Sadhvi Saudamini
Sadhvi Saudamini | |
|---|---|
 Sadhvi Saudamini | |
| 4th Maharani of House of Dar | |
| In office 1893 (Official recognition six years after marriage) – 21 August 1922 | |
| Preceded by | Rani Elokeshi Devi |
| Succeeded by | Rani Amiyabala, Princess of Hatkhola State |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Saudamini Ghosh February 24, 1877 Jalpaiguri, Bengal Presidency, British India |
| Died | August 21, 1922 (aged 45) Bhawanipur, Calcutta, British India |
| Relatives | Jogesh Chandra Ghosh (brother) |
Sadhvi Saudamini (24 February 1877 – 21 August 1922) was a Bengali spiritual ascetic, writer, and the fourth Maharani of the Dar family. She established devotion to one's husband (Patibhakti) as a distinct ideal of spiritual practice and interpreted domestic life as a path to God-realization.[1][2][3][4]
Early life and marriage
Saudamini was born on 24 February 1877 in Jalpaiguri. Her father, Gopal Chandra Ghosh, was a judicial Munsif and a tea garden owner, and her mother was Dakshinakali Devi. She was the sister of Jogesh Chandra Ghosh, a physician and the founder of Sadhana Aushadhalaya and Gopalpur Tea Company.[1][5]
In 1887, she was married to Mohini Mohan Dhar, a jurist who later became the Dewan and judge of Mayurbhanj State and the fourth title-holder King of Dar State and had 4 children and 4 grand-children including Manojit Mohan Dhar. Although their marriage took place in 1887, Saudamini was officially granted the status of Maharani in 1893. It is mentioned in texts that this recognition was delayed due to the initial reluctance of the King. However, even before the marriage, Saudamini had mentally accepted him as her lord and guru.[6]
Spiritual life and philosophy
The spiritual life of Sadhvi Saudamini was primarily founded upon two core ideals.[7][8]
- Devotion to husband (Patibhakti) — She considered her husband as the 'Pati-Guru' (husband-guru) and a living embodiment of God. According to her, devoted service to one's husband was the highest means of worshipping God. Her brother, Kedarnath Ghosh, noted that she would not eat until her husband had eaten and would stay awake late into the night to serve him.[9]
- Chanting the Divine Name (Namasadhana) — She believed that the continuous chanting of the twenty-one names of Sri Hari was the finest medium for self-purification and attaining God in the Kali Yuga.[10]
In 1897, her son Dhirendra Mohan Dhar fell seriously ill with osteitis. According to traditional accounts, when medical treatment failed to yield results, their spiritual guru, Atmadhar Paramahansadev, directed that the child be bathed in cold water. Saudamini accepted the child's subsequent recovery as a divine grace, after which she dedicated herself even more deeply to spiritual pursuits.[11]
Literary works
Saudamini stayed in London for a long period due to her husband's official duties. During her stay abroad, she experienced many spiritual visions and realizations, which later found a place in her writings.[12]
- Swapna (The Dream) is a collection of her spiritual dreams. Among these, a notable dream describing a game of 'Harinam Pasha' (dice of the divine name) played with dice inscribed with the names of God is described.[13]
- Prarab-Gatha is a collection of prayers, poems, and devotional songs, many of which were composed during her stay abroad.[14]
Later life and death
Towards the end of her life, Saudamini suffered from cancer of the tongue. She underwent surgery in London for her treatment. Although she eventually lost her speech due to severe physical pain, she continued to express her spiritual thoughts through writing and gestures.[15]
She died on 21 August 1922 in Bhawanipur in the presence of her husband and son. Her last rites were later performed on the banks of the Ganges amidst the singing of Harinam Sankirtan.[15]
Bibliography
- Ghosh BL, Nabakrishna (1933). Sadhvi Saudamini (in Bengali). 34 Mechuabajar Street, Calcutta: Metcuff Printing Works.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
References
- 1 2 Ghosh 1950, p. 1.
- ↑ Deba, Citrā (1984). Antaḥpurera ātmakathā (in Bengali). Ānanda. p. 155. ISBN 978-81-7066-547-2.
- ↑ Sengupta, Subhodh Chandra; Basu, Anjali, eds. (January 2002). "Jogesh Chandra Ghosh". Samsad Bangali Charitabhidhan (Bibliographical Dictionary) (in Bengali). Kolkata: Shishu Sahitya Samsad. p. 445. ISBN 81-85626-65-0.
- ↑ Ghosh, Nabakrishna (1933-09-13). Sadhvi Saudamini (in Bengali). Calcutta: Metcuff Printing Work.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ↑ Banglar Jamidari Rajyo (The Zamindari States of Bengal). Shri Shishir Ghosh, B.L. 1950. Calcutta: Hendon Printing, 14, Mechhuabazar, Beadon Street. Pages 97–98.
- ↑ Ghosh 1950, pp. 13–14.
- ↑ Ghosh 1950, pp. 138–145.
- ↑ Bhaṭṭācārya, Haṃsanārāẏaṇa (1987). Baṅgasāhityābhidhāna (in Bengali). Phārmā Keelaema.
- ↑ Ghosh 1950, pp. 138–142.
- ↑ Ghosh 1950, pp. 142–145.
- ↑ Ghosh 1950, pp. 143–145.
- ↑ Ghosh 1950, pp. 198–201.
- ↑ Ghosh 1950, pp. 198–199.
- ↑ Ghosh 1950, pp. 199–201.
- 1 2 Ghosh 1950, pp. 211–216.