Swami Adhbhudhanandha  - Sri Latu Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Latu Maharaj!

Chapter – 23

In the year 1868 Swami Vijayanada from Argentina came to meet Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Ma Sharada.   He recorded all that conversation between Thakurji and Latu Maharaj in a tape recorder he was carrying; he went to meet Latu Maharaj.  Latu Maharaj  addressed his family name and asked “ Hey, Pashupati, did you bathe in Ganga?’ Swami Vijayananda said, “ Oh, No Swamiji, the waters of Ganga has become too polluted, so did not take bath in Ganga.” Maharaj said “ Oh! you will take a bath in the hospital sterile water, right.” Maharaj continued “ did you visit Lord Vishwanatha?” Latu Maharaj shouted at him.  One afternoon Swami Vijayananda, Mukundananda, and another Swamiji, three of them went to Ashwamedha Ghat, they were watching the sunset.  All of a sudden Swamiji Vijayananda saw mist rising from the waters of Ganges and took the form of Lord Shiva, he could not control his sudden rise of emotions after witnessing this incident.  Those days Latu Maharaj was living out of the Ashram, Swami Vijayananda before leaving went to meet Latu Maharaj, as soon as he entered the chamber, Latu Maharaj said “ Hey, Pashupati, what did you see on the waters of Ganga?” he fallen at the feet of Latu Maharaj and said “ It is all your grace.” Maharaj said “  It is not my grace, it is the grace of Lord Vishwanatha upon you. At least before leaving go and have Dharshan of Lord Vishwanatha. If you have done that, go to Ganga and take a holy dip.”

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa used to say that Latu Maharaj is the greatest miracle. He was one of the favorite disciples of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa,   though Maharaj had no basic education, he has attained highest of the spiritual state with the touch of his Master along with the constant meditation and perseverance, he had attained Mahasamadhi on  24^th April 1920.

Swami Adhbhudhanandha  - Sri Latu Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Latu Maharaj!

Chapter – 22

Once Latu Maharaj received a letter from a devotee in Bengal, in that “Maharaj, I have a long desire to visit Kashi and attain the Dharshan of Lord Vishwanatha, I do not have money to spend on the trip,” Latu Maharaj advised “ Somehow make arrangement of the money for the trip, other things will be taken care of,” The devotee arrived in Kashi, after having Dharshan of Lord Vishwanatha he became distressed to see that everyone offering various valuable things to Lord, he has nothing to offer other than a few bale leaves.  He felt pity of himself, for not having money for meeting basic needs, instead of sharing meals of a saint,  he returned from the shrine and started crying in his closed room.  Latu Maharaj came to know the distress of his devotee, he said: “Tomorrow after the holy dip, take waters from Ganga and offer to Lord Vishwanatha and pray to remove all the sufferings of the Universe.” The devotee thought it is just Maharaj wanted to pacify him.   Anyway, it is the order of Gurudev, so he decided to follow the instructions.  The next day he followed the instructions of Latu Maharaj, after the performance of the ritual he felt so serene and calm.   All those burdens from his shoulder have disappeared, he felt immensely blissful.

One day, a devotee was sleeping in the chamber of Latu Maharaj, that night he had nightmares, seeing the panicky state of the devotee, Latu Maharaj gave a push and said: “ You are thinking all those nasty things here,”.  One day a female had a conflict with her husband and arrived in Kashi, Latu Maharaj said “A married woman should sincerely follow the instructions of her husband, the woman who does not follow the righteousness would suffer from mental afflictions,” The woman was mystified to hear all these from Latu Maharaj,  she was surprised “how did Maharaj came to know about my family life? I did not even mention it to anyone.”   In this way, Latu Maharaj could read the grief of his devotees from their faces and advice them.  

Swami Adhbhudhanandha  - Sri Latu Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Latu Maharaj!

Chapter – 21

It was during Durga Puja, Ma Sharadha arrived in the Balram shrine, she came to meet her favorite son/disciple Latu Maharaj in his chamber, Latu Maharaj said “ Ma, why did you come here, you are from a superior clan, you could have sent somebody to call me,” Sri Sharada Ma was well aware of the humility of Latu, she laughed at him and went away.  Latu Maharaj whispered to himself in despair “ who is father and mother to a Sanyasin? A Sanyasin should not have any worldly bondage and illusion,” At that moment Sri Ma was coming down the stairs, she called “ Son, Latu, you need not consider me as your mother, I shall remain your mother always.” Latu Maharaj got cleared all his doubts instantly.  He cried and fallen at the feet of Ma, and Ma’s eyes were overflowing with tears.  Latu Maharaj wiped off her tears with his upper clothe and said: “ Ma, you are going to your father’s home, you should not cry.”  After few days Latu Maharaj thought of leaving to Kashi and spends some time, he came to Adhvaitha Ashram and stayed there for quite some time. 

