Namasthe- Bhadraachala Raamdaas-1

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Dear all,

 

There is an aithyhyam or story about Bhaktha Kabir Das and Bhadraachalam Raamdaas. Bhadraachalam is a place in Andhra Pradesh between Dandaakaaranyam and Godavari river. During Vanavaasa, Shri Rama lived here in Bhadraachalam. In Threthayuga, Maharshi Bhadra got darshan of Shri Ramaparivar ( that is, Shrirama along with Lakshmana, Sita and Hanuman) in this place and the Bhadra maharshi built a small temple there. Later in 17th century of Kaliyuga, another devotee by the name Pokala Dammakka found these idols worshipped by Maharshi Bhadra inside an ant hill. She took it out and started worshipping these idols. Later Bhadraachalam Raamdaas built a temple for these idols and that is the present Badraachalam Raama temple. Now we will come to the story of Bhaktha Raamadaas or Bhadraachala Raamdaas..

 

Raamdaas was known as Govanna ( Gopanna) and was a great devotee of Rama even from childhood. He had two uncles Akkanna and Maatthanna who were ministers of the sultan of Hyderabad.His parents died soon and he worshiped the same idol of Rama that his father worshipped. He usually took the idol to the banks of Godavari river and did pooja there. One day he was doing pooja and meditating on Lord Rama. When he opened his eyes after meditation, he saw that the idol was missing. He was very sad to see that his favorite idol worshipped by his father is gone. He looked around and saw an old person who was dressed like a Muslim standing not far from him. Seeing the sad expression on his face, that person came forward and asked him why he looked sad. Then Govanna told him that he lost the idol he was worshipping.

 

This person told him that if he sincerely called Lord Raama, Raama would appear in front of him. So Govanna cried out sincerely " Raama, Raama where are you? " . Nothing happened even after several desperate calls from him. Immediately this stranger called out for Raama at the top of his voice and suddenly the idol appeared on the bank of the river. Govanna prostrated before this muslim and he was none other than Bhaktha Kabir das. Govanna requested Kabir to stay back. But Kabirji said: " Please remember me when you need my help. I will be with you. Chant Raama naamam until He appears in front of you. " Thus he gave Smarana deeksha and disappeared. Govanna's devotiom to Raama and Raama naamam increased many fold and he continued to chant the naamam.

 

Regards and prayers

 

Savitri