Bhaktmal

This document is a scanned copy of the Bhaktamal (The Garland of Devotees) by Raghavdas, along with a commentary by Chaturdas. It was published by the Rajasthan Oriental Research Institute, Jodhpur, as part of the Rajasthan Puratan Granthamala series (Volume 8). The editing was done by Shri Agarchand Nahata.

Here's a summary of the key information presented in the initial pages:

• Title: Bhaktamal (भक्तमाल)
• Author: Raghavdas (राघवदास)
• Commentator: Chaturdas (चतुरदास)
• Publisher: Rajasthan Oriental Research Institute, Jodhpur (राजस्थान प्राच्यविद्या प्रतिष्ठान, जोधपुर)
• Series: Rajasthan Puratan Granthamala (राजस्थान पुरातन ग्रन्थमाला), Granthank 8 (ग्रन्थाङ्क ८)
• Chief Editor of the Series: Padmashri Muni Jinvijay, Puratatvacharya (पद्मश्री मुनि जिनविजय, पुरातत्त्वाचार्य)
• Editor of this Volume: Shri Agarchand Nahata (श्री अगरचन्द नाहटा)
• Publication Year: Vikram Samvat 2021 (विक्रमाब्द २०२१), corresponding to 1965 AD (ख्रिस्ताब्द १९६५)
• Shaka Era Year: Bhāratrashtriya Shakābda 1885 (भारतराष्ट्रीय शकाब्द १८८५)
• Price: Rs. 6.75 (मूल्य रु० ६.७५)
• Print Run: 1000 copies (प्रथमावृत्ति १०००)

The introductory remarks, particularly in the "Sanchalakiya Vaktavya" (Director's Statement) and the "Bhumika" (Introduction), highlight the following:

• Purpose of Bhaktamals: These texts serve as guides by describing the exemplary conduct and lives of devotees, offering solace and direction to people, especially during times of spiritual uncertainty.
• Historical Context: The tradition of composing "Bhaktamals" (garlands of devotees' stories) is ancient, with examples found in Vedic and Upanishadic literature, and further development in Puranas, Ramayana, and Mahabharata. The specific term "Bhaktamal" became prominent with Nabhadas's famous work. Various sectarian groups (Dadupanthi, Ramanandi, Gaudiya, etc.) have their own Bhaktamals.
• Raghavdas's Bhaktamal: This particular Bhaktamal, composed by Raghavdas, a disciple of Haridas (who was a disciple of Hapoji, who was a disciple of Daduji), is significant for its inclusion of the lives of numerous Dadupanthi devotees.
• Chaturdas's Commentary: The commentary by Chaturdas, also from the same tradition, elaborates on the lives of the devotees, making the text more detailed and informative.
• Significance of this Publication: The Rajasthan Oriental Research Institute recognized the importance of this work, especially its contribution to Rajasthani literature and history. Shri Agarchand Nahata played a crucial role in its meticulous editing, including textual collation from various manuscripts, providing variants, and compiling useful appendices.
• Manuscript Details: The introduction mentions the availability of multiple manuscripts, including one written only 3.5 years after Chaturdas completed his commentary (Samvat 1861 VS). It also discusses variations in verse counts and verses found in different manuscripts, indicating the evolution and potential interpolations in the text over time.
• Scope of Raghavdas's Bhaktamal: The work is notable for its broad scope, including devotees from Vaishnava traditions, as well as saints from other Sampradayas like Kabir, Nanak, and even figures from different religious affiliations like Muslims and Charans. It also encompasses both Saguna (with attributes) and Nirguna (without attributes) devotees.
• Detailed Index: The book contains an extensive index (Anukramanika) listing numerous individuals and categories of devotees described in the text, highlighting the vastness of the compendium.

In essence, this publication presents a vital work in Hindi and Rajasthani literature, offering a rich tapestry of devotional lives and practices within the broader Indian religious landscape, with a specific focus on the Dadupanthi tradition.