Shri Radha Baba was a great saint from Gorakhpur who lived a life of deep devotion and renunciation. He remained away from public attention throughout his lifetime, believing that a true renunciant should never seek self-promotion. Only those who were closely associated with Saint Shri Hanuman Prasad Poddar, also known as Bhaiji, came to know about Radha Baba, as he always stayed with Bhaiji at Gita Garden in Gorakhpur.
Early Life and Spiritual Journey
Born as Shri Chakradhar Baba, Radha Baba was a brilliant scholar who mastered six or seven languages. Initially, he was deeply inclined towards Vedanta and followed a path of rigorous intellectual and philosophical study. However, his spiritual journey took a transformative turn when he came into contact with Shri Hanuman Prasad Poddar through Jay Dayal Goenka, a spiritual personality and the founder of Gita Press.
Under Bhaiji’s influence, Radha Baba gradually moved from intellectual spirituality to the path of bhakti (devotion).
Life of Renunciation and Devotion
Radha Baba led a life of extreme austerity, renouncing all material comforts. He never touched money and lived with the utmost simplicity. His discipline was so strict that he consumed food and water only once a day. This kind of self-discipline and detachment from worldly possessions was rare even among saints of that era.
His spiritual bond with Bhaiji was profound, and those who followed Bhaiji also respected and revered Radha Baba. He never sought followers or disciples and never disclosed his spiritual attainments. His teachings were simple yet powerful—he emphasized the importance of Bhagavannam Jap (chanting the divine name of God) and believed that prayer, when done with complete faith, was the highest spiritual practice.
Writing and Literary Contributions
Radha Baba was an extraordinary writer and poet. However, he never published any work under his own name. Instead, his books were either published anonymously or credited to “a sadhu.” His devotional poetry was deeply moving and reflected his intense love for Lord Krishna.
Transition to Bhakti Path
In his early spiritual journey, Radha Baba worshipped Lord Shiva and followed strict Vedantic practices. Later, he became a devotee of Tripura Sundari and reached great spiritual heights in that sect. However, after meeting Bhaiji in Gorakhpur, he gradually transitioned to the bhakti path and devoted himself entirely to Lord Krishna.
He would often remain in deep samadhi (meditative absorption) for days, completely detached from worldly consciousness. His devotion was so intense that he lived solely in the divine presence of Lord Krishna, experiencing profound spiritual ecstasy.
Final Years and Mahasamadhi
Radha Baba never revealed his spiritual achievements and never accepted disciples. He lived only to serve God and inspire devotion in others through his example. In the end, he willingly left his physical body and entered Mahasamadhi, consciously departing from this world after fulfilling his spiritual commitments.
Even though books have been written about him by those who were close to him, they can only provide a glimpse of his true spiritual stature. He was recognized as a Mahasiddha Saint by his contemporaries, but he never sought recognition for himself.
Shri Radha Baba’s life remains an inspiration for all seekers on the spiritual path. His deep devotion, humility, and complete surrender to God continue to influence devotees who strive for divine love and spiritual fulfillment.