Vitak

A tradition of writing the life-history of Mahamati Shri Prannathji can be specially seen in the Nijanand Sampraday. Thus, in the Nijanand Sampraday, all compositions throwing light upon Shri Prannathji's life are called 'Vitak' or 'Vrittant', e.g. 'Vitak' composed by Shri Laldasji, 'Vrittant Muktavali' by Shri Brijbhushanji, 'Vitak' by Shri Navrang Swami, etc. As such Vitak-literature forms a part of the Biographical-literature only. Vitak literature presents much useful information regarding the Bhaktas of the medieval age. As a matter of fact, the word 'Vitak' is of Gujarati origin, which means a 'tale of one's own experiences'.

About 7 Vitaks are acknowledged by the Pranami Sampraday. However among all these, the Vitak written by Swami Laldasji is the oldest, most revered, and widely used. Just as, in the Pranami Sampraday, after Shri Prannathji, the place of honour is given to Swami Laldasji - so also, in the Pranami literature, after the holy Scripture 'Kuljam Swaroop' (Tartam Sagar), the place of honour is given to Swami Laldasji's 'Vitak'.

Among the many titles of Shri Prannathji, 'Mahamati' is one. Before departing for Paramdham, Shri Prannathji gave his title to Swami Laldasji and asked him to write the complete history of the Pranami Dharma, on his behalf. It is said, that after the departure of Shri Prannathji to Paramdham, Swami Laldasji began to write the Vitak (on the 4th day of Shravan Badi in V.S 1751) and completed the same on Bhaadan Badi Ashtami (Krishnashtami) Even today, wherever Pranami temples are there, in U.P., Bihar, Punjab, Gujarat, Mumbai, Assam, Tibet, Nepal etc., the study of Vitak is undertaken every year from the 5th day of Shravan Badi to Bhaadan Badi Ashtami (or Krishnashtami), so that one's spiritual battery gets recharged, and remains charged till the next year.

There is an account of thousands of persons, hundreds of places and many historical events in the Vitak. Many of the important events are verifiable in History. Vitak deals with the Pranami Dharma founded and spread by Shri Prannathji, and is related with Pranami literature. Not only did Shri Prannathji give the message to both Hindus and Muslims to bury their mutual religious malice, and co-exist peacefully; but also made efforts to search out the underlying basic Unity among all religions, through the study of the respective scriptures of the Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jews, and those of the followers of prophet Dawood. The writers of the History of India, and Hindi literature, are strangely silent about the life-history of Mahamati Shri Prannathji - the composer of the 18,758 verses of the Holy Book 'Kuljam Swaroop; of the Pranamis, the visionary who dreamt about the 'Unification of all Religions', and the Symbol of inspiration of Emperor Chhatrasal.

The Vitak deals with Shri Krishna's Vraja-Raas lilas, and the life-histories of Sadguru Shri Devchandraji and Shri Prannathji. It deals at length with the different stages through which Shri Prannathji had to pass, before deciding to wage a Religious war with Aurangzeb, during his campaign to awaken Aurangzeb to the truth of Hindu-Muslim oneness. It also reveals the various ideals and values preached and practised by Shri Prannathji during his lifespan of 76 years. It highlights his effort at establishing a Universal Religion and Universal Brotherhood; his efforts to emancipate women, to uplift the poor and the downtrodden, to promote the use of Hindustani, etc.

The last chapters describing the Seva done to Shri Prannathji and Baiju Maharani by Sundar Sath, serves as a guide to the followers of the Pranami Dharma in the matter of doing Seva to the Lord (in the form of the Yugal-Swaroop). It also becomes the basis for contemplation on Paramdham (or Chitavani). Vitak also presents the Doctrines and Philosophy of the Pranami Dharma. Thus the Vitak is a Unique presentation of the various aspects of a Religion, its founders, its history and its doctrine and beliefs - all rolled into one book.

In order to understand Shri Prannathji's Vani, it is essential to have a basic knowledge of Vitak. Tartam Vani is the revelation of Brahman - while Vitak is the path of Sadhana to be undertaken to attain the Goal of Brahman. There is a unique synthesis of History and spirituality in the Vitak. Its Historical-aspect acts as a mirror to the contemporary age, and its spiritual-aspect is the Revelation of Brahma-Lila. The primary aim of the Vitak Katha is to make the common man taste the presence of Paramatma, along with human welfare and all round prosperity. The practical solutions to man's problems in life, are self-evident throughout. As such, this is not the monopoly of any individual or group, but is a priceless Universal Treasure. Vitak teaches us the following -

* Paramdham - and its lilas.

* Shri Rajji, Shyamaji, the Brahmatmas and their Advait Lila, etc.

* Brahman Sat

* Akshar Brahma

* The world

* The jivas

* Maya

* liberation etc., and last but nor the least, teaches human values - such as, compassion, tolerance, co-operation, equal mindedness, feeling of brotherhood, non-violence, duty-awareness, self-restraint, self-confidence and Love towards all.