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[[Image:Bhagatnamdev.gif|thumb|300px|right|Bhagat Namdev thrown before a drunk elephant]]
[[Image:Bhagatnamdev.gif|thumb|300px|right|Bhagat Namdev thrown before a drunk elephant]]


'''Bhagat Namdev''' Ji was born on October 26, 1270 in the state of Maharashtra village of Naras-Vamani, in Satara district (presently called Narsi Namdev). His father's name was Damshet a calico printer/tailor, and his wife, Gonabai. Most of the spiritual message of Bhagat Namdev, just like our guru’s, emphasized the importance of living the life of a householder (grist jeevan) and that through marriage one could attain enlightenment. He emphasized that the truest form of bandage or devotional meditation, is to enter matrimony and jointly seek the holy experience [[Waheguru]]. Namdev was married before he was eleven years of age to Rajabal, daughter of Govinda Sheti Sadavarte. They had four sons and one daughter. Janabai, the family's maidservant and a [[bhagat]] and poetess in her own right, records the tradition that Namdev was born to Gonabai as a result of her worship of Vitthala in Pandharpur. This present temple building was constructed by Sardar [[Jassa Singh Ramgarhia]] and the tank by its side was repaired by [[Rani Sada Kaur]], mother-in-law of [[Maharaja Ranjit Singh]].
'''Bhagat Namdev''' Ji ([[29 October]], [[1270]] - 1350) ([[Gurmukhi]]: ਭਗਤ ਨਾਮਦੇਵ) was born on [[October 29]], [[1270]], in the state of Maharashtra, village of Naras-Vamani, near Aundha Nagnath and Risod (Lonar proximity). District Hingoli. Marathwada. (presently called Narsi Namdeo). His father, a calico printer/tailor, was named Damshet and his mother's name was Gonabai.  


Most of the spiritual messages of Bhagat Namdev Ji, just like those of the [[Sikh Gurus]], emphasized the importance of living the life of a householder ([[grist jeevan]]). His belief was that through marriage and having a family, one could attain enlightenment. He emphasized that the truest form of bondage or devotional meditation is to enter matrimony and jointly seek the holy experience of God or [[Waheguru]].


God's name was always on the lips of Bhagat Namdev Ji. He was asked by the king to show miracles. He refused to do so and was thrown before a drunk elephant to be crushed to death. God saved His own saint. When Fifth Guru, [[Guru Arjan]] dev compiled the [[Guru Granth Sahib]], he decided to give some recognition to the saints of Bhakti movement. This is the reason that Guru Granth Sahib contains verses of such fifteen saints. In some cases Guru Granth Sahib is the only voice remaining for such saints over the years.
==Background==
Namdev was married before he was eleven years of age to Rajabal, daughter of Govinda Sheti Sadavarte. They had four sons and one daughter. Janabai, the family's maidservant and a [[bhagat]] and poetess in her own right, records the tradition that Namdev was born to Gonabai as a result of her worship of Vitthala in Pandharpur. This present temple building was constructed by Sardar [[Jassa Singh Ramgarhia]] and the tank by its side was repaired by [[Rani Sada Kaur]], mother-in-law of [[Maharaja Ranjit Singh]].


God's name was always on the lips of Bhagat Namdev Ji. He was asked by the king to show miracles. He refused to do so and was thrown before a drunk elephant to be crushed to death. God saved His own saint. When the Fifth Guru, [[Guru Arjan]] dev compiled the [[Guru Granth Sahib]], he decided to give some recognition to the saints of the Bhakti movement. This is the reason that [[Guru Granth Sahib]] contains verses of fifteen such saints. In some cases Guru Granth Sahib is the only voice remaining for such saints over the years.
==Follows Bhakti Marg==
[[Image:Namdev.jpg|left]]
[[Image:Namdev.jpg|left]]


Under the influence of saint Jnanadeva, Namdev was converted to the path of [[bhakti]]. Vitthala of Pandharpur was now the object of his devotion and he spent much of his time in worship and [[kirtan]], chanting mostly verses of his own composition. In the company of Jnanadeva and other saints, he roamed about the country and later came to the [[Punjab]] where he is said to have lived for more than twenty years at Ghuman, in Gurdaspur district, where a temple in the form of samadh still preserves his memory.  
Under the influence of saint Jnanadeva, Namdev was converted to the path of [[bhakti]]. Vitthala of Pandharpur was now the object of his devotion and he spent much of his time in worship and [[kirtan]], chanting mostly verses of his own composition. In the company of Jnanadeva and other saints, he roamed about the country and later came to the [[Punjab]] where he is said to have lived for more than twenty years at Ghuman, in Gurdaspur district, where a temple in the form of samadh still preserves his memory.  


