04/08/2026
A Message to the Devotees of Sri Sri Ram Thakur
All devotees who have taken refuge in Sri Sri Ram Thakur should always remember that, before leaving His physical body, Sri Sri Thakur established three sacred Dhams. After His Mahasamadhi, the Sri Sri Samadhi Mandir was established at Chaumuhani, Noakhali. These four sacred places are our Mahapithas (Great Holy Seats), and every devotee has the solemn duty to remain wholeheartedly loyal to them. Apart from these, it is not desirable to establish any additional permanent Ashram or Dham.
In recent times, there has been a growing tendency to establish "Thakur Bari" and Ashrams under various names in different places. Our most revered departed Maharaj, Srimat Shyamacharan Chattopadhyay, strongly opposed such efforts and never approved any such proposal. I, too, do not encourage such initiatives.
Nevertheless, attempts are being made in certain places to establish temples and Ashrams without the permission of either the late Maharaj or myself. As a result, disputes over authority, factionalism, internal conflicts, and bitterness have arisen among Guru-brothers and Guru-sisters. In some places, disagreements and struggles for control have even begun before the establishment of the temple itself. Reflecting upon these unfortunate developments fills me with deep concern.
During His long stay among people, Sri Sri Ram Thakur left us the eternal example of humility, gentleness, courtesy, and sweetness of character. The compassionate Thakur made no distinction between rich and poor, young and old, or men and women. Whether one was His initiated disciple or not, everyone who came into His presence was deeply moved by His humility and loving conduct.
To obtain the shelter of a true Guru is an exceedingly rare blessing. We who have received His refuge are indeed fortunate. Yet, instead of sincerely practicing the fundamental principles of spiritual life—especially the eternal ideals and disciplines shown by Sri Sri Ram Thakur—we are establishing temples and Ashrams according to our own wishes, thereby creating unnecessary divisions among ourselves.
This leads to the waste of spiritual energy, weakens our attachment to the original Ashrams and Dhams, and gradually distances us from the path shown by Sri Sri Ram Thakur.
Sri Sri Thakur Himself declared that by remembering Him and firmly holding onto the Holy Name (Naam) that He bestowed with His spiritual power, one would attain Kaivalya (Supreme Liberation). Those who have been blessed to receive this Holy Name should never engage in any activity that could create division within the spiritual family established and sanctified by Sri Sri Ram Thakur.
Therefore, as the Mohanta of Sri Sri Kaibalyanath, I earnestly instruct all Guru-brothers and Guru-sisters that local devotees may gather according to their convenience to discuss the teachings of Sri Sri Thakur, read Veda Bani, and celebrate religious festivals together. However, they should refrain from expending their energy on establishing permanent Ashrams or temples. Instead, they should devote themselves wholeheartedly to following the ideals and teachings shown by Sri Sri Ram Thakur.
This alone is the true worship of Sri Sri Ram Thakur.
I pray to Sri Sri Kaibalyanath for the complete spiritual and worldly welfare of you all.
Yours in Divine Service,
Srimat Brajendranath Bandyopadhyay
Mohanta Maharaj
Sri Sri Kaibalyadham, Jadavpur, Kolkata – 32
