Baba Ramdevji ( V.S. 1409 - 1442 ) ( 1352 - 1385 AD) is a folk–deity of Rajasthan in India. He was a saint of the fourteenth century who devoted his life for the upliftment of downtrodden and poor people of the society, which were marginalized by Invaders. A temple was built around Ramdevji's final resting place by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner in 1931 AD. Ramdevji was a Tanwar Rajput however there is question mark on this identity, raised by many followers. While Hindus regard him as an incarnation of Lord Krishna (who was himself an incarnation of Lord Vishnu), Muslims venerate him as Ramshah Pir or Ramapir or Hindwapir. He is said to have had miraculous powers, and his fame reached far and wide and was confirmed by Peers of Mecca.[1][2]
Contents |
The story, as derived from folklore, is thus. King Ajmal Tanwar was the king of Pokaran. His wife, Rani Mainade, was the daughter of the king of Jaisalmer. After becoming King of Pokran, King Ajmalji had only three daughters, Lasa, Laxmi and Sugana. One day the king was on a tour of his kingdom. It was monsoon, yet the kingdom had not received any rainfall. On his tour, the king met a few farmers who were on their way to their farms to sow seeds. On seeing the king, they began to return back to their homes. Surprised at this act, the king asked farmers the reason for their behaviour. When assured that no harm would come to them if they told the truth, the farmers told the king that they believed that seeing a barren king's face while on their way to their fields may cause their crops to fail, and therefore they wanted to return to their homes. King Ajmal was very sad on hearing this. Being a devotee of Shri Krishna, the king decided to go to the Lord's palace in Dwarika.
King Ajmal arrived at Dwarika and prayed for many days. Ultimately, in sheer disappointment, he asked Krisna's idol the reason for deserving such sorrow. The idol did not respond to the king's repeated queries. Angered and raged at this, the king threw a dried laddu at the head of the idol. The priest of the temple, considering the king to be mad, asked the king to go to the mystic Dwarika to speak to the Lord. The mystic Dwarika swallowed by the sea many centuries ago, lay at the bed of the Arabian sea. The unfearing king dived into the sea to meet the Lord. Pleased at the king's dedication and faith, the Lord granted him a boon. The king asked for Lord Krishna to be born as his son. The Lord promised to take birth in the king's house. Soon thereafter, the royal couple began to have children. [3]
Baba Ramdevji is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Krishna (who himself was incarnation of Lord Vishnu) . As mentioned above, King Ajamal (Ajaishinh) married Queen Minaldevi, the daughter of Pamji Bhati of Chhahan Baru village. The childless king went to Dwarika and pleaded with the Lord about his wish to have child like him. They had two sons, Viramdev and the younger Ramdev. Baba Ramdev was born on Bhadava Shukla dooj in V.S. 1409 at a place called Pokharan. Ramdevji was a Tanwar (kardiya Rajput).[4] He is considered to be the 72nd descendant of the Pandav King Arjun. Muslims venerate Baba Ramdevji as 'Ramshah Pir'. He was said to have had miraculous powers, and his fame reached far and wide. Legend has it that five Pirs (saints) from Mecca came to test Ramdevji's powers. After being convinced of his abilities, they paid their homage to him. Since then he is venerated by Muslims also as Ram Shah Pir or Rama Pir. In Rajasthan Meghwal community's chief deity is Baba Ramdevji who is worshiped during the vedwa punam (August - September). Meghwal religious leader Swami Gokuldas claims that Ramdev was himself a Meghwal in his 1982 book Meghwal Itehas, which constructs a history of the Meghwal community.[5] However, it is a solitary claim made by the Meghwal community themselves and has no one else to back their claim. Mostly, all sources & Hindu community believes Ramdevji to have born in Tanwar Rajput Community.[6] Baba Ramdevji believed in the equality of all human beings, be they high or low, rich or poor. He helped the down-trodden by granting them their wishes. Baba Ramdev is often depicted on horseback. His worship crosses the Hindu-Muslim divide as well as the distinctions of caste. His followers include caste Hindus and the Meghwals in modern-day Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, Mumbai, Delhi and also in Sindh in Pakistan. Several Rajasthani fairs are held to commemorate him. Baba Ramdevji took Samadhi on Bhadrapada Shukla Ekadashi in V.S. 1442 at the age of 33 years. Dalibai, his ardent follower from Meghwal community, is also buried near his grave.
'''Dalibai took samadhi on Tuesday, Bhadon Sudi 9 Vikram Savant 1515 (1459 A.D). Then just 20 feet away from Dalibai’s samadhi, Bhagwan Ramdevji Maharaj himself took samadhi on Thursday, Bhadon Sudi 11th (1459 A.D). --42.105.162.63 (talk) 13:31, 14 November 2011 (UTC)Bold text
One day, young Baba Ramdevji wanted to play with a toy horse. His father asked a toy maker to make one wooden horse, and for the purpose, gave him sandalwood and new cloth. The toy maker, however, stole most of the new cloth for his wife, and made the wooden horse from a piece of old cloth, with only a cover from new cloth. When Baba Ramdev sat on the horse it began to fly and disappeared into the sky along with the child. Baba Ramdev’s parents got angry with the toy maker and imprisoned him. Shortly afterwards, Ramdev came back along with the horse and accused the toymaker of cheating. The toy maker confessed his crime and begged for forgiveness. Baba Ramdevji forgave him and accepted the horse. Wooden toy horses covered with cloth are among the most popular offerings at the temple dedicated to him.
“24 Banis” are considered as famous literature composed by Ramdevji. Many poets and followers like Harji Bhati, Raja Mansinh, Likhmauji Mali, Vijoji Sani, Hiranand Mali, Devshi Mali and Rani Rupande had composed Falk lores on Baba Ramdevji which are still sung by his followers.
Apart from Rajasthan, Baba Ramdevji or Ram Dev Pir has a strong Hindu following in Kathiawar, Gujarat. There are many temples dedicated to him. People from all strata of society worship him. A mystical festival, called Mandap, is also held in villages across Kathiawar to worship him. The whole affair is funded by the villagers. The highlight of the festival is an event in which a long (almost 60 feet or more in height) wooden log, called the Sthambh, is decorated and laid on the ground with a loose base, with eight ropes tied to it from eight directions. Several rites and rituals are performed for about a month. At a certain time and date, the Sthambh stands up. Very mysteriously and strangely, the Sthambh stands up on its own, without any support. The eight ropes are loosely tied in eight nails that are driven in the ground. Lakhs of devotees flock this mandap to have a darshan of the event. The Sthambh stand erect for exactly a day, and returns back to its position 24 hours later in the same fashion. It is believed that RamDev Pir himself appears in the Sthambh.
Ramdev Pir Jayanti i.e. the Birth date of Baba Ramdevji is celebrated every year all over India by devotees of Ramdevji with zeal & festivities. It falls on Beej (2nd Day) of Shukla paksha of Bhadrapada month of Hindu calendar. In Rajasthan, this day is observed as a public holiday and a fair is held at Ramdevra temple, where lakhs of devotees both Hindu & Muslim take part and pay their homage to Samadhi at main temple.[7]
24 divine commands of Ramapir
Ramdevji is believed to be born on above day in Vikram Samvant 1409 ( i.e. 1352 AD) and taken Samadhi on 11th day (Ekadashi) of Shukla paksha of Bhadrapada month of Hindu calendar of Vikram Samvant 1442 (i.e. 1385 AD) Ramapir na chovis farmaan ( 24 divine commands of Ramapir )
In V.S 1515 Bhadrapad Sudi Thursday 11th, Bhagvan Ramdevji Maharaj took Samadhi. This is when he delivered hislast message and the 24 Farmaan (24 divine commands), to his devotees.
Kahe Ramdev suno Gatganga :-
Bhagvan Ramdevji Maharaj said “Gatganga (Participants of this Communion are believed to be as pure as the Mother Ganges) listen to the following Twenty Four Divine Commands”: -
1
Paap thi kayam door rahevun dharmaman apvun nij dhyaan Jeev matra par dayaa rakhvi bhukhya ne devun ann-daan.
Always keep away from sin and pay particular attention to the way of your life: Be kind to all living creatures and feed the hungry ones.
2
Guru charanman paap prakasho parmartha kaje rahevun taiyar Jooj jeevavun jani lejo karvo sar-asar no vichar.
Confess your sins to your Satguru and always be ready to help others. Remember that life is too short and you must think of rights and wrongs.
3
Vaad-vivad ke ninda chesta karvi shobhae nahin gat na gothine Avta vayak ne haete vadhav-vun nij antar dhaan dholi ne.
It does not suit a member of the Communion to get involved in gossip, jealousy or grudge. Accept the invitation to attend the Paat/Pooja with enthusiasm and attend to meditate in search of your soul.
4
Gurupad seva pratham pad jano malae gyan saar ne dhaar Dhani upar dharna rakho tau nipaje bhakthi tani laar
You must submit to your Sadguru first to achieve knowledge and accomplish your goal. Have faith in the Almighty God, who will create goodness in you.
5
Tan thi ujala man thi mela dhare bhagvo vesh Tae jan tamae jaano nagura jene mukhadae noor nahin lav-lesh.
A person may look clean and wears saffron clothes, but if his mind is malicious or corrupt and there is no sparkle in his eyes and face, consider him to be a Nagura - a person without guidance of a Sadguru.
6
Seva mahatmaya chhe motun jeman tae chhe sanatan dharma nijar Jati –sati no dharma jaano tyaji moh-maya ni janjaal.
Service to humanity is service to God, make that to be your duty that is the teaching of Sanatan Dharma. Relinquish lust and attachment to the material world and follow the principles of Sanatan Dharma.
7
Vachan viveki jae hoy narnaari neki teki ne vali vratdhari Tae sau chhe sevak amaara jo hoy sacha ne sada chari.
