varpuja

Varpuja, also known as Varkari or Varkari Bhakti, is a form of Hindu devotional practice that originated in the 16th century in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is characterized by its emphasis on the worship of the Hindu god Vithoba (also known as Vithal or Vitthal), who is considered an incarnation of Vishnu. Varpuja is particularly associated with the Marathi-speaking communities of Maharashtra and Karnataka.

The movement was founded by Tukaram, a 16th-century poet-saint who is revered as a saint in both Hinduism and Islam. Tukaram's teachings emphasized the importance of devotion (bhakti) to Vithoba and the equality of all individuals, regardless of caste or social status. This message resonated with the lower castes and marginalized communities of Maharashtra, who found in Tukaram a voice that spoke to their struggles and aspirations.

Varpuja is marked by its simplicity and accessibility. Devotees, known as Varkaris, gather in large groups to sing devotional songs (abhangas) and perform rituals in honor of Vithoba. These gatherings, known as var, are often held in open fields or natural settings, emphasizing the movement's connection to nature and the natural world.

The movement has had a significant impact on Hindu devotional practices, particularly in Maharashtra and Karnataka. It has also influenced other forms of Hindu bhakti, such as the Bhakti movement in North India. Today, Varpuja continues to be practiced by millions of Hindus, particularly in Maharashtra and Karnataka, and is celebrated with great fervor during the festival of Vithoba Jayanti, which falls in the Hindu month of Chaitra.