Ashadhi Ekadashi 2024: ST Corporation To Deploy Extra Buses Statewide; Adds 200 From Mumbai To Pandharpur

Ashadhi Ekadashi, also known as Devshayani Ekadashi, marks the beginning of Chaturmas, a sacred period when devotees, especially from the Varkari community, offer prayers to Lord Vitthal and Rukmini.

This day holds deep reverence in Hinduism, particularly among Vaishnava Hindus who honour Lord Vishnu's annual resting period in Ksheera Sagara, the cosmic sea. Devotees observe this occasion by fasting and performing prayers, often purchasing deity idols for home worship. These idols are carefully placed on red cloth in accordance with Vastu principles, and worship rituals include lighting brass lamps and using puja trays to seek divine blessings.

Fasting on Devshayani Ekadashi is believed to purify sins, with devotees also taking purifying baths in sacred rivers like Ganga or using 'Gangajal' at home if unable to visit the river.

This auspicious time for spiritual reflection is underscored by teachings from Lord Brahma and Lord Krishna to King Yudhisthira of the Pandavas, emphasising that fasting with devotion on this day brings happiness, success, and peace in life.

Ashadhi Ekadashi 2024: ST Corporation Plans

ST Corporation has announced plans to enhance transportation services for the upcoming Ashadhi Ekadashi pilgrimage to Pandharpur. This year, the corporation will deploy additional trains and buses to accommodate the surge in devotee traffic.

From Mumbai, ST Corporation will add 200 extra buses to facilitate travel to Pandharpur. The corporation affirmed that all government concessions, including the Amrit Jyeshtha Nagar Yojana offering free travel to seniors above 75 years, and the Mahila Samman Yojana providing 50 per cent ticket price discounts for women, will remain in effect.

During the Yatra period from July 13 to 22, ST Corporation plans to operate 5,000 special buses. Notably, villages with 40 or more devotees can request a dedicated ST bus directly to Pandharpur. For this, devotees are suggested to contact their nearest station to avail the opportunity.

To manage the rush, ST Corporation will arrange 700 buses, with return traffic starting from Ekadashi day onwards. Special arrangements include maximizing train availability across departments until Dasami.

In addition, ST Corporation aims to maintain security and efficiency with 12 checkpoints along various routes to Pandharpur.

Last year, ST Corporation operated 4,245 special buses during Ashadhi Yatra, safely transporting 18,30,934 devotees.