Sri Sri 108 Swami Birajananda Bharati

Over a century ago, in the serene village of Sonathali, located in the jurisdiction of Kashipur police station in the district of Manbhum (now Purulia), a child was born on the auspicious day of Shukla Troyodosi, without the gift of sight. This child was born after 7 months and 8 days of gestation on the 6th day of the Shravan month, in the year 1306 as per the Bengali calendar. For the first 21 days of His life, He was treated with a cotton poultice on His chest, after which He miraculously regained His sight. In a divine coincidence, on the very day of His birth, the revered family Guru, Sree Sree Manohar Thakur (Hirapur P.O. Burnpur), from the lineage of Advaita Acharya Prabhu, was present. Upon His birth, The Guru, in a prophetic moment, blessed Him with holy water (Charanamrita) and whispered mantras in His ears, proclaiming, "From today, He is my spiritual son." His parents, Kunja Bihari Das Vaishnav and Nishada Devi, named the child "Manohar," a name that later captivated the hearts of millions. He hailed from the lineage of the virtuous and accomplished saint, Sree Sree Ramdas Thakur.

Manohar's early education was modest, beginning with primary schooling, followed by lower secondary education. He completed His studies at the Victoria School in Purulia. However, due to financial constraints, His formal education was cut short. Even so, His Heart was filled with a profound love for music, acting, and spirituality. During religious discussions, He would often experience intense spiritual ecstasy, and His body would manifest the marks of an ascetic. Once, while reading the sacred Krishna Lila Mahatya, He became so absorbed in divine contemplation that He lost all sense of the worldly realm. Observing His spiritual inclinations, His parents, at the age of 16, arranged for His marriage to Gouridevi, The daughter of the eminent Vaishnav, Shri Bihari Das of Rampur. Together, They had three daughters and two sons.

Despite the hardships of poverty, Manohar struggled to support His family by selling pan (betel leaves), running a small grocery store, and engaging in various other trades. Life seemed to follow its course in this manner, however, fate had other plans. A cruel twist of destiny struck when His first son, Prahlad, passed away at a tender age, having been bitten by a rabid dog.  This loss made him realize that worldly attachments could not bind the soul, and it deepened His devotion to God. One night, while in a deep slumber, Manohar had a divine vision where He felt the touch of initiation through the sacred couplet mantra. Later, He learned that the divine force behind this initiation was none other than Sree Sree Jadabananda Swami, a sage endowed with supernatural powers, residing in the village of Bhatin in Purulia. Under the divine influence of this holy being, Manohar Das Vaishnav was freed from a terminal illness, suffering from piles. This divine grace led Him to receive formal initiation in the year 1324 (as per Bengali calender year), where He and His wife took vows under the guidance of Sree Sree Jadabananda Swami.

In the Bengali calendar year 1330, Manohar’s spiritual journey took another turn when Sree Sree Jadabananda Swami introduced Him to the radiant Brahma-gnani (a person who has realized the Supreme Reality), Sree Sree Sadananda Dasi Swami, also known as Sree Sree Budhababa, a master of eternal wisdom and the essence of spiritual perfection. His arrival heralded a new chapter in Manohar's life, where His insatiable thirst for divine knowledge ignited. He became deeply curious about the true essence of spiritual practice: What was it? How should it be performed? And most importantly, what did one attain from it?

 In response, Sree Sree Budhababa posed a life-altering question, "Would you be able to renounce everything and come wearing a loincloth?“ With resolve, Manohar left His home, tore His dhuti (traditional cloth) to wear a simple loincloth (kaupin), and defied His family's objections to embark on His spiritual journey under Sree Sree Budhababa’s guidance. His family, initially opposed to His decision, tried various means, from pleading with Sree Sree Budhababa to even threatening Him (Budhababa) with police force, but nothing could deter Manohar. Sree Sree Budhababa, with utmost grace, assured them, "I shall transform this boy into a true man and return Him to you." Eventually, those who had once opposed Him (Budhababa) found solace and refuge under the same Guru. 

At the age of 27, Manohar took formal renunciation under Sree Sree Budhababa , who gave Him the name Khyapababa. This marked the beginning of a life dedicated to rigorous spiritual practice. He studied sacred texts such as The Jnanchuramani Gita, Bhramar Gita, Tulabhira Gita, Gupt Gita, and other religious scriptures. In between these studies, Sree Sree Budhababa sent him on pilgrimages to holy places like Haridwar, The Himalayas, and Kamakhya. In Bengali calendar year 1337 (1930 AD), following Sree Sree Budhababa's instructions, Manohar spent a month meditating at The Siddheshwar Temple in Kroshjuri, where He attained spiritual success(siddhi) in just 15 days. The next year, in 1338 (1931 AD), in the month of Baisakh He underwent intense Tantra sadhana (spiritual practice) at The Shivalaya in Siyada. With The divine blessing of Sree Sree Budhababa, He achieved profound spiritual success (Siddhi) in only seven days. He also engaged in sadhana in the form of Radha bhava (experiencing devotional love for Krishna as Radha) as per Sree Sree  Budhababa 's guidance, spending six years in intense meditation in Nabadwip, where The spiritual signs of a devotee manifested within him.

