Samarth Ramdas

2025-10-27T15:14:01Z

2409:40C0:3003:C7D0:5A5C:62CA:8C06:7C2E: Added mystic to the introduction as the saint has done mystical actions by this mediation and yogic powers for the cause of society which was for betterment of the people

{{Short description|17th-century Marathi poet-saint in India}}
{{distinguish|Swami Ramdas}}
{{distinguish|Swami Samarth}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Infobox religious biography
| honorific-prefix = Samarth
| name = Ramdas
| religion = [[Hinduism]]
| order =
| philosophy = [[Bhakti Yoga]], [[Vaishnavism]]
| birth_name = Narayan Thosar
| birth_date = c. 1608
| birth_place = Jamb, [[Ahmadnagar Sultanate]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|1682|1608|df=yes}}
| literary_works = [[Dasbodh]], Manobodh, [[Aatmaram]], [[Manache Shlok]], more<ref name="AyyappappanikkarAkademi1997">{{cite book|url={{google books |plainurl=y |id=KYLpvaKJIMEC|page=368}}|title=Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections|page=368|access-date=21 April 2015}}</ref>
| image = Samarth ramdas swami original.jpg
| native_name =
| death_place = [[Sajjangad]], [[Satara district|Satara]], [[Maratha Empire]]
| founder = Samarth sect
| disciples = Kalyan Swami, Uddhav Swami, Krishnabai, Akka Swami
| caption = Portrait of Ramdas by Meru Swami, c.17th-century
}}
'''Ramdas''' (c. 1608 – c. 1682) {{Pronunciation|Samarth_Ramdas.wav}}, also '''Samarth''' '''Ramdas''' or '''Ramdas Swami''', was an Indian [[Hindu]] saint, philosopher, poet, mystic and spiritual master. He was a devotee of the [[Hindu]] deities [[Rama]] and [[Hanuman]].

==Early life==
{{Hinduism}}He was born as Narayan Thosar at Jamb, a village in present-day [[Jalna district|Jalna District]], [[Maharashtra]], on the occasion of [[Rama Navami]] in 1608.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}} He was born to Suryajipant and Ranubai Thosar, and brought up in a [[Marathi people|Marathi]] [[Deshastha Brahmin|Deshastha Rigvedi Brahmin]] family.<ref>{{cite book|title=Sambhrama : Critique of some Hindu religious leaders, their views, and activities|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I44JAQAAIAAJ|author=Anil Awachat|page=72|publisher=Ameya Prakasana|year=1980|quote=रामदास हे देशस्थ ऋग्वेदी ब्राह्मण म्हणून ऋग्वेद्यांना साहजिकच ते त्यांचे वाटतात.}}</ref> He had an elder brother named Gangadhar. His father, Suryajipant, was a devotee of [[Surya]], a [[Vedas|Vedic]] deity. Suryajipant died in either 1615 or 1616. Ramdas turned into an introvert after the demise of his father and would often be engrossed in thoughts about the divine.

Historical information about his early life is scarce. According to legend, Ramdas—then known as Narayan—fled his wedding ceremony at the age of twelve. He did so upon hearing a ''pandit'' (Hindu priest) chant '''Saawadhaana!''<nowiki/>' (Beware!) during the wedding ritual. Later, he walked hundreds of miles along the banks of the river [[Godavari]] to [[Panchavati]], a Hindu pilgrimage town near [[Nashik]]. He then moved to Taakli, near Nashik, at the confluence of the Godavari and Nandini rivers. At Taakli, he spent the next twelve years as an ascetic in complete devotion to the deity Rama. During this period, he adhered to a rigorous daily routine and devoted most of his time to meditation, worship and exercise. He is claimed to have attained enlightenment at the age of 24. He adopted the name Ramdas around this time. He also installed and consecrated an idol of the deity Hanuman at Taakli.

==Pilgrimage and spiritual movement==
[[File:The original painting of samarth ramdas swami.jpg|left|thumb|Portrait of Ramdas by an unknown artist, c.17th-century|195x195px]]
He departed Taakli and embarked on a pilgrimage across the [[Indian subcontinent]]. He travelled for twelve years and made observations on contemporary social life. He noted these observations in two of his literary works ''Asmani Sultania'' and ''Parachakraniroopan.''<ref>{{Cite book|title=Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections}}</ref> These works provide rare insights into the then prevailing social conditions in the Indian subcontinent. He also travelled to regions in the vicinity of the [[Himalayas]] during this period. He met the sixth Sikh guru [[Hargobind]] at [[Srinagar, Uttarakhand|Srinagar]].<ref name="sangat" /><ref name="past" />

After pilgrimage, he returned to [[Mahabaleshwar]], a hill-town near [[Satara (city)|Satara]]. Later at Masur, he arranged for Rama Navami celebrations that were reportedly attended by thousands. He established several ''matha or'' monasteries. Common estimates suggest that he may have established somewhere between 700 and 1100 monasteries during his travels. Narahar Phatak in his biography of Ramdas claims that the actual number of monasteries founded by him may have been fewer.<ref>{{citation |last=Cashman |first=Richard I. |title=The myth of the Lokamanya : Tilak and mass politics in Maharashtra |url=https://archive.org/details/mythoflokamanya00rich |year=1975 |publisher=University of California Press |location=Berkeley |isbn=978-0520024076|page=16 }}</ref> Around 1648, he installed an idol of Rama at a newly built temple in Chaphal, a village near Satara. He had eleven Hanuman temples constructed in various regions of southern Maharashtra. These temples are collectively known as ''11-Maruti'' (see list below).

{| class="wikitable"
|+11-Maruti
! Location !! Region !! Year
|-
| Shahapur||Karad|| 1644
|-
| Masur || Karad|| 1645
|-
| Chaphal Vir Maruti|| Satara|| 1648
|-
| Chaphal Das Maruti|| Satara|| 1648
|-
| Shinganwadi|| Satara|| 1649
|-
| Umbraj || Masur|| 1649
|-
| Majgaon|| Satara|| 1649
|-
| Bahe|| Sangli|| 1651
|-
| Manapadale|| Kolhapur|| 1651
|-
| Pargaon|| Warananagar|| 1651
|-1
| Shirala ||Sangli
|1654
|}

==Literary contribution and philosophy==
[[File:Lord Ram at Chaphal -Samarth Ramdas Swami.jpg|thumb|Idol of Rama, Chaphal|alt=|224x224px]]
[[File:Modi handwriting of Ramdas Swami.jpg|left|thumb|Handwriting of Ramdas in [[Modi script|Modi Script]]|178x178px]]

===Literary works===
Ramdas wrote extensive literature during his lifetime. His literary works include ''[[Dasbodh]]'', ''Karunashtakas'', ''Sunderkand'', ''Yuddhakand'', ''Poorvarambh'', ''Antarbhav'', ''Aatmaaram'', ''Chaturthman'', ''Panchman'', ''Manpanchak'', ''Janaswabhawgosavi'', ''Panchsamasi'', ''Saptsamasi'', ''Sagundhyan'', ''Nirgundhyan'', ''Junatpurush'', ''Shadripunirupan'', ''Panchikaranyog'' and ''Manache Shlok''. Unlike saints of the [[Warkari]] tradition, he did not embrace pacifism. His writings evoke strong expressions encouraging militant means to resist contemporary [[Islam]]ic rulers.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=Handbook of Twentieth-century Literatures of India}}</ref>

