December 05, 2026
The life, deep devotion, and exemplary behavior of Śrīpāda Rādhā-Govinda dāsa Bābājī, a dedicated disciple of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura.
Shelter at the Lotus Feet of the Guru
Throughout his life, Śrī Rajanīkānta Basu performed bhakti so seriously that he and his family never took food or water unless offered in arcana. In old age, understanding the need for a guru from Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī's writings, he and his family took shelter under Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, and later received initiation from Śrīla Sarasvatī Ṭhākura as Śrī Rādhā-Govinda dāsa Adhikārī.
Dancing, Parikrama & Induction as Babaji
Rādhā-Govinda Prabhu performed bhajana with such fervor that in 1933 he was decorated with the title Bhakti Nidhi. He would attend all services, dance exuberantly, and loudly chant jaya-dhvani after arati. He performed the Navadvīpa-dhāma and Vraja-maṇḍala Parikramās entirely on foot, despite his advanced age.
On 5 October 1934, seeing him fit for the paramahaṁsa-veśa, Śrīla Sarasvatī Ṭhākura inducted him as Śrī Rādhā-Govinda dāsa Bābājī, giving him the śrī-nṛsiṁha-mantra-rāja and his own used outer cloth.
On 5 October 1934, seeing him fit for the paramahaṁsa-veśa, Śrīla Sarasvatī Ṭhākura inducted him as Śrī Rādhā-Govinda dāsa Bābājī, giving him the śrī-nṛsiṁha-mantra-rāja and his own used outer cloth.
A Peaceful Departure in Puri-dhama
Relocated to Purī-dhāma on his guru's order, Bābājī Mahārāja continued performing bhajana at Śrī Puruṣottama Maṭha. He never allowed anyone to render him personal service.
On 4 October 1936, while chanting japa, Bābājī Mahārāja requested the devotees present to perform loud mahamantra kīrtana. Amid their chanting, he breathed his last by uttering the holy names.
From Śri Bhaktisiddhānta Vaibhava
On 4 October 1936, while chanting japa, Bābājī Mahārāja requested the devotees present to perform loud mahamantra kīrtana. Amid their chanting, he breathed his last by uttering the holy names.
From Śri Bhaktisiddhānta Vaibhava