Narahari Sonar: The Goldsmith Saint of Pandharpur

Narahari Sonar was a saint of the Varkari tradition of Maharashtra, the devotional movement centred on the worship of Vitthal, the form of Vishnu enshrined at Pandharpur, and he is remembered as a goldsmith, a sonar by trade, who became a devotee of the Lord. Tradition holds that he was at first a devout worshipper of Shiva who was drawn to the devotion of Vitthal, and the cherished story of the deity appearing to him as both Shiva and Vishnu expresses the unity of the divine that lies at the heart of his memory. He is counted among the saint-poets of Pandharpur and a composer of abhangas, the devotional songs of the tradition, and his life belongs to the wider world of the Bhakti movement. Placed by tradition around the thirteenth century, and though some details of his life come through devotional accounts, his standing as a beloved Varkari saint is firmly held.

Key Takeaways

• Narahari Sonar was a Varkari saint of Pandharpur in Maharashtra.
• He worked as a goldsmith, a sonar, from which his name is taken.
• Tradition holds that he was first a devout Shaiva who became a devotee of Vitthal, the form of Vishnu at Pandharpur.
• The story of the deity appearing to him as both Shiva and Vishnu is cherished as a devotional tradition of the unity of the divine.
• He is remembered as a composer of abhangas, the devotional songs of the Varkari tradition.
• He is placed by tradition around the thirteenth century.

The sections below explain his life as told by tradition, his trade as a goldsmith, the Varkari tradition, the worship of Vitthal, the cherished story of his vision, his abhangas and his continuing place in devotion.

Quick Facts

Who Was Narahari Sonar?

Narahari Sonar was a saint of the Varkari tradition of Maharashtra who is remembered as a goldsmith by trade and a devotee of Vitthal, the form of Vishnu enshrined at Pandharpur. He is counted among the beloved saint-poets who gathered around the worship of the Lord of Pandharpur.

Tradition pictures him as a craftsman of gold, a sonar, who was at first a devout worshipper of Shiva and who was drawn into the devotion of Vitthal, so that his life came to express the harmony of the two great streams of Hindu worship. He is honoured as a composer of abhangas, the devotional songs of the tradition. Although some details of his life come through devotional accounts rather than documented record, his standing as a cherished Varkari saint, a devotee who found the divine through his craft and his song, is firmly remembered in the tradition of Maharashtra.

What Does the Name Narahari Sonar Mean?

The saint is known as Narahari Sonar, and the parts of this name help readers recognise him and understand his place in the tradition. Narahari is a name of the divine, recalling the man-lion form of Vishnu, while Sonar denotes his trade and community, that of the goldsmith.

The word sonar, from the Marathi for gold, marks him as a craftsman who worked in gold, and it became joined to his name as a mark of the calling through which he served and found the Lord. This union of a sacred name with the name of a humble trade reflects the spirit of the Varkari tradition, in which saints arose from many walks of life and offered their devotion through their daily work. Recognising the meaning of his name helps a reader appreciate how Narahari Sonar is remembered as the goldsmith who became a saint of Pandharpur.

What Was His Trade as a Goldsmith?

Narahari Sonar is remembered above all as a goldsmith, a sonar, a craftsman who worked gold into ornaments and sacred objects, and his trade is woven into the very memory of the saint. In the Varkari tradition his craft is cherished as the setting in which his devotion grew.

The goldsmith held an honoured place in the life of the town, fashioning ornaments and articles of worship with skill and care. Tradition tells that Narahari practised this craft at Pandharpur, and that through it he was brought into the service of the Lord of the shrine. The remembrance of his trade reflects a cherished theme of the Bhakti tradition, that devotion may be offered through honest work and that the divine is found not only in temples but in the daily labour of the faithful. Narahari Sonar stands as a beloved example of the craftsman who became a saint.

What Is the Varkari Tradition?

The Varkari tradition is the devotional movement of Maharashtra centred on the worship of Vitthal of Pandharpur, marked by the singing of abhangas, the pilgrimage to the shrine and a devotion open to people of every walk of life. Narahari Sonar is honoured among its saints.

The word Varkari refers to one who undertakes the vari, the regular pilgrimage to Pandharpur, and the tradition gathers a great company of saint-poets whose songs express a simple and heartfelt devotion to the Lord. It teaches that loving devotion to Vitthal is open to all, whatever their caste or calling, and it cherishes the chanting of the divine name and the singing of devotional song. Narahari Sonar belongs to this fellowship of saints, remembered as the goldsmith among them. Understanding the Varkari tradition helps a reader see the devotional world in which his life and song found their meaning.

Who Is Vitthal, the Lord of Pandharpur?

Vitthal, also called Vithoba or Panduranga, is the form of the divine enshrined at Pandharpur and worshipped as a form of Vishnu, often understood as Krishna, who stands upon a brick with his hands upon his hips. He is the beloved Lord of the Varkari tradition and the focus of Narahari Sonar’s devotion.

