Chapter 8: Poems and Compositions (Usha Bahenji's Birth Anniversary:30th July,2026)

'Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu'

It is said that Lord Krishna is the tangible form of rasa or human emotions. When the various bhavas of Vaishnavism become the sancharis of rati, and we relish the religious devotion of Radha and Krishna with energy and joyfulness and love it is known as rasa; says Shri Roop Goswami Paad in his 'Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu.'

Shri Radha-Krishna have been the stimuli of Ushan Bahenji's poems. The terrifying rush of Their love and her experiences were bound in writing and published before us.

Shri Usha Bahenji(left) with Close Friend Sushila Bahenji

She had a natural flair for writing poetry and hailed from the family of Shri Banwari Lal Shola. Her dadi used to write poetry. Ushaji's father wrote by the name of 'Hatil Kairanvi' in Urdu and his compilation 'Barishen' was published in the Devanagari script. Being a friend, he encouraged her and she had the good fortune to attend and recite in several kavya sammelans and mushairas. Ushaji once told Sushilaji, a close friend, that she had written her first poem when she was in the fifth class. She wrote about the current national and historical scene otherwise spirituality was the essence of her compositions.

During her career as a teacher she had to write books on grammar, geography and mathematics. A vast collection of her hand-written poems is safely preserved with us; where renunciation along with surrender to the divine and absorption in the devotion of Radha-Krishna coexist with dalliance as well as infatuation. Reaching for the deeper ecstasies of devotion, she has lovingly explained several stotras, padas and shlokas.

Though Usha Bahen ji had a lean body and short height, no one could stand up to her self-assurance and discerning conscience. At times she would create an uproar from the Congress dais and sometimes people would pour into the Study Circle's hall to witness her wonderful compositions. People were invariably drawn to Bahen ji reciting her poems with implicit self-confidence and a simple bhava.

Revered Bobo ji interpreted several religious texts. A detailed study of nearly every scripture of most sampradayas, an explicit thought process, significant voice, measured answers and an original perspective of the shastras were her innate virtues.

'Lila Rasa Madhuri'

After coming to Vrindavan her spontaneous poetry revolved around the dalliance of Radha-Krishna and their love centred in celestial Vrindavan and Vraj; relishing their constant closeness and the madhuri, sweetness, of their divine play. Soon after, she met several saints, academicians and goswamis who raved that such an extensive study of rasa texts as undertaken by her was beyond conception.

Shri Atul Krishna Goswami, Shri Jagannath Prasad Bhaktmali, Shri Prabhu Dutt Brahmachari. Shri Kripa Sindhu Das Baba ji and other luminaries always praised her erudition.

Gaudiya Literature

An incident which dates back to 28-30 years is worth mentioning. Once she had the good fortune to meet Shri Deen Sharan Baba, well-versed in Gaudiya religious texts. Gaudiya literature had not been translated into Hindi untill then. Bahenji had already read most of the scriptures he inquired about and he was amazed at her vast knowledge.

Shri Hit Harivansh Mahaprabhu, Founder of Radha Vallabha Sect

Shri Lalit Charan Goswami of the Radha Vallabha Sampradaya was immensely impressed by her learning, expression of feelings and seva of Shri Thakur. An unbiased interpretation of padas without any prejudice was the forte of Bahen ji.

Shri Anand Das Baba Maharaj

Revered Shri Anand Das Baba Maharaj was a great scholar of grammar and always raved about her learning and lucidity of expression.

Shri Vihari Das of Vrindavan, Dr. Achyut Lal Bhatt, Shri Kishori Raman Acharya, Shri Gokul Das Shastri and other doyens were influenced by Usha ji's literary style and original thought process.

Literature on Shri Radha-Krishna

Instinctively she appraised Shri Radha-Krishna literature and revering Guru Raghavendra, she was fortunate enough to study all literary works related to him.

The manuscripts of her compositions mentioned below are safely stashed with us:-

1. She wrote books on grammar, geography and mathematics during her tenure as a teacher. The works are taught in recognised colleges of the Punjab University.

Rasa of Braj, Vrindavan

2.Free padas (verses of devotional poetry esp intended to be sung) which abound with nationalism, social influence, religion, the yearly utsavs of Shri Thakur, incessant seva of Thakur ji and the rasa of Braj-Vrindavan can be roughly summed up to a huge repertoire of 2500 verses.

3.Some literary works penned in prose.

4.A total number of 2500 letters related to spirituality have been written to devotees.

A sentimental interpretation of several stotras or hymns of praise.

