Sarada Devi (1853 – 1920) endearingly known as ‘Holy Mother’, the spiritual consort of Sri Ramakrishna whom she was promised to at age 5. Sri Ramakrishna looked upon Sarada Devi as a special manifestation of Divine Mother of the universe. In 1872, on the night of the Phala-harini-Kali-puja, he ritualistically worshipped Sarada Devi as the Divine Mother, thereby awakening universal Motherhood latent in her. When disciples began to gather around Sri Ramakrishna, Sarada Devi learned to look upon them as her own children.
Sarada Devi was a spiritual giant in her own right and yet, in her simple and unassuming way, she served Ramakrishna and his disciples for many years. After Ramakrishna’s passing away, she carried on his religious ministry, serving as guide and inspiration of the new spiritual movement.
Sri Sarada Devi promoted the education and economic independence of women. Through her example of unconditional love, she teaches us that we can love all of God’s creation, including plants and animals. Sri Sarada Devi’s life and teachings demonstrate the ideal of the universal motherhood of God.
