Bahinabai was a great Bhakti Saint during the 17th century
in Maharashtra . Bahina or Bahini is a Varkari
female-saint. She was born in an orthodox Brahmin family and was already
married when she became a follower of Sant Tukaram Maharaj. Her devotional
verses are famous and are also translated into English.
Her husband and family were initially furious of her
following Sant Tukaram Maharaj as he was from low caste and also not from the
traditional spiritual learning. But later her husband realized his mistake and
accepted her decision.
Her poems describe her disillusionment with life,
difficulties in the path of devotion and her attainment of inner joy with the
help of Sant Tukaram Maharaj.
She described the problems faced by high-caste women – like
no right to listen or read the Vedas, not allowed to chant Gayatri mantra or Om , not allowed to listen or participate in philosophical
conversations etc.
It was through the teaching of Sant Tukaram Maharaj (who was
not bodily present) that she attained liberation.
Bahinabai (1629 to 1700)