Sant Jaganade Maharaj Palkhi Sohala 2026, the procession of Sant Jaganade Maharaj Palkhi in 2026..
Jai Hari Mauli! Following the rich Warkari tradition, the Shri Sant Santaji Jagnade Maharaj Palkhi Sohala is another deeply revered foot-pilgrimage (Payi Wari) that retraces the sacred ties between two legendary saints of Maharashtra.
While many know Santaji Jagnade Maharaj as the faithful shadow and scribe of Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj, his independent Palkhi from Sudumbare to Pandharpur holds a special, emotionally charged place in the hearts of devotees—especially within the Teli community.
Who was Santaji Jagnade Maharaj?
Born in 1624 in Chakan (Pune), Santaji belonged to the oil-presser (Teli) community. He became one of the fourteen key talvari (cymbal players) in Sant Tukaram’s inner circle.
His greatest contribution to humanity is monumental: when orthodox opponents threw Sant Tukaram’s sacred manuscript collection (Gatha) into the Indrayani River to destroy it, Santaji painstakingly rewrote the entire Gatha from memory and by traveling from village to village to collect verses remembered by other devotees. Without his relentless devotion, Tukaram’s teachings would have been lost to time.
The Palkhi Journey: Sudumbare to Pandharpur
Every year during the month of Jyeshtha, the Palkhi begins its journey from Shri Kshetra Sudumbare (Maval, Pune)—the sacred site where Santaji spent his final years and took his Samadhi.
Key Elements of the Wari:
-
The Dehu Convergence: Shortly after starting from Sudumbare, a beautiful ritual takes place where Santaji’s Palkhi meets the Padukas of his master, Sant Tukaram, at Dehu. This symbolic reunion of Guru and Shishya is incredibly emotional for the Warkaris.
-
The Route: The procession travels through Pune (passing through halts like Bhawani Peth), moves along the traditional Palkhi highways, and merges with the vast ocean of devotees heading towards Pandharpur for Ashadhi Ekadashi.
-
The Traditional Chants: Along with the universal “Vitthal Vitthal” chants, this Palkhi echoes with a unique pride: “Gar Gar Phire Telghana, Saree Jay Santaji Mhana!” (A nod to his traditional profession, elevating it to a spiritual metaphor).
The Legend of the Three Fistfuls of Earth: Warkari lore says that when Santaji took Samadhi in 1688 at Sudumbare, his face remained uncovered by the earth. Miraculously, Sant Tukaram is said to have appeared from Vaikuntha to place the final three handfuls of soil over his beloved disciple, fulfilling a mutual vow they shared in life.