ABOUT ANANDAMAYI MA, WHEN SHE WAS EIGHTEEN YEARS OLD
Her appearance at this time was also striking. She was slim and graceful, her long, black hair hung below her knees, and her tangible spiritual radiance evoked awe in all who saw her. Once, the new couple was invited to attend a celebration of Durga Puja. When Ma, who at that time was unknown to the local people, entered the gathering wearing a red saree, the people assembled there were awestruck and proclaimed, “Durga Herself has come into our midst,” and began making obeisance, by kneeling and touching their heads to the ground.
She soon became known as Ranga Didi and witnesses declared that when she came to the river bank, the area was lit up by her radiant, unearthly beauty. They observed that when she walked at night without a lantern, her body would be enveloped by a soft glow.