looked carefully and jumped with joy to confirm that he had reached the city of Bhuj.  Soon he turned back to say "thank you" to the helping stranger.  But, to his surprise, there was no one with him.  The stranger had disappeared!  Dev Chandra cried to miss the company of loving and caring stranger.  This experience confirmed in his mind that the Lord of his soul was always with him.

There, he practiced a rigorous self-discipline in the quest for the divine.  First, he went to the Sanyasin and practiced Astang Yoga and Nadi Chakra Sodhan.  Then he went to Nath Panthi Tantriks, Dimbak Dhari Pundits, savants, Moollas, Kazi in mosques, and many others.  None could satisfy his quarries.

At the age of 21, he began practicing Radha Vallabhi faith, by worship of Banke Bihari Shri Krishna of Nitya Brindavan.  Dev Chandra’s parents had also moved from Umarkot to Bhuj. They wanted to convince him to become more socialized and less spiritual.  But Dev Chandra was firm on continuing his search for the Supreme Truth.

Dev Chandra Questions Regarding Senseless Rituals to his Guru Haridasji

It would be interesting to note here, how Dev Chandra used to question senseless rituals, performed even by his Guru.  He never hesitated to question something that he did not understand, and reject it, if necessary.  During his initiation ceremony called Mantra Diksha, before offering Mantra, Guru Haridasji asked him if he had accepted any other Mantra in the past.  When Dev Chandra said ‘yes,’ Haridasji asked him to write down the Mantra on a piece of paper and then roll it in the bread and offer it to the cow.  Dev Chandra did not like this idea.  He questioned boldly, "Guruji! If the Mantra that you are going to offer me is more powerful than what I already have, there should not be a need to do this traditional senseless rituals.”  Haridasji was impressed very much to hear Dev Chandra’s response.  He realized that Dev Chandra’s approach to self-realization was unique and true.  He found himself very fortunate to have a true devotee like Dev Chandra.  Then he offered him this Mantra:

“Bhaj Mana Shri Brindavan Kunj Bihari Nitya Vilas, Sakhi Bhav hoi bhajiye Bhartar |”

There was an interesting coincidence that Dev Chandra’s parents and Guruji both selected the same day for his marriage and Mantra Diksha.  Now the struggle begins in Dev Chandra’s life between spiritual and social life.  He gets married to a girl named Lilbai according to his parent's desire.  But there was no change in his devotional activities and services.  He continued to move firmly toward his spiritual goal.

Dev Chandra Rejects Miraculous Mantra of Curing Poisonous Scorpion Bite

While Dev Chandra Ji was practicing Gopi Bhav in the worship of Brindavan Banke Bihari Krishna, once his Guru Haridasji expressed his willingness to offer a miraculous Mantra of curing the poisonous bite of a scorpion.  Dev Chandra Ji responded spontaneously, expressing his dislike to accept anything of physical or worldly interest.  Clearly, he told his Guru that Lord Banke Bihari was in every atom of his existence, and that he had no place for anything else.  He gave more importance to caring for soul than for the mortal body.  He rejected the idea of attracting people by miracles.

Guru Haridas Ji was so impressed by Dev Chandra’s dedication and rigorous self-discipline that he decided to offer him the idol of Baal Mukund Krishna.  But to his surprise, the idol of Bal Mukund disappeared from the temple seva that night.  Bal Mukund descended from Gaulok and explained to Haridas, the true form of Dev Chandra Ji (who was instrumental in his own salvation after the sport of Brij Lila).  Then Baal Mukund permitted Haridasji to offer Dev Chandra Ji the pious dress of Banke Bihari Krishna.  Now, Dev Chandra Ji realized his soul as Radha and began to worship accordingly.  Before we begin to climb the heights of the Tartam Wisdom, it would be appropriate to clearly understand the topic of Miracles.

