The Beginning of Mulgao Varkari Saunstha

The Varkari Sampradaya

The Varkari Sampradaya is one of India's oldest and most revered spiritual traditions. For over 800 years, millions of devotees have undertaken the sacred Vari—a pilgrimage on foot to Pandharpur in Maharashtra—to seek the blessings of Lord Vitthal.

For many years, devotees from Goa travelled to Pandharpur but one devotee came up with a thought that would change the course of the Varkari movement in Goa.

That devotee was Shri Raghunath Gopi Gad of Mulgao, Bicholim - Goa.

The Beginning of Mulgao Varkari Saunstha

A sacred journey spanning over 400 kilometres.

Shri Raghunath Gopi Gad envisioned an opportunity to enable devotees from Goa to experience the true essence of the Varkari tradition by undertaking the sacred pilgrimage on foot from Goa to Pandharpur, a spiritual journey spanning over 400 kilometres. As he began planning this historic Padayatra, he shared his vision with H.B.P. Uday Fadke during a Kirtan programme, who appreciated the initiative and extended his wholehearted support. Together, with determination and meticulous planning, they travelled from village to village, carefully mapping a safe pilgrimage route through Goa and Karnataka that would eventually lead to the holy town of Pandharpur in Maharashtra. This remarkable initiative laid the foundation for Mulgao Varkari Saunstha in 2009, and under the leadership of Shri Raghunath Gopi Gad, the first Padayatra commenced with just 52 Varkaris. What began as a humble journey of devoted pilgrims has since grown into a powerful spiritual movement, inspiring thousands of devotees across Goa to embrace the values of faith, devotion, unity, and selfless service.

Social Initiatives

Chandrabhaga River Cleaning Drive

At Mulgao Vaarkari Saunstha, devotion extends beyond the pilgrimage—it is reflected through Seva (selfless service). Every year on 1st January, our dedicated volunteers and Vaarkaris travel from Goa to Pandharpur to undertake the Chandrabhaga River Cleaning Drive. This initiative is our humble effort to preserve the sanctity and cleanliness of one of the holiest places associated with Lord Vitthal. Equipped with cleaning materials and a spirit of selfless service, our volunteers clean the riverbanks and surrounding areas, inspiring devotees to maintain the spiritual and environmental heritage of Pandharpur.

This initiative has been widely appreciated and, in recognition of our commitment towards cleanliness and community service, Mulgao Varkari Saunstha was felicitated by the Pandharpur Municipal Council for its dedicated efforts.

For us, true devotion is not only expressed through prayer but also through caring for the sacred places that hold immense spiritual significance.

"स्वच्छ चंद्रभागा, निर्मळ सेवा, विठ्ठल चरणी समर्पण."

"A clean Chandrabhaga is our offering of selfless service at the feet of Lord Vitthal."

Social Initiatives

Magh Vaari Bus Service

Understanding that not every devotee is able to undertake the Padayatra, Mulgao Varkari Saunstha organises a special bus pilgrimage to Pandharpur during Magh Ekadashi, ensuring that every Vaarkari has the opportunity to seek the blessings of Lord Vitthal.

From registration to travel, accommodation, meals, and other essential arrangements, the entire pilgrimage is carefully planned and coordinated by the Saunstha. Our dedicated Sevekaris ensure that every devotee experiences a safe, comfortable, and spiritually enriching journey.

This initiative enables devotees of all age groups—including senior citizens, families, and those unable to walk the Padayatra—to participate in the sacred Magh Waari with ease and devotion.

For us, every Varkari deserves the opportunity to stand before Lord Vitthal, irrespective of age or physical limitations.

Social Initiatives

Haripath at Your Home

Bringing devotion closer to every household, Mulgao Vaarkari Saunstha was among the first organisations in Goa to introduce the concept of "Haripath at Your Home."

Devotees who wish to host a spiritual gathering can invite the sacred Lord Vitthal–Rukmini idols to their residence. On the scheduled day, our Vaarkaris visit the home to perform Haripath, Dindi, Abhangs, and Bhajans, creating a divine atmosphere filled with devotion and the teachings of the Vaarkari Sampradaya.

