Guest guest Posted March 13, 2000 Report Share Posted March 13, 2000 Shivaji Maharaj worshipped the feet of Ramadas. In retrun Ramadas gave to Shivaji a coconut, a fistful of mud and two fistfuls of sandstone. The coconut signifies auspiciousness, according to Hindu belief. The mud symbolises one's motherland. And the sand-stone is the sign of strength of defence, an impenetrable fort. To be doubly ready to defend one's country and countrymen is what is meant. That was the message of Ramadas. ``Maharaj, be like a strong fort to your people. May you be successful in your endeavour to defend the country and drive away the enemies.'' With these words Ramadas blessed Shivaji Maharaj. Ramadas discussed the ways and means of helping and co-operating with Shivaji Maharaj in his struggle to free the country. Ramadas gave a gist of the principles of his teachings to Shivaji when they parted. These words are included in the Dasabodha which Ramadas wrote later. Those words are: ``Put down mercilessly those who carry tales and also those who rebel against you. Leave no work half done. He is unfortunate who shows disregard for the task entrusted to him. What is the use of a coward ? One who cannot face danger is not a soldier. Courage is the stepping-stone to success. Go ahead with your task in the name of God.'' Shivaji Maharaj returned to his place with these words of advice. ``Am I Your Narayana ?'' Ramadas began to think of the next course of action. He decided to move to the banks of Krishna from Godavari. Adil Shah was the principal enemy of freedom that Shivaji was contemplating to restore. Therefore Ramadas thought that his stay on the banks of Krishna which was in the occupation of Adil Shah would be an ideal place to be of assistance to Shivaji. Before settling there, Ramadas wished to have the darshan of his mother at Jamb village. Ramadas came to Jamb, stood in front of his house, and shouted, ``Jaya Jaya, Raghuveera Samarth !'' Brother Gangadhara's wife came out with alms (Bhiksha). She could not recognise Ramadas. Laughing, Ramadas said, ``Sister-in-law, I am not a beggar, I am your Narayana.'' She lifted her head and saw Ramadas. She then recognised him. She ran into the house to convey the information to her mother-in-law. Ranoobai, mother of Ramadas, was overjoyed to hear that her son who had run away from the marriage pandal had returned. Ramadas entered the house. He fell at the feet of his mother. She was taken aback to see her son in the saffron robe, long beard and long hair. She could say nothing at first as she was dumbfounded. But then she uttered, ``Narayana, my Narayana !'' ``Yes, Ma, I am your Narayana.'' ``True, you are my Narayana. But what is this? Which devil has taken hold of you ?'' she asked. Ramadas laughed heartily at his mother's remark. ``Mother, it is true a devil has taken hold of me. But you do not know what sort of devil it is !'' ``The divine force that is in Vaikunta descended to earth. Born to Kousalya, it finished Tataki,'' Ramadas went on singing in his melodious voice. ``The force that has taken hold of me is Prabhu Sri Ramachandra he said jocularly.'' Tears of joy rolled down the eyes of his mother on hearing these words. Ramadas narrated his wanderings in detail. Finally he said : ``I went round the country and saw decadence of morality and virtue (Dharmaglani) in men.'' ``What? Have men abandoned Dharma?'' she said aghast. ``Oh, very bad; very very bad,'' she muttered. ``Good will come out of this evil, mother; good will certainly come out of it,'' Ramadas consoled his mother, speaking as if in a dream. The Temple of Sri Rama After spending a few days with his mother, Ramadas went down South to select his field of activities. On the way he installed idols of Anjaneya at Taakali Maahuli, Mahabaleswar, Vai, Karad and many other places. He had gymnasiums (Vyayamashalas) built in front of those temples. It was to present the ideal qualities of courage and character before the people. He composed inspiring stotras in simple Marathi for their daily chanting. Bheemaroopee Mahaarudraa Vajra Hanuman Maruti . Vanaaree Anjaneesutaa Raamaduta Prabhanjana .. By chanting these verses daily, one can acquire unsurpassed strength and intellect. Ramadas thought of settling in Chaphal village on the banks of the river Mand situated amidst sylvan surroundings. He requested the villagers for a piece of land to build a temple of Prabhu Ramachandra. Their rough answer was: ``Go away and build the temple in the burial-ground on the outskirts of the village.'' ``Very good,'' said Ramadas. He made up his mind to build a beautiful temple in the burial-ground itself. For one who was dreaming of creating a heaven out of ruins, building a temple in a burial-ground would hardly present a problem ! The work of construction began and in a few days the temple was ready. In the depths of Krishna river he searched for the stone image of Prabhu Ramachadra and installed it in the temple. Near by at Pratapagadh Shivaji Maharaj had his palace. This news reached him. He went to Chaphal, met Ramadas and offered his deepest respect. He provided Ramadas all the assistance needed for the construction of the temple. Same Shivaji Shivaji Maharaj was growing strong day by day. The area under his control was extending. It gave Ramadas great joy. Ramadas learnt that Afzal Khan, trusted lieutenant of king Adil Shah, was marching southwards with the challenge that he would bring back Shivaji either dead or alive. He also learnt that Afzal Khan, on the way, had destroyed many holy places like Tulajapur and Pandharpur. Afzal Khan was about to attack Shivaji with a strong force. Like death personified, Afzal Khan waited at the gates, eager to finish off Shivaji. It worried Ramadas greatly. Day in and day out he thought over it. How would Shivaji safely escape from this mortal danger ? He prayed to goddess Tuiaja Bhavani. ``None but you could save, my Shivaji from the savage enemy. I should, have the fortune to see Shivaji safe after routing the enemy.'' That was the incessant prayer Ramadas fervently offered to goddess Tulaja Bhavani. Afzal Khan had come to kill Shivaji but it was he who was killed by Shivaji. With