Ashtavakra (Sanskrit: अष्टावक्र) was a physically-challenged Vedic sage who defeated the biggest scholar in the court of King Janaka at a young age. Because of his genius, King Janaka became his disciple and learned more about philosophy from him. The dialogues between them are collectively known as Ashtavakra Gita (The Song of Ashtavakara), which is a very popular Hindu book. The Meaning of the Word Ashtavakra: The word Ashtavakra comprises two words, viz. ashta and vakra. Ashta means eight, and vakra means bend or deformity. Therefore, Ashtavakra means ?eight bends/deformities?. The sage got this name because he was born with…

Gaur Gopal Das is an Indian Vaishnavite monk, author, lifestyle coach, and motivational speaker. He is a member of ISKCON. He is quite popular, especially because of his energetic speeches with a pinch of humor. Gaur Gopal Das worked as an electrical engineer before he became a monk in 1996. He has been invited many times to give a speech at the House of Commons in England. Family Background: His real name is Prabhu Gaur Gopal Das. He was born on December 24, 1973, in a middle-class Marwari-Jain family in Wambori village in Maharashtra. His hometown is Pune. His father…

Sant Tukaram Maharaj was one of the greatest saint poets born in Maharashtra. He wrote many Abhangas (devotional poems) that are still popular in India and abroad. He was the contemporary of Shivaji Maharaj and Ramdas Swami. Many Marathi people credit him as the spiritual teacher of Shivaji Maharaj. He was a steadfast devotee of Vithoba. Birth and Childhood: Sant Tukaram Maharaj was born in the 17th century in Dehu near Pune, Maharashtra. His birth year was either 1598 or 1608. His full name was Tukaram Bolhoba Ambile (More). Kanakai and Bolhoba were his mother and father. His father was…

Sant Tukaram, Dnyaneshwar, Eknath, Namdev, and Janabai are some of the most famous saints of Maharashtra. Maharashtra is known as the land of saints because many great saints are born in this land. These saints showed the path of devotion to millions of people. Their literary work is still guiding people to live pious and peaceful life. In this article, I have tried to list the names of all the saints of Maharashtra. Saints of Maharashtra (Male): 1. Balumama. 2. Banka Mahar. 3. Bhanudas. 4. Chokhamela. 5. Damaji Pant. 6. Dnyaneshwar. 7. Eknath. 8. Gadgebaba. 9. Gondavalekar Maharaj or Brahmachaitanya.…

Sant Kanhopatra was a female saint-poet who lived in Maharashtra in the 15th century. She wrote many devotional songs dedicated to Panduranga, but very few of them are available now. She belonged to the Varkari sect and died in the Vithoba temple of Pandharpur. Kanhopatra is the only saint whose maouseleum is on the premises of the temple. The Story of Kanhopatra: Sant Kanhopatra was born to a prostitute and dancer named Shama in Mangalvedha, Maharashtra. The name of her father was unknown, but her mother believed that it was the town’s headman, Sadashiv Malagujar. Kanhopatra was extremely beautiful and…

Balumama was a mystic, yogi, and a saint. Born in a shepherd family, he spent his life around sheep. He performed many miracles in his life and helped needy people. He is very popular in Karnataka and Maharashtra. Balu Mama was a devotee of Lord Panduranga. His devotees raised a beautiful temple in his memory after his death. Recently, a TV series was aired about his life, which is quite popular. Childhood: Ballappa was born on October 3, 1892, in Akkol village of Chikkodi Taluka of Belgaum district in Karnataka. His father was a shepherd belonging to the Kuruba Gowda/Dhangar…

Kannappa Nayanar was one of the greatest devotees of Lord Shiva, who offered his eyes to him. He is believed to be a reincarnation of Arjuna in the Mahabharata. Kannappa is also considered to be one of the 63 Nayanars (holy Shaivite saints). Different Names of Kannappa: 1. Thinna. 2. Dheeran. 3. Dinna. 4. Kannayya. Who was Kannappa in his Previous Birth? Kannappa was Arjuna in his previous birth. Before the Mahabharata War, Arjuna undertook penance on the advice of Lord Krishna to obtain Pashupatastra from Lord Shiva. To disturb his penance, Duryodhana sent a demon named Mukasura. To protect…