This initiative offers families an opportunity to experience the joy of collective prayer and strengthen their spiritual connection with Lord Vitthal within the comfort of their own home.

Over the years, countless devotees have participated in this initiative and have shared heartfelt experiences of peace, positivity, and spiritual fulfilment after hosting the Haripath.

To invite the Haripath to your home, simply contact Mulgao Vaarkari Saunstha and our team will assist you with the arrangements.

"घराघरांत हरिपाठ, घराघरांत विठ्ठल भक्ती."

"Taking the message of devotion and the name of Lord Vitthal to every home."

JOIN VARI 2026

16th Annual Ashadhi Ekadashi Vaari – 2026

REGISTRATIONS CLOSED FOR 2026.

The 16th Ashadhi Padayatra will commence from Shri Kelbai Temple, Mulgao on 12th July 2026 and conclude at Pandharpur on 24th July 2026, where devotees will participate in the sacred Ashadhi Ekadashi Mahotsav.

During the pilgrimage, Vaarkaris travel through Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra, halting at designated villages each day where local communities warmly welcome the Dindi with devotion and hospitality.

16th Annual Ashadhi Padayatra Schedule (2026)

Date	Route	Day
12 July 2026	Mulgao – Dodamarg – Shirange Punarvasan	Sunday
13 July 2026	Shirange Punarvasan – Medhe – Vijghar	Monday
14 July 2026	Vijghar – Tilari Ghat – Motanwadi	Tuesday
15 July 2026	Motanwadi – Halkarni – Kadalge	Wednesday
16 July 2026	Kadalge – Kamewadi – Kavalikathi	Thursday
17 July 2026	Kavalikathi – Kamatnur – Jenapur	Friday
18 July 2026	Jenapur – Basavanagudi – Manjari	Saturday
19 July 2026	Manjari – Inchagiri – Mhaisal	Sunday
20 July 2026	Mhaisal – Tasgaon Phata – Bhose	Monday
21 July 2026	Bhose – Kavathe Mahankal – Shelkewadi	Tuesday
22 July 2026	Shelkewadi – Junoni – Hatid	Wednesday
23 July 2026	Hatid – Nazara – Sangola	Thursday
24 July 2026	Sangola – Kharadi – Pandharpur	Friday

25 July 2026

Holy bath in the Chandrabhaga River

Stay at the Pandharpur Math

26 July 2026

Participation in the Ashadhi Ekadashi Festival

Stay at the Pandharpur Math

27 July 2026

Mhamni Utsav at the Pandharpur Math

Return journey in the evening

Mulgao Varkari Saunstha Math, Pandharpur

A historic milestone in the journey of Mulgao Vaarkari Saunstha was the establishment of its own Math (Pilgrim Rest House) in Pandharpur.

Built in 2024, the Math is located at Gadge Maharaj Chowk, just 1 kilometre from the sacred Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Temple, making it easily accessible for Vaarkaris visiting Pandharpur. The tradition of establishing maths in Pandharpur has long been associated with providing accommodation, spiritual guidance, and a gathering place for pilgrims.

The Mulgao Vaarkari Saunstha Math proudly stands as the first Math established by a Vaarkari organisation from Goa in Pandharpur. It serves as a spiritual home for our Vaarkaris, offering a place for prayer, fellowship, and rest during the Ashadhi, Kartiki, and Maghi Waaris.

More than just a building, the Math symbolises the unwavering faith, dedication, and collective efforts of thousands of devotees who have contributed to the growth of Goa's Vaarkari movement. It is a lasting testament to our commitment to preserving and strengthening the Vaarkari tradition for future generations.

"From Goa's first Padayatra to Goa's first Vaarkari Math in Pandharpur, every milestone reflects our unwavering devotion to Lord Vitthal."

For Donation :

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Bank details are:

Name : Mulgao Varkari Saunstha Mulgao

Bank name: Union Bank of India

A/C no – 520101034612889

IFSC Code – UBIN0907642

Office address :

Mulgao Varkari Saunstha Office

Tambdarasta, Mulgao, Bicholim – Goa

Contact Person:

Shri. Raghunath Gopi Gad

President

+91 9923083544

Email : raghunathgad03@gmail.com