A major portion of his Marathi literature is in the form of verses. Listed below are some of his notable literary works.
*''Manache Shlok<ref>{{cite book |last1=Deshpande |first1=Sunita |title=Encyclopedic dictionary of Marathi literature |date=2007 |publisher=Global Vision publishing |location=New Delhi |isbn=978-81-8220-221-4 |page=355 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nrR9D_ydGwoC&dq=manache+shlok&pg=PA1}}</ref>'' (co-written by Kalyan Swami)
*''[[Dasbodh]]<ref>{{cite book |last1=Deshpande |first1=Sunita |title=Encyclopedic dictionary of Marathi literature |date=2007 |publisher=Global Vision publishing |location=New Delhi |isbn=978-81-8220-221-4 |pages=128–130|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nrR9D_ydGwoC&dq=manache+shlok&pg=PA1}}</ref>''
*''Shree Maruti Stotra''
*''Aatmaaram''
*''11-Laghu Kavita''
*''Shadripu Nirupan''
*''Maan Panchak''
*''Chaturthmaan''
*''Raamayan (Marathi-Teeka)''

His compositions include numerous ''[[aarti|aarati]]'' or devotional hymns. One of his most well-known ''aarati'' commemorates the Hindu deity [[Ganesh]]a, and is popularly known as ''[[Sukhakarta Dukhaharta]]''. It is believed that the ''bhajan'' or devotional song, ''[[Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram]],'' is based on a ''mantra'' composed by Ramdas.<ref>{{cite thesis |type=PhD |last=Snodgrass |first=Cynthia |date=2007 |title=The Sounds of Satyagraha : Mahatma Gandhi's Use of Sung-Prayers and Ritual |publisher=University of Stirling |url=https://dspace.stir.ac.uk/bitstream/1893/555/1/Sounds%20of%20Satyagraha.pdf |pages=159}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Gokhale |first=Namita |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YTknAgAAQBAJ&dq=%22Marathi+saint-poet+Ramdas%22&pg=PT74 |title=In Search Of Sita: Revisiting Mythology |date=2009-10-15 |publisher=Penguin UK |isbn=978-93-5118-420-1 |language=en |author-link=Namita Gokhale}}</ref>

His other works include the ''aarati'' commemorating Hanuman, S''atrane Uddane Hunkaar Vadani'', and the ''aarati'' dedicated to the Hindu deity [[Vitthala]], ''Panchanan Haivahan Surabhushan Lila.'' He also composed ''aarti'' in dedication to other Hindu deities. His well-known work, ''Dasbodh'',<ref name="Dasbodh">{{cite web|url=http://www.dasbodh.com/|title=दासबोध.भारत|website=Dasbodh.com|access-date=2016-02-27}}</ref> has been translated to several other Indian languages.

=== Philosophy ===
Ramdas was an exponent of [[Bhakti Yoga]] or the path of devotion. According to him, total devotion to Rama brings about spiritual evolution. His definition of ''bhakti'' or devotion was in accordance with the philosophy of [[Advaita Vedanta]]. In chapter four of ''[[Dasbodh]]'', he describes nine levels of devotion or communion; beginning with listening or ''shravan'' to ultimately self-realization or ''aatmanivedan''. The latter is a core tenet of Advaita Vedanta, according to which, the sense of a separate Self dissolves into non-duality.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Norwell |first=John |title=Dasbodh: Translation |date=2015 |year= |archive-url=}}</ref>

He emphasized on the significance of physical strength and knowledge towards individual development. He expressed his admiration for warriors and highlighted their role in safeguarding the society. He was of the opinion that saints must not withdraw from society, but rather actively engage towards social transformation. He aimed to revive the Hindu culture after its gradual disintegration over several centuries due to continuous foreign occupation. He also called for unity among the Marathas to preserve and promote the regional culture.<ref name=":0" />

He encouraged the participation of women in religious work and offered them positions of authority. He had 18 female disciples, among whom Vennabai headed the monastery at Miraj near [[Sangli]]. Akkabai supervised the monasteries at Chaphal and [[Sajjangad]]. He once reprimanded an aged man who voiced his opposition to female participation in religious affairs. Ramdas reportedly responded by saying "Everyone came from a woman's womb and those who did not understand the importance of this were unworthy of being called men". In ''Dasbodh'', Ramdas eulogizes the virtues of aesthetic handwriting (Chapter 19.10, Stanza 1–3p).<ref>Ranade 1983</ref>

==Samarth sect==
{{Unreferenced section|date=March 2020}}
Ramdas founded the Samarth sect to revive religion and spirituality among various sections of the Indian society. He established several monasteries during his lifetime.

