Sant Tukaram Beej 2024: Sant Tukaram Maharaj, also called Tuka, Tukobaraya, or Tukoba, was a Hindu Marathi saint belonging to the "Varkari sampradaya" born in the hamlet of Dehu, Maharashtra during the 17th Century He was a devotee of Lord Pandurang in Pandharpur. His most well-known work is the devotional poetry known as Abhanga, which is very popular in Maharashtra and contains several verses about social change.
Tukaram's Sadeh Vaikuntha-gaman is said to have happened on Phalgun Vdya II. It is stated that on the second day of Phalgun Krishna Paksha in 1650, at midday, Saint Tukaram left his body. This day is commemorated as Sant Tukaram Beej. This year, Sant Tukaram Beej is being commemorated on 27th March 2024.
Sant Tukaram Beej 2024: How Devotees Of Tukaram Maharaj Observe This Day?
Thousands of devotees visit the Vitthal temple in Dehut to witness the Tukaram Beej ritual. It is believed that on that day, a tree on the temple grounds trembles and the sky is filled with the singing of Tukobaraya's name. Devotees also offer their earnest prayers to the revered saint and seek his blessings.
While making observations on the superstitions of the culture, Saint Tukaram Maharaj was deeply devoted to worshipping Vithoba. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Sant Tukaram Beej 2024: Legend Associated With This Day
Saint Tukaram Maharaj spoke on the superstitions of the community while fervently worshipping Vithoba. At Vitthal's feet, he gave all he owned. After seeing Tukobaraya's great dedication, Lord Vitthala once decided to give him darshans. Tukaram Maharaj, on the other hand, had asked to be granted a permanent spot at Lord Vitthal's feet so that his presence would not be enough to quench his thirst. In observance of that request, Shri Vishnu dispatched his vehicle, Garuda, to Dehu. Thereafter, the pious soul of Lord Tukaram departed to Vaikuntha in the lotus feet of Lord Panduranga Hari amid the presence of many devotees.
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Sant Tukaram Beej 2024: Glories Of The Great Spiritual Maestro Tukaram Maharaj
Tukaram Maharaj was born into a family dedicated to Varakari - the worship of Pandrinath Bhagwan or Lord Vitthal, popularly known as Panduranga. The majority of Saint Tukaram's life was devoted to writing Abhanga poetry, performing communal kirtans, and engaging in spiritual service. Tukaram used his kirtans and abhangs to highlight the immorality of the social structure, the Maharajs, and society's wrongdoings. This caused him to encounter major obstacles in society. Four more Bhakti Sants - Namdev, Dnyaneshwar, Kabir, and Eknath who had a major impact on Tukarama's spiritual growth are mentioned frequently in his work Abhangas. For him, kirtan was not only a way to study Bhakti, but Bhakti in and of itself.