History of the Warkari Sampradaya — 800 Years of Bhakti वारकरी संप्रदायाचा इतिहास — ८०० वर्षांची भक्ती

Introduction

For over 800 years, a remarkable spiritual tradition has flourished in the heart of Maharashtra — the Warkari Sampradaya. It is a tradition that rejected caste discrimination, embraced equality, and taught millions to find the Divine not in temples alone, but in every step of a pilgrimage, every chant of God's name, and every act of service.

At its centre is Lord Vitthal of Pandharpur — a form of Krishna standing patiently on a brick, waiting for His devotees. And around this deity, a galaxy of saints emerged — Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Eknath, Tukaram, Chokhamela, Janabai — each contributing to a tradition that would become one of the most powerful expressions of Bhakti (devotion) in India.

This is the story of the Warkari Sampradaya — a story of faith, resistance, poetry, and the enduring power of love for the Divine.

The Bhakti Movement in India

To understand the Warkari Sampradaya, we must first understand the broader movement from which it emerged — the Bhakti movement.

Between the 12th and 17th centuries, a spiritual revolution swept across India. It was called the Bhakti movement — a movement that emphasised personal devotion to a chosen deity over the elaborate rituals of Vedic religion. Bhakti was not confined by caste, gender, or social status. It was open to all.

The Bhakti movement arose as a reaction against the ritualism, priestly domination, and caste hierarchies that had come to characterise much of religious practice. The Bhakti saints taught that salvation was not a privilege of the few but the birthright of all — accessible through sincere devotion.

In South India, the Alvars and Nayanars pioneered the Bhakti movement. In North India, saints like Kabir, Tulsidas, Mirabai, and Surdas spread the message of devotion. In Maharashtra, the Bhakti movement found its most powerful and enduring expression through the Warkari Sampradaya.

What made the Maharashtra Bhakti movement unique was its emphasis on Namasmaran (chanting God's name), its rejection of caste discrimination, and its integration with the pilgrimage tradition to Pandharpur. The Warkari saints were not just poets or philosophers — they were social revolutionaries who challenged the oppressive structures of their time.

Origins of the Warkari Sampradaya

The Warkari Sampradaya traces its origins to the 13th century CE, centred on the town of Pandharpur in Maharashtra. The tradition is built around the worship of Lord Vitthal (also called Vithoba or Panduranga) — a form of Krishna who stands on a brick, waiting for His devotees.

The word Warkari comes from Wari (pilgrimage) and Kari (one who does) — meaning "one who undertakes the pilgrimage." The pilgrimage to Pandharpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi has been the defining practice of the sampradaya for centuries.

While the tradition was formalised in the 13th century, its roots go deeper. The story of Pundalik — the devotee whose service to his parents brought Lord Krishna to Pandharpur — is believed to date back thousands of years. Pundalik, while serving his parents, threw a brick for Krishna to stand on, and the Lord patiently waited. This image of Krishna standing on a brick became Lord Vitthal, and the town became Pandharpur.

The formal establishment of the Warkari Sampradaya, however, is credited to the saint-poet Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and his contemporary Sant Namdev, who systematised the pilgrimage tradition and composed the devotional songs (Abhangas) that would define the tradition.

Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj (1275–1296)

The earliest and most revered figure in the Warkari Sampradaya is Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj. Born in Alandi near Pune, Dnyaneshwar was a child prodigy who mastered the scriptures at a young age.

His greatest contribution was the Dnyaneshwari — a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita written in Marathi. This was revolutionary. Until then, sacred texts were in Sanskrit, accessible only to the priestly classes. Dnyaneshwar made the profound philosophical teachings of the Gita accessible to ordinary people in their own language.

Dnyaneshwar is also 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. His life was short — he is believed to have taken samadhi at the age of just 21 — but his impact was immense.

His Abhangas (devotional songs) are sung with devotion across Maharashtra to this day. He taught that the Divine is not distant but present in every heart, and that Bhakti is the surest path to realisation.

Sant Namdev (1270–1350)

A contemporary of Dnyaneshwar, Sant Namdev was born in a tailor's family in Maharashtra. Despite his humble origins, he became one of the most important figures in the Bhakti movement.

Namdev travelled across India, spreading the message of devotion and equality. He visited pilgrimage sites across the country and established connections with other Bhakti saints, including the North Indian saint Kabir.

Namdev composed thousands of Abhangas, which are central to the Warkari tradition. His hymns speak of the omnipresence of God and the importance of love and devotion over ritual. He taught that God is not found in temples alone but is present everywhere — in every heart, every creature, every moment.

Namdev's inclusivity was remarkable. He welcomed devotees from all castes and backgrounds, challenging the social hierarchies of his time.

Sant Eknath (1533–1599)

After a period of decline, the Warkari tradition was revitalised in the 16th century by Sant Eknath. Born in Paithan, Maharashtra, Eknath was a scholar and poet who breathed new life into the tradition.

His most important work is the Eknathi Bhagavata — a Marathi commentary on the Bhagavata Purana. He also wrote thousands of Abhangas and composed the Bhavarth Ramayan, a Marathi version of the Ramayana.

Eknath emphasised that devotion should be accompanied by righteous living. He taught that a devotee should engage in the world with integrity, honesty, and compassion — that Bhakti is not an escape from life but a way of living it fully.

Eknath also played a crucial role in maintaining the unity of the Warkari tradition during a time of political and social change.

