Changadev (also spelled Changadeva) was a 13th-century saint and yogi from Maharashtra, India, known for his miraculous powers and his association with the celebrated Marathi saint Sant Jnaneshwar (Dnyaneshwar). Changdev was a hathayogi—a practitioner of Hatha Yoga—renowned for his austerities and the ability to perform supernatural feats. However, despite his yogic mastery and powers, his spiritual journey took a significant turn after a famous encounter with Sant Dnyaneshwar, marking his transition from pride in his siddhis (supernatural abilities) to deep spiritual humility and devotion.
Early Life and Yogic Powers
Not much is known about Changadev's early life or his place of birth, but he was believed to have practiced intense penances and acquired several siddhis (spiritual powers). His fame spread due to his miraculous abilities and his long life—some legends suggest he lived for over 1,400 years through the power of his yoga. Changdev had many followers, drawn to him by his supernatural powers and his expertise in hatha yoga.
Encounter with Sant Dnyaneshwar
Changadev’s story takes a significant turn when he crosses paths with Sant Jnaneshwar, a towering figure of the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra, famous for his deep spiritual knowledge and mystical teachings. Changadev initially approached Jnaneshwar with the intention of humiliating him, showing off his spiritual superiority by arriving in a dramatic fashion—riding a fierce tiger with a cobra as his whip.
However, Jnaneshwar responded in a calm yet extraordinary manner. Jnaneshwar, along with his siblings Sopana, Muktabai, and Nivruttinath, was sitting on a mud wall at the time. In response to Changadev's display of power, Jnaneshwar commanded the mud wall to fly, and it did, astonishing Changadev and his disciples. This act of quiet yet immense power humbled the hathayogi, who realized that true spiritual mastery was not about external displays of power, but about inner realization and surrender to divine wisdom.
Transformation and Spiritual Awakening
Humbled by the experience, Changadev acknowledged the superior spiritual understanding of Sant Dnyaneshwar and his siblings. It was Muktabai, Jnaneshwar’s younger sister, who took the lead in guiding Changadev toward spiritual awakening. She initiated him into the path of Jnana Yoga—the yoga of knowledge, focusing on inner wisdom and the understanding of the self. Through her teachings and the grace of the Jnaneshwar family, Changadev experienced a profound transformation and became a devoted disciple of the young saints.
Literary Contributions
After his transformation, Changadev became deeply committed to the teachings of Jnaneshwar and Muktabai. He composed several abhangas (devotional hymns) in which he described his mystical experiences and spiritual insights gained through their grace. His abhangas often reflect the themes of surrender, the realization of the ultimate truth, and the renunciation of ego.
Though Changadev is not as well-known as other saints like Jnaneshwar or Tukaram, his contributions to the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra are significant. His transformation from a yogi focused on siddhis to a devotee deeply committed to the path of bhakti and jnana highlights an essential theme in Indian spiritual traditions: the importance of humility, surrender, and inner knowledge over external powers.
Significance in the Bhakti Tradition
Changadev’s story underscores the conflict between Hatha Yoga (which emphasizes physical and mental control to attain supernatural powers) and Jnana Yoga or Bhakti Yoga (which emphasize self-realization and devotion to the divine). His journey from pride to surrender is a powerful spiritual metaphor and is celebrated in Marathi folklore as an example of how even the most accomplished yogis must eventually transcend ego and surrender to higher spiritual wisdom.
His life also shows the importance of Guru-Shishya (teacher-disciple) relationships in Indian spirituality. Changadev’s surrender to Jnaneshwar and Muktabai as his spiritual guides illustrates the transformative power of the guru in guiding disciples toward the highest truth.
Legacy and Current Status
Though Changadev may not be as widely remembered as other figures from the Bhakti tradition, his transformation has been an important lesson in Maharashtra's spiritual history. His abhangas remain part of the Marathi literary and devotional canon, sung by devotees in praise of the saints and the divine.
Changadev’s legacy continues, particularly in regions associated with the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra. Temples and shrines dedicated to the saints of the Varkari tradition—of which Sant Dnyaneshwar was a key figure—also honor figures like Changadev, recognizing his spiritual journey and contributions. His life serves as a reminder of the power of humility and surrender in the face of true spiritual wisdom.