Bhanudas: The Poet-Saint of Maharrashtra, Translation from the Bhaktivijaya (Monumenta Indica Series, No 7)

Product Details

• Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications

• Author: Justin E. Abbot

• Pages: 58

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 18 cm x 11.5 cm

• Weight: 260 gm

• Edition: 1996

• ISBN: 9788170304982

Book Description

About the Book
The stories of the Maratha saints are treasures that provide moral and spiritual lessons, portraying God-fearing, righteous individuals who sought to honor the divine and serve their communities. This book focuses on Bhanudas, the great-grandfather of the revered saint Eknath. Born in 1448, Bhanudas was a devout devotee of Lord Vithoba in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, and emphasized the moral character of God as impartial, both a savior and a nurturer.

Bhanudas' life story is a reflection of devotion and Vedantic philosophy, with a focus on the necessity of a clean and righteous life. His experiences, including his journey to return the stolen image of Vithoba, are chronicled here with respect to the cultural and spiritual context of his time.

This book offers both the original Marathi text and its English translation, providing a valuable resource for those seeking to learn about the rich heritage of Maratha saints.

Preface

Justin E. Abbot, a dedicated scholar of Maratha history, presents these stories with a deep sense of respect and affection. Recognizing the scarcity of these narratives in English, Abbot sought to make these invaluable tales accessible to a wider audience. His translation from Mahipati’s Bhaktivijaya aims to preserve the authenticity of the stories while making them comprehensible to English-speaking readers.

Abbot acknowledges the difficulty of translating these stories without direct access to native Marathi scholars, but his passion and dedication to this cause are evident throughout the work. By sharing these translations, Abbot hopes to preserve the teachings of the Maratha saints for future generations.

Introduction

The book also delves into the rich tradition of the original sources that narrate the lives of Maratha saints, particularly Mahipati, who meticulously recorded the stories of saints like Bhanudas. These sources, whether written by Vitthal Kavi, Keiavswami, or Mahipati himself, form the backbone of the saints' historical accounts. Abbot’s translation brings together these original writings, providing a comprehensive understanding of Bhanudas and his influence on Maratha spirituality.

By examining the interrelations between these sources and their historical context, the reader is invited to appreciate the enduring legacy of Bhanudas and other Maratha saints. Abbot’s work is a labor of love, with the aim of preserving and sharing the moral and spiritual lessons embedded in these centuries-old stories.

This book is an essential read for anyone interested in the Maratha saints, their influence on Maharashtra's culture, and the spiritual philosophy they espoused. It serves as a bridge between ancient Marathi literature and modern-day readers, making the lives and teachings of these saints accessible to all.