Rāmānanda (15th cent.) is not only one of the most important but also one of the most mysterious figures of medieval Hinduism. His personality and teachings have been interpreted by scholars in sometimes various, and contradictory, ways (Caracchi, 1999, 135-154), presenting him as a great social reformer as well as a mighty protector of Hindu dharma. He is also reputed to have played an important role in the development and diffusion of…