Who are Warkaris? — The Walking Devotees of Lord Vitthal वारकरी कोण आहेत? — श्री विठ्ठलाचे पायी भक्त

Introduction

There is a figure that appears on the dusty roads of Maharashtra every monsoon — draped in a simple white cloth, a saffron flag in hand, feet calloused from walking, eyes fixed on a distant temple. This is a Warkari.

In the heart of Maharashtra's spiritual landscape, the Warkari tradition stands as one of the most profound expressions of Bhakti (devotion) in India. Unlike many religious traditions that emphasize rituals and priestly hierarchies, the Warkari path is refreshingly simple: chant the name of God, serve others, and walk — walk towards Pandharpur, the sacred abode of Lord Vitthal.

But who exactly are these walking devotees? What drives millions of people — from farmers to doctors, children to the elderly — to leave their homes and walk hundreds of kilometres on foot every year?

This comprehensive guide explores the Warkari tradition in its entirety — its history, beliefs, daily life, symbols, and the profound spiritual philosophy that has sustained it for over 800 years. Whether you are a student of Indian culture, a traveller planning to witness the Pandharpur Wari, or simply someone curious about this remarkable tradition, this article will take you on a journey into the soul of Maharashtra.

Who are Warkaris?

A Warkari is a devotee of Lord Vitthal (also known as Vithoba or Panduranga), who follows the teachings of the Bhakti saints of Maharashtra and undertakes the annual pilgrimage (Wari) to Pandharpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi.

But to define a Warkari merely as a pilgrim would be incomplete. A Warkari is:

• A walking devotee — one who walks the path of devotion, quite literally.
• A Bhakta — someone who practices Bhakti (devotion) through Namasmaran (chanting God's name).
• A disciple of the saints — following the teachings of Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram, Namdev, Eknath, Chokhamela, and Janabai.
• A practitioner of equality — rejecting caste, class, and gender discrimination.
• A server — engaging in Seva (selfless service) as a form of worship.

What Makes a Warkari?

Not everyone who walks to Pandharpur is a Warkari. The tradition is defined by a specific worldview and way of life. A Warkari:

• Worships Vitthal as the supreme deity.
• Observes the Varkari Vrata (code of conduct) — vegetarianism, abstinence from alcohol, truthfulness, compassion.
• Recites the Abhangas (devotional songs) of the saints.
• Participates in the Dindi (group pilgrimage) at least once in their lifetime, ideally every year.
• Lives a life of simplicity, humility, and service.

In essence, a Warkari is not defined by birth or caste but by choice — a choice to walk the path of devotion.

The Meaning Behind the Name

The word Warkari is derived from two Marathi words:

• Wari — meaning a pilgrimage or a journey.
• Kari — meaning one who does or one who performs.

Together, Warkari means "one who undertakes the pilgrimage" — literally, "the one who walks the Wari."

But the name carries a deeper philosophical meaning. In the Warkari tradition, the journey is not merely physical. The Wari represents the journey of life itself — a constant movement towards the Divine. Every step taken towards Pandharpur is symbolic of a step taken towards spiritual awakening.

The Kari is not just an action but an identity. A Warkari is someone who does not merely talk about devotion but lives it. Every action — walking, singing, serving, eating — is infused with devotion.

Also Known As

• Varkari — the same term, with a different spelling.
• Vitthal Bhakta — devotee of Vitthal.
• Pandharpurkar — one who belongs to Pandharpur (in a spiritual sense).

Origins and History of the Warkari Tradition

The Bhakti Movement in Maharashtra

The Warkari tradition emerged during the Bhakti movement that swept across India between the 12th and 17th centuries. Unlike the ritual-dominated Vedic religion, the Bhakti movement emphasized personal devotion to a chosen deity, accessible to all regardless of caste or gender.

In Maharashtra, the Bhakti movement found its most powerful expression through the Warkari tradition, centred on the deity Vitthal in Pandharpur.

