Pandharpur Yatra Dates Features Attractions 2010
This article gives complete information on the Pandharpur Pilgrimage, Maharashtra and when is the day of the Pandharpur Yatra in 2010.
The Warkari pilgrimage tradition, known as Padasparsha Darshan and Pandharpur Ashadhi Ekadashi Wari, involves hundreds of palanquins visiting the Vithoba temple in Pandharpur on every Ashadhi (June-July months) and Kartik Ekadashi (November-December months).
It is believed that the first Pandharpur Yatra Maharashtra procession in the form of palkhis was begun by Sant Tukaram's son Narayanmaharaj, while others say that Saint Dnyaneshwar's parents started it sometime during the 13th Century and Sant Dnyaneshwar then made it a popular annual pilgrimage. Pandharpur Yatra Tourism Attractions
The pilgrims who walk barefoot in the Pandharpur Yatra are called Warkaris (people who follow the holy rituals called wari). The main Pandarpur Yatra begins with the Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi procession at the Sant Tukaram Temple in Dehu, Pune District, Maharashtra. At the same time, the Sant Dnyaneshwar palkhi from Alandi (near Pune) starts its journey and joins the Dehu procession. There is also the Nivrittinath Palkhi from Tryambakeshwar and the Sant Ekanath Palkhi from Paithan. Similarly, numerous processions of flags, banners and palanquins make their way from various towns and villages, all eventually converging at Pandharpur.
Along the way, the pilgrims of the Pandharpur Yatra play traditional folk instruments and chant prayers and bhajans (thus called dindi procession meaning bhajan groups procession). The chants include "Jai Jai Vithoba-Rakhumait, Jai Jai Vithoba Rakhumai!" and "Dnyanba Tukaram".
On Ashadhi and Kartik Ekadashi days, there is a chariot procession. The chariot is drawn by devotees and in front of it is an elephant and a horse, in honour of Sant Dnyaneshwar. In the decorated chariot are seated the idols of Shri Vitthal, Rai and Rukmini. At noon, the Pandharpur Yatra Chariot procession enters the Pradakshina near the Kahsgiwale wada.
During the Pandharpur Yatra, the 12 ghats in the surrounding areas of the temple are crowded with the warkaris. Cultural and musical performances are stages by devotees on the sands of the River Chandrabhaga. Accommodation for the warkaris are made at various maths and dharmashalas in the area.
Click here for the official website: Pandharpur Yatra Official WebsitePandharpur Yatra Maharashtra Dates 2010
The most auspicious day in the Pandharpur Yatra is Utthana Ekadashi or Prabodini Ekadasi day.
Prabodhini Ekadashi 2010 date is November 17th, 2010. Also known as Dev Utthana Ekadashi, according to Hindu mythological legend it is on this day that Lord Vishnu woke up from his deep cosmic sleep (called Yoga Nidra).
Click on the link below to know more tourist information about Vithoba Temple, Pandharpur, Maharashtra.
