The story of Sant Chokhamela Ji is a profound example of devotion, love, and unshakable faith in God. Born in the 13th–14th century in Maharashtra, Chokhamela Ji came from a Dalit community, and society discriminated against him, even denying him entry into the temple he deeply adored. But true devotion cannot be restricted.
When Chokhamela Ji tried to offer prasadam to Lord Vitthala with pure love, he was stopped and punished by society. Yet, how could the Lord stay away from His sincere devotee? It is believed that Lord Vitthala appeared before Chokhamela, sat in his lap, lovingly ate the bananas he offered, and applied ointment to his wounds.
This divine incident highlights not only Chokhamela Ji’s extraordinary devotion but also teaches us that God looks at the purity of one’s heart, not at social labels. Today, his samadhi at the entrance of the Shri Vitthala Temple in Pandharpur stands as a symbol of faith and divine grace.
Let us explore this inspiring story in detail!
Many great saints were born on the land of Maharashtra, and one of them was Saint Chokhamela. Just as the glory of Saint Ravidas is sung in North India, similarly, Saint Chokhamela holds a special place in Maharashtra.
On the sacred land of Pandharpur, there was a saint whose birth was not from an ordinary mother’s womb but was a blessing of Lord Pandharinath himself. His name was Chokhamela.
Who was Sant Chokhamela?
Sant Chokhamela was a saint from 13th–14th century Maharashtra, whose life is a shining example of devotion, love, and unwavering faith in God. He was born into the Mahar community, which at that time was considered one of the lowest social castes.
He was born in the small village of Mehuna Raja in Deulgaon Raja taluka of Buldhana district. Later, he settled in Mangalwedha, Maharashtra. Inspired by his simplicity and devotion, Sant Chokhamela composed many abhangas (devotional poems), among which the famous “Abir Gulal Udleet Rang” still fills the hearts of devotees with divine joy.
Today, the “Chokhamela Mahotsav,” organized by social activist Arvind Prabhakar Kayande in Deulgaon Raja, keeps his memory alive. Sant Chokhamela is regarded as one of India’s earliest low-caste poet-saints.
Chokhamela’s Family and Life Struggles
Chokhamela lived in Mangalwedha with his wife Soyarabai and son Karmamela. His sister was Nirmala, and her husband was Banka. The entire family were followers of the Varkari tradition, devoted to Lord Vitthala.
Although Chokha’s life was very simple on the outside, he worked as a guard and laborer in the fields of higher-caste landlords to support his family.
Initiation by Namdev – The Path of Devotion
It is said that once Chokhamela visited Pandharpur. There, he heard the kirtan of Sant Namdev — and in that very moment, his heart was transformed. Already a devotee of Vitthala, Chokha was deeply influenced by Namdev’s words and accepted him as his guru, receiving initiation on the path of devotion.
The Divine Play of the Lord – The Birth of Chokhamela
Once upon a time, a Brahmin couple lived in Pandharpur. They were devout devotees and would visit the temple of Shri Pandharinath every Ekadashi. Their devotion was sincere, but they were childless.
One day, they thought, “Today, when we go for the Lord’s darshan, we will take sweet mangoes as an offering.” They took the mangoes and set out for the temple, but the Lord cannot resist the love of his devotees—he cannot wait!
The Lord took the form of a Brahmin child and, standing outside the temple, said to them,
“I am very hungry. Please give me two or three mangoes.”
The couple, being humble and devoted, offered the mangoes with great reverence. But as soon as they gave them, the Brahmin child began to suck on the mangoes lightly and then placed them in the Brahmini’s lap. Seeing this, the couple was astonished.
As they walked further, the Brahmini felt her bag had become heavier. When they reached the temple to offer the mangoes to the Lord, she thought, “The mangoes that the Brahmin child left, I will give them to some animals or birds.” But as soon as she opened her bag, she was amazed! Inside lay a radiant newborn baby, smiling at her.
The Lord had given them a divine child, but fearing society, the Brahmini became anxious. “If I take this child home, what will people say? They will not believe that he is a gift from the Lord!”
Terrified, the Brahmini left the child under a tree and walked away.
A Dalit Family Adopted Chokhamela
A little while later, a cobbler couple, who were childless, happened to pass by. They saw a beautiful baby crying under the tree. Filled with compassion, they lovingly adopted him and considered him as God’s blessing. Since this family belonged to the Mahar caste, Chokhamela was raised in the same community.
