Sant Janabai

Sant Janabai was one of the great woman Sants during the medieval bhakti movement in the present day Maharashtra. Janabai was born in 1260 AD in a poor family. Her father, Dama, had a dream in which he was asked to take his daughter to Damaseti, father of Sant Namdev.

At the house of Sant Namdev, Janabai became a devotee of Lord Vitthal.

It is said that whenever she stopped her household work out of tiredness, Lord Vitthal completed it for her.

Once, Janabai was accused of stealing the ornaments and shawl of Lord Vitthal. When people tried to impale her on a spear, the spear dissolved into water.

The devotional songs written by her are very popular. She also wrote devotional songs in praise of Sant Namdev and Cokamela.

Sant Janabai: A Devotee and Poet

Early Life

Sant Janabai was born in the late 13th century in Gangakhed, a village in the present-day Parbhani district of Maharashtra, India. Her exact birth date is not clearly documented, but it is widely accepted that she was born into a humble family. Janabai's early life was marked by hardship and adversity. After the death of her mother, she moved to Pandharpur, a major center of the Varkari movement, along with her father who was a devotee of Lord Vitthal (a form of Krishna).

Service and Devotion

Janabai's life took a significant turn when she entered the household of Dnyaneshwar, one of the most revered saints of the Varkari tradition. She worked as a maid in his house, performing daily chores with great dedication. Despite her position as a servant, Janabai was deeply spiritual and found profound joy in her devotional practices. She often engaged in singing abhangas (devotional hymns) and composing poetry in praise of Lord Vitthal.

Literary Contributions

Janabai's poetry is characterized by its simplicity, depth of devotion, and emotional intensity. Her abhangas reflect her unwavering faith and love for Lord Vitthal, portraying him not just as a deity but as a friend, companion, and beloved. Her verses often express a longing for spiritual union and transcend the boundaries of caste, gender, and social status.

Some of her notable works include:

• Abhanga Gatha: A collection of her devotional songs that illustrate her deep love and surrender to Vitthal.
• Santachi Arati: Hymns that are sung during the aarti (devotional song) in temples, reflecting her intense spiritual experiences.

Influence and Legacy

Sant Janabai is remembered not only for her poetic contributions but also for her exemplary life of devotion and humility. She is one of the few women saints in the Bhakti movement who gained recognition and respect in a predominantly patriarchal society. Her works continue to inspire devotees and are an integral part of the Varkari tradition.

Her legacy is celebrated annually during the Ashadhi Ekadashi pilgrimage to Pandharpur, where thousands of devotees sing her abhangas, keeping her memory and teachings alive. Janabai’s life story is a testament to the power of devotion and the belief that true spirituality transcends social hierarchies and norms.

Sant Janabai's life and poetry serve as a beacon of devotion and humility. Her abhangas resonate with the essence of Bhakti, emphasizing a personal and emotional connection with the divine. Despite the challenges she faced, Janabai's unwavering faith and poetic brilliance have left an indelible mark on the spiritual and literary landscape of Maharashtra. Her story continues to inspire generations of devotees, reminding them of the transformative power of love and devotion.