THEISTIC DIRECTORY - Bangal- 25

Khulna.     Estd. 1886.
The Khulna Brahma Samaj.
Secretary.—Babu Janaki Nath Guha.
Members:-- 17 of whom.
4  men
2  women and
6  children are Anusthanic.
Sympathisers.—Almost all educated men of the town.
Meetings.—Divine service is held every Sunday in Bengali,
Mandir.—The Samaj has got a Mandir of its own but it has not yet been opened for service which is held in the
house of one of its members.
Funds.—No fund has yet been started.
History.—The Samaj was established in 1906 at the instance of late Mr. K. N. Roy the then District and Sessions Judge, Khulna. He himself paid Rs. 300 for the coustraotion.of the Mandir and induced Dr. P. C. Roy, Professor, Presidency College, Calcutta, to subscribe Rs. 500 besides other Brahma gentlomen. Mr. A. Ahmed, District Magis­trate, Khulna, was the Vice-President and Mr. Roy was the President of the Committee then formed. Two cottas of rent -free land was purchased on which the Mandir was construct­ed at a cost of Rs. 1,500. It is complete excepting a few win­dows. The Committee is trying to raise a further sum for this and providing the Mandir with suitable furniture.
Kumarkhali. Dt. Nadia. Estd. 16th Aug. 1849. The Kumarkhalli Brahma Samaj, Kumarkhali.
Secretary.—Babu Dwaraka Nath Pramanik, Retired Head Master, Kumarkhali, Nadia Dt.
Members.—8. Of this only 2 are Anusthanic.
Sympathisers.—Almost all educated men of the place.
Meetings.—Ordinary prayer Meetings are held on Sunday eve­nings ; other occasional meetings are also held.
The Maghostav, Badrostav, New Year’s day, the Bengali New year’s day are observed when meetings are held. Bengali is the language generally employed in meetings.
Mandir:—The Samaj has its own Mandir.
Institutions:—(1) Temperance Association.
(2) A small library of Bengali and English books.
Funds:—There is no system of monthly subscriptions. But occasional and voluntary contributions are paid by members and sympathisers. The Samaj has a joth bequethed by late Babu Jogeswar Kundu one of the members of the Samaj. An annual income of about Rs. 30 accrunig therefrom.
History:—The Samaj was established by late Maharshi Devendra Nath Tagore, Zemindar of this place, who kept here one of his pundits Dr-yal Chand Siromany. This pundit infused the spirit of Brahmaism into many hearts.

Laban. Dt. Shillong.   Estd. 2nd Nov. 1902.
Secretary:—Babu Shivanath Dutt a, Laban, Shillong,
Members:—Total number of Anusthanic Brahmos is 55,of whom are 14 men, 13 women and 28 children. Anusthanic members are 8 men and 1 woman. Sympathisers:—About 15.
Meetings:—Four meetings in a week.
Mandir:—The Samaj has got its Mandir which was consecrat­ed on the 2nd November 1902.
Institutions:—(1) Sunday School for children.
(2) Mahila Samiti. 
Funds:—The minimum subscription is Rs. 2 per year.

Lakhlmpore.    Estd. 1901.
The Lakhimpore Prarthana Samaj,  North Lakhimpore (Assam).
Secretary:—Babu Sarat Chandra Das, North Lakhimpore
(Assam).
Members:—5, of this only two are Anusthanic.
Meetings:—Divine service once a week in Bengali.
Mandir:—Samaj has got its own Mandir.
This is an 'experimental Samaj' in an out of way place. But it is attracting the sympathy of the local men.
Majllpore. Dt. 24 Parganas. Estd. 1881.
The Majilpore Brahma Samaj, Majilpors, Jayanagar P. O.
Secretary:—Babu Kalinath Dntt.
Midnapore.       Estd.1846.
The Midnapore Brahma Samaj,
Midnapore, Bengal.
The Samaj has its own Mandir.

