Surdas

Poet, Singer

Indian Gram Sihi, Faridabad, Haryana

Quick Info

ProfessionPoet, Singer
NationalityIndian
BirthplaceGram Sihi, Faridabad, Haryana
Date of Death28/03/1581

Do you like Surdas?

You can vote only once.

Bio/Wiki

Famous forInfluencing the Bhakti movement, Sant Mat, and devotional poetry in Brajbhasa; considered the pinnacle of poetic artistry in Braj language
Notable WorksSur Sagar (Ocean of Melody) - originally containing approximately 100,000 poems, of which 8,000 survive today
Spiritual AffiliationVallabha Sampradaya (Pushti Marg)
GuruVallabhacharya
Literary DialectBrajbhasa

Physical Stats & More

Blind from birth

Personal Life

Marital StatusUnmarried
Known AbilitiesComposed thousands of Krishna bhajans and devotional poems; could accurately describe the attire and ornaments of Krishna deity in temples despite being blind

Relationships & More

Marital Status (at the time of death)Unmarried
Spiritual MentorVallabhacharya

Family

FatherRamdas Saraswat
MotherJamunadas

Career

PhilosophyBhakti; Shuddhadvaita school of Vaishnavism
Primary FocusDevotional poetry and music dedicated to Lord Krishna; elevated Brajbhasa from a plebeian dialect to a literary language
RecognitionMet by Emperor Akbar; refused invitation to perform at Mughal court to remain devoted to Krishna worship; designated as one of the Ashtachap (Eight Seals) poets of the Vallabha Sampradaya
ResidenceSpent majority of life in Braj region near Mathura and Gokul
InfluenceHis work raised the status of Brajbhasa and influenced the Bhakti movement across North India

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Surdas, a blind Indian poet and singer from the 16th century, is renowned for his poetic works honoring Lord Krishna.
2. As a disciple of Lord Krishna, Surdas wrote and sang poems expressing his love for his revered master.
3. One of Surdas’s notable works is the book Sur Sagar (Sur’s Ocean), followed by several other publications under his name.
4. Surdas actively engaged in the Bhakti movement that spanned the Indian subcontinent, showcasing his devout faith.
5. Drawing inspiration from the Radha-Krishna Lila, Surdas crafted his compositions with passion and reverence.
6. Affiliated with the Vallabh sect, Surdas was initiated by Vallabhacharya, a prominent spiritual leader.
7. Surdas made significant contributions to both Indian poetry and music, leaving a lasting impact on the artistic landscape.
8. Left home at age six due to neglect caused by his blindness and wandered with groups of singers.
9. According to legend, Surdas was called to Braj Bhumi by Lord Krishna in a dream, which transformed his life.
10. Blind singers in North India traditionally refer to themselves as Surdas in his honor.
11. His verses describing the attire and appearance of Krishna deity in temples amazed onlookers despite his blindness.
12. His compositions became part of the popular oral tradition in North India, particularly in Braj Bhumi.
13. The name Surdas translates to 'servant of the sun' and is considered more of a title than a common name.
14. He composed a new bhajan every evening upon visiting the Krishna temple, with descriptions of the deity's attire that matched the daily changes.
Information on this page is collected from public sources and may not be 100% accurate. Report an error
Scroll to Top