Saints of India: Tukaram (Part 01)
Saints of India: Sant Tukaram was a part of the Varkari sampradaya, completely devoted to the god Vitthala. Many legends talk about Sant Tukaram and his achievements, one of them being his camaraderie with Shivaji Maharaj. Let us explore one such legend today.
Â
Sant Tukaram was a poet in the 17th century, and part of the Varkari sampradaya, completely devoted to the god Vitthala.
Sant Tukaram is quite well-known for his abhangs and kirtans which highlighed the evils of the society at that time. He even had to face opposition from many sections due to this.
However, he had an ardent follower in the form of Shivaji Maharaj, and their camaraderie is the subject of legends.
Let us explore one such legend today.
So the story goes that Shivaji Maharaj had once paid Tukaram a visit under disguise. Folding his hands in front of the saint, Shivaji presented him with a bag full of money and precious jewels.
But upon seeing those, Tukaram rejected it and asked Shivaji to pray to the god instead.
Touched by his humility, Shivaji agreed.
And so the aarti of the god began, where a large number of people had gathered at the ashram.
Word however went out that Shivaji was present at the ashram and so a few assassins were sent by Aurangzeb to kill him.