Later he arrived in Pandey Bungalow and lived there for some time.  One day one of the young servants in the Bungalow approached Latu Maharaj and said: “ I am not in a position to spend money on my ill health, kindly bless me to get rid of this illness or die.” Latu Maharaj said “ Don’t worry, if Thakur's grace on you, there is no doubt you will be alright soon.  Today onwards, after having a dip in Ganga, go and visit Lord Vishwanatha shrine, consume the sacred water offered at his feet, you will be alright with the grace of Lord Vishwanatha.” After a few days, the youth has completely cured of the illness. 

Swami Adhbhudhanandha  - Sri Latu Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Latu Maharaj!

Chapter – 20

In the year 1897 Swami Vivekananda returned from America, all the disciples of Thakurji met him, but Latu Maharaj did not make it.  He thought ‘ I am just an ordinary person with no knowledge of reading or writing, he is returned from a foreign land, he had become reputed person now, did he recognize me?”  But Swami Vivekanand was remembered Latu Maharaj, he did not forget him.  One day Swami Vivekananda arrived to meet Latu Maharaj and embraced him and said “ Latu Bhai, I am your same old Naren. Come with me to Mutt.”  Latu Maharaj came to stay in Belur Mutt, but he was not finding peace here, there were strict disciplines were introduced; all the disciples should get up early in the morning at 3’ o clock.  One day, Latu Maharaj packed his bags and started leaving, Swami Vivekananda asked “ Where are you going? Why are you leaving?” Latu Maharaj said “ Kolkatta.  You have come from a foreign land, you are introducing new rules, I cannot follow them fully, I am not used to it.  I cannot make my mind force to contemplate upon the Lord at the sound of the bell.”  Swami Vivekanand said, “ Then leave”.  Later, Swami Vivekananda rushed to Latu Maharaj and said, “ You come with me, you need not follow any rules, these rules are for people who are newly arrived in the Mutt.”  None of the rules were applicable to Latu Maharaj, he felt awkward living in the Mutt without following its rules.  He was a righteous person, he equally respected all the religions and its festivities, he celebrates Eid, Christmas and all the Hindu festivals with an open heart.

Swami Adhbhudhanandha  - Sri Latu Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Latu Maharaj!

Chapter – 19

Days went on and on, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was diagnosed with throat cancer, he settled in Shyamapukur for treatment, during these days Latu was always with Thakurji. once Latu Maharaj went in a state of ecstasy, he turned to normalcy at the touch of Thakurji.  After living in Shyamapukur for some time, Thakurji was shifted to Kashipur.  One day he was massaging the head of Thakurji, soon he entered in a state of transcendental.  Once  Ma Sharadha/Sri Ma was visiting Vrindavan, she was followed by Latu Maharaj, he undertook Tapasya for few days and returned to Kolkata, and initiated to Sanyasashrama.

Latu Maharaj immersed in intense practice of meditation and Yoga after the demise of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa,  he did not sleep in the night, Swami Sharadanandji used to listen to unique noises from his chamber, he thought it must be the disturbances caused by rats and it continued for another few days.  One day Sharadanandji went to check and saw Latu Maharaj was performing meditation, it was the sounds of the prayer beads rolling between his fingers. During these days, Latu Maharaj goes to sleep immediately after meals, and within a few minutes, he will be in deep sleep and when everyone sleeps he gets up and performs meditation.

Latu Maharaj was not in the mutt or in the devotee’s house for a short period of time.  He settled on the river banks of Ganga and lived on alms, he gets clothing from the family of Ramchandra Dutt, and sometimes he eats Roti or dry channa.  He spends days listening and describing glorious myths of Lord, and singing Bhajans.   During harsh winter he will take a seat inside the empty trains.  


Once Latu Maharaj visited Puri Jagannath, he stood in front of the idol of Jagannatha and prayed “Prabho! Chaithanya Mahaprabhu’s eyes were soaked in tears seeing your glorious face, I yearn to see that face of yours, kindly show me that face.” Latu Maharaj had the same Dharshan of Lord Jagannath which was revealed to Sri Chaithanya Mahaprabhu.  Latu Maharaj appealed to Jagannatha “ I am not able to wander around like old times, I am tired now.” It was true that, If the food is not consumed in the right manner or it is not cooked in a proper manner, it will definitely affect the health of the individual, if the health is not good, nothing can be performed.

