Abhang: A call to Vitthal

Abhang or abhanga (Marathi: अभंग) is a form of devotional poetry sung in praise of the Hindu god Vitthala, also known as Vithoba. The word "abhang" comes from a for "non-" and bhang for "ending" or "interrupting", in other words, a flawless, continuous process, in this case referring to a poem. By contrast, the devotional songs known as Bhajans focus on the inward journey; abhangs are more exuberant expressions of the communitarian experience.

Abhangs were first sung by the Varkari saints like Namdev, Dnyaneshwar, Eknath and Tukaram in their native language, Marathi. Tukaram was a seventeenth century poet who lived in the town of Dehu, which is located near modern day Pune. He was a popular poet and a leading figure in the Varkari Movement of the time, which sought to put the emphasis back on devotion and love towards God, in contrast to blind obedience of rituals and arcane religious practices.