News: Guru Rambhadracharya, also known as Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Swami Rambhadracharya, is a highly revered spiritual leader, scholar, and philanthropist in India. Born on January 14, 1950, in Shandikhurd, Uttar Pradesh, he lost his eyesight at a very young age due to a medical condition. Despite facing this challenge, Guru Rambhadracharya demonstrated exceptional academic prowess and became a distinguished scholar in Sanskrit and Hindu scriptures.
Advocating for Divinity: The Deposition on Behalf of Ram Lalla
In 2003, Guru Rambhadracharya served as an expert witness in the Allahabad High Court, advocating for Lord Ram in his infant form, Ram Lalla, amidst the case concerning Ayodhya‘s disputed site. Citing Hindu scriptures, including Vālmīki’s Rāmāyaṇa, Rāmatāpanīya Upaniṣad, Skanda Purāṇa, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda, and others, along with verses from Tulasidasa’s works, Guru Rambhadracharya countered the opposition’s claims. His compelling testimony significantly contributed to the 2010 verdict that favored Lord Ram, marking a triumph for millions of Hindus and validating Guru Rambhadracharya’s assertions as outlined on the website. In his affidavit, Guru ji highlighted the historical and sacred significance of Ayodhya in Hindu scriptures, emphasizing the birthplace of Rāma. He referenced verses from Tulasīdāsa’s Dohā Śataka, describing the destruction of a temple and the construction of a mosque at the disputed site in 1528 CE, and another verse from Kavitāvalī that mentioned the contested location.
Early life of Guru Rambhadracharya
Guru Rambhadracharya, initially named Giridhar Mishra, was born in the quaint village of Shandikhurd in Uttar Pradesh, India. Recognized as a revered spiritual leader, philosopher, and scholar, his early life was marked by a deep engagement with academics and religious studies. Displaying exceptional talent, he demonstrated a profound understanding of Sanskrit scriptures, swiftly gaining recognition as a knowledgeable scholar of Vedic literature. According to information provided on his website, Guru Rambhadracharya entered the world in the early hours of January 14, 1950, coinciding with the auspicious Makara Saṅkrānti day.
Guru Rambhadracharya’s education
Guru Rambhadracharya‘s early education commenced at home under the guidance of his grandfather, Pandit Suryabali Mishra. Remarkably, by the age of 5, he had already committed the entire Bhagavad Gita to memory in Sanskrit. At the age of 8, he accomplished the mastery of Saint Ramacharitamanasa. His educational journey extended to a comprehensive study of the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavata Purana, and the works of Tulsidasa.
Despite facing blindness, Guru Rambhadracharya excelled in his studies, garnering numerous gold medals and accolades. Widely recognized and respected, he earned admiration for his remarkable achievements and demonstrated how his visual impairment did not hinder his excellence in the pursuit of knowledge (‘vidya’).
Guru Rambhadracharya is a PhD and DLitt
Collaborating with Paṇḍita Rāmaprasāda Tripāṭhī, Guru Rambhadracharya earned his doctoral Vidyāvāridhi degree (PhD) in 1981 from Sampūrṇānanda Saṃskṛta Viśvavidyālaya. His Sanskrit dissertation, titled “Adhyātmarāmāyaṇe Apāṇinīyaprayogānāṃ Vimarśaḥ,” delved into a critical examination of non-Paninian usages in the Adhyātma Rāmāyaṇ.
Subsequently, in 1997, the same university conferred upon him the post-doctoral Vācaspati degree (DLitt). This honor was granted for his Saṃskṛta dissertation titled “Aṣṭādhyāyyāḥ Pratisūtraṃ Śābdabodhasamīkṣaṇam,” where he elucidated the grammar of Aṣṭādhyāyī in clear and poetic verses, showcasing his scholarly contributions to the field.
Guru ji’s blindness
Guru Rambhadracharya reportedly lost his eyesight at the remarkably young age of two months due to a diagnosis of Trachoma. The absence of modern medical facilities in his village contributed to the worsening of his condition, ultimately resulting in complete blindness. Despite this significant challenge, Guru Rambhadracharya‘s determination remained unshaken, and he went on to read some of the most sacred texts in Hinduism while also becoming the author of numerous books. His academic achievements include obtaining a Ph.D. and a D.Litt., a remarkable feat that not everyone can accomplish.
It is noteworthy that despite facing financial constraints, the late Prime Minister Shri Indira Gandhi offered to sponsor Guruji’s treatment in the United States. However, Guru Rambhadracharya politely declined this offer, showcasing his resilience and commitment to his spiritual and scholarly pursuits.
Empowering the Disabled: Guruji’s Lifelong Mission Through Education
Guru Rambhadracharya, having personally encountered the challenges within society, took a proactive step by establishing a distinctive educational institution. He initiated a primary and secondary school catering to differently-abled children, and in 2002, he further expanded his vision by founding the Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Handicapped University in Chitrakoot. Serving as the lifelong chancellor, Guruji actively oversees the day-to-day operations of the university.
This institution stands out for its commitment to providing affordable graduate and post-graduate courses across various subjects, specifically designed to support visually impaired, hearing impaired, and mobility-impaired students in accordance with the Disability Act of the Government of India, 1995. Through this university, Guru Rambhadracharya has created a platform for inclusive education, empowering differently-abled individuals to pursue higher studies and contribute to society.