Swami Adhbhudhanandha  - Sri Latu Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Latu Maharaj!

Chapter – 18

One day Thakurji said to the priest of Lord Vishnu shrine, “ Go and find where is Latu? He did not attend to my calls for so long.”  The priest found that Latu was in a state of transcendental, he tried to wake him up but did not, he came back to Thakurji and detailed.  Thakurji sent Naren/Swami Vivekanand, he tried to wake him up, he took a wooden bar and bet on the tree several times which produced loud noises, in this way Naren tried all efforts to distract Latu Maharaj.   Thakurji heard the loud noises he could not sit peacefully in his chamber, he said to Naren “ Do not disturb him.” Naren said “ he is not conscious, so how can he get disturbed? He is completely unconscious.”  Thakurji said “Unless and until the conscious get annulled, wisdom will not shine.”  In this way, there were many incidents happened in the life of Latu Maharaj.

One day he was massaging Thakurji for quite some time,  Thakurji taught him to sit on the Panchamundi Asan which is a very difficult posture to observe and practice meditation, it needs purity of mind and body, celibacy and fitness.  Thakurji never recommends all his disciples to perform meditation sitting on Panchamundi Asan, it requires a lot of concentration and will power, only a very few of them were instructed to do so.  This practice was alarming for Latu, Thakurji realized his trepidation and pacified him.  One day Thakurji told Latu “ You have been staying here so long, go and do some journey to shrines and places, you will feel better.” Latu felt very happy and said, “ Where did I go?” Thakurji said, “ Go to Baburam’s place, you will not find any difficulty.”

Later Baburamji praised Latu Maharaj in this manner “ Once, Latu visited my home, he always used to tell me that he is not feeling good in the house.  My mother used to tell me, find out what’s his difficulty, finally, I understood the reason for not feeling good at home. He was terribly missing Thakurji, even the Mahapurusha felt the same without Latu.  One day Latu cried and told me that he wanted to go back to Dhakshineshwar by tomorrow.  No one had the heart to stop him from his decision.” He arrived at Dhakshineshwar, seeing him back Thakurji asked: “ why did you come back so early?”  Latu said, “ I was not feeling good over there.” Thakurji said “ Why? That place is too good to stay.  Baburam’s mother is a pious woman.  She very well takes care of holy men and saints,”  Latu said, “ I don’t know I was not interested in meditation, or recitation of Nama.”  Thakurji said “ What are you blabbering? Do you think I will be alive always If I am not there will you stop all these.”  Latu started crying “ Kindly accept me as I am, bless me to remain  with you always.” Thakurji laughed and affectionately said, “ See the boy’s smartness.” 

Swami Adhbhudhanandha  - Sri Latu Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Latu Maharaj!

Chapter – 17

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa had a few young disciples, he used to sing and dance with them while performing Namasankeerthana.  Once, he was dancing with the tune of music in the shrine of Lord Vishnu, Latu Maharaj produced a shriek, the whole chamber has reverberated with his voice, Thakurji understood it was Latu who envisioned the glorious form of Lord.  Latu Maharaj continued extreme practice of meditation and Yoga, once Thakurji said: “ it is not advisable to dance or shriek too much, you should learn to keep your emotions within you.”

One day  it was early hours of Bhramamuhurtha, all were immersed in meditation in their chambers, Thakurji started singing Bhajans, Latu could not sit in meditation posture, he produced small  cries, Thakurji kept his shoulders tight and made him sit in the same posture. One day it was meditation conducted in the shrine of Lord Shiva, Latu went to transcendental state, and continued to sit hours and hours like a statue.  Thakurji heard from another disciple, he arrived to see Latu and fanned him sitting near to him.  Slowly Latu’s body started shivering with the chillness of the air.  Thakurji said “ Latu, the day is over, who will lighten the lamp?” Latu regained consciousness, he was shocked to see Thakurji fanning him, Latu said “ I was watching the idol of Lord Shiva, suddenly a light appeared and it spread all over the places, after that, I do not remember anything.”  Thakurji said “ Ok. Ok. Who knows how many things you have to witness for the rest of your life.  Go and drink one glass of water.”  

