Golap-Ma (?-1924)—Golapsundari Devi (or Annapurna Devi), alluded to as the “grief-stricken Brahmin woman” (The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, p. 781, 788) and also as “the brahmin woman from Baghbazar” (Ibid., p. 822). Born in a brahmin family of North Calcutta and married to a poor brahmin who died young. Her only son also died young. Married her only daughter to a rich zamindar, Sourindra Mohan Tagore of Pathuriaghata, but when she also died prematurely, her mother was almost mad with grief. Taken to the Master at Dakshineswar by her neighbour Yogin-Ma (1885) where the Master assuaged her grief by placing his hand on her head. Visited him frequently thereafter and introduced by him to Holy Mother as her companion, stayed at the Nahabat off and on. The Master said to have advised Niranjan Ghosh, a devotee, to address her as “Golap-didi”, hence “Golap-Ma”. Called “Golap” by the Master and Holy Mother, became Mother’s most intimate associate and described by her as her “Jaya” with Yogin-Ma as her “Vijaya”. One day the Master visited the residence of her poor brothers, with whom she lived (6A, Nabin Sarkar Lane, Calcutta-3), with his followers causing Golap-Ma to be delirious with joy (Ibid., pp. 822-23). At Dakshineswar assisted Holy Mother with her household chores, serving the Master his meal etc. Once, the Master being very hungry at midnight, the Holy Mother cooked farina-pudding, carried to him by Golap-Ma who was astonished to find his body much larger than usual and while eating, a snake-like object in him snatching the food as soon as he put it in his mouth. Asked by the Master who was eating the food, she described it, the Kundalini Shakti which had awakened in him. Served the Master in many ways and blessed by divine visions. Cooked for him at Shyampukur in the absence of Holy Mother. Sang before him at Cossipore (Ibid., p. 953). After his demise kept Holy Mother’s constant company, her personal attendant, counselor and confidante. Straight forward and outspoken, often protected her from importunate devotees. Holy Mother’s comments, “Golap has attained the ultimate realization through japam… How pure her heart is, how noble!… This is her last birth” (The Gospel of Holy Mother). She also praised Golap-Ma’s versatility, “Golap’s handiwork is very neat and she is adept at all kinds of work. She used to make all the articles for the Master’s use. Also makes mosquito-curtains, pillows and pillow-cases for the devotees” (Ibid). She accompanied Holy Mother on most of her pilgrimages and to Kamarpukur, Jayrambati, Kailowar, Kothar and other places. Lived at the Udbodhan House with her where she managed the household. After the Holy Mother’s passing continued to live there and died there on 19.12.1924. The Master’s famous comment regarding the Holy Mother, “She is Sarada, Saraswati, come to disseminate knowledge”, had been addressed to Golap-Ma.