We come to a street that is crowded on both sides with stalls carrying everything of religious pictures and instruments. Red and white, gold and orange colors are festive reminders displayed in the stalls that are filled with devotional paraphernalia. We crept through the gates and parked, then walked some distance in the tropical sun on our way to the Kali Temple.
This Kali Temple complex was to be home and witness of the great spiritual master Ramakrishna Paramhansa. The teachings of this God-man can be read in the Gospel of Ramakrishna by Master Mahasaya, of whom Master so lovingly wrote about in the Autobiography as the Blissful Devotee and his Cosmic Romance; Chapter 9. I have read the Gospel many times and I can pick it up and start reading anywhere; it truly is a Gospel. Master also had the vision of the Divine Mother here when he came with his sister in response to her plea to help reform her husband.
Entering the Temple grounds is a reminder of the times we live in as metal detectors, dogs and guards seek out detection of any non-devotional materials upon your person. Entering into the compound we come to the main Kali Temple. The devotion of the Hindu is really wonderful to see. Armed with flowers and contributions of money the devotees wait patiently in the sun for a glimpse of the terrifying deity.
Kali is perhaps one of the most difficult icon-mysteries to penetrate. Bloody extended tongue, wearing skulls and wielding a sword, she is fierce. Decapitating the head and wearing it is symbolic of the death of the ego, but one must steadfastly be willing to enter her killing grounds to go beyond the awful exterior and discover the beautiful universal Divine Mother who resides within the fearsome exterior.
We view the deity that Ramakrishna worshiped. She is indeed a wonderful image of God in an extensive sea of icons of Hindu images. We move on to another temple within the complex. Here is the black faced Krishna and Radha that Ramakrishna originally served as a priest. Both Carla and I felt tremendous power, Shakti, emanating from this beautiful image of Krishna standing with flute in hand and lustrous eyes.
Who can explain how an image of stone, metal and cloth can become a Source of divine Shakti? However, what I can say is that I have experienced the reality of this power on several occasions where an image, a picture or a place will evoke a powerful spiritual experience. A person, place or image can indeed become a source of blessing for those who are attuned to its vibrations. For us this Krishna and Radha radiates this power and we were blessed in its Grace. We toured the multiple temples with Shiva Lingas, and then down to the Ganges for some water on the feet and on top of the head.
Then we enter the room where Ramakrishna lived for so many years in the corner of the Temple complex. I have been here once before fifteen years previous. I remember at the time yearning to spend more time there; however circumstances did not allow it then. As we enter we find a place to sit with other devotees wrapped in devotion.
Although as a large white man sitting amongst many Indians I may appear to be different, I do not think there are any in the room who feel greater devotion for this great God-man than I. I am reminded of when Papa Ramdas came to this room and rolled on the floor in ecstasy as the doorman watched in amazement. I am filled with such bliss and inner communion with this great God-man. This time I drink deeply of the ambrosia of this room, this temple and the heartfelt gratitude I have for the tremendous sadhana Ramakrishna embarked upon while living here and the great realization he attained.
After drinking of the bliss-amrita to my heart’s content this time, we then wander over to the Panchavati, where Ramakrishna went through great tapasya in order to realize God. This unlettered man from a small village in a remote part of Bengal was the most unlikely personality to become known all over the world and to inspire future generations to lives of seva, self-less service through the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Mission. Who can understand the vagaries of Grace and where and when a great soul will erupt upon the world scene to change it in such profound ways? It is indeed a mystery that confounds the puny intellect of humankind.
Having had our fill of blessings we head back to Kolkata and a little time to digest all that we have received. What joy is ours, what purification we feel, what gifts of Spirit to transmit to one and all! Victory to God, His masters and to the eternal Light of Spirit!