20-09-2016 Tuesday
Holy Mother By Swami Nikhilananda: 238

In a Domestic Setting – 35

There is a village named Koalpara, about three miles from Jayrambati, which is closely associated with Holy Mother’s life. It is situated on the road to Vishnupur, where one takes the railway train for Calcutta. There lived at Koalpara a band of Holy Mother’s devotees, several of whom later renounced the world. An ashrama1 (1 A retreat for the practice of spiritual disciplines.) grew up there, which she often designated as her ‘parlour,’ and she rested there on her way to or from Calcutta. The inmates of the ashrama gave their help whenever the Mother had any construction work to be done or there was a religious festival in progress. They procured vegetables, ran errands for her, and were always at her service. She had a soft corner in her heart for them. A cottage was built for her at Koalpara where now and then she spent a long period of time. Many devotees visited her there. On the altar in the shrine she installed photographs of her Master and herself for daily worship. The inmates of the ashrama were, at the beginning, very much interested in the political movement for India’s freedom. Holy Mother advised them to concentrate on spiritual matters and follow in the footsteps of Sri Ramakrishna. She had many visions there. Gradually a charitable dispensary was established at Koalpara to distribute free medicines to the people of the neighbouring villages. One day the leader of the ashrama complained to Holy Mother that many people who could afford to pay took advantage of the dispensary and for their medicine free. He asked Holy Mother whether they should be given medicines which were really meant for the poor. She replied: ‘Whoever comes here to get free medicines should be considered poor. The door of this dispensary must be open to all.’

-------
Holy Mother - Being the Life of Sri Sarada Devi Wife of Sri Ramakrishna And Helpmate in his Mission By Swami Nikhilananda p: 145

Location: Bangalore