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Narayan Das Maharaj (1927-2024) was an Indian spiritual leader and the Peethadheeshwar (spiritual head) of Triveni Dham Ashram, located near Shahpura, Rajasthan. Widely respected for his spiritual teachings and contributions to society, he was known for his deep commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare. In recognition of his immense impact, he was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
Narayan Das Maharaj was born in 1927 in the village of Chimanpura, Shahpura Tehsil, Rajasthan. He came from a Gaur Brahmin family, with his father, Ramdayal Sharma, and mother, Bhuri Bai, playing a crucial role in shaping his early life. From a young age, Narayan Das was frequently unwell, which led his parents to entrust him to the care of Bhagwan Das Maharaj, a revered saint at Triveni Dham. At just six years old, he began his spiritual journey under Bhagwan Das Maharaj’s guidance, fully immersing himself in service to his guru. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
After the death of Bhagwan Das Maharaj in 1972, Narayan Das Maharaj succeeded him as the head of Triveni Dham Ashram. His tenure as Peethadheeshwar was marked by devotion, humility, and a deep connection to the spiritual well-being of his followers. He was known for his constant chanting of Sita-Ram, a practice that became central to the spiritual discipline of the ashram. [3]
Narayan Das Maharaj was also the head of the Brahmapith of Dakor Dham in Gujarat, further extending his influence beyond Rajasthan. He encouraged his disciples to engage in daily spiritual practices, emphasizing devotion to Lord Ram and simple living.
Narayan Das Maharaj dedicated his life to spiritual service. Having taken sannyas (renunciation) early in life, he fully committed to a life of devotion, primarily through the chanting of Ram Naam (the name of Lord Ram). His spiritual practice revolved around the constant repetition of Sita-Ram, a mantra he passed on to his disciples, who adopted it as a way to maintain spiritual discipline.
One of his most unique contributions was the creation of the Ram Naam Bank, where devotees would write the name of Lord Ram in booklets. These booklets were then symbolically deposited as spiritual wealth in the ashram. This practice became a significant spiritual exercise for his followers, reinforcing their connection to God.
His satsangs, or spiritual gatherings, attracted thousands of people seeking his blessings and spiritual guidance. Under his leadership, Triveni Dham Ashram became a beacon of spiritual enlightenment and a hub for devotees from all over India. [3]
Narayan Das Maharaj made significant contributions in the fields of education and healthcare. He believed in the power of education to uplift society and was instrumental in establishing several educational institutions. Among these were the Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Sanskrit University in Jaipur, which was dedicated to the promotion of Sanskrit learning, as well as various schools and colleges across Rajasthan, including Baba Bhagwandas Government Agriculture College and Baba Ganga Das Girls’ Postgraduate College in Shahpura. He also established a Vedic school at Triveni Dham to promote traditional spiritual education.
In addition to education, Narayan Das Maharaj was a strong advocate for accessible healthcare. He was responsible for the construction and operation of several hospitals in Jaipur and nearby districts, ensuring that quality medical care was available to those in need. His commitment to public welfare was further evidenced by his restoration of ancient temples, preserving the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region.
A remarkable achievement during his leadership was the construction of the 108-Kund Yajna Shala at Triveni Dham. This unique structure, consisting of 108 fire altars, was designed for conducting large-scale Vedic yajnas (rituals). The Yajna Shala became a symbol of the ashram’s dedication to preserving ancient Vedic traditions and drew devotees and scholars from across the country. [3]
In recognition of his lifelong dedication to spiritual service, education, healthcare, and social welfare, he was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri by the Government of India. This honor underscored his profound influence on society and his tireless work for the betterment of others. [4] [2] [4]
Narayan Das Maharaj died in 2024 at Triveni Dham. His death was met with deep sorrow among his disciples and devotees, who gathered in large numbers to pay their respects. His final rites were conducted in the presence of a vast crowd, including political leaders including Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, and Congress State President Sachin Pilot, who expressed their condolences. [5]
Despite his death, the legacy of Narayan Das Maharaj lives on through the institutions he founded and the spiritual teachings he imparted. His contributions to education, healthcare, and the preservation of spiritual traditions have left an indelible mark on Rajasthan and India as a whole. [5]
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