Shri Radha-Krishna Kripakatash

a) Shri Radha-Krishna Kripa Kataksha

b)Shri Yamuna Ashtakam - Shri Shankaracharyaji Maharaj

c)Shri Krishnasya Anandakhyam Stotra - Shri Roop Goswami

d)Shri Krishna Lila Amritakhyam Stotra - Shri Roop Goswami

e)Shri Braj Anand Kandam Stotra - Shri Vithal Nath ji

f)Pratah Stavah - Shri Nimbarkacharya ji

g)Shri Radhika Ashtakam - Shri Raghunath Das ji

h)Sakhi Hay! Gokul Raj Kumaram - Shri Prabhodananda Saraswati

i)Braj Raj Sut Ashtakam

j)Shri Madhava Ashtakam

k)Shri Charne Vidhehi

l) Gopi Geet

m)Pranya Geet

We have mentioned earlier that the objective of Bahenji's writing was not some spirited endeavour to create poetry. But the mysterious and terrifying rush of Krishna's love invaded her heart and filling her life with inspiration and delight transformed into verses. These works were published for us from time to time.

Mentioned below are some of the stotras/scriptures which could not be completed:-

a) Shri Krishna Lila Amrit Rasayan Stotra - Shri Vallabhacharyaji Maharaj

Shri Krishna Karnamrita

b)Shri Krishna Karnamrita - Shri Billabh Mangal Surdas ji

c)Shri Radha Sahasranam

d)Shri Gopal Sahasranam

e)On-Radha Sudha Nidhi

f)Spriha-netra-shravan-sparsh and nasika

g)Vrindavan Shatak

h)Hans Doot

Chapter 7: Paying Homage to The Guru ( Usha Bahenji's Birth Anniversary: 30th July, 2026)

 Lord Shiva, the Adi Guru

Understanding and enlightenment make us close to God. Assisting us in the attainment of Shri Krishna, Lord Shiva grants means and fruition of union with the Divine.Shiva was content in serving the lotus feet of Krishna when the Supreme Lover insisted that He ask for a boon.

Delightedly, Krishna exulted,"Oh Shiv! There is no one more dear to me than you. The unaware sinner who scorns you is tormented in hell as long as the moon and sun reign." 

Lord Shiva, 'The Auspicious One', works for our well being, is the refuge of loving tenderness, is splendidly generous, bestows religious devotion to Krishna, is the guru of deities and is Maha Yogeshwar.Shiva, the supreme Vaishnava, is often venerated as the Adi Guru, the first Guru, who resides in the spiritual mentors of this mundane world.

Supreme Lover Krishna's  Rasa Lila

Shiva underwent a metamorphosis because He ardently longed to have a glimpse of Krishna's Rasa. Abandoning His masculine identity, He assumed a female form as a beautiful young maiden by the grace of the Braja balas. Easily pleased Lord Shankar had the good fortune of being the guru of revered Bahenji. He manifested for her and made a spectral revelation.

Lord Shiva is Adi Dakshinamurthy

It was not a common occurrence to send Sakhaji, a close sakhi of Shri Radha-Krishna's parikar (inner circle of devotees) to narrate their divine play to Bobo. Handsome Krishna is easily attainable and it does not seem essential to have a guru as tradition demands. However, we need a spiritual guide to express and experience the pivotal concept of madhurya, the sweetness of Krishna. Immortal Shiva freed from the cycle of birth-death, is worth paying homage to as a mentor.

Guru Purnima, the Day of the Full Moon

The incident dates to the time when Bobo had come to Vrindavan. After a bath in the Yamuna she was heading homewards, accompanied by Sushila Bahenji, Vijay and others. It was Guru Purnima (the day of full moon in the month of Ashadh of the Hindu calendar). 

The Yugal Ghat, Vrindavan

While walking in the fields opposite  to the Yugal Ghat she thought, "Today is Guru Purnima and everyone says one can not attain salvation without a mentor -then who is my guru," and instantly the great Vaishnava, Lord Shankar with His wife Parvati and son Ganesha were clearly visible in the sky, slightly higher than the temple's platform.

Lord Shiva with Ma Parvati & Ganesha

Mother Parvati was clad in a red sari and adorned in the best of finery. Child Ganesha was also present with his spirited antics. Lord Shankar was resplendent with matted yellow hair which shone like heated gold.The holy Ganges and crescent moon rested on His head. A beautiful blue hue was apparent in His throat. 

Garlanded with a serpent, He assured her in a deep sweet voice," I am your Guru."

She reverentially bowed before Him, there itself. With His radiant trishul He repeatedly touched Bobo's forehead and blessed her. Ecstatic at this turn of events, she returned home silently. Consequently she remained the recipient of His grace throughout her life span.

Shri Radha, the Godhead in Female Form

Sometimes there was talk of the Yugal Mantra with Usha ji. The Chintamani Mantra was sacrosanct for her and every moment she would chant the Maha Mantra; a prayer to Radha, the Godhead in female form. Basically the mantra is asking mother Hara, that is Radha to please engage us in Krishna's service. Expressing and experiencing her love for Radha-Krishna was paramount for Usha ji and there was no restraint of japa and dhyan. Whether it was in the pleasure of belonging or the pathos of longing, participating in the innocent lilas of Krishna or being charmed by His flute she  reflected the madhurya of Krishna in equal measure.

