Question

The Varkari sect introduced the glorious tradition of Bhajan-Keertan in Maharashtra.
A) True
B) False

Answer 1

Hint: In Maharashtra, the Varkari sect holds a prominent position. Scholars believe that this sect, which spread across Maharashtra in the thirteenth century A. D., may have started in the sixth century A. D. Dnyanadeo is said to have laid the cornerstone for this sect, according to the sect's history.

Complete answer:
Varkari or Warkari (meaning "pilgrim") is a sampradaya (religious movement) under Vaishnavite Hinduism's bhakti spiritual tradition, geographically linked with Maharashtra in India.Vitthal (also known as Vithoba), the presiding god of Pandharpur and a form of Krishna, is worshipped by Varkaris. Jnevar, Namdev, Chokhamela, Eknath, and Tukaram, Gadge Maharaj, all of whom are given the title of Sant, are bhakti saints and gurus linked with the Varkaris.

It is believed that Saint Namadeva sponsored the tradition of bhajan-keertan in Maharashtra through the Varkari sect. The Varkari sect established a glorious bhajan-keertan tradition.

Varakaris begin Dindi based on their distance from Pandharpur in order to reach the Chandrabhaga River's banks before the Ashadhi Ekadashi. They are divided into groups and escorted by a palanquin. Dnyaneshwar's Dindi is the most well-known, beginning in Alandi, Pune. Varakaris popularised many Bhajans, Abhangs, and Kirtans, which are an integral part of every Dindi en route to Pandharpur, to spread their teachings and messages to a wider audience, similar to the Bhakti and Sufi saints.

Varakaris engage in their respective Phad's Bhajan and Kirtan on the occasion of Vari. Three Phads are thought to be the most powerful. The first was founded by Shri Mallappa, the second by Vaskar from Marathwada, who is a disciple of saints Namdev and Tukaram, and the third was founded by Dehukar from Tukaram's lineage.

While religious entertainments such as Kirtan, Bhajan, Gondhal, and others existed in Maharashtra prior to the rise of the Varakari Sampradaya, they were still in their infancy. Actually while evaluating the statement, we can say that the statement in the question is true. Varkari sect introduced the glorious tradition of Bhajan-Keertan in Maharashtra.

Thus the correct answer is option ‘A’.

Note: In many ways, Maharashtra's varakari sampradaya was close to Islam's sufi cult. Many aspects of Hindu philosophy and religion are strikingly similar to those of Islam and Sufism.Religious entertainments were created by Maharashtrian Saints, who also introduced some new trends in this area.