Sant Tukkaram- Part-8

Tukkaram was born in a Vysya family. A householder, with wife and children, he left the burden of his family on Lord Panduranga. He was forever in the thought of and singing the Praises of the Lord. Bhaktas of this caliber try to follow the dharma ordained to their caste though without much success. This is because their mind does not come down from the Lotus Feet of the Lord to worldly affairs. Thus, Tukkaram would now and then open his shop and try to do the business of selling provisions that was the dharma of his caste.

One day Tukkaram's wife somehow managed to fill the boxes with various provisions and asked Tukkaram to conduct business. He opened the shop and sat behind the counter. Soon a man came singing 'Hari! Hari!' He had gopi chandan mark on his forehead, tulasi mala around his neck. The highly pleased Tukkaram said to him, "Take anything that you need and as much as you need." The man said, "I have no money on me." Tukkarm said, "No! No! There is no need for any payment. You are uttering the Name of the Lord! You are a Sadhu. Please yourself." The man filled his bags and went away. And so did many others finding Tukkaram behind the counter. Soon all boxes were empty. Tukkaram's wife came to the shop and was highly pleased that her husband had done a quick business. She asked him, "How much business have you done today?" and looked into the cash box. There was not a coin there. Shocked, she questioned Tukkaram. Tukkaram said, "Oh! Madwoman! Would anyone sell
provisions to those who utter the Name of the Lord? Many came today singing the Name of the Lord and I gave it all to them without charging a paise." The poor lady went back into the house not knowing what to do. She was deeply concerned about her children who had not a morsel of food to eat.

'Ashada Ekadasi' was fast approaching and Tukkaram decided to visit Pandaripur for the occasion. On 'Ashada Ekadasi' lakhs and lakhs of Sadhus from all over the country gather in Pandaripur. His wife said to Tukkaram, "Please arrange for some food and clothing for the children before you leave for Pandaripur." Tukkaram said to her, "This family is not mine. Nor is this my house. They are all Panduranga's. He will take care of it." Uttering these words he set out to Pandaripur. He had hardly gone a few feet when he found a big group of Sadhus, singing the Praises of the Lord, coming up the street. He rushed to them and enquired, "Where are you all coming from? Are you all proceeding to Pandaripur? Have you all had your bath and food?" The Sadhus said that they had come the previous evening and had not yet had any food. Tukkaram at once invited them home. He said to them, "My home is close by. Please do come home; have your bath and have food and rest.
You may then proceed to Pandaripur. I will also accompany you all." So the 100 or so Sadhus followed Tukkaram to his home.

Just a few minutes earlier he had disowned the home and family. But, now he had brought the 100 Sadhus to 'his' home. He called out to his wife and said, "Sadhus have come home. Prepare food for them." The poor lady was baffled. But, being used to the ways of her husband, she somehow managed to get something and cooked for all the Sadhus. The Sadhus performed Nama Sankirtan. The whole house was lit up with the presence of the Sadhus singing the Name of the Lord. They stayed in Tukkaram's home for three days. The Nama Sankirtan performed by these Sadhus filled Tukkaram's heart. He did not feel any need to visit Pandaripur.

Once the Sadhus left their home, his wife asked Tukkaram, "I informed you that there was not a grain at home but you disowned the family and home and left for Pandaripur. But, you returned as quickly with so many Sadhus. How did you bring so many of them home when you knew that there was nothing at home?" Tukkaram said, "It is only your presence that encouraged me to invite them all home."