On Day 8, we invoke Devi, Mahagauri. She is the symbol of eternal nurture and support. The disposition of Mahadurga is thus indistinguishable from Lokmata Rani Rashmoni – the founder of the historic Dakshineshwar Kali Temple in Kolkata.

By Sreejit Datta, Assistant Professor, Director of Civilisational Studies Practice & Resident Mentor at Rashtram.

The goddess’ incarnation as Mahagouri is to allay fear and relive one from suffering. She is the symbol of eternal nurture and suport – a goddess to be invoked at times of mortal distress. The disposition of Mahadurga is thus indistinguishable from Lokmata Rani Rashmoni – the founder of the historic Dakshineshwar Kali Temple in Kolkata.

A close aide and follower of the saint and mystic Ramakrishna, Rani Rashmoni had given unconditional support to the cause of building the Hindu spiritual society for as long as she lived. Rashmoni was a prestigious dowager with much influence in the contemporary Hindu society of Kolkata. She offered generously in philanthropic work including the construction of a roadway for pilgrims to Puri starting from the Subarnarekha River.

Her piousness and reverence for Hindu dharmic tradition led her to live an austere spiritual life despite being entitled to great riches and high societal status. Rashmoni is popularly designated as rani for her esteemed status and rightly remembered as lokmata -for her benevolent philanthropic works. The bountiful essence of the Devi Mahadurga has been running most strongly in her.