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Born on, Monday the February 03, 1873 [AD] Mahatma Ram Chandra Ji, affectionately known as Laalaaji Maharaj stands 35th in the Golden Sufi Saints Hierocracy of Naqshbandiya-Mujaddadiya-Mazahariya] descending right from the Prophet of Islam. He is the first non-muslim Naqshbandiya Sufi saint initiated by the ceremony of bay’t in to this great ‘Silsila’, by his ‘Pir’ [Spiritual-Master] - Hazrat Maulaanaa Shah Fazl Ahmed Khan [1857-1907], stands 34th in this Hierocracy, called ’Sjijra Shareef’.The unique feature of the Naqshbandiya Sufis is that they do their practices in silence. This group of eminent Sufis named after a great saint known as Hazrat Harun, renamed as ’Naqshbandi’ by his Spiritual Master, who loved him most amongst all his disciples and for this reason most of the other disciples were jealous with Harun. A related story about renaming Hazrat Harun is that - One day the Master had to go out and ordered Hazrat to paint a certain quantity of earthen-pots, black, with the inscription ‘Allah’ in white. But Harun, owing to many devotional practices, forgot to do it. When the Master arrived back, the other disciples immediately informed him of the forgetfulness of Harun. The Master enquired from him about the work entrusted to. Harun replied in affirmation, yes. All the disciples were furious. He is not only forgetful but a liar, they said. The Master went in to the room where the earthen-pots were standing. Harun, by profession was a pot-painter. But as Harun glanced at the pots standing there, owing to his great devotion and the grace of God, all the pots were standing black with the white lettering as ordered. Since then, his Master gave him the name : ’Naqshabndi’, the ‘impresser’.
As claimed by the scholars that the Sufis were found much before the Prophet of Islam, it is the ancient Wisdom. Much before a sect called “Kambal Posh” [blanket wearers], and they went to every prophet. These researches are much contextual to the story related to the birth of Mahatma Ram Chandra Ji.
His father, Chaudhri Harbax Rai Adhauliya was then posted as Excise Superintendent, Farrukhabad. He belonged to a Jaageerdaar [great landlord] family of Bhogaon [district - Mainpuri]. Despite all his splendid magnificent material state, Chaudhry Sahib was childless. His mother, Mrs Durga Devi was a great Devotee of the Lord and a great lover of ‘Rama Charit Manas’. She was sad because she had had no issue. One day, inadvertently a ‘Kambalposh-mazzub [ascetic] appeared at their door and asked for alms. The saint expressed a desire to have fish for meals. It is well to remember that meat and fish were taboo in the ladies’ quarters, of a ‘Vaishnava-family]. It so happened that very day, the Nawab of Shamsabad had sent two cooked fish as gift to be used in male-quarters. This fact was within the knowledge of their maid-servant and she informed her mistress. She sought of her mistress’s permission to fetch the same for the use of the ‘Kambalposh-ascetic’ from the male-quarters. This was done, she brought the plate of the cooked fish for him, who enjoyed his meals with fish and was ostensibly very pleased. The maid was precisely waiting for such an occasion asked for a separate favour for her mistress. She narrated how the couple were still childless and how unhappy the mistress was on this account. The maid prayed that the saint might grant the boon of a child for the couple. After a few moments he beamed and raising his fingers towards heaven said “one ——- two —— on——two ——“ and muttering this he departed never to be seen back again. The first son born on Monday the 03rd February 1873 [AD] to Mrs. Durga Devi of grace was Mahatma Ram Chandra and the second one born on Thursday October 07, 1875 [AD]
While a child, he inculcated in himself a deep love of music, and had an amazing aptitude for producing an exact imitation of the intonation etc of any song which he had heard only once. His mother’s spiritual-life hd a great effect on him and he had at that young age, developed a strong love for Reality. His mother breathed her last when he was only seen years of age and he was brought up by another Muslim lady who loved him very dearly and whose affection were repaid by him in full. Laalaaji had deep regard for her all her life.
After completing the primary education at home by one Maulawi, who exhaustively educated in Urdu, Persian and Arabic. later on he was admitted in Christian High School, Farrukhabad for further education from where he passed his middle class ‘Anglo vernacular examination’ in April 1891. Laalaaji’s father also passed away soon after getting both the brothers married. During Chaudhry Sahib’s life time both the brothers were living with him in house allotted by the Government and were enjoying a princely life. But soon after his father’s death he had to vacate the house and shifted in to small rented house in mohalla - Nitaganja in the Farrukhabad town. For his livelihood he met to the then Collector who was quite friendly with Chaudhry Sahib and pleased to appointed him as ‘paid apperentice’ in his office.
It was perhaps the God’s arrangement that incidentally he came in the contact with his Spiritual Master, and was formally initiated by him [without conversion in to Islam] on June 22, 1896 [AD] and was granted full powers of the ’Full fledged Master’ [Guru] on October 11, 1896 [AD]. And, in return for this conferment he [Maulvi Fazl Ahmed Khan Sahib, R.A] asked as his ‘Dakshina’ - “you should go on serving the lonely-astray persons and lash with love selflessly and without expectation of any reward. I hale you should in the same way as I have bestowed today these riches on you in the name of the Lord. Never endeavour to be Master but, as befitting to the times. Always have the service of mankind as your Moto and always to serve the children of God, considering yourself merely as their peon and doorman. These are critical times and people are seen to so many shortcomings that inspire of having the inner desire and will to do so, they are unable to tread the path of spirituality without anybody’s help. It is they who will clear your attention.” All-through his life he spread his Mission with the aforesaid ideal before him.
Laalaaji’s gracefulness was an outward expression of his inward harmony of soul. There cannot be a more glorious object in creation than a human being replete with benevolence, meditating in what manner he may render himself most acceptable to the Creator by doing good to His creatures.
