Gaura Purnima March 5, 1977
Srila Bhaktisddhanta Saraswati’s Samadhi
Sri Chaitanya Math, Mayapur
A Rare Historical Recording of Akincana Krsna Das Babaji Maharaj
Location: Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur's Samadhi, Sri Chaitanya Math, Mayapur
Date of Recording: Gaura Purnima Night, March 5, 1977
Recorded by: Gopati das (ACBSP) using a Nakamichi 550 audiophile recording deck with three mic system.
This rare audio captures the Divine Kirtan of Akincana Krsna Das Babaji Maharaj, an intimate friend of Srila Prabhupada, leading a spontaneous and deeply soulful kirtan on Gaura Purnima 1977 in front of his Guru Maharaj Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur's samadhi.
The Story Behind the Recording
Two nights before Gaura Purnima, Krsna Das Babaji was sitting next to Srila Prabhupada watch a play at Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir. Uttamasloka das (ACBSP) approached Babaji Maharaj and requested to have kirtan together as they had done the previous year. Babaji Maharaj said yes, but wait a couple of days until his voice was better.
As recounted in discussion between Uttamasloka das and Gopati das, it took some time and effort to locate Babaji Maharaj on Gaura Purnima , but the efforts finally came to fruition.
The night was defined by a moment of profound spiritual instruction. When Uttamasloka expressed he was thirsty, Babaji Maharaj tapped his bead bag and told him: "Drink the Holy Name."
"It was just pure Vaisnavism with Godbrothers of Prabhupada, and we got to share that essence without any kind of unwanted taint... the only thing was to chant Hare Krishna." — Gopati das
Babaji Maharaj is joined by Mohini Mohan Das (the personal pujari of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur). The bhajan began with Babaji Maharaja chanting Sri Siksastakam Prayers (https://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/sri-siksastakam-the-eight-instructions-of-sri-chaitanya-mahaprabh). The recording starts just after. After a some minutes, a mridanga was handed to Babaji Maharaj by a passing party after they performed aatri for Sri Sri Gandharvika Giridhari Deities.
For the full story and transcript of the discussion between Uttamasloka das and Gopati das and links to remasted bhajans of Nacre Amar Mon and Ohe Vaishnava Thakur are below.
Highlights:
Introductory Prayers
Hare Krishna Mahamantra (A cappella into Mrdanga accompaniment)
Nacre Amar Mon (Featuring Mohini Mohan Das)
Ohe Vaishnava Thakur (Featuring Mohini Mohan Das)
About Akincana Krsna Das Babaji:
A prominent disciple of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur, Babaji Maharaj was renowned for his natural humility and his detachment from all material honors. He was one of the few individuals Srila Prabhupada specifically requested to have by his side to lead kirtan during his final days in Vrndavan.
This is the complete and accurate presentation of "Doyāl Nitāi Caitanya" as found in Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s Gitavali (Sri Nama-kirtana, Song 2). This version is particularly famous for its cakit (parenthetical) lines—those emotional interjections that Babaji Maharaj and the pujaris of the Gaudiya Math often sang with deep feeling.
Doyāl Nitāi Caitanya Nacre Amar Mon
Link to Remastered Version of this Recording by Uttamasloka Das (ACBSP):
This is the complete and accurate presentation of "Doyāl Nitāi Caitanya" as found in Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s Gitavali (Sri Nama-kirtana, Song 2). This version is particularly famous for its cakit (parenthetical) lines—those emotional interjections that Mohini Mohan and Babaji Maharaj sang with deep feeling.
Author: Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
Source: Gitavali (Sri Nama-kirtana, Song 2)
(1)
`doyāl nitāi caitanya’ bole’ nāc re āmār man
nāc re āmār man, nāc re āmāra man
(2)
(emon doyāl to nāi he, mār kheye prema dey)
(ore) aparādha dūre jābe, pābe prema-dhan
(o nāme aparādha-vicāra to nāi he)
(takhon) kṛṣṇa-nāme ruci ha’be, ghucibe bandhan
(3)
(kṛṣṇa-nāme anurāga to ha’be he)
(takhon) anāyāse saphal ha’be jīvera jīvan
(kṛṣṇa-rati vinā jīvan to miche he)
(ese) bṛndābane rādhā-śyāmer pā’be daraśan
(gaura-kṛpā ha’le he)
1) Chanting the holy names “Doyal Nitai Caitanya!”—Oh my mind dances! Oh my mind dances! Oh my mind dances!
