Story of Sant Namdev: A great devotee of Bhagwan Vitthal

Story Once upon a time, in the beautiful land of Maharashtra, there lived a young boy named Namdev. He was a joyful child who loved everyone, but most of all, he adored Bhagwan Vitthal, the deity worshipped in the famous temple of Pandharpur.

From a very young age, Namdev was known for his deep faith in Bhagwan Vitthal and his sweet voice, which could sing the most beautiful bhajans or songs of praise. His heart was filled with love, and he believed that God was present everywhere. 

 As a child, Namdev had a special bond with Bhagwan Vitthal. He would often spend hours in the temple, offering flowers, singing hymns, and talking to the idol as if it were his best friend. One day, as he was singing a lovely abhang, which is a form of devotional poetry, he noticed that the idol seemed to sparkle with joy.

Namdev's thrill knew no bounds, for he believed that his songs reached the heart of Bhagwan Vitthal.  But not all children believed in Namdev’s visions. One day, they challenged him, saying, “If your God is really listening, why doesn’t He eat the food you offer?” Namdev decided to show them his faith. He prepared a plate of delicious food and offered it to the idol of Vitthal, saying, “I will not eat until You have eaten first.”

Everyone laughed at him, but Namdev smiled, believing that Bhagwan was listening.  As the sun set and the evening shadows grew long, an amazing miracle occurred! To everyone’s astonishment, the idol came to life, reached out, and began to eat the offered food! Namdev’s heart filled with joy and deep faith. He taught everyone present that true devotion is about trusting God and believing in miracles. 

This wonderful event spread far and wide, and soon people from different places began to visit Namdev. As he grew, he travelled to Pandharpur, the beloved temple city of Bhagwan Vitthal, spreading the message of love and humility. His devotion was so profound that he sang many soulful abhangs, devotional poetry which still resonates today. 

One of his famous mantras, “Sri Vitthala Giridhari Parabrahmane Namaha,” means, “I bow down to the divine Bhagwan Vitthal, who uplifts our spirits and is the supreme being.” Namdev’s life was all about kindness; he saw Bhagwan in every person, whether they were rich or poor. 

Once, Sant Namdev went to the Aundha Nagnath Temple to sing bhajans. But some priests stopped him, saying he was not allowed to sing inside. Heartbroken, Namdev sat outside the temple and began singing with all his love. Moved by his devotion, the entire temple turned around to face him! Everyone realised that God listens only to a pure and loving heart, not to one’s position or place.

Namdev taught everyone that true worship is not just rituals and prayers but living with love and compassion towards all. He became a beloved saint, inspiring many to love Bhagwan Vitthal and serve humanity. 

Dear children, we can learn so much from Sant Namdev. His life shows us that faith can move mountains, and a loving heart can help the world. We should always be kind, help those in need, and keep faith in God, just like Namdev.