About Maa (As Narrated by Her Mother)
When Maa was at her tender age of three months old, her mother put her to sleep and went about her daily household chores. Hailing from a well-to-do Bengali conservative family, Maa was raised with traditional values. In their home, maids were not allowed to care for children; instead, elderly family members took on that responsibility. On an auspicious morning, Pisimoni (the aunt) had been engaged in a conversation and arrived late to check on Maa. Since the baby was asleep, the household remained undisturbed in the peaceful early hours.
When Pisimoni finally entered Maa’s room, she let out a scream and fainted. The commotion drew others attention to the scene, especially Maa’s mother. Once Pisimoni regained her senses, she described witnessing a massive serpent with a fully expanded hood, seemingly shielding the baby as sunlight streamed in through the window, casting its glow on Maa’s face.
In 1976, Kolkata had many lush green properties where spotting snakes was a common occurrence. However, the idea of an ethereal serpent protecting a baby was unheard of. A thorough search was conducted, yet no trace of the snake could be found.
Not long after, Maa’s mother also witnessed the serpent guarding her child on two more occasions whenever Maa was left unattended, even briefly.