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Tukaram Biography

(Saint, Poet)

Born: 1608

Born In: Dehu, Near Pune, India

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Tukaram, also known as Sant Tukaram, was as an Indian poet and saint in the 17th century. He was one of the saints of the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra who composed the devotional poetry, Abhanga. His kirtans aka spiritual songs were devoted to Vithoba or Vitthala, an avatar of Hindu god Vishnu. He was born as the second of three brothers in the village of Dehu in Maharashtra. His family owned a money-lending and retailing business and was also engaged in trade and agriculture. As a young man, he lost both his parents. The tragedies in his personal life continued as his first wife and son also died. Although Tukaram married for the second time, he didn’t find solace in worldly pleasures for long and eventually renounced everything. He spent his later years in devotional worship, and composing kirtans and poetry. He also studied the works of other saints, including Namdev, Ekanath, Jnanadev, etc. He was killed in 1649, by Brahmin priests, at the age of 41.

Born: 1608

Born In: Dehu, Near Pune, India

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Quick Facts

Also Known As: Sant Tukaram, Bhakta Tukaram, Tukaram Maharaj, Tukoba, Tukaram Bolhoba Ambile

Died At Age: 42

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Jijiābāi, Rakhumābāi

father: Bolhoba More

mother: Kanakar More

children: Mahādev, Nārāyan, Vithobā

Born Country: India

Saints Indian Men

Died on: 1650

place of death: Dehu

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You wanted to know

  • 1

    What is the significance of Tukaram's poetry in Marathi literature?

    Tukaram's poetry is considered a cornerstone of Marathi literature, known for its spiritual depth and universal appeal. His devotional poems have inspired generations and continue to be revered for their profound messages.
  • 2

    How did Tukaram's poetry influence the Bhakti movement in India?

    Tukaram's poetry played a pivotal role in the Bhakti movement by promoting the idea of a personal relationship with the divine. His emphasis on devotion, love, and surrender to God resonated with people of all backgrounds, leading to a spiritual renaissance in India.
  • 3

    What are some common themes found in Tukaram's poetry?

    Tukaram's poetry often explores themes such as the importance of faith, the transience of life, the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, and the need for inner transformation. His verses offer profound insights into the human experience and the quest for divine connection.
  • 4

    How did Tukaram's social background influence his poetry?

    Tukaram, who hailed from a humble farming background, infused his poetry with themes of simplicity, humility, and empathy for the common people. His verses reflect a deep understanding of the struggles and joys of everyday life, making his message accessible to all.
  • 5

    What is the enduring legacy of Tukaram's poetry in modern times?

    Tukaram's poetry continues to inspire and resonate with people across the world, transcending time and cultural boundaries. His profound spiritual teachings and humanistic values remain relevant today, offering solace, wisdom, and guidance to those seeking inner peace and enlightenment.

