Homage to Shri Bharat Churiwala ji of Devotees of Holy Trio eGroup

Dear Members,

Revered Monastic Brothers, Sisters, Respected Devotees, admirers and friends,

My Salutations to all in the Divine name of Bhagawan Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother and the great Swami Vivekananda.

It’s really a shocking news in the Holy Trio’s world that Shri Bharatji is now not in his mortal coil to continue his e-worship as he was very fond of it  but his sadhana is bearing immortal fruits in the form of all the devotees gathered here on this dais of holy group to discuss Divine virtues and lives ever happened on this earth.  It’s an evolution continuously happening in all humans first to Be and then - Make. 

My association with  him started through the Devotees of Holy Trio Group on Google.  In 2005 with the help of some of our technical friends it was just initiated with the blessings of Most Revered Swami Gokulanandaji Maharaj, the initiative was to send only Durga Puja greetings to all Devotees, it started spreading in different dimensions that it took the shape of a dais of Holy discussion, and many started joining.  Shri Bharatji too joined.  His interest and sharing used to be very regular, sincere and colored with sweetness of devotion.  I got in him a man with intense desire to do something in this line.  God brings his suitable instruments.

Once when I was in Delhi, he phoned me, I think it was 5^th of October of 2007, asked me “Somesh maharaj, its my birthday, give me something”.  Hmmmm, yes, wait”, and I made him co-moderator, he was overwhelmed and said – “maharajji, aapne to mujhe 55 saal me jawani de di, I am reborn again, I will certainly do justice to this gift” and till his last he was fond of spreading diving message through this forum tirelessly.   Before him I asked many to serve the group and tried two three experts but I was not satisfied, praying to lord that my endeavours should not go in vain and Bharatji was there as if he was sent by almighty to take the cross with his fullest in his old age too. 

Even though I  was full in trust of his leadership for Group, he used to inform the happenings, many tough times too came to this group but the key role was played by him in such a meticulous way that it got appreciation from all sides and many too inspired by Holy Trio group started such discussion or posting groups on net.

Once I asked him for selecting some young responsible leaders to lead such group in the absence of all of us for continuation in future, he suggested three four names and the lottery came on Shri Sabujji,  I revere him for his dedication for the cause and expect the cross on his well built young shoulders,  Bharatji departed soul will be very happy if Shri Sabujji can excel in the same.  Shri Sabuji have to be well versed in Holy Trio’s literature as Shri Bharatji was.

As Bharat bhai’s breaths always counted the name of Lord,  to always sing and listen Ramakrishna Saranam – Ramakrishna Saranam, even in his car, those who had been with him might be remembering the audio CD of Ramakrishna Saranam, commanding to his Driver – Dubeji, aur kuchh nahi, bas Ramakrishna sarnam se sab ho jaayega.  Even in his office he liked only to hear this song besides his regular dealings with visitors, customers or even legal opponents.  I had seen him instructing his staffs for all the service oriented jobs in printing line with careful, scanning eyes on paper and the cost too.  Sometimes he will send Hanuma Chalisa for painting and his own created paintings for children as they too come in the fold of Holy Trio in tender age.  Again his Marwari way to handle the money, matter, machine, man and mind was a sight to an observer.  As a Karmayogin he never failed to be submitted at the lotus feet of Bhagawan Sri Ramakrishna. 

As you all know that at present I am in Narottam Nagar, the prestigious education centre in the remote area of Tirap Dist. in Arunachal Pradesh working among Tribals,  he regularly used to ask about them and always was eager to help them individually.  When I visited Bombay he never allowed anyone to take me anywhere except himself and was jealous if Shri Abhishek (a devotee from Delhi, based in Bombay) used to escort me anywhere.  Revered Swami Nikhileswaranandaji’s lecture was there in one Gujarati samaj, in one school, I attended the lecture, not well versed in gujrati but could understood the lecture as it was interesting to see Rev. Swamiji with all his guts and expression, finding me alone in Gujrati people, Bharatji took me to school boys and girls and asked me to talk in hindi with them, and while I was introducing Swamiji he was there with his printed books on Swamiji, and I distributed among youngsters, they too were happy to see such a colourful images of Swamiji and quotes. Bharatji then said, “Kitni khoosi hoti hai ye log Swamiji ko padh rahe hain”, His passion means passion itself needs more and more words to define it.

