Threshold.

 The story of Ramdas, also known as Samarth Ramdas, and how he became a great devotee of Lord Rama is both inspiring and spiritually uplifting. Born as Narayan Suryaji Thosar in 1608 CE in the village of Jamb near Aurangabad, Maharashtra, he later became one of the most revered saints and poets in Indian history. His life marks a turning point in devotional movements, especially in the worship of Rama and Hanuman in Maharashtra.

Early Life and Spiritual Awakening

From a very young age, Narayan was spiritually inclined. While other children played, he spent hours meditating and reciting prayers. He was especially drawn to the stories of Lord Rama and Hanuman. Despite being born into a religious Deshastha Brahmin family, his spiritual quest was intense and personal.

At the age of 12, something unusual happened that changed the course of his life.

The Turning Point: The Wedding Escape

When his family arranged his marriage, young Narayan stood before the sacred fire with his bride. But just as the rituals began, he was struck by a profound realization—life is fleeting, and the purpose of life is not worldly attachment but union with God. He saw the wedding as a bondage to worldly life.

In a dramatic and legendary moment, he ran away from the wedding altar and disappeared. This bold act of renunciation left everyone stunned. He walked away from family, society, and all comforts in search of a higher truth.

Devotion to Rama and Hanuman

Narayan wandered for years, visiting sacred places like Nashik, Panchavati, and eventually settling near the banks of the Godavari. During this time, he took the name Ramdas, meaning servant of Rama. He dedicated himself to intense penance, studying scriptures like the Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, and Upanishads, and performing japa of "Sri Rama Jai Rama Jai Jai Rama".

He was particularly inspired by the steadfast devotion and strength of Hanuman, whom he considered the ideal devotee of Rama. Ramdas saw Hanuman as a symbol of disciplined action (karma yoga) and ultimate surrender (bhakti yoga).

Founding of Mathas and Inspiration to Shivaji

Ramdas began traveling across Maharashtra, inspiring people with spiritual teachings, songs (abhangas), and discourses. He founded many mathas (monasteries) and Hanuman temples to instill strength and dharma among people suffering under the chaos of Mughal rule.

He emphasized Rama as an ideal king and Hanuman as an ideal servant, aligning perfectly with the values of dharma, strength, and righteous action.

His spiritual leadership reached even Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the great Maratha warrior-king, who revered Ramdas as his spiritual guru. Ramdas blessed Shivaji in his mission to establish Hindavi Swarajya, a dharma-based kingdom.

Samarth Ramdas’s devotional works like:

"Dasbodh" – a spiritual and practical guide

"Manache Shlok" – verses to train the mind

Abhangas in praise of Rama and Hanuman

… continue to inspire millions to this day. His life showed that true devotion to God is not escapism but a call to awaken inner strength, serve society, and uphold dharma.

Select Verses from Manache Shlok (Verses for the Mind)

by Samarth Ramdas

1. "मनाला मनोनी धरावे । चित्ती रामकृपा धरावी ॥"

"Train your mind with resolve; hold Rama’s grace deep in your heart."

2. "सदैव समाधान मानावे । जगी दु:खाचा न मागावे ॥"

"Always be content within; do not seek sorrow even in grief."

3. "विचारें मनासी उदार । करावा समाधान विचार ॥"

"Let the mind dwell on noble thoughts; learn to be satisfied with what is."

4. "भयासारखा शत्रु नाही । तो सहजचि येतो जिथे ॥"

"There is no enemy like fear; it sneaks in where there is doubt."

5. "राघवाची भक्ती करा । सर्व चिंता दूर करा ॥"

"Worship Lord Rama with love; all your worries will fall away."

He walked away from worldly ties, with Rama’s name upon his lips,

Through forest paths and riverbanks, he sought no crown, no ships.

A torch of dharma in the dark, a voice that stirred the land,

He held no sword, yet kings would bow before his open hand.

Where Hanuman stood firm and strong, Ramdas built his flame,

With every verse, with every step, he glorified Rama’s name.

O Servant of the righteous Lord, your legacy lives on—

In hearts that seek the truth and light before the break of dawn.