Observing Ekādaśī in the Footsteps of Mahārāja Ambarīṣa
Śrīla Jagannātha dāsa Bābājī Mahārāja and Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura observed every Ekādaśī-tithi with utmost dedication, following the example of Mahārāja Ambarīṣa as described in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. On Ekādaśī in Amlajoda, they stayed up all night engaging in hari-kīrtana, demonstrating to all the people the ideal way to observe Ekādaśī.
Śrīla Bābājī Mahārāja’s Condition in Bhāva
Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura documented these divine events in his magazine ‘Śrī Sajjana-toṣaṇī.’ After staying awake throughout Ekādaśī night, all the devotees gathered the next morning for nagar-saṅkīrtana. Led by the revered Śrīla Jagannātha dāsa Bābājī Mahāśaya, the group proceeded to Prapanna Āśrama. During the kīrtana, Śrīla Bābājī Mahārāja, despite being over 100 years old, danced like a lion in the bliss of prema (divine love). His ecstatic bhāvas (emotional states) were indescribable. As he sang lines like “nitāi ki nāma eneche re,” he shed tears and rolled in the dust, an awe-inspiring sight that moved everyone present.
The Establishment of Prapanna Āśrama
After the emotionally charged kīrtana, a brief lecture on nāma-haṭṭa was given, which greatly pleased Śrīla Bābājī Mahārāja. He then gave the order for the establishment of the Prapanna Āśrama that very day, a task that was swiftly completed with his approval. Unlike typical inaugurations where a local prominent figure is chosen as chairman, Śrīla Jagannātha dāsa Bābājī Mahārāja himself was given the chairman’s seat at the opening of the Prapanna Āśrama, which was seen as the most appropriate honor.
Discussions on Gaura and Kṛṣṇa
In the village of Amlajoda, Śrīla Jagannātha dāsa Bābājī Mahārāja and Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura spent their days and nights absorbed in discussions about Lord Gaura (Chaitanya Mahaprabhu) and Kṛṣṇa, as well as the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and Caitanya-caritāmṛta, deepening their spiritual insights and reinforcing their devotion.
Lesson to be Learned:
The story emphasizes the importance of observing Ekādaśī with devotion and sincerity, following the footsteps of great devotees. It also highlights the power of ecstatic devotion (bhāva) in transforming and inspiring the hearts of others. Furthermore, it teaches that spiritual initiatives, such as establishing an āśrama, should be undertaken with divine guidance and approval, ensuring they are aligned with genuine devotional principles.
Prayer:
O Lord, help me observe sacred days like Ekādaśī with true devotion, following the examples of great saints. Grant me the purity of heart to experience divine emotions in my worship. May I always seek and follow divine guidance in all my spiritual endeavors, ensuring they align with Your will and the principles of pure devotion.
4o
