Delhi, 6 July (H.S.): PM Narendra Modi wishes people on the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi, praying for Bhagwan Vitthal's blessings for everyone.

The Prime Minister posted on X;

Warm wishes on the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi! We pray to Bhagwan Vitthal and seek His continued blessings on all of us. May He guide us towards a society full of happiness and abundance. May we also keep serving the poor and downtrodden.

Ashadhi Ekadashi, known as Maha-Ekadashi,Shayani Ekadashi or Devshayani Ekadashi,Padma Ekadashi, and Devpodhi Ekadashi, is the 11th lunar day of the Ashada month, occurring in June or July. It holds significant importance for Vishnu's followers (Vaishnavas) as they worship images of Vishnu and Lakshmi and offer prayers through songs throughout the night. This tradition includes a religious procession where groups sing and dance, referred to as Dindis, which began in 1810. The festival, occurring on July 6 this year, is particularly significant at the Vithal Temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, where pilgrims known as Warkaris carry the images of saints in large palkhis.

Ashadhi Ekadashi also marks the beginning of a period known as Chaturmas, during which Lord Vishnu is believed to enter a cosmic sleep in the Ksheersagar on the serpent Shesha Naga, lasting four months and coinciding with the rainy season. Devotees observe a fast, abstaining from certain foods and grains, and engage in night-long worship and singing of bhajans to honor Vishnu and Lakshmi, making this day a time of devotion and festivity for many.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar