Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s Palakhi departs from Dehu amid devotional fervour

Padukas carried in the new silver chariot for the first time

Dehu (Dist. Pune) – The 341st Ashadhi Wari of Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj commenced from Shri Kshetra Dehu on 7 July amid an atmosphere of deep devotion, with the continuous chants of “Dnyanoba-Tukaram” and “Vitthal-Vitthal” resonating to the rhythmic beats of cymbals and mrudung. The ceremonial departure of the Palakhi took place after traditional rituals performed between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Lakhs of Warkaris, along with dignitaries and devotees from across Maharashtra, attended the ceremony. The entire town of Dehu was immersed in devotional fervour. The Palakhi’s first overnight halt will be at Inamdar Wada in Dehu.

The day’s ceremonies began at 5 a.m. with Mahapuja performed by the temple trustees at Shila Mandir and Taponidhi Narayan Maharaj Samadhi Mandir. The Padukas of Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj were worshipped at Inamdar Wada, followed by Dehukar Maharaj’s Kaala Kirtan from 10 a.m. to noon.

Paduka Pujan performed amid Vedic chants

At 2.30 p.m., the Padukas were ceremonially brought from Inamdar Wada to the Bhajani Mandap at Deulwada, marking the beginning of the departure ceremony. Dindis were then allowed to enter the temple. In the presence of Vedic scholars, Paduka Pujan was performed amid the chanting of Vedic mantras. The silver Padukas were ceremonially bathed while placed on a silver plate atop a silver throne.

Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, Shiv Sena MP Shrirang Barne, former MP Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje, NCP MLA Sunil Shelke and BJP MLA Mahesh Landge offered worship to the Padukas. The Palakhi began its onward journey at 4.02 p.m.

Padukas carried in the new silver chariot for the first time

One of the major highlights of this year’s Wari is that the Padukas of Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj are being carried for the first time in a newly crafted silver chariot. The new chariot is approximately 600 kg lighter than the previous one.

First overnight halt at Inamdar Wada

After completing the customary circumambulation at 5 p.m., the Palakhi proceeded to Inamdar Wada, where it will halt for the night. It will then continue its journey via Akurdi, Pune city (Nana Peth and Nivdunga Vitthoba Temple), Loni Kalbhor and onward to Pandharpur.

Rain offers respite

In view of the rising water level of the Indrayani River and the recent heavy rainfall, the district administration and both temple trusts had appealed to Warkaris to avoid gathering at Dehu and Alandi and instead join the procession from Pune, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation area or further along the route.

However, the rain subsided from the morning of 7 July, allowing large numbers of Warkaris to gather at Dehu for the ceremonial departure.