Pandharpur Resonates with the Chants of "Gyanoba-Tukaram" and "Pandurang Hari"

Xtreme News India   24-07-2026 20:46:19   458232627

Pandharpur Resonates with the Chants of "Gyanoba-Tukaram" and "Pandurang Hari"

-Sanjay Joshi

The sacred town of Pandharpur has been immersed in a deeply devotional atmosphere with the resounding chants of "Gyanoba-Tukaram" and "Pandurang Hari."

Following the arrival of the palkhis (palanquins) of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, Sant Tukaram Maharaj, and other revered saints, a massive gathering of devotees has filled the Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Temple premises. Pilgrims from across Maharashtra and other states have arrived to seek the blessings of Lord Vitthal. On the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi, lakhs of Warkaris (pilgrims) have reached the holy town with immense faith and devotion.

To ensure the convenience of the pilgrims, the administration has made extensive arrangements for security, traffic management, healthcare services, drinking water, sanitation, and accommodation. Police deployment has been strengthened around the temple complex, the Chandrabhaga River ghats, and major routes to facilitate smooth darshan for devotees.

The chants of "Gyanoba-Tukaram" and "Pandurang Hari" have transformed the entire town into a vibrant center of devotion. The Ashadhi Wari is regarded as a symbol of Maharashtra's rich cultural and spiritual heritage, with millions of devotees undertaking the annual pilgrimage on foot to seek the blessings of Lord Vitthal.

Ashadhi Ekadashi and the Pandharpur Wari

When one thinks of Ashadhi Ekadashi, the first image that comes to mind is the sacred pilgrimage to Pandharpur. Among the twenty-four Ekadashis observed throughout the year, Ashadhi Ekadashi holds special significance. It is believed that on this day, the divine energies of all deities are concentrated. In 2026, Ashadhi Ekadashi falls on 25 July.

The Ekadashi observed during the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Ashadha month is known as Devshayani Ekadashi, marking the beginning of Lord Vishnu's cosmic slumber. The Ekadashi during the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) is called Kamika Ekadashi.

According to Hindu tradition, specific deities are believed to be especially active during certain festivals, lunar dates, or months. Thus, Ekadashi is considered particularly sacred to Lord Vishnu. While Ekadashi occurs twenty-four times a year, the Shukla Paksha Ekadashis of Ashadha and Kartika are considered especially auspicious because Lord Vishnu's divine presence is believed to manifest more intensely on Earth during these periods.

Origin of the Wari Tradition

Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj established the Bhagavata tradition in society through his immortal work, the Dnyaneshwari, and initiated the tradition of the Namdindi, the devotional procession that eventually became the renowned Pandharpur Wari.

Every year, lakhs of Warkaris from every corner of Maharashtra and beyond undertake the pilgrimage to Pandharpur on Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashi. Walking approximately 322 kilometers (200 miles) while singing the Lord's name to the accompaniment of cymbals and mridangas, they journey without concern for fatigue or hardship. Their unwavering faith in Lord Pandurang gives them the strength to complete the pilgrimage.

This devotion cannot simply be dismissed as blind faith. People from all sections of society—women, children, youth, and the elderly—join the pilgrimage with remarkable determination. The Wari embodies profound devotion and offers a unique perspective on life. It fills devotees with spiritual joy that sustains them throughout the year.

Sant Tukaram Maharaj on Pandurang

Explaining why devotees are irresistibly drawn toward Lord Pandurang, Sant Tukaram Maharaj composed the following abhang:

Natude jo kavane pari, ubha kela vitevari.

Bhala bhala Pundalika, manalasi janalokan.

Konya kale sukha, aisha kon pavata.

Avagha anila parivar, Gopi Gopalancha bhar.

Tuka mhane dhanya zale, Bhumi Vaikuntha anile.

(Sant Tukaram Gatha, Abhang 2089)

Sant Tukaram praises Pundalik, saying:

"O Pundalik, you are truly blessed. You brought Lord Pandurang from Vaikuntha to Pandharpur and made Him stand upon the sacred brick for the welfare of humanity. This reflects the greatness of your penance and devotion. You also brought the divine family of Lord Krishna's Gopis and Gopalas from the Dwapara Yuga into this age, allowing saints and devotees to experience the joy of divine love. Because of you, the Earth itself has become Vaikuntha."

Thus, Warkaris experience immense joy as they journey toward what they regard as Vaikuntha on Earth.

The Spirit of the Warkaris

Walking barefoot out of reverence for all living beings—even considering grass and stones worthy of compassion—the Warkaris carry saffron flags while joyfully chanting the Lord's name. Accompanied by cymbals, chiplyas (wooden castanets), and mridangas, they dance, sing Haripath, and spread devotion wherever they go.

The atmosphere becomes spiritually uplifting. Individual ego dissolves, and everyone experiences a sense of collective bliss. Devotion has always been the foundation of Indian society. Devotees save money throughout the year just to participate in the pilgrimage. Carrying only minimal belongings, they travel with cymbals in hand and the name of "Mauli" on their lips, filled with boundless joy.

This divine joy inspired saints such as Bahinabai to compose her life story and enabled Chokhamela to attain spiritual union with Lord Pandurang.

According to the Bhagavata tradition, Lord Krishna says that He dearly loves simple-hearted devotees. No amount of luxurious offerings pleases Him as much as sincere devotion. He regards such devotees as the highest among all devotees and, despite being the Supreme Lord, humbly bows before them. He eagerly seeks their company and rushes to them wherever they may be. Such pure-hearted devotees are rare, and out of love, the Lord willingly surrenders Himself to them. These teachings are also reflected in Sant Eknath Maharaj's commentary on the Bhagavata.

The Path of the Warkari Tradition

The Warkari tradition teaches that devotional singing (bhajan), chanting God's name (namasmarana), and kirtan are the simplest means of attaining God. In the Bhagavata tradition, this is known as Navavidha Bhakti, the nine forms of devotion:

Listening to God's glories (Shravana)

Singing His praises (Kirtana)

Remembering Him (Smarana)

Serving His feet (Padasevana)

Worship (Archana)

Offering obeisance (Vandana)

Serving as His devotee (Dasya)

Friendship with God (Sakhya)

Complete self-surrender (Atmanivedana)

The Warkari way of life emphasizes wishing for the welfare of all, seeing God in every action, fulfilling one's household duties righteously, and making the path of devotion accessible to everyone.

The Tradition of the Palkhis

After the passing of the great saints, the tradition of carrying their symbolic footwear (padukas) in ceremonial palkhis was initiated by Haibat Baba Arphalkar, a military commander in the court of the Scindias of Gwalior.

He was the first to carry Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj's sacred padukas around his neck and lead a devotional procession on foot. Owing to his military discipline and close ties with contemporary rulers and nobles, he transformed the Dnyaneshwar Palkhi into a grand and well-organized procession, complete with elephants, horses, and ceremonial arrangements.

Even today, the palkhis of Maharashtra's revered saints reach Pandharpur with remarkable discipfline and grandeur on the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi.

References in the Padma Purana and the Skanda Purana indicate that Pandharpur has been a revered pilgrimage site since ancient times. For centuries, devotees have traveled here to seek the blessings of Lord Vitthal.