Naari Shakti : Rani Rashmoni, the Queen of Jaanbajaar, Kolkata.

Who doesn't know abt Dakshineshwar Kali temple and Sri RamKrishna Paramhamsa, the Great devotee of Ma Kali and Pujari at Dakshineswar Kali Mandir.

1n. But how many, outside Bengal know about Rani Rashmoni, the founder of Dakshineswar Kali Mandir!! Rani Ma who fought against social evils and her poor subjects.

2n. girl born in a Kaivarta (fisherman) family, married off to a rich Zamindar of Jaanbazar, Kolkata, at an age of 11; widowed in early Forties. Died at the age of just 48.

But there is much more to her, than just being a Bahu of a rich Zamindar family.

3n. She was a philanthropist, a business woman, highly religious, took interest in literature, Art and culture but above all, Rani Ma for her people. She was truely a mother for all her subjects.

4n. Her husband Rajchandra was very progressive and didn't confine her within the four walls. Instead, she was made partner in all his business ventures bcoz of her business acumen; and both of them amassed huge wealth together. Even today their descendants are enjoying it.

5n. Bcoz of her humble origin, she was highly compassionate abt the poor and made charity regularly.
She took keen interest in Art and Literature. She was highly inspired by Raja RamMohan Roy and raised her voice against Sati Pratha and child marriage.

6n. She had made huge charity to the Imperial library, now the National Library of India and the Hindu College, now the Presidency University.

7n. She took on the British, who were hampering the livelihood of the poor fishermen, helped them build their business. She took huge parts of river bank of River Hoogly on lease, and gave rights to the fishermen to fish there.

8n. Some of the Ghats built by Ranima are the Babughat, Ahiritola ghat and Nimtola ghat oldest burni g ghat in Kolkata).

Babughat.... built in memory of her late husband

9n. Once British soldiers attacked her palace, as she protested against taxation of the poor and also with a sinister plan to loot. The brave lady stood in the way with a sword with the guards, and fought the soldiers, driving them away and foiling their evil plot.

10n. As we all know she was the founder of the famous Dakshineswar Kali Mandir. That is another story, that many of you know.
Shall write another thread on tht later.

Dakshineswar Kali mandir

Disclaimer : all images taken from the Net.