Draft:Rajasthani Saint Literature

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Devotional poetry flourished from the 14th century to the 17th-18th century in the literary stream, encompassing both the worship of the Saguna-Sakar forms of Krishna and Rama, establishing the foundation of reverent devotion. Simultaneously, some thinkers within the marginalized strata of society, emphasizing the formless and attributeless aspect of Lord Rama through yogic practices, emerged. Various traditions of accomplished saints developed, particularly in the culturally rich land of Rajasthan, sustaining the saintly tradition alive until the 18th-19th centuries. Saints affiliated with diverse religions and traditions, through their emotive poetic compositions, continue the significant task of deepening people's faith in the divine.

Pabuji

'Pabu Prakash,' written by Ashiya Modhji, is a significant work detailing Pabu Ji's life. Additionally, there are famous compositions about Pabuji, including Pabuji's chhand, dohe, kavitt, rupak, katha, geet, baat, pavade, lokgatha, and more.

Ramdev Ji

Ramdev Ji is the only deity who was also a poet. His composed Chaubis Vaniyaan are well-known. Major works written on Ramdev Ji include Vyavala (by Poonamchand), Shri Ramdev Ji Charit (by Thakur Rudra Singh Tomar), Shriramdev Prakash (by Purohit Ramsingh), Ramsapeer Avatar Leela (Brahman Gauridasaatmak), and Shriramdev Ji Re Veli (by Harji Bhati).

Devnarayan Ji

In the texts related to Devnarayan Ji, prominent works include Baat Devji Bagavat Ri, Devji Ri Pada, Devnarayan Ka Marwadi Khyat, and the poetic composition Bagadawat.

Jasnath Ji (1482-1506 CE)

In the Jasnathi tradition, other major saints Lalnath Ji composed Jiv-Sapjhotri, and Sant Ramnath wrote the text Yashonath-Purana, which are significant works in this tradition. According to the sect, Jasnath's three compositions are available: 1. Gorakh Chand, 2. Jhada, 3. Simbhudhara.

Jambheshwar Ji (Jambhoji) (1451-1536 CE)

His major works include Jambhasagar, Jambh Samhita, Vishnoi Dharm Prakash, Sabdavani, and 120 Banis. Jambheshwar Ji's teachings are referred to as Sabdavani, Guruvani (Jambhavani). or Vedavani. His language is the pure local (Marubhasha). Jambhasagar contains 29 teachings and 120 words, making it the primary religious scripture of Bishnoi Panth.

Sant Dadooji (1544-1603 CE)

The teachings of Dadooji are compiled in Dadooji Ri Vaani and Dadooji Ra Dooha. Pundit Sudhakar Dwivediji prepared a collection of his works, published by the 'Kashi Nagari Pracharini Sabha,' consisting of 2623 Sakhiyan (couplets) and 445 verses. The language of Dadooji's teachings and writings was simple Hindi mixed with 'Sadhu-kkadi.' The emergence of poets in the Dadoo Panth was unique, not seen in any other Nirgun tradition. Dadooji composed 20,000 padas, sakhiyan, and vanis. Razzab authored two major works, Vaani and Sarvangi, with around 5352 verses in various meters. Sundardas authored 42 works, including Gyan Samudra and Sarvangayogdeepika, considered his best. Garibdas composed 23,000 verses, compiled in 15 works. Raghodas was a prominent disciple of Dadoo, known for Bhaktamal. Sanvadas and Jagannathdas presented a compilation named Hardevani, addressing some errors, and another disciple, Razzay, published Angabandhu. Dadooji's work Kaayaveli is also well-known. Dadooji's compositions in Pad, Sakhi, and Atmabodh exhibit a beautiful fusion of philosophy and poetry. Mentions of Dadooji's disciples are found in works like Dadoo Janm Leelaparchi, Sant Gun Sagar, Namamala, and Bhaktamal. Sant Gun Sagar and Namamala were likely authored by Dadooji himself. Dadooji was humble and forgiving by nature. Dadooji's works like Parichay Ka Ang and Kaayabeli Granth delve into the essence of Vedanta, Upanishads, and Sankhya philosophy. Jan Gopal and Jagjivan, disciples of Dadooji, wrote about his life. Disciples Santdas and Jagannath compiled Harde Bani, gaining fame. Only Dadooji Ki Vaani is preserved and exclusively studied in the Dadoo Panth. Panth Pariksha is a renowned text evaluating the characteristics of a Dadoo Panthi sadhu.

