The Pandharpur Wari is more than a journey; it’s a living testament to Maharashtra’s deep-rooted spiritual and cultural heritage. As millions walk the sacred paths to honour Lord Vithoba, they engage in a collective act of devotion that transcends centuries. This pilgrimage, rich with legends and rituals, unites devotees in a harmonious blend of humility, music, and faith, celebrating the Bhakti movement’s enduring legacy and the transformative power of divine love. Sayali Karade takes a look.
The Pandharpur Wari, an ethereal pilgrimage or procession that transcends the mundane, stands as a monumental testament to the timeless devotion embedded within the Warkari tradition. This sacred journey, a festival in itself, undertaken in honour of Lord Vithoba — an incarnation of Krishna — resonates with the harmonious echoes of ancient hymns and the fervent footsteps of millions of devotees. Vithoba or Vitthala or Pandurang is worshipped predominantly in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
As pilgrims tread the historical paths towards Pandharpur, in Maharashtra, they are not merely traversing geographical distances but engaging in a profound, introspective voyage that melds the temporal with the eternal. This journey is deeply interwoven with legends and lore, marking a cultural and spiritual renaissance that has persisted through centuries. It is one of the largest festive observances in the region.
The inception of the Pandharpur Wari is enveloped in the mists of antiquity, closely associated with the Bhakti movement—a transformative epoch that emphasised personal communion with the divine over ritualistic orthodoxy.
This movement found a fertile ground in Maharashtra, where saint-poets like Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram, Namdev, and Eknath promulgated a gospel of devotion through their soulful abhangas. These hymns, steeped in devotional fervour, continue to inspire and guide the Warkaris on their centuries-old pilgrimage.
The festive odyssey
A central legend integral to the Wari’s ethos is the story of Pundalik, a devout son and ardent devotee of Lord Krishna. As the narrative unfolds, Pundalik, engrossed in serving his elderly parents, inadvertently delayed welcoming Lord Krishna, who arrived to bless him. In a gesture of reverence, Pundalik placed a brick for the deity to stand on, symbolising his unwavering devotion.
Lord Krishna, touched by Pundalik’s filial piety, chose to remain standing on the brick, thus assuming the form of Vithoba. This divine manifestation is enshrined in the Vitthal-Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur, the ultimate destination of the Wari pilgrimage.
The Pandharpur Wari unfolds in the auspicious month of Ashadha (June – July), culminating on Ashadhi Ekadashi, a day imbued with profound spiritual significance. The pilgrimage initiates from the revered samadhi shrines of the saints, notably the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Sansthan in Alandi and the Sant Tukaram Maharaj Sansthan in Dehu. These origin points, known as Palkhi Dindis, carry the revered sandals (padukas) of the saints in ornately decorated palanquins, accompanied by a multitude of devotees chanting the divine names and singing abhangas.
The Warkaris, distinguished by their white dhotis, tulsi mala (basil garlands), and saffron flags, observe a disciplined lifestyle during the pilgrimage. They embody the virtues of humility, asceticism, and communal living, sharing simple meals and accommodations. The Wari procession or yatra is a melange of devotion, with rhythmic drumming, the tinkling of cymbals, and the mellifluous notes of flutes filling the air. The pilgrims walk in synchrony, their voices united in a melodious chorus, creating an atmosphere of divine communion.
Religious epicentres
The spiritual epicentre of the Wari, the Vitthal-Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur, stands as a beacon of divine grace. The temple houses the iconic idol of Vithoba, depicted standing on a brick, with Rukmini, his consort, by his side. This temple is not merely a physical structure but a sacred space where the collective aspirations of millions converge, seeking blessings and solace.
Alandi, sanctified by the presence of Sant Dnyaneshwar’s samadhi, is a pivotal juncture in the Wari. The serene town, nestled along the banks of the Indrayani River, pulsates with the spiritual energy of the saint’s teachings and writings, particularly the ‘Dnyaneshwari,’ a revered commentary on the Bhagavad Gita.
Sant Dnyaneshwar was a 13th-century poet, philosopher and saint who, in a short life of 21 years, gave the world Dnyaneshwari and Amrutanubhav which are considered cornerstones of Marathi literature and are the oldest surviving literary works in the language.
Dehu, the birthplace of Sant Tukaram, serves as another vital node in the pilgrimage. Saint Tukaram Maharaj Sansthan in Dehu, overlooking the Indrayani River, echoes with the saint’s abhangas, which extol the virtues of a simple, devoted life. The palki from Dehu, bearing Tukaram’s padukas, is a symbol of the saint’s enduring legacy. He was a saint of the Warkari community in his village and a devotee of Vithoba. His abhangas created awareness on social ills, reforms, etc.
The temple of Muktabai, the enlightened sister of Sant Dnyaneshwar, is an important waypoint for the Warkaris. Muktabai’s contributions to the Bhakti literature, particularly her hymns, continue to inspire and elevate the spiritual consciousness of the pilgrims.
In her life, Muktabai wrote over 40 abhangas of which the most popular is called ‘tati ughada dnaneshwara’ which basically elaborates s conversation with Dnyaneshwar. Her teachings have a connect with the devotees as she believed a saint is one who can happily accept criticism which is clear from her work ‘sant jene vahave, jag bolane sosave’.
Narsi, a quaint village imbued with spiritual significance, is renowned as the birthplace and final resting place of Sant Namdev. Sant Namdev, a seminal figure in the Bhakti movement, is revered for his devotional compositions that highlight the omnipresence of the divine. His abhangas, infused with deep philosophical insights and devotion, form an integral part of the Warkari tradition.
The samadhi of Sant Namdev in Narsi is a sacred site where devotees congregate to pay homage and seek spiritual solace. The Warkaris, during the Wari, visit this holy site, immersing themselves in Namdev’s teachings that advocate the path of devotion as a means to transcend the material world. The serene environment of Narsi, coupled with the spiritual vibrations emanating from the samadhi, creates a conducive space for meditation and contemplation, allowing devotees to connect with the divine essence of Namdev’s life and works.
Cultural significance
The Pandharpur Wari is an enduring manifestation of Maharashtra’s spiritual and cultural ethos. It encapsulates the quintessence of the Bhakti movement, promoting an egalitarian philosophy where devotion transcends the boundaries of caste, creed, and social status.
The Warkaris, walking hand in hand, embody the ideals of humility, selflessness, and collective spirituality. The pilgrimage serves as a profound reminder of the impermanence of worldly attachments and the importance of a life oriented towards divine service.
The cultural resonance of the Wari extends beyond the realm of spirituality. It has spawned a rich tradition of literature, music and art, with the abhangas and kirtans forming an integral part of Maharashtra’s cultural heritage. The Wari’s influence permeates through various art forms, from folk performances to classical music, enriching the cultural landscape. Economically, the pilgrimage invigorates local markets, with bustling trade in religious wares, food, and accommodation, thereby supporting local livelihoods.
The Pandharpur Wari stands as a luminous beacon of devotion, an odyssey that transcends mere physical exertion and enters the realm of spiritual exploration. It is a pilgrimage that weaves together Maharashtra’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, reflecting the timeless values of devotion, humility, and unity.
The legends, rituals, and sacred sites associated with the Wari are not merely historical artifacts but living traditions that continue to inspire and uplift countless souls. As the Warkaris culminate their journey at the sanctum of Lord Vithoba, they are not just participants in an age-old tradition but pilgrims on a timeless quest for spiritual enlightenment and divine grace.