Chapter 34: Ushaji Longs for Darshan of Vrishbhanupur, Beholds & Experiences Two Sakhis, Rare Persona

 

Vrishbanupur

Who can possibly state the good fortune of Vrishbhanupur? Shri Radha, the hladini shakti or blissful energy of handsome Krishna is eternally resplendent here and suffuses Her madhuri. Steeped in the lilas of Priyaji, the place is praiseworthy the world over and revered by Krishna, the dark god, simultaneously. 

Shri Radha's Merciful Sidelong Glance

On attaining the grace of Radha's kripakataksha or sidelong glance, handsome Krishna becomes easily attainable. An intense desire to have darshan of Shri Vrishbhanupur where Radha Rani forever dwells tugged at Bobo's heart strings. She was maun and had taken a vow of silence. Going to the personal palace of Shriji, Gahar Van,Sankari Khor, Daan Garh and Maan Garh, Bobo relished the joyous abandon of divine plays which had occurred earlier and at present.

Darshan of Two Sakhis

It was her practice of going for darshan of Shriji and she went alone today. Having a glimpse of Radha Rani in the temple above, she spotted seclusion in the backside stairs and sat down. Evening was eagerly waiting for sunset to diffuse its darkness. Squatting there, Bobo adulated the unparalleled grandeur of Unchagaon, the site of Shri Lalitaji and Rithaura Gram of Shri Chandravaliji. It had become increasingly dark and she turned around to look back.

Bobo Beholds Two Brajbalas

Two Braj maidens, at the most twelve years old, stood right next to a tree. Their dress up and appearance was absolutely plain. The duo's warbling tone and serenity ascertained that they did not belong to the mundane world. And were apparently pre-pubescent, an age of innocence and emotional intensity.

Being maun Bobo sat silently but sportively turning her gaze, she greeted them. The maidens laughed heartily. One of them asked, "Where do you live?" Bobo pointed with her finger to express herself. The second instantly affirmed," Yes! She stays in Vrindavan.' Bobo nodded in assent. Again the first one asked what did she do there? Bobo shook her hand to imply nothing. Before she could finish the second sakhi confirmed that she did bhajan.

Waving Bobo explained that she did not have a mala (a Vaishnava rosary). Both of them said in unison that those who take God's name with every breath are not aware that they do so. Just as we are not conscious of breathing."

Hearing their profound statements Bobo was certain that they were not ordinary. 

" Are you married?" one of them asked. 

Pointing at her face ,Bobo explained that she was not because of having such an appearance? 

"Everyone manages somehow," the second remarked.

" You did not marry as you had to do bhajan. You are wedded to the handsome Krishna."The first one pitched in instantly. Bobo laughed.

One of them asked about her family members.

 " She has a brother and a nephew." The second one gave an answer.

" How did they manage the expenses?" the first one intervened.

Bobo indicated by begging for alms. 

" The brother as well as the nephew must be sending money,"the second assumed.

Bobo asked with a gesture where the two of them lived. 

" We stay right here," they both quipped. 

A sportive omniscience pervaded this sequence of questions and answers. Bobo wondered about their all knowing mindsets-and both the young girls left.

Bobo also got up to leave. On turning around she saw there was nobody. Becoming curious, she frantically looked around but those young maidens were not to be seen. They had vanished. Bobo assumed that they were Shri Radha's sakhis who had been sent due to Her infinite grace and affection.This awareness made Bobo ecstatic.

We have mentioned earlier that Bobo would go into isolation in the afternoon and this practice continued in Barsana. Today was the enactment of matki lila (earthen pot) through the course of Sankari Khor. Taking a pot of yoghurt, Priyaji would tread through Sankari Khor and go to Barsana via Chaksauli.

Krishna Exacts Tribute from Radha & the Braj Gopis

The son of Nanda along with His sakhas would be hiding there beforehand for the exaction of tribute from the herdgirls of Braj as they went to market for selling their stuff. The daan lila is organized with the same sentiment every year and all Braj bhaktas consider it to be incarnate.

Bobo  saw a vision in seclusion,

"Along with her sakhis Priyaji with a matki (earthen pot) posited on her head is coming from Sankari Khor. It is very pleasant with a faint sunshine. On the uneven track of that narrow lane She steps on one boulder after another. To keep Her balance intact She bends over fully at times-the horde of sakhis follow Her. At this end the handsome Shyam along with His sakhas hides in the cluster of trees on Her right. When Priyaji reaches the centre, the dark god speedily accosts Her. This teasing interlude transforms into a charming dispute.