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Early Life & Marriages
Tukaram was born in 1598 or 1608, in a village named Dehu in Maharashtra, India, to Kanakar and Bolhoba More, as one of their three sons.
In 1625, he lost his parents. During this time, his elder brother left for Varanasi, seeking spiritual salvation. His sister-in-law also died during this period.
His first wife was Rakhama Bai, who, alongside their son Santu, died in the famine of 1630–1632.
Tukaram then married Jijabai who helped him set up a small shop in his village.
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Life After Family Deaths
After the deaths of his parents, Tukaram’s financial condition worsened so badly that his lands yielded no revenue. His debtors also refused to pay.
He became disillusioned with life, left his village, and disappeared into the nearby Bhamnath forest. There, he stayed for 15 days without water and food. It was during this time that he understood the meaning of self-realization.
Although Tukaram returned his house after his second wife found him and pressed him to come along with her, he now had no love for his household, business, or progeny.
After the incident, he reconstructed a temple that was in ruins and began to spend his days and nights performing bhajans and kirtans. He studied the devotional works of popular saints like Jnanadev, Ekanath, Namdev, etc. and eventually began to compose poems.
Guru Upadesh aka Spiritual Guidance by the Guru
As a result of his whole-hearted devotion, Tukaram was rewarded with Guru Upadesh. According to him, he had a vision in which The Guru visited him and blessed him.
His guru took the names of two of his predecessors, Keshava and Raghava Chaitanya, and advised him to remember Ramakrishna Hari always.
Tukaram once also had a dream in which the famous saint Namdev appeared and advised him to compose devotional songs. He told him to complete the remainder of the five crores and sixty lakhs poems out of the one hundred crores which he had intended to create.
Literary Works
Sant Tukaram composed a Marathi genre of literature called Abhanga poetry which fused folk stories with spiritual themes.
Between 1632 and 1650, he composed ‘Tukaram Gatha,’ a Marathi language compilation of his works. Also popular as ‘Abhanga Gatha,’ it is said to include about 4,500 abhangas.
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In his gatha, he had compared the Pravritti aka the passion for life, business, and family with Nivritti aka the desire to leave the worldly honors and practice self-realization to attain individual liberation or moksha.
Widespread Fame
Many miraculous events occurred during Tukaram's life. Once, he was performing bhajans in the village of Lohagaon when a Brahmin named Joshi came to him. His only child died back home. The child was brought back to life by the saint after he prayed to Lord Pandarinath.
His fame spread throughout the village and neighboring areas. He, however, remained unaffected by that.
Tukaram advocated Saguna Bhakti, a practice of devotion in which God’s praises are sung. He encouraged bhajans and kirtans in which he asked people to sing praises of the almighty.
As he lay dying, he advised his followers to always meditate on Lord Narayana and Ramakrishna Hari.
He also told them the importance of Harikatha. He considered Harikatha as the union of God, the disciple and His Name. According to him, all sins are burnt and souls are purified by just listening to it.
Social Reforms & Followers
Tukaram accepted devotees and disciples without discriminating on the basis of gender. One of his female devotees was Bahina Bai, a victim of domestic violence who had left her husband’s home.
He believed that when it comes to serving God, caste does not matter. According to him, “pride of caste never made any man holy”.
Shivaji, the great Maharashtrian warrior king, was a great admirer of the saint. He used to send him costly gifts and even invited him to his court. After Tukaram refused them, the king himself visited the saint and stayed with him.
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According to historic texts, Shivaji wanted to give up his kingdom at one point. However, Tukaram reminded him of his duty and advised him to remember God while enjoying worldly pleasures.
Death
On 9 March 1649, on the festival of Holi, a group of 'Ramdasi' Brahmins entered the village with beating drums and surrounding Sant Tukaram.
They took him to the banks of Indrayani River, tied his body to a rock and threw it in the river. His dead body was never found.
Facts About Tukaram
Tukaram was known for his deep love for nature and often found inspiration in the beauty of the natural world, incorporating it into his poetry.
He had a unique way of expressing his devotion to Lord Vitthal through his abhangs, which were simple yet profound in their message.
Tukaram was a humble and compassionate soul who believed in the power of love and kindness in all aspects of life.
Despite facing challenges and hardships in his life, Tukaram maintained a positive outlook and used his poetry as a means of finding solace and spiritual connection.
Tukaram's legacy continues to inspire people of all backgrounds and beliefs, showcasing the timeless wisdom and universal appeal of his teachings.
Legacy
Tukaram, who was a devotee of Vithoba or Vitthala, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, composed literary works that helped extend the Varkari tradition to pan-Indian Bhakti literature.
The famous poet Dilip Chitre summarizes the legacy of the saint between 14th century and 17th century as transforming "language of shared religion, and religion a shared language”. He believed that it was saints like him who brought the Marathas under one roof and enabled them to stand against the Mughals.
In the early 20th century, Mahatma Gandhi read and translated his poetry while in Yerwada Central Jail.

See the events in life of Tukaram in Chronological Order

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Also Listed In

17th Century | Celebrity Names With Letter T | 17th Century Spiritual & Religious Leaders