Ramdas was a prominent Marathi Saint (16061682). He wrote Dasbodh, which is a prose-poetic treatise with ten volumes. It guides common people in daily behaviour and is a model guide. In addition, he wrote many devotional songs, called "Abhangas," which are sung especially by pilgrims. The nick name Das is a term used by Ramdas to describe himself. He spent his life guiding people in day-to-day life but rarely turned to political movement of those days. Ramdas was a spiritual advisor to Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha King of his time.
Eight fold Prayers for Compassion: These known in Sanskrit conjunct word "Karunashtakas" is a set of eight poems, appealing to the Almighty God to condone the various physical, mental and character defects as well as behavioural shortcomings we commit knowingly or through ignorance. In these eight poems, Ramdas appeals to God to condone the behavioural and character shortcomings and exercise compassion and grant proper intellect instead. These prayers are sung in the morning.
With humble respects to all readers and reciters of Karunashtakas in their prayers, I am submitting into verse form in English the eight prayers of compassion composed by Saint Ramdas addressing these to the Almighty God Ram. This has been possible for me only due to the grace of our family deity Lord Narsinha and my guru Shri Mamasaheb Deshpande and the constant spiritual guidance by his able and loving successor respectable Shri. Shirishdada Kawade.
It is a fact that in early age-groups, we brothers and sisters listened to the tune and poetic appeal our parents made, when they recited the Karunashtakas lulling us to sleep. I hope that generous readers will appreciate my rendering and excuse me for the mistakes of omission and commission if any.
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