Sant Tukaram (1608–1650), a prominent 17th-century Varkari saint from Dehu, Maharashtra, composed nearly 4,500 abhangas in simple Marathi. Through his devotional poetry dedicated to Lord Vitthal, he promoted pure bhakti, social equality, and spiritual simplicity. He strongly criticised caste discrimination and ritualism, emphasising that devotion and moral living are open to all, irrespective of social status. His abhangas continue to inspire the annual Pandharpur pilgrimage and enriched Marathi literature and popular culture.