243. Ramananda (1366-1467 A.D.)

It is generally accepted that Ramananda was born at Prayaga (present-day Allahabad) in an orthodox Kanyakubja Brahmin family in 13th cen.  His father was Punyasadana, Bhurikarma or Devala, and mother was Sushila. He had a unique childhood. The family Purohit, Varanasi Awasthi, advised the parents to pay special attention to the child. They were cautioned not to take him out of the house till he was three years old. He should always be given milk and should never be allowed to see his image in a mirror. All these precautions were taken and when Ramadatta (Ramananda’s childhood name), was four, the annaprasana ceremony was held, in which he was given solid food. The child took a liking for kheer  (rice porridge) compared to the other dishes placed before him and that continued to be his food for the rest of his life. Ramananda is a shadowy figure and not much is know about the historical figure Ramananda.  His followers can be grouped into two schools. The first were strictly orthodox and accepted the authority of the Vedas. This school was represented by Nabhadas( the  author of Bhaktamal and Tulsidas. The second school was represented by Kabir and  his followers and  is more eclectic  and is sceptic in its approach to Vedas and Hindu rituals and extends the same principle of skepticism and rejection of scriptures and rituals.