Bhaktimati Usha Bahenji, Fondly Known as Bobo

Bobo ji never opposed the conventional norm of mantra deeksha but she didn't give the Yugal Mantra to others for chanting except for a chosen few . Even on being much elder in age and dignity she was simply addressed and known by all as Bobo or Bahenji. Moved by her loving tenderness, disciples felt so close to her that they regarded her as their elder sister or Bobo. She was their true Guru, revered sister and the much respected teacher. As far as bhava was concerned she was their friend or sakhi and a loving mother. Summing up we can say that she was the very essence of their being.

Those great saints who are eternally steeped in the love of Radha-Krishna are not conscious of wearing a tilak, kanthi, a conch shell and discus mark on their shoulder joint. It is not as if they are violating religious restraints in a land of highly restrictive social conventions but this happens instinctively.

Shri Radha-Krishna

Bhaktimati Usha Bahenji used to always warn devotees of being enamoured by worldly fame. Ushaji opined that one should adopt a simple lifestyle and conventional norms which assist us in the attainment of Priya-Priyatam, the Supreme Lover and His Beloved.

The traditional order of her guru lineage is given below:

Shri Krishna

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Lord Shankar

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Shri Ushaji

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|Shri Sushilaji |Darshan |Uma |Vijay |Other Devotees

Chapter 6: Synopsis of Ushaji's Family (Bhaktimati Usha Bahenji's Birth Anniversary: 30th July, 2026)

 Affection for Krishna

Undisputedly, where there is presence of constant affection, spirituality, good education, closeness and the family is steeped in religious devotion, stripped of worldly desires, the household is considered excellent.

Muzaffarnagar

Muzaffarnagar is a famed district in the western part of Uttar Pradesh. Kairana, its tehsil is situated on the banks of the Yamuna. Shri Vishnu Swarup Bhatnagar was a resident here and owned plenty of land. He was employed as a tehsildar or sub-collector of revenue in the British Sarkar and had a transferable job.

Forman Christian College, Lahore

Vishnu Swarup had several children but those who survived were a daughter residing in Hyderabad (Andhra) with her son-and a son Manmohan Swarup, the father of Usha Bahenji on whom the biography is written. Manmohan Swarup did post graduation from Forman Christian College of Lahore, the current education centre and came to reside in Ambala. He got married to the daughter of Manmohan ji, a wealthy man of Sikandarabad (Bulandshahr.) She was also a spiritualist.

Ishq e haqiqi

Manmohan Swarup had three daughters and four sons. Ushaji was the eldest and thus had several responsibilities. Her father invariably failed to deal with practicalities. Fond of creating poetry and delighted on writing verses, he wrote in Hindi as well as Urdu but Urdu poems were his forte. His compositions reflect the Urdu poets' 'Ishq e haqiqi' or love of God along with the shayars' complaints, laments, moaning and appeals.

Bhakti reigned in the life of Shyama, themother of Ushaji. Along with the household she did her routine seva and puja of Thakurji to perfection. An ideal housewife,everyone could sense her loving tenderness.

All brothers and sisters shared a loving relationship. Once the financial condition of the house was constrained and all the chores had to be done personally, even the scouring of utensils. Ushaji was always short of time and her hands were allergic to washing pots and pans. Shri Shakti Mohan, eldest of the brothers but younger to Bahenji, came to know of this predicament and offered to scrub them and she could just wash the lot. Her heart melted at this sudden show of immense concern.

Rashtrapati Bhavan, Delhi

The second brother Shrish Mohan had interest in poetry and was an articulate orator. Composing poems, recitinbbg and discussing them came easily to him. He was residing in Delhi with his family and shared a friendly bond with Ushaji.

The third and fourth brothers did not get married. Shyam Sundar,the third brother taught for some time in college and at home as well. He had a sense of self-dependence,  right from the start. The education centre soon transformed into a pivot of spirituality, laying the foundation of an ideal way of life. He had gathered in-depth knowledge of Hindi literature from an early age.

Spirituality's perspective was nurtured in the closeness and direction of revered Bahen ji. Several seekers found an answer to their longing for union with the divine. Transforming from 'Sadashiv College' to ' Sadashiv Satsang Shali', it is a refuge for hungering devotees till date.

The youngest brother, Shruti Mohan was employed in several important government jobs. While working he had a heart attack and died at an early age.

The Yugal Sarkar of Usha Bahenji

Uma, the elder sister and Utma, the younger one, are staying with their small families in Delhi and Hissar respectively. The service both of them have rendered to Bahen ji, who was steeped in a spiritual way of life, attending to her physical needs, personal necessities and mentally, is beyond comparison. They distinctively contributed to the singing of padas and kirtans and helped out in Thakur seva intermittently.

The entire highly educated and ideal family was influenced by affection and dignity along with observing a proper decorum.