172nd Birth Anniversary of Mata Sarada Devi
AVS
Today December 22,
172nd birth anniversary of Mata Sarada Devi!
(Birth: December 22, 1853
Samadhi: July 20, 1920, Kolkata)
Who was Mata Sarada Devi?
Sarada Devi was the spiritual companion of Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Her name before marriage was Saradamani Mukhopadhyay. For Paramahamsa and his disciples, she was lovingly known as “Mata.” She played a very important role in the growth of the Ramakrishna Mission.
Sarada Devi was born in 1853 at Jayarambati in Bengal. In 1859, according to the customs of that time, five-year-old “Mata” was married to Shri Ramakrishna, who was then 22 years old. After the marriage, both returned to their respective homes. Later, in 1871, after attaining maturity, Sarada Devi came to Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa along with her relatives. She firmly believed that Kali Mata protected her from all hardships during this journey. Until the Mahasamadhi of Shri Ramakrishna Deva, Sarada Devi looked after all his needs and responsibilities. After his passing, she guided and led the activities of the Math.
Saradamani was born on December 22, 1853, into a Brahmin family in West Bengal. Her father, Ramachandra Mukhopadhyay, was a priest and a farmer, and her mother was Shyamasundari Devi. It is believed that the couple had received indications beforehand that a divine child would be born to them. Saradamani grew up listening to mythological stories and Hindu epics. She did not receive formal primary education. She spent her childhood worshipping Eeswara, helping her mother with household work, and lovingly caring for her siblings.
During the famine of 1864, Saradamani was always attentive to feeding the hungry. Sarada Devi practiced Eeshwaropasana daily with deep devotion, seeing the Divine in the form of the Mother. On July 20, 1920, Shri Sarada Devi attained Samadhi.
To the disciples and devotees of Shri Ramakrishna, including Vivekananda Swami, and to Bhagini Nivedita, Mata Sarada Devi was a loving mother and a guiding light.
Pranamams at the sacred feet of Shri Sarada Devi!
With love,
Aarsha Vidya Samajam