Kavi Dhyanatray was a resident of Agra. He was born into the Goyal clan of the Agrawal community. His ancestors originally hailed from Lalpur. Dhyanatrayji’s father was named Shyamdas. The poet was born in Vikram Samvat 1733 (1676 CE). In Agra, Dhyanatrayji benefited from the study sessions led by Man Singh Ji, which sparked his interest in Jain philosophy. Later, under the spiritual guidance of Pandit Bihari das Ji, he developed deep reverence for Jainism.
Dhyanatray Ji composed numerous works. He personally compiled them under the title Dharm Vilas in Vikram Samvat 1780 (1723 CE). His compositions can be categorized as follows:
- Padas (devotional verses)
- Puja, Bhakti and stotras
- Dramatic poetry (Rupak Kavya)
- Miscellaneous poetry (Prakirnak Kavya)
His writings include various spiritual bhajans, dohas, savaiyas, and other poetic meters. These hymns and worship songs remain popular in the community even today. The poet composed a total of 333 padas, numerous worship hymns, and poems on 45 different subjects. Among these are works titled Āśvāsan, Tattva Bodh, Upadeśa Shatak, Vyavahār Pachīsī, Pūrṇa Panchāśikā, Dān Bāvalī, and many others.