By nature he was always calm but was easily moved by the pains and pleasures of others. Possessed of a melodious voice, he was an adept at employing sweet language for communicating his thoughts and captivating the hearts of his audience. Really could he angered. Not given to superfluous talk, he spoke as little as possible; but in answering questions put to him he dealt with them exhaustively, he seldom was the questioner left in doubt.
Laalaaji was very much against rituals and favoured widow marriage as well as female education. One of his wishes that the children of Satsangis marry amongst themselves ; but early or late marriages did not find favour with him.
Laalaaji established regular Satsang from the year 1914 and started training his followers. He did not put off this work even during his illness. After his retirement on 30th June 1928 [AD] he began to give all his time to his noble work. He spent two or three hours every day on dictating books, articles and letters to Satsangis. He was a great scholar of Urdu, Persian and Arabic, and had had a sound knowledge of Hindi and Sanskrit. He had disclosed the hitherto unknown secrets of Vedas, illuminatingly interpreting important riches and bringing Reality of light. Controversial phrases and words commonly used in scripture but generally misunderstood, were explained in such a simple way and in such easily understandable words coined by him that real knowledge became common property.
A few days before his ’NIRVANA’ he said “many liberated souls are present around my bed. This is sure proof that the hour to be with my beloved has come." In the end he underwent an attack of diarrhoea and consequently became so much weak that he could not walk by himself. On August 14, 1931, he came to the Puja Room unaided, and all by himself lay on his bed with his eyes closed, never to be opened again. At 10.05 PM [same day] in the night the light, which had illumined and enlightened the hearts of groaning humanity with unparalleled love and changed the face of the earth, allowed itself to be extinguished. The last melodious sound heard from him, was - "विनय प्रेम बस भईं भवानी। खसी माल मूरत मुस्कानी।।" [Girija ji became under the control of Sita ji's modesty and love. The garland around her neck slipped and the idol smiled.] - From Ramcharitmanas' by Goswaami Tulsi DaasJi. [01-235/05].
This great house of mad men, which we call the world was left to be lit up by the small and big sparks he had lit.
His spiritual teachings can be summed up as below -
[01] Engage your self in practice of listing to every heart-beat, super imposing there with the nomenclature of the Lord [Ajapa Jaap].
[02] Keep your heart pure, away from the corrupting influences of undesirable things and undesirable company.
[03] Always keep attuned to the Lord, your attention should never for a moment deviating there from.
[04] Concentrate your attention on the heart and keep your heart centred in the Lord.
[05] endeavour to attain kin-ship and and attachment to eternal truth, the Lord of Universe.
[06] Gradually erase the identity of self, try to merge in, and attain oneness with God.
[07] Sacrifice life in this grand endeavour.
This alone is the easiest and most certain shortcut to attain eternal bliss.
During his last days Laallaaji lived in a hose [know known as Laalaaji NIlayam] situated in Talaiya Lane [renamed as Mahatma Ram Chandra Marg] Fatehgarh UP. To pay homage and glorify the liturgical fealty of the place the family persons have installed his tangible presence, where Laalaaji Maharaj lived to expound the purpose of human life i.e. self-realization untill left his physical remainders and resumed in the main stream of eternity.
His ’SAMAADHEE MANDIR’, where his last remains have been put in, is situated at road-side, 01/114 Nevada, Kanpur-road, Fatehgarh UP.
Here the seekers after truth throng in ever increasing numbers, as year pass on and assemble once in a year in Easter Holiday, from Good-Friday to Sunday, in the annual conjuration, Bhandaaraa to quench their spiritual thirst and renew the bonds of love.
The tradition of Revered Laalaaji Maharaj was ably carried on by his son Mahatma Jagmohan Narain to he passes on August 31, 1944. And there after the elder son Mahatma Akhilesh Kumar carried on the work of the Mission by publication of the works of Laalaaji Maharaj and by editing a monthly ‘Adhyatma Dhaaraa’ till his untimely departure on 15th May 1974. Now the burden of carrying on the torch of his Grandfather has fallen on shri Dinesh Kumar Saxena.
Many missionaries, like ‘Ramashram Satsang Mathura, Shri Ram Chandra Mission Shahjahanpur etc, are also engaged in propagating the tenets of Revered Laalaaji Maharaj through the registered Societies and non-profit companies.
More information on
https://autobiographyoflaalaaji.blogspot.com
Laalaaji breathed his last at Fatehgarh (in the house referred to above) on Friday the August 14, 1931 and his tradition was ably carried on by his son, Mahatma Jagmohan Narain,
till his demise on Thursday the August 31, 1944.
एक अजीबोग़रीब ko<https://youtu.be/QWQSyf8MLVI> चुम्बकत्व के धनी थे महात्मा जगमोहन नरायन ।
Mahatma Jagmohan Narain: Blessed with a miraculous magnetism.
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Editor's Note :
“A miraculously attractive personality: Mahatma Shri Jagmohan Narain”
Though his son, I did not have the fortune to see my father Mahatma Shri Jagmohan Narain. As a child I heard about his charming personality from ‘Mistri Sahib’ [Shri Jagannath Prasad alias ‘Da Saheb’]. Dr. Krishna Swaroop Ji, the younger cousin of Reverend Mahatma Ram Chandra Ji (Laalaa Ji) Maharaj, worked as the doctor-in-charge of the state dispensary in Raoti (Malwa State) at that time. Param Pujya Laalaa Ji Maharaj had visited him twice. It was natural for the local people to get attached to him. Later, in spite of lack of time and deteriorating health, Laalaa Ji's promising son Jagmohan Narayan often went alone to the areas of Malwa and Gujarat.
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EP - one:
Shriman Dr. Krishna Swaroop Ji, the younger cousin brother of Reverend Mahatma Ram Chandra Ji (Laalaa Ji) Maharaj, worked as the doctor-in-charge of the state dispensary in Raoti (Malwa State) at that time. Param Pujya Laalaa Ji Maharaj had visited him twice. It was natural for the local people to get attached to him.
