History of the Mission

Mounibaba, during his lifetime, advised against establishing any institutions like Math or Mission in his name. He believed that such grand establishments might distract people from their spiritual growth, focusing instead on material concerns. He emphasized the importance of staying true to the path of spiritual upliftment, without being swayed by worldly endeavors. Many wealthy disciples, including the royal families of Bengal and others, expressed their desire to gift him vast stretches of land for the establishment of a grand ashram. They hoped to spread his teachings worldwide and maintain the close-knit community of devotees. Despite such offers, Mounibaba chose not to keep official records of his disciples’ names. On one occasion, he accepted such a generous gift but promptly donated the land to the victims of the Bengal Partition. This act of compassion stemmed from his merciful nature and profound empathy for those suffering, reflecting his deep concern for their well-being.

Establishment of Brahma Vidyashrama at Mansuka village

Anyways, an ashram was built for him at Mansuka village near Howrah, Bengal. It is situated on the banks of Damodar river, a very beautiful and favourable location similar to Dakshineshwar. Certainly the environment suited Mounibaba’s requirement for a calm and serene place. The land is kindly donated by his disciple Sri Mrityunjoy Manna in the year 1966. That Ashram was named as “Anandamoy Brahma Vidyashram”. Mounibaba used to stay at this ashram, while coming to Bengal. His disciples used to do omkar sadhana with him on this ashram, mostly on holidays and weekends. Still today, the divine presence of Maha Shakti is felt in this ashram. During his stay at Mansuka, Sri Sri Mounibaba extended heartfelt sympathy and assistance to the impoverished villagers. Monetary aid, clothing, and food were distributed generously, fostering a sense of kinship among the recipients, who regarded Sri Sri Mounibaba as their own. Through his blessings, the fortunes of these marginalized individuals were transformed, eliciting profound astonishment. Even today, there is eager anticipation for the further development and enhancement of this Ashram, envisioned as a beacon of devotion to God and self-improvement. During that time, prominent devotees like Biswanath Sen, Kalipada Das, Jivan Krishna Panja, Mrityunjoy Manna, Tarak Chandra Sen, Haridas Sadhu, etc. used to conduct festivals and other events at this ashram under the guidance of Mounibaba. They tried to maintain the devotee network strong via various communication channels. Mounibaba used to tell Biswanath Sen as his Hanuman. Biswanath Sen travelled to Himalayas 14 times to visit Mounibaba, when he was staying at his Rishikesh Ashram. His main goal was to maintain the strong network connection between all disciples of Mounibaba and transfer disciple’s messages/letters to Gurudev and vice versa.

In 1982, Mounibaba permanently shifted to Ranibari Ashram at Assam and stayed there till his Mahasamadhi on 1989. Then Gurudasi was mainly appointed to take complete care of Gurudev and all his requirements. Many devotees from Kolkata and other regions used to visit Mounibaba at Ranibari. Various festivals used to be conduct every year under the order and guidance of Mounibaba.

The Memorable Year of 1977 and Ranibari Kirtan

The year 1977 is a very memorable year for the devotees of Mounibaba. In the month of September, Mounibaba suddenly came from Rishikesh to Ranibari. Many devoted disciples like Haridas Sadhu, Biswanath Sen, etc. including Gurudas came to meet Mounibaba. During the day time, they were engaged to do guru seva and in the evening, Kirtania Anjali Raha, a favourite singer of Mounibaba, used to sing Kirtan and Bhajan to Gurudev in the praise of Radha and Krishna. Mounibaba used to sink in Bhava Samadhi listening to her songs and other devotees around also used to feel divine bliss. One day, he desired to arrange a long term kirtan doing Harinaam and Padavali.

Arrangements were made with great enthusiasm, as directed by the spiritual master. Villagers and devotees joined hands eagerly, offering their cooperation and services wholeheartedly. The eldest son of Gurudev Sri Rajat Kanti Chakraborty orchestrated the event meticulously, ensuring its success. Renowned singers such as Sri Ramendra Mohan Goswami and Srinam Kirtan party delivered soul-stirring Kirtan performances, drawing devotees from surrounding villages, tea gardens, and nearby towns, who partook in the devotional offerings with great reverence. Gurudev appointed Gurudas as the manager of the celebration, entrusting him with the responsibility of overseeing all puja rituals, including the significant sacrificial offerings conducted on the holy fire. Guided by Gurudev’s instructions, Gurudas meticulously executed all tasks.

