Kanhopatra

Kanhopatra, a revered figure in the Varkari sect of Hinduism, was a 15th-century Marathi saint-poet whose life and works continue to inspire many. Little is known about her early life, but traditional accounts suggest she was a courtesan and dancer. Her legacy is profoundly marked by her choice to surrender to the Hindu god Vithoba, the patron deity of the Varkaris, rather than accept the life of a concubine to the Badshah of Bidar.

Her death at the central shrine of Vithoba in Pandharpur is a significant event, as she is the only individual whose samadhi is located within the temple precincts. Kanhopatra's poetry, primarily composed of Marathi ovi and abhanga, reflects her deep devotion to Vithoba and her struggles to reconcile her piety with her profession.

In her verses, Kanhopatra earnestly implores Vithoba to be her savior, seeking liberation from the constraints of her life. Approximately thirty of her abhangas have survived the passage of time and are still sung today, showcasing her enduring influence. Uniquely, she is recognized as the only female Varkari saint to achieve sainthood based solely on her devotion, without the guidance of a guru or the support of a male Varkari saint.