Glance at Pandharpur Wari through photos on display at Exhibition

Yesterday I went to an exibition where photos portraying Pandharpur Wari were on display. I captured them to share here with prior permission of Exhibitors. 

Brief Information on Deva Shayani Ekadashi- (Source Link) Shayani Ekadashi (lit. "sleeping eleventh") or Maha-ekadashi (lit. "The great eleventh") or Prathama-ekadashi (lit. "The first eleventh") or Padma Ekadashi orDevshayani Ekadashi or Devpodhi Ekadashi is the eleventh lunar day (Ekadashi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla paksha) of the Hindu month of Ashadha (June - July). Thus it is also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi or Ashadhi. This holy day is of special significance to Vaishnavas, followers of Hindu preserver god Vishnu. On this day images of Vishnu and Lakshmi are worshipped, the entire night is spent singing prayers, and devotees keep fast and take vows on this day, to be observed during the entire chaturmas, the holy four month period of rainy season. These may include, giving up a food item or fasting on every Ekadashi day.It is believed that Vishnu falls asleep in Ksheersagar - cosmic ocean of milk - on Shesha naga.

Information on Wari & Warkari -  Source link The PANDHARPUR WARI is distinct from all other forms of pilgrimages like the ‘yatra’ in a variety of ways. To begin with, it is a collective form of BHAKTI (worship) often undertaken as an extension of family tradition. It has a predetermined scheduled and route and has no purpose other than sheer worship. The ‘yatra’ on the under hand is undertaken by individuals at their convenience to a variety of deities for personal reasons.

In the WARI participant WARKARIS are undaunted by natural impediments (rain or shine, winds and darkness) and hardships of the walk. This is because of their faith and conviction that they would be able to meet their Lord (Vitthal) since MAULI is by their side, caring and guiding them through this pilgrimage. While on the WARI some faithfuls do not consume even a drop of water during the day.

The WARI tradition dates back into times. Saint Dnyaneshwar’s great grandfather – Trymbakpant Kulkarni – used to walk the WARI from his native Apegaon to Pandharpur. Saints Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Sawta Mali, Chokhoba and Tukaram used to participate in the WARI in their own life times. The WARI could hence be treated as a confluence of the practitioner saints and proponents of the BHAGWAT DHARMA.

(Disclaimer - All above photos were on display in exhibition.  I took prior permission from Exhibitors before capturing them. Purpose of this post is only for sharing of information on Pandharpur, Aashadi Ekadadhi, Wari and Warkari.)

This exhibition is at Prabodhankar Thakrey Art Gallery,  Borivali West, Mumbai. Exhibition is open upto 9th July,  2014. Detailed information and significance is explained by representative in Exhibition.  A must visit exhibition for those who want to know more about Aashadi/ Devashayani Ekadasho and also for those who have not yet visited Pandharpur. ) there is no entry fee ).