One who holds such firmness dear, Will never live in pain or fear…

The Essence of Firm Faith

Devotion That Does Not Falter

There comes a moment in every seeker’s journey when life tests the strength of their devotion. Muktanand Swami, through his profound verse, teaches that true love for God is not measured in ease or comfort—but in the unshaken loyalty that endures loss, pain, and trial.

“Though body and wealth may pass away,
A true devotee will never sway.”

For a Haribhakta—one who belongs fully to Bhagwan—faith is not conditional. Even when health fades, wealth disappears, or relationships change, their bond with God remains constant. Muktanand Swami compares this steadfastness to the ideal of a devoted wife, who leaves behind all attachments to remain with her husband. In the same way, a true devotee gives up all worldly ties to stay united with God.

“Like a faithful wife, who leaves behind
All worldly ties, with steadfast mind.”

This is the heart of dradh shraddha—firm, unwavering faith.

---

The Heroes of Unyielding Devotion

Prahlad: The Child Who Chose God Over the World

“See Prahlad – he did not stray,
He cast his father’s bond away.”

Prahlad’s story is one of extraordinary courage. Born into the house of a tyrant father who despised God, Prahlad never abandoned his devotion to Narayan. Even when faced with fire, serpents, and death, he chose faith over fear.

For BAPS devotees, Prahlad’s example is a call to remain loyal to Swaminarayan Bhagwan—even when the world around us pressures us otherwise. His life teaches us that the relationship with God must come before every other bond, and that true peace arises only from total surrender.

Harishchandra: Truth and Faith Beyond All Loss

“See Harishchandra, firm and true,
His faith in God was through and through.”

King Harishchandra, known for his truthfulness, lost his kingdom, wealth, and even family—but never his integrity or faith. When all was taken from him, he sold himself to serve others, yet continued to worship God with unbroken devotion.

His story reminds us that faith is not proven in comfort, but in struggle. In moments when we feel stripped of control, like Harishchandra, our true strength lies in remembering that Bhagwan never leaves our side.

King Bali: Total Surrender to the Divine Will

“See Bali’s heart—it did not shake,
His body, wealth, and soul he gave.”

King Bali’s greatness lay in his complete surrender. When Bhagwan Vaman appeared before him and asked for three steps of land, Bali recognized the Divine and gave everything—his body, wealth, and ego—without hesitation. Even when warned by his guru, he remained firm in his love for God.

For devotees today, this represents ātmanivedan—the offering of one’s entire being to Bhagwan. It is the courage to trust God fully, even when His ways seem to challenge our understanding.

---

The Strength of Steadfastness

Firmness as the Foundation of Happiness

Muktanand Swami concludes his verse with a powerful truth:

“One who holds such firmness dear,
Will never live in pain or fear.”

Those who cultivate unwavering faith are never truly unhappy, no matter what life brings. Their joy does not depend on changing circumstances but flows from the unchanging presence of God in their hearts.

This kind of firmness (dradhata) is not rigidity—it is spiritual resilience. It allows a devotee to remain peaceful through every high and low, confident that Bhagwan’s will is always for their good.

“Muktanand says—such souls are blessed,
In deepest joy and peace they rest.”

Living With Unshakable Faith Today

Faith Beyond Circumstance

In our fast-changing world, faith can easily be shaken by uncertainty—whether it’s health, relationships, or career struggles. But Muktanand Swami’s words invite us to return to what never changes: Bhagwan’s presence in our lives.

A true Haribhakta sees every situation as a divine test, every challenge as a chance to deepen surrender. When we face difficulties, instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” we can ask, “How can I use this to grow closer to God?”

Offering All to God

To “give body, mind, and wealth” to Bhagwan is not merely symbolic—it is a way of life. It means aligning every action with His will, every word with His love, and every thought with His remembrance.

This complete surrender transforms ordinary life into divine service. In that surrender, fear fades, joy blossoms, and peace becomes natural.

Verse	Translation
Tan dhan jata, harijan hoy te haribhaktithi nav chale; Jem nar sati, sarve mamta chhodi pati sange bale…	Though body and wealth may pass away, A true devotee will never sway. Like a faithful wife, who leaves behind All worldly ties, with steadfast mind.
Juo Prahlade pan nav chhodyu, nij tattanu sagpan trodyu; Dradh kari Mohan sang man jodyu…1	See Prahlad – he did not stray, He cast his father’s bond away. With steadfast love, his mind he tied, To God’s great feet, with faith and pride.
Juo Harischandre Hari nav tajiya, par gher vechai Prabhune bhajiya; Tyare Mohanna manma rajiya… 2	See Harishchandra, firm and true, His faith in God was through and through. He sold himself yet kept his faith, And so fully received God’s good grace.
Juo Balinu man nav hariyu, guru vachan hrude nav dhariyu; Tan man dhan Prabhu par variyu…3	See Bali’s heart-it did not shake, Though warned by guru, he did not break. His body, wealth, and soul he gave, To God, with love both pure and brave.
Evi dradhta dhare te mukhiya, te koi kale nav hoy dukhiya; Kahe Muktanand te maha sukhiya…4	One who holds such firmness dear, Will never live in pain or fear. Muktanand says-such souls are blessed, In deepest joy and peace they rest.

Introduction on Paramhansa (Text): https://www.baps.org/About-BAPS/TheFounder%E2%80%93BhagwanSwaminarayan/Legacy/Disciples/Paramhansas.aspx

Follow our Socials: Instagram | Youtube | Tiktok | Telegram | Whatsapp | Spotify | Apple Podcast