Jagadguru Rambhadracharya: Inspiring Life, Education, and Works of the Blind Spiritual Leader

Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Maharaj, the Tulsi Peethadheeshwar of Chitrakoot, is often in the headlines for his statements. Recently, he made remarks on Premanand Maharaj which sparked wide discussion on social media. Beyond controversies, his life story is truly inspiring. Born in a Brahmin family and losing his eyesight at the age of just 2, Rambhadracharya Ji went on to achieve extraordinary success. Known for his sharp memory and intelligence, he memorised the entire Bhagavad Gita at the age of 5, wrote his first poem at 3, and later recited the Ramcharitmanas by heart. Despite not being able to read or write, he has authored more than 240 books and mastered 22 languages.

Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Ji’s Education & Degrees

• In 1971, he took admission to Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, Varanasi, for Shastri (Graduation) in Sanskrit grammar.

• In 1974, he secured the highest marks and won five gold medals.

• In 1976, he received the degree of Acharya (Master’s), along with seven gold medals and the Chancellor’s gold medal. Considering his multifaceted knowledge, the university declared him Acharya in all the subjects he had studied.

• In 1981, after research, he obtained a Ph.D. degree.

• In 1997, he was conferred with the degree of D.Litt.

Childhood Stories

He once narrated an incident from his childhood in a discourse: when he was about 2 or 3 years old, a person was singing the Ramayana. On hearing it, he began walking in the direction of the sound. Coincidentally, there was a well on the way, and his foot almost slipped beside it, but his aunt quickly lifted him up from behind. He also mentioned that the Ramcharitmanas is everything for him. According to another story, when Giridhar (his childhood name) was 11 years old, he was not allowed to attend a wedding with his family. The family considered his presence at the wedding an ill omen. This incident left a deep impact on him. He believes that “it is all God’s grace that turns a straw into thunder and thunder into a straw.”

Literary Works

Jagadguru Rambhadracharya has written more than 240 books and over 50 research papers. His works are in Sanskrit, Hindi, Awadhi, Maithili, and other languages.

How Did He Become a Jagadguru?

On 24 June 1988, Rambhadracharya Ji was chosen by the Kashi Vidvat Parishad in Varanasi as Jagadguru Ramanandacharya and enthroned at Tulsi Peeth. Later, on 3 February 1989, at the Allahabad Kumbh Mela, the mahants of three Akharas, four sub-sects, Khalsas, and saints of the Ramananda tradition unanimously supported him. On 1 August 1995, he was formally anointed as Jagadguru Ramanandacharya by the Digambar Akhara in Ayodhya. Since then, he came to be known as Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Swami Rambhadracharya.

Jagadguru Rambhadracharya’s Mahakavyas (Epics)

Shribhargavaraghaviyam (Sanskrit, composed in 2002 during Payovrata)

Gitaramayanam (Sanskrit)

Two other Mahakavyas (in Hindi)

Commentaries and Expositions

Hindi commentary on Ramcharitmanas

Hindi commentary on Hanuman Chalisa

Poetic Sanskrit commentary on Ashtadhyayi

Shri Raghavakripabhashyam (Sanskrit) on Prasthanatrayi (Brahmasutras, Bhagavad Gita, and principal Upanishads)

Other Notable Works

Bhrngadutam (Sanskrit)

Shri Sitarama Suprabhatam (Sanskrit)

Shri Sitarama Kelikoumudi (Sanskrit)

Ashtavakra (Sanskrit)

Ashram

The main ashram of Jagadguru Rambhadracharya is Shri Tulsi Peeth, Janaki Kund, Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh. This institution is engaged in religious and social services.