Sant Tukaram Maharaj (1608–1650)

The most beloved saint of the Warkari Sampradaya is undoubtedly Sant Tukaram Maharaj. Born in Dehu near Pune, Tukaram was a farmer and grocer by profession. But his true calling was devotion.

Tukaram composed over 4,600 Abhangas, which are sung with devotion across Maharashtra to this day. His Abhangas are simple, direct, and deeply moving. They speak of poverty, humility, and the overwhelming love of God.

Tukaram's teachings were radical in their simplicity. He taught that Namasmaran (chanting God's name) is the highest spiritual practice — more powerful than any ritual, more profound than any philosophy. He said, "Chant the name of Vitthal, and all your sorrows will vanish."

Tukaram also emphasised equality. He welcomed devotees from all castes and backgrounds. His own followers included Brahmins, Dalits, farmers, and merchants — all united by their love for Vitthal.

Tukaram's life was one of struggle and faith. He lost his family in a famine, faced opposition from orthodox Brahmins, and lived in poverty. Yet, his Abhangas are filled with joy and surrender. His faith remained unshaken.

Sant Chokhamela and Sant Janabai

The Warkari Sampradaya is remarkable for its inclusion of saints from marginalised communities. Two of the most beloved are Sant Chokhamela and Sant Janabai.

Sant Chokhamela (14th Century)

Chokhamela was a Dalit saint born in Maharashtra. He faced discrimination because of his caste but remained devoted to Vitthal. His Abhangas speak of his longing for God and his struggle against social injustice. Despite his low social status, he is revered as one of the greatest saints of the tradition. His son Karma, his wife Soyarabai, and other family members also became devotees.

Sant Janabai (13th–14th Century)

Janabai was a woman born in Pandharpur who served as a domestic worker in the household of Sant Namdev. Despite her humble position, she composed beautiful Abhangas that are sung with devotion to this day. Her hymns speak of a personal, intimate relationship with God — she saw Vitthal as her mother, her father, her companion.

The inclusion of Chokhamela and Janabai in the Warkari tradition is a powerful statement. It demonstrates that in the eyes of God, all are equal — and in the Warkari Sampradaya, that principle has been lived for centuries.

Core Philosophy and Values of the Warkari Sampradaya

Bhakti — The Supreme Path

For the Warkari saints, Bhakti (devotion) was the supreme path to salvation. It was not a dry intellectual exercise but an intense, personal love for God. Bhakti was accessible to everyone — no caste, no gender, no qualification was required.

Namasmaran — The Power of the Name

The practice of Namasmaran — the constant chanting of God's name — was central. The Warkari saints taught that the name of God is not a mere word but a living presence. Chanting "Vitthal Vitthal" purifies the mind and connects the devotee to the Divine.

Equality and Rejection of Caste

The Warkari Sampradaya was fiercely egalitarian. The saints rejected caste discrimination and welcomed everyone. In the Wari, all walk together — there is no rich or poor, no high or low.

Simplicity and Humility

The Warkari saints lived simply and taught humility. They wore plain clothes, ate simple food, and lived ordinary lives. Their message was that spiritual progress is hindered by pride and material attachments.

Seva — Service as Worship

Service to others was seen as service to God. The Warkari tradition emphasises Seva (selfless service) as a form of devotion. During the Wari, volunteers cook, clean, and care for fellow pilgrims.

Living in the World, Not Escaping It

Unlike some traditions that emphasise renunciation, the Warkari saints taught that one could live a life of devotion while remaining engaged in the world. They were householders, farmers, and workers — not monks or ascetics. Their devotion was lived in the midst of daily life.

The Warkari Tradition Today

The Warkari Sampradaya is not a relic of the past — it is a living tradition that continues to inspire millions today.

Every year, 10–15 lakh (1 to 1.5 million) devotees walk to Pandharpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi. This makes the Wari one of the largest annual walking pilgrimages in the world. The tradition has continued uninterrupted for over 800 years.

The Warkari tradition has also gained recognition beyond Maharashtra. It has been nominated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage candidate. Scholars, researchers, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world study its history, philosophy, and practice.

The Abhangas of the saints are sung in villages and cities across Maharashtra. The teachings of Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram, and the other saints are studied in schools and universities. The Warkari values of equality, simplicity, and devotion resonate with people across the world.

In a world increasingly divided by caste, class, and religion, the Warkari tradition offers a powerful alternative — a path of unity, love, and devotion. It is a reminder that the Divine is not found in exclusion but in inclusion, not in hierarchy but in equality, not in ritual but in love.

Interesting Facts About the Warkari Sampradaya

Conclusion

The history of the Warkari Sampradaya is the history of Bhakti itself — a story of devotion, resistance, and the enduring power of love for the Divine. For over 800 years, this tradition has continued uninterrupted, adapting to changing times while staying true to its core values.

From Dnyaneshwar's revolutionary commentary on the Gita to Tukaram's soul-stirring Abhangas, from Chokhamela's defiant devotion to Janabai's intimate songs — the Warkari saints gave voice to the voiceless and dignity to the marginalised. They taught that the Divine is not distant but present in every heart, and that devotion is not a privilege but a birthright.

Today, as millions of Warkaris walk to Pandharpur each year, they walk not just to a temple but to the heart of their tradition. They walk in the footsteps of saints, carrying with them the same faith, the same songs, and the same devotion that has sustained the tradition for centuries.

The Warkari Sampradaya is a living testament to the power of faith — a reminder that even in a changing world, the path of devotion continues to lead millions towards the Divine.