Pandharichi Wari - A Unique Pilgrimage of Faith and Surrender to Him! Jai Jai Vithoba-Rakhumai!

                                                                                                                                                       Jai Jai Vithoba-Rakhumai!

                                                       Source of the image: Internet

                  The annual 'Pandharichi Wari' i.e. the pilgrimage from Dehu-Alandi to Pandharpur has begun its journey this week. As the Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj 'palkhis' (palanquins) bearing their 'padukas' (foot imprints cast in silver) wind their way through the long and torturous route of approximately 240 kilometers to their final destination, Pandharpur, the divine abode of Lord Pandurang (Lord Vitthal) and his divine consort Goddess Rukmini; the aura is one of infinite patience, perseverance, devotion and faith. Nothing daunts the 'warkaris', the pilgrims in their annual trek. Neither rain nor scorching heat, nor sores on their feet nor worldly troubles; as they have dedicated these 15-20 days to the Supreme Lord who will take care of them!

                  They sing 'abhangs', religious hymns and songs, endlessly chant 'Gyanba-Tukaram' and verses from divine scriptures, play traditional instruments, perform folk-dances, enact street-plays with socioeconomically relevant themes and walk on in a blissful trance, (some even with 'Tulsi vrindavans', 'padukas' or the idols atop their heads) till they reach their destination on the auspicious 'Ashadhi Ekadashi' day. When they are at last in the temple in front of their beloved God, nothing matters except the 'Darshan'. They will pray fervently and return year after year.

                  The 'warkaris' are helped in their onward journey by the devout who feed them, provide free medicines, footwear, mobile recharge vouchers and other necessities; in turns, at their various halting places. Thus these Good Samaritans earn divine benediction too!

                   Today, these pilgrims will be reaching Pune and halting with the sacred 'padukas' for today and tomorrow. On Sunday, they will begin their onward journey to Pandharpur, where the deities eagerly await their 'Bhakts'. It's said that God doesn't want anything else but the devotee's 'bhakti'. A sense of total surrender to Him, for receiving His blessings manifold!

                   I fervently pray to Lord Vithoba and Rakhumai Devi to bless everyone with a strong sense of ethics, honesty, morals, wisdom, devotion, faith, diligence, perseverance, peace, contentment, happiness, prosperity and success. I strongly believe that the more conscientious, empathetic and compassionate we are, the closer we are to God!

                   Let's just keep walking on the 'right' path in life. God will walk us safely through all our trials and tribulations and make us winners in the truest sense of the word.

                                                     Jai Jai Vithoba-Rakhumai!

              The copyright of this write-up is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.