The Brahma Kumaris Story
Mount Abu, high in the Aravali Mountains of Rajasthan, provided an ideal location for reflection and contemplation for the original group’s move from Karachi in 1950. After a few years in a rented building, the community moved to the present site which remains the Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya (Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University). The Brahma Kumaris spiritual headquarters is known as Madhuban (‘Forest of Honey’).
Spiritual Headquarters
Mount Abu
Brahma Kumaris was founded by Dada Lekhraj Kripalani, a retired Indian businessman, in 1937 in Hyderabad, a city now in Pakistan. His spiritual name is Prajapita Brahma and he is lovingly called Brahma Baba. After experiencing a series of visions in 1936, he was inspired to create a school where the principles and practices of a virtuous and meditative life could be taught. The original name was ‘Om Mandali’. It consisted of a handful of men, women and children, many of whom decided to stay together as a community.
The Life of a Simple Jeweler
Dada Lekhraj was a wealthy and prominent Jeweler who had made his fortune during the early 1920's. He was happily married with 5 children and highly sought after both throughout India and abroad for his exquisite jewelry designs.
The Experiences of Dada Lekhraj
In 1936 at the peak of his worldly career Dada began to have a series of visions that were so powerful he could see the future of the world. He decided to dedicate his life to what he saw. So Dada left his thriving career as a jeweler and started a Spiritual Satsang in Hyderabad Sind called Om Mandali. At this time he created the foundation for the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University.
A Special Jewel
During the early times of Om Mandali a young girl by the name of Radhe happened upon the Om Mandali. Even though she was young, she demonstrated wisdom beyond her years and was given the name of Mama out of respect.
Partition: Moving to a New Land..
In 1947 the horrors of Partition began between Pakistan and India. Despite the fearful scenes of violence, community tension and riots all who were involved in the Om Mandali Satsang were given safe passage to India.
Dada Lekhraj Puts Women in Front
The Life of Jagadamba
The Passing of Brahma
The Next Chapter... Expansion
The First Raja Yoga Centre in UK
Dadiji's Dream for the UN
Dadi Janki Moves to London
First Westerners to Mt Abu India
Brahma Kumaris at the UN
1990 - 2000 Expansion Time
Dadiji's Passing...
Brahma Kumaris World Wide in 2019
Who was he?
Brahma Baba, born into a humble home as Lekhraj Kripalani in the 1880s, was the son of a village schoolmaster. Lekhraj was brought up within the disciplines of the Hindu tradition. After different jobs, he entered the jewellery business, later earning a considerable fortune as a diamond trader. He was the father of five children and a leader within his local community, known especially for his philanthropy. In 1936, around the time when most people at his age start to plan their retirement, he actually entered into the most active and fascinating phase of his life. After a series of deep spiritual experiences and visions, he felt an extremely strong pull to give up his business and dedicate his time, energy and wealth to laying the foundations of what later would become the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University.
Between 1937 and 1938, he formed a Managing Committee of eight young women and surrendered all his property and assets to a Trust administered by them.
After guiding the creation of many Brahma Kumaris centres throughout India, he passed on in January 1969. The Tower of Peace on the Madhuban campus is a tribute to the invincible spirit of this ordinary human being who achieved greatness by rising to the challenge of the deeper truths of life.
Brahma Baba's legacy
Many years have passed since Brahma Baba’s series of visions in 1936. The lifestyle revolution he began has inspired millions to empower themselves and create hope for the future. The life skills that Brahma Baba taught have stood the test of time. The young women that he put to the forefront, now in their eighties and nineties, have become beacons of love, peace and wisdom.
What made Brahma Baba so special?
- Empower everyone by giving love and respect.
He used to give everyone true love and respect. His loving and sweet smile would fill everyone with zeal and enthusiasm. His love for God was contagious which would empower others to sacrifice lust, anger, greed, ego and attachment. His words were very powerful and motivating yet he ensured that he accepted each and every one with their faults.
- Follow every spiritual law and encourage others to follow them.
Baba said that there is benefit (fayda) in the laws (kayda). Nature has been observing laws. When you stop observing them there is chaos. Therefore, never stop observing Godly laws. Also, Baba encouraged everybody not to take law in their hands. He said that by punishing someone you are taking law in your hands. On the contrary co-operate and fill the gap that has been created by someone’s weakness.
- See everyone’s specialities
Baba saw only specialities in others and appreciated them for it. His appreciation would fill everyone with enthusiasm and happiness. He never saw anyone’s weakness. For example he would appreciate an old and uneducated person by telling him that his life time experience will be very useful in doing service if he uses Godly knowledge with it. Such motivating words would pep up the old person. Whatever speciality anyone had, Baba would use that speciality for service.
