Shree Pundalik

Shree Pundalik occupies a significant place in Indian religious history as the central figure associated with the origin and worship of Lord Vithoba (Vitthal) of Pandharpur, Maharashtra. Revered as a devoted saint and one of the earliest proponents of the Bhakti movement, Pundalik’s life embodies the ideals of filial devotion, selfless service, and pure devotion (bhakti) towards God. His legend is deeply intertwined with the spiritual and cultural identity of Maharashtra and has profoundly influenced the Varkari tradition, one of the most prominent devotional sects in western India.

Historical and Cultural Background

The worship of Lord Vithoba at Pandharpur is a cornerstone of Maharashtrian spiritual life. The roots of this tradition trace back to Shree Pundalik, who is credited with bringing the deity to Pandharpur and establishing the mode of worship that continues to this day.
The story of Pundalik has been passed down through oral tradition, saints’ writings, and the Panduranga Mahatmya section of the Skanda Purana. Though historical evidence about his exact lifetime remains uncertain, Pundalik is generally placed between the 7th and 9th centuries CE, predating the rise of other prominent bhakti saints such as Namdev, Dnyaneshwar, and Tukaram.

The Legend of Pundalik

According to tradition, Shree Pundalik was originally a householder who lived with his parents, wife, and family in the village of Peth, near Pandharpur. In his early life, he was said to be indifferent, even disrespectful, towards his aged parents, prioritising his wife and personal comfort over his duties to them.
The turning point came when he undertook a pilgrimage to the sacred site of Kashi (Varanasi). On the journey, Pundalik encountered a group of holy women, often described as celestial beings or the river goddesses Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, who were washing the sins of pilgrims through their service. Despite their purity and divine nature, these goddesses carried the burden of humanity’s sins. When Pundalik enquired about their condition, they explained that true holiness lies in selfless service and humility. This encounter deeply transformed Pundalik’s heart, awakening in him a sense of repentance and spiritual awareness.
Returning home, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to caring for his parents. His devotion to them became so intense that it was regarded as equivalent to divine worship. His transformation from a neglectful son to the embodiment of filial piety became central to his sanctity.

The Divine Visit of Lord Vitthal

The most celebrated episode in Pundalik’s story is his encounter with Lord Vishnu, who appeared to test the depth of his devotion. According to the legend, Lord Vishnu, impressed by Pundalik’s piety and parental service, came to his home in disguise. When the deity arrived, Pundalik was busy attending to his parents and did not wish to interrupt his service. Instead of rushing to greet the Lord, he threw a brick (vit) outside the door, asking the deity to wait upon it until he had completed his duty.
The Lord stood upon the brick patiently, and when Pundalik finally came out and bowed before Him, Vishnu blessed him for his unwavering devotion and humility. In honour of this divine event, Lord Vishnu decided to stay permanently in Pandharpur in the form of Vithoba (Vitthal)—the god who stands on a brick. The brick thus became a symbol of patience, humility, and steadfast devotion.

Establishment of Pandharpur and the Vithoba Cult

The place where this divine meeting occurred later became known as Pandharpur, derived from “Panduranga”, another name for Lord Vitthal. It grew into one of the holiest pilgrimage centres in India, attracting millions of devotees annually, especially during the Ashadhi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi festivals.
Pundalik is venerated as the first devotee of Vitthal and the founder of the Pandharpur pilgrimage tradition. It is said that he requested Lord Vishnu to remain in Pandharpur for the welfare of humankind, to which the deity agreed. A temple was later constructed at the site, with Lord Vithoba standing on the brick, hands on hips, waiting eternally for His devotees.

Spiritual Significance

The story of Shree Pundalik conveys several profound spiritual lessons:

• Filial Devotion as Divine Service: Pundalik’s devotion to his parents symbolises the broader idea that service to one’s family and elders is equivalent to serving God.
• Selfless Bhakti: His transformation underscores the principle that true devotion arises from humility, self-sacrifice, and a pure heart.
• Equality of All Acts: Pundalik’s example teaches that ordinary household duties can become acts of worship when performed with sincerity and love.
• Divine Patience: Lord Vitthal’s waiting posture signifies the divine readiness to bless those who approach with selfless devotion.

Through these ideals, Pundalik’s life bridges the gap between domestic responsibility and spiritual attainment, showing that enlightenment is possible within worldly life.

Pundalik’s Place in the Bhakti Movement

Although Pundalik’s story predates the formal Bhakti movement, his example profoundly influenced later generations of Varkari saints, including Sant Namdev, Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Eknath, and Sant Tukaram. They regarded him as the spiritual pioneer who first established the worship of Vitthal and exemplified the spirit of personal devotion (bhakti marga).
His legacy is reflected in the Varkari Sampradaya, a devotional tradition that emphasises equality, simplicity, humility, and community singing of abhangas (devotional hymns) dedicated to Vitthal. The pilgrims, known as Varkaris, walk hundreds of kilometres each year to Pandharpur during the Ashadhi and Kartiki pilgrimages, chanting the names of Lord Vitthal and Shree Pundalik.

Symbolism and Worship

In iconography, Shree Pundalik is often depicted kneeling before Lord Vitthal, symbolising the eternal bond between devotee and deity. His shrine is located near the main temple of Vithoba in Pandharpur, where devotees pay homage before entering the sanctum. The invocation “Pundalik Varada Hari Vitthal!” (O Lord Vitthal, the one who blessed Pundalik!) remains the traditional chant of every Varkari devotee.
The legend also symbolises the transformation of devotion from ritualistic worship to heartfelt surrender. It redefined the relationship between God and devotee, placing love and service above formal religious observance.

Historical and Cultural Legacy

Over centuries, Shree Pundalik’s life story has become deeply ingrained in Marathi literature, folk traditions, and temple rituals. The Panduranga Mahatmya in Sanskrit texts, along with the Marathi Abhanga literature, celebrate his devotion and moral transformation.
The ideals of Pundalik—humility, service, and unwavering devotion—continue to inspire spiritual and moral conduct among followers of the Varkari tradition. His influence extends beyond religion into the cultural fabric of Maharashtra, where his story is retold through bhajans, kirtans, and plays during religious gatherings.