https://www.vitthalrukminimandir.org/live_darshan.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Pandharpur, July 6, 2025 –
Shravan, Kartik, Chaitra… But the glory of Ashadha Ekadashi is something different. Ashadha Shuddha Ekadashi is the collective heartbeat of millions of devotees — dedicated to the feet of Vithoba.
This Ekadashi is an ocean of devotion. The holy darshan of Vitthal in the Vitthal-Rukmini temple of Pandharpur and in millions of minds. Even today, in changing times, this tradition is as passionate as it was instilled by the saints..
🌿 Ashadhi Ekadashi: The formation of devotion
This tradition, born from the service of the devotee Pundalika, was accepted by Vithoba standing on a brick.
The legacy of this devotion was carried forward by the saints — Saint Dnyaneshwar sang the greatness of Vithoba in Haripath, while Saint Tukaram gave us the opportunity to experience the glory of Vitthal in Abhangs.
This Ekadashi is the festival of faith of the common devotee. At the same time, it symbolizes spiritual peace, social harmony, and spiritual upliftment.
🚶♂️ The spirit of the procession: It is still flowing today
When Ashadhi Ekadashi is mentioned, the palanquin of the saints comes to mind, the procession of millions of Warkaris decorated with taal-mridangam.
It does not matter which caste or sect the Warkaris belong to. They only see Mauli – Vithoba standing on a brick with his hands on his waist.
In today’s modern and fast-paced era, thousands of people from places like Pune, Mumbai, Nashik, Solapur set out for Pandharpur. Soaking in the rain, walking, singing Abhangs, they become absorbed in one sound — “Gyanoba Mauli, Tukaram!”
🎶 The devotional language of Abhangs
The Abhangs in the procession are the feelings of the Warkaris, their living experience.
“My beloved Pandhari, is the shore of Bhivari…”
This line makes the devotee yearn for the visit of the goddess, even if the body is tired, the mere thought of seeing her refreshes the soul.
Today, many Warkaris listen to Abhangs on their mobile phones, do Haripath online. But the devotion in that Surah is the same. Only the medium has changed — there is no difference in the feelings in the mind!
📱 Acceptance of modernity, a touch of devotion
In the past, people would leave their homes months in advance for the Pandharpur Wari. Even today, many people still walk, but there is also GPS, mobile, WhatsApp group and health care.
Millions of devotees take Live Darshan of Pandharpur Temple from home. The elderly and the disabled now have the option of online darshan.
Abhangs of saints are listened to on Spotify, YouTube, Facebook Live. This is true devotion — to maintain tradition even in changing times.
🙏 Fasting, Haripath and Namsmaran
Today’s Ashadhi Ekadashi is still celebrated with devotion in every household. Fasting, eating fruits, Haripath, singing Abhang and Namsmaran — all this is done with the same devotion even today.
“Take the name of Godi while you are awake at night,
Place a bundle of rice at the feet of Vithoba.”
This is not just a verbal ritual, it is an act of devotion, where the mind, body and soul come together.
🌍 Message of social unity
The Vari of Ashadhi Ekadashi is not just a personal practice, but it is a lesson in social harmony.
Where no one is above or below. Everyone is a “slave of the mother”. Some are doctors, some farmers, some industrialists — everyone has the same identity: “Varkari”.
Vari teaches society — to put aside the ego of “I” and live in “we”.
🌸 Ashadhi Ekadashi’s Vari: Yesterday was, today is, tomorrow will be
No matter how far we go, whether we live abroad, or get caught up in the hustle and bustle of work, Vithoba never leaves our minds.
This is the devotion that remains unbroken for ages.
Vithoba is not just in the temple, he is in the heart of every devotee.
Today’s Ashadhi Ekadashi is a beautiful confluence of the sanctity of tradition, the sweetness of devotion, and the convenience of modernity.
The Vari continues — in our footsteps, in our mobile phones, in Facebook posts, in Abhangas, and most importantly — in our hearts.
l Shri Hari Vitthal, Jai Jai Vitthal l