He is said to have been blind from birth. He is traditionally believed to have lived from 1483 to 1573, and to have lived in Vrindavan, near Mathura. A devotee of God, Bhagat Surdas was a follower of Gurmat Philosophy. He was another influential Bhagat in the Bhagti Movement of South Asia. A line by Bhagat Surdas has been incorporated into the Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

Many argue that some shabads in Guru Granth Sahib are of more importance then others. However, an important understanding one must have is that no shabad is greater then the other. Everything in Guru Granth Sahib has been compiled together to bring an understanding and a dialogue with the Eternal so that we may understand the 'True' essence of Ek Onkar (The One all existing forever continually creating Lord). Bhagat Surdas Ji line is an example of this very principle.In the Adi Granth, Guru Arjan Dev explored Bhagat Surdas's writing under the title of Surdas in Raga Sarang.