Pandit Rambaran Tiwari (Maharaj)

Pandit Rambaran Tiwari (Maharaj) embarked on a significant journey in the early 1900s, migrating from Uttar Pradesh, India, to Trinidad as an indentured worker in the sugarcane industry. Upon his arrival, he was stationed at the La Fortune Estate in South Trinidad, making his home in the village of La Fortune, La Romain. After fulfilling his indenture contract, Panditji’s life took a new and beautiful turn when he met his wife, Sukrajie.

Together, they built a large and loving home, a sanctuary filled with the laughter and dreams of their ten children. Their hearts were full as they raised five sons and five daughters, each a precious thread in the family tapestry: Dukraji (Popo), Jasodra (Joog), Harripersad (Harrydass), Narine (Bhagwat), Sookdeo, Taitri (Tait), Basdeo, Indardai (Beti), Doodnath (Betan), and Toolsie Dali (Doodoo).

Faced with the choice of returning to India, Pandit Rambaran’s deep love for his growing family led him to remain in Trinidad. He settled in the village of La Fortune Woodland, where he became an integral pillar of the community. Here, Panditji practiced as a respected Hindu priest (Karamkand), serving not only his own village but also the surrounding neighboring communities. His dedication and spiritual guidance made him a beloved figure, becoming the cherished Guru for many of his disciples (Chelas) and the wider village community.

This sacred legacy of spiritual leadership did not end with him; it flowed through his eldest son, Pandit Harripersad Sharma, who followed in his father’s footsteps. This ancestral light burned even brighter in the next generation. Deeply rooted in family traditions, seven of his grandsons answered the divine calling to practice Panditai. These grandsons, Pandit Krishna Harrybatchan, Pandit Denesh Sharma, Pandit Sharma Basdeo, Pandit Sieuraj Harrybachan, Pandit Ashram Sharma, Pandit Vishnu Harrybachan, and Pandit Ramnarine Basdeo, became highly regarded and likeable Pandits in their own right, carrying the Tiwari name with honor.

In 1949, having fulfilled his Dharma on this earthly plane, the great Pandit Rambaran Tiwari attained Baikunth (spiritual liberation). He peacefully cast off his mortal coil, leaving behind an indelible mark on the lives of his Godchildren, disciples, and kin. While his earthly remains were laid to rest in the Village of La Fortune Woodland, South Trinidad, his soul continues to guide the many generations who still walk the path he so humbly cleared.

You can also visit this interesting link of Pandits past and present of Trinidad and Tobago where you are sure to see a familiar face https://hindisongstt.com/photos/pandits-past-present-of-trinidad/ There is another link of great interest of Pandits conducting ceremonies https://hindisongstt.com/photos/pandits-of-trinidad-conducting-ceremonies/

“Do you have a special memory captured on film or audio? Please email any photos, videos, or audio recordings you may have to hindisongstt@gmail.com. We are looking to preserve the many beautiful moments shared with the remarkable Pandit Rambaran Tiwari (Maharaj).”  (Copyright Ashram Sharma 2026)