Srila Jagannath Das Babaji Maharaj was an associate of Thakur Bhaktivinoda. He was well-known and very much respected among the vaishnava community. As such he became known as "Vaishnava Sarvabhauma". He spent a lot of time in the land of Vrindavan and that was where he is believed to have attained perfection. Later he moved to Navadvip Dham where he lived in a tent with his servant.
As compassionate and respectful to the 'dhamvasis' as he was, he would even allow dogs to eat with him on his plate. He once asked his servant to buy a good load of 'rasagullas' for the cows. At times he would shout "All glories to the dogs of the dham" when they would come to eat with him. While living in Vrindavan he would sometimes hug the local dustman and eat what he offered. Babaji Maharaj showed how great devotees always desire the dust from the dham. When Uddhava first came to Vrindavan he rolled in the dust so that he can get the remnants of the lotus feet of the pure devotees. So we see that he showed respect to the residents and to the dust of the holy dham.
However, Thakur Bhaktivinoda would associate with Babaji Maharaj. The Thakur did a lot of research to discover the birthplace of Lord Caitanya. When he found it the Thakur took Babaji Maharaj with him who confirmed that it was the actual place.
Babaji Maharaj lived past 120 years. Before he left his body he gave four instructions: The following are the four instructions.
First, don't associate with women, avoid men who associate with women, avoid men who associate with men who associate with women.
Second, to realize the supreme goal of life one must repeat the holy name regularly and steadfastly. Steadiness is so important that it must be maintained even at the cost of one's life.
Third, never forget Gaura who is more benevolent and merciful than Lord Krishna. Krishna is just like a ruler who takes into account your offenses and administers his justice. Gaura however doesn't take any account of your offenses. Whereas Krishna is just interested in the dispensation of justice, Gaura is more interested in the distribution of mercy. From this point of view we should be more enthusiastic for Gaura kirtan. Gaura kirtan means 'Jaya Sri Krishna Caitanya Prabhu Nityananda Sri Advaita Gadhadar Srivas adi Gaura bhakta vrinda'.
Fourth, Krishna is the avatar for 'dvapara yuga'. Gaura is the kali yuga avatar. We should sing the name and glories of the avatar of the age we live in. Just as in a kingdom, we praise the ruling king. 'Jaya Sacinandana Gaurahari Jaya Sacinandana Gaurahari'.