 Monghyr .  Estd. 3rd. March 1867
The New Dispensation Brahma Samaj, Monghyr.
Secretary:—Baba Dwaraka Nath Bagchi, Mongyr.
5  Men
1  Woman    =   All Anusthanic.
3  Children   =   Members:  9
Sympathisers:—5.
Meetings:—Divine Service is held once a week in Bengali.
Mandir:—The Samaj has got its own Mandir, consecrated on 19th December 1872.
History—In about 1869 the Audit Office of the E. I. Ry. was transferred from Calcutta to Jabalpur, and in that connection about 4 or 5 Brahma Clerks came to settle in Monghyr and held prayers in a hired house. In about 1869 Keshub Chandra Sen came here with his wife for change and stayed for six months. Sadhu Aghornath, about a few years after, began to cultivate the devotional side of the Samaj and prepare the ground for the Bhaki movement which later on made such a great mark in the whole Theistic movement in Bengal. That great Bhakti movement began thus. Among the Vaishnava devotees in the town there was a Chandal or “ low caste man.” Being once invited to the prayer meeting, he conducted a very inspiring Kirtan, which had a great effect on the assembly. Sadhu Aghornath who was about 4 years in Monghyr took up this contagion and deve­loped it to such an extent that even Keshub himself was moved and transformed by it. At one time there were 40 Or 50 members of the Samaj and good many sympathisers The present Mandir was built in, and consecrated on the 19th December, of 1872. In 1880 Babu Krishna Prasanna Sen, who was from the beginning a non-anusthanic member joined the Sanatan Dharm Movement. In 1887 the Kartabhaja Mandali was started who worshipped the Creator and soon degenerated into corrupt forms of religious emotions. In 1901 the Audit Office was retransferred to Calcutta which carried away the last contingent of the staanch Brahmos. In 1902 an Arya Samaj was formed which completed the deca­dence of the Samaj.
At present Babu Dwaraka Nath Bagchi conducts* the Samaj which is in a moribund condition- He is paid Rs. 4 by the Maharaja of Euch Behar and the Maharani pays Rs. 3 a month to light the Samadhi (tomb) in which were buried part of the ashes of Eeshub Chandra, which were brought from Calcutta about a year after his death. Near the Samadhi of Eeshub are two others of Sadhu Aghornath and Dinanath Chakrawarti.

 

THEISTIC DIRECTORY - Bangal- 24

(14) Wahlong.—    Estd. 1910.
Wahlong Brahma Samaj.
Secretary:—U. Hori Singh ( c/o Rohinikanta Roy Cherapoonjee.)

Members:—10 Men—5       Anusthanic.
Women 3    ( 3 families ).
Children 2
Sympathisers:—4.
Meetings:—Every fourth evening.
Mandir.—There is no Mandir.
Subscription:—One anna a month.
Ministers:—1 U. Hori Singh (Lay Minister ).
2 One of the Mission Workers ( alternately ).

Konnagar.    Hugli Dt.    Estd. 28th May 1863.
The Konnagar Brahma Samaj, Konnagar.
Secretary:—Babu Satya Priyji Deb, 58, Creek Row, Calcntta.
Members:—Ten (9 men and 1 woman) of whom 5 are Anusta. nic. These comprise four families.
meeting:—Divine service in Bengali is held once a week, generally on Sundays.

Mandir:—The Samaj has a Mandir, consecrated on 8th March 1876.
Funds:--Subscription of Re. 1 for a member is payable an­nually.
The Samaj was once in a prosperous condition especially during the liftime of its founder the late Babu Sib Ohunder Deb but now is in a deplorable state, not a single member being now resident of Konnagar.

Koorlad.    Estd. April 1866.
Kooriad Brahma Samaj, Kooriad (Dt. Dacca).
Secretary.—Babu Hridaya Chandra Acharya, Kooriad (Dacca)
6 Men.
4 Women.         =  Members. 28
18 Children.
Meetings.—Sunday evening service in Bengali.
Mandir.—Samaj has its own Mandir consecrated in April 1868.
Lay Preacher.—Babu Hridaya Chandra Acharya.
Institutions.—A library.
History.—This is the country seat and Zeinindari of the late venerable Kali Narayan Gupta father of Hon’ble Mr. K. G. Gupta. He built the present Mandir in the beginning of April 1866. He also did Mission work in the sorrounding district, converted some four families and called them ‘ Kudali Sena ' or ‘Miners of the Samaj.’

