Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar Offers Prayers at Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Temple, Dehu

Pune, July 2026 : Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Pune District Guardian Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar on Tuesday offered prayers and performed the traditional ritual worship (puja) of the sacred Padukas (holy sandals) of Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj at the Shila Temple of the Jagadguru Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Sansthan in Dehu.

Among those present on the occasion were MP Shrirang Barne, MLAs Mahesh Landge and Sunil Shelke, former MP Yuvraj Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje, former MLA Vilas Lande, Sansthan President H.B.P. Jalinder More, Palkhi Procession Chief H.B.P. Ganesh Maharaj More, H.B.P. Vaibhav Maharaj More, H.B.P. Dilip Maharaj More, Trustee H.B.P. Vikramsingh More, H.B.P. Umesh Maharaj More, H.B.P. Laxman Maharaj More, and other dignitaries.

Following the darshan, the temple trust felicitated Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar in recognition of her visit.

Speaking on the occasion, Pawar said that the Palkhi procession of Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj was commencing its sacred journey to Pandharpur, and that the deeply devotional atmosphere associated with the annual pilgrimage always touched her heart.

She remarked that the favorable weather appeared to be a blessing for the devotees.

“Since the saints always care for their devotees, perhaps nature itself has given the rain a brief pause today so that Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s Palkhi procession can proceed smoothly. I pray that devotees receive darshan comfortably and face no inconvenience during the pilgrimage,” she said.

Pawar further stated that, after reviewing rainfall across Pune district on Monday, the administration had appealed to Warkaris (pilgrims) not to gather immediately at the pilgrimage towns of Dehu and Alandi for the Palkhi departure. Instead, they were advised to remain in Pune city and join the procession once it entered the city limits.

She added that the district administration had already issued directions to make adequate arrangements in Pune for the accommodation and convenience of the pilgrims until the procession reached the city.

The annual Ashadhi Wari Palkhi of Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj will begin its journey to Pandharpur amid an atmosphere of devotion, with thousands of Warkaris chanting “Dnyanoba Mauli” and “Mauli, Mauli” while marching to the rhythmic beats of taal and mridang. Carrying Tulsi Vrindavans on their heads and religious flags in their hands, the pilgrims will embark on one of Maharashtra’s most revered spiritual traditions.