20-March-2012 (Tuesday)
Reminiscences of The Holy Mother!!!
SWAMI SATSWARUPANANDA - 05

Jnan Maharaj had not given up hope. Encouraged and inspired by him, I visited Jayrambati again that year during the Christmas holidays. This time too, we were allotted the outer room of Mother’s new residence. It was again Rammoy Maharaj who escorted me to Mother. On this occasion, however, after I had saluted Mother, her manner indicated that this time it would be better to go through with the initiation which had been put off on the previous occasion due to her indisposition. Mother’s attitude, unexpected as it was, elated me. Joyfully I prayed to her for initiation, and she fixed the very next day for the ceremony. Next morning, having bathed in Punya-pukur, I entered Mother’s room with a ***** feeling not experienced before. I had not been prepared for initiation and carried nothing at all with me. Empty-handed as I was, she seated me beside her in her room and initiated me into the great mantra. After the initiation, she even had me perform japa three times. At that moment, a strange curtain seemed to have lifted been lifted from before my eyes – mocha dvāra kapāta pātnakari, “She is one who opens the door leading to spiritual salvation.” I don’t know what Mother, the compassionate one, did, but as soon as I looked at her face, I saw in her the image of a goddess – the presiding deity of my Ishta-mantra. Three times I saw this. Noticing my startled gaze, Mother cried out, “What do you see, son? Whatever you see is truth.” Mother, ever gracious in compassion, removed the scales from my eyes and revealed her true self. Sarada, of infinite aspects, manifested that aspect which dispels fear and imparts assurance – varābhaya mūrti. Thrilled to the core, I was speechless with wonder and joy. Mother said to me, “Son, give me your offering.” But I had nothing at all with me. The she herself pointed at some fruit in one corner of the room and told me to bring one and give it to her. I offered her the fruit mechanically. This life was blessed, and this human birth found meaning! After saluting Mother, I left the room and marveled at what had just transpired.

(REMINISCENCES OF Sri Sarada Devi by Monastics, Devotees, and others - Compiled and Edited in Bengali by SWAMI PURNATMANANDA - Translated by MALOTI SEN GUPTA : P 71-72)

Location: Bangalore, India

Thank you again, Satwik for the fascinating story. I have been watching the pilgrimage video every night, sometimes more than once, and seeing your image of Mother reminded me that the 4 armed Goddess has some significance to Mother. I will watch again and see if I can catch the glimpse.

Yours ever,
Rosemary

Location: New Bern, NC

By Maa's grace you will certainly, Rosemary...
Yours in the Holy Mother,
Satwik

Location: Bangalore, India

Thank you very, very much, dear Brother!!

Here is what I am remembering about the 4 handed Goddess:

"The Bhanu Pishi House was the ancestral residence of Bhanu pishi ('aunt'), a companion of the young Sarada Devi, the spouse of the venerable Sri Ramakrishna of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission fame. It is said that Bhanu once saw a four-armed goddess in Ma Sarada Devi. The site of House is just outside the Ramakrishna Math and Mission complex in the village of Jayrambati, Bankura. Jayramba"

"...The ancestral house of Bhanu Pisi stood very near the Matri-Mandir (Mother’s Temple). She looked upon Holy Mother as Goddess Herself. In younger days Holy Mother often visited her for peace and solace when the villagers rumoured Sri Ramkrishna as her lunatic husband."

Jai Ma!!

Location: New Bern, NC