Sant Namdev (1270–1350), a pioneering 13th–14th century Varkari saint from Maharashtra, composed thousands of abhangs dedicated to Lord Vitthal. A tailor by birth, he revolutionised Indian culture by spreading the Bhakti movement through soul-stirring kirtans and devotional poetry in Marathi. He travelled widely, including to North India and Punjab, promoting social equality, caste-free devotion, and the idea that sincere love for God is open to all. Many of his verses are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, making him a bridge between regional and pan-Indian spiritual traditions.