Come, Mother of Pandharpur
Sant Janabai's tender plea to Vithoba as mother: come to Pandharpur's rivers and dance in my courtyard, for my joy lies in your virtues.
Verses
O Vithabai, my mother of Pandharpur, please come to me.
Verse 1
The rivers Bhima and Chandrabhaga are like the holy Ganga at your feet.
Verse 2
With all these, O Lord, please come and dance in my courtyard.
Verse 3
My joy is in your virtues, says Nama's Jani.
Verse 4
Worship Guidelines & Chanting Benefits (Phalashruti)
Daily or auspicious lunar days (Ekadashi, Purnima, Pradosham)
Brahma Muhurta (4:00 AM – 6:00 AM) or Evening Dusk (Sandhya)
Ghee lamp (Deepa), Incense (Dhoopa), Fresh flowers & Water offering
- Peace of mind, spiritual upliftment, and harmonious energy in the home
Background
This abhanga is by Sant Janabai (13th–14th century), the Marathi saint-poet who served in the household of Sant Namdev and signs her verses 'Nama's Jani'. The hymn is listed as abhanga no. 211 in the Janabai Gatha numbering cited by Dr. Suhasini Irelakar in her monograph Sant Janabai (Maharashtra State Board for Literature and Culture, 2002). It is sung in Varkari kirtan and on the Pandharpur pilgrimage, and addresses Vitthal tenderly as Vithabai, the mother.
About this Text
Composed by: Sant Janabai
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Poet and Tradition
The closing line 'Mhane Namayachi Jani' names the poet as Janabai, the maid-servant and disciple of the Varkari saint Namdev (Nama), a central figure of the tradition. The Varkari path centres on Vitthal of Pandharpur and a simple devotion open to all, regardless of caste or gender.
Maternal Divine
The poet addresses Vitthal as 'Vithabai' and 'Pandhari's mother', a feminine, maternal form. It reflects the Varkari belief that the divine can be approached as a nurturing, intimate mother.
Sacred Rivers
The Bhima and Chandrabhaga are invoked as the Ganga at Vitthal's feet. The Bhima is called Chandrabhaga at Pandharpur, and bathing in it is a key pilgrimage ritual.
Signature
The line 'Mhane Namayachi Jani' is Janabai's signature (Jani). Abhangas of the Varkari saints are sometimes found under more than one name, but this one carries her own name in the text and is cited in the Janabai Gatha as abhanga no. 211.
Vitthal
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