Original Marathi from the Tukaram Gatha
मराठी मूळ
 शिखा सूत्र तुझा गुंतला जमान । तंववरि तूं जाण श्रुतिदास ॥1॥
 त्याची तुज कांहीं चुकतां चि नीत । होसील पतित नरकवासी ॥ध्रु.॥
 बहु जालासी चतुर शाहणा । शुद्ध आचरणा चुकों नको ॥2॥
 शिखा सूत्र याचा तोडीं तूं संबंध । मग तुज बाध नाहींनाहीं ॥3॥
 तुका ह्मणे तरि वत्तूऩिन निराळा । उमटती कळा ब्रह्मींचिया ॥4॥
Tukaram Gatha (Marathi Wikisource)
English Translation
As long as the sacred thread and the topknot bind you as a pledge, you remain a servant of the scriptures. If you slip from that discipline even once, you will fall and become a dweller in hell. You may have become very clever and learned, but do not stray from pure conduct. If you wish to sever the tie of the sacred thread and topknot, then do so completely, and no harm will touch you. Says Tuka, only then, standing apart, will the qualities of Brahman shine through.
This translation is auto-generated and may contain errors. We ask forgiveness for any inaccuracies in rendering Tukaram’s original Marathi.
Appeals and Exhortations
Direct calls to action: wake up, seek God, do not waste this human birth.
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