Raman Maharshi- Life and Biography

Whenever I think of spiritual luminaries who have left an indelible mark on the world, Ramana Maharshi immediately comes to mind. Born as Venkataraman Iyer but revered as Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi, he wasn’t just a sage who shared wisdom—he lived it. His life and teachings have touched countless hearts, mine included. The simplicity of his message, the profoundness of his realisation, and the way he embodied peace make him one of the greatest spiritual figures of modern times.

Also known as Maharshi Ramana, Sri Ramana, or simply Ramana, he showed us that enlightenment isn’t some far-off, unreachable goal. Through his method of self-inquiry, he revealed that the answer lies in turning inward and asking the most fundamental question: Who am I? 

I would often wonder what it must have been like to sit in his presence, near the sacred Arunachala Hill, where he spent most of his life. Even without meeting him in person, reading about Maharishi Raman’s journey and reflecting on his teachings feels like a personal encounter with truth. 

Early Life of Sri Ramana Maharshi

Ramana Maharshi, born on December 30, 1879, in a small village called Tiruchuzhi in Tamil Nadu, India, began life as a regular boy named Venkataraman Iyer. His family was deeply rooted in traditional Hindu values, and he grew up under the care of his mother, Alagammal, and his father, Sundaram Iyer, who worked as a pleader. Little did anyone know that this ordinary child would one day become Sri Ramana, a spiritual master whose presence would be sought by people from around the world.

As a boy, Venkataraman showed no extraordinary signs of spiritual inclination. In fact, he was like any other child—playing, attending school, and occasionally getting into mischief. What stands out about his early life is its simplicity. There were no miraculous signs or grand prophecies about his future. If anything, this normalcy makes his transformation into Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi all the more remarkable.

An Early Loss and a Love for Arunachala

When Venkataraman was just 12 years old, his father passed away unexpectedly. This event brought significant changes to the family’s life, forcing them to move to his uncle’s house in Madurai. While this loss was undoubtedly a turning point, it wasn’t yet the moment that would awaken the Maharshi Ramana we now revere.

However, during this time, Venkataraman began hearing about Arunachala Hill, the sacred mountain in Tiruvannamalai. Stories of its divine significance captured his imagination, though he had no idea how pivotal Arunachala would become in his life. It’s said that even as a child, he felt an unexplainable pull toward the mountain, which Hindus regard as a physical manifestation of Lord Shiva.

A Regular Boy with a Spark of Intensity

From what we know, young Venkataraman wasn’t particularly devoted to religious practices. Unlike other saints whose childhoods are filled with tales of spiritual precocity, he seemed more interested in playing games than chanting mantras. Yet, beneath this outward ordinariness, there was a quiet intensity about him.

This intensity revealed itself in his ability to absorb things deeply and intuitively. For instance, he didn’t excel academically, but he had a sharp mind that grasped things without much effort. Friends and family noticed his inner strength and calm demeanour, qualities that would later define Sri Ramana Maharshi.

The Seed of Self-Realisation

The real transformation in Maharshi Raman’s life came at the age of 16. One day, seemingly out of nowhere, he was struck by a deep fear of death. Lying down in his uncle’s house in Madurai, he felt an overwhelming sense that his body was about to die. But instead of panicking, Venkataraman decided to face this fear head-on.

He began to ask himself: What happens when the body dies? And then, more profoundly: Who is it that dies? What followed was a spontaneous and transformative realisation. He recognised that the body is just a shell, and the true self—the “I”—is eternal, beyond birth and death.

The Death Experience

It happened one day in 1896 while Venkataraman was at his uncle’s house in Madurai. Out of nowhere, he was seized by a sudden and overwhelming fear that he was about to die. His body froze, his mind raced, and the weight of mortality pressed down on him like never before.

Most of us might have panicked, screamed, or tried to distract ourselves, but not Venkataraman. He chose to face the fear head-on. He lay down as though preparing for death and began to observe what was happening inside him. In his mind, he let his body “die” but remained intensely aware of his inner self.

As he later described it, he asked himself: “If the body dies, who am I? Am I the body? No. The body is inert and lifeless. I am still here, aware and conscious. So, I must be something beyond the body.”

This questioning wasn’t an intellectual exercise. It was a visceral, direct experience. In that moment, Venkataraman realised that the “I” he had always identified with was not the body, not even the mind, but something deeper, eternal, and unchanging. It was the self, the pure awareness that lies at the core of all existence.

Living the Realisation

After this experience, Venkataraman’s relationship with the world changed completely. The things that once seemed important—school, family obligations, daily routines—no longer held any meaning for him. His focus turned entirely inward, toward the self he had discovered.

He no longer saw himself as the boy named Venkataraman. He didn’t feel the need to talk about his experience or seek validation from others. In fact, he became quieter, more introspective, and detached from the usual concerns of life. This isn’t something he tried to do—it happened naturally, as a result of his awakening.

