Hare Ram, Hare Ram, Ram Ram Hare Hare

Over a century ago, in the state of Chhattisgarh, lower-caste Hindus initiated the practice of tattooing their bodies and faces as an expression of both devotion and resistance. This act of defiance was in response to being barred from entering temples and being segregated by having to use separate wells.

Ardent believers of the Ramnami sect have undertaken a full body tattoo including their genitals | Source: Fotorbit

The Ramnami Samaj in Central India has a century-long history, founded on a fundamental principle: unwavering devotion to Lord Rama, primarily expressed through the practice of Rama Nama, the chanting of his divine name. The sect's founder, Parasuram, a Chamar born in the 1870s in Charpora village, is credited with initiating the movement. He tattooed the word "Rama" on his forehead in the 1890s as a defiant response to being denied entry to a temple due to his caste. Their understanding of Rama is derived from the Ramacaritmanas, which is the source of his characterisation.

The Ramnamis, with their deep devotion to Lord Rama, were among the first non-tribal individuals to embrace this art form on such a significant scale. For them, tattooing the name of their revered deity onto their bodies became a profound expression of their faith and devotion. This practice not only symbolised their religious beliefs but also served as a powerful statement against caste-based discrimination and social norms that restricted access to places of worship for certain specific communities.

In an act of peaceful resistance against untouchability and discrimination, which were prevalent in India, especially among higher-caste individuals, the Ramnamis embraced a powerful way to convey their message. As devotees of Lord Rama, they began inscribing the name of their beloved deity on their bodies as a symbolic representation of their belief that God exists everywhere, transcending caste boundaries. This practice served as a profound statement to society that divinity is not confined to temples and is accessible to all, irrespective of their caste.

Ramnami Devotee Embraces Ramacaritmanas | Source: Dodho

The Ramnamis' struggle for recognition and equality has been a long and challenging one. In 1910, they achieved a significant victory in a court case against upper-caste Hindus, securing the right to use the name of the god Rama. Despite this triumph, even as late as the 1980s, followers with visible tattoos were still denied entry to temples as their tattoos were considered revealing of their caste.

The Ramnami sect is characterised by five prominent symbols: Bhajan Khamb or Jaitkhamb for devotional songs, tattooing Rama-Rama on their bodies, wearing white cloth inscribed with Rama-Rama, chanting with ghungroo, and a crown of peacock feathers, all representing their deep devotion to Lord Rama.

In the life of a Ramnami, the name of Rama holds a pervasive presence, extending to every aspect of their existence. Not only can it be found adorning their homes and clothing, but it is also imprinted onto their very bodies. This unique practice of tattooing, known as "godna" in the local language, has a long history of being a form of bodily adornment in Chhattisgarh, primarily among tribal communities. However, among non-tribal males in the region, tattoos were a rarity, and there are no records of deity names being a part of traditional tattoo designs. The Ramnamis entirely covered their bodies, going to the extent of tattooing even their eyelids with the name of the manifested Lord Rama (Nirguna Rama).

Ramnami's belief in every human body as a sacred temple | Source: Dodho

The love for Lord Rama has been passed on through countless generations within the Ramnami community, becoming an enduring legacy that continues to thrive. For them, Lord Rama's presence has been deeply ingrained in Indian society for thousands of years. They consider their bodies as temples, forsaking traditional temples and idols. Tattooing Ram's name on their bodies, following a strictly vegetarian lifestyle, practising non-violence, and valuing honesty are integral parts of their beliefs.

The essence of this community lies in their unwavering devotion to Lord Rama. His name resonates constantly in their daily routines, becoming an integral part of their very being. The Ramnami Samaj has embraced this devotion to an extraordinary level by inscribing the name of Rama on every inch of their bodies, making it an inseparable part of their physical identity. From the walls of their homes to the tattoos adorning their skin, Rama's name is omnipresent.

Unlike conventional practices, where deities are worshipped in temples, the Ramnami sect believes that their bodies are the sacred abode of Ram. Every individual in this sect considers their body as a living temple, embodying the divine presence of Lord Ram himself. This profound belief is reflected in the way they greet one another, with expressions like "Rama Rama."

The Ramnami sect exemplifies the beauty of diverse cultural expressions and the resilience of marginalised communities. Their symbols and practices reflect how social inequalities can give rise to unique forms of devotion, emphasising the importance of preserving and appreciating cultural diversity in creating a more inclusive world.