Dasganu’s “Bhakta Leelamruta” is a Marathi-language book on the lives and teachings of various saints and devotees of Lord Vitthal, a form of Lord Krishna worshiped in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The book was first published in 1906 and has since become a popular devotional text among followers of the Vitthal sect.
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Dasganu was himself a devotee of Lord Vitthal and had a deep understanding of the teachings and philosophies of the various saints and sages associated with the deity. He traveled extensively throughout Maharashtra, meeting with and learning from these spiritual leaders, and his book reflects his firsthand experiences and insights.
The “Bhakta Leelamruta” is divided into 11 chapters, each focusing on the life and teachings of a particular saint or devotee. Some of the most prominent figures featured in the book include Tukaram, Namdev, Eknath, and Janabai. Dasganu’s writing style is simple and accessible, making the book easy to understand for both scholars and laypeople alike.
The book is not only a tribute to the saints and their devotion to Lord Vitthal, but it also serves as a guide for readers on their own spiritual journeys. Each chapter offers practical advice on how to live a life of devotion and how to overcome the various challenges and obstacles that one might encounter on the path of bhakti (devotion).
The “Bhakta Leelamruta” has had a profound impact on the Vitthal sect and has helped to preserve the teachings and legacies of the saints and devotees featured in the book. It is still widely read and studied today, more than a century after its initial publication, and continues to inspire and guide devotees in their pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.