Famous Indian Saints

Mother Teresa was a Catholic nun who dedicated her life to serving the poor and needy. She founded the Missionaries of Charity, a religious congregation that provided care and support to the most marginalized in society. Mother Teresa opened hospices, orphanages, and leprosy-outreach clinics, establishing a global network of missions, schools, and shelters. She received numerous awards for her humanitarian work, including the Nobel Peace Prize. Mother Teresa's legacy continues through the ongoing work of the Missionaries of Charity worldwide.

Sri Sarada Devi, also known as the Holy Mother, played a crucial role in the development of the Ramakrishna Movement. She was revered by followers as an incarnation of the Divine Mother. After the passing of her husband, Ramakrishna, she provided guidance and support to his disciples. Sarada Devi's professional life was dedicated to spreading the ideals and teachings of her husband, emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth and service to others. She resided primarily in Jayrambati and the Udbodhan office in Calcutta, where she continued to inspire and guide devotees worldwide.

Nizamuddin Auliya was an Indian Sunni Muslim scholar and Sufi saint of the Chishti Order, renowned for his emphasis on love as a pathway to realizing God. He advocated for a vision of religious pluralism and kindness, influencing the Muslims of Delhi towards mysticism and prayer. His interactions with Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughluq dynasty, initially positive, later soured due to ideological differences. Nizamuddin Auliya's professional life was marked by his spiritual teachings, impact on society, and conflicts with political figures.

Ravidas was an Indian mystic poet-saint of the Bhakti movement during the 15th to 16th century CE. Venerated as a guru in various regions, he was known for his teachings on the removal of social divisions of caste and gender, and the promotion of unity in the pursuit of personal spiritual freedom. Ravidas was a poet, social reformer, and spiritual figure whose devotional verses were included in the Sikh scriptures and the Dadu Panthi tradition within Hinduism. He is also the central figure within the Ravidassia religious movement.

Sant Dnyaneshwar, also known as Jnanadeva, was a revered 13th-century Indian Marathi saint, poet, philosopher, and yogi associated with the Nath and Varkari traditions. In his brief life, he composed significant literary works in Marathi, including the Dnyaneshwari and Amrutanubhav, which are considered foundational texts in Marathi literature. His teachings were rooted in Advaita Vedanta philosophy, emphasizing the practices of Yoga and bhakti towards Vithoba, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Jnanadeva's profound legacy influenced subsequent saint-poets like Eknath and Tukaram, contributing to the development of the Varkari Bhakti movement in Maharashtra.

Basava, also known as Basavēśvara and Basavaṇṇa, was an influential Indian philosopher, poet, and social reformer during the Kalyani Chalukya/Kalachuri dynasty in Karnataka, India. He promoted social awareness through his poetry, rejecting gender and social discrimination, superstitions, and rituals. Basava introduced the Ishtalinga necklace as a symbol of devotion to Shiva, advocating for ahimsa and condemning sacrifices. As chief minister, he established the Anubhava Mantapa, a platform for open discussions on spiritual and worldly matters. Basava's works, including the Vachana Sahitya in Kannada, continue to inspire and influence generations.

Devadatta, a Buddhist monk, is traditionally known as the cousin and brother-in-law of Gautama Siddhārtha. However, he is often depicted as an evil and divisive figure within Buddhism. His professional life is characterized by leading a breakaway group in the early stages of the religion, causing discord and schism within the Buddhist community. Devadatta's actions and teachings were in opposition to those of Gautama Siddhārtha, leading to a lasting reputation as a controversial and disruptive figure in Buddhist history.

Namdev was a Marathi Vaishnava saint from Maharashtra, India, within the Varkari tradition of Hinduism. He was a devoted follower of the deity Vithoba of Pandharpur and composed devotional songs (bhajan-kirtans) that became widely known in India. Namdev's philosophy blends elements of nirguna brahman and saguna brahman, with Vedanta themes. His legacy is honored in the Varkari tradition through biannual pilgrimages to Pandharpur. Additionally, Namdev is recognized in North Indian traditions such as Dadu Panthis, Kabir Panthis, and Sikhs, with some of his hymns included in the Guru Granth Sahib.

Parshvanatha was the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism, known for his role as a spiritual successor and propagator of Jain teachings. Renouncing worldly life, he founded an ascetic community and is revered for his contributions to Jain philosophy and practice. His teachings influenced the development of Jain sects, with differing interpretations among the Digambaras and Śvētāmbaras. Parshvanatha's professional life is characterized by his dedication to spreading the principles of non-violence and spiritual liberation, exemplified by his attainment of moksha on Mount Sammeda.

Arishtanemi, also known as Neminath, was the twenty-second Tirthankara of Jainism, who renounced his worldly life to become a Jain ascetic. He heard the cries of animals being killed for his marriage feast and freed them, leading him to embrace a life of non-violence and spiritual pursuit. He achieved moksha on Girnar Hills near Junagadh, becoming a siddha, a liberated soul free from all karma. Arishtanemi is revered alongside other Tirthankaras like Mahavira, Parshvanatha, and Rishabhanatha, and is symbolized by the deer, Mahavenu tree, and Yaksha and Yakshi figures in Jain art.

Nammalvar was a revered mystic of the Vaishnava tradition, known for his profound contributions to Hindu scripture. He is considered the foremost among the twelve Alvars, with 1352 stanzas in the Naalayira Divya Prabandam attributed to him. His works, including Tiruvaymoli and Tiruviruttam, greatly influenced the philosophical and theological ideas of Vaishnavism. Nammalvar's legacy is celebrated through festivals and prayers at various Vaishnava temples in Tamil Nadu, where his verses are recited with reverence and devotion.

Matsyendranātha, also known as Matsyendra, was a revered saint and yogi in both Buddhist and Hindu traditions. He is credited with reviving hatha yoga and writing some of its earliest texts. Matsyendranātha is regarded as the founder of the natha sampradaya, having received teachings from Shiva, and associated with Kaula Shaivism. He is one of the eighty-four mahasiddhas and the guru of Gorakshanath. Matsyendranātha is revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike and is sometimes thought to be an incarnation of Avalokiteśvara.

Sivananda Saraswati was a yoga guru, Hindu spiritual teacher, and proponent of Vedanta. He studied medicine and worked as a physician in British Malaya before embracing monasticism. In 1936, he founded the Divine Life Society, followed by the Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy in 1948. Sivananda authored over 200 books on yoga, Vedanta, and various subjects. He established the Sivananda Ashram as the DLS headquarters in Rishikesh, where he spent most of his life. His disciple, Vishnudevananda, spread Sivananda Yoga globally through the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres.

Eknath was an influential Indian Hindu saint, philosopher, and poet known for his devotion to the deity Vitthal. As a key figure of the Warkari movement, he played a significant role in spreading spiritual teachings and inspiring followers. Eknath's works and teachings positioned him as a spiritual successor to revered Marathi saints Dnyaneshwar and Namdev. His profound contributions to Hindu philosophy and poetry continue to impact spiritual seekers and scholars, solidifying his legacy as a respected and revered figure in Indian religious history.

Sadhu Sundar Singh was an Indian Christian missionary and sadhu known for his deep spirituality and commitment to spreading the message of Jesus Christ. He was a prominent figure in the early 20th century, traveling extensively throughout India and other countries to share his faith. Singh's unique approach to Christianity, blending Eastern mysticism with Christian theology, attracted many followers and admirers. His life and teachings continue to inspire people around the world, even after his mysterious disappearance in the Himalayas in 1929.

Tukaram Maharaj was a revered Hindu saint in the 17th century from Maharashtra. He was a devotee of the god Vithoba and resided in Dehu village. Tukaram was known for his devotional poetry called Abhanga, which remains popular in Maharashtra. Many of his poems focused on social reform, reflecting his deep spiritual beliefs and commitment to improving society. Tukaram's professional life was centered around spreading the message of love, devotion, and social consciousness through his poetic works.

