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Pandharpur Wari
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Pandharpur Wari or Wari pronounced vaaree, is an annual pilgrimage (yatra) to the town of Pandharpur, in the Indian state of Maharashtra, to honor the deity of Hindu God Vitthal.The wari involves carrying the paduka (a type of wooden slippers or footprints) of a saint (Sant in marathi) in a palkhi, most notably of Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram, from their respective shrines to Pandharpur. Thousands of warkaris or pilgrims join this procession on foot. Warkari is a Marathi term which means "one who performs the Wari" or "one who venerates the Vithoba". The tradition is more than 700 to 800 years old.[1][2][3]
Marches on foot from various locations in Maharashtra to Vithoba temple, Pandharpur, attract over a million pilgrims.[4] The journey takes 21 days. Numerous palakhis join the main Tukaram and Dnyaneshwar palakhis along the way. Two specific pilgrimages honor the two most revered palakhis, starting from their towns located in Pune district of Maharashtra: Sant Dnyaneshwar's palakhi leaves from the town of Alandi, while Sant Tukaram's begins at Dehu. The Wari culminates at the Vithoba temple on the holy occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi.[5] Devotees from all over Maharashtra and nearby areas set out for Pandharpur, wearing holy basil beads and singing the glories of Vithoba and songs like "Gyanba Tukaram", commemorating the saints.[6] Upon reaching Pandharpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi, these devotees take a holy dip in the sacred Chandrabhaga River/Bhima River before proceeding to visit the Vitthal Temple.
History[edit]
Beginnings[edit]
Various views exists on the origins of the Wari (Marathi: पंढरपूरची वारी or वारी). According to one theory, Vitthalpant, the father of the Varkari saint Dnyaneshwar, began the Wari to visit Pandharpur in the Hindu months of Ashadha and Kartik. The tradition of performing a Wari is generally regarded to have existed for more than 800 years.[7][8]
Another theory credits Saint Dnyaneshwar (13th century) and Saint Tukaram (17th century) to have started the pilgrimage. They used to perform journey to Pandharpur by foot for fifteen days, reaching Pandharpur's Vithoba temple on Ashadhi Ekadashi.[9] [10] The tradition of carrying the paduka (sandals) of the saints was started by the youngest son of Tukaram, Narayan Maharaj, in 1685.
British era[edit]
Changes were brought to the pilgrimage in the 1820s by descendants of Tukaram and a devotee of Dnyaneshwar named Haibatravbaba Arphalkar, who was a courtier of Scindias, the Maratha rulers of Gwalior.[11] Haibatravbaba is credited with the organization of the wari in use today. This involved carrying the paduka in a palkhi, having horses involved in the procession, and organizing the devotees or varkaris in Dindis (Dindi stands for a specific group of varkaris.).[12]
Wari in present times[edit]
The Warkaris -- whose patron deity is Vithoba -- undertake the annual pilgrimage (Wari) to Pandharpur, reaching there on a day before Ashadhi Ekadashi, the eleventh lunar day (Ekadashi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla paksha) of the Hindu month of Ashadha (June-July). Pilgrims carry palanquins of the saints from the places of their respective Samadhi (shrine).[13][14][15]
Dindi Organization[edit]
The concept of Dindi or troupes of warkari devotees was introduced by Haibatraobaba in early 1800s.Formation of dindi brought order to the processions and have remained an essential part of the wari.Each Dindi is headed by a man or a woman. Some religious institutions and temples also have their own dindi. Accommodation, meals and other facilities to warkaris are provided through their respective Dindi. managing members of a Dindi usually travel ahead of their dindi ahead to make arrangements for food and shelter at their next place of halt. All registered dindis are numbered and assigned their place in the procession. Some walk in front of the palkhi carriage and others behind the carriage. During their march, flag and banner carrying members are at the front of the troupe, the drummer of the dindi occupies is at the center the dindi.[16]
Along with the Dindi (palakhi) procession, selfless service (seva) is performed for the poor and needy, like Amrut Kalash ( annadana, or donation of food), Narayan seva, medical help, and building or repairing of rural infrastructure, is done. This is known as Seva Dindi.
From the last two years a concept of "Niramal Wari" has also started to keep all villages clean during the possession of Wari.