- Worked tirelessly and lead by example.
Baba worked for more than 18 hours in a day in spite of the body being very old. He was constantly engaged in Godly service and bringing happiness to others.
- Remain happy & light
Baba always remained happy and light. If someone would come to him with a restless mind seeing his sweet smile they would calm down. No one ever saw Baba worried or sad.
- Beyond laziness and carelessness and a conqueror of sleep
A true yogi is the one who is a conqueror of sleep. There was no trace of laziness in Baba’s life. Baba never postponed anything due to laziness. Whatever work came in front of Baba, Baba never did that half-heartedly. He was always very careful and diligent with any task he performed.
- Egoless & Humble
Baba was a great example of simplicity. There was greatness behind his simplicity. Any desire for respect or honour was miles away from him. He used to live in a small room that was very old and had a tin roof. The walls were painted in white and there was no decoration. His clothes, footwear everything was extremely simple.
He always spoke to everyone very gently and used respectful words.
- Detached from everyone and the body
Baba would always remain detached from everything around him and also his body. As though he was immune to his surroundings. This helped him remain connected with God always.
- Unshakeable like a rock
Baba was unshakeable. Even during extreme adverse situations he remained calm and composed which gave strength to others around him.
- The art of making everyone worthy.
Baba had the skill of developing skills in others. He developed writing skills in someone, accounting skills in another etc. His guidance and motivation inspired children to improve their capability in any skill they had.
- Loved everyone equally.
Whatever Baba spoke was full of love. He was never partial towards anyone and gave love and respect to all equally.
- Connection with God
God was Baba’s companion and he consulted Him at each and every step. This made his tasks unique and flawless.
- Taking care of the body
As much as Baba focused on being soul conscious he always motivated everyone to take care of the body also.
- Positive soul conscious feelings for everyone.
Out of all the virtues, Baba had one main virtue which always stood out in his personality. Purity always flowed out of him. Baba would always look at the hidden qualities and treasures in everyone. He saw everyone as children of God and never saw anyone as rich or poor, high or low. This made everyone feel at ease with him.
It is time we all follow Father Brahma, imbibe his qualities and aim to become like him.
Om Radhe "Mamma"
Mamma was only 16 when she met Brahma Baba. It was immediately apparent that she was special. She was given the responsibility of looking after the women in the organisation, making sure their needs were met and they remained spiritually fulfilled. She had a powerful yogi personality and was able to understand spiritual aspects very deeply. A member of the original Management Trust, Mamma became the first Administrative Head of Brahma Kumaris. She passed on in June 1965 at the age of 45 from breast cancer.
Didi Manmohini
Didi Manmohini came from a wealthy family in Sindh, Pakistan. Her family was close to Brahma Baba’s family and this was how she was introduced to Brahma Kumaris. She was a member of the original Management Trust and became Mamma’s special helper. After the Partition in 1951, she arranged all preparations for the move from Karachi, to Mt Abu. When Mamma passed on in June 1965, Didi became the joint Administrative Head together with Dadi Prakashmani. Didi’s specialities were spiritual power and discipline. She passed on in July 1983 at the age of 73.
Dadi Prakashmani
Prakashmani means ‘jewel of light’ – and Dadi Prakashmani became the joint Administrative Head along with Didi Manmohini after Mamma left her body. She became the main administrative head on the passing of Brahma Baba in 1969. Under her leadership the Brahma Kumaris grew from strength to strength. Her specialities were love, respect and trust. She was once asked how she managed such a huge organisation without even as much as a fax machine, to which she replied “Everyone knows what they have to do – I trust they will do it”. At the age of 87, Dadi passed on August 2007.
Dadi Janki
With unshakeable conviction, she refused to set limitations for herself through her tireless service to others. She had been with Brahma Kumaris since 1937. She also spent 40 years based in London from 1974. She inspired individuals of all cultures and professions to live according to a higher sense of purpose and to contribute to the creation of a better world. Deep and insightful, she was an absolute joy to listen to and observe. Dadi passed on in March 2020 at the age of 104.
Dadi Hirdaya Mohini
She is the active Spiritual Head of Brahma Kumaris. Her name means ‘The one who attracts the heart’. It fits the way she is exactly. Popularly known as Gulzar (‘rose garden’), she was one of the original members of the boarding school set up in 1937 by Brahma Baba. Her long-term, concentrated training in spiritual principles and practice has made her a living example of virtues. Simple, silent and profound she also inspires millions throughout the world.
Dadi Ratan Mohini
She is the the Additional Spiritual Head of Brahma Kumaris and is one of the backbone members residing at the Headquarters. In childhood she created the foundation of her life in the early days of Brahma Kumaris. She lives up to her name ‘most beautiful jewel’ by always appearing light and tension-free. Dedicated and forthright, her focus has been the development and training programmes for teachers throughout India and serves as the spiritual resource to the team of young people responsible for the personal development and growth of youth. Now in her eighties, she remains lively and young at heart.
