Samarth Ramdas
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Samarth Ramdas (1608-1681) is considered one of the greatest Hindu saints of Indian history. A contemporary of another Hindu saint, Tukaram, he was a devotee of Lord Hanuman and Lord Rama, the former of which appears in carvings on many of the established mutts (monasteries) he constructed. He was also the spiritual guru of Shivaji, one of the most popular Hindu leaders in history.
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Early life
He was born under the name Narayan Suryaji Thosar to Suryaji Panth and Renuka Bai in Jamb, in Jalna District of Maharashtra, on the auspicious day of Ram Navami. As a boy, Ramdas became curious as to the teachings of his older brother, who was a Brahmin. He had often seen his brother take certain people into a sealed room, where he would initiate them in a ceremony or meditation of some sort. From this curiosity, Ramdas saw to inquiring and examining the Hindu scriptures, thereby attaining a mild understanding of their tenets.
It was at this point that he began to isolate himself in prayer. On one occasion, his mother found him in meditation and inquired as to his behaviour. To this he replied that he was praying for all who suffered in the world, at which his mother began to encourage his meditations. However, his family still urged him to remain secularly inclined, afraid that he would become an ascetic, so preoccupied as he was with religious study at an early age.
Awakening
When Ramdas (or Narayan as he was known at the time) was twelve years of age, arrangements were made for his marriage. When he was brought before his bride to be, the priests chanted "Sawadhan!" -"Be alert" - at which Ramdas bolted away from the ceremony. He thereafter arrived in the town of Takli, near Nasik, where he took up the practice of meditation, praying fervently to Lord Rama, the avatara of Lord Vishnu. After twelve years then, he attained realisation and received the name of Samarth Ramdas.
Shivaji
While Samarth Ramdas had many students, the most well-remembered is Shivaji. Shivaji is particularly notable as a Hindu national of the time, set on repelling the invading Mughal Empire that had encroached on a great deal of Indian territory. Samarth Ramdas also frequently counselled Shivaji on how to act as a leader, and how to inspire his people. As a token of respect, Shivaji thus used a saffron banner as his symbol of victory, the saffron representing the garments of his teacher.
Memorable works
Of his many works, Samarth Ramdas is best remembered for the Dasbodh, a guide to organising one's spiritual and worldly livelihood, for the establishment of many mathas (monastic schools) throughout the Indian subcontinent, and for the school of thought which reflects his dynamic personality and efficient method of organisation. He is also remembered for popularising the 13-character devotional chant of "Sri Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama".