Knowledge, Devotion, and Detachment are the Core Mantras of Life: Sant Sundardas Ji Maharaj

Prof. (Dr.) RAMESH KUMAR RAWAT Registrar Sikkim Professional University, Gangtok, Sikkim

Sant Sundardas Ji Maharaj is well-known within the “Khandelwal Vaishya Community”; furthermore, across nearly every region of the country, he carved a unique identity among the “Nirgun” (formless-divine) Sants through his personality, simplicity, devotion, and literary and religious writings. Sant Sundardas Ji was born in 1596 and passed away in 1689. A gem and an ornament of the Khandelwal Vaishya Community, and a preeminent “Nirgun” Sant, Sundardas Ji Busar was a leading poet of the “Gyanashrayi” (knowledge-oriented) branch during the Bhakti era. He was renowned as a highly educated Sant and poet—the most learned in scriptures among the “Nirgun” and “Satvik” (pure/virtuous) devotional poets. He was also a great poet-Sant, philosopher, and social reformer of the medieval period. A principal disciple of Dadu Dayal, he established a distinct identity not only across the country but also globally through his wisdom, Vedanta philosophy, and devotion. He propagated the Dadu Panth throughout his life and is regarded as the 'Shankaracharya of Hindi Literature' of the medieval period.

"Give yarn, O Mother; take a son, O Mother" — The story of Sant Sundardas Ji's birth: Once, Sant Dadu Ji was on a journey with his devotees. His foremost disciple, Jagga Ji Maharaj, set out towards the city to seek alms of grain and yarn. As he walked, he spotted a small house. Standing before it, he called out, "Give yarn, O Mother; take a son, O Mother." A woman inside the house was spinning yarn. Hearing Sant Jagga Ji Maharaj's words, she handed him a spool of yarn, saying, "Here, Maharaj, take the yarn." Pleased by her offering, Sant Jagga Ji Maharaj bestowed a blessing upon her. "Ho Mai Poot" (Oh Mother, may you have a son)—this was the blessing given. When Jagga Ji Maharaj returned to Dadu Ji Maharaj after collecting alms, Dadu Ji Maharaj—while in a state of deep meditation—already knew the entire sequence of events. Upon Jagga Ji's arrival, he asked, "Jagga, what have you done? The woman you blessed with a son is not destined to have one." Jagga Ji Maharaj became somewhat anxious and asked, "I have already given the blessing; what happens now? You alone must find a solution to this, Dadu Ji Maharaj." Dadu Ji Maharaj then told Jagga Ji that to resolve this, he would have to leave his current body and be born as that woman's son. Jagga Ji agreed to obey the command but asked for a promise: "Dadu Ji Maharaj, please promise me that in my next life, too, I shall remain in your presence." Upon receiving this assurance, Jagga Ji Maharaj gave up his life. Subsequently, he was born as a son to that woman; he later became renowned worldwide as “Sant Sundardas Ji Maharaj”. Records also indicate that a two-rupee postage stamp was later issued in honor of “Sant Sundardas Ji”.

