Wishing all a happy and blessed Devshayani Ekadashi. On this auspicious day Lord Vishnu enters cosmic sleep (Yoga Nidra), rests on the serpent Shesha Naga in the cosmic ocean, leaving universal management responsibilities temporarily, initiating in the holy four-month period of Chaturmas. Devshayani Ekadashi marks the shifting of the universe's focus inward toward deep devotion and reflection. It is celebrated as "Ashadhi Ekadashi", marking in the grand culmination of the historic Pandharpur Wari pilgrimage in Maharashtra dedicated to Lord Vitthal.
700 years. Millions of footsteps. One destination. Pandharpur Wari tradition is one of a kind. In Pandharpur Lord Vitthala or Vithoba, is waiting on a brick. The story goes like this - Lord Vitthal is a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. Lord is standing on a brick thrown by his devotee named - Pundalik. Pundalik a young man who mistreated his mother and father. Once he met a wise holy man who showed him that true service to parents is greater than any other prayer. Pundalik completely changed, devoting his entire life to making his parents happy and comfortable. One day Lord was pleased by this deep love, Lord Krishna traveled from Dwarka to Pandharpur to see Pundalik. When Lord knocked on the door, Pundalik was busy massaging his elderly father's feet. Not wanting to stop his duty to his father, Pundalik tossed a brick outside and told the Lord to wait on it. Lord Krishna smiled, stood on the brick with his arms on his hips, and waited patiently for Pundalik to finish. Later when Pundalik finally came out and begged for forgiveness, Lord praised his devotion to his parents. For this Pundalik asked the Lord to stay in the exact pose forever to bless all people, creating the scared - "Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple". Even to this day Lord Vitthal is patiently waiting to embrace anyone who calls out with love.
It is a holy pilgrimage like no other. The Wari is an annual foot pilgrimage to the Vitthal Rukmini temple. For over seven centuries, it has united people across all boundaries, turning a long journey into a grand celebration of community and faith. It is called walking the path of Saints. Devotees from Dindis (a processional groups) who carry the Palkhis of Maharashtra's greatest saints. The two major routes lead the way: -
(1) Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palhki which starts from Dehu.
(2) Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palhki starting from Alandi.
The pilgrims known as Warkaris, walk with zero ego. They wear simple white attire, carry a saffron flag, which is called - Patakas, playing Veena and Chipli, Chanting "Pundalika Varade Hari Vitthal, Shri Dnyandev Tukaram". Warkari lifestyle requires a strict personal and collective discipline, centered on a pure vegetarian diet, total abstinence from vices and orderly communal movement. Devotees wear Tulsi Mala and apply tilak or sacred black powder - called as (bukka). One can find equality in every step. This defines the energy that defies fatigue. Along the dusty roads, the Warkaris perform Ringan - circular arenas where a sacred, riderless horse gallops through the crowd. The sheer energy, there dance and fugdi games equally enjoyed by both men and women, wipe away all the physical exhaustion. The Warkaris walk for about 18 to 21 days covering the distance of roughly 250km to reach Pandharpur by Devshayani Ekadashi. Journey ends on Ashadhi Ekadashi at the banks of the holy Chandrabhaga River. After a holy dip, devotees queue for hours just for a fleeting glimpse of Vitthala's smiling face.
The Wari shows the eternal, unbroken strength of Vaidika Dharma, where devotion isn't just an act of worship, it's a way of living, walking and breathing together. These Wakaris wear the faith with pride. The Pandharpur Wari is not just a pilgrimage; it is a living testimonial to timeless beauty of Sanatana Dharma.
As quoted by the famous saint Tukaram - "Sundar te dhyan ubhe vitewari, kar katavari thevuniya" - meaning - "Beautiful is the form,standing upon a brick, with hands resting on the waist". "Tuka mhane majhe hechi sarva sukh, pahin shrimukh avadine" - meaning - " Tukaram says, this is my ultimate joy, to gaze upon your blessed face with love"...
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya ....