Like other contemporary saints, he also propounded Advaita philosophy, but inspired by the spirit of public welfare, considered the path of devotion to be simple and paramount. His real name was Narayan, he was born in 1530 in Jamb village. His father died at the age of seven. During his wedding, as he heard the phrase ‘Savadhan (caution)’, he left the ceremony and abandoned his home, finally retiring to seclusion on the banks of Godavari. He travelled extensively for over 12 years. Shivaji was his pupil, and his noted work is, ‘Dasbodh’.