Dadu Dayal

Dadu Dayal (1544–1603) was a 16th-century saint, poet, and social reformer from Gujarat who later settled in Rajasthan. He was a prominent figure in the Bhakti movement and founded the Dadu Panth, a religious sect emphasising devotion to a formless, universal God. Deeply influenced by Nirguna Bhakti, like Kabir, Dadu rejected idol worship, ritualism, caste distinctions, and religious orthodoxy, advocating instead for inner purity, compassion, and equality.Dadu’s teachings, compiled in the Dadu Vani, used simple Hindi verse to make spiritual insights accessible to the masses. He preached love and unity, encouraging Hindus and Muslims alike to transcend sectarian barriers. His followers, known as Dadupanthis, later contributed to social welfare, religious education, and even played a role in resisting Mughal oppression.

Dadu Dayal

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