2) Oh! Such a merciful personality as Nityananda Prabhu is not to be found anywhere! He suffers a beating [from Jagai and Madhai] and still gives them love of God! Oh! When your offenses are vanquished, you will obtain the treasure of love of God! But in these names of Caitanya and Nitai, there is no consideration of offenses! Once you have a taste for the holy name of Krishna, bondage to this world will come to an end.
3) Oh! When there is attachment to the holy name of Krishna, then very easily the life of a living being becomes successful! Oh! Without affection for Krishna, life is simply useless! At the end of life, you will obtain the beautiful vision of Radha and Syama in Vrindavana—if the mercy of Lord Gaura is received!
In the interview, Uttamasloka das and Gopati das mention the specific mood of the night at the Samadhi. This song is the perfect "soundtrack" for that moment for several reasons:
No Consideration of Offenses: The lyrics emphasize that the names of Nitai and Gaura do not consider offenses. For the young Western devotees present, who felt they had no standing or qualification, this message was their "gate" into the spiritual world.
The Transformation of the Mind: As they sat with Akincana Krsna Das Babaji, their minds were literally "dancing" with the realization that they were in the presence of a soul who truly had "taste" (ruci) for the name.
The Vision of Radha-Syama: The song concludes with the promise that by Gaura’s mercy, one reaches Vrindavana. This mirrored the life of Babaji Maharaj, who split his time between Navadvipa and Vrindavana, embodying the mercy that connects the two.
Ohe Vaishnava Thakur
Link to Remastered Version of this Recording by Uttamasloka Das (ACBSP):
Ohe Vaiṣṇava Ṭhākura is a deeply poignant bhajan written by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura (from his collection Saraṇāgati). It is a song of "Vijnapti"—a prayer of spiritual appeal. In the context of the 1977 recording, hearing this sung by Mohini Mohan Das while Akincana Krsna Das Babaji played the mridanga is incredibly significant, as the song is a plea for the mercy of a pure devotee.
Below is the verse-by-verse translation, capturing the mood of humility that Babaji Maharaj himself personified.
Author: Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
Language: Bengali
ohe vaiṣṇava ṭhākura, doyāra sāgara,
e dāse koruṇā kori’
diya pada-chāyā, śodho he āmāya,
tomāra caraṇa dhori
Translation:
O venerable Vaishnava, O ocean of mercy, please be compassionate toward this servant. Purify me by giving me the shade of your lotus feet; I am world-weary and take hold of your feet.
chaya bega dami’, chaya doṣa śodhi’,
chaya guṇa deho’ dāse
chaya sat-saṅga, deho’ he āmāre,
boshechi saṅgera āśe
Translation:
Please help me subdue the six urges, purify my six faults, and grant this servant the six divine qualities. Please give me the six kinds of holy association; I have sat down here in hopes of gaining your company.
ekākī āmāra, nāhi pāre bola,
hari-nāma-saṅkīrtane
tumi kṛpā kori’, śraddhā-bindu diyā,
deho’ kṛṣṇa-nāma-dhane
Translation:
Alone, I have no strength to perform the congregational chanting of the Holy Name of Hari. Please be merciful and, by giving me a drop of faith, grant me the great treasure of the Holy Name of Krishna.
kṛṣṇa se tomāra, kṛṣṇa dite pāro,
tomāra śakati āche
āmi to’ kāṅgāla, ‘kṛṣṇa’ ‘kṛṣṇa’ boli’,
dhāi tava pāche pāche
Translation:
Krishna is yours; you are able to give Krishna to others. You have that power. I am but a beggar, crying "Krishna! Krishna!" as I run behind you.
