Easily able to overcome hardship arising from the elements of the universe
(Octagon)
By watching the Octagon (on the sole), crores of pains are destroyed; the Kaal (death) cannot kick, and pleasure overflows the heart. ASHTAKON 2 16 There are eight angles of Octagon, in the same way on this earth there are four directions - east, west, north and south and there are four corners - North-east, South-east, South-west and North-west. In this way the evil effect of Kaal spreads in all the eight directions. If one contemplates the octagon mark on the feet of Shri Hari he is saved from the evil forces of Kaal which are always painful. The best place to save oneself from the terror of Kaal is at the feet of Lord Swaminarayan. By disowning such sense and understanding one can connect his soul with the idol of Shri Hari. One can save himself from the clutches of Kaal and gets his heart full of happiness. So Muktanand Swami writes in Vivek Chintamani :
There is terror of Kaal for all unto 14 universes, if one stays in the service of Hari; the Kaal will not engulf him, so says Muktanand.
This statement emerges directly from the personal experience of Muktanand Swami. It was midnight and Muktanand Swami was contemplate by singing while sat at one place, and suddenly the Kaal with his horrible figure came and stood there at a distance. So Muktanand Swami asked “Who are you? And what do you want to do here?” He replied, “I am the Kaal and I have been hungry for many days. I am here to eat a man.” Muktamuni thinking of unexpected troubles said, “You go away from here immediately. If Shri Hari comes to know of your arrival, you will be punished.” So Kaal went away from there.
But an idea entered the mind of Muktamuni that Kaal has gone back today but if alms and devotion are given to him, he may feel satisfied. Being an ascetic himself what would he do? He took a vow, “Dinner should be arranged for saints. One cloth be given to Brahmin, a cow worth rupees 5/- should be given and a food-plate should be offered to Shriji Maharaj.” Then he went back to his meditation.
Next morning as he was free from his daily rituals, there came Mukund Brahmachari whom he offered a seat. Then he told him about the appearance of Kaal and his vow for pacifying him. Then he did the Puja of Brahmachari, offered him a bed-sheet and then asked him to offer food-plate to Shriji Maharaj and said, “you also have the food.” Brahmachari replied, “as you wish.” And he went from there.
On his way Shriji Maharaj met him. Shriji Maharaj asked “Where are you coming from today? “So Brahmachari talked about appearance of the Kaal. Shri Hari told him that everyone has been protected so let the food be fine. So Dada Khachar and his family arranged for best food. All the saints were called and offered food. Thus, Muktamuni accepted the remedy to send the Kaal back. Such richness and competence had come to Muktanand Swami due to the power of the shelter in Shri Hari's feet. Mukta says Kaal does not engulf him, who serves Shri Hari's feet.
The clutches of the cobra called Kaal spread unto 14 worlds and destroys all, but he cannot defeat the devotees of Lord Swaminarayan. In this way the two elements - protection from Kaal and pleasure of heart - are included when one remembers the mark of Ashtakon i.e. Octagon. While remembering Octagon it should be firmly convinced that Lord Swaminarayan protects me at every place and every moment. I contemplate on the Octagon in the feet of Lord Swaminarayan who brings ever lasting pleasure in my heart.