The atmosphere was infused with heavenly vibes, and attendees expressed joy at experiencing such divine Kirtan, reminiscent of the era of Mahaprabhu Sri Gouranga (Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu). The resounding chants of “Haribol” and “Hare Krishna,” coupled with the heartfelt cries of devotion, elevated the gathering to a celestial realm. Despite initial skepticism, even those who attended for mere curiosity were deeply moved by the inexplicable divine ambiance, which softened the hearts of many, all under the influence of Sri Sri Mounibaba, a fervent devotee of Sri Krishna. Many devotees, swayed by the fervor of the Kirtan, transcended their physical senses and experienced divine ecstasy, rolling on the ground in spiritual bliss. As night fell, the Kirtan concluded, leaving a lasting imprint on the souls of all present.

A significant incident from the Kirtan at Ranibari is worth mentioning. In the early morning hours, Gurudev instructed Gurudas to perform the worship of Panchatattva and offer morning Bhog to the sacrificial fire. As he made his way back from the pond, carrying a jar of water, he encountered a large dog. Unintentionally, he invited the dog to join the Kirtan of Mahaprabhu and partake in the Mahaprashad. Surprisingly, the dog followed him and seemed to enjoy the Kirtan. During the Mahaprashad distribution later that day, he encountered the same dog, waiting expectantly to receive his share. Moved by the dog’s persistence, Gurudas offered him Mahaprashad with utmost devotion. The dog’s unique demeanor while consuming the Mahaprashad hinted at its divine nature. The following day, Gurudev revealed that the dog was none other than Mahatma Charandas Babaji, a revered devotee of Mahaprabhu Chaitanya Dev, who had assumed the form of a dog.

There are so many incidents related to this event, more details would be found on the biography book. The very brief outline of other events is just mentioned here – Mounibaba removes dark black cloud from sky, Mounibaba announces the arrival of Mahaprabhu and associates in the kirtan, 13 hours Bhava Samadhi of Gurudas, Mounibaba in long samadhi, Radharani and Mahaprabhu forcing Mounibaba to leave his material body permanently and go to Nitya Lila, but the decision being opposed by his guru Anandamoy Brahmachari in his subtle body and asking Mounibaba to stay more, etc. Overall, the year 1977 would always be remembered.

Mounibaba finally asks to form a Mission!

Next morning Gurudev surrounded by his disciples expressed his great pleasure on the successful celebration of Krishna kirtan, blessed them and also asked them to do the yogic practice with him. The atmosphere was divine. Then he told the disciples, “Well, you can form a mission”. “Is it possible Baba?”, questioned the disciples. “Why not” said Baba. He further said “suppose it has been formed now, since I have declared.” The Gurudev said that the name of the mission should be “Sri Anandamoy Mission”. But many devotees including Gurudas showed hesitation to this name, since name of Mounibaba was missing. Mounibaba just wanted to name the mission after his Sadguru “Anandamoy Brahmachari”. After discussion, name of the mission suggested by Gurudas as “Sri Sri Anandamoy Mounibaba Mission” was then approved by Gurudev in the midst of clapping and cheers by the devotees. However, the developmental work of the mission started practically after the demise of Gurudev, since his publicity was strictly prohibited during his life time.

Also very importantly, Mounibaba also authorized Gurudas on that day to initiate disciples in the Guru lineage of Mounibaba. Hence this year 1977 paved way and opened the door for new era!

Post Mounibaba Era

Official Establishment of Mission

Mounibaba took Mahasamadhi on 8th March, 1989 by doing Pranayam Kriya, leaving behind his keens in intense pain and torture. However as asked by him, Gurudas took the responsibility and started to engage himself completely to complete his unfulfilled desire, infact the burning desire to spread the glories of his dear Guru far and wide. Mounibaba totally rejected all pleas to publicise anything about him during his lifetime, even the short biography written by Gurudas on him.

Gurudasji retired from his Assam Riffles Job as Accounts Officer on 1995.

