Namdev

Namdev Biography

Namdev was a poet-saint who is significant to the Varkari sect of Hinduism. He is also venerated in Sikhism. He was born in 1270 CE in Hingoli district of Maharashtra. Through his teachings Namdev emphasized on the importance of family life and attaining Moksha through married life, family and its responsibilities. His works are influenced by Vaishnavite philosophy and he believed in Vithoba. Thus he is among those responsible for disseminating the monotheistic Vithoba faith that had emerged first in the Karnataka region. He used Marathi language to convey his beliefs rather than relying on traditional Sanskrit language that made him immensely popular during the time.

He is traditionally believed to have lived between 1270 and 1350. Yet historians have not reached a conclusion yet on the accurate date of birth of Namdev. There is no proper record of his life too. As per traditional belief, Namdev was a cotton-printer who spent majority of his life at Punjab. As per traditional beliefs, Namdev died in 1350 CE. Sikhs believe that he died at Punjabi village Ghuman. Namdev was born into a Shudra caste, low caste. His mother’s name is Gonai. His wife was Rajai and the couple had a son, Vitha.

The literary works of Namdev were influenced by Vaishnavite philosophy. He was one among those who disseminated the monotheistic Vithoba faith of Karnataka region and spread it to Pandharpur in Maharashtra. Along with Dnyaneshwari, Namdev is a distinct name of Bhakti movement. He used a melodic device, called samkirtana and simple Marathi language to preach his ideas, both easy accessible to common man. He believed in the principle of equality among people irrespective of castes and community and that devotion can help one to reach Vithoba. He greatly influenced groups of people who were forbidden by the Brahmin elite from studying Vedas and other Sanskrit works.

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Updated: February 19, 2014