Merch
News
Panchangam
Apps
Downloads
For Teachers
Resources
About
PEOPLE
IDEAS
PLACES
CULTURE
CREATE
STORIES
GAMES
Narasimha Mehta
નરસિંહ મહેતા
The first poet of Gujarati — the saint of the bhajan
Years
c. 1414 – 1481
Known as
The Adi Kavi of Gujarati literature
Birthplace
Junagadh, Gujarat
Field
Saints & Sages
“The song of the Lord's name is the highest of all treasures.”
— Narasimha Mehta
The Story
Born in Junagadh in the early fifteenth century, Narasimha was a child of devotion who, according to tradition, neglected the world's work for the name of Krishna. His family's displeasure drove him from home, and in the forest he received the vision of Krishna that set his life's course — he returned singing, and his bhajans began to spread.
His songs are the seed of Gujarati literature: composed in the simple, musical language of the people, they tell of Krishna's birth, his childhood in Gokul, and the soul's love for God. His bhajans, including the famous 'Vaishnav Jan To', describe the true devotee — one who feels another's pain, who serves the poor, and who speaks no word of pride.
He was persecuted for his devotion by the orthodoxy of his town and, the tradition says, vindicated by miracles. He died in 1481, and his songs remained the heart of Gujarati worship for centuries — until Gandhi made 'Vaishnav Jan To' his daily prayer and carried the saint's message of compassion to the world.
Core Ideas
The Adi Kavi
The first poet of the Gujarati language.
Vaishnav Jan To
Gandhi's daily song of the true devotee.
The Krishna Bhajans
His songs of Gokul founded the devotion.
The Vision
Krishna appeared to him in the forest.
The Persecuted Saint
He endured the orthodoxy's scorn with song.
Why it matters today
Narasimha Mehta is honoured as the father of Gujarati literature, and his bhajans are sung across Gujarat and beyond. Through Gandhi, his verse of compassion touched the world — proof that a song can change a civilisation.