Jayarāmbāṭi
By Swami Harshananda
The Jayarāmbāṭi village is situated in the Bankura district of West Bengal. It is 117 kms (73 miles) west of the metropolis Kolkata. It has now turned into a place of pilgrimage since it is the birth place of Śāradādevī,[1] the divine consort of Śrī Rāmakṛṣṇa Paramahansa (worshiped as incarnation of God).
The chief attraction of this place is the temple built on the spot of Śāradādevī's birth. It contains her beautiful marble idol. The original shrine was built in CE 1923 and expanded later in CE 1954. A prayer hall and marble idol was installed later on.
Celebrations at Rama-krishna Math[edit]
The Maṭh at Jayarāmabāṭī celebrates the festivals that include:
- Birthday of Śrī Rāmakṛṣṇa
- Birthday of Śāradādevi
- Birthday of Vivekānanda
- Durgāpujā in September/October
- Jagad- dhātrīpujā in November
Missions of Rama-krishna Math[edit]
Apart from preserving the old structures associated with Śāradādevī's life, the Rama-krishna Math and Mission which is now in charge of the temple, is conducting several rural welfare programs like running schools and a dispensary. The following are some of the places the devotee-pilgrims normally visit:
- The old and new houses where Śāradādevī lived
- The bathing ghāṭ at the rivulet Āmodar
- The temple of goddess Śirihavāhinī the mud at which place is said to have curative powers
- The villages Koalpārā and Śihor
References[edit]
- ↑ Śāradādevī lived in CE 1853-1920.
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore