Sarada Devi

Sarada Devi

Views: 5730

Category: Religion

Sarada Devi Profile

  • Name:
  • Sarada Devi
  • Born:
  • December 22, 1853
  • Died:
  • July 20, 1920
  • Spouse:
  • Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa

Sarada Devi Biography

Sarada Devi was the wife and spiritual counterpart of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Her birth name was Saradamani Mukhopadhyaya and she was addressed by Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and his disciples as ‘Holy Mother’. She played an important role in the growth of the Ramakrishna Movement.

 

Sarada Devi was born on December 22, 1853 in Jayrambati, Bengal. She was married to Ramakrishna when she was just 5 years. Ramakrishna was 22 then and it was common in those days of such age difference between spouses. He was then known as Gadadhar Chattopadhaya and a priest of the Dakshineswar Kali Temple since 1855. When she was nineteen she joined him at Dakshineswar. By that time, Ramakrishna was a saint and both lived lives of unbroken continence. She was greatly influenced by the spiritual thoughts of her husband and played a significant role in strengthening his mission. Followers of the Ramakrishna movement regard Sarada Devi as an incarnation of the Divine Mother. They used to seek her advice after Ramakrishna’s demise.

 

Sarada Devi's days began at 3 am. She practiced japa and meditation until daybreak. Sacred mantras were taught by Ramakrishna and he instructed her how to initiate people and guide them in spiritual life. Sarada Devi is regarded as Ramakrishna's first disciple. She spent her life by cooking and growing number of his devotees. She was able to attract some female devotees.

 

Ramakrishna died of throat cancer at a comparatively younger age of 50. When he was ill, she nursed him well serving him with suitable food. When Ramakrishna passed away she decided to lead a widow’s life. But she had a vision of Ramakrishna that he had not gone from the world, just changed the room. She lived as a true disciple of Ramakrishna preaching his spiritual lessons and strengthening the Ramakrishna Movement.

 

After Ramakrishna's death, Sarada Devi began her pilgrimage through North India accompanied by her lady disciples. Then she stayed in Ramakrishna’s native village for a while when she was invited by Swami Saradananda who built a permanent house for Sarada Devi in Calcutta. It was Ramakrishna’s desire that no disciple should distinguish between him and Sarada.

 

Sarada Devi spent her final years moving back and forth between Jayrambati and Calcutta. She died at 1.30 am on July 20, 1920 in Calcutta and her body was cremated in Belur Math.

Published: N/A

Updated: October 16, 2013

Famous People: By Profession

 
 

Suggest Swami Maheshwarananda profile update

captcha image (Can't see? refresh)