Chief Minister Eknath Shinde invokes blessings at Pandharpur’s Ashadhi Ekadashi, pledges prosperity for all.

Pandharpur, 17th: On the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi, the atmosphere in Pandharpur has turned deeply spiritual, with everyone immersed in devotion to Panduranga. “Oh Baa Vitthal, keep our Baliraja happy, and bring prosperity to the lives of hardworking common people,” declared Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, offering prayers to Shri Vitthal to alleviate the suffering of all.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde officiated the Mahapuja of Shri Vitthal Rukmini during the Ashadhi Ekadashi festivities. Present at the ceremony were Higher and Technical Education Minister and Guardian Minister Chandrakant Patil, Revenue Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Rural Development Minister Girish Mahajan, Health Minister Dr. Tanaji Sawant, Minister of School Education Deepak Kesarkar, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Prataprao Jadhav, MP Shrikant Shinde, MLAs Sadhan Awatade, Sachin Kalyanshetty, Bharat Gogawle, Collector Kumar Ashirwad, Superintendent of Police Shirish Sardeshpande, Co-Chairman of the Temple Committee Gahininath Maharaj Ausekar, Executive Officer Rajendra Shelke, and other dignitaries.

“The government is dedicated to the well-being of the common people,” emphasized Chief Minister Shinde. “Today, our prayer to Panduranga is for the happiness of farmers, laborers, and workers across the state. Our decisions, such as the Chief Minister Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, Chief Minister Annapurna Yojana, Free Three Gas Cylinder Yojana, and the Apprentice Yojana for unemployed youth, aim to bring joy and prosperity into the lives of the common people.”

This year’s pilgrimage has witnessed a 25 to 30 percent increase in pilgrims compared to previous years, creating a deeply devotional atmosphere throughout. The government has ensured comprehensive facilities for Warkaris to uphold the traditions of Bhagwat Dharma without inconvenience. The establishment of the Warkari Corporation and increased grants to Dindas during the Wari period reflect our commitment. The funds allocated to the district administration during Ashadhi Wari have been tripled, and the Chief Minister assured that the Pandharpur Pilgrimage Development Plan will proceed with consensus.

“A fund of 73 crore 80 lakh has been sanctioned for the conservation of the Vitthal Rukmini temple,” announced Chief Minister Shinde. “The ongoing conservation works have been commendable, restoring the temple to its former glory.” He further announced the approval of a 103 crore plan proposed by the district administration and the temple committee for the implementation of a darshan pavilion and token darshan system, modeled after the Tirupati Balaji temple. The temple committee’s contract with MTDC will be extended, and efforts are underway to enhance facilities for devotees, addressing all concerns raised by temple staff positively.

“As part of Ashadhi Vari, the Health Department has organized the Maha Arogya Camp at four locations, benefiting 8 lakh citizens thus far,” informed Chief Minister Shinde. “It is expected that 1.5 lakh citizens will avail themselves of these health facilities.” He also announced plans for a new 1000-bed hospital in Pandharpur to ensure ample healthcare for millions of domestic and international devotees.

The honorable Warkari couple, Farmer Mr. Balu Shankar Ahire (55 years) and Mrs. Ashabai Balu Ahire (50 years) of Po. Ambasan, Satana Dist., Nashik, were felicitated by Chief Minister Shri Shinde for their steadfast devotion, with Mr. Ahire receiving a complimentary one-year free ST bus discount pass from the ST Corporation. The couple has participated in the Wari for the past 16 years.

The prestigious Shree Vitthal Nirmal Dindi Awards, conferred by the Shree Vitthal Rukmini Mandir Committee, were announced as follows:

• Sant Tukaram Maharaj Descendant Dehukar Dindi, Shree Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi Sohla, Dehu, received the first prize of Rs. 1 lakh.
• Danevala Nikam Dindi, Shree Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Sohla, Pune, received the second prize of Rs. 75,000.
• Shree Guru Babasaheb Azrekar Dindi, Shree Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Sohla, Indapur, received the third prize of Rs. 50,000.

Chief Minister Shri Shinde presented these awards at the ceremony.

The book “Aarogyadoot,” published annually by the Shree Vitthal Rukmini Mandir Committee, was unveiled by Chief Minister Shri Shinde and other dignitaries. Entrepreneur Sunil Morge, who generously donated silver worth Rs. 2 crore 45 lakhs for Meghdambri, was also honored by the Chief Minister during the event.

Chief Minister Shri Shinde and his wife, Mrs. Lata Eknath Shinde, performed the Mahapuja to inaugurate the Ashadhi Ekadashi festivities.