अणुभाष्य (महाप्रभु वल्लभाचार्य - शुद्धाद्वैत वेदान्त ब्रह्मसूत्र महाभाष्य प्रकाश टीका सहित)

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in his contact. He was blessed by Vitthales'vara by giving him his own waist-coat. From this day the fortunes of this Brahmadāsa began to rise and ultimately he became one of the trusted advisers of Emperor Akbar under the now well-known name of Birbal (बिरबल). This Birbal's relations with Giridharaji were very intimate, as could be gathered from the letters of Vitthales'vara. He seems to have helped Vitthales'vara a great deal when the possession and control of the shrine of Shree Nāthaji on the Govardhana Hill were taken over by Vitthales'vara some time later from the Bengālee worshippers.

After his stay for about three years, Vitthales'vara perhaps noticed that even this kingdom of Durgāwati would ultimately be invaded by Akabar's armies. In samvat 1621 (1564 A. D.) a pretext was found out by Asafkhan by demanding from her, her favourite elephant Gurudār. She naturally refused to comply with the demand. The attack of Asafkhan is the more glaring because Durgāvati's prime minister Adhāradasa was deputed by her to the court of Akbar. This seems to have influenced Vitthales'vara in giving up his residence at Gaḍhā. He therefore expressed his desire to Rāṇi Durgāvati that he wanted to go and reside on the banks of the Yamunā (Jumna). To meet Vitthales'vara's desire Rani Durgāvati caused to be built at Mathurā the Seven Houses which became ultimately known as 'Sat-garā'. Vitthales'vara and his seven sons lived at Mathurā in this Satgarā. It was in these Satgarā that for about two months or so S'ree Nathaji was brought on Fālgun Kṛishṇa 7, 1623 from the Govardhana Hill by Giridharaji when Vitthales'vara was on his visit to Gujarāt. These seven houses do not exist now, but the place on which they stood is to this day known as Sat-garā at Mathurā. It is situated behind Chhattā Buzaar on the west, and the pilgrims for Parikramā start from this place. At Gaḍhā, Vitthales'vara had very pleasant times. He celebrated the Rathotsava festival. The car was taken in a big procession round the capital in which Rāṇi Durgāvati took part with all the nobles of her court. In fact all the resources of the state were requisitioned for the celebration of the Rathotsava.

When Vitthales'vara left Gaḍhā, Rāṇi Durgāvati sent her minister Adhardāsa, to accompany him with a large escort.

After he left Gaḍhā Vitthales'vara does not seem to have been visited by Rāṇi Durgāvati. She lost her life while fighting valiantly with Asaf- khan, and her son Veeranārāyana also seems to have met with a similar fate. The rich treasures of the Royal treasury were looted by Asafkhan, and were carried away by him. The ravage done was so complete that no definite marks of this illustrious princess's kingdom could now be traced by historians. The traces of Vitthales'vara's stay in Gaḍhā are fortunately preserved by his Bethak, near Jubbulpore which is said to be the place where his second marriage with Padmāvati was celebrated as mentioned above.

2006