Bholanath Divetia
Bholanath Sarabhai Divetia (1822 - 1886) was Gujarati poet and religious reformer from India.
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Life
He was born in a Nagar Brahmin family from Ahmedabad.[1] He studied law and served as a government servant during British rule in India. He was elevated to the post of first class sub-judge. He retired in 1874 and was awarded the Rai Bahadur title by the British. He was born in an orthodox religious family and believed in idol worship but adopted belief in a formless god. He founded Prarthnasamaj and Dharmasabha for religious reform. He was the father of Gujarati author Narsinhrao Divetia.[2]
Works
He knew Gujarati, English, Marathi, Persian and Sanskrit languages. His two volumes of Ishwar Prarthanamala are the collection of prayers in thirty sections designed as prayers for thirty days of the month. Last two sections are completed by his son, Narsinhrao Divetia, as he died before completion. His Abhangamala is a poetry in abhanga and dindi forms of poetry from South India.[2]
Memorials
The 200 years old Haveli belonging the Bholenath has been declared heritage property by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.[1] and the Haveli is a part of places covered in the Heritage walk of Ahmedabad.[3] It is with carved wooden work and floral motifs painted in green and gold colours.[1] Famous poets like Akho Bhagat use to frequent this Haveli before the lifetime of Bholanath.[1]
