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\twocolumn[\centerline{\Large \bf Samartha Ramadas: Life and Works}\bigskip]

Shivaji's preceptor  and guide, Ramadas imparted to
him the message that till we fulfil the required duty towards
the motherland, we should not think of the other world.  By
means of his religious discourses
and keertans, he provided succour and guidance to thousands.  \footnote{

For details of purchasing several books in this series please
write to\\
\medskip
Pubilishers\\
Rashtrotthana Sahitya - Bharata-Bharati\\
Children's Book Series\\
Kempegowda Nagar Bangalore 560019\\
Karnataka, Bharat (India)\\
First Print -May 1981\\
Rs. 2-00\\
Art: Ganesh Acharya\\
\bigskip

Rashtrotthana Printers, Bangalore 560019\\

tejasvi naavadhiitamastu |\\
Let what we study be invigorating\\

The company of great men and women is itself
an education. Ideals give courage and strength to
the people of a country for thousands of years; to
understand them is to educate oneself.

Here  are books about Bharat, that is, India.
This country has a history of several thousand
years. She has faced wave after wave of foreign
invaders.  And yet her spirit is unbroken and her
culture is  alive. These books -small in size but
great in value - carry us to the world of greatness.
The great heroes and heroines of legend - and
history, martyrs who lived and suffered and died
that India may live, sages and saints, great men and
women who li@ed for others, boy-heroes, warriors,
revolutionaries, scientists, writers,  sportsmen - all
live in the pages oi these books.  They have
attracted young readers even outside India, in Asia,,
in the American continent, in Europe and in Africa.
They have built bridges across the ocean to India,
for Indians in distant lands.

These books were first written in Kannada.
We are glad and proud to offer them to world
wide circle of readers.

Welcome - to the world of greatness.\\

August 1980  PUBLISHERS\\
}


\medskip
\medskip
\centerline{\bf Samartha Ramadas's life sketch}

The night was calm and serene.
That night there was a religious discourse by Tukaram. People from all
the surrounding villages had gathered
to hear the discourse.  Shivaji Maharaj
was also present.  People would
forget themselves when listening to the
discourses of Tukaram. It would be so
enchanting.

At last Tukaram sang the mangala.
Shivaji Maharaj got up from his seat,
moved a step or two and bowed down
at the feet of Tukaram.  ``Blessed I am
by the nectar of your words. I realised that this kingdom and my rule
over it are all insignificant compared to
Sankeertana (glorification) of Lord Vittala.
Maharaj, release me from the barren
responsibility of this sword and armour.
I too would like to spend the rest of
my life in the Sankeertana of Vittala.
Teach me the Nama-sankeertana.

Sant Tukaram, saint among saints,
was neither happy nor surprised at the
words of Shivaji Maharaj. On the other
hand he was very much hurt.  ``How
could it be?  What would happen if
Shivaji were to abandon his sword and
adorn his hands with Tamboora!''- Tukaram thought.  Patting Shivaji on the
back, he said, ``Up, up ! Only Samartha
Ramadas can be your worthy Guru.  He
will tell you what your next course of
action is to be.  See him, and follow his
advice.  He is your real guide and Guru.''

\medskip
\centerline{\bf Who is this Samartha ?}
\medskip

Known everywhere as Samartha
Ramadas, Narayana was born in the village
Jamb, on the bank, of the river Godavari
in Aurangabad district.  The Shanbhog of
that village was Sooryaji Pant Thosar.
His wife was Ranoobai.  Sooryaji Pant
worshipped the Sun God. Gangadhara
Pant was the eldest son of Sooryaji Pant.
Narayana was born next to him.

Narayana took birth on Sri Ramanavami, that is, the ninth  day of the
month of Chaitra in the year 1530 of Shalivahana Era (1608 A. D.).
It was this
Narayana who later became the  famous
Samartha Ramadas.

\medskip
\centerline{\bf ``I Will Think Over It, Ma''}
\medskip

Narayana was growing as the darling
son of his parents in Jamb.  Unlike his
brother Gangadhara, Narayana  was very
mischievous.  There was no end to his
pranks.
Disgusted with his mischievous son,
his mother once said, ``How long can
you  go on like this, Narayana ?
``What else can I do, mother?''
``Narayana, have you ever given
thought to your future?''

``That is all right Ma, I will now
think over it.''

``What do you do next, my son.?''
``Let me think over it, mother.''

``Think over what?'' she asked him
again.
``Think over this world. About
the future of this universe.''

Ranoobai  laughed , at her son's
words  ``He is always mischievous,''
she thought and kept quiet.

\medskip
\centerline{\bf An Ideal}
\medskip

Narayana would get over his mischievous tendancy when  he is married,
some said. In those  days, it was
customary to perform marriage of boys
by the age of 8 or 10. Why not find
a suitable bride for Narayana ? - thought
his parents. But Narayana declared,
``I shall not marry.''  Narayana would
run away from the spot, whenever
people raised the topic of his marriage,
and hide himself somewhere.

One day he was hiding in the temple
of Lord Anjaneya, outside the village.  He
did not know how long he was hiding.


His thoughts were enveloped in Lord,
Anianeya, Life-long celibate, Hanuman
was the devout servant of Sri Rama.

Hanumanta - unsurpassed in intellect.
Anjaneya, who had traced Seeta, wife of
Sri Rama.  Mighty Maruti ! The very idol
of Maruti inspired Narayana. ``I must also,
lead a life of celibacy, life-long Brahmacharya.
I must also become strong and.
sturdy, like Hanumanta, ''
he thought.
Born on Rama-navami, Narayana  saw
from his mind's eye the  purpose  of his
life, by the darshan of Maruti.

\medskip
\centerline{\bf Changed Narayana}
\medskip

From that day onwards Narayana
was a changed man. All these days he
was talkative.  He suddenly became mum.
He appeared to  be thinking over
something always.

Brother Gangadhara got married.
Father Sooryaji Pant died.  MotherRanoobai began worrying about
the future
of her son Narayana: ``My  son seems
to have lost even his power of speech.
He has become dumb.  What should
be done now ?''

``All will be right, if you celebrate
his marriage'' - well-wishers told her.

People had suggested such a remedy
earlier when Narayana  was  very
boisterous.  Now he had become very
sober and silent.  Now also people
suggested the same remedy.

Ranoobai also agreed to this.  But
her son would kick a row if anybody
raised the subject of his marriage.

One day, Ranoobai asked her son.
``My son, will you heed my words or
not ?''

Narayana did not break his silence.

``I am pleading, as your mother.
Please fulfil my one request.''
Narayana looked up as if to know
what his mother had to say.

``You get married.  Please fulfil at
least this one wish of your mother,'' she
appealed.

It was difficult for Narayana to say
`no' to his mother.  Though his mind was
saying  `no' his tongue refused to
say so to his mother who was the very
embodiment of love and affection.

``All right, mother,'' he said.

Ranoobai felt immensely happy, as
if the very heaven was within her reach.
She sent word to her elder brother
Bhanaji, who resided in the neighbouring
village Asangaon.

``Will you marry your daughter to
my son Narayana?'' she asked him.
Bhanaji was ready for the alliance.
Preparations for the marriage began fast.

\medskip
\centerline{\bf Sumuhurta Saavadhaana!}
\medskip

The muhurta (auspicious time fixed)
was fast approaching.  The bride and
the bridegroom were standing face to face.
Only a yellow cloth screen (Antarpata)
was separating them. The priest was
uttering the Mangalashtaka in  a
loud pitch.  Narayana became suddenly
alert when he heard the last few words
of Mangalashtaka  ``Sumuhurta Saavadhaana.''
The word Saavadhaana made
him doubly alert.  ``I must not be
caught in the web of marriage. The
very purpose of my life will be lost by it.
I must run away before the screen
(Antarpata) is removed,'' he thought.

Priests were chanting , Mangalashtaka
verses.  People who had gathered in
large numbers to bless the couple were
getting ready  to throw mangalashtaka
on  their heads. In the meanwhile
Narayana had disappeared from the scene.
The cry, ``Where has  Narayana
gone, where is he?'' echoed in the
marriage pandal.

\medskip
\centerline{\bf Where is Narayana ?}
\centerline{\bf What happened to him?}
\medskip

Panchavati is a sacred place.  In the
Tretayuga, Prabhu Sri Ramachandra and
Seetadevi had spent their days in these
parts and, sanctified them.

From the marriage pandal, Narayana
went straight to Panchavati on the bank
of the river Godavari.  The purpose of
his life and the path to attain it became
clear to him in this sacred place, Nasik.

He spent twelve years of his life at
auspicious Panchavati in meditation and
penance.  Here, he would leave his bed
two hours before dawn, have a dip in
the Sangama and perform Sandhyavandana, meditation and Japa.

Standing in knee-deep water for
five to six hours a day from the minute
of sunrise till midnoon, he would deeply
engage his mind over God.  Fish would
sometimes bite his legs, he would not
mind them.  After meditation he would
visit some houses and beg for food.  He
would divide the day's collection into
three parts. He would set apart one
portion to the cows, another to the
fish and the third for himself. The rest
of the day he would spend in reading
religious books, and in hearing religious
discourses and devotional songs.

The rigorous routine of austerity
of  this thirteen-year-old boy would
surprise everyone. This intense Tapas
made his body shine like goldand his
mind became razor-sharp.

Has not his personal God, Prabhu
Sri Ramachandra said that one's mother
and one's country were superior even
to heaven ? ``Janani Janma-bhoomischa
swargadapi gareeyasi.'' His love for his
mother and motherland Bharata-varsha
overflowed his mind.  Narayana felt:
``I am Ramadasa, servant of Rama,
I shall obey every word of Sri Rama and
follow his footprints.''  Thus Narayana
became Ramadasa.

\medskip
\centerline{\bf Visit to Holy Places}
\medskip

Ramadas wanted  to go round the
whole country and  study the conditions of the people.
What is the meaning of going round the whole country?
Should he visit every hook and corner
of it?  No, it is enough if one visits the
holy places which represent the entire
country and its people.
An interesting thing happened in
Paithan. That was the reason, people
say, why Ramadas was begun to be
called ``Samartha Ramadas.''

By then well known for his
impressive discourses and Keertans,
(singing of hymns), one day Ramadas
was walking on the banks of Godavari.
He was carrying a bow in one hand
and some Brahmins saw it

One of them asked.,
``Do you
know the use of the bow?''

``Yes,'' he replied.

``Then aim at that bird there,''
said  some of them, pointing to a bird
flying high in the sky.
One shot of Ramadas brought the
bird down to the earth.

``You are a sadhu, you say.  Should
you kill an innocent bird ? What a
sinful act you have committed !'' the
Brahmins commented.

``You asked me to kill it!''

``Can  you commit a sin because
some one  asks you to do so?''

``Yes,  true, one should not,'' said
Ramadas.

``You must repent for the sin of
killing the bird. Otherwise you will
have to suffer for it,''  warned the
Brahmins.

Ramadas accepted to repent, and
performed some sacrifice.  Then he asked
the Brahmins, ``Am I now free from
the sin ?''

Brahmins said, ``You are free.''
``Then how is it that the bird is
still dead?''
``But how can a dead bird come
back to life ?''

``If the bird cannot come to life,
then how am I to be sure that I got
rid of the sin?'' Ramadas asked them.
Ramadas took the bird in his hands,
prayed with great devotion to Lord Sri
Ramachandra.  The bird began breathing.
Lo, it flattered and flew away!  From
that day onwards people began to
address Ramadas as Samartha Ramadas.  Thus goes the story.