Journey to Arunachala

If there’s one constant thread running through Maharshi Ramana’s life, it’s his connection to Arunachala Hill. Even before he ever set foot in Tiruvannamalai, the mere mention of Arunachala stirred something deep within him. To him, the hill wasn’t just a geographical landmark—it was the embodiment of the divine.

The Call of Arunachala

Shortly after his awakening, Venkataraman came across a book called the Periyapuranam, a collection of stories about the lives of Tamil saints. One of these stories spoke of saints who had realised the divine through their devotion to Arunachala. Reading this, he felt an almost magnetic pull toward the hill. It was as if Arunachala was calling him home.

Around the same time, he learned that Arunachala Hill was located in Tiruvannamalai, not far from his home in Tamil Nadu. The name itself had always resonated with him, but now, with his newfound understanding of the self, he felt an unshakeable urge to go there.

Leaving Home

In August 1896, at the age of 16, Venkataraman made the life-changing decision to leave home. It wasn’t an act of rebellion or a desire to escape worldly responsibilities—it was a surrender to something much greater.

He left a note for his family, stating simply: “I am going in search of my father. Nobody should grieve for me.” For me, this note is profoundly symbolic. While it may have referred to his earthly father, it’s clear that he was also speaking about his spiritual father—the eternal self he had realised within.

With just a few coins in his pocket, he boarded a train to Tiruvannamalai. It wasn’t an easy journey. He had to endure long hours of travel, sell his jewellery to buy a ticket, and walk the final stretch on foot. But nothing could deter him. The pull of Arunachala was too strong.

The Arrival at Arunachala

When Venkataraman finally arrived in Tiruvannamalai, he went straight to Arunachaleswarar Temple, the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at the base of the hill. As he stepped into the temple, he felt a profound sense of belonging. He knew he was home.

From that moment on, Sri Ramana Maharshi devoted himself entirely to the life of a renunciate. He discarded the few possessions he had brought with him, including the sacred thread worn by Brahmins, symbolising his complete detachment from societal roles and identities.

Living in Silence and Solitude

In the early years at Arunachala, he lived in total silence and solitude. He spent most of his time meditating in caves and temples, completely immersed in the self. People who encountered him were struck by his serenity and radiance, even though he never spoke a word.

One of his early dwelling places was Virupaksha Cave, a simple cave on the slopes of Arunachala Hill. Later, he moved to Skandashram, another cave higher up the hill. These places remain sacred sites for devotees to this day, filled with the energy of Ramana’s deep meditations.

Recognition as a Sage

As the years passed, people began to notice this young man who radiated such peace and wisdom. Devotees started gathering around him, seeking his guidance and blessings. Although Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi never sought followers, his presence naturally drew those who were spiritually inclined.

By the time he was in his early twenties, he had become known as Sri Ramana Maharshi, a title that reflects both his spiritual stature and his humility. Despite the growing number of devotees, he remained as simple and unassuming as ever, focusing only on the truth he had realised within.

Establishment of Sri Ramanasramam

As more people began to recognise Ramana Maharshi as a beacon of peace and wisdom, the need for a dedicated space where devotees could gather naturally arose. What started as a few followers seeking guidance from the silent sage eventually evolved into the creation of Sri Ramanasramam, one of the most serene spiritual centres in India.

In fact, everything about Sri Ramanasramam grew organically, reflecting Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi’s simplicity and aversion to anything ostentatious.

Initially, Maharshi Ramana lived in solitude, immersed in meditation in places like Virupaksha Cave and Skandashram on Arunachala Hill. Even as people began to visit him, drawn by his tranquil energy and profound wisdom, he showed no desire to create an institution. His life was his teaching, and his presence alone was enough to inspire others.

However, as the number of devotees grew, practical needs began to emerge. Many followers wanted to stay near him for extended periods to absorb his guidance and teachings. These visitors came not just from Tamil Nadu but from all over India—and eventually the world. This led to the gradual formation of a physical space where devotees could gather.

The real turning point came in 1922 when Ramana Maharshi’s mother, Alagammal, passed away. She had been deeply devoted to her son, spending her final years near him and serving the small community of seekers who had started to form around him. After her passing, her body was interred near the base of Arunachala Hill. This site eventually became the foundation of Sri Ramanasramam, with a shrine built in her honour.

The Growth of Sri Ramanasramam

Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi remained indifferent to the material aspects of the ashram. He continued living a simple life, often joining devotees in their daily tasks, whether it was preparing meals or tending to the cows.

The ashram slowly developed around him, with devotees contributing their time, skills, and resources. Over the years, various structures were added:

• The Shrine of Sri Ramana Maharshi, where his Samadhi (final resting place) now resides.
• The Old Hall, a simple space where Ramana would sit and interact with visitors.
• Meditation halls, dining areas, and a library filled with books on his teachings.

Even as the ashram grew, it retained the essence of Sri Ramana’s teachings—simplicity, humility, and a focus on self-realisation. Walking through the ashram today, it’s easy to feel the calm and silence that must have pervaded during Ramana’s time.

