Monument – Akha Bhagat Statue, Ahmedabad
Built by – Sculptor Ratilal Kansodaria

“Akha Bhagat, commonly known as Akho or Akha Rahiyadas Soni, was a medieval Gujarati poet who wrote in the tradition of the Bhakti movement. According to scholars, he lived from 1615 – 1674 or 1600 – 1655. A goldsmith by profession, Akha Bhagat lived in Jetalpur near Ahmedabad. Later in his life, he shifted to Ahmedabad.

Akha no Ordo (“”A room for Akha””) is a small room in Desai Ni Pol. Akha no Ordo was Akha Bhagat’s residence in Ahmedabad. He was a disciple of Saint Gokulnath, grandson of Vallabhacharya and got the inspiration to go towards the way of Bhakti from him. He shared his experience, knowledge and philosophy in chhappas. Chappas were a six-stanza satirical poem. He wrote 746 chappas in his lifetime.

In Rajkot, the Kotharya nala chowk is named after Akha Bhagat as Akha Bhagat Chowk. The soni bazaar of rajkot starts from this chowk.

He is regarded as the most important poet of mediaeval Gujarati literature. Three of his works are dated, including Panchikarana (1645; Mixture of five elements), Gurushishyasamvada (1645; A Dialogue between Teacher and a Pupil) and Akhe-Gita, among which, Akhe-Gita is considered as essential work.”

Photo Courtesy – www.aapnugujarat.org