Shivaji's Sacred Duty: The Varkari Pilgrimage and Swarajya

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore a rarely examined side of Shivaji Maharaj — his relationship with the Varkari movement and the annual Pandharpur pilgrimage. They discuss how the Bhakti tradition, especially the teachings of Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar, shaped the spiritual landscape of 17th-century Maharashtra, and how Shivaji's Swarajya was as much a cultural and devotional project as a military one. The conversation covers Shivaji's visits to the Vitthal temple, his support for the annual wari (walking pilgrimage), and the political implications of aligning with a popular religious movement that defied caste barriers. Lucas explains the symbolism of the dindi troupes, the abhang devotional poetry, and how Shivaji's patronage of the Varkari saints helped unite diverse communities under the saffron flag. They also touch on the tension between Shivaji's martial duties and his personal devotion, quoting from his letters to Tukaram. The episode ends with a reflection on how the pilgrimage tradition continues today, serving as a living link to the past. #ShivajiMaharaj #Varkari #Pandharpur #SantTukaram #BhaktiMovement #MarathaHistory #Vitthal #WariPilgrimage #Abhang #SaffronFlag #HindaviSwarajya #Maharashtra #17thCentury #ReligiousHistory #Devotion #Sahayadri #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo