Maratha 17th century saint; author of work on religious duty; Guru of the great King Shivaji. (Glossary for the Vahinis)

Swami Samarth Ramdas, the preceptor of emperor Shivaji. Like Bharata, Swami Samarth Ramdas also looked for some time exactly like Lord Rama in his form as well as in his manner of walking with the bow and arrow on his shoulders. People, watching this, were amazed, and one of them asked him, ‘Swami! If you are really Lord Rama, can you shoot the bird sitting over there on a branch located on the top of that distant tree?’ Ramdas killed the bird with an arrow. It fell on the ground. Someone said then, ‘Swami! You have killed the bird for no reason. It did no harm to you. Rama, known for compassion, never kills anyone without a valid reason. Can you revive it now?’ Then, the Swami collected the dead bird with both his hands and lifted it. He prayed for its life. Lo and behold! The wings started to flutter. The bird moved slowly and finally flew away. All present there joined in a chorus shouting in praise of the Swami, ‘Jai! Samarth Ramdas Ki Jai’ - Our praises to Swami Samarth Ramdas! This is an instance of total identification with God. (Satyopanishad)