Gurudas ji created a house in Ranibari on his father’s land and made it his Yoga Ashram. On December 1st, 1997, Gurudas ji formally announced the establishment of the “Sri Sri Anandamoy Mounibaba Mission” or SRIAMM in a joyous ceremony. The event featured special Guru Puja, Hawan (sacrificial fire ceremony), recitations from the Gita, soulful Kirtan, collective prayers, and the distribution of Mahaprashad. Villagers and outsiders graciously attended this sacred occasion. Since then, the local community has become acquainted with the mission and its noble purpose.

Operating without official recognition or widespread publicity, the mission, supported by a small team of dedicated workers, has been striving to disseminate the teachings of Sri Sri Mounibaba. Occasional festivals and observances of significant dates related to Gurudev serve as opportunities to share his ideals with the community.

While the mission has yet to undertake large-scale social projects due to constraints in funding and manpower, it has been able to provide modest assistance to those in need. This includes monetary aid, distribution of clothing to the extremely impoverished, support for students, free coaching for underprivileged students, and offering free homeo-biochemic medical treatment. These efforts, albeit small in scale, have been made possible through individual contributions and resources.

Publication of the first Bengali Biography of Mounibaba

On 29th April 1998, Gurudas fulfilled his heart felt burning desire with the help of his son Sri Kishalay Bhattacharjee. Finally, the biography of Mounibaba was published in Bengali and was named as “Premer Thakur Mounibaba” or “Mounibaba as the God of Love”. This book will always remain as the all time Gurudas classic, no matter how many books get released in the future! So many emotions associated with this one book, only the close devotees of Mounibaba can understand. Mounibaba very rarely used to share his life stories, hence collecting information about him was very difficult. Even then, Gurudas did everything possible to gather information from all devotees around and compiled everything in this book. This also includes many spiritual encounters of Gurudas with Mounibaba, his teachings, principles, etc. This book contains almost all stories of Mounibaba known to us.

Gurudas visits United Kingdom!

Gurudas with family at UK

Mounibaba during his end time, asked Gurudas, Kushi and Gurudasi to visit more pilgrim places. The pilgrim places are not dying due to sins of Kali Yuga people and increase in corruption. As per Mounibaba, if Gurudas and folks visit, the place would regain their spiritual significance back. It is obvious because a pilgrim place gains it’s potency if any Siddha Mahapurush visit it. So as per Guru’s desire, Gurudas visited many pilgrim places with a team of ISKCON. They visited many places at various times with different teams.

Gurudas’s daughter Uma is married to Swagat, who stays at London. Hence in order to visit his daughter, he went to UK first on 2003. On a total, he visited London 4 times. In certain religious gatherings hosted at the residence of Late Subodh Dash, where he later became a disciple alongside his wife, Mrs. Purna Das, recitations from the Srimad Bhagavad Gita and Kirtan were led by Gurudas, engaging devout attendees. During one such gathering, a young man named Mr. Simon Sushanta Das approached him, deeply impacted by their conversation. Expressing a desire to meet again, this time at the residence of Mr. Swagat Chakraborty, Simon returned with two companions a few days later. Engrossed in discussions about Hinduism, the existence of God, and the significance of a Guru, Gurudas found himself answering their inquiries while Uma graciously served refreshments, fostering a warm atmosphere. Upon subsequent visits by Simon and Rakesh Patel, expressing earnest desires for initiation, Gurudas initially hesitated but eventually agreed, influenced by his daughter, Uma’s advocacy. Under Uma’s guidance, both Simon and Rakesh returned with offerings, eager to receive initiation. Initiated into the spiritual path with great joy, they became occasional visitors, seeking guidance and lessons, and proving to be exemplary disciples. At the request of puja committees, Gurudas agreed to conduct Durga Puja and Kali Puja in Leicester and Loughborough cities during his four visits to the UK. These visits, facilitated by the initiative of Uma’s father-in-law, Mr. Shishir Chakraborty, and actively supported by Mrs. Sipra Chakraborty, were sources of great enjoyment. During his September 2006 visit, Gurudas was honored with priesthood at a Gujarati Hindu Temple, where he recited from the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, expounded its teachings in English, and led Kirtan with the assistance of numerous individuals, particularly Bengali ladies. This achievement marked a significant milestone in his material life. The Hindu function was attended by three Members of Parliament and a Mayor, along with their spouses, who thoroughly enjoyed the experience, engaged in conversation with Gurudas, and departed with a profound spiritual impression.