The image of Vitthal at Pandharpur is cherished as the heart of the tradition, drawing pilgrims from across Maharashtra who come singing the praises of the Lord. The saint-poets sang of Vitthal as a near and gracious God, a loving presence close to his devotees. Narahari Sonar is remembered as one who came to the devotion of Vitthal and poured out his love in song. Understanding the place of Vitthal helps a reader appreciate the devotion that filled the life of the goldsmith saint and the shrine around which the tradition gathers.

Why Is Narahari Sonar Said to Have Been First a Devotee of Shiva?

Narahari Sonar is said in tradition to have been at first a devout worshipper of Shiva before he became a devotee of Vitthal, and this remembered turning lies at the heart of the story told of him. It is cherished as a devotional account of how he came to the Lord of Pandharpur.

Tradition pictures him as firmly devoted to Shiva, reluctant at first to turn to the worship of Vitthal, until an experience of the divine drew him to the Lord of the shrine. This remembered beginning as a Shaiva gives his story its particular meaning, for it sets the stage for the cherished vision in which the one divine reality is shown to embrace both Shiva and Vishnu. Careful writers present this account as devotional tradition, honouring its meaning for the faithful, and it is treasured as an image of how devotion to one form of God may open into the love of the one divine in all its forms.

What Is the Story of the Vision of Shiva and Vishnu?

The cherished story of Narahari Sonar tells that the deity appeared to him as both Shiva and Vishnu, so that the goldsmith, once devoted to Shiva alone, came to see the one divine reality in the form of Vitthal. This account is held in the tradition as a devotional belief rather than documented history.

The tradition relates that Narahari, asked to fashion an ornament for the image of Vitthal, came to behold the Lord in a way that revealed the unity of Shiva and Vishnu, the two great forms of the divine, as one. The story is cherished as an image of the harmony of the Shaiva and Vaishnava paths and of the truth that the one God is worshipped under many forms. Careful writers present this episode explicitly as devotional tradition, honouring its meaning for devotees while not treating it as historical record, and it remains the most beloved story told of the goldsmith saint.

What Are Abhangas, and What Did He Compose?

Abhangas are the devotional songs of the Varkari tradition, verses in Marathi that praise Vitthal and express the love and longing of the devotee, and Narahari Sonar is remembered as a composer of such songs. Through them his devotion was given voice and handed down.

The abhang is a form cherished across the Varkari tradition, sung on pilgrimage and in worship, carrying the heartfelt devotion of the saint-poets to the people. Narahari Sonar is honoured among those who composed abhangas in praise of the Lord of Pandharpur, giving expression to his love for Vitthal and to the devotion that had grown through his craft and his vision. Because these songs belong to the living tradition and are sung within it, careful accounts describe them in general terms rather than claiming detailed knowledge of every verse. Together they reflect his place among the singing saints of Maharashtra.

When and Where Did Narahari Sonar Live?

Narahari Sonar is placed by tradition around the thirteenth century, and because the sources are largely devotional it is wise to describe his era in general terms rather than fix exact dates. He is associated above all with Pandharpur, the holy town of Vitthal in Maharashtra.

His life unfolded at Pandharpur, where the worship of Vitthal gathered the devotion of the Varkari saints, and where he is remembered for practising his craft and offering his devotion. This town on the banks of the Bhima river, revered as the heart of the tradition, was the setting of his life and song. Because parts of his biography are handed down through tradition, careful writers describe his region and general period with confidence while leaving finer details open, in keeping with the respectful caution that the devotional sources invite.

How Does Narahari Sonar Reflect the Unity of Shiva and Vishnu?

Narahari Sonar reflects the cherished theme of the unity of Shiva and Vishnu, for his story tells of a devotee of Shiva who came to behold the one divine reality in the form of Vitthal, a form of Vishnu. His memory is honoured as a witness to the harmony of the great streams of Hindu devotion.

In the Hindu tradition the worship of Shiva and of Vishnu are often held to lead to one supreme reality, and the story of Narahari gives this truth a beloved and human face. The goldsmith who loved Shiva and was drawn to Vitthal becomes an image of the devotee for whom the many forms of God are one. This theme gives his memory a particular dignity within the Varkari tradition. For devotees his story is cherished as a reminder that devotion to one form of the divine may open into the love of the one God worshipped under every name.

How Did Narahari Sonar Serve the Lord Through His Craft?

Narahari Sonar is remembered for serving the Lord through his craft as a goldsmith, fashioning ornaments and articles of worship, so that his daily labour became an offering of devotion. This union of work and worship is cherished as a mark of his saintly life.

Tradition tells that his skill as a craftsman was offered in the service of Vitthal, and that it was in the course of such service that he came to behold the Lord. The remembrance of this service reflects a cherished teaching of the Bhakti tradition, that honest work done in a spirit of devotion is itself a path to the divine. The goldsmith saint thus stands as an example of the sanctity of ordinary labour offered to God. For devotees the memory of Narahari serving the Lord through his craft is an encouragement to find the divine in their own daily work.

