Purnachandra Ghosh (1871 ? – 1913)—Born in a distinguished family of Simulia in Calcutta, son of Rai Bahadur Dinanath Ghosh, a high-ranking government official, and Krishnakamini belonging to the family of Balaram Basu. Under the guidance of M. had visited the Master at Dakshineswar (1885) at the age of 13/14 years when a student of Class III, an instant rapport being established between them. Of the Master’s band of devotees of the inner circle, he was the last to arrive, the Divine Mother having said to the Master, “With this the coming of those of whom you have had vision is complete. No one else of this class will come in future” (Sri Ramakrishna, the Great Master, Vol. II, p. 699).The Master told the devotees, “Purna is a part of Narayana and a spiritual aspirant possessing a high degree of Sattva … immediately below Naren” (Ibid., p. 899). Since that day Purna’s mental state underwent a change. Tears of bliss ran down his eyes, he became calm and withdrawn. Thereafter the Master was very eager to see him often and feed him (Ibid). He would weep to see him and whenever he went to Calcutta, sent word to him to see him. Asked by the Master as to Purna’s idea of him, the latter had replied, “You are the Divine Lord, God himself” (Ibid., p. 900). The Master blessed him, initiating him with a powerful mantra. Purna was designated by the Master as belonging to the class of “Ishwarakoti”. For frequenting Dakshineswar and ignoring parental disapproval was withdrawn from M.’s school but Purna continued to meet the Master secretly at houses of other devotees. On a sudden visit to M.’s residence, one night the Master sent for Purna and imparted spiritual instructions to him (The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, pp. 912-13). Once Purna having had food at Nahabat the Master advised the Holy Mother to offer him one full rupee (16 annas) after the meal. Himself wiped away the sweat on Purna’s face with his own cloth. After Purna had had refreshments the Master personally held water at his lips, and washing his hands, offered him “supari and elchi” (Antyalila, 1.10).
After the Master’s passing, circumstances compelled Purna to marry but he always maintained a secret spiritual life. To prevent his associating with brother disciples and embracing monastic life, besides his early marriage his father ensured his employment in the Revenue Department of Government of India, being posted at Delhi or Simla. Whenever at Calcutta, visited Belur Math and Balaram Mandir regularly. Cordial relations with Swami Vivekananda and others. For some time (1907) Secretary of Vivekananda Society. Contributed articles to the Brahmavadin. Offered felicitations to Mme. Calve on behalf of Vivekananda Society upon her arrival in Calcutta (1910/11). The Master had forecast a short life for him if in the midst of domesticity. Critically ill at the age of 35/36, died after prolonged illness on 16.11.1913. When very ill and out in the verandah alone one night, being dizzy, was about to fall when the Master appeared and helped him to bed. Wife and younger brother disciples of Holy Mother. The Udbodhan published an article on him by Kumudbandhu Sen, “Purnachandra” in two instalments (49.6, 7).