May Prosperity Bless All People of the State: Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar’s Prayer to Lord Vithoba

On Kartiki Ekadashi, the Government Maha Puja of Lord Vitthal-Rukmini Was Celebrated

Pandharpur : During the official Maha Puja held on Kartiki Ekadashi, Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar prayed to Lord Vithoba for the well-being, prosperity, and success of all people in Maharashtra, asking that His blessings bring abundance to their lives. The puja, attended by Commissioner Dr. Pulkundwar and his wife Sayali Pulkundwar, was followed by a ceremony honoring them and the selected distinguished pilgrims, conducted by Rajendra Shelke, Executive Officer of the Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple Committee.

Prominent attendees included District Collector Kumar Ashirwad, Inspector General of Police Sunil Fulare from Kolhapur region, Chief Executive Officer Kuldeep Jangam, Additional District Magistrate Monika Singh Thakur, and other notable officials. Dr. Pulkundwar emphasized the government’s efforts to ensure convenient facilities for devotees, such as skywalks, covered waiting areas, and improved queue systems. Collector Kumar Ashirwad continues to oversee these projects, aiming to enhance the pilgrimage experience in Pandharpur. The Commissioner also encouraged a peaceful election process in the current state assembly elections, appealing to all to participate actively in strengthening democracy.

Honored Pilgrims

For the 2024 Kartiki Ekadashi pilgrimage, Baburao Bagasari Sagar and his wife Sagarbai from Udgir, Latur district, were selected as honored pilgrims. This couple, who make their living as masons, have been undertaking the pilgrimage regularly for the past 14 years. As a token of respect, they received a free year-long State Transport pass from the Divisional Commissioner.

At the start of the ceremony, the Temple Committee honored Dr. Pulkundwar, his wife, and the honored pilgrims. In his address, Temple Committee Executive Officer Rajendra Shelke detailed the facilities provided by the temple for devotees, such as shelter, organized queues, and free meals. He also announced ongoing conservation and restoration work for the Vitthal Rukmini temple complex, aiming to preserve its original form. Plans to build a skywalk and a permanent hall for pilgrims, along with a token-based system for Ashadhi Wari, are underway to improve the overall experience for devotees.

The program concluded with Manoj Shrotri, Manager of the Temple Committee, delivering a vote of thanks, and Vinaya Kulkarni handling the event coordination.