The Incredible Father

Book excerpt: This book is the biography of biographers gem-like father Sopankaka, an ardent devotee of Lord Vitthal of Pandharpur from Maharashtra and a follower of the Warkari sect. Born in a downtrodden and marginalized community mired in superstition and ignorance, illiterate Sopankaka had to toil a lot to earn his bread and butter. While doing the backbreaking work, he began his spiritual journey under the guidance of his guru. He began this journey through listening to recitation of scriptures by his guru and memorizing the matter the whole day while working. In this way he attained spiritual scholarship and became a master in his field. After getting acquainted with letters, this philanthropist educated people from his village, deaddicted them and made them get rid of superstitious practices. He showed them the virtuous path of divinity and ensured their well being through his noble guidance in day-to-day affairs. He spread his spiritual wisdom across Maharashtra through bhajans and kirtans. This book is the gripping account of an enlightened sage who not only brought transformation in his peoples lives but also moulded his children through upright values and education.