Early Life
Yogacharya Pandit Panchanan Bhattacharyya was born on November 12, 1853, to Shri Thakurdas Bhattacharyya and Smt. Jagdamba Devi in a Brahmin family in the Ahiritola area of Kolkata, West Bengal. He lost his father at a young age, which led to financial hardships that prevented him from pursuing higher education. Despite this, his high intellect and command over languages are evident in his spiritual writings, showcasing his wisdom and learning.
Spiritual Journey
An introvert since childhood, Panchanan Baba initially chose to remain a brahmachari (celibate) and left his home to wander across the country in search of spiritual enlightenment. During his travels, he visited Kashi (Varanasi) and met Lahiri Mahasaya. Expressing his desire to be initiated into Kriya Yoga, Lahiri Mahasaya advised him to abandon his celibate lifestyle and embrace household life. Panchanan Baba readily agreed, became a householder, and received initiation into Kriya Yoga.
With utmost devotion and surrender at the feet of his holy master, he practiced deep Kriya Sadhana and attained self-realization. He later became the first disciple of Yogiraj Lahiri Mahasaya authorized to initiate others into Kriya Yoga.
Family Life
Panchanan Baba's first wife, Smt. Yuktewsari Devi, was a devout spiritual lady. His second wife, Smt. Surdhuni Devi, was a highly accomplished Kriya Sadhika (female practitioner of Kriya Yoga).
Contributions
Under the guidance of Lahiri Mahasaya, Panchanan Baba established the Aryya Mission Institution in Kolkata to publish books related to Kriya Yoga. He is credited with compiling the holy words of Lahiri Mahasaya on the Gita, Vedantas, Yoga Darshan, and similar texts in the light of Kriya Yoga, in addition to authoring several fundamental books on spirituality. He also composed many devotional songs.
Later, Panchanan Baba made Bamanbigha in Deoghar, Bihar (now in Jharkhand), his permanent residence. The Shivlinga in front of which he used to initiate new disciples can still be found there.
Passing and Legacy
In his residence at Deoghar, Yogacharya Panchanan Baba left his earthly body and entered into Mahasamadhi (great liberation) on August 24, 1919. His presence and essence are still felt by sincere Kriyabans during deep meditation.
Eminent Disciples
Among his notable disciples were:
- Bamdev Banerjee
- Netai Charan Banerjee
- Shrischandra Mukherjee
- Harimohan Banerjee
- Bardacharan Majumder
- Kumarnath Mukherjee
- Jeevanlal Choudhury
- Nagnedranath Choudhury
- Shrilal Yadav