Goa comes alive with fervour as devotees embrace the significant Hindu festival of Ashadhi Ekadashi, also known as Shayani Ekadashi. This auspicious occasion holds immense historical, religious, and cultural importance, drawing enthusiastic celebrations across the nation.
Marked as the holiest among all Ekadashis, Ashadhi Ekadashi brings together millions of devotees from Goa to Pandharpur, Maharashtra. Situated on the banks of the Chandrabhag River, this renowned pilgrimage town houses the revered Vithoba Temple, the epicentre of worship for Vithoba, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu or Krishna, and his consort Rakhumai.
The festival unfolds as devotees engage in many religious rituals and customs, symbolizing their profound faith. Ashadhi Ekadashi falls on the eleventh lunar day of the fortnight, occurring twice every month. This particular Ekadashi in the month of "Ashadh" is believed to mark the day when Lord Vishnu rests and awakens after four months on "Prabodhini Ekadashi."
The four-month period known as Chaturmas holds great sanctity in the Hindu calendar. Observing a fast on Ashadhi Ekadashi or Devshayani Ekadashi is considered highly auspicious, as devotees seek blessings from Lord Vishnu and strive for inner peace and tranquillity.
Pandharpur becomes a hub of spiritual energy, attracting devotees from far and wide. Pilgrims participate in a grand procession, displaying unwavering devotion while chanting devotional songs and hymns. The air resonates with the joyous sounds of bhajans, creating an atmosphere of divine bliss.
Within the Vithoba Temple, devotees offer prayers, perform aartis (rituals of light), and seek blessings from the deity. The temple becomes a sacred space, brimming with a sense of devotion and reverence.
The Ekadashi festivities extend beyond religious rituals, encompassing cultural programs that showcase traditional music, dance, and theatre. Eminent spiritual leaders and scholars deliver enlightening discourses, enlightening the devotees and fostering spiritual growth.
Ashadhi Ekadashi serves as a time for self-reflection and renewal, encouraging individuals to deepen their connection with the divine and embrace virtuous living. It acts as a catalyst for spiritual awakening and instils a sense of unity and harmony among the devotees.
As the celebrations draw to a close, the devotees carry the essence of Ashadhi Ekadashi in their hearts, enriched by their experiences and inspired to lead a life of devotion and righteousness. The festival leaves an indelible mark on the collective consciousness, uniting communities in their pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.