Pandharpur Temple, Ashadi Ekadashi, Ashadhi Ekadashi, Darshan Timings
(click image for Larger view and Darshan Timings)
A holy shrine of quite antiquity that holds Vithoba, a localized version of lord Krishna is one among the numerous devout destinations in Pandharpur. The temple is believed to be centuries old and the most amazing aspect in this holy shrine is the scripture that dates back to the year 1195.The devotees used to rub their back on this scripture, which is believed to absolve them from the wheel of rebirths.
The lord is seen accompanied by his consort Rukmini. The deities look truly impressive with its blackish colour and in Navarathri and Dusshera celebrations they would be clothed with new clothes everyday. The temple is open for the public for the whole day during Vari. After Vari the temple is washed with water and the deities would be fed with special meals.
Asadhi Ekadashi :
The festival was first started by Narayan Baba, the youngest son of Tukaram in 1685. Narayan Baba introduced the palanquin or the palkhi in this festival as a sign of social respect. The rituals at the festival are quite elaborate which only the Warkaris or followers of holy ritual can appreciate. Since then, the palkhi has become a unique part of the festival. The palkhi which starts in the month of Jyeshtha is decorated with padukas and masks of saints, Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram. Nearly sixty palkhis take part in the procession. The celebrations last for three weeks. The palkhi of Dnyaneshwar sets out from Alandi, while that of Tukaram from Dehu. The palkhi reaches Pandharpuron the 11th day of Ashadh. During this time, the whole area of Vithoba temple gets flooded with Warkaris and the air is filled with Jai Jai Vithoba –Rakhumait Jai Jai Vithoba – Rakhumail.
A holy shrine of quite antiquity that holds Vithoba, a localized version of lord Krishna is one among the numerous devout destinations in Pandharpur. The temple is believed to be centuries old and the most amazing aspect in this holy shrine is the scripture that dates back to the year 1195.The devotees used to rub their back on this scripture, which is believed to absolve them from the wheel of rebirths.
The lord is seen accompanied by his consort Rukmini. The deities look truly impressive with its blackish colour and in Navarathri and Dusshera celebrations they would be clothed with new clothes everyday. The temple is open for the public for the whole day during Vari. After Vari the temple is washed with water and the deities would be fed with special meals.
Asadhi Ekadashi :
The festival was first started by Narayan Baba, the youngest son of Tukaram in 1685. Narayan Baba introduced the palanquin or the palkhi in this festival as a sign of social respect. The rituals at the festival are quite elaborate which only the Warkaris or followers of holy ritual can appreciate. Since then, the palkhi has become a unique part of the festival. The palkhi which starts in the month of Jyeshtha is decorated with padukas and masks of saints, Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram. Nearly sixty palkhis take part in the procession. The celebrations last for three weeks. The palkhi of Dnyaneshwar sets out from Alandi, while that of Tukaram from Dehu. The palkhi reaches Pandharpuron the 11th day of Ashadh. During this time, the whole area of Vithoba temple gets flooded with Warkaris and the air is filled with Jai Jai Vithoba –Rakhumait Jai Jai Vithoba – Rakhumail.
