Anuragi Baba
We navigated the narrow lanes, eventually turning into Chhipi Gali. There, we knocked on the door of Anurag Kunj, Anuragi Baba’s ashram. As we stepped inside the open hall, a sense of calmness enveloped us. To the right, the kitchen buzzed with the preparation of bhoga, and next to it, a small study stood neatly arranged, where Baba often sat to write.
Didi first guided us to have darshan of Sri Lampat Bihari Ji. The moment was divine—Thakur Lampat Bihari Ji, true to His name, had a mischievous smile and a lively twinkle in His eyes, as if He was about to play a prank. He was beautifully decorated and lovingly served by Lakshmi Didi, a devoted disciple of Anuragi Baba. Lakshmi Didi, with her big, warm smile, hugged Didi, their deep friendship and association evident in the embrace.
Anuragi Baba sat in a chair, his japamala in hand, chanting and reminiscing about the leelas of Radharani. As we bowed before him, Vishnupriya Didi introduced me as Rabi Babu’s daughter, who enacted roles in the leelas performed by Bansi Bilas in Vrindavan’s temples. My father shared an intimate bond with Baba, one that was woven through hours spent together in Vrindavan. My father and Baba would engage in long, heartfelt conversations, their talks meandering through the intricate pathways of the spiritual path. Baba, with his wisdom and serene presence, would share stories and teachings that illuminated the essence of spirituality. My father, deeply engrossed, would listen intently, his face reflecting the light of understanding and reverence.
Baba’s face lit up with a broad smile as he motioned us closer. “Were you Krishna?” he asked, his eyes twinkling. Didi responded, “She was Radharani.”
In these moments, a warm wave of nostalgia washes over me. I feel an immense blessing to have been born to such remarkable parents, whose wisdom and devotion guided us to the sacred land of Vrindavan. It is there that we became associated with the lives of revered saints, whose presence illuminated our path with spiritual clarity and purpose.
My Odissi dance training, nurtured under the loving care of my parents and my Guru, finds its ultimate fruition in this divine service. Each movement, each rhythmic step, feels like an offering to the divine, inspired by the heartfelt desire to surrender my art at the divine feet. The teachings of my parents instilled in us a deep love for Leela Kirtan, the melodious narrations of divine play. We learned to appreciate the beauty and significance of these sacred songs, which sing the praises of our beloved Radharani and Krishnachandra. This love became a guiding light, showing us the path of devotion through the enactments of these divine Leelas. Every moment spent in Vrindavan, every encounter with a saint, every step in my dance, and every note of the kirtan resonate with the divine love and grace that my parents embedded in our hearts.
“Oh! Radharani!” Baba exclaimed, closing his eyes. Didi requested him to share some wisdom with us. He glanced at his watch and then at Lakshmi Didi, smiling wryly. “I am bound by time,” he said, his voice tinged with amusement. “In 30 minutes, I will be called to have prasad, and I must get up. But we still have some time.”
With that, Baba began narrating to us about the glory of the name of Radharani, the reason behind Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s incarnation. He continued telling us about the sacred places around Vrindavan and Govardhan and how they received their names. As he spoke, the ancient tales came alive, painting vivid pictures in our minds.
Lakshmi Didi approached us with a gentle smile. We glanced at the clock and were astonished to realize that we had been seated there for almost an hour and a half. Baba’s lunch time had long passed, and reluctantly, we interrupted him to inform him that we would visit another time. Before we left, Didi asked Baba to suggest some books for me to read. Baba’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, and he requested Lakshmi Didi to fetch the books. She returned with three books in hand and passed them to Baba. He flipped through the pages thoughtfully and then looked at me. With a knowing smile, he said that I should understand the depth of the Leelas and not mistake them for mere pastimes of ordinary mortals. He asked me to fetch his pen from his study. When I returned, he signed the books for me, each inscription a personal blessing. We took our leave, promising to return soon to hear more of his stories. Holding the three books— Braj Nav Bhakta Mala, Brajmandal Parikrama, and Ashtayaam Leela Chintan (Mansi Seva)—I felt profoundly blessed.
Initially, we had planned to go for the Giriraj Parikrama, a 25-kilometer walk around Govardhan. However, we realized we didn’t have enough time and were apprehensive about the long trek in the hot, dry weather. Sensing our disappointment, Didi reassured us with a smile and promised to show us some significant places around Govardhan instead. Elated, we quickly had prasad and eagerly awaited the arrival of the cab.
As the cab rolled through the dusty streets, Didi directed the driver to take us to Govardhan, Radhakund and Sur Kutti. Anticipation buzzed within us. Suddenly, Didi asked the driver to halt near a temple, and to our amazement, we found ourselves standing outside the Garuda Govind Temple, established by Sri Krishna’s grandson, King Vajranabha, 5000 years ago. With the guidance of Acharya Garga Muni, Lord Garuda Govind Ji and Lakshmi Ji were enshrined. Inside, Lord Govind Ji, depicted with twelve arms, is seated on Garuda, flanked by images of Devi Satyabhama and Devi Rukmini.
This temple holds tales of divine pastimes. It is said that one day, while tending to the cows near Chhatikara, Shri Krishna engaged in playful activities with his companions, the sakhas. During their games, Krishna assigned the role of Garuda to Sridama Sakha, climbing onto his back as Narayana, Lakshmi’s consort, riding Garuda. Today, visitors can still witness the divine presence of Govinda Ji, with Sridama embodying Garuda.
The temple also resonates with stories from Lord Rama’s era. When serpents sent by Meghanath ensnared Lord Ramacandra, Sage Narad informed Garuda, who, upon arrival, freed Rama with his mere presence. This event initially cast doubt in Garuda’s mind about Rama’s divinity, but his interactions with Shri Kakabhusundi and Shri Krishna later dispelled all doubts. One such interaction involved Shri Krishna mounting Garuda’s back, affirming his status as the Supreme Lord.
Listening to the tales of Sri Krishna's pastimes, each story, rich in color and devotion, we circled the temple. After immersing ourselves in the spiritual ambiance, we made our way back to the cab, which waited for us patiently.The drive to Govardhan awaited us, a destination brimming with its own mystical charm. The sun cast a golden glow over the landscape, illuminating the path ahead and filling us with a sense of wonder and gratitude.
... to be continued
Thakur Lampat Bihari Ji
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