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Book Review
TAMIL
Spiritual biography
V. N. VEDANTA DESIKAN
SAMARTHA RAMADASA CHARITAM: V. Swaminatha Atreya; Sri Mahaperiyaval Trust, Sri Gurukripa, 94, I.T.I. Layout, MSRIT, Bangalore-560054.
THIS BOOK on Samartha Ramadasa is an extensive expansion of what we normally learn about him from popular books like the Mahabhakta Vijayam, whether in Marathi or Tamil. Ramadasa like Eknath, Namadev and Tukaram of the Marathi region, Bhadrachala Ramadas of the Telugu country, and Bodhendra and Sridhara Ayyaval in the vicinity of Kumbakonam, was almost fanatically attached to the Nama-chanting cult. In fact, Ramadasa practised with avidity and assiduity, the 13-syllable Rama mantra, because of its reputed efficacy.
He was popular as Samartha, perhaps implying that he was a real achiever, say, like Lord Rama or Hanuman, to both of whom he was a passionate devotee. The adjunct ‘Samartha’ helped people to distinguish him from the other Ramadasa (of Bhadrachalam). Samartha (1608-82) lived a life of a wandering mendicant from age 13. A significant contribution of Ramadasar was, of course, in regard to shaping Shivaji (1637- 80). The Guru and the disciple worked in tandem to bring under Shivaji , the whole region up to Tanjavur . These are all described most vividly. Numerous plates with photos of shrines establishing the authenticity of the version add value. Extensive quotations from the sayings of the saint are given with Tamil explanations . The author has rendered a great service to the cause of spirituality.
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