In his early fifties, Namdev settled down at Pandharpur where he gathered around himself a group of devotees. His abhangas or devotional lyrics became very popular, and people thronged to listen to his [[kirtan]]. Namdev's songs have been collected in Namdevachi Gatha which also includes the long autobiographical poem Tirathavah.


In his early fifties, Namdev settled down at Pandharpur where he gathered around himself a group of devotees. His abhangas or devotional lyrics became very popular, and people thronged to listen to his [[kirtan]]. Namdev's songs have been collected in Namdevachi Gatha which also includes the long autobiographical poem Tirathavah. His Hindi verse and his extended visit to the [[Punjab]] carried his fame far beyond the borders of Maharashtra. '''Sixty-one of his hymns''' in fact came to be included in Sikh Scripture, the [[Guru Granth Sahib]]. These hymns or [[shabad]]s share the common characteristic of lauding the One Supreme God distinct from his earlier verse which carries traces of idolatry and saguna bhakti. In the course of his spiritual quest, Namdev had, from being a worshipper of the Divine in the concrete form, become a devotee of the attributeless ( nirguna) Absolute.
His Hindi verse and his extended visit to the [[Punjab]] carried his fame far beyond the borders of Maharashtra. '''Sixty-one of his hymns''' in fact came to be included in the Sikh Scripture, the [[Guru Granth Sahib]]. These hymns or [[shabad]]s share the common characteristic of lauding the One Supreme God distinct from his earlier verse which carries traces of idolatry and saguna bhakti. In the course of his spiritual quest, Namdev had, from being a worshipper of the Divine in the concrete form, become a devotee of the attribute-less (nirguna) Absolute.
 


Bhagat Nam Dev is a pioneer of the Radical bhakti School. Though he appeared a century earlier than [[Kabir]], his religious and social views are very much like those of Kabir. He unambiguously repudiates all the four fundamentals of Vaisnavism. Though in his devotional approach, he is clearly a monotheist, he makes many pantheistic statements too, e.g., every thing is God; there is nothing but God; consider the world and God to be one; the foam and the water are not different. Chaturvedi writes: "Sant Namdev seemed to believe both in transcendence and immanence, in pantheism and nondualism. His devotion was purely of the non-attributional absolute. He also considers God to be immanent, everywhere, in all hearts, and the Creator of everything. Like Kabir and the Sufis, Namdev is very other worldly. He says, "The strength of contempt of the world should be in the body an unchanging companion.
==Remembrance of God's Name central==


[[Image:NamdevGurdwara.jpg|300px|right|Gurdwara at Ghoman]]
Bhagat Nam Dev is a pioneer of the Radical bhakti School. Though he appeared a century earlier than [[Kabir]], his religious and social views are very much like those of Kabir. He unambiguously repudiates all the four fundamentals of Vaisnavism. Though in his devotional approach, he is clearly a monotheist, he makes many pantheistic statements too, e.g., every thing is God; there is nothing but God; consider the world and God to be one; the foam (froth) and the water are not different. Chaturvedi writes: "Sant Namdev seemed to believe both in transcendence and immanence, in pantheism and nondualism.  


One should lay aside differences between oneself and others, and feel no anxiety for things of the world."Ranade also writes: "He (Namdev) tells us that it is impossible that the pursuit of God can be coupled with a life of Samsara. If it had been possible for a man to find God while he was pursuing Samsara, then Sanaka and others would not have grown mad after God. If it had been possible for him to see God while carrying on the duties of a householder, the great Suka would not have gone to the forest to seek God. Had it been possible for people to find God in their homes, they would not have left them to fond out. Nam Dev has left all these things, and is approaching God in utter submission (Abhg. 83).
His devotion was purely of the non-attributional absolute. He also considers God to be immanent, everywhere, in all hearts, and the Creator of everything. Like Kabir and the Sufis, Namdev is very other worldly <!-- last sentence needs to be changed --->. He says, "The strength of contempt of the world should be in the body an unchanging companion.  


Namdev's cosmogenic views are also orthodox. He says that God created [[maya]] and ''"maya is the name of the power that placeth man in the womb."'' Indirectly, he is neither happy with the world, nor with the human birth. Him, shop, shopkeeper, men and everything are unreal excepting God. In this background he seeks release from the world and suggests renunciation: '''''"Namdev gave up trade, and devoted himself exclusively to the worship of God".'''''
==Message of Unity for all ==
[[Image:NamdevGurdwara.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Gurdwara at Ghoman]]


