After fulfilling his mission, Vivekananda prepared to depart from this world by relinquishing his responsibilities, mainly to Brahmananda and Saradananda. When Sister Nivedita asked for some advice about her school, Vivekananda wrote her back on 12 February 1902: “In a previous letter, I have written you what little I had to suggest… . I recommend you none — not one — except Brahmananda. That ‘Old Man’s’ [Sri Ramakrishna’s] judgements never failed — mine always do. If you have to ask my advice or to get anybody to do your business, Brahmananda is the only one I recommend, none else, none else; with this my conscience is clear.”
Vivekananda had tremendous faith in Brahmananda’s loyalty. He would say: “Others may desert me, but Raja will stand by me till the last.” Vivekananda passed away on 4 July 1902. Brahmananda cried like a child over his body. When Saradananda lifted him up, Brahmananda said: “It is as if the whole Himalayan Mountains have disappeared from before my eyes!” (Source: God Lived with Them)