The legend of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa -

Pranams at the lotus feet of Thakurji!

Chapter – 25

One day there was Krishna Goswami  and few of Bhramasamj people arrived to meet Thakurji after hearing the critical condition of him, most of them know that Krishna Goswami had the fortune to be in the association of several pious, noble-souls and saints, he traveled whole  India, while they were talking Mahim Chakraborty asked, “ Goswamiji, what did you see?” Goswami said ‘ What would I say? I am sitting here at this moment, and feeling this is All” Later Thakurji’s health condition became worse, so he had taken to a house in Shyamapukur, people were relentlessly serving him, his subtle body is leaving this perishable body and relaxing out, there are several wounds appeared on his back, chest and throat, he had accepted the sins of his devotees, there were people from different walks of life kept touching him, and till now, he had absorbed all the sins of his devotees.  Thakurji well understood that 7^th or 8^th August, he called his disciple Yogin and said “bring Panchang and read Tithi's in the Shravan month,” Yogin dutifully read the Thithis of Shravan month; he continued to read the whole Thithi, after some time he stopped reading at the instruction of Thakurji.   It was on August 16^th 1886, Thakurji was not responding well from the morning, as if his body needs a complete rest, soon the devotees heard the heartbreaking news of Thakurji’s demise.   

Ma Saradadevi left alone after the demise of Thakurji.  In 1910 she undertook a religious trip to Orissa and continued her travel to Madras, Madurai, Dhanushkoti and Rameshwaram.  In 1911 she traveled from Bangalore and arrived in Bengal.   On 21^st July 1920, Ma Saradadevi left her mortal coil.

The legend of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa -

Pranams at the lotus feet of Thakurji!

Chapter – 24

There was a lady called Gopal's mother/Gopal's Ma in Dhakshineshwar, she is very fond of Thakurji, she wanted to cook Kheer for him, and feed with her hands.  Thakurji sat for consuming kheer, he found the rice is uncooked, Thakurji said ‘ I do not want to eat this Kheer, it is uncooked’ people surrounded were looked at him,  everyone thought he was saying this to scare away Gopal’s Ma.  Thakurji was very fond of Gopal’s Ma, how can he do that, later Thakurji afflicted with the throat cancer, after few days he emotionally said ‘I will not eat anything after this. I will be consuming only kheer.’ While saying so, Sharadha Matha was entering, she was shocked to listen to Thakurji’s words, because none of his words go futile, after this incident his throat cancer became critical, he was consuming barley water, milk and kheer only, he could not swallow anything other than this.  All the devotees sincerely prayed to get rid of these sufferings of Thakurji, but it was impossible to get any relief, people were so disappointed.  Once a prominent person in Tharkkashasthra requested Thakurji, ‘You are an Avatharapurusha, divine personified, if you have made up your mind to get rid of this, you will do it.’  Thakurji replied ‘How can you say so? You are a great scholar, I have surrendered my soul to Supreme Lord who is supreme bliss, and how can I withdraw this soul from the bliss and invest in the perishable body made of meat and bones?’  Scholar turned silent after listening to Thakurji, but Swami Vivekananda was not willing to take out, one day he was adamantly sat before Thakurji and said ‘ Baba, if you do not want to get cured for yourself, kindly get yourself cured for us.’  Thakurji said ‘Why am I not wishing so? Do you think I want to continue with the sufferings of illness I just wish things get normal, but it is not?  It is in the hands of Ma Kali’.   Vivekananda said ‘Kindly request Ma Kali to cure your illness. I am sure she will heed to your words.’ Thakurji said ‘ You are right, but it is not coming out of my mouth,” Vivekananda said ‘No, No, It won’t happen. You have to tell Ma Kali for us.”  Thakurji said ‘ Ok. I will do it.’ After a few hours, Vivekananda came back to Thakurji and asked ‘ What did Ma Kali say?” Thakurji said ‘I have shown her my throat and said I cannot eat anything because of the painful condition of the throat, kindly do something so that I can eat something. Ma Kali pointed at all of you and said: “You are eating with all these mouths is not that enough for you.”  Thakurji continued “After hearing that I have become speechless.” 

The legend of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa -

Pranams at the lotus feet of Thakurji!

Chapter – 23

All these years Hridhayram was doing sincere service to Thakurji, he became a noted personality in the temple of Dhakshineshwar, there was no one to rule him after the expiry of Rani Rasmoni and Madhuranath Biswas, whenever Thakurji went into transcendental state, Hridhayram would take advantage of Thakurji and gained benefit out of it.  The crowd was increased immensely due to the glories of Thakurji, they came to meet Thakurji and get blessings from him, devotees offer valuable clothes and gifts, all those were utilized by Hridhayram.  He started playing evil tricks on devotees who have nothing to offer, he tells them that Thakurji is not available, he is not well, you will not get Dharshan of him, etc.. Hridhayram open doors for the people who pay huge contributions and gifts,  Once Lakshminarayan Marwadi paid nearly ten thousand rupees to Hridhayram, to meet Thakurji, but Thakurji refused to accept the money, but Hridhayram was heartbroken at the act of his uncle, he was disappointed to see his uncle did not even ask for supernatural powers from Ma Kali, he does not even want to prove the world about his inherited magical powers, he is ignoring the presence of Goddess Mahalakshmi, with all these he became hostile towards his uncle, he started himself acting as a holy saint, he started singing Bhajans and moving all around,  Thakurji was very much disturbed about the wickedness of Hridhayram, he went inside the shrine and spoke before Jaganmatha ‘Ma my all the bondage has lost, will you keep away myself from the insult of Hridhayram’.  Once Thakurji said ‘I am fed up of the wickedness of Hridhayram and wanted to jump into the waters of Ganga and get relieved from all these, my suicide will bring grief to my disciple,’ once again he went to Ma Kali and prayed ‘Ma do not worry about anything, maybe Hridhay likes me very much, that is why he is behaving like this, please forgive him.’ There was no doubt Hridhayram was doing service to Thakurji while he was going through the miserable time with the sufferings of throat cancer, Thakurji used to tell that the soul is residing in this body because of Hridhayram’s service, he is the only one know to take care of his body, none could touch Thakurji's feet in his presence.  A noble soul will not let others touch their feet, because of the touch of a wicked on the feet of Noble soul would absorb the sins of the wicked people.  Once a person afflicted with leprosy approached Thakurji and requested him to touch his body so that he can get relieved from the sufferings of leprosy, Thakurji said ‘I know nothing, as you said I can place my hand on your body, If Ma Kali wishes you will get rid of illnesses.’ He placed his hand on the leprosy patient, after that he felt pain on his hands for several days. Later that patient got cured of the illness but Thakurji had to pay price for it. 

The legend of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa -

Pranams at the lotus feet of Thakurji!

Chapter – 22

Once Haldhiyaram told Thakurji, ‘ Mama, there as so many noble-soul and saints visiting this shrine,  no one knows their  spiritual strength, and they are performing various supernatural powers, why do not you request Ma Kali for spiritual powers?’  Thakurji replied ‘ My mother does not want to deviate my attention to supernatural powers, anyway I will ask her once.” Saying so he entered inside the shrine of Ma Kali, he folded hands together and said “ Ma, Hridhu wanted me to have some supernatural powers, whatever you feel you can do to me. I do not know anything about it,” later he told Hridhyaram, ‘supernatural powers keep an ascetic away from supreme bliss; it will not give any benefit to the worshiper.” Thakurji continued ‘ Listen I will explain a story to you, a person had two sons, the elder son grown up he went out of the house, and became an ascetic, the younger son became Dharmic teacher after his studies.  There is a rule among ascetics that if an ascetic wants to return home in twelve years he can do that, so the elder son came back to the village and saw his younger brother has his own family, he went near the door of the home and called his younger brother’s name.  They have met after several years, so they had to share a lot of happiness and sorrows, younger brother asked ‘ What did you gain after leaving home and your beloved people?” the elder brother said ‘ you want to see what I have gained, come with me.” finally these two brothers arrived on the shore of the river bank, the elder brother walked over the water and crossed the river, younger one took a ferry and crossed the river, the elder brother said’ You have seen what I have gained all these years, I have crossed the river walking on it.” The younger brother said, ‘ I have also performed the same task but I have adopted ferry to cross the river, you have wasted your twelve years on it,’  elder brother’s eye remained wide open after listening to the words of the younger brother, therefore supernatural powers have no value in the Dharmic world.  Later the elder brother became too devoted to the Supreme Lord and Dharmic way of life.”  

The legend of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa -

Pranams at the lotus feet of Thakurji!

Chapter – 21

Once Thakurji went to roam around the garden of Shambu Malik, they conversed each other and became late in the evening, he took the help of Girija and returned to Dhakshineshwar, there was too dark all around, while leaving he was thinking of getting a lantern from Shambu Malik, it would be a great help  in the darkness,  Thakurji was holding Girija’s hand and walking, he was stumbling upon the muddy way, Girija asked him to stop and stood in front of him blocking his way.   Instantly brilliant rays were emitted from her back and throw light up to the temple of Dhakshineshwar, with the help of that light Thakurji arrived at home. 

While Swami Vivekananda immerses in meditation his divinity started to show up, Thakurji said it is not a good sign, it will not give the Dharshan of Lord, and instead, it will create hurdles.  God is the truth, the rest of the things are an illusion, and advised him not to take up meditation for a few days.  Thakurji’ narrates ‘whoever immerses in intense faith and devotion on the Supreme Lord never faces challenges, never sink, they escape with minimal hurt, when big ferries move around the waters of Ganga, little boats keep moving uncontrollably, we may feel that it will sink now, once the big ferries move away, the smaller ones manage to stand firm.  Human life is quite interesting,  we have to face some pushes and pull in day to day lives, people create their own family for happiness, they will get married, will have children, and they become grown up and they get married, the chain keeps going on and on, later he will be anxious about illness then death.  Therefore surrender to the Supreme Lord is the only way to escape from the unending miseries, grief and sorrows of worldly existence.  Unconditional love towards supreme Lord is bliss”. 

