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[[Image:Swami_ramanand.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Bhagat Pipa and Bhagat Ramanand]]
{{infobox Bhagat
|Image name = Swami_ramanand.jpg
|Subject Name = Bhagat Ramanand Ji
|Name = Ramanand Sharma
|Birth = Late 14th Century at Allahabad, Uttar Pardesh
|Parents = Bhoor Karam<ref name=DhurKiBani>Dhur Ki Bani - Sampadan Jugat; author: Dr. Sarbjinder Singh; Publisher: Sikh Foundation; p. 41</ref> and Sushila
|brosis = Not Recorded
|Spouse = -NA- (Renouncer)
|Children = -NA- (Renouncer)
|Previous Faith = Vaishnavism (Bairagi)
|Died = Late 15th Century at Benaras, Uttar Pardesh
|Bani in GGS = 1 Shabad in Basang Raag
|Other Info = Fight against Casteism, Reviver of Bairagi Sect
}}


'''Bhagat Ramanand''' was a Gurmukh, Poet, Saint, Devotee whose hymn is present in [[Adi Granth]] Sahib. Bhagat Ramanand was reviver of Bairagi Sect, but he later left Vaishnavism and adopted Gurmat after having guidance from Bhagat Kabir. In his hymn, he mentioned that he left temples and rituals and found the one in himself.
'''Bhagat Ramanand'''([[Adi Granth]]: ਰਾਮਾਨੰਦ  ਜੀ), also known as Swami Ramanand, was a Gurmukh, Poet, Saint, and Devotee, whose bani is present in the [[Adi Granth]] Sahib, the Holy book of [[Sikh]]s, now known as the Sri Guru Granth Saahib Ji.  
<ref name=AdiGranth>Adi Granth Sahib - Page 1195, Line 11</ref> He is popularly known as [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnav]] Saint and is considered as the reviver of the Bairagi Sect (popularly Ramanandi Sect<ref name=peopleofmaharashtra>People of Maharashtra - KS SIngh, Page 114</ref>). He was born to an upper-caste Brahmin family, around the mid 14th Century, and preached that [[Hari]] (God) was available to people of all castes, which reflected in the teachings of the  bhagats following him: [[Bhagat Dhanna]] Ji, [[Bhagat Kabir]] Ji, and other Bhagats.


==Ramananda in Gurmat==
==Gurmat and Ramanand Ji==
In Adi Granth Sahib, a poem of Satgur Ramanand is recorded by Satgur Arjun Dev, in Raga Basant, describes Ramananda’s profound philosophy. This Hymn also contradicts present viewpoints existed about Bhagat Ramanand that he remained a Vaisnav saint, as per hymn and it's mention in Adi Granth, itself states that he adoped Gurmat later on. He was guided by Satgur Kabir, who was his disciple but later took spiritual wisdom from Maghar(as per Kabir Hymns), and explained Gurmat to Ramanand
In Adi Granth Sahib, a poem of Bhagat Ramanand Ji, which is recorded by [[Guru Arjun Dev|Satgur Arjun Dev]] Ji, in [[Raga]] [[Basant]], describes Ramananda’s profound philosophy.
<center><big>
===Shabad of Ramanand in [[Guru Granth Sahib]]===


ਰਾਮਾਨੰਦ  ਜੀ  ਘਰ੝ ੧<br>
In the hymn, Bhagat Ramanand tells his spiritual state.
 
===Bani of Bhagat Ramanand in [[Guru Granth Sahib|Adi Granth Sahib]]===
<big>
ਰਾਮਾਨੰਦ  ਜੀ  ਘਰੁ ੧<br>
Raamaanand Jee, First House:<br><br>
Raamaanand Jee, First House:<br><br>


ੴ ਸਤਿਗ੝ਰ ਪ੝ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥<br>
ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥<br>
One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru:<br><br>
One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru:<br><br>


ਕਤ ਜਾਈਝ ਰੇ ਘਰ ਲਾਗੋ ਰੰਗ੝ ॥<br>
ਕਤ ਜਾਈਐ ਰੇ ਘਰ ਲਾਗੋ ਰੰਗੁ ॥<br>
Where should I go? My home is filled with bliss.<br><br>
Where should I go? My home is filled with bliss.<br><br>


