Sant Tukdoji Maharaj
Shri Gadge Maharaj and Shri Tukdoji Maharaj
Born : 1909
Died : 1968
References from Lord Meher:
When Baba had arrived at the maidan, he had been received by the great saint of Nagpur, Tukdoji Maharaj, who had led him to the dais amidst thunderous shouts of “Shri Sadguru Meher Baba ki jai!” Tukdoji began singing bhajans and looked intoxicated with Baba’s love!
The darshan continued for two and a half hours, until midnight, and people were captivated by Baba’s marvelous personality. They felt as if drowned in the Ocean of his Light! Steadily gazing at him, they became lost to the world.
Age described, “The moon felt shy and hid its face behind the skirts of night. But the whole maidan was lit with the Beloved’s Song and 30,000 hearts heard the echoes of the sweet melody of that cooling, bliss-inspiring sonata.
“At midnight, Tukdoji Maharaj stopped the singing and requested Baba to bless the gathering. The Lord of the universe, in his full glory, stood up and raised his hands, his hair falling over his shoulders, his face aglow. There was complete peace and stillness all around. Baba’s silence spoke its secrets to every heart, and every heart was stirred unforgettably.
“What beauty the Beloved possessed to attract all to him! The crowd forgot everything for a while, delighted by the brilliant animation of his features. Baba lowered his hands after blessing the congregation and from the depths of the quietude rose the repeated heart-wrenching cry of ‘Shri Sadguru Meher Baba ki jai!’ People began rushing toward the stage. Tukdoji Maharaj lifted Baba on his shoulders and carried him to the car. Baba departed; but the multitude’s cheering continued.”
LM: Page 5051 (Year 1963)
On 21 November 1963, Saint Tukdoji Maharaj of Nagpur came to see Baba, along with Sarosh, Viloo and Adi. Tukdoji Maharaj had met Baba twice before in Nagpur in 1937 and 1944, and Babadas and Pankhraj had spoken to him about Baba. The saint had come to Ahmednagar to attend gatherings of his followers. Baba remarked to him, “I am in seclusion now and not giving darshan to anyone. When I go to Poona, I permit people to see me.”
Tukdoji Maharaj replied, “Darshan is of two kinds. One is to see physically, another is to see everywhere!”
Baba answered with a smile, “Only an exceptional one sees me everywhere. I am infinite!”
In 1955, Tukdoji Maharaj had been invited to attend a conference on world religions and world peace. He narrated details of his experiences there. Baba then sent him outside with Adi and Bhau for a tour of the Meherazad premises.
LM: Page 2441 (Year 1944)
A large public darshan was held in the evening at the Jessawalas’ bungalow. Eruch had previously been connected with the Ramakrishna Ashram in Nagpur. The head swami of the ashram was Bhaskareshwar Ananda and he attended the darshan. A renowned 28-year-old saint with a large following named Tukdoji Maharaj also attended. Tukdoji sang heartfelt bhajans before Baba, and was gratified at having his darshan.
LM: Page 1895 (Year 1937)
Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj, born on April 30, 1909, in Yawali, Amravati district, Maharashtra, was a revered spiritual leader, social reformer, and poet whose life and teachings left an indelible mark on Indian society. His birth name was Manikdev Banduji Ingale.
Early Life and Spiritual Pursuits
From a young age, Tukdoji Maharaj exhibited a profound inclination towards spirituality. He received spiritual initiation from Samarth Adkoji Maharaj of Warkhed gram, under whose guidance he engaged in rigorous penance and spiritual exercises aimed at self-realization. His early life was marked by deep meditation and yogic practices, laying the foundation for his future endeavors in spiritual and social realms.
Musical and Literary Contributions
A gifted orator and musician, Tukdoji Maharaj composed over 3,000 bhajans (devotional songs) in Hindi and Marathi, using music as a medium to disseminate spiritual and moral values among the masses. His literary works include “Gramgeeta,” a seminal piece focusing on village development and self-reliance, which has been translated into multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati, and Sanskrit. Other notable works are “Sartha Anandamrut,” “Sartha Atmaprabhav,” “Geeta Prasad,” “Bodhamrut,” and “Anubhav Prakash.”
Role in India’s Freedom Movement
Tukdoji Maharaj played a significant role in India’s struggle for independence. In 1941, he participated in individual acts of civil resistance (satyagraha) and was actively involved in the Quit India Movement of 1942, opposing the oppressive measures of British colonial rule. His activism led to his arrest and imprisonment in Nagpur and Raipur Central Jails.
Post-Independence Social Reforms
After India gained independence, Tukdoji Maharaj dedicated himself to rural reconstruction and social upliftment. He established the ‘All India Shri Gurudev Seva Mandal,’ developing programs aimed at integrated rural development, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure improvements. His efforts were recognized by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, who honored him with the title ‘Rashtrasant’ (National Saint).
Involvement in Social Causes and Movements
Tukdoji Maharaj was actively involved in various social causes, including:
Bhoodan Movement: He participated in Acharya Vinoba Bhave’s land reform movement, advocating for the voluntary donation of land to the landless.
Disaster Relief: He organized relief efforts during the Bengal famine of 1945, the Sino-Indian War in 1962, and the Koyna earthquake in 1967, providing aid and support to the affected populations.
World Peace Advocacy: In 1955, he attended the World Conference of Religion and World Peace in Japan, promoting interfaith dialogue and global harmony.
Philosophy and Teachings
Tukdoji Maharaj’s philosophy emphasized the integration of spirituality with social service. He believed that true devotion to God manifests through selfless service to humanity. His teachings advocated for:
Social Equality: Promoting the eradication of caste distinctions and fostering unity among all sections of society.
Education: Stressing the importance of both spiritual and secular education as means for individual and societal development.
Self-Reliance: Encouraging villages to become self-sufficient through sustainable practices and community cooperation, as elaborated in his “Gramgeeta.”
Honors and Legacy
In recognition of his contributions, Nagpur University was renamed Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University in 2005. Additionally, the Indian postal department issued a commemorative stamp in his honor in 1993.
Tukdoji Maharaj passed away on October 11, 1968, at the Gurukunj Ashram in Amravati district, Maharashtra. His legacy continues to inspire through his writings, the institutions he established, and the enduring impact of his teachings on spirituality and social reform in India.
Sources used for the information:
Wikipedia – Tukdoji Maharaj
Amravati District Official Website
Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University Library
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