Samarth Ramdas

Samarth Ramdas Biography

Samarth Ramdas was a saint, composer and spiritual poet who lived in 17^th century in Maharashtra. His Advaita Vedanta text Dasbodh makes him a popular cultural figure. He has travelled from one place to another throughout his spiritual life and stayed in caves. Ramghal on Sajjangad, Morghal at Morbag village, Tondoshi Ghal, North of Chaphal, Taakli near Nashik, Chandragiri, Helwak near Helwak village, Shiganwadi and Shivthar Ghal near Mahad are the most significant places in which this saint stayed. He has composes many verses belonging to Marathi language. Marathi Aarti to Lord Ganesh Sukhkarta Dukhharta Varta Vighnachi is among his most famous bhajans. Udhhav Swami, Renuka Swami, Venna Swami, Akka Bai, Bhim Swami, Divakar Swami and Dinkar Swami are among his noted disciples.

His real name is Narayan Suryaji Thosar. He was born in Ram Navami day in the year 1530 (1608 CE) in Jamb village of Aurangabad District in the banks of Godaveri river. He was born to Suryaji Pant and Ranubai, whose descendants have been true worshippers of Lord Rama and Sun. He was an intelligent student interested in sports during his childhood. Rather than settling with a family life, he decided to become a monk to find ways, how to break the repeated cycle of birth and death. As a saint, he moved from place to place and stayed in caves.

At the age of 11, he attained enlightenment. According to folk stories, he was visited by Lord Ram himself. To fulfill his mother’s wishes he got married at the age of 12, but he ran away. Every day he performed ‘Surya Namaskar’ and chanted the 13 syllable mantra of Lord Ram – “Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram” by the riverside. He continued this practice for 12 long years thus uttering Lord Ram’s name 13 crore. It’s believed that Lord Ram himself gave him the title of Samartha. He was involved in social service and also encouraged women of the society to do so. ‘Dasbodh’, ‘Manache Shlok’, ‘Atmaram’, ‘Manapanchak’, ‘Anandavanbhuvan’ and ‘Shivakalyanaraja’ are his noted works.

Published: N/A

Updated: March 01, 2014