Once Latu Maharaj was performing meditation suddenly he produced shrieking noise touching his face on the ground, Thakurji rushed towards him and kept him sit straight, soon Latu Maharaj regained his consciousness, Thankurji angrily said: “ keep calm, you have envisioned Ma Kali”.  One day Latu Maharaj was sitting on the river banks of Ganga and performing meditation, suddenly Ganga started overflowing, usually, the place where Latu Maharaj was seated remains empty without water, that day waters flooded the entire place and Latu Maharaj was slowly merging inside the water not moving an inch.  Swami Adhvaidhanandha watched this, he rushed to Thakurji and informed the incident, Thakurji came running to Ghat and saw Latu was surrounded by three fourth of water by all sides, he dived into waters and dragged Latu Maharaj out of the water.

Swami Adhbhudhanandha  - Sri Latu Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Latu Maharaj!

Chapter – 16

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa constantly put an effort to keep his disciples void of impurities like ego and self importance.  Latu Maharaj said “ Once, me and Bhrmanand had received an order from Thakurji to go for begging  alms, whenever we leave the Ashram, Thakurji always remind us that some may give you money, or grains, some may insult you or get angry on you, you have to receive it all with humbleness.” While begging alms, one day a pious man shouted at him. He said “You are young and healthy, can’t work and earn money,” after listening to the words of the pious man Bhramanand became upset, Latu Maharaj convinced him “ Thakurji, already told us to receive whatever we get.” That day they went to beg alms before the house of a widow, she said “ Children, why you want to beg? What’s that make you go for begging?” Latu Maharaj informed the widow that they are following instructions of Thakurji, she blessed them and gave grains.  In this way, they continued begging alms and returned with a bag full of rice to Ashram.  All the incidents were detailed to Thakurji, he said “ That widow said it right. It was Suryanarayan’s blessings always on you both.”

Latu Maharaj was the principal attendant of Thakurji, so has to follow Thakurji on every visit, he had to make frequent visits to the house of a wealthy man’s family in Kolkata.  He had the opportunity to mingle with these people and learned good manners.  Latu Maharaj was so simple and innocent.  Once he was not feeling well, so he went to Thakurji and explained. “whatever happens does not leave contemplating upon Lord, with that your mind will automatically come to be at peace. ”  After receiving an initiation to Sanyasa, Latu Maharaj received the name Swami Adhbhudhanandh, but people were addressed him ‘Latu Maharaj’ he had a mystic way of conversation and action.  Latu Maharaj made it a practice to see the face of Thakurji immediately after waking up in the mornings.  If Thakurji is not in his chamber, Latu Maharaj keeps closing his eyes and scream “ where did you go?” listening to his voice, Thakurji rush towards him, in this way Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Latu Maharaj had a mysterious relationship like father and child.

Swami Adhbhudhanandha  - Sri Latu Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Latu Maharaj!

Chapter – 15

Once Latu was fanning Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa who was lying on the bed, slowly he also felt sleepy.  Thakurji asked Latu “ Do you know Lord sleep or not?” Latu said, “ How do I know Lord sleep or not?” Thakurji laughed and said “ Lord does not get a chance to sleep, he is awake always, he immerses at the service of living beings, therefore living beings sleep peacefully.” After this incident one day Latu  was too tired and fell asleep for hours, Thakurji  was waking him up  saying “ Latu, you should not sleep in the evenings, it is the time for remembering Lord,” Latu jumped up and sat on the floor, after this incident he took a vow not to sleep in the evenings, he sincerely followed this in his whole life.

Once Latu Maharaj was afflicted with fever, he said to Swami Sharadanandji, “ I cannot lay on the bed in the evenings,” he did not listen to Latu Maharaj, he was taking good care of Latu Maharaj,  he said 'a patient should take rest to get rid of illness,' Latu Maharaj said “ If you did not help me to get out of the bed, I have to take shelter of Mahaveerji” Sharanadananji did not pay any attention to him.  Suddenly Latu Maharaj screamed “Jai Bajrangbali Ki” and stood out of the bed with great vigor.  Sharadananji felt angry and said “ You are sick, you should take rest. What are you doing? Go and sleep.” Latu Maharaj said “ I do not know anything, it is the order of my Master that no one should sleep in the evenings. I have to follow the order.”

Swami Adhbhudhanandha  - Sri Latu Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Latu Maharaj!

Chapter – 14

There was Ma Sharadha /Sri Ma living in Dhakshineshwar to take care of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, she has to cook meals in large quantities for the disciples and devotees, and there was no one to help her.  Antharyami Thakurji understood the troubles of Sri Ma, and he got up from the seat.  One day after a dip in Ganga, Thakurji saw Latu was sitting silently on the river bank, “ Latu, your mother is taking all the troubles to cook Roti, she needs somebody to help her, she is all alone, go and help her.”  Thakurji took Latu with him and arrived in the kitchen where Sri Ma was cooking Roti, he said: “ This boy is very innocent, if you need any help ask him, he will do it.” Eventually, Latu Maharaj took up the service to Sri Ma. Latu was highly pleased to serve Sharada Ma, on that day onwards, he became one of the main helpers of Ma.

