Correct Answer - Option 2 : Pandharpur
The correct answer is Pandharpur.
-
The main seat (Peeth) of Varkari sect is situated at Pandharpur.
-
Varkari sect:
- Varkari is a school of Bhakti based on Bhagavata Dharma, the main deity worshipped being Vithoba or Vitthal.
-
The term Varkari is made up to two words - "Vari" means moving on pilgrimage, and "Kari" means one who undertakes it.
-
Varkari is a religious movement within the bhakti spiritual tradition of Hinduism.
-
It is geographically associated with Maharashtra.
-
Varkaris worship Vithoba (also known as Vitthal), the presiding deity of Pandharpur.
-
Vithoba is a form of Krishna, an avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu.
-
Because of this association with Vishnu, Varkari is a branch of Vaishnavism.
-
The teachers responsible for establishing the movement through its history include:
-
Dnyaneshwar,
-
Namdev,
-
Tukaram,
-
Chokhamela
-
Features of a Varkari (Principles on which he lives):
-
Varkaris are a strict vegetarian.
-
They wear a mala or rosary of Tulasi beads, round his neck.
-
Fasting on Ekadashi (Twice in a month).
-
They follow brahmacharya (self-restraint) during student life.