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 had a very sweet voice. She was also well-trained in dance. Her mother wanted her to continue her profession, but Kanhopatra was not interested.
The talks about her beauty reached the ears of Sadashiv Malgujar, her supposed father. He wished to see her dance, but Kanhopatra refused. Therefore, he started to harass them. Shama tried to convince him that Kanhopatra was his daughter, but he did not believe her. Because of his harassment, the financial condition of Shama deteriorated. Therefore, she agreed to present Kanhopatra before him, but Kanhopatra fled to Pandharpur before that.
How Did Kanhopatra Become a Devotee of Lord Panduranga?
There are different stories about how Kanhopatra became a staunch devotee of Vithoba. Per some stories, she had a maid named Hausa, who was a follower of the Varkari sect. She showed her the path of devotion.
According to the other stories, Varkaris used to pass by near Kanhopatra’s house on their way to Pandharpur. Once, she asked a varkari hesitantly whether Vithoba would accept her as his devotee because her mother’s profession was defamed. Varkari assured her that Lord Panduranga does not discriminate among his devotees and would accept her as a devotee.
Kanhopatra Settles in Pandharpur:
When she reached Pandharpur and saw the idol of Vithoba, she felt as if the purpose of her life was fulfilled. She composed a devotional song at that time. Afterward, she started living in a hut in Pandharpur along with her maid, Hausa. She dedicated her life to Vithoba and composed many abhangas and ovis in his praise.
Death:
When Kanhopatra fled from her house, Sadashiv Malgujar felt insulted and decided to teach her a lesson. He contacted the king of Bidar and described her beauty to him. Therefore, the king decided to make her his mistress and ordered her to come to his palace. When Kanhopatra refused his order, he sent his men to capture him by force, but Kanhopatra took refuge inside the temple.
King’s soldiers threatened the priest that they would destroy the temple if Kanhopatra was not handed over to them. Kanhopatra came out of the temple and requested the soldiers to grant her a wish to see Vithoba’s image for the last time. The soldiers agreed to do so.
Kanhopatra entered the temple but did not return for a long time. When people went inside to see what was the matter, they found her dead at the feet of Lord Vithoba. It is not clear how she died, but she preferred death to separation from her beloved god.
Per some stories, she merged into the Vithoba image, like Saint Mirabai. While, per some legends, the Bhima River suddenly flooded at that time, killing the soldiers of the king and Kanhopatra. Her body was discovered nearby the next day.
She was buried inside the premises of the temple where a tarata tree grew after some time. People worship this tree in her memories.
Literary Works:
Sant Kanhopatra composed many abhanga and ovi poems during her stay in Pandharpur, but only 30 of them are available now. The 23 of them are included in the anthology of Varkari saints.
“Nako Devraayaa Anta Aata Paahu, Praan Haa Sarvatha Jau Paahe” is her most popular creation, which means “O Lord, please don’t test my patience; my soul wants to leave this body direly.”