Sant Lal Das Ji (1540-1648 CE)

According to Dr. Nagendra, his writings are compiled in the book Laldas Ki Chetavani, which reveals his profound expression and deep mystical experiences. Laldas Ki Vaani has been found in an ancient manuscript, dating back to around 1861, making it the oldest and most authentic among the received manuscripts.

Charandas Ji (AD 1703-1782)

Charandas is believed to be born in the year 1760 Vikram Samvat, and his adolescent years are considered the period of his divine awakening. Ramroop mentions a prophecy by Guru Charandas Ji, titled Nadir Shah Ko Parchana Dena Tatha Mohammad Shah Ka Darshan Ko Aana. Charandas is regarded to have composed during the year 1781 Vikram Samvat, as specified in his work Bhakti Sagar. Principal works: Brahma Gyan Sagar, Brahma Charitra, Bhakti Sagar, Gyan Swaroday. Charandas' 21 compositions are revered in the tradition with faith, including

Vraj Charit, Makhan Chori Leela, Cheeraharan Leela, Kurukshetra Leela, Yoga Sandeh Sagar, Dharma Jahaj, Bhakti Padarth Varnan, Bhakti Sagar, Gyan Sarvoday, Nasiket Leela, Daan Leela, Matki Leela, Kalinath Leela, Amar Lok Varnan, Ashtang Yoga, Bahya Gyan Sagar, Jagran Mahatmya, Shridhar Brahman Leela, Panchopanishad Saar, Man Vikrit Karan Saar.These compositions, possibly all part of the Bhakti Sagar text, have been published by Naval Kishor Press under the guidance of Charandas.Charandas Ji had 52 disciples, notably Ramroop, Ramsatri, Sahjobai, Dayabai, Aatmaram, Jugatnand, Sahjanand, Ramsnehi, Jovandas, Gusaini Nagridas. In Jaipur, the seat of the sect's saint Ramroop Ji is located in 'Pano Ka Dariba' (Ramganj Bazaar).Dayabai wrote 'Dayabodh,' and Sahjobai authored the 'Sahaj Prakash' text.

Sant Ramcharan Ji (1720-1798)

Residing in Shahpura in the year 1826, Ramcharan Ji composed a vast text titled Anbhaivani, dedicated to his guru Kripa Ram. Another work by him, Ramrasambudhi, is currently unavailable.

Ramcharan Ji's Anbhaivani contains 36,250 verses and teachings. Published in 1981 as Anbhe Vani, this text also includes 21 additional compositions besides couplets, such as Guru Mahima, Shabd Prakash, Sukh Vilas, Jijnasa Bodh, Vishram Bodh, and Ram Rasayan.Guru MahimaShabd PrakashSukh VilasJijnasa BodhVishram BodhRam Rasayan. Along with these, there are 21 more compositions in the text, including Naam Pratap, Anarbh Vilas, Amrit Upadesh, Vishwas Bodh, Samata Nivas, and Chintavani.

Saint Hariramdas Ji

The main work is Nisani. It mentions the principles of Pranayama, meditation, and Hatha Yoga. Many couplets and verses of Shri Hariramdas are found. Hariramdas Ji's literary work, the oldest scripture, Bada Ramdvara, is preserved in Bikaner. His most profound composition in it is Nisani, which extensively describes the principles of Hatha Yoga, meditation, Pranayama, and more. In the saintly tradition, Shri Dayaludas's work Hariramdas Ji Ki Parchai is stored in Bikaner's library, providing much insight into his life. Just hearing a line from their 'Rekhta' brought peace to Ramdasa's wandering mind, and he became their disciple.

