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Saints:


1. Saints by Time Period:

6th to 5th Century BCE

1. Mahavira:
Mahavira (599 - 527 BCE?):

Mahavira ◍ Life: Born in Vaishali, Bihar.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Propagated the philosophy of Jainism based on Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya and Brahmacharya.

2. Gautama Buddha:
Gautama Buddha (563 - 483 BCE?):

Gautama Buddha ◍ Life: Born in Kapilavastu, Nepal. (Gautama Buddha)

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Attained Enlightenment under the famous Bodhi Tree at Bodh Gaya, Bihar.
• Founder of Buddhism. Preached the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Paths.
• Founded the Sangha of Buddhist monks.

5th to 4th Century BCE

4th to 3rd Century BCE

3rd to 2nd Century BCE

2nd to 1st Century BCE

1st to 2nd Century CE

2nd to 3rd Century CE

3rd to 4th Century CE

4th to 5th Century CE

5th to 6th Century CE

1. Alvars:
Alvars (5th - 9th Century):

Alvars ◍ Life: Born in Tamil Nadu. (Andal)

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Vishnu Bhakti.
• Tradition of Vishistadvaita Vedanta.

◍ Compositions: Collection of their hymns are known as Nalayira Divya Prabandham.

◍ Pilgrimages: 108 Vishnu temples praised by them are known as Divya Desams.

2. Nayanmars:
Nayanmars (5th - 9th Century):

Nayanmars ◍ Life: Born in Tamil Nadu.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Shiva Bhakti.
• Tradition of Shaiva Siddhanta.
• Lives recorded in book Periya Puranam.

◍ Compositions: Collection of their hymns recorded in Tirumurai.

◍ Pilgrimages: 275 Shiva temples praised by them are known as Paadal Petra Sthalams.

6th to 7th Century CE

1. Alvars and Nayanmars:
Alvars (5th - 9th Century)
Nayanmars (5th - 9th Century)


7th to 8th Century CE

1. Alvars and Nayanmars:
Alvars (5th - 9th Century)
Nayanmars (5th - 9th Century)


8th to 9th Century CE

1. Alvars and Nayanmars:
Alvars (5th - 9th Century)
Nayanmars (5th - 9th Century)


2. Adi Shankaracharya:
Adi Shankaracharya (788 - 820 CE?):

Adi Shakancharya ◍ Life: Born in Kaladi, Kerala. (Life)

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Knowledge of Brahman.
• Exponent of the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta.

◍ Compositions:
• Wrote commentaries on Brahma Sutras, principal Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita.
• Composed Sanskrit Stotras on various Deities.

◍ Other Deeds:
• Founded four Mutts around the four corners of India.
• Believed to be the organiser of Dashanami monastic order and founder of Shanmata tradition of worship.

◍ Pilgrimages:
► Vadakkunnathan Temple: Parents of Adi Shankara prayed for a child.
► Kaladi: Birthplace of Adi Shankara.
► Omkareshwar - Shankaracharya Gufa: Adi Shankara met his guru Govindapada on the bank of river Narmada.
► Kashi: Lord Shiva gave darshan to Adi Shankara in the form of a Chandala with four dogs. Adi Shankara got disciple Sanandana.
► Badrinath: Adi Shankara wrote commentaries on Brahma Sutras, Gita and Upanishads.
► Prayag: Adi Shankara met Kumarila Bhatta (Mimamsa school) for a debate.
► Mahishmati: Adi Shankara had a debate with Mandana Mishra.
► Gokarna: Adi Shankara met disciple Hastamalaka.
► Shringeri - Sharada Peeth: Adi Shankara established the Sharada Peetha (Southern Mutt).
► Puri - Govardhan Mutt: Adi Shankara established the Govardhan Mutt (Eastern Mutt).
► Dwarka - Dwarka Mutt: Adi Shankara established the Dwarka Mutt (Western Mutt).
► Joshimath - Jyotir Math: Adi Shankara established the Jyotir Math (Northern Mutt).
► Kanchipuram - Kanchi Mutt: Adi Shankara is said to have established the Kanchi Mutt also.
► Kashmir - Sharada Peeth: Adi Shankara ascended the Sarvajna Peetham.
► Kedarnath - Shankaracharya Samadhi: Adi Shankara left the earthly abode from here.


