I remember a story Tamal Krishna Goswami told me.

Somaka Prabhu had been recommended for sannyasa and had gone to India, I think he was traveling with TKG or staying with him in Bombay along with some other sannyasis.

At that time there was a kind of fraternity among the sannyasis. They stayed together more than they normally do now. Anyway, TKG was wondering whether Somaka Prabhu was too sentimental for sannyasa. You know the way he was, so friendly and affectionate. It seemed that TKG was going to test him or something.

But before TKG got the chance, from the very first day, Somaka Prabhu
started rising before everyone else, cleaning everyone else's places after
resting, serving prasada perfectly, and generally doing all the menial services in such an exemplary that TKG thought, "Oh, now I understand why
he's been recommended for sannyasa. He's more austere than all of us put
together. He should take immediately."

So besides that jovial, lovable character Somaka Maharaja had a capacity for austerity and a renounced service mood that was rare, even among the sannyasis.

All glories to that great soul.

Hare Krsna

Kesava Bharati das