Maaja Thuka...

Sant Thukaram has been one of the greatest inspirations for me in my path towards the Lotus Feet of the Lord...

Sant Thukaram's devotion to the deity at Pandharpur was unique. Vittala was his real family, therefore he would affectionately call him Ba or Ayi( Mother). His songs have the flavour of simple saguna upasana. For that reason the farmer, the housewife, the cobbler and the tailor could sing these as they toiled. Simple language with greatest truths..

To those who know little about Sant Thukaram let me brief about his life..

Thukaram was born in 1608, in the small village of Dehu in the West Indian state of Maharashtra to Bolhoba and Kanakai a couple belonging to the lower Sudra class. He had two other brothers. Despite their lower class status the family was well to do and enjoyed good social standing in the village. Tukaram's troubles started with the illness of his father, due to which he had to start supporting his family at the tender age of thirteen. Shortly thereafter, both his parents died. Thukaram's problems only mounted; death of his family members and economic hardship seemed to plague him.

Thukaram was married twice, his first wife Rakhumabai died due to starvation during a famine, his second wife Jijabai or Avali as she was called, was much younger than his first had been and had little patience with his devotion and for God and she nagged him continuously. He had three sons. Thukaram was initiated without any intermediaries as the other saints usually were. He dreamt that he was initiated by the Lord Hari himself dressed as a Brahman.

Thukaram continuously sang the praises of the Lord, he sang it in the form of abhangs which he wrote. These were in his mother tongue Marathi. The abhangs express his feelings and philosophical outlook. During his 41 years, Thukaram composed over 5,000 abhangs. Many of them speak of events in his life, which make them somewhat autobiographical. Yet, they are focused on God, Pandurang, and not Thukaram. His abhangs became very popular with the masses of common people. It was this very popularity that caused the religious establishment (the high caste Brahmins) to hate and persecute Thukaram. as, he was causing them to lose their power over the people.

There are many miracles attributed to Thukaram which i shall discuss with you in the coming days...

Stay tuned to the Divine Musical Vibes...............................................