One of the renowned ‘Ashtachhap Kavis’ Shri Kumbhandasjiwas delegated the kirtan seva of Shri Goverdhannathji by Shri Mahaprabhuji. Him kirtans became more and more popular gradually. Emperor Akbar also heard about his fame and became anxious to hear his kirtans. Therefore he sent his men to call Shri Kumbhandasji to his palace at Fatehpur Sikri. Kumbhandasji did not want to leave Shri Goverdhannathji and go to Emperor Akbar. However, being his order, (unwillingly) he had to go to Fatehpur Sikri. Emperor Akbar pressurized Kumbhandasji to sing kirtans of Lord Vishnu. Deeply aggrieved because of separation of Shri Goverdhannathji, sang the following pada:
“Bhakt ko Kaha Sikri Ka Kaam
Aavan jaavan Panaiya tuti bisri gayo Hari Naam”.
Meaning:
What has a devotee of Shri Goverdhannathji to do with Sikri. On the contrary by coming and going he wore off his chapals and in addition he had to abstain himself from worship of Shri Hari.
Emperor Akbar thought that had Kumbhandas any greed of money or any such thing, he would have flattered him instead of singing such a song. Being pleased by this, Akbar told Kumbhandasji to ask for whatever thing he desired. Kumbhandasji at that time requested him please do not call me again any time.
Asmita Bodh:
This is an illustration of the confidence and attachment Kumbhandasji had for his deity that he even did not care to please big emperor like Akbar.