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It is believed that participation in Ashadhi Dindi and Seva Dindi helps an individual in many ways by bringing good health, peace and prosperity in their life. Chanting the continuous glory of the God in the Ashadhi Dindi procession and Seva Dindi purifies an individual. An inner cleansing is said to take place in Mind, Body and Spirit where the participants lose their individual identities and experience bliss. It develops all aspects of human personality and helps some to understand the true purpose of Life.[17] The event is said to be one of the World's largest and oldest movement where people gather on a specific day every year and walk for a distance of around 250 km. Pandharpur's Ashadi Ekadashi Wari journey has been honoured by World Book of Records, London under the title 'One of the most visited places in a day'.[18]
Yatra routes[edit]
Waris are performed are two main routes: the Dehu - Pandharpur route for the Tukaram Palkhi and the Alandi - Pandharpur route for the Dnyaneshwar palkhi.
Route of Tukaram Palkhi[edit]
The pilgrims start the main pilgrimage from the town of Dehu on foot, carrying the Palkhi of Saint Tukaram, who is a renowned devotee of Lord Vitthala, an incarnation of lord Vishnu. It is known as Sant Tukaram's Palkhi procession. It starts from Dehu and reaches Pandharpur via the towns of Akurdi, Loni Kalbhor, Yavat, Varvand, Baramati, Indapur, Akluj and Wakhri respectively.
Dehu - Pandharpur Palkhi Schedule (2019)[edit]
| Day | Date | Starting Location | First Break | Lunch Break | Post lunch Break | Night Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 24 June 2019 | -- | -- | -- | Start from Dehu Inamdar Saheb Wada, Dehu | Dehu |
| 2 | 25 June 2019 | Dehu | 1. Angadhshaha Baba Abhang Aarti 2. Chincholi Paduka Abhang Aarti | Nigdi | -- | Aakurdi Vitthal Mandir |
| 3 | 26 June 2019 | Aakurdi Vitthal Mandir | 1. H. A Colony Pimpri Shri Vitthal Nagar 2. Kasarwadi | Dapodi | 1. Shivajinagar 2. Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Paduka Mandir, F.C.Road, Pune | Shri Nivdunga Vitthal Mandir, Nanapeth, Pune |
| 4 | 27 June 2019 | -- | -- | -- | -- | Shri Nivdunga Vitthal Mandir, Nanapeth, Pune |
| 5 | 28 June 2019 | Shri Nivdunga Vitthal Mandir, Nanapeth, Pune | Bhairobanala | Hadapsar | 1. Manjari Farm 2. Loni Kalbhor Railway Station | Loni Kalbhor Vitthal Mandir |
| 6 | 29 June 2019 | Loni Kalbhor Vitthal Mandir | Kunjeervadi Fata | Urali Kanchan | Jawjibuwachi Wadi | Yavat Shri Bhairavnath Mandir |
| 7 | 30 June 2019 | Yavat Shri Bhairavnath Mandir | -- | Bhandgaon | Kedgaon-Chaufula | Varvand Shri Vitthal Mandir |
| 8 | 1 July 2019 | Varvand Shri Vitthal Mandir | Bhagvat Vasti | Patas | 1. Roti, Abhang Aarati. 2. Hingani Wada 3. Vasunde 4. Kharadwadi | Undwadi Gavalyachi |
| 9 | 2 July 2019 | Undwadi Gavalyachi | Undwadi Pathar | Brhanpur | 1. Morewadi 2. Saraf Petrol Pump, Baramati | Baramati Sanskrutik Bavan, Baramati |
| 10 | 3 July 2019 | Baramati Sanskrutik Bavan, Baramati | 1. Motibaug 2. 1.Pimpli Grape 3.Limitech | Katewadi | Bhavaninagar Sakhar Karkhana | Sansar Maruti Mandir |
| 11 | 4 July 2019 | Sansar Maruti Mandir | Belvadi(Golringan) | Belvadi | 1. Lasurne Junction 2. Lasurne | Nimgaon Ketki |
| 12 | 5 July 2019 | Nimgaon Ketki | 1. Tarangwadi-Cannol 2. Gokulicha Odha | Indapur(Golringan) | -- | Indapur |
| 13 | 6 July 2019 | Indapur | 1. Gokulicha Odha, Vitthalwadi 2. Vadapuri 3. Surwad | Bawada | -- | Sarati |
| 14 | 7 July 2019 | Sarati | Mane Vidyalay(Golringan) | -- | -- | Akluj, Shri Vitthal Mandir |
| 15 | 8 July 2019 | Akluj, Shri Vitthal Mandir | Malinagar(Ubhe ringan) | Malinagar | 1. Payaricha Pul 2. Kadam Vasti 3. Shripur Sakhar Karkhana | Borgaon (Borgav) |
| 16 | 9 July 2019 | Borgaon | -- | Malkhambi | 1. Tondale Bondale(Dhava) 2. Tappa | Pirachi Kuroli Gayran |
| 17 | 10 July 2019 | Pirachi Kuroli Gayran | -- | Pirachi Kuroli | 1. Vaghad Vasti 2. Bhandi Shegaon 3. Bajirao Vihir Ubhe Ringan | Wakhari |
| 18 | 11 July 2019 | Vakhari | -- | -- | Paduka Abhang Aarti(Ubhe Ringan) | Pandharpur |
| 19 | 12 July 2019 | NagarPradlshana | -- | -- | Pandharpur | |
| 20 | 16 July 2019 | Shri Vittal Rukmani Bhet | -- | -- | Pandharpur | |
| 21 | 17 July 2019 | Particha Pravas Suru | -- | -- |
Route of Dnyaneshwar palkhi[edit]
The pilgrims start from the town of Alandi in Pune district on foot, carrying the palkhi of Saint Dnyaneshwar and reaches Pandharpur via the cities of Pune, Saswad, Jejuri, Lonand, Taradgaon, Phaltan, Natepute, Malshiras, Velapur, Shegaon and Wakhri to reach Pandharpur.
