Pandharpur Wari
30, Jun 2019
Prelims level : Art and Culture AC2 Architecture and Art forms.
Mains level : GS1A - Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times
- Pandharpur Wari is related to Bhakti Movment
- It is an annual pilgrimage (yatra) to Pandharpur – the seat of the Hindu god Vithal in
- Palakhis (palanquin processions) carrying the paduka (foot prints) of various saints – most notably Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram – from the Varkari (Warkari, “one who performs the Wari”) sect (which venerates Vithal), are taken from their respective shrines to Pandharpur.
Bhakti Movement
- As a social movement, the Bhakti movement, challenged caste hierarchy, emphasized the individual’s direct connection to god and the possibility of salvation for all through good deeds and simple living.
- In Maharashtra, the Bhakti movement began in the late 13th century.
- Its proponents were known as the Varkaris.
- Among its most popular figures were Jnanadev (1275- 96),Namdev (1270-50) and Tukaram (1608-50), who have left behind many verses that embody the essence of Bhakti.
Tukaram
- Saint of the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra,
- Tukaram is best known for his devotional poetry called Abhanga and community-oriented worship with spiritual songs known as kirtans
- He was part of the egalitarian, personalized Varkari devotionalism tradition
- Tukaram was a rebel from Shudra by caste,
- Defying the injunctions of the Brahmins, Tukaram chose to write on religious matters, and that too in Marathi, the language of the people.
Namdev
- was an Indian poet and saint from Maharashtra,
- writings were also recognized by the “Gurus” of Sikhism and are included in the holy book of Sikhism, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
- Namdev was influenced by Vaishnavism.
- His philosophy contains both nirguna and saguna Brahman elements.
Dnyaneshwar
- was a 13th-century Marathi saint, poet, philosopher and yogi of the Nath Vaishnava tradition.
- Dnyaneshwar’s ideas reflect the non-dualistic Advaita Vedanta
- His legacy inspired saint-poets such as and Tukaram