who is ramana maharshi ?

1. Early Life and Spiritual Awakening

Sri Ramana Maharshi was born as Venkataraman Iyer on December 30, 1879, in Tiruchuzhi, Tamil Nadu, India. From an early age, he exhibited traits of introspection and quietude. Though he lived a typical childhood, things changed dramatically when he was just 16 years old. In July 1896, he experienced a sudden and profound spiritual awakening. Without any illness or physical cause, he had a powerful fear of death, during which he enacted his own death, lying still and mentally observing what happens when the body dies. This experience led him to realize that his true Self was not the body but the eternal, deathless consciousness—this was the birth of the sage Ramana Maharshi.

2. Journey to Arunachala

Soon after this awakening, he felt an overwhelming pull toward the sacred mountain Arunachala in Tiruvannamalai, which he had earlier heard about. In August 1896, without informing his family, he left home and traveled to Arunachala. There, he gave up all worldly possessions and lived in temples, caves, and under trees, completely immersed in the bliss of Self-realization. He took on the role of a silent ascetic, barely speaking, and spending years in deep meditation, absorbed in the Self.

3. Years of Silence and Tapas

For many years, Ramana Maharshi remained in a state of complete silence and detachment, often unmindful of the physical world. He resided in the Patala Lingam beneath the Arunachaleswarar Temple for some time, where he endured severe bodily neglect but remained deeply absorbed in meditation. Later, he moved to various caves on Arunachala, including Virupaksha Cave and Skandashram. Gradually, seekers began to notice his peaceful presence and wisdom, and they began gathering around him.

4. Establishment of Sri Ramanasramam

By the 1920s, as more devotees came to be near him, a small ashram began to form at the foot of Arunachala now known as Sri Ramanasramam. Though Ramana never actively sought disciples or established a formal doctrine, the ashram became a spiritual hub. His teachings emphasized Self-inquiry (Atma Vichara) with the central question: “Who am I?” He taught that liberation can be attained by turning inward and recognizing the true Self as pure consciousness.

5. Teachings and Influence

Ramana Maharshi’s teachings were direct, non-sectarian, and rooted in Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism). He taught primarily through silence and presence, but also answered questions from seekers with clarity and compassion. His core teaching was the practice of Self-enquiry, which involves tracing the “I”-thought back to its source. He did not promote rituals or dogmas and said that realization is one’s natural state. His teachings attracted followers from across the world, including spiritual figures, scholars, and seekers of truth.

6. Life of Compassion and Simplicity

Despite being hailed as a living saint, Ramana lived a life of utter simplicity and humility. He cared deeply for animals, devotees, and even plants at the ashram. He helped in kitchen chores, bound books, and treated everyone equally never claiming any special status. His radiant presence and profound wisdom provided solace and guidance to thousands. He often emphasized that spiritual truth is beyond religion, caste, or nationality.

7. Final Days and Legacy

In the late 1940s, Ramana developed sarcoma (a form of cancer) in his arm. Despite surgeries, the tumor spread. He refused to leave his devotees and continued to receive visitors even during his illness. On April 14, 1950, he left his physical body. At the exact moment of his passing, many devotees witnessed a brilliant star moving across the sky toward Arunachala. To this day, his ashram and teachings continue to inspire millions around the world. Sri Ramana Maharshi is regarded as one of the greatest sages of modern India, and Arunachala remains a sacred beacon for spiritual seekers.