Both the main palkhis meet at Pune, then at Wakhari and then meet once again before reaching Pandharpur.
Besides these, two more Waris in the Hindu months of Chaitra (or spring - first lunar month) and Maghi (eleventh month of the Hindu lunar calendar) Ekadashis are also deemed to be important. The latter two are particularly attended by devotees from neighbouring state of Karnataka.[19]
Alandi - Pandharpur Palkhi Schedule[edit]
| Day | Tithi | Starting Location | First Break | Lunch Break | Post lunch Break | Night Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeshtha Vadya 7 | -- | -- | -- | Alandi | |
| 2 | Jeshtha Vadya 7 | Alandi | 1 Thorlya Paduka Aarti, 2 Bhosari Phata | Phule nagar | Sangamwadi | Palkhi Vithoba Mandir, Pune |
| 3 | Jeshtha Vadya 8 | -- | -- | -- | -- | Palkhi Vithoba Mandir, Pune |
| 4 | Jeshtha Vadya 9 | Pune | Shindechatri Aarti | Hadapsar | 1. Uruli Devachi 2. Vadki Nala 3. Zendewadi | Saswad |
| 5 | Jeshtha Vadya 10 | -- | -- | -- | -- | Saswad |
| 6 | Jeshtha Vadya 11 | Saswad | Borawake Mala | Yamai Shivri | Sakurde | Jejuri |
| 7 | Jeshtha Vadya 12 | Jejuri | 1. Doudaj Shiv 2. Doundaj | Valhe | -- | Valhe |
| 8 | Jeshtha Vadya 13 | Valhe | Pimprekhurd Vihir | Neera | Neera Snan | Lonand |
| 9 | Aashadh Shuddha 1 | -- | -- | -- | -- | Lonand |
| 10 | Aashadh Shuddha 2 | -- | -- | Lonand | Chandobach Limb Near Lonand | Taradgaon |
| 11 | Aashadh Shuddha 3 | Taradgaon | 1. Datta Mandir, Kalaj 2. Surawadi | Nimbhoreodha | Vadjal | Phaltan |
| 12 | Aashadh Shuddha 4 | Phaltan | Vidani | Pimprad | Nimlak phata | Barad |
| 13 | Aashadh Shuddha 5 | Barad | Sadhubuvacha Odha | Dharmapuri Patbandhare Bangla Canol | Shingnapur Phata – Panaskar wadi | Natepute |
| 14 | Aashadh Shuddha 6 | Natepute | -- | Mandavi Odha | 1. Sadashivnagar 2.Yeliv | Malshiras |
| 15 | Aashadh Shuddha 7 | Malsiras | Khudus phata | Vinjori Dnyaneshwar nagar | Dhavbavi mount | Velapur |
| 16 | Aashadh Shuddha 8 | Velapur | Dhakurbuva Samadhi | Tondale Bondale | Sant Sopandeo Bhet | Bhandishegaon |
| 17 | Aashadh Shuddha 9 | -- | -- | Bhandishegaon | Bajiravachi Vihir | Wakhari |
| 18 | Aashadh Shuddha 10 | Wakhari | -- | Pandharpur | -- | Pandharpur |
Wari Management[edit]
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The Dnyaneshwar Palkhi is managed by the descendants of Haibatraobua Arphalkar (who started the palkhi in Modern times), the hereditary Chopdars, and Alandi Devasthan trust. The whole procession is divided into sub-groups called Dindi. Most dindis are registered with the Palkhi organizers.[20] There are more than 200 Dindi on each route. Each dindi has between 100 and 500 members. The palkhi is at the centre of the Wari procession which means usually around half the number of Dindis are ahead of the palkhi while the other half follow behind. All registered Dindis are assigned their number and position in the procession and the sequence is strictly followed. The assigned numbers are mentioned ahead of each dindi. There are many unregistered dindis of devotees also who walk well ahead or behind the official Wari procession.