Teachings of Ramana Maharshi

If there’s one thing that sets Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi apart as a spiritual teacher, it’s the simplicity of his message. Unlike many traditions that rely on complex rituals or philosophical systems, Sri Ramana pointed directly to the core of our existence: the self.

The Core of Self-Inquiry

When Ramana Maharshi experienced his awakening as a teenager, it came through direct self-inquiry. He realised that the “I” we often associate with the body and mind is not the true self. Instead, the true self is the pure awareness that underlies all thoughts and experiences.

In his teachings, he encouraged everyone to turn inward and investigate the source of their sense of self. The process is simple, though not necessarily easy:

1. When a thought or feeling arises, ask yourself, “Who is experiencing this?”
2. Trace the “I” back to its origin.
3. Rest in the awareness that remains when all thoughts and identifications fall away.

This practice isn’t about intellectual understanding or belief. It’s about direct experience. 

Key Philosophical Ideas

While Maharshi Ramana rarely engaged in abstract philosophy, his teachings naturally aligned with the principles of Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism). Some of his core ideas include:

1. The Self is Eternal
   According to Sri Ramana, the self is not something to be attained—it’s already present within each of us. The journey is about removing ignorance and recognising this eternal truth.
2. The Illusion of the Ego
   Ramana often spoke about the ego as the false “I” that creates a sense of separation. Through self-inquiry, this ego dissolves, revealing the true self.
3. Silence as the Ultimate Teaching
   For Bhagavan Ramana, words were secondary. He often said that silence was the purest form of communication. Sitting in his presence, many devotees reported profound inner experiences without a single word being spoken.

Later Years and Maha Nirvana

The later years of Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi’s life were marked by the same simplicity and grace that defined his earlier days. Despite the growing number of devotees and the establishment of Sri Ramanasramam as a spiritual centre, he remained a humble and unassuming presence. For me, this phase of his life is deeply inspiring—it shows how a realised being can remain unaffected by fame, devotion, or even physical suffering.

Life at Sri Ramanasramam

By the time Sri Ramana Maharshi was in his 40s, the ashram had become a hub for spiritual seekers from all over the world. People came to sit in his presence, ask questions, and simply bask in the silent power that radiated from him. Despite the increasing number of visitors, Ramana never sought to create a following or establish himself as a guru.

His life at the ashram was astonishingly simple. He ate the same food as everyone else, often helping in the kitchen or sitting with devotees during meals. He treated all beings—humans, animals, even plants—with the same love and respect. Stories abound of his compassion toward animals, such as Cow Lakshmi, a cow that was deeply attached to him and was said to have attained liberation in his presence.

What I find most remarkable about this period is how accessible he was. Devotees could approach him at any time with their questions, whether profound or mundane. And yet, Sri Ramana rarely gave lengthy answers. His words were few but powerful, always pointing back to the same truth: “Turn inward and know yourself.”

Facing Illness with Equanimity

In 1948, when Ramana Maharshi was in his late 60s, he developed a small lump on his arm that was later diagnosed as cancer. Despite the pain and the repeated surgeries, he maintained the same serene composure he had shown throughout his life.

When devotees begged him to seek advanced medical treatment or allow supernatural healing, he gently refused. His response was profound: “Why are you so attached to this body? Let it go. The real Ramana is not this body.”

The Moment of Maha Nirvana

On the evening of April 14, 1950, Sri Ramana Maharshi breathed his last. Devotees gathered around him as he passed away peacefully, his face radiating the same calm and serenity it always had. At the exact moment of his passing, many reported seeing a bright light streak across the sky, heading toward Arunachala Hill. For his followers, this was a sign that Bhagavan Ramana had merged with the divine.

Even in death, Sri Ramana left behind a legacy that continues to shine. His body was interred at Sri Ramanasramam, and a shrine was built over his Samadhi. Today, this shrine is a sacred space where devotees meditate and feel his presence.

Sri Ramanasramam Today

One of the most tangible parts of Bhagavan Ramana’s legacy is Sri Ramanasramam itself. Situated at the base of Arunachala Hill, the ashram continues to be a sanctuary for those seeking peace and self-realisation.

I remember my first visit to Sri Ramanasramam vividly. The atmosphere was unlike anything I’d ever experienced—an all-encompassing silence that seemed to hold everything in its embrace. Walking through the ashram, from the Samadhi shrine to the meditation halls, I felt a connection to something eternal.

A Global Spiritual Icon

His method of self-inquiry, or Atma Vichara, has been embraced by people from all walks of life. It’s a practice that doesn’t require adherence to any religion or tradition, making it universally accessible. Whether you’re a monk meditating in a Himalayan cave or a working professional navigating the chaos of modern life, Sri Ramana’s teachings offer a way to find peace within.

His core teaching—asking “Who am I?”—doesn’t require any specific belief system. It’s a question that transcends religious or cultural boundaries, inviting everyone to look inward.