SRI BHADHRAACHALA RAAMADHAAS

SLOKA :

RAAGA : Pantuvaraali                                       THAALA : AADHI

PALLAVI

Nadhulu vanambulu naanaamrugamulu
Vihitha karmamulu vaeda saasthramulu                    || anthaa raama mayam ||

Anddaandambulu pinddaandambulu
Brahmmaandambulu brammalu modhaluga                || anthaa raama mayam ||

Ashtadhikbathulunu aadhisaeshudunu
Ashtavasuvulanu aashatruthulunu                    || anthaa raama mayam ||

Dheerudov bhadhraachala raamadaasuni
Korikalosakina thaaraka naamamu                         || anthaa raama mayam ||

Dhasaratha nandhana raam raam
Dhasamuka mardhana raam raam
Pashupathi ranjana raam raam   
Paapa vimochana raam
Manimaya booshana raam raam
Manjula baashana raam raam
Ranajaya Bheeshana raam raam
Ravikula phoshana raam raam

JAANAKI KAANTHA SMARANAM !!       JAI JAI RAAMA RAAM  !!!

In this sacred land of Bharat, many Sadhus and Saints were born who had shown us the easiest way to conduct a dharmic life and attain liberation from the unending cycle of births and deaths, Some chose to teach by their muscial compositions, which has an added advantage to attract even unlettered people.  Bhadrachalam Ramadas was born in a brahmin family in the Nolagendapalli Village which was rich with "Lakshmi Kataksham".  The parents Linganna and Kamamba were issueless and their prayers to Lord Vishnu were answered and they were blessed with a male child.  The child was named "Gopinatha" an epithet of Lord Krishna and for the sake of covenience and fondness he was called "Gopu" which later took the form of "Gopanna" adding the suffix as per their family tradition.  He was sent to school at the appropriate age and learnt about our "Itihasas and Puranas" from the preceptor.  He was deeply moved and almost went into a trance hearing about "Rama's exile to the forest" The Upanayana Karma was performed when he was seven and the devotion to Sri Rama in his hear grew day by day.  He has a little interest in the materialistic world and saw the created world as something intended purely for the adoration and happiness of the Almighty.  He was a leader in Bhajan groups and sang many soul stirring songs at that early age.

His marriage took place at the early age of twenty and he lost both the parents soon after.  He was left all alone to manage the affairs of the household and little did he worry about the same.  His earnest desire was to get initiated in Rama Mantra.  Sadhu kabirdas met Ramdas on the sands of Godavari and imparted "Rama mantram".  Ramdas overwhelmed with joy sang in great ecstasy" I have no fear of yama or his servants; I have learnt the proper mantra from a great Guru; All my sins have been washed away at this very moment".  This was the first stage on his way to God realisation with strong belief in Lord's divine name.  With a view to obtain some help in conducting Sri Rama Navami festival, he approached his maternal uncles Akkanna and Madhanna at Hyderabad who were working as ministers to "Tanisha".  It was God's will, perhaps, that he was offered a permanent job of "Thashildar" of Bhadhrachalam under the seal of the Nawab.  He worked as Thahshildar for comparatively a short period and once when he came to know of the dilapidated condition of Sri Rama's temple in that village, he made up his mind to reconstruct the same with the government money available in the Treasury.  It was for a noble cause that he utilised the funds and hence tried his best to satisfy and convince the Nawab  of his conduct.  But NAWAB  got very much angry and  called upon to remit the government money.  The Nawab imprisioned him for 12 years, inflicted all sorts of punishments which the Sadhu bore with patience, Many songs calling for Lord's help were sung during this period.  He found everything in the world as "Rama" and sang "Antaa Rama Mayam".  The story of his release and God's appearance as Jawans are well Known to the bhaktas.

Reviewing the events in his life, one will be perplexed to find out the reasons for the severe and vigorous life Raamadas spent in the prison at Golconda.  Away from his dear and near relatives and friends he had to spend the long period in great agony.  However it was difficult for him to remain without seeing or worshipping the lord, wherever he might be.  So, he had carved the images of Lord Raama, Devi Sita, Surya Devta and others on the walls of the prison and believed that he was ever in their company. Actually, the entire time was spent in Naamasankeertan without a moment's rest.  This became his great penance and was responsible for release from worldly bondage he had spurned the worldly desires and could never forget "Raama" (Paadharavindame Aadhaaramani nenu Padithi).  We are treated to more enlightening ideas and thoughts while gong through his compositions again and again.

The life history of Raamadas teaches us of the strong faith one should have in the efficacy of "Raama Naama".  His song "Raamabadra Raaraa" while inviting Raama to the place were Bhajan is held, is still sung at the commencement of "Deepa Pradakshina".  His other works are stated to be Padkya Kavas like "Dasarathi Satakam" and "Sri Narasimha Satakam".

In the song "Raama Raara-Nannu Brova Rara" the Raamayana story is retold in simply style and the beauty of the song lies in the highlighting of instances where devotees like Ahalya, Sugreeva and Vibhishana were offered protection by the Lord without mention of the destruction of Tataka, Subahu, mareecha, khara and others.

Even a casual reading of these poems will reveal the poet's great skill in employing beautiful and appropriate words and phrases.  It is no wonder that a Saadhu blessed by lord Sri Raama, is endowed with all abilities and qualities.

Saint Thyagaraja Swamigal has referred to the greatness of Raamdaas in more that one song.  In the Todi piece " Brindavana lola" he would like himself to be called as a servant of Raamadaas.  In the keeravani kirtana "Kaligi yunte ghada" Raamdaas is ranked with Narada, Prahlada and Parasara, the foremost of his devotees.

As Raamdaas led a life of a great Bhaaghavata and upheld the greatness of the Divine name, he is regarded as a revered Guru in the Bhajan sampradaya all over India.