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The timetable of Wari route is published well in advance and is strictly followed. It is well defined and minute details are made available, including starting location and the location of breaks, including lunch, rest and night stays. Every morning at early dawn, after worshiping the Saint's footwear, the palkhi sets out at 6am for the next stretch of the route. A Tutari (wind instrument) is blown thrice to alert all Warkaris. At the first signal, all Warkaris get ready to leave. At the second signal, the dindis stand in the queue as per designated sequence and at the third signal, they starts walking. After 4 to 5 km, they take a quick break for breakfast. They also take break for lunch as per the given schedule.[21]
Every dindi has one truck or a similar vehicle where the luggage and food is kept. This is used at the night stay location every day. The Warkaris only carry Tal (instruments), Abhang book (book for chanting praises of the lord) and emergency materials during the procession. Walk management ensures that the tents are set up and the food is prepared before the respective dindi arrives at the location. The dindis also decide the sequence in which the Abhang has to be sung. Most of the dindi members know all the abhang praises by heart, but the newcomers carry a small book while walking. At any point of time, only one Abhang is sung by all. A varkari who adorns the garland of Tulsi is called as Malkari (mal or mala means garland in Marathi and Hindi). The person who carries Veen in the entire journey is called the Veenekari. These persons have a special status in the dindi and whole management is driven by them. Any dispute during travel between the dindis is resolved by them at the night's stay location.
From last few years, the addition of doctors to the procession have improved the medical facilities in the Wari. The doctors do take care of the members who suffer injury or become weak during travel due to extensive walking. A few professional doctors close the city participate by devoting their 21 days to the wari and take care of the dindi people every year.
The stay arrangements of each dindi are well-defined and planned at every location. Most of the dindis make stay arrangements in the temples available in the village or in the tents.
Economic impact[edit]
The Ashadhi Wari has tremendous economic impact on the town of Pandharpur. This is the period when demand for equipment and items associated with worship of Lord Vitthal is very high. An estimated one million pilgrims, either varkaris traveling with the palkhi or independent travelers, travel to Pandharpur each year, who also need accommodation that is provided by the permanent Mathas and temporary lodging houses. The period also sees demand for temporary restaurants and groceries, such as milk and rice because a number of devotees cook their own food.[22]
Public health issues[edit]
Since the vari attracts so many people on the way to Pandharpur going through many localities, public health measures have been implemented since the early British colonial period. These included compulsory vaccinations for diseases, such as cholera and plague, segregation of the infected, restrictions on mobility, etc.[23] According to Manjiri Kamat, the colonial administrators had other motivations such as generating revenue by collecting pilgrim tax, or maintaining law and order for implementing public health measures.[24] The colonial government's public health measures in the early part of the 20th century included attaching medical staff to different palkhis, removing infected persons, modifying wells for drinking water, digging trenches, providing bins for waste collection, employing sanitary staff etc.[25] The requirement to be vaccinated against cholera and typhoid in order to join a dindi has continued in the present times.[26]
In 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the vari was severely curtailed with only fifty varkaris joining the march to Pandharpur. The sandals (paduka) of the saints were either driven to or flown to Pandharpur for ashadhi ekadashi on July 1, 2020.[27]
See also[edit]
- Related to Pandharpur Wari
- Vithoba
- आषाढी वारी (पंढरपूर) on Marathi Wikipedia
- Vithoba Temple, Pandharpur
- Varkari
- Sant Dnyaneshwar
- Sant Tukaram
- Bhakti movement
- Sant Mat
- Other Hindu pilgrimage related topics
- Famous Hindu yatras
- Hindu pilgrimage sites in India
- List of Hindu festivals
- Padayatra
- Ratha Yatra
- Tirtha
- Tirtha and Kshetra
References[edit]
- ↑ "Pandharpur Wari 2015, Schedule, Route and Pandharpur Yatra Videos". Punebuzz.com. 8 June 2015. Retrieved 11 August 2017.
- ↑ "Warkari wave sweeps Pune city, Pimpri-Chinchwad". Indianexpress.com. 22 June 2014. Retrieved 11 August 2017.
- ↑ "Pandharpur Palkhi Sohala 2015". Tourismpune.org. Retrieved 11 August 2017.
