2024.11.05 (Vrindavan Today News): Siddha Jagdish Das Babaji was a revered saint of Vrindavan from Gaudiya Sampradaya. He was one of the Siddha Babas of later time.
He resided in Kaliyadah, near the Samadhi of Shri Prabodhananda Saraswati Pada. Born into an esteemed Brahmin family in Bardhaman, Bengal, Babaji initially trained as a prominent physician. However, he left behind the life of worldly success, choosing instead the path of renunciation in Vrindavan, where he dedicated his life to the worship of Radha and Krishna.
His spiritual guide was Siddha Bhagwan Das Babaji of Ambika Kalna, and in Vrindavan, he was blessed by many great souls. Among them was the descendant of Sri Nityananda Prabhu, Sri Premananda Goswami of Shringar Vat, who played a pivotal role in Babaji’s life.
Once, Babaji felt a lack of inspiration in his devotions. Observing this, Premananda Goswami suggested that Babaji roll in the sacred dust of Vrindavan. Babaji followed his advice immediately, and in that moment, the divine joy and love for Radha and Krishna blossomed once more in his heart. After Premananda Goswami’s passing, whenever Babaji felt troubled, he would go to the samadhi (memorial) of Goswami and roll in Vrindavan’s dust to find solace.
Babaji was meticulous about never hurting anyone’s feelings. He refrained from attending kirtans or spiritual discourses, fearing he might unintentionally criticize or judge the speakers or musicians. However, unlike some hermit-like saints who avoid contact, Babaji welcomed those who sought his advice, seeing them as messengers from Mahaprabhu, and considered it his duty to guide them. He never organized any discourses at his residence, preferring to be available to visitors who might seek counsel.
When groups of devotees came to him with questions, Babaji would typically offer his insights first, answering potential queries before anyone had to voice them. Only after he spoke would he invite others to share their thoughts. Babaji wished to avoid contradicting others’ opinions, as he deeply valued respecting others’ views.
Once, a devotee asked Babaji, “How can I attain divine love? Please guide me.” Babaji responded, “Can you live here in Vrindavan?” The devotee replied, “No, Babaji, I cannot.” “In that case,” Babaji advised, “take two rupees and buy the Prarthana and Prema Bhakti Chandrika of Srila Narottama Das Thakur. Read them constantly and worship as he has taught. Only then will you attain divine love.”
Babaji often emphasized the teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who came to share the gift of divine love and the holy name:
trinad api sunichena taror iva sahishnuna amanina manadena kirtaniyah sada harih
“One who is humbler than a blade of grass, more tolerant than a tree, who expects no honor for themselves but is ever willing to honor others, can chant the holy names endlessly.”
Babaji believed that unless one fully embraced this verse, attaining divine love would be elusive. The closer one came to embodying these qualities, the nearer they would approach divine love. The day one truly lived this teaching, Babaji said, was the day they would receive the highest blessing of seeing Sri Krishna.
Babaji passed away in Kaliyadah at nearly 100 years of age, leaving behind a legacy of humility, compassion, and unwavering devotion. His life and teachings continue to inspire countless seekers on the path of love and devotion in Vrindavan.