Dadi Hirdaya Mohini
She is the active Spiritual Head of Brahma Kumaris. Her name means ‘The one who attracts the heart’. It fits the way she is exactly. Popularly known as Gulzar (‘rose garden’), she was one of the original members of the boarding school set up in 1937 by Brahma Baba. Her long-term, concentrated training in spiritual principles and practice has made her a living example of virtues. Simple, silent and profound she also inspires millions throughout the world.
Dadi Ratan Mohini
She is the the Additional Spiritual Head of Brahma Kumaris and is one of the backbone members residing at the Headquarters. In childhood she created the foundation of her life in the early days of Brahma Kumaris. She lives up to her name ‘most beautiful jewel’ by always appearing light and tension-free. Dedicated and forthright, her focus has been the development and training programmes for teachers throughout India and serves as the spiritual resource to the team of young people responsible for the personal development and growth of youth. Now in her eighties, she remains lively and young at heart.
Om Radhe "Mamma"
Mamma was only 16 when she met Brahma Baba. It was immediately apparent that she was special. She was given the responsibility of looking after the women in the organisation, making sure their needs were met and they remained spiritually fulfilled. She had a powerful yogi personality and was able to understand spiritual aspects very deeply. A member of the original Management Trust, Mamma became the first Administrative Head of Brahma Kumaris. She passed on in June 1965 at the age of 45 from breast cancer.
Didi Manmohini
Didi Manmohini came from a wealthy family in Sindh, Pakistan. Her family was close to Brahma Baba’s family and this was how she was introduced to Brahma Kumaris. She was a member of the original Management Trust and became Mamma’s special helper. After the Partition in 1951, she arranged all preparations for the move from Karachi, to Mt Abu. When Mamma passed on in June 1965, Didi became the joint Administrative Head together with Dadi Prakashmani. Didi’s specialities were spiritual power and discipline. She passed on in July 1983 at the age of 73.
Dadi Prakashmani
Prakashmani means ‘jewel of light’ – and Dadi Prakashmani became the joint Administrative Head along with Didi Manmohini after Mamma left her body. She became the main administrative head on the passing of Brahma Baba in 1969. Under her leadership the Brahma Kumaris grew from strength to strength. Her specialities were love, respect and trust. She was once asked how she managed such a huge organisation without even as much as a fax machine, to which she replied “Everyone knows what they have to do – I trust they will do it”. At the age of 87, Dadi passed on August 2007.
Dadi Janki
With unshakeable conviction, she refused to set limitations for herself through her tireless service to others. She had been with Brahma Kumaris since 1937. She also spent 40 years based in London from 1974. She inspired individuals of all cultures and professions to live according to a higher sense of purpose and to contribute to the creation of a better world. Deep and insightful, she was an absolute joy to listen to and observe. Dadi passed on in March 2020 at the age of 104.
Who was he?
Brahma Baba, born into a humble home as Lekhraj Kripalani in the 1880s, was the son of a village schoolmaster. Lekhraj was brought up within the disciplines of the Hindu tradition. After different jobs, he entered the jewellery business, later earning a considerable fortune as a diamond trader. He was the father of five children and a leader within his local community, known especially for his philanthropy. In 1936, around the time when most people at his age start to plan their retirement, he actually entered into the most active and fascinating phase of his life. After a series of deep spiritual experiences and visions, he felt an extremely strong pull to give up his business and dedicate his time, energy and wealth to laying the foundations of what later would become the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University.
Between 1937 and 1938, he formed a Managing Committee of eight young women and surrendered all his property and assets to a Trust administered by them.
After guiding the creation of many Brahma Kumaris centres throughout India, he passed on in January 1969. The Tower of Peace on the Madhuban campus is a tribute to the invincible spirit of this ordinary human being who achieved greatness by rising to the challenge of the deeper truths of life.
Brahma Baba's legacy
Many years have passed since Brahma Baba’s series of visions in 1936. The lifestyle revolution he began has inspired millions to empower themselves and create hope for the future. The life skills that Brahma Baba taught have stood the test of time. The young women that he put to the forefront, now in their eighties and nineties, have become beacons of love, peace and wisdom.
What made Brahma Baba so special?
- Empower everyone by giving love and respect.
He used to give everyone true love and respect. His loving and sweet smile would fill everyone with zeal and enthusiasm. His love for God was contagious which would empower others to sacrifice lust, anger, greed, ego and attachment. His words were very powerful and motivating yet he ensured that he accepted each and every one with their faults.