9th to 10th Century CE

1. Nathamuni:
Nathamuni (823 – 951 CE):

Om ◍ Life: Born in Viranarayanapura, Tamil Nadu.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Vishnu Bhakti.
• Tradition of Vishistadvaita Vedanta.

◍ Compositions: Compiled the Naalayira Divya Prabandham.

10th to 11th Century CE

1. Abhinavagupta:
Abhinavagupta (950 – 1016 CE):

Abhinavagupta ◍ Life: Born in Kashmir.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Exponent of the philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism (Trika System).

◍ Compositions: Composed Tantraloka and many other works.

11th to 12th Century CE

1. Thirukachi Nambi:
Thirukachi Nambi (1009 - ? CE):

Om ◍ Life: Born in Poonamallee, Chennai suburb, Tamil Nadu.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Vishnu Bhakti.
• Tradition of Vishistadvaita Vedanta.
• A great devotee of Varadaraja Perumal of Kanchipuram.

2. Ramanujacharya:
Ramanujacharya (1017 - 1137 CE):

Ramanujacharya ◍ Life: Born in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Vishnu Bhakti.
• Exponent of the philosophy of Vishistadvaita Vedanta.

◍ Compositions:
• Wrote commentaries on Brahma Sutras (known as Bhashya) and Bhagavad Gita.
• Composed several texts on Vaishnavism and organised the method of worship.

◍ Pilgrimages:
► Sriperumbudur: Birthplace of Ramanuja.
► Kanchipuram: Ramanuja met his guru Yadava Prakasha and later separated. Served as a priest of Varadaraja Perumal Temple.
► Srirangam: Ramanuja became the head of the Srirangam Mutt after the death of Yamunacharya.
► Thirukoshtiyur: Ramanuja received the Ashtakshara mantra (Om Namo Narayana) from Thirukoshtiyur Nambigal which he proclaimed to all.
► Tirumala: Ramanuja established the deity as Lord Vishnu. Introduced many temple rituals and reformations.
► Melkote: Ramanuja discovered the idol of Lord Tirunarayana and built a new Temple. Stayed in Melkote for around 12 years.


3. Milarepa:
Milarepa (1052 - 1135 CE):

Milarepa ◍ Life: Born in Kyangtsa, Tibet. (Milarepa)

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Yoga of Tibetan Buddhism.
• Kaygu Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Famous teachers of this tradition are Tilopa, Naropa, Marpa, Milarepa and Gampopa.
• Milarepa was initiated into Vajrayana practice by Marpa. He spent his life as a solitary mountain yogi in remote Himalayan caves and became an accomplished Yogi.
• One of his central teachings was Mahamudra to understand the fundamental nature of mind.
• His famous disciple was Gampopa, a former physician and monk.

◍ Compositions:
• Composed many songs of realization which came to be known as Songs of Milarepa.

◍ Pilgrimages:
► Mount Kailash: Milarepa meditated in many Himalayan Caves which includes Mount Kailash.

12th to 13th Century CE

1. Nimbarkacharya:
Nimbarkacharya (? - 1162 CE) (12th Century CE):

Nimbarkacharya ◍ Life: Born in Nimbapura, Ballari district, Karnataka.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Krishna Bhakti.
• Exponent of the philosophy of Dvaitaadvaita Vedanta.

◍ Compositions:
• Wrote commentary on Brahma Sutras.

◍ Pilgrimages:
► Nimbapura: Birthplace of Nimbarkacharya.
► Mathura: Nimabarkacharya spent most of his life in Mathura-Vrindavan as a devotee of Krishna.
► Vrindavan: Nimabarkacharya spent most of his life in Mathura-Vrindavan as a devotee of Krishna.


2. Sekkizhar:
Sekkizhar (12th Century CE):

Om ◍ Life: Born in Kundrathur, Chennai suburb, Tamil Nadu.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Shiva Bhakti.
• Tradition of Shaiva Siddhanta.

◍ Compositions: Compiled the Periya Puranam.

13th to 14th Century CE

1. Madhvacharya:
Madhvacharya (1238 - 1317 CE):

Madhvacharya ◍ Life: Born in Udupi, Karnataka.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Vishnu Bhakti.
• Krishna Bhakti.
• Exponent of the philosophy of Dvaita Vedanta.

