Word

Ramadasa, Smartha

Sanskrit

In General

(1608-1681 CE) Ramadasa was a famous Hindu revivalist during its worst time in the history. He roused pride in the Hindu mind and worked to bring about unity in them. He was called smartha for these bold steps he had taken. Chatrapati Shivaji was inspired by this holy man and accepted him as his guru. He was a devotee of Sri Rama and wrote many books in Marati language with Dasabodha being the most famous. He was an admirer of Maruti and built many temples for Maruti in different part of the country.

His five disciples who were known as Ramadasa Pancayatana are Ranganatha svami of Nigadi, Jayarama svami of Padagav, Anandamurti of Brahmanala and Kesavamurti of Hyderabad.