ਮੇਰਾ ਚਿਤ੝ ਨ ਚਲੈ ਮਨ੝ ਭਇਓ ਪੰਗ੝ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥<br>
ਮੇਰਾ ਚਿਤੁ ਨ ਚਲੈ ਮਨੁ ਭਇਓ ਪੰਗੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥<br>
My consciousness does not go out wandering. My mind has become crippled. ||1||Pause||<br><br>
My consciousness does not go out wandering. My mind has become crippled. ||1||Pause||<br><br>


ਝਕ ਦਿਵਸ ਮਨ ਭਈ ਉਮੰਗ ॥<br>
ਏਕ ਦਿਵਸ ਮਨ ਭਈ ਉਮੰਗ ॥<br>
One day, a desire welled up in my mind.<br><br>
One day, a desire welled up in my mind.<br><br>


ਘਸਿ ਚੰਦਨ ਚੋਆ ਬਹ੝ ਸ੝ਗੰਧ ॥<br>
ਘਸਿ ਚੰਦਨ ਚੋਆ ਬਹੁ ਸੁਗੰਧ ॥<br>
I ground up sandalwood, along with several fragrant oils.<br><br>
I ground up sandalwood, along with several fragrant oils.<br><br>


ਪੂਜਨ ਚਾਲੀ ਬ੝ਰਹਮ ਠਾਇ ॥<br>
ਪੂਜਨ ਚਾਲੀ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਠਾਇ ॥<br>
I went to God's place, and worshipped Him there.<br><br>
I went to [[Brahman|Brahman's]] (God's) place (Temple), and worshipped Him there.<br><br>


ਸੋ ਬ੝ਰਹਮ੝ ਬਤਾਇਓ ਗ੝ਰ ਮਨ ਹੀ ਮਾਹਿ ॥੧॥<br>
ਸੋ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਬਤਾਇਓ ਗੁਰ ਮਨ ਹੀ ਮਾਹਿ ॥੧॥<br>
That God showed me the Guru, within my own mind. ||1||<br><br>
That God showed me the Guru, within my own mind. ||1||<br><br>


ਜਹਾ ਜਾਈਝ ਤਹ ਜਲ ਪਖਾਨ ॥<br>
ਜਹਾ ਜਾਈਐ ਤਹ ਜਲ ਪਖਾਨ ॥<br>
Wherever I go, I find water and stones.<br><br>
Wherever I go, I find water and stones.<br><br>


Line 38: Line 54:
You are totally pervading and permeating in all.<br><br>
You are totally pervading and permeating in all.<br><br>


ਬੇਦ ਪ੝ਰਾਨ ਸਭ ਦੇਖੇ ਜੋਇ ॥<br>
ਬੇਦ ਪੁਰਾਨ ਸਭ ਦੇਖੇ ਜੋਇ ॥<br>
I have searched through all the Vedas and the Puraanas.<br><br>
I have searched through all the Vedas and the Puraanas.<br><br>


ਊਹਾਂ ਤਉ ਜਾਈਝ ਜਉ ਈਹਾਂ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥੨॥<br>
ਊਹਾਂ ਤਉ ਜਾਈਐ ਜਉ ਈਹਾਂ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥੨॥<br>
I would go there, only if the Lord were not here. ||2||<br><br>
I would go there, only if the Lord were not here. ||2||<br><br>


ਸਤਿਗ੝ਰ ਮੈ ਬਲਿਹਾਰੀ ਤੋਰ ॥<br>
ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਮੈ ਬਲਿਹਾਰੀ ਤੋਰ ॥<br>
I am a sacrifice to You, O my True Guru.<br><br>
I am a sacrifice to You, O my True Guru.<br><br>


ਜਿਨਿ ਸਕਲ ਬਿਕਲ ਭ੝ਰਮ ਕਾਟੇ ਮੋਰ ॥<br>
ਜਿਨਿ ਸਕਲ ਬਿਕਲ ਭ੍ਰਮ ਕਾਟੇ ਮੋਰ ॥<br>
You have cut through all my confusion and doubt.<br><br>
You have cut through all my confusion and doubt.<br><br>


ਰਾਮਾਨੰਦ ਸ੝ਆਮੀ ਰਮਤ ਬ੝ਰਹਮ ॥<br>
ਰਾਮਾਨੰਦ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਰਮਤ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ॥<br>
Raamaanand's Lord and Master is the All-pervading Lord God.<br><br>
Raamaanand's Lord and Master is the All-pervading Brahman (God).<br><br>