Regarding Miracles

As we scan through the life history of Dev Chandra Ji and Mahamati, we find evidences of many miraculous incidents.  Miracles, also called by the name ‘Aadika Lila,’ were routine occurrences in Dev Chandra Ji’s work of awakening.  Many other great masters also have this ability.

What’s the difference between spiritual miracles and magics?  Should spiritual masters be regarded as magicians?  How to recognize who is who?  Should a seeker of Supreme Bliss regard miracles as one’s basis for choosing a spiritual path or a master?

Today’s human beings are seen virtuously lost in the jungle of miracle performers.  Any miracle performer becomes Supreme Truth God for this class of believers.  We humans tend to forget that miracles become common rule for these spiritual masters.  Even the smallest fraction of the power of Lord Vishnu can perform many great miracles!  But, is this what a seeker should be basing his or her choice for the Divine Path?  Of course not!  Let?s review what Kuljam Swaroop says about this.

The Holy Kuljam Swaroop strongly rejects the widespread practice of performing miracles and then linking them with religion.

 Duni duni pey chaahey duniya,  tathey karamat dhudhen |
 Pichhe dou barabar sangi,  tab dey siksha aur mudey ||

Sadho keher kahi karamaat,  eah duniya tit rachey |
Juthi drasti jo bandhi juthson,  tathen dil na lagat kyon eah sanchey ||
                                                                                      (KS, Kir: 21/2,3)
 
It says, “The people of the world are lost in the darkness of worldly attachments and pride.  This way, they are satiated and, actually, mislead.  In hankering after worldly pleasures, they always look for someone who can perform miracles to their benefit.  Once, these individuals realize the benefit of the miracles, they develop a close relationship with the miracle performers.  Then, both of them actively engage them to exploit other people by talking about their miraculous experiences and even actually performing miracles to attract them.”

Further it says: “Performing miracles to attract someone should be regarded as a calamity--a spiritual disaster.  A true seeker should distinguish this to be saved.  The people lost in the puzzle of the false material world will not be able to distinguish between religion and miracles.  It will be tough for them to see the truth and ask questions such as: who am I, from where have I separated, and why am I here in this deceitful world?”  This way, due to people’s ignorance, many sects and cults have come into existence in this world.

A seeker soul should always attempt to find a Sat-Guru (a True Master) who can remove the soul’s focus from Maya and help uplift spiritually.  The True Master does this by enabling one to know the scriptural facts related to the soul’s eternal abode and the Supreme Lord’s divine form and sports.  A seeker soul must move away from the mass that is aimlessly rushing toward miracles and its short-term gains.
 

The Descent of the Supreme Wisdom

Dev Chandra Ji went to Jamnagar (Gujarat) to seek more knowledge regarding Yogmaya and the spiritual planes beyond.  There, in the temple of Shyamji, he sincerely listened to the discourses on Shrimad Bhagvatam for fourteen consecutive years.  By this time, he had several divine experiences.  But, he never had an experience of direct Darshan (appearance) of the Supreme Lord.

Communion with Lord Supreme: Finally, at the age of 40, in the year 1621AD (Aaso Sudi Ekadashi, Monday, 8:00 a.m.) the Supreme Lord Aksharateet appeared before him in a dress of Brindavan Bihari Shri Krishna.  Here, it reminds us of the fact that God appears to His true devotee in the same form that he meditates.  Dev Chandra Ji used to contemplate upon the appearance of Krishna of Raas.  Therefore, Aksharateet appeared as Krishna.

When the Lord asked him if he knew who He (the Lord) was, Dev Chandra Ji could not respond firmly.   Then the Lord introduces Himself as anadi Aksharateet and explained to him their mutual eternal relationship, the reason for their descent in this mundane world, and the need for Jagni, the soul awakening process.  Enlightened with the integral Tartam Knowledge of Aksharateet, Dev Chandra Ji now understood the clear distinction among the three Purushas: Kshar, Akshar, and Aksharateet.   He recognized his true spiritual form of Consort Shyama and learned about the creation of a universe.