- ↑ Nitnaware, Himanshu NitnawareHimanshu; Jun 3, Pune Mirror | Updated; 2019; Ist, 07:47. "This year's wari moves towards greener pastures; plantation drive to be undertaken on widened Mangalwedha-Pandharpur stretch". Pune Mirror. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ "Ashadi Ekadashi, Pandharpur". Incredibleindia.org. Archived from the original on 30 July 2015. Retrieved 11 August 2017.
- ↑ "Elaborate arrangements for Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi procession". Times of India. Retrieved 11 August 2017.
- ↑ "Pandharpur Wari" (PDF). Parikramaholidays.
- ↑ "PANDHARPUR WARI:PILGRIMAGE ON FOOT". All India Radio.
- ↑ "Palkhi Festival". Maharashtrattourism.net. Retrieved 11 August 2017.
- ↑ Gethe, Subhash. "Varkari Movement". Retrieved 8 September 2014.
- ↑ "The wari tradition". Wari Santanchi. Archived from the original on 8 September 2014. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
- ↑ Mokashi, Digambar Balkrishna; Engblom, Philip C (Translator) (1987). Palkhi: An Indian Pilgrimage. Albany: State University of New York Press. p. 18. ISBN 0-88706-461-2.
{{cite book}}:|first2=has generic name (help) - ↑ "Pandarpur Yatra - Pandharpur Ashadhi Ekadasi Wari Pilgrimage, Palkhi Festival - Palki Festival Maharashtra, Palkhi Festival Pandharpur India". www.newsonair.com. Retrieved 11 August 2017.
- ↑ "The Pandharpur Wari" (PDF). Parikramaholidays.com. Retrieved 11 August 2017. The Wari begins on the 8th/9th lunar day of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha and reaches a day before Ashadhi Ekadashi at Pandharpur. People from various castes and socio-economic backgrounds participate in the Wari, with the common goal to reach Pandharpur and worship the deity. Along the Way the procession passes cities, towns and villages. The local residents of place along the route come out to greet, feed and house the varkari pilgrims.
- ↑ Jayant K. Lele (1 January 1989). Language and Society: Steps Towards an Integrated Theory. BRILL. p. 26. ISBN 90-04-08789-3.
- ↑ Jones, J, J (2016). "Pilgrimage and Audience on the Maharashtrian Vārī". Yale Journal of Music & Religion. 2 (2): 115–132.
- ↑ "Ashadi - Dindi Yatra/ Seva - Pathway to experience the omnipresence of the lord". Dharmakshetra.org.in. Retrieved 29 July 2015.
- ↑ "World Book of Records". worldbookofrecords.uk. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
- ↑ "Warisantanchi". www.warisantanchi.com. Retrieved 11 August 2017.
- ↑ Daniel H Olsen (Editor); Anna Trono (Editor); Kiran A Shinde (Author) (30 May 2018). "Chapter 13, Palkhi: A moving sacred town". Religious Pilgrimage Routes and Trails: Sustainable Development and Management. CABI. pp. 150–165. ISBN 978-1-78639-027-1.
{{cite book}}:|author1=has generic name (help) - ↑ "Wari" (PDF). Parikramaholidays.com. Retrieved 11 August 2017.
- ↑ Baad, D (2016). IMPORTANTANCE OF WARI (YATRA) IN POINT OF ECONOMIC VIEW. Lulu.com. p. 40. ISBN 9781329943117.
- ↑ Gyanendra Pandey (Editor); Dilip Das (author) (March 2013). Subalternity and Difference: Investigations from the North and the South. Routledge. pp. 27–28. ISBN 978-1-136-70162-7.
{{cite book}}:|author1=has generic name (help) - ↑ Kamat, M., 2001. The Palkhi as plague carrier’: The Pandharpur fair and the sanitary fixation of the colonial state; British India, 1908–1916. Health, medicine and empire: Perspectives on colonial India, pp.299-316.
- ↑ Biswamoy Pati; Mark Harrison (13 February 2018). Society, Medicine and Politics in Colonial India. Taylor & Francis. p. 1279. ISBN 978-1-351-26218-7.
- ↑ Koiso, C., Social Implications of Two Hindu Pilgrimages in Maharashtra. In Regional Routes, Regional Roots? Cross-Border. Patterns of Human Mobility in Eurasia (pp. 99-109). Hokkaido Slavic-Eurasian Reserarch Center.[1]
- ↑ Bengrut, Dhiraj (2020). "Urban warkaris redraw wari plans due to Covid-19 pandemic, go online". Hindustan Times. No. June 18, 2020. HT Media Limited. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
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