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Hindu Saints and Philosophers Details

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Hagiography

Muktabai, also known as Mukta, was a saint in the Varkari Movement and the younger sister of Dnyaneshwar, the first Varkari saint. She was born into a Deshastha Brahmin family and is known for writing forty-one abhangs (devotional poetry) throughout her life.

Muktabai&#39;s father, Vitthalpant Kulkarni, was a scholar who had studied the Vedas. She had three elder brothers: Sopan, Nyaneshvar (also known as Dhyaneshvar), and Nivrutti. Nivrutti, the eldest brother, was an authority on the philosophy of the Nath tradition. Dnyaneshwar, the second sibling, was a renowned poet, philosopher, and yogi. Sopan, her younger brother, also wrote a book and composed abhangs.

According to the traditional Nath tradition, Muktabai was the youngest of four children. Her parents, Vitthal and Rukmini, were pious and lived in Apegaon near Paithan. Vitthal had studied the Vedas and had gone on pilgrimages. He met Ramananda Swami in Kashi and requested initiation into sannyas, falsely claiming to be unmarried. However, Ramananda Swami later discovered the truth and sent Vitthal back to his family. Vitthal and Rukmini were excommunicated from the Brahmin caste.

Muktabai and her siblings grew up in poverty and approached the Brahmin community in Paithan to accept them, but they were initially rejected. Eventually, the children were purified by the Brahmins on the condition of observing celibacy. They gained fame and respect for their righteousness, virtue, intelligence, knowledge, and politeness. Dnyaneshwar became a student of Nivrutti, along with Sopan and Mukta, at a young age. He learned and mastered the philosophy and techniques of Kundalini yoga.

Muktabai&#39;s life and contributions are significant in the Varkari Movement, and her abhangs continue to inspire devotion and spiritual contemplation.

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Muktabai&#39;s writings include &quot;Tatiche Abhang&quot; (The Song of the Door) and her preachings to Changdev. In &quot;Tatiche Abhang,&quot; she emphasizes the importance of purity of mind, forgiveness, and remaining calm in the face of anger and hurtful words. She encourages unity and the recognition of the divine thread that connects all beings.

Muktabai&#39;s legacy is honored in many places in Maharashtra. Devotees worship her, and her temple in north Maharashtra attracts varkari devotees who engage in devotional visits. She is considered the Adishakti (Goddess) by the varkaris, and they sing her abhangs with reverence. The town of Edlabad was renamed Muktainagar in her honor, and it serves as an administrative center. The taluka (administrative division) in which Muktainagar is located also became known as Muktainagar taluka.

Muktabai&#39;s abhangs are included in the Marathi textbooks of Balbharati, making her writings accessible to students in Maharashtra. Readers of the Bhagwat Katha also hold great respect for her, and they often mention her and sing her abhangs as part of their practice. Overall, Muktabai&#39;s contributions continue to inspire and resonate with spiritual seekers.

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