When Uttamasloka and Gopati sat there on Gaur Purnima night, they were essentially living out the lyrics of this song. They had "run behind" Babaji Maharaj through the streets of Mayapur, recognizing that as an akincana (one who possesses only Krishna), he had the "power to give Krishna."
Discussion Transcript
The Power of the Moment
When Uttamasloka and Gopati sat there on Gaura Purnima night, they were essentially living out the lyrics of this song. They had "run behind" Babaji Maharaj through the streets of Mayapur, recognizing that as an akincana (one who possesses only Krishna), he had the "power to give Krishna."
The 1977 recording captures more than just music; it captures the moment a beggar (the seeker) meets the treasurer (the pure devotee) at the doorstep of the Great Master (Srila Bhaktisiddhanta).
Special thanks to Uttamasloka das for sharing the story of these priceless memories.
Uttamasloka: Yeah. And then ’77 as you say, this is what happened. We had the big Mayapur festival then. There was a big play, and Prabhupada was sitting on a big dais looking at the stage and Krishna dasa was sitting next to him on the vyasasana. And then Krishna dasa left early, but I followed him. This was two days before Gaura Purnima, so tens of thousands of people everywhere. So I got through the crowd, I finally caught up to him and I go, “Maharaja, Maharaja, it’s me.” He goes, “Ah!” He recognized me. I go, “Can we go chant somewhere?” He goes, “My voice isn’t very good. I can’t chant now. Maybe in a few days.” I go, “OK. How will I find out?” Good luck.
So fast forward. On the eve of Gaura Purnima, you and me and Nandikesvara, and maybe one or two other guys, I go, “Let’s go find Krishna dasa Babaji. You’ve got your recorder. Let’s go find him.” So we jumped in a couple of rickshaws, we went to Bhaktisiddhantas house and they go, “Where’s Krishna dasa Babaji?”
Uttamasloka: First we went to Bhaktisiddhanta’s house and we said, “How can we find Krishna dasa Babaji?” and they said, “He’s at Yoga Pitha.” So we went back to Yoga Pitha and we walked up the walkway, and when they saw us they said, “Come up on stage.” So they pulled us up on stage, you remember. They pulled us up on stage, put garlands on us, sandalwood paste, and we’re standing up there in front of a crowd of five thousand people while there’s a big kirtan going on out there. And I look across the stage and there’s Krishna dasa, and I go like this and he goes like that, he saw me, he recognized me. So I’m looking at him. I’m not even looking at the Deities, I’m looking at him. About 10 minutes later he ducks down the stairs on the other side. I go, “Let’s go,” so we all leave too. And I catch him on the way out. He goes, “What’s your program?” I go, “My program is to chant with you nonstop 24 hours. I want to chant with you.” “OK, come with me.” We go out to the road. He goes and talks to a rickshaw driver, and the rickshaw driver is giving him a hard time, wants to charge three times as much and they’re arguing. He goes, “Ah, forget it.” So we start walking. The rickshaw driver drives up slowly, he goes, “Get in.” So we get in and we all go there and we set up, but there’s no mridanga. I said, “We need a mridanga.” He goes, “Just a minute.” He goes to the temple area where they’re having arati. He goes, “When the arati is finished, they’ll bring a mridanga.” I said, “OK. I’m very thirsty. Is there some water somewhere?” He taps my bead bag and he goes, “Drink the Holy Name.” So then we sat down and you set everything up, and he did a cappella and started chanting all those mantras a cappella.
Gopati: He started off with Siksastaka, and the mic’s weren’t set up so the recording doesn’t capture that. At the end of the prayer he starts chanting. And then there’s this kirtan group that’s coming around, they had just finished the arati for Srila Bhaktiddhanta’s Deities, Sri Sri Gandharkiva Giridhari and offered the mrdanga for Babaji Maharaj to use.
Uttamasloka: Those are the ones coming from the arati. They do a little circumambulation.
Gopati: So you hear that in the background, and then the leader of the kirtan came over and gave him the mrdanga.
