Nabhadasa, born in 1657 CE in the village of Ramabhadracala on the banks of the river Godavari, emerged as a significant figure in preserving the lives of revered saints in India. Despite facing adversity early in life, with the loss of his father and abandonment by his mother due to extreme poverty, Nabhadasa found solace and guidance under the care of Agradasa from Galata near Jaipur, Rajasthan. Agradasa, believed to be a saint himself, not only provided shelter but also initiated Nabhadasa into the path of devotion to Rama, renaming him from Narayanadasa to Nabhadasa.
Endowed with a keen intellect and remarkable poetic talents,
Nabhadasa received a comprehensive education. His devout nature and unwavering
faith in God shaped his character, earning him recognition as a humble devotee.
Nabhadasa's magnum opus, the Bhaktamala, composed in Hindi
(Brajbhasha) poetry with the meter 'Chappa' featuring six lines, stands as a
testament to his literary prowess and spiritual insight. Despite the elegance
of its language, the Bhaktamala is imbued with Sanskrit terminology, reflecting
Nabhadasa's deep reverence for traditional Indian culture and philosophy.
This seminal work meticulously chronicles the lives of
approximately two hundred saintly minstrels, preserving their teachings,
experiences, and devotion for future generations. The Bhaktamala has not only
served as a valuable historical record but has also inspired numerous
commentaries and adaptations by subsequent writers, underscoring its enduring
influence as a model of devotional literature. Nabhadasa's legacy endures
through his profound contributions to the preservation and propagation of the
rich spiritual heritage of India.
He is believed to have in 1700 CE.