11/02/2026
Ramdas Navami (also known as Das Navami) is the death anniversary of the 17th-century Marathi saint, poet, and philosopher, Samarth Ramdas Swami. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Rama and Hanuman and served as the spiritual guru to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The day is observed on the Navami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Magh month of the Hindu calendar. In 2026, it is observed on February 10.
1. Daily Exercise and Health Philosophy
Samarth Ramdas Swami advocated that a strong mind resides in a strong body. His philosophy balanced intense spiritual practice with physical fitness, emphasizing that one must be physically and mentally robust to serve society.
Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation): Ramdas Swami was a proponent of 108 Surya Namaskars daily to maintain physical strength and mental agility. During his 12-year penance at Takli, he practiced rigorous daily exercises.
Balance of Mind and Body: He is known for encouraging the practice of, "First organize your worldly life (Prapanch), then pursue spiritualism (Paramartha)".
Physical Discipline: He believed in starting the day before sunrise, engaging in physical exercise, and maintaining a disciplined lifestyle to avoid laziness.
2. Manache Shlok (Mind’s Verses)
Manache Shlok (or Manobodh) is a collection of 205 verses (shlokas) composed by Samarth Ramdas Swami. It serves as a guide for self-control, spiritual growth, and ethical living by directly addressing the mind.
Core Teachings: The verses urge the reader to control negative impulses, abandon anger, greed, and lust, and to adopt a life of devotion and righteousness.
Key Themes:
Morning Routine: He recommends beginning the day by meditating on Lord Rama ("Prabhate Mani Ram Chintit Java").
Ethical Life: The shlokas emphasize honesty, avoiding the greed for others' wealth, and speaking softly.
Selfless Service: One of the most famous verses advises being "like sandalwood" (Manache Shlok 8), which spreads its fragrance even while being crushed—meaning one should be benevolent even in difficult times.
Benefits: Regular recitation is believed to bring mental peace