One day Ramchandra Dutt arrived in Dhakshineshwar and said to Thakurji “ What did you teach this boy? He walks eight miles to home” Thakurji said “ I do not remember what did I say. What’s the matter?”Rambabu said “ You have told Latu to stay away from intoxicating drinks, he does not even go near the shops, he takes a long way to reach home,” Thakurji became serious after listening to it. He called for Latu and said “ You need not take a long way to keep you away from the intoxicated drink shops, no sin will come to you if you pass near these shops. I have taught you to contemplate upon Lord, constant remembering of the Lord while doing any work, and completely surrender at His feet, then these intoxicated drinks will not do any harm to you.” In this way, Thakurji took every opportunity to teach Latu Maharaj.

Swami Adhbhudhanandha  - Sri Latu Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Latu Maharaj!

Chapter – 13

One day a staunch devotee arrived in Dhakshineshwar, he was too haughty so Latu became angry upon him, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa saw the conflicts between the two.  Once the devotee left the scene, Thakurji called Latu and said “ Latu, whoever comes to visit the shrine should be treated with kindness, devotees are coming to shrine after extreme exhaustion of worldly matters, they are here in a search of peace and love, therefore you should not behave harshly to them.” Later Thakurji sent Latu to pacify the devotee,  Thakurji asked, “ did you convey my Pranams to him?” Latu was surprised why Thakurji should bow before a devotee, Latu kept silent.  Thakurji said “ Go once again and convey my Pranams to him.” Latu sincerely followed the instruction of Thakurji, when the devotee heard this from Latu, he wept bitterly.  Latu understood the depth of devotion from him.  Later, Latu Maharaj adopted his Master’s nectar-like advice to instruct his disciples.

One day a wealthy man offered Pranams with folded hands before Latu Maharaj, he said “A devotee should pay obeisance with the head bow down at the feet Saints and holy men.” even Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa also mention the same.  When the wealthy man asked the reason, Latu Maharaj described a story.  Once  Girish Babu offered Pranams to Thakurji with folded hands, Thakurji also did the same to him, later he bowed head down before Thakurji, even Thakurji did the same, finally, Girish Babu bowed his head down at the feet of Thakurji and received blessings from Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.

Swami Adhbhudhanandha  - Sri Latu Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Latu Maharaj!

Chapter – 12

Swami Bhramanand was a favorite disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa who undertook the proceedings of the Mutt.  Once, Thakurji asked Bhramanand to prepare Pan for him, but he refused to do that, Latu witnessed their relationship as son and father.  Latu said, “ you are not listening to Thakurji and giving back the answer, it is not good.” Bhramanand became angry, they both had an argument, Bhramanand said: “ I do not know how to fix pan, don’t teach me lessons.”  They continued to have arguments of devotion to Thakurji.   Thakurji takes pleasure in these silly arguments of his disciples.  Thakurji called Ramlal to watch these arguments between his two favorites disciples, asked Ramlal to name the sincere devotee of Thakurji, Ramlal said: “ Bhrmanand is a superior devotee.” Latu became very angry to hear this, Thakurji continued to laugh at them saying that Ramlal was right because Bhramanand was not serious in his arguments but  Latu was angry. Thakurji said, “ How can my devotee get angry in front of me, so Bhramanand is a superior devotee, only Chandal will get angry, anger will take away the devotion and concentration of the devotee.”  Latu felt ashamed after listening to Thakurji,  Latu gave up his anger and cried “ Thakurji, I will not show anger in front of you” Thakurji said “ This body had a desire to eat pan, Bhramanand refused to feed it, if the soul has the desire to do so, Bhramanand will not refuse,” after sometime Latu went to prepare Pan for Thakurji.  In this way, Thakurji kept advising about spirituality and stirred the emotions in Latu.  Once Thakurji asked, “ You are a devotee of Lord Ram, tell me what’s he doing at this moment?” Latu innocently replied “ How do I know about Lord Rama’s deeds?” many a time Thakurji intent to say himself as Lord Rama, but Latu failed to understand it.  After these incidents, Latu always considered Paramahamsaji as Lord, Thakurji took all the effort to educate him with the knowledge of the supreme Lord.