What is Tartam?

Literally, in Sanskrit language, tar means Savior and tam means darkness.  It denotes spiritual light and luster.  Tartam is the name of the Supreme Wisdom that is capable to awaken a soul lost in the jungle of Maya.  It is also called by the name ‘Nijnam.’  It’s a master key that unfolds the secret meanings of different world scriptures.  The Holy Kuljam Swaroop is an explained version of Tartam.

Note:  The term ‘Tartam’ is often mistaken for the term ‘Tartamya’, which means, ’with reference to.’
 
Tartam or Nijnam consists of six verses and is considered traditionally as a Mantra - a mystical formula by many Pranamis.  However, the Bitak Saheb or Kuljam, the most authentic historical account of Nijanand Sampradaya, does not record Tartam as a Mantra.  According to these scriptures, Tartam is simply a conversation between the soul of Dev Chandra Ji and the Supreme Lord.  Upon receiving Tartam, the soul of Dev Chandra Ji learned his true spiritual form (Swaroop) and the Sports (Lila) in the Supreme Abode (Param Dham) of the Supreme Lord.  Dev Chandra Ji learned about the reason for the souls to visit this mortal world and what exactly an awakened soul has to do in this present world.  Thus, Tartam is the divine blend of supreme wisdom, knowledge, and love.
 
The Tartam Event: As Described in the Holy Bitak Saheb

In the temple of Shyamji in Jamnagar, when Dev Chandra Ji was listening to the Srimad Bhagvatam discourses (Katha), the Supreme Lord appeared before him.  Here, the Lord was dressed up like Brindavan Banke Bihari Shri Krishna - in the same form that Dev Chandra Ji used to meditate upon.  The following text describes how exactly Tartam descended.

The Aavesh Swaroop of the Supreme Lord asked: "Oh Dev Chandra! Do you know me?"  "My heart tells me that you are the Lord (Dhani) of my soul,” replied Dev Chandra.  The Aavesh Swaroop asked another question, "If I am your Dhani, you must know the whereabouts of our house.  Do you know where it is?"  "I don't know anything more than the fact that you are my Dhani,” replied Dev Chandra.

The Aavesh Swaroop then explained: ”Oh Dev Chandra! You are my form of bliss consort Shyama in the Aksharateet Param Dham.  I am the Chid Ghan Swaroop Aksharateet who never visited this earth before.  I had to come here to awaken you and all other souls who had demanded to see the drama of this mortal world during our loving talk  - Ishak Rabad.”

Further, the Lord explained:  “Oh Dev Chandra! Please recall, in Brij and Raas, we played the role of Krishna and Radha, and all other souls were the Gopies.  After Raas Lila, we all went back to Param Dham, but your hunger for Maya was not fully satisfied.  I had to order Akshar Brahmn to create this special Universe of Kalmaya.  As promised in the holy Koran, I have come again after almost one thousand years after Prophet Mohammed.  Now you have a responsibility to awaken all other souls through this Tartam knowledge.  I am always with you.”

Regarding the Tradition of Offering Tartam

The above conversation between Dev Chandra and the Supreme Lord is found condensed in six verses.  These verses are offered during the initiation ceremony of a soul.  Traditionally, a Guru performs the ceremony.  However, today many Sundersath devoted to the cause of Jagni also offer Tartam.  While offering this marriage-like initiation ceremony, the Guru makes it clear to the devotee that he or she is just a small agent of the Lord who is trying to help you connect with Him.  It then becomes the responsibility of the soul to find out how to win the divine love of the Lord; of course, help is available if needed.  During the ceremony, both the offerer and the offeree worship each other with flowers and Sandalwood (Chandan) in addition to the worship of the Holy Kuljam Swaroop.  One other critical distinction to be noted is that the relationship between an offerer and an offeree is more on equal footing (like spiritual sisters or Brahmn Srishti) rather than like a Master (Guru) and a disciple (Shishya).

Nijnam Shri Krishna Ji’ versus ‘Nijnam Shri Ji Saheb Ji’

Traditionally, the six-versed mantra of the Faith, called the Tartam or Nijnam, begins with ‘Nijnam Shri Krishna Ji.’  Keeping this--more than 300 years old--tradition in mind, one may obviously ask here, “If the Supreme Lord cannot have one specific name, why, then, does the Tartam Mantra begins with ‘Nijnam Shri Krishna Ji?”  Isn’t this clearly telling us that the Supreme Lord’s Name is ‘Shri Krishna?’

To understand this question, one should understand the Bitak Saheb.  The Supreme Lord appeared before Shri Dev Chandra Ji--the founder--in the guise of Lord Krishna.  The Lord appeared in this dress because Dev Chandra Ji used to meditate upon Lord Krishna of Brij and Raas, as instructed by His Master - Guru Haridas Ji.  This caused many experts to believe that the Supreme Lord’s name was Krishna.  In fact, the Supreme Lord simply played the role* of Krishna in the divine sports (drama) of Brij and Raas.  After which He played the role* of Prophet Muhammad, Dev Chandra Ji and Mahamati with His different divine powers.

Note: *The roles played by the Supreme Lord should not be regarded as Avatar.  Lord Vishnu takes Avatar, not the Supreme Lord Aksharateet.  In Krishna Avatar, both Lord Vishnu and the powers of Aksharateet Supreme Lord were present.

Interestingly, according to Bitak Saheb, there is a lack of evidence regarding the descent of the present form of the six-versed Mantra, which is recited by devotee Sundersath.  Also, some recent research by Shri Nijanand Ashram, Ratan Puri, has revealed this variation in at least, more than ten different authentic and reliable sources.  This supports our original understanding that the Supreme Lord is ultimately beyond all worldly names.  He cannot be chained with the ropes of culture, language, or anyone particular religion.

Also, in spite of the fact that the Supreme Lord introduces Himself as Krishna when He appeared for the first time to Dev Chandra Ji, Kuljam Swaroop and Bitak Saheb do not confine His identity just as Krishna.  In the original handwritten copies of the Holy Kuljam Swaroop (in Banglaji Temple, Panna), the so-called Nijnam Mantra begins with “Nijnam Sri Ji Saheb Ji” instead of “Nijnam Sri Krishna Ji.”  This variation appears in all of the last nine books, prior to the actual beginning of each book of the Holy Kuljam Swaroop.  This reflects the openness and evolutionary nature of Sri Pran Nath Ji’s Supreme Wisdom.  For this reason, true Nijanandi Sundersath devotees even recite the Tartam Mantra loudly, “Nijnam Shri Ji Saheb Ji Anadi Aksharateet.”  But this is hard to understand by many devotees; many others even do not care about it.  Because, this is the last part of the period of Spiritual Awakening, the ultimate decision of choosing between right and wrong is left to the seeker.
 

The Founder’s Work

After the appearance of Supreme Lord, and the descent of Tartam Knowledge, the Supreme Lord’s aavesh, and Consort Shyama's soul (Atman) became one.  The Perfect Divine Couple (Yugal Swaroop) made Dev Chandra Ji’s heart their abode.  Now, Dev Chandra Ji transformed into Nijanand Swami.  This way, the seed of the true soul awakening knowledge sprouted on the Holy Land, Nautan Puri (Jamnagar, Gujarat) in the temple of Shyamji.
 

 
It is not that the great masters who came to this world did not try to search for the One Supreme Truth God.  In fact, they all did try, but could not succeed because this credit was already reserved for the Kalki Avatar.  In the above verse of the holy Kuljam Swaroop, Dev Chandra Ji is identified as the long awaited Kalki or Buddha Avatar.  Many traditional Pranami writers have failed to notice and understand this very important secret of the Faith.  They have mistakenly categorized Dev Chandra Ji as a progressive saint!
 
