Sri Sri Maa Sarada Jayanti

Sri Sri Maa Sarada Jayanti, also known as the Holy Mother's birthday, is a significant day for followers of the Ramakrishna Mission and Ramakrishna Math. It commemorates the birth anniversary of Sri Sarada Devi, the wife and spiritual consort of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.

Significance of Sri Sri Maa Sarada Jayanti

Sri Sarada Devi played a pivotal role in the Ramakrishna Movement.  Here's why her birthday is celebrated with importance:

• Ideal of Divine Motherhood:  She is revered as the embodiment of the Divine Mother, symbolizing compassion, love, and spiritual guidance.
• Strength and Inspiration:  Despite facing challenging circumstances, she exemplified immense strength and became a source of inspiration for devotees, especially women, seeking spiritual enlightenment.
• Ramakrishna Mission:  After Ramakrishna's passing, Sri Sarada Devi played a crucial role in forming the Ramakrishna Mission, which focuses on social service and spiritual upliftment.

Celebrations

Sri Sri Maa Sarada Jayanti is observed on the exact day of her birth, which falls on the second day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing fortnight) in the Bengali month of Agrahayana (usually December). Devotees celebrate by:

• Special pujas:  At Ramakrishna Math centers and temples, pujas are dedicated to Sri Sarada Devi. Devotees offer prayers, flowers, and sacred articles.
• Bhajan and Kirtan:  Singing of devotional songs (bhajans) and hymns (kirtans) fills the atmosphere with devotion and joy.
• Spiritual discourses:  Swamis deliver lectures on the life and teachings of Sri Sarada Devi, highlighting her spiritual significance.
• Community service activities:  The day may also involve acts of charity and service to the community, reflecting Sri Sarada Devi's emphasis on social welfare.

Sri Sri Maa Sarada Jayanti is a time to honor Sri Sarada Devi's legacy and  seek her blessings for spiritual growth and a life of purpose.