Sri Sarada Devi

(1853-1920)

Prayer to Sri Sarada Devi
by Swami Abhedananda (Monastic disciple of Sri Ramakrishna)

Jananîm shâradâm devîm, râmkrishnam jagat gurum,
Pâda padme tayoh shritvâ, pranamâmi muhur muhuh

"Taking shelter at the feet of Sri Sarada Devi, the universal Mother, and Ramakrishna the teacher of the world, I salute them again and again."

Born into a pious family, it was evident from Sri Sarada Devi's early years that she was a picture of purity. Sri Ramakrishna himself chose the young Sarada as his bride.

She later joined him at Dakshineswar whence began her training and discipleship. Sri Sarada Devi's days were filled with cooking for the Master and his many devotees, cleaning and washing, all the while performing endless japa. Her role was to aid Sri Ramakrishna along the spiritual path and the Master always maintained an attitude of profound respect towards her as his spiritual counterpart. During the Shodasi Puja, Sri Ramakrishna invoked the divine presence in her, thus manifesting the Eternal Mother of the Universe in her. She lived the life of a simple village woman, devoid of all external grandeur and yet she was the storehouse of wisdom and the embodiment of purity and love. Her life displayed the highest ideal of womanhood, that is, Motherliness. She looked on all, from the untouchable sweeper and robber to the seniormost Swamis, as her children. Her motherly heart responded with sympathy and affection to whoever went to her calling 'Mother' and seeking refuge. In later years, Sri Sarada Devi undertook pilgrimages to Brindavan and Rameswaran, among other holy places.

After the Master's passing, she took up the leadership of the spiritual movement that he had inaugurated. Spiritual giants as they were, Sri Ramakrishna's direct disciples, led by Swami Vivekananda, always took Holy Mother's consent before making any decisions. Even in her last days, she guided and inspired many on the spiritual path. In her we see a unique combination of roles as perfect wife, nun, mother and teacher, all at the same time.

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