== Links with contemporaries ==

=== Chhatrapati Shivaji Bhonsle I ===

Some historical accounts and popular traditions claim Ramdas to be a spiritual mentor to the first [[Maratha Empire|Maratha]] ruler, [[Shivaji]] Bhonsle I. Disputing accounts present a contradictory view of there being no direct association between the two. Both sets of claims have been debated among scholars and historians.<ref>{{cite news |title=Explained: What is the controversy over Maharashtra governor’s remark on Shivaji? |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-history/samarth-ramdas-chhatrapati-shivaji-maharaj-8598333/ |work=The Indian Express |date=1 March 2022 |access-date=4 October 2025}}</ref>

===Guru Hargobind===
[[File:Samarth ramdas & guru hargovindaji.jpg|thumb|Ramdas with [[Guru Hargobind|Hargobind]]|169x169px]]
According to a manuscript in the Sikh tradition known as ''Panjāh Sakhīān'', Ramdas met [[Guru Hargobind|Hargobind]] at [[Srinagar, Uttarakhand|Srinagar]] near the [[Garhwal Himalaya|Garhwal Hills]]. This meeting also finds mention in an 18th-century Marathi literary work known as ''Ramdas Swamichi Bakhar'', authored by Hanumant Swami''.'' The meeting most likely took place after 1630 when Ramdas travelled to northern India and Hargobind journeyed to Nanakmatta, a town in present-day [[Uttarakhand]]. Before the meeting, Hargobind had returned from a hunting excursion.<ref name="sangat" /><ref name="past" />

During their conversation, Ramdas reportedly asked "I had heard that you occupy the ''Gaddi'' (seat) of Nanak. Nanak was a ''tyāgī sādhu'', a saint who had renounced the world. You possess arms and keep an army and horses. You allow yourself to be addressed as ''Sacha Patshah'', the true king. What sort of a ''sādhu'' are you?" Hargobind replied, "Internally a hermit and externally a prince. Arms mean protection to the poor and destruction of the tyrant. Baba Guru Nanak had not renounced the world but had renounced ''[[Maya (religion)|māyā]]'' - the self and ego." Ramdas is reported to have said, "''Yeh hamare man bhavti hai''" (This appeals to my mind).<ref name="sangat">{{cite book |last1=Singh |first1=Sangat |title=The Sikhs In History |date=2010 |publisher=Singh Brothers |isbn=978-8172052768 |page=48 |edition=2nd |url=https://archive.org/details/TheSikhsInHistory/page/n63/mode/2up}}</ref><ref name=past>{{cite book | author=Dr.Ganda Singh | title=Guru Hargobind and Samarth Ram Das :Punjab Past and Present 13(1)| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1BUHAQAAIAAJ&q=samarth+ramdas |year=1979|pages=11, 240–242}}</ref>

==Residences==
Ramdas moved all across the Indian subcontinent and usually resided in caves (''ghal'' in Marathi). Some of these are listed below.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/search?q=isbn%3A9788184830804|title=Ḍāyamaṇḍa Mahārāshṭra sãskr̥tikośa|via=Worldcat.org|year=2009|publisher=डायमंड पब्लिकेशन्स |access-date=21 April 2015|isbn=9788184830804}}</ref>

