Prime Minister Narendra Modi today greeted people on the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi, observed on the 11th lunar day of the Hindi month of Ashadh.
On this day, people pray to Lord Vitthal. Ashadhi Ekadashi is of special importance to Vaishnavas, the followers of Hindu God Lord Vishnu. The day is also referred to as Maha Ekadashi, Prathama Ekadashi, Padma Ekadashi, Devshayani Ekadashi or Devpodhi Ekadashi. In Telugu, the day is called Toli Ekadashi. In his tweet, the Prime Minister said that on this special day, we pray to Lord Vitthal to bless us with an abundance of happiness and good health.
“The Varkari movement represents the finest of our traditions and emphasises harmony and equality,” PM Modi added in his tweet.
On the occasion, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray performed a puja of Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini at a temple in Solapur district.
A tweet on the official handle of the Maharashtra Chief Minister's Office, originally written in Marathi, when translated to English read, “On the occasion of Ashadi Ekadashi, Chief Minister Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray and his wife Rashmi Thackeray performed the official Maha Puja of Shri Vitthal-Rukmini.” The Twitter handle also shared images of Mr Thackeray and his wife performing the puja.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also wished people and wrote, “On the occasion of Ashadi Ekadashi, Vithuraya is offered three times”.
How Is The Day Celebrated
The day is dedicated to worshipping Lord Vishnu the devotees observe fast. During the night, prayers are recited in honour of Lord Vishnu. Since the day also marks the beginning of Chaturmas, worshippers start observing the "Chaturmas Vrata" or the fast to please Lord Vishnu on this day. While fasting, the worshippers refrain from eating all grains, beans, cereals, certain vegetables like onions, and certain spices.
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