Now all this fame and wealth filled Ladudan with pride. After his astonishing display of poetics in the Bhavnagar Palace, he heard that, “Bhagwan Swaminarayan has incarnated and is now in Gadhada.” His pride of learning, of his intellectual greatness, made him think, “What ? Does he really think he is God? I will only believe him after he passes my tests.” He then thought of 4 wishes:
(1) “He (Shriji Maharaj) should be wearing a rose garland. (2) There should be a katha of the Shrimad Bhagvat going on with the Bhagvat on a black woollen cloth. (3) He should have the 16 signs on the soles of his feet. (4) And he should call me by my name...Only then shall I believe him to be God,” thought Ladudan.

With these thoughts churning his mind, he galloped off to Gadhada. Along the way, his mind started getting calmer and calmer. For a few moments this made Ladudan shudder, “Could this be because he is God? No, no.”

In Gadhada, he trotted into Abhal Khachar’s darbar. On his left he saw a large neem tree. People were sitting underneath its shade. There were saffron robed sadhus as well. He suddenly felt drawn towards the tree. As he came closer, his eyes fell on a person dressed in white, seated on a high seat.

He felt a wave of soothing peace roll over him. He did not understand what was happening to him. He did not know that he had got off his horse and was walking towards the magnificent figure in white, with a rose garland around his neck ! He saw the Bhagvat on a black woollen cloth ! Just then he heard a voice. A friendly voice.

“Welcome Ladudanji! Welcome!”

Ladudan nearly fainted. Three wishes fulfilled! “Who is he? Is Swaminarayan really God?” His heart thumped wildly against his chest.

By now Ladudan had reached Shriji Maharaj. Instantly he knelt down at Maharaj’s lotus-feet. As his head touched the feet, he saw the 16 signs on the tender soles of Maharaj! His fourth wish was fulfilled! That did it! His ego of being the best poet crambled. His heart was humbled.

“O Bhagwan! Please forgive me. My ego prevented me from believing you as God. Please forgive me...” Tears filled Ladudan’s eyes.

Shriji Maharaj placed His hands on Ladudan’s head and blessed him. This divine touch transformed Ladudan. His heart was now completely drenched with bhakti for Shriji Maharaj. Being an extempore poet, he instantly composed the famous kirtan.

“Ajni ghadi re, dhanya ajni ghadi,
Mein nirakhya Sahajanand, dhanya ajni ghadi.”

Shriji Maharaj then gave Ladudan