MUMBAI: The festival of Ashadhi Ekadashi dedicated to Lord Vitthal-Rukmini was celebrated with devotion and fanfare across the city and state on Saturday. Warkari processions including the dabbawallahs of Mumbai offered prayers in Pandharpur which was the epicentre of festivities. Lord Vitthal is believed to be an embodiment of Lord Vishnu.The holy Chaturmaas period also began this day. This is a hiatus when the gods are believed to sleep for four months. The spell ends after Diwali at Devuthani Ekadashi November 21. Diwali falls Nov 8.Pt Bharat Bhushan Mishra of Malad said, “While certain religious observations continue, marriages are generally prohibited during Chaturmaas as Lord Vishnu is in deep sleep.
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On Devshayani (Ashadhi) Ekadashi the lord is worshipped with abhishek, holy anointment, tulsi leaves, flowers, incense, oil lamps and bhog prasad. Satyanarayan katha is performed. Different deities are propitiated during Chaturmaas, beginning with Lord Shiva, then Lord Ganesh, Shri Krishna and Goddess Bhagwati. It is highly fruitful to undertake acts of piety and penance during these four months. This is why saints and religious heads congregate to pray together in groups.”