ਗ੝ਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦ੝ ਕਾਟੈ ਕੋਟਿ ਕਰਮ ॥੩॥੧॥<br>
ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਕਾਟੈ ਕੋਟਿ ਕਰਮ ॥੩॥੧॥<br>
The Word of the Guru's Shabad eradicates the karma of millions of past actions. ||3||1|| <br>
The Word of the Guru's Shabad eradicates the karma of millions of past actions. ||3||1|| <br>
(SGGS, 1195)<br><br>
(SGGS, 1195)<br><br>
</big></center>
</big>


Key Points in Shabad:
Key Points in Shabad:
# Complete wisdom of himself (ਮੇਰਾ ਚਿਤ੝ ਨ ਚਲੈ ਮਨ੝ ਭਇਓ ਪੰਗ੝)
# Complete wisdom of himself(Current state of soul) (ਮੇਰਾ ਚਿਤੁ ਨ ਚਲੈ ਮਨੁ ਭਇਓ ਪੰਗੁ)
# Clear with concept of Brahm (ਸੋ ਬ੝ਰਹਮ੝ ਬਤਾਇਓ ਗ੝ਰ ਮਨ ਹੀ ਮਾਹਿ ॥੧॥/ਰਾਮਾਨੰਦ ਸ੝ਆਮੀ ਰਮਤ ਬ੝ਰਹਮ ॥)
# Clear with concept of [[Brahma]]n ( ਪੂਜਨ ਚਾਲੀ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਠਾਇ ॥ ਸੋ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਬਤਾਇਓ ਗੁਰ ਮਨ ਹੀ ਮਾਹਿ ॥੧॥ / ਰਾਮਾਨੰਦ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਰਮਤ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ॥ )
# Unwill to go to temples, Complaining about waters and stones in temples (ਜਹਾ ਜਾਈਝ ਤਹ ਜਲ ਪਖਾਨ ॥)
# Unwilling to go to temples, complaining about waters and stones in temples (ਜਹਾ ਜਾਈਝ ਤਹ ਜਲ ਪਖਾਨ ॥)
# Function of Gur Shabad (ਗ੝ਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦ੝ ਕਾਟੈ ਕੋਟਿ ਕਰਮ ॥੩॥੧॥) - It cut whole actions (Past or present, Good or Bad), Gurmukh have nothing to do with Karma (Once attained)
# Function of Gur Shabad(ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਕਾਟੈ ਕੋਟਿ ਕਰਮ ॥੩॥੧॥) - It cut whole actions (Past or present, Good or Bad), Gurmukh have nothing to do with Karma (Once attained)
 
==Ramananda in Vaishnav Saint==
 
He is considered a pioneer of the [[Bhakti]] movement in the [[India]]n subcontinent. He is also regarded as the bridge between the Bhakti movement of the South and North. Though a Brahmin by birth, he did not entertain any sense of pride in his caste. The scene at the right depicts [[Bhagat Ramanand]] and [[Bhagat Pipa]] who received divine enlightenment by the grace of Bhagat Ramanand.
 
Bhagat Ramanand was a follower of Bhagat Raghavacharya of the Ramanuj Movement. In the later part of his life, Ramanand commanded more respect than even his own Guru and came to be known as an exponent of Bhakti (God worship).
 
Born in 1366 CE, Ramanand was the son of Bhoor Karma and Sushila. He was spiritually inclined from his early childhood. He was a Tamilian by birth. Acharya Raghavnand, showed him the path of Yog sadhna. Ramanand also visited places of pilgrimage such as Kashi, where, as a mark of respect, people built a memorial that stands there to this day. After his pilgrimage, Ramanand realised that God can be worshipped by everyone where as his Guru Archarya Raghavnand, who came from the Sadhu Varna Ashrama believed that not everyone was entitled to perform Puja Bhagati.
 
Hence, he started preaching his gospel in Kashi and imbued many devotees with the spirit of Bhagati. [[Kabir]] is the most renowned amongst his disciples. [[Ravidas]], [[Sain]], [[Dhanna]] and [[Pipa]] are also believed to be his followers even though all of them were not his contemporaries.
 