- Follow every spiritual law and encourage others to follow them.
Baba said that there is benefit (fayda) in the laws (kayda). Nature has been observing laws. When you stop observing them there is chaos. Therefore, never stop observing Godly laws. Also, Baba encouraged everybody not to take law in their hands. He said that by punishing someone you are taking law in your hands. On the contrary co-operate and fill the gap that has been created by someone’s weakness.
- See everyone’s specialities
Baba saw only specialities in others and appreciated them for it. His appreciation would fill everyone with enthusiasm and happiness. He never saw anyone’s weakness. For example he would appreciate an old and uneducated person by telling him that his life time experience will be very useful in doing service if he uses Godly knowledge with it. Such motivating words would pep up the old person. Whatever speciality anyone had, Baba would use that speciality for service.
- Worked tirelessly and lead by example.
Baba worked for more than 18 hours in a day in spite of the body being very old. He was constantly engaged in Godly service and bringing happiness to others.
- Remain happy & light
Baba always remained happy and light. If someone would come to him with a restless mind seeing his sweet smile they would calm down. No one ever saw Baba worried or sad.
- Beyond laziness and carelessness and a conqueror of sleep
A true yogi is the one who is a conqueror of sleep. There was no trace of laziness in Baba’s life. Baba never postponed anything due to laziness. Whatever work came in front of Baba, Baba never did that half-heartedly. He was always very careful and diligent with any task he performed.
- Egoless & Humble
Baba was a great example of simplicity. There was greatness behind his simplicity. Any desire for respect or honour was miles away from him. He used to live in a small room that was very old and had a tin roof. The walls were painted in white and there was no decoration. His clothes, footwear everything was extremely simple.
He always spoke to everyone very gently and used respectful words.
- Detached from everyone and the body
Baba would always remain detached from everything around him and also his body. As though he was immune to his surroundings. This helped him remain connected with God always.
- Unshakeable like a rock
Baba was unshakeable. Even during extreme adverse situations he remained calm and composed which gave strength to others around him.
- The art of making everyone worthy.
Baba had the skill of developing skills in others. He developed writing skills in someone, accounting skills in another etc. His guidance and motivation inspired children to improve their capability in any skill they had.
- Loved everyone equally.
Whatever Baba spoke was full of love. He was never partial towards anyone and gave love and respect to all equally.
- Connection with God
God was Baba’s companion and he consulted Him at each and every step. This made his tasks unique and flawless.
- Taking care of the body
As much as Baba focused on being soul conscious he always motivated everyone to take care of the body also.
- Positive soul conscious feelings for everyone.
Out of all the virtues, Baba had one main virtue which always stood out in his personality. Purity always flowed out of him. Baba would always look at the hidden qualities and treasures in everyone. He saw everyone as children of God and never saw anyone as rich or poor, high or low. This made everyone feel at ease with him.
It is time we all follow Father Brahma, imbibe his qualities and aim to become like him.
Brahma Kumaris was founded by Dada Lekhraj Kripalani, a retired Indian businessman, in 1937 in Hyderabad, a city now in Pakistan. His spiritual name is Prajapita Brahma and he is lovingly called Brahma Baba. After experiencing a series of visions in 1936, he was inspired to create a school where the principles and practices of a virtuous and meditative life could be taught. The original name was ‘Om Mandali’. It consisted of a handful of men, women and children, many of whom decided to stay together as a community.
The Life of a Simple Jeweler
Dada Lekhraj was a wealthy and prominent Jeweler who had made his fortune during the early 1920's. He was happily married with 5 children and highly sought after both throughout India and abroad for his exquisite jewelry designs.
The Experiences of Dada Lekhraj
In 1936 at the peak of his worldly career Dada began to have a series of visions that were so powerful he could see the future of the world. He decided to dedicate his life to what he saw. So Dada left his thriving career as a jeweler and started a Spiritual Satsang in Hyderabad Sind called Om Mandali. At this time he created the foundation for the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University.
A Special Jewel
During the early times of Om Mandali a young girl by the name of Radhe happened upon the Om Mandali. Even though she was young, she demonstrated wisdom beyond her years and was given the name of Mama out of respect.
Partition: Moving to a New Land..
In 1947 the horrors of Partition began between Pakistan and India. Despite the fearful scenes of violence, community tension and riots all who were involved in the Om Mandali Satsang were given safe passage to India.
Dada Lekhraj Puts Women in Front
The Life of Jagadamba
The Passing of Brahma
The Next Chapter... Expansion
The First Raja Yoga Centre in UK
Dadiji's Dream for the UN
Dadi Janki Moves to London
First Westerners to Mt Abu India
Brahma Kumaris at the UN
1990 - 2000 Expansion Time
Dadiji's Passing...