Monday, June 19, 2017
Samartha Ramdas
SAMARTHA RAMDAS SWAMI
Sri Samartha happens to be a towering Indian Saint embellished with supreme spiritual knowledge, devotion, exceptional prowess over all forms of literature and ability to lead from the front for the vast number of entire cross-section of human society. He was born in a remote village Jamb near Satara region of Maharashtra in the year 1530 on the ninth day of Chaitra, the first lunar month of Indian calendar. He was christened as Narayan, the son of Sooryajipant and Ranubai Thosar. However, father Sooryajipant passed away while Narayan was just eight years of age and that made Narayan extremely introvert. He developed penchant to ‘see’ and meet God. The very next year he ‘saw’ Sri Ram in Drishtanta (epiphany) . The Lord exhorted him to recite the thirteen-lettered Mantra – “Sriram Jairam Jai Jai Ram” and gave him a new name – ‘Ramdas’.
At the age of twelve Ramdas entered the marriage pandal as per custom of the era ; however, while the marriage hymns were sung the word “saavdhaan” (attention) made him run away from entire marriage rituals!
He began intense penance at Takli on the banks of River Godavari near Nashik. He worshipped Sri Ram with one-pointed attention in exemplary manner while remaining fully detached from worldly matters. He was constantly guided by none other than Sri Hanuman from within himself while pursuing Sadhana, which he continued for twelve years during his stay at Takli. His stringent Upasana ultimately fructified ; he was enlightened and experienced his very Self, that is “Atma-Sakshatkar”. Thus having earned Knowledge of the Self (Atma-Dnyana) at the age of twenty four he set out for pilgrimages ; he travelled throughout India for twelve years on foot. He returned back unto banks of River Krishna at thirty six years of age, year 1566 to be precise.
A person fond of solitude, Sri Samartha stayed at Mahabaleshwar for some time. He celebrated the first ever Sri Ram Navami festival at Masoor and laid foundation for his Loka-Sangraha, uniting peoples for a noble cause.
Later, he discovered idols of Sri Ram lying in a pool at Angapur. He installed those idols at Chaphal near Karad town and celebrated Ram Navami Festival on a grand scale. The year was 1570.
Sri Samartha initiated Shivaji Maharaj in spirituality in the year 1571. That enhanced faith of Shivaji Maharaj unto the Saint and in 1577 Shivaji offered entire Kingdom unto Samartha in the form of Guru-Dakshina. However, Sri Samartha returned it back and advised Shivaji to continue his great task of Nation building on righteous footing.
In the meantime eleven idols of Sri Hanuman were installed at various places as well as eleven Monasteries. He appointed eleven Mahants for the purpose while strictly laying down stipulated codes of conduct for them.
Copious literature, particularly Dasbodh etc were written by Sri Samartha, which are full of spiritual knowledge and wisdom.
Sri Samartha laid down his body at Sajjangadh near Satara in the year 1603 and a noble, highly intellectual divine incarnation came to an end.
Jai Sairam !