Once when I was on an education excursion to Kolkota, he tried his level best to provide all his influence in the form of renowned people to meet the Tribal boys and the hospitability by supplying the food as the tribal crew liked.  Daily he used to call me as if it was his concern for caring the tribal boys for their lodging and boarding etc.  When our boys were fortunate to render few bhajans on 1^st jan. 2012 in Cossipore, he shouted the slogan over phone – Thakur maa ki Jai, Swamiji ki jai with tears.

His way of putting his voice with paan in his mouth starting with Literally .......... was favourite of many, and then nobody could stop him, one has to accept his – literally - otherwise, “I don’t believe in this, Swamiji, No, it can’t, I don’t believe in it”, again if somebody will explain the matter, “hmmm hmmm, that can be, that can be”.  It was a sight to see when his smile showed acceptance of Swamiji’s Name, picture or any quote on his created paper work.

Once I asked “Bharatji, thoda Exercise kijiye, Makhhan ke kaaran space jyada ho raha hai?” He turned to me with bright eyes, “Arey, fit to hoon, 100% fit, sabse jyada fit”  certainly he was fit, in Lonawala he was ready before i got ready and at 4 am his ablution was over. I was surprised how he in that age can be so perfact.  There itself till late night with Dr. Gharotiyaji going on talking, and talking and exchanging his views only on Godly matterss.

Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna was his surest passion, no phone calls were accepted till his readings in Bombay Ashrama with Library Swamiji  were completed,  if one called him up, his message – “in Gospel class, will call later”.  Members might have seen his creativity of Gems in pictures.

On 24^th I called him asked his whereabouts and health, he was not in the condition to talk but he attended and admitted about his falling health.  His wish was to see tribal boys, their videos which I covered  sometimes back in this year,  I went to Tinsukia, Assam on 26^th and registered a parcel of one hard disk containing all he wanted.  But the destiny had its other ways,  I got the shocking news of his passing away when the consignment was to reach at his Poornima Prakashan.

With his Grandson his fun was to see him dancing in the name of Jai Jai, Thakur’s name, Ramakrishna Sarnam.  His dedication brings the imagination in my mind as if he is dancing and merging in the divine bliss of swaroopa to Aroopa. 

Such devotees make the Grihastha Ashrama fulfilled, the Ashrama of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Bhakti or Mukti, the example for all, how one can hold God with one hand and work with other and when the work is over, again hold with both hands, no chalaki for getting tempted in Samsaric attraction.  Jar ache japo, jar nai maapo  -  He had done the both.

Hats off to such dedication. 

Let us take his demise as a better and great opportunities on Shri Bharatji’s departed holy soul.  Such divine attributed souls can’t go in eternal peace for their own sake but will be still working to spread the nectar all over the world. 

Sa Tarati Sa tarati, sa lokans tarati- (narada bhakti sutras)

With my sraddhanjali to his divine association on his condolence meeting.

I remain with prayers

Of Sri Ramakrishna, Maa and Swamiji

Swami Tatparananda

(Somesh Maharaj)

My prayers to the Holy Mother to grant him eternal peace and strength to his family to bear this irreparable loss. He indeed was a very active son of the Holy Trio. Having known him personally, this news is indeed shocking. Bharatji, will remembet you as a helpful person and an active servant of the lord. My pranams to you. Rgds,

Shoubhik Bandyopadhyay

Indeed a shock! My condolences to the bereaved family. And my prayers for the soul.

Sucheta Ghosh

Om Namo Narayanaya!

We are all devastated by the sudden news of Bhaijee’s passing away.  May Holy Trio guide his soul.  Deepest sympathies to Sumintra Ma and family!

Avitha Partab

May his soul become one with master.

Vvrajashekar

It is a shocking news. Only a few weeks ago I received a mail from him regarding joining this Google group. I had been missing his posts of Lalleshwari's poems/realisations recently. His posts inspired me to start posting Adi Shankaracharya's 'Bhaja Govindam'. I pray for his soul and that he may become one with the Holy Trio in Ramakrishnaloka. I also pray for his family. Regards.

