MAHARASHTRA DHARMA

Jnauadeva (13th C):

- Founder of Bhakti Movement in Maharashtra.

- His famous work is ‘Jananesvari’, which is a commentary on the Bhagavatgita & is also called ‘Bhavarta dipika’.

Namdeva (14th C):

- Preached gospel of love & opposed caste – system & idol worship.

-His followers belonged to all castes & chief disciples were Gora (potter), Sena (barber), Choka (untouchable), Janbai (maid), etc.

Eknath (16th C) :
- Opposed Caste distinctions.

- Composed ‘abhangas’ (lyrical poems) & was reputed for his bhajans & Kirtans.

Tukaram (17th C):

- Contemporary of Shivaji & a grat devotee of Vithal of

Pandharpur.

- A Sudra by birth & founded the Varkari sect.

- Worked for Hindu-Muslim unity.

- Against all social distinctions & thus the laid the foundation for Martha Nationalism.

Somnath Ramdas (17th C)

- Guru of Shivaji who combined spirituality & practical life

- Was a Sharakari, which was apposed to Varakari

- Author of ‘Dasabodha’, which gave advice on all (dasabodha) mother of Life.