Friday, January 21, 2011

Baba Shri Manohar Das ji, the Pride of the Spiritual World-XXVIII

Lord Krishna, the Cowherd of Vraja


Manohar Baba never made anyone his disciple even when he reached ninety-one years of age. 

He often used to say that A young cowherd of Vraja (referring to Lord Krishna's youthful career spent as a gopa amongst the simple people of Gokula & Vrindavan),stays by his side for twenty-four hours of the day. So where was the need for anyone else.

Age Never Weighed on Manohar Baba


His age was never a burden for him. Baba could easily do the daily chores on his own, without anyone's assistance. Getting the akhand (continuous) sankirtan of the 'Mahamantra' done everywhere was very dear to Bal Krishan Das ji Maharaj. Every year he would get the thirty days continuous sankirtan of the Mahamantra, done at Lonara Village situated near Barwani (Madhya Pradesh.) Manohar Baba would take part with his entire parikar and it is a practice followed even today. Once he had got the non stop kirtan of chanting Hari's name which lasted for eight months, done in Barwani.


Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Chief Exponent of the Sankirtana Movement


On completion of 500 years of the tirobhava (disappearance by divine power) of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the chief exponent of the sankirtana movement, a resolve arose in Shri Maharaj;s heart to get the 501 days akhand sankirtan done in Barwani. He informed the denizens of Barwani about his vow but could not get an instant approval letter to get this difficult task done. Later on due to Maharaj ji's health being on the decline this matter was overlooked. In the course of time, after Maharaj ji had gained entry into the eternal nikunja (passed away), Manohar Baba came to know of Shri Maharaj ji's resolve through the bhaktas of Barwani. That is when Baba reflected that the flame of the lamp of chanting Hari's Name which had been lit in Barwani, should never become weak.

Manohar Baba with his Sankirtan Mandal in Barwani


Consequently, in spite of his enfeebled state Baba often visited Barwani and kept inspiring its people to have the 501 days akhand sankirtan of the 'Mahamantra' done. He endorsed that everyone's heart's desires are fulfilled by group chanting of the 'Mahamantra.' He also set up a sankirtan mandal , a circle consisting of youths for this cause.


Revered Baba with the Bhaktas of Barwani


Simultaneously, he urged his own bhaktas and followers there, “You just get the sankirtana started and see how the chanter instinctively does japa of the Lord's name and gets it done from others as well. There is neither a need to ask any person for wealth nor to get worried about making arrangements. By the grace of Maharaj ji, all the tasks will be completed without any impediments.” 

This statement of Manohar Baba became a harbinger of enthused fervour for the residents of Barwani.

Shri Ram Mandir, Barwani


Soon after, they got the akhand sankirtan of the Mahamantra which lasted for 501 days (18 months), done in the Ram Mandir of Barwani from 18th July, 2004 till 5th January, 2006.


Scenes from the Akhand Sankirtan in Barwani


Little girls clad in colourful clothes and decked as gopis carrying auspicious water pots on their heads, walked ahead in joyous abandon, right in front  of the majestic procession of Hari Naam's akhand sankirtan taken out on 18th July, 2004 in Barwani. 


The svarupas of Radha-Krishna along with a portrait of highly revered Shri Maharaj were resplendent on a decorated buggy right behind the little girls. Several mandlis ( religious groups) singing bhajans and women dancing joyously, walked alongside.

After them, Vrindavan's Svami Shri Ram Sharma, the renowned rasacharya, who was recipient of the President's Award, sat in a jeep adorned with flowers and moved ahead while singing bhajans. Right after, countless bhaktas and devotees sang devotional songs, as they swayed enthusiastically. 


Women Doing the Colourful Garba Dance

Several women were doing the colourful garba dance (of Gujarat). Thereafter, Manohar Baba sitting majestically in an open jeep was escalating the glory of the majestic procession.

This long procession making the entire town of Barwani abound with sankirtan, reached the Ram Mandir which was its destination, after roughly four hours. All along the grand procession was given a splendid welcome by the showering of flowers by onlookers.


Kalash Sthapana


The kalash sthapan (the offering of a water-pot of water to a deity in which twigs from sacred trees have been placed) and pujan was done by Manohar Baba at the Ram Mandir, the site of the sankirtan. Simultaneously Shri Kavthekar ji, a famed musician did the mangalacharan (auspicious religious observance) with shastriya sangeet.

That is when Manohar Baba said while addressing the audience that by this sankirtan the vow of Shri Maharaj ji which he had taken taken 16 years back, was materializing. 

“By this congregation every person can attain however much he wants, and his temporal, unearthly and spiritual cherished desires are fulfilled, for certain.


