Saint Janabai

Saint Janabai was born in Gangakhed, in present-day Parbhani district. Her parents, father Dama and mother Karud, were both devotees of Lord Vitthal. Janabai is renowned as a saint-poetess, known for her simple and heartfelt compositions that resonate with ordinary people. Many of her abhangas are included in the Namdev Gatha, demonstrating her close association with Saint Namdev. Janabai's poetic compositions, wre sung as ovis by women while grinding grains in the rural region of Maharashtra. Influenced by Saint Namdev, Janabai's devotion towards divin was profound. She expressed her reverence for Vitthal in her compositions, saying, "विठू माझा लेकुरवाळा, संगे गोपाळांचा मेळा!". Her devotion to Saint Dnyaneshwar is evident when she writes, "परलोकीचे तारु!म्हणे माझा ज्ञानेश्वरु!" Even while engaged in household chores like grinding grains, fetching firewood, or tending to the cattle, Janabai maintained a constant remembrance of Vithoba. She believed that Vithoba actively participated in her tasks and was a direct witness to her daily activities, thereby maintaining her devotion and dedication