Foreword

Dear reader!

Jai jai Ram Krishna Hari. Jai guru.

I am translating an epic religious book called 'Tukaram Gatha' by a great Indian Saint Tukaram, from old, semi-forgotten Marathi language into English. I feel this will be a great treat for true seekers of Spirituality.

These verses are known as abhangas in Marathi. You can read, study, assimilate, appreciate and enjoy the complete Gatha, at a comfortable pace even if you are not conversant with the Marathi language, you .

Virtually every Indian knows Tukaram as one of the great saints of India and about his epic poetry called 'Tukaram Gatha' which contains 4092 verses, according to the official copy used for recitation by Tularam Maharaj temple at Dehu in Maharashtra, India. It is filled with sweet, undemanding love for God and also has great wisdom.

I am doing this with 4 intentions:

      1.     I simply love it! I love Saint Tukaram. Translating his poetry on God, from Marathi language into English has been my dream since last 12 years. I have already started on this activity 12 years ago in a small way. I am getting satisfaction all the way, enjoying every moment of it! My dream is getting fulfilled through the medium of Google!
2.     Gatha is filled to brim with indescribable sweetness, the best of wisdom and crispness of language; so much so that every article written in Marathi, by any writer, invariably contains quotes of Saint Tukaram. I feel that the non Marathi speaking populations of the earth too deserve to drink from this fountain of elixir.
3.     There are millions of students of Saint Literature, Philosophy, Spirituality and similar topics who want to study and understand Saint Tukaram. He is so great that any work in these fields will be incomplete without reading and assimilating what Tukaram wrote. These students will get this input from this series of videos on English translation of Gatha.
4.     The whole world will be able to enjoy this poetry. It will spread Saint Tukaram’s message of pure, undemanding love for God and peace for humanity to millions. That will help in bringing peace and prosperity in this turmoil filled world. The world needs it. This will be the biggest gain!

      Those seeking God will find God! Gatha has that power! I would like to do this in the capacity of a sparrow of the great Jagadguru, the great Saint Tukaram, tweeting his wisdom and love to all so that they too may fall in love with the Lord. 

I hope I have been able to express my feelings which have led to starting of this initiative. I will be very happy to receive feedback and suggestions.

This is a humble effort and service to the great Saint and Lord VITHOBA and I offer it at their feet.

Deepak Phadnis.

(Devotee of Jagadguru Tukaram maharaj and disciple of Paramahansa Yoganand).

Date 14th July 2017

e-mail: phadnis.deepak@gmail.com

You may also like to visit:

Facebook Page:  Saint Tukaram Gatha Translation https://www.facebook.com/SaintTukaramGathaTranslation/?view_public_for=272894959738154

YouTube Channel: Deepak Phadnis 

https://www.youtube.com/user/vipul111981 

The script of Gatha used for translation is by the late Gangukaka Shirwalkar. It is the official script used by the Dehu temple trust as the script for Religious Recitation or Parayan. I express my gratitude to Mr. P. N. Joshi - writer of Tukaram Abhanga Gatha commentary in Marathi and Mr. Jog - writer of Gatha Commentary in Marathi whose books have been used for reference.