This slim volume provides some glimpses on the life of Ma Sarada Devi, the divine consort of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and who was a blend of both human and divine values. Though volumes have been written on Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, very few have been penned on Sarada Devi, known as the Holy Mother or Sri Ma to her devotees. Her life was a mixture of the most ordinary and profoundly spiritual as she passed her days moving from the grossly external to the supremely internal levels of existence all through life. She faced tremendous hardships with serenity and on studying her life story one finds that each incident of her life can serve as a core for contemplating on the highest truths embedded in our ancient scriptures.
Sarada Devi was born on December 22, 1853 at Jayarambati in West Bengal as the eldest child of her parents. At the age of five, she was married off to Sri Ramakrishna with whom she had an ideal relationship. He worshipped her as Shodashi, the Divine Mother of the universe and laid the fruits of his austerities at her feet while she was still in her teens. She accepted his highest honour since she knew that her Master saw no difference between his own Goddess Kali and Sri Ma. For the rest of the four-and-a-half decades, she manifested exceptional qualities. She lived with her parents till 1872 and from then on with intermittent breaks she spent her time with her husband in Dakshineswar and later at Cossipore till the Master left his mortal frame in 1886. Subsequently she lived for some time in Kamarpukur and Jayarambati amidst great poverty, especially at the former place. Later she divided her time equally between these two villages and Calcutta till her death in 1920.
It is said that Ma Sarada was a manifestation of Annapurna, who could provide any amount of food to feed everyone.
A disciple once asked Ma if she knew her real nature, Ma replied, ?How can I always remember my true nature? That would put an end to my normal work. And could I do all these duties?? She added by way of clarification, ??even in the midst of my various activities, whenever I wish, I can understand by the slightest effort that all this is the mere play of Mahamaya!?
Written by the former Head, Department of English, Osmania University, and one who was closely associated with the movement of Ramakrishna-Sarada-Vivekananda Vedanta since childhood, this book will prove a source of inspiration for those who want to reach the lofty ideals of compassionate living, doing and giving.
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