Samarth Ramdas (1599-1681) was a renowned Indian saint, philosopher, and guru who played a pivotal role in the development of the Bhakti movement in Hinduism.
- He was born in 1599 in the village of Mahad, in the state of Maharashtra, India.
- Ramdas was a direct disciple of Tukaram, another prominent Bhakti saint, and was influenced by the teachings of the Bhagavata Purana and the Upanishads.
- He was known for his extraordinary spiritual powers, which included the ability to heal the sick, grant boons, and perform miracles.
- Ramdas was a strong advocate for social reform and was instrumental in the abolition of the practice of sati, or widow immolation.
- He was a prolific writer and authored several spiritual texts, including the "Bhagavata Mala" and the "Ramdas Chaukharia".
- Ramdas was also a skilled musician and composer, and his compositions are still revered and sung by devotees today.
- He was a great patron of the arts and encouraged the development of Sanskrit literature and music.
- Ramdas was revered by his contemporaries as a living deity and was often referred to as "Samarth Ramdas" or "The Great Ramdas".