Bhaktamal | Dadu Dayal
Real name - Mahabali
Guru - Baba Budhau
Birth Date - Chaitra Shukla Ashtami, 1544
Birth Place - Ahmedabad, India
Died - 1603 Akoda, Rajasthan, India
Language: Gujarati, Hindi
Father - Lodiram
Marital status - Married
Founder of - Dadu Panth
Famous - Hindu Poet saint, Kabir of Rajasthan
Dadu Dayal was a famous poet-saint and spiritual reformer of North India, especially Rajasthan, who founded the Dadu Panth. He is known for his emphasis on formless devotion (nirguna bhakti), criticism of ritualism and casteism, and advocacy of inner spiritual practice.
Dadu Dayal, born in Ahmedabad to a cotton-carder family—his background was similar to that of
Kabirdas. His name means "merciful brother". He was deeply influenced by another major Nirguna saint Kabir and his teachings. At the age of 11, he met his guru Baba Buddha, beginning his spiritual journey; a second, more formal initiation followed at age 18.
He renounced idol worship, caste distinctions, temple rituals and priestly authority and stressed true devotion and union of the soul with the Supreme Being through japa (name meditation). Advocated religious harmony between Hindus and Muslims and promoted the idea that God is beyond sects. His poetry is woven with themes of inner light and sound (Surat Shabd Yoga), echoing the traditions of Kabir and the Sant Mat lineage.
His followers, known as Dadupanthi, continue to follow his teachings and emphasize the path of devotion, vegetarianism and moderation. His legacy remains alive through annual fairs, ashrams and the widespread recitation of his Anubhav Vani. Dadu Dayal remains a symbol of spiritual brotherhood, devotional love and timeless mysticism.
He travelled extensively across Rajasthan—including Sambhar, Amer, and eventually Narayana near Jaipur, where he spent his final years and attained samadhi (spiritual union) in 1603.
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