Baburam Maharaj (Swami Premananda)
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Baburam Maharaj (Bengali:বাবুরাম মহারাজ) was a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, the 19th century saint and mystic from Bengal, India. He was born in Antpur in the Hoogly district of Bengal in the year 1861. Baburam, as he was called in his pre monastic days, was also related to Balaram Bose
, a leading householder disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. He was given the name of Premananda or "joy of divine love" by his brother disciple Swami Vivekananda
.Disciples of Ramakrishna He had a notable contribution during the initial days of Ramakrishna Mission
as he managed the whole affairs of Belur Math
from 1902 to 1916. He also mentored young spiritual aspirants.
, a leading householder disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. From his early childhood his ideal was to renounce family life and live a monastic life . The Disciples of Sri Ramakrishna, published by Advaita Ashrama, page 195
After graduating from the local village school Baburam came to Calcutta for higher studies. He studiedপ in Metropolitan institution in Shyampukur, which was owned by Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar and whose headmaster was Mahendranath Gupta
also known as "M", the author of the Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita or The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna
.
In this school his batchmate was Rakhal or Swami Brahmananda, who later became the first president of the Ramakrishna Mission
, and who was another direct disciple as well as "spiritual son" of Sri Ramakrishna. These contacts enabled Baburam to come in close contact with Sri Ramakrishna and he was drawn to his teachings.
temple to meet Sri Ramakrishna. He also met Swami Vivekananda
who at that time was known as Narendranath Dutta. After a few more visits to Dakshineswar
Baburam came directly under Sri Ramakrishna's influence who also held him in high esteem. At that time Baburam was only twenty years. Sri Ramakrishna said to his disciples that Baburam is pure to his very marrow, no impure thought can ever cross his mind . Ibid., page 203
This association apparently let to the neglect of his studies and he failed to clear his entrance examination.
In 1885 Sri Ramakrishna was diagnosed to have developed throat cancer, and was shifted to Calcutta for better treatment, first to Shyampukur and then to Cossipore Garden house. Baburam was one of the constant attendants on the master, along with his other brother disciples including Rakhal and Narendra, and this continued till the passing away of his master in August 1886. This event brought the brother disciples in close contact on a shared goal and paved the way for the establishment of the first Math in Baranagar, under the leadership of Narendranath (Swami Vivekananda).
's departure to Madras, Swami Premananda took up the responsibility of daily worship of the Master. He went for a pilgrimage to Northern India and returned on the eve of establishment of the Ramakrishna Math
in Belur
, known as Belur Math
, which was the head quarter of the Ramakrishna Mission
.
in 1902, Swami Brahmananda, the then president of Ramakrishna Mission, entrusted Swami Premananda with the duty of the management of the day to day affairs of the Math at Belur which included the daily worship, the introduction and initiation of young celebates and monks, receiving of the devotees and guests, various administrative activities etc. He was very kind and compassionate towards all and sundry. He would himself cook for devotees visiting the Math at odd hours and took all troubles for their comfort. For this he came to be known as the "mother of the Math". He used to consider the service of the devotees as worship of God.
Swami Premananda also introduced a study circle to learn Sanskrit
in Belur Math
under the tutelage of a competent teacher. He also encouraged the study of other subjects like Western Philosophy. He also laid great emphasis on the education of women and wrote to a lady, "Let thousands of Niveditas come out of Bengal... let there arise anew in the land numbers of Gargis, Lilavatis, Sitas and Savitris. What better thing is there in this world than learning!" He lived an unostentatious life, free of luxuries and excesses. His personal belongings included only a few books and a canvas bag. Ibid., page 221
in 1910 in the company of Swami Shivananda (Mahapurush Maharaj) and Swami Turiyananda (Hari Maharaj). On his return he travelled to different parts of Bengal spreading the message of Sri Ramakrishna. He was particularly very popular in East Bengal and inspired the youth there for community and charitable work.
The long and arduous trips took a toll on his health and he fell victim to Kala azar, a deadly fever. He also suffered from influenza and died in 30th July 1918.
Balaram Bose
Balaram Bose was one of the prominent householder disciples of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. He was the son of Radhamohan Bose. He is often referred in The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. Ramakrishna often visited his house and participated in Kirtana and other devotional functions...
, a leading householder disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. He was given the name of Premananda or "joy of divine love" by his brother disciple Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda , born Narendranath Dutta , was the chief disciple of the 19th century mystic Ramakrishna Paramahansa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission...
