Well-known Maratha 17th century writer. He abandoned the world and became a wandering ascetic. (Glossary for the Vahinis)

Sant Tukaram (1577–1650) was a prominent Varkari Sant and spiritual poet of the Bhakti. He is often referred to with an honorific, Sant Tukaram. Sant Tukaram was a devotee of Vitthala or Vithoba, a form of God Vishnu.

Tukaram was born in the year 1577 and lived most of his life in Dehu, a town close to Pune in Maharashtra, India. His real name is Tukaram Bolhoba Aambile. He is commonly known in Maharashtra as Sant Tukaram.

                              (Tukaram leaves for Vaikuntha)

Tukaram was a potter who used to make pots and earthen –ware to eke out his living. He was so generous that whatever he earned he used to spend for alleviating the sorrow and difficulties of the poor people. Since his heart was full of devotion and compassion for the poor, he used to spend his entire earnings in providing relief to them. The Kirtanas and poems he wrote were full of devotional fervour and emotion. He was simple, honest and full of integrity. While singing the kirtanas composed by himself, he used to forget himself. People used to laugh at him seeing such height of emotion. Some people even went to the extent of developing hatred and jealousy against him. Even then, he used to respect them. Emperor Shivaji having heard about his intense devotion and surrender, sent his Minister once to handover some money to Tukaram as a gift . But Tukaram did not touch that money. On the other hand, he closed his eyes and prayed to his dear Panduranga, ‘Oh! Vitthala! Do you wish to slip away from me, keeping this gift of money in my hand? I will not touch anything (even money) except your Lotus Feet?’ Tukaram then wrote on a slip of paper, ‘Oh! Emperor Shivaji! I have completely surrendered myself to Lord Panduranga. I have no other wish except the divine proximity to the Lord. I am not a destitute, when Lord Vittal Himself is protecting me. There is no wealthier position in the world than Lord Vitthal. His entire property belongs to me. Hence, I cannot accept the money sent by you. I am sending back to you. Please do not mistake me.’ From then on, Emperor Shivaji joined the holy company of Tukaram and derived the full benefit of that Satsang. (Beacons of Divine Wisdom Part 2, pp. 181-182)