Mahan Mj, also known as Mahan Maharaj and Swami Vidyanathananda, is an Indian mathematician and monk of the Ramakrishna Order. He serves as a Professor of Mathematics at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai. Recognized for his contributions to hyperbolic geometry, geometric group theory, low-dimensional topology, and complex geometry, he has been honored with prestigious awards such as the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award in mathematical sciences in 2011 and the Infosys Prize for Mathematical Sciences in 2015.

Dadu Dayal was a poet-saint and religious reformer known for his teachings against formalism and priestcraft. He lived in Rajasthan and was actively involved in promoting spiritual beliefs that emphasized simplicity and direct connection with the divine. Dadu Dayal's professional life revolved around spreading his message of inner spirituality and devotion through his poetry and discourses. He attracted a following of disciples who were inspired by his teachings and sought to embody his principles in their own lives.

Lalleshwari, a Kashmiri mystic of the Kashmir Shaivism school, was a pioneer in mystic poetry known as Vakhs. Her verses, collectively known as Lal Vakhs, are significant early works in Kashmiri literature. Referred to by various names like Lal Dyad, Lalla Aarifa, and Lal Diddi, she made a lasting impact through her spiritual teachings and philosophical contributions. Lalleshwari's professional life was marked by her dedication to exploring the depths of Hindu philosophy and expressing profound spiritual insights through her poetry.

Dignāga was an Indian Buddhist philosopher and logician credited as a founder of Indian logic and atomism. His work laid the foundation for deductive logic in India and established the first system of Buddhist logic and epistemology. Dignāga's school brought about an "epistemological turn" in Indian philosophy and his ideas influenced later Buddhist and Hindu thinkers. He introduced influential concepts such as "exclusion" theory to explain linguistic meaning and focused on perception and inference as valid instruments of knowledge. Dignāga's work on language and reasoning remains highly influential in the development of Indian thought.

Azan Faqir, also known as Ajan Pir and Hazrat Shah Miran, was a Sufi Syed, poet, Muslim preacher, and saint from the 17th century. He settled in Assam in the north-eastern part of India, where he played a significant role in unifying the people of the Brahmaputra valley and reinforcing Islam in the region. Known for his mastery over the Qur’an, Hadith, and Islamic philosophy, Azan Faqir was particularly renowned for his devotional songs, Zikr and Zari, which drew from local musical traditions and shared similarities with the borgeets of Srimanta Sankardeva.

Ramprasad Sen was a Hindu Shakta poet and saint of 18th-century Bengal, known for his bhakti poems addressed to the goddess Kali. Influenced by Tantric scholar Krishnananda Agamavagisha, he gained fame for his devotional songs and innovative compositional style blending Bengali folk and classical melodies. His literary works include Vidyasundar, Kali-kirtana, Krishna-kirtana, and Shaktigiti. Credited with creating a new musical form, his songs continue to be popular in Bengal, with collections like Ramprasadi Sangit being sold at Shakta temples and pithas.

Moggaliputtatissa was a prominent Buddhist monk and scholar known for his significant contributions to the development and preservation of Buddhist teachings during the 3rd century BCE. He played a pivotal role in the Third Buddhist council and is associated with Emperor Ashoka, overseeing Buddhist missionary activities during that period. Moggaliputtatissa is revered in Theravada Buddhism as the founder of "Vibhajjavāda" tradition and the author of the Kathāvatthu. He is recognized for defending the true Dhamma against corruption and promoting the Middle Way philosophy championed by the Buddha.

Agastya was a revered Indian sage known for his expertise in diverse languages and scholarly contributions to Hindu texts, particularly the Rigveda. He is regarded as a Chiranjivi and considered the father of Siddha medicine. Revered as one of the Tamil Siddhar, he played a significant role in the development of Tampraparniyan medicine and spirituality in South India and Sri Lanka. Agastya is one of the seven Saptarishi in Vedic texts, with influence in Shaivism, Shaktism, and Vaishnavism. He is also credited with authoring several Sanskrit texts and is depicted in ancient sculptures and Hindu temples across South and Southeast Asia.