Later, due to lack of time and deteriorating health, Laalaa Ji's promising son Jagmohan Narayan often went alone to the areas of Malwa and Gujarat.
According to the story of ‘Mistri Sahib’ [Shri Jagannath Prasad alias ‘Da Saheb’] of that place, without any introduction, the Raja Sahib of that place was mesmerized by Jagmohan Ji’s gait and his mahwiyat, so there was no need to ask anything. When he reached Mistri Sahib’s house, he found out that he had gone to attend the inauguration ceremony of a big club of the state, so he thought, let’s go there, and he immediately went as per his decision.
He was walking happily in his favorite dress. There was no one with him, and it was the highway, so there was no other mental tension. In such a situation, his entire personality was at the peak of its magnetism. Da Sahib kept narrating everything in his own style, and I kept staring at him as if I was lost somewhere like a child.
Giving pace to his narration, he said, “When the royal procession of Raja Sahib was going out, as per the prevalent custom, people from both sides of the road moved aside and stood with great respect, their eyes bowed and heads slightly lowered. After the completion of the function in the club, when the 'Raj Mahal' was going back, everyone's attention fell on Bhaisahib Shriman Jagmohan Ji coming from the opposite direction on the same highway.” He moved aside to give way to the 'royal carriage' but was so lost in his own world that he neither stood on one side of the road and waited for the carriage to pass by in respect of the king nor did he lower his eyes like other people. The king too looked at him with great surprise. Since the construction of the club was completed under my supervision, and he was satisfied and pleased with my efficiency, he had given me a place in his car to honor me. I could not remain untouched by the feelings of the king. After moving a little ahead, he ordered the carriage and the convoy to turn back. The 'royal carriage' moved ahead a little with its entourage. At that time, the state of 'jazb' on Bhaisaheb Jagmohan Narayan ji was so strong that he did not take any notice of it. After moving forward in the same direction for a few steps, the carriage was again ordered to move back towards the palace as before. I could clearly sense the eagerness growing in Rajasaheb's heart. The sequence of taking the royal carriage from the club to the 'Rajmahal' and then back to the club was repeated thrice. The next time, the royal carriage was brought near Bhaisaheb Shriman Jagmohan ji and stopped. Without losing time, Raja Sahib opened the car door himself and, standing in front of Bhai Sahib in a bewildered mood, asked a series of questions: 'Who are you? From your demeanor and attire, you seem to be a vassal or a prince, but you are not that. Because if you were, you would have some bodyguards with you, but you are alone. I want to know who you are. I have been a student of philosophy. I have acquired sufficient higher education by living abroad. The supernatural aura on your face, the lines on your forehead, and an unusual magnetism behind them indicate that I am standing here in front of a very high-class yogi. Despite my best efforts, I am unable to ignore you and move ahead. Please reveal your true identity.' Now Da Sahib was really getting emotional. His eyes were moist, his throat was choking. With great difficulty, he was able to tell how he introduced them to each other.
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(EP Two)
It is said that one of the many beliefs that had been followed for generations in Jagmohan ji's (Mahatma Jagmohan Narain the only son of a Great Sufi Saint of Fatehgarh UP Bharat ) feudal family was that it was forbidden to keep any kind of black animal such as elephant, buffalo etc. He was fond of rich pomp and show, and at the same time, he was also a stubborn and fearless revolutionary by nature. This stubborn nature of his sometimes reached the limit of 'crazy'. There was always a tradition of cattle rearing in the family. It is said that 'Nakkhas' (place of buying and selling of animals and slaves in ancient times) of Farrukhabad district was very old and traders from far and wide used to come here. Jagmohan ji had also once gone there where he saw a buffalo of a very excellent breed and expensive. He liked that buffalo so much that despite all the refusals of his well-wishing friends, he did not move ahead from there without taking it.
In those days, there was no custom of buying or selling milk in almost all the families. It was a common custom to keep some animal, be it a cow or a buffalo, in every house. Besides, since it was the British rule, strictness and discipline were of the highest order. If any animal was found roaming on the road, the municipal employees would immediately catch it and lock it in 'Bedaras' (the place where stray animals are kept is called animal pound. In the animal pound, animals are kept in a special enclosure. They are kept in this enclosure until their owner claims them. After this, they are sold to meet the cost of confiscation.). To get rid of all this hassle, an arrangement was made in those days that some places were designated for 'grazing' by the municipality itself. The people of the colony would leave their animals in the custody of a professional shepherd from morning to evening. He used to graze them by roaming around in the said pastures throughout the day and in return the animal owners used to pay him a reasonable salary. That shepherd used to take the animals every day and hand them over to the owner at a fixed time in the evening with full responsibility. Jagmohan ji already had a cow for which a shepherd was appointed, this new buffalo also started going for grazing with him.
This sequence continued smoothly for about one and a half months, but one day suddenly, out of the two animals, the cow returned home but the buffalo did not. Whatever the shepherd told about that buffalo shocked everyone. He told that a police officer who introduced himself as the police inspector in charge of Mohammadabad (a town located in Farrukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh state of India) had brought two policemen along with him and took away the buffalo by driving it away. While leaving, he said that whoever owns this buffalo and comes to take it back from them, should come with an iron 'tawa' tied on his head. Jagmohan ji was not at home at that time. When he returned, he was informed about the entire incident. According to the detailed information received, that inspector was a very cunning person, he had come to the district court in connection with some government court case. On receiving information from one of his sycophant informers, he went to see the buffalo and his mouth started watering as soon as he saw it. Soon he called two of his trusted soldiers and had the buffalo driven away with them and while leaving he also warned them in a threatening tone so that no one tries to take it back from him.
