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A Brief Biography
Tukaram,
a Vaishnava bhakta, was a true man of God. Tuka constantly
sang the praises of God, or Krishna. It was the constant
singing about God which led Tukaram to compose his abhangs.
It is these abhangs for which Tuka is most famous. The
abhangs are unique in the world of literature. They
are often called poems, but they don't have the artful
imagery associated with poems. The abhangs express Tuka's
feelings (whether elation or frustration) and philosophical
outlook. During his 41 years, Tuka 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 and not Tukaram.
Events
in the Life of Tukaram
Most of the biographical information we have about Tukaram
comes from Mahipati's Bhaktalilamrita (chapters 25-40).
However, Mahipati wrote his account in 1774, more than
a century after Tukaram's disappearance.
Tukaram was born in 1608, in the small village of Dehu
in the South Indian state of Maharashtra. His father
was Bolhoba and his mother Kanakai. He had two brothers.
Savaji was his older brother and Kanhoba was younger.
Even though they were from the low born sudra caste,
the family had a high social standing in the village.
Nonetheless, Tuka's life was full of difficulties. These
began when his father became ill, and Tuka had to begin
supporting the family at the young age of 13. Shortly
thereafter, both his parents died. Tukaram's problems
only mounted; death of his family members and economic
hardship seemed to plague him.
During his life, he had two wives. The first, Rakhumabai,
died of starvation during a severe famine. Tuka felt
ashamed and embarrassed by his lack of ability to get
enough food to save his wife's life. His second wife
was younger than the first. Her name was Jijabai (also
called Avali), and she constantly nagged Tukaram and
complained about his inability to hold a job and properly
support his family. She began to consider God her enemy,
and made Tuka's home life miserable. He also had three
sons.
Tukaram had two principal disciples. The first was a
Brahmin from Kadus named Gangadhar Maval. He became
Tuka's secretary, following Tuka everywhere and transcribing
his abhangas. The second was Santaji Teli Jaganade,
who also helped write down Tuka's songs. They had no
desire but to be with Tukaram. When Tuka led the kirtan,
they would lead the chorus in response. Playing kartals
and vina, they would often dance in ecstasy.
Initiation
One thing that makes Tukaram unique among Indian saints
is that he never took diksha, formal initiation from
a guru. Rather, he was initiated by the Lord himself,
in a dream Tuka had in 1619. Tuka dreamed that he was
on his way to the temple after purifying himself by
bathing in the Indrayani river. He carried tulasi leaves
in his hand. Suddenly, he saw a brahmin (who was actually
the Lord disguised as a brahmin) in his path. Tuka gave
the brahmin the tulasi leaves and offered dandavat pranams,
laying prostrate, face down, on the ground. The brahmin
was very pleased. So, he placed his hands on Tuka's
head and gave him the mantra 'Ram Krishna.' The story
continues in Mahipatis Bhaktilamrita, chapter 33, verses
162 through 178.
"162. Sri Hari, at the same time, told Tuka with
His own lips the names of the gurus in His line. I request
you, wise hearers, to listen with your ears with reverence.
163. "Raghava Chaitanya a Vaishnava bhakta. Keshav
Chaitanya became his disciple. Baba Chaitanya is My
name." So God said to Tuka. 164. "Never leave
the worship of Sri Pandurang. Never leave His feet."
Tuka was made happy in heart by this, and pressed an
invitation on his sadguru. 165. "I ask you, my
master, to come at once to my home, and make it holy
(by Your presence). You can cook with Your own hands,
and eat until it suffices you." 166. Listening
to Tuka's words, the Husband-of-Rukmini said to him,
"If you will kindly give me a quarter of a sher
of ghee, I will come to your home." 167. Hearing
these words of the noble Brahman, the Vaishnava bhakta
said, "Certainly", and taking the Brahman
by the hand, Tuka brought him to his home. 168. The
Vaishnava bhakta said to his wife, "God has come
to our home. Give him all the materials he may require
for cooking, and as much ghee as He may ask for."
