Chokhamela was the first poet saint of Maharashtra who belonged to Mahar caste, considered very low for many centuries until Ambedkar came in the 20th century to redeem its status.
Profile
There is no specific date known for the birth of Chokhamela but he was the poet saint of the 14th century born at Mehun Raja a village in Maharashtra. It is believed that his parents Sudam and Savitribai were devout couples who prayed to Lord Vittal. As they belonged to Mahar caste, education was denied to Chokamela but the devotion to the lord was instilled in him and from a very young age he showed his divine love for the Lord Vittal. Once he chanced to hear the saint Namdev and was greatly attracted to him. He got married to Soyarabai and had a son, Karmamela. The family later moved to Pandharpur to be closer to the Lord and Namdev. His work of carrying dead animals and other menial jobs continued. There are many stories of Lord Panduranga helping Chokamela. The most popular is the one where the Lord, listening to the pleas of Chokamela visits his house and partakes in the lunch. Soyarabai spills curd on the Lord by mistake and he scolds her “Soyara you have soiled Panduranga’spitambar”. This was heard by the temple priest who was passing by. The priest unable to bear the open display of his devotion slapped Chokamela. Having a bath in the river, the priest went into the temple and he was shocked to see the swollen cheek of the Lord Vittal. The story goes that the priest asks for forgivenessand asks him to pacify the Lord, which Chokamela does. Though a great devotee, there was no change in his status while he was alive. He died when a wall, he was working at, collapsed; it killed many other workers too. Namdev was greatly grieved and he brought the remains of Chokamela and built a shrine for him outside the temple of Vittal in Pandharpur.
Philosophy Propounded
Chokamela knew no philosophy other than unstinted love for his lord Vittal.
Work Done to Spread the Philosophy
Chokamela wrote many poems beseeching the Lord to allow him into the temple. His Abhangas are sung even today.Chokamela never fought the system but he tried to bring reforms within his community. He dissuaded his community from drinking. He wanted them to maintain personal hygiene and listen to spiritual discourses and songs to bring a change in their attitudes and habits. He even led his people to various pilgrimages. Chokamela was raised to sainthood after his death and is still remembered for his heart wrenching poems.
