Khel Mandiyala Valwanti Ghai — Sant Tukaram Abhanga
Sant Tukaram's joyful picture of Vaishnavas dancing on the sands of the Chandrabhaga, bowing to one another and leaving pride behind.
Verses
A grand, joyful play of divine love has commenced upon the sands of the Chandrabhaga river; behold all the Vaishnava brethren dancing in ecstatic joy!
Verse 1
Trampling all anger, wrath, and pride underfoot as a mere stepping stone, devotees cast off all social hierarchy and lovingly bow at each other's feet!
Verse 2
Their foreheads adorned with sacred Gopichandana paste and their necks graced with fragrant Tulasi beads and floral garlands, how gloriously they shine!
Verse 3
To the resounding rhythm of cymbals and mridanga drums, celestial flowers shower down from the skies; incomparable is the supreme joy experienced there!
Verse 4
Tuka says: The holy saints have made the foot-path effortless and easy for all souls to cross over the turbulent ocean of worldly existence!
Verse 5
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
During the great annual Ashadhi and Kartiki Wari pilgrimages, Warkaris walk long distances to assemble on the wide sandy riverbed (Valwanti) of the Chandrabhaga at Pandharpur. There distinctions of wealth, caste and status are set aside as pilgrims dance, embrace and bow at one another's feet. Sant Tukaram (1608–1650) draws that scene in this abhanga, no. 189 of the Tukaram Gatha, as proof that loving devotion makes liberation open to all.
About this Text
Composed by: Sant Tukaram · Medieval Warkari Poet-Saint · 17th century, Maharashtra
A householder-saint of the Warkari tradition from Dehu, Maharashtra, who composed thousands of Abhangas (devotional verses) to Vitthal in plain, direct Marathi, often reflecting on his own hardships, doubts, and everyday struggles as a grain merchant.
More by Sant Tukaram
Did You Know?
Egalitarian Sands of Pandharpur
Verse 2 describes devotees stepping on anger and pride (krodha abhimana kela pavatani), literally touching the feet of all fellow pilgrims regardless of caste.
The Sandbed as Sacred Ground
The wide sands of the Chandrabhaga river (Valwanti) are considered as holy as the sanctum sanctorum because of the dust of millions of saintly feet.
Easy Footpath to Liberation
Stanza 5 concludes with Tukaram's triumphant declaration that the saints have simplified the path across the turbulent ocean of existence (Bhavaghat).
Vitthal
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