The power in God’s name is immense

Kalipada Ghosh, who later became a famous devotee of Sri Ramakrishna, was living a fairly comfortable life. But, he was given to excessive drinking and tormented his wife very much. Seeking relief from this his wife came to Sri Ramakrishna having heard about his great spiritual qualities. But, Sri Ramakrishna sent her to Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi stating that it is she who has all miraculous powers. After the wife of Kalipada went back and forth a few times, the Holy Mother having pity on her wrote the name of Mother Kali on a bilva leaf and gave it to her stating that this would help her find a solution. Some 12 years later Kalipada came to meet Sri Ramakrishna along with his bohemian friend Girish Chandra Ghosh who was a great devotee of Sri Ramakrishna. As soon as he saw Kalipada, Sri Ramakrishna remarked that this person has come after tormenting his wife for 12 years. Kalipada was stunned. Sri Ramakrishna asked him, “what do you want”. Jokingly and with arrogance Kalipada asked whether he could give him some wine. But, Sri Ramakrishna was not to be undone. He asked him whether he would prefer a local brand or an imported wine. Kalipada was tempted and preferred the imported wine. But, Sri Ramakrishna told him that he could give him such a wine that he would remain intoxicated all his life. Very eagerly Kalipada asked for it. Immediately Sri Ramakrishna touched him. Kalipada was so overwhelmed that he started weeping profusely. He went on weeping and nobody could stop him. After a long time, he somehow regained his composure and slowly left for his house. Thus began a new chapter in the life of Kalipada. Slowly he started coming more and more to Sri Ramakrishna as he felt an irresistible attraction for him. His life was so transformed that he became a great devotee of Sri Ramakrishna and became a great Sadhaka. Such is the power of God’s name.