Ashadhi Yatra
Ashadhi Ekadashi, also known as Devashayani Ekadashi, is a significant pilgrimage for devotees of Lord Vitthal. On this day, the largest gathering of Varkaris takes place in Pandharpur, marking the beginning of the holy Chaturmas period. Devotees dedicate themselves to worship and devotion during this time.
A well-known Marathi verse emphasizes the importance of this occasion: "Ashadhi Kartiki visaru naka maja / sangatase guja Pandurang." The temple remains open 24 hours for devotees, and the grand procession, or Dindi, of Saint Dnyaneshwar and Saint Tukaram, along with countless other Dindis, converges at Santanagar in Vakhari village.
On Ashadh Shudha Dashami, all Dindis unite and proceed towards Pandharpur, where devotees take a holy dip in the Chandrabhaga River and complete the sacred Pradakshina around the town.
Chaitri Yatra
Chaitra is the first month of Hindu calendar. Chaitra shudha ekadashi (eleventh day in month) is called as kamda ekadashi. On this day the first pilgrimage in the year is held at Pandharpur. Many varkari devotees gather in Pandharpur to take darshan of Lord Vitthal.
During Chaitri Ekadashi, devotees, known as Varkaris, walk in large processions (Dindis) towards Pandharpur, singing Abhangas (devotional songs) in praise of Lord Vitthal. After reaching the holy town, they take a ritual bath in the Chandrabhaga River and offer prayers at the Vitthal-Rukmini temple.
Chaitra Wari, also known as Kamada Ekadashi, marks the eleventh day of the bright fortnight of the Chaitra month and is the first pilgrimage of the year. This tradition in Maharashtra involves devotees walking from their homes to the Vithoba temple, culminating in the Chaitra Ekadashi.
Kartiki Yatra
Kartiki Yatra is celebrated on Shudha Ekadhashi of month Kartik. It is believed Lord Vitthal gets up from His sleep on this day. As a part of the celebration there are Kirtan and Bhajan all the places on the shores of the river Chandrabhaga. Devotees crowd there on previous day and stay awake whole night.
Kartiki Yatra, celebrated in Pandharpur around Kartiki Ekadashi (October-November), is the second most popular Yatra after Ashadhi Ekadashi. The Vitthala Rukmini Temple remains open 24 hours for devotees during this period, allowing them continuous darshan of Lord Vitthala.
Maghi Yatra
This Yatra is held in Shudh Ekadashi of month of Magh. This Ekashashi is known as Jaya Ekadashi. The entire atmosphere of Pandharpur is dissolved into a devotional mood on this day, just like other sacred occasions.
Maghi Vari, held during the Shukla Ekadashi of the Magh month (around February/March), is a significant pilgrimage where devotees walk from their homes to the temple of Lord Vitthal, culminating in a massive gathering and rituals at Pandharpur.
This celebration is one of the largest and oldest movements of people gathering on one day each year, demonstrating the enduring devotion to Lord Vitthal and the spiritual significance of Pandharpur.
