Tukaram — Vithoba's Devotee and Maharashtra Bhakti

Tukaram and the Bhakti Tradition in Maharashtra

Tukaram was one of the most influential saints in Maharashtra's Bhakti movement. His Dyaneshwari (commentary on the Bhagavad Gita) and 4,500+ abhangas are foundational Marathi spiritual texts.

His Connection to Vithoba

Tukaram was a Warkari (pilgrim) who walked annually to Pandharpur to worship Vithoba. He believed Vithoba appeared to him as his guru and taught him directly.

The Warkari Tradition

The Warkaris are a community of bhakti saints in Maharashtra who:

• Walk to Pandharpur every year on Ashadi Ekadashi
• Carry the palkhi (palanquin) of saints Namdev and Tukaram
• Sing abhangas throughout the pilgrimage

Famous Abhangas

Dehu Temple

Tukaram's temple at Dehu is a major site where:

• His samadhi is venerated
• Daily padas are sung
• His works are recited