Footfalls into the Maratha Era: Ramana Dakshina

Ramana Dakshina

There are certain names of places which take a place in memory and Ramana is just one such.

Why was it so named and what did it mean?

I am truly thankful to the researchers and historians who have through their immense work, penned down the importance of these structures.

I was fortunate to witness a pooja at the Ramana Ganpati premises and I dedicate this post to the Ramana.

The Etymology of Ramana is R'ama' Meaning happiness or a state of happiness. So Ramana would mean a state of happiness.

The Etymology of Dakshina typically refers to an offering or gift to a guru or priest. The word comes from the Sanskrit word ' Da' meaning an offering or giving. 'kshi' is to abide or dwell in and 'na' meaning knowledge. Dakshina is considered a duty, or dharma and is part of the universe's cycle of giving and receiving.

Dakshina is also a Hindu Goddess who personifies the concept of giving. In some traditions she is an avatar/embodiment of Laksmi, blessing those who are charitable. (as given in Yogapedia Dictionary - Lineage - Guru - Dakshina).

At the foothills of Parvati towards the south, was a fortified empty area, (fortification does not exist now), which is known as Ramana. From 1750 to 1818, this was the center for giving Dakshina to scholars and pundits from all over India. Vedic scholars, Vaids, Mendicants, Teachers from all over the country had immense respect and reverence for the Ramana. It was a matter of pride and honour to receive Dakshina from here.

The custom of Dakshina began with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. During his time the kotishivlingarchana was performed. One crore shivling were assembled from the sand of rivers. After worship they would be immersed in the rivers. Shivaji Maharaj would then honour the Scholars with Dakshina. This continued in the time of Chahatrapati Sambhaji and Shahu Maharaj.

Shahu Maharaj used the proceeds from his personal property at Talegaon for the purpose of the distribution of Dakshina. The arrangement of the distribution was initially looked after by Dabhade since 1718. Trymbak Dabhade was killed in battle in 1731 and since then Bajirao 1, took over the distribution of Dakshina at Pune. Initially the Ramana was located where the Ramanbaug school stands today. Then it was moved to its present location. This custom continued from 1731 to 1818.

There is a Ganesh temple in the fortified area of Ramana. The idol is 'Chaturbhuja' (having four arms), trunk curves towards the left. Ganpati is seated with his right leg bent and toes touching the ground, while the left is folded.

Captain Moore who was stationed at Pune in 1797 writes, " The custom of giving donations / offerings during the Chaturmaas was ingrained in the people. Non Brahmins were not allowed in the Ramana. We were allowed inside after a lot of pleading with the establishment. There were approximately 20,000 Brahmins who had gathered. The Four walls of the Ramana had Four gates. Eminent scholars were posted at the gates. Often the Peshwa himself, Nana Phadnis, Amrutraosaheb, the Peshwas brother, Chief justice Ayyashastri etc. were at the gates conducting the examination".

Examination of the Brahmins would be conducted at the gate itself. It would take two to three days for a Brahmin to get his turn to give the exam. Each Brahmin was given pulses, rice, salt and an anna for expenses. Oil, ghee, wood and vegetables could be bought from this. Each cooked his own meal.

The main reason for giving Dakshina was to encourage the study of the Vedas and other fields of knowledge. The Brahmins who received Dakshina were divided into 3 cadres.

1. 1st cadre were the most scholarly Mahapundits.

2. 2nd cadre were the pundits who performed the yajna.

3. 3rd cadre were the ordinary Brahmins who performed duties on a day to day basis.

The result was declared instantly and dakshina given was in the range of Rs. 3 to Rs. 10.

The most knowledgeable Mahapundits and scholars were invited with great respect to Shaniwarwada. Here they were honoured with Dakshina in the range of Rs. 100 to Rs. 300, along with attire.

Dakshina was offered to women too. In 1777-1778, it is documented that a sum of Rs. 3578 was given to 14315 women scholars. Each was given a 4 anna dakshina, although the amount was minuscule. Similarly if a Brahmin was unwell, his dakshina was reached to his home.

A lot of expenses were also incurred on food, oil, ghee , vegetables, coconut, betel leaves, clothes,etc. (Parvati Mandir Itihas. Prof. V.K.Nulkar).

A tradition followed by the communities in India is the circumambulation of the area or person considered to be holy or spiritual. The fortified area of Ramana was one such place. The Peshwa with his entourage and councilors would circumambulate Ramana on horseback.

There are letters from the Peshwe Rojnishi or diaries which tell us about the elaborate arrangements for the smooth flow of the three days at Ramana.

1. Peshwe Rojnishi. Volume 8. Letter 1034. 1777-1779

Total expenses of Dakshina Rs. 64,567/-. Palkhis' from were collected from all the well to do for the transport of eminent scholars.

2. Peshwe Rojnishi. Volume 8. Letter 1035. 1785 - 1786.

The Pant pratinidhi, Sachiv, and the administrators of the forts of Purandar, Singhagad and Rajmachi were ordered to send their workforce to Pune. 950 workers.

3. Peshwe Rojnishi. Volume 8. Letter 1039. 1790 - 1791

A workforce of 1800 ordered to be at Pune and Rtteramana from the Sachiv, Pratinidhi and administrators of the forts of Vandan, Purandar, Chakan etc.

5. Peshwe Rojnishi. Volume 5. Letter 224. 1796 - 1797.

The presenting of Dakshina at Ramana commenced on Shravan Shudha Saptami in the afternoon and ended the next evening. Dakshina was presented at all 4 gates of the Ramana. 36,612 Brahmins were the beneficiaries and Dakshina amount was Rs. 1,10,143 was incurred. At the same Dakshina worth Rs.1,05,847/- was presented to the Mahapundits at Shaniwarwada. Other than this Ulfa (that is uncooked cereals and rice, pulses, khichdi etc.), remuneration for the Protege's etc., amounted t. Rs. 2,64,642/-

It is easy to visualize the importance and enormous reverence of the Dakshina at Ramana during Shravanmaas.

The description in itself is enthralling. Today the Devdeveshwar Sansthan has renovated the Ramana Ganpati temple and although we will never see the old glory, The Ramana will once again be on the itinerary as a must visit place.