ANURAG

Beloved Bharatji was a pure devotee and a real friend to us all. Somehow he found me and invited me to the group around five years ago. We had wonderful communications and he was a real inspiration. All of our lives have been deeply impacted by his seva and by the group he started. He united us as a family. I will miss you Bharatji, but I will not forget you. My soul sings in gratitude for bringing so many devotees together. You are home now with Maa, Thakur, Swamiji and and the rest. My sincere condolences to the Churiwala family and close friends... You had a true bhakta amongst you and now he is gone... His spirit is not gone and he will live in our hearts until we all meet again.. Om Om Om

Johnandreadis

Shocked to know that Sri Bharat Churiwala Ji  is no more with us. I offer my sincere condolence to the bereaved family and pray to Sri Sri Thakur that his soul may rest in eternal peace.

Regards,

Satyajit Dutta

I am deeply shocked. I sincerely hope that Sri Churiwala is now in the company of the Holy Trio and pray to the Holy Trio to give strength to his family to bear this loss.

Partha

He was a very nice person - Very humble and very devoted to the devotees of Sri Ramakrishna. He was always willing to do anything to serve the devotees. When I visited Mumbai, he forced me and my family to use his car and driver for a full day.

Jai Ramakrishna !!!

Gomu

I am shoocked and  deeply saddened to hear this sad news! My words fall short of expressing my sorrow. He was very human, greatly dedicated to Holy Trio.

Sri Bharatji.... you are a gem!! Thakur armed around you and whispered "Come to Me." 

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Hemant

I offer my sincere condolence to the bereaved family and pray to Holy Trio, that his soul may rest in eternal peace.

ravi kumar

Oh that is sad to knw that. He's with Thakur and Sri Maa

little prince sanjay.lulla

Very shocking! Let us offer our prayerful best wishes for the peace of the departed devoted soul of Holy Trio 

nikhileswarananda@gmail.com

Dear all,

Truely a noble soul has departed leaving a void unfilled.... Shocking news which is hard to believe...but cannot fight against HIS will...

Bharatji was pure soul now immersed in the ocean of PURITY... such souls depart early for HIS work..

May his soul rests in peace... I pray for his family members to gain strength to overcome this tragedy...

Regards

Sumit Sett

I used to see him every day at khar Mission in morning at 10 doing pranams and peeping thro' the shrine grills for a glance of Thakur - Maa - Swamijee. This image of Bharatjee will remain imprinted in my mind.

Jai Thakur.....
Rachna

Jai Ramakrishna!!!, Very shocking and cannot believe this news. Very devoted and humble devotee and had some great and sincere ideas to spread the message of the Holy Trinity.  May Thakur, Maa and Swamiji bless his soul and let it merge in them.

Swami Bodhamayananda

Hyderabad

Om Namo Bhagabate Basudebaaya

Very shocking and sad. May his pious soul rest in peace. 

Bijaylaxmi Mishra

I met him once at Mumbai. I just called him to inform that I will be in Mumbai and he came to Khar ashram at late evening to meet me. We also spoke number of times but could not meet. I sent him a mail recently and he responded stating that he was not keeping well. He promised to respond shortly. It is a great loss for this group as he painstakingly built this holy association. Thakur got His work done. Now Bharatji will enjoy His company in Ramakrishna Loka. My condolences to his family.

Tirthankar Mitra

We have only to thank him all he did to all of us, his example of the love and the devotion to Thakur, Maa and Swamiji. He is in the arms of our Beloved Thakur and Maa. May Thakur and Maa give strength to his family and understanding in that moment. 

jai Thakur jai Maa Jai Swamiji

Radha Mangala

Extremely difficult to digest this news... three years back met him at bangalore when he was here in connection with a film on Swamiji's life....and a few months back Bharatbhai had been to Bangalore and made it a point to meet me at my office on his way to airport...and that time we spent on sharing the words of Thakur-Maa....

Our dear brother has gone to the lap of Thakur-Maa resting in eternal peace.....