Consequently, the spiritual life of those so-called low people got elevated. In the society, which was then bound in the shackles of the caste-system, such utterances had revolutionary effects. As it was, Brahmins were the only community which had the birth right to perform various rituals and observances connected with religion. But the liberal attitude adopted on the part of Ramanand led the Vairagi (a renouncer) tradition to accept him as their prominent Acharya (Hindu religious teacher). In this way, a new sect among the Vairagis under the name of Ramadatt came into being. This sect stressed celibacy, physical prowess and intense devotion to God. Gradually, Ramanand drifted from Vaishnavism to the worship of One Formless Lord.


Ramanand had several disciples who guided mankind on the way to bhagati (worshipping). Bhagat Pipa was one of his prominent disciples. [[Pipa]] was a king who gave up his ego and came under Ramanand's patronage to seek spiritual guidance. As a king, he served his subject to their utmost welfare. Bhagat Ramanand also wandered about in Pipa's kingdom for some time. On the basis of his first-hand knowledge, he testified that Pipa was as  good a saint as he was a ruler. In his realm  all his subjects enjoyed peace, justice and material comforts irrespective of caste or class.
The above shabad is against some facts which are here under:
# Ramanand was worshipper of King Ramchandra of Ayodhya. ( ਸੋ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਬਤਾਇਓ ਗੁਰ ਮਨ ਹੀ ਮਾਹਿ ॥੧॥ / ਰਾਮਾਨੰਦ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਰਮਤ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ॥ )


Ramanand was a learned man. Many of the books which are supposed to have been written by him such as Sri Vaishnava, Matanbuj Bhaskar, Sri Ramarachan Padhti are still available. One of his hymns has been included in Guru Granth Sahib under Rag Basant.
[[Image:Swami_ramanand1.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Swami Ramanand the Ramadatt Acharya]]
[[Image:Swami_ramanand1.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Swami Ramanand the Ramadatt Acharya]]


==Gurbani De Racheta==
==Life History==
'''Extracted from Gurbani De Racheta by S Abnashi Singh and Gurvinder Singh.'''
Bhagat Ramanand is considered a pioneer of the Bhakti movement in the Indian subcontinent. He is also regarded as the bridge between the Bhakti movement of the South and North.
 
===Birth===
'''Published by: Gaganmai Thaal International,Jandiala Guru,Amritsar'''
* His birth date is controversial among scholars. Scholars has given his birth date between 1296 AD to 1400 AD.(In 1377 CE.<ref name=gurbanideracheta>Gurbani De Racheta by S Abnashi Singh and Gurvinder Singh,Published by: Gaganmai Thaal International,Jandiala Guru,Amritsar</ref>, In 1296 AD<ref name=dharmpalsingalramanand>Bhagat Ramanand Ji - Dr. Dharmpal Singal</ref>).  
 
* He was born in Allahbad<ref name=dharmpalsingalramanand>Bhagat Ramanand Ji - Dr. Dharmpal Singal</ref>. Another view is prevalent that he was Tamilian by birth.
Bhagat Ramanand is considered a pioneer of the Bhakti movement in the Indian subcontinent. He is also regarded as the bridge between the Bhakti movement of the South and North. Though a Brahmin by birth, he did not entertain any sense of pride in his caste. The scene above depicts Bhagat Ramanand and Bhagat Pipa who received divine enlightenment by the grace of Bhagat Ramanand.
* He was born to Kanya Kubaj Brahmin family.
 
* His mother's name was Sushila Devi and father's name was Punyasadan Sharma.
Bhagat Ramanand was a follower of Bhagat Raghavacharya of the Ramanuj Movement. In the later part of his life, Ramanand commanded more respect than even his own Guru and came to be known as an exponent of Bhakti (God worship).
===Renouncing and Spiritual Journey===
 
He was spiritually inclined from his early childhood.
Born in 1366 CE, Ramanand was the son of Bhoor Karma and Sushila. He was spiritually inclined from his early childhood. He was a Tamilian by birth. Acharya Raghavnand, showed him the path of Yog sadhna. Ramanand also visited places of pilgrimage such as Kashi, where, as a mark of respect, people built a memorial that stands there to this day. After his pilgrimage, Ramanand realised that God can be worshipped by everyone whereas his Guru Archarya Raghavnand, who came from the Sadhu Varna Ashrama believed that not everyone was entitled to perform Puja Bhagati.
* He started his early spiritual career under Yogi Acharya Raghavanand at Benaras. Raghavand was a great scholar of his time. He was follower of [[Vishishtadvaita Vedanata]]. Later on Acharya, whose background was Sadhu Varna Ashrama believed that not everyone was entitled to perform prayers. This viewpoint was not supported by Ramanand. Theie held a dispute between Ramananada and Ragvanand. Ramanand left Raghvanand<ref name=dharmpalsingalramanand>Bhagat Ramanand Ji - Dr. Dharmpal Singal</ref><ref name=gurbanideracheta>Gurbani De Racheta by S Abnashi Singh and Gurvinder Singh,Published by: Gaganmai Thaal International,Jandiala Guru,Amritsar</ref>
 
