Latest news with #Vitthal-Rukmini
NDTV
05-07-2025
- General
- NDTV
Ashadhi Ekadashi 2025 To Be Observed On July 6: Date, Rituals, And Significance Explained
Ashadhi Ekadashi, also called Devshayani or Shayani Ekadashi, will be observed this year on Sunday, July 6, 2025. Celebrated during the Hindu month of Ashadha, this spiritually significant day marks the beginning of Lord Vishnu's four-month divine rest known as Chaturmas. According to the Hindu Panchang, the Ekadashi Tithi begins on July 5 at 6:58 PM, with the Parana (fast-breaking) to be done on July 7 after sunrise, following the completion of the Ekadashi Tithi. Ashadhi Ekadashi is widely celebrated across India, especially in Maharashtra. It coincides with the end of the famous Pandharpur Wari - a massive pilgrimage undertaken by lakhs of devotees, or Warkaris, to the Vitthal-Rukmini temple in Pandharpur. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Harshall | Travel Photographer (@harshalnikale) On this day, devotees perform special rituals, offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, and observe a strict fast. Temples echo with bhajans, kirtans, and group prayers. In Maharashtra, the state's Chief Minister traditionally performs aarti at the Pandharpur temple, maintaining a revered tradition. Significance of Ashadhi Ekadashi or Shayani Ekadashi It is believed that Lord Vishnu falls asleep in Ksheersagar - cosmic ocean of milk - on Shesha naga, the cosmic serpent on this day. Thus the day is also called Dev-Shayani Ekadashi or Shayani Ekadashi. Lord Vishnu awakens from his sleep four months later on Prabodhini Ekadashi - eleventh day of bright fortnight in the Hindu month Kartik (October-November). This period is known as Chaturmas and coincides with the rainy season. How Shayani Ekadashi or Ashadhi Ekadashi Is Celebrated The Shayani Ekadashi is marked by worshiping Lord Vishnu. The entire night is spent singing prayers and devotees fast on this holy day. Shayani Ekadashi is the beginning of Chaturmas. Devotees start observing the Chaturmas vrata or fast to please Vishnu on this day. A fast is observed on Shayani Ekadashi. The fast demands abstinence from all grains, beans, cereals, certain vegetables like onions and certain spices.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Time of India
My first Alandi Pune Wari– A beautiful journey of faith
This year was truly special for me — I undertook my very first Wari, walking alongside the holy Padukas of Sant Dnyaneshwar Mauli, from Alandi to Pune. It wasn't just a physical journey; it touched my soul and became an unforgettable moment in my life. For years, I had harbored the desire to do the Wari, but the thought of walking 23 kilometers always felt daunting. Every year, however, my husband would take part in the Wari with deep devotion. Watching his dedication slowly nurtured courage within me. And then, one day, I decided — this year, I will walk. With complete faith in Mauli. On the early morning of June 20, at 4 a.m., we left home. It had rained heavily the previous day, and the sky was still a bit cloudy. But there was faith in my heart — Mauli will take care of us. We reached Alandi by taxi at 5 a.m., after which vehicles were no longer allowed. So we began our walk. The road was filled with devotees — everyone walking with their own devotion. There was no sign of exhaustion on any face, only bhakti (devotion) and surrender. As we crossed the Indrayani river, I felt a deep stillness within. The river, swollen from the rains, was flowing in full force. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Η AMSTEL σε πάει Release Athens Η ψυχή σου ξεχειλίζει με λάιβ Εγγραφή Undo And yet, that moment felt calm and sacred. Alandi, bathed in the gentle morning light, looked divine. The air was filled with Mauli's name, devotional songs, the rhythmic beats of cymbals and mridang... I was covered in goosebumps. We reached Gandhivadya, where the first halt of the Palakhi (holy procession) takes place. We bowed down in reverence. A light drizzle began, and thousands of devotees had gathered in front of Mauli's wada (ancestral home). I closed my eyes, and my heart was filled with one emotion — gratitude. Even in that storm-like crowd, there was a strange stillness — of devotion, of surrender, and of unwavering faith. After taking darshan of the Palakhi, we prepared ourselves for the next stretch of the journey. As we walked, one sight deeply touched me — a group of women from rural villages, walking barefoot, carrying tulsi vrindavans (sacred basil planters) on their heads, proceeding calmly. I spoke to them and asked, 'Where are you from?' They replied, 'We're from Buldhana. We walk 12 hours a day.' I was stunned. But there was no fatigue on their faces — instead, there was a radiant glow. Their eyes sparkled with longing