Who Was Sant Tukaram?

Sant Tukaram: The Saint of the People and Mystic of Maharashtra

Sant Tukaram, one of the most revered figures in Marathi literature and Bhakti tradition, was a 17th-century saint-poet and philosopher from Maharashtra, India. Known for his deep devotion to Lord Vitthal, an incarnation of Vishnu, Tukaram’s life and teachings have left an indelible mark on India’s spiritual and cultural landscape. His Abhangas (devotional hymns) continue to inspire millions, transcending generations with their simplicity, compassion, and profound wisdom.

Early Life of Tukaram

Sant Tukaram was born in 1608 CE in a small village called Dehu, located near Pune in Maharashtra. He belonged to a family of Vaishya-Vani (merchant class), who were known to be devotees of Lord Vitthal, the presiding deity of the famous temple in Pandharpur. His parents, Bolhoba and Kanakai, were pious individuals who had inculcated devotion to Vitthal in their children from a young age. Tukaram had two brothers, Savji and Kanhoba.

Tukaram’s life was marked by tragedy from a young age. His parents passed away when he was still a child, and he lost his first wife, Rakhmabai, to famine, which also plunged the family into financial ruin. These adversities, combined with his inner quest for spiritual awakening, shaped Tukaram’s spiritual path, compelling him to renounce worldly concerns and dedicate his life to the service of God and humanity.

Tukaram’s Spiritual Awakening

The Bhakti movement, which emphasized personal devotion to God over ritualistic practices, was already flourishing during Tukaram’s time, with saints like Namdev and Dnyaneshwar leading the way. However, it was Tukaram’s own mystical experiences that shaped his understanding of spirituality. He believed in an intimate, personal relationship with God, and his devotion to Vitthal grew into a profound spiritual experience that transcended formal religious rituals.

Tukaram’s Abhangas are a reflection of his mystical realization. He conveyed that God resides in every individual and that devotion could lead to the soul’s liberation from the cycle of birth and death. His teachings were rooted in the core values of humility, compassion, and equality. He rejected the rigid caste system and the idea that God’s grace could be earned through sacrificial rites or rituals. Instead, Tukaram believed that pure devotion (bhakti) was the key to attaining union with God.

The Message of Sant Tukaram

Tukaram’s message was universal. He used simple language that could be understood by common people, making his teachings accessible to all, regardless of caste, creed, or gender. His Abhangas focus on:

1. Devotion to God (Bhakti): Tukaram stressed that genuine devotion to God is the highest form of spiritual practice. His own life was a testament to his single-minded devotion to Vitthal, and he urged his followers to approach God with humility and love.
2. Rejection of Rituals and Caste Discrimination: Tukaram was a vocal critic of the rigid caste system and the priestly dominance of his time. He argued that devotion and love for God could not be confined to any particular caste or religious group. His emphasis on inner purity and the rejection of external ritualism made him a beacon of hope for the lower castes and marginalized sections of society.
3. Compassion and Selflessness: Tukaram believed that service to humanity is an essential part of spiritual practice. His teachings often focused on the virtues of compassion, humility, and kindness toward others. He encouraged his followers to cultivate love for all living beings, recognizing the divine in every form of life.
4. Detachment from Worldly Desires: Tukaram’s life was marked by personal loss and hardship, but these challenges only deepened his detachment from material possessions. He preached that attachment to worldly desires leads to suffering and that true peace comes from surrendering to God’s will.

Abhangas: Tukaram’s Spiritual Songs

One of the most remarkable contributions of Sant Tukaram is his body of work known as Abhangas, devotional hymns that are filled with spiritual wisdom and a deep sense of devotion to Vitthal. His Abhangas are written in the Marathi language and express his unwavering faith in God, his understanding of the human condition, and the path to liberation through bhakti.

These hymns are simple, yet profound, and convey Tukaram’s philosophical insights into the nature of God, life, and spirituality. They focus on the oneness of God, the importance of inner purity, and the futility of ego and material attachments.

For example, in one of his famous Abhangas, Tukaram writes:

“Do not be proud of wealth or youth, They are transient as a dream. The rich and the poor, alike, Are bound by the thread of karma. In the end, all are one, united in the dust.”

Through these verses, Tukaram highlights the impermanence of worldly possessions and the equality of all beings in the eyes of God.

Influence on Society and the Bhakti Movement

Sant Tukaram’s teachings had a profound influence on the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra and beyond. His emphasis on the equality of all individuals, regardless of caste or social standing, resonated deeply in a society marked by caste hierarchies and religious orthodoxy. He empowered the common people by giving them a spiritual path that did not require the mediation of priests or adherence to rigid social rules.

Tukaram’s Abhangas became the voice of the marginalized, offering solace to the poor, the downtrodden, and the oppressed. He inspired generations of poets, saints, and reformers, including later figures like Mahatma Gandhi, who drew inspiration from Tukaram’s message of humility, non-violence, and devotion.

Tukaram’s Legacy

Sant Tukaram passed away in 1649, but his spiritual legacy continues to thrive to this day. His followers believe that he attained Jeevan Mukti (liberation while still in the body) and that he was taken bodily to Vaikuntha (the abode of Lord Vishnu). The annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur, known as Wari, sees millions of devotees singing Tukaram’s Abhangas as they walk to the Vitthal temple, keeping his spirit alive in the hearts of the people.

Tukaram’s teachings remain relevant in the modern world, where the pursuit of material wealth often takes precedence over spiritual values. His message of devotion, compassion, and equality serves as a reminder that true fulfillment comes from seeking God within and serving humanity with love and humility.

In conclusion, Sant Tukaram was more than just a poet or philosopher; he was a spiritual leader who redefined the meaning of devotion and spirituality. Through his life and works, he gave voice to the voiceless and showed that the path to God is open to all, irrespective of social or religious barriers. His Abhangas continue to inspire millions, embodying the timeless principles of love, compassion, and the unity of all beings in the divine.