The legend of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa -

Pranams at the lotus feet of Thakurji!

Chapter - 20

One day Madhuranath Biswas who is the son-in-law of Rani Rasmoni Devi, founder of famous Sri Dhakshineshwar Kali Temple in Kolkata, while conversing with people assembled, he said ‘The whole Universe and its living beings are created by the supreme Lord, and all are abide by certain rules and disciplines, even the supreme soul has to follow the same, once implemented rule cannot be changed.”   Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was fondly addressed as Thakurji said ‘What are you saying? Supreme Lord has created the rules and disciplines; he can implement as well as terminate those rules.” Madhuranath who always very fond of Thakurji and address him Baba/father, their relationship was like father and son, did not accept these words of Thakurji.   Madhuranath continued “ Red flowers bloom in the plant where it is supposed to be, white flowers cannot bloom in that plant, because it is the rule created by Supreme Lord.  Thakurji said, ‘ If I show you white flowers in a red flowering plant, will you accept?’ Sri Ramakrishna said “if he wishes he will do that.’  Madhuranath did not believe it.  One day Thakurji went for relaxing, Madhuranath notice a red flowering plant full of white flowers, Thakurji brought Madhuranath and showed the miracle, Madhuranath said ‘Yes, Baba, I agree with you. If the Supreme Lord can create a rule, he can implement or cancel the same.’  Madhuranath was the manager of Rani Rasmoni Devi, he takes care of all the affairs of properties of Rani Rasmoni, if required he will fight with people, once he came to Thakurji for help after a critical incident took place while fighting and said ‘Baba, kindly protect me’ Thakurji shouted at him ‘Every day you will bring up some fight and want me to protect you from the troubles. What can I do, you handle your problems,” Madhuranath started crying holding the leg of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa. Finally Thakurji said ‘Go now, everything will happen at the will of Ma Kali.’ Eventually, Madhuranath escaped with the grace of Thakurji.   Once Thakurji explained, most of the spiritual seekers begin with intense devotion and faith, they put all their effort into seeking spiritual truth, that the whole Universe is an illusion and Bramham is pure and unblemished, they achieve the fruit of highest of spiritual practice and they get attracted to the advancements they have made in the spiritual path, in this way they destroy all their piousness in vain. 

The legend of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa -

Pranams at the lotus feet of Thakurji!

Chapter – 19

There was a successful businessman Shambuchandh Malik who was very famous in the city, he had no faith in saints or holy men, he used to comment that these ascetics worship Lord and on the other side they run after money and worry about lack of money, only Ramakrishna Thakurji is a true ascetic who contemplates upon supreme Lord. He won’t ask anything from anybody, he is married but he had no physical relationship with his wife, he is happy with whatever his wife gives him, he does not use majestic silk clothes, or symbolic mark on forehead, or ashes, he does not carry anything to prove himself as a holy man.  One day he invited Thakurji in his home, Thakurji could not visit because of ill health, so he arrived at Dhakshineshwar.  They together spend a lot of time in conversation and started to move around the garden, he fed Thakurji with the fruit of pomegranate, there were few left, he said: “ I have brought it for you, so please take it with you.” Thakurji said, “ I am not well, I do not need this.” Malik forcefully kept two fruits in his pocket, after this a surprising incident took place.  Thakurji was found it difficult to come out of the garden, there was no way to come out that place, Malik was standing and witnessing the same.  Soon Thakurji took out the Pomegranates from the pocket and kept it aside, soon everything was visible for him, Shambhu asked the reason, Thakurji said: “ Ma, refused to take the pomegranates.” Shambhu did not believe in his words, he decided to experiment the matter in the future.  One day Thakurji was swirling with the stomach pain, none of the medicines did work, soon Shambhu brought Thakurji in his garden and gave some herb, whenever Thakurji complaints of stomach ache Shambhu do the same.  Sahmbhu said ‘why you are taking the pain to visit here, take some herbs with you whenever you feel pain, swallow the same, you need not come here.” He sincerely followed Shambhu and took some herbs with him but the same thing repeated, he could not see the pathways, he lost his way, he continued to roam around in search of the exit.  Thakurji was tired and sat down, soon Shambhu removed the herbs from the pocket of Thakurji, and everything became visible for Thakurji.  It was quite unnatural for Shambhumalik.  Soon he realized that Thakurji is not an ordinary person, he is divine personified on Earth.  After that incident, Shambhumalik became an ardent devotee of Thakurji and completely surrendered at his feet.

The legend of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa -

Pranams at the lotus feet of Thakurji!

