AUM BABAJI NAMA! - Kriya Babaji Nagaraj

III
BIRTH OF A MISSION 1
“No. 9, Boag Road” by Sri V.T. Neeladantan is a book on Satguru Rama Devi. The writer was about to
pen a note in the M. O. for the above publication when a thought crossed his mind: “Is it not high
time you share your mystic treasures with others?” He did. Instead of “Dear Sir”, “Dear Atman” was
used and “Ever yourself” replaced “Yours”.
The windup of the note made an impression on V.T.N. (Sri V.T. Neelakantan) who visited No. 1-1,
Arulananda Mudaly Street, San Thome, Mylapore, Madras 4 in person. A strange invisible force drew
us together. Frequent visits and hours of clarification on mystic subjects followed. He developed a
regard bordering on respect.
One day, he asked for books on mysticism. He received “Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahamsa
Yogonanda. This created a minor revolution in his mind. He became a devotee of Kriya Babaji,
frequently uttering His Name.
A leading Surgeon, related to V.T.N. (by previous birth), was dressing his leg-operation wound in his
nursing home free of charge. But, daily, he was hauling V.T.N. for not attending to his health, least
considering his poverty. One day the ‘Lalitha Shashranamavali’ 2 of the doctor was unbearable and
V.T.N. left the place in disgust, never to return for dressing thereafter.
In spite of the deep operation ulcer he had a burning mystic enthusiasm to walk all the way from
Egmore to San Thome almost daily for talking, studying and group meditation. One day he was
exhausted and he sat on a wayside concrete bench in the Marina praying, “Babaji! Will you not give
me enough strength to fulfill this pilgrimage?” The prayer was answered. He felt fresh and reached
the destination. Jai Babaji!
V.T.N.’s privations had reached the acme. Suddenly the leading surgeon appeared for the daily
dressing of the operation wound! V.T.N., the eminent journalist, was stunned!! To add ghee 3 to the
fire, the doctor even made arrangements for his diet, all free of charge. All glory to the grace of
Babaji!!!
Day by day V.T.N.’s enthusiasm increased and he was eagerly looking forward to the day when he
could apply for the membership of the Yogoda Sat Sangah 4 . At the same time, the worldly nature of
1
This chapter was written by S.A.A. Ramaiah, MA, a person with limited command of the English language, but
who was witness to the events that followed V.T. Neelakantan.
2
Sri Lalitha Sahasra Namavali tamil (Southern India’s native language) devotional songs.
3
Clarified butter used in cooking.
4
Yogoda Satsanga Society of India was founded by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1917. Its headquarters, Yogoda
Satsanga Math, is situated on the banks of the Ganges at Dakshineswar, near Kolkata. "Yogoda," a word
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