Sri Ramdas Bodana: The Gujarati Devotee of Lord Krishna.
Sri Ramdas Bodana was a great saint and devotee of Lord Krishna from Gujarat. He lived during the 16th century and was deeply influenced by the Bhakti movement, which emphasized pure devotion (bhakti) over rituals and caste distinctions. His life was a testament to unwavering faith, surrender, and divine love for Krishna.
Little is known about Ramdas Bodana’s early life, but he was born in Gujarat, a region rich in Vaishnava traditions. Gujarat has long been a center of Krishna devotion, as it is home to Dwarka, one of the most sacred sites for Krishna devotees. From a young age, Ramdas was drawn toward devotion and spent his time singing the glories of Lord Krishna.
He was deeply influenced by the teachings of the Bhakti saints, who preached that Krishna’s love transcended social divisions and that true devotion came from the heart.
Ramdas Bodana and His Pilgrimage to Dwarka
One of the most well-known stories about Ramdas Bodana is his pilgrimage to Dwarka. He longed to have darshan (divine vision) of Lord Krishna at the Dwarkadhish temple. With immense devotion, he set out on foot, chanting Krishna’s names and singing bhajans (devotional songs).
It is said that along the way, he encountered several hardships—hunger, thirst, and exhaustion—but his love for Krishna kept him going. When he finally reached the temple, he stood in front of the deity, overwhelmed with emotion. In that divine moment, he experienced an intense connection with Krishna, feeling as if the Lord was speaking directly to him.
Miracles and Divine Grace
Ramdas Bodana's devotion was so pure that Krishna himself is believed to have reciprocated it in miraculous ways. One such story recounts how, during a severe drought, Ramdas prayed for the well-being of the people. His prayers were answered when the land received abundant rainfall, saving the region from famine.
Another legend speaks of how he would offer whatever food he had to Krishna first before eating himself. Once, when he had nothing but a handful of grains, he offered it with immense love. Miraculously, the grains multiplied, feeding many devotees. This act reflected his absolute surrender to Krishna’s will.
Ramdas Bodana’s teachings emphasized:
Total surrender to Krishna – He believed that Krishna takes care of his devotees completely if they surrender to him with pure love.
Bhakti over rituals – Like other saints of the Bhakti movement, he emphasized heartfelt devotion rather than mere external rituals.
Service to others – He encouraged people to serve others as a form of worship to God.
Chanting Krishna’s name – He spread the importance of chanting and singing Krishna’s glories, as this was the simplest way to attain divine grace.
Ramdas Bodana’s devotional songs and prayers continue to inspire devotees in Gujarat and beyond. His life serves as a shining example of how faith, humility, and devotion can bring one closer to God.
Sri Ramdas Bodana’s life was a journey of divine love, selfless devotion, and spiritual realization. His unwavering faith in Lord Krishna and his simple yet profound teachings continue to resonate with devotees today. Like Meera Bai, Surdas, and other saints of the Bhakti movement, he showed that true devotion transcends all barriers and leads to ultimate bliss in Krishna’s embrace.
Even today, in the temples and homes of Gujarat, the echoes of his bhajans and the spirit of his devotion remain alive, reminding us of the timeless path of bhakti.
His songs
Aaron ne Nantahala re,
Jay ranchodraya
Kya vase tulasi
Nand ghee Ananda bhayo
Ranchod bhavani.
Rasabhima ray Ranchod
Sakhibpadve te pooran