* He started preaching gosphel in Kashi and imbued many devotees with the spirit of Bhagati. Kabir is the most renowned amongst his disciples. Ravidas, Sain, Dhanna and Pipa are also believed to be his followers even though all of them were not his contemporaries.  
Hence, he started preaching his gospel in Kashi and imbued many devotees with the spirit of Bhagati. Kabir is the most renowned amongst his disciples. Ravidas, Sain, Dhanna and Pipa are also believed to be his followers even though all of them were not his contemporaries.
* Brahmins were the only community which had the birth right to perform various rituals & observances connected with religion due to the fast that they were the only ones who studied them. But the liberal attitude adopted on the part of Ramanand led the Vairagi (a renouncer) tradition to accept him as their prominent Acharya (Hindu religious teacher). In this way, a new sect among the Vairagis under the name of Ramadatt came into being. This sect stressed celibacy, physical prowess & intense devotion to God.
 
* Ramanand had several disciples who guided mankind on the way to bhagati (worshipping). Bhagat Pipa was one of his prominent disciples. Pipa was a king who gave up his ego & came under the patronage to seek spiritual guidance. As a king, he served his subject to their utmost welfare. Bhagat Ramanand also wandered about in Pipa's kingdom for some time. On the basis of his first-hand knowledge, he testified that was as a good a saint as he was a ruler. In his regime, all subjects enjoyed peace, justice and material comforts irrespective of caste or class.
Consequently, the spiritual life of those so-called low people got elevated. In the society, which was then bound in the shackles of the caste-system, such utterances had revolutionary effects. As it was, Brahmins were the only community which had the birth right to perform various rituals & observances connected with religion. But the liberal attitude adopted on the part of Ramanand led the Vairagi (a renouncer) tradition to accept him as their prominent Acharya (Hindu religious teacher). In this way, a new sect among the Vairagis under the name of Ramadatt came into being. This sect stressed celibacy, physical prowess & intense devotion to God. Gradually, Ramanand drifted from Vaishnavism to the worship of One Formless Lord. Ramanand had several disciples who guided mankind on the way to bhagati (worshipping). Bhagat Pipa was one of his prominent disciples. Pipa was a king who gave up his ego & came under the patronage to seek spiritual guidance. As a king, he served his subject to their utmost welfare. Bhagat Ramanand also wandered about in Pipa's kingdom for some time. On the basis of his first-hand knowledge, he testified that was as a good a saint as he was a ruler. In his regime, all subjects enjoyed peace, justice and material comforts irrespective of caste or class.
 
Ramanand was a learned man. Many of the books which are supposed to have been written by him such as Sri Vaishnava, Matanbuj Bhaskar, Sri Ramarachan Padhti are still available. One of his hymns has been included in Guru Granth Sahib under Rag Basant.
 
Bhagat Ramanand was the Guru, or spiritual teacher, of Bhagat Kabir and a disciple of Raghavanada, a known preacher of the Ramanuja tradition started by Ramanuja, a Tamilian by birth & the founder of the Rama bhagati or devotion to Lord Rama. Ramanand was born in AD1366 under a tree. The followers of Ramanand hold this tree in as much reverence as they do his real mother, Sushil by name. He spent all the 101 years of his life at his birth-place Kashi, (Allahbad-Prayag, a holy city of Hindus, according to researchers) devoting every moment to the remembrance of Divine Name. He provided a new tone & tenor to the Bhagati movement. He saw that the contemporary society was drifting towards a particular direction under the influence of Lord Krishna's life as it was enacted in every village and town. Therefore he made successful endeavours to divert this mass tendency of the people, towards Rama-worship. Ramanand was above caste consideration, and therefore he initiated to his idealogy, people even from the so-called low castes. He also started several new trends in Vaishnava bhagati, the most important of which is that everybody has the right to worship God.