This unexpected incident shook the entire environment around them. Jagmohan ji's mother, wife and all the family members and well-wishers were cursing and reprimanding him in many ways. He was being taunted and rebuked for ignoring old beliefs and sticking to his stubbornness and was being advised to forget the whole episode related to the buffalo. His wife was even saying, "It is good. It happened for just a few rupees. God knows how big a disaster has been averted. Money is just dirt on the hands. Everyone stay safe, you will earn a lot of money." But he (Jagmohan ji) was made of some other clay. He used to say that committing oppression is a sin but surrendering to oppression is an even bigger crime. He did not give importance to meaningless beliefs. He was staunchly against priestly practices, religious ostentation, dogmatism and stereotypes. It was not in his nature to back down from a decision taken by himself.
Despite repeated opposition from all his family members and relatives, he went alone to Mohammadabad police station to take back his buffalo from that arrogant and tyrannical police inspector. But the scene there was completely different. The sentry standing at the gate of the police station mistook Jagmohan ji for something and saluted him warmly to welcome him. Noticing this, all the employees of the station in-charge's office located right in front of the gate stood up. Seeing all this, the station in-charge, whose chamber was adjacent to the one in which he was present, came out to welcome him and shook hands with him. He introduced himself in his natural style and told the reason for coming there - "I am Jagmohan Narayan, son of Mahatma Ram Chandra ji of Fatehgarh. The inspector sahab here has brought my buffalo due to some misunderstanding. I have come to take it back." He was completely stunned to see his beautiful face, imposing personality and fearless style of talking. It was evident from his gestures that he was very nervous seeing him (Jagmohan Ji)standing in front of him like this. Trying to be comfortable, he took him to his chamber and made him sit with great respect and quickly called his peon and ordered him to bring some sweets etc.
In the meanwhile, the police inspector himself started the conversation to overcome his embarrassment - “Yes sir! I myself was going to present myself to you with that buffalo. But what can I do, our job is such that we don't get even a moment's leisure. The reality is that I have been transferred to a police station in a village located far away from here, near a remote forest area. Kaptan Sahib (Superintendent of Police) here is very angry with me without any reason, he threatens to suspend me on every small thing. When I try to sleep at night, I get scary dreams, consider it a blessing that if a bearded blanket-clad Mahatma ji had not helped me, I would have probably died by now. It is possible that he is your Revered father, Mahatma Ram Chandra ji Maharaj. The people here have advised me to visit his Samadhi. I am thankful to God that you have come, I will take that buffalo and go with you. Please have pity and help me.
Till then, the peon had brought sweets and other breakfast items. He was about to leave after having breakfast when the inspector called another constable and instructed him to take the buffalo to the main road to Fatehgarh and find a truck, load it in it and wait at the main intersection of Fatehgarh. To leave from there, the police inspector called the driver to bring his jeep-car. He started looking at his mail before leaving. Suddenly, he was startled with happiness. He turned to Jagmohan ji - “Look, this is the cancellation order of my transfer. According to this change, he had to remain attached to the district headquarters for three months and wait for the new order. It was evening by the time he reached home with the buffalo, everyone at home was in a bad state. He came back and told his mother the whole situation there. His wife was standing nearby, everyone felt relieved.
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(EP Three)
This is about the time when Jagmohan Ji (The worthy son of Mahatma Ram Chandra Ji) was at the peak of his worldly success. The city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh was then famous for higher education in India. Students from far and wide came here to study medicine, engineering and law. After completing his graduation from Agra College, he took admission in the same college to study law. But he was unable to adjust to the hostel environment and the lifestyle of his Sanatani sanskars. The result was that he had to give up his studies. Being a very brilliant student of the college, the principal of the college used his influence and arranged a job for him in the Imperial Bank. It was in his nature to be dedicated, hardworking and honest in his work. Due to all these virtues, by the end of one year, he was promoted as a 'Class One Officer'.
Meanwhile, the 'Non-Cooperation Movement' was announced under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. This movement started in the year 1920. The Non-Cooperation Movement was a non-violent movement against the British government. Its aim was to achieve Swaraj through peaceful means. This movement continued till 1922. In this movement, people were asked to renounce their titles, resign from government jobs, and withdraw their children from government schools. Jagmohan ji's father Mahatma Ram Chandra ji also strongly advocated this movement at his level and started it with his promising son. Gandhi ji's idea was indirectly working behind his decision to call Jagmohan ji back to Fatehgarh from Agra after leaving his job. Under this scheme, not only Jagmohan ji but many spiritual sons of Mahatma Ram Chandra Ji (Laalaaji) like him, who were working wherever, left their jobs and came to Fatehgarh with their families. Jagmohan Ji was given a small grocery shop as a livelihood. Which was less of a shop and more of a place for workshops of satsangs. Shri Chaturbhuj Sahay Ji of Etah was made a ‘doctor’ from an employee working as ‘Kurk-Ameen’ (an officer employed to attach property in execution of a decree and to realize the proceeds, a sheriff's officer, a bailiff) in the Judges Court there. In this way, some arrangement or the other was made for everyone with the kindness of the God.
The shop adjacent to Jagmohan Ji’s was a general store whose owner was Mr. Diwari Lal 'Pehlwan'. Apart from the shop, he had his own 'Akhada', where young boys were trained in wrestling and taught its tricks. He himself had three brothers and each brother had four sons. It was a big family, all were young and strong, and all of them were united. Due to these reasons, he was feared in the city, no one dared to say anything to him. There were always some fights between them. Many times, it even led to the court. Similarly, in one case, he pressurized Jagmohan ji to appear in court and testify in his favor, which he refused saying that he would not give false testimony. Diwari Lal Pehlwan felt very bad about this and as a result, despite being neighbors, their relations deteriorated.
In this sequence, one day, a quarrel and scuffle broke out between the boys of the neighbouring wrestlers and some other people over some issue and they reached near Jagmohan ji's shop. The other group was getting weak, so to save themselves, they entered his shop. While chasing, the people of the group of 'wrestlers' started entering Jagmohan ji's shop. Seeing this, he first pushed everyone out and tried to investigate the matter from the boys of the neighbours, but in response, he started to talk rudely to him. On this, Jagmohan ji slapped him on the face and instructed all the others to go to their respective homes. Seeing this, everyone was shocked and the son of the wrestlers threatened them of the consequences and went away asking them to return with wrestler Diwari Lal.