One should lay aside differences between oneself and others, and feel no anxiety for things of the world.  Ranade also writes: "He (Namdev) tells us that it is impossible that the pursuit of God can be coupled with a life of Samsara. If it had been possible for a man to find God while he was pursuing Samsara, then Sanaka and others would not have grown mad after God. If it had been possible for him to see God while carrying on the duties of a householder, the great Suka would not have gone to the forest to seek God. Had it been possible for people to find God in their homes, they would not have left them to find out. Nam Dev has left all these things, and is approaching God in utter submission." (Abhg. 83)


The world being a play of maya and not being a worthwhile of spiritual endeavours, Namdev's goal is to have union with God through devotion and singing. His praises. He says, "I perform worship, sing God's praises and meditate on Him for eight pahar in a day i.e, round the clock. At the same time, he suggests good conduct and purity of life. For, God created all men alike. Though he holds every person responsible lor his acts, he clearly does not believe in a world rigidly governed by karma. 13ecause he says: If everything were determined by karma, who created karma originally?
Namdev's cosmogenic views are also orthodox. He says that God created [[maya]] and ''"maya is the name of the power that placeth man in the womb."'' Indirectly, he is neither happy with the world, nor with  human birth. To him, shop, shopkeeper, men and everything are unreal except God. Against this background he sought release from the world and suggested renunciation: '''''"Namdev gave up trade, and devoted himself exclusively to the worship of God".'''''


The world being a play of maya and not being a worthwhile arena for spiritual endeavours, Namdev's goal was to have union with God through devotion and singing His praises. He says, "I perform worship, sing God's praises and meditate on Him for eight pahar in a day i.e, round the clock. At the same time, he suggests good conduct and purity of life. For, God created all men alike. Though he holds every person responsible lor his acts, he clearly does not believe in a world rigidly governed by karma. Because he says: If everything were determined by karma, who created karma originally?


Namdev not only claims union with God, but, like Kabir, also states that more than once God miraculously intervened on his behalf to reveal Himself to him, or help him. Without doubt, Nam Dev's approach remains otherworldly both before and after his achievement. At one time, he even gave up work so as to remain absorbed in his worship and meditations. He never initiated any religious institution or movement. His was a solitary search for God, without creating any social or religious organisation.
Namdev not only claims union with God, but, like Kabir, also states that more than once God miraculously intervened on his behalf to reveal Himself to him, or help him. Without doubt, Nam Dev's approach remains otherworldly both before and after his achievement. At one time, he even gave up work so as to remain absorbed in his worship and meditations. He never initiated any religious institution or movement. His was a solitary search for God, without creating any social or religious organisation.


We find that in his repudiation of Vaisnava doctrines, in his metaphysical ideas, methodology and goal, and more particularly in his otherworldly approach to the world and society, Namdev's views are quite identical with those of Kabir.
We find that in his repudiation of Vaisnava doctrines, in his metaphysical ideas, methodology and goal, and more particularly in his otherworldly approach to the world and society, Namdev's views are quite identical with those of Kabir.


The shabad by Bhagat Nam Dev in the Siri Guru Granth Sahib where the temple rotated towards his direction as he was not allowed to sit in there.


Shabad by Bhagat Nam Dev in the Siri Guru Granth Sahib where the temple rotated towards his direction as he was not allowed to sit in there.
== Gurdwara and Temple ==


== Gurdwara and Temple ==
[[Image:Namdev-pandharp.jpeg|thumb|300px|left|Temple in Pandharpur, where the Eastern entrance is called Namdev Gate]]
[[Image:Namdev-pandharp.jpeg|thumb|300px|left|Temple in Pandharpur, where the Eastern entrance is called Namdev Gate]]


GHOMAN is situated about 26 KM. Southeast of Batala city. Ghoman is about 10 KM from Sri Hargobindpur. It is towards west side of Sri Hargobindpur. Ghoman is associated with Baba Namdev (1270-1350 AD). Baba Namdev was the founder of this town and meditated here for 17 long years. Here he did miraculous deeds.
Ghoman is situated about 26 KM Southeast of Batala city and about 10 KM from Sri Hargobindpur. It is towards west side of Sri Hargobindpur. Ghoman is associated with Baba Namdev (1270-1350). Baba Namdev was the founder of this town and meditated here for 17 long years. Here he did miraculous deeds.
 
The eastern entrance to this temple is known as the Namdev gate (after the great 13th century Vaishnava saint). The sanctum enshrines the standing image of Vithoba also known as Panduranga, Pandhari or Vitthala. Stylistically the image dates back to the 5th century. There are inscriptions in this temple dating back to the 13th century which place origin of this shrine to the 6th century.
 
==Profession of Chhimba==
 
Bhagat Namdev is referred to as a [[Chhimba|chhimba]], "cẖẖīpro", "Cẖẖīpė" and "cẖẖīpĝ". This refers to Bhagat ji's  profession as a printer of cloth. Chhippas  were calico printers/artists and used to decorate, colour and print  textiles with  art work. Some of them were also tailors as this was a profession connected with clothes.
 