Koostea.            Estd. 1868.
The Koostea Brahma Samaj, Koostea.
Secretary:—Babu Ral Charan Das.
meeting:—Service is not regularly held every week,
Minister:—Babu Durga Charan Viawas.
Mandir:—The Samaj possesses its own Mandir, consecrated in 1668.
Funds:—There are some fruit trees in the compound of the Samaj ; the proceeds from the sale of the fruit are paid towards the rent of the land. The other expenses are borne by the Secretary and the Minister.
History :—This Samaj was established in 1868 at the instance of Babu Kshetra Mohan Haidar, then head clerk of the .Small Causes Court and a prayer house was constructed for holding divine service every Sunday. In 1870 the Samaj house was pulled down by a storm and a new house was erected next year on the spot where the present building Stands, the peice of land made over to the Samaj by Babu JadujNath Chatterji of Koya. In 1872 Babu Keshub Chunder Sen visited the place for the 2nd time and the Samaj attract­ed the notice of the public. The local Hindus formed them­selves into a party and began to persecute the Brahmas, some of whom in consequence, left the Samaj. At last the two parties came to an understanding, the Brahmas having changed their day of worship from Sunday to Wednesday. They started a Scientific Association in which the Hindus also joined. In 1874 Babu Jadu Nath Chatterji was transfer­red from the place and Babu Kshetra Mohan Haidar died and none was left to work for the Samaj. The Hindus took ad­vantage of this opportunity, took possession of the Samaj house and located a Vernacular School there. At this time Babu Suryakant Sen came to the place as a Deputy Magis­trate and recovered the possession of the Mandir. Bat on his transfer from the place the work of the Samaj was stop­ped for two years. In 1878 Babu Krishnendra Chaudhari eame to the place as head clerk of the Small Causes Court and reoommenced the work of the Samaj. A new house for hold­ing service was built and Babus Krishna Kumar Mitra, B. A., and KalishankarSukul, M. A., used to visit the place now and then. Babu Durgadas Mukerji was then Secretary of the Samaj. The Samaj prospered to a certain extent owing to the exertions of Babus Surendra Nath Chatterjee, Sub-De­puty Magistrate, Chandi Charan Bannerjee and Srlnath Bhattacharya. But the 'work of the Samaj again suffered owing to the transfer of some of these gentlemen and resig­nation of its Secretary. At this time Babu Rai Charan Das came here as a pleader and undertook the work of the Samaj.

In 1887 Babu Jagadishwar Gupta B., L., came here as Mnn
siff and assisted in the work of the Samaj. A girls' school was then opened under the management- of the Samaj. A building was constructed at a cost of Rs. 1,819 of whioh Maharshi Devendra Nath Tagore made a donation of Rs. 1,000. ATrust Deed was executed and Babus Heramba Chandra Mitra, M. A., Jagadishwar Gupta, B. L., Bipin Bihari Roy of Manikdah were appointed its trustees. The last two gentlemen having died the Samaj appointed Babus Kunja Behari Yiswas, M. A., B. L., and Prasanna Chandra Chaudhri' trustees in their place.

THEISTIC DIRECTORY - Bangal - 13

Chittagong. Assam. Estd. 23rd December 1855.
(I)Chittagong (New Dispensation) Brahma Samaj, Chittagong.
Secretary:—Baboo Srish Chandar Das, Chittagong.
Members:—on the roll 32.
Anusthanic Brahmas 61. 14 men, 13 women, 34 children. Non-Anusthanics 5.
Meetings:—3 in a week in Bengali.
Mandir.—The samaj has a mandir of its own.
Minister.—Baboo Rajeswar Gupta.
Finances:—Each member has to pay a subscription of at least annas 2 a month. There are three funds:—
1. The Mission Fund Rs.60.
2. The Mandir Fund Ks.150.
3. The Samaj Fund.
Publications:—1. The History of the Samaj.
2. Rup-Sanatan. 3. Brahma Kanya. 4. Sangit Ananda Lahari (2 parts). 5. God as King.  6. God as Mother. 7. Vishwa Jananir Rajah (by a lady). 8. Asha Pushpa. Ditto 9. Upasana Pranali. 10. Balya Dharma. 11. Inner growth. 12. Iswar Karunamay Raja.
Institutions:—1. Bhagini Samaj:—A Ladies’ Association where Brahmicas of both Samajes meet fortnightly for religious exercises. They read essays written by them­selves and extracts from religious books, besides regular divine services. It is entirely managed by women.
2. Ragged School which is supported by the local Municipality. 3. Children’s Association.
4. Bidhan Library.
Anniversary:—1. Nagar Sankirtan.

