Trimbakeshwar: The devotional fervor of the Ashadhi Wari has begun in Maharashtra. The palanquin (Palkhi) of Sant Nivruttinath Maharaj—the elder brother and guru of Sant Dnyaneshwar Mauli—departed from Trimbakeshwar for Pandharpur on Monday (June 29). The entire town of Trimbak was immersed in devotion to Lord Vitthal amidst the sky-piercing chants of ‘Jai Jai Ram Krishna Hari’ and ‘Jai Jai Vitthal Jai Hari Vitthal’. Dancing to the rhythmic beats of the Taal and Mrudang, the Warkaris initiated this grand spiritual journey.
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A Long Journey of 26 Days, Thousands of Warkaris Join with 60 Dindis
Warkaris eagerly await this annual Wari, which is held on the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi. This year, thousands of Warkaris are participating with immense enthusiasm, accompanied by 60 Dindis (groups of devotees) in the Palkhi Yatra.
This is no ordinary journey; over the course of this long and arduous 26-day pilgrimage, the Warkaris will cover a distance of approximately 450 kilometers on foot, passing through the districts of Nashik, Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar), and Solapur. According to the scheduled itinerary, this magnificent Palkhi will reach Pandharpur on July 24. Following this, from July 25 to July 28, the Palkhi will remain stationed in Pandharpur, allowing the Warkaris to feel blessed by taking the darshan of their revered Vithuraya (Lord Vitthal). The first halt of the Wari was scheduled at the Gurusthani Mahanirvani Akhada. Throughout the route, Kirtans, Bhajans, and Aartis are being organized at various locations.
Rosewood Chariot Adorned with Silver Carvings, CCTV for Security
The chariot carrying the Palkhi is a center of attraction in itself. Constructed seven years ago, this chariot is made of premium Shisham (rosewood). Its grandeur is enhanced by intricate artworks and carvings engraved on 230 kg of silver plates. Approximately Rs 1.5 crore was spent on this exquisite craftsmanship. The silver idol and the sacred Padukas (footwear) of Sant Nivruttinath Maharaj are being transported to Pandharpur in this beautifully decorated chariot. Keeping security in mind, CCTV cameras have been installed on the chariot this year. The administration has also ensured strict security arrangements for the entire Palkhi procession.
Where There is Devotion, There is God: The Deep Desire for Vitthal Darshan in the Eyes of the Elderly
The Wari is not just a journey; it is an ocean of faith. At the time of the Palkhi’s departure, the scenes at the Kushavart Tirth and the temple premises left everyone deeply emotional. Many elderly mothers—with wrinkled faces, green bangles adorning their wrists, and bright kumkum on their foreheads—participated in this Wari with boundless enthusiasm. The profound yearning to meet Lord Vitthal completely overshadowed any visible fatigue on their faces. This sight truly brought to life the Marathi saying, ‘Bhav Tethe Dev’ (Where there is devotion, there is God).
Amit Thackeray Seen in Traditional Warkari Attire, Dignitaries Pay Obeisance
Several prominent political figures also marked their presence at this grand Palkhi departure ceremony. The State’s Kumbh Mela Minister Girish Mahajan and the President of the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena, Amit Thackeray, ceremoniously inaugurated the Palkhi. During the event, Amit Thackeray caught everyone’s attention as he appeared entirely in traditional Warkari attire.
Prior to the departure, the holy Abhishekam and Pujan of Sant Nivruttinath Maharaj’s Charan Padukas were performed at the Kushavart Tirth. This sacred Jalabhishek (water offering) was carried out by the Mayor (Nagaradhyaksha) Triveni Tungar and her husband. Along with this, prayers were offered at the Samadhi of Sant Shreshtha Nivrutti Maharaj, and the Wari was officially flagged off by breaking a coconut in front of the Palkhi chariot. The occasion witnessed a large gathering of devotees and dignitaries, including local MLA Gokul Gite, Gajanan Kale, Snehal Adarkar, Milind Ghag, Secretary Prashant Mandhare, Sonali Patil, Sandeep Bhavar, and Lalit Wagh.
Registration Begins for Vitthal-Rukmini Tulsi Archana Pooja
Meanwhile, in Pandharpur, the Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Mata Temple Committee has made provisions for devotees to perform the Tulsi Archana Pooja between July 1 and July 9. According to the Executive Officer of the temple committee, Rajendra Shelke, online registration for this pooja commenced at 11 AM on June 30. The donation amount for this pooja has been fixed at Rs 2,100. Excluding days with heavy crowds and major festivals, devotees can avail the benefits of this pooja during the specified July 1–9 window. For more information and to register, devotees can visit the official website of the temple committee at https://www.vitthalrukminimandir.org.
