Bhairavi Brahmani, also known as Yogeshwari, holds a significant place in the spiritual journey of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Her role as his tantric Guru is profound, as she initiated him into intense tantric disciplines at Dakshineshwara, near Kolkata. Dakshineshwara served as the spiritual abode for Sri Ramakrishna, where he established a sacred grove of five trees known as Panchavati.
Bhairavi Brahmani, a middle-aged and beautiful Bhairavi
Sannyasini with long disheveled hair, hailed from a Brahmin family in the
District of Jessore, Bengal. She possessed deep knowledge of Vaishnava and
Tantrika literature and was a devoted follower of Vaishnavism. Her intense
spiritual practices had endowed her with profound realizations, leading her to
seek out a worthy aspirant to transmit her spiritual attainments.
Sri Ramakrishna, with the innocence of a child, confided in
Bhairavi Brahmani, sharing every detail of his spiritual practices and
experiences. Despite being misunderstood by many as insane due to his
unconventional behavior, Bhairavi Brahmani reassured him with motherly
tenderness, recognizing his state as Mahabhava, an extraordinary state of
religious ecstasy described in the scriptures.
Initially, their bond grows rapidly, and the Brahmani
settles near Sri Ramakrishna to guide him spiritually. She witnesses his
profound spiritual experiences, akin to those of revered figures like Sri
Chaitanya. Believing Sri Ramakrishna to be an incarnation of the Divine, she
diagnoses his physical suffering of burning sensation in body not as an ailment
but as a manifestation of his intense longing for God. She prescribes a remedy
involving fragrant flowers and sandalwood paste, which astonishingly results in
his complete recovery within three days, affirming her belief in his divine nature.
Bhairavi Brahmani, convinced that Sri Ramakrishna was an
Incarnation of God, challenged scholars to debate. Mathur organized a meeting
with eminent scholars like Vaishnava Charan and Gauri Kanta Tarkabhushana.
Despite initial skepticism, both scholars eventually acknowledged Sri
Ramakrishna's divine nature. Vaishnava Charan fully supported the Brahmani's
conclusions, while Gauri Kanta Tarkabhushana confessed his conviction that Sri
Ramakrishna was a manifestation of infinite spiritual power. Thus, the scholars
who sought to test Sri Ramakrishna's authenticity ended up acknowledging his
greatness and surrendering to his spiritual influence.
During this period, Bhairavi Brahmani, deeply affectionate
towards Sri Ramakrishna, also fulfilled her spiritual duty by guiding him in
Tantric practices. Sri Ramakrishna, with his characteristic zeal, diligently
followed her instructions in Tantric Sadhana. The Brahmani would procure rare items
mentioned in Tantric scriptures from distant places during the day and then
guide Sri Ramakrishna in meditation at night. Following her guidance, he
worshipped Mother Kali and meditated, experiencing overwhelming divine fervor
and deep trance states. Sri Ramakrishna recounted a multitude of extraordinary
visions and tangible effects from these practices. The Brahmani led him through
the rigorous exercises outlined in the sixty-four principal Tantra books, some
of which were perilous and could lead practitioners astray morally. However,
Sri Ramakrishna credited his unscathed progress through these practices to the
boundless grace of the Divine Mother.
During a period of intense spiritual practice, Sri
Ramakrishna underwent numerous fiery trials, emerging spiritually strengthened
and firmly established at the highest level of spirituality. Bhairavi Brahmani
affirmed that he had achieved perfection in the system of Yoga, surpassing the
tests that few Sadhakas could endure. What set Sri Ramakrishna's Tantric
practice apart was his astonishing speed of progress—achieving perfection in
just three days, a feat unparalleled and exceptional. Furthermore, his mastery
contributed to the revival of the purity of ancient Tantric practices in the
contemporary era.
Under the Bel tree at Panchavati at Dakshineswar, Bhairavi Brahmani imparted
tantric disciplines to Sri Ramakrishna, guiding him along the path of spiritual
realization. Her teachings and guidance played a crucial role in shaping Sri
Ramakrishna's spiritual evolution, laying the foundation for his later
teachings and the establishment of the Ramakrishna Mission, which continues to
inspire seekers of truth around the world.