Dnyaneshwar, also known as Sant Dnyaneshwar or Jnaneshwar, was a 13th-century Marathi saint, poet, philosopher, and scholar from Maharashtra, India. He is a pivotal figure in the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra and his works have had a profound influence on the devotional traditions in the region. Here is a detailed biography of his life:

Dnyaneshwar was born in 1275 CE in Alandi, a town near Pune in present-day Maharashtra. He was born into a Brahmin family. His father’s name was Vitthalpant and his mother’s name was Rakhumai. Dnyaneshwar was the second of four siblings, which also included his younger brother Nivruttinath.

At a young age, Dnyaneshwar showed exceptional intelligence and spiritual insight. According to legends, he had divine visions and encounters with spiritual beings. He composed the “Dnyaneshwari,” a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, at the age of sixteen. The Dnyaneshwari is considered one of the most important philosophical works in Marathi literature and is revered for its profound insights into the nature of existence and spirituality.

Dnyaneshwar’s teachings were deeply rooted in the Bhakti movement, emphasizing devotion to God and the path of self-realization. He advocated for a direct and intimate relationship with the divine, transcending traditional rituals and caste distinctions. His works, including the Dnyaneshwari and his abhangas (devotional poetry), played a crucial role in popularizing the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra.

Dnyaneshwar’s life was tragically short; he attained samadhi (a state of deep meditation) at the young age of twenty-one in Alandi, where he is believed to have merged his consciousness with the divine. His teachings continued to spread through his disciples, particularly his younger brother, Nivruttinath, who became a prominent saint and spiritual leader.

Dnyaneshwar’s legacy is immense. His contributions to Marathi literature, spirituality, and philosophy have left a lasting impact. His life and teachings are celebrated annually on Dnyaneshwar Jayanti, a festival dedicated to honoring his memory and teachings. His works continue to be studied, and his influence can be felt in various spiritual and philosophical traditions in Maharashtra and beyond.

Dnyaneshwar is remembered as a luminary of the Bhakti movement, whose profound wisdom and devotion to God continue to inspire millions of people on their spiritual journeys.