Opinions of
the Scholars

Tukaram was inspired by Namdeva to write
poetry, but his ideas are really inspired by Nath.

-Acharya Vinaba Bhave- M. V. Itihas P.No. 24

Tukaram Maharaj has adopted the style of language of Eknath to correct (open the ears of) the society and his desire for pure Parmartha. Whereas Ramdasa has picked up the writing style of Ekanath to orient the society and to explain in detail. Tukaram connected to the Atmopadeshak (counsellor) Shrikrishna of Bhagavat of Ekanatha, whereas Ramdas connected to demon killer Rama of Bhavartha Ramayana and kept that Rama on his head. After few days of the death of Eknath, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj strived for the Swarajya. Historians believe that the literature of Eknath has created the mindset of people for this. All this shows, the substantial contribution of Eknath.

- Shri Dhunda Maharaj Degloorkar- Continental Ekanth Darshan Introduction p. 11

Like Dnyaneshwari, in Nath Bhagwata, there is fusion of literature and peace. And, thus after Dnaneshwari, Nath Bhagwata is very popular in Maharashtra.

- Shri Mamasaeb Dandekar- Eknath Darshan volume-2
P. No. 22

The formula presented by Shri Dnyaneshwara is explored in Nath Bhagwata. The Bhaktiyoga that is primarily mentioned in Nathbhagwata is promoted by Tukaram.

-Shri Shankarmaharaj Khandarkar- Eknath Khand- Volume
2- P.No. 223

Natha became the forerunner of Maharashtra as he awakened the masses with the constant awareness of the integration between spirituality and ethics, as well as between philosophy and practice.

- Dr. H. V. Inamdar-Continental Eknath Darshan P.No. 333

It seems that behind this diversity, there was not only the focus on diversity but also the conscious sensitive mind of Lok Shikshaka (mass educator) Eknath striving for the people's benevolence. The mind becomes emotional with the realization of how the thoughts of the benevolence of masses would have constantly been lingering in Nath's mind.

Dr. Y. M. Pathan- Continental Eknath Darshan – p.no. 114

Shankaracharya, Dnyneshwara, Eknath all these three are revolutionary epoch makers. All three have proved that nationalism is and can be a result of the spiritual attitude of the society. The power to do this comes, by keeping in mind the space and time, and by trying to turn the nation around..

- Shri Bhimrao Balwant Kulkarni- Continental Eknath
Darshan p.no. 306

The villain should keep spitting on Nath and Nath should take bath time and again.' Vinoba Bhave says that this historical event showcases the blind madness of rulers of the era of Nath. Further he says it is difficult to show a better example of satyagraha than this.

- Shri B. S. Paranjape, Continental Ekanath Darshan, p.
no.249

Brhamhamurti Tukaram Maharaj, Bhaktimandiracha Kalas (the culmination of the temple of devotion), recited Eknathi Bhagwata for thousands of times. This proves the unique significance of this popular text.

- Shri D.V. Kulkarni- Continental Ekanath Darshan, p. no.31

Nath himself was the Bhagwata. He got Chirangeevpad (the immortal state). He was experiencing the flights pleasures (Anandlahari) as he gulped the experience of self-satisfaction (Anandanubhav)!

-Shri V. Y. Kulkarni- Continental Ekanath Darshan, p.
no.134

The next poetic tradition continued to flourish under the influence of Nath. Tukaram-Ramdas and Mukteshwar- Sridhar are the peaks in the sphere of the influence of Nath. The seeds of poetry of Eknath has become such an epoch-maker.

- Shri R. B. Mancharkar, Continental Ekanath
Darshan, p. no.212