How fair are His feet with saffron stained How fortunate is the brick that is grasped by His feet The very thought of Him makes fire cool.

Despite their lower class status the family was well to do and enjoyed good social standing in the village.

Tukarams problems only mounted; death of his family members and economic hardship seemed to plague him.

Tukaram was married twice, his first wife Rakhumabai died due to starvation during a famine, his second wife Jijabai or Avali as she was called, was much younger than his first had been and had little patience with his devotion and for God and she nagged him continuously.

Tukaram was initiated without any intermediaries as the other saints usually were.

He dreamt that he was initiated by the Lord Hari himself dressed as a Brahman.

Tukaram continuously sang the praises of the Lord, he sang it in the form of abhangs which he wrote.

Many of them speak of events in his life, which make them somewhat autobiographical.

His abhangs became very popular with the masses of common people.

It was this very popularity that caused the religious establishment (the high caste Brahmins) to hate and persecute Tukaram.

Vitthal gave me the measure and gently aroused me from a dream inside a dream.

Tuka, all the unwritten ones are your responsibility.

What use is the place where a dish sat when it is taken away Tuka says, Give me the gift of freedom from fear.

After all, O Lord who pervades the world, I have given the world You.

Without a worshipper, how can God assume a form and accept service The one makes the other beautiful, as a gold setting shows off a jewel.

Who but God can make the worshipper free from desires Tuka says, They are drawn to each other like mother and child.

I am not starved for want of food, but it is Janardana who deserves my reverence.

I have looked on God as one who sees everything, on bright and dark days, alike.

God is like a father with his child, who both feels and gives pleasure at the same time.

Just beyond us we see that purple luster - how glorious With His noble crown of peacock feathers stitched together.

As you look upon Him, fever and illusion vanish Adore then the Prince of the Yadavas, the Lord of Yogis.

He who filled with passion the sixteen thousand royal damsels, Fair Creatures, divine maidens.

He stands upon the river bank with the luster of one million moons.

It is fastened in jewels on His neck And merges into the luster of His form.

Abhanga Gatha Tukaram English