Samarth Ramdas, also known as Sant Ramdas or Ramdas Swami, was an Indian Hindu saint, philosopher, poet, writer, and spiritual master. He was a devotee of the Hindu deities Rama and Hanuman. Ramdas was born in Jamb, Maharashtra around 1608. After experiencing a spiritual calling, he became an ascetic and devoted himself to meditation, worship, and exercise. He embarked on a twelve-year pilgrimage across India, during which he observed and recorded social conditions in his literary works. Ramdas established the Samarth sect and founded several monasteries (matha) across the Indian subcontinent. He initiated the construction of temples dedicated to Rama, Hanuman, and other deities. Ramdas passed away in 1681, and his disciples carried out his final rites. His teachings and writings have influenced prominent figures and organizations, including Bal Gangadhar Tilak and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Ramdas is highly revered in Maharashtra, and his literary contributions continue to be celebrated in contemporary Maharashtrian culture.

Samarth Ramdas, also known as Sant Ramdas or Ramdas Swami, was an Indian Hindu saint, philosopher, poet, writer, and spiritual master. He was a devotee of the Hindu deities Rama and Hanuman. Ramdas had an extensive body of literary works, including Dasbodh, Karunashtakas, Sunderkand, Yuddhakand, Poorvarambh, Antarbhav, Aatmaaram, Chaturthman, Panchman, Manpanchak, Janaswabhawgosavi, Panchsamasi, Saptsamasi, Sagundhyan, Nirgundhyan, Junatpurush, Shadripunirupan, Panchikaranyog, Manache Shlok, and Shreemad Dasbodh. He also composed numerous aartis (worship rituals) and is credited with inspiring popular bhajans such as "Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram." Ramdas emphasized devotion to Rama, physical strength, knowledge, and social engagement for individual and societal development. He advocated for the abolition of social classes, equal status for men and women, and unity among the Marathas to preserve and promote local culture. Ramdas initiated the Samarth sect and established several mathas (monasteries) during his lifetime. He had associations with historical figures like Shivaji and Guru Hargobind. Ramdas is highly regarded in Maharashtra, and his literary contributions continue to have cultural significance.