H.H. 108 Sri Prana Krishna das
Babaji Maharaj
by
Sri Sri 108 Prana Krishna Das Babaji Maharaja appeared in a Vaishnav family in the year 1918, in the village Dhakadakshin (the holy appearance place of the Father of Sriman Chaitanya Mahaprabhu), near the city Sri Hatta, in the present country of Bangladesh. He had 2 sisters (younger than him) and 2 brothers (elder than him). Only the sisters are still alive in Radhapur village near the city Dharmanagar in the state of Tripura. His father and brothers possessed a very suitable voice and were all proficient in performing kirtan.
At the age of ten when the present country Bangladesh became independent from India he moved to the city Dharmanagar were he completed his study and received the title of teacher. In the house were his relatives resided at that time he made one small water pond which till today is full of water even in the hot season. He spread profusely his love toward his brothers. Often he received them with kirtan. In Tripura several times his family performed Harinam yajna at home inviting more than 200 people to attend the program and to honor the delicious dishes offered to the Lord.
He worked in the railway office for several years always wearing dhoti (traditional dress of Hindu religion). During this time his family wanted to arrange for his marriage. When the preparations were going on he confided to one of his friends that his inner desire was to reside in Vrindaban. The same night he left home. Later on he went to live in the state Assam, in the city Karimganj, 100 km far from Dharmanagar. He was residing in a devotee’s house spending his time travelling in numerous villages nearby performing Kirtan and jap. He possessed since childhood a very sincere attachment and deep taste for Harinam revealing in this way his previous samskara (activity of his past life) as an exemplary devotee.
After some time the householder devotee with whom he was residing suddenly passed away leaving his wife alone with 5 daughters and one son. Aggrieved by the great disgrace fallen upon her due to the death of her husband, the lady faced numerous difficulties and became mental insane. The local people of the village were incredulous about the cause of the event. At that time many local residents of that village advised Praphullo (the previous name of Baba) to abandon that house to avoid criticism upon him. Not caring about the opinion of ordinary people he granted his unconditioned compassion towards the innocents and the helpless offering in many ways his help to the entire family of his departed dear friend. Finally he inspired them on the path of Divine love through chanting the Holy names of Sri Hari. Due to the uncommon spiritual power of Praphullo the lady regained her mental peace and developed a sincere desire to spend the rest of her life together with her children performing bhajan. Her increased devotion towards the Lord which is the ultimate shelter of the suffering souls impressed the heart of the villagers. Surprised by observing her fast recovered condition and convinced by her truthful words eulogizing the grace received by Praphullo, the local residents started to consider the fact as a miracle honoring him as the saint and savior of that village.
They prized him just like they revered Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and when Praphullo used to visit their house they felt like a divine personality was honoring their abode. Praphullo never revealed this story to anyone, being in his heart free from desire to receive honor and fame and always greedy to serve others with utmost humility. Recently (2 years ago) he went to visit that village with one of his disciple who heard for the first time the story of that miracle narrated by one of the daughters of the departed friend.
(to be contd……………..)