Chapter – 18

Rameshwar Chatterji was a cousin brother of Thakurji, he had a daughter Lakshmini, her marriage was fixed, Hridhayram informed this matter to Thakurji, that time Thakurji was in a transcendental state, he said “ Lakshmi’s marriage? It is not going to bring any good. Lakshmi will become a widow soon.” Hridhayram holding Thakurji’s face said “ Mama, what did you say? On this auspicious occasion why did you say such a thing about your cousin?” soon Thakurji got out of the state, he asked “ Hridhu, did I say something? Did I say anything about bad omen?’.  Things happened in real, soon after marriage, Lakshmidevi became a widow.  Thakurji considered her as Devi Sitala.

One of the residents of Hooghly, Mahendrapal was doing the job of a physician,  Thakurji took help of this physician for his cousin, one-day Mahendrapal paid five rupees to Ramlal, another cousin of Thakurji to give to Thakurji, that night Thakurji was terribly anxious and felt pain on the chest, soon he understood the money paid by Mahendrapal was causing him the pain.  Next day Ramlal returned the five rupees to Mahendrapal, all the uneasiness of Thakurji went off.  Mahendrapal gave this money for a personal motive not with love.  Thakurji always give lectures on this to his disciple that money earned by a doctor, poets, advocates, agents, and all the professionals should not receive as contribution.  Thakurji never liked to receive any contributions, there were rich Marwadis used to visit him with fruits and sweets, he never touches these things with his hands, it would be sent to the houses of Balramvasu or Narendra, whoever pays any contribution with the pure heart would bring happiness, he was not willing to accept any contribution from selfish people.  He would say Narendra is a fire pit; all the impurities will burn into ashes.

The legend of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa -

Pranams at the lotus feet of Thakurji!

Chapter – 17

Prabudhayalmisri is a Bhramin, there was a tragedy took place in his family, so he became so depressed and spend some days in solitude in a cave under the mountain where no people lived, one day he witnessed a divine personality who had great effulgence, soon he accepted the Isai Dharma and went in search of Lord of Christ, on this mission he met several saints and holy men,  he realized that a holy person is living near the shores of Ganga.  Soon he arrived to meet Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, he saw Thakurji and he recollected the dream he had and said “These people do not recognize you, I have recognized you. You are the Lord of Christ.” Thakurji asked ‘Could you see the light?” Misri said “Yes I can. While I was living in my home I could see that often.” Soon Thakurji became emotional and went into Ghat. He gave hand to Misri and said: “It will work the way you want.”

Vishwanath Upadhyay was appointed as representative of Nepal Government in Kolkata, he has profound knowledge in scriptures and engaged in Dharmic activities.  One night he had a dream in that an effulgent divine personality calling him, he was surprised who was that? Where did he live? He did not find the answer so left the dream unnoticed.  After some time there was a flood took place in Ganga and there were many blocks of wood were washed away, it brought heavy damage to public properties, he was not in a position to submit the report of the same to the authorities, after few days the Government of Nepal collected information about him and he was aware of the fact that he would be punished for his absence in the duty.  We all remember Lord only at the time of trouble, during that time we may rush to meet saints and holy men for advice.  Finally he arrived to Thakurji “ Maharaj, kindly shower your mercy on me, otherwise, I will die of guilt and shame.” Thakurji said, “ You narrate all your troubles to Jagathjanani, pray to her, no need to be scared, inform the Government of Nepal about the issue, describe the truth, you will not be harmed.” Later Viswanath Upadhyay was promoted to a higher official for his honesty by the Government of Nepal, he believed it all because of the mercy of Thakurji.

The legend of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa -

Pranams at the lotus feet of Thakurji!

Chapter – 16

There was a person named Prathapchandra Hajra who belonged to Shudra class came under the shelter of Thakurji, so he was made to stay in the shrine, he meditates with prayer beads, but he was never been successful in achieving concentration.   Thakurji realized it soon, one-day Thakurji shouted at Hajra saying that he is not sincere in his prayers.  Hajra felt very sad and said he is too kind to others but not to him, Thakurji said “I love everyone including Narendra, he does not have money to buy even salt” he remained silent after listening to Thakurji, one day he took away the beads from him and said “ Ma, Hajra is really foolish, he is sitting and counting beads, whoever visits you will attain the fruit instantly,” Thakurji like Hajra very much, sometimes he allows him to massage his feet, sometimes he does not allow to touch his feet at all, then immediately Hajra would understand that he had committed a sin that is why Thakurji does not allow him to touch his feet.  During those days he goes to Ghat in the night and mix mud in the Ganga water and consume, sit and do meditation.  Soon Thakurji’s eyes fall on him, he immediately call for Hajra to resume his duty of massaging Thakurji’s feet. Thakurji would say “yes it is enough, you can stop now.” Hajra would say “ No, I would continue to do this until my heart says to stop.”  These were the pastimes of Thakurji with his staunch devotees.

