Chitrakoot: Renowned spiritual leader and Ramcharitmanas exponent Morari Bapu paid homage to revered Ramayana narrator, Ramkinkarji Maharaj, during his centenary celebrations held at Chitrakoot Dham from November 4 to 6. Known as the “Yug Tulsi” within the Ramkatha tradition, Ramkinkarji Maharaj’s contributions to Sanatan Dharma were commemorated in the presence of leading spiritual luminaries, including RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat.
In his remarks on the concluding day of the celebration, Morari Bapu emphasised the significance of Chitrakoot as the location for such a historic event, stating, “It is fitting that the sacred land of Chitrakoot is hosting the centenary celebrations of Ramkinkarji Maharaj. Your presence, Rashtra Purush Mohan Bhagwat, has further enlightened this august gathering. I bow before your devotion to the country. A sadhu does not bow before anyone’s pratishtha (status) but before nishtha (devotion).”
Morari Bapu extended a heartfelt welcome to the many esteemed saints and sadhus in attendance, affirming the importance of spirituality in contemporary life.
Drawing on the teachings of the Mahabharata, he remarked, “The divya drishti (divine vision) granted by Lord Krishna in the midst of the Kurukshetra war was not just for Arjun but for all Indians.”
He reflected on the origins and endurance of Sanatan Dharma, and the values of simplicity and compassion that are foundational to Indian culture.
“In my 79 years, I have seen that remaining saral (simple) even after becoming sabal (strong) comes only through the company of sadhus,” Bapu said, lamenting that compassion (samvedana) is slowly diminishing in the land of the Vedas.
Morari Bapu shared his memories of Ramkinkarji Maharaj, who he had the privilege of meeting multiple times.
He fondly recalled, “In my opinion, Ramkinkarji Maharaj’s first element was vishwas (faith), followed by vichar (thought), rajsee roop (regal demeanour), viraag (detachment) and vinod (smile). He was a great soul.”
He also announced that he would deliver a Ramkatha in Chitrakoot in the memory of Ramkinkarji Maharaj.
During the event, Morari Bapu and Maithilisharan Maharaj presented the Shri Ramkinkar Bharat Bhushan Samman to distinguished personalities, including Mahamandaleshwar Santoshdasji Maharaj, Swami Shravananandji Maharaj, and folk singer Malini Awasthi. The award, conferred by the Shri Ramkinkar Vichar Mission, honours individuals who have made significant contributions to Indian culture and spirituality.
Morari Bapu was also among the participants at the “Yugtulsi Maharaj Shri Ramkinkarji Shat Jayanti Maha Mahotsav”, held in Ayodhya from October 29 to November 1.
