Abhangs of Sant Tukaram

Tukaram, also known as Sant Tukaram, was a 17th-century poet-saint of the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra He was part of the egalitarian, personalized devotionalism tradition called Varkari. Having being born during the times of a prevalently strong caste system into a so-called lower caste then, he believed and propagated equality in devotion and access to worship by all. 

Tukaram is known for his Abhangs in Marathi (devotional poetry) and community-oriented worship with spiritual songs known as kirtans - basically, group songs sung in a rhythmic and repetitive fashion to facilitate an immersive and meditative experience with devotion. His poetry was devoted to Vitthala or Vithoba, an avatar of Hindu god Vishnu.

Tukaram encouraged kirtan as a music imbued, community-oriented group singing and dancing form of devotion and reverence to the supreme deity. The greatest merit in kirtan, according to Tukaram, is it being not only a spiritual path for the devotee, it helps create a spiritual path for others.

Tukaram's literary works, along with those of travelling Marathi saints Dnyandev, Namdev and Eknath, are credited to have propelled the pilgrim-style religious Bhakti movement. 

Around 108 psalms or poems of these saints that were composed and sung in honor of Vitthoba have been translated.

I will be sharing my attempt of a popular Vitthala Abhang in Marathi, sung originally by Lata Mangeshkar. The song, Aga Karunakara, was tuned and composed by Shrinivas Khale, as part of the album "Abhang Tukyache".  The beautiful composition set in Raag Todi, evokes the pathos and the Bhakti rasa in a listener.

Lyrics and Translation:  
Obtained from Heritage of India: translations of the Psalms of Maratha saints

Aga Karunakara - I beseech you, o Lord of compassion and mercy!

अगा करुणाकरा करितसें धांवा ।              
या मज सोडवा लवकरी ॥१॥

ऐकोनियां माझी करुणेचीं वचनें ।
व्हावें नारायणें उतावीळ ॥२॥

मागें पुढें अवघा दिसे रिता ठाव ।
ठेवूनि पायीं भाव वाट पाहें ॥३॥

तुका ह्मणे आतां करीं कृपा दान ।
पाऊलें समान दावीं डोळां ॥६॥

Dear, Lord of Compassion, I beseech,
Come speedily and set me free.
When he hears my words of compassion, Narayan responds with eagerness
In the empty world apart I hearken, awaiting thy footfall
Vitthal, You are my mother and father, please answer my call
You alone are left to me, All else is vanity.
Now, Tuka pleads, grace us with your presence
Let my eyes behold thy feet of equality.