Maharashtra: Mumbai Mayor Tawde performs puja at Vitthal-Rukmini Temple on Ashadhi Ekadashi
Mumbai, July 25
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde on Saturday performed mahapuja at Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Temple on the occasion of Devshayani Ashadhi Ekadashi.
Speaking to reporters, the Mumbai Mayor said she prayed that the Lord gives the strength to carry on the good health and wealth of the people of Mumbai.
"Today, my husband and I have received this huge honour of worshipping here. I pray that the Lord gives us the strength to carry on the good health and wealth of the people of Mumbai and gives us the strength to serve all the people of Mumbai," Tawde added.
Devshayani Ekadashi celebrates Lord Vishnu entering a four-month cosmic slumber, known as Yoga Nidra. Taking place during the monsoon season, it also marks the start of Chaturmas. During this sacred period, devotees fast, pray, and begin spiritual penance.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also extended the greeting on the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi. "Warm wishes to all on the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi. May the divine blessings of Shri Vitthal Rukmini fill every home with faith, peace, and prosperity," Fadnavis wrote in a post on X.
Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan offered prayers at the Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Temple on Saturday morning. Speaking to ANI, Mahajan said he visits Pandharpur every year to oversee arrangements, adding that disaster management is his portfolio.
"I come here every year. I come here to manage the arrangements. Disaster management is my subject. The crowd is huge right now. So many devotees have come that all records have been broken," he said.
Furthermore, lakhs of Warkaris (pilgrims) thronged the banks of the Chandrabhaga River in Maharashtra's Pandharpur on Saturday as the Pandharpur Wari pilgrimage culminated on Ashadhi Ekadashi.
Large numbers of pilgrims took a holy dip in the river as part of the traditional rituals associated with the annual pilgrimage.
The 800-year-old Pandharpur Wari is an annual pilgrimage in Maharashtra during which millions of devotees walk on foot to Pandharpur to offer prayers to Lord Vithoba. This year's Wari began on July 7 and concluded on July 25.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I admire the cultural significance, but can't help feeling that government officials spending time on such ceremonies while Mumbai faces pothole and monsoon flooding issues is... frustrating. Maybe a balance? 🙄
Pandharpur Wari is a living tradition. My grandparents did this pilgrimage every year. It's heartwarming to see the city's first citizen participating. The crowd of lakhs showing up is proof of our unshakeable faith. Devendra Fadnavis's message was perfect too.
Honestly, this is just a photo op for politicians. I'd rather they focus on: repairing roads, cleaning drains before monsoon, and fixing the water crisis. Puja can be done privately without media coverage. But I guess that won't get you votes. 🤷♂️
As an outsider, this is fascinating. A whole city administration pausing for a religious pilgrimage. No wonder India has such rich culture. The mayor's sincerity seems genuine though—praying for others' health aligns with leadership. Good for Mumbai!
It's beautiful how families travel together for Wari. My cousin walks from Pune every year. The bonding, the devotion—it's unmatched. Yes, civic issues exist, but faith gives people strength. Maybe the mayor's prayer for 'strength' will result in action? Let's hope. ✨
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