.Disciples of Ramakrishna He had a notable contribution during the initial days of Ramakrishna Mission
Ramakrishna Mission
Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission are twin organizations which form the core of a worldwide spiritual movement known as Ramakrishna Movement or Vedanta Movement. The Ramakrishna Mission is a philanthropic, volunteer organization founded by Ramakrishna's chief disciple Swami Vivekananda on...
as he managed the whole affairs of Belur Math
Belur Math
' or Belur Mutt is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda, a chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. It is located on the west bank of Hooghly River, Belur, West Bengal, India and is one of the significant institutions in Calcutta...
from 1902 to 1916. He also mentored young spiritual aspirants.
Early Life
Baburam Ghosh was born to parents Taraprasanna and Matangini Ghosh on Dec 10, 1861 in the Antpur (Bengali:আঁটপুর) village in the Hoogly district of Bengal. Monastic Disciples of Sri Ramakrishna, Belur Math His sister Krishnabhamini was married to Balaram BoseBalaram Bose
Balaram Bose was one of the prominent householder disciples of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. He was the son of Radhamohan Bose. He is often referred in The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. Ramakrishna often visited his house and participated in Kirtana and other devotional functions...
, a leading householder disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. From his early childhood his ideal was to renounce family life and live a monastic life . The Disciples of Sri Ramakrishna, published by Advaita Ashrama, page 195
After graduating from the local village school Baburam came to Calcutta for higher studies. He studiedপ in Metropolitan institution in Shyampukur, which was owned by Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar and whose headmaster was Mahendranath Gupta
Mahendranath Gupta
Mahendranath Gupta , , was a disciple of Ramakrishna—a 19th century mystic and the author of Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita,a Bengali classic...
also known as "M", the author of the Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita or The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna
The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna
The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna translated by Swami Nikhilananda is an English translation of the Bengali religious text Sri Sri Rāmakrishna Kathāmrita...
.
In this school his batchmate was Rakhal or Swami Brahmananda, who later became the first president of the Ramakrishna Mission
Ramakrishna Mission
Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission are twin organizations which form the core of a worldwide spiritual movement known as Ramakrishna Movement or Vedanta Movement. The Ramakrishna Mission is a philanthropic, volunteer organization founded by Ramakrishna's chief disciple Swami Vivekananda on...
, and who was another direct disciple as well as "spiritual son" of Sri Ramakrishna. These contacts enabled Baburam to come in close contact with Sri Ramakrishna and he was drawn to his teachings.
Sri Ramakrishna's influence
Baburam accompanied Rakhal to DakshineswarDakshineswar
Dakshineswar is a town in Barrackpore subdivision of North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal.-History:In 1847, Rani Rashmoni of Bengal began the construction of the famous Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Rani, who was a rich and pious widow of colonial Bengal had a divine revelation ordering her to...
temple to meet Sri Ramakrishna. He also met Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda , born Narendranath Dutta , was the chief disciple of the 19th century mystic Ramakrishna Paramahansa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission...
who at that time was known as Narendranath Dutta. After a few more visits to Dakshineswar
Dakshineswar
Dakshineswar is a town in Barrackpore subdivision of North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal.-History:In 1847, Rani Rashmoni of Bengal began the construction of the famous Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Rani, who was a rich and pious widow of colonial Bengal had a divine revelation ordering her to...
Baburam came directly under Sri Ramakrishna's influence who also held him in high esteem. At that time Baburam was only twenty years. Sri Ramakrishna said to his disciples that Baburam is pure to his very marrow, no impure thought can ever cross his mind . Ibid., page 203
This association apparently let to the neglect of his studies and he failed to clear his entrance examination.
In 1885 Sri Ramakrishna was diagnosed to have developed throat cancer, and was shifted to Calcutta for better treatment, first to Shyampukur and then to Cossipore Garden house. Baburam was one of the constant attendants on the master, along with his other brother disciples including Rakhal and Narendra, and this continued till the passing away of his master in August 1886. This event brought the brother disciples in close contact on a shared goal and paved the way for the establishment of the first Math in Baranagar, under the leadership of Narendranath (Swami Vivekananda).
