Three male Saints of the Wari Tradition

The Wari tradition is not just about walking it is about following the path of bhakti (devotion) shown by great saints who taught love, equality, and surrender to God. Here are three saints who played a major role in shaping this beautiful tradition:

1. Sant Dnyaneshwar 
Place: Alandi
Period: 13th century

Sant Dnyaneshwar was a child saint and philosopher who wrote the famous Dnyaneshwari, a Marathi explanation of the Bhagavad Gita. Even at a young age, he showed deep wisdom and compassion.

He believed that God is within everyone, and all humans are equal. After he took samadhi (conscious death) in Alandi, his followers began carrying his paduka (holy sandals) in a palkhi (palanquin) to Pandharpur every year.

2. Sant Tukaram
Place: Dehu
Period: 17th century

Sant Tukaram was a farmer and poet-saint who wrote thousands of abhangas (devotional poems) in praise of Vitthal. His poems were simple, emotional, and full of love for God.

After his death, his followers began another palkhi from Dehu to Pandharpur, which is now one of the biggest parts of the Wari.

3. Sant Namdev
Place: Narsi (in Maharashtra), later Punjab
Period: 13th–14th century

Sant Namdev was a saint-poet who travelled across India spreading the message of love for God and equality among people.

Namdev used to perform kirtans (devotional singing) in front of the Vitthal temple in Pandharpur. His bhakti was pure and filled with emotion, inspiring many others to follow the path of devotion.

Legacy of These Saints
These saints didn’t just talk about God; they lived a life full of love, service, simplicity, and truth. Their teachings still guide millions of Warkaris today who walk to Pandharpur every year with their names on their lips and faith in their hearts.