The procession, the King of Pandhari arrives
Original Marathi from the Tukaram Gatha · About Sant Tukaram
मराठी मूळ
पैल दिसतील भार । दिंडी पताका अपार ॥1॥
आला पंढरीचा राणा । दिसतील त्याच्या खुणा ।
सुख वाटे मना । डोळे बाहएा स्फुरती ॥ध्रु.॥
उठिले गजर नामाचे । दळभार वैष्णवांचे ॥2॥
तुका करी रिता ठाव । त्यांसी बैसावया वाव ॥3॥
Tukaram Gatha (Marathi Wikisource)
English Translation
Look, the processions appear in the distance: palanquins and banners beyond number. The king of Pandhari has come; his signs are visible. Joy fills the mind, and the eyes and arms thrill with delight. The roar of the divine name rises; the armies of Vaishnavas advance. Says Tuka, I clear a space for them all to sit.
We ask forgiveness for any inaccuracies in rendering Tukaram ji’s original Marathi.
In Plain Words
Look, in the distance the crowds appear, palanquins and banners beyond counting. The King of Pandhari has come; you can see the signs of him. The mind fills with joy; the eyes and the arms thrill and tremble. The roar of the Name has risen; the armies of the Vaishnavas are advancing. Tuka says: I clear an empty place for them all to sit.
What it means
Tukaram greets the coming of God not as a lonely event but as a great festival procession, the King of Pandhari approaching with palanquins, banners, and the roar of the divine Name. His whole body responds, eyes and arms trembling with joy at the first sight. The advancing armies are the Vaishnavas, the company of devotees who come with the Lord. His one act is humble and practical: he clears an open space so that all of them have room to sit, making himself host to the host of God.
Autobiography
Tukaram's own account of his life, struggles, awakening, and mission.
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