The legend of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa -

Pranams at the lotus feet of Thakurji!

Chapter – 15

There was a devotee of Thakurji named Ramdhutt, his friend Sureshchand who is from well to do family, he was taking immense pleasure in the drinks and illicit relationships, but there was no peace of mind.  Sureshchand went extremely depressed and decided to take off his life.  One day Ramdhutt seeing the pathetic situation of his friend, said “You come with me to Dhakshineshwar, all your troubles will go away,”   Sureshji arrived with Dhutt to Dhakshineshwar, he did not prostrate before Ma Kali or Thakurji, he went to sit in a place, and he had no faith in ascetics or holy men.  Seeing him Thakurji said “ There are two kinds of devotees, one is like kitten which keeps crying for its mother without moving an inch, lives only with the support of its mother and another kind of devotee is like the child of a monkey, immediately after getting out of mother’s womb it starts running and jumping all over the places, it becomes highly confident, it does not care about anyone.  A devotee should be like a kitten, completely surrendered to Mother, she will not let any evil happen to her child,” These inspiring speeches of Thakurji echoed in the mind of Sureshji, he slowly moved toward Thakurji and prostrated before him.

The legend of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa -

Pranams at the lotus feet of Thakurji!

Chapter – 14

Thakurji’s wife Saradadevi arrived in Dhakshineshwar.  He asked his wife to attend his aged mother and he returned back to the service of Ma Kali. Hridhayram continued the daily rituals of Ma Kali.   The fame of Ramakrishna Thakurji spread all over the place in Dhakshineshwar, several disciples came to be with Thakurji, Swami Vivekananda/Narendranath Dutt, Bhramanda, Niranjjanand, Athbhuthanandh, Sadanand, and many devotees arrived, several prominent people and devotees were becoming a disciple of Thakurji, some people who were really afflicted with various illnesses also came there to be with the divine presence of Thakurji.

Thakurji had a desire to visit Kashi and have a Dharshan of Baba Vishwanath,  Madhuranath made all the arrangements to fulfill the desire of Thakurji and left to Kashi.  On January 17^th, 1868, they arrived at Baidhyanath Dham and Kashi.  Thakurji met Thrailangaswamiji and told Madhuranath “ he is divine personified, he is Lord Vishwanatha of Kashi,”.  They proceed to Vrindavan and various sacred places and returned to Dhakshineshwar.  Madhuranath noticed the spiritual achievement of Thakurji, it enthused him.  There were people who where jealous of the spiritual achievement of him.  Once Thakurji was in Ardhasamadhi, then the priest of Kalighat Haldhar mocked at him, he went close to Thakurji and started talking disrespectfully, he did not receive any reply from Thakurji, so kicked him hard and went off.  Actually, Thakurji was not in a position to talk anything, he thought if Madhuranath comes to know that the priest kicked him and went away, he will not tolerate.  Soon, the priest was removed from the work due to some malpractices.  One day Thakurji discussed the matter of the priest of Kalighat with all, Madhuranath burst into rage, "why you did not tell me before? If you were told me that day, I would have cut him alive.”

The legend of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa -

Pranams at the lotus feet of Thakurji!

Chapter – 13

Parivrajakacharya Thottapuri during the spiritual tour arrived in Dhakshineshwar, he settled in the Ghat, Ramakrishna roams around and sat near Thottapuri who was surprised to see the state of Ramakrishna.  Thottapuri understood the spiritual powers of Thakurji, he remarked this youth is not an ordinary human, he is an incomparable Yogi.  He was amazed to see the kind of practice of meditation carried out by Ramakrishna could not be seen easily, Thoththapuri after keenly observing Ramkrishna replied “you are a supreme spirit, I wanted to teach you Vedantha and Sadhana, will you learn?”  Thakurji said “I do not know anything, do not know what I want to do, my mother Kali knows everything; if she permits me I will learn.”  Thottapuri said “ Ok, right. Go and ask this matter to your Mother, I will not wait for too long here,” Thakurji went straight to Jagadamba’s shrine and became too emotional,  Ma Kali ordered “ Go and learn lessons from Him.  He came here for that purpose only” Thakurji returned to Thottapuri and informed the message of Ma Jagadamba, Swami Thoththapuri was too glad to receive him, “ In order to learn and practice Vedantha you should sacrifice the Shikha Suthra, and fine clothes,” Thakurji  said “ Please tell me what all to follow I will do it, otherwise, my mother will be disappointed,” One-day Ramakrishna was initiated into Sanyasa under the supervision of Thottapuri and continued Vedantha sadhana, but Thakurji failed to attain Nirvikalpasamadhi, Thottapuri felt so angry, he took a piece of glass and scratched on the middle of the two eyebrows, “ concentrate on this point,” previously whenever he concentrates on the meditation he was always taken to Ma Kali,  this time he firmly concentrated on the point, seeing his disciple immersed in meditation, Thottapuri came out of the chamber and closed it from outside, so that no one can break his meditation, thinking that when he gets out of the meditation, he will call for someone to open the door.  Three days went off, but Ramakrishna did not get out of the Samadhi, Ramakrishna did not ask to open the door, Thottapuri was extremely worried, he opened the lock and saw, Ramakrishna was sitting in the same posture how Thoththapuri was instructed, his body has no sign of life, his face was serene and majestic with radiance.  Thottapuri was stunned to see the Samadhi of Ramakrishna, he took forty years to achieve this state of spiritual advancement, and this Mahapurusha attained that highest state in a day.  He continued to keep checking on Ramakrishna’s breath; he said: “It is the miracle of Ma Kali.” 