Saint Ramdas Ji (1726-1798 CE)

In Bikaner, upon hearing a 'Rekhta' composed by the devotee of Lord Ram, Saint Hariramdas Ji, they immediately came to the pilgrimage site to see Hariramdas Ji and became his disciples.

1. Guru Granth Mahima
2. Granth Chetavani
3. Granth Jagman
4. Granth Gyan Vivek
5. Granth Mool Puran
6. Granth Adi Bodh
7. Granth Bhaktamal
8. Granth Balbodh
9. Granth Ranjeet
10. Granth Amar Bodh
11. Granth Ubhay Gyan
12. Granth Akash Bodh
13. Granth Atmasar
14. Granth Patdarshini
15. Granth Naam Mala
16. Granth Brahm Jijnasa
17. Granth Pad Batisi
18. Granth Panch Mataron
19. Granth Solah Kala
20. Granth Atam Veli
21. Granth Niralmab
22. Granth Ghaghar Nisani
23. Granth Ram Raksha
24. Granth Rekhta

In addition to these 24 scriptures, poems, and hymns are also considered authored by Shri Ramdas Ji.

Saint Haridas Ji (1455-1543 CE)

Saint Haridas Ji (1455-1543 CE) is mentioned in nine works by Dr. Motilal Menaria:

• Bhakt Viradavali
• Bharthari Samvad
• Sakhi
• Pad
• Namamala
• Nam Nirupan
• Vyahalo
• Jog Granth
• Todarmal Jog

His teachings are compiled in Mantra Raj Prakash and Haripurus Ji Ki Vani.

Saint Pipa

Mention is made of the scripture Shri Pipaji Ki Bani written by Saint Pipaji being available in handwritten form. A verse composed by Pipaji is included in the foundational scripture Granth Sahib, edited by Guru Arjun Dev in the Sikh tradition. In this verse, Pipaji delves into the principle of what is in the Pind is in the brahmand. There is also a reference to the acquisition of Chintavani Jog, a gutka named by Pipaji. Several miracles associated with Pipaji are mentioned in Pipa Parchai and Pipa Charit. Other scriptures narrate stories, anecdotes, and verses related to Pipa.

Sant Sundardas Ji

Sant Sundardas Ji's major works include "Gyan Samudra," "Gyan Savaiya" (Sundarvilas), "Sundar Saar," "Sundar Granthavali," etc.

Sant Sundardas Ji wrote approximately 42 compositions, including beautifully crafted Savaiyas and Manhar Chhands. His writing predominantly reflects the richness of Braj Bhasha and Khadi Boli.

Sant Sundardas was not only a profound literary figure in Rajasthan but a significant contributor to the entire Hindi literature, creating a vast corpus of saintly literature from around 1664 to 1746.

Some notable compositions include "Gyan Samudra," "Savang Yog Pradeepika," "Swapna Prabodh," "Ved Vichar," and many more, totaling around 42 works.

Known as the 'Shankaracharya of Hindi Literature,' Gyan Samudra and Sundar Vilas are considered his most outstanding works.

Sant Rajjbaji

Rajjbaji started composing poems and stories after living with Daduji for 5-6 years. One of their works, 'Angavdhoo, gained popularity, where they compiled Daduji's writings. Rajjbavani and Sarvangi (Sarvang Yoga) are their notable compositions.

Sant Raidas Ji

His teachings are found in the Raidas Ki Parchi scripture. From Sant "Raidas Ki Parchi", it is known that he was a resident of Varanasi and engaged in the business of making shoes. From Sant Pipa Ki Parchi, it is known that Sant Ravidas came to Gagaron with his guru Ramanand and Sant Kabir. In the scriptures related to Ravidas, 'Ravidas Ki Parchi,' 'Ravidas Ki Vani' verses, Sakhiyan, etc., are available.

Saint Dhanna Ji

Saint Dhanna Ji is known for his self-composed 'Dhanna Ki Aarti,' indicating his dedication to agrarian (farming) pursuits while maintaining profound reverence for devotional practices in his life. He considered the pursuit of spiritual power within the realm of household life to be conducive to his well-being. Dhanna Ji's literary works include 'Dhanna Ji Ki Parachi,' 'Dhanna Ji Ki Aarti,' and some other verses.

