Kamalakanta Bhattacharya or Sadhaka Kamalakanta was a Bengali poet and yogi of India of the late 18th century. He followed the example of Ram Prasad in his poetry and lifestyle. His songs made him famous. Due to this the Maharaja of Bardhaman, Tej Chandra, asked him to be his Guru and appointed him as a court advisor. His songs made him famous during his lifetime. Kamalakanta was a great devotee of Goddess Kali and composed many impassioned and devotional love poems to the Mother.
Early Life of Kamalakanta Bhattacharya
Kamalakanta Bhattacharya was born in Burdwan district of West Bengal in 1769. His father was a Brahmin priest who died when Kamalakanta was a child. His mother struggled monetarily but she managed to send Kamalakanta to higher learning. Kamalakanta was a bright student, studying Sanskrit and showing an early talent for poetry and music. He received the sanctified yarn and was encouraged to start religious practice by Chandra Shekhar Goswami. From an early age he conveyed an interest in religious studies and later in life he received beginning into Tantric Yoga from a Tantric yogi named Kenaram Bhattacharya. Legends of Kamalakanta Bhattacharya
Two legends of Kamalakanta Bhattacharya are widely famous. Once, Maharaja of Burdwan asked him to show full moon in "Amavasya" but Kamalakanta was able to show a dazzling full moon to Maharaja. Another legend goes that once Maharaja had asked if Kamalakanta can show that the idol of Kali whom he worships as his mother is alive or not. Kamalakanta took a prickle of Bel and softly pricked the feet of the idol of Mother Kali and then held a bel leaf under the wound. Gradually blood came out of the spot. That idol is still worshipped now in Burdwan. Grand festivals are arranged every year in that temple during Kali puja.
Career of Kamalakanta Bhattacharya
Kamalakanta started a small school as an addition to his work as a Brahmin priest in order to hold up his family. Maharaja of Bardhaman, Tej Chandra, asked Kamalakanta to be his Guru and appointed him as a court advisor.
Literary Works of Kamalakanta Bhattacharya
Kamalakanta"s poems display the brave attitude, pleading Kali to destroy limitations and oppression. The poetry of Kamalakanta also demonstrates a deep faith in Kali. His poems were later on sung by spiritualist Sri Ramakrishna. Many of Kamalakanta"s songs are recorded in The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. Following are some of the lines from his works:
The earth quakes under your leaps and bounds.
You are frightful with that sword in your hand.
Death of Kamalakanta Bhattacharya
Kamalakanta Bhattacharya died in the year of 1821.
