~Sri Ramakrishna's boyhood portrayal of Lord Shiva~

[Guest guest]

Namaste, dear family!

Since we all seem to have MahaSivaratri on our minds, i thought it

would be an appropriate time to share the story of Sri Ramakrishna's

boyhood experience on one extra-special Sivaratri night. i am sure

many of you are already familiar with the story found in the

introduction of 'The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna by 'M' translated by

Swami Nikhilananda, original copyright 1942. Enjoy again, or for the

first time! :<) [*Sri Ramakrishna was called 'Gadadhar' in his youth].

 

'On the Sivaratri night, consecrated to the worship of Siva, a

dramatic performance was arranged. The principal actor, who was to

play the part of Siva, suddenly fell ill, and *Gadadhar was persuaded

to act in his place. While friends were dressing him for the role of

Siva--smearing his body with ashes, matting his locks, placing a

trident in his hand and a string of rudraksha beads around his neck--

the boy appeared to become absent-minded. He approached the stage

with slow and measured step, supported by his friends. He looked like

the living image of Siva. The audience loudly applauded what it took

to be his skill as an actor, but it was soon discovered that he was

really lost in meditation. His countenance was radiant and tears

flowed from his eyes. He was lost to the outer world. The effect of

this scene on the audience was tremendous. The people felt blessed as

by a vision of Siva Himself. The performance had to be stopped, and

the boy's mood lasted till the following morning.'

 

Jai Maa! Jai Swamiji! Jai Ramakrishna Deva!

muktimaa