Janabai is one of the most prominent saints of the Varkari tradition, said Vishaka Hari in a discourse. Janabai demonstrated through her life that work and worship need not be separate. Every task she performed became an act of devotion, transforming her entire day into uninterrupted remembrance of Lord Panduranga (Vithoba).Lord Panduranga of Pandharpur is renowned for His countless divine plays (leelas) with His devotees. Among the inspiring lives of saints such as Namdev, Tukaram, Dnyaneshwar and Sakubai, the story of Janabai holds a uniquely intimate place because of the Lord’s personal affection for her.Janabai was a simple, innocent girl who came to the sacred town of Pandharpur drawn by deep devotion. She found refuge in the home of Saint Namdev, where she lived as a humble servant doing household chores. Her daily life consisted of sweeping the house, scrubbing floors, pounding grain, and preparing cow dung cakes for fuel. Yet, while performing every task, her heart remained absorbed in the constant remembrance of Panduranga. She proved that sincere devotion does not require seclusion or rituals alone; even ordinary household work can become divine worship when performed with love for God.In a beautiful divine play, disguised as a humble blanket seller (Kongadivala/Kambalivala), Lord Panduranga adorned Janabai with His own yellow silk garment (Peethambaram), divine ear ornaments, and the sacred Vaijayanti garland. He then playfully accused her of stealing these ornaments. Through this extraordinary leela, the Lord revealed to everyone that Janabai was His most cherished devotee and that He Himself is the true “Chitta Chora” — the One who steals the hearts of His devotees. This divine act proclaimed Janabai’s greatness (Mahatmyam) to the entire world, ensuring that her devotion would be remembered and celebrated for generations. Published - August 10, 2026 05:08 am IST