Swami Adhbhudhanandha  - Sri Latu Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Latu Maharaj!

Chapter – 11

Latu Maharaj visits many places and holy men, wherever he goes he became favorite of all, he used to share knowledge with the people that all he has learned from Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa who always says “The pure heart always attracts all, keep the intellect free from impurities, accept truth as a vow, don’t let anyone exploit you, contemplate upon supreme Lord to get rid of troubles, He always protects his devotees from the troubles, if not finding peace by reciting Nama, spend time close to Ma Kali and sit in her shrine or  rush to me.”  Latu Maharaj said “ Thakurji taught me to take pleasure in booze, not that ordinary one, it is supreme one, remembrance of Supreme Lord. The ordinary people introduce their children  to drugs, medicines, women, wealth, and  money, which can cause only addiction and never get peace or pleasure, but my Guruji taught me to take pleasure in the supreme Bhramam and this is the supreme drug that overpowers all other drugs.”  One devotee said to Latu Maharaj “We are also used to this type of drug reciting the names of Lord, but our cries often remain unnoticed,” Latu Maharaj said “ Your cries are definitely reaching to supreme Lord, you are crying for money, that is why you have money, when you start praying that I do not want money, wealth, fame, position, etc.. and when you pray that I want supreme Lord, He will definitely come to you.” 

Paramahamsaji knows that Latu is uneducated; he realized that Latu needs to learn something for the survival, he was taught the basic lessons.  But he had to drop that idea shortly because Latu was finding it difficult to learn.  Thakurji accepted him as he was, it was before the arrival disciples like Bhramananda and Swami Vivekananda.  Latu used to listen to more and more lectures on spirituality, he had an interest in wrestling, therefore, he used to consume a quite big meal. One day Thakurji scolded him not to give importance to meals which could bring distraction in meditation, after listening to this he gradually reduced the intake of the meal.  Initially, he felt it is difficult, eventually, he adapted to it and became one of the great Yogi.  One day he had wrestled with Bhramanandji, in that Latu was not able to perform well, Thakurji understood that he has drastically reduced the intake of the meal because of that he was growing weak. After this incident, Thakurji always took Latu with him while consuming meals, he used to keep his share on Latu’s plate, and gradually he learned to eat the required meal to keep him fit.  He left wrestling and started regular exercises.

Swami Adhbhudhanandha  - Sri Latu Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Latu Maharaj!

Chapter – 1o

 During this period of time, Sri Ramkrishna Paramahamsa was establishing a group of Youngsters to employ them in a mission for the development of the society, the group of young men was appointed as his disciple, who can carry out his mission, and Latu was also one among them, others were Swami Vivekananda, and Swami Bhramanand.  It was in the year 1880; an unfortunate event took place in Dhakshineshwar,  Hridhaynath who was the cousin of Thakurji working in the shrine was removed from the service of the shrine due to some malpractices by the son in law of Rani Rasmoni who was in charge of the temple of Dhakshineshwar.   Thakurji was ashamed of his atrocities and was deeply disturbed by his wicked deeds.  On the other hand, Hridhaynath was taking good care of Thakurji while he was troubled with the throat cancer, after removing him from the shrine, Thakurji became helpless.  It was difficult for the people there to give a bath, feed and take care of Thakurji.  Soon Thakurji thought of Latu, once there arrived Rambabu, he said “ Latu is a sincere servant, he is too devoted and good-hearted, I want him in my service, will you give him to me?. He is not happy to stay in your house anyway; if he stays here it would be helpful for me.”  Thakurji’s orders were sincerely followed; Rambabu brought Latu to Dhakshineshwar forever.

Swami Adhbhudhanandha  - Sri Latu Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Latu Maharaj!

Chapter – 9

After eight months Thakurji returned from Kamarpukur to Dhakshineshwar. One day Latu arrived in Dhakshineshwar, Thakurji was immensely pleased to see his beloved boy Latu.  He said  “  Latu, today you stay with me. You need not go back to the Dutt family.” Latu was extremely happy to hear from Thakurji.  It was the biggest turning point in his life.

