Mahanambrata Brahmachari
Mahanambrata Brahmachari | |
|---|---|
 Mahanambrata Brahmachari in Chicago, 1937. | |
| Born | Bankim Dasgupta [1] 25 December 1904 |
| Died | 18 October 1999 (aged 94) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Known for | Religious leadership, academic scholarship |
| Parent(s) | Kalidas Dasgupta (father) Kaminisundari Devi (mother) |
Mahanambrata Brahmachari (25 December 1904 – 18 October 1999), born Bankim Dasgupta,[1] was a Hindu monk and head of the Mahanam Sampradaya, active in both India and Bangladesh. A member of the Mahauddharana order, he was also a writer, scholar, and participant in interfaith dialogue.
Early life
Brahmachari was born into a Baidya family in Barisal District, Bengal Presidency, British India. He began primary education in 1909 and reportedly walked long distances to meet religious leader Prabhu Jagadbandhu, founder of the Mahanam Sampradaya.[1]
Religious training and education
He initially sought monastic life at Sri Angan, but was advised by spiritual leader Sripad Mahendraji to complete his education first. After earning a district scholarship in 1923, he resumed his religious path and was initiated into Sanyasa as Mahanambrata Brahmachari. Under Mahendraji’s direction, he pursued formal studies, earning a B.A. in Sanskrit from Government Rajendra College, Faridpur (1928), and an M.A. in Sanskrit from Calcutta University (1931).[2]
Academic and interfaith work
In the early 1930s, he represented the Mahanam Sampradaya at the World Fellowship of Faiths conference in Chicago. During this period, he earned a PhD in Vaishnava Theology from the University of Chicago. While in the United States, he met Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk, and encouraged him to explore his Christian heritage rather than convert to Hinduism. Merton later credited Brahmachari with influencing his spiritual development.[3][4]
Post-partition activities
After the Partition of India in 1947, he remained in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Following violence against the Hindu community, he founded the Devasthali Samskara Samiti to support temple restoration and deity reinstallation. He oversaw these efforts in several districts including Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Sylhet.
In 1975, he established the India and Bangladesh Sanatan Dharma Mahamandal to promote and protect Hindu religious and cultural interests.[5]
Death
Brahmachari died on 18 October 1999 in Kolkata, India. At the time of his death, he was the head of Mahanam Sampradaya in both India and Bangladesh.
References
- ^ a b c "Dr. Mahanambrata Brahmachari and First World Fellowship of Faiths at Chicago - 1933".
- ^ "Institutions of Dr Mahanam". Archived from the original on 26 January 2013. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
- ^ Stagnaro, Angelo (22 January 2010). "Thomas Merton in the city". National Catholic Reporter.
- ^ McCombs, Phil (1 December 1999). "Luck Varies by Definition". The Herald News - Joliet (IL). Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 2 September 2012.
- ^ "Brief life sketch of Dr Mahanambrata Bramhachari". Mahanam Sampraday. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
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