Seeing all this, there was silence in the market. Everyone was suffering from an unknown fear. Slowly, all the shopkeepers of the market started closing their shops. There was complete silence. It seemed as if an earthquake was about to come. After a while, there was a stampede. Wrestler Diwari Lal appeared on the scene who was holding the hand of the aforementioned boy who was his grandson. His face was turning red with anger. In the entire market, only Jagmohan Ji’s shop was open, the rest of the market was closed and he came straight and stood there, trembling with anger. Addressing him, he said - "What is this boy saying?" He replied to wrestler Diwari Lal - "When children forget to respect their elders, I did what should have been done. You were not here, the situation seemed to be getting out of hand and I did what I thought was right to avoid a new criminal case being filed against you.” The entire scene changed with Jagmohan Ji’s stern voice. It seemed as if Pahalwan ji’s true colours had been exposed. He said, “Bhaiya Jagmohan Ji, today you have really done the duty of a good neighbour. These boys have gone rogue. Now I have no grudges against you.” And while saying all this, he became a little emotional and then holding the shoulder of his grandson, he said to him, “Shiv Swaroop! Come, ask for forgiveness from your uncle, touch his feet and take his blessings and beware, never again insult him.”
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EP : Four
Babu Uma Shankar, a resident of Etah (Uttar Pradesh), who was a renowned Mukhtār (in addition to Turkey, there were lawyers named Mukhtār in India in the 19th and early 20th centuries.) was such a fidāī (lover, infatuated) murid [Murid: (Arabic: مريد) is a Sufi word meaning "committed" with the meaning "willpower" or "self-respect". It refers to a person who is committed to one (spiritual guidance) in the tariqa (spiritual path) of Sufism. A murid usually experiences visions and dreams during personal spiritual practice.] of Jagmohanji’s father that no religious or worldly work of his family would reach its conclusion until every member of this family reached there one by one and participated in the said program. Although this incident took place at the time when Mahatmaji had passed away, Mukhtar Sahib was used to seeing his Gurudev in every small member of this family.
Babu Uma Shankar Mukhtar's family had a daughter's wedding in Etah. Every member of Jagmohan ji's family from Fatehgarh had reached Mukhtar sahab's house in Etah to attend that wedding. He was fond of cooking from the beginning, he was proficient in making different types of food items. The couplet of 'Vrind Satsai' composed by the famous poet 'Vrind', "Karata - karata abhyaas ke jadmati hot sujaan. Rasri aavat-jaat te sil par parat nishan.". That is - marks are left on the stone of the well due to the repeated rubbing of the rope, in the same way, with continuous practice, even a dull-witted/dull-witted can become intelligent/wise. Born intelligent and with continuous practice, he had gained a lot of experience in this field. Mukhtar sahab was also aware of this. It was the girl's wedding. In those days, it was a custom that whenever anyone went to a girl's wedding, the first thing they would do was insist that they be given some opportunity to serve as per their capability. It was also a custom that in a girl's wedding, the charge of the confectioner was given to a very respectable relative, such as 'brother-in-law' or 'Phoophaa' (his/her father’s brother-in-law) etc., to honour them. Jagmohan ji, basically, because of his innate interest in this field, his expertise and his experience, and because he was also a 'Guruputra' (Spiritual Master’s son), the entire charge of confectioner was handed over to him by Mukhtar sahab with the mixed feelings of respect and affection.
Jagmohan ji was really a proficient in his art. This was his routine during any wedding. He did not care about his clothes or his own hunger and thirst. He would get absorbed in his work. He was similarly engrossed in this wedding as well. He did not know who all were falling prey to his charming gestures, who all were looking at him secretly and getting fascinated with him. A close relative of Mukhtar sahab, an engineer boy, who had also come to attend this wedding and was getting intoxicated by his spiritual aura every moment, and this was not allowing him to be separated from him even for a moment. Actually, the entire family of that boy was an active member and 'satsangi' of 'Radhaswamy Santmat Satsang, Dayalbagh Agra' from the very beginning and the boy himself was well acquainted with the Sufism and its mystery related to it. The spiritual fragrance and its mysteries prevalent around Sufi saints were not untouched by him.
The boy had sensed the unspoken spiritual fragrance flowing from Jagmohan ji's personality and as a result his attachment to him had increased and reached its peak. Meanwhile, someone came and informed both of them that the wedding procession had left the Janwasa (a temporary dwelling for a marriage party) after being decorated, so all the people of the bride's side should come to lead and welcome the procession after getting arranged in their appropriate clothes. The one who gave this news was none other than his beloved younger sister and assistant 'Sushila' and she had brought Jagmohan ji's favorite dress with her. With the help of Sushila, Jagmohan ji was ready soon but the boy was still standing as he was, staring at both of them. In response to their questioning look, he said - "I have not brought any other clothes, what should I do now? If you have similar Achkan (a long coat buttoned in front, a knee-length coat with round collar and buttoned at the chest) and Churidar Pajama (long tight -fitting trousers), and the same type of ‘pagdi’ (The traditional Indian head wrap, or turban), then get it for me also."
It seemed that everything was happening automatically according to the pre-determined program of the Providence. He smiled and addressing his younger sister Sushila said, "See, if some arrangement can be made for him also, then do it. Perhaps his wish will also be fulfilled." In reply, she also said in her own style - "Dada! Till date it has never happened that you have left the house without taking one or two extra dresses with you. You talk to him and I go and come back like this." She immediately went and brought a dress from his box which his ‘Daadaa’ (she used to address her elder brother, Jagmohan ji) was standing ready wearing. And, as soon as he (Jagmohan Ji) made him wear a dress like him with his own hands, the boy put his hands around his neck and hugged him just like a suckling child meeting each other after being separated from his mother for a long time. It was a very touching scene, both of them were choked with emotion, as if not two bodies but two souls were uniting. Perhaps it was so.