Satwik Joglekar

It is indeed a day of sorrow for me to know of this sudden and sad demise of Bharatji. I have had the honour of spending a lot of time with him for about last five years. I have not seen a man more passionate about the Group called Holy Trio. His selfless contribution in making this such a vibrant platform for discussion is immense. 
I have lost a very dear friend. 
May his soul find a rightful place in Ramakrishnaloka. 

Regards

Shashank Chowdhury

With tears in my eyes, I pray to Thakur for the peace of his soul.

Indeed it's a great loss to all of us.

Suvankar Dasgupta

This is such a shocking news. Bharat ji was a great friend, a devotee of a very high order and a great man. He had help lay foundation stone for the ashram in Kathmandu and he had taken the responsibility of publishing three books on the holy trio in Nepali for the first time. May his soul attain supreme bliss. 

Om

Prabesh Lohani

Jai Sri Ramakrishna!!

This is really a shocking news. May Bharathji's soul rest in peace. Bharathji was very compassionate......Really miss Bharathji a lot in this group...

Suchay Deshpande

This such  sad news. Bharatji was wonderful friend and a good guide.
We all pray to Holy Trio keep Bharatji under their care and grant him
eternal peace.

Purnendu Mukerjee

It was a shocking news, my condolences to his family, and prayers to Holy Mother that his soul rest in peace.....

Neetha

Very saddened to convey to all that my papa passed away yesterday morning on 27th september. Please pray so he is in peace. We have kept a baithak on sunday 30 th sep at iskon temple hare rama hare krishna juhu mumbai between 4 - 6 pm. Jai maa thakurji regards 

Darshan

·                     

Amritham Viveka we miss him very much my dear

·                     

Sanjay Gupta Cfp Heartfelt Condolences !!

·                      

Sucheta Ghosh Jai Ramakrishna! may He gives you all the strength and shelter! all my condolances ! my prayers for his soul and bereaved family!

·                     

Shoubhik Bandyopadhyay I pray for him. I have known him to be a helpful and compassionate person. May God give Peace to his Good Soul

·                     

Avitha Partab We are all devastated here in South Africa too! We are praying for solace for his noble soul, and may Thakur, Ma and Swamijee give the entire family the strength to bear the sad loss. Please convey our deepest sympathies to mum and sister.

Anila Gupta Dear Darshan, I was so saddened to hear of this, early this morning. your father was truly Thakur's child. My prayers are for him, you and the family. Jai Maa, Jai Thakur.

Satwik Joglekar Deepest condolences on this sad loss, Darshan...our feelings with you Bhabhiji and family...the entire devotee family is saddened.. Jai Thakur-Jai Maa-Jai Swamiji...

I am so charmed and admired by Shri Bharat ji that I searched for his photo in internet, nearly 2 or 3 years ago. From that time onward whenever I see his mails his photo comes into my mind. It is unbelievable to think that he is no more. 
I still remember one of his mail in which he said he got rebirth at the age of 50 after introduction to the Holy Trio. I am still not able to digest that he left us. While I have no doubt that his soul reaches the lap of Holy Mother, but I feel deep sorrow that he left us.

What pains me more is that if it is for some time his health is bad, then at least one mail should have been there in the group about that as he is the main moderator. Are we so disconnected ? 

He is very dedicated in maintaining this group. At times he expressed his apologies in not being able to post regularly, for example posts on Lalleswari. Many times when I read Sri Ramakrishna saying that a person with well built physique possess strong faith, I remember him. He is one of the devotees I have seen with very strong faith.

Though I have never met him in person, I feel a loss like that of an elder brother. A true loss to all of us. 

Sincerely praying Holy Trio to take his soul into their loka and bless him with peace.

Kiran

Swami Brahmanishthananda (Harekrishna Maharaj)

The poor, poor child is finally out of its misery. No, perhaps I should take it back. Was he feeling so miserable or was he fighting it out manfully?

