Sant Dnyaneshwar (also known as Jnaneshwar or Jnaneshvara) was a revered Bhakti saint, poet, and philosopher who lived in the 13th century. His life story is deeply rooted in the traditions and spiritual heritage of Maharashtra, and his teachings have had a lasting impact on Indian spirituality.
Early Life and Family Background
Dnyaneshwar was born in 1275 in Alandi, a small town in present-day Maharashtra. His family had a strong spiritual lineage, as his grandparents were devoted followers of the esteemed yogi Gorakhnath. This spiritual foundation influenced the family's ethos and practices.
Parents: Vitthala Pant and Rukmini
Dnyaneshwar's father, Vitthala Pant, was a devout Brahmin named after the deity Vitthal of Pandharpur, a major center of the Bhakti movement. Vitthala Pant, seeking a life of renunciation and spiritual fulfillment, took sannyasa (a vow of asceticism). However, during his spiritual journey, he encountered a saint who advised him to return to his marital life. Obedient to the saint's guidance, Vitthala Pant went back to his wife, Rukmini.
Controversy and Criticism
The Brahmanas (priests and scholars) of Alandi were stringent in their adherence to social and religious norms. They vehemently opposed Vitthala Pant's decision to resume his married life after taking sannyasa, which they considered a breach of religious conduct. This social ostracism intensified after the birth of his four children, Nivruttinath, Dnyaneshwar, Sopan, and Muktabai.
Tragic Demise
Unable to bear the relentless censure from the Brahmanas, Vitthala Pant and Rukmini decided to embark on a pilgrimage to Prayaga (modern-day Allahabad), a revered site for Hindus, hoping to find solace and perhaps divine intervention. Unfortunately, the harsh judgment and social exclusion they faced had taken a severe toll on them. In a state of despair and seeking redemption, Vitthala Pant ended his life in the holy waters of Prayaga. Rukmini, overwhelmed by grief and unable to envision a life without her husband, soon followed him, leaving their children orphaned.
Nivrittinatha: The Guiding Light
After the demise of their parents, the eldest son, Nivruttinath, assumed the role of the caretaker and spiritual guide for his younger siblings. He had been initiated into spiritual practice by a saint, which equipped him with the wisdom and strength needed to guide his family. Nivruttinath's initiation and subsequent role as a guru were pivotal in shaping the spiritual journey of Gnaneshwar.
Dnyaneshwar's Spiritual Journey
Under the tutelage of Nivruttinath, Gnaneshwar delved deep into spiritual practices and philosophy. His profound understanding of spirituality, despite his young age, led him to compose the "Jnaneshwari," a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, and "Amritanubhava," among other works. These texts have become cornerstones of Marathi literature and the Bhakti movement, emphasizing devotion, the equality of all beings, and the importance of inner realization over ritualistic practices.