Now, there was nothing like that ? Although the baraat had arrived, everyone felt that the center of attraction for everyone was not the baraat, the groom, the band and the decorations, but Jagmohan ji and the engineer boy (Jyoti Swaroop) from Aligarh mentioned above. Both of them were welcoming the baraatis holding hands. Gradually, this discussion became common among everyone at Mukhtar sahab's house. That boy would repeatedly tell Jagmohan ji on some pretext or the other that - "Don't separate me from yourself now, keep accepting me like this." In the next two-three days, the wedding program was over. Apart from the families of Fatehgarh and Aligarh, almost all the other guests had left. Mukhtar sahab persuaded Jagmohan ji's mother, who was his Gurumata, to stay for two-three more days. The people from Aligarh were also stopped on some pretext. Everything was happening naturally.
It was the amazing magnetism of Jagmohan ji's personality that the engineer boy from Aligarh, whose name was 'Jyoti Swaroop', was so crazy about him that he was repeatedly saying to him - "Now I am yours, please do not separate me from you." Perhaps with the intention of testing him, Mukhtar sahab asked him "Are you ready to marry his (Jagmohan ji's) younger sister Sushila who is still unmarried?" On hearing this, he jumped up as if he had got his 'desire fulfilled'. When the complete information of this incident was given to his parents, they too were stunned. They said - "Till now he was not ready to get married at any cost, how did he suddenly agree now? Is this the magic of this girl or her brother?" Everyone was overjoyed. Everyone was happy. Truly this was no less than a miracle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Episode : 05
Episodically being mentioned here that the Reverend father of Mahatma Jagmohan Narain, ie, Shriman Mahatma Ram Chandra Ji (Laalaaji) Maharaj, a well-known Sufi saint from Fatehgarh, Uttar Pradesh, did not leave clear instructions on his successor, leading to uncertainty about his rightful heir.
Shriman Mahatma Ram Chandra Ji (Lalaji) Maharaj, though he hinted about his son Mahatma Jagmohan Narayan Ji many times during his lifetime, did not leave any clear oral or written document on the basis of which it can be said that a certain person would be his successor after his death. This is the reason that even today no official information can be made available about the name of his authentic successor. Many self-proclaimed saints came and went but could not present the ideal and the 'spiritual fragrance’ that people needed.
Dr Brijwasi Lal, former Vice Chancellor of Bundelkhand University Jhansi, used to often tell during discussions on the aforesaid topic that his spiritual initiation guru, Mahatma Bhawani Shankar Ji of Orai, who was one of the distinguished disciples of Shriman Lala Ji Saheb, when he reached Fatehgarh after the death of Lala Ji Maharaj to participate in his thirteenth day rituals, then Mahatma Raghubar Dayal Ji (Chacha Ji) Saheb had said to him - “Today in the afternoon, there will be an election for the successor of Lala Ji Maharaj and I am also a candidate and you will vote for me only.” People of that time tell that in LaalaaJi Maharaj's family and even in the entire Satsang-samaj, not even a leaf would move without the approval of Maulvi Sahab of Bhogawan, Hazrat Maulana Abdul Ghani Khan Sahab (Rahmatullahu Alehi) and when this news reached his ears, he got furious and said - "Where does the question of election arise in this? After the demise of Munshi Ji (he used to address Lala Ji Sahab with this name), Jagmohan Narayan, who is capable in every way, will be his successor, after Nanhe (Chacha Ji), Brajmohan Lal and Insha Allah, after me, Gaffar will be my successor place." Many people ignored this decision of Maulvi Sahab but Janab Chachchaa Ji Sahab and Shahjahanpur's Mahatma Ramchandra Ji (Babu Ji) supported it cent-per-cent.
Shri Brij Narayan Mehrotra alias Mallu Babu, who was a ‘fidaayee mureed’ <https://youtu.be/uMSyol9_AL0?si=psNqMBSFD6zd7SIr> (devoted disciple) of Mahatma Raghubar Dayal Ji (Chachchaa Ji) Maharaj, used to say about Mahatma Jagmohan Narayan Ji that he had certainly heard about him but had never seen him face to face. Mehrotra sahab was an assistant manager in the Kanpur branch of the Reserve Bank and was always available to serve Chachaji morning and evening. One day, when everyone was busy listening to his discourse after the evening satsang, there was a sound of a rickshaw stopping at the main gate. Immediately a satsangi-brother went and opened the gate. A very radiant great man got down from the rickshaw carrying his handbag. That satsangi brother took his handbag from his hand very politely and signaled him to go inside by leading him ahead. Before both of them could reach in front of him, Janab Chachchaa Ji Sahib got up in a hurry and with the help of a Satsangi, stood up in attention as if he was waiting to welcome some very respectable person.
While narrating his memoirs, Mehrotra sahab would become emotional many times and sometimes, he would close his eyes as if he was immersed in a deep samadhi. He would keep narrating with pauses in between. Chachchaa Ji was facing that illustrious great man as if he wanted to include him in his own existence. Many conversations happened through eyes only. No one was able to understand anything. … … “Shall I meet Chachi?” …. … “Yes! Go and meet her, she has been restless waiting for you since yesterday. God knows what all dishes she has prepared.” etc. etc. Whether anyone understood anything or not, but it was very exciting to listen to. After a few moments, when that illustrious great man went inside, Mehrotra sahab asked Chachaji in a very composed manner – “Chachchaa Ji, who was that ‘Buurgh’ (a holy man)?” At this, his frown changed immediately. It seemed as if a son was expected to top his class but he failed and appeared before his father. He replied - "You could not recognize him, he is the ‘Sahibzade’ [Origin of the word Sahibzadeh: The word is derived from the words "sahib" (Arabic for "companion" or "master") and "zadeh" (Persian for "son" or "descendant"] of Janab Lalaji Maharaj." After this, there was silence in the entire environment.
