Across centuries, Bhakti poetry has resonated through temples, streets, and the hearts of millions. But among these voices, some rise with a quiet defiance—those of women. In an era of rigid hierarchies, they dared to sing of love, liberation, and equality. Their devotional poetry, delicate yet resolute, were not mere expressions of piety but declarations of justice.

From Akka Mahadevi’s ascetic surrender to Mirabai’s unwavering defiance, from Sule Sankavva’s fearless faith to Janabai’s poetry of self-worth, these extraordinary women carved a space for themselves in a world that sought to silence them. Their words—woven with longing, rebellion, and radical hope—continue to inspire, carrying forward the very ideals that shape India’s constitutional democracy today.

On this International Women’s Day, journey with Radio Azim Premji University into the heart of the Bhakti movement with Amit Basole. Explore the voices of poets, saints, and revolutionaries who reshaped devotion and dissent.

Take your curiosity further and listen to Bhakti Republic with Amit Basole on Radio Azim Premji University.

CREDITS

Akshay Ramuhalli, Bijoy Venugopal, Bruce Lee Mani, Gorveck Thokchom, Narayan Krishnaswamy, Prashant Vasudevan, Sananda Dasgupta, Seema Seth, Shraddha Gautam, Supriya Joshi, and Velu Shankar.

In this series finale of Bhakti Republic, host Amit Basole explores the vibrant tradition of Krishna Bhakti with historian Varuni Bhatia. Krishna Bhakti, known for its focus on Krishna’s playful and youthful persona, has long been a cornerstone of devotion in regions like Brindavan, where his divine pastimes with Radha are revered.

The episode explores the unique aspects of this devotional movement, including its emphasis on prema rasa—the essence of pure love that drives followers to renounce worldly attachments. Varuni traces how Chaitanya, a 15th-century mystic, transformed Brindavan into a spiritual realm and how Krishna Bhakti spread across India, attracting devotees from all social backgrounds.

Through stories of poet-saints like Meerabai and Surdas, alongside lesser-known figures such as Ras Khan and Taj Begum, Amit and Varuni reveal the inclusive and democratic nature of Krishna Bhakti. With devotion transcending societal boundaries, this episode invites listeners to experience the deeply personal and spiritual relationship that has sustained Krishna’s followers for centuries, rooted in love, surrender, and timeless reverence.

Credits

Akshay Ramuhalli, Bijoy Venugopal, Bruce Lee Mani, Gorveck Thokchom, Narayan Krishnaswamy, Prashant Vasudevan, Sananda Dasgupta, Seema Seth, Shraddha Gautam, Supriya Joshi, and Velu Shankar.

Visit our website for more information, acknowledgements, and additional resources: https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/bhakti-republic-with-amit-basole/on-the-banks-of-the-yamuna-the-saga-of-krishna-bhakti

The distinguished anthropologist Irawati Karwe wrote, “I found a new definition of Maharashtra: the land whose people go to Pandharpur for pilgrimage.”

Pandharpur, near the city of Solapur, is a sacrosanct destination for the Varkari path within Hinduism, centred around the worship of the deity Vitthal or Vithoba, a form of Vishnu. The Varkaris are a part of the Bhakti movement, a spiritual tradition characterised by the immersive loving worship of a chosen deity.

The word ‘Varkari’ means “one who performs the vari”— vari in Marathi refers to the annual 21-day pilgrimage to Pandharpur, which devotees of Vitthal perform as an expression of faith. The vari is a symbolic journey of the sants (those who have seen the truth) from their respective hometowns to the abode of Vitthal, and the varkaris carry symbolic palkhis (palanquins) bearing their padukas (footwear). The pilgrimage culminates on Ekadashi, the 11th day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashadha, which falls between late June and July according to the Gregorian calendar. Another pilgrimage is celebrated on the Ekadashi of the month of Kartika, which falls in November.

Helmed by the sants, the poet-saints who were instrumental in shaping the movement, the Varkari tradition reached its zenith from the 13th to 17th centuries. The tradition recognises about 50 sants, who hailed from varied backgrounds, castes, and professions. Chief among them were Dnyaneshwar, an outcast Brahmin scholar and poet; Namdev the tailor; Chokhamela, born into the Dalit Mahar caste; Eknath, a Brahmin; and Tukaram, a farmer and merchant. Other poets such as Muktabai, Janabai and Gonabai have also contributed to the wealth of verse in the tradition.

The earliest of the Varkari saints, Dnyaneshwar and Namdev broke with convention by composing abhangas, devotional songs in praise of Vitthal, in Marathi, the language of their followers, rather than the classical Sanskrit of the priestly class.

The Varkari saints believed that God was omnipresent and dwelt in the hearts of humans. Their teachings were not dogmatic or rigid. Although they encouraged their followers to live a life of austerity and self-sacrifice, theirs was a householder mode of Bhakti rather than an ascetic one. Their abhangas reinforce the message that all people are equal before god.

In the fourth episode of our series Bhakti Republic, Amit Basole continues his exploration of constitutional values in the poetry of the Varkaris through anecdotes and readings, against a background of original music performances.

Credits:

Akshay Ramuhalli, Bijoy Venugopal, Bruce Lee Mani, Harshit Hillol Gogoi, Narayan Krishnaswamy, Prashant Vasudevan, Sananda Dasgupta, Seema Seth, Shraddha Gautam, Supriya Joshi, and Velu Shankar

Original music tracks performed by Anjali Malkar, Bruce Lee Mani, Junuka Deshpande, Karthik Bhat, and Noel Prashanth

Acknowledgements:

This episode draws extensively on the work of Sadanand More, Indrajit Bhalerao, Christian Novetzke, and Jon Keune. Thanks to Anjali Malkar for help with selecting and interpreting some of the poems.

For a comprehensive list of resources for further reading and exploration, visit our website:

https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/bhakti-republic-with-amit-basole-radio-azim-premji-university