Praise of Rama, the bond cut
Original Marathi from the Tukaram Gatha · About Sant Tukaram
मराठी मूळ
केला रावणाचा वध । अवघा तोडिला संबंध ॥1॥
लंकाराज्यें बिभीषणा । केली चिरकाळ स्थापना ॥ध्रु.॥
उदार्याची सीमा । काय वणूप रघुरामा ॥2॥
तुका ह्मणे माझा दाता । रामें सोडविली सीता ॥3॥
Tukaram Gatha (Marathi Wikisource)
English Translation
Ravana was slain, and the entire web of bondage was cut away. Bibhishana was established as king of Lanka for all time. How shall I describe the measure of Raghurama's generosity? Says Tuka, my Giver is Rama, who set Sita free.
We ask forgiveness for any inaccuracies in rendering Tukaram ji’s original Marathi.
In Plain Words
Ravana was killed. The whole tangle of bondage was cut away. Bibhishana was made king of Lanka, and set there for all time. How can I tell the size of Raghurama's giving? Tuka says: my Giver is Rama, who set Sita free.
What it means
Tukaram retells the close of the Rama story as a single act of liberation. The killing of Ravana is not only a battle won; it is the cutting of every bond, the freeing of what was held captive. He points to Rama's generosity by two gifts: a kingdom given to Bibhishana forever, and Sita set free. Calling Rama "my Giver," Tukaram folds himself into that same rescue, as if the freeing of Sita is the pattern of how Rama frees him too.
Sacred Stories
Abhangas drawing on mythological narratives to illuminate spiritual truths.
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