The Pandharpur Palkhi or Pandharpur Wari is an ancient religious procession that starts from Alandi and Dehu in Maharashtra and culminates in Pandharpur in the Solapur district. In Pandharpur, on the banks of the Bhima River, is the temple of Lord Vitthal, also known as Vithoba or Pandurang.
The idol of Lord Vitthal is very attractive, depicting him standing with his hands on his waist. According to religious beliefs, Lord Vitthal’s story is that of a great devotee of Lord Krishna, Sant Pundalik. Sant Pundalik was a devoted son to his parents and always engaged in serving them.
Once, Lord Krishna came to visit Sant Pundalik’s house. At that time, Sant Pundalik was so busy serving his parents that he did not realize the arrival of the Lord. When Lord Krishna called out to Sant Pundalik, he placed a brick for the Lord to wait, saying he would come after finishing serving his parents. Saying this, he resumed his service to his parents. Pleased with Sant Pundalik’s devotion, Lord Krishna stood on the brick, placing his hands on his waist.
Later, when Lord Krishna asked Sant Pundalik for a boon, Pundalik requested him to stay there forever and bless devotees with his presence. Lord Krishna accepted this request. Due to Sant Pundalik’s devotion, this place came to be known as Pundalikpur, which later became Pandharpur over time.
The pilgrimage of Pandharpur, also known as Pandharpur Wari, is a revered tradition in Maharashtra. The Marathi word “Wari” means a journey, and those devotees who repeatedly undertake the pilgrimage to their religious place are called “Warkaris”. During the Pandharpur Wari, which occurs on the eleventh day of the Hindu month of Ashadha (June-July), millions of people from various parts of Maharashtra set out on foot towards Pandharpur to seek darshan (sight) of Lord Vithoba (Vitthal).
With deep religious fervor, groups of devotees, holding saffron flags in their hands, engage in devotional singing and chanting while walking day and night towards their beloved deity. These groups, engaged in devotional singing, are also referred to as “Dindi” in Marathi. Each Dindi or group is assigned a unique Dindi number, which helps in identifying the respective group.
Maharashtra is the land of great saints, and the Palkhi pilgrimage begins from the birthplaces or final resting places of these saints. In the Palkhi, the wooden footwear of the saints is placed on a decorated bullock cart. These carts are pulled by strong bulls adorned attractively. Although many Palkhis go to Pandharpur, two of them are prominent. The first Palkhi starts from the birthplace of Sant Tukaram Maharaj in Dehu, which is approximately 28 kilometers from Pune.
The second Palkhi belongs to Sant Gyaneshwar, which begins from his resting place in Alandi, around 27 kilometers from Pune. The Palkhi journey from Dehu and Alandi to Pandharpur is about 250 kilometers and takes around 21 days to complete. During the journey, arrangements for food, water, and accommodation are predetermined according to ancient traditions. Besides the administration, many individuals and organizations also arrange for breakfast, water, and meals for the Warkaris along the Palkhi route.
In the Palkhi pilgrimage, men, women, children, and youths all participate. Men play musical instruments and sing hymns in different groups, while women carry the image of Bhagwan Vitthal or tulsi plants on their heads as they walk. Whether it’s scorching sun or pouring rain, hunger or thirst, everyone continues their journey towards Pandharpur, completely immersed in the worship of Bhagwan Vitthal. Even if blisters develop on their feet from walking, smiles remain on people’s faces.
Each group has a leader to whom the group members contribute some money. The leader’s responsibility is to arrange for the group’s needs during the journey, such as accommodation, food, or other arrangements. The leader places all the necessary items on the cart and reaches the resting place of the group first. Similarly, there is also a watchman appointed to take care of the group, who wears a special red-colored attire and accompanies the group.
After the long journey, when the Palkhi reaches Pandharpur, all the devotees bathe in the Bhima River and then go to the Vitthal Temple to have darshan of Bhagwan Vithoba. On the steps of the temple, there is the samadhi of the devoted saint, Sant Namdev.
It is believed that Sant Namdev intentionally took samadhi on the steps of the temple so that the dust from the feet of the temple-goers would fall on his body. Currently, these steps are adorned with brass layering.
Living in the Hadapsar area of Pune, we had the opportunity to participate in the Palkhi Yatra of Sant Gyaneshwar or Dnyaneshwar. The atmosphere of the Palkhi festival was truly wonderful and worth seeing. In this way, we can say that the Palkhi Yatra of Pandharpur is the best example of the devotees’ love for their God. This sacred journey not only unites everyone but also serves as the best medium to understand the tradition of great saints. Lord Vithhal Ki Jai.
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➜ Location of Pandharpur Palkhi Yatra: Starting from Alandi and Dehu in Pune, Maharashtra, and concluding in Pandharpur, Solapur.
➜ Distance of Pandharpur Palkhi Yatra: Participants cover a journey of approximately 250 kilometers on foot while singing devotional songs during the Palkhi Yatra.
➜ Duration of Pandharpur Palkhi Yatra: Completing the approximately 250-kilometer Palkhi Yatra on foot takes about 21 days.
➜ Objective of Pandharpur Palkhi Yatra: To have the darshan (sight) of Lord Viththal in Pandharpur on the auspicious day of Ashadi Ekadashi.
Information Source: Authentic information sources available on internet, Various Articles and books on the subject & Interaction with local public.
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Very informative and well written blog.