Lal Ded was born in Kashmir in the 14th century and is also known as Lalleshwari
Lal Ded was a saint-poet whose verses are called “Vakhs
Lal Ded’s poetry laid the foundation of the Kashmiri language and literature
Lal Ded was married at the age of twelve and faced hardship from her in-laws
Lal Ded became a disciple of Siddha Srikantha and eventually surpassed him spiritually
Lal Ded’s poetry rejected image worship, temples, and rituals focused only on outward forms
Lal Ded wandered Kashmir composing and reciting verses as a mystic
Lal Ded rejected caste system and religious discrimination in her verses
Lal Ded’s poetry is deeply respected among both Hindus and Muslims in Kashmir
Lal Ded became famous for teaching in Kashmiri, not Sanskrit, promoting the language of common people
Lal Ded is considered a bridge between the Shaivite and Sufi traditions in Kashmir
Lal Ded’s poetry is originally composed in Kashmiri, not English
Lal Ded advocated inward spiritual search rather than outer rituals
More than 260 verses of Lalded, known as Vakhs, are preserved in Kashmiri folk tradition
Lal Ded is sometimes considered by Kashmiris as a saint, yogini, and even an avatar
