Ramana Maharshi (Sanskrit pronunciation: [ˈɾɐ.mɐ.ɳɐ mɐˈɦɐɾ.ʂi]; Tamil: இரமண மஹரிஷி, romanized: Iramaṇa Maharishi; 30 December 1879 – 14 April 1950) was an Indian Hindu sage [1] and jivanmukta (liberated being). [2] . He was born Venkataraman Iyer, but is mostly known by the name Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. [3][note 1]
One of the most detailed biographies I’ve read is Self-Realisation: The Life and Teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi by B.V. Narasimha Swami. This book offers a comprehensive look at Ramana’s life, from his childhood to his final years at Arunachala.
We believe that Sri Ramana Maharshi did not live for his time alone. His presence and guidance can be experienced now just as when he was physically present. Those who turn to him with sincere aspiration and longing, those who try their best to apply his teachings, will feel his Grace and guidance. There is no doubt about this.
Ramana Maharshi ("Bhagavan") was a 20th century South Indian sage who continues to radiate peace and self-awareness to the global community of spiritual seekers.
Ramana Maharshi was a Hindu philosopher and yogi called “Great Master,” “Bhagavan” (the Lord), and “the Sage of Arunachala,” whose position on monism (the identity of the individual soul and the creator of souls) and maya (illusion) parallels that of Shankara (c. 700–750).
Alagammal was an ideal Hindu wife. On the 30th of December 1879, to them was born Venkataraman — who later came to be known to the world as Ramana Maharshi. It was an auspicious day for Hindus, the Ardradarsanam day.
Ramana Maharshi was born Venkataraman Iyer on 30 December 1879 in the village Tiruchuzhi near Aruppukkottai, Virudhunagar District in Tamil Nadu, India. He was the second of four children in an orthodox Hindu Brahmin family.