Tukaram Gatha Abhanga 1 - Samacharan drushti vitewari sajiri

Translation

The first abhanga is called ‘abhanga of managalacharan’ or of salutation to God. It is a tradition to bow down to God at the beginning of any book.

1.     Oh Hari! May my mind be always be attached or naturally inclined to those feet of the Lord VITHAL, which are equally poised on the brick. The gaze of the eyes, too, is constantly engaged on the feet.

2.     Apart from this I do not want any other things which are visible to the eyes, but, which in reality, have no existence. Lord, may my mind never get attached to these things!

3.     Brahmalok Vishnulok and other heavenly places, all ultimately lead to sorrow and hence may my heart never get attached to them.

4.     Tukaram says, I have understood the secret of all the karmas and dharmas. They are all temporary, which will be eventually perished.

(Explanation of the reference of standing on the brick: Very long ago, before 28 yugas, the Lord Krishna came in the form of Vithoba to meet and bless his loving devotee Pundalik. At that time Pundalik was busy serving his parent, by massaging their tired feet. Hence, he threw a brick at a distance and requested the Lord to wait on the brick till Pundalik finishes serving his parents. The Lord, being so loving and listening to his sincere devotees, stood on the brick with his hands on the waist, waiting for his devotee. Till date, Pundalik has kept the Lord waiting, for these 28 yugas! In this way, Pundalik has tricked the Lord for the benefit of the masses. He brought Lord Krishna on the bank of the river Chandrabhaga to make it easy for the people to meet Him. The Lord, too, is so sweet that he is obliging without getting tired and gives his blessings to all the devotees).

Implied message: Everything else is perishable. Only Your Form (Roop) is everlasting.

Marathi Text

समचरण दृष्टि विटेवरी साजिरी। तेथे माझी हरी वृत्ती राहो ||१||
आणिक न लगे मायिक पदार्थ। तेथे माझे आर्त नको देवा ||२||

ब्रह्मादिक पदे दु:खाची शिराणी। तेथे दुश्चित झणी जडो देसी ||३||

तुका म्हणे त्याचे कळले आम्हा वर्म। जे जे कर्मधर्म नाशवंत ||४||

English

1.     Samacharan drushti vitewari sajiri, tethe mazi Hari vrutti raaho

2.     Aanik na lage maayik padartha, tethe maze aart nako deva

3.     Brahmadik pade dukkhaachi shiranee, tethe duschitta zanee jado desee

4.     Tuka mhane tyaache kalale aamha Varma, je je karmadharma naashvant.

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