Shrisant Tukaram Maharaj Temple

June 14, 2022

On June 14, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a temple in Dehu near Pune in Maharashtra, which is dedicated to 17th-century saint Tukaram Maharaj.

Who was Tukaram Maharaj?

Tukaram Maharaj was a warkari saint and poet. He was a prominent figure in Bhakti movement.
He was known for ‘abhanga’ devotional poetry.
He is also famous for leading community-based worship by means of spiritual songs called as kirtans.
He was a Sant of Varkari sampradaya, that have a lot of respect for God Vithoba.
He was part of egalitarian, personalized Varkari devotionalism tradition.

Shila Mandir

After the demise of Tukaram Maharaj, a Shila Mandir was constructed. However, it was not formally established as a temple. It was rebuilt in stone with 36 peaks. The temple contains as idol of Saint Tukaram.

Tukaram Pagdi

During the inaugural session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a special Tujaram Pagdi. It has been designed by Murudkar Zendewale, a turban making firm in Pune. ‘Abhang’ (verses) is also written on the pagdi.

Background

Tukaram was born in modern-day Maharashtra. Tukaram Bolhoba Ambile was his complete name. Year of birth and death of the Sant has been a subject of research and dispute. He was either born in 1598 or 1608 in Dehu village, near Pune. He was born to Kanakai and Bolhoba. His family owned a retailing & money-lending business and were also engaged in agriculture & trade. His guru, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, was a saint of Bhakti Movement.

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