ABSTRACT
Sri Ramakrishna, who was born in 1836 at Kamarpukur, had shown, since early childhood, an intense longing for the realization of God. While Sarada was growing up in the rural environment of Jayrambati, there was unfolding at Dakshineshwar, near Calcutta, a drama of great spiritual significance, in whose dénouement Sarada later played a vital part. In May 1859 Sri Ramakrishna was married to Sarada at Jayrambati. Sri Ramakrishna was then twenty-three years old and Sarada slightly over five. Early marriage for a Hindu girl, especially one living in a village, was not then uncommon. Sri Ramakrishna knew that in later years Sarada Devi would act as a spiritual teacher, and he taught her about the unsubstantial nature of the world, and its woes and sorrows. Sri Ramakrishna had a sweet musical voice and a remarkable memory, and was besides a fine actor. The ladies of the family forgot their disappointment and were charmed with his mimicry.
