Sant Sri Namdev
Pranams at the lotus feet
of Sri Namdev Maharaj!
Chapter - 1
Sant Sri Namdev was lived
during the period of 13th century, a staunch devotee of Lord Vittala, a great
saint of Varkari Sampradaya. There is no clear evidence about the
birthplace or parents of Sri Namdev Maharaj.
It is believed that he was born on 26th October 1270 in Hingoli,
which is located in the northern parts of Marathwada in Maharashtra. He was brought up by a pious childless couple, merchant
Dhamsheth and his chaste wife Gona bai who were sincere devotees of Lord
Panduranga, they have followed strict disciplines at home that the initial
offerings should be performed to Lord Vittala. Namdev was a studious
child, like any other children in the village he was playful and interested in
the singing praise of Lord Vittal. His
parents Dhamshet and Gonai were proud of
their child Namdev. He was brought up in
the home were Panduranga was worshiped as a family deity when his father goes
out of the village for business purposes, it was the duty of Namadeva to
perform the daily rites to Panduranga. One day he arrived at the shrine
of Panduranga with the offerings, the priest of the temple advised him to close
the doors while leaving the shrine after the worship, the little Namdeva
enquired why the doors should be closed, the priest compassionately explained
to him that Lord Panduranga giving Dharshan to his devotees from the early
morning, he receives all the offerings of them, so he needs time to relax as
well. The little Namadeva convinced that Lord Vittala needs after long
days of worship. He kept the offerings
before the idol of Lord Vittala and performed the customary rite, he was
anxious to note that Vittala was not consuming any of the offerings, little
Namadeva began to speak " Vittala, are you on a feast? It is not Ekadashi today,
if you have told me to bring something which is suitable to consume I would
have brought, you have to accept my offerings I am feeling so hungry, I am not used to
consuming meal before you, my father is not in town, it is my duty to feed you
Vittala. Therefore I will close my eyes and wait for you to consume the
meal."
