Vallabh Bhatt

Vallabh Bhatt was a medieval Gujarati poet. Born in Ahmedabad, he later moved to Becharaji in devotion to the goddess Bahuchar Mata. He wrote several Garba and other devotional songs. Not much is known about his life but his works and folklore are source of information regarding his life. Vallabh was born in Bhatt Mevada Brahmin caste. He was born in Navapura Para of Ahmedabad on Aaso Sud 8 of Vikram Samvat 1696 or 1700 AD. He moved from Ahmedabad to Chunval (now Becharaji). The brothers went under Yagnopavit ritual at age of five and were taught by Paramanand Swarup Brahmachari for brief period. He was Vaishnav in his early life but became follower of Shakti later. He had three brothers; Heri, Dhola and name of third is not known. Hari and Dhola Bhatt were also poets. He wrote his first Garbo, Anandno Garbo on Falgun Sud 3 of Samvat 1709 as described in the Garba, at the age of 13.