Numerous pilgrims trek to Pandharpur in Maharashtra every year in an annual ritual, but two members of their group are unique: a pair of horses from Ankali village in Belagavi district.
The two white horses walk with about 50 pilgrims to Dnyaneshwar Alandi near Pune where Saint Dnyaneshwar is believed to have attained Samadhi. From there, the horses lead thousands of believers carrying copies of the Guru’s sandals to Pandharpur. The 550 km journey from Ankali to Alandi to Pandharpur is completed in 11 days.
Earlier this week, the horses left to join the annual Dindi, from the residence of Srimant Sardar Kumar Mahadji Raje Shitole Sarkar Ankalikar, the former Raja of Ankali.
The horses wait as per tradition in Alandi for the congregation and lead them to Pandharpur.
Horse dance
‘Ringan’, or the revolving dance of the horses in Pandharpur on Ashada Ekadashi day is a big attraction. A pilgrim rides one horse, while the other has no one astride - since it is believed that divinity rides it.
Mr. Mahadji says this is a 185-year-old tradition. “The Raja of Ankali supported Saint Dnyanewhar when the saint faced opposition from some groups for his progressive views. The saint settled in Alandi after translating the Gita in Marathi,” he says.
The Raja went to meet him with two of his best horses in 1832 and from there, they moved to Pandharpur. The tradition of going to Alandi and then to Pandharpur for the Ashad Ekadashi celebrations has its roots in this. The horses change every 10 years.
“The pilgrims and horses cover 50 km a day. They pass through villages and are warmly received,” said Gopal Sugandhi who did the walk last year.