 
==Namdev's Bani==
 
===[http://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.gurbani?Action=Page&Param=345&english=t&id=15820 Page 345]===
 
<div style="font-size: 125%; background-color: #f6f6Ff;">
<center><blockquote>
 
ਰਾਗੁ ਗਉੜੀ ਚੇਤੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਨਾਮਦੇਉ ਜੀਉ ਕੀ <br>
रागु गउड़ी चेती बाणी नामदेउ जीउ की <br>
Rāg ga▫oṛī cẖeṯī baṇī nāmḏe▫o jī▫o kī <br>
Raag Gauree Chaytee, The Word Of Naam Dayv Jee:
 
ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥ <br>
ੴ सतिगुर प्रसादि ॥ <br>
Ik▫oaʼnkār saṯgur parsāḏ. <br>
One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru:


ਦੇਵਾ ਪਾਹਨ ਤਾਰੀਅਲੇ ॥ ਰਾਮ ਕਹਤ ਜਨ ਕਸ ਨ ਤਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ <br>
देवा पाहन तारीअले ॥ राम कहत जन कस न तरे ॥१॥ रहाउ ॥ <br>
Ḏevā pāhan ṯārī▫ale. Rām kahaṯ jan kas na ṯare. ||1|| rahā▫o. <br>
God makes even stones float. So why shouldn't Your humble slave also float across, chanting Your Name, O Lord? ||1||Pause||


The eastern entrance to this temple is known as the Namdev gate (after the great 13th century Vaishnava saint). The sanctum enshrines the standing image of Vithoba also known as Panduranga, Pandhari or Vitthala. Stylistically the image dates back to the 5th century. There are inscriptions in this temple dating back to the 13th century which place origin of this shrine to the 6th century.
ਤਾਰੀਲੇ ਗਨਿਕਾ ਬਿਨੁ ਰੂਪ ਕੁਬਿਜਾ ਬਿਆਧਿ ਅਜਾਮਲੁ ਤਾਰੀਅਲੇ ॥ <br>
तारीले गनिका बिनु रूप कुबिजा बिआधि अजामलु तारीअले ॥ <br>
Ŧārīle ganikā bin rūp kubijā bi▫āḏẖ ajāmal ṯārī▫ale. <br>
You saved the prostitute, and the ugly hunch-back; You helped the hunter and Ajaamal swim across as well.
 
ਚਰਨ ਬਧਿਕ ਜਨ ਤੇਊ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਭਏ ॥ <br>
चरन बधिक जन तेऊ मुकति भए ॥ <br>
Cẖaran baḏẖik jan ṯe▫ū mukaṯ bẖa▫e. <br>
The hunter who shot Krishna in the foot - even he was liberated.
 
ਹਉ ਬਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਜਿਨ ਰਾਮ ਕਹੇ ॥੧॥ <br>
हउ बलि बलि जिन राम कहे ॥१॥ <br>
Ha▫o bal bal jin rām kahe. ||1|| <br>
I am a sacrifice, a sacrifice to those who chant the Lord's Name. ||1||
 
ਦਾਸੀ ਸੁਤ ਜਨੁ ਬਿਦਰੁ ਸੁਦਾਮਾ ਉਗ੍ਰਸੈਨ ਕਉ ਰਾਜ ਦੀਏ ॥ <br>
दासी सुत जनु बिदरु सुदामा उग्रसैन कउ राज दीए ॥ <br>
Ḏāsī suṯ jan biḏar suḏāmā ugarsain ka▫o rāj ḏī▫e. <br>
You saved Bidur, the son of the slave-girl, and Sudama; You restored Ugrasain to his throne.
 
ਜਪ ਹੀਨ ਤਪ ਹੀਨ ਕੁਲ ਹੀਨ ਕ੍ਰਮ ਹੀਨ ਨਾਮੇ ਕੇ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਤੇਊ ਤਰੇ ॥੨॥੧॥ <br>
जप हीन तप हीन कुल हीन क्रम हीन नामे के सुआमी तेऊ तरे ॥२॥१॥ <br>
Jap hīn ṯap hīn kul hīn karam hīn nāme ke su▫āmī ṯe▫ū ṯare. ||2||1|| <br>
Without meditation, without penance, without a good family, without good deeds, Naam Dayv's Lord and Master saved them all. ||2||1||
 
 
</blockquote></center></div>
 
==Bhagat Namdev's Bani==
 
{{main|Structure of Guru Granth Sahib}}


==See Also==
Bhagat Namdev's Bani of 61 [[Shabad]]s  can be found in the following ANGs (pages) of [[Guru Granth Sahib]]:


