52.3: Tukaram’s pleading for inspiration

15. Thou, O Adhokshaja (God), dost know the innermost secret of Thy bhaktas. Now grant me a boon and say ‘Fear not’ and cause me to relate the stories of Thy bhaktas.

16. At the close of the previous chapter the Husband of Rukmini went to Dehu and in a sagun form met Tuka lovingly.

17. The Life of the world was pleased and said, ‘Ask for some boon and I will give thee such a boon as even Brahmadeva cannot obtain despite His effort?

18. Tuka replied, ‘That I should never forget Thee, that I should always sing of Thy deeds with a loving heart;

19. that I should for ever have the company of Thy loving bhaktas: this is the gift I ask for. Do not disappoint me, O merciful One.

20. That I should have love for Thy worship. I do not want a fortune. Thou mayest offer the four kinds of salvation; but I do not care for these.

21. An uninterrupted company of saints and Thy name ever on the tip of my tongue. If I have these, even rebirth will always be acceptable.

22. This is the only boon I ask for, O Hueband of Rukmini.’ Saying tills he bowed down to God. The Lord of Vaikunth (Vishnu’s heaven) wondered as He heard this.

23. The Friend of His bhaktas said to Garuda, ‘The loving Tuka is indifferent to worldly things, unattached to them and full of love. He has abandoned everything and he worships only.

24. On account of the pain of My separation from him, he has given up even food and water. Therefore his body is emaciated.’

25. On this the Son of Vinata (Garuda) said, ‘In Thy letter Thou hast given him the blessing that as long as Vaiknuth (Vishnu’s heaven) and Kailas (Shiva’s heaven) exist, Tuka shall live.

26. O Lord of Vaikunth [Vaikuntha], Thy promise will never prove untrue. Then why art Thou so sad at seeing him so emaciated? It is only out of Thy love for him.

27. As his mind is absorbed in Thy worship, he has overcome Kali (the Dark Age) and Kal ( god of death). He is truly the avatar of Nama. The saints know this secret.

28. He has worshipped Thee through several of his former births, and steadying and concentrating his mind has made Thee his own and sings lovingly of Thy deeds.’

29. On this the Lord of the world said to Tuka, ‘I am very hungry. Without eating anything I hurriedly started to meet you.

30. Whatever food is ready in your house bring it on a plate. Don’t yon hesitate to bring it as it is, either dry or with sauce.’

31. The readers are likely to raise the question as to why Chakrapani (Vishnu) came hungry even when Rukmini was near.

32. Tuka intended to feed the god, and knowing it the Lord of Pandhari said so. For the Lord of the lowly does a thing by which the desire of His bhakta is fulfilled.

33. Then Tuka fetched water and washed the lotus-feet of the god; and at once put around its neck a garland of tender tulsi leaves.

34. Then with great love he bowed to Him, and brought food on a plate, and dry bread with some vegetable and salt.

35. The Life of the world ate it with great relish. Good people may have a doubt as to how Narayan (God), the Dweller on the ocean of milk, ate dry and coarse bread.

36. But Shri Hari feels hungry when He finds sincere devotion. He cares for love only, and does not think of caste or race.

Other India history Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘52.3: Tukaram’s pleading for inspiration’. Further sources in the context of India history might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Rebirth, Lotus feet, Son of Vinata, Great love, Emaciated body, Pain of separation, Calm mind, Sincere devotion, Blessing, Mercy of God, Grant me a boon, Separation from him, Uninterrupted company, Full of love, Worldly thing.

Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.

Shrihari, Husband of Rukmini, Life of the world, Loving heart, Merciful One, Company of saints, Great relish, Hungry.