Sant Dnyaneshwar.

🕉️ Sant Dnyaneshwar –

Full Name: Sant Dnyaneshwar (also spelled Jnaneshwar, Gyaneshwar)

Birth: 1275 CE, in Alandi, near Pune, Maharashtra

Death (Samadhi): 1296 CE (at age 21), in Alandi

Language: Old Marathi

Philosophy: Advaita (Non-dualism), Bhakti (devotion), and Universal Oneness

Major Works: Dnyaneshwari (Bhavarth Deepika) and Amrutanubhav

👶 Early Life

Sant Dnyaneshwar was born into a Brahmin family.

His father, Vitthalpant, was a scholar who became a sannyasi (renunciate) for some years and later returned to family life — which led to the family’s social rejection by orthodox society.

Dnyaneshwar and his siblings — Nivruttinath, Sopan, and Muktabai — all became saints of the Varkari tradition.

Despite facing humiliation and hardship, the children turned to spirituality and deep meditation from a young age.

🪔 Spiritual Life

His elder brother Nivruttinath, a disciple of the Nath yogi tradition (from Gahininath), became Dnyaneshwar’s guru.

Dnyaneshwar achieved spiritual realization very young and began writing his great commentary at age 15.

His life and teachings combined Vedantic philosophy with bhakti (devotion) accessible to common people.

He emphasized love for God (Vitthal or Krishna), equality, and direct experience of divinity.

📖 Major Works

1. Dnyaneshwari (Bhavarth Deepika)

Written around 1290 CE, it is a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita in simple Marathi, making deep spiritual truths understandable to all.

It explains the Gita’s teachings on karma, bhakti, jnana, and dharma with poetic grace and everyday examples.

The Dnyaneshwari is considered one of the greatest works of Marathi literature and a cornerstone of the Bhakti movement.

2. Amrutanubhav

A philosophical and mystical treatise written after Dnyaneshwari.

Explores the experience of divine bliss and unity — the essence of Advaita (non-duality).

It shows Dnyaneshwar’s mastery of both reasoning and realization.

🌼 Teachings and Philosophy

1. God is within everyone

True spirituality is recognizing the divine presence in all beings.

There is no separation between the devotee and God.

2. Unity of all religions and beings

He rejected caste discrimination and religious barriers.

Every person, regardless of status, can attain God through devotion.

3. Harmony of Knowledge (Jnana) and Devotion (Bhakti)

Dnyaneshwar taught that knowledge without devotion is dry, and devotion without knowledge is blind — both should go hand in hand.

4. Service and Compassion

He emphasized seva (selfless service) and seeing God in others.

🎶 Connection to Varkari Movement

Sant Dnyaneshwar, along with saints like Namdev, Eknath, and later Tukaram, became a central figure of the Varkari Sampradaya, which worships Lord Vitthal (Vithoba) of Pandharpur.

The Varkaris undertake yearly pilgrimages (Wari) to Pandharpur, singing abhangas (devotional songs) inspired by saints like Dnyaneshwar.

⚰️ Samadhi at Alandi

At only 21 years of age, after completing his divine mission, Dnyaneshwar entered Sanjeevan Samadhi (a conscious state of meditation leading to liberation) in Alandi around 1296 CE.

His Samadhi Mandir at Alandi is a sacred pilgrimage site, especially during the annual Palkhi (pilgrimage) of Varkaris.

🌺 Famous Quotes and Thoughts

“Atma is the same in all — realize this and you will see no difference between yourself and others.”

“Knowledge and love are the two wings that help the soul soar to God.”

“The world is not to be renounced, but seen as a manifestation of the Divine.”

🌞 Legacy

Sant Dnyaneshwar’s works deeply influenced saints like Namdev, Eknath, Tukaram, and even later thinkers such as Swami Vivekananda.

He made spiritual knowledge accessible in the Marathi language, inspiring the masses.

His message of unity, simplicity, and self-realization continues to guide devotees and seekers even today.