◍ Compositions:
• Wrote commentaries on Brahma Sutras, Bhagavad Gita and several Upanishads.

◍ Other Deeds: Founded the Krishna Temple at Udupi and several other Mutts.

◍ Pilgrimages:
► Pajaka Kshetra: Birthplace of Madhvacharya.
► Udupi: Father of Madhvacharya prayed to Lord Ananteshwara for a child. Madhvacharya spent most of his life in Udupi. Found the Image of Krishna in Udupi and installed it in Udupi Mutt.
► Badrinath: Madhvacharya met Veda Vyasa who taught him the essence of Vedas, Brahma Sutras and other scriptures. Madhvacharya wrote a commentary on Brahma Sutras in the Himalayas.


2. Vedanta Desika:
Vedanta Desika (1268 - 1369 CE):

Vedanta Desika ◍ Life: Born in Thooppul, near Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Vishnu Bhakti.
• Tradition of Vishistadvaita Vedanta. An acharya and a pillar of Vaishnavism.
• Worshipped Lord Hayagriva at Thiruvahindrapuram and was blessed by the Lord.

◍ Compositions: Wrote several books in both Sanskrit and Tamil Language.

3. Namdev:
Namdev (1270 - 1350 CE):

Namdev ◍ Life: Born in Narsi, Hingoli district, Maharashtra.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Krishna Bhakti (Panduranga).
• Tradition of Maharashtrian Saints.
• Spent his life in devotion to Lord Vithoba of Pandharpur.
• Proponent of Bhagavad Dharma and purity of living.

◍ Compositions:
• Abhang Gatha: Compilation of Abhangs of Namdev

◍ Pilgrimages:
► Pandharpur: Varkari saint who spent much of his life in ardent devotion of Panduranga.


4. Jnaneshwar or Dyaneshwar:
Jnaneshwar (or Dyaneshwar) (1275 - 1296 CE):

Jnaneshwar or Dyaneshwar ◍ Life: Born in Apegaon, Aurangabad, Maharashtra. (Sant Jnaneshwar)

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Yoga (Nath Tradition)
• Philosopher and Yogi of Nath Tradition.
• Krishna Bhakti (Panduranga).
• Also, Tradition of Maharashtrian Saints.

◍ Compositions:
• Bhavartha Deepika (Dnyaneshwari): A commentary on Bhagavad Gita
• Amrutanubhav: Yogic experiences

◍ Pilgrimages:
► Pandharpur: Whose palanquin is carried from Alandi to Pandharpur during the Wari pilgrimage.


14th to 15th Century CE

1. Manavala Mamunigal:
Manavala Mamunigal (1370 - 1443 CE):

Om ◍ Life: Born in Alwarthirunagiri, Tamil Nadu.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Vishnu Bhakti.
• An acharya and proponent of Vishistadvaita philosophy of Vaishnavism.

◍ Compositions: Wrote several books and commentaries of Vaishnavism.

2. Adivan Satakopa Jiyar:
Adivan Satakopa Jiyar (1379 - 1458 CE):

Adivan Satakopa Jiyar ◍ Life: Born in Thirunarayanapuram (Melkote), Karnataka.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Narasimha Bhakti.
• Vishnu Bhakti.
• Tradition of Vishistadvaita Vedanta.
• Founder (first Jiyar) of Ahobila Mutt. It is said that Lord Narasimha himself called him to Ahobilam in a dream and gave him sanyasa in the form of a sanyasi. Also, based on the command of Lord Narasimha he travelled with the Utsava Murthi of Malola Narasimha.

◍ Pilgrimages:
► Ahobilam

3. Ramananda:
Ramananda (14th – 15th Century CE):

Ramananda ◍ Life: Born in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh but lived in Varanasi for most of his life.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Rama Bhakti based on Knowledge of Brahman.
• Guru of Kabirdas, Ravidas and other saints.

◍ Compositions:
• Devotional Poems.

◍ Pilgrimages:
• Kashi: Many Ramanandi Maths exist in Varanasi.


15th to 16th Century CE

1. Kabirdas:
Kabirdas (15th - 16th Century CE):

Kabirdas ◍ Life: Born in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Raised by a muslim weaver family.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Inner Devotion to God without meaningless rituals.
• Seeking God within.

◍ Compositions:
• Couplets in Hindi dialects known as Dohe which were profound in meaning.

