Who was Samarth Ramdas?
On February 28, 2022, several politicians from Maharashtra expressed their disapproval to remarks by state Governor B S Koshyari, that Samarth Ramdas was the guru of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Who was Samarth Ramdas?
Samarth Ramdas was also known as Sant (saint) Ramdas or Ramdas Swami. He was an Indian Marathi Hindu saint, poet, philosopher, writer and spiritual master. He was a devotee of Hindu deities Rama and Hanuman. He was previously famous as Narayan.
Where was he born?
He was born at Jamb, which is a village in present-day Jalna district of Maharashtra. He was born on the occasion of Rama Navami, in 1608. He was born to Suryajipanta and Ranubai Thosar, into a Marathi Deshastha Rigvedi Brahmin family. His father was a devotee of Surya. His father died when Narayan was aged around seven years.
His Works
Ramdas had written several literatures during his lifetime. His literary works include Karunashtakas, Dasbodh, Yuddhakand, Sunderkand, Poorvarambh, Antarbhav, Chaturthman, Aatmaaram, Panchman, Panchsamasi, Manpanchak, Janaswabhawgosavi, etc. Ramdas is not deemed a pacifist. His writings include strong expressions encouraging nationalism to counter aggressive Muslim invaders.
His Legacy
Ramdas served an inspiration for several Indian thinkers, historians and social reformers from 19th and 20th-century, including Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Rajwade, Keshav Hedgewar, and Ramchandra Ranade. Tilak and his followers created the image of Ramdas as militant monk to help the cause of nationalist campaign. A spiritual guru, Nana Dharmadhikari, promoted views of Ramdas through his spiritual discourses.
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Month: Current Affairs - March, 2022
Category: Art & Culture Current Affairs