Namdev
Namdev (Pronunciation: [naːmdeʋ]), also transliterated as Nam Dayv, Namdeo, Namadeva, (traditionally, c. 26 October 1270 – c. 3 July 1350) was a Marathi Vaishnav saint from Narsi, Hingoli, Maharashtra, Medieval India within the Varkari tradition of Hinduism. He lived as a devotee of Lord Vitthal of Pandharpur. He is widely regarded as the founder of Varkari tradition.
Shri Sant Namdev Maharaj | |
|---|---|
Shri Sant Namdev Maharaj | |
| Personal | |
| Born | c. 26 October 1270 CE |
| Died | c. 3 July 1350 CE |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Philosophy | Warkari |
| Religious career | |
| Literary works | Abhanga devotional poetry |
Namdev was influenced by Vaishnavism and became widely known in India for his devotional songs set to music (bhajan-kirtans). His philosophy contains both nirguna brahman and saguna brahman elements, with monistic themes. Namdev's legacy is remembered in modern times in the Varkari tradition, along with those of other gurus, with masses of people walking together in biannual pilgrimages to Pandharpur in Maharashtra. He is also recognised in the North Indian traditions of the Dadu Panthis, Kabir Panthis and Sikhs.
Some hymns of Namdev are included in the Guru Granth Sahib.