169. Hearing these words of Tuka's, his wife fell into
a great rage. Said she, "Where has this damn Brahman
come from? Where have I got the quarter of a sher of
ghee to give him? 170. He brings constantly any sort
of Brahmans to our home. He has burnt up our copper
vessels, and left me nothing but earthen ware. How am
I to carry on my domestic life?" 171. While the
quarrel was raging more and more the guru suddenly left.
Such was the dream that the noble Vaishnava had that
day. 172. When the Vaishnava Tuka came into his waking
state his heart felt remorse. Said he, "The dear
sadguru met me, and took me over to the other side of
the ocean of this life's experiences, 173. and all he
asked for was a quarter of a sher of ghee. But because
the quarrel in our home became so great, God at once
left. 174. But He did tell me the names of those in
the line of gurus, Keshav Chaitanya, Rahgava Chaitanya,
and His own name of Babaji Chaitanya, and He gave me
the mantra 'Ram-Krishna-Hari.' 175. It was on the tenth
day, in the bright half of Magha (February) on a Thursday,
which He saw was an auspicious day, that He accepted
me, and then at once the guru left." 176. Tukaram,
in his love, composed three abhangs on this theme. If
they are continually sung in love by any, they will
not be troubled by the cares of the worldly existence.
177. Such was the mercy of the sadguru, which was shown
to Tuka in a dream. The pious God-loving bhaktas, understand
this from personal experience as in the Hari-kirtans
they listen to such stories. 178. The line of Gurus
has continued by the same method (through dreams). Tuka
gave the mantra in a dream to whomsoever he especially
loved. And that miracle is still going on."
Miracles
In addition to posthumous miracles, Tukaram performed
many miracles during his lifetime. He fed a multitude
of people eventhough he only cooked for one. He turned
iron into gold on more than one occassion. He made the
dumb speak and brought the dead back to life. He changed
the water in a well from brackish to sweet, instantly
calmed a very vicious dog, and once while at the home
of an elderly brahmin couple, made lamp oil appear out
of thin air. Yet, he was no magician. His total devotion
to Pandurang was the force behind these amazing feats.
This was known to Tukaram, as evidenced by the fact
that he never showed the slightest bit of pride or arrogance.
Tuka always remained humble, meek and simple.
An
Extraordinary Relationship
One of the truly remarkable things about Tukaram was
his intimate, personal relationship with God. This goes
well beyond strong feelings or the once-in-a-lifetime
mystical experience. Please read on to get a taste of
the nectar which flowed so profusely, back and forth,
in this very special relationship.
God Disguised as a Human Helps Tuka
One night, Tuka was caught alone in a thunderstorm.
The night was black as can be, wild animals were roaming
around the jungle under cover of darkness, and the rain
came in torrents. Tuka's companions had left him, and
he had no one to help him lift a large bag of grain
onto the back of his water buffalo. Being very sad,
and feeling himself useless and abandoned, he prayed
to Pandurang to help him. Hearing his love accompanied
by a call for help, Krishna appeared in the form of
a traveller. The traveller asked Tuka why he was sitting
in the middle of the path in the jungle. Tuka explained
that he was a grain merchant, but couldn't lift the
bag of grain. With that, Krishna picked the bag up with
one hand and placed it on the back of the water buffalo.
Knowing Tuka could not see the path, Krishna said, "Follow
me." Due to material bewilderment, Tuka was unable
to recognize the Lord. They continued until they got
near the Indrayani river. The river was flooded, and
surged violently in front of them. Tuka became anxious,
not knowing how to get the heavy bag of grain accross
the river, once it was off the buffalo's back. Krishna
put his chakra under the water, and told Tuka that it
would not be necessary to take the bag off the buffalo.
Upon saying that, Krishna crossed the river on the chakra,
followed by Tuka and his buffalo with the bag of grain.
