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Vision | Karyakari | Gurusevak

Early Life and Spiritual Awakening

Swami Ramkrishnanand was born on May 4, 1921, in Wade, Sukur, Bardez – Goa. His father's name was Pandurang and his mother's name was Yashodabai. Both were deeply devoted to God. Swami’s original name was Ramkrishna. As a child, he was a devotee of Lord Shiva. At the mere age of twelve, he composed a poetic work on Shiva titled Shivprasad.

During his youth, Ramkrishna lived with his family in Marna-Shivoli. One day, the great yogi Shri Achyutanand Swami Maharaj from Caisua passed by their house. As they exchanged glances, young Ramkrishna experienced a powerful spiritual realization. At that moment, he felt an intense calling — to walk the path of a yogi. That brief encounter profoundly changed the course of his life.

Driven by a deep longing for God, Ramkrishna tried to renounce worldly life. But divine will led him to fulfill his responsibilities toward his aging parents. Balancing both paths, he continued intense spiritual practice (namasadhana) even as a householder.

Eventually, Lord Dattatreya appeared to him in a divine vision and bestowed upon him the nectar of spiritual knowledge. Inspired by this vision, Ramkrishna progressed from saguna (with form) to nirguna (formless) worship. He began chanting the Omkar mantra and embraced yogic disciplines. His devotion led him to the highest spiritual state — merging with the Supreme Brahman. From that point on, he became known as Swami Ramkrishnanand.

Life Mission and the Birth of Omkar Mandir

Having attained realization, Swami Ramkrishnanand chose to return to sahajavastha — a natural state — and dedicate his life to serving others. He healed people’s ailments, guided seekers, and shared his spiritual wisdom with humility.

During a yogic session, he received a divine command:
“Establish an Omkar temple for the benefit of all.”

He began spreading the spiritual significance of Omkar through discourses. His teachings inspired many, and a few devotees came forward to support the vision financially.

Two of his relatives, Shri Eknath Chyati and Shri Lakshmi Narayan Chyati, generously donated land in Kucheli for the temple. In 1981, construction of a small but beautiful temple began under Swami’s guidance and skilled craftsmanship.

On Akshaya Tritiya in 1982, a beautiful marble idol of Omkar was installed by Swami himself, in the presence of devoted followers. The event was presided over by Shri Vasant Chodankar and Smt. Madhura Chodankar, with rituals led by Shri Venkatesh Bhat Vernekar. The inauguration was celebrated over three days with spiritual fervor.

Since Omkar symbolizes the formless Absolute (Parabrahma), Swami introduced a unique form of worship that is still practiced today. He composed original devotional texts, hymns, aartis, chants, and abhangas centered around Omkar worship.

Legacy, Miracles, and Eternal Presence

After establishing the Omkar temple, spiritually awakened souls began appearing in subtle form, acknowledging the divine mission. Many seekers reported miraculous experiences — healing from ailments, escape from untimely death, or receiving sacred mantras and divine visions through Swami’s blessings.

This became the first and only temple in India with a dedicated Omkar idol, making it a spiritually significant site not just for Goa but for the entire country. Swami Ramkrishnanand’s greatness was recognized by spiritually advanced seekers, even though he lived a life of simplicity and humility.

He initiated worthy disciples, continued to guide people on the path of devotion, and inspired many towards liberation. Even though he has left his physical form, his subtle presence continues to guide, protect, and bless devotees to this day.

– Written by his disciple, Brahmanand

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