Sant Narsinh Mehta

Sant Narsinh Mehta or Sant Narsi Mehta is one of the greatest devotees of the Lord who lived around 14th century AD. He is the composer of the soul-stirring song, “Vaishnava Janato Tene Kahiye je”, which describes the qualities of a devotee.

Sant Narsi Mehta was a devotee of Lord Krishna right from his childhood. He was unmindful of his worldly affairs being ever intoxicated by devotion. He obtained the darshan of Lord Krishna on multiple occasions. The Lord came to the rescue of his devotee fulfilling his promise that he takes care of the Yoga and Kshema of those who constantly think of Him.

The marriage of Sant Narsi Mehta’s daughter was actually performed by Lord himself. Though Narsi Mehta was a poor man, the marriage was performed very grandly and rich presents were given on the occasion.

At another time, when Narsi Mehta and his brother were very hungry while they were traveling, the Lord appeared in the form of a shepherd boy, took them to a cottage and offered them food. A little later when his brother returned to take a vessel he had left there, he found neither the cottage nor the shepherd boy anywhere.

Once while performing the Sraddha ceremony of his father, Sant Narsi Mehta was sent to fetch some ghee from the marker. On the way he saw a group of devotees doing sankirtan. He forgot everything about the ghee and began singing the praises of the Lord. As his wife was eagerly awaiting his return so she could feed the priests, Lord Krishna Himself came in the guise of Sant Narsi Mehta with ghee in hand.

Sant Narsi Mehta has composed many wonderful divine poems in praise of the Lord, and which encapsulate the spiritual truths. He composed these in Gujarati as he is from the land of Surat. These small compositions stir the souls of many a devotees to this day. The life and compositions of this great Bhakta never fail to inspire us.

All glories to Sant Narsinh Mehta !!