Sant Dnyaneshwar was born in Maharashtra. At a very young age he composed the great Dnyaneshwari, a Marathi commentary on the Bhagavad Gita. Tradition says his family had to endure neglect from society.
The folk tale says that once in Paithan some scholars told Dnyaneshwar that the Vedas were only for Brahmins. In mockery they said, “Your name is Dnyaneshwar, and this buffalo’s name is also Dnyaneshwar. So what is the difference between you and him?”
Dnyaneshwar stayed calm. It is said that he placed his hand on the buffalo’s head and the buffalo began reciting Vedic hymns. Silence fell over the gathering and the scholars were ashamed.
In folk tradition the episode is told to convey that all beings have the right to knowledge and devotion, and no one is superior or inferior by birth.