My brother monk, Harekrishna Maharaj, passed away last night. His body was cremated today afternoon. His eyes were half awake. Was he meditating when Death finally came calling? He was in Advaita Ashrama in Calcutta, in Karimganj, in Baranagore and in Garbeta where adversity befell him. He slipped on a rainy wet verandah He had a major surgery on his backbone. Neurolyptic Parkinsonism set in. He suddenly arrived, or rather, was brought, to the room next to me. Some nights I found him soaked in his urine and unable to move. I tried to be of some help. On rare occasions, when I met him later, he would often ask me to put him up in sitting position, from the lying position he was put in by his attendants. Soon the notice, ‘No Pranams’ was put on his door. Maybe it was a wise thing to do, but I don’t know how it helped improve his spirits which was always surging in spite of being struck down to immobility by a fell disease. I would like to believe that everything humanly possible was done for him. Mother’s Grace be on all those who cared for him. Swami Yogavratananda wanted to have Ayurveda treatment done for him at the beginning itself. Somehow it could not be done. Mother Durga, they say, is a willful woman. She will have her goats in so many ways, cut at the neck or yanked by the tail.

Die Game.

See link below

Sculpture Image link:  http://images.artparks.co.uk/sculpture/sml_img/sculpture_sheila_mitchell_mother_and_child_1.jpg

Die Game :

http://www.vivekananda.net/booksbyswami/completeworks/CV1/Lectures/16Gita3.html
http://www.vivekananda.net/Poetry/KaliMother.html

Neurolyptic Parkinsonism :

http://www.minddisorders.com/Kau-Nu/Medication-induced-movement-disorders.html#b

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1033159/

http://www.hedweb.com/bgcharlton/neuroleptics.html

http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/51/6/850.full.pdf

http://www.ayurvedacollege.com/articles/drhalpern/clinical/Parkinson

Swami Brahmanishthananda (Harekrishna) passed away on 28 September at 9 pm at Seva Pratishthan, Kolkata. He was 50 and had been suffering from Parkinsonism for a few years. He was initiated by Swami Bhuteshananda ji Maharaj. He joined the Ramakrishna Mission in 1985 at Balaram Mandir and had Sannyasa from Swami Bhuteshananda ji in 1995. He also served at Advaita Ashrama (Calcutta), Karimganj, Kamarpukur, Garbeta and Baranagar (Mission) centres. He had been staying at Belur Math for the last four years. He was a friendly monk.

http://www.belurmath.org/news_archives/2012/10/03/obituaries-news-september-2012/

My Homage to Four Lives Well Lived - Swami Yatindrananda Ji, Ra. Ganapathi, Swami Vibudhananda ji and Bharat Churiwala ji

There is the story that a man who somehow found himself condemned before a despot and asked to choose the mode of his death, opted wisely to die of old age.

There is this stray quote from Swami Yatiswarananda, as heard from Swami Ananyananda, that it is a blessed person who dies from a sudden stroke.

Swami Yatindrananda Ji (Binoy Maharaj) who was in Taki Ramakrishna Mission earlier, and for many years in Belur Math passed away about a week back, after a life well lived.

Ra. Ganapathi was the writer that Ramakrishna Math turned to whenever something on epic proportions were to be written. I have enjoyed his Jaya Jaya Shankara, Life of Vivekananda and portions of other books. He passed away this February at the end of a virtuous long life.

Vidhi Mukha Vibudhanandaka Ram says Ramnam line 98. Vibudhananda ji used to refer to this jokingly. I first met him in 1978 when I was a student from MCC with long hair and he used to call me ‘Hippie’. He was surprised when this hippie finally became a monk. He passed away a few days back at 90. I fondly hope his organs which he wished to donate had been taken out before cremation. He must have merged with the light that is mentioned in the line 99, Tejomaya Nija Rupaka Ram.

Our Bharat Churiwala ji had it quick. I haven’t met him but benefited from his devoted services. A garland of heartfelt tributes from all over the globe is forming around his memory.  I had always wanted to talk with him but what is written is what is here.

Here is the official Obituary: 
http://www.belurmath.org/news_archives/2012/10/03/obituaries-news-september-2012/

1. Swami Yatindrananda of Taki Ramakrishna Mission :

http://www.belurmath.org/centres/display_centre.php?centre_id=TAK

Swami Yatindrananda ji (Vinay Maharaj) passed away on 18 September at 4.55 pm at Seva Pratishthan, Kolkata. He was 85 and had been suffering from  heart disease, diabetes, etc. for some years. He was initiated by Swami Virajanandaji Maharaj. He joined the Ramakrishna Mission in 1948 at Asansol centre and had Sannyasa from Swami Shankarananda ji Maharaj in 1958. He also was at our Silchar and Taki centres. He was the head-monk of Taki centre for 23 years. He had been leding a retired life at Belur Math for the last eight years. He was a simple and austere monk.