As a result of this altruistic gesture on his part, the stream of Rama-Name flowed even up to the cottages of the poorest of the poor and the lowliest of the low. Consequently, the spiritual life of those so-called low people got elevated. In the society, which was then bound in the shackles of the caste-system, such utterances had revolutionary effects. As it was, Brahmins were the only community which had the birth right to perform various rituals & observances connected with religion. But the liberal attitude adopted on the part of Ramanand led the Vairagi (a renouncer) tradition to accept him as their prominent Acharya (Hindu religious teacher). In this way, a new sect among the Vairagis under the name of Ramadatt came into being. This sect stressed celibacy, physical prowess & intense devotion to God. Gradually, Ramanand drifted from Vaishnavism to the worship of One Formless Lord.
===Literary Contribution===
There is not much written about Ramanand literary contribution since some of bullet points are:
* Ramanand was a learned man. There is authentic Shabad which is present in Guru Granth Sahib in Raga Basant.
* A Shabad present in Sarbangi Granth of Dadupanthis believed to be written by Ramanand
* Many of the books which are supposed to have been written by him such as Sri Vaishnava, Matanbuj Bhaskar, Sri Ramarachan Padhti are still available.  


Ramanand had several disciples who guided mankind on the way to bhagati (worshipping). Bhagat Pipa was one of his prominent disciples. Pipa was a king who gave up his ego & came under the patronage to seek spiritual guidance. As a king, he served his subject to their utmost welfare. Bhagat Ramanand also wandered about in Pipa's kingdom for some time. On the basis of his first-hand knowledge, he testified that was as a good a saint as he was a ruler. In his regime, all subjects enjoyed peace, justice and material comforts irrespective of caste or class.
==Vaishnavism and Ramanand Ji==
Ramanand has only one hymn included in SGGS ji under Basant measure. Outside the Sikh Scripture, two more compositions of Ramanand are extant. These works are said to be of high literary value. These are: Sri Vaisnav Matanbuj Bhaskar & Sri Ramacharan Padhati.  
* After leaving Acharya, Ramanand Ji contributed tp Vaishvanism by reviving Bairagi Matt.
* Brahmins were the only community which had the birth right to perform various rituals & observances connected with religion. But the liberal attitude adopted on the part of Ramanand led the Vairagi (a renouncer) tradition to accept him as their prominent Acharya (Hindu religious teacher). In this way, a new sect among the Vairagis under the name of Ramadatt came into being. This sect stressed celibacy, physical prowess & intense devotion to God. Gradually, Ramanand drifted from Vaishnavism to the worship of One Formless Lord.
* Ramanand was above caste consideration, and therefore he initiated to his idealogy people from the low castes; he believed everybody should worship God regardless of caste.


==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Sikh Bhagats}}
{{Sikh Bhagats}}


[[Category:Bhagats]]
[[Category:Bhagats]]

Latest revision as of 13:58, 3 September 2018

Bhagat Ramanand Ji
Swami ramanand.jpg
Name : Ramanand Sharma
Personal Details
Birth : Late 14th Century at Allahabad, Uttar Pardesh
Joti Jot : Late 15th Century at Benaras, Uttar Pardesh
Previous Faith : Vaishnavism (Bairagi)
Family
Parents : Bhoor Karam[1] and Sushila
Brother/Sisters : Not Recorded
Spouse : -NA- (Renouncer)
Children : -NA- (Renouncer)
Other Details
Bani in GGS: 1 Shabad in Basang Raag
Other Info: Fight against Casteism, Reviver of Bairagi Sect


Bhagat Ramanand(Adi Granth: ਰਾਮਾਨੰਦ ਜੀ), also known as Swami Ramanand, was a Gurmukh, Poet, Saint, and Devotee, whose bani is present in the Adi Granth Sahib, the Holy book of Sikhs, now known as the Sri Guru Granth Saahib Ji. [2] He is popularly known as Vaishnav Saint and is considered as the reviver of the Bairagi Sect (popularly Ramanandi Sect[3]). He was born to an upper-caste Brahmin family, around the mid 14th Century, and preached that Hari (God) was available to people of all castes, which reflected in the teachings of the bhagats following him: Bhagat Dhanna Ji, Bhagat Kabir Ji, and other Bhagats.

