Biography of Surdas

Biography of  Surdas

Surdas, also known as Sant Surdas or Surdasji, was a renowned medieval Indian poet and saint. He is celebrated for his devotional compositions and is considered one of the most influential figures in the Bhakti movement, a devotional movement in Hinduism.

Surdas was born in 1478 CE in the village of Sihi, near Mathura, in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India. Not much is known about his early life and background. According to popular belief, Surdas was born blind, but he possessed an extraordinary spiritual insight and poetic talent.

From an early age, Surdas showed a deep inclination towards devotional practices and the worship of Lord Krishna. Despite his blindness, he displayed an innate ability to compose devotional poetry that stirred the hearts of the masses. His poetry was primarily composed in Braj Bhasha, a dialect of Hindi spoken in the region.

Surdas' devotion and poetic genius attracted the attention of Vallabhacharya, the founder of the Pushti Marg sect, who became his spiritual guide. Under Vallabhacharya's guidance, Surdas deepened his spiritual practice and continued to compose exquisite poetry dedicated to Lord Krishna.

Surdas' most celebrated work is the "Sursagar," a collection of devotional songs and hymns dedicated to Lord Krishna's divine leelas (pastimes). It is a vast compilation of verses that capture the various aspects of Lord Krishna's life, teachings, and divine playfulness. The "Sursagar" showcases Surdas' deep love and devotion for Krishna and remains an important literary and spiritual treasure in North India.

Apart from the "Sursagar," Surdas composed several other works, including the "Sur Saravali," "Sur Sagar Padavali," and the "Sahitya Lahiri." His compositions were not only spiritually uplifting but also showcased his poetic mastery and ability to evoke profound emotions in the hearts of the listeners.

Surdas' poetry often revolved around the themes of divine love, devotion, and the longing for a personal connection with God. His verses emphasized the path of bhakti (devotion) as the means to attain union with the divine.

Surdas' compositions were widely popular and resonated with people from all walks of life, transcending societal barriers. His poetic expressions and devotion touched the hearts of both the learned scholars and the common masses. Surdas' work played a significant role in making devotional literature accessible and relatable to the masses, as he composed in the vernacular language rather than Sanskrit, which was predominantly used by scholars.

Surdas' life was marked by his unwavering devotion to Lord Krishna and his commitment to spreading the message of love and devotion. He passed away in 1581 CE, leaving behind a rich legacy of devotional poetry and teachings. His verses continue to be sung and cherished to this day, and he remains a revered figure in the Bhakti movement, inspiring countless individuals on their spiritual journeys.