Sacred biography and saint-making: The life and teachings of Swami Rama Tirtha (1873-1906)

Swami Rama Tirtha, a Punjabi Brahman, attracted many followers in north India in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by advocating Practical Vedanta. Although Swami Rama Tirtha was opposed to any publicity about himself or the foundation of any organization for the propagation of his teachings, after his death an extensive biographical tradition about him developed and a Mission dedicated to promoting his ideas was established. An analysis of the biographical tradition surrounding Swami Rama Tirtha reveals the way in which his followers have created their image of him as a saint and great leader of India, and how the writing and reading of these biographies becomes a means of religious devotion. The biographies of Swami Rama Tirtha show that his life fits the classic pattern of the life of the holy man or saint. Orthodox Punjabi Hindus of the late 19th century were challenged both by the Arya Samaj and the criticisms of Christian missionaries. Analysis of the teachings of Swami Rama Tirtha shows that while his ideas were developed in response to such concerns, they were not entirely original and not as important as the figure of the Swami himself in developing of a community of followers