the death of Afzal Khan the throne of Adil Shah began to shake. Shivaji's might, name and fame spread far and wide. Ramadas was immensely happy at turn of events. He blessed Shivaji with all his heart. In humility Shivaji told Ramadas that the vast kingdom he had acquired was on account of the guidance, good wishes and the blessings of godly men like him. ``I place all this at your feet,'' he offered. Overjoyed by these words, Ramadas said, ``Shivaraya, What use is the wealth and kingdom to me? Do not think your task is over with this. It has to be further extended. Ananda-Vana-Bhuvana (Heaven on Earth) is to be established. Success is surely yours. May God Almighty ever stand by you.'' Shivaji prostrated before Ramadas. Ananda-Vana-Bhuvana The death of Afzal khan was a decisive turning-point in the life of Shivaji Maharaj. All these days his enemies had thought that Shivaji was a nuisance a rebel and guerrilla. With the strength of arms he built-up the area under his power began expanding. In 1674 Shivaprabhu ascended the throne at Rajagadh. Samartha Ramadas was present on the occasion, Shivaji Maharaj got built a special room for Ramadas at Rajagadh. It stands there even to this day. The coronation of Shivaji Maharaj was not an achievement of any one individual. It was a proud day for every Indian. There was no end to the joy and merry-making of people that day. And there was no limit to the joy and happiness of Ramadas. He named this kingdom of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as Ananda-Vana-Bhuvana. The Writing of Dasabodba Shivaji requested Ramadas to settle at Sajjangadh instead of Chaphal. Sajjangadh is a beautiful place at the foot of the Sahyadri mountains. ``Gadh'' means a fort on a hill. ``What am I to do at the fort,'' Ramadas asked Shivaji. ``It is a place with beautiful natural surroundings. It is best suited for your meditation and penance. I will see that the temple at Chaphal is kept undisturbed. My humble prayer is that you settle at Sajjangadh,'' Shivaji said. ``Yes, as you please,'' Ramadas answered. As desired by his disciple, Ramadas came and settled at Sajjangadh. At Sajjangadh Ramadas finished his book `Dasabodha.' In `Dasabodha' Ramadas has recorded his reflections on worldly life and on spiritual life. He has shown the way to a peaceful life. He has classified his teachings in four headings : (1) Harikathaa (2) Politics, (3) Eternal Vigilance, and (4) Intelligent Living. ``First a person should learn to lead a life of righteousness, discharge one's duties to one's self and to one's neighbours and then think of the other world, that is, the spiritual side of life. There is no place for a lazy man. One who strives to establish Dharma is alone a godly person.'' This Ramadas preached in `Dasabodha.' The Light That Went Out In 1680 A. D. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj died. It was an irreparable and unbearable loss to Ramadas. The entire Sajjangadh was drowned in sorrow. Ramadas could not bear the loss of Shivaji and he was very much dejected. That was not all. Many more unpleasant events were awaiting Ramadas. Sambhajiraje Bhonsle ascended the throne after Shivaji. Though bold and chivalrous like his father Shivaji Sambhaji was vain and stubborn. He was after pleasure and pomp. He did not trust his officers and treat them well. Often, for no fault of theirs they were severely punished. Ramadas could not stand such ill treatment by Sambhaji. He wrote a long letter to him advising him in the matter. The gist of it is as follows: ``Material happiness should be looked upon as worthless. We should live in such a way as to be praised and remembered in this world and welcomed in the other. We should be ever vigilant in our thoughts, words and deeds. We should never think low. One should sit alone and think deeply. One should be less severe and more liberal in judging others. One should take one's officers into confidence. Always think of Shivaji Maharaj and his great deeds. Think his form, think of his valour. Think of his bravery, his tact, his administrative capacity. How noble were his words, his conduct! What warmth of personality! He should be an inspiration in every walk of your life. It should be your constant endeavour to better him if possible in every respect. Then alone will you be worthy of praise. What else can I write ?'' These words of advice of Ramadas opened the eyes of Sambhaji. He tried his best and thenceforward did his utmost to mend his ways. The health of Ramadas worsened day by day, as days passed by. His one desire had remained unfulfilled, namely the installation of the idol of Sri Rama at Sajjangdh. The beautiful image of Sri Ramachandra from Thanjavoor was brought and installed at Sajjangadh. All his wishes were fulfilled by now. His mind remained concentrated always on Prabhu Sri Ramachandra. ``God ever dwells in the minds of his. devotees, observing their thoughts, words and deeds. He blesses all with happiness, wealth and emancipation. Sri Rama, will never let down his devotees.'' With this song on his lips, Ramadas breathed his last. Ramadas died on the ninth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Magha in the year 1682 A.D. (1604 of Shalivahana Saka.) There is a tombstone of Ramadas at Sajjangadh built by Sambhaji. The day of his death is observed by his devotees as ``Dasanavami'' even to this day. The religious discourses and Keertans of Ramadas inspired and thrilled the people. Their life was purified in the sacred Ganga of the Lord's Name. Ramadas etched these words in their hearts Talk to your friends online with Messenger. http://im. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2000 Report Share Posted March 13, 2000 Gauri Prabhu, Pamho. AgtSP. The translation of Ramdas Swami's Dasbodh is incorrect. Marathi is my mother tongue. It is much easier for me to directly read the poems for Ramdas Swami in Marathi and figure out what's going on. Mayavadis translate incorrectly and the blame is put on the author. YS, Bhakta Shrirang. Talk to your friends online with Messenger. http://im. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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