Mauli Mauli !!

The term Mauli means motherly the supreme force of the universe under whom the entire world exists. Vithoba Vitthal Mauli and Panduranga is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. VIT means brick and Sthal means standing therefore 'one who is standing on the brick with arms akimbo'.

Ashadi Ekadashi is a festival celebrated by predominant Marathi community in Maharashtra .This tradition dates back to 13th century and since then it is been celebrated with much aplomb and fervour. This festival falls on 12th of July this year. (Ashadh month in lunar calendar and late june -july in gregorian calendar )

Every year lakhs of devotees march on an annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur (Lords Abode) called Wari(journey) in colloquial language . It's that time of the year where you see humongous crowd of people in Maharashtra marching towards the temple. Many people fast on this day and embark on doing something new in their lives. This period is called chaturmas (4 month period which starts from 12th july and ends in Diwali ).

The people are called warkaris who peacefully enjoy the journey barefoot without caring for hot sun or belligerent rains. Warkaris are devout Vitthal devotees who believe in the strength of Supreme Lord Vithoba ,they possess an unwavering faith which pays off on the day they reach Pandharpur.

Various abhangas (songs,hymns and chants like (Vitthal Vitthal Jai Hari Vitthal, Radhai Krishnai ,Jai Jai Pandurang Hari )is sung by warkaris to make the journey more livid. The entire procession/ journey is filled with contagious energy, enthusiasm and undying positivity to meet the lord at Pandharpur. Many ladies are seen carrying tulsi plant on their heads as worship of Lord Vitthal is incomplete without it . It is a common belief of people that a person must at least go for one wari in his lifetime.

On this auspicious day , let's seek abundant blessings peace and light within ourselves to become a better version of us .

Vitthal Vitthal Jai Hari Vitthal