He demands milk and curd but she walks ahead on the pretext of not giving in. Precisely then in his impassioned state, the handsome Shyam loots gauras (milk, yoghurt and buttermilk). The handsome god, like other Braj denizens, gathers the broken matki's remains. Priyaji standing above watches Him. Both look at each other with a mysterious smile playing on their lotus faces."

Bobo saw the playful dalliance and reached the heights of religious rapture. Her sentiments abounding with sensitive perceptions could be sensed by the common people as well.

The Shringara Rasa of Shri Radhe-Krishna

It is essential for the mind to be grasping when Bobo states Radha-Krishna's enraptured state and their shringara rasa.

" I can narrate the shringar rasa but it can be seen only by the Supreme Lover's grace. If He blesses us, the adorned Yugal or Radha-Krishna can be viewed by a concentrated internal practice of imaginative recollection. Krishna is omniscient, present in every particle and the terrifying rush of His love constantly invades the hearts of loving devotees. The captivating lover incarnates and tends to the sentiments of His devotees.

Talk of shringara bhakti, a certain spirituality that can only arise from indulging in love, is not possible without Krishna.

Gopis are Nayikas Enamoured by Krishan, the Nayaka

These enraptured cowherdesses are the nayikas or the romantic heroines who lost out to Krishna, the nayaka or the prototypical romantic hero and were looted. 

Krishna is Capricious Like the Black Bee

Even the knowledge that the object of their desire was as capricious as the Black bee did not restrain them.

Shringara bhakti is suffused with madhurya and is emotionally evocative and serenely spiritual and thus it bridges not only the romantic and the devotional but also the sacred and the secular.

At a distance some sakhis peeping from a creeper thicket, saw daily lightning embedded in the frivolous acts of a dark cloud. One of them regained her composure and burst out," You are certainly insane to be comparing our Krishna, the colour of the condensed sky, and Kishoriji lodged in his heart with

Clouds & Lightning

nature's cloud and lightning. Hey this crazed Yugal violate all societal constraints and their amorous frolics have no respite!"

Who can construe the depth of Bobo's mindset absorbed in the eternal closeness of Priya-Priyatam. Her life revolved around seeing Radha-Krishna, united and joyous in love, and she took refuge in the Supreme Lover.

Madhurya was her key to understanding and celebrating the love of Radha and Krishna and in doing so get a glimpse of her own transcendental self. For in the serenity of the self as madhurya translated into ananda came the realization that everyone is ultimately a nayika searching for Krishna.

Chapter 33: Arrival in Vrindavan, Introduction to Several Mahatmas

We have mentioned earlier that revered Bobo had come to Vrindavan on 17th November,1959. On arrival she instinctively came into contact with saints, luminaries and goswamis for discussing the playful dalliances of Krishna.

Introduction to Shri Bal Krishna Dasji, a famed Saint of Braj

Shri Balkrishna Das ji Maharaj

After Bobo's arrival in Vrindavan she was introduced to Shri Bal Krishan Dasji Maharaj regarding spiritual evolution. Perspectives were exchanged and the infinite joy of narrating Krishna's lilas was obtained. Several times she would go for darshan of Shri Maharaj and many a time he would drop in along with his parikar (inner circle). Padas were sung and legends of Radha-Krishna merrily narrated.

" The true pleasure of laughter is possible only at (Bobo) Usha Bahenji's place," revered Shri Maharaj would often exult

She had absolute respect for him within the context of religious aspiration and he also had a close affinity towards her.

Revered Gaya Prasadji Maharaj

Pandit Gaya Prasad ji

The episode of meeting him is amazingly delightful. She was invariably impressed by Panditji's detachment with worldly pleasures and constant chanting of God's name, and truly respected him as a grand saint of Shri Giriraj.Revered Panditji had taken a vow of not letting a woman come near him. Due to God's stimuli there were certain violations of this resolve, ever since he met Bobo. I clearly remember she expressed a desire to touch his feet and he was highly embarrassed.The icon of tenderness, Bobo, finally did so.

Revered Shri Ramdasji Maharaj

A sanctified saint of Karah, the spiritual world is not unaware of Shri Ramdasji Maharaj, an emotionally learned sage. He is renowned the world over because of his knowledgeable sermons and sidh state coupled with the worship of Lord Raghvendra and Kishoriji when he narrates lilas. Thus touching the heart and eyes streaming with tears , these playful dalliances moves even the common people as they reach the heights of elation and ecstasy.

Revered Bobo would generally meet Shri Maharaj when he forayed to Vrindavan. Describing the character of Bharat and the vatika episode of the 'Ramayana' Maharaji would enrapture the listeners.

"Undoubtedly her spiritual perception is unprecedented," he would say. She was a loving bhakta and her entrustment as well as love for Priya-Priyatam was unparalleled.