Thiruppaan Alvar, a revered poet-saint of the Sri Vaishnava tradition in South India, is known for his profound philosophical and theological contributions to Vaishnavism. His ten verses, known as Amalanatipiran, are part of the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, a collection of sacred hymns. Thiruppaan Alvar's devotion to Ranganatha of Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple is legendary, and he is believed to have attained spiritual union with the deity. His works continue to be recited in Vishnu temples across South India, where he is honored through images and festivals.

Bahinabai was a Varkari female-saint from Maharashtra, India, known for her abhanga compositions in Marathi. She is considered a disciple of the poet-saint Tukaram. Her professional life was marked by a struggle between her duties to her husband and her devotion to Vithoba. Despite facing verbal and physical abuse from her husband due to her spiritual inclination, she maintained a balance between her married life and her devotion to God. Bahinabai's poetry reflects her inner conflict and the challenges she faced in reconciling her worldly responsibilities with her spiritual path.

Paramārtha was an Indian monk renowned for translating Buddhist texts into Chinese during the Six Dynasties era. As one of the four great translators in Chinese Buddhist history, he provided valuable translations and oral commentaries on texts like Abhidharmakośa and Mahāyānasaṃgraha. Known for unique doctrines such as "immaculate consciousness" and "original awakening," he influenced Chinese Buddhism significantly. Associated with the Shelun School and Faxing school, Paramārtha's teachings combined Yogacara thought with Buddha-nature ideas, emphasizing the innate purity of the mind for liberation.

Vajrabodhi was an Indian esoteric Buddhist monk and teacher known for introducing Vajrayana Buddhism in the Srivijaya Empire, which later developed into Indonesian Esoteric Buddhism. He taught at Nalanda before moving to Tang China, where he became one of the eight patriarchs in Shingon Buddhism. His professional life was marked by his significant contributions to the spread and evolution of esoteric Buddhist teachings in different regions, establishing his legacy as a key figure in the development of Buddhist practices in Asia.

Gonsalo Garcia, O.F.M., was a dedicated lay brother of the Franciscans in early modern India. He served in Portuguese Bombay and Bassein, demonstrating unwavering faith and commitment to his Christian beliefs. His ultimate sacrifice as a Christian martyr in 16th-century Japan, alongside his companions, the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan, exemplified his steadfast devotion to his religious convictions. Gonsalo's professional life was marked by his selfless service and courageous witness to the Christian faith in challenging and diverse cultural contexts.

Vedanayagam Samuel Azariah was an Indian evangelist and the first Indian bishop in the Anglican Communion. He served as the first bishop of the diocese of Dornakal, making significant contributions to Christian ecumenism in India. Azariah's professional life was marked by his pioneering efforts in bridging different Christian denominations and fostering unity. He had a complex relationship with Mahatma Gandhi, who regarded him as a controversial figure among postcolonial Indians. Azariah's legacy includes his role in advocating for religious harmony and social justice in India.

Bhāviveka, a prominent figure in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, is retrospectively regarded as the founder of the svātantrika madhyamaka tradition within Buddhism. He contributed to the division of madhyamaka philosophy into svātantrika and prāsaṅgika sub-schools, emphasizing the use of autonomous syllogisms. Bhāviveka's classification has been influential in Tibetan monasteries and modern literature on madhyamaka. Despite some scholarly debate about this classification, Bhāviveka's legacy as a key figure in the development of Buddhist philosophy remains significant, particularly within the lineage of the Panchen Lamas of Tibet.

Gorakhnath was a Hindu yogi, mahasiddha, and saint who founded the Nath Hindu monastic movement in India. He is considered one of the disciples of Matsyendranath and is known as a Maha-yogi in Hindu tradition. Gorakhnath emphasized the search for Truth and spiritual life as valuable goals for mankind. He championed Yoga, spiritual discipline, and ethical living as paths to reaching samadhi. His teachings and followers have been influential in rural India, with monasteries and temples dedicated to him found across the country.

