and lead an ascetic life. He preached simplicity in devotion to the Lord. He firmly abhorred elaborate rituals that were in abundance in those days. He considered mystic powers as impediments in the attainment of genuine devotion. He emphasised the need for serving fellow beings with love as a means of serving the Lord. Tukaram also advocated the chanting of the Lord’s name. His teachings were very broad-based and he worked for the upliftment of society. Hence the Varkari tradition in Maharashtra emphasizes the need for community service and group worship.

LATER YEARS

Sant Tukaram sang in public with fourteen accompanists in the Varkari tradition of the Bhakti Movement. To this day, his songs are popular, although his original works have not been completely preserved. It is said that when Tukaram was forty-two years old, he disappeared. His devout followers believed that Lord Vitthal Himself carried Tukaram away.

Saints of India

102