Samarth Ramdas
Also called: Ramdas · Topic: Bhakti and Sufi Traditions · NCERT: Class 8, Ch 3 "The Marathas"
Meaning
Samarth Ramdas (1608–1681) was a Marathi saint from Maharashtra. He worshipped Rama and Hanuman. He did not only teach personal devotion. He also asked people to build strong bodies, live disciplined lives and organise themselves. He set up many mathas (monasteries) and Hanuman shrines across Maharashtra. Many people see him as one of the inspirations of Shivaji's age, when the Maratha state was rising.
Example
His best-known work is the Dasbodh, a long Marathi text. It gives advice on devotion, duty, good conduct and how to live and work in society.
Don't confuse with
- Tukaram: a Marathi bhakti saint of the same period who belonged to the Pandharpur (Varkari) tradition of Vitthala. He wrote abhangs (devotional songs) that focus on simple personal devotion. Ramdas stressed Rama, strength and organisation.
Related concepts
- Adi Shankaracharya
- Advaita Vedanta
- Shankaracharya mathas
- Ramanuja
- Vishishtadvaita
- Madhvacharya
- Haridasa movement
- Purandara Dasa
- Kanaka Dasa
- Annamacharya