Bhakti Movement , Pandharpur Yatra -Warkari movement (UPSC )
Bhakti Movement
Ashadhi & Kartiki Ekadashi – A Cultural Insight for UPSC Aspirants Bhakti Movement
🛕 History of Pandharpur – Sacred City of Vithoba | UPSC Culture Notes
📌 Introduction
Pandharpur, situated on the banks of the Bhima River (Chandrabhaga) in Solapur district, Maharashtra, is one of the most important pilgrimage towns in India. It is famously known as the “Southern Kashi of India” and is the spiritual home of Lord Vitthal (Vithoba), a form of Lord Krishna or Vishnu. The town is also central to the Warkari tradition and the Bhakti Movement in Maharashtra.
Let’s explore the historical, cultural, and religious significance of Pandharpur, and why it holds a special place in UPSC preparation for Art & Culture, Society, and Ethics.
🏛️ Historical Background of Pandharpur
🔸 Early References:
- The origin of Pandharpur is unclear, but legends trace it back to ancient times.
- The town was originally known as Pandurangapur after the deity Panduranga (Vithoba).
- Mentions of Pandharpur pilgrimage are found in medieval Bhakti literature, especially in Marathi abhangas by saints like Namdev, Dnyaneshwar, and Tukaram.
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🔸 Medieval Period:
- During the Yadava rule of Devagiri (12th–14th century), the temple of Vithoba gained prominence.
- The Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana and later rulers are believed to have contributed to the temple’s development.
- Bhakti Saints made Pandharpur the center of their spiritual teachings, promoting equality, devotion, and social reform.
🔸 Under Islamic Rule:
- Despite invasions and Islamic rule, the faith of the devotees and the Warkari tradition preserved the temple’s sanctity.
- Some records suggest that Adil Shahi and Mughal rulers allowed pilgrimage due to its popularity and mass following.
🔸 Maratha Period:
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and later Peshwas supported the temple and the Warkari sect.
- The town became a symbol of cultural identity in Maharashtra.
🔸 British Period:
- British officers documented the Pandharpur Wari (pilgrimage), impressed by the discipline and unity among Warkaris.
- The annual yatra was regulated, and fairs were organized with administrative support.
🛐 Religious Significance of Pandharpur
- Deity: Vithoba, also called Vitthal, Panduranga, or Hari, is considered a form of Krishna/Vishnu.
- He stands on a brick (vit) with his hands on his waist—a unique iconographic feature.
- The temple also houses Rukmini (beloved of Vitthal) and other Vaishnava deities.
🔹 Associated Saints:
- Sant Dnyaneshwar
- Sant Tukaram
- Sant Namdev
- Sant Chokhamela
- Sant Eknath
These saints composed devotional poetry (abhangas) that expressed love for Vitthal and rejected caste, ritualism, and orthodoxy.
🚶 The Pandharpur Wari (Pilgrimage)
- Devotees, known as Warkaris, walk for over 200–250 km carrying palkhis (palanquins) with padukas (sandals) of the saints.
- The pilgrimage reaches Pandharpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi and again on Kartiki Ekadashi.
- The Wari represents faith, unity, discipline, and devotion, cutting across castes and classes.
📚 UPSC Relevance
✅ GS Paper I – Art & Culture:
- Bhakti movement and regional traditions.
- Importance of Pandharpur in Marathi devotional literature.
- Temple architecture and living religious traditions.
✅ GS Paper II – Society:
- Social reform through religious movements.
- Impact on caste and gender equality via saints’ teachings.
✅ GS Paper IV – Ethics:
- Devotion, simplicity, and equality as core ethical values of the Warkari tradition.
- Role models: Sant Tukaram, Chokhamela (Dalit saint), and Janabai (woman devotee).
🪔 Introduction
India is a land of diverse traditions and festivals that hold deep spiritual, social, and cultural meaning. Among these, Ashadhi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi are two sacred days celebrated primarily in Maharashtra and linked closely to the Warkari movement, Bhakti tradition, and Vaishnavism. These two Ekadashis are not just religious observances but also symbols of devotion, social unity, and ecological awareness. This blog will help you understand their significance in the UPSC context – covering Art & Culture, Indian society, and Ethics.