Key facts about his life

Sant Sundardas Ji Maharaj was born into a Khandelwal Vaishya family in the Dausa district of Rajasthan in 1596 AD (Vikram Samvat 1653, on the ninth day of the bright half of the month of Chaitra). His mother's name was Smt. Sati; she hailed from a Khandelwal Vaishya family of the 'Saukiya' “gotra” (lineage) in Amer. He became a disciple of Sant Dadu Dayal during his childhood. His name, Sundar (meaning 'beautiful'), was chosen to reflect his plea appearance and gentle, refined conduct. At the age of eleven, he traveled to Kashi with companions of his own age and undertook an in-depth study of the Vedas, Vedangas, Yoga, grammar, lexicography, Puranas, and literature. He possessed a profound interest in “Kavyashastra” (poetics). He possessed exceptional proficiency in poetry, treatises on poetic conventions (“Riti-granth”), prosody, “Rasa” (aesthetic sentiment), and “Alankara” (poetic ornamentation). He diligently studied the Sankhya, Yoga, Vedanta, Upanishads, and the Gita. Around the age of eighteen, he arrived in Fatehpur-Shekhawati, where he devoted twelve years to tireless and dedicated yoga practice. Throughout his life, he upheld the principles that the Supreme Being alone is eternal truth, the material world is transient, and the glory of the “Satguru” (True Master) is supreme. All his literary works are imbued with wisdom, devotion, and detachment. He was the most learned among the “Nirguna” Sants of that era and observed the vow of celibacy (“Brahmacharya”) throughout his life. Furthermore, he counseled his disciples to remain detached from worldly attachments and shared the fruits of his spiritual practice, penance, and wisdom with the people of the nation. Through his writings, he illuminated virtually every aspect of Indian philosophy. He emphasized the importance of experiential knowledge over theoretical understanding and, while explaining its significance, stressed the value of learning from direct experience.

Aap Ke Mukhya Rachanaenah (Books)

1. Gyan Samudra 2. Adilla Chhand 3. Sarvangayog Pradipika 4. Madina Chhand 5. Panchaundriyacharitra 6. Barahamasi 7. Sukh Samadhi 8. Svapn Prabodh 9. Aayurbalabhed Aatmavichar 10. Trividh Antahkaran Bhed 11. Ved Vichar 12. Purvi Bhasha Barabai 13. Ukti Anup 14. Adbhut Upadesh 15. Savaiya Granth-Sundar Vil 16. Saakhi Granth 17. Panch Prabhav 18. Padavali Granth 19. Guru Sampraday 20. Gun Utpati Nisanni 21. Gudharthak Rachanaem 22. Chitrakavya 23. Sada Mahima Nisanni 24. Kavita Lakshan 25. Guru Upadesh Gyanaashtak 26. Bavani 27. Gurudev Mahima Stotrashtak 28. Guru Daya Shatapadi 29. Ramashtak 30. Bhramvidhvans Ashtak 31. Namashtak 32. Gurukrupa Ashtak 33. Aatma Achalashtak 34. Haribol Chitavani 35. Panjabi Bhasha Ashtak 36. Tarkachitavani 37. Bramastrot Ashtak 38. Vivek Chitavani 39. Pir Murad Ashtak 40. Pavangam Chhand 41. Ajab Khyal Ashtak 42. Gyanavichar 43. Gyanjhoolana Ashtak 44. Deshatan Savaiya 45. Baiji Ki Bhant Ke Savaiya 46. Grih Vairagya 47.Sanskrut Shlok 48. Sahajanand

Contribution of the works of Sant Sunderdas ji in the medieval period:

Sant Sundar Das Ji lived during a period when religious misconceptions and fanaticism fueled widespread conflict across the medieval world, including India. Through his writings, he sought to dispel these misunderstandings by explaining the true essence of religion, the Supreme Soul (Paramatma), and devotion. His objective was to promote harmony and preserve the true spirit of faith.

He believed that liberation from the cycle of birth and death is possible only through knowledge. Understanding the fundamental truth behind the creation of the universe enables a person to overcome false beliefs and realize the Supreme Divine. According to him, knowledge leads to the realization of God, which naturally gives rise to devotion. Devotion, in turn, culminates in vairagya (detachment from worldly desires). The harmonious union of knowledge, devotion, and detachment ultimately leads the soul to merge with the Divine.

Sant Sundar Das Ji identified greed, attachment, and ego as the root causes of human suffering and conflict. He likened ego to a serpent that destroys wisdom and prevents individuals from pursuing the path of spiritual growth. Viewing excessive worldly indulgence as poisonous, he advocated renunciation and emphasized virtues such as forgiveness, compassion, contentment, truth, and benevolence. Rejecting empty rituals and superficial religiosity, he encouraged a life guided by wisdom, moral integrity, and genuine spiritual practice.

E-mail: ramesh10jan@rediffmail.com