Marching long distances, a large number of pilgrims from across the state and even outside congregate in Pandharpur twice a year – on Ashadhi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi – to offer prayers to Lord Vitthal.
Ashadhi Ekadashi is also known as Shayani Ekadashi or Devshayani Ekadashi.
At present, pilgrims who are also referred to as Warkaris are in Pandharpur and nearby areas ahead of Ashadhi Ekadashi. Ashadhi Ekadashi is observed on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Ashadha month.
Palanquins of Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram and other saint-poets in the Bhakti tradition which set out from across the state congregate at Wakhri before reaching Pandharpur.
Ashadhi Ekadashi is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Vitthal (a form of Lord Vishnu), especially celebrated in Maharashtra. It marks the culmination of the annual Pandharpur Wari pilgrimage, where lakhs of Warkaris walk to the Vitthal-Rukmini temple in Pandharpur.
When Will It Be Celebrated?
This year, Ashadhi Ekadashi will be celebrated on Sunday, July 6, 2024.
Every year, on Ashadhi Ekadashi, as a long-standing tradition, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra offers prayers at the famous temple dedicated to Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini in Pandharpur.
