He Touched the Souls of All Humans Sant Tukaram (1577-1650), the eminent saint-poet (santa-kavi) of Maharashtra, provided a vigorous impetus to the Varkari movement by his passionate devotion to Vitthal whom he regarded as the embodiment of the Impersonal Reality. He presented a supreme example of intense spirituality which matched with the best in the mystic heritage of mankind. The fire of devotion burnt in him constantly and its cinders gushed out spontaneously through lyrical verses (abhangas), providing both light and warmth to human souls in search of God.