Prayer, the desires I cannot master
Original Marathi from the Tukaram Gatha · About Sant Tukaram
मराठी मूळ
स्त्रीपुत्रादिकीं राहिला आदर । विषयीं पडिभर अतिशय ॥1॥
आतां हाता धांवा नारायणा । मज हे वासना अनावर ॥ध्रु.॥
येउनियां आड ठाके लोकलाज । तें हें दिसे काज अंतरलें ॥2॥
तुका ह्मणे आह्मां जेथें जेथें गोवा । तेथें तुह्मीं देवा सांभाळावें ॥3॥
Tukaram Gatha (Marathi Wikisource)
English Translation
My affection for wife and children remains; I am still deeply drawn to sense-pleasures. Now rush to my aid, O Narayana. These desires are beyond my control. Social shame stands in the way and blocks the path; the goal appears to have receded from reach. Says Tuka, wherever we are entangled, there You must come and care for us, O God.
We ask forgiveness for any inaccuracies in rendering Tukaram ji’s original Marathi.
In Plain Words
My fondness for wife and children stays with me; I am still pulled hard toward the pleasures of the senses. Now run to my aid, Narayana. These desires are beyond my control. Fear of what people will say stands in the way and blocks the road; the goal seems to have slipped out of reach. Tuka says: wherever we get entangled, there You must come and watch over us, God.
What it means
Tukaram prays as a man who knows his own weakness and refuses to hide it. He still loves his family and is still dragged by appetite, and he admits these desires are stronger than his will. On top of that, the fear of social shame blocks the very path he wants, so the goal feels lost. Rather than claim he can fix himself, he hands the trouble back to God: come exactly where I am snared, and guard me there. The plea is honest surrender, not self-improvement.
Prayers
Direct appeals to God: for protection, guidance, strength, and mercy.
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