The Maharashtra government has recently approved the proposal to rename Pune International Airport to ‘Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Airport’.
- The decision is significant due to Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s deep connection with the region, where the airport is located, and his lasting cultural and spiritual influence.
About the Sant Tukaram Maharaj:
Background:
- Era: Sant Tukaram was a 17th-century Hindu saint, poet, and philosopher from Maharashtra.
- Role in Bhakti Movement: He was a prominent figure in the Bhakti movement, which emphasized devotion to God and promoted equality across social classes.
- Sect: He was part of the ‘Warkari’ sect, which also included other prominent saints like Dnyaneshwar, Eknath, Kabir and Namdev.
Contributions:
- Abhanga Poetry: He is best known for his devotional poetry, called Abhanga, which focuses on worship of Lord Vitthal (Panduranga), an incarnation of Vishnu.
- Abhanga poetry is a blend of folk stories and spiritual themes, reflecting devotion, equality, and social justice.
- Tukaram Gatha: His famous collection of around 4,500 Abhanga poems, known as the Tukaram Gatha, was written between 1632 and 1650 in Marathi.
- Kirtans (Spiritual Songs): Sant Tukaram also conducted community worship through Kirtans, which involved devotional singing and gathering.
Philosophy and Teachings:
- Vedanta-Based Teachings: His philosophy was deeply rooted in Vedanta and focused on the oneness of all beings.
- Influence of Other Saints: Sant Tukaram acknowledged the influence of other Bhakti saints like Namdev, Dnyaneshwar, Kabir, and Eknath in his Abhanga poetry.
Themes in His Works:
- Spiritual and Social Equality: His works frequently addressed social inequalities and promoted spiritual equality, regardless of caste or status.
- Devotion and Divine Love: The central themes of his poetry included devotion to God, divine love, and reflections on the human condition.
- Pantheism: His philosophy expressed the belief in the omnipresence of God throughout the universe.
Social Reforms:
- Advocate for Equality: He preached a casteless society and opposed the rigid rituals imposed by Brahmanical society.
- Opposition to Social Hierarchies: His teachings challenged social inequalities, making his Abhangas a powerful tool against Brahmanical dominance and caste-based discrimination.
Ref: Source
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Frequently Asked Question:
Who was Sant Tukaram Maharaj?
Sant Tukaram Maharaj was a 17th-century Hindu saint, poet, and philosopher known for his contributions to the Bhakti movement.
What is Sant Tukaram’s famous literary work?
His most famous work is the Tukaram Gatha, a collection of around 4,500 devotional Abhanga poems.
What were the main themes in Sant Tukaram’s teachings?
His teachings focused on spiritual equality, devotion to God, and social justice, emphasizing the oneness of all beings.
How did Sant Tukaram challenge social hierarchies?
He opposed caste-based discrimination and promoted a casteless society, using his poetry to challenge Brahmanical dominance.
What is the significance of the renaming of Pune International Airport?
Renaming Pune Airport to ‘Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Airport’ honors his deep cultural and spiritual influence in Maharashtra.