Vageesh Express
November 2006
Edition
Vedic
Guru
Saint Tukaram
Saint Tukaram is easily one of the most
favourite saints of Maharashtra and especially to the Varkari Sampradaya (community). Tukaram was a great devotee of Lord
Krishna and his valuable teachings are widely followed even today. He is one of
the popular saints associated with the Bhakthi
movement.
Life of Saint Tukaram
Tukaram was born in Dehu, situated close
to the Indian city of Pune, Maharashtra. He was born in a family of grain
sellers. Tukaram was married to Rakhumabai who died of starvation at a very
young age. His second wife was Jijabai. He begot three sons - Mahadev, Vithoba
and Narayana. None of his domestic tragedies deterred Tukaram from the path of deep-rooted
devotion towards Lord Krishna. But his spiritual quest was writ with frustration which drove him to
attempt suicide. And that was when he experienced the cosmic divine.
That incident changed his life and
philosophy forever. He started emphasising the path of chanting the name of God
in order to realise Him. He preached that religion was just a path to the
divine and one must not get stuck with rituals and scriptural practices.
Tukaram wrote a particular verse form called the Abhang, a run on couplet with three and a half feet with the first three rhyming. Even today, during classical concerts, Tukaram’s Abhangs are widely sung for their deep meaning and literary beauty. He preached group singing or Kirthan and also inspired his devotees to serve the less fortunate.
It is said that on the day of Tukaram’s mortal departure, a large Vimana appeared from the skies and transported Tukaram away to Vaikunta - the Abode of God. Even today, devotees flock at this hillock and sing his glory.
Sant Tukaram’s
Teachings
- Tread the path of Love. Service to mankind is
service to the divine.
- Traditions, rituals and religion must be cast
away if they stand in the way of attaining the love of God.
- Belief in God and that He will take care of
all our needs is a must.
- Singing the name and glory of the Lord will
lead us into His royal abode.
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