18 Facts About Subodhananda

Subodhananda, born as Subodh Chandra Ghosh, was a direct monastic disciple of Ramakrishna, the 19th-century saint and mystic from India.

Subodhananda played a pioneering role in establishing the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission.

Subodhananda was one of the first group of trustees of the Belur Math appointed by Vivekananda in 1901, and was afterwards elected treasurer of the Ramakrishna Mission.

Subodhananda was thus born in a well-to-do family in a religious environment conducive to the enquiry beyond material realm.

Subodhananda was impressed and decided to meet Ramakrishna, who resided in Dakshineswar temple.

Subodhananda was received very cordially by the saint, who asked him to visit him on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Towards the end of 1889, along with Brahmananda, Subodhananda went to Benaras where he practised austerities.

Subodhananda went to the Himalayas for spiritual quest, went as far as Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Subodhananda travelled to South India as far as Cape Comorin or Kanya Kumari.

Subodhananda was initially placed in charge of the management of the monastery in 1899.

Subodhananda was one of the first group of trustees of the Belur Math appointed by Vivekananda, and was later appointed as the treasurer.

Subodhananda would be found near sick beds nursing people, often at risk to his own health.

Subodhananda would beg money from others to help poor patients with diet and medicine.

Subodhananda helped many poor families with the money donated by devotees for his personal needs.

Subodhananda was self-reliant and did not accept personal service from others, even during his illness.

Subodhananda was an ardent follower of Vivekananda, and the latter loved him as well.

Subodhananda was childlike in his simplicity and unassuming in his behaviour.

Subodhananda was addicted lifelong to his morning cup of tea and when Ramakrishna was ill in his Cossipore garden house, the young Subodh prescribed tea as a remedy for his sore throat.