Sree Taradevi was born on the 20th of July 1930 as the daughter of Smt. Rajivi and Shri K. Padmanabha Shenoy. The latter was Divine Mother Ramadevi's brother. When Taradevi was about one year old, she was playing outside the house with the neighbour's daughter. Just then, a sannyasin appeared and looking at the child, predicted that at the age of 13, a divine touch would grant her a spiritual experience and then onwards her life would be dedicated to God. He also added that her father would try his best to wean her away from the spiritual path but all his efforts would be in vain. Hearing these words of the sannyasin the father rushed out of the house but the holy man just disappeared! Sore at heart, the father decided that he would never allow the prediction to come true. He therefore kept the little Tara away from Divine Mother.
Thus it came to pass that Taradevi saw Divine Mother for the first time when she was 6 years old. But the recognition of Divine Mother's divinity was instantaneous. She right away addressed Her as Deva, God. Never did she look upon Divine Mother as her aunt. The father was very upset and he redoubled his efforts to keep the child away from Divine Mother.
But inscrutable are the ways of God. When Taradevi turned 13, there was a wedding in the family. Since Taradevi's parents were ill, they sent her to attend the wedding. For the first time her father seemed to have forgotten about the prophecy.
At the wedding, Taradevi met Divine Mother. That night, a casual touch of Divine Mother, sent Taradevi's mind soaring into the realm of spirituality. For four days she was unaware of her body. She began to have various visions of gods and goddesses and their divine abodes. In that transcendental state, she started describing what she saw. Those around her were amazed at her words. The event foretold by the sannyasin was actually happening!
When Taradevi's father heard of this he was furious. He rushed to take her back home. But she had transcended body consciousness and was unaware of his presence. Finally Divine Mother brought her back to the awareness of this world and sent her away with her father.
The years that followed were full of tests and trials for the young Taradevi. But her heart and mind were engrossed in her beloved Deva.
At the age of 24, as per the wish of Divine Mother, Taradevi was married to Dr. K.V.Srinivasa Pai, the son of Dr. Vittaldas and Leelavathy Pai, who were disciples of Divine Mother. The marital life of this couple was one of dedication to the cause of Divine Mother. At Ahmednagar, where they were living, Taradevi formed a mandali of devoted souls by telling them about Divine Mother and also teaching them to sing bhajans.
In 1966, Divine Mother's health suffered a serious setback. Dr. Pai and Taradevi brought Her to their home in Ahmednagar and nursed Her back to health. Later when the headquarters of the central mission of Divine Mother came up at Mangalore, this couple accompanied Mother to serve Her cause.
In 1978, Divine Mother decided to wind up Her earthly sojourn. She had already indicated that Taradevi should be Her spiritual successor. On the 1st of November, just a few hours before She left Her mortal coil, Divine Mother imparted the the Sharana Mantra to Taradevi and Dr. Pai for the welfare of the world.
Soon after the departure of Divine Mother from this saguna form, a change came over Taradevi. She began to think and act just like Divine Mother. Even her physical form underwent a transformation and she began to look exactly like Divine Mother! It was as if Taradevi had disappeared and only Divine Mother remained. The bhavas of various divinities began to manifest in her. The devotees were in a sea of bliss at having got back Divine Mother Herself in flesh and blood.
The two and a half years that followed were a flood of Divine grace. Mother Taradevi visited various centers along with her consort who the devotees began to address as Bhagawan. Everywhere she brought about an awakening in the hearts of the devotees about the divinity of their Guru and Her continuing ministry. This was something unheard of in the annals of spirituality.
Then after handing over her responsibilities to Sree Bhagawan, Mother Taradevi shed her mortal coil and merged herself in the Infinite on the 4th of September 1981.