Tuka was astonished, and thought that God must have
sent the traveller to him. Just then, a flash of lightning
revealed the traveller in front of him had four arms.
Tuka was filled with joy. Mahapati then describes Sri
Krishna in the following way, "At His waist was
a shining yellow garment. On His throat flashed the
beautiful Kaustubha jewel, around His neck was the Vaijayanti
garland. His glorious face was full of charm. His bodily
complexion was dark, but shining, and besides this,
sandalwood paste had been rubbed over Him. There were
jewels set around the glorious Shrivatsa mark, and in
His crown, precious stones sparkled. Brilliant earrings
flashed light. In His mouth His teeth sparkled like
diamonds. On His feet the todar and vanki bells tinkled,
and Tuka was amazed at the sight." Though it seemed
the flashes of lightning were responsible for giving
Tuka this glorious sight, they were merely the material
instrument Krishna used to show a glimpse of Himself
to His loving devotee. As Tuka watched Him, He was still
the fellow traveller walking in front. They finally
reached Tuka's home, and the traveller helped Tuka lift
the grain off the buffalo, and set it on the floor.
While Tuka took care of the needs of his water buffalo,
Krishna disappeared into the night.
God Reveals Himself to Unwilling Avali
Avali, Tuka's wife hated Pandurang because she considered
Him, the object of Tuka's overwhelming devotion, to
be the reason Tuka was unable to work and support his
family in a proper way. One day, she got a thorn in
her foot, while Tuka was away in the mountains. Krishna
appeared to her in all His splendor. He was dark complexioned,
very beautiful with His lotus eyes, slender waist and
yellow garment. His brilliant crown was studded with
colorful jewels. He had beautiful earrings that reflected
the sun as He moved. Around His neck were the Vaijayanti
garland and the Kaustubha jewel. The tiny bells and
vankis that He wore on His feet made sweet, tinkling
sounds. As soon as she saw Him, Avali said to herself,
"What is this damn guy doing here!? He made my
husband crazy. All the problems in my domestic life
are His fault! He probably just came here to laugh at
me." So, she turned her head. But Pandhari was
there. She looked away, in every direction, but no matter
where she looked He was there. She closed her eyes,
and He was there, too. "Why is He persecuting me?"
she thought to herself. Krishna understood her mind,
and assured her He had nothing to do with her problems.
Pandurang explained that He was in the same condition
she was in, always chasing after Tuka. "You didn't
have food, so I created an abundant harvest. But, Tuka
didn't take it. How is that any fault of Mine?"
Saying this, Pandhari picked Avali up, and put her on
His lap. Then He painlesly removed the thorn from her
foot, looked at her in a compassionate way, and she
forgot all her worldly troubles.
After some time, the two of them went off to the mountains
to find Tuka. Avali wanted to bring him some food. When
Tuka looked up and saw Avali with Pandurang walking
a few steps behind her, he felt as if he were seeing
day and night together. When they drew near, Tuka grabbed
Krishna's feet, and was overcome by all emotions at
once. Then, the three of them sat down together in silence.
God Inspires Tuka to Become a Poet
One night, while Tuka was sleeping, Krishna entered
his dream. He did not come alone, but brought the great
poet and bhakta Namdev with Him. Krishna told Tuka that
long ago, he had instructed Namdev to compose one billion
verses to praise and honor Him. However, Namdev didn't
finish all the verses. He was fifty five million short.
Krishna told Tuka that he was to finish the last fifty
five million verses for Namdev. Krishna then finished
His instructions with the admonition that Tuka not waste
his words describing unimportant things, and that he
should start writing immediately. Tuka was in ecstasy
when he woke up. This event is described in one of his
abhangs.
Ganesh and Krishna Dine with Tuka
Chintaman Dev had heard that Tuka used to take his meals
with Krishna. He found it very difficult to believe,
and wanted some proof. So, he invited Tuka to come dine
with him. All the brahmins sat on the floor in a row.
