Laxmimani Devi (1864-1926)—Daughter of Rameshwar Chattopadhyay, second elder brother of the Master. Born in parental home on the day of Saraswati Puja in February 1864, had two brothers, Ramlal and Shivaram. Attended the local primary school and shared her lessons at home with aunt Sri Sarada Devi. Married at the age of eleven to Dhanakrishna Ghatak of Goghat village who, having left in search of work after a day’s stay at Kamarpukur, disappeared forever. After twelve years Lakshmi performed the shraddha ceremony of her husband. Did not accept any share of husband’s property, never lived in his house. Upon hearing the news of her forthcoming wedding the Master had forecast her widowhood, declaring that she was an incarnation of Devi Shitala.
After a stay of three years at Kamarpukur moved to Dakshineswar and lived with the Holy Mother at Nahabat. The Master initiated her with Krishna mantra. After his passing, went on pilgrimages with Holy Mother, and returned to Kamarpukur. Did not befriend Holy Mother in the early days of her solitary sojourn there. Returned to Dakshineswar in 1905 and lived with Ramlal for ten years. A talented singer and dancer, skilled story-teller with a charming personality. Began initiating people and her disciples helped her build a house at Dakshineswar near the Ganga. Visited many centres of pilgrimage. Due to her fondness for Puri her disciples built a house for her there near the sea naming it Lakshmi Niketan, where she lived from 1924 and died on 24.2.1926. Known as Lakshmi-didi among devotees of the Order. In close circles was very entertaining. When Sister Nivedita entertained Holy Mother by imitating a lion, Lakshmi rode on her back as Goddess Jagaddhatri. Krishnachandra Sen Gupta, one of her disciples, wrote a biography of her.