Narsinh Mehta, also known as Narsinh Bhagat, was a 15th-century poet-saint of Gujarat, India, known as the first poet of the Gujarati language. He devoted his life to composing bhakti poetry dedicated to Krishna. His bhajans, including "Vaishnav Jan To," were popular for over five centuries and were admired by Mahatma Gandhi and freedom fighters in India.

Born in 1414 in Talaja, Gujarat, Narsinh belonged to the Nagar Brahmin community. He initially faced hardships, including being mute until the age of eight. After a transformative experience in a forest, where he fasted and meditated, Shiva appeared to Narsinh and took him to Vrindavan, where he witnessed Krishna's ras leela. Impressed by Narsinh's devotion, Krishna granted him eternal devotion and the ability to sing his glory.

Narsinh faced opposition from the Nagar Brahmins for associating with people considered of lower caste. He lived in poverty in Junagadh with his wife and children, gaining popularity as a bhajan singer. Despite his poverty, Krishna miraculously provided for Narsinh, such as during his son's wedding and a promissory note incident.

One of Narsinh's autobiographical compositions depicts the ceremony for his daughter's pregnancy, where Krishna provided abundant gifts when Narsinh couldn't afford them. Another incident involved a test by the King of Junagadh, where Narsinh prayed to Krishna for a garland from the temple to prove his innocence, which Krishna granted.

In his later life, Narsinh went to Mangrol, where he passed away at the age of 79. He is honored as the first poet of Gujarati and is commemorated at the Narsinh Nu Samshan crematorium in Mangrol.

Narsinh's life and devotion to Krishna have been celebrated in his compositions and those of later poets. His inclusive attitude toward people of all castes and backgrounds set him apart from the prevailing social norms of his time.

Narsinh Mehta was a 15th-century poet and saint from Gujarat, India. He is considered one of the pioneers of Gujarati literature and is known for his bhajans (devotional songs) dedicated to Lord Krishna and Hindu bhakti. Narsinh Mehta's works are typically philosophical, ethical, and descriptive of the love between Radha and Krishna. His bhajans are performed in popular Gujarati folk music genres such as garbi, dhol, and prabhatiya.

Narsinh Mehta's compositions are characterized by their use of traditional meters, popular tunes, and rhythms. He is known for using ragas commonly associated with the morning time, spring, and rainy season. His works have been largely preserved orally, and the oldest available manuscript dates back to around 1612. Narsinh Mehta's bhajans have been sung in Gujarat and Rajasthan for over five centuries.

Narsinh Mehta's influence extends beyond the realm of literature. Mahatma Gandhi frequently referenced Narsinh's work, particularly his bhajan "Vaishnav Jan To," in his speeches, writings, and prayers. Gandhi elevated Narsinh Mehta's life and work beyond the religious context, emphasizing their ethical and moral significance.

In popular culture, Narsinh Mehta's life has been depicted in various films and television series. The first Gujarati talkie film, "Narsinh Mehta" (1932), was based on his life. Other films like "Narsi Mehta" (1940) and "Bhagat Narsinh Mehta" (1984) also portrayed his life and contributions. Additionally, a Gujarati television series titled "Narsaiyo" (1991) featured Narsinh Mehta as the central character.

For further reading on Narsinh Mehta, you can explore his works directly or refer to various publications and critical materials available in Gujarati and English. Some notable works include "Narsinh Mehtani Kavyakrutiyo" (edited by Shivlal Jesalpura), "Narsinh Padmala" (edited by Jayant Kothari and Darshana Dholakia), and "Narasinha Mehta of Gujarat: A Legacy of Bhakti in Songs and Stories" by Neelima Shukla-Bhatt.