The legend of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa -

Pranams at the lotus feet of Thakurji!

Chapter – 12

In the year 1861 Bhairavi Bhramani came to visit Dhakshineshwar, she was middle-aged ascetic covered in a saffron robe, she holds a trident,  she was from the pious Bhramin family, she carries a Raghubir Shila, she was well conversant with the Thanthri principles and texts of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.    She converses with Thakurji for hours after seeing his intense meditation, she got too pleased at him, and she considered Ramakrishna as her own son.  While talking Bhairavi said “ Oh! Child, I was searching for a disciple like you, You practice Thanthrasadhana, I will teach you the process,” after a few days Bhairavi told Madhuranath that Thakurji is not an ordinary human, he is an incarnation of Lord, you should take care of him in a special manner,  Thakurji will be highly propitious for all of you,” Madhuranath had the experience of the same.  Thakurji undertakes extreme Sadhanas under the bale tree, at the northern end of Dhakshineshwar garden.

One day Madhuranath arrived at the shrine with Rani Rasmoni.  At the end of Puja, Rani requested Thakurji to sing praising Ma Kali,  Ramakrishna started to sing the glories of Ma Kali. While singing he gave a slap on the upper back of Rani Rasmoni saying that “you are thinking all those things sitting before Ma Kali” All the temple workers were got infuriated at the senseless act of Ramakrishna.   Madhuranath’s eyes became red with anger, everyone knows that Thakurji is mad, at that moment Rani Rasmoni showed a gesture to stop all the chaos, she prostrates before Ramakrishna and said “ Thakur, kindly forgive my mistake,  now you start singing. I will not let my mind wander.”  Later Rani Rasmoni was surprised and said “ Thakur is Antharyami, he is omniscient, he is the knower of all while listening to his singing, my mind wandered into court matter,” Madhuranath became too devoted to Thakurji after listening to Rani Rasmoni.  He always takes sincere care of Thakurji, like a sincere servant of Lord, he remembered the words of Hridhayram “ Ma Kali always appears before Mamaji, she consumes offerings from his hand, she converses with Mamaji,” Ramkrishna learned Thanthric practices from Bhairavi Bhramani, he had some changes in his behavior.   Madhuranath was always worried about the mental health of Thakurji, he brought a doctor to treat Ramkrishna, his mother arrived to Dhakshineshwar after hearing the difficulties of Ramakrishna, saw three cousins were taking care of Ramakrishna.   Thakurji’s spiritual practices went up to the supreme state, he started practicing Adhvaithasadhana, his health conditions were getting worse day by day, he was void of sleep, hunger, clothes and  unaware of the need to perform necessary tasks for living, he stopped talking to people completely.

The legend of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa -

Pranams at the lotus feet of Thakurji!

Chapter – 11

Ramakrishna was the youngest son, so Chandradevi had a special affection towards him.  She was too anxious about Ramakrishna after the death of Ramkumar, she received news from Kolkata that Ramakrishna became lunatic, so two of his relatives went to pick him from Dhakshineshwar.  She brought the village physician and showed Ramkrishna, and followed the medication, but there was no much effect on Ramakrishna.  The elders in the village advised her to perform the marriage of Ramakrishna at the earliest.  Chandradevi was pleased with this decision, duly informed to his son, he did not utter any word against it.  One day Ramakrishna was on meditation, he informed his mother not to conduct the search for his bride here and there, he clearly mentioned the details of his future bride and it happened exactly the same way Ramkrishna predicted.   Thus,  At the age of 23, in the year 1859, May,  Ramkrishna was married to Sri Sarada Devi from the Jayrambati.  Sri Sarada Devi was born on Dec 22^nd 1853; she was the eldest daughter of Sri Ramachandramukhopadhyay and Devi Syamasundari.   Saradadevi was 6 years when she got married to Ramakrishna, after one year of marriage he returned to Dhakshineshwar.  In the year 1872, she had a vision Ma Kali who instructed her to join with Ramakrishna in Dhakshineshwar, at the age of 19 years she joined with Ramakrishna.  She dutifully served her husband and his disciples who were treated her as Mother.  Ramakrishna envisioned Ma Kali in Saradadevi, he performs Shodasha Upachara Puja to her.  In between she had to move to her father’s home, once again in 1877 she joined with Ramakrishna while he imitated the Puja of Jagadhathri in Dhakshineshwar,  she was celestial being symbolizes Jnana, Bakthi and Karama Yoga, she has reflected the qualities of simplicity, kindness, compassion, care, and love.  She was exceptional in being a devoted wife, the supreme ascetic, compassionate mother, and preceptor. Once Ma Sharadadevi asked her husband “ How did you think of me?” Sri Ramkrishna Paramahamsa said “ I am seeing you as Ma Kali who resides in the shrine of Sri Dhakshineshwar”, he was treated all the females as the form of Ma Kali. 

