Srila Jagannath Das Babaji Maharaj

Srila Jagannath Das Babaji Maharaj is known to be the sovereign emperor of the Gaudiya Vaishnava world. No human talent can ever describe His fathomless love for Lord Goursundar (Gauranga). He spent many years in the adoration of Sri Radha-Govinda in Sri Vrindavan. During His appearance lila, He was a highly revered personality. Everywhere He continues to be renowned as "Siddha Baba" (a great devotee who Has reached the Goal or attained Ultimate Success). Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur beheld his lotus-feet for the first time in Vrindavan in 1880 and received many precious advices about Haribhajan from him.

 

Srila Babaji Maharaj said:

There is the danger of committing Ten Offences while chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra. But, there is no consideration of offence in uttering Pancha Tattva – “Sri Krishna-Chaitanya Prabhu Nityananda, SriAdwaita Gadadhar Srivasadi Gour-bhaktabrinda.”

 

Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur met Srila Babaji Maharaj for the second time at Amlajora village in the district of Burdwan in Falgun, 1298 Bangabda (Year of the Bengali era). Srila Babaji Maharaj observed the holy fast enjoined on the eleventh day of a lunar fortnight (Ekadashi) at Amlajora village and discoursed on God. Though He was very old, He was fond of devotional dance and congregational singing of the Holy Name. Next day, Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur established 'Sri Prapannashram' at Amlajora village. Srila Babaji Maharaj was extremely happy to see the ceaseless loving efforts of Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur in preaching and propagating the gospels of Lord Gouranga.

 

While staying in Nabadwip, Srila Babaji Maharaj would remain engrossed in Nam-Bhajan (the adoration of the Holy Name) on the bank of the Ganges at Kuliya. (His Bhajan-cottage and His Samadhi-temple still exist there.) In 1893, Srila Babaji Maharaj came from Kuliya, Nabadwip to Sri Godrum Surabhi Kunja and made Thakur Bhaktivinode and other devotees extremely happy. He paid a kind visit to Sri Mayapur, and it was with the divine inspiration of Srila Babaji Maharaj that Srila Thakur Bhaktivinode discovered the Birth-site of Mahaprabhu. Srila Babaji Maharaj ascertained that the discovery was true. He pronounced it to the entire world and danced in ecstatic joy in the holy Birth-place of the Lord. Devotees were astonished at his wild dance at such a ripe old age. Dancing impetuously with loud roars, He swept the devotees away on the wave of transcendental enthusiasm. The sound of Sankirtan filled the three worlds and maddened the Vaishnavas present there.

 

 Srila Babaji Maharaj had a great affection for Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur, whom He had asked to prepare a Vaishnava Almanac. From Srila Babaji Maharaj, the world has learnt that the fifth day of bright fortnight in the month of Magha (Bengali Calendar) is the day of Sri Vishnupriya Devi's appearance.

 

 Some of His immortal messages to this world are like this—

“Those who make money by interpreting the Bhagavatam are offenders at the feet of the Holy Name. The transcendental words of Krishna never appear on their lips. Their attitude is more abominable than that of prostitutes. Those who listen to the talks of such speakers will be ruined.”

 “If you want final success in your Bhajan, you must maintain strict regularity in chanting the Name. Don't go to bed before completing the fixed number of chanting everyday. Stick to your vow even at the cost of your life. If you adore the Holy Name with such sincerity, you are sure to attain perfection or final success. At first you will have to toil hard. But ultimately you will get eternal rest at the blissful feet of Lord Gouranga.”

Srila Babaji Maharaj disappeared from this world in Nabadwip in the year, 1895, when he was about 147. Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur described Him as “the Old Commander of the army of devotees.”

Srimad Bhakti Keval Audulomi Goswami Thakur has aptly remarked:

 “This Bhaktivinode-line will eternally run and such is the declaration of the holy Vedas. Why so? Because this line has appeared at the divine will of the Lord Himself and He is fulfilling His mission through this channel. This current will never come to a standstill.”