🌾 What is Ashadhi Ekadashi?
Ashadhi Ekadashi, also known as Devshayani Ekadashi, falls on the 11th day of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Ashadha (June–July). This day marks the beginning of Chaturmas, the four holy months during which Lord Vishnu is believed to go into Yoga Nidra (divine sleep).
🔹 Key Features:
- Celebrated with the grand Pandharpur Wari – a pilgrimage to the town of Pandharpur, the abode of Lord Vitthal (Vithoba), a form of Lord Krishna.
- Lakhs of devotees, called Warkaris, walk barefoot from various parts of Maharashtra chanting abhangas (devotional songs) composed by saints like Sant Tukaram, Dnyaneshwar, and Namdev.
- Represents the values of devotion, equality, and humility.
- A reflection of Bhakti Movement ideals – against caste discrimination and promoting universal brotherhood.
🌼 What is Kartiki Ekadashi?
Kartiki Ekadashi, also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi, occurs on the 11th day of the waxing moon in the month of Kartik (October–November). It marks the end of Chaturmas and the day when Lord Vishnu is believed to wake up from his divine sleep.
🔸 Rituals and Significance:
- Celebrated with another round of pilgrimage to Pandharpur by Warkaris.
- Associated with the symbolic Tulsi Vivah – the ceremonial marriage of Tulsi (holy basil plant) with Shaligram (a form of Vishnu).
- Devotees offer prayers, light lamps, fast, and sing devotional songs.
- Represents the spiritual awakening and renewal of religious activities.
📘 Relevance for UPSC Preparation
Both these Ekadashis are deeply connected to Indian culture, spirituality, and social reform movements. Here’s how they’re relevant to your UPSC preparation:
🔍 GS Paper I – Indian Heritage and Culture:
- Illustrates the Bhakti Movement in Maharashtra and the importance of folk traditions.
- Highlights temple pilgrimage culture and the role of saints in social reform.
👥 GS Paper II – Indian Society:
- Shows how religious traditions promote social inclusivity, especially in the Warkari movement where caste and class distinctions are set aside.
- Promotes community bonding and collective action through spiritual practices.
♻️ GS Paper III – Environment (Ethics & Ecology angle):
- Tulsi worship signifies eco-spirituality and the sacredness of plants in Indian culture.
- Emphasis on sustainable practices, such as walking pilgrimages, community food-sharing, and abstinence during Chaturmas.
🧭 GS Paper IV – Ethics:
- Embodies values like self-discipline, devotion, compassion, simplicity, and non-materialism.
- Saints like Tukaram and Dnyaneshwar are role models for ethical living and social justice.
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1. According to the Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women in Vijayanagara Empire were expert in which of the following areas?
- Wrestling
- Astrology
- Accounting
- Soothsaying
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2021 Prelims](a) 1, 2 and 3 only(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
2. Consider the following statements:
- Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.
- Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims](a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements:
- Siddhas (sittars) of the Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry.
- Lingayats of the Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2016 Prelims](a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2
4. With reference to the religious history of medieval India, the Sufi mystics were known to pursue which of the following practices?
- Meditation and control of breath
- Severe ascetic exercises in a lonely place
- Recitation of holy songs to arouse a state of ecstasy in their audience
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2012 Prelims](a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3
5. Consider the following Bhakti Saints:
- Dadu Dayal
- Guru Nanak
- Tyagaraja
Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2013 Prelims](a) 1 and 3(b) 2 only(c) 2 and 3(d) 1 and 2
6. With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of who of the following?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2016 Prelims](a) Shramana
(b) Parivraajaka(c) Agrahaarika(d) Maagadha
7. Consider the following statements:
- Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.
- Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims](a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2
8. With reference to Indian history, who of the following were known as “Kulah-Daran”?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims](a) Arab merchants(b) Qalandars
(c) Persian calligraphists(d) Sayyids
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