Bhaktamal

Bhaktamal (Devanāgarī: भक्तमाल, IAST: Bhaktamāla) (c. 1600) is a poem in the Braja language which gives short biographies of more than two-hundred Bhaktas. It was composed by Nabhadas, a saint belonging to the tradition of Ramananda. Though considered a hagiography by some, the work is free from miraculous events, and is widely believed to be an unbiased account of Bhaktas across all sectarian paths. In case of many Bhaktas, the Bhaktamal gives the earliest reliable account, and hence is considered an important source for literary and devotional history of northern India.

About the author

Nabhadas (1570–1662) was born in a poor family in Gwalior and was blind since birth. He was abandoned by his parents in a forest when he was five years old. He was rescued by a saint by the name Agradas who raised him as his son. His other notable work is Ramashtayam in Braja.

Commentaries, translations and adaptations