Saint Garibdas Ji

Garibdas was a scholar in the field of Darshan Shastra (philosophy). Four of his works are available:

Anubhav Prabodh

Sakhi

Chaubola

Pad

Influenced by his music, Emperor Jahangir constructed a well and a residence for him known as 'Garib Sagar,' where he resided and drank water.

Saint Meera Bai

Meera composed several works, predominantly attempting to express devotion to the Lord through her verses. Some of her major compositions include:

Narsi Ji Ro Mayro

Geet Govind Ki Tika

Raag Govind

Saurath Ke Pad

Meera Bai Ka Malar

Garva Geet

Phutkar Pad

Meera's poetry or literature reflects the distinct aspects or events of her personal life. Motherless Meera, in her search for maternal affection in Giridhar (Lord Krishna), transformed that maternal love into love and separation during her youth.

Saint Mavaji

He composed the Krishna Leelas (divine plays of Lord Krishna) from the Shrimad Bhagwat in the Vagdi language. His style of expression is referred to as 'Chopda.'

Shri Lalnath

Shri Lalnath authored numerous works, among which the prominent ones include: "Harirakh" (Doha Chaupai)

"Varn Vida" (Niti Rachna)

"Hari Leela"

"Nishkalank Parvaan"

"Phutkar Shabad"

"Jeev Samjhotari"

His best creation is considered to be "Jeev Samjhotari."

Sahajobai

Sahajoba ihas an unparalleled contribution to the advancement of Sant Sahitya. Her work, 'Sahaj Prakash,' written in the year 1800, is her priceless gift to Hindi literature.

Saint Dayabai

Two authentic texts of Dayabai have been identified - 1. Dayabodh 2. Vinay Malika.

Saint Nabha Das

Nabha Das is mentioned for two compositions - one being the widely known 'Bhaktamal' and the other 'Ashtayam' or 'Ashtakal Charit'.

Saint Jan Gopal

Jan Gopal was not only a great saint but also an eminent poet. He was a prolific writer and a lover of literature. Mention is made of 13 works authored by him:

Dadu Janmleela Parichay

Parichay

Dhruv Charitra

Prahlad Charitra

Mor Vivek Samvad

Sukh Samvad

Kaya-Pran Samvad

Jard Bharat Charitra

Anant Leela

Chaubis Gurus Ki Leela

Barah Masiyan

Bhent Ke Savaiye Pad

Sakhi

Among these, Dadu Janmleela Parichay is the most famous, published by Lakshmi Narayan Trust, Jaipur.

Saint Bhishan (Bhikhan)

Saint Bhishan was one of the disciples of Saint Dadu Ji. Only two compositions by Saint Bhikhandas have been obtained so far - 1. Sarvang Bavani 2. Bharati Namamala. There are 54 verses (couplets) in Sarvang. The composition period is illuminated at the end of this text.

Saint Raghavdas (Raghoudas)

Saint Raghavdas comes among the disciples of Saint Dadu. They were disciples of the Sundara Das, the grandson disciple of Prahlad Das. They are renowned in Hindi literature for their composition 'Bhaktamal'.

Saint Santdas Maru

Saint Santdas Maru is counted among the principal 52 disciples of Saint Dadu. He composed the Kadkha scripture in praise of his guru Dadu, which is a highly renowned work. It is said that during a bath in the Ganges in Kashi, Ganga Mata herself appeared and urged him to recite his composition Kadkha. Santdas narrated his entire composition to Ganga Mata in a rhythmically structured manner.

Vajind

Vajind was a disciple of Dadoo. He belonged to the Muslim community. Swami Mangaldas mentions eight additional works of Vajind apart from his speeches, while Dr. Menaria acknowledges 16 of his writings. Vajind considers these short compositions as part of his speeches, including works such as "Arill," "Gun Kathiarnama," "Gun Utpattinama," and others.