Gurmat and Ramanand Ji

In Adi Granth Sahib, a poem of Bhagat Ramanand Ji, which is recorded by Satgur Arjun Dev Ji, in Raga Basant, describes Ramananda’s profound philosophy.

In the hymn, Bhagat Ramanand tells his spiritual state.

Bani of Bhagat Ramanand in Adi Granth Sahib

ਰਾਮਾਨੰਦ ਜੀ ਘਰੁ ੧
Raamaanand Jee, First House:

ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru:

ਕਤ ਜਾਈਐ ਰੇ ਘਰ ਲਾਗੋ ਰੰਗੁ ॥
Where should I go? My home is filled with bliss.

ਮੇਰਾ ਚਿਤੁ ਨ ਚਲੈ ਮਨੁ ਭਇਓ ਪੰਗੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
My consciousness does not go out wandering. My mind has become crippled. ||1||Pause||

ਏਕ ਦਿਵਸ ਮਨ ਭਈ ਉਮੰਗ ॥
One day, a desire welled up in my mind.

ਘਸਿ ਚੰਦਨ ਚੋਆ ਬਹੁ ਸੁਗੰਧ ॥
I ground up sandalwood, along with several fragrant oils.

ਪੂਜਨ ਚਾਲੀ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਠਾਇ ॥
I went to Brahman's (God's) place (Temple), and worshipped Him there.

ਸੋ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਬਤਾਇਓ ਗੁਰ ਮਨ ਹੀ ਮਾਹਿ ॥੧॥
That God showed me the Guru, within my own mind. ||1||

ਜਹਾ ਜਾਈਐ ਤਹ ਜਲ ਪਖਾਨ ॥
Wherever I go, I find water and stones.

ਤੂ ਪੂਰਿ ਰਹਿਓ ਹੈ ਸਭ ਸਮਾਨ ॥
You are totally pervading and permeating in all.

ਬੇਦ ਪੁਰਾਨ ਸਭ ਦੇਖੇ ਜੋਇ ॥
I have searched through all the Vedas and the Puraanas.

ਊਹਾਂ ਤਉ ਜਾਈਐ ਜਉ ਈਹਾਂ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥੨॥
I would go there, only if the Lord were not here. ||2||

ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਮੈ ਬਲਿਹਾਰੀ ਤੋਰ ॥
I am a sacrifice to You, O my True Guru.

ਜਿਨਿ ਸਕਲ ਬਿਕਲ ਭ੍ਰਮ ਕਾਟੇ ਮੋਰ ॥
You have cut through all my confusion and doubt.

ਰਾਮਾਨੰਦ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਰਮਤ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ॥
Raamaanand's Lord and Master is the All-pervading Brahman (God).

ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਕਾਟੈ ਕੋਟਿ ਕਰਮ ॥੩॥੧॥
The Word of the Guru's Shabad eradicates the karma of millions of past actions. ||3||1||

(SGGS, 1195)

Key Points in Shabad:

  1. Complete wisdom of himself(Current state of soul) (ਮੇਰਾ ਚਿਤੁ ਨ ਚਲੈ ਮਨੁ ਭਇਓ ਪੰਗੁ)
  2. Clear with concept of Brahman ( ਪੂਜਨ ਚਾਲੀ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਠਾਇ ॥ ਸੋ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਬਤਾਇਓ ਗੁਰ ਮਨ ਹੀ ਮਾਹਿ ॥੧॥ / ਰਾਮਾਨੰਦ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਰਮਤ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ॥ )
  3. Unwilling to go to temples, complaining about waters and stones in temples (ਜਹਾ ਜਾਈਝ ਤਹ ਜਲ ਪਖਾਨ ॥)
  4. Function of Gur Shabad(ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਕਾਟੈ ਕੋਟਿ ਕਰਮ ॥੩॥੧॥) - It cut whole actions (Past or present, Good or Bad), Gurmukh have nothing to do with Karma (Once attained)

The above shabad is against some facts which are here under:

  1. Ramanand was worshipper of King Ramchandra of Ayodhya. ( ਸੋ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਬਤਾਇਓ ਗੁਰ ਮਨ ਹੀ ਮਾਹਿ ॥੧॥ / ਰਾਮਾਨੰਦ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਰਮਤ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ॥ )
Swami Ramanand the Ramadatt Acharya

Life History

Bhagat Ramanand is considered a pioneer of the Bhakti movement in the Indian subcontinent. He is also regarded as the bridge between the Bhakti movement of the South and North.

