Sant Changdev Maharaj Palkhi Sohala 2026, the procession of Sant Changdev Maharaj Palkhi in 2026..
Ram Krishna Hari! The Sant Changdev Maharaj Palkhi Sohala brings a profound yogic and mystical dimension to the Pandharpur Ashadhi Wari.
Among all the saints in the Warkari sampradaya, Changdev Maharaj holds a highly distinct position. He was a great mystic and Mahayogi who, according to legend, lived for 1,400 years through his mastery over the physical elements (Bhuta Siddhi) before shedding his immense pride to become a disciple of the young Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Muktabai.
The Main Origins of the Changdev Palkhi
Because of Changdev Maharaj’s extensive lifespan and travels, there are two primary routes and temples from which his Palkhis originate to join the main march toward Pandharpur:
1. Shri Kshetra Puntamba (Ahilyanagar/Ahmednagar)
This is the most widely recognized spiritual hub for his Palkhi. Puntamba, situated on the scenic banks of the Godavari River, is the sacred site where Changdev Maharaj ultimately took his Sanjivan Samadhi.
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The Journey: The Palkhi carrying his sacred Padukas departs from the Samadhi Mandir in Puntamba mid-way through the month of Jyeshtha.
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The Chants: Along with standard Vitthal bhajans, the air here resonates with verses from the Changdev Pasashti—the 65 core spiritual verses written by Sant Dnyaneshwar to enlighten Changdev.
2. Changdev Village (Jalgaon District)
Another highly revered Palkhi starts from the ancient, 3,000-year-old Changdev Temple located at the holy confluence of the Tapi and Purna rivers in near Muktainagar. This is where he spent centuries performing deep austerities (Tapasya).
The Iconic “Sant Bhet” (The Meeting of the Saints)
As the Palkhi moves deeper into Western Maharashtra, it experiences its most visually spectacular and emotionally intense moment close to the destination:
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The Tondle-Bondle Convergence: Just a few days before reaching Pandharpur, a grand event called Sant Bhet takes place in Solapur district.
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The Palkhis of Sant Changdev Maharaj and Sant Sopandev (Dnyaneshwar Mauli’s younger brother) arrive at the location alongside the massive main processions of Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj.
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The Divine Embrace: The chariot pullers guide the massive raths (chariots) close together, and the temple trustees exchange coconuts and embrace. The entire area transforms into an ocean of ecstasy, with thousands of Warkaris dancing, playing Phugadi, and blowing the Tutari (traditional horn) under the soft arrival of monsoon showers.
The Legend of the Tiger and the Wall: Changdev Maharaj famously went to visit the young Dnyaneshwar while riding a fierce tiger and using a venomous cobra as a whip to display his powers. Seeing him approach, Dnyaneshwar and his siblings patted the simple mud wall they were sitting on, causing the inanimate wall to fly out to welcome him. Humbled by this display, Changdev realized that true spirituality lies in devotion (Bhakti), not egoistic occult powers.