Tuka sat about six feet from them. When the server put
down plates, Tuka asked for two additional ones. When
asked why, he replied that they were for Ganapati and
Krishna. Tuka brought the image of Ganapati to his mind,
and asked him to come and simply take the food, without
going through any effort of his own. Ganapati accepted,
and appeared. Chintaman Dev was most impressed and thankful
to Tuka for having brought his favorite deity to dine
in his home. "Now invite Pandurang" Chintaman
Dev told Tuka. So, Tuka did the same thing. He brought
the image of Krishna into his mind, and invited Him
to come eat. With that, Krishna appeared. Both he and
Ganesh ate in traditional Indian style, with the fingers
of their right hands. Though only Tuka and Chintaman
Dev could actually see Ganesh and Krishna, the others
who were present could see the food vanishing from the
two plates. All the brahmins became awestruck. Tuka
brought water so Ganesh and Krishna could wash their
fingers. Then, he served them pan. Both Krishna and
Ganesh took their leave of Tuka, and vanished. Chintaman
Dev was most appreciative, embraced Tuka lovingly and
thanked him profusely.
God Comforts Tuka
After Tuka had been forced to put the manuscripts of
his abhangs in the river and been publicly humiliated,
he became very sad. He decided to starve himself to
death right in front of the temple. During his plight,
Krishna assumed the form of a child and came to comfort
him. Krishna explained how he was always there to help
His devotees, citing the example of Prahlad and his
wicked father, Hiranyakashipu. He then told Tuka that
He was sitting under the water, holding the manuscripts,
assuring Tuka they would be safe. Then the child left.
Krishna Comes to See Tuka
One time, Tuka wrote Pandhari a letter, and asked a
group of pilgrims who were heading to Pandharpur to
deliver it for him. When they arrived in the sacred
city, the pilgrims went to see the Lord there. They
entered the inner most area of the temple, and saw the
Husband of Rukmini standing there on a brick. One of
the pilgrims said, "Tuka is not physically well
and is not able to walk all the way here. But he has
written You a letter, which I will now read to You,
eventhough You already know its contents." Krishna
was so moved by the letter, that he said to Rukmini,
"My dear Tuka is not well. We should go see him,
and console him." Rukmini said, "Pious people
come here to see You. If you aren't here, they will
be disappointed. Why not send Garuda to bring him here,
instead." Krishna agreed. In a flash, Garuda appeared
before Tuka, who was still standing on the road, looking
in the direction the pilgrims had gone in. Garuda said,
"Due to your absence, Krishna is feeling much grief.
Since you are not able to walk to Pandhari, I have been
sent by the Lord to bring you there." He then handed
Tuka the letter that Krishna. Krishna wrote, "So
long as Vaikuntha and Kailas last, you Tuka, may live.
And you alone have authority over My glory, animate
and inanimate. You are not able to bear this separation
from Me, and I feel the same way toward you. So, please
get on Garuda's back and let Him bring you here. Do
not refuse." Tuka looked up, and said to Garuda,
"How can I do this. It is improper. You are the
Lords carrier, whereas I am the bearer of His sandals.
If a toe ring is made of gold, still it should not be
worn on the head. Tell Him of my condition and bring
the Lord here." He then fell at Garuda's feet.
Garuda quickly returned to Pandharpur, offered His respects
to the Lord and described the events that had taken
place. Krishna listened to His messenger and felt great
affection for His devotee. Krishna then told Rukmini,
"We will go to see Tuka."
After a few days, the pilgrims returned home to Dehu.
Tuka was still standing in the spot in the road where
he had given them the letter. They told him that Krishna
and Rukmini were coming to see him that day. The pilgrims
then went to their respective houses. Tuka stood in
the road, waiting most anxiously for Krishna's arrival.
Tuka feared the Lord wouldn't come, so he prayed with
all his heart and brought the picture of Krishna before
his mind. Suddenly, Garuda's wings flashed in the sky.