Laalaa Ji Maharaj's ‘namesake’ disciple, who later became famous as 'Babuji'; one of his most popular books was his autobiography (published in English) gained a lot of fame. In this much talked about book, we can find his live conversations with many great men who have passed away. These conversations may seem strange or imaginary but they are read with great reverence among his disciples. There are also some indications that Laalaa Ji Maharaj had allowed him to practice ‘शग़ल-ए-राब्ता' (‘Shagalerabta'), an ancient practice among Sufis. As a result of this practice, he had attained 'Buruz' siddhi (accomplishment). A very brief description of this doctrine can be found on page 167 in the much talked about book of the great Sufi thinker Khan Sahib Khaza Khan - 'STUDIES IN TASAWWUF' - “The doctrine of ‘Baruz’, in which the ruh of a departed saint could foster and cherish and guide the ruh (soul) of a living man was in favour with them. The ruh is neither within nor without the body; only its vision is on the body, the ruh of a departed ‘friend of God’ could guide the ruh of a living man on whom it has fixed its vision.”
Page no. 213 - 218 of the above mentioned Ramchandra alias Babuji's 'Autobiography' [First Volume, Part II (Preparation) May to September 1944. - July 1987] ; it’s original text reads as under - <https://sites.google.com/site/laalaajinilayam/epitomeofsahajmarg>
“Wednesday ; 06th September 1944 :
Dictation from J1 [(dear brother Jagmohan Narain Revered Laalaaji's own son), expired on 31st August 1944] :
"I have become liberated. I am free from worldly conflicts [and intricacies]. I do not care for grievous shock. I surrender Dina Nath in your care. To me, there seems to be no body, who may be able to take care of this job, and my disciples, who ever may be there, are only formally there. If they get oriented to you, you impart training to them. The management of Samaadhee is surrendered to your care. Assign the management of the school [was run in the premises of 'Maha Samaadhee Smarak' of Revered Laalaaji Maharaj, in Navadia, at Kanpur Road, Fatehgarh UP] to Inspector Sahib [Babu Ayodhya Nath Sahai, the brother-in-law of Revered Laalaaji Sahib]. If he may take it up, it will be good; otherwise it is all upon His [God's] will. If you like, you may send my dictation to Respected uncle [Dr. Krishna Swarup]; but it seems to need being kept confidential, so long as Laalaaji Sahib does not reveal you."
"Munshi [i.e. Mahatma Radha Mohan Lal, the second son of Mahatma Raghubar Dayal Sahib] is to be definitely forbidden to go to my place. If he, however, does go there, he should not go inside the house, without announcing his arrival there, before hand. This dictation, or what ever else I may say, should be subject to Revered Laalaaji Sahib's permission for being sent to Fatehgarh or not. I am under under debt also. Which I could not clear off. One thing I am telling you, out of my own experience, that nobody is attached to anybody in the world. People are mostly selfish."
"Whenever you like to call me, I will be coming just like Revered Laalaaji Sahib. I leave all my work to you. Money should not be wasted uselessly in my last rites. Poor people may be served meals. This thing is to be specially communicated to my mother. Take care of your sister-in-law [Wife of Mahatma Jagmohan Narain, Mrs. Bhagwati Devi]. If you are unable to shoulder this responsibility, you will be answerable on the day of doom. What ever I have to say, I will be telling to you from time to time."
"Dr. Dina Nath is to be made to understand that I have surrendered him to Shri Ram Chandra Ji of Shahjahanpur. Submission to him will be submission to me. He [Ram Chandra] has the capacity to take you [Dr. Dina Nath] up to the ultimate reach [of spiritual development]. I also committed a mistake, for which I beg your [Ram Chandra] pardon. I could not understand your love [during my physical existence]. Now, having got liberated, I realized it. Due to lack of adequate comprehension, I could not recompense it during my lifetime; now I promise to do it." Dictation by Revered Master Laalaaji Sahib : "What dear Jaggu [Revered Laalaaji's own son - Mahatma Jagmohan Narain] has dictated is alright. You should comply to it. Send this dictation from him just today [to the persons concerned]. The beginning of the subject is to thus : 'be it known that dear Jaggu [Revered Laalaaji's own son - Mahatma Jagmohan Narain] has attained perfect liberation ; and what he has told to me as brother, is as following. It would be complied with word-by-word'."
"Dear Jaggu [Revered Laalaaji's own son - Mahatma Jagmohan Narain] has forgotten to mention one thing. That I am dictating. That thing is this, that 'my records [manuscripts], what ever they are, should not be destroyed, or given to someone else. They should be kept fully safe',"
"It is your duty to pay off dear Jaggu's [Revered Laalaaji's own son - Mahatma Jagmohan Narain] debts; but it should be done in such a way, as not to pay too, where only one is due. This debt is not very much. You will be able to pay it off. What dear Jaggu [Revered Laalaaji's own son - Mahatma Jagmohan Narain] has dictated, should be complied with word-by-word."
"I had been to Fatehgarh. All affairs of that place passed my view. Absence of dear Jaggu [Revered Laalaaji's own son - Mahatma Jagmohan Narain] has enhanced my responsibility. Everybody is bragging in his own way. Condolence remains aside : they are busy serving their own ends. You too have to be alert. Responsibilities of both places [Shahjahanpur and Fatehgarh] now lies on you. People are creating a lot of disturbance. Your mother [Laalaaji's own wife, Mrs. Brij Rani] is an extremely simple person; and her brain also is dazed at present. You have the letter sent per registered post just today. I shall tell you later, after due consideration, what you should do. You give up work for three days. Give rest to your mind. I am going to Fatehgarh; and will return in the afternoon. Keep the bed also ready. Who knows what orders I may issue!" Later dictation by Revered Master : "I am coming from Fatehgarh 'there is two fold grief and sin to the poor life [soul] of Majnoon' [Persian half couplet] - "दो गुना रंजो अज़ाब अस्त जाने मजनूँ रा" अर्थात - ग़रीब मजनूँ की जान को दो तरह की मुसीबतें और दुःख हैं। Do not go there yet. postpone the plan [of going there] today. I have left dear Jaggu [Revered Laalaaji's own son - Mahatma Jagmohan Narain] there to watch the situation. I was in need also of such a person as Jaggu [Revered Laalaaji's own son - Mahatma Jagmohan Narain]. [Tears welled up in my eyes.] Many times, I have made you comprehend this. Call Rameshwar immediately."
