Extracts from the Publisher’s Note of Tamil Bhakta Vijayam, a work that was read, proofread, and often referred to by Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi.

Maha Bhakta Vijayam, which is bigger than the Mahabharatam and Ramayanam, was first written in Hindustani in the year 1630 A.D. by Nabaji Siddha, deemed an incarnation of Lord Brahma. It contained the life stories of 700 devotees and was named ‘Bhakta Sara’. It was taught to Uddhava Siddha and others by Nabaji Siddha himself. Uddhava Siddha shortened the stories, wrote them in the language spoken in Gwalior, and called them Bhakta Mala.

Mahipati Bavaji removed the conversations pertaining to jnana aspects in that book and brought out in 1780 AD the life histories of 108 saints in Marathi and named the book ‘Bhakta Vijaya’. The rest of them, which he composed, were called ‘Santa Vijaya’ and ‘Santa Leelamruta’.

One Dipdev later brought out the book, including in it the portions relating to jnana, and named it ‘Dipa Ratnakara’. (All these were consulted and even enquired with the other elders.) Chittoor Venkatadasar translated it to Tamil, and the same was published by Saidapuram Umapati Mudaliar in 1864 A.D.

1. “A wooden stand was provided for me, and I read one portion per day from Bhakta Vijayam while Bhagavan explained the meaning to those present. Sometimes I would ask innocent questions from the book, and Bhagavan would patiently reply. The devotees in the hall used to say that they got answers to their doubts from the replies given by Bhagavan to my questions. -Smt. Rajalakshmi (The Mountain Path, April 2008)
   
2. Manu Subedor, who came from Bombay for Bhagavan’s darsan, said that most of the matter in ‘Avadhoota Gita’ and ‘Ashtavakra Gita’ was meant for the adepts, and there was not much by way of direct guidance for beginners.“ With infinite compassion in his eyes, the Maharshi looked at me and instructed one of the followers to bring a book. This was the Maha Bhakta Vijayam of Nabhaji. Bhagavan opened the book and began to read. Those who were present thoroughly enjoyed the reading, and I discovered that I was given exactly what I needed.