Swami Premananda (Love Incarnate)

The playful Lord had his two eternal companions, Rakhal and Baburam, Swamis Brahmananda and Premananda, who occupied special places in Sri Ramakrishna's lila of this age. Thakur enjoyed the sentiment of fatherly affection with Rakhal. With Baburam as an intimate companion, he enjoyed the element of sweetness arising from mahabhava (the highest type of divine love). With his spiritual eyes, Thakur saw Rakhal in Vraja. Baburam also came from Vraja. Thakur indicated this.

After I brought out the Brahmananda Lilakatha, I got the inspiration to write Premananda Premakatha, the story of the divine love of Premananda. I came to know several beautiful incidents showing the manifestation of Baburam's real glory.

Some elderly sadhus from Kashi ordered me, supplied me with the materials, and made me write two articles in 1926-27. The purpose was to read them on Baburam Maharays Birthday. Both were published in the Udbodhan. All the materials of those two articles along with some special materials from other writers have been included in this Premakatha. Still, much of the materials are new and important to manifest the incomparable personality of Baburam Maharaj.

This book reached completion, thanks to the inner life and experience of Atul Chandra Chaudhuri, my affectionate teacher and brother disciple. The incomparable liberality and zeal of my friend Sashi Bhushan Roy helped a great deal with the publishing.

This rare fortune of tasting the story of the mahapurushas (great spiritual people) may not come to me again. The sun of my life will set soon, thus indicating the end of my strength. For the last thirty-two years of my disturbed life, I have made effort to think of their lives and great qualities and give expression to them. Their little grace has been my only support in my last days.