Pandharpur, a known pilgrimage town in Maharashtra’s Solapur district, is all set to welcome its beloved ‘Warkaris’ as the month of Ashadh is here. Warkaris are devotees of Lord Vithoba, who resides in the famous Shri Vitthal-Rukmini temple here. Lord Vithoba is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, according to Indian mythology. The annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur is all set to commence. Here’s everything you need to know about the Pandharpur Ashadhi wari.
Pandharpur Ashadhi Wari 2023
The annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur is also known as Pandharpur Ashadhi Wari, Pandharpur Wari, or Ekadashi Pandharpur Wari. It is an annual affair where devotees throng to the famous Vitthal temple in Pandharpur on the 11th day, or Ekadashi, of the full moon in the month of Ashadh.
They reach the town to catch a glimpse of Lord Vithoba on this auspicious day. Ashadh is the fourth month on the Hindu calendar and signifies the beginning of the rainy season. This year, Ashadhi Ekadashi falls on June 29.
The Pandharpur Wari means that the Warkaris visit the holy town on foot. This journey takes about fifteen to twenty days on foot from village to village. Their group is known as ‘dindi,’ and they reach the town by singing bhajans, telling stories, and engaging in other activities. The chants of “Jai jai Ram Krishna Hari” and “Pundalik Varde Hari Vitthal” fill the atmosphere with divine happiness.
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Journey Starts From Alandi And Dehu
The beginning of this massive pilgrimage will take place on June 10, when Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi departs from Dehu, and on June 11, when Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi leaves Alandi. Alandi and Dehu are two towns in Pune.
The Pandharpur Ashadhi Wari Dindis, Palkhis of the saints, all gather at Sant Nagar at Wakhri. All the Palkhas and Dindyas meet on Ashadha Shuddha Dashami. On Ashad Shuddha Dashami morning, all palanquins gently depart from here for Pandhari. Every Warkari bathes in the Chandrabhaga river, and they all do the Pandhari circulation with the saints’ palanquins.
A procession of Shri Vitthal-Rukmini and Mrs. Radharani leaves Sardar Prabhiwale’s palace on the day of Ekadashi at one o’clock in the afternoon. On Ashad Shuddha Poornima, Gopalaka brings the Pandharpur Ashadi Wari yatra to a close.
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Have you ever been a part to the temple in Pandharpur?
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