Chances are if you’re from outside Maharashtra, you don’t know about one of India’s oldest and most revered pilgrimage traditions! We’re talking about Pandharpur Wari, the annual pilgrimage where lakhs of devotees walk hundreds of kilometres, singing devotional hymns and carrying the sacred palkhis (palanquins) of Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram. Here’s everything you need to know about this centuries-old tradition.
What Is Pandharpur Wari In Maharashtra?
The Pandharpur Wari is a 21-day foot pilgrimage in which devotees walk to Pandharpur, the revered abode of Lord Vitthal. Devotees from across Maharashtra walk together to reach the holy town of Pandharpur to seek the blessings of Lord Vitthal. Steeped in over 800 years of history, the Wari is not just a religious journey but a celebration of faith, devotion and community.
There are different stories regarding how this tradition began centuries ago. Some devotees believe that Vitthalpant, the father of Sant Dnyaneshwar, started the pilgrimage over 800 years ago. Meanwhile, some attribute the tradition to saints Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram, who are believed to have walked to Pandharpur on foot.
The custom of carrying the saints’ sacred padukas (footwear) during the Wari was later introduced by Sant Tukaram’s youngest son, Narayan Maharaj, in 1685.
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Significance Of The 21-Day Pilgrimage
According to many reports online, every year during the Hindu month of Ashadha, thousands of varkaris (devotees of Lord Vitthal) walk nearly 250 km from towns such as Alandi and Dehu to Pandharpur, reaching the temple on Ashadhi Ekadashi.
For the varkaris, this 21-day journey is much more than a pilgrimage, it’s an expression of faith, devotion and community. Despite long distances, unpredictable weather and basic living conditions, lakhs of devotees undertake the walk every year with unwavering dedication.
The Wari is considered a spiritual experience that strengthens their bond with Lord Vitthal and reflects the Bhakti tradition’s message that devotion can be expressed through love, service and collective worship.
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We hope this information was helpful to you all.
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FAQs
What is the Pandharpur Wari?
The Pandharpur Wari is an annual 21-day foot pilgrimage in Maharashtra during which lakhs of devotees walk to the Vitthal Temple in Pandharpur.