for darshan of Vitthal-Rukmini. The sight of Warkaris in pristine white clothes, the sound of cymbals, the beat of mridangs, and the soft drizzle — everything blended together to form a divine rhythm. At one point, I sat beside an elderly Warkari. He smiled and asked, 'Is this your first Wari?' I nodded. He said, 'This is not just walking — it's the path leading to Mauli. And once you walk it, you'll yearn for it every year.' Those words stirred something deep inside me... In the Wari, everyone is equal — from the youngest child to the oldest grandparent. A four-year-old child and an eighty-year-old grandfather — all were walking, chanting 'Dnyanoba Mauli, Tukaram!' The atmosphere was overflowing with devotion. After six hours of walking, we finally reached the Dagdusheth Ganpati Temple at 11 a.m. People stood on both sides of the street, flower-decked doorways welcomed us, conch shells sounded, and bhajans rang through the air. A little girl held her mother's hand and sang with deep feeling — 'Pandharinatha, come to visit me...' Her innocence melted away all the tiredness in me. As I stood amidst the crowd, looking at Bappa seated on his golden throne, I felt no desire to ask for anything. I just wanted to say one heartfelt word — thank you. With chants of 'Vitthal Vitthal' echoing through the air, the Warkaris have set off on their spiritual journey to Pandharpur for Ashadi Ekadashi, to be celebrated on 6th July 2025. This Wari was not just a walk — it was a celebration of culture and devotion. It connected me to my roots and showed me the power of collective faith. This was my first Wari... but one that will remain etched in my memory forever. By Mauli's grace, I was blessed with this experience — and there could be no greater joy than this. Authored by: Nilaja Paranjape If you too have a soul-touching story to share, then send it to us at: soulcurry@ Why Arjun Was Chosen: The Untold Secret of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 3
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Gore: Most traders support Pandharpur corridor plan
Kolhapur: Solapur's guardian minister, Jaykumar Gore, has stated that around 85% of traders operating around Pandharpur's Vitthal-Rukmini temple have expressed support for the temple corridor development plan. Speaking during a cleanliness drive held on Sunday in the temple town, Gore said, "The chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis , aims to develop Pandharpur through corridor development. The lakhs of devotees arriving should get facilities, and they can get darshan hassle-free." He added, "We are in discussion with the traders to implement the project. Around 80-85% of the traders support the corridor development plan. We are also discussing with the local residents. I can assure you that without taking all stakeholders into confidence, we will not start corridor development work. We are also sure that all of them will give permission to start the work." Thousands of locals joined the cleanliness campaign, ahead of the expected influx of lakhs of devotees on Ashadi Ekadashi in the first week of next month. Already, hundreds of Dindis (pilgrim groups) have begun their journey toward Pandharpur from across Maharashtra. However, a group of local traders recently held a vote on the development plan. They claim that the majority of participants objected to the proposal, fearing eviction and loss of livelihood. Towards the end of March this year, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said that his govt has given the go-ahead to the Solapur district administration for the Pandharpur corridor plan. He mentioned that the work would begin in 3 months. Bicycle Dindi sends out message of fitness In another event, Minister of State for Youth Raksha Khadse flagged off the "Bicycle Dindi", which saw participation from over 4,000 cyclists hailing from 80 towns and cities across Maharashtra. All the cyclists undertook a Nagar Pradakshina (city circumambulation) for the event. Khadse said, "The purpose behind Bicycle Dindi was to give the message of a healthy mind and healthy body."
Hindustan Times
29-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
FLY91 to launch Goa–Solapur flights
Regional airline FLY91 plans to introduce direct flights between Goa and Solapur. With the launch of new route, the Goa-based airline will cover eight destinations nationwide, including four within Maharashtra - Pune, Jalgaon, Sindhudurg, and Solapur. The latest flights from Goa will facilitate travellers and pilgrims to access religious and cultural heritage destinations such as Pandharpur (Vitthal-Rukmini Temple), Tuljapur (Tulja Bhavani Temple), Akkalkot (Swami Samarth Maharaj Temple), Gangapur (Sri Narasimha Saraswati Swami Math) and the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga.
