Bilwamangal

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well-known Vaishnava saint of South India, son of a devout Brahmin, Ramdas. He had received a devotional education from his father. But after the death of his parents Bilwamangal fell into bad society and got completely engrossed in the love of a prostitute, Chintamani, till one day a biting reproach from her for his blind infatuation, suddenly opened his eyes and his love turned towards God with the same intensity of emotion. Once again, however, the sight of a beautiful woman gave him a jolt, but soon after he came to himself. Holding his eyes responsible for the slip, he pierced them each with a thorn and became blind. In that state, it is said, Krishna himself used to come to him as a boy to provide him food, and one day led him to Vrindavan.

Mentioned: {SABCL 23} 546, 553, 609