◍ Pilgrimages:
► Kashi: Lahartara Pond where a muslim weaver family is said to have found him.


2. Annamacharya:
Annamacharya (1408 - 1503 CE):

Annamacharya ◍ Life: Born in Tallapaka, Andhra Pradesh. Believed to be an incarnation of Nandaka, the sword of Vishnu.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Vishnu Bhakti (Venkateshwara).
• Learned the philosophy of Vishistadvaita Vedanta from Satakopa Swami of Ahobila Mutt.

◍ Compositions:
• Considered as the Pitamaha (Grandfather) of Telegu song-writing.
• Composed around 32000 devotional Samkirtanas in praise of Lord Venkateshwara (around 12000 extant now).

◍ Pilgrimages:
► Venkatachala: Visited Venkatachala (Tirumala) and sung Kritis before the Lord.


3. Narsi Mehta:
Narsi Mehta (1414 - 1481 CE):

Narsi Mehta ◍ Life: Born in Gopnath near Talaja, Bhavnagar district, Gujarat.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Krishna Bhakti.
• Spent his life in devotion to Krishna and composing bhajans.
• Honoured as Adi Kavi of Gujrati language.
• A famous composition is "Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye Je".

◍ Compositions:
• Composed and sang bhajans of Krishna

4. Sankara deva:
Sankara Deva (1449 - 1568 CE):

Sankara Deva ◍ Life: Born in Alipukhuri, Nagaon district, Assam.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Krishna Bhakti.
• Proponent of Ekasarana Dharma (Surrender to Krishna, chanting his Names and singing his Leelas).

◍ Compositions:
• Translated many parts of Srimad Bhagavatam in Assamese language.
• Composed Bhakti Ratnakara, a compilation of devotional verses from Srimad Bhagavatam, Padma Purana, Vishnu Purana etc.

5. Haridas Thakur:
Haridas Thakur (1450 - ? CE):

SriHaridas Thakur ◍ Life: Born in Buron, Satkhira district, Bangladesh.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Krishna Bhakti.
• Tradition of Gaudiya Vedanta.
• Disciple of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Associated with the Siddha Bakul Math of Puri where he used to chant the name of Krishna incessantly under a Bakula Tree.

◍ Pilgrimages:
► Puri - Siddha Bakul Math

6. Surdas:
Surdas (1478 - 1573 CE):

Surdas ◍ Life: Born in Sihi, Faridabad, Haryana.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Krishna Bhakti.
• Disciple of Vallabhacharya.

◍ Compositions:
• Sur Sagar: A collection of thousands of melodious songs on Krishna of which only around 8000 extant now.

◍ Pilgrimages:
► Vraja Bhoomi: Lived in Vraja and composed devotional songs in praise of Krishna (Sur Sagar).


7. Vallabhacharya:
Vallabhacharya (1479 - 1531 CE):

Vallabhacharya ◍ Life: Born in Champaram, Chhattisgarh.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Krishna Bhakti.
• Founder exponent of the philosophy of Shuddha Advaita Vedanta.
• Believed to have got the vision of Srinathji (seven year old Krishna) whose temple is in Nathadwara, Rajasthan.

◍ Compositions:
• Anubhasya: Commentary on Brahma Sutras.
• Subodhini: Commentary on Srimad Bhagavad Mahapurana.
• Composed several texts on Krishna Bhakti.

◍ Pilgrimages:
► Vraja Bhoomi: Lived in Vraja for sometime and preached devotion of Krishna (Pushtimarga). The Image of Srinathji emerged from Govardhana.


8. Purandara Dasa:
Purandara Dasa (1484 - 1564 CE):

Purandara Dasa ◍ Life: Born in Purandargad, Karnataka. Believed to be an incarnation of sage Narada.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Krishna Bhakti (Panduranga).
• Follower of Dvaita Vedanta of Madhvacharya.
• Follower of Haridasa Tradition of Karnataka.

◍ Compositions:
• Considered as the Pitamaha (Grandfather) of Carnatic music.
• Composed around 475000 devotional Kirtanas (Dasara Padagalu) many in praise of the Lord of Pandharpur.

◍ Pilgrimages:
► Pandharpur: Visited Pandharpur and sung Kirtanas before Lord Panduranga.


9. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu:
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486 - 1534 CE):

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu ◍ Life: Born in Nabadwip, West Bengal.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Krishna Bhakti.
• Pillar of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.
• Popularised the chanting of Hare Krishna Maha Mantra.

◍ Compositions:
• Composed Shikshashtakam (eight devotional prayers on Krishna) in Sanskrit.

◍ Pilgrimages:
► Vraja Bhoomi: Visited Vraja during his pilgrimage and spread devotion of Krishna through his Sankirtans.
► Puri: Chaitanya Mahaprabhu spent the last 18 years of his life in ecstasy.


10. Meerabai:
Meerabai (1497 - 1557 CE):

Meerabai ◍ Life: Born in Merta, Rajasthan.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Krishna Bhakti.
• Disciple of guru Ravidass.

◍ Compositions:
• Composed around 1300 Krishna Bhajans.

◍ Pilgrimages:
► Vraja Bhoomi: Visited Vraja and worshipped Krishna (Meera Bhajans).


16th to 17th Century CE

1. Tulsidas:
Tulsidas (1532 - 1623 CE):

Tulsidas ◍ Life: Born in Rajapur, Chitrakoot district, Uttar Pradesh.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Rama Bhakti.
• Got the darshan of Bhakta Hanuman at Kashi.
• Got the darshan of Rama at Chitrakoota.

◍ Compositions:
• Composed Ramcharitmanas, several Dohas and other texts.
• Hanuman Chalisa is attributed to him.

◍ Pilgrimages:
► Chitrakoot: Tulsidas was born in Rajapur of Chitrakoot. Got the darshan of Totamukha Hanuman and Rama at Ram Ghat of Chitrakoot.
► Ayodhya: Tulsidas started composing the Ramcharitmanas in Ayodhya on the Rama Navami day of 1593 CE.
► Kashi: Tulsidas got the darshan of Bhakta Hanuman. Founded the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple at Kashi.

2. Eknath:
Eknath (1533 - 1599 CE):

Eknath ◍ Life: Born in Paithan, Aurangabad district, Maharastra.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Krishna Bhakti (Panduranga).
• Tradition of Maharashtrian Saints.
• Disciple of Janardhanaswami.

◍ Compositions:
• Revived Dnyaneshwari.
• Composed Eknath Bhagavatam (or Eknathi Bhagavat), a commentary on parts of Srimad Bhagavatam.

◍ Pilgrimages:
► Pandharpur: Varkari saint who was a devotee of Panduranga.


3. Doddacharya:
Doddacharya (1543 - 1607 CE?):

Om ◍ Life: Born in Sholingur, Tamil Nadu.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Vishnu Bhakti.
• A great devotee of Varadaraja Perumal of Kanchipuram.

4. Tukaram:
Tukaram (1598 - 1650 CE):

Tukaram ◍ Life: Born in Dehu, Pune district, Maharashtra.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Krishna Bhakti (Panduranga).
• Tradition of Maharashtrian Saints.
• Spent his life in devotion to Lord Vithoba of Pandharpur.

◍ Compositions:
• Composed Abhangs glorifying Lord Panduranga.

◍ Pilgrimages:
► Pandharpur: Varkari saint whose palanquin is carried from Dehu to Pandharpur during the Wari pilgrimage.


17th to 18th Century CE

1. Trailanga Swami:
Trailanga Swami (1607 - 1887 CE):

Trailanga Swami ◍ Life: Born in Kumbilapuram, Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh. Performed Kali sadhana for 20 years. Then initiated into monastic life by Bhagirathananda Saraswati. Lived most of his life in Kashi (Varanasi).

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Kali Bhakti.
• Shiva Bhakti.
• Life of Yogi.

◍ Pilgrimages:
► Kailash - Manasarovar: Trailanga Swami travelled through the Himalayas and visited Kailash and Manasarovar.
► Kashi - Trailanga Swami Ashrama: Spent most of his life of 280 years in Kashi. Often called as living Shiva of Kashi.

2. Bhadrachala Ramadasu:
Bhadrachala Ramadasu (1620 - 1688 CE):

Bhadrachala Ramadasu ◍ Life: Born in Nelakondapalli village, Khammam district, Telangana.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Rama Bhakti.

◍ Compositions:
• Composed Ramadasu Keertanalu (devotional kirtanas dedicated to Rama).