How Is Narahari Sonar Remembered Among the Varkari Saints?

Narahari Sonar is remembered among the great fellowship of Varkari saints, the saint-poets of Pandharpur who sang the praises of Vitthal, and he holds an honoured place among them as the goldsmith of the tradition. His name is recalled with those of the other beloved saints of Maharashtra.

The Varkari tradition cherishes a great company of saints who arose from every walk of life and who are honoured together as the devotees of the Lord of Pandharpur. Narahari Sonar is counted among them, remembered for his craft, his vision and his song. His place in this fellowship reflects the spirit of the tradition, which gathered saints of many callings into one devotion. For devotees the remembrance of Narahari among the Varkari saints keeps alive the story of the goldsmith who found the Lord and sang his praise alongside the other saint-poets of the tradition.

How Are His Life and Memory Preserved?

The life and memory of Narahari Sonar are preserved through the devotional tradition of the Varkari saints, through the abhangas associated with his name and through the remembrance of his story at Pandharpur. His memory lives wherever the saints of the tradition are honoured.

The tradition has handed down his story, his cherished vision and his songs through recitation, through the hagiographical memory of the saints and through the living devotion of the Varkari fellowship. These accounts, cherished as devotional tradition, keep his memory present for the faithful. The continuing honour given to the Varkari saints at Pandharpur preserves his place among them. Through this living remembrance, carried in song and story, the memory of the goldsmith saint endures, and his devotion to Vitthal continues to inspire those who cherish the saints of Maharashtra.

Why Does Narahari Sonar Still Matter Today?

Narahari Sonar still matters today because his story and his abhangas remain cherished in the Varkari tradition of Maharashtra, and because he stands as a beloved image of the craftsman who became a saint and of the unity of Shiva and Vishnu. His memory continues to inspire devotion through honest work and song.

For devotees he is the goldsmith saint of Pandharpur, whose love for Vitthal was kindled through his craft and crowned by his cherished vision. His story is treasured as a witness to the harmony of the Shaiva and Vaishnava paths. Careful readers honour the context of his tradition and treat the cherished account of his vision explicitly as devotional belief, while recognising his enduring importance as a saint whose life unites the dignity of labour, the love of the Lord and the song of the Varkari fellowship.

Narahari Sonar Today

Narahari Sonar today is remembered as the goldsmith saint of Pandharpur, a Varkari devotee of Vitthal and a composer of abhangas, whose cherished story of beholding the Lord as both Shiva and Vishnu is treasured in the tradition of Maharashtra. His memory remains a living presence among the saints of the Varkari fellowship.

Through his craft, his vision and his song he became a beloved example of devotion offered through daily work and of the harmony of the great forms of the divine. Some details of his life come through tradition, and his cherished vision is held as a devotional belief, yet the living honour given to the Varkari saints keeps his memory present. His legacy endures as a reminder that the Lord may be found and served in the labour of ordinary life, and praised in the heartfelt song of the devotee.

Sources & Further Reading

• Ministry of Culture, Government of India (indiaculture.gov.in).
• Sahitya Akademi general references on Marathi devotional literature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Narahari Sonar?

Narahari Sonar was a Varkari saint of Pandharpur in Maharashtra who worked as a goldsmith, a sonar, and became a devotee of Vitthal, the form of Vishnu worshipped there. Placed by tradition around the thirteenth century, he is remembered as a composer of abhangas and as a beloved saint of the Varkari tradition.

Why is Narahari Sonar called a goldsmith saint?

Narahari Sonar is called a goldsmith saint because he worked gold as a sonar by trade, and his craft is woven into the memory of his devotion. Tradition cherishes him as an example of the craftsman who served the Lord through his work and became a saint of Pandharpur.

What is the story of his vision of Shiva and Vishnu?

Tradition relates that the deity appeared to Narahari Sonar as both Shiva and Vishnu, so that the goldsmith, once a devotee of Shiva, came to see the one divine reality in the form of Vitthal. The story is cherished as a devotional belief in the unity of the divine rather than as documented history.

Who is Vitthal?

Vitthal, also called Vithoba or Panduranga, is the form of the divine enshrined at Pandharpur and worshipped as a form of Vishnu, often understood as Krishna. He is the beloved Lord of the Varkari tradition and the focus of Narahari Sonar’s devotion.

What are abhangas?

Abhangas are the devotional songs of the Varkari tradition, verses in Marathi that praise Vitthal and express the love and longing of the devotee. Narahari Sonar is remembered as a composer of abhangas, through which his devotion to the Lord of Pandharpur was given voice.

When did Narahari Sonar live?

Narahari Sonar is placed by tradition around the thirteenth century, in the devotional world of the Varkari saints of Pandharpur. Because the sources are largely devotional, his era is best described in general terms rather than by exact dates.