Maharaja Ramkrishnna of Nator (1748–1799) son of Rani Bhawani (1716-1794)
নাটোরের রাজা রামকৃষ্ণ (Natore)
Maharaja Ramkrishna of Nator (1748–1798)
Maharaja Ramkrishna of Nator (Bangladesh), also known as Ramkrishna Roy, ascended to the position of Jamindar-King of Nator Estate following the passing of his mother, the renowned Rani Bhabani. Notably, Rani Bhabani was appointed as the Jamindar of Nator by Bengal Nawab Alibardi Khan, and she was honored with the title ‘Rani’ by the Bengal Nawab. During the Palasi Battle, she supported Siraj-Ud-Dullah, leaving a significant mark on the region’s history.
Ramkrishna Roy, her son, received a comprehensive education in Vedic texts (Shastra) and Farshi literature, displaying an early inclination towards seeking the Divine Mother Kali (काली). His intellectual pursuits led him to engage with various scholars and Tantracharyas, resulting in a profound understanding of Tantra-Vedanta. He expressed his extensive knowledge of Tantra (तन्त्र) and Vedanta through his Bengali compositions of Kali Kirtan (काली कीर्तन).
Moreover, as a member of the royal family, he held intricate knowledge of politics and social dynamics, which, combined with his interactions with the Nawabs of Bengal and English officers, enabled him to articulate complex Vedic and Tantrik principles in a comprehensible manner for his listeners. His advocacy of the universal motherhood of Divinity unequivocally substantiates his claim of having a vision of the Divine Mother. His Tantrik discourse got enough attention from the Bengal Brahmins.
Maharaja Ramkrishna of Nator garnered popularity within the Brahmanical Society of Bengal and Kashi, with the Brahman Samaj of Kashi honoring him with the title “Mahasadhak.” His deep contemplative practices led to his mother and the people of Nator referring to him as ‘Mahasadhak,’ or ‘Param Hansha.’
Maharaja Ramkrishna of Nator’s Life as an Abadhut
During the third year of his Jamindari rule (1796), Maharaja Ramkrishna of Nator made the remarkable decision to surrender his royal title, opting instead to distribute his wealth to the impoverished. He embraced the life of an Abadhut (अवधूत) and sustained himself through Madhukari (मधुकरी) from five houses. His profound teachings about the Divine Mother attracted devoted followers who sought his wisdom, and he dedicated his days to serving and enlightening them.
The mendicant ‘king’ ceaselessly expounded upon Kali (काली), illuminating her nature and benevolence to all who would listen, regardless of their background. When engaging with educated listeners and Brahmins, he delved into the metaphysics and epistemic reality of Kali Tattva (काली तत्त्व). Notably, he once elucidated to a high-ranking Company officer that realizing one’s soul as Kali represents the ultimate truth for a seeker.
His compelling discourse led the Company officer to summon a Portuguese priest for a discussion. Maharaja Ramkrishna convincingly conveyed to the priest that Kali manifests in the trinitarian form: as the visible universe, the individual soul, and the vision (द्रष्टा-दृष्टि-दृश्य). Following this poignant exchange, the Abadhut (अवधूत) Paramhansha (परम् हंस) king emulated the ancient Ujjaini King Bhartrihari (राजा भर्तृहरि), immersing himself in deep Samadhi and never coming back (14th March 1799). He seamlessly merged his breath with his mind, then integrated his mind with consciousness, and ultimately united his consciousness with universal consciousness, becoming one with the Divine Mother.
In honor of his profound spiritual journey, the Brahmins of Nator reverently conducted the Jal Samadhi ceremony in the Barani River, solemnly bidding farewell to his mortal remains.
For more information about Maharaja Ramkrishna of Nator, you can visit the district of Natore site.
Image: The royal house of Nator King
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