Shri Laxman Dattopant Deshpande is a versatile Marathi poet, lyricist, and writer from Marathwada. Widely recognized by his literary pen name Bandu Bamanikar, he has contributed immensely to Marathi literature and devotional music through his unique creations.
His first poetry collection, “Petatya Kshitijachya Kavita” (2004), was published with the grant of the Maharashtra Government’s Sahitya Sanskriti Mahamandal. In 2017, his devotional music album “Pahile Parabrahma He Sawale”, a compilation of soulful abhangs dedicated to Lord Vitthal, was released by the legendary Pt. Hridaynath Mangeshkar on the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi. The same year, his audio-visual devotional album “Aai Ambe” was launched during Navratri. Both albums were released by Orange Music Marathi and continue to reach audiences worldwide through YouTube.
In 2019, Shri Deshpande’s landmark contribution came in the form of “Bhavgita” – a Marathi Samshloki Translation of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. The translation preserves the exact character count (23,066 letters) of the original Sanskrit text across all 720 verses, making it a rare and precise work. The publication was blessed and released by Acharya Kishorji Vyas (Swami Govind Dev Giriji).
A gifted lyricist, he has written across multiple genres including Lavani, folk songs, love songs, and devotional compositions. He is also known for his ability to create thematic title songs tailored for different occasions and subjects. Currently, he is engaged in a free translation of the “Guru Gita” and is preparing his upcoming poetry collection titled “Laksh (Manache) Shlok”.
In recognition of his contribution to literature and devotional arts, he was felicitated at the Shri Bhaktidhara Sanman Sohala, Nashik (2023).
With a creative journey spanning decades, Shri Laxman Dattopant Deshpande continues to inspire through his pen, blending devotion, philosophy, and artistry into timeless creations.