Revered Shri Anand Das Babaji Maharaj

His madhur worship of Shri Raghvendra Sarkar and Kishoriji; above all when Lord Ram came to Mithila the sakhis of Janak's daughter detained Him-and he

Dulha Ramji, Lord Ram Weds Sita

was permanently known as 'Pahune Ramji'(Ramji as son-in-law) and DulhaRamji (Ramji as bridegroom) in Mithila. Acquiring a siddh condition (perfected by penance) he would be engrossed in it. Bobo had loving tenderness and great respect for the same Baba Maharaj.

Baba was impressed by her spiritual perception, dedicated seva of Shri Thakur and her lucidly firm perspective. Seeing her spirituality and love for Radha-Krishna he would often say,"Ushaji's state had easy access to the nitya and constant closeness of the sacred couple. Whereas her isht bhavna towards the feet of Priya-Priyatam was resolute, her love for Raghvendra Sarkar and Kishoriji was no less."

Seeing Bobo's like-mindedness, detachment and serenity he would drop home. 

"A devoutly pious goddess like Ushaji instinctively gained entry into Gaulok where Priya-Priyatam always dwell. While living in this material world she was there and on going there she was steeped in the religious rapture of union with Radha-Krishna," he had said on hearing about her departure.

Pujya Sripad Baba

 Sripad Baba

Several eminent persons and emotional luminaries were eager to take advantage of his company on seeing Baba's transcendental state, dedication towards Braj as well as Vrindavan, firm religious devotion and unprecedented renunciation. He had great respect for Bobo.

Intuitively he came for the sankirtan on her first death anniversary. 

 " Great people don't wait for time but rather time follows them. She was great and united with the divine even on living in the mundane. It was mere wishful thinking for her but proved a great loss for sadhakas,"offering sharadanjali he said,

Shri Shachinandan Baba

The matter dates to 1970. Drawn by Vrishbhanupur's attractive sites Bobo would generally venture there on Shri Radhaashtami for darshan. 

Barsana

She came to know that Shachinandan Baba, a saint lived in the silent foliage of Bhanu Sarovar nearby. In a dark room beneath she was startled to hear the word,' Rai-Rai'(speedily chanting Radhe-Radhe)).This time Sushila Bahenji,Bahen Darshan,Uma, Kamda, Nirmal and Vijay accompanied her. The instant they stepped in, he thundered," Who is it? " And they introduced themselves.

Softly Bobo requested," Baba you are in the company of Priyaji everyday-narrate some of her divine plays.

" Ecstatic while narrating the lilas he relevantly asked Bobo, has Priyaji ever hugged you and said,"You are mine." 

Self-effacing Bobo found this question to challenge the constant love of Priyaji-and was vexed. Quiet for a while she replied in a devotee's tone,"Baba! You often get the good fortune of Priyaji's company.So why don't you ask her?" 

Instantly Baba said seriously,"Laali,you are telling the truth!" Hearing this statement all those present were thrilled and soon after prostrated before Bobo.

Taking Kamda Bahenji's hand in his, Baba asked if she was married and had children. She answered in the affirmative and said she had two sons.Kamdaji was satvik and had intense love for Shri Thakurji.Touching her Baba said," It does not matter if you are married!" Staying for some days in Barsana, everyone returned to Vrindavan.

This time as well on Shri Radhashtami they went to Barsana.Bobo reached his isolated hut along with other associates. A pada could be heard. Baba was singing and Bobo repeated that she wanted to hear the legends of Radha-Krishna. Initially Baba narrated some lines in Bengali. Dispelling the silence,

Bobo Revealed Some of Krishna's Water Sports

Bobo revealed some episodes of Krishna's water sports and boat rides as they listened intently.

At one point Boba asked Baba as to what ensued when handsome Shyam was left alone with Priyaji and the cowherdesses...and was silent for a second. 

Baba was quiet and then fumed,"Weren't you there?That you need to ask me."

 Everyone watched Bobo's concentrated absorption wherein her mundane body was in front of us in that hut involved in the discussion and with her divine form she participated in the celestial water sports of Krishna.

Shri Shri Priya Sharanhji Maharaj

A scholar of the Nimbarka Sect, having immense faith in Braj, Shri Priya Sharanhji Maharaj was a great renunciant.  Maharaj ji would sensitively tell the tale of 'Shri RadhaSudha Nidhi,' at Raman Reti.Bobo saw enraptured Priyaji leaning against a tree during his narration.