Then the Lord descended to earth, along with Rukmini.
The two, looking exceedingly beautiful, stood in front
of Tuka. Then Krishna embraced him, causing Tuka to
regain external consciousness. He saw the incomparably
beautiful form of Krishna, and immediately bowed down,
holding Krishna's lotus feet. Krishna immediately clasped
Tuka to His heart in love. In that way, Krishna caressed
Tuka, and they greatly enjoyed each other's company.
Bodily
Ascension into Heaven
When it came time for Tuka to leave this earth, he did
so in an extraordinary way. With both human beings and
the denizens of heaven looking on, he got onto the Pushpak
chariot and left this world in a flash of light. His
body had become transformed, and Tukaram joined the
ranks of the immortal.
How Tuka Became Immortal
Tuka's immortality began with his mantra initiation
by Lord Hari. When the Lord decided that it would be
fitting to give Tuka a mantra in a dream, Rukmini reminded
Him that anyone He gives a mantra to becomes immortal.
She cited examples from His previous incarnations as
Vasudeva Krishna and Sri Ram wherein He made certain
beings (Uddhava, Vibishan and Hanuman) immortal by laying
His hands on their heads. When the Lord heard this He
laughed and said, "You have spoken the exact truth.
Tuka is My very dearest life. I am going to give him
a mantra so strong that death cannot destroy him."
The Lord waited for an auspicious time, and did exactly
as He said He would.
Tuka Lets Chintaman Dev In On a Secret
One time Tuka went to Chinchvad to see Chintaman Dev.
Tuka and Chintaman Dev were sitting alone together,
and Chintaman Dev was remarking how Tuka was so spiritually
elevated to understand that all creatures are one, that
even the birds were not afraid to land on him. He continued,
"You seem in the form of a man, but aside from
that there is nothing with which to compare you. In
your living bhakti you have spoken so extraordinarily
that the Best_Being has become subservient to you. Nevertheless,
Tuka, who are you really? Tell me the truth." In
response, Tuka composed the following abhang:
Tuka is less in size than an atom, yet is as large as
space.
I have swallowed and passed the body
That has the form of this illusory worldly existence.
I have swallowed and passed the Group of Three*
And the light shines in my body.
Says Tuka, "Now nothing remains of me,
Except sufficient for benevolent deeds."
*knower, known and knowledge
Then Chintaman Dev said, "Give me evidence of actual
experience and remove my doubts." To satisfy his
request, Tuka showed Chintaman Dev a miracle. He split
open the skin on his thigh, and there was nothing but
pure cotton inside. There was no muscle, bone or blood.
It was just like cotton. Chintaman Dev was astonished.
He understood that Tuka was not a human being, that
he descended as an avatar. What appeared like a man
on the outside was worthy of being called God. These
are the thoughts that Chintaman Dev had, and he bowed
down to Tuka with great humility. However, Tuka didn't
care for that, and he raised him up saying, "It
is wrong for you to do so." Tuka didn't want the
feeling of formality separating the two of them.
Mahapati Explains Tuka's Immortality
In worshipping Pandurang with his enthusiastic love,
he himself became Pandurang. Thus they became two, so
that He could enjoy the pleasure of worship. If God
alone exists, who is to have a longing, and for whom?
There might be a heap of fallen fruit on the ground,
but there is need of one to eat them. A mirror may be
bright, but it needs someone to look into it. Various
may be the fragrance of flowers, but unless there is
someone with a nose, they are useless. So if there were
no bhaktas, who would know of God's glory? So, although
He worships Himself, He makes two parts in the act (God
and bhakta). The fourth mukti is the chief over the
other three, so it is declared in the Bhagavat (Srimad
Bhagavatam). To prove this to be true, Tuka descended
as avatar to this earth. He who had performed his musical
kirtans, had conquered the difficult Kaliyuga. Therefore,
his body had become immortal. His whole body was Brahma
in form.
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