Pujya Swami Ramdas (1884 – 1963)
“Saints are beacons. Saints show the path. They hearten you in your struggle. Their words should carry absolute weight with you. They can awaken and enthuse you. But you have to advance on the path by your own growing inner power and will.”
Swami Ramdas, formerly known as Vittal Rao in his Purvashram, underwent a profound transformation in the 1920s by realising the futility of worldly pursuits and embracing the Divine path. He renounced worldly life, received the Ram Mantra from his father, and embarked on a wandering mendicant’s journey. Through intense spiritual practices, he attained a vision of God within and without, experiencing unending Bliss. Swami Ramdas, a seeker-turned-seer, founded Anandashram in 1931 to guide and serve humanity, inspiring countless individuals until he dropped His mortal coil in 1963. His life exemplified spiritual devotion, compassion and the realisation of the Divine within.
Swami Ramdas had several interactions with other saints, which shaped his life. One day, he went to visit the renowned saint Sri Ramana Maharshi, whose Ashram was located at the foot of the Tiruvannamalai mountains. As they entered the humble thatched shed where the saint resided, they were struck by the aura of peace and joy that surrounded him. Sri Ramana Maharshi, though young, exuded a calmness and tenderness that touched all who came to him.
Swami Ramdas, addressing the saint in English, humbly sought his blessing, expressing his fervent prayer for guidance. Sri Ramana Maharshi, gazing deeply into Ramdas’ eyes for a few moments, conveyed his blessing through his serene gaze. Overwhelmed with inexpressible joy, Swami Ramdas felt a profound sense of connection and gratitude.
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