Shri Bal Krishna Das ji Maharaj


This religious function is the last resolve of Shri Maharaj ji and our final duty.” Soon after ,Manohar Baba sang the mahamantra,

“Hare Ram Hare Ram, Ram Ram Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare |”
and auspiciously inaugurated the 501 days congregation of chanting Hari's name.

When Baba had begun the divine sankirtan in Barwani, Damu Bhai staying in the neighbouring Narmada Nagar invited him to his residence. Baba clarified that he would not be coming alone but getting 20 other people of his parikar. In good humour Baba asked him what he would give them  to eat? 

Dal Baati

Soon enough,Manohar Baba gave the answer himself, “Home made daal baati (vegetarian dish of Rajasthan) and kheer (rice cooked in milk with sugar.)”

Damu Bhai instantly responded, “Whatever you want.” Alongside he sent his cars to Baba and got him over to his place along with the parikar. On Baba's reaching Narmada Nagar, he was given a grand welcome. 

Portrait of Shri Balkrishna Das ji Maharaj

Manohar Baba was very pleased to observe that there was a separate faction of Maharaj ji's followers even here, wherein the portrait of Shri Balkrishan Das ji Maharaj was resplendently placed on the bed. And its seva (service) and puja was being carried on with proper rites and rituals, very much like Vrindavan.


Sankirtana


Thereafter Baba was invariably invited by his bhaktas and devotees everyday to Barwani and its neighbouring regions. Baba would go everywhere with his entire mandali (group of adherents), do satsang (worship and sing bhajans)


Manohar Baba(standing) and Bal Krishan Das ji Maharaj


and narrate his personal recollections of Maharaj ji. Asking about the devotees' own joys and sorrows, he accepted their seva while giving consolation. (page 379-380 of 'Smriti Kaumudi,'the memoirs of Shri Manohar Baba)

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Baba Shri Manohar Das ji, the Pride of the Spiritual World-XXVII

Venu Vinod Kunj had been built in the year 1963, on the insistence of the bhaktas and devotees of Shri Maharaj ji. Baba also came to stay here from 1987 onwards, as per the orders of Shri Maharaj ji. And continued to live in these premises throughout his life.


Shri Khanderao Mule, Baba's Father
Shri Khanderao Mule, Baba's father, used to harbour a grudge against Shri Maharaj ji because he felt that his son had abandoned his house solely due to Maharaj ji. However when he came to Vrindavan Shri Khanderao was extremely impressed by Shri Maharaj ji.

During the span of Shri Maharaj ji's presence, Baba would do all sundry work of the Kunj with the enthused fervour of youth even at the age of 76. He made the current of chanting God's name begun by Shri Maharaj ji gush forth and brought about the well-being of mankind. 


Shri Balkrishna Das ji Maharaj ji's Bhava States

Baba clicked all the photographs of Shri Maharaj ji till the last days of his life, 24th May 1995. Thereafter he never touched his camera. Baba became so deeply steeped in grief when Shri Maharaj ji was no more that it seemed as if he was a stone idol.



Hasanpur


Once Manohar Baba went to Narang Bahen ji's house in Hasanpur. When he was sitting there alone in a serious posture on the upper storey in a room his family members insisted that he tell them something about Shri Maharaj ji. 

“ Once I was travelling in a train during the span of my separation from Maharaj ji. My mind was very dejected due to the pathos of longing for him. Simultaneously thoughts of leaving my body were overpowering," revealed Baba. 


Lord Krishna's Romantic Dalliance


Precisely at that moment, a lush garden of flowers appeared before my eyes. And soon enough, scenes of Lord Krishna's various romantic dalliances became perceptible like a fleeting movie. Thereafter, I was not conscious of my body nor my anguish. Throughout the journey these glimpses flitted before my eyes. That is when I understood that this separation from Maharaj ji was just an outwardly pretense. In reality he was by side and looking after me every moment.”



Shri Balkrishan Das ji Maharaj


Manohar Baba was the one who edited the biography of highly revered Shri Maharaj ji and 


Shri Ghanshyam Das ji Thakur

'Smriti-Saurabh,' the memoirs of revered Shri Ghanshyam Das Thakur ji. In fact Shri Maharaj ji had granted his treasury of sentiments to Baba, who was a true saint. Baba's glory is eternal and infinite. Worldly illusions did not even dare to touch him.




Manohar Baba's Sweet Smile


Whereas his sweet smile invariably attracted everyone. He would look at every person with great respect and loving affection. That was the reason that any one who came into contact with him become his own in no time. Manohar Baba was not merely a majestic grandeur of Vrindavan but also illustrated its actual svarupa or form. Throughout his life he hid himself for fear of fame. Above all he never looked at the drawbacks of anyone.

