‘Samarth’ means capable or efficient. When we say that someone is ‘samarth’ it means he is capable of handling all that is thrown at him by life. The adjective ‘samarth’ is a part of name of the great saint Ramdas from Maharashtra. There was a certain incident in his life and when he was thrown into an impossible situation. Ramdas handled the situation in a remarkable and capable manner and taught a lesson for all mankind regarding karma and repercussions. From that time onwards, he was called ‘Samarth’ Ramdas.
Ramdas performed intense tapas for twelve years and his love for Sri Rama, his mother and mother land became intense. He wished to serve Sri Rama by serving all his fellow men. So he decided to walk around India to know the condition of the people. He had an intense desire to help the people of India. He believed that no one could be truly happy if his brothers and sisters in the country were unhappy. By moving with people in different places in India, he would be able to understand their physical, mental, economic, political and spiritual problems, conditions and drawbacks. There was a big question on his mind – should he visit every nook and corner of the country or visit the main holy places which represent the whole country and its people.
Ramdas started his journey of knowing India with the pilgrim centres of Maharashtra. He visited Paithan which was the centre of religion, learning and Hinduism of those days. An interesting incident happened there. Young Ramdas handled the situation in a very capable manner. Hence people began calling him ‘Samarth Ramdas’.
Ramdas believed in physical fitness and practised yogasans to make his body strong. He preached that a weak body was not suitable for material life as well as spiritual life. He used to carry a bow and arrows in those days and was an accurate marksman. He had also gained a reputation for his preaching, knowledge and wisdom. His discourses were impressive and his keertans were lively. He had a good voice and great devotion to Sri Rama and was famed for singing of hymns. Once while he was walking on the banks of Godavari river, some brahmins saw him. Their attention was drawn by the bow he was carrying. One of them asked him if he knew to use the bow. Ramdas affirmed that he could.
One of the men said: See that bird flying high in the sky? Aim for it and bring it down with one shot! With one shot, Ramdas brought down the bird and it fell dead. The brahmins then commented: You are dressed like a sadhu but carry a bow. You have committed a sinful act by killing an innocent bird! Ramdas remarked that he shot the bird as they had asked him to. One of the brahmins asked sarcastically if one should commit a sin just because one is asked to by another. Ramdas replied that such a thing should not be done. The brahmins asked him to repent for the killing of the bird. Else he would suffer the karmic consequences. Ramdas accepted and immediately performed a particular yagna suggested by them. Then he asked if he was free from sin. The brahmins affirmed that he was!
Then Ramdas asked: If I am free from sin, how is it that the bird is still dead? The brahmins argued that it was not possible for the dead bird to come to life. Ramdas asked again: If the bird has not come to life, then how can I be sure that I got rid of the sin? Then Ramdas took the dead bird in his hands and prayed with great devotion to Sri Rama. The bird began breathing. Soon it fluttered its wings and flew away! From that day onwards, people began to address Ramdas as Samarth Ramdas.
Samarth Ramdas was truly samarth or capable. He taught people to maintain good health, stressed on physical exercises and cultural activities and spread the bhakti of Hanuman all over India. He inspired the Hindus to work towards national welfare. He was the Guru of Shivaji Maharaj. He bonded Indians together. His Rama Bhakti and Hanuman Bhakti are remembered even today and his poem – Dasbodh – guides us in right thinking and right living even today. He is an example of the heights a man can achieve with the tapas of the holy name and service to mankind.
