INTRODUCTION
Ramakrishna Paramahansa (1836–1886), was a great Hindu saint. Ramakrishna has experienced spiritual feeling from a young age, and he has devoted his attention towards goddess Kali. Swami Vivekananda who was the disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa followed his footsteps towards leading the spiritual path.
Birth and childhood
Ramakrishna was born in the village of Kamarpukur of West Bengal, in a Brahmin family. Before his birth, Ramakrishna’s parents experienced supernatural incidents and visions. His father had a dream in that Lord Vishnu’s another form Gadadhara, would be born as his son. His mother is said to have had a vision of light entering her womb from Shiva’s temple.
Although Ramakrishna attended a village school for 12 years, he was not that much interested in school education. But he became well-versed in the Puranas, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Bhagavata Purana.
Priest
In 1856, Ramakrishna was appointed as the priest of the Dakshineswar Kali temple.
He was worshipping goddess Kali as his mother and had a vision of the goddess Kali.
Marriage Life
Sarada Devi(1853–1920), was the wife of Ramakrishna. After his marriage, Ramakrishna returned to Kolkata and took charge of temple activities. Sarada stayed at her native place since her age was only 5, and later she joined Ramakrishna in Dakshineswar at the age of 18. They led a very simple life. Ramakrishna worshipped her wife as Goddess, and he treated her with love and took much attention and care on her. Both of them have not lived like a normal husband and wife. There was no physical union between them. Both of them were considered as divine beings in this case. They have totally avoided lust and concentrated only on bhakti towards goddess Kali Devi.
Disciples
1.Trigunatitananda
2.Shivananda
3.Vivekananda
4.Turiyananda
5.Brahmananda
6.Sadananda
Death
At the beginning of 1885, Ramakrishna suffered from throat cancer. During his last days, he was looked after by his disciples, and by his wife Sarada Devi. Ramakrishna died in the early morning hours on 16 August 1886. According to his disciples, this was mahasamadhi. After his death, Swami Vivekananda along with other disciples formed a Math.
Ramakrishna Math
The Ramakrishna Math was founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1897. The Mission concentrates on all social welfare activities.
CONCLUSION
A great saint, and a Kali devotee, who has conquered all the bad habits in his life, and initiated true bhakti towards god. He along with his wife Sarada Devi, and his principle disciple, Swami Vivekananda is still actively engaged in the welfare of the poor class people through “Sri Ramakrishna Math”. He is still listening to our prayers and answering to our problems. In Ramakrishna Mutt and its branches all over India, a lot of social welfare activities are being taken care of by the Mutt’s authorities. Let us pray to the divine avatar “SRI RAMAKRISHNA” and be blessed.
“OM SREE RAMAKRISHNAYA NAMAHA”
“OM SREE SARADA DEVIYE NAMAHA”
“OM SWAMI VIVEKANANDARE NAMAHA”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR