The game1 has begun on the river bank

Vaishnavs are dancing, O brother

Anger, pride having trampled down

Each other’s feet they touch

 

Dancing in a state of ecstasy

Sacred songs of the Lord’s praise

The Grim Reaper is subdued

Such is their towering might

 

Sandalwood lotion, basil beads

Garlands flaunting around necks

Taal, mrudung playing, flowers showering

Unmatched blissful celebration this

 

Soothed by music, experience Samadhi2

Ignorant people, male, female, the laity

Pundit, enlightened, Yogi, Mahanubhav3

All immersed in One experience

 

Pride of origin, forgot their castes

They surrender on each other’s feet

Utterly spotless minds have become

Rocks have given birth to springs

 

Constant acclamations make the sky thunder

Frenzied are these Vaishnav warriors

Tuka says they’ve eased up the path

For traversing the ocean of life

●🙙🙛●

 

1. Tukaram is describing here the march of the Varkaris in the procession on foot towards Lord Vitthal’s temple that is carried out twice a year with the accompaniment of musical instruments and chanting the Lord’s and the saints’ praise.

2. The state of being in perfect unison with the Absolute

3. A religious sect widespread in Maharashtra during Tukaram’s times