Baba was adept in the medicine of Ayurveda and homeopathy. With both these sciences he gave free medical treatments to countless patients. He had an  indepth knowledge of astrology and the duties of a pundit. Whenever he would look at the lines of a person's palm and foretell his future, it would turn out to be absolutely true. Several adherents working as pundits would often come to Baba, to be shown the correct path. Under his supervision, Manohar Baba got various religious observances done at the places of many people, which were completely successful.

Unaffectedness, simplicity, generosity, sensitivity, fondness of joking, and benevolence pervaded every fiber of Manohar Baba's being. He was absolutely free from desires, very contented and modest as a person.The dazzle of worldly power and wealthy affluence used to sting his eyes. He opined that with all this glitter of the mundane, the sattvicta or genuine goodness of a person comes to an end.


Shri Venu Vinod Bihari, the Thakur of Manohar Baba


Baba spent his entire life in a small room with the very basic of necessities. His room on the first floor used to get extremely heated in summers. Therefore Avdesh Mishra, one of his devotees, managed to get a cooler fixed in his room, after great insistence. 

But Baba used it very sparingly because he felt,“It's rumbling sound impeded his worship.”

Revered Manohar Baba used to sleep very little at night whereas nobody ever saw him sleep in the daytime. In the afternoon he either read spiritual literature, biographies of saints or else he would do his writing work. He was least interested in discussing worldly matters. There is a wide array of his bhaktas and followers spread all over India and abroad, who would rush to place his desired object at his feet, on getting an indication. But amazingly, Baba never made an entreaty to any person for anything.

He was a person who spoke with great clarity.Without beating about the bush, Baba would lucidly speak about whatever he had to say, whether someone liked it or not. Manohar Baba was exactly the same person within and what he appeared outside. With great self-control Manohar spent his entire life and followed a strict regimen throughout. He was extremely particular about punctuality with his daily regime being bound by the arms of a clock.



Shri Baba & Devi Ji with Balkrishan Das ji Maharaj


Baba held revered Devi ji in great esteem throughout his life. Though he was quite old to Devi ji in age and he had sought the refuge of Maharaj ji before Devi ji. In spite of these facts, he considered Devi ji's standing superior to his own. 

 Whenever any matter regarding Venu Vinod Kunj or Tamal Kunj and its residents would present itself before him, he would instantly ask, “Have you informed Devi ji? Go and tell her.”

 If a person would give any parcel to him, without looking at the contents he would immediately have it sent to Shri Devi ji. Where can one get to see such great detachment in today's millennium amidst unprecedented prosperity. (pages 377-378, 'Smriti Kaumudi,' the memoirs of Shri Manohar Baba)

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Baba Shri Manohar Das ji, the Pride of the Spiritual World-XXVI

Shri Manohar Baba


Bajpai ji enthused, “You are worried about my financial status. But you have no inkling that ever since you came home my income has increased considerably and this was never the case earlier. Just have a look at my earnings today.” 

 Exulting so, he kept his wallet before Baba. Recollecting the spontaneous grace of the Supreme Being, Baba began weeping. Seeing him cry, the Mandakini of affection flowed down the cheeks of his entire family, as tears.

Shri Vrindavan

 Later on, Baba left for Vrindavan.

When revered Manohar Baba was asked to vacate his kutiya he readily accepted the decision.He stayed for some days at the house of Gitavanti Mata ji, where Shri Usha Bahenji used to live earlier. Meanwhile Shri Usha Bahen ji lived in Barhi Kunj during this time.



The Festival of Holi


From there Manohar Baba went to Lalit Bahen ji's place so that Usha Bahenji could celebrate the festival of holi at Gitavanti Mata ji's house. Later on he stayed at the residence of Shri Kamla Baba as well. Shri Darshan Bahenji and Shri Uma Bahenji used to live in a room right there.



River Yamuna in Vrindavan


Both of them followed a regimen of going for darshan of river Yamuna, early in the morning. One fine day when they returned home from the Yamuna they saw that some person had thoroughly cleaned the entire house with a broom. Apart from Baba, no one used to live there in those days.

 When they came to know that this work had been done by Baba, the duo were dumbfounded. Manohar Baba was such an unassuming, simple and modest person. The very next day after this incident, both these bahens went to the sacred Yamuna in the afternoon instead of early morning. Thereafter they began to clean the residence themselves.


Revered Santosh Bahenji

There is an event which occurred in the year 1962. Manohar Baba had dropped in at the kutiya of revered Santosh Bahenji which was located in Gopinath Bazar. Shri Lalit Bahen ji had come over from Kashmir along with Shri Kamla Baba. Apart from revered Shri Usha Bahenji and Shri Vimla Bahen ji, several other bahens were also present.



