Wishing all my friends "A Very Happy and Prosperous Ashadhi Ekadashi” … May Bhagwan Sri Vittala along with his consort Goddess Rakhumai Bless us all with his choicest blessings … _/\_
// Jai Jai Vittala … Jai Hari vittala //
Shree Vittal Rakhumai, Kashi MatH Samsthan, Dahisar, Mumabi
** Ashadhi Ekadashi is an auspicious day of Hindu God, Bhagwan Sri.Vittala with his consort Goddess Mat Rakhumai an incarnation of Bhagwan Sri Hari/ Vishnu and Goddess Mata Lakshmi. Ashadhi Ekadashi is also known as Shyani Ekadashi (which means sleeping eleventh), Maha Ekadashi (which mean the great eleventh), Prathama Ekadashi (that is the first eleventh), Padma Ekadashi, Devshayani Ekadashi, Devpodhi Ekadashi, Ashada Devasayani Ekadashi, Vishnu Sayan ekadashi, Tholi Ekadashi by Telugu people, Pedda Ekadashi, Harivasara Ekadashi in different parts of India as per each ones region/ religion.
** This holy day is of special significance to Vaishnavas, the followers of Sri. Hari/ Vishnu, which is, celebrated somewhere during the month of June- July. That is during the eleventh lunar day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu Month, Shukla Paksha of Aashadha Masa. Though people consider both the eleventh days, ie of Shukla paksha and Krishna paksha 'Ekadashi', of every month to be of special significance and observe them, there are a few Ekadashi days that are given much more importance and observed strictly by all Hindus. Ashadhi Ekadashi also marks the beginning of Chaturmasa ie those four holy months that start from Ashadhi Ekadashi and ends with Kartika Ekadashi.
** Shri Vithoba/ Hari/ Vittala is believed to be incarnated form of God Vishnu/ Narayana/ Krishna. It is also believed that Sri Krishna had incarnated at the end of Dwarpa Yuga on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the holy month of Shravan (as per the Hindu calendar). Devotees lovingly address him as Mauli, Pandharinatha, Panduranga, Vittala and by a few more names. Again, it is believed that on this day, Sri Vishnu goes to sleep in Ksheera Sagara, meaning ocean of milk perched on Shesha Naga and wakes up four months later on Prabodhini/ Kartika Ekadashi in the Month Kartika Masa as per Hindu calendar (Oct- Nov. English Calendar). This period coincides with the rainy season and the four months period devoted to God is also known as Chaturmasa wherein many a festivals of God and Goddesses are observed and celebrated.
** Ashadhi Ekadashi is observed as a fasting day by many Hindus all over the world and is a very important day for 'Vaishnavas", being the followers of Sri Hari/ Vishnu. It is strong belief amongst Hindus that by observing Ashadhi Ekadashi fast they will be blessed with peace, prosperity, and happiness. For those who lost out on many a things in life, went under huge losses, it is believed that their lost glory will be obtained back if the Vrata/ fasting is observed religiously. The belief is that with the lashings of rains, Sri Vittala will wash away all traces of sufferings and sins, when the fast is observed with ultimate and undivided faith. The fast is supposed to be observed for the whole day that is from the dawn of Ashadhi Ekadashi and end the same on the next day ie on Ashadhi Dwadashi. All food, particularly rice and grains along with certain spices are refrained from having. In addition, Non-Veg is strictly prohibited so are any types of intoxicating drinks. The fast is usually observed with bare minimum necessity of food ie fruits or milk.
** Thousands of devotees gather on the banks of River Godavari at Kala Rama Temple (near Nasik) and take a holy dip in the water while paying obeisance to Sri Rama on this day. In the State of Maharashtra, on this day many people go walking in huge processions from Alandi to Pandharpur, singing Abhangas (devotional songs) of Bhagwan Sri Vithoba written by Sant Tukarama and Sant Dnyaneshwara. The 'Dindi' (procession) starts from Alandi on Ekadashi and ends on Guru Poornima day at Pandharpur. The festival of Ashadhi Ekadashi is celebrated with great devotion at Pandharpur, for seeking the 'Darshana (to see the divine grace of the God) of Shri.Vittala- Rakhumai. There are many more holy temples and shrines where in the celebrations are held with great pomp and many people from nearby cities and towns attend the same.
** We GSB Konkani Saraswat’s of Shree Kashi Math Samsthan, Varanasi are fortunate to have “Vittal Rakhumai Mandir”, at Dahisar, Mumbai where “Ashadhi Ekadashi” is celebrated in pious way with great devotion. Thousands of devotees attend the temple services and partake on the auspicious occasion.
// OM NAMO VENKATESHAYA // .. // OM NAMO BHAGAVATE VASUDEVAYA //
// OM GURUBYO NAMAHA// ..... _/\_
Offering Prayers and Salutations on this auspicious day of Ashadhi Ekadashi to “Bhagwan Sri Vittala and his consort Goddess Mata Rakhumai an incarnation of Bhagwan Sri Hari/ Vishnu and Goddes Mata Lakshmi, who is believed to be the preserver of the world, who in his other Avataar (incarnation) as Sri Krishna, spread the knowledge of "Bhagavad Gita" to the world .... May Bhagwan Sri Narayana Bless us all with Health, Wealth, Strength, Knowledge and Prosperity in the years to come … Spread Peace, Love, Happiness and Humanity ... Stay Blessed.
We GSB’s Konkani Gowda Saraswat’s of Kashi Matt Samstan will always remain indebted to our
Our Beloved Dhrama Guru ....
A Sage who will live in our heart forever ....
Sahasra Koti Pranams at the Lotus Feet of Our beloved Guru …..
SADGURU SRIMAD SUDHEENDRA THEERTHA.
Shree Kashimath Samsthan (Varanasi).
31.03.1926 - 17.01.2016
Also offering salutations at the lotus feet of our present Dharma Guru
KASHIMATADISH H H SHRIMAD SAMYAMINDRA THIRTHA SWAMIJI.
Wishing all my Friends A Very Happy ~ Pious Ashadhi Ekadashi … Stay Blessed.
** Disclaimer : I have adapted and written this to the best of my knowledge from what I learnt during my parents, relatives, friends and net sources, different blogs and various other sources. Do excuse if there are any shortcomings as my knowledge is limited. It is not my intention to hurt any person or anybody’s religious belief, do excuse if done so. May Sri Hari Bless us all with happiness ... Stay Safe~ Stay Blessed and Spread Happiness.
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