Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1836–1886) was a highly revered 19th-century Indian mystic, saint, and spiritual master from Bengal. He is celebrated for his unique ability to explain profound spiritual truths in simple, rustic language using everyday parables. Early Life and Mystical Trances
Birth name: He was born Gadadhar Chattopadhyay into a very poor but deeply pious Brahmin family in the village of Kamarpukur, West Bengal.
Divine portents: Before his birth, his parents experienced mystical dreams and visions hinting at his divine nature.
First trance: At age six, the striking sight of white cranes flying against dark rain clouds plunged him into an overwhelming state of spiritual ecstasy.
Disinterest in school: He showed no interest in formal education, choosing instead to memorize religious hymns and serve wandering monks. The Priest of Dakshineswar