Beginning of monastic life
In December 1886, the brother disciples visited Baburam's ancestral house in Antpur. Immediately after returning from there they took the vow of renunciation from Narendranath. Narendranath, or Swami Vivekananda as he came to be known later, gave the name of "Swami Premananda" to Baburam. Upon Swami RamakrishnanandaSwami Ramakrishnananda
Swami Ramakrishnananda is one of 16 apostles or direct disciples of Sri Ramakrishna* Pre-monastic name : Shashi Bhushan Chakravarty* Date of Birth : 13 July 1863* Place of Birth : Ichapur in Hooghly district, West Bengal...
's departure to Madras, Swami Premananda took up the responsibility of daily worship of the Master. He went for a pilgrimage to Northern India and returned on the eve of establishment of the Ramakrishna Math
Ramakrishna Math
Ramakrishna Math is a religious monastic order, considered part of the Hindu reform movements. It was set up by Swami Vivekananda to follow the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna...
in Belur
Belur
Belur may refer to any of the following:* Belur, Karnataka, town in Karnataka, India* Belur, West Bengal, India, a locality on the west bank of the Hooghly River* Belur Math, the religious abbey located in Belur, West Bengal, India...
, known as Belur Math
Belur Math
' or Belur Mutt is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda, a chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. It is located on the west bank of Hooghly River, Belur, West Bengal, India and is one of the significant institutions in Calcutta...
, which was the head quarter of the Ramakrishna Mission
Ramakrishna Mission
Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission are twin organizations which form the core of a worldwide spiritual movement known as Ramakrishna Movement or Vedanta Movement. The Ramakrishna Mission is a philanthropic, volunteer organization founded by Ramakrishna's chief disciple Swami Vivekananda on...
.
Management of Belur Math
After the demise of Swami VivekanandaSwami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda , born Narendranath Dutta , was the chief disciple of the 19th century mystic Ramakrishna Paramahansa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission...
in 1902, Swami Brahmananda, the then president of Ramakrishna Mission, entrusted Swami Premananda with the duty of the management of the day to day affairs of the Math at Belur which included the daily worship, the introduction and initiation of young celebates and monks, receiving of the devotees and guests, various administrative activities etc. He was very kind and compassionate towards all and sundry. He would himself cook for devotees visiting the Math at odd hours and took all troubles for their comfort. For this he came to be known as the "mother of the Math". He used to consider the service of the devotees as worship of God.
Swami Premananda also introduced a study circle to learn Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
in Belur Math
Belur Math
' or Belur Mutt is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda, a chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. It is located on the west bank of Hooghly River, Belur, West Bengal, India and is one of the significant institutions in Calcutta...
under the tutelage of a competent teacher. He also encouraged the study of other subjects like Western Philosophy. He also laid great emphasis on the education of women and wrote to a lady, "Let thousands of Niveditas come out of Bengal... let there arise anew in the land numbers of Gargis, Lilavatis, Sitas and Savitris. What better thing is there in this world than learning!" He lived an unostentatious life, free of luxuries and excesses. His personal belongings included only a few books and a canvas bag. Ibid., page 221
His Travels
After about 6 years of service in Math he set out for a pilgrimage to AmarnathAmarnath
Located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and situated on Mount Amarnath, the Amarnath caves are one of the most famous shrines in Hinduism. Dedicated to the god Shiva, the shrine is said to be over 5,000 years old...
in 1910 in the company of Swami Shivananda (Mahapurush Maharaj) and Swami Turiyananda (Hari Maharaj). On his return he travelled to different parts of Bengal spreading the message of Sri Ramakrishna. He was particularly very popular in East Bengal and inspired the youth there for community and charitable work.
His relationship with the Holy Mother
Swami Premananda had free access to the Holy Mother of Ramakrishna Order, Sri Sarada Devi. She was very fond of him, and Swami Premananda was very devoted to her. He once said that those who differentiated between her and the Master would never make any spiritual progress; she and the Master were like the two sides of the same coin. In the course of a discussion at Belur Math he said to the devotees: "We have seen that she had a much greater capacity than the Master. She was the embodiment of power, and how well she controlled it! Sri Ramakrishna could not do so, though he tried." Swami Premananda RKm FijiLegacy and Death
During his later sojourn in several parts of Bengal, especially in East Bengal, he inspired the youth to be useful to the society by voluntary service. Though a man of high spiritual attainments, he was wont to hiding them and very reticent in giving expression to them. He was universally admired by young and old devotees for his love, kindness and tenderness towards all and sundry. Swami PremanandaThe long and arduous trips took a toll on his health and he fell victim to Kala azar, a deadly fever. He also suffered from influenza and died in 30th July 1918.