Saint Chokhamela Immersed in Vitthal’s Love
The life of Saint Chokhamela was filled with hardships. He earned his livelihood through labor, but his heart was always engrossed in singing devotional hymns. His soul was completely immersed in the devotion of Lord Vitthal. Whenever he got the chance, he would travel to Pandharpur to have darshan of Shri Vitthoba.
In Pandharpur, he heard the kirtans of Saint Namdev, which deepened his devotion even more. He accepted Namdev Ji as his guru and, along with his daily work, remained absorbed in chanting the Lord’s name.
One day, after receiving a little extra money from his labor, he bought some bananas and thought, “Why not offer these as prasad to my beloved Lord?” Filled with devotion, he took the bananas and proceeded towards the temple. However, as soon as he tried to enter, the priests stopped him, saying, “Your caste is low; you cannot enter the temple!”
Chokhamela’s devotion was so deep that he was not disturbed by these words. With immense love, he continued walking toward the Lord’s door. However, society punished him cruelly. He was brutally beaten, his clothes were torn, and he was thrown out of the temple.
God’s direct appearance on the call of the devotee
In the evening, Chokhamela was washing his wounds, crying out to the Lord, “Oh Lord! I never asked you for anything. I only came to offer some fruits to you. But the people beat me so badly that I will never come again!”
At that very moment, Lord Pandharinath appeared before him, draped in yellow garments, his dark blue form glowing, and a gentle smile on his lips. With love, he asked, “Oh Chokha! Why are you sad?”
Overcome with emotion, Chokhamela replied, “Sad? First, your priests had me beaten, and now you are asking me this?”
The Lord smiled and said, “They consider me a mere stone idol; I do not speak for them. But you see me as a living presence, and that is why I have come to you myself. Now, feed me the fruit with your own hands.”
The Lord gently applied a soothing balm to Chokhamela’s wounds and then sat in his lap, eating the bananas with great affection. He also tucked some bananas into the folds of his yellow garment. Amazed, Chokhamela asked, “Why are you keeping some aside?”
The Lord replied, “Rukmini is also hungry. When my devotees are insulted, I, too, refrain from eating or drinking. Today, I was saddened to see the injustice done to you, so I did not eat anything at the temple. I am taking these bananas for Rukmini.” With love, the Lord took the offering and returned to Pandharpur.
The next morning, when the temple doors opened, the priests were shocked to find banana peels scattered all over the temple! “The temple was locked all night—how did these banana peels get here?” they wondered.
Someone exclaimed, “That cobbler, Chokhamela, tried to enter the temple yesterday! He must have sneaked in!” Enraged, the priests once again caught Chokhamela and beat him.
But this time, the Lord grew furious! The moment Chokhamela was assaulted, all the temple doors suddenly shut on their own!
Then, from inside the temple, the Lord’s voice echoed, “You consider yourselves wise and superior, yet you insult my true devotee! These doors will not open until you bring Chokhamela back with full honor, seated in a grand palanquin.”
Realizing their mistake, the priests repented. The same learned Brahmins who had once deemed Chokhamela impure now placed him on a divine throne and carried him in a grand procession throughout the city. “Jai ho Chokhamela ji ki!” they chanted, dancing and singing as they brought him to the temple doors. And as soon as they arrived, the temple doors opened on their own.
The Devotion of Chokhamela’s Family
Chokhamela’s entire family was deeply devoted to Lord Vitthal. His wife, Soyarabai, and his sister, Nirmalabai, were also great devotees. It is said that when Soyarabai was in labor pain, Lord Vitthal himself appeared to serve her. His son, Karma Mela, and his brother-in-law, Banka Mahar, were also devoted followers of Vitthal. Chokhamela’s devotion was so profound that he often said: “By the power of the Lord’s name, all my sorrows have vanished. In this very life, I have experienced the divine presence of God!”
The Samadhi of Saint Chokhamela in Pandharpur
One day, repair work was being carried out on a wall in the village of Mangalvedha, and Chokhamela was among the laborers working there. Suddenly, the wall collapsed, burying several workers beneath it, including Chokhamela. In the year 1338 AD, he left his mortal body.
However, his devotion was so intense that when Saint Namdev went searching for his remains, he used a miraculous method. He picked up the bones and listened closely—whichever bone resonated with the chant “Vitthal! Vitthal!” was identified as belonging to Chokhamela. His sacred remains were then taken to Pandharpur, and his Samadhi (memorial) was established at the main entrance of the Shri Vitthal Temple.
Even today, Saint Chokhamela’s Samadhi remains a center of faith and devotion for countless devotees.