* [[Bhagat Namdev at the Temple]]
* Bhagat Namdev {{SGGSREF|345|15819|345}} - Raag Gauree Chaytee, The Word Of Naam Dayv Jee
* Bhagat Namdev {{SGGSREF|485|21927|486}} - Aasaa, The Word Of The Reverend Naam Dayv Jee
* Bhagat Namdev {{SGGSREF|525|23486|525}} - Goojaree, Padas Of Naam Dayv Jee, First House
* Bhagat Namdev {{SGGSREF|656|28551|657}} - Raag Sorat'h, The Word Of Devotee Naam Dayv Jee, Second House
* Bhagat Namdev {{SGGSREF|692|29968|694}} - Dhanaasaree, The Word Of Devotee Naam Dayv Jee
* Bhagat Namdev {{SGGSREF|718|30945|718}} - Todee, The Word Of The Devotees
* Bhagat Namdev {{SGGSREF|727|31274|727}} - Naam Dayv Jee - I am blind; Your Name, O Creator Lord, is my only anchor and support
* Bhagat Namdev {{SGGSREF|857|36525|858}} - Bilaaval, The Word Of Devotee Naam Dayv Jee
* Bhagat Namdev {{SGGSREF|873|37264|875}} - Raag Gond, The Word Of Naam Dayv Jee, First House
* Bhagat Namdev {{SGGSREF|972|41770|973}} - The Word Of Naam Dayv Jee, Raamkalee, First House
* Bhagat Namdev {{SGGSREF|988|42328|988}} - Maalee Gauraa, The Word Of Devotee Naam Dayv Jee
* Bhagat Namdev {{SGGSREF|1105|47475|1105}} - Shabad Of Kabeer, Raag Maaroo, The Word Of Naam Dayv Jee
* Bhagat Namdev {{SGGSREF|1163|50033|1167}} - Bhairao, The Word Of Naam Dayv Jee, First House:
* Bhagat Namdev {{SGGSREF|1195|51661|1196}} - Basant, The Word Of Naam Dayv Jee
* Bhagat Namdev {{SGGSREF|1252|53868|1253}} - Saarang, The Word Of Naam Dayv Jee
* Bhagat Namdev {{SGGSREF|1292|55491|1292}} - Raag Malaar, The Word Of The Devotee Naam Dayv Jee
* Bhagat Namdev {{SGGSREF|1293|55539|1293}} -  Malaar: Those humble beings who meditate on the Lord's Lotus Feet - none are equal to them
* Bhagat Namdev {{SGGSREF|1318|56454|1318}} - Raag Kaanraa, The Word Of Naam Dayv Jee
* Bhagat Namdev {{SGGSREF|1350|57736|1351}} - Prabhaatee, The Word Of Devotee Naam Dayv Jee


== Namdev's Bani ==
==See also==
[[File:Bhagat Namdev Idol.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Idol of Bhagat Namdev, Installed in Historical Temple near Bassi Pathana, Punjab]]


The table below gives the page numbers and the Name of the bani attributed to [[Bhagat Namdev]] which appearsin the [[Sri Guru Granth Sahib]]:
* [[Bhagat Namdev at the Temple]]  - This is the story of when Bhagat Namdev went to [[Aundha Nagnath Temple]] an he was not allowed to sing kirtan at the front
<br><br>
* [[Aundha Nagnath]]
* [[Aundha Nagnath Temple]] - This is the temple in [[Maharashtra]] that rotated 180 degrees in response to the prayers of Bhagat Namdev.
* [[Gurdwara Tapiana Sahib Bhagat Namdev Ji]]
* [[Namdev Panthi]]
* [[Namdev and Tughlaq]]
* [[Bhagat Namdev And The Fake Holyman]]
* [[Bhagat Namdev Ji And Idol Worship]]
* [[Bhagat Namdev Ji And The Offering]]
* [[Bhagat Namdev Ji And Vishoba Khechar]]
* [[Bhagat Namdev Ji And The Value Of God]]


{| style="width:90%; background:#ffdead; " border="1" cellpadding="7" cellspacing="0"
==External links==
|-
| '''Page Number'''
| '''Raag Name'''
|-
| 345
| Raga Gauri
|-
| 485 to 486
| Raga Asa
|-
| 525
| Raga Gujari
|-
| 656 to 657
| Raga Sorath
|-
| 692 to 694
| Raga Dhanasari
|-
| 718
| Raga Todi
|-
| 727
| Raga Tilang
|-
| 857 to 858
| Raga Bilaval
|-
| 873 to 875
| Raga Gaund
|-
| 972 to 973
| Raga Ramkali
|-
| 988
| Raga Mali Gaura
|-
| 1105
| Raga Maru
|-
| 1163 to 1167
| Raga Bhairon
|-
| 1195 to 1196
| Raga Basantu
|-
| 1252 to 1253
| Raga Sarang
|-
| 1292
| Raga Malar
|-
| 1293
| Raga Malar
|-
| 1318
| Raga Kanara
|-
| 1350 to 1351
| Raga Prabhati
|-
|}