{{Div col}}
* Ramghal, [[Sajjangad]]
* Morghal, at Morbag near [[Sajjangad]]
* Tondoshighal, north of Chaphal
* Taakli, near [[Nashik]]
* Chandragiri, opposite Vasantgad, near [[Karad]]
* Helwak, near [[Helwak]] village
* Shiganwadi, near Chandragiri
*[[Shivtharghal]], near [[Mahad]]<ref>{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/historyofmaratha01kincuoft|title=A history of the Maratha people|via=Internet Archive|access-date=21 April 2015|publisher=London, Milford}}</ref>{{div col end}}

==Death==
For five days before his death, Ramdas underwent ''Praayopaveshana,'' a voluntary abstinence from food and water consumption. He continuously recited the ''taaraka mantra'' "''Shree Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram''", while resting beside an idol of Rama brought from Tanjore. His disciples, Uddhav Swami and Akka Swami, remained in his service during this period.<ref name="samarthan">{{cite web|url=http://www.samarthramdas400.in/eng/journey.php|title=Samartha Ramdas Swami|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150624234118/http://www.samarthramdas400.in/eng/journey.php|archive-date=24 June 2015|access-date=20 October 2015}}</ref> Uddhav Swami conducted the final rites.

==Legacy==
Ramdas served as an inspiration for several Indian thinkers, historians, independence activists and social reformers. Some of these include [[Lokmanya Tilak|Bal Gangadhar Tilak]], [[K. B. Hedgewar|Keshav Hedgewar]], [[Vishwanath Kashinath Rajwade|Vishwanath Rajwade]], Ramchandra Ranade and [[Vinayak Damodar Savarkar]]. Tilak derived inspiration from Ramdas when devising aggressive strategies to revolt against the [[British Raj|British]] colonial rule.<ref>{{citation |last=Cashman |first=Richard I. |title=The myth of the Lokamanya : Tilak and mass politics in Maharashtra |url=https://archive.org/details/mythoflokamanya00rich |year=1975 |publisher=University of California Press |location=Berkeley |isbn=978-0520024076 }}</ref> [[Nana Dharmadhikari|Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari]], a spiritual teacher and social reformer, promoted his philosophy through spiritual discourses. [[Gondavalekar Maharaj]], a 19th-century saint and guru, expounded spiritual methods of Ramdas through his own teachings. Savarkar gained inspiration from Dasbodh.<ref>Pincince, J.R., 2014. THE VD SAVARKAR AND INDIAN WAR OF INDEPENDENCE. Mutiny at the Margins: New Perspectives on the Indian Uprising of 1857: Volume VI: Perception, Narration and Reinvention: The Pedagogy and Historiography of the Indian Uprising.</ref> [[Bhausaheb Maharaj]], founder of the [[Inchegeri Sampradaya]], used ''Dasbodh'' as a means of instruction to his disciples. Dasbodh has been translated and published by American followers of [[Ranjit Maharaj]], a spiritual teacher of the ''Inchegeri'' ''Sampradaya''.

He had a profound influence on [[Keshav Baliram Hedgewar|Keshav Hedgewar]], the founder of Hindu nationalist organization [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]]. Hedgewar quoted Ramdas on numerous occasions and would often note the latter's views in his personal diary. According to one entry in his diary dated 4 March 1929, Hedgewar writes "Shri Samarth did not want anything for himself. He mindfully guarded against self-pride that could have resulted from success and greatness. Ingraining this discipline, he devoted himself to the welfare of his people and a higher self-realization."<ref>{{cite book| author = Sunil Ambekar| title = The RSS: roadmaps for the 21st century| place = New Delhi| publisher = Rupa | year = 2019 | pages = 19| isbn = 9789353336851| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=zakKywEACAAJ}}</ref>