2. Ra Ganapathi :

http://mahaperiyavaa.wordpress.com/2012/02/21/shri-ra-ganapathi-attains-lotus-feet-of-mahaperiyava/

http://books.google.co.in/books/about/Swami_Vivekananda.html?id=6A7yQwAACAAJ&redir_esc=y

3. Swami Vibudhananda :

Swami Vibudhananda ji (Narasimhaswami Maharaj) passed away on 21 September 2012 at about 5.30 am at Ulsoor Math.  He was 90 and had been suffering from diabetes, enlarged prostate, etc. for some years.  He was an initiated disciple of Swami Virajananda ji Maharaj. He joined the Order at Bangalore Math in 1951 and had Sannyasa from Swami Shankarananda ji Maharaj in 1959. Besides his joining centre, he also served at Mysore, Almora, Vrindaban, Madras Mission Ashrama, Ooty, Madras Math, Kanchipuram, Nattarampalli and Bombay centres. He had been living a retired life at Ulsoor Math for the last seventeen years. He was known as a meticulous monk.

http://www.tamilbrahmins.com/general-slokams-mantrams/9002-nama-ramayanam.html

‘vidhi mukha vibudhAnanda rAm’ meaning given as:  Thou Rama, Thou who didst delight Brahma and all the devas

‘tEjOmaya nija rUpaka rAm’ means Thou Rama, one with your own Resplendent Form

4. Bharat Churiwala Ji :

[Devotees of Holy Trio:30072] Demise of Shri Bharat Churiwala Ji

Respected All,
As a Co-Moderator of the Group, this is my painful duty to convey a very bad news to all of you.
Our very dear Moderator, Shri Bharat Churiwala Ji passed away today around midnight, after suffering from severe health complications due to Malaria.

Indeed it is a very shocking news, and a very grave day for this group. Shri Churiwala was one of the rarest gems of Sri Ramakrishna. Not only was he an exemplary devotee, but also a compassionate person, a guide and a learned soul. We hope that Mother's child has finally reached her laps, and resting playfully there.

Please Pray to Holy Trio for the peace of his soul.

sabuj biswas

Kini Maharaj Passed away

Kini Maharaj passed away - so I heard a few days back. I instantly recognized the name. I could visualize his kind face and slight frame; I could distinctly remember the kindness - he was a monk with a kind heart. His manners were amiable with a touch of sweetness. I knew him as an elderly monk. He became finally an old, old monk. I remembered hearing about his being in the little Worli Centre in Bombay. It is not given to everyone to keep themselves able and sane in lonely or solitude type of situations. That people thought he could manage such situations, itself speaks for his competence which he justified by so obviously retaining his sanity and the soft sweetness till the other day.

http://www.rkmathnagpur.org/about_nagpur_math/1929_1934.htm

He joined in our Nagpur centre, under Swami Bhaskareshwarananda, who had inspired many good souls into spiritual life.  

We monks, as a rule,  don't retain our caste names or surnames, but sometime, some of us continue to be called by such names due to the affection that the monks have for so named. The Kinis are mostly Maharashtran and they used to cultivate herbs for healing sicknesses in the body; Laughter is the best medicine and Kini Maharaj's pleasant countenance was sure, a calming balm to tensed visitors when they came upon him.

