Original Marathi from the Tukaram Gatha
मराठी मूळ
मृगाचिये अंगीं कस्तुरीचा वास । असे ज्याचा त्यास नसे ठाव ॥1॥
भाग्यवंत घेती वेचूनियां मोलें । भारवाही मेले वाहतां ओझें ॥ध्रु.॥
चंद्रामृतें तृिप्तपारणें चकोरा । भ्रमरासी चारा सुगंधाचा ॥2॥
अधिकारी येथें घेती हातवटी । परीक्षावंता दृष्टी रत्न जैसें ॥3॥
तुका ह्मणे काय अंधिळया हातीं । दिले जैसें मोतीं वांयां जाय ॥4॥
Tukaram Gatha (Marathi Wikisource)
English Translation
The musk deer carries the fragrance of musk in its own body, yet it does not know where the scent resides. The fortunate purchase it at great price, while the beast of burden dies carrying the load. The moon's nectar satisfies the chakor bird; the bee feeds on fragrance alone. Only those with the right capacity grasp the skill, just as a jeweler recognizes a gem. Says Tuka, what use is it to place a pearl in the hand of a blind man? It only goes to waste.
This translation is auto-generated and may contain errors. We ask forgiveness for any inaccuracies in rendering Tukaram’s original Marathi.
Worldly Metaphors
Poems using images from games, occupations, and daily life as spiritual teaching.
More in this theme →Continue exploring