Abhang

Abhang is a form of devotional poetry sung in praise of the Hindu god Vitthala also known as Vithoba. Abhangs were first sung by Tukaram in his native language, Marathi. Tukaram was a seventeenth century poet, who lived in a town named Dehu, which is located near modern day Pune. He was a popular poet and was a leading figure in the Bhakti Movement of the time, that sought to put the emphasis back on devotion and love towards god, in contrast to blind obedience of rituals and arcane religious practices.