Bhadrabahu was a prominent figure in Jainism, revered by both the Śvetāmbara and Digambara sects. He is recognized as the last Shruta Kevalin in Jainism, known for his spiritual teachings and authorship of the holy Kalpa Sūtra. According to Digambara tradition, he played a significant role in the life of Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya Empire. Bhadrabahu is considered a key figure in Jain history, with his contributions to Jain literature and philosophy shaping the beliefs of followers across different sects.

Asaṅga, a fourth-century Buddhist philosopher, was a prominent figure in the development of the Yogācāra school of idealism. Born into a high-caste Purusapura court priest family, he embraced the Mahāyāna tradition of Buddhism. He made significant contributions to the Vijñānavāda or Doctrine of Consciousness, with his work Mahāyāna-saṃgraha being particularly well-known. Asaṅa's professional life was marked by his dedication to philosophical exploration and the advancement of Buddhist thought, leaving a lasting impact on the field.

Gurumayi Chidvilasananda is the spiritual head of the Siddha Yoga path, following her initiation by Swami Muktananda. She became a renunciate in 1982 and, along with her brother Swami Nityananda, jointly led Siddha Yoga after Muktananda's passing. Gurumayi oversaw the expansion of the Fallsburg ashram to accommodate more devotees. She is also a published author of devotional books, with her first work, "Kindle My Heart," released in 1989. Through her teachings and writings, Gurumayi continues to inspire spiritual seekers worldwide.

Freda Bedi was a prominent figure in Indian social work, writing, and activism. She played a crucial role in advocating for Indian nationalism and was imprisoned for her support of the movement. Bedi's professional life also saw her become the first Western woman to receive full ordination in Tibetan Buddhism, where she adopted the name Gelongma Karma Kechog Palmo. Through her work as a Buddhist nun, she left a lasting impact on the spiritual and social landscape of India and beyond.

Jagadguru Swami Ramananda was a 14th-century Hindu Vaishnava devotional poet saint who lived in Varanasi, India. He founded the Ramanandi Sampradaya, the largest monastic Hindu renunciant community. Ramananda was a pioneering figure in the Bhakti movement, influenced by Ramanuja and Nathpanthi ascetics. He accepted disciples without discrimination and his followers included prominent poet-sants like Kabir and Ravidas. Ramananda's works focused on spiritual themes in vernacular Hindi, emphasizing accessibility to the masses. His teachings are revered in various religious traditions, including Sikhism.

Anandamayi Ma was an Indian saint, teacher, and mystic revered as an incarnation of Hindu goddess Durga. Her professional life was characterized by a profound dedication to Bhakti Yoga and divine grace, inspiring societal cultural transformation towards service, love, and remembrance of the divine. She was known for spiritual attributes such as precognition, faith healing, and miracles, which her followers experienced. Given the Sanskrit epithet "Joy-permeated" by Paramahansa Yogananda, Anandamayi Ma embodied a perpetual state of divine joy, influencing many with her teachings and spiritual presence.

Abhishiktananda was a French-born Indian monk who moved to India in 1948 to pursue a more radical spiritual life. He adopted sannyasa in accordance with Indian tradition and became a pioneer of Hindu-Christian dialogue. Through interactions with prominent saints like Sri Ramana Maharshi and Sri H.W.L. Poonja, he delved into profound advaitic experiences. His professional life was marked by a deep exploration of advaita philosophy, leading to a final recognition of its truth in his later years, shaping his contributions to spiritual discourse and interfaith understanding.

Samarth Ramdas, a revered Indian Hindu saint and spiritual master, devoted his life to spreading philosophical teachings, poetry, and spiritual guidance. He was known for his deep devotion to the Hindu deities Rama and Hanuman. As a prolific writer and poet, he left behind a legacy of spiritual texts and poems that continue to inspire followers to this day. His teachings emphasized the importance of serving others, practicing self-discipline, and cultivating a strong connection with the divine.