Introduction
Rang Avadhoot, born Pandurang Vitthalapanta Valame, (21 November 1898-19 November 1968) was a saint-poet belonging to Datta-panth (Gurucharita tradition of Dattatreya) of Hinduism. He is credited for expansion of Datta-panth in Gujarat state of India.
Life
He was born on 21 November 1898 at Godhra to Vitthalpant and Kashiben. He had religious interest since his childhood. He matriculated and left his studies due to paricipation in non-cooperation movement. He served as a teacher for brief period. He was also involved in social activities. He left his job and accepted asceticism in 1923. He moved to Nareshwar on the bank of Narmada river. Vasudevanand Saraswati was his spiritual teacher (guru).
He died on 19 November 1968 (Kartika Vad 30) at Haridwar (now in Uttarakhand, India) on the bank of the Ganga river. His body was brought to Nareshwar and creamated two days later on 21 Novemeber.
His followers worship him as an incarnation of Dattatreya. He played an important role in spreading Datta-panth (path of Dattatreya) in Gujarat, India. His Ashram (hermitage) is located at Nareshwar, Gujarat.
Works
He wrote several works in Gujarati, Hindi and Sanskrit mostly focused on spirituality and devotion to Dattatreya. He composed Datta Bavani, a 52 stanza poem dedicated to Dattatreya which popular in Gujarat. He had written Bhajans (devotional songs) collected under title, Avdhooti Anand. His other works are Shri Guru Leelamrit, Rangtarang, Ranghridayam, Shri Gurumurti Charitra, Patra Manjusha, Datta Namsmaran.
- Quotes:
- Parasparadevo Bhava - Invoke the divine unto one another.
- Svase Svase Dattanam Smaratman - Oh Mind! Remember Lord Dattatreya at every moment (Lit. every breath).
- Satyameva Param Tapah - Truth is the supreme penance.