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Tukaram India (1608 - 1649) Timeline Yoga / Hindu : Vaishnava (Krishna/Rama) Poems by Tukaram Books - Links |
When Tukaram was thirteen, his father fell ill and the boy had to take on the responsibility of supporting his family. Soon after, both parents died.
Hardships continued to follow Tukaram. His first wife died during a famine, and his second wife had no respect for his devotion to God.
Contrary to the traditional Hindu model of receiving spiritual initiation from a guru, Tukaram was initiated in a dream by Lord Hari (Krishna/Vishnu) Himself.
When Tukaram sensed his end was approaching, he stepped into a river, as many other saints have done. It is said that his rug and instruments returned to shore, but his body was never found. Devotees believe he was taken bodily to heaven.
During Tukaram's relatively short life, he was constantly singing devotional hymns called abhangs. He composed over 5,000 of these hymns. Many of his songs are autobiographical.
Poems by Tukaram
- All men to me are god-like Gods!
- Can water drink itself?
- I have found the sea
- If only you would
- Know him to be a true man who takes to his bosom
- O God, grant only this boon
- Saintliness is not to be purchased in shops
- Smaller than the smallest mote
- The Price?
- This heart of mine is determined that for me now
- Thou art more kind than mother dear
- To arrange words
- Where does one begin with you?
- Wherever I go, Thou art my companion
- Words are the only Jewels I possess
Related Links
Saint Poet of India Tukaram.com
http://www.tukaram.com/pages/poem2.asp#
Several poems by Tukaram translated into English. Many very good articles, as well, on Tukaram's life, the influence of his work, even movies made about him. Worth a visit.
Poetry Enlightened - Saint Tukaram
http://www.poetry-enlightened.org/auteur.php?id_auteur=31
A brief biography and several of Tukaram's songs and poems on-line.
Write Spirit: Tukaram
http://www.writespirit.net/authors/tukaram/
A couple poems by Tukaram.
Tukaram 17th century Marathi poet
http://www.tukaram.com/
An extensive site lovingly dedicated to Tukaram. Translations, an art gallery. Make sure to check out the section of translations by Mahatma Gandhi.
