Dnyaneshwari is regarded as the most out-standing work of Dnyaneshwar, the Saint-poet of Maharashtra. Dnyaneshwari is widely popular work possessing a germinal quality with regard to poetic traditions which were soon established in the Marathi language. Unique exponence, it at once strikes as an original composition—an expression of the personality of Dnyaneshwar and his philosophy. Readers often have to remind themselves that it is a commentary on Bhagwad Geeta. Originally named as ‘Bhavartha Dipika’ by the poet himself, the composition became popular as Dnyaneshwari, after the name of the poet.
Saint Dnyaneshwar lived during the 13th Century A.D. when Hindu Society was replete with narrow minded castes and social evils, dominated by superstitions, rites and rituals, sacrifices, Yagna, Mantra and Tantra. It was against this background that Dnyaneshwar interpreted the Geeta in the popular language of the common people. Through his work, Dnya¬neshwar sought to reform society by discouraging corrupt practices, re-emphasising moral values, discarding rituals from the Bhakti Marg and pleading for abandonment of the rigid caste system. Advocating ‘Chidvilasvad’ or ‘Sphoortivad’—the doctrine that “this whole world is illuminated with His light-Dnyaneshwar made a unique impact on the philosophical thought of Maharashtra. One’s work or profession itself became an act of workship, under the influence of this doctrine, among all castes and creeds elevating the lives of the down trodden and outcastes. The Saint poet led a victorious ‘rebellion’ against religious orthodoxy.
Dnyaneshwari thus merged the social requirements of the people with their religious faith thereby removing the dichotomy between the spiritual and temporal worlds. The ‘Warkaris’ (devotees) looked upon Dnyaneshwari as their ‘mother’ and sang its praises throughout the land. Caste, creed, or sex did not remain a barrier for spiritual upliftment. Dnyaneshwari reached the largest cross section of Maharashtra Society.
Dnyaneshwari is a great spiritual epic written 700 years ago and still relevant today. Though Saint Dnyaneshwar is also credited with other works like “ Amritanubhav” ‘Changdeo Pasashthi’, ‘Haripath’ and ‘Abhangas’, Dnyaneshwari stands out in its fusion of devotional philosophy and melodious poetry, read with thrill of rapture and held in the highest veneration.
Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India