Shri Shri Kripa Sindhu Dasji Maharaj

Shri Kripa Sindhu Das Baba had ascertained his divine path under the charge of Shri Ram Krishna Das Baba.Fervently chanting God's name and a concentrated recollection of lilas drew several sentimental devotees to him. Due to insistence of Santoshji and Sarlaji, Bobo had to visit him. Shri Vimla Nevile and Dharam Bahenji also accompanied them.

Bobo had done extensive analytical research of the Gaudiyas and soon this meeting transformed into an interchange of spiritual perspectives. Listening to her brilliant conception he was amazed. And soon this episode led to a particular closeness with Bobo. Usha Bahenji casting off all worldly constraints had come to Vrindavan and when he knew that she had been a principal he suggested fondly,"Making them discard all this why don't you arrange for their stay in Braj."

Shri Jagannath Prasad Bhakt Mali

Shri Jagannath Prasad Bhakt Mali

 Vaishnavas are certainly aware of Shri Jagannath Prasad Bhakt Mali,the disciple of Tatiya 's mahant Bhagwan Dasji. It is rare to find a humble person like Maharaji who was the loving recipient of Priya-Priyatam's blessing. Having implicit faith for all sampradayas and acharyas was his distinctive quality. His style of discourse was so very intimate that everyone was thrilled.

On Bahenji's insistence he dropped home many a time. And admitted,"I am not capable of turning away an affectionate invitation." He would always praise her tenderness, humility and grand bhavas. 

Regarding Bobo's involvement in seva of Thakurji he raved," Usha Bai's very soul is lodged in attending to Thakurji's needs"

Madan Mohan Dasji Maharaj

Most Vaishnavas know of Shri Madan Mohan Dasji,a denizen of Nandgram and a disciple of Shri Hans Dasji Maharaj, a sidh saint of the Nimbarka Sect. A mahatma of Nandgram, he shared a close rapport with the residents of Braj.

Madanji had developed intense love and reverence for Bahenji. Several times he would burst out crying while narrating the lilas and constantly begged Bobo for the grace of Shri Thakurji.Many a time he dropped home in Vrindavan and observing Bobo's seva revered her in particular. 

Bobo ji's Thakurji

He always raved,'Shri Thakurji is the svarupa or living presence of Bobo's  service, worship and dedicated devotion."

Shri Prabhudattji Brahmachari

We have given the episode of an introduction to Shri Maharaji earlier.

Shri Lalit Charanji Goswami

Goswami Shri Maharajji, the distinguished saint of Shri Radha Vallabh Sampradaya, was renowned in his sect and other luminaries had great reverence for him.Its reason was his independent and unbiased opinions.Not just knowledge but his emotional style laden with bhakti's grandeur, has been exuding its fragrance.

He would delight in describing the sentiments of padas written by rasikas with Bobo. And often met her while going to the Yamuna, impressed by her sensibility and considering her an icon of worship." I have never sighted such loving tenderness anywhere as Bobo's while attending to the needs of Thakurji.Every fiber of her being is involved in seva."

He was very grieved when her health failed and deputed a mahatama to get news of her condition daily.

*Revered Shri Pannalal Babuta, A Domesticated Saint

Shri Pannalal Babuta

 He had great affection for Bobo and would always say," Come my Laali my Radha Rani." Respecting Bobo's forbearance and renunciation,he was impressed by the seva of Thakurji. Babutaji had faith in Bobo due to 'Ishq Hakiki' known as dedicated love for God in Urdu poetry. When she would ask about his well being he invariably affirmed," There is always full bloom in a life of intoxication."

*Basically Indian and a citizen of England later.Several people came into contact with Pannalal Babuta, the supreme recipient of Priyaji's grace in Vrindavan and abroad. Once the British Sarkar transferred him to Kasesa (border of Belgium and Congo)There the great yogi Lahiri gave him darshan. Once again sighting Priyaji he was ecstatic and eversince he was permanently impassioned. For three days a divine fragrance suffused around him.

Revered Saint Shri Lalita Babuta

Shri Lalita Babuta

 Bobo and Bahenji met for the first time in Bihariji's Temple and this introduction gradually changed into serious intimacy.Shri Lalitaji's state was unique and many of her miracles are renowned the world over. Many incidents of staying put at one place and manifesting at another site to ward off her followers 'misfortunes are famous. Basically she had lovable dedication for Banke Bihariji Maharaj and Priyaji.She had respect, paternal affection and awareness of the nuances of Bobo's seva, taking her advice several times.

During Bobo's illness the manner in which she took care is inexpressible, for which she is eternally worthy of respect.

Revered Shri Manohar Dasji

Shri Manohar Bhaiya

The rapport he shared with Bobo was not one-sided. Due to her spiritual sensitivity, lovable devotion for Shyama-Shyam, conscientious seva, entry into their lilas and constant proximity of Radha-Krishna, he had great respect for Bobo, wishing for her well being.

