Aurangabad, July 20:
Despite restrictions, hundreds of devotees lined up in front of the closed temple gates to take a glimpse of Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukhmini and take their blessings on the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi on Tuesday. The warkaris however were unhappy that they missed the tradition of organising dindis to Pandharpur (Waluj) temple and annual fair. However, the enthusiasm was no less than every year.
The state government has put restrictions on organising religious ceremonies and gatherings. The temples are also closed as a precautionary measure. Hence all religious ceremonies are being observed in presence of few devotees. Following these directions, the kakad aarti, laghu rudra abhishek and other pujas in Vitthal temples across the city were held in the presence of few devotees since morning. Despite temples being closed, the devotees thronged to the temples to take darshan of Lord Vitthal. Devotees tried to take a glimpse of the idol through the door or any opening they could find. Early morning Aarti was performed in one of the oldest Dhawani Mohalla Vitthal-Rukhmini temple by Madhav and Rajeev Pujari. Arti was performed in the presence of few devotees at Vitthal temple in Jyotinagar. The idol was beautifully decorated with flowers and Tulsi garlands. There was a crowd in front of temples at Begumpura, Karnapura, Cidco-Hudco and Bhausinghpura. Devotees also observed fast (upwas) on ekadashi. Religious organisations distributed prasad and fruits to the devotees. Warkaris also organised bhajan programmes with few people in their homes.
Crowd at Pandharpur
Due to covid, the annual Ashadhi Ekadashi fair in Pandharpur (Waluj) was called off and the Vitthal-Rukmini temple was kept closed for devotees. There were no Dindis, Palkhis, Warkaris and devotees. Still, a crowd of devotees flocked in large numbers throughout the day. Devotees prayed for well being and an end to the corona crisis. Maha Abhishek, Pooja and Aarti were performed by Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Sansthan in the presence of few devotees. Builder Vijay Sakkarwar and his wife Sheetal Sakkarwar performed Maha Abhishek and Pooja. Trust president Rajendra Pawar, secretary Bhikaji Maharaj, Ratnakar Shinde, Pandurang Kulkarni and others were present. Large police bandobast was also deployed in the area to keep devotees away. Assistant commissioner of police Vivek Saraf, Waluj PI Madhukar Sawant and officials were present at the temple.