Then Ramadas journeyed to Kashi
in the North.  On the way he would take
rest in villages and fill his stomach by
begging for food.  Ramadas keenly
observed the prevailing conditions
customs and manners of people during
his journey throughout the length and
breadth of the country.
In one of his poems, Ramadas has
given the following picturesque description of the
conditions that existed then
in the country.
``Subjected to foreign invasions
the villages are  deserted, lands are left.
uncultivated. Even in places where
people managed to live, they appeared
to be living  as if faced with an
impending deluge. High prices of
daily necessities of life have made
their life most miserable.  Many have
put an end to their life by taking
poison.  People are disgusted with
life.

He was heartbroken by the sight.
Is there no salvation for these people?
he implored God.

In this frame of mind Ramadas
entered the temple of Lord Vishwanatha
a Kashi (Banaras). Kashi is a holy
place, a great pilgrimage centre. People
flock there in thousands from all parts
of  Bharat.

One day Ramadas was taking
rest outside the temple after the darshan
of Lord Vishwanatha. His imposing
personality attracted the attention of
the devotees visiting the temple. He
entered into conversation with them.
An important  aspect of life he came
to  realise from these talks.

\medskip
\centerline{\bf Hanuman. at Hanuman Ghat}
\medskip

As you know, the temple of Kashi
Vishwa  natha is built on the banks of
the river Ganga.  Steps are built to
facilitate bathing. But nowhere was
there to be seen a statue of Hanuman.

People requested Ramadas
``Maharaj, the statue of Maruti has to
be insialled at the Ghat if it is to be
called really Hunuman Ghat.''

Ramadas thought ``Yes, this place
cannot be called Hunuman Ghat without
Hanumanta.'' He succeeded  in  install
an idol of Anjaneya there.

Waves  of thought rose  in the mind
of Ramadas. ``What is this? Who am I ?
What should be the will of God that
I should be brought here from such a
far-off place and ordered to build the
temple ? There  must be some purpose.
What can it be ?'' Ramadas began to
ponder over it. Then the purpose of
his life, the message of God, became
clear to him like crystal.

``It is true that Bharatavarsha  is
greater than heaven. But that is of
no use without freedom - like the
Hanuman Ghat without Hanuman.
Hanuman is well known for his
strength  and valour, `buddhimataaM
varishhThaM' the wisest among
wise.

``He was also a tower of strength.
He possessed unsurpassed intellect.  It
was his effort which enabled Ramachandra to get back his wife Seeta.
To worship Hanumanta means worshipping strength and valour. This
goal of freedom should have a firm
foundation in the minds of the people
of Bharata. Then alone could they
have independence, the Seeta of freedom.

``It is true that Bharateeyas are as
intelligent as Hanuman. If they can
make  up their mind, there could be
none  to equal them both in strength
and intellect.  They could cross the
seas and climb mountains.  The idol
of Hanuman must be installed in the
minds of the people,  like installing the
statue of  Hanuman in Hanuman Ghat.''

\medskip
\centerline{\bf Vow to Protect Motherland}
\medskip

Ramadas had a clearer picture of
his life's mission at the holy Kashi.

Ramadas visited many places in
North India.  Then he turned his mind
towards South.  He went up to the
holy Rameswara and then to Tirupati,
and came to Pampakshetra on the
banks of the river Tungabhadra. He
had the darshan of Lord Virupaksha.
Hardly a few decades had passed since
the Vijayanagar Empire had been razed to
the ground.  In his restless efforts to
climb the heights of spiritual glory,
sage Vidyaranya had  realised the
importance of preserving Dharma.  He
had striven hard, day and night, for
the establishment of the Vijayanagar
Empire.

Likewise, the
pontiff of Sri Vyasaraya
mutt  provided necessary advice
and guidance to Krishnadevaraya of
Vijayanagar in building the empire,

While the nation and the character of its people are in grave danger,
spiritual aspirations and  efforts  at
personal salvation by the heads of
religious institutions and individuals
should be kept aside for the time
being.  The first and foremost concern
of all citizens should be to resolve the
challenges, confronting the nation.