Google so far is not showing him up; there has not been any report about his passing away yet; I don't remember his monastic name right now; I will fill that in later; but the foundations of the Universe is made of a conglomerate of such tiny Kinis - amiable, kind-hearted, unostentatious and forgotten.
          ==                                ==                                ==                               ==

Here is the update: 

Swami Sadrupananda ji (Kini Maharaj) passed away on 10 September at 10 pm at Nagpur Math. He was 85 and had been suffering from diabetes, heart disease, etc. for some years. He was an initiated disciple of Swami Virajanandaji Maharaj. He joined Ramakrishna Mission in 1953 at Nagpur Math and had Sannyasa from Swami Vishuddhananda ji Maharaj in 1962. He was also in Mumbai Ashrama at the Worli Centre. He had been leading a retired life at Belur Math and Nagpur Ashrama for the last eight years. He was of a sweet temperament  and was a well loved and respected monk.

http://www.belurmath.org/news_archives/2012/10/03/obituaries-news-september-2012/

Swami Niranjananda (Junior) of the Ramakrishna Mission

20th December 1973 : 

Swami Niranjanananda (Pandalai Maharaj) : 

Announced to the Public in January 1974

Swami Niranjanananda (Pandalai Maharaj), aged 91, passed away 

at Vallikkot on the 20th December 1973 at 5 pm owing to old-age 

ailments. An initiated disciple of Srimat Swami Nirmalananda ji 

Maharaj, he joined the Haripad Ashrama in 1921 and had Sannyasa 

from his Diksha-Guru in 1923. Besides serving as the Head of the 

Tiruvalla Ashrama for a long time, he was the editor of the 

Prabuddha Keralam for over twelve years and wrote a commentary 

on the Narada Bhakti Sutras and translated the Bhakti Yoga of 

Swamiji in Malayalam. Austere and energetic by nature, the Swami 

was one of those who were instrumental in spreading the message 

of Ramakrishna-Vivekananda in Kerala.

http://ramakrishnamissionreports.blogspot.in/2012/02/obituaries-from-1965-to-1975.html

http://www.rkmathharipad.org/sample-page/story-behind-centre/

http://www.vivekananda.net/PDFBooks/Nirmalananda.pdf

Foreward to My Homage to the old old ones

My greetings to all readers. May you all live long and have happy, fruitful and good lives.

In my capacity as a self-appointed homage-payer of great lives lived in the Ramakrishna Movement, I am right now in the happy circumstances of not being able to pay my homage to any departing great soul because no one is in a hurry to do it these last few months. While thanking the Almighty for Her grace I pray she also does something to soothe them during their suffering while here on earth.

When I get to meet God face-to-face, I intend to ask Him why it has to be like this: that many great ones suffer pains; well, when it comes to that, I intend to ask Her why even lesser ones should suffer. But it is a fact that many of the great sufferers, they were great and their sufferings too were great, …well, …these great ones, had no complaint when they suffered, they continued to love God in and through suffering, thus saying between the lines that loving God is the answer to God giving us suffering. Along with it I am supposed to see to it that I don't do things to invite sufferings.  

Well, I suppose the relationship between God and Humans is quiet complicated.

Coming back to my homage-paying affair, there are lots of good people, some known and some not as well known as they ought to have been and some completely unknown, all of them so obligingly dead, for me to pay my homage.  

I begin with my homage to Swami Parananda of Ramakrishna Mission a.k.a. Padmanabhan Tampi.


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Announced to the Public in October 1941

17th August 1941 : Swami Parananda (No. 2) (Padmanabhan): 

We are sorry to record the death of Swami Parananda 

(No. 2) of the Trivandrum Ashrama on the 

17th August 1941 at the age of 74.

From

http://ramakrishnamissionreports.blogspot.in/2012/02/obituaries-from-1939-to-1950.html

Ramakrishna Keralam - His Master's Tool - Swami Parananda

Ramakrishna Keralam

(The Story of How Sri Ramakrishna made Kerala His Own)

His Master’s Tool

Trivandrum (1)

From time before Time,

there was this God, doing this same play.

God has been at it and is at it,

this game of pulling strings;

Strings unseen to which are attached puppets,

me, you and all who are here with us.

Do I have a say in my own affairs,

as I very often think I have,

                        But sometimes doubt?

What about others?

Do they have a say in their own affairs?

Are we all playing to a script?

Maybe we all have some freedom,

to do a little improvisation

for good or for bad...

Well, God is surely always up to something.

Once upon a time, not too far back, sometime in 1904-05, there was an honest officer of the Travancore Kingdom, by name Padmanabhan Tampi.

He had an equally good brother who was a doctor too, Dr Raman Tampi.