<br><br>
* [http://www.manase.org/en/maharashtra.php?mid=68&smid=23&pmid=2&id=370 Saint Namdev]
* [http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=SqUdRVOv9TUC&lpg=PA55&ots=AcTnz3Xs4N&dq=Namdev%20Maharashtra%20temple&pg=PA63#v=onepage&q=Namdev%20Maharashtra%20temple&f=false  Religion and public memory  By Christian Lee Novetzke]
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aundha_Nagnath Aundha Nagnath]
* [http://www.panoramio.com/photo/24880304 Photo Panoramio Nagnath temple]




==Video==


{{Sikh Bhagats}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eRXEh2Z2FM YouTube video - Sakhi of Namdev in Punjabi]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vEIhnml6Cc YouTube video - Bhagat Namdev Ji Selected Four Shabads & Meanings]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izHu03pQMvU YouTube video - Bhagat Namdev ji ne "DEHORA"{Mandar} kiven ghumayaa? by Bhai Baljeet Singh Delhi]


==BHAGAT NAMDEV (GURMAT WICHARDHARA)==
==BHAGAT NAMDEV (GURMAT WICHARDHARA)==
Line 135: Line 172:


[[Image:Namdevji3.jpg]]
[[Image:Namdevji3.jpg]]
== Additional References ==
'''1. [https://sikhdigitallibrary.blogspot.com/2014/03/sri-namdev-ji-sher-singh-msc-kashmir.html Sri Namdev ji - Sher Singh MSc Kashmir]'''
'''2. [https://sikhdigitallibrary.blogspot.com/2018/10/guru-granth-dey-jharokhen-chon-bani.html Guru Granth dey Jharokhen Chon Bani Bhagat Namdevji - Dr. Surjeet Singh Tract No. 467]'''
'''3. [https://sikhdigitallibrary.blogspot.com/2019/03/bhagatan-di-bani-satik-gyani-bishan.html Bhagatan di Bani Satik - Gyani Bishan Singh]'''
{{Sikh Bhagats}}


[[Category:Bhagats]]
[[Category:Bhagats]]

Latest revision as of 23:02, 11 November 2019

Bhagat Namdev thrown before a drunk elephant

Bhagat Namdev Ji (29 October, 1270 - 1350) (Gurmukhi: ਭਗਤ ਨਾਮਦੇਵ) was born on October 29, 1270, in the state of Maharashtra, village of Naras-Vamani, near Aundha Nagnath and Risod (Lonar proximity). District Hingoli. Marathwada. (presently called Narsi Namdeo). His father, a calico printer/tailor, was named Damshet and his mother's name was Gonabai.

Most of the spiritual messages of Bhagat Namdev Ji, just like those of the Sikh Gurus, emphasized the importance of living the life of a householder (grist jeevan). His belief was that through marriage and having a family, one could attain enlightenment. He emphasized that the truest form of bondage or devotional meditation is to enter matrimony and jointly seek the holy experience of God or Waheguru.

Background

Namdev was married before he was eleven years of age to Rajabal, daughter of Govinda Sheti Sadavarte. They had four sons and one daughter. Janabai, the family's maidservant and a bhagat and poetess in her own right, records the tradition that Namdev was born to Gonabai as a result of her worship of Vitthala in Pandharpur. This present temple building was constructed by Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and the tank by its side was repaired by Rani Sada Kaur, mother-in-law of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

God's name was always on the lips of Bhagat Namdev Ji. He was asked by the king to show miracles. He refused to do so and was thrown before a drunk elephant to be crushed to death. God saved His own saint. When the Fifth Guru, Guru Arjan dev compiled the Guru Granth Sahib, he decided to give some recognition to the saints of the Bhakti movement. This is the reason that Guru Granth Sahib contains verses of fifteen such saints. In some cases Guru Granth Sahib is the only voice remaining for such saints over the years.

Follows Bhakti Marg

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Under the influence of saint Jnanadeva, Namdev was converted to the path of bhakti. Vitthala of Pandharpur was now the object of his devotion and he spent much of his time in worship and kirtan, chanting mostly verses of his own composition. In the company of Jnanadeva and other saints, he roamed about the country and later came to the Punjab where he is said to have lived for more than twenty years at Ghuman, in Gurdaspur district, where a temple in the form of samadh still preserves his memory.