2. Special prayers and songs.
3. Whole day Utsav.
4. Mahila Utsav.
5. Special prayer for artisan classes.
6. Exhibition of the articles made by the artisans.
7. Solitary Communion.
Chittagong. Estd. 27th March 1887.
(2) Chittagong Brahma Samaj, College Road, Rahamatganj. Estd. as a Prarthana Samaj in 1887, as a Brahma Samaj in 1893 when some of the members became anusthanic.
Secretary :—Babu Atul Chandra Dutta.
Members :—Anusthanic 32. Non-anusthanic 22. Children 53.
Sympathisers:- 20.
Meetings:—Divine service is held every Sunday morning and evening and on Wednesday in the evening.
Institutions:- (1) Sangat Sabha on Fridays.
(2) Sunday Moral Training School for children.
(3) Ram Mohan Library.
Mandir:—The Samaj has a ‘Mandir’ of its own built at a cost of about Rs. 2,500, which was consecrated on 22nd Sept­ember 1897. Its Trust Deed was executed on 10th Nov­ember 1898.
Minister:- Babu Harischandra Dutt, Hd. Master, National Institution, Chittagong.
Publications:—1. Place of man in the history of social reforms—Price Rs. 0-1-3
2. Domestic Happiness—Price Rs. 0-2-0 by Atul Chandar Dutt.
History:—In 1887 Babu Nava Dwip Chandra Das, Missionary of the Sadharan Brahma Samaj visited Chittagong on a mission tour and through the help of Babu Jatra Mohan Sen, the leading pleader of the District Court and some others established a ‘Prarthana Samaj.’ At first a thatched house was erected for the Samaj in August 1887. A decent permanent pucca building was built and conse­crated in 1897. Babu Harischandra Dutt and his cousin Babu Surashi Mohan Sen are the first Anusthanic members of the Samaj. Their initiation took place in April 1892 before which there was no local Anusthanic member. In the year 1894 the idea of establishing a Brihma pally (village) for the local Brahmas having suggested itself a piece of land was secured and some ten dwellings have since been built on the site. The Samaj was affiliated to the S. B. Samaj, Calcutta in 1904.
Comilla. Estd. 1862.
The Comilla Brahma Samaj, Comilla, (East Bengal).
Secretary: - Baba Piarinath Nandy, Comilla.
Members: —40 Members. 8 anusthanic Brahma families.
Meetings: —Divine service is being held every Sunday evening in Bengalee.
Mandir:—The Samaj has pucca building of its own built on a rent-free land given by H. H. The Maharaja of Tipperab.
Ministers: - Babu Rajani Nath Nandy, B.L. Babu Gurudayal Sinha.
Institution:—Students’ weekly service.

THEISTIC DIRECTORY - Bangal

PART II
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*Detailed Description of Local Samajes.
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BENGAL.
Amaragiri - District Howrah. Estd. 18 Feb. 1882. Amaragiri New Dispensation Brahma Samaj.
Secretary:—Akhil Chandra Boy.
Members:—12 ‘Anusthanic,' 5 Non-Annsthanic Brahmos.
Sympathisers:—10. Women 12, Children, 16 Male and 9 Female.

Meetings:—3 devotional meetings are contacted every  week in Bengali. The Samaj has a ‘Mandir' of its own, which was consecrated in 1893.
Missionaries.
1. Ashntosb Boy—Amaragiri, Knndale P. O. Dt. Howrah.

2. Prio Nath Mallick—Brahmanand Ashramt (Howrah)
3. Akhil Chandra Roy—Amaragiri, Kundale P. O. (Howrah).
The Samaj has under its management;—

(1) A school for girls.
(2) An English High School for boys.
(3) A library.
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* After the name of the locality, are given the names of the District and Province and then the date of the establishment of the  Samaj. Then follow the particular designation of the  samaj and the postal address of its Mandir or Office & c., &c.
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The financial needs of the Samaj are met by (1) The Mandir Fund and (2) The Mission Fund. Each member has to pay to the former at least annas 12 per annum and to the latter at least as 2. The average annual earnings are Rs. 15 and Rs. 360 respectively.

 

Special items of the anniversary celebrated in the second week of February are (a) whole day utsav (b) Nagar Kirtan (c) religious conversation and scripture reading (e) missionary tour (f) missionary conference (g) Divine service at local cremation ground (k) moral class to students (m) Priti Bhojan.

Amarpur. Dt. Hoogly. Estd. 1884. Amarapur  New Dispensation Brahma Samaj.
Secretary.—Mr. Haridas Boy.
Meetings-—Morning and Evening. Services on every Sunday in the house of the Secretary.
Institutions.—A Middle A. V. School.
Anniversary.—After the principal day, the local members together with the grown up boys of the school and guests from Calcutta, Hugli and Chandranagar, go round the villages singing religious songs; and with the presents received from the villagers such as rice, dal, vegetables, the party retires into some garden, where they spend the rest of the day in prayers and meditations. The Samaj is now in a languishing condition.
Andul. District Howrah. Established 1883. Andul Atmonnati Sabha. “Sivalaya,” Andul, P. O. Andul-Mowri
Secretary:—Mr. Nagendra Nath Mallick, “Sivalaya" Andul, Dt. Howrah.
Members : - 35.

Meetings:—Once every Sunday; conducted in Bengalee.
Mandir:—The Samaj has no Mandir of its own. Want is keenly felt.
Ordained Missionaries 1. Sri Pandit Abhinash Chandar
or Ministers:—    Chikrabarty “Mani Maudir,” Argari, Andul—Mowri P.O.
2. Sri Pandit Mohit Coomar Bannerjee, Andul Purbaparah, Andul-Mowri, P. O.
3.     "  Srish Chandar Mitter, do. do.
4      "  Jatindra Nath Mallik
5      "   Khetra Mohan Mitter.
6.     "   Hira Lall Mullick.
(Andul, Dt Howrah.) 

Institutions:—1. Andul Public Library.
2. Argori Bandhav Samity.