Bharat Devotion
Embroidered artwork for Dharila Pandharicha Chor — Sant Janabai Abhanga: Embroidered Om symbol above a brass diya, marigolds and a temple spire at sunrise

Dharila Pandharicha Chor — Sant Janabai Abhanga

AbhangasLord VitthalKrishnaVishnuSant Dnyaneshwar

Dharila Pandharicha Chor — Sant Janabai Abhanga

Sant Janabai's abhanga: with the rope of love she binds the thief of Pandharpur, locks Vitthal in the prison of her heart and will never let Him go.

Verses

Dharilā pandharīchā chora, galā bāndhoniyā dora

I have caught the great thief of Pandharpur (Lord Vitthal), tying a strong rope of love firmly around His neck!

Verse 1

Hrudaya bandī kelā khānā, ānta kondilā jānā

I turned my very heart into a fortified prison cell, and know this: I have locked that thief securely deep inside!

Verse 2

Shabdē kelī jāchājāchī, vitthala kelī chorī sāchī

I interrogated Him fiercely with sharp, piercing words; and thus it was proven beyond doubt that Vitthal truly committed the theft of my soul!

Verse 3

Janī mhane bā vitthalā, jīve na sodī mī tujalā

Jani (Janabai) declares: O my dearest beloved Father Vitthal! Even if my very breath leaves this body, I shall never, ever let You go!

Verse 4

Worship Guidelines & Chanting Benefits (Phalashruti)

Auspicious Day

Daily or auspicious lunar days (Ekadashi, Purnima, Pradosham)

Best Time (Muhurta)

Brahma Muhurta (4:00 AM – 6:00 AM) or Evening Dusk (Sandhya)

Sacred Offerings

Ghee lamp (Deepa), Incense (Dhoopa), Fresh flowers & Water offering

Spiritual Benefits (Phalashruti)
  • Peace of mind, spiritual upliftment, and harmonious energy in the home

Background

Sant Janabai (1258–1350) was a legendary woman saint-poet born into an underprivileged household who served as a maid in the household of Sant Namdev. Despite her humble social status, her burning spiritual intensity was so peerless that Marathi folklore reveres how Lord Vitthal Himself would assist her in grinding grain and washing clothes. In 'Dharila Pandharicha Chor', she demonstrates absolute spiritual sovereignty: the Almighty God, who is ungraspable by yogic penance, is easily captured and held hostage by the pure, unpretentious love of a simple devotee. Her abhangas are printed as a section of the Shri Namdev Gatha (Maharashtra State Board for Literature and Culture, 1970).

About this Text

Composed by: Sant Janabai

More by Sant Janabai

Come, Mother of Pandharpur

Did You Know?

Vitthal as the Thief of Hearts (Chitta Chora)

Janabai turns the traditional concept of burglary upside down—the Lord sneaks into the hearts of devotees to steal their ego, only to end up permanently trapped by their love.

A Domestic Maid's Spiritual Triumph

In an era of strict caste and gender barriers, Janabai's poetry stands as an eternal monument to egalitarian spiritual freedom in medieval India.

The Heart as a Cell (Hrudaybandi)

The metaphor of imprisoning God within the ribcage of the heart is celebrated as one of the most vivid and evocative allegories in Marathi literature.

#Abhanga#Warkari#Sant Janabai#Vitthal#Pandharpur
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Connected Teachings

The same teaching, echoed across traditions

HinduismNachu Kirtanache Rangi — Sant Namdev AbhangaHinduismNako Devraya Anta Aata Pahu — Sant Kanhopatra AbhangaHinduismOos Donga Pari Rasa Nohe Donga — Sant Chokhamela AbhangaHinduismAamchi Keli Heen Yaati — Sant Karmamela AbhangaHinduismCome, Mother of PandharpurHinduismAvagha Ranga Ekachi Jhala — Sant Soyarabai AbhangaHinduismMajhe Maher Pandhari — Sant Eknath Abhanga