Sant Bhanudas: The Great Devotee Who Brought Shri Vitthal's Idol Back to Pandharpur

In the sacred history of the Varkari tradition, Sant Bhanudas Maharaj holds a revered place. Born in Paithan on the banks of the Godavari, he was once a sun worshipper whose life turned entirely toward the lotus feet of Shri Vitthal. He is also remembered as the great-grandfather of Sant Eknath Maharaj. His greatest service to Maharashtra and the Varkari sampradaya was bringing the sacred idol of Shri Vitthal safely back from the distant kingdom of Vijayanagara to Pandharpur.

The Desolation of Pandharpur

In the sixteenth century, King Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara visited Pandharpur. He was overwhelmed by devotion. Believing Shri Vitthal deserved a grand imperial temple—and fearing external invasions—the king took the sacred idol to his capital city, Vijayanagara (modern Hampi). Pandharpur was crushed. The sanctum stood empty, the banks of the Chandrabhaga fell quiet, and devotees wept openly for their beloved Mauli.

The Vow and Journey to Vijayanagara

Unable to bear Pandhari without its Lord, Sant Bhanudas vowed to bring Shri Vitthal back. He set out alone on foot toward Vijayanagara. He had no supplies, carrying only his cymbals and an unwavering faith across hundreds of miles of dense forests and unfamiliar lands. Through it all, his lips continuously chanted the name of Vitthal.

Night had fallen when Sant Bhanudas reached Vijayanagara, and the temple gates were firmly barred. A divine call led him inside. The moment he saw Shri Vitthal, he collapsed at the sacred feet, singing abhangs heavy with grief and longing. Shri Vitthal was moved to tears. In tender affection for His devotee, the Lord placed His own precious jewel garland around the neck of Sant Bhanudas.

The Miracle of the Stake

At dawn, the priests discovered that the royal necklace was missing from the idol and found it around the neck of Sant Bhanudas. The court branded him a common thief. He was sentenced to death by impalement on an iron stake. Sant Bhanudas was utterly calm. He accepted the punishment with total surrender, repeating that his life belonged solely to Vitthal.

As executioners prepared to force him onto the iron stake, Sant Bhanudas began to sing his famous abhang calling upon Panduranga. Then came the miracle. Before the stunned crowd, the dry stake sprouted fresh green leaves and bloomed with flowers. King Krishnadevaraya was shaken. Recognizing Bhanudas as a genuine saint of the highest order, the king fell at his feet, begged for forgiveness, and offered his entire kingdom.

The Sacred Return to Pandhari

Sant Bhanudas refused all gold and worldly honors. He sought only one blessing: permission to take Shri Vitthal back home to Pandharpur. The king bowed to his request. He arranged an honorable procession, providing palanquins, musicians, and royal guards to escort the sacred idol.

Pandharpur erupted the moment Sant Bhanudas arrived with Shri Vitthal. Devotees danced upon the sands of the Chandrabhaga, singing bhajans and kirtans in ecstasy. The Lord was home. The sacred idol was consecrated once again on the holy brick in the sanctum sanctorum. To this day, every Varkari bows in deep gratitude to Sant Bhanudas, whose courage and devotion restored the soul of Pandharpur.