Question

Write the names of any two saints of Bhakti movement in Maharashtra.

Hint:

The Bhakti movement in Maharashtra, led by saints like Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram, was not only a spiritual revolution but also a social one, advocating for equality and devotion to God over ritualistic practices and social hierarchies.

Answer 1

The Bhakti movement in Maharashtra, which began in the 13th century and continued into the 17th century, played a crucial role in challenging the caste system and promoting devotion to a personal god. Saints from Maharashtra advocated for the spiritual bond between humans and the divine, emphasizing love, devotion, and equality. Below are the names of two prominent saints from the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra: Step 1: Sant Dnyaneshwar.
Sant Dnyaneshwar was a 13th-century saint and philosopher who had a profound impact on the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra. He is best known for his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, called the Dnyaneshwari, which made the spiritual teachings of the Gita accessible to the common people. Dnyaneshwar’s teachings emphasized that the true meaning of life could be found through devotion and understanding the divine nature of God. His work is regarded as one of the most important spiritual texts in Marathi literature. Dnyaneshwar advocated for devotion to God through the practice of Bhakti, urging people to look within themselves to find God, rather than relying on external rituals. His spiritual philosophy rejected the rigid caste distinctions and promoted the idea of equality and unity among all people, irrespective of their social status.
Step 2: Sant Tukaram.
Sant Tukaram was a 17th-century saint and poet who is best known for his devotional hymns called Abhangas and his deep devotion to Lord Vithoba (a form of Lord Krishna). He was one of the most famous saints of the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra. His devotional songs focus on the love of God and the importance of surrendering oneself to the divine will. Tukaram’s life was filled with personal struggles, and he faced persecution from orthodox Brahmins for his non-conventional practices. Despite this, his Bhakti and devotion to Vithoba were unshaken. He is credited with transforming Marathi literature and religious practice by making spirituality more accessible to the common people. Sant Tukaram’s teachings stressed the significance of personal devotion to God, which transcended formal rituals and caste boundaries. His abhangas and teachings continue to inspire millions to this day.