Chief Minister offeres prayers at Pandharpur

Mumbai, July 7 (UNI) Ashadhi ekadashi was observed with religious fervour all over Maharashtra with Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh leading the prayers by performing the Mahapuja of Lord Vithoba and Goddess Rukmini at the Pandharpur temple early this morning.

Ashadhi Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of Ashad and marks the beginning of Chaturmas. It is also the culmination of the pilgrimage undertaken by the Warkaris from different parts of the state to the pilgrim town of Pandharpur in South Maharashtra.

Mr Deshmukh performed the mahapuja with his wife Vaishali.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshvardhan Patil, Rural Development Minister Vijaysinh Mohite Patil, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijay SIngh, Forests Minister Babanrao Pachpute, Pandharpur MP Ramdas Athavale were present for the Abhishek and Mahapuja.

Ashadhi Ekadashi is a religious procession festival and is celebrated during the months of June- July (Aashaadh Shukla paksha).

People consider the two eleventh days, ''Ekadashi'', of every month to be of special importance. But the eleventh day (bright) of Ashadh is known as the great Ekadashi or Maha Ekadashi. This Maha Ekadashi is also known as Shayani Ekadashi, because on this day Vishnu falls asleep to wake up four months later on Prabodhini Ekadashi in the Kartik month. This period is known as Chaturmas and coincides with the rainy season.

Ashadhi Ekadashi is the day of fast and on this day people (warkaris) reach Pandharpur in huge processions singing the Abhangas (chanting hymns) of Saint Tukaram and Saint Dnyaneshwar to see their God Vitthal.

UNI MR PM NV SK RN1118