3. Bhaskararaya Makhin:
Bhaskararaya Makhin (1690 – 1785 CE):

Bhaskararaya Makhin ◍ Life: Born in Hyderabad, Telangana.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Lalita Bhakti.
• Master of Vidya Tradition.

◍ Compositions:
• Among the many books authored by him are Saubhagya Bhaskara and Setubandha.

18th to 19th Century CE

1. Ramprasad Sen:
Ramprasad Sen (1723 - 1775 CE):

Ramprasad Sen ◍ Life: Born in Halishahar, North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Kali Bhakti.
• Performed his sadhana invoking Mother Kali in a Panchavati grove, often sitting on a Panchamundi Asana near the place of the present Ramprasad Vita Kali Temple of Halishahar.

◍ Compositions:
• Composed many Shyama Sangeet (Bhajans on Mother Kali).

◍ Pilgrimage: Ramprasad Vita Kali Temple of Halishahar.

2. Baba Lokenath:
Baba Lokenath (1730 - 1890 CE):

Baba Lokenath ◍ Life: Born in Chaurasi Chakla or Kachua, Barasat region, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal. (Baba Lokenath)

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Yoga (Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Meditation and Vedanta).
• At about 11 years of age, Lokenath left home with childhood friend Benimadhav. His guru was Bhagwan Ganguly who trained him in disciplines of Yoga and Vedanta.
• Lokenath wandered in many places including Kalighat, Kashi and the Himalayas, and finally attained Self-Realization (Atma-Jnana).
• Baba Lokenath spent the latter part of his life in Baradi (in present Bangladesh) guiding the ordinary householders.

◍ Pilgrimages:
► Manasarovar: Baba Lokenath visited Manasarovar during his Himalayan journey with Trailanga Swami and Benimadhav.

3. Shyama Shastri:
Shyama Shastri (1762 - 1827 CE):

Shyama Shastri ◍ Life: Born in Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Kamakshi Bhakti.

◍ Compositions:
• One of the Trinity of Carnatic Music (along with Thyagaraja and Muthuswami Dikshitar).
• Composed many devotional compositions mostly in praise of Devi Kamakshi.

4. Thyagaraja:
Thyagaraja (1767 - 1847 CE):

Thyagaraja ◍ Life: Born in Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu. (Thyagaraja)

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Rama Bhakti.

◍ Compositions:
• One of the Trinity of Carnatic Music (along with Shyama Shastri and Muthuswami Dikshitar).
• Composed thousands of devotional compositions in praise of Rama.
• His famous compositions are the Pancharatna Kritis.

5. Kamalakanta Bhattacharya:
Kamalakanta Bhattacharya (1769 - 1821 CE):

Kamalakanta Bhattacharya ◍ Life: Born in Bardhaman district, West Bengal.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Kali Bhakti.
• Invoked Mother Kali sitting on a Panchamundi Asana near the place of the present Kamalakanta Kalibari of Bardhaman.

◍ Compositions:
• Composed many Shyama Sangeet (Bhajans on Mother Kali).

◍ Pilgrimage: Kamalakanta Kalibari of Bardhaman.

6. Muthuswamy Dikshitar:
Muthuswamy Dikshitar (1776 - 1835 CE):

Muthuswamy Dikshitar ◍ Life: Born in Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Musical compositions on various gods and goddesses.

◍ Compositions:
• One of the Trinity of Carnatic Music (along with Thyagaraja and Shyama Shastri).
• Composed hundreds of devotional compositions in praise of various gods and goddesses.

7. Totapuri:
Totapuri (1780 - ? CE):

Totapuri ◍ Life: Born in Punjab.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Knowledge of Brahman.
• Tradition of Advaita Vedanta.

• Totapuri was the guru of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. He came to Dakshineshwar Temple in 1864. He stayed in Puri for several years where he has an ashram (Advaita Brahma Ashram).

◍ Pilgrimages:
► Puri - Totapuri Ashram

19th to 20th Century CE

1. Shyama Charan Lahiri:
Shyama Charan Lahiri (1828 – 1895 CE):

Shyama Charan Lahiri ◍ Life: Born in Ghurni village, Nadia district, West Bengal.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Master of Kriya Yoga. Initiated into yoga by Mahavatar Babaji himself.

