Namdev, also transliterated as Nam
Dayv, Namdeo, Namadeva, was an Indian poet and saint from Narsi, Hingoli,
Maharashtra who is significant to the Varkari sect of Hinduism. Bhagat Namdev's
writings were also recognized by the Gurus of Sikhism and are included in the
holy book of Sikhism, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Namdev worshipped Vithoba.
Work
The literary works of Namdev were
influenced by Vaishnava philosophy and a belief in Vithoba. Along with the Jnanesvari,
a sacred work of Jnaneshvar, and of Bhakti movement teacher-writers such as
Tukaram, the writings of Namdev form the basis of the beliefs held by the
Varkari sect of Hinduism. He was thus among those responsible for disseminating
the monotheistic Varkari faith that had emerged first in Karnataka and then
spread to Pandharpur in Maharashtra.
Namdev was influenced by Vaishnavite philosophy. His poems sometimes invoked Vithoba. He was among those responsible for disseminating the Vithoba faith that had emerged first in the 12th century Namdev used the Marathi language to compose his poetry, which made it accessible to the wider public.