Muktabai, also known as Mukta, was a saint in the Varkari Movement and the younger sister of Dnyaneshwar, the first Varkari saint. She was born into a Deshastha Brahmin family and is known for writing forty-one abhangs (devotional poetry) throughout her life.
Muktabai's father, Vitthalpant Kulkarni, was a scholar who had studied the Vedas. She had three elder brothers: Sopan, Nyaneshvar (also known as Dhyaneshvar), and Nivrutti. Nivrutti, the eldest brother, was an authority on the philosophy of the Nath tradition. Dnyaneshwar, the second sibling, was a renowned poet, philosopher, and yogi. Sopan, her younger brother, also wrote a book and composed abhangs.
According to the traditional Nath tradition, Muktabai was the youngest of four children. Her parents, Vitthal and Rukmini, were pious and lived in Apegaon near Paithan. Vitthal had studied the Vedas and had gone on pilgrimages. He met Ramananda Swami in Kashi and requested initiation into sannyas, falsely claiming to be unmarried. However, Ramananda Swami later discovered the truth and sent Vitthal back to his family. Vitthal and Rukmini were excommunicated from the Brahmin caste.
Muktabai and her siblings grew up in poverty and approached the Brahmin community in Paithan to accept them, but they were initially rejected. Eventually, the children were purified by the Brahmins on the condition of observing celibacy. They gained fame and respect for their righteousness, virtue, intelligence, knowledge, and politeness. Dnyaneshwar became a student of Nivrutti, along with Sopan and Mukta, at a young age. He learned and mastered the philosophy and techniques of Kundalini yoga.
Muktabai's life and contributions are significant in the Varkari Movement, and her abhangs continue to inspire devotion and spiritual contemplation.