Instructions from dear Peerzaadaa Sahib [Revered Master's son i.e. Mahatma Jagmohan Narain] :
"The condition there is very bad. Play of individual interests has started increasing. The insight of Respected elder brother [Madan Mohan Lal] was very good. Even I was unable to comprehend the situation to this extent. I thought of turning every thing upside down immediately, but Revered Laalaa Ji Sahib checked me. He has bestowed everything on you. I am also giving you one thing. Accept it as a 'Nazaraanaa' [regardful gift]. Sit in meditation before me."
Instructions continued after meditation : "I have filled you with power. Take service from me also sometimes. Continue to treat [me] as you have been doing hitherto. Laalaa Ji Sahib has surrendered me to Brother Brij Mohan Lal, due to helplessness. Now his curious game is becoming apparent. Respected brother, if I had had an inkling during my lifetime, of this degree of your love, I would have sacrifice my whole being [to you]. It was my mistake, certainly. I gave preference to close kinship. I have [now] one intense desire : that you upturn that entire aria, where such rogues are residing. This is my heart's desire. I shall also be always with you, and help you in every work. I have already said that you upturn that area. From amongst my disciples, whenever you consider it proper, you can give permission on my behalf. I shall stand guard to you,when you will be engaged in destruction. Tell Rameshwar on my behalf that he did very well to obey Revered Laalaa Ji Sahib. If he had got entangled with those people, there could have been no freedom [liberation]."
Revered Masters dictation : "The [proper] opportunity for what dear Jaggu [Mahatma Jagmohan Narain] has told you, is not there yet. Dear Jaggu [Mahatma Jagmohan Narain] told me something just now about you; and I have accepted it. No disciple of dear Jaggu [Mahatma Jagmohan Narain] was capable enough to be appointed as his representative. As such, I consider it alright, form every angle, that this status is conferred just on yourself. That was his desire; and I have accepted it. You act on his behalf also, just as you do on my behalf. You can initiate also on his hand. He has transferred his entire power to you; and I have accepted that."
Dictation by Peerzaadaa Sahib [Mahatma Jagmohan Narain] : "Keep a few things, I am telling, unaltered during 'Bhandaaraa' [Annual congregation]. The first thing is 'Shaanti-paath' ['Prayer for Peace', i.e. repletion of the 'mantra' - "Om Shanti"]; and then the adherence to the principles framed [and introduced] by me. There is no harm in construction of my 'Samaadhee'. I think, it will be proper to communicate this secret to Dina Nath, so that he may not remain under misconception. When I left my body, and my should flew away, and reached the Real Abode, I felt great surprise to find you already present there."
Revered Master's dictation : "You postpone your intention to visit Fatehgarh. Let some more time pass. I have studied the entire situation there. Just now, nobody shall listen to your voice; and neither will Madan Mohan Lal be able to make himself effective. It will be branded as a combined plan of you both. Your mother's [Mrs. Brij Rani, Revered Laalaa Ji's wife] is not working [well] : the shock is great. Mathanni [Revered Laalaa Ji's cousin brother Dr. Krishna Swarup] is not taken to be of any effectiveness by anybody. 'The Big Master' [Mahatma Brij Mohan Lal] is present there. people are being enamored of him. If he happens to cause hindrance to your work, he too shall have to be taken in to account. Just now, I am keeping quite, and wait for the [proper] time. I shall be leaving dear Jaggu [Mahatma Jagmohan Narain] mostly with you. He does not need to go there. Tell Rameshwar to be oriented now to him [Ram Chandra], who can do everything. That does not mean that he does not continue association with Madan Mohan Lal. I have said this as a matter of duty."
Thursday; 07th September 1944 :
Instructions from Peerzaadaa Sahib [Revered Laalaa Ji's son - Mahatma Jagmohan Narain] : "Drop a letter to Dr. Dina Nath to act on what has been written to Mathannee-Chachchaa [Dr. Krishna Swarup] of Jaipur, Rajasthan. I have much consideration for him [Dr. Dina Nath]. He should take care of the house-hold affairs as well. Tell my mother not to give my जयपुरी प्रिंट के कपड़े का 'साफ़ा' [Jaipur-turban] to anybody. It should be preserved carefully."
After passing away the later, his son-Mahatma Akhilesh Kumar carried on the work of the mission by publication of the work of his grandfather and by editing a periodical “Adhyaatma Dhaara” till his untimely death on May 15, 1974. Now the burden of carrying on the torch of the Master has fallen on Mahatma Dinaysh kumar, his younger grandson.
The present Dean of the Seat:
Born on October 28, 1944 Mahatma Dinesh Kumar Saxena,
the grandson, spiritual and de jure heir of Mahatma Ramchandra Ji (Laalaaji) Maharaj is the present-day Dean of this Seat. A graduate of the Agra University, Dinesh Kumar Ji is a householder-saint. After completing about 36 years of his acknowledged services in the Railways, he opted for voluntary retirement in the year of 2002 and is now whole-time servant of ‘Humanity’. His permanent dwelling abode is; ‘Laalaaji Nilayam’, 01/45-A Talaiya Lane, Mahatma Shri Ramchandra Marg, Fatehgarh (UP) India 209601. The aspirants can meet him, with prior appointment. His day-to-day movement is available on 'Facebook'. Presently, he is in LAALAAJI NILAYAM, FATEHGARH. During next three months he will be in Chennai. <laalaajinilayam@gmail.com>
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