Saint Sketch -5- Sri Bhadrachala Ramadas -Part-1 By Sri.Sri.Muralidhara Swamiji

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Radhe Krishna To All,

 

Namadwaar Team Wishes All Members A Happy and Prosperous New Year-2009

 

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A particular temple or place of pilgrimage made known to the world because of

the great saints and devotees who have glorified and sanctified the temple.

 

One such holy place is Bhadrachalam. Achalam means mountain. Badra means

auspicious. There is a Rama temple atop this hill. The whole hill reverberates

with Rama Nama. Today, this town is known to the whole world as one of the

holiest temple towns, thanks to the great Saint, Sri Bhadrachala Ramadas.

 

Born as Gopanna, he came to be known as Ramadas because of his devotion to Lord

Rama.

 

'The Lord gives tremendous sufferings in the lives of great saints only to bring

out their intense devotion for Him.' The life of Bhadrachala Ramadas is a

standing example to this statement....

 

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Sri Bhadrachala Ramadas

 

The name christened by his parents for Badrachala Ramadas was Gopanna. He was

born in a wealthy family. Even as a child Gopanna was much attracted and devoted

to Lord Rama. His father who was a minister in the court of a Muslim King died

even while Gopanna was a small boy. Therefore, he could not secure his

father’s post in the King’s court. However, even before his death, his

father secured the post for his wife's brother, Appannagaru i.e Gopanna’s

maternal uncle. When Gopanna grew up he was married and he had a son by name

Raghav.

 

Being deeply devoted to Lord Rama, every year Gopanna celebrated Rama Navami

utsav grandly. Since there was no dearth of wealth he was able to celebrate

without any limitation. Vedic scholars, Bhagavatas were all invited and the

whole town took a festive look. The quiet man that he was the only thing that

made him lose his temper was the advise to limit his spending on the celebration

of Rama Navami! Even though there was vast wealth, Gopanna was slowly reduced to

a day-to-day living condition as there was no income to balance the expenditure.

When Rama Navami was fast approaching Gopanna was deeply worried and anxious

about its celebration. He was not one who would go about collecting funds for

this from others. His wife consoled him, “Why do you worry about this? Lord

Rama will never forsake us. Some way will open up and we will find enough money

to celebrate the utsav. Be cheerfulâ€.

 

A few days later she advised him to approach his maternal uncle who now held the

post that had been secured for him by Gopanna’s father. Gopanna went to

Hyderabad where his uncle worked for the Nizam. Unable to recognize the nephew

of her husband whom she had never seen, the aunt chased him out of the house.

However, Gopanna awaited his uncle’s arrival. The uncle immediately recognized

his nephew and invited him into the house. He introduced him to his wife who

became very hospitable. The uncle enquired after Gopanna’s welfare. Gopanna

then said to his uncle, “I intend to celebrate Rama Navami utsavâ€.

 

Appannagaru said, “Fine! It is really wonderful that you intend to celebrate

Rama Navami utsav. I am indeed happy about it.†Gopanna then explained his

position. Appannagaru immediately responded well, “Gopanna! Do not worry. This

post that I hold now is only due to your father. I have always awaited an

opportunity to show my gratitude. I am happy that it has come up and I will give

you all that is needed for the celebration of Sri Rama Navami. Go ahead with

your arrangements and I will do all that is to be done. But, after the Utsav

return here. I will speak to the King and get you a job.â€

 

 

!!! Will Continue !!!

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

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