The nectar Yayati advocated
Here is an instance from Padma Purana (one of the eighteen Maha Puranas) to illustrate the glory of Hari Nama Kirtan –
Once Sri Narada Maharishi (celestial sage) met Lord Indra (the head of all the Devas) in heaven. Lord Indra welcomed the celestial sage by performing elaborate rituals and expensive offerings. He then enquired as to where Narada came from. [Narada is known for wandering across the different worlds singing the glory of Lord Hari]
Sri Narada Maharishi said that he had been to Earth, to meet Yayati (the son of Nahusha). Indra asked, “What is so special about Yayati?”. Sri Narada Maharishi said, “He is a very powerful king, an embodiment of high and rare qualities, and treads the path of Dharma (righteousness). He has also done a hundred Aswamedha and Vajapayee Yagas (offerings to the Devas through the Fire God).
Hearing this, Indra felt insecure. He feared that Yayati, like his father Nahusha, may soon compete for the post of Indra. He hatched a plan to attract Yayati in some manner to heaven and thereby prevent him from performing further Yagas which would qualify him for the post of Indra. Accordingly, he ordered Mathali, his charioteer , to accomplish this mission.
Mathali met Yayati on Earth. He started advising Yayati that earth is full of misery. “On the contrary, heaven is an abode of great enjoyment. There is no old age, no disease, no death, but all these are here on Earth. Further, we,in heaven, are the sole custodians of the rare nectar, which you you dont find on Earth. ( everybody in heaven are given a drop of nectar, which keeps the devas always young, free from death and disease). Heaven is the appropriate place for very special persons like you”, he said.
Yayati thanked Mathali for his advice but expressed his wish to make Earth a better place than heaven by discovering another nectar. Yayati immediately summoned all his ministers and wanted them to inform all humans on Earth to drink the nectar of Hari Nama Kirtan and make this Earth verily Vaikunta.
Lord Indra was stunned at the turn of events, and couldn’t control his anxiety because he knew that, to reach God, Nama Kirtan is the easiest and quickest path. But to do so one has to be born on Earth to enjoy the nectarine ocean of the Hari Nama Kirtan. His heart saluted the fortunate people on Earth.
Essence of the anecdote:
Hari nama kirtan is the nectar behind which even the devas try to drink. The Almighty permanently resides in the place where Hari Nama Kirtan is performed. Hari Nama Kirtan alone is enough to attract the God himself (in most other cases we can only attract His grace). This nectar is available only in Satsang (The abode of the God incarnates or saints on Earth).