Ashadhi Ekadashi 2026 | आषाढी एकादशी
Written by Marathi Calendar Editorial Team · About our team
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About Ashadhi Ekadashi(उत्सव माहिती)
For nearly three weeks leading up to Ashadhi Ekadashi, Varkaris walk hundreds of kilometers singing ecstatic Abhangas (hymns) composed by saint-poets like Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Tukaram, Sant Namdev, Sant Eknath, and Sant Chokhamela. Carrying wooden palanquins (Palkhis) containing the sacred footprints (Padukas) of the Saints, the pilgrims dance in circular formations called Ringan, oblivious to monsoon rains. Upon reaching Pandharpur, they take a holy dip in the Chandrabhaga River and queue for hours to behold Lord Vithoba (Vitthal) standing gracefully on a brick with arms akimbo alongside Goddess Rukmini.
Across homes in Maharashtra, Ashadhi Ekadashi is observed with deep reverence. Millions observe a strict fast (Upavas), preparing wholesome fasting dishes like Sabudana Khichdi, Bhagar (Barnyard millet), and Danyachi Amti (peanut curry). The air across the state echoes with the immortal chant: 'जय जय विठ्ठल रुक्माई, ज्ञानबा तुकाराम!'.
According to Hindu Puranas, Lord Vishnu enters a four-month divine sleep (Chaturmas) on Ashadhi Ekadashi, reclining upon Sheshnag in the cosmic ocean. He awakens four months later on Kartiki Ekadashi (Prabodhini Ekadashi).
The iconic stance of Lord Vitthal standing on a brick in Pandharpur stems from the legend of devotee Pundalik. When Lord Vishnu arrived at Pundalik's hut, Pundalik was selflessly serving his elderly parents. Not wanting to interrupt his duty, Pundalik tossed a clay brick outside for the Lord to wait on. Touched by Pundalik's devotion to his parents, Lord Vishnu stood patiently on the brick with hands on his hips. At Pundalik's request, the Lord remained standing on the brick eternally as Vithoba to bless all devotees.
Fasting on Ekadashi cleanses the body, clears mental clutter, and turns human focus towards spiritual contentment.
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Ashadhi Ekadashi
११ ज्येष्ठ • आषाढी एकादशी