Bhai Dooj

It was Bhaiya Dooj (the second day of the bright half oif the Kartik Month when sisters pay symbolic respects to brothers). Absorbed in singing the glories of Thakur ji everyone was busy sharing their sensitive perceptions.



Bhaktimati Usha Bahenji

“Bhaiya, it is Bhaiya-Dooj. The bahens must certainly get a gift today.”All of a sudden, Shri Usha Bahenji coaxed Baba, 


Lord Krishna Rescuing 16,000 princesses from Narakasura


(According to a legend of Hindu mythology, after slaying Narakasura, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra who gave a warm welcome with sweets and flowers, and affectionately applied tilak on Krishna's forehead. Ever since, sisters pray for their brothers' long and happy lives by performing the teeka ceremony, and brothers give their sisters gifts in return.) 

Hearing this demand, Manohar Baba had a hearty laugh. Simultaneously, Thakur ji actually appeared there in person. All the people present at the spot, could strongly feel His living presence. Everyone was wonder struck and delightfully astonished. A certain numbness pervaded the scene for quite some time. Reaching the heights of elation and ecstasy, everybody was quiet. Manohar Baba had reached such a zenith of spiritual awareness.



Manohar Baba by the Side of Shri Maharaj ji



Manohar Baba had immeasurable reverence for Shri Maharaj ji who he considered as his guru or spiritual preceptor. Many a time he had to go through a tough test but Baba's dedicated devotion towards his guru was unshaken. He stayed like a shadow by Shri Maharaj ji's side for several years.(page 376 of 'Smriti Kaumudi, memoirs of Shri Manohar Baba)

Monday, January 17, 2011

Baba Shri Manohar Das ji, the Pride of the Spiritual World-XXV


A gentleman by the name of Bajpai ji used to daily pass by, very close to the place where Baba was staying. 

“You come along to my house. I will arrange to get the best of medical treatments for you,”unable to see the miserable condition of Baba he said.

“ I will not go anywhere without taking permission of the saint in whose shelter I am staying here, " Baba replied instantly.




Shri Manohar Baba


When Bajpai ji went to ask Tatiya Baba for approval, he was furious and fumed, “ No! He is not going anywhere.” Three to four more days passed by in this fashion. 


Bajpai ji came to Baba once again and insisted, “You come along with me for just a couple of hours. We will get your massage done and bring you back today itself.”

 “ You will have to take Tatiya Baba's assent for this exercise as well," Baba stuck to his stance.

Once again when Bajpai ji pleaded to Tatiya Baba for letting Baba, go he responded, “Okay, you can take him but see to it that you get him back by the evening.” 

Bajpai ji took Baba home and had this oil massage done. He made him drink hot milk to which arsenicum and pure ghee had been added. With this remedy Baba was quite relieved. In the evening when Baba asked Bajpai ji to take him back to his place, he instinctively said that until Baba recouped completely, he would not let him go anywhere.



Lord Krishna's Grace


Overwhelmed by God's spontaneous grace, Manohar Baba kept quiet. Bajpai ji was a petition writer and his wife was known for her devotion in serving a person. Baba would keep lying down in the verandah outside their house. Bajpai ji's wife would move the platter of food towards him under cover of her ghunghat (the end of a sari used by a woman to hide the face, a social custom.) Baba would have the meal, in silence. 

One fine day she asked Baba, “ You keep lying down quietly, the whole day long. Baba you neither utter a word to anyone nor go anyplace. How are you able to pass your time?” 


Lady With Ghunghat


“Mataji! I am used to this lifestyle.” Baba replied. 


As soon as Baba said this, she unveiled her face and standing in front of Baba, exulted, “You have called me Mataji (a respectful term of address, meaning mother) therefore I will not let you lie outside the house now.” 

Soon enough she took Baba inside the residence and began attending to his needs, as if he were a child. Bajpai ji also looked after Baba with dedicated devotion. 

“ At least once in a while you must state your preference as to what you would like to eat, " he would coax Baba.

“Whatever is cooked at your place is really good because there is a lot of sweetness in it,” responded Baba.

During his stay, revered Manohar Baba would often contemplate that several days had passed by since his lying down idly at Bajpai ji's residence. It was not correct to excessively burden this virtuous married couple, living a domestic life. Consequently when Baba expressed his desire to go from there, Bajpai ji wept inconsolably.


 “ Baba you are worried about my financial condition,” he said. 

(Page 375 of 'Smriti Kaumudi',the memoirs of Shri Manohar Baba)