Sant Dnyaneshwar (1275–1296)

The earliest and most revered figure in the Warkari tradition is Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj. Born in Alandi, he composed the Dnyaneshwari — a Marathi commentary on the Bhagavad Gita — which made the profound philosophical teachings of the Gita accessible to ordinary people.

Dnyaneshwar is credited with establishing the tradition of carrying the Palkhi (palanquin) of the saints to Pandharpur. He walked to Pandharpur himself and inspired others to do the same.

Sant Namdev (1270–1350)

A contemporary of Dnyaneshwar, Sant Namdev was a tailor by profession who became one of the most prolific composers of Abhangas. He travelled across India, spreading the message of devotion and equality. His hymns remain central to the Warkari tradition.

Sant Eknath (1533–1599)

Sant Eknath revitalized the Warkari tradition in the 16th century. He composed the Eknathi Bhagavata — a Marathi commentary on the Bhagavata Purana — and wrote thousands of Abhangas. Eknath emphasized the importance of living a righteous life while maintaining devotion.

Sant Tukaram (1608–1650)

The most beloved saint of the Warkari tradition, Sant Tukaram Maharaj, was a farmer and grocer from Dehu. He composed over 4,600 Abhangas, which are sung with devotion across Maharashtra. His teachings emphasized simplicity, humility, and constant remembrance of God's name.

Sant Chokhamela and Sant Janabai

The Warkari tradition is also remarkable for its inclusion of saints from marginalized communities. Sant Chokhamela was a Dalit saint who faced discrimination but remained devoted to Vitthal. Sant Janabai was a woman and a servant who composed beautiful Abhangas. Both are deeply revered in the tradition.

Core Beliefs and Values

1. Bhakti (Devotion)

At the heart of the Warkari tradition is Bhakti — intense, personal devotion to Lord Vitthal. Unlike dry intellectualism or ritualistic worship, Bhakti is emotional, experiential, and accessible to everyone.

2. Namasmaran (Chanting God's Name)

The practice of Namasmaran — chanting the name of God — is central to Warkari spirituality. The constant repetition of "Vitthal Vitthal" purifies the mind, creates inner peace, and connects the devotee to the Divine.

3. Equality (Samata)

The Warkari tradition is fiercely egalitarian. It rejects caste, class, and gender discrimination. In the Wari, everyone walks together, eats together, and chants together. The saints themselves came from different castes — Dnyaneshwar from a Brahmin family, Tukaram from a farmer caste, Chokhamela from a Dalit community, Janabai from a servant background.

4. Simplicity (Sauda)

Warkaris live simply. They wear simple clothes, eat simple food, and avoid ostentation. The tradition teaches that spiritual progress is hindered by material attachments.

5. Service (Seva)

Selfless service is considered a form of worship. During the Wari, volunteers cook, clean, and care for fellow pilgrims. This Seva is not seen as charity but as an expression of devotion.

6. Humility (Nimrata)

Arrogance has no place in the Warkari tradition. The saints taught that true devotion is marked by humility and a recognition of one's own limitations.

7. Community (Sangha)

The Warkari tradition is a community tradition. Devotees walk in Dindis, supporting each other, sharing resources, and creating a sense of belonging.

Daily Life of a Warkari

Morning Routine

A Warkari's day begins early — often before sunrise. After bathing, they recite the Abhangas of the saints and perform Namasmaran. The day starts with purity and devotion.

Throughout the Day

• Work — Most Warkaris are farmers, labourers, or ordinary workers. They continue their daily work while keeping Vitthal in their minds.
• Prayer — The Abhangas are recited throughout the day, either individually or in groups.
• Community — Warkaris often gather in their villages for Bhajans (devotional singing) and Kirtans (narrative singing).
• Seva — Acts of service — helping neighbours, feeding the hungry, caring for the sick — are considered part of spiritual practice.

During the Wari

During the pilgrimage, the daily routine changes:

• 4:00 AM — Wake up, bath, morning prayers
• 5:00 AM — Prabhat Pheri (morning round) with singing
• 6:00 AM — Resume walking
• 12:00 PM — Midday rest; Mahaprasad (community meal)
• 4:00 PM — Resume walking
• 8:00 PM — Night halt; evening prayers
• 10:00 PM — Rest under the open sky

Dietary Practices

Warkaris are strictly vegetarian. They avoid alcohol, tobacco, and non-vegetarian food. During the pilgrimage, the food is simple and satvik — bhakri (millet bread), dal, vegetables, and chutney.

Festivals and Observances

• Ekadashi — The 11th day of the lunar fortnight is sacred. Many Warkaris observe a fast on Ekadashi.
• Ashadhi Ekadashi — The most important day, when the Wari culminates in Pandharpur.
• Kartiki Ekadashi — Another significant pilgrimage, though smaller in scale.
• Sant Jayantis — Birth anniversaries of the saints are celebrated with special gatherings and recitations.

Dress and Symbols of the Warkaris

Clothing

Symbols and Their Meanings

• Saffron — Represents renunciation, sacrifice, and devotion.
• White — Represents purity, simplicity, and equality.
• Tulsi — The sacred basil is associated with Vishnu and is an essential part of Warkari worship.
• Palkhi — The palanquin carrying the saint's paduka (sandals) is the central symbol of the Wari.
• Dindi — The group of devotees, symbolizing community and collective devotion.

Famous Saints of the Warkari Tradition

Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj (1275–1296)

• From: Alandi, Maharashtra
• Key Contribution: Wrote the Dnyaneshwari — a Marathi commentary on the Bhagavad Gita.
• Significance: Established the tradition of carrying the Palkhi to Pandharpur.

Sant Namdev (1270–1350)

• From: Maharashtra
• Key Contribution: Composed thousands of Abhangas; travelled across India spreading the Bhakti message.
• Significance: One of the most important figures in the early Bhakti movement.

Sant Eknath (1533–1599)

• From: Paithan, Maharashtra
• Key Contribution: Wrote the Eknathi Bhagavata and over 300 Abhangas.
• Significance: Revitalized the Warkari tradition in the 16th century.

Sant Tukaram Maharaj (1608–1650)

• From: Dehu, Maharashtra
• Key Contribution: Composed over 4,600 Abhangas.
• Significance: The most beloved and widely sung saint of the Warkari tradition.

Sant Chokhamela (14th Century)

• From: Maharashtra
• Key Contribution: Composed Abhangas that speak of devotion amidst discrimination.
• Significance: A Dalit saint whose inclusion symbolizes the tradition's commitment to equality.

Sant Janabai (13th–14th Century)

• From: Pandharpur, Maharashtra
• Key Contribution: Composed beautiful Abhangas.
• Significance: A woman saint and servant, representing the tradition's inclusivity.

Sant Savata Mali (17th Century)

• From: Maharashtra
• Key Contribution: A farmer who composed devotional songs.
• Significance: Represents the common people in the Warkari tradition.

The Warkari Calendar – Festivals and Observances

Interesting Facts About Warkaris

Conclusion

The Warkari tradition is one of India's most remarkable spiritual movements — a living tradition that has survived for over 800 years, adapting to changing times while staying true to its core values.

At its heart, the Warkari path is beautifully simple: chant the name of God, serve others, and walk the path of devotion. It is a path that rejects discrimination and embraces equality. It is a path that finds the divine not in temples alone, but in every step, every chant, every act of service.

Whether you join the millions walking to Pandharpur, or simply learn about their tradition, the Warkaris offer a powerful lesson in what it means to live a life of faith. Their footsteps echo across the landscape of Maharashtra, reminding us that devotion is not merely a feeling — it is a journey.

As the great saint Tukaram sang: "Salutations to all the devotees of Vitthal."