From time immemorial, the soul, immersed in worldly desires and passions, has become increasingly entangled in the darkness of this Kali Yuga. Indulgence in the pleasures of speech, hearing, sight, and touch deepens one’s bondage within the endless cycle of birth and death. In such challenging times, to rescue humanity from the abyss of rebirth and to make human life meaningful through connection with God, the saints of Swaminarayan Bhagwan have made relentless efforts—and continue to do so today. In this age, the simplest and most effective way to connect with God amidst the chaos of Kali Yuga is through Kirtan Bhakti.

Kirtan Bhakti involves singing praises of God’s glory and expressing the emotions that arise from the depths of the heart—love, longing for divine communion, joy of spiritual attainment, and feelings of separation. It is a profound medium to convey these heartfelt sentiments.

Shreeji Maharaj Himself had deep affection for Kirtan Bhakti. He would always have the saints sing kirtans before assemblies. The profound and devotional words of these kirtans would touch the hearts of listeners, immersing them in divinity. At times, the atmosphere would transform so completely that the sense of time and place would fade away.

Kirtan Bhakti is a unique medium to please God and to cultivate unwavering love for Him. It serves as a powerful means to elevate the soul beyond worldly entanglements and direct it towards the divine. Through the joyous and devotional practice of Kirtan Bhakti, one can deepen their connection with God and experience true spiritual fulfilment.

Premanand Swami’s Divine Incident

The beloved and lifeline of countless devotees, Lord Shri Hari, greatly valued the glory of His saints. Sometimes He would visit them to serve food; at other times, He would deliver discourses. Most often, He would certainly visit the saints during their mealtimes.

In those days, there was a rule that when meals were served, everyone would be served together. One day, the meal was ready, and Maharaj came to serve the saints. The saints sat in a line, and Maharaj glanced at them, but He did not see the embodiment of devotion, Sadguru Premanand Swami. Swami had a vow to compose four kirtan verses every day before partaking of food. That day, as his vow was incomplete, he did not come for the meal.

Maharaj personally went to Premanand Swami’s seat and lovingly said, “Swami, the meal will get cold. Come and eat.”

Premanand Swami, engrossed in composing kirtans, was overjoyed at Maharaj’s sudden darshan. Overwhelmed with love, he replied, “Maharaj, please be pleased with me! You may serve the meal. My vow of composing four kirtans daily is yet unfinished. Today, by Your grace, I have composed two verses; two remain. Only after completing them will I come for the meal. You may serve the others.”

Maharaj affectionately responded, “Swami, what is the difficulty in that? Let Me dictate the remaining two verses Myself, and you may write them. Thus, your vow will be fulfilled.” And so, a divine incident occurred: Shriji Maharaj Himself composed the third and fourth verses, expressing His innermost sentiments and His own glory, showering immense compassion on His devotees.

Below are those two divine kirtans:

Kirtan 1

Bolya Shrihari re, saambhalo narnari harijan;
Lord Hari spoke, "Listen, O men and women devotees;

Mare ek varta re, sahune sanbhalaavyanu chhe man.
I wish to narrate a story to all.

Mari murati re, mara lok, bhog ne mukt;
My form, my abode, pleasures, and liberation;

Sarve divya chhe re, tya to joyani chhe jukt.
All are divine; this can only be understood by experiencing them.

Maru dham chhe re, akshar amrut jenu nam;
My abode is called Akshar Amrut;

Sarve samrathi re, shakti gune kari abhiram.
It is full of all powers, virtues, and beauty.

Ati tejomay re, ravi shashi kotik varane jay;
It radiates with brilliance, outshining millions of suns and moons;

Shital shant chhe re, tejani upma nav devay.
Yet it is cool and peaceful; no comparison can describe its radiance.

Tema hu rahu re, dvibhuj divya sada sakar;
There I reside eternally in a divine, visible, human-like form;

Durlabh devne re, maro koi n pame par.
Difficult even for gods to comprehend, no one can fathom My depth.

Jiv ishwar tano re, maya kal purush pradhan;
I am the controller of Jivas, Ishvaras, Maya, Time, Purush, and Pradhan;

Sahune vash karu re, sahuno prerak hu bhagwan.
I control all; I am the inspirer of all beings.

Aganit vishvani re, utpatti palan pralay thay;
Innumerable universes are created, sustained, and dissolved;

Mari marji vina re, koithi taranu nav todai.
Without My will, not even a blade of grass can move.

Em mune jano re, maram asrit sau narnari;
Know Me thus, O men and women who seek My refuge;

Me to tam agale re, varta satya kahi chhe mari.
I have spoken My truth before you.

Hu to tam karane re, avyo dham thaki dhari deh;
I have come from My abode and assumed a body for your sake;

Premanandno re, valo varsya amrut meh.
For Premanand’s sake, a shower of nectar has rained."

Kirtan 2

Vali sahu saambhalo re, mari varta param anup;
"Listen again, all of you, to my supreme and unique story;

Param siddhant chhe re, sahune hitkari sukh rup.
It is the highest principle, beneficial and blissful for all.

Sahu haribhaktane re, javu hoye mare dham;
All devotees who wish to reach My abode;

To mane sevjo re, tame shuddh bhave thai niskam.
Should serve Me with pure, selfless devotion.

Sahu haribhaktane re, rahevu hoye mare pas;
All devotees who wish to remain close to Me;

To tame meljo re, mithya panchvishay ni ash.
Should renounce the false desires of the five senses.

Muj vina jano re, bija mayik sahu akar;
Know that, except for Me, all other forms are materialistic;

Priti todjo re, jutha jani kutumb parivar.
Break attachment to your family, knowing them to be transient.

Sahu tame paljo re, sarve dradh kari mara nem;
Firmly follow all My commands;

Tam par rijhashe re, dharm ne bhakti karshe kshema.
Dharma and Bhakti will bless and protect you.

Sant haribhaktane re, didha shikshano updesh;
The teachings given to saints and devotees;

Latkam hathna re, karta shobhe natvar vesh.
Adorn the graceful form with uplifted hands in devotion.

Nijan upare re, amrut varsya anand kand;
Upon My true followers, I shower nectar and bliss;

Jem sahu aushadhi re, prite poshe puran chand.
Just as the full moon nurtures all herbs with its gentle rays.

Shobhe santma re, jem kai uduganma udu raj;
Among saints, it shines like the moon among stars;

Ishwar uday thaya re, kalima karva janna kaj.
God has manifested in Kali Yuga for the welfare of all.

Aa pad shikhshe re, gashe sanbhashe kari pyar;
Those who learn, sing, and listen to these verses with love;

Premanandno re, Swami leshe teni sar.
Premanand's Swami will take good care of them."