• Famous yogis in this Tradition are:
- Yukteshwar Giri: Disciple of Shyama Charan Lahiri.
- Paramahamsha Yogananda: Disciple of Yukteshwar Giri.

2. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa:
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1836 - 1886 CE):

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa ◍ Life: Born in Kamarpukur, West Bengal. (Ramakrishna)

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Kali Bhakti
• Rama Bhakti
• Krishna Bhakti
• Shiva Bhakti
• Brahman (Advaita Vedanta)
• Also practised Christanity and
• Islam

◍ Compositions:
• Sayings recorded as Ramakrishna Kathamrita in Bengali, which is translated in English as Gospel of Ramakrishna.

◍ Teachings:
• Praying to God with intense yearning in heart in order to realize Him or Her.
• God can be realized through any path if the devotee has this intense yearning in heart (Jato Mat, Tato Path).
• Vision of Serving Man as God (Shiva Jnane Jiva Seva).

◍ Pilgrimages:
► Ramakrishna Math Temples (headquarter in Belur Math).

3. Bamakhepa:
Bamakhepa (1837 - 1911 CE):

Bamakhepa (Bamacharan Chattopadhyay) ◍ Life: Born in Atla village, Rampurhat, Birbhum district, West Bengal.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Tara Bhakti.
• Invoked Mother Tara sitting on a Panchamundi Asana at the Tarapith Maha Samshan ground (Cremation ground).
• Performed sadhana under the guidance of Kailashpati Baba and Mokshadananda.

◍ Pilgrimage: Tarapith Temple, Rampurhat, Birbhum district, West Bengal.

4. Swami Vivekananda:
Swami Vivekananda (1863 - 1902 CE):

Swami Vivekananda ◍ Life: Born in Kolkata, West Bengal.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Practical Vedanta
• Disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.

◍ Compositions:
• Lectures, Compositions, Letters etc. recorded in The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda. (Sayings of Swami Vivekananda)

◍ Teachings:
• Character Building, i.e. building the right tendencies of mind using will power, discrimination and high ideal for the welfare of many.
• Practical Vedanta, i.e. the vision of Advaita Vedanta applied in practical life to raise the masses, regenerate India and for welfare of many. In this context comes his precept of Serving Man as God.
• Acceptance of all valid paths as a means to realize God.
• Four Yogas - Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Raja Yoga for a balanced development of human being and God realization.

◍ Other Deeds: Founder of Ramakrishna Maths and Missions.

5. Ramana Maharshi:
Ramana Maharshi (1879 - 1950 CE):

Ramana Maharshi ◍ Life: Born in Thirucuzhi, near Madurai.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Realized the Self through a death experience during boyhood.
• Suggested Aatma Vichara (Self-Enquiry), or the direct enquiry within oneself to find the source from where the "I" rises.

◍ Compositions:
• Sayings recorded in many books including Who am I, Day by Day with Bhagavan and Talks. (Sayings of Ramana Maharshi)
• Famous song Arunachala Akshara Manimalai (Arunachala Shiva, Arunachala Shiva).

◍ Pilgrimages:
► Thiruvannamalai - Ramana Ashram: Spent most of his life in Thiruvannamalai and had an ashrama at the foothills of the Arunachala Mountain.

6. Paramahamsa Yogananda:
Paramahamsa Yogananda (1893 – 1952 CE):

Paramahamsa Yogananda ◍ Life: Born in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.

◍ Sadhana & Philosophy:
• Master of Kriya Yoga.

. ◍ Compositions:
• Writer of the famous book Autobiography of a Yogi.

◍ Other Deeds:
• Founder of Yogoda Satsanga Society (YSS) for teaching Kriya Yoga.

20th to 21st Century CE



2. Saints by Deities:

• Saints by Deities


3. Saints by States:

• Saints by States



Meditations on Earth, Life and Dharma: >>



Om, May there be Peace in Heaven,
May there be Peace in the Sky,
May there be Peace in the Earth,

(Shanti Mantra of Upanishad)

Preserve Nature and Nature will Preserve Us,
Simplify Life and help Nature Thrive,
Plant Trees and make the Planet Green,
Connect with Earth, Connect with Dharma, Connect with Being.

Next >>

Green Message: The Evergreen Messages of Spirituality, Sanskrit and Nature

Last updated on Oct-2026

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