In their midst came one Kalipada Ghosh, an able executive of M/s. Dickinson’s & Co. of Calcutta. Perhaps they talked business first and then Tampi mentioned to Ghosh that he had heard a lot about one good man in Calcutta, by name Keshab Chandra Sen. This touched a deep chord in Kalipada’s heart.

Kalipada had been a deeply drenched drunkard who had been made into a saintly man by the touch of Sri Ramakrishna. He burst forth into a moving description of his Great Guru, from whom Keshab Sen himself, had derived inspiration. His passion and fervour moved deep strings in the hearts of his listeners.

Remember the string-puller above?

Kalipada Ghosh then informed them that a disciple of Ramakrishna, by name Swami Ramakrishnananda, was residing in South India at Madras.

His Master’s Tool

Trivandrum (2)

Little Padmanabhan, it is obvious, learnt Truthfulness and about the value of honest labour at his mother’s knee and under his father’s gaze.

The Tampi brothers were well educated too and the elder one was in a responsible position in Travancore when a potential social conflagration was forming as Sri Narayana Guru set up a Shiva temple at Aruvipuram, telling belligerent orthodox Nambudiris not to bother since he was worshipping a lower caste, Ezhava Shiva and not their Nambudiri Shiva. From reliable accounts, we come to know that Padmanabhan played quite a significant role in keeping the situation in check.  This shows his courage of conviction as well as ability.

This sincere soul was in a state of readiness to catch any living spark. Kalipada Ghosh’s fervent talk about Sri Ramakrishna lit this enthusiasm. Ghosh and Tampi wasted no time in inviting Swami Ramakrishnananda to Trivandrum.

The Swami came, stayed for about a month in 1904 and held classes, which kindled the fire and spread it around. Padmanabhan Tampi went to Madras sometimes and when he asked to be initiated by Swami Ramakrishnananda, he was advised to go to Puri and get initiated by Swami Brahmananda. Sri K. Padmanabhan Tampi is held to be the first person from Kerala to be initiated by Swami Brahmananda. More were to follow.

The Spiritual counsel of Swami Ramakrishnananda and Swami Brahmananda and proximity with them kept the Tampi brothers and a group of people around them aflame with spiritual fervour and devotion. And it was not an idle devotion. They formed societies in different places. Today we know only about three places. Trivandrum, Tiruvalla and Haripad

.

His Master’s Tool

…. In Waiting for 1911 (3)

Now some quiet times come. Not much seems to have happened till 1911, when Haripad sprang forth in exuberance with graceful and grand sounds and light.

But, was there really a vacuum? Did 1911 spring up from a void? No. Many things were happening. Padmanabhan Tampi was the livewire in every place. There were enthusiastic and enterprising people in Trivandrum, Tiruvalla and Haripad but things moved where Padmanabhan was. He was the President of Trivandrum Society (of Devotees of Ramakrishna Mission). He was the prime mover in bringing Swami Ramakrishnananda to Trivandrum. We may take it that the Swami had left clear instructions to the devotees as to how to meet often and keep up their devotion. That the instructions were followed with fervour is also clear from the formation of Societies in various places in Travancore.

But Padmanabhan Tampi had to go away from Trivandrum on transfer Order from the Government. He became the sub-magistrate in Haripad. Now Haripad became the place where things were happening more. Trivandrum did not lag behind much, though. The younger Tampi, the Doctor, became the President and he did what he could. In between we see Swami Ramakrishnananda visiting Alleppey near Haripad and starting a school. Padmanabhan Tampi might have played some role in this visit. Devotees started to gather in Haripad and Tiruvalla. We mention some, Seshadri Iyer, Venkita Subrahmanya Iyer, Subbaraya Iyer, Neelakantan Namboodri, etc.

During these years Padmanabhan Tampi visited Puri and had initiation from Swami Brahmananda. He spread the message to others about Swami Brahmananda and Swami Ramakrishnananda.

Sri Ramakrishna was just sitting content in His devotees’ hearts, savouring their great love. 

(will be continued, God Willing ..)

(I am thankful to many unknown good souls who have put these pics. out in the World wide Web. I propose to give their links and say a few words of appreciation about them later)