In his early fifties, Namdev settled down at Pandharpur where he gathered around himself a group of devotees. His abhangas or devotional lyrics became very popular, and people thronged to listen to his kirtan. Namdev's songs have been collected in Namdevachi Gatha which also includes the long autobiographical poem Tirathavah.

His Hindi verse and his extended visit to the Punjab carried his fame far beyond the borders of Maharashtra. Sixty-one of his hymns in fact came to be included in the Sikh Scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib. These hymns or shabads share the common characteristic of lauding the One Supreme God distinct from his earlier verse which carries traces of idolatry and saguna bhakti. In the course of his spiritual quest, Namdev had, from being a worshipper of the Divine in the concrete form, become a devotee of the attribute-less (nirguna) Absolute.

Remembrance of God's Name central

Bhagat Nam Dev is a pioneer of the Radical bhakti School. Though he appeared a century earlier than Kabir, his religious and social views are very much like those of Kabir. He unambiguously repudiates all the four fundamentals of Vaisnavism. Though in his devotional approach, he is clearly a monotheist, he makes many pantheistic statements too, e.g., every thing is God; there is nothing but God; consider the world and God to be one; the foam (froth) and the water are not different. Chaturvedi writes: "Sant Namdev seemed to believe both in transcendence and immanence, in pantheism and nondualism.

His devotion was purely of the non-attributional absolute. He also considers God to be immanent, everywhere, in all hearts, and the Creator of everything. Like Kabir and the Sufis, Namdev is very other worldly . He says, "The strength of contempt of the world should be in the body an unchanging companion.

Message of Unity for all

Gurdwara at Ghoman

One should lay aside differences between oneself and others, and feel no anxiety for things of the world. Ranade also writes: "He (Namdev) tells us that it is impossible that the pursuit of God can be coupled with a life of Samsara. If it had been possible for a man to find God while he was pursuing Samsara, then Sanaka and others would not have grown mad after God. If it had been possible for him to see God while carrying on the duties of a householder, the great Suka would not have gone to the forest to seek God. Had it been possible for people to find God in their homes, they would not have left them to find out. Nam Dev has left all these things, and is approaching God in utter submission." (Abhg. 83)

Namdev's cosmogenic views are also orthodox. He says that God created maya and "maya is the name of the power that placeth man in the womb." Indirectly, he is neither happy with the world, nor with human birth. To him, shop, shopkeeper, men and everything are unreal except God. Against this background he sought release from the world and suggested renunciation: "Namdev gave up trade, and devoted himself exclusively to the worship of God".

The world being a play of maya and not being a worthwhile arena for spiritual endeavours, Namdev's goal was to have union with God through devotion and singing His praises. He says, "I perform worship, sing God's praises and meditate on Him for eight pahar in a day i.e, round the clock. At the same time, he suggests good conduct and purity of life. For, God created all men alike. Though he holds every person responsible lor his acts, he clearly does not believe in a world rigidly governed by karma. Because he says: If everything were determined by karma, who created karma originally?

Namdev not only claims union with God, but, like Kabir, also states that more than once God miraculously intervened on his behalf to reveal Himself to him, or help him. Without doubt, Nam Dev's approach remains otherworldly both before and after his achievement. At one time, he even gave up work so as to remain absorbed in his worship and meditations. He never initiated any religious institution or movement. His was a solitary search for God, without creating any social or religious organisation.

We find that in his repudiation of Vaisnava doctrines, in his metaphysical ideas, methodology and goal, and more particularly in his otherworldly approach to the world and society, Namdev's views are quite identical with those of Kabir.

The shabad by Bhagat Nam Dev in the Siri Guru Granth Sahib where the temple rotated towards his direction as he was not allowed to sit in there.

Gurdwara and Temple

Temple in Pandharpur, where the Eastern entrance is called Namdev Gate

Ghoman is situated about 26 KM Southeast of Batala city and about 10 KM from Sri Hargobindpur. It is towards west side of Sri Hargobindpur. Ghoman is associated with Baba Namdev (1270-1350). Baba Namdev was the founder of this town and meditated here for 17 long years. Here he did miraculous deeds.

The eastern entrance to this temple is known as the Namdev gate (after the great 13th century Vaishnava saint). The sanctum enshrines the standing image of Vithoba also known as Panduranga, Pandhari or Vitthala. Stylistically the image dates back to the 5th century. There are inscriptions in this temple dating back to the 13th century which place origin of this shrine to the 6th century.

Profession of Chhimba

Bhagat Namdev is referred to as a chhimba, "cẖẖīpro", "Cẖẖīpė" and "cẖẖīpĝ". This refers to Bhagat ji's profession as a printer of cloth. Chhippas were calico printers/artists and used to decorate, colour and print textiles with art work. Some of them were also tailors as this was a profession connected with clothes.


