Earlier, majority of people were either discriminated or misguided on the name of spiritual needs. Rites, rituals, rigid rules and regulations kept well deserved out of spiritual journey. This causes to emerge and evolve new kind of movement of devotion and reverence called warkari sampradaay.
Roots of Warkari sampradaay
Maharashtra has been sanctuary of many great sages, saints, mystics, and social reformers. Really, spiritual heritage of maharashtra is fathomless. Among all, Warkari sampradaay is one of the most notable one. It is a spiritual way of life for millions since many centuries.
At the time of bhakti movements, enlightened saint Gyaneshwar laid the foundation of warkari sampradaay to help millions underprivileged to realize the ultimate reality through inner purity and devotion.
Irrespective of caste, creed, or religion, in this spiritual community, people or Warkari are connected with the common shared spiritual beliefs and practices. It is like organic solidarity among different sections of society that effectively altered the contours of spiritual beliefs.
Causes of Warkari sampradaay
Hence, In the 13th century, the ultimate purpose of Warkari sampradaay was to provide an equal spiritual alternative, by-passing unnecessary rites and rituals, to cherish human values, and eliminate all form of discrimination.
Undoubtedly, it is worthy to mention that the Warkari tradition was the inspired spiritual movement on the line of the bhakti movement which began in the 13th century across Indian subcontinent.
Pioneer and architect of Warkari tradition or sampradaay
Many great enlightened souls sacrificed their lives to begin and spread this much deserving movement.
Initially, the cornerstone of this sampradaya was laid by none other than the great Saint Dnyaneshwar, and then onward, many other saints, including self-realized saint Tukaram Maharaj, contributed immensely to enrich this holy journey, by bringing every caste and creed in its fold.
Now, it has reached every nooks and corner of the Maharashtra state in particular and whole nation in general. Most importantly, it has been already crossed the political boundaries and attracted global attention.
Truly, today, Warkari sampradaya is the way of life for the millions of people in the Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujrat, and in the other states too.
These Warkari offers theirs devotion to the supreme God -Vithoba at Pandharpur through annual “Waris” or pilgrimage. It happens regularly and it is the most notable spiritual event which pulls millions to participate.
What makes Warkari sampradaay the most prominent spiritual heritage of Maharashtra
First, wari is the spiritual stream that attract millions voluntary for a month irrespective of identity.
Second, particularly, in Maharashtra, every community has spiritual participation in the form of saints. It helps to create a spiritual bond among different communities surpassing religious identity.
Third, every warkari treats each other with great respect or symbol of god itself.
Fourth, though the Warkari sampradaya is the part of Hindu religion, but it, unlike orthodox Hindu religion, emphasis more on the inner purity and discipline. In this, moral behaviour and the avoidance of alcohol is at the central place of sampradaay
Besides, celibacy in students’ life and diet without onion and garlic are also important. Moreover, fasting for God on Ekadashi is the most prominent spiritual practice of Warkaris. This is the reason why it is the spiritual heritage of Maharashtra.
Core teaching of this movement- equality and fraternity
Unlike orthodox Hindu religion in which only upper three varnas including men are permitted to achieve Mokhas, Warkari sampradaay opened its spiritual doors for all, irrespective of caste, creed, wealth, and gender. This is the reason why Warkari sampradaya has lot of great saints from all sections of society.
Preaching Equality and fraternity in society
Exactly, like bhakti movement, equality and humanity is the basic teaching of great Warkari saints. Further, they preach peaceful co-existence, forgiveness, simplicity, compassion, and Non-violence through Kirtana and Pravachna.
Even though, Warkari sampradaay seems more spiritual in nature, it has a strong bearing on the social life of the Maharashtra and other states. Obviously, its role in transformation of society is unavoidable. That’s why we call it a way of life.
Current relevancy of Warkari sampradaay
Now, when the nation is witnessing the incidents of mob lynching, caste discrimination, and religious intolerance, the relevancy of Warkari sampradaya becomes more than earlier.
Teaching and practices of this holy sampradaya would be a potential tools to eradicate evil thoughts and spread the message of humanity and fraternity in society. We know that the strength of society and nation lies in its solidarity and cohesiveness.
Last words on warkari sampradaay
India is the only nation having various faiths and religions but organically interconnected due to great sacrifices by our spiritual forefathers. Therefore, this is the nation in the world with strong unity in great diversity of beliefs and social setting.
So, to be a strong nation, this spiritual heritage of Maharashtra need to be preserved and cherished to maintain peace, harmony, and spiritual wellbeing.
So, we have to cherish the values given by great saints — peaceful co-existence, love and humanity, religious tolerance, fraternity, and Non-violence.
Understanding ideals of enlightenment