In 1926, a devotee reportedly had a dream in which she was asked to bring a young calf to Sri Ramana Maharshi. Soon after, she arrived at the ashram with a calf on a Friday, traditionally associated with Goddess Lakshmi.
The calf was named Lakshmi. From then on, Lakshmi became a familiar and much-loved presence at Sri Ramana Ashram in Tiruvannamalai. Every morning, she would make her way to the hall and approach Sri Ramana Maharshi, often placing her head at his feet. Even when devotees tried to move her away, she would return to him.
Sri Ramana, according to accounts from devotees, treated Lakshmi with great affection and would not allow her to be disturbed.
One of the most remembered stories about Lakshmi took place when she was pregnant.
Sri Ramana was reading when Lakshmi approached him and began licking the newspaper he was holding. Instead of moving her away, he reportedly put the newspaper aside, gently held her head and placed his forehead against hers.
The two remained together quietly for some time. When devotees later asked Sri Ramana what had happened, he reportedly described Lakshmi as being in a deep meditative state. For devotees, moments such as this reflected the unusual bond between the spiritual teacher and the animal who had become a beloved part of the ashram.
“Lakshmi attained Mukti”
Lakshmi passed away on June 18, 1948. She was buried at the ashram with funeral rites, and her samadhi remains at Sri Ramana Ashram. Her epitaph carries a deeply meaningful message:
“The cow Lakshmi attained Mukti - Liberation.”
When someone reportedly asked Sri Ramana whether the word “Mukti” was being used symbolically, he is said to have replied that it meant exactly what it said , liberation.
For devotees, this became an important part of Lakshmi’s story: the belief that spiritual liberation is not limited to human beings.
Sri Ramana Maharshi was known for his teachings on the unity of all life, and devotees regarded Lakshmi as a highly evolved soul whose devotion and surrender brought her closer to liberation.
Was Lakshmi connected to Keerai Pati?
There is also a lesser-known belief among some devotees that Lakshmi may have been connected to Keerai Pati, an elderly woman devotee who lived on Arunachala and was associated with Sri Ramana's early years there.
Keerai Pati was known for preparing food for Sri Ramana, and some devotees believed that Lakshmi may have been connected to her in a previous birth.
However, this was never confirmed by Sri Ramana. He is said to have spoken affectionately about both women, remarking that when Keerai Pati came, abundance came, and when Lakshmi came, the ashram began to grow.
Whether viewed as a spiritual connection or simply a beautiful story passed down through generations, Lakshmi remains one of the most cherished figures associated with Sri Ramana Ashram.
Today, devotees visiting Tiruvannamalai can visit Lakshmi’s samadhi at the ashram and remember the story of a cow who, in the eyes of her devotees, became a symbol of unconditional devotion, surrender and divine grace.
Source : sriramanasramam , Sri Ramana Maharshi
You may be interested in
Indian Wedding Forehead Netti Pattam & Hand Wrist Pattam Gold Plated Traditional Bridal Ceremony Set
Royal Heritage Embroidered Anarkali Gown for Women | Premium Festive Wear by RANGOLI BAZAAR
Ethnic Retro Corful Peacock Jhumka Earrings Womens Indian Jewelry Flower Gold Bell Tassel White Pearl Earrings
Ready stock lotus design indian saree