Birth

  • His birth date is controversial among scholars. Scholars has given his birth date between 1296 AD to 1400 AD.(In 1377 CE.[4], In 1296 AD[5]).
  • He was born in Allahbad[5]. Another view is prevalent that he was Tamilian by birth.
  • He was born to Kanya Kubaj Brahmin family.
  • His mother's name was Sushila Devi and father's name was Punyasadan Sharma.

Renouncing and Spiritual Journey

He was spiritually inclined from his early childhood.

  • He started his early spiritual career under Yogi Acharya Raghavanand at Benaras. Raghavand was a great scholar of his time. He was follower of Vishishtadvaita Vedanata. Later on Acharya, whose background was Sadhu Varna Ashrama believed that not everyone was entitled to perform prayers. This viewpoint was not supported by Ramanand. Theie held a dispute between Ramananada and Ragvanand. Ramanand left Raghvanand[5][4]
  • He started preaching gosphel in Kashi and imbued many devotees with the spirit of Bhagati. Kabir is the most renowned amongst his disciples. Ravidas, Sain, Dhanna and Pipa are also believed to be his followers even though all of them were not his contemporaries.
  • Brahmins were the only community which had the birth right to perform various rituals & observances connected with religion due to the fast that they were the only ones who studied them. But the liberal attitude adopted on the part of Ramanand led the Vairagi (a renouncer) tradition to accept him as their prominent Acharya (Hindu religious teacher). In this way, a new sect among the Vairagis under the name of Ramadatt came into being. This sect stressed celibacy, physical prowess & intense devotion to God.
  • Ramanand had several disciples who guided mankind on the way to bhagati (worshipping). Bhagat Pipa was one of his prominent disciples. Pipa was a king who gave up his ego & came under the patronage to seek spiritual guidance. As a king, he served his subject to their utmost welfare. Bhagat Ramanand also wandered about in Pipa's kingdom for some time. On the basis of his first-hand knowledge, he testified that was as a good a saint as he was a ruler. In his regime, all subjects enjoyed peace, justice and material comforts irrespective of caste or class.

Literary Contribution

There is not much written about Ramanand literary contribution since some of bullet points are:

  • Ramanand was a learned man. There is authentic Shabad which is present in Guru Granth Sahib in Raga Basant.
  • A Shabad present in Sarbangi Granth of Dadupanthis believed to be written by Ramanand
  • Many of the books which are supposed to have been written by him such as Sri Vaishnava, Matanbuj Bhaskar, Sri Ramarachan Padhti are still available.

Vaishnavism and Ramanand Ji

  • After leaving Acharya, Ramanand Ji contributed tp Vaishvanism by reviving Bairagi Matt.
  • Brahmins were the only community which had the birth right to perform various rituals & observances connected with religion. But the liberal attitude adopted on the part of Ramanand led the Vairagi (a renouncer) tradition to accept him as their prominent Acharya (Hindu religious teacher). In this way, a new sect among the Vairagis under the name of Ramadatt came into being. This sect stressed celibacy, physical prowess & intense devotion to God. Gradually, Ramanand drifted from Vaishnavism to the worship of One Formless Lord.
  • Ramanand was above caste consideration, and therefore he initiated to his idealogy people from the low castes; he believed everybody should worship God regardless of caste.

References

  1. ^ Dhur Ki Bani - Sampadan Jugat; author: Dr. Sarbjinder Singh; Publisher: Sikh Foundation; p. 41
  2. ^ Adi Granth Sahib - Page 1195, Line 11
  3. ^ People of Maharashtra - KS SIngh, Page 114
  4. ^ a b Gurbani De Racheta by S Abnashi Singh and Gurvinder Singh,Published by: Gaganmai Thaal International,Jandiala Guru,Amritsar
  5. ^ a b c Bhagat Ramanand Ji - Dr. Dharmpal Singal
These are the 15 Bhagats of Sikhism

Bhagat Beni | Bhagat Bhikhan | Bhagat Dhanna | Sheikh Farid | Bhagat Jaidev | Bhagat Kabir | Bhagat Namdev | Bhagat Parmanand | Bhagat Pipa | Bhagat Ramanand | Bhagat Ravidas | Bhagat Sadhna | Bhagat Sain | Bhagat Surdas | Bhagat Trilochan

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