| Abstract: | Maharashtra is known as the land of saints, owing to its rich tradition of spiritual leaders. Although there are many sects in Maharashtra, the Varkari sect has a special influence. It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly when the tradition of Vitthala devotees, known as Varkaris, originated. However, it was the writings of Dnyaneshwara, particularly the Dnyaneshwari gave this tradition a clear shape and philosophical identity. The essence of the statement, ‘Dnyaneshwar laid the foundation…’ described by Bahinabai, comprising Dnyaneshwara, Namdeva, Eknatha, and Tukarama, refers to the tradition of Vitthala devotees. Tukarama is considered the most prominent among the saints of Maharashtra. Hence, it is essential to study the life and times of Saint Tukarama to understand him properly. In this study, an attempt will be made to bridge the chronological gaps in Saint Tukarama’s biography. Apart from this, the research paper will evaluate several past biographies of Saint Tukarama, from Mahipati’s ‘Bhaktileelamrut’ to Sadanand More’s ‘Tukarama Darshan’. How did these biographers present the image of Saint Tukarama? Some of them distorted the image of Saint Tukarama on account of not being a Brahmin and composing in a language other than Sanskrit. The present paper will expose the wrong and prejudiced views of several thinkers who didn’t accept the universality and greatness of Saint Tukarama. |
