Saint Ramananda

Ramananda, often affectionately referred to as Ramanandacharya, was a poet-saint in the 14th century who lived in the northern region of India, near the sacred Gangetic basin. According to Hindu lore, he holds the esteemed position of being the visionary behind the Ramanandi Sampradaya, which stands as the largest monastic Hindu renunciation community in contemporary times. This community has left an indelible mark on the spiritual landscape, and Ramananda’s influence continues to resonate through the ages.

About Saint Ramananda

Saint Ramananda, born into a Brahmin family, spent most of his life in the sacred city of Varanasi. Although the dates of his birth and death are unknown, historical evidence places him among the early saints during the Bhakti movement’s rise in North India between the 14th and mid-15th centuries, a period marked by Islamic rule.
Traditionally, it is believed that Saint Ramananda drew inspiration from the South Indian Vedanta scholar Ramanuja while shaping his philosophy and devotional themes. However, historical records also suggest his influence from the Nathpanthi ascetics of the Yoga school within Hindu philosophy.
A devoted worshiper of Rama, Saint Ramananda played a crucial role in founding the Bhakti movement in northern India. He stood out as a social reformer, opening the doors of Bhaktism to all, irrespective of birth, caste, creed, or gender. Importantly, he communicated his teachings in Hindi, making religion more accessible to the general public.
Saint Ramananda’s influence extended to the Adi Granth, where his lyrics are mentioned. He served as the mentor to several poet-saints, including Kabir, a Muslim weaver; Ravidas, a cobbler; Sena, a barber; Dhanna, a Jat peasant; Sadhana, a butcher; Narahari, a goldsmith; and Pipa, a Rajput prince.
Often referred to as “the bridge between the Bhakti movement of the South and the Bhakti movement of the North,” Saint Ramananda is credited with laying the foundation for the Sant-parampara, the tradition of Bhakti saints in North India. His legacy resonates as a beacon of inclusivity and devotion that transcends societal boundaries.

Ramanandi Sampradaya

The Ramanandi Sampraday traces its roots back to the teachings of Saint Ramananda, also known as Shri Ramavat or Shri Sampraday.
Members of this community are affectionately called Ramanandis, Vairagis, and Bairagis. They are known for leading a disciplined, austere, and simple lifestyle, reflecting a commitment to self-imposed values.
While Saint Ramananda is honored as the founder in the tradition, historical records about the community’s origin are limited. It’s believed that India’s largest monastic community gained strength a few decades after Saint Ramananda’s passing.
The Ramanandi Sampraday places a strong emphasis on the worship of Rama, along with devotion to Vishnu in his various incarnations and other deities.
Interestingly, despite being predominantly Vaishnavite, the Ramanandi community is the largest ascetic group that celebrates the Shivratri festival dedicated to Shiva. This adds a unique aspect to their religious practices.

Literary Works

Saint Ramananda is attributed as the creator of many devotional poetry, however, as with most Bhakti movement writers, it is questionable whether he was the author of these compositions.
Ramanand is also credited with the Hindi treatises Gyan-Lila and Yog-cintamani, as well as the Sanskrit works Vaishno Mata Bhajan Bhaskara and Ramarchana paddhati.
Poems found in ancient and well-preserved Sikhism manuscripts, as well as handwritten Nagari-pracarini Sabha, are deemed authentic and demonstrate Saint Ramananda’s Nirguna (attributeless god) line of thought.

Conclusion

Ramananda played a crucial role in bringing Hindus together during a challenging period when North India was under Islamic rule. His efforts aimed at reviving Rama worship in a more personal and direct way had a profound impact. What made Ramananda stand out was his open-minded approach, emphasizing a devotee’s commitment over their birth or gender. This welcoming attitude became a precedent that drew people from all walks of life towards spirituality. Another unique aspect of his teachings was his use of everyday language instead of the traditional Sanskrit, making spiritual ideas more accessible and relatable to the masses. In essence, Ramananda’s influence not only rekindled devotion but also made spirituality inclusive and approachable for everyone.