Ramakrishna (Dakshineswar)

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1836–1886) is venerated as a divine incarnation (avatara) by followers of the Ramakrishna movement, particularly at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Ramakrishna Math centers worldwide. His life and teachings, recorded in *The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna* (Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita), present a synthesis of bhakti, jnana, and karma yoga, emphasizing the harmony of all religions. Born as Gadadhar Chattopadhyay in Kamarpukur, West Bengal, he became a priest at the Dakshineswar temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. His intense devotion to Kali, often described as madhura bhakti, is central to his spiritual legacy.

According to the *Mahabharata* and *Devi Mahatmya*, the Goddess is the supreme reality; Ramakrishna realized this through direct vision and communion. His iconography depicts him in a simple dhoti, often in an ecstatic mood, with a serene and blissful expression, sometimes alongside Kali. He taught that the goal of human life is God-realization, which can be achieved through various paths. His consort, Sarada Devi, is revered as the Holy Mother and an embodiment of the Divine Mother.

Ramakrishna's principal myths include his vision of Kali as the universal mother and his experiments with different spiritual paths, including Tantra, Vaishnavism, and Advaita Vedanta, as described in the *Ramakrishna Kathamrita*. Regional worship traditions are strongest in West Bengal, especially at Dakshineswar, and in Ramakrishna Math centers globally. In Hindu cosmology, Ramakrishna is seen as an avatar who reestablished dharma in the modern age, echoing the role of avatars described in the *Bhagavata Purana*. His festivals include Ramakrishna Jayanti and Kali Puja, celebrated with great fervor at Dakshineswar and affiliated institutions.

The mantra "Om Ramakrishna Namah" is commonly chanted by devotees. His life exemplifies the unity of all religions, a theme that resonates with the Vedic declaration "Ekam sat, vipra bahudha vadanti" (Truth is one, sages call it by many names, Rigveda 1.164.46).

Depicted in simple dhoti, often in ecstatic mood. Sometimes with Kali. Serene, blissful expression.