Ramdas is a revered religious and spiritual figure in the Indian state of Maharashtra and remains relevant to present-day society due to his enduring literary contributions. The ''aarati'', ''Sukhakarta Dukhaharta'', composed by him in veneration of the Hindu deity [[Ganesha]], is often recited in numerous Hindu rituals. [[Maruti Stotra|''Maruti Stotra'']], his hymn in praise of the deity Hanuman, is commonly recited by schoolchildren and wrestlers training at traditional wrestling schools, known as [[Akhada|a''khada'']], in Maharashtra.<ref>Jana-Gana-Mana-Adhinayaka, J.H., 2008. Singing the Nation into Existence. Schooling Passions: Nation, History, and Language in Contemporary Western India, p.49.[https://books.google.com/books?id=8R_-IJF-4WsC&q=maruti]</ref> Over generations, children in Maharashtra have been reciting verses from his popular literary work, ''Manache Shlok'', at home and school.<ref>Tilak, G., 2018. Study of content analysis of marathi children periodicals for enhancing multiple skills among children.[https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Geetali-Tilak/publication/349686537_a_study_of_content_analysis_of_marathi_children_periodicals_for_enhancing_multiple_skills_among_children_modern_sciences_and_professional_skills_by_dr_geetali_tilak/links/603cbcf24585158939d9e23b/a-study-of-content-analysis-of-marathi-children-periodicals-for-enhancing-multiple-skills-among-children-modern-sciences-and-professional-skills-by-dr-geetali-tilak.pdf]</ref><ref>Ambikar, R., 2008. Educating the Nation: The Right Way to Citizenship in India. UCVF Research Review, 2(1), pp.114-128.</ref> His teachings and philosophy have been promoted and endorsed by various political and social organizations in Maharashtra.<ref>Brackett, J.M., 2004. Practically Hindu: Contemporary Conceptions of Hanumān-Mārutī in Maharashtra. University of Pittsburgh.[https://www.proquest.com/openview/b0bf19a6558fdaeff867040fca9312ad/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y]
</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
* {{cite book|author1=Swami Sivananda|author-link=Swami Sivananda|chapter=Samartha Ramdas |title=Lives of Saints|chapter-url=http://www.dlshq.org/saints/samartha_ramdas.htm|year=2005|publisher=Divine Life Society|ref=Sh}}
* {{cite book|author1=Swami Paratparananda|author-link=Vedanta Kesari|chapter=Samartha Ramdas and Dasbodha|title=Dasbodha:A work of Sri Samarth Ramdasa|chapter-url=https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwyqlPgDywR_dk8wSWV5YmdjMTg/edit?pli=1|year=2005|publisher=Vedanta Kesari|ref=Sh}}

==Sources==
* "Shakti Saushthava शक्ती सौष्ठव" by [[D. G. Godse]]
* "Vinoba Saraswat" by [[Vinoba Bhave]] (edited by [[Ram Shewalkar]])
* "Rajwade Lekhsangrah" by [[Vishwanath Kashinath Rajwade]] (edited by Tarkatirth [[Laxmanshastri Joshi]])
* "Tryambak Shankar Shejwalkar Nivadak Lekhsangrah" by [[Tryambak Shankar Shejwalkar|T S Shejwalkar]] (collection- H V Mote, Introduction- G D Khanolkar)

==External links==
{{wikisourcelang|mr|साहित्यिक:समर्थ_रामदास_स्वामी|Works by Samarth Ramdas (in Marathi)}}[http://ramdasswami-sahityashodh.in Ramdas Swami Sahitya Shodh]
* [http://www.dasbodh.com Dasbodh.com]
* [http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/root-of-harikatha/article2497045.ece Article on Root of Harikatha]

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Ramdas}}
[[Category:1608 births]]
[[Category:1681 deaths]]
[[Category:17th-century Hindu religious leaders]]
[[Category:17th-century Indian poets]]
[[Category:17th-century Indian philosophers]]
[[Category:Hindu philosophers and theologians]]
[[Category:Inchegeri Sampradaya]]
[[Category:Marathi-language poets]]
[[Category:People from Jalna district]]
[[Category:People from Marathwada]]
[[Category:Vaishnava saints]]
[[Category:Scholars from Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Marathi Hindu saints]]
[[Category:Harikatha exponents]]
[[Category:17th-century Indian male writers]]

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Samarth Ramdas