Evolution of Mother Worship in India

The concept and practice of ‘Worship of God as Mother’ in India dates to antiquity. In the modern age, new vistas of this type of divine worship have been opened up with the advent of Sri Ramakrishna, whose life and spiritual practices have taught humankind not only to look upon God as Mother of the Universe, but also to realize Her as residing in the hearts of all and especially women. Ramakrishna’s divine consort, Sri Sarada Devi, was looked upon as a special manifestation of that Mother of the Universe and is literally adored by countless devotees.

The book traces the growth of this ideal as embodied in some of its well known women in Indian history and literature. Previously published as the third chapter of ‘Great Women of India’, by Prof. Dasgupta, it is thought that its relevance makes it expedient to publish it separately for wider dissemination on the Holy Mother’s 150th worldwide birth anniversary celebrations.