There was Kedharnath Chattopadhyay in Dhakshineshwar, Latu was massaging the feet of Thakurji, he asked Latu “ Are you feeling sleepy? Are your hands are paining?” Latu said “ No, I am not feeling sleepy, my hands are not paining.” Thakurji asked “What happened to you Latu? Why you are so dull?” he did not answer anything.  After some time his eyes were overflowing with tears,  Thakurji said to Kedarnath “ See, this boy is crying always. He is not saying anything.” Kedarbabu said “ It is your pastime Thakurji.  You have inspired this child,” The next day,  Latu was in a state of transcendental until afternoon, there was the bell rang to inform to collect the Prasadh, Thakurji said “ Latu, how long will you sit like this? Do not want to take a bath or eat something?” Soon Latu got out of the transcendental state, he rushed to temple after Dharshan, went to Ghat for bathing, three days were gone like this, Thakurji engaged him various tasks so that he may return to normalcy.  Once Thakurji asked Latu “your Sahib is very much concerned about you, don’t you want to return home?” Latu said, “My Master will not get angry on me, they have appointed a new servant to take care of the work.” Thakurji said “What kind of boy are you? You should not do that, he fed you all these days. You should work for him because you are accepting money from them at regular intervals, you should not take money from one person and work for another.”  They often had a discussion about it.

One day Ramchandra Dutt and wife arrived in Dhakshineshwar, Thakurji said “ Ram, see what happened to this boy, he does not want to return to your house, I have tried to send him back, he is not willing to do so, if possible you convince him and take with you.” Rambabu understood from the words of Thakurji that Latu is inspired by Thakurji.  He pretended to be unpleasant and asked Latu “ What did you find here, do not want to come home?” Latu remained silent, later Rambabu said to Thakurji, “you have given lots of affection to this child, why you want me to come in between you and Latu.”  Mrs.Dutt convinced Latu and he agreed to return home.  Though he returned home, his mental state has remained the same, he was not finding any happiness without Thakurji, wanted to go back to Thakurji.

Swami Adhbhudhanandha  - Sri Latu Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Latu Maharaj!

Chapter – 8

Ramchandra Dutt felt Rakthuram is not a sincere servant anymore, he has no interest in the household chores, he has inspired by the teachings of Thakurji, therefore he informed the family not to burden with the household duties, let him do whatever he feels.  His wife was a little unhappy about this arrangement, but she sincerely followed the order of her husband.

Ramchandra Dutt was a fervent devotee of Thakurji, he worshiped Thakurji as Lord.  A new servant was appointed to work in place of Latu, when there is any celebration or rites at home, Latu takes care of all the works.  Several days passed like this, one-day an elderly saint  Nithyagopal Avadhooth visited the house of Ramchandra Dutt, he was severely ill, Ramchandra Dutt said: “ Latu, today onwards you will be serving Babaji.”  Latu felt extremely happy, he was yearning to serve noble-soul.  Nithyagopal Avadooth was a great saint who has achieved a higher status in spirituality. During the period of his illness, he used to remain in a transcendental state,  while serving Avadoothji, it has become a practice for Latu to contemplate upon Lord and recitation of Nama.  He continued to serve Avadhoothji for four months; eventually, he learned more knowledge about Sri Chaithanya Mahaprabhu.  During these days, Ramchandra Dutt used to read Nithya Chaithanya Charithamrith to Avadhooji on a regular basis.

Swami Adhbhudhanandha  - Sri Latu Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Latu Maharaj!

Chapter – 7

One day Ramchandra Dutt sent Rakthuram to Dhakshineshwar.  Sri Ramkrishna Paramahamsa was preparing to leave to Kamarpukur at the advice of the doctors.  Latu instantly said “ Thakurji , I want to be in the service of you. I do not want to go back to work in the house.” Thakurji laughed at Latu and said ‘ You cannot stay here,  I am going out from here, I am not well, I am going to get some fresh air, I do not know when I will be back to Dhakshineshwar. You better go back to Dutt's family and work sincerely.”  Latu became depressed after listening to Thakurji, he was thinking that If Thakurji is not staying in Dhakshineshwar, he felt nothing to do here; he sincerely wanted to serve Thakurji.  Paramahamsa understood the mind of little Rakthuram and said “ Latu, we should not go against the will of people who fed us. Your Master is your Annadhatha who is the provider of the meal, without informing him leaving the work is a sin. Dutt is a great man; he was taking care of your needs and sending you here very often to keep you cheerful.  When I come back from the village, you also come and join me.”