Uttamasloka: Gives him the drum, and that’s when that started. Then he did his thing, and then Mohini Mohan Das, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta’s Pujari joined us singing Nacre Amar Mon and Ohe Vaishnava Thakur while Krsna Das Babaji played mrdanga. What a night. It’s so fantastic to be able to remember these with you, that we did these things together. It’s such a powerful, meaningful thing to me. It’s so beautiful to reminisce and realize that what we experienced then, it was what we thought. It was that powerful. It was that beautiful. It was that impactful. It was that important for us.
Gopati: So being there on Gaura Purnima night in front of Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Maharaja and his servants, it was what we had learned from Srila Prabhupada, it was a confirmation and a gift of the vision of where it could go and how to do it. And it was all based on hearing and chanting, nothing else. The mrdanga, the kartals, the musical part of it. It’s like putting a garland on Krishna and the Deity. It all goes together beautifully. I think that for myself, that experience was such a deep learning experience and association. The only similar experience we had up to that point was with Srila Prabhupada.
Uttamasloka: And here’s an important point in that context. Typically there was the mood, “Don’t associate with Prabhupada’s godbrothers. Don’t associate with the Gaudiya Matha. They’re all this, they’re all that,” blah blah blah. But we did, and we got the best of what it was. There was nothing tainted about it. It was just pure Vaisnavism with other devotees, Godbrothers of Prabhupada, and we got to share that essence without any kind of unwanted taint or negative thing associated with it. As you say, a big learning experience for us.
Gopati: Without any agenda. The only thing was to chant Hare Krishna, that was it.
Uttamasloka: And because of that, we were rewarded as such. Krishna said, “You’ve got the right mood, you’ve got the right attitude. I’m going to give you a little boost, and it’s going to stay with you for the rest of your life.” Talk about a powerful Samskara.
Gopati: It’s been so many years since we’ve had these experiences. Like you explained, we talk about them, we remember them, it’s just like being there. And sharing this with other devotees, hopefully we’re able to share a little taste of that gift by talking about it and hearing the recording. But then again, we’ve been through a lot in the last 30, 40 years, and this has carried with us and affected everything we do, everything we decide, and how we view things and how we keep things sacred in our heart and even when we’re in the middle of all sorts of external events. So maybe just talk a little bit about that and how this kirtan stays with you like that. Maybe it’s going a little too deep because it’s very personal.
Uttamasloka: Well, I haven’t been able to have kirtans in my life the way we did then. So I’m riding on powerful energy from that, from the results of that. My kirtan now has morphed into discussions, and so it’s become more of that type of kirtan than the other type. But there’s no question that those kirtans became the foundational basis for me to be able to do what I’m doing now.
Otherwise, I wouldn’t have the adhikara. So they contributed to me making progress and developing and refining my adhikara because of the profound nature of those experiences. Every single day we were on, day after day after night after night, three, four times a day. No one could sustain that. Most temples, “Oh, we had a good kirtan last week.” “Oh, we had a good kirtan the other day.” We had five good kirtans every single day, mind-blowing every day. So you can’t go through that and not be impacted in a powerful way.
I can’t forget those times. I see them in my mind. I see the Chicago temple. I see that Bhaktisiddhanta Samadhi with all of us there. The vision is in my mind. Sometimes you remember things. Sometimes you remember with the visual as well and the visual adds to the remembrance, and I have those visuals that accompany these remembrances. That’s how strong they are. In retrospect, as you say, looking back, I see now even more how powerful they were, how meaningful they were, how influential they were and important as building the foundation, the blocks of the foundation upon which... You need strength to get through all the challenges that we face in our day-to-day life. You can’t escape those unless you go and get kutir and sign out, but we’re not going to do that. So we have to face those challenges and we need strength to do that and we need armor, and our armor was being developed back then and our strength.
Gopati: And one of the things about that time with Krishna dasa Babaji and Mohini Mohan and the entire experience was that we weren’t going there just to learn from somebody else besides Srila Prabhupada. We were going there as disciples of Srila Prabhupada, as representatives of Srila Prabhupada, and knowing full well that the relationship between these Godbrothers was very close. And this beautiful experience was a confirmation of what Srila Prabhupada had taught us. We understood that we could honor Srila Prabhupada by participating.