SOLAPUR

The name Solapur is believed to have originated from the combination of two words: Sola (meaning sixteen) and Pur (meaning village or settlement), referring to the sixteen villages that once made up the region. Over time, Solapur gradually evolved as the commonly used form. Another theory suggests that the area was originally known as Sonalipur, which eventually transformed into Solapur through local usage and linguistic shifts.

Kaviraj Joshi, born in Pune, quickly earned a reputation as a master of Marathi literature, celebrated for his expressive and sophisticated works. However, it was in Solapur that his influence truly took root. Here, he found a devoted community of admirers, particularly for his 104 famous lavnis, which explored the essence of Shringara, the poetry of love and desire.

Despite widespread praise, Joshi’s life was not without its challenges. His unique, sometimes unconventional style of expression often diverged from the literary norms of his time, sparking mixed reactions from society. Yet, he remained undeterred, pouring his heart and soul into every verse he composed.

In 1947, Joshi’s life inspired the acclaimed Marathi biopic Lokshahir Ram Joshi (released in Hindi as Matwala Shair Ram Joshi), directed by Baburao Painter and co-directed by V. Shantaram. Set in the Peshwa period of the 18th century, the film tells the story of Ram Joshi, a Brahmin poet who, through his love of poetry and dance, forms bonds with tamasha performers, a marginalized artistic community. He falls in love with the tamasha dancer Baya, portrayed by Hansa Wadkar. Joshi’s association with performers from the scheduled castes brings him into conflict with his own community, leading to ostracization. The film depicts his descent into alcoholism and eventual redemption through poetry. A major success in both Marathi and Hindi, Lokshahir Ram Joshi is now regarded as a classic of the tamasha genre, with its memorable songs penned by G.D. Madgulkar.

Bal Namdev, a revered Marathi Vaishnava Sant from Maharashtra, is known for an event from his childhood where he is said to have offered milk to a murti of Vitthal Bhagwan. According to the story, as a young boy, Namdev offered a bowl of milk to the murti of Vitthal during puja. When he checked later, the milk was untouched. Namdev cried out in distress, vowing never to drink milk again if the bhagwan did not consume some of it.

It is said that Vitthal Bhagwan then appeared and sipped the milk. This is regarded as Namdev's first miracle, in which he was able to convince the bhagwan to contact him while still an innocent child. This tight, almost infantile bond between the young Namdev and the bhagwan to whom he devoted himself has been recognised as a bond that remained central to Namdev’s journey, reflected in verses such as "Deva Pandurang dances gracefully as Namdev sings his glory," which express his lifelong devotion.

This early experience laid the groundwork for Namdev's lifelong communion with the bhagwan, in which he perceived Vitthal's presence in all facets of his life.

According to the story, Namdev, a poor tailor, welcomed a group of followers to his home for a devotional singing session, called a kirtan. The group was very diverse, including a tamasha artist, Kanhopatra; a barber, Sena; a gardener, Savata; a person from the Dalit community, Chokhamela; a maid, Janabai; a potter, Gora; a jeweler, Narahari; and even a famous Brahmin sant named Dnyaneshvar. This group would not have assembled had it not been for Namdev’s voice, which allowed the walls of discrimination to crumble.

Kanhopatra danced freely, her anklets keeping time with the rhythm, while Sena joined the chorus. Chokhamela and Dnyaneshvar stood side by side as their hearts filled with devotion, and the class and caste distinctions faded.

As the day progressed, the kirtan sessions drew in an increasing number of seekers from various backgrounds. Namdev strolled among them, his eyes filled with excitement, because this was his vision come true - a community of the faithful united not by birth or status, but by their love for Bhagwan Vitthal. As the kirtan reached its peak, the walls seemed to shake with the force of their collective devotion, and the devatva himself was said to have joined their dance.

When the final chords faded, the bhakts embraced like brothers, their differences forgotten in the united joy of the divine encounter. Namdev grinned, knowing that his job had been completed - to break down the boundaries that separated humanity and demonstrate that the way to the divine was available to all who entered with a pure heart.

Pundalik was a poor farmer. He spent his whole life taking care of his elderly parents, Janudev and Satyavati. Even though life was hard, Pundalik always made sure his parents were comfortable and happy.

One evening, Pundalik was making dinner while his parents sat nearby, telling stories from when they were young. The room was filled with the smell of spices and the warmth of family. As Pundalik served the food, the room suddenly glowed with a bright light. Pundalik turned to see a man standing at the doorway, surrounded by a divine light. It was Vithoba, the famous bhagwan of the region, with his blue skin and kind smile. Pundalik was very excited to see him, as it had been his lifelong dream. But Pundalik didn't rush to greet Vithoba. Instead, he folded his hands and said, "O god, I am honored by your presence. Please let me finish serving my parents first, then I will come to you." Vithoba smiled and nodded, understanding Pundalik's devotion to his parents. He stood on a brick nearby and waited patiently.

After Pundalik finished serving his parents, he went to Vithoba. He bowed down with tears in his eyes. Vithoba said, "Rise, Pundalik. Your dedication to your parents has touched me. You have set a great example. Ask for any wish, and I will grant it." Pundalik replied, "O god, I want nothing for myself. I only ask that you bless this land and its people with your eternal presence. Make this place a  place of devotion and righteousness." Vithoba smiled, pleased with Pundalik's selfless request. "So be it," he said. "From now on, I will remain here in Pandharpur to bless and guide all who come to me."

Soon, a mandir was built at the spot where Vithoba had stood on the brick. This marked the start of the Pandharpur yatra. People from far and wide came to visit the mandir, inspired by the story of Pundalik's devotion and Vithoba's blessings.