Ashada Ekadasi attracts more than 25 lakh devotees to Pandaripuram, a town in Southern Maharashtra on the banks of river Bhima, a tributary of river Krishna.
Ashada Ekadasi, also known as Sukla Sayana Ekadasi, is celebrated with solemnity and thousands go on procession from different parts to Pandaripuram, many carrying palanquins with the images of great saints. This is known as Varkari Yatra.
A four-day festival is arranged at Sri Karpaga Vinayagar Pandurangan Temple from June 27-30. The opening day will feature a two-hour discourse from 6.30 pm on “Values of Vedas” by Dr. R. Krishnamurthy Sastrigal. June 28 and 29, R. Janakirama Baghavathar will render musical discourse on “Gita Govindam.”
On the morning of June 30, a group rendering Varkari bhajans will start from Sri Varasidhi Vinayakar temple and proceed to Sri Pandurangan Temple at Adambakkam and thereafter abhishekam and alanakaram will be performed to Lord Vittal. “Sparisa Dharisanam” will be allowed from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. In the evening, the deities of Pandurangan and Rukumayee will be taken in a procession to the accompaniment of bhajans by Shree Vittal Bhajan Mandali. Prasadam will be distributed from 10 a.m. For details, contact 9840713163 or 2260 1137 or check >www.shreevittal.org .