Revered Saint Shri Dharamji

Shri Dharam Bahenji

 Keeping her hand on close friend Vimla Arora's shoulder those who have seen divinely inclined Shri Dharamji roaming in the idyllic pastures of Vrindavan with partially opened eyes are certainly aware of her greatness. Constantly steeped in the closeness of Priya-Priyatam, Bahenji's life blossomed with the assurances got from Shyama-Shyam.

As a matter of chance Dharmji's teaching in Ambala with revered Bobo made both the likeminded friends' relish the dalliance of handsome Shyam. Alongside she was very impressed by Bobo's Thakur seva, renunciation and terrifying rush of Krishna's love.

Once on coming to Vrindavan Shri Dharamji told Bobo,"You would reveal sensitive perceptions of Radha-Krishna in Ambala and Vrindavan on insistence, and now you have begun hiding them." Revered Bobo was narrating poems she had composed, which were in fact her hand written feelings.

 Silent for a second, she enthused,"Dharamji! These poems are precisely those." 

Dharamji agreed,"Certainly these verses have thrown light on your sensitivity."

Saints Shri Santoshji and Sarla Bahenji

Right from Lahore their firm devotion for Braj, endowed with love for Shri Thakurji's feet, renunciation, abundant affection and the rare virtue of truth, made the majesty of both friends crystal clear for the denizens of Vrindavan. Shri Chakradhar Baba had once affirmed," Having darshan of both these friends is like beholding a hundred mahatamas of Vrindavan."

On coming to Vrindavan Bobo particularly got their. affection.

Santoshji

Sarla Bahenji.

Embedded in their relationship, the zenith of spiritual awareness based on Bobo' spiritual perceptions, the passionate feelings of Priya-Priyatam and close entry into lilas is inexpressible.

They had seen Bobo very closely and had unfailing belief in her spiritual evolution.

Shri Dayal Puriji Maharaj

Shri Dayal Puriji Maharaj, the renowned saint living near Ludhiana (Punjab) was considered worthy of deep respect among sages, mahatmas and goswamis of Vrindavan. Venturing every year to Vrindavan and undertaking all sorts of seva was a regime for him. Calm and placid Svamiji was famed for his serenity and simplicity.

He had great affection and respect for Bobo. And was highly impressed on seeing the involvement of Bobo's mind and soul while attending to needs of Thakurji. Both had the good fortune of sitting together for long stretches and talking of spirituality. Seeing her sacrifices and life of a renunciant he proposed of offering his residence to Bobo permanently. She was absolutely detached and she did not agree but consented to go there occasionally and stop over.

Shri Jatiji Maharaj

Vaishnavas certainly know of Shri Jatiji Maharaj,the mahant of Shri Lalitaji's Temple in Unnch Gaon. He was a principled renunciant and committed to Lalitaji, the sakhi of Priyaji.

Having intense belief in Bahenji and on Shri Lalitaji's order, it was his regime to get the shringar of janamashtami from Bahenji and adorn the idol. Thus he made this a practice which is being followed till date.

Shri Durga Ma

Sri Rangji Temple Vrindavan

Residing close to the back door of Shri Rangji, Vaishnavas are not unaware of Durga Ma's Gopal Seva, religious devotion and austere renunciation. Seeing the manifestation of Gopalji,Vaishnavas had immense reverence for her.

She had maternal affection for Bobo and always raved about her attending to Thakurji's needs. Several times she came home for darshan of Thakurji, having great reverence for her.

Shri Krishnanand Bharti

 Sri Vrindavan

 Engrossed in singing devotional songs and meditation for years in the isolated hills of Uttar Pradesh,Shri Bharti came to Vrindavan.Coming into contact with Bobo, she was compelled to forget the earlier site's attraction. She would come to hear lilas every day, impressed by Bobo's spiritual evolution.

Bobo affirmed,"The comprehension she has of Radha-Krishna's legends-usually it is tough to have such awareness."

Shri Hitji Maharaj, Shri Atul Krishna Goswami

Shri Deen Sharan Babaji, Shri Gokul Dasji

Shri Kishori Ramanji, Shri Shastriji,Barsana

Shri Achutlal Bhatt,

Shri Krishna Das Panditji

All these luminaries had great faith in Bahenji's erudition, vast knowledge, spiritual experiences, Shri Thakurji's seva, respect for sampradayas, entry into nikunj lilas, devotion for Braj and Vrindavan, coupled with great respect for her spiritual grandeur.

Revered Bahenji also held them in high esteem.