Shivaji was at the time faced
with a similar situation.

When Vijayanagar was on the
verge of an attack  by enemies,
spiritual activities alone could not be
sufficient to defend  the country.
Strength of arms and ammunition and
the determination  to drive out the
enemy were needed. Mere love of
one's motherland is not enough, might
of the muscles is necessary.  It should be
acquired by hard-effort, and nurtured and
developed.  Irrespective of whether one
is a family man or a monk or a soldier,
everyone should be prepared to die in
defending  the  motherland. Ramadas
saw this need.
Ramadas came to Pandharapura,
the abode of Lord Vittala.  When
Pundalika, a great devotee of God
Vittala, was engaged in the nursing of his
aged parents, God himself came to give
darshan to his devotee and test him.  But
to Pundalika, the darshan of God Vittala
was not of as much importance as his
service to his parents.

``My first duty is to my parents
without fulfilling it I have no time to
welcome you'' he told Vittala. ``Till
then please be  waiting  on the bricks,''
he added, throwing two bricks.  This is
the story of Vittala  of the famous
Pandharapura. One can see even to this
day God Vittala standing on the two
bricks with arms akimbo.

Ramadas derived a lesson even from
this legend.  It is the first and foremost
duty of every person to attend to the
needs of his parents and not to forget
them with the excuse that worship of
God should come first.

One's motherland is one's true
mother.  Swadharma, duty, is one's
father.  It is not right to go to the
Himalayas and perform penance in search of
God forgetting one s duty to one's mother
and motherland.  One should first
discharge one's duty to the land of one's
birth; then one could turn his thoughts
towards other-worldly things or heaven.
These were the thoughts that
coursed through the mind of Ramadas.
From his pilgrimage all over the country
Ramadas realised that the nation was
in grave danger.

\medskip
\centerline{\bf The Right Disciple}
\medskip

Ramadas sent word to Shivaji
Maharaj as soon as he returned to
Maharashtra.

Prostrating at the feet of Ramadas,
Shivaji begged of him : `` I seek your
advice.  Show me a path to salvation.
You are my Guru. You alone must save me.''

Ramadas felt immensely happy when
he saw Shivaji. In him. he saw the
person who could fulfil the high ideals
he had set forth.

``Shivaji is not an ordinary person.
He has all the qualities of becoming the
man of the age,'' Ramadas thought.

``Shivaba, I have heard you have
taken an oath before Rohideswara to
free the country from foreign bondage.
From my recent tour I have fully realised
the danger the country is facing.  The
people should be freed and their glorious
heritage should be restored.  Then alone
could this great land be smiling with
plenty and happiness.  Why think of God
and the other world now ? You have to do
much to free your people from the fear
of foreigners.  God is waiting to help
such people.  Do not forget the oath
you took before Rohideswara.  Service
to your people is service to God.''

Shivaji Maharaj heard his Guru with
rapt attention and devotion.

\medskip
\centerline{\bf ``Be a Strong Fort''}
\medskip

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.

\medskip
\centerline{\bf ``Am I Your Narayana ?''}
\medskip

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.

\medskip
\centerline{\bf The Temple of Sri Rama}
\medskip

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.

\medskip
\centerline{\bf Same Shivaji}
\medskip

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.

\medskip
\centerline{\bf Ananda-Vana-Bhuvana}
\medskip

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.

\medskip
\centerline{\bf The Writing  of Dasabodba}
\medskip

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.'

\medskip
\centerline{\bf The Light That Went Out}
\medskip

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

``Do not search for Moksha forgetting your country. Live a pure life.
First you owe a duty to your family and to
your motherland.  Then alone should you
turn your thoughts towards Moksha or
salvation.

\medskip\hrule\medskip
\centerline{\large The End}
\bigskip
\centerline{Index to pronunciation and meanings}
\end{document}
