It is said that a true Guru is greater than the mythical stone ‘Paras’ (philosopher’s stone), because while Paras turns iron into gold, a true Guru transforms a disciple into a saint like himself. This holds absolutely true in the case of Bakhna Sahib.
The exact date of Bakhna Sahib’s birth is not known. Based on the verses in “Bhaktamal”, it is estimated that he was born in the later part of the sixteenth century in either Narayana town or Narane village in Rajasthan. There are differing opinions about his caste. Some consider him to be from the Mirasi, Lakhara, Kalal, or Rajput communities. From childhood, Bakhna had a beautiful and well-built body. In his youth, his attractive physique drew people towards him. Not only his appearance, but he also had a melodious voice from birth. His singing was so captivating that listeners would gather from afar. Passers-by would stop to listen, and his audience wouldn’t leave until he stopped singing. He usually sang romantic songs—sensual and deeply physical in nature.
Meeting with the Guru:
One day, Bakhna was singing a sensual and passionate ‘Phag’ (spring song) with his friends in Narane. They were completely absorbed in the performance. It is said that sometimes even great saints wait for such moments. Dadu Sahib was known for his skill in redirecting intense worldly passions toward spiritual devotion. Just as he had redirected Rajjab’s carnal love into Guru devotion, he now turned Bakhna’s sensuous music into a calm lake of spiritual songs devoted to the formless God. Dadu Sahib approached him and said, “Brother, the God who gave you this beautiful voice and body—why not sing His praises? Why waste your precious life with obscene songs? Dedicate your talents to divine devotion; your present life and the next will be blessed.”
Dadu Sahib himself sang a devotional hymn for him and warned that if he continued on his current path, he would waste his life immersed in desires. He urged Bakhna to awaken before it was too late. Bakhna was already emotionally inclined—though his emotions were sensuous, there was depth and fervor in them. Dadu Sahib’s words struck his heart like a divine arrow. His emotional energy turned toward devotion. Bowing before Dadu Sahib, Bakhna said, “Lord, you have awakened my sleeping soul. Please grant me refuge at your feet and show me the right path.”
Dadu Sahib wasted no time in accepting him as a disciple. From that moment, Bakhna became Bakhna Sahib. Love for his Guru deepened quickly. He began his journey from form to formless. His songs, now like monsoon clouds, rained over the Dadu tradition. His bhajans felt like the voice of God Himself. Tears of devotion flowed from his eyes as he sang. He became one of Dadu Sahib’s main disciples.
It is said that Bakhna Sahib became not only a devotee of his Guru but also a devotee of the Guru’s other disciples. Such humility was rare. It is popularly believed that when Emperor Jahangir visited Narayana to meet Saint Garibdas, he also paid his respects to Bakhna Sahib along with scholars and judges. Another tale mentions that when Emperor Akbar invited Dadu Sahib to Sikri, Bakhna was among the specially honored disciples.
Bakhna–Rajjab Meeting:
Once, Bakhna Sahib invited his fellow disciple Rajjab to his home for a meal. Seeing Rajjab’s beauty and grace, Bakhna’s wife asked why there was such a difference between the two disciples of the same Guru. Bakhna humbly replied that she, as Maya (illusion), resided in his home and it was her influence. He added that the grandeur seen in Rajjab was a blessing from their Guru, Dadu Sahib. Later, Rajjab did something for Bakhna that brought prosperity to his home as well.
Discipleship Tradition:
Bakhna Sahib was a true disciple and always considered discipleship as the foundation of spiritual progress. He had no desire to become a Guru, which is why he had only one known disciple—Hariram.
Writings:
Bakhna Sahib’s spiritual compositions are divided into “Sakhi” and “Pad” (verses and couplets), filled with the teachings, philosophy, and practices of Dadu Sahib.
Nirvana (Passing Away):
The exact date of Bakhna Sahib’s death is also unknown, but it is believed that he renounced his mortal body in his native village Narane. Even today, seekers and saints feel his spiritual presence in the soil of Narane. His sweet voice still seems to echo in the air.
Sources:
- Sant Sudhasar – Viyogi Hari
- Indian Saint Tradition – Baldev Vamshi
- Northern Indian Saint Tradition – Parshuram Chaturvedi
- Sant Bakhna – Wikipedia
