Dharmadasa Babaji was the grand-disciple of Siddha Baba of Kamyavana. He was a native of Orissa and received very little formal education. Despite this, he was extremely humble and never criticized anyone. He often quoted the verse:
“He who chants the holy name with a heart devoid of malice receives the blessings of the Lord and is immediately liberated.” (Cc. Madhya 19.151, purport)
Dharmadasa took charge of serving the deity of Radha-Madana Gopala, previously served by Siddha Baba. Although he was not strictly orthodox in ritualistic observances, he was meticulous about cleanliness. Even in old age, he maintained personal hygiene, cleansing himself after passing urine while standing waist-deep in Vimala Kunda. He resided at the Jagamohana of the temple and performed the mangala-arati throughout the year. To avoid disturbing Madhavadasa Babaji and other sleeping devotees, he did not ring the bell during arati but rang it afterward.
Dharmadasa arranged for seva through bhiksa, but his method was unique: if an ingredient ran out, he would silently stand before a shop and mention the requirement, and the shopkeeper would immediately supply it.
He regularly served the residents of Vraja who visited Vimala Kunda for bathing. He distributed twigs for brushing teeth, tilak, and japa beads, and maintained a fire during winter months for their warmth.
For offering to Madana-Gopala, he accepted vegetables if given; otherwise, he collected wild leafy vegetables and served them along with a few chapatis. Early in the morning, he prepared sweet balls from wheat flour, ghee, and jaggery. Visiting devotees were always welcomed cordially. Dharmadasa prepared extra food in anticipation of unexpected visitors, and if bhoga was insufficient, he divided it equally among all present. Those left out were later satisfied by his madhukari.
Once, Madhavadasa complained that a Babaji staying with them ate onions. Dharmadasa rebuked Madhava, saying: “This place belongs to Siddha Babaji Mahasaya. Our duty is only to serve the visiting Vaisnavas and guests. It is beyond our duty to advise others.”
Long before Madhava dasa arrived, a devotee had died at Dharmadasa’s residence. He distributed the deceased’s clothing to another Vaisnava, unintentionally violating the law requiring government notification. Dharmadasa was summoned and imprisoned for a few days. Unruffled, he remarked, “I have had the opportunity to experience a visit to the kingdom of Yama.” While imprisoned, he was not required to perform labor; wheat flour and pulses were supplied, brahmanas cooked for him, and other prisoners attended to his needs.
Around 1889–1890, Dharmadasa Babaji passed away at nearly one hundred years of age, leaving behind a legacy of humble, selfless service, and strict adherence to devotion and cleanliness.
Deepen your Bhakti-yoga practice, harmonize relationships, and receive guided coaching — all at Vedavarsity.com