My followers are those who are polite, are kind, are honest of principle, and are living a moral life of high integrity.
8
Maat-pita guru seva karvi karvo atithi satkar Sva-dharmno pahelan vichaar karvo pachhi adarvo aachar.
Do service to your parents and Sadguru and always welcome your guests. Remember your duty first and then act accordingly.
9
Pratham parodhiye vahela uthavun pavitra thaiy levun dhaninun naam Ek mana thaiy alekh ne aradhva pachhi karva kaam tamaam.
Wake up early, wash and clean yourself and then do your prayers to the Lord with full concentration before tackling your daily tasks.
10
Ek asane ajapa-jaap japva antah karan rakhvun nishkam Dashae indriyanun jyare daman karsho tyare olakhashe atam ram.
Sit on one comfortable position; chant the name of the Lord with clean heart. You will only recognise your soul when you have control over the ten senses of your body (five senses and five functional parts of your body).
11
Dil ni bhranti door karvi tyajva moha maan abhimaan Mrityu sivaya sarve mithya maanvun samajvun sachu gyaan
Have no doubt in your heart and mind about your faith in the Almighty God, and avoid lust for the pleasures of life, pride and arrogance. To accept the death as the only truth (reality) is the true knowledge and the rest is superfluous attractions and/or attachments.
12
Sampati parmane soad taanvi kirti ni rakhvi nahin bhukh Motap no jo aham tyajsho tau mati jashae bhav-dukh
Cut your cloth according to your coat, avoid the greed of fame. Have no greed for the chairmanship and your miseries will come to an end.
13
Sad-vartan ne shubhachar kelavava vani vadatan karvo shuddha vichar Svashrayae jivan vitavavun alakh dhani no layi adhaar. Be pure in your thoughts with high moral values and act accordingly. Live a independent life with full faith in the Almighty God.
14
Din jano na sada hitkari par dukhae antar jenu dukhay Nischay janva tae sevak amara kadiyae nav visaraya.
Be sympathetic towards the poor and always be ready to help the needy. I will always remember such devotees and they will remain close to my heart.
15
Nisvarthi ne vali sam bhavi jene vachanma purna vishwas Ek chite bhakti kare tene janva hari na das.
My true devotees are unselfish, impartial, honourable and believing in my words.
16
Jan sevaman jivan galae te nar seva dharmi kahavaya Oonch-nich no bhed na rakhe teva samdarshi nar pujaya.
Those who spend their life for the cause of humanity and those who do not discriminate between colour, caste, creed or religion are worthy of my worship.
17
Bhaktajan amara jaanva sarvae jene chhe muj bhakthima vishvas Anatariksha ane pragat parcho pamae pamae purna vishvas.
Those devotees who have complete faith in me are the ones who will recognise me in visible and invisible forms and are worthy of my trust..
18
Koi jan sacha koi jan khota aap matae chalae sansaar Par-vritiman chalae koi veerla koi viveki nar ne naar.
Some people rightly or wrongly behave and live according to their principles, which suit themselves but those who live and work for others are the true heroes.
19
Bhakti ne bahane thaiy koi anachari tau koi vyabhichari Te jan nahin sevak amara nahin paat puja na tae adhikari.
In the name of devotion if any devotees turn into malpractice or lust they are neither my true devotees nor do they have any right to participate in Paath-Pooja.
20
Bhakti bhav nishkam karma man je te bhakt amara satya sujaan Nar naari tae premae pamae chovis avtarni agya praman.
Those who perform good deeds and are sincerely devoted to me are worthy of these Farmaans and entitled to my blessings.
21
Sabha mahin sambhalvun saunun rahevun muj agya praman Muj pad no tae chhe jiv adhikari pami pad nirvana
Listen to all as an audience but follow my teachings. This will lead you to salvation. (Nirvana - a state where a soul is not reincarnated).
22
Nav ne vandan nav ne bandhan vali je hoy, nav-anka Navdha bhakti tae narne varae varae muktine koi nar banka.
There are nine forms of Bhakti (devotion). Salute all the nine forms of Bhakti and the sincere devotees are those who accomplish and live up to these forms of devotion. They are the ones who would achieve Moksha or Nirvana
23
Daan diyechatan rahe ajachi vali parki kare nahin aas. Athae pahor anandman rahe tene janvo muj antar ni paas.
Those persons who are anonymous donors without any hope or wish for return of a favour and are happy at all times would always remain dear and close to my heart.
24
Hoon chhun sau no antaryami nij bhakta no rakshanhar Dharma karan dharto hoon vidh vidh rupae avtar
I am the one who lives in the hearts of my devotees and I am the one who will take care of my devotees. I reincarnate in this universe in various forms for the protection of Dharma (duty)
A Rajasthani language movie titled “Baba Ramdevji”, based on the life of Baba Ramdevji was made in the 1960s. The movie was a big commercial success in its time and gave a significant fillip to the Rajasthani movie industry.