Varkari – The duality of a Pilgrim

The duality of the pilgrim.

Physically in one place and yet, mentally in several at the same time.

The pilgrim seeks to unify with the Divine, but the closer he gets to it

The more he is pulled back — not by enemies to be struck down,

But by the ones he loves and the ones that love him.

And what love is more potent than the love for one’s child.

Memories of summer days and autumn nights, Games they played and secrets they shared,

They feel so real and yet they are from a time long ago,

They sting like wasps but he keeps craving some more.

The pilgrim’s mind wavers and wanders and withers.

Until he cannot take it any more.

On the ground, listless, broken down,

a soft sound reaches his ears — “Tuka… Tuka…”.

Like a lone candle in a dark night, the sound directs him

Into himself.

Chaos, far flung, ratcheting chaos – and yet there is a discipline even here. 
Panduranga. Panduranga.

The name alone is enough.

The only answer to every question.

The only respite to the weary pilgrim.

Love for one and all, and all it takes is one name to love all — Panduranga.

He alone is the key to unraveling the pilgrim’s duality.