Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1836–1886) is a revered saint of 19th-century Bengal, regarded as an incarnation of the divine by his followers. His life exemplified the harmony of religions and the universality of spiritual experience. Born as Gadadhar Chattopadhyay in Kamarpukur, he served as a priest at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, where his intense devotion to the goddess Kali led to profound mystical experiences. According to the *Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna*, he practiced various paths including Tantra, Vaishnavism, Advaita Vedanta, Islam, and Christianity, each time realizing the same ultimate reality.

His teachings emphasized that all religions are valid paths to God, a message that resonated in a pluralistic society. The *Ramakrishna Kathamrita* records his parables and dialogues, highlighting his simple, direct wisdom. Iconographically, he is depicted in a simple white dhoti, often in an ecstatic mood with a serene, blissful expression, sometimes seated with his consort Sarada Devi or his disciples. His principal myths include his vision of Kali as a living goddess and his realization of non-duality under the guidance of the Advaita monk Totapuri.

Regional worship is centered in West Bengal, especially at Dakshineswar and the Ramakrishna Math headquarters in Belur. The Ramakrishna Math and Mission, founded by his disciple Swami Vivekananda, propagate his ideals worldwide. In Hindu cosmology, Ramakrishna is seen as a modern avatar who demonstrated that divine realization is attainable in the present age. His festivals include Ramakrishna Jayanti and Kali Puja, celebrated with devotion across India and globally.

Depicted in a simple dhoti, often in ecstatic mood. Serene, blissful expression. Sometimes shown with Kali or his disciples.