Maharashtra government approved a proposal to rename Pune Airport as Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Pune International Airport.
About Sant Tukaram
- 17th-century saint poet (Contemporary of Shivaji Maharaj) and philosopher related to Bhakti movement of Maharashtra.
- Belonged to ‘Warkari’ sect (along with Saint Dnyaneshwar, Eknath & Namdev) which flourished in medieval Maharashtra.
- Key Contributions
- Known for Abhanga devotional poetry and community-oriented worship through spiritual songs known as Kirtans.
- Abhanga is in praise of Lord Panduranga or Vitthal (Chief deity of Warkari, an incarnation of Vishnu)
- Famous work: Tukaram Gatha (1632-1650) in Marathi, includes about 4500 Abhangas.
- His works contributed to the Bhakti movement, which emphasized equality, devotion to God, and social reform.
- Known for Abhanga devotional poetry and community-oriented worship through spiritual songs known as Kirtans.
- Values: Faith, Devotion, Spirituality, etc.