On the morning of June 18th 2020, I listened to one of the Abhanga sung by Pandit Bhimsen Joshi; I liked the music. Abhangas always take me to a different world. However, the more I started concentrating on the words, I could not grasp the entire meaning. Some of the Marathi words were difficult to understand as they are not used in today’s Marathi dialect. Somehow the feeling came that I am not able to enjoy this Abhanga thoroughly. This particular incident made me think: Somebody who is educated in Marathi medium school, if not able to understand, how do we expect the new generation to listen, grasp and enjoy the invaluable treasure of Abhangas created by our great Saints? Will such treasure will get lost over time?

More and more people are getting educated in English. Being the universal language, it is but natural to see this trend. However, my generation must introduce this great treasure to youngsters in the language they understand well

Many Marathi families have migrated to different parts of the world. How can they introduce their next generation to blissful moments with Abhangas if they do not understand its meaning? Who will explain the essence if they are interested in knowing the same?

Most of the commentaries of Abhangas are in Marathi, and hence other non-Marathi speaking populace is deprived of the divinity of these Abhangas. With English translations, they will get introduced to the literature created by the great Saints of Maharashtra and listen to them with a heart full of divinity.

There is a notion in our society that English is the language of scientific thinkers. Most of the research papers and scientific theories are explained in English. Even though the world’s greatest truths are presented by Saints in Sanskrit or in regional language, they are neglected due to not being in English. English translation might bring this great piece of literature to various discussions forums.

Abhanga and Bhajan are synonyms. The word Abhanga is formed with two words “अ” and “भंग”. The word भंग means broken and with अ ahead of it, means Unbroken or Unbreakable. Now, what is unbreakable or unbroken? It can be looked into many ways:

• The subject dealt in Abhangas is Bhagavan - all-pervasive, omnipotent, omnipresent Lord - someone who showers uninterrupted and unremitting grace all over the Universe.
• The bhakti principles, universal truths given in these Abhangas are unbreakable. These are Sanatan truths and will remain till the end of this world and beyond.
• Abhangas are relevant in all eras. Their pertinence remains unbroken irrespective of the period in which they are sung. They will continue to inspire devotees of all ages whenever they are sung, heard, studied and read.
• The happiness and joy Abhangas give is unbroken. These Abhangas lead you towards permanent and ceaseless happiness. The mind becomes the repository of happiness, and then there is no end to that happiness.

There are few characteristics of Abhangas:

• The subject handled by Abhangas is all about the Swaroop of Bhagavan. Abhangas begins with ‘Naman’ (invocation of God), continues with ‘Roopachaa Abhanga’ (Abhanga portraying the physical beauty of God in human form), Abhanga on importance or supremacy of a Guru, Abhanga giving a spiritual or moral message etc. It expresses the love and gratitude of Saints and sages towards the Lord. There is an exaltation of virtues or the Gunas of Bhagavan. Abhangas also talk about the individual experiences of these Saints, many times their state of mind when they have reached that Super plain of consciousness.
• Abhangas are a poetic form of devotional poetry and music. There is a meter to all Abhangas.
• To express the thoughts and principles, the anecdotes given are from our day-to-day life, making some of the subtle subjects very easy to understand. The language is simple, but the meaning is profound.
• It is said that these Abhangas are extempore. They were not formed, but they manifested in that transcendental stage of mind.
• All the Abhangas have “नाम मुद्रा”. All the Saints and sages have mentioned their name very creatively in those Abhangas. Which comes in these Abhangas as – Nama Mhane, Tuka Mhane, Baap Rakhumadevivaru. Chokhamhane, Eka Janardani, Vishnudas Mhane etc. It has helped historians to identify the writers of these Abhangas.

Some of the lighter compositions are also categorised under Abhangas. They are Gavalan - a maiden’s song and Viraani/ Virahini – an expression of woman on separation. In the end, Pasaaya-Daan (prayer by saint Dnyaneshwar for the wellbeing of the Universe) is generally sung.

The Saints and Sages of India were social reformists. More so, they were great observers, poets and psychologist of all times. They all had in-depth knowledge about the scriptures and Vedanta. These saints and sages lived their own life on these solid spiritual principles and practices before preaching. Abhangas they sang were extempore and were recited when they were one with God. One can say, the message which came in the form of Abhanga is nothing but the message from the Lord Himself. Abhangas give us the evolutionary path that can change our lives. The objective is individual transformation, which will lead to righteousness in society.

Many of the Saints and sages were born in the most challenging periods in the history of India. There were continuous foreign invasions and change of Rulers for this country. Society was facing loot and extreme poverty. Life as such was very insecure. In those difficult periods, the Bhakti movement gave that spiritual strength to the masses. It gave them that spiritual knowledge so that people were able to sustain these attacks and still live happily in those challenging times. Kings like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj were also inspired by the teachings of Saints to fight against foreign rule.

At an individual level, these saints and sages gave practical tips for happy living. They chose examples and anecdotes of our daily life to convey their point to the commoner. These literary geniuses explain some of the unfathomable and subtle concepts of Vedanta in elementary language and make you introspect. Most of the Abhangas are very short in text, but the message conveyed is profound.

Even today, each one of us is looking for happiness and fulfilment in our lives. These Abhangas give that secret formula to achieve that joy and tranquillity to our minds. One can overcome the mental agitations and remain in those higher thoughts.

Amongst all the literary works on spirituality, there are very few works that narrate the experience of Self Realisation. It gives an idea about the mindset of these Saints who have achieved the vision of Oneness in life. Many Abhangas bring forth the encounters of their Self Realisation to commoners like us. Abhangas provide a glimpse of their joyous mind after reaching that Plain of Super consciousness. Their experiences have prompted many generations to walk on the path of achieving that ultimate joy, happiness and reach that goal of Human life - liberation or Moksha.

We often read scripters and get amazed at the values and principles they prescribe for our living. We also wonder, is it possible to live with those fundamentals? Can someone ever live their life on such high moralities and difficult values? We should simply look at the lives of these saints and stop asking such questions.

It is humanly not possible to translate this humongous literature these saints have created. Hence a selection criterion was formulated. What are these criteria’s?

• The Abhanga should be available on YouTube or any other digital platform so that it can be listened to by one and all.
• Should be famous and popular.
• They should be based on Vedanta Principles or bring out the truths as given in the scriptures.
• Try and cover various Saints so that more variety can be brought and readers get introduced to more and more saints.
  As of now, only sixty-three of Abhangas have been translated. Eighteen each of Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, Namdeo Maharaj, Tukaram Maharaj and nine of Eknath Maharaj. However, the work will continue as per the wishes of Bhagavan. He is the reason behind my motivation.

While expounding these Abhangas in English, original works such as Tukaram Gatha, Eknath Gatha, Shri Namdeo Maharaj’s – Sarth Abhanga Gatha, Sarth Shri Dnyandev Abhanga Gatha was referred. The meaning as given in Marathi by renowned Authors was studied and digested before the English translation.

Translation of some of the words not used in daily dialect was cited from the Marathi Shabda Kosh. The commentaries from Siddha Swamis and Swaminis of Chinmaya Mission have been referred to expound the meaning of some subtle concepts. Translation of a few of the Abhangas was also shown and discussed with Acharyas of Chinmaya Mission to get it vetted. One of the prominent writer -editor Shri Devidas Pote, who has dedicated his life for the cause of bringing the literature of Saints and sages, was requested to comment on these translations. He has graciously gone through some these Abhangas and has encouraged the works of translations. Poojya Guruji, Swami Tejomayananda ji was shown few Abhangas and he also gave some valuable suggestions with lot of words of encouragement.

The books, scriptures which have been referred is presented on this website as references. This will help readers to buy these books from the resource links given. Readers are encouraged to study and understand the real import of these Abhangas with the help of these references.

Attempts have been made to find out the appropriate English words for Marathi words, Phrases, and then translate, expound them in simplistic language. The objective is to introduce these Abhangas to the readers so that they capture the real import of these Abhangas.

Over and above, if there are mistakes observed by readers, I humbly take responsibility for the same. Please pardon me for those mistakes.

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I am not a great writer of English literature, neither an exciting storyteller nor a great philosopher. All the earlier works, commentaries of these Abhangas in Marathi have been done by great philosophers and stalwarts like Vinoba Bhave, Dr Pralhad Joshi, etc. I am nowhere near them. But the attempt is to introduce this glorious literature to the English speaking – Marathi and Non Marathi populance and, of course, to the younger generation. Who knows, a much better literary masterpiece will emerge on Abhangas in the English Language in future.

One may think whether the writer is an Adhikari to write such commentary on Abhangas. On this, I will say, simply consider this as a flower dedicated at the feet of the Lord. As our scriptures say, you need no qualification for doing bhakti of the Bhagavan. Kindly consider this work an expression of bhakti and devotion towards that compassionate Lord by one of the most unqualified Sadhak. While the attempt is to write this English commentary with pure mind and dedication, if there are any lacunas in this work, I am sure the ever-compassionate Bhagavan will accept it as a mistake by His child and forgive me.

I remain ever indebted to Chinmay Mission for introducing my family and me to the profound Vedantic Knowledge. The life of Gurudev Shri. Swami Chinmayanadaji Acharyas are ever inspiring, Our beloved Guruji- Swami Tejomayananda Ji, Swami Swaroopanand Ji and many other Acharyas are ever inspiring. Their Satsangs has given a lot of understanding on the subject of spirituality.

Various books of Chinmaya Mission, Satsang of various Swamis and Swaminis were quite useful while expounding the thoughts of these great Saints and Sages. Appropriate references have been given in the translations. However, even if some are missing, please consider that it has come from a reputable source. If there are any mistakes, they are mainly due to my lack of proper understanding of the subject.

My mother, Smt. Madhumalti Khair, has been my companion in this journey. Each Abhanga was shown to her, and she has added a lot of value to this entire exercise. She has corrected some of my understandings and given good references. I feel blessed to have such knowledgeable and devoted Sadhak as close to me as my mother.

The beautifully handwritten abhangas you see on top is calligraphed by my sister Dr. Shilpa Kulkarni. She has made a lot of effort, took time out of her busy schedule, and presented these handwritten Abhangas for this website. I am grateful to her for her excellent contribution.

All these Abhangas were proof checked by Smt. Vijaya Laxmi Suresh, who painstakingly went through each Abhangas for the spellings and phrases and suggested appropriate words in many places. Despite her busy schedule with office, home, and Chinmaya Mission programs, the value addition she has made to this exercise is remarkable. My heartfelt gratitude for all her help.

I am also thankful to my wife Neha, my sons Sumedh and Arnav as well other family members for their constant support & encouragement.

The most important fact remains, this exercise of reading, understanding and expressing, expounding the meaning of these Abhangas has given me pure joy. Listening to these Abhangas from accomplished singers such as Smt. Lata Mangeshkar, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Shri Suresh Wadkar Ji, Smt. Kishori Tai Amonkar and many more were a real divine treat. I strongly feel it has led to my personal growth, evolution and mind purification.

With all the reverence and devotion, I bow down at the feet of Bhagavan Vithala and offer this flower at His lotus feet.

Hari Om!!!

On the auspicious day of Kojagiri Poornima, 19 th October, 2021 the website www.amrutwani.com was launched. About 63 abhangas of Sant Shri Sant Dnyaneshwar (18), Sant Eknath (9), Sant Namdeo (18) and Sant Tukaram (18) were posted on the website with English commentary.

An online event was organised due to COVID pandemic situation prevailing at that time. The on-line program was celebrated with Bhajan Singing by of my friends Shri Vijay Ashtekar and Smt. Gunvati Joshi. Also, few non-Marathi readers and my friends - Dhiren Mistry and Vijaya Laxmi Ji expressed their views on the website.

The highlight of the event was presence of Poojya Guruji, Shri Tejomayananda Ji. He also blessed this initiative by sending a video clip. One can view this clip by clicking here.

It is a great pleasure to unveil the 2nd edition of www.amrutwani.com at Adi Shankara Nilayam, Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF) campus, Veliyanad, Ernakulum, Kerala. It is maternal home of and also the birth place of Bhagavan Shri Adi Shankaracharya Ji. The launch was during a residential camp from 6th June to 12th June, 2023. Pujya Swami Sharadanada Ji, Acharya at CIF, blessed the efforts and announced the launch of the 2nd edition of this website.

In this edition, few more abhangas of Sant Ramdas Swami (18), Sant Jana bai (9), Sant Soyarabai and Sant Chokhamela (18) and Sant Muktabai (9) and have been added. Also 2 Bharud’s, written by Sant Eknath Maharaj are included in the list of Abhangas.

The new feature of this website is “You ask- Saint Answer”. Many common questions which arise in our minds as Sadhakas on spiritual path have been answered by these saints through their abhangas. An attempt has been made to co-relate these answers to those questions. Readers may find it interesting.

Would like to thank Vijaya Laxmi ji for the painstaking proof checking undertaken by her. I am thankful to my mother who has gone through each and every abhanga and vetted it. My sister Dr. Shilpa Kulkarni has contributed by adding few hand written abhangas of Sant Ramdas Sami and Sant Janabai.

It was a great pleasure to launch the third edition of Amrutwani on the auspicious day of Dasara, 12 October 2024. The venue was the famous Mahalakshmi temple in Kharghar.
With the blessings of Mahalakshmi Ma, the website Amrutwani.com has a few more abhangas, which include Sant Kanhopatra (9), Sant Janabai (18), Sant Dnyneshwar Maharaj (9), Sant Tukaram Maharaj (2).
Various Saints and sagas have composed numerous abhangas on Pandharpur Vaari. Out of many, about 10 Abhanagas on Pandharpur Vaari expounded and presented on this website.
Swami Medhajananda Ji, a senior acharya from Chinmaya Mission, Khopli Centre, launched the third edition of this website.
Vijaya Laxmi ji, with her unwavering dedication, meticulously proofread these abhangas. However, should there be any oversight, I humbly accept the responsibility.
My mother has gone through every abhanga and has given me precious suggestions
Megha Shetty ji, San Francisco, USA, a Bharat Natyam dancer, suggested the newly added 18 beautiful abhangas of Sant Janabai. She will be analysing all the 27 abhangas for her master's thesis.
Shri. Devidas Pote, a renowned writer, suggested ten abhangas on Pandharpur Vari for the commentary.
I am deeply grateful to all of them and to all my family members for supporting and encouraging me in this endeavour.