Namdev's Bani

Page 345

ਰਾਗੁ ਗਉੜੀ ਚੇਤੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਨਾਮਦੇਉ ਜੀਉ ਕੀ
रागु गउड़ी चेती बाणी नामदेउ जीउ की
Rāg ga▫oṛī cẖeṯī baṇī nāmḏe▫o jī▫o kī
Raag Gauree Chaytee, The Word Of Naam Dayv Jee:

ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
ੴ सतिगुर प्रसादि ॥
Ik▫oaʼnkār saṯgur parsāḏ.
One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru:

ਦੇਵਾ ਪਾਹਨ ਤਾਰੀਅਲੇ ॥ ਰਾਮ ਕਹਤ ਜਨ ਕਸ ਨ ਤਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
देवा पाहन तारीअले ॥ राम कहत जन कस न तरे ॥१॥ रहाउ ॥
Ḏevā pāhan ṯārī▫ale. Rām kahaṯ jan kas na ṯare. ||1|| rahā▫o.
God makes even stones float. So why shouldn't Your humble slave also float across, chanting Your Name, O Lord? ||1||Pause||

ਤਾਰੀਲੇ ਗਨਿਕਾ ਬਿਨੁ ਰੂਪ ਕੁਬਿਜਾ ਬਿਆਧਿ ਅਜਾਮਲੁ ਤਾਰੀਅਲੇ ॥
तारीले गनिका बिनु रूप कुबिजा बिआधि अजामलु तारीअले ॥
Ŧārīle ganikā bin rūp kubijā bi▫āḏẖ ajāmal ṯārī▫ale.
You saved the prostitute, and the ugly hunch-back; You helped the hunter and Ajaamal swim across as well.

ਚਰਨ ਬਧਿਕ ਜਨ ਤੇਊ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਭਏ ॥
चरन बधिक जन तेऊ मुकति भए ॥
Cẖaran baḏẖik jan ṯe▫ū mukaṯ bẖa▫e.
The hunter who shot Krishna in the foot - even he was liberated.

ਹਉ ਬਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਜਿਨ ਰਾਮ ਕਹੇ ॥੧॥
हउ बलि बलि जिन राम कहे ॥१॥
Ha▫o bal bal jin rām kahe. ||1||
I am a sacrifice, a sacrifice to those who chant the Lord's Name. ||1||

ਦਾਸੀ ਸੁਤ ਜਨੁ ਬਿਦਰੁ ਸੁਦਾਮਾ ਉਗ੍ਰਸੈਨ ਕਉ ਰਾਜ ਦੀਏ ॥
दासी सुत जनु बिदरु सुदामा उग्रसैन कउ राज दीए ॥
Ḏāsī suṯ jan biḏar suḏāmā ugarsain ka▫o rāj ḏī▫e.
You saved Bidur, the son of the slave-girl, and Sudama; You restored Ugrasain to his throne.

ਜਪ ਹੀਨ ਤਪ ਹੀਨ ਕੁਲ ਹੀਨ ਕ੍ਰਮ ਹੀਨ ਨਾਮੇ ਕੇ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਤੇਊ ਤਰੇ ॥੨॥੧॥
जप हीन तप हीन कुल हीन क्रम हीन नामे के सुआमी तेऊ तरे ॥२॥१॥
Jap hīn ṯap hīn kul hīn karam hīn nāme ke su▫āmī ṯe▫ū ṯare. ||2||1||
Without meditation, without penance, without a good family, without good deeds, Naam Dayv's Lord and Master saved them all. ||2||1||


Bhagat Namdev's Bani

Main article: Structure of Guru Granth Sahib

Bhagat Namdev's Bani of 61 Shabads can be found in the following ANGs (pages) of Guru Granth Sahib:

See also

Idol of Bhagat Namdev, Installed in Historical Temple near Bassi Pathana, Punjab

External links


Video

BHAGAT NAMDEV (GURMAT WICHARDHARA)

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Additional References

1. Sri Namdev ji - Sher Singh MSc Kashmir

2. Guru Granth dey Jharokhen Chon Bani Bhagat Namdevji - Dr. Surjeet Singh Tract No. 467

3. Bhagatan di Bani Satik - Gyani Bishan Singh

These are the 15 Bhagats of Sikhism

Bhagat Beni | Bhagat Bhikhan | Bhagat Dhanna | Sheikh Farid | Bhagat Jaidev | Bhagat Kabir | Bhagat Namdev | Bhagat Parmanand | Bhagat Pipa | Bhagat Ramanand | Bhagat Ravidas | Bhagat Sadhna | Bhagat Sain | Bhagat Surdas | Bhagat Trilochan

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