Teachings
- To follow the Master means to practise what he taught; otherwise nobody can advance by just offering to him a few flowers or through some momentary sentimental outbursts.
- Can one become a great devotee of God simply by dancing and jumping or by quoting plentifully from the scriptures? What is wanted is freedom from selfishness - freedom from egotism... Mere talk will not do, this is an age of action.
- Not mere theory; actualize it - there has been enough talk and writing. Put the books aside and let your actions speak. This is what the lives of the Master and Swamiji stand for.
- The poor, the weak, the fallen, the ignorant - all these you have to make your own. And yet I warn you, that in loving one section of society you must not become hateful of the other, the rich. Teachings of Baburam Maharaj, RKM Chennai
See also
- Swami Advaitananda (Buro Gopal)Swami Advaitananda (Buro Gopal)Swami Advaitananda, one of the direct disciples of Sri Ramakrishna, the mystic saint from Bengal in late nineteenth century, was also known as Buro Gopal or the aged Gopal. He was senior to Sri Ramakrishna in age and took monastic vows at an advanced age...
- Swami Turiyananda (Hari Maharaj)Swami Turiyananda (Hari Maharaj)You are Hari-das, the servant of Hari . Is it possible for you to exist without remembering the Lord? -- Sri Ramakrishna to HarinathHe is a Yogi according to the Gita -- Sri Ramakrishna...
- Swami RamakrishnanandaSwami RamakrishnanandaSwami Ramakrishnananda is one of 16 apostles or direct disciples of Sri Ramakrishna* Pre-monastic name : Shashi Bhushan Chakravarty* Date of Birth : 13 July 1863* Place of Birth : Ichapur in Hooghly district, West Bengal...
- Swami Yogananda (Yogin Maharaj)Swami Yogananda (Yogin Maharaj)Swami Yogananda was a direct monastic disciple of Ramakrishna Paramhansa, the 19th century saint and mystic, although he took his formal initiation from Sarada Devi, the holy mother of Ramakrishna Order and spiritual consort of Ramakrishna. He was the first vice president of Ramakrishna Mission...
- Swami AdbhutanandaSwami AdbhutanandaSwami Adbhutananda , born Rakhturam, was a direct monastic disciple of Ramakrishna, a mystic of nineteenth century Bengal. He is familiarly known as Latu Maharaj among the followers of Ramakrishna. Swami Adbhutananda was the first monastic disciple to come to Ramakrishna...
- Swami Brahmananda
- Swami Niranjananda (Niranjan Maharaj)
- Swami AbhedanandaSwami AbhedanandaSwami Abhedananda was a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, who Swami Vivekananda sent to the West to head the Vedanta Society, New York in 1897, and spread the message of Vedanta, a theme on which he authored several books through his life, and subsequently founded the Ramakrishna Vedanta Math,...
- Swami Vijnanananda
- Swami SubodhanandaSwami SubodhanandaSwami Subodhananda , born as Subodh Chandra Ghosh, was a direct monastic disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, the 19th century saint and mystic from India. Being youngest of all direct monastic disciples, he was affectionately known by his brother monks, whose leader was Swami Vivekananda, as "Khoka"...
- Swami NirmalanandaSwami NirmalanandaSwami Nirmalananda, born as Tulasi Charan Dutta in Calcutta, was a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, the 19th century mystic and saint from India, and Swami Vivekananda, the great philosopher monk from India who established the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission...
- Swami Saradananda (Sarat Maharaj)Swami Saradananda (Sarat Maharaj)Swami Saradananda, born as Sarat Chandra Chakravarty in 1865, was one of the direct monastic disciples of Sri Ramakrishna and was the first Secretary of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, a post which he held till his death in 1927...
- Swami Akhandananda
- Swami TrigunatitanandaSwami TrigunatitanandaSwami Trigunatitananda, premonastic name Sarada Prasanna Mitra, was a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, the 19th century Indian mystic and saint. He established the monthly Bengali magazine Udbodhan of Ramakrishna Math and later at the behest of Swami Vivekananda, he went to America in 1902 and...
- Swami Shivananda
Further Reading
- God Lived With Them, by Swami Chetanananda
- Disciples of Sri Ramakrishna, published by Advaita Ashrama, Mayawati
- Swami Premananda-Teachings and Reminiscences by Swami Prabhavananda