The memorable London Speech of Gurudas

During a gathering, younger individuals, led by Mr. Bhavesh Joshi, sought permission to hear about Hinduism for a brief 10 minutes. However, Gurudas found himself speaking for 25 minutes, much to everyone’s delight. English attendees, including MPs and the Mayor, expressed sincere appreciation, noting the enlightening nature of the lecture. Mr. Bhavesh Joshi, representing a diverse group of individuals from Gujarati, Chinese, Bengali, South African, and English backgrounds, was particularly impressed. He expressed a desire for further interactions, leading to arranged meetings with Gurudas, facilitated by Mr. Swagat Chakraborty. Eventually, Mr. Bhavesh Joshi and his wife, Mrs. Raksha Joshi, along with their daughters, Miss Iswarya and Miss Reshmi, became devoted disciples. Mrs. Rama Das, along with her son and daughter, also received initiation, illustrating how Sri Sri Mounibaba’s divine presence has touched the hearts of many.

The first Mounibaba temple is built at Ranibari

During the visit to Kolkata in 2007, Gurudasji discussed to build a temple of his gurudev to keep his memory intact for eternity. That time, his brother Kushi Ranjan, disciples Bhavesh, Rakesh and others were present. Everyone rejoiced at the idea! Kushi Ranjan immediately agreed to donate some of his land to build the temple. Others also agreed to contribute wealth on their behalf. Finally with contribution of everyone, the Mounibaba Mandir was built and established officially on 9th April, 2009, accompanied by a huge festival in Ranibari. The Mounibaba statue is built with white marble stone. The Mandir is named as “Mounibaba Milon Mandir”. The Mandir contains deity of Mounibaba, Radha Madhav, Sacchidananda Nath Shiva Linga and a deity of Sri Hanuman. The wood remains of the original deity of Jagannath Puri is being kept inside the Brahma sthan or asana of Mounibaba followed by the dust of Vrindavan and other pilgrim places. Still today, festivals are organised at a relatively large scale at this Mandir on various occasions under the guidance of Gurudas ji accompanied by his disciples and other devotees.

Formation of Mounibaba Samadhi Mandir

The samadhi mandir was also built on the area where Mounibaba’s body was given samadhi as part of last rites. It was constructed on March 2013, by the initiative of the sons of Mounibaba, followed by the contribution of others. It was also established with a one day kirtan, yajna and other activities,

Mounibaba Samadhi Mandir at night

Gurudas is invited to Bhagavat Saptah at Bhavesh Joshi’s house in Gujarat

Gurudasji is invited by his dear disciple Sri Bhavesh Joshi of London to his ancestral house at Gujarat for attending the Bhagavat Saptah, where the legends and stories of Srimad Bhagavat Purana is narrated for a week, followed by kirtan and other celebration. Here other saints were also invited including Umananda Sarwasti. However, since Gurudas is guru of Bhavesh Joshi, hence he was offered the primal seat in the gathering, even though he is not a sanyasi but a householder. Gurudas also narrated legends of Bhagavat many times during this week. Many times, he got into Bhava Samadhi listening to the narrations, but his disciples controlled him. Umananda Saraswati seeing the spiritual state of Gurudas, requested him to take sanyas many times. But Gurudas denied since his guru Mounibaba forbade him to take sanyas and work for the betterment of the society by leading the life of an ideal householder or an Avadhoot Sanyasi.

Formation of Trustee and official registration of SRIAMM

The trustee board was officially formed in 2011 with the devotees of Howrah and London. The mission was formally registered on Howrah High Court on 31st July, 2013

Formation of Shiva Mandir at Mansuka

As per the desire of Mounibaba, a Shiva temple was established at Mansuka village. Sacchidananda Nath Shiva Linga was placed in the temple with due honour on 2019. Gurudas along with his whole family was present during the inauguration along with devotees from Howrah, Kolkata and London.