The legend of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa -

Pranams at the lotus feet of Thakurji!

Chapter – 10

Ramtharak followed all the yogic practices and meditation of Gadhadhar, he also heard from Hridhayram that Gadhadhar performs meditation without clothes in the Panchavati, it has become a regular practice that the whole shrine was reverberating with the painful cries of Gadhadhar “Ma , Ma, “.  One day Ramtharak said “ Ramkrishna, I have understood you. Your body holds the presence of the supreme Lord.”  Madhuranath thought it must be the cause of strict celibacy Ramkrishna facing intense emotional disturbances,  Madhuranath felt terribly upset seeing the  pitiful emotional state of Ramakrishna Thakur.  In order to bring some changes in his mental state, he brought a most beautiful young lady to Dhakshineshwar, so that she could attract Ramakrishna with his lustful physical appearance, later she was sent to the streets of prostitutes, everyone got attracted towards her, they all have seen the presence of Jaganmatha in her.  Madhuranatha saw everyone approaches her calling “Ma, Ma,”,  rest of the ladies become too devoted and kind,  Madhuranath felt guilty for his evil thought, eventually, he became too devoted to Ramakrishna.   Madhuranath would go terribly disturbed in his absence. 

The legend of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa -

Pranams at the lotus feet of Thakurji!

Chapter – 9

One day Ramkrishna was angrily spoke to Ma Kali “you have given Dharshan to Ramprasad, why don’t you give me your Dharshan?” his pain of separation from Ma Kali increased day by day, he went inside the adjacent room and brought a knife, he wanted to cut off his throat before Ma Kali, at that moment Ma Kali appeared before him and he fell down unconscious.  After this incident, his behavior has changed drastically while performing Puja he takes the offerings and feed Ma Kali saying “ Take it, Mother, kindly eat it or shall I eat first?” he eats the offerings and the remaining take to the mouth of Ma Kali, sometimes he says “ what are you saying Ma? Shall I sleep on your lap? Ok. I will sleep on your lap.” He falls asleep , sometimes he showers all the flowers on the idol and stand quite, sometimes he sits hours and hours meditation holding the offerings, so that Ma Kali eat her meal, sometimes he cries ‘Ma, Ma’ and roll on the ground, if anyone asks him to sing about Ma, he emotionally sing.  He became extremely passionate about love for Ma Kali.   Hridhayram was felt anxious seeing the pathetic condition of his uncle.  If Gadhadhar was not treated early, his condition may go worse.  Some people complaint to Madhuranath about Gadhadhar that he is not performing Puja but behaving undisciplined.  One day he visited the shrine and was witnessing the Puja standing in the crowd.  Gadhadhar was talking emotionally to the idol of Ma Kali and shedding tears. Madhuranath immediately understood that one day Ma Kali will appear before the devotion of Gadhadhar,  he informed the rest of the temple workers that let Gadhadhar do all the rites as he wishes, do not interfere in any of the matters, do not criticize him, Madhuranath said he will take care of everything.  Worship of Ma Kali find it difficult due to the condition of Gadhadhar, eventually a new priest Ramtharak who was a Tantric priest was appointed, he was a cousin of Gadhadhar, he has also arrived in Kolkata in search of a job.  The workers of the temple remained distant from Ramtharak who was a Thanthric priest. People of Thakurbadi/shrine often discussed his behavior on his back, when Gadhadhar came to know about it, he discussed with Ramtharak, he was elder to Gadhadhar and chief priest of the temple, so he felt bad at the comment of Gadhadhar, he said “ you are my younger brother, still you do not have respect towards me, bleed your mouth”  Gadhadhar tried to convince him, he was not willing to listen to him.  After a few days of this incident, in the night there was bleeding from the nose of Gadhadhar, all of the people of Thakurbadi worriedly rushed towards him including Ramtharak, seeing him Gadhadhar said ‘you have cursed me, see my state of health now.” And started crying, suddenly a saint appeared from nowhere and he tested the blood and said ‘Do not worry, it is good that the blood came out, I think you were performing extreme Yogic posture while doing Charamasamadhi in Hatha Yoga, the blood raised towards the brain, luckily it rushed up to the nose and came out, it is good that it did not enter into the brain and if so the Samadhi will not break, because of Jaganmatha wanted to perform some miracles through your selfless service.” Everyone felt happy at the consoling words of the saint. 

