Prime Minister Narendra Modi On Tuesday, Hindutva ideologue Veer Savarkar sang Sant Tukaram’s abhang (a devotional poem in praise of Lord Vitthal) while in prison during India’s freedom struggle. Modi said that in jail, Veer Savarkar used his handcuffs like Sant Tukaram’s chipli (a musical instrument) and sang his abhangs.
He was addressing a gathering of Varkaris (devotees making pilgrimage to Lord Vitthal temple at Pandharpur) after inaugurating a shila (rock) temple at Sant Tukaram Maharaj temple dedicated to the 17th century saint at Dehu near Pune. . Modi also interacted with the Warkaris during his visit, which precedes the annual ‘Vari’ tradition, which will begin from Dehu on June 20.
A special cap Tukaram turban was also presented to the Prime Minister on the occasion. Praising Sant Tukaram, a prominent figure in the Bhakti movement, Modi said he played an important role in the life of a national hero like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Constructed of a special type of Rajasthani stone, Shila Mandir is a temple dedicated to a stone slab on which Saint Tukaram meditated for 13 days. Before starting the pilgrimage to Pandharpur, they offer prayers at the Warkari Shila Temple. A new idol of Sant Tukaram has also been installed in the temple near the Shila Mandir.
Sant Tukaram was famous for his devotional poetry known as abhangas and spiritual songs known as kirtan. His works are at the center of the Varkari sect in Maharashtra. Dehu situated on the banks of river Indrayani is the birthplace of the poet-saint. Modi also mentioned the infrastructure upgradation works undertaken by the Center on major sections of Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palki Marg and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palki Marg.
Dedicated walkways are being constructed along the highways to ease the movement of the Warkaris making the pilgrimage to Pandharpur.
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