CM Fadnavis chants “जय हरी विठ्ठल” as lucky “farmer couple” from Hingoli perform Maha-Pooja on “Ashadi Ekadashi”

Mumbai, July 23: Pandharpur enshrines Lord Vithoba in a grand temple which enables its devotees to meet the ultimate lord through “Pandharichi Wari”. Maharashtra's 700 years old tradition, the varkari’s traces the route to Pandharpur seeking blessings of Lord Vithoba chanting “Vitthal, Vitthal” throughout their journey.

On this auspicious day of “Ashadi Ekadashi” when everyone bow below the almighty seeking blessings of good health and happy living, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis prayed Lord Vitthal to keep the varkari’s and people of the state safe and sound. Skipping the auspicious occasion of performing Maha-Pooja in the Pandharpur temple, it was a lucky moment for Hingoli farmer couple who got the opportunity to perform the first pooja seeking blessings of safety for the state.

On the occasion of ‘Ashadhi Ekadashi’, the first couple who came to worship Vitthal conducted the mahapuja of the deity on Monday. The lucky couple was Anil Jadhav and Varsha Jadhav who offered prayers to lord Vitthal and prayed for happiness and peace in the state.

 

The Chief Minister congratulated the couple who performed the auspicious pooja on this occasion tweeting, "I am very happy and grateful to Mrs. Varsha Tai and Anil Gangadhar Jadhav from Hingoli who performed the Ashadi Ekadashi Pooja today."

As per 10-year- old tradition Maharashtra chief minister offers prayers at the temple dedicated to Lord Vitthal and Rukmini at Pandharpur in Solapur district, located around 400 km from here, on the occasion of ‘Ashadhi Ekadashi’.

 

Representing the people of the state, it is the Chief Minister who performs the Maha-Pooja in the Pandharpur temple, but this year the situation is not the same. Receiving intelligence insights, CM Devendra Fadnavis decided to perform the pooja from his residence citing no harm and obstacle to the varkari’s in the areas. It is alleged that some Maratha groups have threatened that they would not allow CM Fadnavis to perform the puja until their various demands including reservation are accepted.

 

Speaking to the media about the same, CM Fadnavis said, “I have Z plus security for myself. No one can even touch me. But I do not want anyone else to be injured.” The chief minister added that the police have intercepted a few calls in which some groups were heard planning to precipitate a stampede by releasing snakes during the mega event.

Ashadhi Ekadashi marks the end of pilgrimage, called waari.

 

Commenting a stern remark on Maratha reservation controversy, Maharashtra Chief Minister said, “"By throwing stones at me if people think they can get their demands met, then I am ready for it. However, members of some groups already know that the case regarding Maratha reservation is being heard by the high court and we are doing everything from our side and yet they are instigating the community against us."

Ashadhi Ekadashi is the day which marks the beginning of Chaturamas (Marathi month), a period when people observe fasts. Ashadhi Ekadashi is celebrated primarily in Maharashtra especially among the members of the Warkari community.

 

With the chants of "Jai Hari Vitthala" and "Gyanba Tukaram", hundreds of devotees filled the temple town of Pandharpur.

The temple will remain open until the midnight for devotees to offer prayers to Lord Vitthal and his wife Rakhumai.