Samartha Ramdas: The Saint Who Inspired a Kingdom

Samartha Ramdas: The Saint Who Inspired a Kingdom

Samard Ramdas, the revered guru of Shivaji, played a pivotal role in inspiring Shivaji to establish Swaraj (self-rule). The profound wisdom and guidance he imparted to Shivaji were compiled into a significant text known as 'Dasabodha.' A devout follower of Lord Rama, Samard Ramdas devoted his life to spreading spirituality and founded Ashramas across the length and breadth of India. His teachings continue to be cherished and revered to this day.

Ramdas, born in 1608 AD in Jamb, Maharashtra, was a great saint and the inspirer of Shivaji, the founder of the Kingdom of Maharashtra. His original name was Narain, and he was a contemporary of Sant Tukaram. Ramdas was a devoted follower of Lord Rama and Hanuman. He received a divine vision of Lord Rama as a boy, and Lord Rama himself initiated him.

At the age of twelve, during his wedding ceremony, Ramdas disappeared suddenly, leaving everything behind. He spent twelve years in Nasik, on the banks of the Godavari river, engaged in meditation, religious study, and charitable activities. He also performed intense purascharana (chanting) of the Rama Mantra. Afterward, Lord Rama appeared before him again and instructed him to visit holy places like Nasik, Haridwar, and Kasi.

During his pilgrimages, Ramdas observed the social, political, and economic conditions of the people and became determined to spread Hinduism throughout India. He came in contact with Tukaram and other saints in Pandharpur. He also established Maruti temples and promoted physical development alongside spiritual growth.

It is said that Lord Rama instructed Ramdas to assist Shivaji, and the two eventually met. Ramdas became Shivaji's Guru, and Shivaji ruled the kingdom under his guidance, adopting the Gerua flag as his banner.

Ramdas had a unique way of teaching, appearing eccentric to the outside world. He had many disciples, including three hundred women who were also proficient preachers. He sent his disciples across India to spread Hinduism and support Shivaji's work.

In his later years, Ramdas preferred living in the forest for better meditation. He engaged in literary activities and systematically built up his disciples and Mutts. Some of his popular literary works include "Dasabodh," "Manache Shlok" (verses addressed to the mind), "Karunashtakas" (hymns to God), and "Ramayana" (describing the conquest of Lanka by Sri Rama and the defeat of Ravana).

Ramdas passed away in 1682 at Sajjangad, near Satara. His last words to his disciples were to cultivate selflessness, love, and surrender to Lord Rama, seeing His presence in all beings. With these teachings, he emphasized attaining immortality and eternal bliss through devotion and service.

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