The legend of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa -

Pranams at the lotus feet of Thakurji!

Chapter – 8

 Gadhadhar understood that Ramkumar will not return to Padasala, finally, he joined with his elder brother in Dhakshineshwar.  Madhuranath Biswas, younger son-in-law of Rani Rasmoni took up the administration of the shrine; he used to visit the shrine on a regular basis.  Rani Rasmoni has no son; therefore he was in charge of all the properties of Rani Rasmoni.  Whenever he visits the temple, he looks at Gadhadhar, he had a great pull towards Gadhadhar, one day he asked Ramkumar ‘ Why you did not employ little priest on the temple related matter.” Ramkumar was well aware of his younger brother’s nature, he was not taking offerings of the temple, he cooks meals separately for him, and he knows that it is difficult to persuade him to do work of the shrine.   After listening to the lack of interest in Gadhadhar to do temple related works, Madhuranath decided one day he will employ him as a priest and make him serve Ma Kali.  One of these days, Ramkumar’s cousin Hridhayram came in search of a job in Dhakshineshwar.  He was just four years younger to Gadhadhar, these boys play together, work and roam around the places.  Gadhadhar brings mud from the river banks of Ganga and makes beautiful Linga.   One day Madhuranath took one of the idols and showed to Rani Rasmoni, both of them were surprised, it was difficult to find a fine idol like that in the market.  Next day Gadhadhar saw Madhuranath coming to shrine, he disappeared from his sight, Hridhayram asked why he is hiding after seeing Madhuranath, he said Madhuranath may ask him to do work in the shrine, he said Ma Kali is adorned in various precious ornaments all over the body, if anything has gone missing, he will be in trouble, Gadhadhar also said if Hridhayram take the responsibility of the ornaments, he will do the worship of Ma Kali.  Hridhayram was in urgent need of a job, he immediately agreed to take the responsibility of safekeeping of jewels of Ma Kali.  Finally, it happened the way Madhuranath wanted, Gadhadhar was appointed as a priest in the year 1855, and he started performing worship in the shrine.  Ramkumar taught the meticulous process of worship and its procedures to Gadhadhar.  One day Gadhadhar spoke to Hridhayram “It is necessary to build a Panchavati for meditation,” previously he used to sit under the Amla tree and conduct meditation, now the tree is no more, later they were five auspicious trees were planted at the instruction of Gadhadhar, thus Panchavati was constructed and became one of the famous meditation places, this was the place he used to sit for meditation.  In the meantime, his elder brother Ramkumar passed away. Eventually, all the temple related matters were fallen under the responsibility Ramkrishna, he became the priest of Ma Kali, soon his meditation process has taken him into a higher state. 

The legend of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa -

Pranams at the lotus feet of Thakurji!

Chapter – 7

One day Maheshchatterji who was working for  Rani Rasmoni was living in Kamarpukur, he also started searching for a priest  to clear the issue of the shrine, so that he can remain in the good book of Rani Rasmoni and stay as a sincere servant of Rani Rasmoni.   He knows that Ramkumar’s financial situation is not good, anyway he had given the idea, and so he must be willing to take up the job of the priest.  Mahesh Chatterji advised Rani Rasmoni that if she requests Ramkumar Chattopadhyay who is Thanthric Pandit in the village of Kamarpukur to take up the position of the priest, he may accept, rest of the things he will make understand Ramkumar.  Rani Rasmoni wrote a letter to Ramkumar Chattopadhyay, he thought if he refused to do it Ma Jagadhamba’s Puja will get canceled.  She also mentioned in that letter that he can take up the position of priest in between if they find anyone Ramkumar can leave the duty.  This arrangement was perfect and was not a problem for him.  The preparations in the shrines were made immediately after getting acceptance from Ramkumar.  The initial ceremony to Ma Kali was organized in a grand manner, there were intellectuals and scholars who arrived from  Kashi, Navadhvip, Srighat, Kanyakubj, and various sacred places in Dhakshineshvar, everyone was treated reverentially, and generous contributions were given in the form of clothes and money.  She spent nearly nine lakhs rupees for this purpose, on the day of initiation ceremony Gadhadhar also arrived, but he did not accept offerings.   In the evening he got something from outside and slept early.  The next day, Gadhadhar did not see his brother in the Padasala, so he came to meet him in the shrine.   Ramkumar asked him to stay with him, but he did not listen.  Gadhadhar stayed for nearly a week in Shyamapukur waiting for his brother’s return, but it did not happen, on the eighth day he returned to Dhakshineshwar.  He saw his brother was appointed as formal priest of Dhakshineshwar,  Ramkumar thought after initiation of worship, Rani Rasmoni will find someone to perform regular Puja, then he can return to his Padasala, but that did not happen. He did not want to become a formal priest, he just wants to initiate worship of Ma Kali, moreover, he was pressurized from all sides to take up the position, finally, he had left with no choice.