Saint Eknath

Sant Eknath Maharaj is recognized as a saint in the Varakari tradition. He was born in the house of Suryanarayan and Rukmini in Paithan in the year 1533, but lost them both at very young age. He was raised and taken care of by his grandparents, Chakranarayan and Saraswati. Sant Bhanudas was his great grandfather. Bhanudas was avid worshiper of the sun. Saint Eknath was married with Girija, from Vaijapur near Paithan. They had three children, Godavari, Ganga, and Hari. Under the guidance of his father, Hari attained spiritual knowledge and later became known as Hari Pandit. On February 26, 1599, which corresponds to the sixth day of the Krishnpaksha of the month of Falgun, Eknath attained samadhi. This day is also known as "Eknath Shashthi." After Eknath's samadhi, his padukas (wooden sandals) are  regularly taken to Pandharpur for the annual pilgrimage during the Ashadi Ekadashi festival, starting the tradition by Hari Pandit