Through His sadhana, Manohar Khyapa realized the ultimate truths of existence. He achieved knowledge of Brahman and understood the intricate connections between the self,  the Divine, and the universe. His teachings, especially through His songs, reflect His deep understanding of the inner realities of existence—self-realization, love for the Divine, and the oneness of all beings.

In His spiritual journey, Manohar Khyapa ascended through the various stages of sadhana, ultimately realizing the divine truth of So'ham (Brahman and the soul are one and the same) and attaining the profound knowledge of the Supreme Brahman. It was during this time that His revered Guru, Sree Sree Budhababa, bestowed upon him the title of Srimat Swami Birajananda Bharati, a name that reflected His adherence to the teachings of the Shankaracharya tradition. With this name, Manohar Khyapa embraced the path of Sankara and became part of the Indian community at the Yoshi Math of the Shankaracharya lineage.

In the year 1950, at the holy Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, Manohar Khyapa was honoured with the esteemed title of Mandaleshwar. This title, bestowed upon the highest yogis and saints at the gathering, recognized His spiritual eminence. From this moment onward, He became known as Sree Sree 108 Swami Birajananda Bharati.

In Purulia district, He established several ashrams, including the Sonathali Sadhu Ashram and Radhakunja Ashram. Other ashrams founded by Him include Gouridham Sevashram in Nabadwip, the Manohar Kutir in Bhagalpur, the Sadananda Ashram in Hazaribagh, Jharudih Ashram in Dhanbad and The Jaydev Bedanasha Botobrikhho Ashram in Birbhum.

In 1953, Sree Sree 108 Swami Birajananda Bharati founded the Manohar Sevashram Sangha with a profound vision for the welfare of humanity. He urged His followers to abandon all selfish desires for personal recognition and with unwavering unity, to dedicate their hearts and minds to the welfare of others. He envisioned a society where service to the nation and to fellow beings would reign supreme, fostering a spirit of collective joy and well-being. 

He stressed the importance of spreading truth and service, encouraging perseverance despite the challenges truth often faces. His teachings guided the Sangha to focus on serving the needy—providing food, clothes and medicine and spiritual enlightenment—rooted in the ideals of compassion and selflessness.

Under His compassionate guidance, Manohar Sevashram Sangha has become a beacon of hope for the downtrodden and a sanctuary of spiritual and material assistance. The central tenet of the Sangha, to serve the impoverished and the ailing, to provide sustenance to the needy, and to uplift the soul through spiritual enlightenment, remains a testament to His profound and selfless mission.

Many eminent personalities were drawn to His teachings, including Sree Sree Radharani Devi, later known as SreeMa or Sangha Janani; Sree Jiban Roy Chowdhury, initially known as Gour Gopal Brahmachari, later Niranjan Bharati; Kumar Bahadur Krishna Singh of Barabhum Rajbari, later known as Shyamanand Bharati; Badidas of Garashikha Ramapura, later known as Harihar Bharati; Bhupaticharan Ghosh from Dandar Kanchannagar, later known as Premanand Bharati, and several others, whom He initiated into the sacred life of renunciation. He initiated twelve disciples into the sannyas order during His lifetime.

Sree Sree 108 Swami Birajananda Bharati's songs and teachings emphasized the themes of devotion, the nature of the soul, the significance of The Guru, and the spiritual union of Radha and Krishna. In His own words, a true Baul is a person whose heart is governed by patience, impartiality, humility, and unwavering devotion. Such a person has conquered the self, mastered inner discipline, and triumphed over the senses. He is known for the profound simplicity and depth in His teachings.

Throughout His lifetime, He composed more than a thousand songs, blending elements of body, soul, and divine knowledge to uplift humanity.  His compositions included various styles such as Baul, Bhatiyali, Jhumur, Jhumri, Shyama Sangeet, and more. His music, rich in spiritual ethos, touched the hearts of many, reaching across the lands and beyond, through His disciples such as Purna Das Baul, Sanatan Das Baul, Sudhananda Baul, and others, spreading His teachings to those who sought enlightenment and solace in the Divine.

On June 8th, 1996, Sree Sree 108 Swami Birajananda Bharati attained Mahaprayana (the final union with The Divine) in Ranchi at the house of His disciple Sri Jyotirmoy Chowdhury, leaving behind a profound legacy of spiritual teachings, music, and wisdom. His body was laid to rest with full Vaishnavite honours beside the Samadhi of His beloved wife Sree Sree Gouri Devi at the Sonathali Sadhu Ashram. Today, a pristine white marble shrine stands over his Samadhi, where His devoted disciples gather to pay their respects in reverence. His contributions to Baul music and philosophy continue to inspire spiritual seekers and devotees even today.

Thus, the life of Sree Sree 108 Swami Birajananda Bharati shines as an undying beacon of divine wisdom, boundless devotion, and universal love. The very essence of His existence serves as a timeless example, guiding His followers on the righteous path of life. His blessings and eternal guidance continue to inspire those who walk in His footsteps, urging them to uphold the sacred tradition of selfless service and compassionate living that He so ardently preached.