Prayer, show me the secret
Original Marathi from the Tukaram Gatha · About Sant Tukaram
मराठी मूळ
वर्म तरि आह्मां दावा । काय देवा जाणें मी ॥1॥
बहुतां रंगीं हीन जालों । तरि आलों शरण ॥ध्रु.॥
द्याल जरि तुह्मी धीर । होईल िस्थर मन ठायीं ॥2॥
तुका ह्मणे सत्ताबळें । लडिवाळें राखावीं ॥3॥
Tukaram Gatha (Marathi Wikisource)
English Translation
Show me the secret, O God. What do I know of it? I have become lowly across so many colours of life, and so I have come to Your refuge. If You would grant me steadiness, my mind would settle in its own place. Says Tuka, by the force of Your sovereign authority, protect these beloved, pampered children of Yours.
We ask forgiveness for any inaccuracies in rendering Tukaram ji’s original Marathi.
In Plain Words
Show me the secret, O God. What do I know of it? I have grown lowly across so many turns of life, so I have come to Your refuge. If You grant me steadiness, my mind will settle in its own place. Tuka says: by the force of Your sovereign power, protect these pampered children of Yours.
What it means
Tukaram admits he does not know the hidden key to the path and asks God to show it to him. Worn down through many phases of life, he comes not as an expert but as a refugee. His one request is steadiness, because a settled mind would come to rest on its own. The closing line leans on God's authority and tenderness at once. He calls the devotees God's spoiled, beloved children and asks God to use sovereign power simply to keep them safe. Humility and trust carry the whole prayer.
Prayers
Direct appeals to God: for protection, guidance, strength, and mercy.
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