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DR. SHRI RAJENDRA DAS MAHARAJ OF MALOOK PEETH VRINDAVAN

Madhya Pradesh – a state at the heart of India, wherein the proud village of ‘Acharra’ or ‘Acharya gram’ is situated in the Tikamgarh district of Bundelkhand region. For ages, Acharra has been home to Acharyas & virtuous Vedic brahmins. In fact, the word Acharra has colloquially evolved from the word ‘Acharya’ (a spiritual teacher, leader & mentor). Param Sadgurudev Shri Bhaktmali ji had, in his childhood, escaped twice from his home for learning Sanskrit at Kashi, relinquishing the local school. Though he didn’t succeed in his initial endeavour, he managed to escape in his second attempt & walked all the way to Varanasi from his village, Kursi in the Naimish region (near Lucknow). Similarly, Shri Rajendra das ji adamantly relinquished his studies in his local school due to a specific incident and told his father “I shall not go for studies to that place again“. This decision of his caused much worry in his family. But by the grace of Shri Hari, the arrival of Sadgurudev Shri Bhaktmali ji from Vrindavan ended the consternation. He quickly resolved it – “Let me to take him to Vrindavan for further study” said Maharaj. This ushering of the young Shri Rajendra das ji Maharaj for study to Vrindavan by a Ramanandi saint was the implicit mercy of Shri Ram-Krishna through Shri Sadgurudev. Prior to leaving for Shri Vrindavan, during his stay in the village, Shri Maharaj ji was blessed with the purifying association of Pujyapad Shri Swami Sharananand ji Maharaj for nearly a year. Shri Swamiji was a disciple of Shankaracharya Jyotishpeethadhishwar Shri Bramhananda Saraswatiji Maharaj & Junior God-brother to Shri Swami Karpatri ji Maharaj. Pujyapad Sharananand ji was firmly fixed in Sanyasa-dharma – completely detached from the attraction for money and women. He was venerated by all the saints of the age. Sadgurudev Shri Bhakatmali ji Maharaj was in those days in Vrindavan, writing his great commentary on Shri Bhaktamal while living at Sudama kuti. There he initiated his newly surrendered disciple into the storied Vaishnava tradition, formally accepting him under his tutelage. He also initiated his formal Sanskrit-shastra eduction. The newly initiated disciple was now named Rajendra das. In time, Shri Bhaktamali ji Maharaj got him initiated into the renounced order at nearby Khak chowk from the great siddha saint – Yogiraj Shri Deva das ji Maharaj also known as ‘Shri Pahadi Baba’. The cultured Vaishnava student Shri Rajendradasji serially studied and obtained Masters degrees in Sanskrit Grammar, Vishishtadvait Vedant & Literature. He also completed a research research project with dissertation and earned his degree of Vidya Vachaspati (D. Litt).

Rajendra Das Maharaj ji is presently Peethadheeshwar of Malook Peeth in Vrindavan. In the year 2010, I was blessed with a chance of living in vrindavan and listen to his lectures on Bhakti. His mouth speaks his heart and directly touches the heart of a seeker of ‘Krishna-Prem’ which is termed ‘Pancham Purushartha’ in Vrindavan. I know him only through his lectures. They have become a part of my life since then. What I could understand from his own lectures is that he was brought to Vrindavan when he was perhaps eight to ten years old. From his childhood, he had the saintly qualities which started blooming with all the glories day by day in the company of great sages. He often mentions about ‘Khak Chowk wale maharaj ji’ who was also called Pahari Baba. He had been very true and very strict. Rajendra Das ji had been in his service from his childhood for many years and has lots and lots stories to tell about him, about the sages with whom he came in contact during that period and the stories that Pahari Baba had nurrated to him. All these kept molding him day by day. It is my personal feeling that the collection of these stories are more inspiring than the Bhakta maal of Sri Nabha Goswamiji for common people like me who are always suspicious on seeing a sadhu because we believe that in present time- sachche sadhu rahe hi nahi. Maharaj ji has spoken about them in such a wonderful manner, and when he says that I have seen this with my own eyes, or I have heard him directly with my own ears, the impact is great! Maharaj ji speaks of Sri Ganesh Das ji of Sudama Kuti in Vrindavan as ‘Hamare Gurudev Bhagwan’ who was an embodiment of renunciation, devotion and humility. He has created a true master out of Rajendra das ji. He had given him the responsibility of Malook Peeth which Maharaj ji is carrying with full glory. Maharaj ji is the ‘Kathakaar’ mainly for Bhagawat and Bhakta maal. He is making Bhakta maal known to the common man. His lectures on Mahabharata and some other scriptures are also great. Presently he has dedicated himself for GO-RAKSHA, to save mother cow of India. The Indian breed is the only one whose milk, urine and cowdung have the great medicinal values we talk about, but we have only the quantity of milk in mind and choose the mixed breeds. Maharaj ji is making people aware of this and inspiring and helping organisations to set up ‘GOSHAALAS.’