Later, Latu Maharaj used to discuss with his inmates of the Ashram about the mercy of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. He always remembers the advice of Thakurji before leaving to Kamarpukur.  Though Thakurji advised him enough to how to please the family of Dutt, his grief of separation from Thakurji was not leaving him, he passed days of extreme grief and agony.  Sometimes, he leaves to Dhakshineshwar without informing the Dutt family and sits near the banks of river Ganga, he did not find peace here too.  He goes to Panchavati and spends hours in solitude, he sits in a corner of the temple silently; people thought he must have got shouting from the Dutt family.  There was Ramlal Dhadha who was working in the shrine of Dhakshineshwar, he took great care of Rakthuram.  One day he arrived near Ganga Ghat to give Prasadh to Rakthuram, saw he was prostrating before waters of Ganga.  Suddenly he saw Ramlal Dhadha and asked, “ Where did Paramahamsa Mahashay go?” Ramlal Dhadha shocked at his question.  He said “ Mahashay did not go anywhere, he is here only, he did not go to the village,” Ramlal Dhadha took effort to convince the boy that Thakurji went to his village Kamarpukur, but Latu did not believe it, he could feel the constant presence of Sri Ramkrishna Paramahamsa in his life.

Swami Adhbhudhanandha  - Sri Latu Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Latu Maharaj!

Chapter – 6

There was an unexpected event that took place in Ramachandra Dutt’s house.  They used to send fruits and sweets to Dhakshineshwar to offer Thakurji.  On that day there was no one to take the offerings to Thakurji.  Little Rakthuram said “ Kindly give it to me, I will take it to Thakurji. I have been to Paramahamsa’s shrine once.”  That day he arrived at Dhakshineshwar with all the fruits and sweets around twelve in the afternoon.  He saw Thakurji from the distance, he offered humble Pranams to Thakurji, and they together arrived in his chamber.  That day Rakthuram could witness the afternoon Harathi Dharshan of Ma Kali, he felt extremely happy.  After Harathi Dharshan, they used to bring offerings to Thakurji in his chamber.  Thakurji advised Latu to take the offerings of Lord Vishnu. He was very considerate of Latu who was not used to the Bengali cuisine that is why he asked to consume offerings of Lord Vishnu.  Rakthuram said “I can eat whatever you give, I will not eat anything other the one you give.”  Thakurji burst into laughter and said “ This boy is too smart. He wants to get a share from me.” After consuming a meal, he stayed with Thakurji in the chamber until in the evening, seeing he is not leaving Thakurji asked “It is going to be evening, don’t you want to go back? Do you have money to go back?” Rakthu put his hands inside the pocket and took the coin out.  After coming back from Dhakshineshwar there were huge changes that took place in Rakthuram, previously he used to finish work at ease, but now a day’s his work became sluggish, and it has created unpleasantness in the Dutt family.   Ramchandra Dutt was worried about the boy little Rakthuram.  One day Dutt Sahib said to Thakurji “Now a day’s Latu behaving differently, he is not working properly, he sits eyes closed in a corner of the house and his eyes overflow with tears, he will not even answer to anyone’s call, if we ask the reason for tears, he won’t answer.  Seeing his strange behavior, my wife is very much concerned about this child.”  Thakurji said “It happens to people when they visit here. It is nothing,  his heart wants to be here.  Whenever time permits send him here.” 

Swami Adhbhudhanandha  - Sri Latu Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Latu Maharaj!

Chapter – 5

One day Rakthuram asked Babuji “ Babu, I want to visit Dhakshineshwar with you.” He was so surprised to hear that from little boy Rakthuram, he happily took Rakthuram with him to Dhakshineshwar.  Dutt Sahib and Rakthuram arrived in Dhakshineshwar, unfortunately, Thakurji was not in his chamber.  So he advised Rakthuram to stay in the Veranda and went in search of Thakurji.  After some time, both arrived together in the patio, suddenly Thakurji looked at the small boy standing on the Veranda. Thakurji asked “ Ram, did you bring this child with you? I can see divine symbols in this small boy.” They continued the conversation and went inside the chamber, Rakthuram understood this was the holy man he wanted to meet in all his life.  He went inside the chamber of Thakurji and prostrated before him, he stood there with folded hands.  Thakurji was giving lectures “people who have blessed with the divinity would attain supreme wisdom and knowledge in their birth.  They remain unchallenging like a rock that faces the blow of big waves but does not move away from its place and stands firm.” saying so Thakurji touched Rakthuram.  Soon he felt some divine powers entering through his body and disappeared instantly,  Rakthuram’s eyes were overflowing with tears, Ramchandra Dutt and Thakurji were watching the child, it continued for an hour or so.  Ramchandra Dutt asked, “How long he will continue crying like this?” Thakurji touched Rakthuram affectionately, soon he regained his normalcy.  Thakurji advised Ramchandra Dutt to send Rakthuram frequently to Dhakshineshwar, he said to Rakthuram “I have informed your Master,  come here often.”