Jalaram Jayanti is celebrated according to the Hindu calendar, marking the birth anniversary of Saint Jalaram Bapa. He was born on the seventh day (Saptami) of the Kartik month in the Shukla Paksha. This year, his 226th birth anniversary will be celebrated on November 14. Jalaram Bapa was born in 1799 in Virpur, Rajkot, Gujarat, and dedicated his life to serving the poor. He established the Jalaram Temple in Virpur, where those in need could find food and shelter. Jalaram Bapa was known as a devoted follower of Lord Rama, and several miraculous events related to Lord Rama occurred in his life, which left people in awe.
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Significance of Jalaram Jayanti
Jalaram Jayanti is celebrated to honor the life and teachings of Jalaram Bapa, a revered Hindu saint and philanthropist. This day highlights his selfless contribution to humanity and emphasizes values like compassion, kindness, and service. Jalaram Bapa’s teachings inspire spiritual growth and a sense of responsibility toward society. He taught his followers that true service brings one closer to God. This principle forms the core of the celebrations and rituals observed on Jalaram Jayanti. Devotees visit temples, sing hymns in his praise, and distribute prasad as part of the festivities.
Distance from Worldly Life Since Childhood
Jalaram Bapa was born on the 17th day of the Kartik month in 1799 in Virpur, Rajkot, to father Pradhan Thakkar and mother Rajbai Thakkar. Known as a devotee of Lord Rama, he had no attachment to worldly life from a young age. Though he briefly assisted his father in the family business under pressure, he soon lost interest. He later stayed with his uncle, Valji Bhai. At the age of 18, after returning from a pilgrimage, he became deeply devoted to Hinduism and became a disciple of Bhoj Bhagat of Fatehpur. Following his guru’s advice, he started a free meal center called “Sadavrat,” where saints, the poor, and the needy were fed without discrimination. Jalaram Bapa became widely respected for his generosity and service.
The Divine Appearance of Idols in His Home
One day, a saint visited Jalaram Bapa’s Sadavrat center and offered him an idol of Lord Rama, saying, “Wherever Lord Rama is, Hanuman will surely come.” Jalaram installed this idol in his home as the family deity. Soon after, a statue of Hanuman miraculously appeared at the same place, followed by idols of Sita and Lakshman. This divine phenomenon amazed Jalaram, and word spread quickly, leading people to visit his home for darshan of these sacred idols.
How “Bapa” Became Part of His Name
Once, a tailor named Harji suffered from severe stomach pain. When all remedies failed, he went to Jalaram for help. Jalaram prayed to Lord Rama, asking him to relieve Harji’s pain. Miraculously, Harji’s pain vanished instantly, and he fell at Jalaram’s feet, exclaiming “Jai Ho, Bapa!” Since then, people began referring to Jalaram as “Bapa” (a term of reverence), and devotees from far and wide came to him seeking relief from their troubles.