Spiritual Awakening by Nijanand Swami

Nijanand Swami awakened many souls and showed them their true eternal spiritual form. He utilized the master key of Tartam to unify different world faiths, and spread the message of peace and love.  People of all classes devoted themselves to the cause of spiritual awakening, regardless of their caste, creed or religion.  Hindus, Muslims, women including widows, and even those who were considered untouchables, were all initiated in the faith.

Gangjibhai: The First Sundersath

Dev Chandra Ji used to listen to the discourses on Srimad Bhagvatam with a famous businessman of Jamnagar whose name was Gangjibhai.  After Dev Chandra Ji received the Tartam Knowledge, the Lord inspired him to share this Wisdom with Gangjibhai.  Gangjibhai was thrilled upon listening to Dev Chandra Ji’s experiences regarding spiritual awakening.  He learned the answers to all the questions arising out of the study of Srimad Bhagvatam.

Awakened Gangji Bhai offered his house to make it a center for spiritual awakening activities in Jamnagar.  He became the first Sundersath, and his house, the Chakla Mandir became the First Temple.   For all Nijanandi Sundersath, his name is highly inspirational.  He dedicated his entire life with his family to the divine cause of Jagni of Sundersath.  He became the foundation stone for the Sundersath Spirit.  He taught what exactly the term ‘Seva’ means to a true Sundersath.  The Holy Kuljam Swaroop and Bitak Saheb have greeted him with the lovely name ‘Dhan Bai.’
 
Awakening of Mehraj's Soul

As already predicted in Puran Samhita,  the massive work of soul awakening was to be accomplished through the combined efforts of the two great souls, Sunderbai and Indrawati, from the Supreme Heaven Param Dham.  The Holy Koran  also predicted this: “The soul of Allah (Rooh Allah) will ware two different dresses, viz., Lam is Malki Surat (Dev Chandra Ji), and Mim is Hakki Surat (Pran Nath Ji).”  Accordingly, the soul of Indrawati (worldly name Mehraj Thakur) joined the Jagni mission of Nijanand Swami.  Mehraj (Sept. 6, 1618-1694AD, also called Mihir Raj) was born in Jamnagar (Gujarat) to mother Dhanbai and father Keshav Thakur, the Chief Minister of the State.  At the age of twelve, he was introduced to Nijanand Swami, who instantly recognized in him the soul of Indrawati and awakened him.

Note: Both, the Supreme Lord and His souls, cannot be identified by worldly names.  Indrawati and Sunderbai are the names of the Gopies of Brij and Raas.  In the scriptures, these same names have been utilized to establish proper co-relation with the predicted events.

The Divine Plan is explained to Mehraj 

The Perfect Divine Couple (Yugal Swaroop) in the person of Nijanand Swami, educated Mehraj regarding major future events, and said:

" Oh Mehraj, after quitting this mortal coil of Dev Chandra Ji, the powers of the Supreme divine couple will work through you.  When this will happen, you will be able to disclose the key secrets of both the holy Koran and Puranas.  You will also clarify the true meanings of the Koran's hurfeh-mukta-aat, the secrets of Allah the Supreme Lord that has remained unclear to date.  Oh Mehraj, you will be able to describe the knowledge of this world, Kshar Purusha, Akshar, the Uttam Purusha Aksharateet, and the complete glory of Param Dham.  Your name will shine for announcing the Eight Bihists, i.e., eight planes of eternal salvation in the Universe of Yogmaya, and making the world aware of the One Supreme Truth God.  Also, please remember that you have to awaken the two great souls (Sakundal and Sakumar), who will play a key role in Jagni Abhiyan, the Spiritual Awakening movement.  You will be greeted as the Buddha Nish-Kalanka Avatar or the Akhrul Jama Imam Mehndi."