"This
interesting scene was taking place in the Supreme Court of India where the
Bench was hearing the issue of Ram Janma Bhoomi. There were counsels
representing both the sides and each side had their own witnesses to provide
evidences. While Sri. Parasaran was putting forth the justifications for
Ayodhya As Rama Janma Bhoomi, the Honourable Judge intervened.
He
asked “You quote from the vedas and scriptures for proving that Rama existed
and other relevant issues. Is there any evidence in the scriptures that specify
the place of birth of Sri Rama?”
An
old gentleman rose from the group of witnesses. He was one of the Pragyasakshi
( Chief Witness) and his parents had named him Giridhar. He said “Honourable
Sir, I request you to refer to the Rig Veda”
He
specified the chapter and verse and said “There it is mentioned in Rig Veda,
Gaiminiya Samhita. These verses specify the directions and distances from a
specific point on the banks of River Sarayu, to reach the birth place of Sri
Rama. If one follows those directions, one reaches a specific spot in Ayodhya”
The
bench ordered for immediate verification and it was done to find that Sri.
Giridhar was right. There it was glaring at them from the Rig Veda. And this
person was quoting the verse verbatim from memory.
The
bench remarked “This is a miracle I have witnessed today.” But the witness who
was christened as Giridhar was very calm and serene as if it is a chore in the
office on a normal working day.
To
understand the wonder expressed by the Judge, one has to go back in Indian
History, which needs overhauling at the earilest.
Year
was 1950. Month January. 14th day of the month. In the village Jaunpur in UP,
Mishra couple - Pandit Rajdev Mishra and Shachidevi ( It is nice to note that
that child became a main Sakshi later in life, to reclaim RamJanmaBhoomi) –
were waiting for the birth of their child. A very hale and healthy child was
born that day and they christened him Giridhar.
Giridhar
Mishra was fine till a cruel hand af fate played with him when he was 2 months
old. That changed the life of the parents and the child.
Imagine
a child who was eager to aquire and improve his knowledge but just could not
read or write. Pandit Rajdev would sit besides the child and recite Vedas
explaining each word in each verse. He was delighted to find that Giridhar had
a great retaining capacity and could memorise every single word taught to him
orally.
After
imparting whatever knowledge he could, Rajdev admitted his son in one of the
Mutts of Ramanand Sampradaya. He was taken in as a disciple and he was given a
new name RAMABHADHRA. And the child got a guru who could teach him and encourage
him to expand his knowledge beyond the limits of any normal human being.
Ramabhadhra
in his zeal to explore the universe of knowledge, learnt and mastered 22
languages including a few ancient ones. He could not read or write and had to
depend on his memory and its retention power.
He
learnt scriptures and modern verses too. He became a fan of Thulsidas and
explored the world of Rama Charitha Manas.
Imagine.
Somebody would read these epics and scriptures and he would store in his memory
for further analysis. He excelled in his work often dictating to people and
getting the feedback orally.
At
the age of 38, in 1988, he was crowned as JAGADGURU RAMABHADHRACHARYA one of
the four Jagadhgurus of Ramanandha Ashram.
You
must have guessed by this time, why he could not read or write. Yes. HE LOST
HIS EYESIGHT COMPLETELY WHEN HE WAS TWO MONTHS OLD.
It
is really staggering to learn about his achievements. The blind Jagadguru, in
addition to mastering 22 languages is also famous as Spiritual Leader,
Educator, Sanskrit Scholar, Polyglot, Poet, Author, Textual commentator,
Philosopher, Composer, Singer, Playwright and Story Teller ( Katha Artist)
He
has authored more than 100 books such as Gita Ramayanam, Sri Bharghava
Raghaviyam, Arundhathi, Ashtavakra, Kaka Vidhura and others. He composed Sri
Sitarama Suprabhatham.
As
a poet he produced 28 famous set of poems ( Sanskrit and Hindi) including four
epics
Authored
19 famous commentaries on various scriptures, the popular one being on Rama
Charitha Manas by Thulsidas.
Composer
of 5 Music Albums
And
9 very popular discourses.
Founder
of Jagadguru Ramabhadhracharyas University for Handicapped
Lifelong
Chancellor of Tulsi Peeth ( named after Tulsidas)
He
was decorated with PADMAVIBHUSHAN in the year 2015.
I
was filled with amazement as I was collecting information about him. A child
who became blind and fought his way up to reach the pinnacle of knowledge and
education and its propagation. What a marvellous example to inspire one and
all. I felt very very small and insignificant, I am sharing this with you all
as it amazed me no end.
There
is a niggling thought. How many of us were aware of this great blind man. While
Helen Keller was propagated for her achievements as a blind person, and lessons
are taught on her, Jagadguru Ramabhadhracharya is a non entity in our education
system. Thats how we are.
No
wonder the Judge remarked “I witnessed a miracle in my court”
