Upendra was a handsome young man with a fair complexion, bright eyes, and beautiful curly hair. He was also industrious and ambitious, and the pain of poverty tormented him. Upendra had no desire to marry, but Sri Ramakrishna knew a couple who had a dark-complexioned daughter named Habi and thought she would be a good wife for him. The Master did not like her name and suggested to her parents that they call her Bhavatarini, which is also the name of the Dakshineswar Kali. From that time on she was known as Bhavatarini.
Once when Upendra’s mother was visiting the Master at Dakshineswar, Sri Ramakrishna suggested that she arrange her son’s marriage to Bhavatarini. She agreed. Swami Vivekananda was present at the time, and he objected to the marriage proposal, saying that the girl was not pretty and her skin was too dark. But the Master remarked that the girl had some good signs and that this marriage would bring good fortune to Upendra. In 1885 Upendra married her with the Master’s consent. Later, when Swamiji visited the couple, Bhavatarini was reluctant to offer refreshments to him, knowing his objections to the marriage. But Swamiji mollified her and said humorously: “Since you have wrapped yourself around Upendra’s neck, I will have to eat your cooking.” (Source: They Lived with God)