Visoba Khechara

Visoba Khechara (unknown - 1309 CE), spelled also as Visoba Khechar or Visoba Khecar, was the yogi-guru of the Varkari poet-saint Namdev (c.1270-1350) of Maharashtra, India. Visoba was a disciple of the Varkari poet-saint Jñāneśvar (c. 1275-1296). He had linkages with the Varkari tradition as well as the Nath tradition of Maharashtra. He preached the omnipresence of God and thus denounced idol-worship. Though a staunch Shaiva, Visoba has composed verses in praise of the god Vithoba, the patron deity of the Varkari faith. He has also composed a manuscript called the Sansthal.

The name Visoba is derived from the word viṣṇein, which means to relax and relates to the meeting of Visoba with Namdev. The latter part of the name Khechara (lit. "one who is moving in air") relates him being a Siddha, a Tantric master possessing magical powers and his linkage to the Nath tradition of Maharashtra. Another theory relates his name khechara, literally meaning a mule in Marathi, as the name Dnyaneshwar and Muktai called him in contempt, when Visoba refused to believe in their powers.

Visoba either lived in Amvadhya or Barshi. The story of Visoba's transformation is told in Mahipati's Bhaktivijaya. In the text, Visoba's real name is said to be Visoba Chati. He is described as a Brahmin who hated Jñāneśvar and his siblings and created obstacles in their path. Once, when Jñāneśvar's sister Muktabai went to get some earthenware from the potter, Visoba struck her angrily and disallowed the potter to sell her his pans. Disheartened, Muktabai returned home and told the tale to Jñāneśvar. The text says he heated his back by his yogic powers and Muktai baked the food on his back. Astonished by seeing this miracle, Visoba repented and asked for forgiveness from Jñāneśvar. Initially, Jñāneśvar calls Visoba "a mule", which gave him the name "Visoba Khechara". Visoba had refused to acknowledge Jñāneśvar and Muktabai, but after knowing their spiritual greatness he became their disciple. Even though older than Jñāneśvar, he is described as his servant ("Kimkara") by Bahinabai.

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