Freeindia > Biographies > Sages, Rushis And Saints > Tukdoji Maharaj
Tukdoji Maharaj
Sant Tukdoji Manahraj was born on 30th April in 1909 at Yawali in amravati District. He received spiritual initiation from Videhi paramahama Samarth Adkiji Maharaj of Warkhed gram. Early in childhood, Sant Tukdoji Maharaj performed rigorous penance and spiritual exercises in self-realisation. He also was trained in reciting Khanjeri Bhajans and attained considerable mastery in the art.
He studied the existing religious sects and other schools of thought and discussed religious and secular problems of the devotees. HE was determined to re-define socio spirituality and revitalize and awaken the country. He also laid the foundations of future organised efforts in terms of service to mankind as service to God. He was invited to the Wardha Sevagram by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936 where he was introduced to eminent national leaders, and other devoted workers and Satyagrahis. In 1941 he performed individual saatyagrah and he took part in the mass upsurge of the `Quit India' movement in 1941. He strongly opposed the inhuman repressive measures, adopted at that time by the British rulers. He was arrested in 1942 at Chandrapur and was imprisoned in Nagpur and Raipur Central Jails.
Maharaj ji loved and honoured each and every religion and graced all programmes organized by them as a special invitee. He took part in Acharya Vinobha Bhave's Bhudan Movements. He attended the World Conference of Religion and World Peace in Japan in 1955. His wisdom lives on in his `GRAM GEETA' which provided inspiration in the work for national reconstruction. He worked hard to convert devotion to God into service to mankind and the nation. Consequently he transformed traditional prayer organization into disciplined, broad based groups of devout young men and women who engaged in constructive social works. They held yearly festivals and helped to spread the message of service to mankind.
The Department of Post honors the memory of this great Saint, Patriot and social worker by issuing a special postage stamp.
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