Sant Eknath and Sant Tukaram Maharaj are two prominent saints in the Bhakti movement of Maharashtra, India. Both contributed significantly to Marathi literature and devotional music, and their teachings continue to influence the spiritual and cultural landscape of the region. Despite their shared goal of promoting devotion to God, their teachings and approaches exhibit both similarities and differences.
Similarities
Devotion to Vithoba (Vithal):
- Both Sant Eknath and Sant Tukaram were ardent devotees of Vithoba, the deity worshipped in the form of Lord Krishna in Pandharpur. Their poetry and abhangas (devotional songs) often express a deep, personal devotion to Vithoba, emphasizing the importance of Bhakti (devotion) as a means to attain spiritual liberation.
Bhakti Movement Advocates:
- Both saints were key figures in the Bhakti movement, which sought to democratize religion and make it accessible to all, irrespective of caste, creed, or gender. They emphasized a personal connection with the divine, challenging the ritualistic and hierarchical structures of traditional Hinduism.
Use of Vernacular Language:
- Both Sant Eknath and Sant Tukaram wrote in Marathi, the language of the common people, making their teachings accessible to a wider audience. This was a significant departure from the use of Sanskrit, which was traditionally reserved for scholarly and religious texts.
Emphasis on Moral Values:
- Their teachings consistently underscored the importance of moral and ethical living. Compassion, humility, honesty, and service to others are recurrent themes in their writings.
Social Equality:
- Both saints advocated for social equality and worked against caste discrimination. They believed that devotion to God transcended social hierarchies and that every individual had the right to spiritual knowledge and practice.
Differences
Literary Style and Contributions:
- Sant Eknath: Known for his scholarly approach, Eknath's works include Bhavarth Ramayana, a Marathi translation and commentary on the Ramayana, and Eknathi Bhagwat, an extensive commentary on the eleventh book of the Bhagavata Purana. His writings often delve into philosophical discussions and elaborate explanations of Hindu scriptures.
- Sant Tukaram: Tukaram's literary contributions are primarily his abhangas, which are spontaneous, lyrical, and often composed in a simple, direct style. His works reflect his personal experiences and are marked by their emotional intensity and devotional fervor.
Life and Personal Background:
- Sant Eknath: Eknath was born into a scholarly Brahmin family and received traditional education in Sanskrit and the scriptures. His background influenced his writing style, which often incorporates scriptural references and learned discussions.
- Sant Tukaram: Tukaram hailed from a lower caste family and faced numerous hardships, including personal loss and economic struggles. His experiences with suffering and social discrimination deeply influenced his teachings, which often reflect a profound empathy for the downtrodden and an emphasis on the grace of God as the ultimate refuge.
Approach to Spiritual Practice:
- Sant Eknath: Eknath's approach is often more formal and rooted in traditional Hindu practices. He emphasized the importance of rituals, pilgrimages, and adherence to scriptural injunctions, alongside devotion.
- Sant Tukaram: Tukaram's approach was more personal and informal. He believed in the simplicity of heartfelt devotion and often critiqued the excessive ritualism and hypocrisy he observed in religious practices. For Tukaram, the sincerity of one's devotion was paramount.
Philosophical Emphasis:
- Sant Eknath: Eknath's writings frequently explore Vedantic concepts and provide philosophical interpretations of the scriptures. He sought to reconcile the paths of knowledge (Jnana) and devotion (Bhakti).
- Sant Tukaram: Tukaram's teachings are more focused on the emotional and experiential aspects of devotion. His abhangas often convey a sense of direct communication with God and an emphasis on the transformative power of divine love and grace.
Sant Eknath and Sant Tukaram Maharaj, while sharing a common goal of promoting Bhakti and social equality, approached their spiritual missions in unique ways. Eknath's scholarly and philosophical approach contrasts with Tukaram's emotionally charged and experiential devotion. Together, they enriched the Bhakti movement and left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire spiritual seekers and social reformers alike.