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Ramesh Babaji Maharaj
Padma Shri Ramesh Babaji Maharaj (born 1938) is an Indian spiritual leader and social reformer from Barsana, Uttar Pradesh. He is known for his work in the preservation of the Braj region’s cultural and spiritual heritage, environmental protection campaigns related to the Yamuna River, and initiatives in cow welfare through Shri Mataji Gaushala.
He was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2019 for his contributions to spirituality and social service.
Early life and spiritual background
Ramesh Babaji Maharaj was born in 1938 to Baldev Prasad Shukla (also known as Shukla Bhagwan) and Hemeshwari Devi in Uttar Pradesh, India. From an early age, he showed deep interest in meditation, scriptures, and devotion to Radha-Krishna. Following the path of renunciation, he adopted Bhiksha Vritti (a vow to live on alms) as mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana, emphasizing humility and service. He spent decades traveling across the Braj region, conducting devotional gatherings and guiding followers on the path of Bhakti Yoga.
Preservation of Braj heritage
Ramesh Babaji Maharaj devoted much of his life to protecting the cultural and natural heritage of Braj, a region considered sacred to the followers of Radha-Krishna. He organized numerous efforts to prevent the encroachment and degradation of holy sites and undertook hunger strikes to draw attention to the preservation of ancient temples, kunds (ponds), and sacred groves.
Awards
Padma Shri (2019) – Government of India, for social work and spiritual service.
Recognized by various cultural and religious organizations for his contributions to the preservation of Braj’s heritage and for promoting sustainable cow protection initiatives.
His life and service are frequently cited in regional and national media for their impact on Braj conservation and animal welfare.
He is also recognized for raising awareness about pollution in the Yamuna River. Under his leadership, large groups of devotees participated in peaceful demonstrations to urge the government to take ecological measures for its restoration.
Radha Rani Braj 84 Kos Yatra
For over four decades, Babaji Maharaj has led the Radha Rani Braj 84 Kos Yatra, a pilgrimage of about 252 kilometres around the Braj region. The annual yatra attracts thousands of devotees from India and abroad. It aims to promote spiritual awareness, communal harmony, and respect for the cultural environment of Braj. Participation in the yatra is free of charge, reflecting his belief that spirituality should remain accessible to everyone regardless of economic background. Cow protection and social work One of the most visible results of Babaji Maharaj’s service is his contribution to cow protection. In 2007, under his guidance, his disciple Brajsharan Babaji Maharaj established Shri Mataji Gaushala in Barsana. What began with two rescued cows has grown into one of India’s largest shelters, home to more than 65,000 cows. The Gaushala provides food, medical care, and refuge to abandoned, disabled, and ailing animals, and functions as a center for volunteer service and environmental awareness.
Teachings and influence
Babaji Maharaj’s teachings emphasize the unity of devotion (bhakti) and service (seva). He conducts daily kirtan and prayer sessions in Barsana that attract seekers from different parts of India. His discourses combine classical scriptural interpretation with guidance on compassion, moral living, and ecological responsibility. Many of his followers participate in humanitarian and environmental projects inspired by these teachings.
Recognition In 2019, Ramesh Babaji Maharaj received the Padma Shri Award from the Government of India for his contributions to spirituality, cow welfare, and cultural preservation. He has also been acknowledged by various religious and social organizations for his leadership in the Braj Vrindavan Sadhu Samaj and his continuing efforts toward environmental and social welfare.
Legacy
Ramesh Babaji Maharaj appointed Brajsharan Babaji Maharaj as his successor and Mahant of the Shri Maan Mandir Seva Sansthan, ensuring the continuation of spiritual and charitable activities. Through initiatives like the 84 Kos Yatra and Shri Mataji Gaushala, his work continues to impact thousands of devotees, volunteers, and residents of Braj. His life reflects a consistent attempt to combine spirituality with tangible social service, preserving the traditions of Braj while addressing modern ecological and humanitarian concerns.
== References ==
https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/mathura/ramesh-baba-will-be-on-fast-for-clean-yamuna-hindi-news yamuna clean
https://www.patrika.com/mathura-news/padma-shri-honor-to-ramesh-baba-in-barsana-mathua-latest-news-4582822 padma shri honor
