4076 - Jnaneshwar
Author: Amar Chitra Katha
Description: "Jnaneshwar" is a deeply spiritual and inspiring comic from Amar Chitra Katha that narrates the life of Jnaneshwar (also known as Jnanadev), a 13th-century saint, poet, and philosopher who played a pivotal role in the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra. Born to Vithal and Rukmini, Jnaneshwar was one of four siblings, all of whom were destined for spiritual greatness. From a young age, Jnaneshwar showed a profound inclination toward the scriptures and spiritual life. Despite facing social rejection due to his family's controversial background, Jnaneshwar rose above adversity and became a beacon of divine wisdom. He is best known for his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, called the Jnaneshwari, written in Marathi, which made sacred knowledge accessible to the common people. His teachings emphasized Bhagwat Dharma—the path of love for God and universal brotherhood. The comic beautifully captures his journey from a precocious child to a revered spiritual leader. It highlights his compassion, humility, and deep devotion, as well as his philosophical insights that continue to influence Indian spirituality. At the young age of 21, having fulfilled his mission, Jnaneshwar entered samadhi (a state of meditative absorption) in Alandi, withdrawing from the world in 1297 AD1. Keywords: Jnaneshwar, Jnanadev, Bhakti movement, Bhagwat Dharma, Jnaneshwari, Marathi saint, Amar Chitra Katha, Alandi, Bhagavad Gita, spiritual leader Ideal For: Spiritual readers, students, educators, parents, and those interested in Indian saints and devotional literature Age: 10 years and above Theme: Devotion, spiritual awakening, equality, compassion, inner purity Tone: Inspirational, devotional, philosophical, and uplifting Book Type: Illustrated biographical comic (graphic storybook) Length: Approximately 32–34 pages