Sant Jugatānand

Sant Jugatānand was one of the three main disciples of Sant Charan Dās. In addition to them, Rāmarūp and Sahajobāi were also recognized. Jugatānand was not only revered as a great saint but also esteemed as a prominent poet. He authored 12 works in the Santvāṇī style to propagate his tradition, including "Itihāsa Sāra Samuchchaya," "Bhakti Prabodha," "Bhagavad Gītā Mālā," "Satlokī Gītā," "Chaumāsā Aur Bārahmāsā," "Shrīmadbhāgavat Bhāṣā," "Āṭh Pahar Mūlchet Prasaṅg," "Shabda," "Kavitta," "Chār Padārtha," "Vichāra Bodha," and "Bhāgavat Mahātmya."Jugatānand, a poet of high caliber, addressed societal issues, selfless family and social relations, self-surrender, repentance-publication, sāttvik love-separation, knowledge-yoga-bhakti embodiment analysis, various elements of union and separation, portrayal of emotional flavors like peaceful and dreadful, sweet worship's nature and experience, beauty depiction, teachings, criticism of inconsistency in speech and action, and opposition to hypocrisy. The list of Jugatānand's 122 disciples is compiled in 'Charan Dāsī Sampradāya Aur Uska Sāhitya.

Saint Akhairam

"In the Charan Dasi Sant Sampraday, Akhairam holds a significant place. He was a disciple of Sant Hona. Ramroop mentions Akheraram in his book 'Guru Bhakti Prakash' in the context of a special event during Charandas's Jaipur journey. The incident relates to the time of Raja Pratap Singh. During a gathering, someone praised Sant Charandas, and impressed by the king's admiration, Charandas expressed the desire for a meeting. At that time, Charandas resided permanently in Delhi. Senior member Khushiram was also present and invited them to settle in a village estate for permanent residence. Following this, Akhairam wrote a letter and left for Delhi. Around 1938, Charandas arrived in Jaipur, where he received special honor.Akhiram was not only a saint but also a great poet. His available works include:अखैसार (Akhaisar)विचार चरित्र (Vichar Charitra)क्षेत्र लीला (Kshetra Leela)गंगा महात्म्य (Ganga Mahatmya) - Dated 1808 Falgun Sudi 11, 1810 Falgun Sudi 8, 1812 Shravan Sudi 5, 1832 Magh Sudi 15.बाण गंगा महात्म्य (Ban Ganga Mahatmya) - Dated 1840 Falgun Sudi 3.वैद्य बोध (Vaidya Bodh) - Dated 1850 Magh Sudi Saturday. ज्ञान बोध (Gyan Bodh) - Dated 1850 Magh Sudi Saturday.शबद (Shabad) - Dated 1850 Magh Sudi Saturday.

In his compositions, analysis of guru devotion, guru glory, devotion through compassion, renunciation, illusion, Brahman, etc., has been discussed in a critical manner. One of his works, 'Kshetra Leela,' is still considered Charandas's, but it truly belongs to Akhairam. It vividly describes Krishna's pastoral exploits with a poetic and emotional touch. His work on Vaidya Bodh is a treasure of Ayurveda, presenting the methods of treating diseases in Rajasthan beautifully.

Saint Vipra Nagari Dasa

Saint Vipra Nagari Dasa is mentioned among the 52 disciples of Shri Charandas. Information about their patron is obtained from a handwritten copy of their work 'Bhagavat ka Hindi Anuvad,' referenced by Muni Kantisagar. It is believed that Nagari Dasa was born in the village of Rajgarh in the Alwar district.

Saint Agradevacharya (Raivasa)

Saint Agradevacharya manifested in the year 1553 on Falgun Shukla Dwitiya in a Brahmin family in a village in Rajasthan. In his childhood, Saint Agradasa came under the shelter of Shri Krishna Das Payohari in the Galav Ashram. Guru Payohari initiated the child Agradasa. There is a mention of his composition 'Agrasar,' but it is not entirely available; only some verses are accessible. Additionally, other works such as Ashtayam, Kundaliya, Dhyana Manjari, Rahasyatraya, etc., are available.