- ‘Why do you weep so bitterly?’ – Sri Ramakrishna
- “Victory to Ramakrishna” – Tejchandra Mitra
- “Still you doubt?” – Sri Ramakrishna
Tejchandra Mitra (1863-1912)—Lay disciple of the Master, M.’s pupil, resident of Baghbazar. Passed Entrance Examination after marriage. Enthusiastic about physical culture. In 1883 accompanied Hari Maharaj to Dakshineswar and met the Master there, and thereafter at Balaram Mandir. The Master, fond of him, told him that he would be pleased if Tejchandra practised meditation and prayer for he looked on him as his own (The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, p. 799). On the night of Phalaharini Kali Puja the Master took him to the shrine of Kali and bestowed his grace on him by touching his breast and tongue. Tejchandra used to visit Holy Mother with his wife. Once, after the demise of the Master, having lost some money entrusted to him and unable to find a way out of the predicament, he sat down on the bank of the Ganga and prayed desperately to the Master for help. Got back the money in a curious manner. Was cured of asthma by taking medicine given by a sadhu, following instructions received from the Master in a dream. Once while going by steamer to Belur Math to attend a festival, saved a boy who fell into the river by jumping after him. Died on 16.9.1912 at his residence at 75, Ramkanto Bose Street.
- ‘Why do you weep so bitterly?’ – Sri Ramakrishna
- “Victory to Ramakrishna” – Tejchandra Mitra
- “Still you doubt?” – Sri Ramakrishna
Tejchandra described his second visit to the Master as follows:
I did not find Hari at his house, so I went alone to Dakshineswar. The Master was pleased to see me. I don’t remember who was present there that day. It was Saturday. The Master took me to the southern veranda and put his finger on my chest and tongue.
Master: “Whom do you like as your Chosen Deity?”
I did not respond.
Master: “Oh, you don’t like to mention it. All right. (He pointed to Kali.) You like this deity. Isn’t that true?” I nodded my head and the Master gave me the mantra.
Later I said to the Master: “Sir, you have initiated me. But if my family guru is upset, will it not be harmful to me?”
Master: “Why? Take a mantra from him also. Or if you don’t want to take a mantra from him, then give him his usual fee.” The Master fed me well, and I returned home after spending the whole day at Dakshineswar.